Online verification and media research platform DismissLab published a fact-check report on January 16, 2026, revealing that two photocards circulating on Facebook under the name of Bangladeshi news outlet 'Amar Desh' were fake. One card claimed that villagers handed over female Jamaat activists to police while collecting voter IDs, and another alleged that BNP Chairman Tarique Rahman made an urgent call to Islami Andolan Bangladesh leader Mufti Faizul Karim. DismissLab confirmed that neither card was published by 'Amar Desh'.

The investigation found that the first photocard used an image from a 2022 report about the arrest of eight Jamaat women in Meherpur’s Mujibnagar, while the second card falsely linked political figures. DismissLab verified that the official Facebook, website, and YouTube channels of 'Amar Desh' contained no such content. The outlet’s associate editor, Alfaz Anam, confirmed that the organization did not release any such materials.

According to DismissLab, fake photocards imitating 'Amar Desh' have appeared multiple times before, spreading misinformation through social media platforms.

A special team of RAB-11’s CPC-2 unit recovered firearms looted from a highway police outpost in Muradnagar upazila of Comilla. The operation took place late on Thursday, January 15, near the Bhuiyabari Bridge area of Lajair village under Babutipara Union. Acting on secret intelligence, the team recovered a Chinese rifle and a locally made rifle abandoned at the site. Initial findings suggest that the criminals fled after sensing the presence of law enforcement.

Major Sadman Ibne Alam, company commander of RAB-11 CPC-2, stated that the operation was conducted based on intelligence to recover the stolen weapons. Legal procedures regarding the recovered arms are currently underway, and efforts to identify and arrest those involved are continuing.

Following the recovery of the long-lost weapons, local residents have expressed relief. The renewed activity of law enforcement in seizing illegal arms has reportedly restored a sense of security and optimism in the area.

RAB-13 conducted a late-night raid on Thursday in Mahishtuli village under Velabari Union of Aditmari upazila, Lalmonirhat, arresting a suspected drug dealer. Acting on a tip-off, the elite force detained Ayna Begum, wife of Samir Uddin, from her residence. During the operation, officers recovered 311 bottles of Eskaf, 98 bottles of Phensedyl, and 133 bottles of Fairdyl, totaling 542 bottles of illegal drugs hidden under a bed in her bedroom.

According to RAB’s Additional Superintendent of Police and Senior Assistant Director Biplob Kumar Goswami, the operation was based on secret intelligence. Following the arrest, a case was filed against Ayna Begum under the Narcotics Control Act on Friday morning. Authorities confirmed that anti-drug drives will continue as part of the government’s zero-tolerance policy against narcotics.

The operation highlights RAB’s ongoing efforts to curb drug trafficking in northern Bangladesh, with continued enforcement actions expected in the coming days.

A delegation led by Jamison Greer, the United States Trade Representative under President Donald Trump’s administration, held a virtual meeting with Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) Chairperson Tarique Rahman on Friday at 9 a.m. Bangladesh local time. The meeting was confirmed by Rahman’s press secretary, Saleh Shibli.

According to the report, the discussion focused on bilateral trade between Bangladesh and the United States, mutual tariff rates, and prospects for future economic cooperation. The meeting was also attended by Brendan Lynch, Assistant U.S. Trade Representative for South and Central Asia; Emily Ashby, Director for South and Central Asia; and Humayun Kabir, BNP Chairperson’s foreign affairs adviser and the party’s joint secretary general.

The meeting highlighted ongoing engagement between the BNP leadership and U.S. trade officials regarding economic collaboration and trade policy matters.

The Department of Shipping under the Ministry of Shipping has formed a six-member special taskforce to address the ongoing lighter vessel shortage ahead of the upcoming holy month of Ramadan. The government decided to operate mobile courts in key river routes including Narayanganj, Jashore, and Noapara to curb the illegal use of lighter vessels as floating warehouses by some importers. Legal action will be taken against those responsible for obstructing cargo unloading and disrupting normal supply chains.

According to the Department of Shipping, several importers have been keeping goods on lighter vessels for extended periods instead of unloading them, effectively turning them into floating storage facilities. The sudden increase in commercial ships at outer anchorage due to bulk imports before Ramadan has created a shortage of lighter vessels needed to unload goods from seaports. This has delayed cargo handling and raised concerns about potential artificial shortages of essential commodities.

Officials believe that implementing this initiative will help stop the misuse of lighter vessels, speed up cargo unloading, and ensure stable supply of essential goods in the market during Ramadan.

Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer Dr. Shafiqur Rahman held a virtual meeting with US Trade Representative Ambassador Jamison Greer to discuss bilateral trade, tariff rates, and future economic cooperation. The meeting was also attended by Assistant US Trade Representative for South and Central Asia Brendan Lynch, Director Emily Ashby, and Jamaat’s US spokesperson Professor Dr. Mohammad Nakibur Rahman.

According to Jamaat’s central publicity department, Dr. Rahman thanked Ambassador Greer for initiating the call and for his support on tariff discussions. Greer reportedly informed him that he had recently met President Donald Trump to discuss reducing mutual tariffs. Dr. Rahman expressed gratitude for the US initiative to grant special tariff benefits for garments made from 100% US cotton or man-made fibers, calling it a “win-win” formula benefiting both nations’ industries.

Dr. Rahman said the mutual tariff agreement has strengthened the foundation of Bangladesh-US economic relations. He added that if Jamaat forms the next government after the February national election, it will continue implementing the agreement and deepen trade and investment ties. He also welcomed US support for Bangladesh’s access to the Development Finance Corporation fund and invited Greer to visit Bangladesh.

The Department of Agricultural Extension (DAE) in Sirajganj has projected a combined market value of around Tk 1,200 to 1,250 crore from mustard and honey production in the current season. Mustard cultivation has expanded to 90,550 hectares across Ullapara, Tarash, Raiganj, and Shahjadpur upazilas, exceeding the initial target of 90,000 hectares. The DAE expects about 146,000 metric tons of mustard to be produced if weather conditions remain favorable. Farmers are optimistic about good profits due to improved seed varieties and favorable weather.

Honey production has also become a significant economic activity alongside mustard farming. The district has set a target of producing 404,000 kilograms of honey this season, with 220 beekeepers already collecting about 100,000 kilograms. Ullapara upazila leads in both mustard and honey output, creating employment opportunities for many. The DAE is promoting the high-yielding BARI Sarisha-20 variety, which matures within 75–80 days and allows farmers to cultivate boro rice afterward.

Officials noted that expanding mustard cultivation could help reduce Bangladesh’s dependence on imported edible oil, as domestic production currently meets only a small portion of national demand.

Rapid Action Battalion (RAB)-10 has arrested Md. Bapparaj, also known as Bappa, the prime suspect in the murder of CNG auto-rickshaw driver Pappu Sheikh in Jurain under Dhaka’s Kadamtali police station. Acting on a tip-off and using technological assistance, RAB-10’s CPC-1 Jatrabari Camp team detained Bapparaj from the Hasnabad area of South Keraniganj around 7:20 p.m. on Wednesday, January 15.

According to RAB, the murder occurred on December 1 in Kana Jobbar’s Lane of Jurain’s Kabi Nazrul area, where Bapparaj and his associates allegedly carried out a planned armed attack on Pappu Sheikh, firing three rounds. One bullet hit a vital area, leaving Pappu critically injured; he later died at the hospital. Based on a complaint from the victim’s father, a murder case was filed at Kadamtali Police Station, and RAB-10 assisted in tracking down the fugitives.

RAB reported that Bapparaj faces eight cases involving weapons, drugs, robbery, and extortion at Kadamtali Police Station. He has been handed over to the concerned police station for legal proceedings. Earlier, two other suspects, Yusuf Sardar and Uzzal alias Kanchi, were also arrested in connection with the same case.

Candidates from BNP and Jamaat-e-Islami have entered full campaign mode in Rajshahi’s six parliamentary constituencies ahead of Bangladesh’s 13th national election. Analysis of their affidavits shows a stark financial imbalance, with BNP candidates generally relying more on personal funds while most Jamaat contenders depend heavily on loans and donations to cover campaign expenses. In several constituencies, candidates’ declared expenditures exceed their total assets, highlighting the growing role of financial capacity in electoral competition.

Political analysts cited in the report argue that such dependence on borrowed and donated money raises questions about post-election accountability and independence. A Rajshahi University political science professor noted that this reliance could influence future political behavior. Social analyst Toufiq Ahmed warned that elections are increasingly becoming contests of financial power rather than ideology, risking voter trust. Former election observer Anwar Hossain described the Rajshahi scenario as a reflection of the country’s broader electoral reality, where financial inequality undermines fair competition.

Observers believe that the imbalance between self-funded and donation-dependent candidates may directly affect voter confidence and the eventual election outcome in Rajshahi.

Rapid Action Battalion (RAB) has arrested Jahangir Alam, the main accused in the attack on police during an anti-drug operation in Sreepur, Gazipur. According to a statement signed by Lieutenant Nafiz Bin Jamal, commander of RAB-1 Specialized Company, Porabari Camp, Jahangir was detained late Thursday night from the Ansar Road area of Sreepur upazila. The 26-year-old is a resident of Kewa Paschim Khanda village under Sreepur municipality.

RAB information states that on December 31, police from Sreepur station conducted an anti-drug operation behind Peer Ali Degree College in Maona Chourasta based on secret intelligence. Jahangir and another person were arrested during the raid. Following the arrests, Jahangir’s associates attacked the police with local weapons, assaulted officers, freed Jahangir, and vandalized two police vehicles, injuring five policemen. Sub-inspector Arun Kumar Biswas later filed a case over the incident.

Sreepur Police Officer-in-Charge Mohammad Nasir Ahmad confirmed that RAB handed Jahangir over to the police station and that he will be sent to court on Friday.

A fire broke out on the second floor of a six-storey residential building in Sector 11 of Uttara, Dhaka, on Friday morning. Initially, three deaths were reported, but the toll later rose to six, including two women, one man, and a child. The identities of the remaining victims have not yet been confirmed. Thirteen people were rescued from the site and taken to Kuwait Maitree Hospital, according to the Fire Service.

The Fire Service’s central media cell reported receiving the fire alert at 7:50 a.m. Firefighters from Uttara Fire Station reached the scene at 7:58 a.m., brought the blaze under control by 8:25 a.m., and fully extinguished it by 10:00 a.m. Two units from the Uttara station took part in the operation.

Authorities have not yet disclosed the cause of the fire or details about the victims’ identities. Further investigation is expected to determine the source and circumstances of the incident.

A civic memorial meeting in remembrance of former Prime Minister Begum Khaleda Zia is being held today, Friday, January 16, at 2:30 p.m. at the South Plaza of the National Parliament Building. The event, organized by civil society, will be attended by BNP Chairperson Tarique Rahman. Organizers emphasized that the gathering is not a political program but a national-level humanitarian tribute to Khaleda Zia. All attendees have been asked to bring their invitation cards.

The memorial is being presided over by former Chief Justice Syed J.R. Mudassir Hossain, with noted economist Professor Dr. Mahbub Ullah serving as chief organizer. At a press conference held Thursday at the Krishibid Institute in Dhaka, organizers detailed the arrangements and reiterated that no political speeches will be made. Distinguished citizens from various professions, including teachers, doctors, engineers, journalists, and representatives of ethnic and religious communities, will speak.

Organizers have requested participants to maintain solemnity by avoiding selfies, applause, or standing during the event. Guests are asked to wear black and white attire, and entry will be strictly controlled through invitation cards and designated gates.

A special army operation in Lohagara, Chattogram, led to the arrest of top criminal Rifat, aged 35, on Thursday afternoon. The operation took place in the Telibila area of Charamba Union’s Ward No. 5, where Rifat, son of Siddiq Saudagar, was detained with a cache of weapons and other items. The joint forces recovered two LG guns, seven cartridges, two liters of local liquor, four machetes, six knives, a drone, eight mobile phones, three memory cards, a mobile battery, a rocket parachute flare signal, a pen drive, and a motorcycle.

According to local residents, Rifat had long been involved in extortion, intimidation, and various criminal activities in the area. Captain Walid Bin Maudud of the Lohagara Army Camp stated that the arrest was made based on intelligence information, and the detainee was handed over to Lohagara Police Station along with the seized items. Officer-in-Charge Abdul Jalil confirmed that a case has been filed against Rifat.

Residents expressed relief following the arrest, saying it brought a sense of safety back to the community.

The Shibir-backed 'Durbar SUSTian Oikko' panel has announced a 28-point manifesto ahead of the Shahjalal University of Science and Technology (SUST) Central Students’ Union (ShakSU) election. The manifesto was presented on January 15 at a press conference in front of the university’s central library by vice-president candidate Delwar Hasan Shishir and general secretary candidate Mujahidul Islam. The panel said the manifesto was designed based on students’ needs and expectations as the election is being held after 28 years.

The manifesto includes commitments to establish a July Corner and ensure justice for those involved in the July uprising, integrate ShakSU into the academic calendar, guarantee full residential facilities, and improve services for non-residential students. It also promises affordable nutritious food, safe transport, interfaith harmony, enhanced research, skill development, scholarships, and smart technological solutions. Other pledges include transparent administration, a corruption-free campus, women’s safety, a cyber cell for online protection, modernization of the medical center, and a green campus.

The ShakSU election is scheduled for January 20, and the university is reportedly in a festive mood ahead of the vote.

The National Curriculum and Textbook Board (NCTB) has not been able to deliver all secondary-level textbooks to students by its earlier deadline of January 15, 2026. Officials said that dense fog and severe cold slowed down printing, preventing completion on time. As of Thursday, about five percent of books were still pending, but NCTB expects 98 percent of students to receive their books by Sunday, when classes begin, and 99 percent by next Tuesday.

NCTB’s textbook member Professor Dr. Riad Chowdhury explained that the board relies on 105 printing presses and does not print books itself. The initial January 15 target was based on information from those presses, but adverse weather reduced printing speed. Education adviser C.R. Abrar had earlier announced that all books would reach students by mid-January, but nearly ten million books remain undelivered.

Officials noted that in the past fifteen years, full textbook delivery at the start of the year has never been achieved. They said that if all books reach schools by January 20, it would mark a new milestone for NCTB.