The Nuclear Power Plant Company Bangladesh Limited (NPCBL) has issued recruitment notices to hire 521 personnel for the Rooppur Nuclear Power Plant. The positions span grades 6 to 19 and cover a wide range of roles including engineers, medical officers, psychologists, security staff, fire service members, technical and support staff. Applications for most positions open on January 22, 2026, while applications for positions numbered 12 to 27 begin on February 2, 2026.

The recruitment covers several departments such as on-site fire station, security and physical protection services, medical and psychology units, and technical divisions including electrical, electronics, chemistry, and cyber security. Salaries will range from BDT 17,400 to BDT 84,000 depending on grade, with additional benefits as per government regulations. Interested candidates can apply online through www.rooppurnpp.gov.bd or https://npcbl.gov.bd.

The announcement reflects NPCBL’s effort to strengthen operational and safety capacities at the Rooppur Nuclear Power Plant through diverse technical and administrative appointments.

At least twelve activists were injured in a series of clashes between members of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) and the Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami-led 11-party alliance in Borhanuddin upazila of Bhola. The incident occurred early Saturday morning after Fajr prayers in the Moniram Bazar area of Tobgi Union. Two of the injured were sent to Bhola Sadar Hospital, while the others were admitted to Borhanuddin Upazila Health Complex.

Eyewitnesses said several Jamaat activists were conducting election campaigning in Tobgi Ward No. 7 when they visited the house of a BNP leader. BNP supporters present there allegedly obstructed their campaign and verbally abused them, leading to a physical altercation that escalated into a violent clash. The injured included both BNP and Jamaat workers.

Borhanuddin Police Station Officer-in-Charge Md. Moniruzzaman stated that no formal complaint had been filed yet, but legal action would be taken if one is received. Upazila Executive Officer and Assistant Returning Officer Manoranjan Barman confirmed that both sides had informed him verbally but had not submitted written complaints.

In Rajshahi, women voters have become the most influential factor in determining the outcome of Bangladesh’s upcoming 13th parliamentary election. With over half of the district’s 2.26 million registered voters being women, political parties including the BNP and Jamaat-e-Islami are intensifying efforts to win their support through promises of empowerment, safety, and economic opportunity. Election data show 1.14 million female voters, slightly outnumbering male voters.

Women across rural and urban areas are voicing expectations for fair wages, safety, and access to education and healthcare. Female farmers and entrepreneurs alike seek technical training, financial inclusion, and gender-friendly work environments. Jamaat’s female activists are reportedly more visible in door-to-door campaigns, while BNP’s outreach appears weaker. Party leaders from both groups claim positive responses from women voters.

Analysts note that Jamaat has built a separate organizational structure to target women voters, while BNP’s efforts remain less organized. Experts emphasize that beyond campaign promises, women expect tangible post-election action ensuring security, equal rights, and sustainable development.

Several thousand members of the Hindu and Buddhist communities held a human chain and protest rally in Ukhiya upazila of Cox’s Bazar on Friday afternoon, demanding the withdrawal of what they called a false case against Haldiyapalong Union Parishad Chairman Imrul Kayes Chowdhury and several journalists. The demonstration took place beside the Cox’s Bazar–Teknaf highway at Morichya Guramia Garage area, with participants from various parts of Haldiyapalong Union.

Speakers at the rally alleged that a local BNP leader, Monjur Alam Member, had obstructed the construction of a market at the Morichya Bazar Central Jame Mosque. To divert attention, they claimed, a Hindu woman named Shilpi Karmakar was made the plaintiff in a case filed on January 28 at Ukhiya Police Station against the chairman, journalists, and others. They demanded the case be withdrawn within 48 hours, warning of larger protests if not addressed.

Community leaders described Imrul Kayes as a non-communal leader who maintained harmony among all faiths and urged Shilpi Karmakar to withdraw the case immediately.

At a street rally in Gauripur, Mymensingh, held late Friday night, Rakibul Islam Rakib, president of the central committee of the Jatiyatabadi Chhatra Dal, called on voters to support the ‘paddy sheaf’ symbol candidate, M. Iqbal Hossain, in the upcoming parliamentary election. He said that to build a Gauripur free from extortion, terrorism, and illegal occupation, there was no alternative to Iqbal Hossain, describing him as a clean-image candidate. Rakib expressed hope that on February 12, Gauripur would celebrate a historic victory for the ‘paddy sheaf’ symbol, in line with the rest of the country.

The rally took place at the Station Road intersection in Gauripur’s North Bazar area and was conducted by Mymensingh North District Chhatra Dal president Nuruzzaman Sohel. M. Iqbal Hossain, the BNP candidate for Mymensingh-3 (Gauripur), also addressed the gathering. Senior leaders from the north and south district units of Chhatra Dal, along with members of BNP, Jubo Dal, and Swechchhasebak Dal, attended the event alongside local residents.

Rakibul Islam Rakib and Iqbal Hossain also held similar campaign events in several other areas, including Shyamganj, Kaurat, and Gobindpur, seeking voter support for the ‘paddy sheaf’ symbol.

Former Chattogram City Corporation mayor M Manjur Alam, once affiliated with both Awami League and BNP, has reappeared in active politics by campaigning for BNP candidate Aslam Chowdhury in Chattogram-4. The campaign event took place last Thursday in the city’s Kattoli area, attended by local BNP leaders. Manjur, who previously served as mayor from BNP’s nomination in 2010, had later announced retirement from politics and was seen supporting Awami League activities in subsequent years.

Following the July political changes, Manjur renamed a stadium previously dedicated to Sheikh Russel and organized a memorial for late BNP chairperson Khaleda Zia. His supporters claim he may formally rejoin BNP if the party wins the election and could contest the next city polls under its banner. However, BNP’s Chattogram leaders clarified that while Manjur is helping their campaign, he has not rejoined the party.

Manjur stated that his involvement stems from gratitude toward Khaleda Zia and a sense of responsibility to help BNP return to power, denying any formal political comeback plans at this stage.

At an election rally of Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami held on January 30 at Comilla Town Hall, Hasanath Abdullah, the chief coordinator of the NCP’s southern region and candidate for Comilla-4, accused several television channels of political bias. Speaking as a special guest, he alleged that certain media outlets had previously supported the Awami League and were now aligned with the BNP. He specifically named Somoy TV, Ekattor TV, and DBC, claiming they had long portrayed Tarique Rahman negatively and were now acting as his allies. Abdullah declared that his party would wage a renewed battle against what he called “brokered media.”

He also criticized a political party for promising support to women while its activists allegedly threatened them and forced the removal of hijabs. Addressing government officials, Abdullah urged them to restore public trust through a fair election, emphasizing that they should act as servants of the people rather than any political party.

The rally was attended by Jamaat Ameer Dr. Shafiqur Rahman and other senior leaders from Jamaat and allied parties, including JAGPA and NCP.

A report from Bangladesh highlights growing concerns over violence surrounding the upcoming parliamentary election. Since the start of campaign activities, incidents of clashes, attacks on candidates, and social media provocation have been reported in at least ten districts, including a fatal confrontation in Sherpur’s Jhenaigati area. The unrest has raised public anxiety and cast doubt on the credibility of the electoral process.

Authorities initially observed a calm environment after law enforcement met with candidates to emphasize adherence to the electoral code of conduct. However, tensions have since escalated, with reports of obstruction in campaigns, mutual accusations, and violent outbreaks linked to online agitation. The situation is described as particularly alarming given the election’s significance following a long struggle to restore democratic governance.

The report calls for all pro-Bangladesh political forces to act responsibly, urging party leaders to take firm stances against violence regardless of affiliation. It also stresses the need for a more visible and effective Election Commission, impartial law enforcement, and strict monitoring of social media to curb misinformation and incitement.

Selim Mia, a farmer from Taghli village in Bahubal upazila of Habiganj, has achieved notable success cultivating squash, a vegetable popular in Thailand and Vietnam. Guided by local agricultural officers, he experimented with squash on 13 decimals of land during the winter season alongside other vegetables. His total cost was around 8,000 taka, and he expects to earn between 50,000 and 60,000 taka from the harvest. The crop began producing fruit about one and a half months after planting.

Assistant agriculture officer Shamimul Haque Shamim confirmed providing technical support and said Selim’s success has encouraged other farmers to try squash cultivation. Upazila agriculture officer Chinmoy Kar Opu described squash as a foreign vegetable still new to local farmers but noted that those who have tried it have been financially successful. He added that the department is also promoting other foreign vegetables such as broccoli, capsicum, and red cabbage.

According to Opu, squash is nutritionally rich, containing vitamins A, C, E, B6, and minerals like magnesium, potassium, and iron. He said regular consumption can strengthen immunity and help protect against diseases such as diabetes, cancer, and heart ailments.

Rear Admiral S.M. Moniruzzaman, Chairman of the Chattogram Port Authority, has emphasized the adoption of Public-Private Partnership (PPP) and Government-to-Government (G2G) concession models to modernize Bangladesh’s port management sustainably. Writing on January 31, 2026, he argued that these models can attract foreign direct investment, enhance operational efficiency, and reduce the government’s debt burden while ensuring long-term financial stability. The approach aligns with the interim government’s economic transformation plan led by Nobel laureate Dr. Muhammad Yunus, which prioritizes maritime sector development as a foundation for national growth.

According to Moniruzzaman, over 92 percent of Bangladesh’s international trade passes through Chattogram Port, making its expansion and modernization crucial. He contends that PPP and G2G frameworks outperform traditional open tendering by ensuring compliance with international standards, structured risk-sharing, and transparent financial safeguards such as mandatory feasibility studies and net present value thresholds. The model also supports environmental protection, technology transfer, and skilled workforce development.

He concludes that implementing PPP and G2G concessions will strengthen Bangladesh’s global trade position, attract sustainable foreign investment, and transform Chattogram Port into a world-class logistics hub.

Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) detained a man named Foysal Hasan, 26, with five gold bars worth Tk 7.75 million at the Maheshpur border in Jhenaidah. The arrest took place on Friday afternoon at Khoshalpur Bazar, where BGB set up a checkpoint based on secret information. The gold was reportedly being smuggled to India.

According to Maheshpur 58 BGB Battalion Assistant Director Munshi Imdadur Rahman, the suspect was searched at the Khoshalpur Bridge checkpoint, where four gold bars and a small gold piece were found tied around his waist. The detainee, along with his mobile phone and bicycle, was handed over to Maheshpur Police Station.

Maheshpur Police Officer-in-Charge Mehedi Hasan stated that the arrested individual would be sent to court, and the seized gold bars have been deposited in the government treasury.

Bangladesh’s diplomatic, economic, and cultural relations with India have reached their lowest point following the 2024 mass uprising that toppled Sheikh Hasina and led to her flight to India. The article states that India’s dominance over Bangladesh has weakened, and bilateral ties have deteriorated sharply, with visa processes nearly halted and exports of essential goods facing obstacles. The author claims India has engaged in propaganda and conspiracies against Bangladesh’s interim government, while an attack on Bangladesh’s deputy high commission in Agartala by a Hindu nationalist group violated diplomatic norms.

The analysis argues that India’s growing mistrust with its neighbors stems from security fears, Hindutva politics, and aggressive leadership. It notes that Bangladesh, under Dr. Muhammad Yunus, is pursuing a neutral foreign policy and strengthening defense ties with Turkey, Pakistan, and China. These include potential deals for air defense systems, drones, and fighter jets.

The author recommends reviving SAARC, drafting a national security doctrine, and adopting a balanced foreign policy to restore regional stability and protect Bangladesh’s sovereignty.

A commentary by journalist Elahi Newaz Khan reviews Bangladesh’s long and turbulent electoral history ahead of the upcoming 13th National Parliamentary Election scheduled for February 12, 2026. The article notes that this election will take place without the participation of the Awami League, which is currently barred from political activity due to crimes against humanity. The author observes that the public is waiting to see how meaningful this election will be in the absence of the country’s dominant political force.

The piece traces key turning points in Bangladesh’s political evolution, from the 1946 provincial election through the 1970 vote that led to independence, and subsequent decades marked by authoritarianism, electoral manipulation, and shifting alliances. It argues that both military and civilian rulers have repeatedly undermined democratic institutions through fraud, repression, and political exclusion.

The author concludes that the current political landscape remains fragile. Rival opposition groups, once united against the Awami League, are now competing among themselves, a division that could weaken their collective strength and potentially allow the Awami League to re-emerge in future politics.

Russia, facing a shortage of workers across agriculture, industry, infrastructure, and shipbuilding, has turned to foreign labor to fill the gap. In December, a labor export agreement was signed between Russian President Vladimir Putin and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, under which 70,000 Indian workers are expected to go to Russia in 2026. Reports indicate that Indian workers will earn between 555 and 1,111 US dollars per month. Meanwhile, Bangladesh remains far behind, with only 6,266 workers currently in Russia and just 325 sent officially through government channels.

Migration experts attribute Bangladesh’s weak position to a lack of long-term planning and poor coordination between the Ministry of Expatriates’ Welfare and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. They argue that Bangladesh needs a permanent labor market research center and better collaboration with private sector experts to identify opportunities. Officials from the expatriates’ welfare ministry say a draft memorandum of understanding has been sent to Russia’s foreign ministry, though issues remain over repatriation agreements.

Experts warn that without strategic reforms and institutional coordination, Bangladesh risks missing out on emerging labor markets like Russia’s.

The National Citizen Party (NCP) announced a 36-point election manifesto titled “Manifesto of Youth and Dignity” at a hotel in Gulshan, Dhaka, on Friday. The declaration, made in remembrance of the July Revolution, was presented by party convener Nahid Islam. The manifesto outlines commitments to democracy, human rights, economic reform, and state restructuring. It includes pledges to prosecute crimes against humanity, form independent and truth commissions, eliminate extortion, ensure transparency of officials’ assets, raise the minimum wage to Tk 100 per hour, and lower the voting age to 16. It also promises reforms in education and healthcare, creation of one crore jobs, empowerment of women and minorities, environmental protection, and strengthening of defense and renewable energy.

Nahid Islam said the manifesto reflects the party’s long-term struggle for constitutional and structural reform and will be aligned with the 11-party electoral alliance. NCP spokesperson Asif Mahmud stated that the manifesto was developed through public consultation and aims to establish an accountable and inclusive state. The event was attended by political leaders, diplomats, and civil society representatives.

If implemented, the manifesto’s commitments could reshape governance, economic policy, and social inclusion in Bangladesh, according to the party’s stated goals.