Bangladesh Medical University (BMU) and the government’s Aspire to Innovate (a2i) program signed a memorandum of understanding at the university’s Shaheed Dr. Milton Hall on Wednesday. The agreement aims to implement paperless administrative operations at BMU and enhance healthcare services through the use of information and communication technology. Under the MoU, BMU will introduce a digital payment system to make financial transactions related to medical services, education, and research more transparent and efficient. The university’s service fees and bills will be integrated with a2i’s ‘EkPay’ platform, enabling payments through mobile financial services, digital wallets, online banking, debit and credit cards, and agent banking. The initiative is expected to reduce manual hassles and promote a cashless environment across the institution. Speakers at the event expressed optimism that this digital transformation would help BMU evolve into a modern and smart medical institution, improving patient convenience and supporting the digital preservation of health records.

The Election Commission (EC) of Bangladesh has finalized the list of polling centers and rooms for the upcoming 13th national election and referendum scheduled for February 12. Senior Secretary Akhtar Ahmed announced the details at the EC headquarters in Agargaon, Dhaka, confirming that voting will take place at 42,766 centers nationwide, with 247,482 polling rooms. A total of 785,225 officials, including presiding, assistant presiding, and polling officers, will manage the process. According to the EC, 42,779 presiding officers, 247,482 assistant presiding officers, and 494,964 polling officers have been appointed to ensure smooth voting. The total number of registered voters stands at 127,711,793, comprising 64,825,361 men, 62,885,200 women, and 1,232 transgender voters. The commission stated that all necessary preparations for the election and referendum are in their final stages. The EC emphasized that adequate manpower has been deployed to conduct the nationwide vote efficiently, marking one of the largest electoral operations in the country’s history.

At least 30 people were injured in a clash between BNP and Jamaat-e-Islami supporters over seating arrangements at an election manifesto event in Sherpur-3 constituency (Sreebardi-Jhenaigati) on Wednesday afternoon. The incident occurred at the Jhenaigati Upazila mini stadium before the program officially began. Several motorcycles were also vandalized during the violence. According to the local administration, the event was organized by the Jhenaigati Upazila administration to present election manifestos of competing candidates. The altercation began when some BNP and Jamaat supporters argued over front-row seats, escalating into a violent confrontation. Police and army personnel later arrived to bring the situation under control. Injured individuals were taken to the Upazila Health Complex and district hospital. Jamaat candidate Nuruzzaman Badol accused BNP supporters of a premeditated attack, while BNP candidate Mahmudul Haque Rubel blamed Jamaat activists for inciting chaos. The Upazila Executive Officer Ashraful Alam Russell confirmed the incident and said higher authorities had been informed. Police reported that the situation was now normal and no case had yet been filed.

Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer Dr. Shafiqur Rahman condemned reported assaults on women during election campaigning and warned that his party would not remain silent if such incidents continued. Speaking on Wednesday afternoon at a women’s rally organized by the 11-party electoral alliance at Monipur High School and College in Mirpur, Dhaka-15, he urged those responsible to repent and vowed to defend women’s honor at any cost. Dr. Rahman, also a candidate for Dhaka-15, emphasized that women have the right to participate in election campaigns alongside men. He outlined his vision for a society built on maternal respect and compassion, promising safe transport for women, workplace daycare and breastfeeding facilities, and reduced working hours for mothers. He said these measures would apply to women of all religions. Calling for a “yes” vote in the February 12 referendum, Rahman linked the outcome to justice and national sovereignty. He urged support for the party’s balance-scale symbol, portraying it as a stand for fairness and humanity across all communities.

Novak Djokovic reached the semifinals of the 2026 Australian Open after Italian opponent Lorenzo Musetti retired due to injury during their quarterfinal match in Melbourne. Musetti had taken a commanding two-set lead, winning 6-4 and 6-3, before suffering thigh and groin injuries that forced him to withdraw while trailing 1-3 in the third set. The Serbian star, a 24-time Grand Slam champion, advanced by walkover to his 13th semifinal appearance at the tournament. Djokovic’s path to the last four was marked by unusual fortune. In the previous round, he progressed without playing after Czech player Jakub Mensik withdrew with stomach pain. The 38-year-old has now won a record 103 singles matches at the Australian Open, surpassing Roger Federer. Djokovic will face second seed Jannik Sinner in the semifinals, after the Italian defeated American Ben Shelton 6-3, 6-4, 6-4. In the women’s singles, Kazakhstan’s Elena Rybakina and American Jessica Pegula reached the semifinals, while Poland’s Iga Swiatek was eliminated following a straight-sets loss to Rybakina.

A Dhaka court has granted a three-day remand for Faisal Rubel Ahmed, a close associate of Faisal Karim Masud, the prime accused in the murder of Inquilab Mancha convener Shahid Sharif Osman Hadi. The order was issued on Wednesday, January 28, 2026, by Additional Chief Metropolitan Magistrate Jashita Islam. CID’s Assistant Superintendent of Police Abdur Kadir Bhuiyan had sought a seven-day remand for further interrogation, but the court approved three days. The prosecution confirmed the decision through SI Md. Ruknuzzaman. Earlier, on January 22, the same court had granted a six-day remand for Rubel following his arrest from South Keraniganj’s Ati Nayabazar area on January 21 with the help of the Detective Branch. The investigation officer stated that Rubel had already provided significant information during his previous remand, but further verification was needed. The prosecution argued that Rubel was one of the key accused and that two mobile phones recovered from him had been sent for forensic analysis. Rubel denied involvement, claiming mistaken identity, but the investigation officer maintained that he was indeed the accused associate of Faisal Karim Masud. The court then approved the additional three-day remand.

NCP leader Asif Mahmud announced that the 11-party alliance would modernize the Qawmi education system if elected. Speaking on Wednesday at a campaign rally at the National Hero Abdul Quddus Makhan Municipal Stage in Brahmanbaria, he said the alliance would introduce technical training for madrasa students to make them self-reliant and ensure they are no longer deprived. Mahmud, who chairs the NCP election management committee, described Brahmanbaria as a stronghold of democratic movements, noting that 11 people were martyred in the 2017 anti-Modi protests. He alleged that the district had been deprived of development projects due to its role in democratic struggles. He also welcomed the government’s announcement of an interim salary structure for imams and urged its quick implementation. At the same event, Ataullah, the 11-party alliance candidate for Brahmanbaria-3, promised to improve local education, launch new train services, and ensure justice for the killing of his friend Osman Hadi if elected.

Bangladeshi fact-checking organization Rumor Scanner has identified at least 126 incidents in 2025 where Indian users spread false information about Bangladesh on the social media platform X, formerly known as Twitter. The organization reported that these efforts aimed to create confusion and misinformation regarding Bangladesh. According to Rumor Scanner, Indian-origin misinformation about Bangladesh was also found on other platforms, including 54 cases on Facebook, 30 on Instagram, 25 on YouTube, one on TikTok, and 38 in Indian media outlets. The group noted that since 2024, there has been a rise in false narratives from Indian media and social media accounts, both from India and within Bangladesh, targeting topics such as the interim government, Khagrachhari issues, and groups involved in the 2024 movement. Rumor Scanner stated that it has identified hundreds of false claims circulating online, indicating a growing trend of misinformation campaigns involving Bangladesh across multiple digital platforms.

Bangladesh’s interim government foreign affairs adviser Md. Touhid Hossain said he could not find any reason behind India’s decision to recall family members of its diplomats from the Indian mission in Dhaka. Speaking to reporters at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Wednesday, January 28, he stated that there was no situation in Bangladesh that posed any danger to Indian officials or their families. Hossain clarified that there were no security threats or signals indicating any risk, describing the move as India’s internal matter. He added that India had not formally informed Bangladesh of any security concerns or incidents involving its diplomats. According to him, the overall security situation in Bangladesh remained stable, with no disruptions reported. He further noted that minor scuffles during election periods were not unusual in Bangladesh and that the current situation did not appear worse than in previous elections. Hossain emphasized that India was free to bring back its diplomats’ families if it wished, as Bangladesh had no objection to such a decision.

Syrian President Ahmed al-Shara is scheduled to meet Russian President Vladimir Putin in Moscow on Wednesday. The Kremlin considers the meeting significant as it seeks to secure the future of its military bases in Syria. The discussion will cover bilateral relations, cooperation in various sectors, and the current situation in the Middle East. The meeting comes amid ongoing tension over the fate of former Syrian leader Bashar al-Assad and his wife, who remain under Russian protection. Shara has repeatedly pressed Moscow to extradite them. The issue has become sensitive since Assad’s ouster in 2024, which weakened Russia’s influence in the region. Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov confirmed that all matters related to Russian troop presence in Syria would be discussed but declined to comment on Assad. Analysts cited in the report believe the talks could shape Russia’s position in Syria and define its relationship with the new Syrian leadership, especially as Moscow recently withdrew forces from the Kurdish-held Qamishli airport, leaving only its Hmeimim and Tartus bases on the Mediterranean coast.

The Jahangirnagar University Central Students’ Union (JAKSU) presented a detailed report on its first four months in office during an event held on Wednesday, January 28, 2026, in front of the JAKSU building. The session also marked the launch of JAKSU’s official website and outlined a range of initiatives aimed at improving student welfare. The union reported progress in housing, transport, healthcare, security, environment, and cultural development, with several projects still ongoing. Key measures included adding carts and eco-friendly autorickshaws to campus transport, enhancing law enforcement presence at key gates, and forming an anti-ragging cell. The medical center received new equipment, 85 types of medicines, and seven part-time doctors, alongside a move toward digital medical management. Food safety, waste management, and animal vaccination programs were implemented, while cultural and sports events such as tournaments, festivals, and exhibitions were organized. JAKSU also expressed solidarity with national movements, including protests against gender violence and support for teachers’ and regional water rights campaigns. Infrastructure improvements included new gas connections in six halls, a cycle stand, and road safety upgrades near the campus.

Israeli forces shot and killed a 20-year-old Palestinian man during a raid in the southern West Bank city of Hebron on Tuesday evening, according to the Palestinian Health Ministry. The victim, identified as Mohammad Rajeh Nasrallah from Al-Dhahiriya, was taken to Dura Hospital with a gunshot wound to the abdomen and was pronounced dead shortly after. Another Palestinian was injured in the same operation, while at least three others were arrested in Bethlehem, the Wafa news agency reported. The report said Israeli forces have continued widespread night raids and arrests across the occupied West Bank, detaining Palestinians regardless of alleged offenses. Thousands remain imprisoned without charge under harsh conditions, with reports of torture and deaths in custody. The Israeli human rights group B’Tselem stated that at least 84 Palestinians, including one child, have died in detention since October 2023. Elsewhere, Israeli troops detained 10 people in Amatin near Qalqilya, raided homes in Nablus, and arrested several residents. Settlers also uprooted 200 olive trees near Turmus Ayya, north of Ramallah, as attacks on Palestinian land and livelihoods persisted.

The United States has released two Russian crew members who were detained after their tanker was seized in the North Atlantic Ocean earlier this month. According to Russian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Maria Zakharova, the sailors have been freed and are returning home to Russia. However, the fate of the remaining crew members aboard the vessel remains unclear. U.S. authorities had detained the Russian-flagged tanker, alleging it was part of a 'shadow fleet' transporting oil from countries such as Venezuela, Russia, and Iran in violation of U.S. sanctions. Washington has indicated that legal action could be taken against the crew, while Moscow has condemned such a move as unacceptable, accusing the U.S. of escalating tensions and endangering international maritime navigation. Earlier reports stated that the tanker was intercepted near Venezuela’s coast while under Russian naval escort. To prevent U.S. seizure during its operations against Venezuela, the vessel was reportedly reflagged and renamed under Russian jurisdiction.

The Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) has arrested Habibur Rahman, former chief engineer of the Civil Aviation Authority, on Wednesday, January 28, 2026. An ACC source confirmed the arrest, which follows four corruption cases filed against him a year earlier. Rahman is accused of embezzling several thousand crore taka through irregularities in development projects at three international airports. According to ACC allegations, Rahman was involved in corruption and illegal wealth accumulation throughout his career. While serving as a supervising engineer, he was linked to major projects of the Civil Aviation Authority, allegedly earning large sums through bribery and misuse of authority. In the Cox’s Bazar airport expansion project, he reportedly delayed releasing a government payment of Tk 50 crore to pursue bribes, causing a threefold increase in compensation costs and a Tk 100 crore loss to the government. Investigations reportedly confirmed the allegations, but Rahman had previously avoided consequences by managing senior officials. His arrest marks a renewed effort by the ACC to address corruption in major infrastructure projects.

The 9th Bangladesh–United States Land Forces Talks 2026 concluded successfully at the Army Sports Control Board conference room in Dhaka Cantonment on January 27, following two days of discussions held from January 26 to 27. According to an ISPR press release issued on January 28, the meeting was a continuation of the earlier session held in the United States from September 8 to 10. Representatives from both armies participated in the talks aimed at enhancing mutual cooperation. The Bangladeshi delegation, led by Lieutenant Colonel Mohammad Badrul Haque from the Army Training Directorate, comprised 22 members, while the U.S. side included four representatives led by Major Michael Jacob Oster from the U.S. Pacific Army Command’s Security Cooperation Division. Brigadier General Md Humayun Kabir, Director of the Army Training Directorate, attended the opening and closing sessions. Discussions focused on strengthening military collaboration, improving training exchanges, and expanding the use of advanced technology and equipment. Both sides emphasized joint exercises, innovative training methods, and coordinated disaster preparedness. They also agreed on the importance of technical cooperation to address global challenges and contribute to regional peace and security.