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 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

The Appellate Division has temporarily lifted the High Court’s stay on the recruitment of 3,173 Junior Instructors under the Directorate of Technical Education. This allows them to join their positions despite previous allegations of question paper leaks in the 2022 recruitment exam. The High Court had suspended the process, but the government appealed. The PSC had finalized the results in November 2023, and appointment notices were issued in January 2024. The CID is still investigating the alleged ₹12.5 billion transaction linked to the leak.

Shahbagh police inspector Md. Arshad Hossain, involved in pressing a student’s face during the anti-discrimination student movement, has been sent to jail by the International Criminal Tribunal. He was one of three police officers arrested for crimes related to genocide and humanity during July-August. The incident, which went viral on social media, led to his temporary suspension on August 18 for unprofessional conduct that damaged the police’s image. The tribunal ordered his imprisonment after reviewing the prosecution’s appeal.

Home Affairs Adviser Lieutenant General (Retd.) Md. Jahangir Alam Chowdhury stated that all unequal agreements made with India during the Awami League government’s tenure will be reviewed. He made this announcement at a press conference held at the Ministry of Home Affairs on January 29. The event was centered around the border conference between the Director Generals of Bangladesh’s Border Guard (BGB) and India’s Border Security Force (BSF). The discussions aim to address existing concerns and ensure fair agreements in future bilateral relations.

Inspector General of Police (IGP) Baharul Alam announced that security has been strengthened at Bishwa Ijtema to prevent any disorder. Around 7,000 law enforcement officers and 10,000 volunteers will oversee security. The entire Ijtema ground is monitored by 335 CCTV cameras, drones, and RAB helicopters. Naval police will patrol the Turag River with speedboats, while 20 checkpoints and watchtowers will enhance surveillance. Plainclothes officers will be deployed within the grounds. Law enforcement remains on high alert to ensure a peaceful event.

Six more individuals injured in the July Revolution are being taken to Bangkok, Thailand, for advanced medical care. A flight carrying them will depart from Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport on Wednesday (January 29) at 11:20 AM. Among them, three were undergoing treatment at the Combined Military Hospital (CMH), while the other three were at Dhaka Medical College Hospital. This move follows the interim government’s previous efforts, where 22 injured individuals were sent abroad at different times for better treatment.

Government primary school teachers are protesting today, demanding the resignation of Dr. Bidhan Ranjan Roy Poddar, Advisor to the Ministry of Primary and Mass Education. His remark—“If your salary is insufficient, switch to another profession”—angered teachers. A nationwide human chain will take place at 4 PM across all upazilas. Dr. Poddar made the statement during a January 26 meeting in Chattogram, later claiming his words were distorted. Teachers argue his comments reflect a lack of respect for their profession.

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.