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.

At the World Economic Forum in Davos, Interim Government Chief Adviser Dr. Muhammad Yunus expressed optimism about reaching a political consensus on the July Declaration soon. The government expects this to happen by next week. The declaration, originally set for announcement on December 31 by student and civic groups, is now being finalized by the government. An all-party dialogue was held on January 16, and stakeholders were invited to submit opinions by January 23. The government aims to conclude discussions by early February.

Following U.S. President Donald Trump’s suggestion to relocate Palestinians to Egypt and Jordan, German Chancellor Olaf Scholz declared that expelling Palestinians from Gaza would be “unacceptable.” Scholz reaffirmed his support for a two-state solution, stating that the Palestinian Authority should assume responsibility for Gaza. He emphasized that peace is only achievable through self-governance in Gaza, and that attempts to achieve peace without West Bank and Gaza autonomy are unlikely to succeed.

BNP is set to finalize the revised July Revolution Declaration, originally drafted by students, emphasizing the Liberation War as Bangladesh’s foundation. The party aims to modify and discuss the document with allies before presenting it to the government. Additionally, BNP plans February programs to reduce commodity prices ahead of Ramadan and demand electoral reforms. The party is pushing for early elections by July-August 2025, rejecting the government’s proposed timeline of December 2025-June 2026, considering it too long.

BNP Standing Committee Member Salahuddin Ahmed has demanded elections on August 5 to mark the historic mass uprising that led to the fall of Sheikh Hasina’s government. Speaking at a discussion on media and journalism, he emphasized the urgency of holding elections after electoral and institutional reforms. He also criticized delays and called for swift political consultations. Gana Odhikar Parishad’s Nurul Haque Nur urged unity and fast elections, warning that failure to act could worsen the situation.

A violent clash erupted in Rupganj’s Sawghat area over a dispute regarding a warehouse. Supporters of Selim Pradhan and Mujibur Rahman, backed by Chhatra Dal and Swechchhasebak Dal factions, respectively, engaged in gunfire and vandalism, leaving 20 injured, including two gunshot victims. Several motorcycles and vehicles were set ablaze. Police and local authorities inspected the site, but no arrests or formal complaints have been made yet. Officials plan to seek a court ruling to resolve the warehouse ownership conflict.

BNP’s Acting Chairman, Tarique Rahman, stated that betraying the people’s trust will lead to consequences, referencing August 5 as a warning. Speaking at a workshop in Khulna, he urged BNP leaders to prioritize public interest and deliver the party’s 31-point plan to every household. He emphasized unity beyond religion or caste, advocating equal rights for all Bangladeshis. Tarique promised reforms to constitutional structures and initiatives for economic prosperity if BNP comes to power, warning against political discrimination and the damages caused by autocratic regimes.

The U.S. Department of the Interior has officially renamed the Gulf of Mexico to the Gulf of America, acknowledging the shared coastline between Mexico and the U.S. Google Maps will adopt this new name, but in Mexico, it will remain the Gulf of Mexico. Outside North America, both names—Gulf of Mexico and Gulf of America—will be displayed. This decision follows other name changes, such as the renaming of Denali (formerly Mount McKinley), and reflects the evolving dynamics of geographic naming in the region.

In Kaliganj, Satkhira, clashes between two factions of the BNP over union committee formation led to tensions and violence, including brick-throwing and baton charges. The district administration imposed Section 144 to control the situation. One faction, led by Sheikh Ibadul Islam, held a rally, which was countered by another faction led by Sheikh Nuruzzaman and Jahangir Alam. The conflict arose from accusations of including pro-Awami League members in the committees, resulting in protests and a chaotic scene.

BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir held a meeting with Char Monai Pir and Islami Andolon leader Syed Rezaul Karim at Islami Andolon’s central office in Purana Paltan. Senior leaders of Islami Andolon also attended. The meeting follows efforts to unite Islamic parties, including Jamaat, ahead of the upcoming national election. Char Monai Pir recently emphasized forming a unified voting bloc for Islam. Analysts view BNP’s engagement with Islamic parties as a strategic move to strengthen alliances before the election.

At a discussion in Chuadanga, Hasnat Abdullah, convener of the Anti-Discrimination Student Movement, asserted that the youth cannot be swayed by the allure of power or parliamentary seats. Criticizing the Awami League, he called for justice for victims of political violence, including trials for Sheikh Hasina and others. Abdullah urged political parties to prioritize the people over power, warning that those focused on power often face exile. He also advised the police to avoid political bias and remain neutral.

Union Home Minister Amit Shah declared that if BJP wins the Delhi Assembly elections, they will remove illegal Bangladeshi and Rohingya immigrants from the city within two years. Speaking at election rallies, Shah accused the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) of relying on votes from illegal immigrants and labeled it the “Party of Illegal Imports.” He criticized Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal for corruption, spreading lies, and neglecting basic amenities like water, schools, and hospitals. Elections will be held on February 5, with results on February 8.