I guess that home detention for an adult with a mere $50,000 bond ($5,000 cash post) was acceptable in this case to that sitting judge. Those families will never be made whole, but someone must be held accountable. To me, this Zeah case was simply another instance of the local, county or state governments’ routine attempts to save money at the risk of the public safety of their constituents. Don’t give another judge, either elected or appointed, the opportunity to exercise poor judgment and compromise our public safety! — George Hammerbacher, CatonsvilleAdd your voice: Respond to this piece or other Sun content by submitting your own letter.

Photo: BSSBAGERHAT, Feb 8, 2026 (BSS): The district administration has launched extensive miking operations across the city here to ensure strict enforcement of the electoral code of conduct ahead of the February 12 national parliamentary election and referendum. At the same time, Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) mobile teams have intensified patrols on roads and at key locations to maintain law and order. Meanwhile, BGB patrol teams are instructing people not to gather or engage in activities that could disrupt public order. Violators of the code of conduct may face rigorous imprisonment ranging from two to seven years, along with fines. The public notice was issued by Deputy Commissioner and Returning Officer of Bagerhat, Golam Md.

DHAKA, Feb 8, 2026 (BSS) - Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) seized smuggled goods worth over Tk 131.97 crore during extensive anti-smuggling operations across border areas and other parts of the country in January. The total value of the recovered goods was estimated at Tk 131,97,91,000, the release added. During the same period, BGB also recovered a significant cache of weapons. In addition, 278 individuals were detained for illegal border crossings, including 114 Bangladeshi nationals, five Indian citizens, and 159 Myanmar nationals. BGB officials said the force remains committed to strengthening border security and continuing its crackdown on smuggling, narcotics trafficking, illegal weapons, and unauthorized border crossings.

Vote thieves now in Delhi, those attempting now will face same fate: AsifPhoto: BSSPIROJPUR, Feb 8, 2026 (BSS) - National Citizen Party (NCP) spokesperson Asif Mahmud Shojib Bhuiyan today said those who had seized polling centres, deprived people of their voting rights and came to power through vote rigging in the past have already faced consequences, saying that they are now staying in Delhi. "Those who snatched away your and my voting rights, captured polling centres and came to power by stealing votes -- we have seen what has happened to them. Asif further warned that anyone attempting once again to capture polling centres or prevent people who have long been deprived of voting rights from casting their ballots would face the same fate. Following the rally, Asif Mahmud handed over the 'Shapla Koli' election symbol to Dr. Shamim Hamedy, the 11-party alliance and NCP candidate for the Pirojpur-3 constituency. Chaired by Mathbaria Upazila Jamaat Ameer Jalil Sharif, it was also addressed by NCP Joint Chief Organiser Dr. Mahmuda Mitu, NCP candidate for Pirojpur-3 Shamim Hamedy and Jamaat-e-Islami candidate for Pirojpur-2 Shameem Sayedee.

EC issues guidelines on use of vehicles by candidates, agents on polling dayDHAKA, Feb 8, 2026 (BSS) - The Election Commission (EC) has issued directives regarding the use of vehicles by contesting candidates and their election agents on polling day for the referendum and the 13th National Parliamentary Election scheduled to be held on February 12. Each vehicle may carry a maximum of five persons, including the driver, who must hold a valid driving licence. Each motorcycle may carry no more than two persons, including the licensed driver. The EC also stated that candidates or election agents must obtain identity cards from the Returning Officer by applying for permission for persons accompanying them in the vehicle, excluding the candidate, election agent and gunman. The directive further noted that no person other than the candidate and the election agent will be allowed to enter the polling centre premises.

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DHAKA, Feb 08, 2026 (BSS) – A court here today imposed a travel ban on former additional director of the National Security Intelligence (NSI) Azizur Rahman and his wife Amatussami, over graft charges. Dhaka Metropolitan Senior Special Judge Md Sabbir Faiz passed the order, accepting a petition filed by the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC). The petition of the anti-graft body stated that Azizur Rahman is under investigation for abuse of power, money laundering, and acquiring assets beyond known income in his and his wife’s names. “During the inquiry, it was learned that he and his wife, Amatussami, may flee the country. Therefore, barring their foreign travel is essential to ensure a proper investigation,” it added.

Bangladesh’s July 2024 uprising constituted a “decisive rupture” in the country’s contemporary political order, reshaping power relations while opening an uncertain transition marked by reform pressures, elite bargaining, and rising public anxiety, according to a new governance study unveiled on Sunday. Titled “Rupture, Reform, and Reimagining Democracy: Navigating the Agony of Transition,” the session shared key insights from the State of Governance Research Project 2024–2025, which examines Bangladesh’s political trajectory following the July uprising. According to the report, what began as student-led demands for quota reform rapidly escalated into a nationwide political movement that ultimately dismantled the long-entrenched ruling order. Islamist political forces, particularly Jamaat-e-Islami, have transitioned from being “political pawns” within the old order to independent and consequential actors, the study finds. Meanwhile, the Awami League and the Jatiya Party have become “political pariahs” in the new order, while left-wing politics remains further marginalized.

DHAKA, Feb 8, 2026 (BSS) - To ensure the dissemination of accurate, reliable and verified information for citizens ahead of the referendum and the 13th national parliamentary election, a special election information service has been launched through the national helpline 333 with the support of the Election Commission, under the initiative of the a2i programme. Citizens can access the service free of cost by calling 333 from any mobile operator across the country and pressing 9, an official release said on February 4 last. Through this platform, voters will receive essential information and assistance on voting rules and procedures, polling centre locations, National Identity Card (NID)-related issues, the election code of conduct, voting procedures for expatriate voters and special facilities available for persons with disabilities, senior citizens and women voters. In addition, any urgent election-related messages, complaints, alerts or suggestions from any constituency can be reported through the 'Election Bondhu Hotline' 333, where prompt action will be taken as necessary. Officials said the National Helpline 333 information service is expected to play an effective role in preventing misinformation, rumours and confusion related to the election, and will contribute to ensuring a transparent, peaceful and participatory electoral process.

National Citizen Party (NCP) Convener Nahid Islam said on Sunday that the people of Bangladesh have already decided in secret whom they will vote for and are set to carry out that ‘great act’ on Thursday. “I believe the people have already secretly decided to vote for a comparatively better side. The intelligent, conscientious and aspirational people of Bangladesh will, God willing, perform this great act in secrecy on Thursday, February 12,” Nahid said. Criticising the interim government’s decision to grant magistracy powers to the armed forces, Nahid claimed the move failed due to a lack of interest from senior command. To strengthen national defence, Nahid proposed compulsory military training for all able citizens aged over 18 to build a people-based defence system.

He noted that Bangladesh consistently records the highest commodity prices among South Asian countries, attributing this to "a corrupt syndicate of businessmen, politicians, and bureaucrats who control the market and pocket enormous profits." Only then can fair prices for agricultural products be guaranteed," he said. Summarizing his economic vision, Nahid said: "Our goal is clear-a fair, transparent, and people-friendly market system." He argued that stabilizing commodity prices is not just an economic necessity but a moral responsibility. While commodity prices were the centerpiece of his remarks, Islam's speech also touched on broader themes of governance, accountability, and unity.

Dr Zubaida Rahman, wife of BNP chairman Tarique Rahman, has announced that the party will establish a Women Support Cell and ensure safe childbirth facilities in every upazila if it comes to power, with a strong focus on maternal and child healthcare. She made the remarks on Sunday while interacting with women representatives of the Gulshan–Banani–Baridhara society at Gulshan Lake Park in the capital. Sharmila Rahman, wife of the late Arafat Rahman Koko, and Barrister Zaima Rahman, dauther of Tarique Rahman, were also present at the event. Dr Zubaida Rahman said victory of BNP would pave the way for a women-friendly government. Barrister Omar Sadat, president of the Gulshan Society, and its general secretary Syed Ahsan Habib, along with other society leaders, attended the programme.

Chittagong Port, the country’s principal gateway handling about 92% of Bangladesh’s trade, is mired in disruption. About 1,000 TEUs of export containers remain stuck inside the port. Several feeder vessels have departed without scheduled export containers, disrupting shipments to Europe and the United States. Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association Acting President Selim Rahman said any disruption at Chittagong Port directly undermines supply chains and export flows. The Chittagong Port Protection Council views it as a setback to reconciliation and has announced an indefinite strike from 8:00am Sunday, extending to outer anchorage operations.

Speakers at a press conference organized by Citizens for Human Rights on Sunday demanded a safe and equal pre- election environment for religious minorities and marginalized communities ahead of the 13th National Parliamentary Election . He said fear among minority communities had become common before and after elections, contradicting the spirit of the Liberation War. He added that the violence aimed to spread fear and prevent minority voters from exercising their voting rights . He urged the Election Commission to ensure special security arrangements so minority voters could cast their ballots safely. Human rights activist Satej Chakma said field observations showed that many minority community members were leaving the country due to fear and insecurity, warning that failure to ensure voting rights would further marginalize them.

Although early signs of competitive politics were visible, TIB noted that political parties and candidates gradually reverted to old political settlements characterised by violence and intolerance. Political actors not only continued using money, religion, muscle power, patriarchy and majoritarian influence, but the intensity of money and religious mobilisation has increased further. Allegations have also emerged of cash distribution by influential political parties to influence voters. Further controversy emerged when, 18 days into the government’s campaign, the Election Commission issued instructions to government officials, raising questions about both legality and prudence. He criticised both the government and the Election Commission for misinterpreting legal boundaries and adopting controversial measures that undermined the credibility of the process.