Jatiya Party Chairman Golam Maula Rony (GM Quader) announced that his party will reject the upcoming constitutional referendum, citing the exclusion of political parties like Jatiya Party from the reform process. Speaking at a press conference in a Kakrail hotel in Dhaka on Tuesday, he said the party will vote 'no' and encourage citizens to do the same, warning that the proposed reforms could destroy the country if approved. Quader accused the interim government of violating its constitutional oath by organizing a referendum on such a complex issue. He argued that presenting constitutional amendments as a simple 'yes' or 'no' question to the general public was unrealistic and irrational. He also expressed doubts about whether the proposers fully understood the implications of their proposal, warning that implementing the reforms could render the state ungovernable by stripping the prime minister of effective power. Earlier, Jatiya Party Secretary General Shamim Haider Patwary announced a final list of 196 candidates for the upcoming election, including several accused in the July massacre cases, some of whom are in jail or absconding.

Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development has announced major labor market reforms requiring at least 60 percent Saudi nationals in 18 marketing and sales-related professions. The directive, reported by Gulf News, aims to expand local participation and reduce unemployment. Companies with three or more employees must comply within three months, and Saudi workers in these roles will receive a minimum monthly salary of 5,500 riyals. The affected professions include marketing and advertising managers, public relations officers, graphic designers, photographers, sales managers, retail and wholesale representatives, and IT and telecommunications sales specialists. Firms failing to meet the localization target after the grace period will face fines and administrative penalties. The initiative aligns with Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman’s Vision 2030, which seeks to diversify the economy beyond oil and create more jobs for young Saudis. However, the policy is expected to significantly impact expatriate workers, particularly from Bangladesh, India, and Pakistan, who have long dominated Saudi Arabia’s private marketing and sales sectors.

The Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) has arrested Syed Sohanur Rahman Siam, son of former Bangladesh Public Service Commission (PSC) driver Syed Abed Ali Jibon, on charges of acquiring illegal wealth worth about Tk 3.25 crore. The arrest was confirmed on Tuesday by ACC’s public relations officer Md. Akterul Islam. Siam, also known as a former relief and disaster management secretary of the banned Dhaka North unit of Chhatra League, had previously been expelled from the organization after his name surfaced in a question paper leak scandal. On January 5, 2025, the ACC filed three separate cases against Jibon, his wife Shahreen Akter Shilpi, and their son Siam, accusing them of possessing Tk 5.37 crore in illegal assets and conducting suspicious transactions totaling around Tk 45 crore. Siam’s arrest marks the latest development in the ongoing investigation into the family’s alleged corruption and financial irregularities, as authorities continue to pursue the cases filed last year.

Police in Khulna arrested three young men on Monday afternoon from the residence of S M Shafiqul Islam, president of Koyra Upazila Jubo League and former upazila chairman, following allegations of extortion. The suspects, identified as Mehedi Hasan Miraz, Al Nahian, and Miraz Gazi, allegedly introduced themselves as student coordinators and leaders of the NCP. The arrest took place at Shafiqul Islam’s house on Nesar Uddin Road under Sonadanga Police Station. His daughter, Shahnaz Parvin, filed a case accusing the men of demanding 2.5 million taka and threatening to hand her father over to police if the demand was not met. Sonadanga Police Station Officer-in-Charge Md Rafiqul Islam confirmed the arrests and said the accused were sent to jail through the court. He also noted that Shafiqul Islam faces multiple cases but is currently out on bail. NCP district coordinator Maulana Mahmudul Hasan Faizullah stated that the detained individuals are not affiliated with any NCP or anti-discrimination student movement committees and called for lawful action if the allegations prove true. The incident has raised questions about why police have not acted against Shafiqul Islam despite his pending cases, as noted by the NCP coordinator.

Toyota Bangladesh Limited (TBL), a fully owned investment of Toyota Tsusho Asia Pacific and Toyota Tsusho Japan, recently held a meeting with the Chairman of the Bangladesh Investment Development Authority (BIDA), Ashik Chowdhury, to discuss the future of the automotive industry in Bangladesh. The meeting focused on long-term growth, a sustainable automotive future, and improving the overall business environment in the country. During the discussion, TBL emphasized its commitment to contributing to Bangladesh’s evolving industrial landscape through innovation, efficiency, and responsible business practices. BIDA welcomed Toyota Bangladesh’s participation and reaffirmed its growing support for sustainable investments that strengthen industrial capacity and promote environmentally responsible growth. The meeting highlighted mutual interest in advancing Bangladesh’s automotive sector through collaboration between the public and private sectors, aiming to foster a more sustainable and competitive industry.

Foreign Affairs Adviser Md. Touhid Hossain has said that government officials must demonstrate their neutrality through their work rather than words. He made the remarks on Tuesday during a meeting with district-level officials at the Patuakhali Deputy Commissioner's conference room, held in preparation for the upcoming 13th National Parliamentary Election and referendum. During the discussion, the adviser expressed confidence that although not everyone may agree on every issue, citizens would support the referendum with a 'yes' vote for the necessary changes in the state. He also stated that a large number of foreign observers would be present to ensure transparency, acceptability, and neutrality in the upcoming national election. The meeting was chaired by Deputy Commissioner Shahid Hossain Chowdhury and attended by Superintendent of Police Md. Abu Yusuf along with officials from various election-related departments.

Dhaka University has published the admission test results for the Arts, Law and Social Science Unit of the 2025–26 academic year. The announcement was made on Tuesday after 4:30 p.m. through a notice on the university’s admission website. This year, 107,712 students applied for 2,934 available seats, and 103,611 took part in the exam. A total of 7,553 students passed, including 4,109 from the humanities stream, 2,981 from science, and 463 from business studies. The overall pass rate stood at 7.29 percent, while results of five candidates were canceled. Md. Shahriar Shimul topped the humanities stream, Rifat Al Rafi led the science stream, and Md. Abir Ahmed Rohan ranked first in business studies. Successful candidates can fill out detailed and subject preference forms from January 27 to February 5. Quota applicants may collect and submit their forms between February 1 and 5 at the Dean’s Office of the Faculty of Social Sciences. Students seeking re-evaluation can apply with a fee from January 21 to 27. Results are available at admission.eis.du.ac.bd or via SMS through Grameenphone, Banglalink, or Teletalk numbers.

Faruk I Azam, adviser to the Ministry of Liberation War Affairs and the Ministry of Disaster Management and Relief, stated that a 'Yes' vote in the upcoming referendum could bring fundamental changes to the state structure. Speaking on Wednesday morning at a courtyard meeting in Fapor, Bogura Sadar, organized by the District Information Office, he said the campaign aims to raise public awareness about the importance of the 'Yes' or 'No' vote. He emphasized that constitutional safeguards could prevent future authoritarian governments from committing abuses or extrajudicial killings. Azam compared the 2024 struggle against one-party rule to the Liberation War, describing it as a fight of citizens against internal oppression. He said the interim government is non-partisan and temporary, and will step down after the election. According to him, the process, if enshrined in the constitution, would allow public opinion to guide the nation during crises. The event was attended by the district commissioner, police superintendent, civil society representatives, and students.

Dhaka North City Corporation (DNCC) has directed all landlords to provide tenants with conditional access keys to building roofs and main gates to enhance safety. The directive was announced by DNCC Administrator Mohammad Ejaz at a press conference held at the corporation’s Gulshan headquarters on Tuesday. The measure, issued under the authority of the House Rent Control Act of 1991, follows a rise in fire, earthquake, and other disaster-related incidents in residential buildings. The DNCC guidelines also require landlords to ensure uninterrupted utility services, daily waste collection, and overall habitability of rented properties. Tenants must pay rent by the 10th of each month, and landlords are obligated to issue written receipts for every payment. Both parties are encouraged to cooperate on household greenery initiatives and to resolve disputes through ward-level associations of landlords and tenants. If local resolution fails, disputes should be referred to the regional executive officer of the city corporation. DNCC emphasized that these measures aim to strengthen tenant rights and improve residential safety standards across the city.

Final arguments are underway in the war crimes tribunal concerning the killing and burning of six activists in Ashulia, Savar, during the July uprising. The hearing took place on Tuesday before a three-member tribunal led by Justice Nazrul Islam Chowdhury. Defense lawyer Mirajul Alam, representing former DB Inspector Md. Arafat Hossain, argued that his client had no weapon and did not kill anyone. The tribunal responded that burning bodies does not require weapons. During the session, prosecutors questioned whether the defense was challenging the legitimacy of the July movement. The prosecution had earlier filed a report accusing 16 individuals, including former MP Muhammad Saiful Islam, of crimes against humanity related to the incident. Eight of the accused, including several former police officials, are currently in custody. According to the investigation report, on August 5 of the previous year, police allegedly shot five people dead and seriously injured another near Ashulia Police Station before burning all six in a police vehicle. The tribunal proceedings are nearing conclusion, with both sides presenting their final arguments before a verdict is expected.

Jamaat-e-Islami’s central assistant secretary Advocate Muazzam Hossain Helal has withdrawn his nomination for the upcoming national election in Barishal-5 (Sadar and City) constituency. The withdrawal was made on Tuesday at 2 p.m. at the office of the Barishal Deputy Commissioner and Returning Officer, where Helal formally submitted his application to Assistant Returning Officer and Additional Deputy Commissioner (General) Sufal Chandra Goldar. He simultaneously announced his support for Islami Andolan Bangladesh’s candidate and Nayeb-e-Ameer Mufti Syed Muhammad Faizul Karim. Speaking to journalists after the withdrawal, Helal said he acted under the directive of Jamaat’s Ameer and the party’s central decision, citing the greater interest of the country and its people. He stated that Jamaat leaders and supporters in Barishal-5 would now work collectively for Faizul Karim, campaigning for the “hand fan” symbol and striving to ensure his victory. The move signals a tactical alignment between Jamaat-e-Islami and Islami Andolan Bangladesh in the Barishal-5 constituency ahead of the national polls.

Police in Debidwar, Cumilla recovered the hanging body of a college student from a beauty parlor on Tuesday. The deceased, identified as Nadia Akter, was employed as a beautician at the Women’s Persona Parlor located near the Upazila Gate area. She was the daughter of Shafiqul Islam from Dholahas village and a first-year student at Jafarganj Mir Abdul Gafur College. According to police, they arrived at the scene after receiving information and found Nadia’s body hanging inside the parlor. While initial observations suggest suicide, authorities have launched an investigation to determine the exact cause of death. Debidwar Police Station Officer-in-Charge Moniruzzaman stated that an unnatural death case has been filed in connection with the incident. The body has been sent to Cumilla Medical College Hospital morgue for autopsy as part of the ongoing investigation.

Sharmin S. Morshed, Advisor to the Ministry of Social Welfare and Women and Children Affairs, stated that her government supports holding a referendum for the welfare of the people. She emphasized that citizens will have the opportunity to vote 'no' as well. She made these remarks on Tuesday afternoon in Jhenaidah, following a meeting organized by the district administration to encourage participation in the upcoming referendum and national election. During the meeting, attended by the Deputy Commissioner Abdullah Al Masud, Superintendent of Police Mahfuz Afzal, and representatives from various sectors, Sharmin reiterated that the referendum is not a neutral process and that her stance is firmly in favor of 'yes'. She argued that reform is impossible without a referendum and recalled that after the 2024 uprising, people demanded a new Bangladesh built on humane and just values. Sharmin added that some groups fail to understand the purpose of the referendum. She said that to end authoritarianism, abductions, and killings, the country’s infrastructure must be fundamentally changed, and public consent through a referendum is essential.

Jamaat-e-Islami presented a comprehensive set of policy plans at a policy summit held on Tuesday at the InterContinental Hotel in Dhaka. The party outlined its vision for governance if it wins the upcoming 13th parliamentary election. Jamaat Ameer Dr. Shafiqur Rahman delivered the keynote address, emphasizing a framework for a 'new and prosperous Bangladesh.' Diplomats, academics, business leaders, and professionals attended the event, where experts discussed the proposed policy papers. The plans include zero tolerance against corruption, gradual reduction of tax to 19 percent and VAT to 10 percent, and the introduction of a smart social security card integrating NID, TIN, health, and social services. The party pledged not to raise utility charges for three years, reopen closed factories through public-private partnerships, and provide interest-free loans to small farmers. Education proposals include interest-free loans for graduates and students, establishment of the world’s largest women’s university, and merit-based recruitment. Health initiatives promise free care for children under five and seniors over sixty, and specialized hospitals in all 64 districts. The roadmap also features youth and ICT development programs, including a new ministry for skilled manpower, 10 million youth trained in five years, and a ‘Vision 2040’ plan to create 2 million ICT jobs by 2030.

Independent candidate Barrister M. Sarwar Hossain has withdrawn his candidacy for the Dhaka-17 constituency, citing loyalty to nationalist ideals and respect for party leadership. The Supreme Court lawyer made the announcement on Tuesday, January 20, the final day for withdrawal, after BNP Chairman Tarique Rahman was nominated for the same seat. Sarwar’s nomination had initially been rejected by the Election Commission during the preliminary screening but was later reinstated through appeal. Despite winning the legal battle to retain his candidacy, he chose to step aside out of respect for his party chief. Speaking to journalists, Sarwar said he had long been involved in politics under the leadership of Begum Khaleda Zia and Tarique Rahman and had even faced imprisonment for the cause. Expressing optimism about the country’s political future, Sarwar stated that Tarique Rahman would work toward building a corruption-free, justice-based society, emphasizing good governance and a strong foreign policy to bring qualitative change to national politics.