United News of Bangladesh

President Donald Trump said Saturday that he would charge a 10% import tax starting in February on goods from eight European nations because of their opposition to American control of Greenland, setting up a potentially dangerous test of U.S. partnerships in Europe. Denmark, Norway, Sweden, France, Germany, the United Kingdom, the Netherlands and Finland would face the tariff, Trump said in a social media post while at his golf club in West Palm Beach, Florida. The rate would climb to 25% on June 1 if no deal was in place for “the Complete and Total purchase of Greenland” by the United States, he said. The Republican president appeared to indicate that he was using the tariffs as leverage to force talks with Denmark and other European countries over the status of Greenland, a semiautonomous territory of NATO ally Denmark that he regards as critical to U.S. national security. “The United States of America is immediately open to negotiation with Denmark and/or any of these Countries that have put so much at risk, despite all that we have done for them,” Trump said on Truth Social. The tariff threat could mark a problematic rupture between Trump and America's longtime NATO partners, further straining an alliance that dates to 1949 and provides a collective degree of security to Europe and North America. Trump has repeatedly tried to use trade penalties to bend allies and rivals alike to his will, generating investment commitments from some nations and pushback from others, notably China. Trump is scheduled to travel on Tuesday to the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, where he likely will run into the European leaders he just threatened with tariffs that would start in little more than two weeks. French President Emmanuel Macron pushed back against Trump in a social media post that seemed to equate the threat to Russian leader Vladimir Putin's war in Ukraine. “No intimidation or threats will influence us, whether in Ukraine, Greenland or anywhere else in the world when we are faced with such situations,” Macron said in a translated post on X. “Tariff threats are unacceptable and have no place in this context. Europeans will respond in a united and coordinated manner.” There are immediate questions about how the White House could try to implement the tariffs because the EU is a single economic zone in terms of trading, according to a European diplomat who was not authorized to comment publicly and spoke on the condition of anonymity. It was unclear, too, how Trump could act under U.S. law, though he could cite emergency economic powers that are currently subject to a U.S. Supreme Court challenge. Trump has long said he thinks the U.S. should own the strategically located and mineral-rich island, which has a population of about 57,000 and whose defense is provided by Denmark. He intensified his calls a day after the military operation to oust Venezuela’s Nicolás Maduro earlier this month. The president indicated the tariffs were retaliation for what appeared to be the deployment of s ymbolic levels of troops from the European countries to Greenland, which he has said was essential for the “Golden Dome” missile defense system for the U.S., He also has argued that Russia and China might try to take over the island. The U.S. already has access to Greenland under a 1951 defense agreement. Since 1945, the American military presence in Greenland has decreased from thousands of soldiers over 17 bases and installations to 200 at the remote Pituffik Space Base in the northwest of the island, the Danish foreign minister has said. That base supports missile warning, missile defense and space surveillance operations for the U.S. and NATO. Resistance has steadily built in Europe to Trump's ambitions even as several countries on the continent agreed to his 15% tariffs last year in order to preserve an economic and security relationship with Washington. ‘Important for the whole world’ Earlier Saturday, hundreds of people in Greenland's capital, Nuuk, braved near-freezing temperatures, rain and icy streets to march in a rally in support of their own self-governance. Thousands of people also marched through Copenhagen, many of them carrying Greenland’s flag. Some held signs with slogans such as “Make America Smart Again” and “Hands Off.” “This is important for the whole world,” Danish protester Elise Riechie told The Associated Press as she held Danish and Greenlandic flags. “There are many small countries. None of them are for sale.” The rallies occurred hours after a bipartisan delegation of U.S. lawmakers, while visiting Copenhagen, sought to reassure Denmark and Greenland of their support. NATO training exercises Danish Maj. Gen. Søren Andersen, leader of the Joint Arctic Command, told the AP that Denmark does not expect the U.S. military to attack Greenland, or any other NATO ally, and that European troops were recently deployed to Nuuk for Arctic defense training. He said the goal is not to send a message to the Trump administration, even though the White House has not ruled out taking the territory by force. “I will not go into the political part, but I will say that I would never expect a NATO country to attack another NATO country,” he said from aboard a Danish military vessel docked in Nuuk. “For us, for me, it’s not about signaling. It is actually about training military units, working together with allies.” The Danish military organized a planning meeting Friday in Greenland with NATO allies, including the U.S., to discuss Arctic security on the alliance’s northern flank in the face of a potential Russian threat. The Americans were also invited to participate in Operation Arctic Endurance in Greenland in the coming days, Andersen said. In his 2½ years as a commander in Greenland, Andersen said that he hasn't seen any Chinese or Russian combat vessels or warships, despite Trump saying that they were off the island's coast. But in the unlikely event of American troops using force on Danish soil, Andersen confirmed that Danish soldiers have an obligation to fight back. ‘Almost no better' ally to US than Denmark Trump has contended that China and Russia have their own designs on Greenland and its vast untapped reserves of critical minerals. He said recently that anything less than the Arctic island being in U.S. hands would be “unacceptable.” The president has seen tariffs as a tool to get what he wants without having to resort to military actions. At the White House on Friday, he recounted how he had threatened European allies with tariffs on pharmaceuticals and he teased the possibility of doing so again. “I may do that for Greenland, too,” Trump said. After Trump followed through, Rep. Don Bacon, R-Neb., said "Congress must reclaim tariff authorities” so that they are not used solely at a president's discretion. European leaders have said it is only for Denmark and Greenland to decide on matters concerning the territory, and Denmark said this week that it was increasing its military presence in Greenland in cooperation with allies. “There is almost no better ally to the United States than Denmark,” said Sen. Chris Coons, D-Del., while visiting Copenhagen with other members of Congress. “If we do things that cause Danes to question whether we can be counted on as a NATO ally, why would any other country seek to be our ally or believe in our representations?”

A nine-year-old madrasha student was killed after being hit by a motorcycle in Zakiganj upazila of Sylhet on Saturday. Officer-in-Charge of Zakiganj Police Station Muhammad Abdur Razzaq confirmed this. The accident occurred around 2pm on the Sylhet–Zakiganj road near Shahgali Bazar in Barhal Union. The victim, Zubayer Ahmed,9, was the son of Toku Mia Kabir of Borhanpur village and a student of a local madrasha. Police and local sources said Zubayer was returning home after madrasah classes and was crossing the road when a speeding motorcycle struck him. He was critically injured and died while being taken to Zakiganj Upazila Health Complex. After the incident, the motorcyclist fled the scene. However, an Android mobile phone was found at the spot and recovered by police. The OC said efforts are underway to identify and arrest the motorcyclist using the recovered phone. Legal action is in process.

Barrister Rumeen Farhana, an independent candidate for the Brahmanbaria-2 constituency, on Saturday quarrelled with an executive magistrate over an alleged violation of the election code of conduct. The violation was related to holding a campaign rally before the official campaign period. The incident occurred in the Islamabad (Gogad) area of Noagaon Union under Sarail upazila when Assistant Commissioner and Executive Magistrate Shahria Hasan Khan went to stop the rally. In a video that went viral on social media, it was seen that Rumeen Farhana became agitated when the magistrate attempted to discuss the alleged violation. She told him, “This is the last time, I am warning you, I will not listen to this. Today I am leaving just for politeness and I will not do it in the future.” She and her supporters also alleged that others are violating the code of conduct but the administration did not take action against them. At one stage, she warned the magistrate, saying, “If I do not allow you, you cannot leave this place, Sir, mind it.” She also said, “Those whose words you are following now, they used to stay under the bed by holding their ears during Sheikh Hasina's time. I am Rumeen Farhana, I do not need any party." Executive Magistrate Shahria Hasan Khan said the rally violated Rule 18 of the election code of conduct. “As the programme was against the rules, we went there and asked them to stop holding the rally,” he said. According to Section 18 of the Code of Conduct for Political Parties and Candidates in Parliamentary Elections Rule, 2025, the electioneering can be conducted from three weeks before the polling day until 48 hours prior to the start of voting, subject to compliance with the prescribed conditions. “Outside the stipulated campaign period, national and international days can be observed as well as religious, social and similar events can be organised without hampering the electoral environment and in compliance with the code of conduct. However, prior consent or permission from the returning officer concerned must be obtained,” said a circular signed by EC Deputy Secretary Mohammad Monir Hossain. The executive magistrate added that after the rally was stopped, its organiser, Md Jewel, was fined Tk 40,000. “The candidate left the spot without being able to hold the rally and behaved disrespectfully towards me,” the magistrate said, adding that the matter had been reported to the Additional District Magistrate.

A restaurant owner was beaten to death over a trivial matter in Kaliganj Municipality of Gazipur on Saturday. The deceased was identified as Liton Chandra Ghosh, 55, owner of Baishakhi Sweetmeat and Hotel on Baranagar Road adjacent to Kaliganj Municipality. Three people were detained in connection with the killing, said Md Zakir Hossain, officer-in-charge (OC) of Kaliganj Police Station. The detainees are Swapan Mia, 55, his wife Majeda Khatun, 45, and their son Masum Mia, 28. Police said Masum Mia had an altercation with a restaurant worker, Ananta Das, 17, in the morning, which later turned into a scuffle. Swapan Mia and Majeda Khatun later joined the incident and beat the worker. When Liton Chandra Ghosh intervened to defuse the situation, he was also attacked and was hit on the head with a shovel, killing him on the spot. Local people later detained the three and handed them over to police. OC Zakir Hossain said that legal action was underway, and no case had been filed at the time of this report.  

The Rajshahi Warriors confirmed their status as the group stage leaders of the Bangladesh Premier League (BPL) after securing a hard-fought 3-wicket victory over the Chattogram Royals on Saturday. While both teams had already qualified for the playoffs, this win ensured Rajshahi finished at the top of the points table. Rajshahi captain Nazmul Hossain won the toss and elected to field, a decision vindicated by his bowlers. The BCB-owned Chattogram franchise struggled with the bat, collapsing to 125 all out in 19.5 overs. Pacer Tanzim Hasan was the wrecker-in-chief, claiming 4 wickets for just 17 runs in his 4-over spell. Asif Ali offered some resistance with a 24-ball 39, while Mahmudul Hasan scored 19, but the rest of the lineup faltered against Tanzim, supported by Ryan Burl and Jahandad Khan who took two wickets each. Chasing a modest target of 126, Rajshahi faced a terrifying start, reduced to 27 for 3 inside six overs and teetering at 33 for 4 by the eighth. Chattogram pacer Shoriful Islam ripped through the top order, dismissing openers Tanzid Hasan and Sahibzada Farhan, as well as captain Nazmul. However, a match-winning partnership of 84 runs off 66 balls between Mushfiqur Rahim and Akbar Ali rescued the innings. Man of the Match Akbar Ali shifted the momentum by hitting three consecutive sixes in the 15th over, eventually falling for 48 off 41 balls. Mushfiqur remained unbeaten on 46 off 41 balls to guide Rajshahi to 126 for 7 with three balls to spare.  

The Election Commission on Saturday cleared the way for more 44 previously rejected candidates to return to the electoral race after hearing their appeal petitions. Besides, the EC cancelled the candidacy of BNP’s Monzurul Ahsan Munshi and upheld that of National Citizen Party (NCP) candidate Abul Hasnat, popularly known as Hasnat Abdullah, in Cumilla-4. The Commission, led by Chief Election Commissioner AMM Nasir Uddin, heard appeal petitions filed by both candidates against each other and passed its order. The EC accepted the appeal filed by Hasnat against the candidature of Monzurul Ahsan related to loan default, but turned down the appeal filed by Monzurul Ahsan, declaring the candidacy of Hasnat valid for the upcoming national election scheduled for February 12 next. On Saturday, the EC, that acts as the electoral appeal tribunal heard more than 100 appeals filed by aggrieved persons at Nirbachan Bhaban in the city. Of them, the Commission accepted 45 petitions including one against (the validity of Monzurul Ahsan Munshi), while rejecting 37 other petitions, and kept 21 pending to be settled on Sunday (the last day). Among the pending petitions, many appeals related to dual citizenship issue as the Commission is likely to pass a similar order for all such petitions on Sunday. With the 44 aspirants who regained candidacy, some 400 candidates returned to the electoral race in the last eight days after the EC started hearing of the appeals filed by aggrieved persons and organizations challenging the decisions of the returning officers over the acceptance and cancellation of nomination papers during the scrutiny. The Commission will settle all the 645 appeals petitions by Sunday (January 18). According to the EC, a total of 2,568 aspirants submitted nomination papers to contest the upcoming national election from the country’s 300 constituencies by the December 29 deadline. After scrutiny, returning officers declared 1,842 nomination papers valid and rejected 723, triggering the 645 appeals.

Industry leaders and experts have called for the immediate implementation of business-friendly policies and the support of an elected government to unlock the potential of the sustainable packaging sector. Speakers at a high-profile industry event stated that with the right policy framework, this sector—already the country's second-largest export earner—could eventually surpass the Readymade Garments (RMG) industry. These observations were made on Saturday during the closing ceremony of Garments Accessories & Packaging Expo (GAPEXPO) 2026 and Garment Technology Bangladesh (GTB) Expo2026. The four-day mega-exhibition, organized by ASK Trade & Exhibitions Pvt. Ltd. and the Bangladesh Garments Accessories & Packaging Manufacturers & Exporters Association (BGAPMEA), concluded at the International Convention City Bashundhara (ICCB). Chief Guest Altaf Hossain Chowdhury, former commerce and home minister, expressed high optimism regarding the sector's trajectory. "In the last fiscal year, the packaging and accessories sector generated $7.45 billion in exports. This sector's energy and capacity are remarkable," he said. He further noted that if the BNP forms the government in the future, it would stand by the business community to resolve all systemic issues hindering the sector. Fazle Shamim Ehsan, President of the Bangladesh Employers Federation (BEF), highlighted that while the sector is often "underrated," its ability to import raw materials and re-export them as finished goods proves its immense capability. He stressed the need for a stable, democratic government to restore foreign investor confidence and accelerate economic growth. Industry leaders also voiced concerns regarding current trade regulations. Shaukat Aziz Russell, President of the Bangladesh Textile Mills Association (BTMA), warned that certain policies are pushing the industry toward a crisis. Russell argued that if the ‘Free of Cost’ (FOC) import facility is allowed at 100 percent, domestic factories will fail as all products will be sourced from abroad. He called for a reduction in extra taxes and port levies to enhance the competitiveness of local manufacturers. Additionally, Md. Shahriar, President of BGAPMEA, emphasized the integrity of real entrepreneurs, noting that while corrupt individuals have laundered money under the guise of business, true industrialists are committed to the nation's wealth. The Export Promotion Bureau (EPB) reported that this year’s expo was 80 percent more successful than the previous year. Abu Mokhles Alamgir Hossain, Director of EPB, highlighted the $700 billion global packaging market as a major opportunity. "As the 'Product of the Year,' we will organize seminars to address this sector's challenges and engage with the National Board of Revenue (NBR) to ensure bond facilities and other necessary support," he stated. The 15th GAPEXPO-2026, held from January 14–17, featured 1,500 stalls and 350 domestic and international companies from countries including India, China, Pakistan, Taiwan, Australia, Germany, and the UAE. The organizers reported over 100,000 visitors, facilitating vital connections between global buyers and local sellers. The event concluded with the presentation of "Best Stall" awards to eight exceptional participating companies.

A five-member investigation committee has been formed by the authorities of Sylhet MAG Osmani Medical College Hospital following an attack on an intern doctor. The hospital director, Brigadier General Umar Rashed Munir, confirmed the formation of the committee on Saturday. Intern doctors have been on an indefinite strike since the incident, demanding guaranteed safety, though mid-level doctors and other staff are maintaining regular hospital services. According to hospital sources, the clash occurred late Friday night on the fourth floor, Ward 4 of the Surgery Department, during a verbal altercation between interns and patients’ relatives, leaving at least five people injured. Police arrived at the scene and restored order. On Saturday around noon, hospital authorities held talks with the striking interns. After nearly an hour of discussions, the interns decided to continue their strike. “We have presented several demands to the hospital authorities. We will return to work immediately once our concerns, especially regarding workplace safety, are addressed,” said intern doctor Mizanur Rahman. Brigadier General Umar Rashed Munir said, “The safety of our doctors and staff is our top priority. The investigation committee is examining all aspects of the incident, and permanent solutions will be implemented soon.”

Bangladesh Ambassador to Nepal Shafiqur Rahman on Saturday highlighted the long-standing friendly relations between Bangladesh and Nepal and underscored the growing cooperation between the two countries in the field of education, particularly medical education. He noted that Bangladesh has emerged as a trusted destination for international medical students due to its quality education, extensive clinical training, affordable tuition fees, modern medical facilities with the use of technology, and internationally recognized degrees. The Ambassador, speaking at the "Bangladesh Medical Education Fair-2026” in Kathmandu, said the course curriculum and system of examination in Bangladesh is based on the Canadian system which is better than any other South Asian country. He added that the similarities in language and social environment of Bangladesh and Nepal makes Nepali students more comfortable in Bangladesh while pursuing higher education. The Ambassador emphasised that the students get the opportunity to examine varieties of diseases which ultimately gives them good clinical knowledge. He pointed out that a significant number of Nepali doctors have received medical education from Bangladesh and are making valuable contributions to Nepal’s healthcare sector. Especially, the quality of post-graduate doctors is best and it’s valued all over the world. The Ambassador reiterated the Embassy’s commitment to promoting educational cooperation and enhancing people-to-people connectivity between the two friendly countries. Bangladesh Embassy in Kathmandu, in collaboration with the Bangladesh Private Medical College Association (BPMCA), organized “Bangladesh Medical Education Fair-2026” to promote Bangladesh’s medical education among Nepali students.

In a contest dripping with tension, rain delays, and shifting equations, India U-19 held their nerve to defeat Bangladesh U-19 by 18 runs (DLS method) in a thrilling Group B encounter of the ICC Men’s Under-19 World Cup at the Queens Sports Club. Al Fahad of Bangladesh bagged five wickets, but those went in vain. After posting 238 in 48.4 overs, India’s defense was tested by weather interruptions that left Bangladesh chasing a revised target of 165 from 29 overs. The match hung in the balance as Bangladesh skipper Azizul Hakim anchored the chase with a gritty 51 off 72 balls. However, the introduction of Vihaan Malhotra turned the game on its head. The all-rounder produced a spectacular spell of 4 for 14 in just 4 overs, triggering a dramatic collapse that saw Bangladesh lose their last seven wickets for just 22 runs. Earlier, India’s innings was built on a solid 61 by captain Ayush Mhatre and a blistering 72 off 67 balls from Vaibhav Sooryavanshi. Bangladesh’s Al Fahad was the pick of the bowlers with a five-wicket haul (5 for 38), constantly piercing India’s middle order. Chasing the adjusted target, Bangladesh seemed in control at 106 for 2 before the pressure mounted. Malhotra removed the dangerous Hakim and then sliced through the tail with disciplined yorkers. He capped off his Player of the Match performance by taking the final catch to dismiss Iqbal Hossain Emon, bowling Bangladesh out for 146 with just three balls to spare. “It's nerve-wracking, but being on the winning side is great,” Malhotra said post-match. “The plan was to limit boundaries at the end, and I backed my strength of bowling yorkers.” Bangladesh’s captain, Azizul Hakim, praised the pacer Al Fahad. “(It was) disappointing for us. We missed chances,” he said. “DLS came into play. For us, it's about learning. Very proud of Al Fahad.”  

The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) has once again officially informed the International Cricket Council (ICC) that it will not send its team to India for the upcoming T20 World Cup, proposing instead a group swap as a potential logistical solution to the crisis. The development emerged following a high-level meeting held at the BCB office in Mirpur on Saturday afternoon. ICC General Manager of the Integrity Unit, Andrew Effgrave, flew to Dhaka for the discussion, while Gaurav Saxena, the ICC’s General Manager of Events and Corporate Communications, joined via video link after failing to obtain a visa in time—a delay that underscores the ongoing diplomatic friction. During the meeting, the BCB reiterated its formal request to relocate Bangladesh's matches to Sri Lanka. Board officials conveyed the Bangladesh government’s deep concerns regarding the safety of players, supporters, and media personnel in India. In a new strategic twist, the discussion explored the possibility of shifting Bangladesh to a different tournament group. The BCB suggested that placing Bangladesh in a group scheduled to play outside of India (potentially in co-host Sri Lanka) could resolve the security impasse with “minimal logistic changes”. Despite the “constructive dialogue,” no immediate decision was reached. ICC representatives acknowledged the BCB's position but indicated they must consult with ICC Chair Jay Shah before finalizing any changes. The meeting was attended by BCB President Aminul Islam and other top officials, who remain steadfast in their refusal to compromise on security.

A man was killed in a head-on collision between a pickup and nasimon in Kumarkhali upazila of Kushtia on Saturday evening. Kushtia Highway Police Officer-in-Charge Md Abu Wahed confirmed the death. The accident occurred on the Kushtia–Rajbari regional highway. The victim, identified as Milon Hossain, 50, son of Aminul Islam of Lahinipara in Kushtia Sadar, succumbed to his injuries around 7:30 pm while undergoing treatment at Kushtia Sadar Hospital. Old artillery shell recovered in Kushtia Police, fire service and local sources said the pickup was heading towards Rajbari, while the nasimon was coming from the opposite direction towards Kushtia. The nasimon reportedly lost control near Jilapitla, leading to a head-on crash. Fire service personnel rescued the injured driver and rushed him first to the Kumarkhali Upazila Health Complex and later to Kushtia Sadar Hospital, where he died. The OC said an investigation into the incident is in progress.  

An Indonesian passenger aircraft carrying 11 people disappeared from radar on Saturday while approaching a mountainous region between the islands of Java and Sulawesi, prompting a large-scale search and rescue operation, officials said. The turboprop ATR 42-500 aircraft operated by Indonesia Air Transport was flying from Yogyakarta to South Sulawesi’s capital when it lost contact with air traffic control, according to Transportation Ministry spokesperson Endah Purnama Sari. The plane was last detected at 1:17 pm local time in the Leang-Leang area of Maros district in South Sulawesi. Rescue authorities have deployed multiple teams supported by air force helicopters, drones and ground units to locate the aircraft. Hope of finding the wreckage grew after hikers on Mount Bulusaraung reported seeing scattered debris bearing markings similar to the airline’s logo, along with small fires still burning in the area. The reports are being verified by rescue teams attempting to reach the remote location, said Maj Gen Bangun Nawoko, commander of South Sulawesi’s Hasanuddin military region. Indonesia plane crash search finds remains, debris at sea Officials said the aircraft disappeared shortly after air traffic controllers instructed the pilot to adjust the plane’s approach path. After the final communication, radio contact was lost and an emergency distress phase was declared. The aircraft was carrying eight crew members and three passengers from the Ministry of Marine Affairs and Fisheries, who were on an airborne maritime surveillance mission, Minister Sakti Wahyu Trenggono confirmed. Search efforts are being hampered by the steep terrain of Bulusaraung National Park, which spans the Maros and Pangkep districts. Body parts, debris found after Indonesia plane crash Indonesia, an archipelago nation of more than 17,000 islands, depends heavily on air travel to connect remote regions. The country has faced repeated transport accidents in recent years, often blamed on weak safety enforcement.

BNP Chairman Tarique Rahman struggled to hold back his emotions on Saturday as children of several BNP leaders and activists, who became victims of enforced disappearance, broke down in tears while recalling years of waiting for their missing fathers. The scene unfolded at the Bangladesh-China Friendship Conference Centre in Dhaka during a views-exchange meeting with family members of victims of enforced disappearances, killings and torture during the anti-fascist movement. Amra BNP Paribar and Mayer Daak jointly organised the programme at the Bangladesh-China Friendship Conference Centre. The event honoured victims of enforced disappearances, killings and torture during the Awami League government, and paid tribute to the late BNP Chairperson Begum Khaleda Zia. During the discussion, Tarique briefly wiped his eyes with a tissue as children shared their experiences, drawing silence across the hall. One of them was Adiba Islam Hridhi, daughter of Parvez Hossain, a leader of the Banani unit of Jatiyatabadi Chhatra Dal who disappeared on 2 December 2013. Family members have long claimed he was picked up by men identifying themselves as detectives, and they have repeatedly demanded information and justice. A decade later, his daughter said she still waits for him. “Years pass and new years arrive, but our father never comes home,” Hridhi said, her voice shaking. “My dream has always been to go to school holding my father’s hand, but that dream remains unfulfilled. How long do I have to wait? Will I not get my father back?” she asked before breaking down in tears. Safa, another child, spoke about her father Md Sohel, a vice-president of the Chhatra Dal’s Bangshal unit, who also went missing in 2013. She said she was only two months old at the time and has never seen her father since. “For more than a decade we have searched for him, but found nothing. When others my age learn to walk holding their fathers’ hands, I search for mine. How long must I keep looking?” Safa said. Relatives of many others shared similar accounts, saying they lost fathers, sons, brothers or husbands during the Awami League’s tenure. The hall remained heavy with grief as attendees, organisers and even some security staff appeared visibly moved by the testimonies. BNP Standing Committee member Salahuddin Ahmed, who was subjected to enforced disappearance in 2015 for 62 days, was also seen becoming emotional and wiping his tears with tissues.

Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) Commissioner Sheikh Md Sazzat Ali on Saturday urged the police members to teach their children ethical education and moral values alongside academic education, as it is impossible to build a developed nation without morally sound people. “You have to teach them ethical education from childhood, and you have to obey morality yourselves,” he said while speaking at the Scholarship-2024 award ceremony for meritorious children of DMP personnel at the Bangladesh Police Auditorium in Rajarbagh. At the event, scholarships were awarded to 517 meritorious students under different categories to inspire them in their academic pursuits. Addressing the students, the DMP Commissioner emphasised the importance of technical education in line with present-day demands and stressed the need to focus on English language proficiency. If you (meritorious students) become good human beings, that would make your parents proud, he added. Stay vigilant against banned organisations, DMP Commissioner asks officers Rapid Action Battalion (RAB) Additional Director General (Admin) Faruk Ahmed, who was speaking as a special guest, described the scholarship initiative of the Dhaka Metropolitan Police as a noble effort. He said the development of a society or state requires the creation of quality human resources, noting that no advanced social system can be built without ideal individuals. He expressed hope that the scholarships would motivate the recipients to grow into ideal human beings and said their success would be reflected if they become patriotic citizens in the future. On behalf of the scholarship recipients, a student expressed gratitude, saying it was a privilege to be part of such a beautiful programme and thanked the DMP for organising the event. Video messages of Hadi murder prime suspect being examined: DMP Commissioner Deputy Police Commissioner (Headquarters and Admin) Md Amir Khasru delivered the welcome speech at the programme. Dhaka Metropolitan Police, one of the largest police units in Bangladesh, introduced the scholarship programme in 2017 to encourage the education of the children of its serving members.

BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman and his family on Saturday conveyed greetings to Chief Adviser Professor Dr Muhammad Yunus. On behalf of Tarique Rahman, his wife Dr Zubaida Rahman and their daughter Barrister Zaima Rahman, BNP Chairman’s Private Secretary ABM Abdus Sattar presented a floral bouquet to the Chief Adviser at his Hare Road residence in the capital in the evening, said BNP Media Cell member Sayrul Kabir Khan. Earlier, on January 15, Tarique Rahman, accompanied by his wife and daughter, paid a courtesy call-on Professor Yunus at the state guest house Jamuna. The meeting lasted for over an hour, during which Tarique Rahman and Professor Yunus, along with their family members, exchanged greetings and pleasantries.  

Shushashoner Jonno Nagorik (SHUJAN) Secretary Dr Badiul Alam Majumdar on Friday night withdrew controversial remarks about journalists following strong protests from local media professionals. Dr Badiul came under criticism after he allegedly referred to journalists as “pet dogs of political parties or individuals” during a discussion at a programme organised by Bishwo Shahitto Kendro in Palashbari, Gaibandha, at around 7:30pm on January 16. Facing objections and criticism from journalists present at the event, Dr Badiul later admitted that his comments were inappropriate and formally withdrew the statement. Read More: Badiul Alam Majumdar seeks political consensus on EVM use   During the discussion, he strongly criticised the country’s current political and electoral situation, saying that holding a fair, acceptable and impartial election is the most pressing demand of the time. He alleged that the electoral system and political parties have become corrupt, with many candidates still relying on black money and muscle power. Emphasising the need for reforms, Dr Badiul said restructuring the Election Commission was crucial, claiming that some Election Commission officials had become “more Awami League than Sheikh Hasina.” Referring to the constitution, he said it was originally framed in a way that concentrated power, resulting in what he described as unlimited authority for the Prime Minister. Dr Badiul further claimed that the caretaker government system was abolished through constitutional amendments as part of a political strategy to retain power indefinitely. Read More: Public may take to streets again if election malpractices continue: Badiul Alam Majumdar He described the 1991 general election as the best in Bangladesh’s history and said that the July Uprising, like that of 1971, would remain an inseparable part of history. He also discussed various aspects of referendums during his speech. Among others, SHUJAN Mymensingh Regional Coordinator Jayant Kar, District Facilitator Atiq Sumon and Manager Meherun Nesa were present at the programme.

A fire erupted Saturday afternoon in the sub-store of the children’s ward on the sixth floor of the new building at Mymensingh Medical College Hospital (MMCH). The blaze started around 4:45 pm in a room storing mattresses and other materials. Six units of Mymensingh Fire Service rushed to the spot and managed to bring the fire under control within an hour. All materials in the sub-store were destroyed. Fortunately, no casualties were reported. Clash between ‘BNP supporters’ leaves one dead in Mymensingh Hospital officials said the cause of the fire is still under investigation. Dr. Zakirul Islam, the hospital’s deputy director, stated that the likelihood of an electrical short circuit in the sub-store was low, and fire service and electricity department teams are examining the origin. Senior store officer Dr. Jhantu Sarkar added that the sub-store, which keeps extra mattresses and bedsheets, is normally locked, making accidental ignition unlikely. Eyewitnesses said the children’s ward was suddenly filled with thick black smoke around 4:30 pm, causing chaos as patients and visitors hurried down the stairs. The sub-store and its contents were completely destroyed in the fire, but no injuries were reported.

At least 24 people were killed and 45 others injured in two separate road accidents in Pakistan on Saturday, officials said. The first incident occurred in Sargodha, in eastern Punjab province, when a truck carrying passengers and cargo skidded off the road and plunged into a canal amid heavy fog. Fourteen people died and nine others were injured, according to local police and rescue teams. Hours later, a passenger bus overturned on the Makran Coastal Highway in southwestern Balochistan, killing at least 10 people and injuring 36 others, senior police official Aslam Bangulzai said. The bus was traveling from Karachi to Jiwani. Traffic accidents are frequent in Pakistan, often attributed to reckless driving, poor road conditions, and weak enforcement of traffic laws.

British High Commissioner Sarah Cooke on Saturday reaffirmed her country’s long‑standing encouragement of ‘free, fair, credible and peaceful’ elections in Bangladesh. The British High Commissioner met BNP Chairman Tarique Rahman and reaffirmed the UK's positions, according to the High Commission. She also conveyed sincere condolences on the passing of former Prime Minister Begum Khaleda Zia.

Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni has secured a seventh term in office, winning 71.65% of the vote, according to official results released Saturday. Museveni defeated his youthful challenger, musician-turned-politician Bobi Wine, who campaigned for change after four decades of Museveni’s rule. Bobi Wine, whose real name is Kyagulanyi Ssentamu, received 24.72% of the votes. Wine is expected to reject the official outcome, denouncing the election as unfair and alleging an internet blackout, heavy military presence, and the abduction of his polling agents. On Friday, he dismissed provisional results as “fake.” The election was also marred by technical issues with biometric voter identification machines, which failed in several urban areas, including opposition strongholds like the capital Kampala. Voting had to proceed using manual voter registers, a move critics say could fuel legal challenges against the official results. Delays plague voting in Uganda's presidential election Museveni, 81, has maintained power over the years by amending the constitution to remove term and age limits, and by sidelining or jailing potential rivals. Observers say the opposition was fragmented, giving Museveni a decisive advantage, while he retained strong control over his party and the armed forces. Security forces were heavily deployed during the campaign. Wine said he faced constant surveillance and harassment, including the use of tear gas against his supporters, and often campaigned wearing a flak jacket and helmet for protection. Reports emerged on Friday that Wine had been detained by the military, but police clarified on Saturday that he was not under arrest, though access to his residence was “controlled” to prevent potential unrest. At least 46 killed in multi-vehicle crash in western Uganda Uganda has not seen a peaceful transfer of presidential power since independence six decades ago. Veteran opposition leader Kizza Besigye, a four-time presidential candidate, remains in prison on treason charges filed in February 2025. This election highlights the enduring dominance of Museveni, whose long tenure continues to raise concerns about democratic governance and political freedom in Uganda.

The European Union’s apparel import market witnessed a significant reshuffling in 2025, as Bangladesh’s exports to the bloc climbed to €18.06 billion despite a broader trend of falling unit prices and aggressive competition from China. According to the latest Eurostat data for the period of January to November 2025, the EU's total apparel imports grew by 3.93 percent, reaching a total value of €82.94 billion. While the market saw a robust 11.60 percent increase in volume, the average unit price for garments fell by 6.88%, signaling a highly competitive, price-sensitive environment for global suppliers. Bangladesh, the EU's second-largest apparel supplier, saw its export value rise from €16.78 billion in 2024 to €18.06 billion in the first eleven months of 2025—a growth of 7.65 percent. This value growth was largely volume-driven, with an 11.26 percent increase in the quantity of goods shipped, even as the country faced a 3.25 percent decrease in unit prices. However, data from the end of the period suggests a cooling trend. A comparison between November 2024 and November 2025 reveals a sharp 10.87% drop in export value and a 12.27% decline in unit prices, highlighting the mounting pressure on Bangladeshi manufacturers to lower costs. Garment accessories sector posts record $7.45bn export earnings in FY25: BGAPMEA The report highlights a strategic pivot by China. Facing ongoing challenges in the United States market, China has intensified its focus on Europe. Chinese apparel exports to the EU reached €24.42 billion, marking a 6.55 percent growth in value. Most notably, China saw a massive 15.73 percent surge in export volume, supported by a 7.93 percent reduction in unit prices. The sourcing landscape across Asia showed varying results. Vietnam recorded a healthy 10.10 percent growth, reaching €4.02 billion. Unlike its neighbors, Vietnam saw a 4.19 percent increase in unit price, likely reflecting a shift toward higher-value garments. Turkey struggled significantly, facing an 11.31 percent decline in exports to the EU, totaling €7.66 billion. India, Pakistan, and Cambodia all showed substantial growth rates, contributing to the overall volume surge in the European market. Global demand crunch pinches RMG, exports stagnant in first 5 months of fiscal at $16bn "The data reflects a complex environment where volume is up, but margins are being squeezed," noted Mohiuddin Rubel, Managing Director of Bangladesh Apparel Exchange Ltd. "While Bangladesh remains a key player, the aggressive pricing strategies from competitors like China and the recent dip in November figures suggest that staying competitive will require a careful balance of volume and value-addition," he said.

Candidates contesting from Kushtia-4 constituency have expressed concern over looted and illegal firearms ahead of the 13th parliamentary election and referendum, urging authorities to ensure a peaceful and fair vote. The concerns were raised at a views-exchange meeting on law and order with Kushtia Superintendent of Police Mohammad Jhasim Uddin at Abul Hossain Tarun Auditorium in Kumarkhali on Saturday. The candidates warned that weapons looted from police stations on August 5 are yet to be fully recovered and alleged that illegal arms are being moved through the Padma-Garai river routes, which could threaten a free and fair election. Read More: Man held with arms, ammo in Gazipur Responding to the concerns, SP Mohammad Jhasim Uddin said 55 firearms had gone missing from Kushtia, of which 38 have already been recovered. He assured that recovery drives would continue until every weapon is retrieved. “I promise that no one will be allowed to use arms in Kushtia. We will recover all illegal weapons and ensure a free, fair, neutral and peaceful election,” the SP said, urging all candidates to follow the election code of conduct.

NASA’s massive new moon rocket rolled out to the launch pad early Saturday, marking a major step toward the first crewed lunar fly-around in more than 50 years, which could lift off as early as February. The 322-foot Space Launch System rocket began its slow journey from Kennedy Space Center’s Vehicle Assembly Building at daybreak, moving at about one mile per hour on a giant transporter. The four-mile trip to the pad was expected to take most of the day. Thousands of NASA workers and their families gathered in the early morning chill to watch the long-awaited rollout, an event that had been delayed for years. NASA Administrator Jared Isaacman and the four astronauts assigned to the mission led the cheering crowd. Weighing about 11 million pounds, the rocket and its Orion crew capsule were carried by a transporter first used during the Apollo and space shuttle eras and later upgraded for the heavier SLS. Study warns ocean chemistry changes could weaken sharks’ teeth The only previous SLS launch took place in November 2022, when an uncrewed Orion capsule was sent into orbit around the moon. This time, astronauts will be aboard. “This one feels very different, putting crew on the rocket and taking them around the moon,” said NASA’s John Honeycutt. The upcoming 10-day mission will be commanded by Reid Wiseman, with Victor Glover as pilot and Christina Koch as mission specialist. They will be joined by Canadian astronaut Jeremy Hansen, making his first spaceflight. The astronauts will not land on the moon or enter lunar orbit. That milestone is planned for a later Artemis mission. NASA plans to conduct a fueling test on the launch pad in early February before setting a final launch date. The agency has a narrow window of five days in the first half of February before the schedule shifts into March. If successful, the mission will mark humanity’s first return to the moon since Apollo 17 in 1972, when Gene Cernan and Harrison Schmitt завершed the era of lunar landings.

Two candidates contesting the 13th National Parliamentary Election from Feni-1 constituency, BNP candidate Rafiqul Alam Majnu and Jamaat-e-Islami's Advocate SM Kamal Uddin, have been served show-cause notices for allegedly violating the election code of conduct by campaigning on Facebook. The notices were issued on Saturday after the activities came to the attention of the Election Investigation and Judicial Committee. The committee is headed by Civil Judge Md Ehsanul Haque. According to the notice, campaign materials seeking votes for the sheaf of paddy symbol were repeatedly posted from a verified Facebook page named “Rafiqul Alam Majnu.” These included posters, banners and videos. Such activities were described as violations of Rules 3 and 18 of the Code of Conduct for Political Parties and Candidates in Parliamentary Elections, 2025. Read More: Fresh election schedule declared for Pabna-1, Pabna-2 The committee decided to launch a suo motu investigation and registered the complaint as Election Complaint No-01/2026. The notice stated that under Rule 18, there is no legal scope for candidates to conduct election campaigning before January 22, 2026. Rafiqul Alam Majnu has been asked to appear in person before the Election Investigation and Judicial Committee for Feni-1 at its temporary office at the Senior Civil Judge Court in Chhagalnaiya at 11:30am on January 21 and explain, both verbally and in writing, why legal action should not be recommended against him. In a separate notice, the committee said that posters, banners and videos of public outreach activities seeking votes for the scale symbol were circulated from Facebook pages titled “Advocate SM Kamal Uddin” and “Jononeta Kamal Bhai – Feni-1.” These actions were also termed violations of Rules 3 and 18 of the election code. The committee registered this as Election Complaint No-02/2026 and directed Advocate SM Kamal Uddin to appear before the committee at 3:00pm on January 21 at the same venue to show cause why legal action should not be taken against him. The notice warned that failure to comply would result in action under the relevant rules. Copies of both orders have been sent to the accused candidates, the district administration and returning officer, the district election officer, and the upazila nirbahi officers and assistant returning officers of Fulgazi, Parshuram and Chhagalnaiya upazilas for necessary information and action. EC’s indifference undermining fair electoral environment: Nazrul Islam Khan

Environment, Forest and Climate Change, Information and Broadcasting, and Water Resources Adviser Syeda Rizwana Hasan on Saturday said unnecessary honking must be stopped to control noise pollution, describing it as a long-standing bad habit that needs to be changed through law enforcement and public awareness. She made the remarks while inaugurating a motor rally against honking, jointly organised by the Department of Environment (DoE) and the Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP), under the Integrated and Partnership-based Project for Noise Pollution Control. The adviser said the Noise Pollution (Control) Regulations 2025 have already been gazetted, empowering both the DoE and police to take action against noise polluters. She added that several areas in Dhaka have been declared silent zones and monitoring must be strengthened. Identifying unnecessary honking and fireworks as major sources of noise pollution, she said steps would be taken to ensure fireworks are set off only at designated places during Pahela Baishakh celebrations. Environment adviser emphasizes valuing food producers, culinary heritage With the slogan “No more noise pollution, let healthy life prevail”, the rally started from Manik Mia Avenue and ended at the DoE office in Agargaon after passing through Farmgate, Karwan Bazar and Bijoy Sarani. Environment, Forest and Climate Change Ministry Secretary Dr Farhina Ahmed, Director General of the Department of Environment Dr Md Kamruzzaman, Additional Commissioner of DMP Md Sarwar, Additional Commissioner (Traffic) Md Anisur Rahman, Project Director of the Noise Pollution Control Project Farid Ahmed, and senior officials of the ministry, DoE and DMP were present at the event. Under the project, mobile courts and awareness campaigns were conducted at 10 important points in Dhaka for 10 days from January 5 to curb noise pollution. The campaign concluded with the motor rally. The campaign was supported by young student volunteers from Green Voice.

Mohammad Fahim Chowdhury, the BNP-nominated candidate for Sherpur-2 (Nakla–Nalitabari), has regained his candidacy after the Election Commission’s appeal board on Saturday declared his nomination valid. The decision came following a hearing on January 17 regarding allegations of dual citizenship. The appeal board accepted documents confirming that Fahim had formally renounced his Australian citizenship, overturning the earlier cancellation of his nomination. EC revokes candidacy of BNP’s Munshi, upholds NCP’s Hasnat in Cumilla-4 With the ruling, all legal obstacles preventing him from contesting the upcoming parliamentary election from Sherpur-2 have been removed. Fahim Chowdhury’s nomination had initially been rejected due to issues related to his former Australian citizenship. He subsequently filed an appeal with the Election Commission, which, after review, ruled in his favour on Saturday.

Veteran journalist and Jaijaidin founding editor Shafik Rehman on Saturday called for the establishment of a Newspaper Standards Committee, emphasising its role in enhancing the quality, credibility, and accountability of journalism in Bangladesh. “Journalism in Bangladesh has yet to reach a truly respectable position. There are serious questions surrounding journalists and many media outlets. That is why a Newspaper Standards Committee is urgently needed,” he said while speaking at the Media Conference–2026 organised by the Editors’ Council and the Newspaper Owners’ Association of Bangladesh (NOAB) in the capital. Advising journalists to think pragmatically, Shafik Rehman said relying solely on journalism for livelihood has become increasingly difficult. “Given the current state of journalism, journalists should also consider alternative professions. Without another source of income, it is very hard to practise independent journalism in Bangladesh.” Govt tightens oversight of public assets to curb long-term fiscal risks Expressing solidarity with the journalists’ unity demonstrated at the event, he said such collective initiatives were absent during periods when newspapers were shut down and journalists were arrested under past Awami League governments. “Even so, better late than never—we have finally realised the need to stand united.” Recalling his personal ordeal, Shafik Rehman said he lost sight in his left eye and hearing in his left ear during his time in jail. “I never sought personal publicity; I always wanted publicity for my newspaper.” Calling on journalists to free themselves from political allegiance, he criticised what he described as opportunistic shifts in loyalty. “Those who are now speaking against the Awami League were once aligned with the government during its tenure. Overnight, as if by magic, they became BNP supporters. This cannot be journalism. Journalists must come out of political subservience.” Shafik Rehman also voiced concern over Bangladesh’s economic trajectory, drawing a historical parallel with post-fascist Italy, where a collapse in the currency forced people to revert to barter trade. “I fear Bangladesh could head in that direction,” he warned, citing the proliferation of banks in the country. “The Awami League government has established 76 banks, while a country like England has only four.” Stressing professional accountability, the veteran journalist said meaningful change in Bangladesh’s media landscape would come only when journalists understand why they chose the profession, publishers recognise their responsibilities and editors remain fully conscious of their roles.

Mountains rarely dominate headlines. They remain unchanged while empires rise and fall, borders move, and history reshapes nations. But Mount Damavand, Iran’s towering, snow-covered giant, refuses to remain merely a silent landmark. Standing at 5,609 metres, Damavand is officially Asia’s tallest volcano. Unofficially, it represents far more: a geological mystery, a cultural symbol, a mountaineer’s challenge and, more recently, a backdrop to modern conflict. Few natural monuments combine poetry, politics, science and survival so seamlessly into a single silhouette. A peak that is more than just a mountain Rising from Iran’s Alborz mountain range near the southern edge of the Caspian Sea, Damavand commands the landscape with its almost perfect cone and permanent snowcap, making it one of West Asia’s most recognisable peaks. It is Iran’s highest mountain, Asia’s tallest volcano and one of the world’s most prominent peaks. Yet its significance extends far beyond geography. Its snow-covered summit appears in poetry, folklore and even on Iranian currency. In the epic Shahnameh, Damavand is described as the prison of Zahhak, the tyrant king whose defeat symbolised justice triumphing over cruelty. Other legends place the mythical Simorgh, the bird of wisdom, atop its peak. For centuries, writers and poets have used Damavand as a symbol of resistance, endurance and national pride, a reputation so powerful that the mountain features on Iranian banknotes.

Nepal’s Ambassador to Bangladesh Ghanashyam Bhandari on Saturday called on Chairman of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) Tarique Rahman at the latter’s office and discussed issues of mutual interest. During the meeting, they reviewed the current state of Bangladesh-Nepal relations, said the Nepalese Embassy in Dhaka.

The government has introduced a new Property, Plant and Equipment (PPE) and Lease Manual aimed at strengthening asset governance and curbing long-term liabilities. The move comes as the Finance Division revealed that Bangladesh’s total contingent liabilities have reached Tk 6,39,782.58 crore, much of it linked to state-owned enterprises (SOEs) and poorly monitored asset and lease arrangements that pose serious risks to macroeconomic stability. Senior government officials disclosed the information at a two-day workshop titled “SOEs and ABs Governance: Progress Review and Way Forward”, held on January 16–17 at a hotel in Cox’s Bazar. The event was organised by the Scheme on SOE Governance under the Strengthening Public Financial Management Program to Enable Service Delivery (SPFMS), Finance Division (FD). Md. Hasanul Matin, Additional Secretary (Budget and Macroeconomics), FD, attended the workshop as the chief guest, while Dr. Ziaul Abedin, Additional Secretary (Budget) and National Program Director of SPFMS, joined as the guest of honour. Rahima Begum, Director General (Additional Secretary), Monitoring Cell, FD, chaired the session. Around 80 officials from the Finance Division and various ministries and autonomous bodies participated. Addressing the inaugural session, Md. Hasanul Matin said, “Inefficient performance of several SOEs has significantly increased contingent liabilities. The creation of multiple authorities for similar purposes has led to overlapping functions, which must be avoided,” he said, adding, “Bangladesh needs to restore its governance approach with global best practices”. NOVOAIR marks 14th anniversary with 14pc fare discount “Our major challenges today include rising debt burdens and declining revenue generation. Addressing these issues requires a whole-of-government approach,” he noted. Dr. Ziaul Abedin said, “In a market economy, only commercially viable SOEs should continue to operate, while others should be restructured or phased out. But this has not happened in Bangladesh. Transforming SOEs requires strong political commitment”, he said adding, “We must rethink their future through broader, sustainable business models.” Rahima Begum emphasised that SOEs and autonomous bodies play a crucial role in strengthening the national economy, but inefficiency, weak financial management, and lack of accountability have sharply increased debt and contingent liabilities. “We are identifying key challenges and focusing on practical solutions, including stronger audits, digital systems, and improved oversight to ensure good governance,” she said. Four business sessions were held in the workshop.

Syrian government forces moved into two northern towns on Saturday after the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) announced their withdrawal in an apparent effort to prevent further clashes. State media said two soldiers were killed and several others injured in the latest violence. The town of Deir Hafer changed control following deadly fighting earlier this month between government troops and the US-backed SDF in Aleppo, Syria’s largest city. The clashes ended with Kurdish fighters leaving three neighbourhoods taken over by government forces. An Associated Press reporter saw government tanks, armoured vehicles and pickup trucks mounted with heavy machine guns entering Deir Hafer after bulldozers cleared roadblocks. No SDF fighters were seen on the outskirts of the town. The Syrian military said its forces had taken full control of Deir Hafer, seized the nearby Jarrah air base and were clearing mines and explosives. Troops later moved toward the nearby town of Maskana, where another military convoy was seen entering. However, the SDF said Syrian forces violated an agreement by entering Deir Hafer and Maskana before Kurdish fighters had fully withdrawn, warning that the move created a dangerous situation. In contrast, state news agency SANA accused the SDF of breaking the deal by attacking an army patrol near Maskana, killing two soldiers and wounding others. Over the past two days, more than 11,000 people fled Deir Hafer and Maskana using side roads to reach government-held areas after Damascus announced an offensive to retake the towns. Civilians flee ahead of possible Syrian army attack in Aleppo On Friday night, SDF commander Mazloum Abdi said his forces would pull out of contested areas in northern Syria and relocate east of the Euphrates River starting Saturday morning. The easing of tensions followed visits by US military officials to Deir Hafer on Friday, where they held talks with SDF leaders. The United States maintains ties with both sides and has called for calm. Abdi was also due to meet US special envoy to Syria Tom Barrack in Irbil, northern Iraq, on Saturday. The SDF’s withdrawal came a day after Syria’s interim President Ahmad al-Sharaa issued a decree expanding Kurdish rights, recognising Kurdish as a national language alongside Arabic and declaring the Kurdish Newroz festival an official holiday. Kurdish authorities in northeast Syria said the rights of Kurds should be protected through constitutional guarantees rather than temporary decrees, adding that lasting protection must be written into the country’s future constitution.

A robust editorial institution is essential for maintaining journalistic integrity in Bangladesh, said The Daily Star Editor Mahfuz Anam on Saturday. “Now is the right time to practise ethical journalism in Bangladesh. If media editors can maintain the standards of editorial institutions, journalism will also be of high quality,” said Mahfuz Anam while speaking at the Media Conference–2026 organised at the Krishibid Institution Bangladesh (KIB) in the capital. Mahfuz Anam said the primary objective of journalism is to serve society, as journalists are responsible for providing neutral and factual information to all. He said that the Constitution guarantees the highest degree of independence to only two professions—judiciary and journalism. Referring to journalists being questioned at times through contempt proceedings, Mahfuz Anam said journalists never show disrespect to the judiciary. “Journalists always present judicial information before people with the highest respect. The people of the country have the right to know these facts.” Independent journalism is most beneficial for the government, Mahfuz Anam said, adding that government agencies or intelligence bodies often fail to provide accurate information. “Everyone wants to keep the government happy. Only independent journalism can inform the government about what is really happening in the country.” Addressing the government, Mahfuz Anam said public budgets are not the government’s own money but belong to the people. “Journalists make the public aware of how this money is spent through news reports. Exposing corruption in projects does not mean going against the government; rather, it ensures that public money is not siphoned off.” About media owners, Mahfuz Anam said journalism cannot be treated like other businesses where investment and profit are the sole considerations, and urged editors not to act under the influence of media owners. Describing robust journalism as a complement to democracy, Mahfuz said a code of conduct would soon be formulated. “We will practise ethical journalism by collectively following this code of conduct.” Editors from different media outlets at the event stressed the highest importance of independent journalism in safeguarding the country’s democratic journey. They pledged to work in unity in the future and resist any attack on journalism.

The Election Commission (EC) on Saturday (January 17, 2026) cancelled the candidacy of BNP’s Monzurul Ahsan Munshi and upheld that of National Citizen Party (NCP) candidate Abul Hasnat, popularly known as Hasnat Abdullah, in Cumilla-4. The decision came after the EC, led by Chief Election Commissioner AMM Nasir Uddin, heard appeal petitions filed by both candidates against each other. The orders were issued in the afternoon. The EC accepted the appeal filed by Hasnat canceling the candidature of Monzurul Ahsan, but turned down the appeal filed by Monzurul Ahsan, declaring the candidacy of Hasnat valid in the upcoming national election scheduled for February-12. Free, fearless media vital to Bangladesh democracy: Journalists Munshi, in his petition, alleged that Hasnat did not mention the sources of his income rightly in the affidavit submitted with the nomination paper. Hasnat in his appeal alleged that Munshi is a loan defaulter and concealed the information in the nomination paper. The EC that acts the electoral appeal tribunal started hearing of the appeal on Saturday last (January 10) and will dispose of a total of 645 petitions by Sunday (January 18). The EC on Saturday last (January 10) started hearing of the appeal petitions filed by aggrieved persons and organisations against the decisions of the returning officers over the acceptance and cancellations of nomination papers during the scrutiny. According to the EC, a total of 2,568 aspirants submitted nomination papers to contest the upcoming national election from the country’s 300 constituencies by the December 29 deadline. Read more: NCP accuses EC officials of bias ahead of election After scrutiny, returning officers declared 1,842 nomination papers valid and rejected 723 others.

Foreign Affairs Adviser Md Touhid Hossain on Saturday said Bangladesh, as a responsible neighbor and an active member of the United Nations and other international bodies, advocates for a rule-based international order and collective action in addressing global economic challenges. "We support active engagement to promote dialogue, confidence-building, and cooperative solutions to shared concerns," he said while speaking at the Inaugural session of SAFA (South Asian Federation of Accountants) International Conference in Dhaka. Chairperson of Bangladesh Competition Commission AHM Ahsan and Chairman of the Financial Reporting Council (FRC) Bangladesh Dr Md Sajjad Hossain Bhuiyan attended the conference as special guests. Organised by the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Bangladesh (ICAB), the conference was themed “Next Generation Profession: Converging Ethical AI and Sustainability Reporting.” For Bangladesh, the Adviser said, the proposed convergence of technology and sustainability is particularly significant. "Our pursuit of economic growth and deeper global integration requires that our professionals remain not only technically proficient, but also ethically grounded and socially responsible," he said. US proud to call Bangladesh a friend: US Ambassador The Adviser said platforms such as this conference play a vital role in facilitating the exchange of knowledge, sharing of best practices, and fostering of meaningful collaborations. "Such engagements can steer both the region and the global community toward a sustainable, inclusive, and technologically advanced future," he said. The keynote speech was delivered by Adeeb Hossain Khan FCA, past President of ICAB and Senior Partner at Rahman Rahman Huq, Chartered Accountants. Khan emphasised that the adoption of AI in sustainability reporting is “no longer a distant concept, but a structural shift already influencing how economic value is created, measured, and disclosed.” The conference brought together national leadership and international expertise, serving as a platform for thought leadership, knowledge exchange, and strategic dialogue on critical issues set to reshape regional and global professional collaboration. Delegates from Afghanistan, Bhutan, India, the Maldives, Nepal, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka took part in the event, which featured three technical sessions and a valedictory session. The global accounting profession is entering a new phase as Ethical Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Sustainability Reporting begin to converge, reshaping business risk, investor expectations, and public trust, experts highlighted at the SAFA international conference. Organisers noted that their presence demonstrated strong government support for elevating professional excellence, ethical standards, and international collaboration in the accounting and finance sectors. Adviser Hossain emphasised that the convergence of technology and sustainability is crucial for shaping a ‘new Bangladesh’. Finnish observers joining EU’s Election Observation Mission He noted that the country’s aspirations for sustained economic growth and deeper global integration demand professionals who are not only technically competent but also ethically grounded and socially responsible. AHM Ahsan highlighted that technological advancement presents both opportunities and challenges, and observed that AI-driven systems can boost efficiency, strengthen compliance, and foster innovation. Without strong ethical frameworks, AI also poses risks such as algorithmic collusion, market dominance abuses, opacity, and exclusionary practices. He urged that AI be adopted with caution to ensure that Bangladesh can fully and responsibly harness its benefits.

The diplomatic tension between Dhaka and New Delhi has spilled onto the cricket field, as the captains of the Bangladesh and India Under-19 teams refused to shake hands during the toss at the ICC U-19 World Cup on Saturday in Zimbabwe. In a scene reminiscent of recent India-Pakistan encounters, Bangladesh acting captain Jawad Abrar and India captain Ayush Mhatre visibly avoided each other at the Queens Sports Club in Bulawayo. While it remains unclear which team initiated the break in protocol, the two leaders dispensed with the customary sporting gesture before Bangladesh won the toss and elected to field. This incident mirrors the stance taken by India during the Asia Cup in September, where captain Suryakumar Yadav confirmed that his team would not shake hands with Pakistani players due to military conflicts. Read More: Bangladesh honours Mushfiqur Rahim as first cricketer to reach 100 Tests The breakdown in on-field courtesies comes amid “cold relations” between the two nations and a deepening standoff regarding the upcoming senior Men's T20 World Cup. The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) remains firm in its decision not to send the national team to India for the tournament in February, citing severe security risks. Tensions escalated recently after Bangladeshi pacer Mustafizur Rahman was dropped from the IPL due to security threats, a concern reportedly validated by the ICC’s own “Internal Threat Assessment Report”.

Urging all to remain vigilant against any attempts to obstruct the path of democratic transition, BNP Chairman Tarique Rahman on Saturday said his party still intends to show restraint despite what he described as the Election Commission’s recent controversial roles and positions. Speaking at a views-exchange meeting with family members of victims of enforced disappearances, killings and torture during the anti-fascist movement, he also said that despite widespread repression, BNP leaders and activists never went into hiding or assumed a clandestine posture in the name of strategy. “Though it is painful to say, we have recently witnessed some controversial roles and positions taken by the Election Commission. Even then, as a responsible political party, we want to demonstrate patience,” Tarique said. He said generations of democracy-loving people should draw inspiration from the sacrifices of the martyrs and from those who were forcibly disappeared and are still missing, for whom families continue to wait. Amra BNP Poribar and Mayer Daak jointly arranged the programme at Bangladesh China Friendship Conference Center. The event honoured victims of enforced disappearances, killings and torture during the Awami League government, and paid tribute to the late BNP Chairperson Begum Khaleda Zia. Read More: Grenade Attack Case: SC to hear appeal petition challenging acquittal of Tareque, Babar Thursday Warning that some quarters are trying to create controversy to obstruct the democratic path, Tarique urged people of all political affiliations who believe in democracy to remain vigilant. “Those who are trying, using various pretexts, to create controversy and once again ruin the democratic path must not be allowed to succeed.” Referring to the long anti-fascist movement, he said its intensity had at times subsided and at other times reached its peak, but BNP leaders and activists never abandoned the streets despite years of enforced disappearances, killings, abductions, false cases, harassment and torture. “In the same family, if one brother was forcibly disappeared, another stepped forward to take his place and stood on the streets, pledging to intensify the movement further. BNP activists did not go into hiding or assume a covert or dormant posture in the name of strategy,” Tarique said. “I firmly believe that no one can suppress a party whose leaders and activists take such an uncompromising stand against injustice through conspiracy or propaganda, Insha’Allah,” the BNP Chairman observed. Addressing the bereaved families, the BNP Chairman reiterated the party’s long-standing pledge that if BNP, with the support of the people, forms the government, it will name important roads and key state institutions after the martyrs so that future generations can remember them with pride. “We are with you,” he said. Tarique also said families who suffered from state violence deserve proper state support. “I personally believe that the state must extend support to these families to the fullest extent possible,” he added. He said Bangladesh now has an opportunity to build a humane state that is accountable to the people. Tarique stressed the urgent need to establish a democratic government in Bangladesh to ensure justice for all past wrongs, including enforced disappearances, killings and torture during the Awami League’s rule. “If we miss this opportunity to form a responsible democratic state and government, the sacrifices of our martyrs will go unrecognised, and it will be an injustice to them,” he said. The BNP leader recalled those who were martyred in 1971 for the country’s independence, those who lost their lives in the 1990 anti-autocracy movement, victims of enforced disappearances over the past 16 years, and those who were martyred, injured or otherwise suffered during the August 5, 2024 movement. “All their sacrifices must be honoured with justice. To ensure justice for every injustice, a democratic government in Bangladesh is essential,” he added. Tarique also said the only way for families of victims to receive justice under the country’s laws is to establish a democratic government that fulfils the aspirations of the people and ensures justice for those who were oppressed and tortured. He called on all to remain committed to the cause, saying, “Let us take a pledge today and hold on to this expectation. Your presence here should not go in vain. We will work patiently so that justice is delivered for all wrongs and the families of martyrs and victims receive their rightful justice.” Read more: US officials hold virtual meeting with Tarique Rahman on tariff issue "The state can never forget you. To honour the sacrifices of all martyrs, BNP has planned initiatives,” Tarique said.  He, however, did not share the full details of the plan due to Election Commission regulations and the Election Code of Conduct. Some family members of those who were forcibly disappeared also shared their experiences of grief and suffering during the programme.

A 19-year-old girl was found dead at her residence in the capital’s Mirpur area on Saturday morning. The deceased was identified as Sanjida Islam Mim, a second-year student of Mirpur (English Version) School and College and daughter of Sakhawat Mridha. Family members took her to Dhaka Medical College Hospital around 11 am after finding her unresponsive at home. Doctors at the hospital’s emergency department declared her dead on arrival. Read More: Youth found dead in Dhaka’s Kuril Her brother Sakhawat Hossain said the family found Mim unresponsive inside her room after she had locked the door from the inside. When she did not respond for some time, they broke open the door and rushed her to the hospital. The body has been kept at the hospital morgue for post-mortem examination, said Inspector Md Faruk, in-charge of the police camp at Dhaka Medical College Hospital.

US President Donald Trump on Friday publicly thanked Iranian authorities for stopping what he said were planned executions of hundreds of political detainees, a rare gesture that appeared to signal a softening of his earlier warnings toward Tehran. Speaking to reporters as he departed the White House for his Mar-a-Lago resort in Florida, Trump said Iran had called off the execution of more than 800 people. “They canceled the hangings, and I have great respect for that,” he said. Trump echoed the message on social media, claiming that over 800 executions had been scheduled but were no longer going ahead. “Thank you!” he wrote. The remarks followed days of heightened rhetoric in which Trump suggested the United States could take military action if Iran carried out mass executions during widespread protests that have since subsided. His comments on Friday hinted that the likelihood of U.S. military intervention may now be diminishing. While activist groups say the death toll from the protests continues to climb, Trump’s optimistic assessment appeared to contrast with reports of severe repression inside Iran. Still, his statements suggested he was stepping back from earlier suggestions that a U.S. strike was imminent. Trump had earlier promised protesters that “help is on the way,” but when asked Friday whether that remained true, he replied, “We’re going to see.” He also denied that pressure from Arab or Israeli leaders influenced his shift in tone, saying the decision was his own. Trump did not specify who in Iran confirmed that the executions were halted. Meanwhile, demonstrations that began on Dec. 28 over economic hardship and evolved into direct challenges to Iran’s ruling system appear to have ended. Tehran has seen no protests for days, daily life has largely resumed, and authorities have reported no unrest elsewhere, though an internet blackout has continued. The U.S.-based Human Rights Activists News Agency said on Friday that at least 2,797 people have been killed during the unrest, with the figure still rising. In contrast, Iran’s exiled Crown Prince Reza Pahlavi urged the United States to follow through on its pledge to support protesters, saying he still believed Trump would keep his word.

Editors, journalists and media leaders from across the country on Saturday underscored the vital role of a free, independent, active and fearless media in sustaining democracy, warning that any attempt to silence media organisations ultimately threatens the rights of society as a whole. “The democratic aspiration that brings people into journalism can never be a crime,” said President of the Editors’ Council and Editor of New Age Nurul Kabir, while delivering the opening remarks at the first-ever Media Convention held at the Krishibid Institution Bangladesh auditorium. The country’s first ‘Media Convention-2026’ was jointly organised by the Newspaper Owners’ Association of Bangladesh (NOAB) and the Editors’ Council. Nurul Kabir said attacks on or attempts to silence media institutions inevitably obstruct the rights of the entire society. Journalists choose the profession with a collective commitment to democracy, human rights, equality and a non-communal social order, he said. “Those who seek to suppress institutions that serve as vehicles of democratic aspirations do so through laws, force and intimidation,” Nurul Kabir said, stressing the need for unity and collective resistance. He said if newspapers and other media outlets cannot function independently, remain active or speak out freely, fundamental rights across society will inevitably be curtailed. Media development and democratic development, he observed, are deeply interconnected worldwide. The Daily Star Editor Mahfuz Anam said independent journalism ultimately benefits governments the most. “If you truly believe in independent journalism and uphold a liberal perspective, the government will be the biggest beneficiary,” he said. “Government, remember—no one will tell you the truth. Your party colleagues will not, out of fear. The bureaucracy will not. Even the intelligence community will not. They will keep you surrounded by praise and admiration. Independent journalism is the only institution that tells you the truth,” Mahfuz Anam said. Prothom Alo Editor Matiur Rahman emphasised the importance of unity among journalists, warning that disputes at any time and on any issue are harmful to the profession. He described the gathering as a significant step forward and said that regardless of differences in opinions, thoughts, ideas or ideologies, journalists must remain united and stand by one another on issues concerning media institutions, journalism and personal safety. “It is crucial to come together, to remain united, to stand by each other and to demonstrate solidarity and empathy,” he said. Organisers said democratic values have come under sustained assault in recent times, particularly through incidents of mob violence, posing serious challenges to freedom of expression and democratic principles Journalists at the convention highlighted the need to protect democratic space and media freedom, ensure the safety of journalists, and uphold the professional dignity and rights of media workers. Leaders of various journalist organisations, including the Association of Television Channel Owners, Broadcast Journalist Centre, Jatiya Press Club, Bangladesh Federal Union of Journalists, Dhaka Union of Journalists, Dhaka Reporters Unity, Diplomatic Correspondents Association, Bangladesh (DCAB), Economic Reporters Forum (ERF), Photo Journalists Association and the Crime Reporters Association of Bangladesh, took part in the convention. Editors, journalists urge BNP to ensure press freedom, if elected Journalists from outside Dhaka, along with editors, publishers, invited media professionals and columnists, also joined the programme, which aimed to project a united stance in support of independent, responsible and courageous journalism.    

Six people including three members of a family who died in a devastating fire at a multi-storey building in Dhaka’s Uttara area, were laid to eternal rest on Saturday and Friday night in Cumilla and Mymensingh districts. In Cumilla, the bodies of Fazle Rabbi, 37, his wife Afroza Begum Suborna, 30 and their child Kazi Fayaz, 3 were brought to Cumilla city where a namaz-e-janaza was held on Daroga Bari Mazar premises on Friday night. Read more: Sylhet’s Gowainghat house fire caused by short circuit, police confirm no communal link They were buried at their ancestral graveyard on Saturday morning following another namaz-e-janaza at Chiora village. A pall of gloom descended in the area over their tragic deaths. UNB Mymensingh Correspondent reports: three members of another family who died in the same fire incident in Uttara were laid to eternal rest in Ishwarganj of Mymensingh district on Friday night. They are Hares Uddin, 47, his son Rahab Chowdhury, 17 and Rodela Akter, 15, daughter of Rahab. They were buried around 10 pm following a namaz-e-janaza. Read More: House of ex-Dhaka-18 MP Habib Hasan’s brother set ablaze in Uttara

A traditional horse race has been held amid festive cheer at Chakai village under Bichhali Union in Narail Sadar upazila, drawing thousands of viewers from different parts of the district. The race was organised on Wednesday afternoon as part of the ‘Paush Sankranti’ celebrations by Bichhali Union Parishad Chairman Himayet Hossain Faruk. A total of 12 horses took part in the competition, with young riders racing at full speed in a bid to win the top prize. The event, believed to be more than 400 years old, is organised every year on the occasion of Paush Sankranti. A fair was also set up alongside the race venue where small traders displayed a variety of goods. Thousands of men and women from different walks of life lined both sides of the field to enjoy the show. Muhim, a visitor from Abhaynagar in Jashore, said he waits every year for this day. “This competition reminds us of our lost rural heritage,” he said. Local resident Rezaul Islam Jasim said many traditional rural customs are now on the verge of extinction. “Horse racing was once a major rural tradition but it is now disappearing. However, in Chakai of Bichhali Union, the race is still held every year with spontaneous participation of thousands of people,” he said. President of the Horse Race Competition and Paush Fair Celebration Committee Md Aminul Islam said a three-day Paush fair has been arranged alongside the race as in previous years. He said the initiative aims to preserve rural heritage, provide entertainment and help build a drug-free society. Union Parishad Chairman Himayet Hossain Faruk said the Chakai-Rukhali horse race is a 400 to 500-year-old tradition. “The fair is held every year on the last day of Paush. This event has kept rural heritage alive. As long as we are here, this fair will continue. Since becoming chairman, I have tried to expand it further and also repaired the race track so that the festival can survive in this region,” he said. Organising committee member Morad Hossain Sheikh said participants of different age groups took part in this year’s race, while the presence of women, men and children was particularly noticeable. After the competition, prizes were distributed among the winners.  

Police recovered the body of a man who remained missing since Monday from an abandoned market at Paris road in Mirpur area on Friday night. The deceased was identified as Shariful Islam Suman, 32, a mobile mechanic who used to work at Shah Ali Market in Mirpur. Mobarak Hossain, sub-inspector of Pallabi Police Station, said Suman left his home for work on January 12 and since then he remained missing. A general diary (GD) was lodged with Pallabi Police Station in this regard. After receiving information from emergency national number 999, police rushed to the spot and recovered the body. The face and head of Suman were badly damaged. The body was sent to Suhrawardy Medical College and Hospital morgue. The reason behind the death could not be known immediately. Woman stabbed during theft bid dies; ‘Thief’ killed lynch-mob attack in N’ganj Whether it was a murder or an accident will be known once the post-mortem report is available, said the OC.      

Saudi Arabian Mining Company (Maaden) has reported the discovery of 7.8 million ounces of additional gold resources across four locations in the Kingdom, strengthening its drive to grow domestic mineral reserves and build a global gold business. The new resources were identified at Mansourah Massarah, Uruq 20/21, Umm As Salam and the newly defined Wadi Al Jaww site. The expansion follows an intensive drilling programme that initially outlined more than nine million ounces before standard annual reporting adjustments. Mansourah Massarah delivered the biggest increase, adding three million ounces year-on-year. Uruq 20/21 and Umm As Salam together contributed 1.67 million ounces, while Wadi Al Jaww delivered a maiden resource of 3.08 million ounces. CEO Bob Wilt said the findings validate Maaden’s long-term strategy. “The results leave no doubt that the company’s long-term strategy is working on the ground. This is exactly why we continue to invest heavily in Saudi Arabia’s gold endowment,” he said. Read more: What Does Gold Carat Mean? Decoding Gold Purity Levels He added that the latest discoveries highlight the scale of Maaden’s exploration pipeline. “The addition of more than seven million ounces through drilling across the four areas demonstrates the scale and ongoing potential of Maaden’s gold portfolio, and it continues to deliver as we advance exploration and mine development. Our assets are growing, and that growth directly supports future cash generation.” Maaden’s 2026 exploration programme is focused on the Central Arabian Gold Region, where drilling has identified new mineralised zones and possible mine extensions. Work is also underway near the historic Mahd gold site to assess opportunities to extend mine life, reports Gulf News. Wilt said the results also support Maaden’s diversification plans. “The results underline the strength of the company’s broader pipeline. These early copper and nickel results show the same signals we saw first in gold and that the Arabian Shield has real scale to continue developing,” he said. “What we’re seeing at Shayban and Jabal Al Wakil points to a much bigger opportunity across the Kingdom and reinforces our ambition to build a strong multi-commodity portfolio alongside our growing gold business.” Read More: Gold price hits record Tk 234,680 per bhori in Bangladesh Maaden’s flagship Mansourah Massarah project now hosts an estimated 116 million tonnes grading 2.8 grams of gold per tonne, equivalent to a total resource of 10.4 million ounces. The company said mineralisation remains open at depth, with further drilling planned through 2026.

Interns at Sylhet Osmani Medical College and Hospital went on work abstention on Saturday morning protesting the attack on a female intern allegedly by the relatives of a patient early Saturday. Hospital sources said an altercation ensued between some interns and relatives of a patient over treatment at No 6 ward of the hospital around 1 am.. At one stage, a relative of a patient assaulted a female intern. The hospital authorities handed three people including a woman to police over the attack. Medical services have been hampered due to the strike, forcing the relatives of some patients to go to another hospital for treatment. Read More: Justice Manik moved to ICU at Sylhet hospital following surgery Additional police have been deployed on the hospital premises to avert further trouble, said Mainul Zakir, Officer-in-Charge of Kotwali Police Station. No complaint was lodged in this connection, said the OC.

The government has extended the completion deadline of Mongla Commander Flotilla West (COMFLOT West) infrastructure development project by two years, a move that has nearly doubled the project cost. Originally scheduled for completion by December 2026, the strategic naval infrastructure project is now expected to be completed by December 2028, according to officials familiar with the revised Development Project Proposal (DPP). The time extension has led to a sharp rise in the estimated cost, pushing the total project outlay from Tk 699.94 crore to Tk 1,316.62 crore. Dream project derails; Khulna-Mongla railway struggles without freight flow Being implemented by the Bangladesh Navy under the Defence Ministry, the project aims to strengthen maritime security and logistics in the Mongla naval region, which covers the country’s deep sea and coastal areas including the strategically important Mongla seaport in Bagerhat district. Officials said the extension was unavoidable as delays and technical adjustments continued to drive up costs. “The extension of the implementation period has exposed the project to global price inflation, revised rate schedules and increased construction costs,” a senior planning ministry official told UNB. One of the major reasons behind the cost escalation is the project’s riverbank location. Soil tests carried out during implementation revealed weaker ground conditions than initially assessed, requiring an increase in the number, length and diameter of piles for buildings and other structures. In addition, global inflation and rising prices of construction materials, engineering equipment and furnishings further inflated the revised budget. The project design has also been modified to reduce long-term risks and costs As of June 2025, cumulative expenditure on the project stood at Tk 382.28 crore, with financial progress recorded at 54.61 percent and physical progress at 54 percent, officials said. Once completed, the upgraded COMFLOT West facilities are expected to enhance the Bangladesh Navy’s operational readiness in the Mongla region by ensuring secure berthing, accommodation, medical services, supply and maintenance facilities for a growing number of naval and commercial vessels. The project is also seen as crucial for safeguarding commercial shipping, fishing trawlers and other maritime activities linked to the country’s blue economy. Read more: Third consignment of US wheat arrives in Mongla  “Time overruns inevitably translate into cost overruns,” one official said, adding that meeting the revised completion deadline is now critical to preventing further escalation. The project is fully financed by government funds, adding pressure on the public exchequer at a time when development spending is already under scrutiny over delays and rising costs.

Prabhas’ latest release, The Raja Saab, which hit theatres on January 9, has continued to perform steadily at the box office. Directed by Maruthi Dasari and produced by IVY Entertainment and People Media Factory, the horror-comedy raked in Rs 3.50 crore on Day 8 (January 16), taking its total collection to Rs 133.75 crore, according to industry tracker Sacnilk. The film saw a 34.88% occupancy in Telugu theatres on its second Friday, with evening shows drawing the largest crowds at 43.54%, followed by afternoon (37.57%), night (36.85%), and morning (21.57%) screenings. The Raja Saab follows an ordinary man, Raja Saab (Prabhas), who lives with his grandmother suffering from Alzheimer’s. She believes her husband, Kanakaraja, will return from a long mission, and the story unfolds when Raja Saab meets a man resembling his grandfather, leading to a heartfelt and supernatural tale. The film’s ensemble cast includes Sanjay Dutt, Nidhhi Agerwal, Malavika Mohanan, Riddhi Kumar, Boman Irani, Murali Sharma, Zarina Wahab, Samuthirakani, VTV Ganesh, and Prabhas Sreenu. From Kantara to Coolie: The top 10 highest-grossing South Indian films of 2025 Maruthi Dasari has also hinted at a sequel, revealing that The Raja Saab Part 2 will feature a completely new storyline within the horror genre, promising a fresh take for audiences. Source: ndtv

European Union Election Observation Mission (EU EOM) Deputy Chief Observer Inta Lase on Saturday (January 17, 2026) said it is very important to see the whole picture of electoral process holistically to present their report impartially, stressing that this is a historic moment for Bangladesh. "Let us observe and let us wait until a holistic assessment is done," she told reporters at a city hotel, noting that they all know there is no perfect election anywhere in the world. Lase said their assessment and report with recommendations in the spirit of friendship and cooperation will help improve the future electoral process in the country. She said their observers are very experienced though many of them are coming to Bangladesh for the first time. EU to allocate €60B military, €30B economic aid to Ukraine Addressing the observers, Lase said, "You are the ones who are in the field, seeing the realities, telling us here in Dhaka how the situation is unfolding in each and every district. We are really looking forward to your report and assessment from the field." She said she knows observers' hours on the ground will be longer but it will be rewarding. "Trust me, we are all very privileged to hear from you and see this historical election," Lase said. 200 Observers Altogether At full strength the EU EOM will comprise 200 observers drawn from all 27 EU member states, Canada, Norway and Switzerland. The EU EOM will present its preliminary findings in a statement at a press conference on 14 February in Dhaka.

Two people were killed and ten others injured a triangular collision among three buses on Dhaka-Sylhet highway in Osmaninagar upazila of Sylhet district on Saturday. The identities of the deceased could not be known immediately. The accident occurred around 7 am when the three vehicles including Sylhet-bound ‘Shyamoli Paribahan’ bus hit the Dhaka-bound buses of ‘Ena Paribahan’ and 'Unique Paribahan’ coming from the opposite direction, leaving two killed on the spot and ten others injured, said Monayem Mia, Officer-in-Charge of Osmaninagar Police Station. Upon receiving information, police and fire service men rushed to the spot and recovered the bodies. The injured were taken to a local hospital. Vehicular movement on the highway remained halted for three hours following the accident.    

The mother of one of Elon Musk’s children has filed a lawsuit against his artificial intelligence company, claiming its Grok chatbot was used to create sexually explicit fake images of her, causing humiliation and emotional trauma. Ashley St. Clair, 27, a writer and political strategist, filed the case on Thursday in New York City against xAI. In the lawsuit, she alleged that Grok allowed users to generate manipulated images portraying her in sexualized ways. These reportedly include a photo of her at age 14 that was altered to show her in a bikini, as well as other images depicting her as an adult in explicit poses and wearing a bikini with swastikas. St. Clair is Jewish. Grok operates on Musk’s social media platform X. Lawyers for xAI did not immediately respond to requests for comment on Friday. When asked about the lawsuit, the company replied to The Associated Press with a brief statement saying, “Legacy Media Lies.” St. Clair said she reported the fake images to X after they began circulating last year and asked for their removal. She claimed the platform initially said the images did not violate its policies. Later, X assured her that her images would not be used or altered without consent, she said. However, St. Clair alleged that the platform later retaliated by canceling her premium subscription and verification badge, blocking her ability to earn income from her account, which has about one million followers, and continuing to allow the altered images to circulate. In court documents, St. Clair said she has suffered severe mental distress and humiliation because of xAI’s role in creating and spreading the images. She also said she fears the people who view the fake content. St. Clair, who lives in New York City, is the mother of Musk’s 16-month-old son, Romulus. She is seeking an undisclosed amount in damages, along with court orders to stop xAI from allowing further fake images of her. Later on Thursday, xAI moved the case to federal court in Manhattan and also filed a countersuit in a Texas federal court, claiming St. Clair violated user agreement terms that require lawsuits to be filed in Texas. The company is seeking an unspecified monetary judgment. X is based in Texas, where Musk owns a home and where Tesla is headquartered in Austin. St. Clair’s lawyer, Carrie Goldberg, described the countersuit as highly unusual and said her client would strongly contest the move, arguing that xAI’s technology enables harmful and unsafe content. Grok AI banned from editing real people in revealing photos Earlier this week, X announced new safeguards for Grok, including limits on image editing and stricter rules against sexual exploitation and nonconsensual content.  

U.S. President Donald Trump on Friday suggested that countries could face tariffs if they do not support U.S. control over Greenland, as a bipartisan Congressional delegation met in Copenhagen to ease tensions over the issue. Trump has repeatedly asserted that the U.S. should have control over Greenland, a semiautonomous territory of NATO ally Denmark, calling any outcome short of U.S. ownership “unacceptable.” Speaking at a White House event on rural health care, Trump said he had previously threatened European allies with tariffs on pharmaceuticals and added, “I may do that for Greenland too… because we need Greenland for national security.” This marks the first time Trump mentioned tariffs as a possible means to assert control over the Arctic territory. Earlier this week, Denmark’s and Greenland’s foreign ministers met in Washington with U.S. Vice President JD Vance and Secretary of State Marco Rubio, resulting in the formation of a working group, though disagreements between Denmark and the White House remain. Denmark has emphasized that decisions on Greenland are a matter for Denmark and Greenland and announced plans to strengthen its military presence on the island. In Copenhagen, U.S. senators and representatives met with Danish and Greenlandic officials, including Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen. Sen. Chris Coons, a Delaware Democrat, thanked Denmark for “225 years of being a good and trusted ally” and highlighted discussions on sustaining the relationship. Alaska Republican Sen. Lisa Murkowski said the visit underscored the importance of viewing Greenland as an ally rather than an asset, contrasting with the White House’s more confrontational tone. Read More: Donald Trump claims India, Russia have fallen to China Trump has justified his push for U.S. control by citing potential Chinese and Russian interest in Greenland, which contains vast reserves of strategic minerals, and the White House has not ruled out forceful acquisition. Aaja Chemnitz, a Greenlandic politician in the Danish parliament, said the U.S. has been the main source of threats, while Murkowski noted that public opinion strongly opposes U.S. annexation, with about 75% against it. She and Sen. Jeanne Shaheen have introduced bipartisan legislation barring the use of U.S. funds to seize Greenland or any NATO ally’s territory without consent. The debate has sparked concern among Greenlanders. Greenlandic Prime Minister Jens-Frederik Nielsen affirmed the territory’s allegiance to Denmark, NATO, and the EU. Sara Olsvig, chair of the Inuit Circumpolar Council, criticized the U.S. stance, saying it shows a troubling view of Indigenous peoples and smaller nations, emphasizing that Greenlanders do not want to be colonized again.

A woman was stabbed to death by a suspected thief during theft bid who was then killed in a lynch-mob attack in Rupganj upazila of Narayanganj district on Friday night. The deceased woman was identified as Amena Begum, 45, wife of Babul Dewan of Kerabo area and Mehedi Islam, 32, son of Mostafa Mia of Birabo Khalpar area of the upazila. Sabjel Hossain, Officer-in-Charge (OC) of Rupganj Police Station, said Babul Dewan, a grocery shop owner of the area was constructing a concrete building and Mehedi was engaged in tile installation work of the building. At 7 pm on Friday, Amena caught Mehedi red-handed as he attempted to steal a mobile phone from her house. After being resisted, Mehedi hit Amena with a sharp weapon, leaving her injured. Hearing screams of Amena, local people caught Mehedi and beat him up mercilessly, leaving Mehedi dead. Meanwhile, Amena was taken to a local hospital where doctors declared her dead. On information, police rushed to the spot and recovered the bodies. Legal action will be taken after  investigation, said the OC.    

A serious shortage of liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) is disrupting kitchens and commercial eateries across the capital, forcing businesses and households to struggle with erratic supplies and higher costs. For nearly two decades, Abdullah Molla has run a mid-range hotel in the capital, serving affordable meals to office-goers, students and low-income workers. Over the past two weeks, however, he says keeping the business running has become a daily struggle. “Even after paying more, gas cylinders are not available. Some days we cannot serve our full menu. We are losing money and customers are leaving without eating,” Abdullah told UNB. Closing the kitchen is not an option but with no gas, many food items have already been dropped from the menu,he said . Small restaurants and roadside food vendors are facing the same crisis across the country. Kader, who runs a fast-food cart in a busy commercial area, said the rising price of LPG has pushed up his daily operating costs. Gas cylinder explosion after wedding kills eight in Islamabad “The price I used to buy gas at has increased sharply. If I raise food prices, customers get annoyed. Many walk away without buying anything,” he said. Homemakers Under  Pressure The crisis is not limited to businesses. In many urban neighbourhoods, LPG is now the only cooking fuel as new residential gas connections remain suspended. For thousands of families, daily cooking has become uncertain. Some households are being forced to switch to alternative fuels, which are often more expensive, time-consuming and inconvenient. “There has been no pipeline gas in our area for a long time. We depend entirely on LPG cylinders, but now even that has become chaotic,” said housewife Arha Moni. She alleged a huge gap between government-fixed prices and what retailers are charging. “What is the official price of a 12-kg cylinder, and what are shopkeepers charging? Now it costs Tk 2,500 to Tk 2,600. Is this business, or is it robbery?” she asked. Titas low pressure chokes gas supply across Dhaka; residents struggle She accused traders of ignoring official prices and creating artificial shortages. “Who gave them the right to empty ordinary people’s pockets through syndicates? Families are suffering badly. There is no gas in the stove, and buying a cylinder has become suffocating. Is there no one to see this?” she said. Consumers have blamed weak market monitoring for allowing such practices to continue and have urged authorities to act immediately to curb price manipulation and ensure sales at government-fixed rates. Import Dependence and Supply  Disruptions Businesses involved in LPG marketing  claim that the current crisis stems from uncertainty in the supply system and complications over price adjustments. They allege that despite the worsening situation, no clear directive or visible initiative has yet come from the government. The Ministry of Power, Energy and Mineral Resources on January 04 said there is no shortage of Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) in the country and local administrations have been ordered to take action against those responsible for creating the artificial crisis. According to the ministry, LPG imports were 1.05 lakh metric tons in November 2025 and 1.27 lakh metric tons in December 2025. Despite the increase in imports, there is no logic for a supply shortage in the market, it added. Energy sector sources say Bangladesh’s annual LPG demand is now around 1.4 million metric tonnes, with monthly consumption exceeding 120,000 metric tonnes on average. Demand rises further during winter and festival seasons. Nearly 98 percent of the country’s LPG is imported, making the domestic market highly vulnerable to global price volatility, dollar shortages, LC opening complications and shipping delays. Marketing companies claim recent import disruptions have prevented the buildup of adequate reserves. Read more: How to Save Gas While Cooking at Home As a result, dealers in many areas are receiving far fewer cylinders than required, creating shortages at the retail level. Although the government-fixed price of a 12-kg cylinder remains unchanged, consumers say shortages have pushed market prices to Tk 1,800 to Tk 2,000 and even higher in many areas. Analysts say LPG demand could reach 2.5 million metric tonnes annually by 2030. Without expanding supply capacity, simplifying import procedures and strengthening market monitoring, the crisis could worsen further. A Ray of Relief? Amid growing pressure from traders and consumers, Bangladesh Bank has eased import rules for liquefied petroleum gas to reduce financing pressure on local importers. In a circular issued on Sunday, the central bank said LPG imports will now be eligible for usance terms of up to 270 days under suppliers’ or buyers’ credit. The move is expected to give importers greater flexibility in managing payments during the ongoing dollar crunch. However, industry insiders say the impact of the policy change may take time to be felt on the ground. Until supply stabilises and prices come down, hotel owners, food vendors and homemakers fear the crisis will continue to disrupt daily life and livelihoods. Energy and Mineral Resources Division's Joint Secretary AKM Fazlul Hoque said around six million households in Bangladesh currently use LPG, making it an essential commodity. “The government is in the process of updating the LPG policy, which will include guidelines aimed at addressing existing challenges in the sector,” Fazlul added. Chairman of the  Bangladesh Energy Regulatory Commission (BERC) Jalal Ahmed on Thursday expressed optimism that the country would not face a shortage of liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) during the upcoming Ramadan, citing an expected increase in imports. LP gas traders threaten nationwide supply suspension “Those who brought in additional imports were not obstructed. Around 150,000 tonnes of LPG are expected to arrive in January. We hope there will be no problem during Ramadan,” Jalal said at a roundtable discussion titled ‘Challenges of Regulating the LPG Market’, organised by the LPG

Dhaka has ranked second on the list of cities worldwide with the worst air quality with an AQI index of 287 at 9:00 am this morning (January 17, 2026). Dhaka’s air was classified as 'very unhealthy' on Saturday, according to the air quality index. India’s Delhi and Kolkata and Ethiopia’s Addis Ababa, occupied the first, third and fourth spots on the list, with AQI scores of 384, 202 and 192 respectively. Read more: Over 100 killed as severe floods and heavy rains batter southern Africa When the AQI value for particle pollution is between 101 and 150, air quality is considered ‘unhealthy for sensitive groups’, between 150 and 200 is ‘unhealthy’, between 201 and 300 is said to be 'very unhealthy', while a reading of 301+ is considered 'hazardous', posing serious health risks to residents. The AQI, an index for reporting daily air quality, informs people how clean or polluted the air of a certain city is and what associated health effects might be a concern for them. The AQI in Bangladesh is based on five pollutants: particulate matter (PM10 and PM2.5), NO2, CO, SO2, and ozone. Dhaka has long been grappling with air pollution issues. Its air quality usually turns unhealthy in winter and improves during the monsoon. As per World Health Organization (WHO), air pollution kills an estimated seven million people worldwide every year, mainly due to increased mortality from stroke, heart disease, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, lung cancer, and acute respiratory infections. Read more: Experts stress reducing raw material use across industries to protect the environment

Deadly flooding triggered by weeks of torrential rain has claimed more than 100 lives across southern Africa, prompting helicopter rescues, mass evacuations, and warnings of further destruction as more rain is forecast, officials said Friday. The fatalities span South Africa, Mozambique, and Zimbabwe, where prolonged downpours have overwhelmed rivers, damaged infrastructure, and displaced hundreds of thousands of people. Meteorological agencies cautioned that continued rainfall could worsen the situation. Mozambique hardest hitMozambique has suffered the greatest impact, with flooding across large areas of its central and southern regions. The country’s disaster management agency reported 103 deaths during an unusually intense rainy season that began late last year. The fatalities include people killed by flooding, lightning strikes, collapsing buildings, and cholera outbreaks linked to the severe weather. According to the World Food Program, more than 200,000 people have been affected nationwide, thousands of homes have been damaged, and tens of thousands may need to be relocated. The crisis has stretched the capacity of one of the region’s poorest nations, already battered by multiple cyclones in recent years. Rising toll in neighboring countriesIn South Africa, authorities said at least 30 people have died in floods affecting two northern provinces, with search-and-rescue operations still underway. Zimbabwe’s disaster agency reported 70 deaths and the destruction of more than 1,000 homes since the start of the year, along with widespread damage to schools, roads, and bridges. Flooding has also been reported in Madagascar, Malawi, and Zambia. The U.S. Famine Early Warning System said flood conditions were occurring or anticipated in at least seven countries in southern Africa, potentially linked to the La Niña weather pattern, which often brings heavier rainfall to the region. Military rescue operations in South AfricaSouth Africa deployed its military to assist in rescue efforts, using helicopters to reach people trapped on rooftops and in trees in Limpopo province. The army also evacuated police and border officials stranded at a checkpoint along the Zimbabwe border. President Cyril Ramaphosa visited flood-hit areas on Thursday, saying some districts received nearly 400 millimeters (over 15 inches) of rain in less than a week. In one community, he said, dozens of homes were completely swept away. Limpopo Premier Phophi Ramathuba reported that more than 1,000 houses were damaged across the province, many of them destroyed entirely. Significant destruction was also reported in neighboring Mpumalanga province, where roads and bridges collapsed. In Nkomazi Municipality near the Mozambican border, residents worked to salvage their homes while preparing for additional storms. The South African Weather Service issued its highest red-level warning for further severe rainfall and flooding in the area. “These were the worst rains I’ve ever seen here,” said resident Josephina Mashaba. “I’m still afraid they could come back.” Evacuations at Kruger National ParkSevere flooding also affected South Africa’s Kruger National Park, one of the world’s largest wildlife reserves. About 600 tourists and park staff were relocated from flooded camps to higher ground after rivers burst their banks. Park authorities closed the reserve to new visitors and said several areas were completely cut off. No injuries or deaths were reported, according to park officials. Growing climate pressuresSouthern Africa has endured a string of extreme weather events in recent years, including powerful cyclones and severe droughts that have intensified food insecurity across the region. The World Food Program said current flooding in Mozambique has submerged more than 70,000 hectares of farmland, including rice and maize crops, further threatening the livelihoods and food supplies of thousands of small-scale farmers.

The White House on Friday announced the names of several figures expected to help oversee the next phase in Gaza, as a U.S.-backed Palestinian committee tasked with governing the territory met for the first time in Cairo. The committee’s head, Ali Shaath, a Gaza-born engineer and former Palestinian Authority official, said the group would begin work immediately to improve living conditions. He estimated that reconstruction would take around three years and said the initial focus would be on urgent needs such as housing. “The Palestinian people were waiting for this committee and its work to help save them,” Shaath told Egypt’s state-run Al-Qahera News following the meeting. Dhaka yet to decide on sending forces under ISF to Gaza; reiterates conditions U.S. President Donald Trump has endorsed the committee’s role in managing Gaza after the two-year conflict between Israel and Hamas. Following a ceasefire that took effect on Oct. 10, Israeli forces withdrew from parts of the territory, allowing thousands of displaced Palestinians to return to heavily damaged neighborhoods. Significant challenges remain, including the deployment of an international security force to monitor the ceasefire and the complex task of disarming Hamas. Under Trump’s proposal, the technocratic committee would handle Gaza’s daily administration under the supervision of a Trump-led “Board of Peace,” whose full membership has yet to be announced. White House names oversight officialsThe White House said an executive board will be responsible for implementing the Board of Peace’s strategy. Members include U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Trump envoy Steve Witkoff, Jared Kushner, former British Prime Minister Tony Blair, Apollo Global Management CEO Marc Rowan, World Bank President Ajay Banga, and Deputy National Security Adviser Robert Gabriel. Former U.N. Middle East envoy Nickolay Mladenov will serve as the executive board’s on-the-ground representative, overseeing day-to-day operations. In addition, the administration unveiled the “Gaza Executive Board,” which will coordinate with Mladenov, the Palestinian committee, and an international stabilization force. Witkoff, Kushner, Blair, Rowan, and Mladenov will also serve on this board, joined by Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan, Qatari diplomat Ali Al-Thawadi, Egypt’s intelligence chief Hassan Rashad, Emirati minister Reem Al-Hashimy, Israeli businessman Yakir Gabay, and former Dutch deputy prime minister and Middle East expert Sigrid Kaag. Violence in the West Bank and GazaIn the occupied West Bank, mourners gathered Friday for the funeral of a 14-year-old Palestinian boy killed by Israeli forces. The Palestinian Health Ministry identified the victim as Mohammad Na’san, saying he was the first child killed by Israeli troops in the West Bank in 2026. Local residents said Israeli forces used stun grenades and tear gas without provocation, while Israel’s military said the operation followed stone-throwing and tire-burning by Palestinians. The killing marked another violent incident in al-Mughayyir, a village east of Ramallah that has become a focal point of tension. Earlier this year, Israeli forces and settlers damaged olive groves and demolished a children’s park while searching for militants. According to U.N. figures, 240 Palestinians — including 55 children — were killed in the West Bank in 2025, while 17 Israelis, including one child, were killed by Palestinians. In Gaza, hospital officials said two children — a 7-year-old girl and a 16-year-old boy — were killed Friday in Beit Lahiya near the Yellow Line. Their bodies were taken to al-Shifa Hospital, and further details were not immediately available.

Iran appeared to have slipped back into a tense calm following weeks of unrest that ended in a violent government crackdown. On Friday, a senior conservative cleric called for the execution of detained protesters and openly threatened U.S. President Donald Trump, underscoring the anger and anxiety gripping Iran’s leadership. At the same time, Trump adopted a more measured tone, expressing appreciation toward Iranian officials for refraining from executing hundreds of detainees. His comments suggested a possible step back from military action. Trump has previously warned that executions and the killing of peaceful demonstrators would cross U.S. “red lines.” The harsh suppression of protests—reportedly leaving thousands dead—appears to have halted demonstrations that began on Dec. 28 over economic grievances and later evolved into direct challenges to Iran’s ruling system. In Tehran, daily life seemed to return to the surface-level normalcy, with shops open and streets busy, although an internet shutdown that began a week earlier remained in effect. Authorities reported no new unrest elsewhere in the country. “Iran canceled the hanging of more than 800 people,” Trump told reporters in Washington, saying he respected the decision. He did not specify who in Iran had confirmed this information. The U.S.-based Human Rights Activists News Agency reported a death toll of 3,090 as of Friday—higher than any previous unrest in Iran in decades and reminiscent of the turmoil surrounding the 1979 revolution. While the figure could not be independently verified by the AP, the organization has historically relied on a credible network of activists inside Iran. The Iranian government has released no official casualty numbers. Hard-line cleric delivers incendiary sermonState radio broadcast a sermon by Ayatollah Ahmad Khatami that drew chants such as “Armed hypocrites should be executed!” from worshippers. Khatami, a member of both the Assembly of Experts and the Guardian Council, labeled protesters as agents of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and “soldiers of Trump.” He warned that both Netanyahu and Trump should expect severe retaliation, declaring that “Americans and Zionists should not expect peace.” His remarks came as international efforts sought to ease tensions. Russian President Vladimir Putin spoke separately with Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian and Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu, according to the Kremlin. Russia, previously quiet about the protests, has been strained by its prolonged war in Ukraine and recent setbacks involving key allies. Exiled royal urges protests to continueAlthough Trump had earlier promised that “help is on its way,” both protests and the likelihood of U.S. military action appeared to fade. A diplomat told the AP that officials from Egypt, Oman, Saudi Arabia, and Qatar warned Trump that military intervention could destabilize the region and harm the global economy. Iran’s exiled Crown Prince Reza Pahlavi urged the U.S. to follow through on its promises. Speaking in Washington, he said he still trusted Trump’s commitment and insisted that Iranians must continue their struggle regardless of foreign intervention. “I will return to Iran,” Pahlavi said, later calling on protesters to resume demonstrations from Saturday through Monday. Despite limited support inside Iran, Pahlavi continues to position himself as a potential transitional leader should the government collapse. Authorities detail damage from unrestKhatami also released the first official estimates of damage caused during the protests, claiming that hundreds of mosques, prayer halls, hospitals, ambulances, and emergency vehicles were damaged, along with dozens of homes belonging to Friday prayer leaders—figures that highlight public anger toward state institutions. While protests inside Iran appear to have subsided, large demonstrations by exiled Iranians and supporters have taken place across Europe. Due to the internet shutdown, some Iranians crossed borders to communicate with the outside world. At Turkey’s Van province border, travelers said they were leaving Iran temporarily to bypass the blackout. “I’ll return once the internet is restored,” said Mehdi, who withheld his last name for security reasons. Exiled crown prince urges world support to topple Iran government Some Turkish citizens also fled the unrest. Mehmet Önder, a Turkish textile businessman, said he heard heavy gunfire while sheltering in Tehran. Based on his military experience, he said the weapons used were machine guns, not light firearms. Adding to regional tensions, a Kurdish separatist group based in Iraq claimed responsibility for recent attacks on Iran’s Revolutionary Guard, saying the strikes were retaliation for Tehran’s violent crackdown and were carried out by its fighters operating inside Iran.

Police rescued independent parliamentary candidate for Gaibandha-3 constituency Azizar Rahman in an unconscious state from Rangpur city on Friday evening. Azizar Rahman was found around 7:30pm at Modern Mor in the city, police said. He is an independent candidate for the Gaibandha-3 (Palashbari–Sadullapur) seat and had recently travelled to Dhaka to attend an appeal hearing after his nomination papers were initially cancelled. He was returning home by bus after regaining his candidature. Tajhat Police Station Officer-in-Charge Ataur Rahman said police rushed to the spot after receiving information that a man was lying unconscious on the road at Modern Mor. Azizar Rahman was rescued and later regained consciousness. During preliminary questioning, Azizar Rahman told police that he boarded a bus in Dhaka on Thursday night to return home. A person known to him was travelling with him and offered him eggs to eat during the journey. Shortly afterwards, he lost consciousness and could not recall what happened next. Police later said he was travelling from Dhaka to Gaibandha on a Pinky Enterprise bus when members of a suspected drugging gang allegedly fed him eggs laced with sedatives. After he became unconscious, the gang reportedly dropped him off at Modern Mor in Rangpur and fled with his cash and mobile phone. 'Toxic liquor’: Death toll rises to 6 in Rangpur The OC said Azizar Rahman has been taken to the police station. Since a general diary (GD) had been filed at Sadullapur Police Station following reports of his disappearance, he will be handed over to that police station once their team arrives. Azizar Rahman said he regained consciousness at the police station and could only recall travelling with a person named Shahin before losing consciousness.

In a nail-biting finish at the Sher-e-Bangla National Stadium, Rajshahi Warriors held their nerve to defeat Sylhet Titans by 5 runs in a dramatic encounter that saw the match swing wildly until the very last ball. Chasing a target of 148, Sylhet needed 11 runs off the final over bowled by Sri Lankan pacer Binura Fernando. The drama peaked when, after two wides and a series of tight deliveries, Sylhet needed 6 runs off the last ball. However, Binura shattered the stumps of Ruyel Miah, sealing a hard-fought victory for Rajshahi. Earlier, Sylhet seemed poised for victory when Moeen Ali smashed consecutive sixes off Ripon Mondol in the penultimate over, reducing the equation to 13 runs off 10 balls. But his dismissal on the very next delivery for a 12-ball 27 turned the tide back in Rajshahi's favor. Sylhet’s chase was anchored by Parvez Hossain Emon, who blazed 41 off 30 balls with 4 sixes before being trapped lbw in the 10th over. Despite steady contributions from Mominul Haque (31) and Afif Hossain (16), Sylhet lost momentum at crucial stages. BPL halted as players boycott match despite BCB’s show-cause notice Batting first, Rajshahi posted 147 for 7, thanks largely to a 56-run partnership between Mushfiqur Rahim (40) and Najmul Hossain Shanto (34). Mushfiqur fell to his signature reverse sweep, sparking a collapse that saw Rajshahi lose 4 wickets for just 23 runs in the death overs. With this win, Rajshahi Warriors strengthened their position in the top two with 14 points from 9 games, while Sylhet Titans remain on 10 points.    

The Dhaka University (DU) authorities have filed a case against those responsible for attacking DU students at New Market Police Station on Thursday at the Science Lab intersection. The case was lodged on the night of January 15, according to a press release issued by the university’s Public Relations Office. The press release stated that Dhaka University Vice-Chancellor Professor Dr. Niaz Ahmed Khan immediately spoke with the Home Affairs Adviser to ensure the safety of university students. He has also been maintaining communication with the Education Adviser and other senior government officials regarding the matter. Additionally, the university authorities have formally sent a letter to the Home Secretary seeking to ensure the security of student transportation. The release further mentioned that students of the proposed Central University blocked the Science Lab area on the afternoon of January 15. When a bus carrying Dhaka University students was heading toward the campus, the protesters obstructed it. Upon receiving the information, members of the DU Proctorial Body and the Transport Manager rushed to the spot and managed to escort the bus away. During this time, the protesters attacked the DU students, leaving several of them injured. Referendum: DUCSU announces month-long programme to secure victory for ‘Yes’ In protest against the incident, Dhaka University students staged a sit-in at the Nilkhet area on the evening of January 15. The Vice-Chancellor of Dhaka University, the Treasurer, the Proctor, the Provost of Shaheed Sergeant Zahurul Haq Hall, the Director of the Institute of Leather Engineering and Technology, senior faculty members, assistant proctors, DUCSU leaders, and leaders of the Zahurul Haq Hall unit spoke with the students and expressed solidarity with them. The press release also noted that the administrator of Central University has expressed regret to the Dhaka University authorities over the incident.

The Election Commission on Friday restored the candidacies of 18 more previously rejected aspirants, while upholding the candidacies of four others, including Sabira Sultana, the BNP-nominated candidate for Jashore-2 in the upcoming national election scheduled for February 12 next. The EC that acts as the electoral appeal tribunal made the decisions hearing a total of 43 appeal petitions filed against the decisions of the returning officers over the acceptance or cancellation of the nomination papers. Besides, 17 other previously rejected candidates couldn’t return to the race as the EC turned down the petitions to regain their candidacy.  The petitions filed by four invalid candidates, including two BNP aspirants for Sherpur-2 and Sirajganj-6 and Jamaat aspirant for Jashore-2 were kept pending to be settled later. The Commission, chaired by Chief Election Commissioner AMM Nasir Uddin, on Friday settled 39 petitions and kept four petitions pending. With the 18 aspirants who regained candidacy, a total of 353 candidates returned to the electoral race in the last seven days since Saturday last (January 10) the day the hearing started. The Commission that acts as the electoral appeal tribunal so far heard some 500 petitions out of 645 appeals filed by aggrieved persons, challenging the decisions of the returning officers over acceptance and cancellation of nomination papers. Among the four candidates who remain valid, the Election Commission upheld the candidacy of BNP nominated Sabira Sultana for Jashore-2, rejecting the appeal petition filed by independent candidate Jahurul Islam. The EC , also upheld the candidacy of independent Arif Ul Islam Mridha in Narsingdi-3, rejecting the petition filed by BNP nominated Monjur Elahi. The four pending petitions were filed by two BNP invalid aspirants Mohammad Fahim Chowdhury (Sherpur-2) and Shafiqul Islam (Sirajganj-6), Jamaat invalid aspirant Mohammad Mosleh Uddin Farid (Jashore-2) and invalid independent aspirant Azad Chowdhury (Chattogram-8). Of the appeals, the petitions filed by Fahim Chowdhury and Mosleh Uddin are scheduled to be settled on Saturday, while the petitions filed by Shafiqul Islam and Azad Chowdhury on Sunday, the last day of hearing. EC bars polls to all bodies, associations before Feb. 12 elections done The EC on Saturday last (January 10) started hearing of the appeal petitions filed by aggrieved persons and organisations against the decisions of the returning officers over the acceptance and cancellations of nomination papers during the scrutiny. According to the EC, a total of 2,568 aspirants submitted nomination papers to contest the upcoming national election from the country’s 300 constituencies by the December 29 deadline. After scrutiny, returning officers declared 1,842 nomination papers valid and rejected 723 others.

The interim government has appointed Omar bin Hadi, the brother of murdered Inqilab Moncho spokesperson Sharif Osman bin Hadi, as Second Secretary at the Bangladesh Assistant High Commission in Birmingham, United Kingdom. The Ministry of Public Administration issued a notification on Thursday confirming his contractual appointment for a three-year term. The tenure will take effect from the date he assumes office. During this period, he will not be permitted to engage in any other profession or business, nor hold employment with any government, semi-government, autonomous, or private organisation. All other terms and conditions of the appointment will be governed by the relevant contract, the notification said. Sharif Osman bin Hadi, a youth leader, was shot in the head on December 12 while travelling in a rickshaw on Culvert Road in the capital’s Bijoynagar area after Jumma prayers. Inqilab Moncho stages protest demanding justice for Hadi He was initially operated on at Dhaka Medical College Hospital before being transferred to Evercare Hospital. For advanced treatment, he was later airlifted to Singapore, where he succumbed to his injuries on the night of December 18.

A fire that broke out at the home of late schoolteacher Birendra Deb in Sylhet’s Gowainghat was caused by an electrical short circuit, police said, rejecting claims of any communal link. In a statement issued on Friday night, Assistant Superintendent of Police Md Samrat Talukder said the fire started from a short circuit at the house of Birendra Deb. The fire broke out on Thursday afternoon at the house in Bahar village, East Para, under Nandirgaon Union of the upazila. The affected family claimed that goods worth Tk 60 to 70 lakh were destroyed. Meanwhile, from Thursday evening, photos and videos of the fire began circulating online. Some social media users claimed the house of Birendra Deb was set on fire for political reasons, while others spread rumors that it was due to his religious identity. In a statement issued Friday night, Sylhet District Police said a recent fire at a family home in Gowainghat was caused by an electrical short circuit. While the incident was purely accidental, the police noted that it was being circulated on social media as a communal attack. The statement added that the fire actually started on Thursday afternoon in the house due to an electrical short circuit. The fire service team later brought the blaze under control. Police have contacted the victim’s family and inspected the site, confirming that the fire was caused by a short circuit. No complaints were received from the family, and the police urged the public not to be misled. The police also urged the public not to be confused about the incident. The house belongs to the family of the late teacher Birendra Dev, and his four sons live there. His eldest son, Bikash Chandra Deb, who is also a local school teacher, said the fire started in the straw storage shed, which was attached to the main house. He added that a short circuit could have caused the fire, which quickly spread to the house. Drug-addicted grandson held for grandmother’s murder in Sylhet He further said that around noon, his wife saw the fire burning in the straw shed and the house while fetching water from the tube well. The flames spread quickly. Bikash Deb added that his family has no enemies and he has no complaints against anyone. “It was an accident and, with the help of local people, he is managing to survive despite losing everything,” he added. Nobo Kumar Singh, Station Manager of Companyganj Fire Service Station, said, “The fire likely started in the straw shed due to an electrical short circuit.”    

Eminent members of Bangladesh’s civil society on Friday called for building future Bangladesh by upholding the ideals, democratic journey, political decency, tolerance towards opponents and overall restraint demonstrated by former Prime Minister and ex-BNP Chairperson Begum Khaleda Zia. The call was made at a citizens’ condolence meeting organised in memory of the late Khaleda Zia at the South Plaza of the Jatiya Sangsad. Media personalities, leading business figures, former government officials, academics and prominent members of civil society arranged the programme to pay tribute to the departed leader. BNP Chairperson Tarique Rahman attended the condolence meeting along with his wife Dr Zubaida Rahman, daughter Zaima Rahman and other family members. Programme chair former Chief Justice Syed JR Mudassir Husain described Khaleda Zia’s imprisonment as the captivity of democracy. He said the vision of a vengeanceless society that she articulated after her painful incarceration could serve as the blueprint for a civilised Bangladesh. “The path of achievement through tolerance that she showed and the call for unity she made should be the guiding force for the Bangladesh of the future.” Law Adviser Asif Nazrul described the verdict against Khaleda Zia in the Zia Orphanage Trust corruption case as one of the most heinous trials in Bangladesh’s history. He advised internalising Khaleda Zia’s ideals to build the Bangladesh of the future. “Hurt and astonished, Khaleda Zia repeated the question—‘Did I embezzle orphan money?’ The court treated this as her statement and convicted her on that basis. As a student of law, I can say with certainty that there cannot be a more disgraceful trial than this.” Editors’ Council President Nurul Kabir, recalling Khaleda Zia, said her death proved how deeply loved she was by the people of the country. “The massive turnout of people at her janaza is clear testimony to that,” he said. Offering advice to BNP, Nurul Kabir urged the party not to deviate from Khaleda Zia’s ideals, cautioning that BNP should not do anything that would make people say Khaleda Zia was spared from witnessing such actions only because she is no longer alive. The Daily Star Editor Mahfuz Anam recalled starting his career as a young journalist during Khaleda Zia’s first tenure with aspirations for independent journalism. “I was fortunate to meet Prime Minister Khaleda Zia several times. Her respect for free journalism, tolerance and ability to accept dissent and criticism deeply impressed me and earned my lasting respect.” Founder Editor of Daily Jaijaidin Shafik Rehman said paying full tribute to Khaleda Zia meant restoring democracy through votes. “She fought for democracy until her last days. Under no circumstances should the February 12 national election be derailed.” Amar Desh Editor Mahmudur Rahman compared the massive turnout at Khaleda Zia’s funeral to that of late President Ziaur Rahman’s janaza. He said although Khaleda Zia was not in power at the time of her death, millions gathered because she lived in people’s hearts. “Her name will remain unforgettable in the democratic journey of the subcontinent.” Veteran economist and CPD Distinguished Fellow Debapriya Bhattacharya said Khaleda Zia demonstrated farsightedness by deciding against exporting natural gas in 2003. He noted that she paid serious attention to technical experts, describing it as one of her key strengths. Mahbubur Rahman, President of the International Chamber of Commerce Bangladesh (ICCB), highlighted Khaleda Zia’s contribution to the country’s economic transformation. He said the private sector became stronger due to her timely and prudent decisions, which instilled confidence among businesspeople and transformed the economy. Khaleda Zia’s legacy honoured in Washington National Press Club Writer and researcher Mohiuddin Ahmad said Khaleda Zia set a record in Bangladesh by becoming the first woman prime minister elected through a free and fair election and attaining the highest executive power after joining politics. Prof Rashed Titumir highlighted Khaleda Zia’s economic reforms, saying Bangladesh’s economy was largely restructured during her tenure, forming the foundation of today’s economy. Writer Faham Abdus Salam said Khaleda Zia was the only political leader he had seen who transformed from a legal leader to a moral leader. “Many think the highest achievement of a politician is becoming prime minister, but Khaleda Zia rose far above that position in the hearts of the people.” Former caretaker government Chief Adviser’s Special Assistant Raja Devasish Roy said Khaleda Zia left two significant legacies in the Chattogram Hill Tracts. He noted that no government before her had given such importance and recognition to grassroots leaders like village heads and traditional leaders. “We expect to move towards a non-communal, pluralistic and inclusive Bangladesh by following Khaleda Zia’s path.” Former diplomat Anwar Hashim, who served as Bangladesh’s envoy to Pakistan and Geneva during her 1991 government, spoke on Khaleda Zia’s foreign policy. Former Public Service Commission Chairman Prof SMA Faiz, who served during Khaleda Zia’s tenure, said she prioritised merit-based recruitment and never interfered in cadre appointments or exerted pressure for political recruitment. Khaleda Zia’s grace, sense of dignity were truly admirable: Nurul Kabir Referring to Khaleda Zia’s final days, her medical team chief and medicine and chest disease specialist Dr FM Siddique said she had to endure immense suffering due to medical negligence. He said when treatment began at Evercare Hospital, they found she had been given certain harmful medications that led to liver cirrhosis. He also blamed wrong treatment for her arthritis and other complications. “Despite her immense contributions to the country’s healthcare sector, she had to leave this world due to prolonged medical negligence. There should be a specific investigation into this matter.” Bangladesh Puja Udjapan Parishad President Basudeb Dhar said Khaleda Zia always stood by oppressed people wherever she heard their voices. He said the history of democracy in Bangladesh remains incomplete without her, adding that completing the country’s democratic struggle would be the highest tribute to her. Abdus Sattar Dulal, President of Disabled Peoples’ International, recalled the enactment of laws and policies for persons with disabilities and the introduction of disability allowances during Khaleda Zia’s tenure. Transcom Managing Director Simeen Rahman said Khaleda Zia, as a person, was uncompromising, firm and dignified. “Her contributions to Bangladesh’s business sector and economic development were far-reaching.” Condolence meeting preparation committee president Prof Mahbub Ullah recalled Khaleda Zia’s words, “We have friends abroad, not masters. We hold the flag of independence in our hands, while they hold the chains of subjugation. I have no address outside the country; this country is my final address.” He said these three messages of Khaleda Zia should serve as guiding principles for statesmen in building the future of Bangladesh. At the outset, Saleh Uddin, coordinator of the programme and executive editor of The Daily Ittefaq, read out the condolence note. He said the event was not a political programme but a tribute from the country’s civil society to Khaleda Zia. Khaleda was convicted in Bangladesh’s most disgraceful trial: Asif Nazrul “Today, people across the country are remembering two-time Prime Minister Khaleda Zia not as a powerful political leader, but as a humane leader,” he said. BNP standing committee members, political activists, diplomats from different countries, civil society members and representatives of various professional organisations from both public and private sectors were present at the meeting. The programme followed by prayers seeking eternal peace for Khaleda Zia’s departed soul.

Health and Family Welfare Adviser Nurjahan Begum on Friday said that campaigning in favor of a ‘Yes’ vote in the upcoming referendum is a collective obligation for the state. She made the remarks while answering journalists’ questions after a discussion with district- and divisional-level health officials in Sylhet on the referendum. “Citizens do not need to understand the constitution or the difference between the upper and lower houses. What matters is explaining how the referendum will affect their daily lives and building public opinion in favor of ‘Yes’,” she said. She also warned that those opposed to elections would do everything possible to prevent them. “The more people we can engage, the more we can defeat anti-election and malevolent forces,” she added. Earlier, during the meeting with divisional health officials, Nurjahan directed all officials of the Health Department to campaign for the ‘Yes’ vote. She also suggested involving NGOs alongside government offices to support the campaign. None can destroy communal harmony in Bangladesh: Adviser Nurjahan On the sidelines, she said the opening of Sylhet District Hospital has been delayed due to staff shortages, but the issue will be resolved soon. The discussion was chaired by District Commissioner Md. Sarwar Alam and attended by Health and Family Welfare Ministry Secretary Md. Saidur Rahman, along with health officials at district and divisional levels.  

A man was killed in a clash allegedly between two groups of BNP supporters following the inauguration of an election office of an independent candidate in Dhobaura upazila of Mymensingh on Friday evening. The deceased was identified as Nazrul Islam, 40, son of Mofiz Uddin of Ramsinghpur village of the upazila and an activist of independent candidate Salman Omar Rubel.   Additional Superintendent of Police (Finance and Administration) Abdullah Al Mamun said Salman Omar Rubel went to Ershad Bazar on Friday evening to inaugurate his election office. After the programme ended and he was leaving the area, supporters of BNP-nominated candidate and BNP Joint Secretary General Syed Emran Saleh Prince allegedly attacked Rubel’s supporters, triggering a clash. During the clash, Nazrul Islam was stabbed by rivals. Locals rushed him to Dhobaura Upazila  Health Complex where doctors declared him dead. Following the incident, tension has been prevailing in the area. Independent candidate Salman Omar Rubel alleged that Prince’s supporters carried out a sudden attack from behind after the office inauguration. He demanded the immediate arrest of those involved in the killing of his supporter. BNP-nominated candidate for Mymensingh-1 (Haluaghat-Dhobaura) constituency Syed Emran Saleh Prince said he was not fully aware of the incident as he was in Haluaghat at the time. BNP leader Alamgir murder case: fourth suspect arrested in Jashore “From what I have initially heard, the incident stemmed from a family dispute. Attempts are being made to give it a political colour,” he said.  If it is found that anyone linked to our party is involved,  action will be taken, he added. Dhobaura police station  Officer-in-Charge (OC) Md Shafikul Islam said  police visited the scene and legal action is underway.

Venezuelan opposition leader María Corina Machado has said she will lead her country “when the right time comes” and expressed confidence that she will one day become Venezuela’s first woman president. Speaking to Fox News, Machado said she believes she has a mission to rebuild Venezuela and turn it into a prosperous nation. “I believe I will be elected when the right time comes as president of Venezuela,” she said. Her remarks came a day after she presented her Nobel Peace Prize medal to US President Donald Trump in Washington, calling it a recognition of his support for Venezuela’s freedom. Earlier this month, the United States seized Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro in Caracas and took him to New York to face drug and weapons charges. However, Trump has not endorsed Machado as Venezuela’s new leader, saying she lacks enough domestic support. Trump has instead engaged with Venezuela’s interim president Delcy Rodríguez, who previously served as vice president under Maduro. Machado said she has a mandate from the people and wants to serve her country in the most effective way. During her visit to Washington, she also met US senators at Congress as her supporters chanted “María, presidente” and waved Venezuelan flags. Meanwhile, Rodríguez held talks in Caracas with the CIA director on improving relations between the two countries. She later said Venezuela would face the US through political dialogue and announced oil sector reforms to attract foreign investment.   With inputs from BBC

Reza Pahlavi, the exiled son of Iran’s last shah, has called on the international community to support protesters seeking to overthrow Iran’s government, saying the fall of the Islamic Republic is inevitable. Speaking at a news conference in Washington, Pahlavi said the world should help the protesters and urged “surgical” strikes on Iran’s Revolutionary Guards to weaken the authorities and prevent further loss of life. Protests erupted across Iran on Dec 28 over the country’s weak economy and falling currency. The demonstrations later turned into calls for the end of the rule of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. Human rights groups say more than 2,000 protesters have been killed in the crackdown. The Iranian government has described the unrest as riots backed by foreign enemies. Pahlavi said parts of Iran’s security forces have refused to join the crackdown and claimed that foreign militia fighters were brought in to suppress the protests. He vowed to return to Iran and outlined plans for a new constitution based on democracy, individual freedom, and separation of religion and state. He said Iran’s future leadership should be decided by its people. “I am trying to help them liberate themselves,” he said. The protests began after shopkeepers in Tehran went on strike over rising prices and quickly spread nationwide. Demonstrators have chanted slogans against the Supreme Leader and the clerical leadership.   With inputs from BBC

Finance Ministry Adviser Dr. Salehuddin Ahmed on Friday asked government officials to be patient regarding the new pay scale. He said the pay scale has been prepared after 10 years. “There are many calculations. A committee has been formed. They are working. After the committee submits its report, the scale will be implemented,” he said. He added that funding is the main issue and assured that there is no reason to be discouraged. Dr. Saleh Uddin Ahmed made the remarks while inspecting the Gurudaspur Upazila Mini Stadium in Natore. He was accompanied by Cabinet Secretary Dr. Sheikh Abdur Rashid, Finance Secretary Dr. Sheikh Khairuzzaman Majumdar, Secretary of the Economic Relations Division Md. Shahriar Kader Siddiqui, and other senior officials. The finance adviser also said that everyone should vote in favor of referendum. He noted that there has never been a reform in Bangladesh for the people; changes have always been party-based. Pay Commission to reveal report date soon, work continues: Dr Salehuddin He further added, “Through referendum, the political government will gain strength in the future. That is why the government is speaking in favor of public voting.” Dr. Saleh Uddin Ahmed praised the mini stadium during his visit. Natore Deputy Commissioner Asma Shahin briefed him about the facilities.  

Sharks are known as the ocean’s most feared predators, relying on their razor-sharp, constantly regrowing teeth to survive. But scientists say rising ocean acidity could gradually weaken those powerful weapons. That is the conclusion of a study by German researchers who examined how more acidic seawater affects shark teeth. Scientists say human activities such as burning coal, oil and gas are increasing the amount of carbon dioxide absorbed by the oceans, making seawater more acidic. The study found that as acidity increases, shark teeth could become structurally weaker and more prone to cracking and breaking. This could eventually threaten sharks’ position at the top of the marine food chain. “The ocean won’t suddenly be filled with toothless sharks,” said lead researcher Maximilian Baum, a marine biologist at Heinrich Heine University Düsseldorf. “But weaker teeth would be another serious threat for animals already facing pollution, overfishing, climate change and habitat loss.” Baum said the team discovered clear signs of corrosion on shark teeth, warning that the predators’ ecological dominance could be at risk over time. The findings were published in the journal Frontiers in Marine Science as concern grows worldwide over ocean acidification. According to the US National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), acidification happens when oceans absorb more carbon dioxide from the atmosphere. Scientists estimate the ocean could become nearly 10 times more acidic by the year 2300. For the study, researchers collected more than 600 discarded teeth from an aquarium housing blacktip reef sharks, a species found in the Pacific and Indian oceans. The teeth were placed in water reflecting today’s acidity levels and the projected acidity of the year 2300. Teeth exposed to the more acidic water showed severe damage, including cracks, holes, root corrosion and overall structural degradation. Some dogs can learn new words just by eavesdropping The researchers said the results indicate ocean acidification will have a significant impact on the physical strength of shark teeth. Shark teeth are highly specialised tools designed for slicing through flesh rather than resisting chemical corrosion. Over a lifetime, a shark can grow and lose thousands of teeth, which are essential for hunting and maintaining balance in marine ecosystems. Many shark species are already under threat. According to the International Union for Conservation of Nature, more than a third of all shark species face the risk of extinction. Nick Whitney, a senior scientist at the New England Aquarium who was not involved in the research, said the study was scientifically sound. However, he noted that shark teeth develop inside mouth tissue and may be somewhat protected from changing ocean chemistry for a time. “Sharks have survived for about 400 million years and have adapted to many environmental changes,” Whitney said. Gavin Naylor, director of the Florida Program for Shark Research, said ocean acidification is a concern but stressed that overfishing remains the biggest threat to sharks worldwide. Scientists weigh prospects, hurdles of asteroid mining Scientists also warn that acidification will affect much more than sharks. Shellfish such as oysters and clams may struggle to build shells, while fish scales could become weaker and more brittle. Baum said ocean acidification should not be ignored as a growing danger for sharks. Some species are already close to extinction, and worsening ocean chemistry could push them even closer. “The evolutionary success of sharks depends on their perfectly developed teeth,” he said.

Oscar-winning actor Matthew McConaughey has trademarked his image and voice to protect them from unauthorized use by artificial intelligence platforms. According to a report by The Wall Street Journal, clips of McConaughey, including his famous line “alright, alright, alright” from the 1993 film Dazed and Confused, have been registered with the US Patent and Trademark Office. Lawyers for the Magic Mike star said this is the first time an actor has used trademark law to protect their likeness from possible AI misuse. They added that while there is no current example of his image being misused, the move is aimed at stopping any future unauthorized copies. McConaughey’s decision comes after several celebrities, including Scarlett Johansson and Taylor Swift, were targeted with fake videos, audio and images created using AI tools. The actor is not against generative AI. He has invested in ElevenLabs, an AI voice technology company, which has created an AI audio version of his voice with his permission. McConaughey rose to fame with Dazed and Confused and later starred in films such as A Time to Kill, Contact and Interstellar. He won the Academy Award for Best Actor for his role in Dallas Buyers Club.   With inputs from NDTV

Singer Harry Styles has announced his new album titled Kiss All the Time. Disco, Occasionally, which will be released on March 6. Styles shared the news on his Instagram account on Thursday. The post featured an image of the singer with the album title and release date written over it. “Kiss All the Time. Disco, Occasionally. March 6,” he wrote in the caption. The upcoming project will be the 31-year-old singer’s fourth studio album. He is known for hit songs such as As It Was and Watermelon Sugar. Styles began his music career in 2010 after auditioning for The X Factor UK. He later formed the band One Direction with Niall Horan, Liam Payne, Louis Tomlinson and Zayn Malik. He started his solo career in 2017 after signing with Columbia Records and releasing his debut single Sign of the Times, followed by his first solo album later that year.   With inputs from NDTV

A fire broke out at a residential colony in Kashimpur area of Gazipur on Friday morning, destroying at least 26 rooms. The incident occurred in a colony owned by a man named Biplob, located near GMS Garments factory in Sardaganj area of Kashimpur. On receiving information, a unit of DBL Fire Service rushed to the spot and brought the blaze under control after about half an hour of efforts. Jhut godown catches fire in Gazipur DBL Fire Service in-charge Atikul Islam said the fire originated from a room in the colony and quickly spread to adjacent rooms, leaving 26 rooms completely gutted. “The exact cause of the fire and the extent of losses will be determined after investigation,” he added. No casualties were reported in the incident.

Miscreants cut down 200 aubergine plants and garlic crops on 10 percent of a farmer’s land in Char Etmamapur village, Jaduboyra Union, Kushtia. They also reportedly stole a submersible pump worth around Tk 18,000. The incident occurred Thursday night. The affected farmer, Abdul Latif Laifa Biswas (61), a former vice president of the Union Awami League, discovered the damage on Friday morning. His farmland along the banks of the Gorai River is cultivated with banana, eggplant, onion, garlic, and other crops. On inspection, hundreds of eggplant plants were found cut and shredded, while garlic seedlings on a neighboring plot were also destroyed. The irrigation pump was missing, and electrical wires were damaged. Local farmers rushed to the site after hearing the news. Latif said the destroyed crops would have yielded 50–60 maunds of eggplant and around seven maunds of garlic. He spent about Tk 10,000 on seedlings and cultivation, and the stolen submersible pump cost Tk 18,000, bringing his total loss to nearly Tk 100,000. He could not identify the perpetrators. An unnamed local farmer said the incident has left the community fearful, suggesting outsiders may have targeted the fields to disrupt local peace. Jaduboyra Union Parishad Chairman Mizanur Rahman described the attack as extremely heinous and advised the farmer to seek police assistance. Kushtia Police Inspector (Investigation) Amirul Islam said legal action would be taken once a written complaint is filed.

The Rapid Action Battalion (RAB) has arrested the two main suspects in the stabbing murder of Chhatra Dal activist Zahidul Islam (25) in Narsingdi. Ariful Islam, Additional Superintendent of Police and Camp Commander of RAB-11 confirmed this at a press conference at the RAB-11 Narsingdi office. They were arrested on Thursday afternoon during a joint operation by RAB-11 Narsingdi and RAB-12 Kushtia in Bottoil, Bhadalia area of Kushtia district. The arrested couple, Rajon, 37, and his wife Zara, 30, are from Nawapara area under Madhabdi Police Station. During initial questioning, they admitted to being directly involved in the killing. They are handed over to Madhabdi Police Station for further legal proceedings. RAB said the operation to apprehend other suspects involved in the murder is ongoing. Grocery owner stabbed dead in Narsingdi Zahidul Islam, a union-level Chhatra Dal activist, was killed on December 29 after being lured from his home in Gayeshpur area of Zinaradi Union, Palash upazila. His father, Mosharaf Hossain Bhuiya, filed the murder case naming Rajon, Zara, and four to five unidentified individuals as accused.

Scores of civilians carrying their belongings arrived in government-held areas in northern Syria on Friday amid fears of a potential Syrian army offensive against Kurdish-led fighters east of Aleppo. Many used side roads after the main highway was blocked at a checkpoint previously controlled by the Kurdish-led and U.S.-backed Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), AP journalists reported. The Syrian army had announced late Wednesday that civilians could use a "humanitarian corridor" from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Thursday, signaling possible plans for an operation against the SDF east of Aleppo. Limited exchanges of fire were reported between the two sides. Men, women, and children arrived in cars and pickup trucks loaded with clothes, mattresses, and other belongings. Local officials guided them to shelters. Some crossed canals by small boats or used a damaged pedestrian bridge to reach government-held areas. Despite the SDF closing the main highway, about 4,000 people managed to reach government-controlled zones via alternative routes, according to Syrian state TV. A U.S. military convoy reached Deir Hafer in the early afternoon, though it was unclear if the personnel would remain. Washington maintains good relations with both sides and has urged calm. Inside Deir Hafer, most shops were closed and residents stayed indoors. Umm Talal, who arrived with her husband and children, said the road appeared safe and her husband planned to return home. Abu Mohammed, coming from Maskana, said SDF fighters had blocked the main highway, forcing people onto side roads. The tensions follow heavy clashes last week in Aleppo, which ended with Kurdish fighters evacuating three northern neighborhoods that were then taken over by government forces. Fighting erupted as talks stalled between Damascus and the SDF over a March agreement for integration of forces and government control of institutions, including border crossings and oil fields in the northeast. U.S. Special Envoy Tom Barrack said on X that Washington is in close contact with all parties, working to "prevent escalation and return to integration talks between the Syrian government and the SDF." The SDF has long been Washington’s main partner in the fight against ISIS, but Turkey considers it a terrorist group due to its links with Kurdish separatists.

BNP Standing Committee member Amir Khasru Mahmud Chowdhury on Friday said that the power of the state should be reduced while empowering the people. He warned that excessive state power creates difficulties for citizens and can lead to fascism, stressing that every citizen must be strong. “We want to bring this change in the coming days. In the past, excessive state power had left the people captive, pushing the country into a deep crisis. Today is the time to reduce state power and strengthen the people,” he said. He made the remarks while speaking as the chief guest at a ceremonial event organized by the Chattogram Dhormo Ujjwal Parishad at the Siemens Hostel premises of the National Maritime Academy in Chattogram on Friday on the occasion of the organization’s anniversary. Amir Khasru also emphasized the importance of religious harmony and social unity. “Everyone has the right to act freely. We want you to participate in every sector of society and take on leadership roles. I urge women to participate more, take leadership positions, and become stronger. Sustainable development and real change require equal participation of women in all areas,” he said. He added, “We are all one. You should have no doubts or conflicts about this.” Special guests at the event included Captain Ataur Rahman and BNP International Affairs Sub-Committee member Israfil Khasru.

Torrential rains and widespread flooding have claimed more than 100 lives across South Africa, Mozambique, and Zimbabwe, with authorities warning of more severe weather in southern Africa. In South Africa, at least 19 people have died in the northern Limpopo and Mpumalanga provinces after heavy rains last month triggered severe floods. Helicopters evacuated tourists and staff from flooded camps in Kruger National Park, which remains closed due to submerged roads and bridges, the national parks agency said. Mozambique’s Institute for Disaster Management and Risk Reduction reported 103 deaths during an unusually intense rainy season since late last year. Causes included lightning strikes, drowning, infrastructure collapse, and cholera. Central and southern regions have been hardest hit, with more than 200,000 people affected and thousands of homes damaged, the World Food Program said. Zimbabwe has recorded 70 deaths and destruction of over 1,000 homes due to heavy rains since early January, while roads, schools, and bridges have collapsed, the country’s disaster management agency reported. Floods have also affected Madagascar, Malawi, and Zambia. In Madagascar, 11 people have died in floods since late November. The U.S. Famine Early Warning System noted that flooding is ongoing or expected in at least seven southern African countries, possibly linked to the La Niña phenomenon. South African President Cyril Ramaphosa visited flood-hit areas in Limpopo on Thursday, reporting that one district had received roughly 400 millimeters of rain in under a week. “There are 36 houses that have just been wiped away … everything is gone — roofs, walls, fences,” he said. The South African Weather Service issued a red-level 10 alert for parts of the country Friday, warning of life-threatening floods and infrastructure damage. Helicopters have rescued residents trapped on rooftops or in trees, including border and police officers stranded at a flooded South Africa-Zimbabwe checkpoint. Kruger National Park, covering around 22,000 square kilometers across Limpopo and Mpumalanga, has evacuated roughly 600 tourists and staff to higher ground. No deaths or injuries have been reported there, authorities said. Southern Africa has faced extreme weather in recent years, including cyclones and severe droughts, intensifying food insecurity. In Mozambique, over 70,000 hectares of crops, including rice and corn, have been submerged, affecting thousands of small-scale farmers, the World Food Program said.

The Election Commission on Thursday announced a fresh election schedule for Pabna-1 and Pabna-2 constituencies to hold polls on February 12 next in line with the order of the Appellate Division. The election schedule was declared cancelling the previous schedule announced on December 11 last as per the court order passed on Thursday, said a notification issued by the EC. According to the new schedule, the deadline for the submission of nomination papers is January 18, while the scrutiny of the nomination papers is on January 19 and the last date for the withdrawal of candidature is January 26. The appeals can be submitted with the Election Commission from January 20 to 24, challenging the decisions of the returning officer over acceptance or cancellation of nomination papers. The EC will hear and dispose of the appeal petitions, if any, on January 25. The symbols will be allocated on January 27. Jamaat alleges deliberate harassment of its candidates by election officials Voting will be held together with the elections to the country’s other 298 constituencies, and the referendum. The Election Commission had earlier suspended the election in Pabna-1 and Pabna-2 constituencies until further directives from the court. An EC circular was issued on January 6 but made public on January 10, suspending the election to the two constituencies in line with an order issued by the Appellate Division of the Supreme Court on January 5 over a dispute regarding the demarcation of the two constituencies, the national parliamentary constituencies No 68 (Pabna-1) and No 69 (Pabna-2). On January 15, the Appellate Division on Thursday cleared the way for holding the elections in Pabna-1 and Pabna-2 constituencies on February 12 in accordance with the boundaries specified in the Election Commission’s September 4 gazette. EC so far clears path for 275 to contest Feb-12 election An Appellate Division bench led by Chief Justice Zubayer Rahman Chowdhury passed the order. As per the order, Sathia upazila will constitute Pabna-1 constituency while Sujanagar and Bera upazilas will form Pabna-2.

A hard-line Iranian cleric leading Friday prayers in Tehran demanded the death penalty for protesters detained during the nationwide unrest and directly threatened U.S. President Donald Trump, highlighting the regime’s growing anger following the demonstrations. Ayatollah Ahmad Khatami’s sermon, broadcast by state radio, sparked chants from the congregation including, “Armed hypocrites should be put to death!” Executions and the killing of protesters had been two of the red lines set by Trump for potential military action against Iran. Khatami also provided the first nationwide figures on damage caused during the protests, which began on Dec. 28 over economic hardship and quickly escalated into a challenge to Iran’s theocratic rule. He claimed 350 mosques, 126 prayer halls, 20 other religious sites, and 80 homes of Friday prayer leaders were damaged. He added that 400 hospitals, 106 ambulances, 71 fire department vehicles, and 50 other emergency vehicles were affected. Appointed by Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and a member of both the Assembly of Experts and Guardian Council, Khatami described the protesters as “Trump’s soldiers” and “the butlers of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu,” warning of “harsh revenge from the system.” Khatami, known for his hard-line stance, previously upheld a fatwa calling for the death of writer Salman Rushdie and threatened Israel in 2018, saying Iran could “raze Tel Aviv and Haifa to the ground.” He also urged the arrest of anyone supporting the rioters in any way. Since Jan. 8, Iran has restricted internet access and intensified its crackdown, with the U.S.-based Human Rights Activists News Agency reporting at least 2,677 deaths, though the toll has not been independently verified.

A rally, discussion and floral tribute programme was held in Gaibandha on Friday to protect the killing ground where martyrs of the Liberation War lie buried. The programme was organised under the slogan, “On this soil rest thousands of freedom fighters,” and took place at the killing ground adjacent to the Gaibandha Stadium in the morning. Organised by the Gaibandha District Killing Ground Preservation Council, the programme began with a rally from the Liberation War Victory Monument Square. Men and women committed to the spirit of the Liberation War joined the procession, which paraded through the town before ending at the stadium-area killing ground. A discussion followed, chaired by veteran journalist Gobinda Lal Das. Speakers included Bir Muktijoddha and former unit commander Abdul Kader, journalists Siddiq Alam Dayal, lawyers Ashraf Ali, Nilufar Yasmin Shilpi and Kasem Yazbi, politicians Ahsan Habib Sayeed and Kazi Abu Raheen Shafiullah, poet Nasrin Rekha, dramatist and poet Shahnaz Amin Munni, and council member secretary Advocate Mostafa Moniruzzaman, among others. The speakers alleged that during the rule of the previous “fascist” government, several killing grounds in Gaibandha, including the main one, were illegally occupied. They claimed that attempts were made to erase the spirit of the Liberation War by setting up sawmills, liquor shops and other structures on these historic sites. They stressed the need to protect the killing grounds and pass on the history and spirit of the Liberation War to future generations, calling for the building of a new Bangladesh rooted in the ideals of 1971.

Police recovered the decomposed bodies of a mother and her daughter from a private tutor’s flat in Keraniganj on Thursday. They were allegedly killed over pressure to repay an NGO loan taken by the tutor. The victims were identified as Rokeya Begum (32) and her daughter Fatema (14), an eighth-grade student. Their bodies were recovered on Thursday night from a flat in the Muktirbagh area under Keraniganj Model Police Station. Officer-in-Charge M Saiful Alam said we responded to a 999 call around 9:00pm after locals reported a foul smell from a second-floor flat of a five-storey building. Police broke open the door and recovered Rokeya’s body from a box bed and Fatema’s body from the bathroom ceiling, both wrapped in cloth. Mother-daughter found slain in Keraniganj coaching centre; 4 Held Police arrested private tutor Nusrat Nur Jahan and her younger sister Mim, accusing them of killing the duo on December 25 after Rokeya pressured Nusrat to repay a Tk 1.5 lakh loan for which Rokeya was guarantor. A murder case has been filed, and the accused were sent to court on Friday.

At least two people were killed and seven others injured in a violent clash between two rival groups over local dominance in Nangalkot upazila of Cumilla on Friday. Officer-in-Charge of Nangalkot Police Station Arifur Rahman confirmed the incident. Rifles stolen from Cumilla Highway Police outpost recovered The incident took place around 12:30pm in Aliyara village under Boxganj Union, where supporters of Abul Khayer, a local member, and Saleh Ahmed, another member, confronted each other, police and local sources said. The deceased were identified as Delwar Hossain Nayan, 35, and Md Abdur Razzak, 29. Of the injured, several were taken to Cumilla Medical College Hospital in critical condition, while others were admitted to Nangalkot Upazila Health Complex. Following the clash, tension gripped the area. Police and army personnel were deployed to bring the situation under control, and additional security measures were put in place. Locals said the two groups have been locked in a long-running feud. On August 3, 2025, a former union parishad member named Alauddin was killed in a clash between the same factions. In the aftermath, houses were vandalised and set on fire, forcing several families to flee the area. They said the situation flared up again recently after those families returned home following army intervention, eventually leading to Friday’s deadly violence. Officer-in-Charge of Nangalkot Police Station Arifur Rahman said no case had been filed yet in this regard. Law enforcers are closely monitoring the situation to prevent further unrest, he added.

Nordic embassies - Sweden, Denmark, Finland and Norway - in Dhaka came together on Thursday evening to mark Nordic Day 2026, under this year’s theme “Inclusive Societies, Stronger Together." Nordic Day commemorates the signing of the Helsinki Treaty in 1962, which laid the foundation for formal Nordic cooperation. It highlights the values that guide Nordic engagement globally: democracy, sustainability, gender equality, minority rights, inclusive societies, multilateral cooperation and international law. The celebration showcased the strength of Nordic cooperation and ongoing collaboration between the Nordic countries and Bangladesh in advancing inclusive development, and shared global goals. Young Nordic politicians observe Bangladesh’s election preparations Reflecting the shared commitment, they welcomed Environment, Forest and Climate Change Adviser Syeda Rizwana Hasan as the chief guest. The event featured traditional Nordic cuisine, music, and provided a welcoming space for dialogue, cultural exchange and connection amongst guests.

Dhaka, Jan 16 (UNB)— Law Adviser Asif Nazrul on Friday said former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia was unjustly convicted in what he described as the most disgraceful and farcical trial in Bangladesh’s history, referring to the Zia Orphanage Trust corruption case. Addressing a condolence meeting held at the South Plaza of the Jatiya Sangsad Bhaban, Asif Nazrul termed the Zia Orphanage Trust case against Khaleda Zia a “sham and disgraceful judgment” in the country’s judicial history. He recalled an incident from the trial, saying a defence lawyer had asked Khaleda Zia whether she had misappropriated orphan funds.  “Hurt and astonished, Khaleda Zia repeated the question—‘Did I embezzle orphan money?’ The court treated this as her statement and convicted her on that basis. As a student of law, I can say with certainty that there cannot be a more disgraceful trial than this,” the law adviser said. Khaleda Zia’s grace, sense of dignity were truly admirable: Nurul Kabir Asif Nazrul noted that there was a time when hardly anyone dared to speak out in support of the BNP or against the injustice done to Khaleda Zia. While searching for statements protesting the unfair trial, he said, only four people at home and abroad could be persuaded to issue statements. “I am talking about a time when it was almost impossible to find people willing to stand by Khaleda Zia,” he added, noting that the situation has since changed. Asif Nazrul further said Khaleda Zia has found a permanent place in the hearts of the people, while ousted former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has been relegated to a place of rejection. Asif Nazrul remarked that Bangladesh would prosper only if the country is envisioned in the way Khaleda Zia had envisioned it. “Khaleda Zia is no more. Now the biggest concern is what Bangladesh will look like in the days ahead. If we want a better Bangladesh, we must uphold Khaleda Zia, follow her ideals and run the country in that spirit.” Thanking the fighters of the July uprising, the adviser said people in the country are now able to express their opinions freely, without obstruction in expressing either love or dissent. Khaleda Zia’s legacy honoured in Washington National Press Club BNP Chairperson Tarique Rahman and his family members were present at the programme. Senior leaders, including members of the BNP Standing Committee, also attended the condolence meeting. Eminent citizens from the media, business community and various professional groups spoke at the event, recalling Khaleda Zia’s memories and paying tribute to her.

Greenland, an autonomous territory of the Kingdom of Denmark, is the world’s largest island. Nestled between the Atlantic and Arctic oceans, it primarily experiences two distinct seasons: long, dark winters from October to May and bright, sunlit summers from June to August. Many also describe spring as occurring between March and May and autumn between September and October. Regardless of the season, Greenland is known for its stunning landscapes and picturesque skies, which remain a constant attraction throughout the year. According to a December 2024 report by The Guardian, 92,673 tourists visited Greenland in 2022, rising to 131,767 in 2023. A CNN report noted that the island welcomed 141,000 visitors in 2024, with figures for 2025 yet to be released. Despite past US President Donald Trump’s interest in acquiring Arctic territories, Greenland remains a highly sought-after destination for travelers. Visitors are drawn not only to its dramatic scenery but also to experiences such as viewing the Northern Lights, exploring Inuit culture, witnessing the midnight sun during summer, and taking part in adventure activities. What visitors should know as Louvre ticket prices jump by 45% for many tourists Here’s a look at how Greenland appears during its winter and summer seasons. Greenland in winter For those seeking a true winter wonderland, Greenland offers a chilly paradise from October through May, with temperatures ranging from -9°C to -30°C. The northern regions experience polar nights, where the sun does not rise from November to January, while the southern areas receive some daylight. Despite the freezing conditions, visitors can enjoy a variety of activities such as Arctic ice tours, dog sledding, skiing, and snowshoeing. The northern polar nights also provide an opportunity to witness the aurora borealis, along with experiencing local life in small towns. Spring begins in March, bringing daylight to both northern and southern regions. With sunlight reflecting off vast expanses of snow and ice, tourists are advised to wear sunscreen and sunglasses. This season also offers unique experiences such as polar plunges into icy waters, combining winter fun with bright, photogenic landscapes. Winter storms dump snow and ice across New England Greenland in summer Though brief, summer in Greenland is enchanting, particularly north of the Arctic Circle, where the Midnight Sun keeps daylight constant for 24 hours. Temperatures are milder, ranging from 5°C to 15°C, allowing visitors to wear lighter clothing. As snow melts, it unveils cascading waterfalls, green tundra, and vibrant wildflowers. Wildlife enthusiasts can spot musk ox, whales, birds, arctic hares, and reindeer. Adventure seekers can enjoy kayaking, hiking, and sailing through fjords, while icebergs, misty mornings, and local cuisine add to the charm of the season. Summer gradually gives way to autumn, with shorter days and the return of aurora sightings. Visitors can continue camping, water activities, and outdoor exploration as long as sunlight permits, making Greenland a year-round destination for nature lovers and adventurers alike. #With inputs from NDTV

Venezuelan opposition leader María Corina Machado said Thursday she presented her Nobel Peace Prize medal to President Donald Trump at the White House, calling it a recognition of his “unique commitment with our freedom,” even as Trump has questioned her ability to lead Venezuela. Machado, who spent 11 months in hiding in Venezuela before attending the Nobel ceremony in Norway, said the gesture was symbolic. The Nobel Institute clarified that she could not legally transfer the prize. Trump later confirmed on social media that Machado had left the medal for him and called it an honor. The meeting lasted about two and a half hours and included a discussion of Venezuela’s political transition, though Trump provided no firm commitments on elections. White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt described the discussion as “frank and positive” but stressed that it did not change Trump’s view of Machado, citing her lack of broad support within Venezuela. After leaving the White House, Machado greeted supporters outside and later met with a bipartisan group of U.S. senators. She urged progress toward a transition of power and elections, warning that interim President Delcy Rodríguez, Maduro’s former deputy, is “in many ways worse than Maduro.” The White House praised Machado as a “remarkable and brave voice” but maintained a cautious stance. Meanwhile, U.S. forces in the Caribbean seized another Venezuelan oil tanker as part of broader efforts to secure the country’s oil assets following the capture of Maduro and his wife less than two weeks ago. Machado, a longtime critic of Venezuela’s ruling party and co-founder of the NGO Súmate, led opposition efforts against Hugo Chávez and his successor Maduro, facing government reprisals over the years. Her visit to Washington highlights her symbolic role in Venezuela’s political opposition amid ongoing U.S. involvement in the country’s transition.

President of the Editors’ Council Nurul Kabir on Friday said former Prime Minister and ex-BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia consistently stood out in Bangladesh’s political landscape for her grace, decency, restraint and strong sense of self-respect. “Khaleda Zia created a unique example in Bangladeshi politics through her refined conduct, decency, moderation, dignity and restraint, which always impressed me,” he said while addressing a citizens’ condolence meeting organised in memory of Khaleda Zia at the South Plaza of the Jatiya Sangsad Bhaban. Reflecting on her centrist and democratic political approach, Nurul Kabir said that although he was never directly involved with BNP’s political strategies, he had always supported the party’s democratic ideals. Highlighting her restraint amid personal suffering, the veteran journalist said, “Despite the oppression, persecution and hardships she and her family endured, no one has ever heard her utter words of condemnation. Such restraint is undoubtedly rare.” Civic condolence over Khaleda’s passing on Friday Recalling an incident from the night of March 25, 1971, Nurul Kabir said that when Bengali officers were preparing to take up arms against Pakistani commanders, a Pakistani Subedar Major under then Major Ziaur Rahman attempted to break open an arms cache and open fire on Bengali officers. “It was Khaleda Zia who stopped him. She was an ordinary housewife at the time, yet her courage saved the lives of many Bengali officers that night.” He stressed that her bravery should not be underestimated, noting that without her courageous intervention in the early hours of the war, many Bengali officers might have lost their lives. “It could even have affected Ziaur Rahman’s historic declaration of independence on March 26.” Addressing BNP leaders and activists, Nurul Kabir urged them not to take any action that would dishonour Khaleda Zia’s ideals. “Do nothing that would make people say Khaleda Zia was fortunate to have passed away and not lived to witness such days.” He called upon BNP to continue its democratic journey and actively participate in building a beautiful and democratic Bangladesh.

Taiwan’s premier on Friday praised a new trade agreement with the United States as the “best tariff deal” granted to countries with trade surpluses, while China condemned the accord. The deal reduces U.S. tariffs on Taiwanese goods to 15% in exchange for $250 billion in new investments in the U.S. tech industry. Taiwan Premier Cho Jung-tai said the agreement matched tariffs applied to Japan, Korea, and the European Union, and underscored Taiwan’s strategic importance to the U.S. China, which claims Taiwan as its territory, criticized the deal, with Foreign Ministry spokesperson Guo Jiakun saying it opposed agreements carrying sovereign or official connotations with Taiwan. The U.S. Commerce Department said the pact would establish industrial parks in the U.S., boost domestic manufacturing, and drive a reshoring of the semiconductor sector. Taiwanese firms investing in the U.S., including chipmaker TSMC, will benefit from favorable tariff treatment and exemptions. TSMC announced plans to increase capital spending by nearly 40% this year, with $165 billion pledged for U.S. investments and new fabrication plants in Arizona. Cho said tariffs for automotive and wood furniture products are set at 15% with no added fees, and some aerospace components will face no tariffs. The deal requires ratification by Taiwan’s parliament, where opposition lawmakers have raised concerns about potential impacts on the domestic semiconductor industry. Trade analysts noted the timing is significant, as the U.S. Supreme Court is set to rule soon on the legality of Trump-era tariffs, which could affect trade leverage. Taiwan, facing persistent security threats from China, was motivated to strengthen economic and strategic ties with the United States.

At least four people were injured after an explosion rocked a residential street in the centre of the Dutch city of Utrecht on Thursday, according to emergency services. The cause of the blast was not immediately known. The explosion sparked a fire and caused extensive damage to nearby homes, forcing people to flee into surrounding shopping streets. Firefighters rushed to the scene and battled the blaze but were initially unable to enter the damaged buildings due to concerns over structural stability. Emergency services spokesman Sjaak Haasnoot said the four injured were taken to hospital, though the severity of their injuries was not yet confirmed. He added that it remained unclear whether anyone had been killed. 'All options are on the table' in emergency UN meeting, US warns Iran “At this moment, it is very difficult to say how many people may be trapped under the rubble,” Haasnoot said, noting that firefighters could not yet enter the unstable building. Rescue teams were working to determine how they could safely search through the debris to check for possible victims. Residents whose homes were damaged were being temporarily accommodated in a nearby hotel. Police have launched an investigation into the incident, Utrecht Mayor Sharon Dijksma told reporters. “This explosion has had a huge impact on the heart of our city. Everyone is deeply shocked, especially those living in the immediate area,” she said.

Myanmar on Friday denied that its 2017 military campaign against the Rohingya minority amounted to genocide, telling the United Nations’ top court that the operation was a legitimate response to insurgent attacks in Rakhine state. Addressing judges at the International Court of Justice (ICJ), Myanmar’s representative Ko Ko Hlaing said the country was acting against terrorism and rejected allegations that its forces carried out genocidal acts. He argued that Myanmar could not be expected to allow armed groups to operate freely in northern Rakhine. The campaign followed attacks by a Rohingya militant group and led to accusations of mass killings, sexual violence and the burning of villages, forcing more than 700,000 Rohingya to flee to neighboring Bangladesh. About 1.2 million Rohingya now live in overcrowded camps there, facing worsening humanitarian conditions. The case was filed in 2019 by Gambia, which accuses Myanmar of violating the Genocide Convention. Gambian Justice Minister Dawda Jallow said the Rohingya endured decades of persecution that culminated in what he described as genocidal “clearance operations” in 2016 and 2017. Myanmar disputed Gambia’s evidence, including findings by a UN fact-finding mission, saying the claims failed to meet the required burden of proof. Former leader Aung San Suu Kyi defended Myanmar at earlier hearings in 2019 but is now imprisoned following the 2021 military takeover. In 2022, the court rejected Myanmar’s challenge to its jurisdiction, allowing the case to proceed. Separately, the International Criminal Court has sought an arrest warrant for junta chief Min Aung Hlaing over alleged crimes against humanity linked to the Rohingya.

Canada has agreed to reduce its 100% tariff on Chinese electric vehicles in return for sharp cuts to Chinese duties on key Canadian farm products, Prime Minister Mark Carney said Friday. Speaking after two days of talks with Chinese leaders, Carney said the deal will initially allow up to 49,000 Chinese-made EVs to enter the Canadian market. In exchange, China will lower its tariff on Canadian canola seeds from about 84 percent to around 15 percent. The announcement came as Canada and China signaled a broader effort to reset relations after years of tension. Carney said his visit, the first by a Canadian prime minister in eight years, marked “a historic and productive” step toward rebuilding ties and adapting cooperation to new global realities. He called for closer collaboration in agriculture, energy and finance. Chinese President Xi Jinping said talks since an initial meeting last October had helped open a new chapter in bilateral relations and that Beijing was willing to continue working to improve ties. Venezuela’s new leader signals oil sector reforms and warmer US ties Relations between the two countries deteriorated in recent years after Canada followed the United States in imposing steep tariffs on Chinese electric vehicles, steel and aluminum under former prime minister Justin Trudeau. China retaliated with heavy duties on Canadian canola oil, meal and seeds, as well as pork and seafood, effectively shutting Canadian canola out of the Chinese market. The renewed engagement comes as both countries face economic pressure from US President Donald Trump’s America-first trade policies, which have disrupted global commerce and hit both the Canadian and Chinese economies. Carney said his government is seeking to build an economy less dependent on the United States and to diversify trade partnerships during a period of global trade disruption. After leaving China on Saturday, Carney will visit Qatar before heading to Switzerland for the World Economic Forum, where he is expected to meet business leaders and investors to promote trade and investment.

Social media platforms have taken down about 4.7 million accounts identified as belonging to children in Australia since the country enforced a ban on under-16s using major platforms, officials said. Communications Minister Anika Wells said the government had proven critics wrong by compelling some of the world’s biggest tech companies to comply. “Now Australian parents can be confident their kids can have their childhoods back,” she told reporters on Friday. The figures, submitted to the government by 10 platforms, offer the first indication of the impact of the landmark law, which came into force in December amid concerns about harmful online environments for young people. The move triggered heated debate over technology use, privacy, child safety and mental health and has prompted other countries to consider similar measures. Under the law, Facebook, Instagram, Kick, Reddit, Snapchat, Threads, TikTok, X, YouTube and Twitch can be fined up to A$49.5 million ($33.2 million) if they fail to take reasonable steps to remove accounts of Australian users under 16. Messaging services such as WhatsApp and Facebook Messenger are exempt. Platforms can verify age by requesting identification, using third-party facial age-estimation tools, or drawing inferences from existing account data, such as how long an account has been active. Australia’s eSafety Commissioner Julie Inman Grant said about 2.5 million Australians are aged 8 to 15 and previous estimates showed 84% of 8- to 12-year-olds had social media accounts. While it is unclear how many accounts existed across the 10 platforms, she said the 4.7 million “deactivated or restricted” accounts was an encouraging sign. “We’re preventing predatory social media companies from accessing our children,” Inman Grant said, adding that the companies covered by the ban had complied and reported removal figures on time. She said enforcement would now focus on stopping children from creating new accounts or evading the restrictions.  Read more: Wikipedia turns 25, announces AI partnerships with tech giants Australian officials did not release platform-by-platform numbers. However, Meta, which owns Facebook, Instagram and Threads, said it removed nearly 550,000 accounts believed to belong to under-16s by the day after the ban took effect. In a blog post, Meta criticised the policy and warned that smaller platforms not covered by the ban might not prioritise safety. The law has been widely backed by parents and child-safety advocates, though privacy groups and some youth organisations oppose it, arguing that vulnerable or geographically isolated teenagers find support online. Some young users say they have bypassed age checks with help from parents or older siblings.

Inqilab Moncho on Friday staged a demonstration demanding justice for its slain spokesperson, Sharif Osman bin Hadi, with a large number of protesters in attendance. The protesters organized a procession from the central mosque premises of Dhaka University after Jumma prayers. During the demonstration, they chanted slogans including: “We want justice,” Lal sobujer potakay, Hadi tomay dekha jay, Amra sobai Hadi hobo, Juge juge lore jabo, Tumi ke, Ami ke, Hadi, Hadi, and Delhi na Dhaka, Dhaka, Dhaka. Earlier, on Thursday, a Dhaka court directed the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) to carry out further investigation into Sharif Osman Hadi’s murder case. Dhaka Additional Chief Metropolitan Magistrate Jashita Islam passed the order after the complainant expressed dissatisfaction with the initial investigation and submitted a naraji petition (a no-confidence motion) against the charge sheet, requesting a further probe. The court also ordered the submission of the investigation report by January 20,  said Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) Deputy Commissioner of Prosecution Miah Mohammad Ashis Bin Hasan. Osman Hadi, who was also a prospective candidate for the Dhaka-8 constituency, was shot in the head on December 12 while traveling in a rickshaw on Culvert Road in Puratan Paltan. He was later airlifted to Singapore for advanced treatment, where he succumbed to his injuries on the night of December 18.

The Bangladesh Premier League (BPL) roared back to life on Friday as the Chattogram Royals won the toss and opted to bat first against the Noakhali Express. With this, the dramatic 24-hour player boycott came to an end. The resumption signals a fragile truce between the cricketers and the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) following a standoff triggered by BCB Director M Najmul Islam. Players had refused to take the field on Thursday, demanding action after Nazmul labelled former captain Tamim Iqbal an “Indian agent” and mocked the national team’s financial value, asking whether the board should demand a refund of salaries if they failed to perform. The deadlock eased after the BCB removed Najmul from his position as chairman of the Finance Committee and initiated disciplinary proceedings. Although the board rejected the players’ demand for a public apology, the Cricketers’ Welfare Association of Bangladesh (CWAB) agreed to resume play in the “greater interest” of the tournament. However, tensions remain high off the field. CWAB President Mohammad Mithun revealed late Thursday that he had received anonymous death threats warning that “no cricketer will walk safely” for leading the protest.

A35-year-old man was beaten to death by a mob over allegations of theft at Snikantanagar Bazar under Ramnagar Union in Jashore Sadar upazila early Friday. The deceased was identified as Shamim, son of Chabdu. He was a resident of Baladanga village in the Sadar upazila. According to police, Shamim allegedly broke into a bKash shop owned by Arafat Hossain at around 2:00am. The shop owner, who had woken up to use the washroom, noticed a person inside the shop through CCTV footage and shouted. Hearing his screams, local people gathered at the spot, caught Shamim and beat him severely, leaving him critically injured. Later, he was rescued and taken to the emergency department of Jashore General Hospital, where the on-duty doctor declared him dead. Faruk Ahmed, Officer-in-Charge (OC) of Kotwali Police Station, said police visited the scene after receiving information and are investigating the incident to determine the actual cause of death.

Asian shares were mixed Friday after Wall Street broke a two-day losing streak and edged back toward record levels, helped by advances for Big Tech companies like Nvidia. U.S. futures advanced and oil prices slipped. Tech shares regained momentum after Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co., a major supplier to the industry, reported strong profits and investment plans. TSMC gained 2.7% early Friday and Taiwan's benchmark Taiex was up 2%. The frenzy around AI has sent Nvidia and other superstar stocks to dizzying heights, stirring criticism that their prices had shot too high. Nvidia rose 2.1% after TSMC’s Chief Financial Officer Wendell Huang said it’s seeing “continued strong demand” in an encouraging signal for the entire AI industry. TSMC’s stock that trades in the United States rose 4.4% on Thursday. The gains also followed the signing of a U.S.-Taiwan trade deal involving $250 billion in new investments by Taiwan’s semiconductor and tech companies in the U.S. In exchange, the Trump administration will cut tariffs on Taiwanese goods. The deal aims to establish a strategic economic partnership and upgrade U.S. industrial infrastructure. In Tokyo, the Nikkei 225 edged 0.1% lower to 54,062.28, while Hong Kong's Hang Seng gave up 0.3% to 26,851.69. The Shanghai Composite index lost 0.2% to 4,103.45. China is due to report its economic growth data for 2025 on Monday. Elsewhere in Asia, South Korea's Kospi rose 0.4% to 4,814.21. The benchmark has been trading at record highs for weeks, helped by a recovery in confidence in AI-related shares. In Australia, the S&P/ASX 200 was up 0.4% at 8,895.00. India's Sensex also rose 0.4%. Wall Street steadied on Thursday as stocks in the artificial-intelligence industry bounced back. The S&P 500 rose 0.3% to 6,944.47. The Dow Jones Industrial Average added 0.6% to 49.442.44, and the Nasdaq composite rose 0.2% to 23,530.02. Easing oil prices also helped to calm investors' jitters. Early Friday, a barrel of benchmark U.S. crude cost $58.96, down 12 cents from a day earlier. It sank 4.6% on Thursday after Trump said he had heard “on good authority” that plans for executions in Iran had stopped amid widespread protests against the country’s leadership. Brent crude, the international standard, fell 16 cents to $63.60 per barrel. It dropped 4.1% on Thursday. Financial markets took Trump's comments as a signal that tensions flaring above some of the world’s largest oil deposits could ease, which in turn could lower the possibility of disruptions to oil supplies. Earnings reporting season for big U.S. companies continued to pick up pace, meanwhile, with several more big financial companies delivering their results for the last three months of 2025. BlackRock, the giant that’s now overseeing more than $14 trillion in investments, rose 5.9% after reporting stronger profit and revenue than analysts expected. Encouraging reports on the U.S. economy contributed to the upbeat mood. One said fewer workers applied for unemployment benefits last week in an indication layoffs may be slowing. Other reports said manufacturing was significantly stronger in the mid-Atlantic region and in New York state than economists had forecast. The stronger-than-expected data on the U.S. economy helped stocks of smaller companies to lead the market. Their profits can be tied more closely to the strength of the U.S. economy than their bigger, multinational rivals, and the Russell 2000 index rose 0.9%. In other dealings early Friday, the U.S. dollar fell to 158.27 Japanese yen from 158.63 yen. The euro rose to $1.1610 from $1.1609.

US Trump administration officials on Friday held a virtual meeting with Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) Chairman Tarique Rahman to discuss the interim government’s negotiated tariff agreement and explore ways to strengthen bilateral trade ties. The meeting was held from 9:00am to 9:30am (BST), with Tarique Rahman and a BNP representative joining it from his residence, while the US delegation participated from Washington, DC.  From the BNP side, Humaiun Kabir, Joint Secretary General and Foreign Affairs Adviser to the BNP Chairman, joined the discussion alongside Tarique Rahman, said Saleh Shibly, Press Secretary of the BNP Chairman.  Tarique Rahman holds first meeting with Prof Yunus in Bangladesh The US delegation was led by US Trade Representative Jamieson Greer. Other participants included Assistant US Trade Representative for South and Central Asia Emily Ashby, Deputy Assistant US Trade Representative Rick Switzer, USTR Chief of Staff Sam Mulopolous, and Senior Policy Adviser to the Deputy USTR D.R Seckinger. During the meeting, Tarique Rahman emphasised the importance of deepening trade engagement and developing broader cooperation in areas of mutual interest to further enhance Bangladesh-US economic ties, sources said.

The crisis in Bangladesh cricket has taken a serious turn as Mohammad Mithun, President of the Cricketers' Welfare Association of Bangladesh (CWAB), said he is receiving severe threats involving physical harm against players. Mithun alleged that he has been receiving abusive calls and WhatsApp messages from various unknown domestic and international numbers. The anonymous senders have accused the cricketers of acting as “agents” to create an “unstable environment” in the country. One specific threat issued a chilling warning, he said, that said “after today, no cricketer will be able to walk safely on Bangladesh soil”. Mithun noted that the volume of these threats escalated significantly after 9:00 PM on Thursday. “We haven't spoken against the country, so I don't understand why these threats are coming,” Mithun said. “As cricketers, we spoke about our rights; is that a crime?”. Mithun, who is captaining the Dhaka Capitals in the ongoing BPL, said that he has not yet taken formal legal action but is considering doing so. These threats target Mithun as he leads the players' negotiation with the BCB regarding the boycott demanding the resignation of Director M Najmul Islam. Earlier in the day, Mithun had announced that players would only return to the field if Najmul offered a public apology for his offensive remarks. However, on Thursday night, they agreed to continue playing BPL from Friday.

The death toll from a fire that broke out at a residential building in the capital’s Uttara has risen to six, police said on Friday. Among the deceased, three were members of the same family, Sub-Inspector Nazmul Sakib of Uttara West Police Station told UNB. The victims have been identified as Rodela, 14, daughter of Shahidul of Ishwarganj, Mymensingh; Fazle Rabbi Rizvi, 38, son of Kazi Khushedul Alam of Cumilla Sadar, Md Rashed, Two-month-old, son of Fazle Rabbi Rizvi of Cumilla Sadar; Raha, 17, daughter of Hafiz Uddin of Ishwarganj, Mymensingh; Harez, 52, son of Hafiz Uddin of Ishwarganj; and Afsana. Mosque, police station set on fire as Iran protests turn deadly The fire broke out at around 7:50am on the second floor of a seven-storey building located on Road No. 18 in Sector 11 of Uttara. Two firefighting units rushed to the scene and brought the blaze under control by 8:25am, said Talha Bin Zasim, station officer of the Fire Service and Civil Defence (FSCD) headquarters’ media cell. Cumilla crash: Four killed as bus catches fire after three-vehicle collision At least ten people were injured and are currently receiving treatment at several hospitals in Uttara, including Kuwait Bangladesh Friendship Government Hospital. The cause of the fire is still under investigation.