Novak Djokovic reached the semifinals of the 2026 Australian Open after Italian opponent Lorenzo Musetti retired due to injury during their quarterfinal match in Melbourne. Musetti had taken a commanding two-set lead, winning 6-4 and 6-3, before suffering thigh and groin injuries that forced him to withdraw while trailing 1-3 in the third set. The Serbian star, a 24-time Grand Slam champion, advanced by walkover to his 13th semifinal appearance at the tournament. Djokovic’s path to the last four was marked by unusual fortune. In the previous round, he progressed without playing after Czech player Jakub Mensik withdrew with stomach pain. The 38-year-old has now won a record 103 singles matches at the Australian Open, surpassing Roger Federer. Djokovic will face second seed Jannik Sinner in the semifinals, after the Italian defeated American Ben Shelton 6-3, 6-4, 6-4. In the women’s singles, Kazakhstan’s Elena Rybakina and American Jessica Pegula reached the semifinals, while Poland’s Iga Swiatek was eliminated following a straight-sets loss to Rybakina.

A Dhaka court has granted a three-day remand for Faisal Rubel Ahmed, a close associate of Faisal Karim Masud, the prime accused in the murder of Inquilab Mancha convener Shahid Sharif Osman Hadi. The order was issued on Wednesday, January 28, 2026, by Additional Chief Metropolitan Magistrate Jashita Islam. CID’s Assistant Superintendent of Police Abdur Kadir Bhuiyan had sought a seven-day remand for further interrogation, but the court approved three days. The prosecution confirmed the decision through SI Md. Ruknuzzaman. Earlier, on January 22, the same court had granted a six-day remand for Rubel following his arrest from South Keraniganj’s Ati Nayabazar area on January 21 with the help of the Detective Branch. The investigation officer stated that Rubel had already provided significant information during his previous remand, but further verification was needed. The prosecution argued that Rubel was one of the key accused and that two mobile phones recovered from him had been sent for forensic analysis. Rubel denied involvement, claiming mistaken identity, but the investigation officer maintained that he was indeed the accused associate of Faisal Karim Masud. The court then approved the additional three-day remand.

NCP leader Asif Mahmud announced that the 11-party alliance would modernize the Qawmi education system if elected. Speaking on Wednesday at a campaign rally at the National Hero Abdul Quddus Makhan Municipal Stage in Brahmanbaria, he said the alliance would introduce technical training for madrasa students to make them self-reliant and ensure they are no longer deprived. Mahmud, who chairs the NCP election management committee, described Brahmanbaria as a stronghold of democratic movements, noting that 11 people were martyred in the 2017 anti-Modi protests. He alleged that the district had been deprived of development projects due to its role in democratic struggles. He also welcomed the government’s announcement of an interim salary structure for imams and urged its quick implementation. At the same event, Ataullah, the 11-party alliance candidate for Brahmanbaria-3, promised to improve local education, launch new train services, and ensure justice for the killing of his friend Osman Hadi if elected.

Bangladeshi fact-checking organization Rumor Scanner has identified at least 126 incidents in 2025 where Indian users spread false information about Bangladesh on the social media platform X, formerly known as Twitter. The organization reported that these efforts aimed to create confusion and misinformation regarding Bangladesh. According to Rumor Scanner, Indian-origin misinformation about Bangladesh was also found on other platforms, including 54 cases on Facebook, 30 on Instagram, 25 on YouTube, one on TikTok, and 38 in Indian media outlets. The group noted that since 2024, there has been a rise in false narratives from Indian media and social media accounts, both from India and within Bangladesh, targeting topics such as the interim government, Khagrachhari issues, and groups involved in the 2024 movement. Rumor Scanner stated that it has identified hundreds of false claims circulating online, indicating a growing trend of misinformation campaigns involving Bangladesh across multiple digital platforms.

Bangladesh’s interim government foreign affairs adviser Md. Touhid Hossain said he could not find any reason behind India’s decision to recall family members of its diplomats from the Indian mission in Dhaka. Speaking to reporters at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Wednesday, January 28, he stated that there was no situation in Bangladesh that posed any danger to Indian officials or their families. Hossain clarified that there were no security threats or signals indicating any risk, describing the move as India’s internal matter. He added that India had not formally informed Bangladesh of any security concerns or incidents involving its diplomats. According to him, the overall security situation in Bangladesh remained stable, with no disruptions reported. He further noted that minor scuffles during election periods were not unusual in Bangladesh and that the current situation did not appear worse than in previous elections. Hossain emphasized that India was free to bring back its diplomats’ families if it wished, as Bangladesh had no objection to such a decision.

Syrian President Ahmed al-Shara is scheduled to meet Russian President Vladimir Putin in Moscow on Wednesday. The Kremlin considers the meeting significant as it seeks to secure the future of its military bases in Syria. The discussion will cover bilateral relations, cooperation in various sectors, and the current situation in the Middle East. The meeting comes amid ongoing tension over the fate of former Syrian leader Bashar al-Assad and his wife, who remain under Russian protection. Shara has repeatedly pressed Moscow to extradite them. The issue has become sensitive since Assad’s ouster in 2024, which weakened Russia’s influence in the region. Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov confirmed that all matters related to Russian troop presence in Syria would be discussed but declined to comment on Assad. Analysts cited in the report believe the talks could shape Russia’s position in Syria and define its relationship with the new Syrian leadership, especially as Moscow recently withdrew forces from the Kurdish-held Qamishli airport, leaving only its Hmeimim and Tartus bases on the Mediterranean coast.

The Jahangirnagar University Central Students’ Union (JAKSU) presented a detailed report on its first four months in office during an event held on Wednesday, January 28, 2026, in front of the JAKSU building. The session also marked the launch of JAKSU’s official website and outlined a range of initiatives aimed at improving student welfare. The union reported progress in housing, transport, healthcare, security, environment, and cultural development, with several projects still ongoing. Key measures included adding carts and eco-friendly autorickshaws to campus transport, enhancing law enforcement presence at key gates, and forming an anti-ragging cell. The medical center received new equipment, 85 types of medicines, and seven part-time doctors, alongside a move toward digital medical management. Food safety, waste management, and animal vaccination programs were implemented, while cultural and sports events such as tournaments, festivals, and exhibitions were organized. JAKSU also expressed solidarity with national movements, including protests against gender violence and support for teachers’ and regional water rights campaigns. Infrastructure improvements included new gas connections in six halls, a cycle stand, and road safety upgrades near the campus.

Israeli forces shot and killed a 20-year-old Palestinian man during a raid in the southern West Bank city of Hebron on Tuesday evening, according to the Palestinian Health Ministry. The victim, identified as Mohammad Rajeh Nasrallah from Al-Dhahiriya, was taken to Dura Hospital with a gunshot wound to the abdomen and was pronounced dead shortly after. Another Palestinian was injured in the same operation, while at least three others were arrested in Bethlehem, the Wafa news agency reported. The report said Israeli forces have continued widespread night raids and arrests across the occupied West Bank, detaining Palestinians regardless of alleged offenses. Thousands remain imprisoned without charge under harsh conditions, with reports of torture and deaths in custody. The Israeli human rights group B’Tselem stated that at least 84 Palestinians, including one child, have died in detention since October 2023. Elsewhere, Israeli troops detained 10 people in Amatin near Qalqilya, raided homes in Nablus, and arrested several residents. Settlers also uprooted 200 olive trees near Turmus Ayya, north of Ramallah, as attacks on Palestinian land and livelihoods persisted.

The United States has released two Russian crew members who were detained after their tanker was seized in the North Atlantic Ocean earlier this month. According to Russian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Maria Zakharova, the sailors have been freed and are returning home to Russia. However, the fate of the remaining crew members aboard the vessel remains unclear. U.S. authorities had detained the Russian-flagged tanker, alleging it was part of a 'shadow fleet' transporting oil from countries such as Venezuela, Russia, and Iran in violation of U.S. sanctions. Washington has indicated that legal action could be taken against the crew, while Moscow has condemned such a move as unacceptable, accusing the U.S. of escalating tensions and endangering international maritime navigation. Earlier reports stated that the tanker was intercepted near Venezuela’s coast while under Russian naval escort. To prevent U.S. seizure during its operations against Venezuela, the vessel was reportedly reflagged and renamed under Russian jurisdiction.

The Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) has arrested Habibur Rahman, former chief engineer of the Civil Aviation Authority, on Wednesday, January 28, 2026. An ACC source confirmed the arrest, which follows four corruption cases filed against him a year earlier. Rahman is accused of embezzling several thousand crore taka through irregularities in development projects at three international airports. According to ACC allegations, Rahman was involved in corruption and illegal wealth accumulation throughout his career. While serving as a supervising engineer, he was linked to major projects of the Civil Aviation Authority, allegedly earning large sums through bribery and misuse of authority. In the Cox’s Bazar airport expansion project, he reportedly delayed releasing a government payment of Tk 50 crore to pursue bribes, causing a threefold increase in compensation costs and a Tk 100 crore loss to the government. Investigations reportedly confirmed the allegations, but Rahman had previously avoided consequences by managing senior officials. His arrest marks a renewed effort by the ACC to address corruption in major infrastructure projects.

The 9th Bangladesh–United States Land Forces Talks 2026 concluded successfully at the Army Sports Control Board conference room in Dhaka Cantonment on January 27, following two days of discussions held from January 26 to 27. According to an ISPR press release issued on January 28, the meeting was a continuation of the earlier session held in the United States from September 8 to 10. Representatives from both armies participated in the talks aimed at enhancing mutual cooperation. The Bangladeshi delegation, led by Lieutenant Colonel Mohammad Badrul Haque from the Army Training Directorate, comprised 22 members, while the U.S. side included four representatives led by Major Michael Jacob Oster from the U.S. Pacific Army Command’s Security Cooperation Division. Brigadier General Md Humayun Kabir, Director of the Army Training Directorate, attended the opening and closing sessions. Discussions focused on strengthening military collaboration, improving training exchanges, and expanding the use of advanced technology and equipment. Both sides emphasized joint exercises, innovative training methods, and coordinated disaster preparedness. They also agreed on the importance of technical cooperation to address global challenges and contribute to regional peace and security.

Police in Fatullah, Narayanganj arrested a man named Mainul Islam Pavel early Tuesday night with a foreign-made pistol and one round of ammunition. The arrest took place in the Shashangao area following a raid conducted by a team from Fatullah Model Police Station under the direction of Additional Superintendent of Police (K-Circle) Md. Hasinuzzaman and led by Officer-in-Charge Md. Abdul Mannan. Sub-Inspector Ashish and Assistant Sub-Inspector Hamid participated in the operation. Local sources identified Pavel as a close associate of Azmeri Osman, son of the late Narayanganj-5 Member of Parliament Nasim Osman. Allegations suggest that he was involved in various criminal activities in the BISIC industrial area and nearby locations during the previous government. Police stated that a case under the Arms Act is being processed against him. Authorities are verifying whether Pavel has any prior cases and are investigating the source of the recovered weapon as well as possible involvement of others in the incident.

Ala Uddin Shikdar, the Jamaat-e-Islami candidate of the 10-party alliance for the Chattogram-3 (Sandwip) constituency, has been served a show-cause notice for allegedly violating the electoral code of conduct. The notice was issued on Wednesday by Md. Helal Uddin, chairman of the Election Inquiry and Adjudication Committee and Joint District and Sessions Judge. The action followed a written complaint filed by Md. Alomgir Hossain, chief agent of BNP candidate Mostafa Kamal Pasha. According to the notice, Shikdar used PVC-printed banners on campaign vehicles and installed more than 20 digital billboards, in addition to using 12 loudspeakers simultaneously during campaigning. Authorities stated that these actions constitute clear violations of sections 7(b) and 17(1) of the electoral code. The candidate has been asked to explain within a specified time why punitive measures should not be taken or a recommendation sent to the Election Commission. The Sandwip police officer-in-charge has been instructed to deliver the notice and submit a report, while copies have been sent to the Election Commission Secretariat, the district administrator, and the returning officer.

Tunisian filmmaker Kaouther Ben Hania’s new film “The Voice of Hind Rajab,” centered on the Palestinian crisis, has secured a place in the final nominations for the upcoming 98th Academy Awards. The film, which premiered at the Venice Film Festival in September last year to record-breaking standing ovations, will compete in the Best International Feature Film category. The Oscars ceremony is scheduled for March 15 at the Dolby Theatre in California, with the final nominations announced on January 22. Alongside Tunisia’s entry, the category includes films from Brazil, France, Norway, and Spain. Despite submissions from seven African countries, Tunisia is the only one to reach the final list. This marks Ben Hania’s third Oscar nomination, following previous recognition for “The Man Who Sold His Skin” (2020) and “Four Daughters” (2023). She remains the only Tunisian filmmaker to receive multiple Oscar nominations. “The Voice of Hind Rajab” depicts the January 2024 Gaza attack that killed five-year-old Hind Rajab, her relatives, and paramedics. The film’s executive producers include Brad Pitt, Joaquin Phoenix, Rooney Mara, Alfonso Cuarón, and Jonathan Glazer.

Bangladesh’s Adviser on Religious Affairs, Dr. A F M Khalid Hossain, stated that all Hajj-related activities are advancing according to the official roadmap. He said the Ministry of Religious Affairs is working tirelessly to finalize one hundred percent of house rental agreements for pilgrims within the stipulated time. The statement came on Wednesday during a meeting at the Secretariat with Saudi Ambassador to Bangladesh Dr. Abdullah Jafar H. Bin Abiyah. The adviser noted that the process of securing accommodations for Bangladeshi pilgrims in Makkah and Madinah is being closely monitored. Agencies have been instructed to complete all rental agreements within the set deadlines, and a significant number of contracts have already been finalized. The Saudi ambassador expressed satisfaction with the overall progress of Bangladesh’s Hajj preparations and emphasized the importance of adhering to the roadmap for effective management. During the meeting, both sides discussed strengthening bilateral relations and mutual interests. The adviser also thanked the Saudi ambassador for his role in determining Bangladesh’s Hajj quota for this year.