Following the announcement of the 13th parliamentary election schedule, Thakurgaon has become one of northern Bangladesh’s most discussed constituencies due to the absence of the Awami League. Candidates from the BNP, Jamaat-e-Islami, and several smaller parties are campaigning actively, with particular focus on attracting young and minority voters.

In Thakurgaon-1, BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir is the most prominent candidate, while Jamaat’s Maulana Delwar Hossain is promising a corruption-free society. The seat, once dominated by the Awami League, now features 480,609 voters, including about 119,000 minorities and 192,567 new voters, making youth and Hindu voters decisive. In Thakurgaon-2, BNP’s Dr. Abdus Salam, Jamaat’s Maulana Abdul Hakim, and Ganadhikar Parishad’s Faruk Hasan are leading an intense race. Thakurgaon-3 has turned into a three-way contest among BNP’s Zahidur Rahman, Jamaat’s Mizanur Rahman, and Jatiya Party’s Hafizuddin Ahmed.

Observers note that the absence of the Awami League has reshaped local political dynamics, with youth and minority participation expected to significantly influence the final outcome.

U.S. President Donald Trump has announced a 10 percent tariff on imports from eight European countries, citing their opposition to his position on Greenland. The affected nations are the United Kingdom, Germany, France, Denmark, Norway, Sweden, the Netherlands, and Finland. The tariffs will take effect on February 1, with plans to raise the rate to 25 percent on June 1. Trump made the announcement on his social media platform Truth Social on Saturday.

In his post, Trump claimed that it is time for Denmark to “return” Greenland and argued that the current situation poses a threat to world peace. He alleged that China seeks to take over Greenland and that Denmark is incapable of responding effectively. Trump also accused the European countries of playing a “very dangerous game” in Greenland and said strong measures are needed to end the situation quickly.

During a White House meeting on Friday, Trump reiterated that any country disagreeing with his stance on Greenland could face tariffs, emphasizing the island’s strategic importance to U.S. national security.

Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni has secured a seventh term in office after winning the national election with about 72 percent of the vote, according to the country’s election commission. The 81-year-old leader was officially declared the winner on Saturday in Kampala, defeating his main challenger, pop star-turned-politician Bobi Wine, who received 24 percent. This victory extends Museveni’s rule into its fifth decade.

The election took place amid allegations of violence and vote rigging. Analysts said the result further consolidates Museveni’s political dominance, especially as speculation continues over his eventual successor. Bobi Wine rejected the results, alleging widespread fraud, and called on his supporters to protest. During the vote, the government shut down internet access, citing the need to curb misinformation. Wine later claimed soldiers raided his home and that he fled to avoid arrest, with sources saying he remains in hiding within the country.

Reports of post-election violence emerged across Uganda. Police said they fired in self-defense against opposition “criminals,” killing seven people, though a local lawmaker disputed this, alleging security forces killed at least ten at his residence.

Leaders and activists of Hefazat-e-Islam Bangladesh have become divided into at least four factions over their stance on the upcoming 13th national election. Although the organization identifies itself as non-political, many of its senior figures are contesting the election under different political alliances, while others have taken public positions for or against certain parties. Some leaders, including the Amir and Secretary General, have voiced opposition to Jamaat-e-Islami, sparking controversy within religious circles.

According to the report, Hefazat was founded in 2010 as a non-political platform of Qawmi madrasa teachers to counter anti-Islamic activities. Despite its stated neutrality, its leaders have historically maintained informal ties with various political parties. In the current election, some Hefazat-linked leaders are aligned with the BNP-led alliance, while others support the Jamaat-led bloc. Meanwhile, a large portion of Qawmi scholars remain politically inactive or silent.

The internal division has caused unease among Hefazat’s followers and the broader Qawmi community. Organizational leaders insist that any political involvement is personal, not institutional, though the practical situation appears more complex.

Bangladesh Police have identified 6,748 polling centers across the country as vulnerable ahead of the upcoming national election. The centers were marked due to factors such as the influence of muscle power, long distances from police stations, remote locations, leftist extremist presence, dominance of specific political parties, poor communication systems, and inactive community policing. The list includes districts from Dhaka Division and the southern region. Inspector General of Police Baharul Alam stated that standard security measures will be maintained around these centers.

According to senior police officials, 2,115 centers in 13 districts of Dhaka Division and 813 in 11 districts of Chattogram Division are considered risky. In Dhaka Metropolitan Police areas, 853 of 2,131 centers are vulnerable. Police have begun reconnaissance and listed potential influencers in these areas. Around 150,000 officers are being trained, and body-worn cameras will be used to ensure transparency. Law enforcement agencies, including the army, BGB, RAB, Ansar, and Coast Guard, will assist in maintaining order.

Police have also activated cyber teams to counter election-related rumors on social media and are working to recover 1,340 missing weapons viewed as a threat to fair polling.

A banned organization, Chhatra League, held a flash procession on the busy Dhaka–Mymensingh Highway in Sreepur upazila of Gazipur on Saturday, January 17. The event took place around 3 p.m. in front of Pushpadam Resort under the banner reading “Boycott elections without the boat symbol.” About fifty activists reportedly participated, following instructions from Gazipur district Chhatra League president Sultan Md. Sirajul Islam. Video footage circulating on social media showed Sreepur upazila Chhatra League joint convener Sohel Sarkar leading the procession.

Authorities and observers described the act as a clear violation of the government ban on the organization. According to existing law, any rally or political activity under the name of a banned group is illegal. The incident raised concerns about law enforcement and administrative oversight in the area.

Sreepur police officer-in-charge Mohammad Nasir Ahmed said the location might not fall under his station’s jurisdiction and that conflicting information about time and place was being verified. Observers warned that continued public activities by banned groups could threaten law and order and undermine state authority if not addressed promptly.

Four teenagers were detained after allegedly throwing stones at a moving train near Mobarakganj Railway Station in Kaliganj, Jhenaidah, on Saturday around 5:30 p.m. Local residents and railway authorities caught them on the spot after the incident. The stones reportedly damaged the window glass of the Rupsha Express, which was traveling from Chilahati to Khulna.

According to railway officials, train staff immediately informed authorities after the attack, prompting the train to stop and the suspects to be apprehended. The detained teenagers were identified as Shakib Hossain, Foysal Ahmed, Nikunja, and Tanvir Hasan, all residents of Kaliganj town. Station Master Shahjahan Sheikh stated that the Government Railway Police (GRP) took the four into custody and transported them toward Khulna Railway Station.

Railway police confirmed that legal proceedings are underway against the detainees. Although the incident caused brief panic among passengers, officials said the situation was quickly brought under control through prompt action.

Veteran editor and writer Shafik Rehman said journalists are often labeled as agents due to the culture of political allegiance shifts. He made the remarks on January 17 at the Media Conclave 2026 held at the Krishibid Institute in Dhaka, jointly organized by the Newspaper Owners’ Association of Bangladesh (NOAB) and the Editors’ Council. Rehman emphasized that journalists should uphold positive values and proposed forming a Newspaper Standards Committee to ensure news quality. He also noted that journalists with additional professional skills can work more independently.

Media Reform Commission chief Kamal Ahmed criticized the government for failing to enact the promised Journalist Protection Act despite prior commitments by two former information advisers. Editors’ Council president Nurul Kabir stressed the importance of maintaining diversity of opinion and warned against attempts to undermine democratic values. Prothom Alo editor Matiur Rahman called for unity among journalists, while Daily Star editor Mahfuz Anam highlighted journalism’s role in democracy and social service.

Leaders from NOAB, the Editors’ Council, and various journalist associations across Bangladesh attended the event, underscoring a collective call for ethical and independent journalism.

The Department of Disaster Management (DDM) has cancelled work orders for three bridge and culvert construction projects in Osmaninagar upazila of Sylhet after the contractor failed to start work within the stipulated time. The same contractor, Messrs Fahad Construction of Amberkhana, Sylhet, had been awarded a single tender covering five structures across Osmaninagar and Bishwanath upazilas, but only began work on two culverts in Bishwanath. The DDM also decided to forfeit the contractor’s security deposit and take necessary legal action.

According to a letter signed by Project Director and Joint Secretary Md Parvezul Islam, the project period runs until 30 June 2026, and all construction must be completed within that time to qualify for payment. Despite repeated requests, including a final notice to begin work by 31 December 2025, no progress was made in Osmaninagar. The DDM deemed this a clear violation of contract terms and issued cancellation notices to relevant authorities.

Local officials confirmed that recommendations have been sent to the ministry to formalize the cancellation process, while the contractor’s local representative cited internal management issues for the delay.

The final day of campaigning for the Shahjalal University of Science and Technology (SUST) Central Student Union (SACSU) and hall union elections took place on January 18, 2026. With the university closed, candidates focused their last efforts on reaching voters in residential halls and messes. According to the election schedule, voting will be held on January 20 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., and all campaigning must end by 10 p.m. on January 18 in line with election conduct rules.

Candidates complained that an Election Commission circular issued on January 12 disrupted their campaigns for three days, particularly affecting independent candidates who lack party support. Some requested an extension of the campaign period, arguing that limited time and campus closure hindered their outreach. Vice President candidate Md Mostakim Billah from the “Combined SUSTian Unity” panel and independent General Secretary candidate Junaid Hasan both urged for more time.

However, SACSU Election Commission spokesperson Professor Dr. Md Nazrul Islam confirmed that no extension would be granted, citing national commission directives to avoid any violation of the election code. The upcoming vote marks the first SACSU election in nearly three decades.

Bangladesh drew 3-3 with Bhutan in their second match of the SAFF Women's Futsal Championship on Saturday at Nonthaburi Stadium in Bangkok. After a strong start to the tournament with a 3-1 win over India, Bangladesh stumbled early when Bhutan’s Deki Lajm scored in the fifth minute. Sumaiya Matsushima quickly equalized, but Bhutan regained the lead in the second half through two goals from Sonam Lhamo. Bangladesh fought back with goals from Sabina Khatun and Masura Parvin to secure a draw.

With this result, Bangladesh now have four points from two matches, while India lead the group with six points after defeating Nepal 8-1 on the same day. Bangladesh’s next match is scheduled for January 19 against Nepal.

Goalkeeper Jhili played a crucial role in keeping Bangladesh in the game, making several key saves that prevented Bhutan from taking the win. The draw keeps Bangladesh in contention for the next stage of the tournament.

Senior officials in the administration of US President Donald Trump have criticized Canada’s decision to permit imports of up to 49,000 Chinese electric vehicles (EVs) under a new trade deal with Beijing. Speaking at a Ford factory event in Ohio, US Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy said Canada would regret the move, while Trade Representative Jamieson Greer confirmed that the vehicles would not be allowed into the United States. The Canadian Embassy in Washington did not immediately comment.

The decision follows Canada’s earlier 2024 imposition of 100 percent tariffs on Chinese EVs, mirroring US duties. However, Prime Minister Mark Carney’s new agreement reduces tariffs to 6.1 percent on most-favoured-nation terms. The deal also includes China lowering tariffs on Canadian canola seed to about 15 percent by March 1. US officials expressed concern that the policy could give China a stronger foothold in North America despite Washington’s tougher stance on Canadian vehicles and parts.

Greer noted that new US cybersecurity rules for internet-connected vehicles, effective January 2025, would make it difficult for Chinese cars to enter the American market. Lawmakers from both parties, including Ohio Senator Bernie Moreno, voiced strong opposition to Chinese vehicles being sold in the US.

Canada and China have reached an initial trade agreement to reduce tariffs on electric vehicles and canola, Prime Minister Mark Carney announced during his visit to Beijing on Friday. The deal marks the first visit by a Canadian prime minister to China since 2017 and aims to rebuild ties after years of strained relations. Canada will allow up to 49,000 Chinese electric vehicles at a 6.1 percent tariff, compared with the 100 percent rate imposed by former Prime Minister Justin Trudeau in 2024. China, in turn, will lower tariffs on Canadian canola seed to about 15 percent by March 1, down from 84 percent, and remove anti-discrimination tariffs on other Canadian agricultural and seafood products.

Carney said the agreement would unlock nearly $3 billion in export orders for Canadian farmers and fishers and attract Chinese investment into Canada’s auto and clean energy sectors. Ontario Premier Doug Ford criticized the move, warning it could flood the market with cheap Chinese EVs without guaranteed domestic benefits. Both nations also pledged to restart high-level economic dialogue and strengthen cooperation in agriculture, energy, and green technology.

Analysts noted the deal could reshape the context of Sino-US rivalry, though Ottawa is not expected to shift away from its strategic alignment with Washington.

The Gambia’s case accusing Myanmar of committing genocide against its Rohingya Muslim minority opened this week at the International Court of Justice (ICJ). Attorney General Dawda A Jallow told judges that the Rohingya were “targeted for destruction” by Myanmar’s military, nearly a decade after an offensive forced about 750,000 people to flee to Bangladesh. The hearing marks the first time the ICJ is considering a genocide case brought by one country on behalf of another group. Rohingya refugees attended the opening session and are expected to testify in closed hearings, though no date has been set for a final ruling.

The Gambia filed the case in 2019 under the 1948 Genocide Convention, acting on behalf of the Organisation for Islamic Cooperation. The initiative was led by then–Attorney General Abubacarr Tambadou and has since gained support from seven countries, including Canada, Germany, and the United Kingdom. The case follows UN findings that Myanmar’s 2016–2017 military campaign showed “genocidal intent,” killing thousands and displacing hundreds of thousands. Myanmar denies the allegations, claiming it targeted armed groups. The ICJ’s decision could influence other genocide cases pending before the court.

The Gambia’s pursuit of justice is partly rooted in its own experience confronting past human rights abuses under former dictator Yahya Jammeh, according to former officials. The government’s engagement reflects a broader commitment to universal human rights and accountability.

A federal judge in Minnesota has ordered U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents deployed in the state to limit certain tactics used against protesters and observers. The injunction, issued by U.S. District Judge Kate Menendez, prohibits federal agents from arresting or detaining peaceful demonstrators or observers without reasonable suspicion of a crime or interference with law enforcement. It also bans the use of pepper spray, tear gas, or other crowd-control weapons against peaceful participants. The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has been given 72 hours to bring its Minneapolis operations into compliance.

The ruling follows heightened tensions after an ICE agent fatally shot Renee Nicole Good, a 37-year-old mother of three, during a neighborhood patrol organized by activists monitoring ICE activities. The decision marks a legal victory for local activists in Minneapolis, two weeks after the Trump administration deployed 2,000 immigration agents to the area, a number that has since grown to nearly 3,000. DHS has described the operation as the largest of its kind in U.S. history.

As protests continue, President Trump has threatened to invoke the Insurrection Act to deploy the military to manage unrest, though he stated there was no immediate need to do so.