The Election Commission (EC) of Bangladesh has decided to suspend voting activities in Pabna-1 and Pabna-2 constituencies due to boundary complications. The decision was confirmed on Friday morning by EC Senior Secretary Akhtar Ahmed, who stated that the court instructed the commission not to proceed with any voting activities in these two constituencies. As a result, all electoral processes there have been temporarily halted.

According to the announced schedule, Bangladesh’s 13th National Parliamentary Election is set for February 12, 2026. On the same day, a referendum on the implementation of the July Charter will also take place. This marks the first time in the country’s history that a national election and a referendum will be held simultaneously. The national election ballots will be white, while the referendum ballots will be pink.

The nomination appeal process is ongoing until January 11, with appeal resolutions scheduled between January 12 and 18. Candidates may withdraw by January 20, and the final candidate list and symbol allocation will be published on January 21. Campaigning will run from January 22 until the morning of February 10.

US President Donald Trump has proposed a $1.5 trillion military budget for the 2027 fiscal year, marking a 66 percent increase from the $901 billion approved for 2026, according to Sama TV. In a post on his social media platform Truth Social on January 7, Trump said the decision followed extensive discussions with top officials. He described the plan as part of his vision to build a “dream military” capable of ensuring US security during crises.

The proposed budget requires congressional approval. Although Republicans hold a narrow majority in both the Senate and House of Representatives, budget analysts believe securing approval for such a large expenditure will be difficult. Trump stated that revenue from tariffs imposed on other countries would cover the additional spending, but neutral think tanks estimate that current tariff income could fund only half, potentially increasing national debt by several trillion dollars.

In the same announcement, Trump criticized major defense companies for slow weapons production and said they would be barred from paying dividends or conducting share buybacks until output improves. Following the news, shares of Lockheed Martin and General Dynamics rose significantly after market close.

A report submitted on 4 January 2026 by the Commission on Enforced Disappearances to the Chief Adviser revealed that an internal Bangladesh Army board investigating the alleged disappearance of BNP leader Ilias Ali was mysteriously dissolved without reaching any conclusion. The board, led by Lieutenant General S M Kamrul Hasan and formed in early September 2024, had interviewed around 60 officers and soldiers and recorded testimonies through audio, video, and written statements. However, the commission found no trace of the board’s final report or collected evidence.

According to the commission, the board ceased operations under “superior orders,” and all related materials later became unavailable. The commission noted that only the Army Chief could have issued such an order. Witnesses told investigators they had described incidents of enforced disappearance and torture, including one soldier who claimed direct involvement in the operation during which Ilias Ali was abducted.

The commission concluded that the unexplained termination of the inquiry and disappearance of evidence demonstrated institutional resistance to accountability and undermined confidence in internal military investigations.

U.S. President Donald Trump stated that he does not need to follow international law, emphasizing that his foreign policy decisions are guided solely by his own moral judgment. He made the remarks in an interview with The New York Times following a U.S. military operation in Venezuela that resulted in the abduction of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro. Trump said his actions would be controlled only by his personal ethics and that adherence to international law depends on his own definition.

According to the report, the United States launched a military attack on Venezuela early Saturday, with explosions reported in Caracas and several military bases. During the operation, U.S. forces captured and removed President Maduro from the country. Critics described the move as a clear violation of the United Nations Charter, which prohibits the use of force against the territorial integrity and political independence of any state.

After the assault, Trump announced that the United States would manage Venezuela and exploit its vast oil resources. The White House, however, stated it would cooperate with interim President Delcy Rodríguez while maintaining influence over the country’s policymaking. Trump warned that a second round of military strikes could occur if U.S. directives were not followed.

U.S. President Donald Trump has announced that he will meet Venezuelan opposition leader Maria Corina Machado next week. He made the statement during an interview with Sean Hannity broadcast on Fox News on Thursday night. Trump said he expects Machado to arrive sometime next week and expressed his anticipation to meet and greet her.

Maria Corina Machado is described as one of the leading figures in Venezuela’s opposition movement. According to the report, she had gone into hiding during the period when Nicolás Maduro’s government was ousted from power. The interview marks a public confirmation of the planned meeting between the U.S. president and the Venezuelan opposition leader.

The upcoming meeting could signal renewed engagement between the United States and Venezuela’s opposition leadership, though no further details about the agenda or location were disclosed in the report.

Bangladesh’s interim government has expressed concern over the lack of political engagement surrounding the upcoming referendum on state reforms, scheduled for February 12 alongside the 13th parliamentary election. While parties have begun election campaigns, officials note that most remain inactive or unclear about their stance on the referendum, which seeks public approval for constitutional changes under the July National Charter. The government views this silence as a worrying sign for the country’s democratic direction.

The referendum will ask voters to approve or reject four key reform areas, including a new caretaker government system, a bicameral parliament, term limits for the prime minister, and expanded judicial independence. Senior advisers and analysts have urged political parties to unite and campaign for a “yes” vote, warning that failure could undermine the goals of the July uprising that ended authoritarian rule. Some parties, including the BNP and Jamaat-e-Islami, have pledged eventual support for the “yes” campaign, though most remain focused on election preparations.

Government officials have called on the Election Commission and religious institutions to intensify public awareness efforts, aiming for high voter turnout and broad endorsement of the reform agenda.

Returning officers have canceled the nomination papers of several candidates from the BNP, Jamaat-e-Islami, and other political parties due to various irregularities and legal complications. The decisions came after a four-day verification process of the 469 nomination applications submitted to the Election Commission as of Thursday.

Among the BNP candidates, S. Ayub from Jessore was disqualified for loan default, Mohammad Fahim from Sherpur-2 for dual Australian citizenship, and Dr. Mahbubur Rahman Liton from Mymensingh-7 for concealing case information in his affidavit. Independent candidate Syed A.K. Ekramuzzaman appealed against BNP’s M.A. Hannan in Brahmanbaria-1. Jamaat’s Abdul Haque from Dhaka-2 was disqualified for loan default, while Yusuf Sohel from Comilla-3 and A.K.M. Fazlul Haque from Chittagong-9 lost eligibility over incomplete affidavits and dual citizenship issues.

Officials stated that all decisions were made in accordance with election laws and regulations. The final list of valid candidates will be published after the disposal of appeals.

The Gonodhikar Parishad (GOP) has temporarily relieved its office secretary, Shakil Uzzaman, of his duties following allegations that he released a press statement in the party’s name without approval from the party president and general secretary. The announcement was made on Thursday through a press release signed by the party’s acting general secretary, Hasan Al Mamun.

According to the statement, Uzzaman’s unauthorized press release allegedly caused public confusion and violated organizational discipline. The party leadership cited these actions as grounds for his temporary suspension. The notice also directed Uzzaman to submit a written explanation within five days explaining why he should not be permanently expelled from the party.

The decision highlights the party’s emphasis on maintaining internal discipline and centralized communication, as unauthorized statements have been deemed disruptive to organizational order.

Authorities in Delhi recently demolished several structures adjacent to the century-old Faiz-e-Ilahi Mosque near Turkman Gate, including a pilgrims’ lodging room, a house, a private diagnostic center, part of a road, a sidewalk, and a parking area. The operation, carried out early Wednesday, led to clashes between police and locals from Tuesday night until dawn, resulting in baton charges, tear gas use, and at least five arrests. The Delhi High Court had earlier issued notices to the municipal corporation and related agencies following a petition by the mosque’s management committee.

The committee stated that the land had long been under its use and that rent was regularly paid to the Delhi Waqf Board. The demolition is viewed as part of a continuing pattern of evictions targeting Muslim communities across India. Similar operations in 2025 destroyed long-standing Muslim settlements in South Delhi’s Jungpura and Govindpuri, displacing hundreds without proper notice or rehabilitation.

Reports note that such demolitions have frequently affected Muslim-majority areas, Dalit neighborhoods, and protest-linked communities, reflecting a broader trend of state-backed displacement in recent years.

Mujibur Rahman Manju, chairman of the Amar Bangladesh (AB) Party and candidate for the Feni-2 parliamentary seat, expressed doubts about whether the upcoming national election will be fair. Speaking as the chief guest at an event at the Feni Press Club on Thursday afternoon, he said there remains public skepticism about the election’s integrity because the administration is not functioning properly and lacks discipline. He urged the government to ensure that the local administration remains neutral and that the election in Feni is conducted fairly.

Manju stated that the struggle for power is a normal part of democracy but called for an end to divisive and defamatory politics. He emphasized the need for intellectual and policy-based debate, urging political actors to abandon old political practices. He also commented that both the BNP and Jamaat have long suffered under oppressive conditions and are now engaged in mutual blame, which he described as unfortunate.

The event was presided over by senior journalist Mir Hossain Miru and attended by local BNP and Jamaat leaders as special guests.

Bangladesh’s Rastrer Sangskar Andolon has sent a legal notice to the Election Commission (EC), accusing it of contempt of court. The notice, issued Thursday and signed by party president Hasnat Kaiyum and general secretary Syed Hasibuddin Hossain, alleges that the EC ignored a High Court order issued about four months ago directing the commission to grant registration to the party.

According to the statement, the EC’s delay and misinterpretation of the court’s ruling are preventing the party from participating in upcoming elections. The party said it had proposed seeking an opinion from the Attorney General’s Office to resolve disputes over the ruling’s interpretation, but that proposal was not accepted. The statement also criticized the EC for failing to implement reform proposals and for allegedly acting against electoral reform efforts.

The party said it will consider filing a case if the EC does not comply and is preparing to file a writ to expedite electoral reforms. It also indicated readiness to join with pro-reform citizens in a broader movement if necessary.

The Dhaka University Syndicate, the institution’s highest policy-making body, has recommended the permanent expulsion of four teachers accused of taking a stance against students during the July uprising. The decision was confirmed on Thursday, January 8, 2026, by the university’s proctor, Professor Saifuddin Ahmed. The accused teachers have been asked to respond to show-cause notices within one week, and final action will depend on the adequacy of their explanations.

The four accused are Sociology Department professors Dr. Sadeka Halim, Dr. Jinnat Huda, Dr. A.K.M. Jamal Uddin, and Dr. Md. Moshior Rahman. According to university sources, charges were framed against them for allegedly opposing the student movement, assisting the administration in suppressing protests, and making controversial statements and actions during the July uprising.

If the teachers fail to provide satisfactory explanations within the stipulated time, the recommendation for their permanent expulsion may be implemented, university sources indicated.

The Election Commission (EC) has established a coordination cell at its headquarters in Agargaon, Dhaka, to handle complaints related to the national parliamentary election and referendum. According to an EC notice issued on Thursday and signed by Director (Public Relations) Md Ruhul Amin Mallik, the cell will remain operational until February 13, the day after voting concludes.

The notice states that any citizen may report violations of the electoral code of conduct, irregularities, or misinformation to the law and order coordination cell through five designated phone numbers. The initiative aims to ensure proper monitoring and coordination of law and order during the election and referendum period.

The EC’s move reflects an effort to maintain transparency and responsiveness in addressing public concerns during the electoral process, as outlined in the official announcement.

Professor Ali Riaz, special assistant to the Chief Adviser, stated that the upcoming referendum is intended to ensure that future leaders of Bangladesh cannot become fascist. He made the remarks on Thursday in Dhaka at a workshop titled 'Upcoming Referendum and the Role of NGOs,' held at the NGO Affairs Bureau conference room. Riaz explained that flaws in the country’s constitutional and state structures have allowed authoritarian tendencies to emerge, and urged voters to support the 'Yes' option to block such paths.

He emphasized that the referendum will function like a general election, with voters receiving two ballots—one white for electing representatives and one colored for the referendum. Riaz said the people will decide through this process how Bangladesh will be governed in the future. He called on NGOs to raise awareness among grassroots communities, noting their trusted role in society.

Riaz added that the referendum’s approval could help implement the July National Charter, paving the way for greater transparency and accountability across state institutions.

Bangladesh will pursue diplomatic efforts to secure an exemption from the United States’ newly imposed visa bond requirement, Foreign Affairs Adviser Md. Touhid Hossain said on Thursday. Speaking to reporters at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, he explained that the US decision was not directed solely at Bangladesh but applied to several countries. The US State Department’s travel website states that citizens of 38 countries must now deposit up to 15,000 US dollars as a visa bond when applying for entry.

Hossain noted that Washington’s concerns stem from perceived misuse of immigration and social security systems. He described the inclusion of Bangladesh in the list as unfortunate but not surprising, given the broader policy context. He emphasized that irregular migration is a long-standing policy issue and reiterated the interim government’s opposition to such migration, calling for sustainable solutions.

According to the US announcement, the new bond requirement will take effect on January 21, with some exceptions. Bangladesh’s diplomatic initiative aims to ease the burden on its citizens affected by the new rule.