Shamsuzzaman Dabul, general secretary of Jibannagar municipal BNP in Chuadanga, died in army custody shortly after midnight on Monday. His body was kept at Jibannagar Upazila Health Complex and later sent to Chuadanga Sadar Hospital morgue for autopsy. According to BNP activists, he was taken into custody from his pharmacy near the health complex around 10 p.m., and news of his death emerged about three hours later. Following the incident, BNP leaders and activists gathered at the health complex and blocked roads until 11 a.m. Tuesday in protest. Dabul’s brother, a local forest officer, alleged that he was killed and demanded justice. A JCD leader claimed that army personnel had previously beaten four brothers on Saturday night. The army did not comment on camera but claimed to have recovered weapons from Dabul. District BNP president and Chuadanga-2 candidate Mahmud Hasan Khan Babu visited the site and said the party would pursue legal action. BNP leaders stated they were preparing to file a case over the death. The local police confirmed the death but did not provide further details.

State-owned Sonali Bank achieved a record operating profit of Tk 8,017 crore in 2025, marking an increase of Tk 2,322 crore compared to 2024. The announcement was made by Managing Director Shawkat Ali Khan at a press conference held at the bank’s head office on Tuesday. According to the managing director, the bank’s interest income rose significantly last year, contributing to the higher operating profit. After making necessary provisions, the net profit is expected to be around Tk 1,200 crore. He also reported that the bank’s total deposits stood at Tk 1,79,879 crore, while loans disbursed amounted to Tk 1,04,723 crore. In addition, Sonali Bank recovered Tk 1,203 crore in cash from defaulted loans during the year. The figures highlight Sonali Bank’s strong performance in 2025, reflecting improved income generation and loan recovery within the state-owned banking sector.

U.S. President Donald Trump is scheduled to meet Venezuelan opposition leader María Corina Machado on Thursday, according to a U.S. administration official cited by AFP. The meeting comes as pressure mounts on Venezuela’s interim government to accelerate the release of political prisoners. Under President Nicolás Maduro’s rule, the Venezuelan government has freed 116 detainees, though human rights groups report that only about 50 of an estimated 800 to 1,200 prisoners have actually been released. The U.S. administration has expressed support for Machado, and Trump’s meeting is seen as a signal of Washington’s continued involvement in Venezuela’s political crisis. Trump has also warned interim President Delcy Rodríguez that failure to comply with U.S. directives ensuring access to Venezuelan oil could bring consequences. Observers view the upcoming meeting as significant for the future of Washington–Caracas relations and the broader Venezuelan political situation.

Chief Adviser Dr. Muhammad Yunus stated that the upcoming national parliamentary election will decide which direction Bangladesh will take. He made the remarks on Tuesday morning at Hotel Le Méridien in Dhaka during the South Asian Regional Conference titled “Current State and Future Directions of Higher Education–2026,” a three-day event. Dr. Yunus emphasized that young people are engaging in politics and expressed hope that many of them will win in the election. He criticized the education system for focusing mainly on job preparation, saying education should instead awaken creativity and independent thinking. He urged that students be developed not only as job seekers but also as job creators, highlighting the importance of entrepreneurship, imagination, and courage to innovate. He further noted that South Asia is a region full of potential, but political instability, social divisions, and misguided policies often prevent that potential from being realized. Education, he said, could empower the region’s youth to lead transformative change. The conference, organized under the Higher Education Acceleration and Transformation (HEAT) project funded by the Bangladesh government and the World Bank, included 30 international representatives from several countries.

A fire that broke out at the scrap yard of the Matarbari coal-based power plant project in Maheshkhali, Cox’s Bazar, was brought fully under control after nearly nine hours. The blaze started around 9 p.m. on Monday and was contained by 5:45 a.m. on Tuesday, January 13, 2026. According to acting station officer Ram Prasad Sen of the Maheshkhali Fire Service and Civil Defense, two fire units worked to extinguish the flames. Officials confirmed that the main plant of the 1,200-megawatt power facility was not affected. The fire occurred in an area where wood and other unused materials were piled up. Although the fire burned for several hours, there was no major damage, and the extent of losses has yet to be determined. Local residents first noticed the fire from a nearby bridge. Maheshkhali Upazila Executive Officer Imran Mahmud Dalim stated that the fire originated inside the plant’s scrap yard, but the cause of the incident remains unknown.

Chief Adviser Dr. Muhammad Yunus attended the three-day South Asian Regional Conference titled “Current Status and Future Directions of Higher Education–2026,” held at Hotel Le Méridien in Dhaka on Tuesday morning. The event began at 10 a.m. and brought together representatives from several countries and international organizations. According to a press release from the University Grants Commission (UGC), a total of 30 international delegates from the United Kingdom, Maldives, Malaysia, Nepal, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, and the World Bank are participating in the conference. The UGC stated that the event is being organized under the Higher Education Acceleration and Transformation (HEAT) project. The HEAT project is being implemented by the UGC with financial support from the Government of Bangladesh and the World Bank, aiming to strengthen higher education collaboration and development across South Asia.

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi has warned that Tehran is fully prepared if the United States chooses a path toward war or attempts to test Iran’s military capabilities. In an interview with Al Jazeera Arabic on January 12, he stated that while the door to dialogue with Washington remains open, Iran is ready for any scenario. Araghchi emphasized that Iran’s current military preparedness is broader and stronger than during the tensions of June last year involving Israel and the United States. He cautioned that those trying to draw Washington into conflict to protect Israel’s interests should reconsider. Addressing the ongoing anti-government protests, Araghchi claimed that armed groups and terrorists have infiltrated the demonstrations and attacked both protesters and security forces. The protests began on December 28 when Tehran’s traders called a strike over inflation and rising living costs, later spreading across all 31 provinces. U.S. President Donald Trump has expressed support for Iranian protesters and warned of possible U.S. military action if Tehran suppresses the movement. Meanwhile, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian has pledged economic reforms and promised to listen to public concerns.

The United States has urged all its citizens currently in Iran to leave the country immediately due to escalating anti-government protests and a worsening security situation. The advisory was issued on Monday, January 12, 2026, by the US Virtual Embassy in an emergency directive. It warned that demonstrations across Iran are spreading rapidly and could turn violent at any time, with reports of arrests and injuries. The notice also cited increased security measures, roadblocks, disrupted public transport, and internet shutdowns as factors severely affecting daily life. According to the directive, the Iranian government has imposed restrictions on mobile, landline, and national internet networks, hampering communications and information flow. Many international airlines have suspended or canceled flights to Iran, with some halting operations until at least January 16. US citizens were advised to leave via land routes to Armenia or Turkey if safe, avoid borders with Azerbaijan, Afghanistan, Iraq, and Pakistan, and prepare for prolonged internet outages. Dual US-Iranian nationals were instructed to use Iranian passports when departing, as Iran does not recognize dual citizenship. The advisory also reminded that the US has no diplomatic or consular presence in Iran, and the Swiss Embassy in Tehran represents US interests there.

Mass protests in Iran, initially sparked by economic hardship and rising prices, have turned violent across the country. According to Iran Human Rights, at least 650 people, including nine minors, have been killed as security forces used force to suppress demonstrations. The unrest, which began in late December in Tehran, has spread to 186 cities and 31 provinces, with over 10,000 arrests reported. In response, millions joined pro-government rallies across Iran, which officials described as proof of national unity. Tensions between Tehran and Washington have escalated as the United States expressed support for protesters and threatened possible military action. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said the country is fully prepared for both war and dialogue, accusing US President Donald Trump of seeking a pretext for intervention. Several Western nations, including Germany, Finland, and Canada, urged Iran to avoid violence, while the European Union warned of new sanctions. China voiced opposition to foreign interference, calling for peace and stability in the Middle East. Internet services, previously cut nationwide, are being gradually restored, according to Iranian officials, as the government claims the situation is now under control.

U.S. President Donald Trump announced a 25 percent tariff on goods from countries maintaining trade relations with Iran. The declaration was made on January 12 through a post on Truth Social, where Trump said the decision would take immediate effect. Analysts view the move as part of Washington’s strategy to increase pressure on Tehran as anti-government protests in Iran entered their third week. Trump did not clarify what constitutes 'doing business with Iran,' though China, Iraq, the United Arab Emirates, Turkey, and India are identified as major trading partners of the country. The White House has yet to specify which nations or products will be most affected. The announcement follows Trump’s earlier warning of possible military intervention if violence against Iranian protesters continues. White House spokesperson Karoline Leavitt confirmed that airstrike options remain under consideration. The protests, driven by Iran’s deepening economic crisis, have resulted in hundreds of deaths, according to human rights monitors. Internet restrictions have made it difficult to verify information from inside Iran, while Trump claimed Iranian officials have reached out for talks but warned that the U.S. may act before any meeting occurs.

At least 648 people have been killed in Iran as security forces intensified crackdowns on anti-government protests that have continued for 16 days. The Norway-based human rights group Iran Human Rights (IHRNGO) reported the updated toll on January 12, noting that nine of the victims were under 18. Thousands more have been injured, while internet shutdowns have made it difficult to verify the true scale of casualties. Videos from Tehran hospitals and morgues reportedly show large numbers of bodies, underscoring the severity of the situation. The protests began on December 28 in Tehran’s markets over economic hardship, inflation, and currency collapse, but quickly evolved into a political movement. Exiled crown prince Reza Pahlavi’s call for intensified demonstrations further fueled the unrest. The United Kingdom and France have strongly condemned the violent suppression, urging Iran to respect citizens’ fundamental rights. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi rejected Western criticism, accusing the UK of interference and warning of possible withdrawal of diplomats from London if Iranian missions are not protected. International human rights groups have warned that unless the Iranian government shows restraint, violence and casualties could escalate further.

The 11-party electoral alliance led by Jamaat-e-Islami is close to finalizing its seat-sharing arrangement ahead of the upcoming national election. After weeks of uncertainty and internal negotiations, the liaison committee met on Monday night to settle which party will field candidates in specific constituencies. Although most issues have been resolved, discussions with Islami Andolan and several Khelafat-based parties remain incomplete. A final round of talks is scheduled for Tuesday, with an official announcement expected on Wednesday. According to Jamaat Ameer Dr. Shafiqur Rahman, the seat-sharing process will take shape by Tuesday, and the final declaration will follow within a day. The alliance includes Jamaat-e-Islami, Islami Andolan, National Citizen Party (NCP), Bangladesh Khelafat Majlish, Liberal Democratic Party (LDP), Khelafat Majlish, Amar Bangladesh (AB) Party, Khelafat Andolan, Nezame Islam Party, Jatiya Ganatantrik Party (JAGPA), and Bangladesh Development Party (BDP). Negotiations have allocated over 190 seats to Jamaat, around 40 to Islami Andolan, and smaller numbers to other partners. If consensus is not reached with some parties, the final declaration may proceed without them, according to alliance sources.

The Palestinian group Hamas is preparing to hold internal elections to restructure its leadership following the deaths of top leaders during the Gaza war. A Hamas official said preparations are underway, with voting expected to take place within the first months of 2026 once conditions stabilize. The information was reported by Turkey-based media outlet Daily Sabah. According to the report, the reorganization process includes forming a new 50-member Shura Council, a religiously influenced advisory body. Hamas’s three branches—Gaza Strip, occupied West Bank, and the diaspora—elect their members every four years. In previous elections, members gathered in mosques and other venues to vote for the Shura Council, which is responsible for choosing the political bureau and overall leader. Sources indicate that two main contenders are leading for the position of political bureau chief: Gaza’s Khalil al-Hayya, supported by the Gaza branch and the Ezzedine al-Qassam Brigades, and exiled leader Khaled Meshaal. Hamas views the leadership renewal as vital for strengthening Gaza’s resilience and maintaining organizational stability.

Somalia has announced the cancellation of all agreements with the United Arab Emirates, a decision made by the Somali government on Monday amid ongoing tensions in the Red Sea region. The move will require the UAE to withdraw its troops from military bases in Somalia and halt participation in major infrastructure projects. According to documents obtained by the UK-based outlet Middle East Eye, the cancellation covers all contracts involving government bodies, affiliated agencies, and regional administrations. The decision applies to agreements related to the ports of Berbera, Bosaso, and Kismayo. The Somali cabinet also annulled bilateral security and defense cooperation agreements with the UAE. The government stated that the decision followed reports and strong evidence of actions undermining Somalia’s sovereignty, national unity, and political independence. The announcement marks a significant shift in Somalia’s foreign relations and could affect regional dynamics in the Horn of Africa.

On Monday, the Election Commission (EC) of Bangladesh reinstated the candidacy of 41 parliamentary aspirants following the review of their appeals. According to an official press release signed by EC’s Public Relations Director Md. Ruhul Min Mallik, a total of 71 appeals were resolved that day, with 41 approved, 24 rejected, and four kept pending. This brings the total number of reinstated candidates to 150 over the past three days. The appeal of Md. Hamidul Islam of the National People’s Party for Mymensingh-4, unresolved earlier, was also approved. The EC stated that the approved appeals included candidates from multiple parties such as the Jatiya Party, Islami Andolan Bangladesh, Gano Forum, Bangladesh Khilafat Majlis, Amar Bangladesh Party, and several independents. In total, 2,568 nomination papers had been submitted for the 13th National Parliamentary Election, of which 723 were initially rejected by returning officers. The EC received 645 appeals against those decisions. According to the election schedule, appeal hearings will conclude by January 18, candidate withdrawals by January 20, and symbols will be allocated on January 21. The national election is scheduled for February 12.