RAJUK Chairman Engineer Md. Riazul Islam has called for collective action and public awareness to resolve the longstanding problems of Old Dhaka. Speaking as the chief guest at a views exchange meeting organized by the Dhaka Metropolitan Association at Nayabazar on Friday, he emphasized the need to strictly follow RAJUK’s construction regulations. He also stressed that ensuring adequate road access for fire service and ambulances during disasters like fires or earthquakes is essential.

The meeting discussed various risks associated with unplanned buildings, narrow roads, and unauthorized constructions in Old Dhaka. The RAJUK chairman noted that these problems have persisted for many years and cannot be solved by law enforcement alone. He urged residents to become more conscious to build a safer and more beautiful city for the next generation.

During the meeting, RAJUK presented its development plans for the area. The session was presided over by Dhaka Association President Ismail Nawab and attended by senior officials including General Secretary Abu Motaleb and RAJUK Member (Development Control) Eradul Haque.

The Bangladesh Election Commission is verifying affidavits submitted by potential candidates for the 13th National Parliamentary Election after the nomination deadline. The affidavits include details of income, assets, and education, which have sparked public debate, particularly regarding top political figures. Analysts have questioned whether the declared figures are realistic, citing examples of unusually low reported incomes by prominent leaders.

Despite the Commission’s assurance of stricter scrutiny this time, political analysts and election observers continue to doubt the accuracy of the verification process. Professor Sabbir Ahmed described the affidavit submission as largely a formality, arguing that the limited time and resources make thorough verification impossible. Former election official Jesmin Tuli, however, noted that under the revised Representation of the People Order (RPO), the Commission can cancel candidacy or impose penalties for false information.

According to the election schedule, the verification of candidate information will continue until January 14, with objections resolved by January 18. Final candidate lists will be confirmed on January 20, ahead of the February 12 election.

Three senior BNP leaders from Barishal who were denied party nominations for the upcoming parliamentary election have been appointed to the party’s central election steering committee. The 41-member committee was formed on Thursday night with BNP Standing Committee member Nazrul Islam Khan as chairman and Senior Joint Secretary General Advocate Ruhul Kabir Rizvi as member secretary, according to a press release.

Begum Selima Rahman, a Standing Committee member who was denied nomination from Barishal-3 (Babuganj-Muladi), has been made vice-chairman of the committee. Former MP and BNP Chairperson’s adviser Moazzem Hossain Alal, who sought nomination from Barishal-5 (Sadar), has been appointed as the first member. Gazi Kamrul Islam Sojol, a central executive committee member and central organizational secretary of the Jatiyatabadi Ainjibi Forum, who sought nomination from Barishal-1 (Gournadi-Agailjhara), has also been included as a member.

The inclusion of these leaders, despite their earlier exclusion from nomination, has reportedly generated enthusiasm among their supporters in Barishal.

A Qur'an recitation and prayer gathering was held at the National University in Gazipur on Friday after Jumu'ah prayers, seeking forgiveness for the soul of former three-time Prime Minister and BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia. The event took place at the university’s central mosque in Boardbazar, according to the acting director of the university’s Public Relations Office, Mostafizur Rahman.

The gathering was attended by Pro-Vice Chancellors Professor Md. Lutfar Rahman and Professor Dr. Md. Nurul Islam, along with deans, the registrar, the controller of examinations, heads of departments, teachers, officers, students, and staff from various university offices.

Earlier, as part of the three-day state mourning for Khaleda Zia’s death, from December 31 to January 2, the national and university flags were flown at half-mast at the university’s Gazipur campus, its city office in Dhanmondi, Dhaka, and regional centers.

BNP Standing Committee member Amir Khasru Mahmud Chowdhury has said that the future Bangladesh will be a 'rainbow nation' where equal rights will be ensured for all people regardless of religion, race, or ethnicity. He made the remarks on Friday morning at the Parade Ground in Chattogram during a national memorial event organized by the Bangladesh Buddhist Association in honor of the late Supreme Buddhist leader, Sangharaj Dr. Gyanashree Mahathero.

Amir Khasru compared the diversity of Bangladesh to the colors of a rainbow, saying that every citizen will maintain their own faith, language, and history, but the country will belong to everyone. He observed that current politics has drifted away from peace and stated that the BNP is working to restore stability, mutual respect, and coexistence. He emphasized that the party believes in a liberal democracy where every citizen’s identity will be simply Bangladeshi.

He further stressed that the benefits of development, education, healthcare, and employment must reach every household, ensuring equality at all levels of national life. He warned that discrimination and favoritism toward special groups will no longer be tolerated and called for a level playing field for all citizens.

Bangladesh Islami Chhatra Shibir’s central president, Nurul Islam Saddam, issued a stern warning to the government and Jagannath University administration regarding the upcoming Jagannath University Central Students’ Union (JAKSU) and hall elections scheduled for January 6. He made the statement on Friday, January 2, through a post on his verified social media account, cautioning that failure to hold the election would make both the administration and the government responsible.

Saddam alleged that conspiracies were underway to prevent the JAKSU election, which had already been postponed once. He claimed that the postponement was influenced by known parties and that similar interference had occurred in previous student union elections. He emphasized that students were determined to secure their rights.

Earlier, the JAKSU election scheduled for December 30 was suspended during a special syndicate meeting. Following protests from candidates and students, the university administration rescheduled the vote for January 6. However, uncertainty remains among students about whether the election will take place on the announced date.

Naeem Ahmad, chief organizer of United Peoples Bangladesh (UP Bangladesh), has called for ensuring that the murder of Inquilab Mancha convener Sharif Osman Hadi does not remain unresolved like that of Siraj Sikder. He made the remarks on Friday at the organization’s central office during a discussion titled “Siraj Sikder: State, Dissent, and the Politics of Killing,” marking the anniversary of Sikder’s death.

Ahmad alleged that former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, now in India, and her father Sheikh Mujibur Rahman were involved in killings and enforced disappearances to maintain power. He also claimed that Hasina’s son, Sajeeb Wazed Joy, shows similar tendencies through his statements from abroad. Referring to the 1975 killing of revolutionary leader Siraj Sikder in state custody, Ahmad described it as the first major “crossfire” incident in independent Bangladesh.

He warned that Awami League members and affiliates should not be allowed to re-enter politics and alleged that some are attempting to contest the upcoming elections under different banners. Ahmad further suggested that Sajeeb Wazed Joy might have had a role in planning Hadi’s killing and urged citizens to remain vigilant to ensure justice.

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan sharply criticized Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu over the Gaza crisis, comparing him to Pharaoh. Speaking to reporters in Istanbul after Friday prayers on January 2, Erdogan said the cries and suffering of children in Gaza were shaking the world, yet Israel continued to block humanitarian aid. He added that children living in wind, rain, and mud had no tents, and Turkey’s attempts to send container shelters were being obstructed by Israel.

Erdogan praised the large pro-Palestinian rally held on January 1 at Istanbul’s Galata Bridge, calling it proof that Palestine is not alone. He pledged that Turkey and the Islamic world would stand firmly with Gaza. Turkish media outlet Hurriyet Daily News reported his remarks.

Since the conflict began in October 2023, Turkey has reduced trade with Israel, banning the export of over 1,000 products in April and later suspending all exports, imports, and transit trade between the two countries.

Two leaders of the Awami League and its affiliated Sramik League were arrested by the district detective police in Pabna while attending the nomination paper scrutiny of independent candidate and Awami League Information and Research Secretary Abu Sayeed for the Pabna-1 constituency. The arrests took place on Friday afternoon in front of the Pabna Deputy Commissioner’s office after the scrutiny session concluded.

The detainees were identified as Sirajul Islam Pramanik, former general secretary of Santhia municipal Awami League and former mayor, and Shahin Hossain, president of the municipal Sramik League. According to Pabna DB Police Officer-in-Charge Rashidul Islam, they were arrested in connection with a case filed at Santhia Police Station and will be presented before the court following legal procedures.

The report adds that on April 12 of the previous year, a case under the Anti-Terrorism Act was filed against former state minister for information Abu Sayeed and 163 others, accusing them of plotting to destabilize the state during a meeting held at his residence in Bera municipality.

Bangladesh Border Guard (BGB) personnel prevented Indian Border Security Force (BSF) members from constructing a bridge in violation of international border law at Dhabalsuti in Patgram upazila of Lalmonirhat on Friday, January 2, 2026. The incident occurred near the main border pillar at zero line 828/2 S during Friday prayers, when over a hundred BSF members began the construction. Local residents noticed the activity and informed the Dhabalsuti Border Outpost under Teesta Battalion 61 BGB. Acting promptly, BGB members reached the site and halted the work, forcing BSF personnel to withdraw.

Following the incident, a company commander-level flag meeting was held between BGB and BSF, where BSF assured that the construction would remain suspended. BGB lodged a formal protest, condemning the violation of border law. Lieutenant Colonel Sheikh Mohammad Musahid Masum, commanding officer of the 61 BGB Battalion, stated that BGB maintains a strict stance on border law violations and will take all necessary measures to protect national sovereignty and uphold international law.

Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer Dr. Shafiqur Rahman has called for national unity to build a truly welfare-oriented and effective state. In a post on his verified Facebook page on Friday, he emphasized that a nation divided by internal discord can never stand tall in the global arena. He urged citizens to overcome divisions and work together for justice and fairness.

Dr. Rahman stated that while differences in thought may exist, they should not turn into bitter conflicts. He called on people to leave behind envy and division and move forward shoulder to shoulder toward establishing a just and equitable state. He concluded his message with a prayer for divine assistance in achieving this goal.

The statement reflects Jamaat-e-Islami’s emphasis on unity and moral values as essential foundations for national progress and social harmony.

After the scrutiny of nomination papers, eight candidates in three parliamentary constituencies of Chattogram had their nominations canceled on Friday afternoon at the Chattogram Deputy Commissioner’s office. The decision followed verification by the returning officer’s office, which cited irregularities in voter signatures, inclusion of deceased voters, inconsistencies in party nominations, loan default, and missing documents as reasons for the cancellations.

In Chattogram-1 (Mirsarai), three candidates were disqualified, including an independent candidate for listing a deceased voter, a BNP rebel for lacking party endorsement, and a Jatiya Party candidate for violating election rules. In Chattogram-2 (Fatikchhari), three nominations were canceled due to false voter information, missing documents, and incomplete party approval. In Chattogram-3 (Sandwip), two candidates lost eligibility—one for party nomination inconsistencies and another for being a loan defaulter and having disputed supporter signatures.

District Commissioner and Returning Officer Zahidul Islam Miah stated that the disqualified candidates may appeal within the next four working days starting Sunday.

A prayer gathering was held at Jagannath University’s central mosque on Friday, January 2, to seek forgiveness for the soul of Begum Khaleda Zia, the university’s founder, three-time former Prime Minister of Bangladesh, and BNP Chairperson. The event was organized by the university mosque committee and preceded by a short discussion session attended by university officials, teachers, students, and staff.

Vice-Chancellor Professor Dr. Md. Rezaul Karim described Begum Khaleda Zia as a distinguished leader whose contributions were integral to the establishment of Jagannath University. He praised her honesty, unity, and determination, noting her leadership in continuing the political vision of late President Ziaur Rahman. Faculty leaders including Professors Md. Rois Uddin and Imranul Haque highlighted her transformation from a homemaker to a national leader, her steadfastness during political crises, and her lifelong dedication to the nation’s welfare.

The prayer was led by the mosque’s senior imam, with participation from university deans, department heads, teachers, students, and journalists, reflecting broad respect for the late leader’s legacy.

A senior Iranian security official has warned former U.S. President Donald Trump not to interfere in Iran’s ongoing protests. Speaking to local media on Friday, the official said any U.S. involvement in Iran’s internal affairs would destabilize the entire region and would be met with a strong response. The warning followed Trump’s post on his social media platform Truth Social, where he stated that the United States was ready to act if Iranian authorities violently suppressed peaceful demonstrators.

The protests, now in their fifth consecutive day, have spread to more than a dozen cities including Tehran, Isfahan, Lorestan, Mazandaran, Khuzestan, Hamadan, and Fars. Local sources reported at least seven deaths in clashes between protesters and security forces. Demonstrators have been calling for the resignation of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and an end to the current political system.

The exchange of warnings between Washington and Tehran underscores rising tensions amid expanding unrest across Iran, with both sides signaling readiness for escalation if violence intensifies.

Dr. Hamidur Rahman Azad, the Jamaat-e-Islami nominated candidate for the Cox’s Bazar-2 (Maheshkhali–Kutubdia) parliamentary constituency, has had his nomination paper canceled due to complications related to ongoing legal cases. The decision followed a review process on Friday, during which his nomination was initially suspended and later rejected. Returning Officer and Deputy Commissioner Abdul Mannan confirmed that the cancellation was made in accordance with Election Commission regulations after case details surfaced during scrutiny.

According to the Returning Officer’s office, the decision was based on unresolved legal issues from cases filed during the Awami League’s tenure. Dr. Azad currently serves as Jamaat’s Assistant Secretary General and has a long history in student and party politics, having joined Islami Chhatra Shibir in 1977 and Jamaat-e-Islami in 1995. He was previously elected as a Member of Parliament from the same constituency in the 2008 national election.

Dr. Azad stated that a document related to a “false case” was not submitted with his nomination papers, leading to the cancellation. He plans to appeal the decision by submitting the necessary documents, expressing hope of regaining his candidacy.