UK’s Keir Starmer visits China as Beijing courts US allies
British Prime Minister Keir Starmer touched down in Beijing with a business delegation on Wednesday for a three-day visit. Starmer is seeking to strengthen political and business ties between the UK and China, as relations between the US and its allies become increasingly strained under Donald Trump. “It doesn’t make sense to stick our head in the ground and bury it in the sand when it comes to China: It’s in our interests to engage,” Starmer told reporters on the flight to China. “I have long been clear that the UK and China need a long-term, consistent and comprehensive strategic partnership,” he said. “I’m a pragmatist, a British pragmatist applying common sense,” said Starmer, the first prime minister to visit China since Theresa May in 2018.
Source:Dhaka Tribune
January 29, 2026 15:05 UTC
Ali Riaz: Awami League must face trial, seek apology before returning to politics
Awami League must face the ongoing judicial process over the July uprising killings and seek apology if it wants to return to active politics, said Prof Ali Riaz, Special Assistant to the Chief Adviser. With this mindset, there is no scope for making Awami League relevant in politics,” he said. We did not work based on whether someone was Awami League or BNP.”Explaining whether the absence of Awami League from the Consensus Commission made the dialogue less democratic, Ali Riaz said there was no practical way to involve the party. “The command Awami League had over bureaucrats does not exist for the interim government. Referring to the July movement, Ali Riaz said it was not a ‘revolution’ but an ‘uprising’.
Source:Dhaka Tribune
January 29, 2026 15:05 UTC
Tarique Rahman on the campaign trail in Rajshahi
BNP Chairman Tarique Rahman arrived in Rajshahi on Thursday to attend an election rally. He landed at Shah Makhdum Airport at around 12:30pm and reached the rally venue at the Madrasa Field shortly before 2:00pm. This marked Tarique Rahman’s first visit to Rajshahi as party chief. The Madrasa Field and surrounding areas were packed with BNP leaders, activists and supporters. After the Rajshahi programme, Tarique Rahman is scheduled to travel to Naogaon and later to Bogra, where he will address another rally in his constituency in the evening.
Source:Dhaka Tribune
January 29, 2026 15:05 UTC
Draft ordinance expands sexual harassment to online acts
The Advisory Council has approved two major ordinances aimed at protecting women and children: the Prevention of Sexual Harassment in the Workplace and Educational Institutions Ordinance, 2026 and the Prevention of Domestic Violence Ordinance, 2026. Sexual harassment ordinance now covers digital and online conductThe new sexual harassment ordinance seeks to ensure a safe, dignified, and discrimination-free environment for all individuals in workplaces and educational institutions, regardless of religion, race, community, gender, gender identity, or place of birth. It provides a comprehensive definition of sexual harassment, covering physical, verbal, non-verbal, digital, and online conduct, as well as all unwanted and degrading gender-based behavior. Domestic violence ordinance reinforces family safetyThe Prevention of Domestic Violence Ordinance, 2026 aims to protect families and provide prompt protection, shelter, medical care, legal aid, and rehabilitation for women and children. Replacing the Domestic Violence (Prevention and Protection) Act, 2010, it broadens the definition of domestic violence to include physical, psychological, sexual, and financial abuse, including digital harassment.
Source:Dhaka Tribune
January 29, 2026 15:05 UTC
EC bars govt officials from campaigning for referendum
The EC said both the RPO and the Referendum Ordinance prohibit using state authority, official position, or public resources to sway voters’ decisions. The EC said it will maintain strict oversight of government officials’ conduct in the run-up to polling day, particularly as the parliamentary election and referendum are being held simultaneously. “Referendum outcomes must reflect the will of the people, not the influence of the state,” an EC official said. The commission has instructed returning officers and field-level election officials to report any violations of the code of conduct involving government employees. The EC has repeatedly stressed that maintaining institutional neutrality is essential to preserving public trust in both the parliamentary election and the referendum.
Source:Dhaka Tribune
January 29, 2026 15:05 UTC
Shafiqul Alam: Election atmosphere to improve further with gradual presence of security forces
Chief Adviser’s Press Secretary Shafiqul Alam on Thursday expressed optimism that the security situation would improve with the gradual deployment of security forces, stating that political parties have so far shown restraint and tolerance while carrying out election campaigns. “We hope the coming days will look better with the gradual deployment of security forces. Chief Adviser’s Deputy Press Secretary Abul Kalam Azad Majumder, Senior Assistant Press Secretary Foyez Ahammad, and Assistant Press Secretary Suchismita Tithi also spoke at the briefing, where the outcomes of the Council of Advisers’ meeting, chaired by Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus, were shared. Alam said the government believes political parties are demonstrating adequate restraint and tolerance and are engaging in healthy election campaigns. “We believe there is still a sufficient level of tolerance among the political parties.
Source:Dhaka Tribune
January 29, 2026 15:05 UTC
ICT issues arrest warrants against Hasina, 5 others
The International Crimes Tribunal-1 on Thursday issued warrants for the arrest of six people, including former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and former Home Minister Asaduzzaman Khan, in a case filed over ‘Jahaj Bari’ killings in the capital's Kalyanpur area. Earlier in the day, the investigation agency of the International Crimes Tribunal-1 submitted the chargesheet against eight people in the case, said ICT prosecutor Gazi MH Tamim. Former Home Minister Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal, former IGP AKM Shahidul Haque, former DMP commissioner Asaduzzaman Mia and former SB chief Monirul Islam were among the accused in the case. Of them, IGP AKM Shahidul Haque and DMP commissioner Asaduzzaman Mia were in jail in another case. The case was filed with the International Crimes Tribunal accusing the then authorities of carrying out extrajudicial killings.
Source:Dhaka Tribune
January 29, 2026 15:03 UTC
40 ASPs promoted to Addl SPs
The government on Thursday promoted 40 assistant superintendents of police (ASPs) to the rank of the additional superintendents of police (Addl-SPs). The home affairs ministry has issued a gazette notification signed by its deputy secretary Md Mahbubur Rahman in this regard. The government has given the promotion to these assistant superintendents of police upon a recommendation by the departmental promotion committee of the ministry. The ministry has also instructed the newly promoted officers to join to the senior secretary of the ministry through the appropriate authorities, the notification said. According to the notification, the promoted Additional SPs are – Abdul Kader, AKM Doulat Akbar, Modhusudan Das, Md.
Source:Dhaka Tribune
January 29, 2026 15:03 UTC
Fear grips Springfield’s Haitians on cusp of losing legal status to live, work in city they love
Some Haitians reportedly have already left Springfield, and others say they fear they could be forced to leave. Jacques said some people have already packed up and left Springfield, and he does not know where they went or where they will end up. TPS holders are not at risk of removal from the United States and cannot be detained by the Department of Homeland Security because of immigration status. Three years earlier, there were about 6,000 foreign nationals with approved TPS status in the Buckeye State, CRS data indicated. Instead, he believes they are staying at home as much as possible to avoid potential encounters with federal immigration authorities.
Source:Daily Sun
January 29, 2026 15:01 UTC
Jamaat Ameer to arrive in Cumilla to join polls rally tomorrow
Photo: BSSCUMILLA, Jan 29, 2026 (BSS) - Jamaat Ameer Dr Shafiqur Rahman will arrive here tomorrow to participate in the election campaign marking the upcoming 13th national parliament election. The Jamaat Ameer will address in the public rally as the chief guest at Laksam and Townhall ground on that day. Cumilla city Jamaat Ameer Kazi Deen Mohammad said this in a press briefing while Jamaat-e Islami Cumilla city organized the rally. Although Jamaat Ameer has a schedule to address at election rally in Cumilla on January 31, but the schedule has been changed and fixed on January 30 due to the first year admission of the Cumilla University on that date, Cumilla city Jamaat Ameer told the press briefing. The election rally will be held at 9am on Friday at Noakhali Zilla school ground while Jamaat Ameer will address the rally at 11.30am.
Source:Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha
January 29, 2026 14:38 UTC
Govt approves draft of Import Policy Order 2025–2028 to boost trade, exports
Chief Adviser's Press Secretary, Shafiqul Alam, briefed journalists at the Foreign Service Academy this afternoon. Photo: PIDDHAKA, Jan 29, 2026 (BSS) – The government today cleared the draft of the Import Policy Order 2025–2028 aimed at strengthening the country’s overall trade and export performance. The Council of Advisers gave the approval at its weekly meeting at the Chief Adviser’s Office in the city. Later, Chief Adviser's Press Secretary Shafiqul Alam briefed the media about the outcomes of the meeting at the Foreign Service Academy here this afternoon. “With this objective in mind, the draft Import Policy Order was discussed extensively at the cabinet today, and following detailed deliberations, it received approval,” he added.
Source:Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha
January 29, 2026 14:17 UTC
BGB deployed in Sherpur to maintain law and order
BGB deployed in Sherpur to maintain law and orderDHAKA, Jan 29, 2026 (BSS)- Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) has been deployed in Sherpur to help maintain law and order amid the prevailing situation. The deployment was carried out to support the civil administration and ensure public safety, a BGB press release said. BGB members have been placed at key points across the district and are working in coordination with local law enforcement agencies. Patrols of the law enforcing agencies have been intensified to prevent any untoward incidents and maintain peace. Officials urged residents to remain calm and cooperate with the authorities, assuring that the situation is under control and necessary measures have been taken to ensure security.
Source:Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha
January 29, 2026 14:14 UTC
1 dead after being hit by vehicle in Springfield parking lot
One person has died after they were hit by a vehicle in a Springfield parking lot Wednesday. Springfield police said that the incident was reported in the 1100 block of Kenton Street, and it appeared that someone had backed over the victim.
Source:Daily Sun
January 29, 2026 14:11 UTC
Slump Movies to Get You Out of Yours
His slump is clear from the start, and throughout the film, he takes steps to engage more with his life by touching the lives of others. One of my favorite movies, which I rewatch when I have this problem, is The Last Showgirl, starring Pamela Anderson in her grand return to serious acting. Most of these films are hardly inspiring, which I feel is important for getting me out of a slump. To me, the importance of finding motivation lies in the security you can have with yourself, something these movies do brilliantly. You can’t dig yourself out of a slump until you’re able to understand who you are and what you truly want.
Source:Daily Sun
January 29, 2026 14:10 UTC
Indian parliament adopts condolence motion over Begum Zia’s death
Bangladesh’s former prime minister Begum Khaleda Zia. - File PhotoDHAKA, Jan 29, 2026 (BSS) – Both the lower and upper houses of Indian parliament have paid tribute to Bangladesh’s former prime minister Begum Khaleda Zia, Press Trust of India (PTI) said. Speaker Om Birla read out obituary reference on Begum Zia along with several prominent Indians. “I refer with profound sorrow to the passing away of Begum Khaleda Zia, former prime minister of Bangladesh and chairperson of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party,” Radhakrishnan said. Begum Khaleda Zia passed away on December 30, 2025, after a prolonged illness.
Source:Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha
January 29, 2026 14:08 UTC