Former Army Chief Iqbal Karim Bhuiyan will testify against retired Major General Ziaul Ahsan in an enforced disappearance case. Chief Prosecutor Mohammad Tajul Islam informed the two-member judicial panel of International Crimes Tribunal-1, chaired by Justice Md Golam Mortuza Majumdar, about this on Thursday afternoon. The tribunal has set January 14 for its order on whether to frame formal charges against Ahsan for crimes against humanity involving the abduction and killing of over a hundred people.

During Thursday’s hearing, Ahsan’s lawyers, Monsurul Haque and Naznin Nahar, sought his discharge, arguing that the prosecution failed to prove his involvement. The prosecution countered that it had established a prima facie case and requested the tribunal to begin the trial. The tribunal reserved its decision for January 14.

Earlier, on December 4, the prosecution detailed specific allegations, including multiple killings allegedly conducted under code names such as “Gestapo” and “Golf,” and operations in the Sundarbans that reportedly resulted in at least 50 deaths.

A housewife named Shiuli Begum, aged 42, died after suffering severe burns in a gas cylinder explosion at her home in Chandpur. She passed away late Wednesday night while undergoing treatment at the Dhaka Burn Institute. The incident occurred around 8 p.m. on Sunday at her residence in the Chowdhuripara area of Chandpur town. Her husband, Enayet Ullah Bepari, an assistant tax collector at Chandpur Municipality, and their daughter Pinky were also injured while trying to rescue her.

Following the explosion, Shiuli was first admitted to Chandpur Sadar Hospital and later transferred to Dhaka for advanced treatment. Despite medical efforts, she succumbed to her injuries. She is survived by her husband, one son, and two daughters. Her funeral prayer was held on Thursday afternoon at the Maishadi Baitul Amin Jame Mosque premises, after which she was buried in the family graveyard.

The report did not mention the cause of the explosion or any official investigation into the incident.

A BNP leader and first-class contractor in Cox’s Bazar, Mohammad Shahjahan, has alleged that he was falsely implicated in an abduction and ransom case due to a long-standing family and property dispute. The case was filed on November 25, 2025, under human trafficking charges by Kamrunnesa Rumi, wife of businessman Selim Reza, at the Cox’s Bazar Women and Children Repression Prevention Tribunal. Police have begun investigating the case and initially suspect it may have been fabricated.

Shahjahan, an adviser to the BNP’s Chowfaldandi Union unit, claims that Selim Reza, who lost a contract bid for a wind power project road, orchestrated the case out of personal enmity. He also alleges that Reza influenced another case under the Anti-Terrorism Act, where Shahjahan was listed as the 30th accused. Local officials, including the acting union chairman, and the investigating officer have said the abduction claim appears staged, though the investigation continues.

The complainant, Kamrunnesa Rumi, maintains that the abduction allegation is genuine and says she filed the case after receiving threats. Police are awaiting mobile call data to verify the claims.

Malaysia’s Immigration Department detained 77 undocumented migrants, including 26 Bangladeshis, during a special operation in Negeri Sembilan. The raid took place on Tuesday, January 6, across 13 locations in Seremban and Nilai, following public complaints and a week of intelligence gathering. A total of 395 foreigners were screened between 9 a.m. and 1 a.m., and those detained were aged between 19 and 47. The operation proceeded peacefully without any untoward incidents.

According to Negeri Sembilan Immigration Director Kenneth Tan Ai Kiang, the detainees include nationals from Indonesia, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Thailand, Myanmar, and India. The largest group, 55 individuals, was arrested at a soap manufacturing factory in Nilai. The detainees are accused of lacking valid passes or travel documents, overstaying, and violating immigration laws.

They have been sent to the Lenggeng Immigration Depot for investigation and further legal action. Tan also warned that strict measures will be taken against employers or individuals found to be hiring or sheltering undocumented migrants.

A young man named Ratul Islam Robi, aged 21, was killed and four others were injured in a three-motorcycle collision in Siddhirganj, Narayanganj. The accident occurred on Wednesday night at the Jalkuri Dashpipe area. The deceased was the son of Md. Faruk from Mizimiji Paglabari. The injured were identified as Nibir, Habib, and Bijoy, while the identity of another injured person remains unknown.

Eyewitnesses reported that the collision happened when three speeding motorcycles crashed head-on. One person died on the spot, and several others sustained serious injuries. Local residents immediately rescued the injured and took them to various hospitals in Narayanganj for treatment.

Siddhirganj Police Station Officer-in-Charge Mohammad Abdul Barik confirmed the death and said two of the motorcycles involved in the accident had been seized. An investigation into the incident is currently underway.

A murder case has been filed at Tejgaon Police Station over the killing of Azizur Rahman Musabbir, former general secretary of the BNP’s Dhaka North volunteer wing. The case, lodged by Musabbir’s wife on Thursday morning, names five unidentified individuals as accused. Musabbir was shot dead on Wednesday night around 8:15 p.m. in an alley behind Star Kabab at Karwan Bazar while returning home.

According to CCTV footage, two assailants were seen sitting with a sack in the alley. As Musabbir appeared, they drew a pistol from the sack and shot him from behind. He fell to the ground, tried to run, and dropped his phone, which the attackers took before fleeing. His body is scheduled to be taken to Nayapaltan, where funeral prayers will be held in front of the BNP central office after the noon prayer, as confirmed by the office’s chief administrative officer.

Police have begun investigating the incident based on the filed case, though no arrests or further details have been reported yet.

A 37-year-old woman named Reni Nicole Good was shot dead by a US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officer in Minneapolis. The incident occurred during a large-scale immigration crackdown led by the Trump administration. Officials claimed Good attempted to ram ICE agents with her vehicle, prompting an agent to fire in self-defense. Video footage showed a red SUV attempting to move as officers approached before three gunshots were heard. The Department of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem said the officer acted defensively, while President Donald Trump and House Speaker Mike Johnson supported the agent’s actions.

Local and state Democratic leaders, including Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey and Minnesota Governor Tim Walz, rejected the federal explanation, calling the shooting reckless and demanding ICE agents leave the city. Congresswoman Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez described the act as an “outright killing,” and former Vice President Kamala Harris accused the administration of “gaslighting.” Protests erupted across Minneapolis and other cities, with demonstrators calling for accountability and the removal of ICE.

The FBI has launched an investigation into the shooting, while Noem confirmed ICE operations in Minneapolis will continue despite acknowledging the death was preventable.

The International Crimes Tribunal-1 has begun hearings on the formation of formal charges against retired Major General Ziaul Ahsan, accused of crimes against humanity involving the abduction and killing of over a hundred people. The hearing took place on Thursday before a three-member tribunal headed by Chairman Golam Mortuza Mojumdar, with Justice Shafiul Alam Mahmud and retired judge Mohitul Haque Enam Chowdhury as members. Defense lawyer Naznin Nahar argued for the accused’s discharge, while Chief Prosecutor Tazul Islam earlier presented specific charges on December 4.

According to the prosecution, Ahsan and his team allegedly executed detainees in multiple operations between 2011 and subsequent years, including incidents in Gazipur, Barguna’s Patharghata area, and the Sundarbans. The charges describe killings conducted under code names such as “Gestapo” and “Golf,” and operations titled “Nishankhali,” “Mora Bhola,” and “Kotka,” which allegedly resulted in at least 100 deaths. Ahsan was produced before the tribunal on December 23 and later sent to jail pending trial.

The tribunal has set the current date for the defense to present its arguments following the prosecution’s request to begin formal trial proceedings.

In Sylhet-2 constituency, covering Osmaninagar and Bishwanath, residents are expressing deep concern over the absence of visible law enforcement operations to recover illegal weapons ahead of the upcoming national election. While security forces across the country are conducting intensified drives against illegal arms and terrorism, no such activity has been observed in this sensitive area, leading to widespread anxiety among locals.

Local sources report that a large number of illegal and modern weapons entered the region during the previous government’s rule under the pretext of suppressing opposition groups. Despite a change in government, no effective recovery efforts have been made by joint forces or local police. Several violent incidents involving firearms have occurred in Osmaninagar’s Umarpur Union, yet no arrests or weapon recoveries have followed. Residents claim political cadres still possess many firearms, and the flow of weapons has increased.

Home Ministry adviser Jahangir Alam Chowdhury stated that recovering illegal arms is a top government priority, but locals say this commitment is not reflected in Sylhet-2. Police officials assured that they remain on alert and will act based on intelligence reports to maintain order.

Former Additional IGP of the Special Branch (SB) Mahbub Hossain, described as a close ally of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, has reportedly fled to India following the fall of the Awami League government on August 5, 2024. According to the report, Mahbub is accused of abusing his authority to seize shops, amass illegal wealth, and launder money abroad. The Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) investigation found properties under his and his family’s names in Dhaka, Munshiganj, and Malaysia, including luxury apartments and large land holdings.

The report alleges that Mahbub used his position in the SB to control political parties, intimidate dissenters, and manipulate intelligence operations. He allegedly offered money to smaller political leaders to participate in the 2014 election and misused state resources for political purposes. Several police officials claimed he maintained close ties with former IGP A.K.M. Shahidul Haque and Awami League cultural secretary Asim Kumar Ukil, forming a powerful network within the force.

The ACC is reportedly investigating Mahbub’s wealth, while business owners have demanded punishment for his alleged illegal shop seizures. Attempts to contact Mahbub were unsuccessful as his phone remained switched off.

A young man named Sohan Bepari, aged 32, was killed in a cocktail explosion early Thursday in Mulai Beparikandi area of Bilaspur Union under Jajira upazila, Shariatpur. Locals awoke to a loud blast and later found his body in a garlic field, prompting police to recover it. The incident has spread fear across the area.

According to police and local sources, Bilaspur Union has been witnessing prolonged rivalry between supporters of Union Chairman Kuddus Bepari and Swechchhasebak League leader Jalil Madbar over local dominance. Several clashes and explosions had occurred since last Saturday night, and Thursday’s fatal blast is believed to be linked to that ongoing conflict. Sohan was reportedly involved in the recent political and social disputes in the area.

Jajira Police Station Officer-in-Charge Saleh Ahmed said initial evidence suggests the explosion occurred while making or carrying the cocktail. Authorities are investigating to determine the exact cause of the incident.

Former Tongi Thana Chhatra Dal general secretary Ayub Ali, aged 52, was allegedly attacked multiple times and threatened with a pistol in Gazipur’s Tongi area on Wednesday afternoon. The assaults reportedly occurred in Dhirashram and Rajbari areas after he refused to withdraw a theft case he had filed earlier. Following the incidents, Ayub Ali lodged a complaint with Gazipur Sadar Police Station, confirmed Officer-in-Charge Aminul Islam.

According to Ayub Ali, his home was robbed on July 28 of the previous year, prompting him to file a case with Tongi East Police Station against Abbas Ali, a scrap metal trader, and his sons Rakib, Ratul, and Hridoy. He later made a general diary on August 3 after receiving threats to withdraw the case. On Wednesday morning, when both parties appeared in Gazipur Judge Court, the accused allegedly attacked him again, leaving him injured. After receiving treatment at Shaheed Tajuddin Ahmad Medical College Hospital, he filed another general diary.

Rakib, son of Abbas Ali, denied the allegations, while police said an investigation is underway and legal action will follow upon verification.

Former Dhaka North unit general secretary of the BNP-affiliated Volunteer Wing, Azizur Rahman Mushabbir, was shot dead on Wednesday night in the Tejturi Bazar area behind Bashundhara Market. Another man, Sufian Bepari Masud, aged 42, was injured in the attack by unidentified gunmen. Both victims were taken to BRB Hospital, where Mushabbir was declared dead, and Masud was later transferred to Dhaka Medical College Hospital. Police confirmed the incident and said an investigation is underway.

According to local sources, Mushabbir, who had been expelled from the party last year over extortion allegations, lived in the Kazipara area near Bashundhara City. Masud is known as the general secretary of the Tejgaon Van Workers’ Union. Witnesses said the victims were chatting in a local alley when assailants on motorcycles opened fire before fleeing. The attack may be linked to ongoing disputes among local BNP, Jubo Dal, and Volunteer Wing members over extortion control in the Karwan Bazar area.

Following the shooting, BNP activists blocked roads in Tejgaon’s Kazipara, causing traffic congestion in nearby areas including Karwan Bazar, Farmgate, Banglamotor, and Panthapath.

A Chattogram District and Sessions Judge Court has delivered a verdict nearly 20 years after the murder of former student leader Ershadul Habib Rubel in Kutubdia, Cox’s Bazar. The court sentenced four accused to death and acquitted four others in the long-pending case. The death-row convicts are Rustam Matbar, Sohel Matbar, Jewel Matbar, and Farhad Matbar. Among them, Farhad is currently in prison while the other three remain absconding abroad.

According to the case details, Rubel, son of late Mohammad Kashem Matbar of Baroghopa Matbarpara, was shot dead by assailants on October 15, 2006, while returning home by rickshaw from Baroghopa Bazar. His mother, Momtaz Sufia Begum, filed a murder case with Kutubdia Police Station. Due to political influence and procedural delays, the case saw little progress until it was transferred to the Chattogram court in 2023.

Rubel’s younger brother and current plaintiff, Supreme Court lawyer Barrister Mohammad Hanif Bin Kashem, said the family is not fully satisfied with the verdict and that the prosecution plans to appeal. The long-awaited judgment has sparked mixed reactions in the Kutubdia area.

Police in Sylhet’s Moglabazar area rescued a missing schoolgirl within 30 hours of her disappearance and arrested two suspects. The detainees were identified as Al Amin Hasan, 18, son of Abul Kashem, and Mahi Ahmed Noyon, 18, son of Mukit Ahmed. The girl went missing on the morning of January 5 while on her way to school, prompting her father to file a missing person report at Moglabazar Police Station.

Using information technology and intelligence support, Sub-Inspector Shahjalal Shuvo led a police team to track down the suspects. The operation culminated in the arrest of the two accused in front of Pansi Restaurant on Bhanugach Road under Sreemangal Police Station in Moulvibazar district, where the girl was successfully rescued. Police said the victim is being prepared for handover to her family following necessary legal procedures, and a case under abduction laws is in process.

Local residents expressed relief over the swift and effective police operation that led to the girl’s safe recovery.