The Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) Traffic Division has filed 1,403 cases against traffic law violators in various areas of the capital. In a press release signed by the Deputy Police Commissioner of the DMP Media and Public Relations Division, it was revealed that during the operation, 122 vehicles were dumped, and 33 were towed. The ongoing crackdown on traffic violations will continue across Dhaka city, as stated in the release.

Forbes has released its 2025 list of the world’s most powerful countries, with the United States securing the top spot, followed by China and Russia. Israel, despite its smaller economy compared to other nations, has made it to the 10th position. The rankings are based on various factors, including economic, political, military strength, and international relations. Notably, India is absent from the top 10, while the United Kingdom, Germany, South Korea, France, Japan, and Saudi Arabia are included. The exclusion has sparked widespread discussions and debates across India, especially regarding the Modi government’s performance.

The top 10 list includes:
#1. United States
#2. China
#3. Russia
#4. United Kingdom
#5. Germany
#6. South Korea
#7. France
#8. Japan
#9. Saudi Arabia
#10. Israel

A passenger bus in Jhenaidah caught fire due to a battery short circuit, but fortunately, no passengers were harmed. Firefighters controlled the blaze after an hour and a half of effort. Passenger Abul Kalam, who was on the bus, stated that the fire started while the bus was en route from Jhenaidah to Kushtia. As soon as the bus stopped, all passengers safely exited. The in-charge of the Shailkupa Fire Service reported that two fire units rushed to the scene immediately upon receiving the news, successfully extinguishing the fire after about an hour and a half of work.

Former U.S. President Donald Trump has revealed plans for Israel to transfer control of Gaza to the United States after the war. He stated that, by then, Palestinians will be relocated to safer, more beautiful areas, with modern homes in secure locations. Trump mentioned that he had previously discussed evacuating Gaza and is now sharing the full plan. Despite global protests, he remains steadfast in his approach. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has praised the plan, supporting the removal of Palestinians from Gaza.

The Ekushey Padak 2025 will be awarded to 14 distinguished individuals and the Bangladesh National Women’s Football Team for their contributions in various fields. The honorees include Azizur Rahman (Film, posthumous), Ustad Nirod Baran Barua and Ferdous Ara (Music), Nasir Ali Mamun (Photography), Rokeya Sultana (Fine Arts), Helal Hafiz (Poetry, posthumous), Shahidul Zahir (Literature, posthumous), Dr. Shahidul Alam (Culture & Education), Dr. Niaz Zaman (Education), Mehedi Hasan Khan (Science & Technology), Moeedul Hasan (Research), Mahfuz Ullah (Journalism, posthumous), Mahmudur Rahman (Journalism & Human Rights), and Mohammad Yusuf Chowdhury (Social Work, posthumous). The prestigious award recognizes outstanding contributions to arts, literature, journalism, education, and social service.

Three young men lost their lives due to alcohol poisoning in Gafargaon, Mymensingh. Another individual, Masud (37), is critically ill and receiving treatment at Mymensingh Medical College Hospital. The deceased have been identified as Suman Mia (35), A. Jalil (42), and Nizam Uddin (38). The incident occurred on Wednesday night when Masud, a resident of Ibrahimpur, Dhaka, visited his cousin’s house with his friend Nizam. The group consumed locally brewed alcohol together, after which all four fell critically ill. One of them passed away at Gafargaon Upazila Hospital, while the remaining two were declared dead upon arrival at Mymensingh Medical College Hospital.

U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio recently visited Panama, where he urged Panamanian authorities to exempt U.S. government ships from canal tolls. Following his visit, the U.S. State Department announced that Panama has agreed to waive toll fees for U.S. government vessels, potentially saving millions of dollars. In November, former President Donald Trump had vowed to reclaim control over the Panama Canal. Rubio also raised concerns about Chinese investments in the canal, alleging that Panama had violated the 1997 agreement. As a result, Panama has withdrawn from China’s Belt and Road Initiative. However, China has denied any interference in Panama’s sovereignty, reaffirming its commitment to recognizing the canal as a neutral international waterway.

In three separate incidents in recent weeks, one person was killed and 15 others were arrested while attempting to cross into Canada from the United States. The arrested individuals are from various nationalities, while the deceased was confirmed to be a U.S. citizen, according to Canada's Assistant Police Commissioner. Using thermal imaging and aerial footage, authorities demonstrated their advanced border security measures. The U.S. citizen was fatally shot while attempting to flee after being stopped near the Coutts Port of Entry. A day prior to the incident, five individuals were arrested, and six more were detained on January 14.

The Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) Commissioner has announced plans to equip traffic sergeants with small arms to combat rising incidents of highway robbery. He stated that reforms, including bus counter regulations and e-ticketing, have been introduced to improve passenger safety. He urged transport owners to ensure proper employment contracts for drivers and encouraged commuters to report misconduct. He also mentioned that a recent crackdown has significantly reduced robbery cases over the past 15 days.

Families of those killed in the July-August uprisings have blocked Dhaka’s Shahbagh intersection, demanding swift justice and official recognition for the victims. The protest, which began at 11 AM, caused a halt in traffic as demonstrators held placards and pictures of their deceased loved ones. Accusing the government of negligence, they called for Sheikh Hasina’s extradition from India to face trial. The families claim that, despite months of attempts, they have been denied a meeting with the Chief Advisor. They condemned the perpetrators' continued freedom as a disgrace to the memory of the martyrs.

In response to U.S. President Donald Trump’s threats of imposing tariffs, Mexico has deployed 10,000 National Guard and military personnel along its border. Troops have been seen patrolling areas near Tijuana and Juarez. Despite a decline in drug trafficking and illegal migration over the past year, Trump has declared a border emergency. The U.S. administration aims to curb arms smuggling and violence, as criminal groups compete to control the lucrative migrant smuggling industry.

Tamanna Zerin, the alleged head of a human trafficking network that smuggled Bangladeshis to Russia, has been arrested at Dhaka’s Shahjalal International Airport by the CID. She faces charges of sending individuals to Russia under false job promises, only for them to be forced into fighting against Ukraine. One victim, Humayun Kabir from Natore, was killed in combat, while his brother-in-law, Rahmat Ali, now seeks a way to return home. Following increased surveillance, Zerin was captured while attempting to flee to Nepal.

UN Secretary-General António Guterres has warned U.S. President Donald Trump against supporting actions that could lead to ethnic cleansing in Gaza. Speaking at the UN Committee on the Exercise of the Inalienable Rights of the Palestinian People, Guterres emphasized the importance of adhering to international law and avoiding policies that could worsen the crisis. He reiterated that a two-state solution remains the only viable path to resolving the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.

The Ministry of Public Administration has issued a notice appointing veteran journalist Monir Haider as the Special Assistant to Interim Chief Advisor Mohammad Yunus, with the rank of a senior secretary. Haider, who has worked for Ekushey TV, Manabzamin, Janakantha, and Ittefaq, confirmed his appointment and stated that he would return from the U.S. soon to assume his duties. He is well-known as a civic rights activist and political analyst. His role will involve maintaining liaison and communication with various political parties and stakeholders to foster political unity.

The United States has deported 104 Indian nationals via a military aircraft as part of its strict immigration enforcement under the Trump administration. The C-17 aircraft carrying the deportees from Gujarat, Maharashtra, and Punjab landed in Amritsar. This marks the longest-distance deportation flight since military aircraft were allocated for migrant transportation. Relatives of the deported individuals expressed their distress, stating that they endured extreme hardships to reach the U.S., only to be sent back. One returnee, Akashdeep, spent $60,000—selling two-thirds of his property—only to be deported within seven months.