Pakistan defeated Australia by 22 runs in the opening match of their three-match T20 series, taking a 1–0 lead. Batting first, Pakistan scored 168 for eight in 20 overs, with Saim Ayub contributing 40 runs off 22 balls and Salman Agha adding 39. Adam Zampa was the pick of the Australian bowlers with four wickets for 24 runs. In reply, Australia managed 146 for eight, falling short despite a late effort from Xavier Bartlett, who remained unbeaten on 34. The second match of the series is scheduled for Saturday in Lahore. Australia’s chase faltered early, losing Matthew Short for 5 and Travis Head for 23. Cameron Green top-scored with 36 before being dismissed by Mohammad Nawaz, leaving Australia struggling at six wickets down before reaching 100. Pakistan’s bowlers, including Abrar Ahmed and Saim Ayub, maintained control to secure the victory. Saim Ayub was named player of the match for his all-round performance, helping Pakistan move ahead in the series before the next encounter in Lahore.

Jamaat-e-Islami central assistant secretary general and Cox’s Bazar-2 candidate AHM Hamidur Rahman Azad claimed that the killing of Maulana Rezaul Karim in Sherpur-3 constituency was the result of a violent attack by a rival party, proving an ongoing conspiracy to derail the upcoming national election. He made the remarks on Thursday during a campaign rally and public meeting in Hoanak Union of Maheshkhali upazila. Azad accused the rival party of speaking about democracy while engaging in conspiracies and violence. He alleged that despite growing competition at the grassroots level, the government had failed to ensure a level playing field. According to him, the BNP was obstructing the campaigns of Jamaat and the 11-party alliance through violent attacks in various constituencies. He condemned the attack on Maulana Rezaul Karim and said the people of Bangladesh would reject terrorism through ballots. Azad inaugurated his election office in Hoanak Union and conducted door-to-door campaigning across several local markets and villages, urging voters to support the 11-party alliance’s scale symbol.

Police have arrested Abul Kalam Chowdhury, the former mayor of Chatak Municipality and vice president of the Sunamganj District Awami League. He was detained on Wednesday around 2 p.m. from the Tarapur Tea Garden area in Sylhet by officers from the Jalalabad Police Station under the Sylhet Metropolitan Police. Following his arrest, he was sent to the Sylhet court. According to police, the arrest was made in connection with a case filed over an attack on anti-discrimination student activists. The investigation officer of Jalalabad Police Station, Officer-in-Charge Mohammad Tarek, confirmed the arrest and subsequent court transfer. The report did not include further details about the case proceedings or any official statements from the accused or his political party.

Dhaka University Central Students’ Union (Daksu) Vice President Sadiq Kayem on Thursday addressed a rally in Sylhet’s Chowhatta, organized by the newly formed ‘Oikoboddho Chhatrosongshod’, a coalition of student leaders from Daksu, Jaksu, Chaksu, Raksu, and Joksu. He said that supporting ‘Yes’ in the upcoming February 12 referendum means returning power to the people, while voting ‘No’ represents alignment with foreign interests and support for judicial killings. Kayem stated that the ‘Yes’ campaign aims to empower citizens, ensure justice for past crimes, and dismantle what he called a fascist political structure. He claimed that students and the general public have already taken a stand for ‘Yes’ and urged Sylhet residents to intensify local campaigning. He also criticized a political faction for backing ‘No’ and accused it of serving India’s interests. The event was attended by student leaders from several universities, Jamaat’s Sylhet-1 candidate Maulana Habibur Rahman, and Shahjalal University’s vice-chancellor. The rally caused traffic disruption at the busy Chowhatta intersection, prompting public criticism over the choice of venue.

An international tribunal has ruled in favor of Bangladesh in the Tengratila gas field explosion case, ordering Canadian company Niko to pay $42 million in compensation. The International Centre for Settlement of Investment Disputes (ICSID), based in Washington, delivered the verdict. Petrobangla Chairman Engineer Rezanur Rahman confirmed the ruling on Thursday. The compensation includes $40 million for the loss of approximately 8 billion cubic feet of gas and an additional $2 million for environmental and other damages. The Tengratila gas field, located in Chhatak, Sunamganj, was discovered in 1959 and later handed over to Niko in 2003 for exploration. Two major explosions occurred on January 7 and June 24, 2005, causing extensive damage to gas reserves and surrounding properties. Bangladesh initially demanded Tk 746 crore in compensation, which Niko refused to pay, leading to a 2016 lawsuit in Washington seeking Tk 9,250 crore. According to Petrobangla, the tribunal found that Niko’s failure to follow international petroleum industry standards and take necessary precautions directly caused the explosions, making the company liable for the damages.

Home Affairs Adviser Lieutenant General (Retd.) Md. Jahangir Alam Chowdhury has stated that honesty, efficiency, and professionalism will be the key strengths of Bangladesh’s 13th National Parliament Election. Speaking on Thursday at a law and order coordination meeting at the Bangladesh Police Auditorium in Rajarbagh, Dhaka, he emphasized that government officials and law enforcement personnel must perform their duties with complete neutrality. He warned that no political bias or favoritism would be tolerated and that any official found working for a candidate or political agenda would face strict legal and departmental action. The meeting, organized by the Ministry of Home Affairs and the Dhaka Divisional Commissioner’s Office, was chaired by Senior Secretary Nasimul Gani and attended by senior police and administrative officials. The adviser instructed all election-related officers to strictly follow the Representation of the People (Amendment) Ordinance 2025 and the Political Party and Candidate Code of Conduct 2025. He also directed that subordinates be regularly briefed on election conduct rules and that daily or periodic meetings be held to review preparations and compliance. Chowdhury expressed optimism that with collective effort, the upcoming national election would set a standard appreciated both domestically and internationally.

Veteran actor and director Abul Hayat has returned to directing after nearly a year’s break with a new television drama titled 'Sokhina'. The production is based on a story by the late writer Rabeya Khatun, with the screenplay written by Hayat himself. Shooting began last Tuesday at a resort in Rajendrapur, Gazipur, and the drama is planned for broadcast during Eid-ul-Fitr. Hayat said that Rabeya Khatun’s stories offer a wide range of possibilities for quality productions even on limited budgets. He explained that reading 'Sokhina' inspired him to return to directing. The rural-themed drama stars popular actress Moushumi Mou in the lead role opposite actor Shyamal Mawla, with Naresh Bhuiyan and Badrul Hasan Khan also in the cast. Discussing his current work, Hayat noted that he is now selective about projects, focusing on stories and characters he personally values. He emphasized balancing work with family and rest, adding that staying away from acting or directing leaves him feeling a sense of emptiness.

In Bhola’s Charfassion municipality under the Bhola-4 constituency, Jamaat-e-Islami’s local unit held a counter press conference on Thursday afternoon denying allegations of harassment made by Islami Andolan Bangladesh. The dispute arose after Islami Andolan’s female activist Maria Kamal claimed on Wednesday that two Jamaat workers obstructed and harassed her during election campaigning. Jamaat’s Charfassion unit chief, Mir Mohammad Sharif Hossain, rejected the accusation and presented a different version of events. According to Jamaat’s statement, the incident occurred around 9:30 a.m. Wednesday in Ward 6, when Maria Kamal, her son Tahzib, and Youth Andolan secretary Faisal were distributing leaflets for Islami Andolan’s Bhola-4 candidate A.M.M. Kamal Uddin. A verbal dispute reportedly broke out with locals over remarks about political alliances. Jamaat alleged that Faisal assaulted a retired teacher and later attacked a mosque imam who tried to record the scene, injuring him. The imam was hospitalized afterward. Jamaat leaders said no woman was harassed and accused Islami Andolan of spreading false claims on social media despite a local reconciliation. Earlier that morning, Islami Andolan’s candidate Kamal Uddin had demanded punishment for those allegedly involved in the attack.

Govinda Chandra Pramanik, secretary general of the Bangladesh National Hindu Grand Alliance and an independent candidate for Gopalganj-03 (Tungipara-Kotalipara), visited the grave of Sheikh Mujibur Rahman in Tungipara on Thursday afternoon. Standing with his supporters at Gate No. 3 of the mausoleum, he offered prayers and told journalists that visiting the resting place of the Father of the Nation had been a long-cherished dream. He described the site as a sacred place for all Bengalis and said it was a privilege to pay respects there. Explaining his decision to contest the election, Pramanik said several well-wishers from the Hindu community had faced obstacles in submitting nomination papers, including arrests and intimidation. He stated that his candidacy aimed to encourage participation in the electoral process and reduce fear among minority voters. Pramanik also criticized the BNP candidate, accusing him of trying to discourage competition and seeking an uncontested victory. After the prayer, Pramanik and his supporters distributed leaflets across Tungipara to promote his election symbol, the horse, as part of his campaign activities.

Chief Adviser’s Press Secretary Abul Kalam Azad Majumdar said that efforts are underway to arrest the real culprits involved in the recent violence between BNP and Jamaat in Sherpur, which resulted in the death of a Jamaat leader. He made the statement on Thursday during a press briefing at the Foreign Service Academy in Dhaka, responding to questions from journalists. Majumdar stated that strong measures are being taken and that law enforcement agencies are working based on video footage and witness testimony to identify and arrest those truly responsible. He emphasized that the investigation aims to avoid indiscriminate arrests, ensuring that innocent people are not harassed while the actual offenders do not escape justice. According to the press secretary, police are conducting a close investigation to specifically identify those responsible for the incident, focusing on evidence-based arrests rather than broad operations.

Two cases have been filed at Valuka Model Police Station in Mymensingh against more than 1,500 BNP leaders and activists, including party-nominated candidate Fakhruddin Ahmed Bacchu, over incidents of election violence. The cases, numbered 33 and 34, were lodged on the night of January 28 by complainants Atikul Islam and Aman Ullah. A total of 191 individuals were named, while about 1,400 others were listed as unidentified. According to the case details, on January 25, independent candidate Alhaj Muhammad Morshed Alam began campaigning in the Batajor area with his supporters when, allegedly under Bacchu’s direction, BNP activists armed with local weapons obstructed the campaign, assaulted several workers, and vandalized three motorcycles. Later that evening, BNP supporters reportedly attacked the office of Jubo Dal leader Shamim Ahmed at Seedstore Bazar, injuring three people and setting fire to seven or eight motorcycles. Valuka Model Police Station Officer-in-Charge Zahidul Islam stated that four counter-cases have been filed by both sides over the violence. One accused from the BNP side, who was handed over to police, is currently under treatment under police guard.

A beggar named Abu Taleb was allegedly assaulted in Mohammad Joma village under Kutubpur Union of Chuadanga Sadar upazila on Thursday morning for expressing support for the 'Dharipalla' electoral symbol. The accused are identified as Ashik, vice-president of Sadar upazila Jubo Dal, and Anik, president of Kutubpur Union Jubo Dal. Locals rescued the injured Abu Taleb and admitted him to Chuadanga Sadar Hospital, where he is currently receiving treatment. According to Abu Taleb’s relatives and local sources, the incident occurred around 10 a.m. when he went out on his van to beg and got into an argument over his remarks supporting the 'Dharipalla' symbol. The two BNP leaders allegedly beat him and damaged his van. Police confirmed receiving a written complaint about the incident. No immediate comment was available from the accused. The incident has sparked concern and anger among local residents, according to the report.

The Government of Bangladesh has issued the 'Domestic Violence Prevention Ordinance, 2026' to prevent and suppress family-related crimes and ensure speedy trials. The announcement was made on Thursday, January 29, through a press release from the Chief Adviser’s Press Wing. The ordinance replaces the Domestic Violence (Prevention and Protection) Act, 2010, introducing a more comprehensive and updated legal structure aimed at protecting women and children from domestic abuse. According to the release, the ordinance defines domestic violence broadly to include physical, mental, sexual, and economic abuse. It also recognizes mental abuse that harms psychological well-being and includes provisions addressing digital forms of mental abuse. The ordinance sets a target to resolve most cases within 60 working days and criminalizes violations of court orders such as protection, residence, or compensation directives. Accountability measures have been introduced for enforcement and police officers failing in their duties. The government stated that this ordinance represents a strong step toward ensuring family safety, dignity, and justice, and will support the implementation of a zero-tolerance policy against violence toward women and children.

An allegation has been raised that a plan to kill independent candidate Hasan Mamun in the Patuakhali-3 (Galachipa-Dashmina) constituency is underway. The claim was made on Thursday morning at a press conference held at Mamun’s election headquarters, where former senior joint general secretary of Dashmina Upazila BNP, Md. Fokoruzzaman Badol, accused Ganadhikar Parishad president and BNP-backed candidate Nurul Haque Nur of orchestrating the plot. In a written statement, Badol alleged that Nur held three meetings with Israel’s intelligence agency Mossad and received illegal funds for anti-state activities, as reportedly stated by the Palestinian ambassador. He further claimed that Nur earned large sums through lobbying after August 5 and was using the money for election expenses, pressuring BNP activists with financial incentives to support him. Badol also alleged that Nur’s supporters attacked Mamun’s campaign offices, spread false propaganda using AI, and conducted nighttime armed displays with outsiders. Several BNP leaders, including Abdul Alim Talukdar and Elamul Haque Ratan, were present at the press conference.

The government of Bangladesh has issued the 'Prevention of Sexual Harassment at Workplaces and Educational Institutions Ordinance, 2026' to ensure safety, dignity, and non-discrimination in professional and academic environments. The ordinance received final and policy approval at the Advisory Council meeting on Thursday, January 29, and took immediate effect across the country. It also applies to government-affiliated institutions located outside Bangladesh. The ordinance provides a broad definition of sexual harassment, covering physical, verbal, non-verbal, digital, and online behaviors, including those committed through social media, email, and messaging platforms. It mandates the formation of Internal Complaint Committees (ICC) in all applicable workplaces and educational institutions to receive complaints, conduct investigations, ensure protection during inquiries, and recommend disciplinary actions ranging from reprimand to dismissal or expulsion. For informal sectors, local complaint committees will be formed under district and upazila administrations. National, district, and upazila-level monitoring committees will oversee implementation, while a special fund will support victims with financial aid, rehabilitation, counseling, legal assistance, and awareness programs.