Starting January 8, expatriate Bangladeshis will receive SMS notifications for e-passport delivery, a service previously available only within the country. This initiative aims to minimize inconvenience by notifying applicants when their passports are ready. Efforts are underway to clear a backlog of 197,000 Machine Readable Passports (MRPs), with 182,745 passports already dispatched to embassies within three weeks. To combat fraud and harassment, authorized agents will be appointed to assist applicants, reducing reliance on brokers. Additionally, steps are being taken to streamline passport services and improve the application process at various offices nationwide.

Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV) has been in Bangladesh for decades despite recent outbreaks in Asia. Identified in 2001, it resembles the flu with symptoms like fever and cough, but no fatalities have been linked. Preventive measures, including masks and hand washing, are advised, especially for children, the elderly, and pregnant women. While there's no vaccine, HMPV isn't alarming but should be monitored for its respiratory implications.

India has reduced the export price of onions by $100 per ton, lowering it from $405 to $305, effective January 6, to boost exports. Previously, the high price of Indian onions significantly reduced demand in Bangladesh, causing substantial losses for importers. At $405 per ton, Indian onions were less competitive, especially as local supplies increased. The price cut aims to make Indian onions more affordable in the Bangladeshi market, reducing the cost of opening a letter of credit (LC) by about 4 lakh taka per truck. This adjustment seeks to revitalize demand, balance market dynamics, and ensure both consumer affordability and farmer profitability in light of the changing trade conditions.

French President Emmanuel Macron has accused Elon Musk of interfering in European elections by supporting reactionary movements. Speaking to ambassadors, Macron criticized Musk's influence, especially in Germany's elections, where Musk has endorsed far-right parties. This adds to the tension between European leaders and Musk, who uses his platform, X, to push political views, raising concerns over the impact of tech moguls on democracy and the ethical use of social media in political contexts.

BGB has regained control of a 4.8 km stretch of the Kodla River at Matila, Jhenaidah, previously under BSF. After discussions, BGB now allows local activities like fishing. This was announced in a press conference on January 6 by 58-BGB's Lieutenant Colonel Azizus Shaheed. Locals are enthusiastic, now able to freely use the river for daily tasks, previously barred by BSF restrictions.

The training trip for 50 judicial officers from Bangladesh to India has been called off. The Ministry of Law, Justice, and Parliamentary Affairs revoked the permission today. Previously approved on December 30 for training at Bhopal's judicial academies from February 10 to 20, the plan was backed by the Supreme Court. The cancellation means no judges will travel, and the costs, originally to be borne by India, will not be incurred.

Today, the Supreme Court's Appellate Division dismissed the state's appeal against a High Court judgment that nullified four extortion cases against BNP's Tarique Rahman. The ruling was issued by a bench led by Justice Md Ashfaqul Islam. Additional Attorney General Barrister Aneek Rushd Haque presented the state's case, with Mohammad Abdul Jabber Bhuiyan and Deputy Attorney General Md Jahirul Islam Sumon in attendance. Rahman's defense included senior lawyers like Zainul Abedin. He filed appeals in 2007 and 2008 to quash these cases, which the High Court declared illegal on October 23, 2024. His team was satisfied, labeling the cases as politically motivated.

A message on the digital signboard of Lohagora Ideal Government College in Narail read, "Chatroleague will return in a terrifying form," alongside political slogans. This led to protests by Chhatra Dal members. Discussions and criticism have ensued, with calls for swift investigation and action. The signboard's connection was cut, operators summoned, and the police are investigating. The acting principal did not comment, and there's significant local agitation over the incident.

Amidst controversy, the Satkhira district committee of the Anti-Discrimination Students Movement faces upheaval as eight members resign, challenging the recently announced lineup. They allege the exclusion of key movement leaders and demand a fairer committee formation. This discord follows just days after the committee's official declaration, highlighting internal divisions and calls for restructuring to reflect true leadership and dedication within the movement.

Social media has been rife with rumors of an attack by student groups Chhatra Dal and Shibir at Dhaka University, allegedly injuring over a hundred, including the Vice-Chancellor and Proctor, during a DUCSU election dispute. These claims surfaced after a verbal altercation on January 2. The international fact-checking group, Rumor Scanner, reported these rumors on January 4. Even former State Minister Mohammad Ali Arafat sought to verify these claims on social media.

The image claiming 'Messi with Argentina's flag on Mount Everest' is fake, created using AI. Recently, various platforms on the internet have been circulating an image claiming it shows 'Messi with Argentina's flag on Mount Everest'. However, the image is not real; it has been created using artificial intelligence (AI). On Saturday (January 4), this was reported by the international fact-checking organization Rumor Scanner. The organization clarified that the viral image of Messi with Argentina's flag on Mount Everest is not real; instead, it was created using artificial intelligence or AI technology.

The state has appealed against the High Court's decision to dismiss four extortion cases against BNP's Acting Chairman Tareq Rahman. The cases, filed in 2007 at Gulshan, Kafrul, Shahbagh, and Dhanmondi, were nullified by Justices Asaduzzaman and Hossain on October 23. The state argues the dismissal was incorrect. A hearing for this 'Leave to Appeal' is scheduled for January 5 before a bench led by Senior Judge Ashfaqul Islam.

Fifty judicial officers from Bangladesh have been authorized to attend training sessions at the National and State Judicial Academies in Bhopal, India. The training, scheduled from February 10 to 20, follows Supreme Court recommendations and will be fully funded by the Indian government, with no cost to Bangladesh.

Five years after the coronavirus, Indian media reports China is facing another viral threat with HMPV. These reports suggest HMPV is rapidly spreading, overwhelming hospitals. Indian media also mentions concurrent viruses like Influenza A and Mycoplasma pneumoniae. Despite rumors of an emergency, no official confirmation exists. Health experts, per Indian reports, are alarmed by HMPV's symptoms resembling the coronavirus, especially impacting pediatric care with increased pneumonia cases. China's health officials are monitoring, as per these reports.

Dilip Ghosh, former BJP president and MP, has called for a boycott of Bangladeshi products. On Tuesday, this call was made through a post on his official Facebook page, where he stated that the money from selling these products in India supports anti-India activities. He included images of these goods in the post. Previously, there have been calls in Bangladesh to boycott Indian products. After Ghosh's post, many left comments, with one suggesting immediate protests against anyone selling these items.