At a press conference held at the National Press Club on Monday, Professor Dr. Mohammad Shariful Alam, member secretary of the Retired BCS Officers Forum, questioned the neutrality of several returning officers involved in candidate selection for the upcoming 13th parliamentary election. Representing the forum, the former secretary presented an eight-point demand to the Election Commission, emphasizing the need for impartial conduct by officials to ensure a fair and credible election scheduled for February 12.

The forum’s demands included immediate removal of any election officials whose neutrality has been questioned, strict enforcement of electoral laws, installation of CCTV cameras at all polling centers, and issuance of clear guidelines to ensure impartiality. They also called for prompt investigation and suspension of any accused officials, establishment of complaint boxes at key administrative offices, and post-election transfers of district and police officials through a lottery system. Additionally, the forum urged the government to declare that advisers and contract-based top officials would not be part of the next administration.

Dr. Alam stated that after three failed and fraudulent elections, the upcoming vote is crucial for democratic progress and political stability in the country.

Members of the Lalmonirhat Battalion (15 BGB) detained one person and seized a large consignment of Indian mobile phone displays smuggled into Bangladesh. Acting on intelligence, the BGB learned that the items had been secretly stored for trafficking through the Kulaghat checkpoint. During a late-night operation on Sunday, they intercepted a suspect traveling by easy bike, searched the vehicle, and recovered 1,048 Indian mobile displays. The suspect, identified as Md. Sohag, was arrested on the spot.

According to the battalion authorities, the seized goods are valued at 22 lakh 800 taka. The detainee and the confiscated items have been handed over to Lalmonirhat Sadar Police Station, where a case has been filed. The BGB is continuing efforts to identify and take legal action against other members of the smuggling network.

Lieutenant Colonel Mehedi Imam, PSC, commanding officer of the 15 BGB, stated that smuggling harms the national economy by disrupting market balance, depriving the government of revenue, and fostering criminal activity in border areas.

Bangladesh Islami Chhatra Shibir’s Dhaka University branch has completed its leadership selection for the 2026 session. In a direct vote by branch members, Muha. Mohiuddin Khan was elected as president. Ashiqur Rahman was nominated as secretary, and Mu. Sajjad Hossain Khan as organizational secretary. The election and nominations were finalized during a members’ assembly held Monday morning at Shaheed Mahbubur Rahman Auditorium.

The event was conducted by Central HRM Secretary Saidul Islam, with Central President Nurul Islam attending as chief guest and Central Publication Secretary Sadiq Kayem as special guest. Voting took place using ballot papers signed by the central president. After counting, Nurul Islam announced Mohiuddin Khan as the president-elect and administered his oath.

Following consultations with members, the newly elected president nominated Ashiqur Rahman and Mu. Sajjad Hossain Khan to their respective posts. The assembly concluded with prayers and supplications.

Arifur Rahman Dolon, a central vice president of Krishak League and member of the banned Awami League’s Faridpur district unit, has submitted nomination papers as an independent candidate for the Faridpur-1 constituency, covering Madhukhali, Boalmari, and Alfadanga. Dolon, previously a dummy candidate in the 2024 parliamentary election after being denied the party’s boat symbol, filed his papers through his wife ahead of the upcoming thirteenth national polls.

Local residents said Dolon, who faces multiple cases including murder, money laundering, and corruption, continues political activities openly despite no record of bail in some cases. He is listed as the 14th accused in a case filed over the July uprising killings, while other accused leaders remain fugitives. Dolon, a relative of former minister Khandaker Mosharraf Hossain, was earlier jailed in a 2,000-crore taka money laundering case but later released on bail.

Protesters under the banner of the anti-discrimination movement recently demanded Dolon’s arrest, accusing authorities of rehabilitating banned Awami League figures by allowing them to contest elections.

Around 2,000 supporters of Venezuela’s ousted president Nicolás Maduro demonstrated in Caracas on Sunday, calling for his release from a New York prison where he and his wife are being held by U.S. forces. The protesters, waving Venezuela’s red, blue, and yellow national flags, were joined by pro-Maduro paramilitary members and motorcyclists. One placard read “Free our president,” while another declared “Venezuela is not anyone’s colony,” referencing U.S. President Donald Trump’s recent statement that Washington would “administer” Venezuela for an unspecified interim period.

Maduro is scheduled to appear in a New York court on Monday to face U.S. charges of “narco-terrorism” linked to alleged cocaine trafficking. Venezuelan Defense Minister Vladimir Padrino López said a large part of Maduro’s security team had been “cold-bloodedly killed,” along with military personnel and civilians, though he did not specify numbers. A group of doctors told AFP that about 70 people were killed and 90 injured during the unrest.

The protests underscore deep divisions in Venezuela following Maduro’s ouster and detention, as his supporters continue to challenge U.S. actions and interim control claims.

At least 80 people have been killed in a United States military operation in Venezuela, according to a senior Venezuelan official cited by The New York Times. The death toll is expected to rise. Venezuelan Defense Minister Vladimir Padrino said many members of President Nicolás Maduro’s security unit were among the dead. US President Donald Trump announced that Maduro and his wife had been captured during the operation and that the United States had established control over the country.

Maduro and his wife are being held in a New York prison and are scheduled to appear in court on Monday. They face charges of drug trafficking and collaboration with groups designated as terrorist organizations. Maduro has denied the allegations, while the current Venezuelan government has called for his release.

Nicolás Maduro Guerra, the son of the detained president, urged Venezuelans to take to the streets against what he called US aggression. In an audio message shared on social media, he vowed that the anti-imperialist socialist movement founded by former leader Hugo Chávez would endure.

Members of the central executive committee of Jamaat-e-Islami convened a meeting on Monday morning to review the country’s current situation and make organizational decisions. The meeting began at 10 a.m. at the party’s central office in Moghbazar, Dhaka, under the chairmanship of party Ameer Dr. Shafiqur Rahman.

Senior leaders including Nayeb-e-Ameer Professor Mujibur Rahman, Dr. Syed Abdullah Mohammad Taher, ATM Azharul Islam, and Secretary General Mia Golam Porwar were present at the session. The gathering focused on assessing ongoing national developments and determining the party’s next steps in response to the prevailing circumstances.

No further details about the specific agenda or outcomes of the meeting were disclosed in the report.

Nicolas Maduro Guerra, son of Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro, has called on citizens to take to the streets against what he described as US aggression. In an audio message shared on social media, he vowed that the anti-imperialist socialist movement founded by former leader Hugo Chávez would endure. Addressing former US President Donald Trump, Guerra said Venezuelans would soon be seen marching with their national flag raised in defense of their dignity.

The call came after a US operation late Saturday reportedly captured President Maduro and took him to New York, where he and his wife, Cilia Flores, are being held in prison. Maduro is expected to appear in court on Monday. Speculation has emerged that someone from his inner circle assisted the US, a claim Guerra echoed by saying history would reveal the traitors. On Sunday, some Maduro supporters were seen protesting in Caracas, waving flags and carrying posters of the ousted leader.

US authorities have also accused Maduro Guerra of drug trafficking, though he has not been detained.

China and Pakistan have agreed to enhance cooperation and coordination in both bilateral and multilateral forums. The decision was announced in a statement following Pakistani Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar’s visit to China. During his meeting in Beijing with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi, Dar discussed a range of regional and global issues, according to The Express Tribune.

A statement from Pakistan’s Foreign Ministry said the talks covered the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor, trade, and multilateral collaboration. Both sides emphasized that their friendship is vital for peace, stability, and prosperity in the broader region. They also agreed to appropriately celebrate the 75th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the two countries.

Dar also met Liu Jianchao, Minister of the International Department of the Communist Party of China, and congratulated the party on successfully holding the Fourth Plenary Session of its 20th Central Committee. In a separate meeting with Chinese Executive Vice Premier Ding Xuexiang, both sides reaffirmed their commitment to further strengthen the Pakistan-China strategic partnership.

The Criminal Investigation Department (CID) has recovered 114 unidentified bodies of those killed during the July uprising. Among them, eight victims have been identified, according to information released by CID on Monday morning. The identified individuals include Faisal Sarkar, Parvez Bepari, Rafiqul Islam (52), Mahim, Sohel Rana, Asanullah, Kabil Hossain, and Rafiqul Islam (29).

Earlier, on August 4, Dhaka Chief Metropolitan Magistrate Mohammad Mostafizur Rahman ordered the exhumation of the bodies following a police petition filed by Sub-Inspector Mahidul Islam of Mohammadpur Police Station. The exhumation process began on December 7.

The 114 victims had been buried anonymously at the Rayerbazar cemetery in Mohammadpur after being killed during last year’s anti-discrimination movement. The CID’s identification effort marks a significant step toward recognizing the victims of the July uprising.

U.S. President Donald Trump has again warned India over its continued imports of Russian oil, saying Washington could impose additional tariffs on Indian goods if New Delhi does not reduce purchases. Speaking to reporters aboard Air Force One on Sunday, Trump said India had already cut some Russian oil imports but could face higher duties if cooperation does not improve. He also praised Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, calling him a good person who understands Washington’s concerns.

The warning comes as U.S. scrutiny of India’s energy trade with Russia intensifies. India maintains that its Russian oil imports are necessary to ensure national energy security. A few weeks earlier, Trump and Modi held a phone conversation emphasizing the importance of maintaining bilateral trade despite tariff disputes. Following that, officials from both countries resumed talks to resolve longstanding trade issues.

Last August, the U.S. imposed punitive tariffs of up to 50 percent on Indian goods over discounted Russian oil purchases. The issue has gained renewed global attention as oil politics resurfaces following U.S. military action in Venezuela, where production has sharply declined due to sanctions and investment shortages.

Thirty-two Cuban nationals were killed in a United States military operation in Venezuela aimed at capturing President Nicolás Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores. The raid took place early Saturday in Caracas, and both Maduro and Flores were taken to the United States, where they are expected to appear in court on Monday on drug-related charges. Cuba’s government announced two days of national mourning on January 5 and 6 to honor the victims, according to a statement released in Havana.

The Cuban statement did not provide detailed information but confirmed that those killed were members of the country’s armed forces and intelligence agencies. It said they had fulfilled their security and defense duties with dignity and bravery, dying in direct combat against the attackers. Former US President Donald Trump told the New York Post that many Cubans lost their lives trying to protect Maduro, calling it a poor decision.

The incident has drawn attention to the involvement of Cuban personnel in Venezuela’s defense and the escalating tension surrounding the US operation.

Anti-government protests in Iran have entered their second week, with at least 12 people, including security personnel, reported dead since the unrest began on December 28 in Tehran following a shopkeepers’ strike. Human rights groups and local media said fresh deadly clashes erupted between protesters and security forces across Tehran, Shiraz, and western provinces. Demonstrators reportedly chanted slogans against the country’s religious leadership.

The protests are described as the largest since the 2022–2023 movement sparked by the death of Mahsa Amini in police custody. Although the current unrest remains concentrated in Kurdish and Lur-populated western regions, it poses a new challenge to Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, who has ruled since 1989. The situation is further complicated by recent conflict with Israel that damaged nuclear facilities and killed key security officials. In response to economic pressure, the government announced a monthly cash allowance of about seven dollars per citizen for four months.

U.S. President Donald Trump warned that if more protesters are killed, the United States would respond “very harshly.” Human rights groups reported multiple deaths and injuries in western Iran, while Iranian media confirmed casualties among both protesters and security forces.

Many secondary-level students in Bangladesh have not yet received their textbooks for the new academic year, though the National Curriculum and Textbook Board (NCTB) claims improved performance compared to previous years. In a statement issued Sunday, NCTB said that despite printing contracts running until February 3, all remaining secondary and technical books would be delivered by January 15 through intensive monitoring. As of January 3, 84.78 percent of the total 300.25 million textbooks had been supplied.

The board reported that all pre-primary and primary books, totaling 85.93 million copies, were fully printed and distributed before Victory Day, ensuring delivery to students on January 1. However, printing and delivery for secondary and Ebtedayee levels remain incomplete, with 88.50 percent printed and 78.69 percent delivered. School heads from Dhaka and Keraniganj confirmed shortages, particularly for grades eight and nine.

Officials and publishers cited low tender rates as a key reason for delays, with some presses reluctant to print at reduced prices. NCTB’s distribution controller said more than half of grade eight books had reached schools and expressed confidence that all secondary books would be delivered by January 15.

Police in Chatmohar upazila of Pabna district arrested two alleged drug dealers in separate operations on Sunday evening and night. According to Chatmohar Police Station Officer-in-Charge Golam Sarwar Hossain, the first raid took place in Gunai Gacha Purbo Para village, where Jakirul Islam, 32, son of Mobarak Pramanik, was detained with 10 yaba tablets. Later, in another operation at Bothor Madhyapara village under Bilchalon Union, Sohel Rana, 22, son of Belal Pramanik, was arrested with 15 yaba tablets.

Police stated that two separate cases have been filed against the detainees in connection with the drug recovery. The operations were part of ongoing efforts to curb illegal drug trade in the area.

Authorities have not disclosed further details about the investigations or whether additional suspects are being sought in connection with the seizures.