Default loans in Bangladesh’s non-bank financial institutions (NBFIs) have risen sharply, reaching about Tk 29,409 crore by the end of September last year, accounting for over 37 percent of total loans. Bangladesh Bank Executive Director and spokesperson Arif Hossain Khan confirmed the figures. The central bank’s report shows that total loans in the sector increased to Tk 79,251 crore in September from Tk 77,092 crore in June, while defaults grew by Tk 1,868 crore during the same period. Sector insiders attribute the ongoing crisis to long-standing irregularities and fund misappropriation in several institutions, particularly those linked to PK Halder. Bangladesh Bank has issued notices to 20 NBFIs for failing to repay deposits and plans to close nine of them, including FAS Finance, Bangladesh Industrial Finance Company, and People’s Leasing. These nine hold about 55 percent of total default loans in the sector. Governor Ahsan H. Mansur announced that individual depositors of the nine institutions will receive their principal amounts before Ramadan in February. The government has verbally approved Tk 5,000 crore to facilitate repayments, though no interest will be paid.

The Indo-Pacific region, encompassing the Indian and Pacific Oceans and surrounding nations, has become the central arena of global power competition. Since 2006–07, it has drawn attention for its strategic maritime routes, economic potential, and geopolitical significance. The United States and China are the primary actors, with India, Japan, South Korea, and other regional powers playing key roles. The US views China’s growing military and technological influence as a major concern and launched its Indo-Pacific Strategy in 2021 to ensure regional stability and open trade routes. The region accounts for over half of the world’s population, two-thirds of global economic growth, and 60 percent of global GDP. China’s Belt and Road Initiative, launched in 2013, aims to expand its influence through infrastructure and trade connectivity. In response, the US has strengthened alliances such as the Quad with India, Japan, and Australia. Bangladesh, strategically located in the Bay of Bengal, released its own Indo-Pacific Outlook in 2023, emphasizing peace, economic development, and open maritime trade. Analysts view the US-China rivalry as a long-term contest for dominance that could shape future global geopolitics and economic balance.

A long-standing feature of Chattogram’s criminal underworld is the widespread use of nicknames that overshadow real identities. Locals rarely know offenders by their given names, instead recognizing them through fear-inducing aliases such as “Gulibappa,” “Chhapaty Faruk,” or “Bhagina.” The Chattogram Metropolitan Police (CMP) recently released a list of 330 wanted criminals, revealing that at least 15 of them are known primarily by such nicknames. These aliases are deeply rooted in the city’s alley-based culture, where youth gangs, neighborhood rivalries, and local social ties give rise to new monikers. Police officials acknowledge that this nickname culture complicates investigations, as matching aliases with legal identities often takes significant time. CMP Additional Commissioner Wahidul Haque Chowdhury cited “Barma Saiful” as an example, noting that his nickname originated from his residence in Barma Colony and that he faces over 30 cases. Security analyst M Shahiduzzaman described nicknames as tools of intimidation and survival, helping criminals evade law enforcement. The persistence of this culture across areas like Chawkbazar, Sadarghat, and Pahartali underscores how deeply it has shaped local crime networks, making law enforcement’s task of identification and prosecution increasingly complex.

The Syrian government and the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) have reached an immediate ceasefire agreement after several days of intense clashes. According to the deal, the SDF will withdraw its forces from the western bank of the Euphrates River, and part of its fighters will be integrated into the Syrian army. The agreement was signed on Sunday, January 18, following days of heavy fighting between government troops and the SDF. Under the terms of the agreement, the SDF will propose a list of its leaders for appointments to senior military, security, and civilian positions under the central government to ensure national partnership. Control of key facilities, including border crossings and oil and gas fields, will be handed over to the Syrian government. A similar understanding earlier in March had failed to materialize. Syrian President Ahmed al-Shara stated that the deal would bring full administrative and military control of al-Hasakah, Deir ez-Zor, and Raqqa provinces under government authority. Jordan welcomed the ceasefire and integration agreement, calling it an important step toward strengthening Syria’s unity, stability, and security.

At least 19 people have been killed and more than 50,000 displaced as uncontrolled wildfires swept through southern Chile’s Ñuble and Biobío regions, about 500 kilometers south of Santiago. Fueled by strong winds and high temperatures, the fires have destroyed homes, vehicles, and infrastructure over two days, leaving towns like Penco and Lirquén in ruins. Most of the deaths occurred in Penco, while residents in Lirquén described flames spreading within seconds. President Gabriel Boric declared a state of emergency in the affected regions, enabling the deployment of armed forces to assist nearly 4,000 firefighters battling the blazes. He visited Concepción to oversee firefighting efforts and imposed a nighttime curfew in the hardest-hit areas, calling the situation extremely difficult. The national disaster agency reported that most evacuations took place in Penco and Lirquén, home to about 60,000 people. Officials warned that weather conditions remain unfavorable, with high temperatures and strong winds complicating containment efforts. The report noted that climate change has intensified wildfire risks in central and southern Chile in recent years.

Jamaat-e-Islami candidate Kazi Din Muhammad called on farmers, workers, and voters in Comilla-6 constituency to cast a 'Yes' vote in the upcoming national election. During daylong campaign activities on January 18 across Amratali Union and other areas, he emphasized building a just and fair society and criticized what he described as 54 years of misrule. He reiterated promises of interest-free loans for farmers, fair prices for agricultural products, a farmer-friendly market system, and special loans for entrepreneurs. Addressing gatherings and yard meetings, Kazi Din Muhammad pledged to eliminate corruption in union and land offices and ensure employment without bribery. He stated that Jamaat ministers had no corruption allegations and vowed to maintain that standard. He also encouraged youth to pursue success like university students and expressed confidence in achieving collective progress. The campaign included local Jamaat and Islami Chhatra Shibir leaders, with evening events held in Kandirpar and other city areas, where he again urged voters to support the 'Yes' vote in the national referendum.

The Election Commission (EC) has declared BNP candidate Aslam Chowdhury’s nomination for the Chittagong-4 constituency valid after finding no evidence of legal or electoral rule violations. The unanimous decision came on Sunday following an appeal hearing at the EC headquarters in Agargaon, Dhaka. This ruling removes all legal barriers to Chowdhury’s participation in the upcoming parliamentary election for the Sitakunda seat, which includes Chattogram City Corporation wards 9 and 10. According to EC sources, Jamaat-backed candidate Anwar Siddique Chowdhury and two banks had separately appealed to cancel Aslam Chowdhury’s nomination, citing financial and administrative allegations. The hearing, initially scheduled for Saturday, was postponed to Sunday. During the session, Chowdhury’s lawyers presented documentary and legal explanations, which the commission reviewed thoroughly before rejecting the appeals. Aslam Chowdhury’s personal lawyer stated that his client had been a persecuted political leader who suffered imprisonment and personal losses under the previous government. The EC’s decision now allows him to contest the election without further legal obstacles.

A Palestinian body tasked with overseeing Gaza’s future administration has unveiled a detailed plan as part of a US-backed ceasefire initiative. The National Committee for Gaza Management (NGAC), led by General Commissioner Ali Shath, pledged to restore essential services such as electricity, water, healthcare, and education, emphasizing the need to rebuild normal life after years of conflict and destruction. According to the committee, reconstruction will proceed under the guidance of the US President Donald Trump-led ‘Board of Peace’ and with support from the High Representative for Gaza Affairs. The White House stated that NGAC was formed under Trump’s 20-point peace plan, approved by UN Security Council Resolution 2803. The committee will manage Gaza’s daily administration, oversee reconstruction, and work toward a self-governing system. However, local concerns have emerged over limited Palestinian representation and the influence of pro-Israel members within the new structures. Despite the ceasefire, Israel continues to restrict humanitarian aid into Gaza, prompting calls from the UN and aid agencies for the removal of barriers. Analysts suggest the US may be seeking a new model for Gaza management outside traditional international frameworks, raising questions about the initiative’s focus on economic recovery over political sovereignty.

The National Citizen Party (NCP), a youth-led group that emerged from the July Revolution, is preparing its manifesto for the upcoming parliamentary elections in Bangladesh. Party sources said the manifesto will prioritize fundamental and structural reforms at the levels of the state, citizens, and institutions. It will emphasize strengthening defense capabilities to protect sovereignty, promoting economic self-reliance, and integrating technology-driven solutions with youth innovation to preserve and develop cultural uniqueness. According to party insiders, an eight-member subcommittee led by Ehtesham Haque and secretary Ishtiaq Akib was formed on January 15 to draft the manifesto, which is still under preparation. The NCP aims to build a justice-based state ensuring basic rights, personal security, and human dignity. The manifesto will include plans for transparent asset declarations by officials, raising the tax-to-GDP ratio, establishing a national minimum wage, expanding parental leave, and creating a national digital server and health database. The document will also propose strengthening defense with mid-range missiles and drones, dissolving the Rapid Action Battalion, and forming a Truth and Reconciliation Commission for institutional reform.

Emerging women leaders in Bangladesh are facing escalating cyber harassment and AI-driven defamation as the national election approaches. Reports from multiple political parties indicate that female candidates are being targeted through online abuse, fake videos, and manipulated content aimed at silencing their voices. Leaders from the National Change Party (NCP), BNP, and other groups described organized campaigns of cyberbullying, sexual harassment, and threats, often involving AI-generated obscene materials. Victims claim that despite filing complaints, law enforcement responses remain inadequate. According to data cited in the report, over 60,000 women sought help from the Police Cyber Support for Women by September 2024, with many cases involving doxing, hacking, and blackmail. UN Women’s 2025 report found that 66 percent of Bangladeshi women received abusive or threatening messages online. Academics and rights advocates warn that the misuse of AI and social media is eroding women’s participation in politics, as female candidacy rates have dropped from 4.86 percent in 2024 to 3.7 percent in 2026. Experts and activists urge stronger enforcement of cybercrime laws, institutional reforms within political parties, and collaboration with digital platforms to curb AI-based harassment and protect women’s political engagement.

At least 21 people were killed and around 100 others injured in a high-speed train accident in southern Spain, according to a BBC report published on Monday, January 19, 2026. The incident occurred on Sunday evening near the city of Adamuz when a train traveling from Malaga to Madrid derailed about ten minutes after departure. Several carriages fell onto a parallel track and were struck by another high-speed train coming from the opposite direction, causing both trains to derail and multiple carriages to overturn. Emergency services are continuing rescue operations, and local authorities have warned that the death toll may rise. Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez expressed his condolences following the tragedy, describing it as a night of deep sorrow for the nation. The crash has prompted widespread concern as rescue teams work to recover victims and clear the wreckage. Authorities have not yet provided details on the cause of the derailment, and investigations are expected to continue as emergency response efforts proceed.

The Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) is observing the 91st birth anniversary of its founder and former president Ziaur Rahman on January 19, 2026. The two-day program includes floral tributes and prayers at his grave, flag hoisting at party offices nationwide, and special discussions and prayer meetings at district and local levels. A central discussion will be held at the Institution of Diploma Engineers Bangladesh auditorium in Dhaka, where senior BNP leaders and prominent figures will speak. BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir issued a statement highlighting Ziaur Rahman’s patriotism, honesty, and leadership, calling him a model of moral character and urging unity to restore democracy and human rights. The report recalls Ziaur Rahman’s life and political legacy, noting his role as a sector commander in the Liberation War, his presidency from 1977 until his assassination in 1981, and his founding of the BNP in 1978. Historian Dr. Mohammad Siddiqur Rahman Khan stated that attempts during Awami League rule to erase Zia’s legacy failed, and his contributions to Bangladesh’s economy, nationalism, and diplomacy remain significant. The programs aim to honor Ziaur Rahman’s contributions to Bangladesh’s political and economic development and reaffirm his ideological influence within the BNP.

The Anti-Discrimination Student Movement has announced an urgent press conference to protest the validation of nominations of dual citizens and loan defaulters in the upcoming 13th National Parliamentary Election. The organization’s office secretary, Shahadat Hossain, confirmed in a late-night message on Sunday that the briefing will take place at 2 p.m. Monday, January 19, at Dhaka University’s Madhur Canteen. Details of the movement’s next programs will be disclosed at the event. Earlier, Jamaat-e-Islami accused the Election Commission (EC) of bias in declaring nomination papers valid or invalid concerning dual citizenship and loan default issues. Following a meeting with the Chief Adviser, Jamaat’s Nayeb-e-Ameer Syed Abdullah Mohammad Taher told reporters that the EC’s inconsistent decisions on similar cases raise questions about its neutrality. The student group’s press conference is expected to outline protest actions in response to these developments, reflecting growing scrutiny over the EC’s handling of candidate eligibility.

The Bangladesh Election Commission (EC) has resolved most disputes over dual citizenship among parliamentary candidates ahead of the 13th national election scheduled for February 12. Although several nominations were initially canceled by returning officers, the EC reinstated the candidacy of 21 out of 24 individuals after appeals, while three were rejected and one remains pending. The commission adopted a flexible approach, accepting proof of citizenship renunciation applications, affidavits, and fee submissions as sufficient for validation. A total of 2,568 nomination papers were submitted for the election, with 723 initially rejected. The EC received 645 appeals and held nine days of hearings, approving 422 and rejecting 195. Chief Election Commissioner A.M.M. Nasir Uddin stated that the hearings were conducted impartially. The final day for candidate withdrawal is January 20, followed by symbol allocation and campaign commencement. Separately, a citizen named Mamun Hawlader filed a complaint alleging that the EC’s acceptance of renunciation applications without full legal completion violates constitutional and Supreme Court directives, raising questions about the commission’s legal authority to reconsider appeal decisions.

The Bangladesh government has launched multiple measures to keep essential commodity prices stable ahead of the upcoming Ramadan. According to Trade Adviser Sheikh Bashir Uddin, preparations for supply and market management are satisfactory, with import letters of credit exceeding last year’s levels. The National Board of Revenue (NBR) has reduced import duties on dates by 40 percent, lowering the rate from 25 to 15 percent until March 31, and removed VAT on several daily essentials including mustard oil, flour, lentils, LPG, biscuits, salt, and spices. The NBR has also halved advance income tax on fruit imports from 10 to 5 percent, maintaining a 50 percent rebate introduced last year. Market visits show lower prices for chicken, beef, mutton, sugar, onions, and potatoes compared to last year. Residents and traders in Dhaka report improved affordability, crediting government oversight and increased imports. The Department of Agricultural Marketing’s data indicates that prices of 20 key agricultural products have fallen since the 2024 mass uprising, with notable declines in potatoes, onions, garlic, and pulses. Officials and traders expect further price reductions before Ramadan if current monitoring and supply conditions continue.