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.

The Dhaka University Central Students' Union (DUCSU) presented a four-month performance report on Monday at a press conference held in front of Madhur Canteen. General Secretary S M Farhad detailed that DUCSU, which assumed office on September 14, completed 225 initiatives across 33 sectors for student welfare. Two commemorative books titled “Activities of DUCSU in the First Four Months” and “Representative Conference 2025” were also launched at the event. Vice President Sadiq Kayem stated that despite budget constraints and administrative non-cooperation, DUCSU continued its work through collaboration with alumni, donors, and resource persons. Key achievements include proposing the inclusion of DUCSU elections in the academic calendar, canceling an unauthorized resolution on lifetime membership, mosque renovations, medical center upgrades, and discussions with the Chinese ambassador on a new dormitory project. DUCSU also introduced electric shuttles, expanded transport services, and organized health, cultural, and educational programs. The report emphasized transparency and accountability, with detailed information on all initiatives published on DUCSU’s website and in printed booklets.

Bangladesh Under-19 team were eliminated from the Super Six stage after a decisive loss to England in Bulawayo’s Queens Sports Club. Batting first, Bangladesh collapsed for 136 runs in 38.1 overs, with only Rifat Beg (31), captain Azizul Hakim (20), and wicketkeeper Mohammad Abdullah (25) reaching double figures. England chased down the target comfortably, scoring 137 for 3 in 24.1 overs, led by captain Rue’s unbeaten 59. The result confirmed Bangladesh’s exit from the tournament. Bangladesh had entered the Super Six with only one point, while India and England started with four points each in Group 2. This left Bangladesh needing a win to keep their semifinal hopes alive, but the team failed to handle the pressure. The defeat marked Bangladesh’s third consecutive Under-19 World Cup exit before the semifinals since their 2020 championship. Despite the elimination, Bangladesh still have one remaining match scheduled against Zimbabwe on June 31 in Harare.

Brazilian forward Endrick, once hailed as a prodigy and the next Pelé, has reignited his career in France after a difficult spell at Real Madrid. On loan to Lyon in Ligue 1, the 19-year-old scored a hat-trick in a 5–2 victory over Metz, helping his team climb to fourth place in the standings with 36 points from 19 matches. The remaining goals came from Ruben Kluivert and Tyler Morton, while PSG lead the table with 45 points. Endrick opened the scoring in the 11th minute, added a second in first-half stoppage time, and completed his hat-trick with an 87th-minute penalty. At 19 years and 188 days, he became the youngest player in Lyon and Ligue 1 history to score a hat-trick, breaking Bernard Lacombe’s record of 19 years and 196 days. Endrick has now scored four goals and provided one assist in his first three matches for Lyon. After the match, Endrick expressed happiness at returning to form, saying he felt comfortable and grateful to his teammates and staff for their support.

BNP Chairperson Tarique Rahman has called on party leaders, activists, and voters to remain at polling centers on election day to ensure proper vote counting. Speaking virtually at an election rally in Hatiya, Noakhali, on Monday, he emphasized that voters should not leave after casting their ballots but stay to monitor the process closely. Rahman alleged that there were conspiracies to obstruct the upcoming 13th National Parliamentary Election and urged everyone to stay alert. He said that the people’s right to vote and freedom of speech had previously been taken away, and although those responsible had left the country, new groups were attempting to disrupt the election. He called for vigilance to protect the electoral process. He further stressed unity among all citizens, regardless of religion, to build the nation through collective effort, describing Bangladesh as the shared home and ultimate destination for all its people.

A delegation from the Islamic Banks Consultative Forum (IBCF), led by its chairman Khaja Shahriar, met with the chairman of the National Board of Revenue (NBR) on Monday, January 26, at the NBR headquarters in Agargaon. The meeting focused on the calculation of excise duty on trade facility loans and investment services, highlighting differences between conventional and Islamic banking practices. NBR officials, including Chairman Md. Abdur Rahman Khan, listened attentively to the delegation’s concerns and assured that necessary steps would be taken within the existing legal framework to resolve the issue. Senior NBR members such as AKM Badiul Alam, Ahsan Habib, and Md. Mashiur Rahman were present at the meeting. The IBCF delegation included senior representatives from several Islamic and commercial banks, including Islami Bank Bangladesh PLC, Shahjalal Islami Bank, Al-Arafah Islami Bank, Standard Bank, and Prime Bank. The discussion aimed to ensure fair excise duty treatment for Islamic banking operations under current regulations.

Former joint secretary of the UK BNP, Azmal Hossain Chowdhury Javed, was seriously injured in an attack on Sunday evening while returning from an election campaign in support of BNP candidate Nasir Uddin Chowdhury for the Sunamganj-2 constituency. The incident occurred on the way back to Dirai when activists from another BNP faction allegedly attacked him. Eyewitnesses said 15–20 supporters of rival nomination aspirant Tahir Raihan Chowdhury Pavel, including Mohiuddin Milad, Abu Hasan Chowdhury Saju, and Faisal, carried out the assault. Javed sustained severe eye injuries and was first treated at Dirai Upazila Health Complex before being referred to Sylhet MAG Osmani Medical College Hospital for advanced care. Local sources indicated that tension had long persisted between the Nasir and Pavel groups in Dirai. Javed, once a nomination aspirant himself, had accepted the party’s decision to nominate Nasir Uddin Chowdhury and had been actively campaigning for him following instructions from the BNP high command. The attack underscores ongoing internal conflicts within the BNP’s local leadership in Sunamganj-2 ahead of the election.