A Pakistani anti-terrorism court has sentenced eight journalists and YouTubers to life imprisonment for allegedly spreading terrorism online by supporting former Prime Minister Imran Khan. The verdict was delivered on Friday, with the court stating that the accused engaged in online activities deemed as terrorism under Pakistani law. According to the court, their actions created fear and unrest in society. Most of the accused were not present during the trial as they are reportedly outside Pakistan.

Those convicted include former military officers and YouTubers Adil Raja and Syed Akbar Hussain, journalists Wajahat Saeed Khan, Sabir Shakir, and Shaheen Sehbai, commentator Haider Raza Mehdi, and analyst Moeed Pirzada. The court noted that after Imran Khan’s arrest on May 9, 2023, his supporters carried out violent protests, including attacks on military camps, and the accused were found to have incited the violence.

Earlier, on December 20, 2023, Imran Khan and his wife Bushra Bibi were sentenced to 17 years in prison in the Toshakhana corruption-2 case and are currently held in Adiala Jail, Rawalpindi.

Following the death of BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia on December 30, the party’s top post has become vacant. Senior Vice Chairman Tarique Rahman, who had been serving as acting chairman during Khaleda Zia’s imprisonment and illness, continues to perform the duties of the position. According to the BNP constitution, the senior vice chairman automatically assumes the role of chairman when the post becomes vacant. However, official party statements still refer to Tarique Rahman as acting chairman.

Election experts note that under the election code, candidates may only use the current party chief’s image in campaign materials. Since the 13th parliamentary election campaign begins on January 22, BNP must formally designate Tarique Rahman as chairman before that date to use his image. The Election Commission’s senior secretary stated that the decision rests with the party.

BNP policymakers confirm that constitutionally Tarique Rahman is already chairman, though the party continues a seven-day mourning period for Khaleda Zia. Some leaders suggest a council could later formalize his position, but it is not mandatory under the party’s constitution.

Indian External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar, speaking at an event in Chennai, explained New Delhi’s approach toward neighboring countries by citing examples of Pakistan and Sri Lanka. He stated that India formulates its policies based on the behavior and relationship patterns of its neighbors, clearly differentiating between “good” and “bad” neighbors. According to him, India supports countries that maintain cooperative relations, offering assistance through vaccine diplomacy, economic aid, and emergency support.

Jaishankar’s remarks came just days after attending former Prime Minister Begum Khaleda Zia’s funeral. He emphasized that India reserves the right to defend itself against nations that consistently support terrorism or pose security threats. He added that India’s neighborhood policy is guided by common sense and national interest rather than emotion. Referring to India’s firm stance toward Pakistan and its aid to Sri Lanka during its economic crisis, he suggested that a neighbor’s conduct determines India’s policy approach.

Although he did not directly mention Bangladesh, his comments indicated that India views mutual trust, cooperation, and security as the foundation of regional relations.

Bangladesh’s Home Ministry has advanced legal proceedings against police officers accused of involvement in the July massacre. Around 1,500 cases were filed nationwide, with 302 selected for transfer to the International Crimes Tribunal for adjudication. Each case names between 10 and 80 police officers as defendants. The ministry will soon hand over related documents to the tribunal’s investigation agency, according to a senior official who confirmed the development anonymously.

The ministry’s findings describe how, during the July–August 2024 uprising against former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, police used lethal force across the country, including live ammunition, to suppress protests. Reports from the United Nations and international media documented widespread killings, including of minors, and alleged that police actions followed directives from senior leadership. Investigations also revealed that the violence was part of a broader state repression policy.

The Chief Prosecutor of the International Crimes Tribunal welcomed the ministry’s move, saying it would support justice for victims and ensure accountability for those responsible. Several trials are already underway, with one verdict delivered and others nearing completion.

RAJUK Chairman Engineer Md. Riazul Islam has called for collective efforts and public awareness to solve Old Dhaka’s long-standing problems. He made the remarks on Friday at a views-exchange meeting organized by the Dhaka Metropolitan Association at Noyabazar, where he attended as the chief guest. The meeting discussed issues such as unplanned buildings, narrow roads, and unauthorized constructions that pose various risks in the area.

The RAJUK chairman emphasized that Old Dhaka’s problems cannot be solved by law enforcement alone and that residents must become more conscious to build a safer and more beautiful city for future generations. He highlighted the importance of keeping sufficient road space for emergency services like fire and ambulance access during disasters such as fires or earthquakes. He also sought the cooperation of building owners in making old structures risk-free and urged strict adherence to RAJUK’s construction regulations.

The meeting was presided over by Dhaka Association President Alhaj Md. Ismail Nawab, with senior RAJUK officials and local dignitaries present. RAJUK’s development plans for the area were also presented during the event.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has decided to appoint Kyrylo Budanov, head of the military intelligence agency, as the new chief of the presidential office. The move follows the resignation of Zelensky’s previous top aide in November after a corruption scandal. According to AFP from Kyiv, Zelensky announced on social media that he met Budanov and offered him the position, with the formal appointment process now underway, confirmed by presidential adviser Dmytro Litvin.

Budanov, 39, is a well-known and influential figure in Ukraine, credited with leading several daring operations against Moscow since Russia’s full-scale invasion in 2022. His nomination comes at a critical stage of the nearly four-year-long war. Zelensky recently stated that a U.S.-mediated peace proposal is about 90 percent ready and emphasized the need to strengthen Ukraine’s defense and security capabilities while advancing diplomatic talks.

If confirmed, Budanov will replace Andriy Yermak, who resigned after his home was raided as part of a corruption investigation. Yermak, once a close ally of Zelensky, had faced criticism in Kyiv for allegedly consolidating excessive power and controlling access to the president.

Negotiations between Jamaat-e-Islami and Charmonai Pir’s Islami Andolan Bangladesh have reached a decisive stage over seat sharing for the upcoming 13th parliamentary election. Tensions arose after the formal announcement of a 10-party electoral understanding, as Islami Andolan expressed dissatisfaction with the number of constituencies offered and warned of withdrawing from the alliance if demands were unmet. Grassroots-level mistrust and social media disputes further complicated the situation, prompting top leaders from both sides to reopen talks and seek a resolution.

Jamaat leaders, including Assistant Secretary General Ehsanul Mahbub Zubair, emphasized that discussions were ongoing and that the alliance could expand to 11 parties after nomination scrutiny. Islami Andolan leaders acknowledged earlier frustrations but said dialogue had eased tensions. The 11-party bloc, including LDP and NCP, has collectively fielded over 700 candidates for 300 seats, with overlapping nominations in several constituencies causing unease among partners.

Both Jamaat and Islami Andolan now stress maintaining unity and finalizing seat allocations after the nomination review process, expected to conclude in early January.

At the official swearing-in ceremony of New York’s new mayor, Zohra Mamdani, congressional representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez called on New Yorkers to celebrate the event as their own victory. Speaking at City Hall, she praised residents for choosing courageous and historic leadership during uncertain times, emphasizing that they opted for collective prosperity over fear and inequality.

Ocasio-Cortez, a Democratic representative from New York’s 14th Congressional District, had endorsed Mamdani in June 2025 and actively mobilized voters in the months leading up to the election. She previously told a rally of 13,000 people in Queens that Mamdani’s victory would send a clear message rejecting authoritarianism. During the inauguration, she congratulated citizens for electing a mayor committed to building a hopeful future for working people.

Echoing Mamdani’s campaign promises, Ocasio-Cortez praised plans for universal childcare, affordable housing, and accessible public transport. She described the city’s choice as a rejection of division and extreme inequality, expressing confidence that New York’s example could inspire broader change.

Jamaat-e-Islami nominated candidate Advocate Maulana Sheikh Abdul Wadud has said that if voters in Mongla cast their ballots for the balance symbol, local people will be able to live safely and free from land and enclosure occupation. He made the remarks on Friday, January 2, during campaign visits across various areas of Mongla upazila. Wadud is contesting the Bagerhat-3 (Mongla-Rampal) constituency on behalf of Jamaat-e-Islami.

In his address as chief guest, Wadud stated that Bangladesh belongs to people of all religions—Hindu, Muslim, Buddhist, and Christian—who together built the nation. He emphasized that Jamaat-e-Islami has long worked to establish a just and discrimination-free society and has consistently advocated for the security, religious freedom, and dignity of minority communities. He added that honest, skilled, and principled leadership is essential to end political vengeance, land grabbing, and irregularities, ensuring safety for all citizens.

Mongla upazila Jamaat’s Naib-e-Amir and former vice chairman Professor Kohinur Sardar also spoke, highlighting the party’s justice-based politics and welfare programs. Thousands of local leaders and supporters attended the campaign event.

The government of Bangladesh has issued a new ordinance amending the Bangladesh Travel Agency (Registration and Control) Act, 2013 to ensure better governance in the travel agency business, prevent artificial ticket shortages, and stop harassment of migrant workers. President Md. Shahabuddin promulgated the ordinance on January 1 under Article 93(1) of the Constitution, and the Legislative and Parliamentary Affairs Division has published the related gazette.

The revised law introduces separate bank guarantee requirements for online and offline travel agencies—10 lakh taka for offline agencies and 1 crore taka for online ones. It strictly prohibits false bookings that create artificial ticket shortages and bans business-to-business ticket trading. Agencies must use only government-approved financial channels for transactions. The ordinance also forbids deceptive advertising or advance payments under false promises and criminalizes ticket trading from third countries or altering passenger details after confirmation.

Penalties have been made stricter, including up to one year in prison or a fine of up to 10 lakh taka. Agencies must renew registration every three years and submit annual financial and operational reports. Loan defaulters are deemed ineligible for registration.

At a prayer gathering held on Friday after Juma prayers at the Patiya Model Mosque premises in Chattogram, BNP leader Enamul Haque Enam alleged that Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina was responsible for the death of former three-time Prime Minister Begum Khaleda Zia. The event was jointly organized by the Patiya Upazila and Municipality units of the BNP. Enam, speaking as the chief guest, claimed that Sheikh Hasina had pushed Khaleda Zia toward a slow death.

Enam described Khaleda Zia as a guardian figure who had fought uncompromisingly for the people and democracy of Bangladesh. He said that countries around the world had expressed condolences over her death. The prayer and special supplication for Khaleda Zia were led by Maulana Irfanul Islam, the Khatib of Patiya Model Mosque.

The event was attended by numerous BNP leaders and activists from the upazila, municipality, and district levels, including representatives from the youth, student, volunteer, farmers, and cultural wings of the party.

Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma announced that nearly 2,000 people have been pushed back to Bangladesh over the past few months using provisions of a 1950 law. Speaking at a press conference on recent cabinet decisions, he said that anyone declared a foreigner by the state’s Foreigners Tribunal would be expelled within a week to prevent them from appealing to higher courts. Sarma added that 18 individuals were sent back on December 31 and described the push-back policy as a new administrative approach to curb illegal immigration.

Lawyers and human rights activists have strongly questioned the legality of invoking the 1950 law, arguing that it was enacted in a specific post-partition context and is now unconstitutional. Senior advocates from the Gauhati High Court said the law violates constitutional rights to equality and due process, as it allows deportation without notice, hearing, or appeal. They also warned that bypassing judicial review undermines the entire legal system.

Rights groups have demanded transparency, asking for the list of deported individuals and assurances that no Indian citizens were mistakenly expelled.

BNP’s acting chairman Tarique Rahman expressed condolences to the family of Jamal Uddin, a BNP leader from Noakhali who died following a road accident while traveling to Dhaka for a rally marking Tarique Rahman’s homecoming day. On Friday, January 2, before the Jumu’ah prayer, Rahman called Jamal’s eldest son to offer sympathy and prayers for the deceased. Jamal had been under treatment at PG Hospital in Dhaka, where he passed away earlier that day.

According to party sources, after learning of the accident, Tarique Rahman had immediately instructed that medical treatment be arranged for Jamal. The accident occurred late Wednesday night near Bagmara Bazar in Cumilla when a bus carrying BNP activists from Noakhali lost control and hit a road divider, injuring at least 32 passengers. Jamal and another activist were later transferred to Dhaka for advanced treatment.

Rahman assured the bereaved family that he would visit them in person soon and urged Jamal’s children to remain united. Jamal Uddin was a former president of Ward 4 BNP in Noakhali municipality and father of four children.

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.