Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) has intensified security measures across the Rajshahi division’s border areas ahead of the upcoming national parliamentary election. More than 4,000 BGB personnel will be deployed to maintain law and order and ensure stability. The force has also increased the use of modern technology to curb crime and monitor border conditions. Coordination discussions have been held with India’s Border Security Force (BSF) to keep the situation stable.

At a press conference held on Friday morning near the Rajshahi–Naogaon highway, BGB Rajshahi Sector Commander Colonel Syed Kamal Hossain detailed the security plan. He said the Rajshahi sector, covering seven districts, 62 upazilas, and one city corporation with 37 constituencies, will operate from 65 base camps with 146 mobile and striking platoons. Additionally, each of the 76 border outposts will have 10 striking reserve members ready for deployment.

Colonel Hossain added that helicopters will be kept ready to enable quick response forces to reach any emergency location swiftly. A security drill was conducted on the highway following the press briefing.

A three-year-old child abducted from in front of Mugda Government Medical College Hospital in Dhaka was rescued within 24 hours by the Rapid Action Battalion (RAB). The main suspect, Md. Chan Mia, aged 41, was arrested during the same operation in Gaibandha district. The child, found unharmed, has been reunited with the family. Law enforcement agencies confirmed that efforts are ongoing to identify and arrest others involved in the abduction.

The abduction occurred on January 28 when the child, visiting the hospital with family for medical care, briefly went out of sight. The abductor took advantage of the moment, carrying the child away from the hospital area. Following the incident, Mugda police and RAB launched a joint search, analyzing CCTV footage and using technology-based tracking to trace the suspect’s movements.

Officials indicated that the abduction was premeditated and possibly involved more individuals. Based on the suspect’s initial confession, investigators are verifying information to locate potential accomplices. Authorities urged parents to remain vigilant in crowded public areas and to report any suspicious activity immediately to nearby police stations.

Eight platoons of Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) have been deployed across Gopalganj to maintain overall law and order following several recent incidents of crude bomb explosions in the district town. The deployment took place on Thursday, January 29, after explosions near the deputy commissioner’s office, the district judge’s residence, and the gate of Gopalganj University created widespread panic among residents.

According to sources, the move comes as part of heightened security measures ahead of the 13th National Parliamentary Election. Law enforcement agencies have identified Gopalganj, along with Madaripur, Shariatpur, and Faridpur, as high-risk areas due to fears of sabotage, violence, and voter intimidation. Police headquarters stated that a special security plan was prepared based on past incidents of political violence and intelligence assessments.

BGB’s TWiC Major Nur Uddin Ahmad said separate camps have been established in Gopalganj Sadar, Kashiani, Kotalipara, Tungipara, and Muksudpur upazilas. Checkposts have been set up on the Dhaka-Khulna highway and other key points to inspect vehicles and strengthen surveillance.

The US Embassy in Dhaka has issued a special security alert for American citizens in Bangladesh ahead of the country’s 13th national parliamentary election and a national referendum scheduled for February 12. The advisory, released on Friday through the embassy’s website and social media platforms, warned of potential political violence or extremist attacks targeting gatherings, polling centers, and religious sites. US citizens were urged to avoid demonstrations, remain vigilant, and exercise extra caution near large crowds.

The embassy’s notice emphasized that even peaceful demonstrations could turn confrontational and lead to violence. It advised citizens to stay aware of their surroundings, monitor local news, and keep communication devices charged. The alert also noted that the Bangladesh government has announced restrictions on motorcycle movement from February 10 and on all transport on February 11 and 12. Consequently, the US Embassy will provide limited in-person services on those two days.

The advisory further recommended that US citizens review personal security plans and prepare alternative travel routes during the election period.

Hasnat Abdullah, the Jamaat-NCP alliance candidate for Cumilla-4 (Debidwar) constituency and chief organizer of NCP’s southern region, made sharp remarks against Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina during an election march on Friday across Rajamehar and Bhani unions in Debidwar upazila. He claimed no one in the country was a bigger intimidator than Hasina and urged voters to reject corruption and vote manipulation.

During his campaign, Abdullah accused the ruling Awami League of past electoral irregularities, alleging that even deceased individuals had been recorded as voters. He called on residents to ensure only living, eligible voters cast ballots and pledged to work for the people if elected. He also encouraged unity beyond political or religious divisions and urged collective resistance against any attempt at vote rigging, even in the presence of administration.

The campaign event was attended by local leaders from Jamaat and NCP, including Saiful Islam Shahid, Professor Shahidul Islam, Md. Jahangir Alam, and Nahidul Islam Nahid, along with activists from various unions and municipalities.

After a 14-year hiatus, direct air connectivity between Bangladesh and Pakistan resumed as Biman Bangladesh Airlines launched its first Dhaka-Karachi flight on Thursday night. Flight BG-341 departed from Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport at 8 p.m. and landed in Karachi at 11 p.m. local time, where it received a traditional water cannon salute. The inaugural flight carried 150 passengers, according to Geo News.

The Pakistan High Commission in Dhaka described the resumption as a significant milestone in strengthening bilateral ties, communication, and connectivity between the two nations. Bangladesh’s Adviser for Civil Aviation and Tourism said the new route would enhance regional connectivity, boost tourism, and improve people-to-people contact. He added that flight frequency would gradually increase and fares would be reduced to make travel more accessible.

Pakistan’s High Commissioner Imran Haider recalled that both governments agreed to restore direct flights during the visit of Pakistan’s Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar to Dhaka in August last year, emphasizing that stronger connectivity was a shared leadership goal.

Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer Dr. Shafiqur Rahman paid tribute to the late BNP chairperson Begum Khaleda Zia, describing her as a determined fighter against domination. He made the remarks on Friday, January 30, 2026, at a public rally organized by Feni District Jamaat at the Pilot School field in Feni, where he recalled her political stance and expressed respect for her leadership.

During the election rally, Dr. Rahman announced plans to establish government medical colleges in all 36 districts, including Feni, ensuring that no district in Bangladesh would be deprived of such facilities. He also promised to address the unresolved issue of a local dam through discussions with neighboring India and pledged to build an international-standard stadium in Feni, citing the district’s economic contributions and large expatriate population.

The Jamaat chief emphasized his commitment to protecting national interests and serving the people, assuring residents that Feni would receive its due share of development if his party were given the opportunity to serve.

A passenger bus caught fire on Friday morning in Dhaka’s Uttara House Building area due to a suspected mechanical fault. The incident occurred around 9:30 a.m. when a Bhuiyan Paribahan bus, parked by the roadside, suddenly emitted smoke from its engine before bursting into flames. Fire service units from Uttara arrived promptly and brought the blaze under control by 10:12 a.m. No injuries were reported as the bus was empty at the time.

According to police, the bus engine had been left running while the driver and his assistant went to a nearby shop. Preliminary findings suggest the fire originated from a mechanical malfunction or short circuit caused by the prolonged running engine. The interior of the bus was severely damaged, but nearby shops and vehicles were spared thanks to the fire service’s quick response.

Traffic on the busy Dhaka–Mymensingh Highway slowed briefly during the incident. Authorities are investigating whether any other factors contributed to the fire. The situation in the area has since returned to normal.

The NDU Cricket League 2026 is set to begin on Saturday, January 31, at the Notre Dame University field in Dhaka. Organized annually since 2017, the tournament has become a regular sporting event for the university community. This year, four teams—English, Business Administration, CSE, and Law—will compete for the title. The final match is scheduled for February 7.

According to Sami Chishti, the league’s organizing committee co-coordinator, the tournament represents a long-standing tradition of Notre Dame University, aiming to promote healthy competition and shared enjoyment among students. The English Eagles, five-time finalists and three-time champions, will participate again in their signature sky-blue and white jerseys. Fantasy Kingdom is serving as the title sponsor for this year’s event.

Excitement is building across the campus as players complete their final training sessions, preparing for what has become one of the university’s most anticipated annual sports events.

The government of Bangladesh has declared February 11 as a public holiday ahead of the 13th National Parliamentary Election scheduled for February 12, which is already a general holiday. With the following Friday and Saturday being weekly holidays, citizens will have a continuous four-day break surrounding the election period. Despite the extended holiday, nationwide restrictions will apply to public transportation and inter-district travel to maintain security and order.

Former Election Commission official Jesmin Tuli told the BBC that voting is not mandatory in Bangladesh, and citizens may travel if they wish. However, entry to certain voting areas may be restricted to prevent external interference or violence. On election day, personal vehicles, long-distance buses, launches, and trains are typically prohibited from operating to reduce unnecessary movement and ensure law and order.

Citizens are encouraged to spend time with family, participate in local social or religious activities, or complete personal tasks. Emergency services such as hospitals, ambulances, fire service, and utilities will remain operational. Authorities emphasize that following election laws and commission guidelines will help ensure a peaceful and safe voting day.

Three accused in a murder case who were mistakenly released from Mymensingh Central Jail without bail documents have been re-arrested by RAB-14. The elite force confirmed that the release occurred without proper authorization and that neither the district administration nor the police were immediately informed. The incident came to light on Thursday, sparking widespread discussion across the country.

The detainees—Anis Mia, Rashedul Islam, and Jakirul Islam from Tarakanda in Mymensingh—were captured during overnight operations in Tangail by two RAB-14 teams. Jail authorities admitted the release was a procedural error, explaining that a production warrant had been misinterpreted as a bail order. Mymensingh Senior Jail Superintendent Aminul Islam described the event as an “unintended mistake.”

Following the revelation, Deputy Jailor Zakaria Imtiaz was suspended for negligence, and a three-member committee was formed to investigate. The regional prison DIG stated that further legal action would be taken if additional involvement or intent was found. Police officials noted that the lack of timely notification complicated the re-arrest process.

The National Citizens Party (NCP) announced its 36-point election manifesto at an event held on Friday, November 30, at the Lakeshore Grand Hotel in Gulshan, Dhaka. NCP Convener Nahid Islam stated that although the party has joined an 11-party electoral alliance, its struggle for a new political arrangement continues. Representatives from various political parties, civil society, and diplomats attended the event, where party spokesperson Asif Mahmud Sajib Bhuiyan and other central leaders also spoke.

Nahid Islam described the occasion as a historic moment for the NCP, which emerged in the aftermath of a mass uprising following 2024. He explained that the party’s leadership and ideology were shaped by that movement, emphasizing the need to abolish fascist systems and establish a new political order. He noted that the NCP’s agenda focuses on youth empowerment and restoring citizens’ dignity, which he said had been repeatedly undermined over the past 16 years.

The NCP’s manifesto and alliance participation signal its intent to pursue democratic reforms and engage younger generations in Bangladesh’s political, economic, and social transformation.

Government employees in Bangladesh are set to enjoy a four-day holiday at the beginning of February 2026. According to the Islamic Foundation, the holy Shab-e-Barat will be observed on the night of Tuesday, February 3. Following this, the government has declared Wednesday, February 4, as a public holiday through an executive order. By taking an additional day off on Thursday, February 5, employees can extend their break to four consecutive days, as Friday and Saturday (February 6 and 7) are regular weekends.

The Ministry of Public Administration’s 2026 holiday notification lists 14 general holidays and 14 holidays by executive order, with nine of them coinciding with weekends. The schedule also includes five holidays for Muslim festivals, nine for Hindu festivals, eight for Christian festivals, seven for Buddhist festivals, and two optional holidays for employees from small ethnic groups.

This arrangement provides government workers with an early opportunity in the year to plan extended personal or family time without using many leave days.

The Bangladesh Jewellers Association (BAJUS) has announced a major reduction in gold prices after five consecutive increases. According to a notice issued on Friday, January 30, 2026, the price of gold has been reduced by up to Tk14,600 per bhori, bringing the rate of 22-carat gold down to Tk271,363 per bhori. The new prices took effect from 10:45 a.m. the same day. Previously, the price had reached a record high of Tk286,000 per bhori, the highest in Bangladesh’s history.

BAJUS stated that the local price adjustment followed a decline in the rate of pure gold in the international market. On Friday morning, global gold prices fell to USD 5,200 per ounce, down from USD 5,550 the previous day, according to data from Goldprice.org. Alongside gold, silver prices also dropped, with 22-carat silver now priced at Tk7,757 per bhori.

The price revision reflects the impact of international market trends on Bangladesh’s domestic bullion market, signaling potential short-term relief for jewelry buyers.

A Bangladesh Navy officer named Nazmus Sakib, aged 38, was killed when a speeding bus hit his motorcycle at the Ghazibari Gate area of Patiya Bypass in Chattogram on Friday morning. Another navy sailor, Md. Ikram, aged 32, sustained serious injuries in the accident. Both were traveling from Patenga to Cox’s Bazar by motorcycle when the collision occurred. Sakib died on the spot, while locals rescued Ikram and sent him to Chittagong Medical College Hospital.

According to highway police and local sources, the bus was moving recklessly when it struck the motorcycle, throwing both riders off the road. Officer-in-Charge Harunur Rashid of the highway police outpost confirmed the incident and said the bus responsible for the crash has not yet been identified. Efforts are underway to locate the vehicle. Both victims were stationed at the Bangladesh Navy base in Patenga.

Police investigations are ongoing to identify the bus and determine the cause of the accident.