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.

Hasnat Abdullah, chief organizer of the NCP’s southern region and 11-party alliance candidate for Cumilla-4, alleged that a planned attack was carried out on Nasiruddin Patowary, a parliamentary candidate for Dhaka-8. In a Facebook post on Tuesday, Abdullah claimed that individuals identifying themselves as members of the Chhatra Dal attacked Patowary in front of Habibullah Bahar College. He criticized the attackers for being intolerant of opposing views and questioned whether such actions were part of a broader plan. Abdullah described Patowary as a revolutionary figure from the anti-fascist movement and urged Dhaka-8 voters to decide whether to elect those who, according to him, profited during what he called a fascist regime. He also called on citizens to prevent the country’s future from falling into the hands of what he termed thugs and mafias, urging vigilance in protecting rights and security. Earlier the same day, Patowary wrote on Facebook that he was attacked while attending a scheduled event, a pitha festival at Habibullah Bahar College, where attackers reportedly chanted slogans associated with the Chhatra Dal.

Venezuela’s interim government has claimed that more than 800 political prisoners have been released since before December, following pressure from Washington. Acting President Delcy Rodríguez, who took office after Nicolás Maduro was ousted in a U.S. military operation last month, initiated the release process for those detained on anti-government charges. The effort had been slow until Saturday, when 100 prisoners were freed at once, though many families continue to wait outside prisons hoping for their relatives’ release. Interior Minister Diosdado Cabello announced on state television that 808 political prisoners had been freed since before December, but did not clarify the exact timeframe. Rodríguez earlier stated that 626 prisoners had been released since December, asserting that the process began under Maduro’s administration. In contrast, human rights group Foro Penal said it had verified only 383 releases, including some foreigners, and that 266 occurred after January 8 when the government announced all political prisoners would be freed. Foro Penal’s vice president Gonzalo Himiob said the government’s figures do not match their observations, while Cabello rejected the criticism, saying NGOs lack full data and the government is not obliged to consult them.

The Australian government has cancelled the visa of Israeli influencer Sammi Yahud after he faced accusations of promoting anti-Islamic propaganda. Authorities acted following his social media post describing Islam as a 'hateful ideology'. Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke stated that individuals spreading hate and division are not welcome in Australia and that visitors should come with the right intentions. The decision was made under Australia’s hate crime laws, which were strengthened after the December 14 massacre during Hanukkah celebrations at Bondi Beach. The conservative Australian Jewish Association condemned the move, saying it had invited Yahud to speak. The report also noted that far-right Israeli politician Simcha Rothman’s visa had been cancelled last year under similar circumstances. The case highlights Australia’s stricter enforcement of hate speech laws following recent violent incidents and its stance on preventing divisive figures from entering the country.

The rally ground in Uttara, Dhaka, was filled to capacity on Tuesday evening as supporters awaited BNP Chairperson Tarique Rahman. According to the schedule, Rahman was expected to reach Gazipur at 6 p.m. and Uttara at 7 p.m., but his program in Mymensingh ran longer, causing a slight delay. Before arriving in Uttara, he was to address a brief roadside gathering in Gazipur following a large rally in Mymensingh. The much-anticipated event, held at the central Eidgah field in Uttara’s Sector 6, drew thousands of BNP leaders, activists, and residents. The area was decorated with banners, festoons, and party flags, and slogans echoed throughout the venue. Organizers expected a record turnout before Rahman’s arrival, viewing the rally as a major show of strength for the Dhaka-18 constituency. BNP’s Dhaka-18 candidate S.M. Jahangir Hossain said the rally carried special significance as it marked Rahman’s direct election speech after a long time. He claimed the event would strengthen the party’s position ahead of the upcoming election and urged people to reject false propaganda against him.

Hasnat Abdullah, chief organizer of the National Citizens Party (NCP) for the southern region, urged citizens not to entrust their future to what he described as 'looters and mafias'. His remarks came on social media following an alleged attack on NCP candidate Nasir Uddin Patowary in front of Habibullah Bahar College in Dhaka-8 constituency. In his Facebook post, Abdullah claimed that members of the student organization Chhatra Dal carried out the attack on Patowary, whom he described as a veteran of anti-fascist movements. He questioned the attackers’ intolerance toward opposing views and called on Dhaka-8 voters to decide whether to support those who, he alleged, profit from political power and violence. Abdullah concluded by urging citizens to protect their rights and safety, warning against empowering individuals he labeled as guardians of thugs and mafias.

In Bogura-2 (Shibganj) constituency, Jamaat-e-Islami leaders have accused BNP supporters of vandalizing their election camp and assaulting activists. The allegation was made at a press conference at Bogura Press Club on Tuesday by Maulana Md. Mofazzal Hossain, Ameer of Kichak Union Jamaat. He said the attack occurred on Monday afternoon in Uttar Belail village, injuring three Jamaat members who were later hospitalized. A written complaint naming nine individuals and several unidentified others was filed at Shibganj Police Station. Jamaat leaders claimed that despite filing the complaint, no case had been recorded and no arrests made. They expressed concern over the neutrality of the local administration, alleging bias toward a particular party. Law enforcement officials visited the scene following the incident. Shibganj Police Officer-in-Charge Muhammad Faridul Islam confirmed receiving the complaint and said preliminary investigation found no grounds for a case. He added that the complainants were advised to include only verified details in their report and that legal procedures were ongoing.

A clash erupted in Sirajganj on Monday night when a BNP campaign rally came under alleged attack by Jamaat-e-Islami activists. The incident occurred around 8 p.m. in Dumur Isha village of Bahuli Union under Sirajganj Sadar upazila. Six Chhatra Dal activists were injured and admitted to Sirajganj General Hospital, with one in critical condition who may be transferred to Dhaka. Local tension remains high following the violence. Sirajganj district BNP general secretary and election coordination chief Sayedur Rahman Bachchu accused 300–400 Jamaat activists of launching a planned assault using iron rods and steel pipes, claiming the attack aimed to disrupt election campaigning. He alleged that Jamaat was trying to destabilize the electoral environment. In response, district Jamaat assistant secretary Shahidul Islam denied the accusation, asserting that BNP activists had attacked their rally first, injuring five to seven Jamaat members. Sirajganj General Hospital’s resident medical officer confirmed that six injured individuals were treated, three of whom were released after primary care. Police officials have yet to provide further comment on the incident.

Indonesia’s navy confirmed that 23 marines were killed after being trapped in a landslide in West Java province. The incident occurred early Saturday in Pasir Langu village of Bandung Barat district, about 100 kilometers southeast of Jakarta. Navy spokesperson First Admiral Tunggul said the marines were participating in a training exercise linked to patrol preparations along the Indonesia–Papua New Guinea border when heavy rain triggered the landslide. According to the National Disaster Mitigation Agency, the death toll from the landslide had risen to 20 by Tuesday afternoon, with 42 people still missing. It was not immediately clear whether the military casualties were included in that figure. Around 800 rescuers, including soldiers and police, along with nine excavators, were deployed to search for the missing. Authorities evacuated 685 residents from the affected village to local government buildings for shelter. The disaster struck during the peak of the rainy season across Java, which has recently experienced widespread flooding. Two months earlier, floods and landslides on Sumatra island caused about 1,200 deaths and displaced more than one million people.

BNP Standing Committee member Dr. Abdul Moin Khan announced that if his party forms the government, it will introduce special technical training for workers before they go abroad for employment. He made the statement on Tuesday at the National Press Club in Dhaka during a discussion titled “Rights of Expatriates and Thoughts for Today and Tomorrow,” organized by the Global Bangladeshi Expatriates Summit 2026. Moin Khan emphasized that migrant workers should be prepared not only technically but also mentally to succeed abroad. He noted that remittances sent by expatriates are mostly spent on family expenses rather than investments. He suggested that the state could invest these funds and share the returns with the workers, reducing dependence on foreign aid. Moin Khan also said that many returnee migrants eventually face financial hardship and that their earnings should be utilized in national industries and investments to ensure sustainable benefits. Speakers at the event called for effective one-stop services for expatriates, protection of their assets from land grabbers, and reserved parliamentary seats to ensure their political representation.

Venezuela’s interim president Delcy Rodríguez has forecast that the country could attract around $1.4 billion in foreign investment in its oil sector in 2026. She said the projected amount would represent about a 55 percent increase compared to 2025 if planned reforms are implemented. Rodríguez made the remarks during a public consultation meeting with business leaders on opening the oil industry to private investment. According to AFP reports from Caracas, Rodríguez explained that a proposed bill aimed at easing long-standing state control over the energy sector is awaiting final approval in parliament. She noted that last year’s oil investment stood at about $900 million, while contracts worth $1.4 billion have already been signed for the current year. She emphasized that Venezuela, which holds the world’s largest proven oil reserves, must regain a strong production position. Rodríguez assumed the interim presidency on January 3 after U.S. special forces ousted Nicolás Maduro. She now faces U.S. pressure to grant American oil companies access to Venezuelan fields, a condition reportedly tied to former U.S. president Donald Trump’s support for her leadership.