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.

Police in Dhaka’s Uttara West area conducted a daylong special operation on Friday, arresting 17 individuals linked to various criminal cases. According to Dhaka Metropolitan Police spokesperson and Deputy Commissioner Muhammad Talebur Rahman, a significant quantity of drugs was recovered during the operation. The arrests included suspects involved in regular cases, terrorism, and drug trafficking. Police sources said the coordinated operation took place across multiple points under Uttara West Police Station. The detainees include Sheikh Monirul Islam, Abul Kalam, Robiul Islam, Zillur Rahman Ahad, Jahangir Alam Zidan, Al Bashar alias Bashir, Ibn Sina Akash, Saifur Rahman Miraj, Mahbub, Shakil, Shariful Islam, Rakib, Momin, Jewel, Sakib, Hasib Khan, and Zahid Hasan. Officers recovered five yaba tablets, five packets of heroin, and one packet of cannabis from them. All detainees were sent to court following legal procedures. Officials from Uttara West Police Station stated that such targeted operations will continue regularly to ensure public safety and curb criminal activities in the area.

Bangladesh Islami Chhatra Shibir’s central president, Nurul Islam Saddam, issued a stern warning to the government and Jagannath University administration regarding the upcoming Jagannath University Central Students’ Union (JAKSU) and hall elections scheduled for January 6. He made the statement on Friday, January 2, through a post on his verified social media account, cautioning that failure to hold the election would make both the administration and the government responsible. Saddam alleged that conspiracies were underway to prevent the JAKSU election, which had already been postponed once. He claimed that the postponement was influenced by known parties and that similar interference had occurred in previous student union elections. He emphasized that students were determined to secure their rights. Earlier, the JAKSU election scheduled for December 30 was suspended during a special syndicate meeting. Following protests from candidates and students, the university administration rescheduled the vote for January 6. However, uncertainty remains among students about whether the election will take place on the announced date.

Police have arrested Awami League leader Rashedul Islam Bhuiyan, 42, in connection with the murder of madrasa student Hafez Siam in Enayetpur, Sirajganj. The arrest took place on Friday, January 2, 2026, at Rashedul’s home in Gopinathpur village under Enayetpur Police Station. Officer-in-Charge Zahid Hossain confirmed that the arrest was made following a raid at his residence. According to the case record, Hafez Siam was killed on August 4, 2024, during an anti-discrimination student movement in front of Enayetpur Police Station. Later, on August 21, 2024, Enayetpur unit Jubo Dal’s joint convener, Hazrat Ali Molla, filed a case over the incident. Rashedul, who serves as the office secretary of Enayetpur Thana Awami League and is the son of local rural physician Rafiqul Islam Bhuiyan, was named in that case. Police said the arrest is linked to the ongoing investigation into the 2024 killing, which occurred amid student protests in the area.

Naeem Ahmad, chief organizer of United Peoples Bangladesh (UP Bangladesh), has called for ensuring that the murder of Inquilab Mancha convener Sharif Osman Hadi does not remain unresolved like that of Siraj Sikder. He made the remarks on Friday at the organization’s central office during a discussion titled “Siraj Sikder: State, Dissent, and the Politics of Killing,” marking the anniversary of Sikder’s death. Ahmad alleged that former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, now in India, and her father Sheikh Mujibur Rahman were involved in killings and enforced disappearances to maintain power. He also claimed that Hasina’s son, Sajeeb Wazed Joy, shows similar tendencies through his statements from abroad. Referring to the 1975 killing of revolutionary leader Siraj Sikder in state custody, Ahmad described it as the first major “crossfire” incident in independent Bangladesh. He warned that Awami League members and affiliates should not be allowed to re-enter politics and alleged that some are attempting to contest the upcoming elections under different banners. Ahmad further suggested that Sajeeb Wazed Joy might have had a role in planning Hadi’s killing and urged citizens to remain vigilant to ensure justice.