Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus has expressed deep sorrow and sympathy over the loss of lives in a fire at the Crans-Montana ski resort in Switzerland. In a condolence message sent on Friday to Swiss Confederation President Guy Parmelin, Yunus conveyed his heartfelt condolences on behalf of the Government and people of Bangladesh. According to the Chief Adviser’s Press Wing, Yunus said he was deeply saddened by the tragic incident that claimed many valuable lives. He extended sincere sympathy to the bereaved families and the people of Switzerland, expressing solidarity with those affected by the tragedy. He prayed for peace for the departed souls and strength for their families to endure the loss. Yunus also wished a speedy recovery for those injured in the fire, assuring that the thoughts and prayers of the Bangladeshi people remain with the victims and their families during this difficult time.

Grameenphone, the leading telecommunications service provider in Bangladesh, has launched Wi-Fi calling services using Voice over Wi-Fi (VoWiFi) technology. The announcement was made on January 3, 2026. This new feature allows Grameenphone’s VoLTE customers to make high-quality voice calls over designated Wi-Fi networks without requiring any additional applications. The company described the launch as a milestone in the country’s digital connectivity journey. To ensure uninterrupted service, Grameenphone has initially partnered with several internet service providers, including BracNet, Carnival Internet, Chittagong Online Limited, and MIM Internet. The service is designed to enhance call quality and provide a seamless calling experience. Grameenphone’s Chief Product Officer, Solaiman Alam, stated that the company remains committed to continuous innovation and delivering the best digital experiences for its customers. According to the company, the introduction of Wi-Fi calling strengthens Grameenphone’s transformation from a mobile operator to a telco-tech company. The initiative reflects its ongoing commitment to innovation and providing improved voice call services at no additional cost.

BNP’s acting chairman Tarique Rahman has extended financial assistance to Shaheen Alam, a pacer from Bangladesh’s 2020 Under-19 World Cup-winning cricket team, who is currently facing financial hardship. The aid was delivered on Rahman’s instruction by Aminul Haque, convener of Dhaka North BNP and BNP candidate for Dhaka-16, at his Mirpur residence on Saturday. Haque, also the party’s central sports secretary and a former national football captain, assured continued support for Shaheen. Shaheen Alam, originally from Kurigram, has been struggling with long-term injuries, family illness, and financial difficulties. Once a key pace bowler in Bangladesh’s historic youth World Cup victory in South Africa, he has been unable to play regularly due to injury and currently lacks a team in the ongoing first division league, cutting off his income. During the handover, Aminul Haque described Shaheen as a national asset and emphasized the moral duty to support talented athletes. He also urged the cricket board to take greater responsibility for players’ welfare. Shaheen expressed gratitude to Tarique Rahman and vowed to recover and return to cricket soon.

Leaders and activists of the Baisamya Birodhi Chhatra Andolon blocked Dhaka’s Shahbagh intersection on Saturday night, demanding the release of their Habiganj district general secretary, Mahdi Hasan. The blockade began around 10:30 p.m. on January 3, causing severe traffic congestion and suffering for commuters. Protesters lit fires in the middle of the intersection and chanted slogans calling for Mahdi’s release. The blockade was withdrawn around 12:15 a.m., restoring normal traffic flow. Earlier that evening, the organization had issued a one-hour ultimatum for Mahdi’s unconditional release. When police did not comply, the group’s chief coordinator, Hasib Al Islam, announced the sit-in. Mahdi was detained by the Detective Branch from a relative’s house in Habiganj’s Shayestanagar area around 7 p.m. He had recently drawn national attention after a video of his conversation with a police officer went viral, in which he made controversial remarks about past incidents. Following his detention, protests also erupted in front of Habiganj Sadar Police Station, prompting police to close the main gate and deploy additional forces to maintain order.

Mahmudur Rahman Manna, president of Nagorik Oikya, has had his nomination for the Dhaka-18 constituency declared valid. He confirmed the decision himself on Saturday. This comes a day after his nomination for the Bogura-2 (Shibganj) constituency was rejected by the district returning officer and Bogura Deputy Commissioner Md. Taufiqul Islam due to inconsistencies in his affidavit and discrepancies in the notary public’s signature date. Earlier, Manna faced complications over a defaulted loan. Islami Bank Bangladesh Limited’s Bogura Barogola branch had issued a call-back notice on December 10 to recover Tk 38.04 crore from Afaku Cold Storage Limited, a company in which Manna holds a 50 percent stake. The notice required repayment by December 18, warning of legal action if unpaid. Manna later filed a writ petition seeking removal of his name from the defaulter list, which the High Court rejected. On December 29, the Appellate Division’s chamber court ordered his name to be removed from the defaulter list, clearing the way for his candidacy. However, the BNP nominated Shahe Alam for Bogura-2, leading Manna to submit nominations for both Bogura-2 and Dhaka-18, with only the latter remaining valid.

An allegation has surfaced against Jhenaidah District Jail Superintendent Mohammad Habibur Rahman for illegally selling a government motorcycle under the guise of an auction. The incident reportedly took place after an official auction was announced on December 29, 2025, for an old Hero Honda motorcycle used by prison guards. On December 30, three local residents participated in the auction after depositing the required security money. Despite the highest bid reaching 7,500 taka, the jail superintendent refused to sell and declared the auction postponed. According to the complaint, only two hours after the postponement, a man named Sona Mia, who had not participated in the auction, was caught by locals while taking away the motorcycle, claiming to have bought it for 20,000 taka. The event caused widespread discussion in the district after a video of the incident spread on social media. Later, the jail superintendent reportedly retrieved the motorcycle from Sona Mia and brought it back to the prison office. When contacted, Superintendent Habibur Rahman denied the sale, stating the motorcycle had been sent for repair. The prison accounts assistant, however, acknowledged the sale outside the auction process and advised contacting the superintendent for clarification.

Police in Ramu, Cox’s Bazar, arrested a suspected drug dealer with 1,800 yaba tablets during a separate operation on Friday. The arrest took place at a checkpoint on the Ukhiya-connection regional highway, east of Kathir Matha Bridge in South Mithachhari Union. The detainee was identified as Nurul Amin, aged 40, son of the late Surut Alam, and a resident of Ward No. 7 in Hwaikyang Union, Teknaf upazila. Following the seizure, a case was filed under the Narcotics Control Act at Ramu Police Station. Authorities stated that the arrested individual would be presented before the court after completion of legal procedures. The operation reflects ongoing law enforcement efforts in Cox’s Bazar to curb drug trafficking activities, particularly involving yaba tablets, which remain a major concern in the region.

Fatima Tasnim Juma, spokesperson of the Dhaka University branch of Inquilab Moncho, alleged that Faisal was released on bail specifically to carry out the killing of Sharif Osman Hadi. She made the claim in a Facebook post on Saturday, questioning who in the government had influenced the bail decision, which judge granted it, and which lawyer handled the process. She also mentioned that a man named Kabir, who was arrested earlier, had been with Faisal during an initial attempt at a center and might also hold key information. According to the report, Osman Hadi was shot in the head by assailants on December 12 on Box Culvert Road in Purana Paltan, Dhaka, a day after the announcement of the 13th national election and referendum schedule. He was treated at Dhaka Medical College Hospital and later at Evercare Hospital before being flown to Singapore for advanced care, where he died on December 18. His body was brought back to Bangladesh on December 19, and a large funeral was held the next day at the South Plaza of the National Parliament Building before burial at the National Poet Kazi Nazrul Islam’s mausoleum grounds.

Colombian President Gustavo Petro announced that national security forces are being deployed along the border with Venezuela following recent incidents. In a post on social media platform X, he said Colombia is ready to provide all forms of assistance to potential Venezuelan refugees. The decision was made after an emergency National Security Council meeting that began at 3 a.m. local time (08:00 GMT). Petro stated that Colombia is preparing its full humanitarian and support capacity to handle any large influx of refugees. He also confirmed that the Colombian embassy in Venezuela remains active and is assisting Colombian citizens residing there. As a member of the United Nations Security Council, Colombia has initiated contact with partner countries to support a possible council meeting on the issue. Petro emphasized that the Colombian government rejects any aggression against Venezuela’s sovereignty or against Latin America, underscoring a stance of regional solidarity amid rising border concerns.

The central committee of the Anti-Discrimination Student Movement has issued a show-cause notice to Mahdi Hasan, member secretary of its Habiganj district branch. The notice, published on the organization’s official Facebook page on Saturday afternoon, instructs Hasan to refrain from all organizational activities until further orders. It follows media reports on January 2 about Hasan’s remarks made at Shayestaganj Police Station, which the committee described as inconsistent with the movement’s ideals and damaging to its public image. According to the notice signed by office secretary Shahadat Hossain, Hasan must provide a written explanation within 24 hours to central president Rifat Rashid through the office. The explanation should clarify the reasons behind his statements and why permanent organizational action should not be taken against him. Until a final decision is made, Hasan has been barred from participating in any organizational activities, as stated in the notice.

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio announced that Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro will be tried in the United States. The statement followed confirmation from Senator Mike Lee, who said he had spoken with Rubio by phone regarding Maduro’s detention. Earlier, US President Donald Trump claimed that Maduro and his wife had been arrested following a large-scale US military operation in Venezuela. According to a BBC report cited in the source, Senator Lee said Rubio did not expect further action in Venezuela now that Maduro was in US custody. Lee added that the US attacks were carried out to protect and defend those executing the arrest warrants. However, he also expressed concern on social media about the constitutional justification for such actions without a formal declaration of war or authorization for military force. Trump stated on his Truth Social platform that the operation was conducted with the cooperation of US law enforcement agencies and that more details would be released later.

The final day for verifying nomination papers of candidates in Bangladesh’s upcoming national parliamentary election is today, according to the Election Commission (EC). A total of 69 returning officers appointed for 300 constituencies will complete the scrutiny process and announce the numbers of valid and rejected candidates. The EC has set up ten regional booths at its Agargaon headquarters in Dhaka to receive appeals against acceptance or rejection decisions. According to EC officials, appeals can be filed between January 5 and 11, 2026, with hearings and settlements scheduled from January 12 to 18. The withdrawal deadline for candidacies is January 20, and election symbols will be allocated on January 21. Voting will take place on February 12 from 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. without interruption. The EC has issued seven specific guidelines for filing appeals, including submission format, required documents, and booth-based filing procedures. The EC reported that 59 political parties are registered, of which 51 are participating in this election. Eight parties, including the Bangladesh Workers Party and Krishak Sramik Janata League, have not fielded any candidates.

Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) Commissioner Sheikh Mohammad Sajjat Ali stated that the video message of Faisal, the prime accused in the murder case of Inquilab Mancha spokesperson Shahid Sharif Osman Hadi, is currently being examined. He made the remark on Saturday, January 3, during the A4 Bashundhara Paper Crab Best Reporting Award 2025 event at the Dhaka Reporters Unity auditorium. When asked about the video, the commissioner said he would comment only after the examination is complete. Responding to questions about election-related security, the DMP Commissioner said that security is being provided to candidates based on verified threats assessed by the Special Branch (SB). He noted that several individuals, including election commissioners, have been assigned gunmen for protection. Ali emphasized that resource limitations require balancing between personal security assignments and maintaining security at polling centers. He added that as a developing country with limited police resources, election security remains the top priority. The DMP is trying to allocate manpower efficiently to ensure both candidate safety and the protection of polling stations during the election period.

BNP candidate Kazi Rafiqul Islam from Bogura-1 (Sariakandi-Sonatala) constituency has been identified as the highest loan defaulter among all seven constituencies in Bogura district. According to his affidavit submitted on December 29, 2025, he owes a total of Tk 762 crore, including Tk 261.6 crore in loans from First Security Islami Bank PLC. Allegations have also surfaced that he concealed information about an additional Tk 396 crore in defaulted loans. The bank filed a case against him and others in October 2025 after the loans remained unpaid. Rafiqul Islam, a 69-year-old professional businessman and former BNP Member of Parliament elected in 2001, is also the managing director of RANS Real Estate Ltd., from which he personally guaranteed loans worth Tk 396.23 crore. His affidavit lists Tk 36 crore in cash, multiple bank accounts, and various assets jointly owned with his wife, Kazi Rashida Islam. He reported Tk 64.38 crore in total assets and paid Tk 3.8 lakh in income tax for 2025. Reports indicate that he obtained a stay order from the High Court regarding his defaulted loans. Rafiqul Islam stated that all information in his affidavit is accurate.

During the verification process for the 13th National Parliamentary Election, two candidates’ nomination papers for the Madaripur-3 constituency were canceled, while four were declared valid. The announcement was made on Saturday afternoon at the Madaripur District Commissioner’s office hall by Returning Officer and District Commissioner Jahangir Alam. According to the returning officer, a total of six candidates had submitted nomination papers for the constituency. Among them, four were accepted as valid after scrutiny. The nominations of Aminur Islam from the Bangladesh Socialist Party (BASAD) and independent candidate Md. Asaduzzaman were canceled due to discrepancies in required documents. Specifically, the one percent voter consent forms and party nomination papers did not meet the Election Commission’s standards. The four valid candidates are Anisur Rahman of BNP, Md. Rafiqul Islam of Jamaat, Md. Azizul Haque of Islami Andolon, and Nitai Chakraborty of Bangladesh Supreme Party. The two disqualified candidates may appeal to the Election Commission to regain eligibility.