Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer Dr. Shafiqur Rahman has expressed a desire to work together with the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) in the national interest, similar to past cooperation. He made the remarks on Thursday evening at BNP Chairperson’s office in Gulshan while offering condolences to acting BNP Chairman Tarique Rahman and his bereaved family following the death of former Prime Minister Begum Khaleda Zia. Dr. Rahman signed the condolence book and later briefed the press, stating that both parties share the same aspiration to collaborate.

During the meeting, Dr. Rahman said that the upcoming national election and referendum scheduled for 12 February should be peaceful, fair, and acceptable. He emphasized that Jamaat and BNP leaders discussed the possibility of jointly planning for the nation’s stability and progress over the next five years. He also announced that both parties intend to sit together immediately after the election but before government formation to discuss national issues and make collective decisions.

Senior BNP leaders including Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir, Salahuddin Ahmed, and Nazrul Islam Khan were present at the meeting, along with senior Jamaat officials.

More than 30 people were detained after mobile handset traders attacked and vandalized the Bangladesh Telecommunication Regulatory Commission (BTRC) building in Dhaka’s Agargaon area on Thursday, January 1. The protest erupted around 4 p.m. against the government’s decision to launch the National Equipment Identity Register (NEIR) without reducing import duties. Police said the protesters threw bricks and stones at the building, breaking windows and damaging property.

Tejgaon Division Deputy Commissioner of Police Ibne Mizan stated that the attack was sudden and that officers were working to bring the situation under control. He added that glass windows of the BTRC mosque were shattered while employees were praying, though no injuries were immediately reported. A BTRC official said several hundred protesters gathered on the street and hurled bricks, trapping staff inside the building even after office hours.

The incident highlights growing tensions between mobile phone traders and authorities over the NEIR initiative, which makes handset registration mandatory. Police have taken control of the situation and detained those involved.

Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer Dr. Shafiqur Rahman has expressed a desire to work jointly with the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) for the country's interest, similar to past cooperation. He made the remarks on Thursday evening at BNP Chairperson’s office in Gulshan while offering condolences to Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman and the bereaved family of late former Prime Minister Begum Khaleda Zia. During the meeting, he signed the condolence book and later briefed the press about their discussions.

Dr. Rahman praised Khaleda Zia’s leadership and lifelong struggle for democracy and citizens’ rights, criticizing the government’s treatment of her during her illness. He noted that both Jamaat and BNP leaders, including Tarique Rahman, shared the aspiration to collaborate again. The Jamaat chief also mentioned that the next national election and a referendum are scheduled for February 12, emphasizing the need for a peaceful and credible process.

He added that both parties plan to meet after the election but before the formation of the next government to discuss national issues and decisions, aiming to uphold the unity platform established by Khaleda Zia.

Bangladesh will make its debut in the SAFF Futsal Championship under the captaincy of Sabina Khatun, with the tournament scheduled to take place in Bangkok, Thailand, from January 13 to 15. The national team is set to depart for Bangkok tomorrow. At a press conference held at the Bangladesh Football Federation building, Sabina expressed her ambition to achieve a strong result in the country’s first appearance in the regional futsal competition.

Sabina noted her personal connection to futsal, recalling that she was the first Bangladeshi female footballer to play abroad, also in futsal. She acknowledged that Maldives and India are likely to be stronger opponents due to their experience, while other teams are relatively new like Bangladesh. The team has trained for just over a month in preparation. National player Matsushima Sumaiya, who will also compete, emphasized the need for a dedicated futsal stadium in Dhaka, questioning why training remains difficult despite existing facilities.

Seven teams—Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Maldives, Nepal, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka—will participate in the tournament.

Sylhet Titans defeated Dhaka Capitals by six runs in a closely contested T20 match at Lakkatura, Sylhet. Batting first, Sylhet recovered from an early collapse at 22 for 2 and later 92 for 4 to post 173 for 5 in 20 overs. Azmatullah Omarzai, who joined the team just a day earlier, played a blistering unbeaten 50 off 24 balls with five fours and three sixes. Parvez Hossain Emon contributed 44 runs from 32 balls. For Dhaka, Salman Mirza took two wickets for 46 runs.

Chasing 174, Dhaka Capitals struggled early, losing five wickets for 43 runs in 7.3 overs. Despite a spirited fightback led by Shamim Patwari’s explosive 81 off 43 balls, Dhaka fell short, finishing at 167 for 8. Mohammad Amir’s tight final over sealed the win for Sylhet. Omarzai also impressed with the ball, taking two wickets for 40 runs, while Amir and Nasum Ahmed claimed two wickets each.

The victory, cheered on by home supporters, continued Sylhet’s strong form at their home ground. Omarzai was named player of the match for his all-round performance.

The nomination of Jamaat-e-Islami candidate Dr. Mosleh Uddin Farid for Jessore-2 (Jhikargacha-Chowgacha) constituency in the 13th National Parliamentary Election has been cancelled due to a credit card-related bank clearance issue. The district returning officer and Jessore Deputy Commissioner Asheq Hasan confirmed that Farid’s CIB report showed an old unpaid credit card balance, though he submitted payment proof. The delay in repayment led to the cancellation. Farid may appeal to the election appellate court and could regain candidacy if required documents are resubmitted.

In the same constituency, five other candidates faced nomination issues, including BNP leader Mohammad Ishaq, who failed to submit a party nomination. Independent candidates Mehedi Hasan and Zahurul Islam lost nominations due to signature mismatches, while BNPF candidate Shassul Haque’s nomination was kept pending. Jatiya Party candidate Firoz Shah’s nomination was cancelled following an Agrani Bank objection.

In Jessore-1 (Sharsha), BNP candidate Nuruzzaman Liton’s nomination was kept pending due to inconsistencies in case and dependent information. Candidates have until January 4 to correct errors and resubmit documents for final approval.

Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer Dr. Shafiqur Rahman conveyed his condolences to BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman and his bereaved family following the death of BNP Chairperson Begum Khaleda Zia. On Thursday evening, he visited the BNP Chairperson’s office in Gulshan, Dhaka, where he met Tarique Rahman and other BNP leaders to express sympathy. He also signed the condolence book kept at the office.

Begum Khaleda Zia passed away on Tuesday while undergoing treatment at Evercare Hospital in Dhaka. Her funeral prayer took place on Wednesday in the Parliament area, described as a historic event, and she was later buried beside her husband, former President Ziaur Rahman, at the Zia Udyan in Dhaka.

The condolence visit by the Jamaat chief reflects continued political and personal ties between the two parties during a period of mourning for the BNP leadership.

Two associates of the prime accused in the murder of Inqilab Manch spokesman Shahid Sharif Osman Hadi have confessed their involvement before a Dhaka court. On Thursday, January 1, Metropolitan Magistrate Jamshed Alam recorded the confessional statements of Sanjay Chisim and Md. Faisal after they were produced in court. The investigating officer, DB Police Inspector Faisal Ahmed, had applied to record their statements, after which the court sent both to jail.

Earlier, the Rapid Action Battalion recovered the weapon used in the attempted murder from Tarua Beel in Narsingdi district and arrested Faisal, who is a friend of the main accused Faisal Karim Masud’s brother-in-law. The case was initially filed as an attempted murder case on December 14 by Abdullah Al Jaber, member secretary of Inqilab Manch, and later upgraded under Section 302. So far, ten people have been arrested in connection with the case.

Among the arrested, six others have already confessed, while the main accused Faisal Karim Masud has been barred by the court from leaving the country.

Mohammad Mamunul Haque has submitted his nomination papers to contest the national parliamentary election from Dhaka-13 constituency (electoral area no. 186). According to the affidavit filed with the Election Commission on December 28, 2025, his current profession is teaching. He reported an annual income of 1,315,334 taka, of which 656,890 taka comes from teaching and consultancy, and the rest from business. His 2025–26 tax return shows an annual income of 876,890 taka, for which he paid 59,034 taka in taxes. He declared cash holdings of 8,302,837 taka, bonds worth 100,000 taka, furniture valued at 200,000 taka, and non-agricultural land and other assets totaling 8,188,558 taka.

The affidavit states that three criminal cases are currently pending against him. One case under the Explosives Act of 1908 is being tried in the Senior Metropolitan Special Tribunal-5, Dhaka; another case in the Chief Metropolitan Magistrate Court is stayed by the High Court; and a third case under the Anti-Terrorism Act 2009 is under investigation in the Chief Judicial Magistrate Court, Chattogram. He also mentioned that out of 38 previous cases filed at Paltan Police Station, 32 were withdrawn, he was acquitted in five, and discharged in one.

The affidavit lists his date of birth as September 3, 1973, age 53, with a master’s degree. His father is Maulana Azizul Haque, mother Chhara Begum, and wife Amina Taiyeba. He has four sons, all students. His current address is in Mohammadpur, Dhaka, and his permanent address is in Azimpur, Dhaka.

National Citizen Party (NCP) member secretary Akhtar Hossain has declared total assets worth Tk 2.7 million in his affidavit submitted for the 13th National Parliamentary Election. The affidavit shows that he owns no house or car, and his annual income from agriculture, business, and employment amounts to Tk 505,000. He is contesting from the Rangpur-4 (Kaunia-Pirgacha) constituency.

According to the affidavit, Akhtar Hossain identified himself as an apprentice lawyer and his wife, Sanjida Akter, as a homemaker. He holds Tk 1.3 million in cash, while his wife has Tk 400,000. The couple also has Tk 299,426 deposited in banks. Additionally, Akhtar owns jewelry worth Tk 700,000, and his wife owns jewelry valued at Tk 1 million. His immovable assets include 18 percent of agricultural land valued at Tk 23,000.

The affidavit provides a detailed breakdown of both movable and immovable assets, reflecting transparency in the candidate’s financial disclosure ahead of the upcoming election.

The government of Bangladesh has reduced the prices of all types of fuel by Tk 2 per liter. The Ministry of Power, Energy and Mineral Resources announced the decision in a press release issued on Wednesday, December 31. The new prices will take effect from Thursday, January 1. According to the announcement, the retail price of diesel has been reduced from Tk 104 to Tk 102 per liter, octane from Tk 124 to Tk 122, petrol from Tk 120 to Tk 118, and kerosene from Tk 116 to Tk 114.

The ministry stated that fuel prices are adjusted monthly through an automated system to align with fluctuations in global oil markets. The revised pricing formula aims to ensure the supply of fuel at comparatively affordable rates for consumers in January.

The adjustment reflects the government’s ongoing policy of synchronizing domestic fuel prices with international market trends, maintaining stability in the energy sector and consumer costs.

Students of the 104th batch of Dhaka University observed a day-long fasting, prayer, and remembrance program on Thursday, January 1, under the initiative titled 'Monajate Insaf'. The event, held at the TSC area of the campus, honored the memory of Shaheed Osman Hadi and former Prime Minister Begum Khaleda Zia. Participants fasted throughout the day, held a collective Quran recitation after the noon prayer, and performed Salatul Hajat in the afternoon. Later, they visited Osman Hadi’s grave, offered prayers for his and Begum Zia’s souls, and concluded with a communal iftar before Maghrib.

At the prayer gathering, Fatima Tasnim Juma, convener of the Dhaka University branch of Inquilab Monch, delivered a speech emphasizing Osman Hadi’s anti-hegemonic cultural struggle. She said Hadi believed in collective participation across organizations to advance such movements. Juma urged students to uphold national identity through art, literature, and culture, and to intellectually resist any misrepresentation of Bangladesh’s heritage.

She further stressed that cultural expression should reflect the voice and identity of Bangladesh, encouraging creative responses rather than censorship when confronting cultural distortions.

President of Bangladesh has appointed Additional Attorney General Mohammad Arshadur Rouf as the acting Attorney General. The appointment was announced through a gazette signed by Law Ministry Secretary Liakat Ali Molla on Thursday, January 1, 2026. The order stated that Rouf will assume additional responsibility for the post of Attorney General with immediate effect.

The position became vacant after Attorney General Md. Asaduzzaman submitted his resignation to the President on December 27, citing personal reasons. His resignation was processed through the Law Ministry. According to the report, Asaduzzaman stepped down to contest in the upcoming 13th National Parliamentary Election as a BNP candidate from Jhenaidah-1 constituency.

Previously, following the fall of the Hasina government on August 5, 2024, then-Attorney General A. M. Amin Uddin resigned on August 7, and Asaduzzaman was appointed as the 17th Attorney General on August 8. Rouf will now temporarily hold this key constitutional position until further appointment.

Bangladesh has reduced taxes on mobile phones, according to Chief Adviser’s Press Secretary Shafiqul Alam. He announced that the customs duty on imported mobile phones has been cut from 25 percent to 10 percent, while the tax on locally produced phones has been lowered from 10 percent to 5 percent. The announcement was made on Thursday afternoon at a briefing held at the Foreign Service Academy auditorium in Dhaka.

The press secretary said the government expects this move to expand the country’s mobile phone industry. He noted that many used phones are imported, refurbished, and sold domestically, which harms consumers and causes tax losses for the government. The new tax structure is expected to increase demand for locally produced phones and reduce their prices.

During the same briefing, officials also discussed textbook distribution for the new academic year, stating that 83 percent of books have already been delivered to students and the rest will be distributed by January 15 after correcting errors in 123 titles.

The Shahjalal University of Science and Technology (SUST) administration has confirmed that the central student union (ShakSU) election will be held on January 20, following the previously announced roadmap. The confirmation comes after Jagannath University postponed its own student union election due to the death of former Prime Minister Begum Khaleda Zia. Despite the national election approaching, SUST officials stated that preparations for the ShakSU vote are continuing as planned, with nominated candidates already campaigning.

Professor Dr. Md. Nazrul Islam, spokesperson for the ShakSU Election Commission, said there is no reason to doubt the timely organization of the election. He emphasized that the commission is working even during university closure periods to ensure the process remains on schedule. According to him, the upcoming national election will not affect the university’s internal electoral process.

The university administration reiterated that all activities are proceeding according to the announced roadmap, aiming to hold the election without disruption on the scheduled date.