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.

Law and Justice Advisor Professor Asif Nazrul has urged everyone to disregard false rumors spreading on social media, calling them “the ramblings of a madman.” In a Facebook post on January 24, he assured that everything is fine and there is no reason for concern. Since the night of January 23, unfounded claims, including allegations about interim government advisors fleeing, the Chief Advisor resigning, and the military forming a government, have circulated widely. He emphasized that such information is completely false and baseless.

Malaysia has made history by recognizing cryptocurrency as eligible for zakat, the obligatory Islamic charity. The Federal Territories Islamic Religious Council announced the decision to align zakat practices with the digital era. Cryptocurrency, a rapidly growing sector in Malaysia, involves 54.2% of the country’s investors, mostly aged 18–34, holding assets worth 16 billion ringgit. Officials see this as a potential new zakat source, particularly for young Muslims. The move reflects Malaysia’s effort to adapt Islamic finance to modern economic trends.

Police arrested four individuals, including two army personnel, while they were preparing for a robbery in Banani, Dhaka. The suspects, including a journalist and a source for the robbery gang, were caught on the night of January 21. The police seized military uniforms, shoes, identity cards, a microbus, and lock-breaking tools from them. The two army personnel have been handed over to the military, while the other two suspects were placed on a three-day remand. Investigations are ongoing.

The Directorate of Secondary and Higher Education (DSHE) has canceled a controversial notice that directed action against students involved in spreading rumors, propaganda, or misinformation against the government or state. Issued on January 2, the notice sparked public outcry for urging strict vigilance and reporting of such activities. On January 22, Professor Md. Abed Nomani confirmed the withdrawal, stating it was a joint decision by MAUSI and the Education Ministry. However, no specific reasons were provided for revoking the directive.

A fire rumor in the Lucknow-Mumbai Pushpak Express triggered panic among passengers, who jumped off the train in fear. The chaotic situation led to 12 deaths when passengers were hit by the passing Karnataka Express. The incident occurred on January 22 near Jalgaon, Maharashtra, after a “hot axle” or “brake jam” caused sparks. Emergency relief teams were sent, and medical aid was provided to the injured. Maharashtra’s Chief Minister expressed condolences, with efforts underway to assist the affected families.