Summary: An explosion at an arms factory in Maharashtra, India, killed at least eight people and injured several others. The incident occurred in the Bhandara district on January 24. The explosion caused a roof collapse, trapping workers beneath the debris. Rescue teams reached the site quickly, recovering eight bodies and rescuing others in critical condition. The factory had at least 14 workers inside, and the cause of the explosion remains under investigation.

Hasnat Abdullah, convenor of the Anti-Discrimination Student Movement, highlighted a growing political division in the country, emphasizing the need for unity to protect national interests. Speaking at a discussion in Comilla’s Debidwar, he criticized exiled leaders living luxuriously abroad while abandoning their supporters. He condemned the persecution of opposition leaders, religious figures, and activists, urging the public to support people-centric leaders over power-hungry ones. Abdullah dismissed rumors about his alleged escape, calling them baseless and ironic, as those spreading them are themselves in hiding abroad.

In Dinajpur’s Biral Upazila, BSF detained a Bangladeshi teenager, Md. Alamin, while he was farming near the border. In response, local Bangladeshis captured an Indian farmer, Narayan Chandra Roy, and handed him over to the BGB. The incident caused tensions along the border. A flag meeting between BGB and BSF resolved the issue, with both individuals returned to their respective sides. BGB clarified that BSF mistakenly detained Alamin, thinking he was part of a group crossing illegally. The misunderstanding was peacefully resolved.

Seven individuals injured in the July Movement—Abdullah Al Baki, Akhtar Hossain, Md. Yamin, Foyez Ahmed, Minhajul Islam Shubho, Mohammad Ramzan, and Salman Bin Shoaib—have been sent to Singapore for advanced eye treatment. They departed on Friday morning via Biman Bangladesh Airlines. Previously treated at the National Institute of Ophthalmology, their tickets were arranged under the supervision of Health Adviser Noorjahan Begum. A medical board has recommended sending injured individuals abroad for specialized care, with plans to send more in the coming weeks.

BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman highlighted January 24, 1969, as a significant day in the nation’s history. In a Facebook post on January 23, he paid tribute to the martyrs of the 1969 mass movement, which marked a turning point against Pakistan’s colonial rule. The movement led to a mass uprising, toppling the military regime and paving the way for Bangladesh’s independence. Tarique emphasized the uprising’s goal of restoring democracy and called on citizens to unite for freedom, sovereignty, and human rights.

BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir criticized the interim government for failing to maintain neutrality ahead of elections. Speaking at an event marking the 56th martyrdom anniversary of Shaheed Asad, he stressed the need for prompt elections to restore democratic rights after 15 years of deprivation. Fakhrul warned against delaying elections for reforms, as it risks public disenfranchisement and rising instability. He called for unity among political forces to ensure reforms and democratic governance, urging the government to fulfill its commitments to the people.

A powerful group in Pabna’s West Jamua village destroyed 60 houses in a government shelter project, claiming the land as their own. Residents allege they were forcibly evicted at gunpoint after the fall of the Awami League government. The group looted materials from the homes and placed a signboard citing a court case. Now, displaced families are living in dire conditions on nearby embankments. Local authorities have yet to act, despite repeated appeals from the victims for rehabilitation and justice.

Malaysia has made history by recognizing cryptocurrency as eligible for zakat, the obligatory Islamic charity. The Federal Territories Islamic Religious Council announced the decision to align zakat practices with the digital era. Cryptocurrency, a rapidly growing sector in Malaysia, involves 54.2% of the country’s investors, mostly aged 18–34, holding assets worth 16 billion ringgit. Officials see this as a potential new zakat source, particularly for young Muslims. The move reflects Malaysia’s effort to adapt Islamic finance to modern economic trends.

Police arrested four individuals, including two army personnel, while they were preparing for a robbery in Banani, Dhaka. The suspects, including a journalist and a source for the robbery gang, were caught on the night of January 21. The police seized military uniforms, shoes, identity cards, a microbus, and lock-breaking tools from them. The two army personnel have been handed over to the military, while the other two suspects were placed on a three-day remand. Investigations are ongoing.

A bomb threat was sent via WhatsApp to the duty officer at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport from a Malaysian number on January 22. The message led to immediate security measures being implemented. However, flight operations remained unaffected. Earlier, another threat about explosives onboard a Bangladesh Airlines flight from Italy was reported as a warning. National Security Advisor dismissed the threats as false information, and authorities are working to identify those responsible for spreading it. No incidents occurred at the airport.

The UN Human Rights Commission will publish its fact-finding report on the July-August 2024 mass uprising in Bangladesh, led by the student movement against inequality, in February. The report, nearing completion, will be shared with Bangladesh before its release. Chief Advisor Dr. Muhammad Yunus thanked the UN for investigating the crimes during the student-led rebellion and emphasized that reports from six independent commissions will also be released. Yunus also urged the UN to support resolving the Rohingya crisis with a proposed safe zone in Myanmar’s Rakhine region.

Another large wildfire, the Hughes fire, has erupted near Castaic Lake, north of Los Angeles, spreading rapidly over 9,400 acres amid dangerous winds. Mandatory evacuations were issued for 31,000 residents as the flames threaten homes, schools, and a major jail complex. Fire crews are working tirelessly to contain the new blaze while officials prepare for potential rain, which could trigger mudslides in burned areas. With red flag warnings in effect, Southern California faces continued critical fire risks as this latest wildfire intensifies the region’s challenges.

The Directorate of Secondary and Higher Education (DSHE) has canceled a controversial notice that directed action against students involved in spreading rumors, propaganda, or misinformation against the government or state. Issued on January 2, the notice sparked public outcry for urging strict vigilance and reporting of such activities. On January 22, Professor Md. Abed Nomani confirmed the withdrawal, stating it was a joint decision by MAUSI and the Education Ministry. However, no specific reasons were provided for revoking the directive.

A fire rumor in the Lucknow-Mumbai Pushpak Express triggered panic among passengers, who jumped off the train in fear. The chaotic situation led to 12 deaths when passengers were hit by the passing Karnataka Express. The incident occurred on January 22 near Jalgaon, Maharashtra, after a “hot axle” or “brake jam” caused sparks. Emergency relief teams were sent, and medical aid was provided to the injured. Maharashtra’s Chief Minister expressed condolences, with efforts underway to assist the affected families.

Professor Dr. Muhammad Yunus has appealed to world leaders for assistance in recovering billions stolen from Bangladesh. During the World Economic Forum in Davos, he met with leaders from Germany, Belgium, Thailand, Switzerland, and Congo, discussing economic cooperation, climate action, and the Rohingya crisis. Dr. Yunus highlighted corruption under the former government and outlined the interim government’s reform efforts. He urged international support to investigate past financial crimes and emphasized Bangladesh’s youth potential, clean energy initiatives, and plans to strengthen regional partnerships like BIMSTEC.