A charge sheet has been filed against 17 individuals, including Faisal Karim Masud, in connection with the murder of Inqilab Moncho spokesperson Shahid Sharif Osman Bin Hadi. The announcement was made on Tuesday afternoon at the Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) Media Center on Minto Road by Additional Commissioner (DB) Md. Shafiqul Islam, who stated that the charges were filed after the investigation confirmed the allegations against the accused.

According to the case details, Hadi was shot on December 12 in the Bijoynagar Box Culvert Road area under Paltan Police Station. He was first taken to Dhaka Medical College Hospital and later transferred to Evercare Hospital. As his condition worsened, he was moved to Singapore for treatment on December 15 and died on December 18 at Singapore General Hospital. Following the attack, Inqilab Moncho’s member secretary Abdullah Al Jaber filed a case at Paltan Police Station on December 14.

On December 20, Dhaka Metropolitan Magistrate Siddiq Azad ordered the inclusion of Section 302 (murder) of the Penal Code in the case, leading to the formal charge sheet submission.

Bangladesh’s economic adviser Dr. Salehuddin Ahmed stated that the current tensions between India and Bangladesh will not impact the country’s economy. Speaking to reporters at the Secretariat on Tuesday after a meeting of the government’s procurement advisory committee, he said trade and purchase activities with India remain normal and there is no economic problem arising from the situation.

He described the recent incident involving cricketer Mustafizur Rahman as unfortunate, noting that Bangladesh was not responsible for initiating the issue. According to him, the sudden decision to stop the player’s participation was unexpected and regrettable, and such actions are not beneficial for either country. He emphasized that the political strain between the two nations will not affect economic or commercial relations.

Dr. Ahmed added that emotional factors may have influenced the situation and expressed hope that both sides would act with consideration to avoid harming bilateral relations. He reaffirmed that Bangladesh’s response to the incident was appropriate and that reactions naturally follow actions.

The committee responsible for the marine fisheries and ecosystem survey conducted by research vessel RV Dr. Fridtjof Nansen submitted its report to Bangladesh’s Chief Adviser at a meeting held Tuesday morning at the state guesthouse Jamuna. The survey, carried out from August 21 to September 21 of the previous year, involved 25 scientists from eight countries, including 13 from Bangladesh. Professor Sayedur Rahman presented the findings, revealing the discovery of 65 new aquatic species and alarming signs of imbalance due to overfishing, such as excessive jellyfish growth and plastic found at depths of 2,000 meters.

The report indicated a decline in large fish compared to 2018 and warned that aggressive sonar-based targeted fishing by 70 of 270–280 deep-sea trawlers threatens fish stocks and coastal livelihoods. The Fisheries Adviser cautioned that such practices could deplete the Bay of Bengal and said the government would decide on sonar fishing. The Chief Adviser emphasized the need for research and policy support to utilize marine resources effectively and highlighted cooperation with Japan, Indonesia, and the Maldives for joint research.

It was also disclosed that the UK’s Royal Navy vessel HMS Enterprise is being transferred to the Bangladesh Navy to strengthen oceanographic research and data collection capabilities.

Industries Secretary Md. Obaidur Rahman has officially joined as the new Chairperson of the Small and Medium Enterprise (SME) Foundation. He took charge at the foundation’s office on Monday following his appointment through a government notification issued by the Ministry of Industries on January 1, 2026. The notification stated that Rahman will hold the position until a new chairperson is appointed, in addition to his existing duties as Industries Secretary.

Obaidur Rahman holds both bachelor’s and master’s degrees in management from the University of Dhaka. A member of the 15th batch of the Bangladesh Civil Service (Administration), he has served in various ministries and departments, including the Ministry of Public Administration, as well as in field administration. His appointment marks him as the ninth chairperson of the SME Foundation.

The SME Foundation plays a key role in supporting small and medium enterprises across Bangladesh, and Rahman’s dual role is expected to ensure continuity in the organization’s leadership until a permanent appointment is made.

Bangladesh Bank Governor Ahsan H. Mansur announced that the government will initiate legal proceedings within a week to declare nine non-bank financial institutions (NBFIs) defunct. The move aims to restore discipline in the country’s financial sector. Independent auditors will assess the true financial condition of these institutions. The announcement was made at a press conference held at the central bank’s headquarters.

According to the governor, if the plan proceeds as expected, individual depositors of these institutions will receive their principal funds before Ramadan. Institutional investors, however, will be settled gradually depending on the availability of government funds. The nine institutions are FAS Finance, Bangladesh Industrial Finance Company, Premier Leasing, Fareast Finance, GSP Finance, Prime Finance, Aviva Finance, Peoples Leasing, and International Leasing.

These nine NBFIs account for 52 percent of total defaulted loans in the financial sector, amounting to Tk 25,089 crore at the end of last year. Eight of them have an average negative net asset value of Tk 95 per share, indicating that without government intervention, repayment of liabilities is nearly impossible.

Customers withdrew Tk 107.77 crore from five troubled Islamic banks over two days, while new deposits of Tk 44 crore were made during the same period. Bangladesh Bank Governor Dr. Ahsan H. Mansur disclosed the figures at a press conference held on Monday in Dhaka. He said the central bank had managed the situation well following the announcement of a new scheme, as the level of withdrawals was lower than initially feared.

According to the governor, a total of 13,314 transactions took place during the two days, with the highest withdrawal of Tk 66 crore recorded at EXIM Bank. He reassured depositors that their funds remained safe and that those placing new deposits could withdraw them at any time.

The governor’s remarks aimed to restore confidence among depositors amid concerns about the financial health of the affected Islamic banks.

Civil Aviation and Tourism Adviser Sheikh Bashiruddin has confirmed that the third terminal of Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport will not be inaugurated during the tenure of the current interim government. He made the statement while responding to a question at a press conference organized on the ‘Travel Agency (Registration and Control) (Amendment) Ordinance, 2026’.

The adviser explained that despite extensive efforts, including meetings and negotiations with the Japanese vice minister, the government could not complete the necessary processes to open the terminal. He said the administration had made every possible attempt but their efforts were not successful.

Bashiruddin added that the government is currently working to keep the procedural requirements active for future actions, and the next government will make the final decision on the terminal’s opening.

US President Donald Trump has released a list of immigrant groups receiving welfare assistance in the United States. Published on Sunday, the list includes immigrants from Bangladesh, Pakistan, Bhutan, China, and Nepal among more than 120 countries and regions. India, however, is not included. The chart shared by Trump on social media shows the percentage of immigrant families from each country receiving welfare or assistance.

According to the data, 54.8 percent of Bangladeshi immigrant families receive assistance, followed by 40.2 percent from Pakistan, 34.8 percent from Nepal, 32.9 percent from China, 42.7 percent from Ukraine, and 25.9 percent from Israel/Palestine. The list also includes an “unspecified Asia” category at 38.8 percent. The report, citing The Hindu and India’s PTI news agency, notes that Indian-Americans have the highest median household income among major immigrant groups in the US.

The Pew Research Center’s data referenced in the report states that Indian-Americans make up about 21 percent of the total Asian population in the United States, ranking as the second-largest Asian-origin group.

China’s government efforts to boost the national birthrate are facing growing resistance as many young couples choose to remain child-free. Despite financial incentives and social pressure, couples like 25-year-old content creator Grace and her husband are opting out of parenthood, citing financial strain, career priorities, and personal freedom. The trend reflects a broader shift in attitudes toward marriage and family life.

Nearly a decade after China replaced its one-child policy with a two-child rule in 2016, the country is experiencing a deepening demographic crisis. The population has declined for three consecutive years, and the United Nations projects it could fall from 1.4 billion to 630 million by the end of the century. In 2024, only 9.54 million babies were born—about half the number recorded in 2016. The “DINK” (dual income, no kids) lifestyle has gained massive popularity on social media, sparking both celebration and criticism.

Authorities have introduced pro-birth measures, including annual subsidies of about $500 per child under three and new taxes on contraceptives. Experts warn these steps have limited impact and caution that persistently low fertility could accelerate population aging and strain China’s long-term economic stability.

Unauthorized brick kilns are reportedly increasing in Nageshwari upazila of Kurigram district. According to the report, there are 18 brick kilns in the area, of which 13 are operating without approval. These unlicensed kilns are using topsoil from agricultural land to produce bricks and burning coal mixed with wood from various trees as fuel. The practice is said to be harming local biodiversity and public health.

Despite the growing number of illegal kilns, there appears to be no visible administrative action to stop them. The report notes that these operations continue openly, raising doubts among residents about the effectiveness of local authorities. The unregulated expansion of such kilns is contributing to environmental degradation and public concern.

The situation highlights a lack of enforcement of existing rules and the need for stronger oversight to protect farmland and community well-being in Nageshwari.

Home Affairs Adviser Lieutenant General (Retd.) Md. Jahangir Alam Chowdhury announced that the charge sheet in the Shaheed Sharif Osman Hadi murder case will be submitted soon. He stated that the government is giving the highest priority to ensuring justice in the case. The statement was made on Monday afternoon.

According to the adviser, the government is committed to expediting the legal process surrounding the murder of Shaheed Sharif Osman Hadi. His remarks indicate a focus on accountability and timely judicial proceedings. The announcement was reported by Amar Desh Online on January 5, 2026.

Further details about the investigation or timeline were not provided in the report, which noted that more information would follow.

A major burglary took place early Monday at New Rana Jewellers in Chandrima Bazar, Mohammadpur, Dhaka. According to the shop owner, Masud Rana, thieves broke into the store and stole 70 bhori of gold, 600 bhori of silver, and Tk 4 lakh in cash. The estimated value of the stolen gold is Tk 1.54 crore, while the silver is worth Tk 21.6 lakh. The incident was discovered when the owner opened the shop around 10 a.m. and found the locks broken and the store ransacked.

Tejgaon Division Deputy Police Commissioner Ibne Mizan confirmed that police have been informed and multiple teams have already started working at the scene. The burglary occurred after the shop was closed around 11 p.m. on Sunday night. Authorities are investigating the case to identify and apprehend those responsible.

Police operations are ongoing at the crime scene, but no further details about suspects or arrests were provided in the report.

Members of the Lalmonirhat Battalion (15 BGB) detained one person and seized a large consignment of Indian mobile phone displays smuggled into Bangladesh. Acting on intelligence, the BGB learned that the items had been secretly stored for trafficking through the Kulaghat checkpoint. During a late-night operation on Sunday, they intercepted a suspect traveling by easy bike, searched the vehicle, and recovered 1,048 Indian mobile displays. The suspect, identified as Md. Sohag, was arrested on the spot.

According to the battalion authorities, the seized goods are valued at 22 lakh 800 taka. The detainee and the confiscated items have been handed over to Lalmonirhat Sadar Police Station, where a case has been filed. The BGB is continuing efforts to identify and take legal action against other members of the smuggling network.

Lieutenant Colonel Mehedi Imam, PSC, commanding officer of the 15 BGB, stated that smuggling harms the national economy by disrupting market balance, depriving the government of revenue, and fostering criminal activity in border areas.

The Criminal Investigation Department (CID) has recovered 114 unidentified bodies of those killed during the July uprising. Among them, eight victims have been identified, according to information released by CID on Monday morning. The identified individuals include Faisal Sarkar, Parvez Bepari, Rafiqul Islam (52), Mahim, Sohel Rana, Asanullah, Kabil Hossain, and Rafiqul Islam (29).

Earlier, on August 4, Dhaka Chief Metropolitan Magistrate Mohammad Mostafizur Rahman ordered the exhumation of the bodies following a police petition filed by Sub-Inspector Mahidul Islam of Mohammadpur Police Station. The exhumation process began on December 7.

The 114 victims had been buried anonymously at the Rayerbazar cemetery in Mohammadpur after being killed during last year’s anti-discrimination movement. The CID’s identification effort marks a significant step toward recognizing the victims of the July uprising.

Police in Chatmohar upazila of Pabna district arrested two alleged drug dealers in separate operations on Sunday evening and night. According to Chatmohar Police Station Officer-in-Charge Golam Sarwar Hossain, the first raid took place in Gunai Gacha Purbo Para village, where Jakirul Islam, 32, son of Mobarak Pramanik, was detained with 10 yaba tablets. Later, in another operation at Bothor Madhyapara village under Bilchalon Union, Sohel Rana, 22, son of Belal Pramanik, was arrested with 15 yaba tablets.

Police stated that two separate cases have been filed against the detainees in connection with the drug recovery. The operations were part of ongoing efforts to curb illegal drug trade in the area.

Authorities have not disclosed further details about the investigations or whether additional suspects are being sought in connection with the seizures.