Chinese Ambassador Yao Wen has expressed hope that Tarique Rahman will become Bangladesh’s next elected prime minister and lead the nation. The information was shared by BNP Joint Secretary General Humayun Kabir after a meeting between the ambassador and Tarique Rahman at the BNP chairperson’s political office in Gulshan on Wednesday. BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir, adviser Mahadi Amin, and press secretary Saleh Shibli were also present.

This was the first meeting between the Chinese ambassador and the BNP’s acting chairman. According to Humayun Kabir, the discussion took place in a cordial atmosphere, emphasizing China’s long-standing role as an important development partner of Bangladesh. Tarique Rahman discussed BNP’s future development plans and how the party intends to implement its vision for national progress, while both sides talked about potential areas of cooperation.

During the meeting, the Chinese ambassador also conveyed condolences over the death of Begum Khaleda Zia, delivering official messages of sympathy from China’s president and prime minister.

BNP’s acting chairman Tarique Rahman will begin his campaign for the upcoming parliamentary election from Sylhet on January 22, following visits to the shrines of Hazrat Shahjalal (R.) and Shah Paran (R.). Party sources said he will travel to Sylhet the day after election symbols are allocated, marking his first visit to the city in 19 years. According to BNP’s tradition, Rahman will start the campaign with prayers at the shrines and a public rally.

BNP’s assistant organizing secretary Miftah Siddiqi confirmed preparations are underway for the event, including selecting a venue for the rally. Sylhet district BNP president Abdul Kaiyum Chowdhury said Rahman will address the rally as chief guest after the shrine visits. Earlier, on January 4, BNP secretary general Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir stated that Rahman would begin formal campaigning in Sylhet after assuming full chairmanship of the party.

Before the campaign launch, Rahman will start a nationwide tour on January 11, visiting four districts until January 14. Due to election conduct rules, he will not engage in campaign activities during that tour but will attend prayers and meet families of political martyrs.

Hasnat Abdullah, chief organizer of the National Citizens Party (NCP) for the southern region and Jamaat-led alliance candidate for Cumilla-4, alleged that a political faction has aligned with what he termed an 'Indian mafia group' over the referendum issue. He made the remarks on Wednesday, January 7, during an election march at Fatehabad South Government Primary School field in Debidwar, Cumilla.

During his address, Hasnat questioned voters about their desire for elections under an independent commission and a corruption-free Bangladesh. He claimed that since 2009, leaders and activists of the BNP-Jamaat alliance have faced abductions, killings, and torture, while some political parties have acted under Indian influence. He also criticized sections of the media and corporate groups for allegedly supporting those he accused of betraying national interests.

Hasnat further stated that Bangladesh now faces two opposing sides—one of subservience and one of freedom—and urged police and administration officials to learn from past elections. The event included local Jamaat and NCP leaders and was chaired by Wali Ullah Sarkar of Fatehabad village.

Mobile phone prices in Bangladesh have increased despite a recent reduction in import tariffs. According to the report, government-registered mobile traders raised prices following the launch of the National Equipment Identity Register (NEIR). Allegations suggest that a mafia syndicate influenced the price hikes. Since January 1, prices have risen by Tk 500 to Tk 5,000 per handset depending on the model.

Consumers claim that official brands took advantage of the closure of grey market handset shops amid the NEIR controversy. Brands such as Redmi, Vivo, Infinix, Realme, OnePlus, and Samsung Galaxy have raised prices across various models. For example, the Vivo Y21D (8/128) model increased from Tk 21,000 to Tk 23,000, while the Infinix Smart 10 (4/64) rose by Tk 1,000 to Tk 12,000.

Mobile traders argue that rising memory component costs contributed to the price increases. Zakaria Shahid, president of the Mobile Phone Industry Owners Association of Bangladesh (MIOB), described the tariff reduction as deceptive, suggesting that the benefits were not passed on to consumers.

A broom procession and protest rally were held in Muradnagar, Cumilla, on Wednesday in response to controversial remarks made by former adviser Asif Mahmud Sajib Bhuiyan about BNP candidate and former five-time MP Kazi Shah Mofazzal Hossain Kaykobad. The demonstration began at the BNP office in Muradnagar and ended at Allah Chattar after marching through the main roads. The event was organized under the banner of the people of Muradnagar and attended by local BNP leaders and activists.

Speakers at the rally accused Asif Mahmud of spreading false and conspiratorial statements against Kaykobad to hide his own alleged corruption. They described Kaykobad as a tested and popular leader and claimed that a planned smear campaign was being conducted to undermine him. The speakers warned that any further conspiracy or falsehood against Kaykobad would lead to strict programs, including blocking the Dhaka–Chattogram highway.

The protesters also alleged that certain Facebook pages and online platforms were deliberately spreading rumors about Kaykobad and urged the administration to investigate and take immediate action.

At a discussion marking Felani Killing Day, United Peoples Bangladesh (UP Bangladesh) chief organizer Naeem Ahmad said that seeking justice for the killing of Bangladeshi teenager Felani Khatun in Indian courts is meaningless. The event was held at the organization’s central office, where speakers reflected on the 15 years since Felani was shot by India’s Border Security Force (BSF) along the Bangladesh–India border, yet her family has not received justice.

Ahmad recalled that the BSF shot Felani while she was crossing the border with her father to get married, and later attempts were made to label her family as cattle smugglers. He detailed that India’s General Security Forces Court acquitted BSF trooper Amiya Ghosh twice, in 2013 and 2015, and that a petition filed in India’s Supreme Court by rights group MASUM has seen no progress. Ahmad argued that relying solely on Indian courts is futile and urged the Bangladesh government to pursue coordinated diplomatic and legal action.

He called for implementing international law, enforcing the 2018 border agreement, and, if necessary, approaching international courts and the UN Human Rights Commission to ensure justice and prevent future border killings.

The air chiefs of Bangladesh and Pakistan have held talks in Islamabad regarding a potential deal for the sale of JF-17 Thunder fighter jets to Bangladesh, according to a statement from Pakistan’s military. The discussions also focused on strengthening bilateral defense ties, with Pakistan expressing interest in expanding arms supply and cooperation. A spokesperson for the Pakistan Air Force told the BBC that no agreement has yet been reached, though Bangladesh has shown interest in purchasing the aircraft.

The JF-17 Thunder is a 4.5-generation multirole fighter jointly developed by Pakistan and China. It is equipped with advanced radar and long-range missiles and has been exported to countries such as Myanmar, Azerbaijan, and Nigeria. During the visit, Bangladesh’s Air Chief Marshal Hasan Mahmud Khan led a high-level delegation that met Pakistan’s Air Chief Marshal Zaheer Ahmed Baber Sidhu at the Pakistan Air Force headquarters.

The meeting emphasized training, capability enhancement, and aerospace cooperation. Bangladesh expressed interest in aircraft maintenance, radar system upgrades, and continued training support. Both sides described the visit as a reflection of their historical ties and a step toward deeper strategic partnership.

The Bangladesh Poribesh Andolon (BAPA) and Bangladesh Environmental Network (BEN) will jointly hold their two-day environmental conference starting January 9 at the KIB Convention Center in Dhaka’s Farmgate. This will be BAPA’s 26th conference, running daily from 9:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. The event’s theme is “Environmental Reforms and Actions,” as announced at a press briefing held at the Dhaka Reporters Unity.

At the briefing, Professor Nazrul Islam, a founding member of BAPA-BEN, said that no environmental reform commission was formed during the interim government, creating a policy gap that the conference aims to address. He emphasized the need for political parties to prioritize environmental issues in their manifestos and called for internal reforms within environmental agencies to ensure effective policy implementation.

Professor Md. Khalekuzzaman, global coordinator of BEN and a geologist at the Commonwealth University of Pennsylvania, said the conference will also discuss how to restore Bangladesh’s rivers, canals, and wetlands to their natural flow, drawing lessons from environmental management practices in developed countries.

A senior European Union (EU) official said discussions on the Comprehensive Partnership Agreement (CPA) between Bangladesh and the EU are close to being finalized. Paula Pampaloni, Acting Managing Director for Asia-Pacific at the European External Action Service, made the remarks during a meeting with Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus in Dhaka. The meeting at the state guesthouse Jamuna covered ongoing CPA negotiations, the upcoming national election and referendum, illegal migration prevention, and trade and investment expansion.

Pampaloni noted that after 20 years under a general partnership framework, talks on the CPA began in November 2024. She praised Yunus for his “remarkable and extensive” reform efforts since assuming office, emphasizing that the EU values these reforms as Bangladesh’s largest political and trade partner. She added that the EU has closely observed and appreciated the interim government’s reform ambitions and expects the CPA to deepen bilateral ties and create major trade and investment opportunities.

The EU will send a high-level election observation mission for Bangladesh’s February 12 national election. Pampaloni said a successful democratic transition could elevate Bangladesh-EU relations to new heights, marking a new chapter between Dhaka and the EU.

Zahidur Rahman, a student of Electronics and Communication Engineering at Khulna University of Engineering and Technology (KUET), has issued a 24-hour ultimatum to the university authorities with three demands. Speaking at a press conference at Khulna Press Club on Wednesday, he warned that if his demands are not met, he will begin a sit-in protest in front of the university’s administrative building and pursue legal action through the High Court. Zahidur, who was allegedly tortured by Chhatra League activists in 2022, seeks justice and institutional accountability.

According to local sources, Zahidur was assaulted for a Facebook post about former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on September 11, 2022, and later jailed for 52 days under what he described as a fabricated case. After returning to KUET following the 2024 student uprising, he requested justice, prompting the administration to form an inquiry committee. Based on its report, disciplinary action was taken against 13 students, including expulsion of 10.

Zahidur’s demands include public release of the investigation report, dismissal and criminal prosecution of implicated officials, and compensation with assurance of an uninterrupted academic career.

Bangladesh Police’s Criminal Investigation Department (CID) has collected DNA samples from the remains of 114 unidentified victims buried at Rayerbazar, Dhaka, following the July mass uprising. The report was formally handed over on Wednesday, January 7, 2026, at the state guesthouse Jamuna to Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus. The initiative was conducted under the supervision of the Ministry of Liberation War Affairs, with support from the Home and Health Ministries. Between December 7 and 27, 2025, nine families provided DNA samples, leading to the identification of eight martyrs, all confirmed to have died from bullet wounds.

To ensure transparency and international standards, CID engaged forensic expert Dr. Morris Tidball Binz for technical guidance. CID urged families of those missing during the July–August uprising to contact its hotline for further identification efforts. During the handover, Chief Adviser Yunus thanked all involved, describing the initiative as a moral and humanitarian step toward truth and justice for families of the disappeared.

CID officials noted that on-site DNA testing enhanced police capabilities, while the Chief Adviser emphasized that the effort symbolizes the nation’s commitment to uncovering truth and restoring dignity to the victims.

Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami’s Nayeb-e-Ameer Dr. Syed Abdullah Mohammad Taher has warned the Election Commission that Bangladesh will suffer if the upcoming national election is arranged or manipulated. Speaking to reporters after a meeting with Chief Election Commissioner A.M.M. Nasir Uddin at the Election Commission office in Agargaon on Wednesday, January 7, he said his party had proposed installing CCTV cameras at polling centers to ensure a fair election.

Dr. Taher alleged that the returning officer had approved nomination papers of candidates from one party despite 12 or 13 of them holding dual citizenship, calling it discriminatory behavior by the administration. He also claimed that one candidate was receiving excessive protection, undermining a level playing field, and accused another party of distributing various cards in violation of the electoral code of conduct. He clarified that Jamaat had not submitted any list of SPs or DCs and denied holding any formal meeting with Tarique Rahman, describing a recent encounter as a condolence visit.

The meeting was attended by a six-member Jamaat delegation and four election commissioners along with the Election Commission secretary.

Bangladesh has reaffirmed its decision not to participate in the upcoming T20 World Cup in India, citing concerns over player safety, national security, and the country’s dignity. The announcement was made by Asif Nazrul, Adviser on Youth and Sports and Law, Justice and Parliamentary Affairs, following a meeting at the Secretariat on Wednesday. The meeting was attended by Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) President Aminul Islam Bulbul, board directors, and officials from the Ministry of Youth and Sports.

Nazrul stated that Bangladesh remains steadfast in its position and hopes to convince the International Cricket Council (ICC) of its reasoning. He emphasized that the country wishes to play the World Cup but prefers to do so in Sri Lanka, another host nation. Bangladesh has already informed the ICC about its request to change the venue after Mustafizur Rahman’s name was dropped by Kolkata Knight Riders in the Indian Premier League.

The adviser expressed optimism that the ICC would consider Bangladesh’s arguments fairly and ensure the team’s participation in the tournament under safe and respectful conditions.

Vote counting for the Jagannath University Central Students’ Union (JAKSU) election is ongoing, with results from 26 of 39 centers officially announced by the Election Commission. According to the latest tally, Shibir-backed vice president candidate Riazul Islam is leading by 351 votes over his rival, AKM Rakib, who is supported by the Chhatra Dal panel. Shibir-backed candidates are also maintaining strong leads in the general secretary (GS) and assistant general secretary (AGS) positions.

In the results so far, Riazul Islam has received 3,364 votes, while AKM Rakib has 3,013. For the GS post, Shibir’s Arif has 3,487 votes compared to Khadijatul Kubra’s 1,379. In the AGS race, Shibir’s Masud has 3,103 votes, followed by Atikul Rahman Tanzil with 2,677. The long-awaited JAKSU election was held on Tuesday after several delays and suspensions.

Out of 16,445 registered voters, 66 percent cast their ballots. The election included 8,479 female and 8,170 male voters, with 190 candidates contesting across 39 centers and 178 booths for both central and hall unions.

Chinese Ambassador to Bangladesh Yao Wen paid a courtesy visit to BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman on Wednesday. The meeting took place at the BNP Chairperson’s political office in Gulshan, Dhaka. The report described the encounter as a formal courtesy meeting between the ambassador and the opposition leader.

The article did not provide details about the topics discussed or any statements made during the meeting. It focused solely on the occurrence of the meeting and its location. The report was published on January 7, 2026, by the newspaper Amar Desh.

No further information was included regarding the duration of the meeting, participants, or any follow-up engagements between the Chinese embassy and the BNP leadership.