With no resolution in sight regarding water-sharing with India, Bangladesh has initiated the Teesta Mega Project, aiming to improve the livelihoods of over 20 million people across five districts. While the project is essential for Bangladesh’s water security, it has triggered geopolitical tensions between China and India. Initially, China expressed keen interest in funding and executing the project. However, the Hasina administration later shifted the project toward India, straining relations with China. Recently, China has renewed its interest in the initiative. If implemented, the project will deepen the Teesta River by 10 meters, ensuring year-round navigation, land reclamation, flood protection, agricultural restoration, and the establishment of river ports. The transformation is expected to significantly uplift the socio-economic conditions of the region.

A recent report by the United Nations Human Rights Office states that prolonged one-party rule has led to the politicization of state institutions, prioritizing political loyalty over professionalism in recruitment and promotions. The report highlights that police officers were appointed and promoted not based on merit, integrity, or competence but on party allegiance. In some cases, even family backgrounds linked to the ruling Awami League were scrutinized before recruitment. The UN report further claims that appointments to the rank of Deputy Inspector General (DIG) and above required direct approval from Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina.

A passenger bus in Bolivia plunged 800 meters down a mountainous road, killing 31 people. Reuters reported that the accident occurred when the driver lost control. At least 12-14 people, including four children, were injured, with several in critical condition. Authorities suspect that high speed may have been a factor.

Residents of Ramgati, Laxmipur, have accused the police of failing to arrest a suspect in an attempted murder case. Despite the suspect, Mehraj, openly roaming in the area, the police claim he is in hiding. The victim, Zillur Rahman, was severely injured in an attack led by Mehraj and later filed an attempted murder case. Although Mehraj has not obtained bail, the police have not arrested him.

Sixteen individuals, including former ministers Anisul Haque, Zunaid Ahmed Palak, Dipu Moni, Shajahan Khan, Abdur Razzak, and adviser Salman F. Rahman, have been indicted for crimes against humanity committed during the July-August genocide. On December 16, the International Crimes Tribunal granted an extension until February 18 to submit the investigation report. The accused were presented in court today.

Special Assistant to the Chief Adviser, Abdul Hafiz, has stated that military operations in the Chittagong Hill Tracts will continue until the Kuki-Chin National Front is completely eradicated. Speaking at a press conference after a district commissioner conference, he highlighted that the armed group’s violence has halted tourism in several regions, causing job losses among local youth and increasing their vulnerability to militancy. He confirmed that seven soldiers have been killed in recent operations and vowed to continue the crackdown.

Chowdhury Imrul Hasan, Deputy Director of the Department of Narcotics Control in Comilla, has been accused of corruption and bribery. Over the past four years, he allegedly built an empire of bribery and amassed substantial wealth while falsely claiming to be from Gopalganj. He reportedly provided gifts to Awami League leaders and activists. His social media was filled with pictures of Awami League figures, but after a shift in political power, he deleted them all. Sources have also uncovered multiple extortion cases linked to him and his associates, Sahabuddin Ahmed and Kamrun Nahar.

According to Al Jazeera, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is committed to former U.S. President Donald Trump’s plan to seize Gaza and displace Palestinians. During a meeting with U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Netanyahu praised Trump’s proposal as a "bold vision." Human rights organizations have condemned the plan, calling it a violation of international law and an act of ethnic cleansing. Meanwhile, Israel has reportedly decided to establish an office to facilitate the voluntary return of Palestinians.

Jamaat-e-Islami will stage nationwide protests today demanding the release of their assistant secretary general, ATM Azharul Islam. Secretary General Mia Ghulam Parwar has urged party activists to make the protests successful. The demonstration will be led by Jamaat Amir Shafiqur Rahman at Paltan Intersection at 4 PM on Tuesday. In a statement, Parwar alleged that ATM Azharul Islam has been imprisoned for over 13 years and subjected to physical and mental torture without receiving medical treatment.

Rabbi, a young man from Tarail, Kishoreganj, was shot during the July uprising at Mirpur-10. After recovering, he returned to his village but has now cycled back to Dhaka University’s Raju Memorial Sculpture to join protests demanding the Awami League's ban. He stated, "A bullet is still in my head after six months, and the 'Killer League' is still not banned." He fears retribution if the Awami League returns to power and hopes the ban will be enacted before he goes back home. The National Revolutionary Council has announced that Rabbi’s surgery will be arranged by Tuesday.

The Public Service Commission (PSC) has finalized a draft regulation stating that selected or recommended candidates for government jobs, including the BCS, cannot be removed from the gazette list unless they have pending criminal charges. Additionally, if a candidate is excluded, authorities must provide a valid reason, and the candidate will have the right to appeal the decision. This regulation was finalized in a PSC meeting on Monday and will now be sent to the Ministry of Public Administration for approval.

BNP executive committee member Hummam Quader Chowdhury has warned that the Awami League plans to take control of streets with marches, but BNP is prepared to respond. He urged the identification of those responsible for 16 years of oppression. Speaking at an event advocating the implementation of the 31-point reform plan, he recalled his seven-month imprisonment and stated that his father endured even greater suffering. "That is why people remember him as 'Bhaijan,'" he added.

Aminul Haque, convenor of BNP’s Dhaka Metropolitan North unit, has stated that Bangladesh has been devastated by 15 years of autocratic rule, making true state reforms impossible without removing its remnants from governmental institutions. He emphasized that democracy and fundamental rights are yet to be fully established. To address this, BNP’s acting chairman, Tarique Rahman, has proposed a 31-point reform plan.

As part of a ceasefire agreement, Hamas is set to return the bodies of five Israeli hostages on Thursday. Israel is making preparations for their reception. According to the agreement, the bodies were to be returned on the 33rd day of the ceasefire, which falls on Thursday. Israel’s Kan Public Broadcaster reported that, according to Hamas, most of the hostages were killed during Israeli attacks on Palestinians. Hamas has yet to disclose their identities. Once confirmed, Israel will hand over the bodies to their respective families.

A passenger plane overturned while landing at Toronto Pearson International Airport, injuring 15 people, including three in critical condition. The BBC reported that the plane was carrying 80 passengers. Airport authorities have confirmed that all crew and passengers have been rescued. Heavy snowfall occurred before the accident, but the exact cause is still under investigation. Previously, another aircraft had crashed at the same airport. The incident follows a series of severe aviation accidents in the U.S.