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.

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.

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: 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.

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.