The month-long Jatra Registration Festival, organized by the Ministry of Cultural Affairs and managed by Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy, concluded on January 23, 2026, with the staging of the historical Jatra play ‘General Osmani’. The play was performed at the Experimental Theatre Hall of the Academy by its repertory Jatra unit. Written by M A Majid and directed by Tanvir Nahid Khan, the production focused on the leadership, strategy, and uncompromising patriotism of Colonel M A G Osmani, the Commander-in-Chief of the Liberation War. The closing ceremony was attended by Cultural Affairs Adviser Mostofa Sarwar Farooki as chief guest, with Secretary Md. Mofidur Rahman and Director General Sheikh Rezauddin Ahmed also present. The festival, which began on December 1, 2025, featured 36 Jatra performances by 35 registered troupes from across the country. Veteran Jatra artist Anwar Hossain received a lifetime achievement award for his contribution to the art form. Farooki noted that ‘General Osmani’ was created within seven days and will be staged in all 64 districts in March 2026, marking a renewed focus on national stories in traditional Jatra performances. Ticket proceeds from the festival were distributed to participating troupes, and each performance was evaluated by a jury panel.

BNP-nominated candidate for Dhaka-6 constituency, Engineer Ishraq Hossain, appealed to residents to vote for him in the upcoming national election on February 12. Speaking at a street rally in Wari’s 38th ward on January 24, he said he had dedicated his life to the welfare of the nation and wanted the opportunity to serve the people. He described himself as a son of the area and a brother to the residents, asking for their support to work for them. During his campaign speech, Hossain highlighted severe local problems including gas shortages, poor road conditions, and inadequate waste management that have made daily life difficult for residents. He pledged to prioritize solutions to these issues if elected, including addressing environmental pollution, illegal structures, and traffic congestion caused by unregulated parking. He also mentioned that bus route rationalization and improved transport planning were essential for easing congestion. Hossain concluded by recalling his participation in past political movements and expressed hope to build a livable city together with the people. He also offered prayers for his late father and former Prime Minister Begum Khaleda Zia.

BNP Chairperson Tarique Rahman is scheduled to visit Chauddagram in Comilla on Sunday, January 25, 2026, to address an election campaign rally for the first time in the area. The visit was confirmed by BNP’s Comilla divisional organizing secretary Selim Bhuiyan. Ahead of the event, BNP Chairperson’s adviser Aminur Rashid Yasin inspected the high school field in Chauddagram, where the rally will take place, noting that preparations were nearly complete and security measures were active around the clock. Local BNP leaders described the upcoming rally as potentially the largest in the region’s history. Kamrul Huda, BNP’s candidate for Comilla-11 and president of Chauddagram Upazila BNP, said they were preparing for a turnout of over one hundred thousand people. He added that local activists were highly enthusiastic about Tarique Rahman’s first visit to Chauddagram. Volunteer leader Khorshed Alam stated that residents from all walks of life were eager to see the BNP leader. According to the report, Tarique Rahman will deliver speeches at three public meetings in Comilla on Sunday, beginning with Chauddagram after completing rallies in Chattogram and Feni.

Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer Dr. Shafiqur Rahman declared his readiness to sacrifice for the nation like martyr Abu Sayeed, emphasizing that not an inch of the country’s land would be compromised. He made the remarks on Saturday morning after visiting Abu Sayeed’s grave and meeting his family in Babonpur village of Pirganj upazila, Rangpur. Rahman stated that if Jamaat comes to power, the party will prioritize justice for Abu Sayeed and all those killed in the July uprising. He was accompanied by Rangpur-6 candidate Maulana Nurul Amin, Jamaat Assistant Secretary General Abdul Halim, National Citizen Party member secretary Akhtar Hossain, and Islami Chhatra Shibir Secretary General Md. Sigbatullah. Rahman reaffirmed Jamaat’s commitment to building a corruption-free, terror-free, and humane Bangladesh where people of all faiths and backgrounds can live peacefully. He also stressed national unity, noting that a ten-party alliance has been formed to contest all 300 constituencies through mutual understanding. Rahman demanded immediate justice for the slain martyrs and pledged lifelong support for their families before departing for Palashbari in Gaibandha.

Thousands of women participated in an election rally organized by Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami in Ullapara under the Sirajganj-4 constituency on Saturday, January 24, 2026. The event took place at the Government Akbar Ali College field, where nearly one-third of the ground was occupied by female attendees. The rally was part of a campaign organized by the ten-party alliance, drawing a large turnout of both female Jamaat activists and general women from the area. According to the report, the gathering was arranged by the Ullapara upazila unit of Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami. A participant named Afroza Parvin told the newspaper that she joined the rally with hopes of building a new Bangladesh. She, who was assigned as a polling agent for Jamaat’s parliamentary candidate Maulana Rafiqul Islam Khan, expressed her belief that if Jamaat comes to power, it will ensure a safer environment for women, allowing them to move freely and work securely both at home and outside. The strong female presence at the rally highlighted Jamaat’s effort to mobilize women voters ahead of the upcoming election.

Former Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) chairman Najam Sethi has accused the International Cricket Council (ICC) of favoring India following Bangladesh’s withdrawal from the T20 World Cup. Bangladesh decided not to participate in the tournament, citing concerns over India’s security arrangements. Despite being given time by the ICC to reconsider, the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) stood firm, leading to Scotland replacing Bangladesh in the competition. In an interview with Pakistan’s Geo Super, Sethi praised Bangladesh’s decision, calling it a strong and justified stance given the tension and threats involved. He alleged that the ICC ignored these concerns due to its bias toward India and claimed that the decision aligned with India’s preferences. Sethi also urged other cricketing nations to resist what he described as India’s dominance within the ICC. Sethi further called on current PCB chairman Mohsin Naqvi to consider boycotting the World Cup as well, saying he would support such a move if Pakistan followed Bangladesh’s example.

Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer Dr. Shafiqur Rahman said that if the ten-party alliance comes to power, it will build a Bangladesh based on justice and fairness. He made the remarks on Saturday, January 24, 2026, while addressing an election rally of the ten-party alliance at Suti Mahmud Model Pilot High School field in Palashbari, Gaibandha, organized by the district Jamaat. Dr. Rahman stated that even those labeled as extortionists would be given honorable work and a chance to live with dignity in society. He emphasized that no one should have to hide their identity or face social stigma. He also declared opposition to any form of dominance over Bangladesh, calling for friendly relations with all civilized nations and neighboring countries. The Jamaat leader criticized the country’s 54-year-old political system, which he said had produced fascism, and called for a complete transformation of governance. He urged voters to support the alliance to repay the debt owed to the martyrs of July.

Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer Dr. Shafiqur Rahman said that if his party is elected, they will prioritize reforming the education system and reviving the traditional handloom industry in Sirajganj. Speaking as the chief guest at a rally organized by the 10-party electoral alliance at Sirajganj Islamia Government College field on Saturday, he noted that while the district has a medical college, it lacks a university for higher education. He emphasized the need for justice, employment for youth, and restoration of the region’s industrial and agricultural prosperity. Rahman criticized the current state of river management and promised to restore navigability. He also pledged to ensure women’s safety at home, workplaces, and on the streets, and to provide dignified employment opportunities for qualified women. Calling on voters to support the “Yes” vote, Rahman said victory would allow justice for past killings and enable national reforms. He vowed to form a corruption-free government, ensure judicial independence, and eliminate fascism and extortion from Bangladesh.

More than 200 people from various political backgrounds, including BNP members, joined Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami in Katiadi upazila of Kishoreganj, creating a festive atmosphere. The joining event took place on Friday evening at the residence of retired Major Akhtaruzzaman Ranjan, a freedom fighter and former BNP lawmaker who recently joined Jamaat. New members formally enrolled by filling out associate membership forms in his presence. Major (Retd.) Akhtaruzzaman Ranjan had joined Jamaat-e-Islami on December 13 in the presence of the party’s Ameer, Dr. Shafiqur Rahman. Since then, he has been active in party programs both locally and in Dhaka, delivering speeches and participating in campaign activities. He is also playing a key role in election campaigning for the Jamaat-nominated candidate of the 10-party alliance in Kishoreganj-2 constituency. Responding to his call, BNP activists, professionals, businessmen, former union parishad members, and two individuals from the Hindu community joined Jamaat. The joining program, which began on Friday, is scheduled to continue until Saturday afternoon.

Barrister Andalib Rahman Partha stated that Tarique Rahman has entrusted him with the responsibility to stand beside the people of Bhola Sadar. He made the remarks on Saturday during a mass reception following his nomination, marking his first visit to Bhola after receiving it. Partha emphasized that he would not waste the trust placed in him and expressed gratitude for the love shown by the people of Bhola. He said he came with Tarique Rahman’s blessings to serve the people and follow in his father’s footsteps. Partha highlighted the sacrifices made by BNP supporters in Bhola and pledged to work with them in the coming days. He called for unity and peace, rejecting violence or conflict. Addressing voters, he said if they believed other candidates were more qualified, they should elect them, but if they wanted development such as a medical college and the Bhola-Barishal bridge, they should support him. The event was attended by local BJP leaders, though no BNP district or upazila leaders were seen present. He also recalled his past as a vocal critic of misrule in television talk shows, asserting that he was the protest voice during difficult times.

British Prince Harry has sharply criticized U.S. President Donald Trump for his comments on NATO allies’ involvement in the Afghanistan war. Trump, in a Fox News interview, claimed that NATO countries stayed somewhat behind the front lines during the conflict and questioned whether the alliance would stand by the United States if needed. His remarks drew widespread condemnation across the United Kingdom’s political spectrum. Speaking while paying tribute to NATO soldiers killed in Afghanistan, Prince Harry urged people to speak about their sacrifices with truth and honor. The Duke of Sussex, who served twice in Afghanistan, recalled losing friends and forming lifelong bonds during his service. He noted that 457 British soldiers and many other NATO troops were killed in the war. Harry emphasized that NATO invoked Article 5 for the first and only time in 2001, obligating member nations to stand with the United States for collective security. He said thousands of lives were changed forever and called for continued unity in diplomacy and peace.

US President Donald Trump unveiled his new 'Board of Peace' at the Davos Economic Forum this week, declaring it a platform to end decades of global suffering and build lasting peace. The initiative, originally conceived during US-led efforts to end the Gaza war, was approved by a UN Security Council resolution but has since expanded into a broader global project. A leaked draft charter shows Trump will serve as lifelong chairman with sweeping powers, including appointing members, creating or dissolving sub-bodies, and naming his successor. Permanent membership reportedly costs $1 billion. The launch drew mixed international reactions. Poland’s prime minister warned against manipulation, while Hungary’s Viktor Orbán praised Trump’s leadership. The UK, Sweden, and Norway voiced concerns or withheld participation, and a coalition of Muslim-majority nations joined citing hopes for Gaza’s reconstruction—though the leaked charter made no mention of Gaza. France’s Emmanuel Macron faced tariff threats from Trump for hesitating to join, and Slovenia called the move a dangerous interference in global order. UN officials described the initiative as reflecting the UN Security Council’s failures but cautioned that inclusivity is vital. Secretary-General António Guterres lamented the rise of power politics over rule of law, while observers questioned whether Trump’s board could replace the UN.

Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer Dr. Shafiqur Rahman said the party seeks friendship with all nations but will not accept any form of dominance. Speaking as chief guest at an election rally in Sherpur, Bogura, on Saturday, he declared that the nation’s youth have shown a red card to imperialism and that this stance will remain firm. He pledged that if Jamaat forms the government, no public money will be misused and extortion will not be tolerated across Bangladesh. Rahman urged journalists to act as vigilant watchdogs, reporting truthfully without distortion. Addressing youth, he said Jamaat would not offer unemployment allowances but would instead create opportunities for dignified work at home and abroad. He emphasized education aligned with individual merit and state responsibility in ensuring employment. He also called on citizens to oppose extortionists, land grabbers, and litigants, and to vote “yes” in the upcoming referendum. During the event, Rahman handed the party’s balance-scale symbol to Jamaat’s MP candidate Maulana Dabibur Rahman for the Sherpur-Dhunat constituency.

Nahid Islam, the Dhaka-11 constituency candidate nominated by the 10-party alliance and convener of the National Citizens Party (NCP), stated that a fair election environment has been created after 16 years. He expressed hope that people would be able to vote freely and safely. He made these remarks on Saturday, January 24, in the capital’s Vatara area before starting his election campaign. During his speech, Nahid Islam alleged that one party had violated the election code of conduct and was attempting to buy votes through the use of family cards. He also criticized promises being made that he claimed were unrealistic and urged voters not to be misled. Additionally, he mentioned that fear had been instilled among voters in various areas and called on them not to be intimidated. To ensure a fair election on February 12, Nahid instructed his party workers to stay at polling centers and guard the process.

Education Adviser Professor Dr. Chowdhury Rafiqul Abrar has called for transforming educational institutions into centers of democratic and inclusive practice through the creativity, ideas, and active participation of young people. He made the remarks on Saturday at a discussion marking International Education Day 2026, held at the International Mother Language Institute auditorium and organized by the Bangladesh National Commission for UNESCO. Dr. Abrar emphasized that education should not be confined to textbook learning but should foster citizenship, values, and social responsibility. He urged that youth participation must be genuine and effective rather than symbolic, stressing that sustainable change is impossible without their engagement. Referring to the upcoming election and the vision of a new Bangladesh, he said young people must be actively involved in institutional reform and represented in national structures, including parliament. He further highlighted the need for supportive environments in educational institutions to nurture students’ talents and civic awareness through clubs and cultural activities. He also underscored inclusive representation for ethnic minorities, persons with disabilities, and marginalized groups through coordinated policy and continuous dialogue.