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.

Leaders of the Anti-Discrimination Student Movement and the National Citizens’ Committee have called on the government to announce the ‘July Revolution Declaration’ by January 15. Speaking at a rally in Dhaka’s Central Shaheed Minar, they stressed the need to honor the martyrs and address long-standing injustices tied to the July Mass Uprising.
They criticized the government for delays, urging activists to mobilize public support nationwide. The leaders warned of renewed protests if the declaration isn’t issued by the deadline. They also demanded justice for victims, institutional reforms, and an end to corruption and oppression, envisioning a new, equitable Bangladesh.

In Mirpur, a clash occurred between supporters and opponents of Sakib Al Hasan over his farewell Test match. A group of Sakib supporters, under the banner of ‘Sakibians,’ protested, demanding that Sakib be given the opportunity to play his farewell Test match against South Africa in Mirpur. They also called for the resignation of BCB President Faruque Ahmed if Sakib is not allowed to play in the Mirpur Test. Around 3 PM, tensions escalated when a group of anti-Sakib protesters confronted the ‘Sakibians,’ leading to a scuffle. Both groups engaged in heated exchanges, and some members from each group were injured during the confrontation. At that time, law enforcement officers detained a Sakib supporter on charges of chanting anti-state slogans. However, the supporter told journalists that he had not chanted any anti-state slogans, only ones in support of Sakib.

Eight individuals were arrested in connection with a robbery at businessman Abu Bakar’s house in Mohammadpur, Dhaka. Among the arrested, five are dismissed members of various forces, while the remaining three are civilians. RAB recovered seven lakh taka along with a gold bracelet and ring. The robbery, which took place around 3:30 AM on Friday night, involved thieves posing as joint force members, looting 7.5 million taka and 70 bhori of gold. CCTV footage has been seized, and a case was filed by the victim, who is in the land and construction material business.

Bin Yamin Molla, president of the Student Rights Council, called for student council elections in universities to promote healthy, merit-based student politics. He emphasized reforming political practices rather than suppressing them, and highlighted the council’s goal of protecting student rights. Formed during the 2021 quota reform movement, the council opposes party servitude and muscle power in politics. Molla was recently elected president in the council’s 2nd assembly.

Bangladesh has formally protested remarks by India's Home Minister Amit Shah, calling them objectionable and harmful to relations between the two countries. Shah, at a rally in Jharkhand, spoke about taking action against "Bangladeshi infiltrators." Bangladesh urged India to prevent its leaders from making such comments, which undermine mutual respect between the nations.

A draft amendment to the International Crimes (Tribunal) Act proposes adding enforced disappearances and gender-based violence to the definition of crimes against humanity. The amendment also includes a provision to ban political parties for up to 10 years if they commit crimes under this law. Five new sections and subsections are suggested, along with amendments to three existing ones. These proposals were discussed at a meeting organized by the Law Ministry's Law and Justice Division in the capital.

Following the fall of Sheikh Hasina's government, Chief Election Commissioner Kazi Habibul Awal and his team resigned. A new Election Commission will be formed soon. Dr. Muhammad Yunus emphasized the need for reforms, including amending the Election Commission Appointment Act and ensuring political consensus to establish a strong Election Commission.

During the anti-discrimination student protests, screenshots of conversations between several Awami League leaders and artists known to be close to the party have spread across social media. In a WhatsApp group named ‘Alo Asbei’ (Light Will Come), these leaders and artists were actively speaking out against the protests.

Garment workers in Ashulia, near Savar, Dhaka, are continuing their protests over various demands. Factories that were not witnessing protests were attacked, prompting authorities to close them for safety reasons.

With the rising trend of rumor-spreading on social media, a media platform named '1 Nojor' (pronounce ‘Ek Nojor’) is being launched to combat misinformation and disinformation. It will operate through public contributions in a social media format, where subscribers will share content. A strong moderation and fact-checking panel will be responsible for preventing misinformation.