U.S. President Donald Trump on Thursday threatened to invoke the 19th-century Insurrection Act, which would allow the deployment of the military within the country. The warning came as protests spread across Minnesota following the shooting of a man by federal agents on Wednesday and the earlier death of a woman last week. Demonstrators in the Democrat-leaning northern cities have been protesting against violence linked to the Trump administration’s extensive immigration enforcement operations.

Trump reiterated his threat on social media, saying he would use the Insurrection Act if Minnesota’s politicians failed to uphold the law and prevent attacks on Immigration and Customs Enforcement officers. He expressed frustration over court obstacles to deploying the National Guard and over the ongoing protests, signaling a tougher stance in advancing his anti-immigration agenda.

Minnesota’s Democratic Governor Tim Walz sharply criticized the Trump administration, accusing federal agents of conducting a “brutal campaign” against residents. In a video message, he cited incidents of home raids, mistreatment of pregnant women, and the killing of 37-year-old Renny Good. Walz urged peaceful demonstrations and called on Trump and Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem to end what he described as an occupation.

A delegation led by Jamison Greer, the United States Trade Representative under President Donald Trump’s administration, held a virtual meeting with Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) Chairperson Tarique Rahman on Friday at 9 a.m. Bangladesh local time. The meeting was confirmed by Rahman’s press secretary, Saleh Shibli.

According to the report, the discussion focused on bilateral trade between Bangladesh and the United States, mutual tariff rates, and prospects for future economic cooperation. The meeting was also attended by Brendan Lynch, Assistant U.S. Trade Representative for South and Central Asia; Emily Ashby, Director for South and Central Asia; and Humayun Kabir, BNP Chairperson’s foreign affairs adviser and the party’s joint secretary general.

The meeting highlighted ongoing engagement between the BNP leadership and U.S. trade officials regarding economic collaboration and trade policy matters.

Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer Dr. Shafiqur Rahman held a virtual meeting with US Trade Representative Ambassador Jamison Greer to discuss bilateral trade, tariff rates, and future economic cooperation. The meeting was also attended by Assistant US Trade Representative for South and Central Asia Brendan Lynch, Director Emily Ashby, and Jamaat’s US spokesperson Professor Dr. Mohammad Nakibur Rahman.

According to Jamaat’s central publicity department, Dr. Rahman thanked Ambassador Greer for initiating the call and for his support on tariff discussions. Greer reportedly informed him that he had recently met President Donald Trump to discuss reducing mutual tariffs. Dr. Rahman expressed gratitude for the US initiative to grant special tariff benefits for garments made from 100% US cotton or man-made fibers, calling it a “win-win” formula benefiting both nations’ industries.

Dr. Rahman said the mutual tariff agreement has strengthened the foundation of Bangladesh-US economic relations. He added that if Jamaat forms the next government after the February national election, it will continue implementing the agreement and deepen trade and investment ties. He also welcomed US support for Bangladesh’s access to the Development Finance Corporation fund and invited Greer to visit Bangladesh.

Candidates from BNP and Jamaat-e-Islami have entered full campaign mode in Rajshahi’s six parliamentary constituencies ahead of Bangladesh’s 13th national election. Analysis of their affidavits shows a stark financial imbalance, with BNP candidates generally relying more on personal funds while most Jamaat contenders depend heavily on loans and donations to cover campaign expenses. In several constituencies, candidates’ declared expenditures exceed their total assets, highlighting the growing role of financial capacity in electoral competition.

Political analysts cited in the report argue that such dependence on borrowed and donated money raises questions about post-election accountability and independence. A Rajshahi University political science professor noted that this reliance could influence future political behavior. Social analyst Toufiq Ahmed warned that elections are increasingly becoming contests of financial power rather than ideology, risking voter trust. Former election observer Anwar Hossain described the Rajshahi scenario as a reflection of the country’s broader electoral reality, where financial inequality undermines fair competition.

Observers believe that the imbalance between self-funded and donation-dependent candidates may directly affect voter confidence and the eventual election outcome in Rajshahi.

Venezuelan interim president Delcy Rodríguez stated on Thursday that her government is not afraid of a diplomatic conflict with the United States. Her remarks came after a U.S. military strike on January 3 that ousted her predecessor, Nicolás Maduro. Addressing the nation in parliament, Rodríguez said Venezuela recognizes U.S. power but will face it through political dialogue and diplomacy. Lawmakers applauded her speech as she urged Washington to respect Maduro’s dignity amid his drug trafficking trial in the United States.

Rodríguez, formerly Maduro’s vice president and a close ally of his leftist government, spoke shortly after a phone call with U.S. President Donald Trump. Trump described her as an “extraordinary person” and said they discussed oil, minerals, trade, and national security, achieving what he called “remarkable progress.” Meanwhile, Rodríguez is balancing U.S. demands with the need to avoid backlash from pro-Maduro security forces and paramilitary groups.

On the same day, Trump met Venezuelan opposition leader María Corina Machado. The White House called the meeting positive, though Trump continues to largely overlook other opposition figures.

A civic memorial meeting in remembrance of former Prime Minister Begum Khaleda Zia is being held today, Friday, January 16, at 2:30 p.m. at the South Plaza of the National Parliament Building. The event, organized by civil society, will be attended by BNP Chairperson Tarique Rahman. Organizers emphasized that the gathering is not a political program but a national-level humanitarian tribute to Khaleda Zia. All attendees have been asked to bring their invitation cards.

The memorial is being presided over by former Chief Justice Syed J.R. Mudassir Hossain, with noted economist Professor Dr. Mahbub Ullah serving as chief organizer. At a press conference held Thursday at the Krishibid Institute in Dhaka, organizers detailed the arrangements and reiterated that no political speeches will be made. Distinguished citizens from various professions, including teachers, doctors, engineers, journalists, and representatives of ethnic and religious communities, will speak.

Organizers have requested participants to maintain solemnity by avoiding selfies, applause, or standing during the event. Guests are asked to wear black and white attire, and entry will be strictly controlled through invitation cards and designated gates.

Indian Army Chief General Upendra Dwivedi stated that the Indian Army is preparing for future warfare, emphasizing the use of modern technology and indigenous military equipment. Speaking to reporters in Jaipur on Thursday after the Army Day parade, he said self-reliance is no longer just a goal but a strategic necessity.

Dwivedi explained that the army now possesses well-trained soldiers, modern equipment, and diverse operational capabilities, with technology being used to further enhance troop effectiveness. He noted a clear shift in the army’s strategic thinking in recent years. Referring to 'Operation Sindhur,' he said it demonstrated the army’s ability to strike swiftly, in a coordinated and precise manner, reflecting a mature and confident force capable of protecting national interests responsibly.

The army chief added that new structures have been created to meet future needs, including the formation of units such as the Bhairav Battalion and the Shaktiman Regiment. These developments reflect efforts to build a faster, more flexible, and mission-oriented army ready to face emerging challenges.

Local authorities in Madhya Pradesh’s Betul district demolished a school building on Tuesday, accusing its builder of operating an unapproved madrasa. The demolition took place in Dhaba village under Bhainsdehi subdivision. Officials said the structure was built without authorization, while heavy police were deployed during the operation. The incident has sparked tension in the area.

Resident Abdon Naim, who spent 2 million rupees constructing the school, said the building was incomplete and classes had not yet started. He had applied for approval from the state’s School Education Department on December 30 and later received a no-objection certificate from the village panchayat after local protests. Despite this, a team led by Sub-Divisional Magistrate Ajit Maravi proceeded with the demolition.

Reports noted that Madhya Pradesh has 83,000 government schools, many lacking basic facilities, yet they continue to operate. The demolition of a school labeled as a madrasa has been viewed as an example of ongoing Islamophobia in the country.

US President Donald Trump has announced the formation of a 'Gaza Peace Board' through his social media platform Truth Social. The board is described as a key component of the second phase of Trump’s 20-point plan aimed at ending what he called Israel’s genocide in the besieged Palestinian territory. Trump said the board’s members will be announced soon and expressed pride in its creation, calling it the most prestigious board.

The announcement follows the creation of a 15-member technocratic committee to oversee Gaza’s post-conflict governance. This committee will operate under the supervision of the Peace Board, which Trump is expected to chair. The broader plan also includes deploying an international stabilization force to secure Gaza and train vetted Palestinian police units.

According to the report, the first phase of the US-backed Gaza peace plan was implemented on October 10, leading to a prisoner exchange between Israel and Hamas and a temporary halt to mass killings. However, despite the ceasefire, Israel allegedly violated the agreement and killed hundreds of Palestinians. Over two years of war, Israeli forces have reportedly killed more than 71,000 Palestinians, most of them women and children.

The Shibir-backed 'Durbar SUSTian Oikko' panel has announced a 28-point manifesto ahead of the Shahjalal University of Science and Technology (SUST) Central Students’ Union (ShakSU) election. The manifesto was presented on January 15 at a press conference in front of the university’s central library by vice-president candidate Delwar Hasan Shishir and general secretary candidate Mujahidul Islam. The panel said the manifesto was designed based on students’ needs and expectations as the election is being held after 28 years.

The manifesto includes commitments to establish a July Corner and ensure justice for those involved in the July uprising, integrate ShakSU into the academic calendar, guarantee full residential facilities, and improve services for non-residential students. It also promises affordable nutritious food, safe transport, interfaith harmony, enhanced research, skill development, scholarships, and smart technological solutions. Other pledges include transparent administration, a corruption-free campus, women’s safety, a cyber cell for online protection, modernization of the medical center, and a green campus.

The ShakSU election is scheduled for January 20, and the university is reportedly in a festive mood ahead of the vote.

Venezuelan opposition leader María Corina Machado met with U.S. President Donald Trump at the White House on Thursday, January 15, 2026. During the meeting, Machado presented Trump with her Nobel Peace Prize medal, which she had received in 2025. Following the meeting, Trump publicly praised Machado, calling her an extraordinary woman who had endured much. The meeting and exchange were reported by ABC News.

Trump described receiving the Nobel medal from Machado as a wonderful symbol of mutual respect. On social media, he wrote that María had given him her Nobel Peace Prize in recognition of his work. Machado confirmed to reporters after the meeting that she personally handed the medal to Trump but did not provide further details about the gesture or its purpose.

The exchange highlighted a moment of symbolic diplomacy between the two figures, though neither side elaborated on any political implications or future cooperation.

Yemen’s Prime Minister Salem bin Breik has resigned, and Shaya Mohsen Jindani has been appointed as his successor. Jindani previously served as the country’s foreign minister. According to Yemen’s official news agency Saba, bin Breik submitted his resignation to the Saudi-backed Presidential Leadership Council on Thursday, which promptly accepted it. Within hours, the council announced Jindani’s appointment as the new prime minister.

The political backdrop in Yemen remains complex. Since 2014, Iran-backed Houthi rebels have controlled the capital Sana’a, forcing then-President Abd-Rabbu Mansour Hadi to seek refuge in Saudi Arabia. In response, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, and Yemeni government forces formed a coalition to restore Hadi’s government and counter the Houthis.

The coalition has been conducting military operations against the Houthis since 2015. Nearly eleven years into the conflict, northern Yemen remains under Houthi control, while the Saudi-backed Presidential Council governs the southern region.

Independent candidate and expelled BNP international affairs secretary Rumin Farhana has alleged that plans are being made to cast votes the night before and seal polling centers in several areas of Sarail upazila under the Brahmanbaria-2 constituency. She made the allegation on Thursday afternoon during a courtyard meeting at Alinagar Government Primary School field in Sarail’s 7th ward, urging her supporters to guard the polling centers.

During the meeting, Farhana pledged to establish municipalities in Sarail and Ashuganj if elected, ensure quality healthcare at the upazila health complex, and improve roads, schools, mosques, and madrasas. She also vowed to remain uncompromising in demanding that Brahmanbaria’s gas be used locally. Addressing voters emotionally, she said she had left her ailing mother in Dhaka and placed her trust in the people of the constituency.

Rumin Farhana is contesting as an independent candidate in Brahmanbaria-2, where the BNP-led alliance has nominated Maulana Junaid Al Habib of Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam Bangladesh. Farhana was expelled from the BNP on December 30.

An opinion piece by Khandaker Nur Hossain, published on January 16, 2026, warns that the growing use of 'photocards'—images with short, bold text used as news summaries—has become a dangerous trend in Bangladesh’s media landscape. The article argues that this oversimplified form of news, popular on platforms like Facebook, X, and Instagram, often prioritizes excitement over truth, spreading misinformation and intensifying social and political divisions.

The author describes how these photocards frequently distort context, provoke anger, and deepen polarization, particularly between major political groups such as the BNP and Jamaat following the July uprising. The piece calls this phenomenon a reflection of journalism’s ethical crisis, where competition for views and engagement undermines accuracy and balance. False or misleading photocards can go viral before corrections appear, eroding public trust in media.

To address the crisis, the article urges responsibility from three sides: media outlets must ensure accuracy and restraint, the state should create effective policies against misinformation while protecting free expression, and readers should verify full reports before reacting.

Venezuelan opposition leader María Corina Machado met U.S. President Donald Trump at the White House in what officials described as a positive meeting. However, Trump’s public remarks about Machado’s political standing and her Nobel Peace Prize sparked new debate. He said that even though President Nicolás Maduro had been ousted, Venezuelans did not fully support Machado, and hinted at maintaining contact with Maduro’s deputy Delcy Rodríguez due to U.S. energy interests.

Machado, seeking to strengthen her political position, proposed sharing her Nobel Peace Prize with Trump, who said he would be honored to accept it. The Norwegian Nobel Committee later clarified that the prize cannot be shared or transferred. White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt said this was their first direct meeting since the January 3 U.S. military operation to detain Maduro. The two discussed Venezuela’s political situation and possible future elections, though no timeline was given.

Machado, who remains in exile after receiving her Nobel Prize in Oslo last month, met supporters outside the White House and called for restoring democracy in Venezuela.