Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates, once close Gulf allies, have entered open hostility after years of quiet disagreements. On Tuesday, Saudi forces carried out an airstrike on Yemen’s southern port of Al-Mukalla, claiming it targeted a weapons shipment from the UAE intended for the separatist Southern Transitional Council (STC). Riyadh accused Abu Dhabi of endangering Saudi security through “dangerous behavior,” while the UAE dismissed the allegations as “fundamentally false.” The exchange has triggered a war of words between commentators from both nations. Analysts cited in the report say the rift has been building for years, with disputes over oil policy, Sudan’s conflict, and Yemen’s internal divisions. The UAE supports paramilitary and separatist groups such as the STC and Sudan’s Rapid Support Forces, while Saudi Arabia backs national armies and seeks to preserve existing regional borders. The two also diverged over Somalia’s recognition of Somaliland, with the UAE absent from a joint condemnation led by Saudi Arabia. Experts warn that the growing divide could reshape Middle Eastern alliances in 2026, as reconciliation mechanisms appear to have failed.

The Bangladesh Meteorological Department has forecast that Dhaka and surrounding areas will experience moderate to dense fog until noon on Saturday, reducing visibility across the capital. The forecast, issued for the six hours from 7 a.m., also noted that the sky may remain partly cloudy and the weather is expected to stay dry during this period. According to the department, light winds from the west and northwest at speeds of 6 to 12 kilometers per hour may prevail. The temperature is likely to remain nearly unchanged, with 13.0 degrees Celsius recorded at 6 a.m. and humidity at 99 percent. On Friday, Dhaka’s highest temperature was 20.4 degrees Celsius, and the lowest recorded today was 12.7 degrees Celsius. No rainfall was recorded in the past 24 hours. The forecast further mentioned that sunset in Dhaka will occur at 5:24 p.m. on Saturday, while sunrise on Sunday is expected at 6:42 a.m.

A 20-year-old man named Kajol, son of Bashir Bhuiya from South Mohammadpur village in Daudkandi, Cumilla, died on December 31 after being seriously injured in a mob attack linked to a playground dispute. The incident occurred on November 27 in Mohammadpur Chowmuhani area, where a group allegedly attacked him with sharp and blunt weapons during a conflict over preparing a badminton court. Kajol was first taken to Daudkandi Upazila Health Complex and later referred to a hospital in Dhaka, where he succumbed to his injuries after prolonged treatment. According to the case statement, ten named individuals and 10–12 unidentified others were accused in connection with the assault. Following Kajol’s death, police confirmed that the case had been reclassified as a murder investigation. The victim was buried on January 2 after a post-mortem examination. Local residents expressed grief and demanded justice for the killing. Police stated that evidence collection and efforts to arrest the accused are ongoing as part of the investigation.

At least seven explosions were heard early Saturday in Venezuela’s capital, Caracas, amid escalating tensions with the United States. Media reports described black smoke rising from several parts of the city and low-flying aircraft overhead, prompting residents to rush into the streets. Videos circulating on social media showed smoke plumes and air raid sirens across the city. Colombian President Gustavo Petro claimed that Venezuela had come under attack and called for United Nations intervention. Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro said he was ready to discuss drug trafficking issues with the United States but accused Washington of using sanctions and military pressure to try to overthrow his government and seize the country’s vast oil reserves. The Associated Press and Reuters both confirmed reports of multiple explosions and aircraft activity. The incidents come as the United States continues maritime operations against drug trafficking in the Caribbean Sea and the Pacific Ocean, where 115 people have reportedly been killed in recent attacks.

Police in Naldanga upazila of Natore recovered five cocktails and five petrol bombs abandoned beside a banner featuring former Member of Parliament Shimul near the Mahishmari Bridge on the Natore–Naogaon regional highway. The explosives were found around 9 p.m. on Friday following information from local residents, prompting immediate police action at the scene. Officer-in-Charge Samiul Azam of Naldanga Police Station told the daily Amar Desh that the explosives were discovered next to the roadside banner and were later defused. He added that an investigation is underway to identify those involved, and legal proceedings are in progress. Authorities have not yet disclosed any suspects or motives behind the incident, and the investigation continues to determine the source and intent of the explosives.

Iran has sent a formal letter to the United Nations Secretary-General and the President of the UN Security Council condemning what it called the “illegal threats” made by U.S. President Donald Trump. The letter, delivered on Friday by Iran’s ambassador to the UN, Amir Saeid Iravani, followed Trump’s warning of possible intervention if Iran used violence to suppress protests. According to Al Jazeera, the Iranian envoy urged UN officials to strongly denounce Trump’s “reckless and provocative statements,” describing them as serious violations of the UN Charter and international law. In the letter, Iran stated that any attempt to incite or justify internal unrest as a pretext for external pressure or military intervention would constitute a grave breach of the country’s sovereignty, political independence, and territorial integrity. The letter affirmed Iran’s right to defend its sovereignty and held the United States fully responsible for any consequences or escalation arising from Trump’s threats. The correspondence came amid widespread protests in Iran over rising living costs, during which six people have reportedly been killed in clashes with security forces.

Indian External Affairs Minister Subrahmanyam Jaishankar publicly shook hands with Pakistan’s National Assembly Speaker Ayaz Sadiq in Dhaka on the last day of 2025. The two met during the funeral of former Bangladeshi Prime Minister Khaleda Zia, attended by several South Asian leaders. The gesture, made in the presence of diplomats, contrasted sharply with recent refusals by Indian cricket teams to shake hands with Pakistani players. Analysts in Pakistan described the handshake as a rare sign of warmth in long-frozen relations, while some Indian commentators downplayed its significance. The meeting followed months of heightened hostility, including a deadly attack in Kashmir, India’s suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty, and a brief air conflict in May 2025. Former Pakistani ambassador Sardar Masood Khan called the handshake a diplomatic signal that likely had high-level approval, though he cautioned that major obstacles remain. Experts suggested that limited dialogue and confidence-building measures could help stabilize ties. However, persistent mistrust and India’s tougher stance since 2019 make any near-term reconciliation uncertain.

Nahid Islam, the convenor of the National Citizen Party (NCP) and candidate of the 12-party alliance for Dhaka-11 constituency, has had his nomination paper declared valid. The decision was announced by the district commissioner and returning officer at noon on Saturday. His nomination form had been submitted earlier on December 29 by representatives to the Dhaka divisional returning officer and divisional commissioner Sharaf Uddin Ahmad Chowdhury. According to the affidavit submitted by Nahid Islam, the total acquisition value of his movable assets amounts to 2.6 million taka, with an estimated current value of 3 million taka. His declared assets include 1.95 million taka in cash, 385,363 taka in bank and financial institutions, 775,000 taka in jewelry, 100,000 taka in electronic goods, and 170,000 taka in furniture. The validation of his nomination confirms his eligibility to contest the upcoming election from Dhaka-11 under the 12-party alliance banner.

The Bangladesh Meteorological Department has warned of multiple cold waves sweeping across the country throughout January 2026. According to its long-term forecast, two to three mild to moderate cold waves and one to two moderate to severe cold waves may occur, with temperatures in some areas expected to fall as low as 4 to 6 degrees Celsius. Northern regions and river basin areas are likely to experience the most intense cold. The forecast, issued after a meeting of the department’s expert committee, also predicts moderate to dense fog from midnight to morning, sometimes lasting until noon. This fog is expected to reduce the difference between day and night temperatures, intensifying the overall cold sensation. Despite normal rainfall being expected for the month, no cyclones or low-pressure systems are anticipated over the Bay of Bengal. In December, rainfall across the country was 99.3 percent below normal, and the lowest temperature recorded was 7.5 degrees Celsius in Gopalganj on December 31. The department cautioned that cold wave days could disrupt normal life even if average temperatures remain typical for the season.

Dr. Tasnim Jara, who resigned from the NCP, has had her nomination as an independent candidate for the Dhaka-9 constituency canceled. The decision was announced on Saturday by Returning Officer and Dhaka District Commissioner Rezaul Karim. According to Jara, some unintentional errors occurred in the signatures submitted with her nomination due to incomplete voter information. Speaking to journalists after leaving the Returning Officer’s office, Jara explained that the signatories believed they were voters of Dhaka-9, but the Election Commission’s records showed otherwise. She mentioned that one signatory tried to verify their voter number on the Election Commission’s website but could not find it, relying instead on the address listed on their national ID card. A similar mistake occurred with another signatory. Jara added that the Election Commission lacks an effective system for voters to confirm their constituency, which led to the confusion. She emphasized that there was no dishonest intent behind the errors and noted that, despite the challenge, she has received strong public support as an independent candidate.

The nomination paper of BNP candidate Engineer Ishraq Hossain for the Dhaka-6 constituency has been declared valid by the district commissioner and returning officer. The announcement was made at noon on Saturday, confirming his eligibility to contest in the upcoming election. Earlier, on December 28 of the previous year, Ishraq Hossain submitted his nomination papers at the office of the Dhaka Divisional Commissioner, Shafor Uddin Ahmed Chowdhury, located in Segunbagicha, Dhaka. Following the submission, Ishraq stated that the electoral environment was very good so far and expressed hope that the election would be held peacefully, with all political parties participating democratically. The validation of Ishraq’s nomination clears the way for him to officially campaign as the BNP candidate in Dhaka-6, as the election process continues under the supervision of the returning officer.

Inqilab Mancha has launched a program titled 'March for Insaf' demanding justice for the murder of Sharif Osman Hadi. The campaign began on Saturday, January 3, and will continue until Tuesday, January 6. During this period, members of the organization will reach out to the government, political parties, and people across the country to seek cooperation in ensuring justice for Hadi’s killing. The group has also demanded that those involved in Hadi’s murder be identified and a charge sheet be filed by January 7. Failing that, Inqilab Mancha warned of launching a final phase of protests after that date and threatened a movement for the government’s resignation if justice is not delivered within 22 working days. The program was announced by the organization’s member secretary, Abdullah Al Jaber, following a protest march from Dhaka University’s central mosque to Shahbagh. Sharif Osman Hadi, a potential independent candidate for the Dhaka-8 constituency, was shot in the head on December 12 in Purana Paltan. He later died on December 18 while undergoing treatment in Singapore after being transferred there for advanced medical care.

Dr. Tasnim Zara, an independent candidate and former NCP leader for the Dhaka-9 parliamentary constituency, has had her nomination paper cancelled. The decision was announced by the Dhaka district returning officer at 11:30 a.m. on Saturday. Zara had submitted her nomination on December 29 at the Sabujbagh Thana election office, fulfilling the requirement of collecting support from one percent of the total voters in her constituency. According to her affidavit, Dr. Zara is a physician with an annual income of 713,333 taka from her job and an additional 3,200 British pounds earned abroad. She has paid 34,057 taka in income tax. Her declared assets include 250,000 taka in jewelry, 10,019 taka in bank deposits, 1.6 million taka in cash, and 2,270 British pounds. She reported no loans, cases, or government dues. Her husband, Khaled Saifullah, holds 1.5 million taka in cash and 6,000 British pounds, with foreign income of 39,800 pounds. As per the election schedule, appeals against returning officer decisions can be filed between January 5 and 9, with resolution from January 10 to 18. Final candidate lists and symbols will be issued on January 21, and campaigning will run until February 10 morning.

Retired Commodore Jasim Uddin Bhuiyan has cautioned that leasing Chattogram Port to foreign operators such as Maersk Group, RSJGT, or DP World could endanger Bangladesh’s sovereignty. Writing in the newspaper ‘Amar Desh’ on January 3, 2026, he argued that strategic ports are not mere infrastructures but vital instruments of national power. Drawing parallels with Ukraine’s Sevastopol Port, he warned that foreign control through long-term leases can lead to economic and political dependency. The article highlights that over 92 percent of Bangladesh’s trade passes through Chattogram Port, making it the country’s economic lifeline. Bhuiyan criticized the move toward foreign concession models, calling it a potential 30-year trap that could turn the port into a foreign-managed gateway. He proposed an alternative “operator model” combining local and global operators to maintain national control while improving efficiency. He urged transparency in all port agreements, rejection of non-disclosure clauses, and cancellation of any deals that compromise revenue or authority. The piece concludes that sovereignty cannot be leased and warns policymakers to learn from global maritime history before finalizing such arrangements.

Australian captain Steve Smith has said that teammate Usman Khawaja faced unfair treatment during his international cricket career. The 39-year-old left-handed batter is set to retire after the Sydney Test, which will be his final match in the ongoing Ashes series. Smith voiced his support for Khawaja, noting that the player had been dropped from the national team multiple times, including eight occasions in his Test career and again during the current Ashes. Smith refrained from commenting directly on Khawaja’s criticisms but described some of the claims against him, such as being injured while playing golf before a match, as unjust. He praised Khawaja’s 15-year career and his consistent improvement over time. Smith recalled that Khawaja had also been dropped during the 2017 series against India but used that setback to refine his playing techniques. Smith concluded by calling Khawaja an exceptional talent whose development over the years had been remarkable, highlighting their early days playing together in New South Wales youth cricket.