Prof Ali Riaz, special assistant to the chief adviser, on Tuesday said the book of the July Charter presented to the public may be printed in black and white, but every single word of it has been written with the blood of the country’s people. Referring to the sacrifices of the July martyrs and injured, Ali Riaz said they did not seek to become prime minister or president; they wanted a dignified state. He said the charter was prepared through discussions with political parties, civil society, various organisations, groups, and individuals. Ali Riaz highlighted the role of the Public Service Commission during the previous regime and said that if the July Charter is implemented, the President will no longer hold unilateral authority to grant pardons. Ali Riaz said all political parties have agreed that out of the standing committees of the parliament, four key committees will be chaired by members from the opposition.

The government has decided to rename the Rapid Action Battalion (RAB) as Special Intervention Force (SIF). RAB, an elite law enforcement unit in Bangladesh, was formed for combating serious crimes, terrorism, and organized criminal activities in 2003. Operating under the Ministry of Home Affairs, RAB is a composite force comprising personnel from the Police, Army, Navy, Air Force, Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB), and Ansar. RAB was established on July 12, 2003, under the Armed Police Battalion (Amendment) Act, 2003, which amended the Armed Forces Battalion Ordinance of 1979. Since its inception, RAB has faced criticism from human rights organisations over alleged extrajudicial killings and enforced disappearances.

Dhaka, the densely populated capital of Bangladesh, ranked first among the world’s most polluted cities on Tuesday morning, recording an Air Quality Index (AQI) of 275 at 11:19am. The city’s air was classified as ‘very unhealthy’, indicating a serious health threat, according to the AQI report. The AQI, which reports daily air quality, informs residents how clean or polluted the air is and highlights potential health effects. Dhaka has long struggled with air pollution. Air quality usually deteriorates in winter and improves during the monsoon season.

The government will sell milk, eggs, beef and dressed broiler meat at subsidised prices during the month of Ramadan to ensure that the general public can easily meet their demand for animal-based protein. Under this program, dressed broiler meat will be sold at Tk245 per kilogram, pasteurised milk at Tk80 per liter, eggs at Tk8 per piece and beef at Tk650 per kilogram. A meeting was held at the conference room of the Ministry of Fisheries and Livestock to determine measures for uninterrupted supply and price stability of meat, eggs, and milk during Ramadan. After detailed discussions, it was decided that from the day before Ramadan until the 25th day of Ramadan, a total of 26 days, these products will be sold at affordable prices through mobile sales centers. Initially, the program will be conducted at 25 key locations in Dhaka and city corporation areas, based on public demand.

That includes ensuring safe and legal migration pathways, affordable and transparent remittance channels, protection against exploitation, and access to information that equips workers and families to make informed decisions. Both the government and private sector must therefore work to ensure workers’ earnings reach home safely and without unnecessary delays. Additionally, protection for migrant workers abroad must be reinforced. Bilateral agreements and legal safeguards can help ensure that workers are treated fairly, paid on time, and able to access justice when needed. The January remittance record is testament to the enduring contribution of Bangladesh’s workforce beyond its borders.

The High Court on Tuesday dismissed a writ petition filed by Nahid Islam, convener of the 11-party alliance and the National Citizen Party (NCP), challenging the candidacy of BNP-nominated candidate Dr MA Quayum in the Dhaka-11 constituency. With the dismissal of the writ, there is no legal obstacle to Dr Quayum’s participation in the election, lawyers said. Nahid Islam filed the writ on February 2, alleging dual citizenship and concealment of information by Dr Quayum, and sought suspension of his candidacy. Advocates Zahirul Islam Musa and Ali Azgar Sharifi represented Nahid Islam in the case. Earlier, the Election Commission declared the nomination papers of both Nahid Islam and Dr MA Quayum valid for the Dhaka-11 constituency.

Technical students blocked the busy Saat Rasta intersection in Tejgaon on Tuesday, protesting a government committee’s proposal formed in the name of resolving professional issues of BSc and diploma degree holders, bringing traffic in the area to a standstill. The blockade began in the afternoon at the Tejgaon Saat Rasta intersection. Officer-in-Charge of Tejgaon Industrial Area Police Station Mahmudur Rahman told Dhaka Tribune that students were staging a protest by blocking the road and that police were monitoring the situation. He said the protesters are demanding recruitment in the 10th grade and the cancellation of the proposed 33% quota. Earlier, on Monday, the Bangladesh Diploma Engineering Students-Teachers-Professionals Struggle Council announced nationwide sit-in programs.

Too frequently, our economic planning has relied on existing conditions rather than preparing for what comes next. With the gradual transition away from LDC-linked benefits, structured trade agreements are essential to protect jobs, sustain exports, and preserve competitiveness. The government must pursue a comprehensive trade strategy that includes strengthening regional partnerships, exploring pacts with other major economies, and deepening ties with existing partners. Strategic trade diplomacy requires anticipation and preparation, not last minute adjustment. Starting talks with the EU is a positive step because it reflects intent.

Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer Dr Shafiqur Rahman on Tuesday alleged that a political party is “doing business” with the hacking of his X (formerly Twitter) account. Dr Shafiqur Rahman also said Jamaat-e-Islami does not seek power for partisan or family-based politics. Criticising what he described as traditional power politics, he added: “Those who want to walk the old paths can choose the dark alleys. We will walk the illuminated main road.”Referring to women’s dignity, the Jamaat ameer said people cannot tolerate insults directed at women. The program was presided over by Professor Ramzan Ali, ameer of the Jamaat-e-Islami Kishoreganj district unit.

Trump says Mexico will 'cease' sending oil to CubaWASHINGTON, United States, Feb 3, 2026 (BSS/AFP) - US President Donald Trump said Monday that Mexico would stop sending oil to Cuba, which is already struggling after supplies from its traditional provider Venezuela dried up following the fall of Nicolas Maduro. Mexico is going to cease sending them oil," Trump told reporters in the Oval Office when asked about Cuba. For years, until Maduro's ouster, the Cuban economy spluttered along on cheap supplies of Venezuelan oil. But the United States is Mexico's largest trade partner, and tariffs could damage the already slow-growing economy. She also said that during a phone conversation Thursday with Trump, the two leaders "never discussed" the issue of oil with Cuba.

HAVANA, Feb 3, 2026 (BSS/AFP) - Cuba's tourism sector suffered a sharp decline in 2025, with shortages of basic goods repelling visitors even before the United States began strangling the island's fuel supply. Visits by Cubans living abroad, mostly in the United States, fell 22.6 percent. Last year "was terrible for international tourism to Cuba," Cuban economist Pedro Monreal wrote on X, adding: "We knew that would happen." Cuba is in the throes of its worst economic crisis in decades, marked by power outages of up to 20 hours a day and critical shortages of fuel, medicines and food. While most advise caution due to the shortages of fuel, power and other basics, Argentina has advised its nationals to avoid the island altogether.

US judge allows wind project halted by Trump to resume workWASHINGTON, United States, Feb 3, 2026 (BSS/AFP) - A US judge ruled Monday that development of a wind farm off the coast of New York by Danish energy firm Orsted can resume, in a fifth such blow to President Donald Trump's administration. The preliminary injunction issued by Judge Royce Lamberth of the US District Court for the District of Columbia allows the project's developer, Sunrise Wind, to resume construction while a wider legal battle takes place. Trump's Interior Department in December suspended all large offshore wind projects in the United States, affecting five projects including Sunrise Wind. These were Revolution Wind off Rhode Island, Empire Wind off New York, Coastal Virginia Offshore Wind and Vineyard Wind off Massachusetts. On December 22, the Interior Department said it had paused leases for the offshore wind projects under construction, citing "national security."

ROME, Feb 3, 2026 (BSS/AFP) - Juventus have signed Swedish international defender Emil Holm on loan with an option to buy from Bologna, the Serie A club announced on Monday. Juventus would have to pay 15 million euros ($17.7 million) to sign the 25-year-old outright when the loan finishes at the end of the season, a statement said. He joined Bologna in 2024 after a season with Atalanta and scored two goals in 48 appearances for the club. Juventus, who thumped Parma 4-1 on Sunday, are currently fourth in Serie A, one point behind third-placed Napoli but 10 points adrift of leaders Inter.

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