The Anti-Discrimination Student Movement has demanded that the Jatiya Party be declared ineligible to contest the upcoming 13th National Parliamentary Election. In a statement signed by its office secretary Shahadat Hossain on Tuesday, the organization also expressed deep concern over alleged bias in the nomination scrutiny process, harassment of independent candidates, and the neutrality of field administration officials.

The statement alleged irregularities and favoritism in nomination verification across several constituencies, citing the case of independent candidate Ataur Rahman in Manikganj-3, who was reportedly harassed by supporters of a BNP-nominated candidate. It further accused some returning officers and local administrators of partial behavior. The group warned that such incidents threaten the possibility of a free and fair election.

The movement argued that allowing the Jatiya Party to participate effectively paves the way for the banned Awami League’s gradual return to politics. It urged the government and Election Commission to ensure a level playing field and immediately disqualify the Jatiya Party, which it described as a collaborator in past “dummy elections.”

More than 1.53 million voters have registered online for postal ballots after the deadline, according to Chief Adviser’s Press Secretary Shafiqul Alam. He announced the figures at a press briefing at the Foreign Service Academy in Dhaka, noting that this is the first time Bangladesh has introduced postal voting. Among the registrants, 761,140 are domestic officials unable to vote at their own centers, while 772,542 are Bangladeshi expatriates. The initiative has drawn interest from the European Union, UNDP, and several European countries eager to study the model.

The Chief Adviser described the response as historic, highlighting that Bangladesh’s inclusion rate of over 5 percent surpasses the global average of 2.7 percent in countries with long-standing diaspora voting systems. The government plans to allow registered voters to cast postal ballots around January 21, once candidate lists are finalized. To boost voter engagement, the number of election caravans will double to 20, expanding coverage to 495 upazilas.

Security preparations are also underway, with 75 percent of law enforcement officers trained and a new monitoring app being developed to detect election-related unrest in real time.

Brent Christensen, the newly appointed US Ambassador to Bangladesh, is scheduled to arrive in Dhaka on January 12, according to diplomatic sources. Officials from the US Embassy have already met with Bangladesh’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs to coordinate his credential presentation to the President soon after his arrival. Preparations are underway to ensure Christensen can begin his duties within days of reaching Dhaka, just one month before the country’s upcoming 13th national election and referendum.

Christensen was nominated by US President Donald Trump in September and confirmed by the Senate in December. In his Senate hearing, he emphasized strengthening Bangladesh’s democratic process, human rights, Rohingya crisis response, and economic cooperation. He stated that the United States would support Bangladesh’s democratic future and work to reduce trade barriers.

A senior member of the US Foreign Service, Christensen previously served as Political and Economic Counselor at the US Embassy in Dhaka from 2019 to 2021 and as Foreign Policy Advisor at the US Strategic Command from 2022 to 2025. The ambassadorial post had remained vacant since Peter Haas’s departure in July last year, with Tracy Ann Jacobson serving as chargé d’affaires.

The government has placed top priority on ensuring the security of political leaders ahead of Bangladesh’s upcoming 13th national parliamentary election, according to Chief Adviser’s Press Secretary Shafiqul Alam. Speaking at a press briefing at the Foreign Service Academy in Dhaka on Tuesday, he said that security agencies have coordinated with political parties, and gunmen have been assigned to many leaders as needed. The police, particularly the Special Branch, are actively handling the matter, and local authorities will review additional security requests.

Alam added that the government is aware of individuals attempting to spread confusion about the election and asserted that preparations are proceeding well with 37 days remaining. He noted that the confidence of police, army, BGB, and other security forces has increased following the successful management of three major national events. The press secretary also discussed efforts to engage religious leaders in promoting participation in an upcoming referendum through mosques, temples, and churches, supported by the Ministry of Religious Affairs’ nationwide network.

Separately, officials addressed a journalist’s killing in Jashore, stating that initial police findings indicate no link to religion or journalism, but rather to local extremist political rivalries.

The Directorate of Primary Education has issued an urgent directive to all primary schools across Bangladesh regarding nationwide competitions and training programs for students. According to a circular signed by Assistant Director Mahfuza Khatun, students under the directorate are invited to participate in the 2026 national art, poetry recitation, debate, and ghazal competitions. Additionally, year-long training in cricket, football, badminton, and karate will be held at district stadiums. Registration for participation is open from January 1 to January 15 through designated websites, and no fees are required.

The directive further states that the events and training programs are organized by Talent Sports Limited. School authorities and relevant officials have been instructed to provide necessary cooperation to facilitate the participation of talented students. The initiative aims to encourage creative and athletic engagement among primary-level students nationwide.

The circular emphasizes that participation is voluntary and free of cost, ensuring accessibility for all students under the Directorate of Primary Education.

Hasnat Abdullah, the chief organizer of the National Citizen Party (NCP) for the southern region and the Jamaat-led alliance candidate for Cumilla-4 constituency, called on voters to stand against corruption and Indian dominance. He made the remarks on Tuesday afternoon during an election march in Biralla area of Jafarganj Union, Debidwar upazila, Cumilla. Hasnat emphasized that voters should not sell their votes for money and should guard polling centers to prevent any attempts at forceful occupation.

He stated that the upcoming election would be a vote for justice and against those involved in corruption, extortion, and dominance. Hasnat pledged that his supporters were ready to make any sacrifice to protect people’s voting rights. He also urged voters to reject those who try to buy votes with money and to resist any violent attempts to seize polling centers.

Leaders of Jamaat and NCP were present during the march, where Hasnat exchanged greetings with local voters.

The air chiefs of Bangladesh and Pakistan held a meeting in Islamabad to discuss potential procurement of JF-17 Thunder fighter jets for the Bangladesh Air Force. According to Pakistan’s Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), the meeting focused on strengthening operational cooperation, institutional coordination, training, capacity building, and joint work in aerospace technology. Bangladesh Air Chief Marshal Hasan Mahmud Khan led a high-level defense delegation and was given a guard of honor during the visit.

Pakistan Air Chief Marshal Zaheer Ahmed Baber Sidique highlighted recent progress in his force and assured Bangladesh of support through a comprehensive training structure, from basic to advanced flight and specialized courses. He also confirmed that Super Mushshak training aircraft would be delivered soon, accompanied by long-term training and support arrangements. The Bangladeshi air chief praised Pakistan’s combat experience and sought assistance in maintaining older fleets and integrating air defense radar systems for enhanced airspace surveillance.

The ISPR statement said the visit renewed historical ties between the two nations and reinforced commitments to deepen defense cooperation and long-term strategic partnership.

Bangladesh Bank has continued buying US dollars from local banks as supply remains strong. On Tuesday, it purchased $223.5 million from 14 banks, bringing total purchases in the first six months of the fiscal year to $3.54 billion. As a result, the central bank’s foreign exchange reserves rose to $33.18 billion, according to Executive Director and Spokesperson Arif Hossain Khan.

Bankers said the increase in remittances through formal channels has boosted dollar supply, easing the earlier market crisis. Since supply now exceeds demand, the central bank is buying dollars to prevent a sharp fall in the exchange rate, which could hurt remittance inflows and exports. The move has had a positive impact on reserves.

The report notes that after the fall of the previous Awami League government, the new administration took strict measures to curb money laundering, leading to higher export earnings and remittances. Bangladesh Bank’s current intervention aims to maintain market stability and protect key economic sectors.

Environment, Forest and Climate Change, Information and Broadcasting, and Water Resources Advisor Syeda Rizwana Hasan has emphasized finalizing a long-term sustainable management masterplan for the protection of Saint Martin’s Island. Speaking as chief guest at a high-level strategic consultation workshop titled “Strategic Consultation Workshop on Saint Martin’s Island Masterplan,” she said conservation must take priority over tourism to safeguard the island’s unique ecosystem.

The workshop was organized by the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change and the Department of Environment with support from the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP). The advisor stated that the masterplan should clearly outline actions and prohibitions to restore biodiversity and that tourism must be strictly regulated to prevent harmful dominance by outsiders. She also highlighted the importance of involving local communities in the plan’s implementation and creating alternative livelihoods such as fishing, dried fish trade, handicrafts, and controlled tourism.

The ministry’s secretary noted that several short- and long-term initiatives have already been undertaken during the interim government period, and a draft masterplan has been prepared. Participants were informed that despite its ecological importance, the island faces severe degradation from unregulated tourism, coral and shell collection, unsustainable fishing, and climate risks.

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.