A threatening message, “Coordinator, prepare for death. Joy Bangla, Joy Bangabandhu,” was found on the wall of activist Fardin Rahman’s house in Charghat, Rajshahi. Fardin, a key organizer of the Anti-Discrimination Student Movement, filed a police complaint. His family, already shaken by his previous arrest during a 2023 protest, is now living in fear. Police are investigating the incident, with Fardin expressing concerns for his parents’ safety, who often stay home alone.

An investigation by Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University (BSMU) identified 144 teachers, doctors, nurses, and staff involved in violent acts during anti-discrimination protests on August 4, 2023. Accusations include assaulting students, arson, and attempted murder. Of these, 16 were suspended for attempting to kill a student, and 23 were identified as masterminds. A case has been filed, and disciplinary actions are being pursued by both the university and law enforcement authorities.

A viral claim circulated on social media that the Bangladesh Army had seized the passports of 45 individuals, including Sarjis Alam, who were allegedly preparing to travel to Europe illegally. However, this was debunked by the fact-checking organization Rumor Scanner, which confirmed that the information was fabricated. The army confirmed that the claim was false, and no mainstream media or official reports supported the story. The rumor originated from a blog website and spread through social media.

BNP leader Lutfuzzaman Babar has been acquitted of a life sentence in the 10-truck arms smuggling case, with no obstacles remaining for his release on January 16. The High Court also acquitted four others and reduced sentences for five, including ULFA commander Paresh Barua. In total, five defendants were sentenced, five acquitted, and four were exonerated due to death. The case, involving former high-ranking officials, revolved around arms smuggling and illegal arms possession.

The Appellate Division acquitted BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia, acting Chairman Tarique Rahman, and all other accused in the Zia Orphanage Trust corruption case. The court overturned previous High Court and lower court verdicts, stating the trial stemmed from political vengeance. Khaleda had been sentenced to 10 years in prison in 2018, serving over two years. The Anti-Corruption Commission found no evidence of corruption. Defense lawyers hailed the verdict, calling the earlier trial a mockery of justice.

Motiur Rahman, ex-NBR official, and his wife Laila Kaniz were arrested in Dhaka over allegations of amassing illegal wealth. Their involvement in the “Goat Incident,” where their son’s extravagant Qurbani goat purchase sparked public outrage, led to scrutiny. The Anti-Corruption Commission found evidence of undeclared assets, including land, flats, resorts, and industrial establishments worth 1.24 billion BDT. Their bank accounts were frozen, and travel bans were imposed. They submitted wealth statements following ACC notices but remain under investigation.

A Dhaka court has ordered the seizure of 200 crore taka in assets and the freezing of 87 bank accounts of S Alam and his family members over allegations of laundering one billion dollars to Singapore. The assets include buildings and plots in Dhaka and Chittagong, and large sums deposited in Union Bank and Global Islami Bank accounts. The move follows an earlier travel ban imposed on the family members in October.

Hasnat Abdullah, convener of the Anti-Discrimination Student Movement, stated that young people will oppose anyone supporting fascism, including media outlets. Speaking at Narayanganj Shaheed Minar, he emphasized youth inclusion in all agendas and demanded legal action against Awami League leaders. Abdullah criticized the party’s politics of criminalization and vengeance, blaming them for disillusioning the youth. Alongside Samantha Sharmin, he led public campaigns and rallies in Narayanganj, advocating the July Revolution manifesto and urging accountability for past injustices.

The interim government is forming the “July Mass Uprising Directorate” to provide financial aid and rehabilitation for families of those killed and injured during the July-August 2024 protests. Eligible individuals will receive allowances and job opportunities based on defined criteria. The directorate’s policy draft includes categorization of injuries for aid distribution and committee formation for implementation. Pending approvals from relevant ministries, activities will commence soon. Additionally, the initiative faces mixed reactions over overlooked organizational upgrades.

Jahangirnagar University Vice-Chancellor Dr. Kamrul Ahsan met Chief Advisor Dr. Muhammad Yunus to discuss plans for the long-awaited JAKSU election. The roadmap has been unveiled, with the schedule set to be announced on February 1. The Chief Advisor encouraged holding the election, inactive since 1992, under university leadership. Dr. Ahsan highlighted recent progress at the university and provided updates on the July uprising case, including the allocation of 3.7 million BDT for treatment of the injured.

The Public Administration Reform Commission proposes reducing 26 civil service cadres to six, replacing “cadre” with “officer,” and extending the retirement age. A permanent pay commission may adjust salaries monthly based on inflation. Recommendations include renaming Deputy Commissioners as District Magistrates, enhancing service accountability, and curbing harassment in public service sectors. These changes aim to address inter-cadre conflicts, streamline operations, and improve public perception of civil services. The commission’s final report faces delays but is due soon.

A dispute over leaflet distribution led to a clash between the National Citizens’ Committee and the Anti-Discrimination Student Movement in Pirojpur’s Town Club grounds. Both groups were distributing leaflets regarding the “July Revolution Declaration.” The rivalry stems from prior internal conflicts within the Anti-Discrimination Student Movement, which split into two factions. Allegations of exclusion, disruption, and organizational manipulation have intensified tensions. Police intervened to restore order after verbal altercations escalated into physical confrontations.

Dr. Muhammad Yunus, Bangladesh’s interim Chief Advisor, has urged an investigation into UK Anti-Corruption Minister Tulip Siddiq’s London properties, alleging they may stem from corruption during the ousted Awami League government. Tulip, granddaughter of Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, denies any wrongdoing. Reports link her to properties owned by offshore entities tied to Bangladeshi businessmen. Yunus criticized such practices as “plain robbery” and called for accountability. Meanwhile, UK authorities are monitoring the situation, with growing pressure on Siddiq to address the claims.

Dr. Bidhan Ranjan Roy Poddar, Advisor to the Ministry of Primary and Mass Education, stated that teachers engaging in politics will face action as per regulations. Speaking at NAPE, Mymensingh, he highlighted the government’s efforts to enhance education quality through curriculum and exam reforms. He stressed the importance of holistic child development, including sports and cultural activities. Dr. Poddar also addressed delays in book distribution and efforts to register private educational institutions to reduce costs.

Shafiqul Alam, the Press Secretary of the Chief Adviser, confirmed that all students will receive their new textbooks by February. He compared the current administration’s effort with the previous government’s practice of a one-day textbook festival, which did not result in timely distribution. Alam added that textbooks in past years were sometimes distributed as late as July, and the interim government is working swiftly with stakeholders, including paper manufacturers, to ensure prompt delivery.