After nearly 28 years, Shahjalal University of Science and Technology (SUST) is set to hold its central student union (SACSU) election on January 20, 2026. The long-awaited event has transformed the campus into a hub of campaign activity, with candidates engaging with voters, distributing leaflets, and presenting their plans. The atmosphere across the university has become celebratory as students express excitement about regaining a representative student body.

According to the Election Commission, 97 candidates are contesting various positions in the central union, including four for vice president, seven for general secretary, and four for assistant general secretary. Three main panels have been formed: “Sammilito SUSTian Oikya” backed by Chhatra Dal, “Durbar SUSTian Oikya” supported by Shibir, and “Sadharoner Oikkoswor,” a partial panel of general students. Several independent candidates are also participating. Hall-level campaigns are active as well, with both residential and non-residential students eligible to vote.

Students and candidates alike view the election as a revival of democratic practice on campus, hoping regular polls will foster responsible leadership and healthy political culture.

Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami leaders have expressed solidarity with the family of slain auto-rickshaw driver Samir Kumar Das in Daganbhuiyan upazila of Feni. On the night of January 12, Samir, son of Kartik Das from Faziler Ghat Ramanandapur Jelepara in Matubhunya Union, was brutally killed by unidentified assailants. To console the bereaved family, Dr. Mohammad Fakhruddin Manik, Jamaat’s nominated candidate for the Feni-3 parliamentary seat, visited their home accompanied by local Jamaat leaders.

During the visit, Dr. Fakhruddin strongly condemned the murder, describing it as heart-wrenching and reprehensible. He demanded the immediate arrest and exemplary punishment of those responsible. He also spoke with Feni’s Deputy Commissioner Monira Haque and Daganbhuiyan Police Officer-in-Charge Fayzul Azim Noman to learn about the investigation and urged swift legal action.

Dr. Fakhruddin conveyed deep condolences to the victim’s family and requested local Jamaat leaders to continue supporting them in the future.

The Bangladesh Army has released a statement regarding the death of BNP leader Md. Shamsuzzaman, known as Dabul, during a joint forces operation in Jibannagar, Chuadanga. According to an Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) press release issued on Tuesday, the operation took place on the night of January 12, based on specific intelligence to recover illegal weapons. Dabul, aged 50, was detained from a pharmacy near the Jibannagar Upazila Health Complex on allegations of possessing illegal arms.

Following his detention, a patrol team searched the pharmacy and recovered a 9mm pistol, a magazine, and four rounds of ammunition. The statement said that after the operation, Dabul suddenly fell ill and lost consciousness. He was taken to the Jibannagar Upazila Health Complex, where doctors declared him dead at 12:25 a.m.

The ISPR described the incident as unexpected, tragic, and unacceptable. It confirmed that the camp commander and all soldiers involved were withdrawn to the cantonment, and a high-level investigation committee was formed to determine the cause. The army pledged appropriate legal action under military law if any personnel are found guilty.

Bangladesh’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs summoned Myanmar’s ambassador in Dhaka, U Kyaw Soe Moe, on Tuesday, January 13, 2026, following a shooting incident along the Bangladesh-Myanmar border near Hwaikong Union in Teknaf, Cox’s Bazar. During the meeting, Bangladesh expressed deep concern over the incident, in which a 12-year-old child named Huzaifa was seriously injured. The ministry stated that firing into Bangladeshi territory without provocation constitutes a clear violation of international law and poses a serious obstacle to bilateral relations.

Bangladesh demanded that Myanmar take full responsibility for the incident and urged the neighboring country to adopt effective measures to prevent any recurrence of cross-border firing. The ministry also emphasized that internal conflicts between Myanmar’s authorities and armed groups must not affect the lives and livelihoods of Bangladeshi citizens.

In response, the Myanmar ambassador expressed regret on behalf of his government and conveyed sincere sympathy to the injured child and her family. He assured that his government would take necessary steps to prevent such incidents in the future.

BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir has called for the intervention of the army chief following the death of Shamsuzzaman Dablue, general secretary of Jibannagar municipal BNP in Chuadanga, after his detention. In a statement issued on Tuesday, Fakhrul alleged that members of the security forces detained Dablue under the pretext of recovering weapons and subjected him to severe torture, leading to his death. He expressed deep sorrow and condemned the incident as inhumane and brutal.

Fakhrul stated that such acts by members of the security forces are harmful to the country and constitute a grave violation of existing laws. He emphasized that under the current interim government, people expect justice through the judicial system, not extrajudicial killings. He urged the army chief to ensure a fair investigation and justice for the incident.

In his statement, Fakhrul also conveyed condolences to Dablue’s bereaved family and prayed for the departed soul.

Sylhet Deputy Commissioner Md. Sarwar Alam has emphasized the need to strengthen the capacity of village courts to reduce case backlogs. Speaking on Monday at a discussion titled “The Role of Media in Raising Public Awareness about Village Courts,” organized under the Village Court Activation (Phase 3) Project at the Sylhet DC office conference room, he said that electing socially accepted and competent representatives would enhance public trust in local justice.

He noted that when qualified individuals handle justice, disputes are less likely to escalate into formal cases. The DC called for collective efforts to deliver village court services to people’s doorsteps, saying that activating these courts at the local level would ease pressure on higher courts. Addressing media professionals, he urged them to highlight both the successes and limitations of village courts through traditional and social media.

The meeting was chaired by Suborna Sarkar, Deputy Director of the Local Government Department in Sylhet, and attended by officials, journalists, and project representatives.

BNP National Standing Committee member and former minister Salahuddin Ahmed stated that no future democratic government in Bangladesh should deviate from its course. Speaking as the chief guest at a meeting of the Jatiyatabadi Mohila Dal in Chiringa, Chakaria, Cox’s Bazar on Tuesday, January 13, he emphasized the need to build a parliament where representatives speak for the people and where there is no place for terrorism.

He said the next parliament should focus on lawmaking to advance Bangladesh, replacing praise and ceremonial performances with genuine debate and opposition. Ahmed described the upcoming national election as a decisive one that will determine the country’s direction and ensure the realization of citizens’ democratic rights. He added that the election would be the most significant in the nation’s history, strengthening democratic institutions and establishing them as protectors of democracy.

Local BNP leaders, including Enamul Haque, M Mobarak Ali, Mizanur Rahman Chowdhury Khokon Mia, Ali Ahmed, and Shariful Alam, were also present at the event.

Minnesota state authorities have filed a lawsuit against the Trump administration over what they describe as harsh immigration enforcement measures. The case was filed on Monday following the death of a female protester who was shot by a federal agent in Minneapolis last week, according to AFP.

State Attorney General Keith Ellison alleged that the U.S. Department of Homeland Security had unusually increased the presence of immigration officers in the Democrat-led state, creating safety risks for residents. At a press conference, Ellison said thousands of poorly trained, armed, and aggressive federal agents had been deployed in local communities, making the state less secure.

Ellison further claimed that Minnesota was being targeted because of its political differences, diversity, and democratic stance, calling the move a clear violation of the U.S. Constitution and federal law. Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey also accused Republican President Donald Trump of deliberately targeting the state as part of his immigration crackdown program.

Bangladesh has introduced the 'Moon Alert' system for the first time to ensure rapid recovery of missing and abducted children. The initiative, launched by the Criminal Investigation Department (CID), was inaugurated on Tuesday morning at the CID headquarters in Malibagh, Dhaka, by Additional IGP and CID chief Md. Shibgat Ullah. A toll-free helpline, 13219, has been integrated with the system to facilitate immediate reporting and coordination.

According to CID, once a child goes missing, information will be disseminated quickly through police stations, social media platforms such as Facebook and Twitter, banking ATM booths, metro rail networks, and other key public platforms across the country. The alert will also appear on large screens at bus, train, and launch terminals. Border alerts will be issued to prevent child trafficking, with the Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) being notified. Law enforcement agencies will prioritize the first three hours after disappearance as the most critical period for recovery.

CID stated that the system will be centrally monitored and coordinated with multiple government stakeholders. It is expected to play an effective role in combating child-related crimes and enhancing public participation in child protection efforts.

The Anti-Discrimination Student Movement has submitted a complaint to the International Crimes Tribunal against 25 prominent businessmen, including Salman F Rahman, for allegedly supporting the Hasina government during the July Revolution. The complaint was filed on Tuesday by the organization’s president, Rifat Rashid, to the tribunal’s Chief Prosecutor. Prosecutor Gazi MH Tamim confirmed receipt of the complaint, which also includes allegations against 200 unidentified individuals, and said it will soon be forwarded to the tribunal’s investigation agency.

According to the complaint, on July 22, 2024, during an internet shutdown, Salman F Rahman led a meeting at Dhaka’s Osmani Memorial Auditorium where several business leaders pledged to assist Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina in suppressing the movement. The document cites speeches by Ahmed Akbar Sobhan, Mahbub Alam, SM Mannan Kachi, and Nazrul Islam Majumder expressing loyalty to Hasina and calling for unity against opposition forces. The complaint claims these statements reveal a conspiracy to uphold what it describes as an illegitimate government.

The student group requested a thorough investigation and appropriate action against the accused following due process.

July Oikya submitted a memorandum to the Election Commission Secretariat on Tuesday afternoon demanding the cancellation of nominations of candidates from the Jatiya Party, the 14-Party Alliance, and the NDF coalition. The memorandum was handed to Additional Secretary M Ali Newaz at 1:30 p.m. by leaders of the organization, who also called for the recovery of illegal weapons and the disqualification of those they accused of involvement in past violence.

In the memorandum, July Oikya alleged that the Awami League-led 14-Party government carried out mass killings during the 2024 uprising, claiming over 1,400 lives. The group argued that individuals and parties linked to those events, including the Jatiya Party led by G.M. Quader, should not be allowed to contest the upcoming 13th National Parliamentary Election. They further alleged that remnants of authoritarian elements remain within the administration, undermining prospects for a fair election.

The memorandum also expressed concern that the state might attempt “election engineering” to favor a particular party. July Oikya urged the Election Commission to take steps to restore public trust and ensure a neutral electoral environment.

Finance Adviser Dr. Salehuddin Ahmed stated that no decision has yet been made regarding the introduction of the ninth pay scale. He said the government will decide after receiving the Pay Commission’s report. Speaking to reporters at the Secretariat on Tuesday after a meeting of the Advisory Committee on Government Procurement, he noted that the Pay Commission is currently working on the matter and that he will meet with them within a day or two.

Ahmed explained that the commission comprises 21 members who will evaluate all aspects before publishing their report. Once the report is released, details about implementation and announcement timing will become clear. During the same meeting, he announced plans to train 60,000 drivers—40,000 new and 20,000 previously trained—in heavy vehicle operation, with the Bangladesh Road Transport Authority (BRTA) organizing the program.

He also said a bridge will be built in Barishal under a joint government and OPEC Fund initiative. The Roads and Highways Department will implement the project on the Barishal (Dinerarpul)-Lakshmi Pasha-Dumki road, improving connectivity to remote areas of Bhola.

A Dhaka court has set February 2 for the verdict in a corruption case against former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, her niece Tulip Siddiq, Azmina Siddiq, and 15 others. The case involves allegations of abuse of power and irregularities in the allocation of a 10-katha plot under the Purbachal New Town Project by the Rajdhani Unnayan Kartripakkha (RAJUK). The date was fixed on January 13 by Judge Rabiul Alam of the Dhaka Special Judge Court-4. The court also scheduled January 18 for arguments in another case involving Hasina, Radwan Mujib Bobby Siddiq, and Tulip Siddiq.

According to the Anti-Corruption Commission’s (ACC) public prosecutor Mohammad Zahirul Islam, the court has heard testimonies from 32 witnesses, and the prosecution believes the evidence proves the charges. The case was initially filed on January 13 of the previous year by ACC Assistant Director Afnan Jannat Keya against Azmina Siddiq, naming 16 accused including Hasina and Tulip. Following investigation, a charge sheet against 18 individuals was submitted on March 10.

The accused include several officials from the Ministry of Housing and Public Works and RAJUK, as well as former state minister Sharif Ahmed and former Prime Minister’s Principal Secretary Mohammad Salah Uddin.

The July Oikya alliance’s ‘March to Election Commission’ program faced police obstruction in Dhaka on Tuesday afternoon. The group began marching toward the Election Commission around 1 p.m. to demand the cancellation of candidacies of National Party, 14-party, and NDF alliance nominees for the 13th parliamentary election. Police stopped the procession in front of the Islamic Foundation. Demonstrators carried placards and chanted slogans calling for the cancellation of the National Party’s participation. A delegation from July Oikya later entered the Election Commission office to submit a memorandum, while other members remained outside.

According to the organizers, the march and memorandum submission were part of a broader campaign inspired by the spirit of the 2024 mass uprising. They announced plans to continue similar programs on January 14 in divisional cities, marching toward regional Election Commission offices to submit memoranda.

Law enforcement agencies, including Ansar, police, RAB, and Coast Guard, were deployed in front of the Election Commission in Agargaon to maintain order. Officials said they were prepared to handle any untoward situation.

The White House said the United States is keeping the option of airstrikes against Iran if the country's violent suppression of anti-government protests continues. Press Secretary Carolyn Leavitt told reporters on Monday that Washington is deeply concerned about the rising casualties on Iranian streets. She emphasized that while military options remain on the table, diplomatic channels are still open, reflecting President Donald Trump’s stated preference for diplomatic solutions first.

Leavitt noted that President Trump’s leadership style involves keeping all options open, including airstrikes. She also revealed that Iran’s leadership is sending mixed messages, speaking differently in private communications than in public statements. The Iranian Foreign Ministry confirmed that, despite the absence of formal diplomatic relations, a secret communication channel exists between Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi and Trump’s special envoy Steve Witkoff.

Human rights organizations reported that the death toll in Iran continues to rise, while internet shutdowns have limited information flow from inside the country. Leavitt acknowledged that Trump does not want to see people killed in Tehran’s streets but said that, unfortunately, such violence is ongoing.