The International Crimes Tribunal-1 in Dhaka on Tuesday began hearing a case over the killing of 28 people in Rampura during the anti-discrimination student movement. Chief Prosecutor Mohammad Tajul Islam, in his opening statement, compared the violence to the atrocities of March 25, describing it as unprecedented and calling for justice. The hearing took place before a three-member bench led by Justice Md Golam Mortuza Mojumdar. Former Border Guard Bangladesh officers Lt Col Redwanul Islam and Major Md Rafat-bin-Alam Mun were present at the tribunal, while former police officials ADC Md Rashedul Islam and OC Md Mashiur Rahman remain absconding. Witness Bishwajit Rajbanshi testified that his father, Gangacharan Rajbanshi, was shot dead by BGB personnel during the Rampura crackdown. The tribunal scheduled February 26 for cross-examination following the initial testimony. The case marks a significant step in addressing alleged crimes against humanity committed during the suppression of the student movement.

The US Embassy in Dhaka announced on Tuesday that Bangladeshi students studying in the United States under F or M visas are exempt from the newly introduced visa bond requirement. According to the embassy’s statement, the bond applies only to business or tourism (B1/B2) visa applicants in specific cases. The clarification follows an earlier embassy notice issued on Monday, which stated that from January 21, Bangladeshi citizens approved for business or tourism visas must deposit up to 15,000 US dollars as a visa bond to prevent overstaying. The embassy also noted that those holding valid B1/B2 visas issued before January 21 are not subject to this condition. Applicants were cautioned not to pay the bond before their interview, as early payment does not guarantee visa approval and may expose them to fraudulent third-party websites. The embassy further stated that the bond amount would be refunded if visa conditions are properly followed. The US Department of State had earlier listed Bangladesh among 38 countries whose citizens may be required to post such a bond when applying for entry to the United States.

The Jahangirnagar University Central Students’ Union (JAKSU) has expressed deep concern and strong condemnation over the court’s suspension of the Shahjalal University of Science and Technology (SUST) student council election. In a joint statement signed by JAKSU Vice President Abdur Rashid Jitu and General Secretary Md. Majharul Islam on Monday midnight, the organization criticized the legal and political interference that halted the long-awaited election. According to the statement, the election was postponed just before voting despite the participation of 196 candidates and thousands of students preparing for a festive democratic exercise. JAKSU described the four-week suspension, issued following a petition by three applicants, as regrettable and contrary to students’ democratic rights. The leaders argued that student unions are vital for leadership development and that obstructing this process for political gain reflects authoritarian tendencies. JAKSU further urged the removal of all legal and political barriers to ensure the SUST student council election is held as soon as possible, emphasizing that depriving students of their voting rights under any pretext is unacceptable.

Dhaka North City Corporation (DNCC) has issued a new directive prohibiting landlords from increasing house rents more than once every two years. The announcement was made at the DNCC headquarters in Gulshan-2, where Administrator Mohammad Ejaz stated that the common practice of raising rents in January must end. Under the new policy, rent adjustments will only be allowed during the fiscal year’s June–July period. The directive outlines responsibilities for both landlords and tenants. Landlords must ensure houses remain habitable, provide essential utilities such as gas, electricity, and water, and manage household waste regularly. They may also allow rooftop or open-space greenery. Tenants must pay rent by the 10th of each month and collect written receipts. Any changes or security measures by landlords must be communicated to tenants. The guideline further specifies that rent increases cannot exceed 15 percent of the prevailing market rate in the area. Written agreements are mandatory, advance rent may cover one to three months, and local landlord-tenant associations will handle disputes with DNCC providing ward-level support.

The Directorate of Primary Education (DPE) has addressed widespread confusion on social media regarding the publication of results for the government primary school assistant teacher recruitment written examination. Officials stated that rumors about result cancellation or indefinite delay are baseless. A.K. Shamsul Ahsan, Director of the Policy and Operation Division, said on Monday night that no directive had been received from the Election Commission or the government, but efforts were underway to release the results as soon as possible. The written examination was held on January 9 across 61 districts for 14,385 vacant posts, with over 1.08 million candidates participating. Prior to the exam, allegations of question leaks circulated online, and some individuals shared purported leaked questions on Facebook. A group known as the “device party” allegedly offered cheating assistance using electronic devices in exchange for money. Authorities detained 207 candidates for using such devices during the exam, including 53 in Gaibandha, 18 in Naogaon, 18 in Dinajpur, 16 in Kurigram, and two in Rangpur. The DPE confirmed that results will be published once evaluation is complete.

Jamaat-e-Islami has announced it will contest 215 constituencies in the upcoming 13th parliamentary election as part of a 10-party alliance, leaving 85 seats for allied parties. The decision was confirmed on Tuesday, the final day for withdrawal of nomination papers. Earlier, Jamaat had planned to contest 179 seats, reserving 47 for Islami Andolan, but the latter did not join the alliance. Following Islami Andolan’s absence, the previously reserved seats were redistributed among other partners including the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP), Bangladesh Khelafat Majlis, Khelafat Majlis, LDP, AB Party, BDP, and Nezame Islam Party. According to reports, NCP received 30 seats, Bangladesh Khelafat Majlis 23, and Khelafat Majlis 12, with some additional seats still open. Jamaat’s Assistant Secretary General Ehsanul Mahbub Zubair stated that final details would be announced after the nomination withdrawal deadline. Political analysts noted that although Jamaat’s seat share increased due to Islami Andolan’s withdrawal, the party allocated a significant number of constituencies to partners to maintain balance within the alliance.

Sports adviser Asif Nazrul announced that Bangladesh will not participate in any World Cup matches held in India. Speaking to reporters at the Secretariat on Tuesday, he stated that the International Cricket Council (ICC) cannot compel Bangladesh to play in India through what he described as unreasonable pressure. He emphasized that Bangladesh would not bow to what he called India's unjust interference. Nazrul explained that there have been precedents for venue changes in the past, citing Pakistan’s refusal to play in India, which led the ICC to alter venues. He said Bangladesh’s request for a venue change was based on logical grounds and that the government had no information suggesting Scotland would replace Bangladesh in the World Cup squad. The adviser’s remarks indicate Bangladesh’s firm stance on the issue, while the government awaits further developments from the ICC regarding the tournament’s venue decisions.

Bangladesh Khelafat Majlis candidate Mofazzal Hossain has formally withdrawn his nomination for the Comilla-4 (Debidwar) constituency to support Hasnat Abdullah, the Jamaat–NCP alliance candidate and chief organizer of NCP’s southern region. The withdrawal took place on Tuesday morning when Hossain submitted his application to Assistant Returning Officer and Debidwar Upazila Nirbahi Officer Rakibul Islam. Following the withdrawal, Mofazzal Hossain stated that his decision followed the central directive to strengthen unity within the ten-party alliance. He described Hasnat Abdullah as a qualified leader whose leadership contributes to a democratic environment. Hossain also urged party members to vote for Hasnat under the ‘Shapla Koli’ symbol on the upcoming 12th. The event was attended by leaders and activists from Jamaat, Bangladesh Khelafat Majlis, and NCP, including Saiful Islam Shahid, the Jamaat candidate who had earlier withdrawn from the same constituency.

BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir has alleged that a political party is making provocative statements surrounding the upcoming national election. He made the remarks on Tuesday afternoon, emphasizing that the BNP supports reform and the 'yes' vote, while accusing another party of spreading misinformation. According to Mirza Fakhrul, the chief adviser has launched a campaign under the banner of reform, but certain groups are engaging in propaganda. He also stated that those who once refused to recognize Bangladesh are now causing the most trouble. The BNP leader described the forthcoming national election as a decisive moment to determine whether the country will remain under liberal democratic leadership or fall into the hands of extremist, anti-state elements. The comments come amid heightened political activity and competing narratives ahead of the national polls, reflecting growing tension between major political forces in Bangladesh.

Bihar legislator Nitin Navin has been elected as the new national president of India’s ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). The announcement was made on Tuesday, January 20, 2026. Following the nomination process, 37 nomination papers were submitted in his favor, and no other candidate contested, leading to his unopposed election to the top party post. Navin, aged 45, previously served as the acting national president of the BJP. He has been elected five times as a legislator from Patna West (Bankipur) in Bihar and has also held ministerial positions in the Bihar government. Analysts view his appointment as a signal of organizational renewal within the BJP and a step toward advancing the party’s future strategic goals. The formal ceremony for Nitin Navin’s assumption of office is scheduled for January 21, while senior party leaders have already extended their congratulations.

A high-speed train operated by Irio derailed and collided with an oncoming train in Adamuz, Andalusia, on Sunday night, killing 40 people and injuring more than 120. Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez announced three days of national mourning following what has become the country’s deadliest rail disaster since 2013. Regional leader Juan Manuel Moreno said rescue operations were still underway and that it could take 24 to 48 hours to confirm the final death toll. Heavy machinery was deployed to remove damaged carriages. Irio stated that the train had been inspected three days earlier and was nearly new, while Renfe president Álvaro Fernández Heredia suggested the cause was likely a mechanical or track fault rather than human error or excessive speed. Survivors described the crash as a terrifying experience, and local residents rushed to assist with water, blankets, and rescue tools. Pope Leo XIV and French President Emmanuel Macron expressed condolences to the victims and their families.

A Rapid Action Battalion (RAB-7) member, Naib Subedar Abdul Motaleb of the Border Guard Bangladesh, was beaten to death on Monday afternoon in Jungle Salimpur, Sitakunda, about 12 kilometers from Chattogram city. Three others, including two RAB members and a source, were severely injured and admitted to the Combined Military Hospital in Chattogram. The attack occurred when a 16-member RAB team launched an operation to arrest three wanted criminals, including a notorious figure named Yasin, during the opening of a political office. According to RAB officials and eyewitnesses, four RAB members entered the office where around 150 people were present. After detaining two suspects, about 300 attackers surrounded and assaulted the officers with sticks and bricks. The attackers later abducted the injured officers to Nizampur, three kilometers away, where Motaleb was fatally beaten. Police later rescued the survivors. Authorities confirmed there were no gunshot wounds on the victims. RAB-7 officials said the area has long been a haven for armed groups and that efforts are underway to identify those involved in the attack.

Farmers in Nilphamari district are reporting a bumper yield of early varieties of mustard during the 2025–2026 fiscal year. Harvesting is in full swing as growers take advantage of favorable weather, improved seeds, and government incentives. The Department of Agricultural Extension set a target of 9,023 hectares for mustard cultivation, but actual cultivation exceeded 11,000 hectares. Many farmers, previously affected by potato losses, have turned to mustard due to lower costs and higher profits. Local farmers, including women entrepreneurs, said they achieved strong yields from early mustard varieties such as BARI-09, 14, 15, 18, and Tori-07. They noted that mustard requires less irrigation and labor, and its byproducts serve household fuel and cooking oil needs. The district’s deputy director of agriculture confirmed that quality seeds were distributed under government incentive programs, helping farmers achieve high productivity. The success of early mustard cultivation has encouraged more farmers to adopt the crop, potentially expanding its acreage further in coming seasons if favorable conditions continue.

The Jagannath University Central Students’ Union (JAKSU) has strongly condemned the court-ordered suspension of the Shahjalal University of Science and Technology (SUST) Central Students’ Union (SACSU) election, calling it undemocratic and conspiratorial. In a statement signed by JAKSU’s Assistant General Secretary Masud Rana and published on the union’s official Facebook group, the organization alleged that a political party had influenced the court to deprive students of their voting rights. The election, originally scheduled for January 20, was postponed for four weeks by court order. JAKSU stated that the suspension violated students’ democratic rights and undermined their long struggle for representative leadership on campus. It claimed that a political student organization used power and influence to halt the democratic process. The statement described the incident as part of a broader pattern of interference in student union elections across universities, aimed at weakening student governance. JAKSU urged the Election Commission, university administration, and all relevant authorities to act responsibly and ensure a fair, transparent, and inclusive SACSU election within the shortest possible time.

Jamaat-e-Islami has strongly condemned the killing and injuries of Rapid Action Battalion (RAB) members in a terrorist attack during an operation in Sitakunda, Chattogram. The incident occurred on Monday afternoon, and the party’s Secretary General and former MP, Mia Golam Porwar, issued a statement on Tuesday expressing grief and protest. In the statement, Porwar said one RAB officer was killed and three others were injured when armed assailants opened fire during an operation to arrest terrorists in the Jungle Salimpur area. He expressed condolences to the family of the deceased officer, DAD Md. Motaleb, and prayed for the recovery of the injured. Porwar also voiced concern over the deteriorating law and order situation and urged law enforcement to take firm action against terrorists. He further stated that the attack indicated attempts by terrorists to regroup ahead of the upcoming 13th national election to create fear and disrupt a fair electoral environment. Porwar called on authorities to enforce a zero-tolerance policy, recover illegal weapons, and ensure a thorough investigation to bring those responsible to justice.