Online verification and media research platform DismissLab published a fact-check report on January 16, 2026, revealing that two photocards circulating on Facebook under the name of Bangladeshi news outlet 'Amar Desh' were fake. One card claimed that villagers handed over female Jamaat activists to police while collecting voter IDs, and another alleged that BNP Chairman Tarique Rahman made an urgent call to Islami Andolan Bangladesh leader Mufti Faizul Karim. DismissLab confirmed that neither card was published by 'Amar Desh'.

The investigation found that the first photocard used an image from a 2022 report about the arrest of eight Jamaat women in Meherpur’s Mujibnagar, while the second card falsely linked political figures. DismissLab verified that the official Facebook, website, and YouTube channels of 'Amar Desh' contained no such content. The outlet’s associate editor, Alfaz Anam, confirmed that the organization did not release any such materials.

According to DismissLab, fake photocards imitating 'Amar Desh' have appeared multiple times before, spreading misinformation through social media platforms.

A senior Saudi official has revealed that three Gulf countries—Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and Oman—convinced U.S. President Donald Trump not to launch an attack on Iran. The official, speaking anonymously to AFP, said the countries engaged in intense last-minute diplomatic efforts to persuade Trump to allow Iran an opportunity to demonstrate goodwill. He added that discussions on the matter are still ongoing.

Earlier, President Trump had threatened strong action against Iran if protesters were executed. However, on Wednesday, Trump stated that he had been assured the killing of anti-government protesters in Iran had stopped. He said he learned that executions had been suspended, though he did not specify the source of this information, describing it only as coming from a “very important source.”

The report indicates that Gulf diplomacy played a key role in de-escalating immediate tensions between Washington and Tehran, with further talks continuing among the involved parties.

A South Korean court has sentenced former president Yoon Suk Yeol to five years in prison for declaring martial law in December 2024. The ruling, delivered by the Seoul Central District Court on Friday, was broadcast live. Yoon was found guilty of issuing martial law, obstructing the execution of arrest warrants, falsifying official documents, and failing to follow legal procedures required for declaring martial law. He has seven days to appeal the sentence.

Judge Baek Da-hyun stated that Yoon failed to uphold the constitution and the rule of law, emphasizing that as president, it was his duty to protect both. The judge described Yoon’s actions as a serious offense that disregarded constitutional principles. Following the verdict, Yoon’s lawyer announced that the former president would appeal, claiming the case was politically motivated.

The December 2024 attempt to impose martial law led to several criminal cases against Yoon. This is the first major verdict in those proceedings.

U.S. President Donald Trump on Thursday threatened to invoke the 19th-century Insurrection Act, which would allow the deployment of the military within the country. The warning came as protests spread across Minnesota following the shooting of a man by federal agents on Wednesday and the earlier death of a woman last week. Demonstrators in the Democrat-leaning northern cities have been protesting against violence linked to the Trump administration’s extensive immigration enforcement operations.

Trump reiterated his threat on social media, saying he would use the Insurrection Act if Minnesota’s politicians failed to uphold the law and prevent attacks on Immigration and Customs Enforcement officers. He expressed frustration over court obstacles to deploying the National Guard and over the ongoing protests, signaling a tougher stance in advancing his anti-immigration agenda.

Minnesota’s Democratic Governor Tim Walz sharply criticized the Trump administration, accusing federal agents of conducting a “brutal campaign” against residents. In a video message, he cited incidents of home raids, mistreatment of pregnant women, and the killing of 37-year-old Renny Good. Walz urged peaceful demonstrations and called on Trump and Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem to end what he described as an occupation.

The Indian Coast Guard detained a Pakistani fishing boat and nine crew members after the vessel allegedly entered Indian waters in the Arabian Sea. The incident was confirmed by Gujarat Defence PRO Wing Commander Abhishek Kumar Tiwari through a post on social media platform X. According to his statement, a Coast Guard ship was patrolling the area when it spotted the Pakistani boat within India’s maritime boundary. When ordered to stop, the boat reportedly attempted to flee back into Pakistani waters.

The Coast Guard intercepted and seized the vessel, bringing it to shore for further investigation. The nine individuals on board were taken into custody and are currently being questioned by authorities. The post did not specify the exact location or timing of the interception beyond confirming it occurred in Indian territorial waters.

No additional details were provided regarding the purpose of the boat’s presence or any materials found on board, and the investigation remains ongoing.

A special team of RAB-11’s CPC-2 unit recovered firearms looted from a highway police outpost in Muradnagar upazila of Comilla. The operation took place late on Thursday, January 15, near the Bhuiyabari Bridge area of Lajair village under Babutipara Union. Acting on secret intelligence, the team recovered a Chinese rifle and a locally made rifle abandoned at the site. Initial findings suggest that the criminals fled after sensing the presence of law enforcement.

Major Sadman Ibne Alam, company commander of RAB-11 CPC-2, stated that the operation was conducted based on intelligence to recover the stolen weapons. Legal procedures regarding the recovered arms are currently underway, and efforts to identify and arrest those involved are continuing.

Following the recovery of the long-lost weapons, local residents have expressed relief. The renewed activity of law enforcement in seizing illegal arms has reportedly restored a sense of security and optimism in the area.

RAB-13 conducted a late-night raid on Thursday in Mahishtuli village under Velabari Union of Aditmari upazila, Lalmonirhat, arresting a suspected drug dealer. Acting on a tip-off, the elite force detained Ayna Begum, wife of Samir Uddin, from her residence. During the operation, officers recovered 311 bottles of Eskaf, 98 bottles of Phensedyl, and 133 bottles of Fairdyl, totaling 542 bottles of illegal drugs hidden under a bed in her bedroom.

According to RAB’s Additional Superintendent of Police and Senior Assistant Director Biplob Kumar Goswami, the operation was based on secret intelligence. Following the arrest, a case was filed against Ayna Begum under the Narcotics Control Act on Friday morning. Authorities confirmed that anti-drug drives will continue as part of the government’s zero-tolerance policy against narcotics.

The operation highlights RAB’s ongoing efforts to curb drug trafficking in northern Bangladesh, with continued enforcement actions expected in the coming days.

A delegation led by Jamison Greer, the United States Trade Representative under President Donald Trump’s administration, held a virtual meeting with Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) Chairperson Tarique Rahman on Friday at 9 a.m. Bangladesh local time. The meeting was confirmed by Rahman’s press secretary, Saleh Shibli.

According to the report, the discussion focused on bilateral trade between Bangladesh and the United States, mutual tariff rates, and prospects for future economic cooperation. The meeting was also attended by Brendan Lynch, Assistant U.S. Trade Representative for South and Central Asia; Emily Ashby, Director for South and Central Asia; and Humayun Kabir, BNP Chairperson’s foreign affairs adviser and the party’s joint secretary general.

The meeting highlighted ongoing engagement between the BNP leadership and U.S. trade officials regarding economic collaboration and trade policy matters.

The Department of Shipping under the Ministry of Shipping has formed a six-member special taskforce to address the ongoing lighter vessel shortage ahead of the upcoming holy month of Ramadan. The government decided to operate mobile courts in key river routes including Narayanganj, Jashore, and Noapara to curb the illegal use of lighter vessels as floating warehouses by some importers. Legal action will be taken against those responsible for obstructing cargo unloading and disrupting normal supply chains.

According to the Department of Shipping, several importers have been keeping goods on lighter vessels for extended periods instead of unloading them, effectively turning them into floating storage facilities. The sudden increase in commercial ships at outer anchorage due to bulk imports before Ramadan has created a shortage of lighter vessels needed to unload goods from seaports. This has delayed cargo handling and raised concerns about potential artificial shortages of essential commodities.

Officials believe that implementing this initiative will help stop the misuse of lighter vessels, speed up cargo unloading, and ensure stable supply of essential goods in the market during Ramadan.

The second phase of the US-backed Gaza peace plan has begun despite violations of the ceasefire and unresolved issues from the first stage between Israel and Hamas, according to AFP. On Wednesday, a 15-member Palestinian technocratic committee was formed in Gaza to oversee daily governance and reconstruction. The committee will operate under the supervision of a US-supported 'Peace Board' chaired by US President Donald Trump. Mediator nations Egypt, Turkey, and Qatar stated that former Palestinian deputy minister Ali Shath from Ramallah will lead the committee.

The first phase focused on implementing the ceasefire, allowing humanitarian aid, and securing the release of hostages held by Hamas and allied groups. However, only the body of one Israeli hostage was returned, while full disarmament of Hamas and the complete withdrawal of Israeli forces from Gaza remain unresolved.

The second phase will emphasize disarmament, governance restructuring, and ensuring humanitarian assistance. Yet, the core political challenges—Hamas’s disarmament and Palestinian unity—remain unsettled, posing significant obstacles to the peace process ahead.

Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer Dr. Shafiqur Rahman held a virtual meeting with US Trade Representative Ambassador Jamison Greer to discuss bilateral trade, tariff rates, and future economic cooperation. The meeting was also attended by Assistant US Trade Representative for South and Central Asia Brendan Lynch, Director Emily Ashby, and Jamaat’s US spokesperson Professor Dr. Mohammad Nakibur Rahman.

According to Jamaat’s central publicity department, Dr. Rahman thanked Ambassador Greer for initiating the call and for his support on tariff discussions. Greer reportedly informed him that he had recently met President Donald Trump to discuss reducing mutual tariffs. Dr. Rahman expressed gratitude for the US initiative to grant special tariff benefits for garments made from 100% US cotton or man-made fibers, calling it a “win-win” formula benefiting both nations’ industries.

Dr. Rahman said the mutual tariff agreement has strengthened the foundation of Bangladesh-US economic relations. He added that if Jamaat forms the next government after the February national election, it will continue implementing the agreement and deepen trade and investment ties. He also welcomed US support for Bangladesh’s access to the Development Finance Corporation fund and invited Greer to visit Bangladesh.

The Department of Agricultural Extension (DAE) in Sirajganj has projected a combined market value of around Tk 1,200 to 1,250 crore from mustard and honey production in the current season. Mustard cultivation has expanded to 90,550 hectares across Ullapara, Tarash, Raiganj, and Shahjadpur upazilas, exceeding the initial target of 90,000 hectares. The DAE expects about 146,000 metric tons of mustard to be produced if weather conditions remain favorable. Farmers are optimistic about good profits due to improved seed varieties and favorable weather.

Honey production has also become a significant economic activity alongside mustard farming. The district has set a target of producing 404,000 kilograms of honey this season, with 220 beekeepers already collecting about 100,000 kilograms. Ullapara upazila leads in both mustard and honey output, creating employment opportunities for many. The DAE is promoting the high-yielding BARI Sarisha-20 variety, which matures within 75–80 days and allows farmers to cultivate boro rice afterward.

Officials noted that expanding mustard cultivation could help reduce Bangladesh’s dependence on imported edible oil, as domestic production currently meets only a small portion of national demand.

Rapid Action Battalion (RAB)-10 has arrested Md. Bapparaj, also known as Bappa, the prime suspect in the murder of CNG auto-rickshaw driver Pappu Sheikh in Jurain under Dhaka’s Kadamtali police station. Acting on a tip-off and using technological assistance, RAB-10’s CPC-1 Jatrabari Camp team detained Bapparaj from the Hasnabad area of South Keraniganj around 7:20 p.m. on Wednesday, January 15.

According to RAB, the murder occurred on December 1 in Kana Jobbar’s Lane of Jurain’s Kabi Nazrul area, where Bapparaj and his associates allegedly carried out a planned armed attack on Pappu Sheikh, firing three rounds. One bullet hit a vital area, leaving Pappu critically injured; he later died at the hospital. Based on a complaint from the victim’s father, a murder case was filed at Kadamtali Police Station, and RAB-10 assisted in tracking down the fugitives.

RAB reported that Bapparaj faces eight cases involving weapons, drugs, robbery, and extortion at Kadamtali Police Station. He has been handed over to the concerned police station for legal proceedings. Earlier, two other suspects, Yusuf Sardar and Uzzal alias Kanchi, were also arrested in connection with the same case.

Candidates from BNP and Jamaat-e-Islami have entered full campaign mode in Rajshahi’s six parliamentary constituencies ahead of Bangladesh’s 13th national election. Analysis of their affidavits shows a stark financial imbalance, with BNP candidates generally relying more on personal funds while most Jamaat contenders depend heavily on loans and donations to cover campaign expenses. In several constituencies, candidates’ declared expenditures exceed their total assets, highlighting the growing role of financial capacity in electoral competition.

Political analysts cited in the report argue that such dependence on borrowed and donated money raises questions about post-election accountability and independence. A Rajshahi University political science professor noted that this reliance could influence future political behavior. Social analyst Toufiq Ahmed warned that elections are increasingly becoming contests of financial power rather than ideology, risking voter trust. Former election observer Anwar Hossain described the Rajshahi scenario as a reflection of the country’s broader electoral reality, where financial inequality undermines fair competition.

Observers believe that the imbalance between self-funded and donation-dependent candidates may directly affect voter confidence and the eventual election outcome in Rajshahi.

Rapid Action Battalion (RAB) has arrested Jahangir Alam, the main accused in the attack on police during an anti-drug operation in Sreepur, Gazipur. According to a statement signed by Lieutenant Nafiz Bin Jamal, commander of RAB-1 Specialized Company, Porabari Camp, Jahangir was detained late Thursday night from the Ansar Road area of Sreepur upazila. The 26-year-old is a resident of Kewa Paschim Khanda village under Sreepur municipality.

RAB information states that on December 31, police from Sreepur station conducted an anti-drug operation behind Peer Ali Degree College in Maona Chourasta based on secret intelligence. Jahangir and another person were arrested during the raid. Following the arrests, Jahangir’s associates attacked the police with local weapons, assaulted officers, freed Jahangir, and vandalized two police vehicles, injuring five policemen. Sub-inspector Arun Kumar Biswas later filed a case over the incident.

Sreepur Police Officer-in-Charge Mohammad Nasir Ahmad confirmed that RAB handed Jahangir over to the police station and that he will be sent to court on Friday.