A senior BNP leader, Fazlul Haque Chumku, aged 52, died in a motorcycle accident on Tuesday night in Patiya upazila of Chattogram. The incident occurred around 9:30 p.m. on the Chattogram–Cox’s Bazar highway near the Badamtal area. Chumku, a resident of Habilasdweep Union and son of the late Abul Hashem, lost control of his motorcycle while trying to save a homeless woman standing in the middle of the road. His friend Mustafa Morshed, who was riding with him, sustained minor injuries. According to local and eyewitness accounts, Chumku appeared unhurt immediately after the crash and returned home around 8 p.m. Later, he suddenly felt unwell and began vomiting. Family members prepared to take him to the hospital, but he died around 9 p.m. before reaching there. Former Habilasdweep Union Parishad chairman Shafiqul Islam confirmed the sequence of events and described Chumku as a dedicated BNP activist despite holding no current party position. The accident has drawn local attention due to the circumstances of Chumku’s death while attempting to prevent harm to another person.

Bangladesh’s domestic textile industry, with investments worth about $25 billion, is facing severe pressure due to a surge in low-priced yarn and fabric imports from India. The Bangladesh Textile Mills Association (BTMA) reported that since 2022, yarn imports from India have risen sharply—from $429 million in 2022 to $2.28 billion in 2024—now accounting for 95 percent of total yarn imports. Despite a government ban on land-route imports in August 2024, Indian exporters have continued shipments by sea at dumping prices, supported by export subsidies of 3.88 percent per kilogram. BTMA and local mill owners warn that aggressive Indian pricing has forced many domestic mills to shut down, with over 30 closures in three years. The Ministry of Commerce has proposed ending bonded warehouse facilities for certain yarns to protect local spinners, while garment exporters’ associations BGMEA and BKMEA oppose the move, citing higher production costs and reduced export competitiveness. Industry leaders are urging policy support, lower bank interest rates, and stronger oversight at land ports to prevent further losses. The ongoing dispute underscores tensions between protecting domestic textile producers and maintaining competitiveness in Bangladesh’s export-oriented garment sector.

A Dhaka court has ordered the appointment of a receiver to oversee and protect immovable properties seized in a corruption case against former Air Force chief Air Chief Marshal Sheikh Abdul Hannan and his wife Tahmida Begum. The directive came from the Dhaka Metropolitan Senior Special Judge and Metropolitan Sessions Judge Court after hearing an application from the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC). The ACC disclosed the court’s decision in a press release issued on Tuesday. According to court sources, the ACC filed the application due to the absence of a caretaker, which posed a risk of the properties being misappropriated. The ACC investigation alleges that Sheikh Abdul Hannan and his wife abused power, accepted bribes, and acquired wealth beyond known income sources. The inquiry and investigation into these allegations are still ongoing. Under the court order, two flats in Nikunja-2, a large apartment in Mirpur DOHS, a 320-square-yard plot in the Mirpur Military Officers’ Housing Project, and two plots in Rupganj, Narayanganj, will now be under the receiver’s control to ensure proper management and protection of state interests.

Bangladesh Meteorological Department has reported that temperatures across the country are currently 4 to 5 degrees Celsius higher than normal, even during the coldest month of the year. On Tuesday, Teknaf recorded the highest temperature at 31.4°C, while Dhaka reached 28°C. Officials described the situation as abnormal and warned that temperatures may rise further in the coming days. Meteorologist Kazi Zebun Nesa attributed the unusual warmth to air pollution and global climate change. Dr. Omar Faruk explained that a recent deep depression over the Bay of Bengal contributed to the sudden temperature increase across Bangladesh and neighboring countries. He noted that there is no sign of a cold wave or imminent temperature drop. Senior meteorologist S.M. Kamrul Hasan said the global average temperature has been rising for the past three years, affecting Bangladesh as well. He added that the minimal difference between day and night temperatures recorded on December 29 was the lowest in 73 years, underscoring the abnormal weather pattern.

A man named Shamim Osman has been arrested for allegedly impersonating the Home Affairs adviser and sending misleading instructions to the Rajshahi Deputy Commissioner (DC) through WhatsApp. The Cyber Police Center of the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) conducted the operation on Monday in Savar, Dhaka. According to a CID press release, the suspect posed as retired Lieutenant General Jahangir Alam Chowdhury, the Home Affairs adviser, and demanded one lakh taka through mobile banking after instructing that no Awami League activists be arrested in Rajshahi. Authorities became suspicious and immediately informed the CID, which used technology to identify and apprehend the suspect. CID stated that Shamim Osman had previously committed similar frauds by impersonating senior government officials. He was also wanted under an arrest warrant issued by Bagha Police Station in Rajshahi and has been handed over to that station. Investigators are now examining whether others were involved and if the arrested man used other officials’ identities for similar fraudulent activities.

Ahead of Bangladesh’s 13th parliamentary election, the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) faces a major internal challenge as more than fifty rebel candidates continue to contest in various constituencies across the country. Despite the Election Commission’s Tuesday deadline for nomination withdrawal, these candidates did not withdraw, raising concerns about potential impacts on party unity and vote distribution. According to party sources, many long-time BNP activists were angered after being denied nominations. Some have chosen to run as independents, while others have openly opposed party decisions. The BNP’s election management committee acknowledged that not all aspirants could be nominated due to political and strategic considerations. Although efforts were made to persuade rebels to withdraw, many refused. The party has already expelled several leaders for violating organizational discipline. Reports from multiple districts show rebel candidates in constituencies such as Barishal-1, Jhalkathi-1, Naogaon-1 and 6, Bagerhat, Cumilla, Tangail, and Narayanganj, among others. Party insiders fear that the popularity of these local leaders could split BNP’s vote base in key areas.

Abul Kalam Azad, a former member of Jamaat-e-Islami sentenced to death for crimes against humanity during Bangladesh’s Liberation War, appeared before the International Crimes Tribunal on Wednesday morning to surrender. He had been a fugitive since the tribunal handed down the death sentence on January 21, 2013, under the leadership of then-chairman Justice Obaidul Hassan. According to a government order issued by the Ministry of Home Affairs (Prisons-2 branch) on October 22 of the previous year, Azad’s sentence was suspended for one year on the condition that he surrender to the court and file an appeal. The order temporarily halted the execution of his punishment to allow for legal proceedings. The tribunal’s acceptance of his surrender marks a significant development in a long-running war crimes case that had remained unresolved due to his fugitive status.

A Dhaka court has ordered the appointment of a caretaker to manage and supervise the seized immovable properties of Mohammad Saiful Alam, chairman of S Alam Group. The order was issued on Monday by the Dhaka Metropolitan Senior Special Judge and Metropolitan Sessions Judge Court following a petition from the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC). The ACC confirmed the directive in a statement released on Tuesday. According to the ACC, the properties under supervision include land and buildings in Chattogram’s Rahmatganj, Asadganj, Nasirabad, and Khulshi areas, as well as commercial and residential assets such as the S Alam House, S Alam Center, S Alam Playground, and several luxury apartments and parking spaces. The ACC’s Deputy Director and joint investigation team leader, Tahasin Munabil Haque, submitted the petition, citing concerns that the accused were attempting to transfer or misuse the seized assets despite existing court orders. The ACC stated that investigations are ongoing against Saiful Alam and his family for allegedly embezzling large sums of money through loans taken under various names and transferring the funds abroad. Earlier, a total of 463.87 decimals of land and multi-storey buildings in key areas of Chattogram had been ordered seized in connection with the case.

Maulana Azharul Islam, president of Islami Andolan’s Ward No. 5 and vice-president of the upazila unit in Charfassion, Bhola, has joined Jamaat-e-Islami. The announcement was made on Tuesday night by Zainal Abedin Bhuiyan, a member of the Charfassion municipal Jamaat working committee. According to the report, Azharul Islam completed Jamaat’s membership form on Monday before formally joining the party. The source states that Maulana Azharul Islam had been active in Islami Andolan politics under the leadership of the Charmonai Pir for a long time, holding various responsibilities in Charfassion. He said he joined Jamaat-e-Islami inspired by the party’s ideology and principles. Maulana Abbas Uddin, secretary of Islami Andolan’s Bhola South district unit, confirmed that Azharul Islam was part of the organization’s previous committee but not the current one. The development marks a shift in local political alignment in Charfassion, as a senior Islami Andolan leader transitions to Jamaat-e-Islami, potentially influencing future political dynamics in the area.

Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer Dr. Shafiqur Rahman posted a message on his Facebook page on Tuesday night calling on all concerned to refrain from any activities that could disrupt the voting environment in Dhaka-15 constituency. He expressed hope that good sense would prevail among those involved. Earlier, a clash broke out between activists of Jamaat-e-Islami and the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) in front of Al Mobarak Mosque in Pirerbag under Mirpur Model Police Station during leaflet distribution for the upcoming national election. At least 16 people were initially reported injured. The army and police quickly arrived at the scene and brought the situation under control. Following the incident, Jamaat activists held a protest and rally demanding the immediate arrest and exemplary punishment of the attackers. The procession started in front of Pirerbag Paka Mosque and ended at Barek Molla Mor with a gathering attended by several local Jamaat leaders.

BNP Standing Committee member Mirza Abbas advised leaders of the National Citizen Party (NCP) to learn politics and focus on the country’s development. He made the remarks on Tuesday at a discussion meeting held at the Diploma Engineers Institution auditorium in Dhaka. Abbas said young leaders should avoid wrongdoing and that his party would support them if they engage in positive political activities. Referring to the post-liberation period, Abbas stated that after the war, his generation returned to studies and work without seeking ministerial positions, unlike what he described as greed among some current leaders. He contrasted the roles of freedom fighters and those who fought to remove oppressive forces, asserting that his generation had also overthrown autocratic regimes in the past. Abbas further emphasized his lifelong commitment to protecting Bangladesh’s independence and sovereignty, vowing not to let the country fall into the hands of deceivers or opportunists.

Dhaka city north unit of Jamaat-e-Islami held a protest rally in Mirpur on Tuesday night demanding the immediate arrest and exemplary punishment of those who carried out an armed attack on its activists. The rally followed an alleged assault that occurred when Jamaat members were leaving a mosque after Maghrib prayers. Shah Alam Tuhin, a member of the party’s Dhaka north executive committee, accused BNP and Jubo Dal activists of launching the attack and called on authorities to ensure justice. The protest march began in front of Pirerbag Paka Mosque and ended at Barek Molla Mor with a gathering attended by several local Jamaat leaders. Tuhin alleged that the attackers acted out of political desperation and that law enforcement failed to act impartially. He claimed that even female Jamaat activists were assaulted and criticized the government for not taking effective measures to stop such violence. Jamaat’s Dhaka north unit announced another protest march for Wednesday morning at Barek Molla Mor to condemn the attack and the reported harassment of female activists.

A Rapid Action Battalion (RAB) officer was beaten to death and three others were seriously injured during an operation in the remote jungle area of Chhalimpur in Sitakunda, Chattogram. The incident occurred when RAB members raided the area based on intelligence that a top local criminal, Yasin, and his associates were present near a BNP office. The attackers captured four RAB members, assaulted them, and transported them to Alinagar, where they were beaten repeatedly. One officer, Abdul Motaleb, later died in hospital, while three others remain injured. BNP leaders denied having any office or activities in Chhalimpur and rejected any involvement in the killing. Local residents said the building previously served as an Awami League office before being taken over by expelled BNP youth leader Rokon Uddin, and later by Yasin’s group. The area has long been a haven for armed groups, with multiple deadly clashes over territorial control. Authorities announced plans for a large-scale joint operation involving RAB, police, army, and other agencies to dismantle criminal strongholds, recover government land, and bring those responsible for the officer’s killing to justice.

The International Crimes Tribunal-1 is set to deliver its order today on whether to frame charges against Sajib Wazed Joy, son of former prime minister Sheikh Hasina and her ICT adviser, and former state minister for ICT Zunaid Ahmed Palak. The prosecution has accused them of crimes against humanity during the so-called July Revolution, including shutting down the internet and inciting violence. Palak will be produced before the tribunal from prison for the hearing. Earlier, defense lawyers Liton Ahmed and Munjur Alam argued that the prosecution failed to present sufficient evidence and sought discharge for their clients. Prosecutor Gazi M H Tamim countered that the charges were based on credible evidence and requested the court to proceed with the trial. The prosecution has brought three charges, including allegations of incitement through social media posts, ordering internet shutdowns, and aiding killings in Dhaka and Uttara. Chief Prosecutor Mohammad Tajul Islam read out the charges on January 11 and formally requested the tribunal to frame charges against both accused. The tribunal’s decision today will determine whether the trial moves forward.

Bangladesh’s young generation, credited with toppling former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina in 2024, is now expected to play a decisive role in the country’s upcoming national election on February 12. The vote, described by European Union observers as the “biggest democratic process in 2026, anywhere,” will be the first since the July 2024 uprising that forced Hasina to flee to India after a violent crackdown left up to 1,400 people dead. Many first-time voters, such as 27-year-old Rafiul Alam from Dhaka, say they are eager to participate after years of political disillusionment. According to the Election Commission, nearly 56 million of Bangladesh’s 127 million registered voters are aged between 18 and 37, representing about 44 percent of the electorate. Analysts say this group’s shared distrust of institutions and demand for accountability could redefine the political landscape. The interim government led by Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus has barred the Awami League from contesting, leaving the field to two main coalitions led by the Bangladesh Nationalist Party and Jamaat-e-Islami. However, divisions have emerged within youth-led movements such as the National Citizen Party, whose alliance with Jamaat has drawn criticism from protest leaders. Women’s representation also remains low, with only 4.24 percent of candidates being female, raising concerns about the depth of political reform.