An article by Zakaria Al Hossain, published on January 9, 2026, in *Amar Desh*, explores the life and ideals of Shaheed Sharif Osman Hadi, portraying him as a symbol of moral courage and Islamic cultural consciousness in Bangladesh. The piece describes Hadi as a man who viewed his life as a moral duty to uphold truth, justice, and faith, rather than a personal pursuit. His martyrdom is presented as a living interpretation of Islamic values rooted in justice, sacrifice, and human dignity.

The author argues that Islamic culture cannot be confined to rituals, music, or literature alone but represents a complete moral and social system guided by divine principles. Hadi’s life is cited as an example of resistance against injustice and moral decay, embodying the ethical backbone of Islamic culture. The article also warns against modern cultural and mental colonialism that threatens to marginalize Islamic ethics and identity.

It concludes by urging Bangladesh, as a Muslim-majority nation, to transform Islamic values into a living cultural force and to honor Hadi’s legacy by embedding moral courage and justice into national life.

Bangladesh’s interim government has expressed concern over the lack of political engagement surrounding the upcoming referendum on state reforms, scheduled for February 12 alongside the 13th parliamentary election. While parties have begun election campaigns, officials note that most remain inactive or unclear about their stance on the referendum, which seeks public approval for constitutional changes under the July National Charter. The government views this silence as a worrying sign for the country’s democratic direction.

The referendum will ask voters to approve or reject four key reform areas, including a new caretaker government system, a bicameral parliament, term limits for the prime minister, and expanded judicial independence. Senior advisers and analysts have urged political parties to unite and campaign for a “yes” vote, warning that failure could undermine the goals of the July uprising that ended authoritarian rule. Some parties, including the BNP and Jamaat-e-Islami, have pledged eventual support for the “yes” campaign, though most remain focused on election preparations.

Government officials have called on the Election Commission and religious institutions to intensify public awareness efforts, aiming for high voter turnout and broad endorsement of the reform agenda.

Returning officers have canceled the nomination papers of several candidates from the BNP, Jamaat-e-Islami, and other political parties due to various irregularities and legal complications. The decisions came after a four-day verification process of the 469 nomination applications submitted to the Election Commission as of Thursday.

Among the BNP candidates, S. Ayub from Jessore was disqualified for loan default, Mohammad Fahim from Sherpur-2 for dual Australian citizenship, and Dr. Mahbubur Rahman Liton from Mymensingh-7 for concealing case information in his affidavit. Independent candidate Syed A.K. Ekramuzzaman appealed against BNP’s M.A. Hannan in Brahmanbaria-1. Jamaat’s Abdul Haque from Dhaka-2 was disqualified for loan default, while Yusuf Sohel from Comilla-3 and A.K.M. Fazlul Haque from Chittagong-9 lost eligibility over incomplete affidavits and dual citizenship issues.

Officials stated that all decisions were made in accordance with election laws and regulations. The final list of valid candidates will be published after the disposal of appeals.

The Bangladesh government has initiated steps to dissolve the University Grants Commission (UGC) and establish a new Higher Education Commission under a draft ordinance titled the Bangladesh Higher Education Commission Ordinance, 2025. The Ministry of Education has sought stakeholder feedback within 30 working days from December 10, 2025, before finalizing the proposal. The draft outlines that the new commission will be a statutory body with expanded authority, legal personality, and the ability to operate independently from ministerial bureaucracy.

According to the draft, the commission will consist of a chairman, eight commissioners, and ten part-time members, with the chairman holding a rank equivalent to a cabinet minister. The initiative, developed by a nine-member UGC team led by Professor Mohammad Tanzimuddin Khan, aims to free higher education from bureaucratic constraints and enhance institutional autonomy. Educationists have expressed mixed reactions, praising the government’s intent but warning that excessive centralization could threaten university autonomy and academic freedom.

Stakeholders have urged that the final version be shaped through broad consultation and implemented transparently to strengthen higher education governance rather than deepen bureaucratic control.

The Gonodhikar Parishad (GOP) has temporarily relieved its office secretary, Shakil Uzzaman, of his duties following allegations that he released a press statement in the party’s name without approval from the party president and general secretary. The announcement was made on Thursday through a press release signed by the party’s acting general secretary, Hasan Al Mamun.

According to the statement, Uzzaman’s unauthorized press release allegedly caused public confusion and violated organizational discipline. The party leadership cited these actions as grounds for his temporary suspension. The notice also directed Uzzaman to submit a written explanation within five days explaining why he should not be permanently expelled from the party.

The decision highlights the party’s emphasis on maintaining internal discipline and centralized communication, as unauthorized statements have been deemed disruptive to organizational order.

Mujibur Rahman Manju, chairman of the Amar Bangladesh (AB) Party and candidate for the Feni-2 parliamentary seat, expressed doubts about whether the upcoming national election will be fair. Speaking as the chief guest at an event at the Feni Press Club on Thursday afternoon, he said there remains public skepticism about the election’s integrity because the administration is not functioning properly and lacks discipline. He urged the government to ensure that the local administration remains neutral and that the election in Feni is conducted fairly.

Manju stated that the struggle for power is a normal part of democracy but called for an end to divisive and defamatory politics. He emphasized the need for intellectual and policy-based debate, urging political actors to abandon old political practices. He also commented that both the BNP and Jamaat have long suffered under oppressive conditions and are now engaged in mutual blame, which he described as unfortunate.

The event was presided over by senior journalist Mir Hossain Miru and attended by local BNP and Jamaat leaders as special guests.

Two people were killed and at least twelve others injured when a passenger bus overturned on the Dhaka–Chattogram highway in Chandina upazila of Cumilla on Thursday night. The accident occurred around 10:45 p.m. in the Doranipara area on the Chattogram-bound lane. The bus involved was identified as a Star Line Paribahan vehicle bearing registration number Dhaka Metro-B 14-6273.

According to eyewitnesses and police, the Chattogram-bound bus lost control and overturned on the roadside, killing two passengers on the spot. The injured were rescued and taken to nearby hospitals for treatment. The identities of the deceased were not immediately known.

Eliotganj Highway Police Station Officer-in-Charge Ruhul Amin confirmed the incident, stating that the cause of the accident is under investigation and necessary legal measures will be taken.

Bangladesh’s Rastrer Sangskar Andolon has sent a legal notice to the Election Commission (EC), accusing it of contempt of court. The notice, issued Thursday and signed by party president Hasnat Kaiyum and general secretary Syed Hasibuddin Hossain, alleges that the EC ignored a High Court order issued about four months ago directing the commission to grant registration to the party.

According to the statement, the EC’s delay and misinterpretation of the court’s ruling are preventing the party from participating in upcoming elections. The party said it had proposed seeking an opinion from the Attorney General’s Office to resolve disputes over the ruling’s interpretation, but that proposal was not accepted. The statement also criticized the EC for failing to implement reform proposals and for allegedly acting against electoral reform efforts.

The party said it will consider filing a case if the EC does not comply and is preparing to file a writ to expedite electoral reforms. It also indicated readiness to join with pro-reform citizens in a broader movement if necessary.

The Dhaka University Syndicate, the institution’s highest policy-making body, has recommended the permanent expulsion of four teachers accused of taking a stance against students during the July uprising. The decision was confirmed on Thursday, January 8, 2026, by the university’s proctor, Professor Saifuddin Ahmed. The accused teachers have been asked to respond to show-cause notices within one week, and final action will depend on the adequacy of their explanations.

The four accused are Sociology Department professors Dr. Sadeka Halim, Dr. Jinnat Huda, Dr. A.K.M. Jamal Uddin, and Dr. Md. Moshior Rahman. According to university sources, charges were framed against them for allegedly opposing the student movement, assisting the administration in suppressing protests, and making controversial statements and actions during the July uprising.

If the teachers fail to provide satisfactory explanations within the stipulated time, the recommendation for their permanent expulsion may be implemented, university sources indicated.

Banglalink, a leading digital operator in Bangladesh, has officially launched its Voice over Wi-Fi (VoWiFi) calling service across the country. The service enables customers to make high-quality voice calls using Wi-Fi networks in addition to mobile networks, ensuring uninterrupted communication even in areas with weak mobile coverage. The nationwide rollout follows a successful trial phase conducted in Dhaka, Chattogram, and Khulna, where user feedback helped refine the service.

According to Banglalink’s Chief Corporate and Regulatory Affairs Officer Taimur Rahman, the VoWiFi technology will bridge connectivity gaps and deliver clear, high-quality voice calls regardless of location or infrastructure. The system automatically routes calls through Wi-Fi when mobile signals are weak, without requiring additional apps or authentication. The initiative was made possible through collaboration among mobile operators, regulators, ISPs, and technology partners.

Currently, the service is available on selected handset models and through specific ISP partners as per regulatory guidelines. Banglalink is working with device manufacturers and ISPs to expand access, positioning VoWiFi as a complement to its LTE network and a step toward strengthening Bangladesh’s digital transformation.

The Election Commission (EC) has established a coordination cell at its headquarters in Agargaon, Dhaka, to handle complaints related to the national parliamentary election and referendum. According to an EC notice issued on Thursday and signed by Director (Public Relations) Md Ruhul Amin Mallik, the cell will remain operational until February 13, the day after voting concludes.

The notice states that any citizen may report violations of the electoral code of conduct, irregularities, or misinformation to the law and order coordination cell through five designated phone numbers. The initiative aims to ensure proper monitoring and coordination of law and order during the election and referendum period.

The EC’s move reflects an effort to maintain transparency and responsiveness in addressing public concerns during the electoral process, as outlined in the official announcement.

Professor Ali Riaz, special assistant to the Chief Adviser, stated that the upcoming referendum is intended to ensure that future leaders of Bangladesh cannot become fascist. He made the remarks on Thursday in Dhaka at a workshop titled 'Upcoming Referendum and the Role of NGOs,' held at the NGO Affairs Bureau conference room. Riaz explained that flaws in the country’s constitutional and state structures have allowed authoritarian tendencies to emerge, and urged voters to support the 'Yes' option to block such paths.

He emphasized that the referendum will function like a general election, with voters receiving two ballots—one white for electing representatives and one colored for the referendum. Riaz said the people will decide through this process how Bangladesh will be governed in the future. He called on NGOs to raise awareness among grassroots communities, noting their trusted role in society.

Riaz added that the referendum’s approval could help implement the July National Charter, paving the way for greater transparency and accountability across state institutions.

Bangladesh will pursue diplomatic efforts to secure an exemption from the United States’ newly imposed visa bond requirement, Foreign Affairs Adviser Md. Touhid Hossain said on Thursday. Speaking to reporters at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, he explained that the US decision was not directed solely at Bangladesh but applied to several countries. The US State Department’s travel website states that citizens of 38 countries must now deposit up to 15,000 US dollars as a visa bond when applying for entry.

Hossain noted that Washington’s concerns stem from perceived misuse of immigration and social security systems. He described the inclusion of Bangladesh in the list as unfortunate but not surprising, given the broader policy context. He emphasized that irregular migration is a long-standing policy issue and reiterated the interim government’s opposition to such migration, calling for sustainable solutions.

According to the US announcement, the new bond requirement will take effect on January 21, with some exceptions. Bangladesh’s diplomatic initiative aims to ease the burden on its citizens affected by the new rule.

The Indian Border Security Force (BSF) has reportedly begun constructing a road and barbed-wire fence within 150 yards of the international boundary at the Khalishakotal border in Fulbari upazila of Kurigram, Bangladesh. The Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) objected to the activity, citing a breach of international law, and lodged a formal protest. A flag meeting between 12 members of both forces was held near international boundary pillar 934 on Thursday afternoon to address the issue.

According to reports, the disputed one-kilometer road runs from sub-pillar 1 to sub-pillar 11 of pillar 934, connecting areas in India’s Cooch Behar district. The road lies between 50 and 70 yards from the zero line, placing it well within the 150-yard restriction zone. The BGB has previously raised objections to similar construction attempts, which the BSF had halted. However, this time the BSF continued work despite BGB’s protest, leading to heightened tension along the border.

BGB commander Subedar Abu Taher confirmed the flag meeting and stated that some construction materials were being removed from the site by the BSF following the discussions.

The Election Commission (EC) of Bangladesh has issued comprehensive instructions to returning officers to ensure that the upcoming national parliamentary election is held freely, fairly, and peacefully. The circular, signed by EC Deputy Secretary Mohammad Monir Hossain on January 8, outlines procedures for appointing election and polling agents, their duties, submission of expenditure reports, and measures to prevent terrorism and fake voting.

According to the directive, candidates must appoint qualified voters from their constituencies as election agents and notify returning officers in writing. Each polling station may have one polling agent, who must present appointment papers before voting begins. The EC emphasized that agents play a vital role from the start of voting through counting, and all candidates—whether elected, defeated, or unopposed—must submit detailed expenditure returns within 30 days of gazette publication. Failure to comply or exceeding spending limits will be treated as a punishable offense.

The EC also urged candidates and agents to cooperate in preventing violence, intimidation, and fake voting, warning that any illegal campaigning or disorder within 400 yards of polling centers will face strict action. Voting is scheduled for February 12, following the official campaign period ending on February 10.