Japan is set to restart the Kashiwazaki-Kariwa nuclear power plant in Niigata Prefecture, the world’s largest facility of its kind, for the first time since the 2011 Fukushima disaster. Operator Tokyo Electric Power Company (TEPCO) announced plans to activate one reactor after 7 p.m. on Wednesday, following final approval from the Niigata governor last month. Despite safety upgrades, including a 15-meter tsunami barrier and elevated emergency power systems, local residents remain concerned about potential risks. Public opinion is sharply divided, with a September survey showing about 60 percent of residents opposing the restart and 37 percent supporting it. Protesters gathered outside the plant this week, citing safety fears and past issues such as information concealment and inadequate evacuation plans. Seven civic groups submitted a petition with 40,000 signatures opposing the restart, noting the site’s location in an active seismic zone. Japan’s government supports renewed nuclear use to reduce energy imports, meet carbon neutrality goals by 2050, and address rising electricity demand driven by artificial intelligence. The restarted unit will be TEPCO’s first operational reactor since 2011, as the country aims to expand nuclear and renewable energy to supply up to 40 percent of its power by 2040.

A South Korean court has sentenced former Prime Minister Han Duck-soo to 23 years in prison for assisting in the brief imposition of martial law. The Seoul Central District Court, presided over by Judge Lee Jin-kwan, found Han guilty of helping then-President Yoon Suk-yeol declare military rule in December 2024 and failing to convene a legitimate cabinet meeting. The 76-year-old former leader was ordered to be taken into custody immediately after the verdict. Judge Lee stated that Han had shown extreme negligence in his duties as prime minister and that Yoon’s attempt to impose martial law aimed to undermine constitutional order, equating it to an act of rebellion. The judge warned that Han’s actions risked returning South Korea to a dark past when citizens’ basic rights and democratic systems were violated. Han denied all charges, insisting that he never supported or assisted in the declaration of martial law.

Seven civilians were killed in a drone attack carried out by the YPG militant group in Syria’s northeastern Hasakah province, according to TRT World. The strike targeted a horse farm in the Al-Nashwa neighborhood, injuring several others, including women and children. The incident occurred as the Syrian government announced a ceasefire agreement with the YPG. The YPG is identified as the Syrian branch of the PKK, which Turkey, the United States, the United Kingdom, and the European Union classify as a terrorist organization. Prior to the ceasefire, the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) had declared a four-day truce with the Syrian government after consolidating their positions in the region. The ceasefire took effect at 8 p.m. local time on Tuesday, according to the Syrian army. The Syrian military further stated that, as part of efforts to integrate Kurdish forces into the state structure, the SDF was asked to nominate a candidate to serve as assistant defense minister in Damascus.

The Ministry of Law, Justice and Parliamentary Affairs of Bangladesh has launched the second phase of the e-bail bond service in eight districts—Manikganj, Bandarban, Meherpur, Joypurhat, Moulvibazar, Panchagarh, Jhalakathi, and Sherpur. The service was inaugurated on Wednesday at the ministry’s conference room in the Secretariat by Dr. Asif Nazrul, Adviser to the Ministry. The initiative aims to modernize the judicial system and reduce the suffering of litigants. Previously, the service was introduced in Narayanganj, where it has been operating successfully. According to the ministry, the e-bail bond system allows detainees to be released within an hour through online submission, eliminating multiple procedural steps and reducing time and cost. Dr. Nazrul stated that the digital process ensures full record-keeping of signatures and prevents intentional delays. He expressed hope that the service will be expanded to all 64 districts in phases. He further mentioned that the ministry aims to introduce the e-bail bond service nationwide within six months and expects future governments to continue this essential digital reform.

Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami has strongly condemned an attack on its activists in Mirpur’s Pirerbag area of Dhaka. In a statement issued on Wednesday, Jamaat Secretary General Mia Golam Porwar alleged that local BNP activists confined female Jamaat members during a meeting at a house near Alimuddin High School from 3 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. When Jamaat and Shibir activists tried to rescue them, they were attacked, leaving at least 16 people injured. The victims were later rescued with the help of police and the army and are now receiving treatment in hospitals. Porwar denounced the incident as a deliberate attempt to disrupt the election process and spread fear among voters. He demanded the immediate arrest and prosecution of those responsible and urged the administration and Election Commission to ensure a level playing field before the election. He also called for strict measures to improve law and order and protect public safety. The statement further claimed that in Jamaat Ameer Dr. Shafiqur Rahman’s constituency, Dhaka-15, organized efforts were being made to destabilize the situation and influence the election outcome.

Bobby Hajjaj and Maulana Mamunul Haque have officially received their election symbols for the upcoming 13th National Parliamentary Election scheduled for February 12. The allocation took place on Wednesday at the Election Training Institute (ETI) building in Agargaon, Dhaka, under the supervision of Returning Officer Md. Yunus Ali. Bobby Hajjaj, nominated by the BNP, received the 'sheaf of paddy' symbol, while Maulana Mamunul Haque, the Amir of Bangladesh Khelafat Majlis and candidate from the Jamaat alliance, received the 'rickshaw' symbol. On behalf of Bobby Hajjaj, his chief election assistant Kazi Md. Yusuf collected the symbol, and Mamunul Haque’s younger brother Mashrurul Haque collected his. The symbol distribution marks the formal start of campaign preparations in Dhaka-13, where both candidates will compete for parliamentary representation. The event also included symbol allocations for Dhaka-15, conducted under the same returning officer, as part of the Election Commission’s preparations for the February 12 national polls.

BNP Election Steering Committee spokesperson Mahadi Amin announced that the party will hold discussions with rebel candidates who remain in the electoral field despite the nomination withdrawal deadline having passed. Speaking at a press conference in Gulshan, Dhaka, on Wednesday, he said that if any candidate continues to defy party decisions after these talks, organizational measures will be taken against them under the party constitution. Amin explained that after fifteen years of anti-fascist movements, many dedicated BNP leaders were unable to participate in elections, and the current polls have naturally created internal competition within the party. He emphasized that only one candidate can be nominated per constituency, and the leadership will engage in phased discussions with those still contesting independently. He further stated that BNP expects all leaders and activists, including those from affiliated organizations, to work unitedly for the victory of the official “sheaf of paddy” candidates. Those who act outside party decisions or fail in their responsibilities will also face organizational consequences.

A report by the Road Safety Foundation revealed that 219 people were killed and 511 injured in 409 road accidents across Dhaka in 2025. The data, released through a press statement by the organization’s executive director Saidur Rahman, showed that 80.36 percent of the victims were men, 11.41 percent women, and 8.21 percent children. Pedestrians accounted for 47.03 percent of the fatalities, while motorcyclists and passengers made up 43.37 percent. The report identified that most accidents occurred at night, accounting for 41.56 percent of total incidents. Buses were involved in 24.87 percent of the accidents, while trucks and similar heavy vehicles made up 35.14 percent. The foundation attributed the rising number of accidents to severe mismanagement in traffic operations, reckless driving, and the absence of a bypass road, which allows heavy vehicles to move through the city at night. Key accident hotspots included Jatrabari, Demra, Mohammadpur, Kuril Bishwa Road, and Airport Road. To reduce accidents, the report recommended measures such as introducing company-based bus services, removing unfit vehicles, creating separate bus lanes, enforcing school transport systems, building bypass roads, and improving pedestrian infrastructure.

Jamaat-e-Islami chief Dr. Shafiqur Rahman will begin his election campaign tour on Thursday, January 22, starting from Dhaka. He is scheduled to address a public rally in Mirpur-10 under the Dhaka-15 constituency in the afternoon. The campaign is part of the 10-party electoral alliance’s preparations for the upcoming 13th National Parliamentary Election, following the finalization of candidate lists and allocation of election symbols. According to the party’s central publicity department, Dr. Rahman will continue his campaign in northern Bangladesh on January 23 and 24. He will attend rallies in Dinajpur, Thakurgaon, and Rangpur as the chief guest. On January 24, he will visit the grave of July uprising martyr Abu Sayeed at Begum Rokeya University and later address a rally in Palashbari, Gaibandha. Jamaat and its allied parties have undertaken extensive preparations for the campaign, with top leaders planning nationwide tours. The alliance’s campaign will also include outreach in support of a referendum’s “Yes” side, with the participation of Islami Chhatra Shibir across the country.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu will join the proposed 'Peace Board' formed to oversee governance and reconstruction in Gaza. The announcement was made Wednesday by the Israeli Prime Minister’s Office through social media. The invitation came from U.S. President Donald Trump, who initiated the board to monitor the ceasefire and post-war rebuilding process in the war-torn Gaza Strip. According to the report, Trump announced the creation of the 'Peace Board' comprising world leaders to manage Gaza’s administration and reconstruction. He will serve as the board’s chairman indefinitely, continuing even after his presidential term ends. Permanent membership will be granted to countries contributing one billion dollars. The United Arab Emirates and Bahrain have already confirmed their participation, while invitations have also been extended to other global leaders, including Russian President Vladimir Putin. The initiative aims to coordinate international involvement in Gaza’s recovery and governance following the conflict, though specific operational details of the board remain undisclosed.

The United States has seized another oil tanker in the Caribbean region as part of sanctions aimed at restricting the movement of vessels linked to Venezuela. According to Washington, the action follows President Donald Trump’s blockade order. The U.S. Southern Command reported that the vessel, named Motor Vessel Sagitta, was detained without any confrontation for violating the quarantine rules declared under Trump’s sanctions policy. In a post on social media platform X, the Southern Command stated that any oil leaving Venezuela must comply with legal and coordinated procedures. A video clip showing the operation at sea was also released. Since the blockade was announced in December, the United States has seized a total of seven ships, including a Russia-linked tanker intercepted earlier this month near Venezuela’s coast. The U.S. has deployed a large naval presence across the Caribbean. President Trump has asserted that control of Venezuela’s oil will remain with Washington following the removal of President Nicolás Maduro. Venezuelan authorities, however, have rejected these claims, maintaining that Caracas still controls its oil sector and that the state oil company is in talks with the U.S. over potential sales.

Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) has filed a petition with the Islamabad High Court seeking permission to meet imprisoned former Prime Minister Imran Khan and his wife Bushra Bibi. The petition also requests the withdrawal of what it describes as Khan’s unlawful solitary confinement. The case was filed under Article 199 of the Constitution by a group of about 17 senators, including Barrister Syed Ali Zafar, naming the Punjab Home Department and the Adiala Jail Superintendent as respondents. According to the petition, the continued solitary confinement and alleged inhumane treatment of Imran Khan and Bushra Bibi are unconstitutional and amount to a violation of fundamental rights. PTI stated on social media that police used force to disperse its protest outside Adiala Jail and that several workers were arrested and injured during the operation. Barrister Zafar said the senators approached the court as part of their constitutional duty to uphold parliamentary oversight, human dignity, and the rule of law. The petition highlights growing tensions between PTI and law enforcement following recent protests in Rawalpindi and may prompt judicial review of prison conditions for political detainees.

Independent candidate Dr. Tasnim Jara has received the football symbol to contest in the Dhaka-9 constituency. She collected the symbol on Wednesday afternoon from the Dhaka Divisional Office. Following the allocation, she expressed that residents of Khilgaon, Sabujbagh, and Mugda areas had been asking about her election symbol, and now they have a clear answer. Dr. Jara stated that she will compete in the election under the football symbol and will begin her campaign the next day. She emphasized that her campaign will focus on transparency and accountability in politics, reflecting the kind of political culture she wishes to promote. She also requested prayers and good wishes from the public. The announcement marks the start of her formal campaign activities in Dhaka-9, where she aims to engage voters through her independent platform centered on clean and responsible politics.

The International Crimes Tribunal-1 has ordered the start of the trial against Sajib Wazed Joy, son of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, and former State Minister for ICT Zunaid Ahmed Palak. The tribunal, chaired by Justice Md. Golam Mortuza Mojumdar, issued the order on January 21, 2026, after forming charges in a case related to crimes against humanity during the July uprising. The decision followed hearings held on January 15, where both prosecution and defense presented arguments. According to the case, on July 14, 2024, Palak allegedly made an inciting statement on Facebook under Joy’s direction, leading to violent attacks the next day on protesters at Dhaka University and other locations by police and armed groups. The charges include incitement to violence, aiding killings, and involvement in 34 murders in Uttara. The prosecution had earlier submitted formal charges on December 4, and the tribunal had ordered Joy to surrender through newspaper notices on December 10. The tribunal’s order marks the formal beginning of proceedings in one of the key cases arising from the July 2024 events, with both defendants facing serious allegations of crimes against humanity.

The National Pay Commission is set to propose a new pay scale for government employees, raising the maximum salary to Tk 160,000 and the minimum to Tk 20,000. The commission will submit its final report on the ninth national pay scale to the Chief Adviser on Wednesday afternoon at the State Guest House Jamuna. The meeting is scheduled for 5 p.m., following a preparatory session held earlier in the day at the Secretariat. According to commission sources, the proposed pay structure includes salary increases ranging from 100 to 147 percent, with proportionally higher raises for lower-grade employees. The commission has recommended partial implementation from January 1, 2026, and full execution from July 1, 2026, marking the start of the 2026–27 fiscal year. Economic Adviser Dr. Salehuddin Ahmed noted that not all recommendations may be implemented exactly as proposed but expressed confidence that government employees would be satisfied. The 21-member commission, led by former finance secretary and PKSF chairman Zakir Ahmed Khan, was formed on July 27 of the previous year and tasked with submitting its report within six months.