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.

U.S. President Donald Trump has called for increasing the country’s defense budget to 1.5 trillion dollars for 2027, describing the current period as “extremely troubled and dangerous.” The proposed amount would represent a more than 50 percent rise from the 901 billion dollars approved by Congress for the current year. Trump announced the plan on social media, saying it would help build a “dream military” and ensure safety against all enemies. In a separate post, Trump warned that he would take strict action against defense contractors and shareholders if companies failed to accelerate weapons delivery and establish new production facilities. Following his announcement, shares of major U.S. defense manufacturers Lockheed Martin, Northrop Grumman, and Raytheon rose by more than five percent. Economists have previously cautioned that the gap between U.S. spending and revenue has reached an unsustainable level. Trump, however, asserted that Washington could “easily reach” the proposed defense budget through revenue generated from tariffs.

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.

The United States Embassy in India has issued a warning that foreign students studying in the US could face visa cancellation if they are arrested or violate American laws. The embassy stated on social media platform X that such individuals may be deported and could become ineligible for future US visas. The post emphasized that a US visa is a privilege, not a right, urging students to follow the law and avoid jeopardizing their travel status. The embassy had previously announced in December that visa applications could be denied if consular officers believe an applicant intends to travel to the US primarily to give birth so that their child obtains US citizenship. According to Gulf News, the latest advisory has increased uncertainty among Indian visa holders, including professionals, and led to the rescheduling of some visa interviews in India. Indian government data cited in the report shows that around 2.1 million Indians live in the United States. The report also noted that President Trump has intensified actions against illegal immigration since returning to power last year.

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.

The United Kingdom has assisted the United States in seizing a Russian-flagged oil tanker named ‘Bela-1’ in the North Atlantic Ocean, between Britain and Iceland. The British Ministry of Defence confirmed that the Royal Navy and Royal Air Force supported the US operation at Washington’s request. The tanker, recently renamed ‘Marinera,’ was reportedly under US sanctions and had previously evaded capture near Venezuela. Russia has strongly protested the seizure. According to the British Defence Ministry, the operation was conducted in accordance with international law. The ministry stated that the vessel had used a false flag and was linked to international terrorism and criminal networks, including alleged ties to the Iran-backed Lebanese group Hezbollah. The tanker had turned off its tracking systems and attempted to change its flag during the pursuit. Defence Secretary John Healey said the UK would continue to act against “shadow fleets” that threaten global stability. He clarified that no British troops boarded the vessel and praised US forces for their professionalism despite adverse weather. Britain also allowed the US to use its military bases for the operation.

Gold prices in the international market declined on Thursday, with spot gold falling 0.4 percent to 4,435.62 dollars per ounce, according to a Reuters report. U.S. gold futures for February delivery also dropped by the same margin to 4,444.40 dollars per ounce. The current price marks a decrease of about 110 dollars from the record high of 4,549.71 dollars per ounce reached on December 29. The report attributes the decline to a stronger U.S. dollar and increased profit-taking by investors, which have limited the upward momentum of gold prices. Alongside gold, silver prices also fell sharply, with spot silver dropping 2.6 percent to 76.08 dollars per ounce, down from its all-time high of 83.62 dollars per ounce recorded on December 29. HSBC projected that silver prices in 2026 could range between 58 and 88 dollars per ounce, driven by investment demand and high gold prices, though the bank also warned of potential sharp declines later in the year.

The Lebanese Army announced that it has successfully completed the first phase of its plan to disarm Hezbollah. In a statement released on Thursday, the army said the operation covered the area from the Israeli border to the Litani River and achieved its set objectives. The army added that future phases will expand the disarmament effort to other parts of Lebanon. According to the statement, the army now controls the entire area south of the Litani River, except for several positions still held by Israel near the border. Despite being weakened by the November 2024 war with Israel, the Iran-backed Hezbollah has refused to surrender its weapons in other parts of the country. Under a ceasefire agreement in effect for over a year, Israel was expected to withdraw from Lebanese territory but continues to hold five strategic border positions. The Lebanese Army said it will continue operations in the south to neutralize unexploded ordnance and locate tunnels dug by Hezbollah, while taking permanent measures to prevent armed groups from rebuilding their military capabilities.

A Dhaka court has ordered two-day remand for eight suspects arrested in connection with the attack, arson, and looting at the Prothom Alo office in Karwan Bazar. The order was issued on Thursday by Metropolitan Magistrate Md Hasan Shahadat, confirmed by state prosecutor Shamsuddoha Suman. The accused are Md Naim Islam, Md Saidur Rahman, Abul Kashem, Md Pranto Sikder, Md Raju Ahmed, Md Sagor Islam, Md Jahangir, and Md Hasan. According to the case filed at Tejgaon Police Station, the incident occurred on December 18 when 20 to 30 unidentified attackers armed with sticks and flammable materials attempted to storm the newspaper’s office. Police said the attackers gathered illegally, chanted provocative slogans, and later vandalized, looted, and set fire to the building, causing an estimated loss of Tk 320 million. Investigators recovered Tk 50,000 in cash and items allegedly bought with looted money from one suspect. The investigating officer stated that remand was necessary to identify other suspects, recover stolen goods, and trace those who aided the attack. Defense lawyers sought bail, which the court denied after hearing both sides.

Iran’s Chief Justice Gholam Hossein Mohseni has accused anti-government protesters of acting in the interests of the United States and Israel. His remarks came as demonstrations spread across several Iranian cities, including Tehran, Borujerd, Arsanjan, and Gilan-e-Gharb, following weeks of economic crisis and currency devaluation. Mohseni warned that those creating or supporting unrest would not be forgiven. According to an Al Jazeera report cited in the article, the Iranian government has decided to provide limited assistance of about seven dollars per family per month to ease the pressure of rising food prices. The protests began last month at Tehran’s Grand Bazaar over inflation and the falling value of the national currency, later spreading nationwide. Human rights groups report at least 36 deaths and around 2,000 arrests so far. Iran’s military chief Major General Amir Hatami stated that any aggressor would face a strong response, while Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei said Iran would never bow to US threats.

The Ministry of Posts, Telecommunications and Information Technology announced that the ICT Division has published its white paper on the official website ictd.gov.bd. The document was prepared by a task force formed on 3 April 2025 with the approval of the Chief Adviser to investigate irregularities and mismanagement in ICT-related initiatives during the previous government. After a long process of inquiry and review, the task force submitted the finalized white paper, which has now been made public. According to the ministry’s statement, the white paper presents a detailed account of irregularities, corruption, administrative weaknesses, and structural problems observed in the ICT Division’s activities over the past fifteen years. It also includes a set of recommendations aimed at ensuring transparency, accountability, and good governance in future operations. The government expects the white paper to serve as a key guideline for institutional reform within the ICT Division, helping to prevent corruption and improve citizen-oriented services.