The Chittagong Port Authority has warned of strict legal action against employees who oppose a recent High Court ruling allowing the appointment of a foreign operator at the port’s New Mooring Container Terminal (NCT). The warning was issued on Friday through an office order signed by Director (Administration) Omar Faruk, following reports that some port officials and workers had staged demonstrations and made negative comments against the court’s decision.

According to the authority, the High Court delivered its verdict on January 29, confirming that there is no legal barrier to appointing a foreign operator for the NCT project. In response, several workers and employees organized protest marches and group gatherings in various areas of the port, which the authority described as a direct violation of service regulations. Officials stated that previous warnings had been issued, and this latest notice serves as a final caution.

The dispute over the appointment of a foreign operator has caused months of tension within and outside the port. Following the court’s decision, labor groups including the Nationalist Workers Party and the Sramik Karmachari Oikya Parishad (SKOP) announced plans to halt all operational activities at the port on Saturday and Sunday.

Pakistan’s military said 41 militants were killed in two separate intelligence-based operations in Balochistan, reaffirming its commitment to continue counterterrorism efforts. According to a statement issued by the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) on January 30, the operations were conducted on January 29 in different areas of the province. The ISPR claimed the militants were linked to groups called ‘Fitna al-Kharij’ and ‘Fitna al-Hindustan,’ allegedly supported by India.

In Harnai district, security forces launched an operation after receiving intelligence about the presence of ‘Fitna al-Kharij’ members, killing 30 militants and seizing large quantities of weapons and explosives. Another operation in Panjgur district destroyed a hideout of ‘Fitna al-Hindustan,’ killing 11 militants and recovering weapons, ammunition, and money allegedly stolen during a 2025 bank robbery. The military said sanitization operations were ongoing to ensure no other militants remained in the area.

The ISPR added that under the “Azm-e-Istehkam” vision, Pakistan’s security and law enforcement agencies would continue full-scale operations to eliminate foreign-backed terrorism. It also noted that cross-border attacks have increased since the Taliban’s return to power in Afghanistan in 2021.

More than fifty leaders and activists from the Ganadhikar Parishad, including central and district-level figures, have joined Jamaat-e-Islami in Rajapur upazila of Jhalakathi. The formal joining took place on Friday during a courtyard meeting organized by the Shuktagar Union in support of the party’s electoral symbol, the balance scale. Prominent among the new members are Md. Abdul Hamid, joint convener of Ganadhikar Parishad’s Rajapur unit, and Engineer Al-Amin, joint general secretary of the central committee of the Labour Rights Council and president of its Jhalakathi district branch.

The event was attended by Dr. Fayzul Haque, Jamaat-e-Islami’s nominated candidate for the Jhalakathi-1 (Rajapur-Kathalia) constituency, along with district Ameer Advocate Hafizur Rahman, Advocate Shah Alam, and local leaders from the NCP and the 11-party alliance. Speakers at the meeting said they joined Jamaat-e-Islami to work for Islamic ideals and national welfare, expressing hope that the party would play a key role in promoting moral and principled leadership in future politics.

Jamaat-e-Islami leaders welcomed the new members and called for unity to strengthen the organization further.

Abdul Hannan Masud, the central senior joint chief coordinator of the National Congress Party (NCP) and the 11-party alliance candidate for Noakhali-6 (Hatiya), has threatened to withdraw from the election if attackers who allegedly assaulted his supporters are not arrested within two hours. He made the statement on Friday, January 30, at a press briefing in a convention hall in Noakhali, accusing armed assailants of injuring 8–10 of his supporters and throwing them into a river during a ferry inauguration event at Nalchira Ghat earlier in the day.

Masud demanded immediate arrests of the identified attackers and warned of tougher actions, including surrounding the local police station, if authorities fail to act. He said that despite repeated appeals, the administration has not provided any remedy. He also stated that his participation in the election would depend on whether the government takes action against the armed groups.

Earlier, a video of a chase and counter-chase between Masud’s supporters and a group of youths at the ferry terminal went viral, with Masud claiming that his supporters were injured in the incident.

BNP Chairperson Tarique Rahman visited the grave of Begum Rokeya University student Abu Sayeed, who was killed during the July movement. The visit took place on Friday evening at Jafarpur Babonpur village in Pirganj, Rangpur. After offering prayers at the grave, Rahman spoke with members of Abu Sayeed’s family. Senior BNP leader AZM Zahid Hossain and other district leaders were also present during the visit.

Following the visit, AZM Zahid Hossain told reporters that Tarique Rahman prayed for the departed soul of Abu Sayeed, referring to him as a martyr of the July student uprising. Abu Sayeed, a student of the English Department’s 12th batch at Begum Rokeya University, was shot dead on July 16, 2024, during the quota reform movement near the university’s Park intersection. He was buried the next day at his family home in the same village.

The visit highlighted BNP’s continued engagement with families affected by the July movement and its remembrance of those killed during the protests.

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.