European Union Ambassador to Bangladesh Michael Miller paid a courtesy call on Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer Dr. Shafiqur Rahman on Thursday morning at the party chief’s office in Bashundhara, Dhaka. The meeting began around 9:30 a.m., with EU Political First Secretary Sebastian Reiger-Brown accompanying the ambassador.

During the discussion, both sides exchanged views on issues of mutual interest between Bangladesh and the European Union. The upcoming national parliamentary election in Bangladesh and the importance of making democracy meaningful were highlighted as key topics. Both parties expressed optimism about maintaining mutual relations, development, and progress in the future.

Jamaat’s Assistant Secretary General and Head of the Central Publicity and Media Department Advocate Ehsanul Mahbub Jubayer and Foreign Affairs Adviser Professor Dr. Mahmudul Hasan were also present at the meeting.

The article recounts the life and struggle of Shahid Titumir, born Syed Nisar Ali Mir in 1781 in Chandpur village of Barasat, Bengal. A disciple of Syed Ahmad Shahid, Titumir led a major anti-British and anti-zamindar movement in the early nineteenth century. After returning from Hajj in 1827, he began social and religious reform in Haidarapur, attracting hundreds of followers who adopted distinct Islamic practices. His movement gained momentum among Muslim peasants, alarming local Hindu landlords who imposed discriminatory taxes such as the 'beard tax'. When peaceful appeals failed, Titumir organized armed resistance, establishing a bamboo fort at Narkelberia in 1831.

Titumir’s forces achieved early victories against British troops and local landlords, briefly controlling several villages in Barasat and Nadia. However, on 19 November 1831, a large British force defeated his followers in a decisive battle at Narkelberia. Titumir and many of his companions were killed, and their properties confiscated. Contemporary records suggest the movement began as a local reform effort but evolved into a broader rebellion against colonial and feudal oppression.

Historians later viewed Titumir’s uprising as a foundational episode in Bengal’s anti-colonial resistance, blending religious reform with socio-political mobilization.

Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer Dr. Shafiqur Rahman stated that Bangladesh would make a significant leap forward if extortion and corruption were stopped. He made the remarks on Thursday at an election rally in Karwan Bazar, Dhaka-12 constituency, in support of Jamaat-nominated parliamentary candidate Saiful Alam Khan Milon.

During his speech, Dr. Rahman emphasized the potential of the country’s youth, saying that no other nation has as many young people as Bangladesh. He described the youth as the architects of the nation’s future and said they should not be humiliated by being given unemployment allowances. Instead, he pledged to turn their hands into those of skilled workers.

The comments were made as part of Jamaat-e-Islami’s election campaign activities in Dhaka, focusing on anti-corruption and youth empowerment themes.

US Senator Marco Rubio commented on the uncertainty surrounding Iran’s leadership if Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei were to lose power. Speaking in the Senate shortly after President Donald Trump issued a new warning to Tehran, Rubio said it was unclear who would lead Iran in such a scenario. He cautioned that any forced regime change in Iran would be far more complex than the situation in Venezuela and noted that the aftermath of a government collapse would not have simple answers.

Rubio also mentioned that the United States might take preemptive defensive measures to protect its troops and allied facilities in the region if necessary, though he expressed hope that such a situation could be avoided. Meanwhile, Trump announced on social media that a large naval fleet was moving toward Iran and urged Tehran to return to negotiations to halt nuclear weapons development.

Iran rejected the US warnings, with Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi stating that no talks could occur under threats and warning of an immediate and strong response to any military action. Both sides have maintained their positions, with Washington seeking a nuclear deal and Tehran insisting on continuing peaceful nuclear activities.

Three people were killed and one injured in a Russian drone attack in southern Ukraine early Thursday, according to regional governor Ivan Fedorov. The governor of Zaporizhzhia said in a Telegram post that two women and one man died, while another man was wounded. He added that several houses were destroyed and fires broke out in multiple locations.

The attack occurred as Ukraine faces a series of deadly strikes across the country during harsh winter conditions, disrupting electricity supplies. The conflict, now nearing four years, has prompted renewed diplomatic efforts to reach a resolution. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said the next round of talks could take place on Sunday.

U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio stated that another meeting may happen this week, possibly with U.S. participation. Ukrainian authorities reported that at least 16 people were killed nationwide between Tuesday night and Wednesday morning in Russian attacks.

Jamaat-e-Islami has launched a multimedia bus campaign in support of its electoral symbol, the scale, ahead of Bangladesh’s upcoming 13th national election. The bus was formally inaugurated on Thursday morning in Mirpur by the party’s Ameer, Dr. Shafiqur Rahman. Operating under the slogan “Let’s build Bangladesh together,” the bus will be used for digital campaign activities across the capital.

During the inauguration, Dr. Rahman stated that the party seeks to build a just, humane, and safe society, emphasizing the need to transform Mirpur from an area once affected by violence into a secure community. He expressed hopes that if Jamaat forms the government, it will serve the people rather than rule over them, ensuring that everyone receives their due rights.

Senior Jamaat leaders, including central executive council member Mobarak Hossain, Dhaka-15 election director Abdur Rahman Musa, and national election committee member Saifullah Mansur, were present at the event.

An article published on January 29, 2026, revisits the 360th anniversary of Shaista Khan’s conquest of Chittagong, a decisive Mughal military campaign conducted between December 24, 1665, and January 27, 1666. The campaign, led by Shaista Khan’s son and chief commander Buzurg Umed Khan, began from Dhaka’s Lalbagh Fort and combined naval and land forces to capture Sandwip, advance through Jugidia, and finally cross the Feni River to launch the Chittagong assault. The four-day battle at the Karnaphuli River estuary ended with the defeat of the Arakanese forces and the expansion of Mughal control from northern to southern Chittagong.

The article contrasts this event with the concurrent Great Plague in England, describing 1665–1666 as Europe’s “Years of Wonder.” While England faced epidemic and war, Bengal witnessed the end of colonial disorder through Shaista Khan’s strategic victory. The conquest ended over a century of Portuguese and Arakanese dominance in Chittagong, restoring peace and stability to the region.

The piece highlights the campaign’s enduring recognition as a landmark in Bengal’s history for its tactical brilliance and its role in freeing the region from foreign control.

Protesters injured during Iran’s ongoing anti-government demonstrations are reportedly avoiding hospitals out of fear of arrest, instead seeking treatment secretly in private homes. Accounts from cities including Isfahan, Tehran, and Arak describe wounded demonstrators relying on sympathetic doctors, nurses, and volunteers for covert medical help. Health workers told the BBC that security forces are stationed in hospitals, prompting many to hide their injuries and avoid official medical records.

The Human Rights Activist News Agency (HRANA) reported confirming 6,301 deaths linked to the unrest, including 5,925 protesters and 112 children, while Iranian authorities claim over 3,100 deaths, mostly among security personnel and bystanders. The semi-official Tasnim agency cited the Health Ministry saying 13,000 surgeries have been performed during the protests and that about 3,000 people who initially avoided hospitals later sought treatment.

Human rights groups said doctors treating injured protesters have themselves become targets, with Iran Human Rights reporting at least five doctors and one volunteer arrested. Reports from Tehran and smaller towns indicate worsening conditions, shortages of medical supplies, and growing fear among both patients and healthcare workers.

Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami has formally requested the Election Commission not to include its party symbol, the 'scales', on the ballot paper for the Narsingdi-2 constituency in the upcoming national election. The request was made in a letter sent on January 23 to Chief Election Commissioner A M M Nasir Uddin, signed by Jamaat Secretary General Mia Golam Porwar. The party explained that although it had initially nominated its own candidate for the February 12 election, the seat was later allocated to National Citizen Party (NCP) candidate Md Golam Sarwar, also known as Sarwar Tushar, under a ten-party electoral alliance.

Jamaat stated that its nominated candidate could not withdraw his nomination papers in time, creating the possibility that the 'scales' symbol might still appear on the ballot. To prevent voter confusion and uphold the alliance agreement, the party urged the commission to remove its symbol from the constituency’s ballot paper. Sarwar Tushar said the move would help ensure that all alliance votes go to one candidate and strengthen internal unity.

The Election Commission has been asked to consider the request and take necessary action.

The United States cricket team suffered a major setback ahead of the 2026 T20 World Cup as star player Aaron Jones was temporarily suspended from all forms of cricket. The International Cricket Council (ICC) confirmed on January 28, 2026, that Jones faces five charges related to corruption and improper conduct. Most of the allegations stem from the 2023–24 Bim10 tournament held in Barbados under Cricket West Indies (CWI), while two charges involve international matches under ICC jurisdiction.

According to CWI, Jones allegedly attempted to influence match outcomes during specific moments of the tournament and failed to report suspicious approaches to authorities. The ICC stated that the American batter faces serious accusations, including concealing information about corrupt proposals and obstructing investigations by hiding or altering evidence. The case is part of a broader inquiry that may implicate additional individuals.

Jones has until February 11, 2026, to present his defense. Until the case is resolved, he remains barred from participating in any cricket activities. The 31-year-old has played 100 international matches for the United States and is a familiar face in T20 leagues.

The interim government has expressed deep concern over the death of a Jamaat-e-Islami leader in recent violence in Sherpur. In an official statement, the government described any loss of life linked to political unrest as unacceptable and deeply regrettable. The incident occurred on Wednesday in Sherpur-3 constituency during an election manifesto event, where a dispute over seating led to clashes between supporters of the BNP and Jamaat-e-Islami. The secretary of Jamaat’s Sreebardi upazila unit was killed, and around 50 people from both sides were injured.

The government urged all political parties, including the BNP and Jamaat-e-Islami, to exercise responsible leadership and patience with only two weeks remaining before the national election. It emphasized that violence, intimidation, and loss of life have no place in the democratic process. Police have launched an investigation into the Sherpur incident, and security in the district has been strengthened.

The statement reaffirmed the interim government’s commitment to ensuring a peaceful, free, and fair election, calling on all parties to respect the rule of law and engage voters constructively.

BNP candidate Shahjahan Chowdhury, contesting for the Cox’s Bazar-4 (Ukhiya-Teknaf) parliamentary seat under the paddy sheaf symbol, urged voters to support him for building a drug-free society, ensuring border security, and facilitating sustainable employment. He made the appeal on Wednesday afternoon at a roadside rally in Thaingkhali Station, Ukhiya, where the event was chaired by local BNP leader Rashid Ahmad.

In his speech, Shahjahan Chowdhury said Ukhiya-Teknaf has long suffered from drug trafficking, Rohingya issues, and terrorism, and that only a BNP government could bring lasting solutions. He pledged to strengthen law enforcement along the border, create jobs in tourism, fisheries, agriculture, and small industries, and establish another college if elected. He also condemned the recent shooting of two Bangladeshi fishermen by Myanmar’s Arakan Army and emphasized the state’s duty to protect citizens.

Chowdhury criticized the ruling Awami League for failing to resolve the Rohingya crisis and promised that a BNP government would intensify diplomatic efforts for safe and dignified repatriation while easing the social and economic strain on locals.

Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer Dr. Shafiqur Rahman said that the attack in Sherpur occurred due to a lack of trust in the people. He made the remark on Thursday morning while inaugurating the party’s election bus campaign. Earlier that morning, Dr. Rahman met with U.S. Ambassador to Bangladesh Brent T. Christensen at Jamaat’s office in Bashundhara, Dhaka.

In response to recent violence surrounding the upcoming 13th National Parliamentary Election, Jamaat-e-Islami announced an emergency press conference to protest incidents in Sherpur and other parts of the country. The briefing is scheduled for 12 p.m. at the party’s central office, where central leaders are expected to attend.

The developments come amid heightened political tension ahead of the national polls, with Jamaat positioning itself against what it describes as violence and distrust in the electoral process.

The United States has urged its citizens to reconsider travel plans to Pakistan due to heightened security concerns. On January 26, the US Department of State updated its travel advisory, placing Pakistan under Level 3, or “Reconsider Travel,” citing risks of crime, violence, terrorism, civil unrest, and kidnapping. The advisory was reported by Pakistani daily Dawn.

According to the statement, terrorist attacks in Pakistan may occur without warning, with potential targets including transport hubs, hotels, markets, shopping malls, military and security installations, airports, trains, educational institutions, hospitals, places of worship, tourist areas, and government buildings. Certain areas of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province have been classified as Level 4, or “Do Not Travel,” due to frequent incidents of targeted killings and kidnappings affecting both officials and civilians.

The advisory also warned that participating in unauthorized demonstrations in Pakistan is a punishable offense, noting that some US citizens have previously been detained for such activities. The Level 3 alert indicates serious security risks, while Level 4 represents the highest level of caution, advising against all travel.

China has executed 11 members of the notorious Ming family, who operated a large-scale fraud and gambling network in Myanmar. The executions followed a September verdict by a court in Zhejiang Province, which sentenced the group for crimes including murder, illegal detention, fraud, and running gambling dens. The family had managed a scam center in Laukkai, near the China-Myanmar border, and was extradited to China after being arrested by Myanmar authorities under Beijing’s pressure.

According to the court, the Ming family’s criminal operations between 2015 and 2023 generated over 10 billion yuan (about 1.4 billion dollars) and led to the deaths of 14 Chinese citizens, with many others injured. In total, 39 family members were convicted, with 11 receiving death sentences, 11 life imprisonment, and the rest prison terms ranging from 5 to 24 years.

The case highlights China’s ongoing crackdown on cross-border fraud networks that have trapped thousands of Chinese workers in Myanmar’s border regions.