Election Commissioner Abul Fazal Mohammad Sanaullah announced that the Election Commission (EC) is preparing for parliamentary elections targeting December this year. Efforts include updating the voter list and verifying it through house-to-house visits starting January 20. The EC aims to complete this process by June, addressing issues like deceased voters, non-citizens, and dual IDs. The final voter list will be published on March 2. The timeline may adjust based on political consensus and evolving circumstances.

The National Citizens’ Committee and the Anti-Discrimination Student Movement announced the “March for Felani” in Kurigram to protest BSF border killings and demand justice for Felani. Led by Sarjis Alam, the movement begins on January 16 with street meetings and aims to escalate nationally. Leaders criticized the government’s failure to address border atrocities and plan to raise the issue internationally. They called for public support to pressure India into stopping such killings and ensuring justice for victims.

The Rajshahi Forest Department is seeking two vloggers, Al-Amin and Tuli, for posting viral videos of eating egrets and wild ducks, violating the Wildlife (Conservation and Security) Act, 2012. A memorandum by Youth Action for Social Change urged swift legal action and conservation measures. The vloggers face penalties, including imprisonment and fines. Authorities are preparing a case, with law enforcement tasked to locate them. Conservationists demand protecting bird habitats and preventing hunting and pollution.

An all-party meeting will be held at the Chief Advisor’s residence to finalize the July Uprising Declaration. Political parties, professionals, and advisors, including Dr. Muhammad Yunus, are expected to attend. The Anti-Discrimination Student Movement and National Civic Committee demand the inclusion of seven key points, including justice for martyrs, recognition of student leadership, and a new democratic constitution. While most parties agree on the draft, some clauses remain contentious, requiring further discussion for consensus.

The Bangladesh Financial Intelligence Unit (BFIU) has requested the bank account details of 14 journalists, including Zulhas Alam of AP and Farid Hossain of UNB, along with their business account information. The BFIU has directed banks to provide these details within seven working days. This follows previous actions taken against journalists in recent months amid a broader investigation into corruption and misdeeds linked to the Awami League government.

A threatening message, “Coordinator, prepare for death. Joy Bangla, Joy Bangabandhu,” was found on the wall of activist Fardin Rahman’s house in Charghat, Rajshahi. Fardin, a key organizer of the Anti-Discrimination Student Movement, filed a police complaint. His family, already shaken by his previous arrest during a 2023 protest, is now living in fear. Police are investigating the incident, with Fardin expressing concerns for his parents’ safety, who often stay home alone.

Hamas has agreed to a ceasefire deal with Israel, brokered by Qatari mediators, offering hope to Gaza’s war-weary residents. The agreement is expected to be formally announced on Thursday and implemented on Sunday, starting with prisoner exchanges. The truce comes amid ongoing clashes that have claimed 62 Palestinian lives in the past 24 hours, with over 47,000 fatalities reported in the past 15 months. Previous ceasefire proposals had been repeatedly rejected by Israel, delaying peace efforts.

The Indian rupee has reached its lowest level in two years, depreciating 0.7% in a single day to 86.7550 against the US dollar. Since December, the rupee’s value has dropped by 2%, driven by India’s slow economic growth and expectations of an interest rate cut by the central bank in February. Analysts predict further depreciation unless significant interventions are made. The decline has also strained the central bank’s reserves, highlighting broader economic challenges.

Mark Zuckerberg revealed that by 2025, AI at Meta could replace midlevel software engineers, automating coding tasks entirely. He discussed this on Joe Rogan’s podcast, emphasizing AI’s potential to manage code creation and even build other AI systems. While costly initially, this shift could save significant resources, as midlevel engineers earn mid-six figures. Additionally, Meta plans to replace third-party fact-checkers with community notes and scale back DEI efforts, sparking concerns from advocacy groups.

An investigation by Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University (BSMU) identified 144 teachers, doctors, nurses, and staff involved in violent acts during anti-discrimination protests on August 4, 2023. Accusations include assaulting students, arson, and attempted murder. Of these, 16 were suspended for attempting to kill a student, and 23 were identified as masterminds. A case has been filed, and disciplinary actions are being pursued by both the university and law enforcement authorities.

A viral claim circulated on social media that the Bangladesh Army had seized the passports of 45 individuals, including Sarjis Alam, who were allegedly preparing to travel to Europe illegally. However, this was debunked by the fact-checking organization Rumor Scanner, which confirmed that the information was fabricated. The army confirmed that the claim was false, and no mainstream media or official reports supported the story. The rumor originated from a blog website and spread through social media.

BNP leader Lutfuzzaman Babar has been acquitted of a life sentence in the 10-truck arms smuggling case, with no obstacles remaining for his release on January 16. The High Court also acquitted four others and reduced sentences for five, including ULFA commander Paresh Barua. In total, five defendants were sentenced, five acquitted, and four were exonerated due to death. The case, involving former high-ranking officials, revolved around arms smuggling and illegal arms possession.

The Appellate Division acquitted BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia, acting Chairman Tarique Rahman, and all other accused in the Zia Orphanage Trust corruption case. The court overturned previous High Court and lower court verdicts, stating the trial stemmed from political vengeance. Khaleda had been sentenced to 10 years in prison in 2018, serving over two years. The Anti-Corruption Commission found no evidence of corruption. Defense lawyers hailed the verdict, calling the earlier trial a mockery of justice.

Motiur Rahman, ex-NBR official, and his wife Laila Kaniz were arrested in Dhaka over allegations of amassing illegal wealth. Their involvement in the “Goat Incident,” where their son’s extravagant Qurbani goat purchase sparked public outrage, led to scrutiny. The Anti-Corruption Commission found evidence of undeclared assets, including land, flats, resorts, and industrial establishments worth 1.24 billion BDT. Their bank accounts were frozen, and travel bans were imposed. They submitted wealth statements following ACC notices but remain under investigation.

A Dhaka court has ordered the seizure of 200 crore taka in assets and the freezing of 87 bank accounts of S Alam and his family members over allegations of laundering one billion dollars to Singapore. The assets include buildings and plots in Dhaka and Chittagong, and large sums deposited in Union Bank and Global Islami Bank accounts. The move follows an earlier travel ban imposed on the family members in October.