Former chairman of the Commission of Inquiry on Enforced Disappearances and former justice Moinul Islam Chowdhury described enforced disappearances as a grave human rights violation and said they are worse than death. He made the remarks while speaking as the chief guest at a symposium titled “Human Rights Situation in Bangladesh: A Review,” held at the Bangladesh Institute of Law and International Affairs (BILIA) auditorium in Dhanmondi.

Justice Moinul explained that while families of the deceased can mourn and perform funeral rites, families of the disappeared remain in uncertainty, not knowing the fate or whereabouts of their loved ones. He said such families live in prolonged suspense, facing social stigma, financial hardship, and isolation.

Other speakers at the BILIA event included former commission members Justice Md. Farid Ahmed Shibli, Sajjad Hossain, and Nur Khan Liton; Odhikar director Taskin Fahmina; BILIA secretary Dr. Muhammad Ekramul Haque; and BILIA director Ambassador M. Maruf Zaman.

Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) will remain deployed in Rangpur, alongside the rest of the country, to keep the 13th national parliamentary election free from political influence and to maintain law and order. Rangpur Sector Commander Colonel S M Shafikur Rahman announced this on Saturday after inspecting a BGB security post at Park Mor in Rangpur city. He said around 3,000 BGB members have been deployed under the Rangpur sector to ensure public confidence in security during the election period.

Colonel Rahman added that BGB is on high alert along the 627-kilometer border in Rangpur Division to prevent any untoward incidents. Surveillance and patrols have been intensified to stop illegal arms entry and infiltration through the border. The commander also inaugurated new checkposts and search operations at key city points following his inspection.

He confirmed that BGB’s activities will continue throughout the election period to ensure overall security. Other officials from the Rangpur BGB headquarters were present during the visit.

Four leaders of the Saghata Upazila unit of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) in Gaibandha have been expelled for engaging in activities contrary to party policy and organizational discipline. The decision was announced on Saturday through a press release signed by BNP Senior Joint Secretary General Advocate Ruhul Kabir Rizvi.

According to the press release, the expelled leaders are Joint Conveners Md. Matlebur Rahman Reza, Md. Abu Kalam Azad, Md. Enamul Haque Shilpi, and member Mosammat Munmun Rahman. They have been removed from all party positions, including their primary membership in the BNP. The action was taken following allegations of breaching party discipline.

Saghata Upazila BNP Convener Mohammad Ali and Member Secretary Selim Ahmed Tulip confirmed that the decision was implemented from the party’s central level, emphasizing that it reflects the organization’s commitment to maintaining internal discipline.

Election Commissioner Brigadier General (Retd.) Abul Fazal Md. Sanaullah emphasized that there will be no opportunity for irregularities in the upcoming vote. He stated that every candidate must win through legitimate votes and that voters must be able to cast their ballots safely and without obstruction. He also called for broad public participation in the 'yes' vote and stressed the importance of ensuring that the referendum is conducted fairly, peacefully, and neutrally.

He made these remarks on Saturday in Bhola while addressing a meeting with the Law and Order Cell and the Vigilance and Observation Team as the chief guest. The meeting was held at the Bhola Deputy Commissioner's conference room, chaired by District Returning Officer and Deputy Commissioner Dr. Shamim Rahman.

Senior officials including Bhola Police Superintendent Shahidullah Kawchar, Civil Surgeon Dr. Md. Monirul Islam, assistant returning officers, and representatives from the Navy, Coast Guard, Ansar, and other government departments were present at the meeting.

Members of RAB-1 have arrested three suspects involved in the shooting of a bKash worker and the robbery of nearly Tk 1.5 million in Tongi, Gazipur. The arrests were made during overnight operations across different areas of Gazipur on Friday. RAB-1 Senior Assistant Director (Media Officer) Md. Rakib Hasan confirmed the arrests in a press release on Saturday afternoon. The detainees are Rajib Hasan Liton, Shahidul Islam, and Sanjoy Chandra Shil.

According to RAB, the incident occurred on December 13 last year when two bKash money collectors, Md. Azad and Arifur Rahman, were transporting cash by motorcycle to the bKash office at the Sena Kalyan Bhaban in Tongibazar. Around 7 p.m., a group of seven to eight robbers ambushed them, attempted to seize Tk 1,477,000, and opened fire when the workers resisted, injuring them before fleeing with the money. Following the case filed at Tongi East Police Station, RAB launched an investigation and later arrested the suspects based on intelligence and technology.

The arrested individuals have been handed over to Tongi East Police, while efforts to capture the remaining suspects continue.

Barrister Kaiser Kamal, the BNP candidate for Netrokona-1 (Khalmakanda-Durgapur), declared that he would neither engage in corruption nor allow others to do so. Speaking on Saturday at daylong campaign road meetings and courtyard gatherings in Pogla Union, he said he aims to serve the people, not any individual, and to establish the rule of law if elected. Kamal emphasized his belief in action over words and promised to bring corrupt individuals under legal accountability.

During the events, he directly interacted with local voters, outlining his political commitments and vision for governance. He stated that, if elected by the people’s mandate, his work would prioritize the principle of “Bangladesh first,” with no compromise on development or good governance.

Local BNP leaders and activists were present at the meetings, showing organizational support for Kamal’s campaign activities in the constituency.

Bangladeshi television actor Tousif Mahbub has called on political leaders to honor their election promises even after the upcoming 13th National Parliamentary Election, scheduled for February 12. Speaking as a concerned citizen, he emphasized that whoever wins should prioritize the people's welfare and ensure that commitments made during campaigns are fulfilled.

Tousif stated that in the current national context, citizens have many expectations across different sectors. He clarified that he is not affiliated with any political party but wants elected representatives to act responsibly toward the public. Reflecting on past experiences, he mentioned that people have often felt deceived by unfulfilled promises, leading some to lose faith in the country or move abroad.

Reaffirming his patriotism, Tousif expressed unwavering love for Bangladesh and optimism that the nation will achieve a stronger global position through progress in politics and culture.

The United States Central Command (CENTCOM) has called on Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) to conduct its announced two-day live-fire naval exercise in the Strait of Hormuz safely and professionally. In a statement released on Friday, CENTCOM acknowledged Iran’s right to operate in international airspace and waters but warned that any unsafe or unprofessional behavior could have serious consequences.

CENTCOM emphasized that unsafe actions near US forces, regional partners, or commercial vessels increase the risk of conflict, tension, and instability. The command stated it remains prepared to ensure the safety of US personnel, ships, and aircraft operating in the Middle East. It also declared that it would not tolerate unsafe maneuvers by the IRGC, including low or armed overflights of US military assets, high-speed approaches toward US ships, or pointing weapons at US forces.

According to CENTCOM, the Strait of Hormuz is an international waterway vital to regional economic prosperity, with about 100 commercial vessels passing through daily.

Tourist travel to St. Martin’s Island in Teknaf upazila of Cox’s Bazar will be suspended for nine months starting Sunday, February 1, under a decision by the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change. The current tourism season will end on Saturday, January 31. Normally, visitors are allowed from October 1 to March 31 each year, but this season has been shortened due to environmental risks. According to Additional District Magistrate Imran Hossain, ships carrying tourists will make their final trip to the island today, and no tourist vessels will be permitted from Sunday onward.

The decision has caused concern among local business owners and residents who depend on tourism. M.A. Abdur Rahman, president of the St. Martin Hotel-Motel-Resort Owners Association, said many investors have failed to recover their investments and are facing losses. Union Parishad Chairman Foyezul Islam stated that most islanders rely on tourism and are disheartened by the long closure.

Authorities indicated that the government may revise the decision later, depending on future considerations.

Bangladesh Agricultural University (BAU) Vice-Chancellor Professor Dr. A.K. Fazlul Haque Bhuiyan said that a 'Yes' vote in the upcoming referendum would establish true accountability in the state and pave the way for comprehensive reforms. He made the remarks on Saturday at a discussion meeting held at the Syed Nazrul Islam Conference Hall of the university. The event was organized to raise awareness and strengthen campaigns on the referendum across public and private universities.

Professor Bhuiyan explained that the July Charter includes crucial provisions for restructuring the state framework, and therefore, supporting it through a 'Yes' vote is essential. He warned that a 'No' vote would block the possibility of implementing these reforms. He called on citizens to make a thoughtful decision in the referendum and expressed hope that on February 12, people would stand for a prosperous and truly independent Bangladesh.

The meeting was attended by senior officials, including Monir Haidar, special assistant to the Chief Adviser of the interim government, and vice-chancellors from several universities, along with teachers, staff, and student representatives from eight universities.

Nahid Islam, convener of the National Citizens Party (NCP), warned that any attempt by a neighboring country to interfere in Bangladesh’s democratic or electoral process will be resisted. He made the statement on Saturday, January 31, during an election rally of the 11-party alliance in Chauddagram, Cumilla, where he served as a special guest.

Islam said the upcoming election is not an isolated event but part of a broader democratic aspiration that began with the July uprising. He accused a neighboring country of being involved in conspiracies surrounding the election and claimed it had supported fascism for the past 16 years. He emphasized that only the people of Bangladesh have the right to decide who will form the government and that any hegemonic interference will be confronted by the nation’s citizens.

He added that if the 11-party alliance forms the next government, it will prioritize completing the unfinished tasks of the July uprising, including ensuring justice for its martyrs and the swift trial of Osman Hadi’s killers.

Colonel BM Touhid Hasan, AFWC (PSC), Commander of the Brahmanbaria Sarail Region of Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB), announced that the force will work actively to maintain peace, law and order, and protect citizens’ voting rights during the upcoming national election and referendum. He made the statement at a press briefing in Madhabpur, Habiganj, on Saturday afternoon.

He said BGB has taken extensive preparations nationwide to ensure overall security so that voters can exercise their rights in a safe and uninterrupted environment. Under the Sarail Region, four battalions from Sylhet, Sreemangal, Cumilla, and Mymensingh will deploy 330 platoons, totaling 6,600 personnel, across 92 upazilas in 56 constituencies of 17 districts. In six border upazilas, BGB will operate independently, while elsewhere it will act as a mobile striking force in coordination with the Bangladesh Army and other law enforcement agencies.

The press briefing was attended by Lieutenant Colonel Tanzilur Rahman, Commander of BGB Battalion 55, along with journalists from print and electronic media working in Habiganj, Madhabpur, and Chunarughat.

BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir stated that Bangladesh can never be safe in the hands of those who opposed the 1971 Liberation War. He made the remark on Saturday, January 31, during an election campaign event at Paschim Akcha in Thakurgaon-1 constituency. Addressing voters, he criticized a rival party with the symbol of scales, accusing it of not supporting the war and committing atrocities during that time.

Fakhrul urged voters to remain vigilant, warning them not to share mobile payment numbers or believe false promises about religious rewards for voting. He said the country's economy and banking sector had suffered over the past 15–16 years and called for electing honest leaders to recover looted funds and ensure development. Highlighting his own integrity, he said this would be his last election and asked for votes for the BNP’s paddy sheaf symbol.

He also cited BNP Chairperson Tarique Rahman’s pledges, including waiving agricultural loans up to 10,000 taka, freeing mothers from NGO debt, introducing family and agriculture cards, and creating one million jobs for educated youth within 18 months if the party comes to power.

BNP National Standing Committee member and Cox’s Bazar-1 (Chakaria-Pekua) candidate Salahuddin Ahmed called on voters to support the 'Sheaf of Paddy' symbol to strengthen democracy in Bangladesh. He made the remarks on Saturday during the eighth day of his election campaign while conducting public outreach across several wards of Chakaria municipality. Ahmed began the day by visiting the grave of scholar Maulana Mahmudur Rahman before meeting residents in areas including Bimanbandar Para, Jalia Para, Hindu Para, Amanarchar, and Halkakara.

Addressing a street rally in Kazi Para, Ahmed said that Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) stands for the people of Bangladesh and aims to establish a strong democratic system where citizens’ voting and human rights cannot be taken away. He emphasized that BNP, founded by late President Ziaur Rahman and led by Begum Khaleda Zia, has played a significant role in education, women’s development, and governance. He urged voters to cast their ballots for the 'Sheaf of Paddy' on February 12 to build a peaceful and democratic Bangladesh.

Local BNP leaders including Nurul Islam Haydar, Professor Mu Fakhruddin Farazi, and M Abdur Rahim were present during the campaign events.

Israeli forces launched extensive airstrikes across the Gaza Strip early Saturday, resulting in at least 19 deaths, according to medical sources cited by Al Jazeera. The attacks began at dawn and targeted multiple areas, including Khan Younis and Gaza City. In the northwest of Khan Younis, an airstrike hit a tent sheltering displaced people in the Al-Mawasi area. In Gaza City’s Sheikh Radwan neighborhood, a police headquarters was bombed, killing at least seven people.

Earlier reports indicated that five people were killed in central Gaza and seven in the southern Al-Mawasi area. The information was confirmed by medical sources at Al-Shifa Hospital in Gaza City, who relayed details to Al Jazeera Arabic. The strikes mark another escalation in violence in the densely populated enclave, where repeated bombardments have caused significant civilian casualties.

The report did not include official statements from Israeli authorities or details on the intended targets beyond those described by local sources.