BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman and Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir renewed their memberships on the first day of the party’s membership renewal campaign, held at the BNP chairperson’s Gulshan office on January 20. Tarique Rahman virtually inaugurated the program from London, renewing his membership with a 20-taka fee. Other senior leaders, including standing committee members, also renewed their memberships. Tarique emphasized the resilience of BNP leaders and activists despite political persecution and highlighted the challenges the nation has faced, including enforced disappearances and killings.

Rumors about cricketer and former MP Mashrafe Bin Mortaza’s death in a Dubai car accident are circulating widely on social media. However, the Rumor Scanner team confirmed these claims are entirely false and baseless. No credible domestic or international sources have reported on Mashrafe’s presence in Dubai or his alleged death. While he hasn’t appeared publicly since August 2024, he was expected to play for Sylhet Strikers in the BPL but is currently sidelined due to fitness issues. The death rumor holds no truth.

A UK parliamentary group has withdrawn its report criticizing Bangladesh’s interim government, citing inaccuracies and bias. Allegedly favoring ousted PM Sheikh Hasina’s administration, the report faced backlash from experts and MPs, including Rupa Huq, who called it conspiratorial. Claims of legal weaponization and Islamist empowerment were based on questionable data from a Delhi think tank. The report is now under review, and APPG will not pursue further action. Tulip Siddiq, Hasina’s niece, resigned over related controversies.

China aims to deepen ties with Bangladesh following recent political changes. Beijing has invited interim Chief Advisor Dr. Muhammad Yunus to the Boao Forum for Asia on March 27-28, celebrating 50 years of bilateral relations. A charter flight may be arranged if his Independence Day commitments in Bangladesh conflict. Foreign Affairs Advisor Md. Touhid Hossain will visit Beijing for talks on economic cooperation, healthcare projects, and the potential establishment of low-cost medical services for Bangladeshi patients.

BNP Acting Chairperson Tarique Rahman, addressing party members virtually from London, emphasized that the upcoming election will be challenging and warned against mistakes that could lead to regret. He urged leaders and activists to remain united and support the people, calling them the party’s true strength. Highlighting years of repression and sacrifices by BNP activists, he stressed resisting injustice and fulfilling public expectations. Tarique called for a renewed commitment to stand by the people and uphold their trust.

Argentina’s Ambassador to Bangladesh, Marcelo Cesa, has requested Bangladesh’s cooperation to introduce microcredit in Argentina and increase trade between the two nations. Cesa highlighted the unexplored potential in sectors like cotton, pharmaceuticals, textiles, and football. The Chief Adviser, Dr. Muhammad Yunus, supported expanding bilateral ties, noting the strong emotional connection through football. The discussion also touched on investment opportunities and energy cooperation, as well as Argentina’s appreciation for Bangladesh’s commitment to combating enforced disappearances.

The Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) has formally asked the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to remove Saima Wazed Putul, daughter of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, from her position as WHO’s Southeast Asia Regional Director. Allegations include corruption and unethical influence used to secure the role, along with misusing power to obtain a plot in Purbachal. The ACC launched an investigation on January 15 after verifying preliminary evidence. Additionally, the Bangladesh government has notified WHO of its decision to work directly with the organization due to financial and criminal cases against Putul. She was appointed as Regional Director in February 2024, but her qualifications and legitimacy for the role are under scrutiny.

In the 2009 BDR mutiny case, over 200 accused were granted bail in the explosives case by a Dhaka court. These individuals were acquitted in the murder case or faced no appeals against them. The mutiny at Pilkhana led to 74 deaths, including 57 army officers, and resulted in separate murder and explosives cases. Delays in the explosives trial have hindered the release of 468 individuals. A reinvestigation commission has been formed to revisit the case, with a 90-day deadline.

A Dhaka court has issued an arrest warrant against cricketer Shakib Al Hasan and three others over dishonored checks worth approximately 41.5 million BDT in a case filed by IFIC Bank. The checks, issued by Shakib’s Agro Farm Limited, were dishonored due to insufficient funds. Despite being summoned, Shakib and the other accused failed to appear in court, prompting the magistrate to issue the warrant. The case stems from business loans taken from the bank’s Banani branch.

Home Advisor Lt. Gen. (Retd.) Md. Jahangir Alam Chowdhury assured that Bangladesh’s borders are secure and will be defended even with blood if necessary. He criticized previous governments for neglecting border issues and emphasized the current government’s firm stance against concessions. Ongoing discussions between BSF and BGB aim to resolve recent tensions at the Chapainawabganj border. He highlighted corruption as a major challenge for national progress and warned against misuse of his name for personal gain.

At Jahangirnagar University, students detained a man in Nawab Faizunnesa Hall around 1 AM on January 18. Ashraful Alam Parvez, who entered disguised with a scarf and bindi, was taken to Arpa Khandaker Chandni’s room after attending the winter festival. Nearby students identified him, leading to his detention and eventual handover to Ashulia Police. Arpa claimed she helped him due to his lack of accommodation. Authorities plan disciplinary action against Arpa and have formed a probe committee.

Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) seized $30,000 in cash and various Indian goods worth approximately 4 million BDT during an anti-smuggling operation at the Benapole border. The operation occurred on January 19, with smugglers abandoning the money before fleeing back to India. BGB also seized Indian liquor, medicines, betel nuts, cigarettes, and cosmetics during operations at various border points, highlighting the ongoing efforts to combat smuggling and drug trafficking.

The Public Administration Reform Commission’s proposal to divide Bangladesh into four provinces—Dhaka, Chattogram, Rajshahi, and Khulna—has sparked significant criticism. Experts argue that Bangladesh’s small geographical size, shared language, and cultural unity make such divisions unnecessary and counterproductive. They caution that creating provinces could lead to administrative inefficiencies, governance overlaps, and new conflicts instead of solving existing issues. Local governance experts suggest that strengthening local governments and empowering existing administrative divisions would be a more effective and less disruptive approach. By focusing on decentralization within the current structure, the government can bring services closer to the people without the risks and complexities associated with establishing provincial frameworks.

Lt. Colonel Golam Kibria of the 59th BGB Battalion stated that the BSF violated international law by using sound grenades during a tense border situation near Chapainawabganj. The conflict arose over mango tree cutting at border pillar 177, involving citizens of both nations. BGB increased deployment and held a flag meeting with BSF, where regret was expressed. Tensions spanned 2 km, involving clashes and injuries to three Bangladeshi citizens. BGB remains vigilant to prevent further escalation.

Several hundred Indians, armed with bombs and sharp weapons, entered Bangladesh’s territory and cut down a few trees. When the Bangladeshi people tried to resist them, the BSF (Indian Border Security Force) threw sound grenades at them, and the Indians also hurled bombs. Later, under the chase of the Bangladeshis, the Indians fled. Experts have stated that this attack by Indian civilians and the BSF is a violation of international law.