The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) has warned that around 270,000 children in Afghanistan are at serious risk of cold-related illnesses due to extreme winter weather and heavy snowfall. In a statement, the agency said children in eastern Afghanistan, already affected by last year’s earthquake, are facing worsening conditions as prolonged exposure to cold and damp weather increases the risk of respiratory infections, hypothermia, and other preventable diseases. UNICEF noted that children living in temporary shelters are particularly vulnerable to rain, snow, and poor sanitation, which further heighten health risks. The organization also reported that the United Kingdom has provided a donation of 10.8 million dollars to support child nutrition programs in Afghanistan. According to local authorities, heavy snowfall and rain over the past two days have killed at least 11 people and injured three others across several provinces, including Parwan, Wardak, Kandahar, Jawzjan, Faryab, and Bamiyan. The national weather department expects precipitation to continue in most parts of the country in the coming days.

Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer Dr. Shafiqur Rahman announced that if his party is elected, Bogura will be upgraded to a city corporation. He made the statement on Saturday afternoon while addressing an election rally organized by the Ten-Party Alliance at Alfatunnesa Field in Bogura, where he served as the chief guest. Rahman also pledged to restore Bogura’s past reputation as a city of education and prosperity and to prevent extortion. During his speech, the Jamaat chief emphasized that his party would not engage in or allow extortion, money laundering, or terrorism. He highlighted the importance of protecting mothers and ensuring women’s safety and employment according to their qualifications. Rahman further stated that the government must guarantee women’s dignity and security. Addressing the youth, Rahman said his party aims to provide skills and employment rather than unemployment allowances. He urged voters to support the Ten-Party Alliance candidates and vote for the scale symbol to build a corruption-free and just Bangladesh.

Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer Dr. Shafiqur Rahman is scheduled to visit Meherpur for the first time on January 26 as part of the party’s national election campaign. He will attend an election rally as the chief guest at the Meherpur Government High School field, where he is expected to deliver a speech. Local Jamaat leaders have completed preparations for the event, including stage setup and field arrangements. The Meherpur district branch of Jamaat, led by district Ameer Maulana Taj Uddin Khan, Secretary Iqbal Hossain, and business division president Saiful Islam, has inspected the venue. The city is reportedly in a festive mood ahead of the visit. According to the report, Dr. Rahman has gained popularity across political and social lines, and his arrival has generated excitement among residents. Party activists expect that his visit will bring renewed attention to the region’s challenges in education, healthcare, and infrastructure, and inspire efforts to advance this agriculturally dependent area.

A total of 4,838 voters have registered to cast their votes through postal ballots in the Sylhet-2 constituency (Osmani Nagar–Bishwanath) ahead of Bangladesh’s upcoming 13th National Parliament Election and referendum. According to the Election Commission (EC), 4,098 of the registrants are men and 740 are women. Of these, 4,809 registrations have been approved, while 29 applications remain pending. Registration was completed through the EC’s ‘Postal Vote BD’ app. The EC reported that expatriate Bangladeshis, election officials, and government employees stationed outside their home constituencies have registered through the app. Ballot papers will be sent by mail to approved voters, with separate symbol-marked ballots for the parliamentary election and pink-colored ballots for the referendum. Voters must return their completed ballots by mail to the designated returning officer within the specified timeframe. The counting of postal ballots will take place at 4:30 p.m. on February 12 at the returning officer’s office in the presence of candidates’ agents. Election officials believe the postal voting system will enhance participation among expatriates and those away for work, strengthening the democratic process.

An Awami League leader accused in a murder case, Salauddin Ahmed Majumdar, delivered a speech at an election rally of Jamaat-e-Islami candidate Syed Abdullah Mohammad Taher in Comilla-11 (Chouddagram). The event took place at Sufua Bazar in Kalikapur Union, where Taher formally launched his campaign. A 1-minute-6-second video of Salauddin’s speech went viral on social media, sparking widespread criticism online. During his remarks, Salauddin urged voters to make informed decisions and requested prayers for Taher’s health. Local sources said Salauddin, president of Kalikapur Union Awami League and former union chairman, attended the rally held near his home. Police confirmed he is the 11th accused in a 2015 petrol bomb attack case that killed eight people. Opposition figures, including BNP candidate Kamrul Huda, alleged that Taher was rehabilitating Awami League members and accused criminals in his campaign. Jamaat’s local secretary stated that Salauddin’s presence was due to his long acquaintance with Taher’s family. Attempts to reach Taher for comment were unsuccessful, and the viral video continues to draw public attention in Chouddagram.

BNP Senior Joint Secretary General Ruhul Kabir Rizvi alleged that some political parties are attempting to influence voters by using religion and sending money through mobile financial services. He raised this concern on Saturday at the BNP central office in Naya Paltan, Dhaka, during a prayer gathering marking the 11th death anniversary of Arafat Rahman Koko, son of late President Ziaur Rahman and former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia. Rizvi questioned whether such actions violate the electoral code of conduct, emphasizing that buying votes with money or religious appeals is prohibited. Recalling Koko’s death, Rizvi claimed it was not natural but the result of political oppression under a fascist regime. He described how Koko, then in Malaysia for heart treatment, witnessed the alleged persecution of his mother in 2015 and died in distress. Rizvi also recounted that after Koko’s body returned to Bangladesh, BNP leaders and sympathizers faced police cases for expressing condolences. Rizvi reiterated BNP’s demand for a free and fair election under an interim government and said party chairman Tarique Rahman is following all electoral laws and maintaining respectful political conduct.

The Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) has dismissed allegations by Jamaat-e-Islami’s Nayeb-e-Ameer Syed Abdullah Mohammad Taher that the party signed three agreements with India. At a press briefing on Saturday at the BNP’s central office in Gulshan, the party’s election management committee spokesperson Mahadi Amin said no such agreements exist and termed the claim a politically motivated smear campaign without any factual basis. Amin stated that the Jamaat leader failed to provide any evidence to support his claim and accused him of spreading misinformation either out of ignorance or deliberate political manipulation. He emphasized that BNP’s politics are centered on Bangladesh’s sovereignty and people’s empowerment under the leadership of Tarique Rahman. He also recalled BNP’s past movements for fair water sharing of the Teesta and Padma rivers and protests against border killings. During the briefing, Amin introduced BNP’s election hotline (16543) and WhatsApp number for voter complaints and warned against fraudulent activities involving “family” and “farmer” cards, urging citizens to report such scams to the authorities.

Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva has sharply criticized U.S. President Donald Trump’s proposed “Board of Peace,” unveiled at the World Economic Forum in Davos last Thursday. Lula said Trump is attempting to create a “new United Nations” under his own control rather than reforming the existing UN. He refused to join the initiative, which requires a $1 billion payment for permanent membership and places Trump as chairman. According to the report, 19 countries’ leaders and representatives signed the founding charter of the Board of Peace. Although initially described as a body to oversee Gaza’s reconstruction, its charter suggests a broader scope that could rival the UN. Lula emphasized multilateral cooperation and warned against the use of power in global politics, echoing a recent phone call with Chinese President Xi Jinping, who urged maintaining the UN’s central role. France and the United Kingdom, both close U.S. allies, have expressed doubts about the plan. London objected to Russia’s inclusion due to the Ukraine war, while Paris said the council’s charter conflicts with its international commitments and UN membership obligations.

Dhaka Metropolitan Police’s Detective Branch (DB) has said that the killing of BNP-affiliated volunteer leader Azizur Rahman Mushabbir in the capital’s Tejaturi Bazaar stemmed from disputes over territorial control and extortion. DB Chief Additional Commissioner Md Shafiqul Islam disclosed the findings at a media briefing on Saturday, noting that investigations are ongoing to uncover the full motive. Police have arrested five suspects so far, including alleged shooter Md Rahim, who was detained in Narsingdi’s Madhabdi area on January 23 with two foreign pistols, two magazines, and 12 rounds of ammunition. A separate case under the Arms Act has been filed against him. Mushabbir, former general secretary of BNP’s Dhaka North Volunteer Wing, was shot dead on January 7 near Hotel Super Star in West Tejaturi Para. His wife filed a murder case against several unidentified suspects at Tejgaon Police Station. The DB has also intensified operations to recover illegal firearms ahead of the upcoming 13th general election and referendum, arresting two more individuals with weapons in Jatrabari. Police said the drive to seize illegal arms and apprehend fugitives will continue.

BNP Standing Committee member and Chattogram-11 candidate Amir Khasru Mahmud Chowdhury announced plans to develop Chattogram as a comprehensive logistics center serving not only Bangladesh but also India’s northeastern states, Myanmar, and Northeast Asia. He made the statement on Friday during a campaign event in the city’s Halishahar area, emphasizing that regional trade would flow through this corridor. Khasru outlined a vision for modernizing Chattogram Port through improved communication systems, integrated freight transport, and international-standard warehousing. He expressed optimism that these initiatives would create new business opportunities. He also revealed plans to upgrade Shah Amanat International Airport into a regional air hub, serving both passenger and cargo operations, with enhanced facilities and security for international transit travelers. During the campaign, local party leaders were present as Khasru sought votes for the BNP’s electoral symbol and pledged to restore citizens’ voting rights.

BNP Chairman Tarique Rahman is set to visit Chattogram on Sunday, January 25, 2026, marking his first visit to the port city in nearly 21 years. He will address a large rally organized by the BNP at the Polo Ground as the chief guest. Party leaders and activists across 41 city wards, including affiliated groups such as Jubo Dal, Chhatra Dal, and Mohila Dal, are finalizing preparations to welcome him. Around 250 workers are completing stage construction, sound system setup, and other arrangements. The rally stage measures 100 feet by 60 feet and is built from bamboo and wooden planks, with steel stairs for access. Security has been divided into three zones—red, yellow, and green—with the red zone reserved for senior leaders and candidates from Chattogram’s 16 constituencies. Law enforcement agencies and intelligence units are coordinating security and traffic plans. BNP leaders expect around 1.5 million attendees and say Rahman will deliver a message of unity and possibly introduce local candidates. Excitement has spread across Chattogram’s neighborhoods, where banners and billboards featuring Rahman’s image have been displayed, creating a festive atmosphere among party members and residents.

A festive atmosphere prevailed in Kishoreganj’s Katiadi upazila as more than 200 people from various professions, including former BNP activists, joined Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami. The joining event took place on Friday evening at the residence of freedom fighter and former BNP lawmaker Major (Retd) Akhtaruzzaman Ranjan in Durgapur village of Chandpur Union. New members formally enrolled by filling out associate membership forms in his presence. Major (Retd) Ranjan had officially joined Jamaat-e-Islami on December 13 in the presence of the party’s Ameer, Dr. Shafiqur Rahman. Since then, he has been actively participating in party programs both locally and in Dhaka, delivering speeches and campaigning for the Jamaat-nominated candidate of the 10-party alliance in Kishoreganj-2 constituency. He also spoke at a campaign rally in Dhaka-11 and urged his supporters to join Jamaat. Responding to his call, individuals from different social backgrounds, including professionals, businessmen, former union council members, and two members of the Hindu community, joined the party. The joining program, which began Friday afternoon, was expected to continue through Saturday.

An associate of the notorious bandit leader Shahin, identified as Shafiul Alam alias Ledaputu, 28, was shot dead early Saturday, January 24, in Ramu upazila of Cox’s Bazar. The incident occurred around 5 a.m. in front of the Majhirkata Beltali Kata Mosque in Gojonia Union. Police and local sources reported that rival bandit and criminal Abdur Rahim and his group ambushed and opened fire on Shafiul Alam, killing him on the spot. Police later sent the body to Cox’s Bazar Sadar Hospital morgue for autopsy. Ramu Police Station Officer-in-Charge Monirul Islam Bhuiyan confirmed the death and said necessary legal steps were being taken. However, family sources claimed that Shafiul Alam was taken out of his house during dinner and killed in a planned attack. Local sources said Ledaputu had long worked as an associate of Shahin, a top criminal in the hilly areas of Ramu, and was allegedly involved in smuggling and other crimes using the Myanmar border area. Police stated that at least 11 criminal cases, including murder, were filed against the deceased.

A new survey conducted across seven European Union countries shows that most Europeans consider U.S. President Donald Trump an enemy rather than a friend. The poll, which included over one thousand respondents from France, Belgium, Germany, Italy, Spain, Denmark, and Poland, found that 51 percent of participants see Trump as an enemy of Europe, while only 8 percent regard him as a friend. About 39 percent said he is neither an enemy nor an ally. The survey was carried out following Trump’s threat to seize Greenland, an autonomous region of Denmark. Among Danish respondents, 58 percent described Trump as an enemy. Across the seven countries, 44 percent said he behaves like a dictator, another 44 percent believe he has authoritarian tendencies, and only 10 percent think he respects democratic principles. Although Trump has withdrawn his plan to take control of resource-rich Greenland by force, European nations remain cautious about his next moves. On Wednesday, Trump stated that Europe is “not moving in the right direction.”

More than 300 activists from the BNP’s associate organization, the Swechchhasebak Dal, in Dhulia Union of Bauphal upazila, Patuakhali, have joined Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami under the leadership of local convener Hasan Khan. The new members were welcomed by Dr. Shafiqul Islam Masud, a central executive committee member of Jamaat and secretary of Dhaka South Metropolitan unit, who is also a parliamentary candidate for Patuakhali-2. The joining took place on Friday evening at 5:30 p.m. during an election rally of Jamaat-e-Islami and the 10-party alliance held at Dhulia High School ground. Addressing the gathering, Hasan Khan pledged to work with honesty and integrity for Jamaat and to remain associated with the party for life. He added that his followers had already joined Jamaat and more would follow. Local Jamaat leaders, including Bauphal upazila Amir Maulana Ishaq, Naib-e-Amir Maulana Rafiqul Islam, and Islami Chhatra Shibir president Limon Hossain, were also present at the event.