A joint forces operation in Boalmari, Faridpur, led to the arrest of Mahbub Hasan (Sajib), the joint convener of the Boalmari Upazila Jubo Dal, on Wednesday night. The raid took place around 8:30 p.m. at his home in Moinedia village under Parameshwardi Union. Authorities recovered a pistol, a magazine, and two rounds of ammunition from his possession. Police confirmed that a case under the Arms Act is being processed.

According to army sources, the operation was conducted based on secret intelligence under the leadership of the Boalmari-Madhukhali Army Camp of the 15 Riverine Engineer Battalion, in coordination with local administration. The arrest was made swiftly, and the seized items were secured as evidence.

The army further stated that, following government and Election Commission directives, it is enforcing a zero-tolerance policy against drugs, extortion, and armed crime ahead of the upcoming 13th National Parliamentary Election. Citizens have been urged to assist army camps with information to curb criminal activities.

A young man named Maruful, aged 19, was killed when a Nosimon overturned after losing control in Fatehpur Union of Araihazar upazila, Narayanganj. The accident occurred around 9:30 p.m. on Wednesday near Fatehpur Government Primary School. Maruful was the son of Monir from the Gopaldi area.

According to eyewitnesses, the Nosimon lost control and overturned on the road, leaving passenger Maruful seriously injured. Local residents rescued him and took him to Araihazar Upazila Health Complex, where the on-duty doctor declared him dead after examination. Officer-in-Charge Mohammad Alauddin of Araihazar Police Station confirmed the incident.

The report did not mention the cause of the vehicle’s loss of control or whether any other passengers were injured.

Iran’s national currency, the rial, fell to a record low against the US dollar on Wednesday, January 28, 2026. In the free market, one dollar traded for 1,620,500 rials, marking the steepest decline in the country’s currency history. According to currency tracking website Bonbast, the previous day’s rate was around 1.5 million rials per dollar, meaning the rial lost about 150,000 in value within a single day.

The sharp depreciation comes amid ongoing anti-government protests that began late last month. In response to the unrest, Iran’s government shut down internet access on January 7, making it difficult to obtain reliable exchange rate data from regional markets in Istanbul, Baghdad, and along the Afghan border. Bonbast noted that the blackout has obscured the rial’s true market value.

Market instability intensified after US President Donald Trump announced that a large American naval fleet was moving toward Iran. Analysts fear possible naval blockades or attacks on Iran’s oil and gas facilities. Economists believe continued political tension, economic crisis, and international pressure could further weaken the rial.

Bangladesh’s liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) sector has plunged into severe instability over the past month, with widespread shortages, closed filling stations, and prices soaring beyond consumers’ reach. Despite steady demand growth, supply has sharply declined as several major private companies reduced or halted imports. Officials and industry insiders attribute the crisis to long-term planned decisions and the dominance of a powerful business syndicate, rather than solely to international sanctions or Middle East unrest.

According to official data, LPG demand has increased 25-fold in 15 years, but imports fell from 1.61 million tons in 2024 to 1.47 million tons in 2025. Eight large companies, many linked to the former ruling party, have cut imports over the past 18 months, creating a severe supply gap. U.S. sanctions on Iranian-linked vessels further disrupted shipping, leaving many LPG pumps closed nationwide.

Experts and industry leaders have urged the government to intervene directly in LPG trading to stabilize the market. They argue that with proper monitoring and infrastructure development, the state could regain control within six months and restore order to the energy sector.

Professor Dr. Md. Fakhrul Islam described a recent visit to Cox’s Bazar, where he observed a large plastic sculpture at Sugandha Point built to raise awareness about plastic pollution. He highlighted how plastic waste has become a growing environmental threat to the world’s longest natural sea beach, with single-use plastics from tourists and businesses accumulating in the sand and sea. The professor warned that plastic waste is breaking down into microplastics, entering the marine food chain, and ultimately affecting humans.

He noted that despite a legal ban on polythene in Bangladesh, enforcement in Cox’s Bazar remains weak. Hotels, restaurants, and beach vendors continue to use plastic due to its low cost and availability. The article calls for strict monitoring, fines, and promotion of affordable eco-friendly alternatives. It also emphasizes community-based waste management, recycling initiatives, and environmental education for children and tourists.

The professor further pointed out the problem of stray dogs and animal waste on the beach, urging authorities to take immediate measures. He concluded that protecting Cox’s Bazar requires coordinated national action to preserve its natural beauty and ecological balance.

The Bangladesh government plans to provide incentives to potato farmers after many suffered losses due to low market prices. According to the Department of Agricultural Extension, farmers have reduced potato cultivation this season compared to last year, raising concerns about lower production. Farmers are shifting to other vegetables such as eggplant, pumpkin, and bottle gourd following advice from agricultural officials. Agriculture and Home Affairs Adviser Lt. Gen. (Retd.) Md. Jahangir Alam Chowdhury confirmed that the incentive plan aims to support affected growers.

Officials said domestic potato demand is around nine million tons, but last season’s production reached over 11.5 million tons, leaving a surplus that could not be exported due to excessive pesticide and fertilizer use. Only certain varieties like Sunshine, Granola, and Diamond are being exported. Exporters noted that limited cultivation of export-quality potatoes restricts market potential despite strong global demand.

Export data from the Export Promotion Bureau show a decline in potato exports from 62,726 metric tons in 2021–22 to 32,392 metric tons in 2022–23, with export earnings dropping from over $33 million in 2013–14 to around $10 million in recent years.

Biman Bangladesh Airlines is in the final stage of negotiations with US aircraft manufacturer Boeing to purchase 14 new planes, including ten Dreamliners (787-9 and 787-10 series) and four Boeing 737 Max aircraft. The proposed deal, valued at around $3.7 billion, may be signed within the current month if both sides finalize terms. The airline has placed at least 20 conditions and sought maximum price reductions, while Boeing has prepared a revised draft agreement reflecting possible concessions.

According to Biman sources, the National Negotiation Committee—comprising secretaries from key ministries and the airline’s board chairman—is leading the talks. The government and Biman’s board have already given policy approval for the purchase. Boeing has shown willingness to adjust prices and payment terms, and both parties are working to finalize details such as advance payments, delivery schedules, and training provisions.

If signed this month, the aircraft deliveries will continue through 2035. Biman expects the new planes to expand its international operations and address current fleet shortages that limit route frequency and new route launches.

The prosecution has formally filed charges against former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and seven others in connection with the 2016 Kalyanpur 'Jahazbari' incident in Dhaka, where nine people were allegedly killed in a staged militant operation. The charges were submitted to the International Crimes Tribunal at 11 a.m. on Thursday.

According to the prosecution, the accused include former Home Minister Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal, former Inspector General of Police A.K.M. Shahidul Hoque, former Dhaka Metropolitan Police Commissioner Asaduzzaman, and former Special Branch Chief Monirul Islam. The case centers on allegations that the 2016 operation was orchestrated as a fabricated militant drama leading to multiple deaths.

The tribunal proceedings mark a significant legal development involving several high-profile former government and law enforcement officials, though further details on the next steps in the case were not provided in the report.

Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) arrested 52 individuals in the capital within the last 24 hours under Operation Devil Hunt Phase-2. The information was confirmed on Wednesday by DMP Deputy Commissioner (Media) Muhammad Talebur Rahman. The arrests were made during coordinated drives across multiple police stations in Dhaka.

According to the DMP, the operation involved police from Kotwali, Demra, Mohammadpur, Tejgaon, Hazaribagh, Badda, Paltan, Adabar, Bangshal, Chawkbazar, Kalabagan, Jatrabari, Rampura, Gendaria, Darus Salam, Shilpanchal, Shahbagh, Wari, and Uttara West stations. Among those arrested, Hazaribagh police detained 12 people, Mohammadpur six, Jatrabari eight, and Shahbagh five, while other stations reported smaller numbers. All detainees have been sent to court.

The operation is part of an ongoing citywide effort by DMP to conduct targeted raids under the second phase of Operation Devil Hunt, focusing on maintaining law and order in Dhaka.

Six farmers abducted at gunpoint from a hilly area near Ward 6 of Minabazar in Hwaikyang Union, Teknaf, Cox’s Bazar, have not yet been rescued. The abduction occurred on Tuesday morning, January 27, 2026, when the victims were heading to their fields. Acting chairman of Hwaikyang Model Union Parishad, Md. Shah Jalal, confirmed that armed men took the farmers deep into the hills, sparking fear among locals. Law enforcement agencies have been urged to take immediate action to rescue the victims.

The abducted farmers were identified as Md. Jamir (62), Shafi Alam (13), Mohammad Alam alias Mahat Alam (18), Zahid Hossain alias Munna (30), Mojaher (60), and Mostak (12). Local residents believe that armed kidnapping groups have become more active amid the ongoing election period, taking advantage of administrative preoccupation. They called for stronger surveillance and intervention to curb such incidents.

Hwaikyang Police Outpost in-charge SI Khokon Kanti Rudra confirmed receiving a complaint from the victims’ families, while Teknaf Police Station Officer-in-Charge Md. Saiful Islam said a police team was dispatched immediately and rescue operations are ongoing.

In Cumilla’s Chauddagram upazila, a poor farmer named Siraj Mia has been forced to pull a wooden plow himself due to financial hardship. Unable to afford cattle or rent a tractor, he was seen leveling muddy farmland in Durgapur village during the ongoing Boro rice planting season. Despite being a genuine farmer, Siraj said he has not received any government incentives, farmer cards, or free seeds and fertilizers. He expressed frustration that his information was collected during floods, yet no assistance followed.

Other poor farmers in the area echoed similar grievances, alleging that real farmers are often excluded from government support programs. They claimed that seasonal or politically connected individuals receive benefits instead. Rising agricultural costs have made it increasingly difficult for low-income farmers to manage cultivation expenses.

Chauddagram Upazila Agriculture Officer Jubayer Ahmed stated that authorities are aware of Siraj Mia’s situation and will inspect the case in person to ensure necessary government assistance is provided.

A child named Muhammad Mezbah died after falling into a deep tube well pit in Raozan, Chattogram. The incident occurred near government-built houses for the homeless, where a deep tube well had been installed to supply safe drinking water. Mezbah was rescued from the pit around 8:10 p.m. on Wednesday but was found dead.

According to local residents, the pit had been dug on hilly land to reach a water source but had remained in an unsafe condition for a long time. They alleged that the lack of safety measures led to the accident. Witnesses said they heard the child crying after he fell but could not rescue him because of the depth of the pit, and he eventually sank further down.

The report highlights local concerns about the safety of government-initiated infrastructure projects and the need for proper maintenance to prevent similar tragedies.

A four-year-old boy named Muhammad Mezbah was rescued after being trapped for four hours in a deep tube well pit in Raozan upazila of Chattogram. The incident occurred around 4:30 p.m. on Wednesday in Joynagar village of Kadolpur Union. Fire service and police teams conducted the rescue operation, and the child was pulled out at 8:10 p.m. It was not immediately confirmed whether the boy was alive at the time of recovery.

According to local residents, the pit had been dug for a government-installed deep tube well near houses built for homeless families. The area’s hilly terrain required deep excavation for water, but the pit reportedly remained unsecured for a long time. While playing, Mezbah accidentally fell into it. Witnesses said they initially heard the child crying but could not reach him due to the depth.

Officials from the Raozan Fire Service and police confirmed that rescue efforts continued until the child was recovered. Mezbah is the younger of two children of day laborer Saiful Alam.

A devastating landslide in Indonesia’s West Java province has killed at least 50 people, with 32 others still missing as of Wednesday, according to local media reports. Rescue teams continue to search for survivors despite adverse weather and difficult terrain. Heavy machinery and tracking devices are being used to locate those trapped under mud and debris.

Authorities reported earlier in the day that 48 people had been confirmed dead and 32 remained missing, citing the state news agency Antara. The disaster has displaced at least 685 residents, who have been moved to safer areas. The landslide struck a village in West Bandung Regency on Saturday, burying numerous homes.

Separately, Indonesia’s Navy Chief of Staff Muhammad Ali said that 23 naval personnel were caught in the landslide during a training exercise in the same area. Four of them have been confirmed dead, while 19 remain missing. Rescue operations are ongoing despite the challenging conditions.

A team from the Detective Branch (DB) police detained eight young men from a flat in the Ghop Boubazar area of Jashore town and took them to Dhaka. The operation took place on Tuesday afternoon in a three-storey building named 'Amar Bari'. Local residents said plainclothes law enforcement officers had been seen in the area since morning, and the joint operation by DB and Jashore police began around 3 p.m. The identities of the detainees and the reasons for their arrest remain unknown.

According to the building’s caretaker, police conducted a lengthy search in a second-floor flat before detaining the eight individuals. The building owner, Nazim Uddin from Dhaka, said the group had rented the flat about six months earlier, identifying themselves as freelancers who had set up an office there. He claimed not to know their names or further details. Jashore Kotwali Police Inspector (Investigation) Kazi Babul confirmed that a special DB team from headquarters led the operation, with local police providing assistance.

Police officials stated that the purpose of the arrests was not disclosed to Jashore police, describing the event as a special operation.