A passenger bus caught fire on Friday morning in Dhaka’s Uttara House Building area due to a suspected mechanical fault. The incident occurred around 9:30 a.m. when a Bhuiyan Paribahan bus, parked by the roadside, suddenly emitted smoke from its engine before bursting into flames. Fire service units from Uttara arrived promptly and brought the blaze under control by 10:12 a.m. No injuries were reported as the bus was empty at the time. According to police, the bus engine had been left running while the driver and his assistant went to a nearby shop. Preliminary findings suggest the fire originated from a mechanical malfunction or short circuit caused by the prolonged running engine. The interior of the bus was severely damaged, but nearby shops and vehicles were spared thanks to the fire service’s quick response. Traffic on the busy Dhaka–Mymensingh Highway slowed briefly during the incident. Authorities are investigating whether any other factors contributed to the fire. The situation in the area has since returned to normal.

The NDU Cricket League 2026 is set to begin on Saturday, January 31, at the Notre Dame University field in Dhaka. Organized annually since 2017, the tournament has become a regular sporting event for the university community. This year, four teams—English, Business Administration, CSE, and Law—will compete for the title. The final match is scheduled for February 7. According to Sami Chishti, the league’s organizing committee co-coordinator, the tournament represents a long-standing tradition of Notre Dame University, aiming to promote healthy competition and shared enjoyment among students. The English Eagles, five-time finalists and three-time champions, will participate again in their signature sky-blue and white jerseys. Fantasy Kingdom is serving as the title sponsor for this year’s event. Excitement is building across the campus as players complete their final training sessions, preparing for what has become one of the university’s most anticipated annual sports events.

The government of Bangladesh has declared February 11 as a public holiday ahead of the 13th National Parliamentary Election scheduled for February 12, which is already a general holiday. With the following Friday and Saturday being weekly holidays, citizens will have a continuous four-day break surrounding the election period. Despite the extended holiday, nationwide restrictions will apply to public transportation and inter-district travel to maintain security and order. Former Election Commission official Jesmin Tuli told the BBC that voting is not mandatory in Bangladesh, and citizens may travel if they wish. However, entry to certain voting areas may be restricted to prevent external interference or violence. On election day, personal vehicles, long-distance buses, launches, and trains are typically prohibited from operating to reduce unnecessary movement and ensure law and order. Citizens are encouraged to spend time with family, participate in local social or religious activities, or complete personal tasks. Emergency services such as hospitals, ambulances, fire service, and utilities will remain operational. Authorities emphasize that following election laws and commission guidelines will help ensure a peaceful and safe voting day.

Three accused in a murder case who were mistakenly released from Mymensingh Central Jail without bail documents have been re-arrested by RAB-14. The elite force confirmed that the release occurred without proper authorization and that neither the district administration nor the police were immediately informed. The incident came to light on Thursday, sparking widespread discussion across the country. The detainees—Anis Mia, Rashedul Islam, and Jakirul Islam from Tarakanda in Mymensingh—were captured during overnight operations in Tangail by two RAB-14 teams. Jail authorities admitted the release was a procedural error, explaining that a production warrant had been misinterpreted as a bail order. Mymensingh Senior Jail Superintendent Aminul Islam described the event as an “unintended mistake.” Following the revelation, Deputy Jailor Zakaria Imtiaz was suspended for negligence, and a three-member committee was formed to investigate. The regional prison DIG stated that further legal action would be taken if additional involvement or intent was found. Police officials noted that the lack of timely notification complicated the re-arrest process.

The National Citizens Party (NCP) announced its 36-point election manifesto at an event held on Friday, November 30, at the Lakeshore Grand Hotel in Gulshan, Dhaka. NCP Convener Nahid Islam stated that although the party has joined an 11-party electoral alliance, its struggle for a new political arrangement continues. Representatives from various political parties, civil society, and diplomats attended the event, where party spokesperson Asif Mahmud Sajib Bhuiyan and other central leaders also spoke. Nahid Islam described the occasion as a historic moment for the NCP, which emerged in the aftermath of a mass uprising following 2024. He explained that the party’s leadership and ideology were shaped by that movement, emphasizing the need to abolish fascist systems and establish a new political order. He noted that the NCP’s agenda focuses on youth empowerment and restoring citizens’ dignity, which he said had been repeatedly undermined over the past 16 years. The NCP’s manifesto and alliance participation signal its intent to pursue democratic reforms and engage younger generations in Bangladesh’s political, economic, and social transformation.

Quinton de Kock’s explosive century powered South Africa to a seven-wicket victory over the West Indies in the second T20 match at Centurion, securing the three-match series 2–0 with one game remaining. Chasing 222, South Africa reached 225 for 3 in 17.3 overs. De Kock struck 115 off 49 balls with 10 sixes and 6 fours, while Ryan Rickelton remained unbeaten on 77 from 36 balls. Their 162-run stand for the second wicket laid the foundation for the win. Earlier, the West Indies posted 221 for 4, driven by Shimron Hetmyer’s 75 off 42 balls and Sherfane Rutherford’s unbeaten 57 off 24. Brandon King added 49 from 30 balls. West Indies captain Shai Hope said the batting was strong but bowling in Centurion’s conditions was difficult. With this innings, De Kock surpassed Faf du Plessis to become South Africa’s highest run-scorer in recognized T20s, amassing 12,113 runs in 416 innings across 430 matches. The third and final match of the series will be played in Johannesburg tomorrow.

Government employees in Bangladesh are set to enjoy a four-day holiday at the beginning of February 2026. According to the Islamic Foundation, the holy Shab-e-Barat will be observed on the night of Tuesday, February 3. Following this, the government has declared Wednesday, February 4, as a public holiday through an executive order. By taking an additional day off on Thursday, February 5, employees can extend their break to four consecutive days, as Friday and Saturday (February 6 and 7) are regular weekends. The Ministry of Public Administration’s 2026 holiday notification lists 14 general holidays and 14 holidays by executive order, with nine of them coinciding with weekends. The schedule also includes five holidays for Muslim festivals, nine for Hindu festivals, eight for Christian festivals, seven for Buddhist festivals, and two optional holidays for employees from small ethnic groups. This arrangement provides government workers with an early opportunity in the year to plan extended personal or family time without using many leave days.

The Bangladesh Jewellers Association (BAJUS) has announced a major reduction in gold prices after five consecutive increases. According to a notice issued on Friday, January 30, 2026, the price of gold has been reduced by up to Tk14,600 per bhori, bringing the rate of 22-carat gold down to Tk271,363 per bhori. The new prices took effect from 10:45 a.m. the same day. Previously, the price had reached a record high of Tk286,000 per bhori, the highest in Bangladesh’s history. BAJUS stated that the local price adjustment followed a decline in the rate of pure gold in the international market. On Friday morning, global gold prices fell to USD 5,200 per ounce, down from USD 5,550 the previous day, according to data from Goldprice.org. Alongside gold, silver prices also dropped, with 22-carat silver now priced at Tk7,757 per bhori. The price revision reflects the impact of international market trends on Bangladesh’s domestic bullion market, signaling potential short-term relief for jewelry buyers.

U.S. President Donald Trump has signed an executive order initiating the process of imposing additional tariffs on countries that sell oil to Cuba. The order, reported by TRT World, does not specify the tariff rates or identify the targeted countries, leaving those decisions to the U.S. Secretary of Commerce. According to U.S. authorities, the move aims to pressure Cuba and protect American national security and foreign policy interests. The executive order grants Secretary of Commerce Howard Lutnick and Secretary of State Marco Rubio the authority to take all necessary steps to implement the tariffs. It also allows Trump to refrain from imposing measures if Cuba or oil-supplying nations take actions consistent with U.S. national security and foreign policy objectives. Cuba, under U.S. sanctions since 1962, has relied heavily on oil imports from Venezuela. The report notes that the United States has effectively taken control of Venezuela’s oil exports after removing Havana’s key ally, Nicolás Maduro.

A Bangladesh Navy officer named Nazmus Sakib, aged 38, was killed when a speeding bus hit his motorcycle at the Ghazibari Gate area of Patiya Bypass in Chattogram on Friday morning. Another navy sailor, Md. Ikram, aged 32, sustained serious injuries in the accident. Both were traveling from Patenga to Cox’s Bazar by motorcycle when the collision occurred. Sakib died on the spot, while locals rescued Ikram and sent him to Chittagong Medical College Hospital. According to highway police and local sources, the bus was moving recklessly when it struck the motorcycle, throwing both riders off the road. Officer-in-Charge Harunur Rashid of the highway police outpost confirmed the incident and said the bus responsible for the crash has not yet been identified. Efforts are underway to locate the vehicle. Both victims were stationed at the Bangladesh Navy base in Patenga. Police investigations are ongoing to identify the bus and determine the cause of the accident.

The Government of Bangladesh has introduced a special initiative to make air travel more affordable for expatriate workers. Under this plan, one-way ticket prices on the Saudi Arabia–Bangladesh route have been set at only 20,000 taka, enabling workers to visit their families more easily. The scheme will be effective for inbound flights from April 18 to May 25, 2026, and for return flights from May 30 to June 30, 2026. According to Sheikh Bashiruddin, adviser to the Ministry of Civil Aviation and Tourism, the program targets the sale of 80,000 tickets across both countries. The initiative is expected to benefit expatriate workers while generating significant revenue for Biman Bangladesh Airlines, potentially exceeding 1 billion taka in additional income. The lowest one-way fare on the Medina–Dhaka and Jeddah–Dhaka routes is set at 20,500 taka, with return fares starting at 42,000 taka. Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus praised the measure as a milestone in expatriate-friendly policy implementation and urged that the initiative be maintained effectively to ensure lasting benefits for workers and the national economy.

U.S. President Donald Trump said that military action against Iran might not be necessary, indicating a preference for renewed diplomatic engagement. Speaking on Thursday at the launch of a documentary, he stated that he plans further discussions with Tehran over a potential nuclear agreement. Trump noted that U.S. military forces are currently moving toward Iran but expressed hope that they would not need to be used. In his remarks, Trump emphasized that he had strengthened U.S. military power during his first term and reiterated his willingness to negotiate with Iran again. He urged Tehran to reach a nuclear deal quickly and warned that any future attack would be far more severe. The comments come amid heightened tensions following a 12-day war between Israel and Tehran, during which the United States reportedly bombed three Iranian nuclear sites in June. Trump’s statements suggest a dual approach of military readiness and diplomatic outreach, leaving open the possibility of de-escalation if talks progress toward a new nuclear accord.

Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer and head of the 11-party alliance, Dr. Shafiqur Rahman, announced plans to establish government medical colleges in 36 districts, including Feni. He also promised specialized hospitals, embankment construction along the Feni River, and a modern stadium in Feni. The announcement came during an election rally organized by the local Jamaat-e-Islami at Feni Government Pilot High School field on Friday morning. During his speech, Dr. Rahman said the country had been freed from misrule through the July 24 revolution and recalled his humanitarian visit to Feni during a devastating flood. He mentioned that the people of Feni would remember Abrar Fahad for his remarks about the Feni River. He urged voters to unite behind the 11-party alliance candidates in Feni’s three constituencies to build a new Bangladesh. The event was attended by senior leaders of Jamaat, Shibir, and the 11-party alliance, including Dr. Syed Abdullah Mohammad Taher, Maulana A.T.M. Masum, Professor Liaquat Ali Bhuiyan, and others.

Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan has called for the establishment of a regional security framework in the Middle East built on mutual trust rather than rivalry. In an interview broadcast on Thursday by Al Jazeera, Fidan said lasting stability can only be achieved through inclusive regional cooperation, not through the dominance of any single power. Fidan identified a lack of trust among Gulf states as the main obstacle to effective security collaboration. Drawing a comparison with the European Union, he argued that Middle Eastern countries could also unite responsibly to ensure regional stability. Responding to a question about the Saudi Arabia–Pakistan defense agreement and Turkey’s potential involvement, he emphasized that any such arrangement should be more inclusive and free from Turkish, Arab, Persian, or any other form of dominance. On Syria, Fidan stated that Turkey is doing its utmost to facilitate the ceasefire process in the war-torn country.

Hamidur Rahman, former general secretary of Islami Andolan Bangladesh’s Narsingdi district unit, has formally joined Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami. The announcement was confirmed on Thursday night, with district Jamaat leaders welcoming him at an event attended by Assistant Secretary Mokbul Hossain and Publicity Secretary Amirul Islam. Narsingdi-1 constituency candidate Md. Ibrahim Bhuiyan posted photos of the reception on his verified Facebook page. Around 300 more Islami Andolan activists are expected to join Jamaat next Monday. Rahman said his decision stemmed from dissatisfaction over tensions within the 11-party electoral alliance that included Islami Andolan and Jamaat. He cited internal disagreements, the party’s inability to compromise on minor issues, and its departure from the “one box policy” as reasons for the shift. Bhuiyan expressed optimism that Rahman’s organizational experience would strengthen Jamaat’s movement in the district. The upcoming mass joining event is expected to further consolidate Jamaat’s local organizational base in Narsingdi, according to the statements made at the ceremony.