US special envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner have visited Israel to meet Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu for discussions on Gaza and Iran. According to the White House, the meeting included talks on President Donald Trump’s Gaza peace plan. The visit took place amid growing concerns about a possible US strike on Iran. Israel’s Prime Minister’s Office did not immediately respond to requests for comment on the meeting.

Israeli media reported that US Central Command chief Brad Cooper also arrived in Israel and is expected to meet senior Israeli security officials, including Chief of General Staff Herzi Halevi and Air Force Commander Tomer Bar. The timing of these visits coincides with heightened regional tensions and speculation over potential US military action against Iran.

Iran has accused the United States of attempting to incite unrest, impose sanctions, and pursue regime change through pressure and destabilization efforts, according to reports from Israeli and international outlets.

Dhaka has ranked first among 126 cities worldwide for having the most polluted air, according to the Air Quality Index (IQAir) report released on Sunday morning, January 25, 2026. The city recorded an air quality score of 283, placing it in the 'very unhealthy' category. Kolkata, Hangzhou, Cairo, and Lahore followed Dhaka in the top five positions with scores of 210, 186, 178, and 176 respectively.

The IQAir index classifies air quality scores between 0 and 50 as good, 51 to 100 as moderate, 101 to 150 as unhealthy for sensitive groups, 151 to 200 as unhealthy, 201 to 300 as very unhealthy, and above 300 as hazardous. Dhaka’s current score of 283 indicates a severe level of air pollution that poses significant health risks to residents.

The report highlights the persistent air quality challenges faced by Dhaka, underscoring the city’s ongoing struggle with pollution levels that frequently exceed safe limits.

The International Cricket Council (ICC) announced that Scotland will replace Bangladesh in the 2026 ICC Men’s T20 World Cup after the Bangladesh Cricket Board declined to participate due to security concerns in India. The decision, revealed in an ICC statement on Saturday, has sparked widespread debate and criticism over alleged favoritism toward India. Bangladesh’s withdrawal led to a reshuffle in Group C, with Scotland now set to face West Indies, Italy, England, and Nepal when the tournament begins on February 7 in India and Sri Lanka.

Former Pakistan cricketer Shahid Afridi and former Australian player Jason Gillespie publicly criticized the ICC’s handling of the issue. Afridi expressed disappointment on social media, accusing the ICC of inconsistency for accepting India’s security concerns in Pakistan in 2025 but rejecting Bangladesh’s similar request. He urged the ICC to ensure fairness and equal treatment for all member nations. Gillespie questioned the transparency of the decision, recalling that India had previously been allowed to play the Champions Trophy in Dubai instead of Pakistan.

The controversy has raised questions about the ICC’s impartiality and its approach to member nations’ security concerns ahead of the upcoming global tournament.

A massive snowstorm has severely disrupted the United States, affecting nearly 180 million people from New Mexico to New England under winter storm warnings. Around 13,000 flights have been canceled due to widespread snow and ice, and more than 100,000 customers have lost power. The National Weather Service forecast heavy snow, sleet, and freezing rain from Saturday through Monday across the southern Rocky Mountains to New England.

At least a dozen states have declared emergencies as millions face power outages and travel disruptions. National Weather Service meteorologist Allison Santorelli warned that snow and ice will melt slowly, hindering rescue and recovery operations. President Donald Trump approved federal emergency disaster declarations for twelve states, including South Carolina, Virginia, Tennessee, Georgia, and others, with more declarations expected.

U.S. Interior Secretary Kristi Noem said the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has pre-deployed relief supplies, personnel, and rescue teams across affected states, urging residents to stay indoors and make prudent decisions as the severe cold is expected to persist for several days.

At least three Palestinians, including two children, were killed in Israeli attacks across Gaza despite a ceasefire remaining in effect, according to medical sources and witnesses cited by Anadolu Agency. The strikes occurred in several areas, including Beit Lahia and Khan Younis, where drone fire and gunfire also left several others injured.

Medical sources reported that two teenagers, 14-year-old Salman Zakaria and 15-year-old Mohammad Yusuf from the Al-Zawara family, were killed near Kamal Adwan Hospital in Beit Lahia. Witnesses said the drone strike took place in an area from which Israeli forces were supposed to withdraw under the ceasefire agreement. Another Palestinian was killed in Khan Younis, and multiple injuries were reported in Jabalia and other parts of northern Gaza.

According to Gaza’s Health Ministry, Israeli attacks have continued since the ceasefire took effect on October 10 last year, killing 481 Palestinians and injuring 1,313. Since October 2023, more than 71,600 Palestinians have been killed and at least 171,300 injured during Israel’s military operations in Gaza.

Professor Ali Riaz, Special Assistant to the Chief Adviser and Chief Coordinator of the referendum awareness campaign, emphasized the crucial role of imams in establishing a just, equal, and humane society. He made the remarks on Saturday, January 24, at the Sylhet Divisional Imam Conference held at the Mendibag Sports Complex, organized by the Divisional Commissioner’s Office and the Islamic Foundation. Special Assistant Monir Haider attended as a special guest.

In his address, Ali Riaz said Bangladesh had been in darkness for 16 years under a fascist regime that dismantled constitutional structures. He stated that the upcoming referendum, based on the July Charter formulated by consensus among political parties after the fall of fascism, is essential to uphold freedom of expression. He urged all to ensure a “Yes” victory in the vote.

Monir Haider recalled that religious scholars once faced discrimination and fear under the previous regime. He called the referendum a moral and faith-based duty to permanently eradicate fascism. The event was chaired by Divisional Commissioner Khan Md. Reza-un-Nabi and attended by senior officials and religious leaders.

The third day of arguments in the murder case of Begum Rokeya University student Abu Sayeed, known as the first martyr of the July Revolution, is scheduled to take place today. The hearing is being held at International Crimes Tribunal-2, chaired by Justice Nazrul Islam Chowdhury, with two other members—retired district and sessions judge Md. Manjurul Basid and district and sessions judge Nur Mohammad Shahriar Kabir. The prosecution is set to present all evidence and documents related to the case.

On January 22, Prosecutor Mizanul Islam presented witness testimonies, seized evidence, and investigation documents before the tribunal, asserting that the evidence clearly established the direct involvement of the accused. The court then set today’s date for the continuation of the arguments.

The current phase of the case began on January 21 with the prosecution’s opening arguments. After the prosecution completes its presentation, defense lawyers will begin their arguments before the tribunal.

The Syrian military and the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) have extended their ceasefire for another 15 days, according to a statement issued late Saturday by Syria’s Ministry of Defense. The new period began at 11 p.m. local time, with the stated goal of assisting the United States in transferring ISIL detainees from SDF-controlled detention centers to Iraq.

The SDF confirmed the extension, saying the agreement would help reduce tensions, protect civilians, and create conditions for stability. Reporting from Damascus, Al Jazeera’s Ayman Ogana noted that the announcement brought relief among the public. The ceasefire follows a broader effort by the Syrian government to integrate the SDF into state institutions.

After the fall of former President Bashar al-Assad, current President Ahmed al-Shara signed an agreement with the SDF in March of the previous year to formalize that integration process.

A U.S. citizen was shot dead by an immigration officer in Minneapolis, sparking renewed protests across the city. Police Chief Brian O’Hara said the 37-year-old victim, identified as Alex Pretty, died in hospital after being shot on Saturday. Pretty, a Minneapolis resident, worked as a nurse in an intensive care unit. Demonstrators have called for the withdrawal of heavily armed federal forces from the city.

Federal agents and immigration officers have been deployed in Minneapolis for several weeks as part of an anti-illegal immigration campaign. The latest killing follows the January 7 death of 37-year-old Renee Good, who was shot by an Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officer inside a vehicle, triggering daily protests. Last week, a Venezuelan national was also injured in a separate shooting incident.

The repeated shootings have intensified public anger and sustained demonstrations, with protesters demanding accountability and the removal of federal agents from Minneapolis streets.

Following the December killing of Sharif Osman Hadi, millions attended his funeral in central Dhaka, reflecting a wave of national grief that has yet to subside. Hadi, a former university student from a modest background, had become a prominent voice after the 2024 uprising that ended Sheikh Hasina’s long rule. His death, unlike earlier political martyrs, remains unresolved and continues to stir public emotion, now described as the ‘Hadi Effect’.

Hadi’s rise came through social media and televised debates where he challenged remnants of the Awami League’s cultural dominance. He criticized what he saw as elitist secular nationalism and promoted a faith-based cultural identity resonating with Bangladesh’s Muslim majority. Through his ‘Inqilab Cultural Center,’ he sought to build an alternative cultural framework grounded in Islamic values and local expression.

His decision to contest a Dhaka parliamentary seat without party backing turned him into a symbol of grassroots defiance. His assassination has left many feeling deprived of a rare, honest voice, and the emotional momentum surrounding his legacy continues to influence the national political atmosphere.

Arsenal, currently leading the English Premier League table, will face Manchester United tonight in a high-voltage encounter. After drawing their last two matches, Mikel Arteta’s side aim to return to winning ways. The match, scheduled for 10:30 p.m. Bangladesh time, also marks a major test for United’s interim coach Michael Carrick, whose team sits fifth in the standings.

Arsenal’s inconsistency has often hindered their title ambitions, and this season has shown similar patterns. Following a series of victories, they were held to goalless draws by Liverpool at home and Nottingham Forest away. For Carrick, the challenge is steep—United have lost five of their last six meetings with Arsenal and all four of their most recent league games at the Emirates. However, United fans recall last season’s FA Cup third-round win on penalties at Arsenal despite being reduced to ten men.

The match will determine whether Arsenal can consolidate their top position or if Manchester United can signal a resurgence under new leadership.

A column by M. M. Kaiser, published on January 25, 2026, strongly criticizes former cricket organizer Syed Ashraful Haque for remarks he made in an interview with an India-based cricket website regarding Bangladesh’s stance on the T20 World Cup venue. Haque suggested that players, not the government or cricket board, should decide whether to participate based on ICC’s security plan, and alleged that a questionable agenda was depriving players of their World Cup dreams. Kaiser described these comments as offensive and disconnected from current realities.

The article defends Bangladesh’s call to shift the World Cup venue from India to Sri Lanka, citing safety concerns following incidents of violence against people suspected of being Bangladeshi in India. It argues that the ICC and BCCI have failed to guarantee player safety, referencing Mustafizur Rahman’s removal from an IPL squad over security fears. The writer contends that Bangladesh’s position is morally justified and criticizes the ICC’s neutrality and India’s influence.

Kaiser concludes that Bangladesh’s demand is about dignity and safety, not politics, asserting that the nation seeks to live and compete with self-respect rather than submission.

U.S. President Donald Trump has warned that all goods entering the United States from Canada will face a 100% tariff if Canada completes a trade agreement with China. In a post on his social media platform Truth Social on Saturday, Trump said Canada must not act as a “drop-off port” for Chinese products entering the U.S., warning of severe consequences if it does.

Relations between Washington and Ottawa have become increasingly strained since Trump’s return to the White House in 2024, with disputes emerging over trade and other issues. Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney recently described a “fracture” in the U.S.-led global system. During a visit to Beijing last week, Carney announced a “new strategic partnership” with China and an initial trade understanding aimed at reducing tariffs. Trump responded by calling the move dangerous and labeling Carney “governor,” echoing earlier remarks about Canada as a potential U.S. state.

Canadian Trade Minister Dominic LeBlanc countered that the China deal only addresses tariff issues and is not a free trade pact. Analysts cited in the report warned that continued tensions could create major uncertainty for both economies.

Yusuf Pezeshkian, son of Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian and a government adviser, has urged an end to the nationwide internet shutdown that has lasted for weeks. In a Telegram post published by the state news agency IRNA on Saturday, he warned that keeping the internet blocked for more than two weeks would increase public dissatisfaction with the government. He argued that the harm caused by the shutdown outweighs the risk of renewed protests once access is restored.

Iran has been facing widespread protests since early January, leading authorities to cut off internet access for nearly 90 million people since January 8. Human rights groups report that many have been killed in security crackdowns, with the Norway-based Iran Human Rights organization claiming the death toll may exceed 25,000. The Iranian government, however, reports 3,117 deaths, including 2,427 identified as “martyrs,” and labels others as rioters influenced by the United States and Israel.

Yusuf Pezeshkian criticized the justification for the shutdown, saying that fear of protest videos being shared is not a valid reason. He acknowledged possible mistakes by security forces and called for accountability.

Since the start of the national election campaign three days ago, at least 52 clashes have been reported across Bangladesh, leaving over 300 political activists injured. Mobile courts have fined at least 45 candidates and supporters for violating the electoral code of conduct. Reports indicate frequent use of banned colored posters, loudspeakers beyond permitted hours, and motorcades displaying muscle power. Despite these incidents, the Election Commission (EC) has so far limited its actions to issuing show-cause notices and fines.

Observers note that similar violations occurred before the campaign officially began, with the EC’s leniency allowing candidates to act with impunity. Election Commissioner Md. Anwarul Islam Sarkar stated that executive magistrates are active in the field and that tougher measures will be taken if necessary. Election expert Munira Khan criticized the EC’s limited enforcement, urging stronger legal action.

Separate incidents include a supporter’s killing in Mymensingh, clashes in Kishoreganj and Brahmanbaria, and vandalism in Sylhet. The EC reports that 1,981 candidates are contesting across 300 constituencies and claims to have intensified field monitoring to ensure compliance.