Current Affairs
Campaigning ends as candidates head for polls
Campaigning for the 13th National Parliamentary Election ended this morning, 48 hours before voting is set to commence. All electoral activities were halted at 7:30 am on Tuesday, February 9, concluding a 20-day campaign period that began on January 22.
Bangladesh signs trade deal with US, tariff rate cut to 19 percent
Bangladesh and the United States have signed a long-awaited tariff-related trade agreement. Under the Agreement on Reciprocal Trade, ART, the reciprocal tariff on exports will be reduced from 20 percent to 19 percent. In addition, garments made with cotton and synthetic fibres imported from the United States will enjoy zero reciprocal tariffs when exported.
World’s first Gen Z–influenced election in Bangladesh: Reuters report
A Reuters analysis describes the 13th National Parliamentary Election as a significant turning point in Bangladesh’s political history, noting that for the first time Gen Z voters could play a decisive role in shaping the outcome. Nearly one-quarter of the electorate is under the age of 30, and their political awareness, participation in street movements and demand for change have given this election added significance.
Popular artists take to the field for BNP election campaign
Ahead of the 13th National Parliamentary Election–2026 scheduled for 12 February, the Bangladesh Nationalist Party’s (BNP) Central Election Steering Committee’s Cultural Sub-Committee has become actively involved in cultural campaigning. To strengthen direct engagement with voters, a day-long cultural programme was organised in the constituency of BNP Chairperson Tarique Rahman.
Future governments will be accountable to people: Tarique Rahman
BNP Chairperson Tarique Rahman has said the government in the future will be accountable to the people.
Remain vigilant against secret conspirators: Tarique Rahman
BNP Chairperson Tarique Rahman has said that if the people of Bangladesh elect the sheaf of paddy and the BNP forms the government, everyone must join hands in rebuilding the state. He stated, "We have seen off the autocrats, now we must start the work of building the country; no one will come from outside to build it for us."
BNP-led alliance could get 208, Jamaat alliance 46 seats: EASD survey
A public opinion survey published by Eminence Associates for Social Development, EASD, ahead of the upcoming 13th National Parliamentary Election, indicates that the BNP-led alliance could secure the highest number of seats. According to the survey, the BNP alliance could win about 208 seats, while the Jamaat-e-Islami-led alliance's probable seat count is 46. Additionally, Jatiya Party could win 3 seats, other parties 4, and independent candidates could win 17 seats. It also highlighted that 22 constituencies could witness close contests.
Voters, journalists allowed to carry mobile phones at polling centres: EC
Election Commissioner Brigadier General (retd) Abul Fazal Md Sanauallah has said journalists and election observers will be allowed to carry mobile phones inside polling centres on the day of voting in the February 12 parliamentary election and referendum.
Youth can build a new Bangladesh: Jamaat Ameer
Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer Dr Shafiqur Rahman addressed the nation in a televised speech aired on Bangladesh Television on Monday, February 9, at 6:15pm. In his address, he said change would shut the doors to wrongdoing and prevent the deprivation of people’s rights, but a vested group was opposing this change.
Public gatherings banned for 96 hrs in Dhaka during election period
A 96-hour ban has been imposed on all types of public meetings, processions, and rallies both before and after polling in 13 specific parliamentary constituencies of the Dhaka metropolis, on the occasion of the 13th National Parliamentary Election and the public referendum.