The Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) has filed a case against 43 individuals, including Liaquat Ali Khan, chairman of Rupayan Housing Estate Limited, and several officials of Rajuk, over allegations of occupying government and privately owned land. The announcement was made on Thursday afternoon at the ACC headquarters in Segunbagicha, Dhaka, by Akhtar Hossain, the commission’s Director General (Prevention).

According to the ACC, Liaquat Ali Khan made an agreement in 2013 with a landowner for about 2.5 acres but later claimed ownership without completing payment or registration, leading to a court case that remains under a stay order. Despite the pending case, Rajuk officials allegedly approved land use, project, and construction permissions for Rupayan without verifying ownership documents or court restrictions. The ACC stated that Rupayan obtained approvals for projects covering 41.548 acres, though valid documents were submitted for only 16.32 acres.

The ACC’s preliminary investigation confirmed the allegations, prompting the case. Other accused include Rupayan’s estate officer Sajjad Hussain and several Rajuk planners and designers. The case involves illegal inclusion of government and Bhawal Estate land in Rupayan’s projects.

New Delhi has decided to bring back the families of Indian diplomats and government officials working in Bangladesh, citing security precautions. The decision, reported by India’s Press Trust of India (PTI), comes just weeks before Bangladesh’s 13th national parliamentary election. However, India clarified that its High Commission in Dhaka and other missions abroad will remain open. According to PTI, officials advised family members of Indian personnel stationed in Dhaka and other posts to return to India as part of the security alert.

A BBC report stated that India’s Ministry of External Affairs has now classified Bangladesh as a “non-family” posting, placing it alongside Pakistan, Afghanistan, and Sudan. In response, Bangladesh’s Foreign Affairs Adviser Md. Touhid Hossain said there is no evidence that Bangladesh failed to ensure the safety of Indians. He described India’s move to equate Bangladesh with Pakistan as unfortunate but acknowledged it was India’s decision.

Hossain added that maintaining strong bilateral relations requires both sides to act responsibly, warning that repeated divisive steps could damage ties. He also remarked that India’s reaction appeared somewhat excessive based on his four decades of experience.

BNP Chairperson Tarique Rahman announced that his party would introduce family cards for tea workers and day laborers if it comes to power. He also promised honorariums for imams. Rahman made these remarks on Thursday, January 22, at an election rally organized by Moulvibazar District BNP at Ainpur field in Sherpur under Sadar upazila, where he was the chief guest.

In his speech, Rahman said that during previous BNP governments, local development had accelerated, women’s education was made free up to the intermediate level, and small agricultural loans were forgiven. He claimed that under BNP rule, citizens could speak freely and criticize the government without fear of abduction or killing. He credited the sacrifices of many people for the party’s current position.

Rahman further highlighted that half of the country’s population is women and recalled that Begum Khaleda Zia had made education free for girls from class one to intermediate level. He added that a future BNP government would create employment opportunities for unemployed youth.

Newly appointed US Ambassador to Bangladesh Brent Christensen has reaffirmed Washington’s strong support for Bangladesh’s democratic transition. During a meeting on Thursday afternoon with National Security Adviser Khililur Rahman at the adviser’s office, Christensen praised the interim government’s initiatives regarding upcoming elections and reform programs. The meeting lasted about an hour and covered key aspects of bilateral relations, according to a statement from the Chief Adviser’s Office.

Discussions included mutual tariff agreements, humanitarian assistance for Rohingya refugees, visa bonds, immigration issues, and the repatriation of undocumented Bangladeshis from the United States. The two sides also discussed opportunities for US business and investment in Bangladesh, expansion of economic cooperation, and regional matters of shared interest. The statement said the ambassador reiterated US support for Bangladesh’s political stability and democratic process, emphasizing that free, fair, and participatory elections are vital for the country’s democratic progress.

Khililur Rahman welcomed Christensen as the new ambassador and recalled his previous service in Dhaka and Washington. He expressed hope that bilateral relations would strengthen further during Christensen’s tenure.

National University Vice-Chancellor Professor Dr. A.S.M. Amanullah stated that around one million students graduate annually from the university, with about 40 percent facing frustration in the job market due to an outdated syllabus. He made the remarks on Thursday at a meeting with principals from colleges in Rangamati, Khagrachhari, and Bandarban districts, held at Rangamati Government College.

He said that over the past five decades since independence, Bangladesh has failed to build effective links between education, research, and industry, leaving the country behind in the global technological race. To make higher education more employment-oriented, the university has begun curriculum reforms, making information technology and English compulsory subjects in undergraduate honors programs. The institution has also initiated collaborations with local and international universities and industries, supported by UNICEF and other organizations.

The Vice-Chancellor listened to the principals’ feedback and promised to incorporate their suggestions into the university’s plans. He emphasized that despite a large population, Bangladesh faces a shortage of skilled manpower due to insufficient investment in education compared to infrastructure development.

Economist Dr. Mahbub Ullah described Maulana Abdul Hamid Khan Bhashani as the undisputed leader of the anti-imperialist struggle in Bangladesh. He made the remark on Thursday at a discussion organized by the Bhashani Janashakti Party at the National Press Club’s Zahur Hossain Chowdhury Hall, marking the 54th anniversary of Bhashani’s return to the country. Dr. Ullah said Bhashani was a visionary who guided the political direction of the nation, always standing for farmers, workers, and the working class.

He noted that although Bhashani never held state power, he influenced many who later governed Bangladesh, including Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, Kazi Zafar Ahmed, and Mashiur Rahman Jadu Mia. Dr. Ullah lamented that even 49 years after Bhashani’s death, his dream of an ideal Bangladesh remains unfulfilled. He urged politicians to study Bhashani’s life and philosophy and to introduce his ideals to the youth.

The event was chaired by Bhashani Janashakti Party chairman and freedom fighter Sheikh Rafiqul Islam Bablu, with several political figures including Nazmul Haque Nannu and Dr. Abu Yusuf Selim also speaking.

Bangladesh Election Commission Senior Secretary Akhtar Ahmed said on January 22, 2026, that vote counting in the upcoming national election may take longer than usual due to the use of two separate ballots and a higher number of candidates across the country. He made the remarks after meetings with officials from mobile operators, banks, and the BNCC at the Election Commission building in Agargaon, Dhaka. Ahmed explained that different ballot types are being used for expatriate and domestic voters, and that postal ballot counting at returning officers’ offices poses a major challenge.

He cited examples of constituencies with large numbers of postal voters, including Feni-3 with 16,038, Chattogram-15 with 14,274, and Cumilla with 13,939 registered postal voters. The secretary added that about 500 foreign observers and journalists are expected to monitor the election, with on-arrival visa facilities provided. The Election Commission invited 83 organizations, of which 36 confirmed participation, including representatives from the European Union, Commonwealth, and Turkey.

Ahmed also said discussions were held on limiting mobile and internet banking transactions to curb the influence of black money, and over 16,000 BNCC volunteers will assist in maintaining law and order during the election.

Banglalink, one of Bangladesh’s leading digital operators, has signed a partnership agreement with Clinicall Limited to expand healthcare services through its MyBL app. The signing took place at Banglalink’s headquarters, Tiger’s Den, with senior officials from both companies present. The collaboration aims to make healthcare more accessible and affordable for millions of users by integrating doctor consultations, medicine delivery, lab tests, and insurance coverage into a single digital platform.

According to Banglalink, this partnership marks a major step toward transforming digital connectivity into everyday solutions for its customers. The initiative reflects the company’s commitment to providing meaningful digital services beyond traditional telecommunications. Clinicall will offer reliable and quality healthcare through affordable subscription plans, enhancing the MyBL app’s role as a one-stop lifestyle platform.

Banglalink stated that this effort aligns with its broader “Digital for All” vision, which includes services such as the Toffee entertainment platform and the AI-based lifestyle package Rise. The company, a subsidiary of Nasdaq-listed VEON Ltd., continues to focus on innovation and inclusive digital empowerment across Bangladesh.

At a regular press briefing on Wednesday, January 21, 2026, the United Nations reiterated its emphasis on ensuring accountability for those responsible for the mass casualties during Bangladesh’s July 2024 uprising. The issue arose when a journalist asked whether the UN Secretary-General would urge the Indian government to return Sheikh Hasina to Bangladesh, following her conviction by a Bangladeshi court for allegedly ordering killings during the uprising that left at least 1,400 people dead.

In response, UN Deputy Spokesperson Farhan Haq avoided naming any country but underscored the need for accountability based on objective facts. He stated that those identified as responsible must face justice in accordance with international law. Haq added that the UN itself had provided information on the killings and reaffirmed that accountability must be pursued with fundamental respect for international legal standards.

The UN has maintained its focus on justice for the victims of the July uprising since the beginning of the crisis, emphasizing that due process and adherence to international law are essential in addressing such grave human rights violations.

The United States is reassessing its previous position on Jamaat-e-Islami, with a US diplomat in Dhaka stating that Washington wants to view the party as a 'friend' and increase direct communication. According to a recording obtained by The Washington Post, the diplomat made the remarks during a closed-door meeting with female journalists in Dhaka. The diplomat suggested that Bangladesh has become more 'Islam-oriented' and that Jamaat may perform better than ever in the upcoming national election scheduled for February 12.

The diplomat also said that even if Jamaat comes to power, it would not be able to impose Sharia law, and warned that the US would not hesitate to impose economic sanctions if any alarming steps were taken. US Embassy spokesperson Monica Shi later clarified that the meeting was a routine, off-the-record discussion. She emphasized that the United States does not support any specific political party and will work with whichever government is elected by the people.

The report indicates growing US diplomatic interest in Bangladesh’s evolving political landscape ahead of the national polls.

United Commercial Bank PLC (UCB) has entered into a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Scholastica to provide special educational opportunities for the children of UCB employees. The signing ceremony took place on Thursday at 11 a.m. at UCB’s head office, where Syed Hasnain Mamun, Chief Human Resources Officer of UCB, and Madiha Murshed, Managing Director of Scholastica, signed the agreement on behalf of their respective organizations.

Senior officials from both institutions attended the event, including UCB’s Additional Managing Director Adnan Masud, Chief Communication Officer Zeeshan Kingshuk Haque, and Scholastica’s Director of Business Development and Strategic Planning Amer Ahmed. The partnership was described by both sides as a timely and effective step toward advancing education and human resource development.

Officials from UCB and Scholastica expressed optimism that the collaboration would strengthen mutual cooperation in the future, supporting broader educational and developmental goals.

The Chinese Embassy in Dhaka has strongly protested recent remarks made by US Ambassador to Bangladesh Brent Christensen concerning China. In a statement posted on the embassy’s official Facebook page, the spokesperson described the ambassador’s comments as irresponsible and completely baseless. The statement was issued following media reports that the US envoy had expressed concern over China’s growing influence in South Asia and warned Bangladesh about potential risks of engagement with Beijing.

According to the embassy’s statement, such remarks create confusion between right and wrong and are driven by ill intent. It emphasized that cooperation between China and Bangladesh is a bilateral matter, leaving no room for interference or involvement from any third party, including the United States. The embassy also urged the US side to act more responsibly in its diplomatic conduct.

The protest highlights ongoing sensitivities surrounding external commentary on China-Bangladesh relations, particularly amid regional discussions about influence and partnership dynamics in South Asia.

Newly appointed US Ambassador to Bangladesh Brent T. Christensen has said he will clearly convey to both the current and future governments of Bangladesh the potential risks of engaging too closely with China. Speaking to journalists in Dhaka six days after assuming office, Christensen reiterated concerns he had raised during his Senate confirmation hearing in October. He emphasized that certain areas of cooperation with China could pose risks, which he intends to outline to both the interim and elected governments.

During a media interaction at the EMK Center in Dhaka, Christensen discussed various aspects of US-Bangladesh relations, highlighting strong and expanding defense cooperation. He noted that the US works with all branches of Bangladesh’s armed forces through joint exercises such as “Tiger Shark” with the Navy and “Tiger Lightning” with the Army. The US provides about $1.5 million annually for professional military education and supports Bangladesh’s defense modernization and peacekeeping capabilities.

Christensen added that the US offers multiple defense options to partner nations and collaborates with allies to identify systems best suited to Bangladesh’s operational and budgetary needs.

The Advisory Council has approved a general holiday on February 11 ahead of Bangladesh’s national parliamentary election and referendum scheduled for February 12. Press Secretary Shafiqul Alam announced that industrial workers will also receive leave on February 10, giving them a three-day break. With the weekend following the election, most government employees will enjoy a four-day holiday from February 11 to 14. However, officials directly involved in election duties will not be able to take this extended leave.

According to the Election Commission’s structure, returning officers, assistant returning officers, presiding officers, and polling officers—mostly government employees and teachers—will oversee voting at about 42,000 polling centers nationwide. These officials, along with essential service providers, will continue working during the election period.

Essential services such as electricity, water, gas, fire service, ports, telecommunications, postal operations, sanitation, hospitals, emergency medical services, and related offices will remain open to ensure uninterrupted public service during the election period.

Prominent Islamic scholar Sheikh Ahmadullah has shared guidance on voting ahead of Bangladesh’s 13th National Parliamentary Election. Speaking on his YouTube channel, he urged citizens to vote for honest and competent candidates based on their conscience. He explained that if a voter sincerely tries to identify the right person but later finds the choice was wrong, there will be no blame before Allah. Ahmadullah emphasized that the duty of a voter is to select the best available candidate, not to ensure anyone’s victory.

He further stated that votes are never wasted, even if a good person receives few. Such votes can encourage future progress and strengthen honest candidates over time. He cautioned against avoiding good candidates out of fear that they might lose, warning that this mindset allows corrupt individuals to dominate politics.

Ahmadullah concluded by advising voters to support those who protect faith, Islamic values, and national welfare, and to avoid being tempted by money or personal gain, describing voting as a sacred trust before Allah.