Professor Dr. Md. Fakhrul Islam described a recent visit to Cox’s Bazar, where he observed a large plastic sculpture at Sugandha Point built to raise awareness about plastic pollution. He highlighted how plastic waste has become a growing environmental threat to the world’s longest natural sea beach, with single-use plastics from tourists and businesses accumulating in the sand and sea. The professor warned that plastic waste is breaking down into microplastics, entering the marine food chain, and ultimately affecting humans. He noted that despite a legal ban on polythene in Bangladesh, enforcement in Cox’s Bazar remains weak. Hotels, restaurants, and beach vendors continue to use plastic due to its low cost and availability. The article calls for strict monitoring, fines, and promotion of affordable eco-friendly alternatives. It also emphasizes community-based waste management, recycling initiatives, and environmental education for children and tourists. The professor further pointed out the problem of stray dogs and animal waste on the beach, urging authorities to take immediate measures. He concluded that protecting Cox’s Bazar requires coordinated national action to preserve its natural beauty and ecological balance.

The Bangladesh government plans to provide incentives to potato farmers after many suffered losses due to low market prices. According to the Department of Agricultural Extension, farmers have reduced potato cultivation this season compared to last year, raising concerns about lower production. Farmers are shifting to other vegetables such as eggplant, pumpkin, and bottle gourd following advice from agricultural officials. Agriculture and Home Affairs Adviser Lt. Gen. (Retd.) Md. Jahangir Alam Chowdhury confirmed that the incentive plan aims to support affected growers. Officials said domestic potato demand is around nine million tons, but last season’s production reached over 11.5 million tons, leaving a surplus that could not be exported due to excessive pesticide and fertilizer use. Only certain varieties like Sunshine, Granola, and Diamond are being exported. Exporters noted that limited cultivation of export-quality potatoes restricts market potential despite strong global demand. Export data from the Export Promotion Bureau show a decline in potato exports from 62,726 metric tons in 2021–22 to 32,392 metric tons in 2022–23, with export earnings dropping from over $33 million in 2013–14 to around $10 million in recent years.

An opinion essay by Shahid Kamrul, published on January 29, 2026, examines Bangladesh’s political direction ahead of the next election. It questions whether the country will move toward restoring democratic values or continue under authoritarian control. The author criticizes the ruling Awami League for corruption, dynastic politics, and suppression of opposition, while noting that the BNP has weakened due to internal divisions and leadership crises. Jamaat-e-Islami is described as disciplined but still controversial. The essay argues that voters now seek a principled, transparent, and inclusive political alternative. Kamrul outlines the characteristics of an ideal political party for Bangladesh—one that is ethical, policy-driven, and institutionally democratic rather than leader-centric. He emphasizes internal democracy, rule of law, social justice, education reform, equitable healthcare, environmental protection, and technological self-reliance. The essay draws on philosophical ideas from Locke, Habermas, and others to argue that true democracy requires pluralism and citizen participation. The author concludes that building such a party is difficult within Bangladesh’s entrenched power structures and corruption, but essential for creating a just, self-reliant, and prosperous nation.

The United States has decided to return a recently seized oil tanker to Venezuela, according to two unnamed U.S. officials who confirmed the decision on Wednesday, as reported by Reuters. The vessel, identified as MT Sophia, is a Panama-flagged supertanker. No official explanation has yet been provided for why the U.S. is returning the ship. Over the past several months, the United States has conducted operations targeting oil tankers linked to Venezuela. Since late last year, at least seven such vessels have been seized. MT Sophia was captured on January 7 this year during a joint operation by the U.S. Coast Guard and military while it was carrying oil. At that time, U.S. authorities described it as a “stateless and sanctioned dark fleet tanker.” It remains unclear whether the tanker currently contains oil. Neither the U.S. Coast Guard nor Venezuela’s communications ministry has issued any immediate comment regarding the decision or the vessel’s current status.

Senior sports journalist and author Sharada Ugra has alleged that the International Cricket Council (ICC) operates under the influence of the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI). Speaking on The Wire’s program ‘The Interview,’ she claimed that the ICC has effectively become BCCI’s Dubai office, following its directives without question. Her remarks come amid escalating tensions involving Bangladesh, India, and the ICC ahead of the upcoming T20 World Cup, as Bangladesh’s request to shift match venues over security concerns was rejected. The controversy began when Bangladeshi pacer Mustafizur Rahman was reportedly dropped from the Indian Premier League under what Ugra described as “unwritten, unofficial instructions.” She argued that the move was politically motivated, linked to strained India-Bangladesh relations and upcoming elections in Assam and West Bengal. Ugra criticized the ICC’s refusal to relocate Bangladesh’s matches to Sri Lanka, calling it double standards compared to the hybrid model allowed for India-Pakistan fixtures. According to Ugra, India’s dominance has undermined the credibility of the World Cup and turned cricket into a political tool. She warned that ICC’s perceived bias could damage its global reputation and raise governance questions as cricket seeks inclusion in the Olympics.

The Ministry of Cultural Affairs has cancelled the contractual appointment of Afsana Begum as director of the National Book Centre, citing irregularities and actions allegedly opposing the principles of the July uprising. The decision was followed by the appointment of writer and poet Sakhawat Tipu to the same post. Ministry officials claimed that Afsana Begum’s tenure was marked by favoritism in book selection and the promotion of narratives aligned with the previous Awami regime. Officials alleged that the 2024–25 book selection list included multiple works by authors linked to the former government while excluding books supportive of the July uprising. They also accused Afsana Begum of forming a syndicate that gave undue advantage to preferred publishers and of attempting to challenge the ministry’s oversight authority. The ministry’s secretary stated that the cancellation was a routine administrative action consistent with government policy. Afsana Begum denied all allegations, asserting that the selection process followed official guidelines and that final approval of book lists rested with the ministry. She argued that any controversy over the selected titles should be directed at the approving authorities rather than the committee.

Biman Bangladesh Airlines is in the final stage of negotiations with US aircraft manufacturer Boeing to purchase 14 new planes, including ten Dreamliners (787-9 and 787-10 series) and four Boeing 737 Max aircraft. The proposed deal, valued at around $3.7 billion, may be signed within the current month if both sides finalize terms. The airline has placed at least 20 conditions and sought maximum price reductions, while Boeing has prepared a revised draft agreement reflecting possible concessions. According to Biman sources, the National Negotiation Committee—comprising secretaries from key ministries and the airline’s board chairman—is leading the talks. The government and Biman’s board have already given policy approval for the purchase. Boeing has shown willingness to adjust prices and payment terms, and both parties are working to finalize details such as advance payments, delivery schedules, and training provisions. If signed this month, the aircraft deliveries will continue through 2035. Biman expects the new planes to expand its international operations and address current fleet shortages that limit route frequency and new route launches.

A passenger plane operated by Colombia’s state-owned airline Satena crashed in the country’s northern region on Wednesday, January 28, killing all 15 people on board. The victims included 13 passengers and two crew members. The Beechcraft 1900 twin-propeller aircraft went down in a mountainous area near the Venezuelan border while en route from Cúcuta to Ocaña. The flight, designated NSE 8849, lost contact with air traffic control about 11 minutes before its scheduled landing at 12:05 p.m. local time. Rescue teams later located the wreckage in a remote mountain zone. Authorities confirmed that among the dead were lawmaker Diogenes Quintero Amaya and congressional candidate Carlos Salcedo. Satena described the incident as a “serious accident” but did not provide details on the cause. Following the loss of contact, search and rescue operations began immediately, supported by Colombia’s armed forces, and a hotline was opened for relatives of the passengers. The Cúcuta region is known for its rapidly changing weather and partial control by the National Liberation Army (ELN) guerrilla group, factors that may complicate rescue and investigation efforts.

France has advised its citizens to avoid downtown Minneapolis, citing risks of major protests against the Trump administration’s strict immigration policies. The French Foreign Ministry said local authorities have urged residents to stay away from central areas and avoid gatherings. The advisory, first issued on January 24, remains in effect, according to Newsweek. Germany and Ireland have issued similar warnings. Germany’s advisory noted that enforcement of Trump’s immigration policies has created public order risks in Minneapolis and other cities, sometimes leading to violent clashes between protesters and security forces. Ireland’s Foreign Ministry, in an update on January 15, urged caution for Irish citizens traveling to the Minneapolis–Saint Paul area. The alerts follow an incident on January 27, when U.S. Congresswoman Ilhan Omar was attacked during a speech in Minneapolis after criticizing Trump’s immigration policies. Omar was unharmed and continued her address, later describing herself as a survivor. The Council on American-Islamic Relations condemned the attack as a result of racist and Islamophobic incitement.

The central executive committee of Jubo Dal has withdrawn the expulsion order of M. Shahid, the Forest and Environment Affairs Assistant Secretary of Sunamganj District Jubo Dal. The decision was announced on Wednesday evening, January 28, 2026, through a press release issued on the party’s official letterhead. The release stated that the withdrawal came under the direction of Jubo Dal President Abdul Monayem Munna and General Secretary Mohammad Nurul Islam Nayon, with the notice circulated by Assistant Office Secretary Minhajul Islam Bhuiyan. According to the statement, M. Shahid had earlier been expelled from all party positions, including primary membership, for alleged activities contrary to party principles and discipline. Following his appeal, the central leadership reviewed the matter and decided to revoke the expulsion. After the announcement, the official letter spread on social media, and party members and supporters congratulated him. M. Shahid expressed gratitude to central leaders and local supporters, saying he had been a victim of conspiracy but continued receiving public support during his expulsion.

Dhaka South unit of Jamaat-e-Islami organized a protest rally and procession in the capital on Thursday following the killing of Rezau l Karim, secretary of Sherpur’s Sreebardi upazila Jamaat, in what the group described as a brutal attack by BNP activists. The rally took place after the noon prayer at the north gate of Baitul Mukarram National Mosque, with senior Jamaat leaders and allied political candidates addressing the gathering. Speakers including Jamaat Assistant Secretary General Maulana Abdul Halim, Advocate Moyazzem Hossain Helal, and NCP leader Nasiruddin Patwari condemned the killing and called for justice. They accused BNP of orchestrating violence against opposition candidates and vowed to respond through the ballot on February 12. Dhaka Jamaat’s Nayeb-e-Ameer Dr. Helal Uddin, who presided over the event, criticized the administration for failing to prevent the Sherpur incident and demanded the removal of partisan officials. After the speeches, participants marched through several streets of the capital, reiterating their call for accountability and peaceful political competition.

Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer Dr. Shafiqur Rahman declared that he would sacrifice his life if necessary to protect people's rights, warning that any attempt to manipulate election results by force would be resisted by the youth. He made the remarks on Thursday afternoon at a rally in Dhaka’s Karwan Bazar in support of the 11-party alliance candidate Saiful Alam Milon for the Dhaka-12 constituency. Dr. Rahman alleged that attacks on Jamaat activists across the country were destroying the level playing field and that violence against women and intimidation were undermining fair elections. He said the interim government and Election Commission would bear responsibility if the election process failed. He added that Jamaat had not filed unjust cases since August 5 and would congratulate whichever party formed the next government through a fair vote. The Jamaat leader expressed optimism about victory, pledging to curb extortion, corruption, and terrorism if elected. He said 90 percent of extortion would end immediately under their rule and that the youth would be empowered as skilled nation-builders rather than dependents on allowances.

A views-exchange meeting was held in Dhamrai, Dhaka, where Mufti Ashraf Ali was nominated as the Bangladesh Khelafat Majlish candidate for the Dhaka-20 constituency under the ten-party alliance ahead of the upcoming parliamentary election. The event took place on Thursday at the Munno Community Center near the Dhaka-Aricha highway and was presided over by Mufti Ashraf Ali, president of the Dhaka district Khelafat Majlish. Senior leaders including Professor Abdul Jalil, Maulana Nurul Haque, Amir Ali, Maulana Firoz Ahmed, Professor Saifuddin, and Rayhan Ali attended the meeting. Speakers expressed grief over the killing of Jamaat secretary Rezaul Karim in Jhenaigati, Sherpur, and called for an Islamic governance system to end injustice and oppression across Bangladesh. During the meeting, Mufti Ashraf Ali vowed that if elected to parliament, he would end abduction, murder, and injustice in Dhamrai and work to make the area free from extortion, terrorism, and drugs.

BNP Chairperson Tarique Rahman arrived in Rajshahi on Thursday to attend an election rally at the city’s historic Madrasa Maidan. From early morning, BNP leaders and activists from various upazilas and nearby districts gathered at the venue to see him and hear his speech. He reached Rajshahi by air from Dhaka around 12:30 p.m. and first visited the shrine of Hazrat Shah Makhdum (R.) before joining the rally. According to party sources, Tarique Rahman is expected to seek votes for the BNP’s electoral symbol, the paddy sheaf, and present the party’s plans for public welfare and governance. After completing his Rajshahi program, he will travel by road to Bogura, addressing another rally at ATM Field in Naogaon on the way, and later attend a public meeting at Altafunnesa Field in Bogura at night. Party leaders expressed hope that Tarique Rahman’s visit will energize BNP’s election campaign in northern Bangladesh and boost enthusiasm among grassroots activists.

The United Kingdom has issued a travel advisory for its citizens regarding visits to Bangladesh. The Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) released the warning on Thursday, January 29, urging British nationals to plan their trips carefully and follow local authorities’ guidance. The advisory cites potential risks of political violence and extremist attacks linked to the upcoming national election. According to the FCDO notice, travelers who ignore the advisory may face cancellation of their travel insurance. The office recommended avoiding all but essential travel to several parts of the country, particularly the three districts of the Chittagong Hill Tracts. It noted that reports of violence and criminal activity are frequent in remote areas, and attacks targeting political gatherings or polling centers could occur during the election period. Bangladesh’s national election is scheduled for February 12, with campaigning having started on January 22.