BNP Standing Committee member Salahuddin Ahmed has alleged irregularities and bias in the handling of postal ballots, claiming that the process favored a particular political party. He made the remarks on Thursday, January 15, after a meeting with the Election Commission (EC) secretary at the EC headquarters in Agargaon, Dhaka. Ahmed said complaints had emerged regarding the preparation, dispatch, and use of postal ballots, which he argued undermined the transparency of the electoral process.

He noted that this was Bangladesh’s first initiative to allow expatriates to exercise their voting rights, which might explain some procedural errors. However, he pointed to social media posts showing large numbers of ballots found in private homes, reports of ballot seizures, and instances of ballots being received by individuals other than the intended voters. Ahmed demanded clear explanations from the EC and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on how ballots were sent abroad, how expatriates were to vote, and who would be accountable for any irregularities.

The EC reportedly assured that it would review the issues and might provide an explanation later the same day.

Germany announced it will deploy troops to Greenland this week as part of a joint exploratory mission with other European nations. The move follows U.S. President Donald Trump’s threat to seize control of Greenland, according to a Reuters report. The German Defense Ministry said a 13-member Bundeswehr reconnaissance team will be stationed in Nuuk, Greenland’s capital, from Thursday at Denmark’s invitation.

Denmark’s Defense Ministry stated it is increasing its military presence in Greenland in close cooperation with NATO allies. Sweden and Norway also confirmed they will send military personnel to the region. The mission, running from Thursday to Saturday, aims to assess potential military contributions to support Denmark in ensuring regional security.

France, the European Union’s only nuclear power, has also confirmed troop deployment to Greenland. The decision came after a high-level meeting in Washington involving officials from the United States, Denmark, and Greenland.

Saudi Arabia’s ambassador to Bangladesh, Dr. Abdullah Zafar H. Bin Abiyah, paid a courtesy call on Home Adviser Lt. Gen. (Retd.) Md. Jahangir Alam Chowdhury at the Secretariat on Thursday. The meeting covered progress on issuing Bangladeshi passports to 69,000 displaced Rohingyas living in Saudi Arabia, manpower export, trade expansion, preparations for Bangladesh’s upcoming national election, and an invitation for Bangladesh to join the World Defense Show in Riyadh.

The adviser described Bangladesh and Saudi Arabia as close friends, noting the deep emotional and economic ties between the two nations through over 3.2 million Bangladeshi expatriate workers. He requested increased manpower recruitment from Bangladesh to further strengthen bilateral relations. The ambassador inquired about the Rohingya passport process, and the adviser said significant progress had been made, with special teams sent to accelerate the work despite low enrollment attendance.

The adviser also briefed the ambassador on election security preparations, including training for law enforcement and ongoing operations to recover illegal weapons. He declined to attend the February 2026 World Defense Show due to the national election but confirmed that Bangladesh would send a representative.

Professor Ali Riaz, special assistant to the chief adviser, called on citizens to vote 'Yes' in the upcoming referendum supporting the July Charter. Speaking as chief guest at an Imam Conference held at Chattogram District Stadium on Thursday, he said the charter was prepared through nine months of open discussions with political parties and aims to ensure accountability, judicial independence, and balanced governance. He emphasized that the referendum’s symbol is a tick mark and that it seeks public consent for the foundational document guiding the country’s future.

Riaz criticized past concentration of power in one individual’s hands and alleged misuse of presidential pardon powers and partisan appointments in key institutions such as the Election Commission and Anti-Corruption Commission. He said the July Charter proposes parliamentary reforms, including opposition leadership in three committees, financial transparency, and representation for smaller parties. He also rejected misinformation claiming the charter would remove references to religion or the 1971 Liberation War.

He urged religious leaders and citizens to campaign for the 'Yes' vote, asserting that the charter reflects the sacrifices of ordinary people and must not fail.

The Indian government has closed a medical college in Kashmir after right-wing Hindu groups protested the high number of Muslim students admitted. According to Al Jazeera, the National Medical Commission (NMC) on January 6 revoked the accreditation of Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Medical Institute in Reasi district, Jammu division. The college’s first MBBS batch, launched in November last year, had 50 students—42 of them Muslim, seven Hindu, and one Sikh. The institution was founded by a Hindu religious trust and partially funded by the government.

The protests began when news spread that most of the admitted students were Muslim. Hindu organizations demanded the cancellation of their admissions, arguing that the college was funded by donations from devotees of the Vaishno Devi temple. The agitation continued for weeks, with daily demonstrations outside the college gates. Several lawmakers from the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party also urged the Kashmir Lieutenant Governor to restrict admissions to Hindu students only.

The NMC cited faculty shortages, low hospital bed usage, and inadequate facilities as reasons for the withdrawal of approval. Critics described the closure as a capitulation to hardline Hindu groups.

Jamaat-e-Islami nominated candidate Masum Mostafa has regained his candidacy for the Netrakona-5 (Purbadhala) constituency after an appeal to the Election Commission. The decision was announced on Thursday, January 15, 2026, following a hearing at the Election Building auditorium in Agargaon, Dhaka, chaired by Chief Election Commissioner A M M Nasir Uddin with other commissioners present. Earlier, on January 4, the district returning officer and deputy commissioner Md. Saifur Rahman had canceled his nomination.

According to the district returning office, Masum Mostafa had provided incorrect information regarding a court verdict in his nomination papers, which led to the cancellation under election law. Masum stated that the error was unintentional and expressed gratitude to the Election Commission and his constituency voters after his appeal restored his candidacy.

Previously, the district returning officer had validated the nominations of BNP candidate Abu Taher Talukder and Islami Andolan Bangladesh candidate Nurul Islam for the same constituency, which has a total of 290,117 registered voters, including two from the third gender.

Nahid Islam, convener of the National Citizen Party (NCP), stated that the ongoing alliance process will move forward even if some members hold differing opinions. He made the remarks on Thursday at a press briefing following a meeting of top leaders from ten parties held at Jamaat’s central office in Moghbazar, Dhaka. The meeting was part of an eleven-party seat-sharing alliance aimed at contesting upcoming elections.

Nahid emphasized that the alliance carries political significance and reflects a shared aspiration for a competitive election. He said the coalition’s agenda focuses on reform, anti-corruption, and opposition to dominance, and that all members intend to participate in the election in a united manner. He also noted that although minor differences exist as the process evolves, these are being resolved through discussion.

He added that compromise means mutual cooperation among all parties and that alliance candidates will work in support of one another to strengthen democratic participation.

A group of European Parliament lawmakers has called for the immediate suspension of the approval process for a proposed US trade deal following comments by US President Donald Trump about taking control of Greenland. In a letter sent to European Parliament President Roberta Metsola and the Conference of Presidents, the lawmakers urged a halt to the deal, which involves several EU countries. The letter was made public by Danish lawmaker Per Clausen, who expressed hope that the Parliament’s leadership would respond swiftly.

According to Anadolu Agency, the lawmakers also asked the European Parliament to clearly inform the European Commission, EU Council, and Washington that the EU would not consider agreements with partners posing threats to its territorial integrity. The letter referenced recent statements by Trump and his administration expressing intent to “take” Greenland, describing such remarks as a threat to the international rules-based order. The lawmakers warned that rewarding such behavior would be worse than remaining silent.

The trade deal, which includes tariff adjustments and quotas for US goods, was agreed last summer between European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and Trump and is scheduled for full approval in February.

Bangladesh’s Law Adviser Dr. Asif Nazrul announced that the July Uprising Protection and Indemnity Determination Act has been approved. He made the statement on Thursday, January 15, 2026, during a press conference at the Foreign Service Academy auditorium. Nazrul said that any criminal cases related to political resistance during July and August will be withdrawn by the government, and no new cases will be filed. Authorities are also reviewing whether any cases exist against participants in the July uprising.

Earlier, on January 8, Nazrul had posted on Facebook that the draft of the indemnity ordinance had been finalized. He explained that the initiative aims to protect the heroes of the July revolution from associates of the former fascist government and to recognize their resistance activities. He argued that such legislation is lawful and internationally recognized, citing examples from the Arab Spring and other revolutions.

Nazrul further stated that Article 46 of the Bangladesh Constitution provides clear legitimacy for indemnity laws, recalling that a similar law was enacted in 1973 to protect freedom fighters after the Liberation War.

A Dhaka court has directed the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) to carry out further investigation into the murder case of Inkilab Moncho spokesperson Shahid Sharif Osman Bin Hadi and to submit its report by January 20. The order was issued on Thursday, January 15, by Additional Chief Metropolitan Magistrate Joshita Islam. According to DMP Prosecution Division DC Mia Mohammad Ashis Bin Hasan, the court instructed CID to re-investigate and file the report within the specified deadline.

Earlier, on January 6, the Detective Branch (DB) police submitted a charge sheet naming 17 accused in the case. However, Inkilab Moncho expressed dissatisfaction with the DB’s report. During Monday’s hearing, Abdullah Al Jaber requested two additional days to review the charge sheet, which the court granted, setting Thursday for its acceptance.

On the same day, the complainant filed a petition expressing discontent with the DB’s charge sheet. Advocate Mostafizur Rahman Mukul represented the complainant during the hearing.

Police in Dhaka’s Badda area have arrested four individuals in connection with the murder of Nazmul Haque Niaz, who was killed in his home between 6 p.m. and 11 p.m. on December 29, 2025. The suspects—Sifat Hossain (21), Sakib Al Hasan (19), Rayan (20), and Nayon Pramanik (21)—were detained in separate operations in Gazipur and Moghbazar on January 14, 2026. Authorities recovered a television, a mobile phone, and clothing used during the crime.

According to Badda police, Niaz first met a man named Alif through a banned gay app, who later introduced him to Sifat and Sakib. The suspects reportedly visited Niaz’s home multiple times, used drugs, and developed a physical relationship. When they needed money for personal expenses, they planned to extort Niaz. On December 29, they bought a knife, and Sifat fatally attacked Niaz after he became semi-conscious. The group then fled with two Samsung phones, a television, and a wallet.

Dhaka Metropolitan Police’s media division confirmed the arrests and recovery of evidence following the investigation.

A 4.2-magnitude earthquake struck southern Israel on Thursday morning, with tremors felt across the central and northern regions. The quake occurred around 9 a.m. local time, prompting authorities to issue an alert for the Dead Sea area. According to officials and residents, the shaking was noticeable in several parts of central Israel, though no injuries or property damage were reported.

The Home Front Command confirmed that its automatic alert system was activated following the quake, leading to precautionary warnings in parts of the Dead Sea region. The incident was reported by local media outlets including the Times of Israel and Ynet News.

Authorities have not indicated any further risk, but the alert remains in effect for the Dead Sea area as a safety measure.

Bangladesh’s Criminal Investigation Department (CID) has uncovered a major racket involved in stealing and selling confidential national identity (NID) data. Two Election Commission employees—a computer operator and a data entry operator—were arrested in Dhaka on January 14 and 15, 2026. They allegedly used secret login credentials to access and sell sensitive citizen information through social media, earning over ten million taka monthly.

Investigators found that data entry operator Md Alamin shared his high-level access ID and password with computer operator Md Habibullah in exchange for weekly payments. Habibullah then sold NID records online for 200 to 300 taka each. An internal Election Commission probe revealed that 112,150 NID records were accessed in one week and 365,608 in a month, generating an estimated 110 million taka. The suspects admitted to using OTP transfers to enter the main server and selling data for profit.

A case has been filed under the Cyber Security Act and the National Identity Registration Act at Paltan Model Police Station. CID’s Cyber Police Center is currently investigating the case.

A Venezuelan man was shot and killed by a federal immigration officer in Minneapolis on Wednesday, according to city officials who confirmed the incident and urged residents to remain calm. The shooting occurred just a week after another fatal encounter involving federal agents and a U.S. woman, reigniting public tension in the city.

Officials from Minneapolis stated on social media that they understood the public’s anger and concern, while again calling for Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) to leave the city and state. The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) confirmed the shooting, saying the Venezuelan man, described as an undocumented immigrant, was targeted during a traffic stop and allegedly resisted arrest. TRT World reported that two individuals from a nearby apartment attacked an officer with a snow shovel and broom handle during the incident.

DHS said the officer fired a defensive shot to protect his life, hitting the man in the leg; he later died. Several elected officials from Minneapolis and Minnesota condemned the actions of ICE and other federal agents under DHS following the incident.

The Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) has proposed that both general and postal votes be conducted using the same ballot paper in the upcoming national election and referendum. The proposal was presented on Thursday, January 15, 2026, following a meeting between BNP leaders and Chief Election Commissioner A M M Nasir Uddin. BNP Standing Committee member Salahuddin Ahmed led the delegation, which included party advisers and legal experts.

During the meeting, BNP raised several legal and code-of-conduct issues and expressed concerns about irregularities in the distribution of postal ballots sent to expatriates. Salahuddin Ahmed said that videos circulating on social media show large numbers of postal ballots being found or seized in different locations, suggesting possible irregularities. He noted that this is the first time expatriate voting is being implemented and called for explanations from those responsible for preparing and sending the ballots.

BNP also alleged that actions appeared to favor a particular political party and urged the Election Commission and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to clarify how ballots were distributed and to address the reported irregularities.