The trial for the BDR rebellion case begins today at the Alia Madrasa grounds in Dhaka. A temporary court was previously set up at the Government Alia Madrasa and in front of Dhaka Central Jail, but student protests in July-August caused damage to the court building and obstructed proceedings. Due to security and transportation issues, the accused are now held at Keraniganj Central Jail, where a temporary court will be established to ensure smooth trial operations.

After 7.5 years, BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia and her elder son, Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman, emotionally reunited in London. Khaleda Zia, in need of advanced medical care, arrived at Heathrow Airport on Wednesday morning via a special air ambulance. She was welcomed by Tarique, daughter-in-law Zubaida Rahman, and BNP leaders. Khaleda, suffering from severe health issues, will undergo treatment at London Clinic and later Johns Hopkins Hospital in the USA. Her health has deteriorated since her 2018 imprisonment. Her return home may include performing Umrah in Saudi Arabia.

Adviser Asif Mahmud Sajib Bhuiyan has taken responsibility for the family of Felani Khatun, killed by BSF gunfire at the Fulbari border in Kurigram. He will support her siblings' education and employment. Felani was shot dead in 2011 by BSF member Amiya Ghosh, who was later acquitted in trials. Despite appeals, the case has not seen further progress since a postponed hearing in 2018.

The interim government has approved a 3% hike in supplementary duty on mobile services, raising it from 20% to 23%. This increase will further reduce the value of mobile recharges, leaving users with only 43.7 BDT worth of service per 100 BDT recharge. The move has sparked criticism from consumer rights groups, citing rising costs as a barrier to internet accessibility and technological progress. Mobile and internet subscriber numbers have already declined significantly due to escalating costs.

The interim government cited disruptions in textbook printing due to interference by dishonest groups active during the previous government. This year, all textbooks are being printed locally, shifting from earlier reliance on Indian facilities. As of January 6, over 11 crore textbooks have been printed and distributed out of a target of 40 crore. While delays caused inconvenience, the government highlighted the economic benefit to 10-12 lakh local workers and expressed optimism about overcoming challenges soon.

Starting January 8, expatriate Bangladeshis will receive SMS notifications for e-passport delivery, a service previously available only within the country. This initiative aims to minimize inconvenience by notifying applicants when their passports are ready. Efforts are underway to clear a backlog of 197,000 Machine Readable Passports (MRPs), with 182,745 passports already dispatched to embassies within three weeks. To combat fraud and harassment, authorized agents will be appointed to assist applicants, reducing reliance on brokers. Additionally, steps are being taken to streamline passport services and improve the application process at various offices nationwide.

Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV) has been in Bangladesh for decades despite recent outbreaks in Asia. Identified in 2001, it resembles the flu with symptoms like fever and cough, but no fatalities have been linked. Preventive measures, including masks and hand washing, are advised, especially for children, the elderly, and pregnant women. While there's no vaccine, HMPV isn't alarming but should be monitored for its respiratory implications.

India has reduced the export price of onions by $100 per ton, lowering it from $405 to $305, effective January 6, to boost exports. Previously, the high price of Indian onions significantly reduced demand in Bangladesh, causing substantial losses for importers. At $405 per ton, Indian onions were less competitive, especially as local supplies increased. The price cut aims to make Indian onions more affordable in the Bangladeshi market, reducing the cost of opening a letter of credit (LC) by about 4 lakh taka per truck. This adjustment seeks to revitalize demand, balance market dynamics, and ensure both consumer affordability and farmer profitability in light of the changing trade conditions.

French President Emmanuel Macron has accused Elon Musk of interfering in European elections by supporting reactionary movements. Speaking to ambassadors, Macron criticized Musk's influence, especially in Germany's elections, where Musk has endorsed far-right parties. This adds to the tension between European leaders and Musk, who uses his platform, X, to push political views, raising concerns over the impact of tech moguls on democracy and the ethical use of social media in political contexts.

BGB has regained control of a 4.8 km stretch of the Kodla River at Matila, Jhenaidah, previously under BSF. After discussions, BGB now allows local activities like fishing. This was announced in a press conference on January 6 by 58-BGB's Lieutenant Colonel Azizus Shaheed. Locals are enthusiastic, now able to freely use the river for daily tasks, previously barred by BSF restrictions.

The training trip for 50 judicial officers from Bangladesh to India has been called off. The Ministry of Law, Justice, and Parliamentary Affairs revoked the permission today. Previously approved on December 30 for training at Bhopal's judicial academies from February 10 to 20, the plan was backed by the Supreme Court. The cancellation means no judges will travel, and the costs, originally to be borne by India, will not be incurred.

Today, the Supreme Court's Appellate Division dismissed the state's appeal against a High Court judgment that nullified four extortion cases against BNP's Tarique Rahman. The ruling was issued by a bench led by Justice Md Ashfaqul Islam. Additional Attorney General Barrister Aneek Rushd Haque presented the state's case, with Mohammad Abdul Jabber Bhuiyan and Deputy Attorney General Md Jahirul Islam Sumon in attendance. Rahman's defense included senior lawyers like Zainul Abedin. He filed appeals in 2007 and 2008 to quash these cases, which the High Court declared illegal on October 23, 2024. His team was satisfied, labeling the cases as politically motivated.

A message on the digital signboard of Lohagora Ideal Government College in Narail read, "Chatroleague will return in a terrifying form," alongside political slogans. This led to protests by Chhatra Dal members. Discussions and criticism have ensued, with calls for swift investigation and action. The signboard's connection was cut, operators summoned, and the police are investigating. The acting principal did not comment, and there's significant local agitation over the incident.

Amidst controversy, the Satkhira district committee of the Anti-Discrimination Students Movement faces upheaval as eight members resign, challenging the recently announced lineup. They allege the exclusion of key movement leaders and demand a fairer committee formation. This discord follows just days after the committee's official declaration, highlighting internal divisions and calls for restructuring to reflect true leadership and dedication within the movement.

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.