Quinton de Kock’s explosive century powered South Africa to a seven-wicket victory over the West Indies in the second T20 match at Centurion, securing the three-match series 2–0 with one game remaining. Chasing 222, South Africa reached 225 for 3 in 17.3 overs. De Kock struck 115 off 49 balls with 10 sixes and 6 fours, while Ryan Rickelton remained unbeaten on 77 from 36 balls. Their 162-run stand for the second wicket laid the foundation for the win. Earlier, the West Indies posted 221 for 4, driven by Shimron Hetmyer’s 75 off 42 balls and Sherfane Rutherford’s unbeaten 57 off 24. Brandon King added 49 from 30 balls. West Indies captain Shai Hope said the batting was strong but bowling in Centurion’s conditions was difficult. With this innings, De Kock surpassed Faf du Plessis to become South Africa’s highest run-scorer in recognized T20s, amassing 12,113 runs in 416 innings across 430 matches. The third and final match of the series will be played in Johannesburg tomorrow.

Government employees in Bangladesh are set to enjoy a four-day holiday at the beginning of February 2026. According to the Islamic Foundation, the holy Shab-e-Barat will be observed on the night of Tuesday, February 3. Following this, the government has declared Wednesday, February 4, as a public holiday through an executive order. By taking an additional day off on Thursday, February 5, employees can extend their break to four consecutive days, as Friday and Saturday (February 6 and 7) are regular weekends. The Ministry of Public Administration’s 2026 holiday notification lists 14 general holidays and 14 holidays by executive order, with nine of them coinciding with weekends. The schedule also includes five holidays for Muslim festivals, nine for Hindu festivals, eight for Christian festivals, seven for Buddhist festivals, and two optional holidays for employees from small ethnic groups. This arrangement provides government workers with an early opportunity in the year to plan extended personal or family time without using many leave days.

The Bangladesh Jewellers Association (BAJUS) has announced a major reduction in gold prices after five consecutive increases. According to a notice issued on Friday, January 30, 2026, the price of gold has been reduced by up to Tk14,600 per bhori, bringing the rate of 22-carat gold down to Tk271,363 per bhori. The new prices took effect from 10:45 a.m. the same day. Previously, the price had reached a record high of Tk286,000 per bhori, the highest in Bangladesh’s history. BAJUS stated that the local price adjustment followed a decline in the rate of pure gold in the international market. On Friday morning, global gold prices fell to USD 5,200 per ounce, down from USD 5,550 the previous day, according to data from Goldprice.org. Alongside gold, silver prices also dropped, with 22-carat silver now priced at Tk7,757 per bhori. The price revision reflects the impact of international market trends on Bangladesh’s domestic bullion market, signaling potential short-term relief for jewelry buyers.

U.S. President Donald Trump has signed an executive order initiating the process of imposing additional tariffs on countries that sell oil to Cuba. The order, reported by TRT World, does not specify the tariff rates or identify the targeted countries, leaving those decisions to the U.S. Secretary of Commerce. According to U.S. authorities, the move aims to pressure Cuba and protect American national security and foreign policy interests. The executive order grants Secretary of Commerce Howard Lutnick and Secretary of State Marco Rubio the authority to take all necessary steps to implement the tariffs. It also allows Trump to refrain from imposing measures if Cuba or oil-supplying nations take actions consistent with U.S. national security and foreign policy objectives. Cuba, under U.S. sanctions since 1962, has relied heavily on oil imports from Venezuela. The report notes that the United States has effectively taken control of Venezuela’s oil exports after removing Havana’s key ally, Nicolás Maduro.

A Bangladesh Navy officer named Nazmus Sakib, aged 38, was killed when a speeding bus hit his motorcycle at the Ghazibari Gate area of Patiya Bypass in Chattogram on Friday morning. Another navy sailor, Md. Ikram, aged 32, sustained serious injuries in the accident. Both were traveling from Patenga to Cox’s Bazar by motorcycle when the collision occurred. Sakib died on the spot, while locals rescued Ikram and sent him to Chittagong Medical College Hospital. According to highway police and local sources, the bus was moving recklessly when it struck the motorcycle, throwing both riders off the road. Officer-in-Charge Harunur Rashid of the highway police outpost confirmed the incident and said the bus responsible for the crash has not yet been identified. Efforts are underway to locate the vehicle. Both victims were stationed at the Bangladesh Navy base in Patenga. Police investigations are ongoing to identify the bus and determine the cause of the accident.

The Government of Bangladesh has introduced a special initiative to make air travel more affordable for expatriate workers. Under this plan, one-way ticket prices on the Saudi Arabia–Bangladesh route have been set at only 20,000 taka, enabling workers to visit their families more easily. The scheme will be effective for inbound flights from April 18 to May 25, 2026, and for return flights from May 30 to June 30, 2026. According to Sheikh Bashiruddin, adviser to the Ministry of Civil Aviation and Tourism, the program targets the sale of 80,000 tickets across both countries. The initiative is expected to benefit expatriate workers while generating significant revenue for Biman Bangladesh Airlines, potentially exceeding 1 billion taka in additional income. The lowest one-way fare on the Medina–Dhaka and Jeddah–Dhaka routes is set at 20,500 taka, with return fares starting at 42,000 taka. Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus praised the measure as a milestone in expatriate-friendly policy implementation and urged that the initiative be maintained effectively to ensure lasting benefits for workers and the national economy.

U.S. President Donald Trump said that military action against Iran might not be necessary, indicating a preference for renewed diplomatic engagement. Speaking on Thursday at the launch of a documentary, he stated that he plans further discussions with Tehran over a potential nuclear agreement. Trump noted that U.S. military forces are currently moving toward Iran but expressed hope that they would not need to be used. In his remarks, Trump emphasized that he had strengthened U.S. military power during his first term and reiterated his willingness to negotiate with Iran again. He urged Tehran to reach a nuclear deal quickly and warned that any future attack would be far more severe. The comments come amid heightened tensions following a 12-day war between Israel and Tehran, during which the United States reportedly bombed three Iranian nuclear sites in June. Trump’s statements suggest a dual approach of military readiness and diplomatic outreach, leaving open the possibility of de-escalation if talks progress toward a new nuclear accord.

Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer and head of the 11-party alliance, Dr. Shafiqur Rahman, announced plans to establish government medical colleges in 36 districts, including Feni. He also promised specialized hospitals, embankment construction along the Feni River, and a modern stadium in Feni. The announcement came during an election rally organized by the local Jamaat-e-Islami at Feni Government Pilot High School field on Friday morning. During his speech, Dr. Rahman said the country had been freed from misrule through the July 24 revolution and recalled his humanitarian visit to Feni during a devastating flood. He mentioned that the people of Feni would remember Abrar Fahad for his remarks about the Feni River. He urged voters to unite behind the 11-party alliance candidates in Feni’s three constituencies to build a new Bangladesh. The event was attended by senior leaders of Jamaat, Shibir, and the 11-party alliance, including Dr. Syed Abdullah Mohammad Taher, Maulana A.T.M. Masum, Professor Liaquat Ali Bhuiyan, and others.

Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan has called for the establishment of a regional security framework in the Middle East built on mutual trust rather than rivalry. In an interview broadcast on Thursday by Al Jazeera, Fidan said lasting stability can only be achieved through inclusive regional cooperation, not through the dominance of any single power. Fidan identified a lack of trust among Gulf states as the main obstacle to effective security collaboration. Drawing a comparison with the European Union, he argued that Middle Eastern countries could also unite responsibly to ensure regional stability. Responding to a question about the Saudi Arabia–Pakistan defense agreement and Turkey’s potential involvement, he emphasized that any such arrangement should be more inclusive and free from Turkish, Arab, Persian, or any other form of dominance. On Syria, Fidan stated that Turkey is doing its utmost to facilitate the ceasefire process in the war-torn country.

Hamidur Rahman, former general secretary of Islami Andolan Bangladesh’s Narsingdi district unit, has formally joined Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami. The announcement was confirmed on Thursday night, with district Jamaat leaders welcoming him at an event attended by Assistant Secretary Mokbul Hossain and Publicity Secretary Amirul Islam. Narsingdi-1 constituency candidate Md. Ibrahim Bhuiyan posted photos of the reception on his verified Facebook page. Around 300 more Islami Andolan activists are expected to join Jamaat next Monday. Rahman said his decision stemmed from dissatisfaction over tensions within the 11-party electoral alliance that included Islami Andolan and Jamaat. He cited internal disagreements, the party’s inability to compromise on minor issues, and its departure from the “one box policy” as reasons for the shift. Bhuiyan expressed optimism that Rahman’s organizational experience would strengthen Jamaat’s movement in the district. The upcoming mass joining event is expected to further consolidate Jamaat’s local organizational base in Narsingdi, according to the statements made at the ceremony.

Israeli and Saudi defense and intelligence officials are visiting the United States this week to discuss issues related to Iran, amid growing concern over recent U.S. attacks on Iranian targets. According to Axios, citing two U.S. officials, Israel’s military intelligence chief, General Shlomi Binder, held several high-level meetings on Tuesday and Wednesday with senior leaders at the Pentagon, CIA, and White House. The main purpose of his visit was to provide information on potential Iranian attack targets at the request of the Trump administration. Saudi Defense Minister Prince Khalid bin Salman is also in Washington for meetings on Thursday and Friday with Secretary of State Marco Rubio, special envoy Steve Witkoff, and Pentagon officials. The Saudi Defense Ministry said the delegation aims to discuss strengthening bilateral relations and resolving regional issues through diplomatic means. Saudi Arabia, which has been mediating messages between Washington and Tehran, reiterated that it would not allow the U.S. to use its airspace for attacks on Iran. The visits come as tensions remain high following U.S. bombings of three Iranian nuclear sites during a 12-day conflict between Israel and Tehran in June.

Authorities and locals in Lalmonirhat have expressed concern that illegal goods, including possible weapons, may be entering Bangladesh from India and Bhutan through the Burimari land port under the cover of stone imports. The customs station currently lacks a scanner machine, making it impossible to verify the contents of Indian trucks carrying stones and powder materials. The issue has gained attention as the national election approaches, raising fears of potential misuse of unmonitored cargo routes. Field observations show that between 320 and 400 trucks cross the Burimari port daily, with many Indian trucks unloading stones at local crushing sites outside the customs-controlled area without oversight. Some of these unloading activities reportedly continue late into the night, which is considered illegal. Locals fear that such unmonitored operations could be exploited by criminal groups to smuggle weapons or suspicious items. Burimari Customs Assistant Commissioner Md. Delwar Hossain stated that the office has repeatedly requested the National Board of Revenue to install a scanner at the port, and the authority has assured that the issue will be resolved as soon as possible.

The Dhonagoda River in Kali Bazar area of Matlab North upazila, Chandpur, has become virtually unusable due to dense water hyacinth, illegal structures, and encroachment, halting all boat movement. The five-kilometer stretch from Srirayer Char Bridge to Kali Bazar is completely blocked, leaving eight launch terminals inactive. Locals and students now cross the river using makeshift bamboo bridges, risking their safety daily. Residents report that illegal fishing traps along both banks have obstructed the river’s natural flow, causing water hyacinth to accumulate and turn the river into a green wasteland. The river once served as a vital trade route connecting Matlab North, Matlab South, Gazaria, and Daudkandi with Dhaka, Munshiganj, and Narayanganj, but now stands nearly dead due to pollution and unplanned occupation. Local authorities have acknowledged the issue. Matlab North Upazila Nirbahi Officer Mahamuda Kulsum Moni stated that the matter is under review and coordination is underway with relevant departments to remove water hyacinth, clear illegal structures, and restore navigability.

Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer Dr. Shafiqur Rahman is scheduled to visit Hatibandha in Lalmonirhat on February 4 to attend an election rally. The event is being organized in connection with the upcoming parliamentary election and referendum. He will participate in the rally for the ‘Dharipalla’ symbol candidate in the Lalmonirhat-1 constituency, which includes Patgram and Hatibandha. Anwarul Islam Raju, Jamaat’s central committee vice president for industry and commerce and the ‘Dharipalla’ candidate for Lalmonirhat-1, confirmed the visit. He said Dr. Rahman will deliver a major speech at a large public gathering, though the exact venue has not yet been finalized. District Jamaat Ameer and Lalmonirhat-3 ‘Dharipalla’ candidate Advocate Abu Taher stated that the rally will begin at 10 a.m., where Dr. Rahman will speak as the chief guest. Preparations are reportedly underway to ensure the event proceeds peacefully, and Dr. Rahman is also expected to engage in voter outreach activities for the ‘Dharipalla’ symbol.

Bangladesh has been elected vice-chair of the United Nations Peacebuilding Commission (PBC) for 2026. The election took place on Thursday at the UN headquarters in New York during the first meeting of the commission’s 20th session. Morocco was chosen as chair, while Bangladesh, Germany, Brazil, and Croatia were elected as vice-chairs. Bangladesh formally assumed its new role in a brief ceremony attended by the UN General Assembly president’s chief of staff, who emphasized the importance of the PBC’s role. The Peacebuilding Commission is an intergovernmental advisory body that supports peace efforts in conflict-affected countries. It consists of 31 member states selected from the General Assembly, Security Council, Economic and Social Council, and top troop- and financial-contributing nations. Bangladesh has been a member since the commission’s establishment in 2005 and previously served as chair in 2012 and 2022, and as vice-chair in 2013 and 2023. In a statement, Bangladesh’s delegation thanked member states for their confidence and reaffirmed its commitment to supporting the UN’s peacebuilding initiatives and future plans.