Brigadier General (Retd.) Dr. M Sakhawat Hossain, adviser in charge of the Ministry of Labour and Employment, announced that a court has ordered the sale of Nasa Group’s assets to settle the lawful outstanding wages and service benefits of its workers. He made the statement on Sunday at the ministry’s conference room in the Bangladesh Secretariat during the 15th meeting of the advisory council reviewing labor and business conditions at Beximco Industrial Park.

According to the adviser, the court-appointed administrator has already sold Nasa Group shares and paid Tk 76 crore to the workers. The group has also made down payments to eight banks under Bangladesh Bank’s directives. The remaining payments to 15 banks and the rest of the workers’ dues will be cleared through the sale of additional Nasa Group properties via open competition, as directed by the court.

Senior officials from the Ministry of Labour and Employment, Bangladesh Bank, industrial police, and other relevant ministries and institutions, along with Nasa Group representatives and commercial bank officials, attended the meeting.

A Dhaka court has formally started the trial of S Alam Group Chairman Mohammad Saiful Alam and former banker Prashanta Kumar (PK) Halder, along with 11 others, in a corruption case filed by the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC). The case alleges abuse of power and fraud in securing and misappropriating a loan. On Monday, January 19, 2026, Judge Md Abdus Salam of Dhaka’s Special Judge Court No. 9 framed charges against the accused and set February 8 for the start of witness testimony.

According to the case, the accused allegedly colluded to approve and disburse a term loan of Tk 32.5 crore in 2013 under the name of a non-existent firm, M/S Mostafa & Co, which was later transferred to S Alam Super Edible Oil Ltd. The ACC filed the case on July 2 of the previous year, and after investigation, submitted the charge sheet on October 16, naming 13 individuals.

Two accused, Nahida Runai and Rashedul Haque, were produced from prison and pleaded not guilty, seeking justice. The court rejected their discharge petitions, while the remaining accused remain absconding.

Islami Chhatra Shibir held a protest march in Dhaka on Monday afternoon, denouncing what it called a conspiracy to obstruct the Shahjalal University of Science and Technology Central Students’ Union (SakSU) election. The march, organized by the group’s Dhaka Metropolitan unit, began at the Central Shaheed Minar and proceeded toward Shahbagh. Leaders including Daksu Vice President Sadiq Kayem and central publicity secretary Azizur Rahman Azad led the demonstration, demanding that the election be held on schedule.

Earlier in the day, Shibir’s central president Nurul Islam Saddam told a press conference at the organization’s Purana Paltan office that students would not accept any attempt to derail the election using political or legal means. He warned of continuous protest programs if the election was canceled. Meanwhile, BNP-leaning teachers at SUST announced they would refrain from participating in election duties, citing concerns over potential allegations.

According to the report, the High Court has postponed the SakSU election for four weeks. The vote was originally scheduled for January 20, 2026.

A police trainee was critically injured during a training session at the Mahera Police Training Centre (PTC) in Tangail when a bullet from a China rifle struck him. The injured trainee recruit constable, identified as Md. Masum, 19, was first taken to Tangail General Hospital and later airlifted by a RAB helicopter to Dhaka Medical College Hospital (DMCH) after his condition worsened. He was admitted to the Orthopedic Surgery and Emergency Care Unit around 11 a.m. on Monday, where doctors described his condition as critical.

According to a person who accompanied him to the hospital, the incident occurred during a routine firing test at the training ground when a bullet hit Masum’s left shoulder, causing him to collapse. Trainers and fellow trainees immediately rescued him, and the PTC medical team provided initial treatment before transferring him to Tangail General Hospital. The incident is being supervised by AIG Maruf Abdullah and SI Toufiquzzaman from police headquarters.

An internal investigation has been launched to determine whether the shooting was accidental or caused by technical or human error, and whether proper firearm handling protocols were followed during the training.

Students of Shahjalal University of Science and Technology (SUST) blocked a highway on Monday, January 19, 2026, demanding the holding of the university’s central student union election. The protest began after the Nationalist Teachers’ Forum announced it would not perform election duties. Demonstrators gathered in front of the vice-chancellor’s office in the morning and later moved to the main gate, where they blocked the highway.

The movement intensified following a High Court ruling that suspended the SUST Central Student Union (ShakSU) election for four weeks in response to a filed petition. The court’s decision came after the teachers’ forum’s announcement, prompting students to escalate their demonstrations. As of the time of reporting, the blockade was still ongoing.

The situation reflects growing student frustration over delays in the ShakSU election process, with continued protests likely if the suspension remains in effect.

Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi announced that she will dissolve parliament on Friday and call a snap general election. The decision, revealed at a press conference on Monday, aims to seek direct voter support for her spending plans and other policies. Takaichi, Japan’s first female prime minister, made the announcement just three months after assuming office. The upcoming vote will contest all 465 seats in the lower house, marking her first major electoral test since taking power.

Political analysts cited in the report suggest that Takaichi’s move is intended to strengthen her control over the ruling Liberal Democratic Party and solidify the coalition government’s fragile majority. The election comes amid growing public concern over rising living costs, which have become a dominant issue across Japan.

A recent NHK survey found that 45 percent of respondents identified price increases as the country’s most pressing problem, followed by diplomacy and national security at 16 percent. The outcome of the election is expected to shape the government’s ability to address these economic and policy challenges.

At least ten people were injured in a clash over a mosque boundary dispute in Bishnudia village of Shailkupa upazila, Jhenaidah, on Monday morning. The incident occurred when supporters of two local leaders, Zahid Chowdhury and Abul Bashar Sadat, confronted each other with local weapons.

Police said the two groups had a long-standing rivalry over social dominance in the area. A few days earlier, an argument had erupted between their supporters regarding the demarcation of mosque land in Bishnudia village. The dispute escalated into a violent confrontation that left at least ten people injured.

Police from Shailkupa station arrived at the scene and brought the situation under control. Five of the injured were taken to Shailkupa Upazila Health Complex and later referred to hospitals in Faridpur, Kushtia, and Jhenaidah for advanced treatment. Authorities have deployed police in the area to prevent further unrest.

Sharmin S Murshid, adviser to the Ministry of Social Welfare and the Ministry of Women and Children Affairs, stated that there is no precedent anywhere in the world for holding a national election and a referendum simultaneously. Speaking on Monday at a views exchange meeting at the Jessore Deputy Commissioner’s conference room ‘Amitrakshar’, she said implementing such a process would be extremely difficult and would require cooperation from all. The meeting was chaired by Deputy Commissioner Mohammad Ashek Hasan.

Murshid emphasized that the interim government’s responsibility is to rebuild a collapsed state and restore law and order, describing the task as highly challenging. She highlighted that around 64 percent of participants in the 2024 movement were women, proving their repeated role in defending the nation. She urged respect for women and called for public opinion in favor of the referendum to build a better country.

She added that corruption and violence against women still exist and that restoring democracy is essential for change. According to her, the referendum is a key democratic tool to ensure justice and establish a permanent state structure for the people.

Law and Youth Adviser Dr. Asif Nazrul has called on citizens to vote 'Yes' in the upcoming national referendum to eliminate injustice, oppression, corruption, and inequality in Bangladesh. Speaking on Monday afternoon at a discussion meeting held at the Bogura District Council auditorium, organized by the district administration, he said that a 'Yes' vote is necessary to prevent any individual or group from gaining absolute power or becoming fascist.

Nazrul stated that after consultations with all political parties, a July Charter had been finalized, and the referendum would now gauge public opinion. He criticized previous governments for depriving citizens of their voting rights over the past 15 years, alleging that the Awami League government had manipulated elections through night voting and dummy candidates. He emphasized that this time, a fair environment for voting has been created and that the referendum carries significant importance.

The event was attended by Bogura Deputy Commissioner Md. Toufiqul Rahman, Superintendent of Police Md. Shahadat Hossain, and officials from various government departments in the district.

The Baisomobiruddho Chhatra Andolon has issued a 24-hour ultimatum to the National Election Commission demanding the cancellation of nominations for candidates holding dual citizenship and those identified as loan defaulters. The warning was announced on Monday afternoon at an emergency press conference held in front of Madhur Canteen at Dhaka University by the group’s chief coordinator, Hasib Al Islam. The organization threatened to launch nationwide protests if the demand is not met within the stipulated time.

At the event, Hasib Al Islam argued that validating such nominations violates the Representation of the People Order and contradicts the spirit of the July uprising. He questioned the Election Commission’s neutrality and criticized the role of bureaucrats, alleging political bias within the administration. He also stated that a list of officials allegedly involved in past abuses is being prepared for future accountability.

Spokesperson Cynthia Jahin Ayesha accused the Election Commission of betraying the ideals of the 2024 uprising by legitimizing dual citizens and defaulters. She claimed that several candidates with unresolved financial cases and questionable citizenship documents were approved without proper investigation.

A defamation case has been filed in Khulna against Islamic preacher Mufti Amir Hamza for allegedly making derogatory remarks about Arafat Rahman Koko, the younger son of former Prime Minister Begum Khaleda Zia. The case was lodged on Monday at the Khulna Chief Metropolitan Magistrate’s Court by Md. Zahirul Islam Bappi, president of the Khulna city unit of Koko Smriti Sangsad. The presiding judge, Md. Asaduzz Zaman, accepted the case and scheduled the next hearing for May 24. Advocate Babul Hawlader, representing the plaintiff, confirmed the filing.

According to the case statement, the alleged defamatory comments were made during a religious sermon by Mufti Amir Hamza, which was later circulated through a Facebook account. The complaint claims that the remarks caused defamation and harm to Koko’s family, members of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), and others associated with him.

The court’s decision to accept the case sets the stage for further legal proceedings, with the next hearing expected to determine subsequent actions.

The government of Bangladesh plans to fully implement the proposed new pay scale for public servants from July 1, 2026, marking the beginning of the 2026–27 fiscal year. According to the Ministry of Finance and the Pay Commission, the new structure has been partially effective since January 1, 2026. The Pay Commission is scheduled to submit its report on January 21 to Economic Adviser Salehuddin Ahmed, after which it will be presented to the advisory council for review.

As part of preparations for partial implementation, the Ministry of Finance has allocated an additional 22,000 crore taka in the revised 2025–26 budget for operating expenses. The commission estimates that full implementation will require an additional 70,000 to 80,000 crore taka. The proposed structure recommends higher increases for lower-grade employees, with the minimum salary—currently 8,250 taka—suggested to more than double, and the maximum salary—currently 78,000 taka—to rise above 120,000 taka. The commission also proposes maintaining a 1:8 ratio between the highest and lowest pay grades.

The 21-member Pay Commission, formed on July 27 of the previous year under former finance secretary Zakir Ahmed Khan, was tasked with submitting its recommendations within six months.

At least 14 people have been confirmed dead and more than 50 remain missing after a massive fire broke out at Gul Plaza Shopping Mall on M.A. Jinnah Road in Karachi, Pakistan. The blaze began late Saturday night and took firefighters nearly 36 hours to bring under control, allowing rescue teams to enter the building and recover victims. Police Deputy Inspector General Syed Asad Raza said eight more bodies were recovered on Sunday evening, raising the death toll from six to 14.

Authorities are using mobile phone data and contacting families to locate between 54 and 59 missing individuals. Sindh Governor Kamran Tessori, who visited the site on Monday, described the situation as a national tragedy, noting that more than 70 people were still unaccounted for. Officials have warned that the building remains structurally unsafe and could collapse at any time.

Rescue operations resumed later on Monday as flames continued in one section of the mall. The incident recalls Karachi’s 2012 garment factory fire that killed 260 people, underscoring ongoing safety concerns in the city’s commercial complexes.

At least ten people were injured in a clash between two factions of the BNP in Bishnudia village of Shailkupa upazila, Jhenaidah, on Monday morning. The confrontation reportedly stemmed from a dispute over local dominance. The injured were treated at Shailkupa Upazila Health Complex, with one person reported to be in critical condition.

Police and locals said the conflict involved supporters of Zahid Chowdhury, joint general secretary of the district Jubo Dal, and Abul Bashar Sadat, member secretary of the upazila Jubo Dal. The dispute had been ongoing over social influence in the area. Two days earlier, an argument had erupted between the groups over the boundary of mosque land in the same village.

According to Shailkupa Police Station Officer-in-Charge Humayun Kabir Molla, police arrived at the scene and brought the situation under control. Five of the injured were later referred to hospitals in Faridpur, Kushtia, and Jhenaidah for advanced treatment. Additional police have been deployed to prevent further unrest.

A Dhaka court has sentenced Evaly Managing Director Mohammad Rassel and Chairperson Shamima Nasrin to 15 months in prison in a fraud case. The verdict was delivered on Monday by Metropolitan Magistrate Mahbub Alam in the absence of the accused. Each was also fined 500 taka, with an additional three months’ imprisonment in case of non-payment. Arrest warrants were issued as the defendants were not present during the verdict.

According to the case, the accused lured customers through flashy advertisements on Evaly’s Facebook page. Plaintiff Md. Bazlur Rahman paid 61,142 taka in advance on June 4, 2021, via debit card to purchase a Honda Livo 110cc motorbike, which was never delivered within the promised time. Rahman filed the case on September 24, 2024, and the court framed charges on August 25, 2025, before starting the trial.

The ruling marks a continuation of legal actions against Evaly’s leadership over allegations of fraudulent business practices in Bangladesh’s e-commerce sector.