The 40th National Table Tennis Championship, organized by the Bangladesh Table Tennis Federation, will begin on Friday, January 9, 2026, at the Shaheed Tajuddin Ahmed Indoor Stadium in Dhaka. The tournament will continue until January 16, bringing together players from across the country for one of Bangladesh’s major national sporting events.

Ahead of the competition, a press conference was held on Thursday, January 8, at the same venue to brief the media about the overall arrangements and preparations. According to the organizers, around five hundred table tennis players from 50 districts, various public universities, and different organizations will participate in the national-level event.

The championship aims to promote table tennis across Bangladesh and provide a platform for players from diverse regions and institutions to showcase their skills in a competitive setting.

Dr. Mohar Ali’s study outlines archaeological and historical evidence of early Muslim presence in Bengal’s coastal areas. Excavations at Paharpur in Rajshahi during 1937–38 uncovered a coin from the Abbasid Caliph Harun al-Rashid dated 788 CE, while two similar coins were found at Mainamati in Comilla. These findings suggest that Arab traders or missionaries reached Bengal by the 8th or 9th century. The mention of the term ‘Tajik’ in a 9th–10th century inscription further supports contact with Arab or Persian merchants.

The article discusses scholarly debates on whether Arab traders established permanent settlements in Bengal. Historical records from Arakan describe a shipwreck around 780–810 CE that led surviving Arabs to settle near Chittagong. Later accounts mention a local leader named Thura-tan, possibly derived from the Arabic ‘Sultan,’ indicating a Muslim colony’s growth. Scholars like Dr. Muhammad Enamul Haq and Dr. M.A. Rahim interpret this as evidence of an early Muslim community rather than a formal kingdom.

The study concludes that Arab merchants likely settled in Chittagong and Noakhali long before Muslim military conquests, with linguistic traces such as the possible Arabic origin of the name ‘Chittagong’ reinforcing this early connection.

The article recounts the story of Habilder Rajab Ali Khan, a key but largely forgotten leader of the 1857 Sepoy Rebellion in Chittagong, southeastern Bengal. On November 18, 1857, Rajab Ali led about 400 soldiers of the 34th Native Bengal Infantry in an armed revolt against British rule. His forces freed imprisoned freedom fighters, seized the treasury and arsenal, and held Chittagong free of British control for nearly 30 hours before retreating toward Tripura and Sylhet. The final battle took place on January 9, 1858, at Malegarh Hill in Karimganj, where around 70 sepoys were killed.

Historians differ on Rajab Ali’s origins and fate. Some accounts suggest he disappeared into the forests of Manipur after the defeat, while others claim he was captured and executed in Chittagong, though no British records confirm this. Despite his strategic leadership and prolonged resistance, Rajab Ali remains overshadowed by figures like Mangal Pandey.

Local historians and residents continue to demand official recognition, including renaming Chittagong’s parade ground after him and adding his biography to textbooks, to restore his place in national history.

The International Crimes Tribunal-1 has begun hearings on the formation of formal charges against retired Major General Ziaul Ahsan, accused of crimes against humanity involving the abduction and killing of over a hundred people. The hearing took place on Thursday before a three-member tribunal headed by Chairman Golam Mortuza Mojumdar, with Justice Shafiul Alam Mahmud and retired judge Mohitul Haque Enam Chowdhury as members. Defense lawyer Naznin Nahar argued for the accused’s discharge, while Chief Prosecutor Tazul Islam earlier presented specific charges on December 4.

According to the prosecution, Ahsan and his team allegedly executed detainees in multiple operations between 2011 and subsequent years, including incidents in Gazipur, Barguna’s Patharghata area, and the Sundarbans. The charges describe killings conducted under code names such as “Gestapo” and “Golf,” and operations titled “Nishankhali,” “Mora Bhola,” and “Kotka,” which allegedly resulted in at least 100 deaths. Ahsan was produced before the tribunal on December 23 and later sent to jail pending trial.

The tribunal has set the current date for the defense to present its arguments following the prosecution’s request to begin formal trial proceedings.

Around 150 Hindu extremists under the banner of the Vishva Hindu Parishad staged a violent protest outside the Bangladesh mission in Mumbai on Wednesday, tearing the Bangladeshi national flag and chanting anti-Bangladesh slogans. Local security forces intervened and dispersed the protesters before any damage occurred to the mission. Diplomatic sources confirmed that all mission staff remained safe.

The report stated that Hindu extremists in India have repeatedly attacked Bangladeshi missions, citing false allegations of persecution of Hindus in Bangladesh. Previous incidents included attacks on several missions, the burning of a visa center, and threats against Bangladesh’s High Commissioner in Delhi. The article alleged that these activities have direct support from the Indian government.

In response to security concerns, Bangladesh’s mission in Kolkata has suspended issuing tourist visas to Indian nationals. Similar restrictions were already in place in Delhi and Agartala. However, business and work visas remain available after multi-level verification. Diplomatic sources linked the decision to ongoing instability following the fall of the Sheikh Hasina government and the upcoming February 12 general election in Bangladesh.

Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) A.M.M. Nasir Uddin stated that the upcoming election will not be manipulated as in the past, and the Election Commission will ensure a level playing field. He made the remarks on Thursday morning while visiting the appeal submission center at the Election Commission building in Agargaon, Dhaka. Nasir Uddin emphasized that the commission, as the appellate authority, will guarantee justice in hearing appeals against the acceptance or rejection of nomination papers.

The CEC said the commission believes in fairness and will act accordingly, ensuring justice under the law and regulations. He noted that unlike previous years, the nomination submission process was peaceful this time, with no reports of violence or bomb attacks. He added that aggrieved candidates have the opportunity to seek redress through appeals.

According to Election Commission officials, 131 appeals were filed on Wednesday, bringing the total to 295 over three days. Appeals came from various regions including Dhaka, Khulna, Rajshahi, Rangpur, Chattogram, Cumilla, Mymensingh, Barishal, and Faridpur. The CEC observed that the commission has become a focal point of public interest, as people from distant areas are coming to file appeals.

Ahead of Bangladesh’s 13th parliamentary election, the Election Commission (EC) has fixed the maximum campaign spending limit for candidates at 10 taka per voter. Due to large variations in voter numbers across constituencies, the permissible spending differs sharply. For example, candidates in Gazipur-2 can legally spend over 8 million taka, while those in Jhalakathi-1 are limited to 2.5 million taka. EC data show that the country currently has about 127.7 million voters, with Gazipur-2 having the highest and Jhalakathi-1 the lowest voter counts.

Experts have questioned whether the spending limits are realistic or enforced in practice. Dr. Badiul Alam Majumdar of Shushashoner Jonno Nagorik (SUJAN) said that although limits exist on paper, they have little reflection in reality, as money dominates elections. Former election commissioner Brigadier General (Retd.) M Sakhawat Hossain noted that the EC lacks a strong mechanism to verify candidates’ expense declarations, allowing many to exceed limits without consequence.

The EC Secretariat explained that voter disparities stem from urban migration and administrative boundaries. Under the Representation of the People Order, violating spending limits can lead to up to seven years in prison. A total of 2,582 candidates from 51 of 59 registered parties are contesting this election.

In Sylhet-2 constituency, covering Osmaninagar and Bishwanath, residents are expressing deep concern over the absence of visible law enforcement operations to recover illegal weapons ahead of the upcoming national election. While security forces across the country are conducting intensified drives against illegal arms and terrorism, no such activity has been observed in this sensitive area, leading to widespread anxiety among locals.

Local sources report that a large number of illegal and modern weapons entered the region during the previous government’s rule under the pretext of suppressing opposition groups. Despite a change in government, no effective recovery efforts have been made by joint forces or local police. Several violent incidents involving firearms have occurred in Osmaninagar’s Umarpur Union, yet no arrests or weapon recoveries have followed. Residents claim political cadres still possess many firearms, and the flow of weapons has increased.

Home Ministry adviser Jahangir Alam Chowdhury stated that recovering illegal arms is a top government priority, but locals say this commitment is not reflected in Sylhet-2. Police officials assured that they remain on alert and will act based on intelligence reports to maintain order.

In southern Chattogram’s Banshkhali and nearby Anwara, Pekua, and Rajakhali, around 38,000 salt farmers have begun production across 69,000 acres of land. However, dense fog has disrupted salt crystallization, while many farmers express frustration over low market prices. Despite adopting modern polyethylene-based methods that can increase output by up to two and a half times, unfavorable weather and poor pricing have left producers struggling.

According to the Bangladesh Small and Cottage Industries Corporation (BSCIC), all salt fields in the region are using the polyethylene technique this year, which could lead to production exceeding targets by about 200,000 tons. Farmers report that fog and humidity cause salt to dissolve overnight, while they must still pay land rent regardless of yield. Local officials note that Banshkhali’s salt is known for its brightness and taste, with retail prices ranging from Tk 1 to Tk 15 per kilogram and wholesale prices between Tk 200 and Tk 250 per maund.

Farmers allege that due to limited government support, mill owners and financiers buy salt cheaply and sell it at higher prices. Some producers have taken loans to cover the high costs of polyethylene-based production, while local leaders urge the government to ensure fair pricing and restrict salt imports.

A final report submitted on January 4 by the Commission of Inquiry on Enforced Disappearances revealed that enforced disappearances in Bangladesh during Sheikh Hasina’s tenure had reached alarming levels, affecting not only men but also women. The report documented at least 23 women as victims of enforced disappearance, allegedly at the hands of the Rapid Action Battalion (RAB) and other law enforcement agencies. It stated that such acts were used not only to suppress political opposition but also to instill fear among women and reinforce social control.

The commission noted that the actual number of disappeared women was likely higher, as many families refrained from reporting cases due to fear, stigma, and social pressure. It described enforced disappearance as a systematic institutional tool, reportedly carried out with the knowledge and direction of senior political leadership. The report also traced changes in disappearance patterns over time, linking them to shifts in leadership and institutional practices.

The report concluded that enforced disappearances were not isolated incidents but part of a sustained state policy of repression that persisted for over a decade under political authorization.

Dhaka’s traffic congestion has reached alarming levels, paralyzing movement across the city day and night. Long queues of vehicles stretch up to 15 kilometers on major entry routes such as Jatrabari, Mirpur, and Malibagh, causing severe delays for commuters and emergency services. The situation worsens during school hours and in the evenings when intercity buses depart, while limited nighttime traffic policing allows gridlock to persist into the early morning.

According to Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP), unplanned urbanization, illegal parking, random bus stops, and poor enforcement of traffic laws are key causes. The city corporations report that nearly half of Dhaka’s roads and footpaths are occupied by illegal parking, hawkers, and encroachments, forcing pedestrians onto main roads. Experts note that private cars occupy over half of the city’s road space, while inadequate public transport management and lack of coordinated planning exacerbate the crisis.

Urban planners urge reforms including disciplined public transport, removal of unfit buses, separate transport for schools and offices, restrictions on private cars, and integrated traffic management. The DMP has begun limited diversion trials at key intersections, reporting modest improvements.

Former Additional IGP of the Special Branch (SB) Mahbub Hossain, described as a close ally of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, has reportedly fled to India following the fall of the Awami League government on August 5, 2024. According to the report, Mahbub is accused of abusing his authority to seize shops, amass illegal wealth, and launder money abroad. The Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) investigation found properties under his and his family’s names in Dhaka, Munshiganj, and Malaysia, including luxury apartments and large land holdings.

The report alleges that Mahbub used his position in the SB to control political parties, intimidate dissenters, and manipulate intelligence operations. He allegedly offered money to smaller political leaders to participate in the 2014 election and misused state resources for political purposes. Several police officials claimed he maintained close ties with former IGP A.K.M. Shahidul Haque and Awami League cultural secretary Asim Kumar Ukil, forming a powerful network within the force.

The ACC is reportedly investigating Mahbub’s wealth, while business owners have demanded punishment for his alleged illegal shop seizures. Attempts to contact Mahbub were unsuccessful as his phone remained switched off.

With only 36 days remaining before Bangladesh’s 13th parliamentary election, the interim government led by Professor Muhammad Yunus is intensifying preparations to ensure a free, fair, and peaceful vote. Intelligence and law enforcement reports warn that the banned Awami League and its affiliates may attempt to disrupt the election in several constituencies, particularly in seven high-risk districts: Gopalganj, Faridpur, Madaripur, Shariatpur, Gazipur, Narail, and Bagerhat. Authorities have identified 15 additional districts as vulnerable and are taking extra precautions.

The Home Ministry has announced that over 700,000 security personnel will be deployed nationwide from February 8 to 14, with special surveillance through CCTV at more than 2,500 high-risk polling centers. Restrictions on vehicle movement and firearm possession will be enforced during the election period. Political parties, including BNP and Jamaat-e-Islami, have expressed differing views on government neutrality and election fairness, while BNP leaders pledged cooperation to maintain a peaceful environment.

Officials emphasized that social media rumors and internal party conflicts could threaten electoral stability, urging all political groups to act responsibly to preserve a credible and participatory election process.

A young man named Sohan Bepari, aged 32, was killed in a cocktail explosion early Thursday in Mulai Beparikandi area of Bilaspur Union under Jajira upazila, Shariatpur. Locals awoke to a loud blast and later found his body in a garlic field, prompting police to recover it. The incident has spread fear across the area.

According to police and local sources, Bilaspur Union has been witnessing prolonged rivalry between supporters of Union Chairman Kuddus Bepari and Swechchhasebak League leader Jalil Madbar over local dominance. Several clashes and explosions had occurred since last Saturday night, and Thursday’s fatal blast is believed to be linked to that ongoing conflict. Sohan was reportedly involved in the recent political and social disputes in the area.

Jajira Police Station Officer-in-Charge Saleh Ahmed said initial evidence suggests the explosion occurred while making or carrying the cocktail. Authorities are investigating to determine the exact cause of the incident.

After a long pause, the government has formally initiated the process to include private schools and colleges under the Monthly Pay Order (MPO) scheme again. According to the Ministry of Education’s Secondary and Higher Education Division, online applications from non-MPO institutions will be accepted from January 14 to January 25. The announcement was made through a public notice signed by Deputy Secretary Syed A Z M Morshed Ali.

The ministry stated that eligible institutions will be selected based on the new MPO policy issued in 2025. To ensure transparency, applications will be processed exclusively through digital means. Detailed information on eligibility criteria and policy guidelines will be available on the ministry’s official website.

Sources from the ministry indicated that newly selected institutions will begin receiving MPO benefits from the 2025–26 fiscal year. The decision is expected to resolve long-standing salary and allowance uncertainties for thousands of teachers and staff in remote areas of the country.