BNP Chairperson Tarique Rahman announced plans to introduce student loans and simplify Bangladesh’s complex bank lending process during a youth policy event in Chattogram. Speaking on Sunday at the 'Youth Policy Talk with Tarique Rahman' held at Hotel Radisson, he outlined the initiative before 340 students from 50 universities. Rahman said many young Bangladeshis wish to study abroad but cannot afford visa and related expenses, and the proposed student loan program aims to address that challenge.

He also criticized previous governments for prioritizing so-called development at the cost of environmental damage. The BNP’s future plans include nationwide canal excavation to reduce waterlogging and planting 500 million trees within five years. Responding to a student’s question on extortion, Rahman said the BNP distinguishes between professional and seasonal criminals, adding that firm government messaging against crime and corruption could reduce such incidents by 30 percent. He pledged that a BNP government would ensure safety for both men and women.

Senior BNP leaders, young students, and entrepreneurs attended the event, which focused on youth engagement and policy priorities.

On January 25, 1975, Sheikh Mujibur Rahman established a one-party system in Bangladesh known as BAKSAL, according to the article by Dr. Tuhin Malik. The report states that within eleven minutes, the Fourth Amendment to the Constitution was enacted, abolishing the parliamentary system and declaring Sheikh Mujibur Rahman as president for life. The change centralized executive, legislative, and judicial powers under his control.

The article describes that the move dissolved all existing political parties, including the Awami League, and replaced them with a single entity called the Bangladesh Krishak Sramik Awami League (BAKSAL), with Sheikh Mujibur Rahman as its chairman. It further claims that freedom of speech, press, and the judiciary were curtailed, and only four state-managed newspapers were allowed to operate temporarily.

The piece marks January 25 as both the day the Awami League was banned and the day BAKSAL was formed, portraying it as a turning point that concentrated total authority in the hands of Sheikh Mujibur Rahman.

The Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) began its election rally at the Chattogram Polo Ground on Sunday morning ahead of the 13th national parliamentary election. The rally started at 10 a.m., with BNP Chairperson Tarique Rahman scheduled to arrive at 11:30 a.m. Thousands of party leaders, activists, and supporters from different city wards and nearby districts gathered at the venue, filling the field completely.

Participants from BNP’s affiliated organizations, including Jubo Dal, Chhatra Dal, Swechchhasebak Dal, Mohila Dal, and Krishak Dal, arrived on foot from various parts of the city, chanting slogans in support of the party’s election symbol. Chattogram City Corporation Mayor Dr. Shahadat Hossain and BNP candidates from 16 constituencies were present. A large number of volunteers managed discipline under the guidance of city BNP leaders.

Law enforcement agencies, including the army, police, and Rapid Action Battalion, maintained strict security around the venue. Vehicle movement was restricted in several areas, with complete closure in CRB. Security checks were enforced at two entry gates, and red and yellow zones were established for crowd control.

The National Board of Revenue (NBR) of Bangladesh has intensified efforts to expand and update its network of Double Taxation Avoidance (DTA) agreements. The agency has initiated new negotiations with Austria, Hungary, and Azerbaijan, completing two rounds of talks with the first two countries and one with Azerbaijan. Discussions with Uzbekistan and Nigeria are under consideration. Meanwhile, a DTA agreement with Kenya is at the final stage but its signing has been delayed due to scheduling issues before the national election.

In parallel, the NBR has begun reviewing older agreements signed decades ago to align them with modern business practices such as digitalization and e-commerce. The first rounds of review meetings with Singapore and Pakistan were held in December, and talks with Sri Lanka are expected around June. Bangladesh currently has DTA agreements with 43 countries, including the United States, the United Kingdom, China, and India.

NBR officials stated that such agreements help prevent investors from being taxed twice on the same income, thereby encouraging cross-border investment and trade between partner countries.

Bangladesh’s gold market remains volatile as prices surged again within just 12 hours of a previous reduction. The Bangladesh Jewellers Association (BAJUS) announced a new record high, setting the price of 22-carat gold at Tk 255,617 per bhori, effective nationwide from Saturday. The decision reversed Thursday night’s brief price cut, which had lowered the rate to Tk 249,318 per bhori before being superseded by Friday noon’s increase.

BAJUS said the adjustment was made due to a rise in the local price of acid gold and changing global conditions. The association noted that international prices had unexpectedly climbed after a previous downward trend, prompting an emergency meeting to revise domestic rates. Traders attributed the global volatility to heightened geopolitical tensions between the United States and Iran, which have boosted demand for gold as a safe investment.

Market analysts reported that gold prices in Bangladesh have been adjusted 12 times so far this year, with nine increases and three reductions. They warned that without stability in global conditions, sustained relief in domestic gold prices remains unlikely.

Dhaka has ranked first among 126 cities worldwide for having the most polluted air, according to the Air Quality Index (IQAir) report released on Sunday morning, January 25, 2026. The city recorded an air quality score of 283, placing it in the 'very unhealthy' category. Kolkata, Hangzhou, Cairo, and Lahore followed Dhaka in the top five positions with scores of 210, 186, 178, and 176 respectively.

The IQAir index classifies air quality scores between 0 and 50 as good, 51 to 100 as moderate, 101 to 150 as unhealthy for sensitive groups, 151 to 200 as unhealthy, 201 to 300 as very unhealthy, and above 300 as hazardous. Dhaka’s current score of 283 indicates a severe level of air pollution that poses significant health risks to residents.

The report highlights the persistent air quality challenges faced by Dhaka, underscoring the city’s ongoing struggle with pollution levels that frequently exceed safe limits.

Professor Ali Riaz, Special Assistant to the Chief Adviser and Chief Coordinator of the referendum awareness campaign, emphasized the crucial role of imams in establishing a just, equal, and humane society. He made the remarks on Saturday, January 24, at the Sylhet Divisional Imam Conference held at the Mendibag Sports Complex, organized by the Divisional Commissioner’s Office and the Islamic Foundation. Special Assistant Monir Haider attended as a special guest.

In his address, Ali Riaz said Bangladesh had been in darkness for 16 years under a fascist regime that dismantled constitutional structures. He stated that the upcoming referendum, based on the July Charter formulated by consensus among political parties after the fall of fascism, is essential to uphold freedom of expression. He urged all to ensure a “Yes” victory in the vote.

Monir Haider recalled that religious scholars once faced discrimination and fear under the previous regime. He called the referendum a moral and faith-based duty to permanently eradicate fascism. The event was chaired by Divisional Commissioner Khan Md. Reza-un-Nabi and attended by senior officials and religious leaders.

The third day of arguments in the murder case of Begum Rokeya University student Abu Sayeed, known as the first martyr of the July Revolution, is scheduled to take place today. The hearing is being held at International Crimes Tribunal-2, chaired by Justice Nazrul Islam Chowdhury, with two other members—retired district and sessions judge Md. Manjurul Basid and district and sessions judge Nur Mohammad Shahriar Kabir. The prosecution is set to present all evidence and documents related to the case.

On January 22, Prosecutor Mizanul Islam presented witness testimonies, seized evidence, and investigation documents before the tribunal, asserting that the evidence clearly established the direct involvement of the accused. The court then set today’s date for the continuation of the arguments.

The current phase of the case began on January 21 with the prosecution’s opening arguments. After the prosecution completes its presentation, defense lawyers will begin their arguments before the tribunal.

Following the December killing of Sharif Osman Hadi, millions attended his funeral in central Dhaka, reflecting a wave of national grief that has yet to subside. Hadi, a former university student from a modest background, had become a prominent voice after the 2024 uprising that ended Sheikh Hasina’s long rule. His death, unlike earlier political martyrs, remains unresolved and continues to stir public emotion, now described as the ‘Hadi Effect’.

Hadi’s rise came through social media and televised debates where he challenged remnants of the Awami League’s cultural dominance. He criticized what he saw as elitist secular nationalism and promoted a faith-based cultural identity resonating with Bangladesh’s Muslim majority. Through his ‘Inqilab Cultural Center,’ he sought to build an alternative cultural framework grounded in Islamic values and local expression.

His decision to contest a Dhaka parliamentary seat without party backing turned him into a symbol of grassroots defiance. His assassination has left many feeling deprived of a rare, honest voice, and the emotional momentum surrounding his legacy continues to influence the national political atmosphere.

A column by M. M. Kaiser, published on January 25, 2026, strongly criticizes former cricket organizer Syed Ashraful Haque for remarks he made in an interview with an India-based cricket website regarding Bangladesh’s stance on the T20 World Cup venue. Haque suggested that players, not the government or cricket board, should decide whether to participate based on ICC’s security plan, and alleged that a questionable agenda was depriving players of their World Cup dreams. Kaiser described these comments as offensive and disconnected from current realities.

The article defends Bangladesh’s call to shift the World Cup venue from India to Sri Lanka, citing safety concerns following incidents of violence against people suspected of being Bangladeshi in India. It argues that the ICC and BCCI have failed to guarantee player safety, referencing Mustafizur Rahman’s removal from an IPL squad over security fears. The writer contends that Bangladesh’s position is morally justified and criticizes the ICC’s neutrality and India’s influence.

Kaiser concludes that Bangladesh’s demand is about dignity and safety, not politics, asserting that the nation seeks to live and compete with self-respect rather than submission.

Since the start of the national election campaign three days ago, at least 52 clashes have been reported across Bangladesh, leaving over 300 political activists injured. Mobile courts have fined at least 45 candidates and supporters for violating the electoral code of conduct. Reports indicate frequent use of banned colored posters, loudspeakers beyond permitted hours, and motorcades displaying muscle power. Despite these incidents, the Election Commission (EC) has so far limited its actions to issuing show-cause notices and fines.

Observers note that similar violations occurred before the campaign officially began, with the EC’s leniency allowing candidates to act with impunity. Election Commissioner Md. Anwarul Islam Sarkar stated that executive magistrates are active in the field and that tougher measures will be taken if necessary. Election expert Munira Khan criticized the EC’s limited enforcement, urging stronger legal action.

Separate incidents include a supporter’s killing in Mymensingh, clashes in Kishoreganj and Brahmanbaria, and vandalism in Sylhet. The EC reports that 1,981 candidates are contesting across 300 constituencies and claims to have intensified field monitoring to ensure compliance.

BNP Chairperson Tarique Rahman arrived in Chattogram on Saturday evening, January 24, 2026, marking his first visit to the city in 21 years. He landed at Shah Amanat International Airport at 7:15 p.m., where senior BNP leaders including Salahuddin Ahmed and Amir Khosru Mahmud Chowdhury welcomed him. Rahman traveled from his residence in Gulshan to Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport earlier that evening before flying to Chattogram.

According to BNP Political Adviser and Election Committee Spokesperson Mahdi Amin, Rahman will attend six campaign rallies across four districts on Sunday as part of the party’s nationwide campaign for the 13th National Parliamentary Election. His first rally will be held at Chattogram’s Polo Ground at 11:30 a.m., followed by events in Feni, Comilla, and Narayanganj later in the day. The Comilla visit marks his first political appearance there in 24 years.

The tour follows the launch of Rahman’s election campaign in Sylhet on January 22, where he held rallies in seven districts before returning to Dhaka.

Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) detained 21 Bangladeshi nationals, including men, women, and children, while they were attempting to cross into India illegally through the Maheshpur border in Jhenaidah. The operation took place on Friday from morning to evening across the Baghdanga, Kumillapara, and Khosalpur border outposts under the 58 BGB battalion. Assistant Director Munshi Imdadur Rahman confirmed the arrests.

Among those detained were eight men, seven women, and six children from various districts including Jhenaidah, Madaripur, and Gopalganj. In separate operations at Rajapur and Kumillapara border areas, BGB also seized 36 bottles of Indian Phensedyl, 90 bottles of other drug syrups, and several items such as bangles, earrings, necklaces, and cosmetics.

Following the operation, all detainees were handed over to Maheshpur Police Station for further legal procedures, according to BGB officials.

Tension erupted at Dhaka University following allegations of extortion, counterclaims, vandalism, and arson linked to mobile shop evictions on campus. On Saturday night, January 24, Daksu executive member Sarbamitra Chakma posted several video clips from December 21, accusing multiple students of extortion. The videos showed students striking mobile food carts with hammers and setting one on fire. However, another part of the footage obtained by the newspaper showed proctorial team members initiating the vandalism and handing hammers to students.

Students involved in the incident told the newspaper they had earlier faced eviction attempts by the administration near the IML gate and later called the proctorial team to remove illegal shops around TSC. They denied the extortion allegations, claiming the issue was being revived before elections to create momentum. Chakma said evidence was being organized for public display in front of Daksu.

The university had previously banned mobile shops on campus through a notice signed by Proctor Saifuddin Ahmed. Proctorial team members said internal divisions among students and lobbying by Daksu leaders complicated enforcement of the eviction order.

Bangladesh has repeatedly sent letters to India through diplomatic channels urging fair distribution of waters from shared rivers, but has received no effective response from New Delhi. Officials from the Water Resources Ministry, Joint Rivers Commission (JRC), and Water Development Board confirmed that India continues to withdraw water unilaterally during the dry season and release it suddenly during monsoons, causing floods in Bangladesh. The last JRC technical meeting was held in Delhi on 9 September, after which India reportedly avoided further communication.

Experts and policymakers in Bangladesh allege that India, as the upstream country, is using water as a strategic tool against Bangladesh. Concerns are rising as the Ganges water-sharing treaty nears expiration in December, with Bangladesh already receiving less than its due share. Environmental experts warn that reduced water flow is damaging agriculture and biodiversity, while the Teesta and Kushiyara rivers face severe depletion and operational barriers despite agreements.

Government advisers stated that ensuring equitable water rights remains a top priority, with instructions issued to prepare for extending the Ganges treaty and to pursue stronger diplomatic and political measures to secure Bangladesh’s fair share.