Jamalpur University of Science and Technology (Jabiprabi) has decided to hold a referendum to rename its only male student dormitory. The decision was made on Tuesday, January 20, during a meeting between students and the university administration, including Vice-Chancellor Professor Dr. Mohammad Rokonuzzaman and Pro-Vice-Chancellor Professor Dr. Mohammad Mosharaf Hossain. The vote will take place on Thursday, January 22, with results to be announced the same night. According to university sources, the dormitory was originally named after Mirza Azam, a former ruling party member of parliament. Following the fall of the Sheikh Hasina government on August 5, 2024, after a mass uprising in July, students demanded the removal of names associated with the former regime. Disagreement arose among students over the new name, with some proposing “Bijoy ’24” to commemorate the uprising, while others suggested naming it after the local saint Hazrat Shah Jamal (R.). Hall Provost Dr. Muhammad Farhad Ali stated that the election committee and voter list will be announced on Wednesday, and the name receiving the highest votes will be officially adopted.

Jagannath University (JNU) unit of Chhatra Dal has condemned remarks made by Ibrahim Khalil, the organizational secretary of the university’s Shibir unit, describing them as fascist and an attempt to destabilize the campus. In a press release issued on the night of January 20, signed by office secretary Mozammel Mamun Deni, the organization alleged that Khalil called for blocking rail, road, and waterways on January 22 to obstruct a rally of BNP Chairperson Tarique Rahman in Sylhet. The statement said such provocative and irresponsible comments reflect undemocratic behavior and mirror the repressive political culture of the past. It accused Shibir of trying to destroy the university’s stable environment and warned that such actions threaten students’ education and coexistence. The Chhatra Dal rejected the remarks with contempt and labeled them as contrary to democratic and free-expression values. The organization demanded immediate withdrawal of the statement and an unconditional apology from Shibir. It also urged the university administration and authorities to take necessary measures to protect a healthy and democratic campus environment, warning that they would bear full responsibility for any resulting unrest.

The Bangladesh Jatiyatabadi Chhatra Dal (JCD) Dhaka College unit has relieved fifteen of its leaders from their organizational posts due to negligence in duties. According to a press release issued on Tuesday, January 20, and signed by JCD spokesperson Md. Jahangir Alam, the decision was approved by the unit’s president Rakibul Islam Rakib and general secretary Nasir Uddin Nasir. Those removed include joint conveners Yamin Rahman and Hannan Mia, along with thirteen members: Bulbul Ahmed, Hasib Chowdhury, Ratikul Islam, Ariful Babu, Shawon Khondaker, Sajjid Hossain, Rashikul Islam Sahil, Manjurul Islam Sujon, Sajib Mia, Mohammad Riad Ahmed, Masud Rana Onik, Tanoy Sharif, and Ashraful Islam Ashru. The announcement emphasized that the action was taken specifically for organizational negligence. The press release did not mention any replacement appointments or further disciplinary measures, leaving the future structure of the Dhaka College JCD unit unclear.

A bus conductor named Md. Ilias Hossain, aged 25, was killed after being crushed between two buses in Dhaka’s Gulistan area on Tuesday night. The incident occurred around 7 p.m. near Khaddar Market traffic signal when Ilias, who worked for Victoria Paribahan, stepped off his bus while it was stopped. As the signal turned green, an Azmiri Paribahan bus moved forward alongside, trapping him between the two vehicles and causing severe injuries. He was rescued and taken to the emergency department of Dhaka Medical College Hospital, where he died at 12:20 a.m. while undergoing treatment. Inspector Md. Faruk of the hospital police outpost confirmed the incident, stating that the body was kept at the hospital morgue for autopsy and the concerned police station had been informed. Ilias Hossain was from Charbishwas village in Galachipa upazila of Patuakhali district and lived in the Gazipura area. He is survived by his wife Hafiza Khatun and a daughter.

The Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) announced a four-day ceasefire with the Syrian government after the army consolidated its positions in the country’s northeast. According to the Syrian army, the truce took effect on Tuesday at 8 p.m. local time. The army also requested that the SDF nominate a candidate to serve as an assistant defense minister in Damascus as part of efforts to integrate Kurdish forces into the state structure. The SDF confirmed its agreement to the ceasefire, stating it would refrain from military action unless attacked again. In a statement, the group expressed readiness to implement the agreement and resolve disputes through political dialogue. However, shortly after the ceasefire took effect, the SDF accused government-backed groups of launching heavy-weapon attacks near Tal Baroud village south of Hasakah and shelling the city of Zarkan. In recent days, the Syrian army has reportedly advanced rapidly, taking control of areas previously held by the SDF, signaling a volatile situation despite the declared truce.

Chittagong University has established the country’s first free legal aid cell to provide students with complimentary legal advice and assistance. The initiative, launched on Tuesday evening at the vice chancellor’s conference room, was organized by the Chittagong University Central Students’ Union (ChakSU). The inauguration ceremony was attended by the university’s Vice-Chancellor (Administration) Professor Dr. Md. Kamal Uddin as chief guest, along with Registrar (Acting) Professor Dr. Mohammad Saiful Islam, ChakSU leaders, and several lawyers from the Supreme Court and Chittagong Judge Court. The legal aid cell includes senior lawyers such as Barrister Belayet Hossain, Deputy Attorney General Barrister Osman Chowdhury, and Assistant Attorney General Advocate Tarikul Islam, among others. A total of 20 lawyers from the Supreme Court and Chittagong Judge Court will be associated with the cell. Professor Kamal Uddin stated that the initiative will set a national example by ensuring free legal services for students and empowering them to stand against injustice and discrimination. ChakSU leaders emphasized that the project fulfills a key election pledge and reflects their commitment to sustainable student welfare. The initiative is expected to make legal support more accessible to students and inspire similar programs at other universities.

A commuter train derailed in Barcelona on Tuesday evening, killing the driver and injuring 37 passengers, five of them seriously. The train reportedly struck a wall beside the tracks before crashing to the ground. Local officials confirmed that all passengers were safely evacuated, and one person trapped inside was later rescued. The injured were taken to various hospitals for treatment. The incident occurred just three days after another major train accident in southern Spain that left at least 40 people dead. Authorities have attributed the latest derailment to severe weather conditions affecting several regions of the country. Around the same time, another commuter train in Barcelona also derailed after hitting stones on the track during a storm, though no casualties were reported. Despite high alerts issued for coastal and northeastern areas due to adverse weather, Spain has faced two serious train accidents within a short span, raising concerns about rail safety under extreme conditions.

The United Nations has reported that nearly 4,000 shelters across the Gaza Strip were damaged by a recent storm, affecting at least 80 displacement areas. UN spokesperson Farhan Haq said at a press conference that despite daily obstacles and restrictions, humanitarian operations continue with the support of partner agencies. Over 660 families have already received emergency supplies, including food, tents, and tarpaulins. Haq emphasized the urgent need for sustainable shelter solutions in Gaza, including repairing damaged homes, clearing debris, and restoring water and sanitation systems. He also noted that the Israeli military distributed leaflets in Bani Suheila and eastern Khan Younis, instructing residents to evacuate, while about 400 families remain in those areas. The UN reiterated its call to ensure the protection of civilians under all circumstances, allow safe movement of people, and guarantee their right to return once conditions stabilize.

Nasiruddin Patwari, chief coordinator of the National Citizens Party (NCP) and candidate for Dhaka-8 under the Jamaat-led 10-party alliance, has accused the Election Commission (EC) of failing to issue a show-cause notice to BNP Chairperson Tarique Rahman despite what he described as a direct violation of the electoral code of conduct. Speaking to reporters on Wednesday after receiving his election symbol at the Dhaka Divisional Commissioner’s office, Patwari alleged that Rahman recently visited the Korail slum and promised to build flats for residents, which he said breached election laws. Patwari claimed the EC was applying double standards, saying other candidates such as Nahid Islam had been show-caused for lesser actions while Rahman faced no consequences. He further alleged that the administration and BNP were working together, undermining the fairness of the Dhaka-8 election. Patwari also criticized the media for not covering such irregularities, claiming that many outlets were under political influence. He warned that the EC’s inaction and perceived bias could lead to a repeat of past controversial commissions, raising concerns about the credibility of the upcoming election.

Former BNP joint secretary general Aslam Chowdhury has issued a written statement denying any involvement of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) in the killing of a Rapid Action Battalion (RAB) member in Sitakunda’s jungle area. He stated that reports and propaganda linking BNP to the incident are completely false, fabricated, baseless, and part of a deliberate political scheme. In his statement, Chowdhury expressed deep sorrow over the killing, describing it as a brutal and heartbreaking act of violence. He extended condolences to the family of the slain RAB member and urged authorities to identify the perpetrators quickly and bring them to justice with exemplary punishment. The statement comes amid media reports and discussions attempting to connect the opposition party to the incident, which Chowdhury dismissed as politically motivated misinformation.

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has said that Ankara will continue to work in coordination with the United States to establish peace in Gaza. He expressed gratitude to U.S. President Donald Trump for inviting Turkey to join the newly formed 'peace board' for Gaza, according to TRT World. Earlier, Trump stated that he had a 'very important' phone conversation with Erdogan and expressed his admiration for the Turkish leader. Last Friday, the White House announced the creation of a 'peace board' to help permanently end Israel’s killings in Gaza and to implement Trump’s 20-point plan for rebuilding the war-torn enclave. As part of the broader plan to resolve the Gaza conflict, a national committee has also been established to oversee governance in Gaza. Trump invited Erdogan and other heads of state and government to join the peace board.

The Zoology Department of Dhaka University is facing controversy over the recruitment of three lecturers in Parasitology, Fisheries, and Wildlife branches. According to administrative sources, candidate recommendations have been finalized following oral exams held on November 27, 2025, and the final approval awaits the university syndicate’s next meeting. Allegations have surfaced that several candidates were favored due to political connections and influence rather than merit. Reports claim that Jannatun Nahar Jhinuk, recommended for Parasitology, is linked to former BUET Chhatra League leader Aminul Haque Palash, who allegedly used his influence from abroad to support her appointment. Professor Aminul Islam Bhuiyan, a member of the recruitment board, denied the allegations, asserting that Jhinuk was academically superior. In the Wildlife branch, candidate Ashiqur Rahman Sami, reportedly an aide to an interim government adviser, was recommended despite lower academic results. In Fisheries, Anika Tabassum, ranked fifth, was also nominated, prompting complaints from other candidates. University officials stated that the recruitment process followed academic merit and that final approval depends on the syndicate’s decision.

Thousands of people across the United States protested on Tuesday against President Donald Trump’s immigration policy. The demonstrations were organized by labor unions, leftist groups, and civic organizations, taking place in cities and university campuses nationwide. The protests followed weeks of unrest sparked by the fatal shooting of a man by a federal agent in Minneapolis. Hundreds gathered in Washington, while smaller cities such as Asheville, North Carolina, also saw rallies. Protesters voiced opposition to federal immigration enforcement, chanting slogans against ICE and other agencies. The Trump administration defended its deportation policy as part of its electoral mandate. However, recent opinion polls cited in the report indicated that most Americans oppose the use of force by immigration and federal officers against undocumented immigrants. Students from several universities joined the demonstrations, with participants in Cleveland, Ohio, and Santa Fe, New Mexico, walking out of classes to attend rallies. Additional gatherings were planned in cities including San Francisco and Seattle.

Bangladesh’s Election Commission has finalized 1,967 candidates to contest in 300 parliamentary constituencies after 305 individuals withdrew their nominations on Tuesday, the last day for withdrawal. The final list includes 290 candidates from the BNP, 216 from Jamaat-e-Islami, 30 from the National Citizens Party (NCP), 259 from Islami Andolan Bangladesh, 196 from Jatiya Party, and 92 from Gano Adhikar Parishad. More than 300 independent candidates will also compete, including over 50 described as BNP rebels and former minister Abdul Latif Siddique, who is running independently. According to the Election Commission, returning officers will allocate election symbols to candidates on Wednesday. Registered political parties will receive their official symbols, while independent candidates will choose from a list of approved symbols. If multiple candidates select the same symbol, allocation will be decided by lottery. With symbol distribution set for today, the official campaign period begins tomorrow, marking the start of the final phase of election preparations across the country.

Three senior leaders of the US Catholic Church have issued a joint statement sharply criticizing the Trump administration’s foreign policy, questioning America’s moral role in global politics. The Archbishops of Washington, Newark, and Chicago—Cardinals Robert McElroy, Joseph Tobin, and Blase Cupich—expressed deep concern over the ethical justification for the use of military power in recent events involving Venezuela, Ukraine, and Greenland. They stated that military action should be a last resort in extreme circumstances, not a routine tool of national policy. The cardinals avoided partisan analysis but their remarks were seen as a reflection of growing dissatisfaction within the Church toward national leadership under Trump. Their statement referenced controversies surrounding threats to seize Greenland, naval operations against Venezuela, and the detention of President Nicolás Maduro without congressional approval. Pope Leo XIV also urged respect for Venezuela’s sovereignty and emphasized dialogue over violence, while warning that Trump’s peace plan for Ukraine could alter transatlantic alliances. Cardinal Cupich further noted concern over the decision to dismantle USAID, a long-standing humanitarian agency. The cardinals warned that force-based global systems undermine nations’ sovereignty, calling the administration’s moral outlook “Darwinian.”