Mehedi Hasan Himel, convener of Jagannath University (JNU) Chhatra Dal, issued a stern warning on Tuesday evening, January 20, through a Facebook post emphasizing politeness, tolerance, and healthy student politics. He stated that while his organization had long endured controversial activities from other student groups with patience, any further crossing of limits would lead to severe consequences. Himel warned that those who overstep boundaries would not be able to stay anywhere in Dhaka, neither on campus nor at home. In his post, Himel described Jagannath University as an emotional space for Chhatra Dal, founded by Begum Khaleda Zia, and said the group had shown restraint to maintain a peaceful educational environment. His remarks came after Ibrahim Khalil, organizational secretary of JNU Shibir, accused the authorities of halting the Shaksu election to arrange a BNP rally in Sylhet and called for a blockade in protest. That statement sparked criticism among Chhatra Dal activists nationwide. Himel further warned that any organization under the influence of Chhatra League making provocative comments would not be spared, triggering renewed debate in campus politics.

The ‘Vote Rickshaw’ campaign was inaugurated in Sylhet as part of nationwide publicity for the upcoming referendum and the 13th National Parliamentary Election scheduled for February 12. The event, organized by the Sylhet District Information Office, was virtually inaugurated by Md. Abdul Jalil, Director General of the Department of Mass Communication, at the Sadar Upazila Parishad premises on Tuesday. The initiative is being implemented under the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting with the support of the Department of Mass Communication. According to officials, the campaign aims to raise public awareness about the referendum and encourage voter participation. Abdul Jalil stated that the program will expand across all eight divisions, 64 districts, 495 upazilas, and 4,579 unions nationwide. Sadar Upazila Executive Officer Khoshnur Rubaiyat emphasized that the dual voting process—covering both the national election and the referendum—requires citizens to be well-informed. The referendum seeks to ensure the proper implementation of the July Charter based on public opinion. In Sylhet, the campaign will run across 13 upazilas and 106 unions until February 9, with participation from local officials and media representatives.

Bangladesh Bank has announced that shipbuilding companies can regularize their defaulted loans by depositing three percent of the outstanding amount. The central bank’s Banking Regulation and Policy Department issued a circular on Tuesday outlining the terms. The loans can be repaid over a maximum of ten years, including a two-year grace period during which only interest must be paid monthly or quarterly. Companies must apply by June 30 of this year, and banks are required to resolve applications within sixty days. The circular explains that the global economic downturn, geopolitical instability, and military unrest in Europe have disrupted supply chains, severely affecting both export-oriented and domestic shipbuilding industries. To sustain this promising export sector and facilitate loan recovery, Bangladesh Bank introduced special rescheduling and restructuring facilities. Previously rescheduled loans may also receive up to two additional years of repayment time with a two percent down payment. Banks must verify through special inspections that borrowers were genuinely affected by uncontrollable circumstances. Islamic banks are instructed to implement the policy in accordance with Shariah principles.

Brigadier General (Retd.) Dr. M Sakhawat Hossain, Adviser on Shipping and Labour and Employment, has called on citizens to vote 'Yes' in the upcoming Referendum 2026, describing it as a historic opportunity in Bangladesh’s democratic journey. Speaking on Tuesday, January 20, at a campaign discussion organized by the Panchagarh District Administration at the Panchagarh Government Auditorium, he said the referendum would allow people to directly express their opinions on key state matters and strengthen participatory, transparent, and accountable governance. He emphasized that the referendum is not merely a formal process but a reflection of the people’s sovereign power. Hossain warned that if the 'No' side wins, the nation could lose the opportunity gained through the July mass uprising. He urged citizens to vote 'Yes' to ensure true empowerment and liberation from past autocratic practices. The adviser also stressed the importance of public awareness and responsible, fact-based campaigning to ensure the referendum’s success. He assured that the process would follow a clear legal and constitutional framework with transparency and neutrality at every stage.

A dramatic escape by murder suspect Nahid Hasan Liton from Pirgacha police custody in Rangpur has caused widespread commotion across the upazila. Liton, the organizational secretary of Rangpur District Jubo League and son of Pirgacha Upazila Awami League vice-president Abdul Hannan, was arrested Tuesday evening during a special police operation at his home in connection with the Shahid Abu Sayed murder case. Witnesses claimed he was handcuffed after arrest, but fled during a scuffle between police and several women, allegedly leaving the scene unclothed and still wearing handcuffs. Local sources said a youth leader assured police of recovering the handcuffs. A couple who witnessed the incident reported that one woman bit a police officer’s hand, allowing Liton to escape. Pirgacha Police Officer-in-Charge AKM Khandaker Mohibbul Islam confirmed the escape but denied that Liton was handcuffed at the time, calling such claims baseless. The incident has raised local concerns about possible police negligence and the broader implications for law and order in the area.

The Bangladesh government has approved a 70-day holiday schedule for all government Alia madrasas and private Ebtedayee, Dakhil, Alim, Fazil, and Kamil madrasas for the 2026 academic year. The decision was announced on January 20, 2026, through a circular signed by Deputy Secretary Md. Rahat Manna of the Technical and Madrasa Education Division. The holidays include religious and national observances such as Ramadan, Shaheed Dibas, International Mother Language Day, Shab-e-Qadr, Eid-ul-Fitr, and Independence Day, covering nearly one month of closure. Fridays and Saturdays are excluded from the holiday count. The circular details specific dates for holidays throughout the year, including Shab-e-Miraj on January 17, Shab-e-Barat on February 4–5, and a long break from February 15 to March 26. Additional holidays include Eid-ul-Azha and summer vacation from May 24 to June 11, Durga Puja from October 20 to 22, and winter vacation from December 13 to 24. Three reserve days are allotted for institution heads. Haor region madrasas may adjust up to ten extra days during the Boro harvest season. The academic calendar also sets examination dates, with half-yearly exams from June 25 to July 15, Dakhil selection exams from October 11 to November 10, and annual and Alim selection exams from November 19 to December 10.

The Bangladesh Football Federation (BFF) has decided to postpone the upcoming rounds of the Bangladesh Football League and the Federation Cup following requests from participating clubs. The tenth round of the league was originally scheduled to begin on February 6, 2026, but clubs, including Mohammedan SC, expressed reluctance to play close to the national election period and formally requested a schedule change. Other clubs also supported the postponement verbally. According to the report, the clubs have proposed resuming the second phase of the league on February 20, 2026, if conditions permit after the election. Teams have agreed to complete the season within the previously planned timeframe. The national football team is scheduled to play on March 31 and will travel to Singapore for the Asian Cup qualifiers, so league matches are expected to continue until at least six days before the national team camp begins. Despite the suspension, clubs are using the break to strengthen their squads. Fortis FC has already added foreign players, and both Bashundhara Kings and Fortis FC currently share the top position with 18 points each after the first phase ended on January 4.

BNP Standing Committee member Amir Khasru Mahmud Chowdhury said one of Bangladesh’s major problems is policy distortion caused by excessive laws and regulations conflicting with free-market principles. Speaking on Tuesday at a seminar titled ‘Post Election 2026 Horizon; Economy, Politics and Capital Market’ organized by BRAC EPL Stock Brokerage in Banani, Dhaka, he argued that the economy has reached a low equilibrium over the past one and a half years and requires major reforms, liberalization, and market-oriented policies to recover. He emphasized that Bangladesh’s economy and capital market are overly regulated by controlling agencies, calling for deregulation, transparency, and accountability. Khasru said his party would pursue liberalization if in power, allowing markets to operate freely. He also highlighted issues such as reckless bank lending, capital flight, and lack of accountability as key causes of financial instability. Khasru further noted that transparency in the capital market is essential, urging the removal of “garbage accounts” and accurate disclosure of non-performing loans, which he said could reach 40 percent if properly reported. He stressed that investor confidence depends on presenting a clear and credible financial picture.

Iranian authorities have issued a three-day ultimatum for citizens involved in recent anti-government protests to surrender. National Police Chief Ahmad-Reza Radan announced on state television that those who participated in what the government calls “riots” would be treated leniently if they turn themselves in within the given timeframe. He described the young participants as “deceived individuals” rather than enemy soldiers and said the Islamic Republic would show flexibility toward them. The protests, which began in late December over economic hardship, quickly evolved into one of the biggest challenges to Iran’s leadership. Human rights organizations claim thousands were killed during violent crackdowns, while Iranian officials argue that the initially peaceful demonstrations were later fueled by the United States and Israel to destabilize the country. Tasnim News Agency reported around 3,000 arrests, though rights groups estimate the number could reach 20,000. The ultimatum follows a stern warning from Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, who urged authorities to crush “traitors” and ensure no domestic or foreign offenders escape punishment, further intensifying Iran’s political and social unrest.

In Ukhiya upazila of Cox’s Bazar, allegations have surfaced that a group is continuing the construction of a multi-storey building despite a court injunction. The dispute centers on land in East Taipalong under Rajapalong Union, where Shahina Akter, wife of expatriate Mohammad Sharif, claims her purchased property has been forcibly occupied by several influential locals. Residents fear that the escalating tension could lead to violent clashes if authorities fail to act promptly. According to the report, Shahina Akter filed a case on December 20, after which the Cox’s Bazar District Court imposed Section 144 on December 24, prohibiting all construction on the disputed land. Police sub-inspector Suman Dey visited the site and instructed both parties to comply with the order, but construction allegedly continued. Shahina Akter accused the police of bias and expressed concern for her family’s safety. The accused, Shah Newaz Begum alias Paki, claimed the land is ancestral property and that they continued work based on advice from police and lawyers. The investigating officer confirmed that a report has been submitted to the court, with a hearing scheduled for January 21. Locals have urged immediate enforcement of the court order to prevent potential violence.

An investigation has uncovered a long-running question leak operation involving the political science department’s final exams at the seven government colleges affiliated with Dhaka University. According to the report, a group led by Dhaka College office assistant and former student Ilias Hossain allegedly sold exam questions from honors to master’s level three to four days before exams in exchange for money. Sources claim most students were involved, paying between 1,500 and 2,500 taka per set, while each college session contributed around 150,000 taka. Evidence reportedly includes matching leaked and official exam papers. Unnamed students said they were sworn to secrecy before receiving the questions and that leaked questions consistently appeared in exams. They expressed frustration that the leaks undermined merit and fairness. Ilias Hossain denied all allegations, calling them false and claiming question similarities resulted from recurring syllabus patterns. Dhaka College’s political science department head said he was unaware of the issue but promised dismissal if proven true. Dhaka University’s exam controller stated no official complaint had reached him but assured that any verified report would lead to an investigation and disciplinary action.

Two men were killed in a violent clash stemming from a land dispute in Jashore on Tuesday afternoon. The incident occurred in front of Salua College in Chowgacha upazila. Police confirmed the deaths, identifying the victims as Rafiqul Islam, 45, and Abdul Alim Palash, 35, both residents of Jagahati village under Churamankati union in Jashore Sadar. According to police, Rafiqul was attacked with a sharp weapon by Palash, leaving him critically injured. Local sources said the two men had been in conflict over land ownership for the past two years. Following the attack, an enraged crowd surrounded Palash and beat him severely. Police from Kotwali station arrived at the scene and took both injured men to Jashore General Hospital, where doctors declared Palash dead upon arrival. Police later reported that Rafiqul died on the way to Dhaka while being transferred for advanced treatment. Authorities confirmed that both deaths were linked to the same land dispute incident.

A Dhaka court has denied permission for Moazzem Hossain, former assistant personal secretary (APS) to interim government adviser Asif Mahmud Sajib Bhuiyan, to travel to Thailand for medical treatment. The order was issued on Tuesday by Dhaka Metropolitan Sessions Judge (Senior Special Judge) Md Sabbir Foyez, confirmed by the court’s bench assistant Riaz Hossain. Moazzem had sought permission to travel abroad citing spinal cord injuries and a scheduled medical appointment in Thailand on February 15. In his petition, Moazzem claimed he was falsely implicated in a case to harass him and asserted that he was not involved in any unlawful or anti-state activities. His lawyer, Md Raihan, told the court that Moazzem suffered a spinal injury causing fluid leakage and required specialized treatment abroad. Despite these arguments, the court rejected the application after hearing. The same court had earlier, on May 24 of the previous year, blocked Moazzem’s national identity card and imposed a travel ban against him in connection with a corruption allegation.

Bangladesh has reiterated its stance that it will not play the upcoming T20 World Cup in India, preferring Sri Lanka as the venue instead. Youth and Sports Adviser Asif Nazrul told reporters at the Secretariat on January 20, 2026, that Bangladesh will not accept any unreasonable conditions from the International Cricket Council (ICC) or be pressured into playing in India. He emphasized that if the ICC yields to the Indian board and imposes unfair terms, Bangladesh will reject them. Nazrul cited past instances where the ICC changed venues, such as when India refused to play in Pakistan. He argued that Bangladesh’s request for a venue change is based on legitimate reasons and that coercion to play in India would be unacceptable. Earlier, AFP reported that if Bangladesh skips the tournament, Scotland could replace them based on rankings, though Nazrul said he had not received any official notice of this. BBC reported that ICC has not discussed the matter with Scotland, and Scottish officials have declined to engage out of respect for Bangladesh. Cricinfo and Indian media claimed ICC set a Wednesday deadline for Bangladesh’s final decision, which the Bangladesh Cricket Board denied.

Khelafat Majlis has withdrawn more than fifty of its seventy-two approved candidates on the final day of withdrawal for Bangladesh’s 13th national parliamentary election. The withdrawals were made Tuesday under central directives as part of seat-sharing arrangements within the ten-party alliance. Party candidates submitted their withdrawal letters to district returning offices, accompanied by alliance partners and local leaders. According to the party’s joint secretary general Abdul Jalil, twenty candidates remain in the race. Of these, eleven are single candidates under the alliance agreement, while nine others are contesting in open seats alongside other allied nominees. A party press release stated that Khelafat Majlis had initially nominated candidates in 258 constituencies before reducing the number to 74 after seat adjustments with partners. The latest withdrawals were described as a move to preserve unity among Islamist and nationalist forces. The remaining Khelafat Majlis candidates will contest under the ten-party alliance symbol, the wall clock, in the upcoming election.