Writer Gazi Giyas Uddin’s article revisits researcher Abdul Mannan Syed’s analysis of the Bengali Muslim literary awakening. Syed argued that British colonial rule erased the memory of Muslims’ major role in medieval Bengali literature. He noted that after the 1947 Partition, Dhaka transformed into the new capital of Bengali literature and culture, marking an unprecedented cultural resurgence. The 1952 Language Movement further deepened this awakening across poetry, prose, art, and music, giving modern Bengali literature a distinctive national identity.

Syed traced this revival through key figures and institutions such as Nawab Abdul Latif’s Mohammedan Literary Society (1863), Syed Ameer Ali’s National Mohammedan Association (1878), and the Bangiya Mussalman Sahitya Samiti (1911). He credited journals like Bangiya Mussalman Sahitya Patrika and Saugat for nurturing writers including Kazi Nazrul Islam. Syed emphasized that despite a shared language, East Bengal’s literature developed its own character, shaped by Muslim intellectual and social movements.

He also lamented the exclusion of Muslim writers from major anthologies and reaffirmed Nazrul’s place among the four greatest modern Bengali poets, alongside Michael Madhusudan Dutt, Rabindranath Tagore, and Jibanananda Das.

Local Government Adviser Adilur Rahman Khan visited the graves of three martyrs of the July uprising at Namazgar Anjuman-e-Gorosthan in Bogura on Saturday morning at 10:30 a.m. He laid floral wreaths at the graves, offered prayers, and joined a doa mahfil. Family members of the martyrs and local administrative officials were present during the visit. Before this, he also placed a wreath at the July Memorial.

Senior government officials including the Secretary of the Rural Development and Cooperatives Division Md. Shawkat Rashid, Rajshahi Divisional Commissioner Dr. A N M Bazlur Rashid, Bogura Deputy Commissioner Md. Toufiqur Rahman, and Superintendent of Police Shahadat Hossain attended the event. Other district and police officials were also present.

Family members of the martyrs, including Uzzal Hossain Jubayel, Ziaur Rahman, Rokeya Begum, Mojibur Rahman, Md. Soyaib Hossain, and Shapla Khatun, attended and spoke with the adviser. The prayer was led by Hafiz Maulana Md. Shahadat Hossain.

A group of armed pirates identifying themselves as 'Don Bahini' abducted 20 fishermen from the Satkhira range of the western Sundarbans on Thursday night. The abductors have demanded a ransom of 40,000 taka per person for their release. The fishermen were taken at gunpoint from the Mahamuda, Chunkuri, and Malancha river areas. According to survivors, an eight-member armed group seized one fisherman from each of 20 boats and later provided a phone number for families to contact.

The abductors are reportedly led by Veto Safiqul and Shahajan, who had previously surrendered arms to the Rapid Action Battalion but allegedly resumed piracy under the 'Don Bahini' name in recent months. Twelve of the abducted fishermen have been identified as residents of various villages in Shyamnagar upazila, while eight remain unidentified. Families of the victims are in fear and attempting to negotiate reduced ransom payments instead of approaching law enforcement.

Local residents claim pirate activity has increased in the Satkhira range over the past three months, while officials confirm receiving reports and have informed higher authorities.

BNP Chairperson Tarique Rahman will hold a discussion with young participants at Justice Shahabuddin Park in Gulshan on Saturday at 2 p.m. The event, titled ‘Meet and Greet with Tarique Rahman,’ will feature winners of the BNP-organized national reel-making competition ‘Amar Bhabanay Bangladesh.’ The announcement was made by Mahadi Amin, adviser to the BNP chairperson and spokesperson of the party’s election management committee.

Mahadi Amin said the competition invited one-minute reels on 11 topics, including Family Card and Farmer Card, to gather public ideas for future state-building. Around 2,500 participants from across the country took part, and ten winners were selected through public votes and jury evaluation. Tarique Rahman’s daughter, Barrister Zaima Rahman, will also attend the event, recognized for her involvement in youth-oriented policy initiatives.

Amin also announced the launch of BNP’s election hotline 16543 and WhatsApp hotline +8801806-977577 to strengthen voter communication and address election-related issues. He warned against fraudulent groups seeking money in the name of distributing Family or Farmer Cards, emphasizing that such cards would be provided free if BNP assumes power.

M. Abdullah, Managing Director of the Bangladesh Journalists Welfare Trust, said that a 'Yes' vote represents the future of independent journalism in Bangladesh. Speaking on Friday night at a discussion on journalism during elections held at the Feni Television Journalists Club, he emphasized that the outcome of the vote would determine the direction of journalism and democracy in the coming days. He called on journalists to ensure that 'Yes' wins to protect press freedom and prevent the reemergence of fascism.

Abdullah described the current election as exceptional and more significant than the previous three. He noted that traditional election reporting is no longer sufficient, highlighting the greater responsibility of electronic media in ensuring credible coverage. He warned that failure to maintain professional integrity could disrupt the election, while responsible journalism could make it historic.

He also mentioned that this election is unique because it is being held without the participation of a major party since 1988, creating a new kind of polarization. Abdullah cautioned journalists to verify information carefully, as false videos could be used to mislead them and undermine the democratic process.

Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan has said that Ankara is prepared to send troops to Gaza if conditions become favorable. In an interview with a Turkish television channel on Friday, he stated that while Ankara opposes taking a direct role in Gaza, its efforts regarding the situation will continue. The statement was reported by TRT World.

Fidan described Gaza as Turkey’s top priority and expressed willingness to provide military assistance if the situation allows. He also mentioned that the Rafah border crossing could reopen early next week. The report noted that displaced Palestinians are enduring harsh winter conditions in tents.

When asked about the possible disarmament of Hamas, Fidan said the issue must be part of any broader roadmap. He emphasized that Ankara’s highest priority is ensuring that Gaza’s residents can remain on their land.

Former central president of Islami Chhatra Shibir, Md. Zahidul Islam, declared that the student community in Bangladesh will not accept any form of fascism. He made the remarks on Friday night at an electoral student representative gathering organized by the Kashinagar Union unit of Chhatra Shibir at Kashinagar Degree College auditorium in Chauddagram, Cumilla. Zahidul Islam alleged that many of their members had been killed or disappeared in July and August and detained in secret facilities, describing their only 'offense' as calling students to moral and religious values.

He compared current political behavior in the country to historical tyrants, claiming that after the departure of one 'fascist Hasina,' another leader was showing similar tendencies. The event was chaired by Nasim Miaji, president of the northern Chauddagram unit of Chhatra Shibir, and attended by several central and local leaders of Shibir and Jamaat-e-Islami. A large number of students from various wards and institutions were also present.

Following the meeting, participants held a rally in Kashinagar Bazaar supporting the 'Dhal' election symbol and voting 'Yes' in the national referendum.

Tipu Chowdhury, a 50-year-old resident of Mirsharai in Chattogram, was shot dead by assailants in South Africa. The incident occurred on Friday, January 23, 2026, around 3 p.m. local time at his business establishment in the KwaMthlanga area of Pretoria. According to family sources, he had been living in South Africa for about 35 years. His body is currently kept at a local police station, and arrangements are underway to bring it back to Bangladesh.

Tipu’s cousin Litu Chowdhury said that the attackers opened fire suddenly while Tipu was at his business premises, killing him instantly before fleeing the scene. He also mentioned that about 20 years ago, Tipu’s brother Abu Sayem was similarly shot dead by assailants in South Africa. Another expatriate, Md. Ashraf Uddin, expressed deep sorrow over the incident, recalling personal memories with Tipu.

The report did not mention any arrests or official statements from South African authorities regarding the attack.

Thousands of people demonstrated in Minneapolis, Minnesota, on Friday against the Trump administration’s strict immigration policies. Despite freezing temperatures dropping 29 degrees Celsius below zero, organizers said around 50,000 protesters took to the streets, demanding an end to harsh immigration measures. The demonstrators marched and gathered at the Target Center, calling for policy changes.

According to organizers and participants, several businesses across Minnesota closed for the day as workers joined the protest. The large-scale demonstration reflected growing opposition to the administration’s immigration enforcement actions. The protest took place just one day after U.S. Vice President J.D. Vance visited Minneapolis to express support for Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officers, who he said were conducting an important operation to detain immigration law violators.

The timing of the protest, following the vice president’s visit, underscored the deep divisions over immigration enforcement in the United States and the public pushback against federal actions.

Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer Dr. Shafiqur Rahman declared that his party fears no intimidation and will not tolerate external interference in national affairs. He made the remarks on Saturday morning at a ten-party electoral rally held at Polabari Government Pilot High School field in Gaibandha. During the event, he emphasized the party’s commitment to implementing the Teesta mega project if given the opportunity, saying that restoring the rivers of northern Bangladesh would revive the lives of local residents.

Rahman pledged to fight corruption and extortion, promising employment instead of allowances and improved healthcare services. He said Jamaat wants to turn citizens into productive assets and ensure the safety of mothers. Despite facing oppression, he stated that the party remains steadfast in its dedication to the country. At the end of his speech, Rahman handed over election symbols to candidates in all five parliamentary constituencies of Gaibandha, all of whom are Jamaat nominees under the ten-party alliance.

He described the five candidates as a trust left with the people, urging voters to return that trust as a gift to the party.

At a public rally in Rangpur Town Hall on Friday evening, Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami’s central committee Nayeb-e-Ameer ATM Azharul Islam called on voters to support candidates of the 10-party alliance in the upcoming 13th national parliamentary election scheduled for February 12. He described the alliance’s candidates as patriotic and defenders of Islam, asserting that their victory was essential for the nation’s advancement.

Azharul Islam criticized the ruling Awami League government, alleging unjust imprisonment and mistreatment during his 14 years in jail. He emphasized the need for a free, fair, and neutral election, expressing concern that the Election Commission had yet to ensure a level playing field. He warned that the alliance would not accept any unfair election or manipulation of voting centers.

He also urged voters to support the “yes” side in an upcoming referendum related to the implementation of the July Charter and claimed that Jamaat leaders have maintained a record free of corruption, focusing instead on public welfare and national unity.

A faction of the Alfadanga upazila unit of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) has declared its support for independent candidate Arifur Rahman Dolon in the Faridpur-1 constituency, which covers Alfadanga, Boalmari, and Madhukhali. The announcement was made on Friday night at the faction’s office on Hospital Road in Alfadanga, where Dolon was present. Members of both the upazila and municipal BNP branches pledged to work for Dolon’s campaign under the boat symbol.

During the meeting, Dolon provided election-related guidance to his supporters. Among those present were upazila BNP vice president Khoshbur Rahman Khokon, municipal BNP vice president Rezaul Karim Reza, and several other local leaders. Khokon told Amader Desh that the group decided to support Dolon because the BNP’s official candidate had not maintained communication with them and had disregarded their efforts to cooperate.

BNP’s nominated candidate for Faridpur-1, central Krishak Dal vice president Khandaker Nasirul Islam, responded that these individuals have long opposed the party while using its titles and that he has requested the party high command to take organizational action against them.

A landslide in Indonesia’s West Bandung region of West Java province has killed seven people and left 82 others missing, according to Abdul Muhari, spokesperson for the country’s disaster management agency. The incident occurred in a village in the region following reports of heavy rainfall across Java. Search and rescue operations are being intensified to locate the missing individuals.

The Indonesian Meteorological Department had earlier issued a one-week weather warning for West Java, forecasting heavy rain and adverse conditions starting from Friday. Local officials confirmed that the landslide was triggered by persistent rainfall in the area.

Last month, severe landslides and floods in North Sumatra, West Sumatra, and Aceh provinces claimed more than 1,170 lives, highlighting the ongoing vulnerability of Indonesia’s regions to extreme weather events.

Delegations from Ukraine, Russia, and the United States met in the United Arab Emirates to discuss ways to end the ongoing war. The meeting, held on Friday in Abu Dhabi, marked the first direct and public discussion between Moscow and Kyiv. The talks focused mainly on Russia’s demand for control over parts of Ukrainian territory. The U.S. delegation included three representatives, among them Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner, son-in-law of President Donald Trump. The specific agenda of the meeting was not officially disclosed.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky confirmed he was in contact with his country’s representatives during the talks. Earlier, he expressed optimism that the meeting could be a step toward ending the conflict. Speaking in Davos, Zelensky said the core issue remained territorial division, emphasizing that both Ukraine and Russia must be ready for compromise. Russia has demanded that Ukraine cede about 25 percent of the Donetsk region still under Kyiv’s control, while Ukraine proposed creating an economic zone in Donbas and sought security guarantees in exchange for conditional troop withdrawal.

Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan said Israel is looking for an opportunity to attack Iran, warning that such an action could further destabilize the region. He made the remarks in a television interview on Friday, emphasizing that he hopes Israel will choose a different path. Fidan clarified that his observation applies specifically to Israel, not necessarily to the United States.

Fidan added that during his recent visit to Iran, he directly conveyed these concerns to Iranian officials, describing his approach as that of a true friend who speaks hard truths. His comments followed a phone call on Thursday between Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan and Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian, during which Erdoğan reaffirmed Turkey’s opposition to any foreign intervention in Iran and its commitment to the neighbor’s peace and stability.

On Friday, a senior Iranian official told Reuters that Tehran would consider any attack by its enemies as a declaration of total war against Iran.