Education Advisor Dr. Wahiduddin Mahmud highlighted the fragile state of Bangladesh’s education system, citing decades of decline starting in 1972 due to poor policy decisions, including converting prestigious colleges into university colleges and unchecked nationalization. Speaking to the Education Reporters Association, he emphasized that systemic issues take time to develop and cannot be quickly resolved. Poor primary education cascades into secondary and higher education, perpetuating a cycle of underqualified graduates. He also criticized the current state of National University graduates, many of whom remain unemployed.

A UK parliamentary group has withdrawn its report criticizing Bangladesh’s interim government, citing inaccuracies and bias. Allegedly favoring ousted PM Sheikh Hasina’s administration, the report faced backlash from experts and MPs, including Rupa Huq, who called it conspiratorial. Claims of legal weaponization and Islamist empowerment were based on questionable data from a Delhi think tank. The report is now under review, and APPG will not pursue further action. Tulip Siddiq, Hasina’s niece, resigned over related controversies.

TikTok resumed operations in the U.S. hours after shutting down, following President-elect Trump’s pledge to delay enforcement of a law banning the app. Trump promised an executive order to secure TikTok’s future, allowing its 170 million U.S. users to regain access. ByteDance, TikTok’s parent company, is exploring solutions, including a joint venture with U.S. ownership. Despite relief, the app’s long-term future remains uncertain due to bipartisan national security concerns and challenges in resolving ownership issues.

Home Advisor Lt. Gen. (Retd.) Md. Jahangir Alam Chowdhury assured that Bangladesh’s borders are secure and will be defended even with blood if necessary. He criticized previous governments for neglecting border issues and emphasized the current government’s firm stance against concessions. Ongoing discussions between BSF and BGB aim to resolve recent tensions at the Chapainawabganj border. He highlighted corruption as a major challenge for national progress and warned against misuse of his name for personal gain.

Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) seized $30,000 in cash and various Indian goods worth approximately 4 million BDT during an anti-smuggling operation at the Benapole border. The operation occurred on January 19, with smugglers abandoning the money before fleeing back to India. BGB also seized Indian liquor, medicines, betel nuts, cigarettes, and cosmetics during operations at various border points, highlighting the ongoing efforts to combat smuggling and drug trafficking.

TikTok ceased operations in the U.S. Saturday night, hours before a nationwide ban took effect, citing a law requiring its sale to a U.S. entity. The Supreme Court upheld the ban, triggering app store removals and server restrictions. However, TikTok hinted at a swift return, noting President-elect Trump’s potential 90-day extension. The blackout leaves 170 million U.S. users and businesses in limbo, with bipartisan concerns over data security driving the ongoing controversy. Trump’s inauguration may determine TikTok’s fate.

Several hundred Indians, armed with bombs and sharp weapons, entered Bangladesh’s territory and cut down a few trees. When the Bangladeshi people tried to resist them, the BSF (Indian Border Security Force) threw sound grenades at them, and the Indians also hurled bombs. Later, under the chase of the Bangladeshis, the Indians fled. Experts have stated that this attack by Indian civilians and the BSF is a violation of international law.

Elon Musk may need to pay $40–$50 billion to acquire TikTok’s U.S. operations, similar to the $44 billion he spent on Twitter, analyst Dan Ives suggests. Reports indicate China might consider a sale to Musk to avert a U.S. ban over security concerns. TikTok’s parent, ByteDance, faces pressure to divest its U.S. assets. While TikTok dismisses the rumors, Musk’s strong ties with China and his social media ambitions position him as a potential buyer for this “golden asset.”

Students from Dhaka College’s residential halls attacked Government Laboratory High School, vandalizing its science fair. The clash began over an argument about smoking and escalated when Dhaka College students stormed the school with sticks and rods, damaging stalls despite pleas from Laboratory School students. Both institutions are investigating the incident, with Dhaka College promising disciplinary action against those involved. Police have urged school authorities to control their students to prevent further violence.

The Supreme Court upheld a law banning TikTok unless it severs ties with Chinese parent ByteDance, citing national security risks from its data collection practices. The ban is set to start Sunday, potentially removing TikTok from U.S. app stores. Enforcement will fall to President-elect Donald Trump, who stated, “It ultimately goes up to me, so you’re going to see what I’m going to do.” While some lawmakers suggest extending the ban to allow TikTok more time to find a buyer, the app’s future remains uncertain as ByteDance has not committed to selling. TikTok has yet to comment on the ruling.

A devastating fire broke out at a tannery warehouse in Hazaribagh market on Friday afternoon around 2:00 PM. Two units of the Fire Service are currently working to control the blaze, with four more units en route. Lima Khanam, Duty Officer of the Fire Service, confirmed the incident but stated that the cause of the fire remains unknown. Emergency efforts are underway to prevent further damage as the situation unfolds.

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.

Dr. Bidhan Ranjan Roy Poddar, Advisor to the Ministry of Primary and Mass Education, stated that teachers engaging in politics will face action as per regulations. Speaking at NAPE, Mymensingh, he highlighted the government’s efforts to enhance education quality through curriculum and exam reforms. He stressed the importance of holistic child development, including sports and cultural activities. Dr. Poddar also addressed delays in book distribution and efforts to register private educational institutions to reduce costs.

Shafiqul Alam, the Press Secretary of the Chief Adviser, confirmed that all students will receive their new textbooks by February. He compared the current administration’s effort with the previous government’s practice of a one-day textbook festival, which did not result in timely distribution. Alam added that textbooks in past years were sometimes distributed as late as July, and the interim government is working swiftly with stakeholders, including paper manufacturers, to ensure prompt delivery.