Cricket analyst Yasef Imroz Ifaz has alleged that India has turned cricket into a political tool to advance regional agendas, claiming the sport is experiencing one of its darkest periods. He argued that the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) dominates nearly every aspect of the game, while many key branches of the International Cricket Council (ICC) are controlled by individuals of Indian origin, compromising the organization’s neutrality. Ifaz praised the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) for prioritizing national interest and resisting what he described as unfair pressure from the ICC to play in India despite security concerns.

The commentary links the current dispute to India’s initial security objections involving Bangladeshi player Mustafizur Rahman, which later reversed when Bangladesh raised similar concerns. Ifaz cited past incidents, including umpiring controversies and hostile fan behavior, as evidence of bias favoring India. He warned that India’s approach risks damaging long-standing Bangladesh–India relations and called for mutual respect between the two nations.

Ifaz suggested that Bangladesh’s recent political changes have led it to assert its sovereignty more strongly, urging India to adapt to this new reality.

Pakistani security and geopolitical analyst Ikram Sehgal has said that Bangladesh now holds a strategically vital position in South Asia and that India is in a more vulnerable security situation. Speaking in Islamabad at a meeting with a visiting Bangladeshi media delegation, he asserted that if Bangladesh strengthens its military capacity, India would think twice before taking any aggressive stance. Sehgal emphasized that Pakistan is ready to provide comprehensive assistance to Bangladesh, including military cooperation and training exchanges.

He proposed that future Dhaka-Islamabad relations could be built on the concept of “two countries, one nation,” though he acknowledged this would be challenging. Sehgal also highlighted the need to remove visa barriers, promote duty-free trade, and resolve pending bilateral issues. He expressed support for Bangladesh’s upcoming election and urged a return to democratic processes. Additionally, he criticized India’s role in obstructing SAARC’s effectiveness and called for renewed regional cooperation.

Separately, Pakistan’s National Database and Registration Authority (NADRA) offered technical assistance to Bangladesh to enhance and secure its national database systems, citing concerns over data breaches and the importance of protecting sensitive information.

Electioneering for Bangladesh’s 13th parliamentary polls, scheduled for February 12, 2026, has intensified across the country, creating a festive mood in the political arena. Top leaders, party nominees, and independent candidates are actively touring their constituencies, seeking votes door-to-door. Despite the enthusiasm, verbal clashes and minor scuffles among rival supporters have been reported. Political analysts view the vibrant campaign as a positive sign, suggesting that earlier public doubts about the election have largely subsided.

BNP Chairperson Tarique Rahman launched his campaign from Sylhet, addressing rallies in seven districts over 16 hours, while Jamaat-e-Islami chief Dr. Shafiqur Rahman began his from Dhaka’s Mirpur before touring northern regions. Both leaders exchanged indirect barbs in their speeches. Other parties, including the Communist Party of Bangladesh and Islami Andolon Bangladesh, also began their campaigns. Analysts noted that enthusiasm for the concurrent referendum on the July National Charter remains low compared to the parliamentary race.

Experts urged all parties to keep rhetoric within healthy limits and avoid violence, emphasizing that the spirited campaigning could ensure a peaceful and participatory election.

Several Islamic scholars remain imprisoned under death sentences in the controversial Kotalipara bomb case, which involved the alleged recovery of a 76-kilogram explosive near a rally site of Sheikh Hasina in Gopalganj in July 2000. The first charge sheet did not include their names, but after the Awami League came to power in 2009, investigators added them to the case. In 2017, a speedy trial tribunal sentenced them to death, and in 2021 the High Court upheld the verdict.

Case documents show the convictions were based on a coerced confession from Mufti Hannan, later declared legally unreliable by a higher court. Lawyers and family members claim the scholars were falsely implicated for political reasons and remain in prison without final hearings. Human rights representatives described the case as part of a broader attempt to portray Islamic leaders as extremists.

The case files were sent to the High Court in 2017, but repeated bench reorganizations have delayed hearings. As a result, the convicted scholars continue to serve long prison terms while awaiting judicial review.

Venezuelan lawmakers have given preliminary approval to a proposal allowing private investment in the country’s oil sector, paving the way for major U.S. energy companies to return. The bill, approved in its first reading less than three weeks after former president Nicolás Maduro’s removal, would permit private firms to independently explore and extract oil. If passed in a second reading, it would significantly loosen decades of state control tightened under late socialist leader Hugo Chávez.

Acting President Delcy Rodríguez, formerly Maduro’s deputy, played a key role in advancing the bill and has moved to normalize relations with the United States. U.S. President Donald Trump praised Rodríguez’s leadership, noting that the U.S. is already receiving part of Venezuela’s oil. On the same day, Washington appointed Laura F. Dogu as its new chargé d’affaires in Caracas, marking a step toward restoring full diplomatic ties.

Analysts say the oil sector reform and renewed diplomatic engagement could strengthen relations between Venezuela and the United States after years of tension following the 2019 diplomatic break.

At least five people were killed and ten others injured in a suicide explosion at a wedding ceremony in Dera Ismail Khan, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province of Pakistan, on Friday night. Police said the blast occurred at the residence of a peace committee leader in the Qureshi Mor area. District Police Officer Sajjad Ahmed Sahibzada confirmed the explosion took place during the wedding of Noor Alam Mehsud’s family, when guests were dancing to drum beats. The intensity of the blast caused the roof to collapse, complicating rescue operations.

According to Rescue 1122 spokesperson Bilal Ahmed Faizi, five bodies and ten injured persons were recovered and taken to the district headquarters hospital, where an emergency was declared. Security forces cordoned off the area and launched an investigation. Preliminary information indicated that peace committee leader Wahidullah Mehsud, also known as Jigri Mehsud, was among the dead.

Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Sohel Afridi condemned the attack, ordered an immediate report from the provincial police chief, and directed that the perpetrators be swiftly identified and brought to justice. He also pledged full support for the families of the victims.

Global oil prices rose sharply on January 23, 2026, following reports that a large US naval fleet was moving toward Iran and after recent remarks by President Donald Trump. The West Texas Intermediate crude price climbed to nearly 60 dollars per barrel, while Brent crude futures increased by about 0.9 percent to 64.61 dollars. The developments triggered investor concerns over potential military escalation in the Middle East and possible disruptions to oil supply.

In a statement, President Trump confirmed that a powerful US fleet had departed for Iran but expressed hope that it would not need to be used. He also warned Tehran against targeting protesters or resuming its nuclear program. Unnamed US officials said the aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln and several guided missile destroyers could reach the region within days, with additional air defense systems under consideration to protect US bases.

Analysts attributed the price increase to geopolitical tensions and a weaker dollar. Although the International Energy Agency had forecast an oil supply surplus for 2026, Trump’s tougher stance has cast uncertainty over that outlook.

U.S. President Donald Trump has withdrawn Canada’s invitation to join the Board of Peace, formed under the interim administration of Gaza. The decision came after Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney criticized powerful nations during his speech at the World Economic Forum in Davos, accusing them of using economic ties as weapons and tariffs as tools of pressure. Within hours, Trump announced on Truth Social that Canada’s invitation had been revoked, adding that Canada “survives because of the United States.”

The Peace Board, led by Trump, includes Argentina, Bahrain, Morocco, Pakistan, and Turkey, while the United Kingdom, France, and Italy have not yet joined. Initially created to ensure a ceasefire in Gaza, the board’s mission has since expanded to address conflicts in other regions. Permanent membership requires a contribution of one billion dollars.

The United Nations Security Council approved the board’s formation as part of Trump’s Gaza peace plan. UN spokesperson Rolando Gomez stated that the organization’s engagement with the board will remain limited to the Gaza context.

Election Commissioner Md. Abdur Rahmanel Ma’sud has stated that the upcoming 13th National Parliament election and referendum will be completely free, fair, credible, and conducted with integrity. He made the remarks on Friday, January 23, during a meeting with polling officials at Sitakunda Degree College in Chattogram, emphasizing that the election will not be a mockery or whimsical exercise.

He said that past elections had been turned into a farce, which is undesirable, and stressed that the country is not a place for such mockery. The commissioner assured that the next election would be fair, correct, and trusted by the people. He also noted that blaming the patriotic police force for the actions of a few individuals was unjust and that such situations would not be allowed to recur.

The meeting, organized by the Sitakunda Upazila Administration and Election Office, was chaired by Chattogram Deputy Commissioner Mohammad Zahidul Islam Mia. Senior officials including the Divisional Commissioner, Regional Election Officer, and District Police Superintendent were present, and polling officials were urged to perform their duties with neutrality and professionalism.

Liberty Hospital in Paribagh, Dhaka, has been operating illegally for one and a half years after its registration and environmental clearance expired. The hospital, which began services in 2024, has reportedly conducted around 1,200 surgeries and treated thousands of patients despite lacking mandatory licenses. Allegations include tax evasion amounting to several crores of taka and unauthorized management by politically affiliated doctors expelled from Bangladesh Medical University (BMU) following the July uprising.

Director Zahidul Islam has filed a case in the High Court and appealed to multiple government agencies, including the Directorate General of Health Services and the National Board of Revenue, seeking action against the irregularities. The hospital’s managing director, Dr. Sheikh Muzammel Haque, acknowledged that renewals were delayed due to complications but claimed efforts were underway to update certifications.

Health authorities have stated that the matter will be investigated, particularly how the hospital continues to operate despite an earlier closure order from the Department of Environment. The situation raises questions about regulatory enforcement and accountability within the private healthcare sector.

India secured a commanding seven-wicket victory over New Zealand in the second T20 match held in Raipur, taking a 2-0 lead in the five-match series. Chasing a target of 209, India reached 209 for 3 in just 15.2 overs. Captain Suryakumar Yadav remained unbeaten on 82 runs off 37 balls, while Ishan Kishan contributed a powerful 76 off 32 deliveries. Their third-wicket partnership of 122 runs in 49 balls ensured a comfortable win for the hosts.

Earlier, New Zealand posted 208 for 6 in their 20 overs after being asked to bat first. Captain Mitchell Santner top-scored with an unbeaten 47, and Rachin Ravindra added 44 runs. For India, Kuldeep Yadav took two wickets for 35 runs. Despite the solid total, New Zealand’s bowlers struggled to contain India’s aggressive batting.

With this result, India extended their advantage in the five-match T20 series to 2-0, leaving New Zealand under pressure to stay alive in the remaining games.

Bangladesh is observing the International Day of Education 2026 today, Saturday, January 24. The United Nations General Assembly declared January 24 as the International Day of Education on December 3, 2018, recognizing education as the foundation of peace and development. Since then, the Bangladesh National Commission for UNESCO (BNCU) and UNESCO Dhaka have jointly celebrated the day each year. This year’s global theme is “The Power of Youth in Co-Creating Education.”

To mark the occasion, BNCU has organized a discussion and cultural program at 11 a.m. at the International Mother Language Institute auditorium in Segunbagicha, Dhaka. Education Adviser and BNCU Chairman Professor Dr. Chowdhury Rafiqul Abrar will attend as chief guest, with Rehana Parveen, Secretary of the Secondary and Higher Education Division, as special guest, and UNESCO Representative to Bangladesh Susan Vize as guest of honor. The event will be chaired by BNCU Deputy Secretary General Sabvina Monir Chithi.

Ahead of the celebration, a youth dialogue was held on January 20 at the same institute, where students from schools, colleges, madrasas, and universities shared their experiences and ideas on education.

The European Union has suspended the Generalized System of Preferences (GSP) benefits for most Indian exports, including apparel, textiles, plastics, and other major sectors. The decision took effect on January 1, 2026, following a regulation issued by the European Commission on September 25. The suspension will apply from January 1, 2025, to December 31, 2028, and also affects selected products from Indonesia and Kenya.

According to the Global Trade Research Initiative (GTRI), about 87 percent of Indian exports to the EU will now face full tariffs, with only 13 percent—mainly agricultural and leather goods—retaining GSP benefits. Previously, Indian goods enjoyed lower tariffs than the Most Favoured Nation (MFN) rate, but now full MFN duties will apply. For example, apparel tariffs will rise from 9.6 percent to 12 percent. The suspension covers key sectors such as minerals, chemicals, rubber, steel, machinery, and transport equipment.

GTRI’s Ajay Srivastava noted that despite ongoing India-EU free trade talks, exporters will face short-term challenges, compounded by the EU’s Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism. Export organizations warned that India’s competitiveness may decline compared to Bangladesh and Vietnam, whose exports still enjoy lower or zero tariffs in Europe.

A bank officer named Subir Biswas, aged 30, died after jumping from the roof of an eight-story building in Dhaka’s Badda area on Friday, January 23. The incident occurred at his sister Nipa Barai’s residence in Ekta Society. Subir was a cash officer at Janata Bank’s Siddhirganj branch in Narayanganj. Police confirmed that they recovered his body from in front of the building after receiving a call through the national emergency number. Following legal procedures, the body was sent to Dhaka Medical College Hospital morgue around 9 p.m.

According to Subir’s cousin Nirmal Barai, he had been visiting his sister’s home since January 17 or 18. The incident took place around 4:30 p.m. on Friday. Family members stated that they did not know why he took such an action. Subir was the elder of two brothers and the son of Sachin Biswas from Baungati village in Rajoir upazila of Madaripur.

Police have not yet disclosed any motive behind the incident, and the cause remains unknown.

Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen is set to visit Greenland’s capital, Nuuk, where she will meet with Greenland’s Prime Minister and other top leaders. The visit comes at a sensitive time following former U.S. President Donald Trump’s withdrawal of threats to take control of the Arctic island. According to AFP from Copenhagen, Frederiksen will travel to Nuuk after completing her Brussels trip, where she met NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte early Friday.

Earlier in the week, Rutte reportedly reached a verbal understanding with Trump in Davos regarding the Greenland issue. During their Brussels meeting, Rutte and Frederiksen agreed on the need to strengthen NATO’s activities to enhance security in the Arctic region. Following an agreement on a NATO “framework,” Trump reversed his earlier stance on Greenland.

Although details of the plan have not yet been disclosed, Trump has claimed that the United States achieved all its objectives and that the understanding will remain permanently effective.