Evaly’s Managing Director Mohammad Russell and Chairperson Shamima Nasrin have been sentenced to two years of imprisonment without labor for fraud. The court also imposed a fine of 10,000 taka each, with an additional two months in jail for non-payment. They absconded, leading to the issuance of arrest warrants. The case stemmed from a transaction where the plaintiff paid for bikes but never received them, despite multiple promises and attempts for repayment.

A court in Sirajganj has directed the registration of a case against six police officers, including former officers-in-charge (OCs) of Ullapara and Solonga police stations, over the alleged torture of truck driver Rokon Molla. Molla claims he was shot and disabled by former OC Asif Mohammad Siddikul Islam and was wrongfully imprisoned in false cases. The accused deny the charges, claiming Molla is a criminal leader with numerous cases against him. The case registration process is underway.

The Appellate Division has temporarily lifted the High Court’s stay on the recruitment of 3,173 Junior Instructors under the Directorate of Technical Education. This allows them to join their positions despite previous allegations of question paper leaks in the 2022 recruitment exam. The High Court had suspended the process, but the government appealed. The PSC had finalized the results in November 2023, and appointment notices were issued in January 2024. The CID is still investigating the alleged ₹12.5 billion transaction linked to the leak.

BNP is set to finalize the revised July Revolution Declaration, originally drafted by students, emphasizing the Liberation War as Bangladesh’s foundation. The party aims to modify and discuss the document with allies before presenting it to the government. Additionally, BNP plans February programs to reduce commodity prices ahead of Ramadan and demand electoral reforms. The party is pushing for early elections by July-August 2025, rejecting the government’s proposed timeline of December 2025-June 2026, considering it too long.

The Bangladeshi government is imposing a nine-month ban on tourist travel to Saint Martin Island starting February 1, as per the Ministry of Environment, Forest, and Climate Change. Previously, visitors were allowed until March 31, but this year, access is restricted from February. Overnight stays were banned in November, and a 2,000-tourist limit was enforced in December and January. Only the Cox’s Bazar-Saint Martin route remains operational. Tourism businesses fear financial losses due to the shortened travel period and restrictions.

The admission process for the seven colleges affiliated with Dhaka University has encountered complexities after the university’s decision to stop admissions under its affiliation starting this academic year. While applications for undergraduate admissions are ongoing, the jurisdiction for entrance exams remains unclear. The government has proposed establishing a new university for these colleges, but due to the time-consuming process of law-making, uncertainty surrounds the timeline. Students are demanding clarity and quick actions regarding the establishment of the new university.

The government has canceled the passports of nine individuals, including Shibli Rubaiyat-ul-Islam, former Chairman of the Bangladesh Securities and Exchange Commission (BSEC), over allegations of involvement in a stock market scandal. The Ministry of Home Affairs has also imposed a travel ban. The accused, including former BSEC officials, are suspected of assisting in market manipulation and accumulating illegal wealth. Shibli Rubaiyat resigned following the political upheaval in August 2023, and his departure from the country is now restricted.

Shahbagh police inspector Md. Arshad Hossain, involved in pressing a student’s face during the anti-discrimination student movement, has been sent to jail by the International Criminal Tribunal. He was one of three police officers arrested for crimes related to genocide and humanity during July-August. The incident, which went viral on social media, led to his temporary suspension on August 18 for unprofessional conduct that damaged the police’s image. The tribunal ordered his imprisonment after reviewing the prosecution’s appeal.

BNP Standing Committee Member Salahuddin Ahmed has demanded elections on August 5 to mark the historic mass uprising that led to the fall of Sheikh Hasina’s government. Speaking at a discussion on media and journalism, he emphasized the urgency of holding elections after electoral and institutional reforms. He also criticized delays and called for swift political consultations. Gana Odhikar Parishad’s Nurul Haque Nur urged unity and fast elections, warning that failure to act could worsen the situation.

Home Affairs Adviser Lieutenant General (Retd.) Md. Jahangir Alam Chowdhury stated that all unequal agreements made with India during the Awami League government’s tenure will be reviewed. He made this announcement at a press conference held at the Ministry of Home Affairs on January 29. The event was centered around the border conference between the Director Generals of Bangladesh’s Border Guard (BGB) and India’s Border Security Force (BSF). The discussions aim to address existing concerns and ensure fair agreements in future bilateral relations.

Inspector General of Police (IGP) Baharul Alam announced that security has been strengthened at Bishwa Ijtema to prevent any disorder. Around 7,000 law enforcement officers and 10,000 volunteers will oversee security. The entire Ijtema ground is monitored by 335 CCTV cameras, drones, and RAB helicopters. Naval police will patrol the Turag River with speedboats, while 20 checkpoints and watchtowers will enhance surveillance. Plainclothes officers will be deployed within the grounds. Law enforcement remains on high alert to ensure a peaceful event.

A stampede at the Maha Kumbh Mela in Allahabad, Uttar Pradesh, India, left 15 people dead and many injured during the ‘holy bath’ ritual. The incident occurred early on January 29 amid massive crowds. Prime Minister Narendra Modi discussed the situation with Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath and urged immediate relief efforts. This year’s Kumbh Mela, marked by a rare celestial alignment, has already seen 148 million attendees. Hindus believe bathing in the sacred rivers cleanses sins and grants liberation from rebirth.

Six more individuals injured in the July Revolution are being taken to Bangkok, Thailand, for advanced medical care. A flight carrying them will depart from Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport on Wednesday (January 29) at 11:20 AM. Among them, three were undergoing treatment at the Combined Military Hospital (CMH), while the other three were at Dhaka Medical College Hospital. This move follows the interim government’s previous efforts, where 22 injured individuals were sent abroad at different times for better treatment.

Government primary school teachers are protesting today, demanding the resignation of Dr. Bidhan Ranjan Roy Poddar, Advisor to the Ministry of Primary and Mass Education. His remark—“If your salary is insufficient, switch to another profession”—angered teachers. A nationwide human chain will take place at 4 PM across all upazilas. Dr. Poddar made the statement during a January 26 meeting in Chattogram, later claiming his words were distorted. Teachers argue his comments reflect a lack of respect for their profession.

Bangladesh Railway’s running staff have called off their strike after assurances that their demands will be met. Train services resumed early Wednesday, with the Sagordari Express departing Rajshahi for Khulna at 6:10 AM. A railway ministry official confirmed that normal operations are restoring, leading to the withdrawal of temporary BRTC bus services. Running staff leader Saidur Rahman stated that an official notification regarding their demands would be issued by Wednesday. The decision followed a late-night meeting with the Road and Railways Advisor.