The Mongla Coast Guard has arrested Masum Mridha, 23, the leader of a forest robber gang, and his associate Ifaz Fakir, 25, for abducting a resort owner and two tourists in the Sundarbans. The arrests were made following intelligence surveillance in the Dhankhali area under Terokhada police station in Khulna on January 7. Acting on information provided by the detainees, the Coast Guard conducted a search near Gazi Fisheries in the Sundarbans and recovered firearms, ammunition, sharp weapons, and items belonging to the abducted victims.

According to Coast Guard media officer Lieutenant Commander Siam-ul-Haq, the abduction took place on January 2 when the victims were traveling by boat near Kanur Khal from the Golkanan Resort. The gang demanded ransom, prompting the resort authorities to inform the Coast Guard. Using intelligence, drone surveillance, and financial tracing, the Coast Guard rescued the hostages safely after a 48-hour operation. Several other gang members were also detained from different areas of the Sundarbans, Dacope, and Khulna.

Legal proceedings regarding the arrested individuals and seized evidence are currently underway, the Coast Guard confirmed.

Police in Teknaf, Cox’s Bazar, recovered the body of Malaysia expatriate Zahid Hossain from a remote hilly area on Thursday morning. He had gone missing after being called from his home in Hoikyang Union’s Kombonia village on January 6. Local woodcutters discovered the body in a garden belonging to a man named Nuru and informed his relatives, who later notified police and local authorities. Three suspects have been detained in connection with the killing.

According to police and local sources, Zahid Hossain, a mason by profession, was allegedly killed over a longstanding land dispute. His family members claimed that local rivals were behind the murder. Teknaf Model Police Station’s officer-in-charge Md Saiful Islam confirmed the incident and said preliminary investigation suggests the killing stemmed from the land conflict. The body was sent to Cox’s Bazar District Hospital morgue for autopsy.

Police said the detained individuals are being interrogated, and legal procedures are underway as part of the ongoing investigation.

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.

Over the past 35 years, the amount of saline-affected land in Bangladesh has increased by about 26 percent, now totaling approximately 1.056 million hectares. Around 30 percent of the country’s coastal arable land is affected by salinity, while 41 to 50 percent of the total area experiences drought at some point. In response to these growing climate-related challenges, a team from Bangladesh Agricultural University (BAU) has begun research on seaweed-based biostimulants to enhance crop resilience.

The research was presented at a workshop held at BAU’s Faculty of Agriculture under the project “Higher Education for Agricultural Transformation (HEAT),” jointly organized by the University Grants Commission and the Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology. Researchers highlighted that Bangladesh’s coastal areas host abundant seaweed resources, including 47 green, 59 brown, and 94 red species, which contain compounds that promote plant growth and tolerance to salinity and drought.

BAU Vice-Chancellor Professor A.K. Fazlul Haque Bhuiyan emphasized that climate change poses multidimensional challenges to agriculture and that sustainable, eco-friendly technologies like seaweed-based biostimulants could play a vital role in ensuring the sector’s future resilience.

A severe shortage of liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) has gripped Fatullah in Narayanganj, where consumers are unable to buy 12-kilogram cylinders even at double the government-fixed price of 1,306 taka. The crisis, ongoing for about 15 days, has forced many residents to search for firewood as an alternative fuel source. Retail shops have run out of stock, and those with limited supply are reportedly charging arbitrary prices.

Local residents and business owners expressed frustration over the situation, saying the artificial shortage and price hikes have worsened their daily lives and business operations. Some reported that LPG cylinders are available only on the black market, where prices range from 2,200 to 2,500 taka per cylinder, delivered by rickshaw. Retail sellers said they too face supply shortages and cannot meet customer demand.

Residents have urged the authorities to take immediate action to restore normal LPG supply and control illegal trading practices that have intensified the crisis.

The International Crimes Tribunal-2 has scheduled January 18 for the hearing to frame formal charges against two top leaders of the banned organization Chhatra League. The accused are its president, Saddam Hossain, and general secretary, Sheikh Wali Asif Inan, who face allegations of crimes against humanity committed during the July Revolution. The tribunal fixed the date on Thursday.

Alongside them, five others are accused in the same case, including the banned Awami League’s general secretary and former bridge minister Obaidul Quader, joint general secretary A F M Bahauddin Nasim, former state minister for information and broadcasting Mohammad Ali Arafat, Jubo League president Sheikh Fazle Shams Parash, and general secretary Mainul Hossain Khan Nikhil. The tribunal had earlier issued arrest warrants on December 18 after the prosecution filed formal charges the same day.

As the accused did not appear in court despite a newspaper notice on December 30, the tribunal appointed state defense lawyers to represent them in absentia. The prosecution, led by Chief Prosecutor Mohammad Tajul Islam and Gazi Tamim, read out individual charges, including three specific counts against Obaidul Quader for instruction, provocation, and incitement.

The Bangladesh Army detained a man named Billal Hossain, aged 42, from Jatarpur village in Mujibnagar upazila of Meherpur district during an early morning raid on Thursday. The operation led to the recovery of an illegal 7.65 mm pistol, a magazine, and two rounds of American-made bullets from a wardrobe in his bedroom. Billal Hossain is the son of the late Madar Ali Biswas of the same village.

According to Mujibnagar Police Station Officer-in-Charge Zahidul Islam, Billal Hossain is a known criminal accused of involvement in smuggling, money laundering, online betting, casino operations, and extortion. Legal proceedings against him are currently underway.

The arrest and recovery operation highlight ongoing law enforcement efforts in Meherpur to curb illegal arms possession and organized crime activities in the region.

The government has ordered an investigation into allegations of indiscriminate hill cutting for landfilling at the Ramgarh land port in Khagrachhari. Following a report published in the daily Amar Desh, Brigadier General (Retd.) Dr. M Sakhawat Hossain, Adviser to the Ministry of Shipping and the Ministry of Labour and Employment, took the matter seriously and directed the immediate formation of a three-member investigation committee. The committee has been instructed to conduct an on-site inspection and submit a detailed report within three working days.

According to the adviser, the government attaches the highest importance to protecting the environment, maintaining ecological balance, and safeguarding national interests. He stated that any illegal hill cutting or landfilling would not be tolerated and that those found responsible would face legal action. He also noted that the Ramgarh land port, built during a previous government, had already been reviewed for its geo-economic significance, and a separate expert committee had been formed to reassess the project's costs and benefits.

The government emphasized its commitment to ensuring transparency and accountability in this public interest matter.

The International Crimes Tribunal-2 has appointed state defense lawyers for Obaidul Quader and six other accused in a crimes against humanity case related to killings during the July Revolution. The order was issued on Thursday after the accused failed to appear before the court, leading the tribunal to consider them absconding. The tribunal also scheduled January 18 for the formal hearing on charge framing against the seven accused.

According to the tribunal proceedings, the other accused include Awami League Joint General Secretary A F M Bahauddin Nasim, former State Minister for Information and Broadcasting Mohammad Ali Arafat, Jubo League President Sheikh Fazle Shams Parash, General Secretary Mainul Hossain Khan Nikhil, Chhatra League President Saddam Hossain, and General Secretary Wali Asif Enan. Earlier, on December 18, the tribunal issued arrest warrants against all seven after the prosecution formally submitted charges.

During the hearing, Chief Prosecutor Mohammad Tajul Islam and Gazi Tamim presented separate charges for each accused. Obaidul Quader faces three specific counts—ordering, instigation, and incitement—while the others were also held responsible under related allegations.

Rapid Action Battalion (RAB) members have arrested Md. Sakin, the prime suspect in the murder of college student Abdur Rahman Riad in Sirajganj town. The arrest was confirmed on Thursday through a press release signed by Assistant Superintendent of Police Md. Usman Gani of RAB-12. Sakin, son of Mati Sheikh from Dhanbandhi area of Sirajganj municipality, was detained on Tuesday afternoon from Alpha Zone and Company in Savar, Dhaka district.

According to the press release, on December 28, Abdur Rahman Riad was sitting inside a CNG auto-rickshaw on Mujib Road in Sirajganj when 30 to 35 unidentified youths attacked him with sharp weapons in broad daylight, killing him on the spot. Following the incident, Riad’s father, Rezaul Karim, filed a case naming Sakin as the main accused along with 11 others, and 20 to 25 unidentified youths as suspects. Sakin had been absconding since the murder until his arrest on January 7.

Authorities have not yet disclosed further details about the investigation or possible motives behind the killing.

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.

Bangladesh Bank has instructed all banks to ensure that remittances sent by expatriate Bangladeshis are deposited into recipients’ accounts on the same day or the next working day. The directive, issued through a circular on Thursday, gives banks until March to fully implement the system. Authorized dealer banks must notify customers electronically as soon as remittance messages are received. Remittances received during banking hours must be credited the same day, while those received afterward must be credited the next working day.

According to the circular, the move aims to reduce delays and improve efficiency in cross-border payment processing. The central bank emphasized the use of secure electronic communication to inform customers promptly. The instruction is part of ongoing efforts to streamline remittance management and enhance the reliability of financial transactions for expatriate workers and their families.

The directive is expected to strengthen confidence in formal remittance channels and support faster fund availability for recipients across Bangladesh.