Pakistan’s jailed former Prime Minister Imran Khan has reportedly been denied meetings with visitors for over five weeks, according to his party. His family claims the restriction aims to block his messages from reaching the public and blames military chief Field Marshal Asim Munir, though the government denies this. Officials say Khan violated prison rules by discussing politics, while rights groups warn that dissent is being increasingly suppressed.

The report highlights a broader pattern of crackdowns on journalists, lawyers, and activists. Human rights lawyer Imaan Mazari and her husband were sentenced to ten years in prison for sharing alleged anti-state posts, prompting Amnesty International to urge Pakistan to halt its repression of dissent. Media workers describe growing censorship, self-censorship, and financial pressure on outlets like Dawn, while new laws under the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act have tightened restrictions on criticism of state institutions.

Analysts and rights advocates say the military’s influence over politics and media has deepened, pushing Pakistan closer to authoritarian rule. The government and military, however, insist their actions remain within legal bounds and necessary for national security.

At least ten people were injured in a clash between activists of the BNP and NCP during the inauguration of the ‘Mahananda’ ferry service at Nolchira–Chairman Ghat in Hatiya, Noakhali, on Friday afternoon. The conflict began after both groups started chanting separate slogans claiming credit for the ferry’s launch. The situation escalated into chasing, stone-throwing, and physical altercations, causing panic among thousands of attendees. Injured individuals, including a Coast Guard driver, were treated at the Upazila Health Complex and local clinics. Naval and police personnel quickly brought the situation under control, though tension remained in the area.

The ferry service was officially inaugurated by Dr. Nurunnahar Chowdhury, Secretary of the Ministry of Shipping, in the presence of BIWTC Chairman Arif Ahmed Mostafa and representatives of local organizations. Residents said the new service would significantly improve connectivity for the island’s population, facilitating transport of passengers and goods and boosting trade and tourism.

Local leaders described the ferry as a milestone for Hatiya, warning that political rivalry could undermine this achievement. The ferry has a capacity of about 250 tons and will operate in line with tidal conditions.

In Madaripur-1 (Shibchar) constituency, several Awami League leaders have been seen openly supporting independent candidate Kamal Zaman Molla, who was expelled from the BNP for contesting the upcoming national election against party directives. Their participation in his campaign events, despite a ban on such activities, has sparked widespread discussion and concern among locals. Reports indicate that some of these leaders, including former upazila chairman Abdul Latif Molla and municipal Awami League president Tofazzal Hossain, face multiple criminal cases.

Kamal Zaman Molla, formerly a member of the Shibchar BNP convening committee, was expelled on January 21 through a press release signed by the BNP joint secretary general. Since then, Awami League figures at various levels have intensified their visible support for him. A recent courtyard meeting at Abdul Latif Molla’s residence, later circulated on social media, further fueled debate.

Local BNP leaders have questioned how individuals facing criminal charges can campaign publicly, while police officials described campaign choices as personal matters. Political analysts suggested that such activities could alter local electoral dynamics, prompting curiosity about the Election Commission’s response.

A BNP leader named Milon Mia was arrested early Friday during a joint forces operation in the Balashighat area of Konchipara Union under Fulchhari upazila in Gaibandha. According to police sources, the operation was conducted based on secret information, and several homemade weapons were seized from his residence.

Fulchhari Police Station Officer-in-Charge Durul Huda confirmed that legal action has been taken against the detainee and that he was sent to court on Friday. The arrest followed a coordinated raid by the joint forces aimed at recovering illegal arms in the area.

The report did not specify further details about the charges or the broader context of the operation beyond the immediate arrest and seizure.

Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami’s central secretary, Professor Mia Golam Porwar, stated that none of the political parties that governed the country over the past 54 years can claim to be free from corruption. He made the remarks on Friday, January 30, 2026, while addressing an election rally at Maulagang Bazar field in Bancharampur, Brahmanbaria. The event was presided over by Upazila Jamaat president Kazi Abul Bashar and conducted by Upazila secretary Shamim Nur Islam.

Jamaat’s nominated parliamentary candidate for Brahmanbaria-6 (Bancharampur), Md. Mohsin Mia, spoke as the chief speaker, pledging that if Jamaat forms the government, a 25-kilometer marine drive from Ulukandi to South Baherchar will be built to boost the region’s economy. Other central and local Jamaat leaders, including freedom fighter Abdus Sattar and former Islami Chhatra Shibir president Zahidul Islam, also addressed the gathering.

Speakers urged voters to support the party’s scale symbol in the upcoming national election, promising a peaceful, corruption-free, and drug-free Bangladesh if Jamaat wins.

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi on Friday emphasized the necessity of close coordination and regular dialogue between Iran and Turkey to address regional challenges. Speaking during his visit to Istanbul, Araghchi told Iranian state television that he would discuss bilateral, regional, and international issues with Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan.

Araghchi stated that Iran and Turkey have always maintained close consultations and share strong political, economic, social, and cultural ties. He highlighted the importance of aligning positions in the face of threats from the United States and other parties, reviewing regional developments, and exchanging views on how to confront current challenges.

Commenting on Europe’s move to designate Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) as a terrorist organization, Araghchi called it a major strategic mistake, claiming that Europe is losing its role on the international stage and accelerating its own decline.

BNP Chairperson Tarique Rahman is scheduled to visit Barishal on February 4 to attend an election rally at the historic Bell’s Park field. The date was confirmed by Bilkis Akhter Jahan Shirin, BNP’s Barishal divisional organizing secretary and former MP, who announced it on her Facebook page. She said Rahman will deliver a speech as the chief guest at noon, and the schedule was finalized after receiving confirmation late on January 29.

According to party sources, Rahman will travel from Jashore to Barishal by air and return to Dhaka by road. The visit details have been communicated to BNP’s nominated candidates for 21 constituencies in Barishal division, as well as divisional and district leaders. Shirin stated that preparations are nearly complete and only awaiting his arrival. She also mentioned that Rahman will meet divisional BNP leaders on Saturday.

Rahman last visited Barishal in 2006 when he was the party’s senior joint secretary general. This will be his first visit as BNP chairperson, and party members view the trip as significant for local politics ahead of the upcoming election.

A US military ship is preparing to anchor in the Gulf of Aqaba, south of Israel’s port city of Eilat, as part of enhanced military readiness amid growing regional tensions and the possibility of an attack on Iran, Israel’s state broadcaster KAN reported on Thursday, citing Anadolu Agency. According to unnamed security sources, the move is part of US-Israel military and security coordination, which includes naval deployment and increased defensive and offensive preparedness.

The report said Israeli security agencies are closely monitoring US movements, anticipating potential actions related to Iran. Concerns have also been raised about possible regional reactions if the situation worsens. During Israel’s weekly military security review on Thursday, the Iran issue was discussed in detail.

Meanwhile, Israeli and Saudi defense and intelligence officials are visiting the United States this week to discuss Iran. Axios reported that Israel’s military intelligence chief, General Shlomi Binder, held several high-level meetings with Pentagon, CIA, and White House leaders, while Saudi Defense Minister Prince Khalid bin Salman is expected to emphasize diplomatic solutions in his meetings with US officials.

Independent candidate Dr. Tasnim Jara from Dhaka-9 constituency stated on Friday that change is inevitable, emphasizing her campaign’s 'magic number 5' strategy. In a Facebook post, she said that supporters are reaching out to five acquaintances each, which she believes will disrupt the old political calculations. She urged voters to engage in sincere conversations rather than rely on money, loud campaigning, or illegal posters.

Jara highlighted that democracy is rooted in people’s choice, which cannot be overturned by wealth or noise. She called Friday and Saturday the most crucial days before the election, asking supporters to spend 30 minutes talking to loved ones about her campaign. She also reminded voters that her electoral symbol is the football, clarifying confusion with another symbol.

According to Jara, the people of Dhaka-9 will lead the way in transforming politics, signaling her confidence in a shift away from traditional political practices.

Jamaat-e-Islami candidate and lawyer Shishir Monir from Sunamganj-2 constituency said that without innovation in politics after August 5, the old political culture would return. He made the remarks on Friday, January 30, in Dirai’s Dhal Bazar after an attack on his campaign vehicle. Monir condemned the incident and called for identifying those responsible, describing the attack as an attempt to destroy new political thinking rather than mere vandalism.

He stated that an intolerant attitude was spreading across the country, which he said was undesirable. Monir urged political parties to engage in coordinated discussions and called on the Election Commission to take effective initiatives to stop such incidents. He emphasized that without such action, no qualitative change in politics could be expected.

Monir concluded that immediate steps were necessary to end the ongoing hostility and ensure a constructive political environment in the country.

Bangladesh has confirmed that 57 observers from 16 countries will monitor the 13th national parliamentary election and referendum. In addition to these bilateral observers, several hundred representatives from the European Union, Commonwealth, and international organizations working on democracy and human rights will also participate. Malaysia will send the largest delegation with 14 observers, followed by Turkey with 12. Malaysia’s team will be led by Election Commission Chairman Dato’ Sri Ramlan bin Dato Harun, while Turkey’s delegation will be headed by former Turkish ambassador to Bangladesh Mehmet Vakur Erkul.

Other confirmed countries include Indonesia, Japan, Pakistan, Bhutan, Maldives, Sri Lanka, the Philippines, Jordan, Iran, Georgia, Russia, Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan, and South Africa. Notable participants include Pakistan’s Chief Election Commissioner Mohammad Jalal Sikandar Sultan and Bhutan’s Chief Election Commissioner Deki Pema. Senior Secretary and SDG Coordinator Lamia Morshed stated that around 400 observers have been confirmed so far, with more countries expected to join soon.

The Commonwealth team will be led by former Ghanaian President Nana Akufo-Addo, while the EU mission will be headed by Latvian MEP Ivars Ijabs. Over 2,000 candidates from more than 50 political parties and independents are contesting 300 parliamentary seats.

Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) has intensified security measures across the Rajshahi division’s border areas ahead of the upcoming national parliamentary election. More than 4,000 BGB personnel will be deployed to maintain law and order and ensure stability. The force has also increased the use of modern technology to curb crime and monitor border conditions. Coordination discussions have been held with India’s Border Security Force (BSF) to keep the situation stable.

At a press conference held on Friday morning near the Rajshahi–Naogaon highway, BGB Rajshahi Sector Commander Colonel Syed Kamal Hossain detailed the security plan. He said the Rajshahi sector, covering seven districts, 62 upazilas, and one city corporation with 37 constituencies, will operate from 65 base camps with 146 mobile and striking platoons. Additionally, each of the 76 border outposts will have 10 striking reserve members ready for deployment.

Colonel Hossain added that helicopters will be kept ready to enable quick response forces to reach any emergency location swiftly. A security drill was conducted on the highway following the press briefing.

A three-year-old child abducted from in front of Mugda Government Medical College Hospital in Dhaka was rescued within 24 hours by the Rapid Action Battalion (RAB). The main suspect, Md. Chan Mia, aged 41, was arrested during the same operation in Gaibandha district. The child, found unharmed, has been reunited with the family. Law enforcement agencies confirmed that efforts are ongoing to identify and arrest others involved in the abduction.

The abduction occurred on January 28 when the child, visiting the hospital with family for medical care, briefly went out of sight. The abductor took advantage of the moment, carrying the child away from the hospital area. Following the incident, Mugda police and RAB launched a joint search, analyzing CCTV footage and using technology-based tracking to trace the suspect’s movements.

Officials indicated that the abduction was premeditated and possibly involved more individuals. Based on the suspect’s initial confession, investigators are verifying information to locate potential accomplices. Authorities urged parents to remain vigilant in crowded public areas and to report any suspicious activity immediately to nearby police stations.

Azerbaijan has declared that it will never permit its territory or airspace to be used for any attack against neighboring Iran. The statement came from Azerbaijani Foreign Minister Jeyhun Bayramov on Thursday during a phone conversation with Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, according to a release from Azerbaijan’s Foreign Ministry. Bayramov expressed concern over the recent rise in regional tensions and emphasized the need for all parties to refrain from actions that could destabilize Iran or its surrounding areas.

He highlighted that Azerbaijan consistently advocates for resolving disputes through dialogue and diplomatic means in accordance with international law and principles. The statement reflects Baku’s cautious stance amid growing geopolitical strains in the region.

Earlier, U.S. President Donald Trump warned Iran that time was running out to reach a deal over its nuclear program, threatening that any future attack would be even more severe than the previous one on Iranian nuclear facilities in June of the previous year.

US President Donald Trump has warned that strengthening relations or signing agreements with China would be 'very dangerous' for the United Kingdom. His remarks came in response to British Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s ongoing four-day visit to China. Trump made the comments on Thursday during the premiere of a documentary about his wife Melania, when asked whether Britain was expanding its business relations with China.

Trump did not elaborate on his concerns about the UK-China relationship but also cautioned Canada, saying that any deal with China would be even more dangerous for that country. Earlier in the week, he had threatened to impose additional tariffs on Canada if it proceeded with an economic agreement with China.

During his visit, Prime Minister Starmer said the UK aims to take bilateral relations with China to an unprecedented level. On the first day of his trip, he held an 80-minute meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, emphasizing the importance of improving ties with the world’s second-largest economy.