Sri Lanka began their One Day International series against England with a 19-run victory in Colombo. Batting first on a spin-friendly pitch, the hosts posted a total of 271 runs. In reply, England reached 252, with Ben Duckett scoring 62 and Joe Root adding 61, but they fell short of the target. Kusal Mendis anchored Sri Lanka’s innings with an unbeaten 93 featuring 11 fours, while Janith Liyanage contributed 46 off 53 balls in an 88-run partnership. Dunith Wellalage added a quick 25 from 12 balls with one six and three fours before taking two wickets with the ball, earning him the player of the match award. The win gives Sri Lanka an early lead in the series, setting up momentum ahead of the remaining matches in the ODI contest.

Afghanistan clinched the three-match T20 series against West Indies after a 39-run victory in the second match held in Dubai. Spinner Mujeeb Ur Rahman’s hat-trick and four-wicket haul led the team to a 2–0 lead, securing the series with one game remaining. Afghanistan had earlier won the first match of the series. Batting first, Afghanistan posted 189 for 4 in 20 overs, with Darwish Rasooli scoring 68 off 39 balls and Sediqullah Atal adding 53 off 42. The pair shared a 115-run partnership for the third wicket. In reply, West Indies were bowled out for 150 in 18.5 overs despite a fifty from Brandon King and 46 from Shimron Hetmyer. Mujeeb Ur Rahman was named Player of the Match for his performance, taking 4 wickets for 21 runs in four overs. The win marked Afghanistan’s second consecutive bilateral T20 series victory over West Indies.

Independent candidate Advocate Habibur Rahman Habib, recently expelled from the BNP, began his election campaign for the Gopalganj-3 constituency (Tungipara–Kotalipara) by paying respects at the gate of Sheikh Mujibur Rahman’s tomb in Tungipara, Gopalganj. The event took place around noon on Thursday, January 22, 2026, after he was denied permission to enter the mausoleum premises. From the site’s third gate, he officially launched his campaign under the football symbol. Habibur Rahman, formerly a member of the Gopalganj district BNP convening committee, was expelled from the party the previous night for refusing to withdraw his candidacy. Following the tomb visit, he conducted public outreach at the Tungipara Upazila Parishad grounds and Patgati bus stand, seeking votes and outlining his political goals. Speaking to journalists, he said he began his campaign with deep respect for the Father of the Nation and emphasized his commitment to work for local welfare and justice. The incident underscores the symbolic importance of the Gopalganj-3 seat, which includes the resting place of Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, and marks the start of Habibur Rahman’s independent political journey.

The Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) has approved a chargesheet against Naeemul Islam Khan, former press secretary to ousted Prime Minister Hasina, and his wife Nasima Khan Monty for failing to submit their asset statements. The approval was granted on Thursday, January 22, 2026. ACC Deputy Director and Public Relations Officer Md. Akhtarul Islam confirmed the development, stating that the accused ignored multiple legal notices to comply with the directive. According to the ACC, its investigation found inconsistencies between the couple’s known income sources and their accumulated wealth. Under the ACC Act, they were instructed to submit detailed asset statements within a specified period. However, both failed to do so within the original and extended deadlines. Following this noncompliance, a case was filed against them, and after investigation, the chargesheet was finalized and approved. The approval marks a formal step in the legal process, paving the way for potential court proceedings against the former government official and his spouse.

Israel has gradually advanced efforts to close the United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA) for Palestinian refugees in occupied East Jerusalem, according to Al Jazeera. Since mid-2024, the process has involved a series of legal, administrative, and military actions aimed at removing the agency from the city. On May 9, 2024, the UNRWA headquarters in East Jerusalem was set on fire, forcing a temporary suspension of operations. Later, on October 28, Israel’s parliament passed a law banning UNRWA activities within what it calls its sovereign territory, including East Jerusalem. Following the law’s enforcement on January 30, 2025, UNRWA vacated its headquarters for staff safety. Israeli authorities then ordered the closure of six UNRWA-run schools in April, affecting about 800 Palestinian children. In December, police entered the headquarters, removed the UN flag, and seized property, while new legislation allowed cutting utilities and seizing land. On January 12, 2026, police shut a health center for 30 days, and on January 20, Israeli forces began demolishing UNRWA structures. Analysts cited in the report said the campaign to remove UNRWA undermines Palestinian refugees’ access to education and healthcare and represents a move to entrench occupation in violation of international law.

Bangladesh’s interim government has sent a message to New Delhi regarding statements made by former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, who has been living in exile in India since being ousted in the July revolution. Foreign Affairs Adviser Touhid Hossain said Bangladesh does not expect any political statements from Hasina while she remains in India. He made the remarks in a recent interview with BBC India, where he discussed bilateral relations and ongoing tensions between the two neighbors. Hossain emphasized that despite misunderstandings or discomfort, maintaining good relations between Bangladesh and India is crucial due to geographic and economic factors. He noted that after Hasina’s fall, border tensions and diplomatic summonses strained ties, prompting India to withdraw families of its diplomats from Bangladesh. The adviser also said Bangladesh never comments on India’s internal issues, including minority rights, and expects India to follow the same principle. Hossain further stated that the previous Hasina government had deliberately worsened relations with Pakistan, but the current administration seeks friendly ties with both India and Pakistan.

BNP Chairperson Tarique Rahman began his election campaign in Sylhet on Thursday, wearing a white shirt, blue jeans, and sneakers. Before starting his campaign, he visited the shrines of Hazrat Shahjalal (R.) and Hazrat Shah Paran (R.), following the tradition of his parents, late President Ziaur Rahman and Begum Khaleda Zia. The campaign launch included a large gathering at Aliya Madrasa field, where he introduced BNP candidates for 11 constituencies in Sylhet and Sunamganj. Earlier, Rahman spent Wednesday night at his in-laws’ home in South Surma’s Birahimpur, where he visited family graves and shared a traditional meal, ‘Akhni,’ with around 12,000 party members and guests. His wife, Dr. Zubaida Rahman, was present and shared a ceremonial cake-cutting moment with him. During the day, Rahman also attended a youth policy dialogue titled “The Plan: Youth Policy Talk with Tarique Rahman,” engaging with students from 19 higher education institutions on health, education, agriculture, and employment. He emphasized environmental conservation, calling for increased tree planting and preservation of rivers and wetlands.

Dhaka Metropolitan Police’s Detective Branch (DB-Lalbagh Division) arrested an alleged arms dealer named Md. Azgar Ali, also known as Bhola, aged 55, from the Shyampur area of the capital on Thursday, January 22, 2026. The arrest took place during a special operation in the West Dholai Par area, where police recovered two illegal foreign pistols, four magazines, and 21 rounds of ammunition from his possession. According to DB-Lalbagh sources, the operation began around 1 p.m. after receiving a tip-off that an armed individual was entering Dhaka through the Dhaka-Mawa Highway on a passenger bus. Acting on the information, the police team took position near Dholai Par roundabout, stopped the bus upon arrival, and conducted a search. The suspect was found carrying the illegal weapons and ammunition. Police sources confirmed that Azgar Ali has previous cases filed against him under the Arms Act at Khilgaon Police Station and under the Narcotics Control Act at Savar Police Station.

The Rafah border crossing, closed for a long period due to Israel’s offensive and the war with Hamas, is set to reopen next week. The announcement came from a leader of the Palestinian technocrat administration in Washington, following discussions at the Peace Board. Palestinian technocrat leader Ali Shath stated via video link from Davos, Switzerland, that the crossing will open in both directions, describing it as Gaza’s lifeline and a symbol of hope and opportunity for its people. Shath added that reopening Rafah signals a shift away from the policy of keeping Gaza completely sealed off. The decision follows U.S. President Donald Trump’s initiative to establish a Peace Board aimed at ensuring a lasting ceasefire in Gaza. One of the key conditions of the ceasefire, brokered by Trump in October, was the reopening of Gaza’s main entry points. Since 2024, Israel has controlled the Rafah crossing, but no immediate comment was available from Israeli authorities. More than half of Gaza remains under Israeli control, including the area around the crossing, while the rest is under Hamas control.

Islami Bank Bangladesh PLC held a meeting of its Board of Directors on Thursday, January 22, 2026, at the Islami Bank Tower in Dhaka. The meeting was chaired by the bank’s Chairman, Professor Dr. M. Zubaidur Rahman. According to the report, the session was attended by Executive Committee Chairman Mohammad Khurshid Wahab, Audit Committee Chairman Md. Abdus Salam, FCA, FCS, Risk Management Committee Chairman Professor Dr. M. Masud Rahman, Independent Director Md. Abdul Jalil, Managing Director Md. Omar Faruk Khan, and Company Secretary Md. Habibur Rahman. The article did not specify the agenda or outcomes of the meeting. The report focused on the participation of key board members, highlighting the bank’s continued governance activities through regular board sessions held at its headquarters.

U.S. President Donald Trump on Thursday formally launched his proposed 'Peace Board' in Washington, aimed at sustaining the fragile ceasefire between Israel and Hamas in Gaza. Although initially focused on Gaza, Trump suggested the board could expand its mandate to address broader global conflicts. He will chair the board himself, which includes figures such as U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Jared Kushner, Steve Witkoff, and former British Prime Minister Tony Blair. The initiative has drawn mixed reactions in the international arena. Regional powers like Turkey, Egypt, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and Indonesia have joined, while major global powers and traditional Western allies remain cautious. Russia is reviewing the proposal, France has declined to join, Britain is holding off, and China has not stated its position. Each permanent member is expected to contribute $1 billion, though no major power or representatives from Israel or the Palestinian Authority attended the launch. The board was approved under a UN Security Council resolution tied to Trump’s Gaza peace plan. A UN spokesperson clarified that the organization’s involvement will remain limited to that resolution’s scope.

The Bangladesh Textile Mills Association (BTMA) has announced that all spinning mills across the country will be closed indefinitely from February 1, 2026, if the Ministry of Commerce’s recommendations are not implemented promptly. The announcement was made by BTMA President Shawkat Aziz Russell during an emergency press conference at the association’s Karwan Bazar office in Dhaka. The organization claimed that the textile industry is facing a severe crisis due to the government’s inaction and lack of effective measures. Russell stated that the sector, which contributes 13 percent to the national GDP, has reached a state of emergency. He warned that if the recommendations are ignored, mill owners will be unable to repay bank loans, potentially triggering a financial crisis and labor unrest. BTMA reported that most mills are operating at only 60 percent capacity, with around 50 large factories already closed. The Ministry of Commerce has recommended withdrawing bond facilities on yarn imports of 10 to 30 counts to protect local producers. BTMA has demanded a 10 percent incentive on yarn, the imposition of safeguard duties, and urgent policy support to save the textile, RMG, and accessories sectors.

The Bangladesh Meteorological Office reported that the intensity of cold has decreased across the country in the latter half of January 2026. Although the first 14 days of the month saw continuous cold waves, no such conditions have been present in recent days. Meteorologist Afroza Sultana stated on Thursday, January 22, that reduced fog, weaker northwesterly winds, and increased humidity have caused temperatures to rise, making the cold less perceptible. She explained that with less fog, sunlight is reaching the ground more directly, raising daytime temperatures. The flow of cold and dry air from the northwest has been very weak, preventing the formation of new cold waves. While Dhaka and other regions have experienced milder weather, northern areas still feel colder in the early mornings. Currently, mild cold waves persist in Panchagarh and Kurigram districts. According to the forecast, widespread cold waves are unlikely for the rest of the month, though isolated mild cold spells may occur in a few places. A brief mild cold wave could return in early February.

Bangladesh and Japan have signed the Bangladesh-Japan Economic Partnership Agreement, under which Bangladeshi ready-made garments will receive duty-free access to the Japanese market. The announcement was made by Chief Adviser’s Press Secretary Shafiqul Alam at a press conference held on Thursday, January 22, at the Foreign Service Academy in Dhaka. He described the agreement as a landmark step for Bangladesh’s trade relations. According to the press secretary, the agreement will allow 7,379 Bangladeshi products to enter Japan duty-free, while Japan will gain immediate tariff-free access for 1,039 of its products in Bangladesh. He emphasized that this is the first time Bangladesh, as a least developed country, has signed such an agreement with the world’s fourth-largest economy. The deal is expected to open new opportunities for Bangladesh’s trade with other countries as well. The press secretary highlighted that the biggest benefit for Bangladesh will be the duty-free entry of its largest export sector, the ready-made garment industry, into the Japanese market.

Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer Dr. Shafiqur Rahman formally launched his election campaign on Thursday, January 22, 2026, through a rally in Dhaka-15 constituency. Addressing supporters, he declared that the country should no longer see the shadow of fascism and warned that any return to such rule would face consequences similar to the past. He said Jamaat would not tolerate vote rigging and emphasized justice as the foundation for ending corruption and money laundering. During the rally, Rahman criticized the Awami League era for alleged misuse of power, mentioning the creation of 'Ainaghar' where even army officers were not spared. He stated that people were eager to make the “Yes” side victorious in the upcoming referendum. He handed over the coalition symbol, the balance scale, to candidates of the 10-party alliance contesting in Dhaka constituencies. Rahman pledged to improve public services in Dhaka-15, including establishing quality hospitals and upgrading educational institutions. Alliance candidate Nahid Islam from Dhaka-11 warned that the February 12 election must be fair, urging the Election Commission to act neutrally.