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.

In southern Chattogram’s Banshkhali and nearby Anwara, Pekua, and Rajakhali, around 38,000 salt farmers have begun production across 69,000 acres of land. However, dense fog has disrupted salt crystallization, while many farmers express frustration over low market prices. Despite adopting modern polyethylene-based methods that can increase output by up to two and a half times, unfavorable weather and poor pricing have left producers struggling.

According to the Bangladesh Small and Cottage Industries Corporation (BSCIC), all salt fields in the region are using the polyethylene technique this year, which could lead to production exceeding targets by about 200,000 tons. Farmers report that fog and humidity cause salt to dissolve overnight, while they must still pay land rent regardless of yield. Local officials note that Banshkhali’s salt is known for its brightness and taste, with retail prices ranging from Tk 1 to Tk 15 per kilogram and wholesale prices between Tk 200 and Tk 250 per maund.

Farmers allege that due to limited government support, mill owners and financiers buy salt cheaply and sell it at higher prices. Some producers have taken loans to cover the high costs of polyethylene-based production, while local leaders urge the government to ensure fair pricing and restrict salt imports.

Dhaka’s traffic congestion has reached alarming levels, paralyzing movement across the city day and night. Long queues of vehicles stretch up to 15 kilometers on major entry routes such as Jatrabari, Mirpur, and Malibagh, causing severe delays for commuters and emergency services. The situation worsens during school hours and in the evenings when intercity buses depart, while limited nighttime traffic policing allows gridlock to persist into the early morning.

According to Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP), unplanned urbanization, illegal parking, random bus stops, and poor enforcement of traffic laws are key causes. The city corporations report that nearly half of Dhaka’s roads and footpaths are occupied by illegal parking, hawkers, and encroachments, forcing pedestrians onto main roads. Experts note that private cars occupy over half of the city’s road space, while inadequate public transport management and lack of coordinated planning exacerbate the crisis.

Urban planners urge reforms including disciplined public transport, removal of unfit buses, separate transport for schools and offices, restrictions on private cars, and integrated traffic management. The DMP has begun limited diversion trials at key intersections, reporting modest improvements.

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.

The United States will indefinitely oversee Venezuela’s oil sales, according to US Energy Minister Chris Wright. Speaking at the Goldman Sachs Energy Event in Miami on Wednesday, Wright said that both Venezuela’s stored oil and future production will be sold on the international market under US management. The plan aims to regulate the country’s oil exports and ensure oversight of revenues.

AFP reported from Washington that former President Donald Trump had earlier announced Venezuela’s interim government would assign the marketing of 30 to 50 million barrels of crude oil to the United States. Trump said on social media that proceeds from the sale of this sanctioned but high-quality oil would be held under US supervision. The initiative is intended to restore international oil flow, secure supply for American refineries, and maintain funds in a US-controlled account for future mutual benefit.

US Defense Minister Pete Hegseth stated that the blockade on Venezuela’s sanctioned oil remains globally enforced. After US forces seized several tankers in the Caribbean and North Atlantic, he confirmed that the US stance against illegal Venezuelan oil trade is being strictly implemented worldwide.

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.

A cold wave is sweeping across Bangladesh and is expected to intensify over the next few days. According to weather and climate researcher Mostafa Kamal Palash from the University of Saskatchewan, Canada, data from the European Union’s artificial satellite indicates that by Thursday morning, minimum temperatures in several districts of Rangpur, Rajshahi, and Khulna divisions may fall between 5°C and 7°C.

Palash stated in a Facebook post that the cold wave could become more severe from Thursday morning, with the possibility of a stronger spell on Saturday and Sunday. During that period, minimum temperatures in the same regions could drop further to between 4°C and 6°C. On Wednesday morning, Rajshahi recorded the country’s lowest temperature at 6.8°C, while Chuadanga and Gopalganj recorded 7°C, Jashore 7.4°C, Panchagarh 8.2°C, and Dhaka 11°C.

The researcher added that by Wednesday morning, at least five of the country’s eight divisions were experiencing cold wave conditions, suggesting a widespread and persistent weather pattern.

The LP Gas Traders Cooperative Society Limited has announced a nationwide suspension of liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) cylinder sales in Bangladesh starting Thursday, January 8, 2026. The organization issued a notice on Wednesday stating that all LPG marketing, supply, and gas extraction activities from company plants will remain halted until their demands are fulfilled.

According to the notice and a press conference held at the National Press Club on Wednesday, the traders demanded a new price adjustment for LPG cylinders by the Bangladesh Energy Regulatory Commission (BERC) and an end to administrative harassment and fines against distributors. They warned that if their demands were not met within 24 hours, they would enforce an indefinite suspension of LPG supply and sales across the country.

The traders’ decision follows their earlier ultimatum, and the suspension is set to continue until authorities address their stated concerns regarding pricing and regulatory treatment.

Titas Gas authorities have completed the repair of a gas line leak under the Buriganga River that was caused by a ship’s anchor. The repair work was finished on Wednesday, restoring gas supply that had been disrupted in parts of Dhaka. According to Titas Gas, the leak occurred in a 12-inch by 50 PSIG line originating from the Aminbazar DRS and running deep under the river toward Dhaka.

The repair was carried out with assistance from the Fire Service, Bangladesh Coast Guard, River Police, and BIWTA. A leak repair clamp was installed at the damaged section, and gas is now being supplied to Dhaka’s network at a pressure of 25 PSIG. Titas Gas reported that no external gas leakage is currently visible.

With the repair completed, gas supply across affected areas is gradually stabilizing, and normal operations are expected to resume fully soon.

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.

Bangladesh Bank has set a maximum passport endorsement fee of 300 taka for licensed money changers handling foreign currency transactions for outbound Bangladeshi travelers. The directive, issued on Wednesday, states that the fee will remain the same regardless of the amount of foreign currency purchased. This measure applies to all licensed money changers operating under the central bank’s authority.

According to the circular, under the existing ‘Guideline for Foreign Exchange Transactions (GFET)–2018,’ each transaction must be recorded in the traveler’s passport and, for air travel, on the air ticket with the authorized person’s seal and signature. Money changers are also required to clearly display the endorsement fee at their business premises, issue written receipts for all collected fees, and maintain proper records of all such transactions.

The directive aims to standardize service charges and improve transparency in foreign exchange dealings for travelers, ensuring compliance with existing regulatory guidelines.