US Takes Control of Sixth Oil Tanker Linked to Venezuela in Caribbean Operation

International Desk:

Jan 16, 2026: US authorities have taken control of another oil tanker in the Caribbean Sea as part of an intensified campaign to restrict Venezuela’s oil exports, according to official statements.

The vessel, named Veronica, was intercepted during an early-morning operation carried out without resistance, the US military confirmed. Officials said the tanker was operating in violation of restrictions imposed by President Donald Trump on vessels linked to sanctioned Venezuelan oil trade.

US Southern Command said the move was part of Washington’s broader effort to ensure that any oil leaving Venezuela does so through channels approved by the United States and its partners.

The Veronica, a crude oil tanker sailing under the flag of Guyana, reportedly left Venezuelan waters empty in early January. Maritime tracking data indicates the ship had previously been registered in Russia under different names before changing its flag.

Images and video released by the US military showed American personnel boarding the vessel at sea. Officials described the operation as orderly and consistent with international maritime rules.

Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem said the seizure was conducted through close coordination among the Coast Guard, the US military, and federal agencies including the Departments of State and Justice. She praised the operation as carefully executed and legally sound.

The latest action highlights Washington’s continued crackdown on what it calls the “dark fleet”—a network of vessels used to transport oil from countries under international sanctions. US officials say more than 1,000 ships globally are believed to be involved in such activities.

The seizure comes amid heightened US involvement in Venezuela’s energy sector following recent military action and the removal of President Nicolás Maduro.

President Trump has publicly stated his intention to gain access to Venezuela’s vast oil reserves and reshape the country’s energy industry in cooperation with an interim administration.

US officials recently confirmed the completion of their first sale of Venezuelan oil since the leadership change, with the transaction reportedly valued at approximately $500 million.

Trump has also urged major US oil companies to consider large-scale investments in Venezuela, though industry leaders have indicated that major reforms would be required before committing funds.

The enforcement actions appear to be having a direct impact on Venezuela’s oil exports. Shipping analysts report that crude loadings in January dropped to roughly half of typical levels. Most shipments currently leaving Venezuelan ports are reportedly destined for the United States or domestic refineries.

According to shipping data, millions of barrels of crude remain offshore aboard multiple tankers awaiting clearance. Analysts suggest the US could extend its control over these shipments if enforcement measures are expanded.

The tanker seizure occurred shortly before a scheduled meeting between President Trump and Venezuelan opposition leader Maria Corina Machado in Washington. Trump has previously voiced support for Machado while stopping short of endorsing her as Venezuela’s long-term leader.

At the same time, reports indicate that a Venezuelan government representative is expected to visit Washington to begin discussions on restoring diplomatic operations.

US officials have described recent cooperation from Venezuela’s interim leadership as constructive, including steps toward releasing political detainees.

White House officials said the administration views these developments as positive signs and expects continued collaboration in the coming weeks.

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Players Maintain Boycott Threat as BCB Director Nazmul Stays Put

Sports Reporter

Jan 15, 2026: Bangladesh cricket entered a tense phase on Tuesday as Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) director M Nazmul Islam remained in office despite mounting pressure from players demanding his resignation over controversial remarks.

Cricketers had set a deadline for Nazmul to step down ahead of the start of a Bangladesh Premier League (BPL) match, but more than 12 hours after the ultimatum expired, no resignation had been tendered. Players have reiterated that they are prepared to halt participation in all cricketing activities if their demand is ignored.

The standoff has already affected domestic competitions. The scheduled BPL match between Chattogram Royals and Noakhali Express faced uncertainty after both teams failed to arrive at the Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium in Mirpur.

Meanwhile, the First Division League was suspended late Monday night in response to the escalating situation.

Sources within the BCB said several board members attempted to engage with the protesting players in an effort to find a compromise.

The board reportedly suggested stripping Nazmul of his finance-related responsibilities, but the proposal was rejected. The players maintained that only his complete resignation as a director would resolve the issue.

Earlier on Tuesday, the BCB confirmed in a statement that Nazmul had been issued a show-cause notice and instructed to provide a written explanation within 48 hours. Despite this development, the players remained unsatisfied and continued to press for his removal.

Leaders of the Cricketers’ Welfare Association of Bangladesh (CWAB), along with senior national players, announced plans to address the media at a press conference in Banani later in the day to clarify their position and outline possible next steps.

The controversy stems from comments made by Nazmul following a doa and milad mahfil organised by the BCB on Monday to commemorate former prime minister Begum Khaleda Zia.

Responding to a question about whether the board would consider compensating players for potential financial losses if they opted out of the upcoming T20 World Cup, he questioned the value of the board’s financial spending on players.

He also expressed frustration over Bangladesh’s lack of international success, noting that despite significant investment, the team has yet to secure major global recognition. His remarks, which implied that the board could consider recovering money spent on underperforming players, triggered strong backlash from the cricketing community.

Players described the comments as insulting and demoralising, arguing that such statements undermine professional respect and the spirit of the game.

With competitions disrupted and talks yet to yield a breakthrough, uncertainty continues to surround Bangladesh’s domestic cricket landscape.

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Reform UK Names Laila Cunningham as Candidate for 2028 London Mayoral Race

International Desk

Jan 14, 2026: Reform UK has formally announced Westminster City Councillor Laila Cunningham as its candidate for the 2028 London mayoral election, marking an early start to the party’s campaign in the capital.

Cunningham, who joined Reform UK after leaving the Conservative Party last year, appeared alongside party leader Nigel Farage at a press briefing where the party unveiled its London strategy. Addressing the media, she positioned herself as an alternative to current Mayor Sir Sadiq Khan, saying she intended to deliver a markedly different approach to city governance.

Focusing heavily on public safety, Cunningham pledged a strong crackdown on crime if elected. She said her priorities would include tackling knife crime, drug-related offences, robbery, shoplifting and sexual violence. She also indicated plans to overhaul London’s police and crime framework, promising firm directives aimed at addressing what she described as everyday crime affecting residents.

The Reform UK candidate also stated that she would move to scrap the ultra-low emission zone (Ulez), arguing that current transport and environmental policies were placing unfair pressure on Londoners.

Although the mayoral election is still more than two years away, Farage said Cunningham would act as the public face of Reform UK’s London campaign ahead of the local elections scheduled for May this year. He described the coming local polls as a major test of the party’s appeal in the capital ahead of the next general election.

Labour figures responded critically to the announcement, accusing Reform UK of promoting division rather than offering solutions. A party spokesperson said London’s strength lay in its diversity and openness, adding that portraying the city as failing did not reflect the lived reality of most Londoners.

Representatives close to Mayor Sir Sadiq Khan said he remained focused on delivering policies aimed at improving safety, fairness and environmental sustainability across the city.

The Liberal Democrats also criticised Reform UK’s rhetoric, arguing that the party focused more on political confrontation than constructive problem-solving. A London party spokesperson said the Liberal Democrats would continue to defend the city’s values and work to improve quality of life for residents.

Political observers note that announcing a mayoral candidate so far in advance is unusual, particularly given uncertainty over whether Sir Sadiq Khan will seek another term. However, the early move is seen as an attempt by Reform UK to build recognition and momentum ahead of the upcoming local elections.

Currently, Reform UK has limited representation in London councils, largely through defections rather than direct electoral wins. Despite this, analysts believe the party may perform more strongly in parts of outer London, where local elections will provide an early indication of its growing influence.

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Trump Urges Iranians to Keep Protesting, Offers Support

International Desk

Jan 14, 2026: More than 2,000 people have reportedly died during a brutal crackdown on protests in Iran, according to human rights groups. The unrest has drawn global attention, with US President Donald Trump promising Iranians that assistance is “on its way.”

The US-based Human Rights Activists News Agency (HRANA) confirmed the deaths of 1,850 protesters, 135 government-affiliated individuals, nine civilians, and nine children over the past 17 days, despite an ongoing internet blackout.

An Iranian official cited a death toll of 2,000 but attributed the violence to “terrorists.”

Trump Warns Iranian Authorities:

Trump criticized Iranian authorities, warning they would “pay a big price” for the killings. He also encouraged citizens to continue protesting. Meanwhile, he has considered various military and strategic options and imposed 25% tariffs on any country trading with Iran.

The protests, now reported in 180 cities across all 31 provinces, began as a reaction to the collapse of Iran’s currency and the surging cost of living. They have since grown into broader calls for political reform, representing one of the most significant challenges to Iran’s clerical leadership since the 1979 Islamic Revolution.

Escalation and Government Response:

The unrest intensified last Thursday and was met with deadly force by security forces, accompanied by a near-total shutdown of the internet and communication channels.

HRANA stated that at least 2,003 deaths have been confirmed, with another 779 cases under review. “We are horrified, but we believe these numbers may still be conservative,” said Deputy Director Skylar Thompson.

Norway-based Iran Human Rights (IHR) reported at least 734 confirmed deaths, noting that these figures were based on incomplete data from fewer than half of Iran’s provinces and less than 10% of hospitals.

Visual Evidence of the Unrest:

Videos circulating online show crowds at Tehran’s Kahrizak Forensic Centre, searching for bodies of relatives. Footage analyzed by the BBC revealed at least 180 shrouded bodies, while another video showed around 50 more.

“My friend went to look for his brother and forgot his own grief,” an activist said. “They piled bodies from every neighborhood; you have to search in your own area. You cannot imagine the level of violence used.”

Hospitals in Tehran are reportedly overwhelmed. Prof. Shahram Kordasti, an Iranian oncologist based in London, said colleagues described the situation as “like a warzone, with shortages of supplies and blood.”

International Reactions:

Trump, writing on Truth Social, urged Iranians to keep protesting and to “take over your institutions.” He canceled meetings with Iranian officials until the killings stop, adding that help was “on its way.”

The US national security team has reportedly been reviewing covert and military options, including missile strikes, cyber operations, and psychological campaigns.

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi stated that the government is open to diplomacy but prepared for other responses if challenged militarily. He claimed “trained terrorist groups” operating from abroad infiltrated demonstrations and targeted security forces.

Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei echoed these claims, asserting that foreign enemies had been neutralized.

Calls for Human Rights Protections:

UK Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper summoned the Iranian ambassador to protest what she described as the “brutal killing of protesters.”

UN human rights chief Volker Türk urged Iranian authorities to immediately stop violence against peaceful demonstrators.

He condemned labeling protesters as “terrorists” to justify the use of force and criticized suggestions that the death penalty could be applied through expedited trials.

Iranian judiciary chief Gholamhossein Mohseni Ejei warned that participants in the unrest would face “serious and severe” action. More than 16,780 protesters have been detained, and some have already been sentenced to death in fast-track trials.

Local Accounts of the Unrest:

Eyewitnesses in cities such as Rasht described widespread destruction: “Everywhere is burning,” one resident said. Videos verified by BBC Persian show clashes in Arak, Tabriz, Urmia, and Khorramabad, with protesters throwing stones and chanting slogans against the ruling regime and in remembrance of the late Shah Mohammad Reza Pahlavi.

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Prosecutors Seek Death Sentence for Former South Korean President Yoon

FILE – Former South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol arrives at a Seoul court to attend a hearing on his arrest warrant requested by special prosecutors, July 9, 2025.

International Desk

Jan 14, 2026: Prosecutors in South Korea have requested that former President Yoon Suk Yeol be sentenced to death if found guilty of attempting to impose martial law, a move described as a failed coup.

Closing arguments were held at a Seoul court, where Yoon was accused of being the chief orchestrator of an insurrection. The charges relate to his attempt in December 2024 to enforce military rule, a measure that lasted only a few hours but triggered significant political upheaval. Following the incident, Yoon was impeached by parliament and detained to face trial.

Yoon has rejected the accusations, claiming that his martial law declaration was a symbolic act intended to draw attention to alleged misconduct by the opposition party.

Leading an insurrection is the gravest offense under South Korean law, punishable by either the death penalty or life imprisonment. Prosecutors were required to recommend one of these sentences. South Korea has not carried out an execution in almost three decades. In 1996, former military ruler Chun Doo-hwan received a death sentence for his 1979 coup, which was later reduced to life imprisonment.

In their closing statements, prosecutors argued that although no deaths occurred during Yoon’s brief martial law attempt, his intentions were dangerously violent. They said Yoon’s actions were driven by a desire for dictatorial control and long-term power, and that the true victims of his actions were the people of South Korea.

Evidence presented included testimony from a military commander who claimed Yoon had ordered the detention of lawmakers, as well as a memo from a former military officer involved in planning the martial law, which suggested targeting journalists, labor activists, and legislators.

The trial of Yoon has been combined with those of two other senior officials in his administration: former defense minister Kim Yong-hyun, for whom prosecutors sought life imprisonment, and former police chief Cho Ji-ho, who faces a recommended 20-year sentence. Five other individuals are also on trial for their roles.

Yoon attended the court proceedings to hear final arguments, asserting that as president, he had the authority to impose martial law. He stated he acted to prevent “malfeasance that could destroy the nation.” Legal arguments, originally scheduled to conclude last Friday, extended into Tuesday due to delays by defense lawyers.

The court is expected to announce its verdict in February, though prosecutors’ sentencing requests are not always granted.

Yoon, 65, was removed from office in April, making him the first South Korean president to be taken into custody while still in office. He has faced multiple criminal trials and, last month, prosecutors sought a 10-year prison term for him on charges related to obstruction of justice connected to the martial law declaration.

On 3 December 2024, Yoon surprised the nation by announcing martial law, claiming it was necessary to protect South Korea from North Korean threats. Critics, however, viewed the move as an attempt to consolidate power amid domestic political challenges. The declaration sparked months of political turmoil, culminating in his arrest.

Following Yoon’s impeachment, Lee Jae Myung was elected president in a snap election in June. Despite Yoon’s political downfall, he retains support from right-wing factions who regard him as a courageous figure challenging the liberal Democratic Party led by Lee.

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Security Breach at Edinburgh High Court: Convicted Rapist Apprehended After Fleeing Custody

International Desk:

Jan 13, 2026: A high-profile security failure occurred Tuesday morning at the High Court in Edinburgh, as a convicted rapist described by the judiciary as "utterly wicked" managed to escape custody.

The incident involving 21-year-old Aaron Strachan has reignited concerns regarding the efficiency and safety of private prisoner transport services in Scotland.

Strachan, who was in court to face sentencing for a series of violent and predatory attacks, reportedly fled from GEOAmey escort staff while being moved to a secure transport vehicle. The escape took place in the heart of Scotland's capital, leading to an immediate and large-scale police response.

The Capture and Immediate Aftermath Police Scotland acted swiftly, cordoning off areas of the city center to prevent the fugitive from disappearing into the urban landscape. Within a short period, officers confirmed that Strachan had been "traced nearby" and taken back into custody. While the escape was short-lived, the fact that a high-risk sex offender was able to break free in a public space has led to a formal investigation.

A spokesperson for GEOAmey, the private contractor responsible for prisoner transport in Scotland, stated that a comprehensive internal review is underway. "We take any breach of security with the utmost seriousness," the firm noted, adding that they are working closely with the Scottish Prison Service (SPS) to identify the lapses that allowed Strachan to flee.

A "Depraved" Criminal History The details of the crimes for which Strachan was being sentenced are particularly harrowing. Last month, he pleaded guilty to the abduction and rape of a 15-year-old girl, an attack that took place in May 2024. The court heard how Strachan stalked the teenager through Edinburgh's city center before brandishing a knife and forcing her to a secluded basement area near York Place.

Once inside the "rubbish-strewn" basement, Strachan barricaded the exits to ensure his victim could not escape. Following the assault, he forced her to dispose of evidence and issued chilling threats, telling her he would "find and hurt her" if she reported the incident to anyone. Despite the psychological trauma, the victim alerted her mother, which led to Strachan’s initial arrest while he was hiding in bushes in the Dalry area of the city. Beyond the rape of the teenager, Strachan’s conviction includes two further counts of serious assault against male victims. The presiding judge, in earlier proceedings, did not mince words, describing Strachan's behavior as "depraved" and a significant threat to public safety.

Systemic Failures in Prisoner Transport This escape is the latest in a series of controversies involving GEOAmey. The company, which holds a multi-million-pound contract for Scottish court custody and escort services, has faced mounting criticism over performance failures. Recent reports indicate that the firm has been fined millions of pounds for late arrivals and "planned failures"—instances where they inform the court they cannot fulfill a transport request due to staffing shortages.

Justice advocates have noted that when prisoner transfers are compromised, it not only risks public safety but also delays the wheels of justice for victims. The Strachan incident serves as a stark reminder of the potential consequences when high-risk individuals are not secured according to strict protocols.

Looking Ahead to Sentencing In light of the escape, the court has deferred Strachan’s final sentencing until 3 March 2026. This delay is intended to allow for the completion of social work reports and, likely, to consider additional charges related to his attempt to escape lawful custody.

Strachan remains on the sex offenders register, and given the "wicked" nature of his crimes and his clear disregard for the law, legal experts anticipate a lengthy custodial sentence. For the victims, the delay represents a continued wait for closure, while for the Scottish justice system, the focus shifts to ensuring such a breach never happens again.

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Cold Weather and Expanding Data Centres Push Up US Emissions

International Desk

Jan 13, 2026: A sharp cold spell at the start of 2025 combined with rapidly rising electricity demand from data centres and cryptocurrency operations has led to an increase in greenhouse gas emissions in the United States, ending a two-year downward trend, according to a recent analysis.

The study found that overall emissions rose by about 2.4 percent during the year, marking the first increase in three years. The rise exceeded the pace of economic growth, despite continued expansion in renewable energy generation.

One major factor was higher fuel consumption for home heating. In colder regions of the country, households largely depend on natural gas and other fossil fuels to stay warm. Prolonged low temperatures early in the year resulted in a significant increase in fuel use compared to the previous year.

Electricity demand also climbed sharply as data centres, artificial intelligence infrastructure, and cryptocurrency mining facilities expanded, particularly in parts of Texas and the Ohio Valley. This surge in power consumption put additional pressure on the national grid.

As natural gas prices increased, electricity producers turned more frequently to coal as an alternative. Coal use for power generation rose by roughly 13 percent, reversing a long-term decline. Analysts say this shift was driven by cost considerations rather than a strategic return to coal.

While solar energy production recorded strong growth, rising at its fastest pace in several years, it was not sufficient to offset higher emissions from heating and power generation. The increase in coal use stood in contrast to trends in some other major economies, where coal consumption continued to fall due to expanded renewable capacity.

Experts note that although coal power in the US has dropped significantly since its peak more than a decade ago, last year’s increase was notable. Power companies also slowed the retirement of coal-fired plants as they sought to ensure reliable electricity supplies amid growing demand.

The transport sector remains the largest contributor to US emissions, covering road, rail, and air travel. Traffic volumes continued to rise for a fifth consecutive year. However, emissions from transportation remained largely unchanged, helped by a growing number of hybrid and electric vehicles. Hybrid vehicle adoption, in particular, showed strong momentum.

The analysis suggests that recent policy shifts under President Donald Trump had limited immediate impact on emission levels during 2025. However, some climate advocates argue that expanded support for fossil fuel production, natural gas exports, and energy-intensive industries could contribute to higher emissions in the coming years.

With demand from digital infrastructure expected to keep growing, analysts warn that without major upgrades to renewable capacity and grid efficiency, pressure on fossil fuel use may persist, complicating efforts to reduce emissions over the long term.

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BBC Moves to Dismiss Trump’s $5 Billion Defamation Case

International Desk

Jan 13, 2026: The BBC is preparing to formally challenge a defamation lawsuit filed by US President Donald Trump, seeking to have the case thrown out at an early stage.

The legal action stems from a Panorama documentary that included an edited segment of Trump’s speech delivered on January 6, 2021.

Trump filed the $5 billion lawsuit in a Florida court last month, accusing the British broadcaster of damaging his reputation and breaching trade practices laws through the way his remarks were presented.

However, court filings submitted this week indicate that the BBC plans to argue the Florida court does not have the authority to hear the case and that the venue itself is inappropriate.

According to the filings, the broadcaster will also contend that the lawsuit does not meet the legal threshold required to proceed. The BBC maintains that the documentary was not broadcast within the United States and therefore could not have defamed the president under US law.

While the BBC has previously acknowledged that an edited clip in the programme created a misleading impression, it has rejected Trump’s demand for financial compensation and continues to deny that the issue amounts to defamation.

The corporation has argued that Trump has failed to show that the documentary caused him measurable harm, noting that he later won re-election and secured a decisive victory in Florida.

Trump has alleged that the programme was distributed in the US through the streaming service BritBox, a claim the BBC disputes.

The broadcaster also asserts that the lawsuit fails to demonstrate “actual malice,” a key legal standard required in defamation cases involving public figures.

The disputed edit involved combining two separate parts of Trump’s January 6 speech into a single sequence. In reality, the remarks urging supporters to walk to the Capitol and later comments using the phrase “fight like hell” were delivered nearly an hour apart.

The BBC has said the edit unintentionally suggested a direct call for violence, an interpretation it has since acknowledged as inaccurate.

The controversy led to internal criticism within the BBC after a leaked memo questioned editorial decisions surrounding the documentary. The fallout reportedly contributed to the resignations of senior executives, including the director general and the head of news.

In its latest court submission, the BBC has also requested a pause on evidence-sharing procedures until the dismissal motion is resolved. If the case moves forward, court documents suggest a trial could take place as late as 2027.

A BBC spokesperson reiterated that the organisation intends to defend itself but declined to comment further due to the ongoing legal process.

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About 2,000 Killed as Iran Acknowledges Heavy Toll From Nationwide Protests

International Desk:

Jan 13, 2026: Iranian authorities have for the first time acknowledged a massive death toll from recent nationwide protests, with an official stating that around 2,000 people, including members of the security forces, have been killed during unrest that has gripped the country for more than two weeks.

The official, speaking on condition of anonymity, claimed that what the government describes as “terrorist elements” were responsible for fatalities among both demonstrators and security personnel. No detailed breakdown of civilian and official casualties was provided.

The protests, initially triggered by worsening economic conditions, have evolved into the most serious internal challenge faced by Iran’s leadership in at least three years. The unrest has unfolded amid heightened regional and international tensions following last year’s Israeli and US strikes.

Iran’s clerical leadership, in power since the 1979 Islamic Revolution, has adopted a two-track response—acknowledging public frustration over economic hardship while simultaneously enforcing a sweeping security crackdown. Officials have repeatedly accused the United States and Israel of stoking instability, alleging that foreign-backed groups hijacked otherwise legitimate demonstrations.

Human rights organizations, however, have presented significantly lower but still alarming casualty figures. One international rights group reported that at least 648 people have been killed so far, including nine minors, while warning that the real number could be far higher. Thousands are believed to have been injured.

The same group said a nationwide internet shutdown, now lasting several days, has severely hampered independent verification of events and may be intended to conceal the scale of the crackdown. It also estimated that roughly 10,000 people have been arrested since the protests began.

Rights advocates urged the international community to take action, warning that civilian demonstrators are facing lethal force. They stressed that limited digital access has made accurate reporting extremely difficult.

Meanwhile, the Iranian government organized mass rallies across the country in support of the Islamic Republic. Thousands attended the demonstrations, which Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei described as evidence that the protest movement had been defeated. Authorities maintain that foreign interference was behind the unrest.

US President Donald Trump has repeatedly warned Tehran against killing protesters, stating that military action remains an option if violence continues, though US officials insist diplomacy remains the preferred path.

What began as protests over economic grievances has since grown into a broader challenge to Iran’s theocratic system, which has ruled the country since the overthrow of the shah in 1979.

In a statement, Khamenei said the pro-government rallies sent a clear message to Washington, claiming they had derailed plans by “foreign enemies” carried out through internal collaborators.

State television aired footage from Tehran showing crowds waving national flags and participating in prayers for those killed during what authorities label as “riots.”

At Tehran’s Enghelab Square, Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf told supporters that Iran was facing a “four-front war,” citing economic pressure, psychological warfare, military threats from the United States and Israel, and what he called a battle against terrorism inside the country.

Standing before banners bearing anti-US and anti-Israel slogans, Ghalibaf warned that any military attack on Iran would be met with a severe response, vowing that the country’s armed forces would retaliate decisively.

President Trump, however, claimed that Iran’s leadership had privately reached out to explore negotiations, even as public statements from Tehran remain defiant.

Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said Iran does not seek war but is prepared for one, adding that the country remains open to what he described as “fair and respectful” negotiations. Officials confirmed that indirect communication channels remain open despite the absence of formal diplomatic relations.

Reza Pahlavi, the US-based son of Iran’s last monarch, accused the current government of attempting to mislead the international community by signaling openness to talks while continuing repression at home.

State media has sought to project a return to normalcy, airing images of regular traffic flow and calm streets in the capital. Tehran’s governor said the number of protests was declining.

Authorities have reported that dozens of security personnel were killed during the unrest, with their funerals turning into large pro-government gatherings. The government has declared three days of national mourning for those deaths.

The European Union has expressed solidarity with Iranian protesters and said it is considering additional sanctions over the crackdown. The European Parliament has also barred Iranian diplomats from its premises.

Iran’s foreign ministry has summoned several European diplomats, demanding the withdrawal of statements supporting protesters. Nevertheless, French President Emmanuel Macron condemned what he described as indiscriminate state violence against citizens demanding basic rights.

France has withdrawn non-essential embassy staff from Iran, while Russia, a key ally of Tehran, criticized what it called foreign attempts to interfere in Iran’s internal affairs.

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Janata Bank’s Promotion Spree Raises Fresh Concerns Amid Deepening Financial Crisis

Economic Reporter

Janata Bank, one of Bangladesh’s largest state-owned lenders, is facing renewed criticism as it continues internal promotions despite mounting losses, soaring defaulted loans, and allegations of irregularities. Analysts and regulators warn that the bank’s recent promotion decisions reflect deeper governance failures rather than a path to recovery.

Like any commercial bank, Janata Bank’s primary source of income should be interest earned on loans. That mechanism, however, has effectively collapsed. More than 70 percent of the bank’s outstanding loans are now classified as non-performing, turning its loan portfolio into a liability rather than an asset. In 2025 alone, the bank reportedly incurred interest-related losses exceeding Tk 40 billion, pushing its operating loss for the year to around Tk 35.98 billion.

Although these figures are still subject to final audit, insiders estimate that once provisioning, capital shortfalls, and non-performing loans are fully accounted for, Janata Bank’s net loss could exceed Tk 50 billion. Defaulted loans may cross Tk 700 billion, while capital shortfall is expected to surpass Tk 660 billion—placing the bank in an extremely fragile position.

Despite this backdrop, Janata Bank’s management has moved ahead with a series of promotions. On December 7, the bank promoted 26 officials from assistant general manager (AGM) to deputy general manager (DGM). The move has sparked controversy, with allegations that bribes ranging from Tk 2–3 million per officer were exchanged during the promotion process. Written complaints have reportedly been submitted to the Anti-Corruption Commission.

Sources within the banking sector claim that as opportunities for illicit gains from loan approvals have narrowed, certain senior officials have shifted focus toward promotions and transfers as alternative channels for rent-seeking. This has further eroded staff morale and public confidence in the institution.

Janata Bank Managing Director Md Mojibur Rahman has rejected the bribery allegations, stating that promotions were conducted through a transparent process and overseen by representatives from the Ministry of Finance and Bangladesh Bank. He acknowledged the bank’s dire financial condition but argued that timely management decisions helped contain losses that were previously projected to exceed Tk 50 billion in 2025.

Regulators, however, remain unconvinced. Bangladesh Bank spokesperson and executive director Arif Hossain Khan questioned the logic of promotions at a time when the bank is struggling for survival. He noted that promotions usually follow business expansion and profitability, neither of which applies to Janata Bank’s current situation. Instead, he emphasized the need for cost-cutting and operational discipline.

Financial experts also point out that Janata Bank’s strategy of aggressively collecting high-interest deposits to stay afloat is creating long-term risks. Over the past 18 months, the bank has raised nearly Tk 300 billion in deposits, more than half of which carry high interest rates of 10–12 percent. These funds are reportedly being used not to generate profit, but to pay salaries and operating expenses—an unsustainable practice that deepens future liabilities.

Employee compensation costs continue to rise despite losses. Salary and benefits expenses increased from Tk 13.68 billion in 2024 to over Tk 15 billion in 2025. Promotions at multiple levels have added to these costs, further straining the bank’s finances.

The roots of Janata Bank’s crisis date back to 2009, when political influence began to dominate board appointments, management decisions, promotions, and loan approvals. During this period, large corporate groups obtained massive loans—many of which later defaulted. Today, loans amounting to more than Tk 600 billion taken by major conglomerates remain unpaid.

Economists argue that internal promotions in such a distressed institution send the wrong signal. According to CPD Executive Director Dr Fahmida Khatun, repeatedly injecting public funds into state-owned banks without fixing governance failures is no longer justifiable. She warned that when more than 70 percent of a bank’s loans turn bad, keeping it afloat through promotions and budgetary support makes little economic sense.

While Janata Bank’s management insists it is working to restore governance and stability, critics say that prioritizing promotions over recovery measures—such as loan recovery, asset auctions, and structural reform—highlights misplaced priorities. In the absence of deep institutional reform, they argue, promotion-driven management decisions may only accelerate the bank’s decline rather than secure its future.

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RCCI President Candidate Jyoti Expresses Confidence Ahead of Polls

Sarker Shariful Islam, Rajshahi

Jan 11/2026: Abdul Awal Khan Chowdhury Jyoti, a candidate for the presidency of the Rajshahi Chamber of Commerce and Industry (RCCI), has expressed confidence about winning the upcoming biennial election scheduled for January 15.

Speaking on Saturday, Jyoti said the RCCI should function as a true platform for traders, free from political influence and nepotism. He described the Chamber as an educational and policy-oriented institution for traders that requires dynamic, capable and meritorious leadership.

Regretting that qualified individuals often fail to come forward, he said politicisation, partisan activities and nepotism have long obstructed the development of the Chamber. He stressed that politics and party priority should not be allowed within the organisation.

Emphasising the role of traders, Jyoti said traders must lead the Chamber and pledged to work for and serve them. He is contesting the election with the symbol “Peacock.”

The biennial elections of the RCCI have generated significant interest and enthusiasm among local traders. Candidates are actively campaigning by visiting chambers and using mobile phones, WhatsApp and other digital platforms.

The election is being contested by candidates from two panels, along with an independent presidential candidate, Abdul Awal Khan Chowdhury Jyoti. Besides his business career, Jyoti is also known as a literary figure and currently serves as an adviser to the local organisation Kobi Kunjo.

Jyoti said he has been involved in business since 1966 and is associated with the Hatem Khan Zamindari Estate, where he serves as Motowalli. He is also involved with the Bangladesh Petrol Pumps Owners Association.

Outlining his plans, Jyoti said that if elected president, he would work to ensure direct participation of traders in government policy-making. He pledged to create a trader-friendly environment for traders and entrepreneurs.

By coordinating with financial institutions, he plans to arrange regular workshops and training programmes to support the financial development of traders. He also said traders and entrepreneurs would receive basic training on electrical safety, fire safety and institutional security.

To meet the demands of the digital age, Jyoti said trading centres would be modernised through digital communication systems and traders would be trained accordingly.

He further said the RCCI would encourage the use of modern agricultural equipment and support entrepreneurs in manufacturing agricultural machinery. Coordinated measures would be taken to transport agricultural commodities through road, rail and air, and agricultural hubs may be established in Rajshahi and rural areas if necessary.

Seminars would be organised for the development of the Department of Explosives and Boilers, as well as business organisations under the Roads and Highways Department.

Concluding his remarks, Jyoti sought prayers for the sound health, well-being and overall development of traders and their family members.

DTR24 Digital Marketing January 11, 2026

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Pirates Establish Reign of Terror in Sundarbans

Gazi Moniruzzaman, Khulna Bureau Chief

Jan 10/2026: Fishermen, woodcutters (Bawalies), honey collectors (Mowalis), crab catchers, and others earning their livelihood in the Sundarbans—the world’s largest mangrove forest and home to Bengal tigers—have increasingly become hostages of armed pirates.

Sources report that these pirate gangs now operate with sophisticated weapons, far outmatching the standard arms of forest guards.

The bandits not only poach deer and tigers, sending them to the city through local contacts, but also carry out kidnappings at gunpoint, loot fishing trawlers, and steal money and personal belongings. In some cases, fishermen have been killed for failing to pay ransom, their hands and feet tied before being thrown into the sea. As a result, roughly 15,000 fishing families along the coast are living in fear and unable to carry out their work safely.

Pirate gangs have also introduced a so-called “token system,” forcing some trawler and boat owners to pay for the safety of their men and goods during the peak fishing season.

On January 2, 2026, the Masum Bahini gang abducted two tourists from Dhaka, Sohel and Jony, and a resort owner, Shipoti Basar, from Kanurkhal area in the eastern division of Sundarbans under Chandpai Range, demanding a ransom of Tk 40 lakh. Law enforcement rescued all three individuals alive on the same day from Kailashganj near Gazi Fish Culture under Dacope upazila.

Lieutenant Commander (Operation) Md Abrar Hasan of the Bangladesh Coast Guard (BCG), West Zone, said at a January 8 press briefing that a joint operation with RAB and police was carried out at Kailashganj on January 7, resulting in the arrest of Masum Mridha, alias chief of Masum Bahini, and his assistant Izaj Fakir. During the raid, authorities seized three locally made single-shot guns, eight live cartridges, four used cartridges, one Chinese Kural, two locally made Kurals, a sharp Da (knife), and a still pipe.

Lt. Commander Hasan added that over the past year, law enforcement has confiscated 38 foreign firearms, 74 locally made firearms, two handmade bombs, and 448 live cartridges. Additionally, 52 fishermen abducted for ransom have been rescued. “Coast Guard ships patrol the area round the clock to curb piracy and ensure the safety of fishermen,” he said.

Freed fishermen described harrowing experiences in captivity, including tight security and repeated death threats for delays in ransom payments. The fate of those still held remains unknown.

According to fishermen, at least 10 to 15 major pirate gangs operate in the Sundarbans, killing deer daily for food and supplying venison to influential city dwellers through local intermediaries. Around 100 pirates remain active in coastal areas, often holding abducted fishermen in forest camps.

The Sundarbans spans 6,017 square kilometers, with 4,143 sq km of land and 1,874 sq km of water across Khulna, Bagerhat, and Satkhira districts along the Bay of Bengal. The forest is home to 425 species of trees, herbs, and creepers, and 246 species of wild animals, including spotted deer, estuarine crocodiles, and the Royal Bengal Tiger.

Divisional Forest Officer (DFO) of Sundarbans West Division AZM Hasanur Rahman stressed that improved infrastructure and communication are essential for forest protection, along with rapid deployment of law enforcement and forest guards to combat crime.

Conservator of Forests (CF), Khulna Circle, Md Imran Ahmed said, “Our priority is the security of wildlife, fishermen, and bawalis, who are crucial sources of revenue. Forest guards across the Sundarbans will soon receive better firearms, training, and faster river vessels to strengthen protection.”

DTR24 Digital Marketing January 11, 2026

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Daughter in the Annals of Human History

Nahida Ashrafi

Like every ordinary story, the princess spends her days with her parents in an obvious dreamy way. Happiness tends to be brief—like the summary or substance one is asked to write down in a term paper. And here, it is nothing beyond that.

Suddenly, the princess’s queen-mother’s stress and the matchmaker’s toil meet in a geometric sequence. Though the king-father never felt a rush, the queen-mother’s anger-flushed eyes and bitter, caustic remarks made him fake urgency. Not that the daughter’s age was an alloy of steel that had to stick strictly to the years of twenty or twenty-two.

Let’s focus upon Princess Kajolrekha—the drawing of kohl in the leisure of the queen, the matchmaker, and the king’s arrangement.

The erratic and exotic words used by poet laureates and the literary community through the ages to depict female beauty have blessed Bangla language speakers in two ways. One is the formation of prejudice, where physical attractiveness is easily assumed to be synonymous with a woman protagonist. Readers begin with this burden of pre-knowledge. The other is vocabulary—too many words added to adorn the language at the expense of meaningful portrayal.

I am not aiming my writing at Kajolrekha’s good looks, mostly because the heroine of my story is not a perfect match for popular beauty standards. Yet she carries a share of Bangla girls’ natural prettiness. Still, it would be miserly not to mention the exquisiteness of her eyes.

Kajolrekha never needed the help of kohl or eye makeup. The Almighty must have been very pleased with His genius of creation while making her eyes. He was probably very close to being a poet then.

The Maker must not be messed with poetic power. That is why His poetic emotion received a strong blow from scholarly logic. After breathing life into Kajolrekha, He decided to be conclusive, because no other form of art except pen and paper would survive if every girl on earth received inborn kohl in her lower eyelids.

Writing would then be the only profession. Poets would gaze upon kohl-eyed girls and instantly begin penning poems. Tons of paper and dozens of pens would meet premature death.

But He could not take away what He had already given. So you must understand I am barely fit to depict the eyes whose elegance charmed God Himself.

Oh! I cannot stop myself anymore from declaring the good news!

The king, queen, and matchmaker’s toil finally ran toward success. An eligible bachelor for Kajolrekha was found. Thinking about eligibility, Kajolrekha wondered, “Okay then, with whom was I spending my life before? With the unfitted?”

Damn it! We have nothing to do with this sort of intellect. Rather, we should focus on the saree’s color for Kajolrekha’s wedding, the hairstyle, the makeover, and such things. What does deep thinking have to do with us?

Since the beginning of life, family, environment, and dear ones have carried the burden of making us believe that these thoughts are blessed with happiness. First, the kingdom of the father; then the reign of the brother; after marriage, the husband’s dominion; and in old age, the son’s realm.

Merely succumbing to this is our story of success, our answer to worship.

I never understood why, unreasonably, a girl rejecting conformity aspires to be a Pritilata, a Begum Rokeya, or a Malala.

Kajolrekha’s marriage produced two by-products. One was the complacency of the queen-mother and king-father; the other was Kajolrekha’s discontent.

Marriage and its accompanying responsibilities turned into a metaphorical eraser for Kajolrekha—a big one. At first, it erased her youth. Then, one by one, it wiped out her happiness, peace, pleasure, and feelings. Quietly, it rooted out her freedom.

The “rekha” (line) part of her name vanished quickly. Finally, the erasing rested upon the “jol” part, which means water.

To tell the truth, girls, mothers, and daughters are like water. They instantly take the shape of the containers they are poured into. They must tune themselves to the master—quenching thirst as cool water, washing stress away as warm water, remaining clean and transparent so others may come and make the water clay-clogged.

Every thirsty one goes near water. Frequently, I feel like asking:

“Does the water ever become thirsty?”

Translated by — Umme Salma Alam Leena

Editor’s Note: This literary fiction reflects the writer’s personal views; The Impartial 24 is not responsible for the content.

DTR24 Digital Marketing January 11, 2026

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