The Director General of the Rapid Action Battalion (RAB), AKM Shahidur Rahman, announced that a large-scale joint forces operation will soon be launched to destroy the militant hideout in Jungle Salimpur, Sitakunda, Chattogram. He said preparations are underway to involve the army, Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB), Armed Police Battalion (APBn), police, and the district administration. The operation aims to arrest armed militants, recover government land, and ensure justice for slain RAB member Abdul Motaleb.

Rahman made the announcement on Tuesday during a media briefing at the RAB office in Patenga after Motaleb’s funeral. The RAB chief said Motaleb was killed in a sudden attack by militants on Monday afternoon. He pledged to continue surveillance in Jungle Salimpur until justice is served and to correct any operational mistakes. A RAB investigation committee has been formed, and the armed suspects have been identified.

Police officials said a case is being processed, but no arrests have been made yet. The area remains under the control of a top local criminal, according to police sources.

Dr. Mahamuda Mitu, the central joint member secretary of the National Citizen Party (NCP), has decided not to contest the election from the Jhalakathi-1 constituency. On Tuesday, she formally withdrew her nomination papers and announced her support for Jamaat alliance candidate Faizul Haque. The announcement was made through a Facebook post on Tuesday evening, where she confirmed her decision to step aside in line with her party’s directive.

In her post, Dr. Mitu expressed gratitude for the party’s decision and urged her supporters in the Kathalia-Rajapur area to stand by Faizul Haque. She also stated that she would actively participate in the election campaign for the Jamaat alliance in Jhalakathi-1. Calling on voters to support the alliance’s symbol, she reaffirmed her commitment to remain engaged throughout the campaign period.

The withdrawal and endorsement mark a shift in local electoral dynamics, as Dr. Mitu’s participation in Jamaat’s campaign could influence voter alignment in the constituency.

The Bangladesh Bridge Authority announced that toll collection from the Padma Bridge has reached a milestone of 30 billion taka. The information was shared in a press release issued on Tuesday by Masud Rana Shikder, Deputy Director and Public Relations Officer of the authority. Since the bridge’s inauguration on June 25, 2022, both vehicle crossings and revenue have steadily increased.

According to the release, the Padma Bridge has significantly reduced travel time, created employment opportunities, and contributed positively to national GDP growth. It has also brought major improvements in the transportation of agricultural, fisheries, livestock, and industrial goods. The Electronic Toll Collection (ETC) system installed at the Mawa and Jajira ends has accelerated toll operations, minimizing waiting times at toll plazas.

The statement added that automatic toll collection through Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) cards has made travel faster and easier. The Bangladesh Bridge Authority credited public cooperation and modernization of the digital toll system for achieving this milestone and extended thanks to all stakeholders involved in the bridge’s operation and maintenance.

Afghanistan began their final T20 preparation series for the upcoming T20 World Cup with a convincing 38-run victory over the West Indies at the Dubai International Stadium. Batting first, Afghanistan recovered from an early collapse at 19 for 2, thanks to a 162-run partnership between Ibrahim Zadran and Rasooli. Ibrahim remained unbeaten on 87 off 56 balls, while Rasooli scored 84 off 59, guiding Afghanistan to 181 for 3 in 20 overs.

In reply, the West Indies struggled from the start, losing five wickets for just 50 runs. Despite late efforts from Sampson, Ford, and Motie, who scored 30, 25, and 28 respectively, the Caribbean side could only manage 143 for 9 in their 20 overs. For Afghanistan, Ziaur Rahman took three wickets, while Mujeeb-ur-Rahman, Rashid Khan, and Noor Ahmed claimed two each.

The win gives Afghanistan a 1–0 lead in the three-match series, setting a strong tone ahead of the T20 World Cup.

Bangladesh continued their winning streak in the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup Qualifiers, securing a 30-run victory over Papua New Guinea in their second group match at Tribhuvan University Ground in Nepal. Led by captain Nigar Sultana Joty, the team posted 168 for 5 before restricting Papua New Guinea to 138 for 9. Sworna Akter starred with both bat and ball, scoring 37 off 14 balls with four sixes and taking one wicket to earn the player of the match award.

Bangladesh’s innings was built on solid contributions from Dilara Akter (35), Juwairia Ferdous (17), and Sharmin Akter (28), while Sobhana Mostary remained unbeaten on 34. In reply, Papua New Guinea’s captain Brenda Tau top-scored with 35, supported by Sibona Jimmy’s 28. Six Bangladeshi bowlers shared the wickets evenly, each taking one.

With two wins from two matches, Bangladesh now lead Group A and will face Namibia next at the same venue on Thursday.

The Bangladesh Muktijoddha Sangsad Central Command Council has called on citizens to vote 'Yes' in favor of the July Charter. The appeal was made by council convener Bir Muktijoddha Naeem Jahangir during a press conference held on Tuesday, January 20, 2026, at the Juhur Hossain Chowdhury Hall of the National Press Club in Dhaka. He emphasized that the upcoming referendum on February 12 and the 13th National Parliamentary Election are crucial for ensuring responsible and conscious participation by the public.

Jahangir described the July Charter 2025 as a historic milestone aimed at safeguarding rights, justice, democracy, and the security of future generations while preventing the resurgence of fascism. He said the charter’s core goals include protecting national sovereignty, ensuring public welfare, and establishing a prosperous and stable state system. According to him, implementing the charter would help fulfill the objectives of the Liberation War.

He urged all citizens, regardless of political affiliation, to unite in support of the July Charter and to make the democratic process a celebration of harmony, responsibility, and national progress.

The Pay Commission of Bangladesh is set to submit its report on the Ninth National Pay Scale to Chief Adviser Dr. Muhammad Yunus at the State Guest House Jamuna on Wednesday at 5 p.m. The commission, led by Zakir Ahmed Khan, will hold its final meeting earlier in the day at the Cabinet Division’s old building. According to commission sources, the new pay structure will be partially implemented from January 1, 2026, and fully effective from July 1, 2026–27 fiscal year.

Under the proposed structure, house rent will not increase for all grades of government employees. Instead, it will rise proportionally for grades 20 to 9 but decrease for grades 8 to 1, as higher-grade officers are already receiving significant salary hikes. The lowest salary, currently Tk 8,250, is expected to more than double, while the highest salary will rise from Tk 78,000 to over Tk 120,000, maintaining a 1:8 ratio between the lowest and highest scales.

The government has already raised operating expenditure by Tk 22,000 crore in the revised 2025–26 budget to support partial implementation. Full implementation is estimated to require an additional Tk 70,000–80,000 crore.

The Election Commission (EC) of Bangladesh has issued warnings to four political parties for allegedly conducting election campaigns before the official schedule. Following a complaint from the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), the EC sent formal letters to Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami, National Citizen Party (NCP), Islami Andolan Bangladesh, and Bangladesh Khelafat Majlis, instructing them to refrain from any campaign activities before the permitted date. The EC emphasized that early campaigning violates election laws and warned that further breaches could lead to legal action.

According to the EC, the BNP’s written complaint alleged that the four parties were engaging in public programs and promotional activities despite a ban on campaigning before January 21. The EC cited Rule 18 of the “Code of Conduct for Political Parties and Candidates, 2025,” which prohibits campaign activities before the official schedule. The Commission reiterated its commitment to ensuring a level playing field for all parties.

Officials indicated that if any party continues to violate the code despite the warning, the EC will consider legal measures to enforce compliance.

Chief Adviser Dr. Muhammad Yunus visited the July Uprising Memorial Museum at Ganabhaban on Tuesday afternoon to inspect the final phase of its construction. He was accompanied by senior leaders of the BNP, Jamaat-e-Islami, and National Citizens Party (NCP), along with several advisers. During the visit, Yunus said the museum was built while the memory of the July martyrs remained fresh, calling it an unprecedented example in the world. He expressed hope that no such museum would ever be needed again and that future generations would find guidance there if the nation ever lost its way.

The museum showcases the history behind the July uprising and depictions of Sheikh Hasina’s 16-year rule. Yunus urged citizens and students to visit and spend time there to understand the nation’s past suffering. Cultural Adviser Mostofa Sarwar Farooki thanked those who worked tirelessly, many without pay, to complete the project in record time. He said remaining sections would be finished soon and the museum would open to the public before the upcoming election.

The museum preserves photographs, artifacts, letters, documents, and audiovisual materials from the uprising, including a documentary produced by the Ministry of Cultural Affairs.

Chief Adviser Dr. Muhammad Yunus has expressed profound grief and sorrow over a devastating high-speed train accident near Adamuz, close to the city of Córdoba in southern Spain. In a condolence message sent to Spanish President Pedro Sánchez Pérez-Castejón, Yunus conveyed sympathy on behalf of the people and government of Bangladesh, as well as personally, to the families of the victims and those affected by the tragedy. The message was released by the Chief Adviser’s Press Wing on Tuesday.

Yunus stated that the news of the tragic loss of lives and injuries deeply saddened the people of Bangladesh. He extended heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families and the people of Spain during this time of mourning. He prayed for peace for the departed souls and strength for their families to endure the irreparable loss.

The Chief Adviser also wished a speedy and full recovery for all those injured in the accident, reaffirming Bangladesh’s solidarity with Spain in this moment of grief.

Chief Adviser’s Press Secretary Shafiqul Alam announced that a combined operation will be conducted in Jungle Salimpur. He made the statement on Tuesday, January 20, at a press briefing held at the Foreign Service Academy auditorium. The briefing was organized to inform about the 119th meeting of the National Implementation Committee on Administrative Reorganization (NIKAR), which was also the first meeting during the tenure of the interim government.

Responding to questions about possible impacts on law and order before the election, Shafiqul Alam said the issue had been discussed in the meeting. He condemned the recent incident in Jungle Salimpur, describing it as a heinous act. He stated that all forces would jointly carry out the operation and that everyone involved, regardless of their influence, would be arrested. He also mentioned that efforts would be made to recover looted weapons through the combined operation.

When asked about the morale of security personnel, the press secretary said the incident would not weaken them but rather strengthen their resolve.

Three bodies of fishermen who went missing ten days ago after a motorized boat sank in the Meghna River have been recovered in Barishal. According to river police, the bodies were found on Tuesday morning and afternoon in the Hizla and Mehendiganj areas. The deceased were identified as Shahin Mir, 20, Nayon Bepari, 19, and Arif Sikder, 19. Their bodies were handed over to their families without autopsy as no complaints were filed.

Police said the incident occurred on January 10 when five young fishermen from Hizla went fishing near the Lal Buoy area of the Meghna River. After casting their nets, they fell asleep in the boat, which later sank as water entered through the engine propeller. Two of them managed to swim ashore and were rescued, but the others went missing in dense fog. One fisherman, Shahin Sikder, 18, remains missing, and his relatives continue to search the river.

Authorities have not reported any further developments regarding the missing fisherman’s search.

At least 16 activists of Jamaat-e-Islami were injured in an alleged attack by local BNP members in Mirpur’s 60 Feet area of Dhaka on Tuesday evening, January 20. The incident took place in front of Pirerbag Al Mobarak Mosque after the Maghrib prayer. Witnesses said that local BNP activists attacked female members of Jamaat, leading to injuries among at least 16 Jamaat members. Some individuals were reportedly confined inside the mosque during the clash.

Deputy Commissioner of Police (Mirpur Zone) Moinul Haque confirmed the incident and said police reached the spot after receiving information. Jamaat activists alleged that BNP members continued aggressive behavior even in front of the police. The situation was brought under control after army personnel arrived, following which local BNP leaders expressed regret over the incident.

Later that night, around 8 p.m., hundreds of Jamaat and Islami Chhatra Shibir activists staged a protest demanding the arrest of those responsible for the attack.

The Finance Division of Bangladesh has issued a new order requiring its prior approval for 26 categories of government financial decisions. Signed by Finance Secretary Dr. Mohammad Khairuzzaman Mozumder, the directive took effect immediately and will remain valid until further notice. The order aims to strengthen fiscal discipline, transparency, and accountability across ministries and departments by centralizing oversight of major financial and administrative actions.

According to the order, proposals related to creation or abolition of posts, pay structure changes, vehicle procurement, outsourcing of services, and temporary labor hiring must be submitted to the Finance Division. Approval is also mandatory for expenditures exceeding budget allocations, re-appropriation between revenue and capital budgets, and honoraria above specified limits. Additionally, foreign travel expenses beyond set dollar thresholds, tax and fee proposals, and policy matters involving financial commitments or international agreements require prior clearance.

The directive further covers loan guarantees, remission of government revenue claims, and approval of pay and allowances for private or foreign experts. The Finance Division emphasized that these measures are intended to ensure consistent financial governance across all government entities.

A national committee formed to review electricity sector contracts made during the tenure of the ousted Awami League government has submitted its final report. The committee, led by retired Justice Moinul Islam Chowdhury, handed the report to Muhammad Fauzul Kabir Khan, the adviser in charge of the Ministry of Power, Energy and Mineral Resources, on Tuesday. The report covers 156 contracts signed under the Speedy Supply of Power and Energy (Special Provision) Act, 2010. Neither the committee nor the government has disclosed the recommendations contained in the report.

The committee was established on 5 September 2024 to examine agreements involving entities such as Adani Group. It included BUET professor Abdul Hasib Chowdhury, chartered accountant Ali Ashfaq, former World Bank economist Zahid Hossain, and University of London professor Mushtaq Khan. The committee had full authority to collect data, audit documents, summon individuals or organizations, and assess whether national interests were protected under the indemnity law.

Separately, another government committee led by economist Dr. Debapriya Bhattacharya published a white paper on 1 December detailing alleged corruption of Tk 1.25 trillion in the power and energy sectors during the Awami League’s 15.5-year rule.