Members of RAB-13 conducted two separate raids late Thursday night based on secret information and recovered a foreign pistol and a locally made one-shooter gun in Rangpur division. The recovered weapons were handed over to the respective police stations on Friday, January 23, 2026. The operations were confirmed by Additional Superintendent of Police and Senior Assistant Director Biplob Kumar Goswami of RAB-13.

According to RAB, one team from CPC-2 Nilphamari Camp recovered an abandoned yellow shopping bag containing a foreign pistol from a bamboo grove in Balagram Union under Jaldhaka police station. In another operation the same night, a CPC-3 Gaibandha Camp team recovered a local one-shooter gun from bushes near the Gaibandha-Palashbari road in Palashbari police station area.

RAB stated that the recovered weapons were transferred to the concerned police stations for legal action and that similar intelligence-driven operations will continue to maintain law and order and curb crime in the region.

Taslima Akhter, the Ganosamhati Andolon candidate for Dhaka-12 constituency, announced a 12-point election manifesto on Friday near the South Plaza of the National Parliament building. The manifesto, presented under the slogan 'Less talk, more work, love Bangladesh,' outlines commitments to control commodity prices, ensure accessible civic services, and strengthen anti-corruption and anti-drug measures.

Her proposals include ensuring women’s rights and safety, providing free and quality education up to grade twelve, and preventing political influence in educational institutions. The manifesto also emphasizes forming a Dhaka-12 Citizens’ Council to increase voter participation in policymaking. Other pledges cover labor rights, healthcare expansion, youth development, environmental protection, religious harmony, and inclusion of marginalized communities.

The document further calls for improved coordination between local government bodies and parliamentary representatives to enhance accountability and service delivery within Dhaka-12.

Bangladesh’s joint forces detained 278 individuals during a series of nationwide operations conducted between January 16 and 22, 2026. According to an Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) statement released on January 23, the operations took place in Dhaka and other regions, targeting suspected criminals including terrorists, drug dealers, addicts, robbers, teenage gang members, and smugglers. Authorities recovered 22 illegal firearms, 822 rounds of ammunition, seven crude bombs, local weapons, and narcotics during the raids. The detainees were handed over to local police stations for interrogation and legal proceedings.

The ISPR statement said the Bangladesh Army continues regular patrols and security operations across the country to ensure public safety. It also noted that the army is actively managing labor unrest in industrial zones as part of its broader security responsibilities. The military emphasized that such operations will continue to maintain law and order nationwide.

Electricity supply will remain suspended for eleven consecutive hours in multiple areas of Sylhet city on Saturday, January 24, due to transformer repair and transmission line improvement work. The Sylhet Power Development Board’s Sales and Distribution Division 3 announced the outage in a notice signed by its executive engineer. Power will be cut from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. under the 11 kV Police Line and Industry feeders.

The affected areas include the railway station, Kadamtali, Gotatikar, Alampur, the Divisional Commissioner’s office, DIG office, BSCIC industrial area, Bypass Road, South Surma Police Station, Pirijpur, Chandipul, Gaharpur, North East Medical College, Bangabir Road, Baldi, Tetultala, Latipur, Baneshwarpur, Daroga Bari, Lalarchak, Khidirpur, Ahmedpur, Telibazar, Tetli, Atirbari, and Laxmipur, along with nearby localities.

According to the notice, electricity supply will be restored immediately if the maintenance work is completed before the scheduled time.

Bangladeshi cultural adviser Mostofa Sarwar Farooki has questioned the International Cricket Council’s (ICC) neutrality after it decided to keep Bangladesh’s T20 World Cup matches in India despite security concerns. In a Facebook post on Friday, Farooki said the ICC accepted security-based decisions from India and Pakistan in the past but took a different stance when Bangladesh raised similar concerns. He cited recent reports of mob attacks in India targeting people suspected to be Bangladeshi and mentioned a recent killing in West Bengal reported by The Telegraph of India.

Farooki also referred to Shiv Sena leader Aaditya Thackeray’s warning about hosting the Bangladesh-India match in Mumbai and linked it to ongoing anti-Bangladesh sentiment, including the removal of player Mustafizur Rahman from the IPL. He noted that even ICC’s internal and independent security assessments indicated a medium to high risk for the Bangladesh team in India if Mustafizur played.

Despite these warnings, the ICC rejected Bangladesh’s request to move the matches to Sri Lanka. The Bangladesh Cricket Board and government remain firm on their decision not to play in India.

A Dhaka court has ordered the imprisonment of Pabitra Kumar Barua, husband of the principal of a school in Naya Paltan, in connection with a case alleging the torture of a four-year-old child. The order was issued on Friday, January 23, 2026, by Metropolitan Magistrate Aminul Islam Junaid, who also scheduled a remand hearing for Tuesday, January 27. Barua was arrested earlier that morning from Mirpur-6 and presented before the court, where police sought a five-day remand for further questioning.

According to the case filed by the child’s mother, the incident occurred on January 18 at Sharmin Academy, where her son had recently been enrolled. CCTV footage reportedly showed the school principal, Sharmin Jahan, physically assaulting the child, while her husband allegedly joined in the abuse. The child later complained of pain and was treated at a hospital. Police said preliminary interrogation confirmed the incident’s authenticity and that further investigation is ongoing.

The court’s decision marks the beginning of judicial proceedings under Section 70 of the Children Act, with remand hearings expected to determine the next steps in the investigation.

Local Government, Rural Development and Cooperatives Ministry Adviser Adilur Rahman Khan has called on all administrative officials, regardless of political affiliation, to work in favor of a 'Yes' vote in the upcoming referendum. He made the remarks on Friday in Rangpur after placing a wreath at the July Memorial, built in memory of the martyrs of the July uprising. He said the referendum is essential for implementing the July Charter, which he described as a milestone in freeing Bangladesh from fascism.

Senior officials including Rangpur Deputy Commissioner Mohammad Enamul Ahsan, Housing and Public Works Secretary Md. Nazrul Islam, Local Government Division Secretary Md. Rezaul Maksud Zahidi, and Rural Development and Cooperatives Division Secretary Md. Shawkat Rashid Chowdhury were present at the event. Later, the adviser attended a meeting with district-level officials at the Rangpur Deputy Commissioner's conference room to discuss referendum promotion and visited several local development projects.

Adilur Rahman Khan also visited Pirganj upazila to pay respects at the grave of martyr Md. Abu Sayeed and met with his family members.

Police in Mymensingh’s Haluaghat arrested a 28-year-old man named Liyon on Friday after he allegedly attacked and seriously injured a police constable with a sharp weapon. Liyon is the son of Md. Ruhul Amin, convener of the Haluaghat unit of the Swechchhasebak Dal. The arrest took place in the Haluaghat market area, and police also seized the motorcycle used during the incident.

According to police and case sources, the attack occurred around 3:30 a.m. on Friday near the Pagolpara Bridge in Haluaghat municipal market. A police team led by ASI Nowab Ali was conducting a regular checkpoint when they signaled a motorcycle without a number plate to stop. The rider, Liyon, argued with police, identified himself as the son of the local Swechchhasebak Dal leader, threatened officers, and left. Later, when police visited his home to inform his father, Liyon allegedly attacked them with a machete, injuring constable Md. Izaul Haque Bhuiyan.

Police said Liyon is also known as a political worker of BNP Joint Secretary General Syed Emran Saleh Prince, who urged strict legal action against the attacker. Authorities are interrogating Liyon’s father and investigating all aspects of the case.

Chattogram Royals captain Akbar Ali won the toss in the Bangladesh Premier League (BPL) final on January 23, 2026, and opted to field first. As a result, Rajshahi Warriors will bat first in the title-deciding match. The final brings together two teams that have faced each other three times earlier in the tournament, with Chattogram winning twice and Rajshahi once.

The Chattogram Royals lineup includes Mirza Tahir Baig, Mohammad Naim, Mahmudul Hasan, Hasan Nawaz, Asif Ali, Mehedi Hasan (captain), Amir Jamal, Tanvir Islam, Zahiduzzaman (wicketkeeper), Mukidul Islam, and Shariful Islam. Rajshahi Warriors’ playing eleven features Sahibzada Farhan, Tanzid Hasan, Kane Williamson, Nazmul Hossain (captain), Mushfiqur Rahim (wicketkeeper), Mehrab Hasan, Jimmy Neesham, Abdul Gaffar, Tanzim Hasan, Hasan Murad, and Binura Fernando.

The teams’ previous encounters suggest a competitive final, with Chattogram holding a slight edge in head-to-head results.

BNP Chairperson Tarique Rahman is scheduled to visit Chattogram on Saturday night, January 24, to hold a series of public meetings ahead of the 13th National Parliament Election. According to BNP Media Cell member Shayrul Kabir Khan, Rahman will attend seven political programs on Sunday, beginning with a policy dialogue with youth at Hotel Radisson in Chattogram at 9:30 a.m., followed by a rally at the Polo Ground at 11 a.m. He will then address gatherings in Feni, Comilla’s Chauddagram, Comilla’s Suagazi, Comilla’s Daudkandi, and Narayanganj’s Kanchpur Balur Math.

Earlier, Rahman launched his election campaign from Sylhet on January 22, completing seven rallies in sixteen hours before returning to Dhaka late at night. His first rally took place at the Alia Madrasa field in Sylhet, followed by events in Moulvibazar, Habiganj, Brahmanbaria, Kishoreganj, Narsingdi, and Narayanganj.

The Chattogram visit marks the continuation of Rahman’s nationwide campaign activities as part of BNP’s preparation for the upcoming parliamentary election.

BNP National Standing Committee member Salahuddin Ahmed declared that the BNP is the only political force representing Bangladesh’s interests. He made the remarks on Friday, January 23, during a campaign visit in Surajpur-Manikpur of Chakaria upazila, Cox’s Bazar, on the second day of his election campaign. He criticized groups he described as aligned with India or foreign interests and urged citizens to resist any return of fascism in the country.

Ahmed warned that the rise of undemocratic forces would bring the same fate for all and reaffirmed BNP’s lifelong struggle to secure people’s voting rights. He pledged to build a strong democratic Bangladesh in line with the aspirations of the nation’s martyrs. The senior BNP leader also called on voters to cast their ballots freely in the upcoming February 12 election.

Throughout the day, he conducted door-to-door campaigning and street meetings, interacting with local salt farmers and taking photos with them, while children and youths joined the events with enthusiasm.

Chief Adviser’s Press Secretary Md. Shafiqul Alam stated that a mass wave of support is forming in favor of the 'Yes' vote in the upcoming 13th National Parliamentary Election. He said citizens now understand that voting 'Yes' would prevent the return of autocracy and oppression, ensuring the protection of civil rights, establishment of justice, and security for families. He made these remarks on Friday, January 23, during a visit to the shrine of Baba Buchai Chan Pagla in Batulia village of Dhamrai.

During his visit, the Press Secretary condemned a recent attack on the shrine, calling it a reprehensible act. He emphasized that Bangladesh is a land of saints and spiritual leaders through whom Islam spread in the country. He added that attacking a shrine is unacceptable, urging people to respect cultural and religious diversity.

Shafiqul Alam also noted that Buchai Chan Pagla was a revered saint of the area and that a Baul music gathering is held there every January, featuring renowned artists. He called for maintaining Bangladesh’s tradition of communal harmony.

Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer Dr. Shafiqur Rahman called on voters in Thakurgaon to support the 'Yes' vote during a campaign rally organized by a ten-party alliance on January 23, 2026. Speaking as the chief guest at Thakurgaon High School field, he urged people to elect those who would build friendships abroad rather than seek foreign masters. He also pledged to upgrade Saidpur Airport to international standards.

Dr. Rahman said northern Bangladesh had been neglected and that producers were not receiving fair prices for their goods. He promised a justice-based social system ensuring fair value for farmers and the establishment of modern hospitals in all 64 districts, prioritizing deprived areas. He outlined three commitments if elected: zero tolerance for corruption, ensuring impartial justice without political interference, and preventing extortion, land grabbing, and terrorism.

He further stated that instead of offering unemployment allowances, his party would focus on creating jobs and providing technical training for youth employment.

Ariful Islam Adib, the Dhaka-18 constituency candidate representing a ten-party alliance, pledged to stand by entrepreneurs and businessmen in Uttara to prevent politically motivated extortion. He made the commitment on Friday, January 23, during a street rally in Uttara’s Sector 12 as part of his second day of election campaigning. Adib stated that businessmen in the area have been subjected to repeated extortion and vowed to build a just constituency free from coercion.

During his speech, Adib emphasized safeguarding every citizen’s vote and ensuring a peaceful election process. He warned that any attempt to obstruct voters would be resisted, even at personal risk. The Jamaat-NCP alliance candidate also criticized the lack of civic initiatives in Uttara, citing severe traffic congestion and inadequate municipal services despite the area being under city corporation jurisdiction for about a decade.

Supporters from the ten-party alliance, including Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami and Khelafat Majlis, conducted campaign activities across Uttara, distributing leaflets bearing the alliance’s symbol after Friday prayers at Azampur Central Jame Mosque.

Jamaat-e-Islami has expressed deep concern, condemnation, and protest following an attempted murder of its Dhaka-7 constituency candidate, Hafiz Enayet Ullah, on Thursday night. The incident occurred during an election meeting with business leaders, where three suspicious individuals were seen, one wearing a T-shirt with the Awami League logo. Two of them were detained by Enayet’s bodyguards, who found sharp weapons in their possession, while the third escaped with a pistol. The detained suspects were handed over to police, and local residents along with Jamaat activists protested in front of Chawkbazar Police Station that night.

In a statement to the media on Friday, Jamaat’s central Majlis-e-Shura member and Dhaka South Nayeb-e-Ameer Abdus Sabur Fakir criticized the government for ignoring repeated calls to recover illegal arms and bring criminals to justice. He linked the attack to a broader pattern of violence against anti-fascist and election candidates, citing the earlier killing of Sharif Osman Hadi. Fakir urged the interim government to launch joint operations under a ‘zero tolerance’ policy to ensure a free, fair, and participatory election.

He further demanded equal opportunities and security for all candidates, warning that the nation would not accept a manipulated or engineered election.