EC Abdur Rahmanel Masud spoke at an exchanging views with local journalists at Rangpur Circuit House on Saturday. Photo: BSSRANGPUR, Feb 7, 2026 (BSS) - Election Commissioner (EC) Abdur Rahmanel Masudtoday said that there will be no election engineering this time and there isa sufficiently supportive environment for the upcoming national polls. The Election Commissioner said that there is no pressure on the ElectionCommission regarding the current situation in the country. EC Abdur Rahmanel said that there have been major changes in the country'spolitical environment and voting culture. Rangpur District Returning Officer and Deputy Commissioner Mohammad EnamulAhsan presided over the meeting.

Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban. Photo: CollectedBUDAPEST, Feb 7, 2026 (BSS/AFP) - Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban saidSaturday that he will be going to Washington "in two weeks" to attend thefirst meeting of US President Donald Trump's "Board of Peace", which has a UNmandate to focus on Gaza. Orban, speaking at a political campaign event, said that, late Friday, "I gotan invitation: two weeks from now we will meet again (with the US president)in Washington, because the Board of Peace, the peace body will have aninaugural meeting".

DHAKA, Feb 7, 2026 (BSS) - The Election Commission (EC) has issued directive to ensure the polling centres smoke-free areas during voting for February 12 national election and referendum. The EC has recently sent a letter to all returning officers in this regard.

Hasnat Abdullah, Chief Organizer (South) of the NCP, addressed an election rally organized by the Jamaat-led 11-party alliance at Phultala Upazila in Khulna this afternoon. Photo: BSSKHULNA, Feb 7, 2026 (BSS) - Hasnat Abdullah, chief organiser (South) of theNational Citizen Party (NCP), has called for unity among the public herewhile campaigning for the upcoming national polls to build a corruption-freeand manipulation-free Bangladesh. "Mediashould not be BNP's media, Jamaat's media or NCP's media. Referring to past struggles, Hasnat Abdullah said thousands of people weremartyred and many were subjected to enforced disappearances to achieve thepresent election. Expressing hope for change, Hasnat urged police personnel to stand with thepeople in the upcoming February 12 Polls.

BNP Chairman Tarique Rahman addressed an election rally at Nilphamari Town ground this afternoon. Photo: BSSNILPHAMARI, Feb 07, 2026 (BSS)- BNP Chairman Tarique Rahman today said that future politics would be the politics of rebuilding the state. Tarique Rahman made the remarks while addressing an election rally at Nilphamari Town ground this afternoon. Speaking about plans for farmers, the BNP Chairman said, "If farmers are well-off, the people of Bangladesh will be well-off. Tarique Rahman landed at the town field mini-stadium by helicopter at 12:50 PM.

I want to be a servant of the people, not their ruler: MinuPhoto : BSSRAJSHAHI, Feb 7, 2026 (BSS) - BNP-nominated candidate for Rajshahi-2 (Sadar) constituency Mizanur Rahman Minu said he wants to serve the people, not rule over them, pledging transparency, accountability and good governance if elected. Minu said the BNP has always stood for people's voting rights and democracy and continues that struggle even today. Addressing local voters, Minu said, "Your love and support are my strength. Many voters expressed hope, saying it was encouraging to see a candidate come directly to listen to their concerns. The outreach created a festive atmosphere across the ward, with party leaders and activists raising slogans in support of Minu and the BNP's sheaf-of-paddy election symbol.

Chevron Bangladesh Employees Union (CBEU) and Tullow Bangladesh Employees Union (TBEU) on Saturday strongly protest against a government move to amend the labour rules and Labour Act by ignoring the rights and interests of the workers of foreign-currency invested energy companies in Bangladesh. Both the CBEU and TBEU said that the government is trying to deprive the workers from their lawful 5% Workers’ Profit Participation Fund (WPPF) to facilitate vested quarters. The labourers’ leaders said, the government, specially the Ministry of Labour and Employment, is trying to amend the labour rules and Labour Act in a hurry when the entire nation is concentrated to the upcoming national election. Under Bangladesh labour law, eligible enterprises are legally obligated to allocate 5% of their annual net profit to the Workers’ Profit Participation Fund (WPPF) to ensure workers’ welfare and fair participation. Even national-level gas exploration, production, and distribution entities have been providing WPPF in accordance with the law for many years.

Out of a total 14,080,722 voters in the division, women account for 7,044,175 - outnumbering male and third-gender voters by 7,762. Despite their numerical strength, only seven women are contesting in the 36 seats of Khulna division this time. Field-level inquiries show that political parties are actively courting women voters with targeted pledges. Observers believe that the silent majority of women voters could spark a last-minute electoral shift. Only seven women candidates in Khulna's 36 seats:A total of 201 candidates are contesting in 36 seats under Khulna division, of which, only seven are women -- representing an average of 5.58 percent.

The clash took place on Saturday afternoon in Munshikandi village, Munshiganj's Additional Superintendent Mohammad Firoz Kabir said. They were reportedly ambushed by supporters of the Sheaf of Paddy symbol, led by Upazila BNP joint general secretary Ojir Ali, alongside union unit leader Awlad Mollah. According to witnesses, supporters of both sides became locked in violent clashes within moments. After receiving first aid at Munshiganj General Hospital, both were referred to Dhaka Medical College Hospital due to the critical nature of their wounds. Additional Superintendent Firoz said, “There had been a prior dispute between the two sides over establishing dominance.

Eminent educationist, cultural figure, and former principal of Carmichael College, Professor Dr Muhammad Rezaul Haq, passed away at the Rangpur Community Medical College Hospital around 9am on Saturday. Professor Haq had been suffering for a long time from various age-related illnesses, including pneumonia and diabetes, family sources said. Born on February 18, 1934, in Chilmari upazila of Kurigram, Professor Haq showed academic excellence from an early age. Professor Haq began his teaching career in 1958 at Madanmohan College, Sylhet, and joined government service at Dhaka Science College in 1961. He later served as head of the Bengali Department and principal of Carmichael College, retiring in 1991.

Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami's women wing today brought out an electoral procession in support of the party's Ameer Dr. Shafiqur Rahman in Dhaka-15 constituency. Photo: BSSDHAKA, Feb 7, 2026 (BSS) - Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami's women wing today brought out an electoral procession in support of the party's Ameer Dr. Shafiqur Rahman in Dhaka-15 constituency. Leaders from the Dhaka North Women's Wing addressed the participants, urging voters to support Dr. Rahman and cast their ballots for the 'scales' symbol. She expressed confidence that Dr. Shafiqur Rahman would bring about positive change and address the nation's challenges. Besides, the women leaders urged the voters to support Jamaat and their allies in the 11-party alliance across the country.

Police have recovered the body of Kamrun Nahar Iti ,27, a woman entrepreneur and beauty parlour owner, in Narayanganj city, detaining her husband in connection with the incident. The body was recovered on Friday afternoon from Pori Beauty Parlour and Training Center in the Amlapara area, police said. The victim, Kamrun Nahar Iti, was known locally as an entrepreneur and the owner of the beauty parlour where her body was found. We went there with the police and found my sister’s body inside the toilet,” she said. Mohammad Abdul Halim, officer-in-charge of Sadar Model Police Station, said the victim’s husband has been brought in for questioning.

Historically, Rajshahi-6 was a BNP stronghold. Both parties are making development promises to attract voters, making this election one of the most closely watched contests in northern Bangladesh. The Rajshahi-6 election highlights a significant shift in local politics. With the Awami League absent, the traditional BNP stronghold faces a new challenge from Jamaat-e-Islami, reflecting a broader trend seen across constituencies nationwide. The outcome will reveal whether BNP can reclaim its dominance or if Jamaat can capture the seat for the first time.

According to the World Health Organization (WHO) and public health experts, these deaths are primarily driven by lung and respiratory diseases, heart disease, stroke, and various forms of cancer. However, the law has yet to be fully passed or visibly implemented, leaving experts concerned about continued risks to public health. The proposed amendment seeks to impose a complete ban on smoking in all public places and public transport. While public health experts have welcomed the new provisions, many citizens remain skeptical. “Smoking in public places is not just a personal habit; it is a direct attack on public health,” he said.

The Chief Adviser’s Press Secretary, Shafiqul Alam, has said that there is no security risk for journalists. Speaking about vulnerable polling centres, the Press Secretary said that the list of such centres is being updated continuously and that final information would be available right up to the last day. The Press Secretary also said that police officers have been provided with body-worn cameras. Another topic discussed was the Election Security App, which is now fully operational. The Press Secretary added that 80% of CCTV cameras have already been installed, and installation of the 25,700 body-worn cameras is nearly complete.