Former Bangladesh Prime Minister and BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia has had a street named after her in the United States. The city council of Hamtramck, located in Michigan’s northeast region, approved renaming a central portion of Carpenter Street—between Joseph Campau and Conant Streets—in her honor. The announcement was confirmed by the BNP Media Cell on Thursday, January 8, 2026.

According to the report, expatriate Bangladeshis view the decision by the city authorities as a unique recognition of Bangladesh’s history, leadership, and democratic values. They described the renaming as more than a symbolic act, calling it an international testament to the country’s political struggles. The move follows a previous instance in Chicago, where a street was named after former President Ziaur Rahman.

Bangladeshi expatriates have expressed widespread enthusiasm over the development, seeing it as evidence of their growing political influence abroad. Observers believe the naming will further strengthen social and cultural ties between Bangladesh and the United States, particularly in Hamtramck’s diverse community.

Hefazat-e-Islam Bangladesh has expressed deep concern over recent killings, assaults, and attacks on minorities ahead of the 13th national election. In a statement issued Thursday, Secretary General Allama Sajedur Rahman condemned the shooting death of volunteer leader Azizur Rahman Mushabbir in Tejgaon, as well as incidents of rape and violence against women, children, and Hindu minorities across the country. He alleged that a fascist group is deliberately destabilizing the nation to obstruct the election process.

The Hefazat leader claimed that these attacks are part of a plan to tarnish Bangladesh’s image abroad and embarrass the interim government. He urged the authorities to identify those behind the violence and take strict measures against them. Rahman also accused elements within the law enforcement agencies and ruling party of complicity, saying they were attempting to silence “July revolutionaries.”

He called on the administration to increase surveillance, ensure proper investigation and justice for the recent incidents, and release detained Islamic scholars and activists whom he described as innocent.

Legal adviser Asif Nazrul has stated that enacting a law granting immunity to participants of the July uprising is entirely legitimate. He said the Ministry of Law has already prepared a draft of an indemnity ordinance for the July fighters. Nazrul shared this information on Thursday, January 8, 2026, through a post on his Facebook page.

According to Nazrul, the July fighters risked their lives to free the country from fascist rule and therefore deserve immunity. He argued that such legislation is necessary to protect those who took defensive actions during the uprising. He further explained that similar indemnity laws were enacted in other countries following revolutions or popular uprisings, such as during the Arab Spring.

Nazrul added that Article 46 of the Constitution of Bangladesh provides legal grounds for indemnity laws, citing the 1973 indemnity law for freedom fighters as precedent. He said the draft ordinance will be presented for approval at the next meeting of the advisory council, emphasizing that safeguarding the July movement is a sacred duty.

U.S. President Donald Trump has called for increasing the country’s defense budget to 1.5 trillion dollars for 2027, describing the current period as “extremely troubled and dangerous.” The proposed amount would represent a more than 50 percent rise from the 901 billion dollars approved by Congress for the current year. Trump announced the plan on social media, saying it would help build a “dream military” and ensure safety against all enemies.

In a separate post, Trump warned that he would take strict action against defense contractors and shareholders if companies failed to accelerate weapons delivery and establish new production facilities. Following his announcement, shares of major U.S. defense manufacturers Lockheed Martin, Northrop Grumman, and Raytheon rose by more than five percent.

Economists have previously cautioned that the gap between U.S. spending and revenue has reached an unsustainable level. Trump, however, asserted that Washington could “easily reach” the proposed defense budget through revenue generated from tariffs.

BNP’s acting chairman Tarique Rahman is scheduled to visit Thakurgaon on Monday night, January 12, after nearly 23 years. He will attend a memorial and prayer gathering honoring the four martyrs of the historic July uprising and recently deceased BNP chairperson Begum Khaleda Zia. The event will take place at Thakurgaon Government Boys High School field on Tuesday, January 13, following his visit to the grave of martyr Al Mamun earlier that morning.

BNP and its affiliated organizations have launched extensive preparations across the district for the visit, with visible enthusiasm among party members. Venues are being decorated, and logistical arrangements strengthened. Local BNP leaders describe the visit as a historic moment that will boost grassroots morale. District BNP general secretary Poigam Ali stated that the trip would further strengthen the confidence of local activists.

Law enforcement authorities have also intensified security measures to maintain order during the visit. Thakurgaon Superintendent of Police Md. Belal Hossain confirmed that all necessary precautions have been taken to prevent any untoward incidents, with police on high alert across the district.

Hasnat Abdullah, the Jamaat alliance candidate for Comilla-4 and chief organizer of the NCP’s southern region, declared that his group would continue their struggle until justice is served for the killing of Sharif Osman Hadi. He made the remarks on Thursday morning at a prayer event held in front of Baksar Bazar Mosque in Gunai Ghar Uttar Union, Debidwar upazila, where local Jamaat and NCP leaders were present.

Abdullah alleged that Hadi’s murder was planned over six months and executed by individuals pushed from India, who later returned there after completing their mission. He criticized the interim government’s administration, judiciary, intelligence, and law enforcement agencies for failing to arrest the main suspects despite the daylight killing. Addressing the crowd, he said the upcoming election had divided the nation into two camps—one of subservience and another of freedom—and pledged to stand for justice and independence.

He further stated that his group would oppose loan defaulters and corruption, urging unity among people in support of fairness and accountability.

BNP Standing Committee member Salahuddin Ahmed expressed optimism that the issue of the party’s rebel candidates will be resolved soon. Speaking to reporters at the BNP Chairperson’s office in Gulshan on Thursday, he said organizational measures have been taken and efforts are underway to persuade the rebels. He explained that in a large political party, not all aspirants can receive nominations due to seat adjustments and the need for broad representation, which has caused some dissatisfaction.

Ahmed also addressed BNP Acting Chairman Tareq Rahman’s upcoming northern region visit, stating that the purpose is to pay respects at the graves of martyrs from the 2024 student uprising, not to engage in election campaigning. He emphasized that honoring the martyrs is a national duty and should not be viewed as a violation of electoral codes.

He further noted that all political parties are now sincere about ensuring a fair and neutral election, urging that any complaints be submitted to the Election Commission for resolution through joint efforts with the government.

Iran’s Chief Justice Gholam Hossein Mohseni has accused anti-government protesters of acting in the interests of the United States and Israel. His remarks came as demonstrations spread across several Iranian cities, including Tehran, Borujerd, Arsanjan, and Gilan-e-Gharb, following weeks of economic crisis and currency devaluation. Mohseni warned that those creating or supporting unrest would not be forgiven.

According to an Al Jazeera report cited in the article, the Iranian government has decided to provide limited assistance of about seven dollars per family per month to ease the pressure of rising food prices. The protests began last month at Tehran’s Grand Bazaar over inflation and the falling value of the national currency, later spreading nationwide. Human rights groups report at least 36 deaths and around 2,000 arrests so far.

Iran’s military chief Major General Amir Hatami stated that any aggressor would face a strong response, while Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei said Iran would never bow to US threats.

An independent national investigation commission has submitted its report on the 2009 Pilkhana massacre, one of the deadliest events in Bangladesh’s history. The killings took place at the Bangladesh Rifles (BDR) headquarters in Dhaka on February 25 and 26, 2009, when 74 people, including 57 army officers, were brutally murdered. The interim government formed the commission on December 24 of the previous year, and its 400-page report has revealed previously undisclosed and sensitive information. The investigation named more than fifty influential figures, including then Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, former MP and mayor Fazle Noor Taposh, senior Awami League leaders, former army officers, intelligence and law enforcement officials, and several media personnel.

The report describes the massacre as a premeditated attempt to weaken the disciplined army under the guise of grievances among BDR members. It also highlights political missteps, including delayed military intervention and a controversial general amnesty announcement. The article notes that the government’s handling of the crisis and the failure of intelligence agencies have drawn criticism. The commission’s findings have renewed calls for impartial justice and punishment for those responsible.

The report’s release may reopen national debate over accountability, political decisions, and the protection of Bangladesh’s armed forces.

Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) A M M Nasir Uddin said the Election Commission will ensure maximum justice in appeals against the acceptance or rejection of nomination papers. Speaking to reporters on Thursday morning at the EC headquarters in Agargaon, Dhaka, he stated that any aggrieved person can appeal the returning officer’s decision. He emphasized that the Commission believes in fairness and will act according to law and regulations.

The CEC noted that nomination submissions this year took place peacefully, without reports of violence, unlike in previous elections. He added that people from across the country are coming to file appeals, reflecting growing public interest in the election process. As of Wednesday, 295 appeals had been filed, including 131 on the third day.

According to EC data, 2,568 nomination papers were submitted for 300 parliamentary seats, of which 1,842 were declared valid and 723 rejected. Appeal hearings will be held from January 10 to 18 at the EC building, with results displayed on monitors and published online after each session.

Yemeni separatist leader Aidarous al-Zubaidi has fled to the United Arab Emirates, according to a statement issued Thursday by the Saudi-led coalition. The coalition said al-Zubaidi left Yemen after attempting to seize control of several areas and advance toward independence. Based on what it described as reliable intelligence, the coalition reported that al-Zubaidi and his associates escaped during the night.

The coalition further stated that the group traveled from Aden to Abu Dhabi using both boats and aircraft. The information was reported from Riyadh by the AFP news agency. The announcement marks a significant development in Yemen’s ongoing internal divisions, as al-Zubaidi has been a key figure in the country’s separatist movement.

The coalition’s statement did not specify al-Zubaidi’s current status in the UAE or any immediate response from Emirati authorities.

Pakistan’s Army Chief, Field Marshal Asim Munir, has announced a ‘zero tolerance’ policy against any threats to national security. The Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) issued a statement on Thursday confirming the declaration. During a visit to the Lahore Garrison, Munir addressed army personnel, reaffirming the military’s determination to confront growing challenges with professionalism and resolve.

According to the ISPR statement, the army chief emphasized that the armed forces remain committed to protecting Pakistan’s sovereignty, regional integrity, and internal stability. He also urged continued discipline, excellence, and selfless national service among the ranks.

Earlier, a military spokesperson alleged that Afghanistan has become a hub for terrorists and non-state actors, accusing the Taliban government, which came to power in 2021, of providing shelter to militant groups.

Two candidates from the Inquilab Moncho, contesting under the Shibir-backed 'Adommo Jobian Oikko' panel, have won in the Jagannath University Central Student Council (JAKSU) election. The winners are Nur Mohammad and Shanta Akter, who serve respectively as convener and member secretary of the university branch of Inquilab Moncho. The results were confirmed on Thursday morning following the official announcement of the election outcome.

Nur Mohammad secured victory in the health affairs post with 4,470 votes, defeating Al Shahriar Shawon from the Chhatra Dal-backed panel, who received 2,913 votes, marking a margin of 1,557 votes. The election results analysis revealed that the Shibir-backed panel won 16 out of 21 positions, including the vice president, general secretary, and assistant general secretary posts.

Additionally, the Chhatra Dal-backed panel won four positions, while one independent candidate secured a post, completing the overall distribution of the JAKSU election results.

Bangladesh is mourning the death of Begum Khaleda Zia, the country’s first and three-time elected prime minister, eight days after her passing. Crowds from all walks of life have continued to gather at her grave, offering prayers and expressing grief beyond political divisions. The article portrays her as a beloved national figure whose leadership and personal sacrifices left a lasting mark on the nation’s political and emotional landscape.

The piece recounts Khaleda Zia’s transformation from a devoted homemaker and mother into a determined political leader. It highlights her perseverance through personal loss, political persecution, and imprisonment, as well as her steadfastness in upholding democratic ideals. Her tenure as prime minister is described as a period of development, stability, and women’s empowerment, marked by integrity and moral conviction.

Her death is depicted as the end of a defining era in Bangladesh’s political history, closing a chapter of women’s leadership and democratic struggle. The nation continues to honor her as an enduring symbol of courage, sacrifice, and commitment to the people.

U.S. President Donald Trump has approved a bill proposing import tariffs of up to 500 percent on India and several other countries that continue to buy oil from Russia. Republican Senator Lindsey Graham said the bill will soon be presented to the U.S. Congress. He explained that the measure aims to punish nations purchasing cheap Russian oil, which he said supports President Vladimir Putin’s war efforts. Graham also named Brazil and China among the countries that could face these penalties.

Currently, India faces an additional 25 percent tariff on crude oil imports from Russia, bringing total tariffs on Indian goods to 50 percent. The Trump administration has also imposed sanctions on Russian oil companies Rosneft and Lukoil, while pressuring New Delhi to halt Russian oil imports as a condition for trade agreements with the United States.

The bill, co-authored by Graham and Democratic Senator Richard Blumenthal, would authorize the Trump administration to impose secondary sanctions and tariffs on imports of Russian oil, gas, uranium, and other products, aiming to cut off funding sources for Russia’s military activities.