Home Advisor Lt. Gen. (Retd.) Md. Jahangir Alam Chowdhury assured that Bangladesh’s borders are secure and will be defended even with blood if necessary. He criticized previous governments for neglecting border issues and emphasized the current government’s firm stance against concessions. Ongoing discussions between BSF and BGB aim to resolve recent tensions at the Chapainawabganj border. He highlighted corruption as a major challenge for national progress and warned against misuse of his name for personal gain.

At Jahangirnagar University, students detained a man in Nawab Faizunnesa Hall around 1 AM on January 18. Ashraful Alam Parvez, who entered disguised with a scarf and bindi, was taken to Arpa Khandaker Chandni’s room after attending the winter festival. Nearby students identified him, leading to his detention and eventual handover to Ashulia Police. Arpa claimed she helped him due to his lack of accommodation. Authorities plan disciplinary action against Arpa and have formed a probe committee.

Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) seized $30,000 in cash and various Indian goods worth approximately 4 million BDT during an anti-smuggling operation at the Benapole border. The operation occurred on January 19, with smugglers abandoning the money before fleeing back to India. BGB also seized Indian liquor, medicines, betel nuts, cigarettes, and cosmetics during operations at various border points, highlighting the ongoing efforts to combat smuggling and drug trafficking.

The Public Administration Reform Commission’s proposal to divide Bangladesh into four provinces—Dhaka, Chattogram, Rajshahi, and Khulna—has sparked significant criticism. Experts argue that Bangladesh’s small geographical size, shared language, and cultural unity make such divisions unnecessary and counterproductive. They caution that creating provinces could lead to administrative inefficiencies, governance overlaps, and new conflicts instead of solving existing issues. Local governance experts suggest that strengthening local governments and empowering existing administrative divisions would be a more effective and less disruptive approach. By focusing on decentralization within the current structure, the government can bring services closer to the people without the risks and complexities associated with establishing provincial frameworks.

TikTok ceased operations in the U.S. Saturday night, hours before a nationwide ban took effect, citing a law requiring its sale to a U.S. entity. The Supreme Court upheld the ban, triggering app store removals and server restrictions. However, TikTok hinted at a swift return, noting President-elect Trump’s potential 90-day extension. The blackout leaves 170 million U.S. users and businesses in limbo, with bipartisan concerns over data security driving the ongoing controversy. Trump’s inauguration may determine TikTok’s fate.

Lt. Colonel Golam Kibria of the 59th BGB Battalion stated that the BSF violated international law by using sound grenades during a tense border situation near Chapainawabganj. The conflict arose over mango tree cutting at border pillar 177, involving citizens of both nations. BGB increased deployment and held a flag meeting with BSF, where regret was expressed. Tensions spanned 2 km, involving clashes and injuries to three Bangladeshi citizens. BGB remains vigilant to prevent further escalation.

Several hundred Indians, armed with bombs and sharp weapons, entered Bangladesh’s territory and cut down a few trees. When the Bangladeshi people tried to resist them, the BSF (Indian Border Security Force) threw sound grenades at them, and the Indians also hurled bombs. Later, under the chase of the Bangladeshis, the Indians fled. Experts have stated that this attack by Indian civilians and the BSF is a violation of international law.

OpenAI CEO Sam Altman has sparked excitement among AI enthusiasts by hinting at potential advancements in the GPT series. Responding to queries about GPT-5 on social media, Altman assured users that ongoing development will deliver significant improvements. He also revealed plans to merge the GPT and O-series technologies by 2025, signaling a major leap in AI integration. While specific timelines remain undecided, Altman’s optimism suggests exciting updates are on the horizon for OpenAI’s groundbreaking AI systems.

Dhaka consistently ranks as the world’s most polluted city, with air quality reaching dangerously unhealthy levels. Experts blame construction dust, waste burning, brick kilns, and outdated vehicles, urging immediate action. WHO reports link air pollution to severe health risks, including heart disease and respiratory issues. The High Court has ordered authorities to take urgent measures. IQAir data shows Dhaka’s AQI scores frequently exceed 300, highlighting the critical need for sustainable solutions and public awareness to combat this crisis.

Commerce Advisor SK Bashir Uddin revealed that 37 lakh of TCB’s 1 crore family cardholders are fake. Speaking at a symposium in Dhaka, he emphasized addressing inequality through policy reforms and criticized unethical bank profits during the economic downturn. Dr. Debapriya Bhattacharya of CPD condemned the reckless VAT hike and the lack of direct tax collection strategies. Despite record Aman production, corruption in procurement persists, leaving farmers unpaid. Experts questioned the government’s economic legacy and reform strategies.

Elon Musk may need to pay $40–$50 billion to acquire TikTok’s U.S. operations, similar to the $44 billion he spent on Twitter, analyst Dan Ives suggests. Reports indicate China might consider a sale to Musk to avert a U.S. ban over security concerns. TikTok’s parent, ByteDance, faces pressure to divest its U.S. assets. While TikTok dismisses the rumors, Musk’s strong ties with China and his social media ambitions position him as a potential buyer for this “golden asset.”

Students from Dhaka College’s residential halls attacked Government Laboratory High School, vandalizing its science fair. The clash began over an argument about smoking and escalated when Dhaka College students stormed the school with sticks and rods, damaging stalls despite pleas from Laboratory School students. Both institutions are investigating the incident, with Dhaka College promising disciplinary action against those involved. Police have urged school authorities to control their students to prevent further violence.

The interim government has invited public feedback on the July Uprising Declaration. Citizens can submit their opinions via letter to the Office of the Chief Advisor until January 23. The collected feedback will help create a revised and widely accepted declaration, which will be announced publicly. This initiative follows an all-party dialogue on January 16. The Chief Advisor’s Press Wing emphasized the importance of stakeholder participation in shaping a comprehensive declaration for national consensus.

In the ongoing Russia-Ukraine war, 12 Indians have been killed while fighting for the Russian army, with 16 more Indians reported missing, confirmed by India’s Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson, Randhir Jaswal. Efforts are underway to repatriate the deceased and the missing. The embassy is working with Russian authorities to bring back the body of Vineel Babu, who died in combat, and to repatriate another injured Indian, Zain Tike, after his treatment in Moscow.

The Supreme Court upheld a law banning TikTok unless it severs ties with Chinese parent ByteDance, citing national security risks from its data collection practices. The ban is set to start Sunday, potentially removing TikTok from U.S. app stores. Enforcement will fall to President-elect Donald Trump, who stated, “It ultimately goes up to me, so you’re going to see what I’m going to do.” While some lawmakers suggest extending the ban to allow TikTok more time to find a buyer, the app’s future remains uncertain as ByteDance has not committed to selling. TikTok has yet to comment on the ruling.