A Dhaka court sentenced former Awami League MP Mizanur Rahman to eight years in prison for acquiring wealth beyond known sources. However, as the sentences will run concurrently, he will serve a maximum of five years. The court also ordered the confiscation of Tk 14.45 million. Mizanur was arrested after his bail was revoked. His lawyer claims the case was politically motivated and vows to appeal. The Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) filed the case in 2019, and the court recorded testimony from 11 witnesses.

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.

Dismissed police officers and their families staged a protest in front of the Education Building in Dhaka, blocking the road to demand reinstatement. The demonstration began at noon on January 20, after they were stopped by police while marching from the Police Headquarters to the Secretariat. The protesters claim they lost their jobs due to political vendetta under the Awami League government. They warned of stricter movements if they are not reinstated through an executive order.

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.

Evaly’s Managing Director Mohammad Russell and Chairperson Shamima Nasrin have been sentenced to two years of imprisonment without labor for fraud. The court also imposed a fine of 10,000 taka each, with an additional two months in jail for non-payment. They absconded, leading to the issuance of arrest warrants. The case stemmed from a transaction where the plaintiff paid for bikes but never received them, despite multiple promises and attempts for repayment.

A court in Sirajganj has directed the registration of a case against six police officers, including former officers-in-charge (OCs) of Ullapara and Solonga police stations, over the alleged torture of truck driver Rokon Molla. Molla claims he was shot and disabled by former OC Asif Mohammad Siddikul Islam and was wrongfully imprisoned in false cases. The accused deny the charges, claiming Molla is a criminal leader with numerous cases against him. The case registration process is underway.

The Appellate Division has temporarily lifted the High Court’s stay on the recruitment of 3,173 Junior Instructors under the Directorate of Technical Education. This allows them to join their positions despite previous allegations of question paper leaks in the 2022 recruitment exam. The High Court had suspended the process, but the government appealed. The PSC had finalized the results in November 2023, and appointment notices were issued in January 2024. The CID is still investigating the alleged ₹12.5 billion transaction linked to the leak.

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.

The Bangladeshi government is imposing a nine-month ban on tourist travel to Saint Martin Island starting February 1, as per the Ministry of Environment, Forest, and Climate Change. Previously, visitors were allowed until March 31, but this year, access is restricted from February. Overnight stays were banned in November, and a 2,000-tourist limit was enforced in December and January. Only the Cox’s Bazar-Saint Martin route remains operational. Tourism businesses fear financial losses due to the shortened travel period and restrictions.

The admission process for the seven colleges affiliated with Dhaka University has encountered complexities after the university’s decision to stop admissions under its affiliation starting this academic year. While applications for undergraduate admissions are ongoing, the jurisdiction for entrance exams remains unclear. The government has proposed establishing a new university for these colleges, but due to the time-consuming process of law-making, uncertainty surrounds the timeline. Students are demanding clarity and quick actions regarding the establishment of the new university.

The government has canceled the passports of nine individuals, including Shibli Rubaiyat-ul-Islam, former Chairman of the Bangladesh Securities and Exchange Commission (BSEC), over allegations of involvement in a stock market scandal. The Ministry of Home Affairs has also imposed a travel ban. The accused, including former BSEC officials, are suspected of assisting in market manipulation and accumulating illegal wealth. Shibli Rubaiyat resigned following the political upheaval in August 2023, and his departure from the country is now restricted.

Shahbagh police inspector Md. Arshad Hossain, involved in pressing a student’s face during the anti-discrimination student movement, has been sent to jail by the International Criminal Tribunal. He was one of three police officers arrested for crimes related to genocide and humanity during July-August. The incident, which went viral on social media, led to his temporary suspension on August 18 for unprofessional conduct that damaged the police’s image. The tribunal ordered his imprisonment after reviewing the prosecution’s appeal.

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.

Home Affairs Adviser Lieutenant General (Retd.) Md. Jahangir Alam Chowdhury stated that all unequal agreements made with India during the Awami League government’s tenure will be reviewed. He made this announcement at a press conference held at the Ministry of Home Affairs on January 29. The event was centered around the border conference between the Director Generals of Bangladesh’s Border Guard (BGB) and India’s Border Security Force (BSF). The discussions aim to address existing concerns and ensure fair agreements in future bilateral relations.

Inspector General of Police (IGP) Baharul Alam announced that security has been strengthened at Bishwa Ijtema to prevent any disorder. Around 7,000 law enforcement officers and 10,000 volunteers will oversee security. The entire Ijtema ground is monitored by 335 CCTV cameras, drones, and RAB helicopters. Naval police will patrol the Turag River with speedboats, while 20 checkpoints and watchtowers will enhance surveillance. Plainclothes officers will be deployed within the grounds. Law enforcement remains on high alert to ensure a peaceful event.