A final report submitted on January 4 by the Commission of Inquiry on Enforced Disappearances revealed that enforced disappearances in Bangladesh during Sheikh Hasina’s tenure had reached alarming levels, affecting not only men but also women. The report documented at least 23 women as victims of enforced disappearance, allegedly at the hands of the Rapid Action Battalion (RAB) and other law enforcement agencies. It stated that such acts were used not only to suppress political opposition but also to instill fear among women and reinforce social control. The commission noted that the actual number of disappeared women was likely higher, as many families refrained from reporting cases due to fear, stigma, and social pressure. It described enforced disappearance as a systematic institutional tool, reportedly carried out with the knowledge and direction of senior political leadership. The report also traced changes in disappearance patterns over time, linking them to shifts in leadership and institutional practices. The report concluded that enforced disappearances were not isolated incidents but part of a sustained state policy of repression that persisted for over a decade under political authorization.

Dhaka’s traffic congestion has reached alarming levels, paralyzing movement across the city day and night. Long queues of vehicles stretch up to 15 kilometers on major entry routes such as Jatrabari, Mirpur, and Malibagh, causing severe delays for commuters and emergency services. The situation worsens during school hours and in the evenings when intercity buses depart, while limited nighttime traffic policing allows gridlock to persist into the early morning. According to Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP), unplanned urbanization, illegal parking, random bus stops, and poor enforcement of traffic laws are key causes. The city corporations report that nearly half of Dhaka’s roads and footpaths are occupied by illegal parking, hawkers, and encroachments, forcing pedestrians onto main roads. Experts note that private cars occupy over half of the city’s road space, while inadequate public transport management and lack of coordinated planning exacerbate the crisis. Urban planners urge reforms including disciplined public transport, removal of unfit buses, separate transport for schools and offices, restrictions on private cars, and integrated traffic management. The DMP has begun limited diversion trials at key intersections, reporting modest improvements.

Venezuela has claimed that at least 100 people were killed in a United States-led operation conducted to capture President Nicolás Maduro. The announcement was made on Wednesday, January 7, by Interior Minister Diosdado Cabello. The government had not previously released an official death toll, but the Venezuelan military separately published a list naming 23 dead soldiers. Officials alleged that a significant portion of Maduro’s security forces were deliberately executed during the operation. Cuba reported that several of its military and intelligence personnel stationed in Venezuela were also killed in the same operation. Cabello stated that during the assault, President Maduro’s wife, Cilia Flores, was taken and suffered a head injury, while Maduro himself was wounded in the leg. In his weekly program broadcast on state television, Cabello paid tribute to the fallen soldiers, describing them as brave. The Venezuelan government has declared a week of national mourning starting Tuesday in honor of those killed, according to Cabello’s televised remarks.

Former Additional IGP of the Special Branch (SB) Mahbub Hossain, described as a close ally of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, has reportedly fled to India following the fall of the Awami League government on August 5, 2024. According to the report, Mahbub is accused of abusing his authority to seize shops, amass illegal wealth, and launder money abroad. The Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) investigation found properties under his and his family’s names in Dhaka, Munshiganj, and Malaysia, including luxury apartments and large land holdings. The report alleges that Mahbub used his position in the SB to control political parties, intimidate dissenters, and manipulate intelligence operations. He allegedly offered money to smaller political leaders to participate in the 2014 election and misused state resources for political purposes. Several police officials claimed he maintained close ties with former IGP A.K.M. Shahidul Haque and Awami League cultural secretary Asim Kumar Ukil, forming a powerful network within the force. The ACC is reportedly investigating Mahbub’s wealth, while business owners have demanded punishment for his alleged illegal shop seizures. Attempts to contact Mahbub were unsuccessful as his phone remained switched off.

U.S. President Donald Trump has invited Colombian President Gustavo Petro to the White House, just days after threatening possible military action against Colombia over alleged drug trafficking links. The invitation followed a tense period during which Trump warned Petro following a U.S. military operation in neighboring Venezuela that removed Nicolás Maduro from power. Speaking aboard Air Force One, Trump hinted at a similar intervention in Colombia but later softened his tone after a phone conversation with Petro. Trump wrote on his Truth Social platform that Petro had called to explain the drug situation and other disagreements between the two countries. He praised Petro’s approach and expressed eagerness to meet him soon in Washington. Earlier, Trump had imposed financial sanctions on Petro and his family without presenting evidence, prompting Petro to declare he was ready to take up arms if necessary. Petro confirmed he would attend the White House meeting, though no date has been set. He also urged Trump to restore direct communication between their foreign ministries and presidential offices, noting the long-standing military and economic ties between Colombia and the United States.

The United States will indefinitely oversee Venezuela’s oil sales, according to US Energy Minister Chris Wright. Speaking at the Goldman Sachs Energy Event in Miami on Wednesday, Wright said that both Venezuela’s stored oil and future production will be sold on the international market under US management. The plan aims to regulate the country’s oil exports and ensure oversight of revenues. AFP reported from Washington that former President Donald Trump had earlier announced Venezuela’s interim government would assign the marketing of 30 to 50 million barrels of crude oil to the United States. Trump said on social media that proceeds from the sale of this sanctioned but high-quality oil would be held under US supervision. The initiative is intended to restore international oil flow, secure supply for American refineries, and maintain funds in a US-controlled account for future mutual benefit. US Defense Minister Pete Hegseth stated that the blockade on Venezuela’s sanctioned oil remains globally enforced. After US forces seized several tankers in the Caribbean and North Atlantic, he confirmed that the US stance against illegal Venezuelan oil trade is being strictly implemented worldwide.

With only 36 days remaining before Bangladesh’s 13th parliamentary election, the interim government led by Professor Muhammad Yunus is intensifying preparations to ensure a free, fair, and peaceful vote. Intelligence and law enforcement reports warn that the banned Awami League and its affiliates may attempt to disrupt the election in several constituencies, particularly in seven high-risk districts: Gopalganj, Faridpur, Madaripur, Shariatpur, Gazipur, Narail, and Bagerhat. Authorities have identified 15 additional districts as vulnerable and are taking extra precautions. The Home Ministry has announced that over 700,000 security personnel will be deployed nationwide from February 8 to 14, with special surveillance through CCTV at more than 2,500 high-risk polling centers. Restrictions on vehicle movement and firearm possession will be enforced during the election period. Political parties, including BNP and Jamaat-e-Islami, have expressed differing views on government neutrality and election fairness, while BNP leaders pledged cooperation to maintain a peaceful environment. Officials emphasized that social media rumors and internal party conflicts could threaten electoral stability, urging all political groups to act responsibly to preserve a credible and participatory election process.

A young man named Sohan Bepari, aged 32, was killed in a cocktail explosion early Thursday in Mulai Beparikandi area of Bilaspur Union under Jajira upazila, Shariatpur. Locals awoke to a loud blast and later found his body in a garlic field, prompting police to recover it. The incident has spread fear across the area. According to police and local sources, Bilaspur Union has been witnessing prolonged rivalry between supporters of Union Chairman Kuddus Bepari and Swechchhasebak League leader Jalil Madbar over local dominance. Several clashes and explosions had occurred since last Saturday night, and Thursday’s fatal blast is believed to be linked to that ongoing conflict. Sohan was reportedly involved in the recent political and social disputes in the area. Jajira Police Station Officer-in-Charge Saleh Ahmed said initial evidence suggests the explosion occurred while making or carrying the cocktail. Authorities are investigating to determine the exact cause of the incident.

After a long pause, the government has formally initiated the process to include private schools and colleges under the Monthly Pay Order (MPO) scheme again. According to the Ministry of Education’s Secondary and Higher Education Division, online applications from non-MPO institutions will be accepted from January 14 to January 25. The announcement was made through a public notice signed by Deputy Secretary Syed A Z M Morshed Ali. The ministry stated that eligible institutions will be selected based on the new MPO policy issued in 2025. To ensure transparency, applications will be processed exclusively through digital means. Detailed information on eligibility criteria and policy guidelines will be available on the ministry’s official website. Sources from the ministry indicated that newly selected institutions will begin receiving MPO benefits from the 2025–26 fiscal year. The decision is expected to resolve long-standing salary and allowance uncertainties for thousands of teachers and staff in remote areas of the country.

A cold wave is sweeping across Bangladesh and is expected to intensify over the next few days. According to weather and climate researcher Mostafa Kamal Palash from the University of Saskatchewan, Canada, data from the European Union’s artificial satellite indicates that by Thursday morning, minimum temperatures in several districts of Rangpur, Rajshahi, and Khulna divisions may fall between 5°C and 7°C. Palash stated in a Facebook post that the cold wave could become more severe from Thursday morning, with the possibility of a stronger spell on Saturday and Sunday. During that period, minimum temperatures in the same regions could drop further to between 4°C and 6°C. On Wednesday morning, Rajshahi recorded the country’s lowest temperature at 6.8°C, while Chuadanga and Gopalganj recorded 7°C, Jashore 7.4°C, Panchagarh 8.2°C, and Dhaka 11°C. The researcher added that by Wednesday morning, at least five of the country’s eight divisions were experiencing cold wave conditions, suggesting a widespread and persistent weather pattern.

Sylhet Deputy Commissioner and Returning Officer Md. Sarwar Alam has declared that no one can buy him even with ten thousand crore taka and vowed to resign if anyone can prove he accepted a bribe. He made the statement on Wednesday evening during a press briefing at the district administration auditorium. Sarwar Alam rejected allegations of discrimination against NCP candidate Ehteshamul Haque in the Sylhet-1 constituency, clarifying that the candidate’s nomination was canceled according to legal provisions, not personal bias. He said all candidates are equal before the law and that he acts based on conscience and legal duty. The returning officer explained that dual citizens were given until 2 p.m. the day after scrutiny to submit citizenship renunciation documents. Two candidates submitted valid documents and were conditionally accepted, but Ehteshamul Haque failed to provide any. Sarwar dismissed claims of financial dealings as baseless and urged against spreading fake news on social media that could mislead voters or harm the election process.

The LP Gas Traders Cooperative Society Limited has announced a nationwide suspension of liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) cylinder sales in Bangladesh starting Thursday, January 8, 2026. The organization issued a notice on Wednesday stating that all LPG marketing, supply, and gas extraction activities from company plants will remain halted until their demands are fulfilled. According to the notice and a press conference held at the National Press Club on Wednesday, the traders demanded a new price adjustment for LPG cylinders by the Bangladesh Energy Regulatory Commission (BERC) and an end to administrative harassment and fines against distributors. They warned that if their demands were not met within 24 hours, they would enforce an indefinite suspension of LPG supply and sales across the country. The traders’ decision follows their earlier ultimatum, and the suspension is set to continue until authorities address their stated concerns regarding pricing and regulatory treatment.

The United States seized a Russian-flagged oil tanker named Bela-1 in the North Atlantic Ocean on Wednesday. According to US authorities, the vessel was detained for violating sanctions by transporting oil from Venezuela. The US defense secretary stated that sanctions and the embargo on illegal Venezuelan oil would be enforced globally. Reports indicated that US forces attempted to board the tanker by helicopter after it ignored orders from the US Coast Guard. Russia condemned the seizure, calling it a breach of international maritime law. The Russian transport ministry cited the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea, which guarantees freedom of navigation in international waters and prohibits the use of force against vessels registered in another country. Moscow argued that Washington had no legal authority to detain the ship. The incident has heightened tensions between Moscow and Washington. A US press secretary declined to comment on whether the move would anger Russia but said the tanker violated sanctions and that its crew would face trial in the United States for leaving Venezuelan waters unlawfully.

Titas Gas authorities have completed the repair of a gas line leak under the Buriganga River that was caused by a ship’s anchor. The repair work was finished on Wednesday, restoring gas supply that had been disrupted in parts of Dhaka. According to Titas Gas, the leak occurred in a 12-inch by 50 PSIG line originating from the Aminbazar DRS and running deep under the river toward Dhaka. The repair was carried out with assistance from the Fire Service, Bangladesh Coast Guard, River Police, and BIWTA. A leak repair clamp was installed at the damaged section, and gas is now being supplied to Dhaka’s network at a pressure of 25 PSIG. Titas Gas reported that no external gas leakage is currently visible. With the repair completed, gas supply across affected areas is gradually stabilizing, and normal operations are expected to resume fully soon.

Newly elected Vice President of Jagannath University Central Students’ Union (JAKSU), Md. Riazul Islam, has dedicated his victory to the martyrs of the July Revolution, including Osman Hadi and Bishwajit Das, as well as to all fellow student activists and the recently deceased former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia. He made the announcement during a press conference held late Wednesday night following the publication of the election results. Riazul expressed gratitude to teachers, administrative staff, and law enforcement agencies for their roles in ensuring a fair and orderly election. He specifically praised the teachers for their tireless efforts in maintaining discipline and transparency throughout the process. He also thanked police, RAB, APBN, DGFI, NSI, BSSC, Rover Scouts, and Rangers for their cooperation. Calling for unity on campus, Riazul emphasized maintaining strong relationships among teachers, students, and peers. He urged all student organizations and political groups to work together to uphold campus harmony and implement future initiatives under the slogan “Struggle and Possibility, Walking Together.”