India’s special security forces have confirmed the deaths of eight Maoist rebels during an operation in central India. The clash occurred early Saturday morning in the forests of Chhattisgarh. Over the past decade, the insurgency has claimed 10,000 lives, including 287 deaths this year alone. Maoist rebels claim to be fighting for marginalized indigenous communities. Last year, Indian Home Minister Amit Shah declared that the insurgency would be completely crushed by 2026.

According to the 2022 Labor Force Survey by the Bangladesh Bureau of Statistics, 28 out of every 100 highly educated individuals are unemployed. The report highlights that labor force growth has been at 2% per year for the last decade, while GDP growth has remained between 5-7%. Despite the rise in graduate rates from 3.2-3.5% in the early 2000s to 9% in the last decade, employment opportunities have not increased proportionally. Lack of necessary skills is also a contributing factor to this high unemployment rate.

Cultural advisor Mustafa Sarwar Farooki has dismissed the police’s statement—that the Bangla Academy should be allowed to review books before printing—as a personal opinion rather than an official government stance. He called the remark “ridiculous” and reiterated that the government believes in freedom of expression, even if he himself is criticized. Farooki mentioned that in the past government, there were complications in the award nomination process due to a fellow awardee being nominated. During the inauguration ceremony of the 36th National Poetry Festival, he announced that a reform committee would be formed to investigate corruption in the Bangla Academy and restructure it.

Under the court’s directive, the bodies of three martyrs killed in the anti-discrimination student movement in Savar have been exhumed under the leadership of Executive Magistrate and Ashulia Assistant Commissioner Sadia Akhter.

Ashraful Islam’s body was exhumed from the Pabnartek neighborhood cemetery in Ashulia, Jahidul Islam Sagar’s body from the Charalpara neighborhood cemetery, and another individual, Abul Hossain’s body, from a local cemetery in the Ambagan area of Ashulia.

The Asian Development Bank (ADB) has agreed to provide up to $1 billion in budget support to Bangladesh by June, subject to banking sector reforms, including reducing private bank directors and their tenure. ADB may also offer $300–$500 million for climate change initiatives if Bangladesh meets 16 conditions, such as implementing a national strategy and transport master plan. Other requirements include AI-based early warning systems for farmers and improved waste management. Economic Adviser Salehuddin Ahmed emphasized that Bangladesh will accept only low-interest loans.

The Amar Ekushey Book Fair 2025 was inaugurated by Chief Adviser Dr. Muhammad Yunus at the Bangla Academy premises on February 1 at 4 PM. This year’s theme is “July Mass Uprising: Building a New Bangladesh.” The event began with the national anthem, followed by speeches from Abul Kasem Fazlul Haq, President of Bangla Academy, and Professor Mohammad Azam, Director General of Bangla Academy. Cultural Affairs Adviser Mostofa Sarwar Farooki also addressed the audience. The fair aims to celebrate literature and national history.

Ferry services on the Daulatdia-Paturia route resumed after nearly 11 hours of suspension due to dense fog. The fog, which started around midnight on Friday, reduced visibility, causing safety concerns and halting operations. As visibility improved around 10:45 AM on Saturday, ferry services resumed, with 15 ferries operating to transport vehicles and passengers. Priority is being given to emergency services, including ambulances and buses. The disruption caused significant delays, with vehicles waiting up to 2 kilometers on the highway.

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.

Former State Minister for Home Affairs and BNP leader Lutfozzaman Babar fell seriously ill due to breathing difficulties while flying to Madinah for Umrah. After an emergency landing in Dubai, he was taken to a clinic and later admitted to a hospital. His eldest son is with him. His family, who had traveled separately, learned of his condition upon reaching Madinah. Recently released from prison after 17 years, Babar was also hospitalized earlier this month for chest pain. His family has requested prayers for his recovery.

A massive fire broke out at Chaktai, Chittagong’s major wholesale market, destroying a sawmill, two warehouses, and seven businesses. The fire, which started around 6 AM on January 31, took three hours to extinguish due to the lack of a nearby water source. The total damage is estimated at 2.5 million Taka. Authorities suspect the fire was caused by an electrical short circuit. Thankfully, no casualties were reported, as the market was closed for the holiday.

U.S. President Donald Trump is set to impose a 25% tariff on Mexico and Canada starting February 1. This follows his earlier warning related to undocumented immigration, trade fraud, and fentanyl trafficking. Trump also mentioned plans to impose a 10% tariff on Chinese goods but did not elaborate. Despite not signing the tariff order earlier, he confirmed the move after his swearing-in. The tariffs will remain in place until these countries take action against illegal immigration and drug trafficking.

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.

In separate clashes in North Waziristan, Pakistan’s security forces engaged terrorists, resulting in 17 deaths, including four security personnel and 13 terrorists. During an operation in Mir Ali, Major Hamza Israr, 29, and Sepoy Muhammad Naeem, 26, were killed. Additional fighting in another area led to the deaths of two more security officers and seven terrorists. These attacks mark an increase in violence targeting security forces, with 2024 being the deadliest year in the last decade, according to reports.

A violent clash over sand extraction in the Meghna River near Munshiganj’s Kalirchar led to a gunfight between the Kibariya-Kana Jahir group and the river police, leaving two dead and 11 injured. The deceased, Rifat (26) and Rasel Fakir (28), were shot when locals resisted illegal dredging. Armed members of Kibariya’s group and police allegedly opened fire. The critically injured Ayub Ali (35) was sent to Dhaka for treatment. Authorities confirmed the deaths and ongoing investigation into the incident.

The first phase of the 58th World Ijtema is underway in Tongi, Gazipur, with hundreds of thousands of devotees gathering for prayers. To accommodate them, Bangladesh Railway has announced special ‘Jumu’ah Special’ trains on January 31. The first train will depart from Dhaka at 9:30 AM and reach Tongi at 10:15 AM. The return train will leave Tongi at 3:00 PM and arrive in Dhaka at 3:45 PM. The Ijtema will be held in two phases, with participants from different districts attending each.