An ordinance to establish 'Dhaka Central University' by merging seven government colleges in the capital has been approved by the advisory council. The decision was communicated on Thursday afternoon by Education Adviser Professor Chowdhury Rafiqul Abrar, who personally informed students over the phone. Around 2 p.m., students gathered in front of Dhaka College erupted in celebration upon hearing the news, chanting slogans in support of the new university.

The move follows years of unrest since the seven colleges were affiliated with Dhaka University in 2017 without prior preparation, leading to prolonged academic and administrative challenges. The colleges involved are Dhaka College, Eden Mohila College, Begum Badrunnesa Mohila College, Shaheed Suhrawardy College, Kabi Nazrul College, Government Bangla College, and Titumir College. Students from these institutions had long been demanding an independent, autonomous university.

With the advisory council’s approval, the government’s decision marks the end of a long-standing student movement and paves the way for the creation of a unified public university in Dhaka.

Transparency International Bangladesh (TIB) has reported that 59.41 percent of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) candidates in the upcoming 2026 national election are indebted. The findings were released on Thursday at a press conference presenting TIB’s report titled “Candidate Profiles in Affidavits 2026.” The analysis, based on candidates’ affidavits, shows that the total amount of debt among candidates is the highest compared to the last four elections since 2008.

Although the percentage of indebted candidates has decreased, the total debt now stands at nearly 1.9 trillion taka, up from over 1.74 trillion taka in the 2024 election. Among the ten most indebted candidates, eight are from the BNP and two are independents. The highest individual debt exceeds 315.5 billion taka, belonging to an independent candidate from Brahmanbaria, followed by four BNP candidates each with debts exceeding 10 billion taka.

TIB’s analysis also found that BNP leads in the number of millionaire candidates, with 71.86 percent of its nominees classified as millionaires based on declared assets.

Syed Bahadur Shah Mozaddedi, chairman of Islami Front Bangladesh and candidate of the largest Sunni Alliance, called for a 'No' vote while campaigning in Chandpur-5 constituency. On Thursday, he began his election campaign by visiting the shrine of his father, Pir Syed Abed Shah Mozaddedi, and holding a discussion with local journalists in Hajiganj. During the meeting, he urged voters to reject the proposed changes in the upcoming referendum.

Mozaddedi stated that the phrase invoking Allah’s trust and the word 'Bismillah' had been removed from the July charter, which he said was part of the 1971 Constitution. He argued that a 'Yes' vote would distort that original constitution. He called on citizens to vote for the Sunni Alliance’s 'chair' symbol in the election and to cast a 'No' vote in the referendum to protect the country and Islam.

The meeting was attended by local journalists and several leaders of Islami Front Bangladesh and the broader Sunni Alliance, including central and upazila-level representatives.

Dr. Md. Rifat Zia Hossain, an oncologist at Bangladesh Medical University, has emphasized the importance of regular screening and vaccination to prevent cervical cancer among Bangladeshi women. In an article published on January 22, 2026, he described how many women, like Maleka Begum, delay seeking medical help due to shame, fear, and lack of awareness, allowing the disease to progress silently. Cervical cancer remains one of the most common cancers among women in Bangladesh, primarily caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV), which often infects without early symptoms.

The article highlights that in Bangladeshi society, discussions about women’s reproductive health are often taboo, leading to neglect of early warning signs such as abnormal bleeding or pelvic pain. Health experts cited in the piece identify regular screening through VIA or Pap smear tests as the most effective defense. Although free VIA testing is available at government facilities, many women remain unaware of it. Vaccination against HPV during adolescence can significantly reduce future risk.

The author concludes that awareness, regular health checkups, and vaccination are essential steps to protect women’s lives and prevent avoidable suffering.

Dr. Sheikh Sadiul Islam, Assistant Professor of Spine Surgery at the National Orthopedic Hospital in Dhaka, explained that tennis elbow is a degenerative tendon disorder causing pain on the outer side of the elbow. The condition results from repeated strain or pressure on the tendon where forearm muscles attach to the elbow. Although named after the sport, most patients are not tennis players. People aged 35 to 55, regardless of gender, are commonly affected.

The article identifies risk groups including racket players, frequent computer mouse users, and workers who repeatedly use tools such as hammers or screwdrivers. Interestingly, politicians who engage in frequent handshakes may also develop the condition. Symptoms include pain when gripping, lifting, or shaking hands, sometimes radiating to the wrist. Most cases improve with rest, ice, pain medication, and supportive straps.

Preventive measures include taking breaks during repetitive tasks, maintaining proper posture during computer use, and performing forearm stretching and strengthening exercises. The author emphasizes that prevention and early medical consultation are key to recovery.

A clash broke out between activists of the BNP and Jamaat in Bhabaniganj, Lakshmipur, on Thursday morning over the placement of election festoons. The incident occurred at the Rifugi Market area of Bhabaniganj Union under Sadar upazila, leaving four people injured. The injured were identified as BNP’s former organizing secretary Md. Shahajan, Jamaat’s ward activist Firoz Alam, Islami Chhatra Shibir ward secretary Yasin Arafat Tahsin, and finance secretary Md. Sohag Hossain.

According to Jamaat activist Firoz Alam, the conflict began when BNP workers allegedly obstructed them while putting up festoons of Dr. Rezaul Karim. He claimed that later BNP activist Shahajan attacked them with sticks. However, BNP’s Shahajan stated that Jamaat activists attacked him after he tried to stop them from placing festoons in front of the BNP office. Other BNP leaders, including Kamal Hossain and district Jubo Dal president Abdul Ali Humayun, alleged that Jamaat members assaulted Shahajan, who is mentally unstable.

Lakshmipur Sadar Police Station Officer-in-Charge Wahid Parvez said police were sent to the scene and that action would be taken following investigation.

The Musa Khan Mosque, located within Dhaka University’s Shahidullah Hall area, is one of the earliest examples of a residential madrasa-mosque built in the Mughal period. The structure, believed to have been constructed in the late 17th century under Shaista Khan’s architectural style, features an upper floor for prayer and teaching and a lower level once used as student dormitories. Historians differ on whether it was built by Musa Khan, the son of Isa Khan and a leader of the Baro Bhuiyans, or by his son Monowar Khan.

The mosque’s design includes three domes, arched entrances, and corner minarets, reflecting Shaistakhani architecture similar to the nearby Khwaja Shahbaz Mosque. Once surrounded by boundary walls, the site is now hemmed in by modern buildings that block natural light. Despite being under the Department of Archaeology’s care, the mosque suffers from dampness, peeling plaster, and structural decay.

The adjacent grave of Musa Khan, a key figure in Bengal’s anti-Mughal resistance, remains neglected and unmarked. The report calls for urgent restoration to preserve this significant monument of Dhaka’s early educational and architectural heritage.

Dr. Mohar Ali’s article discusses archaeological and linguistic evidence indicating that Arab Muslims settled in parts of Bengal, particularly Chattogram and Noakhali, long before the Muslim political conquest of the region. The study highlights the heavy Arabic influence in the local dialects, where nearly half of the Chattogram vocabulary is derived from Arabic. This linguistic and cultural integration, according to historians, points to long-term Arab presence rather than brief trade interactions.

The article references historical records showing that by the 16th century, Chattogram was a prosperous port city inhabited by wealthy Arab, Persian, and Abyssinian Muslim merchants. It also cites early Islamic preachers and Sufi saints believed to have arrived in Bengal before the 15th century, some possibly by sea. Historical texts such as Minhajuddin Siraj’s “Tabaqat-i-Nasiri” further suggest that Muslim traders and missionaries were familiar figures in Bengal before Bakhtiyar Khilji’s conquest.

These findings collectively indicate that Arab Muslim traders and preachers established early settlements in coastal Bengal, leaving lasting linguistic and cultural imprints that predated formal Muslim rule.

A large-scale forest destruction is reportedly taking place in the Inani Range of Ukhia under the Cox’s Bazar South Forest Division. Local sources allege that forest officials, in collaboration with a land-grabbing syndicate, are involved in illegal hill cutting, tree felling, and forest land sales. The syndicate, allegedly led by Range Officer Firoz Al-Amin, has been active for three years, while higher authorities remain silent despite being aware of the situation.

Reports indicate that in areas such as Monkhali, Rajapalong, Jaliapalong, and Choyankhali, trees are being cut and sold, hills leveled, and new houses built on forest land. At least four workers have died during hill cutting, and two elephants have been killed due to deforestation. Locals claim that officials are profiting from illegal land sales and construction, while some officers remain inactive despite witnessing irregularities.

Range Officer Firoz Al-Amin denied direct involvement, stating that minor irregularities occurred alongside development work. The divisional forest officer Abdullah Al-Mamun said an investigation would be launched, and action taken if evidence of involvement is found.

Dr. Abdul Mannan, the Jamaat-e-Islami–nominated and 10-party–backed candidate for the Dhaka-6 constituency, formally began his election campaign on Thursday morning by visiting the graves of martyrs of the July uprising at Jurain Cemetery. During the visit, he offered prayers for the martyrs, including Sharif Osman Hadi, and pledged to work for justice and equality in Bangladesh.

Mannan stated that the people of Old Dhaka have long been deprived of their rights and promised to address chronic issues such as traffic congestion and gas shortages if elected. He emphasized building an equitable Bangladesh inspired by the spirit of the July uprising. The event was attended by relatives of the martyrs, including Sheikh Jamal Hasan and Shahriar Khan Palash, as well as local Jamaat-e-Islami leaders and residents.

Following the cemetery visit, Mannan conducted public outreach in various areas of the constituency as part of his campaign activities.

In Cumilla-4 constituency, the Election Commission declared BNP candidate Engineer Manjurul Ahsan Munshi’s nomination invalid on loan default charges, a decision later upheld by the High Court. The ruling has caused frustration among BNP supporters, who lament being unable to vote for their traditional symbol after many years. The once politically vibrant Debidwar area, known as a BNP stronghold, has grown unusually quiet as the election nears.

With Munshi’s disqualification, the contest has effectively lost its competitiveness. The Jamaat–NCP alliance candidate, Hasnat Abdullah, who serves as the chief organizer for NCP’s southern region, is now widely viewed as the likely winner. Local BNP leaders argue that the cancellation not only removed their candidate but also deprived voters of their right to choose the BNP symbol. Debidwar BNP convener Giyas Uddin said Munshi has appealed to the chamber court, expressing confidence that the decision could still be overturned.

If the appeal fails, the election in Cumilla-4 is expected to proceed with minimal opposition, marking a significant shift in a constituency long dominated by the BNP.

The National Citizens Party (NCP) formally launched its campaign for the upcoming 13th National Parliamentary Election and the referendum on reform on Thursday afternoon. The event began at Dhaka University campus with visits to the mausoleums of three leaders and the grave of July revolutionary martyr Osman Hadi. NCP Convener Nahid Islam, Chief Coordinator Nasiruddin Patowary, and other senior leaders attended the program.

Following the inauguration, Nahid Islam expressed confidence that the ten-party electoral alliance would win by a large margin and form the next government, saying that the people of Bangladesh stood with them. He emphasized that victory for the alliance was essential to advance reform inspired by the aspirations of July. Nahid Islam also urged voters in Dhaka-8 to support Nasiruddin Patowary, the alliance’s candidate, under the Shapla Koli symbol, highlighting his connection to the struggles and dreams of local residents.

After paying respects at the graves of national poet Kazi Nazrul Islam and martyr Sharif Osman Hadi, the NCP leaders began their campaign journey titled “March for Justice,” which concluded in Motijheel.

BNP Chairperson Tarique Rahman on Thursday accused a rival political party of deceiving people ahead of the upcoming election. Speaking at an election rally at Sylhet Alia Madrasa ground, he questioned the audience about their religious beliefs, using the responses to argue that promises made by the rival party were misleading and contrary to Islamic principles. He said that only Allah has the power to grant what some political leaders claim to offer, calling such claims deceitful.

Rahman further alleged that the rival party’s leaders were misleading Muslims and committing acts akin to shirk by making promises about matters that belong solely to Allah. He urged supporters to recognize this deception before the election and warned that greater deceit could follow afterward. He also invoked the sacrifices of 1971, saying that Bangladeshis had already seen the roles of those responsible for the suffering of millions.

The BNP leader called for unity against falsehood, extremism, and tyranny, emphasizing the need to establish people’s rights after freeing the country from autocracy.

After almost two decades, the Aatharbaria Government Primary School in Jaraitala Union of Nikli upazila, Kishoreganj, has regained a proper learning environment. On Wednesday, a joint force conducted a special operation to remove a cattle market that had been occupying the school grounds, depriving students of regular classes.

According to local sources, for the past 17 years, a weekly cattle market had been held every Wednesday on the school playground. The noise, unhygienic conditions, and presence of outsiders disrupted the school’s activities, forcing students to stay away and limiting lessons to a nominal level. During the operation, traders were removed, and strict instructions were issued to prevent future markets on the premises.

Following the eviction, Assistant Commissioner (Land) of Nikli upazila, Protique Dutta, stated that two individuals, Anwar Uddin and P. Abdul Majid, were caught on the spot and fined Tk 500,000 for organizing the market. The main leaseholder, Jamshed Ali, was not found, and legal action will be taken against him. Teachers, students, and parents expressed joy at the restoration of the school environment.

Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) Chairperson Tarique Rahman declared that the nation’s interests are his sole political priority, emphasizing “Bangladesh first, not Delhi or Pindi.” He made the statement on Thursday, January 22, 2026, while addressing his first election rally at the Alia Madrasa field in Sylhet. The event drew a large crowd, with BNP leaders including Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir and Rahman’s wife Zubaida Rahman present.

In his speech, Rahman accused the ruling party of serving foreign interests and looting national wealth over the past 15 years under the guise of development. He pledged to create employment opportunities for youth both domestically and abroad. Rahman also invoked religious sentiments, urging unity against what he described as falsehood and injustice. The rally featured references to missing BNP leader M Ilias Ali, with a designated area for families of the disappeared and martyrs.

Following the Sylhet rally, Rahman began a road campaign toward Dhaka, scheduled to address six additional gatherings along the Sylhet–Dhaka highway to introduce BNP-endorsed candidates in those districts.