A Dhaka court recorded the confessional statement of Mohammad Jinnat, one of the accused shooters in the murder of former Dhaka North Swechchhasebak Dal general secretary Azizur Rahman Mosabbir. The confession was taken by Metropolitan Magistrate Sarah Farzana Haque after Jinnat agreed to give his statement. Following the recording, he was sent to jail. The court also granted seven-day remand for three other accused — Mohammad Billal, his brother Abdul Kadir, and Mohammad Riaz — for further investigation.

The hearing took place on Monday afternoon when the investigation officer presented the accused before the court. The remand request was heard by Additional Chief Metropolitan Magistrate Jashita Islam, with Public Prosecutor Omar Faruk Faruki representing the state. The accused denied involvement, claiming they were not connected to the incident.

The murder occurred last Thursday night near Hotel Super Star in West Tejturi Bazar, Tejgaon, when unidentified assailants shot Mosabbir, who later died at a local hospital. His wife filed a murder case the following day, leading to multiple arrests across several districts and the recovery of a motorcycle and cash linked to the crime.

The Dhaka Stock Exchange (DSE) has announced a major revision of its main index, DSEX, following an annual trading review. Nine new companies will be added to the index, six of which are identified as weak in fundamentals. At the same time, sixteen companies will be removed, including five well-known Islamic banks whose shares have been declared void and trading suspended. The changes will take effect on January 18, according to DSE authorities.

The six weak fundamental companies joining the DSEX are BD Welding, Desco, Dulamia Cotton, Safko Spinning, Standard Ceramic, and Jhil-Bangla Sugar. The other three additions are Ha-Well Textile, Northern Islami Insurance, and Sharp Industries. The five Islamic banks being removed—First Security Islami Bank, Exim Bank, Social Islami Bank, Global Islami Bank, and Union Bank—have merged to form a new entity named Sammilit Islami Bank. Other companies dropped include Apollo Ispat, United Capital, Meghna Condensed Milk, and several others.

The DSE also adjusted its DS-30 index, adding Meghna Petroleum, BSRM Steels, and Fine Foods, while removing Heidelberg Cement, GPH Ispat, and Khan Brothers PP Woven Bag.

Iran’s government has declared three days of national mourning following recent violent protests and clashes that left multiple civilians and security personnel dead. The announcement was made on Sunday evening, January 11, through a statement from the presidential office, according to Tasnim News. The government said the mourning period honors those killed in the unrest, expressing condolences on behalf of the state and cabinet.

Authorities reiterated their commitment to bringing those responsible for the violence to justice and to maintaining public order. Officials alleged that the recent incidents were carried out by “externally supported rioters” who attacked political figures and security forces, creating instability across the country.

The declaration of mourning comes amid heightened political tension and ongoing opposition activity within Iran’s political and security environment, reflecting the government’s attempt to restore calm after widespread unrest.

Meta has deactivated more than 540,000 Facebook, Instagram, and Threads accounts in Australia following the country’s new social media ban for users under 16. The U.S. technology company stated that between December 4 and 11, it removed 330,639 Instagram accounts, 173,497 Facebook accounts, and 39,916 Threads accounts believed to be operated by minors. The action came after Australia implemented the world’s first full prohibition on social media use by children under 16, effective December 10.

According to Anadolu Agency, the Australian government’s decision bars minors from creating, using, or maintaining profiles on major platforms including Facebook, Instagram, X, TikTok, YouTube, and Snapchat. In a blog post, Meta said it seeks constructive dialogue with the government to explore safer, privacy-preserving, and age-appropriate online experiences instead of a total ban. The company emphasized that a unified industry standard for age verification is still lacking.

Meta reaffirmed its commitment to comply with Australian law but expressed concern over the absence of clear and consistent age determination standards across the industry.

The General Secretary of Chittagong University Central Students’ Union (ChakSU), Saeed Bin Habib, has alleged that national newspapers Prothom Alo and Samakal published biased reports regarding the detention of Hasan Mohammad Roman Shuvo, a teacher from the university’s law department. Speaking at a press conference at the ChakSU office on Monday, Habib said the incident was misrepresented as mob harassment, though video footage showed no physical abuse or violence. He stated that ChakSU leaders handed Shuvo over to the administration after he attempted to flee when questioned about allegations against him.

Habib further claimed that ChakSU leaders, particularly female members, have been facing organized cyberbullying and death threats through social media, including the use of obscene and misogynistic language. He described the attacks as part of a coordinated campaign of defamation and intimidation. Addressing recent recruitment issues at the university, Habib urged the administration to disclose all relevant information under the Right to Information Act, 2009, to strengthen trust between students and the administration.

ChakSU believes that transparency in recruitment processes will help resolve ongoing disputes and restore confidence within the university community.

Bangladesh’s participation in the upcoming T20 World Cup has become uncertain following an ICC letter citing security concerns. Youth and Sports Adviser Asif Nazrul told reporters in Sylhet on Monday that the ICC’s security division warned of potential risks to the Bangladesh team under specific conditions. According to him, the letter mentioned three factors that could heighten security threats: the inclusion of cricketer Mustafizur Rahman in the squad, Bangladeshi supporters wearing national flags or jerseys in public, and the approach of national elections.

Nazrul stated that the ICC’s security team identified these issues as reasons why Bangladesh might not be able to play its World Cup matches in India. He added that the ICC’s assessment clearly indicated that the situation in India was not suitable for Bangladesh’s participation. The remarks were made during a media briefing at the BFF building in Sylhet.

The development has cast doubt over Bangladesh’s involvement in the tournament, with officials awaiting further clarification from the ICC regarding the team’s security arrangements.

Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer Dr. Shafiqur Rahman has called on citizens to vote 'yes' for reform, regardless of political affiliation. He made the appeal on Monday during a press briefing following a courtesy meeting with a three-member European Union election observation team led by Ivars Ijabs, a member of the European Parliament, at his office in Bashundhara, Dhaka.

Dr. Rahman said a final announcement on seat-sharing for the upcoming national election would come within the next two days, adding that discussions with all parties were ongoing to reach a coordinated decision. He noted that the EU delegation inquired about election preparations, law and order, and the Election Commission’s role. He outlined three key conditions for post-election stability: building a corruption-free state, ensuring an independent judiciary, and implementing reform commission proposals.

He emphasized that Jamaat seeks balanced foreign relations based on mutual respect and equality, with special attention to youth and women’s security. He also mentioned that around 200 EU observers would monitor the polls across districts and city corporations and expressed hope that the administration would act neutrally.

Iran’s parliament speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf stated that the Islamic Republic is currently engaged in battles on four simultaneous fronts—economic, intellectual, military, and counterterrorism—against enemies led by the United States and Israel. Speaking in parliament on Sunday, he said these conflicts have been ongoing for years and are becoming increasingly complex. According to him, Iran’s adversaries have already been defeated militarily, prompting the US to attempt to incite unrest and impose what he described as a “terrorist war” inside the country.

Ghalibaf warned that this so-called “terrorist war,” resembling Daesh-style operations, aims to harm Iran. He criticized US President Donald Trump’s threats and said the Iranian people have resolved to confront and eliminate armed terrorists. Separately, on January 9, Supreme Leader Ayatollah Seyed Ali Khamenei accused certain groups of carrying out sabotage in Tehran and other cities to please the US president. He alleged that Trump was responsible for the deaths of over a thousand Iranians during a 12-day war in June 2025.

Khamenei emphasized that the Islamic Republic, founded through great sacrifice, would never submit to foreign powers and urged Iranian youth to maintain unity and readiness to defeat all enemies.

A Chattogram court has sentenced ten individuals to life imprisonment for the murder of police constable Abdul Kaiyum, who was stabbed to death by robbers a decade ago. The verdict was delivered on Monday by Judge Mizanur Rahman of the Chattogram Special Judge Court. The convicted are Md. Javed, Nurul Alam, Suman Molla, Harunur Rashid, Tapan Chandra Sarker, Mintu Das, Arsal alias Russell, Faruk alias Bullet Faruk, Md. Sohel, and Md. Babul. Five of the convicts were present in court, while the other five remain absconding.

Each convict was also fined 25,000 taka, totaling 250,000 taka, which the court ordered to be handed over to the slain constable’s family. According to court sources, the incident occurred on November 3, 2013, in front of the DIG bungalow at Tigerpass Ambagan under Khulshi Police Station, when robbers attacked police personnel, killing Kaiyum and injuring three others.

Abdul Kaiyum, a resident of Sandwip upazila in Chattogram, had joined the police as a constable on October 6, 2012. The case was filed naming 11 suspects and several unidentified persons, and the verdict came after testimony from 14 witnesses.

Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer Dr. Shafiqur Rahman announced that the party’s final decision on seat-sharing will be declared within the next two days. He made the statement on Monday during a press briefing following a courtesy meeting with a three-member European Union election observation delegation led by Ivars Ijabs, a member of the European Parliament, at his office in Bashundhara, Dhaka. He said journalists would be invited when the parties sit together to finalize the agreement.

During the hour-long discussion, topics included the upcoming February national election, the referendum, and the preparedness of Jamaat and its allies. The EU team inquired about the law and order situation, the roles of the government and the Election Commission, and whether a level playing field exists. Dr. Rahman said the party had raised its concerns with the relevant authorities and received partial remedies.

He added that Jamaat supports fair elections, reform, and justice for all, emphasizing that voters must be able to cast their ballots freely and that results should reflect the people’s will. He also confirmed that the EU plans to send 200 observers to cover district and city corporation areas.

Mohammad Nahid Islam, convener of the National Citizens Party (NCP), and Maulana Mohammad Mamunul Haque, amir of Bangladesh Khelafat Majlis, held a courtesy meeting on Monday afternoon at Haque’s personal office in Mohammadpur, Dhaka. The two leaders, both part of the Jamaat-e-Islami–led 11-party alliance, discussed the upcoming national election, the planned referendum, and other current political issues.

According to party sources, the hour-long meeting covered the country’s ongoing political situation, recent political alignments, and future strategies. The discussion emphasized strengthening mutual understanding within the alliance and coordinating joint political initiatives. Particular focus was placed on developing a unified political stance to safeguard national interests, independence, and sovereignty, as well as mobilizing public support for a “yes” vote in the referendum.

The meeting reflected efforts within the 11-party alliance to consolidate cooperation and define strategies ahead of the next election and referendum.

The National Economic Council (NEC) has approved a revised Annual Development Programme (ADP) of Tk 2 trillion for the 2025–26 fiscal year. Including projects under autonomous bodies and corporations, the total expenditure stands at Tk 2.289 trillion. The decision was made at an NEC meeting chaired by Chief Adviser Dr. Muhammad Yunus at the NEC Conference Room in Sher-e-Bangla Nagar. The revised plan allocates Tk 1.28 trillion from domestic sources and Tk 720 billion from foreign sources.

According to the press briefing, the revised ADP reflects a reduction of Tk 300 billion compared to the original plan, with Tk 160 billion less from domestic sources and Tk 140 billion less from foreign assistance. The programme includes 1,330 projects, comprising 1,108 investment projects, 35 feasibility studies, 121 technical assistance projects, and 66 self-financed projects by agencies. Priority sectors include transport, power and energy, housing, education, and local government, which together receive Tk 1.211 trillion or 60.54% of total allocations.

Planning officials stated that the revised ADP aims to expand economic activities, generate employment, develop human resources, improve social services, and support sustainable growth.

A Russian commander has claimed that his unit shot down a US-made F-16 fighter jet operated by Ukraine. In an interview broadcast on Russia-1 TV, the commander, identified as Sevar, said the aircraft was the most attractive target for his unit. According to him, two missiles were fired at the jet, with the first damaging it and the second delivering the final strike. Sevar stated that the operation took considerable preparation time and that his team had been tracking the aircraft before it entered their target zone. He did not specify when the incident occurred.

Meanwhile, Ukraine reportedly carried out separate attacks on three Russian oil extraction facilities in the Caspian Sea and launched drone strikes on the city of Voronezh. The governor of the Voronezh region, Alexander Gusev, confirmed that one woman was killed and three others were injured in the drone attack. Several drones were shot down over the city, but casualties could not be avoided. The extent of damage to the Caspian oil facilities remains unclear.

The developments highlight continuing hostilities between Russia and Ukraine, with both sides reporting strikes across multiple fronts.

The Indian government has imposed a two-month ban on virtual private network (VPN) use in Indian-administered Kashmir, citing national security concerns. The order, issued on December 29, described VPNs as a threat to national security and alleged that they were being misused to incite unrest. Following the ban, police have intensified searches, stopping pedestrians and vehicles to check mobile phones, and have taken action against more than 100 individuals accused of violating the order.

The decision has caused significant anxiety among professionals and residents who rely on VPNs for secure communication and data protection. Basit Bande, an IT professional from Pulwama working in Pune, told Al Jazeera that the government’s order was issued without adequate consideration for professionals whose work depends on VPN access. He fears losing his job or being forced to relocate permanently to Pune as many corporate systems, including email, require VPN connections.

According to cybersecurity firm Surfshark, about 20 percent of India’s 800 million internet users use VPNs, making the country one of the largest VPN markets globally. The ban has sparked renewed debate about digital rights and online security in India.

BNP Standing Committee member Selima Rahman has said that state reform and ensuring normal living conditions for people will be the main goals of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP). She made the remarks on Monday at a prayer and memorial meeting organized by the Jatiyatabadi Nabin Dal at the National Press Club in Dhaka, held to pray for the soul of late BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia.

Selima Rahman stated that if BNP comes to power, it will move forward under the leadership of Tarique Rahman to build a humane Bangladesh inspired by Khaleda Zia’s ideals and thoughts. She described Khaleda Zia as a symbol of global respect who endured political persecution and left behind a legacy of courage and dedication to democracy and citizens’ rights. Rahman emphasized that BNP seeks a fair and neutral upcoming election and remains united under Tarique Rahman’s leadership.

She also recalled Khaleda Zia’s contributions as a three-time prime minister in education, health, and women’s development, noting that the foundation of reform began with Ziaur Rahman’s 19-point program, later developed through Khaleda Zia’s vision and Tarique Rahman’s leadership.