Taiwanese President Lai Ching vowed to defend his country’s sovereignty in a televised New Year’s address amid escalating tensions with China. The statement came after Beijing launched continuous missile tests around Taiwan’s main island and deployed warplanes, naval vessels, and coast guard ships. Taipei condemned the Chinese military drills as highly provocative.

China maintains that democratic Taiwan is part of its territory and has threatened to use force to bring the island under its control. In his speech, Lai reaffirmed his commitment to strengthening national defense, ensuring social stability, and building a robust democratic security system. He emphasized that Taiwan’s international support has remained strong.

The United States, Taiwan’s main security partner, recently announced a major arms sale to Taipei, while Japan also expressed support for Taiwan. Japan’s prime minister warned that any Chinese use of force against Taiwan could prompt a military response from Tokyo.

A government investigation committee has concluded that two bearing pads which fell from a metro rail pillar in Dhaka’s Farmgate area were defective. The findings were disclosed on Thursday at a briefing held at the Secretariat’s Road Transport and Highways Division conference room, attended by adviser Muhammad Faozul Kabir Khan from the power, energy, transport, and rail ministries. The committee stated that out of ten technical parameters, two did not meet expected standards, though this did not mean all components were faulty. No evidence of sabotage was found.

The incidents occurred on September 18 and October 26, 2024. The first caused an 11-hour suspension of metro service but no casualties. The second, involving an 80-kilogram pad, resulted in the death of a young man and led to another shutdown. Following the fatal accident, the government formed the investigation committee to determine the cause.

The committee’s findings suggest that technical flaws, not deliberate actions, were responsible for the accidents, though further evaluation of all components may be necessary.

A Dhaka court has ordered the freezing of 28 bank accounts and two BO accounts belonging to former Dhaka Metropolitan Police Joint Commissioner Biplob Kumar Sarkar and his wife Hosneara Begum. The order was issued on Thursday by Acting Judge Md. Alamgir of the Dhaka Metropolitan Sessions Judge’s Court following a petition from the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC). Court bench assistant Md. Riaz Hossain confirmed the directive, while ACC Assistant Director Russel Rony filed the petition.

According to the petition, an investigation is underway against Biplob Kumar Sarkar and others for allegedly acquiring wealth beyond known income sources through bribery and corruption while in government service. The ACC alleged that the couple attempted to transfer or conceal funds from their accounts, which could hinder future recovery efforts. The freeze was imposed under Rule 18 of the ACC Rules 2007 and Section 14 of the Money Laundering Prevention Act 2012.

Earlier, on December 9, the court had barred Biplob Kumar Sarkar, his wife, his brother Pronoy Kumar Sarkar, and Hosneara Begum’s sister Shahanara Begum from leaving the country.

Throughout 2025, armed conflicts and military operations erupted across several regions, marking the year as one of widespread warfare. In April, a deadly attack in Indian-administered Kashmir triggered Indian air and missile strikes on Pakistan under 'Operation Sindur,' followed by Pakistan’s counteroffensive 'Operation Buniyanum Marsus.' The four-day conflict ended on May 10 after U.S. President Donald Trump announced a ceasefire agreement between the two countries. On June 13, Israel launched 'Operation Rising Sun,' a surprise assault on Iran that killed top Iranian military leaders and nuclear scientists. Iran retaliated with 'Wadae Sadeq-3,' before a U.S.-brokered ceasefire took effect on October 24.

The year also saw continued fighting in Eastern Europe, where the Russia-Ukraine war entered its third year without resolution despite U.S. mediation. Southeast Asia experienced renewed border clashes between Thailand and Cambodia in July and December. Civil war persisted in Sudan, while Israel carried out strikes in Lebanon and Syria. Border tensions flared between Afghanistan and Pakistan, and the United States appeared to be preparing actions around Venezuela.

The report warned that new conflicts could emerge in various regions as 2026 begins.

Bangladesh’s interim government foreign affairs adviser Md. Touhid Hossain has advised against interpreting Indian External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar’s visit to Dhaka in political or inter-state terms. Speaking to reporters at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Thursday, January 1, he said Jaishankar’s brief participation in the funeral events for former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia was a gesture of goodwill and should not be overanalyzed.

Hossain clarified that there was no one-on-one meeting between him and Jaishankar, and no bilateral issues were discussed. He noted that representatives from all South Asian countries attended the event, including Pakistan’s National Assembly Speaker Sardar Ayaz Sadiq, Bhutan’s Foreign Minister D.N. Dhungyel, and others. Hossain described Jaishankar’s interactions, such as handshakes with other dignitaries, as acts of courtesy.

He added that Khaleda Zia held a positive image across South Asia and that participation by regional leaders in her funeral was natural. When asked whether Jaishankar’s visit might ease tensions between Bangladesh and India, Hossain said the answer would become clear in the future.

Police in Madan upazila of Netrakona have arrested two teenagers in connection with the throat-slitting murder of school student Shawon. The arrests were confirmed on Thursday by Madan Police Station Officer-in-Charge Hasnat Zaman. The detainees include Mahfuz, 17, a tenth-grade student of Jahangirpur Tahura Amin Government Pilot High School, and Kayes, another teenager from Changao Chakpara village. Mahfuz’s 13-year-old sister, Mahfuza Akter Eva, was also detained for questioning but later released.

According to police, the victim’s family, and local residents, Shawon and Mahfuz were classmates and friends. Shawon allegedly tried to develop a romantic relationship with Mahfuz’s sister, which angered Mahfuz and may have led to the killing. Police suspect the murder stemmed from this personal dispute but continue to investigate to uncover the full motive.

Shawon went missing on December 28, and his body was recovered from farmland in Kadamshree Haor on Monday morning. His father, Awlad Hossain Bhuiyan, filed a murder case on December 31 against unidentified persons.

Bangladesh Border Guard (BGB) detained three suspected members of a smuggling group along with two motorcycles at the Jagatber Union area of Patgram upazila in Lalmonirhat on Thursday, January 1, 2026. The arrests took place near the Mohammadpur area of the Nazirgomani border while the suspects were allegedly attempting to smuggle cattle across the India-Bangladesh frontier.

According to a press release from the 61 BGB Teesta Battalion, the operation was part of ongoing anti-smuggling drives in the Nazirgomani border region near pillar 868/5 S. The seized individuals were identified as residents of the Islampur area: Md. Abdul Jalil, Md. Mahidul Islam, and Abedar Ali. The confiscated motorcycles and other materials were handed over to Patgram Police Station.

Patgram Police Station Officer-in-Charge Nazmul Haque stated that a smuggling case was filed, and the detainees, along with the seized items, were transferred to police custody for further legal action.

At least 40 people were killed and 100 others injured after a powerful explosion and fire ripped through a bar in the Swiss ski resort town of Crans-Montana early Wednesday. The incident occurred around 1:30 a.m. during a New Year’s Eve celebration, according to Swiss police cited by Italy’s foreign ministry. The bar, popular among tourists, was crowded with people welcoming the new year when the blast occurred.

Authorities said the explosion is not being treated as an act of terrorism, though the exact cause remains unclear. Emergency services, including police, firefighters, and medical teams, rushed to the scene, supported by several helicopters in the rescue operation. Booths were set up to assist relatives of the victims.

Police have completely sealed off the area and declared a no-fly zone over Crans-Montana to facilitate rescue efforts.

The Bangladesh government has again reduced the profit rates on national savings certificates, effective from Thursday, January 1, 2026. The Internal Resources Division (IRD) announced the new rates, which will remain valid for the next six months. Under the revised structure, the maximum profit rate is set at 10.59 percent and the minimum at 8.74 percent. The previous adjustment took place in July 2025, as part of the government’s semiannual review process.

According to the new rates, the Family Savings Certificate now offers 10.54 percent profit for investments below Tk 7.5 lakh and 10.41 percent for higher amounts. Pensioner Savings Certificates will yield 10.59 percent and 10.41 percent respectively, while the five-year Bangladesh Savings Certificate will provide 10.44 percent and 10.41 percent. Quarterly profit-based certificates will offer 10.48 percent and 10.43 percent depending on investment size.

Savings certificates issued before July 1, 2025, will continue to earn the rates fixed at the time of issuance. However, reinvestments will follow the newly announced rates. The government will reassess and possibly revise the rates again after six months.

Four police officers were injured when drug dealers attacked a police team during a drug recovery operation in Sreepur, Gazipur, on Monday. The attackers vandalized two police vehicles and a CNG auto-rickshaw, freeing two detainees from police custody. Law enforcement later arrested ten individuals in connection with the assault.

According to the report, the Sreepur police team conducted the raid at a house in the Maona Peer Ali College area following a tip-off about drug trading. Officers initially detained three suspects with yaba tablets. Upon learning of the arrests, local drug traders and their associates armed with local weapons, machetes, and iron rods attacked the police, throwing bricks and stones. Additional police forces arrived to control the situation and rescued the injured officers, who were taken to Sreepur Upazila Health Complex.

Sub-Inspector Arup Kumar Biswas filed a case naming 24 individuals and 80–90 unidentified suspects for obstructing government work and attacking police. Police also seized three motorcycles left behind by the attackers and said operations to capture fugitives are ongoing.

An analysis of affidavits submitted by candidates in Chattogram’s 16 constituencies shows that BNP nominees possess significantly higher wealth compared to their Jamaat counterparts. The richest candidate is BNP’s Aslam Chowdhury from Chattogram-4 (Sitakunda), who declared assets worth about Tk 456.95 crore but also reported loans totaling Tk 1,700 crore. In contrast, Jamaat’s Md. Anwar Siddiqui from the same constituency is the poorest candidate, declaring assets of Tk 43.84 lakh. Other wealthy BNP candidates include Humam Quader Chowdhury of Rangunia with Tk 134 crore and Golam Akbar Khondkar of Raozan with Tk 52 crore.

Most Jamaat candidates come from teaching or small business backgrounds, declaring assets between Tk 30 lakh and Tk 1 crore, with limited cash holdings. Only Fatikchhari’s Nurul Amin stands out with Tk 13 crore in assets. Economist Dr. Moinul Islam noted that many candidates’ declared assets appear disproportionately high compared to their income and called for independent audits to ensure transparency. Regional Election Officer Mohammad Belayet Hossain Chowdhury emphasized that false or concealed information in affidavits could lead to legal consequences, including disqualification.

The Election Commission has instructed that both candidates and transparency-focused organizations verify affidavit accuracy, underscoring its legal importance in maintaining electoral accountability.

On January 1, 2026, around 520,000 people gathered on Istanbul’s Galata Bridge to express solidarity with Palestine. The rally and march were organized by Turkey’s Humanitarian Alliance and National Will Platform under the slogan “We will not be silent, we will not forget Palestine.” More than 400 civic and social organizations joined the event, which began with morning prayers at major mosques including Hagia Sophia Grand Mosque, Sultanahmet, Fatih, Suleymaniye, and Eminonu Yeni Cami. Participants carried Turkish and Palestinian flags, wore keffiyehs, and chanted slogans supporting Palestinian resistance and freedom.

Bilal Erdoğan, chairman of the Ilim Yayma Foundation, addressed the crowd, emphasizing growing solidarity among Turkish citizens with Palestinians and calling for prayers for the freedom of Palestine and Jerusalem. Other political and religious leaders, including AK Party Istanbul branch head Abdullah Ozdemir and Onder Imam Hatipliler Association president Abdullah Cilan, also joined the march. Participants carried banners calling for justice for Palestine and condemned Israeli actions. Police maintained tight security, and organizers described the event as a peaceful demonstration of public support.

Many participants expressed hope that 2026 would bring justice, peace, and relief to Gaza, calling the rally a powerful message of solidarity from Istanbul to the world.

A Krishak Dal leader was assaulted in Gaibandha’s Saghata upazila after protesting derogatory remarks about Begum Khaleda Zia’s reported death. The incident occurred at Patilbari Char in Holdia Union, where Shahjahan Mondal, member secretary of the local Krishak Dal and a shopkeeper, was attacked at his grocery store. He was later admitted to Saghata Health Complex for treatment.

Local residents said that on Wednesday, Farid Mirza, a banned Awami League ward president from the same area, made offensive comments in public about the former prime minister and BNP chairperson. Shahjahan Mondal protested the remarks, leading to a heated exchange. Farid Mirza and his associates then allegedly launched a sudden attack on Mondal’s shop, beating him severely.

Holdia Union BNP president Omar Ali stated that Mondal was attacked for protesting the insult. Saghata Police Station Officer-in-Charge Mahmudul Alam said that action would be taken if a formal complaint is received.

The Advisory Council of Bangladesh’s interim government has approved the official public holiday calendar for 2026. According to the list, there will be a total of 28 public holidays throughout the year, nine of which fall on regular weekends, leaving 19 effective working-day holidays. The decision applies to all government, semi-government, statutory, autonomous, and semi-autonomous institutions across the country. Optional holidays have also been designated: five for Muslims, nine for Hindus, eight for Christians, seven for Buddhists, and two for employees from small ethnic communities.

The calendar outlines opportunities for extended breaks by combining official and weekend holidays. February offers a four-day break around Shab-e-Barat, while March provides the longest stretch with up to seven consecutive days off around Eid-ul-Fitr and Shab-e-Qadr. In May, employees could enjoy up to ten days off around Eid-ul-Azha by taking two additional leave days. Other months such as April, August, October, and December also feature multiple long-weekend opportunities.

The approved schedule standardizes holiday observance across all public institutions, ensuring uniformity in 2026’s national leave structure.

A deep sense of mourning has enveloped Indurkani upazila in Pirojpur following the death of BNP Chairperson and former Prime Minister Begum Khaleda Zia. As a mark of respect, all business establishments in the upazila remained closed from Thursday morning, January 1. Markets including Parerhat, Pattashi, and Ghosherhat were shuttered, with many shops locked and black flags and half-masted national flags displayed in mourning.

Md. Shahidul Islam, senior joint secretary of the Indurkani Market Management Committee, said traders voluntarily decided to close their businesses to express deep respect and sorrow for Begum Khaleda Zia. He added that all commercial activities would remain suspended throughout the day.

Begum Khaleda Zia had visited Indurkani on April 21, 2002, when she declared the then Jianagar area a full-fledged upazila. Later, the Awami League government renamed it Indurkani. Residents across the upazila are expressing grief and respect for the late leader, reflecting her lasting connection with the area.