Dr. Reza Kibria, the BNP-nominated candidate for the Habiganj-1 (Nabiganj-Bahubal) constituency, has been issued a show-cause notice over alleged violations of the electoral code of conduct. The notice was confirmed on Wednesday, January 7, 2026, by Abu Hasnat Mohammad Arefin, the district commissioner and returning officer. It had been issued earlier on Monday, January 5, instructing Kibria to provide a written explanation regarding specific allegations and to clarify why legal action should not be taken against him.

According to election authorities, the notice was prompted by accusations that several provisions of the electoral code were breached. Kibria has been directed to submit his written response by January 14. Officials stated that further action may be taken if his explanation is found unsatisfactory after review.

The case remains under examination by the election authorities, who will determine subsequent measures based on the adequacy of the candidate’s response.

Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) Standing Committee member Dr. Abdul Moin Khan said the 2008 national election was meticulously organized by various powerful forces. Speaking on Wednesday at a memorial meeting for Begum Khaleda Zia organized by the Nationalist Alliance at the Dhaka Reporters Unity, he questioned how a popular party like the BNP could win only 30 to 35 seats out of 300 if the process had been fair.

Moin Khan alleged that a section of actors at the time sought to depoliticize Bangladesh, but he asserted that the people are now alert and will not allow any domestic or foreign power to control the country’s politics. He described Begum Khaleda Zia as immensely popular, noting her multiple electoral victories as proof of public support. He added that from 2008 to 2025, she endured false cases and attacks but remained steadfast.

He further stated that the events of August 5, 2024, marked a victory for truth, showing that those who harmed the country were defeated and that Khaleda Zia’s integrity was vindicated in the eyes of the people.

Vote counting for the Jagannath University Central Students’ Union (JnUSU) election is ongoing, with results from 23 of 39 centers officially announced by the Election Commission. According to the latest figures, Shibir-backed candidate Riazul Islam is leading the vice president race with 2,819 votes, while his rival, AKM Rakib from the Chhatra Dal-backed panel, has received 2,691 votes. Shibir-supported candidates are also maintaining strong leads in the general secretary and assistant general secretary positions.

In the general secretary race, Shibir’s Arif has secured 2,980 votes, ahead of Khadijatul Kubra with 1,239 votes. For assistant general secretary, Shibir’s Masud has 2,656 votes, followed by Atikul Rahman Tanzil with 2,350 votes. The long-awaited JnUSU election was held on Tuesday after several postponements. Out of 16,445 registered voters, 66 percent cast their ballots across 39 centers and 178 booths.

The election included 190 candidates contesting for positions in both the central and hall unions, with 8,479 female and 8,170 male voters participating.

BNP’s acting chairman Tarique Rahman held a meeting with leaders of Gulshan Thana BNP and its affiliated organizations on Wednesday afternoon at the BNP chairperson’s political office in Gulshan, Dhaka. The meeting was part of his preparations to contest the upcoming 13th parliamentary election from the Dhaka-17 constituency.

The session was attended by key party figures including Dhaka-17 election coordinator Abdus Salam, BNP chairperson’s adviser Dr. Forhad Halim Donar, Jubo Dal president Abdul Monayem Munna, Dhaka North BNP joint convener Mostafizur Rahman Segun, Dhaka North Jubo Dal president Sharif Uddin Jewel, member secretary Sazzatul Miraj, Chhatra Dal general secretary Nasir Uddin Nasir, and Gulshan Thana BNP member secretary Md. Shahjahan. Leaders and activists from Gulshan Thana BNP and its associate bodies were also present.

The meeting focused on organizational coordination and election preparedness within the Dhaka-17 constituency, signaling the party’s early mobilization efforts for the upcoming national polls.

Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) has rejected the government’s proposal for dialogue aimed at resolving the ongoing political crisis. PTI Chairman Barrister Gohar Ali Khan announced the decision on Tuesday near Adiala Jail in Rawalpindi, where party founder and former Prime Minister Imran Khan remains imprisoned. The statement was reported by Geo News.

Gohar Ali Khan said PTI never refused talks but questioned how discussions could proceed without meeting Imran Khan. He noted that party representatives visit every Tuesday but have been denied access to Khan for over a month. PTI Secretary General Barrister Salman Akram Raja stated that no dialogue could progress without the founder’s participation, while PTI leader Barrister Ali Zafar urged the government to create a suitable environment for talks. Earlier, the Prime Minister’s political adviser Rana Sanaullah said political progress was impossible without building trust at the highest level.

Imran Khan was ousted from power in April 2022 through a no-confidence motion and has been in jail since August 2023 facing multiple cases, including corruption and terrorism charges.

Rashed Pradhan, vice president and spokesperson of the National Democratic Party (JAGPA), said that fifteen years after the killing of Felani at the border, justice has still not been served. Speaking at a rally in Dhaka’s Bijoynagar-Paltan area on Wednesday, he alleged that the Indian Border Security Force (BSF) killed 34 Bangladeshis in 2025 without accountability. He called for a firm response to such incidents, claiming that India’s border guards only understand the language of bullets.

Pradhan also criticized the Indian government for what he described as false allegations of Hindu persecution in Bangladesh and questioned Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s relationship with Delhi. He urged voters to support Islamic and patriotic alliances in upcoming elections to end what he termed Indian dominance and aggression. The protest was organized by JAGPA to mark Felani Murder Day and was attended by party leaders including Iqbal Hossain, Asadur Rahman Khan, Syed Shafiqul Islam, and others.

The event reflected JAGPA’s continued opposition to Indian influence and its demand for stronger national policy on border security and sovereignty.

A week after former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia’s death on December 30, people from all walks of life continue to visit her grave to offer prayers and shed tears in silence. The report from January 7 describes a steady stream of visitors, including leaders and activists of the BNP and its affiliated organizations, as well as ordinary citizens who came to pay floral tribute, recite from the Quran, and pray for her soul.

The scene at the gravesite reflects deep public affection and respect for Khaleda Zia, who is remembered as an uncompromising leader. Visitors recalled her role in anti-autocracy movements and her years of political struggle. Many described her as a symbol of courage and sacrifice, while others emphasized the enduring influence of the Zia family in Bangladesh’s politics. Organized prayers and Quran recitations were also held by various groups, including the Nationalist Ulema team and the Arafat Rahman Koko Sports Circle.

Speakers at the site described her death as an irreparable loss for Bangladesh and noted that her leadership transcended political divisions, uniting people in shared remembrance and respect.

Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami has held a meeting with the Election Commission (EC) under the leadership of the party’s Nayeb-e-Ameer, Dr. Syed Abdullah Mohammad Taher. The discussion began on Wednesday, January 7, 2026, around 3:15 p.m. at the EC headquarters in Agargaon, Dhaka, inside the Chief Election Commissioner’s (CEC) conference room. The meeting was presided over by Chief Election Commissioner A. M. M. Nasir Uddin and attended by the full commission.

A six-member delegation from Jamaat-e-Islami, led by Dr. Taher, participated in the meeting. The delegation included several senior leaders of the party. The report did not specify the agenda or topics discussed during the session.

The meeting marks a formal engagement between the Election Commission and Jamaat-e-Islami leadership, though details of the outcomes or next steps were not disclosed in the source.

Mir Arshadul Haque, joint convener and chief coordinator of the Chattogram metropolitan unit of the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP), has joined the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP). The joining took place on Wednesday at 2 p.m. at the BNP chairperson’s office in Gulshan, where Haque met the party’s acting chairman Tarique Rahman. Later, he received the party’s primary membership from BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir.

According to the report, Haque had earlier announced his resignation from the NCP on December 25 through a Facebook post. His move marks a shift from his previous political affiliation to one of Bangladesh’s major opposition parties.

The report did not mention any official statement from Haque or BNP leaders regarding the reasons for his switch or his future role within the party.

Human rights organization Odhikar has demanded justice for the killing of Felani by Indian Border Security Force (BSF) and called for an end to border killings. The demand was made on Wednesday at a rally held at the National Press Club in Dhaka to mark Felani Day and protest her death.

Odhikar’s director Nasir Uddin Elan stated that the manner in which Felani was killed at the border is known, yet justice has not been served. He described the killing of a woman at the border as a grave human rights violation and urged everyone to raise their voices against such incidents. Families of several victims of border killings were present at the event, along with Odhikar researcher Taskin Fahmin and other senior leaders of the organization.

The rally highlighted ongoing concerns about human rights violations along the Bangladesh-India border and renewed calls for accountability and justice for victims of cross-border violence.

United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres has expressed deep sorrow and condolences over the death of Begum Khaleda Zia, Bangladesh’s three-time former Prime Minister and chairperson of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP). In a condolence message sent on January 2 to Professor Muhammad Yunus, Chief Adviser of Bangladesh’s interim government, Guterres conveyed his sympathy on behalf of the United Nations. The message was released by the Chief Adviser’s Press Wing on Wednesday.

In his message, Guterres said he was deeply saddened by the passing of the former Prime Minister. He extended heartfelt condolences to the people of Bangladesh and to Khaleda Zia’s family, noting that as the country’s first female Prime Minister, she held a distinct and dignified place in Bangladesh’s political history. He added that through her long years of public service and leadership, she left a significant mark on the nation’s political life.

Khaleda Zia, known for her uncompromising stance on democracy, passed away on December 30 of the previous year while undergoing treatment at Evercare Hospital in Dhaka at the age of 80. She was buried with state honors on December 31 beside the grave of late President Ziaur Rahman at the capital’s Zia Udyan.

A high-level European Union delegation met with Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami chief Dr. Shafiqur Rahman at his Bashundhara office on Wednesday. The delegation, led by Paola Pampaloni, Deputy Chief of the European External Action Service’s Asia and Pacific Division, included the EU ambassador to Dhaka and another official. Following the meeting, Jamaat’s Nayeb-e-Ameer Dr. Syed Abdullah Mohammad Taher told reporters that the main discussion focused on the upcoming national election and the Rohingya issue. He said the EU delegation informed them that the Union would send the highest number of observers to monitor the election.

Dr. Taher emphasized that fair and impartial elections are essential for Bangladesh, noting that the lack of credible polls has been a major cause of national crises over the past 55 years. He expressed concern that recent government and law enforcement activities suggest bias toward one party, raising fears of a rigged election. Jamaat urged the government, Election Commission, and authorities to act neutrally to protect the country.

The EU delegation also discussed the Rohingya issue, and Jamaat leaders said they would work with the international community to ensure Rohingya safety and rights if they come to power.

Thousands of Venezuelans gathered in Caracas to show support for President Nicolás Maduro following his reported abduction along with his wife by the United States. Protesters waved national flags, sang patriotic songs, and chanted anti-American slogans. The demonstration was joined by Venezuela’s Interior Minister Diosdado Cabello, according to TRT World.

Interim President Delcy Rodríguez asserted that no foreign power governs Venezuela, rejecting earlier remarks by US President Donald Trump claiming the United States would run the country until a change occurs. Rodríguez emphasized that the Venezuelan government remains in control and declared seven days of mourning for 24 Venezuelan soldiers killed in a US military operation. Cuba also reported the deaths of 32 of its military members.

The Trump administration has not yet clarified its plans for Venezuela since Maduro’s detention, leaving uncertainty about Washington’s next steps in the crisis.

BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman is set to embark on a four-day visit to northern Bangladesh, beginning on January 11, 2026. According to the party, the trip is primarily focused on religious and social events. The BNP stated that the tour will fully comply with the code of conduct issued by the Bangladesh Election Commission. The party has submitted applications to the Election Commission, as well as to the relevant district commissioners and election officers, to ensure adherence to the regulations.

The tentative itinerary shows that Rahman will travel from Dhaka through Tangail and Sirajganj to Bogura on the first day, then proceed to Rangpur, Dinajpur, and Thakurgaon over the following days, before returning to Dhaka on January 14. During the trip, he will visit the graves of Maulana Abdul Hamid Khan Bhasani, Shaheed Abu Sayeed, and Tayeba Mojumdar, among others, and attend prayer gatherings. He is also scheduled to meet injured freedom fighters and families of martyrs from the democratic movements.

The BNP emphasized that the visit is non-political in nature and intended to honor historical and social figures while maintaining compliance with electoral guidelines.

More than one hundred leaders and activists of the Jatiya Party (GM Quader faction) in Singair, Manikganj, have joined the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP). The formal joining took place on Tuesday evening at 6:30 p.m., when they presented flowers to Engineer Moinul Islam Khan Shanto, the BNP-nominated candidate for the Manikganj-2 constituency.

Among those who joined were Pirzada Mohammad Ali, vice-president of the upazila Jatiya Party, member Mozzaffar Hossain, former organizing secretary Mojibur Rahman, municipal organizing secretary Shahanur Rahman, religious affairs secretary Mufti Akkas Ali, and upazila women’s Jatiya Party president Munni Akter, along with numerous supporters. Pirzada Mohammad Ali and Shahanur Rahman said they were inspired by the ideals of late President Ziaur Rahman, former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia, and acting BNP chairman Tarique Rahman.

BNP candidate Engineer Moinul Islam Khan Shanto welcomed the new members, noting their long involvement with Jatiya Party politics. He urged everyone to work together to ensure victory for the BNP’s electoral symbol and to develop Singair and southern Manikganj into a modern region.