Iran stands at a volatile crossroads as nationwide anti-government protests enter a new, deadlier phase, with authorities mounting an aggressive crackdown and the United States intensifying pressure on Tehran. State media has amplified narratives that frame protesters as “terrorists” and agents of foreign powers, seeking to link them to alleged efforts by the United States to destabilize Iran. Internationally, the crisis has triggered an extraordinary response from the United States. This position marks a continuation of the administration’s “maximum pressure” policy on Iran but with heightened rhetoric linked explicitly to protester deaths. Demonstrators carried placards demanding action by the United States and other governments to stop the violence and restore freedoms to Iranian citizens.

Diplomats, journalists and policymakers gathered at the National Press Club in Washington, DC, to pay tribute to Bangladesh’s first female prime minister Khaleda Zia, honouring her political legacy, personal sacrifices and lifelong struggle for parliamentary democracy. The memorial meeting, held on Monday evening at the century-old institution, reflected deep respect for Khaleda Zia’s role in shaping Bangladesh’s democratic journey. The event was organized by National Press Club member and Bangladesh’s Ambassador to Mexico, Mushfiqul Fazal Ansarey. Dan Mozena described Khaleda Zia as a leader who earned respect by showing respect to others. Former AP editor Myron Belkind said Khaleda Zia’s life demonstrated that democracy is never a gift.

River Police rescued four fishermen who were abducted by pirates while fishing in the Meghna River under Borhanuddin Police Station in Bhola district. Based on information received from local residents, In-charge of Mirzakalu Naval Police Outpost, Police Inspector (retd) Sanatan Chandra Sarkar, immediately informed higher authorities. Under the overall supervision of SM Nazmul Haque, Superintendent of Police, Barisal Region, River Police, an expeditionary team was formed. The rescued fishermen have been identified as Md Mohiuddin Matabbar, 40, Md Sabuj, 22, Md Bajlu Majhi, 38, and Md Sharif, 30. After the rescue, the fishermen were provided with necessary first aid.

A Jamaat-e-Islami leader was killed at his residence in West Rajabazar, Dhaka, early Monday after assailants tied up his wife and carried out the attack. After entering the house, they bound Anwarullah’s wife and later killed him. The assailants then took cash and gold ornaments before leaving the house. CCTV footage showed that the assailants first cut the balcony grill and then the grill of a room to enter the house. The family said the assailants took eight tolas of gold and Tk5 lakh in cash after killing Anwarullah.

Photo : CollectedDHAKA, Jan 13, 2026 (BSS) - In a significant move to bolster the country’s textile and garment accessories sector, Leaders Label Material (Bangladesh) Co. Ltd. today signed a land lease agreement with the Bangladesh Special Economic Zone (BSEZ). Leaders Label Material (Bangladesh) is a subsidiary of the Chinese firm Huzhou Lingxian Silk Ribbon Co. Ltd., based in Zhejiang Province. By choosing the BSEZ for its first production facility in Bangladesh, the company cited the zone's strategic location, modern infrastructure, and investment-friendly environment. The BSEZ, frequently referred to as the Japanese Economic Zone, is a landmark government-to-government (G2G) initiative between the governments of Bangladesh and Japan. Managed under the Bangladesh Economic Zones Authority (BEZA), the zone aims to diversify industrial production, attract both local and Japanese investment, and alleviate poverty through sustainable economic growth.

News Desk :National Citizen Party’s Member Secretary Akhter Hossen has been cleared of charges in two cases filed nearly five years ago over alleged “rioting, illegal assembly and obstructing government work”. The cases were filed at Shahbagh Police Station. Two separate Dhaka courts passed the orders on Tuesday. Akhter’s lawyer Md Mujahidul Islam said they sought the acquittals, citing to the courts the gazette issued by the home ministry for withdrawing the cases against Akhter, bdnews24.com. Three separate cases were filed with Shahbagh Police following the demonstration against Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s Bangladesh visit in March of 2021.

Power, Energy and Mineral Resources Adviser Muhammad Fouzul Kabir Khan. File PhotoDHAKA, Jan 13, 2026 (BSS) - Power, Energy and Mineral Resources Adviser Muhammad Fouzul Kabir Khan today said the government is taking all possible measures to resolve the ongoing gas crisis and ensure that consumers are no longer held hostage by shortages. "Currently, LPG is not imported by the public sector, but the government is reviewing the feasibility of public-sector imports," he added. The adviser said that if the public sector begins importing LPG, it will help stabilize the market and resolve the crisis, ensuring that consumers are no longer held hostage. The adviser expressed regret for the inconvenience caused to consumers and assured that the government is actively working to improve the situation.

The International Cricket Council (ICC) has asked Bangladesh to reconsider its decision not to play in India for the T20 World Cup, reports bdnews24.com. The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB), however, reaffirmed its stance, insisting that its matches be held outside India.The development was shared on Tuesday afternoon in a media statement issued by the BCB following a video conference with the ICC. The BCB statement also confirmed the board's commitment to ensuring the safety of players, officials, and staff, and pledged ongoing constructive engagement with the ICC. Since then, the BCB has twice requested the ICC to relocate its World Cup fixtures, detailing security concerns in India in a second follow-up email. Bangladesh is currently scheduled to play its group matches in Kolkata and Mumbai, facing the West Indies, Italy, England and Nepal.

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We want a parliament where there will be no place for dance, songs or terrorists: SalahuddinBNP Standing Committee member Salahuddin Ahmed spoke at a meeting of the activists of BNP’s women’s wing at the union BNP office in Charingia Palakata Fish Landing Station under Chakoria upazila. Salahuddin Ahmed further said, “In the future parliament, laws will be enacted through which Bangladesh will move forward. Through such a parliament, we want to set up an example on the world stage.”“The upcoming election will determine the direction of Bangladesh’s progress. Not only that, the upcoming election will be one to implement what we are preparing for, standing on the blood of martyrs. Therefore, we believe the upcoming election will be the most important election in the nation’s history.

A fire at a “jhut” or waste fabric warehouse in Gazipur has been brought under control within an hour by the Fire Service. The incident occurred around 12:30pm on Tuesday in the Kathora area of Salna, according to Hiron Mia, station officer of the Bhogra Modern Fire Service. The fire reportedly started at the warehouse on property belonging to Abdul Awal Mia. As the fire intensified, two more units from Bhogra Modern Fire Station joined the effort. By 1:15pm, all four units had successfully contained the fire before it could reach nearby tin-roofed homes.

Fisheries and Livestock Adviser Farida Akhter. File PhotoDHAKA, Jan 13, 2026 (BSS) - Fisheries and Livestock Adviser Farida Akhter today said legendary singer Farida Parveen has not merely upheld the dignity of Lalon's songs; rather, she has infused them with new life. Lalon's songs, she noted, are deeply rooted in classical and raga-based musical traditions, through her own devotion and artistic discipline, Farida Parveen gave these songs a distinctive and unparalleled form, she said. She said Farida Parveen had lifelong lamented the distortion of Lalon music and consistently emphasised the importance of embracing Lalon's philosophy and worldview. If this continuity is maintained, she expressed hope that many singers like Farida Parveen will emerge from this institution.

Former Information adviser Mahfuj Alam has said that dalals (brokers) in the country have amassed wealth and are running the media, which is why no change has taken place. Mahfuj said the mass uprising was not for the benefit of a few, but for the change of all, and that reforms are necessary. Emphasizing wealth redistribution, Mahfuj said if political parties reach an agreement in the July charter, contrary statements should not be made. He described political compromise as a reorganization of the power structure and said wealth redistribution is essential, noting that no work has been done on land distribution. He urged political parties to ensure that the mass uprising’s progress is not undone, warning that their actions are pushing the country backward.

Photo: BSSDHAKA, Jan 13, 2026 (BSS) – The ‘25th Dhaka International Yarn and Fabric Show 2026 – Winter Edition’ is scheduled to begin on January 28, providing a major boost to Bangladesh’s textile and garment sector. Jointly organized by CEMS-Global USA and CCPIT-Tex China, the four-day international exhibition will be held at the International Convention City Bashundhara (ICCB) in the city. Running concurrently with this event is the "8th Dhaka International Denim Show 2026". During a press conference held today at the Hotel Pan Pacific Sonargaon, organizers highlighted that the show serves as a vital international platform for buyers and suppliers of yarn, fabric, denim, trims, and accessories. This event is expected to be a cornerstone for networking and sourcing within the global textile supply chain.

BAU, Mymensingh, Jan 13, 2026 (BSS)- Bangladesh Agricultural University (BAU) has formally handed over a comprehensive treatment guideline book on Lumpy Skin Disease (LSD) affecting cattle to the Department of Livestock Services (DLS). Mokbul Hossain of the Department of Pathology, BAU, Dr. Md. Boyzar Rahman, Director (Administration), DLS, Dr. Begum Shamsunnahar Ahmed, Director (Extension), DLS, Dr. A. While presenting the keynote paper, Professor Dr. Rokhsana Parveen highlighted the objectives, achievements and detailed contents of the treatment guideline developed under the project. In his speech, the Director General of DLS, Dr. Md.