At a seminar titled “Bangladesh’s Chittagong Hill Tracts Problem: Political Thoughts on Resolution”, organized at the National Press Club, Gana Odhikar Parishad General Secretary Rashed Khan alleged that students are forming a new ‘Kings Party’ with Dr. Yunus as its brand ambassador. He questioned how the term ‘Indigenous’ entered textbooks under the current government and accused a faction of hijacking the 2024 movement. Expressing frustration over Yunus being internationally presented as a mastermind, Rashed claimed he had never seen him involved in movements over the past 15 years.

The schedule for the Jatiya Sangsad (Jaksu) elections at Jahangirnagar University was supposed to be announced on February 1 but was postponed based on the recommendations of the Environmental Council. This has created a tense situation on campus, with student organizations divided into two factions. The Anti-Discrimination Student Movement and Shibir, along with other groups, demand immediate elections, while Jatiyatabadi Chhatra Dal (JCD) and leftist student groups want reforms before elections. Last evening, the two groups faced off, with the Anti-Discrimination Student Movement accusing JCD of blocking the election announcement. Meanwhile, a Jaksu reform committee has been formed.

Fakhrul Anwar, the Industry and Commerce Secretary of Chattogram District Awami League, was arrested from his son’s wedding ceremony. The Anti-Discrimination Student Movement had received information that former MPs Syed Najibul Bashir Maizbhandari and Khadijatul Anwar Soni would attend the event. Students attempting to enter the convention venue were confronted, and tensions escalated. Following the confrontation, Fakhrul was handed over to the police.

A clash between two BNP factions resulted in the death of Md. Selim Bhuiyan (45), president of the Swechchhasebak Dal in Heshakhal Union. The violence erupted around 3 PM when a motorcade supporting former BNP MP Gafur Bhuiyan passed near a rally venue organized by Upazila BNP president Mobashwer Alam. Several people were injured, and one person was killed. Party activists claim that the deceased was a supporter of Gafur Bhuiyan.

The Chief Advisor of the Interim Government, Muhammad Yunus, has instructed an urgent investigation into the death of Jubodol leader Mohammad Touhidur Rahman (40), who died while in police custody during a Comilla operation. His family claims he was tortured after his arrest on January 31. The army has removed the relevant camp commander, and a high-level committee has been set up to investigate the cause of death and hold those responsible accountable.

A new political party formed by students who led the July movement is set to launch soon. Nahid Islam, former information advisor to the interim government, is rumored to lead the party. Discussions are ongoing about other key positions. The party plans to announce its formation after a long march from Shaheed Abu Sayeed’s home to Shaheed Wasim’s in Chattogram. The party’s leadership structure is still being finalized, and applications for registration with the Election Commission are underway.

U.S. President Donald Trump has temporarily suspended foreign aid programs as part of his “America First” policy. The suspension will last three months while aid projects are reviewed for alignment with U.S. policies. In 2023, Ukraine received the highest U.S. aid, totaling $16.62 billion. Israel, Ethiopia, and Egypt are also major recipients. The decision affects global health programs, including PEPFAR, and could lead to mass layoffs in aid-dependent sectors. Bangladesh, which received $550 million, will see job losses, but Rohingya aid remains unaffected.

BNP has drafted a proposal for the July Uprising declaration and is consulting allied parties for consensus before finalizing it. While BNP acknowledges the student movement’s efforts, differences exist in terminology and approach. BNP refers to the Liberation War as “Muktijuddho,” while students call it “Jonojuddho.” Students demand constitutional reforms before elections, whereas BNP prioritizes elections first. Both emphasize justice for past crimes but differ on scope. BNP plans to finalize the declaration after further discussions with allies.

While recovering in a Paris hospital after surgery, Dr. Muhammad Yunus received a call from student leaders urging him to form the interim government in Bangladesh after the ousting of Sheikh Hasina. Despite initial reluctance, he eventually agreed to take on the role. Days later, Dr. Yunus learned of his new position from the media and was escorted by the French military to return to Bangladesh, where he addressed the nation and called for unity and peace.

In Kochi, Kerala, 27 Bangladeshis were arrested for illegal residency following an overnight operation by Kerala Police and India’s Anti-Terrorism Squad. The suspects, found with Bangladeshi national IDs and passports, could not provide valid Indian residency documents. A total of 54 individuals were arrested in the operation. This action is part of a broader crackdown on Bangladeshis living unlawfully in various parts of India. Earlier, two Bangladeshis were arrested in Versova, Maharashtra.

In the Brahmanbaria Lawyers’ Association election, the BNP-backed Lawyers’ Forum suffered a heavy defeat, winning only 3 out of 15 contested positions. Independent candidate A.K.M. Kamruzzaman Mamun was elected President, while Mofizur Rahman Babul of the Bangabandhu Awami Lawyers’ Council won General Secretary. Other Awami-backed candidates dominated the elections, with no competition for the President position from the Awami camp. A total of 13 positions were contested, with various candidates winning including Shamsul Haque Liton and Ashraful Islam Khan.

Bangladesh Islami Chhatra Shibir’s Dhaka Metropolitan branch organized a mass rally demanding justice for those involved in the July massacre and protesting the government’s alleged crimes, including enforced disappearances, killings, and corruption. The rally commenced after Jumu’ah prayers from Baitul Mukarram’s north gate and moved through Paltan, the National Press Club, and Matsya Bhaban before concluding at Shahbagh. Central Shibir leaders participated, chanting slogans against Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. Law enforcement took strict measures to monitor and control the rally’s progress.

Dr. Muhammad Yunus, chief advisor of Bangladesh’s interim government, emphasized that students are forming political parties not for personal ambitions but to safeguard the achievements of the nation. Speaking at a podcast hosted by Financial Times, Yunus warned that without student involvement, vested interests could take control, repeating past political patterns. He expressed confidence in the students’ readiness to organize nationwide campaigns. He also discussed the importance of maintaining national unity in the upcoming elections.

BNP’s Senior Joint Secretary Ruhul Kabir Rizvi condemned the Awami League’s call for a general strike, claiming that people are waiting for the party’s punishment instead. He highlighted ongoing injustice, mentioning incidents like the shooting of Ahnaf under Sheikh Hasina’s orders. Rizvi criticized law enforcement for failing to act against criminals and accused figures like Salman F. Rahman of corruption. He demanded swift justice for corrupt leaders and claimed that Sheikh Hasina and her children were part of a corrupt system.

A BNP delegation, led by Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir, attended a breakfast meeting hosted by U.S. Charge d’Affaires Tracy Ann Jacobson at her Gulshan residence on Thursday (January 30) at 10 AM. BNP Media Cell member Shairul Kabir Khan confirmed the meeting. Senior BNP leaders, including Amir Khosru Mahmud Chowdhury and Shama Obaed, participated in discussions. Additionally, two senior U.S. Embassy political officials were present at the event, highlighting ongoing diplomatic engagement between BNP and the U.S. mission in Dhaka.