Following a 10-day-long protest by teachers, the government has announced a plan to gradually nationalize all independent Ebtedayee madrasas. Initially, 1,519 grant-supported madrasas will be included under the MPO scheme starting in 2025. The Ministry of Education has accepted the teachers’ six-point demands in principle and expressed regret over police actions during the protests. Teachers have suspended their movement until June 30, warning of further action if demands are not met. This decision marks significant progress for the Ebtedayee education sector.

A violent clash erupted in Rupganj’s Sawghat area over a dispute regarding a warehouse. Supporters of Selim Pradhan and Mujibur Rahman, backed by Chhatra Dal and Swechchhasebak Dal factions, respectively, engaged in gunfire and vandalism, leaving 20 injured, including two gunshot victims. Several motorcycles and vehicles were set ablaze. Police and local authorities inspected the site, but no arrests or formal complaints have been made yet. Officials plan to seek a court ruling to resolve the warehouse ownership conflict.

Protesting students of the seven affiliated colleges have added five new demands, including publishing a university framework within 15 days and starting operations through a presidential ordinance within a month. They also demand ongoing exams to continue as scheduled and the inclusion of current students in the new university upon its launch. Additionally, they call for a discussion involving all stakeholders within two days to resolve the crisis. The students warned of announcing new programs if their six previously declared demands remain unfulfilled within 24 hours.

BNP’s Acting Chairman, Tarique Rahman, stated that betraying the people’s trust will lead to consequences, referencing August 5 as a warning. Speaking at a workshop in Khulna, he urged BNP leaders to prioritize public interest and deliver the party’s 31-point plan to every household. He emphasized unity beyond religion or caste, advocating equal rights for all Bangladeshis. Tarique promised reforms to constitutional structures and initiatives for economic prosperity if BNP comes to power, warning against political discrimination and the damages caused by autocratic regimes.

Education Adviser Professor Wahiduddin Mahmud revealed that a new independent university will be established for the seven colleges currently affiliated with Dhaka University, following years of complications. The process will take time, as creating a university involves constitutional work, teacher recruitment, legal and financial considerations, and state-level accreditation. The authorities have decided to admit students separately from the next session. Opinions from current students will be gathered to finalize the admission process for the 2024-25 academic year.

A deadly clash between Bangladeshi and Indian farmers occurred on January 26 at the Moulvibazar-Tripura border. The conflict, which began over a crop dispute, escalated into violence, leading to the death of a Bangladeshi farmer, Ahad Ali, from Kulaura. Despite two Indian farmers also being injured, the fatality was on the Bangladeshi side. The incident, linked to land disputes, has raised tensions and prompted complaints to both countries’ border forces.

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.

In Kaliganj, Satkhira, clashes between two factions of the BNP over union committee formation led to tensions and violence, including brick-throwing and baton charges. The district administration imposed Section 144 to control the situation. One faction, led by Sheikh Ibadul Islam, held a rally, which was countered by another faction led by Sheikh Nuruzzaman and Jahangir Alam. The conflict arose from accusations of including pro-Awami League members in the committees, resulting in protests and a chaotic scene.

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.

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen has expressed readiness to continue current cooperation with Bangladesh while exploring ways to enhance the partnership. She emphasized the possibility of a cooperation agreement to deepen ties. In a recent letter to Bangladesh’s Chief Advisor, Ursula highlighted the EU’s interest in discussing specific needs with stakeholders and considering additional support that aligns with ongoing initiatives. The move aims to bolster the existing collaboration and explore new opportunities for mutual growth.

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.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi sent New Year greetings to Professor Muhammad Yunus, Chief Adviser of Bangladesh’s interim government. On January 27, Deputy Press Secretary Abul Kalam Azad Mojumder confirmed the news, stating that Modi sent a signed card with a New Year message. Professor Yunus has been serving as Chief Adviser since August 8 last year, following the fall of the Sheikh Hasina-led government amid student protests on August 5. Modi’s gesture highlights diplomatic goodwill between the two nations.

BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir held a meeting with Char Monai Pir and Islami Andolon leader Syed Rezaul Karim at Islami Andolon’s central office in Purana Paltan. Senior leaders of Islami Andolon also attended. The meeting follows efforts to unite Islamic parties, including Jamaat, ahead of the upcoming national election. Char Monai Pir recently emphasized forming a unified voting bloc for Islam. Analysts view BNP’s engagement with Islamic parties as a strategic move to strengthen alliances before the election.