Barrister Arman, son of executed war crimes convict Mir Quasem Ali, testified before International Crimes Tribunal-1 on Wednesday as the first witness in a case concerning enforced disappearance and torture at the Rapid Action Battalion’s Taskforce for Interrogation (TFI) cell. He alleged that on August 9, 2016, armed men abducted him from his home and held him in secret detention for eight years. During his confinement, he was blindfolded, handcuffed, and subjected to severe physical and psychological abuse. Arman said his weight was measured upon arrival, and he was told later that he had narrowly escaped execution. His testimony implicated former prime minister Hasina and 12 current and former army officers among 17 accused in the case. Arman described the TFI cell conditions, identifying it as part of the RAB-1 compound under the RAB Intelligence Wing. He recounted being kept in a damp cell, hearing other detainees’ screams, and suffering from illness and suspected poisoning. He said he was eventually released near Uttara’s Diabari area after years of captivity. The tribunal, chaired by Golam Mortuza Mojumdar, recorded his statement as part of ongoing proceedings into alleged abductions and torture under the previous government.

Authorities in Rupganj, Narayanganj sealed a flat owned by former National Telecommunication Monitoring Center (NTMC) Director General Major General (Retd.) Ziaul Ahsan and his wife Nusrat Jahan. The operation was conducted on Wednesday afternoon by Narayanganj District RDC and Executive Magistrate Shahriar Parvez. The sealed property is located in the Jalsiri Project’s Sector 12, Road 506, Plot 14, in an eight-story building named Joyita. Other flats in the building were not sealed as tenants were present. According to the report, the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) filed a case against Ziaul Ahsan and his wife on January 23 of the previous year. The case alleges abuse of power, illegal wealth accumulation, and suspicious transactions worth about Tk 120 crore under Nusrat Jahan’s name. It also claims that Ahsan amassed Tk 22.28 crore in illegal assets, deposited USD 55,000 beyond permitted limits, and conducted irregular transactions through eight active bank accounts. The allegations state that Ahsan misused his authority while serving as NTMC chief, violating anti-corruption, penal, and money laundering laws.

Food and Land Adviser Ali Imam Majumder said rice prices are expected to decrease within the next few days. He made the remark on Wednesday afternoon while speaking to journalists at the Kushtia Collectorate premises before attending a meeting on referendum campaigning and voter motivation. Majumder stated that the government has initiated the process to import about 600,000 tons of rice, while private importers have received approval to bring in another 200,000 tons. He said the impact of these imports would benefit consumers, and the government currently holds a record stock of 2.1 million tons of rice. Addressing the recent price rise in Kushtia markets, Majumder said discussions with mill owners revealed that prices had increased by about two taka but would likely drop within a few days. He added that from the next day, Open Market Sale (OMS) operations would run daily in every upazila, and import permissions through letters of credit from neighboring countries had been granted. Majumder also emphasized that the government aims to maintain stability and prevent unrest similar to that of 2024 through reforms and coordination with political parties and experts. He further instructed local administrations to ensure a fear-free environment for voters and to take action against anyone attempting to disrupt the election process.

A Dhaka court on Wednesday issued arrest warrants against Transcom Group CEO Simeen Rahman, her mother Shahnaz Rahman, and director Shamsuzzaman Patwary in a case alleging misappropriation of 14,160 company shares through forged signatures and fake stamps. The warrants were issued by Additional Chief Metropolitan Magistrate Md. Sefatullah after accepting a charge sheet filed by the Police Bureau of Investigation (PBI). Later that afternoon, the three accused surrendered before Chief Metropolitan Magistrate Jewel Rana’s court, which granted them bail. The charge sheet, submitted on January 11 by PBI Inspector Syed Sazedur Rahman, accuses six individuals in total. It alleges that a June 13, 2020 board meeting approving share transfers never actually took place, and that forged signatures of family members were used to transfer shares to Simeen Rahman. Investigators found irregularities in documents submitted to the Registrar of Joint Stock Companies and Firms (RJSC), including absence of required physical presence during share transfer and delayed payment of fees. The court set February 2 for submission of a progress report on the case.

National Citizen Party (NCP) member secretary Akhtar Hossain said on Wednesday in Rangpur that the Jatiya Party has exposed its fascist nature through its 'No' vote campaign. Speaking to reporters after receiving his election symbol for the Rangpur-4 constituency, he claimed that the public would not support the 'No' campaign but would instead reject the Jatiya Party itself. He described the party as authoritarian and accused it of opposing reforms to the existing state structure. Hossain expressed concern over the country's deteriorating law and order situation, citing recent incidents involving the death of a Rapid Action Battalion member and casualties in Mirpur. He urged the government and the Election Commission to ensure the safety of candidates and voters during the campaign period. Referring to past elections, he alleged that ordinary citizens had faced repression and manipulation, and called for decisive government action to prevent illegal arms and violence. Highlighting the importance of the upcoming referendum, Hossain said the NCP and its allies were campaigning for a 'Yes' vote to implement reforms outlined in the July Charter. He urged citizens to support participatory governance and reject authoritarianism.

At least 11 Palestinians, including two children and three journalists, were killed in Israeli attacks on Gaza since dawn, according to Gaza’s Ministry of Health. Six others were injured in the strikes. The journalists—Anas Ghunaim, Abdul Ra’ouf Shaath, and Mohammad Qeshta—were working for the Egyptian Committee for Gaza Relief and were killed when their vehicle was hit in central Gaza near the Netzarim Corridor. The committee said they were filming a newly established displacement camp and that the vehicle was known to the Israeli military. Israeli Army Radio reported that the targeted vehicle’s occupants were allegedly using a drone to gather intelligence. Separate attacks in central, southern, and northern Gaza killed additional civilians, including a father, his son, and another relative in Deir el-Balah, a 13-year-old boy in Bani Suheila, and a 32-year-old woman near Khan Younis. Two more Palestinians were killed in the north, according to Wafa news agency. Palestinian officials accused Israel of repeatedly violating a U.S.-brokered ceasefire that began on October 10. Israel continues to restrict humanitarian aid into Gaza, where 2.2 million people face severe shortages of food, medicine, and shelter amid cold weather.

Bangladesh continued their impressive run in the ongoing SAFF Women’s Futsal Championship in Thailand, defeating Sri Lanka 6-3 at Nonthaburi Stadium in Bangkok. With this victory, Bangladesh overtook India to reach the top of the points table with 10 points from four matches, while India have nine from the same number of games. The team had earlier beaten Nepal 3-0 and India 3-1, and drew 3-3 with Bhutan. Bangladesh will next face Pakistan. In the match against Sri Lanka, captain Sabina Khatun and Krishna Rani each scored twice, while Matsushima Sumaiya and Masura Parvin added one goal each. Sri Lanka initially led by two goals, but Bangladesh fought back to level the score through Sabina’s brace, assisted by Krishna. Later, Krishna scored two of her own, and Bangladesh sealed the win with three late goals. Sri Lanka managed a consolation goal just before the final whistle. The report noted that Sri Lanka struggled against Bangladesh’s superior speed, skill, and experience. Seven teams are participating in the tournament, each playing six matches, with the top team to be crowned champion.

Bangladesh Bank Governor Ahsan H. Mansur stated that the country’s current 61 banks far exceed its actual needs, suggesting that 10 to 15 banks would be sufficient. He made the remarks on Wednesday at Jagannath University during a discussion titled “Banking Sector: Current Challenges and Future Prospects.” Mansur emphasized that reducing the number of banks would make it easier to ensure good governance. He added that the government plans to merge state-owned banks, keeping only two in operation. The governor warned that personal or individual-centric decisions should not influence the banking sector, noting that a lack of proper governance has pushed the sector toward crisis. He stressed the need for comprehensive reforms across all areas of banking. Jagannath University Vice-Chancellor Professor Dr. Rezaul Karim, speaking as a special guest, said the governor’s leadership is crucial in reviving a nearly collapsed sector. He expressed optimism that ongoing initiatives would help restore stability and sustain positive progress. The event was attended by faculty members, students, and economists including Professor Dr. Mahbub Ullah and Dr. Mohammad Helal Uddin.

Real Madrid returned to form under new coach Alvaro Arbeloa with a commanding 6-1 victory over Monaco in the UEFA Champions League. Kylian Mbappe scored twice against his former club, while Vinicius Junior, Jude Bellingham, and Franco Mastantuono added one each, with another coming from an own goal. The win brought Real Madrid closer to securing a place in the round of 16, standing second in the table with 15 points from seven matches. Arsenal continued their perfect run with a seventh consecutive win, defeating Inter Milan 3-1. Gabriel Jesus netted twice and substitute Viktor Gyokeres added another, maintaining Arsenal’s 100% record and taking them to 21 points. Meanwhile, Manchester City suffered a shock 3-1 loss to Norwegian side Bodo, with Pep Guardiola’s team now facing uncertainty over qualification. Guardiola admitted the team struggled with several small issues that went against them. Defending champions PSG also endured a disappointing night, losing 2-1 to Sporting CP despite marking their 300th European match milestone. Colombian forward Luis Suarez scored both goals for Sporting, while Khvicha Kvaratskhelia netted PSG’s only goal.

Rifaat al-Assad, the exiled uncle of former Syrian ruler Bashar al-Assad, has died in the United Arab Emirates at the age of 88, according to media reports citing Reuters. He was the brother of the late Syrian president Hafez al-Assad. Rifaat became infamous for leading forces that crushed an Islamist uprising in the central Syrian city of Hama in 1982, an operation that involved airstrikes and shelling and reportedly killed around 37,000 people. The brutality of that campaign earned him the nickname “Butcher of Hama.” Following the Hama crackdown, Rifaat attempted a failed coup against his brother Hafez, which forced him into exile. He spent many years in France, where he faced charges of embezzling Syrian state funds. In 2020, a French court sentenced him to four years in prison and ordered the confiscation of his assets. After the verdict was upheld in 2022, Rifaat returned to Syria. In December 2024, after Bashar al-Assad was deposed, Rifaat fled Syria again, traveling through Lebanon to Dubai, where he later died.

BNP Standing Committee member and Bhola-3 parliamentary candidate Major (Retd.) Hafiz Uddin Ahmed Bir Bikram said that the next Bangladesh will be a country of communal harmony and strong democracy. He made the remarks on Wednesday afternoon at a meeting with the Hindu community held in the courtyard of the Sri Sri Madan Mohan Jiu Temple in Lalmohan municipality of Bhola. During the event, Major Hafiz criticized the Awami League’s 16-year rule, alleging that elections during that period were a mockery. He stated that the upcoming 13th National Parliamentary Election, scheduled for February 12, would firmly establish democracy in Bangladesh. He urged all citizens to go to the polling centers and vote for candidates who would lead the country toward happiness and prosperity. The meeting was presided over by temple president Nirab Kumar Dey and attended by local BNP leaders, including the presidents and general secretaries of the Lalmohan upazila and municipal BNP units, along with party activists.

Spain’s largest train drivers’ union, SEMAF, has announced a nationwide strike following a series of train derailments that have shaken the country. The latest incident occurred near Barcelona on Tuesday when heavy rain caused a retaining wall to collapse onto the tracks, derailing a commuter train. The train’s driver was killed and four passengers were seriously injured, according to Reuters. Rail operator Adif reported a third derailment in the same regional network during the storm, though no casualties were reported. Just two days earlier, a high-speed train derailed near Adamuz in Córdoba province, about 360 kilometers south of Madrid, colliding with another train and killing at least 42 people, including the driver. The back-to-back accidents have sparked nationwide concern over railway safety. In a statement, SEMAF said it would seek criminal accountability for those responsible for ensuring railway infrastructure safety. The union had previously warned Adif in August about severe track deterioration, citing potholes, bumps, and power line imbalances causing frequent mechanical failures across several high-speed lines.

Chief Adviser’s Press Secretary Shafiqul Alam announced that Bangladesh’s national parliamentary election will be held on February 12 across all 300 constituencies. He made the statement at a press briefing at the Foreign Service Academy in Dhaka on January 21. The Election Commission confirmed that complexities regarding Pabna-1 and Pabna-2 constituencies have been resolved, allowing voting in all seats. Ballot paper printing is scheduled to begin at midnight on January 21. According to the press secretary, the government held a high-level emergency meeting led by the Chief Adviser to review election security. The Chief Adviser instructed authorities to ensure uninterrupted electricity supply during voting and to recover stolen weapons. Law enforcement will use 25,500 body-worn cameras linked to a security app for quick response. Around 150,000 police, 100,000 army personnel, and members from other forces including Navy, Air Force, Ansar, BGB, RAB, and Fire Service will be deployed, along with 500 drones. A total of 1,842 valid candidates will contest the election. Sixty-nine returning officers, 657 judicial magistrates, and 1,047 executive magistrates will oversee the process, coordinated through the “Election Security” app.

The Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) has filed a case against 21 individuals, including 12 former members of the Public Service Commission (PSC) and a former secretary, for allegedly appointing six candidates to cadre positions under a fake freedom fighter quota. The appointments were made six months after the publication of the 29th BCS results, despite the candidates not applying under that quota. The accused include officials currently serving as deputy secretaries, a police superintendent, and others in key government roles. According to the ACC, the irregularities stem from the 29th BCS examination held in 2008. After a 16-year investigation, the commission found serious discrepancies in the recruitment process. The accused have been charged under sections 420, 467, 468, 471, and 109 of the Penal Code, as well as section 5(2) of the Prevention of Corruption Act, 1947. The ACC’s findings indicate that the six appointed officials are currently holding important positions, and the case highlights long-standing procedural flaws in the recruitment system.

Bangladesh Islami Chhatra Shibir organized a protest march in Feni on Wednesday to oppose the suspension of the ShakSU election. The demonstration, arranged by the organization’s Feni city branch, began in front of the central Jame Mosque and proceeded through Doel Square on Trunk Road and the Model Police Station area before concluding with a gathering at the Shaheed Minar. During the event, leaders from the district and city branches of Chhatra Shibir delivered brief speeches. They demanded the immediate implementation of the ShakSU election, expressing dissatisfaction over its postponement. The protest reflected the organization’s continued call for student representation through the ShakSU body, though no official response to their demand was mentioned in the report.