The European Union and South America’s Mercosur bloc have signed a major trade agreement in Asunción, Paraguay, on Saturday. The deal, reported by Turkey-based Hurriyet Daily News, brings together the EU’s 27 member states and Mercosur members Brazil, Argentina, Uruguay, and Paraguay, forming one of the world’s largest free trade zones. The signing follows nearly 25 years of complex negotiations.

The agreement is viewed as a significant message against the tariff threats and trade uncertainty associated with U.S. President Donald Trump’s administration. Trump recently threatened to impose tariffs of up to 25 percent on several European countries over the Greenland issue. During the signing ceremony, EU chief Ursula von der Leyen said the parties chose fair trade over tariffs and long-term partnership over isolation. Paraguayan President Santiago Peña described the deal as a clear message in favor of international trade amid global tensions, while European Council head Antonio Costa said it rejects the use of trade as a geopolitical weapon.

Leaders expressed hope that the agreement will generate employment, prosperity, and new opportunities across both regions.

US President Donald Trump plans to charge countries one billion dollars each to become permanent members of his proposed 'Board of Peace', according to a Bloomberg report. The draft charter states that Trump would serve as the board’s first chairman and hold veto power over membership decisions. Countries paying the full amount within the first year would secure permanent membership, while others would have three-year terms.

The draft charter argues that existing international structures have failed to maintain peace and calls for a more flexible and effective global peace organization. The language has raised concern that Trump may be attempting to create an alternative to the United Nations. The board is described as an international body aimed at ensuring stability, lawful governance, and sustainable peace in conflict-prone regions.

Trump has already invited several world leaders to join the board, including those from Egypt, Turkey, Argentina, and Canada. Egypt’s foreign minister said the proposal is under consideration, while a senior aide to Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney expressed interest in accepting the invitation.

The Ministry of Education has finalized the ordinance for establishing Dhaka Central University and sent the draft to the Cabinet Division for approval. Officials confirmed that the ordinance is expected to be placed before the advisory council meeting on Thursday for final approval. The ministry’s public relations officer, Khalid Mahmud, stated that all procedural steps have been completed, including consultations with relevant ministries, public feedback collection, and expert opinions.

The ministry emphasized that the ordinance reflects stakeholders’ expectations and aims to ensure quality education at undergraduate and postgraduate levels. It urged all parties to avoid activities that could cause public suffering or disrupt normal life, warning that instability could undermine the progress achieved. The ministry also assured that the new university will open a new chapter in Bangladesh’s higher education.

The initiative to form Dhaka Central University, comprising seven government colleges in Dhaka, followed student movements last year. After revisions and consultations, the final draft was submitted on January 13. Students have agreed to wait until Thursday for the advisory council’s decision.

Jamaat-e-Islami announced that it will soon finalize candidates for 47 parliamentary seats left vacant after Islami Andolan Bangladesh, led by the Pir of Charmonai, withdrew from the 11-party electoral alliance. The announcement was made by Jamaat’s Assistant Secretary General Ehsanul Mahbub Zubair at a press conference held at the party’s central office in Moghbazar on Sunday.

Ehsanul Mahbub stated that the 10 remaining parties in the alliance will finalize their candidates within a day or two and are also considering a joint election manifesto. Islami Andolan had earlier declared on January 16 that it would contest 268 constituencies independently, prompting the alliance to reorganize its candidate list.

He further said that the 10-party coalition’s election campaign will begin in Dhaka on January 22 and conclude by February 10. Commenting on a student organization’s sit-in near the Election Commission, he expressed hope that such activities would not disrupt the electoral process and that the commission would remain neutral during the national election.

Several candidates in Bangladesh’s 13th National Parliamentary Election have been disqualified for failing to properly renounce their foreign citizenship. The Election Commission received multiple appeals after returning officers issued inconsistent rulings on dual citizenship cases. Some candidates were accused of concealing their dual nationality in affidavits, while others claimed their nominations were unfairly rejected despite submitting required documents.

According to Bangladesh’s Constitution and Representation of the People Order, dual citizens may vote but cannot contest national elections unless they formally renounce foreign citizenship. Legal experts explained that only a final renunciation certificate from the foreign government is acceptable proof. The issue has affected candidates from parties including Jamaat-e-Islami, BNP, and NCP, with several appeals pending before the Election Commission.

Analysts noted that dual citizens remain eligible for local government elections, such as mayoral or council positions, creating debate over differing eligibility standards. The Election Commission is expected to announce its decision on the appeals soon, as the controversy raises broader questions about consistency in electoral law enforcement.

Intern doctors at Sylhet MAG Osmani Medical College Hospital, who had been on strike since Saturday morning, announced they will return to work at 8 a.m. Monday, January 19, following two rounds of meetings with hospital administration on Sunday. The decision came after assurances that their demands, including workplace safety and administrative support during untoward incidents, would be addressed.

Intern representative Mahmudul Hasan Sadik said the first meeting on Sunday morning was inconclusive, but a second meeting in the afternoon led to a mutual understanding. Hospital Director Brigadier General Umar Rashed Munir confirmed that discussions were held in detail and that the interns agreed to resume duties based on mutual consensus.

The hospital has formed a five-member investigation committee to probe the incident that triggered the strike and filed a general diary with Kotwali Model Police Station. The work stoppage began after a clash Friday night between interns and relatives of a patient in the surgery ward, which left four people injured and led to the detention of three attendants by police.

At least 5,000 people have been killed in ongoing anti-government protests and violence across Iran, according to the country's authorities. Among the dead are about 500 members of the security forces, a government official told Reuters. The official, who requested anonymity, blamed the deaths of 'innocent' Iranians on 'terrorists and armed rioters.' The most severe clashes and highest casualties reportedly occurred in the Kurdish-populated northwestern regions, where separatist groups are active.

The U.S.-based Human Rights Activists News Agency (HRANA) earlier reported a lower confirmed death toll of 3,308, with an additional 4,382 deaths still under verification. HRANA also stated that more than 24,000 people have been arrested during the unrest. The differing figures highlight the difficulty of obtaining accurate casualty data amid widespread violence and restricted information flow.

The situation remains tense, particularly in Kurdish areas, which have historically experienced intense unrest during periods of political instability.

Islami Andolan Bangladesh, led by the Pir of Charmonai, has confirmed that it will not return to the Jamaat-e-Islami-led 11-party electoral alliance. The party had earlier announced on January 16 that it would contest 268 constituencies independently. The clarification came from the party’s organizational secretary, Ifthekhar Mahmud Tarek, who stated that there is no possibility of rejoining the alliance and that the party will proceed with its own electoral symbol.

Following Islami Andolan’s withdrawal, Jamaat’s Secretary General Ahsan Mahbub Zubair said that high-level discussions were ongoing to bring the party back into the alliance. Asif Mahmud, chairman of the election management committee of another alliance member, the NCP, also expressed hope that Islami Andolan would rejoin. However, Tarek made it clear that the decision to contest alone was final and based on internal review and consensus.

The announcement ends speculation about Islami Andolan’s possible return to the alliance and sets the stage for its independent participation in the upcoming election.

Interim government legal adviser Asif Nazrul stated that substantial reforms have been implemented, countering claims that no progress has been made. Speaking on Sunday, January 18, 2026, at a policy dialogue titled “Judicial Independence and Rule of Law” organized by the Centre for Governance Studies (CGS) at the CIRDAP auditorium in Dhaka, he said that while expectations were high, at least four out of ten reform goals had been achieved. However, he admitted that police reform had not advanced as intended.

Nazrul emphasized that extensive consultations were held during the reform process, comparable to those during the drafting of the 1972 Constitution. He argued that judicial appointments should not depend on slogans and that the higher judiciary also requires internal reform. He added that all necessary laws for judicial independence have been enacted, but establishing the rule of law may take another five to ten years.

He concluded that the reform process is ongoing and that if future elected governments continue this trajectory, citizens will eventually benefit from the reforms.

Bangladesh’s interim government and Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus have publicly endorsed a ‘Yes’ vote in the upcoming referendum on institutional reforms. Following criticism that such support could compromise the administration’s neutrality, the Chief Adviser’s press wing issued a clarification on January 18, 2026. It stated that the endorsement aligns with the government’s reform mandate and democratic accountability, arguing that silence in a national crisis would signal a lack of leadership rather than neutrality.

The clarification explained that the interim government was formed after a mass uprising to restore stability and democratic credibility, not merely to manage daily affairs or hold elections. The reform package, developed through consultations with political parties, civil society, professionals, and youth over the past eighteen months, reflects this mission. The press wing added that international democratic practices allow government leaders to take positions on major constitutional or institutional changes.

It further emphasized that the referendum’s legitimacy depends on voters’ freedom to decide, not on leaders’ silence. The interim government has no electoral interest in the outcome, and its outreach aims to clarify reform issues and counter misinformation, ensuring informed public participation.

Russia has issued a sharp warning to European countries following U.S. President Donald Trump’s announcement of new tariffs on eight European nations amid tensions over Greenland. On Saturday, Kirill Dmitriev, the Russian president’s special envoy and head of the Russian Direct Investment Fund, said Europe should not “provoke their father.” His comments came after Trump declared a 10 percent tariff on imports from the United Kingdom, Denmark, France, Germany, Finland, the Netherlands, Norway, and Sweden, citing national security concerns linked to Greenland.

According to Dmitriev, the tariffs were imposed in response to European military involvement in Greenland, claiming that roughly one percent duty was applied per soldier sent. Trump stated that the tariffs would take effect on February 1 and rise to 25 percent on June 1, remaining in place until a full agreement is reached over the “complete purchase” of Greenland. He argued that U.S. control of the Arctic territory is essential for national security.

The dispute underscores renewed geopolitical friction over Greenland’s strategic importance, drawing in both European and Russian commentary following Washington’s tariff escalation.

The Ministry of Religious Affairs has released a list of 80 vaccination centers across Bangladesh for this year’s Hajj pilgrims. According to a notice issued on Saturday, pilgrims who have passed the required health examinations will receive meningitis and influenza vaccines at these designated centers. The ministry stated that vaccination dates will be communicated later via SMS to each pilgrim’s mobile phone. Pilgrims must bring a printed copy of their e-health profile from the Hajj portal when receiving the vaccine.

The list includes civil surgeon offices in all districts except Dhaka, and major hospitals such as Dhaka Medical College Hospital, Sir Salimullah Medical College and Mitford Hospital, Shaheed Suhrawardy Medical College Hospital, Kurmitola General Hospital, and others. Outside Dhaka, centers include hospitals in Gazipur, Chattogram, Sylhet, Khulna, Bogura, and Dinajpur. Pilgrims are required to complete 11 types of health tests set by the Directorate General of Health Services by January 25.

The Hajj is expected to take place in Saudi Arabia on May 26, depending on moon sighting, with approximately 78,500 Bangladeshi pilgrims registered to perform the pilgrimage this year.

Islami Andolan Bangladesh has announced that it will support honest and competent candidates from anti-fascist forces in 32 constituencies where its electoral symbol, the hand fan, will not be present. The party’s joint secretary general and spokesperson, Maulana Gazi Ataur Rahman, stated in a press release on Sunday that the formal announcement of these endorsements will be made after January 20.

According to the statement, Islami Andolan Bangladesh has already decided to contest independently in 268 constituencies, a decision previously presented to the nation through a press briefing. For the remaining 32 seats, the party will extend support based on discussions with anti-fascist groups and the integrity and competence of individual candidates. Rahman added that the party is not currently focusing on this matter but will make decisions at the appropriate time.

The announcement outlines the party’s strategic approach to the upcoming election, balancing independent participation with selective alliances aimed at strengthening anti-fascist representation.

BNP Chairperson Tarique Rahman has said that if Bangladesh fails to establish a safe and democratic state, the nation will continue to hold mourning gatherings instead of celebrating democratic victories. He made the remarks on Sunday at the Krishibid Institute in Dhaka during a meeting with families of those killed and injured in the July uprising. The event was chaired by BNP Standing Committee member Nazrul Islam Khan and attended by senior party leaders including Ruhul Kabir Rizvi.

Rahman described those killed and injured in the July uprising as freedom fighters, comparing their struggle to that of 1971. He announced that if the BNP forms the next government, a separate division under the Ministry of Liberation War Affairs would be created to care for the families of the July martyrs and injured fighters. He said thousands had been victims of enforced disappearance, killing, and torture during the anti-fascist movement, calling the July killings a form of genocide.

Highlighting the importance of the upcoming national election, Rahman said a fair vote is essential for building a democratic Bangladesh and pledged to fulfill promises to the victims’ families if BNP assumes power.

US President Donald Trump has appointed former British Prime Minister Tony Blair and US Secretary of State Marco Rubio to a newly formed 'Peace Board' tasked with overseeing Gaza’s governance and reconstruction. The seven-member board, chaired by Trump, also includes US envoy Steve Witkoff, World Bank President Ajay Banga, and Trump’s son-in-law Jared Kushner. The announcement was made as part of the second phase of a broader peace plan.

According to Middle East Eye, Blair’s inclusion has sparked significant controversy across the region, as many in the Middle East view him as a war criminal due to his role in the 2003 US-led invasion of Iraq. Blair’s consultancy, the Tony Blair Institute (TBI), has also faced criticism for advising authoritarian governments in Egypt, the UAE, and Saudi Arabia, and for alleged financial links to controversial entities. TBI has denied these allegations.

The appointment comes amid worsening humanitarian conditions in Gaza, where Israeli restrictions on aid and harsh winter conditions have led to rising Palestinian casualties. The Palestinian Health Ministry reports over 71,400 deaths and 171,000 injuries since October 7, 2023.