The Bangladesh Football Federation (BFF) has finalized Vietnam as the opponent for a friendly match ahead of the Asian Cup qualifying round. The match will take place on March 26 in Vietnam, serving as preparation for Bangladesh’s upcoming qualifier against Singapore. The national team will travel to Singapore after the friendly to play their final group-stage match on March 31 in Kallang.

Earlier, BFF had been in contact with several countries, including Cambodia and East Timor, to arrange a preparatory match, but ultimately decided on Vietnam. Bangladesh began their Asian Cup qualifying campaign on March 25 of the previous year in Shillong against India. So far, Bangladesh has played six matches in the qualifiers, winning one and drawing two. Their only victory came at home against India with a 1–0 scoreline.

The friendly against Vietnam is expected to help the team fine-tune its strategy and build momentum before the crucial qualifier in Singapore.

Bangladesh has declined to play in the upcoming T20 World Cup in India citing security concerns, proposing instead to play in Sri Lanka. However, the International Cricket Council (ICC), reportedly under pressure from India, rejected Bangladesh’s request and replaced them with Scotland. Cricket Scotland’s chief executive, Trudy Lindblad, confirmed the development and expressed sympathy for the Bangladeshi players who had qualified but were excluded from the tournament.

Lindblad stated that Scotland did not wish to qualify in this manner, acknowledging that their inclusion was the result of exceptional circumstances. She said the team understood Bangladesh’s disappointment and emphasized that no team wants to enter a global event through invitation rather than qualification. Despite the sudden call-up, Scotland is preparing to send its team to India within a week, with logistical challenges such as visas and travel arrangements being managed with ICC assistance.

The 20-team T20 World Cup begins in India on February 7, with Scotland joining Group C alongside England, West Indies, Nepal, and Italy.

Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer Dr. Shafiqur Rahman stated that future politics should belong to the people rather than any political party. He made the remarks on Tuesday morning at a public rally in Jessore, where he attended as the chief guest. Rahman emphasized that in the upcoming February 12 election, a 'yes' vote signifies freedom while a 'no' vote represents subjugation.

He further pledged that if his party comes to power, Jessore would be upgraded to a city corporation and unemployed youth would be provided with dignified employment opportunities. Rahman praised the youth who, according to him, resisted fascism and now seek change from outdated political structures.

His comments reflect Jamaat-e-Islami’s call for a transformation in Bangladesh’s political culture, focusing on public interest and generational change ahead of the February election.

Several videos circulating on Facebook falsely claim that Sheikh Hasina appeared in person at a press conference in New Delhi. Verification by The Dissent found that the videos are misleading, old, and taken from unrelated events. One video showing a motorcade was traced to Rajasthan, India, featuring vehicles labeled with the name of a local student leader, Nirmal Choudhury, and posted online in January 2025.

Another video combined footage of Sheikh Hasina speaking at the 2023 anniversary of the August 21 grenade attack in Bangladesh with separate footage of Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi at the 2024 “Lakhpati Didi Sammelan” in Maharashtra. The logo of a supposed outlet, “News Go 24,” appearing in the clip could not be verified. A third viral video claiming to show Hasina arriving at the Delhi Press Club was actually from her October 2023 visit to London, where she attended a reception organized by expatriate Awami League members.

The Dissent’s analysis confirms that none of the videos are connected to any press conference in New Delhi.

Mufti Syed Muhammad Rezaul Karim, Amir of Islami Andolan Bangladesh and Pir of Charmonai, stated that the political upheaval of August 5, 2024, created an opportunity to reshape Bangladesh and free it from foreign dominance. Speaking on Monday night at an election rally in Balijuri Bazar, Madarganj, Jamalpur-3 constituency, he said people now see a possibility of liberation and that his party had reached out nationwide with a message supporting Islam.

He alleged that power-hungry groups had destroyed the symbolic “box of Islam” that once united patriotic citizens and Islamic parties. Rezaul Karim warned that returning to previous governance policies would crush public hopes. He said Islami Andolan Bangladesh fielded candidates in about 258 constituencies under the “hand fan” symbol to promote love for the country, its people, and Islam. The rally was chaired by Maulana Shafiqul Islam and attended by several local leaders.

Rezaul Karim concluded that despite perceptions of isolation, his party was not alone, asserting that divine support and the backing of Islamic-minded citizens remain with them.

Major General Mohammad Ashrafuzzaman Siddiqui, Director General of Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB), visited Cox’s Bazar to assess overall law and order and strengthen security ahead of the upcoming 13th National Parliamentary Election. On Monday night, he chaired a coordination meeting at Shahparir Dwip in Teknaf with senior officials from the civil administration, armed forces, police, and intelligence agencies to ensure a free, fair, and peaceful election.

During the meeting, the BGB chief said the force is fully prepared to perform its assigned duties with professionalism and neutrality. Plans include deploying over 37,000 BGB members across 489 upazilas, with exclusive responsibility in 61 border upazilas. BGB will act as both mobile and static forces in 300 constituencies based on risk assessments. Training, briefings, and STX exercises have been completed to ensure lawful and disciplined operations.

He emphasized voter safety, ballot protection, and rapid response capabilities, including helicopters, K-9 units, drones, and body cameras. The BGB is maintaining heightened vigilance in Cox’s Bazar due to its 271-kilometer border with Myanmar and potential risks linked to smuggling and Rohingya presence.

A Barishal court has ordered the imprisonment of former BRTA assistant director Md. Shahe Alam in a corruption case. On Monday, January 26, 2026, he appeared before the Barishal District and Sessions Judge Court seeking bail, but Judge Sheikh Faruk Hossain rejected his plea and directed that he be sent to jail. During his transfer from court to prison, Alam’s relatives obstructed journalists, and he allegedly kicked a photojournalist in front of police.

According to the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC), Alam is accused of approving nearly 2,500 illegal vehicle registrations across Barishal, Jhalakathi, and Pirojpur during his tenure. The ACC filed a case last year alleging that he misappropriated around 200 million taka over eight years while serving in BRTA offices in Barishal, Jhalakathi, Pirojpur, and Chattogram. Investigations also found that he issued 255 irregular vehicle registrations in 2022 despite an internal probe.

The court’s decision marks a significant step in the ongoing corruption investigation, with further legal proceedings expected under ACC supervision.

BNP Chairperson Tarique Rahman arrived in Mymensingh on Tuesday to participate in election campaigning for the 13th National Parliamentary Election. He left Dhaka’s Gulshan by road at 11 a.m. and reached Mymensingh city around noon. After a short rest at the district circuit house, he is scheduled to address a public rally there as the chief guest.

Local BNP leaders said that eight of the eleven constituencies in Mymensingh district have rebel candidates, adding a new dimension to the local political scene. Party sources indicated that at least five of those rebel candidates have a chance of winning. Following the Mymensingh rally, Tarique Rahman will deliver speeches at separate gatherings in Gazipur’s Rajbari field and Uttara’s Azampur Eidgah ground before returning to his residence in Gulshan.

According to the BNP media cell, Rahman began his campaign on January 22 in Sylhet and has since held several rallies across multiple divisions. After Mymensingh, he is expected to continue election rallies in Rajshahi, Naogaon, Bogura, and Barishal divisions.

A handmade explosive device, locally known as a cocktail, detonated in front of the main gate of Gopalganj University of Science and Technology on Monday night, January 26, around 9:45 p.m. Witnesses said four unidentified assailants arrived on two motorcycles and threw the device before fleeing toward the city. The loud explosion caused widespread panic among students and staff on campus.

University Proctor Dr. Arifuzzaman Rajib stated that the explosion might have been intended to create fear among students. Following the incident, senior university officials and police visited the site. According to a police press release, both police and army personnel quickly reached the scene, confirming that there were no injuries or property damage.

Authorities are reviewing CCTV footage from the area to identify those responsible. Law enforcement agencies said legal procedures are underway to locate and apprehend the perpetrators.

An autorickshaw driver was found murdered in Ramu upazila of Cox’s Bazar on Monday night, January 26, 2026. Locals discovered the body of Md. Babul, aged 40, in the Dakshinpara area of South Mithachhari Union around 8 p.m. Police confirmed that the victim’s throat had been slit and that his autorickshaw was missing from the scene.

Babul, a resident of Swapnotori Adarsha village in Rashidnagar Union, was the son of the late Abdus Salam. He is survived by his wife and three children. Locals reported that a mobile phone was found near the body, and they believe he was killed by assailants attempting to steal his vehicle. His younger brother said he had spoken to Babul earlier in the evening before learning of his death.

Ramu Police Station’s investigation officer, Md. Farid, stated that a police team visited the site after receiving information from locals. He said initial evidence suggests the murder was linked to the autorickshaw snatching, and an investigation is underway.

Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer Dr. Shafiqur Rahman stated that forming a government would be meaningless if the 'Yes' vote does not win in the ongoing referendum. He made the remarks on Tuesday morning at a campaign rally held at the central Eidgah ground in Jashore. Rahman said that 180 million people want change and promised to upgrade Jashore to a city corporation and create dignified employment for unemployed youth if his party comes to power.

He accused opponents of campaigning against the referendum, claiming that a victory for the 'Yes' vote would prevent the return of fascism. Rahman criticized those who, according to him, resort to violence and suppression of dissent even before winning elections, questioning the safety of the country under such leadership. He emphasized that politics in Bangladesh should serve the people, not families or parties.

Rahman also warned that any obstruction to Jamaat’s ideological campaign or harassment of women during election activities would be met with resistance, asserting that no one has the authority to hinder their political movement.

Law enforcement authorities have arrested another suspect in connection with the killing of a Rapid Action Battalion (RAB) officer in Sitakunda, Chattogram. The detainee, identified as Mamun, 38, was apprehended on Monday from the Bayezid area of Chattogram city. The victim, RAB-7 officer Abdul Motaleb, was attacked by armed assailants on January 19 while participating in an operation at Jungle Salimpur. He later died while undergoing treatment.

According to the investigating officer, Sub-Inspector Idris, a total of seven suspects have been arrested so far, including Jahir alias Zahid, Kala Bachchu, Sagar, Yunus, Arif, Mamun, and Mizan. Police sources said the case filed over the killing named 29 individuals and listed an additional 150 to 200 unidentified suspects. Multiple teams are continuing operations to identify and arrest others involved.

Sitakunda Police Station Officer-in-Charge Mohinul Islam stated that he has visited the crime scene several times and observed that many residents have left the area, possibly due to fear of arrest or for livelihood reasons.

The Directorate of Primary Education (DPE) has announced plans to appoint 14,385 assistant teachers in government primary schools before the upcoming 13th national election. Written exams were held on January 9, 2026, after a short delay, and results were released on January 21, with 69,265 candidates passing. Oral exams in Chapainawabganj, Manikganj, and Barishal districts are scheduled from January 28 to February 3, with further schedules to follow for other districts.

According to DPE data, 34,106 head teacher posts and 24,536 assistant teacher posts remain vacant across the country. Many schools, particularly in remote areas, are operating with only one to three teachers, severely affecting administrative and academic activities. DPE Director General Abu Noor Md. Shamsuzzaman stated that the recruitment process is routine and unrelated to the election, emphasizing the need to accelerate hiring to address the shortage.

Interim government adviser Dr. Bidhan Ranjan Roy Poddar said the government is prioritizing the teacher shortage issue and expects the problem to be resolved soon.

The interim government led by Professor Muhammad Yunus has completed all preparations to hand over power to the incoming administration following the February 12 parliamentary election. Officials said the oath-taking ceremony for the new government is expected between February 16 and 18, with February 17 being prioritized. The Cabinet Division, Parliament Secretariat, and other relevant offices have been instructed to finalize arrangements, while Bangabhaban has been asked to remain ready to host the event.

According to government sources, multiple meetings have been held to coordinate the swearing-in of both new members of parliament and the incoming cabinet. The Election Commission has been requested to publish the gazette of elected MPs by February 13 or 14. The Ministry of Home Affairs is responsible for ensuring protocol and security for guests attending the ceremony, which is planned to be festive and inclusive. The President’s military division will oversee overall management at Bangabhaban’s Darbar Hall.

Meanwhile, the Parliament building and related facilities have been fully renovated after damage during the 2024 uprising, and a committee has been formed to select the new prime minister’s official residence from four proposed options.

An explosion was alleged near the election campaign rally of BNP candidate Ershad Ullah in the Chattogram-8 (Boalkhali–Chandgaon) constituency on Monday evening, January 26. The incident occurred around 6 p.m. in front of Purba Kadhurkhil High School in Boalkhali, where Ullah was conducting a public meeting. Witnesses reported hearing two loud blasts about 50 yards from the rally site, causing panic among attendees. No injuries were reported, and police later said they found no evidence of explosives at the scene.

BNP leaders quickly brought the situation under control and concluded the meeting briefly before holding a protest march in the upazila town. District BNP leaders condemned the incident, calling for the perpetrators to be identified and arrested. One local BNP leader alleged that the attack was a deliberate attempt to disrupt the election atmosphere and blamed rival groups. Police confirmed they responded promptly but found no physical traces of any explosive devices.

BNP candidate Ershad Ullah described the explosions as an attempt to create unrest and destabilize the electoral environment.