Summary: Dhaka University (DU) Vice-Chancellor, Professor Dr. Niaz Ahmed Khan, expressed regret over the violent clash between DU and affiliated college students on January 26. He urged students to maintain peace and unity during this critical period. An urgent meeting will be held on January 27 with college principals to address student concerns. The students’ protests began after an alleged mistreatment by DU’s Pro-Vice Chancellor, Dr. Mamun Ahmed, during a meeting about their demands.

Extra police forces have been deployed in Nilkhet following clashes between Dhaka University (DU) students and students from seven affiliated government colleges. The police stationed seven platoons in the area and five more in reserve. After the violent altercation, all exams at DU and the seven colleges were postponed. The clash occurred after protesting students from the seven colleges marched to Nilkhet, where they were chased by DU students. The incident resulted in at least 40 students being injured.

Students of the seven affiliated colleges have declared an indefinite blockade in Dhaka from 9 AM to 5 PM daily, protesting police attacks and demanding justice against Dhaka University Pro-Vice Chancellor Dr. Mamun Ahmed. The unrest escalated after students alleged misconduct during a meeting to discuss their demands. Clashes erupted between seven college students and Dhaka University students near New Market, leading to injuries on both sides. Seven injured Dhaka University students have been hospitalized. Four BGB platoons have been deployed to maintain order.

Amid President Donald Trump’s global suspension of U.S. foreign aid for 90 days, assistance for Rohingya refugees in Bangladesh remains unaffected, confirmed Chief Advisor’s Press Secretary Shafiqul Alam. The government is planning an international conference on the Rohingya crisis, with 170 countries and the UN as co-host. Discussions are also underway with global leaders to recover $234 billion stolen by the previous regime. The Chief Advisor’s Davos visit marked a significant achievement for Bangladesh’s global relations and economic diplomacy despite the worldwide aid halt.

Eye specialists from Singapore will provide treatment to individuals injured in the July anti-discrimination movement in Dhaka on February 1 and 2. They will treat patients at the National Eye Science Institute and Bangladesh Eye Hospital. The specialists, including surgeons from Mount Elizabeth Hospital and Singapore National Eye Centre, will offer care for retina, cornea, neuro-ophthalmology, and oculoplastic issues. This is part of a broader effort to send severely injured patients abroad for advanced treatment.

The Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) uncovered 55,000 euros, 169,300 US dollars, 1,005 grams of gold, and FDRs worth 7 million taka from three lockers belonging to SK Sur Chowdhury, a former deputy governor of Bangladesh Bank. The operation took place on January 26, following his arrest earlier this month for failing to respond to an ACC notice. SK Sur was also linked to the PK Halder financial scandal. The seized items are now under Bangladesh Bank’s custody. Investigations are ongoing.

Interim Government Legal Adviser Asif Nazrul claimed that 80% of the police force align with Chhatra League, although they are not actively supporting the current government. Speaking at a book launch on the July uprising, he stressed unity to overcome post-revolution challenges. Nazrul urged BNP and student leaders to avoid misunderstandings, emphasizing the importance of collective efforts against those responsible for past atrocities. He highlighted the need to honor the sacrifices of July uprising martyrs to resist adversaries backed by wealth, propaganda, and international support.

A disaster was averted on Sunday near Dhirashram, Gazipur, thanks to the vigilance of railway security personnel. They detected a 20-meter section of the Dhaka-Gazipur track bent and dislodged and quickly placed a red flag to warn approaching trains. The Dhaka-Chapainawabganj-bound Bonolota Express, carrying 1,200 passengers, stopped just 40 meters from the danger zone. Their swift actions ensured all passengers were saved. Another train had crossed the damaged track earlier. After repairs, the Bonolota Express resumed its journey.

Chief Prosecutor Advocate Tazul Islam of the International Crimes Tribunal disclosed that evidence has been found proving that RAB fired from a helicopter during the anti-discrimination student protests in July-August last year. This revelation comes amid ongoing investigations, with an arrest warrant issued for former RAB DG Harun-Ur-Rashid in a murder case. Additionally, former police officials have been presented before the tribunal for their involvement in related incidents, including the burning of six bodies during the protests.

A violent clash between two Awami League factions over local dominance in Bashgari Union, Raipura, Narsingdi, left two people dead and at least 10 injured on Sunday morning. The dispute between former union chairman Ashraful Haque Sarkar and current chairman Ratul Hasan escalated into a confrontation involving spears and firearms. One victim, Alamgir Hossain, died after being taken to the hospital. Police are investigating, but the identity of one deceased and other injured persons remains unknown.

KM Shafiullah, Bir Uttam, the first Chief of Army Staff of Bangladesh and a prominent sector commander in the Liberation War, has passed away at 90. He died on January 26 while undergoing treatment in a private hospital in Dhaka. Born in 1934, he played a crucial role in the 1971 war, leading Sector 3 and later commanding the S Force. After independence, he served as army chief (1972–1975) and as an ambassador in several countries. He had been suffering from multiple health issues.

The Press Wing of the Chief Advisor dismissed the interview of fugitive Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal, published in The Indian Express, as misleading and filled with lies. Kamal, accused of genocide, falsely claimed the burning of 460 police stations and looting of 5,829 weapons, which contradicts police records. The Press Wing highlighted his baseless statements, including allegations of media control and calls for Indian intervention in Bangladesh’s judiciary, labeling them as threats to national sovereignty. It reaffirmed the interim government’s commitment to press freedom since August 2024.

Argent LNG, developing a 25 MTPA LNG facility in Louisiana, signed a non-binding agreement with Bangladesh to supply up to 5 million metric tons of LNG annually. If completed, the project could supply LNG to Bangladesh’s state-owned Petrobangla. The agreement ensures reliable energy for Bangladesh’s industries, despite its price sensitivity, as seen in its return to coal during 2022’s LNG price spikes due to the Russia-Ukraine war.

Sri Lanka has revoked a $442 million power purchase agreement with Adani Green Energy for two wind power projects following US allegations of bribery against the Indian conglomerate. The decision, marked as “Urgent & Confidential,” was finalized in early January by President Anura Kumara Dissanayake’s cabinet. Adani denies the cancellation claims, stating it’s a tariff review process. The scandal, involving $265 million in alleged bribes, has triggered global scrutiny of Adani’s projects.

In 2024, Bangladesh received the bodies of 4,813 migrant workers, marking a record number compared to 4,552 in 2023. Since 1993, a total of 56,769 bodies have been repatriated. Most deaths occur among young workers, often due to unsafe workplaces, poor living conditions, overwork, and inadequate nutrition. Between 2016 and 2022, 67.4% of repatriated bodies came from Gulf countries, primarily Saudi Arabia, UAE, and Oman. Over 16 million Bangladeshis have worked abroad since 1976, with 76.3% in Gulf nations.