A group of armed pirates identifying themselves as 'Don Bahini' abducted 20 fishermen from the Satkhira range of the western Sundarbans on Thursday night. The abductors have demanded a ransom of 40,000 taka per person for their release. The fishermen were taken at gunpoint from the Mahamuda, Chunkuri, and Malancha river areas. According to survivors, an eight-member armed group seized one fisherman from each of 20 boats and later provided a phone number for families to contact.

The abductors are reportedly led by Veto Safiqul and Shahajan, who had previously surrendered arms to the Rapid Action Battalion but allegedly resumed piracy under the 'Don Bahini' name in recent months. Twelve of the abducted fishermen have been identified as residents of various villages in Shyamnagar upazila, while eight remain unidentified. Families of the victims are in fear and attempting to negotiate reduced ransom payments instead of approaching law enforcement.

Local residents claim pirate activity has increased in the Satkhira range over the past three months, while officials confirm receiving reports and have informed higher authorities.

BNP Chairperson Tarique Rahman will hold a discussion with young participants at Justice Shahabuddin Park in Gulshan on Saturday at 2 p.m. The event, titled ‘Meet and Greet with Tarique Rahman,’ will feature winners of the BNP-organized national reel-making competition ‘Amar Bhabanay Bangladesh.’ The announcement was made by Mahadi Amin, adviser to the BNP chairperson and spokesperson of the party’s election management committee.

Mahadi Amin said the competition invited one-minute reels on 11 topics, including Family Card and Farmer Card, to gather public ideas for future state-building. Around 2,500 participants from across the country took part, and ten winners were selected through public votes and jury evaluation. Tarique Rahman’s daughter, Barrister Zaima Rahman, will also attend the event, recognized for her involvement in youth-oriented policy initiatives.

Amin also announced the launch of BNP’s election hotline 16543 and WhatsApp hotline +8801806-977577 to strengthen voter communication and address election-related issues. He warned against fraudulent groups seeking money in the name of distributing Family or Farmer Cards, emphasizing that such cards would be provided free if BNP assumes power.

Rail communication between Rajshahi and Chapainawabganj was suspended after an oil-carrying train derailed near Amnura Railway Station in Chapainawabganj on Saturday around 12:45 p.m. According to station master Hasibul, the train was traveling from Khulna to the Amnura power plant with 30 oil wagons, two of which went off the tracks. As a result, the scheduled local commuter train from Amnura to Rajshahi could not depart on time.

Authorities were informed immediately after the incident, but by 4:30 p.m., the derailed wagons had not yet been recovered. The cause of the derailment remains unknown, and train movement between Rajshahi and Chapainawabganj remains halted pending clearance of the line.

The disruption has affected regular passenger and freight services on the route, and restoration efforts are ongoing as railway officials work to remove the derailed wagons and resume normal operations.

M. Abdullah, Managing Director of the Bangladesh Journalists Welfare Trust, said that a 'Yes' vote represents the future of independent journalism in Bangladesh. Speaking on Friday night at a discussion on journalism during elections held at the Feni Television Journalists Club, he emphasized that the outcome of the vote would determine the direction of journalism and democracy in the coming days. He called on journalists to ensure that 'Yes' wins to protect press freedom and prevent the reemergence of fascism.

Abdullah described the current election as exceptional and more significant than the previous three. He noted that traditional election reporting is no longer sufficient, highlighting the greater responsibility of electronic media in ensuring credible coverage. He warned that failure to maintain professional integrity could disrupt the election, while responsible journalism could make it historic.

He also mentioned that this election is unique because it is being held without the participation of a major party since 1988, creating a new kind of polarization. Abdullah cautioned journalists to verify information carefully, as false videos could be used to mislead them and undermine the democratic process.

The Election Commission (EC) announced on Saturday that postal ballots arriving after 4:30 pm on February 12 will not be counted. In a public notice, the EC instructed voters registered through the mobile app to cast their votes promptly and deposit the yellow envelopes at the nearest post office or mailbox. Only ballots reaching the returning officer by 4:30 pm on February 12 will be included in the count.

The EC also warned that ballots posted after January 25 may not reach the returning officer in time. Expatriate voters have been urged to complete and send their postal ballots by that date. This year, government employees, members of law enforcement agencies, and prisoners within the country, along with expatriates in over 120 countries, are eligible to vote by post. More than 1.53 million voters have registered for postal voting.

The thirteenth national parliamentary election and referendum will be held on February 12, involving over 127.7 million registered voters across Bangladesh.

Former central president of Islami Chhatra Shibir, Md. Zahidul Islam, declared that the student community in Bangladesh will not accept any form of fascism. He made the remarks on Friday night at an electoral student representative gathering organized by the Kashinagar Union unit of Chhatra Shibir at Kashinagar Degree College auditorium in Chauddagram, Cumilla. Zahidul Islam alleged that many of their members had been killed or disappeared in July and August and detained in secret facilities, describing their only 'offense' as calling students to moral and religious values.

He compared current political behavior in the country to historical tyrants, claiming that after the departure of one 'fascist Hasina,' another leader was showing similar tendencies. The event was chaired by Nasim Miaji, president of the northern Chauddagram unit of Chhatra Shibir, and attended by several central and local leaders of Shibir and Jamaat-e-Islami. A large number of students from various wards and institutions were also present.

Following the meeting, participants held a rally in Kashinagar Bazaar supporting the 'Dhal' election symbol and voting 'Yes' in the national referendum.

Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer Dr. Shafiqur Rahman declared that his party fears no intimidation and will not tolerate external interference in national affairs. He made the remarks on Saturday morning at a ten-party electoral rally held at Polabari Government Pilot High School field in Gaibandha. During the event, he emphasized the party’s commitment to implementing the Teesta mega project if given the opportunity, saying that restoring the rivers of northern Bangladesh would revive the lives of local residents.

Rahman pledged to fight corruption and extortion, promising employment instead of allowances and improved healthcare services. He said Jamaat wants to turn citizens into productive assets and ensure the safety of mothers. Despite facing oppression, he stated that the party remains steadfast in its dedication to the country. At the end of his speech, Rahman handed over election symbols to candidates in all five parliamentary constituencies of Gaibandha, all of whom are Jamaat nominees under the ten-party alliance.

He described the five candidates as a trust left with the people, urging voters to return that trust as a gift to the party.

At a public rally in Rangpur Town Hall on Friday evening, Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami’s central committee Nayeb-e-Ameer ATM Azharul Islam called on voters to support candidates of the 10-party alliance in the upcoming 13th national parliamentary election scheduled for February 12. He described the alliance’s candidates as patriotic and defenders of Islam, asserting that their victory was essential for the nation’s advancement.

Azharul Islam criticized the ruling Awami League government, alleging unjust imprisonment and mistreatment during his 14 years in jail. He emphasized the need for a free, fair, and neutral election, expressing concern that the Election Commission had yet to ensure a level playing field. He warned that the alliance would not accept any unfair election or manipulation of voting centers.

He also urged voters to support the “yes” side in an upcoming referendum related to the implementation of the July Charter and claimed that Jamaat leaders have maintained a record free of corruption, focusing instead on public welfare and national unity.

A faction of the Alfadanga upazila unit of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) has declared its support for independent candidate Arifur Rahman Dolon in the Faridpur-1 constituency, which covers Alfadanga, Boalmari, and Madhukhali. The announcement was made on Friday night at the faction’s office on Hospital Road in Alfadanga, where Dolon was present. Members of both the upazila and municipal BNP branches pledged to work for Dolon’s campaign under the boat symbol.

During the meeting, Dolon provided election-related guidance to his supporters. Among those present were upazila BNP vice president Khoshbur Rahman Khokon, municipal BNP vice president Rezaul Karim Reza, and several other local leaders. Khokon told Amader Desh that the group decided to support Dolon because the BNP’s official candidate had not maintained communication with them and had disregarded their efforts to cooperate.

BNP’s nominated candidate for Faridpur-1, central Krishak Dal vice president Khandaker Nasirul Islam, responded that these individuals have long opposed the party while using its titles and that he has requested the party high command to take organizational action against them.

Mufti Maulana Fazlul Karim, the Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami candidate for the Bhola-2 (Daulatkhan-Borhanuddin) constituency, has withdrawn from the upcoming parliamentary election. His withdrawal prompted mixed reactions among local Jamaat leaders and activists on social media. On January 22, the first day of campaigning, the local Jamaat election office in Daulatkhan remained closed, fueling speculation that the candidate had not received approval from the central 10-party Islamic alliance to contest.

Daulatkhan Upazila Jamaat secretary Maulana Ashraf Uddin Faruk confirmed that the alliance had nominated Mokhfar Uddin Chowdhury of the LDP, who will contest under the umbrella symbol. He added that Jamaat would continue its organizational activities but had not been contacted by the alliance candidate for cooperation. Borhanuddin Upazila Jamaat chief Maulana Maksudur Rahman stated on Facebook that the decision to withdraw was made in line with the alliance’s central policy and for broader organizational unity.

The statement emphasized that the move was not due to weakness or fear but to uphold discipline, unity, and collective interest within the Islamic alliance.

In Comilla, long considered a stronghold of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), the upcoming 13th parliamentary election is showing signs of major political shifts. Out of 11 constituencies, BNP faces internal divisions with three rebel candidates and two disqualified nominees, raising the possibility of losing at least six seats. The Jamaat-e-Islami and National Citizen Party (NCP)-led 10-party alliance appears to be gaining ground in several constituencies, particularly where BNP’s vote base is split or weakened.

Election Commission data show 81 candidates have received symbols across Comilla’s 11 constituencies, including 76 party nominees and five independents. Political observers note that after August 2024, national politics took a new turn reflected in recent student elections, influencing local dynamics. Historically, BNP dominated Comilla, winning 11 of 12 seats in 2001, but the current scenario suggests a competitive field.

Analysts indicate that Jamaat-NCP candidates are now in stronger positions in constituencies such as Comilla-2, 4, 9, 10, and 11, while BNP retains relative strength in others where internal disputes are absent.

A final report by the commission on enforced disappearances has revealed detailed witness accounts of a secret Rapid Action Battalion (RAB) operation known as 'Golf Operation'. The report describes how detainees, blindfolded and bound, were taken to secluded locations and shot at close range, often by then Lieutenant Colonel Ziaul Ahsan, later promoted to Major General. Witnesses said Ahsan personally executed victims and instructed others to learn the method, calling hesitant members 'cowards'. The victims appeared young, weak, and had signs of prolonged detention and torture.

According to the testimonies, bodies were disposed of to erase evidence—sometimes left on railway tracks to simulate accidents, or thrown into rivers from bridges or boats, often weighted with cement bags. The report states that these killings were treated within RAB as acts of 'duty' or 'skill'. Many participants reportedly suffered severe psychological trauma afterward. The International Crimes Tribunal has begun proceedings against dismissed Major General Ziaul Ahsan for crimes against humanity involving over a hundred enforced disappearances and killings.

The testimonies depict systematic and brutal methods of execution and disposal, suggesting an organized pattern of extrajudicial killings within the force.

The curtain has fallen on the Bangladesh Premier League 2026, with Rajshahi Warriors defeating Chattogram Royals in the final to claim the championship. Despite the title win, no Rajshahi player topped the batting or bowling charts. Sylhet Titans’ Parvez Hossain Imon emerged as the tournament’s highest run-scorer with 395 runs in 12 matches, followed by Rangpur’s Towhid Hridoy with 382 runs. Rajshahi’s Tanzid Hasan Tamim ranked third with 356 runs, including a century in the final.

Among bowlers, Chattogram Royals’ Shariful Islam set a new record by taking 26 wickets in 12 matches, surpassing the previous mark of 25. Nasum Ahmed followed with 18 wickets, while Rajshahi’s Ripon Mondol claimed 17. Hasan Mahmud of Noakhali Express and Binura Fernando of Rajshahi each took 16 wickets. Rangpur’s Mustafizur Rahman also finished with 16 wickets, while Mehedi Hasan and Amir Jamal of Chattogram shared fifth place with 15 wickets each.

The season concluded with record-breaking bowling performances and consistent batting displays across multiple teams.

Dhaka’s neighborhoods and alleys were filled with campaign activities on Friday as candidates from various political parties and independents reached out to voters ahead of the upcoming election. Taking advantage of the weekend, contenders began their outreach from early morning, visiting tea stalls, street corners, and homes to exchange greetings and listen to voter concerns. The day saw processions and small rallies featuring symbols such as the paddy sheaf, scale, water lily, hand fan, football, and duck.

Candidates from the BNP, Jamaat-e-Islami, NCP, Islami Andolon Bangladesh, and other alliances conducted door-to-door campaigns across constituencies including Dhaka-4, Dhaka-8, Dhaka-13, Dhaka-16, and Dhaka-18. Jamaat-led ten-party alliance candidates also held meetings and courtyard gatherings, while Islami Andolon’s leader, the Charmonai Pir, joined a rally in support of his party’s candidate in Dhaka-5. Independent candidates were similarly active, meeting voters in several constituencies.

The day’s activities reflected a renewed vibrancy in Dhaka’s election atmosphere, with streets and communities abuzz with campaigners and supporters engaging directly with residents.

Chuadanga district is experiencing severe cold weather, with temperatures recorded at 10.5 degrees Celsius at 9 a.m. on Saturday, January 24, 2026. The humidity level stood at 94 percent, while at 6 a.m. the temperature was 10.7 degrees Celsius with 96 percent humidity. The cold intensified overnight, disrupting normal life across the district as people struggled to cope with the biting chill and cold northern winds.

Low-income residents were seen lighting straw fires at street corners and tea stalls to stay warm. The cold wave has caused significant hardship for day laborers and outdoor workers. Hospitals in the district have reported an increase in cold-related illnesses, with elderly people and children suffering from pneumonia and diarrhea.

According to the acting officer of the Chuadanga first-class observatory, the temperature and humidity levels confirm the persistence of severe winter conditions in the region.