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.

Hasnat Abdullah, leader of the Anti-Discrimination Students Movement, insists that teaching should be acknowledged as a premier profession in Bangladesh. He believes this acknowledgment would attract the brightest individuals to the field. Hasnat Abdullah said that teaching is a profession where individuals shape students, thus teachers must be honored with the highest regard.

Army Chief General Waker-uz-Zaman visited BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia at her Gulshan residence, Firoza, on Thursday night. The visit, which lasted about 40 minutes, included the General's wife. He checked on Khaleda's health, wishing her a quick recovery. The meeting was confirmed by BNP media cell member Sayrul Kabir Khan, who noted the visit was primarily to inquire about her well-being.

In Lalmonirhat's Patgram border at Dahagram, the BGB intervened when the BSF began constructing a barbed wire fence on December 31st, extending 60 yards into Indian territory near pillar 8/51-S. On January 1st, after BGB's strong objections, the BSF ceased construction and retreated 150 yards back into India. The BGB, led by Lieutenant Colonel Md. Selim Al-Din, confirmed the halt and increased local patrols. Jamil Ahmed, BGB Company Commander, noted they've lodged an immediate verbal protest, and a flag meeting has been scheduled to discuss the matter further, ensuring no further construction occurs.

The Washington Post reported on an alleged conspiracy by India's RAW to remove Maldives' President Mohamed Muizzu due to his pro-China stance. After his election, Muizzu aimed to distance Maldives from India, setting deadlines for Indian troop withdrawal and seeking military ties with China. The plot involved bribing opposition lawmakers and funding officials and criminal networks, but ultimately failed as India withdrew support. This incident underscores the strategic rivalry between India and China in Asia.

Environmental Adviser Syeda Rizwaana Hasan stated that issuing the declaration for the July uprising within 14 days is not impossible. She emphasized that such declarations are common after an uprising, and the government had wanted it issued through them. Discussions on reforms are ongoing, with the BNP calling for reforms and providing written opinions. The scope of reforms is debated, with some prioritizing fundamental reforms and others elections. The government considers both issues important. The “July Revolution Declaration” was set to be released on December 31.

Foreign Adviser Touhid Hossain stated that relations with Delhi will remain normal even if Sheikh Hasina is not returned, highlighting ongoing mutual interests between Bangladesh and India. He emphasized that improving relations with the U.S., China, and India will be a priority in the new year, with a visit to China planned. Hossain also discussed the changing situation in Myanmar’s Rakhine state and the challenge of resolving the Rohingya crisis, stressing the need to ensure their rights and security upon return. He mentioned that discussions on renewing the Ganga water-sharing agreement with India have begun.

The Press Wing of Bangladesh’s Chief Adviser has dismissed a recent Zee News report titled “Operation Octopus Analysis on Muhammad Yunus” as entirely false and fabricated. The report is claimed to be part of a coordinated Indian media campaign against the interim government of Bangladesh led by Professor Yunus. The Press Wing urged people not to heed such malicious propaganda designed to destabilize the country. It also highlighted that after assuming leadership, Professor Yunus invited Indian media to report from Bangladesh, but many Indian outlets ignored the invitation and instead fabricated stories using anonymous sources.

The BNP wants the July uprising proclamation to include 16 years of sacrifices and anti-fascist struggles. While the interim government plans to draft it with national consensus, student leaders’ proposals, such as abolishing the 1972 Constitution, have sparked political tension. The BNP sees the event as a “popular uprising” rather than a “revolution” and prefers a “declaration” over a “proclamation.” Other parties, like Jamaat-e-Islami and the CPB, stress prioritizing elections and reforms. Despite differences, parties agree on documenting the uprising as a historic moment of unity, though debates on its content and process persist.

The High Court has directed law enforcement to prevent the use of fireworks, firecrackers, and sky lanterns on New Year’s Eve to avoid accidents. Dhaka Metropolitan Police has deployed 3,000 additional officers, with mobile courts set to enforce the ban. Violations, deemed punishable under the Noise Pollution (Control) Rules, 2006, may result in fines or jail time. Authorities have also urged clubs and the public to refrain from such activities for public safety.