BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir said people across Bangladesh are deeply saddened by the passing of party chairperson Khaleda Zia at a critical juncture for the nation. He made the remarks on Thursday at the BNP chairperson’s political office in Gulshan, Dhaka. Fakhrul noted that an unprecedented number of people attended her funeral, reflecting the public’s affection for her as a rare political figure who never compromised on principles or national sovereignty.

He described Khaleda Zia as a lifelong fighter for democracy who endured imprisonment and illness but never left the country. Fakhrul said her love for the nation and its people inspired millions. He added that her absence at this crucial time has left citizens grief-stricken, yet hopeful that the upcoming election will bring victory to the BNP.

Fakhrul also stated that Tarique Rahman would continue Khaleda Zia’s and Ziaur Rahman’s vision of Bangladeshi nationalism, working to safeguard sovereignty and democracy with public support.

BNP Standing Committee member Salahuddin Ahmed announced that those who submitted nomination papers as substitutes for the late BNP Chairperson Begum Khaleda Zia in her three constituencies will officially be the party’s candidates. He made the statement on Thursday, December 1, at the BNP Chairperson’s political office in Gulshan, Dhaka, while speaking to the media. Ahmed clarified that Khaleda Zia’s death would not affect the election process, as she passed away before the nomination scrutiny stage.

He explained that if such an event had occurred after the allocation of symbols, legal complications could have delayed the election, but that situation does not apply now. Ahmed described Khaleda Zia as the “Mother of Democracy,” saying she remains in people’s hearts despite her passing. He noted that many joined her funeral prayers in absentia and that her lifelong struggle for democracy made her a global symbol of democratic leadership.

Ahmed added that BNP would carry forward Khaleda Zia’s legacy of sacrifice and patriotism to build a strong, democratic, and equitable Bangladesh, reflecting the nation’s collective aspiration.

Professor Dr. Md. Sayedur Rahman, who resigned on Wednesday from his post as Special Assistant (with the rank of State Minister) at the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare in Bangladesh’s interim government, was reappointed to the same position the following day through an official notification issued on Thursday.

Rahman explained that his resignation was part of a formal retirement process, as his service tenure had ended. He stated that he would continue performing the same duties after being reappointed and expressed gratitude for public support. Earlier on Wednesday morning, he had posted on Facebook that it was his last day in service and that his resignation had been accepted as part of his retirement.

Before his appointment to the ministry in November, Professor Rahman had served as the former Vice-Chancellor of Bangladesh Medical University. The reappointment ensures continuity in his role within the interim government’s health administration.

Primary and Mass Education Adviser Professor Bidhan Ranjan Roy Poddar announced that all primary school students have received their textbooks on the first day of the new year. He made the statement on Thursday, January 1, after inaugurating the book distribution program at Abul Basar Government Primary School in Agargaon, Dhaka. The adviser also noted that the quality of this year’s books is better than before.

According to Poddar, the government has printed a total of 300 million free textbooks for both primary and secondary levels this year. Due to the ongoing state mourning following the death of BNP Chairperson Begum Khaleda Zia, the usual book distribution festival was not held. Instead, the books were handed over to students in a simple, informal manner.

The adviser’s remarks highlight the government’s continued effort to ensure timely textbook distribution and maintain educational continuity despite national mourning.

Authorities have reopened the Lake Road adjacent to Zia Udyan to the public after a 24-hour closure. The road, which provides access to the graves of former President Ziaur Rahman and late BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia, had been closed for security measures surrounding Khaleda Zia’s resting place. The reopening took place on January 1, 2026, following the temporary restriction.

Although the main road is now open, entry into Zia Udyan itself remains restricted. Security personnel, including police and army members, continue to be stationed at the entrance to the park. The closure and subsequent reopening were part of efforts to ensure the safety of the area surrounding the gravesites.

The continued presence of security forces indicates that access to the park may remain limited until further notice, while normal traffic along Lake Road resumes.

Bangladesh Bank announced that customers of five recently merged Islamic banks will begin receiving refunds of their deposits starting Thursday, January 1. In the first phase, depositors will be able to withdraw up to two lakh taka. The banks involved in the merger are First Security Islami Bank, Social Islami Bank, Union Bank, Global Islami Bank, and EXIM Bank. These institutions have been consolidated under a newly formed entity named Sammilit Islami Bank.

According to Bangladesh Bank, all current, savings, and fixed deposits from the five banks have been transferred to the new bank. Depositors are assured that up to two lakh taka of their funds are protected and can be withdrawn initially. To facilitate this process, necessary funds have been allocated from the Deposit Protection Fund to the banks under resolution.

Customers who choose not to withdraw their money immediately will continue to earn market-based profit on their existing balances, as stated by Bangladesh Bank.

BNP’s acting chairman Tarique Rahman has pledged to carry forward the legacy of his late mother, former Prime Minister Begum Khaleda Zia. In a Facebook post published on Thursday morning, he expressed his commitment to continue from where his mother’s journey ended. He wrote that he had laid her to rest beside his father, late President Ziaur Rahman, and described the nation’s overwhelming presence during this difficult time as a source of strength and solace.

Rahman said he was deeply moved by the love and respect shown by countless supporters, well-wishers, and citizens. He noted that the massive turnout reminded him that Khaleda Zia was not only his mother but also a mother figure to the nation. He also expressed gratitude to South Asian leaders, global diplomats, and development partners who paid their respects in person, as well as to countries that sent condolences.

He concluded by praying for his mother’s peace and urged the nation to draw inspiration from her lifelong dedication, sacrifice, and compassion, which he described as guiding examples for unity and patriotism.

Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer Dr. Shafiqur Rahman has strongly rejected media reports citing Reuters that claimed he held a secret meeting with Indian diplomats. In a post on his verified Facebook account on Thursday, he clarified the circumstances and urged journalists to avoid publishing misleading information without verifying facts.

Dr. Rahman explained that during a recent interview with Reuters, he was asked whether his party maintained any communication with India. He said that after returning home from medical treatment last year, many visitors, including diplomats from various countries, came to see him. Among them were two Indian diplomats who visited his residence. He stated that the meeting was not secret and that his team had offered to make it public, but the diplomats requested otherwise.

Expressing surprise at local media reports describing the meeting as secret, Dr. Rahman condemned such reporting and called on the media to act responsibly in the future.

Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus has extended New Year 2026 greetings to Bangladeshis at home and abroad, as well as to people around the world. In a message issued on Wednesday ahead of the English New Year, he wished happiness, peace, and prosperity for all, calling for strengthened bonds of harmony, friendship, and brotherhood in the coming year.

Yunus described the New Year as a time for new dreams, hopes, and possibilities, urging everyone to move forward with renewed inspiration and dedication to building a better future. Expressing optimism for a democratic Bangladesh, he called on citizens to unite in overcoming challenges and to work toward a just, equitable, and discrimination-free nation.

Referring to the post-July uprising context, Yunus said the coming year holds special significance for the nation. He noted that the journey toward democratic transition would reach fulfillment through a national election and a referendum on the July Charter Implementation Order, expressing hope that these steps would further strengthen Bangladesh’s democratic advancement.

Pakistan’s National Assembly Speaker Sardar Ayaz Sadiq met Bangladesh’s interim government Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus in Dhaka on Wednesday. The meeting took place at the state guesthouse Jamuna, according to information released by the Chief Adviser’s press wing.

Earlier, Sardar Ayaz Sadiq arrived in Dhaka to pay respects to former Prime Minister and BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia, who passed away early Tuesday. On the same day, Nepal’s Foreign Minister Bhol Nanda Sharma also met with Chief Adviser Yunus, as confirmed by the press wing.

Following Khaleda Zia’s death, Bangladesh declared three days of national mourning starting Wednesday, with a public holiday announced for the day of her funeral. She was buried with state honors after a large public funeral attended by many mourners.

Bobby Hajjaj, former chairman of the National Democratic Movement (NDM) and recently joined member of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), has submitted his election affidavit as the BNP-nominated candidate for Dhaka-13 constituency. According to the affidavit, he owns no land, house, or apartment. He declared cash holdings of Tk 15,693,872, 35 bhori of gold in his name, and 120 bhori of gold belonging to his wife. His wife also has Tk 1,450,845 in bank deposits and Tk 1.2 million in savings certificates.

The affidavit lists Hajjaj’s annual income as Tk 2,755,529 from his profession, Tk 89,895 from shares, and Tk 690,369 from a joint business. He has Tk 465,579 deposited in banks and no loans from any financial institution. Hajjaj holds an MBA degree, has no pending cases, and works as a teacher at a private university. He is also a director at Detco Private Company, managing director of Gnyani IT Limited, and managing partner of Veritas Academy.

The affidavit further identifies his mother as Taniz Fatema Chowdhury, with the family home located in Gulshan, Dhaka.

A severe cold wave accompanied by dense fog has paralyzed daily life across Lalmonirhat and other northern districts of Bangladesh. The cold intensified over the past week, forcing residents to stay indoors while rural communities light fires to keep warm. Farmers and agricultural workers are struggling to work in the fields where maize, mustard, wheat, potato, and Aman seedbeds remain exposed to the cold. The biting weather has also sharply reduced outdoor activity and income for day laborers and rickshaw pullers.

Health officials report a significant rise in cold-related illnesses. Lalmonirhat’s 250-bed hospital and upazila health complexes are seeing more children and elderly patients suffering from pneumonia, asthma, respiratory problems, and diarrhea. Civil Surgeon Abdul Hakim urged families to take special care of vulnerable groups. The Department of Agricultural Extension is advising farmers to minimize crop damage, while the district administration has distributed blankets among the poor and requested additional supplies from the ministry.

Authorities continue monitoring the situation as cold-related illnesses and disruptions persist across the region.

Gono Odhikar Parishad president and former DUCSU vice president Nurul Haque Nur has disclosed his income and assets in an affidavit submitted to the Election Commission ahead of Bangladesh’s 13th national parliamentary election. According to the affidavit, Nur, a businessman by profession, declared total assets valued at Tk 8,982,841, while his wife, teacher Maria Akter, holds assets worth Tk 1,266,818. Nur’s annual income amounts to Tk 2,040,048, including Tk 1,585,426 from business and Tk 454,622 from other sources. He possesses over Tk 2.8 million in cash and has mentioned bank deposits, shares, and inherited property.

The affidavit further states that Nur owns 82 decimals of agricultural land, while his wife owns three acres. He has liabilities amounting to Tk 388,160 but no bank loans. Six cases are currently pending against him, though he has been acquitted in eight previous ones. Both he and his wife regularly file income tax returns.

Nur is contesting from the Patuakhali-3 (Galachipa–Dashmina) constituency under the ‘Truck’ symbol. The BNP did not field a candidate there due to an alliance understanding. The Election Commission’s schedule sets voting for February 12, 2026.

India has expressed deep respect over the death of former Bangladesh Prime Minister and BNP Chairperson Begum Khaleda Zia. On Wednesday, December 31, Indian External Affairs Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar handed over an official condolence message from the Government of India to BNP’s Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman at the National Parliament complex in Dhaka. The message described Khaleda Zia as a symbol of courage and struggle, honoring her steadfast commitment to Bangladesh’s independence and sovereignty.

Earlier in the day, Jaishankar arrived in Dhaka at 11:55 a.m. on a special Indian Air Force flight and was received at the Bashar Air Base by Foreign Ministry Secretary M. Forhad Hossain and Indian High Commissioner Pranab Verma. Following his meeting with Tarique Rahman, Jaishankar wrote on his verified Facebook page that Khaleda Zia’s ideals and values would continue to guide the partnership between the two nations. He also delivered a personal letter from Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi to Tarique Rahman and conveyed condolences on behalf of the Indian government and people.

BNP later confirmed through its verified Facebook page that India had paid tribute to Khaleda Zia, describing her as the “Mother of Democracy” and a “symbol of courage and struggle.”

A video message allegedly from Faisal Karim Masud, the main accused in the murder of Inquilab Mancha spokesperson Shahid Sharif Osman Hadi, has recently circulated on social media. Many users claimed the video was created using artificial intelligence, but digital investigative outlet The Descent verified that it was not AI-generated. The outlet confirmed that Faisal’s facial features and expressions matched his real appearance, and background noise analysis across four AI detection tools supported the conclusion.

The Descent noted that while the video showed some visual inconsistencies, such as Faisal’s beard disappearing in certain frames, these were attributed to active video filters rather than AI generation. In the video, Faisal claimed to be in Dubai, but the outlet stated that his location could not be verified from the footage alone. He also denied being on the motorcycle used in Hadi’s killing, a claim contradicted by prior investigations confirming his and associate Alamgir Sheikh’s involvement.

Faisal further alleged that Hadi had taken money for ministry-related lobbying, but The Descent reported that no such accusations had previously surfaced against Hadi.