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.

A South Korean court has sentenced former First Lady Kim Keon Hee to 20 months in prison for accepting bribes from officials of the Unification Church in exchange for political favors. She was found guilty of receiving a handbag and diamond earrings and was fined 12.8 million won. The court also ordered the confiscation of the necklace linked to the case. Kim has been in custody since August during the investigation.

Kim, wife of ousted former president Yoon Suk Yeol, was acquitted of separate charges related to stock manipulation and political funding violations but convicted in this bribery case. Prosecutors plan to appeal the ruling, while Kim’s lawyers said they will review the Seoul Central District Court’s decision before deciding on an appeal. The presiding judge noted that although the First Lady holds no official authority, the position carries symbolic responsibility and should not set a poor example for the public.

Outside the courthouse, supporters of Yoon and Kim celebrated the verdict despite cold weather. The Unification Church denied expecting any benefit from the gifts, and its leader Han Hak-ja, also on trial, rejected allegations of offering bribes.

Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) has announced the deployment of 38 platoons across Dhaka and three surrounding districts to ensure a free, fair, and neutral parliamentary election. The deployment, involving members of BGB’s 5th Battalion, will begin on Thursday. The announcement was made by Lieutenant Colonel Taimur Hasan, commander of the battalion, during a press briefing at the BGB headquarters in Pilkhana, Dhaka.

According to the briefing, 11 platoons will be stationed in five constituencies under Dhaka North City Corporation, six in Savar and Dhamrai, 13 in four constituencies of Faridpur, and eight in three constituencies of Manikganj. Security measures include checkpoints at key entry points to the capital, deployment of K-9 dog squads, and use of body-worn cameras, night vision devices, armored personnel carriers, and advanced communication tools. A monitoring cell has been set up at the battalion headquarters for continuous oversight.

BGB stated that there is no restriction from the Election Commission on entering polling centers. Personnel may enter if requested by presiding officers or in case of violence or suspected vote fraud.

The ‘MPO Teachers’ Nationalization Expectation Alliance’ has announced a series of protest programs demanding the issuance of the 9th national pay scale notification and the withdrawal of recent remarks by the energy adviser. According to a statement signed by the alliance’s member secretary, Principal Delwar Hossain Aziz, demonstrations will be held on 29 January at all MPO-affiliated educational institutions, followed by a rally in front of the National Press Club on 30 January. The alliance also warned that if the pay scale notification is not issued by 4 February, human chains will be organized across all districts on 5 February.

The statement noted that since the formation of the National Pay Commission 2025, the cost of living has increased repeatedly, making it difficult for government employees to sustain their families without the new pay scale. The alliance questioned the purpose of forming the commission if the pay scale is not implemented, calling it a waste of public funds. The group expressed solidarity with the ‘Demand Implementation Unity Council,’ which has also called for protests on 28–29 January and a rally on 30 January.

The alliance urged all MPO teachers and staff to participate actively in the upcoming demonstrations and rallies.

The Non-Government Teachers’ Registration and Certification Authority (NTRCA) has published the results of the seventh special recruitment recommendation for teachers in MPO-listed private educational institutions. The results were officially released on Wednesday at the Ministry of Education’s Secondary and Higher Education Division conference room. Through this special recruitment process, a total of 11,713 candidates have been recommended for appointment to vacant teaching positions.

According to the NTRCA press release, the recommendations were made based on the merit order, preferences, and institutional requirements of registered applicants who applied under the seventh special recruitment circular published on January 4. The results are available on the NTRCA website under the “Seventh Recruitment Recommendation (Special)-2026” service box and at http://ngi.teletalk.com.bd.

Selected candidates can view their results by logging in with their user ID and password, while institution heads can access information about selected teachers for their respective institutions using their own login credentials.

An independent delegation from the US Embassy in Dhaka will visit Dhaka, Chattogram, Sylhet, and Khulna on election day to observe the voting process, according to Election Commission Senior Secretary Akhtar Ahmed. The announcement followed a meeting between US Ambassador Brent Christensen and Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) in Dhaka on Wednesday. After the meeting, the ambassador stated that the United States would not take sides in the election.

Akhtar Ahmed explained that the US Embassy team would not be formal observers but would visit polling areas to see the situation firsthand and later report to the US Senate. He added that the Election Commission had not given any instructions on how the team should conduct its observation, as it was beyond their jurisdiction. The embassy will provide a list of delegates, and the commission will facilitate their movement.

The US ambassador also inquired about the election code of conduct, law and order situation, and travel arrangements during the meeting, according to the Election Commission official.

Bangladesh is preparing for its parliamentary election on February 12, the first since 2008 without Sheikh Hasina and the Awami League. Many young voters, who led the 2024 July uprising, are eager to vote but disillusioned by the lack of new political alternatives. Reuters interviewed over 80 students under 30, most of whom expressed strong interest in voting yet disappointment with the candidates. The main contest is seen between the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) and Jamaat-e-Islami, while the newly formed National Citizens Party (NCP) has lost credibility after allying with Jamaat.

Analysts note that more than a quarter of Bangladesh’s 128 million voters are under 30, and their participation could shape the outcome. A concurrent referendum will address institutional reforms, including term limits for the prime minister and greater judicial and electoral independence. A youth leadership survey found 97% of voters aged 18–35 intend to vote, split nearly evenly between BNP and Jamaat supporters.

Despite disillusionment, some young activists remain hopeful for long-term political renewal, emphasizing the need for a stable, democratically elected government.

Israel has shifted its stance on the Gaza ceasefire after recovering all hostages taken to the enclave. The Israeli government now insists that Hamas must fully disarm before any further progress can be made toward the next phase of the ceasefire. This marks a tougher position from Israel following the hostage recovery.

Hamas has publicly refused to surrender its weapons. Two Hamas officials told Reuters that neither the United States nor mediators have presented any detailed or concrete disarmament proposal. Israeli minister and former intelligence chief Avi Dichter warned that disputes over disarmament could reignite conflict in Gaza, saying the issue might have to be resolved by Israeli forces through military means.

A White House document released last week indicated that the Trump administration seeks the immediate elimination of heavy weapons in Gaza and a phased registration and removal of personal arms under an interim technocratic administration to ensure local security.

Former Lieutenant Colonel Hasinur Rahman testified before International Crimes Tribunal-1 that the walls of the Directorate General of Forces Intelligence’s (DGFI) notorious detention cell known as 'Aynaghar' contained no mirrors. He made the statement on Wednesday during cross-examination by defense lawyer Azizur Rahman Dulu, representing former DGFI director Mahbubur Rahman Siddiqui. The case concerns allegations of abduction and torture at the Joint Interrogation Cell (JIC), also referred to as Aynaghar, involving death-row convict Sheikh Hasina and twelve current and former army officers.

During questioning, Hasinur clarified that 'Aynaghar' was merely a codename, not a literal description. He also discussed his army background, stating his BA number and course details, and mentioned that his service records were reportedly transferred to India, though he could not recall the source of that information. He denied claims that his testimony was coached by prosecutors and said he had not received a written summons but was verbally instructed to appear.

Hasinur further stated he was held in enforced disappearance for 43 days and later visited DGFI premises only once after August 5, 2024, to assist in rescuing detainees.

NCP spokesperson Asif Mahmud Sajib Bhuiyan declared that any attempt to seize polling centers must be resisted. Speaking as the chief guest at a street rally organized by Jamaat-e-Islami in Companyganj Bazar, Muradnagar, on Wednesday, he urged voters to support Yusuf Sohel of the Eleven-Party Alliance by voting for the scale symbol. He emphasized protecting local development, women’s dignity, and the community from extortion.

Mahmud, a former adviser, said Muradnagar was his birthplace and that he had worked to address its deprivation. He criticized a rival party’s representatives for allegedly complaining to higher authorities about budget allocations for the area. He called on residents to ensure a fearless voting environment and pledged that if elected, the alliance would upgrade Bangura Bazar to an upazila.

Other speakers, including Jamaat’s Comilla North secretary Saiful Islam Shahid and alliance candidate Yusuf Sohel, echoed calls for fair elections and urged voters to reject corruption and external influence in the upcoming February 12 polls.

Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus inaugurated the Digital Device and Innovation Expo 2026 at the Bangladesh-China Friendship Conference Center in Dhaka on January 28, 2026. During the opening ceremony, he also launched the website and logo of the 'Bangladesh Innovation Challenge'. The event is organized by the ICT Division, Bangladesh Hi-Tech Park Authority, and Bangladesh Computer Samity, and will continue until January 31.

The expo aims to promote innovation, capacity building, success, and investment in the technology sector. It features innovative products, digital devices, mobile and e-sports technologies, along with special discounts and offers. The event includes five seminars and four panel discussions on topics such as digital transformation, global investment, startup ecosystems, financing, and inclusive digital growth. A documentary titled 'Create Here, Connect Everywhere' was screened at the opening.

Organizers have ensured Wi-Fi coverage across the venue using satellite internet technology. The expo is being viewed as an important platform for showcasing advanced technologies and innovative ideas from various industries and universities.

A Dhaka court has ordered the imprisonment of Md. Kamal Hossain, a Senior Assistant Secretary at the Ministry of Public Administration, in a case filed by the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC). The case alleges that he fraudulently used his freedom fighter uncle’s identity as his father to obtain a BCS cadre position under the freedom fighter quota. On Wednesday, January 28, 2026, Dhaka Metropolitan Sessions Judge Md. Sabbir Foyez canceled his bail and ordered him to jail.

According to the ACC’s public prosecutor, Kamal Hossain had previously secured a four-week anticipatory bail from the High Court on December 15, 2025, and later sought bail from the Dhaka court on December 23. The court granted conditional bail pending DNA verification, but after he failed twice to comply with bail conditions, the court revoked his bail. The ACC case, filed on December 26, 2025, accuses him of falsifying parental information to gain admission and employment benefits under the quota.

The charges were brought under Penal Code sections 420, 467, 468, and 471 for fraud and forgery related to his educational and employment records.

Sheikh Joaad bin Hamad Al Thani of Qatar has been elected as the new president of the Olympic Council of Asia (OCA). The election took place in Tashkent, Uzbekistan, during the OCA’s 45th annual general assembly. Sheikh Joaad was chosen with the representatives’ support after Ranbir Singh stepped down due to health reasons. He will serve as president until 2028. Before his election, Sheikh Joaad was the president of the Qatar Olympic Association and senior vice president of the OCA.

During the same meeting, Asian Archery Federation president and Bangladesh Archery Federation founding general secretary Kazi Rajib Uddin Ahmed Chapol met Sheikh Joaad. In their courtesy meeting, Sheikh Joaad assured continued support for the growth of archery across Asia. Rajib Uddin said discussions included archery’s role in the upcoming Asian Games and cooperation between OCA and World Archery Asia for the sport’s development.

Sheikh Joaad also invited further discussions and collaboration on archery initiatives in Qatar, signaling potential regional cooperation in the sport’s advancement.

Lieutenant Colonel A K M Zakaria Kadir, commander of the 28 Battalion Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) in Sunamganj, stated that the force will play an active role in ensuring a peaceful election environment, maintaining law and order, and safeguarding citizens’ voting rights. He made the remarks during a press briefing with local journalists at the battalion’s conference room on Wednesday morning.

He explained that motivational and awareness programs are being conducted to increase public confidence and voter participation. The BGB will operate as a mobile striking force in coordination with the Bangladesh Army and other law enforcement agencies. Given Sunamganj’s haor-surrounded and remote geography, the commander noted that election duties there are particularly challenging. To address this, BGB units will patrol both road and river routes and coordinate with local administration for necessary transport support.

According to the commander, three battalions under Sylhet will deploy 55 BGB platoons across 23 upazilas in 10 parliamentary constituencies of Sylhet and Sunamganj. BGB will independently manage election duties in six border upazilas and jointly operate with other forces in the remaining areas.

BNP National Standing Committee member Salahuddin Ahmed has said that by the grace of Almighty Allah, the party will achieve a landslide victory in the upcoming national election scheduled for February 12. He made the remarks on Wednesday morning during an election campaign and separate street meetings at Saharbil Union’s BMS High School field in Chakaria, Cox’s Bazar. Ahmed stated that through massive public support and national unity, the BNP aims to form a government owned by the people.

He emphasized that citizens will regain ownership of the state through this election and urged voters to freely choose their preferred candidates to strengthen democracy. Ahmed pledged that under a BNP-led government, no one would face enforced disappearance and that those who fought for democracy would be honored. He also cautioned against a rival political group allegedly misleading voters with religious claims.

Local BNP leaders, including district office secretary Yusuf Badri and several upazila leaders, were present and spoke at the campaign events.