Saudi Arabia has announced that it possesses mineral resources worth about $2.5 trillion, including rare earth elements such as dysprosium, terbium, neodymium, and praseodymium. The declaration came during the Future Minerals Forum in Riyadh, where officials emphasized the country’s plan to expand its mining sector to reduce dependence on oil and strengthen geopolitical influence. The state-owned mining company Ma’aden also revealed plans to invest $110 billion in metals and mining over the next decade. According to S&P Global, Saudi Arabia’s mineral exploration budget rose by 595 percent between 2021 and 2025, with faster licensing for domestic and international firms. Experts, however, cautioned that extraction and processing take years, with processing plants requiring three to five years to build, and sometimes more than 20 years. SAFE Minerals Center’s executive director Abigail Hunter noted that China remains far ahead of the United States in this sector due to decades of strategic investment and state-backed projects. Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 identifies mining as a key pillar for economic diversification, and experts believe the country’s growing infrastructure could make it a regional hub for mineral processing.

Bangladesh delivered a dominant 9–1 victory over Pakistan in the ongoing SAFF Women's Futsal Championship in Thailand. The match, held at Nonthaburi Stadium in Bangkok, saw captain Sabina Khatun score four goals, while Krishna Rani Sarkar and Naushin Jahan each netted twice, and Yamin Nila added one. With this win, Bangladesh remained unbeaten after five matches, securing four wins and one draw to collect 13 points and maintain their lead at the top of the standings. Bangladesh began their campaign with a 3–1 win against India, followed by a 3–3 draw with Bhutan. They then defeated Nepal 3–0 and Sri Lanka 6–2 before routing Pakistan. The tournament follows a round-robin format, with the top team crowned champion. Bangladesh’s final match is scheduled against the Maldives on Sunday. Captain Sabina Khatun expressed satisfaction with the team’s performance and urged supporters to pray for a strong finish in their last match to bring joy to the nation.

Political scientist and CPD honorary fellow Dr. Rounaq Jahan has said that the current social environment in Bangladesh is somewhat intolerant, which is unfavorable for the upcoming national election. Speaking on Friday at the inauguration of a debate competition organized by Debate for Democracy at FDC, she warned of possible violence during the polls and urged political parties to act responsibly to avoid unrest. Dr. Jahan emphasized that the Election Commission, administration, and law enforcement agencies must take prior preparations, while citizens should remain vigilant to protect their rights. She noted that one major political party is unable to participate in the election and might attempt to make it controversial. She also stated that foreign interference in Bangladesh’s election is unacceptable and that political parties should prevent such opportunities. Debate for Democracy Chairman Hasan Ahmed Chowdhury Kiron said the upcoming election should restore people’s voting rights and democracy, not merely change power. He called for rational, objective political competition and warned that recent clashes between BNP and Jamaat supporters could fuel uncertainty and invite external interference.

South Africa and New Zealand have made changes to their squads for the upcoming T20 World Cup starting on February 7 in India and Sri Lanka. South Africa dropped Tony de Zorzi and Donovan Ferreira due to injuries, replacing them with Ryan Rickelton and Tristan Stubbs. New Zealand suffered a major setback as key pacer Adam Milne was ruled out with a torn left hamstring, sustained during the SA20 league. Kyle Jamieson has been named as his replacement. Rickelton’s inclusion follows his outstanding form in the SA20 tournament, where he scored consecutive centuries for MI Cape Town and against Joburg Super Kings. New Zealand coach Rob Walter expressed sympathy for Milne, noting his hard work and strong performances before the injury. South Africa, placed in Group D, will begin their campaign on February 9 against Canada in Ahmedabad, while New Zealand will face Afghanistan on February 8 in their opening match.

BNP leader Tabith Awal, known as the 'people’s mayor' of Dhaka North City Corporation, conducted extensive campaigning on Friday in support of engineer Sanjida Islam Tuli, the BNP candidate for Dhaka-14 constituency. He visited various streets, markets, and homes in Mirpur’s Lalkuthi area, urging residents to vote for the 'sheaf of paddy' symbol and ensure Tuli’s victory. During the campaign, Awal described Tuli as a compassionate, courageous, and rights-focused leader, highlighting her role as founder and coordinator of 'Mayer Dak', an organization supporting oppressed and deprived people. He said BNP’s acting chairman Tarique Rahman had placed trust in her leadership and called on voters to do the same for the development of Dhaka-14. Tuli pledged to transform the constituency into a model area with improvements in civic amenities, safety, education, healthcare, and women’s empowerment. A large number of BNP leaders and activists joined the campaign, creating a festive atmosphere. Local residents reportedly responded positively, expressing support for Tuli and hopes for change in the upcoming election.

BNP Chairperson Tarique Rahman announced that his party would work to reduce unemployment if it comes to power. He made the statement on Friday evening during a public rally at the BRP field in Vashantek, located in his Dhaka-17 constituency. The event drew a large crowd of supporters and local residents who gathered well before the rally began. According to the report, the BRP field and surrounding areas were filled with people from the afternoon, awaiting Rahman’s arrival. Party leaders, activists, and general voters assembled carrying the BNP’s election symbol, the paddy sheaf, and chanted slogans throughout the area. The rally reflected strong local enthusiasm for the BNP’s campaign activities in Dhaka-17. The report also mentioned that the gathering was part of the party’s broader election efforts, with related political activities and alliances being discussed among opposition groups.

West Indies ended their three-match T20 series against Afghanistan with a consolation victory in Dubai on January 23, 2026. After losing the first two matches and conceding the series, the Caribbean side won the final game by 15 runs, powered by Shamar Springer’s hat-trick. Batting first, West Indies posted 151 for 7 in 20 overs, led by captain Brandon King’s 47 runs and late contributions from Matthew Forde and Springer. Afghanistan replied with 136 for 8, falling short despite Rahmanullah Gurbaz’s 71-run innings. Afghanistan had been well placed at 72 for no loss after 10 overs, but Springer’s decisive spell turned the match. He dismissed Gurbaz, Rashid, and Shahidullah in consecutive deliveries to complete his hat-trick, becoming the third West Indian bowler to achieve the feat in T20 internationals. Springer finished with figures of 4 for 20 and was named Player of the Match, while Afghanistan’s Darwish Rasooli was named Player of the Series as his team claimed the series 2–1. The result gave West Indies a morale-boosting finish to the series despite their earlier defeats.

Aparna Roy, the BNP’s Assistant Secretary for Marginal Human Resource Development, has called on everyone to work for and vote in favor of the party’s 'Sheaf of Paddy' symbol in the upcoming national parliamentary election. She made the appeal on Friday at the Kochi-Kanchar Mela auditorium in Segunbagicha, Dhaka, during a festival and special discussion organized for the deaf community. During her speech, Aparna Roy said that if the BNP forms the next government, she would request the party’s chairman, Tarique Rahman, to ensure the inclusion of sign language, technical training, special facilities, and healthcare services for the deaf community in national development programs. The event was presided over by Md. Alam, a lifetime member of the Bangladesh National Deaf Organization, and attended by several organizational representatives and cultural figures. The gathering reflected BNP’s outreach efforts toward marginalized groups ahead of the national election, emphasizing inclusion and participation in the party’s development agenda.

The United States is considering a complete withdrawal of its troops from Syria following the collapse of the YPG and SDF forces and the takeover of northeastern Syria by President Ahmed al-Shara. The Wall Street Journal reported on Thursday that the Pentagon is reassessing the effectiveness of its ongoing mission in Syria amid rapidly changing developments. Citing three U.S. officials, the report said questions have arisen about the justification for maintaining American troops after the SDF’s defeat. According to the report, senior U.S. officials see no reason to keep troops in Syria if the SDF fully disintegrates. The Pentagon had previously stated in July that around 1,500 U.S. troops were deployed in Syria. Earlier, after beginning his second term in January, President Donald Trump said he would make a decision regarding the troop deployment. When asked about the matter, a Pentagon official told Anadolu Agency that they had no comment and do not speculate on future operations or hypothetical situations. The report indicates that the Pentagon’s reassessment could lead to a significant shift in U.S. military engagement in Syria if the withdrawal proceeds.

NCP convener Nahid Islam said the upcoming election is aimed at defeating extortionists, land grabbers, and loan defaulters. Speaking at a street rally in Dhaka’s New Market area on Friday, January 23, he described the vote as part of a broader struggle to reform the state and establish democracy, justice, and equality. Nahid is contesting from Dhaka-11 constituency, which includes Rampura, Badda, and Bhatara, as a candidate of the 10-party alliance. He stated that their movement was not intended to replace one authoritarian leader with another, emphasizing that the people’s sacrifices were for structural change, not for power exchange. Nahid accused certain groups of spreading fear and misinformation in response to the growing public momentum. He expressed confidence that the people would achieve victory on February 12. Earlier in the day, Nahid greeted residents during a morning walk in Bashundhara Residential Area and joined a procession from Bashatala to Rampura, accompanied by Advocate Atiqur Rahman, who had withdrawn his Jamaat-e-Islami nomination for the same seat.

BNP Standing Committee member and Bhola-3 (Tajumuddin-Lalmohan) candidate Major (Retd.) Hafiz Uddin Ahmed alleged that a political party is using Islam to gain state power. Speaking at an election rally on Friday afternoon at Sonapur Anandabazar in Tajumuddin upazila, he claimed that the party misleads people by linking religious symbols with promises of heaven. The event was part of his campaign for the 13th National Parliamentary Election. Major Hafiz highlighted his contributions during the Liberation War as part of the East Bengal Regiment formed by late President Ziaur Rahman. He said that if the BNP returns to power, it will bring positive changes to people’s lives. He recalled development initiatives from the previous BNP government, including job creation and river protection projects, and urged voters to support the BNP’s ‘sheaf of paddy’ symbol. The rally was chaired by Sonapur Union BNP President Zakir Hossain Monu and conducted by General Secretary A.K.M. Firoz Shikder, with several local BNP leaders addressing the gathering.

The government has appointed 21 officers from the BCS (Administration) cadre as executive magistrates across the country to ensure strict enforcement of the electoral code of conduct during the upcoming 13th National Parliamentary Election. The appointments were announced through a circular issued on Thursday by the Ministry of Public Administration’s Deputation-2 branch, signed by Deputy Secretary Mohammad Nur-e-Alam. According to the circular, the appointed magistrates will operate mobile courts under Section 5 of the Mobile Court Act, 2009, until two days after the voting ends. They have been instructed to report or join their assigned districts by January 25, either to the respective District Magistrate or Returning Officer. District Magistrates will allocate responsibilities and determine operational areas for the magistrates, who must submit daily reports on mobile court activities in a prescribed format. The circular stated that the appointments were made in the public interest, with the primary objective of maintaining peace and order during the election period.

More than one hundred leaders and activists from the Awami League and the National Citizen Party (NCP) formally joined the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) in Daudkandi, Cumilla. The joining ceremony took place on Friday at the BNP’s municipal office, where the new members shook hands with Dr. Khondaker Maruf Hossain, a member of the BNP National Executive Committee and a Supreme Court lawyer. The group was led by NCP’s Daudkandi municipal coordinator Md. Mohsin Bhuiyan and Awami League leader Md. Sakib Ahmed. During the event, both leaders stated that their decision was motivated by the current political situation, the movement to restore democracy, and their trust in the BNP’s electoral symbol. They expressed hope that a democratic and people-oriented government would be established under BNP leadership. The event was presided over by Daudkandi municipal BNP convener Nur Mohammad Selim Sarkar and attended by several local BNP and affiliated organization leaders, including youth and cultural wings.

Chief Adviser Dr. Muhammad Yunus stated that Bangladesh belongs to everyone and should be a safe and peaceful home for all, regardless of religion or ethnicity. He made the remarks on Friday, January 23, during a message marking the occasion of Saraswati Puja, extending warm greetings and congratulations to the Hindu community. In his message, Dr. Yunus described Bangladesh as a shining example of communal harmony, where people of all faiths have lived together for centuries with mutual respect and friendship. Referring to Hindu beliefs, he said Goddess Saraswati symbolizes truth, justice, and knowledge, guiding people from darkness to light. He expressed hope that education would serve not only personal advancement but also the betterment of society. The Chief Adviser wished peace, welfare, and prosperity to all citizens of Bangladesh, including members of the Hindu community, on the occasion of the festival.

The United States has formally completed its withdrawal process from the World Health Organization (WHO), according to an announcement made on Thursday by President Donald Trump’s administration. The move comes one year after Trump signed an executive order initiating the withdrawal. The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) and the State Department jointly confirmed the decision. An HHS senior official stated that the WHO had deviated from its core mission and acted against U.S. interests in protecting American citizens. The Trump administration’s main criticism centered on the WHO’s handling of the COVID-19 pandemic, accusing the organization of delaying the declaration of a global health emergency. The administration also claimed that the WHO unfairly criticized Trump’s early travel restrictions on certain countries. HHS further argued that countries like China contribute less financially to the WHO than the United States, yet no American has ever held the position of Director-General. Public health experts criticized the withdrawal, warning that it could weaken the U.S. response to future health crises.