Bangladesh Eye Hospital refuted claims of surgery on the wrong eye of a child, Irtiza Ariz Hasan, calling them baseless. The hospital clarified no surgery was performed; only foreign particles were removed from both eyes. Miscommunication led the child’s family to file a police case, resulting in the arrest of Dr. Sahed-Ara Begum. The hospital condemned the arrest without investigation, urging a fair inquiry and protection for doctors against harassment due to misunderstandings or false allegations.

In Bangladesh, joint purchases of Family Savings Certificates are no longer allowed, and institutional funds cannot be invested in them. From now, only individual buyers, including Bangladeshi women aged 18 or above, physically disabled individuals, and men aged 65 or above, can apply. The maximum purchase limit is 4.5 million BDT per person. This new rule, effective immediately, replaces a 2012 regulation.

President-elect Trump’s transition team has asked three senior State Department career diplomats to resign, potentially heralding broader changes in the diplomatic corps. The officials—Dereck Hogan, Marcia Bernicat, and Alaina Teplitz—have served under both Democratic and Republican administrations. Sources suggest Trump aims to appoint more political allies to key roles, aligning with his pledge to “clean out the deep state.” Critics warn the move could politicize the department, while Trump’s team argues it’s necessary for advancing his foreign policy agenda.

The Ministry of Liberation War Affairs has published the first gazette listing 834 martyrs of the July 2024 uprising. The gazette includes names, medical case IDs, and addresses but excludes death locations or dates. The uprising began as a student-led movement demanding quota abolition, escalating into a one-point demand for government resignation after police shootings. Nearly 1,500 died and 20,000 were injured. A new directorate under the ministry will support affected individuals.

All political parties and student leaders have agreed to draft a unified declaration for the July-August mass uprising. The consensus highlights the importance of inclusivity, clarity, and collective ownership in the process. Proposals to form a discussion committee and ensure no undue delays were widely supported. Legal Advisor Asif Nazrul expressed optimism about achieving success through this agreement, reflecting the cooperative spirit seen during the uprising. Participants unanimously emphasized unity as the foundation for the declaration’s creation.

BNP leader Salauddin Ahmed, speaking after an all-party meeting chaired by Dr. Muhammad Yunus, questioned the need for the July Declaration five months after the People’s Uprising. He emphasized determining its political, historical, and legal significance to avoid national division. While respecting the declaration as a potential political or historical document, he stressed the importance of inclusivity, urging that all relevant parties be consulted to ensure unity and broad acceptance in its formulation.

Abu Hanif, the general secretary of Awami League’s Ward 4 in Majidpur Union, Titas Upazila, has been elected president of Jamaat-e-Islami for the same ward. Hanif revealed that he had long-standing ties with Jamaat before becoming a member. He joined the Awami League to facilitate development work in his area but has now taken on the Jamaat leadership role. Although he currently holds positions in both parties, Hanif stated he has not resigned from the Awami League yet but plans to do so. Jamaat’s local leadership acknowledged the situation, emphasizing the need for detailed discussion to explain it fully.

Dr. Muhammad Yunus, Chief Advisor of the interim government, emphasized the importance of unity in issuing the July declaration to inspire courage and demonstrate collective strength. Speaking at an all-party meeting, he stated that a divided approach would undermine its purpose. He encouraged recreating the spirit of August 5 for a unified declaration, which would benefit the country and hold international significance. Dr. Yunus highlighted that unity is the nation’s strength and essential for impactful outcomes.

BNP Standing Committee member Salahuddin Ahmed will attend an all-party meeting today at the Foreign Service Academy to finalize the July uprising proclamation. While there was initial uncertainty about BNP’s participation, media cell member Shairul Kabir Khan confirmed their involvement. The meeting, convened by interim government leader Professor Muhammad Yunus, is scheduled from 4:00 PM to 7:00 PM. However, several political parties claimed they were not formally informed about the meeting as of last night.

Tulip Siddiq, a UK Labour Party minister and the niece of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, resigned following corruption allegations in Bangladesh. Elon Musk, a close ally of Donald Trump, criticized her on social media, labeling her corrupt. Siddiq, who served as the Economic Secretary in the UK Treasury, was responsible for addressing financial sector corruption. Her name emerged in a corruption case in Bangladesh, where she, along with her family members, faces accusations. Siddiq has consistently denied the allegations.

A Bangladeshi youth, Sheikh Alimur Rahman, was detained by the Border Security Force (BSF) for 22 hours after crossing into India at Thakurgaon border. Following a flag meeting between the border forces of both countries, he was returned on January 15. The incident occurred on January 14 when Alimur entered India near Beurjhari. BSF handed him over to local police before the return, which was facilitated by BGB’s efforts and the flag meeting.

Despite a ceasefire agreement between Hamas and Israel mediated by Qatar and the U.S., Israeli attacks persist in Gaza, killing at least 30 Palestinians. Celebrations erupted in Gaza after the 15-month conflict appeared to end, with the ceasefire set to take effect on January 19. Hamas claims the deal includes Israeli withdrawal and the return of displaced people. However, Israeli assaults continue, causing significant destruction to infrastructure, including hospitals, schools, and religious sites.

The National Board of Revenue (NBR) has decided to reduce the VAT rate for hotels and restaurants from 15% to 5%. This decision, confirmed by NBR Member Mohammad Belal Hossain Chowdhury, will be officially announced today. The NBR’s move follows a review of the Bangladesh Restaurant Owners Association’s appeal. Earlier, the VAT on restaurants had been raised to 15% from 5% on January 9, alongside VAT hikes on over 100 goods and services.

The National Board of Revenue (NBR) has announced that starting February 1, 2025, all certificates, licenses, and permits for import-export goods must be submitted through the Bangladesh Single Window system, replacing traditional paper certificates. This change, impacting seven key government institutions, aims to streamline customs procedures, reduce costs, and prevent customs evasion. The system will be fully operational by March 2025, covering 19 government agencies. This initiative supports Bangladesh’s commitment to the WTO’s Trade Facilitation Agreement, ensuring a more efficient and faster import-export process for businesses.

A commission led by Dr. Badiul Alam Majumdar has recommended banning those convicted in crimes against humanity tribunals from participating in politics. The proposals also include reforms such as maintaining a party membership list, introducing rotating women’s representation in local governments, and implementing a “no” vote provision. Other suggestions include limiting the term of the Prime Minister, revising MPs’ benefits, and establishing an upper house for the election commission’s proposals. The commission also advocates for postal and online voting for expatriates.