A jurisdictional dispute has erupted between Bangladesh’s Ministry of Land and the Ministry of Shipping over control of the country’s sand extraction zones, known as balumahals. The conflict intensified after three district commissioners lodged complaints alleging that the Bangladesh Inland Water Transport Authority (BIWTA), under the Shipping Ministry, issued sand extraction permits without local administrative approval. Two inter-ministerial meetings failed to resolve the issue.

Land Ministry officials argue that, under the Sand and Soil Management Rules 2025, they hold sole authority to lease and regulate sand resources through district-level committees. BIWTA, however, claims jurisdiction over riverine sand zones under the 1958 BIWTA Ordinance, citing navigational safety responsibilities. The dispute has exposed overlapping legal frameworks and revived allegations of past political influence over sand trade networks.

The Cabinet Division has directed further consultations involving multiple ministries. Officials suggest that amendments to the 2025 regulations may be considered to clarify authority and prevent future conflicts, as unregulated sand extraction continues to raise environmental and governance concerns.

Bangladesh’s Advisory Council, chaired by Chief Adviser Dr. Muhammad Yunus, has given final approval to two major ordinances — the Enforced Disappearance Prevention and Remedy (Amendment) Ordinance 2025 and the Haor and Wetland Conservation Ordinance 2025. The decision came during the council’s weekly meeting on Thursday, which also discussed the critical health condition of July uprising leader Sharif Osman Hadi, currently under treatment in Singapore.

The disappearance ordinance allows a tribunal to officially declare a person “disappeared” after five years of absence and empowers victims’ families to manage property without prior approval. It also authorizes the appointment of public prosecutors for related tribunals. The wetland ordinance defines the jurisdiction of the Haor and Wetland Development Department, introduces legal protection for biodiversity, and criminalizes harmful activities in these ecosystems.

Additionally, the council approved establishing a new Bangladeshi embassy in Bern, Switzerland, to strengthen diplomatic and development ties. Officials said the move will enhance Bangladesh’s global representation and cooperation with Switzerland.

A Bogura court has directed the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) to take immediate action against seven individuals, including Islami Bank PLC’s senior officials and Afaco Cold Storage Limited chairman Mahmudur Rahman Mannan, over allegations of loan rescheduling fraud worth Tk 380 million. The order was issued by Senior Special Judge Shahjahan Kabir following a case filed on December 11 by a local resident, accusing the defendants of falsifying board meeting attendance and signatures to secure loan rescheduling.

According to court and bank sources, Afaco Cold Storage, located in Shibganj, Bogura, received a Tk 220 million loan in 2010, which has grown to Tk 380.4 million with interest. Despite being a profitable enterprise, the company allegedly delayed repayments and benefited from six rescheduling approvals. The accused include Islami Bank’s chairman Dr. M. Zubaidur Rahman and managing director Omar Faruk Khan. ACC’s Bogura office confirmed receipt of the court order and said an investigation is underway.

The case highlights ongoing scrutiny of loan irregularities in Bangladesh’s banking sector, with the ACC expected to intensify its probe into potential policy violations and document forgery.

Bangladesh Bank Governor Ahsan H. Mansur stated that bank owners alone cannot be blamed for institutional collapse, emphasizing that officials also share responsibility. Speaking at an Economic Reporters Forum discussion in Dhaka, he outlined ongoing reforms, including plans to merge five banks to strengthen the sector. Mansur assured depositors that their funds remain safe under deposit insurance coverage and projected foreign reserves to reach $34–35 billion by fiscal year-end without borrowing from international lenders.

The governor acknowledged persistent challenges such as capital shortfalls and a non-performing loan (NPL) rate now estimated at 36%. He pledged transparency in disclosing accurate financial data. Mutual Trust Bank’s CEO Syed Mahbubur Rahman noted that commercial banks had been forced into long-term investments due to a weak capital market, while CPD’s Executive Director Fahmida Khatun warned that political interference and poor governance had eroded the sector’s integrity.

Experts urged continued implementation of the Bank Resolution Act and full autonomy for Bangladesh Bank to restore confidence and ensure sustainable recovery ahead of the upcoming national elections.

The Bangladesh Election Commission (EC) has decided to increase the number of closed-circuit cameras (CCTV) at polling centers ahead of the 13th National Parliamentary Election scheduled for February 12, 2026. The initiative aims to strengthen election security and transparency amid growing public and political concerns. The EC will not use its own funds for installation; instead, financing will come from city corporations, district and upazila councils, and administrative funds managed by divisional commissioners, deputy commissioners, and UNOs.

Senior Secretary Akhtar Ahmed confirmed that around 4,449 educational institutions already have CCTV systems, which will be utilized for polling. The EC has requested the education ministries to ensure these cameras are functional and to arrange temporary installations where needed. The move follows earlier dialogues where political parties and civil society urged for CCTV surveillance to prevent irregularities. Each installation is estimated to cost about BDT 4,000–4,500 per center.

Observers view the measure as a step to restore voter confidence and reduce fears of violence or fraud. The EC has also instructed local administrators to ensure accessibility and safety for all voters, including the elderly and persons with disabilities.

Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) has confirmed that pacer Mustafizur Rahman will not be allowed to play the entire Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 season despite being signed by Kolkata Knight Riders for INR 9.2 crore. Cricket Operations Chairman Nazmul Abedin Fahim announced that Mustafizur will have to return home to participate in Bangladesh’s three-match ODI series against New Zealand during the IPL schedule.

Fahim explained that the decision was made to ensure Bangladesh fields its strongest squad in the crucial series, which could influence World Cup qualification. He stated that while Mustafizur has been granted a No Objection Certificate (NOC) for the IPL, it excludes the period overlapping with the New Zealand matches. Fahim emphasized that the board cannot risk losing points in the qualification race.

The BCB’s stance highlights the ongoing tension between national duties and lucrative franchise leagues. Mustafizur has yet to formally apply for his NOC, and his availability for the rest of the IPL will depend on scheduling and team requirements.

NATO member states have approved the alliance’s 2026 civil and military budgets, allocating €528.2 million (about $623 million) for civilian operations and €2.42 billion (around $3 billion) for military expenditures. The decision was finalized during a meeting of the North Atlantic Council, the organization’s principal political decision-making body.

According to a NATO statement, the 2026 budget aims to strengthen the alliance’s readiness, interoperability, and crisis management capabilities. It will also fund NATO’s command structure, training programs, joint exercises, and capacity-building initiatives for partner nations. Officials emphasized that the budget reflects a fairer distribution of financial responsibilities among member states.

The funding increase comes amid heightened global security concerns and continued efforts to modernize NATO’s defense posture. Analysts note that the budget underscores the alliance’s commitment to collective defense and strategic adaptation as geopolitical tensions persist across Europe and beyond.

The Indian Visa Application Center at Jamuna Future Park in Dhaka has resumed regular operations after a temporary suspension due to security concerns. The Indian High Commission confirmed that services restarted on Thursday morning following a one-day closure prompted by planned demonstrations near the mission premises.

The closure was initiated on Wednesday afternoon after several groups under the banner of ‘July Unity’ announced a ‘March to Indian High Commission’ protest linked to the July uprising movement. In response to the deteriorating security environment, India’s Ministry of External Affairs summoned Bangladesh’s High Commissioner in New Delhi to express concern over the situation.

The reopening signals a return to normal consular activity but highlights ongoing sensitivities in India–Bangladesh diplomatic relations. Both governments are expected to maintain heightened security coordination around foreign missions in Dhaka as political tensions continue to evolve.

Hafez Tarek Reza, Joint Member Secretary of the National Citizen Party (NCP), announced on Thursday that Jannat Akter Rumi, the party’s Dhanmondi Thana Joint Coordinator, has died by suicide. In a Facebook post, Reza claimed that Rumi had been subjected to persistent cyberbullying, threats, and intimidation from individuals linked to the ruling Awami League over the past month.

Reza alleged that despite repeated appeals from Rumi’s family and friends, law enforcement authorities failed to provide adequate protection or intervention. He further stated that the incident should not be treated as a suicide but as a politically motivated killing, vowing to seek justice for his colleague. His post has sparked renewed debate about political harassment, online abuse, and the lack of institutional response in Bangladesh.

The case underscores growing concerns about cyber harassment targeting political activists and the perceived impunity surrounding such incidents. Authorities have yet to issue an official statement or confirm whether an investigation has been launched.

Bangladesh’s International Crimes Tribunal-2 has issued arrest warrants against seven senior political figures, including Obaidul Quader, the suspended general secretary of the banned Awami League and former minister. The warrants relate to alleged crimes against humanity committed during the so-called July Revolution, a period marked by violent political unrest.

The other accused include Awami League joint general secretary A F M Bahauddin Nasim, former state minister for information Mohammad Ali Arafat, Jubo League president Sheikh Fazle Shams Parash, general secretary Mainul Hossain Khan Nikhil, and two leaders of the proscribed Chhatra League, Saddam Hossain and Wali Asif Inan. The tribunal’s decision follows formal charges submitted by the prosecution earlier this month.

Legal analysts say the move signals an intensified effort to address alleged atrocities tied to the July uprising. Party sources have not yet commented publicly, while human rights groups have urged transparency in the proceedings. The tribunal is expected to set hearing dates once the accused are taken into custody.

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan met with the family and relatives of Hind Rajab, a six-year-old Palestinian girl killed during Israeli airstrikes in Gaza, the presidential office confirmed on Wednesday. The meeting took place at Ankara’s Presidential Complex, where Erdogan expressed sympathy and paid special attention to the children in the family. According to Turkish media, he also spoke via video call with relatives who could not attend in person.

Cultural and Tourism Minister Mehmet Nuri Ersoy was also present at the meeting. Earlier, the Rajab family attended a special screening of the film “The Voice of Hind Rajab,” which portrays the young girl’s life and honors her memory. Hind Rajab’s death has drawn international attention as civilian casualties continue to mount during Israel’s ongoing military operations in Gaza.

Erdogan’s outreach underscores Turkey’s continued criticism of Israel’s actions in Gaza and its efforts to highlight the humanitarian toll of the conflict. The meeting may further strengthen Ankara’s diplomatic positioning on the Palestinian issue.

The United States has approved a record $11.1 billion arms sale to Taiwan, marking the largest defense package ever offered to the island. The deal, authorized under President Donald Trump’s administration, includes rocket systems, howitzers, Javelin anti-tank missiles, Altius combat drones, and various equipment parts. Washington described the sale as essential for strengthening Taiwan’s self-defense capabilities and maintaining regional stability.

The announcement comes as Beijing intensifies military and diplomatic pressure on Taipei, conducting frequent air and naval maneuvers near the island. Taiwan’s Ministry of Defense welcomed the decision, emphasizing that the new weapons will enhance its deterrence capacity. The Pentagon stated that the sale supports US national, economic, and security interests by modernizing Taiwan’s armed forces.

Analysts view the move as a signal of continued US commitment to Taiwan’s defense under the Taiwan Relations Act. However, the sale is expected to draw sharp criticism from China, which considers Taiwan a breakaway province and opposes foreign military support.

Finnish Prime Minister Petteri Orpo has issued a formal apology to several Asian countries following a controversy involving racist social media posts by far-right members of Finland’s parliament. The posts, which included images mocking Asian facial features, sparked widespread criticism and were dubbed the 'slanted eyes' scandal by Finnish media. Orpo, who leads a four-party coalition government including the nationalist Finns Party, said the images do not reflect Finland’s values of equality and inclusion.

The incident began earlier this month when a friend of a former Miss Finland posted a photo imitating Asian eyes, captioned as dining with a Chinese person. Two Finns Party MPs and one European Parliament member later shared similar images. Finland’s national airline, Finnair, reported negative reactions in Asian markets, while the Finns Party said it would discuss the matter in its upcoming meeting.

This is not the first time Orpo’s government has faced racial controversy. In 2023, racist remarks by Finns Party ministers nearly triggered a no-confidence vote, raising questions about the coalition’s stability and Finland’s international image.

Bangladesh’s prosecution has formally filed charges against two senior leaders of the banned student organization Bangladesh Chhatra League (BCL) for alleged crimes against humanity committed during the July Revolution. The accused are BCL president Saddam Hossain and general secretary Sheikh Wali Asif Enan. Prosecutor Gazi M.H. Tamim confirmed the submission of the charges to the tribunal on Thursday.

In addition to the two student leaders, five other prominent political figures have also been charged, including former Awami League general secretary and ex-minister Obaidul Quader, joint general secretary A.F.M. Bahauddin Nasim, former state minister for information Mohammad Ali Arafat, Jubo League president Sheikh Fazle Shams Parash, and general secretary Mainul Hossain Khan Nikhil. Arrest warrants have reportedly been issued against all seven accused.

The tribunal’s move marks a significant escalation in post-revolution accountability efforts. Legal analysts suggest the proceedings could reshape Bangladesh’s political landscape, as several of the accused held top positions in now-banned organizations. The trial schedule is expected to be announced in the coming weeks.

At least 12 people were killed and three others abducted when armed men attacked a mining site in Atoso village, Plateau State, Nigeria, late Tuesday night. Local leaders told Reuters that the assailants, identified by residents as armed Fulani militia, opened fire on workers before fleeing the scene. Five more victims were hospitalized with gunshot wounds.

Police spokesperson Alfred Alabo confirmed that an investigation has been launched into the incident. The attack underscores the persistent insecurity in central Nigeria, where ethnic and religious tensions between farming communities and herders have repeatedly erupted into violence. Local youth leader Daliop Solomon Mwantiri of the Berom Youth Moulders Association condemned the assault and urged authorities to strengthen protection for rural communities.

Despite repeated government pledges to restore peace, Plateau State continues to experience deadly clashes. Analysts warn that without stronger law enforcement and reconciliation efforts, such attacks could further destabilize the region’s fragile security landscape.