Of these seats, BNP candidates appear to be in a strong position in 18 constituencies, while Jamaat candidates hold solid ground in 13 seats. BNP candidate Amir Ejaz Khan is considered well-positioned as there are eight Hindu candidates in the race. Jamaat candidate Krishna Nandi claims Jamaat will ensure dignity and protection for minorities if elected. In Bagerhat, multiple constituencies are witnessing three-way contests involving BNP, Jamaat, and independent candidates, notably MAH Selim, whose presence is seen as a potential vote-splitter for BNP. Jamaat candidates are actively capitalizing on this, particularly in Jashore-4 and Jashore-5, where rebel BNP candidates are in the race.

Expressing satisfaction over the peaceful election campaign across the country, Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus on Monday said the presence of a large number of international observers coming from different countries reflects the renewed global confidence in Bangladesh’s democracy. The Chief Adviser said huge numbers of observers are coming from various countries which reflect that they got back the confidence in Bangladesh democracy. Prof Yunus expressed optimism that the upcoming national election would be a free, fair, peaceful and festive one. Such agreements, Prof Yunus said, will open many new doors for the economy and for Bangladeshi products. The Chief Adviser highlighted that, for the first time, expatriate Bangladeshis have been formally included in the political process.

Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer Dr Shafiqur Rahman on Monday said that if anyone attempts to take away or interfere with the nation’s voting rights people, especially the youth, are ready to defend them. In a Facebook post, he said the people of the country want a free and fair election, a right they have earned with their blood. Election day, Shafiqur Rahman said, should be a festival of democracy, where people stand proud, take pictures and rejoice in their freedom to choose. Anyone who tries to take away or interfere with this right must know that the nation, especially its young people, is ready to defend it,” he said. Shafiqur Rahman added that the right to vote was fought for once and, if needed, it will be fought for again.

EC secretary: Mobile phones allowed inside polling stationsThe Election Commission (EC) has clarified confusion over the use of mobile phones at polling stations ahead of the upcoming elections. EC Senior Secretary Akhtar Ahmed said voters, candidates, and agents are allowed to bring mobile phones into polling stations and can take photographs. However, mobile phones will not be permitted inside voting booths, and no photos may be taken there. It was primarily a miscommunication,” Akhtar said at a press conference Monday at the EC office in Agargaon, Dhaka. Some restrictions on mobile use will apply, which we are now clarifying.”Highlighting international attention on the elections, the EC senior secretary said a total of 540 foreign observers and journalists will be present.

Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus on Monday said the country would undergo a fundamental transformation and misgovernance would not return if the "Yes" vote prevails in the referendum slated for February 12. The Chief Adviser told senior secretaries and secretaries at his office in Tejgaon. The Chief Adviser said the election, along with the referendum, would bring an unprecedented change to Bangladesh's political structure. Expressing optimism, the Chief Adviser said the election would be better than any held previously in the country. Later, the Chief Adviser posed for photographs with senior secretaries and secretaries of the government.

Shafiqul Alam, press secretary to the chief adviser, on Monday called “18 months of media freedom” under the caretaker government the “biggest reform” in the sector. Speaking to journalists at a briefing at the Foreign Service Academy in the capital, Shafiqul said the media was completely free for 18 months, with no restrictions on reporting or commentary. “The biggest reform in the media was scrapping provisions in the digital and cyber security laws that had been used to silence voices. The press secretary also highlighted that no media house was forced to close despite pressures. “Many outlets that had been shut during Sheikh Hasina’s tenure were reopened, and all were able to operate normally.”He added that all speech-related cases under the Digital Security Act had been withdrawn.

The country's gross foreign exchange reserves have increased further and reached $34.06 billion. Earlier, on January 15, it stood at $32.32 billion and on January 8, it stood at $32.44 billion. The biggest contribution to the increase in reserves was made by remittances sent by expatriates. The country's foreign exchange reserves reached their highest level in the country's history at $48 billion in August 2021. The dollar exchange rate has remained stable at around Tk122.

Based on the opinions of around 41,500 respondents, the survey indicates that the BNP-led alliance could win approximately 208 seats in the election. In addition, the Jatiya Party is projected to win three seats, other parties four seats, and independent candidates 17 seats. The survey found that BNP enjoys particularly strong support among women voters, with 71.1% expressing support for the party. Based on the survey results, the BNP-led alliance is projected to secure the highest number of seats, with approximately 208 seats. The Jamaat-led alliance may win 46 seats, while the Jatiya Party is projected to secure three seats, other parties four seats, and independent candidates 17 seats.

BNP Chairman Tarique Rahman yesterday said the upcoming national election on February 12 would be an opportunity to uphold the people’s rights and urged voters to place their trust in candidates carrying the “Sheaf of Paddy” symbol. “February 12 will be a day to uphold the rights of the people. On that day, you should entrust responsibility to the candidates of the Sheaf of Paddy. On minority rights, Tarique said people of all religions would be safe in Bangladesh. Concluding his address, Tarique called on voters to support the Sheaf of Paddy symbol.

The survey projected that the Jamaat-led alliance is leading in 105 parliamentary constituencies, while the BNP-led alliance is ahead in 101. The BNP-led alliance enjoyed the support of 44.1% of voters, while 43.9% back the Jamaat-led alliance. Male voters leaned toward the BNP-led alliance, while female voters slightly favored the Jamaat-led alliance. Urban voters tended to support the BNP-led alliance, whereas the Jamaat-led alliance held a slight advantage in rural areas. Among young voters aged 18–29, 51% backed the Jamaat-led alliance compared with 38% for the BNP-led alliance.

Thailand’s caretaker premier Anutin Charnvirakul was preparing for coalition talks Monday after his conservative Bhumjaithai Party surged to a stunning election victory on a wave of nationalism. Because he stood up to Cambodia,” retiree and former Pheu Thai supporter, Pipat Saeteaw, 72, told AFP on Monday. Despite the strong victory, Bhumjaithai Party was still expected to fall short of an outright majority in the lower house, meaning Anutin would need to strike a coalition deal with another party to govern. The People’s Party was expected to win around 115 seats, and Pheu Thai was set to come in third, according to the preliminary results. Pheu Thai is seen as a potential coalition partner for Anutin, as they were allies until Bhumjaithai pulled out over a Cambodia border dispute scandal.

Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer Dr Shafiqur Rahman yesterday outlined his party’s vision for a “New Bangladesh,” pledging swift action if elected and vowing to safeguard democratic rights, prevent electoral fraud, and ensure justice, accountability, and inclusive governance. Dr Shafiqur Rahman said July marked a rejection of what he termed a “dark political culture” shaped by dynastic rule and prolonged concentration of power. Saying young people now aspire to a “New Bangladesh” or “Bangladesh 2.0,” he said the country’s future must be shaped by a courageous, reform-minded generation. Reforms, referendum, governanceDr Shafiqur Rahman said people want security, good governance, and justice, adding that Jamaat intends to shape the state around these principles. Concluding both the rally and the national address, Dr Shafiqur Rahman said the alliance was formed based on the aspirations of the July movement.

The survey also projected 17 seats for independents, three for the Jatiya Party, four for other parties, and 22 closely contested constituencies. According to the survey, 66.3% of respondents expressed support for BNP, followed by 11.9% for Jamaat-e-Islami. The survey also suggested a major voter shift, claiming 80% of former Awami League voters now favour BNP. Based on responses from 300 participants, the NRC survey forecasts 57 seats for Jamaat-e-Islami, five for the Jatiya Party, and 16 for independents and others. On reforms and the referendum, NRC found that 49% of respondents remained undecided, while 30% supported reforms and 21% opposed them.

DHAKA, Feb 09, 2026 (BSS) – The Press Information Department (PID) has published a media guide to assist foreign media personnel arriving to cover the 2026 referendum and the 13th National Parliament election in carrying out their professional duties. The easy-to-carry book contains information on the Bangladesh Election Commission, government offices involved in election-related activities, key individuals, all returning officers, and phone numbers and email addresses of various agencies responsible for maintaining law and order during the election period, according to a PID handout issued here today. It also includes contact details of newspapers, news agencies and satellite television channels in Dhaka, information on the PID’s media centre, and, for foreign media personnel, details on money exchange services, hotels and restaurants, transport service providers, and emergency contact numbers. The guide further provides background information on the referendum and the 13th National Parliament election, profiles of participating political parties, the electoral code of conduct, and the code of conduct formulated by the Election Commission for foreign media personnel covering the polls. The 112-page publication will help foreign media personnel effectively carry out their professional responsibilities, it added.

BNP National Executive Committee Organising Secretary Asadul Habib Dulu addressed an election rally in Bhadai union of Aditmari upazila on Sunday night. Photo: BSSLALMONIRHAT, Feb 9, 2026 (BSS) - BNP National Executive Committee Organising Secretary Asadul Habib Dulu has said that Former Prime Minister Begum Khaleda Zia was the patron of democracy and an uncompromising leader who never bowed to dictatorship. Dulu, also the BNP candidate for Lalmonirhat-3 constituency, said Khaleda Zia never compromised with autocratic forces to protect democracy. The meeting was chaired by Bhadai Union BNP President Mozammel Haque and moderated by Upazila BNP Joint Convener Abdur Rouf Rubel. At the end of the rallies, he formally handed over the BNP’s electoral symbol, Sheaf of Paddy, to Rokon Uddin Babul and called on voters of the people to unite and vote for the symbol to ensure his victory.