A fire broke out at a shoe factory in the Nazira Bazar area of Old Dhaka on Saturday evening, January 17, 2026. Four units of the Fire Service and Civil Defence responded promptly and brought the blaze under control. The fire started on the third floor of a four-storey building, but the cause of the incident has not yet been determined.

According to the Fire Service, they received the report of the fire at 7:13 p.m. and reached the site within ten minutes. After about half an hour of effort, the fire was brought under control at around 7:45 p.m. Md. Enamul Haque, Deputy Assistant Director (Zone-1) of the Fire Service, confirmed that the fire was fully contained and that further investigation would reveal the source of ignition.

Authorities have not yet provided details on damages or casualties, and an official investigation is underway to determine the cause of the fire.

The National Citizen Party (NCP) has declared that individuals with loan defaults or dual citizenship will not be allowed to contest or vote in the upcoming 13th National Parliamentary Election. The announcement was made by Asif Mahmud Sajib Bhuiyan, the party’s spokesperson and chairman of its election management committee, during an emergency press conference held on Saturday evening at the party’s temporary central office.

The press conference was organized to address issues related to election appeals and overall election matters. Bhuiyan stated that the NCP would continue its legal and political struggle against such candidates, emphasizing that the party would resist them both through legal means and on the ground if necessary.

The NCP’s stance underscores its commitment to ensuring that only eligible candidates participate in the election process, reflecting the party’s broader focus on electoral integrity and accountability.

Dr. Ali Riaz, Special Assistant to the Chief Adviser, stated that there is no legal restriction preventing civil servants from campaigning for a 'Yes' vote in the upcoming national referendum. Speaking on Saturday at a meeting of Dhaka divisional administrators at the BIAM Foundation auditorium, he emphasized that the referendum is not about bringing any political party to power but about implementing state reforms based on the July National Charter. He described the referendum as a process to seek public consent on the future direction of Bangladesh.

Riaz said that constitutional experts, former judges, and legal professionals unanimously agreed that no law prohibits civil servants from supporting the 'Yes' campaign. He argued that claims of such restrictions are misleading. He also highlighted the responsibilities of public employees as both officials and citizens, citing constitutional duties to serve the people and uphold discipline. The meeting, chaired by Dhaka Divisional Commissioner Sharaf Uddin Ahmed Chowdhury, was attended by senior officials, including Monir Haider, who said the referendum would decide whether citizens support the July uprising.

Speakers noted that many voters are unfamiliar with referendums and stressed the need to educate the public on how to vote and the meaning of 'Yes' or 'No' choices.

The Chattogram Metropolitan Police (CMP) has released a new wanted list containing 330 individuals accused in multiple criminal cases, including murder, robbery, arms, narcotics, extortion, and vandalism. The public notice, issued on Saturday and signed by Police Commissioner Hasib Aziz, prohibits these individuals from entering or staying within the city until further orders. The CMP stated that the listed persons pose a significant threat to Chattogram’s public safety and that legal action will be taken against anyone violating the order.

Assistant Commissioner (Media) Aminur Rashid said the list reflects the city’s current security situation, noting that most of the suspects are fugitives with several police case records. He added that technology is being used to monitor their movements, with additional checkpoints set up at all 17 city entry points. Facial recognition cameras and mobile tracking are also being deployed to prevent unauthorized entry.

Rashid emphasized that the measure is temporary and aimed at ensuring safety around key economic zones, ports, and tunnels. The CMP’s intensified surveillance seeks to prevent potential sabotage and maintain law and order in the city.

British High Commissioner to Bangladesh Sarah Cook met with BNP Chairperson Tarique Rahman on Saturday, January 17, 2026, at around 6 p.m. The meeting took place at the BNP Chairperson’s office in Gulshan, Dhaka. Senior BNP leaders including Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir, Standing Committee member Amir Khosru Mahmud Chowdhury, and Joint Secretary General Humayun Kabir, who also serves on the party’s Foreign Affairs Advisory Committee, were present during the meeting.

Earlier the same day, ambassadors of Nepal and Bhutan to Bangladesh paid a courtesy call on Tarique Rahman. The report did not provide details about the topics discussed or outcomes of the meetings.

The series of diplomatic meetings at the BNP Chairperson’s office highlights ongoing engagements between foreign envoys and the opposition party leadership in Dhaka, though the specific agendas remain undisclosed.

Dr. Badiul Alam Majumdar, Secretary of Citizens for Good Governance (SUJAN), admitted his mistake and withdrew his comment after calling journalists 'pet dogs of political parties or individuals' during a meeting in Palashbari, Gaibandha. The incident occurred on Friday evening at the Hasan Azizur Rahman Auditorium of the Bishwasahitya Kendra, where he was addressing a gathering of local citizens.

Following strong protests and pressure from local journalists, Majumdar acknowledged that his remarks were wrong and retracted them. During the same event, he also criticized the abolition of the caretaker government system through constitutional amendment and alleged that Sheikh Hasina sought to remain in power for life out of vindictiveness. He further stated that the 1991 election was the best in Bangladesh’s history.

Majumdar was accompanied by several SUJAN officials, including regional coordinator Jayanta Kar, district facilitator Atik Suman, manager Meherun Nesa, and local leaders from Palashbari. The meeting was attended by local dignitaries and SUJAN members.

A verbal altercation broke out between National Citizen Party (NCP) candidate Hasnat Abdullah and Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) candidate Abdul Awal Mintoo during an appeal hearing at the Election Commission (EC) in Agargaon, Dhaka, on Saturday afternoon. The incident occurred during a recess in the hearing on the validity of Manikganj-3 candidate Afroza Khanam’s nomination, which was under review due to dual citizenship concerns.

Witnesses said that after the Chief Election Commissioner and other members left the stage for a break, lawyers from both sides engaged in heated arguments. Mintoo, whose own nomination for Feni-3 was also under appeal for alleged dual citizenship, expressed anger toward those seeking to cancel his candidacy. Hasnat, present for another hearing, objected to Mintoo’s remarks, leading to a tense exchange. Law enforcement officers later brought the situation under control.

After the break, Hasnat lodged a complaint with the commission, accusing Mintoo of using abusive language and attempting physical aggression. Election Commissioner Abdur Rahmanel Masud termed the incident “undesirable” and advised filing a complaint with the election investigation committee.

Foreign Affairs Adviser Md. Touhid Hossain has alleged that Bangladesh experienced extensive money laundering and looting through accounting manipulation and corruption over the past 15 years. He made the remarks on Saturday, January 17, at the ‘SAFA International Conference’ held at a hotel in Dhaka.

Hossain stated that a lack of transparency and weaknesses in financial accounting have hindered both foreign investment and the proper use of domestic resources. He said the burden of financial mismanagement ultimately falls on ordinary citizens, emphasizing the urgent need to ensure professional ethics and competence. He also urged South Asian countries to work together to address global instability.

The adviser added that the next generation of professionals—including accountants, auditors, and economic analysts—will play a vital role in restoring the economy through integrity, accountability, and innovation, helping to strengthen Bangladesh’s position amid global challenges.

Tahmina Zaman Shraboni, wife of BNP candidate and former state minister for home affairs Lutfozzaman Babar, has withdrawn her independent candidacy from the Netrakona-4 (Madan–Mohanganj–Khaliajuri) constituency. On Saturday morning, her supporter Mirza Mukul formally submitted the withdrawal application at the Netrakona district returning officer’s office. District Commissioner and Returning Officer Md. Saifur Rahman confirmed that the application was accepted as it was submitted within the stipulated time.

Shraboni had previously contested the 2018 national election from the same constituency and secured a notable number of votes. In the current election, she initially filed as an independent candidate but later decided to withdraw. Other candidates contesting in Netrakona-4 include Lutfozzaman Babar, Al Helal Talukdar of Jamaat-e-Islami, Mokhlesur Rahman of Islami Andolon Bangladesh, and Jolly Talukdar of the Communist Party of Bangladesh.

The withdrawal narrows the field in Netrakona-4, potentially reshaping the competition among the remaining candidates in the constituency.

Mufti Amir Hamza, Jamaat-e-Islami candidate for Kushtia-3, has apologized after an old video of his remarks about late Arafat Rahman Koko, younger son of former president Ziaur Rahman, resurfaced on Facebook and drew criticism. The video showed Hamza making a derogatory comparison involving Koko’s name during a religious gathering. Following renewed backlash, Hamza posted an apology on Facebook late Friday night.

In his post, Hamza stated that the controversial speech was made in 2023 and that he had already expressed regret at that time for using an inappropriate example. He reiterated his apology, saying he again feels remorse for the incident. Hamza also alleged that some individuals were deliberately circulating the old video during the election period to serve political interests, accusing them of exploiting even a deceased leader from their own party.

He concluded his statement by praying for Arafat Rahman Koko’s eternal peace, asking that he be granted a place in Jannatul Ferdous.

Police in Dhaka recovered the bodies of four women from separate locations in Badda, Mirpur, Demra, and Jatrabari between Friday night, January 16, and Saturday morning, January 17, 2026. The bodies were sent to Dhaka Medical College morgue for autopsy. Authorities initially suspect suicide in all four cases, but the exact causes of death will be confirmed after post-mortem reports.

In Jatrabari’s Konapara Adarshabagh area, Asha Akter, 29, was found dead after reportedly hanging herself. In Demra’s Purbo Boxnagar, police recovered the body of Kohinur, 36, around 3 a.m. In Mirpur’s Sector 10, Sanjida Islam Mim, 19, was declared dead at Dhaka Medical College Hospital after being found hanging early Saturday. In Badda’s Aftabnagar Baghapur area, Suborna Khatun, 30, a domestic worker, was found dead following an alleged family dispute.

Police are awaiting autopsy results to determine the exact causes of death in all four cases.

Bangladesh’s leading industrial group RFL, through its subsidiary Rangpur Metal Industries Limited, has signed an agreement with Japanese tech-based startup Glafit Bangladesh Limited to jointly establish electric vehicle charging stations across the country. The signing ceremony took place on Thursday at RFL Group’s headquarters in Badda, Dhaka, where RFL Managing Director RN Paul and Glafit Bangladesh Managing Director Tomoyaki Furuoka signed on behalf of their respective companies.

RN Paul stated that the use of eco-friendly vehicles such as scooters is growing among the country’s youth, and RFL recently launched its ‘Raido’ brand of electric scooters. However, the lack of fast-charging facilities remains a major obstacle for the sector. The company plans to set up charging and battery-swapping stations nationwide with Glafit providing technical support. Initial installations will focus on areas with higher electric vehicle usage, later expanding based on demand.

Furuoka added that Glafit’s mobile app will allow users to connect with the ecosystem, locate nearby charging points, monitor battery status, and track usage details.

A man named Rafiqul Islam, aged 45, was critically injured after jumping under a moving train in Goaland, Rajbari, on Saturday morning. The incident occurred around 8 a.m. near the Goaland Bazar rail crossing when a shuttle train from Daulatdia Ghat to Kushtia–Poradah was passing. Witnesses said Rafiqul suddenly jumped under the train, resulting in both his legs being completely severed. Fire service personnel rescued him in critical condition and took him to the Upazila Health Complex.

Family sources said Rafiqul had been suffering from mental health issues for a long time and was the father of three sons. The attending doctor at the health complex confirmed that both of his legs were fully detached and referred him to Faridpur Medical College Hospital for advanced treatment.

According to the Goaland Ghat Railway Police outpost in-charge, the injured man was rescued through the fire service and later transferred to Faridpur Medical College Hospital for further care.

The Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) has announced a two-day program to commemorate the 90th birth anniversary of late President Ziaur Rahman. The announcement was made by BNP Senior Joint Secretary General Ruhul Kabir Rizvi at a press conference held at the party’s central office in Naya Paltan on Saturday, January 17, 2026. According to the schedule, events will take place across the country on January 19 and 20.

On January 19, BNP leaders and activists will place floral wreaths and offer prayers at Ziaur Rahman’s mausoleum in Sher-e-Bangla Nagar at 11 a.m., with party chairman Tarique Rahman expected to attend. The same day, discussion meetings and special prayers will be held at BNP offices nationwide. On January 20, a discussion meeting will be organized at the Institution of Diploma Engineers, Bangladesh (IDEB) auditorium in Kakrail, featuring senior party leaders, intellectuals, and civil society representatives.

Rizvi described Ziaur Rahman as the architect of modern Bangladesh and the initiator of multiparty democracy. He added that BNP’s affiliated and associate organizations will also hold discussions and prayer sessions at district and metropolitan levels.

BNP Chairperson Tarique Rahman stated that the party’s activists did not disguise themselves under any strategic pretense during their political movement. He made the remarks on Saturday at the Bangladesh-China Friendship Conference Center in Sher-e-Bangla Nagar, Dhaka, during a meeting with families of victims of enforced disappearances, killings, and torture allegedly under the Awami League government. Rahman emphasized that BNP leaders and activists have remained uncompromising against injustice and that no conspiracy or propaganda can suppress the party.

He reflected on the party’s long struggle against what he called fascism, noting that despite years of disappearances, killings, abductions, and false cases, BNP members have continued their movement. Rahman said the days of fear and violence have ended and that Bangladesh is now moving toward democracy. He expressed sympathy for families who lost loved ones and said the state must not forget their sacrifices.

Rahman added that BNP has plans to honor the memory of those who disappeared or were killed, including naming roads and institutions after them if the party forms the government in the future.