The Association of Development Agencies in Bangladesh (EDAB) and the Center for Atmospheric Pollution Studies (CAPS) jointly proposed ten recommendations to minimize loss of life and property during earthquakes. The proposals were presented on Wednesday at a seminar titled “Measures to Protect Life and Property in Earthquakes,” held at the Dhaka Reporters Unity under the chairmanship of EDAB Chairman Anwar Hossain. CAPS President Professor Dr. Ahmed Kamruzzaman Majumdar presented the concept paper, with participation from academics, disaster management experts, and civil defense professionals.

The recommendations include strict enforcement of the National Building Code, ensuring all new buildings follow earthquake-resistant designs, banning unauthorized construction, and auditing old or weak structures for retrofitting or removal. They also call for strengthening essential services such as hospitals, schools, and utilities, promoting family-level preparedness plans, maintaining emergency kits, and conducting regular earthquake drills in schools and communities. The seminar participants noted that current government disaster management efforts and preparedness remain unsatisfactory and urged stronger enforcement and coordination among departments.

Speakers emphasized that government accountability and improved coordination are essential to reduce risks and ensure effective earthquake preparedness across Bangladesh.

The United Nations has expressed serious concern over escalating tensions between the United States and Iran. UN spokesperson Stéphane Dujarric said on Tuesday that statements resembling military rhetoric could further aggravate the situation. His comments came in response to recent remarks by US President Donald Trump, who encouraged Iranian protesters to continue their demonstrations, saying that help was on the way.

Dujarric emphasized that all member states should prioritize diplomacy over military-style language. He also clarified that the UN currently has no plans to withdraw its personnel from Iran, where 46 international staff and 448 local employees are working. The UN’s position reflects its caution amid growing unrest and economic deterioration in Iran.

In recent weeks, Iran has witnessed widespread protests triggered by economic decline and the rapid devaluation of the Iranian rial. Reports indicate multiple deaths among protesters and police officers across several cities, with incidents of violence adding to the instability.

Jamaat-e-Islami postponed its scheduled 4 p.m. press conference on January 14, 2026, after the Islami Andolon Bangladesh, led by Charmonai Pir Syed Muhammad Rezaul Karim, refused to attend due to dissatisfaction over seat allocations. Jamaat had initially offered 40 seats to Islami Andolon, later increasing the offer to 45 and keeping five additional seats open, but the party remained unsatisfied. As a result, Jamaat was compelled to delay the announcement planned for its 11-party alliance.

According to the report, Islami Andolon believes it has a strong nationwide voter base and therefore deserves more seats. The party’s Shura council meeting reportedly saw internal disagreements over whether to stay in or leave the alliance. Meanwhile, Bangladesh Khelafat Majlish, led by Maulana Mamunul Haque, also demanded more seats, with Jamaat offering 15–20, though the group remained unsatisfied. Another faction, led by Maulana Abdul Basit Azad and Ahmad Abdul Kader, was offered 10 seats and is more likely to remain in the coalition.

As of 3:30 p.m., the top forums of Islami Andolon, Bangladesh Khelafat Majlish, and Khelafat Majlish were still holding meetings to finalize their positions within the alliance.

Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer Dr. Shafiqur Rahman has called on everyone to act responsibly and demonstrate wisdom and patience in the face of the country’s current situation. He made the appeal on Wednesday afternoon through a post on his verified Facebook page, emphasizing the importance of maintaining composure and avoiding any negative behavior toward others.

In his message, Dr. Rahman described the present time as a critical turning point in the nation’s life, reached through much sacrifice and dedication. He urged his colleagues and followers to act with the highest level of responsibility and restraint, stating that their ultimate goal should be to seek the satisfaction of Allah.

The post reiterated his hope that all members of the organization and the nation would uphold responsible conduct during this significant period.

A bipartisan bill was introduced in the US Senate to prevent President Donald Trump from attempting to take control of Greenland. The legislation, titled the 'NATO Unity Protection Act,' was presented on Tuesday by Democratic Senator Jeanne Shaheen and Republican Senator Lisa Murkowski, according to TRT World. The bill prohibits the use of Pentagon or State Department funds for any blockade, occupation, annexation, or military operation against the sovereign territory of a NATO member state without its consent.

Senator Shaheen stated that any US move to seize or control a NATO ally’s territory would weaken the alliance. She added that the bill sends a clear message that recent remarks about Greenland undermine US national security interests. Senator Murkowski expressed concern that using American resources against allies is deeply troubling and should be fully rejected by Congress.

Earlier, Trump had argued that the United States should acquire Greenland to prevent Russia or China from taking it and described the move as vital for US economic security. Greenland is a self-governing territory of Denmark with strategic importance and rich mineral resources.

Police in Mymensingh have arrested seven people, including the father of a suspect, for attacking officers and snatching a detainee while he was being taken to the police station. The incident occurred in the Digharkanda area when a police team arrested Ariful Islam, an accused in an earlier assault case, and was transporting him to the station. The attackers, reportedly led by Ariful’s father Sagar Ali, used sticks and local weapons to assault five police members and freed Ariful, who was handcuffed at the time.

According to Kotwali Model Police Station Officer-in-Charge Md Najmus Sakib, the earlier case involved the severe injury of a man named Russell on January 10. Following that assault, Russell’s family filed a case naming eight individuals and several unidentified others. After the police attack, Assistant Sub-Inspector Ariful Islam filed another case naming 29 people and 140 unidentified attackers.

Police launched an immediate operation and arrested seven suspects from Digharkanda. They were presented before the court on Wednesday after legal procedures were completed.

Freedom fighter and administrator of the Freedom Fighters and Families Welfare Association, Ishtiak Aziz Ulfat, claimed that no member of the Awami League participated in Bangladesh’s Liberation War. He made the statement on Wednesday during a press conference at the Abdus Salam Hall of the National Press Club in Dhaka, organized by the association’s Bijoy Rakin City branch.

In his written statement, Ulfat alleged that the Awami League government deprived genuine freedom fighters of their rightful benefits while favoring fake ones. He criticized the government for misusing the 5 percent quota reserved for freedom fighters and accused senior officials, police officers, and Awami League leaders of taking over flats meant for real freedom fighters. He said that out of 1,950 flats in a welfare project, only 870 were allocated to association members, and among them, just 32 genuine fighters received 49 flats.

Ulfat demanded the cancellation of allocations held by non-freedom fighters and called for the return of those properties to legitimate freedom fighters and their families.

Police in Sherpur upazila of Bogura district conducted a special operation late Tuesday night, January 13, 2026, and seized 600 bottles of Phensedyl from a mini covered van. The raid took place around 11:30 p.m. in the Dhunat Mor area, where two individuals were arrested on the spot. The detainees were identified as driver Sharif Khan, 33, from Gazipur, and helper Amir Hossain, 25, from Chandpur.

According to police sources, the operation was carried out based on secret information under the supervision of Additional Superintendent of Police Sajib Shahrin and led by Sherpur Police Station Officer-in-Charge Md. Ibrahim Ali. During the search, officers found the bottles hidden inside the vehicle. Police seized the van and filed a case under the Narcotics Control Act, with Sub-Inspector Bikash Chandra as the complainant.

OC Ibrahim Ali stated that legal proceedings against the accused are underway and that police surveillance continues to maintain law and order and combat drug trafficking in the area.

An elderly man named Abul Kashem was killed after being hit by a truck on the Dhaka-Narayanganj Link Road on Wednesday around 12:30 p.m. The accident occurred in front of the District Commissioner’s office. Kashem, a resident of Araihazar upazila, had come to Narayanganj for a court-related matter when the incident took place.

According to reports, the victim was crossing the road when a speeding oil drum-laden truck (Dhaka Metro D-14-2722) traveling from Dhaka to Narayanganj ran him over, killing him instantly. Fire service personnel and police recovered the body shortly after the accident.

Fatullah Police Station Officer-in-Charge Abdul Mannan confirmed that the body had been recovered and the truck involved in the accident was seized. Legal proceedings regarding the incident are currently underway.

The United States government announced on Tuesday that it is canceling the Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for Somali nationals residing in the country. As a result, Somalis who lose their legal protection must leave the United States by March 17. The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) confirmed the decision in a post on social media platform X, stating that those who do not return voluntarily will be deported.

According to AFP, the move is part of an ongoing tough campaign against immigrants, with the greatest impact expected in Minnesota, home to the largest Somali community in the US. The state has recently become a focal point for immigration raids and searches. Last week, protests erupted in Minneapolis after an officer fatally shot a local woman during a raid. In response, Minnesota filed a court petition seeking a temporary injunction against ICE operations.

Nearly 2,000 people have reportedly been arrested in these operations. Washington has recently taken a stricter stance toward Somali immigrants in Minnesota, where about 80,000 Somali-origin residents live, amid allegations of large-scale welfare fraud.

BNP Standing Committee member Salahuddin Ahmed announced that his party fully supports the signed July National Charter and will implement every proposal contained in it. He made the statement on Wednesday morning while addressing the Pekua Upazila Olama Mashayekh Conference and the prize distribution ceremony for students who passed the annual merit scholarship exam organized by Tanzim-e-Ahle Haq at Ashraful Ulum Madrasa field in Pekua, Cox’s Bazar.

Ahmed emphasized that BNP’s politics is dedicated to ensuring peace, rule of law, democratic rights, and constitutional guarantees for the people of Bangladesh. He said the party’s reform proposals are based on national consensus and will be implemented accordingly. He also recalled that former President Ziaur Rahman had introduced the phrase invoking faith in Almighty Allah into the Constitution, which he claimed was later removed by the Awami League government.

The event was presided over by Cox’s Bazar district Olama Dal convener Ali Hasan Chowdhury and conducted by Qari Ataullah Gani. Several religious scholars also spoke, and prizes were distributed among the scholarship recipients.

Malaysian immigration authorities detained 150 undocumented foreign nationals, including 25 Bangladeshis, during anti-illegal immigration operations in Kuala Lumpur early Wednesday. The raids took place at an apartment block in Selayang and near Old Klang Road, according to The Star. Datuk Lokman Efendi Ramli, Deputy Director General (Operations) of the Immigration Department, said 52 officers conducted the Selayang raid based on intelligence, arresting 79 people aged between 17 and 55.

Those detained were accused of lacking valid passports or work permits and overstaying their visas. Among them were 39 Indonesians, 25 Bangladeshis, 10 Nepalis, two Indians, two Pakistanis, and one Myanmar national. Ramli stated that the detainees were employed in various sectors, including security, food service, laundry, housekeeping, and construction.

A second operation near Old Klang Road led to the arrest of 71 more foreigners, comprising 33 Indonesian men, 33 Indonesian women, two Myanmar men, one Myanmar woman, one Indian man, and one Pakistani. The operations reflect Malaysia’s continued enforcement against undocumented migrant workers.

Md. Arfan Hossain, the younger brother of Felani Khatun who was killed by BSF gunfire at the border, has officially joined the Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) as a sepoy. He took an oath to protect the nation’s sovereignty and integrity during the passing-out parade of the 104th recruit batch at the Bir Uttam Mujibur Rahman Parade Ground of the Border Guard Training Center and College in Baitul Izzat, Satkania, Chattogram. The event marked the induction of 3,023 new BGB members, including 2,950 men and 73 women—the highest number in the force’s history.

Arfan had passed the recruitment examination organized by 15 BGB on February 23 before beginning his training. His enlistment carries deep emotional significance for his family, who have long sought justice for Felani’s death in 2011 at the Anantapur border in Kurigram’s Phulbari. The family and local residents believe Arfan’s service symbolizes hope and the continuation of Felani’s unfulfilled dream.

The ceremony underscored BGB’s ongoing expansion and the inclusion of new recruits dedicated to safeguarding Bangladesh’s borders.

A rickshaw puller named Babul Hawlader Sagar, aged 45, was killed after being hit by a covered van in Dhaka’s Jatrabari area early Wednesday morning. The incident occurred around 5:30 a.m. near the Kajla area. According to witnesses and police, Sagar was repairing a battery-run autorickshaw near the Kajla toll plaza when a covered van struck him from behind and fled the scene. He was rescued in critical condition and taken to Dhaka Medical College Hospital, where doctors declared him dead around 6:15 a.m.

Sub-inspector Shahnewaz of Jatrabari Police Station confirmed the incident. The victim, originally from Madanpur in Narayanganj, lived in the Shonir Akhra area with his wife and two children. His body has been kept at the Dhaka Medical College Hospital morgue for autopsy.

Police have not yet identified the vehicle or driver responsible for the accident, and no further details on the investigation were provided in the report.

Iran’s Chief Justice Gholamhossein Mohseni has pledged to expedite the trials of individuals arrested during recent protests across the country. The announcement was made on Wednesday through state television, which described the demonstrations as “riots.” During a visit to a Tehran prison where many detainees are being held, Mohseni stated that authorities must act quickly in cases involving violence such as arson or beheadings.

According to Iranian news agencies, Mohseni also called for the trials to be conducted publicly. Reports said he spent about five hours at the Tehran facility reviewing case files of those detained in connection with the unrest. Human rights organizations have claimed that thousands of people have been arrested in the recent protests and expressed fears that Iran’s judiciary may impose widespread death sentences.

The situation has heightened international concern over human rights conditions in Iran, as observers warn that the judiciary’s approach could further escalate tensions within the country.