Law adviser and academic Professor Asif Nazrul claimed that he was the most targeted victim of cyberbullying in Bangladesh over the past 16 months. He made the statement on Saturday at a policy dialogue titled “Political Parties, Human Rights and Freedom of Expression,” organized by the Centre for Governance Studies (CGS) at the CIRDAP auditorium in Dhaka. Nazrul said that within the first four months alone, four dedicated videos were made to attack him personally. Expressing frustration, he said he had been falsely labeled as both a supporter of Pakistan and India, and accused of having property in the United States. He described these campaigns as severe forms of cyberbullying against someone who values honesty. Addressing the issue of bail in July’s cases, Nazrul stated that 90 percent of the bail orders came from the High Court, and that responsibility for any errors lies with the judges, not the law ministry. Nazrul further alleged that such attacks serve political and financial motives, claiming that targeting him benefits certain political agendas and online monetization. He urged everyone to engage in self-criticism as a moral practice.

BNP Chairperson Tarique Rahman on Saturday addressed editors and journalists at a hotel in Banani, Dhaka, emphasizing that Bangladesh should not return to cycles of violence and revenge. He said the events of August 5, 2024, and other national tragedies must serve as lessons for the nation. Rahman expressed concern over press freedom, recalling incidents involving journalists Mahmudur Rahman and Ruhul Amin Gazi, and stressed the need for unity beyond political divisions. He warned of a severe water crisis in Dhaka within 10–15 years due to pollution in major rivers and called for preventive health measures, women’s empowerment, and youth employment. Rahman announced plans for a “Family Card” to support women’s economic independence, the recruitment of 100,000 mostly female health workers, and modernization of vocational institutes to expand skilled overseas employment. He also proposed export incentives, IT park development, and international payment gateways for freelancers. Rahman urged all political parties to prioritize citizens’ daily needs—health, education, safety, and jobs—and reaffirmed his commitment to democratic accountability. He said BNP would present its detailed plans to the public from January 22.

The Election Commission (EC) has declared the nomination of National Democratic Party–JAGPA vice president and spokesperson Rashed Pradhan valid. The decision came on Saturday, January 10, 2026, following a hearing on his appeal. Pradhan had earlier filed the appeal on January 6 after his nomination was rejected by the returning officer and Panchagarh Deputy Commissioner Kazi Md. Sayemuzzaman on January 3 due to an affidavit-related complication. He is contesting in both Panchagarh-1 and Panchagarh-2 constituencies in the upcoming 13th National Parliamentary Election. In his initial reaction, Rashed Pradhan expressed gratitude for the EC’s decision but voiced concern about the absence of a level playing field, citing the approval of loan-defaulter candidates from the BNP. JAGPA president Barrister Tasmia Pradhan, who attended the hearing in support of her brother, said she was present not as a party leader or lawyer but as family, emphasizing unity for the country as children of Shafiul Alam Pradhan. The EC’s ruling restores JAGPA’s representation in two key northern constituencies ahead of the national election.

Independent candidate Dr. Tasnim Jara announced her intention to contest the upcoming 13th National Parliamentary Election from Dhaka-9 constituency using the football symbol. On Saturday, January 10, 2026, after an appeal hearing at the Election Commission, her candidacy was declared valid. She told reporters that her appeal had been accepted and thanked supporters at home and abroad for their encouragement during the past week. Dr. Jara, who resigned from the National Citizen Party (NCP), had her nomination initially rejected by the Dhaka district returning officer on January 3. Following her appeal, the Election Commission reversed that decision, allowing her to run as an independent candidate. She expressed gratitude to those who supported her and said she would now apply for the football symbol, pending the commission’s approval. With her candidacy restored, Jara plans to campaign with public support in the Dhaka-9 constituency, awaiting the Election Commission’s final decision on her preferred election symbol.

Bangladeshi newspaper Amar Desh has reported that Wikipedia administrators are allegedly deleting and distorting pages related to the 2024 July Revolution and its martyrs. The investigation claims that a coordinated ideological group has been removing or altering entries about key figures such as student leaders Wasim Akram, Faisal Ahmed Shanto, and Imtiaz Ahmed Jabir under the 'N7' clause, which labels topics as non-notable. Contributors say these deletions occurred despite the pages being well-sourced and compliant with Wikipedia’s rules, and that requests for restoration were ignored or met with account suspensions. The report further alleges that pages of political and cultural organizations linked to the July Revolution, including the National Citizens Party (NCP), have also been targeted, while pages praising former ruling party figures remain intact. Several writers and editors interviewed by Amar Desh claim that the Bangla Wikipedia is being influenced by pro-Indian and anti-Muslim groups, undermining its neutrality. Government officials have acknowledged the issue and suggested dialogue with the Wikipedia community to determine next steps. The investigation concludes that contributors are urging the interim government to take action to preserve national historical content and ensure fair editorial practices on the platform.

The Election Commission (EC) of Bangladesh has resolved 36 appeals filed against returning officers’ decisions on nomination papers for the 13th parliamentary election. The hearing took place on Saturday, January 10, 2026, at the EC headquarters in Agargaon from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Out of the 36 appeals, 26 candidates were declared valid, including independent candidate Tasnim Zara, who left the NCP. Six appeals were rejected, while four candidates were granted additional time to submit further documents. Between January 5 and 9, candidates whose nomination papers had been canceled submitted 645 appeals to the EC. A total of 723 nominations had been rejected during the initial scrutiny, while returning officers had declared 1,842 candidates valid. The EC’s first phase of hearings marks the beginning of the appeal resolution process ahead of the 13th parliamentary election. Further hearings are expected as the EC continues to review the remaining appeals before finalizing the list of valid candidates for the upcoming election.

The contractor responsible for building the Government Technical School and College in Saghatta, Gaibandha, has abandoned the project midway, leaving the construction incomplete after seven years. The project began on February 20, 2018, under the Gaibandha District Education Engineering Department, with a budget of Tk 15.47 crore. Dhaka-based firm Messrs Dhali Construction was tasked to complete the work by June 30, 2021, but only 67 percent has been finished. Locals reported that the contractor’s workers left the site three months ago, taking equipment with them. Despite the institution starting academic activities two years ago, students and staff continue to face difficulties due to the lack of classrooms and administrative buildings. Principal Tarikul Islam said the incomplete construction is disrupting educational activities, and repeated appeals to the ministry have not resolved the issue. Executive Engineer Ashish Kumar Roy of the Education Engineering Department confirmed that a new tender process has begun to appoint another contractor, and work will resume once the new work order is issued.

Representatives of the Chittagong University Central Students’ Union (ChakSU) detained Assistant Professor Hasan Mohammad Roman Shuvo of the Law Department on Saturday afternoon and handed him over to the university administration. He was accused of supporting mass killings during the July uprising. The incident occurred after noon when Shuvo, reportedly trying to leave the Faculty of Law building, was stopped and taken to the proctor’s office. University sources said Shuvo had been assigned as an invigilator for the first-year admission test of the 2025–26 academic session under the Faculty of Arts and Humanities. ChakSU leaders, including Law Secretary Fazle Rabbi Tawhid, detained him after learning of his presence. Allegations against Shuvo include labeling students as extremists, supporting a faction of the Chhatra League, and hosting gatherings at his residence. A university probe committee had already submitted a report on these allegations. Shuvo denied all accusations, claiming he had not participated in any demonstrations and had committed no wrongdoing. The university proctor stated that Shuvo fled out of fear after hearing rumors of a mob attack and was later brought to the office by students.

Israeli forces detained 150 Palestinians in the occupied West Bank and Jerusalem during the first week of the new year, according to a statement by the Palestine Center for Prisoner Studies. The detainees include five women, eight children, journalists, and several women previously released under prisoner exchange agreements. The statement said the arrests were part of an ongoing policy of repression, with Israeli forces conducting raids across towns, villages, and refugee camps. Hundreds of homes were searched, and extensive damage to Palestinian property was reported. The center described these actions as collective punishment and systematic abuse against civilians. According to the same statement, Israel issued 136 administrative detention orders without charges at the start of the year. Israeli forces also raided Birzeit University, dispersing a solidarity gathering for prisoners, seizing media equipment, and detaining the university’s vice president.

Adilur Rahman Khan, adviser to the Ministry of Local Government, Rural Development and Cooperatives, stated that the upcoming 13th National Parliamentary Election and referendum will play a crucial role in shaping Bangladesh’s direction for the next hundred years. Speaking to journalists on Saturday morning after inspecting the Kadamtali Central Bus Terminal in South Surma, Sylhet, he said there is no reason for concern about the election and that voters will be able to cast their votes in a joyful and festive atmosphere. During his visit, Khan observed passenger services and management issues at the terminal. He emphasized that a level playing field has been ensured for the election and will remain effective, expressing confidence that the polls will be peaceful, fair, and celebratory. He also remarked that public support for the July Charter, achieved through sacrifice, will be reflected through ‘yes’ votes, and that the democratic process will be further strengthened through the participation of representatives from various political parties. Senior officials, including the Divisional Commissioner of Sylhet Khan Md. Reza-un-Nabi and District Commissioner Md. Sarwar Alam, were present during the visit.

Police have arrested Shah Jalal Ahmed Shawon, the general secretary of the banned Narsingdi district unit of Chhatra League, while he was attempting to leave the country for Dubai. The arrest took place at around 10 a.m. on Saturday at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport in Dhaka with the assistance of immigration police. His family confirmed the arrest. According to police, Shawon faces six separate cases related to attacks, shootings, and killings during an anti-discrimination student movement. His brother, Imran Mahmud, stated that Shawon was traveling to Dubai for family business purposes when he was detained, and the family has demanded his unconditional release. Narsingdi Additional Superintendent of Police (Crime) Sujan Chandra Sarkar said they had received preliminary information about the arrest and were verifying details with immigration police. Police sources added that Shawon had been in hiding since August 5, 2024. He was elected general secretary of the Narsingdi district Chhatra League on July 31, 2022, and previously held joint secretary positions in both the district and Narsingdi Government College units.

Bangladesh’s National Security Adviser Khalilur Rahman has expressed the country’s policy-level interest in joining an international stabilization force in Gaza. The announcement came through a statement from the Chief Adviser’s Press Wing on Saturday, January 10, following Rahman’s meetings in Washington, D.C. with U.S. Under Secretary of State for Political Affairs Allison Hooker and Assistant Secretary of State Paul Kapoor. Hooker responded that the United States is willing to work with Bangladesh on this important issue. The discussions took place against the backdrop of a United Nations Security Council resolution passed in November supporting a U.S.-backed 20-point plan proposed by President Donald Trump to end the Israel-Gaza war. One clause of that plan called for the creation of an International Stabilization Force (ISF) to oversee and secure a ceasefire agreement in Gaza. During the meetings, Rahman also briefed U.S. officials on Bangladesh’s upcoming general election preparations and thanked them for their support of the interim government. Both sides discussed trade, the Rohingya crisis, and regional issues. Rahman emphasized expanding bilateral trade, easing U.S. visa bond requirements for Bangladeshi business travelers, and sought U.S. development finance access for semiconductor initiatives in Bangladesh.

BNP Chairperson Tarique Rahman stated that Bangladesh can no longer return to the situation before August 5. He made the remarks on Saturday at a meeting with editors of newspapers, television, and online media at the Sheraton Hotel in Dhaka. Rahman said that after returning to the country, he visited several places including Savar and felt that the new generation is seeking guidance and hope. Referring to the movements of 1971, 1990, and 2024, he emphasized working for the country and its independence to achieve the right goals. During the discussion, Rahman addressed concerns raised about the safety of a female journalist, saying that both men and women have the right to security. He called for maintaining the democratic process and ensuring accountability despite political differences. He also announced that from January 22, the party would present its plans to the public and seek feedback to help solve national problems. The meeting was attended by editors from major national newspapers and senior BNP leaders including Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir and members of the party’s standing committee.

Indian External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar undertook a 670-kilometer road journey to New York during his visit to the United States in September last year. According to a newly released report by the U.S. Department of State, American security officials arranged the road trip because commercial air travel was suspended due to a federal government shutdown. The report, prepared by the Diplomatic Security Service (DSS), was made public on January 8, 2026. The DSS organized the journey from the Lewiston–Queenston Bridge on the Canada–U.S. border to Manhattan, a trip lasting about seven hours. A total of 27 agents from the DSS’s Dignitary Protection Division and its New York and Buffalo field offices participated. Some agents drove separately to strengthen local security. The convoy passed through rural and remote areas of New York State under harsh winter conditions, with drivers rotated to ensure safety. U.S. officials said the operation ensured that Jaishankar’s scheduled United Nations meeting proceeded as planned despite the shutdown. The DSS, under the State Department, is responsible for protecting U.S. diplomats and visiting foreign dignitaries.

The United States has approved the 'Russian Sanctions Bill', which proposes tariffs of up to 500% on countries importing oil from Russia. Although the bill has not yet been voted on, it signals potential pressure on nations such as India and China to halt purchases of discounted Russian crude. The move comes amid an unfinished US-India trade agreement, with US Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick suggesting delays were linked to a lack of direct communication between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President Donald Trump. India, a major buyer of Russian oil, has already reduced imports following earlier US tariff threats. Experts warn that if the bill passes, India could face severe export losses, with $87.4 billion in trade with the US at risk. Ajay Srivastava of the Global Trade Research Initiative said the bill’s passage is unlikely but urged India to clarify its oil policy. Former trade secretary Ajay Dua described the measure as weaponizing trade. Analysts note the bill could primarily target India while sparing China, potentially straining India-US relations further. The US has also withdrawn from the India-led International Solar Alliance, adding to diplomatic friction.