BGB has regained control of a 4.8 km stretch of the Kodla River at Matila, Jhenaidah, previously under BSF. After discussions, BGB now allows local activities like fishing. This was announced in a press conference on January 6 by 58-BGB's Lieutenant Colonel Azizus Shaheed. Locals are enthusiastic, now able to freely use the river for daily tasks, previously barred by BSF restrictions.

The training trip for 50 judicial officers from Bangladesh to India has been called off. The Ministry of Law, Justice, and Parliamentary Affairs revoked the permission today. Previously approved on December 30 for training at Bhopal's judicial academies from February 10 to 20, the plan was backed by the Supreme Court. The cancellation means no judges will travel, and the costs, originally to be borne by India, will not be incurred.

Today, the Supreme Court's Appellate Division dismissed the state's appeal against a High Court judgment that nullified four extortion cases against BNP's Tarique Rahman. The ruling was issued by a bench led by Justice Md Ashfaqul Islam. Additional Attorney General Barrister Aneek Rushd Haque presented the state's case, with Mohammad Abdul Jabber Bhuiyan and Deputy Attorney General Md Jahirul Islam Sumon in attendance. Rahman's defense included senior lawyers like Zainul Abedin. He filed appeals in 2007 and 2008 to quash these cases, which the High Court declared illegal on October 23, 2024. His team was satisfied, labeling the cases as politically motivated.

A message on the digital signboard of Lohagora Ideal Government College in Narail read, "Chatroleague will return in a terrifying form," alongside political slogans. This led to protests by Chhatra Dal members. Discussions and criticism have ensued, with calls for swift investigation and action. The signboard's connection was cut, operators summoned, and the police are investigating. The acting principal did not comment, and there's significant local agitation over the incident.

Amidst controversy, the Satkhira district committee of the Anti-Discrimination Students Movement faces upheaval as eight members resign, challenging the recently announced lineup. They allege the exclusion of key movement leaders and demand a fairer committee formation. This discord follows just days after the committee's official declaration, highlighting internal divisions and calls for restructuring to reflect true leadership and dedication within the movement.

Social media has been rife with rumors of an attack by student groups Chhatra Dal and Shibir at Dhaka University, allegedly injuring over a hundred, including the Vice-Chancellor and Proctor, during a DUCSU election dispute. These claims surfaced after a verbal altercation on January 2. The international fact-checking group, Rumor Scanner, reported these rumors on January 4. Even former State Minister Mohammad Ali Arafat sought to verify these claims on social media.

The image claiming 'Messi with Argentina's flag on Mount Everest' is fake, created using AI.

Recently, various platforms on the internet have been circulating an image claiming it shows 'Messi with Argentina's flag on Mount Everest'. However, the image is not real; it has been created using artificial intelligence (AI).

On Saturday (January 4), this was reported by the international fact-checking organization Rumor Scanner.

The organization clarified that the viral image of Messi with Argentina's flag on Mount Everest is not real; instead, it was created using artificial intelligence or AI technology.

The state has appealed against the High Court's decision to dismiss four extortion cases against BNP's Acting Chairman Tareq Rahman. The cases, filed in 2007 at Gulshan, Kafrul, Shahbagh, and Dhanmondi, were nullified by Justices Asaduzzaman and Hossain on October 23. The state argues the dismissal was incorrect. A hearing for this 'Leave to Appeal' is scheduled for January 5 before a bench led by Senior Judge Ashfaqul Islam.

Fifty judicial officers from Bangladesh have been authorized to attend training sessions at the National and State Judicial Academies in Bhopal, India. The training, scheduled from February 10 to 20, follows Supreme Court recommendations and will be fully funded by the Indian government, with no cost to Bangladesh.

Hasnat Abdullah, leader of the Anti-Discrimination Students Movement, insists that teaching should be acknowledged as a premier profession in Bangladesh. He believes this acknowledgment would attract the brightest individuals to the field.

Hasnat Abdullah said that teaching is a profession where individuals shape students, thus teachers must be honored with the highest regard.

Army Chief General Waker-uz-Zaman visited BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia at her Gulshan residence, Firoza, on Thursday night. The visit, which lasted about 40 minutes, included the General's wife. He checked on Khaleda's health, wishing her a quick recovery. The meeting was confirmed by BNP media cell member Sayrul Kabir Khan, who noted the visit was primarily to inquire about her well-being.

In Lalmonirhat's Patgram border at Dahagram, the BGB intervened when the BSF began constructing a barbed wire fence on December 31st, extending 60 yards into Indian territory near pillar 8/51-S. On January 1st, after BGB's strong objections, the BSF ceased construction and retreated 150 yards back into India. The BGB, led by Lieutenant Colonel Md. Selim Al-Din, confirmed the halt and increased local patrols. Jamil Ahmed, BGB Company Commander, noted they've lodged an immediate verbal protest, and a flag meeting has been scheduled to discuss the matter further, ensuring no further construction occurs.

Environmental Adviser Syeda Rizwaana Hasan stated that issuing the declaration for the July uprising within 14 days is not impossible. She emphasized that such declarations are common after an uprising, and the government had wanted it issued through them. Discussions on reforms are ongoing, with the BNP calling for reforms and providing written opinions. The scope of reforms is debated, with some prioritizing fundamental reforms and others elections. The government considers both issues important. The “July Revolution Declaration” was set to be released on December 31.

Foreign Adviser Touhid Hossain stated that relations with Delhi will remain normal even if Sheikh Hasina is not returned, highlighting ongoing mutual interests between Bangladesh and India. He emphasized that improving relations with the U.S., China, and India will be a priority in the new year, with a visit to China planned. Hossain also discussed the changing situation in Myanmar’s Rakhine state and the challenge of resolving the Rohingya crisis, stressing the need to ensure their rights and security upon return. He mentioned that discussions on renewing the Ganga water-sharing agreement with India have begun.

The BNP wants the July uprising proclamation to include 16 years of sacrifices and anti-fascist struggles. While the interim government plans to draft it with national consensus, student leaders’ proposals, such as abolishing the 1972 Constitution, have sparked political tension. The BNP sees the event as a “popular uprising” rather than a “revolution” and prefers a “declaration” over a “proclamation.” Other parties, like Jamaat-e-Islami and the CPB, stress prioritizing elections and reforms. Despite differences, parties agree on documenting the uprising as a historic moment of unity, though debates on its content and process persist.