Brahmanbaria Municipality has launched a cleanup campaign to restore and beautify the city’s historic Town Canal, aiming to free it from pollution and illegal occupation. The initiative began on Tuesday morning with an inauguration by Deputy Commissioner Sharmin Akter Jahan, who inspected several points of the canal and instructed municipal authorities to expedite waste removal. Municipal Administrator Md. Shariful Islam, Executive Engineer Md. Kawsar Ahmed, and City Planner Jannatul Ferdous Ara were present during the event. According to officials, the canal—once a vital waterway for drainage and trade—is now severely polluted and encroached upon due to negligence and public unawareness. The municipality plans to construct walkways, plant trees along both banks, and install lighting to make the canal aesthetically pleasing. Strict monitoring will be enforced to prevent indiscriminate waste dumping. Deputy Commissioner Sharmin Akter Jahan said the city is overwhelmed with garbage and that previous restoration attempts had failed. A coordinated plan has now been adopted involving local residents, environmentalists, and community leaders to ensure sustainable restoration of the five-kilometer canal connecting the Titas River at both ends.

US defense officials have briefed President Donald Trump on several potential military and intelligence measures against Iran, according to CBS News citing Pentagon sources. Options reportedly include long-range missile strikes, cyber operations, and psychological campaigns. The discussions come as Trump announced a 25 percent tariff on goods from countries trading with Iran, while human rights groups report over 600 deaths in recent anti-government protests. Iran’s foreign minister said Tehran remains open to talks with Washington but is also prepared for war. The White House confirmed that an Iranian official contacted Trump’s envoy, though it noted a difference between Iran’s public and private messages. Trump has warned that further protester deaths could prompt a “very strong option,” and US citizens in Iran have been urged to prepare evacuation plans. Economic turmoil and currency collapse have intensified domestic anger toward Iran’s leadership. Analysts suggest new US tariffs could worsen shortages and inflation, adding pressure on Tehran as it faces both internal dissent and external threats.

The Bangladesh Army has issued a statement regarding the death of BNP leader Md. Shamsuzzaman, known as Dabulur, during a joint forces operation in Chuadanga’s Jibannagar upazila. According to an Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) release on Tuesday, the operation took place on the night of January 12, based on specific intelligence to recover illegal weapons. Dabulur, aged 50, was detained from a pharmacy near the Jibannagar Upazila Health Complex on allegations of possessing illegal arms. Following his information, a 9mm pistol, a magazine, and four rounds of ammunition were recovered. Shortly after the operation, he fell ill and was declared dead at 12:25 a.m. by on-duty doctors at the health complex. The ISPR described the incident as unexpected, tragic, and unacceptable. It confirmed that the camp commander and all participating army personnel have been withdrawn to the cantonment. A high-level investigation committee has been formed to determine the cause of death, and the army pledged to take appropriate action under military law if any personnel are found guilty.

Six police officers were killed and three others injured in two separate bomb explosions near the Afghan border in Pakistan’s northwestern Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province on Monday. Officials said a remote-controlled bomb targeted an armored police vehicle on the Gomal Bazaar road in Tank district, killing six officers on the spot. Another attack the same day in Lakki Marwat district injured three officers, one of them critically. Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi condemned the attacks and paid tribute to the slain officers. Following the incidents, the province’s Counter-Terrorism Department launched operations in Peshawar, Bannu, and Khyber districts, killing at least eight armed suspects and claiming to have foiled several sabotage plots. Naqvi stated that security forces would continue their operations to restore peace in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. No group has claimed responsibility for the bombings so far. However, tensions along the Pakistan-Afghanistan border have escalated since October last year, with Pakistan accusing the Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) of launching cross-border attacks from Afghan territory and alleging that India provides the group with financial and logistical support.

Bangladesh’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs summoned Myanmar’s ambassador U Kyaw Soe Moe in Dhaka after shots were fired from the Myanmar side near Hwaikong Union in Teknaf, injuring a 12-year-old child. The ministry expressed deep concern over the incident and described the unprovoked firing as a violation of international law and a threat to friendly relations between the two neighboring countries. Bangladesh urged Myanmar to take full responsibility for the incident and to ensure that such occurrences do not happen again. It also called on Myanmar to make sure that internal conflicts between Myanmar authorities and armed groups do not affect the lives and livelihoods of people in Bangladesh. The injured child is currently receiving treatment in the ICU at Chittagong Medical College Hospital. According to the ministry’s statement, the Myanmar ambassador conveyed condolences to the injured child’s family and assured that his government would take measures to prevent a recurrence of such incidents.

The International Cricket Council (ICC) held a video conference with the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) following two letters sent by the BCB. During the meeting, the ICC urged Bangladesh to reconsider its decision not to participate in the upcoming World Cup in India. Despite the appeal, the BCB maintained its firm stance against playing in India. The meeting was attended by BCB President Aminul Islam Bulbul, Vice Presidents Faruk Ahmed and Shakhawat Hossain, Cricket Operations Chairman Nazmul Abedin Fahim, and Chief Executive Officer Nizam Uddin Chowdhury Sujon. In a press release, the BCB stated that the ICC’s request was made due to the limited time remaining before the tournament. However, the BCB reiterated its unchanged position, effectively ending the meeting without any resolution. Both parties agreed to meet again for further discussions and to reach a final decision. The next meeting between the ICC and BCB is expected to determine the final outcome regarding Bangladesh’s participation and potential venue changes.

The Youth Parliament of the Consumers Association of Bangladesh (CAB) has announced a 13-point demand calling for the cancellation of the power purchase agreement with Indian company Adani and the halt of Adani’s electricity imports. The demands were presented at a press conference held on Tuesday at the Dhaka Reporters Unity, where student representatives from Dhaka University and BRAC University participated. CAB’s energy adviser M Shamsul Alam was also present at the event. The demands include abolishing the Special Provision Act for quick power and energy supply, canceling all contracts and licenses under that law, stopping furnace oil-based power generation, and restoring the power and primary energy sectors as public service sectors. CAB also called for cost-based, non-profit energy supply, reducing fossil fuel imports by at least 5 percent in the next government term, and increasing solar power generation by 15 percent over five years. Other points include halting LNG import expansion for five years and banning new coal-based power capacity. CAB urged political parties and candidates in the upcoming national election to include these 13 demands in their manifestos, aligning with the organization’s proposed Energy Transition Policy 2024 for a fair energy transformation.

A nine-year-old child named Huzayfa Afnan, who was seriously injured by gunfire coming from the Myanmar side in Teknaf, Cox’s Bazar, is being transferred to Dhaka for advanced treatment after his condition deteriorated. Brigadier General Mohammad Taslim Uddin, director of Chittagong Medical College Hospital, said preparations were underway to send the child to Dhaka by 4 p.m. on Tuesday. Doctors reported that although surgery was performed on the child’s head, the bullet could not be removed as it was lodged deep in a highly risky area. Professor Dr. Harunur Rashid, head of the ICU department, stated that a neurosurgery team conducted the operation and cleaned the wound. The child was initially admitted to Chittagong Medical College Hospital after being shot near the Techa Bridge area of Hwaikyang in Teknaf last Sunday morning. Huzayfa is the eldest of three siblings and the son of local fish trader Jasim Uddin. He is a third-grade student at Haji Mohammad Hossain Government Primary School.

The International Crimes Tribunal has released the full 457-page verdict against former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, former Home Minister Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal, and former IGP Chowdhury Abdullah Al-Mamun in the July–August genocide and crimes against humanity case. The verdict was published on the tribunal’s official website on Tuesday, January 13, 2026. On November 17, the three-member panel led by Justice Md. Golam Murtuza Mojumdar sentenced Hasina and Kamal to death by hanging and life imprisonment, while Al-Mamun received a five-year prison term as a state witness. The verdict detailed five charges grouped into two categories of crimes. The first charge involved incitement and provocation, citing Hasina’s July 14, 2024 press conference remarks and her conversation with the Dhaka University vice-chancellor, which allegedly led to the killing of Abu Sayeed in Rangpur. The second charge concerned direct orders to kill, based on a July 18 conversation that allegedly resulted in twelve deaths in Dhaka’s Chankharpul and Ashulia areas. The tribunal ordered confiscation of all properties of the convicts, directing the government to distribute the assets among victims of the July movement.

After nearly 28 years, Shahjalal University of Science and Technology (SUST) is set to hold its central student union (SACSU) election on January 20, 2026. The long-awaited event has transformed the campus into a hub of campaign activity, with candidates engaging with voters, distributing leaflets, and presenting their plans. The atmosphere across the university has become celebratory as students express excitement about regaining a representative student body. According to the Election Commission, 97 candidates are contesting various positions in the central union, including four for vice president, seven for general secretary, and four for assistant general secretary. Three main panels have been formed: “Sammilito SUSTian Oikya” backed by Chhatra Dal, “Durbar SUSTian Oikya” supported by Shibir, and “Sadharoner Oikkoswor,” a partial panel of general students. Several independent candidates are also participating. Hall-level campaigns are active as well, with both residential and non-residential students eligible to vote. Students and candidates alike view the election as a revival of democratic practice on campus, hoping regular polls will foster responsible leadership and healthy political culture.

Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami leaders have expressed solidarity with the family of slain auto-rickshaw driver Samir Kumar Das in Daganbhuiyan upazila of Feni. On the night of January 12, Samir, son of Kartik Das from Faziler Ghat Ramanandapur Jelepara in Matubhunya Union, was brutally killed by unidentified assailants. To console the bereaved family, Dr. Mohammad Fakhruddin Manik, Jamaat’s nominated candidate for the Feni-3 parliamentary seat, visited their home accompanied by local Jamaat leaders. During the visit, Dr. Fakhruddin strongly condemned the murder, describing it as heart-wrenching and reprehensible. He demanded the immediate arrest and exemplary punishment of those responsible. He also spoke with Feni’s Deputy Commissioner Monira Haque and Daganbhuiyan Police Officer-in-Charge Fayzul Azim Noman to learn about the investigation and urged swift legal action. Dr. Fakhruddin conveyed deep condolences to the victim’s family and requested local Jamaat leaders to continue supporting them in the future.

The Bangladesh Army has released a statement regarding the death of BNP leader Md. Shamsuzzaman, known as Dabul, during a joint forces operation in Jibannagar, Chuadanga. According to an Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) press release issued on Tuesday, the operation took place on the night of January 12, based on specific intelligence to recover illegal weapons. Dabul, aged 50, was detained from a pharmacy near the Jibannagar Upazila Health Complex on allegations of possessing illegal arms. Following his detention, a patrol team searched the pharmacy and recovered a 9mm pistol, a magazine, and four rounds of ammunition. The statement said that after the operation, Dabul suddenly fell ill and lost consciousness. He was taken to the Jibannagar Upazila Health Complex, where doctors declared him dead at 12:25 a.m. The ISPR described the incident as unexpected, tragic, and unacceptable. It confirmed that the camp commander and all soldiers involved were withdrawn to the cantonment, and a high-level investigation committee was formed to determine the cause. The army pledged appropriate legal action under military law if any personnel are found guilty.

Bangladesh’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs summoned Myanmar’s ambassador in Dhaka, U Kyaw Soe Moe, on Tuesday, January 13, 2026, following a shooting incident along the Bangladesh-Myanmar border near Hwaikong Union in Teknaf, Cox’s Bazar. During the meeting, Bangladesh expressed deep concern over the incident, in which a 12-year-old child named Huzaifa was seriously injured. The ministry stated that firing into Bangladeshi territory without provocation constitutes a clear violation of international law and poses a serious obstacle to bilateral relations. Bangladesh demanded that Myanmar take full responsibility for the incident and urged the neighboring country to adopt effective measures to prevent any recurrence of cross-border firing. The ministry also emphasized that internal conflicts between Myanmar’s authorities and armed groups must not affect the lives and livelihoods of Bangladeshi citizens. In response, the Myanmar ambassador expressed regret on behalf of his government and conveyed sincere sympathy to the injured child and her family. He assured that his government would take necessary steps to prevent such incidents in the future.

BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir has called for the intervention of the army chief following the death of Shamsuzzaman Dablue, general secretary of Jibannagar municipal BNP in Chuadanga, after his detention. In a statement issued on Tuesday, Fakhrul alleged that members of the security forces detained Dablue under the pretext of recovering weapons and subjected him to severe torture, leading to his death. He expressed deep sorrow and condemned the incident as inhumane and brutal. Fakhrul stated that such acts by members of the security forces are harmful to the country and constitute a grave violation of existing laws. He emphasized that under the current interim government, people expect justice through the judicial system, not extrajudicial killings. He urged the army chief to ensure a fair investigation and justice for the incident. In his statement, Fakhrul also conveyed condolences to Dablue’s bereaved family and prayed for the departed soul.

Sylhet Deputy Commissioner Md. Sarwar Alam has emphasized the need to strengthen the capacity of village courts to reduce case backlogs. Speaking on Monday at a discussion titled “The Role of Media in Raising Public Awareness about Village Courts,” organized under the Village Court Activation (Phase 3) Project at the Sylhet DC office conference room, he said that electing socially accepted and competent representatives would enhance public trust in local justice. He noted that when qualified individuals handle justice, disputes are less likely to escalate into formal cases. The DC called for collective efforts to deliver village court services to people’s doorsteps, saying that activating these courts at the local level would ease pressure on higher courts. Addressing media professionals, he urged them to highlight both the successes and limitations of village courts through traditional and social media. The meeting was chaired by Suborna Sarkar, Deputy Director of the Local Government Department in Sylhet, and attended by officials, journalists, and project representatives.