ASK Reports Surge in Political Violence and Journalist Harassment Ahead of Elections
Incidents of political violence and harassment of journalists have been rising ahead of Bangladesh’s 13th parliamentary elections scheduled for tomorrow, according to the human rights organisation Ain o Salish Kendra (ASK).
14 Years Since the Sagar–Runi Murder: No Progress Even Under the Interim Government
Fourteen years have passed since the murder of journalist couple Sagar Sarowar and Meherun Runi. They were killed on the night of February 11, 2012, at their residence in West Rajabazar, Dhaka. Despite the passage of a long time, it has not been possible to identify the motive behind this high-profile double murder or the real perpetrators. The date for submitting the investigation report has been deferred 124 times so far. The case is currently being investigated by the Police Bureau of Investigation (PBI).
Bangladesh Must Purchase U.S. Agricultural Products Worth 42 Thousand Crore Taka Annually
Discussions have begun in the country regarding the recently signed reciprocal tariff-related trade agreement with the United States. Under the agreement, garments made from U.S. cotton will receive duty-free access to the U.S. market. At the same time, the reciprocal tariff imposed on Bangladesh has been reduced from 20 percent to 19 percent. However, in return, Bangladesh will have to purchase agricultural products worth 42 thousand crore taka annually. In other words, in the name of tariff concessions, a new pressure has actually been created on Bangladesh.
Editors’ Council Expresses Alarm Over Army’s Entry Into Media Office
The Editors’ Council has voiced serious concern over recent incidents of intimidation and harassment targeting journalists and media organisations, warning that such actions pose a grave threat to press freedom and the democratic process ahead of the upcoming national elections.
77% of People Unaware of What the July Charter Contains: Survey
Reforms are being carried out based on the much-discussed July National Charter. The charter will be implemented if the upcoming referendum is won. However, most people do not know what the July Charter contains. This figure stands at 77.2 percent. In contrast, 37.2 percent of people said they know what is included in the July Charter. Even within this group, disparities exist. These findings emerged from the pre-election public perception survey conducted by the Institute of Informatics and Development (IID) and Youth for Policy.
Rice Trader, Jubo League Leader Hacked to Death in Trishal Shop
A rice trader was hacked to death inside his shop in Trishal upazila of Mymensingh. After killing him, the assailants left the body inside the shop and closed the shutter before fleeing. He was also the President of Hariram Union Ward No. 6 Jubo League of Trishal upazila.
Dhaka University Teachers: Election Not Acceptable Without All Parties
Ahead of the Thirteenth National Parliamentary Election, the Dhaka University teachers’ organization ‘Blue Group’ has stated that no election or referendum will be acceptable to the nation without the participation of all political parties. The organization expressed this concern and demand in a press release on Monday, February 9, 2026.
No Real Improvement in Bangladesh’s Corruption Ranking Due to Reform Inaction: TIB
Bangladesh ranks 13th among the world’s most corrupt countries. With a score of 24 out of 100, Bangladesh stands at 13th position among 182 countries. In terms of overall ranking, Bangladesh is placed 150th. Last year, Bangladesh was ranked 14th.
Bangladesh-US Tariff Pact Falls Short: Only 1% Reduction After Months of Talks
After nine months of continuous negotiations, the signing of the “reciprocal tariff agreement” between Bangladesh and the United States has drawn mixed reactions from trade analysts. The agreement, signed in Washington on Monday, has reduced reciprocal tariffs on Bangladeshi products by only 1 percent, bringing them down to 19 percent a result many believe falls far short of expectations given the length and intensity of the discussions.
Election Process Violates Constitution: 707 Lawyers Call for Boycott
A total of 707 lawyers of the Supreme Court have called for a boycott of the upcoming 13th National Parliament election, describing it as directly unconstitutional and an illegal political event. In their words, this is not an election, but rather a staged drama designed to forcibly legitimize the government, where the people’s voting rights have been deliberately buried.