As Bangladesh prepares for its national elections in February 2026, UNESCO Dhaka has brought together representatives from digital platforms, civil society organizations (CSOs), and media development and fact-checking bodies to strengthen electoral information integrity and address emerging digital risks. The day-long, in-person workshop was organized in collaboration with Digitally Right under the UN Electoral Project Building Awareness, Literacy, and Ownership of Online Information Integrity and Democratic Discourse (BALLOT). Discussions also addressed the rising impact of artificial intelligence, including AI-generated content and deepfakes, on electoral information. Senior CSO leaders, media development and fact-checking organizations, development partners, and information integrity experts examined challenges posed by misinformation, disinformation, hateful content, and manipulated media on digital platforms. Through group discussions and experience-sharing, participants identified follow-up initiatives under the BALLOT Project, particularly to enhance online safety and information integrity for journalists and vulnerable groups during elections.

US Ambassador to Bangladesh Brent Christensen on Thursday reaffirmed the United States’ strong support for Bangladesh’s democratic transition during a meeting with National Security Adviser Dr. Khalilur Rahman. Rahman welcomed Ambassador Christensen as the new US envoy to Bangladesh, highlighting his previous contributions to promoting bilateral relations during his earlier posting in Dhaka and through various roles in the US government in Washington, DC. He expressed hope that relations between the two countries would reach new heights during Christensen’s current tenure. Ambassador Christensen praised the interim government’s efforts on the upcoming elections and broad-based reforms, underlining the US commitment to supporting Bangladesh’s democratic progress. US Embassy Political and Economic Counsellor Eric Geelan was also present at the meeting.

Bobby Hajjaj, the candidate of the BNP-backed sheaf of paddy symbol in the Dhaka-13 constituency for the upcoming 13th National Parliamentary Election, has formally launched his election campaign. On the very first day of campaigning, Thursday, he visited the home of Farhan Faiyaz, a martyr of the July movement, where he met the family members and expressed his deep condolences. During the visit, Bobby Hajjaj spoke with Farhan Faiyaz’s parents and conveyed his profound respect and sympathy for their irreplaceable loss. At the time, he said: “The unimaginable pain that Farhan’s father and mother have endured can never be compensated. Insha’Allah, if we are victorious, I will sincerely strive to do everything necessary to ensure justice for Farhan.”He further stated, “Farhan, and those like him who have made the ultimate sacrifice for the nation, will forever be remembered with gratitude by the entire country.”He added that “The sacrifice and ideals of the martyrs are the primary inspiration behind my politics.”Seeking to establish justice, humanity, and democracy, he appealed for the people’s support and prayers.

Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus on Thursday called upon all to stand by the weak and help others with acquired knowledge to build a beautiful society. Let us stand by the weak and build a beautiful society,” he said in a message on the occasion of Saraswati Puja, extending his sincere greetings and congratulations to the Hindu community. On the occasion of the holy Saraswati Puja festival, Prof Yunus expressed the hope that the education should not only be for our own betterment, but also for the betterment of society. Terming Goddess Saraswati, according to Hinduism, symbolises truth, justice, and enlightenment, the chief adviser said: “She is the patroness of knowledge, speech and melody. She takes us from the darkness of ignorance to the path of light.”Prof Yunus also wished peace, welfare, and prosperity to all citizens of Bangladesh.

With relations between Europe and the United States strained, calls for a Europe-led boycott of World Cup 2026 are beginning to gain traction in some quarters. I wouldn’t like it if this happens as we won’t have a World Cup, which is always a highlight in sports and I love it. That meeting could prove decisive in any efforts to form a European alliance to boycott the tournament. With 16 of the 48 teams at the World Cup and the world’s most powerful club sides from Europe, any move by the continent’s associations would likely see the rest of the footballing world take notice — with some possibly to follow. “We do not believe that an isolated boycott on the part of NFF is an effective means of lasting change.

Slum residents now understand these false promises and will vote not for flats, but for justice and the national interest,” he added. Nahid Islam made the remarks at a public gathering organized by Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami for the Dhaka-15 constituency at 2pm on Thursday. Questioning the BNP’s proposal, Nahid Islam said: “Who will actually receive the Tk2,000–3,000 family cards BNP is talking about? Speaking on the issue of a referendum, Nahid Islam said the upcoming election is also a public referendum, urging a “yes” vote to reject injustice, oppression, and authoritarianism. By ensuring victory for the ‘yes’ vote, we will transform that movement into a celebration of success,” he added.

The Council of Advisers on Thursday approved a proposal to declare February 11 a public holiday, in addition to the public holiday on the voting day on February 12, to help voters participate and ensure law and order management in an effective manner. Alam said the meeting also approved an additional holiday on February 10 exclusively for workers in industrial zones. Workers in industrial zones will enjoy holidays on February 10 and 11. Along with the public holiday on the voting day on February 12, this will result in a three-day break. Alam said February 10 will apply only to industrial zone workers as a holiday.

East West University (EWU) held an orientation program for newly admitted students of the Spring Semester 2026 at the Manzur Elahi Auditorium on Thursday, at its campus in Aftabnagar, Dhaka. The program was attended by esteemed dignitaries, including Professor Dr Mohammed Farashuddin, Chairperson of the Board of Trustees and former Governor of Bangladesh Bank, and Professor Dr Shams Rahman, Vice Chancellor of EWU. They also advised the newly admitted students to focus on becoming skilled human resources. Notable attendees included Professor Dr Mohammad Ashik Mosaddik, Pro-Vice Chancellor of EWU, and Air Commodore (retd) Ishfaq Ilahi Choudhury, Treasurer of EWU. To add excitement to the day, the Department of Student Welfare organized a vibrant Club Fair, showcasing 23 student-run clubs.

Bangladesh goes down 5-1 to PakistanDHAKA, Jan 22, 2026 (BSS) -The Bangladesh men's team suffered a 5-1 goaldefeat to Pakistan in their crucial match of SAFF Futsal Championship held atthe Nonthaburi Stadium in Nonthaburi, Thailand today (Thursday). With this defeat, Bangladesh eliminated from the championship race. Earlier, Bangladesh team played to a fighting 4-4 goals draw withIndia in their tournament opening match, suffered 6-1 goal defeat to Maldivesin their second match. Bangladesh however fought back to registered a 4-1 victory over Nepal intheir third match and inflicted a massive 5-1 defeat on Sri Lanka in theirfourth match. After Pakistan, Bangladesh will play the last match of the championshipagainst Nepal on Saturday (Jan 24) at the same venue.

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BERLIN, Jan 22, 2026 (BSS/AFP) - Germany said it summoned Russia's ambassador Thursday and told him it was expelling a Russian diplomat suspected of being the handler of a Ukrainian-German woman arrested the previous day on espionage charges. "The German government will not tolerate espionage in Germany -- especially not under the guise of diplomatic status," said the German foreign ministry on X. "Today we summoned the Russian ambassador and informed him of the expulsion of the individual in question who spied on behalf of Russia."

Trump envoy says Ukraine-Russia talks 'down to one issue'DAVOS, Switzerland, Jan 22, 2026 (BSS/AFP) - Talks to end the war in Ukraine have made "a lot of progress" and are "down to one issue" between Kyiv and Moscow, US special envoy Steve Witkoff said on Thursday ahead of a trip to Russia. "I think we've got it down to one issue, and we have discussed iterations of that issue, and that means it's solvable. President Donald Trump's envoy, who will travel to Moscow later on Thursday with the US leader's son-in-law Jared Kushner, did not give further details. Meanwhile, Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky are due to meet in Davos on Thursday. Trump repeated on Wednesday his oft-stated belief that Putin and Zelensky were close to a deal.

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Finance Adviser Dr Salehuddin Ahmed -File photoDHAKA, Jan 22, 2026 (BSS) - Finance Adviser Dr Salehuddin Ahmed today said that a comprehensive reform of the country’s banking sector is unavoidable and critically important for safeguarding macroeconomic stability, restoring discipline in financial institutions, and ensuring sustainable growth. The Finance Adviser said this while addressing at a MTB-FE Roundtable as the chief guest on ‘Banking Sector Reforms’ held at a hotel in the capital today. Referring to recent legislative initiatives, he said the government has already taken steps to strengthen the legal framework governing the financial sector. Concluding his remarks, the Adviser said banking sector reform is not optional but a national necessity. “The banking sector is the backbone of the economy.