Israel will reopen the Rafah border crossing with Gaza on Sunday, February 1, after two years of closure. The Israeli military announced on Friday that limited movement of people will be allowed in both directions as part of a ceasefire agreement in the blockaded Palestinian enclave. The reopening will be coordinated with Egypt and supervised by a European Union mission, with prior Israeli security clearance required for travelers.

According to the military statement, residents who left Gaza during the war will be permitted to return, subject to coordination with Egypt and Israeli approval. No immediate comments were available from Palestinian or Egyptian authorities. The crossing had been closed since May 2024, when Israeli forces took control of it.

The Rafah crossing was originally scheduled to reopen under the first phase of the ceasefire agreement reached in October, but Israel delayed implementation until the recovery of the last hostage’s body. This condition caused several months of delay in enforcing the agreement.

BNP’s nominated candidate for constituency 300, Saching Prue Jerry, has been conducting extensive election campaigns across Lama upazila in Bandarban ahead of the upcoming parliamentary election. Over the past three days, he has held road meetings, public gatherings, and market-based events in the municipality and remote hill areas including Sarai, Gazalia, Rupshipara, Lama Sadar, Fasiakhali, Aziznagar, and Faitong unions. On Friday, he continued his campaign from morning to night in several markets of Fasiakhali and Faitong unions.

During his campaign, Jerry stated that the BNP’s symbol, the paddy sheaf, has become a symbol of public trust and affection. He pledged to implement a 31-point plan and take effective measures to improve communication, healthcare, and education in the neglected hill regions if elected. He also urged voters to support the paddy sheaf to build a non-discriminatory and secular Bangladesh.

Lama Upazila Election Officer Abdul Hamid confirmed that all preparations have been completed for a free, fair, and neutral election on February 12, with 88,829 voters casting ballots across 42 centers. The administration, army, and law enforcement agencies are jointly monitoring to ensure a peaceful electoral environment.

England began their T20 series against Sri Lanka with a rain-affected victory at Pallekele on January 31, 2026. The visitors won by 11 runs under the DLS method after rain stopped play when England were 125 for 4 in 15 overs while chasing a target of 134. Phil Salt contributed 46 runs, helping England secure a 1–0 lead in the three-match series led by Harry Brook.

Sri Lanka’s innings ended at 133 all out in 16.2 overs after the match was reduced to 17 overs due to rain. Kusal Mendis scored 37 runs, while the team suffered a sudden collapse after reaching 76 for 1. Sam Curran claimed his first international T20 hat-trick by dismissing Dasun Shanaka, Maheesh Theekshana, and Matheesha Pathirana in the final three balls of the 16th over.

With this win, England extended their dominance on the tour, having already secured the preceding ODI series.

Venezuelan interim president Delcy Rodríguez announced on Friday the introduction of a general amnesty law, marking her first major reform initiative since Nicolás Maduro was removed from power in a U.S.-led operation several weeks ago. Speaking at the Supreme Court in Caracas, Rodríguez said the proposed law would cover all incidents of political violence from 1999 to the present, aiming to heal political divisions, restore the justice system, and ensure good governance.

Rodríguez also declared the start of a national dialogue on judicial reform and the closure of the notorious El Helicoide prison, which human rights groups said had been used to torture political prisoners. The facility will be converted into a sports, cultural, and commercial center. Within four weeks of taking office, Rodríguez has moved quickly to introduce social and economic changes, including legislation opening Venezuela’s vital oil sector to private investment, leading the United States to lift sanctions on the industry.

The new administration’s reforms and release of political prisoners have been praised by U.S. President Donald Trump, and Washington is resuming diplomatic operations in Caracas, with diplomat Laura Doglu set to arrive as chargé d’affaires.

BNP Chairperson Tarique Rahman is scheduled to visit Sirajganj and Tangail districts today, Saturday, January 31, 2026. On his way from Rangpur to Dhaka, he will speak at an election rally at the BSCIC Industrial Park in Paikpara, Sirajganj Sadar upazila at 2 p.m. During the event, he will introduce BNP’s parliamentary candidates for all constituencies in Sirajganj and Pabna districts.

The visit has generated enthusiasm among party leaders and activists. BNP Standing Committee member and Sirajganj-2 parliamentary candidate Iqbal Hasan Mahmud Tuku, along with senior administrative officials, have inspected the rally venue. Saidur Rahman Bacchu, general secretary of Sirajganj district BNP and chief coordinator of the election management committee for six constituencies, said extensive preparations have been made to ensure the success of the rally, which marks Rahman’s return to the area after a long time.

After the Sirajganj rally, Rahman will travel to Tangail, where he is scheduled to address another public gathering at 4 p.m. at an open field near the Darun-Charjana Bypass on the Jamuna Bridge–Tangail–Dhaka highway.

Russian President Vladimir Putin met with Ali Larijani, head of Iran’s Supreme National Security Council, in Moscow on Friday, according to the Kremlin. The meeting took place as tensions between Iran and the United States continue to escalate. The Kremlin confirmed that Putin welcomed Larijani, while Iran’s embassy in Moscow stated that the two discussed bilateral economic relations and key regional and international issues, though no further details were disclosed.

Russia’s state news agency RIA Novosti reported that the visit had not been announced in advance and that Moscow has offered to mediate between Washington and Tehran. The meeting comes amid heightened friction between the US and Iran, with US President Donald Trump recently announcing that a “massive armada” was moving toward Iran and urging Tehran to return to negotiations.

The undisclosed details of the discussions suggest that Moscow may be seeking a diplomatic role in easing regional tensions, though the immediate outcomes of the meeting remain unclear.

A murder case has been filed following the death of Jamaat-e-Islami leader Rezaul Karim during a clash between BNP and Jamaat supporters in Jhenaigati upazila of Sherpur. The case, lodged late Friday night by Karim’s wife Marzia Begum, names 234 accused and includes 400 to 500 unidentified individuals. Assistant Superintendent of Police Afsan Al Alam said the names of the accused are being withheld for investigative reasons, and police operations to arrest them are ongoing.

The incident occurred on Wednesday during a manifesto reading event organized by the upazila administration, where a dispute over seating escalated into violence between BNP and Jamaat activists. Rezaul Karim, secretary of Sherpur’s Sreebardi upazila Jamaat, was killed, and over a hundred people from both sides were injured. Several remain hospitalized, with two in critical condition.

In protest, Sherpur district Jamaat held a rally and demonstration on Friday, announcing a prayer event for the slain leader at Jhenaigati Upazila Stadium on Saturday.

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.