The government will deploy additional security forces along with drones, CCTV cameras and dog squads, at sensitive polling centres to ensure a peaceful national election, Home Adviser Lieutenant General (retd) Jahangir Alam Chowdhury said on Monday. Jahangir Alam said the National Telecommunication Monitoring Centre’s Election Security App 2026 would also be operational during the polls. He instructed the authorities to take firm action against miscreants or terrorists attempting to disrupt or influence the election process. He asked officials to remain vigilant to prevent even minor lapses that could damage public confidence or the country’s image. He warned that no negligence, gap or deviation in election security management would be tolerated.

The holy Shab-e-Barat, the night of fortune, will be observed throughout the country on Tuesday with due religious fervour and devotion. On this occasion, the Islamic Foundation has chalked out programs at the Baitul Mukarram National Mosque here. The foundation will hold waz (religious sermons), doa-mahfil, special prayers, recitation from the Holy Quran and Hamd-Naat at Baitul Mukarram National Mosque on Tuesday evening. Besides, religious sermons centering the Shab-e-Barat will be delivered at different mosques after Maghrib prayers alongside holding special munajat after Isha prayers on Tuesday in the country. On this night, a huge number of devotees visit the nearest graveyards and offer special doa and munajat seeking eternal peace of the departed souls of their near and dear ones.

Special Assistant to the Chief Adviser Professor Dr Ali Riaz on Monday said that "July National Charter" is not merely a document, it is a roadmap for Bangladesh's future, as it has been written in exchange for the blood of young people. He stated that through the implementation of this charter, the foundation of an accountable and democratic system of governance will be further strengthened. Prof Ali Riaz said Bangladesh's youth continue their struggle with the goal of ensuring that future generations can live in an accountable democratic state system. He emphasized that implementing the July National Charter is essential to establish an independent and effective Anti-Corruption Commission. Rajshahi University Vice-Chancellor (VC) Saleh Hasan Naqib, along with teachers, senior administrators, RUCSU representatives and students, also spoke at the event.

A court has imposed a travel ban on six officials, including a director of Petrobangla and the managing director of Essential Drugs Company Limited (EDCL), in connection with three separate allegations of corruption, accumulation of illegal wealth, and money laundering. According to ACC Assistant Director Piyas Pal, Petrobangla Director Rafiqul Islam is accused of selling information on the country’s gas reserves to foreigners, providing illegal gas connections, and amassing Tk 1 billion in illegal assets through irregularities in recruitment and promotion. In the petition, the ACC stated that reliable sources indicated Rafiqul Islam could flee the country at any time. In addition, investigations are under way into allegations of money laundering against the chairman, managing director, and four other officials of International Leasing, identified as close associates of Prashanta Kumar (P K) Halder. ACC Deputy Director Moshiur Rahman sought travel bans on them, citing concerns that they might leave the country.

The Ministry of Fisheries and Livestock has said that the government has not approved indoor or artificial ilish farming, clarifying that no such initiative has received official clearance so far. In a press release issued on Monday, the ministry said it has seriously reviewed the issue amid recent discussions and reports published in newspapers, online media and social media regarding indoor or artificial cultivation of ilish. The ministry said a meeting on indoor, fully controlled and intensive cultivation of ilish and other marine fish using the Recirculating Aquaculture System (RAS) technology was held at the Ministry of Fisheries and Livestock on Sunday. It added that there is currently no government policy decision or approval regarding RAS or any other indoor, fully controlled or intensive method of hilsa farming. As such, no individual or institution has been granted permission to cultivate ilish using these methods.

The government will not take any decision that goes against the national interest in managing the country’s ports, Shipping Adviser Brigadier General (retd) Dr M Sakhawat Hossain said on Monday. Referring to the ongoing situation at Chittagong Port, the adviser said those involved in creating the situation are being investigated. “Due to the current situation, port activities have been disrupted, and the Chittagong Port Authority is working to resolve the issue,” he said. Calling on all concerned to keep the port operational in the greater national interest, he said the people of the country are suffering because of the disruptions. He reiterated that the current government would not implement any decision that goes against the country’s interests and described the situation as undesirable.

Justice Mamnoon Rahman of the High Court Division of the Supreme Court has resigned after remaining away from judicial duties for more than a year. According to relevant sources, Justice Mamnoon Rahman, who is currently residing in Canada, sent his resignation from there. It is reported that Justice Mamnoon Rahman had been absent from his workplace without leave for over a year. It may be noted that, following the submission of a complaint to the Supreme Judicial Council, Justice M R Hasan was also placed on leave earlier this month. In addition to the thirteen justices currently on leave, two other justices had been voluntarily absent from their duties—Justice Mamnoon Rahman was one of them.

A Dhaka court on Monday sent Biman Bangladesh Airlines Managing Director and CEO Shafiqur Rahman, his wife Bithi, and two house help to jail over the torture of an 11-year-old house help. Dhaka Metropolitan Magistrate Raju Ahmed rejected their bail petitions, sending the accused — including the house help — to prison, confirmed SI Tahmina Akhter of the prosecution department. The four were arrested late Sunday night in Uttara and produced before the court by SI Roman Mia of Uttara West Police Station, who sought their detention. Defense lawyer Advocate Zakir Hossain argued that Shafiqur, a government official, was rarely at home, and neither he nor his ailing wife was involved. He added that the victim had been returned to her family in good condition and the accused were unaware of any abuse.

The Armed Forces War Course (AFWC) Wing was formally inaugurated at its newly established campus in Dhaka Cantonment on Monday. The Wing will continue its academic and training activities at the new campus while remaining an integral part of the National Defence College. The inauguration of the Armed Forces War Course at its new campus marks a major step forward in strengthening institutional capacity for strategic-level education and training. The presence of the chiefs of the three Services at the inauguration underscores the importance of jointness, interoperability, and professional excellence within the Armed Forces. The event reaffirms the Armed Forces of Bangladesh's commitment to continuous professional development, modern military education, and the strengthening of national defense institutions.

Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer Dr. Shafiqur Rahman spoke an election rally at Sitakunda Government High School ground in Chattogram. Photo: BSSCHATTOGRAM, Feb 2, 2026 (BSS) - Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer Dr. Shafiqur Rahman said the people of Chattogram will take right decision on February 12 and those who envisioned a new Bangladesh will bring the 11-party alliance to power. Dr. Shafiqur Rahman emphasized the need to honor and value mothers as they are the pillars of society. At the conclusion of his speech, Jamaat Ameer Dr. Shafiqur Rahman introduced the candidates for the seven seats in Chattogram North. Organised by Chattogram North District Jamaat-e-Islami, the meeting was chaired by its Ameer Alauddin Sikder.

File PhotoDHAKA, Feb 02, 2026 (BSS) – A court here today imposed a travel ban on former chief justice ABM Khairul Haque and seven others over graft charges. Dhaka Metropolitan Senior Special Judge Md Sabbir Faiz passed the order, allowing a plea of the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC). The application said the accused, acting in collusion and without lawful authority of RAJUK, abused their entrusted powers with dishonest intent to benefit themselves or others, committing criminal misconduct and breach of trust. Through such abuse, they restored the allotment of a previously cancelled plot in the name of former chief justice ABM Khairul Haque and, in violation of the relevant clauses of the allotment notice and prospectus, illegally waived Taka 4, 74,000 in interest, causing financial loss to the government. It further said the accused may flee abroad, and therefore a travel ban is necessary in the interest of a fair investigation, as their departure could obstruct the collection of vital records and hamper the inquiry.

Home Adviser Lieutenant General (Retd) Md Jahangir Alam Chowdhury today ‍spoke at a Barishal divisional law and order meeting at the auditorium of the Barishal Shilpakala Academy. Photo : BSSBARISHAL, Feb 2, 2026 (BSS) - Home Adviser Lieutenant General (Retd) Md Jahangir Alam Chowdhury today reiterated the government's readiness to hold the forthcoming national election in a free, fair, impartial, peaceful and festive manner with the deployment of around nine lakh law enforcers across the country. "Preparation is well enough to hold the next parliament election in a free, fair, peaceful, impartial and festive manner," he said. The Home Adviser made the remarks after holding a Barishal divisional law and order meeting at the auditorium of the Barishal Shilpakala Academy here. He said the next general election would be held peacefully and in a festive atmosphere with the cooperation of all concerned.

C2S2 is one of the only undergraduate-led chip design teams in the country, according to Daniel Kaminski ’27, the team lead. Founded through the Shen Fund for Social Impact, the team aims to democratize chip design education by giving students hands-on experience with the complete semiconductor development process. The team emerged from a push by Google and Efabless to make chip design accessible through open-source, publicly available design kits. “When we first joined, our subteam leaders would drill into us that we have to make our presentations look a certain way,” Xu said. “It draws people’s attention to the important things … it’s a clear way of communicating.”Most team members pursue careers in chip design after graduation, with many alumni now working in the semiconductor industry.

The Chief Advisor’s Office (CAO) has recorded 274 violent incidents and five killings nationwide following the announcement of the parliamentary election schedule, according to data covering Dec 12 to Feb 1. Clashes between rival supporters were the most frequent form of violence, accounting for 89 incidents, in the assessment up to 9pm on Sunday. Attacks on minority groups occurred in one case, and 70 incidents fell into other categories. Comparing past elections, the CAO noted fluctuations in violence levels: the 2014 national election saw 530 violent events, the 2018 poll had 414, and the last recorded 534. The CAO noted that crude and petrol bomb explosions, as well as gunfire, were recorded across different election periods, highlighting the persistent risk of political violence.

Saiful Islam Alif -File photoCHATTOGRAM, Feb 2, 2026 (BSS) – The trial in the murder case of lawyer Saiful Islam Alif began today with the testimony of his father, Jamal Uddin, who is also the plaintiff. All the accused, except Chandan Kumar Dhar, alias Chinmoy Krishna Das, who is in jail, were present in court under tight security. The case stems from a clash on November 26, 2024, at a Chattogram court, following the rejection of bail for Chinmoy Krishna Das in a sedition case. The altercation escalated into a violent confrontation in the court vicinity, resulting in the tragic death of lawyer Saiful Islam Alif in the Khalifa Patti area. Subsequently, Alif’s father filed a murder case against 31 individuals, while his brother filed another case under the Vandalism and Explosives Act.