UK holds off joining Trump's Board of Peace over Putin concerns
Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper has said the UK will not yet be signing up to US President Donald Trump's Board of Peace over concerns about Russian leader Vladimir Putin's possible participation.
Cooper told the BBC the UK had been invited to join the board but "won't be one of the signatories today" at a ceremony at the World Economic Forum in Davos.
The board, which gives Trump wide decision-making powers as chairman, is being billed by the US as a new international organisation for resolving conflicts.
Cooper described the board as a "legal treaty that raises much broader issues" than the initiative's initial focus on ending the Israel-Hamas war in Gaza.
The charter proposed by the White House does not mention the Palestinian territory and critics say the board appears to be designed to replace some functions of the United Nations.
Some of the US's traditional allies have not agreed to join the board and notably, none of the other permanent
Desk report: Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen has thanked Sir Keir Starmer for his "strong support" over US President Donald Trump's threats to annex Greenland, as the pair met in the UK.
Frederiksen said it was important to know "Europeans stand together" and "don't get divided" during what she described as "a difficult time for us".
Trump caused jitters across the western world when he ramped up calls for the US to take control of Greenland, a Danish territory in the Arctic.
But the US president has now abandoned talk of a trade war after meeting Nato Secretary General Mark Rutte at Davos, saying the pair had come to an agreement over a potential deal on Arctic security. Sir Keir welcomed Trump dropping his threat to impose 10% import taxes on eight countries, including the UK.
"Now we can start hard yards and finding a way forward on security in the Arctic," said the prime minister.
members of the UN Security Council - China, France, Russia, and the UK - have committed to participation so far.
The UN Security Council has been the main international platform for global diplomacy and conflict resolution since
the end of World War Two.
But launching the board at a signing ceremony alongside world leaders in Davos, Trump said he did not intend it as a replacement for the UN and expressed his belief that it would help forge an "everlasting" peace in the
Danish PM thanks Starmer for support over Greenland
Speaking on a visit to Hertfordshire on Thursday, Sir Keir said "it is a good thing" that on Wednesday "the threat of tariffs against the United Kingdom was lifted".
"Now we can start hard yards and finding a way forward on security in the Arctic, which may seem a long way away,
pretty remote, but actually it does matter to all of us in terms of the safety and security of our country," he said.
"And we've got through the last few days with a mix of British pragmatism, common sense, but also that British sense of sticking to our values and our principles.
"But now, as I say, the hard yards of actually finding a better way for security for our country, for Europe and across the globe."
As she met Sir Keir at the British prime minister's graceand-favour country estate Chequers, Frederiksen praised the "British way" of doing diplomacy.
Middle East.
Trump said the board had the chance to be "one of the most consequential bodies ever created".
"We're committed to ensuring Gaza is demilitarised, properly governed and beautifully rebuilt," Trump said. "It's going to be a great plan and this is where the board of peace started."
Trump said once the board had been completely formed, "we can do pretty much whatever we want to do".
"But we'll do it in conjunction with the United Nations," he added.
President Trump was joined by the leaders and representatives of 19 countries for the Board of Peace signing ceremony, including Argentina, Hungary, Morocco, Saudi Arabia and Turkey.
"You are very pragmatic," Frederiksen said. "You have a cup of tea and then you think a bit about everything. You get the facts on the table, and then you find a way forward, and that's exactly what we're doing now."
Echoing lyrics from a Beatles song, the Danish prime minister said: "So just to finalise, I think we've got to get by with a little help from our friends, also in this situation."
Downing Street says "serious behind-thescenes diplomacy" has resulted in President Trump withdrawing his threat of sanctions on Nato members over Greenland.
The prime minister's official spokesperson said the UK had been in "constant communication" with the US administration and had been working closely with the Nato secretary general.
No 10 said there was now an agreement to draw up a new framework on Nato's role in bolstering Arctic Security.
Desk Report:
MP stands down potentially paving way for Burnham's return
Former Labour minister
Andrew Gwynne has announced he is standing down as an MP, paving the way for Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham to potentially run in a byelection in his Gorton and Denton constituency.
In a statement, Gwynne said he had suffered "significant ill health" and had been advised by his GP that it wasn't safe for him to return to work as an MP.
Gwynne's resignation possibly opens up a path for Burnham to return to the House of Commons and make a leadership challenge against Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer.
Speaking earlier, Burnham did not rule out such a challenge but said people "shouldn't rush to conclusions", adding he was "very focused on my role as mayor".
Gwynne was elected as a Labour MP but was suspended from the party in 2025 after a reports he had sent offensive WhatsApp messages. His departure from the House of Commons triggers a by-election in his Greater Manchester constituency of Gorton and Denton, which Labour won at the last election with a majority of 13,000.One senior source told the BBC that Gwynne had reached agreement on a pension on Thursday – which would allow him to retire as an MP on medical grounds.
UK Bangla Reporters Unity election 2026
Md Sazzad Hussain : The UK Bangla Reporters Unity (UKBRU) successfully held its Election 2026, electing Muhammed Shahed Rahman, the UK correspondent of Dhaka Post & Special correspondent of Banglamirrornews.com as President.
Abdul Bashir, Managing Editor of London Bichitra & sub editor of bridgebangla24 was elected General Secretary, while Mirza Abul Kasem, News Editor of Jagannathpur Times & executive editor of Uk Bangla Guardian (magazine) was elected Treasurer.
The Annual General Meeting (AGM) 2025 of the UK Bangla Reporters Unity took place on 18 January 2026 at a hall in East London.
The meeting was chaired by the organisation’s UKBRU President professor Md Shajidur Rahman and conducted by Secretary Mizanur Rahman Miru. Following the AGM, The election process was carried out in the presence of UKBRU members under the supervision of three election commissioners, former Speaker Ahbab Hossain,
The GP continued: "I think that he will remain extremely vulnerable and further stress will cause rapid deterioration as it did in February. "I do not think that he will be able to safely return to work as an MP."
A Labour Party spokesperson said: "We look forward to local residents in Gorton and Denton soon having the opportunity to get the representation they deserve with a new Labour MP." Labour has not yet set a date for the by-election. Once the party's chief whip "moves a writ" in Parliament, the contest must be held within 21 to 27 working days.
Gwynne said his ill health had been "greatly exacerbated by the impact of last year's events regarding leaked text messages". He quoted extensively from his GP's advice, which said: "I worry that there is still a marked dissociation between the reality of his difficulties and the 'front' that he shows to the world."
held
Shahed president, Bashir secretary and kasem treasurer
journalist Mosleh Uddin Ahmed and former Speaker Khales Uddin Ahmed. Voting was conducted smoothly, and after the ballots were counted in the presence of all members, the successful candidates were formally announced. The election was held amid great enthusiasm and a festive atmosphere, turning the venue into a vibrant gathering of journalists and members of the wider community in East London & Other city.
For the 2026 Executive
Committee, Muhammed
Shahed Rahman was elected President and Abdul Bashir was elected General Secretary. Mirza Abul Kasem was elected Treasurer.
The Vice Presidents elected were SKM Ashraful Huda, Contributing Reporter of UK Bangla Guardian ; Imdadun Khanam, Editor of Bhatir Kantho and Shaheda Rahman, Chair of Bisshobangla News24. Two Assistant Secretaries were elected, A Rahman Oli, Editor of Channel NRB Uk &
Uk correspondent Habiganj Express and Asma Matin of Red Times. Jannatul Ferdous Dolly, Reporter for Bangla View, was elected as Organising and Training Secretary. Other elected officials include Anwarul Haque Shaheen Reporter of Jagannathpur Times as Assistant Treasurer, Sohel Ahmed, Editor and Publisher of Dial Sylhet, as Media and IT Secretary and Imran Talukdar, Reporter for Bangla Songlap.co.Uk , as Event
Management and Facilities Secretary.
The elected Executive Committee members are Ansar Ahmed Ullah, Contributing Editor of Shottobani, prof. Md. Shajidur Rahman Editor of Jagannathpur Times and Mizanur Rahman Miru, Presenter of Iqra Bangla TV.
It is noteworthy that 21 members submitted nomination papers for 15 positions in the 2026 Executive Committee election, reflecting strong interest and participation among members.
Speaking to journalists after the election, newly elected President Muhammed Shahed Rahman said that, guided by progressive values and unity among journalists, UKBRU would play a leading role in Great Britain in promoting objective and responsible journalism. He strongly condemned the harassment and persecution of journalists worldwide and expressed particular concern over the ongoing oppression of journalists in Bangladesh.
EURO ALUMINIUM & UPVC
Discover the elegance of your home with Aluminum & Upvc Double glazing
We are here for the demonstration of our heat and sound reducing uPvc and Aluminium doors & windows.
WE ARE EXPART AT
Euro Aluminium Double Glazing
Upvc Double Glazing Door & Windows
Curtain Wall
Glass Door & Windows
Aluminium Door & Windows
Shower Door
Office Partition
Office Decoration
Home Decoration
Desk report:
A Tory-led council has asked for its election to be delayed at the last minute as Labour announced plans that will leave 4.5 million people unable to vote.
Norfolk county council’s leader wrote to Steve Reed, the Local Government Secretary, citing “genuine concern about capacity” as a reason for delaying its election, scheduled for May. On Thursday, Mr Reed announced that he would begin the process of pushing back elections for 29 councils covering 4.5 million voters that were scheduled for May. Fifteen of the 29 authorities are Labour-run.
However, critics have called the move an “attack on democracy”. Nigel Farage, whose Reform UK party was set to win dozens of council seats, branded Sir Keir Starmer a “dictator”.
The Telegraph has launched a Campaign for Democracy, calling for ministers to be stripped of the power to cancel local elections with an obscure provision of the Local Government Act. This would mean they would have to put proposals to delay elections to a vote in
Tory council requests election delay as 4.5m denied vote
Parliament.
Labour has insisted that some local elections need to be delayed to allow for a reorganisation of local government. Mr Reed told MPs he had assessed more than 350 representations from local authorities and had “listened to what councils had told me”.
He said: “To those who say we’ve cancelled all the elections – we haven’t. To those who say it’s all Labour councils – it isn’t. I’ve asked, I’ve listened, and I’ve acted.
“No messing about, no playing politics, just getting on with the job of making local government work better for local people.”
Norfolk county council, which represents an area of more than 700,000 voters, secured a delay after claiming on Tuesday that a May election would stop it from delivering the local government reorganisation.
Kay Mason Billig, the Tory leader of Norfolk county council, wrote in a letter to the Government: “If our
elections go ahead in 2026, I cannot guarantee that my council will be able to deliver local government reorganisation successfully.”
She wrote the letter after being prompted for clarification on Monday about whether the authority felt it necessary to postpone elections. Mr Reed had said that, without a response, “I will assume that your council’s view is that your election should go ahead”. Ms Mason Billig replied: “I submit this further letter reiterating
Labour council leader loses job after trying to delay election
the view that postponing the May 2026 elections would be a mechanism to release essential capacity to deliver local government reorganisation effectively, whilst recognising that the decision and of course, legal ability, to postpone elections is a matter for government.”
The Times reported that private meetings had been held between the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government officials and the Tory leaders of Norfolk and Essex county councils.
Kevin Bentley, the Essex county council leader, denied ever having asked for a postponement.
Norfolk county council is made up of 52 Tories, 10 Liberal Democrats and nine Labour councillors, with elections last held in May 2021. Essex is held by the Conservatives, with 49 councillors compared to six Labour councillors and 10 in the Liberal Democrats and independent group. Labour is relying on an obscure clause in the 2000 Local Government Act, which gives ministers the power to delay votes under exceptional circumstances.
Desk report:
A Labour council leader has become the first to lose his job over plans to delay elections.
Chris Watkins lost a vote of no confidence as the leader of Nuneaton and Bedworth borough council on Wednesday evening by 19 votes to 18. His deputy, Steve Hey, has replaced him.
Mr Watkins, who will remain as a councillor, had written to the Government earlier this month. He said holding a local election in May would not be a “prudent use of resources”. He said he had discussed the issue at a “full meeting” of his Labour group and it was decided that they would ask for a postponement.
As the leader of a council with no overall control, he also included statements from opposing parties – all of which called for the May 2026 elections to take place.
A statement from Tom Shardlow, the council’s chief executive and returning officer, also confirmed that preparations for the polls were progressing and he was “satisfied” that a “lawful
and transparent election” could be delivered then.
The letter prompted Kristofer Wilson, the Tory group leader, to submit a motion of no confidence against the leader. He wrote in a document submitted
to the council: “The right to vote has been fought for over centuries and is the cornerstone of our democracy. “Any delay in elections must be justified and proportionate, as in times of war or pandemic.”
Mr Watkins told The Telegraph he regretted ever writing back to Steve Reed, the Communities Secretary, who had asked him and other leaders if elections could go ahead.
“It’s the Government’s job, they shouldn’t put that on to local leaders – the Government should step up and do the job, not put it on to people like me,” he said.
As the first council to vote out a leader who sought to delay a vote, Nuneaton and Bedworth could spark other local authorities to carry out similar oustings.
A total of 28 councils – most of them Labourrun – requested that the Government postpone their elections. They claim a looming reorganisation of local government makes holding a ballot expensive, too complicated and unnecessary.
Malabar Gold & Diamonds Redefines Jewellery Shopping in Malaysia with New Flagship Showroom at Kuala Lumpur
Desk Report:
Desk report: Malabar Gold & Diamonds, the world’s 5th largest jewellery retailer with over 420 showrooms across 14 countries, has unveiled its new flagship showroom in Malaysia at Bangsar, Kuala Lumpur. Strategically located in one of the city’s most prestigious neighborhoods, the landmark showroom reaffirms the brand’s commitment to redefining the jewellery shopping experience.
The showroom was inaugurated on 17 January 2026 by Yang Mulia Tengku Dato’ Dr. Hishammuddin Zaizi bin Y.A.M. Tengku Bendahara Azman Shah Alhaj, a member of the Selangor Royal Family together with Yang Berbahagia Datin Hezeita bte Mohd. Hafidz and Datuk Bahria, Deputy Secretary General, Ministry of Investment, Trade and Industry (MITI), in the presence of Mr. Shamlal Ahamed, Managing Director – International Operations, Malabar Gold & Diamonds; Mr. Ajith Murali, Regional Head – Far East & Australasia Operations; Mr. Nijeesh Parayil, Country Head, Malabar Gold & Diamonds – Malaysia, along with other senior management team members, customers, and well-wishers.
Located at 67, Jalan Maarof, Bangsar, the new flagship standalone showroom marks Malabar Gold & Diamonds’ 9th showroom in Malaysia and introduces a premium highstreet showroom concept thoughtfully designed to offer an elevated and immersive jewellery experience. Conceptualized with a strong focus on design-conscious Malay consumers, the showroom showcases an exquisite array of never-beforeseen gold and diamond creations across the brand’s exclusive labels, reflecting a harmonious blend of luxury, craftsmanship and contemporary elegance.
Adding a distinctive local touch, the showroom
presents a specially curated jewellery collection tailored to the refined preferences of Malay jewellery connoisseurs, seamlessly integrating cultural sophistication with modern design sensibilities. Enhancing the overall experience are bespoke jewellery design services for personalized creations, along with premium amenities including a luxurious customer lounge and more.
Chairman of Malabar Group, M.P Ahammad, commented: “At Malabar Gold & Diamonds, enhancing the jewellery shopping experience for our customers remains at the core of everything we do. We are delighted to introduce our new flagship showroom at Bangsar, a premium high-street destination that reflects our deep commitment to the Malaysian market. The new showroom reaffirms our dedication to customers across continents who continue to place their trust in our brand. It is not merely about adding new retail spaces, but about building cultural bridges but creating new standards of transparency. We remain focused on strengthening our global presence through responsible practices, innovation, and the unwavering values that
have guided us for over three decades.’’
Abdul Salam K.P, Vice Chairman of Malabar Group said: As we expand our footprint across Malaysia; sustainability, responsibility, and ethical business practices remain central to our growth strategy. The launch of our Bangsar showroom is another step in delivering a retail experience that combines global luxury with ethical value. As we grow internationally, we remain committed to fostering local relationships, creating employment opportunities, and introducing customers to world-class jewellery backed by the highest standards of responsibility and craftsmanship.’’
‘’This concept showroom has been thoughtfully designed to cater to the evolving tastes of the design-savvy Malay consumers and HNI Indian sub-continental audience. We are proud of the strong in-roads we are making within the local Malay community through curated collections, elevated design and personalized experiences. The showroom introduces a uniquely local flair with a curated jewellery selection crafted for the discerning tastes of jewellery enthusiasts, blending cultural elegance with contemporary design
With this launch, Malabar Gold & Diamonds now operates nine world-class showrooms across Malaysia, located at Jalan Masjid India (two showrooms), Penang, Klang, Seremban (two showrooms), Ipoh, Ampang Point Shopping Centre, and Bangsar, further strengthening its presence in the region.
Malabar Gold & Diamonds is renowned globally for offering an unparalleled jewellery buying experience with convenience and customer-friendly policies along with the ‘Malabar Promise’ of incomparable quality and service assurance. Apart from this, the Malabar Promise also includes transparent pricing, assured lifetime maintenance from any of the showrooms across 14 countries, guaranteed buyback, tested and certified diamonds, 100% value on diamond and gold jewellery exchange, 100% hallmarked jewellery, responsible sourcing, fair price policy, and fair labour practices.
ESG (Environmental, Social & Governance) initiatives have been the primary commitment of Malabar
Group since its inception in 1993, with 5% of net profits set aside towards such initiatives in each country of operations. The key focus is in the areas of Health, Hunger Free World, Housing, Education, Women Empowerment & Environment.
As part of the group’s Hunger Free World initiative, over 115,000 meals are distributed daily across 119 locations, including 3 schools in the African country of Zambia. In India alone, the group has established 1,531 micro learning centres, enrolling more than 61,000 underprivileged children, many of whom transition into formal schooling. Additionally, Malabar Group has awarded more than 128,000 scholarships to female students, supporting their academic journey and empowering the next generation of women leaders.
The company also runs the “Grandma Home” project, providing accommodation for needy and destitute women. With several such initiatives already in place, the company’s long-term goal is to ensure its global success benefits local communities wherever it operates.
Bangladesh comes first, not Delhi, not Pindi: Tarique Rahman
Desk report: Launching his election campaign with the slogan “Not Delhi, not Pindi, not any other country— Bangladesh comes first,” BNP Chairperson Tarique Rahman said the party believes the people of the country are the sole source of all political power and therefore is committed to improving their fortunes.
Tarique Rahman said, “Some people say, ‘You have seen this one, you have seen that one- now take a look at this one.’ Dear brothers and sisters, during the 1971 liberation war— through which this country, our beloved motherland, was liberated at the cost of millions of lives—we have seen the roles played by many.”
“The people of Bangladesh have already seen those, because of whose roles, millions of our brothers were martyred and hundreds of thousands of our mothers and sisters was violated, for what they are,” he added.
At his first election rally, held today, Thursday at the Government Alia Madrasa ground in Sylhet city, Tarique Rahman sought the support and prayers of the people while urging everyone to ensure victory for the sheaf of paddy symbol. Stating that the BNP wants to make every citizen of the country selfreliant, he said, “We must unite against this disbelief, this recklessness and this falsehood. We must stay with the movement to take back Bangladesh. We have freed the country from autocracy; now we must establish the rights of the people. It is not enough to secure only the right to vote or the right to speak—people must be empowered to stand on their own feet.” At one point of his speech, he asked the packed crowd, “Who owns the Kaaba Sharif? Who owns this world we see? Who owns the sun and the stars? Who owns heaven? Who owns hell?” When the audience responded
After the last page
in unison, “Allah,” Tarique Rahman said, “You have all testified that Allah owns the world, heaven and the Kaaba. If Allah is the owner, does anyone else have the power to give it? They do not. So what does that mean?”
“Even before the election, a party is saying it will give this and that, promising tickets. If someone speaks of giving what does not belong to them, is that not shirk (polytheism)? Allah alone is the owner. Allah has authority over everything. So if they are deceiving you even before the election, you can imagine how they will deceive you after it,” he
seen how ballot boxes were stuffed in elections one after another, how fake and dummy elections were held, and how elections took place a the dead of night. Through these so-called elections, the people of Bangladesh were stripped of their voting rights and, in effect, their political rights.”
Tarique Rahman said, “We have seen how, over the past 15 to 16 years, the wealth of the country’s people has been plundered in the name of development and siphoned off abroad.”
The rally began at 10:50 am with the recitation of verses from the Holy
half an hour. The venue had already become packed with people before his arrival.
As soon as Tarique Rahman arrived at the rally, party activists filled the area with chants of “Dula Bhai, Dula Bhai (brother-in-law)” Upon stepping onto the stage, the BNP chairperson greeted the leaders and activists by waving to them. Earlier, he had held an exchange of views with around a hundred young students at the Grand Sylhet Hotel and Resort in the airport area on the outskirts of the city. The rally was presided over by Sylhet district BNP president Abdul Kaiyum Chowdhury.
added.
Referring to elections held during the Awami League government’s tenure, Tarique Rahman said, “For 15 to 16 years we have
Qur’an. Organised by the Sylhet district and city BNP, along with the Sunamganj district BNP, the gathering saw Tarique Rahman take to the stage at 12:25 pm, where he spoke for about
BNP-nominated and supported candidates from the parliamentary constituencies of all four districts of the Sylhet division were present on the stage. The programme
London 23 Jan 2026
was conducted by the metropolitan BNP’s acting president Rezaul Hasan Kayes Lodi and general secretary Imdad Hossain Chowdhury.
BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir addressed the gathering as a special guest. Tarique Rahman’s wife, Zubaida Rahman, along with BNPnominated candidates and central leaders, was also present on the stage. Several local leaders spoke at the event as well.
Earlier in the day, leaders and activists from various parliamentary constituencies in Sylhet and Sunamganj districts began arriving at the venue in small processions. They chanted slogans in support of the sheaf of paddy symbol, the BNP, Ziaur Rahman, Khaleda Zia and Tarique Rahman.
Many attended wearing caps bearing the image of the sheaf of paddy and party flags tied around their heads. Some also bought plastic replicas of the sheaf of paddy from roadside vendors before joining the rally.
Reference to Ilias Ali At today’s public rally, the name of BNP’s former organising secretary M Ilias Ali, who was a victim of ‘enforced disappearance’, featured repeatedly on banners, festoons and in slogans. The former MP for Sylhet-2 (Bishwanath and Osmaninagar) went missing from Banani in Dhaka on 17 April 2012.
In his speech, Tarique Rahman mentioned the names of Ilias Ali and other BNP leaders and activists from the Sylhet region who were victims of enforced disappearances. BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir also referred to Ilias Ali in his address.
A designated area was set aside at one side of the venue for the families of the victims of enforced disappearances and of the martyrs.