Iran warns against instability after US strike group arrives
Iran’s president on Tuesday warned US “threats” against the Islamic Republic would only cause instability, as a US naval strike group led by an aircraft carrier took up position in Middle Eastern waters. Axios said Trump declined to discuss the options presented to him by his national security team, or which he prefers. The US briefly joined Israel’s 12-day war against Iran in June with strikes on nuclear sites. “Security agencies continue to pursue an approach centered on mass arrests, intimidation, and control of the narrative,” Hrana said. Over the weekend, Persian-language TV channel Iran International, which is based outside Iran, said more than 36,500 Iranians were killed by security forces between January 8 and 9, citing reports, documents and sources.
Source:Dhaka Tribune
January 28, 2026 12:51 UTC
Foreign adviser: Rohingyas with passports are not citizens
A large number of Rohingyas went abroad many years ago using Bangladeshi passports due to Bangladesh’s own mistakes, Foreign Adviser Md Touhid Hossain said on Wednesday, stressing that holding a passport does not make them citizens. “Due to our own mistakes, a large number of Rohingyas went abroad with Bangladeshi passports many years ago. At that time, the passports were handwritten, and there were numerous allegations of corruption,” he told reporters at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. “The situation is such that those who went with our passports are being pressured by the Saudis to have their passports renewed by us. Just know this: we tried to avoid doing it, but due to our other interests, we ultimately decided to give Bangladeshi passports to these 69,000 Rohingyas.
Source:Dhaka Tribune
January 28, 2026 12:51 UTC
North Korea to soon unveil next-stage nuclear plans, Kim says
North Korean leader Kim Jong Un will unveil plans to bolster his nuclear forces at an upcoming ruling party meeting, state media reported Wednesday, after a missile launch he said would bring “excruciating mental agony” to his enemies. Overseeing a ballistic missile test on Tuesday, Kim said the party congress “will clarify the next-stage plans for further bolstering up the country’s nuclear war deterrent,” the state-run Korean Central News Agency (Kcna) said. Kim, accompanied by senior North Korean officials as well as his young daughter, watched the test-firing of a “large-caliber” multiple rocket launcher that fired four missiles, Kcna said. The rockets “hit a target” in waters 358.5 kilometers away, according to the North Korean leader. Washington still stations 28,500 troops in South Korea as a deterrent against the nuclear-armed North.
Source:Dhaka Tribune
January 28, 2026 12:51 UTC
Constable found dead at Jatrabari police camp
A police constable was found dead in a washroom of a police camp in the Jatrabari area in Dhaka on Wednesday. The deceased was identified as Shafiqul Islam, 47, son of Mannan Mallik of Matlab North upazila in Chandpur district. Shafiqul, father of a daughter and a son, joined the police service in 2003. Md Russel, sub-inspector of Jatrabari Police camp, said Shafiqul was found hanging in the washroom in the morning. Later, he was taken to the Dhaka Medical College and Hospital morgue for autopsy around 1:30 pm.
Source:Dhaka Tribune
January 28, 2026 12:51 UTC
Iran rejects talks with US amid military threats
Iran on Wednesday rejected holding negotiations with the United States if it makes threats against the Islamic Republic, after President Donald Trump refused to rule out military intervention over its deadly crackdown on protests. Trump has not ruled out military action against Iran in response to the crackdown, while appearing to keep his options open. The Secretary of Iran’s Supreme National Security Council Ali Larijani spoke with Qatari Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani, who is also foreign minister, both sides said. Egyptian Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty meanwhile held separate calls with both Araghchi and Witkoff, Cairo said. HRANA warned that the crackdown was continuing with security forces searching hospitals for wounded protesters, doctors who helped protesters arrested, and “forced confessions” broadcast on state television.
Source:Dhaka Tribune
January 28, 2026 12:51 UTC
EU signs trade deals to boost global ties and reduce reliance on US
The European Union is seeking new trade partnerships worldwide as it aims to reduce dependence on the United States and strengthen its global influence. The EU recently signed a free trade agreement with India, part of a series of deals with countries including Japan, Indonesia, Mexico, and South America’s Mercosur nations. The agreement with India, signed by European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen in New Delhi, could impact up to 2 billion people. The EU has also pursued trade deals with Indonesia, Japan, South Korea, Australia, and is negotiating with the United Arab Emirates. Beyond trade, the EU is investing in its defense industry and infrastructure, spurred by Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and past criticism from the Trump administration over low European defense spending.
Source:Dhaka Tribune
January 28, 2026 12:51 UTC
Ex-CAAB chief engineer arrested over Tk150 crore misappropriation
The Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) on Wednesday arrested former chief engineer of the Civil Aviation Authority of Bangladesh (CAAB) Md Habibur Rahman on charges of embezzling Tk150 crore in connection with the construction of the terminal and runway at Cox’s Bazar International Airport. A team of the ACC held Habibur Rahman from the Segunbagicha area of Dhaka, ACC Assistant Director (Public Relations) Tanzir Ahmed said. The ACC has requested his detention until the probe is completed, citing concerns over potential evidence tampering and witness influence. The case statement alleges that irregularities amounting to nearly Tk1,500 crore have been uncovered in the Cox’s Bazar Airport development project. The ACC said the accused allegedly ensured the project was awarded to a preferred contractor and, in collusion with local agent Aerones International Limited, misappropriated at least Tk150 crore from the project.
Source:Dhaka Tribune
January 28, 2026 12:51 UTC
Oikkoboddho Chhatra Sangsad to campaign for ‘Yes’ vote in divisional cities
Oikkoboddho Chhatra Sangsad, a joint platform of five university student councils. has announced a series of campaigns in divisional cities across the country to ensure victory for the ‘Yes’ vote in the upcoming referendum. The platform comprised of Dhaka University Central Students’ Union (Ducsu), Jahangirnagar University Central Students’ Union (Jucsu), Rajshahi University Central Students’ Union (Rucs), Chittagong University Central Students’ Union (Cucsu) and Jagannath University Central Students’ Union (JnUCSU). Continuing that legacy, he said, the five student councils have jointly announced a series of public rallies in divisional cities in support of a ‘Yes’ vote in the referendum under the banner of Oikkoboddho Chhatra Sangsad. Similar rallies will be organized gradually in all divisional cities across the country.
Source:Dhaka Tribune
January 28, 2026 12:51 UTC
Touhid: Indian journalists to get visas ahead of election
Dhaka will issue visas to Indian journalists who wish to cover the upcoming election, Foreign Adviser Md Touhid Hossain said on Wednesday, while ordinary visas remain closed for the next eight to 10 days. “Arrangements for journalists to come have been made. On foreign election observers, he said: “I do not have detailed information because it goes directly to the Election Commission. We also want sufficient journalists from all news agencies to ensure transparency.”Regarding Indian officials in Dhaka sending their families home, he said: “It is entirely their decision. Minor incidents happen in every election, but nothing more serious seems to have occurred this time.”Asked about election conflict, he said: “Any disorder could come from those not participating in the election.
Source:Dhaka Tribune
January 28, 2026 12:51 UTC
Over 432,000 expatriates cast votes through postal system
More than 432,000 expatriate Bangladeshis have successfully cast their votes in the 13th national parliamentary election and referendum through the postal voting system. A total of 432,989 overseas voters completed voting after registering via the Postal Vote BD mobile application, according to officials involved in the process. He said that as of 10:30am on Wednesday, 766,862 ballot papers registered through the Postal Vote BD app had reached destination countries where expatriate voters reside. Of them, 499,328 expatriate voters have received their ballots. The postal voting initiative marks a significant step toward ensuring the participation of Bangladeshi citizens living abroad in the country’s democratic process.
Source:Dhaka Tribune
January 28, 2026 12:51 UTC
Amazon says to cut 16,000 jobs worldwide
NEW YORK, Jan 28, 2026 (BSS/AFP) - Amazon said Wednesday that it would becutting 16,000 jobs worldwide as part of a restructuring announced inOctober, when the e-commerce giant had already flagged plans to cut itsworkforce by 14,000 posts. The jobs cuts are aimed at "reducing layers, increasing ownership, andremoving bureaucracy," senior vice president Beth Galetti said in astatement. At the time the company refused to comment on the reports, which said theycame amid increased investments in artificial intelligence. Amazon did not give any breakdown of the latest job cuts on Wednesday, sayingonly that "every team will continue to evaluate the ownership, speed, andcapacity to invent for customers, and make adjustments as appropriate." The company will release its full-year 2025 results on February 6, when itwill hold a conference call that will be broadcast live.
Source:Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha
January 28, 2026 12:23 UTC
Public notice issued on voting time in six Rangpur seats
RANGPUR, Jan 28, 2026 (BSS) - A public notice signed by the Rangpur DeputyCommissioner and Returning Officer Mohammad Enamul Ahsan has been issuedregarding the voting time in all six parliamentary constituencies of thedistrict. According to the notice, the 13th Jatiya Sangsad (JS) Election and Referendumin six parliamentary constituencies of Rangpur district will be held onFebruary 12 (Thursday), 2026. The voting programme will continue uninterrupted from 7:30 am to 4:30 pm onthe election day. Voting will be held in separate transparent ballot boxes through black andwhite ballot papers for the 13th Jatiya Sangsad Election and through pinkcolored ballot papers for the Referendum.
Source:Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha
January 28, 2026 12:23 UTC
Nepal says election preparations on track for March 5
KATHMANDU, Jan 28, 2026 (BSS/AFP) - Nepal's Election Commission saidWednesday it is ready to hold elections as planned, despite concerns overweather conditions in high-altitude Himalayan regions when the vote takesplace on March 5. The poll follows deadly anti-corruption protests in September that toppledthe previous government, prompting an accelerated election schedule and anunusual early-year date for voting. "As of today, we are prepared to conduct the election in all locations," thecommission's assistant spokesman, Prakash Nyaupane, told AFP, sayinglogistical, administrative and security arrangements were progressing asplanned. "We are moving ahead with preparations to hold the elections in alldistricts," Nyaupane said, adding that helicopters will be used in five high-altitude districts for voting logistics. There are about 18.9 million eligible voters, including more than 800,000first-time voters, who could cast ballots in 10,967 polling booths.
Source:Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha
January 28, 2026 12:19 UTC
NCP conducting door-to-door outreach for people’s mandate
NCP spokesperson Asif Mahmud Shojib Bhuiyan today addressed a rally as the chief guest in Debidwar in Cumilla. Photo: BSSCUMILLA, Jan 28, 2026 (BSS) - National Citizen Party (NCP) spokesperson and chairman of its Election Management Committee Asif Mahmud Sajeeb Bhuiyan on Wednesday said they (NCP) are conducting door-to-door outreach for seeking people’s mandate in the upcoming election. Addressing the gathering, Asif Mahmud also said that Bangladesh had witnessed widespread lawlessness over the past 17 years, including enforced disappearances, killings, torture, extortion, tender manipulation and corruption. Highlighting the roots of the NCP leadership, Asif Mahmud stated that the party’s leaders did not emerge suddenly but rose from grassroots movements across the country. “We come from the ground level, so we understand the real problems of the people and know how to address them effectively,” he added.
Source:Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha
January 28, 2026 12:08 UTC
Biman resumes Dhaka–Karachi flight tomorrow
Photo: BimanDHAKA, Jan 28, 2026 (BSS) - Biman Bangladesh Airlines is set to resume direct flights between Dhaka and Karachi tomorrow after a 14-year gap, with the inaugural flight departing fully booked, reflecting strong passenger demand for the revived route. All 162 seats on the inaugural flight were sold out, leaving no vacant seats, airline officials said. She added that most of the tickets for the second flight have also so far been sold out. The inaugural flight will depart Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport at 8pm and is scheduled to arrive in Karachi at 11pm local time. The resumption of direct flights is expected to significantly reduce travel time and strengthen air connectivity between the two countries.
Source:Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha
January 28, 2026 12:03 UTC