EC to train over 800,000 polling officials from Jan 22
The Election Commission (EC) is set to begin training more than 800,000 presiding and assistant presiding officers from January 22 as part of preparations for the 13th National Parliamentary Election, scheduled to be held on February 12 alongside a referendum. He said the training will cover presiding and assistant presiding officers nationwide to ensure smooth conduct of the polls. According to the revised election schedule, appeals against returning officers’ decisions will be settled between January 10 and 18. Returning officers will publish the final list of candidates and allocate electoral symbols on January 21. Election campaigning will begin on January 22 and will continue until 7:30am on February 10.
Source:Dhaka Tribune
January 14, 2026 11:57 UTC
Crane collapse derails train in Thailand, killing 32
A crane at a China-backed high-speed rail line in Thailand collapsed onto a passenger train on Wednesday, causing it to derail and killing at least 32 people, local authorities said. “Twenty-two people were killed and more than 30 were injured,” a local police chief in Nakhon Ratchasima province, Thatchapon Chinnawong, told AFP. “A crane collapsed onto a train, causing it to derail and catch fire,” the Nakhon Ratchasima provincial public relations department said in a statement. The Nakhon Ratchasima provincial department said the train was travelling from Bangkok to Ubon Ratchathani province. Transport Minister Phiphat Ratchakitprakarn said 195 people were on board the train and authorities were rushing to identify the deceased.
Source:Dhaka Tribune
January 14, 2026 11:57 UTC
One killed in clash between robber gangs in Rohingya camp
A man was shot dead during a clash between rival robber gangs operating inside a Rohingya refugee camp in Hnila union of Teknaf upazila, Cox’s Bazar, early Wednesday. Locals said he was a member of the Salman Shah group, an armed gang active in the camp area. His bullet-riddled body was recovered from the Bikas Mor area of the Nayapara Rohingya refugee camp in the early hours of the day. According to locals, Abdur Rahim was considered a key member of the Salman Shah dacoit group, which has long been active in criminal activities inside the camp. Confirming the incident, Teknaf Model Police Station Officer-in-Charge Saiful Islam said police initially believed the killing was the result of an internal dispute among members of rival robber gangs.
Source:Dhaka Tribune
January 14, 2026 11:57 UTC
Cold wave set to widen as mercury dips further
Weather may remain dry with temporarily partly cloudy skies over the country on Wednesday, while a mild cold wave is likely to sweep at places over the northern and western parts, indicating a renewed spread of cold conditions compared to Tuesday, according to the Bangladesh Meteorological Department (BMD). The BMD forecast said a mild cold wave may affect parts of the north and west, suggesting a wider spatial influence than the previous day when the cold wave had eased and remained confined to a few northern districts. The figures underline a sharp thermal contrast between the south-eastern region and the northernmost fringe of the country. On the other hand, Feni's highest temperature of 30°C highlights the relative warmth of the south-eastern region. Proximity to the Bay of Bengal, higher moisture content in the air and greater daytime solar heating continue to keep southern and coastal areas warmer, even when cold conditions intensify in the north.
Source:Dhaka Tribune
January 14, 2026 11:57 UTC
Over 100 workers fall ill during protest at Gazipur garment factory
Over a hundred workers at two units of Expert Village Limited garment factory in Tongi, Gazipur, suddenly fell while protesting for their November wages on Wednesday, triggering panic among other employees. During these protests, workers began falling ill one by one, though the exact cause remains unclear. Factory management immediately admitted the affected workers to Tongi Government Hospital and nearby clinics for treatment. Factory Administrative Manager Sujon said the cause of the sudden illness was unknown. Dr Nahid Sultana of Tongi Government Hospital’s emergency department said the workers exhibited symptoms including panic attacks, vomiting, dizziness, and breathing difficulties.
Source:Dhaka Tribune
January 14, 2026 11:57 UTC
Myanmar faces Rohingya genocide case: What to know
The International Court of Justice in The Hague began hearings on Monday in a landmark case accusing Myanmar of genocide against the country’s ethnic minority Rohingya, more than six years after the case was filed. It also challenged both the court’s jurisdiction over the alleged crimes and The Gambia’s right to bring the case against Myanmar. Myanmar is currently under investigation by the International Criminal Court (ICC), also in The Hague, for its alleged crimes against the Rohingya. He and other experts say the ICJ could rule on the Gambia vs. Myanmar case by the end of this year. She said the court could order Myanmar to compensate victims financially, though it denied that request in a previous genocide case.
Source:Dhaka Tribune
January 14, 2026 11:57 UTC
Kyiv orders evacuation of children from 5 frontline villages
Kyiv on Wednesday announced the mandatory evacuation of children from several villages in the southern Zaporizhzhia region, pointing to a dangerous uptick in fighting and recent Russian gains. In a departure from previous evacuation announcements, he did not name the villages, but said that around 40 children impacted would be relocated to the central Cherkasy region. “Mandatory evacuation is always a hard step. But under constant shelling, it is the only responsible way to save lives -- first and foremost, the lives of children,” Kuleba added in his statement. Ukrainian authorities routinely urge residents of frontline areas to flee, but mandatory evacuation notices are enforced and indicate that the safety of an impacted area has sharply deteriorated.
Source:Dhaka Tribune
January 14, 2026 11:57 UTC
Trump warns of very strong action if Iran hangs protesters
Trump -- who earlier told the protesters in Iran that “help is on its way” -- said Tuesday in a CBS News interview that the United States would act if Iran began hanging protesters. “We will take very strong action if they do such a thing,” said the American leader, who has repeatedly threatened Iran with military intervention. Iranian state media has said dozens of members of the security forces have been killed, with their funerals turning into large pro-government rallies. “On Thursday night, my friends and I saw protesters in Tehran’s Sarsabz neighbourhood amid a heavy military presence. “You are the national military of Iran, not the military of the Islamic Republic,” he said in a statement.
Source:Dhaka Tribune
January 14, 2026 11:57 UTC
Mirza Abbas alleges code of conduct violations in campaign
BNP senior leader Mirza Abbas on Wednesday alleged that some candidates are making provocative remarks during the mass campaign, which he termed as a violation of the electoral code of conduct. “Some candidates are making provocative remarks. They are violating the Election Commission’s code of conduct by speaking against other candidates,” he said. “They are deliberately making provocative remarks to irritate us,” he said. If they try, they will have to bear the consequences,” the BNP leader said.
Source:Dhaka Tribune
January 14, 2026 11:57 UTC
Iran protest death toll jumps to 2,571
The death toll from a crackdown on protests in Iran jumps to at least 2,571, activists said early Wednesday. That death toll dwarfs the death toll from any other round of protest or unrest in Iran in decades and recalls the chaos surrounding the country’s 1979 Islamic Revolution. Security officials in plainclothes were visible in public spaces. Several banks and government offices were burned during the unrest, witnesses said. On the streets, people also could be seen challenging plainclothes security officials, who were stopping passersby at random.
Source:Dhaka Tribune
January 14, 2026 11:57 UTC
FIFA World Cup trophy arrives in Dhaka
The glittering FIFA World Cup trophy arrived in Dhaka on Wednesday morning as part of the FIFA World Cup Trophy Tour. The trophy, accompanied by Brazilian 2002 FIFA World Cup winner and FIFA ambassador Gilberto da Silva, landed at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport at around 10:00 am. Tabith Awal, president of the Bangladesh Football Federation (BFF), received the trophy at the airport. The FIFA World Cup Trophy Tour was jointly launched by FIFA and its beverage partner Coca-Cola on January 3 in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, with Italian football legend Alessandro Del Piero unveiling the trophy. The trophy previously visited Bangladesh prior to the Russia and Qatar World Cups.
Source:Dhaka Tribune
January 14, 2026 11:57 UTC
Writ seeks to halt election until looted weapons are recovered
A writ petition has been filed with the High Court seeking the suspension of the upcoming national election until the country’s security situation improves and weapons looted during the 2024 mass uprising are fully recovered. According to the writ, media reports indicate that 5,750 firearms and 651,609 rounds of ammunition were looted from police stations and law enforcement offices across the country during the 2024 uprising. The petition argues that the presence of these illegal arms poses a serious threat to voters and candidates ahead of the election. Holding the election without recovering the looted arms, the petition claims, would violate voters’ and candidates’ fundamental right to life under Article 32 of the Constitution. The writ seeks a court directive to postpone the election until all looted firearms and ammunition are recovered and a secure environment for voting is ensured.
Source:Dhaka Tribune
January 14, 2026 11:57 UTC
Restoring discipline in jewellery sector possible thru reform: NBR
File PhotoDHAKA, Jan 14, 2026 (BSS) - National Board of Revenue (NBR) Chairman Md Abdur Rahman Khan today said restoring discipline in the country’s jewellery sector is both essential and achievable through policy reform, digitalisation, and close cooperation between the government and industry stakeholders. However, despite multiple initiatives, the sector has not progressed as expected due to the absence of discipline and structured systems. “Jewellery value addition is primarily labour-based. He added that once real-time, accurate records are ensured, the need for minimum turnover tax would gradually disappear. He stressed the need to remove the stigma attached to the jewellery sector, noting that negative perceptions hinder access to banking and finance.
Source:Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha
January 14, 2026 11:50 UTC
Two-day 'Election Journalism Training' begins in Khagrachhari
Photo: BSSKHAGRACHHARI, Jan 14, 2026 (BSS) - The two-day 'Election Journalism Training'for local journalists began here today emphasizing the importance ofresponsible and impartial reporting during the election period. Shefalika Tripura, chairman of the District Council, inaugurated theprogramme as the chief guest at the conference room of the Khagrachhari HillDistrict Council. She emphasized that journalists play a crucial role during thisperiod by reporting news with truth, impartiality, and professionalism. The training focuses on responsible reporting during elections and offersguidance to journalists on ethics, laws, responsibilities, challenges, andpractical experiences. A total of 50 journalists from eight upazilas, including the districtheadquarters, are participating in the two-day training programme.
Source:Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha
January 14, 2026 11:50 UTC
Mild cold wave likely to widen, temperatures dip further
The BMD forecast said a mild cold wave may affect parts of the north and west, suggesting a wider spatial influence than the previous day when the cold wave had eased and remained confined to a few northern districts. Night temperature may fall by 1 to 2 degrees Celsius and day temperature may fall slightly over the country. The expected fall in both night and day temperatures indicates strengthening winter conditions, particularly in inland areas away from the coast. The highest maximum temperature recorded yesterday was 30.0 degrees Celsius at Feni, while the lowest minimum temperature today was 8.0 degrees Celsius at Tetulia in Panchagarh. On the other hand, Feni's highest temperature of 30.0 degrees Celsius highlights the relative warmth of the south-eastern region.
Source:Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha
January 14, 2026 11:50 UTC