At the inauguration of canal excavation in Mirpur-13’s Baunia Canal, three interim government advisors walked on a red carpet to board a floating excavator, sparking criticism. DNCC clarified that the carpet was a safety measure, not an official ceremony. The temporary platform was muddy and steep, and the excavator’s floor was slippery, necessitating the use of a red mat for safe movement. DNCC emphasized that there was no extravagance or misuse of funds and reaffirmed its commitment to transparency and public safety.

According to Indian media, India’s Ministry of External Affairs has allocated ₹1.2 billion for Bangladesh in the 2025-26 fiscal year—consistent with past allocations during Sheikh Hasina’s tenure. This marks India’s first budget under Narendra Modi’s third term and following Hasina’s ousting. The ministry has set aside ₹205.16 billion in total, with Nepal receiving the highest allocation of ₹21.5 billion for hydropower projects, economic cooperation, and infrastructure development. While Maldives’ allocation has increased, Afghanistan’s has decreased. The budget was presented in the Lok Sabha by Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman.

Twenty bodies have been recovered from the Mediterranean coast near Brega, Libya, and buried in Ajdabiya. The Libyan Red Crescent suspects they are Bangladeshi migrants, but the Bangladesh Embassy has yet to confirm this. The bodies were in a decomposed state, and no identification documents were found. Local authorities believe a migrant boat capsized, causing the deaths. The Bangladesh Embassy is in close contact with Libyan officials and has arranged to send a team to investigate and take necessary actions.

Students of Government Titumir College blocked a major intersection in Dhaka, Gulshan-1, demanding their college be upgraded to a full-fledged university. They cite long-standing demands and a lack of response from authorities, including a hunger strike by students. The students presented a seven-point demand list, including state recognition, new departments, improved facilities, and qualified teachers. They vow to continue their protest until their demands are met.

Elon Musk, CEO of Tesla and SpaceX, was nominated for the 2025 Nobel Peace Prize for his promotion of free speech. The nomination was submitted by European Parliament member Branko Grimz, who highlighted Musk’s contributions to free expression and peace. However, Musk declined the nomination, stating he does not seek any awards. Despite his disinterest, the nomination has sparked widespread discussion on social media, with critics questioning its legitimacy.

Summary: Sargis Alam, the prominent figure and chief organizer of the National Citizen’s Committee, has recently married. The news was confirmed by sports advisor Asif Mahmud Sajib Bhuiyan on Friday evening. Following the announcement, Asif Mahmud Sajib Bhuiyan took to his verified social media account to congratulate the newlyweds, wishing Sargis Alam a blissful married life and congratulating him on starting this new chapter in his life.

Bangladesh’s primary school teachers earn the lowest salaries in South Asia, with an average of 170.02 USD per month, significantly lower than other countries. Teachers in Luxembourg, Germany, and Singapore receive far higher wages, making teaching a prestigious profession in those nations. In Bangladesh, teachers struggle with low pay and are often burdened with debt. Teachers are demanding higher pay and recognition, with recent protests calling for salary grade upgrades. Their fight highlights the disparity in teacher compensation compared to international standards.

A tragic collision between a sand-laden truck and a passenger CNG auto-rickshaw in Jamalpur on January 30 resulted in five fatalities. The accident occurred around 7 PM in Dipapai when the truck crushed the auto-rickshaw traveling from Madhupur, Tangail. Four people, including the driver, died at the scene, while two others succumbed to injuries on the way to the hospital. The victims hailed from various areas of Jamalpur and Mymensingh, and their bodies were sent to Jamalpur Medical College Hospital.

A fire erupted at the Jahin Recycling Plant in Gazipur’s Monipur area on Thursday, January 30, around 1:30 PM. Five firefighting units were dispatched to the scene and are working to control the blaze and prevent it from spreading. No casualties have been reported so far. The cause of the fire and the extent of the damage will be investigated. The authorities are focused on ensuring that the fire does not escalate further.

RAJUK Chairman Major General (Retd.) Siddiqur Rahman Sarkar stated that buildings up to 100 stories would be allowed if there is sufficient space. The Detailed Area Plan (DAP) is being revised, and a review committee has been formed. New regulations require at least a 20-foot-wide road for building approval, and illegal constructions will face penalties. He emphasized a zero-tolerance policy against corruption, with officials already dismissed. Dhaka’s unplanned development has led to 96% of buildings violating regulations, prompting strict enforcement.

Dismissed police officers and their families staged a protest in front of the Education Building in Dhaka, blocking the road to demand reinstatement. The demonstration began at noon on January 20, after they were stopped by police while marching from the Police Headquarters to the Secretariat. The protesters claim they lost their jobs due to political vendetta under the Awami League government. They warned of stricter movements if they are not reinstated through an executive order.

A passenger plane crashed into the Potomac River near Reagan Washington National Airport after colliding with a U.S. military helicopter. The incident, which occurred on Thursday morning, has raised fears of multiple casualties. The plane had at least 64 passengers on board. Rescue operations are ongoing, with multiple agencies, including the U.S. Park Police and D.C. Fire and Emergency Services, involved. A surveillance camera captured the moment of impact. In response, all flights at the airport have been temporarily suspended.

Bollywood actor Saif Ali Khan shared his experience of facing religious discrimination when trying to buy a house in Juhu, Mumbai. Despite searching for homes in the area, he was informed that due to his different community, he wouldn’t be able to purchase a property there. Saif, who has married non-Muslims, expressed that while he has never faced religious intolerance abroad, his own country questioned his religion, leaving him deeply insulted by the experience.

The admission process for the seven colleges affiliated with Dhaka University has encountered complexities after the university’s decision to stop admissions under its affiliation starting this academic year. While applications for undergraduate admissions are ongoing, the jurisdiction for entrance exams remains unclear. The government has proposed establishing a new university for these colleges, but due to the time-consuming process of law-making, uncertainty surrounds the timeline. Students are demanding clarity and quick actions regarding the establishment of the new university.

A stampede at the Maha Kumbh Mela in Allahabad, Uttar Pradesh, India, left 15 people dead and many injured during the ‘holy bath’ ritual. The incident occurred early on January 29 amid massive crowds. Prime Minister Narendra Modi discussed the situation with Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath and urged immediate relief efforts. This year’s Kumbh Mela, marked by a rare celestial alignment, has already seen 148 million attendees. Hindus believe bathing in the sacred rivers cleanses sins and grants liberation from rebirth.