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.

A young man named Abdullah, aged 20, died following a motorcycle accident on the Dhaka–Bogura highway in Sirajganj’s Raiganj upazila. The incident occurred on Thursday in the Panchlia area when Abdullah lost control of his motorcycle and collided with a road divider. He was returning home to Langolmora Uttarpara village under Salanga police station after traveling from Sirajganj town.

According to police and family sources, Abdullah sustained severe head injuries in the crash. Locals rescued him and took him to Shaheed Ziaur Rahman Medical College Hospital, where he died on Friday morning while undergoing treatment. Hatikumrul Highway Police Station Officer-in-Charge Ismail Hossain said that excessive speed was initially believed to be the cause of the accident.

Police stated that legal procedures related to the incident are currently underway.

Police in Kishoreganj upazila of Nilphamari district have arrested Jubo League leader Tarapada Roy in connection with an anti-terrorism case. The arrest took place on Thursday night at the Putimari Shoshan Bazar area based on a confidential tip-off. Police confirmed that the 40-year-old leader was sent to the district jail on Friday following his detention.

According to police sources, Tarapada Roy, who had been in hiding for a long time, is the joint convener of the Putimari Union Jubo League and the son of Jitendra Roy of Sadhupara village in the same union. Kishoreganj Police Station Officer-in-Charge Lutfor Rahman confirmed the arrest and subsequent transfer to jail.

The report did not provide further details about the specific allegations or the progress of the case beyond the arrest and detention process.

Consumers across Bangladesh are facing an acute shortage of liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) as prices have soared far above official rates. Cylinders that cost Tk 1,253 only days earlier were sold on Friday for Tk 1,800 to Tk 2,500, yet many areas still reported no availability. Retailers said dealers were not supplying gas, while several Dhaka neighborhoods also reported severe pipeline gas shortages. The Consumers Association of Bangladesh (CAB) accused the Bangladesh Energy Regulatory Commission (BERC) of failing to monitor the market, allowing manipulation to flourish.

CAB’s vice president said suppliers and retailers were exploiting the situation while the government focused on elections. The LPG Distributors Association blamed most companies for halting supply, leaving only a few active and charging extra. BERC has written to the LPG Operators of Bangladesh (LOAB) demanding enforcement of the fixed December price of Tk 1,253 per 12-kg cylinder. LOAB officials cited a 40% drop in December imports due to global shipping disruptions and higher costs.

BERC is expected to announce new LPG prices on January 4, after reviewing import cost data submitted by companies.

The government of Bangladesh has issued a new ordinance amending the Bangladesh Travel Agency (Registration and Control) Act, 2013 to ensure better governance in the travel agency business, prevent artificial ticket shortages, and stop harassment of migrant workers. President Md. Shahabuddin promulgated the ordinance on January 1 under Article 93(1) of the Constitution, and the Legislative and Parliamentary Affairs Division has published the related gazette.

The revised law introduces separate bank guarantee requirements for online and offline travel agencies—10 lakh taka for offline agencies and 1 crore taka for online ones. It strictly prohibits false bookings that create artificial ticket shortages and bans business-to-business ticket trading. Agencies must use only government-approved financial channels for transactions. The ordinance also forbids deceptive advertising or advance payments under false promises and criminalizes ticket trading from third countries or altering passenger details after confirmation.

Penalties have been made stricter, including up to one year in prison or a fine of up to 10 lakh taka. Agencies must renew registration every three years and submit annual financial and operational reports. Loan defaulters are deemed ineligible for registration.

At a prayer gathering held on Friday after Juma prayers at the Patiya Model Mosque premises in Chattogram, BNP leader Enamul Haque Enam alleged that Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina was responsible for the death of former three-time Prime Minister Begum Khaleda Zia. The event was jointly organized by the Patiya Upazila and Municipality units of the BNP. Enam, speaking as the chief guest, claimed that Sheikh Hasina had pushed Khaleda Zia toward a slow death.

Enam described Khaleda Zia as a guardian figure who had fought uncompromisingly for the people and democracy of Bangladesh. He said that countries around the world had expressed condolences over her death. The prayer and special supplication for Khaleda Zia were led by Maulana Irfanul Islam, the Khatib of Patiya Model Mosque.

The event was attended by numerous BNP leaders and activists from the upazila, municipality, and district levels, including representatives from the youth, student, volunteer, farmers, and cultural wings of the party.

The traditional national cultural organization Saimum Shilpigoshthi held its inaugural class for students admitted to the 2026 session after interviews. The event took place on Friday at Purana Paltan College in Dhaka, with founding member, lyricist, and composer Tafazzal Hossain Khan attending as chief guest. Other guests included advisors, former directors, and artists of the organization, along with students and their guardians.

Speakers highlighted the history of Saimum Shilpigoshthi, describing it as the first cultural organization of the healthy movement that has been promoting morality and positive thinking among children and adolescents since 1978. The director of Saimum provided detailed guidance on the admission process and upcoming training programs.

He also emphasized the role of guardians, noting that Saimum offers training only once a week and that parental involvement is essential for students to develop as good artists. The event concluded with the distribution of ID cards to the students and was conducted by current director Zahidul Islam, with Morshedul Islam serving as moderator.