ISPR: Joint forces arrest 504 in nationwide operations
Joint forces have arrested 504 suspected criminals in operations carried out across the country, including the capital, over the past seven days from January 23 to 29, according to the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) Directorate on Friday. Those arrested include alleged criminals, drug dealers and users, members of robbery gangs, juvenile gang members, and smugglers. During the drives, the forces recovered 48 illegal firearms, 75 rounds of assorted ammunition, 95 crude cocktails, locally made weapons, and narcotics. After primary interrogation, the arrestees were handed over to the respective police stations for further legal action, ISPR said. Bangladesh Army said such operations would continue to ensure public safety and maintain overall law and order across the country, urging people to report any suspicious activities to the nearest army camp.
Source:Dhaka Tribune
January 30, 2026 13:16 UTC
Tarique Rahman: Vote for sheaf of paddy on February 12
BNP Chairman Tarique Rahman has called on voters in Bogra to cast their ballots for the party’s “paddy sheaf” symbol in the upcoming national parliamentary election, asserting that the area has long been a BNP stronghold. He made the remarks while addressing an election roadshow at the Mokamtola bus stand in Shibganj upazila on Friday around 3pm. Mir Shah Alam, the BNP-nominated MP candidate for Bogra-2 (Shibganj) constituency from the “paddy sheaf” symbol, also spoke at the event. “Every time the ‘paddy sheaf’ has been given the opportunity to form a government through the people’s vote, it has worked for the development of the country and the region,” Tarique said. “Dear residents of Mokamtola, we want to develop your area once again.”At least 50,000 leaders, activists, and supporters from Mohasthan to Rahbal-Dosimana attended the roadshow.
Source:Dhaka Tribune
January 30, 2026 13:16 UTC
Nahid: Hasina-era politics no longer to continue in Bangladesh
Nahid Islam, convener of the National Citizen Party (NCP) and a candidate of the 11-party alliance, on Friday said the politics practiced during the Sheikh Hasina era would no longer continue in Bangladesh, pledging to build a discrimination-free state and keep loan defaulters and land grabbers out of parliament. Addressing voters during the campaign, Nahid said the fall of the previous government came in the face of their movement and that the time had now come to reform both the state and society. Promising an end to harassment of ordinary people, Nahid said that under his party’s rule, citizens would no longer be held hostage by political leaders. During the campaign, Nahid sought votes for his electoral symbol, the “Shapla Kali” (water lily bud), in the February 12 election. Nahid walked through various roads in the area, starting from Aftabnagar and moving through Anandnagar and Merul Badda, exchanging greetings with residents and distributing leaflets.
Source:Dhaka Tribune
January 30, 2026 13:16 UTC
EC Sanaullah: People to participate in election spontaneously
Election Commissioner Abul Fazal Muhammad Sanaullah expressed optimism about the upcoming polls, saying he expects citizens to participate spontaneously and actively, reflecting the vibrancy of democracy. I am very satisfied with the preparations for the Patuakhali election. I am optimistic about a beautiful and fair election,” he said while exchanging views with the Law and Order Cell and Vigilance Observation Team of Patuakhali District ahead of the National Election and Referendum on Friday. Sanaullah added that the election environment this year is significantly better than that of the last national polls. On the role of government employees during the referendum, he clarified: “Whatever is prohibited in the general election is also prohibited for the referendum.
Source:Dhaka Tribune
January 30, 2026 13:16 UTC
BGB tightens border security ahead of Feb 12 nat’l polls
File PhotoDHAKA, Jan 30, 2026 (BSS) - Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) has intensified security measures along the country’s border areas ahead of the forthcoming 13th national parliamentary election to ensure a peaceful, free, fair and credible polling environment slated for February 12. BGB has also strengthened border security in Rajshahi Division alongside other parts of the country’s border. BGB Rajshahi Sector Commander Colonel Syed Kamal Hossain said extensive security measures have been adopted in view of the election. Overall, more than 4,000 BGB personnel will be engaged in election duties in the Rajshahi Sector alone. Regular coordination meetings have also been held with India’s Border Security Force (BSF) to ensure calm along the border.
Source:Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha
January 30, 2026 13:10 UTC
Coast Guard arrests 10 drug traffickers, seize yaba tablets at Teknaf
DHAKA, Jan 30, 2026 (BSS) – Bangladesh Coast Guard (BCG) has arrested 10 alleged drug traffickers with huge quantity of yaba tablets from Teknaf in Cox's Bazar. The BCG Media Officer Lieutenant Commander Siam-ul-Haq said that the Coast Guard Station Teknaf conducted a drive in the Naf River adjacent to Nayapara under Teknaf Police Station in Cox's Bazar at 1 pm yesterday. Haq said based on secret information, the Coast Guard arrested 10 drug traffickers from two separate boats with 25,000 pieces of contraband yaba tablets. The Coast Guard handed over the drug traffickers and seized goods to Teknaf Model Police Station for further legal action. The Coast Guard officer said BCG will continue such operations in future to prevent drug trafficking.
Source:Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha
January 30, 2026 13:03 UTC
BNP-Jamaat contest likely in Rajshahi-1
On the other hand, Prof Mujibur Rahman, Central Senior Nayeb-e-Ameer of Jamaat-e-Islami, is contesting as the party-nominated candidate with the party symbol 'Scales'. Two other candidates are also in the race: Meer Muhammad Shahjahan of Gono Adhiker Parishad, contesting with the 'Truck' symbol, and Abdur Rahman of Amar Bangladesh Party, contesting with the 'Eagle' symbol. Political analysts said the main contest is expected to be between the BNP and Jamaat-e-Islami candidates, a scenario that is becoming increasingly common across the country. Meanwhile, Jamaat-e-Islami candidate Prof Mujibur Rahman is carrying out extensive electioneering across the constituency in support of the Scales symbol. The local Jamaat-e-Islami unit held an election rally at Kalma Union on Thursday afternoon, with Prof Mujibur Rahman attending as the chief guest.
Source:Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha
January 30, 2026 13:02 UTC
Bangladesh to get $42m compensation from Niko over Tengratila blowout
File PhotoDHAKA, Jan 30, 2026 (BSS) - Canadian multinational oil and gas company Niko has to pay $42 million to Bangladesh as the country achieved a final victory in the international court in its long legal battle against Niko over Tengratila blowout. "An international arbitration tribunal has ordered Canadian energy company Niko Resources to pay $42 million in compensation to Bangladesh over the Chhatak gas field blowouts that occurred in 2005," said a Petrobangla official. Chairman of Petrobangla Engineer Rezanur Rahman confirmed the verdict to the media last night and said that Niko will have to pay $42 million to Bangladesh in compensation. Niko was given the responsibility of exploring gas in the Tengratila gas field in 2003. The Development Project Proposal (DPP) for drilling new wells in the Chhatak gas field has already been prepared.
Source:Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha
January 30, 2026 12:43 UTC
Tarique pays tribute at July martyr Abu Sayed’s grave in Rangpur
BNP chief Tarique Rahman has paid his respects at the grave of Abu Sayed, the first martyr of the July 2024 mass uprising. Tarique began his party’s election campaign in Rangpur on Friday by visiting the grave in Pirganj Upazila's Babonpur village. Abu Sayed, a student of the Department of English at Begum Rokeya University in Rangpur, was shot dead by police on Jul 16, 2024. After visiting the grave, he spoke with members of Abu Sayed’s family. “It is not enough to only mark Abu Sayed’s death anniversary or visit his grave.
Source:bd News24
January 30, 2026 12:39 UTC
CA emphasises continuing Bangladesh, China cooperation
During the meeting, Professor Yunus recalled his long-standing relationship with China, which began through the microcredit movement. Later, the Chinese government launched its own programmes inspired by these principles,” the Chief Adviser said. Recalling his visit to China in March, Professor Yunus said he had met President Xi Jinping during the visit. Professor Yunus also shared his vision of establishing a “health city” in the northern region of Bangladesh. Professor Yunus expressed his gratitude to the Government of China for its continued support and cooperation.
Source:Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha
January 30, 2026 12:12 UTC
Hungary posts 0.3% GDP growth ahead of April election
The nationalist leader, who is seen trailing behind the opposition in polls ahead of the April election, had promised an economic "flying start" for 2025, with the government originally forecasting a 3.4 percent growth. But the export-oriented central European country of 9.5 million has been severely impacted by declining external demand amid global trade disruptions. But she predicted a return to stronger growth this year "thanks to a revival in external demand and an improving European economy". In November, industrial production declined to a level not seen since the height of the Covid-19 pandemic five years ago. Economy Minister Marton Nagy blamed the tepid growth on the fallout from the war in Ukraine, as well as "weak EU competitiveness, and weak external demand".
Source:Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha
January 30, 2026 12:12 UTC
1 killed in motorcycle collision in Bagerhat
BAGERHAT, Jan 30, 2026 (BSS) - A man was killed in a reckless motorcycle collision in Mollahat upazila of Bagerhat district on Thursday night. The accident took place in the Rajpat area near Madrasa Ghat. According to Mollahat Highway Police Station Officer-in-Charge Asaduzzaman, Hafizur Sheikh was crossing the highway to return home on his motorcycle when another motorcycle, traveling at high speed, struck him. Locals rushed him to Fakirhat Upazila Health Complex, where the on-duty doctor declared him dead. Police have arrested the motorcycle rider, MD Akbar Morol, 35, from Depara area of Fakirhat upazila, along with the motorcycle.
Source:Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha
January 30, 2026 12:12 UTC
RAB says ‘corrupt’ prison staff helped free three murder suspects from Myemensingh jail
The Rapid Action Battalion (RAB) says corrupt prison officials helped three murder suspects walk free from Mymensingh Central Jail without bail documents. RAB-14 Commander Naimul Hasan said the men were released with the assistance of “dishonest” jail staff. They were identified as Md Anis Mia, Rashidul Islam and Zakirul Islam, all accused in a murder case filed with Tarakanda Police. According to the RAB, the suspects were freed after prison officials mistakenly treated a production warrant as a bail order, triggering public concern and prompting an internal investigation. He said disciplinary action would be taken if the investigation found evidence of negligence or misconduct by prison officials.
Source:bd News24
January 30, 2026 12:05 UTC
Bangladesh face Bhutan in SAFF U-19 Women's Championship tomorrow
Photo: BSSDHAKA, Jan 30, 2026 (BSS) - The Bangladesh under-19 women's national football team will begin their SAFF U-19 Women's Championship campaign tomorrow, taking on Bhutan in one of the opening matches at Pokhara Rangasala Stadium in Pokhara, Nepal. Later in the day, India will meet host Nepal at 3:15 pm at the same venue. Ahead of their first match, the Bangladesh U-19 women's team held their initial training session at the stadium. Following the opening match, Bangladesh will face India on February 2 and Nepal on February 4, both matches also at Pokhara Rangasala Stadium. The top two teams from the group stage will advance to the final, which is scheduled for February 7.
Source:Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha
January 30, 2026 11:54 UTC
21 lakh tons of consumer goods await unloading at Ctg port
Businessmen have noted a slowdown in unloading imported consumer goods ahead of the Ramadan season. As of Thursday morning, 11 lakh tons have been unloaded, leaving roughly 12 lakh tons still waiting. In addition, 25 ships carrying 13.5 lakh tons of wheat have arrived, with six lakh tons already unloaded. Seven ships brought in 2.36 lakh tons of chickpeas, lentils, and peas, of which 1.50 lakh tons have been unloaded. Nine ships carrying 4.39 lakh tons of oilseeds have seen three lakh tons unloaded so far.
Source:Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha
January 30, 2026 11:50 UTC