Monir Haidar, special assistant to the chief adviser of the interim government and associate of the National Consensus Commission, stated that the July uprising’s goals and spirit would remain incomplete without a 'yes' vote in the national referendum. He made the remarks on Saturday, January 31, at a discussion meeting held at Bangladesh Agricultural University (BAU) to raise public awareness about the referendum. The event took place at the Syed Nazrul Islam Conference Hall. Haidar explained that under Professor Muhammad Yunus’s leadership, the interim government formed several reform commissions, the most significant being the Constitutional Reform Commission. Out of nearly one thousand recommendations from various commissions, eighty-four were finalized through the National Consensus Commission to form the 'July National Charter 2025'. The referendum is the first and most crucial step toward implementing this charter. Addressing confusion about the number of referendum questions, Haidar clarified that although forty-eight constitutional recommendations will be grouped into four categories on the ballot, there will be only one question—whether voters support or oppose the July uprising. The meeting was attended by several university vice-chancellors and chaired by a University Grants Commission member.

At the 14th Zakat Fair 2026 held at the Officers’ Club in Dhaka, speakers emphasized the need for a state-managed zakat system to reduce financial inequality in Bangladesh. Religious Adviser Dr. A F M Khalid Hossain, the chief guest, said that institutional collection and distribution of zakat could generate up to one trillion taka annually, significantly aiding poverty alleviation. The event was chaired by former caretaker government adviser Dr. Hossain Zillur Rahman, with a welcome address by Center for Zakat Management (CZM) CEO Dr. Mohammad Ayub Mia. Speakers noted that zakat is both a financial and moral obligation, requiring proper oversight to ensure funds are used effectively. They highlighted that despite a large Muslim population, many capable individuals either do not pay zakat or fail to calculate and distribute it correctly. A symposium titled “Islamic Social Finance: Future Roadmap” proposed forming an Islamic Social Finance Ministry, noting that zakat and waqf income could contribute up to 4% of GDP. Former NBR chairman Dr. Mohammad Abdul Majid stressed that government involvement and clear guidelines are essential to make zakat management transparent and impactful for national development.

The deadline for licensed firearm holders in Bangladesh to deposit their weapons at the nearest police station ended on Saturday, January 31, 2026. The directive, issued by the Ministry of Home Affairs on January 19, aimed to ensure a free, fair, and peaceful 13th National Parliamentary Election. The order warned that failure to comply would result in legal action under relevant sections of the Arms Act of 1878. According to the government circular, carrying or displaying licensed firearms is completely prohibited until February 15, 2026, in line with the announced election schedule. However, the restriction does not apply to validly nominated parliamentary candidates and their armed retainers under the “Firearms License and Retainer Appointment Policy, 2025.” The policy was introduced on December 14, 2024, to regulate firearm licensing and retainer appointments for politically significant individuals and election candidates. The measure is part of broader security preparations to maintain order and prevent violence during the upcoming national election period.

A member of the Arakan Rohingya Solidarity Organization (ARSA) was arrested during a joint forces operation in Ramu upazila of Cox’s Bazar on Saturday, January 31, 2026. The operation, conducted in the Gojonia area, led to the recovery of four live rounds of ammunition and an active walkie-talkie set from the suspect. According to the Inter-Services Public Relations Directorate (ISPR), the operation was carried out based on secret intelligence information by a special team from Ramu Cantonment in coordination with the police. The detained ARSA member was identified as Imam Hossain, who was apprehended on the spot during the raid. Authorities stated that Imam Hossain and the seized materials were handed over to the Gojonia police outpost under Ramu Police Station for further legal proceedings.

The Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) has expelled 44 leaders and activists from various upazilas and wards in Mymensingh, Sylhet and Gaibandha for violating party decisions and engaging in activities deemed against the organization. The decision was announced on Saturday, January 31, 2026, through separate press releases signed by BNP Senior Joint Secretary General Advocate Ruhul Kabir Rizvi. According to the statements, the expelled members include several joint conveners, general secretaries, and other office bearers from Saghata, Jakiganj, Kanaighat, Haluaghat, and Dobaura upazilas. Each was removed from all party positions, including primary membership, for alleged involvement in organizational misconduct and defiance of party directives. The expulsions reflect the party’s ongoing internal disciplinary measures aimed at maintaining organizational unity and adherence to central decisions, as stated in the official press releases.

An unusual surge in open-market petrol sales has raised alarm in Sandwip under the Chattogram-3 constituency ahead of the upcoming election. Over the past week, bottled petrol sales in local markets and roadside shops have multiplied, with vendors selling without licenses or fire safety measures. Security analysts and residents expressed deep concern that the widespread availability of petrol could be misused to make petrol bombs for election-related violence. Field reports show petrol being sold in glass and plastic bottles across grocery and temporary shops. Vendors claim they are meeting motorcycle fuel demand, but the sharp increase in sales has drawn public suspicion. Security expert Fahad Al Rimon warned that such unregulated fuel circulation in a remote island could enable miscreants to easily collect materials for sabotage or attacks during political rallies. Sandwip Upazila Executive Officer Mongchingnu Marma said the administration has taken the issue seriously and will soon launch mobile court drives to enforce legal action against those violating safety and licensing rules. Law enforcement agencies have been instructed to monitor the situation closely.

Former chairman of the Commission of Inquiry on Enforced Disappearances and former justice Moinul Islam Chowdhury described enforced disappearances as a grave human rights violation and said they are worse than death. He made the remarks while speaking as the chief guest at a symposium titled “Human Rights Situation in Bangladesh: A Review,” held at the Bangladesh Institute of Law and International Affairs (BILIA) auditorium in Dhanmondi. Justice Moinul explained that while families of the deceased can mourn and perform funeral rites, families of the disappeared remain in uncertainty, not knowing the fate or whereabouts of their loved ones. He said such families live in prolonged suspense, facing social stigma, financial hardship, and isolation. Other speakers at the BILIA event included former commission members Justice Md. Farid Ahmed Shibli, Sajjad Hossain, and Nur Khan Liton; Odhikar director Taskin Fahmina; BILIA secretary Dr. Muhammad Ekramul Haque; and BILIA director Ambassador M. Maruf Zaman.

Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) will remain deployed in Rangpur, alongside the rest of the country, to keep the 13th national parliamentary election free from political influence and to maintain law and order. Rangpur Sector Commander Colonel S M Shafikur Rahman announced this on Saturday after inspecting a BGB security post at Park Mor in Rangpur city. He said around 3,000 BGB members have been deployed under the Rangpur sector to ensure public confidence in security during the election period. Colonel Rahman added that BGB is on high alert along the 627-kilometer border in Rangpur Division to prevent any untoward incidents. Surveillance and patrols have been intensified to stop illegal arms entry and infiltration through the border. The commander also inaugurated new checkposts and search operations at key city points following his inspection. He confirmed that BGB’s activities will continue throughout the election period to ensure overall security. Other officials from the Rangpur BGB headquarters were present during the visit.

Four leaders of the Saghata Upazila unit of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) in Gaibandha have been expelled for engaging in activities contrary to party policy and organizational discipline. The decision was announced on Saturday through a press release signed by BNP Senior Joint Secretary General Advocate Ruhul Kabir Rizvi. According to the press release, the expelled leaders are Joint Conveners Md. Matlebur Rahman Reza, Md. Abu Kalam Azad, Md. Enamul Haque Shilpi, and member Mosammat Munmun Rahman. They have been removed from all party positions, including their primary membership in the BNP. The action was taken following allegations of breaching party discipline. Saghata Upazila BNP Convener Mohammad Ali and Member Secretary Selim Ahmed Tulip confirmed that the decision was implemented from the party’s central level, emphasizing that it reflects the organization’s commitment to maintaining internal discipline.

Election Commissioner Brigadier General (Retd.) Abul Fazal Md. Sanaullah emphasized that there will be no opportunity for irregularities in the upcoming vote. He stated that every candidate must win through legitimate votes and that voters must be able to cast their ballots safely and without obstruction. He also called for broad public participation in the 'yes' vote and stressed the importance of ensuring that the referendum is conducted fairly, peacefully, and neutrally. He made these remarks on Saturday in Bhola while addressing a meeting with the Law and Order Cell and the Vigilance and Observation Team as the chief guest. The meeting was held at the Bhola Deputy Commissioner's conference room, chaired by District Returning Officer and Deputy Commissioner Dr. Shamim Rahman. Senior officials including Bhola Police Superintendent Shahidullah Kawchar, Civil Surgeon Dr. Md. Monirul Islam, assistant returning officers, and representatives from the Navy, Coast Guard, Ansar, and other government departments were present at the meeting.

Members of RAB-1 have arrested three suspects involved in the shooting of a bKash worker and the robbery of nearly Tk 1.5 million in Tongi, Gazipur. The arrests were made during overnight operations across different areas of Gazipur on Friday. RAB-1 Senior Assistant Director (Media Officer) Md. Rakib Hasan confirmed the arrests in a press release on Saturday afternoon. The detainees are Rajib Hasan Liton, Shahidul Islam, and Sanjoy Chandra Shil. According to RAB, the incident occurred on December 13 last year when two bKash money collectors, Md. Azad and Arifur Rahman, were transporting cash by motorcycle to the bKash office at the Sena Kalyan Bhaban in Tongibazar. Around 7 p.m., a group of seven to eight robbers ambushed them, attempted to seize Tk 1,477,000, and opened fire when the workers resisted, injuring them before fleeing with the money. Following the case filed at Tongi East Police Station, RAB launched an investigation and later arrested the suspects based on intelligence and technology. The arrested individuals have been handed over to Tongi East Police, while efforts to capture the remaining suspects continue.

Barrister Kaiser Kamal, the BNP candidate for Netrokona-1 (Khalmakanda-Durgapur), declared that he would neither engage in corruption nor allow others to do so. Speaking on Saturday at daylong campaign road meetings and courtyard gatherings in Pogla Union, he said he aims to serve the people, not any individual, and to establish the rule of law if elected. Kamal emphasized his belief in action over words and promised to bring corrupt individuals under legal accountability. During the events, he directly interacted with local voters, outlining his political commitments and vision for governance. He stated that, if elected by the people’s mandate, his work would prioritize the principle of “Bangladesh first,” with no compromise on development or good governance. Local BNP leaders and activists were present at the meetings, showing organizational support for Kamal’s campaign activities in the constituency.

Bangladeshi television actor Tousif Mahbub has called on political leaders to honor their election promises even after the upcoming 13th National Parliamentary Election, scheduled for February 12. Speaking as a concerned citizen, he emphasized that whoever wins should prioritize the people's welfare and ensure that commitments made during campaigns are fulfilled. Tousif stated that in the current national context, citizens have many expectations across different sectors. He clarified that he is not affiliated with any political party but wants elected representatives to act responsibly toward the public. Reflecting on past experiences, he mentioned that people have often felt deceived by unfulfilled promises, leading some to lose faith in the country or move abroad. Reaffirming his patriotism, Tousif expressed unwavering love for Bangladesh and optimism that the nation will achieve a stronger global position through progress in politics and culture.

The United States Central Command (CENTCOM) has called on Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) to conduct its announced two-day live-fire naval exercise in the Strait of Hormuz safely and professionally. In a statement released on Friday, CENTCOM acknowledged Iran’s right to operate in international airspace and waters but warned that any unsafe or unprofessional behavior could have serious consequences. CENTCOM emphasized that unsafe actions near US forces, regional partners, or commercial vessels increase the risk of conflict, tension, and instability. The command stated it remains prepared to ensure the safety of US personnel, ships, and aircraft operating in the Middle East. It also declared that it would not tolerate unsafe maneuvers by the IRGC, including low or armed overflights of US military assets, high-speed approaches toward US ships, or pointing weapons at US forces. According to CENTCOM, the Strait of Hormuz is an international waterway vital to regional economic prosperity, with about 100 commercial vessels passing through daily.

Tourist travel to St. Martin’s Island in Teknaf upazila of Cox’s Bazar will be suspended for nine months starting Sunday, February 1, under a decision by the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change. The current tourism season will end on Saturday, January 31. Normally, visitors are allowed from October 1 to March 31 each year, but this season has been shortened due to environmental risks. According to Additional District Magistrate Imran Hossain, ships carrying tourists will make their final trip to the island today, and no tourist vessels will be permitted from Sunday onward. The decision has caused concern among local business owners and residents who depend on tourism. M.A. Abdur Rahman, president of the St. Martin Hotel-Motel-Resort Owners Association, said many investors have failed to recover their investments and are facing losses. Union Parishad Chairman Foyezul Islam stated that most islanders rely on tourism and are disheartened by the long closure. Authorities indicated that the government may revise the decision later, depending on future considerations.