A Dhaka court has ordered two-day remand for eight suspects arrested in connection with the attack, arson, and looting at the Prothom Alo office in Karwan Bazar. The order was issued on Thursday by Metropolitan Magistrate Md Hasan Shahadat, confirmed by state prosecutor Shamsuddoha Suman. The accused are Md Naim Islam, Md Saidur Rahman, Abul Kashem, Md Pranto Sikder, Md Raju Ahmed, Md Sagor Islam, Md Jahangir, and Md Hasan.

According to the case filed at Tejgaon Police Station, the incident occurred on December 18 when 20 to 30 unidentified attackers armed with sticks and flammable materials attempted to storm the newspaper’s office. Police said the attackers gathered illegally, chanted provocative slogans, and later vandalized, looted, and set fire to the building, causing an estimated loss of Tk 320 million. Investigators recovered Tk 50,000 in cash and items allegedly bought with looted money from one suspect.

The investigating officer stated that remand was necessary to identify other suspects, recover stolen goods, and trace those who aided the attack. Defense lawyers sought bail, which the court denied after hearing both sides.

The Ministry of Posts, Telecommunications and Information Technology announced that the ICT Division has published its white paper on the official website ictd.gov.bd. The document was prepared by a task force formed on 3 April 2025 with the approval of the Chief Adviser to investigate irregularities and mismanagement in ICT-related initiatives during the previous government. After a long process of inquiry and review, the task force submitted the finalized white paper, which has now been made public.

According to the ministry’s statement, the white paper presents a detailed account of irregularities, corruption, administrative weaknesses, and structural problems observed in the ICT Division’s activities over the past fifteen years. It also includes a set of recommendations aimed at ensuring transparency, accountability, and good governance in future operations.

The government expects the white paper to serve as a key guideline for institutional reform within the ICT Division, helping to prevent corruption and improve citizen-oriented services.

A massive fire broke out at a jhoot (garment waste) warehouse in the Dewaliyabari area of Konabari, Gazipur Metropolitan, on Thursday afternoon, January 8, 2026. The blaze started around 4:15 p.m. at the warehouse owned by Arif Mollah and quickly spread to several nearby warehouses. Six units of the Fire Service are currently working to bring the fire under control.

According to local and fire service sources, smoke was first noticed by residents before the flames spread rapidly across adjacent warehouses. Two units from the Konabari Fire Service initially responded, followed by four additional units from the Sarabo and DBL fire stations as the fire intensified. Warehouse Inspector Saiful Islam from the Konabari Modern Fire Station confirmed that six units are engaged in firefighting, with two more on the way.

Firefighters continue efforts to contain the blaze, which has affected multiple warehouses in the industrial area. No information on casualties or damage has been reported so far.

An independent national investigation commission has submitted its report on the 2009 Pilkhana massacre, one of the deadliest events in Bangladesh’s history. The killings took place at the Bangladesh Rifles (BDR) headquarters in Dhaka on February 25 and 26, 2009, when 74 people, including 57 army officers, were brutally murdered. The interim government formed the commission on December 24 of the previous year, and its 400-page report has revealed previously undisclosed and sensitive information. The investigation named more than fifty influential figures, including then Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, former MP and mayor Fazle Noor Taposh, senior Awami League leaders, former army officers, intelligence and law enforcement officials, and several media personnel.

The report describes the massacre as a premeditated attempt to weaken the disciplined army under the guise of grievances among BDR members. It also highlights political missteps, including delayed military intervention and a controversial general amnesty announcement. The article notes that the government’s handling of the crisis and the failure of intelligence agencies have drawn criticism. The commission’s findings have renewed calls for impartial justice and punishment for those responsible.

The report’s release may reopen national debate over accountability, political decisions, and the protection of Bangladesh’s armed forces.

Former Army Chief Iqbal Karim Bhuiyan will testify against retired Major General Ziaul Ahsan in an enforced disappearance case. Chief Prosecutor Mohammad Tajul Islam informed the two-member judicial panel of International Crimes Tribunal-1, chaired by Justice Md Golam Mortuza Majumdar, about this on Thursday afternoon. The tribunal has set January 14 for its order on whether to frame formal charges against Ahsan for crimes against humanity involving the abduction and killing of over a hundred people.

During Thursday’s hearing, Ahsan’s lawyers, Monsurul Haque and Naznin Nahar, sought his discharge, arguing that the prosecution failed to prove his involvement. The prosecution countered that it had established a prima facie case and requested the tribunal to begin the trial. The tribunal reserved its decision for January 14.

Earlier, on December 4, the prosecution detailed specific allegations, including multiple killings allegedly conducted under code names such as “Gestapo” and “Golf,” and operations in the Sundarbans that reportedly resulted in at least 50 deaths.

Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) A M M Nasir Uddin said the Election Commission will ensure maximum justice in appeals against the acceptance or rejection of nomination papers. Speaking to reporters on Thursday morning at the EC headquarters in Agargaon, Dhaka, he stated that any aggrieved person can appeal the returning officer’s decision. He emphasized that the Commission believes in fairness and will act according to law and regulations.

The CEC noted that nomination submissions this year took place peacefully, without reports of violence, unlike in previous elections. He added that people from across the country are coming to file appeals, reflecting growing public interest in the election process. As of Wednesday, 295 appeals had been filed, including 131 on the third day.

According to EC data, 2,568 nomination papers were submitted for 300 parliamentary seats, of which 1,842 were declared valid and 723 rejected. Appeal hearings will be held from January 10 to 18 at the EC building, with results displayed on monitors and published online after each session.

Liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) traders in Bangladesh have withdrawn their strike following a meeting with Bangladesh Energy Regulatory Commission (BERC) Chairman Jalal Ahmed. The announcement came after discussions held at the BERC office on Thursday, leading to the immediate resumption of LPG sales across the country.

According to Gas Traders Cooperative Association President Selim Khan, the strike was linked to demands that consumer rights raids on LPG shops be halted. Traders also urged authorities to fix the retail price of a 12-kilogram LPG cylinder at 1,500 taka. The strike had been declared on Wednesday night in response to nationwide raids and fines, with traders threatening to suspend LPG supply from all company plants until their demands were met.

In the broader context, the government has initiated steps to revise VAT and tax structures on imported and locally produced LPG amid rising shortages and price instability. Efforts are also underway to ease bank loan and letter of credit procedures for LPG imports.

A housewife named Shiuli Begum, aged 42, died after suffering severe burns in a gas cylinder explosion at her home in Chandpur. She passed away late Wednesday night while undergoing treatment at the Dhaka Burn Institute. The incident occurred around 8 p.m. on Sunday at her residence in the Chowdhuripara area of Chandpur town. Her husband, Enayet Ullah Bepari, an assistant tax collector at Chandpur Municipality, and their daughter Pinky were also injured while trying to rescue her.

Following the explosion, Shiuli was first admitted to Chandpur Sadar Hospital and later transferred to Dhaka for advanced treatment. Despite medical efforts, she succumbed to her injuries. She is survived by her husband, one son, and two daughters. Her funeral prayer was held on Thursday afternoon at the Maishadi Baitul Amin Jame Mosque premises, after which she was buried in the family graveyard.

The report did not mention the cause of the explosion or any official investigation into the incident.

Two Indian nationals detained by Bangladeshi fishermen near the Chapainawabganj border were returned to India by the Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB). The incident occurred at Daraa Beel in Gomostapur upazila, close to the 219th international pillar at Charaldanga border. The detained individuals, identified as Bachchan Moholdar and Raju Moholdar from Malda district’s Habibpur police station area, were reportedly fishing when they accidentally crossed into Bangladeshi waters.

According to Major Tanim Hasan Khan, acting commander of BGB’s 16th Battalion, the two men were handed over to the Border Security Force (BSF) following a flag meeting between the two border forces on Wednesday afternoon. The meeting took place at 4 p.m., and the handover occurred around 5 p.m. after BGB personnel rescued the men from local fishermen at Ketabbazar area.

The BGB confirmed the return on Thursday morning, emphasizing that the incident was resolved peacefully through coordination between the two border forces.

The Bangladesh government has reduced value-added tax (VAT) on both imported and locally produced liquefied petroleum gas (LPG). A notification issued on Thursday announced that VAT on LPG imports has been lowered from 15 percent to 10 percent, while domestic production will now be subject to a 7.5 percent VAT rate.

At the same time, the LP Gas Business Cooperative Association has declared a nationwide halt to LPG cylinder sales starting today. The association announced in a notice on Wednesday that all LPG marketing, supply, and plant operations across Bangladesh would remain suspended until their demands are met. The group had earlier held a press conference at the National Press Club, calling for price adjustments by the Bangladesh Energy Regulatory Commission and an end to administrative fines and harassment of distributors.

The simultaneous tax reduction and supply suspension create uncertainty in the LPG market, as the government’s fiscal relief coincides with a business-led shutdown that could disrupt household and industrial gas availability.

A BNP leader and first-class contractor in Cox’s Bazar, Mohammad Shahjahan, has alleged that he was falsely implicated in an abduction and ransom case due to a long-standing family and property dispute. The case was filed on November 25, 2025, under human trafficking charges by Kamrunnesa Rumi, wife of businessman Selim Reza, at the Cox’s Bazar Women and Children Repression Prevention Tribunal. Police have begun investigating the case and initially suspect it may have been fabricated.

Shahjahan, an adviser to the BNP’s Chowfaldandi Union unit, claims that Selim Reza, who lost a contract bid for a wind power project road, orchestrated the case out of personal enmity. He also alleges that Reza influenced another case under the Anti-Terrorism Act, where Shahjahan was listed as the 30th accused. Local officials, including the acting union chairman, and the investigating officer have said the abduction claim appears staged, though the investigation continues.

The complainant, Kamrunnesa Rumi, maintains that the abduction allegation is genuine and says she filed the case after receiving threats. Police are awaiting mobile call data to verify the claims.

Two candidates from the Inquilab Moncho, contesting under the Shibir-backed 'Adommo Jobian Oikko' panel, have won in the Jagannath University Central Student Council (JAKSU) election. The winners are Nur Mohammad and Shanta Akter, who serve respectively as convener and member secretary of the university branch of Inquilab Moncho. The results were confirmed on Thursday morning following the official announcement of the election outcome.

Nur Mohammad secured victory in the health affairs post with 4,470 votes, defeating Al Shahriar Shawon from the Chhatra Dal-backed panel, who received 2,913 votes, marking a margin of 1,557 votes. The election results analysis revealed that the Shibir-backed panel won 16 out of 21 positions, including the vice president, general secretary, and assistant general secretary posts.

Additionally, the Chhatra Dal-backed panel won four positions, while one independent candidate secured a post, completing the overall distribution of the JAKSU election results.

Bangladesh is mourning the death of Begum Khaleda Zia, the country’s first and three-time elected prime minister, eight days after her passing. Crowds from all walks of life have continued to gather at her grave, offering prayers and expressing grief beyond political divisions. The article portrays her as a beloved national figure whose leadership and personal sacrifices left a lasting mark on the nation’s political and emotional landscape.

The piece recounts Khaleda Zia’s transformation from a devoted homemaker and mother into a determined political leader. It highlights her perseverance through personal loss, political persecution, and imprisonment, as well as her steadfastness in upholding democratic ideals. Her tenure as prime minister is described as a period of development, stability, and women’s empowerment, marked by integrity and moral conviction.

Her death is depicted as the end of a defining era in Bangladesh’s political history, closing a chapter of women’s leadership and democratic struggle. The nation continues to honor her as an enduring symbol of courage, sacrifice, and commitment to the people.

A young man named Ratul Islam Robi, aged 21, was killed and four others were injured in a three-motorcycle collision in Siddhirganj, Narayanganj. The accident occurred on Wednesday night at the Jalkuri Dashpipe area. The deceased was the son of Md. Faruk from Mizimiji Paglabari. The injured were identified as Nibir, Habib, and Bijoy, while the identity of another injured person remains unknown.

Eyewitnesses reported that the collision happened when three speeding motorcycles crashed head-on. One person died on the spot, and several others sustained serious injuries. Local residents immediately rescued the injured and took them to various hospitals in Narayanganj for treatment.

Siddhirganj Police Station Officer-in-Charge Mohammad Abdul Barik confirmed the death and said two of the motorcycles involved in the accident had been seized. An investigation into the incident is currently underway.

A murder case has been filed at Tejgaon Police Station over the killing of Azizur Rahman Musabbir, former general secretary of the BNP’s Dhaka North volunteer wing. The case, lodged by Musabbir’s wife on Thursday morning, names five unidentified individuals as accused. Musabbir was shot dead on Wednesday night around 8:15 p.m. in an alley behind Star Kabab at Karwan Bazar while returning home.

According to CCTV footage, two assailants were seen sitting with a sack in the alley. As Musabbir appeared, they drew a pistol from the sack and shot him from behind. He fell to the ground, tried to run, and dropped his phone, which the attackers took before fleeing. His body is scheduled to be taken to Nayapaltan, where funeral prayers will be held in front of the BNP central office after the noon prayer, as confirmed by the office’s chief administrative officer.

Police have begun investigating the incident based on the filed case, though no arrests or further details have been reported yet.