Jamaat-e-Islami’s district leader Maulana Billal Hossain Miyaji has announced that his party will ensure justice for past violence against journalists if it comes to power. Speaking at a meeting with journalists at the Faridganj Press Club auditorium on Wednesday, January 7, he said the party would investigate the killing of journalists Sagar and Runi, the attack on editor Mahmudur Rahman, and other incidents of repression during what he described as a fascist government’s rule. Miyaji, who is also a member of parliament for Chandpur-4 (Faridganj) and a candidate of the 12-party alliance, emphasized the importance of journalists as the mirror of the nation. He urged them to uphold truth and courage in their reporting, to expose irregularities and corruption, and to distinguish clearly between right and wrong. The meeting was attended by local Jamaat leaders, including Yunus Helal and Advocate Shakhawat Hossain Patwari, as well as members of the Faridganj Press Club, with its president Mamunur Rashid Pathan presiding.

England ended the fourth day of the Sydney Test in a precarious position despite a century from Jacob Bethell. The visitors reached 302 for 8 in their second innings, holding a slim lead of 113 runs. Bethell remained unbeaten on 142 alongside Matthew Potts at stumps. England’s batting collapse after a promising start left them vulnerable, with only two wickets in hand heading into the final day. Earlier, England’s bowlers had wrapped up Australia’s first innings for 567 runs after the hosts resumed on 518 for 7. Trailing by 183, England began their second innings strongly, reaching 219 for 3 before losing Harry Brook and Will Jacks in quick succession. The collapse continued as they lost five wickets for just 83 runs. Bethell’s partnerships with Ben Duckett and Brook had earlier steadied the innings, but no other batter could provide lasting support. With Australia needing only a modest chase, the match appears tilted in their favor unless England’s tail can resist early on the fifth morning.

On Tuesday, January 7, Bangladesh Labour Party Chairman Dr. Mostafizur Rahman Iran issued a statement marking Felani Murder Day, condemning the continued killing of Bangladeshi citizens along the border. He described the recurrence of such incidents as deeply concerning and a violation of Bangladesh’s sovereignty and human rights. The party called for an immediate end to border killings, exemplary punishment for the perpetrators, and effective diplomatic measures to protect national dignity. Dr. Iran stated that the killing of unarmed Bangladeshi civilians at the border constitutes a direct breach of international law and human rights conventions. He criticized what he termed the silence and submissive stance of the Hasina government, alleging that such behavior indirectly encourages these incidents. He further noted that the incomplete justice for Felani’s murder has fostered a culture of impunity among those responsible for border killings. The Labour Party’s statement emphasized the need for urgent diplomatic initiatives to stop the killings and uphold Bangladesh’s sovereignty and human rights obligations.

Police in Sylhet’s Moglabazar area rescued a missing schoolgirl within 30 hours of her disappearance and arrested two suspects. The detainees were identified as Al Amin Hasan, 18, son of Abul Kashem, and Mahi Ahmed Noyon, 18, son of Mukit Ahmed. The girl went missing on the morning of January 5 while on her way to school, prompting her father to file a missing person report at Moglabazar Police Station. Using information technology and intelligence support, Sub-Inspector Shahjalal Shuvo led a police team to track down the suspects. The operation culminated in the arrest of the two accused in front of Pansi Restaurant on Bhanugach Road under Sreemangal Police Station in Moulvibazar district, where the girl was successfully rescued. Police said the victim is being prepared for handover to her family following necessary legal procedures, and a case under abduction laws is in process. Local residents expressed relief over the swift and effective police operation that led to the girl’s safe recovery.

A man named Shawkat Ali was arrested by an army task force in Rangunia upazila of Chattogram early Wednesday. The arrest took place in the Chara Bottola area of Chandraghona Kadamtali Union. According to officials, Shawkat Ali, son of Gul Box from the same area, was detained but the weapon seen in his viral photo was not recovered. Major Tanvir of the 34 Construction Brigade Army Camp confirmed the arrest and said the suspect has multiple cases against him and was handed over to the police. Authorities stated that Shawkat Ali had been moving around publicly with illegal firearms for a long time. His recent photo holding a weapon went viral on social media, drawing the attention of law enforcement. Following this, the army’s Task Force-4 and the 34 Engineer Construction Brigade conducted the early morning operation that led to his capture. The arrest highlights the growing role of social media in prompting law enforcement actions in rural areas like Rangunia.

The Institute of Epidemiology, Disease Control and Research (IEDCR) reported that Nipah virus infections have been identified in 35 of Bangladesh’s 64 districts. The highest numbers of patients were found in Faridpur, Rajbari, Naogaon, and Lalmonirhat. The information was shared on January 7, 2026, during a meeting at the IEDCR auditorium on the spread and risks of the Nipah virus, chaired by Director Tahmina Shirin. The institute confirmed that five people died from the virus in 2024 and four in 2025. IEDCR scientific officer Sharmin Sultana noted that Nipah cases usually occur from December to April, but infections were also detected in August 2025, suggesting possible new sources of transmission beyond raw date palm sap. For the first time, a case was recorded in Bhola district last year. She added that no effective treatment or vaccine exists yet, complicating the situation further. Associate scientist Dr. Syed Moinuddin Sattar said surveillance has been strengthened in high-risk districts, and hospitals have been instructed to remain prepared. Experts advised avoiding raw date palm sap and unwashed or partially eaten fruits to prevent infection.

Poet Zia Haque’s revolutionary poem and song series centered on Inquilab Mancha spokesperson Sharif Osman Hadi has gone viral across social media platforms. Within days, the works collectively reached hundreds of millions of views, making Haque the top global search on Reels four days ago. The song ‘Hadir Zindabad,’ sung by artist Abu Ubaida, surpassed 11 million views on Facebook and over three million on YouTube, while other related pieces such as ‘Hadi Tui Fire Ay’ and ‘Guli-Tuli Hadider Chultao Chhere Na’ also broke records with millions of views. The works have been widely shared and recited by audiences, parents, teachers, and students, with excerpts appearing as wall writings. Scholars and writers, including Aman Abdullah and Iqbal Khondokar, praised the creations for their emotional depth and cultural resonance. Many public figures, including politicians, journalists, and intellectuals, have shared the song online. Zia Haque expressed surprise and gratitude for the overwhelming response, calling it an inspiration to continue writing. Artist Abu Ubaida announced that all YouTube earnings from the next month will be donated to Hadi’s family, while numerous performers have recited the poems, expanding their reach and popularity.

NCP convener Nahid Islam has alleged that deliberate misinformation is being spread about his declared income and assets in his election affidavit. In a verified Facebook post on Wednesday, he said the campaign aims to cast doubt on a transparent politician rather than uncover the truth. He clarified that the reported annual income of 1.6 million taka represents his total earnings for the 2024–2025 fiscal year, including seven months of state-paid service as an interim government adviser and subsequent consultancy work at a private firm. Nahid stated that his total assets amount to 3.2 million taka, accumulated over 27 years from savings, gifts, and legitimate income sources. He denied owning any land, flat, or car and said his two bank accounts are fully declared. He also rejected claims about his profession, explaining that his current role as a consultant at a tech firm is lawful and transparent. All income and asset details, he added, are verifiable through tax returns and legal declarations. He argued that the misinformation campaign reflects discomfort with his limited wealth and transparent record, contrasting it with the lack of accountability faced by wealthier politicians.

Dr. Ali Riaz, Special Assistant to the Chief Adviser, stated that the upcoming referendum aims to ensure Bangladesh does not revert to a fascist system. He made the remarks on Wednesday during an online meeting via Zoom with 17,000 officials and field workers from the agriculture sector, providing guidance on referendum awareness. Riaz emphasized that this referendum offers a rare opportunity, possibly not to return for another five or ten years, to determine the country’s future direction. As the chief coordinator of the referendum awareness campaign, Riaz highlighted the sacrifices made during the 2024 uprising and the past 16 years of struggle, urging officials to explain the referendum in simple terms and present it as a yes-no vote. Special Assistant Monir Haidar, attending as a guest, called for spontaneous participation to secure a democratic future and prevent the reemergence of authoritarian rule. The Agriculture Ministry announced plans to raise public awareness through banners, leaflets, mobile vans, regional radio broadcasts, and a 24/7 hotline. The meeting was chaired by Agriculture Secretary Dr. Mohammad Emdad Ullah Mian, with ministry officials and field workers joining virtually.

A major shipment of 57,855 tons of yellow corn from the United States arrived in Bangladesh after an eight-year gap. The unloading began on Wednesday at the Confidence Cement Jetty in Chattogram Port. The vessel, MV Beltokyo, departed from Vancouver Port in Washington State and entered Bangladeshi waters on December 31. The U.S. Embassy in Dhaka confirmed the arrival in a press release. The corn, produced in North Dakota, South Dakota, and Minnesota, was jointly imported by Nahar Agro Group, Paragon Group, and Nourish Poultry and Hatchery Limited. According to importers, the shipment took about 46 days to reach Bangladesh, with an import cost of USD 246 per ton and an estimated landed cost of BDT 34 per kilogram—lower than recent Brazilian imports priced between USD 251 and 260 per ton. Nahar Agro’s chairman Rakibur Rahman noted that only 30 percent of national corn demand is met locally, with imports filling the rest. The U.S. Embassy described the shipment as a milestone in agricultural and food sector cooperation between the two nations. Officials believe that regular U.S. supply could enhance competition in the feed industry and stabilize animal protein production in Bangladesh.

A senior European Union official said discussions on the Comprehensive Partnership Agreement (PCA) between the EU and Bangladesh are approaching their final stage. The statement came during a meeting between Dr. Muhammad Yunus, Chief Adviser of Bangladesh’s interim government, and Paola Pampaloni, Acting Managing Director for Asia-Pacific at the European External Action Service, held at the state guesthouse Jamuna. The meeting covered bilateral relations, the upcoming national election and referendum, migration control, and trade and investment expansion. Pampaloni noted that after two decades under a general partnership framework, formal talks on the PCA began in November 2024. She praised Dr. Yunus for his reform efforts and said the EU values these initiatives as Bangladesh’s largest political and trade partner. The EU announced it will send a high-level election observation mission for the February 12 national election, with its chief arriving this week for meetings with political leaders and authorities. Dr. Yunus described the election and referendum as vital for Bangladesh’s democratic transition and reaffirmed the government’s commitment to a free, fair, and peaceful vote.

Law enforcement agencies took up alert positions at Jagannath University on Wednesday as results of the university’s central student union election were being announced. Police officers were seen seated in rows with chairs in front of the university’s second gate, maintaining a visible presence to ensure order on campus. According to the report, members of the police, Ansar, BNCC, and Rover Scouts were deployed across different parts of the campus to maintain security and control the movement of students and outsiders. The university administration implemented these measures to prevent any untoward incidents related to the election results. The report also mentioned that candidates from the student organization Shibir were leading in several centers, with their vice president candidate reportedly ahead by 351 votes in 26 centers. Students gathered to watch the election results displayed on an LED screen at the campus.

Chinese Ambassador Yao Wen has expressed hope that Tarique Rahman will become Bangladesh’s next elected prime minister and lead the nation. The information was shared by BNP Joint Secretary General Humayun Kabir after a meeting between the ambassador and Tarique Rahman at the BNP chairperson’s political office in Gulshan on Wednesday. BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir, adviser Mahadi Amin, and press secretary Saleh Shibli were also present. This was the first meeting between the Chinese ambassador and the BNP’s acting chairman. According to Humayun Kabir, the discussion took place in a cordial atmosphere, emphasizing China’s long-standing role as an important development partner of Bangladesh. Tarique Rahman discussed BNP’s future development plans and how the party intends to implement its vision for national progress, while both sides talked about potential areas of cooperation. During the meeting, the Chinese ambassador also conveyed condolences over the death of Begum Khaleda Zia, delivering official messages of sympathy from China’s president and prime minister.

BNP’s acting chairman Tarique Rahman will begin his campaign for the upcoming parliamentary election from Sylhet on January 22, following visits to the shrines of Hazrat Shahjalal (R.) and Shah Paran (R.). Party sources said he will travel to Sylhet the day after election symbols are allocated, marking his first visit to the city in 19 years. According to BNP’s tradition, Rahman will start the campaign with prayers at the shrines and a public rally. BNP’s assistant organizing secretary Miftah Siddiqi confirmed preparations are underway for the event, including selecting a venue for the rally. Sylhet district BNP president Abdul Kaiyum Chowdhury said Rahman will address the rally as chief guest after the shrine visits. Earlier, on January 4, BNP secretary general Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir stated that Rahman would begin formal campaigning in Sylhet after assuming full chairmanship of the party. Before the campaign launch, Rahman will start a nationwide tour on January 11, visiting four districts until January 14. Due to election conduct rules, he will not engage in campaign activities during that tour but will attend prayers and meet families of political martyrs.

Hasnat Abdullah, chief organizer of the National Citizens Party (NCP) for the southern region and Jamaat-led alliance candidate for Cumilla-4, alleged that a political faction has aligned with what he termed an 'Indian mafia group' over the referendum issue. He made the remarks on Wednesday, January 7, during an election march at Fatehabad South Government Primary School field in Debidwar, Cumilla. During his address, Hasnat questioned voters about their desire for elections under an independent commission and a corruption-free Bangladesh. He claimed that since 2009, leaders and activists of the BNP-Jamaat alliance have faced abductions, killings, and torture, while some political parties have acted under Indian influence. He also criticized sections of the media and corporate groups for allegedly supporting those he accused of betraying national interests. Hasnat further stated that Bangladesh now faces two opposing sides—one of subservience and one of freedom—and urged police and administration officials to learn from past elections. The event included local Jamaat and NCP leaders and was chaired by Wali Ullah Sarkar of Fatehabad village.