Students of seven colleges have declared a siege on New Market Police Station if action isn’t taken against the police officers involved in recent attacks on students, including an alleged attempt to murder Dhaka College student Rakib. The announcement was made on Monday evening from Dhaka College’s Shaheed Minar. They also demanded action against Dhaka University’s Pro-Vice Chancellor (Education), Professor Dr. Mamun Ahmed, within 24 hours. Students called for the withdrawal and investigation of all police officers linked to the incident.

Dhaka University has decided to end its affiliation with seven government colleges starting from the 2024-25 academic year. Admissions for these colleges will no longer be conducted under DU. The decision was made during a meeting between DU authorities and the college principals. A specialized committee formed by the Education Ministry will oversee academic matters, including seat allocation and fees. DU will remain responsible for the academic progress of current students. The move follows student protests demanding administrative independence for the seven colleges.

On January 27, transport workers blocked the road in front of the Mohakhali Bus Terminal in protest against a traffic sergeant’s assault on a driver and a case filed for obstructing traffic. The protest lasted for over an hour, causing significant traffic jams in the area. The workers moved after the intervention of the traffic and Tejgaon police, and normal traffic flow resumed. The police clarified that the case was filed for parking violations, not assault.

A Bangladeshi man named Ahad Ali was hacked to death by Indian nationals near the Kulaura border in Moulvibazar on Sunday, January 26. The attack occurred in the Murai Chhara area over a land dispute. Indian nationals crossed five yards into Bangladeshi territory and assaulted Ahad with sharp weapons, leaving him critically injured. He was rushed to Sylhet Osmani Medical College Hospital, where he was pronounced dead. The police have confirmed the incident, which has sparked concerns over cross-border disputes.

Students of Dhaka University-affiliated seven colleges have issued a six-point demand, including the resignation of Dhaka University Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Education) Professor Dr. Mamun Ahmed. They have given a four-hour deadline, threatening strict measures if unmet. Key demands include severing ties with Dhaka University, taking action against police brutality on Dhaka College students, and ensuring justice for misconduct against female students. The students also demand public access to Dhaka University roads. The ultimatum follows a violent clash between students of Dhaka University and the seven colleges at Nilkhet.

Summary: After a clash between Dhaka University students and those from seven affiliated government colleges, all exams scheduled for January 27 have been postponed, including the final exams of the seven colleges. The decision was announced by the Dhaka University Controller of Examinations following a request from Dhaka College’s principal. The clash occurred after a protest by students demanding changes in college issues, during which students from both sides chased each other. The seven colleges’ students also accused the DU Pro-Vice Chancellor of inappropriate behavior.

All classes and exams at Dhaka University were suspended on Monday (January 27) after violent clashes occurred between university students and those from seven affiliated colleges. The altercation began when Dhaka University students gathered to prevent a siege at the residence of the university’s Pro-Vice Chancellor. Running battles ensued, leaving eight injured. In response, four platoons of Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) were deployed with police assistance to restore order in the area.

Legal advisor Asif Nazrul emphasized that no distance or misunderstanding should exist between BNP and student leaders or the forces of mass uprising. He stressed that such misunderstandings could embolden Awami League’s genocidal leaders. Nazrul denied rumors regarding the fleeing of student leaders and Dr. Yunus. He affirmed BNP’s commitment to democratic processes, urged unity to counter Awami League’s influence, and emphasized the importance of the July uprising’s sacrifices in the fight for justice.

Donald Trump, after beginning his second term as U.S. president, has yet to undertake a state visit. Traditionally, the first state visit for a U.S. president is to the U.K., but Trump may break tradition and visit Saudi Arabia first, as he did during his first term. During a conversation aboard Air Force One, Trump hinted at this possibility, citing Saudi Arabia’s agreement to purchase billions of dollars in U.S. goods. Saudi Arabia has also expressed interest in investing $60 billion in the U.S. during Trump’s second term.

In Dinajpur’s Biral Upazila, BSF detained a Bangladeshi teenager, Md. Alamin, while he was farming near the border. In response, local Bangladeshis captured an Indian farmer, Narayan Chandra Roy, and handed him over to the BGB. The incident caused tensions along the border. A flag meeting between BGB and BSF resolved the issue, with both individuals returned to their respective sides. BGB clarified that BSF mistakenly detained Alamin, thinking he was part of a group crossing illegally. The misunderstanding was peacefully resolved.

Another large wildfire, the Hughes fire, has erupted near Castaic Lake, north of Los Angeles, spreading rapidly over 9,400 acres amid dangerous winds. Mandatory evacuations were issued for 31,000 residents as the flames threaten homes, schools, and a major jail complex. Fire crews are working tirelessly to contain the new blaze while officials prepare for potential rain, which could trigger mudslides in burned areas. With red flag warnings in effect, Southern California faces continued critical fire risks as this latest wildfire intensifies the region’s challenges.

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.