Muhammad Faozul Kabir Khan, adviser to the Ministry of Road Transport and Bridges, made a controversial remark on Tuesday, saying the aircraft that crashed at Milestone School and College should have fallen on the Secretariat instead. He made the comment while inaugurating a training program aimed at raising awareness among drivers and workers about skill development and noise pollution.

Khan expressed strong frustration with the bureaucracy, describing it as a major obstacle to national progress. He said people are angry with the Secretariat and other government offices, accusing officials of lacking humanity and ignoring citizens’ daily problems. He alleged that bureaucrats resist change, focusing instead on increasing their benefits, pay scales, and opportunities for corruption.

Referring to the July 21 crash of an Air Force jet at Milestone School in Uttara that killed 36 people, including 28 students and the pilot, Khan said the current social and administrative situation is deeply worrying. He urged collective effort to change the nation’s fate rather than waiting for disaster.

Families of victims of the July Revolution killings in Dhaka’s Chan Kharpul area have expressed dissatisfaction with the International Crimes Tribunal’s verdict delivered on January 26, 2026. On Tuesday, representatives including Mir Mahmudur Rahman, brother of martyr Mir Mugdho, and Rokibul Ahmed, father of martyr Ramiz Uddin, submitted a memorandum to the tribunal registrar urging reconsideration of the ruling. The families called for justice and respect for the spirit of the July movement.

The memorandum stated that despite clear video evidence, the judgment did not adequately reflect it, contradicting principles of justice. It also argued that the punishment of principal offenders was insufficient while superior officers received death sentences, raising doubts about the verdict’s sustainability. The families said the ruling contradicted the ideals of the July movement and caused deep distress among 1,400 martyr families. They warned that the verdict could set a negative precedent affecting future war crimes trials.

The tribunal had sentenced former DMP commissioner Habibur Rahman and two others to death, while five others received prison terms ranging from three to six years. Convicts have 30 days to appeal to the Supreme Court.

Professor Ali Riaz, special assistant to the chief adviser, stated that the upcoming July Charter will guarantee every citizen’s religious rights and help build a society based on equality, human dignity, and social justice. He made these remarks on Tuesday, January 27, at a meeting with members of the Hindu Religious Welfare Trust at the National Museum auditorium in Dhaka, held to promote the upcoming referendum and encourage voter participation.

Riaz emphasized that the charter aims to end discrimination based on religious belief and restore citizens’ equal rights. He urged voters to support the referendum, describing it as essential for rescuing the state from authoritarian oppression and implementing broad reforms. He cited constitutional provisions asserting that all power belongs to the people and criticized past practices where decisions were controlled by the prime minister. He also called for reform of Article 70 to allow lawmakers greater freedom of opinion.

Other speakers, including Monir Haidar, highlighted the importance of upholding social justice and human values and dismissed misinformation suggesting the referendum would remove religious references from the constitution.

A disabled youth named Tansen was allegedly assaulted by supporters of BNP candidate Sheikh Rezaul Islam Rezu in Naogaon-6 (Atrai-Raninagar) constituency. The incident occurred on Monday afternoon near Pakuria playground in Raninagar upazila while Tansen was distributing leaflets for independent candidate and former minister Alomgir Kabir. He is currently receiving treatment at Raninagar Upazila Health Complex.

According to Tansen, he was attacked after being seen distributing leaflets bearing the motorcycle symbol. He accused Liton, nephew of Raninagar BNP general secretary Mosaraf Hossain, and several others of beating him despite his pleas that he was disabled and helpless. Local residents reportedly intervened, prompting the attackers to flee.

Liton, however, denied initiating the assault, claiming that he and others were attending a sports event and that the altercation began when Tansen disconnected a microphone wire. He said some excited BNP supporters slapped the youth but insisted he did not personally attack him.

BNP National Standing Committee member Salahuddin Ahmed has called on voters to support the party’s paddy sheaf symbol in the upcoming election for the Cox’s Bazar-1 (Chakaria-Pekua) constituency. He made the appeal on Tuesday morning during campaign activities and public outreach in Kaiarbil Union of Chakaria upazila, emphasizing the need to fulfill the aspirations of the martyrs of the July uprising and to strengthen democracy.

During his campaign, Ahmed stated that the BNP represents the people’s interests and is committed to national independence and sovereignty. He said the party’s plans are centered on the welfare of the people and that, if elected to power, the BNP would remain a force for the citizens. He urged voters from all political backgrounds to unite and vote for the BNP candidate to build a strong democratic state.

Earlier in the day, Salahuddin Ahmed visited the grave of late Shahjahan Chowdhury, former president of Chakaria BNP and former chairman of Kaiarbil Union Parishad, before continuing campaign activities with local party leaders and activists.

Hasnat Abdullah, chief organizer of the NCP’s southern region and 11-party alliance candidate for Cumilla-4, alleged that a planned attack was carried out on Nasiruddin Patowary, a parliamentary candidate for Dhaka-8. In a Facebook post on Tuesday, Abdullah claimed that individuals identifying themselves as members of the Chhatra Dal attacked Patowary in front of Habibullah Bahar College. He criticized the attackers for being intolerant of opposing views and questioned whether such actions were part of a broader plan.

Abdullah described Patowary as a revolutionary figure from the anti-fascist movement and urged Dhaka-8 voters to decide whether to elect those who, according to him, profited during what he called a fascist regime. He also called on citizens to prevent the country’s future from falling into the hands of what he termed thugs and mafias, urging vigilance in protecting rights and security.

Earlier the same day, Patowary wrote on Facebook that he was attacked while attending a scheduled event, a pitha festival at Habibullah Bahar College, where attackers reportedly chanted slogans associated with the Chhatra Dal.

Venezuela’s interim government has claimed that more than 800 political prisoners have been released since before December, following pressure from Washington. Acting President Delcy Rodríguez, who took office after Nicolás Maduro was ousted in a U.S. military operation last month, initiated the release process for those detained on anti-government charges. The effort had been slow until Saturday, when 100 prisoners were freed at once, though many families continue to wait outside prisons hoping for their relatives’ release.

Interior Minister Diosdado Cabello announced on state television that 808 political prisoners had been freed since before December, but did not clarify the exact timeframe. Rodríguez earlier stated that 626 prisoners had been released since December, asserting that the process began under Maduro’s administration. In contrast, human rights group Foro Penal said it had verified only 383 releases, including some foreigners, and that 266 occurred after January 8 when the government announced all political prisoners would be freed.

Foro Penal’s vice president Gonzalo Himiob said the government’s figures do not match their observations, while Cabello rejected the criticism, saying NGOs lack full data and the government is not obliged to consult them.

The Australian government has cancelled the visa of Israeli influencer Sammi Yahud after he faced accusations of promoting anti-Islamic propaganda. Authorities acted following his social media post describing Islam as a 'hateful ideology'. Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke stated that individuals spreading hate and division are not welcome in Australia and that visitors should come with the right intentions.

The decision was made under Australia’s hate crime laws, which were strengthened after the December 14 massacre during Hanukkah celebrations at Bondi Beach. The conservative Australian Jewish Association condemned the move, saying it had invited Yahud to speak. The report also noted that far-right Israeli politician Simcha Rothman’s visa had been cancelled last year under similar circumstances.

The case highlights Australia’s stricter enforcement of hate speech laws following recent violent incidents and its stance on preventing divisive figures from entering the country.

The rally ground in Uttara, Dhaka, was filled to capacity on Tuesday evening as supporters awaited BNP Chairperson Tarique Rahman. According to the schedule, Rahman was expected to reach Gazipur at 6 p.m. and Uttara at 7 p.m., but his program in Mymensingh ran longer, causing a slight delay. Before arriving in Uttara, he was to address a brief roadside gathering in Gazipur following a large rally in Mymensingh.

The much-anticipated event, held at the central Eidgah field in Uttara’s Sector 6, drew thousands of BNP leaders, activists, and residents. The area was decorated with banners, festoons, and party flags, and slogans echoed throughout the venue. Organizers expected a record turnout before Rahman’s arrival, viewing the rally as a major show of strength for the Dhaka-18 constituency.

BNP’s Dhaka-18 candidate S.M. Jahangir Hossain said the rally carried special significance as it marked Rahman’s direct election speech after a long time. He claimed the event would strengthen the party’s position ahead of the upcoming election and urged people to reject false propaganda against him.

Hasnat Abdullah, chief organizer of the National Citizens Party (NCP) for the southern region, urged citizens not to entrust their future to what he described as 'looters and mafias'. His remarks came on social media following an alleged attack on NCP candidate Nasir Uddin Patowary in front of Habibullah Bahar College in Dhaka-8 constituency.

In his Facebook post, Abdullah claimed that members of the student organization Chhatra Dal carried out the attack on Patowary, whom he described as a veteran of anti-fascist movements. He questioned the attackers’ intolerance toward opposing views and called on Dhaka-8 voters to decide whether to support those who, he alleged, profit from political power and violence.

Abdullah concluded by urging citizens to protect their rights and safety, warning against empowering individuals he labeled as guardians of thugs and mafias.

In Bogura-2 (Shibganj) constituency, Jamaat-e-Islami leaders have accused BNP supporters of vandalizing their election camp and assaulting activists. The allegation was made at a press conference at Bogura Press Club on Tuesday by Maulana Md. Mofazzal Hossain, Ameer of Kichak Union Jamaat. He said the attack occurred on Monday afternoon in Uttar Belail village, injuring three Jamaat members who were later hospitalized. A written complaint naming nine individuals and several unidentified others was filed at Shibganj Police Station.

Jamaat leaders claimed that despite filing the complaint, no case had been recorded and no arrests made. They expressed concern over the neutrality of the local administration, alleging bias toward a particular party. Law enforcement officials visited the scene following the incident.

Shibganj Police Officer-in-Charge Muhammad Faridul Islam confirmed receiving the complaint and said preliminary investigation found no grounds for a case. He added that the complainants were advised to include only verified details in their report and that legal procedures were ongoing.

A clash erupted in Sirajganj on Monday night when a BNP campaign rally came under alleged attack by Jamaat-e-Islami activists. The incident occurred around 8 p.m. in Dumur Isha village of Bahuli Union under Sirajganj Sadar upazila. Six Chhatra Dal activists were injured and admitted to Sirajganj General Hospital, with one in critical condition who may be transferred to Dhaka. Local tension remains high following the violence.

Sirajganj district BNP general secretary and election coordination chief Sayedur Rahman Bachchu accused 300–400 Jamaat activists of launching a planned assault using iron rods and steel pipes, claiming the attack aimed to disrupt election campaigning. He alleged that Jamaat was trying to destabilize the electoral environment. In response, district Jamaat assistant secretary Shahidul Islam denied the accusation, asserting that BNP activists had attacked their rally first, injuring five to seven Jamaat members.

Sirajganj General Hospital’s resident medical officer confirmed that six injured individuals were treated, three of whom were released after primary care. Police officials have yet to provide further comment on the incident.

BNP Standing Committee member Dr. Abdul Moin Khan announced that if his party forms the government, it will introduce special technical training for workers before they go abroad for employment. He made the statement on Tuesday at the National Press Club in Dhaka during a discussion titled “Rights of Expatriates and Thoughts for Today and Tomorrow,” organized by the Global Bangladeshi Expatriates Summit 2026. Moin Khan emphasized that migrant workers should be prepared not only technically but also mentally to succeed abroad.

He noted that remittances sent by expatriates are mostly spent on family expenses rather than investments. He suggested that the state could invest these funds and share the returns with the workers, reducing dependence on foreign aid. Moin Khan also said that many returnee migrants eventually face financial hardship and that their earnings should be utilized in national industries and investments to ensure sustainable benefits.

Speakers at the event called for effective one-stop services for expatriates, protection of their assets from land grabbers, and reserved parliamentary seats to ensure their political representation.

Islamic scholar Dr. Mizanur Rahman Azhari has called on citizens to vote for honest, competent, and patriotic candidates in the upcoming 13th National Parliamentary Election. He made the appeal on Tuesday afternoon through a post on his verified Facebook account, describing voting as a trust and urging people to exercise it responsibly.

According to the Election Commission, voting for all 300 constituencies will take place on February 12, alongside a referendum on the implementation of the July National Charter. A total of 1,981 candidates are contesting in this election, including 1,732 from 51 registered political parties and 249 independents. The Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) has candidates in 288 constituencies, Jamaat-e-Islami in 224, Islami Andolan Bangladesh in 253, and the Jatiya Party (JAPA) in 192.

Other parties such as the Communist Party of Bangladesh (CPB), Bangladesh Socialist Party (BASAD), and several smaller groups also have candidates across multiple constituencies, reflecting a wide political participation in the upcoming national polls.

The women’s wing of Jamaat-e-Islami has announced a mass rally in protest against alleged attacks on its female campaigners by BNP activists during election activities. The rally is scheduled for Saturday, January 31, at Suhrawardy Udyan in Dhaka. The announcement was made at a press conference held on Tuesday at Jamaat’s central office in Moghbazar, which began around 12:15 p.m.

Senior party leaders, including Nayeb-e-Ameer Syed Abdullah Mohammad Taher and Assistant Secretary General Advocate Ehsanul Mahbub Zubair, addressed the briefing. They were joined by Assistant Secretary General and Election Steering Committee head Maulana A.T.M. Masum and Oliullah Noman. The party’s official Facebook page later confirmed the event, describing it as a women’s assembly to protest harassment and violence against female activists during election campaigns across Bangladesh.

This will be the first such program organized by Jamaat’s women’s division at Suhrawardy Udyan, signaling a public demonstration of the group’s stance against the reported incidents.