The Election Commission (EC) has brought over 90% of polling centers in 299 constituencies under CCTV surveillance, marking an unprecedented level of election security Ahead of the 13th National Parliamentary Election and the referendum scheduled for February 12. In addition, 958,000 members of law enforcement agencies have been deployed nationwide to maintain law and order. Election Commissioner Brig Genl (retd) Abul Fazal Md Sanaullah shared the information at a press briefing on Tuesday at the Nirbachon Bhaban, Dhaka. Voting in the 13th National Parliamentary Election will be held on Thursday in 299 of the 300 constituencies due to the death of a candidate in one seat. On polling day, the EC will brief the nation on the overall situation through press conferences every two hours.

The decision, however, has triggered confusion and concern among voters in Dhaka and other major cities, where a large number of voters currently reside in areas different from those of their registered polling centers. Due to employment, education, or changes in residence, many voters live far from their electoral constituencies, raising questions about how they will travel to their designated polling centers during the restriction period. Under Bangladesh’s existing electoral system, voters are required to cast ballots only at their designated polling centers. A senior EC official told Dhaka Tribune that under current law, voters must vote only at their designated polling centers. Addressing voter movement on election day, Election Commissioner Abdur Rahmanel Masud said that although restrictions will be imposed on general movement for security reasons, voters will not face obstacles in reaching polling centers.

Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus called on all election candidates to rise above personal and party interests and prioritize the greater interest of the nation, regardless of the outcome of the upcoming election. Including independents, the total number of candidates exceeds 2,000, a figure rarely seen in previous national elections. It is the first national election in the country following a popular uprising. The awakening of the people against long-standing grievances, inequality, deprivation, and injustice finds its constitutional expression in this election. “Through this election, we are not only electing representatives—we are simultaneously deciding the path Bangladesh will take.

The assurance came after a dialogue between ICC officials and the BCB on Monday, during which several key issues were discussed, including the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 and the broader outlook for cricket development in South Asia. Bangladesh did not take part in the ongoing T20 World Cup citing security concerns in India, prompting the ICC to invite Scotland to participate in their place. Addressing the matter, the world cricket governing body acknowledged Bangladesh’s non-participation but stressed that it would not result in any financial, sporting or administrative consequences. In a significant forward-looking commitment, the ICC also announced that Bangladesh will host an ICC event prior to the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup 2031, subject to standard hosting processes and operational requirements. “Bangladesh’s absence from the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup is regrettable, but it does not alter the ICC’s enduring commitment to Bangladesh as a core cricketing nation,” Gupta said.

Transport workers assigned to requisitioned vehicles for election duty, who staged a sit-in on a city road earlier Tuesday, vacated the area around 5:30 PM and moved to the grounds of the Bangladesh-China Friendship Conference Centre. The protest began around 3:30 PM in the Agargaon area of the capital, with workers demanding an increase in their daily meal allowance. Leaders of the transport workers visited the site and reportedly mediated between the authorities and the workers. “We are talking to the workers and their leaders,” he added. The workers claimed that although they were called for duty on February 7 and 8, they have not been properly provided their meal allowance, currently receiving only Tk 70–71 per day for food.

Iran warned Tuesday of “destructive” influence on diplomacy ahead of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s visit to Washington for talks expected to focus on US negotiations with Tehran. Iran responded with drone and missile attacks on Israel and by targeting the largest US military base in the Middle East, located in Qatar. Therefore, taking these experiences into account, we are determined to secure Iran’s national interests through diplomacy,” Baqaei added. The talks followed threats from Washington and the deployment of a US aircraft carrier group to the region after Iran’s deadly crackdown on anti-government protests last month. Following Friday’s talks, the US announced new sanctions to curb Iran’s oil exports, including targeting 14 vessels.

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. Arms recoverySharing statistics, the Election Commissioner said from December 13 to date, law enforcement agencies have recovered around 850 weapons across the country. Regarding postal voting, the Election Commissioner said that as of Tuesday morning, around 703,000 postal ballots have already reached the returning officers. 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 turnoutThe Election Commissioner said around 300 cases have been filed so far over the violation of the electoral code of conduct, and more than 500 investigations have been conducted.

International Crimes Tribunal (ICT) Chief Prosecutor Mohammad Tajul Islam has said the July–August 2024 killings were pre-planned, systematic, targeted, and carried out on a large scale. Tajul identified the two main accused as Salman F Rahman and Anisul Huq. “The July–August killings were pre-planned, systematic, targeted, and widespread. Tajul added: “After the killing of Abu Saeed in Rangpur, the accused Salman F. Rahman applied administrative pressure to conceal the true cause of death in the autopsy report and provide false information. On January 12, 2026, the tribunal ordered the trial against Salman F. Rahman and Anisul Huq by framing five charges.

The EU should set out the concessions it wants Russia to make for peace in Ukraine before talking with the Kremlin, the bloc’s foreign policy chief said Tuesday. A number of EU leaders including French President Emmanuel Macron are pushing to restart contacts with Russia’s Vladimir Putin as the United States forges ahead with efforts to end the Ukraine war. Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni has said that a special envoy could be named for the negotiations. “Let’s discuss what we want to talk about with the Russians before we talk about who is going to be the one who is talking to the Russians,” the EU top diplomat told a group interview that included AFP. “In order to have a sustainable peace, everybody around the table, including the Russians and the Americans, need to understand that you need Europeans to agree,” she said.

BNP Chairman Tarique Rahman spent a busy Tuesday after wrapping up his election campaigning by remaining engaged in organizational 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. 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. Tarique Rahman is leading BNP in the 13th parliamentary election. Overall, Tarique Rahman addressed 41 public rallies across Dhaka and other parts of the country over nine days.

BNP Senior Joint Secretary General Ruhul Kabir Rizvi has been admitted to Square Hospital due to breathing-related health issues. He was admitted to the hospital at 3pm on Tuesday, said Rizvi’s personal assistant, Arifur Rahman Tushar. On behalf of Rizvi’s family and the party, Tushar requested prayers from the nation for the BNP leader’s fast recovery.

The announcement was made Tuesday evening in a press statement signed by Mohammad Rafiqul Islam, director of Dhaka University’s Public Relations Office. The statement said earlier in the day, at a special press conference held in the Virtual Classroom adjacent to the VC’s office, Niaz spoke about his resignation plans. He recalled taking office in August 2024 during an emergency at students’ request, focusing first on resuming academics and stabilizing the university. The VC also noted ongoing infrastructure projects worth Tk2,841 crore, aimed at addressing shortages in housing, academic buildings, and research facilities. Earlier, when the press was informed about the special press conference, rumors circulated that NIaz was resigning immediately.

Photo: BSSBHOLA, Feb 10, 2026 (BSS) - With the 13th National Parliament election just a day away, a festive voting mood has swept across the district as thousands of voters return home to exercise their franchise after a long gap. A visit to the Ilisha Launch Ghat and Ferry Ghat areas of Bhola on Tuesday morning showed heavy crowds of homebound passengers. At the Ilisha Launch Ghat, passengers Kamal, Shahidul, Hannan and Kamrul Mia—who returned from Dhaka and Chattogram—expressed similar sentiments. “This time, the joy of returning home to vote for the first time in my life is extraordinary,” she said. The eagerness of countless voters reminds me of the spirit of liberation in the struggle to free a shackled democracy.”

Jamaat urges people not to be misled by false claimsDHAKA, Feb 10, 2026 (BSS) - Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami Assistant SecretaryGeneral Advocate Ahsanul Mahboob Zubair today called on the nation not to bemisled by any falsehoods, rumours or propaganda spread against the party'sleaders, including Jamaat Ameer Dr Shafiqur Rahman. In a statement issued today, Zubair, also Head of Jamaat's Central Publicityand Media Department, strongly condemned and protested the circulation offabricated information involving the party's Ameer and Dhaka-15 parliamentarycandidate Dr Shafiqur Rahman. "A conspiratorial group is deliberately spreading false and misleadinginformation linking the Ameer of Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami and Dhaka-15parliamentary candidate Dr Shafiqur Rahman. He further added, "Dr Shafiqur Rahman is an honest, principled, and widelyrespected leader among people from all walks of life. Zubair urged theconcerned quarters to immediately stop spreading such falsehoods and appealedto the public to remain vigilant against deceptive claims.

DHAKA, Feb 10, 2026 (BSS) - BNP today expelled Engineer Manjurul Ahsan Munshi, a member of the party's national executive committee, for his remarks and activities contrary to the party's policies and ideals. He has been expelled from all positions at every level of the party, including his primary membership of the BNP, said a press release issued by Senior Joint Secretary General Ruhul Kabir Rizvi.