Most rural voters across several upazilas remain unaware of the upcoming constitutional referendum scheduled for February 12, to be held alongside the 13th National Parliamentary Election. Despite government publicity efforts, many villagers do not understand what the ‘yes’ or ‘no’ vote means or why it is being held. Reports from Sunamganj and Dinajpur show that while voters are familiar with the parliamentary election, they are largely uninformed about the additional referendum ballot.

Local officials claim that awareness activities are underway, including banners, festoons, loudspeaker announcements, and leaflet distribution. However, residents say these campaigns are mostly limited to upazila centers and marketplaces, leaving remote villages uninformed. Some voters expressed confusion, saying they had only heard about the MP election, not the referendum.

District and upazila administrators have emphasized that the referendum vote is voluntary and that the government’s goal is to ensure voters understand the process before election day. Concerns remain that lack of awareness could cause confusion at polling centers.

In Rajshahi-5 (Puthia-Durgapur), election politics has intensified after two influential BNP leaders decided to contest as independent candidates despite being expelled for violating party discipline. The official BNP nominee, former Puthia Upazila chairman Professor Nazrul Islam, faces challenges from Barrister Rezaul Karim and industrialist Isfa Khairul Haque Shimul, both long-time local BNP figures. Their refusal to withdraw has deepened divisions within the party and created new calculations among grassroots activists.

Meanwhile, Jamaat-e-Islami, fielding its Puthia Upazila chief Munzur Rahman as a single candidate, is campaigning vigorously to exploit BNP’s internal conflict. Political analysts suggest Jamaat is determined to strengthen its position amid BNP’s disunity. Other contenders include candidates from the Bangladesh Supreme Party, Islami Andolan Bangladesh, and another independent.

Local voters have expressed mixed reactions, emphasizing performance over promises. With 349,138 registered voters in the constituency, observers note that the final outcome may hinge on how the rebel candidates influence BNP’s traditional vote base.

In Rangpur-3 constituency, comprising the city corporation and sadar upazila, BNP’s official candidate Shamsuzzaman Samu faces internal conflict as rebel candidate Rita Rahman enters the race. Both are accusing each other of wrongdoing to win voter support, creating an opening for other contenders including Jamaat’s Professor Mahbubur Rahman Belal, Jatiya Party chairman GM Quader, Islami Andolon’s Amiruzzaman Pial, BSD’s Abdul Kuddus, and independent candidate Anowara Islam Rani. Observers say these parties are working intensively to exploit BNP’s division.

The dispute began after BNP’s high command nominated Samu, prompting Rita Rahman to announce her independent candidacy, alleging corruption and demanding Samu’s nomination be revoked. Samu’s supporters claim Rahman lives abroad and lacks local commitment, while Rahman’s camp accuses Samu of extortion and being an outsider. District BNP leader and former MP Professor Paritosh Chakraborty warned that rebel candidates weaken the party and urged unity behind the official nominee.

Local analysts suggest the internal rift could shift votes toward Jamaat and other smaller parties, potentially altering the constituency’s electoral outcome.

The army arrested Sohel Jahan Chowdhury, a member of the Eidgaon Upazila unit of the Awami League in Cox’s Bazar, early Thursday morning from his home. The operation was led by Major Intisar Salim, in charge of the Islamabadh army camp, and Chowdhury was handed over to Cox’s Bazar Sadar Model Police Station. The local officer-in-charge confirmed the arrest, noting that Chowdhury had previously faced several serious cases, including murder and the July Revolution case, but had continued serving as a union chairman after the fall of the previous government.

Earlier, Chowdhury had been removed from his chairman post for absenteeism but recently reappeared in public, openly seeking votes for BNP candidate Lutfur Rahman Kajol in Cox’s Bazar-3 constituency. His sudden shift in political allegiance and campaign activities stirred widespread discussion and anger among Awami League supporters and anti-fascist student groups.

Local observers believe Chowdhury’s move to support the BNP was an attempt to avoid arrest and reestablish his political standing, though it reportedly caused unease within sections of the BNP itself.

At an election rally in Comilla’s Debidwar New Market area on Wednesday, NCP spokesperson Asif Mahmud Sajib Bhuiyan urged voters to support the 11-party alliance in the upcoming February 12 polls. He pledged that if the alliance comes to power, Comilla would be declared a division and those responsible for the killing of Hadi would be arrested within a month. Bhuiyan said voters should demand justice for Hadi’s murder from anyone seeking their votes.

Bhuiyan, who also chairs the NCP election steering committee, said Bangladesh stands at a historical crossroads and called on citizens to end 17 years of oppression by electing the alliance. He emphasized empowering youth through dignified employment and criticized nominations of “bank looters and foreign citizens.” He accused BNP leaders of attacking alliance candidates and women and of running conflicting campaigns regarding the referendum.

Other speakers, including NCP member-secretary Monira Sharmin and Jamaat-e-Islami leaders, echoed calls to vote for the alliance’s candidates and resist vote center takeovers. They urged voters to reject extortionists, loan defaulters, and foreign nationals in the election.

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.