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.

The Public Administration Reform Commission proposes reducing 26 civil service cadres to six, replacing “cadre” with “officer,” and extending the retirement age. A permanent pay commission may adjust salaries monthly based on inflation. Recommendations include renaming Deputy Commissioners as District Magistrates, enhancing service accountability, and curbing harassment in public service sectors. These changes aim to address inter-cadre conflicts, streamline operations, and improve public perception of civil services. The commission’s final report faces delays but is due soon.

Donald Trump’s return to the U.S. presidency is expected to lead to stricter H-1B visa regulations, raising concerns among Indian professionals. Reports indicate that some Indians, despite receiving job offers, face delays, revocations, and visa issues. Many worry that the tightening of visa policies will disproportionately affect Indian workers, as they make up a significant portion of H-1B visa recipients, with 72% of 2023 visas granted to Indians.

Former Indian diplomat and Congress leader Mani Shankar Aiyar suggested that ousted Bangladeshi Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina should be allowed to stay in India indefinitely, even for life, recognizing her contributions to India. Speaking at a literary festival in Kolkata, Aiyar praised recent diplomatic discussions between India and Bangladesh and emphasized continued dialogue. Amid political turmoil and protests, 77-year-old Hasina left Bangladesh for India in August and has since remained there. Aiyar also addressed Bangladesh’s extradition demands.

A dispute over leaflet distribution led to a clash between the National Citizens’ Committee and the Anti-Discrimination Student Movement in Pirojpur’s Town Club grounds. Both groups were distributing leaflets regarding the “July Revolution Declaration.” The rivalry stems from prior internal conflicts within the Anti-Discrimination Student Movement, which split into two factions. Allegations of exclusion, disruption, and organizational manipulation have intensified tensions. Police intervened to restore order after verbal altercations escalated into physical confrontations.

Dr. Muhammad Yunus, Bangladesh’s interim Chief Advisor, has urged an investigation into UK Anti-Corruption Minister Tulip Siddiq’s London properties, alleging they may stem from corruption during the ousted Awami League government. Tulip, granddaughter of Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, denies any wrongdoing. Reports link her to properties owned by offshore entities tied to Bangladeshi businessmen. Yunus criticized such practices as “plain robbery” and called for accountability. Meanwhile, UK authorities are monitoring the situation, with growing pressure on Siddiq to address the claims.

Dr. Bidhan Ranjan Roy Poddar, Advisor to the Ministry of Primary and Mass Education, stated that teachers engaging in politics will face action as per regulations. Speaking at NAPE, Mymensingh, he highlighted the government’s efforts to enhance education quality through curriculum and exam reforms. He stressed the importance of holistic child development, including sports and cultural activities. Dr. Poddar also addressed delays in book distribution and efforts to register private educational institutions to reduce costs.

A German study involving 461,818 women found that incorporating AI into breast cancer screening increased detection rates by 17.6% compared to standard methods, identifying one additional cancer case per 1,000 women without raising false positives. The AI tool flagged suspicious scans and served as a “safety net,” reducing radiologists’ workload while maintaining accuracy. It also improved speed in reviewing normal scans and supported higher detection of cancers, including in situ cases. Experts praise the findings as promising but stress the need for long-term research to address potential overdiagnosis risks and ensure clinically meaningful outcomes. AI offers significant potential in healthcare efficiency.

Southern California authorities have imposed a nightly curfew from 6 p.m. to 6 a.m. in fire evacuation zones to prevent looting amid ongoing wildfires, including the Palisades and Eaton Fires. Thousands remain under evacuation orders in Los Angeles County, where six wildfires have claimed six lives and destroyed numerous structures. After 20 looters were arrested, the County has enlisted 400 National Guard members to assist local police with traffic control and infrastructure protection. Officials vow to safeguard residents affected by the devastation and displacement caused by the fires.

Shafiqul Alam, the Press Secretary of the Chief Adviser, confirmed that all students will receive their new textbooks by February. He compared the current administration’s effort with the previous government’s practice of a one-day textbook festival, which did not result in timely distribution. Alam added that textbooks in past years were sometimes distributed as late as July, and the interim government is working swiftly with stakeholders, including paper manufacturers, to ensure prompt delivery.

Interim government advisor Mahfuz Alam stated that discussions with political parties and organizations would begin next week to draft the July Uprising Declaration based on consensus. The government will not draft the declaration but support the process. The Anti-Discrimination Student Movement and National Citizen Committee have demanded its release by January 15, though Alam indicated additional time might be required to ensure agreement among all stakeholders.

Fast-moving wildfires in Los Angeles, fueled by hurricane-force winds, have destroyed over 10,000 structures, displaced 180,000 people, and killed seven, with the toll likely to rise. The Eaton and Pacific Palisades fires caused widespread destruction, including celebrity homes. Crews face extreme conditions with erratic winds and water shortages. Officials call the disaster historic, likening devastated areas to bomb sites. Though evacuation orders eased in some regions, the fires continue to pose significant threats.

Adviser Mahfuz Alam stated that issuing a declaration by January 15 is not feasible but assured minimal delay. Discussions with political and mass uprising groups will finalize the declaration within a week based on consensus. He emphasized unity for constitutional reforms and stated that reforms would begin after receiving commission reports. Local elections, he noted, could improve citizen services, while the national election date would be decided after completing election-related reforms in consultation with political parties.

The trial for the BDR rebellion case begins today at the Alia Madrasa grounds in Dhaka. A temporary court was previously set up at the Government Alia Madrasa and in front of Dhaka Central Jail, but student protests in July-August caused damage to the court building and obstructed proceedings. Due to security and transportation issues, the accused are now held at Keraniganj Central Jail, where a temporary court will be established to ensure smooth trial operations.

After 7.5 years, BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia and her elder son, Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman, emotionally reunited in London. Khaleda Zia, in need of advanced medical care, arrived at Heathrow Airport on Wednesday morning via a special air ambulance. She was welcomed by Tarique, daughter-in-law Zubaida Rahman, and BNP leaders. Khaleda, suffering from severe health issues, will undergo treatment at London Clinic and later Johns Hopkins Hospital in the USA. Her health has deteriorated since her 2018 imprisonment. Her return home may include performing Umrah in Saudi Arabia.