The court has directed the BCB to immediately implement the anti-sexual harassment policy in light of the guidelines of the 2009 High Court verdict, even while the rule is under judicial consideration. Senior lawyer Barrister Nasir Uddin Ahmed Ashim appeared in court on behalf of the writ petition. He told reporters, “The High Court has issued an interim directive to the BCB. Earlier, following Jahanara Alam’s complaint, the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) had formed an inquiry committee. Frustrated by the BCB’s prolonged inaction and delay, sports shooter Sabrina Sultana has filed a public interest petition in the High Court.

The body of a Military Institute of Science and Technology (MIST) student, who went missing while bathing in the Padma River at Mawa, was recovered on Monday, two days after the incident. The deceased was identified as Naim, a student of the Naval Architecture and Marine Engineering Department of MIST. According to Srinagar Fire Station Officer Dewan Amjad Hossain, Naim’s body was recovered from the riverbed around 500 feet north of Pillar No-4 of the Padma Bridge on Monday afternoon. During the visit, Naim and three of his friends went to the Padma River to take a bath, but Naim went missing after being swept away by the current. Mohammad Ilias, in-charge of the Mawa Naval Police Station, said the body was recovered after two days of search and later handed over to the family.

A total of 274 election-related violent incidents have been reported across the country over the past 53 days, according to the Press Wing of the Chief Adviser. The incidents occurred between December 12 and 9pm on February 1. Comparative figures from previous national elections show a fluctuating trend of violence: during the 10th parliamentary election, from December 22, 2013, to January 4, 2014, 530 incidents were recorded, leaving 115 people dead and 315 injured. The 11th parliamentary election, held from December 10, 2018, to January 2, 2019, saw 414 incidents, resulting in 22 deaths and 780 injuries. During the 12th parliamentary election, from December 21, 2023, to January 10, 2024, 534 incidents occurred, causing 6 deaths and 460 injuries.

Like every year, mustard cultivation without tillage has expanded widely in Sariakandi upazila of Bogra this season as well. Favourable weather conditions have resulted in good yield, and news of attractive market prices has brought smiles to farmers’ faces. According to local sources, farmers in several areas of Sariakandi upazila cultivate paddy only during two seasons—Boro and Aman. Sariakandi Upazila Agriculture Officer Mohammad Ali Jinnah said that farmers have been benefiting from zero-tillage mustard cultivation for the past several years by following advice from the agriculture office. At the same time, using pure mustard oil for cooking could help protect people from health risks.

BNP Chairman Tarique Rahman has extended heartfelt greetings to Muslims in Bangladesh and across the world on the occasion of the holy Shab-e-Barat, wishing continued happiness, peace and prosperity for all. In a message marking the holy Sheb-e-Barat, he said, “Shab-e-Barat is one of the most sacred nights of the month of Shaban, carrying immense religious significance. He noted that one of the key significances of Shab-e-Barat is the opportunity for salvation. Faithful Muslims pray to be freed from all forms of wrongdoing, immorality, and impurity, and Allah, the Lord of the Universe, bestows His grace upon those who sincerely seek it. Calling for peace and harmony, Tarique Rahman urged all to renounce violence, bloodshed, hatred, and malice, and to dedicate themselves to tolerance, restraint, and mutual harmony for the greater welfare of humanity.

The government will deploy additional security forces along with drones, CCTV cameras and dog squads, at sensitive polling centres to ensure a peaceful national election, Home Adviser Lieutenant General (retd) Jahangir Alam Chowdhury said on Monday. Jahangir Alam said the National Telecommunication Monitoring Centre’s Election Security App 2026 would also be operational during the polls. He instructed the authorities to take firm action against miscreants or terrorists attempting to disrupt or influence the election process. He asked officials to remain vigilant to prevent even minor lapses that could damage public confidence or the country’s image. He warned that no negligence, gap or deviation in election security management would be tolerated.

The holy Shab-e-Barat, the night of fortune, will be observed throughout the country on Tuesday with due religious fervour and devotion. On this occasion, the Islamic Foundation has chalked out programs at the Baitul Mukarram National Mosque here. The foundation will hold waz (religious sermons), doa-mahfil, special prayers, recitation from the Holy Quran and Hamd-Naat at Baitul Mukarram National Mosque on Tuesday evening. Besides, religious sermons centering the Shab-e-Barat will be delivered at different mosques after Maghrib prayers alongside holding special munajat after Isha prayers on Tuesday in the country. On this night, a huge number of devotees visit the nearest graveyards and offer special doa and munajat seeking eternal peace of the departed souls of their near and dear ones.

Special Assistant to the Chief Adviser Professor Dr Ali Riaz on Monday said that "July National Charter" is not merely a document, it is a roadmap for Bangladesh's future, as it has been written in exchange for the blood of young people. He stated that through the implementation of this charter, the foundation of an accountable and democratic system of governance will be further strengthened. Prof Ali Riaz said Bangladesh's youth continue their struggle with the goal of ensuring that future generations can live in an accountable democratic state system. He emphasized that implementing the July National Charter is essential to establish an independent and effective Anti-Corruption Commission. Rajshahi University Vice-Chancellor (VC) Saleh Hasan Naqib, along with teachers, senior administrators, RUCSU representatives and students, also spoke at the event.

A court has imposed a travel ban on six officials, including a director of Petrobangla and the managing director of Essential Drugs Company Limited (EDCL), in connection with three separate allegations of corruption, accumulation of illegal wealth, and money laundering. According to ACC Assistant Director Piyas Pal, Petrobangla Director Rafiqul Islam is accused of selling information on the country’s gas reserves to foreigners, providing illegal gas connections, and amassing Tk 1 billion in illegal assets through irregularities in recruitment and promotion. In the petition, the ACC stated that reliable sources indicated Rafiqul Islam could flee the country at any time. In addition, investigations are under way into allegations of money laundering against the chairman, managing director, and four other officials of International Leasing, identified as close associates of Prashanta Kumar (P K) Halder. ACC Deputy Director Moshiur Rahman sought travel bans on them, citing concerns that they might leave the country.

The Ministry of Fisheries and Livestock has said that the government has not approved indoor or artificial ilish farming, clarifying that no such initiative has received official clearance so far. In a press release issued on Monday, the ministry said it has seriously reviewed the issue amid recent discussions and reports published in newspapers, online media and social media regarding indoor or artificial cultivation of ilish. The ministry said a meeting on indoor, fully controlled and intensive cultivation of ilish and other marine fish using the Recirculating Aquaculture System (RAS) technology was held at the Ministry of Fisheries and Livestock on Sunday. It added that there is currently no government policy decision or approval regarding RAS or any other indoor, fully controlled or intensive method of hilsa farming. As such, no individual or institution has been granted permission to cultivate ilish using these methods.

The government will not take any decision that goes against the national interest in managing the country’s ports, Shipping Adviser Brigadier General (retd) Dr M Sakhawat Hossain said on Monday. Referring to the ongoing situation at Chittagong Port, the adviser said those involved in creating the situation are being investigated. “Due to the current situation, port activities have been disrupted, and the Chittagong Port Authority is working to resolve the issue,” he said. Calling on all concerned to keep the port operational in the greater national interest, he said the people of the country are suffering because of the disruptions. He reiterated that the current government would not implement any decision that goes against the country’s interests and described the situation as undesirable.

Justice Mamnoon Rahman of the High Court Division of the Supreme Court has resigned after remaining away from judicial duties for more than a year. According to relevant sources, Justice Mamnoon Rahman, who is currently residing in Canada, sent his resignation from there. It is reported that Justice Mamnoon Rahman had been absent from his workplace without leave for over a year. It may be noted that, following the submission of a complaint to the Supreme Judicial Council, Justice M R Hasan was also placed on leave earlier this month. In addition to the thirteen justices currently on leave, two other justices had been voluntarily absent from their duties—Justice Mamnoon Rahman was one of them.

A Dhaka court on Monday sent Biman Bangladesh Airlines Managing Director and CEO Shafiqur Rahman, his wife Bithi, and two house help to jail over the torture of an 11-year-old house help. Dhaka Metropolitan Magistrate Raju Ahmed rejected their bail petitions, sending the accused — including the house help — to prison, confirmed SI Tahmina Akhter of the prosecution department. The four were arrested late Sunday night in Uttara and produced before the court by SI Roman Mia of Uttara West Police Station, who sought their detention. Defense lawyer Advocate Zakir Hossain argued that Shafiqur, a government official, was rarely at home, and neither he nor his ailing wife was involved. He added that the victim had been returned to her family in good condition and the accused were unaware of any abuse.

The Armed Forces War Course (AFWC) Wing was formally inaugurated at its newly established campus in Dhaka Cantonment on Monday. The Wing will continue its academic and training activities at the new campus while remaining an integral part of the National Defence College. The inauguration of the Armed Forces War Course at its new campus marks a major step forward in strengthening institutional capacity for strategic-level education and training. The presence of the chiefs of the three Services at the inauguration underscores the importance of jointness, interoperability, and professional excellence within the Armed Forces. The event reaffirms the Armed Forces of Bangladesh's commitment to continuous professional development, modern military education, and the strengthening of national defense institutions.

Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer Dr. Shafiqur Rahman spoke an election rally at Sitakunda Government High School ground in Chattogram. Photo: BSSCHATTOGRAM, Feb 2, 2026 (BSS) - Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer Dr. Shafiqur Rahman said the people of Chattogram will take right decision on February 12 and those who envisioned a new Bangladesh will bring the 11-party alliance to power. Dr. Shafiqur Rahman emphasized the need to honor and value mothers as they are the pillars of society. At the conclusion of his speech, Jamaat Ameer Dr. Shafiqur Rahman introduced the candidates for the seven seats in Chattogram North. Organised by Chattogram North District Jamaat-e-Islami, the meeting was chaired by its Ameer Alauddin Sikder.