BNP’s acting chairman Tarique Rahman is scheduled to visit Thakurgaon on Monday night, January 12, after nearly 23 years. He will attend a memorial and prayer gathering honoring the four martyrs of the historic July uprising and recently deceased BNP chairperson Begum Khaleda Zia. The event will take place at Thakurgaon Government Boys High School field on Tuesday, January 13, following his visit to the grave of martyr Al Mamun earlier that morning.

BNP and its affiliated organizations have launched extensive preparations across the district for the visit, with visible enthusiasm among party members. Venues are being decorated, and logistical arrangements strengthened. Local BNP leaders describe the visit as a historic moment that will boost grassroots morale. District BNP general secretary Poigam Ali stated that the trip would further strengthen the confidence of local activists.

Law enforcement authorities have also intensified security measures to maintain order during the visit. Thakurgaon Superintendent of Police Md. Belal Hossain confirmed that all necessary precautions have been taken to prevent any untoward incidents, with police on high alert across the district.

Hasnat Abdullah, the Jamaat alliance candidate for Comilla-4 and chief organizer of the NCP’s southern region, declared that his group would continue their struggle until justice is served for the killing of Sharif Osman Hadi. He made the remarks on Thursday morning at a prayer event held in front of Baksar Bazar Mosque in Gunai Ghar Uttar Union, Debidwar upazila, where local Jamaat and NCP leaders were present.

Abdullah alleged that Hadi’s murder was planned over six months and executed by individuals pushed from India, who later returned there after completing their mission. He criticized the interim government’s administration, judiciary, intelligence, and law enforcement agencies for failing to arrest the main suspects despite the daylight killing. Addressing the crowd, he said the upcoming election had divided the nation into two camps—one of subservience and another of freedom—and pledged to stand for justice and independence.

He further stated that his group would oppose loan defaulters and corruption, urging unity among people in support of fairness and accountability.

BNP Standing Committee member Salahuddin Ahmed expressed optimism that the issue of the party’s rebel candidates will be resolved soon. Speaking to reporters at the BNP Chairperson’s office in Gulshan on Thursday, he said organizational measures have been taken and efforts are underway to persuade the rebels. He explained that in a large political party, not all aspirants can receive nominations due to seat adjustments and the need for broad representation, which has caused some dissatisfaction.

Ahmed also addressed BNP Acting Chairman Tareq Rahman’s upcoming northern region visit, stating that the purpose is to pay respects at the graves of martyrs from the 2024 student uprising, not to engage in election campaigning. He emphasized that honoring the martyrs is a national duty and should not be viewed as a violation of electoral codes.

He further noted that all political parties are now sincere about ensuring a fair and neutral election, urging that any complaints be submitted to the Election Commission for resolution through joint efforts with the government.

Iran’s Chief Justice Gholam Hossein Mohseni has accused anti-government protesters of acting in the interests of the United States and Israel. His remarks came as demonstrations spread across several Iranian cities, including Tehran, Borujerd, Arsanjan, and Gilan-e-Gharb, following weeks of economic crisis and currency devaluation. Mohseni warned that those creating or supporting unrest would not be forgiven.

According to an Al Jazeera report cited in the article, the Iranian government has decided to provide limited assistance of about seven dollars per family per month to ease the pressure of rising food prices. The protests began last month at Tehran’s Grand Bazaar over inflation and the falling value of the national currency, later spreading nationwide. Human rights groups report at least 36 deaths and around 2,000 arrests so far.

Iran’s military chief Major General Amir Hatami stated that any aggressor would face a strong response, while Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei said Iran would never bow to US threats.

An independent national investigation commission has submitted its report on the 2009 Pilkhana massacre, one of the deadliest events in Bangladesh’s history. The killings took place at the Bangladesh Rifles (BDR) headquarters in Dhaka on February 25 and 26, 2009, when 74 people, including 57 army officers, were brutally murdered. The interim government formed the commission on December 24 of the previous year, and its 400-page report has revealed previously undisclosed and sensitive information. The investigation named more than fifty influential figures, including then Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, former MP and mayor Fazle Noor Taposh, senior Awami League leaders, former army officers, intelligence and law enforcement officials, and several media personnel.

The report describes the massacre as a premeditated attempt to weaken the disciplined army under the guise of grievances among BDR members. It also highlights political missteps, including delayed military intervention and a controversial general amnesty announcement. The article notes that the government’s handling of the crisis and the failure of intelligence agencies have drawn criticism. The commission’s findings have renewed calls for impartial justice and punishment for those responsible.

The report’s release may reopen national debate over accountability, political decisions, and the protection of Bangladesh’s armed forces.

Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) A M M Nasir Uddin said the Election Commission will ensure maximum justice in appeals against the acceptance or rejection of nomination papers. Speaking to reporters on Thursday morning at the EC headquarters in Agargaon, Dhaka, he stated that any aggrieved person can appeal the returning officer’s decision. He emphasized that the Commission believes in fairness and will act according to law and regulations.

The CEC noted that nomination submissions this year took place peacefully, without reports of violence, unlike in previous elections. He added that people from across the country are coming to file appeals, reflecting growing public interest in the election process. As of Wednesday, 295 appeals had been filed, including 131 on the third day.

According to EC data, 2,568 nomination papers were submitted for 300 parliamentary seats, of which 1,842 were declared valid and 723 rejected. Appeal hearings will be held from January 10 to 18 at the EC building, with results displayed on monitors and published online after each session.

Yemeni separatist leader Aidarous al-Zubaidi has fled to the United Arab Emirates, according to a statement issued Thursday by the Saudi-led coalition. The coalition said al-Zubaidi left Yemen after attempting to seize control of several areas and advance toward independence. Based on what it described as reliable intelligence, the coalition reported that al-Zubaidi and his associates escaped during the night.

The coalition further stated that the group traveled from Aden to Abu Dhabi using both boats and aircraft. The information was reported from Riyadh by the AFP news agency. The announcement marks a significant development in Yemen’s ongoing internal divisions, as al-Zubaidi has been a key figure in the country’s separatist movement.

The coalition’s statement did not specify al-Zubaidi’s current status in the UAE or any immediate response from Emirati authorities.

Pakistan’s Army Chief, Field Marshal Asim Munir, has announced a ‘zero tolerance’ policy against any threats to national security. The Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) issued a statement on Thursday confirming the declaration. During a visit to the Lahore Garrison, Munir addressed army personnel, reaffirming the military’s determination to confront growing challenges with professionalism and resolve.

According to the ISPR statement, the army chief emphasized that the armed forces remain committed to protecting Pakistan’s sovereignty, regional integrity, and internal stability. He also urged continued discipline, excellence, and selfless national service among the ranks.

Earlier, a military spokesperson alleged that Afghanistan has become a hub for terrorists and non-state actors, accusing the Taliban government, which came to power in 2021, of providing shelter to militant groups.

Two candidates from the Inquilab Moncho, contesting under the Shibir-backed 'Adommo Jobian Oikko' panel, have won in the Jagannath University Central Student Council (JAKSU) election. The winners are Nur Mohammad and Shanta Akter, who serve respectively as convener and member secretary of the university branch of Inquilab Moncho. The results were confirmed on Thursday morning following the official announcement of the election outcome.

Nur Mohammad secured victory in the health affairs post with 4,470 votes, defeating Al Shahriar Shawon from the Chhatra Dal-backed panel, who received 2,913 votes, marking a margin of 1,557 votes. The election results analysis revealed that the Shibir-backed panel won 16 out of 21 positions, including the vice president, general secretary, and assistant general secretary posts.

Additionally, the Chhatra Dal-backed panel won four positions, while one independent candidate secured a post, completing the overall distribution of the JAKSU election results.

Bangladesh is mourning the death of Begum Khaleda Zia, the country’s first and three-time elected prime minister, eight days after her passing. Crowds from all walks of life have continued to gather at her grave, offering prayers and expressing grief beyond political divisions. The article portrays her as a beloved national figure whose leadership and personal sacrifices left a lasting mark on the nation’s political and emotional landscape.

The piece recounts Khaleda Zia’s transformation from a devoted homemaker and mother into a determined political leader. It highlights her perseverance through personal loss, political persecution, and imprisonment, as well as her steadfastness in upholding democratic ideals. Her tenure as prime minister is described as a period of development, stability, and women’s empowerment, marked by integrity and moral conviction.

Her death is depicted as the end of a defining era in Bangladesh’s political history, closing a chapter of women’s leadership and democratic struggle. The nation continues to honor her as an enduring symbol of courage, sacrifice, and commitment to the people.

U.S. President Donald Trump has approved a bill proposing import tariffs of up to 500 percent on India and several other countries that continue to buy oil from Russia. Republican Senator Lindsey Graham said the bill will soon be presented to the U.S. Congress. He explained that the measure aims to punish nations purchasing cheap Russian oil, which he said supports President Vladimir Putin’s war efforts. Graham also named Brazil and China among the countries that could face these penalties.

Currently, India faces an additional 25 percent tariff on crude oil imports from Russia, bringing total tariffs on Indian goods to 50 percent. The Trump administration has also imposed sanctions on Russian oil companies Rosneft and Lukoil, while pressuring New Delhi to halt Russian oil imports as a condition for trade agreements with the United States.

The bill, co-authored by Graham and Democratic Senator Richard Blumenthal, would authorize the Trump administration to impose secondary sanctions and tariffs on imports of Russian oil, gas, uranium, and other products, aiming to cut off funding sources for Russia’s military activities.

Protests over economic hardship and rising prices have spread across Iran, beginning on December 28 in Tehran’s Grand Bazaar and expanding to 22 of the country’s 31 provinces. The demonstrations, initially led by business owners, have turned violent and evolved into a broader political crisis. In response, the Iranian government has intensified its crackdown on protesters.

Amid the unrest, US Republican Senator Lindsey Graham warned that former President Donald Trump would kill Iran’s supreme leader if the government continues its repression. Speaking to Fox News, Graham said the Iranian regime was killing its own people under the pretext of improving living conditions and described the situation as a major turning point in Middle Eastern history. He added that help was coming for the Iranian people.

Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Khamenei acknowledged that protesters’ demands were legitimate but declared that riots would not be tolerated. Government talks with business representatives in Tehran have failed to yield results, while Iranian officials strongly condemned Trump’s earlier remarks about US intervention if deadly force was used against demonstrators.

President Donald Trump has signed a memorandum directing the United States to withdraw from 66 international organizations. The White House announced on Wednesday that the decision was made because these organizations no longer serve U.S. national interests. According to a statement shared on social media platform X, the order covers 31 United Nations–affiliated bodies and 35 other international institutions, though no specific names were disclosed.

The White House explained that continued U.S. involvement in these organizations is no longer aligned with the country’s strategic and economic priorities. The announcement marks another step in Trump’s ongoing effort, during his second term, to reduce U.S. participation in global institutions.

Observers note that these moves have sparked renewed debate about America’s role in international affairs, as the administration continues to reassess its global commitments.

Around 150 Hindu extremists under the banner of the Vishva Hindu Parishad staged a violent protest outside the Bangladesh mission in Mumbai on Wednesday, tearing the Bangladeshi national flag and chanting anti-Bangladesh slogans. Local security forces intervened and dispersed the protesters before any damage occurred to the mission. Diplomatic sources confirmed that all mission staff remained safe.

The report stated that Hindu extremists in India have repeatedly attacked Bangladeshi missions, citing false allegations of persecution of Hindus in Bangladesh. Previous incidents included attacks on several missions, the burning of a visa center, and threats against Bangladesh’s High Commissioner in Delhi. The article alleged that these activities have direct support from the Indian government.

In response to security concerns, Bangladesh’s mission in Kolkata has suspended issuing tourist visas to Indian nationals. Similar restrictions were already in place in Delhi and Agartala. However, business and work visas remain available after multi-level verification. Diplomatic sources linked the decision to ongoing instability following the fall of the Sheikh Hasina government and the upcoming February 12 general election in Bangladesh.

Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) A.M.M. Nasir Uddin stated that the upcoming election will not be manipulated as in the past, and the Election Commission will ensure a level playing field. He made the remarks on Thursday morning while visiting the appeal submission center at the Election Commission building in Agargaon, Dhaka. Nasir Uddin emphasized that the commission, as the appellate authority, will guarantee justice in hearing appeals against the acceptance or rejection of nomination papers.

The CEC said the commission believes in fairness and will act accordingly, ensuring justice under the law and regulations. He noted that unlike previous years, the nomination submission process was peaceful this time, with no reports of violence or bomb attacks. He added that aggrieved candidates have the opportunity to seek redress through appeals.

According to Election Commission officials, 131 appeals were filed on Wednesday, bringing the total to 295 over three days. Appeals came from various regions including Dhaka, Khulna, Rajshahi, Rangpur, Chattogram, Cumilla, Mymensingh, Barishal, and Faridpur. The CEC observed that the commission has become a focal point of public interest, as people from distant areas are coming to file appeals.