The Dhaka Secondary and Higher Secondary Education Board has again revised the schedule for the 2026 Higher Secondary Certificate (HSC) examination form fill-up. According to a notice issued on Tuesday, January 6, the form fill-up process will now begin on March 1. The board has also canceled its previous notice issued on January 4. The new circular, signed by Examination Controller Professor S. M. Kamal Uddin Haydar, instructs that results of the selection tests for HSC candidates must be published by February 26. The board stated that a detailed schedule and full instructions for the form fill-up process will be published later on its official website. This marks the third time the board has changed the form fill-up date for the current year’s HSC examination, following two earlier announcements.

Dhaka Metropolitan Police’s Detective Branch has identified Pallabi Thana Jubo League president and former North City councillor Tajul Islam Chowdhury Bappi as the person who ordered the killing of Shahid Osman Hadi. Additional Commissioner (DB) Md Shafiqul Islam disclosed the information at a press conference held at the DMP Media Centre on Minto Road on Tuesday afternoon. Police have submitted a charge sheet against 17 individuals, including Faisal Karim Masud, in the murder case. Five suspects, including shooter Faisal, Alamgir Sheikh, and Bappi, remain absconding. According to police, Hadi, convener of Inquilab Monch, was targeted for taking an anti-Awami League stance and engaging in banned political activities. Shafiqul Islam stated that despite Faisal’s video message denying involvement, evidence confirms his participation in the crime. Hadi was shot in the head on December 12 on Box-Calvert Road in Purana Paltan while riding a rickshaw. He was treated in Dhaka and later flown to Singapore, where he died on December 18. The case, initially filed as an attempted murder, was later converted into a murder case.

A charge sheet has been filed against 17 individuals, including Faisal Karim Masud, in connection with the murder of Inqilab Moncho spokesperson Shahid Sharif Osman Bin Hadi. The announcement was made on Tuesday afternoon at the Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) Media Center on Minto Road by Additional Commissioner (DB) Md. Shafiqul Islam, who stated that the charges were filed after the investigation confirmed the allegations against the accused. According to the case details, Hadi was shot on December 12 in the Bijoynagar Box Culvert Road area under Paltan Police Station. He was first taken to Dhaka Medical College Hospital and later transferred to Evercare Hospital. As his condition worsened, he was moved to Singapore for treatment on December 15 and died on December 18 at Singapore General Hospital. Following the attack, Inqilab Moncho’s member secretary Abdullah Al Jaber filed a case at Paltan Police Station on December 14. On December 20, Dhaka Metropolitan Magistrate Siddiq Azad ordered the inclusion of Section 302 (murder) of the Penal Code in the case, leading to the formal charge sheet submission.

U.S. President Donald Trump’s second term is increasingly defined by his assertive foreign policy. Following a dramatic night raid in Caracas that captured Venezuela’s president and his wife, Trump invoked the 1823 Monroe Doctrine, rebranding it as the 'Donro Doctrine' to reaffirm U.S. dominance in the Western Hemisphere. In the days since, Washington has issued warnings or threats toward five other countries or territories. Trump expressed interest in acquiring Greenland, citing national security and competition with Russia and China, though Denmark and Greenland firmly rejected the idea. He also warned Colombia’s leftist president Gustavo Petro over alleged drug cartel ties, hinted at possible U.S. action, and criticized Mexico for failing to curb narcotics and illegal migration. Regarding Iran, Trump threatened severe retaliation if protesters were killed amid ongoing unrest, while in Cuba he suggested no intervention was needed, claiming the island was collapsing economically after losing Venezuelan oil support. The developments underscore Trump’s renewed emphasis on U.S. assertiveness abroad, raising tensions with allies and adversaries alike as his administration signals a more interventionist posture.

Bangladesh’s economic adviser Dr. Salehuddin Ahmed stated that the current tensions between India and Bangladesh will not impact the country’s economy. Speaking to reporters at the Secretariat on Tuesday after a meeting of the government’s procurement advisory committee, he said trade and purchase activities with India remain normal and there is no economic problem arising from the situation. He described the recent incident involving cricketer Mustafizur Rahman as unfortunate, noting that Bangladesh was not responsible for initiating the issue. According to him, the sudden decision to stop the player’s participation was unexpected and regrettable, and such actions are not beneficial for either country. He emphasized that the political strain between the two nations will not affect economic or commercial relations. Dr. Ahmed added that emotional factors may have influenced the situation and expressed hope that both sides would act with consideration to avoid harming bilateral relations. He reaffirmed that Bangladesh’s response to the incident was appropriate and that reactions naturally follow actions.

A delegation of the National Citizen Party (NCP), led by its spokesperson and head of the central election management committee Asif Mahmud Sajib Bhuiyan, met with Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) A. M. M. Nasir Uddin on Tuesday, January 6, 2026, at 3 p.m. The meeting took place as part of the party’s engagement with the Election Commission ahead of upcoming electoral activities. The NCP delegation included Joint Member Secretary Faisal Mahmud Shanto, Joint Chief Coordinator Advocate Shakil Ahmad, and Head of the Election Media Subcommittee Mahabub Alam. The report did not specify the agenda or outcomes of the meeting. The discussion reflects ongoing interactions between political parties and the Election Commission in the lead-up to national elections, though no further details on topics or decisions were provided in the source.

U.S. President Donald Trump has stirred new controversy after being photographed holding a red hat inscribed with 'Make Iran Great Again' and his signature. The image, taken aboard Air Force One on Sunday night while returning from Florida to Washington, was shared Monday on social media platform X by Republican Senator Lindsey Graham, a close ally of Trump. Graham praised Trump’s leadership and voiced support for Iranian anti-government protesters, calling for solidarity with those fighting against 'tyranny.' The hat’s design mirrors Trump’s well-known 'Make America Great Again' slogan but features the pre-1979 Iranian flag symbol. Analysts cited in the report interpret the gesture as more than symbolic, suggesting it signals political support for regime change in Iran. Graham later appeared on Fox News wearing the same hat, expressing hope that 2026 would mark a 'great' future for Iran. The development follows a recent U.S. military operation in Venezuela, leading observers to believe the Trump administration’s attention may now be shifting toward the Middle East, with the hat seen as a pointed political message to Tehran.

Hasnat Abdullah, the chief organizer for the southern region of the National Citizens Party (NCP), announced that his personal Facebook profile has been disabled. He revealed the information during a live broadcast on his verified Facebook page on Tuesday morning. Abdullah stated that his account was disabled some time ago, allegedly due to copyright claims linked to posts reflecting his anti-India stance. He added that the deactivation had disrupted his communication with supporters and followers in recent days. Abdullah said he will now remain active through his verified Facebook page, which was previously managed mainly by administrators. He urged his supporters to share his page to help disseminate his messages and updates. He believes that his personal profile was disabled because of copyright complaints related to his political posts. Earlier, former adviser Asif Mahmud Sajib Bhuiyan reported losing his official Facebook page with three million followers after posts about Inqilab Manch spokesperson Sharif Osman Hadi were mass-reported and removed by Facebook authorities.

The committee responsible for the marine fisheries and ecosystem survey conducted by research vessel RV Dr. Fridtjof Nansen submitted its report to Bangladesh’s Chief Adviser at a meeting held Tuesday morning at the state guesthouse Jamuna. The survey, carried out from August 21 to September 21 of the previous year, involved 25 scientists from eight countries, including 13 from Bangladesh. Professor Sayedur Rahman presented the findings, revealing the discovery of 65 new aquatic species and alarming signs of imbalance due to overfishing, such as excessive jellyfish growth and plastic found at depths of 2,000 meters. The report indicated a decline in large fish compared to 2018 and warned that aggressive sonar-based targeted fishing by 70 of 270–280 deep-sea trawlers threatens fish stocks and coastal livelihoods. The Fisheries Adviser cautioned that such practices could deplete the Bay of Bengal and said the government would decide on sonar fishing. The Chief Adviser emphasized the need for research and policy support to utilize marine resources effectively and highlighted cooperation with Japan, Indonesia, and the Maldives for joint research. It was also disclosed that the UK’s Royal Navy vessel HMS Enterprise is being transferred to the Bangladesh Navy to strengthen oceanographic research and data collection capabilities.

Former Malaysian Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad, aged 100, was hospitalized on Tuesday after falling at his home, according to his aide Sufi Yusof, who confirmed the information to AFP. The incident occurred as Mahathir was moving from his veranda to the living room. He was later taken to the National Heart Institute for observation. He remains conscious, though it is not yet known whether he will be admitted for a longer stay. Mahathir has been suffering from various health issues and previously underwent bypass surgery for heart disease. Over his long political career, he led Malaysia through a period of rapid modernization and earned widespread respect and popularity both domestically and internationally. He served as Malaysia’s prime minister from 1981 to 2003 and again from 2018 to 2020. During his second term, at age 94, he became the world’s oldest elected leader.

The Trump administration is preparing to reopen the United States embassy in Caracas, Venezuela, according to a senior State Department official who spoke to Anadolu Agency on Monday, January 5. The official said the plan remains in its early stages and no final decision has been made. President Trump confirmed a day earlier that the matter is under consideration. The US embassy in Caracas was closed in 2019 after Washington recognized opposition leader Juan Guaidó as Venezuela’s legitimate president, rejecting Nicolás Maduro’s 2018 re-election as invalid. The move marked a major diplomatic break between the two countries. The renewed embassy plan follows a US overnight military operation on January 2 that resulted in the capture of President Nicolás Maduro in Caracas and his transfer to New York. Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores, appeared in court on January 5 on charges of arms and drug trafficking, which they denied.

BNP’s acting chairman Tarique Rahman is expected to visit Sunamganj after nearly two decades, with party sources indicating that he may address a public rally in the district town on January 22. Although the final schedule has not been officially announced, preparations are reportedly well advanced. The visit could mark the beginning of Rahman’s election campaign, which party insiders view as a significant milestone for local politics. Rahman last visited Sunamganj in 2004, when he spoke at rallies in the town’s old bus stand and other haor areas including Tekerghat and Jamalganj. News of his possible return has sparked enthusiasm among BNP leaders and activists across the district. Discussions are also underway about holding additional gatherings in Shantiganj, Pagla, and nearby areas. District BNP leaders said preparations are being made to hold the main rally at the Government Jubilee High School ground. Law enforcement sources noted that Rahman might also attend a rally in the Sunamganj-2 constituency, though no official confirmation has been issued yet.

Venezuelan opposition leader María Corina Machado has said that a 'free Venezuela' will become the main energy hub for both North and South America. The statement was reported by AFP from Washington. She expressed optimism that Venezuela, known for having the world’s largest oil reserves, could achieve this goal. Machado made the remarks during an interview with Fox News host Sean Hannity on Monday. She stated that her vision is to transform Venezuela into the leading energy center of the Americas, highlighting the country’s potential role in regional energy development. The comments reflect her broader political message of economic revival through energy sector reform, though the report did not specify any detailed plans or timelines for achieving this transformation.

A controversy has erupted in Feni-3 constituency over the validity of BNP Vice Chairman and ‘Sheaf of Paddy’ candidate Abdul Awal Mintoo’s nomination due to questions surrounding his dual citizenship. Despite not submitting any official proof of renouncing his U.S. citizenship, the district returning officer declared his nomination valid during the scrutiny session on Sunday, prompting applause from BNP supporters and silent astonishment among others. The schedule for the scrutiny had been delayed twice, fueling speculation about possible cancellation. During the verification, Feni district Jamaat Secretary Mohammad Abdur Rahim raised the issue of Mintoo’s dual citizenship. Returning Officer Monira Haque responded that Mintoo had declared in his affidavit that he applied to the U.S. Embassy to renounce his citizenship and submitted related email correspondence and forms. She said the decision was made after consulting the public prosecutor, acknowledging that appeals could be filed. The incident has sparked widespread debate on social media and raised questions about the neutrality of the Election Commission. Legal experts cited constitutional provisions disqualifying foreign citizens from parliamentary eligibility and called for stricter verification of citizenship renunciation documents to ensure electoral transparency.

Industries Secretary Md. Obaidur Rahman has officially joined as the new Chairperson of the Small and Medium Enterprise (SME) Foundation. He took charge at the foundation’s office on Monday following his appointment through a government notification issued by the Ministry of Industries on January 1, 2026. The notification stated that Rahman will hold the position until a new chairperson is appointed, in addition to his existing duties as Industries Secretary. Obaidur Rahman holds both bachelor’s and master’s degrees in management from the University of Dhaka. A member of the 15th batch of the Bangladesh Civil Service (Administration), he has served in various ministries and departments, including the Ministry of Public Administration, as well as in field administration. His appointment marks him as the ninth chairperson of the SME Foundation. The SME Foundation plays a key role in supporting small and medium enterprises across Bangladesh, and Rahman’s dual role is expected to ensure continuity in the organization’s leadership until a permanent appointment is made.