Livestock and Fisheries Adviser Farida Akhtar stated that tobacco control is not solely the responsibility of the Ministry of Health but a broader public health issue requiring coordinated action from all ministries and institutions. She made the remarks on Tuesday at a discussion held at the CIRDAP auditorium in Dhaka on the effective implementation of the Smoking and Tobacco Products (Control) (Amendment) Ordinance, 2025, organized by the National Tobacco Control Cell under the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare. Akhtar criticized the misconception that strict tobacco control measures would reduce government revenue, calling it false and misleading. She noted that while tobacco companies’ revenue contributions are often highlighted, the health and social costs of tobacco use are ignored. She questioned the rationale for government shares in tobacco companies and emphasized the need to deactivate such entities to protect public health. She added that Chief Adviser Dr. Muhammad Yunus has emphasized a comprehensive and realistic roadmap for tobacco control. Akhtar urged political parties to make clear commitments before elections and called on the Election Commission to act firmly against the distribution of free tobacco products during campaigns.

Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer Dr. Shafiqur Rahman has termed the exclusion of Bangladesh pacer Mustafizur Rahman from the Indian Premier League (IPL) as a severe insult. Speaking at an election rally in Satkhira Government Boys’ School field on Tuesday, he said the decision by India not to allow Mustafizur to play even a friendly match was an affront to both the player and the nation. He also criticized the International Cricket Council (ICC) for not accepting Bangladesh’s proposal to shift the T20 World Cup venue to Sri Lanka. Following threats from extremist groups in India, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) announced on January 3 that Mustafizur would not participate in the IPL. Citing security concerns, the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) decided not to send the national team to India for the T20 World Cup. After several meetings, the ICC gave Bangladesh 24 hours to reverse its decision, but the country remained firm, leading to its replacement by Scotland in the tournament. Dr. Rahman urged the ICC to reconsider its stance and emphasized maintaining dignity and fairness in international cricket relations.

The Parbatya Chattogram Agreement Implementation Movement has called for ensuring voting rights for indigenous and small ethnic communities in both hill and plain areas ahead of Bangladesh’s 13th parliamentary election. The demand was made at a press conference held at the Sagar-Runi auditorium of the Reporters Unity on Tuesday, where speakers urged the government, law enforcement agencies, and the Election Commission to act responsibly to guarantee security and participation for all citizens. Speakers including Zakir Hossain, Dr. Khairul Islam Chowdhury, Shamsul Huda, and others emphasized the need for logistical support such as accommodation and food near polling centers for remote hill voters, and free, harassment-free movement for all minority voters. They also demanded a time-bound plan for full implementation of the Chittagong Hill Tracts Peace Accord, an end to military dominance in the region, empowerment of local councils, and creation of a separate land commission for plains indigenous groups. The speakers further highlighted that poor communication, administrative restrictions, and lack of awareness often prevent hill residents from voting, urging national recognition of the issue as a matter of democratic inclusion.

BNP Chairperson Tarique Rahman attended a large election rally at the historic Circuit House ground in Mymensingh on Tuesday, marking his first visit to the city in 22 years. Thousands of supporters from various districts across the division gathered from early morning, turning the venue into a sea of people. Rahman was scheduled to appear at 2:30 p.m. but arrived at 3:55 p.m., greeting party leaders and attendees amid loud chants welcoming him. The rally began with a recitation from the Quran and was conducted by Mymensingh Metropolitan BNP Member Secretary Ruknuzzaman Sarkar and North BNP Joint Convener Motahar Hossain. It was presided over by Mymensingh Divisional Organizing Secretary Shariful Alam. The city took on a festive atmosphere as processions and slogans filled the streets, with the Circuit House ground packed to capacity. The event underscored the BNP’s organizational strength in the region and reflected heightened political activity ahead of the upcoming elections.

BNP Chairperson Tarique Rahman announced plans to provide affordable, safe, and quality housing for garment workers in Gazipur, describing the city as the capital of Bangladesh’s garment industry. Speaking at a midnight election rally at Rajbari Field in Gazipur, he said the initiative is part of BNP’s broader development agenda if the party wins the upcoming election on February 12. Rahman outlined several commitments, including building new industrial sectors alongside the garment industry to create more jobs for women and youth. He also promised to address Gazipur’s chronic traffic congestion by constructing a railway overpass and to establish daycare centers for children of female factory workers. Additional plans include canal excavation, women’s family cards, and agricultural cards. He accused the ruling authorities of vote rigging over the past 15–16 years and urged Gazipur residents to prevent electoral fraud. Rahman called for public support to ensure victory for BNP’s “sheaf of paddy” candidates, emphasizing that only through their success could these development projects be realized.

The interim government will not make any decision regarding salary increases for government employees, according to Power and Energy Adviser Muhammad Faozul Kabir Khan. He made the remarks on Tuesday after a meeting of the Advisory Council Committee on Government Procurement held at the Secretariat. Khan explained that confusion exists over the pay scale issue. He said that although a pay commission had been formed and its report submitted, no decision had been made to implement it. With only 15 days remaining in the interim government's tenure, he stated that there was no plan to take further steps on the matter. A committee has been formed to review the report, but implementation will not occur under the current administration. Responding to questions about why the announcement was made if it would not be implemented, Khan said the interim government was working within a limited timeframe and wanted to leave preparations that would benefit the next government.

BNP Chairperson Tarique Rahman arrived in Gazipur on Tuesday night to attend an election rally at the historic Rajbari field. He reached the venue at 11:45 p.m., where the event was already underway under the leadership of Gazipur Metropolitan BNP President Shawkat Hossain Sarkar. Local party leaders were addressing the gathering when Rahman joined the stage. Before arriving in Gazipur, Tarique Rahman had concluded another rally in Mymensingh and then traveled directly to Gazipur for this event. The rally is part of the BNP’s ongoing election campaign ahead of the upcoming national polls. The atmosphere at the Rajbari field reflected heightened political activity as supporters gathered to hear from party leaders. The report also mentioned signs of intense electoral competition, with references to campaign symbols and rival party activities, indicating a charged political environment ahead of the February 12 election.

Nasiruddin Patwari, the National Citizen Party (NCP) chief coordinator and candidate for Dhaka-8, alleged that a group loyal to Mirza Abbas attacked him and his supporters. He made the accusation at an emergency press conference on Tuesday afternoon at his election office in Fakirapool, following an incident at Habibullah College. Patwari said he was targeted after declaring that he had no money from corruption or terrorism, and he appealed to the people of Bangladesh for justice. He urged BNP Chairperson Tarique Rahman to decide whether to support or expel those involved in violence, demanding disciplinary action against Mirza Abbas for alleged misconduct. Patwari also claimed that irregularities at Habibullah College were linked to Abbas, who had formed the governing board. Referring to former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia, he said she had once prayed for them and would have been ashamed to witness such acts. Patwari warned that without proper security and fair elections, his party would reconsider its participation. He pledged to prevent any reign of terror in Dhaka-8 and expressed hope that voters would reject corruption and violence in the upcoming January 12 election.

Muhammad Faozul Kabir Khan, adviser to the Ministry of Road Transport and Bridges, made a controversial remark on Tuesday, saying the aircraft that crashed at Milestone School and College should have fallen on the Secretariat instead. He made the comment while inaugurating a training program aimed at raising awareness among drivers and workers about skill development and noise pollution. Khan expressed strong frustration with the bureaucracy, describing it as a major obstacle to national progress. He said people are angry with the Secretariat and other government offices, accusing officials of lacking humanity and ignoring citizens’ daily problems. He alleged that bureaucrats resist change, focusing instead on increasing their benefits, pay scales, and opportunities for corruption. Referring to the July 21 crash of an Air Force jet at Milestone School in Uttara that killed 36 people, including 28 students and the pilot, Khan said the current social and administrative situation is deeply worrying. He urged collective effort to change the nation’s fate rather than waiting for disaster.

Families of victims of the July Revolution killings in Dhaka’s Chan Kharpul area have expressed dissatisfaction with the International Crimes Tribunal’s verdict delivered on January 26, 2026. On Tuesday, representatives including Mir Mahmudur Rahman, brother of martyr Mir Mugdho, and Rokibul Ahmed, father of martyr Ramiz Uddin, submitted a memorandum to the tribunal registrar urging reconsideration of the ruling. The families called for justice and respect for the spirit of the July movement. The memorandum stated that despite clear video evidence, the judgment did not adequately reflect it, contradicting principles of justice. It also argued that the punishment of principal offenders was insufficient while superior officers received death sentences, raising doubts about the verdict’s sustainability. The families said the ruling contradicted the ideals of the July movement and caused deep distress among 1,400 martyr families. They warned that the verdict could set a negative precedent affecting future war crimes trials. The tribunal had sentenced former DMP commissioner Habibur Rahman and two others to death, while five others received prison terms ranging from three to six years. Convicts have 30 days to appeal to the Supreme Court.

Professor Ali Riaz, special assistant to the chief adviser, stated that the upcoming July Charter will guarantee every citizen’s religious rights and help build a society based on equality, human dignity, and social justice. He made these remarks on Tuesday, January 27, at a meeting with members of the Hindu Religious Welfare Trust at the National Museum auditorium in Dhaka, held to promote the upcoming referendum and encourage voter participation. Riaz emphasized that the charter aims to end discrimination based on religious belief and restore citizens’ equal rights. He urged voters to support the referendum, describing it as essential for rescuing the state from authoritarian oppression and implementing broad reforms. He cited constitutional provisions asserting that all power belongs to the people and criticized past practices where decisions were controlled by the prime minister. He also called for reform of Article 70 to allow lawmakers greater freedom of opinion. Other speakers, including Monir Haidar, highlighted the importance of upholding social justice and human values and dismissed misinformation suggesting the referendum would remove religious references from the constitution.

Two Bangladeshi fishermen were seriously injured after being shot by members of Myanmar’s armed group Arakan Army while fishing on the Naf River near Teknaf in Cox’s Bazar on Tuesday afternoon. The injured were identified as Md. Sohel, 16, and Md. Obaidullah, 17, both residents of Hwaikyang Union in Teknaf. Local union member Kabir Ahmad confirmed that around 10–15 rounds were fired from the Myanmar side toward the fishermen. Following the incident, local fishermen rescued the injured and took them to the Kutupalong MSF hospital for treatment. It remains unclear whether the fishermen were within Bangladesh’s territorial waters or had crossed into Myanmar’s side when the shooting occurred. Hwaikyang Police Outpost’s Sub-Inspector Khokon Kanti Rudra said he had received reports of the injuries, while the Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) Jhimmongkhali Company Commander stated that the matter had been reported to higher authorities. Authorities are investigating the exact location of the incident and awaiting further instructions from senior officials.

A disabled youth named Tansen was allegedly assaulted by supporters of BNP candidate Sheikh Rezaul Islam Rezu in Naogaon-6 (Atrai-Raninagar) constituency. The incident occurred on Monday afternoon near Pakuria playground in Raninagar upazila while Tansen was distributing leaflets for independent candidate and former minister Alomgir Kabir. He is currently receiving treatment at Raninagar Upazila Health Complex. According to Tansen, he was attacked after being seen distributing leaflets bearing the motorcycle symbol. He accused Liton, nephew of Raninagar BNP general secretary Mosaraf Hossain, and several others of beating him despite his pleas that he was disabled and helpless. Local residents reportedly intervened, prompting the attackers to flee. Liton, however, denied initiating the assault, claiming that he and others were attending a sports event and that the altercation began when Tansen disconnected a microphone wire. He said some excited BNP supporters slapped the youth but insisted he did not personally attack him.

Oman has assured that work visas for Bangladeshi workers will be reopened within the next two months. The decision came following a meeting between Dr. Asif Nazrul, adviser to Bangladesh’s interim Ministry of Expatriates’ Welfare and Overseas Employment, and Oman’s Minister of Labour Dr. Mahad bin Saeed bin Ali Bawain Salim Al-Busaidi. The discussion took place on the sidelines of the Global Labour Market Conference in Riyadh. During the meeting, Dr. Nazrul praised Oman’s initiative to regularize undocumented Bangladeshi workers without penalties and requested opportunities for skilled professionals such as engineers, doctors, and nurses to enter Oman’s labour market. He also urged reconsideration of the suspension on work visas for unskilled and semi-skilled workers. Oman’s labour minister explained that the suspension, imposed in 2023, aimed to prioritize the regularization of irregular migrant workers. He confirmed that after reviewing the situation, Oman would resume issuing work visas for Bangladesh soon. Dr. Nazrul also proposed holding the next Joint Technical Committee session in Muscat and signing a finalized memorandum of understanding to strengthen bilateral labour cooperation.

BNP National Standing Committee member Salahuddin Ahmed has called on voters to support the party’s paddy sheaf symbol in the upcoming election for the Cox’s Bazar-1 (Chakaria-Pekua) constituency. He made the appeal on Tuesday morning during campaign activities and public outreach in Kaiarbil Union of Chakaria upazila, emphasizing the need to fulfill the aspirations of the martyrs of the July uprising and to strengthen democracy. During his campaign, Ahmed stated that the BNP represents the people’s interests and is committed to national independence and sovereignty. He said the party’s plans are centered on the welfare of the people and that, if elected to power, the BNP would remain a force for the citizens. He urged voters from all political backgrounds to unite and vote for the BNP candidate to build a strong democratic state. Earlier in the day, Salahuddin Ahmed visited the grave of late Shahjahan Chowdhury, former president of Chakaria BNP and former chairman of Kaiarbil Union Parishad, before continuing campaign activities with local party leaders and activists.