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.

Jamaat-e-Islami’s Nayeb-e-Ameer Dr. Syed Abdullah Mohammad Taher has rejected reports that his party would allocate 10 parliamentary seats to the Nationalist Citizens Party (NCP). Speaking at a briefing after a meeting with European Union representatives at the Jamaat Ameer’s political office in Dhaka on Wednesday morning, he said the claim was imaginary and that an agreement among 11 allied parties over seat distribution would be finalized soon.

Dr. Taher warned that Bangladesh would face destruction if elections were manipulated as in the past. He also stated that if Jamaat came to power, it would form a government in coordination with all political parties.

The statement followed media reports published on Tuesday claiming Jamaat would not give NCP more than ten seats, which sparked renewed political discussion.

The Anti-Aggression Movement, known as a symbol of public resistance against political aggression, dominance, and oppression, is holding its first anniversary event titled the 'July Hero Honor' ceremony on Wednesday. The program began at 9 a.m. at the Institution of Diploma Engineers Bangladesh (IDEB) auditorium in Kakrail, Dhaka. Families of July martyrs, injured participants, and July fighters from various districts including Chattogram, Cumilla, Sylhet, Rajshahi, Khulna, and Noakhali gathered in the capital early in the morning.

According to the organizers, the event will honor those who were martyred, injured, or persecuted during the July Movement. National-level political leaders, social figures, journalists, and citizen representatives are attending the ceremony. The Anti-Aggression Movement stated in a notice on Tuesday that the initiative continues the movement launched on January 7, 2025, at Dhaka University’s Raju Memorial, opposing political prescription and hegemonic aggression.

The organization reaffirmed its commitment to work uncompromisingly for national interests, sovereignty, and people’s rights. The event is being supported by JAM Sangstha, an organization active in education, health, and social development.

Jamaat-e-Islami’s Nayeb-e-Ameer Dr. Syed Abdullah Mohammad Taher has warned that Bangladesh will head toward destruction if future elections are manipulated as in the past. He made the remarks on Wednesday morning in Dhaka after a meeting with representatives of the European Union at the political office of the Jamaat Ameer.

During the briefing, Taher said that discussions among 11 political parties regarding seat-sharing are nearing an agreement. He dismissed as imaginary the claim that the Nationalist Citizens Party (NCP) would receive 10 seats. The Jamaat leader also stated that if his party comes to power, it will form a government in coordination with all political parties.

The meeting with EU representatives and Taher’s comments reflect ongoing political negotiations and concerns over electoral integrity ahead of the next national polls.

U.S. President Donald Trump announced that Venezuela will supply between 30 and 50 million barrels of high-quality oil to the United States. He made the statement on Tuesday through his social media platform Truth Social, saying the oil would be sold at market price once brought to the U.S. Trump added that he would personally oversee the use of the proceeds to benefit both the Venezuelan and American people.

The announcement came a day after former Venezuelan Vice President Delcy Rodríguez was sworn in as interim president. Trump said he had instructed his Energy Secretary, Chris Wright, to implement the plan immediately and that the oil would be transported directly to the United States by ship. According to CBS, representatives of major U.S. petroleum companies plan to meet with the Trump administration later this week.

The move signals a new phase in U.S.-Venezuela energy relations following recent political changes in Caracas, though details of the agreement’s structure and timeline remain unclear.