Police have arrested another suspect, identified as shooter Rahim, in connection with the killing of volunteer leader Azizur Rahman Mosabbir in Dhaka’s Tejgaon area. The Detective Branch (DB) confirmed the arrest on Friday at 11 a.m. Mosabbir, a former general secretary of the Dhaka North unit of the volunteer organization, was shot dead by assailants on January 7 in an alley near the Star Hotel at Tejturi Bazar.

Following the murder, Mosabbir’s wife, Suraiya Begum, filed a case with Tejgaon Police Station. Earlier, police had arrested three individuals, including Jinat and suspected planner Billal, for alleged involvement in the killing. The latest arrest of Rahim adds to the list of suspects detained in the ongoing investigation.

Authorities have not yet disclosed further details about Rahim’s role or the motive behind the attack, but the series of arrests indicates continued progress in the murder probe.

The Election Inquiry and Judicial Committee has issued a show-cause notice to BNP-nominated candidate M Akbar Ali from Sirajganj-4 (Ullapara) constituency for allegedly violating the electoral code of conduct during the 13th National Parliamentary Election. The committee’s chairman, Md Shanu Akand, confirmed the notice on Thursday night. Akbar Ali has been instructed to appear in person or through a representative at the committee’s temporary office at Ullapara Upazila Parishad Dak Bungalow on January 27 to submit a written explanation.

According to the notice, on January 20, from 3 p.m. until Maghrib, Akbar Ali organized a large public gathering at the Kazipara Government Primary School field in Panchakroshi Union, Ullapara, in the presence of his wife. The event reportedly included loud campaign slogans broadcast via microphones, which the committee stated was a clear violation of Rule 18 of the Political Party and Candidate Code of Conduct 2025.

The notice further warned that if no satisfactory explanation is provided, legal action may be recommended to the Election Commission Secretariat following the inquiry.

Nahid Islam, convener of the National Citizens Party (NCP), alleged that a major political party has become fearful after witnessing the growing public support for the 10-party alliance ahead of the upcoming national election. Speaking on Friday morning at a pre-rally gathering in Bashatala, Vatara, Dhaka, he claimed that the party is spreading misleading information and panic among the public.

During his speech, Nahid Islam urged voters to resist extortionists and land grabbers, asserting that such elements would have no place in Dhaka-11 constituency. He emphasized that their movement was not to replace one form of authoritarianism with another but to establish a just Bangladesh. He warned those planning to seize polling centers not to attempt it, vowing that his supporters would guard every center and secure victory.

Nahid also highlighted local issues in Dhaka-11, including traffic congestion and criminal activities, promising to address them if his alliance forms the government. He called on citizens nationwide to vote for the 10-party alliance candidates and to support the referendum with a “yes” vote.

A joint force operation in Gazipur’s Tongi area early Friday led to the detention of 35 individuals and the recovery of explosives and narcotics. The coordinated raids took place around 4 a.m. in Ershadnagar and Haji Mazar slums. According to Gazipur District Executive Magistrate Abu Bakkar Siddique, who briefed the media at Haji Mazar slum around 8:30 a.m., the forces seized 500 grams of heroin, 347 yaba tablets, two homemade weapons, and three hand grenades.

The magistrate stated that the operation aimed to prevent potential unrest ahead of the upcoming 13th National Parliamentary Election. The detained individuals were later handed over to Tongi East and West police stations. Legal proceedings were expected to follow, with the suspects to be presented before court after case filing.

Authorities indicated that the raids were part of broader security measures to maintain order during the election period in Gazipur.

Joint forces arrested top criminal Md. Hasan Tarek Chita, aged 30, with a foreign pistol in Lakshmipur. The arrest took place on Thursday night in front of a mosque at Paschim Latifpur village under Chandraganj Union of Sadar upazila. Major Md. Rahat Khan of the Lakshmipur Army Camp confirmed the arrest on Friday morning. During the operation, the forces recovered a foreign pistol, one magazine, five rounds of ammunition, and two mobile phones. Several associates, including another criminal known as Chhoto Kausar, managed to escape.

According to Major Rahat Khan, the operation was part of a regular anti-crime drive conducted on the basis of secret intelligence. Chita, son of the late Abdus Sattar of Paschim Latifpur, is known as an associate of Chhoto Kausar and faces multiple cases, including murder and arms charges. After his arrest, he was handed over to Chandraganj Police Station for further legal action.

Authorities indicated that operations against criminal networks in the region would continue as part of ongoing law enforcement efforts.

The Maheshpur 58 Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) Battalion announced that 15 platoons will be deployed across six parliamentary constituencies in Jhenaidah and Magura districts ahead of the upcoming 13th National Parliamentary Election. The announcement was made by Lieutenant Colonel Rafiqul Alam, commanding officer of the battalion, during a press conference held at the battalion headquarters in Khalishpur, Maheshpur, on Thursday afternoon. The deployment will begin on January 29.

According to the BGB, the deployment aims to ensure security in the border areas and prevent illegal infiltration, arms and drug smuggling, and human trafficking during the election period. The battalion will also set up 55 temporary checkpoints in key locations across the two districts to conduct search operations and strengthen surveillance.

The BGB leadership emphasized that its members will maintain a strict and alert presence in all election-related and border-sensitive areas to support a secure and orderly electoral environment.

Professor Dr. Muhammad Manzur Murshed Bhuiyan from the Department of Finance has been appointed as a new member of the Syndicate, the highest policy-making body of Jagannath University (JnU). The appointment, effective from January 22, 2026, will remain valid for two years. The university’s acting registrar, Professor Dr. Md. Sheikh Gias Uddin, confirmed the nomination on Friday through an official notice.

According to the notice, the appointment was made by the Vice-Chancellor under sections 17(1)(j) and (2) of the Jagannath University Act, 2005, following the 31st decision of the 76th meeting of the Academic Council. The Syndicate serves as the top administrative and academic decision-making council of the university.

The acting registrar requested Professor Bhuiyan to actively assist in the university’s administrative and academic operations. Professor Bhuiyan currently serves as the Dean of the Faculty of Business Studies at Jagannath University.

BNP Chairperson Tarique Rahman has alleged that conspiracies are again being carried out over the upcoming election. Speaking as the chief guest at an election rally on Thursday night at Kuttapara playground in Sarail upazila of Brahmanbaria, he called on voters to perform the Fajr prayer in front of polling centers and then line up early to cast their votes. During the event, he introduced BNP and alliance candidates for Brahmanbaria’s six parliamentary constituencies.

Rahman claimed that ballot papers sent for expatriates had been seized by a particular party and warned that similar conspiracies were taking place inside the country. He urged voters to remain vigilant and to vote for the BNP’s symbol, the paddy sheaf. He also pledged development initiatives if elected, including introducing family cards for women and agricultural cards for farmers to provide fertilizer, seeds, and pesticides.

The rally was presided over by Brahmanbaria district BNP President Khaled Hossain Mahbub Shyamal, with several political figures attending as special guests.

Bangladesh Bank has initiated liquidation proceedings for nine non-bank financial institutions (NBFIs) due to severe irregularities and high default rates. Hearings have begun to assess the justification for liquidation. According to central bank sources, if the institutions are closed, the government will refund individual depositors, while institutional and interbank dues will be settled through asset sales. The nine NBFIs include FAS Finance, Bangladesh Industrial Finance Company, Premier Leasing, Fareast Finance, GSP Finance, Prime Finance, Aviva Finance, Peoples Leasing, and International Leasing.

These institutions have default rates between 75 and 98 percent, accounting for 52 percent of total NBFI defaults by the end of 2024. Allegations of large-scale financial misconduct, including embezzlement by former executives, have contributed to their collapse. The total deposits across the nine institutions amount to Tk 15,370 crore, of which Tk 3,493 crore are individual deposits to be repaid by the government.

Governor Ahsan H. Mansur stated that individual depositors will receive their principal amounts before Ramadan in February 2026, without interest. The government has verbally approved around Tk 5,000 crore for repayments, and asset valuation will determine any potential returns for shareholders.

The Civil Aviation Authority of Bangladesh (CAAB) has decided to move all chemical warehouses from the cargo house of Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport to a safer distance outside the terminal area. The decision follows a devastating fire last year that caused losses worth Tk 900 crore. To implement the relocation, a coordination meeting involving all relevant agencies has been called for January 24.

According to the source, multiple investigation reports submitted after the fire recommended relocating the chemical storage facilities to ensure safety. A CAAB-formed committee reviewed these reports and presented its findings, which were discussed in a meeting chaired by the CAAB chairman on December 4. The committee was instructed to identify two alternative sites for the warehouses and finalize proposals for their development.

Officials said storing hazardous cargo near passenger terminals violates international safety standards and poses risks to flight operations and human lives. The upcoming meeting will evaluate proposed sites based on safety, transport access, and compliance with global standards, aiming to strengthen overall airport safety and prevent future incidents.

Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer Dr. Shafiqur Rahman has begun a multi-district campaign tour in northern Bangladesh as part of the party’s election activities. On Friday, he is scheduled to address rallies in four districts—Panchagarh, Dinajpur, Thakurgaon, and Rangpur—starting from 11 a.m. after departing Dhaka by helicopter earlier in the morning. His program will continue on Saturday with visits to Gaibandha, Bogura, Sirajganj, and Pabna, followed by campaign events in Dhaka constituencies on Sunday.

Before departing from Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport, Dr. Rahman told reporters that the tour marks the beginning of Jamaat’s outreach outside Dhaka. He said the party aims to understand local concerns and promised justice-based development if given the opportunity to serve. He urged youth to take greater responsibility to ensure a fair and memorable election.

Dr. Rahman emphasized unity among patriotic and Islamic groups under the slogan “Let’s build Bangladesh together,” expressing hope for a peaceful and inclusive electoral process.

Government primary school teachers in several districts of Bangladesh have become actively involved in political activities, including participation in election campaigns ahead of the upcoming parliamentary polls. Despite the Government Servants (Discipline and Appeal) Rules, 2018, which strictly prohibit political involvement, many teachers are openly joining party programs and maintaining close ties with local political leaders, weakening administrative control and educational supervision.

Investigations revealed that teachers in Kurigram, Gopalganj, Faridpur, and Rajbari are participating in rallies and campaigns. Some have been suspended for making inappropriate comments on social media about senior officials. Field officers report that local political influence and pressure from teacher associations prevent them from taking disciplinary action. The situation has led to disruptions in teaching, exam boycotts, and even school closures.

Director General of the Directorate of Primary Education Abu Noor Mohammad Shamsuzzaman stated that 43 teachers have been transferred and over a hundred show-caused for misconduct. He confirmed that committees have been formed in every district to monitor teachers’ social media activities and that disciplinary hearings will follow for those found guilty.

In a commentary published on January 23, 2026, senior journalist Anisur Rahman argued that India does not treat Bangladesh as a genuine friend and continues to seek control over Dhaka’s political direction. He claimed that India prefers a compliant government in Bangladesh and uses economic and political leverage to maintain dominance. Rahman urged policymakers to explore ways to reduce dependence on India in trade, water sharing, and other sectors, while strengthening national sovereignty.

The article emphasized that Bangladesh should prepare contingency plans to handle potential shifts in bilateral relations and rely on domestic think tanks to guide policy. Rahman cited examples of global institutions such as Brookings Institution, Chatham House, and SIPRI, suggesting that Bangladeshi think tanks like BIISS and BIDS could play a similar role in shaping national strategy. He also called for fostering self-reliance in sectors like IT and garments and for ensuring minority security to counter external influence.

The writer concluded that Bangladesh should maintain friendly relations with India only on the basis of mutual respect and sovereignty, while developing alternative partnerships if necessary.

Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer Dr. Shafiqur Rahman declared that his party will neither collect illegal levies nor allow extortion, vowing to build a fair and corruption-free Bangladesh. Speaking as the chief guest at an election rally on Thursday afternoon at Adarsha School field in Mirpur-10, Dhaka, he formally launched his campaign for the February 12 election. Rahman urged voters to support the 10-party alliance candidates and vote 'yes' in the referendum, describing the victory as one for the people, not any family or group.

He criticized the BNP’s promise of distributing financial cards, saying such measures would not solve families’ problems. Rahman called for ending all forms of unofficial taxation and extortion, asserting that justice and fairness are essential to eliminate inequality, corruption, and terrorism. He also condemned past election irregularities and authoritarian practices, urging young people to continue their struggle for justice and democracy.

The rally marked the start of Rahman’s four-day campaign program, after which he will tour northern districts before returning to Dhaka for further outreach on January 25.

Md. Shoaeb Mia, aged 55 and father of July martyr Hafiz Imran from Nasirnagar, was killed in a road accident on Thursday afternoon while traveling to attend a BNP rally led by acting chairman Tarique Rahman in Sarail, Brahmanbaria. He was riding a motorcycle with a local student leader toward the rally at Kuttapara playground when a truck collided with their vehicle near the Puitta Bridge area, killing him on the spot.

Following the accident, people heading to the rally chased the truck by motorcycle and captured it along with the driver in the Kunda area. Goalanagar Union Parishad Chairman Azharul Haque Chowdhury confirmed receiving news of the incident and said he was in contact with the victim’s family and local administration. Nasirnagar Police Station Officer-in-Charge Shahinul Islam verified the accident occurred within Sarail Police Station’s jurisdiction and stated that police were investigating and taking necessary legal action.

The death has cast a shadow of grief over the area, as Shoaeb Mia’s son Hafiz Imran had been killed in 2024 during anti-government protests, marking a second tragedy for the family within a year.