The Ministry of Railways has issued directives to all concerned authorities to implement maximum precautionary measures to prevent damage to passengers, trains, and railway infrastructure. The order, signed by Senior Assistant Secretary (Additional Duty) Fatema Tuz Johra, was released on Saturday in anticipation of the upcoming national parliamentary election and referendum.

According to the ministry’s office order, there is a possibility that certain vested groups may attempt acts of sabotage or create instability surrounding the election period, potentially targeting rail transport. To counter such risks, officials have been instructed to determine necessary security actions, ensure their implementation, and submit progress reports to the ministry.

The order also urged the public to immediately inform nearby railway staff, gatekeepers, or railway police if any attempt of sabotage or damage is noticed. Citizens can also report incidents by calling Bangladesh Railway’s hotline number 131.

Bangladesh Islami Chhatra Shibir president Nurul Islam Saddam said voters are eager to cast their ballots in the upcoming 13th national parliamentary election scheduled after July. Speaking at an election rally on Saturday at Hasan Ali Government High School field in Chandpur-3 constituency, he urged people to vote for the Jamaat-e-Islami candidate Md. Shahjahan Mia, symbolized by the scales, to build a new democratic Bangladesh.

Saddam accused an unnamed political party of establishing a reign of terror and alleged widespread corruption and sexual violence. He said the public has suffered for 17 years through imprisonment, displacement, and hardship, and should now unite for change. He called on voters to respond through ballots on February 12, asserting that the people have awakened and will no longer allow deception.

Jamaat-e-Islami Secretary General Mia Golam Porwar, Chandpur-3 candidate Md. Shahjahan Mia, Chandpur-4 candidate and district Jamaat chief Maulana Billal Hossain Miaji, and other leaders from the 11-party alliance were present at the event.

At a gathering in Manikganj on Saturday, BNP Chairperson Tarique Rahman’s adviser Ataur Rahman Dhaly declared that the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) and Jamaat-e-Islami cannot coexist in the country’s political landscape. Speaking as a special guest at a prayer and discussion meeting for the late Begum Khaleda Zia, he stated that it is impossible for BNP to remain in Bangladesh while Jamaat, which he described as a group of collaborators, also exists.

The event, held at the Khandaker Nurul Islam Law Academy field, was organized by the district unit of the Jatiyatabadi Muktijoddha Dal. BNP Chairperson’s adviser and Manikganj-3 candidate Afroza Khanam Rita, the chief guest, urged freedom fighters and their families to remain vigilant, warning that political opponents might work secretly to influence votes. Central Muktijoddha Dal President Ishtiaq Aziz Ulfat also spoke, praying for Khaleda Zia’s peace in the afterlife.

Several district BNP leaders, including former convener Jamilur Rashid Khan and lawyer Azad Hossain Khan, attended the event alongside freedom fighters and their descendants.

Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami’s leader Dr. Shafiqur Rahman announced that the 11-party alliance led by Jamaat will form a unity government including defeated rivals if it wins the upcoming 13th National Parliamentary Election on February 12. He made the statement on January 31 during an election rally in Chauddagram, Cumilla. Rahman said the alliance aims to build a youth-driven and united Bangladesh, emphasizing national unity and moral governance.

He added that even if their opponents lose, they will be invited to join the unity government, provided they commit to ending corruption, irregularities, extortion, and financial misconduct. Rahman also called for a complete reform of the education system, arguing that meaningful national progress requires better education. He said the people of Bangladesh desire change and that the alliance seeks to create a humane and inclusive nation.

The rally was presided over by Jamaat’s Naib-e-Ameer Dr. Syed Abdullah Muhammad Taher and attended by leaders from allied parties including NCP, Bangladesh Khelafat Majlish, and Islami Chhatra Shibir.

A legal notice has been issued against Dhaka University Central Students' Union (Daksu) member Sormitra Chakma over allegations of making defamatory statements and spreading misinformation. The notice was sent by Supreme Court lawyer Advocate Nazmus Shakib on behalf of Nurul Gani Sagir, vice president of the Dhaka University unit of Jatiya Chhatra Shakti. The announcement was made at a press conference held on Saturday, January 31, at Madhur Canteen on the university campus.

According to Sagir, the dispute began after a Facebook post on January 24 about illegal shops on campus, which allegedly led to false extortion claims against him. He held a press conference on January 25, giving the accuser 12 hours to present evidence, but no proof was provided within the set time. As a result, he decided to pursue the matter legally.

The notice claims that Chakma’s social media post and subsequent remarks falsely portrayed Sagir as involved in extortion, damaging his personal, social, and political reputation. It demands that Chakma withdraw the allegations, delete the posts, and issue an unconditional apology within ten hours, or face legal action.

Lieutenant General (Retd.) Dr. Chowdhury Hasan Sarwardy, chairman of the Bangladesh Union Member Organization (BISSS), warned that thousands, including July fighters, would face execution if the 'Yes' side fails in the upcoming national referendum. He made the remarks on Saturday morning while presiding over a seminar titled 'Vote Yes in the Referendum' at the National Press Club’s Zahur Hossain Chowdhury Hall in Dhaka.

Sarwardy described the referendum as a struggle for existence and citizens’ rights, asserting that the nation’s future depends on the ballot outcome. He urged local representatives to act responsibly to ensure a 'Yes' victory, warning that a 'No' win could lead to a return of fascism and mass executions. He also called on citizens to protect Bangladesh’s sovereignty and independence from foreign domination.

The seminar was attended by Jamaat-e-Islami Dhaka South’s Nayeb-e-Ameer Dr. Md. Helal Uddin, former diplomat Sakib Ali, and former state minister for education Golam Sarwar Milon, who serves as BISSS’s chief coordinator and spokesperson.

BNP Chairperson Tarique Rahman announced that women’s economic empowerment would be ensured if his party forms the next government. He made the statement on Saturday, January 31, at an election rally held at the BSCIC Industrial Park in Sirajganj. Rahman also said that initiatives would be taken to promote the export of Sirajganj’s traditional handloom products if BNP comes to power.

During his speech, Rahman referred to those who protested against the loss of political and voting rights, mentioning that many, including a woman named Mary, faced persecution for their activism. He urged supporters to respond through the ballot on the 12th by voting for the BNP’s symbol, the paddy sheaf, to reclaim their rights. He emphasized that BNP believes in peace and unity among all citizens regardless of religion or ethnicity.

Rahman concluded by stating that the fall of autocracy has already occurred and called on everyone to work together to rebuild the country.

Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami’s Nayeb-e-Ameer Dr. Abdullah Mohammad Taher urged voters to choose candidates who would benefit the entire country. Speaking as chair at a 11-party election rally held at the Pilot High School field in Chauddagram, Cumilla, on Saturday noon, he asked supporters to vote for him under the party’s scale symbol if they believed he would stand by them. Taher said he had worked to end political violence and bloodshed in Chauddagram during his tenure and focused on the area’s development.

He recalled that after a mass uprising, his first call was to Chauddagram, instructing that there be no vandalism, bloodshed, or arson, and that no one should act out of revenge. Jamaat Ameer Dr. Shafiqur Rahman, speaking as chief guest, stated that if Jamaat came to power, Taher would serve as a senior member of the cabinet. Other speakers included NCP convener Nahid Islam, Bangladesh Khelafat Majlish Ameer Maulana Mamunul Haque, and several leaders of Islami Chhatra Shibir.

The rally reflected Jamaat’s effort to project unity among allied Islamist parties ahead of upcoming elections.

BNP Chairperson Tarique Rahman said that the fall of autocracy has been achieved through movement and now the nation must unite to rebuild the country. He made the remarks on Saturday at 4 p.m. during an election rally at the BSCIC Industrial Park in Sirajganj.

Rahman emphasized the need for collective effort to support farmers and youth, noting that farmers endure great hardship and deserve assistance. He called on everyone to stand beside them and the younger generation to ensure national progress.

Thousands of BNP leaders and activists from different upazilas of Sirajganj and Pabna gathered at the rally venue from the morning to see Tarique Rahman. By noon, the area and surrounding roads were filled with participants. Rahman traveled from Bogura to Sirajganj by road to attend the event.

BNP candidate GK Gaus declared that a nationwide wave of support has formed for the party’s electoral symbol, the 'Sheaf of Paddy'. He made the statement on Saturday at a roadside rally in Kadamtali Bazar, Shayestaganj upazila, within the Habiganj-3 constituency. Gaus said that after 17 years of what he described as the Awami League’s suppression of democratic rights, the people are now ready to vote for their preferred candidates.

He emphasized that the 'Sheaf of Paddy' represents development, democracy, prosperity, Islamic values, communal harmony, peace, and public trust. Gaus urged citizens to vote for this symbol in the upcoming election. The event was presided over by ward BNP president Dudon Mia and conducted by upazila Jubo Dal convener Mizanur Rahman Sumon. Other local BNP leaders, including former upazila BNP president and union parishad chairman Golam Kibria Chowdhury Belal, acting president Fazlul Karim, and vice presidents Abdul Hai and Abdus Shahid, also spoke at the gathering.

The rally reflected BNP’s efforts to mobilize grassroots support in Habiganj-3 ahead of the election.

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi declared that Iran will not compromise on its defense capabilities. He made the statement on Friday during a joint press conference in Ankara with Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan, according to The Dawn. Araghchi emphasized that Iran’s missile and defense programs will never be subjects of negotiation.

Turkey has expressed interest in mediating between Iran and the United States to resolve ongoing tensions. The Pentagon stated that the U.S. military is ready to implement any decision by President Trump regarding Iran. However, Trump recently softened his tone, suggesting that an Iranian attack might not be necessary and that dialogue remains possible.

Araghchi welcomed the possibility of dialogue but reiterated Iran’s firm stance on national defense. He said Iran is ready for fair and balanced talks with the United States but insisted that no discussions can take place under threats.

Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) announced that it will not use lethal weapons while maintaining law and order during the upcoming 13th National Parliamentary Election. The statement was made by Colonel S M Abul Ehsan, Dhaka Sector Commander of BGB, at a press conference held at the temporary base camp of the National Swimming Complex in Mirpur on Saturday morning.

He said BGB has taken extensive preparations across the country to ensure overall security ahead of the national election and referendum. The goal is to allow voters to exercise their voting rights in a safe and peaceful environment. More than 37,000 BGB members will be deployed nationwide while keeping the 4,427-kilometer border fully secured.

According to the announcement, BGB will perform election duties in 489 out of 495 upazilas, and in 61 border upazilas it will act independently. Considering risk levels, BGB will operate as both mobile and static forces in all 300 parliamentary constituencies, with two to four platoons stationed per upazila.

Hundreds of people demonstrated in Albania’s capital, Tirana, protesting Prime Minister Edi Rama’s recent visit to Israel from January 25 to 27. The protesters gathered in front of the parliament building on Friday, expressing solidarity with Palestinians and condemning the visit as unrepresentative of public opinion. The demonstration was organized by various civil society groups, according to Anadolu Agency.

Participants carried banners reading “Not in my name,” “Do not shake hands with oppression and barbarism,” and “Stop bombing Gaza.” Organizer Florjar Arapi said Albanians stand for peace and justice, not genocide or war crimes, calling Rama’s visit a shame and disgrace for the nation. He criticized Rama for aligning Albania with injustice and violence at a time when many countries have distanced themselves from Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

Protester Sidorela Vatnikaj said Albanians, having experienced genocide in Kosovo, oppose any association with alleged war crimes. She and others expressed anger over Rama’s invitation to Israeli companies to invest in Albania, describing it as colonialism rather than partnership.

Indian state police in Odisha have deported three elderly siblings to Bangladesh after detaining them in late November 2025. The family of 63-year-old Muntaz Khan, his 59-year-old brother Insan Khan, and their 70-year-old sister Amina Bibi were informed on 24 December that the trio had been sent across the border. Police said the siblings were identified as Bangladeshi nationals following verification and were handed over to Bangladesh authorities through West Bengal’s Nadia district border post.

The deportation came weeks after the family alleged that the three had gone missing following their detention from Garapur village in Kendrapara district. Odisha police had earlier detained 12 family members on suspicion of being Bangladeshi citizens, releasing nine after nine days. Officials claimed the three deported individuals admitted to being Bangladeshi, while West Bengal police denied receiving any verification request from Odisha. The Ministry of Home Affairs’ May directive requires a 30-day period for citizenship verification before deportation.

Odisha police justified the action by citing allegations that Muntaz Khan’s father migrated from Bangladesh in the 1970s, though the family’s citizenship status remains disputed.

The US Department of Justice has released millions of documents related to convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, marking the largest public disclosure by the government on the case. The release includes about three million pages, 180,000 photos, and 2,000 videos, coming six weeks after the expiration of a law signed by President Donald Trump. Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche said the publication completed a long verification process to ensure transparency and compliance with the law.

The documents mention Donald Trump hundreds of times, including unverified allegations collected by the FBI’s National Threat Operations Center. The Justice Department stated that some of these claims were false and politically motivated, submitted before the 2020 election. Trump has denied any wrongdoing or knowledge of Epstein’s crimes, and no victims have accused him of offenses. Microsoft co-founder Bill Gates was also named in the files, with his spokesperson dismissing related claims as “completely false.”

The release also includes emails between Epstein and British figures, including one believed to be Prince Andrew, though no criminal conduct was indicated. Democrats have alleged that around 250,000 documents remain withheld without justification, despite the Justice Department’s claim that its review process is complete.