The Nuclear Power Plant Company Bangladesh Limited (NPCBL) has issued recruitment notices to hire 521 personnel for the Rooppur Nuclear Power Plant. The positions span grades 6 to 19 and cover a wide range of roles including engineers, medical officers, psychologists, security staff, fire service members, technical and support staff. Applications for most positions open on January 22, 2026, while applications for positions numbered 12 to 27 begin on February 2, 2026.

The recruitment covers several departments such as on-site fire station, security and physical protection services, medical and psychology units, and technical divisions including electrical, electronics, chemistry, and cyber security. Salaries will range from BDT 17,400 to BDT 84,000 depending on grade, with additional benefits as per government regulations. Interested candidates can apply online through www.rooppurnpp.gov.bd or https://npcbl.gov.bd.

The announcement reflects NPCBL’s effort to strengthen operational and safety capacities at the Rooppur Nuclear Power Plant through diverse technical and administrative appointments.

At least twelve activists were injured in a series of clashes between members of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) and the Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami-led 11-party alliance in Borhanuddin upazila of Bhola. The incident occurred early Saturday morning after Fajr prayers in the Moniram Bazar area of Tobgi Union. Two of the injured were sent to Bhola Sadar Hospital, while the others were admitted to Borhanuddin Upazila Health Complex.

Eyewitnesses said several Jamaat activists were conducting election campaigning in Tobgi Ward No. 7 when they visited the house of a BNP leader. BNP supporters present there allegedly obstructed their campaign and verbally abused them, leading to a physical altercation that escalated into a violent clash. The injured included both BNP and Jamaat workers.

Borhanuddin Police Station Officer-in-Charge Md. Moniruzzaman stated that no formal complaint had been filed yet, but legal action would be taken if one is received. Upazila Executive Officer and Assistant Returning Officer Manoranjan Barman confirmed that both sides had informed him verbally but had not submitted written complaints.

Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan stated that Ankara opposes any form of military intervention against Iran. He expressed hope that the Iranian people would resolve their internal issues peacefully without external interference. Fidan made the remarks during a joint press conference with Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi in Istanbul on Friday, according to TRT World.

During the same event, Araghchi said that Iran is ready to resume nuclear talks with the United States on a fair and equal basis. He emphasized that the Islamic Republic would participate only if the discussions are conducted under equitable conditions. The comments came amid rising tensions between Tehran and Washington in recent weeks.

U.S. President Donald Trump has announced that a “large armada” is moving toward Iran and urged Tehran to return to the negotiating table. Iranian officials have warned that any U.S. attack would be met with a “swift and extensive” response.

In Rajshahi, women voters have become the most influential factor in determining the outcome of Bangladesh’s upcoming 13th parliamentary election. With over half of the district’s 2.26 million registered voters being women, political parties including the BNP and Jamaat-e-Islami are intensifying efforts to win their support through promises of empowerment, safety, and economic opportunity. Election data show 1.14 million female voters, slightly outnumbering male voters.

Women across rural and urban areas are voicing expectations for fair wages, safety, and access to education and healthcare. Female farmers and entrepreneurs alike seek technical training, financial inclusion, and gender-friendly work environments. Jamaat’s female activists are reportedly more visible in door-to-door campaigns, while BNP’s outreach appears weaker. Party leaders from both groups claim positive responses from women voters.

Analysts note that Jamaat has built a separate organizational structure to target women voters, while BNP’s efforts remain less organized. Experts emphasize that beyond campaign promises, women expect tangible post-election action ensuring security, equal rights, and sustainable development.

Several thousand members of the Hindu and Buddhist communities held a human chain and protest rally in Ukhiya upazila of Cox’s Bazar on Friday afternoon, demanding the withdrawal of what they called a false case against Haldiyapalong Union Parishad Chairman Imrul Kayes Chowdhury and several journalists. The demonstration took place beside the Cox’s Bazar–Teknaf highway at Morichya Guramia Garage area, with participants from various parts of Haldiyapalong Union.

Speakers at the rally alleged that a local BNP leader, Monjur Alam Member, had obstructed the construction of a market at the Morichya Bazar Central Jame Mosque. To divert attention, they claimed, a Hindu woman named Shilpi Karmakar was made the plaintiff in a case filed on January 28 at Ukhiya Police Station against the chairman, journalists, and others. They demanded the case be withdrawn within 48 hours, warning of larger protests if not addressed.

Community leaders described Imrul Kayes as a non-communal leader who maintained harmony among all faiths and urged Shilpi Karmakar to withdraw the case immediately.

Reformist candidate Nathaphong Ruengpaniyaut of the People’s Party is leading public opinion polls ahead of Thailand’s general election scheduled for February 8. A Suan Dusit University survey released on Friday showed Nathaphong receiving support from 35.1 percent of respondents, ahead of Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul of the conservative Bhumjaithai Party with 16.1 percent, and Pheu Thai Party candidate Yosanan Wongsawat with 21.5 percent. The poll was conducted between January 16 and 28 among 26,621 participants.

The People’s Party is the successor to the Move Forward Party, which won the 2023 election but was blocked from forming a government by conservative lawmakers. Prime Minister Anutin, who succeeded former leader Paetongtarn Shinawatra, called an early election on December 12, less than 100 days after taking office, amid a tense border conflict with Cambodia.

A separate poll by the National Institute of Development Administration also placed Nathaphong ahead, with 29 percent support compared to 22.2 percent for Anutin, indicating growing momentum for the reformist bloc before the vote.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has announced a plan to intensify attacks against Russian forces, aiming to ensure that Russian losses each month exceed the number of reinforcements Moscow can deploy. In a January 26 address to military personnel, Zelensky said Ukrainian units must reach a level of destruction where Russia’s monthly casualties surpass its troop replacements, targeting around 50,000 Russian losses per month. He cited video analyses indicating that 35,000 Russian soldiers were killed or wounded in December 2025, up from 30,000 in November and 26,000 in October.

Ukraine’s top commander, Oleksandr Syrskyi, confirmed that more than 33,000 Russian soldiers were killed in December. Ukrainian authorities claim that since the war began, about 1.2 million Russian troops have been killed or injured, while Ukraine has suffered 600,000 casualties, including 140,000 deaths. The Center for Strategic and International Studies reported similar Russian losses but noted that Al Jazeera could not independently verify any figures.

The conflict remains at a stalemate, with Russia continuing efforts to seize new territories despite heavy losses.

At a street rally in Gauripur, Mymensingh, held late Friday night, Rakibul Islam Rakib, president of the central committee of the Jatiyatabadi Chhatra Dal, called on voters to support the ‘paddy sheaf’ symbol candidate, M. Iqbal Hossain, in the upcoming parliamentary election. He said that to build a Gauripur free from extortion, terrorism, and illegal occupation, there was no alternative to Iqbal Hossain, describing him as a clean-image candidate. Rakib expressed hope that on February 12, Gauripur would celebrate a historic victory for the ‘paddy sheaf’ symbol, in line with the rest of the country.

The rally took place at the Station Road intersection in Gauripur’s North Bazar area and was conducted by Mymensingh North District Chhatra Dal president Nuruzzaman Sohel. M. Iqbal Hossain, the BNP candidate for Mymensingh-3 (Gauripur), also addressed the gathering. Senior leaders from the north and south district units of Chhatra Dal, along with members of BNP, Jubo Dal, and Swechchhasebak Dal, attended the event alongside local residents.

Rakibul Islam Rakib and Iqbal Hossain also held similar campaign events in several other areas, including Shyamganj, Kaurat, and Gobindpur, seeking voter support for the ‘paddy sheaf’ symbol.

Former Chattogram City Corporation mayor M Manjur Alam, once affiliated with both Awami League and BNP, has reappeared in active politics by campaigning for BNP candidate Aslam Chowdhury in Chattogram-4. The campaign event took place last Thursday in the city’s Kattoli area, attended by local BNP leaders. Manjur, who previously served as mayor from BNP’s nomination in 2010, had later announced retirement from politics and was seen supporting Awami League activities in subsequent years.

Following the July political changes, Manjur renamed a stadium previously dedicated to Sheikh Russel and organized a memorial for late BNP chairperson Khaleda Zia. His supporters claim he may formally rejoin BNP if the party wins the election and could contest the next city polls under its banner. However, BNP’s Chattogram leaders clarified that while Manjur is helping their campaign, he has not rejoined the party.

Manjur stated that his involvement stems from gratitude toward Khaleda Zia and a sense of responsibility to help BNP return to power, denying any formal political comeback plans at this stage.

India has conferred its 2026 Padma Awards on 133 distinguished individuals in the fields of art, literature, and social service. Among them, only five recipients are from the Muslim community, whose contributions have been described as remarkable yet numerically limited. The list includes South Indian film icon Mammootty, who received the Padma Bhushan, and artists such as Rajasthan’s Gaffaruddin Mewati Yogi and Gujarat’s Haji Bhai Kasam Bhai, who were honored with the Padma Shri for preserving regional art and culture.

The report highlights that despite Muslims comprising around 15 percent of India’s population, their representation among awardees remains minimal. This imbalance raises questions about inclusivity in national recognition, especially amid broader social tensions and reports of violence against minorities. The article argues that national honors should reflect the country’s diversity and inclusive spirit.

It further suggests that the limited Muslim representation may indicate institutional indifference and calls for a more equitable approach to recognizing talent across communities to strengthen social cohesion and public trust in state institutions.

At an election rally of Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami held on January 30 at Comilla Town Hall, Hasanath Abdullah, the chief coordinator of the NCP’s southern region and candidate for Comilla-4, accused several television channels of political bias. Speaking as a special guest, he alleged that certain media outlets had previously supported the Awami League and were now aligned with the BNP. He specifically named Somoy TV, Ekattor TV, and DBC, claiming they had long portrayed Tarique Rahman negatively and were now acting as his allies. Abdullah declared that his party would wage a renewed battle against what he called “brokered media.”

He also criticized a political party for promising support to women while its activists allegedly threatened them and forced the removal of hijabs. Addressing government officials, Abdullah urged them to restore public trust through a fair election, emphasizing that they should act as servants of the people rather than any political party.

The rally was attended by Jamaat Ameer Dr. Shafiqur Rahman and other senior leaders from Jamaat and allied parties, including JAGPA and NCP.

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said his country is ready for 'fair and balanced' talks with the United States amid escalating tensions. Speaking to reporters during a visit to Turkey on Friday, Araghchi emphasized that Iran has no problem with dialogue but will not negotiate under threats. He made the remarks at a joint press conference with Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan in Ankara.

Araghchi firmly stated that Iran’s missile and defense capabilities will never be part of any negotiation. He added that the security of the Iranian people is not a matter for others and that Iran will continue to preserve and expand its defense capacity as needed. He stressed that no country compromises on its security, saying Iran is prepared both for dialogue and for war.

Tensions between Tehran and Washington have intensified in recent weeks following U.S. threats over Iran’s nuclear program and its crackdown on anti-government protests. U.S. President Donald Trump warned that a powerful naval fleet is heading toward Iran and cautioned Tehran to return to nuclear talks or face severe measures.

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer has expressed a strong interest in strengthening relations with China, disregarding U.S. President Donald Trump’s warning that such engagement could be “very dangerous” for Britain. During his visit to China, the first by a British leader in eight years, Starmer met President Xi Jinping and Premier Li Qiang, emphasizing mutual cooperation and progress. The two countries signed several agreements, including visa-free travel for short-term British visitors, trade expansion, and collaboration against human trafficking.

The visit comes amid growing uncertainty over U.S. policies, prompting several Western leaders, including those from France, Canada, and Finland, to engage with Beijing. China’s foreign ministry reiterated its commitment to “win-win cooperation” with all nations. Starmer noted that sanctions imposed on British lawmakers in 2021 had been lifted, signaling a reset in bilateral relations.

According to Downing Street, British companies secured export deals worth £2.2 billion, with an additional £2.3 billion in market opportunities expected over the next five years, alongside significant new investments.

A report from Bangladesh highlights growing concerns over violence surrounding the upcoming parliamentary election. Since the start of campaign activities, incidents of clashes, attacks on candidates, and social media provocation have been reported in at least ten districts, including a fatal confrontation in Sherpur’s Jhenaigati area. The unrest has raised public anxiety and cast doubt on the credibility of the electoral process.

Authorities initially observed a calm environment after law enforcement met with candidates to emphasize adherence to the electoral code of conduct. However, tensions have since escalated, with reports of obstruction in campaigns, mutual accusations, and violent outbreaks linked to online agitation. The situation is described as particularly alarming given the election’s significance following a long struggle to restore democratic governance.

The report calls for all pro-Bangladesh political forces to act responsibly, urging party leaders to take firm stances against violence regardless of affiliation. It also stresses the need for a more visible and effective Election Commission, impartial law enforcement, and strict monitoring of social media to curb misinformation and incitement.

South Africa has expelled Israeli diplomat Ariel Sidman, declaring him persona non grata for alleged violations of diplomatic norms. The Department of International Relations and Cooperation announced on Friday that Sidman, the chargé d’affaires at the Israeli embassy, was given 72 hours to leave the country. Authorities accused him of actions that challenged South Africa’s sovereignty and breached acceptable diplomatic conduct.

According to the department’s statement, Sidman allegedly launched insulting attacks on President Cyril Ramaphosa through social media and deliberately failed to inform the ministry about a purported visit by senior Israeli officials. The statement described his behavior as a severe abuse of diplomatic privileges and a fundamental violation of the Vienna Convention, undermining trust and protocol essential to bilateral relations.

The department urged the Israeli government to ensure that its future diplomatic activities respect the principles of the Republic of South Africa and established norms of international engagement.