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.

The call came from a press conference held at around 4:00 pm on the Dhaka University campus. In a recent statement, Salam called for the leadership of the country to rest in the hands of a political party with proven governance experience and a long-term strategic vision for the nation’s future. A key component of this vision, according to Salam, is the integration of women into the country's development process. In a recent statement, a key leader from the Dhaka University White Party emphasized that the politics of Bangladesh must be firmly centered around the nation’s own interests, free from external influence. The Joint Convener of the Dhaka University White Panel also highlighted the Bangladesh Nationalist Party's (BNP) recent efforts to address the country’s political and governance challenges.

England clung on to beat Nepal by four runs in a last-ball thriller in Mumbai on Sunday and avoid one of the biggest upsets in the history of the T20 World Cup. Jacks smashed three spectacular sixes off the final over from Karan KC to finish 39 not out off 18 balls . Nepal fell just short at 180-6, despite being roared on by most of the spectators in a three-quarters full Wankhede stadium. Captain Rohit Paudel and Dipendra Singh Airee came together at 42-2 and brought up Nepal's 100 in the 12th over. Dawson was the pick of England's bowlers with 2-21 while Archer had 1-42 from his four as England just held on.

The Directorate General of Forces Intelligence (DGFI) picked up people — including ministers and political figures — and detained them in DGFI cells for interrogation between 2007 and 2009, former army chief General (retd) Iqbal Karim Bhuiyan told the International Crimes Tribunal on Sunday. Testifying as a prosecution witness in a crimes against humanity case against former army officer Major General (retd) Ziaul Ahsan, Iqbal Karim said the DGFI had emerged as the main controlling authority during that period. The case involves allegations against Ziaul Ahsan over his role in more than a hundred incidents of enforced disappearances and killings during the Awami League government’s rule. In his deposition, Iqbal Karim said that detaining civilians in DGFI cells became a routine practice, and over time, a psychological barrier disappeared, leading officers to believe they could do anything to detainees at will. As part of that process, Iqbal Karim appeared as the first witness.

He made the announcement on Sunday at an election rally in Badda, Dhaka. Addressing the gathering, the Jamaat chief said: “If we are victorious on the 12th, Nahid Islam will be made a minister. Nahid and his team will be placed in the cockpit of the plane, while the alliance leaders will sit behind. Nahid alleged that although one individual had been living abroad for the past 15 years, he continued to "regularly receive a share of business profits and proceeds from land grabbing" in the constituency. Not only in Dhaka-11, but across the country, the 11-party alliance will emerge victorious.”

Political leaders, economists, and business groups argue that a deal with wide-ranging trade and fiscal implications should have been left to the incoming government. Tariff negotiations, trade imbalanceCommerce Adviser Sk Bashir Uddin said Bangladesh is seeking further reductions in additional US tariffs but declined to specify the likely outcome. Officials argue that Bangladesh succeeded in lowering the initial rate significantly, but critics note that competitors continue to enjoy varying tariff advantages. The aircraft deal alone could cost Tk30,000–35,000 crore over the long term, raising questions about fiscal priorities and debt exposure. Economists suggest Bangladesh could seek future adjustments through the existing Trade and Investment Cooperation Framework Agreement (Ticfa) platform with the US.

At the demonstration, speakers alleged that Dr Rahman had repeatedly made derogatory comments about working women, including statements portraying women who participate in public life in a demeaning manner and suggesting that they should remain confined to the home. The organizers said such remarks undermine women’s dignity and their constitutional right to equal participation in society. “The contribution of women is central to the country’s economy and social development,” organisers said, adding that comments dismissing women’s public roles ignore this reality and reflect “deep-seated prejudice”. Speakers at the protest said this position highlights a contradiction between public commitments and political practice, and reinforces structural discrimination against women in politics. The protest concluded with a call for greater vigilance to ensure that women’s rights and participation remain protected in the country’s political process.