Students of the Al-Quran and Islamic Studies Department at Islamic University (IU) in Kushtia staged a human chain on Monday, January 26, demanding the arrest and exemplary punishment of those responsible for the murder of student Sajid Abdullah. The protest took place at noon in front of the university’s administration building, marking six months and nine days since the killing. Leaders from the university’s student wings, including the Chhatra Dal and Chhatra Shibir, joined the demonstration in solidarity. During the event, students expressed frustration that the university administration had yet to identify the killers, accusing officials of negligence and delay. Speakers warned that if justice was not delivered, they would escalate their movement. Chhatra Dal’s convener Sahed Ahmed demanded the resignation of the university proctor by 4 p.m. Tuesday, threatening to besiege the vice-chancellor’s office on Wednesday if the demand was ignored. The protest reflects growing anger among students over the lack of progress in the investigation and signals possible intensified demonstrations if authorities fail to act promptly.

The United States has announced that citizens of Bangladesh and several other countries will now be eligible for single-entry visas valid for up to three months under a new visa bond pilot program. The US Embassy in Dhaka released details of the program on Monday, explaining that applicants deemed eligible after their visa interview will be instructed to pay a refundable bond through pay.gov within 30 days of visa approval. According to the embassy, the program requires travelers to enter the US through designated airports—Boston Logan, John F. Kennedy, or Washington Dulles—and comply with all visa conditions, including not working and leaving the country on time. Failure to meet these conditions could result in forfeiture of the bond, which may be as high as 15,000 US dollars. The US State Department previously suspended immigrant visas for citizens of 75 countries, including Bangladesh, on January 7, and added Bangladesh to the visa bond list. Analysts cited in the report noted that the new rule could make obtaining a US visa more expensive and complicated for Bangladeshi travelers.

A preparatory meeting was held on Monday, January 26, 2026, at the Baliadi Zamindar Bari in Kaliakair upazila to ensure the success of BNP Chairperson Tarique Rahman’s upcoming rally in Gazipur scheduled for Tuesday. The meeting was presided over by Mahmud Sarkar, convener of Kaliakair Municipality BNP, with Md. Nurul Islam Sikder, convener of Kaliakair Upazila BNP, serving as the chief speaker. The session was conducted by Upazila BNP member secretary M. Anwar Hossain. Speakers emphasized the need to make the Gazipur rally a complete success under the direction of Barrister Ishraq Ahmed Siddiqui, member secretary of the district BNP. They highlighted the importance of strengthening organizational readiness, increasing public engagement, and ensuring active and united participation of party leaders and activists. The meeting reflected the local BNP’s focus on mobilizing support and coordination ahead of the major political gathering in Gazipur.

Bangladesh Bank has instructed all commercial bank branches across the country to conduct awareness campaigns for the upcoming referendum on constitutional reform proposals recorded in the July National Charter 2025. The directive was issued through a circular released by the central bank on Monday, advising each branch and sub-branch to display two special vertical banners to promote public awareness about the referendum. Earlier, on January 5, the Chief Adviser’s Office had sent a letter to Bangladesh Bank requesting campaign support in favor of the referendum. Following that, the central bank governor held meetings with banks and gave verbal instructions to promote a ‘yes’ vote, also directing them to use funds from their Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) budgets for the campaign. State-owned banks began implementing the campaign, but many private banks refrained, citing the absence of an official circular as the reason. With the new circular now in place, all commercial banks are expected to participate in the awareness campaign as instructed by the central bank.

Election Commissioner Abdur Rahmanel Mashud stated on Monday, January 26, that candidates who concealed information about loan defaults, dual citizenship, or other disqualifying issues but managed to contest the current election will face action if such concealment is proven after the vote. He made the remarks while speaking to journalists at his office. Mashud emphasized that the Election Commission (EC) will not compromise on electoral transparency and that the overall election environment remains stable. He said the EC is not under any political pressure and expects a fair and peaceful voting process. He urged voters to go to polling centers without hesitation. Responding to a question about the Jatiya Party’s participation, Mashud confirmed that the party cannot be excluded from the election since its registration remains valid under the law. He reiterated that the EC has ensured equal opportunities for all candidates and noted a positive change in the country’s political culture.

The Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) of Bangladesh has summoned Summit Group chairman Mohammad Aziz Khan, his wife Anjuman Aziz Khan, daughter Ayesha Aziz, and 13 other family members for questioning over alleged money laundering. The summons, issued from the ACC headquarters in Segunbagicha, Dhaka, requires their appearance on January 29 and February 1–4. ACC Deputy Director (Public Relations) Md. Akterul Islam confirmed the notice. According to the ACC, the allegations involve the laundering of large sums, including Tk 226 crore against Aziz Khan, Tk 32 crore against Anjuman Aziz Khan, and Tk 219 crore against Ayesha Aziz. A seven-member team led by Deputy Director Md. Alomgir Hossain is conducting the investigation. Earlier, on December 14, the ACC had issued separate notices to the family to submit wealth statements for verifying about Tk 711 crore in allegedly illegal assets. The ACC stated that the declared assets in income tax records appear inconsistent with actual holdings and income sources, prompting the inquiry under Section 26(1) of the Anti-Corruption Commission Act, 2004.

The Maheshkhali Integrated Development Authority (MIDA) has announced a five-year strategic roadmap to develop Maheshkhali as a key center for Bangladesh’s energy and logistics sectors. The decision was finalized on Monday at MIDA’s first governing board meeting held at the Chief Adviser’s Office in Tejgaon, chaired by Chief Adviser Professor Dr. Muhammad Yunus. Following the meeting, MIDA Executive Chairman Chowdhury Ashiq Mahmud Bin Harun said the board approved a short-term land allocation plan covering 2025 to 2030. According to Mahmud, the roadmap sets three main goals for the next five years, focusing primarily on addressing the country’s ongoing energy crisis. Key priorities include operationalizing Maheshkhali’s deep-sea port and establishing LNG and LPG terminals to strengthen energy infrastructure. The master plan also emphasizes utilizing the island’s natural resources and diversifying local economic activities through a specialized fish processing hub. MIDA, which began operations last August, is now consolidating its organizational structure. The governing board has approved a 137-person staffing plan to oversee the development of these major projects.

A coalition of 101 social, cultural, and political organizations affiliated with the platform July Oikya issued a joint statement on January 26, 2026, rejecting the verdict delivered by International Crimes Tribunal-1 in the Chankharpul murder case. The tribunal sentenced three senior police officers to death under command responsibility but gave lighter sentences of three, four, and six years to several police members, including constable Sujon, who directly fired on the crowd. The three officers sentenced to death remain fugitives. The statement described the verdict as an insult to the six victims of the Chankharpul killings and expressed deep shock and anger. It alleged that Sujon fired indiscriminately at unarmed civilians without provocation, and that the tribunal’s decision to give him only three years in prison was a mockery of justice. The organizations demanded a review of the verdict and warned of launching strong movements if their demand was ignored. The statement further held the interim government responsible for any future unrest if the authorities failed to reconsider the judgment.

Dhaka University authorities have issued a show-cause notice to Daksu executive member Sarbamitra Chakma after he was accused of forcing teenagers to perform squats by holding their ears at the university’s Physical Education Centre field. The notice was issued on Monday evening following student complaints, confirmed Assistant Proctor Saifuddin Ahmed, who said Chakma’s actions had raised questions about the university’s image. He was asked to submit a written explanation within 24 hours. Earlier that day, Chakma announced his resignation from the Daksu executive committee through a Facebook post in the group ‘Dhaka University Students’ Parliament–2’. In the post, he claimed that outsiders had long been entering the field freely, leading to incidents of harassment and theft, and that the administration had failed to act despite repeated complaints. He said he confronted the outsiders to protect the campus environment and later apologized unconditionally for his behavior. Daksu General Secretary S.M. Farhad stated that although Chakma announced his resignation online, no formal resignation letter had been submitted yet.

Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer Dr. Shafiqur Rahman visited the family of the late Kushtia district Ameer, Professor Abul Hashem, on Monday morning before attending an election rally. During the visit, he inquired about the family’s well-being, prayed for the departed leader’s soul, and wished patience for the bereaved relatives. He was accompanied by central executive member and Jessore-Kushtia regional director Mobarak Hossain, regional team member Professor Khondaker A.K.M. Ali Mohsin, acting district Ameer Abdul Gafur, and upazila Ameer Khondaker Rezaul Karim. Professor Abul Hashem passed away on January 19 after suffering a heart attack while addressing a protest rally organized by Jamaat-e-Islami in Kushtia. He was 58 years old at the time of his death. The following day, two funeral prayers were held before his burial at Mirpur WAPDA graveyard. He is survived by his wife, a son, a daughter, and several relatives. The visit by Dr. Rahman highlighted the party’s expression of solidarity and support for the family of the deceased district leader.

In Feni-3 constituency, Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) Vice Chairman and candidate Abdul Awal Mintoo met Jamaat-e-Islami candidate Dr. Fakhruddin Manik during election campaigning on Monday, January 26. The two rival candidates embraced each other at Kazirpol area of Purbochandrapur Union in Daganbhuiyan upazila, drawing attention from supporters and voters present at the scene. During the meeting, Mintoo asked for prayers from Manik, who responded by addressing him as an elder brother and expressing mutual respect. Manik later said their long-standing cordial relationship would continue beyond the election, noting that they were contesting from different parties due to procedural reasons. The friendly gesture between the two candidates impressed onlookers, and a video of the moment quickly went viral on social media. Mintoo was accompanied by local BNP leaders including his brother Akbar Hossain and businessman Rafiqul Islam, while Manik was joined by Jamaat’s Dhaka South Shura member Mesbah Uddin Said and other party activists.

Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer Dr. Shafiqur Rahman said his party intends to provide work opportunities to all capable citizens rather than unemployment allowances. Speaking at an eleven-party election rally at Shahid Abrar Fahad Stadium in Kushtia around 11:45 a.m. on Monday, he addressed extortionists directly, saying they too would be given work and urged them to abandon such activities. He emphasized that the party does not want to create a 'sea of unemployed' through allowances. Dr. Rahman highlighted that around 60 rice mills operate in Kushtia, from which private levies of about 5,000 taka per truck are collected, causing distress to truck owners and traders. He called on those involved in extortion and illegal occupation to return to honest livelihoods, assuring that Jamaat seeks to build a Bangladesh where every man and woman can earn with dignity. The rally, attended by 60,000 to 70,000 people, also featured speeches from leaders of allied parties including Khelafat Majlish, JAGPA, and Islami Chhatra Shibir, as part of the eleven-party electoral alliance.

The Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) conducted a special operation titled 'Operation Devil Hunt Phase-2' across ten police stations in the capital, arresting 20 individuals. The operation took place on Monday, according to DMP’s Media and Public Relations Deputy Commissioner Muhammad Talebur Rahman, who confirmed the arrests. The initiative aimed to enhance public safety in Dhaka through coordinated law enforcement actions. According to DMP sources, the arrests were made in Sutrapur, Mohammadpur, Khilgaon, Hazaribagh, Adabor, Kalabagan, Jatrabari, Dakshinkhan, Shahbagh, and Banani police station areas. Each station carried out searches in crime-prone and sensitive zones within its jurisdiction. The detainees have been sent to court following legal procedures. The DMP stated that such operations will continue as part of ongoing efforts to ensure public security and maintain law and order in the capital.

Faiz Ahmad Tayeb, Special Assistant to the Chief Adviser on Posts, Telecommunications and Information Technology, has called for building the foundation of a digital economy from the upazila level. He made the remarks on Monday at the inauguration of 100 upazila service and ICT training centers under the Establishing Digital Connectivity (EDC) project, held at the ICT Division’s conference room. Tayeb emphasized that to build a truly digital Bangladesh, ICT services and skills must expand beyond the capital to upazilas and grassroots levels. He said 100 centers are already operational, and work on another 179 will be completed within six months. The centers will provide ICT skill development for students and freelancers, cybersecurity training for government officials, and ICT support for educational institutions. Office space, training facilities, and co-working areas have been ensured for local ICT officers. ICT Division Secretary Shish Haydar Chowdhury described the establishment of upazila ICT service and training centers as a major milestone for the division, noting that 303 of the targeted 400 centers are now active, including the 100 launched today.

Veteran actress and Ekushey Padak recipient Dilara Zaman, now over eighty, remains active in acting and public appearances. On January 9, 2025, she was honored with a lifetime achievement award at the 'Dhallywood Film and Music Silver Jubilee Award 2025' ceremony in Dhaka. She expressed gratitude to the event’s organizer, Alamgir Khan Alam, praising his sincerity and humility. Despite her age, Zaman continues to work regularly in television dramas and other media. She is currently performing in the ongoing drama series 'Rupnagar,' directed by Kaysar Ahmed and airing on Deepto TV, where her performance has received strong audience response. Additionally, her central role in the YouTube-released drama 'Somprokker Golpo,' directed by Muhammad Mostafa Kamal Raz, has also been well received. Her continued recognition and active participation in acting and cultural events highlight her enduring influence in Bangladesh’s entertainment industry.