Myanmar held the final phase of its month-long general election on Sunday, organized under the military junta’s authority. The army-backed Union Solidarity and Development Party (USDP) is widely expected to secure a decisive victory. Critics argue that the election aims to extend military rule under the guise of civilian legitimacy. Voting began at 6 a.m. in several constituencies, though large areas under rebel control could not participate.

The country, long under military dominance, had moved toward limited civilian reforms in the 2010s before the 2021 coup halted that process and led to civil conflict and humanitarian crisis. The junta has promised to return power to the people, but the exclusion of detained leader Aung San Suu Kyi and the dissolution of her National League for Democracy (NLD) have fueled claims that the polls are rigged in favor of the military’s allies.

Analysts note that the USDP, dominated by former military officers, already won most seats in earlier rounds. The new parliament will elect the next president, with junta chief Min Aung Hlaing seen as a possible contender. Official results are expected later this week.

The High Court has issued a contempt of court rule against Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) A M M Nasir Uddin for allegedly failing to comply with a previous court order. The rule asks why punitive action should not be taken against him. The order was issued on Sunday by a High Court bench comprising Justice Fahmida Kader and Justice Md Asif Hasan.

According to the case details, Advocate Yunus Ali Akand had applied to the CEC for registration of a political party named Krishak Sramik Janata Party. When the application was not resolved, he sought the court’s intervention. The court subsequently issued an order regarding the matter, which was reportedly not implemented, leading to the contempt proceedings.

The High Court’s rule marks a formal step in determining whether the CEC’s inaction constitutes contempt, and the court will later decide on possible punitive measures based on responses to the rule.

BNP Chairperson Tarique Rahman declared that no party member involved in terrorism would be spared and that corruption would be eradicated at any cost. He made the remarks on Sunday afternoon during a large election rally at the Polo Ground in Chattogram, where he emphasized that the party would firmly act against wrongdoing within its own ranks.

Highlighting the BNP’s election slogan, “Korbo Kaj, Gorbo Desh, Sobar Age Bangladesh,” Rahman urged all pro-democracy forces to unite. He said that honoring the sacrifices of July martyrs like Wasim required ensuring victory for BNP’s ‘sheaf of paddy’ candidates. During the event, he introduced candidates from Chattogram, Cox’s Bazar, Khagrachhari, Rangamati, and Bandarban.

Rahman announced that if BNP came to power, it would establish 100,000 healthcare centers and launch canal excavation programs. He pledged to make healthcare accessible at the grassroots and to develop Chattogram as the country’s commercial capital, stressing that the people of Bangladesh seek political rights and change.

A commentary published on January 25, 2026, in Amader Desh Online criticizes U.S. President Donald Trump’s proposed “Gaza Peace Board,” describing it as an empty and unethical initiative that turns peace into a financial transaction. The article states that draft charters were quietly distributed to about 60 countries, seeking up to one billion dollars in membership fees. It argues that the proposal shifts from moral peacebuilding to a long-term management project over a devastated Gaza, without addressing justice or Palestinian self-determination.

According to the analysis, the board’s structure is financially driven, with membership determined by payment and authority concentrated in the chairman’s hands. Palestinians are excluded from decision-making, and the plan omits references to international law, the Geneva Conventions, or UN resolutions. The piece warns that the initiative bypasses the UN system to avoid accountability, creating a parallel governance model that privileges control and profit over transparency.

The article concludes that true peace in Gaza requires an immediate ceasefire, humanitarian access, accountability for crimes, and Palestinian-led reconstruction under international law, not externally imposed financial schemes.

BNP Chairperson Tarique Rahman stated that the people of Bangladesh want political rights and change. He made the remarks on Sunday afternoon at a large public rally held at the Polo Ground in Chattogram, organized ahead of the 13th National Parliamentary Election. Rahman emphasized that criticism alone would not benefit the people and outlined several development commitments if his party came to power.

He said the BNP aims to bring healthcare services to people’s doorsteps and to develop Chattogram as the country’s commercial capital. Rahman also pledged that a BNP government would establish 100,000 healthcare centers and resume canal excavation projects. He further vowed to take strict action against corruption under any circumstances.

The rally formed part of the BNP’s broader campaign activities for the upcoming national election, highlighting the party’s focus on governance reform, infrastructure development, and anti-corruption measures.

A massive crowd gathered at the Kajla Bridge area in Jatrabari on Sunday for an election rally organized by the 10-party alliance in support of its parliamentary candidates for Dhaka-4 and Dhaka-5 constituencies. The rally venue was filled to capacity even before the event began at 11 a.m. The event was chaired by Abdus Sabur Fakir, with speeches delivered by alliance-nominated candidates Mohammad Kamal Hossain for Dhaka-5 and Syed Zainul Abedin for Dhaka-4, along with several central and local leaders.

Speakers at the rally declared their opposition to foreign dominance in Bangladesh and called for boycotting what they described as agents of India and extortionists. They also urged the public to vote “yes” in the upcoming referendum. Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer Dr. Shafiqur Rahman was present on stage and was scheduled to address the gathering shortly.

The rally reflected the 10-party alliance’s efforts to mobilize public support ahead of the election, with participation from both central and grassroots leaders.

BNP Chairperson Tarique Rahman called on young people to move beyond blame-based politics and contribute ideas for national development. He made the remarks on Sunday morning at the 'Youth Policy Talk with Tarique Rahman' held at the Radisson Blu Bay View Hotel in Chattogram. Rahman emphasized that Bangladesh currently has a strong youth workforce that will remain an advantage for the next 15 to 20 years, and he sought input from the next generation on how they envision leading the country.

During his address, Rahman outlined several policy ideas, including a student loan program to assist Bangladeshi students studying abroad who face financial difficulties. He also announced a plan to excavate 20,000 kilometers of canals nationwide to reduce waterlogging and increase groundwater reserves if his party comes to power. He stressed that political promises must be backed by implementation to earn public trust.

Rahman further stated that strengthening law enforcement and curbing corruption are essential for any development plan to succeed, adding that a government’s zero-tolerance stance against corruption could significantly reduce related crimes.

A decorated freedom fighter, Harunur Rashid of Dakchai village in Ishania Union under Bochaganj upazila of Dinajpur, formally joined Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami on Saturday, January 24, 2026. The joining took place during a courtyard meeting in his village, attended by AKM Afzalul Anam, Jamaat’s nominated candidate for Dinajpur-2 constituency and a district working committee member.

During the event, Harunur Rashid stated that he had not been affiliated with any political party before and decided to join Jamaat-e-Islami in the later stage of his life, expressing his belief that the party respects freedom fighters. He pledged to follow the party’s rules and principles.

Bochaganj upazila Jamaat secretary Mahbub Alam welcomed Rashid’s decision, noting that several other freedom fighters had previously joined the party out of respect. Local leaders including Aminul Haque and Abdul Baten were also present at the event.

Iraq’s dominant Shia coalition, known as the Coordination Framework, has endorsed former prime minister Nouri al-Maliki as its candidate for the country’s next prime minister. The announcement was made in a statement on Saturday, according to AFP reports from Baghdad. The coalition, which maintains close ties with Iran, said the decision was unanimous and that al-Maliki was chosen as the nominee of the largest parliamentary bloc due to its majority position.

The statement highlighted al-Maliki’s extensive political experience, administrative skills, and leadership capacity. Aged 75, al-Maliki previously served two consecutive terms as Iraq’s prime minister from 2006 to 2014, following the 2003 U.S.-led invasion that ended Saddam Hussein’s rule. Under Iraq’s political convention, the prime minister is typically selected from the Shia community, while the parliamentary speaker and president come from the Sunni and Kurdish communities respectively.

Following last November’s general election, the Coordination Framework was formed by al-Maliki’s party and other Shia groups. With a new parliamentary speaker already chosen, the next session will elect a president, who is expected to appoint al-Maliki to replace current prime minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani.

The United States Department of Defense has announced a major shift in its strategic priorities under the 2026 National Defense Strategy (NDS), released on Friday. According to the document, China will no longer be considered the top defense priority for the U.S. military. The Pentagon plans to focus more on defending U.S. territory and the Indo-Pacific region while reducing the scope of military cooperation with allies in Europe and other regions. Partner nations are expected to take primary responsibility for their own defense, with the U.S. providing limited but strategically important support.

The 34-page report marks a significant departure from the 2018 NDS, which identified China as the primary long-term challenge and Russia as a severe threat. The new strategy describes Russia’s security risk as “steady but manageable” and emphasizes building a “respectful relationship” with Beijing based on strength rather than confrontation. Notably, the report omits any mention of Taiwan. It also highlights border security as a national priority, citing concerns over illegal immigration and drug trafficking.

The revised strategy signals a more inward-looking U.S. defense posture, emphasizing domestic security and selective global engagement.

BNP Chairperson Tarique Rahman announced plans to introduce student loans and simplify Bangladesh’s complex bank lending process during a youth policy event in Chattogram. Speaking on Sunday at the 'Youth Policy Talk with Tarique Rahman' held at Hotel Radisson, he outlined the initiative before 340 students from 50 universities. Rahman said many young Bangladeshis wish to study abroad but cannot afford visa and related expenses, and the proposed student loan program aims to address that challenge.

He also criticized previous governments for prioritizing so-called development at the cost of environmental damage. The BNP’s future plans include nationwide canal excavation to reduce waterlogging and planting 500 million trees within five years. Responding to a student’s question on extortion, Rahman said the BNP distinguishes between professional and seasonal criminals, adding that firm government messaging against crime and corruption could reduce such incidents by 30 percent. He pledged that a BNP government would ensure safety for both men and women.

Senior BNP leaders, young students, and entrepreneurs attended the event, which focused on youth engagement and policy priorities.

The Maharashtra state government in India, led by the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), has appointed Manoj Yadav, a non-Muslim government official, as the head of the state’s Hajj Committee on January 14. The decision has drawn strong criticism from Indian Muslims, who argue that a religious body overseeing Hajj affairs should be led by a Muslim.

The All India Muslim Personal Law Board, which oversees Muslim family law matters, announced plans to challenge the appointment in the Bombay High Court. Muslim leaders in Maharashtra stated that the Hajj Committee manages all aspects of the pilgrimage for the state’s Muslims, and therefore its leadership should remain within the community. They expressed concern that the appointment signals government interference in religious matters.

Maharashtra’s Muslim leaders have also written to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and central government officials, warning that appointing a non-Muslim to such a religiously sensitive position could deepen mistrust between the government and the Muslim community.

On January 25, 1975, Sheikh Mujibur Rahman established a one-party system in Bangladesh known as BAKSAL, according to the article by Dr. Tuhin Malik. The report states that within eleven minutes, the Fourth Amendment to the Constitution was enacted, abolishing the parliamentary system and declaring Sheikh Mujibur Rahman as president for life. The change centralized executive, legislative, and judicial powers under his control.

The article describes that the move dissolved all existing political parties, including the Awami League, and replaced them with a single entity called the Bangladesh Krishak Sramik Awami League (BAKSAL), with Sheikh Mujibur Rahman as its chairman. It further claims that freedom of speech, press, and the judiciary were curtailed, and only four state-managed newspapers were allowed to operate temporarily.

The piece marks January 25 as both the day the Awami League was banned and the day BAKSAL was formed, portraying it as a turning point that concentrated total authority in the hands of Sheikh Mujibur Rahman.

The Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) began its election rally at the Chattogram Polo Ground on Sunday morning ahead of the 13th national parliamentary election. The rally started at 10 a.m., with BNP Chairperson Tarique Rahman scheduled to arrive at 11:30 a.m. Thousands of party leaders, activists, and supporters from different city wards and nearby districts gathered at the venue, filling the field completely.

Participants from BNP’s affiliated organizations, including Jubo Dal, Chhatra Dal, Swechchhasebak Dal, Mohila Dal, and Krishak Dal, arrived on foot from various parts of the city, chanting slogans in support of the party’s election symbol. Chattogram City Corporation Mayor Dr. Shahadat Hossain and BNP candidates from 16 constituencies were present. A large number of volunteers managed discipline under the guidance of city BNP leaders.

Law enforcement agencies, including the army, police, and Rapid Action Battalion, maintained strict security around the venue. Vehicle movement was restricted in several areas, with complete closure in CRB. Security checks were enforced at two entry gates, and red and yellow zones were established for crowd control.

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.