The Chief Adviser’s Press Wings Facts has identified misinformation portraying an internal dispute among members of the Hindu community in Ullapara, Sirajganj, as an incident of minority persecution. On Tuesday, the verified Facebook page of Press Wings Facts reported that several social media posts falsely claimed that a group called ‘Tawhidi Janata’ obstructed the cremation of an elderly Hindu woman. According to the fact-checking report, the dispute was not communal in nature. The confusion arose when the person responsible for the cremation ground delayed handing over the key, prompting protests from the deceased’s relatives. The matter was later resolved with the intervention of the Upazila administration, and the cremation was completed the same day. Local resident Bablu Bhoumik explained that the misunderstanding occurred because the family used the old name of the cremation ground during announcements. Press Wings Facts warned that the incident was being misrepresented on social media to spread communal confusion and clarified that it was entirely an internal matter within the community.

The United Nations Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) has criticized the United States for its recent operation in Venezuela, calling it a disregard for a fundamental principle of international law. Speaking to reporters in Geneva, OHCHR spokesperson Ravina Shamdasani said that no state should threaten or use force against another country's territorial integrity or political independence. The criticism followed an emergency meeting of the UN Security Council, where several US allies opposed President Trump's military action. France took one of the clearest positions against the move, with its deputy permanent representative Joy Dharmadhikari stating that the detention of Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro by the US violated the principles of peaceful dispute resolution and non-use of force. China also reiterated its opposition for the fourth consecutive day, with Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning expressing readiness to work with regional countries to maintain peace and stability. Historically, Maduro has considered China a close ally, a factor that may influence future diplomatic alignments in the region.

Election Commissioner Brigadier General (Retd.) Abul Fazal Md. Sanaullah announced that anyone attempting to influence the upcoming 13th National Parliamentary Election will be brought under the law immediately. He gave this directive during separate meetings with the divisional and district administrations and the law enforcement coordination cell at the Chattogram Circuit House on Tuesday afternoon. The administration has been instructed to act with transparency, neutrality, and firmness to ensure a fair election process. Sanaullah emphasized that all necessary measures will be taken to maintain law and order and uphold the electoral code of conduct. He noted that the reduced internal conflicts among political parties and their caution in following the code are positive signs. Expressing concern that some groups might spread misinformation and rumors ahead of the election, he warned that such acts are punishable offenses and urged journalists and citizens to help prevent them. He added that the overall situation in Chattogram remains stable, with all security forces and administrative wings well-prepared and voters eager to participate in the upcoming election.

National Citizens Party (NCP) spokesperson Asif Mahmud Sajib Bhuiyan has alleged that members of the administration and intelligence agencies have aligned themselves with a particular political party, calling it a threat to democracy and fair elections in Bangladesh. He made the remarks on Tuesday after meeting Chief Election Commissioner A.M.M. Nasir Uddin. Asif Mahmud accused officials of regularly visiting one party’s office and claimed that such behavior shows bias even before the ruling party is determined by public mandate. He warned that if the Election Commission’s neutrality is questioned, the NCP will take to the streets. He also alleged double standards in the nomination review and appeal process, citing examples from constituencies including Cumilla-4, Sylhet-1, and Sylhet-3, where he claimed opposition candidates were favored while NCP nominees were unfairly rejected. He further stated that over 100 instances of discrimination in nomination scrutiny have been documented and warned that public distrust in the election process is deepening. The NCP urged the commission to ensure impartial appeal hearings to prevent further erosion of confidence.

National Citizen Party (NCP) spokesperson Asif Mahmud Sajib Bhuiyan has alleged that the administration is showing bias toward a particular group. Speaking to reporters after meeting with election commissioners on Tuesday afternoon, he claimed there are at least one hundred examples of one-sided behavior by the administration. He cited the case of Sylhet-3 constituency, where one candidate’s nomination was canceled despite being allowed to submit information later, while a BNP candidate in a similar situation was permitted to validate his nomination. Bhuiyan warned that such administrative behavior is raising public concern about potential bias and one-sided actions in the upcoming February 12 election. He urged the Election Commission to take appropriate measures to prevent favoritism during upcoming hearings, which will be directly under the Commission’s authority. He further stated that if any bias occurs in the appeal process, it would cast doubt on the Election Commission’s ability to conduct a fair election.

The Dhaka Secondary and Higher Secondary Education Board has again revised the schedule for the 2026 Higher Secondary Certificate (HSC) examination form fill-up. According to a notice issued on Tuesday, January 6, the form fill-up process will now begin on March 1. The board has also canceled its previous notice issued on January 4. The new circular, signed by Examination Controller Professor S. M. Kamal Uddin Haydar, instructs that results of the selection tests for HSC candidates must be published by February 26. The board stated that a detailed schedule and full instructions for the form fill-up process will be published later on its official website. This marks the third time the board has changed the form fill-up date for the current year’s HSC examination, following two earlier announcements.

Dhaka Metropolitan Police’s Detective Branch has identified Pallabi Thana Jubo League president and former North City councillor Tajul Islam Chowdhury Bappi as the person who ordered the killing of Shahid Osman Hadi. Additional Commissioner (DB) Md Shafiqul Islam disclosed the information at a press conference held at the DMP Media Centre on Minto Road on Tuesday afternoon. Police have submitted a charge sheet against 17 individuals, including Faisal Karim Masud, in the murder case. Five suspects, including shooter Faisal, Alamgir Sheikh, and Bappi, remain absconding. According to police, Hadi, convener of Inquilab Monch, was targeted for taking an anti-Awami League stance and engaging in banned political activities. Shafiqul Islam stated that despite Faisal’s video message denying involvement, evidence confirms his participation in the crime. Hadi was shot in the head on December 12 on Box-Calvert Road in Purana Paltan while riding a rickshaw. He was treated in Dhaka and later flown to Singapore, where he died on December 18. The case, initially filed as an attempted murder, was later converted into a murder case.

A charge sheet has been filed against 17 individuals, including Faisal Karim Masud, in connection with the murder of Inqilab Moncho spokesperson Shahid Sharif Osman Bin Hadi. The announcement was made on Tuesday afternoon at the Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) Media Center on Minto Road by Additional Commissioner (DB) Md. Shafiqul Islam, who stated that the charges were filed after the investigation confirmed the allegations against the accused. According to the case details, Hadi was shot on December 12 in the Bijoynagar Box Culvert Road area under Paltan Police Station. He was first taken to Dhaka Medical College Hospital and later transferred to Evercare Hospital. As his condition worsened, he was moved to Singapore for treatment on December 15 and died on December 18 at Singapore General Hospital. Following the attack, Inqilab Moncho’s member secretary Abdullah Al Jaber filed a case at Paltan Police Station on December 14. On December 20, Dhaka Metropolitan Magistrate Siddiq Azad ordered the inclusion of Section 302 (murder) of the Penal Code in the case, leading to the formal charge sheet submission.

U.S. President Donald Trump’s second term is increasingly defined by his assertive foreign policy. Following a dramatic night raid in Caracas that captured Venezuela’s president and his wife, Trump invoked the 1823 Monroe Doctrine, rebranding it as the 'Donro Doctrine' to reaffirm U.S. dominance in the Western Hemisphere. In the days since, Washington has issued warnings or threats toward five other countries or territories. Trump expressed interest in acquiring Greenland, citing national security and competition with Russia and China, though Denmark and Greenland firmly rejected the idea. He also warned Colombia’s leftist president Gustavo Petro over alleged drug cartel ties, hinted at possible U.S. action, and criticized Mexico for failing to curb narcotics and illegal migration. Regarding Iran, Trump threatened severe retaliation if protesters were killed amid ongoing unrest, while in Cuba he suggested no intervention was needed, claiming the island was collapsing economically after losing Venezuelan oil support. The developments underscore Trump’s renewed emphasis on U.S. assertiveness abroad, raising tensions with allies and adversaries alike as his administration signals a more interventionist posture.

Bangladesh’s economic adviser Dr. Salehuddin Ahmed stated that the current tensions between India and Bangladesh will not impact the country’s economy. Speaking to reporters at the Secretariat on Tuesday after a meeting of the government’s procurement advisory committee, he said trade and purchase activities with India remain normal and there is no economic problem arising from the situation. He described the recent incident involving cricketer Mustafizur Rahman as unfortunate, noting that Bangladesh was not responsible for initiating the issue. According to him, the sudden decision to stop the player’s participation was unexpected and regrettable, and such actions are not beneficial for either country. He emphasized that the political strain between the two nations will not affect economic or commercial relations. Dr. Ahmed added that emotional factors may have influenced the situation and expressed hope that both sides would act with consideration to avoid harming bilateral relations. He reaffirmed that Bangladesh’s response to the incident was appropriate and that reactions naturally follow actions.

A delegation of the National Citizen Party (NCP), led by its spokesperson and head of the central election management committee Asif Mahmud Sajib Bhuiyan, met with Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) A. M. M. Nasir Uddin on Tuesday, January 6, 2026, at 3 p.m. The meeting took place as part of the party’s engagement with the Election Commission ahead of upcoming electoral activities. The NCP delegation included Joint Member Secretary Faisal Mahmud Shanto, Joint Chief Coordinator Advocate Shakil Ahmad, and Head of the Election Media Subcommittee Mahabub Alam. The report did not specify the agenda or outcomes of the meeting. The discussion reflects ongoing interactions between political parties and the Election Commission in the lead-up to national elections, though no further details on topics or decisions were provided in the source.

U.S. President Donald Trump has stirred new controversy after being photographed holding a red hat inscribed with 'Make Iran Great Again' and his signature. The image, taken aboard Air Force One on Sunday night while returning from Florida to Washington, was shared Monday on social media platform X by Republican Senator Lindsey Graham, a close ally of Trump. Graham praised Trump’s leadership and voiced support for Iranian anti-government protesters, calling for solidarity with those fighting against 'tyranny.' The hat’s design mirrors Trump’s well-known 'Make America Great Again' slogan but features the pre-1979 Iranian flag symbol. Analysts cited in the report interpret the gesture as more than symbolic, suggesting it signals political support for regime change in Iran. Graham later appeared on Fox News wearing the same hat, expressing hope that 2026 would mark a 'great' future for Iran. The development follows a recent U.S. military operation in Venezuela, leading observers to believe the Trump administration’s attention may now be shifting toward the Middle East, with the hat seen as a pointed political message to Tehran.

Hasnat Abdullah, the chief organizer for the southern region of the National Citizens Party (NCP), announced that his personal Facebook profile has been disabled. He revealed the information during a live broadcast on his verified Facebook page on Tuesday morning. Abdullah stated that his account was disabled some time ago, allegedly due to copyright claims linked to posts reflecting his anti-India stance. He added that the deactivation had disrupted his communication with supporters and followers in recent days. Abdullah said he will now remain active through his verified Facebook page, which was previously managed mainly by administrators. He urged his supporters to share his page to help disseminate his messages and updates. He believes that his personal profile was disabled because of copyright complaints related to his political posts. Earlier, former adviser Asif Mahmud Sajib Bhuiyan reported losing his official Facebook page with three million followers after posts about Inqilab Manch spokesperson Sharif Osman Hadi were mass-reported and removed by Facebook authorities.

The committee responsible for the marine fisheries and ecosystem survey conducted by research vessel RV Dr. Fridtjof Nansen submitted its report to Bangladesh’s Chief Adviser at a meeting held Tuesday morning at the state guesthouse Jamuna. The survey, carried out from August 21 to September 21 of the previous year, involved 25 scientists from eight countries, including 13 from Bangladesh. Professor Sayedur Rahman presented the findings, revealing the discovery of 65 new aquatic species and alarming signs of imbalance due to overfishing, such as excessive jellyfish growth and plastic found at depths of 2,000 meters. The report indicated a decline in large fish compared to 2018 and warned that aggressive sonar-based targeted fishing by 70 of 270–280 deep-sea trawlers threatens fish stocks and coastal livelihoods. The Fisheries Adviser cautioned that such practices could deplete the Bay of Bengal and said the government would decide on sonar fishing. The Chief Adviser emphasized the need for research and policy support to utilize marine resources effectively and highlighted cooperation with Japan, Indonesia, and the Maldives for joint research. It was also disclosed that the UK’s Royal Navy vessel HMS Enterprise is being transferred to the Bangladesh Navy to strengthen oceanographic research and data collection capabilities.

Former Malaysian Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad, aged 100, was hospitalized on Tuesday after falling at his home, according to his aide Sufi Yusof, who confirmed the information to AFP. The incident occurred as Mahathir was moving from his veranda to the living room. He was later taken to the National Heart Institute for observation. He remains conscious, though it is not yet known whether he will be admitted for a longer stay. Mahathir has been suffering from various health issues and previously underwent bypass surgery for heart disease. Over his long political career, he led Malaysia through a period of rapid modernization and earned widespread respect and popularity both domestically and internationally. He served as Malaysia’s prime minister from 1981 to 2003 and again from 2018 to 2020. During his second term, at age 94, he became the world’s oldest elected leader.