Six farmers abducted at gunpoint from a hilly area near Ward 6 of Minabazar in Hwaikyang Union, Teknaf, Cox’s Bazar, have not yet been rescued. The abduction occurred on Tuesday morning, January 27, 2026, when the victims were heading to their fields. Acting chairman of Hwaikyang Model Union Parishad, Md. Shah Jalal, confirmed that armed men took the farmers deep into the hills, sparking fear among locals. Law enforcement agencies have been urged to take immediate action to rescue the victims.

The abducted farmers were identified as Md. Jamir (62), Shafi Alam (13), Mohammad Alam alias Mahat Alam (18), Zahid Hossain alias Munna (30), Mojaher (60), and Mostak (12). Local residents believe that armed kidnapping groups have become more active amid the ongoing election period, taking advantage of administrative preoccupation. They called for stronger surveillance and intervention to curb such incidents.

Hwaikyang Police Outpost in-charge SI Khokon Kanti Rudra confirmed receiving a complaint from the victims’ families, while Teknaf Police Station Officer-in-Charge Md. Saiful Islam said a police team was dispatched immediately and rescue operations are ongoing.

More than one hundred leaders and activists of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) and its affiliated organizations have joined Jamaat-e-Islami in Bogura-4 (Kahaloo-Nandigram) constituency. The joining took place on Wednesday and the previous Sunday in two unions of Kahaloo upazila. On Wednesday morning, Abdus Salam, secretary of Ward No. 1 BNP in Karni Para village of Kalai union, along with over fifty BNP members, joined Jamaat. Jamaat’s nominated parliamentary candidate Dr. Mostafa Faisal Parvez welcomed them with flowers.

Earlier, on January 25, former vice-president of Jamgram union Jubo Dal Firoz Talukdar and Ward No. 2 BNP secretary Md. Israfil Muhuri, along with over fifty BNP members, also joined Jamaat. Welcoming the new members, Dr. Parvez said that Jamaat aims to build a modern, corruption-free Kahaloo-Nandigram inclusive of all communities. The event was attended by district Islami Chhatra Shibir president Saiyyed Kutub Sabbir, upazila amir Shahid Khan, and secretary Shahidur Rahman Sabuj.

The repeated joining events indicate Jamaat’s growing organizational activity in the Bogura-4 constituency ahead of upcoming political developments.

U.S. President Donald Trump announced the selection of 26 countries as founding members of his administration’s newly created “Peace Board.” The announcement followed the board’s formal launch a week earlier at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, and the opening of its official account on the U.S. social media platform X. The founding members include nations from the Middle East, Asia, Europe, Latin America, and the Caucasus, such as Argentina, Bahrain, Egypt, Indonesia, Saudi Arabia, and Türkiye.

Notably absent from the list are major powers linked to China and Russia, as well as France, Germany, and the United Kingdom, which have clashed with the Trump administration over environmental and trade policies. The exclusions have reportedly heightened diplomatic tensions between Washington and several European capitals. Belarus accepted an invitation to join, while Russia did not, despite President Vladimir Putin’s earlier statement offering $1 billion from frozen Russian assets to the board’s budget. The U.S. also withdrew Canada’s invitation after its prime minister criticized economic coercion by major powers.

Originally designed to oversee Gaza ceasefire and reconstruction efforts, the board’s mandate has been expanded to promote peace in all conflict-affected or at-risk regions, though its leadership structure and timeline remain undisclosed.

Time magazine, the US-based influential publication, released a detailed feature on Wednesday, January 28, 2026, focusing on Tarique Rahman’s return to Bangladesh after 17 years of exile. The report highlights his determination to re-engage in politics despite physical weakness and the recent death of his mother, former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia. In his first interview since returning home, Rahman stated that he cannot avoid responsibility and that public trust keeps him in politics. He emphasized that his political role stems from party supporters rather than family legacy.

According to the report, Rahman is currently the leading candidate in the upcoming February 12 national election, with polls showing around 70 percent voter support for his BNP compared to 19 percent for Jamaat-e-Islami. The 3,300-word feature also analyzes Bangladesh’s economic and social challenges, including high inflation, currency weakness, foreign reserve shortages, and youth unemployment. Time describes Rahman as a “technocratic” politician with plans for canal excavation, tree planting, green zones in Dhaka, waste-to-energy projects, and public-private health partnerships.

The report further discusses Bangladesh’s political transition following Sheikh Hasina’s fall, noting incomplete interim government reforms and uncertainty about the country’s post-election direction.

The National Citizen Party (NCP) has appointed writer, journalist, presenter, and young politician Muhammad Asadullah as the 'Yes' vote ambassador for Pabna-2 constituency (Sujanagar and part of Bera) ahead of the upcoming 13th National Parliament election. The announcement was made by Faridul Haque, head of the party’s referendum subcommittee, following a directive from NCP’s election management committee chairman Asif Mahmud Sajib Bhuiyan, who had earlier declared that one ambassador would be assigned to each constituency.

Asadullah, who serves as joint convener of NCP’s youth wing Jatiya Juboshokti and holds responsibilities in the party’s press wing and media subcommittee, will campaign in favor of the 'Yes' vote until the election. Expressing gratitude for his appointment, he described the referendum as crucial for determining Bangladesh’s political direction for the next century and pledged to ensure strong local support for the 'Yes' campaign.

Asadullah has been active in writing and journalism for 15 years, authored seven books, and worked with several national media outlets. He is also known for his role in social movements and his long association with the NCP since its founding.

Nasiruddin Patwari, the 11-party alliance candidate for Dhaka-8, alleged that BNP Standing Committee member Mirza Abbas would top any ranking of criminals in Bangladesh. He made the remarks on Wednesday while campaigning in his constituency. Patwari accused Abbas of controlling several educational institutions and claimed that Abbas had previously served as president of the Habibullah Bahar College unit of the Jatiyatabadi Chhatra Dal.

Patwari further alleged that Abbas oversees corruption and extortion within college committees and exerts influence over institutions such as Viqarunnisa and Siddheswari Girls. He described these matters as open secrets known to residents of Dhaka-8. Patwari also claimed that Abbas attacked his supporters the previous day and criticized BNP leader Tarique Rahman for sheltering such figures within the party’s leadership.

In his remarks, Patwari contrasted himself with other BNP candidates, asserting that he had no record of corruption or extortion. He warned Abbas not to provoke conflict, saying he would not tolerate attempts to intimidate him through alleged gangs or muscle power.

U.S. President Donald Trump warned Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey that he was “playing with fire” after Frey reiterated that the city would not enforce federal immigration laws. Trump made the remark in a Truth Social post on Wednesday, claiming he had previously had a positive conversation with Frey. He urged the mayor’s associates to advise him that such a stance could constitute a serious legal violation.

Responding on social media platform X, Frey said local police are responsible for ensuring public safety, not enforcing immigration laws. He cited the case of Ecuadorian asylum seeker Adrian Alexander Conejo Arias, detained by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) in January, as an example of why local enforcement should focus on community safety. Frey also said he had a productive meeting with “border czar” Tom Homan, emphasizing that Minneapolis would continue prioritizing neighborhood security over federal immigration operations.

The exchange came amid heightened tensions in Minneapolis following the fatal shooting of two U.S. citizens by federal immigration officers, which sparked protests. The White House said Homan would oversee ICE field operations to continue arresting “the most dangerous criminal illegal immigrants.”

The Bangladesh government has granted permission for shooter Robiul Islam and coach Sharmin Akter to participate in the Asian Shooting Championship in New Delhi, India, from February 2 to 14, 2026. The approval was issued on Wednesday through a government order, according to National Sports Council Director (Sports) Mohammad Aminul Ehsan. The decision comes even as the government withheld permission for the national cricket team to travel to India for the T20 World Cup due to security concerns.

Officials said the shooting event will take place in an indoor and secured environment, minimizing potential security risks. Robiul is scheduled to compete in the 10-meter air rifle event on February 6, marking his first international appearance since the 2024 Paris Olympics. He has been training intensively in the South Asian Games camp ahead of the tournament.

Unlike previous years when Bangladesh sent larger shooting contingents, only Robiul and his coach will travel this time, which the report described as a clear failure of the Bangladesh Shooting Sports Federation. They are expected to depart for India on January 31.

Bangladesh Army Chief General Waker-Uz-Zaman met with the Czech Republic’s non-resident ambassador to Bangladesh, Dr. Eliska Zigova, and her delegation at the Army Headquarters on Wednesday, January 28, 2026. The courtesy meeting was confirmed through a press release from the Inter-Services Public Relations Directorate (ISPR).

During the meeting, both sides exchanged views on further strengthening the existing friendly bilateral relations between Bangladesh and the Czech Republic. Ambassador Zigova highlighted potential areas for enhanced cooperation in the defense sector, particularly in government-to-government technology transfer, joint ventures, and the development of the defense industry.

The ISPR statement emphasized the mutual interest in expanding defense collaboration and fostering long-term partnership opportunities between the two countries.

The Election Commission (EC) has approved a budget of Tk 3,100 crore to organize the upcoming referendum and the 13th national parliamentary election. The decision was made during a commission meeting held on Wednesday, January 28, according to officials. Of the approved amount, Tk 1,200 crore has been allocated for election management, Tk 1,400 crore for law enforcement, and Tk 500 crore for referendum, postal ballots, and related expenses. The EC noted that allocations for these sectors may increase if necessary.

The previous 12th national election cost Tk 2,276 crore in total. EC Secretary Akhtar Ahmed explained that the inclusion of referendum and postal ballot voting this time has naturally raised the overall expenditure. The 13th national parliamentary election is scheduled to take place on February 12.

The EC’s approval marks a significant increase in election spending compared to the previous cycle, reflecting expanded voting processes and security measures.

In Cumilla’s Chauddagram upazila, a poor farmer named Siraj Mia has been forced to pull a wooden plow himself due to financial hardship. Unable to afford cattle or rent a tractor, he was seen leveling muddy farmland in Durgapur village during the ongoing Boro rice planting season. Despite being a genuine farmer, Siraj said he has not received any government incentives, farmer cards, or free seeds and fertilizers. He expressed frustration that his information was collected during floods, yet no assistance followed.

Other poor farmers in the area echoed similar grievances, alleging that real farmers are often excluded from government support programs. They claimed that seasonal or politically connected individuals receive benefits instead. Rising agricultural costs have made it increasingly difficult for low-income farmers to manage cultivation expenses.

Chauddagram Upazila Agriculture Officer Jubayer Ahmed stated that authorities are aware of Siraj Mia’s situation and will inspect the case in person to ensure necessary government assistance is provided.

A child named Muhammad Mezbah died after falling into a deep tube well pit in Raozan, Chattogram. The incident occurred near government-built houses for the homeless, where a deep tube well had been installed to supply safe drinking water. Mezbah was rescued from the pit around 8:10 p.m. on Wednesday but was found dead.

According to local residents, the pit had been dug on hilly land to reach a water source but had remained in an unsafe condition for a long time. They alleged that the lack of safety measures led to the accident. Witnesses said they heard the child crying after he fell but could not rescue him because of the depth of the pit, and he eventually sank further down.

The report highlights local concerns about the safety of government-initiated infrastructure projects and the need for proper maintenance to prevent similar tragedies.

Nurul Haque Nur, the Ganadhikar Parishad candidate backed by the BNP alliance for the Patuakhali-3 (Dashmina-Galachipa) constituency, said on Wednesday that he had shown restraint despite alleged attacks on his supporters. Speaking at a joint BNP and Ganadhikar Parishad election rally at Alipur Secondary School field in Dashmina, he claimed that if he had given the order, the attackers would have been severely dealt with, but he preferred patience and rejected revenge.

Nur alleged that on Tuesday, supporters of independent candidate Hasan Mamun obstructed a procession bearing the truck symbol in Bakulbariya Union of Galachipa and attacked his workers, even as police were present. He emphasized that the BNP had no separate candidate in the constituency and that he was jointly nominated by the BNP and Ganadhikar Parishad.

Referring to BNP’s acting chairman Tarique Rahman, Nur said that development in the area would suffer if Rahman’s nominated candidate did not win. His remarks have sparked new discussion in the constituency, where a large number of BNP and Ganadhikar Parishad supporters attended the rally.

North Korea has confirmed the test launch of its upgraded long-range large-caliber multiple rocket launcher system (MRLS). The test, conducted on Tuesday by the country’s Missile Administration, aimed to verify the system’s enhanced technological capabilities. According to the state news agency KCNA, four rockets were fired during the test, striking a maritime target approximately 358 kilometers from the launch site. Leader Kim Jong Un personally oversaw the launch and described the test as crucial to strengthening the nation’s strategic deterrence.

Kim stated that the system’s strike capability has reached its highest level and asserted that no other country would be able to match this technology in the coming years. He said the results pose a serious threat to forces seeking military confrontation with Pyongyang. Kim also announced that the upcoming Congress of the ruling Workers’ Party of Korea will outline the next phase of plans to reinforce the country’s nuclear deterrence.

The report came as Japan and South Korea said North Korea had fired two ballistic missiles into the East Sea earlier this week, marking its second launch this month.

Palestinian Ambassador to Bangladesh, Yusuf S.W.Y. Ramadan, paid a courtesy visit to Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer Dr. Shafiqur Rahman at his office in Bashundhara, Dhaka, on Wednesday morning. Assistant Secretary General and head of the party’s central publicity and media department, Advocate Ehsanul Mahbub Zubair, was also present during the meeting.

According to Jamaat’s central publicity department, the meeting was held in a cordial and friendly atmosphere. During the discussion, Dr. Rahman reiterated the deep and historic relationship between Bangladesh and Palestine, emphasizing that the people of Bangladesh, regardless of political affiliation, would always stand by the just struggle of the Palestinian people. He urged the United Nations, the OIC, and the international community to take effective measures to stop Israel’s occupation and forced eviction plans in Gaza.

The Palestinian ambassador expressed deep gratitude on behalf of the Palestinian people for Bangladesh’s sincere support and solidarity, expressing hope that this cooperation would continue in the future.