Afghanistan’s National Disaster Management Authority (ANDMA) reported that recent heavy snowfall and rain have killed 61 people across multiple provinces. According to a report by Tolo News, 110 others were injured and 458 houses were damaged or destroyed. The affected provinces include Kabul, Parwan, Panjshir, Bamiyan, Daikundi, Maidan Wardak, Ghazni, Herat, Ghor, Badghis, Faryab, Sar-e Pol, Balkh, Samangan, and Nuristan. Residents in several areas said that blocked roads and severe weather have made it difficult to reach hospitals and emergency services. They appealed to the government for urgent assistance. Locals described worsening conditions due to extreme cold and unemployment, with many lacking warm clothing and basic supplies. Experts warned that Afghanistan needs long-term planning, stronger infrastructure resilience, and improved early warning systems to better handle such disasters, which threaten thousands of lives each winter.

Beijing has launched an investigation into two of China’s highest-ranking military officials, marking the latest phase in President Xi Jinping’s campaign to consolidate control over the People’s Liberation Army (PLA). The Ministry of Defense announced that Central Military Commission (CMC) Vice Chairman Zhang Youxia and Joint Staff Chief Liu Zhenli are under investigation for “serious disciplinary and legal violations.” Their removal leaves the CMC with its fewest members in history, now comprising only Xi Jinping and Zhang Shengmin, the head of the military’s anti-corruption body. The CMC is China’s top military decision-making body, responsible for strategy and operations. Analysts note that the probe underscores Xi’s tightening grip on the armed forces, continuing a years-long effort to ensure political loyalty within the PLA. While “disciplinary violations” often refer to corruption, such investigations have historically been used to eliminate political rivals. Researcher Tristan Tang of the Pacific Forum said the move highlights Xi’s strength and may also relate to inefficiencies in defense resource management and combat readiness. The investigation could last months or years, with most accused officials typically detained, convicted, and stripped of their positions and party membership.

Hasan Molla, general secretary of the Hazratpur Union unit of the BNP, died on Saturday, January 24, 2026, while undergoing treatment at Dhaka Medical College Hospital. He had been critically injured in a gun attack by unidentified assailants on the night of January 22 in the Jagannathpur area of Keraniganj’s Hazratpur Union. According to his brother-in-law Nazim Uddin, who is also vice president of the Keraniganj Model Thana BNP, Molla succumbed to his injuries around 4 p.m. Local residents said that on the night of the attack, unknown gunmen arrived on motorcycles and fired three to four rounds in front of the BNP office in Ward 5 before fleeing. The attackers had covered their faces with cloths, preventing identification. Molla was rescued in a bloodied state and taken to Dhaka Medical College Hospital, where his condition worsened, leading to his transfer to the ICU. Additional Superintendent of Police Jahangir Alam stated that Molla’s family had not yet filed a case, and further action would follow once a complaint is lodged.

Bangladesh has withdrawn from the upcoming T20 World Cup in India citing security concerns. The International Cricket Council (ICC) subsequently replaced Bangladesh with Scotland after the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) rejected the ICC’s ultimatum to participate. In response, Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Chairman Mohsin Naqvi strongly criticized the ICC’s decision, calling it unjust and accusing the organization of maintaining double standards. Speaking in Lahore, Naqvi said that Bangladesh was being treated unfairly and questioned why a special ‘hybrid model’ arrangement could exist for India and Pakistan but not for Bangladesh. The controversy began when the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) directed Kolkata Knight Riders to drop Bangladeshi player Mustafizur Rahman from their squad following threats from extremist groups. This incident heightened BCB’s security concerns, leading to Bangladesh’s refusal to send its team to India. Following the withdrawal, Bangladesh’s Information Ministry also ordered a suspension of Indian Premier League (IPL) broadcasts in the country, further escalating the cricketing tensions between the two nations.

The National Citizen Party (NCP) has announced 238 campaign candidates across the country to promote a 'Yes' vote in the upcoming national referendum on election day reform. The announcement was made on Friday night at the party’s temporary central office by Asif Mahmud Sajib Bhuiyan, chairman of the election management committee and party spokesperson. He said the candidates will campaign in districts and sub-districts alongside the Shapla Koli symbol and the 10-party electoral alliance, advocating for the 'Yes' position in the referendum. Although these candidates will not contest in the election, they will visit households to raise awareness about the referendum. The NCP also declared a 12-day electoral march as part of its campaign strategy. The list of campaign candidates covers all eight administrative divisions of Bangladesh, including Rangpur, Rajshahi, Khulna, Barishal, Dhaka, Mymensingh, Sylhet, and Chattogram. The initiative aims to mobilize grassroots support for the referendum and strengthen coordination with allied parties under the 10-party electoral alliance. The announcement marks a significant organizational effort by the NCP to influence public opinion on the proposed election day reform through direct voter engagement.

East West University organized a colorful orientation program for new students of the Spring 2026 semester on January 22, 2026, at the Manzur Elahi Auditorium in Aftabnagar, Dhaka. The event aimed to familiarize newcomers with the university’s code of conduct, rules, and available facilities. Professor Dr. Mohammed Farashuddin, Chairperson of the Board of Trustees and former Governor of Bangladesh Bank, attended as the chief guest, while Vice-Chancellor Professor Dr. Shams Rahman presided over the ceremony. Speakers highlighted the university’s mission and values, emphasizing the importance of developing skilled, ethical, and responsible leadership among students. They urged the new students to focus on both academic excellence and personal development to become capable human resources and contribute positively to national progress. The event was also attended by Pro-Vice-Chancellor Professor Dr. Mohammad Ashik Mosaddik and Treasurer Air Commodore (Retd.) Ishfaq Ilahi Choudhury. To make the event more engaging, the Student Welfare Department organized a ‘Club Fair’ featuring 23 student-run clubs. Each club showcased its activities and initiatives to encourage new students to participate in co-curricular and creative endeavors alongside their studies.

Three suspects have been arrested by Rapid Action Battalion (RAB)-11 in connection with the killing of college student Ashraful Islam in Raipur, Lakshmipur. The arrests were made late Friday night in Bhulta Gausia area of Rupganj, Narayanganj, and announced on Saturday by RAB-11 Noakhali Camp Commander Md. Muhit Kabir Serniabat. The detainees are Shakil Bepari, 23, Sohag Bepari, 19, and Moktar Patwari, 20, all residents of Charbanshi village under North Charbanshi Union in Raipur. According to RAB, Ashraful, a final-year degree student at Raipur Rustam Ali College, was attacked on January 14 by local drug users and teenage gang members led by Nahid Bepari and Shahin Bepari. He was severely injured and later died while undergoing treatment in Dhaka. His father, Azizul Haque, filed a murder case on January 16 naming 11 accused and 16 unidentified persons. The attack reportedly stemmed from Shahin’s suspicion that Ashraful had informed police about his earlier drug arrest. RAB stated that the arrested suspects have been handed over to Raipur police, and operations are continuing to capture others involved in the killing.

Indian actor and social media personality Kamal R Khan, known as KRK, was arrested by Mumbai Police on the night of January 23. The arrest followed his January 22 post on X (formerly Twitter) where he commented on Bangladesh’s reported refusal to play in the T20 World Cup in India. Police stated that the arrest was linked to a shooting allegation, but many social media users claimed he was targeted for criticizing India’s attitude toward Bangladesh and Pakistan. The controversy arose after reports that Bangladesh’s government expressed reluctance to send its team to India for the tournament due to security and political concerns. The International Cricket Council has not yet announced any change in venue. KRK’s detention has reignited debate over the intersection of cricket and politics in India and the limits of free expression. KRK, born in Deoband, Uttar Pradesh, began his career in the early 2000s as a screenwriter before acting in films such as “Deshdrohi” and appearing in the reality show “Bigg Boss.” He currently runs a YouTube channel and works as a film critic.

Tarique Rahman, chairman of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), visited the grave of his younger brother Arafat Rahman Koko in Banani, Dhaka, on the occasion of Koko’s 11th death anniversary. He was accompanied by his wife Dr. Zubaida Rahman, daughter Zaima Rahman, Koko’s wife Syeda Shamila Rahman, and several party leaders and activists. The visit was confirmed through a post with photographs on the BNP’s official Facebook page on Saturday afternoon. Arafat Rahman Koko, the younger son of late President Ziaur Rahman and former Prime Minister and BNP chairperson Begum Khaleda Zia, died of cardiac arrest in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, on January 24, 2015. Born on August 12, 1969, Koko served as a member of the Bangladesh Cricket Board’s advisory council from 2003 to 2005 and also chaired the Old DOHS Club. He was arrested along with his mother in 2007 during the army-backed caretaker government and later went abroad for medical treatment. Koko lived in Malaysia with his family until his death, leaving behind his wife and two daughters.

Nahid Islam, convener of the National Citizen Party (NCP) and candidate for Dhaka-11, has accused the BNP alliance of using so-called 'family cards' and 'farmer cards' as a strategy to buy votes. Speaking to journalists during his campaign in Shahjadpur on Saturday, he claimed that these cards were part of a deceptive process aimed at misleading voters. He added that people were not responding positively to such promises, as they had heard similar false assurances before. Nihad Islam further alleged that BNP alliance candidates were violating the electoral code of conduct by hanging posters on electric wires and obstructing the campaigns of the 10-party alliance. He said NCP leaders were show-caused by the Election Commission for referendum campaigning, while no action was taken against BNP candidates for similar violations. He also pledged to address water, gas, and drug-related problems in Dhaka-11 if elected. He urged young voters to guard polling centers and warned that if the Election Commission failed to remain neutral, his party would take strong action against it.

The Bangladesh Navy conducted a special operation early Saturday, January 24, 2026, in the Naytongpara area of Teknaf municipality, Cox’s Bazar, recovering crystal methamphetamine (‘ice’) valued at Tk 6 crore, along with firearms and ammunition. Two individuals, identified as Junaid alias Munna and his Rohingya associate Hamid Ullah, were arrested on charges of involvement in drug trafficking. The Navy’s media cell confirmed the operation later that day. According to a Navy statement, the raid was part of ongoing security and anti-crime operations ahead of the upcoming 13th National Parliamentary Election. Acting on a tip-off, a specialized naval team searched the suspects’ homes, seizing 1,250 grams of crystal meth, 126 yaba tablets, one single-barrel gun, two walkie-talkies, eight local weapons, and 47 rounds of live ammunition. The detainees reportedly admitted that the items were stored for sale through Rohingya intermediaries. Following the operation, the seized drugs and weapons, along with the arrested suspects, were handed over to Teknaf Police Station for legal action. The Navy continues intensified patrols in coastal and border areas to ensure election-time security.

The Election Commission has issued a show-cause notice to Sarjis Alam, the North Region Chief Coordinator of the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) and a candidate of the 10-party alliance for the Panchagarh-1 constituency, for violating the electoral code of conduct. The notice was confirmed on Saturday, January 24, by the returning officer of Panchagarh-1, which includes Panchagarh Sadar, Tentulia, and Atwari. According to the report, Sarjis Alam was accused of using arches, billboards, and banners in connection with a public rally organized for the Jamaat Ameer. The Election Commission considered these actions a breach of the election code of conduct. The notice requires Sarjis Alam to explain his actions to the Election Commission, though further details on possible penalties or responses were not provided in the report.

BNP has announced plans to gather one million people at a rally in Chattogram’s Polo Ground on Sunday to welcome party chairperson Tarique Rahman, who is visiting the port city after 21 years. Rahman is scheduled to arrive on Saturday evening, stay overnight at a local hotel, attend a student seminar Sunday morning, and then address the rally as chief guest before traveling to Feni for another event. Party leaders from Chattogram city, north and south districts, Cox’s Bazar, and the three hill districts are coordinating the event, which they hope will boost BNP’s prospects in Chattogram’s 16 parliamentary constituencies ahead of the 13th national election. Extensive preparations include a 100-foot stage, sound systems, and designated security zones. The city has been decorated with banners and billboards welcoming Rahman. Law enforcement agencies have confirmed a three-tier security plan involving police, RAB, and army personnel. BNP leaders say the rally aims to be a memorable show of strength, with thousands of activists already arriving from surrounding districts.

An unusual political scenario has emerged in Lakshmipur-1 (Ramganj) constituency, where a father and son are supporting rival parties ahead of the upcoming election. Mahbub Alam, central joint convener of the National Citizen Party (NCP) and elder brother of former information adviser Mahfuz Alam, is contesting under the 'Shapla Koli' symbol representing a ten-party alliance. His father, Azizur Rahman Bacchu Molla, general secretary of the BNP’s Ichhapur Union unit, is actively campaigning for BNP candidate Shahadat Hossain Selim under the 'Dhaner Shish' symbol. On Friday, Bacchu Molla joined several street meetings across Ichhapur Union, urging voters to support the BNP candidate. He stated that politics is a matter of ideology and belief, and personal relations cannot alter his political stance, though he continues to pray for his son as a father. Mahbub Alam acknowledged awareness of the situation but declined to comment. The contrasting political positions within the same family have become a major topic of discussion in Ramganj and on social media, with local analysts saying it has added a new dimension to the constituency’s electoral politics.

Chief Adviser’s Special Assistant Ali Riaz stated that the government’s campaign supporting a ‘Yes’ vote in the upcoming referendum is legally sound and beyond question. He made the remarks on Saturday afternoon at a divisional meeting held at the Mendibag Sports Complex in Sylhet, aimed at motivating voters. Senior government officials from the Sylhet division attended the event. Riaz emphasized that the government’s position aligns with legal, moral, and international standards. He said the interim government seeks to foster a political culture where major national decisions are made through dialogue among all political parties, and that the July Charter will help create such an environment. Addressing misinformation, he noted that false claims were being spread about the charter, including allegations that it omits religious phrases or contradicts the spirit of the Liberation War. Special Assistant Monir Haider added that the referendum aims to fulfill the core aspirations of the Liberation War and called for broad public participation. Other speakers described the referendum as a key step toward strengthening democratic processes.