The Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) has unveiled its election manifesto, pledging sweeping changes to the structure of state governance. BNP said that, if elected, it would undertake fundamental reforms to reestablish democracy, accountability, and the people’s right to vote. The document outlines commitments across nearly all major sectors, including elections, state reform, the economy, social protection, education, health, agriculture, employment, the judiciary, and public administration. Social security and allowancesAs part of expanding social protection programs, BNP pledged to increase freedom fighters’ allowances in line with inflation. The party pledged to take independent decisions in international relations and to strengthen regional cooperation.

Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer Dr Shafiqur Rahman on Friday invited BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman to a direct discussion on an open platform to present their respective parties’ election manifestos before the nation. Dr Shafiqur made the proposal in a post on his verified Facebook page on Friday night, saying the initiative aims to ensure transparency and accountability in national politics. “Dear Tarique Rahman, legitimacy can only be established through a free and fair election. “After the July uprising, it is our responsibility to prove to the younger generation that politics can be courteous and non-confrontational. He also called for setting a standard of governance that is open to criticism, accountable, and transparent.

Chief Observer of the European Union Election Observation Mission Ivars Ijabs has expressed optimism that Bangladesh will emerge as a dynamic state through a credible, transparent, peaceful, and fair election scheduled for February 12. Speaking at a meeting with journalists at the Sylhet Press Club on Friday afternoon, Ijabs said the European Union maintains a long-standing and historic relationship with Bangladesh. The briefing was held at the Aminur Rahman Rashid Auditorium of the Sylhet Press Club. Sylhet Press Club President Muktabis Un Noor and EU EOM Press Officer Everhard Liew were present, while the session was moderated by Press Club General Secretary Mohammad Serajul Islam. This election belongs solely to the people of Bangladesh,” he said, adding that the EU believes Bangladesh is capable of organizing an inclusive and fair election.

Exploration activities have resumed at the country’s first iron ore mine in Pirganj upazila of Rangpur after nearly six decades. The exploration began through the excavation of a geological drilling well at Chhoto Paharapur village under Shanerhat union on February 1. The initiative is being carried out by the Bangladesh Geological Survey (BGS). Speaking at the event, Secretary Saiful Islam said the government would extend full support if commercially viable mineral resources are discovered. Another well, GDH-78/23, was drilled in 2023 at Kashimpur village under Mithipur union, where traces of mineral resources were found.

Situated on the banks of the Shitalakshya River, the air around the facility was alive with the rhythmic clackety-clack and melodic plink, plink of charkhas and weaving looms. Trained artisans were busy weaving magic, employing dozens of hand-cranked spinning wheels and traditional looms. Unlike modern long-staple cotton, Phuti Karpas produces short, silky and incredibly strong fibres. At the next station, others were busy starching and sizing the yarn, preparing it for the looms, where weavers create iconic aniconic motifs and intricate designs. To many weavers, this mechanical rhythm is meditative—a centuries-old lullaby guiding the thread’s journey into fabric.

The document alleged that 75% of postal ballots had been counted in favor of Jamaat and that an “irreversible administrative decision” had been taken to ensure the party’s victory. According to the Press Wing, the so-called document was structured into six sections: ideological and strategic basis, results and information management, security and control, communication and code language, confidential distribution list, and special alerts. The Press Wing said multiple inconsistencies were identified in the document, including mixed-language reference numbers, nonstandard date formats, irregular distribution lists, and artificial language and presentation. It confirmed that the document circulating under the NSI’s name was not genuine and was digitally fabricated without any reliable source. A report published by Desh Rupantor, citing NSI sources, also stated that the document and its contents are completely false.

Bangladesh has entered a new chapter in its trade diplomacy by signing its first full-fledged economic partnership agreement with a developed economy. Four years from concept to implementationThe Bangladesh–Japan Economic Partnership Agreement was completed in just four years, a relatively short period by international standards. Bangladesh has agreed to open 97 sub-sectors to Japan, while Japan will open 120 sub-sectors to Bangladesh through four mechanisms. The agreement is expected to accelerate Japanese investment, technology transfer, and the development of skilled human resources in Bangladesh. The Economic Relations Division reports that from 2020 to Sept. 30, 2025, Japan’s cumulative foreign direct investment in Bangladesh reached $469.6 million.

Voting for the 13th parliamentary election in the Dhaka-20 (Dhamrai) constituency will be held at 147 polling centres, of which 13 have been identified as risky. Assistant Returning Officer and Dhamrai Upazila Nirbahi Officer (UNO) Khan Mohammad Salman Habib confirmed the information to Dhaka Tribune. According to the Upazila Election Commission office, the Dhaka-20 constituency (seat no. Administrative sources said the 13 high-risk polling centres include Char Chauhat Government Primary School, Haluyapara Government Primary School, Kantahati Government Primary School, Gangutia Government Primary School, Bhalum Government Primary School, Baratya Alhaj Maulana Yasin Pre-Cadet Dakhil Madrasa, Goaldi Government Primary School, Sharifbag Government Primary School, Sharifbag Islamia Kamil Madrasa, Khatra Government Primary School and Faringa Government Primary School. Dhamrai Upazila Election Officer Md SM Sadikur Rahman said the centres were classified as high-risk based on past incidents of political violence, the presence of local influential groups and attempts to seize control of polling centres during previous elections.

Jamaat-e-Islami women activists hold historic Narsingdi rally, highlighting rights, safety and election enthusiasm. Photo : BSSNARSINGDI, Feb 6, 2026 (BSS) - Female activists of Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami held a massive rally in Narsingdi today, marking the first such demonstration by the party's women's wing amid rising election enthusiasm. Women of all ages participated enthusiastically, chanting slogans in support of Jamaat-e-Islami and calling for social and political security. Among the rally leaders were Rahima Nasrin, Narsingdi District women's wing secretary Jamaat; Nurun Naeem, assistant secretary; Parveen Khandakar, secretary of Sadar Thana and Nazma Begum, city secretary. At the post-march rally, speakers emphasized the party's commitment to safeguarding women's rights and providing a secure working environment.

Islami Chhatra Shibir celebrates 49th anniversary with Shahbag rally, urging students to unite for nation-building. Photo : Bangladesh Islami Chhatra Shibir FBDHAKA, Feb 6, 2026 (BSS) – Bangladesh Islami Chhatra Shibir today held a colourful procession and rally in the capital marking its 49th founding anniversary with the slogan 'Building Tomorrow’s Bangladesh with Merit, Integrity and Patriotism'. The rally at Shahbag was presided over by Nurul Islam Saddam and conducted by Secretary General Sibgatullah. Addressing the gathering, Nurul Islam Saddam said Islami Chhatra Shibir has emerged as a symbol of hope for students over its 49-year journey despite repression and challenges. Leaders of different student organisations and Islami Chhatra Shibir were also present on the occasion.

Photo -BSSFARIDPUR, Feb 6, 2026 (BSS) - Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer Dr. Shafiqur Rahman today said Faridpur will be upgraded to a division and will also be granted a city corporation, provided the party is given the opportunity to serve the people through the upcoming elections. Dr Rahman criticized the current state of the country, saying that rivers have been 'murdered' and turned into deserts, and he pledged to restore the life of these rivers. Highlighting the issue of unemployment among the youth, Dr. Rahman emphasized his commitment to creating job opportunities rather than providing unemployment benefits. Jamaat Ameer proposed reactivating the closed mills and establishing agriculture-based industries in areas where agricultural production is abundant. Faridpur District Ameer Maulana Mohammad Badar Uddin presided over the rally.

Photo -BSSDHAKA, Feb 6, 2026 (BSS) - BNP has pledged to ensure press freedom and professional security for journalists in its election manifesto, alongside forming a retirement welfare board for media professionals. According to the manifesto, the BNP has outlined major reform initiatives aimed at guaranteeing freedom of the mass media and ensuring the economic protection of media workers. A "National Journalist Retirement Welfare Board" will be formed to address journalists' old-age security and financial well-being. BNP said it would form a special cell to ensure the professional protection of journalists. BNP reaffirmed its determination to strictly suppress any form of attack or aggression against journalists and media offices, ensuring their security.

Photo : CollageKHULNA, Feb 6, 2026 (BSS) – With 402,798 voters, electioneering has intensified in the Khulna-5 constituency, which comprises Dumuria and Phultala upazilas. Several candidates are contesting in the Khulna-5 seat, including BNP-nominated Mohammad Ali Asgar Lobi, Jamaat-e-Islami candidate Professor Mia Golam Parwar, Communist Party of Bangladesh (CPB) candidate Advocate Chittaranjan Goldar, and Jatiya Party candidate Shamim Ara Parvin Yasmin. However, voters and grassroots-level political analysts consider BNP’s Mohammad Ali Asgar Lobi and Jamaat’s Professor Mia Golam Parwar to be the main contenders. Highlighting public expectations, the Jamaat candidate said that if elected, he would prioritise the development of roads and communication systems. Reflecting voters’ aspirations, BNP candidate Mohammad Ali Asgar Lobi said the people of the area have high expectations due to long-standing deprivation from development.

BNP Chairman Tarique Rahman announced the election manifesto at a city hotel, Dhaka. Photo : BSSDHAKA, Feb 6, 2026 (BSS) - The Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) has vowed to implement nine major pledges if it comes to power through the upcoming 13th parliamentary elections as the party unveiled its election manifesto today. BNP Chairman Tarique Rahman formally unveiled the manifesto at a city hotel. Tarique Rahman is leading the party in the upcoming election, and this is his first manifesto. BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir chaired the event which was conducted by Nazrul Islam Khan, Chairman of the BNP Election Steering Committee.

BICS President Nurul Islam Saddam says repression failed to halt progress at DU discussion marking 49th founding anniversary. Photo : BSSDHAKA, Feb 6, 2026 (BSS) - Bangladesh Islami Chhatra Shibir (BICS) President Nurul Islam Saddam today said despite facing severe oppression, propaganda, torture and killings, the progress of the student organization could not be stopped. He added that Islami Chhatra Shibir remains committed to creating honest, skilled and patriotic citizens. DU BICS president Muhiuddin Khan presided over the event. SM Farhad, former DU BICS president, said the current position of Islami Chhatra Shibir is the result of the sacrifice and dedication of thousands of its members.