China has announced the suspension of exports of dual-use goods to Japan following heightened bilateral tensions triggered by Japan’s comments on the Taiwan issue. In a statement issued on Tuesday, China’s Ministry of Commerce said the restriction applies to products usable in both civilian and military sectors. The ban covers items such as drones and certain rare earth materials used in semiconductor production. Exports to Japanese military users or for purposes that could enhance Japan’s military capability are prohibited. The ministry also warned that individuals or entities violating the restrictions would face legal action. Japan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs strongly protested the decision, calling it “completely unacceptable and deeply regrettable.” Tokyo accused Beijing of violating international norms and targeting Japan specifically. Japan has urged China to immediately withdraw the export suspension. The move underscores escalating friction between the two Asian powers, with trade and security dimensions now intersecting over the sensitive Taiwan issue.

A severe cold wave has gripped Naogaon, where the country’s lowest temperature of the season—6.7 degrees Celsius—was recorded on Wednesday, January 7, according to the local agricultural meteorological observatory. The temperature, measured at 6 a.m., marks the coldest point in Bangladesh so far this winter. Despite relatively low fog density, chilly winds have intensified the cold, paralyzing daily life across both urban and rural areas. The cold weather has disrupted seasonal paddy planting and caused hardship for the homeless population. Residents have been enduring similar conditions for the past three days. Mizanur Rahman, acting officer of the Badalgachhi Weather Observatory, said that adverse weather has affected public life for three consecutive weeks and that a moderate cold wave is currently sweeping the district. Temperatures may drop further in the coming days, he added.

The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) has reaffirmed its decision not to send the national team to India for the upcoming T20 World Cup, citing concerns over national dignity and player safety. The board stated that even if the International Cricket Council (ICC) guarantees maximum security, Bangladesh will not participate in matches held in India. BCB directors confirmed that they have sent two letters to the ICC requesting relocation of Bangladesh’s matches to co-host Sri Lanka but have yet to receive any response. The dispute follows the removal of Bangladeshi pacer Mustafizur Rahman from the Indian Premier League after threats from extremist political groups in India. The BCB considers this incident an insult to Bangladesh’s national pride and questions India’s ability to ensure safety for the entire team, journalists, and supporters. The board believes the ICC is reconsidering its plans, as no official decision has been communicated yet. If the ICC declines to move the matches, the BCB is prepared to boycott the tournament, despite potential financial losses and forfeiture of points. The board expects the ICC to decide soon on venue adjustments and scheduling challenges involving other teams.

The United Nations has expressed deep concern over a recent dramatic operation by the United States in Venezuela, warning that it constitutes a clear violation of a fundamental principle of international law. The statement was reported from Geneva on Tuesday by AFP, where the UN said the incident raises serious concerns about international law and state sovereignty. At a press conference in Geneva, Ravina Shamdasani, spokesperson for the UN Human Rights Office, stated that any threat or use of force by one state against another’s territorial integrity or political independence is contrary to international law. She added that such actions could undermine global stability and the international law-based order. The UN’s remarks highlight growing apprehension about the implications of unilateral military or coercive actions, emphasizing the need to uphold international legal norms and respect for national sovereignty.

Local residents in Ramgarh, Khagrachhari, have accused contractors of indiscriminately cutting hills to fill land for a land port project built primarily to serve India’s interests. Despite visible environmental destruction, they claim the administration has taken no effective action. Soil from at least three nearby hills was reportedly used to fill about 10 acres of land, violating tender conditions that required sand. The project, initiated under the former Awami League government, resumed full-scale construction after a brief slowdown following the 2024 uprising and government change. Officials and experts have acknowledged the issue, with the local administration confirming limited fines and ongoing investigations. Engineers warn that using hill soil instead of river sand could compromise the project’s durability, risking subsidence and structural damage. The Tk 161 crore project includes customs, passenger, and warehouse facilities, with contractors blaming subcontractors for the violations. Security analysts have also raised concerns that the port’s location near the Indian border could pose strategic risks for Bangladesh. The interim government has announced a review of the project’s costs and benefits, while construction nears completion.

The Jagannath University Central Students’ Union (JAKSU) election results from six of 39 centers were announced on Wednesday morning. According to the JAKSU Election Commission, Shibir-backed vice president candidate Riazul Islam is leading in five centers with a total of 585 votes, while Chhatra Dal-backed candidate A.K.M. Rakib leads in one center with 547 votes. The vote difference between the two VP candidates across the six centers stands at 38. The results were declared at around 8:30 a.m. after a temporary suspension of vote counting the previous night due to a technical fault in the counting machine. The issue was resolved, and counting resumed after a long break. Detailed results from departments including Computer Science, Genetic Engineering, Geography, Anthropology, Public Administration, and Pharmacy show close competition between the two panels for VP, GS, and AGS posts. The election process continues as results from the remaining 33 centers are yet to be published, leaving the final outcome still open.

US President Donald Trump stated that the United States is not waging war against Venezuela but is instead fighting international drug cartels. He made the remarks in an interview with NBC News, according to a report by Russia’s TASS news agency. Trump claimed that US operations are directed at groups involved in drug trafficking and accused some countries of sending drug addicts and mentally ill individuals to the United States after emptying their prisons and mental institutions. Discussing Venezuela’s political situation, Trump emphasized that the White House does not expect new elections to take place in the country within the next 30 days. He said elections are not possible under the current conditions and that stability must be restored before citizens can safely vote. Trump also named several US officials responsible for Venezuela-related matters, including Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, Deputy Chief of Staff Stephen Miller, and Vice President JD Vance. Trump noted that each of these officials brings distinct expertise and experience to handling Venezuela-related issues.

The Jagannath University Central Students’ Union (JAKSU) election results for four of 39 centers were announced on Wednesday morning. According to the Election Commission, Islami Chhatra Shibir-backed vice president candidate Riazul Islam is leading in three centers, while Chhatra Dal’s candidate A.K.M. Rakib is ahead in one. The results were declared around 7:45 a.m. after counting resumed following a technical interruption. In the Geography and Environment, Anthropology, and Pharmacy departments, Riazul Islam secured more votes than his Chhatra Dal rival. In the Public Administration department, however, Rakib gained a narrow lead. Shibir candidates also performed strongly in the General Secretary and Assistant General Secretary positions across several departments. The vote counts varied by department, reflecting a competitive race between the two student organizations. Vote counting had been temporarily halted the previous night at 9:20 p.m. due to a technical fault in the counting machines. After resolving the issue, the Election Commission resumed the process following a long break, allowing partial results to be released.

An editorial commentary expressed outrage over recent attacks on the offices of Prothom Alo and The Daily Star, calling the incidents reckless acts that dishonor the legacy of slain activist Osman Hadi. The author said the violence, carried out by a small group of offenders, endangered the state and undermined Hadi’s struggle. The government was criticized for failing to prevent the attacks, though several suspects have since been arrested. The piece argued that claims of such attacks being unprecedented were false, listing twelve previous incidents of media suppression or assault since 1972 under various governments. It noted that both local and foreign actors, including diplomats and political parties across the spectrum, condemned the attacks and expressed solidarity with the targeted newspapers. The writer also alleged that elite media and civil society figures enjoy special privileges and foreign support, while smaller outlets face isolation. The commentary concluded by warning of renewed political polarization and alleged conspiracies against the author’s newspaper, asserting readiness to resist what it described as anti-Islamic and foreign-influenced forces.

The International Cricket Council (ICC) has reportedly told the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) that the team must play its T20 World Cup matches in India or risk losing points. The issue arose after Bangladesh expressed unwillingness to travel to India citing security concerns. The matter was discussed in a virtual meeting between ICC and BCB on Tuesday, where ICC clarified that relocating Bangladesh’s matches outside India would not be possible due to security logistics. According to the report, BCB had earlier written to ICC requesting that Bangladesh’s matches be moved from India. The T20 World Cup is scheduled to take place from February 7 to March 8 in India and Sri Lanka. Bangladesh, placed in Group C, is set to play its first three matches in Kolkata and the last one in Mumbai. However, BCB stated that it has not yet received any official or final decision from ICC or the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI). The dispute follows a recent directive from the Indian board barring Mustafizur Rahman from playing for Kolkata Knight Riders over security issues, which prompted BCB’s initial letter to ICC.

BNP-nominated candidate Rashed Khan has said that voting for him in the Jhenaidah-4 constituency means voting for BNP’s acting chairman Tarique Rahman. He made the statement in a video message on Tuesday afternoon, emphasizing that the party’s high command, including Tarique Rahman, nominated him for the seat. Following his nomination, he began his election campaign in the area. Rashed Khan described Jhenaidah-4 as a BNP-leaning constituency where candidates with the party’s symbol, the paddy sheaf, have previously won multiple times. He said local voters have strong trust in the symbol. He added that although several BNP leaders were interested in contesting from the seat, the party ultimately chose him. Addressing those disappointed by the nomination decision, he called for unity and urged everyone to strengthen the party instead of running as independents. He further stated that a vote for the paddy sheaf would bring BNP to power, ensuring national progress and fulfilling the dreams of the youth.

Bangladesh fast bowler Mustafizur Rahman has registered to play in the Pakistan Super League (PSL) after being left out of the Indian Premier League (IPL) by the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI). Despite not being retained by Kolkata Knight Riders, his inclusion in the PSL was confirmed through official posts on the league’s Facebook and X pages, which announced his participation in the upcoming HBL PSL 11 season. According to the report, Mustafizur’s team in the PSL has not yet been finalized, but it is expected that he will be picked through the players’ draft. The left-arm pacer previously played for Lahore Qalandars in the 2018 edition of the tournament. His move to the PSL follows reports that his IPL exclusion was linked to political reasons. The confirmation from PSL organizers highlights Mustafizur’s continued demand in global franchise cricket, even after his omission from the IPL lineup.

The Pay Commission has finalized a new date for its previously postponed full meeting on the ninth pay scale. According to the latest decision, the meeting will take place on Thursday at the Secretariat, beginning at noon. The session is expected to finalize decisions on the number of pay grades and other related matters. Commission sources indicate that discussions are ongoing regarding whether to retain the existing 20-grade structure or reduce it to 16. Many members support keeping the current number of grades while recommending a rational increase in salaries and allowances, while others strongly favor reducing the number of grades. The commission stated that it has thoroughly analyzed opinions received from various organizations and agencies and that the report writing process is nearly complete. The final meeting aims to reach consensus on remaining issues before setting a submission date for the recommendations. Due to the upcoming national election, the report is likely to be submitted by February, allowing the new pay scale to be implemented before the 13th National Parliament election.

Dhaka Metropolitan Police’s Detective Branch (DB) chief Additional Commissioner Md Shafiqul Islam stated that Faisal Karim Masud, accused in the murder of Inquilab Mancha spokesperson Shahid Sharif Osman Hadi, is currently in India. He made the remark on Tuesday during a briefing at the DMP Media Centre regarding the submission of the charge sheet in the Hadi murder case. Two recently viral videos showed Faisal claiming he was in Dubai and denying involvement in the killing. However, law enforcement earlier reported that Faisal and his associate Alomgir Sheikh fled to India’s Meghalaya through the Haluaghat border after shooting Hadi. Questions arose over the authenticity of Faisal’s videos and his actual location. The DB chief clarified that while the video message was genuine, Faisal’s location was not Dubai but India. According to the DB, charges have been filed against 17 individuals, with 12 already arrested. The remaining five include Faisal, Alomgir Sheikh, human trafficker Philip Snal, alleged mastermind and former Pallabi ward councillor Taizul Islam Chowdhury Bappi, and Faisal’s sister Jesmin. Investigators said Bappi planned and ordered the killing, and supplementary charges may follow if further involvement is found.

The Bangladesh Meteorological Department announced that a mild to moderate cold wave will continue over ten districts on Wednesday. The affected districts include Rajshahi, Pabna, Bogura, Dinajpur, Nilphamari, Panchagarh, Rangamati, Jashore, Chuadanga, and Kushtia. The forecast, issued Tuesday night, also noted that the country will experience dry weather with partly cloudy skies over the next 24 hours. According to the weather bulletin, a low-pressure area has formed over the southeast Bay of Bengal and the adjoining equatorial Indian Ocean region, which may move northwestward and intensify. Its extension reaches the northern Bay of Bengal, while a subcontinental high-pressure ridge lies over West Bengal and adjoining western Bangladesh. Moderate to dense fog is expected from midnight to morning, possibly lasting until noon in some areas, potentially disrupting air, river, and road transport. Rajshahi recorded the season’s lowest temperature at 7 degrees Celsius on Tuesday, while Dhaka’s minimum temperature was 11 degrees Celsius. Although temperatures may rise slightly, the cold sensation is likely to persist due to foggy conditions.