BNP central election steering committee spokesperson and adviser to the BNP chairman Mahdi Amin at the press briefing. Photo: BSSDHAKA, Feb 7, 2026 (BSS) - BNP central election steering committee spokesperson and adviser to the BNP chairman Mahdi Amin today urged the Election Commission (EC) to identify female polling agents with law and regulations. Mahdi Amin made the remarks at a press conference held at the BNP's Election Steering Committee office in Gulshan of the city. "We have seen before that one political party has gone house to house collecting NID and bKash numbers. Without naming any party, Mahdi Amin also alleged that a political party is systematically preparing for election engineering.

BNP Chairman Tarique Rahman. File PhotoDHAKA, Feb 7, 2026 (BSS) - A documentary titled ‘Smiles before Everything' has brought to light the largely unknown humanitarian side of BNP Chairman Tarique Rahman, showcasing his long-standing compassion for distressed people, helpless families and even neglected animals. ‘Smiles before Everything' is the first documentary made on Tarique Rahman and is directed by Zubaer Babu. The unknown humanitarian side of Tarique Rahman has come to light through this work," he said. Director Zubaer Babu, also a member of the BNP Central Election Steering Committee, said the documentary was not intended as political propaganda.

DHAKA, Feb 7, 2026 (BSS) - Rangpur and Dinajpur U-17 district football teamswon their respective matches in a Teesta zone match of U-17 NationalChampionship held at Shaheed Abu Sayed Stadium in Rangpur today (Saturday). In the day's match, the host Rangpur U-17 district football team crushedPanchagarh U-17 district football team by 6-0 goals. In the proceeding, Salman Farsi scored a brace in the 41st and 79th minuteswhile Tatas Mia, Lemon Mia, Sifat Hossain and Md Adnan supported him with alone goal each in the 29th, 32nd, 44th and 89th minutes respectively forRangpur in the one-sided affairs. In the day's another match, Dinajpur U-17 district football team defeatedLalmonirhat U-17 district football team by 2-1 goals with Mostakin scored abrace in the 28th and 90+4th minute for Dinajpur while Shahriar Nazib nettedfor Lalmonirhat in the 81st minute of the match.

Bangladesh suffers 4-0 defeat to India in SAFF finalPhoto: BSSDHAKA, Feb 7, 2026 (BSS) - Bangladesh today (Saturday) suffered a 4-0 defeatto India in the final of SAFF U-19 Women's Championship held at PokharaRangasala Stadium in Pokhara, Nepal. Bangladesh U-19 women's team: Mst Yearzan Begum, Mst Surovi Akter Arfin, MstJoynob Bibi Rita, Arpita Biswas Arpita, Protima Munda, Sorovi Rani, MostMunki Akhter, Kranuching Marma, Sree Moti Trishna Rani, Alpi Akter, MamoniChakma, Shanti Mardi, Mst Bonna Khatun, Rupa Akter, Purnima Marma, Mst MomitaKhatun, Thuinuye Marma, Ayonto Bala Mahato, Puja Das, Sauravi Akanda Prity,Mst Mira Khatun and Meghla Rani Roy.

Photo : CollectedDHAKA, Feb 7, 2026 (BSS) - The Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and ExportersAssociation (BGMEA) has said that the Japan-Bangladesh Economic PartnershipAgreement (EPA) is a landmark step in Bangladesh's trade diplomacy. It said the Japan-Bangladesh Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA), signing onFriday in Tokyo, Japan marks a historic milestone in Bangladesh's tradediplomacy. Inthis context, the Japan-Bangladesh EPA is both strategic and timely. From a trade perspective, the EPA is expected to significantly improve marketaccess for Bangladesh's exports, particularly ready-made garments, whichdominate Bangladesh's export basket to Japan. The Japan-Bangladesh EPA should be seen as the beginning of a broader andmuch-needed shift in Bangladesh's trade policy direction.

Photo: CollectedJOS, Nigeria, Feb 7, 2026 (BSS/AFP) - Two attacks in the space of a few days left 30 people dead in two neighbouring towns in Nigeria's central state of Benue, long prone to inter-communal clashes, sources told AFP. Armed bandits killed at least 13 traders on Friday afternoon in Anwase, a village in the Kwande area, local government official Ibi Andrew told AFP. He said the assailants stormed the market "and opened fire on the people randomly". "The attack left traders and residents traumatised, with properties destroyed and families searching for missing loved ones." On Tuesday, armed men had attacked the market in nearby Mbaikyor, killing 17 people, including a police officer, according to two residents and local media.

Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer Dr. Shafiqur Rahman spoke at an election rally at the new field grounds in Habiganj this morning. Photo: BSSHABIGANJ, Feb 7, 2026 (BSS) - Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer Dr. ShafiqurRahman today said a nation blessed with fertile lands and abundant resources,had failed to provide its people with the prosperity and justice theydeserved, primarily due to corrupt leadership. "The martyrs of our independence fought for a Bangladesh where economicfreedom, quality education, healthcare, and security would be guaranteed forall. In a broader reflection on the state of the nation, Dr. Rahman spoke aboutthe values that the independence struggle was supposed to ensure for allcitizens. "We reject all formsof division," Dr. Rahman emphasized, promising that his party would fight tomaintain peace and unity among Bangladesh's diverse religious communities.

Minu promises to remain with people of Rajshahi as he did in the pastPhoto: BSSRAJSHAHI, Feb 7, 2026 (BSS)- Former Rajshahi City Mayor Mizanur Rahman Minu today said, “I stood by the people of Rajshahi in the past, I am with them now, and I will remain with them in the future. Mijanur Rahman Minu said although Rajshahi is a city with great potential, its residents have long been deprived of many civic facilities due to mismanagement and lack of planning. Effective initiatives are urgently needed in fundamental areas such as roads, drainage systems, safe drinking water, healthcare, and employment. “If Allah grants me the opportunity, all basic rights of the city’s residents will be ensured,” he said. He urged them to stay away from drugs and crime and to engage in education, sports, and social service.

Country’s face will change in five years if we are given responsibility: Jamaat AmeerBangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer Dr. Shafiqur Rahman spoke at an election rally held at the Sylhet Government Alia Madrasa ground. Jamaat Ameer said, “If we are given the responsibility, the face of the country will change in five years. “For the past 54 years, the politics of oppression has been ongoing in Bangladesh, with Jamaat-e-Islami bearing the brunt of the injustice. However, after the July 2024 Uprising, we promised that Jamaat would not take revenge against any tyrant, and we have kept that promise. The state will take responsibility for the children of tea plantation workers,” he said.

Photo: CA Press WingDHAKA, Feb 7, 2026 (BSS) - Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus today expressed satisfaction with the way the election campaign is progressing across the country, saying that campaign is being conducted nationwide in an enthusiastic, peaceful and cordial environment. Later, Chief Adviser's Press Secretary Shafiqul Alam briefed the media in front of Jamuna tonight to share outcomes of the meeting. During the meeting, the press secretary said a live demonstration of how the cameras work was held. He said that the meeting also focused on the "Election Security App," which has now been fully activated, adding, the app will be used exclusively by election officials and security personnel. He said 108,885 members of armed forces have already been deployed, adding that 37,453 members of BGB have also been deployed in certain areas in 1,210 platoons.

BNP candidate Ishraque Hossain has called on the Election Commission to remove the chief (OC) of Sutrapur Police Station, alleging biased conduct. Ishraque, who is contesting in the Dhaka-6 seat in the Feb 12 election, also requested that the polling centre at Cosmopolitan School and College in Sutrapur be relocated, bdnews24.com reports. He submitted the application on Saturday after meeting the Election Commission secretary at the EC headquarters in Dhaka.

PIO Nizamul Kabir today virtually addressed a workshop for media personnel on the referendum and 13th National Parliament Election in Sylhet. Photo: PIDSYLHET, Feb 07, 2026 (BSS)- Principal Information Officer (PIO) Nizamul Kabir today said media professionals must play a responsible and significant role in the upcoming National Parliament Election and the referendum. He said PID has prepared various awareness contents on the national election, TV commercials and theme songs. Songs in eight regional languages of the eight divisions are being broadcast, alongside campaigns on the national election, referendum and postal ballot. With Deputy Principal Information Officer Hasina Akter in the chair, Additional Principal Information Officer Yakub Ali, Deputy Principal Information Officers Nasreen Jahan Lipi and Molla Ahmad Qutubuddin conducted different sessions at the workshop.

US want Ukraine, Russia to end war by June: ZelenskyKYIV, Ukraine, Feb 7, 2026 (BSS/AFP) - The United States wants Ukraine and Russia to end their war by June, and has offered to host talks between the two sides next week, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said. Russia, which occupies around 20 percent of Ukraine, is pushing for full control of its neighbour's eastern Donetsk region as part of a deal. But Ukraine says it will not sign an agreement that fails to deter Russia from invading again. "The United States has proposed for the first time that the two negotiating teams -- Ukraine and Russia -- meet in the United States, probably in Miami, in a week's time," Zelensky told reporters in comments made public early Saturday. Zelensky has repeatedly expressed frustration that his country is being asked to make disproportionate compromises compared to Russia.

Photo: BSSKHULNA, Feb 7, 2026 (BSS) - BNP-nominated "Sheaf of Paddy" candidate forKhulna-2 constituency and former lawmaker Nazrul Islam Manju today saidBangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) is a party of the people and it willalways stand by them. He made the remarks while conducting electioneering and distributing leafletsin several areas of Sonadanga Ward No. Manju said there are 3,31,279 voters in Khulna-2 constituency, of whom168,193 are women and 163,076 men, noting that women voters are higher innumber. He described BNP as a united and popular party founded by Shaheed PresidentZiaur Rahman, led by Begum Khaleda Zia and now under the leadership ofTarique Rahman, adding that the party has governed the country several timeswith a record of building a self-reliant Bangladesh. Manju said BNP aims to rebuild Khulna with the participation of people fromall walks of life, restore its lost glory and build a drug-free andoppression-free city.

BNP Chairman Tarique Rahman. Photo : ReutersDHAKA, Feb 7,2026 (BSS) - BNP Chairman Tarique Rahman has said his party was confident to win the election to form the next government, rejecting a proposal to form a coalition or unity government with Jamaat-e-Islami. They said Tarique, however, declined to give a number but said "we are confident that we'll have enough to form a government”. Asked whether he would pivot away from India toward China should he win, Tarique said Bangladesh needed partners capable of boosting economic growth for its nearly 175 million people. As long as it is not safe, they are very welcome to stay here,” he said.