BNP’s secretary general Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir spoke at an election rally organized by BNP in Thakurgaon Municipality on Tuesday. Photo: BSSTHAKURGAON, Feb 3,2026 (BSS) – BNP’s secretary general Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir today said the independence of 1971 is our existence and we will lost our existence if it is obliterated. “The independence of 1971 is our existence ... but a vested quarter wants to erase it”, he said while while addressing in a electoral campaign here this noon. Thakurgaon municipality Ward-6 unit of BNP organized the programme. But unfortunately, he said, a group wants to keep 71 lag behind, as it is our core existence and we will go forward with this spirit.

Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian confirmed on Tuesday that he had ordered the start of nuclear talks with the United States, after his counterpart Donald Trump threatened “bad things” if no deal is reached. Iran has repeatedly stressed that talks should remain focused solely on the nuclear issue, rejecting negotiations over its missile program or defense capabilities. Nuclear talks between Tehran and Washington stalled last year after Israel launched an unprecedented bombing campaign against Iran in June, triggering a 12-day war. The United States briefly joined the conflict, carrying out strikes on key Iranian nuclear sites. Iranian authorities have said the protests were “riots” involving killings and vandalism and were inflamed by its arch-foes the United States and Israel.

“Climate risk insurance” is a crucial financial tool that is still underutilized, though. Underwriting a future disrupted by climate change is extremely difficult due to the insurance industry's current structure. The insurance industry's readiness should be evaluated based on its willingness to undergo a fundamental evolution rather than its current state. Regulations should incentivize green insurance products and mandate climate-risk disclosure. The industry as innovator, not just seller: Insurers must invest in technology and design simple, accessible, and affordable products, including index-based crop insurance, catastrophe bonds for municipalities, and health insurance products that address climate induced disease outbreaks.

Gold prices have been raised again in the local market, with the price of 22-carat gold set at Tk251,184 per gram. Previously, the price of 22-carat gold stood at Tk245,760 per gram. The Bangladesh Jewellers Association (Bajus) said the decision was taken due to a rise in the price of pure gold in the international market. Gold prices per gramAs per the Bajus notification, the prices of gold ornaments are as follows:22-carat (hallmarked) gold: Tk21,53521-carat (hallmarked) gold: Tk17,62018-carat (hallmarked) gold: Tk14,420Traditional gold: Tk545Silver prices per gramThe new prices of silver ornaments are:22-carat silver: Tk52021-carat silver: Tk48018-carat silver: Tk446Traditional silver: Tk435Bajus said all jewellery shops across the country must sell gold and silver at the revised rates until further notice. The information was shared in a press release signed by Dr Dewan Aminul Islam Shaheen, chairman of the Bajus Standing Committee on Pricing and Price Monitoring.

The Appellate Division on Tuesday ruled that BNP candidates Sarwar Alamgir and Aslam Chowdhury may contest the upcoming elections from the Chittagong-2 and Chittagong-4 constituencies respectively. Advocate Ahsanul Karim, Barrister Ruhul Quddus Kajal, Advocate Mahbubur Rahman Khan and Barrister Kazi Akhter Hossain represented Sarwar Alamgir and Aslam Chowdhury before the court. Earlier, on January 27, the High Court declared the nomination of Sarwar Alamgir valid for the Chittagong-2 constituency. Separately, on February 1, the High Court began hearing a bank’s appeal challenging the Election Commission’s decision to accept Aslam Chowdhury’s nomination papers for Chittagong-4. Despite the pending appeals, the Appellate Division ruled that there would be no legal bar to either candidate’s participation in the polls, while keeping the publication of results subject to the final outcome of the cases.

Chief Adviser’s Press Secretary Shafiqul Alam on Tuesday said Bangladesh is set to witness a credible and inclusive election on February 12, followed by a smooth and orderly transfer of power. "And I will return to my old ways - writing and reading, writing and reading and writing!! And guzzling enormous amounts of tea," said the Press Secretary in brief remarks shared from his verified Facebook page. Hopefully, there will be another one next week," Alam said. "In working days, it’s just five—today, Thursday, and the first three days of next week," Alam said.

Prof Ali Riaz, special assistant to the chief adviser, on Tuesday said the book of the July Charter presented to the public may be printed in black and white, but every single word of it has been written with the blood of the country’s people. Referring to the sacrifices of the July martyrs and injured, Ali Riaz said they did not seek to become prime minister or president; they wanted a dignified state. He said the charter was prepared through discussions with political parties, civil society, various organisations, groups, and individuals. Ali Riaz highlighted the role of the Public Service Commission during the previous regime and said that if the July Charter is implemented, the President will no longer hold unilateral authority to grant pardons. Ali Riaz said all political parties have agreed that out of the standing committees of the parliament, four key committees will be chaired by members from the opposition.

The government has decided to rename the Rapid Action Battalion (RAB) as Special Intervention Force (SIF). RAB, an elite law enforcement unit in Bangladesh, was formed for combating serious crimes, terrorism, and organized criminal activities in 2003. Operating under the Ministry of Home Affairs, RAB is a composite force comprising personnel from the Police, Army, Navy, Air Force, Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB), and Ansar. RAB was established on July 12, 2003, under the Armed Police Battalion (Amendment) Act, 2003, which amended the Armed Forces Battalion Ordinance of 1979. Since its inception, RAB has faced criticism from human rights organisations over alleged extrajudicial killings and enforced disappearances.

Dhaka, the densely populated capital of Bangladesh, ranked first among the world’s most polluted cities on Tuesday morning, recording an Air Quality Index (AQI) of 275 at 11:19am. The city’s air was classified as ‘very unhealthy’, indicating a serious health threat, according to the AQI report. The AQI, which reports daily air quality, informs residents how clean or polluted the air is and highlights potential health effects. Dhaka has long struggled with air pollution. Air quality usually deteriorates in winter and improves during the monsoon season.

The government will sell milk, eggs, beef and dressed broiler meat at subsidised prices during the month of Ramadan to ensure that the general public can easily meet their demand for animal-based protein. Under this program, dressed broiler meat will be sold at Tk245 per kilogram, pasteurised milk at Tk80 per liter, eggs at Tk8 per piece and beef at Tk650 per kilogram. A meeting was held at the conference room of the Ministry of Fisheries and Livestock to determine measures for uninterrupted supply and price stability of meat, eggs, and milk during Ramadan. After detailed discussions, it was decided that from the day before Ramadan until the 25th day of Ramadan, a total of 26 days, these products will be sold at affordable prices through mobile sales centers. Initially, the program will be conducted at 25 key locations in Dhaka and city corporation areas, based on public demand.

That includes ensuring safe and legal migration pathways, affordable and transparent remittance channels, protection against exploitation, and access to information that equips workers and families to make informed decisions. Both the government and private sector must therefore work to ensure workers’ earnings reach home safely and without unnecessary delays. Additionally, protection for migrant workers abroad must be reinforced. Bilateral agreements and legal safeguards can help ensure that workers are treated fairly, paid on time, and able to access justice when needed. The January remittance record is testament to the enduring contribution of Bangladesh’s workforce beyond its borders.

The High Court on Tuesday dismissed a writ petition filed by Nahid Islam, convener of the 11-party alliance and the National Citizen Party (NCP), challenging the candidacy of BNP-nominated candidate Dr MA Quayum in the Dhaka-11 constituency. With the dismissal of the writ, there is no legal obstacle to Dr Quayum’s participation in the election, lawyers said. Nahid Islam filed the writ on February 2, alleging dual citizenship and concealment of information by Dr Quayum, and sought suspension of his candidacy. Advocates Zahirul Islam Musa and Ali Azgar Sharifi represented Nahid Islam in the case. Earlier, the Election Commission declared the nomination papers of both Nahid Islam and Dr MA Quayum valid for the Dhaka-11 constituency.

Technical students blocked the busy Saat Rasta intersection in Tejgaon on Tuesday, protesting a government committee’s proposal formed in the name of resolving professional issues of BSc and diploma degree holders, bringing traffic in the area to a standstill. The blockade began in the afternoon at the Tejgaon Saat Rasta intersection. Officer-in-Charge of Tejgaon Industrial Area Police Station Mahmudur Rahman told Dhaka Tribune that students were staging a protest by blocking the road and that police were monitoring the situation. He said the protesters are demanding recruitment in the 10th grade and the cancellation of the proposed 33% quota. Earlier, on Monday, the Bangladesh Diploma Engineering Students-Teachers-Professionals Struggle Council announced nationwide sit-in programs.

Too frequently, our economic planning has relied on existing conditions rather than preparing for what comes next. With the gradual transition away from LDC-linked benefits, structured trade agreements are essential to protect jobs, sustain exports, and preserve competitiveness. The government must pursue a comprehensive trade strategy that includes strengthening regional partnerships, exploring pacts with other major economies, and deepening ties with existing partners. Strategic trade diplomacy requires anticipation and preparation, not last minute adjustment. Starting talks with the EU is a positive step because it reflects intent.

Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer Dr Shafiqur Rahman on Tuesday alleged that a political party is “doing business” with the hacking of his X (formerly Twitter) account. Dr Shafiqur Rahman also said Jamaat-e-Islami does not seek power for partisan or family-based politics. Criticising what he described as traditional power politics, he added: “Those who want to walk the old paths can choose the dark alleys. We will walk the illuminated main road.”Referring to women’s dignity, the Jamaat ameer said people cannot tolerate insults directed at women. The program was presided over by Professor Ramzan Ali, ameer of the Jamaat-e-Islami Kishoreganj district unit.