BNP Joint Secretary General Habib-un-Nabi Khan Sohel has alleged that a certain group, disguised as an alliance, is attempting to destabilize the country. He made the remarks on Friday after paying tribute at the graves of BNP founder and former president Ziaur Rahman and late chairperson Begum Khaleda Zia in Sher-e-Bangla Nagar. Sohel said that while people are preparing for participatory elections, various conspiracies are being heard, and BNP Chairperson Tarique Rahman is preparing to establish a people's government.

He emphasized that the party’s movement for a non-partisan, neutral election remains active. Sohel accused the unnamed group of hiding its true intentions and trying to seize power to reveal its “real face,” which he said the nation no longer wants to see. He also claimed that these “religious traders” would be resisted through ballots.

Sohel further stated that BNP is introducing a family card to empower women and reduce their dependence on men, accusing opponents of spreading confusion about the initiative.

Chief Adviser Dr. Muhammad Yunus’s Press Secretary Md. Shafiqul Alam stated that there is no concern regarding the upcoming national election, as all necessary preparations have been completed. He made the remarks on Friday morning after visiting the shrine of Hazrat Shah Syed Ahmad Gessu Daraz Shah Pir Kalla (R.) in Akhaura upazila of Brahmanbaria. According to him, returning officers and polling officials are fully prepared, security arrangements are in place, and postal ballot procedures have been finalized. The election is scheduled for February 12.

Shafiqul Alam also addressed criticism surrounding the referendum, saying that those opposing it have limited understanding. He explained that in countries where referendums are held, governments typically take a stance for or against. Since the current government supports reforms, it is advocating for a “yes” vote. He described the referendum as a collective reform package aimed at preventing misrule or autocracy from returning to the country.

He further noted that unlike in the past, when voting occurred at night, this time citizens will be able to vote freely, and the government will demonstrate impartiality through its actions.

The government has appointed Omar Bin Hadi, elder brother of Inquilab Moncho convener Shaheed Sharif Osman Bin Hadi, as Second Secretary at the Bangladesh Assistant High Commission in Birmingham, United Kingdom. The appointment was made on a contractual basis for three years, effective from the date of joining. The Ministry of Public Administration’s Contract and Foreign Appointment Branch issued the official notification on Thursday, signed by Joint Secretary Abul Hayat Md. Rafiq on January 15 under the President’s order.

According to the notification, the appointment was made in the public interest, and all other terms will be determined through the relevant contract. It also specifies that during his tenure, Omar Bin Hadi cannot engage in any other profession, business, or employment with government, semi-government, or private organizations, ensuring full professional detachment.

Omar Bin Hadi is the elder brother of Osman Bin Hadi, who was shot in Dhaka’s Paltan area on December 12 and later died in Singapore on December 18 while undergoing treatment.

Saudi Arabia has announced a $500 million financial aid package to support Yemen’s development, particularly in the southern regions. The announcement was made by Mohammed Al-Jaber, Saudi ambassador to Yemen and supervisor of the Saudi Development and Reconstruction Program for Yemen. Saudi Defense Minister Khalid bin Salman reaffirmed Riyadh’s support during a meeting with Yemen’s internationally recognized prime minister.

According to a statement on social media platform X, the new projects will include the construction of hospitals, schools, and roads, along with fuel grants to boost electricity generation. The statement described the initiative as a reflection of Saudi Arabia’s goodwill to enhance Yemen’s security, stability, and prospects for a better future.

The announcement follows recent reports that Yemen’s internationally recognized government regained control of key southern and eastern areas previously held by the separatist Southern Transitional Council (STC). The conflict had heightened tensions between Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates, as Yemen’s government accused the UAE of backing the STC.

Online verification and media research platform DismissLab published a fact-check report on January 16, 2026, revealing that two photocards circulating on Facebook under the name of Bangladeshi news outlet 'Amar Desh' were fake. One card claimed that villagers handed over female Jamaat activists to police while collecting voter IDs, and another alleged that BNP Chairman Tarique Rahman made an urgent call to Islami Andolan Bangladesh leader Mufti Faizul Karim. DismissLab confirmed that neither card was published by 'Amar Desh'.

The investigation found that the first photocard used an image from a 2022 report about the arrest of eight Jamaat women in Meherpur’s Mujibnagar, while the second card falsely linked political figures. DismissLab verified that the official Facebook, website, and YouTube channels of 'Amar Desh' contained no such content. The outlet’s associate editor, Alfaz Anam, confirmed that the organization did not release any such materials.

According to DismissLab, fake photocards imitating 'Amar Desh' have appeared multiple times before, spreading misinformation through social media platforms.

A South Korean court has sentenced former president Yoon Suk Yeol to five years in prison for declaring martial law in December 2024. The ruling, delivered by the Seoul Central District Court on Friday, was broadcast live. Yoon was found guilty of issuing martial law, obstructing the execution of arrest warrants, falsifying official documents, and failing to follow legal procedures required for declaring martial law. He has seven days to appeal the sentence.

Judge Baek Da-hyun stated that Yoon failed to uphold the constitution and the rule of law, emphasizing that as president, it was his duty to protect both. The judge described Yoon’s actions as a serious offense that disregarded constitutional principles. Following the verdict, Yoon’s lawyer announced that the former president would appeal, claiming the case was politically motivated.

The December 2024 attempt to impose martial law led to several criminal cases against Yoon. This is the first major verdict in those proceedings.

U.S. President Donald Trump on Thursday threatened to invoke the 19th-century Insurrection Act, which would allow the deployment of the military within the country. The warning came as protests spread across Minnesota following the shooting of a man by federal agents on Wednesday and the earlier death of a woman last week. Demonstrators in the Democrat-leaning northern cities have been protesting against violence linked to the Trump administration’s extensive immigration enforcement operations.

Trump reiterated his threat on social media, saying he would use the Insurrection Act if Minnesota’s politicians failed to uphold the law and prevent attacks on Immigration and Customs Enforcement officers. He expressed frustration over court obstacles to deploying the National Guard and over the ongoing protests, signaling a tougher stance in advancing his anti-immigration agenda.

Minnesota’s Democratic Governor Tim Walz sharply criticized the Trump administration, accusing federal agents of conducting a “brutal campaign” against residents. In a video message, he cited incidents of home raids, mistreatment of pregnant women, and the killing of 37-year-old Renny Good. Walz urged peaceful demonstrations and called on Trump and Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem to end what he described as an occupation.

A delegation led by Jamison Greer, the United States Trade Representative under President Donald Trump’s administration, held a virtual meeting with Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) Chairperson Tarique Rahman on Friday at 9 a.m. Bangladesh local time. The meeting was confirmed by Rahman’s press secretary, Saleh Shibli.

According to the report, the discussion focused on bilateral trade between Bangladesh and the United States, mutual tariff rates, and prospects for future economic cooperation. The meeting was also attended by Brendan Lynch, Assistant U.S. Trade Representative for South and Central Asia; Emily Ashby, Director for South and Central Asia; and Humayun Kabir, BNP Chairperson’s foreign affairs adviser and the party’s joint secretary general.

The meeting highlighted ongoing engagement between the BNP leadership and U.S. trade officials regarding economic collaboration and trade policy matters.

Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer Dr. Shafiqur Rahman held a virtual meeting with US Trade Representative Ambassador Jamison Greer to discuss bilateral trade, tariff rates, and future economic cooperation. The meeting was also attended by Assistant US Trade Representative for South and Central Asia Brendan Lynch, Director Emily Ashby, and Jamaat’s US spokesperson Professor Dr. Mohammad Nakibur Rahman.

According to Jamaat’s central publicity department, Dr. Rahman thanked Ambassador Greer for initiating the call and for his support on tariff discussions. Greer reportedly informed him that he had recently met President Donald Trump to discuss reducing mutual tariffs. Dr. Rahman expressed gratitude for the US initiative to grant special tariff benefits for garments made from 100% US cotton or man-made fibers, calling it a “win-win” formula benefiting both nations’ industries.

Dr. Rahman said the mutual tariff agreement has strengthened the foundation of Bangladesh-US economic relations. He added that if Jamaat forms the next government after the February national election, it will continue implementing the agreement and deepen trade and investment ties. He also welcomed US support for Bangladesh’s access to the Development Finance Corporation fund and invited Greer to visit Bangladesh.

Candidates from BNP and Jamaat-e-Islami have entered full campaign mode in Rajshahi’s six parliamentary constituencies ahead of Bangladesh’s 13th national election. Analysis of their affidavits shows a stark financial imbalance, with BNP candidates generally relying more on personal funds while most Jamaat contenders depend heavily on loans and donations to cover campaign expenses. In several constituencies, candidates’ declared expenditures exceed their total assets, highlighting the growing role of financial capacity in electoral competition.

Political analysts cited in the report argue that such dependence on borrowed and donated money raises questions about post-election accountability and independence. A Rajshahi University political science professor noted that this reliance could influence future political behavior. Social analyst Toufiq Ahmed warned that elections are increasingly becoming contests of financial power rather than ideology, risking voter trust. Former election observer Anwar Hossain described the Rajshahi scenario as a reflection of the country’s broader electoral reality, where financial inequality undermines fair competition.

Observers believe that the imbalance between self-funded and donation-dependent candidates may directly affect voter confidence and the eventual election outcome in Rajshahi.

Venezuelan interim president Delcy Rodríguez stated on Thursday that her government is not afraid of a diplomatic conflict with the United States. Her remarks came after a U.S. military strike on January 3 that ousted her predecessor, Nicolás Maduro. Addressing the nation in parliament, Rodríguez said Venezuela recognizes U.S. power but will face it through political dialogue and diplomacy. Lawmakers applauded her speech as she urged Washington to respect Maduro’s dignity amid his drug trafficking trial in the United States.

Rodríguez, formerly Maduro’s vice president and a close ally of his leftist government, spoke shortly after a phone call with U.S. President Donald Trump. Trump described her as an “extraordinary person” and said they discussed oil, minerals, trade, and national security, achieving what he called “remarkable progress.” Meanwhile, Rodríguez is balancing U.S. demands with the need to avoid backlash from pro-Maduro security forces and paramilitary groups.

On the same day, Trump met Venezuelan opposition leader María Corina Machado. The White House called the meeting positive, though Trump continues to largely overlook other opposition figures.

A civic memorial meeting in remembrance of former Prime Minister Begum Khaleda Zia is being held today, Friday, January 16, at 2:30 p.m. at the South Plaza of the National Parliament Building. The event, organized by civil society, will be attended by BNP Chairperson Tarique Rahman. Organizers emphasized that the gathering is not a political program but a national-level humanitarian tribute to Khaleda Zia. All attendees have been asked to bring their invitation cards.

The memorial is being presided over by former Chief Justice Syed J.R. Mudassir Hossain, with noted economist Professor Dr. Mahbub Ullah serving as chief organizer. At a press conference held Thursday at the Krishibid Institute in Dhaka, organizers detailed the arrangements and reiterated that no political speeches will be made. Distinguished citizens from various professions, including teachers, doctors, engineers, journalists, and representatives of ethnic and religious communities, will speak.

Organizers have requested participants to maintain solemnity by avoiding selfies, applause, or standing during the event. Guests are asked to wear black and white attire, and entry will be strictly controlled through invitation cards and designated gates.

Indian Army Chief General Upendra Dwivedi stated that the Indian Army is preparing for future warfare, emphasizing the use of modern technology and indigenous military equipment. Speaking to reporters in Jaipur on Thursday after the Army Day parade, he said self-reliance is no longer just a goal but a strategic necessity.

Dwivedi explained that the army now possesses well-trained soldiers, modern equipment, and diverse operational capabilities, with technology being used to further enhance troop effectiveness. He noted a clear shift in the army’s strategic thinking in recent years. Referring to 'Operation Sindhur,' he said it demonstrated the army’s ability to strike swiftly, in a coordinated and precise manner, reflecting a mature and confident force capable of protecting national interests responsibly.

The army chief added that new structures have been created to meet future needs, including the formation of units such as the Bhairav Battalion and the Shaktiman Regiment. These developments reflect efforts to build a faster, more flexible, and mission-oriented army ready to face emerging challenges.

Local authorities in Madhya Pradesh’s Betul district demolished a school building on Tuesday, accusing its builder of operating an unapproved madrasa. The demolition took place in Dhaba village under Bhainsdehi subdivision. Officials said the structure was built without authorization, while heavy police were deployed during the operation. The incident has sparked tension in the area.

Resident Abdon Naim, who spent 2 million rupees constructing the school, said the building was incomplete and classes had not yet started. He had applied for approval from the state’s School Education Department on December 30 and later received a no-objection certificate from the village panchayat after local protests. Despite this, a team led by Sub-Divisional Magistrate Ajit Maravi proceeded with the demolition.

Reports noted that Madhya Pradesh has 83,000 government schools, many lacking basic facilities, yet they continue to operate. The demolition of a school labeled as a madrasa has been viewed as an example of ongoing Islamophobia in the country.

US President Donald Trump has announced the formation of a 'Gaza Peace Board' through his social media platform Truth Social. The board is described as a key component of the second phase of Trump’s 20-point plan aimed at ending what he called Israel’s genocide in the besieged Palestinian territory. Trump said the board’s members will be announced soon and expressed pride in its creation, calling it the most prestigious board.

The announcement follows the creation of a 15-member technocratic committee to oversee Gaza’s post-conflict governance. This committee will operate under the supervision of the Peace Board, which Trump is expected to chair. The broader plan also includes deploying an international stabilization force to secure Gaza and train vetted Palestinian police units.

According to the report, the first phase of the US-backed Gaza peace plan was implemented on October 10, leading to a prisoner exchange between Israel and Hamas and a temporary halt to mass killings. However, despite the ceasefire, Israel allegedly violated the agreement and killed hundreds of Palestinians. Over two years of war, Israeli forces have reportedly killed more than 71,000 Palestinians, most of them women and children.