Three teenagers were killed in a tragic motorcycle accident in Lalpur, Natore, when their bike collided with a truck. Two of the victims died instantly at the scene, while the third succumbed to injuries on the way to the hospital. The incident occurred on January 21 in the Sekchilan area, and the identities of the deceased remain unknown. Local police have responded to the scene and are investigating the accident.

The National Citizen Committee has established a 13-member Diaspora Cell to engage Bangladeshi expatriates and enhance its activities. Ehtesham Haque has been appointed as the Cell Secretary, with members including Debashish Chakraborty, Aroni Semonti Khan, Tawhid Tanzim, and others. The announcement was made via a press release signed by Convener Nasiruddin Patwari and Member Secretary Akhtar Hossain on January 20. The initiative aims to organize the diaspora community for more dynamic participation in national activities.

The government will provide financial assistance to the families of 834 martyrs and 12,147 injured individuals from the July uprising through savings certificates instead of direct allowances. Martyrs’ families will receive certificates worth BDT 3 million each, while injured individuals will receive BDT 100,000 to 500,000 based on severity. Monthly profits from these certificates will begin in February. The Ministry of Liberation War Affairs will oversee the initiative, which costs BDT 6.38 billion. Additional funds are allocated for medical services and alternative arrangements for objectors.

A new political party, led by student activists from the July movement and supported by the National Citizens Committee and Anti-Discrimination Student Movement, will officially launch in February. The party’s formation is backed by widespread public support, especially among youth, and aims to challenge the country’s prolonged political dysfunction. A long march, starting from Rangpur and ending in Chittagong, will mark the party’s announcement. A 17-member team is finalizing the manifesto and constitution, with the party’s structure and leadership to be decided soon.

Donald Trump was sworn in as the 47th President of the United States, marking a dramatic political comeback. The inauguration, held indoors due to freezing temperatures, set the stage for a term Trump vowed would prioritize “America first.” He promised sweeping executive actions, including tighter immigration controls, renaming the Gulf of Mexico, and dismantling “woke” ideologies. In a fiery speech, Trump declared the end of America’s decline, portraying himself as a unifier and peacemaker while pledging bold reforms to restore the nation’s prominence.

BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman and Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir renewed their memberships on the first day of the party’s membership renewal campaign, held at the BNP chairperson’s Gulshan office on January 20. Tarique Rahman virtually inaugurated the program from London, renewing his membership with a 20-taka fee. Other senior leaders, including standing committee members, also renewed their memberships. Tarique emphasized the resilience of BNP leaders and activists despite political persecution and highlighted the challenges the nation has faced, including enforced disappearances and killings.

Chinese Vice President Han Zheng met Elon Musk in Washington as part of a high-level delegation, discussing trade ties and welcoming U.S. businesses to China. Musk is set to join the Trump administration as co-head of the Department of Government Efficiency. Han also met Vice President-elect J.D. Vance to discuss bilateral and international relations. Emphasizing shared interests, Han pledged reforms and an improved business climate, aiming for stable, healthy, and sustainable U.S.-China cooperation.

Rumors about cricketer and former MP Mashrafe Bin Mortaza’s death in a Dubai car accident are circulating widely on social media. However, the Rumor Scanner team confirmed these claims are entirely false and baseless. No credible domestic or international sources have reported on Mashrafe’s presence in Dubai or his alleged death. While he hasn’t appeared publicly since August 2024, he was expected to play for Sylhet Strikers in the BPL but is currently sidelined due to fitness issues. The death rumor holds no truth.

A UK parliamentary group has withdrawn its report criticizing Bangladesh’s interim government, citing inaccuracies and bias. Allegedly favoring ousted PM Sheikh Hasina’s administration, the report faced backlash from experts and MPs, including Rupa Huq, who called it conspiratorial. Claims of legal weaponization and Islamist empowerment were based on questionable data from a Delhi think tank. The report is now under review, and APPG will not pursue further action. Tulip Siddiq, Hasina’s niece, resigned over related controversies.

China aims to deepen ties with Bangladesh following recent political changes. Beijing has invited interim Chief Advisor Dr. Muhammad Yunus to the Boao Forum for Asia on March 27-28, celebrating 50 years of bilateral relations. A charter flight may be arranged if his Independence Day commitments in Bangladesh conflict. Foreign Affairs Advisor Md. Touhid Hossain will visit Beijing for talks on economic cooperation, healthcare projects, and the potential establishment of low-cost medical services for Bangladeshi patients.

TikTok resumed operations in the U.S. hours after shutting down, following President-elect Trump’s pledge to delay enforcement of a law banning the app. Trump promised an executive order to secure TikTok’s future, allowing its 170 million U.S. users to regain access. ByteDance, TikTok’s parent company, is exploring solutions, including a joint venture with U.S. ownership. Despite relief, the app’s long-term future remains uncertain due to bipartisan national security concerns and challenges in resolving ownership issues.

BNP Acting Chairperson Tarique Rahman, addressing party members virtually from London, emphasized that the upcoming election will be challenging and warned against mistakes that could lead to regret. He urged leaders and activists to remain united and support the people, calling them the party’s true strength. Highlighting years of repression and sacrifices by BNP activists, he stressed resisting injustice and fulfilling public expectations. Tarique called for a renewed commitment to stand by the people and uphold their trust.

Argentina’s Ambassador to Bangladesh, Marcelo Cesa, has requested Bangladesh’s cooperation to introduce microcredit in Argentina and increase trade between the two nations. Cesa highlighted the unexplored potential in sectors like cotton, pharmaceuticals, textiles, and football. The Chief Adviser, Dr. Muhammad Yunus, supported expanding bilateral ties, noting the strong emotional connection through football. The discussion also touched on investment opportunities and energy cooperation, as well as Argentina’s appreciation for Bangladesh’s commitment to combating enforced disappearances.

The Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) has formally asked the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to remove Saima Wazed Putul, daughter of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, from her position as WHO’s Southeast Asia Regional Director. Allegations include corruption and unethical influence used to secure the role, along with misusing power to obtain a plot in Purbachal. The ACC launched an investigation on January 15 after verifying preliminary evidence. Additionally, the Bangladesh government has notified WHO of its decision to work directly with the organization due to financial and criminal cases against Putul. She was appointed as Regional Director in February 2024, but her qualifications and legitimacy for the role are under scrutiny.

A delayed ceasefire between Israel and Hamas has been implemented after Hamas announced the release of three hostages. The truce, initially set for 8:30 AM, was postponed due to Hamas’s delay in providing names. In protest, Israeli National Security Minister Ben Gvir resigned, citing opposition to the agreement. Airstrikes continued until the ceasefire took effect, with 13 deaths reported in Gaza. Since October 7, the conflict has claimed over 46,800 Palestinian and 1,200 Israeli lives.