In Cumilla-4 constituency, the Election Commission declared BNP candidate Engineer Manjurul Ahsan Munshi’s nomination invalid on loan default charges, a decision later upheld by the High Court. The ruling has caused frustration among BNP supporters, who lament being unable to vote for their traditional symbol after many years. The once politically vibrant Debidwar area, known as a BNP stronghold, has grown unusually quiet as the election nears. With Munshi’s disqualification, the contest has effectively lost its competitiveness. The Jamaat–NCP alliance candidate, Hasnat Abdullah, who serves as the chief organizer for NCP’s southern region, is now widely viewed as the likely winner. Local BNP leaders argue that the cancellation not only removed their candidate but also deprived voters of their right to choose the BNP symbol. Debidwar BNP convener Giyas Uddin said Munshi has appealed to the chamber court, expressing confidence that the decision could still be overturned. If the appeal fails, the election in Cumilla-4 is expected to proceed with minimal opposition, marking a significant shift in a constituency long dominated by the BNP.

The National Citizens Party (NCP) formally launched its campaign for the upcoming 13th National Parliamentary Election and the referendum on reform on Thursday afternoon. The event began at Dhaka University campus with visits to the mausoleums of three leaders and the grave of July revolutionary martyr Osman Hadi. NCP Convener Nahid Islam, Chief Coordinator Nasiruddin Patowary, and other senior leaders attended the program. Following the inauguration, Nahid Islam expressed confidence that the ten-party electoral alliance would win by a large margin and form the next government, saying that the people of Bangladesh stood with them. He emphasized that victory for the alliance was essential to advance reform inspired by the aspirations of July. Nahid Islam also urged voters in Dhaka-8 to support Nasiruddin Patowary, the alliance’s candidate, under the Shapla Koli symbol, highlighting his connection to the struggles and dreams of local residents. After paying respects at the graves of national poet Kazi Nazrul Islam and martyr Sharif Osman Hadi, the NCP leaders began their campaign journey titled “March for Justice,” which concluded in Motijheel.

BNP Chairperson Tarique Rahman on Thursday accused a rival political party of deceiving people ahead of the upcoming election. Speaking at an election rally at Sylhet Alia Madrasa ground, he questioned the audience about their religious beliefs, using the responses to argue that promises made by the rival party were misleading and contrary to Islamic principles. He said that only Allah has the power to grant what some political leaders claim to offer, calling such claims deceitful. Rahman further alleged that the rival party’s leaders were misleading Muslims and committing acts akin to shirk by making promises about matters that belong solely to Allah. He urged supporters to recognize this deception before the election and warned that greater deceit could follow afterward. He also invoked the sacrifices of 1971, saying that Bangladeshis had already seen the roles of those responsible for the suffering of millions. The BNP leader called for unity against falsehood, extremism, and tyranny, emphasizing the need to establish people’s rights after freeing the country from autocracy.

After almost two decades, the Aatharbaria Government Primary School in Jaraitala Union of Nikli upazila, Kishoreganj, has regained a proper learning environment. On Wednesday, a joint force conducted a special operation to remove a cattle market that had been occupying the school grounds, depriving students of regular classes. According to local sources, for the past 17 years, a weekly cattle market had been held every Wednesday on the school playground. The noise, unhygienic conditions, and presence of outsiders disrupted the school’s activities, forcing students to stay away and limiting lessons to a nominal level. During the operation, traders were removed, and strict instructions were issued to prevent future markets on the premises. Following the eviction, Assistant Commissioner (Land) of Nikli upazila, Protique Dutta, stated that two individuals, Anwar Uddin and P. Abdul Majid, were caught on the spot and fined Tk 500,000 for organizing the market. The main leaseholder, Jamshed Ali, was not found, and legal action will be taken against him. Teachers, students, and parents expressed joy at the restoration of the school environment.

Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) Chairperson Tarique Rahman declared that the nation’s interests are his sole political priority, emphasizing “Bangladesh first, not Delhi or Pindi.” He made the statement on Thursday, January 22, 2026, while addressing his first election rally at the Alia Madrasa field in Sylhet. The event drew a large crowd, with BNP leaders including Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir and Rahman’s wife Zubaida Rahman present. In his speech, Rahman accused the ruling party of serving foreign interests and looting national wealth over the past 15 years under the guise of development. He pledged to create employment opportunities for youth both domestically and abroad. Rahman also invoked religious sentiments, urging unity against what he described as falsehood and injustice. The rally featured references to missing BNP leader M Ilias Ali, with a designated area for families of the disappeared and martyrs. Following the Sylhet rally, Rahman began a road campaign toward Dhaka, scheduled to address six additional gatherings along the Sylhet–Dhaka highway to introduce BNP-endorsed candidates in those districts.

Jagannath University authorities have imposed a ban on the use of sound boxes, microphones, and other activities that disrupt academic and research work on campus. The decision was announced on Thursday, January 22, 2026, through a notice signed by the university registrar, Professor Dr. Md. Sheikh Gias Uddin. According to the notice, no sound systems, sports, or similar activities will be allowed on campus between 8 a.m. and 4 p.m. as they may interfere with examinations, research, and the overall academic environment. The notice further stated that any such activities outside the specified hours must receive prior approval from the university authorities. All department heads and relevant officials have been instructed to take necessary measures to ensure proper implementation of the directive. The university administration emphasized that the restrictions aim to maintain a conducive academic atmosphere and prevent disturbances during regular educational operations.

The United States has started transferring thousands of ISIS detainees from northeast Syria to Iraq, according to a statement released Wednesday by the US Central Command (CENTCOM). The process began with the relocation of 150 detainees from a detention facility in Syria’s Hasakah province to Iraq. CENTCOM indicated that up to 7,000 ISIS (Daesh) prisoners could eventually be moved under this initiative. CENTCOM Commander Admiral Brad Cooper stated that the United States is working closely with Iraq and other regional partners, praising their role in ensuring the defeat of Daesh. The statement emphasized coordination and cooperation among allied forces in managing the detainee transfer and maintaining regional security. US Ambassador to Turkey Tom Barrack added that Washington’s current priority in Syria is to promote national unity and stability, clarifying that the United States does not support separatism in the region.

Transparency International Bangladesh (TIB) Executive Director Dr. Iftekharuzzaman has alleged that the Election Commission has become hostage to business interests. Speaking at a press conference at TIB’s Dhanmondi headquarters in Dhaka on Thursday, he said many affidavits submitted by candidates for the upcoming 13th national parliamentary election were opaque. He noted that no Islamist party nominated female candidates, and a major party denied nomination to a prominent woman because another party’s candidate was already contesting in that seat. According to TIB’s analysis, 21 candidates earn income from foreign sources, 25 declared movable assets and bank accounts abroad, and 17 reported ownership of immovable property outside Bangladesh. The organization said these figures show that money and business dominate politics. TIB also found that two candidates who claimed to have renounced foreign citizenship still hold British nationality, and one candidate failed to disclose a UK property worth 210 crore taka purchased under a dependent’s name. TIB reported that 87 percent of candidates are party-nominated, 13 percent independent, and 48 percent are businessmen. The highest declared wealth belongs to BNP’s Mohammad Aminul Islam with assets worth 619 crore taka.

Three people were killed in a shooting in the western region of New South Wales, Australia, on Thursday afternoon. Police said the incident occurred in the town of Lake Cargelligo, where emergency services responded to reports of gunfire around 4:40 p.m. on Walker Street near Yelkin Street. Officers from the Central West Police District arrived at the scene and confirmed the deaths of two women and one man. Another man was seriously injured and taken to hospital, where his condition was reported as stable. Following the incident, police cordoned off the area and declared it a crime scene. Authorities have begun an investigation to determine the cause and circumstances of the shooting. For safety reasons, police urged the public to avoid the area and advised local residents to remain indoors. Police stated that further information would be released as the investigation progresses.

Bangladesh’s Youth and Sports Adviser Asif Nazrul is scheduled to meet national team cricketers at 3 p.m. today at Hotel Intercontinental in Dhaka to clarify the government’s position on the upcoming World Cup. The meeting comes as the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) remains firm in its decision not to play in India, citing security concerns, and instead prefers Sri Lanka as the host venue. According to the report, the International Cricket Council (ICC) has rejected BCB’s request to shift Bangladesh’s matches from India and has insisted that the team must play there. The ICC has given BCB one day to confirm its participation, warning that a replacement team will be chosen if Bangladesh withdraws. The government’s adviser will explain to the players why the decision not to play in India was made and discuss possible next steps. The outcome of today’s meeting is expected to determine Bangladesh’s final stance, which must be communicated to the ICC within the given deadline.

BNP Chairperson Tarique Rahman formally launched his party’s election campaign through a large public rally at the Alia Madrasa ground in Sylhet on Thursday afternoon. The event began around 12:30 p.m. under tight security. As Rahman took the stage, the crowd erupted in applause. He greeted supporters with a smile and wave, joined on stage by his wife Zubaida Rahman and BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir. From early morning, thousands of BNP leaders, activists, and supporters gathered around the Alia Madrasa ground and nearby areas including Chowhatta, Zindabazar, Amberkhana, Medical Road, and Dargah Road, turning the rally into a sea of people. Candidates from six constituencies in Sylhet and five in Sunamganj attended with their teams to show support. The rally marked the official start of BNP’s campaign activities in the region, signaling the party’s mobilization ahead of the upcoming national election.

Professor Ali Riaz, Special Assistant to the Chief Adviser, called on citizens to vote 'Yes' in the upcoming national referendum, saying that every voter is a candidate for 'Yes'. Speaking as chief guest at a meeting in Khulna Divisional Auditorium on Thursday, he said a 'Yes' vote would open the door to building a new, democratic, and humane Bangladesh reflecting the aspirations of the July uprising. Riaz explained that the referendum seeks public consent to implement the July Charter, drafted with consensus among all political parties. He said the 'Yes' vote would ensure joint work between the government and opposition in forming a caretaker government and election commission, limit prime ministerial tenure to ten years, and guarantee judicial independence. He emphasized that such reforms would prevent arbitrary constitutional changes and strengthen democracy. Special Assistant Monir Haider added that a 'Yes' victory would close the path to fascism and fulfill the long-held dream of equality and justice envisioned by the nation’s founders. The event was attended by senior officials from ten districts of the Khulna Division.

Russian President Vladimir Putin has proposed donating $1 billion to U.S. President Donald Trump’s newly formed ‘Board of Peace’ for Gaza reconstruction. The proposal suggests using Russian assets frozen in U.S. banks during the previous Biden administration. Putin made the remarks during a meeting of Russia’s Security Council, where he also confirmed receiving Trump’s invitation to join the Gaza Peace Board but said Moscow has not yet made a decision. Putin expressed gratitude to Trump for the invitation and emphasized that Russia’s relationship with the Palestinian people has always been special. He stated that Moscow would decide on joining the board only after reviewing the invitation and consulting with strategic allies. Putin added that the donation proposal should proceed even before Russia finalizes its decision on participation. The proposal links humanitarian assistance for Gaza with the issue of frozen Russian funds in the United States, highlighting Moscow’s interest in leveraging seized assets for international cooperation under Trump’s peace initiative.

National Citizens Party (NCP) convener Nahid Islam has alleged that the Election Commission (EC) is not acting neutrally and is providing special advantages to a particular political party. He made the remarks on Thursday morning while speaking to journalists after visiting the graves of three leaders and Sharif Osman Hadi in the Dhaka University area. The visit marked the beginning of the NCP’s campaign for the upcoming thirteenth parliamentary election. Nahid Islam said the party chose Dhaka University as the starting point for its campaign because it was the birthplace of the language movement, the liberation war, and the 2024 uprising. He described the current election as a movement against dominance and called on citizens to support the ten-party alliance led by Nasiruddin Patwari, who is contesting against what he termed new mafias. Patwari, the party’s chief coordinator, stated that justice for those injured or killed in the 2024 movement, including martyr Osman Hadi, is a major election agenda. The NCP formally launched its election campaign by paying tribute at the graves of four leaders, signaling the start of its outreach efforts.

Electricity generation at the first unit of the Barapukuria Thermal Power Plant in Parbatipur, Dinajpur resumed at 9:03 p.m. on Wednesday after a three-day shutdown. The plant’s chief engineer, Md. Abu Bakkar Siddique, confirmed that production had been halted on January 18 at 11:15 a.m. due to a boiler tube rupture. Following repairs, firing began at 3 p.m. on Wednesday, and the unit returned to production later that night. According to plant sources, Barapukuria has three units: the first and second units each have a capacity of 125 megawatts, while the third unit has a capacity of 275 megawatts. The second unit has remained closed since November 2020 due to mechanical issues, and the third unit has been offline since October 16 of last year. The first unit has faced repeated shutdowns in recent months, including four stoppages in the past two months. The chief engineer stated that the first unit will now produce an average of 50 to 60 megawatts daily, requiring 700 to 800 metric tons of coal per day. Repair work on the 275-megawatt third unit is ongoing and is expected to be completed by mid-March if conditions remain stable.