According to data from international air quality monitoring firm IQAir, released on Tuesday morning, Delhi recorded an air quality index (AQI) score of 299, placing it at the top of the world’s most polluted cities list. Dhaka ranked fifth with a score of 220, while Kolkata stood seventh. Both Delhi and Dhaka’s air quality levels were categorized as 'very unhealthy'. The data was collected around 8:30 a.m., when dry winter weather typically worsens air pollution in the region. The IQAir ranking also placed Dakar, Senegal, second with a score of 243; Cairo, Egypt, third with 229; Hanoi, Vietnam, fourth with 221; and Krasnoyarsk, Russia, sixth with 201. The report noted that AQI scores between 201 and 300 are considered 'very unhealthy', prompting health advisories for children, the elderly, and those with illnesses to stay indoors and for others to limit outdoor activities. The report highlighted that during the dry winter season, Dhaka often experiences persistently high pollution levels, contributing to its position among the world’s most polluted cities.

Interim government adviser Muhammad Faozul Kabir Khan announced that more than 60 hours of training have been made mandatory for obtaining a driving license in Bangladesh. He made the statement on Tuesday at 11 a.m., emphasizing that the new rule applies to all drivers seeking a license. According to the adviser, drivers who undergo the required training will receive an allowance from the government. He also stated that the previous licensing committees will no longer exist, and applicants will receive their licenses upon passing the examination. The announcement reflects the interim government’s effort to reform the licensing process and ensure better driver preparation. The new policy aims to simplify the licensing procedure while promoting road safety through structured training. The government’s decision to provide allowances for trainees is intended to encourage compliance with the new requirements.

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.

A United States–based human rights organization, Human Rights Activists News Agency (HRANA), reported that more than 6,000 people have been killed in Iran amid a government crackdown on anti-regime protests. According to AFP, HRANA confirmed 5,848 deaths, including 209 security personnel, and warned that the actual toll could be higher, with 17,091 additional cases still under verification. The protests, which began in late December over economic grievances, have evolved into a nationwide movement against Iran’s Islamic governance. International human rights groups have accused Iranian security forces of using extreme force, including live ammunition against demonstrators. To suppress information, the government imposed an 18-day internet shutdown, which monitoring group NetBlocks described as an unprecedented “internet blackout” in Iran’s history. The unrest has also heightened tensions between Tehran and Washington, with U.S. President Donald Trump signaling a tougher stance and deploying a naval fleet to the region. Iran’s Foreign Ministry warned it would deliver a “crushing response” to any foreign aggression and urged the U.S. not to interfere in its internal affairs. HRANA reported over 41,000 arrests, while Iran’s government claimed 3,117 deaths. AFP noted that casualty figures remain unverified due to restricted access and communication blackouts.

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.

A female staff member at the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) in Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh, was attacked and robbed inside a hospital lift on Sunday, January 15. The victim, identified as Varsha Soni, a ward attendant in the gynecology department, was alone in the lift when a masked man entered, asked for directions, and then suddenly tried to snatch her gold chain and mangalsutra. The assailant fled through the stairs after taking the mangalsutra, while the pearl necklace fell inside the lift. No security guard was present at the time. The incident, captured on CCTV, has caused widespread concern across the city, raising questions about safety and law enforcement in sensitive public institutions. A written complaint was filed at Bagsewania Police Station, but a formal case has not yet been registered. Preliminary investigation suggests that security was relaxed on Sunday, allowing the attacker to escape through the IPD gate. Authorities note that under India’s new criminal code, chain snatching now carries lighter penalties, which police say has led to a sharp rise in such crimes in Bhopal over the past year.

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.

US President Donald Trump has claimed that Iran has made multiple attempts to contact Washington to discuss possible negotiations, even as the United States strengthens its military presence in the Middle East. In an interview with Axios on Monday, Trump said a large US naval fleet is stationed near Iran and described the situation as uncertain and changing. He asserted that Tehran wants to make a deal and has called several times to initiate talks. The United States has deployed the USS Abraham Lincoln carrier strike group to the region, according to the US Central Command, which stated that the move aims to reinforce regional security and stability. The developments come amid renewed tensions between Washington and Tehran, following widespread anti-government protests in Iran last month triggered by economic hardship and the sharp fall of the Iranian rial. Iranian officials have accused the United States and Israel of supporting armed rioters during the unrest and warned that any US attack would be met with a swift and comprehensive response.

The United States military confirmed on Monday that the aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln and its accompanying warships have arrived in the Middle East, strengthening the country’s military presence and capabilities in the region. The deployment was ordered amid Iran’s harsh crackdown on widespread protests that began in late December over economic grievances and later turned into a major anti-government movement. President Donald Trump initially considered but later withdrew a decision for direct military action against Iran, while maintaining that all options remain open. US Central Command (CENTCOM) stated on X that the carrier strike group was deployed to reinforce regional security and stability. Trump told Axios that a powerful US naval fleet is positioned close to Iran and claimed Tehran has shown interest in dialogue. A senior US official also said Washington is ready to engage if Iran reaches out. Iran’s Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmail Baghaei warned against US interference, asserting confidence in Iran’s own capabilities and saying that such military displays cannot weaken the nation’s resolve.

NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte has warned that Europe cannot ensure its own security without the United States. Speaking before European lawmakers in Brussels, Rutte urged NATO members to increase military spending, strengthen nuclear defense, and maintain the ultimate guarantee of freedom. His remarks followed recent tensions over Greenland, after U.S. President Donald Trump threatened to seize the autonomous Danish territory but later withdrew the threat following discussions with Rutte. Rutte praised Trump for pressing European nations to raise defense budgets and rejected proposals for a separate European defense force, arguing such a move would complicate matters and please Russian President Vladimir Putin. He said NATO would take greater responsibility for Arctic defense but emphasized that Greenland’s security remains a matter for Greenland and Denmark. Referring to NATO’s sacrifices in Afghanistan, Rutte reminded that for every two U.S. soldiers lost, one allied or partner soldier also did not return home, underscoring America’s gratitude for allied contributions.