Hasnat Abdullah, chief organizer of the National Citizen Party (NCP) for the southern region and the 11-party alliance candidate for Comilla-4 (Debidwar), pledged to take strong action against extortionists, drug traders, and loan defaulters if elected. He made the remarks on Saturday, January 31, 2026, at an election rally held at Bonkot Government Primary School field in Gunaighar South Union of Debidwar upazila. During his speech, Abdullah urged voters not to support extortionists, drug dealers, or tender manipulators, emphasizing that drugs, extortion, and the public cannot coexist. He criticized the political culture of compromise with such groups and accused some local leaders of long-standing involvement with drug lords. He also warned voters to be cautious of candidates who pretend to be pious before elections and alleged that rival activists were issuing threats of post-election violence. Abdullah called on voters to remain united until results are announced and urged women voters to campaign actively for his symbol, the ‘Shapla Koli’.

At least 47 people were killed in a series of militant attacks in Pakistan’s Balochistan province, according to a Geo News report on Saturday citing security sources. The report said that Indian-backed militants carried out separate assaults at 12 locations, killing at least 10 police officers. Security forces responded with counterattacks that left 37 militants dead. Operations against the attackers were still ongoing in several areas. A security source identified the assailants as members of the India-backed group ‘Fitna al Hindustan,’ which attempted coordinated strikes across Balochistan. The source said timely and effective action by security forces prevented the attacks from succeeding. Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi praised the security personnel, commending their bravery in thwarting what he described as the terrorists’ malicious objectives. The violence occurred a day after two separate operations in Balochistan killed 41 India-supported militants, according to the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR). Those operations took place on January 29 near Harnai district and in Panjgur district.

Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) seized Indian Sun Max luxury fabrics and Benarasi saris smuggled through the Matifata border area of Sreebardi upazila in Sherpur. Acting on a tip-off, members of the Mymensingh Battalion (39 BGB) from the Kornjhora Border Outpost conducted an overnight operation on Saturday and recovered the goods. The seized items, including an easy bike used for transport, have an estimated market value of about Tk 13,62,800. The BGB confirmed the seizure in a press release issued on Saturday afternoon. According to the report, smugglers attempted to bring Indian goods through the Kornjhora BOP area using innovative methods. When they realized the presence of BGB personnel, the smugglers fled, leaving behind the contraband and the vehicle. Lieutenant Colonel Md. Nurul Azim Baizid, commander of the 39 BGB Battalion, stated that BGB members remain vigilant around the clock to protect the international border and prevent illegal activities. He added that BGB maintains a strict policy against smuggling, drug trafficking, and illegal crossings, and this vigilance will continue in the future.

A public event featuring rival candidates for the Sunamganj-4 parliamentary constituency was held on Saturday at the premises of the Heritage Museum, organized by Sujan–Citizens for Good Governance, Sunamganj district committee. During the session, candidates responded to various questions from voters and pledged to ensure a fair and peaceful parliamentary election. The event was presided over by district Sujan president Nurul Haque Afindi and conducted by general secretary Fazlul Karim Saeed. Among the speakers were Sujan advisers Syed Mohibul Islam and Sukhendu Sen, vice president Ali Haider, independent candidate Dewan Zainul Zakerin, Jatiya Party-nominated candidate Advocate Nazmul Huda Himel, and Islami Andolan-nominated candidate Shahidul Islam Palashi. The candidates assured voters of addressing local issues, including infrastructure development in the district town, if elected. The gathering reflected an effort to promote accountability and transparency in the electoral process through direct engagement between candidates and the electorate.

Jamaat-e-Islami’s central secretary general, Mia Golam Parwar, alleged that two or three political parties have plundered Bangladesh for the past 54 years. Speaking as the chief guest at a rally held at Hasan Ali High School field in Chandpur on January 31, 2026, he said one of those parties now seeks to return to power but has failed the people’s test since August 5. Earlier that day, he also addressed an election gathering in the Chandpur-4 (Faridganj) constituency. Parwar urged citizens to vote for the “Dhal” (balance scale) symbol on February 12 and support constitutional amendments proposed by Jamaat. He said the party aims to build a zakat-based, interest-free Bangladesh free from extortion and corruption. He accused rival groups of destroying the judiciary and warned that if they regain power, justice would remain elusive. The event, presided over by Chandpur city Jamaat leader Advocate Shahjahan Khan, featured several speakers from allied Islamist and political organizations, including Bangladesh Khelafat Andolon and Bangladesh Khelafat Majlis.

Maulana Abul Kalam Azad, the Jamaat-e-Islami nominated candidate for the Natore-1 (Lalpur–Bagatipara) parliamentary constituency, urged voters to support the 'Dharipalla' symbol for building a just and fair state. He made the call on Saturday during his election campaign in Fakuaddiard Union of Bagatipara upazila, where he met with local residents and discussed their concerns and expectations. Azad stated that the people's long-standing hopes for development, justice, and a corruption-free administration inspired his commitment to work sincerely toward realizing their aspirations. Throughout the day, Azad conducted door-to-door visits, street meetings, courtyard gatherings, and public outreach programs across various wards of the union. Local Jamaat leaders, including Anwar Hossain Mujahid, Amjad Hossain, Akbar Hossain, and others, joined the campaign, emphasizing that honest and capable leadership can only be established through public support and unity. Large numbers of voters reportedly attended the campaign events, reflecting active local engagement ahead of the upcoming election.

BNP-nominated candidate for Dhaka-4 (Shyampur-Kadamtali) and Dhaka South BNP member secretary Tanvir Ahmed Robin announced that his party has planned a 'Family Card' program aimed at ensuring women’s security and economic self-reliance. Speaking at a street rally in Ward 52 under Kadamtali police station on Saturday, he said the initiative is part of eight broader plans the BNP would implement if it forms the next government after the February 12 national election. Robin explained that the BNP’s plans include introducing an 'Agriculture Card' to support farmers with fertilizer, advice, and bank loans, ensuring no one is deprived due to financial hardship. He also outlined proposals to expand education subsidies, promote multilingual training, and enhance sports and cultural activities for children to prevent drug addiction. The plans further include improving healthcare by establishing free public hospitals under each city corporation and reopening closed mills and factories to create employment opportunities. He added that creating a pollution-free environment is another key goal, with BNP intending to develop open parks for safe recreation and free intellectual engagement.

The United States federal government has entered a shutdown for the second time in three months due to complications in passing a funding bill. According to AFP, the proposed spending package for various government sectors failed to receive final approval before the deadline. The bill passed the Senate but did not reach the House of Representatives by midnight Saturday, triggering the shutdown. The political standoff comes amid heightened tensions following the death of a U.S. citizen, Alex Pretty, during an anti-immigration operation in Minnesota. President Donald Trump, in his second term since January 2025, had signed executive orders intensifying immigration crackdowns and increasing the Homeland Security budget, moves strongly opposed by Democrats. Republicans hold a majority in the Senate, while Democrats control the House, where opposition leader Chuck Schumer warned against approving the bill without budget revisions. Political analysts cited in the report suggest that a bipartisan compromise could be reached within the week, potentially ending the shutdown by next week.

A distinctive bird fair was held on January 31, 2026, at Rajshahi University’s Buddhijibi Chattar, featuring preserved bird specimens displayed through taxidermy. Organized by the university’s Bird Conservation Club with support from the Zoology Department and partners, the daylong event aimed to promote awareness under the theme “See birds, love birds, protect birds.” Visitors observed rare and extinct species, while school students participated in a drawing competition to engage with wildlife conservation themes. The exhibition included various species such as pigeons, parrots, herons, and owls, along with detailed explanations of preservation methods. Former zoology student and taxidermist Md. Delowar Hossain shared insights into the scientific process of taxidermy and noted that such fairs are regularly held at Rajshahi and Jahangirnagar universities. Professor A.M. Saleh Reza, convener of the Bird Conservation Club, emphasized the importance of familiarizing students with native birds and fostering empathy toward wildlife. Organizers highlighted that the fair serves as an educational platform to inspire responsible behavior toward migratory and local birds and to encourage scientific conservation practices.

The article explores the historical and philosophical evolution of the slogan ‘Inquilab Zindabad’ and its renewed prominence in Bangladesh’s recent political landscape. It notes that during the July uprising against the Awami League government, the slogan gained popularity among young protesters and was later echoed at the launch of the National Citizens Party (NCP), where leaders concluded speeches with the same phrase. The slogan, meaning ‘Long Live the Revolution,’ symbolizes resistance against oppression and the pursuit of justice and freedom. Tracing its origins, the report cites Indian historian Irfan Habib, who wrote that Maulana Hasrat Mohani first used the slogan in 1921, later popularized by Bhagat Singh during India’s independence movement. The piece also highlights the slogan’s philosophical depth, linking it to leftist ideals and its use in various anti-colonial and social movements across South Asia. In Bangladesh, figures such as activist Pinaki Bhattacharya and martyr Osman Hadi have helped revive its relevance. Analyst Mohiuddin Ahmed clarifies that the NCP’s use of the slogan reflects a centrist rather than communist ideology, emphasizing continuity with the spirit of revolution rather than ideological alignment.

A travel narrative by Md. Sakhawat Hossain recounts a six-day journey through Ethiopia, beginning with the arrival at Addis Ababa’s Bole International Airport. The writer describes the capital as a blend of modernity and history, highlighting visits to the National Museum of Ethiopia, home to the ancient fossil ‘Lucy,’ and the Entoto Hills, where the Entoto Maryam Church stands as a symbol of spiritual serenity. The journey continues through Awash National Park’s rugged savanna, the rock-hewn churches of Lalibela known as ‘Africa’s Jerusalem,’ and Bahir Dar’s tranquil Lake Tana, source of the Blue Nile. The traveler also visits the Blue Nile Falls and the Simien Mountains National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site known for its dramatic cliffs and rare wildlife such as the Gelada baboon and Ethiopian wolf. Reflecting on the experience, the author portrays Ethiopia as a living canvas of history, nature, and humanity, where every landscape and encounter reveals a deeper connection between people and their ancient land.

Two people were killed in a head-on collision between a motorcycle and an engine-run vehicle in Bogura district on Saturday morning. The accident occurred around 7:30 a.m. on a road in Dariapur Palpara village under Thaltamajhgram Union of Nandigram upazila. According to eyewitnesses, Sweet, 55, from Dariapur Uttar Mondolpara, was heading to irrigate his potato field on a motorcycle and picked up his neighbor Azizar, 55, along the way. When they reached Dariapur Palpara, a speeding engine-run vehicle from the opposite direction hit their motorcycle, throwing both riders onto the road. Azizar died on the spot, while Sweet was taken to Nandigram Upazila Health Complex, where doctors declared him dead. Nandigram Police Station Officer-in-Charge Mizanur Rahman said police were dispatched to the scene after receiving reports of the fatal accident. He added that legal procedures regarding the incident are underway. The police investigation and legal process are continuing to determine the circumstances of the collision.

Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer Dr. Shafiqur Rahman declared that his party aims to change what he described as a corrupt and destructive political culture that has persisted for 54 years. Speaking as the chief guest at an 11-party alliance election rally held at Nimsar Junab Ali Degree College field in Burichang upazila of Comilla at 1 p.m., he said they want to build a humane and dignified Bangladesh that stands proudly on the global stage. Dr. Rahman stated that the youth had long aspired to resist fascism and had sacrificed for freedom and independence. He pledged that if the 11-party alliance is elected, they would never act unjustly toward the people. The rally was presided over by Advocate Mobarak Hossain, Jamaat’s candidate for Comilla-5, and attended by Assistant Secretary General A.T.M. Masum, former Daksu VP Sadiq Kayem, and Islami Chhatra Shibir’s central secretary Sigbatullah. The event highlighted Jamaat’s call for political reform and its effort to mobilize support for the alliance ahead of upcoming elections.

BNP Chairperson’s adviser and chief coordinator of the party’s election committee for Dhaka-17, Bir Muktijoddha Abdus Salam, has warned that a wrong decision in the upcoming January 12 election could put Bangladesh’s independence at risk. He made the remarks on Saturday afternoon during campaign activities and a meeting with former army officers in the capital’s Vashantek and Cantonment areas. Salam said Bangladesh has faced crises before but is now going through an especially difficult period. Referring to the country’s past, he stated that if the nation had not gained independence in 1971 or if Ziaur Rahman had not taken charge after 1975, the country would have gone astray. He emphasized that this election is crucial for the nation’s future and urged everyone to act in the country’s interest. He also alleged that a conspiracy has been ongoing since the Hasina administration to prevent the election from taking place. Former army officers and BNP leaders and activists from different levels were present at the event.

At least 12 Palestinians, half of them children, were killed early Saturday in Israeli airstrikes across the Gaza Strip, according to reports. In the northwest of Khan Younis, an Israeli airstrike hit a tent sheltering displaced people in the Al-Mawasi area, killing at least seven, including three children. Their bodies were taken to Nasser Medical Complex. In Gaza City, emergency services reported that another airstrike on an apartment building in the western Rimal neighborhood killed at least five people, including three children, while eight others were injured in a separate bombing in the Daraj area. The attacks came a day before Israel announced it would reopen the Rafah crossing on Sunday. Gaza’s government media office stated that since a ceasefire brokered by the United States took effect on October 10, at least 524 Palestinians have been killed by Israeli forces. The renewed strikes highlight ongoing tensions in Gaza despite the declared ceasefire, raising concerns about civilian safety and the fragile humanitarian situation.