Islami Andolan Bangladesh, led by the Pir of Charmonai, has announced its withdrawal from the 11-party electoral alliance that included Jamaat-e-Islami. The party declared it will contest independently in 268 constituencies in the upcoming 13th national parliamentary election. The announcement was made on Friday afternoon at the party’s central office by its joint secretary general and spokesperson, Maulana Gazi Ataur Rahman. Explaining the decision, Rahman said the party views politics as a form of worship aimed at establishing Islamic principles, not a pursuit of power. He stated that Islami Andolan faced hostility within the alliance over issues of justice and fairness. The spokesperson also expressed concern that Jamaat’s leadership had reached understandings with BNP’s Tarique Rahman without consultation, raising doubts about the alliance’s integrity and objectives. Rahman further said the party could not compromise on its ideological goals, especially after learning that Jamaat’s leadership had assured Christian representatives that they would not implement Sharia law if in power. He emphasized that Islami Andolan would continue its mission to unite Islamist voters under one platform.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu requested the United States not to carry out an attack on Iran at this time, according to a report by The New York Times. The report, citing a senior US official, said Netanyahu spoke with US President Donald Trump and asked him to delay any planned military action against Iran. On Wednesday, President Trump said he had been assured that killings of anti-government protesters in Iran had stopped and that planned executions were suspended. He did not specify the source of this information but described it as coming from a highly important source. Israel’s Channel 12 reported that after lengthy discussions at the military headquarters, Israel informed the US that while it would support any American decision, it did not currently want an attack. The report also noted that US Secretary of State Marco Rubio spoke with Netanyahu for the third time in six days.

Two people were killed and six others seriously injured in a clash between two rival groups in Nangalkot upazila of Cumilla district on Friday afternoon. The incident occurred around 12:30 p.m. in Aliyara village under Boxganj Union, involving groups led by Abul Khayer Member and Saleh Ahmed Member. The deceased were identified as Delwar Hossain Nayon, a 36-year-old expatriate who returned home a month ago, and Saleh Ahmed, 60, a former member of Aliyara Union. The injured were taken to Cumilla Medical College Hospital for treatment. Police and army personnel have been deployed to control the tense situation. According to local sources, a similar clash between the same factions on August 3, 2025, had left a former union member named Alauddin dead. Following that incident, houses were vandalized and set on fire, forcing several families to leave the area. Recently, after army intervention, those families had returned home, which reportedly reignited tensions leading to Friday’s deadly confrontation. Law enforcement agencies are closely monitoring the situation, and additional security measures have been implemented in the area, according to Nangalkot Police Station Officer-in-Charge Arifur Rahman.

A six-year-old girl named Niha Moni was found dead inside a septic tank in Mochagora area of Jatrapur Union, Muradnagar upazila of Cumilla on Friday around 12:30 p.m. Her mouth and hands were bound with tape. Locals discovered the body and detained a 20-year-old man named Rasel, who was later handed over to police after being beaten by the crowd. According to family members, Niha Moni, daughter of expatriate Sharif Mia, was a first-grade student at a local kindergarten. Her grandmother said the child had been playing with other girls when Rasel was seen nearby, after which she went missing. Locals alleged that Rasel was a drug addict who had previously harassed children and demanded exemplary punishment. Muradnagar Police Station Officer-in-Charge Hasan Jamil Khan stated that the body was sent to Cumilla Medical College Hospital for autopsy and that legal action was underway.

Islami Andolan Bangladesh, led by the Pir of Charmonai, has announced its withdrawal from the 11-party electoral alliance that included Jamaat-e-Islami. The party declared it will contest 268 constituencies independently in the upcoming election. The announcement was made on Friday, January 16, 2026, at the party’s central office by its joint secretary general and spokesperson, Maulana Gazi Ataur Rahman. He stated that their candidates had submitted nomination papers for 270 seats, but two were canceled, leaving 268 active candidates who have been instructed not to withdraw. Rahman explained that the decision followed concerns that the alliance’s goals were diverging from Islami Andolan’s ideological objectives. He cited remarks by Jamaat-e-Islami’s Ameer, Dr. Shafiqur Rahman, who reportedly assured Christian representatives that Jamaat would govern under existing laws rather than implementing Sharia. According to Rahman, this assurance indicated a departure from the shared vision of establishing an Islamic welfare state, prompting Islami Andolan to preserve its ideological integrity. The party emphasized its commitment to Islamic principles and vowed to continue its political activities independently to uphold its religious and moral ideals.

BNP Joint Secretary General Habib-un-Nabi Khan Sohel has alleged that a certain group, disguised as an alliance, is attempting to destabilize the country. He made the remarks on Friday after paying tribute at the graves of BNP founder and former president Ziaur Rahman and late chairperson Begum Khaleda Zia in Sher-e-Bangla Nagar. Sohel said that while people are preparing for participatory elections, various conspiracies are being heard, and BNP Chairperson Tarique Rahman is preparing to establish a people's government. He emphasized that the party’s movement for a non-partisan, neutral election remains active. Sohel accused the unnamed group of hiding its true intentions and trying to seize power to reveal its “real face,” which he said the nation no longer wants to see. He also claimed that these “religious traders” would be resisted through ballots. Sohel further stated that BNP is introducing a family card to empower women and reduce their dependence on men, accusing opponents of spreading confusion about the initiative.

Chief Adviser Dr. Muhammad Yunus’s Press Secretary Md. Shafiqul Alam stated that there is no concern regarding the upcoming national election, as all necessary preparations have been completed. He made the remarks on Friday morning after visiting the shrine of Hazrat Shah Syed Ahmad Gessu Daraz Shah Pir Kalla (R.) in Akhaura upazila of Brahmanbaria. According to him, returning officers and polling officials are fully prepared, security arrangements are in place, and postal ballot procedures have been finalized. The election is scheduled for February 12. Shafiqul Alam also addressed criticism surrounding the referendum, saying that those opposing it have limited understanding. He explained that in countries where referendums are held, governments typically take a stance for or against. Since the current government supports reforms, it is advocating for a “yes” vote. He described the referendum as a collective reform package aimed at preventing misrule or autocracy from returning to the country. He further noted that unlike in the past, when voting occurred at night, this time citizens will be able to vote freely, and the government will demonstrate impartiality through its actions.

Two young men were killed in a head-on collision between a motorcycle and a pickup van at Maijdee Bazar in Noakhali district town early Friday. The accident occurred around 1 a.m. on the Dhaka–Sonapur highway near Kerani Mosque. The deceased were identified as Abhi Debnath, 23, and Hridoy Chandra Shil, 22, both residents of Binodpur Union in Sadar upazila. The pickup driver was injured in the incident. According to eyewitnesses and police, Abhi and Hridoy were returning home from Chandraganj in Lakshmipur by motorcycle when a chicken-laden pickup van suddenly made a U-turn, leading to a head-on collision. Locals rescued the injured and took them to Noakhali General Hospital, where Abhi was declared dead. Hridoy was later transferred to Dhaka Medical College Hospital in critical condition and was pronounced dead there on Friday morning. Sudharam Police Station’s officer-in-charge Mohammad Touhidul Islam said both vehicles were seized from the scene, and legal action would follow upon receiving a written complaint.

A protest march was held in Tongi, Gazipur, demanding justice for the killing of Inqilab Manch spokesperson Shaheed Sharif Osman Bin Hadi. The demonstration, organized under the banner of 'Anti-Indian Hegemony Students and People,' began after Friday prayers from the Asia Petrol Pump area. Hundreds of students, locals, and worshippers joined the procession, which moved through the Dhaka–Mymensingh Highway and ended with a brief rally at the starting point. Speakers at the rally included July Movement activist Labib Muannad, former Shibir leader Afif Hasan Yaqoob, and Tamirul Millat Central Students’ Union AGS Moinul Islam and Murtuza Hasan Fuad. They stated that Hadi’s sacrifice had inspired renewed national awakening and vowed to continue the movement until justice is served. During the event, Inqilab Manch member RJ Riyad announced the establishment of the 'Inqilab Cultural Center' in Tongi’s Kha Para area, aimed at fostering ideological and cultural growth among youth. Participants emphasized peaceful expression of their demands and urged authorities to take prompt judicial action regarding the killing.

The government has appointed Omar Bin Hadi, elder brother of Inquilab Moncho convener Shaheed Sharif Osman Bin Hadi, as Second Secretary at the Bangladesh Assistant High Commission in Birmingham, United Kingdom. The appointment was made on a contractual basis for three years, effective from the date of joining. The Ministry of Public Administration’s Contract and Foreign Appointment Branch issued the official notification on Thursday, signed by Joint Secretary Abul Hayat Md. Rafiq on January 15 under the President’s order. According to the notification, the appointment was made in the public interest, and all other terms will be determined through the relevant contract. It also specifies that during his tenure, Omar Bin Hadi cannot engage in any other profession, business, or employment with government, semi-government, or private organizations, ensuring full professional detachment. Omar Bin Hadi is the elder brother of Osman Bin Hadi, who was shot in Dhaka’s Paltan area on December 12 and later died in Singapore on December 18 while undergoing treatment.

Students of Islamic University (IU) organized a protest march and rally on Friday, January 16, demanding prompt justice for the killing of Shahid Sharif Osman Bin Hadi, spokesperson of the Iqilab Moncho. The demonstration began after Friday prayers at the central mosque premises and moved through various campus roads and nearby Sheikhpara market before concluding with a brief rally at the university’s main gate. During the rally, participants chanted slogans calling for justice and accountability, expressing frustration that 35 days had passed since Hadi’s killing without any significant progress in the investigation. They alleged that a dark force was obstructing justice and vowed not to let Hadi’s memory fade. The students described Hadi as a symbol of anti-hegemony ideals and claimed he was targeted for his beliefs. They urged the interim government to bring shooter Faisal, along with those who ordered and planned the killing, to justice swiftly and to contribute to building a new Bangladesh through fair legal action.

Saudi Arabia has announced a $500 million financial aid package to support Yemen’s development, particularly in the southern regions. The announcement was made by Mohammed Al-Jaber, Saudi ambassador to Yemen and supervisor of the Saudi Development and Reconstruction Program for Yemen. Saudi Defense Minister Khalid bin Salman reaffirmed Riyadh’s support during a meeting with Yemen’s internationally recognized prime minister. According to a statement on social media platform X, the new projects will include the construction of hospitals, schools, and roads, along with fuel grants to boost electricity generation. The statement described the initiative as a reflection of Saudi Arabia’s goodwill to enhance Yemen’s security, stability, and prospects for a better future. The announcement follows recent reports that Yemen’s internationally recognized government regained control of key southern and eastern areas previously held by the separatist Southern Transitional Council (STC). The conflict had heightened tensions between Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates, as Yemen’s government accused the UAE of backing the STC.

Online verification and media research platform DismissLab published a fact-check report on January 16, 2026, revealing that two photocards circulating on Facebook under the name of Bangladeshi news outlet 'Amar Desh' were fake. One card claimed that villagers handed over female Jamaat activists to police while collecting voter IDs, and another alleged that BNP Chairman Tarique Rahman made an urgent call to Islami Andolan Bangladesh leader Mufti Faizul Karim. DismissLab confirmed that neither card was published by 'Amar Desh'. The investigation found that the first photocard used an image from a 2022 report about the arrest of eight Jamaat women in Meherpur’s Mujibnagar, while the second card falsely linked political figures. DismissLab verified that the official Facebook, website, and YouTube channels of 'Amar Desh' contained no such content. The outlet’s associate editor, Alfaz Anam, confirmed that the organization did not release any such materials. According to DismissLab, fake photocards imitating 'Amar Desh' have appeared multiple times before, spreading misinformation through social media platforms.

A senior Saudi official has revealed that three Gulf countries—Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and Oman—convinced U.S. President Donald Trump not to launch an attack on Iran. The official, speaking anonymously to AFP, said the countries engaged in intense last-minute diplomatic efforts to persuade Trump to allow Iran an opportunity to demonstrate goodwill. He added that discussions on the matter are still ongoing. Earlier, President Trump had threatened strong action against Iran if protesters were executed. However, on Wednesday, Trump stated that he had been assured the killing of anti-government protesters in Iran had stopped. He said he learned that executions had been suspended, though he did not specify the source of this information, describing it only as coming from a “very important source.” The report indicates that Gulf diplomacy played a key role in de-escalating immediate tensions between Washington and Tehran, with further talks continuing among the involved parties.

A South Korean court has sentenced former president Yoon Suk Yeol to five years in prison for declaring martial law in December 2024. The ruling, delivered by the Seoul Central District Court on Friday, was broadcast live. Yoon was found guilty of issuing martial law, obstructing the execution of arrest warrants, falsifying official documents, and failing to follow legal procedures required for declaring martial law. He has seven days to appeal the sentence. Judge Baek Da-hyun stated that Yoon failed to uphold the constitution and the rule of law, emphasizing that as president, it was his duty to protect both. The judge described Yoon’s actions as a serious offense that disregarded constitutional principles. Following the verdict, Yoon’s lawyer announced that the former president would appeal, claiming the case was politically motivated. The December 2024 attempt to impose martial law led to several criminal cases against Yoon. This is the first major verdict in those proceedings.