The government of Bangladesh has issued a new ordinance amending the Bangladesh Travel Agency (Registration and Control) Act, 2013 to ensure better governance in the travel agency business, prevent artificial ticket shortages, and stop harassment of migrant workers. President Md. Shahabuddin promulgated the ordinance on January 1 under Article 93(1) of the Constitution, and the Legislative and Parliamentary Affairs Division has published the related gazette. The revised law introduces separate bank guarantee requirements for online and offline travel agencies—10 lakh taka for offline agencies and 1 crore taka for online ones. It strictly prohibits false bookings that create artificial ticket shortages and bans business-to-business ticket trading. Agencies must use only government-approved financial channels for transactions. The ordinance also forbids deceptive advertising or advance payments under false promises and criminalizes ticket trading from third countries or altering passenger details after confirmation. Penalties have been made stricter, including up to one year in prison or a fine of up to 10 lakh taka. Agencies must renew registration every three years and submit annual financial and operational reports. Loan defaulters are deemed ineligible for registration.

At a prayer gathering held on Friday after Juma prayers at the Patiya Model Mosque premises in Chattogram, BNP leader Enamul Haque Enam alleged that Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina was responsible for the death of former three-time Prime Minister Begum Khaleda Zia. The event was jointly organized by the Patiya Upazila and Municipality units of the BNP. Enam, speaking as the chief guest, claimed that Sheikh Hasina had pushed Khaleda Zia toward a slow death. Enam described Khaleda Zia as a guardian figure who had fought uncompromisingly for the people and democracy of Bangladesh. He said that countries around the world had expressed condolences over her death. The prayer and special supplication for Khaleda Zia were led by Maulana Irfanul Islam, the Khatib of Patiya Model Mosque. The event was attended by numerous BNP leaders and activists from the upazila, municipality, and district levels, including representatives from the youth, student, volunteer, farmers, and cultural wings of the party.

Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma announced that nearly 2,000 people have been pushed back to Bangladesh over the past few months using provisions of a 1950 law. Speaking at a press conference on recent cabinet decisions, he said that anyone declared a foreigner by the state’s Foreigners Tribunal would be expelled within a week to prevent them from appealing to higher courts. Sarma added that 18 individuals were sent back on December 31 and described the push-back policy as a new administrative approach to curb illegal immigration. Lawyers and human rights activists have strongly questioned the legality of invoking the 1950 law, arguing that it was enacted in a specific post-partition context and is now unconstitutional. Senior advocates from the Gauhati High Court said the law violates constitutional rights to equality and due process, as it allows deportation without notice, hearing, or appeal. They also warned that bypassing judicial review undermines the entire legal system. Rights groups have demanded transparency, asking for the list of deported individuals and assurances that no Indian citizens were mistakenly expelled.

Hollywood actress and former UNHCR special envoy Angelina Jolie visited Egypt’s Rafah border crossing on Friday as part of a humanitarian mission, according to a statement from her representatives. The visit came as Israel announced the suspension of several international aid organizations operating in Gaza for failing to renew registration, requiring them to submit personal data of their staff working in the enclave. Aid groups have expressed concern that providing such personal data could pose security risks. During her visit, Jolie met with humanitarian workers and inspected a warehouse filled with medical supplies that had been barred from entering Gaza. She emphasized the need to maintain a ceasefire and ensure safe, continuous delivery of aid, fuel, and medical materials without delay. Ten countries have warned that Gaza’s humanitarian situation is deteriorating further, while Israel claims the new rules aim to prevent Hamas from misusing aid. The UN and aid agencies have rejected that justification, and a U.S. review reportedly found no evidence of large-scale aid theft by Hamas. Gaza remains in crisis amid harsh winter weather, with heavy rain and cold worsening conditions.

The traditional national cultural organization Saimum Shilpigoshthi held its inaugural class for students admitted to the 2026 session after interviews. The event took place on Friday at Purana Paltan College in Dhaka, with founding member, lyricist, and composer Tafazzal Hossain Khan attending as chief guest. Other guests included advisors, former directors, and artists of the organization, along with students and their guardians. Speakers highlighted the history of Saimum Shilpigoshthi, describing it as the first cultural organization of the healthy movement that has been promoting morality and positive thinking among children and adolescents since 1978. The director of Saimum provided detailed guidance on the admission process and upcoming training programs. He also emphasized the role of guardians, noting that Saimum offers training only once a week and that parental involvement is essential for students to develop as good artists. The event concluded with the distribution of ID cards to the students and was conducted by current director Zahidul Islam, with Morshedul Islam serving as moderator.

BNP’s acting chairman Tarique Rahman expressed condolences to the family of Jamal Uddin, a BNP leader from Noakhali who died following a road accident while traveling to Dhaka for a rally marking Tarique Rahman’s homecoming day. On Friday, January 2, before the Jumu’ah prayer, Rahman called Jamal’s eldest son to offer sympathy and prayers for the deceased. Jamal had been under treatment at PG Hospital in Dhaka, where he passed away earlier that day. According to party sources, after learning of the accident, Tarique Rahman had immediately instructed that medical treatment be arranged for Jamal. The accident occurred late Wednesday night near Bagmara Bazar in Cumilla when a bus carrying BNP activists from Noakhali lost control and hit a road divider, injuring at least 32 passengers. Jamal and another activist were later transferred to Dhaka for advanced treatment. Rahman assured the bereaved family that he would visit them in person soon and urged Jamal’s children to remain united. Jamal Uddin was a former president of Ward 4 BNP in Noakhali municipality and father of four children.

RAJUK Chairman Engineer Md. Riazul Islam has called for collective action and public awareness to resolve the longstanding problems of Old Dhaka. Speaking as the chief guest at a views exchange meeting organized by the Dhaka Metropolitan Association at Nayabazar on Friday, he emphasized the need to strictly follow RAJUK’s construction regulations. He also stressed that ensuring adequate road access for fire service and ambulances during disasters like fires or earthquakes is essential. The meeting discussed various risks associated with unplanned buildings, narrow roads, and unauthorized constructions in Old Dhaka. The RAJUK chairman noted that these problems have persisted for many years and cannot be solved by law enforcement alone. He urged residents to become more conscious to build a safer and more beautiful city for the next generation. During the meeting, RAJUK presented its development plans for the area. The session was presided over by Dhaka Association President Ismail Nawab and attended by senior officials including General Secretary Abu Motaleb and RAJUK Member (Development Control) Eradul Haque.

The Bangladesh Election Commission is verifying affidavits submitted by potential candidates for the 13th National Parliamentary Election after the nomination deadline. The affidavits include details of income, assets, and education, which have sparked public debate, particularly regarding top political figures. Analysts have questioned whether the declared figures are realistic, citing examples of unusually low reported incomes by prominent leaders. Despite the Commission’s assurance of stricter scrutiny this time, political analysts and election observers continue to doubt the accuracy of the verification process. Professor Sabbir Ahmed described the affidavit submission as largely a formality, arguing that the limited time and resources make thorough verification impossible. Former election official Jesmin Tuli, however, noted that under the revised Representation of the People Order (RPO), the Commission can cancel candidacy or impose penalties for false information. According to the election schedule, the verification of candidate information will continue until January 14, with objections resolved by January 18. Final candidate lists will be confirmed on January 20, ahead of the February 12 election.

Three senior BNP leaders from Barishal who were denied party nominations for the upcoming parliamentary election have been appointed to the party’s central election steering committee. The 41-member committee was formed on Thursday night with BNP Standing Committee member Nazrul Islam Khan as chairman and Senior Joint Secretary General Advocate Ruhul Kabir Rizvi as member secretary, according to a press release. Begum Selima Rahman, a Standing Committee member who was denied nomination from Barishal-3 (Babuganj-Muladi), has been made vice-chairman of the committee. Former MP and BNP Chairperson’s adviser Moazzem Hossain Alal, who sought nomination from Barishal-5 (Sadar), has been appointed as the first member. Gazi Kamrul Islam Sojol, a central executive committee member and central organizational secretary of the Jatiyatabadi Ainjibi Forum, who sought nomination from Barishal-1 (Gournadi-Agailjhara), has also been included as a member. The inclusion of these leaders, despite their earlier exclusion from nomination, has reportedly generated enthusiasm among their supporters in Barishal.

A Qur'an recitation and prayer gathering was held at the National University in Gazipur on Friday after Jumu'ah prayers, seeking forgiveness for the soul of former three-time Prime Minister and BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia. The event took place at the university’s central mosque in Boardbazar, according to the acting director of the university’s Public Relations Office, Mostafizur Rahman. The gathering was attended by Pro-Vice Chancellors Professor Md. Lutfar Rahman and Professor Dr. Md. Nurul Islam, along with deans, the registrar, the controller of examinations, heads of departments, teachers, officers, students, and staff from various university offices. Earlier, as part of the three-day state mourning for Khaleda Zia’s death, from December 31 to January 2, the national and university flags were flown at half-mast at the university’s Gazipur campus, its city office in Dhanmondi, Dhaka, and regional centers.

Ferry services on the Shariatpur-Chandpur river route have been temporarily suspended due to dense fog. According to the Narsinghpur BIWTC terminal authorities, the suspension began at 1 a.m. on Friday, January 2, to prevent possible accidents caused by poor visibility. The Bangladesh Inland Water Transport Corporation (BIWTC) confirmed the decision, citing safety concerns for vessels navigating the fog-covered river. Md. Iqbal Hossain, Deputy Manager of the BIWTC Narsinghpur ferry terminal, stated that visibility on the river and surrounding areas had dropped significantly, increasing the risk of accidents. As a precaution, ferry movement was halted until conditions improve. He also confirmed that no ferries were stranded mid-river during the suspension. The Shariatpur-Chandpur route is considered an important communication link for the southern region of Bangladesh, currently served by six ferries of varying sizes. Authorities said ferry operations will resume once the fog clears and visibility returns to normal levels.

Joint forces have arrested top-listed criminal 'Belgium Suman' along with local weapons and ammunition in Lakshmipur. The arrest took place on Friday, January 2, 2026, during an operation led by Major Md. Rahat Khan of the Lakshmipur Army Camp. The operation was conducted in the Hanif Miaji’s Hat area of North Joypur Union under Sadar Upazila. Authorities recovered one rifle ammunition, one pistol ammunition, a binocular, two button mobiles, three local weapons, a router, a knife, and a hammer from his possession. He was later handed over to Chandraganj Police Station. According to Major Rahat Khan, Suman, son of Siraj from Kansh Narayanpur village in North Joypur Union, faces multiple cases including murder and arms charges and was out on bail. Acting on secret information about his involvement in illegal arms trading, the joint forces carried out the operation. Although no firearms were found, Suman reportedly admitted his involvement in arms trading. He has been transferred to Chandraganj Police Station for further legal action.

BNP Standing Committee member Amir Khasru Mahmud Chowdhury has said that the future Bangladesh will be a 'rainbow nation' where equal rights will be ensured for all people regardless of religion, race, or ethnicity. He made the remarks on Friday morning at the Parade Ground in Chattogram during a national memorial event organized by the Bangladesh Buddhist Association in honor of the late Supreme Buddhist leader, Sangharaj Dr. Gyanashree Mahathero. Amir Khasru compared the diversity of Bangladesh to the colors of a rainbow, saying that every citizen will maintain their own faith, language, and history, but the country will belong to everyone. He observed that current politics has drifted away from peace and stated that the BNP is working to restore stability, mutual respect, and coexistence. He emphasized that the party believes in a liberal democracy where every citizen’s identity will be simply Bangladeshi. He further stressed that the benefits of development, education, healthcare, and employment must reach every household, ensuring equality at all levels of national life. He warned that discrimination and favoritism toward special groups will no longer be tolerated and called for a level playing field for all citizens.

Bangladesh set a new record in 2025 by sending more than 750,000 workers to Saudi Arabia, the highest number ever deployed to a single country in one year, according to the Bureau of Manpower, Employment and Training (BMET). BMET Additional Director General Ashraf Hossain confirmed the figure, noting that over 1.1 million Bangladeshi workers went abroad in total during the year, with more than two-thirds choosing Saudi Arabia as their destination. BMET data show a 16 percent increase in worker deployment to Saudi Arabia compared to 2024, when about 628,000 workers went there. Currently, around 3.5 million Bangladeshis live and work in Saudi Arabia, sending home over five billion dollars in remittances annually. Authorities said recent years have seen a focus on sending more skilled workers, strengthened by the launch of Saudi Arabia’s Skill Verification Program in Bangladesh in 2023. A new employment agreement signed between Bangladesh and Saudi Arabia in October aims to enhance worker protection, wage systems, welfare, and healthcare. The deal is expected to create around 300,000 new job opportunities for Bangladeshi workers in 2026, particularly under Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 construction projects.

Bangladeshi pacer Mustafizur Rahman has reached a major career milestone by taking his 400th wicket in recognized T20 cricket. The achievement came while playing for Rangpur Riders in the Bangladesh Premier League (BPL). He became the second Bangladeshi cricketer to reach this mark, following Shakib Al Hasan. According to the report, Mustafizur achieved the feat in his 315th T20 match. Out of his total wickets, 158 came from 126 international T20 matches. Before him, Shakib Al Hasan had taken 507 wickets in 468 recognized T20 matches. Mustafizur’s recent form has been strong, continuing from his impressive performance in the IL T20 league. The milestone highlights Mustafizur’s consistency and longevity in the shortest format of the game, reinforcing his reputation as one of Bangladesh’s leading T20 bowlers.