The government has finalized its decision to lease the New Mooring Container Terminal (NCT) of Chattogram Port to foreign operator DP World. The agreement is expected to be signed in Dhaka today, Sunday, in the presence of senior government and ministerial officials. However, port authorities claim they have not been officially informed about the deal, which is being managed by the Public-Private Partnership Authority. Meanwhile, BNP-backed port workers and employees continue strikes and protests opposing the foreign operator’s appointment.

According to port sources, the handover of NCT to DP World may be completed before the February 12 national election. Workers argue that leasing the profitable terminal to a foreign company could cost the state around two thousand crore taka annually and threaten national security. The port authority counters that DP World’s advanced technology will enhance operational capacity while preserving national interests through lease revenues.

In response to ongoing strikes, the port authority has transferred four employees and formed a committee to identify those violating institutional discipline and assess related losses.

In Atrai upazila of Naogaon, the Atrai River has reportedly dried up due to the unplanned construction of sluice gates, causing severe water shortages across vast agricultural lands. The crisis has led to the disappearance of native fish species and left many fishermen unemployed. The problem stems from the 1980s, when a single-gate sluice was built on the wide Atrai River near the upazila complex, while a ten-gate sluice was constructed on a narrow canal at Kashiyabari, about two kilometers away. Residents have questioned the planning behind these decisions.

Local farmers from several villages, including Parkasunda, Narikelbari, and Khajura, said they have suffered for years from water scarcity that hampers crop production. The president of the local fishermen’s cooperative, Profulla Chandra Hawlader, stated that hundreds of fishing families have lost their livelihoods and now live in hardship. When contacted, Naogaon Water Development Board’s executive engineer Asif Ahmed said the sluice gates were built long before his tenure and promised to look into the matter.

The drying of the river has affected nearly 30 kilometers of its course, impacting numerous villages and threatening the region’s agricultural and ecological balance.

Police in Sylhet have uncovered the mystery behind a previously unsolved murder case under Jalalabad Police Station, arresting three people including a woman and a child. The arrests were made late Friday night in the city’s Sonarpara area, according to a statement from the Sylhet Metropolitan Police media cell. The suspects are Abdul Matin, 45, of Boropoud area, Khaleda Begum, 32, of Sonarpara, and her 16-year-old daughter. The case followed the discovery of an unidentified man’s body on January 29 in the Kurail Haor area, later identified as Shoebur Rahman, 30.

Police said Shoebur had been working as an Arabic tutor for Khaleda Begum’s children since 2023 while her husband was abroad. Their relationship reportedly turned unethical, and Shoebur allegedly took over 6 million taka from Khaleda through deception involving land and gold purchases. When pressured for repayment, he allegedly abused Khaleda and her family. Police said these details emerged during initial interrogation, and legal action is underway.

Investigators are continuing efforts to identify others possibly involved in the incident.

Joint forces recovered 10 grenades, three foreign-made pistols, and 19 rounds of ammunition during an operation in Darihagra village under Dhalgram Union of Bagharpara upazila in Jessore on Saturday, January 31. The raid, conducted from 4 p.m. to 9 p.m., was led by Captain Akib of the army based on intelligence from the National Security Intelligence (NSI). Several sharp weapons, including a machete, knife, and razor, were also seized from the house of Chunnu Molla.

According to Bagharpara Police Station Officer-in-Charge Mahmudul Hasan, the alleged owner of the recovered arms and ammunition, Rayhan Molla, son of Chunnu Molla, fled before the operation began and could not be detained. The discovery created significant commotion in the area, prompting authorities to strengthen local security measures.

Police and army personnel have continued operations to arrest the fugitive suspects, while the recovered weapons have been secured for further investigation.

A joint force operation in Harinakundu upazila of Jhenaidah district recovered 12 live cocktails late Friday night. The explosives were found hidden inside haystacks in Mandaltola village under Raghunathpur Union. The raid was conducted around 1 a.m. based on secret intelligence, according to Major Monowar, in-charge of the Harinakundu Army Camp.

The recovered cocktails were discovered near the house of a local resident named Riaz Uddin. Following the operation, the explosives were handed over to Harinakundu Police Station for safekeeping. Inspector (Investigation) Asit Kumar Roy confirmed that the items had been officially deposited at the station.

Authorities have not disclosed further details about possible suspects or the intended use of the recovered explosives. The investigation into the incident is ongoing.

The Bangladesh government has reduced the prices of all types of fuel oil by Tk 2 per liter for February. According to a notification issued by the Energy and Mineral Resources Division on Saturday night, the new rates will take effect from Sunday, February 1. Under the revised pricing, diesel will cost Tk 100 per liter, kerosene Tk 112, petrol Tk 116, and octane Tk 120.

The government introduced an automatic fuel pricing system in March of the previous year to align domestic prices with global market trends. Under this system, new prices are announced each month based on international market movements. The latest adjustment reflects the continuation of that policy framework.

The notification did not specify how long the new rates will remain in effect beyond February, but the monthly review mechanism suggests further adjustments may follow depending on global price changes.

At the 14th Zakat Fair 2026 held at the Officers’ Club in Dhaka, speakers emphasized the need for a state-managed zakat system to reduce financial inequality in Bangladesh. Religious Adviser Dr. A F M Khalid Hossain, the chief guest, said that institutional collection and distribution of zakat could generate up to one trillion taka annually, significantly aiding poverty alleviation. The event was chaired by former caretaker government adviser Dr. Hossain Zillur Rahman, with a welcome address by Center for Zakat Management (CZM) CEO Dr. Mohammad Ayub Mia.

Speakers noted that zakat is both a financial and moral obligation, requiring proper oversight to ensure funds are used effectively. They highlighted that despite a large Muslim population, many capable individuals either do not pay zakat or fail to calculate and distribute it correctly. A symposium titled “Islamic Social Finance: Future Roadmap” proposed forming an Islamic Social Finance Ministry, noting that zakat and waqf income could contribute up to 4% of GDP.

Former NBR chairman Dr. Mohammad Abdul Majid stressed that government involvement and clear guidelines are essential to make zakat management transparent and impactful for national development.

A member of the Arakan Rohingya Solidarity Organization (ARSA) was arrested during a joint forces operation in Ramu upazila of Cox’s Bazar on Saturday, January 31, 2026. The operation, conducted in the Gojonia area, led to the recovery of four live rounds of ammunition and an active walkie-talkie set from the suspect.

According to the Inter-Services Public Relations Directorate (ISPR), the operation was carried out based on secret intelligence information by a special team from Ramu Cantonment in coordination with the police. The detained ARSA member was identified as Imam Hossain, who was apprehended on the spot during the raid.

Authorities stated that Imam Hossain and the seized materials were handed over to the Gojonia police outpost under Ramu Police Station for further legal proceedings.

An unusual surge in open-market petrol sales has raised alarm in Sandwip under the Chattogram-3 constituency ahead of the upcoming election. Over the past week, bottled petrol sales in local markets and roadside shops have multiplied, with vendors selling without licenses or fire safety measures. Security analysts and residents expressed deep concern that the widespread availability of petrol could be misused to make petrol bombs for election-related violence.

Field reports show petrol being sold in glass and plastic bottles across grocery and temporary shops. Vendors claim they are meeting motorcycle fuel demand, but the sharp increase in sales has drawn public suspicion. Security expert Fahad Al Rimon warned that such unregulated fuel circulation in a remote island could enable miscreants to easily collect materials for sabotage or attacks during political rallies.

Sandwip Upazila Executive Officer Mongchingnu Marma said the administration has taken the issue seriously and will soon launch mobile court drives to enforce legal action against those violating safety and licensing rules. Law enforcement agencies have been instructed to monitor the situation closely.

Members of RAB-1 have arrested three suspects involved in the shooting of a bKash worker and the robbery of nearly Tk 1.5 million in Tongi, Gazipur. The arrests were made during overnight operations across different areas of Gazipur on Friday. RAB-1 Senior Assistant Director (Media Officer) Md. Rakib Hasan confirmed the arrests in a press release on Saturday afternoon. The detainees are Rajib Hasan Liton, Shahidul Islam, and Sanjoy Chandra Shil.

According to RAB, the incident occurred on December 13 last year when two bKash money collectors, Md. Azad and Arifur Rahman, were transporting cash by motorcycle to the bKash office at the Sena Kalyan Bhaban in Tongibazar. Around 7 p.m., a group of seven to eight robbers ambushed them, attempted to seize Tk 1,477,000, and opened fire when the workers resisted, injuring them before fleeing with the money. Following the case filed at Tongi East Police Station, RAB launched an investigation and later arrested the suspects based on intelligence and technology.

The arrested individuals have been handed over to Tongi East Police, while efforts to capture the remaining suspects continue.

Bangladeshi television actor Tousif Mahbub has called on political leaders to honor their election promises even after the upcoming 13th National Parliamentary Election, scheduled for February 12. Speaking as a concerned citizen, he emphasized that whoever wins should prioritize the people's welfare and ensure that commitments made during campaigns are fulfilled.

Tousif stated that in the current national context, citizens have many expectations across different sectors. He clarified that he is not affiliated with any political party but wants elected representatives to act responsibly toward the public. Reflecting on past experiences, he mentioned that people have often felt deceived by unfulfilled promises, leading some to lose faith in the country or move abroad.

Reaffirming his patriotism, Tousif expressed unwavering love for Bangladesh and optimism that the nation will achieve a stronger global position through progress in politics and culture.

Tourist travel to St. Martin’s Island in Teknaf upazila of Cox’s Bazar will be suspended for nine months starting Sunday, February 1, under a decision by the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change. The current tourism season will end on Saturday, January 31. Normally, visitors are allowed from October 1 to March 31 each year, but this season has been shortened due to environmental risks. According to Additional District Magistrate Imran Hossain, ships carrying tourists will make their final trip to the island today, and no tourist vessels will be permitted from Sunday onward.

The decision has caused concern among local business owners and residents who depend on tourism. M.A. Abdur Rahman, president of the St. Martin Hotel-Motel-Resort Owners Association, said many investors have failed to recover their investments and are facing losses. Union Parishad Chairman Foyezul Islam stated that most islanders rely on tourism and are disheartened by the long closure.

Authorities indicated that the government may revise the decision later, depending on future considerations.

The 12th Dhaka International Mobile Film Festival (DIMFF) 2026 began today under the outreach program of the Media Studies and Journalism Department of the University of Liberal Arts Bangladesh (ULAB). The two-day event, presented by Infinix Mobile Bangladesh and supported by Star Cineplex, will conclude tomorrow. From 131 film submissions across 24 countries, 25 films have been selected for screening in six categories.

Details of the festival were announced at a press conference held at ULAB’s permanent campus. The categories this year include Short Film, One Minute, Vertical Film, Open Door, Citizen Journalism, and Outstanding Talent Award. The first day’s screenings will take place at the ULAB campus, while the second day’s events will be held at Star Cineplex (Shimanto Shambhar).

For the first time, the Citizen Journalism category will feature films highlighting social justice, climate change, real-life issues, and stories of marginalized communities. The Outstanding Talent Award will recognize a skilled crew member behind the scenes. The jury board includes filmmakers and writers from Nepal, Bangladesh, France, and the UK.

Professor Dr. M. Zubaidur Rahman, Chairman of Islami Bank Bangladesh PLC, called on officials to strengthen public trust in the bank by ensuring customer satisfaction through dedicated service. Speaking as chief guest at an officers’ conference held on Saturday, January 31, 2026, at the Sena Prangon in Dhaka Cantonment, he emphasized that customers are the lifeblood of the bank and that all complaints should be addressed promptly and seriously. He urged employees to treat the institution as their own to enhance service quality and operational efficiency.

The event was presided over by Managing Director Md. Omar Faruk Khan, with senior executives including Executive Committee Chairman Mohammad Khurshid Wahab, Audit Committee Chairman Md. Abdus Salam, Risk Management Committee Chairman Professor Dr. M. Masud Rahman, and Independent Director Md. Abdul Jalil attending as special guests. Additional Managing Director Md. Altaf Hossain delivered the welcome speech, while Deputy Managing Director Md. Mahbub Alam gave the vote of thanks.

In his remarks, Managing Director Khan highlighted the importance of expanding investment in the SME sector to strengthen the national economy and make banking services more accessible through improved customer care.

The four-day 25th Dhaka International Yarn and Fabric Show (DIFS) 2026 – Winter Edition and the 8th Dhaka International Denim Show 2026 concluded successfully at the International Convention City Bashundhara (ICCB) in Dhaka. Organized jointly by Conference and Exhibition Management Services (CEMS-Global USA) and the Sub-Council of Textile Industry, China Council for the Promotion of International Trade (CCPIT-TEX China), the exhibitions ran from January 28 to 31, 2026.

More than 325 companies from over 15 countries participated, displaying modern technologies and innovations in yarn, fabric, denim, and related textile products across over 650 booths. The first day featured a seminar titled “Why Invest in Bangladesh?” organized with the support of the Bangladesh Investment Development Authority (BIDA), while the second day hosted “Importance of MICE Tourism in Bangladesh” in collaboration with the Bangladesh Tourism Board (BTB).

Organizers stated that the international exhibitions would strengthen Bangladesh’s global position in the textile and apparel sector and open new opportunities for investment and event-based tourism.