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.

A police officer named Abdul Khalek was beaten by a mob in Dhunat upazila of Bogura on Monday morning after being accused of taking a bribe from a motorcyclist. The incident occurred around 11 a.m. at the Hukum Ali Bus Stand area on the Dhunat-Sherpur regional road, where a police checkpoint had been set up. Khalek, who serves at Dhunat Police Station, was reportedly collecting documents from motorcyclists when the allegation arose. According to police and local sources, the checkpoint was led by TSI Abul Kalam Azad, with officers Abdul Khalek and Abdul Hamid on duty. During the inspection, one motorcyclist was fined for not wearing a helmet, while Khalek allegedly took 1,000 taka from another rider and released him. Locals, noticing the alleged bribe, attacked Khalek, who later fled the scene. Another officer was surrounded by the crowd until SI Mostafizar Rahman arrived and rescued them. Abdul Khalek denied the allegation, claiming no money was found on him. TSI Abul Kalam Azad stated he was unaware of any bribe but confirmed that locals assaulted the officer.

Amar Desh editor Mahmudur Rahman stated that success in political struggles requires victory in cultural battles. He made the remark on Monday at 3 p.m. while presiding over the prize distribution ceremony of the Amar Desh Readers’ Fair creative competition held at the Syed Waliullah Auditorium of Bangla Academy in Dhaka. The event was attended by cultural affairs adviser Mostofa Sarwar Farooki as the chief guest. Rahman emphasized that the younger generation is now aware of the ongoing cultural struggle and is resisting attempts to impose alien cultures during authoritarian regimes. He said efforts are underway to build a historically conscious and culturally aware nation. Chief guest Farooki discussed the coexistence of high and low culture, stressing that both must be preserved to ensure justice and fairness in Bangladesh. He also mentioned that the Ministry of Cultural Affairs has produced several documentaries on July-related themes. Amar Desh executive editor Syed Abdal Ahmed highlighted the 1974 famine, attributing much of it to administrative failures, and urged the youth to engage in creative initiatives and read more books.

A four-member delegation from the National Citizens Party (NCP) met Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus on Monday evening at the state guesthouse Jamuna. The team, led by NCP convener Nahid Islam, included central election committee chairman Asif Mahmud Sajib Bhuiyan, secretary Monira Sharmin, and legal affairs head Zahirul Islam Musa. Cultural Adviser Mostofa Sarwar Farooki and the Chief Adviser’s special assistant for the ICT ministry, Faez Ahmad Taiyeb, were also present. During the meeting, NCP leaders shared their observations and concerns about the upcoming election and urged the government to ensure a level playing field. They said NCP members were campaigning in favor of the “Yes” vote in the national referendum. The Chief Adviser assured that any complaints or suggestions would be addressed promptly and that no one would be allowed to violate the law. Yunus emphasized that administrative reshuffles were made by lottery to maintain neutrality. He said most polling centers would be under CCTV surveillance by January, with body cameras for officials in high-risk areas. He called on all political parties to cooperate in ensuring a fair and festive election.

Rajdhani Unnayan Kartripakkha (RAJUK) Chairman Engineer Md. Riazul Islam has assured that the agency’s server will be fully operational by February 1. He gave this assurance during a meeting with leaders of the Real Estate and Housing Association of Bangladesh (REHAB) in Dhaka, where discussions focused on urban development, housing sector progress, and improving citizen services. During the meeting, REHAB leaders, including Senior Vice President Liaquat Ali Bhuiyan and Vice President Engineer Abdul Latif, urged faster approval of designs under the new Detailed Area Plan (DAP). The RAJUK chairman pledged to simplify processes for land mutation and easement deeds, reduce customer harassment, and make digital services more efficient and transparent. He explained that software updates are underway following the issuance of new regulations and the revised DAP notification. According to the chairman, once the software update is completed, design approvals will resume before February 1, ensuring smoother service delivery and improved transparency in RAJUK’s operations.

A magnitude 6 earthquake struck Pakistan’s northwestern Kashmir region on Monday, killing one person and causing several houses to collapse, according to the European-Mediterranean Seismological Centre (EMSC). The quake’s epicenter was about 35 kilometers below the surface. The tremor triggered landslides that sent heavy rocks tumbling onto roads, damaging infrastructure and blocking access routes. Regional Information Minister Ghulam Abbas said that in Gilgit-Baltistan province, multiple mud houses were destroyed or damaged. Falling rocks from surrounding mountains struck several roads, closing entry points and damaging a major highway. Government agencies quickly deployed machinery to clear debris and restore normal traffic flow. Authorities are assessing the extent of the damage, and local alerts remain in effect in the affected areas as cleanup and recovery operations continue.

Bangladesh’s two leading garment associations, BGMEA and BKMEA, have demanded the government cancel its initiative to withdraw the bonded warehouse facility for importing 10–30 count cotton yarn. The Ministry of Commerce recently recommended ending this benefit to reduce yarn imports from India, citing misuse of the facility. At a joint press conference in Dhaka’s Sonargaon Hotel, industry leaders warned that removing the facility would raise raw material costs, reduce export competitiveness, and threaten the apparel sector’s stability. BGMEA acting president Selim Rahman said the decision was taken unilaterally despite ongoing discussions with the Tariff Commission. He argued that imposing duties amid global market slowdown, geopolitical tensions, and domestic energy shortages would further strain the sector. The associations noted that apparel exports fell 2.63 percent in July–December of fiscal year 2025–26 compared to the previous year, with a 14.23 percent drop in December alone. The Commerce Ministry, however, justified its proposal by citing protection of local textile mills, which are operating at 60 percent capacity and facing losses. It warned that continued bonded imports could make the knitwear sector import-dependent, increasing lead times and reducing foreign exchange reserves.

The Armed Police Battalion (16 APBn) has recovered 244 lost mobile phones and Tk 40,000 obtained through mobile banking fraud in the Rohingya camps and surrounding Ukhiya–Teknaf areas of Cox’s Bazar over the past year. The recoveries were made using information technology and cyber surveillance under the unit’s specialized cyber team, which traced the devices and funds based on general diary reports. After verification, the recovered items were returned to their rightful owners, who expressed satisfaction and gratitude. According to APBn sources, the force has intensified technology-based policing and cyber monitoring in camps such as Nayapara, Leda, Shamlapur, and Jadimura to ensure public safety and curb crime. The 16 APBn continues regular operations to prevent mobile theft and mobile banking fraud while maintaining law and order in the region. Commanding Officer Additional DIG Mohammad Kawsar Sikder stated that the success of the cyber team demonstrates their capability in ensuring public security and strengthening public trust in police services. The battalion remains committed to expanding modern, technology-driven policing in the Rohingya and border areas.

The National Citizen Party (NCP) has launched a central crowdfunding initiative to finance its election campaign and support party candidates. The announcement was made on Monday afternoon at the party’s temporary central office in Dhaka’s Banglamotor by spokesperson and election management committee chairman Asif Mahmud Sajib Bhuiyan. He said around 90 to 95 percent of NCP candidates will manage their campaign expenses through this centralized fund, allowing donors to contribute either to the party or to specific candidates. Asif Mahmud stated that all donation and expenditure details will be published annually through an open audit report to ensure transparency and accountability. He described the initiative as a practical example of the NCP’s commitment to transparent political practices. Highlighting the modest financial backgrounds of most NCP candidates, he said none are major loan defaulters or foreign citizens, and most come from ordinary professions or student activism. The NCP urged citizens to directly fund their preferred candidates or the party, emphasizing that candidates elected through public contributions would represent the people’s voice in parliament rather than business or vested interests.

Leaders of the National Citizen Party (NCP) met Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus on Monday evening at the state guesthouse Jamuna in Dhaka. The delegation, led by NCP convener Nahid Islam, included central election committee chairman Asif Mahmud Sajib Bhuiyan, secretary Monira Sharmin, and legal affairs subcommittee head Zahirul Islam Musa. According to the report, the meeting was scheduled after NCP spokesperson Asif Mahmud Sajib Bhuiyan announced on Sunday night that the party would meet the Chief Adviser to raise issues regarding alleged bias by the Election Commission. The delegation arrived at the Chief Adviser’s residence around 5 p.m. to present their concerns. The discussion reflects ongoing political engagement between the interim administration and political parties ahead of the national election, with the NCP seeking to highlight fairness and neutrality in the electoral process.

Bangladesh’s Home Affairs Adviser Lieutenant General (Retd.) Md. Jahangir Alam Chowdhury announced that a total of 897,117 members of law enforcement agencies will be deployed for the upcoming 13th National Parliamentary Election. He made the statement on Monday afternoon at a press briefing following the 20th meeting of the Advisory Council Committee on Law and Order at the Ministry of Home Affairs in Dhaka. According to the adviser, the deployment will include 100,000 members of the Bangladesh Army, 5,000 from the Navy, 3,730 from the Air Force, 149,443 from the Police, 576,314 from the Ansar and Village Defence Party, 37,453 from the Border Guard Bangladesh, 3,585 from the Coast Guard, 7,700 from the Rapid Action Battalion, and 13,390 from the Fire Service and Civil Defence as support staff. The total number of personnel across all agencies will reach 897,117. The announcement underscores the government’s preparation to ensure security and order during the national election, reflecting a large-scale coordination among multiple security forces.

Independent candidate Barrister Rumin Farhana has reacted to the publication of an official letter from the Upazila Nirbahi Officer (UNO) of Sarail, Brahmanbaria. In a video message posted on her Facebook page late Sunday night, she questioned how the UNO could handle election duties if he could not maintain the confidentiality of his own office’s letter for even 24 hours. She also expressed concern about the security of votes in the upcoming election. Rumin Farhana stated that she had submitted multiple complaints on January 13, 2026, to the UNO and the district administration regarding violations of the electoral code of conduct but had not received any updates or actions taken. She alleged that her rival, particularly the BNP-backed coalition candidate, was holding large rallies using sound systems and microphones in violation of the rules, yet no action had been taken against them. She further mentioned an incident where the Ashuganj Upazila BNP general secretary allegedly made an obscene gesture toward a magistrate’s vehicle, which had been parked outside a rally venue for security reasons.