Bangladesh Islami Chhatra Shibir’s Dhaka Metropolitan branch organized a mass rally demanding justice for those involved in the July massacre and protesting the government’s alleged crimes, including enforced disappearances, killings, and corruption. The rally commenced after Jumu’ah prayers from Baitul Mukarram’s north gate and moved through Paltan, the National Press Club, and Matsya Bhaban before concluding at Shahbagh. Central Shibir leaders participated, chanting slogans against Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. Law enforcement took strict measures to monitor and control the rally’s progress.

A massive fire broke out at Chaktai, Chittagong’s major wholesale market, destroying a sawmill, two warehouses, and seven businesses. The fire, which started around 6 AM on January 31, took three hours to extinguish due to the lack of a nearby water source. The total damage is estimated at 2.5 million Taka. Authorities suspect the fire was caused by an electrical short circuit. Thankfully, no casualties were reported, as the market was closed for the holiday.

Bangladesh’s primary school teachers earn the lowest salaries in South Asia, with an average of 170.02 USD per month, significantly lower than other countries. Teachers in Luxembourg, Germany, and Singapore receive far higher wages, making teaching a prestigious profession in those nations. In Bangladesh, teachers struggle with low pay and are often burdened with debt. Teachers are demanding higher pay and recognition, with recent protests calling for salary grade upgrades. Their fight highlights the disparity in teacher compensation compared to international standards.

A violent clash over sand extraction in the Meghna River near Munshiganj’s Kalirchar led to a gunfight between the Kibariya-Kana Jahir group and the river police, leaving two dead and 11 injured. The deceased, Rifat (26) and Rasel Fakir (28), were shot when locals resisted illegal dredging. Armed members of Kibariya’s group and police allegedly opened fire. The critically injured Ayub Ali (35) was sent to Dhaka for treatment. Authorities confirmed the deaths and ongoing investigation into the incident.

The first phase of the 58th World Ijtema is underway in Tongi, Gazipur, with hundreds of thousands of devotees gathering for prayers. To accommodate them, Bangladesh Railway has announced special ‘Jumu’ah Special’ trains on January 31. The first train will depart from Dhaka at 9:30 AM and reach Tongi at 10:15 AM. The return train will leave Tongi at 3:00 PM and arrive in Dhaka at 3:45 PM. The Ijtema will be held in two phases, with participants from different districts attending each.

The first phase of the 58th Bishwa Ijtema has started on the banks of the Turag River in Tongi, Gazipur. The event began after Maghrib prayers on January 30 with a sermon by Indian scholar Maulana Ibrahim Dewla. Hundreds of thousands of worshippers have gathered, with the grand Jummah prayer scheduled for January 31, led by Maulana Muhammad Zubair. The Ijtema will be held in two phases, with 41 districts participating in the first and 22 districts in the second. Strict security measures are in place.

Dr. Muhammad Yunus, chief advisor of Bangladesh’s interim government, emphasized that students are forming political parties not for personal ambitions but to safeguard the achievements of the nation. Speaking at a podcast hosted by Financial Times, Yunus warned that without student involvement, vested interests could take control, repeating past political patterns. He expressed confidence in the students’ readiness to organize nationwide campaigns. He also discussed the importance of maintaining national unity in the upcoming elections.

Sajjad Sharif, a jury member of the Bangla Academy Literary Award, resigned citing moral reasons after the institution’s integrity was compromised. Earlier, another jury member, Morshed Shafiul Hasan, stepped down. The controversy began when cultural adviser Mustafa Sarwar Faruqi criticized the absence of female writers in the award list, leading to the suspension of the awards. A new list of awardees was announced on January 29, and the awards will be presented on February 1 at the Amar Ekushey Book Fair.

BNP’s Senior Joint Secretary Ruhul Kabir Rizvi condemned the Awami League’s call for a general strike, claiming that people are waiting for the party’s punishment instead. He highlighted ongoing injustice, mentioning incidents like the shooting of Ahnaf under Sheikh Hasina’s orders. Rizvi criticized law enforcement for failing to act against criminals and accused figures like Salman F. Rahman of corruption. He demanded swift justice for corrupt leaders and claimed that Sheikh Hasina and her children were part of a corrupt system.

A tragic collision between a sand-laden truck and a passenger CNG auto-rickshaw in Jamalpur on January 30 resulted in five fatalities. The accident occurred around 7 PM in Dipapai when the truck crushed the auto-rickshaw traveling from Madhupur, Tangail. Four people, including the driver, died at the scene, while two others succumbed to injuries on the way to the hospital. The victims hailed from various areas of Jamalpur and Mymensingh, and their bodies were sent to Jamalpur Medical College Hospital.

The crescent moon of Shaban 1446 Hijri was not sighted in Bangladesh on January 30. As a result, the month of Shaban will begin on February 1, and Shab-e-Barat will be observed on the night of February 14. This decision was made during a meeting of the National Moon Sighting Committee at Baitul Mukarram Mosque. The committee reviewed reports from various authorities, confirming the absence of moon sightings. Hence, Rajab will complete 30 days, and Shaban will start accordingly.

Interim government’s Information and Broadcasting Advisor Nahid Islam dismissed reports about his resignation, stating he would announce such a decision himself. Addressing journalists on January 30, he clarified that no such decision has been made. A national daily had reported that he and Sports Advisor Asif Mahmud might resign by February 15 to join a new student-led political party. Nahid refuted this, emphasizing that if they leave the government, it will be officially declared. Speculation about the new party has been ongoing, drawing reactions from BNP leadership.

A fire erupted at the Jahin Recycling Plant in Gazipur’s Monipur area on Thursday, January 30, around 1:30 PM. Five firefighting units were dispatched to the scene and are working to control the blaze and prevent it from spreading. No casualties have been reported so far. The cause of the fire and the extent of the damage will be investigated. The authorities are focused on ensuring that the fire does not escalate further.

RAJUK Chairman Major General (Retd.) Siddiqur Rahman Sarkar stated that buildings up to 100 stories would be allowed if there is sufficient space. The Detailed Area Plan (DAP) is being revised, and a review committee has been formed. New regulations require at least a 20-foot-wide road for building approval, and illegal constructions will face penalties. He emphasized a zero-tolerance policy against corruption, with officials already dismissed. Dhaka’s unplanned development has led to 96% of buildings violating regulations, prompting strict enforcement.

A Dhaka court sentenced former Awami League MP Mizanur Rahman to eight years in prison for acquiring wealth beyond known sources. However, as the sentences will run concurrently, he will serve a maximum of five years. The court also ordered the confiscation of Tk 14.45 million. Mizanur was arrested after his bail was revoked. His lawyer claims the case was politically motivated and vows to appeal. The Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) filed the case in 2019, and the court recorded testimony from 11 witnesses.