Eleven candidates, including Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami nominee Mohammad Yusuf Hakim Sohel, had their nominations canceled in Comilla-1, Comilla-2, and Comilla-3 constituencies. The decision came on Friday afternoon following a scrutiny session at the Comilla Deputy Commissioner's office, where the district returning officer declared their nomination papers invalid.

The returning officer, Md. Reza Hasan, confirmed the cancellations after the verification process. Meanwhile, the scrutiny committee validated the nominations of several candidates, including BNP nominees Khandaker Mosharraf Hossain, Khandaker Maruf Hossain, and others from Comilla-1, Comilla-2, and Comilla-3. Jamaat candidate Yusuf Sohel stated that his nomination was rejected due to a minor error and that he plans to appeal after resolving the issue.

Election-related sources explained that nominations can be canceled for errors, inconsistencies, or missing documents. According to Election Commission rules, disqualified candidates may appeal within the stipulated timeframe. The verification of nomination papers for the remaining five of Comilla’s eleven constituencies is scheduled for Saturday.

In the upcoming 13th National Parliamentary Election, candidates from the BNP and Jamaat-e-Islami have submitted nomination papers for the Cox’s Bazar-4 constituency, which includes Ukhiya and Teknaf. Analysis of their affidavits shows a major disparity in wealth and income between BNP’s Shahjahan Chowdhury and Jamaat’s Principal Nur Ahmad Anwari. Shahjahan, the district BNP president and former MP, declared assets worth about Tk 10.9 crore, roughly 21 times higher than Anwari’s Tk 51.5 lakh.

According to Shahjahan’s affidavit, his annual income is around Tk 12 lakh, with most earnings from house rent, agriculture, and fisheries. His immovable assets include 15 acres of agricultural land, 0.52 acres of non-agricultural land, 20.66 acres of leased government land, a house, and 2.5 flats. He also owns a shotgun, a revolver, a Proton Jeep, and 10 tolas of gold, with no liabilities. In contrast, Anwari’s assets include a house, 0.6 acres of land, Tk 15.24 lakh in bank deposits, and 10 tolas of gold.

The nomination papers for Cox’s Bazar-4 will be scrutinized at the district returning officer’s office at noon on Saturday, where five candidates are competing in total.

U.S. President Donald Trump has reignited debate about his age and health after claiming in a lengthy interview that he is in 'perfect' condition. Speaking to The Wall Street Journal, Trump said he takes more aspirin than doctors recommend, uses makeup to cover hand injuries, and avoids regular exercise because he finds it boring. He also clarified that he underwent a CT scan in October, not an MRI as he had previously told reporters.

At 79, Trump is the oldest president in U.S. history, and reports suggest he has shown signs of aging, including dozing off during meetings and occasionally missing questions. The Journal reported that Trump expressed irritation over public discussions about his health.

Trump said he has taken 325 milligrams of aspirin daily for 25 years, despite doctors advising 81 milligrams. He explained that he does not want to change his routine due to superstition and prefers golf as his only form of exercise.

Hasnat Abdullah, the central chief organizer (southern region) of the National Citizen Party (NCP), said his income decreased following the July Revolution. Speaking on Friday at a prayer event in Debidwar municipal hall for the late BNP chairperson Begum Khaleda Zia, he stated that his annual income is about 1.25 million taka, with total assets worth 5 million taka. Abdullah emphasized that his income had been higher before the revolution and claimed transparency about his earnings.

During his speech, Abdullah praised Khaleda Zia as an uncompromising leader who resisted autocracy and endured imprisonment. He called on supporters to back reform and change through a “yes” vote in the upcoming referendum. He also criticized the rule of fugitive Sheikh Hasina, alleging lack of freedom to express dissent, and pledged to defend political freedom in Debidwar.

Abdullah further warned against drug-linked politicians and urged expatriates to exercise their voting rights, noting that remittances would influence future elections. The event was attended by NCP and Jamaat leaders, including Jamaat candidate Saiful Islam Shahid.

Two independent candidates in Bhola-2 (Daulatkhan-Borhanuddin) constituency had their nomination papers canceled during the scrutiny process for the 13th National Parliamentary Election. The verification took place on Thursday under the supervision of Bhola Deputy Commissioner and Returning Officer Dr. Shamim Rahman, who rejected the nominations of Mohibullah Khokon and Taslima Begum after examining the required documents.

According to the Returning Officer, nomination papers of seven other candidates were declared valid following the review. These include BNP’s Md. Hafiz Ibrahim, Jamaat-e-Islami’s Mufti Maulana Fazlul Karim, Bangladesh Khelafat Majlish’s Maulana Abdus Sobhan, Liberal Democratic Party’s Mokfar Uddin Chowdhury, Jatiya Party’s Advocate Jahangir Alam Ritu, Amjonotar candidate Mohammad Alauddin, and independent candidate Zakir Hossain.

Officials from the district administration, police, National Board of Revenue, Rural Electrification Board, and local banks were present during the verification process organized by the Bhola district administration.

A doa and milad mahfil was held in Madaripur on Thursday evening in memory of former Prime Minister Begum Khaleda Zia. The event took place at the DC Bridge area of the town, organized by the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP). Participants prayed for the forgiveness of Khaleda Zia’s soul and for peace and prosperity of the nation.

Following the prayers, party leaders, activists, and local worshippers paid their respects and expressed condolences for the late national leader. The gathering was attended by BNP’s Madaripur-2 constituency candidate Jahandar Ali Mia, district BNP convener Jafar Ali Mia, member Tofazzal Hossain Santu Khan, district Swechchhasebak Dal general secretary Advocate Masud Parvez, organizational secretary Mizan Shikder, and other leaders and activists from various BNP-affiliated organizations.

The event reflected the local BNP’s continued reverence for their late leader and served as a moment of collective remembrance and unity among party members in Madaripur.

On Friday, the third day after her burial, large numbers of Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) leaders, activists, and ordinary citizens continued to visit the grave of former Prime Minister Begum Khaleda Zia at the Jatiya Zia Udyan in Dhaka. Delegations arrived from various districts including Natore, Jhalokathi, and Faridpur to offer prayers at the graves of both Khaleda Zia and late President Ziaur Rahman.

Among those present were BNP leaders such as Aman Ullah Aman, Ruhul Kuddus Talukder Dulu, and Sanjida Islam Tuli, who led groups of party members and parliamentary candidates from different constituencies. From early morning, families and supporters gathered despite cold and foggy weather, reflecting the late leader’s enduring popularity and symbolic status as a figure of independence and sovereignty.

Khaleda Zia, who had been under treatment at Evercare Hospital for a prolonged illness, passed away on December 30. She was buried with state honors beside her husband, former President Ziaur Rahman, following funeral prayers at Manik Mia Avenue on Wednesday.

The Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) has decided to remove all banners and posters across the country, including Dhaka, within three days. The decision was made under the directive of the party’s acting chairman Tareq Rahman. However, banners and posters expressing condolences for the late party chairperson Khaleda Zia will remain in place for a few more days. The removal drive was formally launched in front of the BNP’s central office in Naya Paltan, led by Senior Joint Secretary General Ruhul Kabir Rizvi.

A meeting was held at the BNP central office with top leaders from Dhaka North and South city units, as well as from the Jubo Dal, Swechchhasebak Dal, and Chhatra Dal. Rizvi emphasized that while banners and posters are a form of political expression, they can harm the city’s beauty and aesthetics. He said the initiative aims to ensure that no one’s rights are disrupted by political displays.

Rizvi added that responsibilities have been distributed among party units and that the cleanup will continue nationwide until all banners and posters, except mourning ones, are removed within the set timeframe.

January 2, 2026 marks the 50th anniversary of the killing of revolutionary leader Siraj Sikder, founder of the Purba Bangla Sarbahara Party. According to the report, Sikder was arrested in Chittagong on January 1, 1975, brought to Dhaka, and later killed by security forces under Sheikh Mujibur Rahman’s government. The incident is described as the first major custodial killing in independent Bangladesh and is widely regarded as the country’s first case of extrajudicial execution.

Contemporary media reports and accounts from Sikder’s followers claim he was tortured and shot dead near Jahangirnagar University after being taken from the Rakkhi Bahini headquarters. However, the official police press note at the time stated that Sikder was killed while allegedly trying to escape from a police van in Savar’s Talbag area. A case was filed at Savar Police Station following the incident.

Sikder, born in 1944 in present-day Shariatpur, was influenced by Marxist-Leninist-Maoist ideology and led armed movements against multiple forces, including the Mujib government, which he accused of being pro-India.

BNP’s acting chairman Tarique Rahman’s daughter Jaima Rahman, along with other family members, visited the grave of former Prime Minister and BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia at Zia Udyan in Dhaka on Friday morning. The family paid their respects around 10:30 a.m. Jaima was accompanied by Sharmila Rahman, wife of Khaleda Zia’s late younger son Arafat Rahman Koko, and other relatives.

During the visit, the family also offered prayers at the nearby grave of former President Ziaur Rahman, which is located within the same premises. The visit came days after Khaleda Zia passed away early Tuesday while undergoing treatment at Evercare Hospital in Dhaka. She was buried with state honors beside her husband, the late President Ziaur Rahman, following a funeral prayer held on Wednesday at Manik Mia Avenue.

The family’s visit marks one of the first public appearances at the grave following the burial, reflecting continued mourning within the BNP leadership and family circle.

Dhaka University Central Students' Union (DUCSU) Vice President Sadiq Kayem has said he will endure oppression and injustice like the late former Prime Minister and BNP Chairperson Begum Khaleda Zia but will not leave the country. He made the remark while signing the condolence book for Khaleda Zia at the BNP Chairperson’s political office in Gulshan, Dhaka, on Thursday, before a meeting with acting BNP Chairman Tarique Rahman.

In his written message, Kayem described Khaleda Zia as a voice against Indian dominance and uncompromising in her struggle for justice. He stated that the nation would remember her lifelong fight for independence, sovereignty, and justice. He also emphasized that the political ideology of Shaheed Zia and Begum Zia represents the future of Bangladesh, opposing corruption, terrorism, and mafia influence.

After the meeting, Kayem told reporters that Tarique Rahman advised student leaders to remain united against fascism following the July revolution and urged all anti-fascist political and student organizations, including BNP and Jamaat, to work together.

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.

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 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.