Bangladesh Bank has proposed a new rule limiting bank directors to a maximum of three consecutive months of leave per year, as part of the draft Bank Companies (Amendment) Ordinance 2025. The proposal aims to strengthen governance after reports that many directors remained absent for extended periods while retaining their positions. The draft has been published by the Financial Institutions Division of the Ministry of Finance for stakeholder feedback, and a meeting chaired by Secretary Nazma Mobarek was recently held to discuss it. The draft also includes a proposal to restrict individuals, families, or institutions from holding significant shares in multiple banks simultaneously. Under the proposed rule, anyone holding 2% or more of a bank’s shares cannot hold 2% or more in another bank. The Association of Bankers, Bangladesh (ABB) has opposed this shareholding restriction, arguing that general shareholders do not directly influence bank policy decisions. However, Bangladesh Bank officials maintain that the measure is necessary to prevent excessive control by business groups that have previously harmed the sector. If enacted, the new law would automatically cancel the position of any director absent from board meetings beyond the permitted period, ensuring stricter accountability in bank governance.

The Bangladesh Election Commission (EC) has finalized campaign guidelines for candidates in the 13th national parliamentary election, scheduled in 20 days. Returning officers completed symbol allocations on Wednesday, and official campaigning began Thursday, continuing until 10 February at 7:30 a.m. The EC urged all candidates and parties to strictly follow the code of conduct to ensure a free, fair, and neutral election. Under the new rules, candidates are prohibited from using posters for the first time in the country’s election history. Campaign materials must be black and white, with strict size limits for banners, leaflets, handbills, and festoons. The use of polythene, rexine, or any non-biodegradable material is banned. Candidates may use up to 20 billboards per constituency, and only their own portrait or the party leader’s image may appear on campaign materials. Public rallies require 24-hour prior notice to authorities and must not obstruct public movement. The EC also restricted the use of vehicles, torches, and aircraft in campaigns and introduced penalties for spreading false or AI-generated misinformation. Violations may result in fines, imprisonment, or even cancellation of candidacy.

Barcelona secured a 4-2 victory over Slavia Prague in their UEFA Champions League group match at Fortuna Arena. Despite conceding an early goal to Czech forward Vasil Kusej in the tenth minute, the Spanish champions came back strongly. Fermin Lopez scored twice, while Dani Olmo and Robert Lewandowski added one goal each. Slavia Prague’s second goal came from an own goal by Lewandowski in the first half. Barcelona dominated possession with 59 percent and registered 17 shots, 12 of which were on target, compared to Prague’s eight shots with only two on target. Coach Hansi Flick had to field his team without Lamine Yamal due to a card suspension. Dani Olmo scored just a minute after coming on as a substitute in the 61st minute, and Lewandowski redeemed his earlier own goal with a strike in the 70th minute. With this win, Barcelona climbed to ninth place in the standings with 13 points from seven matches, keeping their hopes alive for a place in the round of 16. Three other teams above them also have 13 points, with one group-stage round remaining.

Venezuelan interim president Delcy Rodríguez is expected to visit the United States soon, according to a senior White House official. If realized, it would mark the first bilateral visit by a sitting Venezuelan president to the U.S. in nearly 25 years, excluding United Nations General Assembly sessions. Rodríguez said she has no hesitation about dialogue with Washington and emphasized that existing differences and complexities between the two nations are being addressed through diplomatic discussions. The potential visit signals a notable shift in relations between Washington and Caracas. It follows the recent U.S. Delta Force operation that led to the arrest of former Venezuelan president Nicolás Maduro, who now faces drug trafficking charges in the United States. Rodríguez, a close ally and former vice president under Maduro, currently serves as interim president. Despite U.S. sanctions, she has allowed Venezuelan oil exports through U.S. channels, supported foreign investment, and initiated the release of several political prisoners. The White House stated that the visit’s schedule has not yet been finalized, and the Venezuelan government has not officially confirmed it.

The United Kingdom’s House of Lords voted on Wednesday in favor of banning social media use for children under 16. The amendment, introduced by Conservative lawmaker John Nash and supported by members of the Labour and Liberal Democrat parties, passed with 261 votes to 150. The decision increases pressure on the government to adopt stricter measures similar to those implemented in Australia. Prime Minister Keir Starmer said earlier that he would not rule out any options for child protection but prefers to await the outcome of an ongoing consultation process before legislating. The proposal will now move to the Labour-controlled House of Commons, where over 60 Labour MPs have urged the prime minister to support the ban. Public sentiment appears strongly in favor, with a December YouGov poll showing 74 percent of Britons supporting such restrictions. Actor Hugh Grant and other public figures have also called on the government to back the measure, arguing that parents alone cannot shield children from social media’s harmful effects. Some child protection groups, however, warned that a blanket ban could create a false sense of security among parents and society. The Online Safety Act already mandates strict age verification for harmful online content.

Israel carried out airstrikes on four crossing points along the Syria-Lebanon border, claiming the sites were used by Hezbollah for arms smuggling. The attacks followed earlier Israeli strikes in southern Lebanon that killed at least two people and injured around 20, according to Al Jazeera. The operations took place on Wednesday, breaking an existing ceasefire agreement. Lebanese President Joseph Aoun condemned the attacks in a statement, accusing Israel of systematically targeting populated villages and endangering civilians. He said the actions demonstrated Israel’s refusal to adhere to the terms of the ceasefire. Lebanon’s Health Ministry reported that at least 19 people were injured in the southern city of Kanarit, while state media said Israeli forces struck several towns including Al-Kharaib, Al-Ansar, Kanarit, Kfour, and Jarjouh. The previous day, Lebanon’s Health Ministry confirmed two separate Israeli strikes on vehicles in the Zahrani and Bazourieh areas, each killing one person. The renewed hostilities have heightened concerns about escalating conflict along the border region.

Rescue teams in Karachi have recovered 30 additional bodies from a shop inside the Gul Plaza shopping mall following a devastating fire. The discovery, made on the mezzanine floor of a crockery shop, has raised the death toll to 60. The bodies were sent to Civil Hospital by a special team formed by DIG (South) Syed Asad Raza. Several people remain missing as search operations continue. The fire broke out on January 17 at the Gul Plaza, one of Karachi’s largest shopping complexes. It reportedly started in the basement and spread rapidly throughout the building. Authorities suspect that an electrical short circuit triggered the blaze. Firefighters took 24 hours to bring the flames under control due to the intensity of the fire. Rescue operations had been temporarily halted on the first and second floors before resuming on the mezzanine level, where the latest bodies were found. Officials continue to search for more victims amid reports of missing persons.

India has been accused of turning cricket from a tool of soft power into an instrument of regional dominance, particularly against Bangladesh. The controversy began after the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) reportedly instructed an Indian Premier League (IPL) franchise to drop Bangladeshi cricketer Mustafizur Rahman, citing political concerns over attacks on minority communities in Bangladesh. In response, the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) requested to move its upcoming T20 World Cup matches from India to Sri Lanka and the government banned IPL broadcasts, escalating the dispute. The article describes how this sports-related conflict follows a sharp deterioration in diplomatic relations between Dhaka and New Delhi, marked by reciprocal ambassador summons and attacks on diplomatic missions. Analysts suggest that India’s coercive cricket diplomacy risks alienating a key regional partner and undermining its “Neighbourhood First” policy. The move could push Bangladesh closer to China and Pakistan, both of which are expanding their strategic presence in the region. The report warns that India’s use of cricket as a political weapon contradicts its long-term strategic interests and may deepen regional isolation rather than strengthen influence.

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen warned that the world is entering a new era dominated by economic, military, and geopolitical power. Speaking before the World Economic Forum in Davos, she said the 27-member European Union must rapidly strengthen its economy and defense to maintain global influence. Von der Leyen cautioned the United States that disputes among allies over Greenland would only empower rivals of the Western world. She described U.S. President Donald Trump’s threat to impose tariffs on European allies as a mistake and said escalating conflicts and retaliatory actions would harm both Europe and the United States strategically. Addressing the European Parliament, she emphasized that current global shifts are permanent, citing tensions over Greenland, Russia’s continued attacks in Ukraine, and instability from the Middle East to the Indo-Pacific. Von der Leyen urged Europe to move beyond its traditionally cautious stance, asserting that the EU must act decisively to protect its interests. Her remarks came ahead of an EU leaders’ meeting in Brussels to form a unified response to Trump’s statements.

Recent statements and actions by U.S. President Donald Trump, including moves toward Venezuela, Colombia, and Greenland, have drawn global attention. Analysts describe these as part of a broader strategic revival of the 1823 Monroe Doctrine, now termed the 'Donroe Doctrine.' Trump declared that American dominance in the Western Hemisphere would never again be questioned, signaling a more assertive geopolitical stance. The article links this renewed aggression to control over future energy and technology resources. Rare earth minerals such as lithium, copper, graphite, and gallium—vital for batteries, semiconductors, drones, and AI data centers—are concentrated in Latin America, where China has invested about $303 billion between 2000 and 2023. U.S. policymakers view this Chinese influence as a threat to their traditional dominance and seek to reclaim strategic leverage. Beyond Latin America, Washington’s focus extends to Greenland, rich in oil, gas, and minerals. With Arctic ice expected to recede by 2050, the region’s trade routes and security value are rising. The 'Donroe Doctrine' thus reflects a long-term U.S. bid to preserve global hegemony against growing China-Russia influence.

At least five members of a Saudi-backed pro-government armed group were killed in a bomb attack targeting their convoy in the southern Yemeni city of Aden. Officials said Brigadier General Hamdi Shukri, commander of the unit, was injured in the explosion. The attack occurred in the Ja’aoula area north of Aden when a car bomb detonated as the convoy of the Second Giants Brigade passed by. According to medical sources, Shukri sustained shrapnel wounds to his leg and is receiving treatment. The Saudi-backed Presidential Leadership Council confirmed the casualties in a statement published by Yemen’s Saba news agency, adding that three others were wounded. No group has claimed responsibility for the attack so far. The incident comes amid ongoing tensions and clashes among rival pro-government factions in southern Yemen. The Saudi-led military coalition condemned the bombing, pledging full support to Yemeni security forces in identifying and prosecuting those responsible. The U.S. Embassy in Yemen also denounced the attack as “provocative and unjustified.”

Allegations have surfaced that a syndicate led by an office assistant named Ilias has been leaking final exam questions for the Political Science department across seven government colleges affiliated with Dhaka University. Despite the gravity of the accusations and the emergence of credible evidence, the university administration has not yet formed an investigation committee even after 24 hours, prompting anger and frustration among students. According to multiple reliable sources, the group has been secretly selling leaked questions from honors to master’s level exams for several years, distributing them to students three to four days before exams in exchange for money. Students expressed outrage, saying the scandal has severely damaged their institutions’ reputation and demanded immediate identification and punishment of those involved. They also called for an inquiry into whether anyone from Dhaka University itself is connected. Interim administrator Professor A.K.M. Ilias confirmed that he had heard about the leak but said the probe committee would be formed the next day. Dhaka University’s controller of examinations, Himadri Shekhar Chakraborty, stated that necessary actions would follow upon receiving a written complaint.

According to the report, multiple diplomatic and political sources claim that India has intensified anti-Bangladesh activities in New Delhi just weeks before Bangladesh’s upcoming parliamentary election. These include press conferences by exiled Awami League leaders, the withdrawal of Indian diplomats from Dhaka, and seminars portraying a supposed rise of Islamic extremism in Bangladesh. A major event is scheduled in Delhi where Sheikh Hasina, described as convicted of crimes against humanity, is expected to appear publicly for the first time since taking refuge in India in August 2024. Analysts cited in the report argue that Indian policymakers are unwilling to accept an election without the Awami League and are concerned about the growing popularity of Islamic parties. They view Delhi’s actions as attempts to label Bangladesh as fundamentalist and undermine the interim government led by Dr. Muhammad Yunus. The Bangladeshi government has reportedly protested these activities, but the Modi administration has ignored the objections. Experts warn that the situation could escalate as the election nears, urging vigilance against provocations and calling the developments a serious diplomatic concern.

Akhter Hossen, member secretary of the National Citizen Party (NCP), has called for public cooperation in his campaign for the Rangpur-4 (Kaunia–Pirgacha) constituency in the upcoming 13th National Parliamentary Election. In a Facebook post on Wednesday night, he urged citizens to contribute through prayers, donations, and active participation as formal election campaigning begins. Hossen emphasized that community involvement is vital for his campaign’s success, inviting supporters to assist with logistics such as leaflets, banners, rallies, and social media promotion. He also shared details for financial contributions through bank and mobile payment channels, encouraging even small donations. Additionally, he invited volunteers to join a WhatsApp group to help with online campaigning, including video editing and content creation. The NCP candidate expressed optimism about his connection with local voters and called on residents of Kaunia–Pirgacha, well-wishers across the country, and expatriates to stand by him in his electoral efforts.

A severe shortage of lighter vessels has caused a major operational crisis at Chattogram port, where more than 85 mother vessels carrying over 300,000 tons of goods are stranded at the outer anchorage. Importers are reportedly paying daily waiting charges of 12,000 to 15,000 dollars per vessel, which is expected to impact consumer prices. Business groups fear the situation could worsen ahead of Ramadan. Officials said large ships cannot dock directly at the port due to insufficient draft, requiring goods to be unloaded onto smaller lighter vessels for inland transport. Although about 1,500 lighter vessels exist on paper, fewer than 1,000 are active. Around 40 percent of vessels are currently stuck elsewhere, many being used as floating warehouses by fertilizer importers and industrial groups. The Bangladesh Water Transport Coordination Cell (BWTCC) has been unable to meet demand for over a month, intensifying the congestion. Port authorities have launched enforcement drives against vessels idling for more than 72 hours, while business leaders call for coordinated action among port, transport, and vessel owners to resolve the crisis and prevent further disruption to essential commodity supply.