Ahead of Bangladesh’s 13th parliamentary election, the Election Commission (EC) has fixed the maximum campaign spending limit for candidates at 10 taka per voter. Due to large variations in voter numbers across constituencies, the permissible spending differs sharply. For example, candidates in Gazipur-2 can legally spend over 8 million taka, while those in Jhalakathi-1 are limited to 2.5 million taka. EC data show that the country currently has about 127.7 million voters, with Gazipur-2 having the highest and Jhalakathi-1 the lowest voter counts. Experts have questioned whether the spending limits are realistic or enforced in practice. Dr. Badiul Alam Majumdar of Shushashoner Jonno Nagorik (SUJAN) said that although limits exist on paper, they have little reflection in reality, as money dominates elections. Former election commissioner Brigadier General (Retd.) M Sakhawat Hossain noted that the EC lacks a strong mechanism to verify candidates’ expense declarations, allowing many to exceed limits without consequence. The EC Secretariat explained that voter disparities stem from urban migration and administrative boundaries. Under the Representation of the People Order, violating spending limits can lead to up to seven years in prison. A total of 2,582 candidates from 51 of 59 registered parties are contesting this election.

In Sylhet-2 constituency, covering Osmaninagar and Bishwanath, residents are expressing deep concern over the absence of visible law enforcement operations to recover illegal weapons ahead of the upcoming national election. While security forces across the country are conducting intensified drives against illegal arms and terrorism, no such activity has been observed in this sensitive area, leading to widespread anxiety among locals. Local sources report that a large number of illegal and modern weapons entered the region during the previous government’s rule under the pretext of suppressing opposition groups. Despite a change in government, no effective recovery efforts have been made by joint forces or local police. Several violent incidents involving firearms have occurred in Osmaninagar’s Umarpur Union, yet no arrests or weapon recoveries have followed. Residents claim political cadres still possess many firearms, and the flow of weapons has increased. Home Ministry adviser Jahangir Alam Chowdhury stated that recovering illegal arms is a top government priority, but locals say this commitment is not reflected in Sylhet-2. Police officials assured that they remain on alert and will act based on intelligence reports to maintain order.

In southern Chattogram’s Banshkhali and nearby Anwara, Pekua, and Rajakhali, around 38,000 salt farmers have begun production across 69,000 acres of land. However, dense fog has disrupted salt crystallization, while many farmers express frustration over low market prices. Despite adopting modern polyethylene-based methods that can increase output by up to two and a half times, unfavorable weather and poor pricing have left producers struggling. According to the Bangladesh Small and Cottage Industries Corporation (BSCIC), all salt fields in the region are using the polyethylene technique this year, which could lead to production exceeding targets by about 200,000 tons. Farmers report that fog and humidity cause salt to dissolve overnight, while they must still pay land rent regardless of yield. Local officials note that Banshkhali’s salt is known for its brightness and taste, with retail prices ranging from Tk 1 to Tk 15 per kilogram and wholesale prices between Tk 200 and Tk 250 per maund. Farmers allege that due to limited government support, mill owners and financiers buy salt cheaply and sell it at higher prices. Some producers have taken loans to cover the high costs of polyethylene-based production, while local leaders urge the government to ensure fair pricing and restrict salt imports.

At least two Palestinians were killed in an Israeli airstrike on Wednesday in Gaza, according to local health authorities. The Israeli military said the strike was carried out in response to an earlier attack on its soldiers and was aimed at a senior Hamas fighter. Doctors reported that several others were injured when the strike hit a house in Gaza City, but the identities of the deceased were not immediately confirmed. Hamas did not issue any immediate comment on the incident. The Israeli army stated that Hamas fighters had opened fire on its troops earlier in the day, prompting the retaliatory airstrike. The military claimed the targeted Hamas member had led attacks against Israeli forces, though no Israeli casualties were reported. On the same day, a pro-Israel Palestinian militia in Rafah, southern Gaza, claimed responsibility for killing two Hamas members. The events reflect continuing hostilities in Gaza, with both Israeli forces and local militias reporting deadly exchanges.

Barcelona delivered a dominant performance in the Spanish Super Cup semifinal, defeating Athletic Bilbao 5-0 at King Abdullah Sports City in Saudi Arabia on Wednesday night. The Spanish champions scored four goals within just 16 minutes, with Raphinha netting twice and Ferran Torres, Fermin Lopez, and Runi Bardghji each adding one. Barcelona controlled 80 percent of possession, taking 14 shots with nine on target, while Bilbao managed nine shots, four of which were on target. The match saw Ferran Torres open the scoring in the 21st minute, followed by goals from Lopez, Raphinha, and Bardghji before halftime. Raphinha added his second goal in the second half, sealing the emphatic victory. Despite several more chances, no further goals were scored. With this win, Barcelona, who have already won nine consecutive La Liga matches, moved closer to their first trophy of the season. Their opponent in the Spanish Super Cup final will be decided on Thursday when Real Madrid face Atletico Madrid in the second semifinal.

A final report submitted on January 4 by the Commission of Inquiry on Enforced Disappearances revealed that enforced disappearances in Bangladesh during Sheikh Hasina’s tenure had reached alarming levels, affecting not only men but also women. The report documented at least 23 women as victims of enforced disappearance, allegedly at the hands of the Rapid Action Battalion (RAB) and other law enforcement agencies. It stated that such acts were used not only to suppress political opposition but also to instill fear among women and reinforce social control. The commission noted that the actual number of disappeared women was likely higher, as many families refrained from reporting cases due to fear, stigma, and social pressure. It described enforced disappearance as a systematic institutional tool, reportedly carried out with the knowledge and direction of senior political leadership. The report also traced changes in disappearance patterns over time, linking them to shifts in leadership and institutional practices. The report concluded that enforced disappearances were not isolated incidents but part of a sustained state policy of repression that persisted for over a decade under political authorization.

Dhaka’s traffic congestion has reached alarming levels, paralyzing movement across the city day and night. Long queues of vehicles stretch up to 15 kilometers on major entry routes such as Jatrabari, Mirpur, and Malibagh, causing severe delays for commuters and emergency services. The situation worsens during school hours and in the evenings when intercity buses depart, while limited nighttime traffic policing allows gridlock to persist into the early morning. According to Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP), unplanned urbanization, illegal parking, random bus stops, and poor enforcement of traffic laws are key causes. The city corporations report that nearly half of Dhaka’s roads and footpaths are occupied by illegal parking, hawkers, and encroachments, forcing pedestrians onto main roads. Experts note that private cars occupy over half of the city’s road space, while inadequate public transport management and lack of coordinated planning exacerbate the crisis. Urban planners urge reforms including disciplined public transport, removal of unfit buses, separate transport for schools and offices, restrictions on private cars, and integrated traffic management. The DMP has begun limited diversion trials at key intersections, reporting modest improvements.

Venezuela has claimed that at least 100 people were killed in a United States-led operation conducted to capture President Nicolás Maduro. The announcement was made on Wednesday, January 7, by Interior Minister Diosdado Cabello. The government had not previously released an official death toll, but the Venezuelan military separately published a list naming 23 dead soldiers. Officials alleged that a significant portion of Maduro’s security forces were deliberately executed during the operation. Cuba reported that several of its military and intelligence personnel stationed in Venezuela were also killed in the same operation. Cabello stated that during the assault, President Maduro’s wife, Cilia Flores, was taken and suffered a head injury, while Maduro himself was wounded in the leg. In his weekly program broadcast on state television, Cabello paid tribute to the fallen soldiers, describing them as brave. The Venezuelan government has declared a week of national mourning starting Tuesday in honor of those killed, according to Cabello’s televised remarks.

Former Additional IGP of the Special Branch (SB) Mahbub Hossain, described as a close ally of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, has reportedly fled to India following the fall of the Awami League government on August 5, 2024. According to the report, Mahbub is accused of abusing his authority to seize shops, amass illegal wealth, and launder money abroad. The Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) investigation found properties under his and his family’s names in Dhaka, Munshiganj, and Malaysia, including luxury apartments and large land holdings. The report alleges that Mahbub used his position in the SB to control political parties, intimidate dissenters, and manipulate intelligence operations. He allegedly offered money to smaller political leaders to participate in the 2014 election and misused state resources for political purposes. Several police officials claimed he maintained close ties with former IGP A.K.M. Shahidul Haque and Awami League cultural secretary Asim Kumar Ukil, forming a powerful network within the force. The ACC is reportedly investigating Mahbub’s wealth, while business owners have demanded punishment for his alleged illegal shop seizures. Attempts to contact Mahbub were unsuccessful as his phone remained switched off.

U.S. President Donald Trump has invited Colombian President Gustavo Petro to the White House, just days after threatening possible military action against Colombia over alleged drug trafficking links. The invitation followed a tense period during which Trump warned Petro following a U.S. military operation in neighboring Venezuela that removed Nicolás Maduro from power. Speaking aboard Air Force One, Trump hinted at a similar intervention in Colombia but later softened his tone after a phone conversation with Petro. Trump wrote on his Truth Social platform that Petro had called to explain the drug situation and other disagreements between the two countries. He praised Petro’s approach and expressed eagerness to meet him soon in Washington. Earlier, Trump had imposed financial sanctions on Petro and his family without presenting evidence, prompting Petro to declare he was ready to take up arms if necessary. Petro confirmed he would attend the White House meeting, though no date has been set. He also urged Trump to restore direct communication between their foreign ministries and presidential offices, noting the long-standing military and economic ties between Colombia and the United States.

The United States will indefinitely oversee Venezuela’s oil sales, according to US Energy Minister Chris Wright. Speaking at the Goldman Sachs Energy Event in Miami on Wednesday, Wright said that both Venezuela’s stored oil and future production will be sold on the international market under US management. The plan aims to regulate the country’s oil exports and ensure oversight of revenues. AFP reported from Washington that former President Donald Trump had earlier announced Venezuela’s interim government would assign the marketing of 30 to 50 million barrels of crude oil to the United States. Trump said on social media that proceeds from the sale of this sanctioned but high-quality oil would be held under US supervision. The initiative is intended to restore international oil flow, secure supply for American refineries, and maintain funds in a US-controlled account for future mutual benefit. US Defense Minister Pete Hegseth stated that the blockade on Venezuela’s sanctioned oil remains globally enforced. After US forces seized several tankers in the Caribbean and North Atlantic, he confirmed that the US stance against illegal Venezuelan oil trade is being strictly implemented worldwide.

With only 36 days remaining before Bangladesh’s 13th parliamentary election, the interim government led by Professor Muhammad Yunus is intensifying preparations to ensure a free, fair, and peaceful vote. Intelligence and law enforcement reports warn that the banned Awami League and its affiliates may attempt to disrupt the election in several constituencies, particularly in seven high-risk districts: Gopalganj, Faridpur, Madaripur, Shariatpur, Gazipur, Narail, and Bagerhat. Authorities have identified 15 additional districts as vulnerable and are taking extra precautions. The Home Ministry has announced that over 700,000 security personnel will be deployed nationwide from February 8 to 14, with special surveillance through CCTV at more than 2,500 high-risk polling centers. Restrictions on vehicle movement and firearm possession will be enforced during the election period. Political parties, including BNP and Jamaat-e-Islami, have expressed differing views on government neutrality and election fairness, while BNP leaders pledged cooperation to maintain a peaceful environment. Officials emphasized that social media rumors and internal party conflicts could threaten electoral stability, urging all political groups to act responsibly to preserve a credible and participatory election process.

A young man named Sohan Bepari, aged 32, was killed in a cocktail explosion early Thursday in Mulai Beparikandi area of Bilaspur Union under Jajira upazila, Shariatpur. Locals awoke to a loud blast and later found his body in a garlic field, prompting police to recover it. The incident has spread fear across the area. According to police and local sources, Bilaspur Union has been witnessing prolonged rivalry between supporters of Union Chairman Kuddus Bepari and Swechchhasebak League leader Jalil Madbar over local dominance. Several clashes and explosions had occurred since last Saturday night, and Thursday’s fatal blast is believed to be linked to that ongoing conflict. Sohan was reportedly involved in the recent political and social disputes in the area. Jajira Police Station Officer-in-Charge Saleh Ahmed said initial evidence suggests the explosion occurred while making or carrying the cocktail. Authorities are investigating to determine the exact cause of the incident.

After a long pause, the government has formally initiated the process to include private schools and colleges under the Monthly Pay Order (MPO) scheme again. According to the Ministry of Education’s Secondary and Higher Education Division, online applications from non-MPO institutions will be accepted from January 14 to January 25. The announcement was made through a public notice signed by Deputy Secretary Syed A Z M Morshed Ali. The ministry stated that eligible institutions will be selected based on the new MPO policy issued in 2025. To ensure transparency, applications will be processed exclusively through digital means. Detailed information on eligibility criteria and policy guidelines will be available on the ministry’s official website. Sources from the ministry indicated that newly selected institutions will begin receiving MPO benefits from the 2025–26 fiscal year. The decision is expected to resolve long-standing salary and allowance uncertainties for thousands of teachers and staff in remote areas of the country.

A cold wave is sweeping across Bangladesh and is expected to intensify over the next few days. According to weather and climate researcher Mostafa Kamal Palash from the University of Saskatchewan, Canada, data from the European Union’s artificial satellite indicates that by Thursday morning, minimum temperatures in several districts of Rangpur, Rajshahi, and Khulna divisions may fall between 5°C and 7°C. Palash stated in a Facebook post that the cold wave could become more severe from Thursday morning, with the possibility of a stronger spell on Saturday and Sunday. During that period, minimum temperatures in the same regions could drop further to between 4°C and 6°C. On Wednesday morning, Rajshahi recorded the country’s lowest temperature at 6.8°C, while Chuadanga and Gopalganj recorded 7°C, Jashore 7.4°C, Panchagarh 8.2°C, and Dhaka 11°C. The researcher added that by Wednesday morning, at least five of the country’s eight divisions were experiencing cold wave conditions, suggesting a widespread and persistent weather pattern.