A young man named Md. Roni, 22, was injured by gunfire from India’s Border Security Force (BSF) near the Gotamari border area of Hatibandha upazila in Lalmonirhat. Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) rescued him and sent him to Rangpur Medical College Hospital, where doctors said his condition is currently stable. The incident occurred around 12:10 a.m. on Tuesday when a BGB patrol from the Daikhawa Border Outpost heard gunshots near border pillar 902 and found several people running, including one injured person being moved from the site.

BGB later identified the injured man as Roni, a resident of Gotamari Union, and claimed he was involved in drug trafficking in the area. According to BGB, Roni had previously been injured by BSF birdshot on December 22 and had gone into hiding afterward. Authorities said legal proceedings are underway against him under the Passport Act and for illegal border crossing.

Lieutenant Colonel Mehedi Imam, commanding officer of the 15 BGB Battalion, expressed concern over continued illegal activities despite repeated warnings and urged local residents and representatives to cooperate in preventing smuggling and drug trafficking along the border.

Dr. Reza Kibria, the BNP-nominated candidate for the Habiganj-1 (Nabiganj-Bahubal) constituency, has been issued a show-cause notice over alleged violations of the electoral code of conduct. The notice was confirmed on Wednesday, January 7, 2026, by Abu Hasnat Mohammad Arefin, the district commissioner and returning officer. It had been issued earlier on Monday, January 5, instructing Kibria to provide a written explanation regarding specific allegations and to clarify why legal action should not be taken against him.

According to election authorities, the notice was prompted by accusations that several provisions of the electoral code were breached. Kibria has been directed to submit his written response by January 14. Officials stated that further action may be taken if his explanation is found unsatisfactory after review.

The case remains under examination by the election authorities, who will determine subsequent measures based on the adequacy of the candidate’s response.

A joint operation by the army and police in Ramu upazila of Cox’s Bazar led to the recovery of a large quantity of illegal weapons and ammunition early Wednesday morning. Acting on a tip-off, the raid was conducted around 6:30 a.m. in Thoingakata Samarghona area under Ward 3 of Gorjonia Union. The seized items included a locally made gun, two rusted pistols, six Chinese rifle bullets, forty-nine pistol bullets, four used shotgun shells, parts of a large gun butt, two long machetes, a toy pistol, two button mobile phones, and a cutter. The weapons were confiscated around 7:30 a.m.

Police arrested a 20-year-old woman named Ayesha Begum Riya from the scene. Preliminary questioning indicated that the recovered weapons might be linked to a local organized criminal group, according to police statements. Other suspects managed to flee during the operation.

Authorities confirmed that efforts are ongoing to apprehend the remaining fugitives and further investigate the network behind the seized arms.

Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) Standing Committee member Dr. Abdul Moin Khan said the 2008 national election was meticulously organized by various powerful forces. Speaking on Wednesday at a memorial meeting for Begum Khaleda Zia organized by the Nationalist Alliance at the Dhaka Reporters Unity, he questioned how a popular party like the BNP could win only 30 to 35 seats out of 300 if the process had been fair.

Moin Khan alleged that a section of actors at the time sought to depoliticize Bangladesh, but he asserted that the people are now alert and will not allow any domestic or foreign power to control the country’s politics. He described Begum Khaleda Zia as immensely popular, noting her multiple electoral victories as proof of public support. He added that from 2008 to 2025, she endured false cases and attacks but remained steadfast.

He further stated that the events of August 5, 2024, marked a victory for truth, showing that those who harmed the country were defeated and that Khaleda Zia’s integrity was vindicated in the eyes of the people.

A Dhaka court has ordered the seizure of 53 bank accounts belonging to Faisal Karim Masud, the main accused in the murder of Sharif Osman Hadi, spokesperson of Inquilab Moncho. The accounts contain a total of 6,550,246 taka. The order was issued on Wednesday, January 7, by Dhaka Metropolitan Sessions Judge Md Sabbir Foyez following a petition from the Criminal Investigation Department (CID).

According to the CID’s application, Sub-Inspector Abdul Latif, the investigating officer, sought to freeze the accounts as part of an ongoing investigation into money laundering allegations linked to the murder. The case involves the shooting death of Hadi on Box Culvert Road in Purana Paltan, Dhaka. Authorities are also investigating other individuals and organizations suspected of involvement.

The court’s order marks a significant step in the financial investigation accompanying the murder case, as law enforcement continues to trace possible money laundering connections related to the accused and his associates.

Vote counting for the Jagannath University Central Students’ Union (JnUSU) election is ongoing, with results from 23 of 39 centers officially announced by the Election Commission. According to the latest figures, Shibir-backed candidate Riazul Islam is leading the vice president race with 2,819 votes, while his rival, AKM Rakib from the Chhatra Dal-backed panel, has received 2,691 votes. Shibir-supported candidates are also maintaining strong leads in the general secretary and assistant general secretary positions.

In the general secretary race, Shibir’s Arif has secured 2,980 votes, ahead of Khadijatul Kubra with 1,239 votes. For assistant general secretary, Shibir’s Masud has 2,656 votes, followed by Atikul Rahman Tanzil with 2,350 votes. The long-awaited JnUSU election was held on Tuesday after several postponements. Out of 16,445 registered voters, 66 percent cast their ballots across 39 centers and 178 booths.

The election included 190 candidates contesting for positions in both the central and hall unions, with 8,479 female and 8,170 male voters participating.

Bangladesh Bank has increased the maximum home loan limit for banks with low default rates. According to a circular issued on Tuesday, banks with classified loans below 5 percent can now lend up to Tk 4 crore for flat purchases. The previous uniform ceiling for all banks was Tk 2 crore. The revised policy takes immediate effect and replaces earlier directives, while other consumer loan guidelines remain unchanged.

The central bank stated that the revision aims to address rising housing and construction material costs and growing demand in the real estate sector. Under the new rules, banks with default loans between 5 and 10 percent may lend up to Tk 3 crore, and those with over 10 percent defaults will maintain the previous Tk 2 crore limit. The loan-to-equity ratio remains unchanged at 70:30, meaning borrowers must contribute 30 percent of the property value.

The last adjustment to the home loan ceiling occurred in 2019, when the limit was raised from Tk 1.2 crore to Tk 2 crore for all banks.

BNP’s acting chairman Tarique Rahman held a meeting with leaders of Gulshan Thana BNP and its affiliated organizations on Wednesday afternoon at the BNP chairperson’s political office in Gulshan, Dhaka. The meeting was part of his preparations to contest the upcoming 13th parliamentary election from the Dhaka-17 constituency.

The session was attended by key party figures including Dhaka-17 election coordinator Abdus Salam, BNP chairperson’s adviser Dr. Forhad Halim Donar, Jubo Dal president Abdul Monayem Munna, Dhaka North BNP joint convener Mostafizur Rahman Segun, Dhaka North Jubo Dal president Sharif Uddin Jewel, member secretary Sazzatul Miraj, Chhatra Dal general secretary Nasir Uddin Nasir, and Gulshan Thana BNP member secretary Md. Shahjahan. Leaders and activists from Gulshan Thana BNP and its associate bodies were also present.

The meeting focused on organizational coordination and election preparedness within the Dhaka-17 constituency, signaling the party’s early mobilization efforts for the upcoming national polls.

Rashed Pradhan, vice president and spokesperson of the National Democratic Party (JAGPA), said that fifteen years after the killing of Felani at the border, justice has still not been served. Speaking at a rally in Dhaka’s Bijoynagar-Paltan area on Wednesday, he alleged that the Indian Border Security Force (BSF) killed 34 Bangladeshis in 2025 without accountability. He called for a firm response to such incidents, claiming that India’s border guards only understand the language of bullets.

Pradhan also criticized the Indian government for what he described as false allegations of Hindu persecution in Bangladesh and questioned Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s relationship with Delhi. He urged voters to support Islamic and patriotic alliances in upcoming elections to end what he termed Indian dominance and aggression. The protest was organized by JAGPA to mark Felani Murder Day and was attended by party leaders including Iqbal Hossain, Asadur Rahman Khan, Syed Shafiqul Islam, and others.

The event reflected JAGPA’s continued opposition to Indian influence and its demand for stronger national policy on border security and sovereignty.

A week after former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia’s death on December 30, people from all walks of life continue to visit her grave to offer prayers and shed tears in silence. The report from January 7 describes a steady stream of visitors, including leaders and activists of the BNP and its affiliated organizations, as well as ordinary citizens who came to pay floral tribute, recite from the Quran, and pray for her soul.

The scene at the gravesite reflects deep public affection and respect for Khaleda Zia, who is remembered as an uncompromising leader. Visitors recalled her role in anti-autocracy movements and her years of political struggle. Many described her as a symbol of courage and sacrifice, while others emphasized the enduring influence of the Zia family in Bangladesh’s politics. Organized prayers and Quran recitations were also held by various groups, including the Nationalist Ulema team and the Arafat Rahman Koko Sports Circle.

Speakers at the site described her death as an irreparable loss for Bangladesh and noted that her leadership transcended political divisions, uniting people in shared remembrance and respect.

The International Crimes Tribunal-1 has postponed the hearing on the formation of formal charges against Sajib Wazed Joy, son of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and her ICT adviser, and former State Minister for ICT Zunaid Ahmed Palak. The new date for the hearing has been set for January 11. The two are accused of crimes against humanity, including shutting down the internet during the so-called July Revolution. The order was issued by tribunal member Shafiul Alam Mahmood, with Palak produced before the court from prison.

The hearing was originally scheduled for today but was delayed because the state-appointed lawyer for fugitive accused Joy had not yet received the necessary authorization letter. Chief Prosecutor Tazul Islam, along with prosecutors Mizanul Islam and Gazi M.H. Tamim, represented the prosecution, while Liton Ahmed appeared for Palak. Earlier, on December 4, arrest warrants were issued against both accused, and Joy was later declared absconding after failing to appear.

The tribunal had previously appointed a state defense lawyer for Joy on December 17 after public notices failed to secure his appearance. The next hearing will determine whether formal charges will be framed against the two accused.

The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) has dismissed reports by Indian media suggesting that the International Cricket Council (ICC) issued an ultimatum requiring Bangladesh to play the upcoming T20 World Cup matches in India. In a press release issued on Wednesday, the BCB stated that the ICC reaffirmed its commitment to ensuring Bangladesh’s full and uninterrupted participation in the tournament and expressed willingness to work closely with the board to address its concerns.

The BCB clarified that claims of receiving an ultimatum from the ICC were completely baseless and fabricated. It emphasized that the content of the ICC’s communication bore no resemblance to such reports. The board also reiterated that the ICC welcomed BCB’s input in the tournament’s detailed security planning and would give due consideration to its views.

According to the statement, the BCB remains firm in prioritizing the safety and security of the national team and players. It plans to continue constructive discussions with the ICC and relevant authorities to ensure a satisfactory and practical resolution for Bangladesh’s smooth participation in the 2026 T20 World Cup.

Police recovered the body of an unidentified young man from a pond near Daulatpur Mosque in Kutubpur, under Narayanganj Sadar upazila, on Wednesday morning around 9 a.m. The body, believed to be of a man aged between 25 and 26 years, was found without any clothing, according to police reports.

Fatullah Model Police Station Sub-Inspector Milon Fakir stated that the body was recovered after receiving information from locals. No one in the area recognized the deceased. A bag containing clothes was found on the bank of the pond. The police prepared an inquest report and sent the body to the hospital for autopsy. Efforts are underway to identify the victim.

Authorities have not yet determined the cause of death, and police said the investigation will continue until the man’s identity and circumstances of death are confirmed.

Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami has held a meeting with the Election Commission (EC) under the leadership of the party’s Nayeb-e-Ameer, Dr. Syed Abdullah Mohammad Taher. The discussion began on Wednesday, January 7, 2026, around 3:15 p.m. at the EC headquarters in Agargaon, Dhaka, inside the Chief Election Commissioner’s (CEC) conference room. The meeting was presided over by Chief Election Commissioner A. M. M. Nasir Uddin and attended by the full commission.

A six-member delegation from Jamaat-e-Islami, led by Dr. Taher, participated in the meeting. The delegation included several senior leaders of the party. The report did not specify the agenda or topics discussed during the session.

The meeting marks a formal engagement between the Election Commission and Jamaat-e-Islami leadership, though details of the outcomes or next steps were not disclosed in the source.

A report from Kurigram recalls the tragic killing of a 13 or 14-year-old Bangladeshi girl named Felani, who was shot dead by an Indian Border Security Force (BSF) soldier while crossing the border near pillar 947 at Phulbari’s Uttar Anantapur area. The incident occurred as her father, Nurul Islam, attempted to bring her home from Delhi through brokers without valid travel documents. The girl, wearing a red sweater, was found hanging on the barbed wire fence after being struck by a bullet fired by BSF member Amiya Ghosh.

The article describes Felani’s background as the eldest daughter of a poor family who had gone to India to work and support her parents and siblings. After a year of labor in Delhi, she was returning home for marriage when the fatal shooting occurred. The report portrays the event as a symbol of border violence and human tragedy.

According to the report, fifteen years after the killing, no justice has been served, leaving the case unresolved and the memory of Felani’s death a painful reminder for border residents.