The Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) began its election rally at the Chattogram Polo Ground on Sunday morning ahead of the 13th national parliamentary election. The rally started at 10 a.m., with BNP Chairperson Tarique Rahman scheduled to arrive at 11:30 a.m. Thousands of party leaders, activists, and supporters from different city wards and nearby districts gathered at the venue, filling the field completely. Participants from BNP’s affiliated organizations, including Jubo Dal, Chhatra Dal, Swechchhasebak Dal, Mohila Dal, and Krishak Dal, arrived on foot from various parts of the city, chanting slogans in support of the party’s election symbol. Chattogram City Corporation Mayor Dr. Shahadat Hossain and BNP candidates from 16 constituencies were present. A large number of volunteers managed discipline under the guidance of city BNP leaders. Law enforcement agencies, including the army, police, and Rapid Action Battalion, maintained strict security around the venue. Vehicle movement was restricted in several areas, with complete closure in CRB. Security checks were enforced at two entry gates, and red and yellow zones were established for crowd control.

Saudi Arabia has implemented a new law from January 2026 allowing foreigners to purchase houses and other properties in designated areas. Both foreign residents living in the kingdom and those residing abroad can now buy property, though ownership remains prohibited in the holy cities of Mecca and Medina. The government stated that foreigners outside Saudi Arabia will be limited to buying in Riyadh and Jeddah, with a detailed map of approved zones to be published by March. Foreign residents can apply through an online portal using their residence permit (Iqama) number, while non-residents must first obtain a digital ID from a Saudi embassy in their home country before applying online. Property transactions will incur up to a 5% real estate tax. The law also imposes strict penalties for false information or anonymous purchases, including fines up to 10 million Saudi riyals and property confiscation. Analysts cited in the report believe the reform could boost foreign investment in Saudi Arabia’s real estate sector and accelerate development in selected areas of Riyadh and Jeddah.

The National Board of Revenue (NBR) of Bangladesh has intensified efforts to expand and update its network of Double Taxation Avoidance (DTA) agreements. The agency has initiated new negotiations with Austria, Hungary, and Azerbaijan, completing two rounds of talks with the first two countries and one with Azerbaijan. Discussions with Uzbekistan and Nigeria are under consideration. Meanwhile, a DTA agreement with Kenya is at the final stage but its signing has been delayed due to scheduling issues before the national election. In parallel, the NBR has begun reviewing older agreements signed decades ago to align them with modern business practices such as digitalization and e-commerce. The first rounds of review meetings with Singapore and Pakistan were held in December, and talks with Sri Lanka are expected around June. Bangladesh currently has DTA agreements with 43 countries, including the United States, the United Kingdom, China, and India. NBR officials stated that such agreements help prevent investors from being taxed twice on the same income, thereby encouraging cross-border investment and trade between partner countries.

Rana Sanaullah, political adviser to Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, has called on Pakistan to stand by Bangladesh after Dhaka withdrew from the 2026 ICC T20 World Cup in India citing security concerns. Speaking on Geo News, Sanaullah said supporting Bangladesh would benefit Pakistan in the long term, even if it meant financial losses for Pakistan cricket. He emphasized that Pakistan’s solidarity should be directed toward the Bangladeshi state rather than any political party or government. Sanaullah added that such support could help bridge the gap created between the two nations since 1971 and foster a new phase of brotherly relations. He described the potential impact of Pakistan’s stance as far-reaching. Following Bangladesh’s withdrawal, the ICC replaced the team with Scotland. Pakistan Cricket Board Chairman Mohsin Naqvi stated that Pakistan’s participation decision would follow government instructions, with a final announcement expected after Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s return to the country.

Bangladesh’s gold market remains volatile as prices surged again within just 12 hours of a previous reduction. The Bangladesh Jewellers Association (BAJUS) announced a new record high, setting the price of 22-carat gold at Tk 255,617 per bhori, effective nationwide from Saturday. The decision reversed Thursday night’s brief price cut, which had lowered the rate to Tk 249,318 per bhori before being superseded by Friday noon’s increase. BAJUS said the adjustment was made due to a rise in the local price of acid gold and changing global conditions. The association noted that international prices had unexpectedly climbed after a previous downward trend, prompting an emergency meeting to revise domestic rates. Traders attributed the global volatility to heightened geopolitical tensions between the United States and Iran, which have boosted demand for gold as a safe investment. Market analysts reported that gold prices in Bangladesh have been adjusted 12 times so far this year, with nine increases and three reductions. They warned that without stability in global conditions, sustained relief in domestic gold prices remains unlikely.

US special envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner have visited Israel to meet Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu for discussions on Gaza and Iran. According to the White House, the meeting included talks on President Donald Trump’s Gaza peace plan. The visit took place amid growing concerns about a possible US strike on Iran. Israel’s Prime Minister’s Office did not immediately respond to requests for comment on the meeting. Israeli media reported that US Central Command chief Brad Cooper also arrived in Israel and is expected to meet senior Israeli security officials, including Chief of General Staff Herzi Halevi and Air Force Commander Tomer Bar. The timing of these visits coincides with heightened regional tensions and speculation over potential US military action against Iran. Iran has accused the United States of attempting to incite unrest, impose sanctions, and pursue regime change through pressure and destabilization efforts, according to reports from Israeli and international outlets.

Dhaka has ranked first among 126 cities worldwide for having the most polluted air, according to the Air Quality Index (IQAir) report released on Sunday morning, January 25, 2026. The city recorded an air quality score of 283, placing it in the 'very unhealthy' category. Kolkata, Hangzhou, Cairo, and Lahore followed Dhaka in the top five positions with scores of 210, 186, 178, and 176 respectively. The IQAir index classifies air quality scores between 0 and 50 as good, 51 to 100 as moderate, 101 to 150 as unhealthy for sensitive groups, 151 to 200 as unhealthy, 201 to 300 as very unhealthy, and above 300 as hazardous. Dhaka’s current score of 283 indicates a severe level of air pollution that poses significant health risks to residents. The report highlights the persistent air quality challenges faced by Dhaka, underscoring the city’s ongoing struggle with pollution levels that frequently exceed safe limits.

The International Cricket Council (ICC) announced that Scotland will replace Bangladesh in the 2026 ICC Men’s T20 World Cup after the Bangladesh Cricket Board declined to participate due to security concerns in India. The decision, revealed in an ICC statement on Saturday, has sparked widespread debate and criticism over alleged favoritism toward India. Bangladesh’s withdrawal led to a reshuffle in Group C, with Scotland now set to face West Indies, Italy, England, and Nepal when the tournament begins on February 7 in India and Sri Lanka. Former Pakistan cricketer Shahid Afridi and former Australian player Jason Gillespie publicly criticized the ICC’s handling of the issue. Afridi expressed disappointment on social media, accusing the ICC of inconsistency for accepting India’s security concerns in Pakistan in 2025 but rejecting Bangladesh’s similar request. He urged the ICC to ensure fairness and equal treatment for all member nations. Gillespie questioned the transparency of the decision, recalling that India had previously been allowed to play the Champions Trophy in Dubai instead of Pakistan. The controversy has raised questions about the ICC’s impartiality and its approach to member nations’ security concerns ahead of the upcoming global tournament.

A massive snowstorm has severely disrupted the United States, affecting nearly 180 million people from New Mexico to New England under winter storm warnings. Around 13,000 flights have been canceled due to widespread snow and ice, and more than 100,000 customers have lost power. The National Weather Service forecast heavy snow, sleet, and freezing rain from Saturday through Monday across the southern Rocky Mountains to New England. At least a dozen states have declared emergencies as millions face power outages and travel disruptions. National Weather Service meteorologist Allison Santorelli warned that snow and ice will melt slowly, hindering rescue and recovery operations. President Donald Trump approved federal emergency disaster declarations for twelve states, including South Carolina, Virginia, Tennessee, Georgia, and others, with more declarations expected. U.S. Interior Secretary Kristi Noem said the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has pre-deployed relief supplies, personnel, and rescue teams across affected states, urging residents to stay indoors and make prudent decisions as the severe cold is expected to persist for several days.

At least three Palestinians, including two children, were killed in Israeli attacks across Gaza despite a ceasefire remaining in effect, according to medical sources and witnesses cited by Anadolu Agency. The strikes occurred in several areas, including Beit Lahia and Khan Younis, where drone fire and gunfire also left several others injured. Medical sources reported that two teenagers, 14-year-old Salman Zakaria and 15-year-old Mohammad Yusuf from the Al-Zawara family, were killed near Kamal Adwan Hospital in Beit Lahia. Witnesses said the drone strike took place in an area from which Israeli forces were supposed to withdraw under the ceasefire agreement. Another Palestinian was killed in Khan Younis, and multiple injuries were reported in Jabalia and other parts of northern Gaza. According to Gaza’s Health Ministry, Israeli attacks have continued since the ceasefire took effect on October 10 last year, killing 481 Palestinians and injuring 1,313. Since October 2023, more than 71,600 Palestinians have been killed and at least 171,300 injured during Israel’s military operations in Gaza.

Professor Ali Riaz, Special Assistant to the Chief Adviser and Chief Coordinator of the referendum awareness campaign, emphasized the crucial role of imams in establishing a just, equal, and humane society. He made the remarks on Saturday, January 24, at the Sylhet Divisional Imam Conference held at the Mendibag Sports Complex, organized by the Divisional Commissioner’s Office and the Islamic Foundation. Special Assistant Monir Haider attended as a special guest. In his address, Ali Riaz said Bangladesh had been in darkness for 16 years under a fascist regime that dismantled constitutional structures. He stated that the upcoming referendum, based on the July Charter formulated by consensus among political parties after the fall of fascism, is essential to uphold freedom of expression. He urged all to ensure a “Yes” victory in the vote. Monir Haider recalled that religious scholars once faced discrimination and fear under the previous regime. He called the referendum a moral and faith-based duty to permanently eradicate fascism. The event was chaired by Divisional Commissioner Khan Md. Reza-un-Nabi and attended by senior officials and religious leaders.

The third day of arguments in the murder case of Begum Rokeya University student Abu Sayeed, known as the first martyr of the July Revolution, is scheduled to take place today. The hearing is being held at International Crimes Tribunal-2, chaired by Justice Nazrul Islam Chowdhury, with two other members—retired district and sessions judge Md. Manjurul Basid and district and sessions judge Nur Mohammad Shahriar Kabir. The prosecution is set to present all evidence and documents related to the case. On January 22, Prosecutor Mizanul Islam presented witness testimonies, seized evidence, and investigation documents before the tribunal, asserting that the evidence clearly established the direct involvement of the accused. The court then set today’s date for the continuation of the arguments. The current phase of the case began on January 21 with the prosecution’s opening arguments. After the prosecution completes its presentation, defense lawyers will begin their arguments before the tribunal.

The Syrian military and the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) have extended their ceasefire for another 15 days, according to a statement issued late Saturday by Syria’s Ministry of Defense. The new period began at 11 p.m. local time, with the stated goal of assisting the United States in transferring ISIL detainees from SDF-controlled detention centers to Iraq. The SDF confirmed the extension, saying the agreement would help reduce tensions, protect civilians, and create conditions for stability. Reporting from Damascus, Al Jazeera’s Ayman Ogana noted that the announcement brought relief among the public. The ceasefire follows a broader effort by the Syrian government to integrate the SDF into state institutions. After the fall of former President Bashar al-Assad, current President Ahmed al-Shara signed an agreement with the SDF in March of the previous year to formalize that integration process.

A U.S. citizen was shot dead by an immigration officer in Minneapolis, sparking renewed protests across the city. Police Chief Brian O’Hara said the 37-year-old victim, identified as Alex Pretty, died in hospital after being shot on Saturday. Pretty, a Minneapolis resident, worked as a nurse in an intensive care unit. Demonstrators have called for the withdrawal of heavily armed federal forces from the city. Federal agents and immigration officers have been deployed in Minneapolis for several weeks as part of an anti-illegal immigration campaign. The latest killing follows the January 7 death of 37-year-old Renee Good, who was shot by an Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officer inside a vehicle, triggering daily protests. Last week, a Venezuelan national was also injured in a separate shooting incident. The repeated shootings have intensified public anger and sustained demonstrations, with protesters demanding accountability and the removal of federal agents from Minneapolis streets.

Following the December killing of Sharif Osman Hadi, millions attended his funeral in central Dhaka, reflecting a wave of national grief that has yet to subside. Hadi, a former university student from a modest background, had become a prominent voice after the 2024 uprising that ended Sheikh Hasina’s long rule. His death, unlike earlier political martyrs, remains unresolved and continues to stir public emotion, now described as the ‘Hadi Effect’. Hadi’s rise came through social media and televised debates where he challenged remnants of the Awami League’s cultural dominance. He criticized what he saw as elitist secular nationalism and promoted a faith-based cultural identity resonating with Bangladesh’s Muslim majority. Through his ‘Inqilab Cultural Center,’ he sought to build an alternative cultural framework grounded in Islamic values and local expression. His decision to contest a Dhaka parliamentary seat without party backing turned him into a symbol of grassroots defiance. His assassination has left many feeling deprived of a rare, honest voice, and the emotional momentum surrounding his legacy continues to influence the national political atmosphere.