Iran’s government has declared anti-government protesters as 'enemies of God' and warned that those participating in or aiding the demonstrations could face the death penalty. The announcement came on Saturday from Attorney General Mohammad Movahedi Azad’s office, citing Article 186 of the Iranian constitution. The statement, broadcast on state television, said that even individuals who assist the so-called rioters would face the same charges. According to Article 186, any group opposing the Islamic Republic through armed resistance, and anyone knowingly supporting such groups, can be deemed 'mohareb' or 'enemy of God', even if they do not directly engage in armed activity. The declaration follows nearly two weeks of widespread anti-government protests across Iran, which have intensified over time. Footage sent to Iran International from Kahrizak, south of Tehran, reportedly shows multiple bodies in body bags. Eyewitnesses described seeing dozens of dead bodies at the site and more inside a nearby industrial shed, with two witnesses reporting over forty bodies while searching for their relatives.

A report submitted on January 4 by the Commission on Enforced Disappearances to the Chief Adviser revealed that senior officials of Bangladesh’s security agencies, including RAB, CTTC, and DGFI, were aware of multiple enforced disappearances. The report cited testimonies from high-ranking officers confirming that former DGFI Director General Lt. Gen. Mohammad Akbar Hossain had informed Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina about the disappearance of Hummam Quader Chowdhury. It also stated that army leadership knew about the disappearance of Barrister Mir Ahmad Bin Quasem, known as Arman. The commission’s findings indicated that DGFI and CTIB officials authorized or continued unauthorized detentions, including that of Brigadier Azmir. Statements from former RAB Director General Chowdhury Abdullah Al Mamun and other officers confirmed that senior leadership knew detainees were held in custody. Testimonies from soldiers and police officers described regular inspections of detention centers by senior officials, contradicting later claims of ignorance. The report concluded that the proximity of detention cells to commanding officers’ offices and direct CCTV access made it implausible that senior officials were unaware of these operations, suggesting long-term institutional knowledge and oversight.

Iran has been gripped by continuous protests that began in late December, sparked by the sharp devaluation of the Iranian rial and worsening economic conditions. Demonstrations first erupted near Tehran’s Grand Bazaar on December 28 and later spread to multiple cities. Security forces have taken a hardline stance to suppress the unrest. Amid the turmoil, U.S. President Donald Trump announced on his social media platform Truth Social that the United States is ready to help Iranian protesters, describing Iran as being on the verge of unprecedented freedom. Earlier, Trump warned that Iran was in serious trouble due to growing instability and urged Iranian authorities not to use lethal force against demonstrators. Washington, he said, is closely monitoring the situation. In response, the Iranian government accused the United States and Israel of fueling the unrest. Officials warned that the security forces and judiciary would show no tolerance toward those involved in sabotage or violence.

Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro and his wife were reportedly detained and taken from the country following a military raid in Caracas on January 3. According to the report, nine military helicopters carried out the operation around 2 a.m. local time, removing Maduro from power. The incident has been described as a dramatic example of a 'decapitation strike'—a sudden military action targeting a state’s top leadership. The analysis warns that such actions, often justified as quick solutions, historically lead to instability and prolonged violence rather than resolution. Venezuela’s political and economic crises, compounded by sanctions and internal division, have made it a focal point of foreign intervention and regime change efforts. The article argues that forcibly removing a sitting president undermines international law and state sovereignty, turning diplomacy into coercion. The commentary concludes that Venezuela’s crisis must be resolved through inclusive dialogue, fair elections, and international mediation, not through abduction or military threats. It cautions that legitimizing such tactics could endanger weaker nations and erode the foundations of global order.

At least fifty areas in Dhaka have open manholes, posing serious risks to pedestrians and vehicles. The uncovered manholes, often missing due to theft, have caused frequent accidents and injuries. City officials acknowledge that around ten percent of the capital’s 75,000 manholes remain uncovered at any time. The stolen covers, valued at about four crore taka annually in Dhaka South City Corporation alone, are reportedly sold to scrap dealers for small sums. Responsibility for installing and maintaining manholes lies with Dhaka WASA and the two city corporations. Officials admit that ensuring security for the heavy metal covers is difficult and that police involvement is needed. Despite over fifty related cases filed in various police stations, arrests remain rare. Residents complain that stolen covers are often replaced only to be stolen again, leaving roads hazardous. To address the problem, Dhaka South City Corporation has begun installing fiber-made manhole covers in wards 66 and 67. These new covers, tested and approved by BUET, are cheaper, strong enough to withstand heavy loads, and have no resale value, which authorities hope will reduce theft and improve public safety.

Italy is preparing for its first-ever appearance in the T20 World Cup, to be held in India and Sri Lanka. Despite lacking a single natural cricket pitch at home, the European nation is eager to showcase its best performance on the global stage. Ranked 28th among qualified teams, Italy overcame the European qualifiers without difficulty and now looks to establish a unique identity in cricket beyond its football fame. The Italian squad features players of English, Australian, South African, Pakistani, and Indian descent. Australian-born all-rounder Harry Manenti, currently playing in the Big Bash League, expressed pride in representing Italy, emphasizing the team’s deep connection to the country. Former Australian cricketer Joe Burns initially captained the side during qualifiers but was replaced by Wayne Madsen due to contract issues. Key players include Emilio Gay, Jaspreet Singh, and Syed Naqvi. Coach John Davison, who once held the record for the fastest World Cup century, described the team as franchise-like in diversity but united by strong national pride.

An investigative report published on January 11, 2026, reveals that Bangladesh Police’s official monthly magazine ‘The Detective’ became a platform for praising the ruling Mujib family during a 15-year authoritarian period. The publication, originally meant for professional research on law enforcement, shifted its focus to glorifying Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, Sheikh Hasina, Sheikh Russel, and other family members. Senior and mid-level officers reportedly used overly reverential writings in the magazine to secure promotions and key appointments, turning it into an informal route for career advancement. Critics cited in the report argue that this culture of political flattery undermined the force’s professionalism, neutrality, and constitutional obligations. By 2015, professional content such as crime analysis and forensic studies had largely disappeared, replaced by poems and essays extolling the Mujib family. Officers who refrained from participating allegedly faced invisible barriers to promotion, while contributors often rose quickly through the ranks. Following the fall of the Awami League government in August 2024, many of the officers who benefited from this loyalty-based system reportedly faced demotion or legal action, exposing the long-term risks of politically motivated careerism within the police.

BNP Chairperson Tarique Rahman on Saturday called for unity despite differences, urging that disagreements should not lead to division. Speaking at a meet-and-greet with journalists at Hotel Sheraton in Banani, Dhaka, his first public program since assuming the party’s top post, he emphasized maintaining democratic processes and avoiding a return to the violence of August 5. He also highlighted concerns over press freedom and journalist safety, recalling past repression of media figures. Rahman outlined his party’s future plans if elected, including a proposed “Family Card” program to support women’s economic empowerment for five to seven years, a large-scale recruitment of female health workers, and modernization of vocational education to boost skilled migration. He warned of an impending water crisis in Dhaka and stressed the need for preventive healthcare, road safety, and agricultural representation. He also pledged to ensure accountability through all levels of elections and called for solution-oriented criticism from the media. Editors from major national and international outlets attended the event, offering congratulations and raising issues such as media independence, economic reform, and climate change as key challenges for Bangladesh’s future.

A 38-year-old man named Jamal Uddin was shot dead on a deserted road in Fatikchhari, Chattogram, on Saturday night. Police said the killing appeared to be premeditated, as the location was isolated, without CCTV or nearby houses. The incident occurred around 7:10 p.m., but police received the report at 7:41 p.m. The case took a new turn when fugitive former Chhatra League leader Nurul Azim Roni posted about the killing on Facebook at 7:40 p.m.—a minute before police were informed. Investigators are focusing on how Roni learned of the murder so quickly. They suspect either direct contact with someone involved at the scene or access to a network that rapidly circulates information about violent incidents. Police are analyzing Roni’s digital communications, including phone and messaging records, to trace the source of his information. They are also verifying his claim that the victim had been accused of violent activities after August 5. Local residents said Jamal Uddin had past links with Jamaat-e-Islami and Shibir, though opinions differ on whether he was recently active. Police are examining possible motives, including political rivalry, personal disputes, or business conflicts.

A protest rally and assembly were held in Gobindaganj, Gaibandha, demanding justice for the killing of Shahid Sharif Osman Hadi, spokesperson of Inquilab Mancha. The event took place on Saturday afternoon, organized under the banner of the Anti-Fascist Student Society and local citizens. The rally started from Gobindaganj Government High School field, marched through the main streets of the municipal town, and ended at Thana Char Matha before converging beside the Dhaka–Rangpur highway for a gathering. Speakers at the assembly described Hadi as a dedicated and frontline activist of the July 24 Movement who dreamed of building a new Bangladesh free from fascism, extortion, and exploitation. They alleged that a conspiratorial group killed him to obstruct his mission for justice and integrity. The speakers further claimed that the killers fled to India under the influence of a powerful group and are living there safely. Participants demanded the immediate arrest and trial of those responsible for Hadi’s murder, urging authorities to ensure justice without delay.

Unidentified assailants hurled petrol bombs at the house of Shariful Islam Inna, the Sirajganj district correspondent of the daily Amar Desh, on Saturday night. The attack occurred around 9 p.m. when three young men arrived on motorcycles and threw two petrol bombs at his residence in the Diyar Dhangra area of Sirajganj municipality. Family members were alarmed by the explosion but managed to extinguish the fire using water. Following the incident, the Sirajganj Superintendent of Police was immediately informed. Additional Superintendent of Police (Sadar Circle) Nazran Rouf, the Officer-in-Charge of Sirajganj Sadar Police Station, and the Officer-in-Charge of the Detective Branch visited the scene to assess the situation. Preparations are underway to file a case regarding the attack. The incident has caused fear among local residents, while law enforcement authorities have begun initial investigations to identify those responsible.

Two auto rice mill workers were killed when the Mohanganj Express train hit them at Challisha on the Netrakona–Mymensingh railway line on Saturday evening around 6:30 pm. The victims were identified as Russell Islam, 25, from Sherpur’s Jhenaigati upazila, and Akash Roy, 24, from Chirirbandar in Dinajpur. Both had been working for about a year at the “Tamal Tanmoy” Auto Rice Mill owned by Jiban Kumar Saha in Challisha. According to eyewitnesses and family sources, Russell and Akash, along with several coworkers, were walking along the railway track near their mill when the Dhaka-bound Mohanganj Express struck them. They were taken to Netrakona Modern Sadar Hospital, where duty doctor Dr. Shraddhananda Nath declared them dead upon arrival, noting injuries to their heads and bodies. Shyamganj GRP Police Sub-Inspector Nurul Islam confirmed receiving information about the deaths and said the incident would be investigated and necessary legal steps taken.

Police in Faridganj upazila of Chandpur district have arrested Md. Suman, 39, identified as the ringleader of an inter-district motorcycle theft gang. The arrest took place after investigators traced him using information technology to the Ghoramara Ashrayan Project area in Chandpur Sadar upazila. During the operation, police recovered four previously stolen motorcycles from his possession. Suman is the son of the late Ali Hossain from Charpagla Farazi Bari in Raipur upazila of Lakshmipur district. According to police sources, the investigation began after a complaint was filed over the theft of a 110cc motorcycle belonging to Tuton Ghosh. Following the complaint, police used technological tools and district-level cooperation to locate and detain the suspect. Officer-in-Charge Md. Helal Uddin of Faridganj Police Station confirmed that Suman was sent to the Chandpur court on Saturday, January 10, 2026. The arrest marks a significant step in curbing inter-district motorcycle theft in the region, as police continue efforts to identify other members of the network.

A youth was killed in a gunfight between two rival groups at a Rohingya camp in Teknaf upazila of Cox’s Bazar late Friday night. The incident occurred at Block I of the registered Rohingya Camp No. 26 in Nayapara under Hnila Union. According to Mohammad Kawsar Sikder, Additional Deputy Inspector General and commander of the 16 Armed Police Battalion, the deceased was identified as Nur Kamal, 25, son of Abul Kalam of the same camp. Police stated that Nur Kamal was a known criminal who had formed his own armed group and was involved in various illegal activities in and around the camp. Sikder said the clash erupted due to a long-standing rivalry between Nur Kamal’s group and the Khalek group over establishing dominance in the camp. During the confrontation, Nur Kamal sustained gunshot and sharp weapon injuries. Locals took him to a camp clinic where doctors declared him dead. Police said the attackers fled before law enforcement arrived. A drive is underway to identify and arrest those involved, and the body has been sent to Cox’s Bazar Sadar Hospital morgue for autopsy.

BNP Chairman Tarique Rahman will launch his party’s campaign for the upcoming 13th National Parliamentary Election from Sylhet on January 22. According to BNP sources, he will first visit the shrines of Hazrat Shahjalal (R) and Hazrat Shah Paran (R) before traveling to Sunamganj to formally begin the campaign with a public rally. This marks his first trip outside Dhaka since assuming the chairmanship and his first visit to Sylhet in 19 years. Sylhet district BNP president Abdul Kaiyum Chowdhury said Tarique Rahman will follow the party’s tradition of starting campaigns after shrine visits, a practice also maintained by Khaleda Zia. After completing his program in Sunamganj, Rahman will address a public rally at Sylhet Government Alia Madrasa field in the afternoon. Sunamganj district BNP president and Sunamganj-5 candidate Kalim Uddin Ahmad Milon stated that Rahman will speak at a main rally in Sunamganj’s Balur Maath and at three roadside gatherings on his return route through Shantiganj, Chhatak’s Gobindganj Point, and Bishwanath’s Lamakaji Point. He is also expected to attend a rally in Habiganj on his way back to Dhaka.