A joint operation by law enforcement agencies in Kararchar and Jangaila areas of Shibpur upazila, Narsingdi, led to the recovery of a large quantity of weapons and drugs and the arrest of seven individuals. The operation was conducted at around 3 a.m. on Wednesday, January 14, 2026, under the leadership of Lt. Col. Shamim Rahman, PSC Sigs of the 9 Signal Battalion. The detainees and seized items have been handed over to Shibpur Model Police Station.

Among the recovered items were one firearm with two cartridges, three pistol magazines, 1,600 yaba tablets, cash amounting to Tk 15,40,100, 17 mobile phones (13 smartphones and 4 button phones), two samurai swords, six bottles of phensedyl, nine bottles of foreign liquor, two fake pistols, two machetes, and one laptop. The officer-in-charge of Shibpur Model Police Station, Mohammad Kohinur Mia, confirmed the incident.

The arrests include individuals from Kararchar, Shahapur, and Jangaila areas, among them a local figure identified as Jamal Uddin Khoka and his associates. The seized materials are now under police custody for further investigation.

Police in Cumilla’s Burichang upazila arrested three suspects accused of killing a pregnant woman, Fahima Akter Akhi, following a dispute over diaper disposal. The arrests took place near the Kasba border area as the suspects allegedly prepared to flee to India. Burichang police, acting on a tip-off, conducted a joint operation with the Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) and detained the accused just before they could cross the border.

The arrested individuals were identified as Md. Saidur Rahman, 24, Shafiul Jannat alias Siam, 19, and Shahariar Nazim Joy, 19. Saidur and Siam are residents of Jagatpur (Nagarbari) in Burichang, while Joy is from Bashmangal village under Cumilla Kotwali police station. According to the Burichang police officer-in-charge, the detainees are the first, second, and fourth named accused in the murder case.

The incident occurred on January 11 in Jagatpur village, where a trivial dispute over waste disposal escalated into violence. Fahima Akter Akhi was fatally attacked with a sharp weapon, and three others were seriously injured. Police said multiple sections of the penal code have been invoked, and further legal action is underway.

The International Crimes Tribunal-1 has formally begun the trial of retired Major General Ziaul Ahsan on charges of crimes against humanity involving enforced disappearances and killings. The tribunal, chaired by Golam Mortuza Mojumdar with members Shafiul Alam Mahmud and retired judge Mohitul Haque Enam Chowdhury, ordered the start of proceedings on Wednesday. The court also set February 8 for opening statements and witness testimony.

Earlier, on January 8, Ahsan’s lawyers, Monsurul Haque and Naznin Nahar, sought his discharge, arguing that the prosecution had failed to prove his involvement. Chief Prosecutor Tazul Islam opposed the plea, asserting that the prosecution had established a prima facie case. The tribunal had reserved its order for January 14 before deciding to proceed with the trial.

According to the prosecution, Ahsan faces three specific charges, including the killing of detainees in Gazipur in 2011, executions in Barguna’s coastal areas under operations codenamed “Gestapo” or “Golf,” and staged “crossfire” killings in the Sundarbans under operations “Nishankhali,” “Mora Bhola,” and “Kotka.”

Rapid Action Battalion (RAB)-7 has arrested Nazim Uddin, 52, a fugitive accused in the murder case of Jamaat-e-Islami activist Jamal Uddin in Fatikchhari, Chattogram. The arrest took place around 3:45 p.m. on Monday in front of Enayetbazar Mohila College under Kotwali Police Station in Chattogram city. RAB confirmed the arrest on Tuesday, stating that Nazim had been frequently changing locations and blending into crowds to evade capture.

According to the report, Jamal Uddin, a local businessman and Jamaat activist, was shot dead on Saturday evening at Shahnogor Dighir Par area of Lelang Union in Fatikchhari. Three armed men on a motorcycle fired at him from close range, killing him on the spot. Thirteen bullet wounds were found from his head to neck, while another man, Nasir Uddin, was injured and remains under treatment at Chattogram Medical College Hospital.

RAB handed Nazim over to Fatikchhari police after initial questioning. Investigators said the arrest could advance the case, as they are examining whether old rivalries, business disputes, or local political conflicts were behind the killing.

The death toll from a bomb explosion in Jajira upazila of Shariatpur district has risen to three after Nayon Molla, 25, died while undergoing treatment at a private hospital in Dhaka on Wednesday night. He was a resident of Beparikandi village in Bilaspur union. Earlier, Nabi Hossain, 22, died on January 8 at Dhaka Medical College Hospital, and another victim, Sohan Bepari, 32, was found dead near the blast site on the same day.

Police said the explosion occurred early on January 8 while bombs were being made in Beparikandi area, blowing off the roof of a tin house. Following the incident, joint forces conducted operations across Bilaspur union and recovered 45 bomb-like objects, several cocktails, local weapons, and a drone. A case under the Explosives Act has been filed against 53 people, and 12 have been arrested so far.

According to police sources, the explosion is linked to a long-standing rivalry between supporters of Bilaspur Union Parishad chairman Kuddus Bepari and his rival Jalil Madbar, which has led to repeated clashes and explosions in the area.

Severe cold has disrupted daily life in Chuadanga, where the temperature dropped to 10.7 degrees Celsius on Wednesday morning, according to the local weather observatory. The biting cold has particularly affected the homeless and low-income workers, forcing many to stay indoors unless absolutely necessary. Rickshaw pullers and day laborers reported that passenger numbers and work opportunities have sharply declined due to the freezing conditions.

Local residents described the situation as extremely difficult, with cold winds worsening the chill. Many laborers still venture out in search of work but often return home empty-handed. The weather office reported 93 percent humidity at 6 a.m. and 91 percent at 9 a.m., indicating persistent damp and cold air.

The ongoing cold wave continues to strain vulnerable groups in the district, with no immediate sign of relief mentioned in the report.

The International Crimes Tribunal-1 is scheduled to issue an order today, January 14, 2026, on whether to formally frame charges against retired Major General Ziaul Ahsan for alleged crimes against humanity involving the abduction and killing of over a hundred people. The three-member tribunal, chaired by Justice Golam Mortuza Majumder with members Shafiul Alam Mahmud and retired judge Mohitul Haque Enam Chowdhury, will deliver the order.

Earlier, on January 8, defense lawyers Monsurul Haque and Naznin Nahar argued that the prosecution failed to establish Ahsan’s involvement and sought his discharge. Chief Prosecutor Tazul Islam countered that the prosecution had established a prima facie case and requested the tribunal to frame charges and begin the trial. The tribunal then set January 14 for the order.

According to the prosecution’s December 4 hearing, three specific charges were presented, including alleged extrajudicial killings in Gazipur, mass killings in Barguna’s coastal areas, and staged “crossfire” operations in the Sundarbans under code names such as “Operation Nishankhali,” “Operation Mora Bhola,” and “Operation Kotka.”

Bangladesh’s 56 public universities, including Dhaka University and Bogura Science and Technology University, have not prepared any formal financial statements detailing their assets, income, or liabilities. The Financial Reporting Council (FRC) has identified this absence as a major governance risk and requested the University Grants Commission (UGC) to ensure that universities prepare full financial reports. Following this, the UGC has issued letters to all vice-chancellors instructing them to prepare financial statements following an FRC-recommended module.

Experts from the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Bangladesh (ICAB) and university officials have expressed concern that without balance sheets, universities’ assets and liabilities remain untraceable, creating opportunities for irregularities. The FRC’s review found that while private universities prepare audited financial statements, public universities only maintain internal income and expenditure records. The council has also noted inconsistencies in financial audit provisions across university laws.

The FRC is now working to establish external audits and standardized reporting for public universities to strengthen financial discipline and accountability. The UGC expects universities to comply with the new directives to improve transparency and governance in higher education finance.

Nearly a month after the killing of Sharif Osman Hadi, a key figure of the July Revolution and convener of Inquilab Mancha, the main suspects remain at large. Intelligence sources in Bangladesh report that Chhatra League leader Faisal Karim Masud, known as Dawood, and his associate Alamgir Sheikh crossed into India after the murder and later relocated from West Bengal to a secure area in Mumbai. Despite an extradition treaty and diplomatic channels, Indian authorities have not provided effective cooperation, complicating the investigation.

Bangladeshi officials say India’s Special Task Force detained five Bangladeshi nationals in West Bengal on December 28 for allegedly aiding the killers’ escape, but New Delhi has not shared details or agreed to hand them over. Investigators believe questioning these detainees could reveal the masterminds behind the attack. The killing was described as a premeditated mission, with the suspects tracking Hadi’s movements before shooting him in Dhaka on December 12.

Public anger has grown online under the hashtag #JusticeForHadi, focusing on India’s inaction. Analysts warn that safe havens abroad for identified killers could embolden future cross-border crimes.

A gas supply disruption occurred in Dhaka’s Uttara area after a valve on an industrial customer’s service line near the Uttara-Tongi Bridge burst, causing a high-pressure gas leak. Titas Gas Transmission and Distribution PLC announced on Tuesday night that gas supply through the main pipeline in Uttara was immediately shut down following the incident.

According to the company’s statement, the 12-inch diameter main distribution pipeline in Uttara was placed under shutdown, suspending gas supply across Uttara, Uttarkhan, Dakshinkhan, and adjacent areas. Replacement work on the damaged valve is underway, and Titas Gas expressed regret for the temporary inconvenience caused to customers.

This marks the third gas pipeline accident in Dhaka within two weeks. Earlier, on January 4, a pipeline under the Turag River developed a leak, disrupting supply in Mirpur and Mohammadpur. Another valve burst near Ganabhaban on January 10 also caused temporary supply suspension before restoration later that night.

A planned and organized attack on police occurred in Mymensingh on Tuesday afternoon when officers were taking a listed accused, Ariful Islam, to the police station. The attackers, led by Ariful’s father Sagar Ali, assaulted the police team and forcibly freed Ariful, who was still in handcuffs. Five police members, including an assistant sub-inspector and three constables, were seriously injured and admitted to Mymensingh Medical College Hospital.

According to police, Ariful and his associates had earlier attacked a local resident named Russell, leaving him critically injured and hospitalized in Dhaka. Following that incident, a case was filed at Kotwali Model Police Station, and a team led by Sub-Inspector Farid Ahmed arrested Ariful. However, during the transfer, hundreds of armed locals ambushed the officers.

Officer-in-Charge Md Nazmus Sakib described the attack as extremely serious and alarming. Sagar Ali has been detained, and law enforcement, including RAB and army personnel, have been deployed to control the tense situation. Police operations continue to capture Ariful and others involved in the assault.

A gas leak near the Uttara-Tongi Bridge in Dhaka led to the immediate shutdown of gas supply across Uttara, Uttar Khan, Dakshin Khan, and nearby areas. The incident occurred when a valve on an industrial customer’s service line burst under high pressure, according to a statement issued Tuesday night by Titas Gas Transmission and Distribution PLC. The company said replacement work on the damaged valve is underway and apologized for the temporary inconvenience to customers.

This marks the third gas pipeline accident in Dhaka within two weeks. On January 4, a pipeline under the Turag River was punctured, disrupting supply to Mirpur and Mohammadpur. Another valve burst on January 10 near Ganabhaban, causing temporary supply suspension before restoration later that night. The repeated incidents have affected gas distribution in several parts of the capital.

Titas Gas stated that the 12-inch main distribution pipeline in Uttara was shut down for safety, and repair work continues to restore normal supply soon.

Testimony in the war crimes case over the killing of Abu Sayeed, the first martyr of the July uprising, has concluded against 30 accused. The International Crimes Tribunal-2, led by Justice Md Manjurul Basid with District and Sessions Judge Nur Mohammad Shahriar Kabir, completed the process on Tuesday, January 13, 2026. The defense lawyers finished cross-examining investigation officer Ruhul Amin, marking the end of testimony from 25 witnesses. No defense witnesses were requested, and the tribunal scheduled Wednesday, January 14, for setting the date of arguments.

During the hearing, police presented six detained defendants, including former Begum Rokeya University proctor Shariful Islam and several others, while 24 accused, including Vice-Chancellor Hasibur Rashid, remain absconding. Four state-appointed lawyers are representing the fugitives. Prosecutors Mizanul Islam and Gazi M.H. Tamim appeared for the state.

The tribunal had framed formal charges against the 30 accused on August 6, 2025, and the trial formally began with opening statements on August 27, 2025.

A Dhaka court has postponed the submission date of the investigation report in the Salman Shah murder case to February 22. The case involves 11 accused, including the late actor’s former wife Samira Haque and film villain Don. On January 13, Metropolitan Magistrate Jewel Rana’s court set the new date after the investigating officer, Atiqul Islam Khandaker of Ramna Model Police Station, failed to submit the report as scheduled. During the hearing, the plaintiff’s lawyer, Faruk Ahmed, filed a petition seeking seizure of the accused’s immovable and movable assets, which the court ordered to be recorded.

The case stems from the 1996 death of film actor Salman Shah, whose body was found at his Eskaton residence in Dhaka. Initially treated as an unnatural death, the case was later converted into a murder case following a court directive. Over the years, multiple investigations by CID, judicial authorities, and PBI have alternately concluded suicide or reopened the case upon revision petitions.

The latest court order continues the long-running legal process, with the next hearing scheduled for February 22.

Global oil prices have risen by nearly four dollars per barrel in recent days due to renewed tensions involving Iran, according to a Reuters report published on Tuesday. Brent crude reached 64.15 dollars per barrel, while West Texas Intermediate (WTI) stood at 59.78 dollars, marking their highest levels since December 8. The increase follows strong remarks by US President Donald Trump about Iran, reversing a previous price decline that occurred after the removal of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro.

The report noted that Iran is facing its largest anti-government protests in years, with allegations of deadly violence against demonstrators. As of Monday, the protests had entered their 16th day, with at least 648 protesters reported killed by the Norway-based group Iran Human Rights. In response, Trump warned of possible military action and threatened a 25 percent tariff on countries trading with Iran. Barclays estimated that geopolitical risks added a three to four dollar premium to oil prices.

Market concerns also grew over crude supply from Venezuela, as the new government in Caracas may transfer up to 50 million barrels of oil to the United States under Western sanctions.