The Bangladesh Financial Intelligence Unit (BFIU) has requested the bank account details of 14 journalists, including Zulhas Alam of AP and Farid Hossain of UNB, along with their business account information. The BFIU has directed banks to provide these details within seven working days. This follows previous actions taken against journalists in recent months amid a broader investigation into corruption and misdeeds linked to the Awami League government.

A threatening message, “Coordinator, prepare for death. Joy Bangla, Joy Bangabandhu,” was found on the wall of activist Fardin Rahman’s house in Charghat, Rajshahi. Fardin, a key organizer of the Anti-Discrimination Student Movement, filed a police complaint. His family, already shaken by his previous arrest during a 2023 protest, is now living in fear. Police are investigating the incident, with Fardin expressing concerns for his parents’ safety, who often stay home alone.

Hamas has agreed to a ceasefire deal with Israel, brokered by Qatari mediators, offering hope to Gaza’s war-weary residents. The agreement is expected to be formally announced on Thursday and implemented on Sunday, starting with prisoner exchanges. The truce comes amid ongoing clashes that have claimed 62 Palestinian lives in the past 24 hours, with over 47,000 fatalities reported in the past 15 months. Previous ceasefire proposals had been repeatedly rejected by Israel, delaying peace efforts.

The Indian rupee has reached its lowest level in two years, depreciating 0.7% in a single day to 86.7550 against the US dollar. Since December, the rupee’s value has dropped by 2%, driven by India’s slow economic growth and expectations of an interest rate cut by the central bank in February. Analysts predict further depreciation unless significant interventions are made. The decline has also strained the central bank’s reserves, highlighting broader economic challenges.

Mark Zuckerberg revealed that by 2025, AI at Meta could replace midlevel software engineers, automating coding tasks entirely. He discussed this on Joe Rogan’s podcast, emphasizing AI’s potential to manage code creation and even build other AI systems. While costly initially, this shift could save significant resources, as midlevel engineers earn mid-six figures. Additionally, Meta plans to replace third-party fact-checkers with community notes and scale back DEI efforts, sparking concerns from advocacy groups.

An investigation by Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University (BSMU) identified 144 teachers, doctors, nurses, and staff involved in violent acts during anti-discrimination protests on August 4, 2023. Accusations include assaulting students, arson, and attempted murder. Of these, 16 were suspended for attempting to kill a student, and 23 were identified as masterminds. A case has been filed, and disciplinary actions are being pursued by both the university and law enforcement authorities.

A viral claim circulated on social media that the Bangladesh Army had seized the passports of 45 individuals, including Sarjis Alam, who were allegedly preparing to travel to Europe illegally. However, this was debunked by the fact-checking organization Rumor Scanner, which confirmed that the information was fabricated. The army confirmed that the claim was false, and no mainstream media or official reports supported the story. The rumor originated from a blog website and spread through social media.

BNP leader Lutfuzzaman Babar has been acquitted of a life sentence in the 10-truck arms smuggling case, with no obstacles remaining for his release on January 16. The High Court also acquitted four others and reduced sentences for five, including ULFA commander Paresh Barua. In total, five defendants were sentenced, five acquitted, and four were exonerated due to death. The case, involving former high-ranking officials, revolved around arms smuggling and illegal arms possession.

The Appellate Division acquitted BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia, acting Chairman Tarique Rahman, and all other accused in the Zia Orphanage Trust corruption case. The court overturned previous High Court and lower court verdicts, stating the trial stemmed from political vengeance. Khaleda had been sentenced to 10 years in prison in 2018, serving over two years. The Anti-Corruption Commission found no evidence of corruption. Defense lawyers hailed the verdict, calling the earlier trial a mockery of justice.

Motiur Rahman, ex-NBR official, and his wife Laila Kaniz were arrested in Dhaka over allegations of amassing illegal wealth. Their involvement in the “Goat Incident,” where their son’s extravagant Qurbani goat purchase sparked public outrage, led to scrutiny. The Anti-Corruption Commission found evidence of undeclared assets, including land, flats, resorts, and industrial establishments worth 1.24 billion BDT. Their bank accounts were frozen, and travel bans were imposed. They submitted wealth statements following ACC notices but remain under investigation.

A Dhaka court has ordered the seizure of 200 crore taka in assets and the freezing of 87 bank accounts of S Alam and his family members over allegations of laundering one billion dollars to Singapore. The assets include buildings and plots in Dhaka and Chittagong, and large sums deposited in Union Bank and Global Islami Bank accounts. The move follows an earlier travel ban imposed on the family members in October.

Hasnat Abdullah, convener of the Anti-Discrimination Student Movement, stated that young people will oppose anyone supporting fascism, including media outlets. Speaking at Narayanganj Shaheed Minar, he emphasized youth inclusion in all agendas and demanded legal action against Awami League leaders. Abdullah criticized the party’s politics of criminalization and vengeance, blaming them for disillusioning the youth. Alongside Samantha Sharmin, he led public campaigns and rallies in Narayanganj, advocating the July Revolution manifesto and urging accountability for past injustices.

UK Economic Secretary Tulip Siddiq has resigned following allegations of financial misconduct, including receiving gifts from individuals linked to former Bangladeshi PM Sheikh Hasina. Despite an independent ethics review clearing her of rule violations, Siddiq stepped down citing the controversy’s impact on government focus. Reports link her to Bangladesh’s embezzlement cases and earlier controversies. Opposition demands and media scrutiny added pressure. Siddiq’s resignation paves the way for Emma Reynolds to succeed her as Pensions Minister.

The interim government is forming the “July Mass Uprising Directorate” to provide financial aid and rehabilitation for families of those killed and injured during the July-August 2024 protests. Eligible individuals will receive allowances and job opportunities based on defined criteria. The directorate’s policy draft includes categorization of injuries for aid distribution and committee formation for implementation. Pending approvals from relevant ministries, activities will commence soon. Additionally, the initiative faces mixed reactions over overlooked organizational upgrades.

Jahangirnagar University Vice-Chancellor Dr. Kamrul Ahsan met Chief Advisor Dr. Muhammad Yunus to discuss plans for the long-awaited JAKSU election. The roadmap has been unveiled, with the schedule set to be announced on February 1. The Chief Advisor encouraged holding the election, inactive since 1992, under university leadership. Dr. Ahsan highlighted recent progress at the university and provided updates on the July uprising case, including the allocation of 3.7 million BDT for treatment of the injured.