The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) has decided to send another letter to the International Cricket Council (ICC) reaffirming its stance that Bangladesh will not play its T20 World Cup matches in India. BCB President Aminul Islam Bulbul announced the decision after a meeting with Youth and Sports Adviser Dr. Asif Nazrul in Sylhet. Bulbul said the board remains firm on its position due to security concerns and expressed confidence that the ICC would understand Bangladesh’s reasoning. Bulbul explained that the issue extends beyond player safety, as journalists, sponsors, and fans would also travel to cover and watch the matches. He stated that ensuring security for such a large group is beyond the board’s capacity, and therefore, government guidance was being sought. He added that unless the security situation improves, the BCB will continue to fight for its rights. Dr. Asif Nazrul supported the BCB’s position, saying the current situation in India is not safe for Bangladeshi players and that the country’s dignity will not be compromised. He suggested Sri Lanka as an alternative host. The final decision on Bangladesh’s participation now depends on the ICC’s response to the forthcoming letter.

The Shibir-backed panel secured victory in the top three positions—Vice President (VP), General Secretary (GS), and Assistant General Secretary (AGS)—in the Jagannath University Central Student Union (JAKSU) election. The results were announced by the election commission around 11:45 p.m. on Wednesday after counting votes from 38 centers. Shibir-supported candidate Riazul Islam won the VP post with 5,564 votes, defeating AKM Rakib of the Chhatra Dal-backed panel by 876 votes. Abdul Alim Arif and Masud Rana, also from the Shibir panel, won the GS and AGS posts respectively. In other results, candidates from the Adommo Jobian Oikko Parishad won eight posts, including Liberation War and Democracy Secretary, Education and Research Secretary, and Health and Environment Secretary. The Chhatra Dal-backed Nirvik Jobian Oikko Parishad won three posts, while Shibir-supported candidates secured four of the seven executive member positions. Independent candidate Md. Zahid Hasan also won one executive seat. The long-awaited election, held on Tuesday after several postponements, saw 66 percent voter turnout among 16,445 registered voters across 39 centers and 178 booths.

In the only female hall election of Jagannath University, the Adommo Jobian Oikko Parishad, backed by the female student organization, secured a sweeping victory by winning 10 out of 13 posts, including vice president (VP), general secretary (GS), and assistant general secretary (AGS). The results were officially announced around 1 a.m. on Wednesday, about 30 hours after voting concluded. Chief Election Commissioner Professor Dr. Mostafa Hasan declared the results. According to the announced results, Jannatul Umme Tarin of Adommo Jobian Oikko Parishad was elected VP with 571 votes, defeating Farzana Rimi of the Oporajitar Ogragoti panel, who received 236 votes. Sumaiya Tabassum of the same panel won the GS post with 571 votes, while Redwana Khawla secured the AGS position with 545 votes. The Oporajitar Ogragoti panel, supported by the Chhatra Dal, won two posts, and one independent candidate, Mosha Khadija Khatun, was elected Health and Environment Secretary. The election results highlight the dominance of Adommo Jobian Oikko Parishad in the Nawab Faizunnesa Chowdhurani Hall, the university’s only female dormitory.

The Shibir-backed panel secured victory in the Jagannath University Central Students’ Union (JAKSU) election, winning the vice president (VP), general secretary (GS), and assistant general secretary (AGS) positions. The results, announced by the election commission around 11:45 p.m. on Wednesday after counting votes from 38 centers, showed Shibir-supported VP candidate Riazul Islam defeating Chhatra Dal-backed candidate A.K.M. Rakib by 876 votes. Riazul received 5,564 votes, while Rakib obtained 4,688. Following his victory, Riazul Islam, representing the Shibir-supported “Adommo Jobian Oikko” panel, expressed gratitude to all voters and respect for their decision. He described the university’s students as mature and intelligent, emphasizing that everyone voted according to their judgment. Riazul stated that he equally respects both supporters and non-supporters and refrained from labeling the result as a “landslide victory,” attributing success and defeat to divine will. Riazul also called for post-election unity, saying he does not want divisions among students. He pledged to continue working collaboratively with members of other panels, as they did before the election.

Pakistan started their tour of Sri Lanka with a commanding six-wicket victory in the first T20 match at the Rangiri Dambulla International Stadium. The visitors chased down a target of 129 runs with 20 balls to spare, taking a 1–0 lead in the three-match series under captain Salman Agha. Opener Sahibzada Farhan led the chase with a composed 51-run innings. Batting first, Sri Lanka were bowled out for 128 in 19.2 overs. Janith Liyanage top-scored with 40 runs, while Wanindu Hasaranga and Charith Asalanka contributed 18 each. Pakistan’s bowlers dominated the innings, with Salman Mirza and Abrar Ahmed taking three wickets apiece. Mohammad Wasim and Shadab Khan claimed two wickets each, with Shadab later named player of the match. The win gives Pakistan early momentum in the series, putting pressure on the hosts ahead of the remaining two T20 fixtures.

Commonwealth Secretary-General Sharlene Botchwey has expressed deep sorrow and condolences over the death of Begum Khaleda Zia, Chairperson of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) and former Prime Minister of Bangladesh. In a condolence message sent to Professor Muhammad Yunus, Chief Adviser of Bangladesh’s interim government, Botchwey conveyed sympathy on behalf of the Commonwealth family. The message was released on Wednesday by the Bangladesh High Commission in London. In her statement, Botchwey said she was deeply saddened by the news of Khaleda Zia’s passing and extended heartfelt condolences to her family and the people of Bangladesh during this period of national mourning. She described Zia as a powerful figure in Bangladesh’s political arena and the country’s first female prime minister, who opened a new chapter in political leadership. Botchwey noted that Zia’s leadership across three terms reflected her unwavering commitment to the welfare of the Bangladeshi people. The message further stated that Khaleda Zia’s legacy extended beyond Bangladesh, serving as an inspiration for women leaders across South Asia and Commonwealth nations. Khaleda Zia passed away on December 30 at the age of 80 while undergoing treatment in Dhaka and was buried with state honors the following day.

Former Tongi Thana Chhatra Dal general secretary Ayub Ali, aged 52, was allegedly attacked multiple times and threatened with a pistol in Gazipur’s Tongi area on Wednesday afternoon. The assaults reportedly occurred in Dhirashram and Rajbari areas after he refused to withdraw a theft case he had filed earlier. Following the incidents, Ayub Ali lodged a complaint with Gazipur Sadar Police Station, confirmed Officer-in-Charge Aminul Islam. According to Ayub Ali, his home was robbed on July 28 of the previous year, prompting him to file a case with Tongi East Police Station against Abbas Ali, a scrap metal trader, and his sons Rakib, Ratul, and Hridoy. He later made a general diary on August 3 after receiving threats to withdraw the case. On Wednesday morning, when both parties appeared in Gazipur Judge Court, the accused allegedly attacked him again, leaving him injured. After receiving treatment at Shaheed Tajuddin Ahmad Medical College Hospital, he filed another general diary. Rakib, son of Abbas Ali, denied the allegations, while police said an investigation is underway and legal action will follow upon verification.

The Shibir-backed panel won the vice president (VP), general secretary (GS), and assistant general secretary (AGS) posts in the Jagannath University Central Students’ Union (JAKSU) election. The results were announced by the election commission around 11:45 p.m. on Wednesday after counting votes from 38 centers. Shibir-backed VP candidate Riazul Islam defeated BNP’s student wing (Chhatra Dal)-backed candidate A.K.M. Rakib by 876 votes, securing 5,564 votes against Rakib’s 4,688. Following his defeat, Rakib posted a message on his Facebook account expressing gratitude to his supporters and campaigners. He thanked senior and junior students who worked tirelessly for his campaign and acknowledged the trust placed in him by voters. Rakib apologized for not achieving the expected result despite his best efforts. The outcome marks a complete loss for the Chhatra Dal-backed panel in the top three positions of the JAKSU election, consolidating Shibir’s dominance in the university’s student leadership.

Ariful Islam Adib, senior joint convener of the National Citizen Party (NCP), warned that the people of Bangladesh would give a strong response if any foreign country, including India, the United States, China, or Russia, attempted to interfere in the upcoming 13th national parliamentary election. He made the remarks on Wednesday afternoon while addressing a rally that began in Shahjadpur, Badda, and moved toward the Indian High Commission in Baridhara, Dhaka. The rally was organized by the NCP’s Dhaka North unit as part of an “Anti-Hegemony March” marking 15 years since the killing of Felani Khatun at the border. Police stopped the procession before it reached the High Commission, prompting participants to deliver speeches and slogans on the Kuril-bound road. Adib called for the day to be declared “Felani Day” nationally and pledged that NCP members would defend Bangladesh’s sovereignty at any cost. Speakers at the event accused India of interfering in Bangladesh’s politics and economy and demanded justice for border killings and other alleged crimes. They also called for international action against India for what they described as blatant interference in Bangladesh’s internal affairs.

Former Dhaka North unit general secretary of the BNP-affiliated Volunteer Wing, Azizur Rahman Mushabbir, was shot dead on Wednesday night in the Tejturi Bazar area behind Bashundhara Market. Another man, Sufian Bepari Masud, aged 42, was injured in the attack by unidentified gunmen. Both victims were taken to BRB Hospital, where Mushabbir was declared dead, and Masud was later transferred to Dhaka Medical College Hospital. Police confirmed the incident and said an investigation is underway. According to local sources, Mushabbir, who had been expelled from the party last year over extortion allegations, lived in the Kazipara area near Bashundhara City. Masud is known as the general secretary of the Tejgaon Van Workers’ Union. Witnesses said the victims were chatting in a local alley when assailants on motorcycles opened fire before fleeing. The attack may be linked to ongoing disputes among local BNP, Jubo Dal, and Volunteer Wing members over extortion control in the Karwan Bazar area. Following the shooting, BNP activists blocked roads in Tejgaon’s Kazipara, causing traffic congestion in nearby areas including Karwan Bazar, Farmgate, Banglamotor, and Panthapath.

A Chattogram District and Sessions Judge Court has delivered a verdict nearly 20 years after the murder of former student leader Ershadul Habib Rubel in Kutubdia, Cox’s Bazar. The court sentenced four accused to death and acquitted four others in the long-pending case. The death-row convicts are Rustam Matbar, Sohel Matbar, Jewel Matbar, and Farhad Matbar. Among them, Farhad is currently in prison while the other three remain absconding abroad. According to the case details, Rubel, son of late Mohammad Kashem Matbar of Baroghopa Matbarpara, was shot dead by assailants on October 15, 2006, while returning home by rickshaw from Baroghopa Bazar. His mother, Momtaz Sufia Begum, filed a murder case with Kutubdia Police Station. Due to political influence and procedural delays, the case saw little progress until it was transferred to the Chattogram court in 2023. Rubel’s younger brother and current plaintiff, Supreme Court lawyer Barrister Mohammad Hanif Bin Kashem, said the family is not fully satisfied with the verdict and that the prosecution plans to appeal. The long-awaited judgment has sparked mixed reactions in the Kutubdia area.

The Bangladesh Navy has requested the Bangladesh Shooting Sports Federation to withdraw the temporary suspension of national shooter Kamrun Nahar Koli. The federation had suspended Koli citing a breach of its code of conduct. In its written response to the federation, the Navy argued that Koli’s suspension would negatively affect the country’s sports sector and urged that she be reinstated in training to maintain her national and international performance. The Navy’s letter highlighted Koli’s achievements, including four gold, one silver, and two bronze medals, as well as her record as the top scorer in the 10-meter air rifle event. It also noted that she is Bangladesh’s only World Cup finalist in shooting, the highest-scoring female shooter, and an Olympic scholarship recipient. Meanwhile, in her reply to the show-cause notice, Koli stated that accepting the code of conduct should not mean losing fundamental rights and that seeking justice or protesting wrongdoing does not constitute indiscipline. She denied all allegations against her. The federation has not yet announced any decision regarding the Navy’s request or Koli’s reinstatement.

Bangladesh Bank has set a maximum passport endorsement fee of 300 taka for licensed money changers handling foreign currency transactions for outbound Bangladeshi travelers. The directive, issued on Wednesday, states that the fee will remain the same regardless of the amount of foreign currency purchased. This measure applies to all licensed money changers operating under the central bank’s authority. According to the circular, under the existing ‘Guideline for Foreign Exchange Transactions (GFET)–2018,’ each transaction must be recorded in the traveler’s passport and, for air travel, on the air ticket with the authorized person’s seal and signature. Money changers are also required to clearly display the endorsement fee at their business premises, issue written receipts for all collected fees, and maintain proper records of all such transactions. The directive aims to standardize service charges and improve transparency in foreign exchange dealings for travelers, ensuring compliance with existing regulatory guidelines.

Jamaat-e-Islami’s district leader Maulana Billal Hossain Miyaji has announced that his party will ensure justice for past violence against journalists if it comes to power. Speaking at a meeting with journalists at the Faridganj Press Club auditorium on Wednesday, January 7, he said the party would investigate the killing of journalists Sagar and Runi, the attack on editor Mahmudur Rahman, and other incidents of repression during what he described as a fascist government’s rule. Miyaji, who is also a member of parliament for Chandpur-4 (Faridganj) and a candidate of the 12-party alliance, emphasized the importance of journalists as the mirror of the nation. He urged them to uphold truth and courage in their reporting, to expose irregularities and corruption, and to distinguish clearly between right and wrong. The meeting was attended by local Jamaat leaders, including Yunus Helal and Advocate Shakhawat Hossain Patwari, as well as members of the Faridganj Press Club, with its president Mamunur Rashid Pathan presiding.

England ended the fourth day of the Sydney Test in a precarious position despite a century from Jacob Bethell. The visitors reached 302 for 8 in their second innings, holding a slim lead of 113 runs. Bethell remained unbeaten on 142 alongside Matthew Potts at stumps. England’s batting collapse after a promising start left them vulnerable, with only two wickets in hand heading into the final day. Earlier, England’s bowlers had wrapped up Australia’s first innings for 567 runs after the hosts resumed on 518 for 7. Trailing by 183, England began their second innings strongly, reaching 219 for 3 before losing Harry Brook and Will Jacks in quick succession. The collapse continued as they lost five wickets for just 83 runs. Bethell’s partnerships with Ben Duckett and Brook had earlier steadied the innings, but no other batter could provide lasting support. With Australia needing only a modest chase, the match appears tilted in their favor unless England’s tail can resist early on the fifth morning.