Bangladesh Railway’s running staff have called off their strike after assurances that their demands will be met. Train services resumed early Wednesday, with the Sagordari Express departing Rajshahi for Khulna at 6:10 AM. A railway ministry official confirmed that normal operations are restoring, leading to the withdrawal of temporary BRTC bus services. Running staff leader Saidur Rahman stated that an official notification regarding their demands would be issued by Wednesday. The decision followed a late-night meeting with the Road and Railways Advisor.

Bangladesh Railway’s running staff called off their strike after receiving assurances regarding their demand to include the running allowance in pensions and gratuity. Train operations, halted since Monday midnight, resumed early Wednesday. Despite resumption, delays persisted due to technical issues, with some trains leaving up to two and a half hours late. Many passengers were unaware of the strike’s withdrawal, resulting in empty seats. Officials expect normalcy within a few days. Passengers expressed relief as services gradually returned to schedule.

Biman Bangladesh Airlines has upgraded its Ground Support Equipment (GSE) to boost efficiency at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport’s third terminal. Newly added equipment includes seven air conditioning units, two air start units, and nine belt loaders, with more equipment like ambulifts and baggage carts arriving soon. These additions will improve passenger comfort, speed up baggage handling, and ensure timely flight operations. The initiative is part of a broader effort to enhance ground handling capabilities, marking a major step forward in Biman’s operational readiness.

Following a 10-day-long protest by teachers, the government has announced a plan to gradually nationalize all independent Ebtedayee madrasas. Initially, 1,519 grant-supported madrasas will be included under the MPO scheme starting in 2025. The Ministry of Education has accepted the teachers’ six-point demands in principle and expressed regret over police actions during the protests. Teachers have suspended their movement until June 30, warning of further action if demands are not met. This decision marks significant progress for the Ebtedayee education sector.

Education Adviser Professor Wahiduddin Mahmud revealed that a new independent university will be established for the seven colleges currently affiliated with Dhaka University, following years of complications. The process will take time, as creating a university involves constitutional work, teacher recruitment, legal and financial considerations, and state-level accreditation. The authorities have decided to admit students separately from the next session. Opinions from current students will be gathered to finalize the admission process for the 2024-25 academic year.

Japan has agreed to provide Bangladesh with five patrol vessels for coastal area surveillance. The decision was shared by Japan’s Ambassador to Bangladesh, Saida Shinichi, during a meeting with Foreign Affairs Adviser Md. Touhid Hossain. Japan will also supply air pollution monitoring equipment and is prepared to sign an agreement with Bangladesh. Both nations discussed cooperation on the ongoing Economic Partnership Agreement, as well as Japan’s support for Bangladesh in managing the Rohingya crisis.

Amid disruptions in rail services caused by a strike by railway running staff, the Bangladesh Road Transport Corporation (BRTC) has introduced an alternative bus service on key rail routes. Passengers can use their valid train tickets to travel on these buses. The service covers routes like Dhaka to Chattogram, Rajshahi, Sylhet, Khulna, Cumilla, Bogura, and Mymensingh. This alternative arrangement will continue until further notice. Bangladesh Railways also assures refunds for tickets of canceled trains.

Train operations across Bangladesh have been suspended due to a work stoppage by Bangladesh Railways’ running staff. Despite fulfilling most of their demands, the staff refused to withdraw their planned strike, causing disruptions starting January 28. Passengers with canceled train journeys will receive refunds for pre-purchased tickets, as confirmed by the Ministry of Railways. Advisor Muhammad Fawzul Kabir Khan will visit Kamalapur Railway Station to assess the situation. The strike began at midnight on January 27, halting all scheduled train departures from originating stations.

Independent Ibtidai Madrasa teachers have been protesting for 10 consecutive days in Dhaka, demanding nationalization of their schools. Despite enduring harsh conditions and police violence, including baton charges and water cannons, the teachers remain resolute. They have issued a 24-hour ultimatum, warning that if their demand is not met, they will surround the Ministry of Home Affairs. The teachers vow to continue their protest until their demand for nationalization is fulfilled, even at the cost of enduring hunger.

Running staff across Bangladesh Railways have gone on strike from midnight Monday, suspending train operations nationwide. Despite appeals and meetings with senior officials, they demand reinstatement of allowances linked to pensions, a benefit they’ve received since 1860. The Finance Ministry deemed the practice illegal in 2021, sparking unrest. With 75,000 intercity seats sold and 300,000 daily train passengers, severe disruptions are expected. Workers demand resolution, citing exhaustion from extended hours due to manpower shortages, while the Railway Ministry struggles to resolve the impasse.

Out of 18,000 Bangladeshi workers who couldn’t travel to Malaysia last year, 7,964 have been initially approved for entry. A Joint Technical Group was formed involving the Malaysian Immigration Department and the Bangladesh High Commission to address the issue. The group held two meetings, verifying information and finalizing the list. Malaysia reopened its labor market in August 2022, and nearly 475,000 workers traveled by May 2024. However, over 18,000 workers faced delays due to ticketing issues, which are now being resolved in phases.

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.

Sub-Inspector Chanchal Chandra Sarkar (BP No. 8605098699), accused of shooting at a student hanging from a building cornice during the July student movement in Rampura, Dhaka, has been arrested in Dighinala, Khagrachari. The arrest was conducted by a special police unit from Dhaka, led by Assistant Attorney General Tanvir Hasan Zohar. Although Chanchal was present at the scene, he denied firing the shot. Following his arrest, he was taken to Dhaka under police custody. Chanchal had joined Dighinala Police Station from DMP on November 7.

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.