The European Union will send a 200-member delegation to observe Bangladesh’s upcoming national election, according to Dr. Ivars Ijabs, Member of the European Parliament and chief observer of the EU Election Observation Mission. He made the announcement on Thursday after meeting the Chief Election Commissioner at the Election Commission headquarters in Agargaon, Dhaka. Long-term observers have been working in Bangladesh since late December, and short-term observers will join them on February 12.

Dr. Ijabs noted that holding the parliamentary election alongside a national referendum poses a challenge for the Election Commission but expressed confidence in its ability to manage both processes effectively. He emphasized that the EU mission aims to assist and will observe the election process with complete neutrality, describing Bangladesh as an important partner of the European Union.

He further remarked that, in the context of the 2024 mass uprising, this election will be a historic one, and the parliament formed under the interim government will shape the country’s future.

Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami has reorganized its National Election Steering Committee in preparation for the upcoming 13th parliamentary election scheduled for 2026. According to a press release issued by the party’s central publicity and media department on Thursday, Assistant Secretary General Maulana A.T.M. Ma’sum has been appointed as convener, while Assistant Secretary General Maulana Abdul Halim will serve as member secretary.

The newly formed committee includes a wide range of members, among them lawyers, academics, retired bureaucrats, and former military officers. Notable members include Advocate Ehsanul Mahbub Jubayer, Advocate Moyazzem Hossain Helal, Professor Dr. Nazrul Islam, Brigadier General (Retd.) Golam Mostafa, and several others. The announcement was made through the party’s official communication channel.

The reorganization signals Jamaat-e-Islami’s preparation for active participation in the 2026 national election, focusing on coordination and campaign management through its newly structured committee.

BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir has alleged that the killing of former Jubo Dal leader Azizur Rahman Mosabbir was intended to put the current interim government in a difficult position. In a statement issued on Thursday afternoon, he said that the murder reflected a broader attempt by miscreants to destabilize the country and exploit the situation through violence and anarchy.

According to the statement, Mosabbir, former general secretary of Dhaka North Jubo Dal, was shot dead on Wednesday night. Fakhrul condemned the killing as brutal and inhuman, expressing deep concern and grief. He claimed that such incidents were being repeated to embarrass the interim administration and called for strict action against those responsible.

Fakhrul urged people from all walks of life, regardless of political affiliation, to unite in defense of democracy and citizens’ safety. He warned that otherwise, opportunistic groups could endanger the nation’s existence. He demanded the immediate arrest and exemplary punishment of the perpetrators.

The European Union Election Observation Mission has expressed confidence that Bangladesh’s Election Commission (EC) will be able to manage the challenges surrounding the upcoming 13th national parliamentary election. The mission’s chief, Dr. Ivars Ijabs, made the remarks on Thursday, January 8, after a courtesy meeting with Chief Election Commissioner A M M Nasir Uddin at the Election Commission building in Agargaon, Dhaka.

Dr. Ijabs said the EU has just begun its observation mission with a skilled team that will monitor the entire electoral process and later publish a final report based on detailed analysis. He emphasized that the EU views Bangladesh as a vibrant democracy and attaches great importance to observing the full electoral process. The mission will conduct nationwide observation, focusing on procedural aspects such as accurate voter registration, fair polling arrangements, and the overall credibility of the election.

During discussions, the EC outlined its election roadmap and acknowledged several challenges, including the technical and administrative complexity of holding the national election and a referendum on the same day. The EU delegation expressed confidence that the EC is capable of handling these challenges effectively.

Bangladesh’s Foreign Affairs Adviser Touhid Hossain announced that visa sections at Bangladeshi missions in India affected by recent attacks have been temporarily closed for security reasons. He made the statement on Thursday, January 8, during a media briefing at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The clarification came amid discussions about whether tourist visas for Indian citizens had been suspended or restricted ahead of Bangladesh’s national election.

Hossain explained that there was no official decision to suspend or stop issuing tourist visas for Indians. Instead, the closure applies only to missions where security problems have arisen. The adviser also mentioned that Bangladesh has come under the United States’ visa bond program because Bangladeshis rank high among recipients of U.S. social security benefits. He further commented that previous governments bear responsibility for illegal migration issues abroad.

The decision follows a series of violent incidents, including attacks by Hindu extremist groups on Bangladesh visa centers in New Delhi and Siliguri in December, and other assaults on Bangladeshi diplomatic missions across India after August 2024. These events have already led Indian authorities to limit visa services for Bangladeshis, disrupting cross-border travel.

The Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) has imposed a ban on all types of meetings, rallies, and public gatherings in several important areas of the capital to preserve public order. The restriction was announced through a public notice signed by DMP Commissioner Sheikh Md. Sajjat Ali on Thursday afternoon. According to the notice, the ban will take effect from January 10, 2026, and remain in force until further instructions under Section 29 of the Dhaka Metropolitan Police Ordinance (Ordinance No. III/76).

The restricted areas include the Chief Justice’s official residence, Judges’ Complex, main gate of the Bangladesh Supreme Court, Mazar Gate, Jame Mosque Gate, entrances to International Crimes Tribunals 1 and 2, and the front area of the Judicial Administration Training Institute. The DMP stated that no rallies, human chains, sit-ins, or processions will be allowed in these zones.

The police urged all concerned not to block roads or disrupt traffic under the pretext of protests or demands. The DMP said the decision aims to maintain law and order and ensure smooth public movement in the capital.

Former Bangladesh Prime Minister and BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia has had a street named after her in the United States. The city council of Hamtramck, located in Michigan’s northeast region, approved renaming a central portion of Carpenter Street—between Joseph Campau and Conant Streets—in her honor. The announcement was confirmed by the BNP Media Cell on Thursday, January 8, 2026.

According to the report, expatriate Bangladeshis view the decision by the city authorities as a unique recognition of Bangladesh’s history, leadership, and democratic values. They described the renaming as more than a symbolic act, calling it an international testament to the country’s political struggles. The move follows a previous instance in Chicago, where a street was named after former President Ziaur Rahman.

Bangladeshi expatriates have expressed widespread enthusiasm over the development, seeing it as evidence of their growing political influence abroad. Observers believe the naming will further strengthen social and cultural ties between Bangladesh and the United States, particularly in Hamtramck’s diverse community.

Hefazat-e-Islam Bangladesh has expressed deep concern over recent killings, assaults, and attacks on minorities ahead of the 13th national election. In a statement issued Thursday, Secretary General Allama Sajedur Rahman condemned the shooting death of volunteer leader Azizur Rahman Mushabbir in Tejgaon, as well as incidents of rape and violence against women, children, and Hindu minorities across the country. He alleged that a fascist group is deliberately destabilizing the nation to obstruct the election process.

The Hefazat leader claimed that these attacks are part of a plan to tarnish Bangladesh’s image abroad and embarrass the interim government. He urged the authorities to identify those behind the violence and take strict measures against them. Rahman also accused elements within the law enforcement agencies and ruling party of complicity, saying they were attempting to silence “July revolutionaries.”

He called on the administration to increase surveillance, ensure proper investigation and justice for the recent incidents, and release detained Islamic scholars and activists whom he described as innocent.

Legal adviser Asif Nazrul has stated that enacting a law granting immunity to participants of the July uprising is entirely legitimate. He said the Ministry of Law has already prepared a draft of an indemnity ordinance for the July fighters. Nazrul shared this information on Thursday, January 8, 2026, through a post on his Facebook page.

According to Nazrul, the July fighters risked their lives to free the country from fascist rule and therefore deserve immunity. He argued that such legislation is necessary to protect those who took defensive actions during the uprising. He further explained that similar indemnity laws were enacted in other countries following revolutions or popular uprisings, such as during the Arab Spring.

Nazrul added that Article 46 of the Constitution of Bangladesh provides legal grounds for indemnity laws, citing the 1973 indemnity law for freedom fighters as precedent. He said the draft ordinance will be presented for approval at the next meeting of the advisory council, emphasizing that safeguarding the July movement is a sacred duty.

U.S. President Donald Trump has called for increasing the country’s defense budget to 1.5 trillion dollars for 2027, describing the current period as “extremely troubled and dangerous.” The proposed amount would represent a more than 50 percent rise from the 901 billion dollars approved by Congress for the current year. Trump announced the plan on social media, saying it would help build a “dream military” and ensure safety against all enemies.

In a separate post, Trump warned that he would take strict action against defense contractors and shareholders if companies failed to accelerate weapons delivery and establish new production facilities. Following his announcement, shares of major U.S. defense manufacturers Lockheed Martin, Northrop Grumman, and Raytheon rose by more than five percent.

Economists have previously cautioned that the gap between U.S. spending and revenue has reached an unsustainable level. Trump, however, asserted that Washington could “easily reach” the proposed defense budget through revenue generated from tariffs.

BNP’s acting chairman Tarique Rahman is scheduled to visit Thakurgaon on Monday night, January 12, after nearly 23 years. He will attend a memorial and prayer gathering honoring the four martyrs of the historic July uprising and recently deceased BNP chairperson Begum Khaleda Zia. The event will take place at Thakurgaon Government Boys High School field on Tuesday, January 13, following his visit to the grave of martyr Al Mamun earlier that morning.

BNP and its affiliated organizations have launched extensive preparations across the district for the visit, with visible enthusiasm among party members. Venues are being decorated, and logistical arrangements strengthened. Local BNP leaders describe the visit as a historic moment that will boost grassroots morale. District BNP general secretary Poigam Ali stated that the trip would further strengthen the confidence of local activists.

Law enforcement authorities have also intensified security measures to maintain order during the visit. Thakurgaon Superintendent of Police Md. Belal Hossain confirmed that all necessary precautions have been taken to prevent any untoward incidents, with police on high alert across the district.

Hasnat Abdullah, the Jamaat alliance candidate for Comilla-4 and chief organizer of the NCP’s southern region, declared that his group would continue their struggle until justice is served for the killing of Sharif Osman Hadi. He made the remarks on Thursday morning at a prayer event held in front of Baksar Bazar Mosque in Gunai Ghar Uttar Union, Debidwar upazila, where local Jamaat and NCP leaders were present.

Abdullah alleged that Hadi’s murder was planned over six months and executed by individuals pushed from India, who later returned there after completing their mission. He criticized the interim government’s administration, judiciary, intelligence, and law enforcement agencies for failing to arrest the main suspects despite the daylight killing. Addressing the crowd, he said the upcoming election had divided the nation into two camps—one of subservience and another of freedom—and pledged to stand for justice and independence.

He further stated that his group would oppose loan defaulters and corruption, urging unity among people in support of fairness and accountability.

BNP Standing Committee member Salahuddin Ahmed expressed optimism that the issue of the party’s rebel candidates will be resolved soon. Speaking to reporters at the BNP Chairperson’s office in Gulshan on Thursday, he said organizational measures have been taken and efforts are underway to persuade the rebels. He explained that in a large political party, not all aspirants can receive nominations due to seat adjustments and the need for broad representation, which has caused some dissatisfaction.

Ahmed also addressed BNP Acting Chairman Tareq Rahman’s upcoming northern region visit, stating that the purpose is to pay respects at the graves of martyrs from the 2024 student uprising, not to engage in election campaigning. He emphasized that honoring the martyrs is a national duty and should not be viewed as a violation of electoral codes.

He further noted that all political parties are now sincere about ensuring a fair and neutral election, urging that any complaints be submitted to the Election Commission for resolution through joint efforts with the government.

Iran’s Chief Justice Gholam Hossein Mohseni has accused anti-government protesters of acting in the interests of the United States and Israel. His remarks came as demonstrations spread across several Iranian cities, including Tehran, Borujerd, Arsanjan, and Gilan-e-Gharb, following weeks of economic crisis and currency devaluation. Mohseni warned that those creating or supporting unrest would not be forgiven.

According to an Al Jazeera report cited in the article, the Iranian government has decided to provide limited assistance of about seven dollars per family per month to ease the pressure of rising food prices. The protests began last month at Tehran’s Grand Bazaar over inflation and the falling value of the national currency, later spreading nationwide. Human rights groups report at least 36 deaths and around 2,000 arrests so far.

Iran’s military chief Major General Amir Hatami stated that any aggressor would face a strong response, while Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei said Iran would never bow to US threats.

An independent national investigation commission has submitted its report on the 2009 Pilkhana massacre, one of the deadliest events in Bangladesh’s history. The killings took place at the Bangladesh Rifles (BDR) headquarters in Dhaka on February 25 and 26, 2009, when 74 people, including 57 army officers, were brutally murdered. The interim government formed the commission on December 24 of the previous year, and its 400-page report has revealed previously undisclosed and sensitive information. The investigation named more than fifty influential figures, including then Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, former MP and mayor Fazle Noor Taposh, senior Awami League leaders, former army officers, intelligence and law enforcement officials, and several media personnel.

The report describes the massacre as a premeditated attempt to weaken the disciplined army under the guise of grievances among BDR members. It also highlights political missteps, including delayed military intervention and a controversial general amnesty announcement. The article notes that the government’s handling of the crisis and the failure of intelligence agencies have drawn criticism. The commission’s findings have renewed calls for impartial justice and punishment for those responsible.

The report’s release may reopen national debate over accountability, political decisions, and the protection of Bangladesh’s armed forces.