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.

A helicopter carrying three people went missing near Mount Aso, one of Japan’s most active volcanoes, on Tuesday morning. Local authorities said the aircraft took off from a zoo in Aso city at 10:52 a.m. local time for a 10-minute sightseeing flight but did not return. Later that afternoon, around 4 p.m., a police helicopter spotted an aircraft-like object inside the crater of Mount Aso’s Nakadake volcano, though it has not yet been confirmed as the missing helicopter. The missing aircraft, a U.S.-made Robinson R44 operated by Takumi Enterprise, was on its third sightseeing trip of the day, with no issues reported on earlier flights. The 64-year-old pilot was described by local media as highly experienced, with about 40 years of flying experience. The passengers were a Taiwanese man and woman. Cloudy weather was reported in the Nakadake area on Tuesday. Search operations were suspended in the evening due to conditions and resumed Wednesday morning. Following the incident, Takumi Enterprise temporarily grounded all its helicopters, according to Jiji News Agency.

The National Pay Commission, led by former finance secretary Zakir Ahmed Khan, has finalized recommendations for a new salary structure for Bangladesh’s government employees. The proposal suggests increasing basic pay by 100 to 147 percent, raising the minimum salary in the 20th grade from Tk 8,250 to Tk 20,000 and the maximum in the 1st grade from Tk 78,000 to Tk 160,000. The report is scheduled to be formally submitted to Chief Adviser Professor Dr. Muhammad Yunus at 5 p.m. on Wednesday. According to the proposal, the new structure would take effect partially from January 1 and fully from July 1. Finance Adviser Dr. Salehuddin Ahmed stated that after submission, several committees will review the report, a process expected to take three to four months. The recommendations also include major revisions to housing and transport allowances, with the Boishakhi allowance proposed to rise from 20 to 50 percent and transport benefits extended up to the 10th grade. For pensioners, the commission proposed significant increases, including a 100 percent rise for those receiving less than Tk 20,000 per month and smaller increments for higher pension brackets.

Barrister Rumin Farhana, a rebel candidate from the BNP, has been allotted the 'Duck' election symbol to contest the Brahmanbaria–2 (Sarail–Ashuganj) constituency. The district commissioner and returning officer handed her the allocation letter on Wednesday, January 21, 2026. She is running against BNP-supported Jamiat candidate Junaid Al Habib. After receiving the symbol, Rumin Farhana said she deeply values her voters and supporters, crediting them for her political journey. She mentioned that children in her constituency affectionately call her the 'Duck' candidate, describing the symbol as belonging not only to her but also to her voters. Referring to a past incident of her pet duck being stolen, she warned that any attempt to misuse her election symbol would face legal action. Rumin Farhana emphasized that she represents the ordinary people of Brahmanbaria–2 and pledged to work for the area’s development according to the wishes of her voters if elected.

The International Cricket Council (ICC) board meeting is underway to address the uncertainty surrounding Bangladesh’s participation in the upcoming T20 World Cup. The meeting, attended by directors from all full member nations, aims to resolve the ongoing deadlock between the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) and the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) over security concerns raised by Bangladesh regarding matches scheduled in India. ICC Chairman Jay Shah, BCB President Aminul Islam, BCCI Secretary Debajit Saikia, and other top cricket officials from Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Australia, England, and other member nations are participating. ICC’s senior management, including CEO Sanjog Gupta and Deputy Chairman Imran Khwaja, are also present. The ICC’s anti-corruption head, Andrew Feggreave, who recently met BCB officials in Dhaka, is attending as well. ESPNcricinfo reported that Pakistan’s cricket board has expressed support for Bangladesh’s position through a formal letter to the ICC. According to the same report, venue or schedule changes remain unlikely, as both ICC and BCB have maintained firm stances. The T20 World Cup is set to begin on February 7 in India and Sri Lanka, with Bangladesh’s matches currently scheduled in Kolkata and Mumbai.

Popular Bangladeshi film actor and 'Nirapad Sarak Chai' founder Ilias Kanchan is undergoing cancer treatment in London. According to Liton Ershad, vice chairman of the organization, Kanchan is currently in his second round of chemotherapy, which will continue until May. Afterward, he is expected to receive a vaccine in Germany. If his condition improves, he may return to Bangladesh. Several of his co-artists have expressed their hopes for his recovery. Actor Misha Sawdagor said they are eagerly waiting for Kanchan to return healthy, praising his kind nature and contributions to Bangladeshi cinema. Actress Champa prayed for his quick recovery and return to his family. Shabnaz described him as a pride of the film industry and a lifelong advocate for road safety. Actress Popy recalled his guidance and kindness, wishing for his battle with illness to end soon. Ilias Kanchan debuted in the 1977 film 'Boshundhora' and has received multiple National Film Awards and the Ekushey Padak for his social contributions.

A Dhaka court has scheduled February 9 for further hearings on the formation of sedition charges against former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and 285 others. The case was filed over allegations that participants in a December 19, 2024, online meeting of the 'Joy Bangla Brigade' conspired to overthrow the interim government and engage in anti-state activities. The hearing took place on January 21, 2026, before Dhaka’s Special Judge Court No. 9, presided over by Judge Md. Abdus Salam. Prosecutors argued for framing charges, while defense lawyers for several detained accused sought exemption. According to the case documents, 259 of the 286 accused are fugitives, while 27, including former MP Sabina Akter Tuhin, are in custody. The Criminal Investigation Department (CID) filed the case on March 27, 2025, after obtaining approval from the Home Ministry, and later submitted a charge sheet on August 14, 2025. The allegations stem from a virtual meeting where participants reportedly pledged to restore Hasina to power through armed conflict. The upcoming February hearing will determine whether the court proceeds with the formal framing of charges against all accused individuals.

Veteran Bangladeshi actor and dancer Ilias Javed, a popular figure from the golden era of cinema, passed away at the age of 82 on Wednesday, January 21, 2026, at 11 a.m. in a hospital in Uttara, Dhaka. The news was confirmed by Soni Rahman, an executive member of the Artists’ Association. His body will be taken to the Bangladesh Film Development Corporation (BFDC) for a final tribute, where his funeral prayer will be held after Asr. He will then be buried beside the mosque in Uttara Sector 12. Javed had been battling cancer for a long time and also suffered from heart problems, having survived two previous heart attacks. His death has cast a shadow of grief over the film and cultural community. Born in 1944 in Peshawar, British India, he began his career as a dance director before becoming a leading actor in over 200 films. He debuted as a hero in the Urdu film “Nayi Zindegi” in 1964 and gained fame with “Payel” in 1966. He was best known for his role in the film “Nishan.” In his personal life, Javed married actress Dolly Chowdhury in 1984.

Brahmanbaria’s Sarail upazila has completed extensive preparations to welcome BNP Chairperson Tarique Rahman, who is scheduled to address a public rally at Kuttapara playground on Thursday, January 22, 2026. This will be his first rally in the district since becoming party chief, and local BNP leaders expect a large turnout. The event follows his visit to Sylhet, where he will begin the party’s campaign for the 13th national election. District and upazila BNP units have built a large stage, installed modern sound systems, lighting, and CCTV cameras, and decorated the area with banners and festoons. Senior BNP leaders, including district president Khaled Hossain Mahbub and alliance candidate Maulana Junayed Al Habib, have repeatedly inspected the venue. Law enforcement officials, led by the district police superintendent, are overseeing security arrangements. Local leaders anticipate that between five and six lakh people may attend the rally. BNP representatives described the event as a historic moment for Brahmanbaria politics and expect it to influence the upcoming national election.

U.S. President Donald Trump has warned that if Iran ever kills him, he has already ordered the country to be wiped off the map. He made the statement on Tuesday, January 20, during a public address, responding to threats from Tehran. Earlier, Iran had warned that if its Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei were assassinated, Trump himself would be killed, not just have his hand severed. Iranian military official General Abdolfazl Shekarchi said any aggressive move against Iran’s leaders would lead to severe retaliation, describing it as a real warning rather than a slogan. He added that Iran would ignite fires across the world, leaving no safe place for its enemies. In response, Trump said he had prepared extremely strict orders, asserting that if anything happened to him, the U.S. military would erase Iran from the world map. The exchange follows years of tension since the 2020 U.S. strike in Baghdad that killed Iranian commander Qasem Soleimani, after which Iran repeatedly threatened revenge against Trump.

US President Donald Trump described the United Nations as a 'useless' organization during a press briefing at the White House on Tuesday. He said a newly proposed 'Peace Board', created to end the war in Gaza and oversee the region’s reconstruction, could serve as an alternative to the UN. When asked if the board would replace the UN, Trump replied that it might, adding that the UN is not very effective. Trump announced that the 'Peace Board' would be composed of world leaders and that he would serve as its chairman indefinitely, even beyond his presidential term. The board will grant permanent membership to countries contributing one billion dollars. The United Arab Emirates and Bahrain have already confirmed their participation. Trump is also inviting leaders of major powers, including Russian President Vladimir Putin, to join. The initiative aims to manage Gaza’s governance and rebuilding efforts following the conflict, positioning the board as a new global platform for peace oversight.

BNP Chairperson Tarique Rahman is set to visit Sylhet tonight, marking his first trip there in two decades. He will depart for Sylhet by air around 8:15 p.m. on Wednesday and begin his election campaign on Thursday morning. At 11:30 a.m., he is scheduled to address a public rally at the historic Government Alia Madrasa field in Sylhet city. Later in the day, he will attend a series of election rallies in Moulvibazar, Habiganj, Brahmanbaria, Kishoreganj, Narsingdi, and Narayanganj before returning to Dhaka at 10 p.m. Before joining the rallies, Tarique Rahman will visit the shrines of Hazrat Shahjalal (R.) and Hazrat Shah Paran (R.) in Sylhet. The BNP is beginning its formal campaign for the upcoming 13th National Parliamentary Election from Sylhet, following its long-standing tradition. The city has taken on a festive atmosphere ahead of his arrival, with streets decorated with banners, festoons, and arches. The visit signifies the official start of BNP’s nationwide election campaign, with Sylhet serving as the symbolic launch point for the party’s political activities.