At least 16 activists of Jamaat-e-Islami were injured in an alleged attack by local BNP members in Mirpur’s 60 Feet area of Dhaka on Tuesday evening, January 20. The incident took place in front of Pirerbag Al Mobarak Mosque after the Maghrib prayer. Witnesses said that local BNP activists attacked female members of Jamaat, leading to injuries among at least 16 Jamaat members. Some individuals were reportedly confined inside the mosque during the clash. Deputy Commissioner of Police (Mirpur Zone) Moinul Haque confirmed the incident and said police reached the spot after receiving information. Jamaat activists alleged that BNP members continued aggressive behavior even in front of the police. The situation was brought under control after army personnel arrived, following which local BNP leaders expressed regret over the incident. Later that night, around 8 p.m., hundreds of Jamaat and Islami Chhatra Shibir activists staged a protest demanding the arrest of those responsible for the attack.

The Finance Division of Bangladesh has issued a new order requiring its prior approval for 26 categories of government financial decisions. Signed by Finance Secretary Dr. Mohammad Khairuzzaman Mozumder, the directive took effect immediately and will remain valid until further notice. The order aims to strengthen fiscal discipline, transparency, and accountability across ministries and departments by centralizing oversight of major financial and administrative actions. According to the order, proposals related to creation or abolition of posts, pay structure changes, vehicle procurement, outsourcing of services, and temporary labor hiring must be submitted to the Finance Division. Approval is also mandatory for expenditures exceeding budget allocations, re-appropriation between revenue and capital budgets, and honoraria above specified limits. Additionally, foreign travel expenses beyond set dollar thresholds, tax and fee proposals, and policy matters involving financial commitments or international agreements require prior clearance. The directive further covers loan guarantees, remission of government revenue claims, and approval of pay and allowances for private or foreign experts. The Finance Division emphasized that these measures are intended to ensure consistent financial governance across all government entities.

A national committee formed to review electricity sector contracts made during the tenure of the ousted Awami League government has submitted its final report. The committee, led by retired Justice Moinul Islam Chowdhury, handed the report to Muhammad Fauzul Kabir Khan, the adviser in charge of the Ministry of Power, Energy and Mineral Resources, on Tuesday. The report covers 156 contracts signed under the Speedy Supply of Power and Energy (Special Provision) Act, 2010. Neither the committee nor the government has disclosed the recommendations contained in the report. The committee was established on 5 September 2024 to examine agreements involving entities such as Adani Group. It included BUET professor Abdul Hasib Chowdhury, chartered accountant Ali Ashfaq, former World Bank economist Zahid Hossain, and University of London professor Mushtaq Khan. The committee had full authority to collect data, audit documents, summon individuals or organizations, and assess whether national interests were protected under the indemnity law. Separately, another government committee led by economist Dr. Debapriya Bhattacharya published a white paper on 1 December detailing alleged corruption of Tk 1.25 trillion in the power and energy sectors during the Awami League’s 15.5-year rule.

The government is considering dividing the jurisdiction of the Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) into Dhaka North, Dhaka South, or multiple sections to strengthen law and order management in the capital. The proposal was discussed on Tuesday at a meeting of the National Committee on Administrative Reform Implementation, chaired by Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus at the Chief Adviser’s Office in Tejgaon. However, no final decision has been made. At a briefing held at the Foreign Service Academy on Bailey Road, Chief Adviser’s Press Secretary Shafiqul Alam said that splitting the DMP into two parts could accelerate operations and improve control over law and order. He noted that Dhaka’s size continues to expand and that managing law and order in one of the world’s largest cities has become increasingly difficult. The meeting also reviewed earlier administrative models, such as the former Gulshan and Mirpur municipalities, as possible references. The discussion remains at a preliminary stage, with further evaluation expected before any structural changes are approved.

Two parliamentary candidates from Jamaat-e-Islami and the BNP in Jamalpur have been issued show-cause notices for allegedly violating the election code of conduct through unauthorized campaigning and soliciting votes. The notices were served on Tuesday by separate election inquiry and judicial committees, which instructed both candidates to appear in person and submit written explanations within specified dates. In Jamalpur-2 (Islampur), Jamaat candidate Shamiul Haque Faruqi reportedly held a procession and campaign rally at Digreechar Bazar on Monday. Following a complaint supported by video evidence, the inquiry committee found preliminary proof of violation and ordered Faruqi to explain by January 22. In Jamalpur-4 (Sarishabari), BNP candidate Faridul Kabir Talukdar’s brother allegedly sought votes for him on January 15. A complaint filed on January 18 led to a similar notice requiring both the candidate and his brother to appear on January 25. The committees stated that failure to provide satisfactory explanations could result in recommendations to the Election Commission for further action.

Gazipur Metropolitan Islami Chhatra Shibir organized a protest march and rally in Tongi on Tuesday, demanding immediate implementation of the Shahjalal University of Science and Technology (SUST) student council election, known as ShakSU, which has been suspended. The procession began at the Asia Petrol Pump area and concluded with a brief rally in front of Tongi Government College gate. During the rally, participants chanted slogans questioning the suspension of the election and calling for its reinstatement. Gazipur Metropolitan Chhatra Shibir President Rezaul Karim addressed the gathering, alleging that the student wing of a rival political group was obstructing the election out of fear of defeat. He condemned what he described as a conspiracy to block the election and demanded that the date for the ShakSU election be announced without delay to restore students’ democratic rights. Several local Shibir leaders, including Gazipur Metropolitan Secretary Mohammad Zakir Hossain and Tongi Ta’mirul Millat branch officer Moinul Islam, were present at the event.

Russia’s Kamchatka Peninsula has experienced its heaviest snowfall in 130 years, leaving towns and cities buried under massive snowdrifts. Local authorities reported snow accumulation ranging from 10 to 40 feet, with some multi-story buildings covered up to the fourth floor. The severe blizzard has caused fatalities due to snow pressure and avalanches. On January 15, Mayor Yevgeny Belyayev declared a state of emergency in Petropavlovsk-Kamchatsky, the region’s administrative center. The extreme weather has paralyzed transportation, forcing road closures and flight cancellations. Power outages have been reported across several areas, and schools, offices, and businesses remain shut, confining residents indoors. Shortages of essential goods such as bread, milk, and eggs have emerged as snow-blocked roads disrupt supply chains. Meteorologists attributed the continuous heavy snowfall and strong winds to multiple low-pressure systems over the Sea of Okhotsk. They warned that the harsh conditions could persist for several more days, prolonging the region’s crisis.

BNP Chairperson Tarique Rahman stated that the party keeps its promises to the people, emphasizing that BNP’s politics is dedicated to public welfare. He made the remarks on Tuesday, January 20, at a prayer gathering in Dhaka’s Mohakhali T&T Field organized by residents of Karail to pray for the soul of Begum Khaleda Zia. During his address, Rahman sought prayers so that BNP can continue to stand by the people. He said the party aims to ensure that children living in slums receive the same educational opportunities as those in apartment buildings. He also expressed commitment to introducing family cards for women to promote household solvency and farmer cards to support agricultural workers. Rahman further pledged that BNP would remain beside the people of Karail and across the country to solve their problems. He promised to build small flats for Karail’s slum dwellers and later joined the prayer for Begum Khaleda Zia’s soul.

Police in Natore’s Naldanga upazila arrested a Youth Dal activist on Monday for allegedly stealing cash during a Trading Corporation of Bangladesh (TCB) goods distribution at Madhnagar Union Parishad. The suspect, identified as Rumman Sardar, 35, was detained from Purba Madhnagar village with 181,050 taka in cash, which police said was part of the stolen amount of nearly 200,000 taka. The theft occurred when dealer Mizanur Rahman left the distribution site briefly for prayers. According to police, Rumman Sardar is a resident of Purba Madhnagar and known locally as a Youth Dal activist. He is the son of Md. Lokman Hossain Bhulu, president of the BNP’s Ward No. 5 unit in Madhnagar Union. Bhulu told reporters that his son was addicted to drugs and expressed shock over the incident, adding that anyone committing a crime must face legal consequences. Naldanga Police Station Officer-in-Charge Md. Nure Alam said the suspect is in custody and legal proceedings are underway. Authorities added that further action will be taken if others are found involved after investigation.

Renowned musician Kabir Suman has joined Dhaka cinema for the first time, contributing as a lyricist and composer for the upcoming film 'Jhamela'. Although he will not sing, his songs will be performed by popular Bangladeshi singer Asif Akbar. The film, directed by Yamin Ilan, features six songs, three of which are written and composed by Suman. Music direction is handled by Ujjal Sinha and Azmir Babu. 'Jhamela' is a family drama produced under the banner of Diya Productions, with Diya Rois as producer. The cast includes Dolly Zahur, Shyamal Mawla, Tanjika Amin, Rashed Mamun Apu, Kazi Nowshaba Ahmed, Abu Hurayra Tanvir, Abdullah Rana, and Saberi Alam, among others. Director Yamin Ilan emphasized that the film is entirely Bangladeshi, not modeled after Tamil or Indian cinema, and that shooting has taken place in Dhaka and Gazipur. According to the director, the team plans to release the film during one of the upcoming Eid festivals this year.

The government has approved a special grant of Tk 10 million to provide a flat in Dhaka for the family of Sharif Osman Bin Hadi, spokesperson of Inquilab Mancha, who was killed in December 2025. The allocation will be used to purchase and furnish a 1,215-square-foot apartment at the government-owned Doel Tower in Lalmatia. The Ministry of Finance approved the funding on Tuesday following a proposal from the Ministry of Housing and Public Works. The handover of the flat is conditional on verification of the identities of Hadi’s wife and child. The expenditure will come from the Ministry of Housing’s current fiscal allocation of Tk 60 million for residential buildings. Hadi gained prominence during the July uprising and the movement against the ban on the Awami League. He had announced his candidacy as an independent for the Dhaka-8 constituency in the upcoming 13th parliamentary election. On December 12, he was shot by assailants on a motorcycle during a campaign event in Bijoynagar and later died on December 18 while receiving treatment in Singapore. Following his death, Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus stated in a national address that the state would take responsibility for Hadi’s wife and only child.

Students and candidates at Shahjalal University of Science and Technology (SUST) in Sylhet staged another protest on Tuesday demanding the immediate holding of the central student union (ShakSU) election. The demonstration began around 11:45 a.m. in front of the Administration Building-1, where participants called for a chamber court hearing and the announcement of the election date on January 21. Independent general secretary candidate Faisal Hossain told the media that the election must be declared by the end of the day, warning that national elections starting from January 22 would make it impossible to hold ShakSU afterward. He cautioned that failure to hold the election on January 21 could lead to serious consequences both on campus and nationally. ShakSU Election Commission spokesperson Professor Dr. Nazrul Islam said the university had appealed to the chamber judge court and was awaiting a hearing. He added that if the court ruled in favor of holding the election, it would proceed immediately; otherwise, it would be delayed by four weeks. The university, he said, was fully prepared and only waiting for the court’s decision.

Eight candidates have withdrawn their nominations from 13 parliamentary constituencies in the Dhaka division ahead of Bangladesh’s 13th National Parliamentary Election. According to the Dhaka Divisional Commissioner’s Office, the withdrawals were completed by 4 p.m. on Tuesday, January 20, 2026. The candidates who stepped down represent several Islamic and left-leaning political parties, including Khelafat Majlish, Bangladesh Khelafat Majlish, Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami, Bangladesh Nezame Islam Party, and Ganosamhati Andolon. Among those withdrawing are Ahmad Ali from Dhaka-10 (Khelafat Majlish), Bilkis Nasima Rahman from Dhaka-18 (Ganosamhati Andolon), and Muhammad Ashraful Haque from Dhaka-18 (Jamaat-e-Islami). Others include Ahsanullah and Md. Rifat Hossain Malik from Dhaka-16, Md. Emdadul Haque from Dhaka-17, Mokhlesur Rahman Kashemi from Dhaka-5, and Md. Foyez Bakhsh Sarkar from Dhaka-9. Election officials confirmed that all withdrawal applications were received within the official deadline and that candidate lists are being updated. Political analysts suggest that the withdrawals indicate constituency-level coordination, alliance adjustments, and strategic positioning among Islamic parties, which could influence voter dynamics in several Dhaka constituencies. The Election Commission is scheduled to allocate symbols on January 21, marking the start of formal campaigning.

One year after returning to the Oval Office as the 47th president of the United States, Donald Trump’s administration has enacted extensive economic, diplomatic, and social policy changes that have reshaped both the US and global landscape. On his first day back in office on January 20, 2025, Trump signed 26 executive orders, setting a record for the most issued on an inauguration day. Over the year, he signed a total of 228 executive orders, surpassing the 220 from his entire first term. His administration deported at least 605,000 people, saw 1.9 million voluntary departures, and revoked legal status for about 1.6 million residents. Trump also banned citizens of 75 countries from obtaining immigration visas. Economically, Trump imposed tariffs averaging 10 percent on all trading partners, with India facing 50 percent levies. These tariffs generated $287 billion in 2025 but increased household costs by an estimated $1,500. He also created the Department of Government Efficiency under Elon Musk, which cut 317,000 federal jobs and eliminated diversity and education programs. Internationally, Trump visited 13 countries, launched attacks in at least seven, and opened 2.5 million square kilometres of ocean for offshore drilling while reversing 30 climate policies, including exiting the Paris Agreement.

Gazipur Agricultural University (GAKRUB) organized a farmer training program titled “Verification of Milk Quality at Farmers’ Doorsteps through the Innovated Mobile Milk Testing Laboratory.” The event took place on Tuesday, January 20, 2026, at the university’s International Complex seminar room. The training aimed to ensure fair prices for farmers and safe milk for consumers by teaching the use and practical application of the mobile milk testing laboratory. Forty farmers from different areas of Gazipur participated in the two-phase program. The opening session was attended by Vice-Chancellor Professor Dr. J.K.M. Mostafizur Rahman as chief guest, with Pro-Vice-Chancellor Professor Dr. M. Moynul Haque and Treasurer Professor Dr. Md. Safiul Islam Afrad as special guests. The session was chaired by Professor Dr. Farhana Yasmin, Director of the External Center. The training was conducted by Professor Dr. Md. Morshedur Rahman, inventor of the mobile milk testing technology, who provided both theoretical and practical guidance. According to the university, the mobile milk testing lab—first of its kind in Bangladesh—offers services such as nutrition analysis, adulteration detection, antibiotic presence testing, mastitis examination, and microbial count assessment.