Over the past ten years, India’s Border Security Force (BSF) has allegedly killed 36 Bangladeshi nationals along the Maheshpur border in Jhenaidah district through shootings and torture following abductions. The report states that more than a hundred others were injured in assaults by BSF personnel. The Maheshpur border, stretching 72 kilometers, includes 60 kilometers of barbed wire fencing and 12 kilometers of open frontier adjoining India’s Nadia and North 24 Parganas districts in West Bengal.

According to the investigation, most casualties occurred near BSF camps in Indian areas opposite Baghdanga, Shyamkur, and other Bangladeshi border unions. The killings have turned the Maheshpur frontier into what locals describe as a “valley of death.” The Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) established its 58th battalion camp in Maheshpur in 2015 to improve surveillance and reduce cross-border crimes. BGB sources claim that killings have decreased somewhat since the camp’s establishment.

BGB officials said awareness programs are ongoing to prevent illegal crossings and smuggling, while protests against BSF actions are raised during bilateral flag meetings. Families of victims allege BSF hostility and fear cultivating land near the border.

Ferry services on the Shariatpur–Chandpur river route were temporarily suspended early Friday, January 3, 2026, due to dense fog. The Bangladesh Inland Water Transport Corporation (BIWTC) halted operations from 1 a.m. to prevent potential accidents as visibility on the river sharply decreased. The decision was taken as a safety precaution amid worsening fog conditions overnight.

According to BIWTC’s Narsinghpur ferry terminal deputy manager Md. Iqbal Hossain, visibility on the river route dropped significantly, prompting the suspension to ensure the safety of passengers and vehicles. He confirmed that no ferry was stranded on the river and that services would resume once the fog clears.

The suspension has caused congestion at both ferry terminals, where passengers and drivers are waiting for improved weather conditions to continue their journeys.

A Pakistani anti-terrorism court has sentenced eight journalists and YouTubers to life imprisonment for allegedly spreading terrorism online by supporting former Prime Minister Imran Khan. The verdict was delivered on Friday, with the court stating that the accused engaged in online activities deemed as terrorism under Pakistani law. According to the court, their actions created fear and unrest in society. Most of the accused were not present during the trial as they are reportedly outside Pakistan.

Those convicted include former military officers and YouTubers Adil Raja and Syed Akbar Hussain, journalists Wajahat Saeed Khan, Sabir Shakir, and Shaheen Sehbai, commentator Haider Raza Mehdi, and analyst Moeed Pirzada. The court noted that after Imran Khan’s arrest on May 9, 2023, his supporters carried out violent protests, including attacks on military camps, and the accused were found to have incited the violence.

Earlier, on December 20, 2023, Imran Khan and his wife Bushra Bibi were sentenced to 17 years in prison in the Toshakhana corruption-2 case and are currently held in Adiala Jail, Rawalpindi.

Following the death of BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia on December 30, the party’s top post has become vacant. Senior Vice Chairman Tarique Rahman, who had been serving as acting chairman during Khaleda Zia’s imprisonment and illness, continues to perform the duties of the position. According to the BNP constitution, the senior vice chairman automatically assumes the role of chairman when the post becomes vacant. However, official party statements still refer to Tarique Rahman as acting chairman.

Election experts note that under the election code, candidates may only use the current party chief’s image in campaign materials. Since the 13th parliamentary election campaign begins on January 22, BNP must formally designate Tarique Rahman as chairman before that date to use his image. The Election Commission’s senior secretary stated that the decision rests with the party.

BNP policymakers confirm that constitutionally Tarique Rahman is already chairman, though the party continues a seven-day mourning period for Khaleda Zia. Some leaders suggest a council could later formalize his position, but it is not mandatory under the party’s constitution.

Indian External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar, speaking at an event in Chennai, explained New Delhi’s approach toward neighboring countries by citing examples of Pakistan and Sri Lanka. He stated that India formulates its policies based on the behavior and relationship patterns of its neighbors, clearly differentiating between “good” and “bad” neighbors. According to him, India supports countries that maintain cooperative relations, offering assistance through vaccine diplomacy, economic aid, and emergency support.

Jaishankar’s remarks came just days after attending former Prime Minister Begum Khaleda Zia’s funeral. He emphasized that India reserves the right to defend itself against nations that consistently support terrorism or pose security threats. He added that India’s neighborhood policy is guided by common sense and national interest rather than emotion. Referring to India’s firm stance toward Pakistan and its aid to Sri Lanka during its economic crisis, he suggested that a neighbor’s conduct determines India’s policy approach.

Although he did not directly mention Bangladesh, his comments indicated that India views mutual trust, cooperation, and security as the foundation of regional relations.

Bangladesh’s Home Ministry has advanced legal proceedings against police officers accused of involvement in the July massacre. Around 1,500 cases were filed nationwide, with 302 selected for transfer to the International Crimes Tribunal for adjudication. Each case names between 10 and 80 police officers as defendants. The ministry will soon hand over related documents to the tribunal’s investigation agency, according to a senior official who confirmed the development anonymously.

The ministry’s findings describe how, during the July–August 2024 uprising against former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, police used lethal force across the country, including live ammunition, to suppress protests. Reports from the United Nations and international media documented widespread killings, including of minors, and alleged that police actions followed directives from senior leadership. Investigations also revealed that the violence was part of a broader state repression policy.

The Chief Prosecutor of the International Crimes Tribunal welcomed the ministry’s move, saying it would support justice for victims and ensure accountability for those responsible. Several trials are already underway, with one verdict delivered and others nearing completion.

The United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) reported on Friday that Israeli positions fired shotgun and machine gun rounds that landed dangerously close to UN peacekeepers in southern Lebanon. Although no casualties were reported, the UN mission condemned the incidents, describing them as part of a worrying pattern of repeated occurrences near the Blue Line border area.

According to UNIFIL, peacekeepers were on patrol when the first incident occurred, with 15 small-arms rounds landing just 50 meters away. Shortly afterward, another patrol in the same area came under fire from around 100 machine gun rounds. The peacekeepers identified the source of the gunfire as Israeli military positions located south of the Blue Line. UNIFIL stated that it had previously informed Israeli forces of its patrol activities and later communicated through established channels to request a halt to the firing.

In its statement, UNIFIL urged Israeli forces to cease attacks on peacekeepers operating near the Blue Line, emphasizing that such actions threaten peace and stability in the region.

RAJUK Chairman Engineer Md. Riazul Islam has called for collective efforts and public awareness to solve Old Dhaka’s long-standing problems. He made the remarks on Friday at a views-exchange meeting organized by the Dhaka Metropolitan Association at Noyabazar, where he attended as the chief guest. The meeting discussed issues such as unplanned buildings, narrow roads, and unauthorized constructions that pose various risks in the area.

The RAJUK chairman emphasized that Old Dhaka’s problems cannot be solved by law enforcement alone and that residents must become more conscious to build a safer and more beautiful city for future generations. He highlighted the importance of keeping sufficient road space for emergency services like fire and ambulance access during disasters such as fires or earthquakes. He also sought the cooperation of building owners in making old structures risk-free and urged strict adherence to RAJUK’s construction regulations.

The meeting was presided over by Dhaka Association President Alhaj Md. Ismail Nawab, with senior RAJUK officials and local dignitaries present. RAJUK’s development plans for the area were also presented during the event.

Bangladesh is experiencing an unusually prolonged and intense cold wave, with dense fog covering much of the country and temperatures dropping sharply. The Bangladesh Meteorological Department reported that the cold conditions are expected to worsen from January 5, with mild to moderate cold waves likely in northwestern districts. On Friday, nine flights were diverted from Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport due to poor visibility caused by fog, though operations later resumed as conditions improved.

Meteorologists said the persistent fog and lack of sunlight have intensified the cold, with Dhaka recording a minimum temperature of 13.3°C and Jessore 8°C. Northern regions such as Rangpur and Rajair are facing severe cold, halting work and increasing hardship for low-income workers. Health authorities confirmed at least 32 deaths in Rangpur Division from cold-related illnesses over the past week, mostly among children, women, and the elderly.

Experts attributed repeated flight diversions to the absence of a Category-2 Instrument Landing System at Dhaka airport. The cold wave has severely affected daily life, particularly for the homeless and day laborers lacking warm clothing, while fog continues to disrupt road and air transport nationwide.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has decided to appoint Kyrylo Budanov, head of the military intelligence agency, as the new chief of the presidential office. The move follows the resignation of Zelensky’s previous top aide in November after a corruption scandal. According to AFP from Kyiv, Zelensky announced on social media that he met Budanov and offered him the position, with the formal appointment process now underway, confirmed by presidential adviser Dmytro Litvin.

Budanov, 39, is a well-known and influential figure in Ukraine, credited with leading several daring operations against Moscow since Russia’s full-scale invasion in 2022. His nomination comes at a critical stage of the nearly four-year-long war. Zelensky recently stated that a U.S.-mediated peace proposal is about 90 percent ready and emphasized the need to strengthen Ukraine’s defense and security capabilities while advancing diplomatic talks.

If confirmed, Budanov will replace Andriy Yermak, who resigned after his home was raided as part of a corruption investigation. Yermak, once a close ally of Zelensky, had faced criticism in Kyiv for allegedly consolidating excessive power and controlling access to the president.

The final Test of the Ashes series between Australia and England will be broadcast live early tomorrow morning at 5:30 a.m. on Star Sports, according to the schedule published by Amar Desh on January 3, 2026. This marks the concluding match of the long-standing cricket rivalry between the two nations in the current series.

In addition to the Ashes, the day’s sports broadcast lineup includes several other cricket and football events. The Big Bash League match between Sydney Thunder and Hobart Hurricanes will air at 2:15 p.m. on Star Sports Select HD 1, while SA T20 fixtures will feature Joburg Super Kings against Sunrisers Eastern Cape at 5 p.m. and Pretoria Capitals versus Durban’s Super Giants at 9:30 p.m. Football fans can watch Bangladesh Premier League matches, English Premier League’s Bournemouth vs Arsenal, La Liga’s Espanyol vs Barcelona, Serie A’s Juventus vs Lecce, and Africa Cup of Nations fixtures.

The schedule highlights a packed day for sports viewers, with multiple international and domestic competitions broadcast across various channels.

Negotiations between Jamaat-e-Islami and Charmonai Pir’s Islami Andolan Bangladesh have reached a decisive stage over seat sharing for the upcoming 13th parliamentary election. Tensions arose after the formal announcement of a 10-party electoral understanding, as Islami Andolan expressed dissatisfaction with the number of constituencies offered and warned of withdrawing from the alliance if demands were unmet. Grassroots-level mistrust and social media disputes further complicated the situation, prompting top leaders from both sides to reopen talks and seek a resolution.

Jamaat leaders, including Assistant Secretary General Ehsanul Mahbub Zubair, emphasized that discussions were ongoing and that the alliance could expand to 11 parties after nomination scrutiny. Islami Andolan leaders acknowledged earlier frustrations but said dialogue had eased tensions. The 11-party bloc, including LDP and NCP, has collectively fielded over 700 candidates for 300 seats, with overlapping nominations in several constituencies causing unease among partners.

Both Jamaat and Islami Andolan now stress maintaining unity and finalizing seat allocations after the nomination review process, expected to conclude in early January.

Rangpur Riders secured a six-wicket victory over Sylhet Titans in Sylhet, driven by a quickfire innings from Mahmudullah Riyad. After falling short in the previous match against Rajshahi Warriors, Mahmudullah redeemed himself with a decisive 34 runs off 16 balls. Kyle Mayers contributed 31 runs from 29 deliveries, helping Rangpur chase down the target of 145 in 18.5 overs. Sylhet’s Ethan Brooks and Khaled Ahmed took one wicket each.

Batting first after losing the toss, Sylhet Titans posted 144 for eight in their allotted 20 overs. Afif Hossain top-scored with 46, while Ethan Brooks added 31 from 30 balls. Rangpur’s bowlers, Mustafizur Rahman and Fahim Ashraf, each claimed three wickets to restrict Sylhet’s total. Despite the challenging chase, Mahmudullah’s composed batting ensured Rangpur’s win.

Mahmudullah Riyad was named player of the match for his match-winning performance, marking a strong comeback after his previous game’s missed opportunity.

At the official swearing-in ceremony of New York’s new mayor, Zohra Mamdani, congressional representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez called on New Yorkers to celebrate the event as their own victory. Speaking at City Hall, she praised residents for choosing courageous and historic leadership during uncertain times, emphasizing that they opted for collective prosperity over fear and inequality.

Ocasio-Cortez, a Democratic representative from New York’s 14th Congressional District, had endorsed Mamdani in June 2025 and actively mobilized voters in the months leading up to the election. She previously told a rally of 13,000 people in Queens that Mamdani’s victory would send a clear message rejecting authoritarianism. During the inauguration, she congratulated citizens for electing a mayor committed to building a hopeful future for working people.

Echoing Mamdani’s campaign promises, Ocasio-Cortez praised plans for universal childcare, affordable housing, and accessible public transport. She described the city’s choice as a rejection of division and extreme inequality, expressing confidence that New York’s example could inspire broader change.

Jamaat-e-Islami nominated candidate Advocate Maulana Sheikh Abdul Wadud has said that if voters in Mongla cast their ballots for the balance symbol, local people will be able to live safely and free from land and enclosure occupation. He made the remarks on Friday, January 2, during campaign visits across various areas of Mongla upazila. Wadud is contesting the Bagerhat-3 (Mongla-Rampal) constituency on behalf of Jamaat-e-Islami.

In his address as chief guest, Wadud stated that Bangladesh belongs to people of all religions—Hindu, Muslim, Buddhist, and Christian—who together built the nation. He emphasized that Jamaat-e-Islami has long worked to establish a just and discrimination-free society and has consistently advocated for the security, religious freedom, and dignity of minority communities. He added that honest, skilled, and principled leadership is essential to end political vengeance, land grabbing, and irregularities, ensuring safety for all citizens.

Mongla upazila Jamaat’s Naib-e-Amir and former vice chairman Professor Kohinur Sardar also spoke, highlighting the party’s justice-based politics and welfare programs. Thousands of local leaders and supporters attended the campaign event.