A court has issued a travel ban on former Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) Commissioner Asaduzzaman Mia, his wife Afroza Zaman, daughter Ayesha Siddika, and sons Asif Shahadat and Asif Mahdin. The Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) has also formed a three-member team to investigate their assets. The order came after the ACC warned that the accused might flee abroad, hindering the recovery of key documents and assets related to the allegations.

Following the ACC’s petition, the court ordered the seizure of immovable assets worth Tk 22.65 crore belonging to eight individuals, including Mia and his family members. The seized properties include a six-storey residential building in Gulshan’s Joar Sahara, flats in Dhanmondi and Gulshan, and land in Purbachal, Aftabnagar, Gazipur, Faridpur, and Narayanganj. Court sources said the seizure was necessary to prevent irreversible loss to the state and ensure future confiscation if proven illicit.

Asaduzzaman Mia, arrested by RAB in September 2024, remains in custody. He served as DMP Commissioner from 2015 to 2019 and later as CEO of the National Security Cell until 2022.

Bir Pratik awardee Lieutenant Colonel Hasinur Rahman testified before International Crimes Tribunal-1 that he was abducted twice during the Awami League’s one-and-a-half-decade rule. He said he was interrogated at the Directorate General of Forces Intelligence’s (DGFI) ‘Aynaghar’ facility about his writings on the 2014 election, the Awami League’s relations with India, and the then army chief General Aziz. According to his statement, interrogators told him he was abducted on Sheikh Hasina’s orders and threatened with disappearance if he did not comply.

Hasinur described being first abducted on July 9, 2011, while serving at Mymensingh Cantonment, and held blindfolded for 43 days. He was later court-martialed on what he called false charges and imprisoned for four years before being released. He said he was again abducted on August 8, 2018, and detained in a small, bloodstained cell under harsh conditions. He recounted physical torture, psychological abuse, and threats of death.

The tribunal recorded his testimony as the second witness in a crimes against humanity case against Sheikh Hasina and 12 current and former army officers. The hearing was adjourned for continuation of his incomplete statement.

The Ministry of Finance’s Social Safety Net Advisory Committee held its 32nd meeting on January 25, 2026, chaired by Economic Adviser Salehuddin Ahmed. The meeting approved an increase of Tk 5,000 in the monthly allowance for decorated freedom fighters and families of martyred freedom fighters, raising it from Tk 20,000 to Tk 25,000. Several other social welfare allowances, including those for widows, the elderly, persons with disabilities, and mothers under the Mother and Child Support Program, were also raised.

The committee finalized beneficiary numbers and allowance rates for 15 social safety programs for the 2026–27 fiscal year. Recommendations included bringing 273,514 new fishermen under the VGF program, increasing old-age allowance beneficiaries to 6.2 million, and expanding support for widows, disabled persons, and disadvantaged groups. The one-time medical assistance for patients with serious diseases was doubled to Tk 100,000, and the number of beneficiaries under the Food-Friendly Program was raised to 6 million families.

These adjustments aim to strengthen Bangladesh’s social protection framework and expand coverage for vulnerable populations in the upcoming fiscal year.

A total of 683,122 postal ballots have been delivered to expatriate voters registered through the Postal Vote BD mobile app for Bangladesh’s 13th national parliamentary election and referendum. The information was confirmed on Sunday by Salim Ahmad Khan, team leader of the OCV-SDI project on expatriate voter registration. As of 4 p.m. on January 25, all ballots had reached the respective countries where the expatriates reside.

According to the project data, 437,145 expatriate voters have received their ballots, and 353,739 have already cast their votes. Among these, 284,431 ballots have been submitted to local post offices or mailboxes abroad, while 16,274 have already arrived in Bangladesh. Salim Khan further stated that a total of 1,533,683 voters, both domestic and expatriate, registered through the Postal Vote BD app to participate in the election and referendum.

The update marks a significant step in facilitating overseas participation in Bangladesh’s electoral process through digital registration and postal voting systems.

In Netrakona-4 constituency, comprising Madan, Mohanganj, and Khaliajuri upazilas, the Jamaat-e-Islami-led ten-party alliance has launched an aggressive campaign to secure victory for its candidate under the 'scales' symbol. The alliance’s candidate, Al Helal Talukder, a lecturer and organizational secretary of Mymensingh city Jamaat, is actively canvassing across the haor region. He stated that the alliance is receiving strong public support, particularly from youth seeking change, and expressed confidence in winning if the election is fair.

Opposing him, former state minister for home affairs and BNP heavyweight Lutfozzaman Babar is contesting under the 'sheaf of paddy' symbol, joined by his wife, Tahmina Zaman Shraboni, who previously led local BNP activities during Babar’s 17-year imprisonment. Babar has pledged to prioritize youth employment and combat drug abuse if elected, urging citizens to help law enforcement against drug dealers.

Political analysts cited in the report note that past BNP victories in this seat were largely due to Babar’s personal popularity. The main contest is expected between the Jamaat-led alliance and the BNP, though candidates from CPB, Workers Party, and Islami Andolan Bangladesh are also in the race.

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has announced a 15-member squad for the upcoming T20 World Cup, naming Salman Agha as captain. Former skipper Babar Azam has been included, while Mohammad Rizwan and Haris Rauf have been left out. The announcement was made in Lahore by selector Aaqib Javed, alongside captain Salman and coach Mike Hesson. Several players, including Salman Mirza, Khaja Nafi, Sahibzada Farhan, and Usman Tariq, have been called up for their first World Cup appearance.

The team announcement comes amid speculation that Pakistan might boycott the tournament in support of Bangladesh. The International Cricket Council (ICC) reportedly excluded Bangladesh from the World Cup after the Bangladesh government refused to play in India, citing security concerns. Bangladesh had requested to play in Sri Lanka, but the ICC denied the request and replaced them with Scotland. PCB has criticized the ICC’s decision, fueling discussions about a possible boycott.

Pakistan is scheduled to play its opening match against the Netherlands on February 7, with India, Namibia, and the United States also in Group A.

Sarjis Alam, the northern regional organizer of the National Citizen Party (NCP), said that the concept of predetermined political heavyweights will no longer hold in Bangladesh. Speaking on January 25 during public meetings and door-to-door campaigns in various areas of Panchagarh’s Amarkhana Union, he predicted a landslide fall of so-called heavyweight leaders from major political parties in the February 12 election.

He stated that a wave of change has reached every household and that people are ready to vote against oppression, extortion, land grabbing, threats, abuse of power, and corruption. Sarjis also alleged that some local leaders and activists of the BNP were threatening voters, including a Jamaat worker, warning them not to vote for the 11-party alliance. He warned that those who try to intimidate voters would face a downfall worse than that of Sheikh Hasina.

Sarjis urged that citizens be allowed to vote freely, saying that the people of Bangladesh are no longer in the same position as before.

Tanisha Begum, daughter of martyr Riton who was killed by police gunfire during the July uprising at Jatrabari, has been admitted to the children’s ward of Hatiya Upazila Health Complex in Noakhali with severe diarrhea. After admission, she had to stay for two days in the hospital corridor, and despite four days of treatment, her condition has not improved. The family has run out of money brought from home.

Her mother, Afsana Begum, said they have no funds left for medicine, and buying drugs means sacrificing food. She lamented that everyone is preoccupied with election activities and no one is checking on them. The attending physician, Dr. Biman Chandra Acharjee, confirmed that the child was admitted in a critical condition. Tanisha’s uncle, Jewel, said the family’s financial constraints prevent proper treatment, and no local assistance has been offered.

The family recalled government promises made to the families of July martyrs but said they have received nothing. Since Riton’s death, managing household expenses has become extremely difficult for them.

Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has criticized former U.S. President Donald Trump for comments that appeared to downplay the role of NATO troops in Afghanistan. In a television interview on Sunday, Albanese said Trump’s remarks were unacceptable, adding that even though Trump later acknowledged allied contributions, the damage from his earlier statement remained.

Following the September 11, 2001 attacks, Australian forces joined NATO operations in Afghanistan, where 47 Australian soldiers were killed and more than 260 injured. Last week, Trump claimed that U.S. allies sent some troops but were not on the front lines. Albanese said such comments deeply hurt the families of fallen soldiers and emphasized that the bravery and sacrifice of 40,000 Australians who served in Afghanistan deserved the highest respect.

Trump’s earlier interview with Fox News also drew anger from several NATO allies, including Poland, Norway, Denmark, Italy, and the United Kingdom. Under pressure, Trump later praised British troops on his social media platform. Australia withdrew its troops from Afghanistan in 2021.

Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer Dr. Shafiqur Rahman has urged political leaders to cleanse themselves of corruption before advocating for a corruption-free Bangladesh. Speaking as the chief guest at an election rally for the Dhaka-7 constituency at Dhaka Alia Madrasa field in Bakshibazar on Sunday evening, he criticized those who include loan defaulters in parliamentary elections while promising justice and fairness. He said that such deceptive promises would no longer be accepted and called for genuine intent in building a corruption-free nation.

During the rally, Dr. Rahman also called on voters to support candidates from the 11-party alliance and to vote “yes” in the upcoming referendum scheduled for February 12, which he described as a vote for justice. He emphasized unity, rejecting divisive politics, and pledged that his party’s candidates would serve as guardians and servants of the people. He further promised to transform Old Dhaka into a prosperous area, asserting that Jamaat keeps its promises.

The event was chaired by Abdur Rahman, with participation from several alliance leaders including Haji Enayet Ullah, Col. (Retd.) Oli Ahmad, and others.

European football fans witnessed a night of mixed fortunes across three major leagues on January 25, 2026. Real Madrid climbed to the top of La Liga after defeating Villarreal 2–0, thanks to two second-half goals from Kylian Mbappé. The French forward scored in the 47th minute and added another from a penalty in stoppage time, bringing his tally to 21 goals in 20 league matches. With 51 points from 21 games, Real overtook Barcelona, who have 49 points from one game fewer.

In the Premier League, Liverpool fell 3–2 to Bournemouth due to defensive lapses. Virgil van Dijk’s error allowed Ivanilson to open the scoring, followed by Alex Jimenez doubling the lead. Although Van Dijk and Dominik Szoboszlai equalized, Amin Adli’s stoppage-time goal sealed Bournemouth’s victory.

Meanwhile, Bayern Munich suffered their first Bundesliga defeat of the season, losing 2–1 to Augsburg at home. Augsburg scored twice in the final six minutes, ending Bayern’s 27-match unbeaten league run. Despite the loss, Bayern remain top with 50 points from 19 matches, while Augsburg climbed to 13th with 19 points.

BNP’s Dhaka-7 parliamentary candidate and national executive committee member Hamidur Rahman has said that his party believes in independent journalism and will ensure full media freedom if it comes to power. He made the remarks on Sunday while addressing the ‘Conscious Best Reporting Award and Certificate’ ceremony organized by the Kabi Nazrul Government College Journalists’ Association, where he attended as chief guest.

During his speech, Rahman outlined his plans for his constituency, noting that Old Dhaka faces serious problems such as Buriganga River pollution, dengue fears, and the spread of chemical warehouses. He pledged to prioritize permanent solutions to these issues and address the acute gas crisis if elected. He also highlighted the significance of the July-August movement, describing it as a turning point for regaining true freedom, and urged young journalists to portray the sacrifices of the movement’s martyrs through their writing.

The event was presided over by association president Md Atik Hasan Shuvo and attended by several guests, including leaders from the BNP’s volunteer wing and Bangladesh Shanti Songho. Awards were presented to young reporters for outstanding reporting.

Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer Shafiqur Rahman has alleged that several external parties are openly interfering in Bangladesh’s internal affairs as the nation approaches a critical decision-making moment. He made the remarks on Sunday at an election rally held at Dhupkhola field in Gendaria, Dhaka-6, in support of a candidate from the 10-party alliance that includes Jamaat-e-Islami. Rahman did not specify which countries or entities were involved in the alleged interference.

In his speech, Rahman urged outsiders to refrain from meddling in Bangladesh’s domestic matters, emphasizing that the people of the country are capable of making their own choices. He stated that Bangladesh seeks friendly relations with all civilized nations but will not tolerate intimidation or dominance from any party. He added that mutual respect and equality must guide all international relationships and declared that the Bangladeshi nation will not bow to anyone.

The comments reflect Jamaat-e-Islami’s position on maintaining national sovereignty and resisting perceived external pressure during a politically sensitive period.

The submission of the investigation report in the murder case of Inkilab Moncho convener Shahid Sharif Osman Hadi has been postponed again. On Sunday, January 25, 2026, Dhaka Additional Chief Metropolitan Magistrate Joshita Islam set a new date of January 29 for the report. This marks the third time the submission date has been delayed, confirmed by prosecution officer SI Rukonuzzaman. The Criminal Investigation Department (CID), responsible for the investigation, failed to submit the report on the scheduled date, prompting the court to fix a new one.

Hadi, who had announced his candidacy as an independent for the Dhaka-8 constituency in the upcoming 13th parliamentary election, was attacked on December 12 in the Bijoynagar area after Friday prayers. He was later flown to Singapore for advanced treatment but did not survive. Following the shooting, Inkilab Moncho member secretary Abdullah Al Jaber filed an attempted murder case on December 14, which was later amended to include murder charges under Section 302. The case was initially handled by local police before being transferred to the Detective Branch and then to the CID.

Around 30 teenagers were allegedly forced to squat while holding their ears by Dhaka University Central Students’ Union (DUCSU) executive member Sarmitra Chakma for playing on the university’s central playground. The incident, captured in a video that spread on social media on January 25, 2026, sparked widespread criticism and allegations of abuse of power. Witnesses said the video was recorded on January 6, showing Chakma holding a stick and reprimanding the boys, aged roughly 8 to 20, for being outsiders.

University officials and student leaders reacted with concern. The acting director of the Physical Education Centre called the act irregular and an abuse of authority if true. The university proctor said he was unaware of the video but noted that playing on the field requires permission. DUCSU General Secretary S.M. Farhad stated that no union representative has the right to exercise power or use force and promised action if any overreach occurred.

The video’s circulation triggered strong reactions online, with many users condemning the act as misconduct and demanding an investigation.