A cold wave is sweeping across Bangladesh and is expected to intensify over the next few days. According to weather and climate researcher Mostafa Kamal Palash from the University of Saskatchewan, Canada, data from the European Union’s artificial satellite indicates that by Thursday morning, minimum temperatures in several districts of Rangpur, Rajshahi, and Khulna divisions may fall between 5°C and 7°C.

Palash stated in a Facebook post that the cold wave could become more severe from Thursday morning, with the possibility of a stronger spell on Saturday and Sunday. During that period, minimum temperatures in the same regions could drop further to between 4°C and 6°C. On Wednesday morning, Rajshahi recorded the country’s lowest temperature at 6.8°C, while Chuadanga and Gopalganj recorded 7°C, Jashore 7.4°C, Panchagarh 8.2°C, and Dhaka 11°C.

The researcher added that by Wednesday morning, at least five of the country’s eight divisions were experiencing cold wave conditions, suggesting a widespread and persistent weather pattern.

Sylhet Deputy Commissioner and Returning Officer Md. Sarwar Alam has declared that no one can buy him even with ten thousand crore taka and vowed to resign if anyone can prove he accepted a bribe. He made the statement on Wednesday evening during a press briefing at the district administration auditorium.

Sarwar Alam rejected allegations of discrimination against NCP candidate Ehteshamul Haque in the Sylhet-1 constituency, clarifying that the candidate’s nomination was canceled according to legal provisions, not personal bias. He said all candidates are equal before the law and that he acts based on conscience and legal duty. The returning officer explained that dual citizens were given until 2 p.m. the day after scrutiny to submit citizenship renunciation documents. Two candidates submitted valid documents and were conditionally accepted, but Ehteshamul Haque failed to provide any.

Sarwar dismissed claims of financial dealings as baseless and urged against spreading fake news on social media that could mislead voters or harm the election process.

The LP Gas Traders Cooperative Society Limited has announced a nationwide suspension of liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) cylinder sales in Bangladesh starting Thursday, January 8, 2026. The organization issued a notice on Wednesday stating that all LPG marketing, supply, and gas extraction activities from company plants will remain halted until their demands are fulfilled.

According to the notice and a press conference held at the National Press Club on Wednesday, the traders demanded a new price adjustment for LPG cylinders by the Bangladesh Energy Regulatory Commission (BERC) and an end to administrative harassment and fines against distributors. They warned that if their demands were not met within 24 hours, they would enforce an indefinite suspension of LPG supply and sales across the country.

The traders’ decision follows their earlier ultimatum, and the suspension is set to continue until authorities address their stated concerns regarding pricing and regulatory treatment.

Titas Gas authorities have completed the repair of a gas line leak under the Buriganga River that was caused by a ship’s anchor. The repair work was finished on Wednesday, restoring gas supply that had been disrupted in parts of Dhaka. According to Titas Gas, the leak occurred in a 12-inch by 50 PSIG line originating from the Aminbazar DRS and running deep under the river toward Dhaka.

The repair was carried out with assistance from the Fire Service, Bangladesh Coast Guard, River Police, and BIWTA. A leak repair clamp was installed at the damaged section, and gas is now being supplied to Dhaka’s network at a pressure of 25 PSIG. Titas Gas reported that no external gas leakage is currently visible.

With the repair completed, gas supply across affected areas is gradually stabilizing, and normal operations are expected to resume fully soon.

Newly elected Vice President of Jagannath University Central Students’ Union (JAKSU), Md. Riazul Islam, has dedicated his victory to the martyrs of the July Revolution, including Osman Hadi and Bishwajit Das, as well as to all fellow student activists and the recently deceased former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia. He made the announcement during a press conference held late Wednesday night following the publication of the election results.

Riazul expressed gratitude to teachers, administrative staff, and law enforcement agencies for their roles in ensuring a fair and orderly election. He specifically praised the teachers for their tireless efforts in maintaining discipline and transparency throughout the process. He also thanked police, RAB, APBN, DGFI, NSI, BSSC, Rover Scouts, and Rangers for their cooperation.

Calling for unity on campus, Riazul emphasized maintaining strong relationships among teachers, students, and peers. He urged all student organizations and political groups to work together to uphold campus harmony and implement future initiatives under the slogan “Struggle and Possibility, Walking Together.”

Bangladesh has decided not to send its national cricket team to India for the upcoming T20 World Cup, citing concerns over player safety and national dignity. The decision was confirmed by Asif Nazrul, Adviser on Youth, Sports, Law, Justice and Parliamentary Affairs, following a meeting at the Secretariat with Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) President Aminul Islam Bulbul, board directors, and ministry officials.

Nazrul stated that Bangladesh remains firm in its stance and will request the International Cricket Council (ICC) to allow the team to play in Sri Lanka instead. He emphasized that the country will not compromise on the safety of its players or its national honor. According to Nazrul, a letter from the ICC indicated serious security issues for Bangladeshi players in India, which the government views as both a safety and national insult issue.

The BCB plans to present its arguments to the ICC, asserting that the current environment in India is not conducive to safe play. Bangladesh hopes the ICC will consider its reasoning fairly and ensure the team’s participation in the global tournament.

Four journalists from the daily Amar Desh have been honored with the 'July Bravery' award in recognition of their courageous reporting during the July uprising. The award ceremony, held on Wednesday in Dhaka at the Institution of Diploma Engineers (IDEB) auditorium, also recognized around 1,200 individuals, including injured participants, families of martyrs, and journalists. The event coincided with the first anniversary of the Anti-Aggression Movement and the Felani Killing Day.

The program was organized by the Anti-Aggression Movement with support from the JAM organization. Among the awardees, 102 journalists received the 'Bartabir' honor for their brave roles in July. The event was presided over by acting convener Md. Tarek Aziz, with former BNP joint secretary general Aslam Chowdhury as chief guest and JAM chairperson Mehrin Uzma as special guest. Leaders from various political and student organizations, as well as families of martyrs and injured individuals, also spoke at the event.

Speakers emphasized the need to uphold justice for those killed during the uprising and to strengthen the Anti-Aggression Movement across the country under the leadership of the July fighters.

The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) has decided to send another letter to the International Cricket Council (ICC) reaffirming its stance that Bangladesh will not play its T20 World Cup matches in India. BCB President Aminul Islam Bulbul announced the decision after a meeting with Youth and Sports Adviser Dr. Asif Nazrul in Sylhet. Bulbul said the board remains firm on its position due to security concerns and expressed confidence that the ICC would understand Bangladesh’s reasoning.

Bulbul explained that the issue extends beyond player safety, as journalists, sponsors, and fans would also travel to cover and watch the matches. He stated that ensuring security for such a large group is beyond the board’s capacity, and therefore, government guidance was being sought. He added that unless the security situation improves, the BCB will continue to fight for its rights.

Dr. Asif Nazrul supported the BCB’s position, saying the current situation in India is not safe for Bangladeshi players and that the country’s dignity will not be compromised. He suggested Sri Lanka as an alternative host. The final decision on Bangladesh’s participation now depends on the ICC’s response to the forthcoming letter.

The Shibir-backed panel secured victory in the top three positions—Vice President (VP), General Secretary (GS), and Assistant General Secretary (AGS)—in the Jagannath University Central Student Union (JAKSU) election. The results were announced by the election commission around 11:45 p.m. on Wednesday after counting votes from 38 centers. Shibir-supported candidate Riazul Islam won the VP post with 5,564 votes, defeating AKM Rakib of the Chhatra Dal-backed panel by 876 votes. Abdul Alim Arif and Masud Rana, also from the Shibir panel, won the GS and AGS posts respectively.

In other results, candidates from the Adommo Jobian Oikko Parishad won eight posts, including Liberation War and Democracy Secretary, Education and Research Secretary, and Health and Environment Secretary. The Chhatra Dal-backed Nirvik Jobian Oikko Parishad won three posts, while Shibir-supported candidates secured four of the seven executive member positions. Independent candidate Md. Zahid Hasan also won one executive seat.

The long-awaited election, held on Tuesday after several postponements, saw 66 percent voter turnout among 16,445 registered voters across 39 centers and 178 booths.

In the only female hall election of Jagannath University, the Adommo Jobian Oikko Parishad, backed by the female student organization, secured a sweeping victory by winning 10 out of 13 posts, including vice president (VP), general secretary (GS), and assistant general secretary (AGS). The results were officially announced around 1 a.m. on Wednesday, about 30 hours after voting concluded. Chief Election Commissioner Professor Dr. Mostafa Hasan declared the results.

According to the announced results, Jannatul Umme Tarin of Adommo Jobian Oikko Parishad was elected VP with 571 votes, defeating Farzana Rimi of the Oporajitar Ogragoti panel, who received 236 votes. Sumaiya Tabassum of the same panel won the GS post with 571 votes, while Redwana Khawla secured the AGS position with 545 votes. The Oporajitar Ogragoti panel, supported by the Chhatra Dal, won two posts, and one independent candidate, Mosha Khadija Khatun, was elected Health and Environment Secretary.

The election results highlight the dominance of Adommo Jobian Oikko Parishad in the Nawab Faizunnesa Chowdhurani Hall, the university’s only female dormitory.

The Shibir-backed panel secured victory in the Jagannath University Central Students’ Union (JAKSU) election, winning the vice president (VP), general secretary (GS), and assistant general secretary (AGS) positions. The results, announced by the election commission around 11:45 p.m. on Wednesday after counting votes from 38 centers, showed Shibir-supported VP candidate Riazul Islam defeating Chhatra Dal-backed candidate A.K.M. Rakib by 876 votes. Riazul received 5,564 votes, while Rakib obtained 4,688.

Following his victory, Riazul Islam, representing the Shibir-supported “Adommo Jobian Oikko” panel, expressed gratitude to all voters and respect for their decision. He described the university’s students as mature and intelligent, emphasizing that everyone voted according to their judgment. Riazul stated that he equally respects both supporters and non-supporters and refrained from labeling the result as a “landslide victory,” attributing success and defeat to divine will.

Riazul also called for post-election unity, saying he does not want divisions among students. He pledged to continue working collaboratively with members of other panels, as they did before the election.

Commonwealth Secretary-General Sharlene Botchwey has expressed deep sorrow and condolences over the death of Begum Khaleda Zia, Chairperson of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) and former Prime Minister of Bangladesh. In a condolence message sent to Professor Muhammad Yunus, Chief Adviser of Bangladesh’s interim government, Botchwey conveyed sympathy on behalf of the Commonwealth family. The message was released on Wednesday by the Bangladesh High Commission in London.

In her statement, Botchwey said she was deeply saddened by the news of Khaleda Zia’s passing and extended heartfelt condolences to her family and the people of Bangladesh during this period of national mourning. She described Zia as a powerful figure in Bangladesh’s political arena and the country’s first female prime minister, who opened a new chapter in political leadership. Botchwey noted that Zia’s leadership across three terms reflected her unwavering commitment to the welfare of the Bangladeshi people.

The message further stated that Khaleda Zia’s legacy extended beyond Bangladesh, serving as an inspiration for women leaders across South Asia and Commonwealth nations. Khaleda Zia passed away on December 30 at the age of 80 while undergoing treatment in Dhaka and was buried with state honors the following day.

Former Tongi Thana Chhatra Dal general secretary Ayub Ali, aged 52, was allegedly attacked multiple times and threatened with a pistol in Gazipur’s Tongi area on Wednesday afternoon. The assaults reportedly occurred in Dhirashram and Rajbari areas after he refused to withdraw a theft case he had filed earlier. Following the incidents, Ayub Ali lodged a complaint with Gazipur Sadar Police Station, confirmed Officer-in-Charge Aminul Islam.

According to Ayub Ali, his home was robbed on July 28 of the previous year, prompting him to file a case with Tongi East Police Station against Abbas Ali, a scrap metal trader, and his sons Rakib, Ratul, and Hridoy. He later made a general diary on August 3 after receiving threats to withdraw the case. On Wednesday morning, when both parties appeared in Gazipur Judge Court, the accused allegedly attacked him again, leaving him injured. After receiving treatment at Shaheed Tajuddin Ahmad Medical College Hospital, he filed another general diary.

Rakib, son of Abbas Ali, denied the allegations, while police said an investigation is underway and legal action will follow upon verification.

The Shibir-backed panel won the vice president (VP), general secretary (GS), and assistant general secretary (AGS) posts in the Jagannath University Central Students’ Union (JAKSU) election. The results were announced by the election commission around 11:45 p.m. on Wednesday after counting votes from 38 centers. Shibir-backed VP candidate Riazul Islam defeated BNP’s student wing (Chhatra Dal)-backed candidate A.K.M. Rakib by 876 votes, securing 5,564 votes against Rakib’s 4,688.

Following his defeat, Rakib posted a message on his Facebook account expressing gratitude to his supporters and campaigners. He thanked senior and junior students who worked tirelessly for his campaign and acknowledged the trust placed in him by voters. Rakib apologized for not achieving the expected result despite his best efforts.

The outcome marks a complete loss for the Chhatra Dal-backed panel in the top three positions of the JAKSU election, consolidating Shibir’s dominance in the university’s student leadership.

Ariful Islam Adib, senior joint convener of the National Citizen Party (NCP), warned that the people of Bangladesh would give a strong response if any foreign country, including India, the United States, China, or Russia, attempted to interfere in the upcoming 13th national parliamentary election. He made the remarks on Wednesday afternoon while addressing a rally that began in Shahjadpur, Badda, and moved toward the Indian High Commission in Baridhara, Dhaka.

The rally was organized by the NCP’s Dhaka North unit as part of an “Anti-Hegemony March” marking 15 years since the killing of Felani Khatun at the border. Police stopped the procession before it reached the High Commission, prompting participants to deliver speeches and slogans on the Kuril-bound road. Adib called for the day to be declared “Felani Day” nationally and pledged that NCP members would defend Bangladesh’s sovereignty at any cost.

Speakers at the event accused India of interfering in Bangladesh’s politics and economy and demanded justice for border killings and other alleged crimes. They also called for international action against India for what they described as blatant interference in Bangladesh’s internal affairs.