Leaders of the National Citizens Party (NCP) Chattogram Metropolitan unit have rejected a list of 328 alleged criminals released by the Chattogram Metropolitan Police (CMP). At a press conference held on Monday at Biplob Udyan, they said the list reflected irresponsibility on the part of the police and was an attempt to evade accountability. The NCP leaders demanded the immediate arrest of terrorists and assurance of a level playing field ahead of the upcoming national election.

In a written statement read by NCP joint coordinator Mohammad Erfanul Haque, the party criticized the CMP’s advisory that barred the listed individuals from entering the city and urged them to leave. The NCP argued that if the police already knew the identities and locations of these criminals, they should have been arrested instead of being asked to relocate. The leaders warned of strict programs if arrests were not made to ensure the safety of candidates, voters, and residents.

They also expressed concern over Chattogram City Corporation Mayor Dr. Shahadat, alleging his continued presence in office and participation in BNP campaigns could undermine electoral neutrality.

The Russian Federation has donated 30,000 tons of potash fertilizer to Bangladesh through the World Food Programme. The handover ceremony took place on Monday at the Bangladesh Agricultural Research Council auditorium in Dhaka. The event was attended by Agriculture and Home Affairs Adviser Lieutenant General (Retd.) Md. Jahangir Alam Chowdhury as chief guest, Russian Ambassador to Bangladesh Alexander G. Khokhin as special guest, and senior officials from the Ministry of Agriculture, WFP, and Russian fertilizer producer Uralchem.

According to a statement signed by the Agriculture Ministry’s Senior Information Officer Mohammad Zakir Hossain, Uralchem, one of Russia’s leading fertilizer producers, provided the donation. Adviser Jahangir Alam Chowdhury noted that global fertilizer supply has become a major challenge due to climate change, unstable markets, and global crises, emphasizing the importance of international cooperation. He also stated that Bangladesh Agricultural Development Corporation currently holds 1.035 million tons of non-urea fertilizers, the highest since its establishment in 1961.

The ministry’s statement added that during the interim government’s tenure, Bangladesh’s agriculture sector achieved notable progress, with rice, potato, onion, vegetable, and mustard production all increasing compared to the previous three years.

Muhammad Faozul Kabir Khan, advisor to the ministries of Power, Energy and Mineral Resources, Road Transport and Bridges, and Railways, stated that no one is being compelled to vote 'yes' in the upcoming referendum. He made the remarks on Monday during a public awareness campaign held at Manikganj Government High School field. The event was attended by government officials, local dignitaries, and representatives from non-governmental organizations.

Faozul Kabir emphasized that the referendum is significant for freeing the country from one-man and one-party rule, which he said had previously dominated national politics. He reiterated that citizens are free to vote 'no' if they wish and that no one should feel pressured.

When asked about the recent rise in LPG prices, the advisor explained that 98 percent of the LPG business is managed by the private sector. He said the government is working to resolve the issue and has already met with the LPG Owners Association. According to importers, U.S. sanctions have disrupted shipments, causing a temporary supply shortage.

Cultural Affairs Adviser Mostofa Sarwar Farooki has called on all Bangladeshis to remain alert against the traps of defeated hegemonic forces. Speaking on Monday at the Bangla Academy in Dhaka during the prize-giving ceremony of the Amar Desh Readers’ Fair’s creative writing, short story, and poetry competitions, he warned that those linked to past hegemonic politics would not accept their defeat easily and might attempt to ensnare others. He emphasized that the awareness and ideals that protected the nation after the July Revolution must continue for the next decade.

Farooki described culture as a powerful determinant of life and death, not a harmless concept. He criticized the long-standing division between “high” and “low” culture, arguing that it was created to distort history and control the middle class through politics of hatred. Amar Desh editor Mahmudur Rahman, presiding over the event, said political victory depends on winning the cultural struggle first and praised the youth for resisting foreign dominance and embracing authentic Bangladeshi culture.

Speakers also stressed the need for continuous cultural practice—through literature, music, and reading—to preserve the gains of the July Revolution and build a historically conscious generation.

At least 17 passengers were injured when a passenger bus lost control and overturned into a canal in Matlab South upazila of Chandpur on Monday, January 19, 2026. The accident occurred near the West Nagda Bridge on the Matlab-Pennai road. The bus, operated by Jainpur Paribahan (Dhaka Metro-1471), was traveling from Baburhat to Dhaka with 30 to 55 passengers when it veered off the road and fell into the canal.

Among the injured were residents from several upazilas, including Rakib (25), Rubi Begum (49), Mostafa Kamal (65), and Yasmin Akter (24) with her three-year-old son. Six of the injured were referred to Chandpur General Hospital after initial treatment at Matlab South Upazila Health Complex, while others received care at local clinics. Witnesses said the bus swerved to avoid an autorickshaw on the bridge before losing control.

Officer-in-Charge Md Hafizur Rahman Manik stated that the bus fell into a dry canal, preventing major damage. Fire service teams were working to recover the vehicle, while the driver and his assistant remained missing.

The National Moon Sighting Committee of Bangladesh announced on Monday that the moon for the holy month of Shaban, 1447 Hijri, was not sighted anywhere in the country. As a result, the month of Rajab will complete 30 days on Tuesday, and the counting of Shaban will begin on Wednesday. Accordingly, the holy night of Shab-e-Barat will be observed across the country on the night of February 3.

The decision was made at a meeting of the National Moon Sighting Committee held at the Islamic Foundation’s Baitul Mukarram office, chaired by the Secretary of the Ministry of Religious Affairs, Md. Kamal Uddin. The Islamic Foundation stated in a press release that the committee reached its decision after reviewing information from district administrations, the Islamic Foundation’s offices, the Bangladesh Meteorological Department, and the Space Research and Remote Sensing Organization (SPARRSO).

Senior officials from various government and religious institutions attended the meeting, including representatives from the Cabinet Division, Bangladesh Television, and Islamic educational institutions.

A seminar titled ‘Thyroid Nodule and Cancer: Update and Beyond’ was held on Monday at the Block Auditorium of Bangladesh Medical University (BMU), where experts stated that most thyroid cancer patients recover completely with proper treatment. Only a small number of cases show poor outcomes. The findings were presented by Professor Dr. K. M. M. Abdus Sattar of the Department of Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery in his paper ‘Paradigm Shift in the Surgical Management of Thyroid Cancer’.

Speakers at the seminar said research shows that many thyroid cancer patients can remain healthy for a long time with partial thyroid removal (hemithyroidectomy). Some thyroid cancers remain stable for years without posing risks, emphasizing the need for physicians to understand the disease’s behavior to reduce both treatment risk and cost. They also noted that advanced treatment options are now available for more severe cases, urging patients to seek timely medical care instead of panicking.

The event was chaired by Professor Dr. Afzalun Nesar and attended by BMU Pro-Vice Chancellors Dr. Md. Abul Kalam Azad and Dr. Md. Mujibur Rahman Howlader, who stressed the importance of public awareness and research on thyroid cancer.

National Citizens Party (NCP) convener Nahid Islam has alleged that Begum Khaleda Zia’s death is being used for election campaigning. He made the accusation on Monday night after a meeting with Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus, during a briefing with journalists. Nahid claimed that political groups are organizing condolence meetings and distributing blankets under the guise of mourning, turning these into campaign activities.

He further alleged that the Election Commission (EC) is ignoring these violations, allowing certain candidates, particularly from the BNP, to continue campaigning without consequence. According to Nahid, the law is being applied selectively and misinterpreted to favor some while disadvantaging others. He said this unequal enforcement of election laws has created concern within his party and that these issues were raised during the meeting with the Chief Adviser.

The NCP leader’s remarks highlight growing tension over election conduct and the perceived inaction of the Election Commission ahead of the national polls.

In Gaibandha’s Saghata upazila, confusion has arisen over the implementation of Local Government Engineering Department (LGED) projects under the Annual Development Programme (ADP) even after the project period expired. Allegations have surfaced that contractors carried out substandard and incomplete work but still received payments. Beneficiaries of the projects have expressed anger over the situation.

According to official sources, 17 projects worth Tk 24.63 million were contracted under the 2024–25 fiscal year across several unions in Saghata. Field visits revealed that some works, such as the palisading near Ulya Jame Mosque in Bharatkhali Union, have not yet started, while others were completed with poor materials. The largest project, a public library worth Tk 5.3 million, also remains unfinished. Contracts were issued on June 4, 2025, with completion due by June 30, but many works have not begun.

Saghata LGED engineer Nayan Roy stated that most projects were completed and partial or full payments made, adding that contractors failing to meet standards would forfeit their security deposits. Upazila Nirbahi Officer Md. Ashraful Kabir said the matter would be investigated.

A police officer named Abdul Khalek was beaten by a mob in Dhunat upazila of Bogura on Monday morning after being accused of taking a bribe from a motorcyclist. The incident occurred around 11 a.m. at the Hukum Ali Bus Stand area on the Dhunat-Sherpur regional road, where a police checkpoint had been set up. Khalek, who serves at Dhunat Police Station, was reportedly collecting documents from motorcyclists when the allegation arose.

According to police and local sources, the checkpoint was led by TSI Abul Kalam Azad, with officers Abdul Khalek and Abdul Hamid on duty. During the inspection, one motorcyclist was fined for not wearing a helmet, while Khalek allegedly took 1,000 taka from another rider and released him. Locals, noticing the alleged bribe, attacked Khalek, who later fled the scene. Another officer was surrounded by the crowd until SI Mostafizar Rahman arrived and rescued them.

Abdul Khalek denied the allegation, claiming no money was found on him. TSI Abul Kalam Azad stated he was unaware of any bribe but confirmed that locals assaulted the officer.

Amar Desh editor Mahmudur Rahman stated that success in political struggles requires victory in cultural battles. He made the remark on Monday at 3 p.m. while presiding over the prize distribution ceremony of the Amar Desh Readers’ Fair creative competition held at the Syed Waliullah Auditorium of Bangla Academy in Dhaka. The event was attended by cultural affairs adviser Mostofa Sarwar Farooki as the chief guest.

Rahman emphasized that the younger generation is now aware of the ongoing cultural struggle and is resisting attempts to impose alien cultures during authoritarian regimes. He said efforts are underway to build a historically conscious and culturally aware nation. Chief guest Farooki discussed the coexistence of high and low culture, stressing that both must be preserved to ensure justice and fairness in Bangladesh. He also mentioned that the Ministry of Cultural Affairs has produced several documentaries on July-related themes.

Amar Desh executive editor Syed Abdal Ahmed highlighted the 1974 famine, attributing much of it to administrative failures, and urged the youth to engage in creative initiatives and read more books.

A four-member delegation from the National Citizens Party (NCP) met Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus on Monday evening at the state guesthouse Jamuna. The team, led by NCP convener Nahid Islam, included central election committee chairman Asif Mahmud Sajib Bhuiyan, secretary Monira Sharmin, and legal affairs head Zahirul Islam Musa. Cultural Adviser Mostofa Sarwar Farooki and the Chief Adviser’s special assistant for the ICT ministry, Faez Ahmad Taiyeb, were also present.

During the meeting, NCP leaders shared their observations and concerns about the upcoming election and urged the government to ensure a level playing field. They said NCP members were campaigning in favor of the “Yes” vote in the national referendum. The Chief Adviser assured that any complaints or suggestions would be addressed promptly and that no one would be allowed to violate the law.

Yunus emphasized that administrative reshuffles were made by lottery to maintain neutrality. He said most polling centers would be under CCTV surveillance by January, with body cameras for officials in high-risk areas. He called on all political parties to cooperate in ensuring a fair and festive election.

Rajdhani Unnayan Kartripakkha (RAJUK) Chairman Engineer Md. Riazul Islam has assured that the agency’s server will be fully operational by February 1. He gave this assurance during a meeting with leaders of the Real Estate and Housing Association of Bangladesh (REHAB) in Dhaka, where discussions focused on urban development, housing sector progress, and improving citizen services.

During the meeting, REHAB leaders, including Senior Vice President Liaquat Ali Bhuiyan and Vice President Engineer Abdul Latif, urged faster approval of designs under the new Detailed Area Plan (DAP). The RAJUK chairman pledged to simplify processes for land mutation and easement deeds, reduce customer harassment, and make digital services more efficient and transparent. He explained that software updates are underway following the issuance of new regulations and the revised DAP notification.

According to the chairman, once the software update is completed, design approvals will resume before February 1, ensuring smoother service delivery and improved transparency in RAJUK’s operations.

Bangladesh’s two leading garment associations, BGMEA and BKMEA, have demanded the government cancel its initiative to withdraw the bonded warehouse facility for importing 10–30 count cotton yarn. The Ministry of Commerce recently recommended ending this benefit to reduce yarn imports from India, citing misuse of the facility. At a joint press conference in Dhaka’s Sonargaon Hotel, industry leaders warned that removing the facility would raise raw material costs, reduce export competitiveness, and threaten the apparel sector’s stability.

BGMEA acting president Selim Rahman said the decision was taken unilaterally despite ongoing discussions with the Tariff Commission. He argued that imposing duties amid global market slowdown, geopolitical tensions, and domestic energy shortages would further strain the sector. The associations noted that apparel exports fell 2.63 percent in July–December of fiscal year 2025–26 compared to the previous year, with a 14.23 percent drop in December alone.

The Commerce Ministry, however, justified its proposal by citing protection of local textile mills, which are operating at 60 percent capacity and facing losses. It warned that continued bonded imports could make the knitwear sector import-dependent, increasing lead times and reducing foreign exchange reserves.

The Armed Police Battalion (16 APBn) has recovered 244 lost mobile phones and Tk 40,000 obtained through mobile banking fraud in the Rohingya camps and surrounding Ukhiya–Teknaf areas of Cox’s Bazar over the past year. The recoveries were made using information technology and cyber surveillance under the unit’s specialized cyber team, which traced the devices and funds based on general diary reports. After verification, the recovered items were returned to their rightful owners, who expressed satisfaction and gratitude.

According to APBn sources, the force has intensified technology-based policing and cyber monitoring in camps such as Nayapara, Leda, Shamlapur, and Jadimura to ensure public safety and curb crime. The 16 APBn continues regular operations to prevent mobile theft and mobile banking fraud while maintaining law and order in the region.

Commanding Officer Additional DIG Mohammad Kawsar Sikder stated that the success of the cyber team demonstrates their capability in ensuring public security and strengthening public trust in police services. The battalion remains committed to expanding modern, technology-driven policing in the Rohingya and border areas.