U.S. President Donald Trump is set to impose a 25% tariff on Mexico and Canada starting February 1. This follows his earlier warning related to undocumented immigration, trade fraud, and fentanyl trafficking. Trump also mentioned plans to impose a 10% tariff on Chinese goods but did not elaborate. Despite not signing the tariff order earlier, he confirmed the move after his swearing-in. The tariffs will remain in place until these countries take action against illegal immigration and drug trafficking.

A violent clash over sand extraction in the Meghna River near Munshiganj’s Kalirchar led to a gunfight between the Kibariya-Kana Jahir group and the river police, leaving two dead and 11 injured. The deceased, Rifat (26) and Rasel Fakir (28), were shot when locals resisted illegal dredging. Armed members of Kibariya’s group and police allegedly opened fire. The critically injured Ayub Ali (35) was sent to Dhaka for treatment. Authorities confirmed the deaths and ongoing investigation into the incident.

In Quetta, Pakistan, Anwar-ul-Haq, a U.S. citizen, shot and killed his teenage daughter, Hira, for making TikTok videos. The family had lived in the U.S. for 25 years before moving to Pakistan. Anwar found Hira’s content “objectionable” and initially denied responsibility. Police are investigating it as a possible honor killing, a common crime in Pakistan. Hira’s phone has been seized, and Anwar’s brother-in-law has been arrested. If convicted, they could face life imprisonment.

Interim government’s Information and Broadcasting Advisor Nahid Islam dismissed reports about his resignation, stating he would announce such a decision himself. Addressing journalists on January 30, he clarified that no such decision has been made. A national daily had reported that he and Sports Advisor Asif Mahmud might resign by February 15 to join a new student-led political party. Nahid refuted this, emphasizing that if they leave the government, it will be officially declared. Speculation about the new party has been ongoing, drawing reactions from BNP leadership.

Salwan Momika, a 38-year-old Iraqi refugee who burned the Quran in Sweden in 2023, was shot and killed in a Stockholm apartment on January 29. Swedish police arrested five people but have not confirmed if the attacker is among them. Momika was live-streaming on TikTok during the attack. He was set to receive a court verdict for “crimes against an ethnic group” the next day. His Quran-burning acts, approved under Sweden’s free speech laws, sparked global Muslim outrage. His deportation was blocked due to human rights concerns.

Bollywood actor Saif Ali Khan shared his experience of facing religious discrimination when trying to buy a house in Juhu, Mumbai. Despite searching for homes in the area, he was informed that due to his different community, he wouldn’t be able to purchase a property there. Saif, who has married non-Muslims, expressed that while he has never faced religious intolerance abroad, his own country questioned his religion, leaving him deeply insulted by the experience.

The Bangladeshi government is imposing a nine-month ban on tourist travel to Saint Martin Island starting February 1, as per the Ministry of Environment, Forest, and Climate Change. Previously, visitors were allowed until March 31, but this year, access is restricted from February. Overnight stays were banned in November, and a 2,000-tourist limit was enforced in December and January. Only the Cox’s Bazar-Saint Martin route remains operational. Tourism businesses fear financial losses due to the shortened travel period and restrictions.

Md. Mohiuddin (59), a constable of Debidwar Police Station, lost his life while trying to prevent a thief’s escape in Cumilla. Locals captured and beat up the thief, Rubel Mia, before handing him over to the police. Due to his injuries, officers took him to the Upazila Health Complex for treatment. However, as they were unloading him from an auto-rickshaw at the hospital gate, Rubel suddenly broke free and fled. The incident occurred around 9:30 PM on Tuesday near Government College Road.

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen has expressed readiness to continue current cooperation with Bangladesh while exploring ways to enhance the partnership. She emphasized the possibility of a cooperation agreement to deepen ties. In a recent letter to Bangladesh’s Chief Advisor, Ursula highlighted the EU’s interest in discussing specific needs with stakeholders and considering additional support that aligns with ongoing initiatives. The move aims to bolster the existing collaboration and explore new opportunities for mutual growth.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi sent New Year greetings to Professor Muhammad Yunus, Chief Adviser of Bangladesh’s interim government. On January 27, Deputy Press Secretary Abul Kalam Azad Mojumder confirmed the news, stating that Modi sent a signed card with a New Year message. Professor Yunus has been serving as Chief Adviser since August 8 last year, following the fall of the Sheikh Hasina-led government amid student protests on August 5. Modi’s gesture highlights diplomatic goodwill between the two nations.

Doubts surround Shariful Islam’s arrest as Saif Ali Khan’s attacker after Mumbai police revealed that none of the 19 fingerprints from Saif’s house matched Shariful’s. While police claim they have evidence implicating Shariful, CCTV footage shows someone with long hair, unlike Shariful, who has always kept short hair. Shariful’s father also insists the attacker in the footage does not resemble his son. These revelations raise questions about whether the actual attacker is someone else, shifting the investigation into a new direction.

Legal advisor Asif Nazrul emphasized that no distance or misunderstanding should exist between BNP and student leaders or the forces of mass uprising. He stressed that such misunderstandings could embolden Awami League’s genocidal leaders. Nazrul denied rumors regarding the fleeing of student leaders and Dr. Yunus. He affirmed BNP’s commitment to democratic processes, urged unity to counter Awami League’s influence, and emphasized the importance of the July uprising’s sacrifices in the fight for justice.

Donald Trump, after beginning his second term as U.S. president, has yet to undertake a state visit. Traditionally, the first state visit for a U.S. president is to the U.K., but Trump may break tradition and visit Saudi Arabia first, as he did during his first term. During a conversation aboard Air Force One, Trump hinted at this possibility, citing Saudi Arabia’s agreement to purchase billions of dollars in U.S. goods. Saudi Arabia has also expressed interest in investing $60 billion in the U.S. during Trump’s second term.

Saif Al Mahmud, a young man, publicly apologized to interim government’s Information and Broadcasting Adviser Md. Nahid Islam after making allegations involving Nahid and his father in a Facebook post. Nahid responded by challenging Saif to verify the claims, which led Saif to realize his mistake. Saif admitted he failed to authenticate the information before posting and later made the post private. He clarified that the removal was voluntary, not due to threats or pressure. Saif urged others not to spread rumors and apologized sincerely to Nahid.

Argent LNG, developing a 25 MTPA LNG facility in Louisiana, signed a non-binding agreement with Bangladesh to supply up to 5 million metric tons of LNG annually. If completed, the project could supply LNG to Bangladesh’s state-owned Petrobangla. The agreement ensures reliable energy for Bangladesh’s industries, despite its price sensitivity, as seen in its return to coal during 2022’s LNG price spikes due to the Russia-Ukraine war.