Security forces have surrounded the Jungle Salimpur area of Sitakunda in Chattogram after a RAB-7 sub-inspector was killed during a weapons recovery operation on Monday evening. Following the attack, which also left three RAB members injured, joint forces including the army, police, and RAB have been placed on high alert, sealing all entry and exit points. Locals reported heavy deployment and restricted movement as authorities prepared for a large-scale operation. According to RAB officials, a 16-member team entered the area to arrest a key suspect linked to multiple cases and an arms trafficking network. The team was suddenly attacked by 20–25 individuals, resulting in the death of Naib Subedar Abdul Motaleb. RAB stated that the assault was premeditated and that their members refrained from firing initially to avoid civilian casualties. Police confirmed that the area remains cordoned off and that identification of the attackers is ongoing. Officials indicated that the upcoming operation aims not only to capture suspects but to dismantle the entire militant and criminal network active in Jungle Salimpur.

A Muslim woman was allegedly gang-raped at a Hindu household in Ramraban village of Dhamrai upazila, Dhaka, on Thursday night. According to the report, armed assailants tied her husband to a post and took turns assaulting her throughout the night. The attackers also reportedly took gold jewelry weighing about three and a half vori from the victim. The couple had been visiting the home of Shanti Rani Monidas, sister of Krishna Chandra Monidas, a security worker at ND Construction Firm, where the husband, Abdur Razzak, is a driver. Following the incident, the victims sought justice from local union member Montu Chandra Monidas on Friday morning. However, they were allegedly beaten and expelled from the village by a group of youths led by Sajib Chandra Monidas. Police officials said they visited the site but could not locate the victims or identify the suspects. The incident has reportedly caused tension in the local Muslim community. Authorities stated that further steps would be taken after consultation with senior officers as the investigation continues.

Police in Jaintapur, Sylhet, recovered 10 airguns from a motorcycle at a checkpoint on the Sylhet-Tamabil highway early Monday morning. The operation took place around 4:15 a.m. near Karichar Bridge in the 5 No. Fatehpur Union area. Two individuals on an unregistered motorcycle approached the checkpoint but fled on foot, leaving behind the motorcycle and a white plastic sack. Upon inspection, officers found four new Indian-made camouflage-colored airguns and six new black-colored airguns inside the sack. The police also seized the suspects’ old Suzuki Gixxer motorcycle. The individuals managed to escape, and their identities remain unknown. A case related to the incident is in the process of being filed at the Jaintapur Model Police Station, according to police sources.

A five-day Shaheed Osman Hadi Memorial Book Fair began at Dhaka University with large crowds from the first day. Visitors and students gathered at the TSC premises to browse books, purchase works by favorite authors, and learn about the life and ideals of Shaheed Osman Hadi. The fair features 22 publishing houses with stalls around the TSC’s Pigeon Square, where visitors were seen reading, bargaining, and taking photographs. Cultural performances including recitations, songs, and discussions are being held on a dedicated stage. The event is jointly organized by the Dhaka University Central Students’ Union (DUCSU) and the Dhaka University Young Columnists’ Forum, with support from Aurora Specialized Hospital Limited. The fair was inaugurated by Vice-Chancellor Professor Dr. Niaz Ahmad Khan. It remains open daily from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. and includes cultural programs and discussions commemorating Osman Hadi. DUCSU Vice President Sadiq Kayem and Writers’ Forum President Ashiq Khan said the fair aims to inspire the new generation through Hadi’s ideals and to promote books as tools of free thought and resistance.

Islami Chhatra Shibir has announced a four-day protest program in response to the suspension of the Shahjalal University of Science and Technology (SUST) Central Students’ Union (ShakSU) election. The announcement was made Monday evening through the organization’s verified Facebook page. The program includes human chains and protest marches across campuses and metropolitan areas on Tuesday, district-level marches on Wednesday, upazila-level marches on January 22, and a final protest in Dhaka on January 23. Earlier on Monday, the group held a protest march in the capital demanding that the ShakSU election be held on schedule and condemning what it described as a conspiracy to derail the process. The rally, organized by Dhaka Metropolitan Shibir, began at the Central Shaheed Minar and concluded with a gathering at Shahbagh. The march was led by central publicity secretary Azizur Rahman Azad and attended by several central leaders including international secretary Mu’tasim Billah Shahedi and publication secretary and Daksu VP Sadiq Kayem. The series of demonstrations underscores the group’s opposition to the election postponement and its demand for timely implementation of the student council vote.

Religious Adviser Dr. A F M Khalid Hossain stated that the 'Yes' vote in the upcoming referendum has no connection with the inclusion or exclusion of 'Bismillah' in the constitution. He clarified that 'Bismillah' is written at the top of the constitution and will remain there, dismissing claims that a 'Yes' vote would remove Islam or Allah from the state. He made these remarks on Monday afternoon while addressing a public awareness meeting and imam conference on referendum activities at the Moulvibazar Shilpakala Auditorium, organized by the district administration. Dr. Hossain said that misleading statements about whether 'Bismillah' or the state religion would remain are spreading confusion in society. He explained that the provisions in the July Charter would be added, while the rest of the constitution would remain intact. He emphasized that the 'Yes' vote aims to bring qualitative changes, including the formation of a caretaker government toward the end of the next government’s term, and ensuring a neutral Election Commission with input from opposition parties. The meeting was chaired by Deputy Commissioner Touhiduzzaman Pavel and attended by local officials, imams, teachers, and journalists from Moulvibazar’s seven upazilas.

Members of the Rajshahi University Central Students’ Union (RACSU) held a protest march on Monday evening, January 19, 2026, in front of the university’s central mosque. The demonstration was organized in response to the postponement of the Shahjalal University of Science and Technology (SUST) Central Students’ Union (SACSU) and hall elections. Protesters chanted slogans criticizing the decision and expressing solidarity with SUST students. During the protest, RACSU Cultural Affairs Secretary Zaid Hasan Zoha alleged that a certain group influenced the High Court to delay the SACSU election, which was scheduled to be held that day. He claimed that conspiracies had been used to prevent fair student elections across universities. RACSU Vice President Mostakur Rahman Zahid also accused the same group of repeatedly interfering in student union elections, including those at Dhaka, Rajshahi, Chittagong, and Jagannath universities. Zahid urged authorities to hold the postponed election promptly and warned that opposing students’ rights would provoke nationwide discontent. Around fifty RACSU and hall union leaders and activists joined the protest.

A Rapid Action Battalion (RAB) officer was killed and three others critically injured during an operation in Jungle Salimpur, Sitakunda, Chattogram, on Monday, January 19, 2026. The attack occurred when a 16-member RAB-7 team attempted to arrest an armed suspect. Four members entered a suspected hideout and were suddenly surrounded by 20–25 assailants who beat them severely. Naib Subedar Abdul Motaleb, a Border Guard Bangladesh officer attached to RAB-7, died at the scene. The injured—Constable Arif, Nayek Imam, and a source—were taken to Chattogram Combined Military Hospital’s ICU. RAB officials said the team refrained from firing to avoid harming civilians. The assault was described as sudden and planned. Additional RAB, police, and Border Guard forces have been deployed across the Salimpur–Link Road area to maintain order. Police confirmed heightened tension in the locality following the incident. Jungle Salimpur has long been known for illegal land occupation, armed groups, and violent clashes. Authorities estimate the seized government land’s value at around Tk 30,000 crore. Security forces continue patrols as investigations to identify the attackers proceed.

The Bangladesh Jatiyatabadi Chhatra Dal (JCD) has expelled Md. Junaid Hasan, joint general secretary of the Shahjalal University of Science and Technology (SUST) unit, for life. The decision, announced Monday night through a press release signed by JCD office secretary Jahangir Alam, cited specific allegations of violating organizational discipline. Hasan had participated in student movements supporting the Shahjalal University Central Students’ Union (ShakSU) election and was contesting as an independent candidate for general secretary. According to the statement, the expulsion was approved by JCD president Rakibul Islam Rakib and general secretary Nasir Uddin Nasir. The organization instructed all members to sever any organizational ties with Hasan. While central JCD leaders in Dhaka had been protesting to cancel the ShakSU election, Hasan remained vocal on campus in favor of holding it. On January 17, Hasan announced a 14-point manifesto, stating that the student council is an independent platform, not a political one, and pledged to continue his campaign independently despite party pressure.

Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami’s Nayeb-e-Ameer and party-nominated MP candidate for Comilla-11 (Chauddagram), Dr. Syed Abdullah Mohammad Taher, issued a statement on Monday, January 19, condemning arson and vandalism at three Jamaat election offices and a madrasa bus in Chauddagram. The incidents occurred on the night of January 18 in different unions, where unidentified miscreants allegedly poured petrol and set fire to the offices and the bus. In his statement, Dr. Taher described the attacks as acts of terrorism aimed at intimidating voters and obstructing a free and fair 13th national parliamentary election. He urged authorities to identify and arrest those responsible for the violence to ensure a peaceful electoral environment. Dr. Taher reaffirmed Jamaat’s commitment to protecting citizens’ voting rights and maintaining stability. He called on the administration and the Election Commission to take effective measures to bring the perpetrators to justice and prevent further attempts to disrupt the election process.

Bangladesh Chhatra Dal (JCD) has temporarily suspended its siege program at the Election Commission (EC) after receiving assurances that its demands would be addressed. The decision was announced on Monday following a meeting between JCD leaders, including President Rakibul Islam Rakib and General Secretary Nasir Uddin, and EC Additional Secretary K.M. Ali Newaz. The student organization had been staging the siege since Sunday to press for three major demands. According to Rakibul Islam, the EC assured that the demand for changes in the domestic postal ballot process would be considered, and the controversial directive regarding the Shahjalal University of Science and Technology (SUST) student union election had been suspended. The JCD’s three-point demand included revising the postal ballot decision to ensure electoral neutrality, maintaining EC professionalism free from political pressure, and withdrawing the disputed SUST election notification. After receiving specific assurances from the EC, the JCD delegation ended its protest and left the commission area. The organization warned that it would respond if any group attempted to exert undue pressure on the EC in the future.

Faruki Azam, Advisor to the Ministry of Liberation War Affairs and the Ministry of Disaster Management and Relief, has called on citizens to vote 'Yes' in the upcoming referendum to build a discrimination-free Bangladesh. He made the appeal during a meeting with top administrative officials in Joypurhat, held on Monday at the Deputy Commissioner's conference room, aimed at ensuring a peaceful, fair, and acceptable national election. During the meeting, Azam emphasized the need for reforms to establish accountable governance, independent judiciary, and election systems. He urged the replacement of oppressive and discriminatory practices with an inclusive approach. Police Superintendent Mina Mahmuda stated that comprehensive preparations were underway to maintain law and order, including special monitoring of vulnerable areas. District Election Officer Mahmud Hasan reported that voter list updates, polling center preparations, and training of election officials were ongoing. Senior government officials from various departments attended the meeting, discussing election-related challenges and coordination measures. They expressed optimism that the dialogue would strengthen administrative cooperation during the election period.

BNP Chairperson Tarique Rahman held meetings with ambassadors and high commissioners from 11 countries in Dhaka on Monday. Separate discussions took place with the Canadian High Commissioner and the newly appointed US Ambassador, followed by a joint meeting with nine European Union envoys led by EU Ambassador Michael Miller. The meetings were confirmed by BNP Joint Secretary General Humayun Kabir outside the party chairperson’s political office in Gulshan. Kabir said the discussions covered bilateral issues, BNP’s 31-point development agenda, and future plans to strengthen relations with Canada, the United States, and the European Union if the party forms the next government. He noted that the meetings were held in a cordial atmosphere and reflected growing international recognition of Tarique Rahman as a key political figure since his return on December 25. Kabir added that both sides expressed optimism about maintaining progress under the interim government and continuing positive cooperation. He also mentioned that trade, investment, the Rohingya issue, and international collaboration were discussed, while diplomats showed enthusiasm about Bangladesh’s upcoming democratic transition.

Gold prices in Bangladesh have reached a new record after the Bangladesh Jewellers Association (BAJUS) announced another increase. According to a press release issued on Monday, the price of 22-carat gold per bhori (11.664 grams) has been raised by Tk 4,199, bringing the new rate to Tk 238,879. The revised prices will take effect from Tuesday, marking the highest gold price ever recorded in the country. BAJUS stated that the decision followed a rise in the local market price of refined gold. The Standing Committee on Pricing and Price Monitoring of BAJUS made the adjustment after a meeting. Under the new pricing, 21-carat gold will cost Tk 228,031 per bhori, 18-carat gold Tk 195,430, and traditional gold Tk 160,147. Alongside gold, silver prices have also been increased. The price of 22-carat silver per bhori has risen by Tk 291 to Tk 6,240, with corresponding increases for other purities as well.

A woman named Hafeza Khatun Beauty, aged 45, was fatally stabbed by her son in the Palash area of Narsingdi on Sunday morning. The incident occurred near the women’s colony of Janata Jute Mill when her son, Abid Hossain, demanded money from her. Upon refusal, he attacked her with a knife, causing severe injuries. Locals rushed the victim to the Janata Jute Mill medical center, from where she was referred to Dhaka Medical College Hospital for advanced treatment. Despite undergoing surgery and being moved to the ICU, she died around 3:45 a.m. while under treatment. Police confirmed the incident and reported that locals detained Abid immediately after the attack and handed him over to Palash Police Station. Officer-in-Charge Shahed Al Mamun stated that preparations are underway to file a case under Section 302. The victim’s body has been sent to the Dhaka Medical College morgue for autopsy. Authorities continue legal procedures as the investigation progresses into the circumstances surrounding the fatal stabbing.