BNP Secretary Dr. Rafiqul Islam raised concerns about who is facilitating appointments to key positions within the state, including in the medical field. He alleged that political allies of BNP are now rehabilitating Awami League members in medical institutions under false pretenses. During this time, he expressed gratitude to those who provided support and financial assistance to the injured in July, following the directions of Tarique Rahman. He further accused that former allies of the Awami League, who were transferred outside Dhaka, have been reinstated after just one month. Dr. Islam demanded opportunities for those who have suffered discrimination under Sheikh Hasina’s rule.

Shafiqul Alam, the Press Secretary to the Chief Adviser, has stated that the interim government’s primary objective is to bring Sheikh Hasina back to Bangladesh for trial. Speaking at a press conference on Tuesday, Alam mentioned that the United Nations’ human rights report has implicated Sheikh Hasina in crimes against humanity, creating international pressure. According to a survey by India Today, 55% of Indians want Sheikh Hasina to be sent back to Bangladesh, while only 16-17% prefer her to remain in India. Regarding the Awami League’s position on the elections, Alam mentioned that decisions will be made by the public and political parties after justice is served. Alam also shared that discussions have taken place with five or six ministers in Dubai, and he is hopeful that visa restrictions will be lifted soon.

Spokesperson of the National Citizens’ Committee, Samantha Sarmine, speaking at an event organized for the families of martyrs and injured individuals, emphasized that Bangladesh was born from the blood of the martyrs, and we should never forget their sacrifice. She stated, “The individuals responsible for taking the lives of students must be brought to justice—many seem to be forgetting this. We are reminding everyone of it.” Sarmine further urged the public not to vote for those they would not want to see in person. She pledged that the National Citizens’ Committee will always stand by the people.

After a meeting with District Commissioners (DCs), Adviser Asif Mahmud Sajib Bhuiyan emphasized that local government elections should take place before the national parliamentary elections. He stated that members of the Awami League who are not involved in any wrongdoing but wish to participate in the elections will be able to do so by seeking forgiveness. However, he clarified that war criminals will not be given this opportunity. The Adviser pointed out that there are no elected representatives in local government, and administrators are unwilling to take on additional responsibilities. He stressed the importance of holding local elections swiftly, and if these elections do not occur, administrators will need to be appointed.

A court has ordered the seizure of 28 bighas of land and the freezing of 19 bank accounts belonging to Arifa Jesmin, wife of former State Minister Junaid Ahmed Palak. The Dhaka Metropolitan Court issued this order on Tuesday following a petition by the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC). The court also imposed a travel ban on her. The petition stated that there is a possibility of changes in the ownership of assets under her name, and to ensure a fair investigation, both movable and immovable properties must be frozen. The travel ban is deemed urgent for the ongoing investigation. Previously, on December 12, the ACC filed a case against Palak and his wife.

During the opening ceremony of the ‘Youth Festival 2025’ on Tuesday, Adviser Mahfuz Alam stated that the issue of forced disappearances and secret detention began during Sheikh Mujib’s rule. He also noted that the one-party rule Sheikh Mujib envisioned has been realized under Sheikh Hasina’s leadership. He remarked that the beautiful dream the students once took to the streets for has yet to be fulfilled, and justice for the killers will be key to realizing that dream. He emphasized that merely elections and reforms won’t solve everything and noted that the government is making significant efforts to build a new state.

Russian President Vladimir Putin is open to direct talks with Ukrainian leader Volodymyr Zelensky to achieve a peaceful resolution to the conflict, Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov confirmed. Despite questioning Zelensky’s legitimacy after his term ended, Russia is willing to negotiate if peace is the goal. Meanwhile, a summit in Riyadh aims to discuss the Ukraine war and U.S.-Russia relations. However, Ukraine has been excluded, prompting Zelensky to reject any peace deal made without Kyiv’s involvement. The summit may lead to a Putin-Trump meeting.

A new political party emerging from recent mass uprisings is set to launch later this month. However, internal leadership conflicts have already begun, even before its official formation.

In response to inquiries from BBC Bangla, National Citizen Committee leaders acknowledged that while there is consensus on Nahid Islam as the party’s convener, disagreements persist over three key leadership positions. The issue has divided the party into four factions.

Former Dhaka University student leader Rafe Salman Rifat claims that past affiliations with Shibir are being used to sideline him from higher positions. In reaction, his supporters have taken to social media, highlighting the role of Shibir and its former members in the recent uprisings. Party leaders have stated that sincere discussions are ongoing and that a resolution will be reached soon.

A tribunal has ordered the completion of the investigation into war crimes allegations against Sheikh Hasina by April 20. The case pertains to crimes against humanity allegedly committed during the July-August massacres.

The three-member tribunal, led by Chairman Justice Golam Mortuza Mojumdar, issued the directive following a petition by Chief Prosecutor Mizanul Islam. Previously, on December 17, the court had instructed investigators to complete the probe within two months against Sheikh Hasina, Obaidul Quader, and 44 others.

Sheikh Hasina and her associates are currently facing trial on charges of orchestrating mass killings, with allegations that at least 1,500 people were murdered.

The Supreme Court is set to hear the appeal challenging the High Court’s ruling that declared Jamaat-e-Islami’s political registration illegal. The case is on Tuesday’s cause list before Chief Justice Syed Refaat Ahmed’s bench. Earlier, a second hearing on the matter took place on January 14, with the next hearing scheduled for January 21. However, it was postponed due to a judge’s illness. Today’s proceedings will determine the fate of the Islamist party’s electoral registration.

A recent report by the United Nations Human Rights Office states that prolonged one-party rule has led to the politicization of state institutions, prioritizing political loyalty over professionalism in recruitment and promotions. The report highlights that police officers were appointed and promoted not based on merit, integrity, or competence but on party allegiance. In some cases, even family backgrounds linked to the ruling Awami League were scrutinized before recruitment. The UN report further claims that appointments to the rank of Deputy Inspector General (DIG) and above required direct approval from Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina.

Sixteen individuals, including former ministers Anisul Haque, Zunaid Ahmed Palak, Dipu Moni, Shajahan Khan, Abdur Razzak, and adviser Salman F. Rahman, have been indicted for crimes against humanity committed during the July-August genocide. On December 16, the International Crimes Tribunal granted an extension until February 18 to submit the investigation report. The accused were presented in court today.

Jamaat-e-Islami will stage nationwide protests today demanding the release of their assistant secretary general, ATM Azharul Islam. Secretary General Mia Ghulam Parwar has urged party activists to make the protests successful. The demonstration will be led by Jamaat Amir Shafiqur Rahman at Paltan Intersection at 4 PM on Tuesday. In a statement, Parwar alleged that ATM Azharul Islam has been imprisoned for over 13 years and subjected to physical and mental torture without receiving medical treatment.

BNP executive committee member Hummam Quader Chowdhury has warned that the Awami League plans to take control of streets with marches, but BNP is prepared to respond. He urged the identification of those responsible for 16 years of oppression. Speaking at an event advocating the implementation of the 31-point reform plan, he recalled his seven-month imprisonment and stated that his father endured even greater suffering. "That is why people remember him as 'Bhaijan,'" he added.

Aminul Haque, convenor of BNP’s Dhaka Metropolitan North unit, has stated that Bangladesh has been devastated by 15 years of autocratic rule, making true state reforms impossible without removing its remnants from governmental institutions. He emphasized that democracy and fundamental rights are yet to be fully established. To address this, BNP’s acting chairman, Tarique Rahman, has proposed a 31-point reform plan.