Elon Musk, CEO of Tesla and SpaceX, was nominated for the 2025 Nobel Peace Prize for his promotion of free speech. The nomination was submitted by European Parliament member Branko Grimz, who highlighted Musk’s contributions to free expression and peace. However, Musk declined the nomination, stating he does not seek any awards. Despite his disinterest, the nomination has sparked widespread discussion on social media, with critics questioning its legitimacy.

While recovering in a Paris hospital after surgery, Dr. Muhammad Yunus received a call from student leaders urging him to form the interim government in Bangladesh after the ousting of Sheikh Hasina. Despite initial reluctance, he eventually agreed to take on the role. Days later, Dr. Yunus learned of his new position from the media and was escorted by the French military to return to Bangladesh, where he addressed the nation and called for unity and peace.

Summary: Sargis Alam, the prominent figure and chief organizer of the National Citizen’s Committee, has recently married. The news was confirmed by sports advisor Asif Mahmud Sajib Bhuiyan on Friday evening. Following the announcement, Asif Mahmud Sajib Bhuiyan took to his verified social media account to congratulate the newlyweds, wishing Sargis Alam a blissful married life and congratulating him on starting this new chapter in his life.

In Kochi, Kerala, 27 Bangladeshis were arrested for illegal residency following an overnight operation by Kerala Police and India’s Anti-Terrorism Squad. The suspects, found with Bangladeshi national IDs and passports, could not provide valid Indian residency documents. A total of 54 individuals were arrested in the operation. This action is part of a broader crackdown on Bangladeshis living unlawfully in various parts of India. Earlier, two Bangladeshis were arrested in Versova, Maharashtra.

In the Brahmanbaria Lawyers’ Association election, the BNP-backed Lawyers’ Forum suffered a heavy defeat, winning only 3 out of 15 contested positions. Independent candidate A.K.M. Kamruzzaman Mamun was elected President, while Mofizur Rahman Babul of the Bangabandhu Awami Lawyers’ Council won General Secretary. Other Awami-backed candidates dominated the elections, with no competition for the President position from the Awami camp. A total of 13 positions were contested, with various candidates winning including Shamsul Haque Liton and Ashraful Islam Khan.

Israeli forces launched overnight airstrikes on Hamas sites in Lebanon’s Beqaa Valley, as confirmed by Al Jazeera. Despite a ceasefire in place since November, Israel continues targeting Hamas positions, claiming they threaten its security. The Israeli military also struck underground facilities allegedly used for weapon production. No reports of casualties or damage have been released. Meanwhile, Israel accused Hezbollah of violating the ceasefire with a drone attack, though Al Jazeera reported Israel itself breached the agreement 15 times on Thursday.

Former State Minister for Home Affairs and BNP leader Lutfozzaman Babar fell seriously ill due to breathing difficulties while flying to Madinah for Umrah. After an emergency landing in Dubai, he was taken to a clinic and later admitted to a hospital. His eldest son is with him. His family, who had traveled separately, learned of his condition upon reaching Madinah. Recently released from prison after 17 years, Babar was also hospitalized earlier this month for chest pain. His family has requested prayers for his recovery.

Bangladesh Islami Chhatra Shibir’s Dhaka Metropolitan branch organized a mass rally demanding justice for those involved in the July massacre and protesting the government’s alleged crimes, including enforced disappearances, killings, and corruption. The rally commenced after Jumu’ah prayers from Baitul Mukarram’s north gate and moved through Paltan, the National Press Club, and Matsya Bhaban before concluding at Shahbagh. Central Shibir leaders participated, chanting slogans against Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. Law enforcement took strict measures to monitor and control the rally’s progress.

A massive fire broke out at Chaktai, Chittagong’s major wholesale market, destroying a sawmill, two warehouses, and seven businesses. The fire, which started around 6 AM on January 31, took three hours to extinguish due to the lack of a nearby water source. The total damage is estimated at 2.5 million Taka. Authorities suspect the fire was caused by an electrical short circuit. Thankfully, no casualties were reported, as the market was closed for the holiday.

U.S. President Donald Trump is set to impose a 25% tariff on Mexico and Canada starting February 1. This follows his earlier warning related to undocumented immigration, trade fraud, and fentanyl trafficking. Trump also mentioned plans to impose a 10% tariff on Chinese goods but did not elaborate. Despite not signing the tariff order earlier, he confirmed the move after his swearing-in. The tariffs will remain in place until these countries take action against illegal immigration and drug trafficking.

Bangladesh’s primary school teachers earn the lowest salaries in South Asia, with an average of 170.02 USD per month, significantly lower than other countries. Teachers in Luxembourg, Germany, and Singapore receive far higher wages, making teaching a prestigious profession in those nations. In Bangladesh, teachers struggle with low pay and are often burdened with debt. Teachers are demanding higher pay and recognition, with recent protests calling for salary grade upgrades. Their fight highlights the disparity in teacher compensation compared to international standards.

In separate clashes in North Waziristan, Pakistan’s security forces engaged terrorists, resulting in 17 deaths, including four security personnel and 13 terrorists. During an operation in Mir Ali, Major Hamza Israr, 29, and Sepoy Muhammad Naeem, 26, were killed. Additional fighting in another area led to the deaths of two more security officers and seven terrorists. These attacks mark an increase in violence targeting security forces, with 2024 being the deadliest year in the last decade, according to reports.

A violent clash over sand extraction in the Meghna River near Munshiganj’s Kalirchar led to a gunfight between the Kibariya-Kana Jahir group and the river police, leaving two dead and 11 injured. The deceased, Rifat (26) and Rasel Fakir (28), were shot when locals resisted illegal dredging. Armed members of Kibariya’s group and police allegedly opened fire. The critically injured Ayub Ali (35) was sent to Dhaka for treatment. Authorities confirmed the deaths and ongoing investigation into the incident.

The first phase of the 58th World Ijtema is underway in Tongi, Gazipur, with hundreds of thousands of devotees gathering for prayers. To accommodate them, Bangladesh Railway has announced special ‘Jumu’ah Special’ trains on January 31. The first train will depart from Dhaka at 9:30 AM and reach Tongi at 10:15 AM. The return train will leave Tongi at 3:00 PM and arrive in Dhaka at 3:45 PM. The Ijtema will be held in two phases, with participants from different districts attending each.

The first phase of the 58th Bishwa Ijtema has started on the banks of the Turag River in Tongi, Gazipur. The event began after Maghrib prayers on January 30 with a sermon by Indian scholar Maulana Ibrahim Dewla. Hundreds of thousands of worshippers have gathered, with the grand Jummah prayer scheduled for January 31, led by Maulana Muhammad Zubair. The Ijtema will be held in two phases, with 41 districts participating in the first and 22 districts in the second. Strict security measures are in place.