United News of Bangladesh

Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Chairman Mohsin Naqvi has revealed that the national team agreed to play the upcoming T20 World Cup match against India only after the International Cricket Council (ICC) acknowledged the "injustice" done to Bangladesh. The uncertainty surrounding the high-voltage clash, scheduled for February 15, ended last night after the Pakistan government gave its green light for the team to participate. The decision followed a trilateral meeting in Lahore involving the PCB, an ICC delegation, and Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) President Aminul Islam. Speaking to journalists in Peshawar on Tuesday, Naqvi asserted that Pakistan’s stance was entirely principled and focused on supporting their neighbors. "We kept no condition other than the context of Bangladesh (in our discussions)," Naqvi said. "Our only goal was to earn some respect for Bangladesh and remedy the injustice done to them". The crisis originated when the Bangladesh government refused to send its team to India due to security concerns, following the exclusion of pacer Mustafizur Rahman from the IPL amid threats from communal extremists. After the ICC rejected Bangladesh's request to shift matches to Sri Lanka and replaced them with Scotland, Naqvi had publicly criticized the global body for "double standards". Naqvi claimed that the resolution was a victory for Bangladesh's rights. "You saw that everything Bangladesh wanted has been accepted, and that is the main point," he stated. "When their demands were met and it was admitted that injustice had been done to them, only then did we decide to play again". He further clarified that Pakistan had no self-serving agenda in the boycott threat. "We had no personal motive in this... our work was solely regarding Bangladesh," Naqvi added.

The Burimari Land Port in Patgram, Lalmonirhat, will remain closed for three consecutive days starting Wednesday (Feb 11) ahead of the 13th Jatiya Sangsad election and referendum, officials said Tuesday. The port’s import-export activities will be suspended on Wednesday and Thursday as part of special election arrangements, and Friday is already a weekly holiday, resulting in a three-day closure. Faruk Hossain, president, and ASM Niyaz Nahid, general secretary of the Burimari C&F Agents Association, confirmed the closure in the evening. The C&F Agents Association issued a letter on February 9, citing instructions from the Ministry of Public Administration. The letter informed stakeholders, including customs authorities in Burimari, India’s Changrabandha, Bhutan, port authorities, BGB-BSF commanders, importers-exporters associations, drivers, workers, bank branches, police, immigration offices, and intelligence agencies, about the special holiday on February 11 and 12. Normal operations will resume on February 14. Meanwhile, Burimari Land Port Immigration sources said the Ministry of Home Affairs issued a letter directing the suspension of inbound and outbound movements through the immigration checkpoints from 6:00 am on February 12 to 6:00 am on February 13 to ensure smooth election activities. Faruk Hossain said, “Following government instructions for the 13th parliamentary election, import-export activities will remain closed for two days, plus the weekly holiday on Friday, making it a total of three days. Business operations will resume on February 14.” SI Saifur Rahman of the Burimari Immigration Police confirmed receiving the ministry’s letter regarding the election. Assistant Commissioner of Burimari Customs Delwar Hossain said traders had requested closure for two days, and along with the weekly holiday, the port will remain inactive for three days.

BNP Standing Committee Member Nazrul Islam Khan on Tuesday alleged that vote-buying and the production of special clothing for women are taking place ahead of the election, but the Election Commission has failed to act despite being informed. “We see in the media that special clothing is being produced for lakhs of women. Ballot papers are being printed and seized along with equipment. Even after seeing all this, the Election Commission is not taking visible action,” he said. A BNP delegation, led by Nazrul Islam Khan, met Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) AMM Nasir Uddin at the Election Commission Secretariat in Agargaon on Tuesday, a day ahead of the 13th Jatiya Sangsad election and referendum. Senior EC Secretary Akhtar Ahmed was also present at the meeting. Other members of the BNP delegation included Chairperson’s Advisory Council member and Election Steering Committee member Ismail Jabiullah and former EC Secretary Dr Mohammad Zakaria, among others. Briefing reporters after the meeting, Nazrul Islam Khan said BNP wants a free, fair and neutral election. “We have instructed our candidates and polling agents through WhatsApp messages so that the election is not obstructed in any way. We have urged the Election Commission to play its lawful role to ensure a peaceful and credible election,” he said. He also said that individuals who often speak on talk shows in a way that inspires confidence among people are allegedly distributing money to voters. We asked the commission how it views this. The commission said it would take legal action. We have clearly said that whoever is involved in unethical, immoral and illegal activities must be brought under the law, he added. Election atmosphere festive, no reason to worry: EC Nazrul Islam Khan questioned why such incidents are not coming to the EC’s notice beforehand, even though intelligence agencies and law enforcement forces are now under the commission during the election period. “These are not issues to be dealt with only on election day. Why are they not detected earlier?” he asked. He further said some individuals consider themselves powerful, which is not being received positively by the public. “Even after informing the Election Commission, action is not being taken. Everyone must strictly perform their duties as per the law,” he said. Referring to media reports claiming that certain deputy commissioners (DCs) are aligned with specific political parties, Nazrul Islam Khan said such reports could be rumours intended to mislead party activists. “We want to see these as rumours. But the Election Commission must ensure that no official acts in a partisan manner. If anything like this is noticed, immediate action must be taken,” he said. Responding to a question, he said no situation has yet emerged that could disrupt the election. “One day is still left. We hope there will be no problems. The party that does not want elections is not participating. All parties contesting the polls want a free and fair election,” he said, expressing optimism that BNP would win with a large margin through a credible vote. On the issue of ballot box deployment, he said he would have preferred ballot boxes to be sent to polling centres on election morning. “However, many areas in the country are remote and far from police station headquarters. Sending ballot boxes at night to those areas is safer. The ballot boxes will be transparent and have four locks, with an additional lock added once voting is completed. They will be opened in the presence of polling agents,” he said. Asked about the possibility of militant attacks, Nazrul Islam Khan said such threats are often exaggerated politically. “This cannot be solved by law alone. Social awareness must be increased and social resistance must be built,” he added.

A Bogura court on Tuesday issued a warrant for the arrest of content creator Ashraful Alam alias Hero Alam in a rape case. Judge of the Bogura Women and Children Repression Prevention Tribunal-2 Anwarul Haque passed the order. According to the case statement, Hero Alam developed a physical relationship with Sadia Rahman Mithila with a promise to marry her and cast her as a heroine. Hero Alam joins Aam Janatar Dal Mithila filed a case against Hero Alam with the Women and Children Repression Tribunal on April 21, 2005. Allegations of rape, physically torture and abortion was brought against Hero Alam. During the investigation, the Police Bureau of Investigation (PBI) found evidence of the allegations brought against Hero Alam.

The EU Election Observer Mission (EU-EOM) paid a courtesy call on Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus at the State Guest House Jamuna on Tuesday. The Japanese Election Observation Mission also paid a courtesy call on the Chief Adviser separately, said the Chief Adviser’s press wing. The EU-EOM delegation was led by Tomas Zdechovsky, Member of the European Parliament and Head of Delegation. Other members included Ivars Ijabs, Chief Observer, Lukas Mandl, Loránt Vincze, Leire Pajín, Şerban Dimitrie Sturdza, Michael McNamara, Catarina Vieira, Martin Bille Hermann, Inta Lase, Reginald Soenen, Nikos Salliarelis, Filipe Alcobia de Moraes, Benjamin Oppermann, Liviu-Adrian Natea, Tessel Giele, Riccardo Chelleri, Frederik Schumann, Marina Graser Lasic, and Michael Miller, Ambassador and Head of the EU Delegation to Bangladesh. The Japanese delegation was led by Masato Watanabe, Ambassador and Leader of the Japanese Election Observation Mission.

The interim government is providing financial and housing assistance to Dipu Chandra Das, who was beaten and burned to death in the Square Masterbari area of Bhaluka Upazila in Mymensingh district on December 18, 2025. Dipu Das was lynched by a mob, beaten severely, and later set on fire after being hung from a tree over allegations that he made an insulting remark. As Dipu Das was the sole breadwinner, the government has assured comprehensive financial assistance to ensure the family’s security, including the construction of a permanent home. 10 arrested for killing Dipu Chandra Das in M’singh The initiative will be implemented under the supervision of the UNO of Tarakanda Upazila, with Tk 25 lakh allocated for house construction through the National Housing Authority, based on the family’s needs, said the Chief Adviser’s press wing on Tuesday. In addition, the government will provide Tk 10 lakh in cash to Dipu Das’s father and wife each, while an FDR worth Tk 5 lakh will be created to secure the future of his child, according to the Chief Adviser’s press wing. Following the directive of Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus, Education Adviser Dr CR Abrar visited the home of the deceased on December 23, 2025, expressing condolences to the family on behalf of the government. Speaking on Tuesday, Education Adviser CR Abrar described the killing as a “brutal and inexcusable crime that has no place in our society.” He said that no amount of state assistance could compensate for the loss of a human life, but emphasized that the government is committed to ensuring justice. “The killing of Dipu Das through the spread of communal hysteria is a shame for the entire nation,” he said, adding that only justice can help overcome this collective disgrace. He said the state respects the peaceful right of people of all religions, ethnicities, and communities to express their opinions - provided it is done with mutual respect. “Even in moments of disagreement, no one has the right to take the law into their own hands,” he added. So far, 12 individuals directly involved in the incident have been arrested, and the investigation is ongoing. The education adviser reaffirmed that all those responsible would be brought to justice through due legal process. Dipu’s killing in Mymensingh a heinous criminal act, reiterates govt

The Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA) has welcomed a significant new trade agreement between Bangladesh and the United States, signed today (Tuesday) following nine months of intensive bilateral discussions. The agreement introduces a strategic reduction in reciprocal tariffs and provides a major boost for garments made from USA raw materials. In its initial response, BGMEA expressed sincere gratitude to the USA Government and the Office of the United States Trade Representative (USTR), as well as to Chief Adviser Dr. Muhammad Yunus and the interim government’s leadership for their roles in achieving this milestone. BGMEA secures special healthcare benefits for members Reciprocal Tariff Reduction: The standard tariff on Bangladeshi products in the U.S. market will be reduced from 20 percent to 19 percent. Zero-Tariff Provision: Notably, garments manufactured in Bangladesh using cotton and man-made fibers imported from the United States will be exempt from reciprocal tariffs. Market Expansion: BGMEA believes these provisions will significantly enhance Bangladesh’s competitive edge and access to the USA market. To maximize these benefits, BGMEA emphasized the need for local spinners to ensure competitive yarn pricing, particularly since USA cotton is of superior quality but comes at a higher cost. The association also noted that ensuring the traceability and proper valuation of USA origin raw materials will be critical for exporters. BGMEA Instructs Factories Not to Respond to RSC Letters on Non-OSH Complaints

Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus on Tuesday urged political parties to refrain from any form of chaos, violence, intimidation, occupation of polling centres, vote manipulation, or provocative activities, warning that a ‘flawed, questionable, or violent election’ ultimately benefits no one. “History teaches us that a flawed, questionable, or violent election does not bring good to anyone. Instead, it brings destruction to the country,” he said in a televised address to the nation ahead of the twin polls - the national election and referendum, scheduled for February 12. Prof Yunus said those who have ignored public opinion and attempted to remain in power through force or irregular means have invariably faced strict accountability in the court of the people. “I want to clearly tell all political parties that they must unequivocally instruct their leaders and activists at every level - from the party headquarters to the grassroots, not to engage in chaos, violence, intimidation, occupation of polling centres, vote influence, or any provocative actions,” he said. Prof Yunus also cautioned against the spread of rumours on social media or through any other means. The Chief Adviser warned that the state will not tolerate such activities under any circumstances. Key in your hands, use it wisely: Prof Yunus tells voters “Since the election process began, we have observed that a certain group has been systematically attempting to create doubt, fear, and confusion among citizens by spreading rumours and misinformation,” Prof Yunus said, adding that their sole objective is to disrupt the peaceful election environment and undermine public trust. He called on all citizens to remain vigilant and act responsibly. “Do not share any information without verification. Awareness and truth are the strongest weapons against rumors. Those who deliberately sought to create doubts about the elections over the past months have been proven completely wrong and have failed to mislead the people. “Stay clear of all forms of propaganda. Remain in contact with the government to verify information. Call the Election Friend Hotline - 333 - to obtain accurate updates,” Prof Yunus said. He said a new narrative is now being circulated claiming that the interim government will not hand over power to the elected representatives. He described this claim as “completely baseless and a planned propaganda effort aimed solely at creating obstacles in the country’s democratic transition. Rest assured, the interim government will fulfill its responsibilities and hand over power to the elected representatives as soon as possible.”

Election Commissioner Brig Gen (retd) Abul Fazal Md Sanaullah on Tuesday said there is no reason for concern over the election, as a festive atmosphere prevails nationwide with enthusiastic voter participation and unprecedented security measures in place. “Voters’ preparations and enthusiasm are clearly visible. Just look at the trains in Dhaka today – a huge number of people are returning home only to cast their votes. The presence and excitement of voters, the engagement of political parties and their awareness... The polls have already turned into a festivity,” told a press briefing in the city’s Nirbachan Bhaban. Sanaullah said the level of force and capacity deployed this time has never been seen before in Bangladesh. “Considering all these, I do not think there is any reason to be anxious.” He, however, feared that isolated incidents could occur but the Commission is fully prepared to deal with any situation. Arms Recovery Sharing a statistics, the Election Commissioner said from December 13 to date, law enforcement agencies have recovered around 850 weapons across the country. “The prima facie of bringing these arms, we believe, to be misused during the elections, he said, even weapons were recovered from a place in Cumilla on Tuesday. Citing that the arms were recovered from Dhaka, Jashore and Faridpur earlier, he said, vested quarters want to carry out violence and they have not stopped their activities. But we’re aware of it.... here we can appreciate our law enforcement agencies for what they have done till now.” He hoped that the law enforcers will make their best efforts to maintain law and order during and after the elections. Law and Order Satisfactory Sanaullah said the Election Commission remains satisfied with the overall law and order situation so far, describing it as better than at any previous time, despite a few isolated incidents. “The Election Commission is satisfied with the law and order situation we have so far. It would have been better if the isolated incidents that have occurred had not happened. We are in a better situation than at any time in the past,” he said. Key in your hands, use it wisely: Prof Yunus tells voters The Commissioner urged political parties, candidates, voters and supporters to maintain the prevailing festive and cordial atmosphere and ensure that the election is held peacefully removing existing tensions in some areas. Election at a Glance Sanaullah said a total of 2,028 candidates, including nominees of 50 political parties and independent contenders, are contesting in 299 parliamentary constituencies. Among them are 81 women candidates. The in-person voting will be conducted in 42,659 polling stations, while counting of postal ballots will take place at 299 other stations. Altogether, there are a total of 42,958 polling stations in 299 constituencies. Of the in-person polling stations, around 50 percent have been marked as general centres, while the remaining 50 percent have been categorised as important or vulnerable centres. Tarique keeps up momentum, spends busy day with party work The country’s total number of voters stands at more than 127.7 million, with male voters numbering around 64.8 million and female voters about 62.8 million. A total of 127,298,522 voters (in 299 constituencies) are eligible to cast their ballots in this election. Of them, 64,620,077 are male voters, 62,677,232 are female voters and 1,213 are third-gender voters. The country has a total of 127,711,899 voters (in 300 constituencies) –64,825,154 males, 62,885,525 females and 1,220 third-gender. Postal Voting, Observers, Journalists More than one million people have already cast their votes through postal ballots. Regarding postal voting, the Election Commissioner said that as of Tuesday morning, around 703,000 postal ballots have already reached the returning officers. The remaining ballots, currently in transit, are expected to arrive within the next couple of days. So far, 45,330 domestic observers have been registered, while around 350 foreign observers have also been accredited, a number that may increase slightly by Wednesday. About 9,700 journalists have registered to cover the election, including 156 foreign journalists. Massive Security Deployment Sanaullah said nearly 958,000 members of law enforcement agencies have been deployed across all 299 constituencies and beyond. In addition, around 2,100 executive magistrates and 657 judicial magistrates are engaged on election duties to ensure the electoral code is maintained. “For the first time, we are using unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), drones and body-worn cameras. These will be deployed across the country, with some overlap in certain areas,” he said, adding that more than 90 percent of polling stations have been equipped with CCTV cameras. Law-and-order situation satisfactory ahead of Feb-12 polls: EC A total of 69 returning officers, 958 assistant returning officers, 43,078 presiding officers, 247,862 assistant presiding officers and more than half a million polling officers will be engaged in election duties. Logistics, Briefing, Result reporting Distribution of ballot papers and election materials from assistant returning officers’ offices will begin on Wednesday morning and is expected to reach the polling stations by evening. The Election Commission will hold a briefing for international observers and journalists on Wednesday at 11:00am at Hotel InterContinental in Dhaka. Sanaullah also said the rule regarding voter slips has been amended, allowing candidate names or symbols to be printed on the slips while maintaining the prescribed size. Progress reports on polling will be shared at regular intervals, with results expected to be announced in phases. Counting of votes for both the parliamentary election and the referendum will begin simultaneously at the polling stations to avoid confusion or unrest. Result Announcement “Based on our experience, most results are likely to be available by midnight, except for a few distant polling stations,” he said. EC Action, Voter Turnout The Election Commissioner said around 300 cases were so far filed over the violation of electoral code of conduct, and more than 500 investigations have been conducted. In many cases, candidates or agents corrected their actions after seeking apologies, and no further action was taken. No scope for ‘election engineering’ this time, warns Fakhrul Sanaullah said feedback from the field suggests there would be a strong voter turnout in the referendum and 13th parliamentary election to be held on Thursday next. “Given the enthusiasm we are seeing among voters, we hope and expect a good turnout, Insha’Allah,” he added.

Muggers looted Tk 15 lakh after killing a rice trader at Bagar Bazar intersection in Trishal upazila of Mymensingh district on Monday night. The deceased was identified as Sushen Chandra Sarkar, son of Rash Behari Sarkar of Saudkanda village in the upazila. Mohamamd Firoz Hossain, officer-in-charge of Trishal Police Station, said a group of muggers swooped on the warehouse of Sushen around 10:30 pm and stabbed him indiscriminately, leaving him dead on the spot. Man stabbed dead in Mymensingh Later, they also looted Tk 15 lakh from the warehouse. On information, police rushed to the spot and sent the body to Mymensingh Medical College and Hospital morgue for autopsy. Police are investigating the incident, said OC adding “Police could not find any evidence of looting at the warehouse.” RAB nabs 3 wrongly released from Mymensingh central jail

Commerce Adviser Sk Bashir Uddin on Tuesday said that the government is trying to resist further declines in potato and egg prices to avoid hurting farmers, underscoring a policy push to balance producer viability with consumer affordability. Speaking at a press conference at the Ministry of Commerce in the afternoon, he said prices of potatoes and eggs in the local market are currently at a ‘normal’ level and the overall market situation remains stable ahead of Ramadan. “The market is now more stable compared to other times. Compared to last Ramadan, prices of essential commodities are expected to be lower in the upcoming Ramadan,” he said. Expedite trade facilitation roadmap implementation for LDC graduation: Sk Bashir Claiming there is no shortage or disorder in the market, the adviser said discipline has returned to the market as a result of various initiatives taken by the Ministry of Commerce. “We have been saying repeatedly, and we are saying it again, that the upcoming Ramadan will be better than the previous one.” Referring specifically to potato and egg prices, Bashir said he does not want prices to decline further. “Eggs are selling at Tk 120 per dozen and potatoes at Tk 30 per kg. If prices fall below this level, farmers will be affected.” To protect small-scale poultry farmers, he stressed the need to fix egg prices in line with feed costs. “Prices must be determined after considering all relevant factors.” Replying to a question on alleged syndicates in the meat market, the adviser said the government deliberately refrained from importing beef to reduce prices, as such a move would have harmed local cattle farmers. “We could have imported meat from Brazil at half the current price if we wanted to. But the government chose not to do so, keeping farmers’ interests in mind,” he said, adding that while some corporate dominance exists in the egg market, no such control is evident in the meat sector. He also noted that there has never been a supply shortage in the egg market. “When egg prices rose to Tk 180 per dozen, the Ministry of Commerce approved the import of 290 million eggs. However, only 1.1 million eggs were actually imported—an amount that can meet national demand for just 10 to 15 minutes, given a daily demand of around 50 million eggs.” On his last working day, Bashir acknowledged that there were shortcomings but said there was no lack of effort in controlling the market. “There is no visible crisis in the market. Overall, the prices of eggs, potatoes, rice, pulses, sugar and edible oil are at a tolerable level,” he said, adding that monitoring and investigations into edible oil prices are continuing regularly. Second round of tariff talks with US ‘encouraging’: Sk Bashir

Four people were killed and 25 others were injured in a head-on-collision between two buses on Pabna-Dhaka highway in Sathia upazila of Pabna district on Tuesday. The deceased were identified as Kamal Hossain, 41, bus driver of Shazadpur Travels, Zihad Hossain, 27, assistant of the driver of Machranga Paribahan, Alamgir Hossain, 35, son of Khorshed Alam and Alef Uddin, 36, son of Abdul Majan—two passengers of Machranga Paribahan. The accident occurred near Madhpur Sholabaria Bridge around 7:30 am when the two buses—Shahzadpur Travels and Machranga Paribahan—crashed and collided each other, leaving one people dead on the spot and 28 others injured, said officer-in-charge of Sathia Police Station Mustafizur Rahman. Among the injured, another victim died on the way to Pabna General Hospital while two more victims died on the way to Rajshahi Medical College and Hospital. Zahidul Islam, resident medical officer of Pabna General Hospital, said twenty five people are undergoing treatment at the hospital.    

Bangladesh Bank has officially announced the renaming of Standard Bank PLC to ‘Standard Islami Bank PLC’ effective February 10, 2026. The change follows the bank's full conversion into a Shariah-compliant financial institution. The transition reflects the continued expansion of the Islamic finance sector in Bangladesh. With this addition, the country’s banking landscape now features: In Bangladesh 10 banks are operating in full-fledged Islami Banking. Currently, 16 conventional commercial banks offer Shariah-compliant services through a network of over 600 dedicated windows Additionally, 15 conventional banks maintain 30 specialized Islamic banking branches. According to the central bank’s circular, all scheduled banks have been instructed to update their records to reflect the new name of the institution. This move is part of a broader trend where Islamic banking now accounts for over 25 percent of total deposits in the national banking system.

BNP Chairman Tarique Rahman spent a busy Tuesday after wrapping up his election campaigning by remaining engaged in organisational and coordination activities. Throughout the day, Tarique spoke over the phone with party leaders, activists and candidates across the country to take updates on the overall situation in different constituencies, said BNP Media Cell member Atikur Rahman Rumon. Rumon said the BNP chief arrived at his office around noon, where he also spoke with several foreign journalists and carried out organisational work. “The BNP chairman is currently working from his Gulshan office. Since morning, he has been receiving updates from candidates across the country and speaking directly with party leaders and activists. He wanted to know about the overall situation nationwide,” Rumon said in the afternoon. He said Tarique remained busy throughout the day, while the party’s election messages were also sent across the country through SMS and voice calls. In the evening, Rumon said, the BNP chief is scheduled to attend an exchange-of-views meeting with foreign journalists at a hotel in Banani. Tarique Rahman is leading BNP in the 13th parliamentary election. In this election, BNP’s electoral symbol, the ‘Sheaf of Paddy’, is contesting 291 seats, while the party has reached seat-sharing arrangements with like-minded parties in nine constituencies. Key in your hands, use it wisely: Prof Yunus tells voters Tarique conducted continuous electioneering that began on January 22 from Alia Madrasah in Sylhet. He later addressed election rallies in Moulvibazar, Habiganj, Brahmanbaria, Kishoreganj, Narsingdi, Narayanganj’s Mouchak, Chattogram, Feni, Cumilla’s Chauddagram, Sonagazi, Daudkandi, Narayanganj’s Sonargaon, Mymensingh, Gazipur, Uttara in Dhaka, Rajshahi, Naogaon, Bogura, Rangpur, Sirajganj, Tangail, Barishal, Faridpur, Thakurgaon, Nilphamari and Dinajpur, as well as 14 constituencies in Dhaka. Overall, Tarique Rahman addressed 41 public rallies across Dhaka and other parts of the country over nine days. He formally wrapped up his election campaign by visiting the graves of his parents at around 11:00 pm on Monday.

A Dhaka court on Thursday placed four people including former Biman Bangladesh Airlines Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer (MD & CEO) Md Shafiqur Rahman and his wife on remand for different terms in a case filed over torturing a domestic help. Dhaka Additional Chief Metropolitan Magistrate Md Zakir Hossain passed the order when police produced them before the court with remand prayer. Among the accused, former Biman MD Shafiqur was put on a five-day remand while his wife Bithi on a seven-day remand. Biman MD, his wife, sent to jail for torturing domestic help Two other domestic help—Rupali Khatun and Sufia Khatun—were put on five-day and six-day remand respectively. On February 2, the court sent former Biman MD and his wife and two more house help to jail in the case. According to the prosecution, Golam Mostafa, a hotel worker in Uttara, filed the case after his daughter was allegedly tortured and seriously injured at a residence in Sector-9 of Uttara. According to the case statement, Mostafa sent his girl to the house of Shafiqur in June last year. On November 2, last year, Mostafa met with his daughter and since then the girl was not allowed to meet with his family. On January 31, this year, Bithi contacted Mostofa and informed him that Mohona was unwell and needed to be taken home. Mostofa then went to bring her. At that time, Mostofa noticed that Mohona had serious injury marks on both hands and various other parts of her body. She was also unable to speak properly. Mostofa immediately admitted Mohona to Gazipur Shaheed Tajuddin Ahmed Medical College Hospital. During interrogation, Mohona told police that after Mostofa’s visit on November 2, Shafiqul Rahman, Bithi, and several unidentified persons allegedly beat her and inflicted burns on her body using hot metal rods, causing severe injuries. Later, Golam Mostofa, filed a case with Uttara West Police Station. Govt cancels Biman MD Shafiqur’s appointment

A seven-member Turkish election observer team paid a courtesy call on Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus on Monday. The meeting was held at the State Guest House Jamuna, where the delegation was led by Mehmet Akif Yilmaz, chairperson of the Turkey-Bangladesh Parliamentary Friendship Group and a member of the Turkish Parliament. During the meeting, they discussed issues related to the election process and mutual cooperation, officials said. Chief Adviser’s Office Chief Coordinator for Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) Lamiya Morshed and senior officials of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs were also present at the meeting. Prof Yunus sees renewed global confidence in Bangladesh democracy

Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus on Tuesday urged the electorate to make the February-12 election day the ‘birthday of a new Bangladesh’, saying that voters themselves will write the history of the country’s glorious future. “Your vote will write the history of Bangladesh’s glorious future. Let this election day be the birthday of a new Bangladesh. Let us make this festive election a reality and establish it as a memorable day in history,” he said in a televised address to the nation in the evening. Calling on citizens to take ownership of the country’s future, the Chief Adviser encouraged voters to open the door to building a new Bangladesh through their valuable votes. “The key to the country is in your hands. Use that key wisely. May Allah guide us on the right path,” Prof Yunus said. He emphasised that a vote in the referendum is not merely a stamp on a piece of paper, but a decisive choice that will shape the future of the next generation, the security of families and the overall direction of the nation. “The decisions you make today will influence education, employment, justice, democracy, and every level of governance. This is a moment when your rights and responsibilities as citizens come together,” he said, urging people to actively participate in the referendum. “Cast your vote and secure your future.” “Let us make this historic moment a success through responsibility, awareness, and peaceful participation,” he added. Prof Yunus said voters should go to polling stations with hope rather than fear, with responsibility instead of apathy, and with unity rather than division. Only through a ‘free, fair, and credible’ referendum, he said, can the people of Bangladesh demonstrate their ability to determine their own future. Once the elections are completed, he said, the elected government will promptly assume office, marking the end of the interim government’s responsibilities. “We will hand over power to the newly elected government with joy and pride, wish them all-out success, and return to our respective work after bidding farewell,” Prof Yunus said, adding that the interim government is eagerly waiting for this auspicious moment. He also urged voters to attend polling stations in groups with their families, in a festive atmosphere, and to exercise their right to vote freely and without hesitation. Prof Yunus said there are moments in the life of every nation that carry far-reaching significance, days when the future direction of the state, the character and stability of democracy and the fate of future generations are decided. “The day after tomorrow is one such moment, when two elections will be held,” he said. Flawed, violent polls invite destruction, benefit no one: Prof Yunus tells parties The Chief Adviser said people will elect a new government and simultaneously determine the future structure of the beloved state of Bangladesh through a referendum. The formal election campaign has concluded and that the responsibility of decision-making now rests with people, he added. Despite differences in opinion and ideology, Prof Yunus said, political parties have exercised restraint, candidates have acted responsibly, and citizens have remained vigilant. “This environment did not emerge overnight - it is the result of a shared sense of responsibility.” Prof Yunus expressed sincere gratitude to all political parties, contesting candidates, voters, the Election Commission, civil society representatives, media professionals, and members of the law enforcement agencies and administration involved in the electoral process. “With your collective efforts, we have reached the threshold of holding elections in a hopeful atmosphere,” he said. A total of 51 political parties are contesting the elections - the highest number in the country’s history, Prof Yunus said. The total number of candidates, including independents, exceeds 2,000, a figure rarely seen in previous national elections. He appealed to all candidates to rise above personal or party interests and place the greater national interest first, regardless of the outcome. “Just as victory is an essential part of democracy, defeat is also an inseparable reality of democracy.” Following the elections, Prof Yunus said, all should dedicate themselves to building a new, just, democratic, and inclusive Bangladesh. “Therefore, I am not merely requesting, but demanding - leave fear behind and bring courage to the polling stations. Your single vote will not only elect a government; it will respond to 17 years of silence, challenge unbridled fascism, reshape the nation, and affirm that this country will never again allow the voices of its youth, women, and struggling people to be silenced,” the Chief Adviser said. He said the government has taken all necessary measures to ensure the elections are free, fair, impartial, and peaceful. A record number of law enforcement personnel have been deployed for the polls, Prof Yunus said. To maximise the use of technology, CCTV cameras have been installed nationwide on an unprecedented scale. Presiding officers at polling stations are using body-worn cameras, while drones and dog squads have been deployed for enhanced security and surveillance, he said. “The sole purpose of these measures is to ensure that voters can exercise their right to vote without fear or anxiety and with dignity. Voting rights are not granted at anyone’s discretion; they are fundamental rights guaranteed by our Constitution,” Prof Yunus said. He emphasised that ensuring a free, fair, and participatory election is not solely the responsibility of the government, but a shared responsibility of every citizen of the state.

Bangladesh Bank has set banking operation and transaction hours for the holy month of Ramadan. In a circular on Tuesday, the central bank said all banks will open at 9:30 am and close at 4 pm. Public transactions time will be ended at 2:30 pm to allow banks’ officials to complete the daily ancillary post transaction works. Bangladesh Bank lowers floor of interest rate corridor to boost interbank liquidity There will be a 15-minute Zohr prayers break for from 1:15 pm to 1:30 pm. Standard banking and office schedules will resume immediately after the conclusion of the Eid-ul-Fitr holidays, it added.

BNP Senior Joint Secretary General Advocate Ruhul Kabir Rizvi was admitted to Square Hospital in the capital on Tuesday. His personal assistant Arifur Rahman Tushar said the BNP leader was taken to the hospital around 3:00 pm due to breathing difficulties. He said Rizvi has been suffering from fever, cold and respiratory problems for the past few days. On behalf of Rizvi and his family, Tushar called upon people across the country to pray for the BNP leader’s early recovery.

Religious Affairs Adviser AFM Khalid Hossain on Tuesday said just like last year, no one will be sent to perform Hajj at government cost this year. The adviser came up with the information while talking to reporters at the Secretariat. This year, the government would be able to refund more than Tk 3 crore to Hajj pilgrims under two government-managed packages after the completion of this year’s Hajj, he said. The Adviser said that he tried to perform his duties over the last one and a half years with transparency, accountability and integrity, making efforts to activate and streamline the Ministry of Religious Affairs and its subordinate offices and agencies. Several steps were taken to ensure a professional and honest working environment for officials and employees, he claimed. Regarding Hajj management, the adviser said that in line with directives of the Saudi Ministry of Hajj and Umrah, a health service agreement was signed last year with a Saudi medical service company at a cost of two Saudi riyals per pilgrim. Due to the sincere efforts and effective negotiations of the interim government, all Bangladeshi pilgrims will receive this health service free of cost this year, he added. Claiming positive changes in Hajj management following the July revolution, the adviser said special emphasis was placed on ensuring Hajj at a reasonable cost. Through repeated negotiations with the Ministry of Civil Aviation and Tourism, airfares for the 2025 Hajj were reduced by around Tk 27,000, while fares for this year were cut by about Tk 13,000 compared to last year, he added. This year, the government introduced three Hajj packages, compared to two last year. To facilitate limited- and fixed-income Muslims, an affordable package has been announced at Tk 4,67,167, he said. He said preparations for this year’s Hajj are satisfactory so far, with accommodation, tent and transport contracts for both government and private pilgrims already completed successfully. Besides, the service charges under Hajj Package-3 were reduced by around 600 Saudi riyals per pilgrim through effective negotiations with service provider companies, said the adviser. He also said accommodation for Package-3 pilgrims has been arranged within 1.5 kilometres of the Holy Haram instead of the earlier plan of 6–8 kilometres, easing transportation hassles and allowing pilgrims to perform five daily prayers at the Haram Sharif.

Jamaat’s candidate for the Kushtia-3 (Sadar) constituency and popular Islamic preacher Mufti Amir Hamza has been fined Tk 10,000 for breaching the election code of conduct. Kushtia Joint district and Session Judge Md Abdul Hye fined Tk 5,000 each on two charges on Tuesday, in default to serve six-day in jail. Advocate Kazi Toufiqul Islam, a counsel of Amir Hamza cleared the fine on behalf of him. Rashed Ahmed, a resident of Shantidanga village in Kushtia brought two allegations against the Jamaat candidate for violating election code of conduct. During the court proceedings, it appeared that the banner of Amir Hamza displayed at the Mojompur gate did not mention the name and address of the printing company or the date of printing. IU Chhatra Dal leader files case against Mufti Amir Hamza over defamatory remarks

A delegation of the Commonwealth Observer Group paid a courtesy call on Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus on Monday. The meeting was held at the state guest house Jamuna. The 23-member delegation was led by the chair of the Commonwealth Observer Group and former president of Ghana, H E Nana Akufo-Addo. Chief Coordinator on Sustainable Development Goals at the Chief Adviser’s Office Lamiya Morshed was present at the meeting. Senior officials from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs also attended.

Bangladesh’s capital market recorded its highest daily turnover of 2026 on Tuesday, the last trading day before a four-day closure due to the national election and the weekly holidays. The Dhaka Stock Exchange (DSE) saw transactions worth nearly Tk 800 crore, the highest so far this year. Trading began on a positive note in the morning, with turnover crossing Tk 300 crore within the first two hours. By the end of the session, the total turnover stood at Tk 790 crore. Previously, the highest turnover this year was Tk 746 crore on February 2. With Tuesday’s performance, the market has crossed Tk 700 crore in daily turnover on three occasions so far in 2026. All indices posted gains during the day. The benchmark DSEX surged by 87 points, while the Shariah-based DSES rose by 19 points and the blue-chip DS30 advanced by 27 points. Stocks surge in early trading at DSE, CSE Most listed companies ended higher, as share prices of 288 companies increased against declines in 67, while prices of 37 companies remained unchanged. In the block market, shares of 26 companies worth Tk 23 crore were traded, with Apex Spinning and Knitting Mills Limited topping the list by selling shares worth Tk 8 crore. Al-Arafah Islami Bank PLC topped the DSE gainers’ chart with a 10 percent rise, while Keya Cosmetics Limited was the day’s worst performer, losing around 5.5 percent. The Chittagong Stock Exchange (CSE) also witnessed a strong rally, with its overall index CASPI jumping by 241 points. On the CSE, prices of 166 companies advanced against declines in 24, while 13 issues remained unchanged. The total turnover at the bourse stood at Tk 9 crore, up from Tk 8 crore in the previous session. Apollo Ispat Complex Limited emerged as the top gainer on the CSE with a 10 percent rise, while Global Heavy Chemicals Limited ended at the bottom, shedding more than 9 percent.

A mild tremor shook Sylhet and its adjacent areas on Tuesday. According to the Bangladesh Meteorological Department (BMD), the tremor was recorded at 5:32 pm with a magnitude of 4.0 on the Richter scale. The epicentre of the earthquake was Gowainghat upazila of Sylhet division, 214 km North-East from BMD Seismic Centre, Agargaon, Dhaka, according to BMD. Another earthquake jolts Bangladesh

The Malaysian High Commission in Dhaka has said its ‘MyVISA’ website will be ‘temporarily unavailable’ until further notice due to ongoing system maintenance and stabilisation works. “Any visa application and approval processes will resume once the system maintenance is completed, and an official announcement will be made accordingly,” said the High Commission in a notification on Tuesday. “Please be informed that the MyVISA website will be temporarily unavailable starting today until further notice due to ongoing system maintenance and stabilisation works,” the notification reads. During this period, the High Commission said, access to the website, including visa application and approval processes, will not be available.

Home Affairs Adviser Lt Gen Md Jahangir Alam Chowdhury on Tuesday said any kind of chaos at polling stations will be dealt with strictly, as armed forces members are being allowed inside polling stations for the first time. “Any disruption at polling centers will be dealt with strictly. There will be no tolerance for anyone trying to obstruct the election,” he said while talking to reporters after a views-exchange meeting on law and order ahead of the national election at Faridpur Deputy Commissioner office. Officials from five districts of greater Faridpur including district administration, police, army, Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB), Rapid Action Battalion (RAB) and election officers attended the meeting. Vote-buying proves Jamaat’s political bankruptcy, code violation: Mahdi Amin The Home Affairs Adviser said the law-and-order situation is under control and the election is expected to be peaceful. “In Bangladesh history, no election has seen the deployment of so many law enforcement personnel. This election is being conducted more smoothly than ever before. I seek everyone’s prayers,” he added. Responding to questions on women wearing burqas at polling stations, he said the Election Commission has clarified the rules. Female Ansar members will be present at each polling station to take necessary action, if needed.

Clearing massive outstanding dues owed to foreign energy suppliers has been the biggest achievement of the interim government in the energy sector, Power, Energy and Mineral Resources Adviser Muhammad Fouzul Kabir Khan said on Tuesday, marking his last working day in office. Speaking at a press conference at Bidyut Bhaban reviewing the interim government’s performance in the power and energy sector, the adviser said the sector had been burdened with huge liabilities when the government took office. “The biggest challenge was settling the dues. Within days of taking charge, I was told that LNG imports would not be possible unless payments were cleared. Late payment fees were also crippling the energy sector. Considering everything, we decided that settling the dues would be our top priority,” he said. According to the Energy and Mineral Resources Division, Petrobangla’s outstanding dues to various international oil and gas companies had stood at Tk 9,106 crore following the fall of the Awami League government on August 5, 2024. Between then and April 2025, Petrobangla paid energy bills worth Tk 35,700 crore, bringing its outstanding liabilities down to zero. The adviser said cost optimisation was another major focus of the interim government alongside debt repayment. Through lower premiums in both spot and long-term LNG purchases, around Tk 1,500 crore was saved in the first six months, he said. Petrobangla has signed new Master Sales and Purchase Agreements (MSPAs) with 24 companies, enabling LNG imports at reduced premiums. While the average premium stood at USD 1.28 per unit between July 2023 and August 2024, it has now dropped to 38 cents. Govt recommends procuring 53.87m units of Anti-TB drugs “Although we have little control over international gas index prices, significant savings were achieved through lower purchase premiums,” Fouzul said, adding that unnecessary expenditure in gas exploration drilling was also curtailed. He said the government repealed the Speedy Supply of Power and Energy (Special Provision) Act, 2010, and conducted drilling under the Public Procurement Act and Rules (PPR), ensuring transparency and competitive pricing. According to official estimates, significant cost savings were made in drilling five gas exploration wells in Bhola under BAPEX. Earlier projected costs of Tk 1,555 crore were reduced to Tk 907 crore. However, Fouzul acknowledged that gas discovery from the drilled wells fell short of expectations. “The amount of gas discovered is insufficient compared to the depletion rate. Exploration is a time-consuming process. Even feasibility tests take more than six months, and the interim government did not have enough time to complete many initiatives.” The adviser also said no major investment could be secured in the energy sector due to uncertainty over the government’s tenure. “Potential investors repeatedly asked about the government’s term. As we could not provide a clear answer, it was not possible to finalise major investment deals.” No decisions were taken on coal-based energy projects, leaving those to the elected government, he added. Fouzul also said document-related complexities of offshore bidding processes initiated during the previous government had been resolved. Outlining recommendations for the next government, he stressed the importance of offshore bidding for oil and gas exploration in maritime areas, along with plans to establish land-based LNG terminals and a fourth Floating Storage and Regasification Unit (FSRU). To address the country’s gas crisis, the energy division has recommended drilling 100 wells by 2028, which could add an additional 900 million cubic feet per day (mmcfd) of gas to the national grid. On his final working day, the adviser said he would leave behind a written guideline for the next minister in charge. “I did not receive any roadmap when I took office. But the next person should know where to start and which direction to move in.” Senior officials of power and energy-related agencies, ministry officials, and public and private sector stakeholders were present at the press conference.

All banks and stock markets in Bangladesh will remain closed for four consecutive days starting Wednesday ( February 11) due to the national  election and the referendum. To facilitate voter participation and ensure smooth security arrangements, the government has declared a two-day public holiday on Wednesday and Thursday. Since these government holidays are immediately followed by the regular weekend holidays of Friday and Saturday, the financial sector will remain inactive for a total of four days. Normal banking operations and stock trading will resume on Sunday (February 15). CA Prof Yunus reviews law & order, election preparations

Vice-Chancellor of Dhaka University Professor Niaz Ahmad Khan has decided to resign from his position. He announced this decision at a press briefing held at the Abdul Matin Chowdhury Virtual Classroom at the university on Tuesday. Speaking at the briefing, the Vice-Chancellor said, “I would like to step down from my position. However, if a vacancy at this moment could create any disruption at the university, I am willing to continue for a few more days if the elected government wishes.” He said a smooth transition was essential for the university and that if the government or other stakeholders felt he should continue for some more time, he was ready to consider it. Dr Niaz Ahmad Khan was a Professor in the Department of Development Studies at Dhaka University. He also served as the Pro Vice-Chancellor of Independent University, Bangladesh (IUB). After the fall of the Awami League government on August 5, 2024, then Vice-Chancellor Professor Maksud Kamal resigned on August 10.

The results of the 50th Bangladesh Civil Service (BCS) preliminary test were published on Tuesday. Some 12,385 candidates have qualified to participate in the written examination, according to the Bangladesh Public Service Commission (PSC). According to PSC sources, a total of 290,951 candidates applied for the 50th BCS examination. Through the recruitment process, 2,150 candidates will be appointed to cadre and non-cadre posts. Of the 1,755 cadre posts, up to 650 are allocated for the health cadre, 200 for the administration cadre and 117 for the police cadre. Govt appoints 673 candidates from 27th BCS

The Election Commission on Tuesday expressed satisfaction over the prevailing law and order situation as the country prepares to hold the referendum and election simultaneously on Thursday, Election Commissioner Abul Fazal Md Sanaullah said. “The Election Commission is satisfied with the law and order situation what now prevails,” he said at a press briefing in the city's Nirbachan Bhaban in the afternoon. Sanaullah said some incidents had occurred after the announcement of the election schedule, adding that the situation would have been even better had those incidents not taken place. EC to unveil electoral work plan by July: Election Commissioner The Election Commissioner urged all stakeholders, including political parties and candidates, to maintain the peaceful atmosphere during the elections. Sanaullah said the EC would release the balloting progress reports four times on the election day. He said the Election Commission would brief international observers and foreign journalists on Wednesday about the February-12 elections. Election Commission rejects 20 reform proposals citing threat to authority

Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus will address the nation this (Tuesday) evening. He will address the nation at 7 pm marking  the national election and the referendum, said Chief Adviser’s Deputy Press Secretary Abul Kalam Azad Majumder. Bangladesh Television and Bangladesh Betar will broadcast his speech.

Bangladesh saw 27,059 fire incidents in 2025, averaging 75 fires per day,according to a report from the Fire Service and Civil Defence (FSCD). FSCD headquarters issued a stateemtn over the report on Tuesday. The fire incidents left 85 people dead and 267 injured, it said. Electrical short circuits, burning cigarette or bidi stubs, stoves, and gas cylinder leaks were the main causes. Fire in Natore kills mother, daughter Out of the total, 9,392 (34.7%) were due to electrical short circuits, 4,269 (15.8%) from cigarette or bidi stubs, 2,909 (10.8%) from stoves, 920 (3.4%) from gas cylinder leaks, and 562 (2.1%) from gas supply line leaks. Other causes included children playing with fire, hot ashes, fireworks, chemical accidents, and coils.   Residential buildings were the hardest hit by fires with 8,705 incidents (32.2% of the total). Other major locations were straw stacks (3,922), shops (1,800), markets (1,067), shopping malls (617), garment factories (665), non-garment factories (615), and gas cylinder shops (483), said the report. Fires also occurred in hospitals, offices, high-rise buildings, religious places, and educational institutions. Fires were reported in 153 buses, 216 other vehicles, 10 trains, four launches, two ships, and one training aircraft. The highest fire incidents were recorded in March (3,522), April (3,035), February (2,885), and December (2,724). November and May saw 2,237 and 2,209 incidents respectively. Of the 85 deaths, 46 were men and 39 women.  Most injuries and deaths occurred in residential buildings, chemical accidents, and aircraft fire incidents, said the FSCD report. FSCD conducted 1,071 diving operations, rescuing 70 injured and 585 deceased. Animals, birds, and other creatures were also rescued. FSCD responded to 10,140 incidents nationwide, saving 10,333 injured and 1,756 deceased, including road accident victims. FSCD inspected 10,533 buildings and of those , 3,316 were risky, 622 highly risky, and 6,595 satisfactory. Mobile courts fined 179 institutions Tk 1.94 crore and filed cases against eight. FSCD held 15,865 awareness campaigns, 2,078 surveys, 14,987 public engagements, and 3,722 fire drills. Fire gutted 36 dwelling houses in Gazipur

BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir on Tuesday said there is no scope for ‘engineering’ in the national election as government officials and employees are expected to discharge their duties properly to ensure free, fair and credible voting. “We have finally regained the freedom to express our opinions through independent voting. The election will be neutral, though some concerns always remain. But, we are hopeful that there will be no opportunity for ‘election engineering’ this time,” he said while speaking at a press briefing at his Thakurgaon residence. BNP not to compromise on women rights: Fakhrul BNP has been carrying out a movement for the restoration of democracy for the last 16 years and expressed optimism that the February 12 election would help restore people’s voting rights and democracy, he said. “If the election is held in a free and fair manner, it will create a major opportunity for reforming the state. So far, we believe the overall election environment is favourable,” Fakhrul added. Regarding the acceptability of the election results, the BNP secretary general said his party has always accepted election outcomes.  “Even in 2008, when BNP won only 30 seats, we joined Parliament. This time, we are hopeful that BNP will secure a majority,” he said. Referring to BNP’s rivals, including Jamaat, Fakhrul said Jamaat is a very strategic party and often engages in propaganda using religion. “They are trying to spread disinformation through various campaigns.” BNP believes in positive and constructive politics and never underestimates its opponents, regardless of who they are, he added.  

The Advisers Council Committee on Government Purchase on Tuesday approved separate proposals for procurement of 55,000 metric tonnes of fertiliser . The approval came at a meeting of the committee at the Cabinet Division conference room at the Bangladesh Secretariat with Finance Adviser Dr Salehuddin Ahmed in the chair. The meeting approved a proposal from the Ministry of Agriculture to import 25,000 metric tonnes of Triple Super Phosphate (TSP) fertiliser through a state-level agreement between Groupe Chimique Tunisien (GCT) of Tunisia and the Bangladesh Agricultural Development Corporation (BADC). The total cost of the import has been estimated at Tk 162.57 crore. In another decision, the committee approved a proposal from the Ministry of Industries to import 30,000 metric tonnes of bagged granular urea fertiliser from Karnaphuli Fertilizer Company Limited (KAFCO) during the 2025–26 fiscal year. The procurement will cost Tk 158.65 crore, with per tonne price fixed at US$431, including bagging charges. The day’s meeting also recommended approval of two proposals for the construction of fertiliser buffer godowns in Meherpur and Thakurgaon districts to strengthen storage and distribution facilities nationwide. Under the project titled “Construction of 34 Buffer Godowns across the Country for Fertiliser Storage and Distribution (1st Revised)”, a godown with a storage capacity of 10,000 metric tonnes will be built in Meherpur at a cost of Tk 40.76 crore. The work will be carried out by M/S SS Rahman International Ltd. Another godown with a capacity of 20,000 metric tonnes will be constructed in Thakurgaon at a cost of Tk 59.19 crore, with M/S Mazid Sons Construction Ltd selected as the contractor.  

Four polling centres were set on fire in Sadar and Purbadhala upazilas of Netrakona district early Tuesday. Mamun Sarkar, Officer-in-Charge of Sadar Police Station, said miscreants set fire to three polling centres (government primary schools) in sadar upazila at night around 3:30 am. The schools include--Parla Government Primary School, Bamonmoha Government Primary School and Sridharpur Government Primary School. Being informed by local people, police rushed to the spots and brought the fire under control. In another incident, miscreants also set fire to Hironpur Government Primary School in Purbadhala upazila in the dead of night, said Officer-in-Charge of Purbadhala Police Station Didarul Islam. Police are investigating the incidents, he said.

The government on Tuesday recommended approving a proposal to procure about 53.87 million units of Anti-TB drugs (4FDC) under the revenue budget, aiming to strengthen tuberculosis control efforts across the country. The approval came at the sixth meeting of the Advisers Council Committee on Government Purchase this year, held at the Bangladesh Secretariat, with Finance Adviser Dr Salehuddin Ahmed presiding. The Health Services Division proposed the purchase of the drugs under Package No GR-2557 at a total cost of Tk 77.57 crore, with M/S Reneta PLC selected as the supplier. Health officials said the procurement will ensure uninterrupted availability of life-saving medicines across government health facilities and support the national TB elimination programme. The day’s meeting also recommended approval of a proposal to procure 14.82 lakh GeneXpert cartridges through the Direct Procurement Method (DPM) at a cost of Tk 237.12 crore. 82 lakh users of recreational drugs in Bangladesh: Survey The cartridges will be supplied by the United Nations Office for Project Services (UNOPS) to ensure uninterrupted diagnostic services, particularly for tuberculosis and other infectious diseases. The committee further allowed the Ministry of Primary and Mass Education to renew 11 contracts with Grameenphone Limited for providing internet connectivity to 40,586 government primary schools under the Fourth Primary Education Development Programme (PEDP-4). Officials said the decisions reflect the government’s commitment to strengthening health services, education infrastructure and service delivery through transparent procurement processes.

Bangladesh has slipped in the global Corruption Perceptions Index (CPI) 2025, scoring 24 out of 100 and ranking 13th from the bottom worldwide, showing a decline from last year. Although the country’s score increased by one point its position weakened in both global and regional rankings. Dr. Iftekharuzzaman, executive director of Transparency International Bangladesh (TIB), shared these findings at a press conference held on Tuesday morning to announce the index. In 2024, Bangladesh ranked 151st scoring 23. The CPI scores countries on a scale from 0 to 100, with 0 indicating the highest level of corruption and 100 representing the highest level of governance. According to the latest index, Bangladesh has the second-lowest score in South Asia, ahead of only Afghanistan which scored 16. From 2012 to 2022, Bangladesh’s CPI score ranged between 25 and 28. However, it dropped to 24 in 2023 and further declined to 23 in 2024, falling three points below the 13-year average. Money, religion, muscle power still dominate elections: TIB  Dr. Iftekharuzzaman said that the one point increase in Bangladesh’s score this year appears to reflect positive perceptions regarding the immediate prospects for democratic transition and accountable governance following the July uprising. "The subsequent realities of the state reform process were not reflected in the index as the relevant data sources covered earlier periods. As a result, the lack of tangible progress in state reforms meant that Bangladesh’s score and ranking did not witness any significant positive change in real terms," he also said.

Chief Adviser’s Press Secretary Shafiqul Alam on Tuesday said there has been no change in his properties, though his bank deposit has increased slightly. "Today may be my last working day. As I leave this public office, I declare that there has been no change in our properties," he said adding that he continues to own three flats while his wife owns one flat. Welcoming any scrutiny of his financial affair, Shafiqul said he remains transparent about his assets . He said there has been no change in his ownership of farmland. "There has been a slight change in my bank deposit. I still maintain a single bank account which currently holds Tk 12.3 million (one crore and twenty-three lakh taka). This represents an increase of Tk 9 lakh," Alam said in a post shared from his verified Facebook account. He said the main reason for this increase is that his brother-in-law repaid Tk 750,000 that he had borrowed from him. Besides, he said his eldest brother sent USD 2,500 to be distributed among poor villagers during Ramadan. In January last year, Shafiqul made a full disclosure of his assets and wealth. "I declared that I own a flat at Shaheenbagh in Dhaka and that I inherited another flat from my father in Donia. My wife and I also each own an apartment in Mymensingh," he said. Alam further disclosed that he had a single bank account at a state-owned bank with a deposit of Tk 11.4 million (one crore and fourteen lakh taka). A significant portion of this amount consisted of gratuity payments he received from the international news agency AFP, where he worked from 2005 until August 2024. "I also own 40 decimals of agricultural land in my home village of Magura," Alam said.

BNP Central Election Steering Committee Spokesperson Mahdi Amin on Tuesday alleged that Jamaat-e-Islami’s attempts to buy votes reflect its political bankruptcy and a clear violation of the election code of conduct. “It is deeply disturbing that attempts to buy votes with money are taking place even in the constituency of that party’s own chief. If this is the situation there, one can easily imagine what is happening across the country,” he said. Speaking at a press conference at the BNP Election Office in Gulshan, Mahdi also said a party which claims to stand against corruption is now allegedly luring people, even children, with money as part of its election campaign, which he described as a serious violation of electoral rules. He said these tactics stem from fear of certain defeat due to a lack of public support. The BNP leader referred to the Dhaka-15 constituency, claiming that a senior lawyer and leader of that party was seen publicly distributing money to seek votes for the party’s symbol. Videos of the incident have already gone viral across the country and drawn widespread criticism, he said. Tarique regrets party’s past mistakes, seeks votes for BNP to build safe Bangladesh “If a party that speaks every day against corruption spreads money in the voting field — even in the constituency of its own chief — what greater example of hypocrisy and moral collapse can there be?” Mahdi said. He also cited provisions of the Election Commission-issued Code of Conduct for Political Parties and Candidates in Parliamentary Elections 2025, particularly Rule 4, which prohibits any political party, candidate or person acting on their behalf from providing or promising donations, grants or gifts—openly or secretly —to individuals or institutions during the pre-election period. Mahdi, also an adviser to BNP Chairman Tarique Rahman, also quoted Rule 27 of the code, which states that such violations are punishable offences under Article 91B (3) of the Representation of the People Order, 1972, carrying penalties including imprisonment and fines for candidates, as well as financial penalties for registered political parties. Drawing the attention of the Election Commission and Returning Officers, Mahdi urged them to take immediate legal action against such violations. BNP not to compromise on women rights: Fakhrul He also alleged that in the Khulna-1 constituency, a candidate of the same party was seen personally distributing money among voters, an incident already reported by several media outlets. Mahdi claimed that the party has adopted a nationwide plan to buy votes, including collecting voter ID details and mobile financial service numbers such as bKash, Nagad and Rocket through door-to-door campaigns for dishonest purposes. He also alleged the incidents of violence, saying that in Cumilla-11 (Chauddagram), armed activists of the party attacked BNP leaders and activists at night using homemade weapons. Similarly, Mahdi claimed that in the Bogura-4 constituency, BNP leaders were attacked in Thaltamajh village of Nandigram upazila, leaving several people seriously injured, while homes were vandalised and looted, creating widespread fear among local residents. The BNP leader urged immediate intervention by the local administration, Returning Officers and law enforcement agencies in all such incidents. Mahdi said the official campaign period lasted from January 22 until 7:30 am on Tuesday, and during this time, reports by local and international media, surveys by credible organisations, large turnouts at rallies addressed by BNP Chairman Tarique Rahman and ground realities clearly show that BNP enjoys the highest level of public support. He claimed that a nationwide wave of public support in favour of BNP has made its landslide victory inevitable if the election is held in a free, fair and credible manner. Realising this reality, the BNP leader alleged, a particular party has intensified propaganda, hinted at violence, misused religion to seek votes and shown signs of preparing for vote rigging — all of which, he said, are signs of political bankruptcy in the face of the people’s verdict. Mahdi said no amount of propaganda, conspiracy, financial manipulation or violence will be able to prevent BNP’s inevitable victory, as democracy-loving people will resist such attempts and establish their rights.  

Finance Adviser Dr Salehuddin Ahmed on Tuesday said he is unaware of any proposal for him to join a future political government as a minister.  “I do not know anything about this,” he said responding to questions from reporters after a meeting of the Cabinet Committee on Government Purchase. When asked whether he would consider accepting such an offer if it were made, the Finance Adviser suggested that the matter is unlikely to arise. “I do not think so. A political government will make its own decisions,” he said. Dr Salehuddin said he had stepped away from academic engagements to serve in government and has already received invitations to return. “I took leave from my professional engagements to serve in the government. Now two universities have approached me and asked me to return,” he said.

Finance Adviser Dr Salehuddin Ahmed on Tuesday said the government has made substantial progress in identifying individuals and destinations involved in money laundering, though recovering the funds remains a complex and lengthy process. “Identifying money laundering is difficult, but you are aware that we have streamlined the processes,” he said while speaking to reporters after a meeting of the Advisers Committee on Government Purchase. The adviser acknowledged that detecting illicit financial flows is inherently difficult but stressed that institutional mechanisms had been strengthened during his tenure. Upon assuming office, Dr Salehuddin said, he convened a meeting on money laundering that had not been held for five years.  “The first meeting on money laundering after five years was held after I took charge. Previously, such a meeting had not taken place.” A sub-committee was subsequently formed to collect primary information and initiate action, he said, adding, “We have to take action from our side first. When we make requests abroad, they ask what steps we have taken domestically. Without demonstrating our own actions, it becomes difficult to seek cooperation.” The finance adviser highlighted that mutual legal assistance procedures with foreign jurisdictions are highly complicated.  “Mutual legal assistance is not simple. It involves numerous formalities and documentation. In some countries, such as Japan, documents must be translated into their language. You cannot simply send papers in English and expect results.” He said those who launder money often employ highly skilled professionals and complex methods. “Those who have laundered funds have done so using very competent people. There is layering, multiple documentation and intricate financial arrangements. To detect this, we also need equally skilled professionals.” Despite the challenges, Dr Salehuddin claimed that a significant amount of information has already been gathered. “Identification has been made. We know who has done it and in which countries. Many individuals hold passports in multiple countries. We are aware of where they are.” He, however, declined to disclose the exact amount of money identified as laundered. “I am not stating the exact figure at this moment.” The adviser clarified that not all overseas funds held by Bangladeshis are illicit. “Not everyone has transferred money illegally. Some funds abroad may be legal, with proper permission from Bangladesh Bank. For instance, export proceeds or retained earnings may lawfully remain outside the country.” According to him, authorities have identified around 11 or 12 major cases, while information on others is also available. The National Board of Revenue (NBR), Bangladesh Bank and the Ministry of Finance possess relevant data, he added. “The base has been created. The information is there with the NBR, Bangladesh Bank and the Ministry of Finance. If the next government is serious, they can take this forward,” said Dr Ahmed, urging the incoming administration to consolidate the progress made so far rather than restarting investigations from scratch.  “My strongest suggestion to the next government is: please try to consolidate what has been done. Many discoveries have already been made. There is no need to rediscover the same things,” he said. Revitalising trade, job creation top challenges for next govt: Dr Salehuddin He emphasised the need for stronger coordination among government agencies, pointing to existing gaps in inter-agency cooperation. “There is a lack of coordination among government departments and agencies. This needs to improve.” Referring to asset declarations, the finance adviser said he had submitted his own statement of assets two years ago and that the matter had been forwarded to the Cabinet Division for necessary action in accordance with procedure. “Our accountability is to the Cabinet Division. We have submitted what was required. The relevant divisions will take action as per their mandate.” Dr Salehuddin said that although recovering laundered funds is difficult and takes time, the necessary institutional foundation is now in place for future action.

An election office of a Jamaat-e-Islami candidate and two shops were set ablaze in  Rajapur and Sadar upazilas of Jhalakathi district early Tuesday. Advocate Hafizur Rahman, district Ameer of Jamaat-e-Islami, alleged that the attacks were carried out by rival candidates’ supporters. Dr. Fayzul Haque, Jamaat’s candidate for Jhalakathi-1, claimed the arson was intended to create fear among voters during the final phase of the election. The aim is to intimidate ordinary voters and disturb the electoral process, he said. Jamaat candidate in Jhalakathi Dr Faizul Haque served show-cause  Hafizur Rahman said failure by authorities to take swift action could negatively affect the election environment. Rajapur Police Station Officer-in-Charge (Acting) Mohammad Ismail said police were informed about the incident and an investigation is underway to identify those involved.

A large number of people are leaving Dhaka ahead of the election holidays, creating heavy pressure on public transport as many operators charge nearly double the usual fares due to risisng demand. Visiting Abdullahpur bus terminal on Tuesday morning, UNB found a huge crowd of passengers waiting for buses amid an acute shortage of available seats. Monjurul Islam, a private sector employee, said he came to Abdullahpur from Narayanganj after failing to get a seat there.  “The situation here is almost the same. There are very few buses and most are already overcrowded. I have been waiting for more than two hours but still could not board a bus.” A woman travelling to Sirajganj alleged that transport operators are charging excessive fares by taking advantage of the rush. “Normally, the fare to Sirajganj is between Tk 300 and Tk 350. Today, they asked for more than double. After bargaining, I managed to buy a ticket for Tk 700,” she said. Bangladesh Polls: Electioneering ends as parties leave voters with promises When contacted, a driver of Sirajganj-bound OVI Enterprise declined to comment on the allegations of higher fares. A special holiday was declared on February 10 for workers and employees in industrial areas to facilitate voting. Meanwhile, the government announced holidays on February 11 and 12 for officials and employees of all government, semi-government, autonomous and private offices, as well as teachers and staff of educational institutions across the country. The holidays will be followed by the regular weekly holidays on February 13 and 14. The Election Commission has announced limits on vehicle movement around the 13th national parliamentary election and referendum. According to a handout, the movement of taxis, pickups, microbuses and trucks will be restricted from 12am on 11 February until 12am on 12 February, the day of the polls. Besides, motorcycles will be barred from operating from 12am on 10 February through midnight on 13 February.

Finance Adviser Dr Salehuddin Ahmed on Tuesday said he does not expect any legal problems after leaving office, as he acted within the law and exercised limited discretionary power. “I do not see such a situation from my side. As Finance Adviser, I did not use any extraordinary discretionary power. The matters that came to me were processed through proper channels,” he said. Responding to a question from reporters after a meeting of the Cabinet Committee on Government Purchase about the prevailing political culture in Bangladesh where former ministers often face legal cases after a change in government, Dr Salehuddin said he personally sees no cause for concern. He declined to comment on his colleagues, stating that he could only speak for himself.  “I will not comment on others. In my case, approvals, such as financial sanctions, were given in accordance with established procedures.” Dr Salehuddin cited a decision regarding the grading of primary school head teachers as an example of a complex matter handled within the legal framework.  “There was a difficult decision about upgrading the grade of primary school head teachers. We accommodated it within the law.” When asked whether he acknowledged any mistakes by the government, the Finance Adviser clarified that the administration had primarily focused on strengthening institutions and processes rather than claiming sweeping structural transformation. “The issue of ‘mistakes’ should be seen in context. We tried to put institutions in better order. That does not mean we were able to fully reform them,” he said. Adviser Salehuddin rates own performance at around 70 out of 100 He referred to key institutions such as Bangladesh Bank and the National Board of Revenue (NBR), stating that while complete institutional overhaul was not possible within the timeframe, significant improvements were made to operational processes. “Many processes in Bangladesh Bank have been improved. At the NBR, several procedures have been simplified. The National Single Window has been introduced. These are meaningful steps,” he said. According to him, while institutions themselves may not have been fundamentally transformed, the procedural reforms have made doing business comparatively easier and laid groundwork for the future. “We may not have been able to change institutions entirely, but processes have certainly improved to a considerable extent. Businesses have benefited to some degree,” he added. Dr Salehuddin expressed frustration at criticism suggesting that no progress had been made during the interim government’s tenure. “Sometimes I hear in talk shows that nothing has been achieved. Frankly speaking, I know many of those who say this. I do not see whether they have the intention or perspective to acknowledge what has been done,” he said. Dr Salehuddin suggested that many observers are unaware of the internal economic challenges the government had to manage. “You often do not know the internal situation of the economy,” he told reporters. The adviser also pointed to positive feedback from international partners with whom Bangladesh negotiated during his tenure. “Those we negotiated with externally never said that Bangladesh’s performance was very poor. They acknowledged the pressure and the challenges, but they also recognised the achievements,” he said. He admitted that while progress had been made, significant challenges remained. “There were pressures, and some challenges have become even more difficult,” he said. Revitalising trade, job creation top challenges for next govt: Dr Salehuddin Dr Salehuddin urged critics and the public to adopt a balanced approach in evaluating the government’s performance. “You may criticise—there is nothing wrong with that. But at least acknowledge what has been done, whether partially or as a beginning. It should not be said that nothing has been achieved,” he said. Reiterating his confidence, the finance adviser maintained that his actions were lawful and institutionally grounded, and that he does not anticipate legal entanglements after his tenure.

Bangladesh Police have taken comprehensive security measures for the national election considering past experiences as per the government directives and suggestions from different stakeholders, Inspector General of Police (IGP) Baharul Alam said on Tuesday. He made the remarks at a press briefing held at the Police Headquarters Media Centre on Abdul Gani Road in the capital. The IGP said all necessary measures have been taken from the police side to ensure that voting is held in a peaceful and festive manner. He said static police forces will be deployed at all 42,779 polling centres across the country. Besides, mobile police teams will be responsible for patrol and management while striking police forces will be deployed at various locations to deal with any emergency situation, said the IGP. About the use of technology in election security, the IGP said, under the initiative of the Election Commission, CCTV cameras have been installed in about 80 to 90 percent of polling centres through returning officers. From the police side, body cameras will be used at risky polling centres. Besides, superintendents of police will use drone cameras available to them based on capacity and necessity. The IGP said a total of 157,805 police personnel will be engaged in ensuring election security. Of them, 93,191 will be deployed as static forces at polling centres while the rest will perform duties as mobile and striking forces, he said. Apart from this, 29,798 police personnel will remain deployed at police stations across the country for various election-related support activities. A total of 187,603 police members will be deployed under the police security plan, IGP Baharul said. He also said that following the directive of the Ministry of Home Affairs, licensed firearms are being deposited. Police to maintain neutrality, professionalism in national election: IGP So far, 27,995 licensed firearms have been submitted to police stations. Besides, members of the army, Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) and Ansar will also take part in ensuring election security, he said. Ansar is the largest contingent deployed for election duty, numbering around six lakh members, he added. Coordination and control of all forces are being carried out through the offices of returning officers and assistant returning officers. Referring to the overall situation since the announcement of the election schedule, the IGP said that some tension and violence are seen every year during elections. According to police statistics, from December 11 to February 9, a total of 317 violent incidents occurred across the country, leaving 603 people injured and five killed. “We consider even a single death unfortunate. We always try to ensure that no death occurs. Still, throughout history, every election in our country has seen casualties. This time, we made our utmost efforts to reduce such incidents as much as possible,” the IGP said.

Finance Adviser Dr Salehuddin Ahmed on Tuesday rated his own performance at ‘around 70 out of 100’, acknowledging that while significant initiatives were undertaken during his tenure, several key reforms remained unfinished due to structural and policy limitations. “I would give myself close to 70 – perhaps 70 or 80. If it is 80, I would say we at least started the work. We initiated programmes in the interest of the people and had no hidden agenda,” he said while talking to reporters after holding the Purchase Committee meeting at the Bangladesh Secretariat. The adviser said he would not award himself full marks as many intended initiatives could not be fully implemented. Dr Salehuddin said although the government managed to launch a number of reforms, many could not be completed to the desired extent.  “There were expectations. Some of the plans we had could not be carried out, and even those we started could not be fully finalised,” he said, adding that this reality prevented him from claiming a perfect score. The adviser emphasised that the continuous annual development programme (ADP) process had become more functional and streamlined.  Dr Salehuddin, however, admitted that the “real work” lay in initiating deeper policy reforms, particularly in the policy divisions. On taxation, he said a comprehensive report had been prepared which would serve as a guideline for future reforms.  “We are leaving behind a tax policy report. It will function as a guideline going forward.” Responding to questions about the autonomy of Bangladesh Bank, the finance adviser said the issue had been considered carefully.  He acknowledged calls from various quarters to grant the central bank greater independence but noted that the matter was complex. “We thought about it extensively. It is a loaded issue,” he said, referring to the legal and operational dimensions involved. He explained that the Bangladesh Bank Order already outlines the structure and authority of the institution, and the question is not merely whether the governor or the ministry holds greater power.  “It is not simply about whether a particular governor or minister will exercise control. The key issue is how much operational independence exists within the framework.” The adviser suggested that any decision regarding central bank autonomy must be weighed against broader economic stability considerations. Revitalising trade, job creation top challenges for next govt: Dr Salehuddin Throughout his remarks, Dr Salehuddin maintained that the government’s economic measures were driven by public interest rather than political motives.  “In political affairs, one may try to avoid certain issues, but in economic management these matters cannot be sidestepped.” The Finance Adviser reiterated that while he was satisfied with initiating key reforms, unfinished tasks and unmet expectations justified a score below 100.

Finance Adviser Dr Salehuddin Ahmed on Tuesday outlined the key economic challenges the next government will face, stressing the need for revitalising trade and industry, generating employment and strengthening financial sector institutions. “If business does not expand, employment will not come. Without employment, people’s purchasing power will remain weak. This is one of the biggest challenges,” he said. Talking to reporters after the purchase committee meeting, he said one of the main challenges would be to revitalise business and industrial activities, as job creation depends on a vibrant private sector. He said Bangladesh still has a relatively small industrial base and remains heavily dependent on exports.  “Bangladesh cannot become another Hong Kong or Singapore. We need to build our own industrial strength, especially small and medium industries.” Dr Salehuddin said inflation continues to be a concern and cannot be tackled by monetary policy alone.  “Inflation is a multidimensional issue. We have tried to address it, but it needs broader measures.” On the banking sector, he said steps have been taken to reorganise it, but more difficult decisions lie ahead, and praised the central bank governor’s recent initiatives, though he acknowledged these were not enough.  “Credit supply is still limited and confidence has not fully returned, although deposits have started to increase recently.” Dr Salehuddin also highlighted the need to develop the capital market to reduce excessive dependence on banks for business financing.  “If we fail to develop the capital market, business and trade will not grow relying only on banks. Equity participation through the stock market and a strong bond market, especially for the private sector, are essential,” he said, noting that regulatory reforms face legal hurdles and court challenges. The adviser described the insurance sector as another sensitive area that needs improvement, saying efforts have been made but progress remains limited. Bangladesh economy stable despite challenges: Finance Adviser Dr Salehuddin further identified energy as a major long-term challenge, stressing the importance of increasing domestic exploration.  “We need more drilling, including offshore. At the same time, we have not been able to develop solar energy to the extent needed,” he said.

Bangladesh’s February-12 national election is expected to be one of the most closely watched polls globally this year, with international media monitoring not only the results but also the conduct of the electoral process, Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer Dr Shafiqur Rahman has said. In a Facebook post, Shafiqur Rahman said global attention is focused on whether the election will be held in a free, fair and credible manner. Outlining his vision for the country’s political culture, he said he wants a Bangladesh where political debate is driven by policies and ideas, rather than muscle power, and where voters are able to exercise their franchise without fear or pressure. The Jamaat Ameer said Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami is no longer a marginal political force, claiming the party has now emerged as a mainstream political actor. Through a free and fair electoral process, the party would accept and carry out whatever responsibility the people assign to it, he added. State responsibility a sacred trust, not for personal gain: Jamaat Ameer Shafiqur Rahman said that if his party were elected to power, he would be prepared to work with all political parties in the national interest, with the aim of ensuring political stability and good governance. He also said the public has the right to know whether the party’s main political opponents would respect the people’s verdict if they fail to win the election, play a constructive role in opposition, and continue to serve the country regardless of the outcome.

Inside a highly secured factory near Paris, engineers are making final preparations on a massive silver engine. In a few days, a similar engine will power the maiden flight of Ariane 64, the strongest version of Europe’s Ariane 6 rocket, equipped with four boosters for the first time. The Ariane 64 rocket is set to lift off on Thursday from the European spaceport in Kourou, French Guiana. Its mission is to place 32 satellites into orbit for Amazon Leo’s broadband internet network. As Europe’s flagship space launcher, Ariane 64 enters a tough global race dominated by heavyweights such as Elon Musk’s SpaceX. At ArianeGroup’s Vernon facility, teams design and test engines, while the rocket’s main stage is built and assembled at another plant in Les Mureaux, west of Paris. Associated Press reporters were given rare access to these tightly guarded sites, where highly skilled teams turn space ambitions into daily work. “It’s a special launch  something new for us on Ariane 6,” ArianeGroup Chief Technical Officer Hervé Gilibert said. He explained that this flight introduces the four-booster setup, making the rocket almost twice as powerful as earlier versions. “Don’t be surprised if you see it accelerate much more than Ariane 62, the version we have already launched five times,” he said. “It delivers significantly more power, allowing much heavier payloads to be sent into space.” Ariane 6 is a joint effort by 13 European Space Agency member states. “We are working with more than 600 subcontractors,” Gilibert said. “Everything comes together at two main sites Bremen in Germany for the upper stage, and Les Mureaux in France for the lower, or main stage of the launcher.” All parts have now been shipped across the Atlantic for final assembly. Standing 62 meters tall, the rocket is as high as a 20-story building. “We check everything until the very last minute, and then we fly,” Gilibert said. The flight will last nearly one hour and 50 minutes, with satellites released in pairs. The mission aims to rival SpaceX’s Starlink network. The Vulcain 2.1 engine ignites first at liftoff. “For a few seconds, we verify that it is functioning properly,” said Emmanuel Viallon, head of the Vernon site. “Once we are fully confident it will operate correctly for the eight minutes that follow, we ignite the solid boosters and the rocket lifts off.” Elon Musk’s SpaceX to build self-sustaining Moon city Experts say Ariane 64 is key to Europe’s independent access to space. “It’s an additional level of performance,” said Hermann Ludwig Moeller of the European Space Policy Institute, calling the launch an important test for the program. Project manager Arnaud Demay said ,ArianeGroup is also looking ahead to reusable technology. He admitted the emotional impact of each launch. “We do it so rarely, and it’s so majestic when it takes off that little touch of magic inevitably overwhelms me with emotion every time,” he said.

Bangladesh’s stock market witnessed a strong rally in the first half of trading on Tuesday, with key indices posting sharp gains on both the Dhaka Stock Exchange (DSE) and the Chittagong Stock Exchange (CSE). On the third working day of the week, the DSE’s benchmark index DSEX advanced by 54 points. The Shariah-based DSES index rose by 11 points, while the blue-chip DS30 index gained 13 points. Most of the listed companies traded higher, as prices of 297 shares increased against 48 that declined, while 47 issues remained unchanged. The turnover at the DSE crossed Tk 300 crore in the first half of the session. Stocks trade higher as indices rise at DSE, CSE Trading also remained buoyant at the CSE, where the overall index CASPI jumped by 145 points. The share prices of 85 companies rose, while 14 declined and 10 remained unchanged. The port city bourse recorded a turnover of more than Tk 1.60 crore during the first half of trading.

Ali Mahmud, City Editor of the daily Dinkal, died of a heart attack on Monday. He was 69. According to family members, Ali Mahmud did not return home on Sunday night, causing concern among his relatives.  On Monday morning, his wife, Jesmin Ara, along with other family members, went to the Jatiya Press Club to look for him. After staying there for some time, a cleaning staff member informed them that Ali Mahmud was found lying unconscious in a washroom of the club. Police later took him to Dhaka Medical College Hospital, where doctors declared him dead. Ali Mahmud is survived by wife, two sons and a daughter. Born in 1956 in Paba upazila of Rajshahi, Ali Mahmud began his journalism career completing his graduation from Rajshahi University.  His first workplace was the Rajshahi-based daily Barta. He later joined Dinkal after moving to Dhaka. He worked at Dinkal for a long time, serving in several important positions, and was last working as its City Editor. Ali Mahmud was a permanent member of the Jatiya Press Club, Dhaka Reporters Unity (DRU) and Dhaka Journalists Union (DUJ).  He was also a member of BNP’s media cell. Following the news of his death, a pall of grief descended over journalists, including his colleagues at Dinkal.  Fellow journalists described him as a simple and humble person and a dedicated working journalist who remained active in the field throughout his career. Freedom fighter Abdur Rashid Molla dies in Narshingdi Leaders of various journalist organisations expressed deep sorrow over his death. Acting President of the Dhaka Federal Journalists Union Obaidur Rahman Shahin and its General Secretary Kader Gani Chowdhury mourned his demise. DUJ President Shahidul Islam and General Secretary Khurshid Alam, DRU President Abu Saleh Akon and General Secretary Mainul Hasan Sohel, and National Press Club President Hasan Hafiz and General Secretary Ayub Bhuiyan also expressed condolences in separate messages, praying for the eternal peace of the departed soul and conveying sympathy to the bereaved family. In separate condolence messages, BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir, Media Cell Convener Professor Maudud Hossain Alamgir Pavel, Member Secretary Shahid Uddin Chowdhury Annie, and BNP Chairperson’s Press Secretary Saleh Shibli also expressed deep shock and sorrow at Ali Mahmud’s death.

Highlighting the importance of a participatory nature of election, Chief Observer of the European Union Election Observation Mission (EU EOM) to Bangladesh Ivars Ijabs on Tuesday said the general atmosphere and expectations are very hopeful with a positive electoral environment in place. "We have emphasised the participatory nature of the electoral process which is very much desirable," he told reporters, stressing the importance of inclusion of all communities, minorities and also participation of women in the electoral process. He said most of their interlocutors have emphasised that there should be a new page in the history of Bangladesh and its democracy. "I would say the electoral environment is very positive. The general atmosphere is very hopeful," Ijabs said. He, however, said there are many issues that they have discussed and reiterated that they remain neutral without getting involved in any political process. "We are here not to comment on Bangladesh’s politics. We are here to check and observe the process." In terms of the security situation, the chief observer said their overall perception is that the situation is still under control of the authorities. They deployed 90 short-term observers (STOs) to observe the election day proceedings in all 64 administrative districts of the country. The short-term observers will observe opening of polling centres, voting, closing, as well as counting of the ballots and the tabulation of results. “The short-term observers will be present in cities, towns and villages in almost every constituency. Their observations and reports throughout the day will be a critical element of our impartial and fact-based assessment of these historic elections,” Ijabs told reporters. With a total of 200 observers deployed across the country, he said they are contributing to the transparency of these historic elections. "This large and dedicated mission attests to the European Union’s unwavering commitment to the democratic governance of Bangladesh,” said the chief observer. The deployment of short-term observers builds on the work of 56 long-term observers, who have been in Bangladesh since mid-January, observing the pre-election environment, including preparations by the election administration, campaign activities, voter education efforts, and who have engaged with electoral stakeholders across the political and civil society spectrum. A delegation of Members of the European Parliament is further reinforcing the mission, and 35 locally recruited short-term observers from the diplomatic missions of the EU Member States, as well as Canada, Norway and Switzerland are also joining the mission. At full strength, the EU EOM will comprise more than 200 observers, drawn from all 27 EU member states, as well as Canada, Norway and Switzerland. The EU EOM will present its preliminary findings in a statement at a press conference, on February 14, in Dhaka. Security, voter participation, level playing field: EU's 3 areas of focus in election A final report, including recommendations for future electoral processes, will be presented to the authorities after the completion of the entire electoral process. Both documents will be public and will be made available on the Mission’s website. The EU EOM is bound by a code of conduct, which requires strict neutrality and non-interference. It undertakes its work in accordance with the Declaration of Principles for International Election Observation, endorsed under UN auspices in 2005.

Asian stock markets mostly advanced on Tuesday, led by strong gains in Japan as investor confidence improved following a landmark election victory. Japan’s benchmark Nikkei 225 jumped 2.6 percent to 57,821.58, setting a new record. The index extended its rally from Monday, when it surged after the ruling party’s landslide win in parliamentary elections cleared the way for Sanae Takaichi to become the country’s first female prime minister. Investors are betting that the new leadership will push ahead with economic reforms that could support growth and corporate earnings. Elsewhere in the region, Australia’s S&P/ASX 200 rose 0.3 percent to 8,893.60, while South Korea’s Kospi gained 0.6 percent to 5,327.80. Hong Kong’s Hang Seng climbed 1.0 percent to 27,300.00, and China’s Shanghai Composite added 0.2 percent to 4,130.20. On Wall Street, US stocks closed higher, coming off their strongest session since May, although concerns remain that equity valuations have become stretched after the recent rally. The S&P 500 rose 0.5 percent to 6,964.82, edging closer to its all-time high. The Nasdaq composite gained 0.9 percent, while the Dow Jones Industrial Average was little changed. Investors continue to watch whether massive spending on artificial-intelligence technology by major companies will deliver sufficient returns. Still, optimism around the sector lifted chipmakers, with shares of Nvidia and Broadcom posting solid gains. January export earnings dip slightly amid mixed global trends In the bond market, US Treasury yields were largely steady ahead of key economic data later this week, including reports on employment and inflation. The data could shape expectations for future interest-rate moves by the US Federal Reserve. Gold prices rose 2 percent to $5,079.40 per ounce amid continued volatility, while silver posted a sharp jump. Bitcoin hovered just below $71,000 after recent swings. Oil prices were little changed in early Asian trading, and the US dollar edged slightly lower against the Japanese yen, while the euro also weakened modestly against the dollar.

Chief Adviser’s Special Envoy on International Affairs Lutfey Siddiqi has credited exemplary teamwork and hard work for the achievement on trade front, noting that Bangladesh is now no worse off than any of its competitors as far as the US tariffs are concerned. "Exemplary teamwork and sheer hard work by so many over several months, working ‘round the clock across time zones. What started as 37% is now down to 19% with additional benefits for selected items," he said, soon after the agreement on reciprocal tariff signed between Bangladesh and the United States. However, the Special Envoy said they must keep focus and follow through on domestic economic reforms - crucially around ports and logistics, digitalisation of government services, banking sector governance, skills and education. "As the rest of the world accelerate their reforms, failure to improve our performance on these factors will have a much more adverse impact on our competitiveness than tariffs," Siddiqi said.The agreement on reciprocal tariff between Bangladesh and the United States was signed on Monday. CPD executive director calls for 'comprehensive economic reforms' at PRI seminar On the Bangladesh side, the signatories were Commerce Adviser Sheikh Bashir Uddin and National Security Adviser Khalilur Rahman, and on US side Ambassador Jamieson Greer, US Trade Representative. Negotiations on the agreement spanned over nine months since April last year, said the Chief Adviser’s press wing. Ambassador Greer lauded Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus for his overarching leadership of the negotiations process and praised the Bangladesh negotiating team for its "incredible efforts." "This agreement will fit Bangladesh on US trade policy", he said. After the signing, Commerce Adviser Sheikh Bashir Uddin, who led the Bangladesh side in negotiations, said that the agreement marked a historically new level in our bilateral economic and trade relations. "It will provide substantially enhanced access of Bangladesh and the US to each other's respective markets", he said. The US will further reduce reciprocal tariff to 19%, which was originally set at 37% and later reduced to 20% in August last year. Implement bold economic reforms to stay globally competitive: Dr Zaidi In addition, the US committed to establishing a mechanism for certain textile and apparel goods from Bangladesh using US produced cotton and man-made fiber to receive zero reciprocal tariff in US market. "The reduction of reciprocal tariff will grant further advantage to our exporters, while zero reciprocal tariff on specific textile and apparel exports from Bangladesh using US inputs will give substantial added  impetus to our garments sector," said NSA Rahman who was Bangladesh's chief negotiator. The agreement was approved by the Council of Advisers on Monday and will be operational once notifications are issued by the two sides. Commerce Secretary of Bangladesh Mahbubur Rahman and Assistant US trade Representative Brendan Lynch were present at the signing ceremony. 

As Bangladesh’s national election approaches, six constituencies in Rangpur district are shaping up for intense contests, with political analysts suggesting that the Awami League’s (AL) ‘reserve votes’ could prove decisive. Observers on the ground and discussions with local residents indicate that Jamaat-e-Islami has never won a parliamentary seat in Rangpur. Yet, in this election cycle, the party has become a significant talking point. Traditionally, the region has been dominated by the Jatiya Party, Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), and the Awami League. With the Awami League barred from contesting, its support base is widely expected to play a crucial role in tipping the balance in tightly fought constituencies. Political analysts predict a three-way contest among BNP, Jatiya Party, and Jamaat across different areas. Whichever candidate succeeds in attracting the AL’s reserve voters could gain a decisive edge. Rangpur-1 (Gangachhara–part of Rangpur City) The main battle in this constituency is expected between BNP’s Mokarram Hossain Sujan and Jamaat’s Prof Raihan Siraji. Jamaat appears to have gained momentum after the Jatiya Party candidate, Barrister Manjum Ali, had his nomination cancelled. Manjum Ali accused BNP of orchestrating the move and later asked his supporters not to back BNP at a press briefing. Long considered a Jatiya Party stronghold, the outcome here is expected to depend largely on the party’s loyal voters combined with AL reserve votes. Rangpur-2 (Badarganj–Taraganj) A triangular contest is shaping up among BNP candidate and former MP Mohammad Ali Sarkar, Jamaat’s former acting secretary general ATM Azharul Islam, and Jatiya Party former MP Anisul Islam Mondal. Although Jamaat has never secured a win here, voters say this time the dynamics are different. Analysts believe the Jatiya Party candidate could benefit significantly if he attracts AL reserve voters, while internal dissent in the BNP, including a nomination-deprived former MP—may affect its prospects. Rangpur-3 (Rangpur Sadar–part of Rangpur City) The key contest is between BNP’s Samsuzzaman Samu and Jatiya Party chairman GM Quader. Jamaat’s Prof Mahbubar Rahman Belal is also considered a strong contender due to his personal image. BNP rebel candidate Rita Rahman is in the fray as well. With an estimated 60,000 AL reserve votes in the constituency, analysts say the direction of these votes could ultimately determine the outcome. Rangpur-4 (Pirganj–Kaunia) Former upazila chairman and Jatiya Party candidate Abu Naser Shah Md Mahbubur Rahman faces strong competition from BNP’s Emdadul Haque Bharsa and NCP member secretary Akhtar Hossain. Abu Naser’s previous upazila poll victory margin of around 115,000 votes, combined with his personal popularity and the Jatiya Party’s reserve votes, has positioned him as a formidable contender. Rangpur-5 (Mithapukur) BNP, Jamaat and Jatiya Party candidates are actively campaigning here. Jatiya Party’s SM Fakhruzzaman Jahangir is targeting AL and like-minded voters, while Jamaat’s Golam Rabbani is appealing to women voters through door-to-door campaigns led by female activists. Three killed, 14 injured in bus-truck collision in Rangpur BNP candidate Golam Rabbani is seen as comparatively less active. Analysts note that Jatiya Party may benefit from AL reserve votes, but Jamaat maintains a relatively strong traditional support base. Rangpur-6 (Pirganj) Several parties, including BNP, Jamaat, NCP, and Islami Andolon Bangladesh, are in the race. Local voters suggest BNP candidate Saiful Islam is leading, with Jamaat and Jatiya Party as his main rivals. Historically, Jatiya Party has won this seat six times and BNP once. Jamaat has never secured victory here, and its vote share is not expected to be decisive. Saiful Islam’s long tenure as union parishad chairman and his local reputation are seen as advantages. Fakhrul Anam Benju, president of Sushashoner Janno Nagorik (SUJAN) Rangpur, said the AL’s reserve votes could swing any constituency. “The candidate who can draw these votes will ultimately emerge victorious,” he said.

Dhaka, the densely populated capital of Bangladesh, ranked second among the world’s most polluted cities on Tuesday morning, recording an Air Quality Index (AQI) of 288 at 9:20 am. Today, the city’s air was classified as ‘very unhealthy’, indicating a serious health threat, according to the AQI report. Delhi in India, Lahore in Pakistan, and Kolkata in India occupied the first, third, and fourth spots on the list, with AQI scores of 306, 234, and 219 respectively. According to the AQI scale, a reading between 50 and 100 is considered ‘moderate’, with generally acceptable air quality, though sensitive individuals should limit prolonged outdoor exertion. AQI levels of 101–150 are ‘unhealthy for sensitive groups’, 151–200 is ‘unhealthy’, 201–300 is ‘very unhealthy’, and readings above 301 are considered ‘hazardous’, posing severe health risks. The AQI, which reports daily air quality, informs residents how clean or polluted the air is and highlights potential health effects. In Bangladesh, the AQI is calculated based on five key pollutants: particulate matter (PM10 and PM2.5), nitrogen dioxide (NO2), carbon monoxide (CO), sulfur dioxide (SO2), and ozone. Dhaka ranks second globally for air pollution with AQI at 254 Dhaka has long struggled with air pollution. Air quality usually deteriorates in winter and improves during the monsoon season. The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that air pollution causes about seven million deaths worldwide each year, primarily from stroke, heart disease, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, lung cancer, and acute respiratory infections.

February 2026 brings a mix of returning favourites and new releases in TV entertainment, from comedies and thrillers to historical dramas and biographical series. Among the highlights is the revival of the popular hospital sitcom Scrubs, with Zach Braff returning as JD and Donald Faison as Turk. The series picks up 16 years after the original finale, blending nostalgia with new storylines. It premieres February 25 on ABC and February 26 on Hulu in the US. Thrillers like Vanished, starring Kaley Cuoco and Sam Claflin, follow a couple whose romantic trip turns dangerous after one mysteriously disappears. The series premieres February 1 on MGM+ in the US and February 27 on Prime Video in the UK. Another suspense-filled release, 56 Days, based on Catherine Ryan Howard’s novel, explores an erotic relationship entwined with murder and suspense, premiering February 18 on Prime Video globally. Fans of dark crime dramas can follow Dark Winds season four, set among the Navajo Tribal Police, which continues to combine 1970s Americana, Native traditions, and suspenseful investigation. It premieres February 15 on AMC and AMC+ in the US. Other notable series include the comic thriller How to Get to Heaven from Belfast (February 12, Netflix), the political thriller Paradise starring Sterling K. Brown (February 23, Hulu), and the historical drama The Gray House, set during the US Civil War (February 26, Prime Video). Biographical miniseries Love Story: John F Kennedy Jr and Carolyn Bessette premieres February 12 on FX and Hulu in the US, with Disney+ release in the UK on February 13. Comedy fans can enjoy The Fall and Rise of Reggie Dinkins, starring Tracy Morgan and Daniel Radcliffe, which combines mockumentary style with odd-couple humour. It premieres February 23 on NBC and February 24 on Peacock in the US. This February’s slate of TV shows offers something for every audience, from nostalgic revivals to high-stakes thrillers and historical storytelling, marking a diverse month in entertainment.   With inputs from BBC

England midfielder Jack Grealish has undergone surgery on a foot stress fracture, ending his 2025-26 season while on loan at Everton and ruling him out of contention for this summer’s World Cup. Grealish, 30, sustained the injury on January 18 during Everton’s 1-0 win over his former club Aston Villa. The midfielder had featured in 22 matches across all competitions for Everton this season, scoring twice and providing six assists. “Didn’t want the season to end like this, but that’s football. Surgery done, now all focus on getting back fit. I will come back fitter, stronger and better than before,” Grealish wrote on Instagram. His strong performances at Everton had sparked speculation about a potential recall to the England squad. However, the injury makes World Cup selection impossible. Grealish joined Everton on a season-long loan from Manchester City in August 2025 after falling out of favour at City, where he had won three Premier League titles, the Champions League, and the FA Cup since his £100 million move from Aston Villa in 2021. He made just seven league starts for City last season and was excluded from the Club World Cup squad in the United States. “The support I’ve received at this incredible club has meant the world to me,” Grealish added. “The staff, teammates and fans have been amazing. I’ll be backing the lads all the way and doing everything I can to get back as soon as possible.” Everton fans and football observers expressed sympathy for the midfielder, who had been pivotal in the team’s campaign under caretaker manager Lee Carsley since October 2024.   With inputs from BBC

A long-delayed airport project in Peru’s Sacred Valley is fuelling fresh debate over tourism growth and heritage protection, as critics warn that the development could permanently alter the landscape surrounding the ancient Incan citadel of Machu Picchu. The Chinchero International Airport, under construction on the outskirts of the historic Andean town of Chinchero, is expected to significantly reduce travel time for visitors by allowing them to bypass Lima and Cusco. Designed to handle up to eight million passengers a year, the airport could boost visitor numbers to the region by as much as 200%, according to Peruvian authorities. Supporters argue the project will provide an economic boost to one of Peru’s less-developed regions. The Ministry of Transport and Communications says the airport, which has already cost an estimated 2.3 trillion Peruvian soles, has created more than 5,000 construction jobs and could benefit around one million people linked directly or indirectly to tourism. However, Indigenous groups, archaeologists, environmentalists and local tourism operators have raised concerns about cultural loss, environmental damage and unchecked development. The Sacred Valley, carved by the Urubamba River and surrounded by the Andes, was the spiritual and administrative heart of the Incan empire and still contains functioning pre-Incan and Incan infrastructure, including roads, irrigation systems and agricultural terraces. Opponents warn the airport threatens watersheds, wildlife habitats and archaeological sites. Local guide Luis Flores said agricultural land around Chinchero has already been sold off since the project was announced more than a decade ago, replacing traditional corn and potato fields with housing and commercial development. He fears intensified construction to support mass tourism will further reduce farmland. Tourism professionals acknowledge potential economic benefits but stress the need for proper planning. Machu Picchu guide Lizbeth Lopez Becerra said the region’s infrastructure is already under strain, citing traffic congestion, water shortages and inadequate waste management. A comprehensive heritage impact assessment, she noted, remains incomplete. The airport project, first proposed in 1978, has been repeatedly delayed by funding problems, construction setbacks and allegations of corruption. Officials now estimate it will be completed in late 2027, though some residents doubt it will ever open. Concerns have also been raised about overtourism. Unesco has warned that poor management and rising visitor numbers could threaten Machu Picchu’s World Heritage status. Peru’s Ministry of Culture currently caps daily visitors at between 4,500 and 5,600, depending on the season, but a sharp rise in arrivals could place further pressure on the fragile site. Veteran guide Efrain Valles Morales said the key issue is not visitor numbers alone, but how tourism is managed. He urged authorities to invest in guide training and diversify attractions to spread visitors beyond Machu Picchu, highlighting lesser-known nearby sites such as Chonta Canyon and ancient agricultural terraces at Surite. Hotel owner and philanthropist Petit Miribel said while Cusco’s existing airport is overcrowded and new infrastructure is needed, development must be carefully controlled. She warned that rapid, unplanned construction is already changing the character of towns like Urubamba, adding that long-term impacts on future generations must be considered. Although the airport has yet to open, residents say its effects are already being felt. “The damage is already there,” Miribel said, reflecting a growing concern that transformation of the Sacred Valley is underway even before the first plane lands.   With inputs from BBC

Discord will soon require users worldwide to verify their age through a face scan or by uploading an official ID to access adult content, as the platform rolls out stricter safety measures aimed at protecting teenagers. The online chat service, which has more than 200 million monthly users, said the new system will place everyone into a teen-appropriate experience by default. Only users who successfully verify that they are adults will be able to access age-restricted communities, unblur sensitive material or receive direct messages from people they do not know. Discord already requires age verification for some users in the UK and Australia to comply with local online safety laws. The company said the expanded checks will be introduced globally from early March. “Nowhere is our safety work more important than when it comes to teen users,” said Savannah Badalich, Discord’s head of policy. She said the global rollout of teen-by-default settings would strengthen existing safety measures while still giving verified adults more flexibility. Under the new system, users can either upload a photo of an identity document or take a short video selfie, with artificial intelligence used to estimate facial age. Discord said information used for age checks would not be stored by the platform or the verification provider, adding that face scans would not be collected and ID images would be deleted once verification is complete. The company’s move has drawn mixed reactions. Drew Benvie, head of social media consultancy Battenhall, said the push for safer online communities was positive but warned that implementing age checks across millions of Discord communities could be challenging. He said the platform could lose users if the system backfires, but might also attract new users who value stronger safety standards. Privacy advocates have previously raised concerns about age verification tools. In October, Discord faced criticism after ID photos of about 70,000 users were potentially exposed following a hack of a third-party firm involved in age checks. The announcement comes amid growing pressure on social media companies from lawmakers to better protect children online. Discord’s chief executive Jason Citron was questioned about child safety at a US Senate hearing in 2024 alongside executives from Meta, Snap and TikTok. With the new measures, including the creation of a teen advisory council, Discord is following a broader industry trend seen at platforms such as Facebook, Instagram, TikTok and Roblox, as regulators worldwide push for safer online environments for young users.   With inputs from BBC

Australian police have defended their response after violent clashes erupted during a pro-Palestinian protest in Sydney against a visit by Israeli President Isaac Herzog, with 27 people arrested as authorities enforced new restrictions on public demonstrations. New South Wales Police Commissioner Mal Lanyon said officers showed “remarkable restraint” and acted as required after confrontations broke out near Sydney’s Town Hall on Monday night. Police said about 6,000 people attended the rally, which followed a failed last-minute court challenge by organisers seeking to overturn police powers limiting their right to march. The federal government invited Herzog to Australia following a deadly antisemitic shooting at Bondi Beach in December, saying the visit would help the Jewish community heal. Fifteen people, including a 10-year-old girl, were killed when gunmen opened fire at a Hanukkah celebration on Dec 14. Pro-Palestinian groups opposed the invitation. Video footage from the protest appeared to show physical confrontations, including police punching demonstrators and removing Muslim men who were praying. Josh Lees of the Palestine Action Group said the violence was the worst he had seen in years, adding that tensions could have been avoided if authorities had allowed a march from Town Hall to parliament or Hyde Park. After the Bondi Beach attack, NSW introduced tighter protest rules and, days before Monday’s rally, invoked “major event” powers that allowed gatherings but banned marches and gave police authority to shut down parts of the city. Protesters lost a legal bid to overturn the measures shortly before the rally began. NSW Premier Chris Minns backed police actions, saying officers were placed in an “impossible situation” and warning against judging events based on short video clips. Assistant Commissioner Peter McKenna said police were threatened and assaulted during multiple clashes and were significantly outnumbered. The crowd included Jewish demonstrators opposing Herzog’s visit. Linda Feinberg held a placard reading “Jews say no to genocide” and criticised the government’s decision to invite him. Protester Sihal Jamila attended with her young daughter, saying the issue was deeply personal. Speeches at Town Hall were initially peaceful, but tensions escalated when protesters demanded to march. Police moved in and used pepper spray, causing panic as demonstrators were unable to leave due to police lines. Minns later said officers needed to keep protesters away from a nearby event Herzog was attending. Another protest was planned outside a Sydney police station on Tuesday, with organisers demanding charges be dropped and investigations into police conduct. The Australian National Imams Council condemned footage showing Muslim men being dragged away while praying as unacceptable. NSW Greens MP Abigail Boyd said she was pushed and shoved by police despite identifying herself as a lawmaker. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said he was devastated by the scenes and said they should not have occurred, but defended Herzog’s invitation and criticised protesters for undermining their cause. Pro-Palestinian groups cited a UN commission report that accused Herzog and other Israeli leaders of inciting genocide through public statements. Herzog has rejected the findings, saying his words were taken out of context, while Israel’s foreign minister dismissed the report as false.   With inputs from BBC

Japan’s Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi has emerged from a snap election with a commanding mandate, but the decisive victory now brings sharper focus on whether she can deliver the economic revival that has eluded the country for decades. Takaichi and her Liberal Democratic Party won 316 of the 465 seats in parliament, giving her one of the strongest majorities seen in recent years in a country known for frequent changes of leadership. Supporters say the result gives her a rare opportunity to reshape policy in the world’s fourth-largest economy. Japan’s challenges are deep-rooted. Economic growth has been sluggish for years, public debt is the highest in the world and the workforce is shrinking and ageing rapidly. Analysts say Takaichi now has political space to confront these issues, but expectations are high and risks are significant. During the campaign, Takaichi pledged to prioritise growth over austerity, promising higher public spending, investment in strategic industries and tax cuts to boost household consumption. The approach marked a shift from her immediate predecessors and was closely watched by investors. Financial markets reacted positively to her victory, with Japanese shares rising and what traders dubbed the “Takaichi trade” gaining momentum. Some investors bought equities while selling the yen and government bonds, although the currency later strengthened, a move seen by parts of the market as a sign of confidence. However, concerns remain over how her plans will be financed. Government bond yields rose after she took office in October, raising alarms because Japan’s massive debt means even small increases in borrowing costs can have wide global effects. More spending combined with tax cuts would likely require additional borrowing, adding pressure to the bond market. At the same time, the Bank of Japan is attempting to move away from decades of ultra-low interest rates as inflation picks up. Prices have risen sharply by Japanese standards, with staple items such as rice reportedly doubling in cost last year. The cost-of-living squeeze played a key role in voter dissatisfaction with the previous administration. Some economists warn that expanding government spending could worsen inflation. They argue that tighter fiscal discipline and allowing interest rates to rise further would better stabilise prices and reassure investors. Others counter that cutting taxes may provide short-term relief to households feeling poorer. Beyond financial policy, structural issues loom large. Japan’s population has been shrinking for years, creating labour shortages in sectors such as construction, care work, agriculture and hospitality. While immigration could help ease the strain, it remains politically sensitive and unpopular with parts of Takaichi’s conservative support base. The prime minister has instead emphasised automation, technological innovation and greater participation by women and older people in the workforce. Economists caution that these measures alone may not be sufficient to sustain long-term growth without more foreign labour. Japan’s external environment adds another layer of complexity. China, now larger in economic scale, is Japan’s biggest trading partner, making stable trade ties crucial while domestic demand recovers. Yet tensions with Beijing, including disputes over rare earth exports, have highlighted vulnerabilities in supply chains vital to industries such as electric vehicles and defence. Takaichi has vowed to reduce Japan’s dependence on China in critical sectors while strengthening ties with the United States. She has endorsed higher defence spending and welcomed support from US President Donald Trump, signalling that the alliance with Washington remains central to her strategy. Analysts say Japan cannot afford to fully align with one power against the other, arguing that balanced engagement with both the US and China is essential for economic resilience. Observers note that Takaichi’s policy mix echoes that of her mentor, former prime minister Shinzo Abe, who combined aggressive stimulus with loose monetary policy. But the context has changed. Japan is older, competition in Asia is fiercer and global conditions are far less forgiving. With a historic mandate in hand, Takaichi now faces the defining challenge of her leadership: translating political dominance into sustainable growth for an economy long stuck in low gear.   With inputs from BBC

Europe’s security outlook is under renewed scrutiny as leaders prepare to gather for the Munich Security Conference this week, with the legacy and ongoing impact of US President Donald Trump’s foreign policy casting a long shadow over transatlantic relations. It has been a year since US Vice President JD Vance delivered a controversial address at the same forum, sharply criticising Europe over migration and free speech and arguing that the continent’s greatest threats were internal. The remarks stunned delegates and signalled a deeper shift that has since reshaped US relations with both allies and rivals. Over the past year, the Trump administration has imposed punitive tariffs on partners, taken an aggressive stance abroad and pursued diplomacy on Ukraine that many in Europe see as favouring Moscow. Trump has also made provocative statements, including suggesting that Canada should become the 51st US state. As the conference opens later this week, more than 50 world leaders are expected to attend. The US delegation will be led by Secretary of State and National Security Adviser Marco Rubio, amid growing European concerns about Washington’s long-term commitment to the continent’s defence. Those concerns were heightened by the latest US National Security Strategy, published late last year, which urged Europe to take primary responsibility for its own security. The document reinforced fears that the United States is increasingly reluctant to continue underwriting European defence. Tensions were further strained by a recent crisis over Greenland, after Trump repeatedly said the United States needed to “own” the Arctic island for security reasons and at one point did not rule out the use of force. Greenland is a self-governing territory under Denmark, a Nato member, and Danish leaders warned that any hostile takeover would effectively end the alliance that has underpinned European security for decades. Although the immediate Greenland dispute has subsided, it has left lingering doubts about the durability of the US-Europe security partnership. Former UK intelligence chief Sir Alex Younger said the transatlantic alliance has changed but is not broken, noting that Europe still benefits greatly from its security and intelligence ties with the United States. He also argued that Trump was right to push Europe to shoulder more of the defence burden, pointing to long-standing imbalances in military spending. However, divisions extend beyond defence budgets. The Trump administration has clashed with Europe over trade, migration and free speech, while many European governments have been alarmed by Trump’s approach to Russian President Vladimir Putin and his tendency to criticise Ukraine despite Russia’s invasion. Ahead of the conference, organisers released a report warning of a fundamental break with long-standing US post-World War II strategy, which had prioritised multilateral institutions, economic integration and the promotion of democracy and human rights as strategic assets. The report said all three pillars have been weakened or openly questioned under the Trump administration. US-based analysts at the Centre for Strategic and International Studies described the new National Security Strategy as a painful wake-up call for Europe and evidence of a deep divergence between European expectations and Washington’s current vision. The strategy includes language supporting groups opposed to Europe’s current political direction and criticises European migration policies, while still acknowledging that Europe remains strategically important to the United States. A central concern for many European officials is whether Nato’s Article 5, the collective defence clause, can still be relied upon. Although Nato leaders insist the commitment remains intact, Trump’s unpredictability and his administration’s scepticism towards Europe have raised doubts. These questions are sharpened by the ongoing war in Ukraine and hypothetical scenarios involving Nato’s eastern flank, where any hesitation or miscalculation could have serious consequences. As discussions begin in Munich, European leaders hope for clarity on the future of the transatlantic alliance, even as many fear the answers may confirm a more uncertain and fragmented security order.   With inputs from BBC

Palestinians, several Arab countries, Israeli anti-occupation groups and the United Kingdom have strongly condemned newly approved Israeli measures in the occupied West Bank, warning that the steps amount to a de facto annexation of Palestinian land. The measures were announced by far-right Israeli Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich following approval by Israel’s security cabinet. Smotrich said the decisions would make it easier for Jewish settlers to take over land in the West Bank and declared that Israel would continue efforts to block the creation of a Palestinian state. All Israeli settlements in the occupied West Bank are regarded as illegal under international law. The new steps, which are expected to receive final approval from Israel’s top military commander in the West Bank, are designed to expand Israeli control over land administration, including property law, planning, licensing and enforcement. The announcement came just days before a scheduled meeting in Washington between Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and US President Donald Trump.According to the United Nations, settlement expansion in the West Bank reached its fastest pace on record last year. Among the measures is the removal of a long-standing ban on the direct sale of West Bank land to Jewish buyers and the declassification of local land registry records. Until now, settlers were generally limited to purchasing property through registered companies on land administered by the Israeli state. Israeli ministers described the move as a step to increase transparency and facilitate land acquisition. Israel’s foreign ministry later said the changes corrected what it called discriminatory rules that restricted property purchases by non-Arabs in what Israel refers to as Judea and Samaria. The cabinet also voted to repeal a requirement for special transaction permits for real estate purchases, a mechanism previously used to maintain oversight and prevent fraud. Palestinians expressed fears that the changes would intensify pressure on landowners to sell and could lead to forgery and deception. Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas described the measures as dangerous, calling them an open attempt to legalise settlement expansion, land confiscation and the demolition of Palestinian property, including in areas under Palestinian Authority administration. He urged the United States and the UN Security Council to intervene immediately. The Israeli rights group Peace Now warned that the decisions could destabilise the Palestinian Authority and effectively cancel existing agreements, accusing the government of paving the way for widespread land seizure and de facto annexation. The United Kingdom said it strongly condemned the move and called on Israel to reverse the decision, warning that any unilateral action altering the geographic or demographic character of Palestinian territory would violate international law. Foreign ministers from Egypt, Jordan, the United Arab Emirates, Indonesia, Pakistan, Turkey, Saudi Arabia and Qatar also issued a joint statement condemning the measures. They said the decisions accelerated illegal annexation efforts and the displacement of Palestinians, warning that such policies would fuel further violence and instability. Additional steps announced by Smotrich and Defence Minister Israel Katz include transferring building and licensing authority at sensitive religious sites in Hebron exclusively to Israeli bodies. These include areas surrounding the Cave of the Patriarchs, also known as the Ibrahimi Mosque, one of the holiest sites in both Judaism and Islam. Israeli authorities would also be granted enforcement powers over environmental and archaeological matters in areas administered by the Palestinian Authority. A committee would be revived to allow the Israeli state to make what it described as proactive land purchases in the West Bank to secure land for future settlements. Under the 1993 Oslo Accords, the Palestinian Authority was given full control over major Palestinian urban areas, known as Area A, which make up about 20 percent of the West Bank. Israel retained full administrative and security control over Area C, which covers about 60 percent of the territory and contains most Israeli settlements. More than 700,000 Israeli settlers currently live in the occupied West Bank and Israeli-annexed East Jerusalem, territories captured by Israel in the 1967 Middle East war. Palestinians seek these areas for a future independent state along with the Gaza Strip. While the Trump administration has ruled out formal annexation of the West Bank, it has not moved to halt Israel’s rapid settlement expansion. Smotrich, himself a settler and leader of a pro-settler party, has pledged to double the settler population. In December, Israel’s cabinet approved plans for 19 new settlements and is preparing to advance construction of the controversial E1 settlement project near Jerusalem, a move that would effectively split the West Bank in two. The United Nations says more than 37,000 Palestinians were displaced in 2025 alone, alongside record levels of settler violence. Netanyahu’s governing coalition includes strong pro-settler factions that openly support annexation. The prime minister, who faces elections later this year, has repeatedly said he would not allow the establishment of a Palestinian state, describing it as a security threat. In 2024, the International Court of Justice issued a non-binding advisory opinion stating that Israel’s occupation of Palestinian territories is illegal and should be brought to an end.   With inputs from BBC

Ghislaine Maxwell, the convicted associate of disgraced financier Jeffrey Epstein, refused to answer questions during a US congressional deposition on Monday, repeatedly invoking her constitutional right against self-incrimination. Maxwell appeared virtually in a closed-door session before the House Oversight Committee from a Texas prison, where she is serving a 20-year sentence for sex trafficking offences linked to Epstein. House Oversight Committee Chairman James Comer said Maxwell, as anticipated, pleaded the Fifth Amendment throughout the hearing. He described the outcome as disappointing, saying lawmakers had intended to question her about crimes committed by Epstein and herself, as well as the possible involvement of other individuals. Comer said the committee’s objective was to uncover the truth for the American public and secure justice for survivors of abuse. The Fifth Amendment of the US Constitution allows individuals to refuse to answer questions under oath if the responses could incriminate them. Democratic Representative Melanie Stansbury told reporters after the hearing that Maxwell appeared to use the deposition as an opportunity to seek clemency. Comer said conversations with Epstein survivors had made it clear to him that Maxwell did not deserve immunity of any kind. Earlier, Maxwell’s lawyer David Oscar Markus said in a social media post that his client was prepared to speak fully if she were granted clemency by President Donald Trump. He claimed Maxwell could provide a complete account of events, even if some found the truth uncomfortable. Ahead of the deposition, a group of Epstein survivors urged lawmakers to treat any information from Maxwell with caution. In a letter to the committee, they criticised her for failing to name influential figures allegedly involved in Epstein’s trafficking network and for what they described as a lack of meaningful cooperation with investigators. They warned that offering her special treatment or credibility would be deeply harmful to survivors. The White House has previously said that no leniency for Maxwell is being considered. Maxwell was convicted in 2021 for recruiting underage girls for Epstein, her former partner, who died in prison in 2019 while awaiting trial. She is seeking a presidential pardon and has faced allegations of lying to federal officials. In a separate letter to Chairman Comer, Democratic Representative Ro Khanna said he had planned to question Maxwell about a court filing in which she claimed there were four named co-conspirators and at least 25 others who were not charged in the Epstein investigation. He also intended to ask about Epstein and Maxwell’s social ties with President Trump and whether any discussion of a potential pardon had taken place. Trump has consistently denied any wrongdoing related to Epstein and has said he cut ties with him years ago. He has not been accused of crimes by Epstein’s victims. Khanna later said Maxwell’s refusal to testify appeared inconsistent with her earlier conduct, noting that she did not invoke the Fifth Amendment during a previous meeting with Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche. According to a justice department transcript, Maxwell told officials she had not witnessed inappropriate conduct by Trump or former president Bill Clinton and said there was no Epstein “client list”. The deposition had originally been scheduled for August last year but was delayed at the request of Maxwell’s lawyers pending a Supreme Court ruling. The hearing comes as the US Department of Justice has begun releasing millions of pages of documents related to the Epstein investigation under a law passed by Congress. Lawmakers are set to review unredacted versions of nearly three million pages at the justice department. Epstein survivors have continued to call for full transparency, while justice department officials have denied claims of a cover-up, rejecting suggestions that evidence has been deliberately withheld.   With inputs from BBC

Britain’s King Charles has expressed “profound concern” over new allegations linked to his brother Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor as police consider whether to open an investigation connected to the Jeffrey Epstein scandal. In a statement issued on Monday, a Buckingham Palace spokesperson said the King has made clear, both in words and through unprecedented actions, his deep concern about allegations that continue to emerge regarding Andrew’s conduct. The Palace said that while the specific claims are for Andrew to address, it stands ready to support Thames Valley Police if approached, as would be expected. Thames Valley Police confirmed it is assessing whether there are sufficient grounds to investigate a complaint lodged by the anti-monarchy group Republic. The group has reported Andrew for suspected misconduct in public office and an alleged breach of official secrets. The police review follows the release of a large new batch of documents related to Epstein. Emails contained in the files appear to suggest that Andrew, during his time as a UK trade envoy, shared official reports and confidential information with Epstein. According to the documents, Andrew is alleged to have forwarded official summaries of visits to Singapore, Hong Kong and Vietnam to Epstein on November 30, 2010, shortly after receiving them from his then special adviser. Separate emails also appear to reference confidential investment opportunities in Afghanistan that were shared with Epstein later that year. Under official rules, trade envoys are required to maintain strict confidentiality over sensitive commercial, political and diplomatic information linked to their official duties. The Buckingham Palace statement added that the King and Queen’s “thoughts and sympathies have been, and remain with, the victims of any and all forms of abuse”. Earlier on Monday, while the King was carrying out engagements in Lancashire, a protester shouted a question about Andrew, which was met with disapproval from others in the crowd. The Palace intervention followed an earlier statement from Kensington Palace, where a spokesperson for the Prince and Princess of Wales said they were “deeply concerned” by the latest Epstein-related revelations and that their thoughts remained with the victims. Since the latest document release, pressure has intensified on Andrew, with renewed claims about his past links to Epstein. The disclosures have also caused embarrassment for his former wife Sarah Ferguson, after emails attributed to her appeared in the files. Last week, Andrew was moved earlier than expected from Royal Lodge in Windsor to the King’s private Sandringham estate. In October 2025, following an earlier wave of Epstein-related revelations, he was stripped of his remaining royal titles. Andrew has repeatedly denied any wrongdoing. Being named in the Epstein files does not, in itself, amount to evidence of misconduct.   With inputs from BBC

The curtain fell on Bangladesh’s election campaign on Tuesday morning as political parties wrapped up weeks of intense electioneering.  In the final hours, leaders made a series of promises and pledges, leaving voters to reflect on those ahead of the February-12 national  election. The restriction on campaigning came into effect at 7:30am as per the parliamentary election code of conduct for political parties and candidates’ rule, 2025. According to the code of conduct, any political party, candidate or any person on their behalf can’t carry out any sort of electioneering three weeks before the balloting day and the electoral campaign must be completed 48 hours before the balloting starts. The official election campaign by political parties and candidates started on January 22 after the allocation of election symbols on the previous day. The voting in Thursday's election will start at 7:30 am and continue till 4:30 pm without any break. The 13th parliamentary election and referendum will be held on February 12 in 299 constituencies across the country using transparent ballot boxes and ballot papers. Voting will be held in 299 seats instead of 300 as the Election Commission cancelled the election in Sherpur-3 following the death of a Jamaat-e-Islami candidate. Ban on Vehicular Movement The EC imposed restrictions on the plying of motorcycles across the country three days before and after the national election. Motorbike movement will remain prohibited from midnight on February 10 until midnight on February 13, according to the EC directives issued on January 27. Besides, the movement of four types of vehicles —trucks, microbuses, taxi-cab and motorcycles — will remain suspended for 24 hours on election day. Meanwhile, the restriction was also imposed on the movement of vessels on Election Day. Besides, no candidate or their supporters will be allowed to set up election camps or conduct campaigns within 400 yards of any polling station. Candidates or anyone on their behalf cannot use any vehicles to bring voters to the polling station on the voting day. Law Enforcers’ Deployment Nearly one million members from the armed forces and different law enforcement agencies remain deployed across the country for seven days from February 8 (Sunday) to maintain law and order as well as contain violation of electoral code of conduct in the referendum and parliamentary elections scheduled for February 12. Besides, 1,051 executive magistrates were deployed throughout the country for the seven days from February 8 to 14 to prevent and punish the violation of the election code. A total of 970,948 security persons were deployed from February 8 for election duty, according to the statistics of the Election Commission. The security personnel include 100,003 Army personnel, 5000 Navy personnel, 3730 Air Force members, 37,453 BGB personnel, 3,585 Coast Guard members, 187,603 police members, 9,349 Rab members, 576,483 Ansar and VDP members, 1922 BNCC cadets and 45,820 Chowkidar and Dafadar. According to a recent government circular, the armed forces, BGB, Coast Guard, Rab, police, Armed Police Battalion (APBn) and Ansar Battalions would work as mobile and striking forces to maintain peace and order in the election areas. BGB, Rab, APBn and Ansar battalions would operate on district, upazila and thana levels, while the Coast Guard would be deployed in coastal areas. Outside the metropolitan areas, a team of 16–17 police and Ansar members will be deployed at each normal polling station, while 17–18 personnel will be posted at every vulnerable polling station, according to the EC. In metropolitan areas, 16 security personnel –police and ansar members-- will be deployed at a normal polling station and 17 personnel at each vulnerable polling station. In remote areas of 25 districts, a team of 16–18 police and Ansar members will be deployed at each polling station. 1M Cast Votes by Post The Election Commission, led by Chief Election Commissioner AMM Nasir Uddin, introduced an IT-supported hybrid postal balloting system, combining digital registration with manual voting, for expatriate Bangladeshis living in more than 120 countries for the first time. The new postal balloting system is also being used by government employees working outside their constituencies, polling officials and individuals under legal custody within the country. More than one million people have already cast their votes through postal ballots. As of 8:00pm on Monday, a total of 1,031,269 voters including 511,757 expatriates cast their votes through postal ballots in the 13th parliamentary election. A total of 1,528,131 voters, including 767,233 expatriates under the Out-of-Country Voting (OCV) programme and 760,898 government officials, polling personnel and prisoners under the In-Country Postal Voting (ICPV) programme, were registered for postal voting.  A total of 127,298,522 voters (in 299 constituencies) are eligible to cast their ballots in this election. Of them, 64,620,077 are male voters, 62,677,232 are female voters and 1,213 are third-gender voters. The country has a total of 127,711,899 voters (in 300 constituencies) –64,825,154 males, 62,885,525 females and 1,220 third-gender. Bangladesh Election: Over one million vote through postal ballots Nearly 800,000 officials will be engaged in election duties in more than 42,600 polling stations in the 299 constituencies on Thursday next, while nearly another 800,000 security personnel will protect the polling stations. Meanwhile, some 50,000 observers from 80 registered domestic organisations will monitor the election, while nearly 500 foreign observers are expected to oversee the election. The Election Commission announced the election schedule on December 11 last year to hold the 13th parliamentary election and the referendum on the July National Charter (Constitutional Reform) Implementation Order simultaneously on February 12, 2026.

The International Cricket Council (ICC) has announced that the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) will face no punitive measures for its decision to boycott the ongoing T20 World Cup. In a surprising gesture of reconciliation, the global governing body also revealed that Bangladesh will be awarded the hosting rights for a global tournament prior to the 2031 ODI World Cup. The decision was publicized in an ICC press release issued today following a meeting held in a “cordial atmosphere” between the ICC, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), and the BCB in Lahore. The ICC confirmed that under the current circumstances, no financial, sporting, or administrative penalties would be imposed on the BCB for skipping the World Cup. Additionally, the BCB retains its existing right to approach the Dispute Resolution Committee (DRC) if necessary. As part of the understanding reached between the boards, Bangladesh—who is already scheduled to co-host the 2031 ODI World Cup with India—will host another ICC event before that date, subject to standard hosting selection processes and operational conditions. The resolution comes shortly after BCB President Aminul Islam issued a statement requesting Pakistan to proceed with their match against India. The meeting in Lahore also covered the broader future of cricket in South Asia. Describing Bangladesh's non-participation as an “unfortunate absence,” the ICC reiterated its commitment to the nation, citing its importance as a vibrant market with over 200 million fans. ICC Chief Executive Sanjog Gupta stated, “Bangladesh's absence from the T20 World Cup is regrettable. However, this does not alter the ICC's long-standing commitment to Bangladesh as a major cricketing nation”. He added that the ICC would continue to work closely with the BCB to ensure sustainable development for players and fans. Bangladesh had originally withdrawn from the tournament after the ICC rejected their request to move matches from India to Sri Lanka following security concerns sparked by the exclusion of pacer Mustafizur Rahman from the IPL.

Facing widespread criticism over restrictions on carrying mobile phones within 400 yards of polling centres and inside the centres on polling day, the Election Commission on Monday withdrew the ban, allowing voters, journalists, observers and others to use mobile phones. Voters, candidates and their polling agents will be allowed to carry mobile phones inside polling centres, although taking photographs inside secret voting booths will remain prohibited, Election Commission Senior Secretary Akhtar Ahmed told reporters at the EC Secretariat in Agargaon in the evening. Earlier, the Commission had issued a directive banning the carrying and use of mobile phones within 400 yards of polling centres on election day. The restriction applied to voters, polling agents and others on election duty, with limited exceptions. Under the earlier directive, only the presiding officer, the officer-in-charge of police assigned to the centre and two authorised Ansar members were permitted to carry mobile phones within the restricted area.

Bangladesh’s readymade garment (RMG) exports declined by 2.43 percent year-on-year to US$22.98 billion during July–January of fiscal year 2025–26, according to the latest country-wise export data published by the Export Promotion Bureau (EPB). The European Union (EU) remained the country’s largest export destination for RMG, accounting for 49.35 percent of total exports in the category. Export earnings from the EU stood at US$11.34 billion, marking a 3.98 percent year-on-year decline, said former BGMEA director Mohiuddin Rubel on Monday. The United States retained its position as the second-largest market. RMG exports to the USA amounted to US$4.47 billion, representing 19.46 percent of total RMG exports, with a marginal year-on-year decrease of 0.03 percent. According to EPB data, Bangladesh’s total RMG exports to the United States from February 2025 to January 2026 reached US$7,544.34 million. During this period, total national RMG exports stood at US$38,775.15 million, with the US market accounting for 19.46 percent of the total. Exports to Canada and the United Kingdom posted positive growth during the period. RMG exports to Canada amounted to US$784.17 million, accounting for a 3.41 percent share and showing 4.42 percent year-on-year growth. Exports to the United Kingdom reached US$2.62 billion, representing an 11.38 percent share with 2.55 percent growth. Exports to non-traditional markets stood at US$3.77 billion, accounting for 16.40 percent of total RMG exports, though registering a 4.99 percent year-on-year decline. In terms of product categories, the knitwear segment recorded a 3.13 percent decrease in exports, while the woven segment saw a 1.60 percent decline during the period.

A total of 56 VIP inmates across the country cast their votes through postal ballots till Monday. In addition, 198 female inmates cast their votes as part of the ongoing voting process ahead of the National Parliamentary election scheduled for February 12, prison officials said. With this, the total number of inmates who have voted through postal ballots over the past seven days rose to 5,067. According to official data, 1,521 inmates cast their votes on February 3, followed by 988 on February 4. On February 5, the number stood at 1,138, while 420 inmates voted on February 6. On February 7, a total of 471 inmates participated in the postal ballot voting. Of them, 448 were male and 23 were female inmates. Among the voters that day, 16 were classified as special inmates. A total of 295 and 234 inmates participated in the postal ballot voting on February 8 and 9 respectively.  

BNP Chairman Tarique Rahman on Monday, the final day of electioneering, instructed party leaders, activists and supporters not to leave polling centres until the vote counting is completed and results are confirmed. “When will you go to vote? You must go early in the morning. But going early is not enough. Everyone must go to their respective polling centres, offer Fajr prayers there and then stand in front of the polling centre,” he said. Tarique gave the directive while addressing an election rally at Dayaganj in Jurain under the Dhaka-4 constituency. He also instructed party leaders and supporters not to return home immediately after casting their votes. “You must wait until the very end. Leave only after voting is completed and the votes are counted properly,” Tarique said. The BNP chief said over the past decade, people were deprived not only of their voting rights but also of their economic freedom. “But today, once again, a conspiracy against democracy has begun. We must resist this conspiracy,” he said. Warning against complacency, Tarique said if the country becomes trapped in such conspiracies again, Bangladesh will fall further behind and the long-awaited change in people’s fortunes will be delayed. “That is why you must remain alert during the election on the 12th. Keep your eyes and ears open,” he said. Introducing BNP’s candidate for Dhaka-4, Tanvir Ahmed Robin, Tarique urged local voters to ensure his victory. Earlier, Tarique addressed rallies at Basabo Tarun Sangha ground in Dhaka-9 constituency and at Shaheed Faruk Road in Jatrabari under Dhaka-5. After the Dhaka-4 rally, he spoke at Dhopkhola field in Dhaka-6 constituency. The BNP chairman addressed his final election rally at Lalbagh Balur Math in Dhaka-7 at around 9:30 pm after nearly eight hours of continuous campaigning. He formally wrapped up his election campaign by visiting the graves of his parents at around 11:00 pm.

A Dhaka court on Monday ordered Azizul Haque, the investigation officer in the murder case of journalist couple Sagar Sarwar and Meherun Runi, to appear in person and explain why the probe report has not yet been submitted. Dhaka Metropolitan Magistrate Ariful Islam passed the order after Additional Superintendent of Police Md Azizul Haque of the PBI failed to present the report to the court. The submission deadline was deferred for the 124th time, and the court has set 1 April as the next date for submission of the investigation report. Earlier on September 30, the HC asked the government to form a high-powered taskforce to probe the murder case and submit a report within six months. Following the court order, the current interim government formed a high-powered task force on October 23 last year led by the chief of the Police Bureau of Investigation (PBI). Sagar, a news editor at private television channel Maasranga TV, and Runi, a senior reporter at ATN Bangla, were murdered in their rented apartment in Dhaka’s West Rajabazar on February 11, 2012. Their four-and-a-half-year-old son Mahir Sarowar Megh was present in the house at the time of the murder. Runi’s brother, Naosher Alam, filed the murder case with Sher-e-Bangla Nagar Police Station following the murders.

More than 500 foreign observers and journalists are set to visit Bangladesh to monitor and cover the upcoming referendum and national parliamentary election, officials said. A total of 540 foreign nationals will arrive in the country, including around 60 representatives from foreign election commissions and election-related institutions invited by the Bangladesh Election Commission (EC), about 330 international observers from global organisations, and nearly 150 foreign journalists from 45 international media outlets. Among the EC-invited guests are the chief election commissioners of Bhutan and Nigeria, the chairman of Malaysia’s Election Commission, and the standing committee chairman of the International Conference of Asian Political Parties (ICAPP) from South Korea. Delegations are also expected from Turkey, Malaysia, Indonesia, Nigeria, the Philippines, Georgia, Russia, Sri Lanka, South Africa, Jordan, Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan, Pakistan and Iran. Around 150 foreign journalists will cover the referendum and election, including reporters from Al Jazeera, NHK, BBC News, Associated Press (AP), Reuters, ABC Australia and Deutsche Welle, as well as media organisations from Spain, France, Italy, the Netherlands, Australia, India and Pakistan. International election observers include 223 members from the European Union, 25 from the Commonwealth, 28 from the Asian Network for Free Elections (ANFREL), 12 from the International Republican Institute (IRI), and others from different organisations. The Election Commission said visa arrangements for foreign guests, observers and journalists have already been completed and necessary measures have been taken to ensure they can observe the referendum and election independently and impartially.

Two activists of BNP and Jamaat-e-Islami died on Monday after reportedly suffering heart attacks while participating in separate political rallies in Lakshmipur on the final day of election campaigning. The incidents occurred during mass processions organised by BNP and Jamaat in support of their respective candidates contesting the Lakshmipur-3 (Sadar) constituency. According to hospital and eyewitness sources, Abdus Sahid, a Jamaat activist, fell ill while heading to a Jamaat rally in the South Temuhani area of the town in the afternoon. He was rushed to Lakshmipur Sadar Hospital, where doctors declared him dead. Later in the evening, Obaidul Haque, a BNP activist, reportedly became ill while taking part in a BNP procession in the town. He was also taken to the same hospital and was declared dead by the attending physicians. Lakshmipur Sadar Hospital Residential Medical Officer Dr Arup Pal confirmed the deaths, saying both victims were brought to the hospital in critical condition after suffering heart attacks. Sahid was a resident of North Banchanagar area under Ward No 2 of Lakshmipur municipality. Obaidul Haque was the son of Abdul Munnaf and hailed from the same area. Earlier in the day, Jamaat leaders and activists brought out a procession seeking votes for the party-backed candidate Dr Muhammad Rezaul Karim, a member of Jamaat’s central working committee and the scale symbol candidate of the 11-party alliance in Lakshmipur-3. In the evening, BNP held a separate mass procession from the Adarsha Samad High School area, seeking votes for paddy sheaf candidate Shahid Uddin Chowdhury Aney, joint secretary general of the party and BNP nominee in the constituency. Both rallies marched through the main roads of the town and concluded in the Jhumur area amid slogans in favour of their respective candidates.

Bangladesh and the United States on Monday signed an agreement whereby the US committed to establishing a mechanism for certain textile and apparel goods from Bangladesh using American cotton and man-made fibres to enjoy zero tariff entry into the lucrative US market. At the same time, the agreement reduces the 'Reciprocal Tariff' rate for all other goods between the two nations to 19%.  It was originally set at 37 percent and later reduced to 20 percent in August last year. On the Bangladesh side, the signatories were Commerce Adviser Sheikh Bashir Uddin and National Security Adviser Khalilur Rahman, and on US side Ambassador Jamieson Greer, US Trade Representative. Negotiations on the agreement spanned over nine months since April last year. "The agreement marks a historically new level in our bilateral economic and trade relations. It will provide substantially enhanced access of Bangladesh and the US to each other's respective markets," said Commerce Adviser Sheikh Bashir Uddin, who led the Bangladesh side.  "The reduction of reciprocal tariff from 20 percent to 19 percent will grant further advantage to our exporters, while zero reciprocal tariff on specific textile and apparel exports from Bangladesh will give substantially added impetus to our garments sector," said NSA Rahman, who was the lead negotiator of Bangladesh. The agreement was approved by the Council of Advisers today (Monday) and will be operational once notifications are issued by the two sides. Present during the signing were Commerce Secretary of Bangladesh Mahbubur Rahman and Assistant US trade Representative Brendan Lynch.

Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer Dr Shafiqur Rahman on Monday said that state responsibility is a sacred trust (amanat) and should not be treated as a matter of personal enjoyment. “We must always remember that we are all accountable and will be questioned about our responsibilities,” he said in a televised address on Bangladesh Television ahead of the 12 February national elections. Referring to a famous quote by Hazrat Omar (RA), Dr Rahman said “Even if a dog dies on the banks of the Euphrates without eating, I will be responsible for it,” to capture what will be his governing style. The party remains committed, as commanded by Allah, to establishing justice, InshaAllah, he said. He expressed optimism that people will trust in their promise and vision and support Jamaat-e-Islami and its 11-party alliance in the upcoming elections. “Allah has given us a great opportunity for change. Let us use it wisely, leave behind the politics of the past, and build a new Bangladesh where everyone can live with respect and dignity,” he said. Dr Rahman paid tribute to the martyrs of the July uprising and the Liberation War, and prayed for those injured during these movements. Describing July as a collective outcry against injustice, he said: “People from all walks of life united. We do not want another July. We want a Bangladesh where citizens never have to take to the streets to demand their rights.” He said the youth have the courage, talent, and technological skills needed to build a new Bangladesh. “They are hardworking, fearless, committed to truth, and ready to move the country forward,” he said, urging society to create opportunities that allow young people to contribute meaningfully. Addressing the youth, he added they want to stand shoulder to shoulder in the work of building the nation. The Jamaat Ameer emphasised that national unity is a responsibility, not just a slogan, warning that division weakens the country and deepens injustice.   He criticised what he described as the erosion of democratic practices and the concentration of power over the past decade, claiming citizens were deprived of their voting rights through flawed elections. “When people lose their right to vote, they lose their voice,” he said, referring to the 2014, 2018, and 2024 elections. He added that misuse of state institutions, lack of accountability, and suppression of dissent have undermined democratic norms and public confidence. Dr Rahman also stressed that women’s safety and dignity are essential for national progress. “A society that fails to protect women can never truly advance,” he said, pledging equal opportunities and meaningful participation for women in all sectors. He reaffirmed his commitment to protecting the rights of religious and ethnic minorities, saying all citizens must feel secure regardless of faith or background. “Hindus, Muslims, Buddhists, and Christians—all are citizens of this country, and their rights will be safeguarded,” he added. Addressing members of Tablighi Jamaat, he urged them to actively contribute to nation-building, just as they serve their faith. “We promise that in the future, no one will be able to oppress you with labels or carry out extrajudicial killings. We recognise that your human rights were neglected in the past. Changing this will be a key goal of the new Bangladesh. Your role and contribution to national policies and systems will be strengthened,” he added. Regarding foreign policy, Dr Rahman said Bangladesh would pursue balanced diplomacy based on mutual respect while protecting national sovereignty. He also highlighted the challenges of climate change and reiterated continued humanitarian efforts for Rohingya refugees, alongside diplomatic initiatives for their safe repatriation. He said the country would build international relationships based on equality and respect, honouring the territorial integrity of all nations while prioritising friendship. “Our national interests, dignity, and development goals will guide our international engagements,” he said. Dr Rahman praised expatriate workers for their role in the July uprising, saying: “Even from thousands of miles away, you played a vital role and endured hardships. You have already made history by exercising your voting rights. Without your active participation, our vision of a new Bangladesh will remain incomplete.” He announced plans to hold volunteer representative elections to liaise with embassies and high commissions, advocating for expatriates’ rights and ensuring their voices are heard. “These representatives will safeguard your interests and enable effective participation in national development,” he said. Dr Rahman stressed the need for structural reforms in various sectors and state institutions. To ensure the continuation of these reforms, a referendum will be held alongside the parliamentary elections. He urged citizens to vote ‘Yes’ in this referendum, describing it as an important opportunity to express the general will of the people.

More than one million people, including expatriates have cast their votes through postal ballots till Monday night under ‘Out-of-Country Voting (OCV) and ‘In-Country Postal Voting (ICPV)’ project in the referendum and 13th parliamentary election scheduled to be held on Thursday (February 12). A total of 1,035,687 people, including 512,331 expatriates from more than 120 countries across the world, voted through postal ballots till 9pm on Monday, according to the statistics of the Election Commission. The people who already voted through the postal ballots also include 523,356 government employees working outside their constituencies, polling officials and prisoners. Among the 512,331 expatriates, the highest 158,731 Bangladeshis cast votes through postal ballots from Saudi Arab, while 49,569 from Qatar, 48,291 ones from Malaysia, 45,274 from Oman, 23,877 from United Arab Emirates (UAE), 25,963 from Kuwait, 22,016 from UK, 17,547 from the USA, 16,828 from Bahrain, 14,103 from Italy, 12,253 from Singapore and 10,200 from Canada. The highest 62,708 expatriates cast votes in Cumilla district, while 49,732 in Chattogram, 46,344 in Dhaka, 33,860 in Noakhali, 23,645 in Chandpur and 23,127 in Sylhet. The Election Commission, led by Chief Election Commissioner AMM Nasir Uddin, introduced an IT-supported hybrid postal balloting system, combining digital registration with manual voting, for expatriate Bangladeshis living in more than 120 countries for the first time. The new postal balloting system is also being used by government employees working outside their constituencies, polling officials and individuals under legal custody within the country. A total of 1,528,131 voters, including 767,233 expatriates under OCV programme and 760,898 government officials, polling personnel and prisoners under ICPV programme, were registered for postal voting. A total of 127,298,522 voters (in 299 constituencies) are eligible to cast their ballots in this election. Of them, 64,620,077 are male voters, 62,677,232 are female voters and 1,213 are third-gender voters. The country has a total of 127,711,899 voters (in 300 constituencies) –64,825,154 males, 62,885,525 females and 1,220 third-gender. The Election Commission announced the election schedule on December 11 last year to hold the 13th parliamentary election and the referendum on the July National Charter (Constitutional Reform) Implementation Order simultaneously on February 12, 2026.

BNP Vice Chairman and Feni-3 constituency candidate Abdul Awal Mintoo on Monday said that Bangladesh’s independence and sovereignty are now safe only in the hands of BNP Chairman Tarique Rahman. “Tarique Rahman will be able to govern the country by utilizing the experience of his paternal and maternal clans in running the country,” he said while speaking at an election rally at the Sonagazi Government Mohammad Chhaber Model Pilot High School ground in the afternoon. He added that the upcoming February 12 election will decide the country’s future direction — whether towards economic prosperity or conflict and violence. “If Tarique Rahman comes to power, the country will move towards prosperity. Development will happen regardless of party affiliation,” he said. Abdul Awal Mintoo also urged voters to remain vigilant during polling. “Go to the polling station after Tahajjud and Fajr prayers, ensure the station is guarded, and return home with your vote slip. No one should take away your right to vote through malpractice,” he said. He promised that if elected on the paddy symbol, he would devote himself to developing the constituency, including constructing a flyover in Lalpul, providing gas connections in Sonagazi, establishing an irrigation system, excavating canals, building a women’s college, introducing honors courses at Sonagazi Government Degree College, and improving roads, ghats, and medical facilities. He added that a master plan would be made for the area’s overall development and law and order. The rally was held under the chairmanship of Sonagazi Upazila BNP convener Joynal Abedin Bablu and moderated by member secretary Syed Alam Bhuiyan. BNP Central Executive Committee members Abdul Latif Johnny and Adv. Shahana Akhter Shanu, District Jubo Dal joint conveners Gazi Habib Ullah Manik and Anwar Hossain Patwari, Upazila BNP senior joint convener Jamal Uddin Sentu, and District Krishak Dal General Secretary Shamsuddin Khokon, also addressed the rally.

On the occasion of 47th anniversary of the victory of the Islamic Revolution in Iran (National Day), the Cultural Centre of the Embassy of Iran in Dhaka on Monday hosted a discussion, highlighting the Islamic revolution of Iran and the revival of Islam in the contemporary era. Israfil Amiri, First Counselor, Embassy of the Islamic Republic of Iran in Bangladesh, spoke on the occasion. Prof Dr Mohammad Siddiqur Rahman Khan, Dean, Faculty of Arts, University of Dhaka was present as special guest at the event held at Kabi Sufia Kamal Auditorium of Bangladesh National Museum. Maolana Dr Nazrul Islam Al Maruf, Principal, Mohakhali Darul Ulum Hossainia Kamil Madrasa, Dhaka and Hujjatul Islam wal Muslimeen Syed Ibrahim Khalil Razavi, Principal, Islamic Education Centre, Khulna were present as guests of honor. Seyed Reza Mirmohammadi, Cultural Counsellor, Embassy of Iran, presided over the programme.

Chief Adviser’s Press Secretary Shafiqul Alam on Monday said the wealth statements of advisers to the interim government will be made public within the next couple of days. “As far as I know, all but one or two advisers have already submitted their wealth statements,” he told reporters, adding that the disclosures would be made public within a day or two. The interim government is led by Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus and comprises a 21-member Council of Advisers. In addition, Special Assistants, the Special Envoy to the Chief Adviser, and the National Security Adviser hold the status of advisers. On February 2, Transparency International Bangladesh (TIB) said despite the announcement to establish the practice of disclosing the asset statements of members of the Council of Advisers and government employees, a failure to set a positive example was observed. In a national address delivered two weeks after assuming office in August 2024, Prof Yunus pledged that his government would disclose the asset statements of all advisers at the earliest possible time.

Several Arab and Islamic countries on Monday strongly condemned Israel’s recent steps aimed at tightening its control over the occupied West Bank and expanding Jewish settlements. In a brief statement, Palestinian Vice President Hussein al-Sheikh called on the Arab League Council, the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation and the United Nations Security Council to convene emergency meetings to address what he termed the Israeli government’s “dangerous decisions.” He urged the international community to adopt a unified position to denounce the measures and press for their immediate reversal. Meanwhile, the foreign ministers of eight Arab and Muslim countries sharply criticised what they described as “illegal” Israeli actions designed to entrench settlement activities in the West Bank. In a joint statement, the foreign ministers of Egypt, Jordan, the United Arab Emirates, Indonesia, Pakistan, Türkiye, Saudi Arabia and Qatar reiterated that Israel has no sovereignty over the occupied Palestinian territories. They warned against what they called Israel’s ongoing expansionist policies and illegal practices in the West Bank, expressing their “absolute rejection” of the measures. The ministers said the Israeli decisions represent a clear violation of international law and pose a serious threat to the two-state solution, while also undermining efforts to achieve peace and stability in the region. Women returning to Gaza allege blindfolding, interrogation by Israeli troops at Rafah The statement urged the international community to meet its legal and moral obligations and take action to compel Israel to halt what it described as a dangerous escalation in the occupied West Bank. On Sunday, Israel’s security cabinet approved a series of decisions aimed at changing the legal and civil framework of the West Bank and reinforcing Israeli control over the territory. The measures include repealing a law that banned land sales to Jews, removing the requirement for special permits for such transactions and reviving a state land acquisition committee that had been inactive for nearly two decades. Israel captured the West Bank and East Jerusalem during the 1967 Middle East war. The settlements built there and the continuing military occupation are widely regarded as illegal under international law. Palestinian officials have repeatedly warned that expanding settlements and extending Israeli civilian authority in the West Bank severely undermine prospects for the establishment of an independent Palestinian state.

The 11-party electoral alliance, led by Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islam, on Monday demanded the Election Commission not to slow down mobile internet speed during the referendum and 13th parliamentary election scheduled for February 12 next. “It is being heard that the mobile internet would be slowed down ... .We told them (EC) that they should not issue another letter or circular citing that the internet would be shut down. Such decisions were in fact fascism acts. We won’t like to see it. They told us clearly that such a decision won’t be taken on their part,” said Jamaat Assistant Secretary General Ahsanul Mahboob Zubair. He was briefing reporters after a meeting between a delegation of the 11-party electoral alliance and Chief Election Commissioner AMM Nasir Uddin in the city’s Nirbachan Bhaban. Freedom beckons on Feb 12 as we stand on ruins: Jamaat Ameer in Faridpur The Jamaat leader also said they asked the EC to lift the ban on carrying mobile phones inside the polling stations as well as not to issue any surprise circular that may create concern and doubt among the people. He said the Election Commission issued a sudden directive banning carrying and use of mobile phones by anyone except four personnel within a 400-yard radius of polling stations on polling day “We’ve seen a sudden directive from their part that none can carry or use mobile phones within 400 yards of the polling station, which normally creates worries and concern at all stages. Why is it? We hope that the election will be held in a fair and peaceful manner. But such an announcement pushed everyone into uncertainty,” Zubair said. Referring to repeated assurances by Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus that the election would be the most peaceful, credible and festive in the country’s history, he said the directive contradicted those assurances and caused unnecessary public anxiety. He said they immediately met the Election Commission to discuss the issue. “The EC told us that the matter has been discussed and the directive will be withdrawn,” he added. The Jamaat leader further said their alliance expressed concern over the overall law and order situation in several districts, including Khulna, Natore and Shariatpur, alleging that the conduct of certain law enforcement officials including DIG of Khulna and SPs of Shariatpur and Natore was not conducive to holding a free, fair and acceptable election. They urged the EC to issue necessary instructions to those officials and withdraw them if required, warning that otherwise free and fair voting may not be possible in those areas. Zubair said the alliance also raised the issue of deploying Bangladesh National Cadet Corps (BNCC) members, noting that they have traditionally played a supportive role during elections. Given the importance of this election—with both a referendum and parliamentary polls being held simultaneously—and expected high voter turnout, he stressed the need for deploying maximum supportive forces to ensure a peaceful election. The Election Commission, he said, assured them that necessary steps would be taken. “We hope that no situation should arise that forces us to repeatedly come to the Election Commission. We expect the EC to use its full capacity and take effective measures on the issues we have raised,” Zubair said. Meanwhile, EC Senior Secretary Akhtar Ahmed on Monday night told reporters that the Commission lifted a ban on carrying of mobile phones by candidates, polling agents, journalists and observers within a 400-yard radius of polling stations on polling day. Earlier, the Election Commission banned the carrying and use of mobile phones within a 400-yard radius of polling stations by anyone except for four designated personnel. The directive was issued in a letter signed by Senior Assistant Secretary of the Election Commission Secretariat Md Shahidul Islam, which was sent to the returning officers on Sunday. According to the EC decision, only three categories of personnel will be allowed to carry mobile phones inside polling stations.  They are the presiding officer concerned, the police officer who will be in-charge for security at the station concerned, and two Ansar members (Embodied Ansar/General Ansar/VDP) assigned to use the ‘Election Security 2026’ application. Feb-12 election not for opportunists: Jamaat Ameer

The Embassy of Russia in Dhaka hosted a reception on Monday on the occasion of the Diplomat’s Day celebrated on February 10. In his speech, Russian Ambassador to Bangladesh Alexander Khozin explained the origins of this professional holiday, which dates back to the earliest mention of the first public foreign policy institution in Russia, known as the Ambassadorial Department, in 1549. The head of the Russian diplomatic mission also emphasised the importance of preserving historical heritage, and underlined that Russia finds inspiration in the history of our cordial relations with friendly nations, such as Bangladesh. Foreign Affairs Adviser seeks more investment from Muslim world in education and science The reception was marked by the participation of foreign diplomats posted in Dhaka, officials of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Bangladesh, and other representatives of Bangladeshi authorities. The guests of the Embassy could get a closer look at the history and contemporary realities of Russian diplomacy through the lenses of an exhibition, highlighting the most interesting facts of the country’s Foreign Service.

At least 20 people were injured after a passenger bus lost control and fell into a roadside ditch in Jajira Upazila of Shariatpur on Monday afternoon. The accident took place in the Thandar More area of Jajira Municipality. Quoting locals, police said the Padma Travels bus was traveling from Dhaka to Naria in Shariatpur with around 35 passengers on board. When it reached the Thandar More area, the driver lost control, and the bus overturned into a nearby ditch due to the narrow road caused by ongoing renovation work. At least 20 passengers, including the driver, were injured. BNP leader Shimul Biswas, 3 others injured in Pabna road accident Many passengers escaped by breaking the bus windows. Local residents quickly came to their aid, helping those trapped by breaking windows and doors. Members of the fire service later joined the rescue operation. The injured were taken to Jajira Upazila Health Complex for first aid, while two of the seriously injured were sent to Dhaka Medical College Hospital for advanced treatment. Saleh Ahmed, officer-in-charge (OC) of Jajira Police Station, said police arrived at the scene promptly and arrangements have been made for the injured to receive treatment. The cause of the accident is under investigation. 2 killed in accident on Dhaka–Mawa Expressway

BNP has accused AB Party General Secretary Asaduzzaman Bhuiyan (Fuad), of intimidating voters and attempting to prevent them from going to polling centres in Barishal-3 (Muladi-Babuganj) constituency ahead of the national parliamentary election. A written complaint was submitted to the Barishal district returning officer on Monday afternoon by the BNP candidate, alleging violations of the electoral code of conduct. The complaint was filed on behalf of BNP-nominated candidate and party central vice chairman Zainul Abedin by his chief election agent and Babuganj upazila BNP convener Sultan Ahmed Khan. Relevant information and evidence were also submitted along with the complaint. At least 20 injured in BNP–Jamaat clash in Patuakhali According to the complaint, supporters of Asaduzzaman Bhuiyan have been openly creating fear among voters and threatening them to refrain from going to polling centres on election day. BNP alleged that such activities have spread panic among general voters and raised concerns about disruption of a free and fair election environment. The complaint further alleged that attempts are being made in various areas to influence voters through supporters, which BNP said is contrary to the Election Commission’s code of conduct and existing laws. BNP urged the authorities to conduct an immediate investigation, take legal action, and ensure voters’ safety. Attempts to contact Asaduzzaman Bhuiyan for comments were unsuccessful as he did not respond to repeated phone calls. However, AB Party Barishal district and metropolitan committee member secretary Jewel Rabbi dismissed the allegations, calling them baseless. He claimed that supporters of the BNP candidate were instead attacking and intimidating AB Party leaders, activists and supporters, and termed the complaint “ridiculous.” BNP demands cancellation of Jamaat candidate’s nomination in Sylhet-1

Bangladesh’s foreign exchange reserves have hit a new milestone, crossing $34 billion mark as of Monday (February 9). This growth is largely attributed to a sustained surge in inward remittances and strategic stability in the foreign exchange market. Arif Hossain Khan, Executive Director and Spokesperson of Bangladesh Bank, confirmed that by the close of business on Monday, gross reserves stood at $34.06 billion. Under the IMF’s BPM6 calculation method, the reserves are valued at approximately $29.48 billion. The reserves have shown consistent growth over the past month: February 9: $34.06 billion (BPM6: $29.48 billion) February 2: $33.25 billion (BPM6: $28.75B) January 15: $32.32 billion (BPM6: $28.03 billion) Expatriates remit Tk 200bn via bKash in 2025 While reserves peaked at an all-time high of $48 billion in August 2021, they faced a sharp decline due to money laundering and economic instability, falling to $20.48 billion at the time of the previous government’s fall.  The current recovery marks a significant turnaround for the nation’s economy. The "remittance windfall" continues to be the backbone of this recovery. Following a strong December, expatriates sent over $3 billion in January alone. This momentum has carried into February, with $1.03 billion arriving in the first eight days—a significant jump from the $ 54 percent received during the same period last year. Central bank sources indicate that the current leadership has managed to stabilize the exchange rate at approximately Tk122 per US dollar. Notably, the new governor has not sold a single dollar from the reserves since taking office, allowing the stockpile to grow organically.

The Economic Relations Division (ERD) and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) on Monday signed two project documents — Transformative Economic Policy Programme (TEPP) Phase II and Institutional Strengthening for Promoting Accelerated Transformation (ISPAT) — at the ERD office in the capital. ERD Secretary Md Shahriar Kader Siddiky and UNDP Bangladesh Resident Representative Stefan Liller signed the documents on behalf of their respective organisations. TEPP Phase II will run from January 2026 to March 2028 with a total budget of around US$3.57 million, funded by the UK Government. Politically motivated arbitrary detentions persist under Bangladesh interim govt: HRW According to a UNDP press release, the programme will strengthen Bangladesh’s trade and investment policy ecosystem to support a competitive post-LDC transition. It will enhance trade negotiation capacity, promote evidence-based policy analysis, support institutional reforms and improve the investment climate through the Ministry of Commerce (MoC) and the Bangladesh Investment Development Authority (BIDA). The ISPAT project will be implemented from January 2026 to June 2027 with a budget of US$1.06 million, supported by the Australian Government. The initiative aims to strengthen and modernise the NGO Affairs Bureau through the introduction of digital systems, improved transparency and gender-responsive service delivery. It will also support policy reform and capacity development to enhance NGO oversight and engagement in national development priorities. Speaking at the event, ERD Secretary Md Shahriar Kader Siddiky said, “These initiatives reflect our commitment to a holistic approach to institutional strengthening — building capacity, enhancing transparency and accountability, and fostering evidence-based policymaking. Through these projects, we aim to develop confident and capable institutions and professionals who can effectively support good governance and Bangladesh’s economic transformation, particularly during the post-LDC transition.” UNDP Resident Representative Stefan Liller said, “These two projects are highly strategic and catalytic, strengthening the institutions and policy ecosystems that underpin Bangladesh’s economic transformation and governance reforms. Working closely with the government and development partners, UNDP remains committed to supporting nationally led, forward-looking reforms that will deliver long-term impact.” The signing of the two projects reaffirms the strong partnership between the Government of Bangladesh, UNDP and development partners in advancing the country’s economic transition, strengthening public institutions and promoting transparent, technology-enabled and citizen-centric service delivery. Both TEPP Phase II and ISPAT are expected to play important roles in strengthening governance systems, fostering private sector competitiveness and supporting Bangladesh’s progress towards achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Bangladesh govt urged to halt draft media ordinances, leave it to elected govt

Regretting the party’s unintended mistakes in running the country in the past, BNP Chairman Tarique Rahman on Monday urged voters to cast their votes for the ‘Sheaf of Paddy’ on February-12 election to create a safe and self-reliant Bangladesh by implementing all its plans and programmes. “In the past, with your support, BNP had governed the country several times. While running the state during those periods, there might have been some unintentional mistakes and shortcomings on our part in certain areas. For that, I sincerely express my regret to the people of the country,” he said in a televised address on Bangladesh Television ahead of the February-12 elections. Tarique said learning from past mistakes and building on the party’s achievements, he once again sought support in the national election on February 12 to build a safe Bangladesh for the present and future generations. “For the country and its people, and for you and your family members, I have made various plans, and to implement each of these plans I ask for your support and your vote for the sheaf of paddy,” he said. After his return from abroad, the BNP chief said he made every effort to reach out to people across the country in the limited time available. “I have received your love. I have felt your affection and support for BNP. February 12 will be a day to express your love for BNP once again.” Mentioning the role of BNP founder Ziaur Rahman and former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia in developing the country and restoring democracy, Tarique said, “My humble appeal to everyone that if you love Shaheed Zia, if you love the country’s leader Begum Khaleda Zia, and if you love independence and democracy, then vote for the Sheaf of Paddy in the upcoming national election on February 12.” He said the victory of the ‘Sheaf of Paddy’ will mean the victory of Bangladesh and will ensure a free, sovereign, and independent country. “To continue the success journey of Shaheed Zia and country leader Begum Khaleda Zia, I, together with my party’s leaders and activists, have long been preparing, hands-on, to implement BNP’s political, social, and economic programmes.” The BNP chief said there is no alternative to strictly controlling corruption, establishing the rule of law, and ensuring the accountability of the state and the government to the people in order to implement every plan. “If I get your support in governing the state, the government in the coming days will be accountable to the people. The BNP government, Insha’Allah, will be as strict as possible in controlling corruption in the country. The rule of law will be re-established, Insha’Allah. This is my commitment, and BNP’s commitment, to the people of the country. The reason for my commitment to you is that you are the source of all political power of the BNP,” he said. The pre-recorded speech was aired at 7:15pm on Monday. In his 37-minute address, the BNP chief also outlined his party’s various plans and programmes included in the election manifesto. He recalled that during what he described as the fascist period and the so-called January 7, 2024 election, he had urged citizens to spend the day with their families. Referring to the upcoming national election in a “fascism-free Bangladesh,” he called on voters to cast their ballots for the sheaf of paddy throughout February 12 and encouraged young voters to dedicate their first vote to the BNP’s electoral symbol. He urged democracy-loving citizens to take responsibility for BNP candidates on the election day, saying elected BNP MPs will assume responsibility for the people from the following day, while he himself will ensure that representatives properly fulfill their duties. Tarique reiterated that if the BNP received the public mandate to govern, the party’s guiding principle would be justice inspired by the ideals of the Prophet. “February 12 is the day for establishing the rights of the people of Bangladesh. I pray to Allah for the victory of the sheaf of paddy. Vote for the sheaf of paddy throughout the day on February 12,” he said. Tarique also stressed a vision of a safe Bangladesh for all citizens, irrespective of religion or region, upholding freedom of belief and protection for minorities. Tarique slams rivals, says running a country requires plan, not rhetoric “During the 1971 Liberation War, no one asked about anyone’s religion. In the 2024 struggle to protect freedom, nobody asked about anyone’s religion or religious identity. We believe religion is personal, but the state belongs to everyone. Each citizen can practise their faith according to their belief,” he said. Stating that ensuring peace and security for all citizens is the state’s responsibility, the BNP chief said, “Over the past 55 years, the democratic-minded people of Bangladesh have rejected authoritarianism, religious extremism and radicalism.” He said everyone can work together to build a safe and secure Bangladesh by respecting each person’s religious beliefs and cultural practices. The BNP chairman said this vision reflected the ground-breaking political philosophy--Bangladeshi nationalism—of the country’s independence proclaimer Ziaur Rahman. He also said Bangladesh belonged to its people, regardless of party, opinion, religion, or ethnicity, and all the country’s citizens are Bangladeshis. He highlighted BNP’s commitment to supporting religious leaders across faiths, including financial assistance for imams, khatibs, and moazzins. With the support of people, Tarique said, the BNP had had the opportunity to run the state many times in the past. He said their party founder Ziaur Rahman, after taking on the responsibility of running the country, transformed Bangladesh into a self-reliant nation and had to sacrifice his life for the country’s interest. “My mother, Begum Khaleda Zia, honored the trust given to her by the people, endured imprisonment without compromise, and remained committed to Bangladesh’s welfare. She could have avoided imprisonment, but her heart was with the nation,” the BNP chief observed. In a fascism-free Bangladesh, he said Khaleda Zia wanted to re-establish democracy in the country and ensure the rights of the people. “The time has come for Khaleda Zia’s aspiration to be fulfilled before the freedom-loving democratic people of the country. February 12 will be the day for the establishment of the state and government.” Tarique outlined BNP’s key manifesto promises, including: family cards for women-headed households, farm cards for farmers, employment for the unemployed, financial support until employment is secured, reinstating faith and trust in Allah in the constitution, introducing a card for overseas Bangladeshis, and providing loan facilities to support citizens want to work abroad. He stated the previous the fallen, defeated fascist forces had rendered all constitutional and statutory institutions of the country ineffective and completely politicised the administration. BNP only party capable of rebuilding country, says Tarique Rahman The BNP leader said under BNP’s governance, every constitutional institution will operate according to constitutional rules, and administration will not be politicised; instead, rules of administration and promotions will be based on merit and ability. Tarique also mentioned that if public administration is not established on a proper foundation, no productive outcomes can be achieved. “We have already stated in our manifesto presented to the people that if the BNP assumes the responsibility of running the government based on the people’s verdict, the national pay scale for government officers and employees will be announced and implemented in a timely manner,” he said. He concluded his speech with a religious invocation, appealing for blessings and welfare for all citizens: “More than 90 percent of Bangladeshis are Muslims. Our prayer to Allah is: O Allah, grant us goodness in this world and the Hereafter, and save us from the punishment of Hell.” He said late president Ziaur Rahman had enshrined full trust in Almighty Allah in the constitution which was removed by the previous despotic government. “With Allah’s mercy, if BNP is entrusted to govern after February 12, full trust in Allah will be reinstated in the constitution, Inshallah.” Tarique Rahman urged the country’s people to be vigilant against attempts to mislead the faithful and concluded his address by appealing to the people to vote for the Sheaf of Paddy in the upcoming election.

In a strategic move to stimulate the interbank call money market, Bangladesh Bank has announced a reduction in the lower limit of its interest rate corridor. The decision, aimed at discouraging commercial banks from keeping idle funds with the central bank, was detailed in a circular issued by the Monetary Policy Department on February 9, 2026. According to the circular, the Standing Deposit Facility (SDF) rate which acts as the floor of the corridor has been slashed by 50 basis points, moving from 8 percent to 7.50 percent. Bangladesh Bank buys another $196.5 million to stabilize forex market The central bank observed that many commercial banks were opting to park their excess liquidity in the SDF rather than lending to other banks or the private sector. This trend has been hindering the dynamism of the interbank call money market. By lowering the SDF rate, the central bank is making it less attractive for banks to hold cash at the central bank, effectively nudging them to provide credit elsewhere. The 113th meeting of the Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) finalized the structure for the interest rate corridor. The central bank expects this move to streamline liquidity management and ensure a more robust flow of funds within the financial system. These new rates are scheduled to officially come into effect on February 15, 2026. The circular was signed by Md. Shadrul Hassan, Director of the Monetary Policy Department, and has been dispatched to the Managing Directors and CEOs of all banks and financial institutions. Bangladesh Bank keeps policy rate at 10% as inflation risks persist

Bangladesh Navy, in a special drive, seized about five lakh pieces of Yaba tablets worth around Tk 25 crore from Hnila Union of Teknaf upazila in Cox’s Bazar district. Acting on a tip-off, a Navy contingent chased a trafficking gang from the northern side of the Naf River and seized several bags containing the contraband, the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) Directorate said on Monday. Subsequently, the Navy members searched the bags in the presence of officials from the Narcotics Control Department and recovered a total of five lakh pieces of Yaba tablets. The estimated street value of the seized drugs is about Tk 25 crore, according to the ISPR. Yaba is also sold on the street for as low as Tk 300, bringing the value of the haul at Tk 15 crore. 6 Bangladeshi peacekeepers killed, 8 injured in attack on UN Base in Sudan: ISPR However, no arrests were made in connection with the seizure, and necessary legal action is underway. The Bangladesh Navy continues its drives and patrols within its respective jurisdictions to strengthen the overall security system across the country, prevent criminal activities, and maintain law and order ahead of the upcoming 13th national election and referendum. The Navy remains vigilant in coastal and border areas against drug traffickers, and such operations will be intensified in the future, the ISPR added. Joint forces arrest 278 across Bangladesh in weeklong drive: ISPR

After 19 days of rallies, manifestos and fervent campaigning, the electoral marathon in Bangladesh is set to draw to a close on Tuesday morning. With just 48 hours remaining before voters head to the polls for the parliamentary elections on Thursday, political fervour has reached its peak, marking the final stretch of a high-stakes democratic contest. The restriction came into effect at 7:30am as per the parliamentary election code of conduct for political parties and candidates rule, 2025. According to the code of conduct, any political party, candidate or any person on their behalf can’t carry out any sort of electioneering three weeks before the balloting day and the electoral campaign must be completed 48 hours before the balloting starts. The official election campaign by political parties and candidates started on January 22 after the allocation of election symbols on the previous day. The voting in Thursday's election will start at 7:30 am and continue till 4:30 pm without any break. The 13th parliamentary election and referendum will be held on February 12 in 299 constituencies across the country using transparent ballot boxes and ballot papers. Voting will be held in 299 seats instead of 300 as the Election Commission cancelled the election in Sherpur-3 following the death of a Jamaat-e-Islami candidate.  Ban on Vehicular Movement The EC imposed restrictions on the plying of motorcycles across the country three days before and after the national election. Motorbike movement will remain prohibited from midnight on February 10 until midnight on February 13, according to the EC directives issued on January 27. Besides, the movement of four types of  vehicles —trucks, microbuses, taxi-cab and motorcycles — will remain suspended for 24 hours on election day. Meanwhile, the restriction was also imposed on the movement of vessels on Election Day. Besides, no candidate or their supporters will be allowed to set up election camps or conduct campaigns within 400 yards of any polling station. Candidates or anyone on their behalf cannot use any vehicles to bring voters to the polling station on the voting day. Law Enforcers’ Deployment Nearly one million members from the armed forces and different law enforcement agencies remain deployed across the country for seven days from February 8 (Sunday) to maintain law and order as well as contain violation of electoral code of conduct in the referendum and parliamentary elections scheduled for February 12. Besides, 1,051 executive magistrates were deployed throughout the country for the seven days from February 8 to 14 to prevent and punish the violation of the election code. A total of 970,948 security persons were deployed from February 8 for election duty, according to the statistics of the Election Commission. The security personnel include 100,003 Army personnel, 5000 Navy personnel, 3730 Air Force members, 37,453 BGB personnel, 3,585 Coast Guard members, 187,603 police members, 9,349 Rab members, 576,483 Ansar and VDP members, 1922 BNCC cadets and 45,820 Chowkidar and Dafadar. According to a recent government circular, the armed forces, BGB, Coast Guard, Rab, police, Armed Police Battalion (APBn) and Ansar Battalions would work as mobile and striking forces to maintain peace and order in the election areas. BGB, Rab, APBn and Ansar battalions would operate on district, upazila and thana levels, while the Coast Guard would be deployed in coastal areas. Outside the metropolitan areas, a team of 16–17 police and Ansar members will be deployed at each normal polling station, while 17–18 personnel will be posted at every vulnerable polling station, according to the EC. In metropolitan areas, 16 security personnel –police and ansar members-- will be deployed at a normal polling station and 17 personnel at each vulnerable polling station. In remote areas of 25 districts, a team of 16–18 police and Ansar members will be deployed at each polling station. 1M Cast Votes by Post The Election Commission, led by Chief Election Commissioner AMM Nasir Uddin, introduced an IT-supported hybrid postal balloting system, combining digital registration with manual voting, for expatriate Bangladeshis living in more than 120 countries for the first time. The new postal balloting system is also being used by government employees working outside their constituencies, polling officials and individuals under legal custody within the country. More than one million people have already cast their votes through postal ballots. As of 8:00pm on Monday, a total of 1,031,269 voters including 511,757 expatriates cast their votes through postal ballots in the 13th parliamentary election. A total of 1,528,131 voters, including 767,233 expatriates under the Out-of-Country Voting (OCV) programme and 760,898 government officials, polling personnel and prisoners under the In-Country Postal Voting (ICPV) programme, were registered for postal voting.  A total of 127,298,522 voters (in 299 constituencies) are eligible to cast their ballots in this election. Of them, 64,620,077 are male voters, 62,677,232 are female voters and 1,213 are third-gender voters. The country has a total of 127,711,899 voters (in 300 constituencies) –64,825,154 males, 62,885,525 females and 1,220 third-gender. Nearly 800,000 officials will be engaged in election duties in more than 42,600 polling stations in the 299 constituencies on Thursday next, while nearly another 800,000 security personnel will protect the polling stations. Meanwhile, some 50,000 observers from 80 registered domestic organisations will monitor the election, while nearly 500 foreign observers are expected to oversee the election. The Election Commission announced the election schedule on December 11 last year to hold the 13th parliamentary election and the referendum on the July National Charter (Constitutional Reform) Implementation Order simultaneously on February 12, 2026.

Former Director General of the Bangladesh Institute of Development Studies (BIDS) Dr KAS Murshid on Monday warned weak reform delivery and institutional gaps remain major barriers to sustained development. “Ensuring macroeconomic stability in Bangladesh requires stronger attention to micro-level realities, institutions and implementation capacity,” he said. Speaking at a discussion titled “Macroeconomic Insights: An Economic Reform Agenda for the Elected Government”, he said policymakers often focus on macro indicators such as interest rates, inflation and balance of payments, but tend to overlook the “micro foundations” that underpin them. “In a development context, neglecting critical micro variables in the real sector, markets and institutions can quickly destabilise the broader economy,” he said. The Policy Research Institute of Bangladesh (PRI) and Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) of the Australian Government jointly organized the event. Murshid noted that sudden shocks at the micro level, such as a sharp rise in food imports, can significantly affect the country’s external balance, illustrating how closely linked macroeconomic stability is with sectoral performance and institutional efficiency. Highlighting Bangladesh’s reform experience, Dr Murshid observed that major policy reforms historically gained momentum mainly during periods of external pressure, particularly when backed by international financial institutions. Political economy constraints and fear of backlash often discourage governments from initiating difficult reforms independently, he said. However, with the country preparing for LDC graduation and facing gaps in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals, he stressed that the need for urgent reforms will increasingly come from internal pressures rather than external compulsion. “Macroeconomic stability is far more complex than maintaining a few indicators. It depends on how effectively institutions, markets and the real sector function together,” he said. He emphasised that the main challenge is not identifying reforms but delivering them. While successive governments have spoken about initiatives such as one-stop services, special economic zones, financial sector restructuring and public service digitalisation, actual progress has been limited and often partial. Even in areas presented as successes, such as digitalisation, he said systems frequently revert to manual processes, undermining intended efficiency gains. To address implementation gaps, Dr Murshid suggested focusing on a limited number of core reforms instead of attempting sweeping changes across all sectors simultaneously. Demonstrating success through targeted efforts could build public confidence and create momentum for broader reforms, he said. He also proposed establishing an independent regulatory reform commission to research policy options, assess reform proposals and provide objective evaluations. According to him, the absence of a neutral third-party mechanism means the same institutions are responsible for designing, implementing and monitoring reforms, which weakens accountability. Another major gap, he said, is the lack of structured mechanisms within ministries to review policy recommendations coming from economists, researchers and the private sector. Although many proposals are submitted, there is often no systematic process to assess them or translate them into action. He stressed that reforms must clearly identify who benefits, whether youth, women, workers or specific income groups, rather than assuming that all projects help everyone equally. Policymakers also need to pinpoint the main constraints in each sector, such as access to credit, infrastructure deficits, skills shortages or political resistance. Pointing to resistance from vested interests, he said even relatively small changes, such as reforms in traffic management systems, can face strong pushback. Without proper stakeholder engagement and complementary policy measures, new initiatives risk failure. He suggested piloting reforms on a small scale to test effectiveness before scaling them up nationwide, especially when introducing new approaches. At the same time, the government can reactivate underperforming existing projects where spending has been high but outcomes remain limited. Restoring confidence in the economy will also be critical, he said, noting that uncertainty around elections and the broader political environment has held back private investment. Preventing instability and maintaining policy continuity will be key to encouraging investment in the coming months. He added that changing global geopolitics and economic shifts will require Bangladesh to diversify its economic base over time, although this transition will not be immediate. Beyond economic indicators, Dr Murshid warned that social challenges could undermine development gains if not addressed. Youth unemployment, growing social tensions and rising concerns over issues such as online gambling, gang activity and gender-based violence pose risks that can weaken the micro foundations of the economy. “These social dimensions are not separate from the economy. They shape the very base on which stability rests,” he said, adding that the next government will need to address these concerns alongside economic reforms to ensure sustainable progress.  

Finance Adviser Dr Salehuddin Ahmed on Monday said that Bangladesh’s economy remains largely stable despite significant challenges, emphasising that sustained reforms, stronger institutions and political commitment from the next government are key for long-term growth. “The economy was at the verge of collapsing. We are managing the situation, but the challenges are real and require careful and consistent policy support,” he said. Speaking at a discussion meeting in the capital titled ‘Macroeconomic Insights: An Economic Reform Agenda for the Elected Government’ held at a hotel in the capital this afternoon, he said the country has managed to maintain overall macroeconomic stability amid multiple domestic and global pressures. He, however, warned that the challenges remain serious and should not be underestimated. The Policy Research Institute of Bangladesh (PRI) and Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) of the Australian Government jointly organised the event. Presided over by Chairman of the PRI Dr. Zaidi Sattar, Dr KAS Murshid, Former Director General of Bangladesh Institute of Development Studies (BIDS), Clinton Pobke, Deputy High Commissioner, High Commission of Australia to Bangladesh, spoke as special guests. Dr Ashikur Rahman, Principal Economist, PRI, made the keynote presentation.Dr Fahmida Khatun, Executive Director, Centre for Policy Dialogue (CPD), Dr M Masrur Reaz, Chairman and CEO, Policy Exchange Bangladesh (PEB), spoke as distinguished panelists. Dr Salehuddin noted that Bangladesh has shown resilience in the face of post-pandemic disruptions, geopolitical tensions, energy price volatility and tighter global financial conditions. He said prudent macroeconomic management has helped the country navigate a difficult period without slipping into a deeper crisis. Referring to inflationary pressure, balance of payments constraints and fiscal stress, the adviser said such issues are not unique to Bangladesh. “Many countries are going through similar problems. What matters most is how we respond through reforms and institutional strengthening,” he added. He said the interim government has prioritised stabilising the macroeconomy, maintaining fiscal discipline, managing foreign exchange pressures and ensuring that essential economic activities continue without major disruption. “We have tried to take balanced decisions so that the economy continues to function while also protecting vulnerable groups,” he said. Highlighting revenue mobilisation as a major concern, Dr Salehuddin pointed out that Bangladesh’s tax-to-GDP ratio remains very low compared to peer economies. He said this limits the government’s ability to finance development and public services. “It is extremely difficult to run a modern state with such a low level of revenue collection,” he said, stressing the need for comprehensive tax reforms, expansion of the tax base and improved compliance. The adviser also underscored institutional weaknesses and poor coordination among agencies as key barriers to reform implementation. “We write reports and make recommendations, but implementation remains the hardest part,” he observed, adding that strengthening institutions is far more challenging than drafting policies. He said without strong and accountable institutions, even well-designed policies fail to deliver the expected outcomes, emphasising the need for political consensus to carry forward meaningful reforms. Dr Salehuddin described the banking sector as one of the weakest areas of the economy, citing governance problems, high levels of non-performing loans and lack of accountability as factors that have eroded public confidence over the years. “These problems have accumulated over a long time. Fixing them will require time, strong oversight and political courage,” he said. On public expenditure, he stressed the importance of prioritisation, noting that limited resources require careful selection of projects and spending areas. “Everything cannot be done at once. We must decide what matters most for the country and move forward accordingly,” he said. The adviser said the government has tried to avoid populist measures and instead focus on maintaining stability and ensuring long-term sustainability. “Policy-making is never easy. Every decision involves trade-offs,” he added. He acknowledged that public expectations from the government remain high but warned that unrealistic expectations can create additional pressure. “Economic recovery and reform require patience, consistency and continuity,” he said. Dr Salehuddin also highlighted the importance of private sector development, saying entrepreneurs, like farmers, are hardworking and capable but need proper incentives, access to finance and a predictable policy environment to invest and expand. “The government must support productive investment and create conditions where businesses can grow.” He noted that Bangladesh has made significant progress over the years in poverty reduction, infrastructure development, export growth and improvements in social indicators, adding that these achievements provide a strong foundation for future advancement. Looking ahead, he said the next elected government will have to focus on deep structural reforms, strengthening governance, improving revenue collection, restoring discipline in the financial sector and enhancing policy coordination. “The next government must take tough decisions. There is no alternative to reform if we want sustainable growth and stability,” he said. Expressing optimism, the finance adviser said Bangladesh has the capacity to overcome its current challenges. “We have resilient people, a hardworking workforce and strong potential. With the right policies and political commitment, we can move forward.” He urged all stakeholders to act in the broader national interest and support necessary reforms, saying the country’s future depends on collective efforts rather than any single government or group.  

Sylhet Metropolitan BNP on Monday demanded the cancellation of the nomination of Jamaat-e-Islami candidate Moulana Habibur Rahman in the Sylhet-1 constituency, alleging concealment of information in his affidavit ahead of the 13th national parliamentary election. BNP leaders submitted a written complaint to Sylhet Deputy Commissioner and Returning Officer Md Sarwar Alam, seeking cancellation of the nomination and legal action against the candidate. The complaint was lodged by Sylhet Metropolitan BNP acting president Rezaul Hasan Qayes Lodi. According to the complaint, Moulana Habibur Rahman stated in his affidavit that he is neither a director nor a shareholder of any company and has no liabilities or outstanding loans. However, BNP alleged that records of the Joint Stock Companies and Firms show him as a director of Ibn Sina Hospital Sylhet Limited and a shareholder of Al Haramah Medical Services Limited. Sylhet Jamaat rally sees unprecedented participation of women The complaint further claimed that Ibn Sina Hospital Sylhet Limited has taken loans amounting to around Tk 24.01 crore from various banks and financial institutions, which remain outstanding. BNP alleged that the candidate concealed these crucial details in his affidavit. Lodi said providing false information in an affidavit is a punishable offence under criminal law and has misled voters and election authorities. He said the BNP has requested the returning officer to properly investigate the allegations and take necessary legal action, including cancellation of the nomination.

Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus on Monday congratulated Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi on the historic and landslide victory of Liberal Democratic Party (LDP), noting that the Bangladesh government looks forward to working closely with her administration to strengthen Dhaka-Tokyo partnership further. “The government of Bangladesh looks forward to working closely with your administration to further strengthen our partnership, deepen economic and technological cooperation, and advance our shared priorities for mutual benefit,” he said in a message to Takaichi. Takaichi’s governing party secured a two-thirds supermajority in parliamentary elections. Feb-12 polls must be fair, with no room for bias: Prof Yunus The landslide victory was due, in large part, to the extraordinary popularity of Japan’s first female prime minister, and allowed her to pursue a significant conservative shift in Japan’s security, immigration and other policies. “On behalf of the government and the people of Bangladesh, and on my own behalf, I extend my warmest congratulations on the historic and landslide victory of Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) under your leadership in the election to the House of Representatives held on 8 February 2026,” Prof Yunus said. He said this decisive mandate reflects the strong confidence and trust placed in her leadership and vision by the people of Japan. “I am confident that, under your continued stewardship, Japan will further advance stability, prosperity, and constructive engagement both regionally and globally,” Prof Yunus said. He said Bangladesh attaches highest importance to its long-standing and trusted partnership with Japan. “We remain deeply appreciative of Japan's consistent support for Bangladesh's development, including our cooperation in quality infrastructure and connectivity, which has made a lasting contribution to our people and economy,” said the Chief Adviser. Prof Yunus conveyed her best wishes for her good health and success, and for the continued peace, progress, and well-being of the people of Japan. Spain’s deadly train crash saddens Prof Yunus

Independent candidate for the Dhaka-9 constituency Dr Tasnim Jara has alleged that the Election Commission’s decision to ban mobile phones is effectively creating opportunities for irregularities in the electoral process. In a Facebook post on Monday afternoon, she wrote that the sudden decision to ban mobile phones within 400 yards of polling stations is unreasonable, anti-people and contrary to fair elections. She demanded the immediate withdrawal of the decision. Explaining why the decision is unacceptable, she pointed out several concerns: Public transport will be closed on election day, forcing voters to travel from far and wide on foot or by rickshaw. If voters arrive with mobile phones by mistake, they will be turned back from 400 yards away, making it impossible for them to return to the polling centre after leaving their phones. She described this as a strategy to discourage voter turnout. In the context of Bangladesh, mobile phones serve as a form of protection for ordinary citizens. In cases of irregularities or harassment near polling centres, phones are the only means to record videos or take photos. By banning phones, she alleged, the Commission is effectively creating opportunities for irregularities. She noted that the ban poses particular risks for women voters who come alone, as going out without mobile phones compromises their security. As a result, many women voters may refrain from voting due to safety concerns. Tasnim Jara promises ‘no service, no bill’ gas policy To protect the secrecy of the ballot, she argued, it would have been sufficient to ban the use of phones inside polling booths. A complete ban within a 400-yard radius, she said, is unnecessary. She also alleged that, under the pretext of checking phones, opportunities are being created to harass ordinary voters and polling agents. Taking such a decision without consultation just before the vote, she claimed, is deliberate. In the interest of a free and fair election, Dr Jara strongly demanded the immediate cancellation of the decision. “Give the voters the opportunity to vote without fear and without hindrance,” she said.

Remittance inflows to Bangladesh have seen a massive spike in February ahead of election and Ramadan, expatriates sent US $1.03 billion remittance in the first 8 days of the month. Arif Hossain Khan, spokesperson for Bangladesh Bank, told UNB on Monday, expatriates sent $1.03 billion in the first 8 days of February. In the same period of February in 2025, expatriates sent $671 million. It means remittance growth by 53.9 percent in 8 days February this year, compared to the previous (2025). Bangladesh so far in the current fiscal year FY2025-26, received $20.46 billion, which was $16.63 billion in FY 2024-25. It means remittance growth by 23 percent in 7 months of FY 2025-26. Bangladesh sees remittance surge to $2.71 billion in January

Bangladesh’s capital market closed on a positive note on Monday, with indices at both the Dhaka Stock Exchange (DSE) and Chittagong Stock Exchange (CSE) posting notable gains amid higher turnover and broad-based price appreciation. At the DSE, the benchmark DSEX advanced by 82 points. The Shariah-based DSES index rose 11 points, while the blue-chip DS30 gained 33 points. Gainers dominated the market as prices of 327 companies increased against declines in 37 issues, while shares of 33 companies remained unchanged. Stocks open week lower at DSE, CSE despite gains in majority shares The turnover at the premier bourse jumped by about Tk 168 crore to Tk 646 crore, compared to Tk 478 crore in the previous session. In the block market, shares of 27 companies worth Tk 22 crore were traded, with Asiatic Laboratories Limited accounting for the highest turnover at around Tk 5 crore. Sharp Industries PLC topped the DSE gainers’ list with nearly a 10 percent rise, while Islami Bank Bangladesh PLC ended as the worst loser, shedding around 7 percent. The upbeat trend was mirrored at the CSE, where the broad-based CASPI index climbed 109 points. Out of the traded issues, prices of 130 companies advanced against declines in 41, while shares of 21 companies remained unchanged. The turnover at the port city bourse also increased to Tk 8 crore from Tk 6 crore in the previous session. AFC Agro Biotech Limited emerged as the top gainer at the CSE with a 10 percent price jump, while Northern Islami Insurance PLC ended at the bottom, losing 10 percent. Stocks open higher as DSE, CSE indices gain in first hour