Former Chairman of the Bangladesh Securities and Exchange Commission (BSEC), Shibli Rubaiyat-ul-Islam, was arrested by the Detective Branch (DB) at around 10 PM on Tuesday. His passport was also recently revoked due to allegations of embezzlement in the stock market. Shibli Rubaiyat served as the BSEC Chairman from May 17, 2020, to August 10 of last year.

College teacher Mukib Mia was arrested from the residence of the Deputy Registrar of Sher-e-Bangla Agricultural University for distributing leaflets in Dhaka demanding the resignation of the interim government. As there was already a case against him at Shahbagh police station, he was detained and sent there. He faced further trouble after pictures of him distributing the leaflets—reportedly under the directive of Sheikh Hasina, who is accused of crimes against humanity—went viral on social media.

Nagorik Oikya president Mahmudur Rahman Manna has urged Dr. Muhammad Yunus-led interim government to hold elections immediately and step down with dignity. Speaking at a protest in Dhaka, Manna criticized rising prices, lawlessness, and administrative disorder, warning of severe consequences if elections are delayed. He condemned the killing of Jubo Dal leader Touhid in custody, demanding an explanation from government advisors. Manna also accused the government of favoring certain parties while suppressing others, calling for an immediate resolution to growing political tensions.

The court has ruled to cancel the sedition charges against BNP’s Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman and Abdus Salam, Chairman of Ekushey TV, along with two others: Ekushey TV’s former chief reporter Mahathir Faruqi Khan and senior reporter Konok Sarwar. Earlier, on October 31, they were acquitted. The charges stemmed from a January 5, 2015, speech by Tarique Rahman in London, which was broadcast live on Ekushey TV. The case claimed that Rahman’s speech, by being aired directly, spread false information and endangered the sovereignty of the country. The charges were formally filed in 2017.

A Facebook post from the verified account of Awami League leader and former minister Faruk Khan has gone viral on social media. In response, prison authorities issued a statement asserting that it is impossible for him to post from inside the jail. Faruk Khan is currently imprisoned in Keraniganj Central Jail in Dhaka, facing multiple cases, including charges related to past anti-discrimination student movement killings. He was arrested on October 14. Authorities have not confirmed whether his account is being operated by a family member or someone outside the prison.

Indian journalist Mayukh Ranjan Ghosh is widely known for his dramatic presentation style, often making exaggerated claims that amuse his audience. He has previously made controversial statements about Bangladesh, including claims that Chattogram and other parts of the country would be taken over. On the night of January 3, Mayukh participated in an online live session with Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s Press Secretary, Shafiqul Alam, discussing topics such as the alleged sale of St. Martin’s Island, the availability of beef in Dhaka hotels, and even an incident involving Sheikh Hasina’s picture in a dustbin. Referring to the session as an “India-Bangladesh match,” Mayukh claimed that five individuals were assigned to monitor him. In response, Shafiqul Alam invited Mayukh to interview Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus.

Indian journalist Mayukh Ranjan Ghosh is widely known for his dramatic presentation style, often making exaggerated claims that amuse his audience. He has previously made controversial statements about Bangladesh, including claims that Chattogram and other parts of the country would be taken over. On the night of January 3, Mayukh participated in an online live session with Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s Press Secretary, Shafiqul Alam, discussing topics such as the alleged sale of St. Martin’s Island, the availability of beef in Dhaka hotels, and even an incident involving Sheikh Hasina’s picture in a dustbin. Referring to the session as an “India-Bangladesh match,” Mayukh claimed that five individuals were assigned to monitor him. In response, Shafiqul Alam invited Mayukh to interview Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus.

Following the mass uprising on August 5, many Awami League leaders and government officials fled the country. Some are now appearing in public again. Former State Minister for Shipping and Awami League Organizing Secretary Khalid Mahmud Chowdhury was recently seen in London, attending an Awami League gathering. During the event, party members demanded the withdrawal of cases against them and the resignation of Yunus Sarkar’s government. The UK Awami League also launched a month-long leaflet distribution campaign. Other attendees included UK Awami Jubo League Joint Secretary Jamal Khan, former minister and Awami League Presidium member Abdur Rahman, former state minister Shafiqul Rahman, and former MP Habibur Rahman.

A court has granted a three-day remand for former Public Administration Minister Farhad Hossain and his brother Sarfaraz Hossain in cases related to the anti-discrimination student movement and the murder of Jamaat leader Abdur Jabbar. Another two-day remand has been approved for his brother-in-law in a separate case. Police had sought five days of remand. As the former minister was being taken to the courtroom, protesters from the anti-discrimination student movement and BNP activists threw eggs at him while chanting slogans.

Police have arrested Abdul Latif Master, vice president of Awami League’s Dighinala unit in Khagrachhari and a high school headteacher, while he was trying to flee after punching someone. The incident followed an argument over a local issue. Multiple cases are already filed against him in Dighinala and Khagrachhari Sadar police stations, and another case is being prepared for this assault.

Human Rights Watch (HRW) has published a report alleging that Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, retired Major General Tariq Ahmed, Major Ziaul Ahsan, and senior police officials oversaw enforced disappearances. Earlier, a national investigation commission reported that 3,500 disappearances took place under Sheikh Hasina’s government. Victims were allegedly subjected to conditions worse than death, according to their lawyers. The report also recommends disbanding the Rapid Action Battalion (RAB), in line with the commission’s suggestions. It has been reported that RAB chief AKM Shahidur Rahman has agreed to this decision. The report further emphasizes that security forces should adhere to international standards in exercising their authority.

Shafiqul Alam, Press Secretary to the Chief Adviser, has accused the Awami League’s trolling squad of targeting his family after he posted a picture of Sheikh Hasina’s image on a dustbin at the book fair. Alam condemned the incident, calling it disgraceful. He also criticized the group for spreading pornographic images by altering pictures of young girls. He expressed concerns over the character and actions of the team and questioned the taste and morality of those involved, including Sheikh Hasina.

Shafiqul Alam, the press secretary to the Chief Adviser, warned against the distribution of leaflets by Awami League supporters, stating that those involved would face arrest. He condemned the activities as threats to law and order. The government is monitoring online rumors and has taken action against individuals involved in spreading misinformation. Alam emphasized the government’s commitment to handling such incidents, including addressing the issue of human trafficking and ensuring accountability for wrongdoings.

Rahul Gandhi, leader of India’s opposition, criticized Prime Minister Modi’s ‘Make in India’ initiative as a failure, stating that China is at least 10 years ahead of India in various sectors. Gandhi also raised concerns over Modi’s contradictory statements on Chinese aggression in Ladakh. Additionally, he criticized Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal over pollution, challenging him to drink polluted Yamuna water and fulfill his promises of cleaning the river. Gandhi emphasized India’s failure in increasing production capacity, benefiting China instead.

Elon Musk, leading Donald Trump’s efforts to reduce federal government size, stated they are working to shut down USAID, calling it “beyond repair.” Musk and Trump both agree the world’s largest donor organization should be eliminated. Their comments followed the Trump administration’s removal of USAID security officials after they hindered Musk’s team. USAID, which disbursed $72bn in 2023, faces risk from Trump’s “America First” policy. Musk claims fraud and inefficiency in government, suggesting $1 trillion savings. Critics question Musk’s access to sensitive Treasury systems.