A Chattogram court has sentenced ten individuals to life imprisonment for the murder of police constable Abdul Kaiyum, who was stabbed to death by robbers a decade ago. The verdict was delivered on Monday by Judge Mizanur Rahman of the Chattogram Special Judge Court. The convicted are Md. Javed, Nurul Alam, Suman Molla, Harunur Rashid, Tapan Chandra Sarker, Mintu Das, Arsal alias Russell, Faruk alias Bullet Faruk, Md. Sohel, and Md. Babul. Five of the convicts were present in court, while the other five remain absconding.

Each convict was also fined 25,000 taka, totaling 250,000 taka, which the court ordered to be handed over to the slain constable’s family. According to court sources, the incident occurred on November 3, 2013, in front of the DIG bungalow at Tigerpass Ambagan under Khulshi Police Station, when robbers attacked police personnel, killing Kaiyum and injuring three others.

Abdul Kaiyum, a resident of Sandwip upazila in Chattogram, had joined the police as a constable on October 6, 2012. The case was filed naming 11 suspects and several unidentified persons, and the verdict came after testimony from 14 witnesses.

Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer Dr. Shafiqur Rahman announced that the party’s final decision on seat-sharing will be declared within the next two days. He made the statement on Monday during a press briefing following a courtesy meeting with a three-member European Union election observation delegation led by Ivars Ijabs, a member of the European Parliament, at his office in Bashundhara, Dhaka. He said journalists would be invited when the parties sit together to finalize the agreement.

During the hour-long discussion, topics included the upcoming February national election, the referendum, and the preparedness of Jamaat and its allies. The EU team inquired about the law and order situation, the roles of the government and the Election Commission, and whether a level playing field exists. Dr. Rahman said the party had raised its concerns with the relevant authorities and received partial remedies.

He added that Jamaat supports fair elections, reform, and justice for all, emphasizing that voters must be able to cast their ballots freely and that results should reflect the people’s will. He also confirmed that the EU plans to send 200 observers to cover district and city corporation areas.

Mohammad Nahid Islam, convener of the National Citizens Party (NCP), and Maulana Mohammad Mamunul Haque, amir of Bangladesh Khelafat Majlis, held a courtesy meeting on Monday afternoon at Haque’s personal office in Mohammadpur, Dhaka. The two leaders, both part of the Jamaat-e-Islami–led 11-party alliance, discussed the upcoming national election, the planned referendum, and other current political issues.

According to party sources, the hour-long meeting covered the country’s ongoing political situation, recent political alignments, and future strategies. The discussion emphasized strengthening mutual understanding within the alliance and coordinating joint political initiatives. Particular focus was placed on developing a unified political stance to safeguard national interests, independence, and sovereignty, as well as mobilizing public support for a “yes” vote in the referendum.

The meeting reflected efforts within the 11-party alliance to consolidate cooperation and define strategies ahead of the next election and referendum.

The National Economic Council (NEC) has approved a revised Annual Development Programme (ADP) of Tk 2 trillion for the 2025–26 fiscal year. Including projects under autonomous bodies and corporations, the total expenditure stands at Tk 2.289 trillion. The decision was made at an NEC meeting chaired by Chief Adviser Dr. Muhammad Yunus at the NEC Conference Room in Sher-e-Bangla Nagar. The revised plan allocates Tk 1.28 trillion from domestic sources and Tk 720 billion from foreign sources.

According to the press briefing, the revised ADP reflects a reduction of Tk 300 billion compared to the original plan, with Tk 160 billion less from domestic sources and Tk 140 billion less from foreign assistance. The programme includes 1,330 projects, comprising 1,108 investment projects, 35 feasibility studies, 121 technical assistance projects, and 66 self-financed projects by agencies. Priority sectors include transport, power and energy, housing, education, and local government, which together receive Tk 1.211 trillion or 60.54% of total allocations.

Planning officials stated that the revised ADP aims to expand economic activities, generate employment, develop human resources, improve social services, and support sustainable growth.

BNP Standing Committee member Selima Rahman has said that state reform and ensuring normal living conditions for people will be the main goals of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP). She made the remarks on Monday at a prayer and memorial meeting organized by the Jatiyatabadi Nabin Dal at the National Press Club in Dhaka, held to pray for the soul of late BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia.

Selima Rahman stated that if BNP comes to power, it will move forward under the leadership of Tarique Rahman to build a humane Bangladesh inspired by Khaleda Zia’s ideals and thoughts. She described Khaleda Zia as a symbol of global respect who endured political persecution and left behind a legacy of courage and dedication to democracy and citizens’ rights. Rahman emphasized that BNP seeks a fair and neutral upcoming election and remains united under Tarique Rahman’s leadership.

She also recalled Khaleda Zia’s contributions as a three-time prime minister in education, health, and women’s development, noting that the foundation of reform began with Ziaur Rahman’s 19-point program, later developed through Khaleda Zia’s vision and Tarique Rahman’s leadership.

The Government of Bangladesh is set to launch a national registration and digital ID card program for freelancers to formalize the country’s growing freelancing sector. The Ministry of Posts, Telecommunications and Information Technology announced that the digital platform for the initiative has been completed and will be officially inaugurated on Tuesday. Registered freelancers will be able to use their ID cards to access banking services, loans, credit cards, financial incentives, and both government and private training opportunities.

According to the ministry’s statement, the platform, freelancers.gov.bd, has successfully passed vulnerability assessment and penetration testing, ensuring its security and technical readiness. The initiative aims to strengthen connections between freelancers, banks, government institutions, and the private sector, which the ministry expects will elevate Bangladesh’s digital economy to new heights.

The ministry described the program as a strategic national initiative designed to promote self-employment among youth, increase foreign currency earnings, and expand technology-based employment opportunities across the country.

Police in Kulaura upazila of Moulvibazar arrested four robbers with weapons while they were fleeing after a robbery early Sunday. The incident occurred around 2 a.m. in the Baganbari area of Hossainpur under Kadipur Union. The arrested men were identified as Juber Ahmad Jubla, 28, Delwar Hossain, 27, Nazim Mia, 26, and Zakir Hossain, 30, all residents of different areas in Kulaura. Police also seized a microbus and a motorcycle used in the crime.

According to police sources, the robbers stopped local resident Lal Mia, 42, while he was returning home on a motorcycle, and took his phone, wallet, and motorcycle at knifepoint before escaping in a microbus. Acting on the report, a police team led by Additional Superintendent of Police Azmal Hossain and Officer-in-Charge Moniruzzaman Mollah launched an operation in the Chunghar area around 3 a.m. and arrested four suspects. During the raid, Azmal Hossain sustained a finger injury from an attack by the robbers.

Police said the detainees are identified robbers and have been charged. They will be presented before the court soon.

Students and citizens in Barishal organized an 'Azadi March' on Monday afternoon demanding justice for the murder of Shahid Osman Hadi, spokesperson of Inquilab Moncho. The event began at 2 p.m. in front of Ashwini Kumar Hall on Sadar Road under the banner of Barishal’s student and citizen groups. Participants called for the immediate arrest and trial of those responsible for Hadi’s killing.

Speakers at the program criticized law enforcement for failing to identify or arrest the killers despite the passage of considerable time since the incident. They warned that the student community would continue its movement until justice is ensured. The march later proceeded through major city roads and concluded at the Nathullabad Central Bus Terminal.

Students from various colleges and people from different professions joined the march, reflecting broad local participation in the demand for justice.

The Dhaka University Central Students’ Union (DUCSU) and the Bangladesh Young Column Writers’ Forum, Dhaka University branch, will jointly organize the Shaheed Osman Hadi Memorial Book Fair 2026. The five-day event will take place from January 18 to 22 at the TSC Payra Chattar on the university campus, remaining open to the public daily from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. The fair will be inaugurated by Omar Bin Hadi, brother of Shaheed Sharif Osman Hadi, with Dhaka University Vice-Chancellor Professor Dr. Niaz Ahmad Khan attending as chief guest.

The announcement was made at a press conference held in front of Madhur Canteen, where Forum President Ashiq Khan stated that the fair aims to highlight the life and ideals of Shaheed Osman Hadi, portraying him as a symbol of protest and resistance against oppression. The event will feature stalls from various publishers, memorial sessions, discussions, seminars, and interactive programs involving young writers and readers.

Organizers said the fair seeks to promote books as tools of free thought and resistance and will be held annually as a platform for cultural and intellectual exchange.

Professor Ali Riaz, special assistant to the chief adviser, stated that the upcoming referendum is essential not only for the next five years but also for ensuring the full establishment of democracy and the future governance structure of Bangladesh. He made the remarks on Monday at a conference held at the Hazrat Shah Makhdum Central Eidgah ground in Rajshahi, organized by the Divisional Administration and the Islamic Foundation to promote the referendum and encourage voter participation.

Riaz emphasized that key decisions regarding the independence of the judiciary, the Election Commission, and the Anti-Corruption Commission must be made through the people’s mandate. He urged citizens to vote “yes” in the referendum, describing it as a historic opportunity for direct public participation. He noted that while political parties hold differing views on signing the July National Charter, all are united in supporting the referendum.

Referring to past electoral experiences, Riaz said that people now want to vote but have often been deprived of a proper environment. The July National Charter and the referendum aim to restore that democratic atmosphere and ensure that future governments operate according to the people’s will.

Hasna Jasimuddin Moudud, wife of late Barrister Moudud Ahmed and former BNP Standing Committee member, has withdrawn her candidacy from the Noakhali-5 (Companiganj-Kabirhat and part of Sadar) constituency election. She had earlier submitted nomination papers to contest as an independent candidate but later decided to step down.

Speaking to the daily Amar Desh, Hasna Moudud said she made the decision out of respect for the party chairperson. She met BNP Chairperson Tarique Rahman at his Gulshan office on Sunday, where he requested her to withdraw her independent candidacy for the Noakhali-5 seat. Following that meeting, she decided to honor his request and withdraw from the race.

The withdrawal marks the end of her short-lived independent bid in the constituency, aligning her decision with the party leadership’s direction.

Bangladesh Bank has eased loan facilities for liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) importers, allowing them to import gas on credit for up to 270 days. The central bank issued a circular on Monday, stating that LPG, usually imported in bulk and later bottled for retail, will now be treated as an industrial raw material for trade credit purposes. This classification enables importers to access the same deferred payment terms available for other industrial raw materials under existing foreign exchange regulations.

According to the circular, banks have been instructed to assist importers in obtaining buyer’s credit from foreign banks and financial institutions. Additionally, offshore banking units have been authorized to provide bill discounting facilities to support the sector. The move aims to address the time-intensive nature of LPG storage, bottling, and distribution processes.

The decision comes amid a supply shortage that has pushed the price of a 12-kilogram LPG cylinder up to 2,500 taka, significantly above the government-fixed rate, causing hardship for consumers and businesses.

A three-member delegation led by Ivars Ijabs, chief observer of the European Union Election Observation Mission and a member of the European Parliament, met with Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer Dr. Shafiqur Rahman in Dhaka’s Bashundhara area on Monday afternoon. The meeting took place at the Jamaat leader’s office and was described by the party’s central publicity department as cordial and friendly.

During the discussion, both sides exchanged views on issues of mutual interest between Bangladesh and the European Union. They emphasized close cooperation to ensure that the upcoming 13th National Parliamentary Election is free, fair, and acceptable. The meeting also highlighted the importance of strengthening Bangladesh’s constitutional and democratic institutions.

The EU delegation assured that a 200-member team would observe the forthcoming national election in Bangladesh. Both parties expressed optimism about maintaining the continuity of bilateral relations, development, and progress between Bangladesh and the European Union.

The University Grants Commission (UGC) of Bangladesh has announced that the previously postponed recruitment examination for the positions of Assistant Secretary and Assistant Director will now be held on January 16. The multiple-choice (MCQ) test is scheduled to take place from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. at the Bangladesh University of Engineering and Technology (BUET).

According to UGC Secretary Dr. Md. Fakhrul Islam, the revised seating arrangement for the candidates was published on January 8 on the commission’s official website. The announcement confirms the new date and venue for the examination, which had been delayed earlier for unspecified reasons.

The UGC’s update ensures that candidates can now prepare for the rescheduled test with clear information on timing and location, as officially communicated by the commission.

Home Adviser Md. Jahangir Alam Chowdhury has called on members of Bangladesh Ansar and Village Defence Party (VDP) to perform their duties with honesty, dedication, and professionalism during the upcoming 13th National Parliamentary Election. He made the appeal on Monday morning at the passing-out parade of the 41st BCS (Ansar) officers, Upazila Ansar-VDP trainers, and the 26th and 27th battalions held at the Ansar and VDP Academy in Shafipur, Gazipur.

The adviser stated that a total of 555,958 Ansar-VDP members will be deployed across 42,766 polling centers nationwide, with 13 members assigned to each center. Among them, three will be armed, six unarmed male, and four unarmed female members. Additionally, 1,191 Ansar battalion striking force teams, each consisting of ten members, will be stationed across the country to strengthen election security. He noted that the Ansar and VDP have been preparing since August 2025 to ensure a free, fair, and peaceful election.

Chowdhury also urged new Ansar-VDP members to uphold moral values and remain free from corruption, describing corruption as the greatest enemy of the state.