Senior Secretary of the Ministry of Land, Saleh Ahmed, stated that the e-return or online income tax return system represents not only technological progress but also the reflection of a modern and accountable state structure. He made the remarks on Sunday during a learning session at the ministry’s conference room for officials of grade 9 and above, focusing on electronic submission of individual taxpayers’ income tax returns. The session was conducted by AKM Moniruzzaman, Assistant Commissioner of the Income Tax Intelligence and Investigation Unit.

Saleh Ahmed emphasized that transparency and accountability are essential for building an effective and citizen-friendly administration. Making e-return submission mandatory for government officials institutionalizes these principles. He noted that automated data storage and analysis make it easier to identify inconsistencies in income and expenditure, reducing opportunities for corruption and supporting revenue growth.

He added that government officials represent the state, and ensuring transparency in their financial affairs is both a legal and moral obligation. The e-return initiative sets a positive example of administrative discipline and ethics, encouraging public trust and participation in tax compliance.

The 13th parliamentary election and a national referendum are scheduled for February 12, but campaign activity in Chattogram remains subdued. Government-led promotion of the referendum is minimal, with limited visibility in both the city and surrounding upazilas. Only Jamaat-e-Islami is actively distributing leaflets door-to-door, while BNP leaders have opted out of the campaign, disagreeing with the government’s approach. The National Citizen Party (NCP) has yet to begin visible campaigning but says it will intensify efforts soon.

Field reports show widespread confusion among residents about the referendum’s purpose. Many working-class citizens interviewed said they had little or no understanding of what the referendum entails. Government advisers recently met with imams and muezzins to encourage support, and officials were urged to promote the vote. However, local sources report that upazila administrations have not organized seminars or public outreach as of mid-January.

Jamaat-e-Islami has declared a special campaign week, while the district administration claims ongoing video broadcasts, leaflet distribution, and courtyard meetings. Despite these efforts, civic activists say the government’s initiative has yet to reach grassroots levels effectively.

National Board of Revenue (NBR) Chairman Abdur Rahman Khan stated that the recent rise in import prices is due to the increase in the dollar’s value, not tariff hikes. Speaking at a press conference at the NBR headquarters on Sunday, ahead of International Customs Day, he said that no new tariffs have been imposed on imported fruits in the past one and a half years; rather, tariffs and source taxes have been reduced. He noted that the dollar’s exchange rate rose from 80 taka two years ago to 125–126 taka, directly affecting import costs.

Khan emphasized that the government has not raised tariffs on essential goods such as rice, lentils, and edible oil, but instead reduced them in the public interest, even at the expense of revenue. He added that tariff increases are only applied to protect domestic industries and are decided through consultation with stakeholders. The chairman also said customs now focus more on trade facilitation and preventing smuggling rather than being a major revenue source.

He concluded that to increase revenue, the NBR is working to expand income tax and value-added tax collection.

In Rajshahi Division, 92 firearms and over 11,000 rounds of ammunition looted from police stations during the July 2024 uprising remain missing, according to police sources. Despite administrative optimism about holding a fair 13th parliamentary election, local officials and security analysts warn that the unrecovered weapons pose a serious challenge. The Rajshahi Range DIG acknowledged that the missing arms could influence the upcoming polls, while the divisional commissioner maintained that logistical issues were manageable.

Experts and civic voices expressed deep concern over the situation. Rajshahi University’s Professor Mahmudul Haque described the missing weapons as a national security risk, noting that civilian possession of arms could destabilize the election environment. Social worker Nasrin Begum warned that fear among voters might reduce turnout, and political analyst Anwar Hossain said the integrity of the election could be questioned if the weapons remain unrecovered.

Analysts urged stronger joint operations to recover the arms, emphasizing that without decisive action and accountability, public trust and electoral safety could be severely undermined.

Abul Hasnat, the leader of the active teen gang 'Hasnat Bahini' in Cox’s Bazar, was arrested by the Bangladesh Army early Sunday morning. The arrest took place around 5:30 a.m. at his home in the South Rumaliachhara area of Cox’s Bazar town. During the raid, the army recovered two locally made sharp weapons and 50 grams of marijuana. The army confirmed the arrest in an official statement and later handed Hasnat over to Cox’s Bazar Sadar Police Station.

According to the report, Abul Hasnat is accused in 19 criminal cases, including one for murder, three for illegal arms, six for robbery, and nine for other offenses. The army’s statement claimed that Hasnat and his followers had long been involved in criminal activities across Cox’s Bazar town and the beach area. Intelligence surveillance had been ongoing to capture the group.

An army official stated that regular operations will continue to apprehend similar teen gang members involved in drug and terrorism-related crimes.

Nahid Islam, the Dhaka-11 constituency candidate and convener of the National Citizens Party (NCP), said that the upcoming 13th National Parliamentary Election will mark the end of extortion, terrorism, and illegal occupation in politics. He made the remarks on Sunday morning while campaigning in his constituency, declaring that February 12 would be the last day for those involved in such activities.

During his campaign speech, Nahid alleged that a rival group was attempting to intimidate his supporters but claimed those efforts were failing. He urged voters to cast their ballots freely and thoughtfully, emphasizing that the election would determine Bangladesh’s future and destiny. He also cautioned voters against being swayed by false promises, temptations, or personal benefits.

Nahid further encouraged citizens to choose candidates capable of bringing real change to their communities and the country, underscoring the importance of responsible voting in shaping national progress.

Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer Dr. Shafiqur Rahman said that no citizen of the country wants to see extortion as a new profession. He made the remarks on Sunday at an election rally in Kajla, Jatrabari, organized by the 10-party alliance in support of its candidates for Dhaka-4 and Dhaka-5 constituencies. Addressing extortionists, he said they would be given honorable work and would no longer need to hide their identities in society.

Dr. Rahman stated that young people should not depend on unemployment allowances but should become builders of Bangladesh. He pledged to prioritize local development if given the opportunity to govern. He also emphasized that Bangladesh does not want the shadow of domination from any power, seeking friendly relations with all civilized nations without interference.

Criticizing the 54-year-old political system that he said has led to fascism, the Jamaat chief called for a complete transformation and urged citizens to vote “yes” in the upcoming referendum as a mark of respect for the July martyrs.

The High Court has issued a contempt of court rule against Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) A M M Nasir Uddin for allegedly failing to comply with a previous court order. The rule asks why punitive action should not be taken against him. The order was issued on Sunday by a High Court bench comprising Justice Fahmida Kader and Justice Md Asif Hasan.

According to the case details, Advocate Yunus Ali Akand had applied to the CEC for registration of a political party named Krishak Sramik Janata Party. When the application was not resolved, he sought the court’s intervention. The court subsequently issued an order regarding the matter, which was reportedly not implemented, leading to the contempt proceedings.

The High Court’s rule marks a formal step in determining whether the CEC’s inaction constitutes contempt, and the court will later decide on possible punitive measures based on responses to the rule.

BNP Chairperson Tarique Rahman declared that no party member involved in terrorism would be spared and that corruption would be eradicated at any cost. He made the remarks on Sunday afternoon during a large election rally at the Polo Ground in Chattogram, where he emphasized that the party would firmly act against wrongdoing within its own ranks.

Highlighting the BNP’s election slogan, “Korbo Kaj, Gorbo Desh, Sobar Age Bangladesh,” Rahman urged all pro-democracy forces to unite. He said that honoring the sacrifices of July martyrs like Wasim required ensuring victory for BNP’s ‘sheaf of paddy’ candidates. During the event, he introduced candidates from Chattogram, Cox’s Bazar, Khagrachhari, Rangamati, and Bandarban.

Rahman announced that if BNP came to power, it would establish 100,000 healthcare centers and launch canal excavation programs. He pledged to make healthcare accessible at the grassroots and to develop Chattogram as the country’s commercial capital, stressing that the people of Bangladesh seek political rights and change.

A new study has revealed that Bangladesh has around 8.2 million drug users, with the majority being young people. The findings were presented on Sunday, January 25, 2026, at an event held at the Super Specialized Hospital in Shahbagh, Dhaka. The research, funded by the Department of Narcotics Control, identified cannabis as the most commonly used drug, followed by yaba, heroin, phensedyl, and codeine-based cough syrups. Alarmingly, 60 percent of users begin drug use before the age of 18, while only a small fraction receive treatment or rehabilitation.

The study, conducted by a team from Bangladesh Medical University, collected data from 5,280 participants across 13 districts and 26 upazilas in eight divisions. It found that drug use is higher in urban areas but spreading rapidly in rural regions, with Dhaka division showing the highest prevalence and Barishal the lowest. Injection-based drug use is also rising, posing serious public health risks.

Experts at the event emphasized that drug abuse is not only a law enforcement issue but also a major public health concern. They called for stronger prevention, treatment, rehabilitation, and awareness programs targeting youth.

BNP Chairperson Tarique Rahman stated that the people of Bangladesh want political rights and change. He made the remarks on Sunday afternoon at a large public rally held at the Polo Ground in Chattogram, organized ahead of the 13th National Parliamentary Election. Rahman emphasized that criticism alone would not benefit the people and outlined several development commitments if his party came to power.

He said the BNP aims to bring healthcare services to people’s doorsteps and to develop Chattogram as the country’s commercial capital. Rahman also pledged that a BNP government would establish 100,000 healthcare centers and resume canal excavation projects. He further vowed to take strict action against corruption under any circumstances.

The rally formed part of the BNP’s broader campaign activities for the upcoming national election, highlighting the party’s focus on governance reform, infrastructure development, and anti-corruption measures.

A total of 125 metric tons of explosives were imported from India through the Benapole land port in Jashore on Saturday evening. The shipment, classified as highly dangerous, arrived in eight Indian trucks and was placed in the port’s 31st transshipment yard. Authorities have issued special security alerts across the port area due to the hazardous nature of the materials.

According to port sources, the explosives were imported for use in the Madhyapara Granite Mining Project in Dinajpur. The importer is Madhyapara Granite Mining Company Limited, while the exporter is India’s Super Shiv Shakti Chemical Private Limited. Local residents, workers, and traders have expressed concern about storing such a large quantity of explosives in a populated area, though port officials assured that maximum safety measures are in place.

Benapole Land Port Director Shamim Hossain said customs, port security, police, BGB, and fire service units have been placed on alert. He added that steps are being taken to transport the explosives quickly to their destination following international safety standards, with law enforcement maintaining oversight at every stage.

A massive crowd gathered at the Kajla Bridge area in Jatrabari on Sunday for an election rally organized by the 10-party alliance in support of its parliamentary candidates for Dhaka-4 and Dhaka-5 constituencies. The rally venue was filled to capacity even before the event began at 11 a.m. The event was chaired by Abdus Sabur Fakir, with speeches delivered by alliance-nominated candidates Mohammad Kamal Hossain for Dhaka-5 and Syed Zainul Abedin for Dhaka-4, along with several central and local leaders.

Speakers at the rally declared their opposition to foreign dominance in Bangladesh and called for boycotting what they described as agents of India and extortionists. They also urged the public to vote “yes” in the upcoming referendum. Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer Dr. Shafiqur Rahman was present on stage and was scheduled to address the gathering shortly.

The rally reflected the 10-party alliance’s efforts to mobilize public support ahead of the election, with participation from both central and grassroots leaders.

BNP Chairperson Tarique Rahman called on young people to move beyond blame-based politics and contribute ideas for national development. He made the remarks on Sunday morning at the 'Youth Policy Talk with Tarique Rahman' held at the Radisson Blu Bay View Hotel in Chattogram. Rahman emphasized that Bangladesh currently has a strong youth workforce that will remain an advantage for the next 15 to 20 years, and he sought input from the next generation on how they envision leading the country.

During his address, Rahman outlined several policy ideas, including a student loan program to assist Bangladeshi students studying abroad who face financial difficulties. He also announced a plan to excavate 20,000 kilometers of canals nationwide to reduce waterlogging and increase groundwater reserves if his party comes to power. He stressed that political promises must be backed by implementation to earn public trust.

Rahman further stated that strengthening law enforcement and curbing corruption are essential for any development plan to succeed, adding that a government’s zero-tolerance stance against corruption could significantly reduce related crimes.

A decorated freedom fighter, Harunur Rashid of Dakchai village in Ishania Union under Bochaganj upazila of Dinajpur, formally joined Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami on Saturday, January 24, 2026. The joining took place during a courtyard meeting in his village, attended by AKM Afzalul Anam, Jamaat’s nominated candidate for Dinajpur-2 constituency and a district working committee member.

During the event, Harunur Rashid stated that he had not been affiliated with any political party before and decided to join Jamaat-e-Islami in the later stage of his life, expressing his belief that the party respects freedom fighters. He pledged to follow the party’s rules and principles.

Bochaganj upazila Jamaat secretary Mahbub Alam welcomed Rashid’s decision, noting that several other freedom fighters had previously joined the party out of respect. Local leaders including Aminul Haque and Abdul Baten were also present at the event.