Members of the Jagannath University Central Students’ Union (JAKSU) panel, supported by the Jatiyatabadi Chhatra Dal and Chhatra Adhikar Parishad, visited the graves of Begum Khaleda Zia and Shaheed Sharif Osman Hadi on Friday, January 9. The visit was led by vice president candidate A.K.M. Rakib and assistant general secretary candidate B.M. Tanzil. The group paid their respects at Khaleda Zia’s grave at Zia Udyan and later at the grave of Shaheed Osman Hadi located in the premises of the National Poet Kazi Nazrul Islam’s mausoleum at Dhaka University.

Newly elected panel members including library and seminar affairs secretary Riasal Rakib, transport secretary Mahid Hasan, cultural affairs secretary Takrim Ahmed, and executive member Sadman Samya were present. A.K.M. Rakib, who is also the president of the Chhatra Adhikar Parishad’s university branch, said they could not visit the graves during the election period and therefore went after the polls. He stated that their panel upholds the ideals of democracy and opposition to dominance, echoing the struggles of Khaleda Zia and Shaheed Osman Hadi.

The visit symbolized the panel’s commitment to democratic values and resistance against external dominance, as expressed by its leaders.

Adilur Rahman Khan, adviser to the Ministry of Industries and the Ministry of Local Government, Rural Development and Cooperatives, warned that any attempt to disrupt Bangladesh’s democratic process or fair elections will be firmly resisted. He made the remarks on Friday afternoon in Sunamganj city after paying tribute to martyrs at the July 36 Square. Responding to questions about concerns following the Hadi killing, he said the change achieved through the July uprising would be permanent and that defeated fascism would not return.

Khan stated that conspiracies against fair elections continue both inside the country and from across the border, but those involved will not be allowed to gain ground. He added that fascism would be suppressed if it tried to reemerge. On the topic of referendum campaigns, he said local administrations, led by district commissioners, have launched extensive programs that will become visible this week.

After the event, Khan visited the Sunamganj buffer warehouse and exchanged views with officials. Senior officials from several ministries and departments were present at the program.

Pakistan’s military has indicated that a deal to sell its domestically produced JF-17 fighter jets to Bangladesh could be finalized soon. The development followed a meeting between the air chiefs of both countries, where Bangladesh reportedly sought Pakistan’s assistance in upgrading its aging defense radar systems and equipment. The Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) said the Bangladeshi Air Force chief praised Pakistan’s combat achievements, and discussions also covered the expedited delivery of Super Mushshak training aircraft.

The JF-17 Thunder, jointly developed by Pakistan Aeronautical Complex and China’s Chengdu Aircraft Corporation, is a lightweight, multi-role fighter jet designed for all-weather operations. It has already been purchased by Myanmar, Nigeria, and Azerbaijan. Analysts cited in the report said the aircraft’s affordability—estimated at 25 to 30 million dollars per unit—and its proven combat performance have increased its appeal among countries with limited defense budgets.

While Pakistan has not yet confirmed any formal contracts with Bangladesh, Libya, or Saudi Arabia, observers noted that Dhaka’s interest marks a shift in its approach toward Islamabad since 2024, potentially signaling a broader strategic partnership between the two nations.

Dhaka Capitals chief executive Atik Fahad has publicly accused the Bangladesh Premier League’s Anti-Corruption Unit (ACU) of mishandling his mobile phone and unfairly targeting his team. Speaking to the media in Sylhet on January 9, 2026, he said his phone had been in ACU custody for five days without any update. Fahad also alleged that Afghan cricketer Rahmanullah Gurbaz was subjected to unnecessary questioning by ACU officials.

Fahad claimed that all teams except one were being treated as suspects by the ACU, suggesting unequal enforcement of anti-corruption measures. He criticized the approach taken toward prominent foreign players like Gurbaz, describing it as disrespectful and disruptive. Dhaka Capitals captain Mohammad Mithun added that most of these incidents occurred before matches against Rangpur Riders, alleging that the Integrity Unit even questioned player Saif during a match.

Mithun expressed surprise at the timing of ACU interventions, saying he had never seen such incidents in his long cricket career. The allegations have raised concerns about the conduct and timing of anti-corruption operations during the ongoing BPL season.

BNP Chairperson Tarique Rahman has postponed his planned visit to nine northern districts of Bangladesh at the request of the Election Commission. The decision was announced by BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir after the party’s National Standing Committee meeting on Friday night. The four-day tour, originally scheduled to begin on January 11, included visits to the graves of Maulana Abdul Hamid Khan Bhashani and other martyrs, as well as personal engagements.

Mirza Fakhrul said the party strongly condemned recent killings of political activists, including Osman Hadi and former Dhaka North BNP leader Musabbir, and demanded immediate arrests of those responsible. He warned that continued violence could severely damage the environment for fair elections and urged the government and the Election Commission to take effective measures to ensure peace and order.

He also expressed gratitude to the public for their participation in the funeral of late BNP Chairperson and former Prime Minister Begum Khaleda Zia, describing it as one of the largest in recent memory, and thanked law enforcement and the army for maintaining order.

The D-Unit admission test for the 2025–2026 academic session at Jagannath University (JnU) was held on Friday, January 9, in a peaceful and orderly manner. The test, for the Faculty of Social Sciences, took place across six centers including Jagannath University, Banglabazar Government Girls High School, Dhaka Collegiate School, Mohanagar Mohila College, Lalmatia Mohila College, and Wills Little Flower School and College.

A total of 25,826 candidates applied for 610 available seats under the D-Unit, and 22,438 students attended the exam, resulting in an attendance rate of 86.88 percent, approximately 87 percent. During the examination, Vice-Chancellor Professor Md. Rezaul Karim (PhD) visited various halls at the JnU center to observe the overall situation and inquire about the candidates’ experiences.

Treasurer Professor Dr. Sabina Sharmin, Dean of the Faculty of Social Sciences Professor Dr. Sanjida Farhana, Dean of the Faculty of Business Studies Professor Dr. Muhammad Manzur Murshed Bhuiya, and Acting Registrar Professor Dr. Sheikh Gias Uddin were also present during the inspection.

Tarique Rahman has officially taken charge as the chairman of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP). The decision was made on Friday night at the BNP chairperson’s political office in Gulshan, following a meeting of the party’s National Standing Committee. Rahman, who had been serving as acting chairman, assumed the role in accordance with the party’s constitution.

The chairmanship became vacant after the death of BNP chairperson and former Prime Minister Begum Khaleda Zia. In response, the BNP’s National Standing Committee convened to address the vacancy. During the meeting, members unanimously decided to appoint Tarique Rahman as the new chairman, formalizing his leadership position within the party.

The appointment marks a continuation of leadership within the party’s existing framework, as Rahman transitions from acting to full chairman under the BNP’s constitutional process.

A prolonged 17-day cold wave and dense fog have severely affected Boro rice seedbeds in Saghata upazila of Gaibandha, causing cold injury and damaging seedlings across several unions. Farmers reported that seedlings have turned yellow, growth has slowed, and in some areas, seedbeds have completely rotted. The situation has created uncertainty about timely transplantation of seedlings for the current season.

Farmers said the lack of sunlight and low nighttime temperatures have hindered normal growth, while stagnant water in fields has worsened the cold’s impact. Many expressed concern that rebuilding seedbeds would require extra time and cost. Local farmers, including Abdul Mannan of Bonarpara and Mostafizur Rahman of Kochua, said their seedlings are dying despite protective measures like covering with straw and polythene.

According to the Saghata Agriculture Office, about 1,850 hectares were targeted for Boro cultivation this season, with 927 hectares already prepared. Upazila Agriculture Officer Md. Asaduzzaman said cold injury has appeared but the overall risk of major loss is low. Farmers have been advised to apply light irrigation in the evening, drain water in the morning, and cover seedbeds when necessary.

A wave of protest erupted among Bangladesh’s national cricketers after Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) director M Nazmul Islam called former national captain Tamim Iqbal an “Indian agent” on social media. The comment came after Tamim suggested that decisions about Bangladesh’s participation in international cricket, including the T20 World Cup in India, should consider the country’s position and future in world cricket.

Left-arm spinner Taijul Islam expressed shock at the director’s words, calling them tasteless, unacceptable, and contrary to the nation’s cricket culture. He demanded a public apology and accountability for the official. Former captain Mominul Haque echoed the same demand, describing the remark as offensive and inconsistent with the board’s ethics and responsibilities. Fast bowler Taskin Ahmed also criticized the statement, saying such comments were not in the best interest of Bangladesh cricket.

The controversy has intensified calls for the BCB to take swift and firm action against the director, with players urging greater professionalism and responsibility from board officials.

The Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) has begun an emergency meeting of its Standing Committee on Friday night, chaired by acting chairman Tarique Rahman. The meeting started around 9:30 p.m., according to reports. Earlier, committee member Iqbal Hasan Mahmud Tuku confirmed to the media that the meeting had been called but did not disclose its agenda.

The meeting comes days after BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir told journalists in Sylhet on January 4 that Tarique Rahman would be formally elected as party chairman within a few days. Although the BNP constitutionally recognizes Rahman as the automatic successor to the chairmanship following Khaleda Zia’s imprisonment in February 2018, the party has yet to make an official announcement or use the chairman title publicly. This uncertainty has also affected campaign materials, as it remains unclear whose image should appear on banners and posters.

The emergency session is expected to address internal organizational matters, but no official details of the discussion have been released.

The Election Commission (EC) of Bangladesh has issued a circular to ensure the confidentiality of ballot papers and the security of election materials ahead of the 13th National Parliamentary Election and referendum. The directive, signed by Mohammad Monir Hossain, Deputy Secretary of the EC Secretariat’s Election Management-2 branch, was released on Thursday. It outlines procedures for verifying election materials, distributing them to polling centers, and maintaining strict confidentiality of official and brass seals.

According to the circular, ballot papers supplied from the BG Press, Government Printing Press, or Security Printing Press must be checked against Form-5 to verify candidate names and symbols before being securely stored until distribution to presiding officers. The EC also instructed that official and brass seals, which carry security code numbers, be recorded and preserved confidentially at every stage. Assistant returning officers must document seal codes and impressions in distribution registers, while presiding officers must store seal details in designated envelopes within secure bags.

The circular emphasizes that all election materials, including indelible ink, stamp pads, and seals, must be handled with utmost care to maintain transparency and prevent any breach of ballot secrecy.

The Bogura Auto Major and Husking Mill Owners Association has submitted a memorandum to the district commissioner accusing the district food controller of demanding bribes from rice mill owners. The complaint alleges that officials sought between Tk 400 and Tk 700 per ton of rice supplied to government warehouses, sparking widespread anger among mill owners. The memorandum, sent on December 28, details that during a December 9 meeting at the Bogura Food Building, the district warehouse officer instructed mill owners to pay the bribe.

According to the document, when mill owners refused to pay Tk 600 per ton, tensions escalated. On December 23, the food controller allegedly summoned a local association leader to his office to demand his share and verbally abused him when he refused. The memorandum also accuses officials of harassment over security deposit withdrawals and corruption in paddy procurement through intermediaries. Copies were sent to senior food department officials seeking action.

Association leaders called for an impartial investigation and punishment for those involved, warning that failure to act could disrupt future food procurement drives. The food controller denied any bribery or misconduct allegations.

Bangladesh remains undecided about hosting the 15th SAFF Championship scheduled for later this year. Although Dhaka is being considered as a key venue by SAFF authorities, no final decision has been made. The Bangladesh Football Federation (BFF) and the SAFF Executive Committee must approve the hosting plan. The tournament, postponed last year, is expected to take place between September and October during the international window. A BFF meeting to finalize the decision was postponed from January 14 due to the arrival of the 2026 World Cup trophy in Bangladesh.

BFF Vice-President and Marketing Committee Chairman Fahad Karim stated that the federation will hold the meeting after the trophy’s departure to decide whether Bangladesh will host the event. However, doubts have emerged over the feasibility of hosting the tournament in Bangladesh, as political issues could affect India’s participation. This uncertainty raises the possibility that the SAFF Championship venue may shift to another country.

If Bangladesh secures hosting rights, it would mark the nation’s first time organizing the regional football event since 2018.

Former army chief Iqbal Karim Bhuiyan has given a statement to the International Crimes Tribunal’s investigation agency regarding enforced disappearances and killings during the Awami League’s fifteen-year rule. His testimony implicates dismissed former army officer Major General Ziaul Ahsan in the abduction and extrajudicial killing of hundreds of people. Chief Prosecutor Tazul Islam confirmed that Iqbal Karim will testify before Tribunal-1 in the crimes against humanity case against Ziaul. The court has set January 14 for an order following the formal hearing on charge framing.

In his statement, Iqbal Karim described Ziaul’s conduct as increasingly unruly after assuming the post of Additional Director General of the Rapid Action Battalion, alleging that extrajudicial killings rose sharply under his watch. He also recounted internal military tensions involving security adviser General Tariq Ahmed Siddiq and other officers, as well as political influence over military appointments and operations during Sheikh Hasina’s tenure.

The tribunal, led by Justice Md Golam Mortuza Mojumdar with two other members, is currently conducting proceedings in the case against Ziaul Ahsan for crimes against humanity linked to disappearances and killings over the past fifteen years.

Environment, Forest and Climate Change Ministry adviser Syeda Rizwana Hasan stated that the government is prepared to be accountable on any issue and suggested forming a citizen-led commission to determine actions for environmental protection. She made the remarks on Friday at the opening of the two-day BAPA-BEN National Environment Conference held at the Krishibid Institution auditorium in Dhaka.

Hasan explained that due to the government’s short tenure, it prioritized election-related reforms based on proposals from six commissions that led to the July National Charter. She emphasized that environmental issues were not neglected but that the government had only about one year to work amid various challenges. She also noted that the Public Administration Reform Commission recommended a separate environmental cadre, while the Constitutional Reform Commission proposed including the environment as a fundamental right, though these could not be implemented within the current government’s limited timeframe.

The conference was chaired by BAPA President Professor Nur Mohammad Talukder, with concept paper presented by BAPA Vice-President and BEN founder Dr. Nazrul Islam.