In Natore’s Naldanga upazila, a six-kilometer connecting road from Patul Mini Cox’s Bazar to Khajuria, submerged for six months, has been cleared under an initiative by Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami’s local unit. The road, previously covered with water hyacinths and aquatic weeds, had become unusable, causing severe hardship for residents. On Friday morning, the cleanup and recovery program began, inaugurated by Professor Md. Yunus Ali, Jamaat’s nominated candidate for the Natore-2 parliamentary seat. He stated that removing obstacles to public movement is a moral duty and that reopening the road would ease local life. Jamaat’s Nayeb-e-Ameer Professor Md. Delwar Hossain Khan and district leaders attended as special guests. Locals expressed relief as the long-neglected road became usable again, marking a significant improvement in daily transportation and community access.

In Pabna-3 constituency, encompassing Chatmohar, Bhangura, and Faridpur upazilas, three siblings from the family of late BNP leader Haji Akkas Ali Master have taken divergent political paths ahead of Bangladesh’s upcoming 13th national election. Hasanul Islam Raja, a BNP cultural wing adviser, has announced his independent candidacy after the party nominated agriculturist Hasan Zafir Tuhin. His brother, former upazila chairman and BNP leader Hasanul Islam Hira, has also protested the nomination, organizing torch processions demanding a local candidate. Their sister, advocate Arifa Sultana Ruma, a long-time BNP activist, has chosen to support the official BNP nominee and campaign for the party symbol. The internal split has sparked visible divisions within local BNP ranks, with former MP KM Anwarul Islam joining Hira’s protest. Election officials report 481,962 registered voters in the constituency. Analysts suggest that if independent or local candidates contest, the electoral balance could shift, potentially benefiting Jamaat-e-Islami’s candidate Professor Ali Asgar.

More than 200 leaders and activists of the Awami League, whose activities were previously banned in Dhaka’s Demra area, have joined the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP). The formal joining took place on Friday morning at the Demra Thana BNP office, where the new members were welcomed by BNP leaders SM Reza Selim and Anisuzzaman. The group, led by freedom fighter and former Awami League leader Maulana Shahadat Hossain, pledged to work together for the upcoming national elections. Shahadat Hossain stated that he had earlier been a follower of BNP founder Ziaur Rahman but was compelled to join the Awami League under pressure. He expressed renewed confidence in BNP leadership. BNP leaders emphasized that their party practices constructive politics and is moving forward under Tarique Rahman’s leadership, welcoming the new members as part of a broader political unity effort in Dhaka-5 constituency.

Bangladesh’s Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) and the National Board of Revenue’s Central Intelligence Cell (CIC) have launched investigations into alleged undisclosed assets belonging to former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and her family. Following her departure to India on August 5 last year amid a mass uprising, authorities reportedly uncovered properties worth hundreds of crores of taka registered under family members’ names across Dhaka, including in Gulshan, Baridhara, and Segunbagicha. Official tax filings show discrepancies, with undeclared bank lockers and undervalued properties. ACC Chairman Dr. Mohammad Abdul Momen stated that Hasina’s 2008 election affidavit contained inconsistencies regarding agricultural land ownership, revealing 29 acres instead of the declared 5.2 acres. The investigation also highlights income sources from agriculture, royalties, and financial instruments, but suggests significant underreporting of real estate and jewelry holdings. The findings have intensified scrutiny over the former premier’s wealth declarations and potential misuse of power during her tenure.

An Indian national in Adelaide’s Para Hills area has faced public outrage after a video showing him allegedly defecating in an open space went viral on social media. The footage, captured by a local resident named Carter, shows the man crouching near a bush outside a house. When confronted, the man claimed he was only urinating, but Carter insisted it appeared to be defecation. Carter later posted the video on Facebook, questioning whether such behavior had become normal. The post quickly spread, triggering widespread reactions ranging from anger to disgust, and some users used offensive language, which itself drew criticism. According to NDTV, public urination or defecation is illegal in most Australian states, including South Australia, where offenders can face fines of up to 250 Australian dollars. Authorities have not yet confirmed whether any legal action has been taken against the individual involved.

Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) Chairperson and former Prime Minister Begum Khaleda Zia is reported to be in a 'very critical' health condition, according to party Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir. Speaking after Friday prayers at a special prayer gathering in Dhaka’s Naya Paltan, Fakhrul said Khaleda Zia has long contributed to the country’s democratic movement and has endured imprisonment and hardship for her political stance. He urged people across Bangladesh to pray for her recovery. The 80-year-old former leader, suffering from multiple chronic conditions including heart disease, diabetes, arthritis, liver cirrhosis, and kidney complications, was admitted to Evercare Hospital on November 23 after experiencing breathing difficulties. She had previously been hospitalized in October for medical tests. Khaleda Zia returned from London in May after receiving medical treatment abroad earlier this year.

India’s onion export industry is facing a sharp downturn as key buyers Bangladesh and Saudi Arabia reduce imports and turn to alternative suppliers like Pakistan and China. According to The Economic Times, India’s repeated export bans to control domestic prices have pushed traditional buyers to seek new sources and even develop self-sufficiency using Indian onion seeds. Experts note that Bangladesh, once importing nearly three-quarters of India’s total onion exports, has drastically cut purchases in the past eight months despite high domestic prices. Saudi Arabia has also limited imports for nearly a year, preferring cheaper onions from Yemen and Iran. Exporters say India’s absence from the global market during export bans allowed competitors to capture market share. Officials warn that India’s dominance in the global onion trade is weakening as former buyers become producers themselves, posing long-term risks to Indian farmers and exporters.

At least 84 people have been killed and dozens remain missing after severe floods and landslides struck Indonesia’s Sumatra island this week. Rescue teams confirmed the toll on Friday, with North Sumatra province reporting 62 deaths and 95 injuries, while West Sumatra recorded 22 deaths and 12 missing persons. The city of Sibolga has been among the hardest hit, with over 30 fatalities. Ongoing heavy rains have hampered rescue operations, cutting off access to several areas. Authorities are focusing on evacuating residents and delivering relief supplies, though poor weather and damaged infrastructure have slowed progress. In Aceh province, about 1,500 people have been displaced and power outages reported after flooding and landslides. Indonesia’s state electricity company is working to restore power after a transmission tower collapse. Experts warn that climate change is intensifying monsoon storms, prolonging rainy seasons, and increasing the frequency of flash floods across the region.

US President Donald Trump announced plans to suspend immigration from all so-called 'Third World countries' following the identification of an Afghan national as a suspect in the shooting of two National Guard members in Washington, DC. The move expands his administration’s tightening of immigration policies, including a directive to re-examine all green card applications from 19 'countries of concern' such as Afghanistan, Iran, and Venezuela. Trump stated that the suspension aims to protect national security and end what he called 'Biden’s illegal admissions.' He also pledged to revoke federal benefits for noncitizens and denaturalize migrants deemed threats to public order. US Citizenship and Immigration Services Director Joseph Edlow confirmed a comprehensive review of all green card cases from the listed nations. The announcement follows ongoing reviews of refugee admissions under the Biden administration, with approximately 200,000 cases under scrutiny. The policy marks one of the most restrictive immigration measures since 1980, further limiting refugee and migrant entry into the United States.

BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir has emphasized the importance of respecting differing opinions and ensuring freedom of expression as Bangladesh approaches its upcoming national election, expected in February. Speaking at the biennial conference of the Bangladesh Federal Union of Journalists (BFUJ) in Dhaka, Fakhrul said the nation is eager to return to a democratic system through the polls. He criticized the current political culture where dissenters are often treated as enemies and subjected to misinformation campaigns. Fakhrul also urged journalists to remain independent and focus on their professional responsibilities rather than aligning with political parties. He accused the government of systematically undermining media freedom over the past 15 years. The conference was attended by representatives from 18 affiliated journalist unions across the country, with discussions focusing on organizational and professional issues within the media sector.

At least 128 people have been confirmed dead and around 200 remain missing after a massive fire swept through a residential complex in Hong Kong’s Tai Po district, marking the city’s deadliest blaze in nearly 80 years. The fire broke out Wednesday afternoon at Wang Fuk Court, a cluster of eight 32-story buildings, and was brought under control after two days of firefighting. Hong Kong’s Security Chief Chris Tang said the death toll could rise as police continue searches inside the buildings. Among the victims, 39 have been identified so far, and 79 people, including 12 firefighters, were injured. Officials reported that the fire alarm system malfunctioned during the incident. Authorities suspect that unsafe renovation materials and construction irregularities may have triggered the fire. Three officials from the construction company have been arrested. The complex housed more than 4,600 residents and was under renovation at the time of the tragedy.

Bangladesh’s banking sector is facing a severe crisis marked by record levels of non-performing loans (NPLs), rising capital and provisioning shortfalls, and declining investor confidence. According to the latest Bangladesh Bank data, total bad loans have surged to Tk 6.45 trillion, representing 35.77% of all distributed credit. Analysts attribute this deterioration to years of mismanagement, irregularities, and alleged looting during the previous Awami League government. Experts warn that the incoming government after the February election will inherit a fragile financial system, with nearly half of the country’s banks struggling to survive. Liquidity shortages, high lending rates of 14–18%, and declining deposits are further constraining investment and job creation. Economists fear that without strict action against top defaulters and systemic reforms, the banking sector’s instability could severely undermine Bangladesh’s overall economic recovery and growth prospects.

Bangladesh’s banking sector is facing an unprecedented crisis marked by soaring default loans, capital shortfalls, and declining profitability. Analysts attribute the turmoil to years of mismanagement and irregularities during the previous Awami League government. According to Bangladesh Bank data, non-performing loans (NPLs) have surged to a record Tk 6.45 trillion, representing 35.77% of total disbursed loans. The sector’s provision deficit has also ballooned to Tk 3.2 trillion, while nearly half of all banks are struggling to stay afloat. Experts warn that the liquidity crunch, high interest rates, and eroding depositor confidence could further cripple investment and job creation under the new government. Former Bangladesh Economic Association president Dr. Mainul Islam estimates real NPLs may exceed 40% once written-off and renewed loans are included. Analysts urge strict legal action against top defaulters to restore stability. The worsening situation poses a major challenge for the interim and upcoming elected governments to revive confidence and ensure sustainable economic growth.

The Bangladesh Telecommunication Regulatory Commission (BTRC) will hold its first-ever auction of the 700 MHz radio frequency band on January 14, aiming to expand the country’s telecommunications capacity. The announcement was made by Fayez Ahmed Tayyeb, special assistant to the chief adviser on posts, telecommunications, and IT, who described the move as a major milestone for the sector. The 700 MHz band, valued at around Tk 11,000 crore, has long remained unused due to regulatory and technical challenges. Joint efforts by BTRC, the Posts and Telecommunications Division, and the Ministry of Finance have paved the way for the auction. The spectrum is expected to enhance 4G and 5G network coverage, improve indoor connectivity, and expand rural access with fewer towers. Globally known as a high-value and strategic band, the 700 MHz frequency is considered the “golden band” for densely populated countries like Bangladesh due to its wide coverage and cost efficiency.

A man named Saddam Hossain, 32, was shot dead in a gunfight between two rival groups in Kandipara, Brahmanbaria town, late Thursday night. The clash reportedly stemmed from a dispute over local dominance between groups led by Lion Shakil and Delwar Hossain Dilip, the district convenor of the Swechchhasebak Dal. Saddam, a supporter of Dilip, was allegedly called out of his home before being found shot on the road. His family accused Dilip and his associates of orchestrating the killing to frame their rivals. However, Dilip denied the allegation, claiming that Shakil’s group opened fire, killing Saddam. Police said the incident was linked to an ongoing turf war between the two factions and have begun an investigation. Earlier in the evening, three people were injured in a related shooting between the same groups, escalating tensions in the area.