Sri Lanka will deploy elite armed forces to ensure security during the upcoming T20 World Cup, particularly for the high-profile India-Pakistan match scheduled for February 15 in Colombo. The Sri Lankan government has decided to assign elite commando units, usually responsible for protecting foreign heads of state, to safeguard all participating teams from arrival to departure. The tournament, co-hosted by India and Sri Lanka, will run from February 7 to March 8 with a total of 20 matches. Sports Minister Sunil Kumara Gamage told AFP that Sri Lanka is giving top priority to organizing the tournament smoothly and will pay special attention to matches involving India and Pakistan. Police and security officials confirmed that players will remain under armed protection throughout their stay in the country. Pakistan has not yet made a final decision on its participation in the World Cup and may boycott only the match against India, according to reports. Despite this uncertainty, Sri Lanka is proceeding with full preparations assuming Pakistan will compete.

BNP Standing Committee member and Dhaka-8 constituency candidate Mirza Abbas has expressed concern about possible plans to manipulate the upcoming election. Speaking at a campaign meeting at Aziz Super Market Auditorium in Shahbagh on Thursday, he urged citizens to exercise their voting rights and choose candidates freely. Abbas warned that any attempt to influence or rig the election would not be accepted. He later conducted campaign activities in Katabon, Elephant Road, and near PG Hospital, seeking votes for the BNP’s symbol. Abbas said that based on his experience from the 2008 election, delays in announcing results could indicate manipulation. He alleged that some individuals within the government still work for the ruling Awami League and aim to prevent a fair election. He also criticized expatriates who, according to him, attempt to damage the BNP’s image from abroad through social media. Highlighting his development work, Abbas mentioned establishing Mugda Medical Hospital and a diabetic hospital in Dhaka, as well as creating jobs, playgrounds, and colleges in his constituency. He emphasized that his struggle for voting rights is his greatest achievement and challenged anyone to prove corruption allegations against him.

BNP Chairperson Tarique Rahman detailed his party’s proposed ‘Family Card’ initiative during a podcast aired Thursday night, January 29, 2026, on the party’s official YouTube channel. The program, part of BNP’s election campaign, introduced the card as a welfare measure for homemakers, allowing them to receive Tk 2,500 monthly either in cash or as credit for essential food purchases. Rahman said the scheme aims to include four crore families gradually, starting with rural households and later expanding to urban low- and middle-income families. Explaining the benefits, Rahman said the Family Card would help families save money, improve children’s health and education, and enable small household investments to generate extra income. He emphasized that the program’s long-term goal is to make families self-reliant within five to seven years. The card will carry the recipient’s name, number, validity period, and a scannable mark. BNP election spokesperson Mahdi Amin said the podcast series will present Rahman’s vision and commitments, including the Family Card, a planned Farmer Card program, and initiatives on environmental protection, sports, and youth development.

Religious Adviser Dr. A F M Khalid Hossain said his team has been preparing for departure since the day they assumed office and is ready to hand over power to an elected government. He made the remarks on Thursday afternoon at a meeting held at Dharmarajik Buddhist Monastery auditorium in Basabo, Dhaka, organized to promote the upcoming referendum and encourage voter participation. The event was arranged by the Buddhist Religious Welfare Trust and the Christian Religious Welfare Trust. Hossain criticized the tendency of leaders in Bangladesh to cling to power but noted that many advisers have already surrendered their diplomatic passports. He emphasized that they are mentally prepared to transfer authority following a free, fair, and acceptable election. He described the February 12 election as a milestone in Bangladesh’s history, asserting that a “yes” vote in the referendum would prevent future autocracy and strengthen democratic balance. Special assistants to the chief adviser, Ali Riaz and Monir Haider, also spoke, explaining the dual-ballot system and urging citizens to vote “yes” to build a just and humane Bangladesh.

Professor Ali Riaz, special assistant to the Chief Adviser, stated that the essence of the July Charter is to ensure people’s rights—the same rights for which the 1971 Liberation War and the 2024 mass uprising were fought. He made the remarks on Thursday, January 29, during a meeting with Buddhist and Christian communities at the Dharmarajik Buddhist Monastery auditorium in Dhaka, organized by the Buddhist and Christian Religious Welfare Trusts. Riaz emphasized that voting ‘yes’ in the upcoming referendum would help establish a democratic and humane Bangladesh. He said the July Charter guarantees equal rights for all citizens regardless of religion and aims to build a society based on equality, human dignity, and social justice. He also called for major reforms to rescue the state from fascist oppression and criticized constitutional provisions that restrict lawmakers’ independence. Special assistant Monir Haidar added that the referendum should uphold the spirit of social justice and human values enshrined in the Declaration of Independence, urging citizens not to be misled by misinformation about religious issues in the constitution.

The Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) has expelled 20 leaders from Siddhirganj and Sonargaon areas of Narayanganj for engaging in activities that violated party decisions and were deemed anti-organizational. The decision was announced on Thursday through a press release signed by BNP Senior Joint Secretary General Advocate Ruhul Kabir Rizvi. The expelled members include key figures from Siddhirganj Thana BNP, such as the president, acting general secretary, and several ward-level leaders. According to the press release, six leaders from Siddhirganj Thana BNP and eight ward-level leaders were removed, along with six more from Sonargaon Upazila BNP. The expelled Sonargaon leaders include vice presidents, joint secretaries, and a former acting general secretary. Narayanganj District BNP convener Professor Mamun Mahmud stated that the disciplinary action was based on specific allegations of violating party decisions, engaging in anti-organizational activities, and campaigning for independent candidates. The expulsions reflect the party’s effort to enforce internal discipline and maintain unity ahead of future political activities, according to the official statement.

The 14th Zakat Fair 2026 will begin on Saturday, January 31, at the Officers’ Club on Bailey Road in Dhaka. Organized under the theme “Zakat for Establishing Justice,” the fair will be open to the public from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Interim government religious adviser Dr. A. F. M. Khalid Hossain will inaugurate the event, which will feature three sessions. At a press conference held at the Dhaka Reporters Unity, fair organizing committee convener Dr. Mohammad Abdul Mazid said there is potential to collect one trillion taka in zakat across the country. He emphasized that proper zakat collection could help build a just, poverty-free society and empower recipients to become future donors. Center for Zakat Management (CZM) CEO Dr. Mohammad Ayub Mia stated that the organization aims to collect 900 million taka in zakat this year. CZM has provided scholarships to 17,500 first-year university and medical students and operates over 60 primary healthcare centers nationwide offering regular medical services and medicine supplies.

NCP convener Nahid Islam has alleged that efforts are underway to engineer the upcoming election to bring a particular party to power, similar to 2008. Speaking as the chief guest at an election rally on January 29 at Ghorashal Post Office field in Narsingdi, he called for unity to free Bangladesh from dominance and emphasized the need for deep reforms in education and health sectors if his alliance is elected. Nahid Islam criticized those who, according to him, failed the nation over the past sixteen years and urged them to step aside. He called on Jamaat-e-Islami activists to work collectively for the eleven-party alliance. NCP election committee chairman Asif Mahmud Sajib Bhuiyan highlighted unplanned urbanization in Narsingdi and Palash, pledging local employment and environmental protection if elected. He also accused another party of repression and corruption. Joint convener Sarowar Tushar, contesting from Narsingdi-2, vowed to end extortion and political violence in Palash and Ghorashal, promising justice for past killings and protection of public spaces if the alliance wins.

Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) has intensified security measures in Satkhira region ahead of the 13th parliamentary election. According to a press briefing held on Thursday at Nildumur in Satkhira, 30 platoons of BGB members are being deployed across 16 upazilas and nine parliamentary constituencies in Satkhira, Bagerhat, and Jhalokathi districts. For the first time, BGB will independently handle law and order duties in three upazilas under two border constituencies. Lieutenant Colonel Shahariar Rajib, commander of the 17 BGB Battalion, stated that up to seven platoons will be assigned per upazila. To ensure comprehensive security, 20 temporary base camps are being established under the 17 BGB, which will operate as mobile and striking forces conducting regular patrols by road and waterways. In remote haor areas, BGB will act independently, while in district headquarters and other zones, it will coordinate with police and RAB. Around 90 kilometers of border areas in Satkhira will remain under constant surveillance. The BGB commander added that from February 1, the force will perform all election duties with professionalism and integrity, following riot control training and preparatory drills already completed.

Biman Bangladesh Airlines has resumed direct flights on the Dhaka-Karachi-Dhaka route after a 14-year suspension. The inaugural flight BG-341 departed from Dhaka at 8 p.m. on Thursday for Karachi, marking the re-establishment of direct air connectivity between Bangladesh and Pakistan. A ceremony was held at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport to commemorate the occasion. According to a Biman press release, the route is expected to play a key role in expanding trade, education, and cultural exchange between the two countries. The return flight BG-342 will depart Karachi at 12:01 a.m. on Friday and arrive in Dhaka at 4:20 a.m. local time the same day. The first flight carried 150 passengers. Under the winter schedule, flights will operate every Thursday and Saturday following the same timing. The launch event was attended by Civil Aviation and Tourism Adviser Sheikh Bashiruddin, Pakistan’s High Commissioner Imran Haider, CAAB Chairman Air Vice Marshal Md. Mostafa Mahmud Siddiq, and Biman’s Managing Director and CEO Dr. Md. Shafiqul Rahman.

BNP Chairperson Tarique Rahman addressed a large public rally in Naogaon’s ATM field on Thursday evening as part of the party’s campaign for the 13th national election scheduled for February 12. He urged voters to support BNP by voting for the paddy sheaf symbol, emphasizing that the election was achieved through long struggles for democracy. Rahman reminded supporters not to forget the events of August 5 and said that families of those who were killed or injured during past political turmoil were present at the rally. During his speech, Rahman announced several pledges including family cards for mothers to provide financial assistance, and agricultural cards for farmers to access free fertilizers, seeds, pesticides, and agricultural loans. He also promised to promote sports by selecting players from schools and to provide monthly honorariums for religious leaders of all faiths. Rahman introduced BNP candidates for six constituencies in Naogaon and two in Joypurhat, urging voters to elect them. The rally drew large crowds from Naogaon, Joypurhat, and Bogura districts, with tight security arrangements in place throughout the city.

Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer Dr. Shafiqur Rahman said that if his party is elected through the upcoming polls, ensuring women’s safety, respect, and dignity will be the first priority. Speaking as chief guest at an election rally at Mirpur’s Ward 2 Eidgah ground in Dhaka-16, he pledged to protect mothers’ interests and reduce working hours to five during maternity periods. He criticized those spreading misinformation about the policy, saying they oppose women’s welfare. Rahman rejected the idea of unemployment allowances, saying Jamaat would focus on creating jobs based on merit rather than distributing stipends. Remembering martyrs of the July movement, he vowed to complete their unfinished mission and demanded exemplary punishment for those responsible for the killings of Abu Sayeed, Abrar Fahad, and Osman Hadi. He also promised to solve key problems in the Pallabi–Rupnagar area if elected. During the event, Rahman handed over the party’s scale symbol to retired Colonel Abdul Baten, the 11-party alliance candidate for Dhaka-16, urging voters to support change in the January 12 election.

The Election Commission (EC) of Bangladesh has instructed that government employees cannot campaign in favor of either the 'yes' or 'no' side in the upcoming referendum. The directive, signed by EC Deputy Secretary Mohammad Monir Hossain, was sent to all returning officers, the Cabinet Secretary, the Chief Adviser’s Principal Secretary, and other relevant officials. The EC clarified that taking sides in the referendum would be considered a punishable offense under the Referendum Ordinance 2025 and the Representation of the People Order 1972. According to the letter, public servants may inform and raise awareness among citizens about the referendum process but are prohibited from urging voters to support any particular side. The EC emphasized that such actions could influence the outcome of the referendum, which is scheduled to be held on February 12 alongside the parliamentary election. The commission has directed authorities to take necessary measures in line with the legal provisions. The announcement comes as campaigning intensifies ahead of the February 12 polls, with rival candidates already active in their election efforts.

The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) has confirmed that the upcoming Bangladesh Cricket League (BCL) will start on February 18. The tournament will begin with the One Day International (ODI) format, designed to help national players prepare for the home ODI series against Pakistan scheduled for March. The decision was confirmed to the newspaper by a BCB source. A BCB official, requesting anonymity, said the board is planning the BCL schedule considering the national team’s commitments. Rajshahi and Bogura have been finalized as the main venues for the competition, with Sylhet and Mirpur being considered as alternatives. The BCL will later feature a four-day format, though the start date for that phase has not yet been finalized. The BCL’s early start aims to fill the preparation gap created by Bangladesh’s absence from the upcoming T20 World Cup, providing players with competitive match practice before the Pakistan series.

Bangladesh Bank has purchased an additional $55 million from five commercial banks, bringing its total dollar purchases to $3.93 billion since the start of the current fiscal year. The central bank’s Executive Director and spokesperson, Arif Hossain Khan, confirmed the transaction, noting that the move aims to maintain market balance amid increased foreign currency supply. According to the report, the dollar market in Bangladesh became unstable in 2022, when the exchange rate rose from 85 to 122 taka per dollar. Over the past three fiscal years, the central bank sold about $34 billion to support the market, while buying only around $1 billion during that period. Following the fall of the previous Awami League government, the current administration took strict measures to curb money laundering, resulting in higher export earnings and remittance inflows. Khan stated that the current market has more dollar supply than demand, and the central bank is buying dollars to prevent an excessive fall in the exchange rate, which could harm remittance and export sectors. As of January 22, the country’s foreign exchange reserves stood at $32.66 billion, or $28 billion under BPM-6 standards.