The Election Commission (EC) is set to announce its decision today, Sunday, on whether candidates holding dual citizenship will be allowed to contest in the upcoming national elections. The appeal hearings began at 10 a.m., marking the final day for reviewing appeals from candidates whose nominations were previously rejected during the verification process by returning officers.

According to EC sources, most of the pending applications concern dual citizenship issues, and no decision has yet been made on these cases. On Saturday, the eighth day of hearings, the commission resolved 112 appeals, approving 45 and rejecting 37. Among the approved cases, 43 were appeals against nomination cancellations, while two were against accepted nominations. The revised election schedule set the appeal resolution period from January 10 to 18, with January 20 as the final date for candidate withdrawal.

The EC’s decision on dual citizenship candidates is expected to clarify eligibility rules ahead of the national parliamentary election process.

Ahead of Bangladesh’s 13th parliamentary election, a total of 107 candidates submitted nomination papers for 11 constituencies in Comilla. After scrutiny, the district returning officer canceled 31 nominations, and three were later reinstated on appeal, leaving 79 candidates in the race as of Saturday. Analysis of their affidavits shows that at least 20 candidates are millionaires, with BNP nominees dominating the list.

All 11 BNP candidates in Comilla are millionaires, collectively declaring assets worth about Tk 432 crore. The wealthiest among them is Zakaria Taher Suman, BNP’s candidate for Comilla-8 and president of the party’s southern district unit, with assets totaling Tk 231 crore. Jamaat-e-Islami has six millionaire candidates whose combined assets amount to Tk 16.86 crore. Several BNP rebel and NCP candidates also appear on the millionaire list.

Affidavits further reveal that many candidates’ spouses hold significant wealth. Zakaria Taher Suman’s wife owns assets worth Tk 128 crore, while spouses of other BNP and Jamaat candidates also report holdings ranging from several lakh to multiple crore taka.

A new study by the Biomedical Research Foundation has revealed that 80 percent of those killed during the May 6, 2013, government crackdown on protesters at Dhaka’s Shapla Square were ordinary citizens, not madrasa students. The report, titled “Shapla Square Massacre (2013): A Case of State-Sponsored Human Rights Violations in Bangladesh,” was published on January 6, 2026. It found that the average age of the victims was 29 and that about 85 percent of deaths were caused by gunfire.

The research, conducted by Mohammad Sarwar Hossain, Munaim Khan, Sadid Hossain, and S.M. Yasir Arafat, documented that around 7,500 security personnel took part in the operation, which dispersed about 50,000 protesters within 20 minutes using live bullets, tear gas, and sound grenades. The estimated death toll ranged from 93 to 327, based on data from multiple sources. The study challenges the prevailing notion that the Shapla movement was madrasa-centric.

Researchers concluded that the incident constituted a crime against humanity under international law and Bangladesh’s International Crimes Tribunal Act. They emphasized the need for a full investigation and forensic documentation to preserve historical evidence and ensure justice.

Following the announcement of the 13th parliamentary election schedule, Thakurgaon has become one of northern Bangladesh’s most discussed constituencies due to the absence of the Awami League. Candidates from the BNP, Jamaat-e-Islami, and several smaller parties are campaigning actively, with particular focus on attracting young and minority voters.

In Thakurgaon-1, BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir is the most prominent candidate, while Jamaat’s Maulana Delwar Hossain is promising a corruption-free society. The seat, once dominated by the Awami League, now features 480,609 voters, including about 119,000 minorities and 192,567 new voters, making youth and Hindu voters decisive. In Thakurgaon-2, BNP’s Dr. Abdus Salam, Jamaat’s Maulana Abdul Hakim, and Ganadhikar Parishad’s Faruk Hasan are leading an intense race. Thakurgaon-3 has turned into a three-way contest among BNP’s Zahidur Rahman, Jamaat’s Mizanur Rahman, and Jatiya Party’s Hafizuddin Ahmed.

Observers note that the absence of the Awami League has reshaped local political dynamics, with youth and minority participation expected to significantly influence the final outcome.

U.S. President Donald Trump has announced a 10 percent tariff on imports from eight European countries, citing their opposition to his position on Greenland. The affected nations are the United Kingdom, Germany, France, Denmark, Norway, Sweden, the Netherlands, and Finland. The tariffs will take effect on February 1, with plans to raise the rate to 25 percent on June 1. Trump made the announcement on his social media platform Truth Social on Saturday.

In his post, Trump claimed that it is time for Denmark to “return” Greenland and argued that the current situation poses a threat to world peace. He alleged that China seeks to take over Greenland and that Denmark is incapable of responding effectively. Trump also accused the European countries of playing a “very dangerous game” in Greenland and said strong measures are needed to end the situation quickly.

During a White House meeting on Friday, Trump reiterated that any country disagreeing with his stance on Greenland could face tariffs, emphasizing the island’s strategic importance to U.S. national security.

Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni has secured a seventh term in office after winning the national election with about 72 percent of the vote, according to the country’s election commission. The 81-year-old leader was officially declared the winner on Saturday in Kampala, defeating his main challenger, pop star-turned-politician Bobi Wine, who received 24 percent. This victory extends Museveni’s rule into its fifth decade.

The election took place amid allegations of violence and vote rigging. Analysts said the result further consolidates Museveni’s political dominance, especially as speculation continues over his eventual successor. Bobi Wine rejected the results, alleging widespread fraud, and called on his supporters to protest. During the vote, the government shut down internet access, citing the need to curb misinformation. Wine later claimed soldiers raided his home and that he fled to avoid arrest, with sources saying he remains in hiding within the country.

Reports of post-election violence emerged across Uganda. Police said they fired in self-defense against opposition “criminals,” killing seven people, though a local lawmaker disputed this, alleging security forces killed at least ten at his residence.

Leaders and activists of Hefazat-e-Islam Bangladesh have become divided into at least four factions over their stance on the upcoming 13th national election. Although the organization identifies itself as non-political, many of its senior figures are contesting the election under different political alliances, while others have taken public positions for or against certain parties. Some leaders, including the Amir and Secretary General, have voiced opposition to Jamaat-e-Islami, sparking controversy within religious circles.

According to the report, Hefazat was founded in 2010 as a non-political platform of Qawmi madrasa teachers to counter anti-Islamic activities. Despite its stated neutrality, its leaders have historically maintained informal ties with various political parties. In the current election, some Hefazat-linked leaders are aligned with the BNP-led alliance, while others support the Jamaat-led bloc. Meanwhile, a large portion of Qawmi scholars remain politically inactive or silent.

The internal division has caused unease among Hefazat’s followers and the broader Qawmi community. Organizational leaders insist that any political involvement is personal, not institutional, though the practical situation appears more complex.

Bangladesh Police have identified 6,748 polling centers across the country as vulnerable ahead of the upcoming national election. The centers were marked due to factors such as the influence of muscle power, long distances from police stations, remote locations, leftist extremist presence, dominance of specific political parties, poor communication systems, and inactive community policing. The list includes districts from Dhaka Division and the southern region. Inspector General of Police Baharul Alam stated that standard security measures will be maintained around these centers.

According to senior police officials, 2,115 centers in 13 districts of Dhaka Division and 813 in 11 districts of Chattogram Division are considered risky. In Dhaka Metropolitan Police areas, 853 of 2,131 centers are vulnerable. Police have begun reconnaissance and listed potential influencers in these areas. Around 150,000 officers are being trained, and body-worn cameras will be used to ensure transparency. Law enforcement agencies, including the army, BGB, RAB, Ansar, and Coast Guard, will assist in maintaining order.

Police have also activated cyber teams to counter election-related rumors on social media and are working to recover 1,340 missing weapons viewed as a threat to fair polling.

A banned organization, Chhatra League, held a flash procession on the busy Dhaka–Mymensingh Highway in Sreepur upazila of Gazipur on Saturday, January 17. The event took place around 3 p.m. in front of Pushpadam Resort under the banner reading “Boycott elections without the boat symbol.” About fifty activists reportedly participated, following instructions from Gazipur district Chhatra League president Sultan Md. Sirajul Islam. Video footage circulating on social media showed Sreepur upazila Chhatra League joint convener Sohel Sarkar leading the procession.

Authorities and observers described the act as a clear violation of the government ban on the organization. According to existing law, any rally or political activity under the name of a banned group is illegal. The incident raised concerns about law enforcement and administrative oversight in the area.

Sreepur police officer-in-charge Mohammad Nasir Ahmed said the location might not fall under his station’s jurisdiction and that conflicting information about time and place was being verified. Observers warned that continued public activities by banned groups could threaten law and order and undermine state authority if not addressed promptly.

Veteran editor and writer Shafik Rehman said journalists are often labeled as agents due to the culture of political allegiance shifts. He made the remarks on January 17 at the Media Conclave 2026 held at the Krishibid Institute in Dhaka, jointly organized by the Newspaper Owners’ Association of Bangladesh (NOAB) and the Editors’ Council. Rehman emphasized that journalists should uphold positive values and proposed forming a Newspaper Standards Committee to ensure news quality. He also noted that journalists with additional professional skills can work more independently.

Media Reform Commission chief Kamal Ahmed criticized the government for failing to enact the promised Journalist Protection Act despite prior commitments by two former information advisers. Editors’ Council president Nurul Kabir stressed the importance of maintaining diversity of opinion and warned against attempts to undermine democratic values. Prothom Alo editor Matiur Rahman called for unity among journalists, while Daily Star editor Mahfuz Anam highlighted journalism’s role in democracy and social service.

Leaders from NOAB, the Editors’ Council, and various journalist associations across Bangladesh attended the event, underscoring a collective call for ethical and independent journalism.

The final day of campaigning for the Shahjalal University of Science and Technology (SUST) Central Student Union (SACSU) and hall union elections took place on January 18, 2026. With the university closed, candidates focused their last efforts on reaching voters in residential halls and messes. According to the election schedule, voting will be held on January 20 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., and all campaigning must end by 10 p.m. on January 18 in line with election conduct rules.

Candidates complained that an Election Commission circular issued on January 12 disrupted their campaigns for three days, particularly affecting independent candidates who lack party support. Some requested an extension of the campaign period, arguing that limited time and campus closure hindered their outreach. Vice President candidate Md Mostakim Billah from the “Combined SUSTian Unity” panel and independent General Secretary candidate Junaid Hasan both urged for more time.

However, SACSU Election Commission spokesperson Professor Dr. Md Nazrul Islam confirmed that no extension would be granted, citing national commission directives to avoid any violation of the election code. The upcoming vote marks the first SACSU election in nearly three decades.

A federal judge in Minnesota has ordered U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents deployed in the state to limit certain tactics used against protesters and observers. The injunction, issued by U.S. District Judge Kate Menendez, prohibits federal agents from arresting or detaining peaceful demonstrators or observers without reasonable suspicion of a crime or interference with law enforcement. It also bans the use of pepper spray, tear gas, or other crowd-control weapons against peaceful participants. The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has been given 72 hours to bring its Minneapolis operations into compliance.

The ruling follows heightened tensions after an ICE agent fatally shot Renee Nicole Good, a 37-year-old mother of three, during a neighborhood patrol organized by activists monitoring ICE activities. The decision marks a legal victory for local activists in Minneapolis, two weeks after the Trump administration deployed 2,000 immigration agents to the area, a number that has since grown to nearly 3,000. DHS has described the operation as the largest of its kind in U.S. history.

As protests continue, President Trump has threatened to invoke the Insurrection Act to deploy the military to manage unrest, though he stated there was no immediate need to do so.

President Donald Trump announced that several European allies will face a series of escalating tariffs for opposing United States control of Greenland, intensifying his campaign to acquire the Danish territory. In a post on Truth Social, Trump said 10 percent tariffs would begin on February 1 for Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Norway, Sweden, the Netherlands, and the United Kingdom, rising to 25 percent on June 1 and remaining until an agreement is reached for the US to buy Greenland. He accused these nations of playing a “very dangerous game” through visits to Greenland and linked the acquisition to the planned US missile defense shield, the Golden Dome.

The announcement came as thousands protested across Denmark and Greenland against Trump’s repeated threats to take control of the Arctic island. Demonstrations in Copenhagen and Nuuk drew large crowds calling for self-governance and rejecting US ownership. Al Jazeera correspondents described the move as unprecedented and a serious escalation against close US allies.

A bipartisan US congressional delegation in Copenhagen sought to reassure Denmark and Greenland of continued American support, but the tariff threat has raised concerns of deepening rifts within NATO and heightened tensions over Arctic security.

BNP-nominated candidate for Dhaka-6, Engineer Ishraq Hossain, stated that his political philosophy centers on ensuring equal rights for all citizens regardless of religion. Speaking at an event in the capital on January 17, he recalled growing up in Gopibagh Second Lane, where people of all faiths lived together harmoniously. He emphasized that he was never taught to view any religion as superior or inferior and that equality among citizens is a core value he upholds.

Hossain clarified that he previously held no government or organizational post, so law enforcement or court order implementation was not his responsibility. However, he vowed that if entrusted with authority, he would act firmly against illegal structures, extortion, and any irregularities. He warned that no individual or group using the name of BNP or any other party for unlawful activities would be tolerated.

Assuring overall safety in his constituency, Hossain pledged that all citizens, including women, children, and the elderly, would be able to move freely and safely at all times. He expressed hope for a fair and transparent election and reaffirmed his lifelong commitment to serving local residents.

Two activists of the July Movement, identified as Hasnat Abdullah and Moin Uddin Mahin, were injured in an attack on Friday night near the Badurpara petrol pump on the Chattogram-Cox’s Bazar highway. The incident occurred after they had filed a complaint at Chandanaish Police Station against BNP candidate Jasim Uddin Ahmed, known locally as the 'cashier of Benazir'. Both victims are currently receiving treatment at Chittagong Medical College Hospital.

According to local organizers, the victims were returning home by CNG taxi when 10–12 assailants intercepted them and attacked with sticks and knives. Earlier that day, the activists had held a press conference demanding the cancellation of Jasim Uddin’s nomination, alleging concealment of information and past involvement in violence. Jasim Uddin denied any involvement in the attack, claiming that a smear campaign was being run against him by the NCP and Jamaat-e-Islami.

Police confirmed that an investigation is underway, though no formal complaint has yet been received. The local election officer also stated that Jasim Uddin faces a separate allegation of violating the electoral code by campaigning in a mosque.