Nomination papers for the Nilphamari-4 (Kishoreganj-Saidpur) constituency were scrutinized on Friday afternoon ahead of Bangladesh’s upcoming 13th national parliamentary election. Out of 12 submitted nominations, eight were declared valid, while four independent candidates’ nominations were canceled due to inconsistencies in information and inaccuracies in the required one percent voter signatures. The verification was conducted at the conference room of the district administration and returning officer’s office, confirmed by Returning Officer and Deputy Commissioner Mohammad Nayiruzzaman. The eight valid candidates represent various political parties, including Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami, Bangladesh Nationalist Party, Islami Andolan Bangladesh, Jatiya Party, Bangladesh Socialist Party (Marxist), and Liberal Democratic Party. The four disqualified independent candidates are Jobaydor Rahman (Hira), Md. Riad Arfan Sarkar, S.M. Mamunur Rashid, and Md. Shahriar Ferdous. According to the returning officer, these candidates may appeal for validation of their nominations until January 9. The decision finalizes the initial list of eligible contenders for Nilphamari-4, pending any appeals by the disqualified independents.

NCP Member Secretary Akhtar Hossain has objected to the validation of a Jatiya Party candidate’s nomination during the scrutiny process at the Rangpur DC office on January 2, 2026. He demanded that the Jatiya Party be declared ineligible for the upcoming national election, alleging that the party helped institutionalize fascism and supported authoritarian rule in Bangladesh. Akhtar claimed that despite his objections, the returning officer declared the nomination valid under legal technicalities. Akhtar argued that the Jatiya Party’s actions over the past 16 years contributed to sustaining authoritarianism and that those who legitimized fascism should not be allowed to contest elections. He stated that the NCP would pursue legal action if necessary and criticized the authorities for not informing them earlier about the opportunity to submit written objections. He also mentioned that seat-sharing discussions between the NCP and Jamaat-e-Islami within their eight-party alliance were still ongoing. In response, Mahbubur Rahman, the Jatiya Party candidate for Rangpur-4, said that relevant authorities had already given their considered opinion and that law enforcement agencies would investigate any allegations.

The government hospital in Harinakundu upazila of Jhenaidah has nearly collapsed due to acute shortages of doctors, medicines, and essential staff. The 250-bed facility, which serves several hundred thousand people from Harinakundu and neighboring Alamdanga, has been without adequate medicine supplies for a long time. Patients, mostly poor and vulnerable, are forced to buy costly medicines from outside pharmacies. Out of 30 sanctioned doctor posts, only eight are currently filled, with one doctor on deputation elsewhere. The shortage has worsened amid a surge in cold-related illnesses such as pneumonia, asthma, and diarrhea, particularly affecting children and the elderly. The hospital has no specialist doctors, and its operation theater has been shut down due to the absence of an anesthesiologist. As a result, private clinics are reportedly exploiting patients by charging high fees for surgeries. Several key staff positions, including pharmacist and statistician, remain vacant, and only two cleaners are maintaining the facility. Upazila Health and Family Planning Officer Alomgir Hossain said the problems have been reported to higher authorities and expressed hope that new doctor appointments might ease the crisis. Local residents have urged the government to take immediate action. The ongoing crisis has left thousands of impoverished residents without access to essential healthcare, heightening their suffering during the winter season.

In the verification process for the 13th National Parliamentary Election, Islamic preacher Kamrul Islam Saeed Ansari’s nomination for the Madaripur-2 constituency was canceled. Another independent candidate, Md. Reyazul Islam, was also disqualified. The decision was made on Friday afternoon by Madaripur Deputy Commissioner and Returning Officer Jahangir Alam after reviewing the required documents of all ten candidates. According to the returning officer, Ansari’s nomination was canceled because a mismatch was found between the national identity card and the name of one supporter listed in the one percent voter endorsement required for independent candidates. However, Ansari retains the right to appeal the decision. During the verification session, officials from the district administration, police, National Board of Revenue, rural electricity authority, and banks were present. Ansari stated that the supporter in question had been willing to appear in person, yet his nomination was still rejected. He announced his intention to appeal, expressing hope for justice in the next stage.

A permanent fish sanctuary has been established in the Chithlia canal area of Parshuram, Feni, under a government initiative aimed at conserving aquatic biodiversity and promoting the breeding of native fish species. The sanctuary, located on both sides of the Shreebhanga Bridge along the Feni-Parshuram road, covers 1.4 hectares and was developed at a cost of about 40,000 taka for the 2025–26 fiscal year. Measures include bamboo fencing, red flags marking restricted zones, and tree branches placed underwater to create a safe habitat for mother fish during breeding seasons. According to the Upazila Fisheries Department, the initiative seeks to protect endangered native fish species, ensure safe breeding environments, and restore ecological balance disrupted by overfishing, pesticide use, and natural disasters. A 12-member beneficiary group from nearby villages is maintaining the sanctuary. Local fishermen expressed optimism that proper management will help revive native fish populations. The fisheries office also plans to establish another sanctuary on the northern side of the Bailey Bridge over the Muhuri River, pending government funding approval.

The Southern Transitional Council (STC), a separatist armed political group in Yemen, has announced plans to hold a referendum within two years to decide on the independence of South Yemen from the north. STC President Aidarous al-Zubaidi made the announcement in a televised speech on Friday, declaring the start of a two-year transitional period and urging the international community to sponsor dialogue between the northern and southern parties. He warned that if no dialogue occurs or if the south faces renewed attacks, the STC would immediately declare independence. The announcement comes amid escalating tensions between Saudi-backed forces and the UAE-supported STC. Fighting broke out in Hadramaut province, near the Saudi border, between forces loyal to the Saudi-backed governor and STC fighters. STC commander Mohammed Abdul Malik reported that seven people were killed and more than 20 injured in seven airstrikes on an STC camp in Al-Khasha, carried out by Saudi Arabia. The conflict follows years of instability since the Houthi takeover of Yemen’s capital in 2014, with the country divided between Houthi-controlled north and the Saudi-recognized Presidential Council in the south.

The United States carried out airstrikes in Caracas, the capital of Venezuela, early Saturday morning. According to the report, US President Donald Trump ordered attacks on Venezuelan military bases and other locations across the country. The Venezuelan government issued a statement accusing the US of targeting both civilian and military installations and strongly condemning what it described as American military aggression. In its statement, Caracas called on the international community to reject and denounce the US actions. Colombian President Gustavo Petro posted on social media that bombings were taking place in Caracas and urged the United Nations to intervene, though he did not name any country directly. The incident follows months of US naval operations in the Caribbean Sea and Pacific Ocean targeting drug trafficking, which have reportedly left 115 people dead. Thousands of US troops and several naval vessels have been deployed in the region, and President Trump had previously hinted at possible military operations. The explosions in Venezuela occurred amid this heightened regional tension.

BNP Senior Joint Secretary General Ruhul Kabir Rizvi said the party will move forward following the ideals, commitments, and path shown by Begum Khaleda Zia. He made the remarks on Saturday, January 3, at Sher-e-Bangla Nagar’s Zia Udyan in Dhaka after the Jatiyatabadi Mohila Dal paid tribute at Khaleda Zia’s grave. Rizvi stated that Tarique Rahman would lead the country along the path shown by Ziaur Rahman and Khaleda Zia. Rizvi described Begum Khaleda Zia as an unparalleled political figure who inspired the nation to fight against autocratic and fascist misrule for democracy. He said she demonstrated how to stand by the people even in times of crisis and never abandoned them. Rizvi alleged that Khaleda Zia was intentionally given wrong treatment in prison and that her death involved conspiracy and manipulation by malevolent forces. He added that Khaleda Zia deeply loved the Jatiyatabadi Mohila Dal and built its current leadership. According to Rizvi, BNP and its affiliated organizations will continue to uphold her ideals, ethics, and commitments to preserve the nation’s democracy, independence, and sovereignty.

The Sheikh Hasina Weavers Village project, launched on November 1, 2018, across 120 acres in Shibchar of Madaripur and Zajira of Shariatpur, has reportedly collapsed amid allegations of large-scale corruption and mismanagement. Construction, which included land acquisition, soil filling, and boundary wall development, has been halted for about one and a half years following a change in government. The site, once intended for weaving factories, housing, and training centers, now lies abandoned and partially occupied by watermelon cultivation. Local residents said the project stopped after August 5, 2024, leaving the area deserted. Farmers who had given up their farmland for the project expressed frustration over the uncertainty of its future, though they acknowledged receiving compensation. The project is now being renamed Haji Shariatullah Weavers Village, according to local officials, but no new work has started yet. Officials stated they are still gathering details about the project’s current status, while locals urged the government to resume construction to bring promised development and employment to the region.

The district returning officer has declared the nomination of BNP’s acting chairman Tarique Rahman valid for the Bogura-6 constituency in the upcoming 13th National Parliamentary Election. The announcement was made on Saturday morning, confirming his candidacy under the party’s electoral symbol, the paddy sheaf. According to the report, Tarique Rahman signed his nomination papers on December 28 as the BNP candidate for Bogura-6. Party leaders collected the nomination form from District Commissioner and Returning Officer Taufiqur Rahman on his behalf. The following day, on December 29 at around 2:30 p.m., Bogura District BNP President Rezaul Karim submitted the completed nomination papers to the returning officer on behalf of Tarique Rahman. The validation of Tarique Rahman’s nomination formally secures his position as the BNP candidate for the Bogura-6 seat in the forthcoming national election.

Kazi Reha Kabir Sigma has emerged as the only independent female candidate among six constituencies in Kishoreganj for the upcoming 13th National Parliamentary Election. She is contesting from Kishoreganj-4, which includes Austagram, Itna, and Mithamain upazilas. Sigma, originally from the remote haor area of Austagram, described herself in her affidavit as a researcher, entrepreneur, and long-time social worker. She declared an annual income of Tk 544,167 and total assets worth Tk 28.74 million, while her husband Sadequl Kabir reported assets of Tk 44.45 million. According to her affidavit submitted to the returning officer, Sigma holds a postgraduate degree, runs a business, and has no criminal cases. She stated she is not a dual citizen and is over 48 years old, residing in Gulshan, Dhaka. Her declared assets include two apartments in Gulshan valued at Tk 15.5 million, gold jewelry, a jeep, and bank deposits. The Kishoreganj-4 constituency has nine candidates, including nominees from BNP, Jamaat, and other parties. The district returning officer and deputy commissioner Mohammad Aslam Molla confirmed that nomination papers for Kishoreganj-4 were submitted by nine candidates and were scheduled for scrutiny on January 3.

The United States has launched attacks on multiple civilian and military installations across Venezuela, including several states such as Caracas, Miranda, Aragua, and La Guaira. According to the report, U.S. President Donald Trump ordered the strikes targeting Venezuelan military bases and other sites. In response, Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro declared a state of emergency across the country following the assaults. The Venezuelan government issued a statement condemning what it described as U.S. military aggression, rejecting it before the international community. Caracas claimed that Washington’s actions were aimed at seizing Venezuela’s oil and mineral resources, but vowed that such attempts would not succeed. The attacks occurred amid heightened U.S. military activity in the Caribbean and Pacific, where operations against drug trafficking have reportedly killed 115 people in recent months. Thousands of U.S. troops and several naval vessels have been deployed in the region, and President Trump has hinted at possible further military operations. The explosions in Venezuela took place against this tense backdrop, deepening the crisis between the two nations.

Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) has intensified patrols and surveillance along the Lalmonirhat border ahead of the upcoming 13th national parliamentary election. Rangpur Battalion (51 BGB) Commander Lt. Colonel Selim Al Din confirmed that special patrols, strict monitoring, and enhanced intelligence activities are being conducted to ensure security in the border areas. Temporary checkpoints have also been set up at key points to strengthen inspection operations. According to BGB, the measures aim to prevent illegal infiltration and drug smuggling by criminal groups during the election period. Regular and special patrols, including coordinated operations involving multiple Border Outposts (BOPs), are being carried out in Patgram upazila. Awareness meetings are also being organized among local residents to encourage cooperation with BGB and to prevent any criminal activity. BGB has maintained coordination with India’s Border Security Force (BSF) through flag meetings, pledging joint efforts to curb cross-border crimes. The force stated that patrols, intelligence surveillance, and public awareness programs will continue to ensure stability and peaceful elections in the border region.

The nomination of Jatiya Party candidate Anisul Islam Mahmud Chowdhury for the Chattogram-5 (Hathazari) constituency was canceled on Saturday afternoon. The decision was made by Divisional Commissioner and Returning Officer Dr. Zia Uddin at the Chattogram Divisional Commissioner’s Office. Shortly after the announcement, police detained Mahmud’s proposer, Md. Salauddin, for questioning. The reason for the cancellation was not immediately disclosed. Earlier in the day, a hearing for the constituency began at noon, during which more than a hundred students under the banner of the Anti-Discrimination Student Movement staged a protest outside the office. They chanted slogans demanding the cancellation of Mahmud’s nomination and later chased his proposer, who was then handed over to police. Salauddin was taken into custody by a team from Kotwali Police Station. Chattogram North District Chhatra Dal president Takibul Hasan Chowdhury Taki alleged that Mahmud, though a Jatiya Party leader, had previously acted in favor of the Awami League and was responsible for repression in Hathazari. Authorities confirmed that Mahmud’s nomination had been officially canceled.

Abul Basar Khan, a central leader of the banned Awami League and a fugitive accused in the July Revolution murder case, has submitted his nomination papers to contest as an independent candidate from Faridpur-1 constituency. Following the announcement, he has become visibly active in the area, accompanied by a large motorcade. On November 28, he declared his candidacy at his own Razzak Jute Mill hall in Madhukhali, hosting over a thousand guests including two hundred journalists. According to case documents, Basar is the 27th accused among 95 individuals named in a case filed at Mirpur Model Police Station, with Sheikh Hasina listed as the prime accused. The case, now under investigation, alleges brutal attacks on students and civilians during the July movement. Basar remains neither arrested nor on bail. He holds positions in the Awami League’s central subcommittee and Madhukhali Upazila advisory council. Local voters have labeled him a “guest bird” for his sudden reappearance, while activists from the anti-discrimination student movement in Faridpur described his candidacy as a rehabilitation of fascism.