The government of Bangladesh has issued a new policy outlining the conditions, duration, and authority for granting parole to prisoners. The policy, released by the Security Services Division’s Prison-2 branch of the Ministry of Home Affairs, was announced on Monday by Assistant Inspector General (Development) Md. Jannat-ul Forhad through a press release. It specifies that prisoners, including VIPs and other categories, may be granted temporary parole in cases such as the death of close relatives or under special government or court orders.

According to the policy, parole duration cannot exceed 12 hours, though the government retains the right to extend or reduce it in special cases. Prisoners released on parole must remain under constant police supervision. The district magistrate will serve as the approving authority for parole within their jurisdiction, taking into account factors such as distance, security, and accessibility. The policy also cancels previous parole regulations issued in 2007 and 2010.

Authorities have been instructed to implement the new policy accordingly, ensuring compliance with the updated procedures for temporary prisoner release.

BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir has alleged that Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina fled to Delhi after causing devastation to the country. He made the remarks on Monday afternoon while conducting election campaigning in his Thakurgaon-1 constituency. Fakhrul accused the ruling government of abandoning not only its own party members but also the entire democratic process.

According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, Fakhrul urged members of the Hindu community to remain courageous and assured them of BNP’s support in any difficulties. He encouraged them to vote freely for any candidate of their choice and promised that his party would stand by them if anyone tried to obstruct their voting rights. He also called on people to stay alert against attempts to create division among communities.

Fakhrul further appealed to voters to reject those who had supported Pakistan in 1971 and to vote for the BNP’s “sheaf of paddy” symbol in support of democracy and the nation.

Nahid Islam, convener of the National Citizens Party (NCP) and candidate for Dhaka-11, has pledged to realize the aspirations of expatriate voters who supported the cause of good governance and national sovereignty. He made this commitment in a video message posted on his verified Facebook page on Monday.

In the video caption, Nahid expressed hope that the ballot papers of expatriate voters would reach the Election Commission before the 13th National Parliamentary Election scheduled for January 12. He also extended gratitude to expatriates for their active participation in both the national election and the referendum, acknowledging their contribution to the democratic process.

The statement underscores the NCP candidate’s emphasis on engaging overseas Bangladeshis in national governance and ensuring their votes are properly counted ahead of the election.

Two houses belonging to Jubo Dal leaders were attacked and set on fire in Sarishabari upazila of Jamalpur early Monday. The incident occurred around 3 a.m. on Sunday night, January 25, in Doyail village of Doyail Union, when unidentified miscreants threw kerosene-filled bottles at the homes of Md. Liton Mia, a member of the union Jubo Dal, and Md. Wasim Munshi, president of the 9th Ward Jubo Dal. The attackers also vandalized the fence of Liton’s house before fleeing. Police from Sarishabari station visited the scene shortly after receiving the report.

According to Officer-in-Charge Md. Bacchu Mia of Sarishabari Police Station, initial investigation suggests that the attack may have stemmed from previous enmity. He added that preparations are underway to file a formal complaint, and legal procedures are in progress.

Police are continuing their inquiry into the incident, but no arrests or further details were reported at the time of publication.

Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) reported seizing smuggled goods, weapons, ammunition, and narcotics worth Tk 1,908.28 crore across the country in 2025. The force also arrested 7,492 individuals from India and Myanmar for illegal border crossings, according to a press release issued on Monday by BGB’s Public Relations Officer Md Shariful Islam.

The seized items included 60 kilograms of gold, 168 kilograms of silver, and large quantities of textiles such as saris, three-piece sets, and ready-made garments. Essential goods like sugar, onions, and cumin were also recovered, along with fireworks, cosmetics, and 1,708 vehicles. BGB confiscated 64 pistols, 10 rifles, 3 revolvers, 19 hand grenades, 79 hand bombs, and over 73,000 lead bullets. Under the government’s zero-tolerance policy on drugs, the force seized more than 14.7 million yaba tablets, crystal meth, phensedyl, heroin, cocaine, and illegal liquor.

BGB detained 2,334 people for involvement in smuggling and drug trafficking and stated that its strict operations to secure borders and prevent smuggling will continue nationwide.

A Dhaka court has granted a four-day remand for Syed Sohanur Rahman Siam, son of former PSC chairman’s driver Syed Abed Ali, in connection with a question leak case. The order was issued on Monday by Dhaka Metropolitan Senior Special Judge Md Sabbir Faiz. Siam, who was already in jail, was produced before the court for the remand hearing. Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) prosecutor Tarikul Islam argued in favor of the remand, while the defense sought its cancellation. After hearing both sides, the court approved the remand.

Earlier, on Thursday, ACC Assistant Director Al Amin had shown Siam arrested and sought a seven-day remand, with the hearing scheduled for January 26. On January 5, the ACC filed three cases against Abed Ali, his wife Shahreen Akter Shilpi, and their son Siam. The cases allege suspicious transactions totaling over Tk 41 crore across 12 bank accounts and the acquisition of unexplained wealth by all three family members.

The ACC also accused Siam, a Chhatra League leader, of possessing Tk 3.3 crore in unexplained assets.

In Chattogram-8 constituency, a ten-party alliance has officially nominated Zobairul Hasan Arif of the National Citizen Party (NCP) as its candidate. However, during a campaign event in Boalkhali’s Phultala on Monday, discontent surfaced among locals, particularly from Ruby Akter, mother of July uprising martyr Omar Bin Nurul Absar. She questioned the nomination of a non-local candidate, saying that local voters prefer someone from their own area.

Ruby Akter emphasized that local votes make up the majority in the constituency and expressed concern that the alliance’s decision could harm local representation. She argued that while the alliance’s vote share might be around 20 percent, local votes account for 80 percent, and the nominated candidate is unfamiliar to residents. NCP spokesperson Asif Mahmud Sajib Bhuiyan and candidate Arif tried to reassure her, but she suggested keeping the seat open for both NCP and Jamaat’s candidate Dr. Abu Naser.

The incident highlights growing unease within the alliance as local loyalties and personal networks appear to challenge the coalition’s formal decision.

At least 40 people, including 15 journalists, were injured during a Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) rally in Feni on Sunday night, where party chairman Tarique Rahman delivered his second speech in the district. The event, held at Feni Government Pilot High School field, descended into chaos as crowds broke through security barriers, forcing Rahman to cut his speech short. Security forces including BGB, police, and CSF escorted him to safety after disorder spread near the stage.

The rally faced multiple disruptions, including breaches of protocol, poor sound management, and allegations of mismanagement. The event’s management contract was reportedly given to an associate of a local Awami League leader, prompting suspicions of sabotage among BNP supporters. Despite the injuries, no senior BNP leader was seen visiting the wounded, and several attendees reported thefts during the commotion.

Feni Television Journalists Club president Atiar Sajal condemned the attacks on journalists and demanded action against those responsible. Local BNP leaders later attributed the disorder to emotional supporters and the large turnout, acknowledging the incidents as regrettable.

The US Embassy in Dhaka has provided a detailed explanation of how the new 'Visa Bond Pilot Program' will operate. The clarification was shared on the embassy’s verified Facebook page on Monday, outlining the steps of the initiative. Under this program, certain foreign nationals may be required to deposit a financial bond before receiving a temporary visa to ensure compliance with visa conditions, particularly the duration of stay.

According to the information, the program includes conditions such as not working in the United States and returning home within the permitted period. On January 7, the US Department of State announced the suspension of immigrant visas for citizens of 75 countries, including Bangladesh, and added Bangladesh to the list of countries under the visa bond pilot program. As a result, Bangladeshi travelers may need to deposit between 5,000 and 15,000 US dollars as a bond.

The US side stated that the main objective of the pilot program is to discourage visa overstays, targeting countries with higher rates of travelers who fail to return after their authorized stay.

Interim government Chief Adviser Dr. Muhammad Yunus has instructed the armed forces to perform their duties with professionalism during the upcoming 13th National Parliamentary Election. The directive was given on Monday at the Helmet Auditorium of the Army Headquarters during a meeting with senior military officials ahead of the 2026 national election and referendum.

Upon arrival, Dr. Yunus was received by the chiefs of the army, navy, and air force, along with the principal staff officer of the Armed Forces Division. In his remarks, he acknowledged the armed forces’ historic and responsible role in national service and expressed gratitude for their patience and professionalism in maintaining law and order over the years.

The meeting discussed key election-related and contemporary issues. Dr. Yunus emphasized that the armed forces must ensure a participatory, fear-free, and fair election through professionalism, neutrality, and inter-institutional coordination. Senior officers from all three branches of the military, invited guests, and media representatives attended the session.

A court in Kurigram has summoned two leaders of the Jatiyatabadi Chhatra Dal (JCD) for allegedly violating the election code of conduct by involving schoolchildren in political campaigning. The incident occurred at Purba Dhaldanga Government Primary School in Shilkhuri Union of Bhurungamari upazila, where a video circulated on social media showed children chanting slogans in favor of the paddy sheaf symbol. The Election Inquiry and Judicial Committee for Constituency-25, Kurigram-1, issued notices signed by Civil Judge Muhammad Ayaz, directing the accused to appear before the Chief Judicial Magistrate Court on January 27 to explain their actions.

The notice was issued to Upazila JCD vice-president Mokaddes Ali and Shilkhuri Union JCD senior vice-president Md. Shahjahan. Following the video’s spread and public reaction, Bhurungamari police confirmed that summonses were being delivered to the accused. The incident, which took place on January 22, drew widespread criticism from parents and local residents.

In response, the Upazila JCD leadership removed Mokaddes Hossain from his role in the election management committee and asked him to explain his conduct within 48 hours.

The government has approved a policy decision to include marginal fish farms, hatcheries, livestock, and poultry farms in the list of beneficiaries eligible for a 20 percent rebate on electricity bills. The announcement was made on Monday through a press release signed by Md. Mamun Hasan, Senior Information Officer of the Ministry of Fisheries and Livestock. The decision aims to reduce production costs for farmers and hatchery owners across these sectors.

According to the press release, under the existing electricity rebate policy, 16 sectors currently receive a 20 percent rebate. Among them, the Ministry of Fisheries and Livestock oversees four sectors for which the Finance Division has approved a subsidy of Tk 100 crore. The sectors covered include animal and poultry feed manufacturing, fish feed production, poultry industry, and dairy processing industries such as pasteurized milk, powdered milk, ice cream, condensed milk, sweets, cheese, ghee, butter, chocolate, and yogurt.

The government expects that this initiative will significantly reduce production costs, attract more investment in the industrial sector, and enhance national self-sufficiency in safe and quality animal protein production.

A Dhaka court has ordered the seizure of 148 decimals of land and two flats owned by Shahreen Akter Shilpi, wife of Syed Abed Ali, the former driver of a former Public Service Commission chairman, in a case filed by the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) over alleged illegal wealth. The court also froze her car worth Tk 3.3 million and four bank accounts. The order was issued on Monday by Dhaka Metropolitan Senior Special Judge Md Sabbir Faiz, following a petition from ACC Deputy Assistant Director Zakir Hossain.

According to the case, the ACC alleged that Shilpi acquired Tk 12.66 million in unexplained wealth and conducted suspicious transactions totaling Tk 35.64 million through two bank accounts. Her husband, Abed Ali, is accused of possessing Tk 37.29 million in illegal assets and making suspicious transactions worth Tk 412.9 million through 12 bank accounts. Their son, Syed Sohanur Rahman Siam, faces similar allegations involving Tk 33 million.

The court’s order aims to prevent the transfer of the assets during the ongoing investigation into the family’s alleged accumulation of wealth beyond known income sources.

Bangladesh’s National Board of Revenue (NBR) has launched extensive reforms under the interim government to modernize revenue management, expand the tax base, and enhance transparency. According to an official statement, the government issued the Revenue Policy and Management Ordinance 2025 to separate policy formulation from implementation, marking a major milestone in NBR’s structural reform. Between July and December 2025, NBR collected Tk 1,85,223 crore in revenue, Tk 23,000 crore higher than the same period last year.

The reforms include a ten-year Medium and Long-Term Revenue Strategy to strengthen revenue-GDP ratio and a World Bank–funded digitalization project worth nearly Tk 1,000 crore. NBR has also introduced online tax filing, e-payment, and refund systems, while establishing a Security Operations Center to protect customs data. Construction of new tax and customs facilities in Chattogram and Khulna is underway, and new VAT and customs laws have been published in authentic English versions to improve investor confidence.

Additional measures include tax exemptions for Hajj travelers and metro rail services, reduced tariffs on essential goods and mobile phones, and new traveler-friendly baggage rules. These initiatives aim to ensure transparency, efficiency, and sustainable revenue growth.

BNP Chairperson Tarique Rahman has said that his party will prioritize the rule of law and adopt a zero-tolerance policy against corruption, land grabbing, and violence if it forms the next government. Speaking early Monday at a BNP election rally in Kanchpur Balur Math, Sonargaon, Narayanganj, he pledged to ensure justice for all crimes under existing laws and to bring major reforms in development, agriculture, and employment sectors.

Rahman described corruption and drugs as the main enemies of society, vowing to curb the spread of narcotics in Narayanganj and surrounding areas. He outlined plans to reduce youth unemployment through language education and modern technical training to prepare young people for jobs at home and abroad. He also promised special training and income opportunities for imams, khatibs, and madrasa teachers.

For the agricultural sector, Rahman announced the revival of the canal excavation program introduced during the tenure of late President Ziaur Rahman to restore water bodies and improve irrigation. He further assured the repair of damaged roads and educational institutions across the country.