A delegation of European Union ambassadors in Dhaka, led by EU Ambassador Michael Miller, met with BNP Chairperson Tarique Rahman on Monday afternoon at his political office in Gulshan. The meeting was confirmed by BNP Media Cell member Shayrul Kabir Khan. During the courtesy meeting, the ambassadors from Germany, France, Sweden, Denmark, Spain, and Italy exchanged greetings with Tarique Rahman. They also discussed strengthening bilateral relations and expanding cooperation between their respective countries and Bangladesh. The discussion was described as cordial and focused on mutual interests. BNP Joint Secretary General Humayun Kabir, a member of the party chairperson’s Foreign Affairs Advisory Committee, and Dr. Mahadi Amin, a member of the Advisory Council, were also present at the meeting.

A Rapid Action Battalion (RAB) officer was killed and another seriously injured in a terrorist attack during an operation in Jungle Salimpur of Sitakunda, Chattogram, on Monday, January 19, 2026. The deceased, Abdul Motaleb, was a Naib Subedar of the Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) currently serving with RAB-7. The attack occurred in the afternoon while RAB-7 was conducting an operation in the area. Senior Assistant Superintendent of Police and RAB-7 media officer ARM Mozzafar Hossain confirmed the incident, adding that three RAB members were reportedly held by the assailants and additional forces were deployed to regain control. Sitakunda Police Station Officer-in-Charge Md. Mohinul Islam said police rushed to the scene and described the situation as highly tense. Jungle Salimpur has long been known as a hub of illegal settlements and armed groups occupying government land. According to local administration sources, the area spans about 3,100 acres, with land valued at around Tk 30,000 crore, fueling frequent violent clashes. Authorities have faced repeated attacks during previous eviction and law enforcement operations in the area, highlighting its persistent security challenges.

UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer has condemned US President Donald Trump’s plan to impose higher tariffs on countries opposing Washington’s attempt to take control of Greenland. Starmer said the move was “completely wrong” and emphasized that only the people of Greenland and Denmark have the right to decide the island’s future. The UK is among the nations targeted by Trump’s proposed tariffs. Trump announced that countries opposing his Greenland plan—including the UK, Denmark, Norway, Sweden, France, Germany, the Netherlands, and Finland—would face an additional 10 percent tariff starting February 1, which could rise to 25 percent by June 1. The White House stated that the United States needs Greenland for its own and global security, and Trump has not ruled out the use of military force. Starmer ruled out retaliatory tariffs, saying no side wants a trade war. In a separate letter to Norway’s prime minister, Trump wrote that since he had not received a Nobel Prize, he felt no obligation to act purely for peace.

Two young men were electrocuted while attempting to steal a lamppost in Mymensingh city on Monday, January 19, 2026. The incident occurred around 4:30 p.m. at the Jila School hostel field. One of the deceased was identified as Hridoy Mia, 27, son of Selim Mia from the Madrasa Quarter area, who worked as a fish seller. The other victim, Rakib Mia, has not yet been fully identified by police. According to police and local sources, Rakib was cutting an unused lamppost behind an abandoned tin shed when he came into contact with a live electric wire, suffering fatal burns on the spot. Hridoy was electrocuted while trying to rescue him. Locals rushed both victims to Mymensingh Medical College Hospital, where doctors declared them dead upon arrival. Sub-Inspector Nazrul Islam of the hospital police outpost confirmed the deaths and said legal procedures are underway. Tension reportedly arose among the victims’ relatives over the handover of the bodies.

Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir stated that the sacrifice of student leader Asaduzzaman Asad during the 1969 anti-Ayub movement continues to inspire the struggle for democracy. In a statement issued on Monday, he said Asad’s dedication to establishing a democratic society should motivate all to work toward building a prosperous Bangladesh. He urged people to remain committed to democracy and the rightful rights of citizens, marking Shaheed Asad Day with renewed determination. The BNP leader paid deep respect to the memory of Asaduzzaman Asad and prayed for his departed soul. Meanwhile, the 90’s Dhaka University Central Students’ Union (DUCSU) and Shaheed Asad Parishad announced a program to place floral tributes at the Shaheed Asad memorial in front of Dhaka Medical College on Tuesday morning. The announcement was made through a press release signed by Khairul Kabir Khokon, former DUCSU General Secretary and BNP Joint Secretary General. The source recalls that on January 20, 1969, police opened fire on a student procession in front of Dhaka Medical College, killing Asaduzzaman Asad and injuring many, an event that intensified the movement leading to the fall of Ayub Khan.

Islami Andolan Bangladesh has decided not to field candidates in two parliamentary constituencies where Bangladesh Khelafat Majlis chief Maulana Mamunul Haque is contesting. The announcement was made on Monday by the party’s joint secretary general and spokesperson, Maulana Gazi Ataur Rahman, through an official statement. The decision applies to Dhaka-13 and Bagerhat-1 constituencies, where the party will instead support Mamunul Haque. According to the statement, the move was taken as a gesture of respect for Mamunul Haque’s contributions and sacrifices in Islamic-oriented politics. Gazi Ataur Rahman emphasized that Islami Andolan Bangladesh is not considering forming alliances with any other political parties. In constituencies where the party does not have its own candidates, it will extend support to honest and qualified contenders based on principles and ideology. The decision highlights the party’s approach to maintaining ideological consistency while showing solidarity with figures it deems significant in Islamic political movements.

Leaders of the National Citizens Party (NCP) Chattogram Metropolitan unit have rejected a list of 328 alleged criminals released by the Chattogram Metropolitan Police (CMP). At a press conference held on Monday at Biplob Udyan, they said the list reflected irresponsibility on the part of the police and was an attempt to evade accountability. The NCP leaders demanded the immediate arrest of terrorists and assurance of a level playing field ahead of the upcoming national election. In a written statement read by NCP joint coordinator Mohammad Erfanul Haque, the party criticized the CMP’s advisory that barred the listed individuals from entering the city and urged them to leave. The NCP argued that if the police already knew the identities and locations of these criminals, they should have been arrested instead of being asked to relocate. The leaders warned of strict programs if arrests were not made to ensure the safety of candidates, voters, and residents. They also expressed concern over Chattogram City Corporation Mayor Dr. Shahadat, alleging his continued presence in office and participation in BNP campaigns could undermine electoral neutrality.

The Russian Federation has donated 30,000 tons of potash fertilizer to Bangladesh through the World Food Programme. The handover ceremony took place on Monday at the Bangladesh Agricultural Research Council auditorium in Dhaka. The event was attended by Agriculture and Home Affairs Adviser Lieutenant General (Retd.) Md. Jahangir Alam Chowdhury as chief guest, Russian Ambassador to Bangladesh Alexander G. Khokhin as special guest, and senior officials from the Ministry of Agriculture, WFP, and Russian fertilizer producer Uralchem. According to a statement signed by the Agriculture Ministry’s Senior Information Officer Mohammad Zakir Hossain, Uralchem, one of Russia’s leading fertilizer producers, provided the donation. Adviser Jahangir Alam Chowdhury noted that global fertilizer supply has become a major challenge due to climate change, unstable markets, and global crises, emphasizing the importance of international cooperation. He also stated that Bangladesh Agricultural Development Corporation currently holds 1.035 million tons of non-urea fertilizers, the highest since its establishment in 1961. The ministry’s statement added that during the interim government’s tenure, Bangladesh’s agriculture sector achieved notable progress, with rice, potato, onion, vegetable, and mustard production all increasing compared to the previous three years.

Muhammad Faozul Kabir Khan, advisor to the ministries of Power, Energy and Mineral Resources, Road Transport and Bridges, and Railways, stated that no one is being compelled to vote 'yes' in the upcoming referendum. He made the remarks on Monday during a public awareness campaign held at Manikganj Government High School field. The event was attended by government officials, local dignitaries, and representatives from non-governmental organizations. Faozul Kabir emphasized that the referendum is significant for freeing the country from one-man and one-party rule, which he said had previously dominated national politics. He reiterated that citizens are free to vote 'no' if they wish and that no one should feel pressured. When asked about the recent rise in LPG prices, the advisor explained that 98 percent of the LPG business is managed by the private sector. He said the government is working to resolve the issue and has already met with the LPG Owners Association. According to importers, U.S. sanctions have disrupted shipments, causing a temporary supply shortage.

Cultural Affairs Adviser Mostofa Sarwar Farooki has called on all Bangladeshis to remain alert against the traps of defeated hegemonic forces. Speaking on Monday at the Bangla Academy in Dhaka during the prize-giving ceremony of the Amar Desh Readers’ Fair’s creative writing, short story, and poetry competitions, he warned that those linked to past hegemonic politics would not accept their defeat easily and might attempt to ensnare others. He emphasized that the awareness and ideals that protected the nation after the July Revolution must continue for the next decade. Farooki described culture as a powerful determinant of life and death, not a harmless concept. He criticized the long-standing division between “high” and “low” culture, arguing that it was created to distort history and control the middle class through politics of hatred. Amar Desh editor Mahmudur Rahman, presiding over the event, said political victory depends on winning the cultural struggle first and praised the youth for resisting foreign dominance and embracing authentic Bangladeshi culture. Speakers also stressed the need for continuous cultural practice—through literature, music, and reading—to preserve the gains of the July Revolution and build a historically conscious generation.

At least 17 passengers were injured when a passenger bus lost control and overturned into a canal in Matlab South upazila of Chandpur on Monday, January 19, 2026. The accident occurred near the West Nagda Bridge on the Matlab-Pennai road. The bus, operated by Jainpur Paribahan (Dhaka Metro-1471), was traveling from Baburhat to Dhaka with 30 to 55 passengers when it veered off the road and fell into the canal. Among the injured were residents from several upazilas, including Rakib (25), Rubi Begum (49), Mostafa Kamal (65), and Yasmin Akter (24) with her three-year-old son. Six of the injured were referred to Chandpur General Hospital after initial treatment at Matlab South Upazila Health Complex, while others received care at local clinics. Witnesses said the bus swerved to avoid an autorickshaw on the bridge before losing control. Officer-in-Charge Md Hafizur Rahman Manik stated that the bus fell into a dry canal, preventing major damage. Fire service teams were working to recover the vehicle, while the driver and his assistant remained missing.

The National Moon Sighting Committee of Bangladesh announced on Monday that the moon for the holy month of Shaban, 1447 Hijri, was not sighted anywhere in the country. As a result, the month of Rajab will complete 30 days on Tuesday, and the counting of Shaban will begin on Wednesday. Accordingly, the holy night of Shab-e-Barat will be observed across the country on the night of February 3. The decision was made at a meeting of the National Moon Sighting Committee held at the Islamic Foundation’s Baitul Mukarram office, chaired by the Secretary of the Ministry of Religious Affairs, Md. Kamal Uddin. The Islamic Foundation stated in a press release that the committee reached its decision after reviewing information from district administrations, the Islamic Foundation’s offices, the Bangladesh Meteorological Department, and the Space Research and Remote Sensing Organization (SPARRSO). Senior officials from various government and religious institutions attended the meeting, including representatives from the Cabinet Division, Bangladesh Television, and Islamic educational institutions.

A seminar titled ‘Thyroid Nodule and Cancer: Update and Beyond’ was held on Monday at the Block Auditorium of Bangladesh Medical University (BMU), where experts stated that most thyroid cancer patients recover completely with proper treatment. Only a small number of cases show poor outcomes. The findings were presented by Professor Dr. K. M. M. Abdus Sattar of the Department of Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery in his paper ‘Paradigm Shift in the Surgical Management of Thyroid Cancer’. Speakers at the seminar said research shows that many thyroid cancer patients can remain healthy for a long time with partial thyroid removal (hemithyroidectomy). Some thyroid cancers remain stable for years without posing risks, emphasizing the need for physicians to understand the disease’s behavior to reduce both treatment risk and cost. They also noted that advanced treatment options are now available for more severe cases, urging patients to seek timely medical care instead of panicking. The event was chaired by Professor Dr. Afzalun Nesar and attended by BMU Pro-Vice Chancellors Dr. Md. Abul Kalam Azad and Dr. Md. Mujibur Rahman Howlader, who stressed the importance of public awareness and research on thyroid cancer.

National Citizens Party (NCP) convener Nahid Islam has alleged that Begum Khaleda Zia’s death is being used for election campaigning. He made the accusation on Monday night after a meeting with Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus, during a briefing with journalists. Nahid claimed that political groups are organizing condolence meetings and distributing blankets under the guise of mourning, turning these into campaign activities. He further alleged that the Election Commission (EC) is ignoring these violations, allowing certain candidates, particularly from the BNP, to continue campaigning without consequence. According to Nahid, the law is being applied selectively and misinterpreted to favor some while disadvantaging others. He said this unequal enforcement of election laws has created concern within his party and that these issues were raised during the meeting with the Chief Adviser. The NCP leader’s remarks highlight growing tension over election conduct and the perceived inaction of the Election Commission ahead of the national polls.

In Gaibandha’s Saghata upazila, confusion has arisen over the implementation of Local Government Engineering Department (LGED) projects under the Annual Development Programme (ADP) even after the project period expired. Allegations have surfaced that contractors carried out substandard and incomplete work but still received payments. Beneficiaries of the projects have expressed anger over the situation. According to official sources, 17 projects worth Tk 24.63 million were contracted under the 2024–25 fiscal year across several unions in Saghata. Field visits revealed that some works, such as the palisading near Ulya Jame Mosque in Bharatkhali Union, have not yet started, while others were completed with poor materials. The largest project, a public library worth Tk 5.3 million, also remains unfinished. Contracts were issued on June 4, 2025, with completion due by June 30, but many works have not begun. Saghata LGED engineer Nayan Roy stated that most projects were completed and partial or full payments made, adding that contractors failing to meet standards would forfeit their security deposits. Upazila Nirbahi Officer Md. Ashraful Kabir said the matter would be investigated.