Canada has imposed 25% retaliatory tariffs on $155bn worth of US goods, mirroring President Trump’s tariffs on Canadian and Mexican imports. Prime Minister Trudeau emphasized standing up for Canadians while warning of economic consequences. The tariffs target American beer, wine, household appliances, and more. Economists predict rising consumer prices as the trade war escalates. The White House defends tariffs as a crackdown on drug trafficking, but Trudeau refutes security concerns. Trump signals further tariff hikes if met with retaliation, deepening tensions between the neighboring nations.

According to Indian media, India’s Ministry of External Affairs has allocated ₹1.2 billion for Bangladesh in the 2025-26 fiscal year—consistent with past allocations during Sheikh Hasina’s tenure. This marks India’s first budget under Narendra Modi’s third term and following Hasina’s ousting. The ministry has set aside ₹205.16 billion in total, with Nepal receiving the highest allocation of ₹21.5 billion for hydropower projects, economic cooperation, and infrastructure development. While Maldives’ allocation has increased, Afghanistan’s has decreased. The budget was presented in the Lok Sabha by Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman.

Before the final prayer session today, the death toll for the first phase of the World Ijtema rose to six. The latest deceased was Haji Abdur Gafur, a resident of Charfashion, Bhola. The first phase of the religious congregation concluded with a mass prayer led by Maulana Zubair Ahmed. During the prayer, all surrounding roads were closed, and after its conclusion, traffic resumed as attendees began leaving the venue.

Indian news outlet Zee 24 Ghanta misrepresented Bangladesh’s poverty by using an image actually taken in India. The photo, showing children standing in line with plates, was from New Delhi in 2020, where slum children waited for free food during the COVID-19 lockdown. A reverse image search confirmed its prior use by CNBC and Getty Images. Despite this, the misleading image was intentionally used to depict Bangladesh’s poverty, raising concerns about journalistic integrity in Indian media.

The Asian Development Bank (ADB) has agreed to provide up to $1 billion in budget support to Bangladesh by June, subject to banking sector reforms, including reducing private bank directors and their tenure. ADB may also offer $300–$500 million for climate change initiatives if Bangladesh meets 16 conditions, such as implementing a national strategy and transport master plan. Other requirements include AI-based early warning systems for farmers and improved waste management. Economic Adviser Salehuddin Ahmed emphasized that Bangladesh will accept only low-interest loans.

The press wing of Bangladesh’s interim government has strongly condemned a report by Indian media outlet Anandabazar Online about a supposed military coup in Dhaka. The government labeled the report as false, fabricated, and part of an information warfare campaign aimed at influencing Bangladesh’s political landscape. It accused Indian media of using hybrid warfare tactics to support Sheikh Hasina’s government and undermine the people’s struggle for independence. The article was later removed by Anandabazar.

Elon Musk, CEO of Tesla and SpaceX, was nominated for the 2025 Nobel Peace Prize for his promotion of free speech. The nomination was submitted by European Parliament member Branko Grimz, who highlighted Musk’s contributions to free expression and peace. However, Musk declined the nomination, stating he does not seek any awards. Despite his disinterest, the nomination has sparked widespread discussion on social media, with critics questioning its legitimacy.

Summary: Sargis Alam, the prominent figure and chief organizer of the National Citizen’s Committee, has recently married. The news was confirmed by sports advisor Asif Mahmud Sajib Bhuiyan on Friday evening. Following the announcement, Asif Mahmud Sajib Bhuiyan took to his verified social media account to congratulate the newlyweds, wishing Sargis Alam a blissful married life and congratulating him on starting this new chapter in his life.

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.