Pakistan’s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar will visit Beijing from January 3 to 6, 2026, to co-chair the seventh round of the Pakistan-China Foreign Ministers’ Strategic Dialogue. The visit comes at the invitation of Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi, according to statements from both countries’ foreign ministries. The dialogue is described as the highest consultative framework between the two nations, serving as a structured platform to review bilateral cooperation and regional and international issues of mutual interest. The meeting takes place as Pakistan and China prepare to mark 75 years of diplomatic relations amid changing regional and global dynamics. The Pakistani Foreign Ministry said the visit is part of regular high-level exchanges and reflects both countries’ commitment to expanding their all-weather strategic partnership while reaffirming their shared dedication to regional peace, stability, and sustainable development. The previous, sixth round of the dialogue was held in Islamabad in August, where Wang Yi met with Dar, Prime Minister Sheikh Habib Sharif, and President Asif Ali Zardari. China then reiterated its pledge to work with Pakistan for regional peace and development.

The Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) seized Indian cattle and a large quantity of Eskaf syrup during special operations in Lalmonirhat’s border areas under the 15 BGB Battalion. The operations took place early Thursday near the Durgaipur and Burirhat Border Outposts (BOPs). Around 3:40 a.m., smugglers attempted to enter Bangladesh with cattle through the Chowratari area but fled when challenged by a BGB patrol, leaving behind three Indian cows. Another patrol at 3:30 a.m. in Khamarbhati area recovered 170 bottles of Indian Eskaf syrup after smugglers abandoned their goods and escaped toward India. According to the 15 BGB Battalion, a total of six Indian cows worth approximately Tk 660,000 and 170 bottles of Eskaf syrup valued at Tk 68,000 were seized, with a combined estimated value of Tk 728,000. The identification of the smugglers and legal proceedings against them are ongoing. Lieutenant Colonel Mehedi Imam, commanding officer of the 15 BGB Battalion, stated that BGB remains vigilant to keep the youth free from drugs and has intensified intelligence surveillance and patrols in sensitive border areas to prevent smuggling and drug trafficking.

Dhaka University Central Students' Union (Daksu) Vice President Sadiq Kayem signed the condolence book opened for the late BNP Chairperson and former Prime Minister Begum Khaleda Zia. The signing took place on Thursday evening at the BNP Chairperson’s office in Gulshan, Dhaka. During the visit, several Daksu representatives were present, including Literary and Cultural Secretary Musaddiq Ali Ibn Mohammad, Social Welfare Secretary A.B. Zubair, and Executive Members Raihan Uddin and Shahinur Rahman. The condolence book was opened to honor the memory of the late leader. The event reflected participation from student leadership in paying respects to the deceased political figure, highlighting continued engagement between student representatives and national political developments.

Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer Dr. Shafiqur Rahman will visit BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman and his bereaved family to offer condolences. The visit is scheduled for Thursday at 7 p.m. at the BNP Chairperson’s office in Gulshan, the day after the burial of former Prime Minister and BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia. The information was confirmed through an urgent message from Jamaat-e-Islami’s central publicity department. Earlier, on the day of Khaleda Zia’s death, Jamaat’s Naib-e-Ameer Dr. Syed Abdullah Mohammad Taher and a delegation visited the Gulshan office to sign the condolence book and meet BNP leaders. Jamaat’s top leadership, including its Ameer, also attended the funeral prayer held on Wednesday. The condolence visit underscores continued political communication between Jamaat-e-Islami and BNP leadership following the passing of Khaleda Zia, as both parties maintain engagement during the mourning period.

A woman named Tapasi Rani Das, aged 42, was killed by her cousin in Kutubdia upazila of Cox’s Bazar on Thursday morning. The incident occurred around 11 a.m. at Ali Akbar Deil Kumirachhara fishing village, where the accused, identified as Kali Charan, allegedly attacked her with a machete. Locals rescued Tapasi and took her to the upazila health complex, where doctors declared her dead. Police later detained Kali Charan while he was attempting to flee through the Baraghop Steamer Ghat area. According to Tapasi’s brother, the attack took place after a quarrel over a minor issue while her husband was away fishing. Dr. Biplob Kanti Rudra, who examined the body, reported at least four stab wounds. Officer-in-Charge Md. Mahbubul Haque said the body was sent to the district hospital for autopsy and that initial investigation suggests the dispute stemmed from a loan-related argument. Police are currently interrogating the detained suspect to determine further details surrounding the killing.

Bangladesh’s Foreign Affairs Adviser Md. Touhid Hossain said it is too early to determine whether Indian External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar’s visit to Dhaka will ease existing tensions between the two countries. Speaking to reporters at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Thursday, Hossain described the visit as a courteous gesture rather than a political event, noting that Jaishankar’s trip was brief but he attended the entire ceremony before departing. Hossain clarified that there was no one-on-one meeting between him and Jaishankar, as the occasion did not allow for bilateral discussions. He added that Jaishankar also exchanged greetings with other South Asian dignitaries, including Pakistan’s National Assembly Speaker, calling such interactions a matter of diplomatic courtesy. The adviser emphasized that their brief conversation contained no political content. Jaishankar, along with representatives from Pakistan, Bhutan, Maldives, Nepal, and Sri Lanka, visited Dhaka on December 31 to pay last respects to former Bangladeshi Prime Minister and BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia. Hossain said Zia enjoyed broad respect across South Asia, and participation by regional leaders in her funeral was natural.

A 25-year-old man named Raihan Khan was killed in a mob beating early Thursday in the Nagbari area of Fatullah, Narayanganj. Police from Fatullah Model Station recovered the body and sent it to Narayanganj General Hospital morgue for autopsy. Raihan, son of the late Billal Khan from Baharia Bazar in Chandpur, had been living as a tenant in Tatipara, Narayanganj. According to local sources, Raihan had long been involved in drug dealing and mugging in the area, with multiple complaints filed against him at Fatullah Model Police Station. Preliminary reports suggest he may have been attacked following a dispute over the division of money from a robbery. Police officials stated that Raihan was a known mugger with several cases of murder and robbery against him. Fatullah police said Raihan died after being beaten by locals when he allegedly attempted another robbery early Thursday. Investigators have begun inquiries to determine the full circumstances surrounding his death.

Taiwanese President Lai Ching vowed to defend his country’s sovereignty in a televised New Year’s address amid escalating tensions with China. The statement came after Beijing launched continuous missile tests around Taiwan’s main island and deployed warplanes, naval vessels, and coast guard ships. Taipei condemned the Chinese military drills as highly provocative. China maintains that democratic Taiwan is part of its territory and has threatened to use force to bring the island under its control. In his speech, Lai reaffirmed his commitment to strengthening national defense, ensuring social stability, and building a robust democratic security system. He emphasized that Taiwan’s international support has remained strong. The United States, Taiwan’s main security partner, recently announced a major arms sale to Taipei, while Japan also expressed support for Taiwan. Japan’s prime minister warned that any Chinese use of force against Taiwan could prompt a military response from Tokyo.

A government investigation committee has concluded that two bearing pads which fell from a metro rail pillar in Dhaka’s Farmgate area were defective. The findings were disclosed on Thursday at a briefing held at the Secretariat’s Road Transport and Highways Division conference room, attended by adviser Muhammad Faozul Kabir Khan from the power, energy, transport, and rail ministries. The committee stated that out of ten technical parameters, two did not meet expected standards, though this did not mean all components were faulty. No evidence of sabotage was found. The incidents occurred on September 18 and October 26, 2024. The first caused an 11-hour suspension of metro service but no casualties. The second, involving an 80-kilogram pad, resulted in the death of a young man and led to another shutdown. Following the fatal accident, the government formed the investigation committee to determine the cause. The committee’s findings suggest that technical flaws, not deliberate actions, were responsible for the accidents, though further evaluation of all components may be necessary.

A Dhaka court has ordered the freezing of 28 bank accounts and two BO accounts belonging to former Dhaka Metropolitan Police Joint Commissioner Biplob Kumar Sarkar and his wife Hosneara Begum. The order was issued on Thursday by Acting Judge Md. Alamgir of the Dhaka Metropolitan Sessions Judge’s Court following a petition from the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC). Court bench assistant Md. Riaz Hossain confirmed the directive, while ACC Assistant Director Russel Rony filed the petition. According to the petition, an investigation is underway against Biplob Kumar Sarkar and others for allegedly acquiring wealth beyond known income sources through bribery and corruption while in government service. The ACC alleged that the couple attempted to transfer or conceal funds from their accounts, which could hinder future recovery efforts. The freeze was imposed under Rule 18 of the ACC Rules 2007 and Section 14 of the Money Laundering Prevention Act 2012. Earlier, on December 9, the court had barred Biplob Kumar Sarkar, his wife, his brother Pronoy Kumar Sarkar, and Hosneara Begum’s sister Shahanara Begum from leaving the country.

Throughout 2025, armed conflicts and military operations erupted across several regions, marking the year as one of widespread warfare. In April, a deadly attack in Indian-administered Kashmir triggered Indian air and missile strikes on Pakistan under 'Operation Sindur,' followed by Pakistan’s counteroffensive 'Operation Buniyanum Marsus.' The four-day conflict ended on May 10 after U.S. President Donald Trump announced a ceasefire agreement between the two countries. On June 13, Israel launched 'Operation Rising Sun,' a surprise assault on Iran that killed top Iranian military leaders and nuclear scientists. Iran retaliated with 'Wadae Sadeq-3,' before a U.S.-brokered ceasefire took effect on October 24. The year also saw continued fighting in Eastern Europe, where the Russia-Ukraine war entered its third year without resolution despite U.S. mediation. Southeast Asia experienced renewed border clashes between Thailand and Cambodia in July and December. Civil war persisted in Sudan, while Israel carried out strikes in Lebanon and Syria. Border tensions flared between Afghanistan and Pakistan, and the United States appeared to be preparing actions around Venezuela. The report warned that new conflicts could emerge in various regions as 2026 begins.

Bangladesh’s interim government foreign affairs adviser Md. Touhid Hossain has advised against interpreting Indian External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar’s visit to Dhaka in political or inter-state terms. Speaking to reporters at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Thursday, January 1, he said Jaishankar’s brief participation in the funeral events for former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia was a gesture of goodwill and should not be overanalyzed. Hossain clarified that there was no one-on-one meeting between him and Jaishankar, and no bilateral issues were discussed. He noted that representatives from all South Asian countries attended the event, including Pakistan’s National Assembly Speaker Sardar Ayaz Sadiq, Bhutan’s Foreign Minister D.N. Dhungyel, and others. Hossain described Jaishankar’s interactions, such as handshakes with other dignitaries, as acts of courtesy. He added that Khaleda Zia held a positive image across South Asia and that participation by regional leaders in her funeral was natural. When asked whether Jaishankar’s visit might ease tensions between Bangladesh and India, Hossain said the answer would become clear in the future.

Police in Madan upazila of Netrakona have arrested two teenagers in connection with the throat-slitting murder of school student Shawon. The arrests were confirmed on Thursday by Madan Police Station Officer-in-Charge Hasnat Zaman. The detainees include Mahfuz, 17, a tenth-grade student of Jahangirpur Tahura Amin Government Pilot High School, and Kayes, another teenager from Changao Chakpara village. Mahfuz’s 13-year-old sister, Mahfuza Akter Eva, was also detained for questioning but later released. According to police, the victim’s family, and local residents, Shawon and Mahfuz were classmates and friends. Shawon allegedly tried to develop a romantic relationship with Mahfuz’s sister, which angered Mahfuz and may have led to the killing. Police suspect the murder stemmed from this personal dispute but continue to investigate to uncover the full motive. Shawon went missing on December 28, and his body was recovered from farmland in Kadamshree Haor on Monday morning. His father, Awlad Hossain Bhuiyan, filed a murder case on December 31 against unidentified persons.

Bangladesh Border Guard (BGB) detained three suspected members of a smuggling group along with two motorcycles at the Jagatber Union area of Patgram upazila in Lalmonirhat on Thursday, January 1, 2026. The arrests took place near the Mohammadpur area of the Nazirgomani border while the suspects were allegedly attempting to smuggle cattle across the India-Bangladesh frontier. According to a press release from the 61 BGB Teesta Battalion, the operation was part of ongoing anti-smuggling drives in the Nazirgomani border region near pillar 868/5 S. The seized individuals were identified as residents of the Islampur area: Md. Abdul Jalil, Md. Mahidul Islam, and Abedar Ali. The confiscated motorcycles and other materials were handed over to Patgram Police Station. Patgram Police Station Officer-in-Charge Nazmul Haque stated that a smuggling case was filed, and the detainees, along with the seized items, were transferred to police custody for further legal action.

At least 40 people were killed and 100 others injured after a powerful explosion and fire ripped through a bar in the Swiss ski resort town of Crans-Montana early Wednesday. The incident occurred around 1:30 a.m. during a New Year’s Eve celebration, according to Swiss police cited by Italy’s foreign ministry. The bar, popular among tourists, was crowded with people welcoming the new year when the blast occurred. Authorities said the explosion is not being treated as an act of terrorism, though the exact cause remains unclear. Emergency services, including police, firefighters, and medical teams, rushed to the scene, supported by several helicopters in the rescue operation. Booths were set up to assist relatives of the victims. Police have completely sealed off the area and declared a no-fly zone over Crans-Montana to facilitate rescue efforts.