BNP-nominated candidate for Sylhet-2 (Osmaninagar–Bishwanath) constituency, Tahsina Rushdir Luna, has declared total assets worth Tk 26,143,492 in her affidavit submitted to the Election Commission. The former deputy registrar of Dhaka University, now retired, stated that she owns no house in her name. Her affidavit lists 40 bhori of gold ornaments received as marriage gifts, cash holdings of Tk 1,770,464, including Tk 1,350,000 borrowed from her son, and one car registered under her name.

According to the affidavit, Luna’s movable assets have an acquisition value of Tk 11,376,157 and a current market value of Tk 15,011,058. Her immovable assets were valued at Tk 8,966,500 at current market rates. She also mentioned jointly owned property worth Tk 34,200. Her annual income is Tk 952,387, and she has no pending legal cases.

Among nine candidates in the constituency, Luna tops in declared assets, while independent candidate Barrister Mohammad Abdus Shahid leads in annual income, reporting Tk 5 million in his tax return.

Dhaka experienced severe cold and dense fog on Friday morning, disrupting normal life across the capital. The city was covered in a thick layer of fog from dawn, forcing vehicles to move with headlights on due to poor visibility. The biting cold and chilly winds made it difficult for residents to cope, even with multiple layers of warm clothing. As it was a holiday, fewer people were seen on the roads, but those who ventured out faced significant discomfort.

According to weather updates, the country’s overall weather may remain dry with partly cloudy skies. Moderate to dense fog is likely to occur in many areas from midnight to morning, possibly persisting until noon in some places. The intensity of cold has increased across the country, including Dhaka, with forecasts suggesting that the cold conditions may continue for several days.

The weather office also indicated that after January 4, the cold may intensify again, while 17 districts are expected to see a gradual reduction in the ongoing cold wave.

Iran has been rocked by widespread protests over rising living costs, continuing for a fifth consecutive day on Thursday. Thousands of people joined demonstrations across the country, with the death toll rising to six. Authorities have arrested 30 protesters on charges of creating disorder and damaging public property, according to Al Jazeera.

Semi-official news agency Fars reported that in Azna city of Lorestan province, about 300 kilometers southwest of Tehran, at least three people were killed and 17 injured. Two others were killed in Lordegan city of Chaharmahal and Bakhtiari province, around 470 kilometers south of the capital. State television said a security officer was killed earlier in Kuhdasht city in the west. Videos shared online showed fires burning in the streets and sounds of gunfire.

Police used tear gas to disperse protesters after some reportedly threw stones at government offices, mosques, and banks. The demonstrations began on December 29 in response to the rising cost of living and have since spread to multiple regions.

Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian declared that Iran will not bow to any pressure or threat, speaking at a ceremony marking the death anniversary of former Quds Force commander Qasem Soleimani. The event, reported by Press TV, underscored Iran’s commitment to follow the path shown by its slain commanders, despite external challenges from the United States and Israel.

Pezeshkian described Soleimani as a role model who stood for truth and justice without personal gain. He pledged that Iran would continue on the path of its martyrs with full strength and would not fear sacrifice for the nation, revolution, or national interests. Soleimani was killed in a US drone strike in Baghdad in January 2020.

The president also sharply criticized the United States and Israel, accusing them of engaging in “state terrorism” under the guise of democracy and freedom. The remarks reinforced Iran’s stance of resistance and defiance amid ongoing tensions with these countries.

The interim government of Bangladesh has approved the establishment of a new public medical college and hospital in Munshiganj district. The decision was announced through a circular signed by Md. Saidur Rahman, Secretary of the Health Education and Family Welfare Division, on Thursday. The circular stated that the project has received policy-level approval, and academic activities will begin once the necessary infrastructural development is completed.

According to the report, this is the latest in a series of approvals by the interim government aimed at expanding medical education and healthcare facilities. Earlier, on November 11 of the previous year, the government had granted permission for academic activities at a private institution, Barrister Rafiqul Haque Medical College, located in Jurain, Dhaka.

The new medical college in Munshiganj is expected to enhance access to medical education and healthcare services in the region once construction and development are finalized.

The Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) has launched an intensive campaign to reclaim all four parliamentary constituencies in Bhola ahead of the 13th national election. Each seat features heavyweight BNP candidates, while Jamaat-e-Islami and Islami Andolon Bangladesh are also actively contesting. Despite strong candidates, BNP faces internal disputes in some constituencies, particularly over nominations and coordination with its ally BJP. Jamaat, with single strong contenders in each seat, appears more organized and confident.

In Bhola-1, former mayor Golam Nabi Alamgir leads BNP’s campaign, while Jamaat’s Nazrul Islam has been engaging voters through social and welfare activities. In Bhola-2, former MP Hafiz Ibrahim is working to regain his seat, facing Jamaat’s Mufti Fazlul Karim. Veteran BNP leader Major (Retd.) Hafiz Uddin Ahmed is contesting Bhola-3, where Jamaat-backed Nizamul Haque Nayeem has gained youth support. In Bhola-4, BNP’s Nurul Islam Noyon faces internal divisions, while Jamaat’s Mostafa Kamal is seen as well-positioned.

Political analyst ABM Mojibur Rahman noted that post-July uprising activities will influence voters and emphasized the need for army presence to ensure fair polling.

Thousands of mourners gathered at Sher-e-Bangla Nagar in Dhaka on Thursday to visit the graves of former Prime Minister and BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia and her husband, late President Ziaur Rahman. From dawn until late night, people of all ages and backgrounds arrived at the Zia Udyan mausoleum carrying flowers, reciting prayers, and reading from the Quran. The area turned into a scene of deep mourning and emotion as visitors paid tribute to the late leader.

Many visitors expressed their grief and admiration for Khaleda Zia’s political legacy and personal sacrifices. Among them were families, students, and BNP leaders who described her as a symbol of courage, dignity, and dedication to Bangladesh’s interests. Former press aide and current Bangladeshi ambassador to Mexico, Mushfiqur Fazal Ansari, called her an uncompromising builder of democracy and economic progress. Others pledged to continue her political ideals under the leadership of Tarique Rahman.

Khaleda Zia was buried with state honors on Wednesday beside her husband’s grave at Zia Udyan, following her funeral prayer held earlier that afternoon.

At least 17 people have been killed and 11 injured after sudden floods struck several regions of Afghanistan following heavy rain and snowfall, according to reports on Thursday. In Herat province’s Kabkan area, five members of a single family died when their house roof collapsed. The governor’s spokesperson, Mohammad Yusuf Saeedi, confirmed that two of the victims were children.

Mohammad Yusuf Hammad, spokesperson for Afghanistan’s National Disaster Management Authority (ANDMA), said the casualties occurred in flood-affected districts since Monday. The floods have disrupted daily life across northern, southern, and western parts of the country. Infrastructure damage and livestock deaths have been reported, with around 1,800 families affected. Observation teams have been deployed to the worst-hit areas.

The report noted that decades of conflict, weak infrastructure, deforestation, and the intensifying effects of climate change have worsened the impact of natural disasters, particularly in remote regions. In August, a 6.0-magnitude earthquake killed more than 1,400 people in Afghanistan.

A total of 1,219,142 people have registered through the ‘Postal Vote BD’ app to cast their ballots from abroad in Bangladesh’s 13th National Parliamentary Election. According to the Election Commission (EC) website, as of Friday morning, 1,052,333 men and 166,807 women had completed registration. The EC will send ballot papers by mail to the registered expatriates’ addresses within the specified time.

This marks the first time the EC has introduced an IT-supported postal ballot system. The initiative allows expatriates, individuals in legal custody, and election officials on duty to vote through this method after registering in the app. Registration began on November 19 and will continue until January 5, 2026, following an extension announced on December 30.

The EC stated that registered voters will receive postal ballots by mail, cast their votes, and return them in sealed envelopes to the returning officers. The commission is preparing to hold the election in the first half of February 2026, targeting participation from five million expatriate voters.

Saudi Arabia’s Oversight and Anti-Corruption Authority, known as Nazaha, has arrested 116 government officials on corruption charges following an extensive investigation. The arrests were made after a nationwide campaign in December 2025 targeting bribery and abuse of power. According to a report citing the Arabic daily Okaz, Nazaha questioned 466 individuals as part of the probe.

In an official statement, Nazaha said that 1,440 operations were conducted this month across several ministries, including Interior, Municipal and Rural Affairs, Housing, Education, and Health. The investigation primarily focused on allegations of bribery and misuse of authority. Legal procedures are being completed to hand over the accused to the judiciary, and some detainees have been released on bail under criminal procedure laws.

Nazaha stated that the campaign aims to protect public funds, ensure integrity and accountability, and prevent corruption across the public sector. The authority also urged citizens to report any suspected financial or administrative corruption through its toll-free number 980 or its official website.

Religious Adviser Dr. A F M Khalid Hossain announced that necessary steps have been taken to implement the Dawra-e-Hadith certification for Qawmi madrasa graduates. Speaking on Thursday at the Islamic Foundation auditorium in Agargaon, Dhaka, he said that semi-official letters had been sent to four ministries, and the Law Ministry had already amended regulations to allow Dawra-e-Hadith certificate holders to obtain marriage registrar licenses. He also discussed with the Chief Adviser the possibility of appointing these graduates as khatibs, imams, and religious teachers in various departments under the Ministry of Defence.

Dr. Hossain highlighted that the Ministry of Religious Affairs officials worked tirelessly to secure approval for the project titled “Mosque-based Child and Mass Education Program (Phase 8),” which aims to promote moral and religious values. He added that initiatives are underway to transfer the project to the revenue sector.

He further announced that the Islamic Foundation will offer PhD scholarships in Islamic studies for imams and scholars with postgraduate degrees, with funding being arranged. Additionally, individuals who have made special contributions to Islamic service across the country will be honored later this month.

The National Curriculum and Textbook Board (NCTB) of Bangladesh has made major revisions to the 2026 academic year textbooks, incorporating new historical and political content. The updated editions emphasize the role of late President Ziaur Rahman in declaring independence during the Liberation War and in restoring multiparty democracy after the one-party BAKSAL system. They also include the leadership of Khaleda Zia in the 1990 anti-Ershad movement and the establishment of a democratic government under her leadership.

According to NCTB sources, the revisions were made following recommendations from the National Curriculum Coordination Committee (NCC). The ‘Bangladesh and Global Studies’ textbooks for grades six through ten now present a broader account of the country’s political evolution, including the 1990 uprising, the 2024 July student-people movement, and the fall and escape of Sheikh Hasina. The eighth-grade book details Ziaur Rahman’s 26 March independence declaration from Kalurghat radio, while the ninth-grade book includes his photograph and outlines his political and economic initiatives.

The new textbooks have already been published and uploaded online for students nationwide.

The Bangladesh Meteorological Department has reported that a mild cold wave is currently sweeping across 16 districts, including Rajshahi, Dinajpur, Jessore, and Sylhet. Temperatures are expected to rise slightly over the next two days, easing the cold conditions temporarily. However, the department forecasts that temperatures will fall again after January 4, leading to another spell of cold weather across parts of the country.

According to the latest forecast, nighttime temperatures may increase slightly while daytime temperatures could rise by 1 to 2 degrees Celsius. The weather is expected to remain dry with partly cloudy skies. Moderate to dense fog may occur from midnight to morning in many areas, potentially disrupting air, river, and road transport. The highest temperature recorded on Thursday was 26.5°C in Teknaf, while the lowest was 7.8°C in Jessore.

Meteorologist Tariful Newaz Kabir stated that as January is typically the coldest month of the season, the intensity of winter may increase later in the month.

Ahead of Bangladesh’s 13th parliamentary election, several prominent opposition leaders have submitted their wealth statements along with nomination papers. The disclosures reveal that many heavyweight candidates are millionaires, while some have no property in their own names. BNP’s acting chairman Tarique Rahman declared assets worth Tk 1.96 crore, including fixed deposits and cash, and an annual income of Tk 6.76 lakh from interest and investments. His wife, Dr. Zubaida Rahman, reported assets of Tk 1.53 crore. Jamaat-e-Islami chief Dr. Shafiqur Rahman, contesting from Dhaka-15, declared assets worth Tk 47 lakh, including a duplex house and agricultural land.

Other candidates also revealed varied financial profiles. BNP’s Bobby Hajjaj reported Tk 1.56 crore in cash but no land or house, while Ganadhikar Parishad’s Nurul Haque Nur declared Tk 90 lakh in total assets, mostly inherited. NCP convener Nahid Islam reported Tk 30 lakh in assets, and Maulana Mamunul Haque disclosed Tk 83 lakh in cash and three pending criminal cases. According to the election schedule, nomination scrutiny will continue until January 4, with voting set for February 12.

The asset declarations provide a rare glimpse into the financial standing of key opposition figures as the election campaign gains momentum.

Five students of Bangladesh Agricultural University (BAU) were injured when locals from the Sheshmor area attacked them late on Thursday night, January 1. The incident occurred around 11 p.m. as students from Isha Khan Hall went to the area for dinner. Four students from Isha Khan Hall and one from Maulana Bhasani Hall sustained serious injuries and were first treated at the university’s health care center before being transferred to Mymensingh Medical College Hospital.

According to the report, the conflict began earlier that morning when several outsiders entered a dormitory compound and were detained by students on suspicion of theft. After intervention by hall authorities, the outsiders were released. Later that night, when students went to Sheshmor, locals obstructed them and began throwing bricks and striking them with iron pipes, injuring two students severely. Witnesses said the attack escalated quickly as more students came out of their halls.

University Proctor Professor Md. Abdul Alim stated that police from Mymensingh Kotwali station were conducting operations in the area and that legal action would be taken against those responsible for the assault.