BNP on Wednesday warned that any attempt to obstruct Thursday’s elections or create any disorder would face mass resistance from people, stressing that a firm stance by the Election Commission (EC) is crucial to ensure a peaceful polling environment. The BNP leader said the Election Commission should take strict measures to prevent any attempt to thwart the elections. “Those who do not want change may attempt to thwart the elections. That is why the Election Commission must take firm measures,” he said, replying to a question. During the meeting, BNP complained to the EC about violations of the electoral code in several places in the country.

He urged voters to come to the polling centres in groups and exercise their right to vote in a festive atmosphere. He also called upon the young voters to actively attend the polling centres and exercise their democratic rights. About the overall preparation for the elections, Election Commissioner Md Anwarul Islam Sarkar told BSS that the Commission has already completed all preparations for the national elections and referendum. At least 394 international election observers and 197 foreign journalists have arrived in Bangladesh to observe the elections and the referendum. The number of international observers for the 13th general polls is more than double that of the controversial general election held on January 7, 2024.

MONTREAL, Feb 11, 2026 (BSS/AFP) - Nine people were killed Tuesday in a remote part of western Canada, including seven who were shot at a secondary school and two others found dead at a residence, federal police said. An individual believed to be responsible for the killing in Tumbler Ridge, British Columbia, was found deceased with what appears to be a self?inflicted injury, the Royal Canadian Mounted Police said. Police said an alert was issued about an active shooter at Tumbler Ridge Secondary School on Tuesday afternoon. Canadian media has reported that the shooter was female, but the RCMP statement did not include any details about the suspect. Tumbler Ridge is more than 1,100 kilometers (680 miles) north of Vancouver, British Columbia's largest city.

Report on reviewing procurement, use of surveillance technology submitted to CAThe high-powered "Committee to Review the Procurement and Use of Surveillance Technology" submitted its final report to Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus on Tuesday. Photo: CA's Press WingDHAKA, Feb 11, 2026 (BSS) - The high-powered “Committee to Review the Procurement and Use of Surveillance Technology,” formed by the interim government, has submitted its final report to Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus on Tuesday. The report reviews the legal and technical aspects of the state’s surveillance capabilities and their limitations, said the Chief Adviser’s Press Wing tonight. Among its proposals, the committee recommended the abolition of NTMC and provided a detailed roadmap for reforming Sections 97, 97 (Ka), 97 (Kha) and 97 (Ga) of the Telecommunication Act, 2001. Through preparing this report, an effort has been made to construct a policy framework that views state security and citizens’ rights not as contradictory, but as complementary.

WASHINGTON, United States, Feb 11, 2026 (BSS/AFP) - The United States took further steps Tuesday to ease restrictions surrounding Venezuela's oil industry, broadening efforts to allow US companies to operate in the country after state controls were lifted on the sector. The US Treasury Department issued a license allowing some transactions involving Venezuela's government, as well as state oil firm PDVSA, to provide goods, tech and software "for the exploration, development, or production of oil or gas" in the country. Another license issued authorizes certain transactions necessary for port and airport operations, while a third document allows certain activities involving Venezuelan-origin oil. The Treasury's moves come as US Energy Secretary Chris Wright plans to travel to Venezuela for oil talks at an unspecified date, according to a US media report. Sanctioned by Washington since 2019, Venezuela sits on about a fifth of the world's oil reserves and was once a major crude supplier to the United States.

WASHINGTON, United States, Feb 11, 2026 (BSS/AFP) - The United States will deploy 200 troops to Nigeria to train the west African country's military in its fight against jihadist groups, an official from US Africa Command said Tuesday. Nigeria has been under diplomatic pressure by the United States over insecurity in the country, which US President Donald Trump has characterized as "persecution" and "genocide" against Christians. Despite the diplomatic pressure, Nigeria and the United States have found common ground in increasing military collaboration. The US targeted militants in northwest Sokoto state with strikes in December, with Nigerian assistance, officials from both countries said. The US military has said it will supply intelligence for Nigerian air strikes going forward and work to expedite arms purchases.

Advisers to the interim government will continue their regular duties until a new cabinet is formed following the 13th National Parliamentary Election. Article 57(3) of the constitution allows the prime minister to remain in office until a successor assumes charge, while Article 58(4) ensures that ministers, state ministers, and deputy ministers continue in their posts until their successors take office. Shipping Adviser M Sakhawat Hossain said he would continue working until the last moment, adding: “No directives have been issued from the chief adviser’s office. We will continue our work until the last moment.” Commerce Adviser Sheikh Bashir Uddin’s office said advisers will report on Sunday, though no pending work or files require signatures. Adviser for Liberation War Affairs and Disaster Management and Relief Faruk-e-Azam said he will report to the secretariat Sunday, noting that legally advisers can continue work until the new government forms.

Neither threats nor excessive tilt towards a single foreign player should overwhelm the policymakers, including the future foreign affairs minister, in taking decisions. In this context, who would deny that Dhaka needs to reassess the external environment and complexities of the current global politics for preparing a national policy on global affairs before its proper execution? After all, unlike domestic policy, foreign policy cannot be controlled by the rulers; its success depends also on functioning of the international system and reaction of the recipient or adversary to the policy move of the other country. Foreign policy is not the business of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs alone. A qualified and patriotic team of foreign policy practitioners can maximize national interests in keeping with the demands of the democratic polity.

China on Wednesday said its relations with Bangladesh and other South Asian countries are not targeted at any third party, nor will they be swayed by any external force. “Any attempt to interfere in or obstruct these relations is doomed to fail,” said a spokesperson of the Chinese Embassy in Bangladesh, refuting again China-related remarks by US Ambassador to Bangladesh Brent T Christensen. The Chinese Embassy in Dhaka shared its reaction through its verified Facebook page. The Chinese Embassy has made clear its solemn position on the relevant issue, said the embassy spokesperson, noting that the US Ambassador to Bangladesh was singing the same old tune again, pointed fingers at Bangladesh-China relations and was mixing white and black. “China is a trustworthy partner of South Asian countries, and its friendly cooperation with South Asian countries has safeguarded peace and stability in the region, promoted development and revitalisation, and has been supported and welcomed by the peoples in the region,” said the spokesperson.

Home Adviser Lieutenant General Md Jahangir Alam Chowdhury (Retd) on Wednesday said "strict" action would be taken against responsible law enforcement agencies and election officials if any ballot box snatching, fake voting, or other irregularities occur at polling centers during the national election. He issued the warning while visiting the Operation Control Room at Police Headquarters and the New Market and Mohammadpur police stations under Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP). Deputy Chief Information Officer Faisal Hasan said the adviser reviewed the nationwide law and order situation and election security measures at the Police Headquarters’ Operation Control Room. He also inspected body-worn cameras in the presence of Inspector General of Police (IGP) Baharul Alam and other senior officials. Later, during visits to the New Market and Mohammadpur police stations, the home adviser instructed police members to perform their election duties with honesty, efficiency, and sincerity.

He added that the United States can provide “a range of options” to help Bangladesh meet its military needs, including US-made systems and equipment from allied partners, offering what he described as alternatives to Chinese hardware. Bangladesh has also been in discussions with Pakistan over the possible purchase of JF-17 Thunder fighter jets, jointly developed by Pakistan and China. Christensen also noted that Washington would like to see improved relations between Bangladesh and India, describing such ties as important for regional stability. Rohingya aid and burden sharingChristensen also addressed the ongoing humanitarian crisis involving more than one million Rohingya refugees living in camps in southeastern Bangladesh. The United States remains the largest single donor to the Rohingya response, he told Reuters.

Jamaat Ameer Dr Shafiqur Rahman on Wednesday alleged that 13 polling booths were vandalized in his Dhaka-15 constituency. In a Facebook post around 5pm, the Jamaat chief strongly condemned and protested the incident. “Those who still want to stop us through terror and intimidation are forgetting that this nation has moved forward through the July revolution. He alleged that those who failed to sit for discussions on the country’s policies and future plans are now resorting to violence. The way the ‘scale’ has taken place in the hearts of the common people will be reflected in Thursday’s elections, InshaAllah,” he added.

Two people were killed and at least 30 others injured after a passenger bus overturned in Bhanga upazila of Faridpur on Wednesday afternoon. The accident occurred around 1:30pm in front of the CCPL petrol pump in the Suadi area on the Dhaka–Khulna highway. The injured were rescued and taken to Bhanga Upazila Health Complex. A Dhaka-bound bus of Sakura Paribahan and a Barisal-bound bus of Unique Paribahan were involved in the collision. Sub-Inspector Mamun of Bhanga Highway Police Station said members of the fire service and highway police carried out rescue operations after receiving information.

BNP Chairman Tarique Rahman on Wednesday expressed gratitude to the country’s respected pirs, mashayekhs, Islamic scholars, ulema, imams, and khatibs for reportedly supporting his party. In a statement responding to reports in various newspapers and media outlets that leading Islamic scholars from different sections have voiced support for the BNP, Tarique conveyed his greetings to the alem-ulema ahead of the national election. “At this historic moment for the nation, the position taken by the country’s top ulema will guide the people towards the right path,” Tarique said. He added that the clear stance of the alem-ulema will help prevent propaganda against the BNP, which he described as a party that upholds Islamic values. The BNP chairman also expressed hope that, ahead of the national election, citizens will receive proper guidance from Islamic scholars in exercising their political, social, and civic rights.

Rumors and misinformation are increasingly shaping the electoral landscape, turning the “voting field” into a battleground of information warfare alongside traditional posters, processions, and public rallies. Last November, ahead of the national election, the National Cyber Security Agency (NCSA) formed a special cell to combat fake information and rumors. In coordination with multiple agencies, the cell is conducting round-the-clock monitoring of online and social media platforms and carrying out fact-checking activities. Zoha noted that images, videos, or audio circulated on social media are often old or edited, creating confusion. Any information related to violence, vote rigging, or the law-and-order situation should be verified through reliable news outlets or official Election Commission sources, he said.