The Anti-Discrimination Student Movement has demanded that the Jatiya Party be declared ineligible to contest the upcoming 13th National Parliamentary Election. In a statement signed by its office secretary Shahadat Hossain on Tuesday, the organization also expressed deep concern over alleged bias in the nomination scrutiny process, harassment of independent candidates, and the neutrality of field administration officials.

The statement alleged irregularities and favoritism in nomination verification across several constituencies, citing the case of independent candidate Ataur Rahman in Manikganj-3, who was reportedly harassed by supporters of a BNP-nominated candidate. It further accused some returning officers and local administrators of partial behavior. The group warned that such incidents threaten the possibility of a free and fair election.

The movement argued that allowing the Jatiya Party to participate effectively paves the way for the banned Awami League’s gradual return to politics. It urged the government and Election Commission to ensure a level playing field and immediately disqualify the Jatiya Party, which it described as a collaborator in past “dummy elections.”

More than 1.53 million voters have registered online for postal ballots after the deadline, according to Chief Adviser’s Press Secretary Shafiqul Alam. He announced the figures at a press briefing at the Foreign Service Academy in Dhaka, noting that this is the first time Bangladesh has introduced postal voting. Among the registrants, 761,140 are domestic officials unable to vote at their own centers, while 772,542 are Bangladeshi expatriates. The initiative has drawn interest from the European Union, UNDP, and several European countries eager to study the model.

The Chief Adviser described the response as historic, highlighting that Bangladesh’s inclusion rate of over 5 percent surpasses the global average of 2.7 percent in countries with long-standing diaspora voting systems. The government plans to allow registered voters to cast postal ballots around January 21, once candidate lists are finalized. To boost voter engagement, the number of election caravans will double to 20, expanding coverage to 495 upazilas.

Security preparations are also underway, with 75 percent of law enforcement officers trained and a new monitoring app being developed to detect election-related unrest in real time.

Brent Christensen, the newly appointed US Ambassador to Bangladesh, is scheduled to arrive in Dhaka on January 12, according to diplomatic sources. Officials from the US Embassy have already met with Bangladesh’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs to coordinate his credential presentation to the President soon after his arrival. Preparations are underway to ensure Christensen can begin his duties within days of reaching Dhaka, just one month before the country’s upcoming 13th national election and referendum.

Christensen was nominated by US President Donald Trump in September and confirmed by the Senate in December. In his Senate hearing, he emphasized strengthening Bangladesh’s democratic process, human rights, Rohingya crisis response, and economic cooperation. He stated that the United States would support Bangladesh’s democratic future and work to reduce trade barriers.

A senior member of the US Foreign Service, Christensen previously served as Political and Economic Counselor at the US Embassy in Dhaka from 2019 to 2021 and as Foreign Policy Advisor at the US Strategic Command from 2022 to 2025. The ambassadorial post had remained vacant since Peter Haas’s departure in July last year, with Tracy Ann Jacobson serving as chargé d’affaires.

The government has placed top priority on ensuring the security of political leaders ahead of Bangladesh’s upcoming 13th national parliamentary election, according to Chief Adviser’s Press Secretary Shafiqul Alam. Speaking at a press briefing at the Foreign Service Academy in Dhaka on Tuesday, he said that security agencies have coordinated with political parties, and gunmen have been assigned to many leaders as needed. The police, particularly the Special Branch, are actively handling the matter, and local authorities will review additional security requests.

Alam added that the government is aware of individuals attempting to spread confusion about the election and asserted that preparations are proceeding well with 37 days remaining. He noted that the confidence of police, army, BGB, and other security forces has increased following the successful management of three major national events. The press secretary also discussed efforts to engage religious leaders in promoting participation in an upcoming referendum through mosques, temples, and churches, supported by the Ministry of Religious Affairs’ nationwide network.

Separately, officials addressed a journalist’s killing in Jashore, stating that initial police findings indicate no link to religion or journalism, but rather to local extremist political rivalries.

Hasnat Abdullah, the chief organizer of the National Citizen Party (NCP) for the southern region and the Jamaat-led alliance candidate for Cumilla-4 constituency, called on voters to stand against corruption and Indian dominance. He made the remarks on Tuesday afternoon during an election march in Biralla area of Jafarganj Union, Debidwar upazila, Cumilla. Hasnat emphasized that voters should not sell their votes for money and should guard polling centers to prevent any attempts at forceful occupation.

He stated that the upcoming election would be a vote for justice and against those involved in corruption, extortion, and dominance. Hasnat pledged that his supporters were ready to make any sacrifice to protect people’s voting rights. He also urged voters to reject those who try to buy votes with money and to resist any violent attempts to seize polling centers.

Leaders of Jamaat and NCP were present during the march, where Hasnat exchanged greetings with local voters.

The air chiefs of Bangladesh and Pakistan held a meeting in Islamabad to discuss potential procurement of JF-17 Thunder fighter jets for the Bangladesh Air Force. According to Pakistan’s Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), the meeting focused on strengthening operational cooperation, institutional coordination, training, capacity building, and joint work in aerospace technology. Bangladesh Air Chief Marshal Hasan Mahmud Khan led a high-level defense delegation and was given a guard of honor during the visit.

Pakistan Air Chief Marshal Zaheer Ahmed Baber Sidique highlighted recent progress in his force and assured Bangladesh of support through a comprehensive training structure, from basic to advanced flight and specialized courses. He also confirmed that Super Mushshak training aircraft would be delivered soon, accompanied by long-term training and support arrangements. The Bangladeshi air chief praised Pakistan’s combat experience and sought assistance in maintaining older fleets and integrating air defense radar systems for enhanced airspace surveillance.

The ISPR statement said the visit renewed historical ties between the two nations and reinforced commitments to deepen defense cooperation and long-term strategic partnership.

The Chief Adviser’s Press Wings Facts has identified misinformation portraying an internal dispute among members of the Hindu community in Ullapara, Sirajganj, as an incident of minority persecution. On Tuesday, the verified Facebook page of Press Wings Facts reported that several social media posts falsely claimed that a group called ‘Tawhidi Janata’ obstructed the cremation of an elderly Hindu woman.

According to the fact-checking report, the dispute was not communal in nature. The confusion arose when the person responsible for the cremation ground delayed handing over the key, prompting protests from the deceased’s relatives. The matter was later resolved with the intervention of the Upazila administration, and the cremation was completed the same day. Local resident Bablu Bhoumik explained that the misunderstanding occurred because the family used the old name of the cremation ground during announcements.

Press Wings Facts warned that the incident was being misrepresented on social media to spread communal confusion and clarified that it was entirely an internal matter within the community.

Election Commissioner Brigadier General (Retd.) Abul Fazal Md. Sanaullah announced that anyone attempting to influence the upcoming 13th National Parliamentary Election will be brought under the law immediately. He gave this directive during separate meetings with the divisional and district administrations and the law enforcement coordination cell at the Chattogram Circuit House on Tuesday afternoon. The administration has been instructed to act with transparency, neutrality, and firmness to ensure a fair election process.

Sanaullah emphasized that all necessary measures will be taken to maintain law and order and uphold the electoral code of conduct. He noted that the reduced internal conflicts among political parties and their caution in following the code are positive signs. Expressing concern that some groups might spread misinformation and rumors ahead of the election, he warned that such acts are punishable offenses and urged journalists and citizens to help prevent them.

He added that the overall situation in Chattogram remains stable, with all security forces and administrative wings well-prepared and voters eager to participate in the upcoming election.

National Citizens Party (NCP) spokesperson Asif Mahmud Sajib Bhuiyan has alleged that members of the administration and intelligence agencies have aligned themselves with a particular political party, calling it a threat to democracy and fair elections in Bangladesh. He made the remarks on Tuesday after meeting Chief Election Commissioner A.M.M. Nasir Uddin.

Asif Mahmud accused officials of regularly visiting one party’s office and claimed that such behavior shows bias even before the ruling party is determined by public mandate. He warned that if the Election Commission’s neutrality is questioned, the NCP will take to the streets. He also alleged double standards in the nomination review and appeal process, citing examples from constituencies including Cumilla-4, Sylhet-1, and Sylhet-3, where he claimed opposition candidates were favored while NCP nominees were unfairly rejected.

He further stated that over 100 instances of discrimination in nomination scrutiny have been documented and warned that public distrust in the election process is deepening. The NCP urged the commission to ensure impartial appeal hearings to prevent further erosion of confidence.

National Citizen Party (NCP) spokesperson Asif Mahmud Sajib Bhuiyan has alleged that the administration is showing bias toward a particular group. Speaking to reporters after meeting with election commissioners on Tuesday afternoon, he claimed there are at least one hundred examples of one-sided behavior by the administration. He cited the case of Sylhet-3 constituency, where one candidate’s nomination was canceled despite being allowed to submit information later, while a BNP candidate in a similar situation was permitted to validate his nomination.

Bhuiyan warned that such administrative behavior is raising public concern about potential bias and one-sided actions in the upcoming February 12 election. He urged the Election Commission to take appropriate measures to prevent favoritism during upcoming hearings, which will be directly under the Commission’s authority.

He further stated that if any bias occurs in the appeal process, it would cast doubt on the Election Commission’s ability to conduct a fair election.

A delegation of the National Citizen Party (NCP), led by its spokesperson and head of the central election management committee Asif Mahmud Sajib Bhuiyan, met with Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) A. M. M. Nasir Uddin on Tuesday, January 6, 2026, at 3 p.m. The meeting took place as part of the party’s engagement with the Election Commission ahead of upcoming electoral activities.

The NCP delegation included Joint Member Secretary Faisal Mahmud Shanto, Joint Chief Coordinator Advocate Shakil Ahmad, and Head of the Election Media Subcommittee Mahabub Alam. The report did not specify the agenda or outcomes of the meeting.

The discussion reflects ongoing interactions between political parties and the Election Commission in the lead-up to national elections, though no further details on topics or decisions were provided in the source.

U.S. President Donald Trump has stirred new controversy after being photographed holding a red hat inscribed with 'Make Iran Great Again' and his signature. The image, taken aboard Air Force One on Sunday night while returning from Florida to Washington, was shared Monday on social media platform X by Republican Senator Lindsey Graham, a close ally of Trump. Graham praised Trump’s leadership and voiced support for Iranian anti-government protesters, calling for solidarity with those fighting against 'tyranny.'

The hat’s design mirrors Trump’s well-known 'Make America Great Again' slogan but features the pre-1979 Iranian flag symbol. Analysts cited in the report interpret the gesture as more than symbolic, suggesting it signals political support for regime change in Iran. Graham later appeared on Fox News wearing the same hat, expressing hope that 2026 would mark a 'great' future for Iran.

The development follows a recent U.S. military operation in Venezuela, leading observers to believe the Trump administration’s attention may now be shifting toward the Middle East, with the hat seen as a pointed political message to Tehran.

Hasnat Abdullah, the chief organizer for the southern region of the National Citizens Party (NCP), announced that his personal Facebook profile has been disabled. He revealed the information during a live broadcast on his verified Facebook page on Tuesday morning. Abdullah stated that his account was disabled some time ago, allegedly due to copyright claims linked to posts reflecting his anti-India stance. He added that the deactivation had disrupted his communication with supporters and followers in recent days.

Abdullah said he will now remain active through his verified Facebook page, which was previously managed mainly by administrators. He urged his supporters to share his page to help disseminate his messages and updates. He believes that his personal profile was disabled because of copyright complaints related to his political posts.

Earlier, former adviser Asif Mahmud Sajib Bhuiyan reported losing his official Facebook page with three million followers after posts about Inqilab Manch spokesperson Sharif Osman Hadi were mass-reported and removed by Facebook authorities.

BNP’s acting chairman Tarique Rahman is expected to visit Sunamganj after nearly two decades, with party sources indicating that he may address a public rally in the district town on January 22. Although the final schedule has not been officially announced, preparations are reportedly well advanced. The visit could mark the beginning of Rahman’s election campaign, which party insiders view as a significant milestone for local politics.

Rahman last visited Sunamganj in 2004, when he spoke at rallies in the town’s old bus stand and other haor areas including Tekerghat and Jamalganj. News of his possible return has sparked enthusiasm among BNP leaders and activists across the district. Discussions are also underway about holding additional gatherings in Shantiganj, Pagla, and nearby areas.

District BNP leaders said preparations are being made to hold the main rally at the Government Jubilee High School ground. Law enforcement sources noted that Rahman might also attend a rally in the Sunamganj-2 constituency, though no official confirmation has been issued yet.

Venezuelan opposition leader María Corina Machado has said that a 'free Venezuela' will become the main energy hub for both North and South America. The statement was reported by AFP from Washington. She expressed optimism that Venezuela, known for having the world’s largest oil reserves, could achieve this goal.

Machado made the remarks during an interview with Fox News host Sean Hannity on Monday. She stated that her vision is to transform Venezuela into the leading energy center of the Americas, highlighting the country’s potential role in regional energy development.

The comments reflect her broader political message of economic revival through energy sector reform, though the report did not specify any detailed plans or timelines for achieving this transformation.