BNP Chairperson Tarique Rahman has alleged that conspiracies are again being carried out over the upcoming election. Speaking as the chief guest at an election rally on Thursday night at Kuttapara playground in Sarail upazila of Brahmanbaria, he called on voters to perform the Fajr prayer in front of polling centers and then line up early to cast their votes. During the event, he introduced BNP and alliance candidates for Brahmanbaria’s six parliamentary constituencies.

Rahman claimed that ballot papers sent for expatriates had been seized by a particular party and warned that similar conspiracies were taking place inside the country. He urged voters to remain vigilant and to vote for the BNP’s symbol, the paddy sheaf. He also pledged development initiatives if elected, including introducing family cards for women and agricultural cards for farmers to provide fertilizer, seeds, and pesticides.

The rally was presided over by Brahmanbaria district BNP President Khaled Hossain Mahbub Shyamal, with several political figures attending as special guests.

Bangladesh Bank has initiated liquidation proceedings for nine non-bank financial institutions (NBFIs) due to severe irregularities and high default rates. Hearings have begun to assess the justification for liquidation. According to central bank sources, if the institutions are closed, the government will refund individual depositors, while institutional and interbank dues will be settled through asset sales. The nine NBFIs include FAS Finance, Bangladesh Industrial Finance Company, Premier Leasing, Fareast Finance, GSP Finance, Prime Finance, Aviva Finance, Peoples Leasing, and International Leasing.

These institutions have default rates between 75 and 98 percent, accounting for 52 percent of total NBFI defaults by the end of 2024. Allegations of large-scale financial misconduct, including embezzlement by former executives, have contributed to their collapse. The total deposits across the nine institutions amount to Tk 15,370 crore, of which Tk 3,493 crore are individual deposits to be repaid by the government.

Governor Ahsan H. Mansur stated that individual depositors will receive their principal amounts before Ramadan in February 2026, without interest. The government has verbally approved around Tk 5,000 crore for repayments, and asset valuation will determine any potential returns for shareholders.

The Civil Aviation Authority of Bangladesh (CAAB) has decided to move all chemical warehouses from the cargo house of Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport to a safer distance outside the terminal area. The decision follows a devastating fire last year that caused losses worth Tk 900 crore. To implement the relocation, a coordination meeting involving all relevant agencies has been called for January 24.

According to the source, multiple investigation reports submitted after the fire recommended relocating the chemical storage facilities to ensure safety. A CAAB-formed committee reviewed these reports and presented its findings, which were discussed in a meeting chaired by the CAAB chairman on December 4. The committee was instructed to identify two alternative sites for the warehouses and finalize proposals for their development.

Officials said storing hazardous cargo near passenger terminals violates international safety standards and poses risks to flight operations and human lives. The upcoming meeting will evaluate proposed sites based on safety, transport access, and compliance with global standards, aiming to strengthen overall airport safety and prevent future incidents.

Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan described the newly formed Gaza Peace Board as a historic opportunity to resolve the long-standing suffering of Palestinians and establish lasting peace. In a social media post on Thursday, he said the board would help meet Gaza’s humanitarian needs and lay the foundation for an inclusive and sustainable peace. Fidan emphasized that working alongside the people of Gaza could play a strong role in shaping the valley’s future and ensuring enduring stability.

Reaffirming Turkey’s position on Palestine, Fidan stated that a future is possible where the rights of Gaza’s people are protected and they can live in peace. The White House recently announced the creation of the Peace Board along with a national committee to oversee Gaza’s interim administration. The initiative, proposed by U.S. President Donald Trump, was adopted by the United Nations Security Council last November.

The Turkish minister’s remarks highlight Ankara’s continued engagement in regional peace efforts and its support for international mechanisms aimed at stabilizing Gaza.

Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer Dr. Shafiqur Rahman has begun a multi-district campaign tour in northern Bangladesh as part of the party’s election activities. On Friday, he is scheduled to address rallies in four districts—Panchagarh, Dinajpur, Thakurgaon, and Rangpur—starting from 11 a.m. after departing Dhaka by helicopter earlier in the morning. His program will continue on Saturday with visits to Gaibandha, Bogura, Sirajganj, and Pabna, followed by campaign events in Dhaka constituencies on Sunday.

Before departing from Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport, Dr. Rahman told reporters that the tour marks the beginning of Jamaat’s outreach outside Dhaka. He said the party aims to understand local concerns and promised justice-based development if given the opportunity to serve. He urged youth to take greater responsibility to ensure a fair and memorable election.

Dr. Rahman emphasized unity among patriotic and Islamic groups under the slogan “Let’s build Bangladesh together,” expressing hope for a peaceful and inclusive electoral process.

Government primary school teachers in several districts of Bangladesh have become actively involved in political activities, including participation in election campaigns ahead of the upcoming parliamentary polls. Despite the Government Servants (Discipline and Appeal) Rules, 2018, which strictly prohibit political involvement, many teachers are openly joining party programs and maintaining close ties with local political leaders, weakening administrative control and educational supervision.

Investigations revealed that teachers in Kurigram, Gopalganj, Faridpur, and Rajbari are participating in rallies and campaigns. Some have been suspended for making inappropriate comments on social media about senior officials. Field officers report that local political influence and pressure from teacher associations prevent them from taking disciplinary action. The situation has led to disruptions in teaching, exam boycotts, and even school closures.

Director General of the Directorate of Primary Education Abu Noor Mohammad Shamsuzzaman stated that 43 teachers have been transferred and over a hundred show-caused for misconduct. He confirmed that committees have been formed in every district to monitor teachers’ social media activities and that disciplinary hearings will follow for those found guilty.

Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) commander General Mohammad Pakpour has warned the United States and Israel against taking any action against Iran. In a statement broadcast on state television during Iran’s National Day, Pakpour said Iranian forces have their “finger on the trigger” and are fully prepared to follow the orders of the Supreme Commander-in-Chief. He urged Washington and Tel Aviv to learn from the experience of a 12-day imposed war against Iran.

Pakpour emphasized that lessons from past conflicts should deter the US and Israel from making what he called “wrong moves” that could lead to painful consequences. His remarks came amid heightened tensions following last June’s Israeli attack on Tehran, which targeted Iran’s nuclear and ballistic missile programs. The United States later joined Israel in that operation, and US President Trump has since kept open the option of further military action against Iran.

The warning underscores Iran’s continued military readiness and signals its intent to respond strongly to any renewed aggression by the US or Israel.

In a commentary published on January 23, 2026, senior journalist Anisur Rahman argued that India does not treat Bangladesh as a genuine friend and continues to seek control over Dhaka’s political direction. He claimed that India prefers a compliant government in Bangladesh and uses economic and political leverage to maintain dominance. Rahman urged policymakers to explore ways to reduce dependence on India in trade, water sharing, and other sectors, while strengthening national sovereignty.

The article emphasized that Bangladesh should prepare contingency plans to handle potential shifts in bilateral relations and rely on domestic think tanks to guide policy. Rahman cited examples of global institutions such as Brookings Institution, Chatham House, and SIPRI, suggesting that Bangladeshi think tanks like BIISS and BIDS could play a similar role in shaping national strategy. He also called for fostering self-reliance in sectors like IT and garments and for ensuring minority security to counter external influence.

The writer concluded that Bangladesh should maintain friendly relations with India only on the basis of mutual respect and sovereignty, while developing alternative partnerships if necessary.

The United Nations University Institute for Water, Environment and Health has warned that the world has entered an era of 'global water bankruptcy,' as freshwater reserves are being depleted faster than they can be replenished. The report highlights severe water crises already unfolding in cities such as Tehran and Kabul, as well as in many African and Asian countries where natural disasters have damaged sources of safe drinking water.

According to the report, 75 percent of the global population lives in countries where water is unsafe or severely insecure, and around two billion people reside in regions where groundwater levels have dropped so low that land subsidence is occurring. Researcher Professor Kaveh Madani noted that many human-made water supply systems have already reached post-crisis collapse, with several key systems effectively bankrupt. Climate change, melting glaciers, and extreme weather events are accelerating the problem by reducing water storage and intensifying droughts and floods.

The report warns that billions of people will be affected as the crisis deepens, though it remains unclear when the global water system might fully collapse.

Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer Dr. Shafiqur Rahman declared that his party will neither collect illegal levies nor allow extortion, vowing to build a fair and corruption-free Bangladesh. Speaking as the chief guest at an election rally on Thursday afternoon at Adarsha School field in Mirpur-10, Dhaka, he formally launched his campaign for the February 12 election. Rahman urged voters to support the 10-party alliance candidates and vote 'yes' in the referendum, describing the victory as one for the people, not any family or group.

He criticized the BNP’s promise of distributing financial cards, saying such measures would not solve families’ problems. Rahman called for ending all forms of unofficial taxation and extortion, asserting that justice and fairness are essential to eliminate inequality, corruption, and terrorism. He also condemned past election irregularities and authoritarian practices, urging young people to continue their struggle for justice and democracy.

The rally marked the start of Rahman’s four-day campaign program, after which he will tour northern districts before returning to Dhaka for further outreach on January 25.

Md. Shoaeb Mia, aged 55 and father of July martyr Hafiz Imran from Nasirnagar, was killed in a road accident on Thursday afternoon while traveling to attend a BNP rally led by acting chairman Tarique Rahman in Sarail, Brahmanbaria. He was riding a motorcycle with a local student leader toward the rally at Kuttapara playground when a truck collided with their vehicle near the Puitta Bridge area, killing him on the spot.

Following the accident, people heading to the rally chased the truck by motorcycle and captured it along with the driver in the Kunda area. Goalanagar Union Parishad Chairman Azharul Haque Chowdhury confirmed receiving news of the incident and said he was in contact with the victim’s family and local administration. Nasirnagar Police Station Officer-in-Charge Shahinul Islam verified the accident occurred within Sarail Police Station’s jurisdiction and stated that police were investigating and taking necessary legal action.

The death has cast a shadow of grief over the area, as Shoaeb Mia’s son Hafiz Imran had been killed in 2024 during anti-government protests, marking a second tragedy for the family within a year.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has agreed to participate in trilateral talks with the United States and Russia aimed at ending the ongoing war. The meeting will take place in the United Arab Emirates. Zelensky made the announcement after meeting US President Donald Trump in Davos, Switzerland, on Thursday, according to BBC reports. Trump said his meeting with Zelensky was excellent and confirmed that US Ambassador Steve Witkoff had traveled to Moscow to discuss the matter with Russian President Vladimir Putin.

Zelensky stated that the unresolved issue of land in eastern Ukraine remains the main obstacle to peace. Under a US proposal, Ukraine’s industrial Donbas region could become a demilitarized and free economic zone in exchange for security guarantees for Kyiv. Ukraine has offered to withdraw troops up to 40 kilometers from about 25 percent of the Donetsk region it controls, provided Russia takes similar steps. However, Russia’s reported desire to control the entire Donbas region remains a major challenge.

Zelensky emphasized that US involvement is essential to ensure Ukraine’s security after any peace agreement. He added that any deal would require approval from both the US Congress and Ukraine’s parliament.

A truck driver named Mukul Mia, accused in four drug cases, reportedly died in Rangpur after being arrested by police late Thursday night. His family alleged that he was tortured to death while in custody. According to his daughter, police officers led by Sub-Inspector Monirul Islam detained him from his home in the city’s Chikli Bhata area around 11:20 p.m., and within 20 minutes, the family was informed by Rangpur Medical College Hospital that he had died. Following the incident, relatives and local residents blocked the road at the city’s Medical Mor area until about 2 a.m., demanding justice for those involved.

Family members claimed that Mukul was healthy at the time of arrest but was later found at the hospital with sand covering his body, which they said indicated torture. Police, however, stated that Mukul became ill after his arrest and was taken to the hospital, where doctors declared him dead. The incident has sparked local outrage and calls for accountability against the officers allegedly responsible.

Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer Dr. Shafiqur Rahman has alleged that voters are being tempted with various benefit cards similar to the Tk 10 per kg rice scheme. Speaking to journalists at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport in Dhaka on Friday before leaving for an election campaign in northern Bangladesh, he questioned whether such offers violate the electoral code of conduct. He also suggested that artificial intelligence might be used to create false allegations against his party and rejected claims that Jamaat was involved in unethical campaign practices.

During the press briefing, Dr. Rahman criticized the state of the country over the past 54 years, citing institutional decay, rising debt, and youth unemployment. He urged all political actors to remain united for the national interest and to avoid influencing election results through dishonest means. He also thanked the government for enabling expatriate voting rights but expressed concern that postal ballots had not yet reached some areas.

He called on the Election Commission to ensure timely ballot delivery and urged citizens, especially youth, to uphold a fair and memorable election through responsible participation.

The Election Commission (EC) of Bangladesh has taken punitive action against candidates accused of violating the electoral code of conduct. Between January 4 and 20, a total of 59 cases were filed, and fines exceeding Tk 450,000 were imposed. EC officials confirmed that legal measures were taken to preserve the election environment, with 67 constituencies reporting the highest number of violations. The nationwide campaign officially began on Thursday and will continue until February 10.

According to EC data, from January 8 to 20, operations were conducted in 67 constituencies, resulting in 59 cases, fines totaling Tk 454,900, and several imprisonment orders. The Election Inquiry and Judicial Committees also reviewed 873 complaints, ordering poster removals, issuing show-cause notices, and imposing fines through summary trials. Candidates from multiple parties, including BNP, Jamaat-e-Islami, Islami Front, NCP, and Bangladesh Khelafat Majlis, were issued notices for early campaigning and misuse of party symbols.

The EC reiterated its commitment to ensuring free, fair, and impartial elections, warning that strict enforcement against legal breaches will continue and urging all candidates and supporters to comply with the code of conduct.