Dr. Tasnim Zara, an independent candidate and former NCP leader for the Dhaka-9 parliamentary constituency, has had her nomination paper cancelled. The decision was announced by the Dhaka district returning officer at 11:30 a.m. on Saturday. Zara had submitted her nomination on December 29 at the Sabujbagh Thana election office, fulfilling the requirement of collecting support from one percent of the total voters in her constituency.

According to her affidavit, Dr. Zara is a physician with an annual income of 713,333 taka from her job and an additional 3,200 British pounds earned abroad. She has paid 34,057 taka in income tax. Her declared assets include 250,000 taka in jewelry, 10,019 taka in bank deposits, 1.6 million taka in cash, and 2,270 British pounds. She reported no loans, cases, or government dues. Her husband, Khaled Saifullah, holds 1.5 million taka in cash and 6,000 British pounds, with foreign income of 39,800 pounds.

As per the election schedule, appeals against returning officer decisions can be filed between January 5 and 9, with resolution from January 10 to 18. Final candidate lists and symbols will be issued on January 21, and campaigning will run until February 10 morning.

Retired Commodore Jasim Uddin Bhuiyan has cautioned that leasing Chattogram Port to foreign operators such as Maersk Group, RSJGT, or DP World could endanger Bangladesh’s sovereignty. Writing in the newspaper ‘Amar Desh’ on January 3, 2026, he argued that strategic ports are not mere infrastructures but vital instruments of national power. Drawing parallels with Ukraine’s Sevastopol Port, he warned that foreign control through long-term leases can lead to economic and political dependency.

The article highlights that over 92 percent of Bangladesh’s trade passes through Chattogram Port, making it the country’s economic lifeline. Bhuiyan criticized the move toward foreign concession models, calling it a potential 30-year trap that could turn the port into a foreign-managed gateway. He proposed an alternative “operator model” combining local and global operators to maintain national control while improving efficiency.

He urged transparency in all port agreements, rejection of non-disclosure clauses, and cancellation of any deals that compromise revenue or authority. The piece concludes that sovereignty cannot be leased and warns policymakers to learn from global maritime history before finalizing such arrangements.

A former Bangladeshi secretary has shared personal recollections of Begum Khaleda Zia, portraying her as a leader of integrity, empathy, and restraint. The narrative spans from the early 1990s, when the author met Khaleda Zia’s son Arafat Rahman Koko in Australia, to later years when the author worked at the Prime Minister’s Office. Through these memories, the author highlights Khaleda Zia’s concern for her son’s hardships abroad, her modest lifestyle, and her composed leadership style during her tenure as prime minister.

The account recalls Koko’s financial struggles as a student in Melbourne, his mother’s inability to send money, and her distress upon learning that counterfeit dollars had reached him. It also describes Khaleda Zia’s humility in office, her fairness in decision-making, and her interactions with ministers and cultural figures such as writer Humayun Ahmed. The author concludes with a reflection on her lifelong dedication to the nation and a prayer for her peace in the afterlife.

The piece serves as a personal tribute, emphasizing Khaleda Zia’s moral strength and human sensitivity as remembered by someone who observed her closely over decades.

Ferry operations on the Shariatpur–Chandpur river route returned to normal on Saturday morning after being suspended overnight because of dense fog. According to the BIWTC terminal authorities, services resumed at around 10:45 a.m. when visibility improved. The suspension had begun at 1 a.m. on Friday night to prevent possible accidents amid heavy fog, causing congestion of passengers and vehicles on both sides of the river.

Md. Iqbal Hossain, deputy manager of the BIWTC Narsinghpur ferry terminal, said the decision to halt operations was taken for safety reasons as fog density increased late at night. Once conditions improved, ferry movement was restored. Currently, six ferries of various sizes are operating on the route.

With the resumption of ferry services, both passenger and cargo transport have returned to normal, easing pressure on the terminals and restoring regular movement across the Shariatpur–Chandpur route.

A government investigation has found evidence supporting 16 out of 22 allegations against Aminul Haque, principal of Mohammadpur Women’s College in Dhaka and proposer of banned Awami League leader Jahangir Kabir Nanak’s election nomination. The Directorate of Inspection and Audit (DIA) under the Ministry of Education conducted the inquiry from March 16 to 20 last year and finalized its report on December 2. The report cites proof of financial irregularities, misuse of college funds, threats to election officials, and forced dismissal of employees.

The investigation found that Haque took unauthorized commissions from exam funds, inflated vehicle purchase costs, and used political influence in recruitment. It also confirmed that he threatened presiding officers during a dummy election and misused college resources. However, some allegations, such as using college funds for private events, were not proven. Complainant lecturer Humayun Kabir accused Haque of delaying the inquiry by seeking changes in investigating officers.

Affected employees have demanded Haque’s removal, punishment, and reinstatement of dismissed staff. Haque denied the allegations, calling them false and politically motivated, and said he sought officer changes due to lack of confidence, not to delay the process.

The admission test for the 2025–26 academic session of nine agriculture cluster universities in Bangladesh is being held today, Saturday, January 3. The one-hour multiple-choice examination began at 2 p.m. and will continue until 3 p.m. A total of 88,228 students are participating in the test for 3,701 available seats, meaning around 24 candidates are competing for each seat. The examination is taking place simultaneously at 20 sub-centers across the country.

Gazipur Agricultural University (GAKRUBI) is coordinating all technical and administrative aspects of the examination. The universities under the agriculture cluster include Bangladesh Agricultural University, Gazipur Agricultural University, Sher-e-Bangla Agricultural University, Patuakhali Science and Technology University, Chattogram Veterinary and Animal Sciences University, Sylhet Agricultural University, Khulna Agricultural University, Habiganj Agricultural University, and Kurigram Agricultural University.

Among the total seats, Bangladesh Agricultural University has 1,006, Gazipur Agricultural University 510, Sher-e-Bangla Agricultural University 705, Patuakhali Science and Technology University 452, Chattogram Veterinary and Animal Sciences University 275, Sylhet Agricultural University 431, Khulna Agricultural University 150, Habiganj Agricultural University 90, and Kurigram Agricultural University 82.

Over the past ten years, India’s Border Security Force (BSF) has allegedly killed 36 Bangladeshi nationals along the Maheshpur border in Jhenaidah district through shootings and torture following abductions. The report states that more than a hundred others were injured in assaults by BSF personnel. The Maheshpur border, stretching 72 kilometers, includes 60 kilometers of barbed wire fencing and 12 kilometers of open frontier adjoining India’s Nadia and North 24 Parganas districts in West Bengal.

According to the investigation, most casualties occurred near BSF camps in Indian areas opposite Baghdanga, Shyamkur, and other Bangladeshi border unions. The killings have turned the Maheshpur frontier into what locals describe as a “valley of death.” The Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) established its 58th battalion camp in Maheshpur in 2015 to improve surveillance and reduce cross-border crimes. BGB sources claim that killings have decreased somewhat since the camp’s establishment.

BGB officials said awareness programs are ongoing to prevent illegal crossings and smuggling, while protests against BSF actions are raised during bilateral flag meetings. Families of victims allege BSF hostility and fear cultivating land near the border.

Ferry services on the Shariatpur–Chandpur river route were temporarily suspended early Friday, January 3, 2026, due to dense fog. The Bangladesh Inland Water Transport Corporation (BIWTC) halted operations from 1 a.m. to prevent potential accidents as visibility on the river sharply decreased. The decision was taken as a safety precaution amid worsening fog conditions overnight.

According to BIWTC’s Narsinghpur ferry terminal deputy manager Md. Iqbal Hossain, visibility on the river route dropped significantly, prompting the suspension to ensure the safety of passengers and vehicles. He confirmed that no ferry was stranded on the river and that services would resume once the fog clears.

The suspension has caused congestion at both ferry terminals, where passengers and drivers are waiting for improved weather conditions to continue their journeys.

Following the death of BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia on December 30, the party’s top post has become vacant. Senior Vice Chairman Tarique Rahman, who had been serving as acting chairman during Khaleda Zia’s imprisonment and illness, continues to perform the duties of the position. According to the BNP constitution, the senior vice chairman automatically assumes the role of chairman when the post becomes vacant. However, official party statements still refer to Tarique Rahman as acting chairman.

Election experts note that under the election code, candidates may only use the current party chief’s image in campaign materials. Since the 13th parliamentary election campaign begins on January 22, BNP must formally designate Tarique Rahman as chairman before that date to use his image. The Election Commission’s senior secretary stated that the decision rests with the party.

BNP policymakers confirm that constitutionally Tarique Rahman is already chairman, though the party continues a seven-day mourning period for Khaleda Zia. Some leaders suggest a council could later formalize his position, but it is not mandatory under the party’s constitution.

Bangladesh’s Home Ministry has advanced legal proceedings against police officers accused of involvement in the July massacre. Around 1,500 cases were filed nationwide, with 302 selected for transfer to the International Crimes Tribunal for adjudication. Each case names between 10 and 80 police officers as defendants. The ministry will soon hand over related documents to the tribunal’s investigation agency, according to a senior official who confirmed the development anonymously.

The ministry’s findings describe how, during the July–August 2024 uprising against former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, police used lethal force across the country, including live ammunition, to suppress protests. Reports from the United Nations and international media documented widespread killings, including of minors, and alleged that police actions followed directives from senior leadership. Investigations also revealed that the violence was part of a broader state repression policy.

The Chief Prosecutor of the International Crimes Tribunal welcomed the ministry’s move, saying it would support justice for victims and ensure accountability for those responsible. Several trials are already underway, with one verdict delivered and others nearing completion.

RAJUK Chairman Engineer Md. Riazul Islam has called for collective efforts and public awareness to solve Old Dhaka’s long-standing problems. He made the remarks on Friday at a views-exchange meeting organized by the Dhaka Metropolitan Association at Noyabazar, where he attended as the chief guest. The meeting discussed issues such as unplanned buildings, narrow roads, and unauthorized constructions that pose various risks in the area.

The RAJUK chairman emphasized that Old Dhaka’s problems cannot be solved by law enforcement alone and that residents must become more conscious to build a safer and more beautiful city for future generations. He highlighted the importance of keeping sufficient road space for emergency services like fire and ambulance access during disasters such as fires or earthquakes. He also sought the cooperation of building owners in making old structures risk-free and urged strict adherence to RAJUK’s construction regulations.

The meeting was presided over by Dhaka Association President Alhaj Md. Ismail Nawab, with senior RAJUK officials and local dignitaries present. RAJUK’s development plans for the area were also presented during the event.

Bangladesh is experiencing an unusually prolonged and intense cold wave, with dense fog covering much of the country and temperatures dropping sharply. The Bangladesh Meteorological Department reported that the cold conditions are expected to worsen from January 5, with mild to moderate cold waves likely in northwestern districts. On Friday, nine flights were diverted from Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport due to poor visibility caused by fog, though operations later resumed as conditions improved.

Meteorologists said the persistent fog and lack of sunlight have intensified the cold, with Dhaka recording a minimum temperature of 13.3°C and Jessore 8°C. Northern regions such as Rangpur and Rajair are facing severe cold, halting work and increasing hardship for low-income workers. Health authorities confirmed at least 32 deaths in Rangpur Division from cold-related illnesses over the past week, mostly among children, women, and the elderly.

Experts attributed repeated flight diversions to the absence of a Category-2 Instrument Landing System at Dhaka airport. The cold wave has severely affected daily life, particularly for the homeless and day laborers lacking warm clothing, while fog continues to disrupt road and air transport nationwide.

Negotiations between Jamaat-e-Islami and Charmonai Pir’s Islami Andolan Bangladesh have reached a decisive stage over seat sharing for the upcoming 13th parliamentary election. Tensions arose after the formal announcement of a 10-party electoral understanding, as Islami Andolan expressed dissatisfaction with the number of constituencies offered and warned of withdrawing from the alliance if demands were unmet. Grassroots-level mistrust and social media disputes further complicated the situation, prompting top leaders from both sides to reopen talks and seek a resolution.

Jamaat leaders, including Assistant Secretary General Ehsanul Mahbub Zubair, emphasized that discussions were ongoing and that the alliance could expand to 11 parties after nomination scrutiny. Islami Andolan leaders acknowledged earlier frustrations but said dialogue had eased tensions. The 11-party bloc, including LDP and NCP, has collectively fielded over 700 candidates for 300 seats, with overlapping nominations in several constituencies causing unease among partners.

Both Jamaat and Islami Andolan now stress maintaining unity and finalizing seat allocations after the nomination review process, expected to conclude in early January.

Rangpur Riders secured a six-wicket victory over Sylhet Titans in Sylhet, driven by a quickfire innings from Mahmudullah Riyad. After falling short in the previous match against Rajshahi Warriors, Mahmudullah redeemed himself with a decisive 34 runs off 16 balls. Kyle Mayers contributed 31 runs from 29 deliveries, helping Rangpur chase down the target of 145 in 18.5 overs. Sylhet’s Ethan Brooks and Khaled Ahmed took one wicket each.

Batting first after losing the toss, Sylhet Titans posted 144 for eight in their allotted 20 overs. Afif Hossain top-scored with 46, while Ethan Brooks added 31 from 30 balls. Rangpur’s bowlers, Mustafizur Rahman and Fahim Ashraf, each claimed three wickets to restrict Sylhet’s total. Despite the challenging chase, Mahmudullah’s composed batting ensured Rangpur’s win.

Mahmudullah Riyad was named player of the match for his match-winning performance, marking a strong comeback after his previous game’s missed opportunity.

Jamaat-e-Islami nominated candidate Advocate Maulana Sheikh Abdul Wadud has said that if voters in Mongla cast their ballots for the balance symbol, local people will be able to live safely and free from land and enclosure occupation. He made the remarks on Friday, January 2, during campaign visits across various areas of Mongla upazila. Wadud is contesting the Bagerhat-3 (Mongla-Rampal) constituency on behalf of Jamaat-e-Islami.

In his address as chief guest, Wadud stated that Bangladesh belongs to people of all religions—Hindu, Muslim, Buddhist, and Christian—who together built the nation. He emphasized that Jamaat-e-Islami has long worked to establish a just and discrimination-free society and has consistently advocated for the security, religious freedom, and dignity of minority communities. He added that honest, skilled, and principled leadership is essential to end political vengeance, land grabbing, and irregularities, ensuring safety for all citizens.

Mongla upazila Jamaat’s Naib-e-Amir and former vice chairman Professor Kohinur Sardar also spoke, highlighting the party’s justice-based politics and welfare programs. Thousands of local leaders and supporters attended the campaign event.