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.

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.

The National Citizen Party (NCP) has issued a clarification regarding confusion surrounding its convener Nahid Islam’s election affidavit, which recently circulated on social media. The party stated that misinformation was being spread about Islam’s declared total assets of 3.2 million taka. In a message sent on Thursday night, NCP joint member secretary Tamim Ahmed explained that Islam’s income during his tenure as an interim government adviser amounted to 1.136 million taka, with an average monthly salary of 165,000 taka over seven months. After resigning, he began working as a consultant at a private firm with a monthly honorarium of 100,000 taka, bringing his total annual income to 1.6 million taka for the 2024–25 fiscal year, on which he paid 113,274 taka in income tax.

The statement further detailed that Islam’s declared assets of 3.216 million taka include earnings from his advisory and consultancy roles, cash in hand, previous savings, and gifts received from relatives at events and weddings. The NCP also denied claims that Islam’s profession was listed as teaching, clarifying that his affidavit identifies him as a consultant and former government adviser. It added that he currently holds only two bank accounts: one at Sonali Bank and another at City Bank opened for election expenses.

A meeting held on Thursday, January 1, at the Chief Adviser’s Office recommended installing digital and manual billboards in densely populated urban areas to clearly present the content of the upcoming referendum linked to the 13th parliamentary election. The directive was issued to mayors, panel mayors, and administrators of all city corporations and municipalities across the country. The meeting was chaired by Professor Ali Riaz, Special Assistant to the Chief Adviser and Chief Coordinator of public awareness activities for the election and referendum.

Officials from the Information Ministry, Local Government Division, and Cultural Affairs Ministry reported that awareness campaigns were already underway through billboards, video content, and mobile publicity vehicles. Seven video contents have been produced, with more in progress. Participants emphasized using social media and local networks, including religious leaders, to reach voters effectively. The meeting also observed a moment of mourning for former Prime Minister and BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia.

The chair urged all city and municipal authorities to display the referendum logo, ballot samples, and leaflets within seven days in major public areas and to maximize publicity using available resources.

Mohammad Shafiul Alam, the Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami candidate for the Chattogram-11 constituency, has objected to a report published in the online edition of the daily Amar Desh regarding his election affidavit. In a written statement issued Thursday night, he described the report as false and misleading. The report, titled “Surprising information in Jamaat candidate’s affidavit!”, claimed that his two sons and one daughter had an annual income of five lakh taka, which Alam denied. He stated that his eldest son’s annual net income was only fifty thousand taka, as clearly mentioned in the affidavit, and that his other two children had no income or assets listed.

Alam further said the report incorrectly described his children’s professions as legal consultants. He clarified that the combined income of his wife and eldest son amounted to five lakh taka, as properly documented in the affidavit. He alleged that the publication of such “false and misleading” news before the election had damaged his personal reputation and electoral image, and that the report had spread widely on social media.

The reporter responded that the story was based entirely on the affidavit submitted to the Election Commission, citing specific columns listing dependents’ professions and income sources.

The Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) has announced the formation of its election steering committee to oversee preparations for the upcoming 13th National Parliamentary Election in 2026. According to a press release signed by Senior Joint Secretary General Advocate Ruhul Kabir Rizvi, the committee will be chaired by BNP Standing Committee member Nazrul Islam Khan, with Rizvi serving as the member secretary. The announcement was made on Thursday.

The committee includes Selima Rahman and Shamsuzzaman Dudu as vice chairmen, while Md. Ismail Jabiuallah has been named the chief coordinator. Other members include Advocate Moyazzem Hossain Alal, Bijon Kanti Sarkar, Habib-un-Nabi Khan Sohel, Dr. Ziauddin Haider, Dr. Mahdi Amin, and several others from the party’s senior leadership. The formation reflects BNP’s organizational preparations ahead of the national election.

The announcement signals the party’s move to formalize its election management structure as it prepares for the 2026 parliamentary polls.

Inquilab Mancha has called for nationwide prayers, supplications, and sermons opposing dominance to seek justice for the killing of martyr Sharif Osman bin Hadi and for the forgiveness of his soul. The organization made the appeal in a statement issued on Thursday night, emphasizing the need for collective remembrance and resistance.

The organization, founded by martyr Osman Hadi, stated that he was a leading figure in the anti-Indian dominance movement and a visionary for building a just Bangladesh. Through its statement, Inquilab Mancha reiterated its commitment to continuing the struggle against dominance and honoring the legacy of its founder through spiritual and social mobilization.

The call reflects the group’s ongoing focus on anti-dominance activism and remembrance of those who sacrificed their lives for the cause, as expressed in its official statement.

Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma has announced that his government will adopt a tougher stance against what he termed 'illegal Bangladeshi' immigrants. Speaking ahead of the upcoming state assembly elections, he declared that anyone identified as a foreigner in Assam would be expelled without following any diplomatic procedures. Sarma said the era of a 'soft policy' on deportation had ended, and his administration would act immediately once a foreigner is declared.

According to the report, the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) is making the issue of so-called 'immigrants' or 'infiltrators' a central theme of its election campaign in Assam. Sarma stated that the state government’s approach aligns with recent remarks by India’s Home Minister Amit Shah. Previously, deportation required a lengthy diplomatic process involving the Ministry of External Affairs and verification with Bangladesh.

Sarma said that under the new policy, Assam will no longer wait for formal responses from Bangladesh before expelling those declared foreigners, signaling a significant shift in the state’s handling of immigration cases.

An audio recording of former BNP Chairperson Begum Khaleda Zia expressing anger toward party leader Amir Khasru Mahmud Chowdhury has gone viral on social media. The conversation, reportedly from 2013, captures Khaleda Zia reprimanding Khasru for allegedly obstructing a party program in Chattogram. In the audio, she instructs former organizational leader Golam Akbar Khondkar to ensure that Khasru does not interfere with the work assigned to Dr. Shahadat Hossain, warning that she would remove him immediately if he did.

Golam Akbar Khondkar confirmed the authenticity of the conversation, explaining that it took place during a period of internal disagreement within the Chattogram BNP over movement strategies. At the time, Khasru was the city convenor, and Khondkar served as organizational secretary. The dispute reportedly arose over the organization of a rally or meeting that Khasru opposed despite directives from Khaleda Zia.

Attempts to reach Amir Khasru for comment were unsuccessful, as he did not respond to calls or messages. Senior BNP leaders declined to comment publicly, with some suggesting that the resurfacing of the old audio might have political motives.

Professor UH Ruhina Jesmin of Khulna University’s English Discipline sparked controversy after posting on Facebook comparing former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia and a convicted war criminal named Hasina. The post, made on Wednesday from her personal account, praised both women’s empowerment journeys in a male-dominated society and described their rise from domestic life to national leadership as inspirational. The post quickly drew anger from students on campus and across social media.

Students criticized the comparison as historically inaccurate and politically biased, citing human rights concerns during Sheikh Hasina’s rule. Several commenters described the post as an attempt to elevate Hasina’s image by equating her with Khaleda Zia. Allegations also surfaced that Jesmin mocked religious students and pressured female students to remove hijabs during classes and exams. Rumors circulated that her university appointment was linked to political connections with a former Awami League mayor.

Jesmin defended her post, saying her intention was to highlight women’s empowerment, not politics. She later uploaded a video apology, stating she had clarified her position and expressed regret for any misunderstanding.

Rashed Khan, a young national-level politician, has resigned from Gono Odhikar Parishad and joined the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP). Following his move, he received the BNP nomination for the Jhenaidah-2 (Kaliganj–Sadar partial) constituency. According to his election affidavit, he owns no house, car, land, or plot. He listed his professions as politics and business, while his wife, Rabeya Akter Alo, was described as a homemaker.

The affidavit states that Rashed Khan holds 3,545,875 taka in cash and 7,582 taka in two private bank accounts. His wife has 30,000 taka in cash. The couple jointly possess 40 bhori of gold, valued at 81,48,412 taka at current rates, received as gifts. His wife also owns gold, electronics, furniture, and other household items worth about 17,70,000 taka. Rashed Khan declared no immovable property, shares, bonds, savings certificates, or foreign assets.

For the 2025–26 fiscal year, he reported an income of 450,000 taka and total assets worth 38,45,915 taka, according to his tax return information.

Jamaat-e-Islami central executive member and Sylhet city Ameer Muhammad Fakhrul Islam stated that despite Bangladesh’s vast potential, ordinary citizens remain deprived of their rightful benefits due to the absence of proper political direction and honest leadership. He made these remarks on Thursday, January 1, during a winter clothing distribution event organized by the 39th Ward Jamaat at Tukergaon in Sylhet’s Jalalabad area.

Fakhrul Islam criticized corruption and plundering in politics, saying that while some leaders have amassed personal wealth, marginalized and underprivileged people see no positive impact on their lives. He emphasized Jamaat-e-Islami’s goal of building a welfare state by eliminating social inequality and establishing a justice-based system. He urged party members at all levels to work unitedly to fulfill public expectations.

He added that Jamaat believes in serving humanity to attain divine satisfaction and continues humanitarian efforts such as distributing winter clothes to the poor affected by severe cold across the country, including Sylhet.

The Chattogram district administration has launched a winter blanket distribution program for cold-affected people, led by Deputy Commissioner (DC) Mohammad Zahidul Islam Miah. During a late-night visit to different city areas, the DC encountered a beggar family at the Sholoshahar railway station. After hearing their plea for help, he provided initial assistance and invited them to his office, promising permanent rehabilitation.

According to district administration sources, the DC and his team distributed blankets among destitute people on Wednesday night, starting from Sholoshahar station and continuing through several city points. Among those they met was Abdul Majid, a physically challenged man from Teknaf, Cox’s Bazar, who lives on the streets of Chattogram with his seven-year-old daughter Yasmin. The DC assured them of long-term support, citing concern for the child’s safety and future.

Following the incident, news of the DC’s gesture spread widely on social media, drawing widespread praise for his compassionate response and commitment to social welfare.

Mushfiq Us Salehin, joint member secretary and media cell editor of the National Citizens Party (NCP), has resigned from the party. On Thursday, January 1, 2026, he announced his resignation through the NCP’s media-related WhatsApp group and confirmed that he had sent his resignation letter to convener Nahid Islam later that afternoon.

Earlier the same day, Khan Muhammad Mursalin, the party’s joint chief coordinator, also resigned through a video message posted on his Facebook account. Both resignations were made public within hours of each other, indicating a wave of departures from the NCP’s leadership ranks.

The report did not specify the reasons behind the resignations or any official response from the party leadership.