US President Donald Trump plans to charge countries one billion dollars each to become permanent members of his proposed 'Board of Peace', according to a Bloomberg report. The draft charter states that Trump would serve as the board’s first chairman and hold veto power over membership decisions. Countries paying the full amount within the first year would secure permanent membership, while others would have three-year terms.

The draft charter argues that existing international structures have failed to maintain peace and calls for a more flexible and effective global peace organization. The language has raised concern that Trump may be attempting to create an alternative to the United Nations. The board is described as an international body aimed at ensuring stability, lawful governance, and sustainable peace in conflict-prone regions.

Trump has already invited several world leaders to join the board, including those from Egypt, Turkey, Argentina, and Canada. Egypt’s foreign minister said the proposal is under consideration, while a senior aide to Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney expressed interest in accepting the invitation.

Jamaat-e-Islami announced that it will soon finalize candidates for 47 parliamentary seats left vacant after Islami Andolan Bangladesh, led by the Pir of Charmonai, withdrew from the 11-party electoral alliance. The announcement was made by Jamaat’s Assistant Secretary General Ehsanul Mahbub Zubair at a press conference held at the party’s central office in Moghbazar on Sunday.

Ehsanul Mahbub stated that the 10 remaining parties in the alliance will finalize their candidates within a day or two and are also considering a joint election manifesto. Islami Andolan had earlier declared on January 16 that it would contest 268 constituencies independently, prompting the alliance to reorganize its candidate list.

He further said that the 10-party coalition’s election campaign will begin in Dhaka on January 22 and conclude by February 10. Commenting on a student organization’s sit-in near the Election Commission, he expressed hope that such activities would not disrupt the electoral process and that the commission would remain neutral during the national election.

Several candidates in Bangladesh’s 13th National Parliamentary Election have been disqualified for failing to properly renounce their foreign citizenship. The Election Commission received multiple appeals after returning officers issued inconsistent rulings on dual citizenship cases. Some candidates were accused of concealing their dual nationality in affidavits, while others claimed their nominations were unfairly rejected despite submitting required documents.

According to Bangladesh’s Constitution and Representation of the People Order, dual citizens may vote but cannot contest national elections unless they formally renounce foreign citizenship. Legal experts explained that only a final renunciation certificate from the foreign government is acceptable proof. The issue has affected candidates from parties including Jamaat-e-Islami, BNP, and NCP, with several appeals pending before the Election Commission.

Analysts noted that dual citizens remain eligible for local government elections, such as mayoral or council positions, creating debate over differing eligibility standards. The Election Commission is expected to announce its decision on the appeals soon, as the controversy raises broader questions about consistency in electoral law enforcement.

Islami Andolan Bangladesh, led by the Pir of Charmonai, has confirmed that it will not return to the Jamaat-e-Islami-led 11-party electoral alliance. The party had earlier announced on January 16 that it would contest 268 constituencies independently. The clarification came from the party’s organizational secretary, Ifthekhar Mahmud Tarek, who stated that there is no possibility of rejoining the alliance and that the party will proceed with its own electoral symbol.

Following Islami Andolan’s withdrawal, Jamaat’s Secretary General Ahsan Mahbub Zubair said that high-level discussions were ongoing to bring the party back into the alliance. Asif Mahmud, chairman of the election management committee of another alliance member, the NCP, also expressed hope that Islami Andolan would rejoin. However, Tarek made it clear that the decision to contest alone was final and based on internal review and consensus.

The announcement ends speculation about Islami Andolan’s possible return to the alliance and sets the stage for its independent participation in the upcoming election.

Interim government legal adviser Asif Nazrul stated that substantial reforms have been implemented, countering claims that no progress has been made. Speaking on Sunday, January 18, 2026, at a policy dialogue titled “Judicial Independence and Rule of Law” organized by the Centre for Governance Studies (CGS) at the CIRDAP auditorium in Dhaka, he said that while expectations were high, at least four out of ten reform goals had been achieved. However, he admitted that police reform had not advanced as intended.

Nazrul emphasized that extensive consultations were held during the reform process, comparable to those during the drafting of the 1972 Constitution. He argued that judicial appointments should not depend on slogans and that the higher judiciary also requires internal reform. He added that all necessary laws for judicial independence have been enacted, but establishing the rule of law may take another five to ten years.

He concluded that the reform process is ongoing and that if future elected governments continue this trajectory, citizens will eventually benefit from the reforms.

Bangladesh’s interim government and Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus have publicly endorsed a ‘Yes’ vote in the upcoming referendum on institutional reforms. Following criticism that such support could compromise the administration’s neutrality, the Chief Adviser’s press wing issued a clarification on January 18, 2026. It stated that the endorsement aligns with the government’s reform mandate and democratic accountability, arguing that silence in a national crisis would signal a lack of leadership rather than neutrality.

The clarification explained that the interim government was formed after a mass uprising to restore stability and democratic credibility, not merely to manage daily affairs or hold elections. The reform package, developed through consultations with political parties, civil society, professionals, and youth over the past eighteen months, reflects this mission. The press wing added that international democratic practices allow government leaders to take positions on major constitutional or institutional changes.

It further emphasized that the referendum’s legitimacy depends on voters’ freedom to decide, not on leaders’ silence. The interim government has no electoral interest in the outcome, and its outreach aims to clarify reform issues and counter misinformation, ensuring informed public participation.

Islami Andolan Bangladesh has announced that it will support honest and competent candidates from anti-fascist forces in 32 constituencies where its electoral symbol, the hand fan, will not be present. The party’s joint secretary general and spokesperson, Maulana Gazi Ataur Rahman, stated in a press release on Sunday that the formal announcement of these endorsements will be made after January 20.

According to the statement, Islami Andolan Bangladesh has already decided to contest independently in 268 constituencies, a decision previously presented to the nation through a press briefing. For the remaining 32 seats, the party will extend support based on discussions with anti-fascist groups and the integrity and competence of individual candidates. Rahman added that the party is not currently focusing on this matter but will make decisions at the appropriate time.

The announcement outlines the party’s strategic approach to the upcoming election, balancing independent participation with selective alliances aimed at strengthening anti-fascist representation.

BNP Chairperson Tarique Rahman has said that if Bangladesh fails to establish a safe and democratic state, the nation will continue to hold mourning gatherings instead of celebrating democratic victories. He made the remarks on Sunday at the Krishibid Institute in Dhaka during a meeting with families of those killed and injured in the July uprising. The event was chaired by BNP Standing Committee member Nazrul Islam Khan and attended by senior party leaders including Ruhul Kabir Rizvi.

Rahman described those killed and injured in the July uprising as freedom fighters, comparing their struggle to that of 1971. He announced that if the BNP forms the next government, a separate division under the Ministry of Liberation War Affairs would be created to care for the families of the July martyrs and injured fighters. He said thousands had been victims of enforced disappearance, killing, and torture during the anti-fascist movement, calling the July killings a form of genocide.

Highlighting the importance of the upcoming national election, Rahman said a fair vote is essential for building a democratic Bangladesh and pledged to fulfill promises to the victims’ families if BNP assumes power.

US President Donald Trump has appointed former British Prime Minister Tony Blair and US Secretary of State Marco Rubio to a newly formed 'Peace Board' tasked with overseeing Gaza’s governance and reconstruction. The seven-member board, chaired by Trump, also includes US envoy Steve Witkoff, World Bank President Ajay Banga, and Trump’s son-in-law Jared Kushner. The announcement was made as part of the second phase of a broader peace plan.

According to Middle East Eye, Blair’s inclusion has sparked significant controversy across the region, as many in the Middle East view him as a war criminal due to his role in the 2003 US-led invasion of Iraq. Blair’s consultancy, the Tony Blair Institute (TBI), has also faced criticism for advising authoritarian governments in Egypt, the UAE, and Saudi Arabia, and for alleged financial links to controversial entities. TBI has denied these allegations.

The appointment comes amid worsening humanitarian conditions in Gaza, where Israeli restrictions on aid and harsh winter conditions have led to rising Palestinian casualties. The Palestinian Health Ministry reports over 71,400 deaths and 171,000 injuries since October 7, 2023.

BNP leader and former opposition chief whip Zainul Abdin Farooq has alleged that opportunists have begun conspiring to destroy Tarique Rahman’s plan for national reform. He made the remarks on Sunday afternoon at a discussion organized by the Bangladesh National Bastuhara Party’s central committee at the National Press Club in Dhaka.

Farooq said Tarique Rahman’s first priority would be to free young people from drug addiction and establish good governance in the country. He added that Rahman intends to undertake canal excavation projects similar to those of former president Ziaur Rahman to boost agricultural production, improve hospitals in poor condition, and enhance the education system. According to Farooq, these initiatives reflect Rahman’s political vision.

He further stated that Tarique Rahman has spent sixteen years abroad preparing plans to implement the ideals of his parents and is now waiting to execute them. Several BNP leaders, including A K M Mozammel Haque, Bilkis Islam, Engineer Sharif Nagib, and Ismail Hossain Siraji, were present at the event.

At a discussion held on Sunday at the Krishibid Institute in Dhaka, Jartaj Parveen Safak, mother of Shaheed Shafik Uddin Ahmed Ahnaf, alleged that her son’s killer remains free despite being visible to her. She said her trust in the interim government has collapsed, as the expectations tied to its formation have not been fulfilled. Ahnaf, a student of BF Shaheen College, was reportedly shot dead on August 4 in Mirpur-10 while participating in a protest.

The meeting was organized between BNP Chairperson Tarique Rahman and families of those killed or injured in the July uprising. BNP Standing Committee member Nazrul Islam Khan presided over the event, which was attended by other senior party leaders. Addressing Rahman, Safak urged that justice be ensured for the slain youths and criticized political favoritism, saying her family was not affiliated with any party.

Safak expressed hope that BNP would win the next election and deliver justice for the victims of political violence, emphasizing that ordinary citizens seek recognition for all martyrs.

Portugal is holding its presidential election today, Saturday, January 18, amid deep political polarization that followed the 2025 parliamentary polls. Analysts describe the vote as a test of stability for the country, where 11 candidates are competing. Polls show that voters are most concerned about the national health system, immigration policy, and the worsening housing crisis. The new president is expected to play a moral and political role in shaping these policy debates.

Among the main contenders, Socialist Party-backed António José Seguro presents himself as a defender of democracy, the constitution, and public services. Center-right coalition candidate Luís Marques Mendes, a former PSD leader, represents traditional conservative politics and enjoys government and conservative backing. Independent candidate Admiral Henrique Gouveia e Melo, known for leading the COVID-19 vaccination drive, positions himself above party divisions. Leftist candidate Catarina Martins emphasizes wages, pensions, and social protection, while far-right Chega leader André Ventura has gained support through anti-immigration and law-and-order rhetoric.

A joint TVI–CNN poll shows Mendes narrowly leading Seguro, with Ventura rising but still outside the top two. Analysts say the outcome will shape the balance between left and right forces and signal the future of far-right politics in Portugal.

A Bangladeshi citizen and voter, Md. Mamun Hawlader, has submitted a written petition to the Chief Election Commissioner alleging that the Election Commission violated the Constitution and Supreme Court rulings regarding dual citizenship. The petition claims that under Articles 66(g) and 66(2a) of the Constitution, no foreign or dual citizen may contest parliamentary elections until their foreign citizenship is legally renounced. However, the Commission has reportedly validated nominations based only on applications for renunciation, which the petitioner argues contravenes constitutional and judicial directives.

The petition cites a High Court order in writ petition No. 16463/2023, which states that a person remains a foreign citizen until their renunciation is legally accepted, and that merely applying is insufficient. This order remains upheld by the Appellate Division. The petitioner further alleges that the Commission has accepted affidavits and reconsideration requests beyond its legal authority.

The petitioner’s lawyer, Advocate Sakil Ahmad, stated that approving nominations based on pending applications undermines both the Constitution and public trust in the electoral system, emphasizing that the Election Commission cannot act above Supreme Court rulings.

Sheikh Muhammad Zainal Abedin, the Islami Andolan candidate for Chandpur-3 (Sadar and Haimchar), has publicly appealed for financial assistance from voters to meet his election expenses. The appeal was made through a detailed Facebook post shortly after midnight on January 17, 2026. In the post, Abedin shared his personal mobile banking and bank account details, urging supporters to contribute within the legal spending limit set by the Election Commission.

Abedin stated that his constituency has 522,247 voters and that he can legally spend up to 5.22 million taka, based on the rule of 10 taka per voter. He emphasized transparency and pledged to publish a full account of all received and spent funds. His campaign slogan, “Vote and pay to build a corruption-free Bangladesh,” reflects his call for a change in electoral culture. The candidate also declared that Islami Andolan will contest the election independently, not as part of any alliance.

Local political circles in Chandpur have noted that Abedin’s approach mirrors earlier crowdfunding appeals by candidates in Dhaka-9, Barishal-3, and Noakhali-6 constituencies.

The student wing of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), Jatiyatabadi Chhatra Dal, staged a sit-in on Sunday morning in front of the Election Commission (EC) office in Agargaon, Dhaka. The protest was organized to denounce alleged bias in postal ballot management for the upcoming parliamentary election and to oppose several controversial EC decisions. As of the time of reporting, the sit-in was ongoing, and the organization planned to submit a memorandum to the commission.

Chhatra Dal president Rakibul Islam Rakib accused the EC of acting under the influence of a particular political party, claiming that the commission’s actions were intended to undermine his organization. He further alleged that the EC played a similar role in the Shahjalal University of Science and Technology student union election as it did in the Jagannath University polls.

The group’s three main complaints include biased and questionable EC decisions on postal ballots, decisions made under political pressure that undermine the commission’s independence, and a controversial directive regarding the Shahjalal University student election that they say threatens democratic practices on campus.