Foreign loan approvals for Bangladesh’s private sector fell sharply in fiscal year 2024–25, with only USD 454.6 million approved across 43 applications, compared to over USD 1.4158 billion for 76 applications the previous year. The Bangladesh Investment Development Authority (BIDA) reported the 75 percent decline in its annual report, attributing it to reduced investment and lower demand for imported capital machinery.

BIDA officials explained that the slowdown in domestic investment has reduced the need for foreign borrowing. Policy Exchange of Bangladesh’s chairman Dr. M Masrur Reaz noted that private sector credit growth dropped to 6.2 percent, the lowest in decades, reflecting weak domestic demand and slower economic output. He expressed hope that investment and loan demand would recover under a newly elected government.

Sources added that higher global interest rates and the depreciation of the taka against the US dollar have increased borrowing costs, further discouraging foreign loans. BIDA’s recent reform allowing short-term loans to be processed directly through banks also affected the reported figures.

Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) A M M Nasiruddin will administer the oath to the newly elected members of Bangladesh’s 13th Parliament, as both the Speaker and Deputy Speaker positions are currently vacant. According to constitutional provisions, the CEC assumes this responsibility when no Speaker or designated person is available to conduct the ceremony. Parliament and Election Commission sources confirmed the arrangement.

Following the July uprising, the Speaker resigned and the Deputy Speaker’s post also became vacant. The Constitution mandates that newly elected MPs must take their oath within three days of the official gazette publication of election results. The Parliament Secretariat is preparing for the ceremony, with renovation of the oath and session rooms nearing completion ahead of the February 12 election. A committee is being formed to organize the event.

Election Commission officials stated that preparations are underway to avoid any constitutional crisis. Legal experts noted that the CEC-led oath is fully valid under the Constitution and ensures continuity of governance. Delays in the oath process could otherwise raise questions about the new Parliament’s legitimacy and operations.

At least 162 people were killed when armed militants attacked the villages of Oru and Nuku in Nigeria’s western Kwara State on Tuesday, February 4. Local lawmaker Mohammed Omar Bio confirmed the death toll and said a group called ‘Lakurawa,’ suspected to be linked to the Islamic State, was believed to be responsible. Witnesses reported that the attackers tied villagers’ hands, lined them up, and opened fire, also setting homes and shops ablaze. Several people, including the traditional ruler, remain missing as the army continues recovery and search operations.

Amnesty International condemned the attack, suggesting the death toll could exceed 170, and accused security forces of failing to act despite prior threats from gunmen over the past five months. Villagers said the assailants promoted jihadist ideology and demanded allegiance to Sharia law, which the community rejected during a religious gathering before the massacre.

Kwara State Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq denounced the assault as a cowardly act of terrorism. Analysts said the incident highlights Nigeria’s worsening security crisis, marked by jihadist insurgency, banditry, and communal violence across multiple regions.

At least 23 Palestinians, including six children, were killed in Israeli tank shelling and airstrikes across the Gaza Strip, according to Gaza health officials cited by Reuters on Wednesday, January 4. The attacks struck areas in southern Khan Younis and northern Gaza City, where a doctor was killed while rescuing the wounded and a five-month-old infant also died. A resident, Abu Mohammad Haboush, said his family was sleeping when a tank shell hit their home, killing several relatives.

The Israeli military stated that the strikes were in response to Hamas gunfire that allegedly targeted Israeli troops near the border, injuring one soldier. Hamas condemned the attacks, saying they undermine efforts to stabilize the ceasefire and called for immediate international pressure to halt the violence. The incident occurred amid ongoing discussions over Gaza’s governance and reconstruction under the second phase of a ceasefire announced by U.S. President Donald Trump in January.

Gaza health officials reported that since the ceasefire began, Israeli attacks have killed at least 530 Palestinians, mostly civilians, while four Israeli soldiers have died in Palestinian assaults.

Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer Dr. Shafiqur Rahman announced a vision for a united, corruption-free, and humane Bangladesh while unveiling the party’s election manifesto at an event in Dhaka’s Banani Sheraton Hotel on Wednesday evening. The 86-page manifesto, prepared with input from various social groups, outlines 26 priority areas and 41 pledges under the slogan “Let’s Build Bangladesh Together.” It emphasizes honesty, justice, efficiency, and employment while rejecting corruption, fascism, dominance, unemployment, and extortion.

The manifesto details commitments to good governance, youth empowerment, women’s safety, and inclusive development. It proposes reforms in governance, law enforcement, economy, education, and healthcare, along with digitalization to ensure transparency. It also pledges to strengthen democracy through proportional representation and caretaker government systems, ensure women’s empowerment, and provide social security for all citizens.

Dr. Rahman said the manifesto aims to unite the nation beyond partisan politics and called for public feedback. The document positions Jamaat’s vision as a practical and welfare-oriented roadmap to build a just, prosperous, and inclusive Bangladesh.

Multiple security and intelligence sources have warned of a coordinated plan to destabilize Bangladesh ahead of the upcoming national election and referendum. The alleged blueprint aims to derail the electoral process, incite violent clashes between rival political groups, and create international controversy around the election’s legitimacy. Intelligence reports suggest involvement of cross-border networks, fugitive political and administrative figures, and extremist groups, with online disinformation and paid violence as key tactics.

According to the reports, a critical phase has been identified before the election, during which targeted killings, communal unrest, and attacks on political gatherings could occur. Security agencies have issued high alerts regarding 103 fugitive JMB members allegedly trained under foreign supervision. The government has deployed over nine hundred thousand personnel from the army, police, and other forces nationwide, with advanced surveillance including drones and AI-based monitoring to counter digital misinformation.

Authorities have urged political parties to act with restraint and citizens to avoid spreading unverified information. U.S. and U.K. embassies have issued security advisories, while national agencies continue joint operations to prevent potential sabotage.

Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has said that the decision not to play against India in the 2026 T20 World Cup was taken after careful consideration. Speaking at a cabinet meeting, he stated that politics has no place in sports and that the move expresses Pakistan’s full solidarity with Bangladesh. The match, scheduled for February 15 in Colombo, will not be played, though Pakistan will participate in the rest of the tournament.

The decision followed discussions between Shehbaz Sharif and Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Chairman Mohsin Naqvi. It came after the International Cricket Council (ICC) replaced Bangladesh with Scotland due to Bangladesh’s security concerns about playing in India. Pakistan had initially considered withdrawing from the tournament entirely but later opted to continue while boycotting the India match. The ICC has urged the PCB to seek a mutual resolution.

The boycott leaves Pakistan facing a tougher path in the group stage, where they must win their remaining three matches to stay in contention for the top two positions. The World Cup, jointly hosted by India and Sri Lanka, runs from February 7 to March 8.

Dhaka Metropolitan Police’s Detective Branch (DB) has reported progress in the investigation into the hacking of Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer Dr. Shafiqur Rahman’s verified X (formerly Twitter) account. At a press briefing at DMP Media Center on Wednesday night, DB Chief Shafiqul Islam said that Mohammad Saroware Alam, an assistant programmer at Bangabhaban, has been shown arrested in a case filed with Hatirjheel Police Station. He added that Alam’s direct involvement in the hacking would be confirmed only after forensic and detailed investigation.

According to police, the case was filed under the Cyber Security Act by Sirajul Islam, coordinator of Jamaat’s National Election Steering Committee, naming Alam and 20 unidentified persons as accused. The DB seized Alam’s mobile phone, computer, and other devices for forensic examination. The investigation follows a January 31 complaint alleging that Dr. Rahman’s account was hacked to post misleading and offensive content about working women, which was later deleted after public criticism.

Police stated that several other senior Jamaat leaders’ social media accounts were also recently targeted. The DB urged the public to avoid spreading unverified information and assured a transparent investigation.

Pakistan has announced it will boycott its match against India in the 2026 T20 World Cup, despite participating in the tournament. The decision, taken to support Bangladesh’s withdrawal over security concerns, has triggered widespread debate. The ICC warned that such a unilateral move could have severe legal and contractual consequences, as the India-Pakistan fixture generates major revenue for the organization.

Legal experts cited the Members Participation Agreement (MPA), which obliges qualified teams to play all scheduled matches. By refusing to play, Pakistan could be accused of breaching the contract, exposing itself to financial penalties or harsher sanctions. Pakistan may invoke the ‘force majeure’ clause, arguing that a government directive prevents participation, but it remains unclear whether the PCB has followed the required formal process.

The controversy deepened due to PCB chairman Mohsin Naqvi’s dual role as both a government minister and board head, potentially weakening Pakistan’s legal defense. The ICC retains the power to suspend or revoke membership for serious violations, making this dispute a potential turning point for global cricket governance.

Abul Kalam Azad Majumdar, Deputy Press Secretary to the Chief Adviser, announced that the government will hand over power to elected representatives as soon as possible after the election. He made the statement on Wednesday night through a verified Facebook post.

In his post, Majumdar rejected claims that the interim government would remain in power for 180 additional working days after the election, calling such assertions dishonest. He said those spreading the rumor had previously tried to create doubts about the election and were now promoting new conspiracy theories as the polls proceed on schedule.

Majumdar added that even some highly educated individuals were being misled by these false campaigns, but assured that there is no scope for confusion. The government, he reiterated, will transfer authority swiftly once the elected representatives take office.

Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami has filed a case under the Cyber Security Act following the hacking of its Ameer Dr. Shafiqur Rahman’s official X (Twitter) account. The complaint was lodged on Wednesday night around 8:30 p.m. at Dhaka Metropolitan Police’s Hatirjheel Police Station by Sirajul Islam, coordinator of Jamaat’s National Election Steering Committee. The case names Bangabhaban official Mohammad Saroware Alam and 20 unidentified individuals as accused.

According to the case statement, on January 31, unauthorized access was gained to Dr. Rahman’s X account, where posts containing misogynistic, obscene, and hate-inciting content were published. The party later filed a general diary at Hatirjheel Police Station after discovering the incident. Police confirmed receiving the case and noted that the complaint includes both named and unnamed suspects.

The report also mentions that several senior Jamaat leaders, including Secretary General Mia Golam Porwar, have recently faced similar cyberattacks on their social media accounts. The investigation is expected to focus on identifying those responsible for the coordinated hacking incidents.

Home Affairs Adviser Lieutenant General (Retd.) Md Jahangir Alam Chowdhury stated that there is no fear of mob violence or unrest within the police ahead of the 13th National Parliamentary Election and referendum. Speaking to journalists on Wednesday afternoon in front of the Rajshahi Prison Training Center auditorium, he said the election will be held in a peaceful and festive atmosphere.

He explained that preparations for the election are nearly complete, with CCTV cameras installed at almost all polling centers. In places lacking boundary walls, bamboo fencing will be used. Chowdhury added that illegal weapons are being regularly recovered, leaving no scope for violence. He emphasized that the election will proceed peacefully, supported by extensive deployment of security forces, including 100,000 army members, 5,000 navy personnel, 37,000 from the Border Guard Bangladesh, 4,000 from the Coast Guard, 150,000 police, 9,000 Rapid Action Battalion members, and over 500,000 Ansar personnel.

The meeting was chaired by Senior Secretary Nasimul Gani and attended by senior officials from various law enforcement and administrative agencies.

The Election Commission (EC) of Bangladesh has issued an urgent directive requiring political parties and candidates to strictly follow the electoral code of conduct during online campaigning ahead of the upcoming parliamentary election and referendum. The EC’s Public Relations Director, Md. Ruhul Amin Mallik, stated that letters have been sent to all returning officers outlining the new enforcement measures.

According to the directive, under Rule 16 of the Political Parties and Candidates’ Code of Conduct 2025, candidates or their election agents must submit details such as platform name, account ID, and email address to the returning officer before starting any social media campaign. Rule 22(2) further requires that all expenses related to online content creation, advertising, boosting, and sponsorship be included in the official election expenditure report submitted to the EC.

The EC reiterated that all social media campaign costs must be reported to returning officers and instructed that information on which platforms are being used by parties and candidates be sent to the EC Secretariat’s Public Relations Division.

An NCP leader was allegedly attacked during an election campaign in Kishoreganj-6 constituency on Wednesday afternoon. The incident occurred around 5 p.m. at Subichar Mor in Gobaria Abdullahpur Union of Kuliarchar upazila while promoting the 11-party alliance’s ‘Rickshaw’ symbol. According to the complaint, Kuliarchar upazila NCP convener Ariful Islam and upazila Chhatra Shibir president Nazimuddin Hridoy were among those injured.

Ariful Islam claimed that supporters of BNP candidate and district BNP president Md. Shariful Alam assaulted him during the campaign, snatched leaflets and a mobile phone, and issued threats. The complaint also alleged that they warned of dire consequences for campaigning for any symbol other than the ‘Sheaf of Paddy’. However, Gobaria Abdullahpur Union BNP general secretary Masud Rana denied the allegations when contacted.

Assistant Returning Officer and Kuliarchar Upazila Nirbahi Officer Md. Yasin Khondaker said police were sent to the scene and the situation was now normal. He added that necessary action would be taken if a written complaint was filed. In protest, a demonstration was held in the evening at Bhairab Durjoy Mor led by upazila Chhatra Shibir president Ali Ahsan Mujahid.

Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami has announced a 37-point set of pledges focused on healthcare reform as part of its election manifesto, unveiled under the theme “Healthcare as Everyone’s Right.” The manifesto was formally presented by party chief Dr. Shafiqur Rahman on Wednesday, January 4, at the Grand Ballroom of Hotel Sheraton in Banani, Dhaka. The health-related commitments include ensuring affordable and quality medical services, free healthcare for citizens under five and over sixty, and tripling the national health budget.

The party’s plan also promises to strengthen public hospitals, introduce national health insurance and digital health cards, and expand telemedicine and referral systems. It emphasizes transparency through public disclosure of financial data, anti-corruption measures, and e-GP procurement. Jamaat further pledges to improve healthcare governance, enhance medical education, and ensure safety and rights for patients and healthcare workers.

The manifesto positions healthcare as a central pillar of Jamaat’s broader vision for a “Safe Bangladesh,” prioritizing 26 key areas of national development, with health reform presented as a major component.