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.

The first phase of the 58th Bishwa Ijtema has started on the banks of the Turag River in Tongi, Gazipur. The event began after Maghrib prayers on January 30 with a sermon by Indian scholar Maulana Ibrahim Dewla. Hundreds of thousands of worshippers have gathered, with the grand Jummah prayer scheduled for January 31, led by Maulana Muhammad Zubair. The Ijtema will be held in two phases, with 41 districts participating in the first and 22 districts in the second. Strict security measures are in place.

Sajjad Sharif, a jury member of the Bangla Academy Literary Award, resigned citing moral reasons after the institution’s integrity was compromised. Earlier, another jury member, Morshed Shafiul Hasan, stepped down. The controversy began when cultural adviser Mustafa Sarwar Faruqi criticized the absence of female writers in the award list, leading to the suspension of the awards. A new list of awardees was announced on January 29, and the awards will be presented on February 1 at the Amar Ekushey Book Fair.

The crescent moon of Shaban 1446 Hijri was not sighted in Bangladesh on January 30. As a result, the month of Shaban will begin on February 1, and Shab-e-Barat will be observed on the night of February 14. This decision was made during a meeting of the National Moon Sighting Committee at Baitul Mukarram Mosque. The committee reviewed reports from various authorities, confirming the absence of moon sightings. Hence, Rajab will complete 30 days, and Shaban will start accordingly.

A Dhaka court sentenced former Awami League MP Mizanur Rahman to eight years in prison for acquiring wealth beyond known sources. However, as the sentences will run concurrently, he will serve a maximum of five years. The court also ordered the confiscation of Tk 14.45 million. Mizanur was arrested after his bail was revoked. His lawyer claims the case was politically motivated and vows to appeal. The Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) filed the case in 2019, and the court recorded testimony from 11 witnesses.

US President Donald Trump has launched a “deferred resignation” program, offering up to 2 million federal employees eight months of pay if they resign by September. The plan aims to significantly shrink the government and enforce strict in-office work policies. Critics, including labor unions and Democratic lawmakers, warn of disruption and legal challenges. The White House calls it a generous offer but hints at future layoffs. This move is part of Trump’s broader agenda to cut government spending and regulations.