U.S. President Donald Trump said on Friday that the United States needs ownership of Greenland to prevent Russia and China from taking control of the territory. Speaking to reporters in Washington, he argued that countries must have ownership rather than lease agreements, adding that the U.S. would act to protect Greenland “the easy way or the hard way.” The White House recently confirmed that it is considering purchasing the semi-autonomous Danish territory, though it has not ruled out other means of integration. Denmark and Greenland have both reiterated that the island is not for sale, warning that any military action could end the NATO alliance. European Union members and Canada have expressed support for Denmark and Greenland, emphasizing that only those two parties can decide their relationship. They also called for upholding the UN Charter’s principles of sovereignty and territorial integrity. Greenland’s leaders, including opposition parties, urged the U.S. to stop disregarding their autonomy, asserting that Greenland’s future should be determined by its own people. The U.S. Secretary of State is expected to discuss the issue with Denmark next week.

A massive fire broke out early Friday night in three jute warehouses in Muksudpur upazila of Gopalganj, burning around 1,800 maunds of jute and causing an estimated loss of Tk 1 crore. The blaze started around 2:30 a.m. near the Muksudpur government T&T office and quickly spread to adjacent warehouses. Fire service units from Muksudpur and Kashiani, led by Station Master Mehedi Hasan, worked for hours to bring the fire under control. According to reports, jute traders Sunil Saha, Nirmal Saha, and Ikram Mia lost approximately 1,300, 175, and 300 maunds of jute respectively. The affected traders said they had closed their warehouses as usual the previous evening and were unaware of how the fire started. Station Officer Mehedi Hasan stated that the cause of the fire remains unknown but may have originated from wooden debris behind one of the warehouses. An investigation will determine the exact cause. Authorities have not yet confirmed the full extent of the damage or announced any compensation measures for the affected traders.

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi has accused the United States and Israel of instigating violence in ongoing protests across Iran. Speaking at a press conference in Beirut after meeting Lebanese Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri, Araghchi claimed that both countries had openly admitted to interfering in the demonstrations. He said their involvement turned what began as peaceful protests into violent confrontations. Araghchi also dismissed the possibility of a US-Israeli military intervention in Iran, saying previous attempts had failed and any repetition would meet the same fate. The protests began on December 28 over rising living costs and quickly spread to nearly all cities and towns across Iran’s 31 provinces. The government has deployed security forces nationwide to suppress the unrest. On Friday, authorities cut off internet and mobile connections in most parts of the country to control the situation. Araghchi referenced a 12-day war from the previous June while warning against foreign interference, emphasizing that Iran would respond firmly to any external aggression.

In Dhaka-20 (Dhamrai) constituency, BNP candidate Md. Tamiz Uddin has been identified as the wealthiest contender for the upcoming 13th National Parliamentary Election. According to his affidavit, he holds deposits exceeding Tk 85 crore in various financial institutions, along with nearly Tk 1.49 crore in cash and over Tk 47 lakh under his wife’s name. His immovable assets are valued at more than Tk 5.6 crore, including multiple buildings in Dhamrai and Dhaka. He also has loans of about Tk 85 crore from Islami Bank and an annual business income of Tk 48 lakh. Tamiz Uddin, president of Dhamrai Upazila BNP, has been acquitted in 15 cases and currently faces four criminal cases filed during the previous government. In contrast, Khelafat Majlis candidate Md. Ashraf Ali, symbolized by a wall clock, declared the smallest amount of assets. His affidavit shows around Tk 26 lakh in movable assets and about 85 decimals of land, with teaching as his main source of income. On January 3, the Dhamrai Upazila Executive Officer confirmed that all six candidates’ nominations for Dhaka-20 were declared valid after scrutiny.

The Election Commission (EC) of Bangladesh has declared the nomination of Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami’s central assistant secretary general A.H.M. Hamidur Rahman Azad as valid. The decision came on Saturday, January 10, following a hearing on his appeal. Azad is contesting in the upcoming 13th National Parliamentary Election from the Cox’s Bazar-2 constituency, which includes Maheshkhali and Kutubdia. Earlier, on January 2, the returning officer and district commissioner Md. A. Mannan had canceled Azad’s nomination due to complications related to case information provided in his affidavit. Following the cancellation, Azad appealed to the Election Commission seeking reinstatement of his candidacy. After reviewing the appeal, the EC restored his eligibility to contest in the election. The decision marks the return of the former member of parliament and senior Jamaat leader to the electoral race for Cox’s Bazar-2, clearing previous procedural obstacles to his participation.

The Election Commission has declared the nomination of Tasnim Zara as valid for the upcoming national parliamentary election. She is contesting as an independent candidate from the Dhaka-9 constituency. The decision was made during a hearing that began on Saturday morning, following her appeal against the earlier cancellation of her nomination. Tasnim Zara had submitted an appeal to the Election Commission last Monday after her nomination was initially rejected. Speaking to journalists after the decision, she confirmed that her appeal had been accepted and her candidacy approved. She expressed gratitude to supporters at home and abroad who had extended their good wishes and prayers during the past week. Zara also announced that she would apply for the football symbol as her preferred election mark, reaffirming her commitment to continue her campaign as an independent candidate in the Dhaka-9 race.

Turkey is in advanced discussions to join the strategic defense agreement signed between Pakistan and Saudi Arabia, according to a Geo News report. The talks have reportedly progressed significantly, and a formal agreement could follow. The existing pact between Pakistan and Saudi Arabia stipulates that an attack on one will be considered an attack on both nations. The report suggests that Turkey’s potential inclusion could pave the way for a new security alliance, potentially altering the balance of power in the Middle East and beyond. The discussions come at a time when questions have been raised about the reliability of the United States as a security partner. Pakistan and Turkey already share a long-standing military relationship, collaborating on several defense projects. Ankara has supplied corvette warships to Pakistan’s navy and is working with both Pakistan and Saudi Arabia on drone technology and a fifth-generation fighter jet program. The original Pakistan-Saudi agreement, known as the SMDA, was signed on September 17 of the previous year during Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s visit to Saudi Arabia.

Pakistan’s security forces killed 11 militants allegedly backed by India during two separate operations in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province, according to a statement issued by the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) on Saturday. The operations were conducted last Thursday in North Waziristan and Kurram districts, where the militants, identified as members of the group Fitna al-Kharij, were reportedly engaged in armed clashes with the military. ISPR stated that six militants were killed in North Waziristan following an exchange of heavy gunfire, while five others were killed in Kurram. Weapons and ammunition were recovered from the dead militants. The statement described the group as being involved in numerous attacks against security forces, law enforcement agencies, and civilians. The ISPR described the militants as India-supported proxies, though no independent verification of the claim was mentioned in the report.

BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir has said that Bangladesh now has an opportunity to establish a truly liberal democratic system. He made the remarks on Saturday at a views-exchange meeting with editors of newspapers, television, and online media at the Sheraton Hotel in Dhaka. BNP Chairperson Tarique Rahman was present on the stage during the event, which also included greetings exchanged between him and media representatives. In his speech, Fakhrul paid tribute to the late Begum Khaleda Zia, the martyrs of the 1971 Liberation War, and those who died in the 2024 student and public movement. He said Khaleda Zia had fought throughout her life to free Bangladesh’s democracy and that the 2024 mass uprising had created a historic opportunity to build a democratic Bangladesh. Fakhrul added that the nation was now hopeful following Tarique Rahman’s return to the country. Editors from several major national newspapers and media outlets attended the meeting, along with senior BNP leaders. A prayer was also held for the soul of Khaleda Zia.

At least 50 activists were injured in a series of clashes between BNP and Bangladesh Development Party (BDP) supporters in Lalmohan upazila of Bhola on Friday. According to BDP’s parliamentary candidate Nizamul Haque Nayeem, the violence began around 11 a.m. in Ramaganj Union’s Ward 6 when female activists of Jamaat, supporting BDP, faced verbal abuse and harassment from a local man named Rubel. The situation escalated after Rubel allegedly attacked a local businessman, leading to further confrontations between the two political groups. Nayeem claimed that despite informing the administration, BNP leaders and activists gathered at the scene, intensifying the tension. He reported that 15 of his supporters were seriously injured and are receiving treatment at Lalmohan Upazila Health Complex. Meanwhile, BNP’s upazila general secretary Shafiqul Islam Babul accused BDP activists of trying to disrupt local peace with Jamaat’s help and alleged that Awami League and Jamaat-linked cadres attacked BNP and Jubo Dal members after evening prayers. Lalmohan police officer-in-charge Oliul Islam said police and naval forces remained deployed until 11 p.m. to control the situation. BDP has filed a written complaint, while BNP has not yet submitted one.

Venezuelan interim president Delcy Rodríguez has pledged to confront what she described as U.S. aggression through diplomatic means. In a statement cited by TRT World, Rodríguez said Caracas is seeking to restore relations with Washington following the abduction of former president Nicolás Maduro. She held phone discussions with the leaders of Brazil, Colombia, and Spain, reaffirming that Venezuela would respond to the situation diplomatically. Earlier, Venezuela released a large number of political prisoners, including several foreigners, in what observers viewed as part of efforts to ease tensions with the United States and reach a new political understanding. The move came after Maduro’s removal from power, as the new leadership sought to reduce U.S. pressure. This mass release, the first under Rodríguez’s leadership, received support from U.S. President Donald Trump, who expressed satisfaction with the decision. Trump stated that Rodríguez would be allowed to govern as long as Washington maintained access to Venezuelan oil.

U.S. President Donald Trump, in a New York Times interview published Thursday, discussed his administration’s actions following the January 3 attack on Venezuela that led to the capture of President Nicolás Maduro and Washington’s control over the country’s oil industry. Trump said the United States could remain in Venezuela for more than a year and claimed he was personally directing the country’s administration. When asked about international law violations, he dismissed the need for such laws, saying he relied on his own morality and judgment. The interview also touched on Trump’s campaign to take control of Greenland, a Danish territory, which he acknowledged could strain NATO alliances. On Taiwan, he argued that the situation differed from Venezuela, describing Venezuela as a genuine threat to the United States. Regarding nuclear arms control, Trump said he would allow the current U.S.-Russia treaty to expire in February, suggesting a better deal could follow. The New York Times described the two-hour interview as candid and spontaneous, noting Trump’s calm demeanor throughout.

Bangladesh’s lowest temperature of 8.3 degrees Celsius was recorded on Saturday, January 10, 2026, in Chuadanga and Panchagarh’s Tetulia. According to local weather observations, Chuadanga registered 9.2 degrees Celsius at 6 a.m. with 95 percent humidity, which dropped to 8.3 degrees Celsius by 9 a.m. when humidity stood at 93 percent. The data was confirmed by the acting officer of the first-class weather observatory, Jaminur Rahman Jaman. A continuous cold wave, sometimes moderate and sometimes mild, has been sweeping over Chuadanga, severely disrupting daily life. Dense fog and cold winds from the north have caused transportation delays and reduced visibility from night until morning. The district’s normal activities have slowed significantly as residents struggle with the biting cold. In recent days, temperatures in Chuadanga have fluctuated between 6.9 and 8.5 degrees Celsius, indicating persistent cold conditions across the region.

U.S. President Donald Trump, after beginning his second term, has again declared plans to take control of Greenland, a self-governing territory under Denmark. The announcement came on January 4, a day after a U.S. military operation in Venezuela that captured President Nicolás Maduro on drug terrorism charges. Trump justified the Greenland move as a matter of national security, saying the island is needed for U.S. interests. His stance has raised deep concern across Europe. White House Deputy Chief of Staff Stephen Miller said the administration’s position has been clear from the start—that Greenland should be part of the United States. Analysts told Al Jazeera that Trump’s actions could effectively end NATO’s operations and embolden Russia in Ukraine. Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen warned that if the U.S. attacks another NATO country, the alliance would collapse. Experts from the Atlantic Council and the University of Chicago echoed that such a move would destroy NATO’s collective defense principle under Article 5. Despite these tensions, European leaders meeting U.S. officials in Paris to discuss Ukraine’s security guarantees did not address Venezuela or Greenland.

Jamaat-e-Islami candidate Dr. Fakhruddin Manik has filed an appeal with the Election Commission seeking to declare the nomination of BNP candidate Abdul Awal Mintu for the Feni-3 (Daganbhuiyan-Sonagazi) constituency invalid. The appeal, submitted on January 9 in Agargaon, Dhaka, alleges that Mintu concealed information about his U.S. citizenship and pending cases in his affidavit. It also names Feni Deputy Commissioner and Returning Officer Monira Haque as respondents for approving Mintu’s nomination despite these alleged omissions. According to the appeal, Mintu claimed to have renounced his U.S. citizenship on December 9, 2025, but provided no proof. The document further states that he traveled to Thailand using a U.S. passport between December 4 and 15, which would not have been possible if his citizenship had been revoked. The appeal argues that such concealment violates the Representation of the People Order, 1972, warranting cancellation of his candidacy. Earlier, on January 4, the returning officer validated Mintu’s nomination, citing his declaration of renouncing foreign citizenship and submission of related documents. Hearings on appeals are scheduled from January 10 to 18 at the Election Commission building in Agargaon.