Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian declared that Iran will not bow to any pressure or threat, speaking at a ceremony marking the death anniversary of former Quds Force commander Qasem Soleimani. The event, reported by Press TV, underscored Iran’s commitment to follow the path shown by its slain commanders, despite external challenges from the United States and Israel.

Pezeshkian described Soleimani as a role model who stood for truth and justice without personal gain. He pledged that Iran would continue on the path of its martyrs with full strength and would not fear sacrifice for the nation, revolution, or national interests. Soleimani was killed in a US drone strike in Baghdad in January 2020.

The president also sharply criticized the United States and Israel, accusing them of engaging in “state terrorism” under the guise of democracy and freedom. The remarks reinforced Iran’s stance of resistance and defiance amid ongoing tensions with these countries.

The interim government of Bangladesh has approved the establishment of a new public medical college and hospital in Munshiganj district. The decision was announced through a circular signed by Md. Saidur Rahman, Secretary of the Health Education and Family Welfare Division, on Thursday. The circular stated that the project has received policy-level approval, and academic activities will begin once the necessary infrastructural development is completed.

According to the report, this is the latest in a series of approvals by the interim government aimed at expanding medical education and healthcare facilities. Earlier, on November 11 of the previous year, the government had granted permission for academic activities at a private institution, Barrister Rafiqul Haque Medical College, located in Jurain, Dhaka.

The new medical college in Munshiganj is expected to enhance access to medical education and healthcare services in the region once construction and development are finalized.

The Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) has launched an intensive campaign to reclaim all four parliamentary constituencies in Bhola ahead of the 13th national election. Each seat features heavyweight BNP candidates, while Jamaat-e-Islami and Islami Andolon Bangladesh are also actively contesting. Despite strong candidates, BNP faces internal disputes in some constituencies, particularly over nominations and coordination with its ally BJP. Jamaat, with single strong contenders in each seat, appears more organized and confident.

In Bhola-1, former mayor Golam Nabi Alamgir leads BNP’s campaign, while Jamaat’s Nazrul Islam has been engaging voters through social and welfare activities. In Bhola-2, former MP Hafiz Ibrahim is working to regain his seat, facing Jamaat’s Mufti Fazlul Karim. Veteran BNP leader Major (Retd.) Hafiz Uddin Ahmed is contesting Bhola-3, where Jamaat-backed Nizamul Haque Nayeem has gained youth support. In Bhola-4, BNP’s Nurul Islam Noyon faces internal divisions, while Jamaat’s Mostafa Kamal is seen as well-positioned.

Political analyst ABM Mojibur Rahman noted that post-July uprising activities will influence voters and emphasized the need for army presence to ensure fair polling.

Thousands of mourners gathered at Sher-e-Bangla Nagar in Dhaka on Thursday to visit the graves of former Prime Minister and BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia and her husband, late President Ziaur Rahman. From dawn until late night, people of all ages and backgrounds arrived at the Zia Udyan mausoleum carrying flowers, reciting prayers, and reading from the Quran. The area turned into a scene of deep mourning and emotion as visitors paid tribute to the late leader.

Many visitors expressed their grief and admiration for Khaleda Zia’s political legacy and personal sacrifices. Among them were families, students, and BNP leaders who described her as a symbol of courage, dignity, and dedication to Bangladesh’s interests. Former press aide and current Bangladeshi ambassador to Mexico, Mushfiqur Fazal Ansari, called her an uncompromising builder of democracy and economic progress. Others pledged to continue her political ideals under the leadership of Tarique Rahman.

Khaleda Zia was buried with state honors on Wednesday beside her husband’s grave at Zia Udyan, following her funeral prayer held earlier that afternoon.

At least 17 people have been killed and 11 injured after sudden floods struck several regions of Afghanistan following heavy rain and snowfall, according to reports on Thursday. In Herat province’s Kabkan area, five members of a single family died when their house roof collapsed. The governor’s spokesperson, Mohammad Yusuf Saeedi, confirmed that two of the victims were children.

Mohammad Yusuf Hammad, spokesperson for Afghanistan’s National Disaster Management Authority (ANDMA), said the casualties occurred in flood-affected districts since Monday. The floods have disrupted daily life across northern, southern, and western parts of the country. Infrastructure damage and livestock deaths have been reported, with around 1,800 families affected. Observation teams have been deployed to the worst-hit areas.

The report noted that decades of conflict, weak infrastructure, deforestation, and the intensifying effects of climate change have worsened the impact of natural disasters, particularly in remote regions. In August, a 6.0-magnitude earthquake killed more than 1,400 people in Afghanistan.

A total of 1,219,142 people have registered through the ‘Postal Vote BD’ app to cast their ballots from abroad in Bangladesh’s 13th National Parliamentary Election. According to the Election Commission (EC) website, as of Friday morning, 1,052,333 men and 166,807 women had completed registration. The EC will send ballot papers by mail to the registered expatriates’ addresses within the specified time.

This marks the first time the EC has introduced an IT-supported postal ballot system. The initiative allows expatriates, individuals in legal custody, and election officials on duty to vote through this method after registering in the app. Registration began on November 19 and will continue until January 5, 2026, following an extension announced on December 30.

The EC stated that registered voters will receive postal ballots by mail, cast their votes, and return them in sealed envelopes to the returning officers. The commission is preparing to hold the election in the first half of February 2026, targeting participation from five million expatriate voters.

Saudi Arabia’s Oversight and Anti-Corruption Authority, known as Nazaha, has arrested 116 government officials on corruption charges following an extensive investigation. The arrests were made after a nationwide campaign in December 2025 targeting bribery and abuse of power. According to a report citing the Arabic daily Okaz, Nazaha questioned 466 individuals as part of the probe.

In an official statement, Nazaha said that 1,440 operations were conducted this month across several ministries, including Interior, Municipal and Rural Affairs, Housing, Education, and Health. The investigation primarily focused on allegations of bribery and misuse of authority. Legal procedures are being completed to hand over the accused to the judiciary, and some detainees have been released on bail under criminal procedure laws.

Nazaha stated that the campaign aims to protect public funds, ensure integrity and accountability, and prevent corruption across the public sector. The authority also urged citizens to report any suspected financial or administrative corruption through its toll-free number 980 or its official website.

Religious Adviser Dr. A F M Khalid Hossain announced that necessary steps have been taken to implement the Dawra-e-Hadith certification for Qawmi madrasa graduates. Speaking on Thursday at the Islamic Foundation auditorium in Agargaon, Dhaka, he said that semi-official letters had been sent to four ministries, and the Law Ministry had already amended regulations to allow Dawra-e-Hadith certificate holders to obtain marriage registrar licenses. He also discussed with the Chief Adviser the possibility of appointing these graduates as khatibs, imams, and religious teachers in various departments under the Ministry of Defence.

Dr. Hossain highlighted that the Ministry of Religious Affairs officials worked tirelessly to secure approval for the project titled “Mosque-based Child and Mass Education Program (Phase 8),” which aims to promote moral and religious values. He added that initiatives are underway to transfer the project to the revenue sector.

He further announced that the Islamic Foundation will offer PhD scholarships in Islamic studies for imams and scholars with postgraduate degrees, with funding being arranged. Additionally, individuals who have made special contributions to Islamic service across the country will be honored later this month.

The National Curriculum and Textbook Board (NCTB) of Bangladesh has made major revisions to the 2026 academic year textbooks, incorporating new historical and political content. The updated editions emphasize the role of late President Ziaur Rahman in declaring independence during the Liberation War and in restoring multiparty democracy after the one-party BAKSAL system. They also include the leadership of Khaleda Zia in the 1990 anti-Ershad movement and the establishment of a democratic government under her leadership.

According to NCTB sources, the revisions were made following recommendations from the National Curriculum Coordination Committee (NCC). The ‘Bangladesh and Global Studies’ textbooks for grades six through ten now present a broader account of the country’s political evolution, including the 1990 uprising, the 2024 July student-people movement, and the fall and escape of Sheikh Hasina. The eighth-grade book details Ziaur Rahman’s 26 March independence declaration from Kalurghat radio, while the ninth-grade book includes his photograph and outlines his political and economic initiatives.

The new textbooks have already been published and uploaded online for students nationwide.

The Bangladesh Meteorological Department has reported that a mild cold wave is currently sweeping across 16 districts, including Rajshahi, Dinajpur, Jessore, and Sylhet. Temperatures are expected to rise slightly over the next two days, easing the cold conditions temporarily. However, the department forecasts that temperatures will fall again after January 4, leading to another spell of cold weather across parts of the country.

According to the latest forecast, nighttime temperatures may increase slightly while daytime temperatures could rise by 1 to 2 degrees Celsius. The weather is expected to remain dry with partly cloudy skies. Moderate to dense fog may occur from midnight to morning in many areas, potentially disrupting air, river, and road transport. The highest temperature recorded on Thursday was 26.5°C in Teknaf, while the lowest was 7.8°C in Jessore.

Meteorologist Tariful Newaz Kabir stated that as January is typically the coldest month of the season, the intensity of winter may increase later in the month.

Ahead of Bangladesh’s 13th parliamentary election, several prominent opposition leaders have submitted their wealth statements along with nomination papers. The disclosures reveal that many heavyweight candidates are millionaires, while some have no property in their own names. BNP’s acting chairman Tarique Rahman declared assets worth Tk 1.96 crore, including fixed deposits and cash, and an annual income of Tk 6.76 lakh from interest and investments. His wife, Dr. Zubaida Rahman, reported assets of Tk 1.53 crore. Jamaat-e-Islami chief Dr. Shafiqur Rahman, contesting from Dhaka-15, declared assets worth Tk 47 lakh, including a duplex house and agricultural land.

Other candidates also revealed varied financial profiles. BNP’s Bobby Hajjaj reported Tk 1.56 crore in cash but no land or house, while Ganadhikar Parishad’s Nurul Haque Nur declared Tk 90 lakh in total assets, mostly inherited. NCP convener Nahid Islam reported Tk 30 lakh in assets, and Maulana Mamunul Haque disclosed Tk 83 lakh in cash and three pending criminal cases. According to the election schedule, nomination scrutiny will continue until January 4, with voting set for February 12.

The asset declarations provide a rare glimpse into the financial standing of key opposition figures as the election campaign gains momentum.

Five students of Bangladesh Agricultural University (BAU) were injured when locals from the Sheshmor area attacked them late on Thursday night, January 1. The incident occurred around 11 p.m. as students from Isha Khan Hall went to the area for dinner. Four students from Isha Khan Hall and one from Maulana Bhasani Hall sustained serious injuries and were first treated at the university’s health care center before being transferred to Mymensingh Medical College Hospital.

According to the report, the conflict began earlier that morning when several outsiders entered a dormitory compound and were detained by students on suspicion of theft. After intervention by hall authorities, the outsiders were released. Later that night, when students went to Sheshmor, locals obstructed them and began throwing bricks and striking them with iron pipes, injuring two students severely. Witnesses said the attack escalated quickly as more students came out of their halls.

University Proctor Professor Md. Abdul Alim stated that police from Mymensingh Kotwali station were conducting operations in the area and that legal action would be taken against those responsible for the assault.

The National Citizen Party (NCP) has issued a clarification regarding confusion surrounding its convener Nahid Islam’s election affidavit, which recently circulated on social media. The party stated that misinformation was being spread about Islam’s declared total assets of 3.2 million taka. In a message sent on Thursday night, NCP joint member secretary Tamim Ahmed explained that Islam’s income during his tenure as an interim government adviser amounted to 1.136 million taka, with an average monthly salary of 165,000 taka over seven months. After resigning, he began working as a consultant at a private firm with a monthly honorarium of 100,000 taka, bringing his total annual income to 1.6 million taka for the 2024–25 fiscal year, on which he paid 113,274 taka in income tax.

The statement further detailed that Islam’s declared assets of 3.216 million taka include earnings from his advisory and consultancy roles, cash in hand, previous savings, and gifts received from relatives at events and weddings. The NCP also denied claims that Islam’s profession was listed as teaching, clarifying that his affidavit identifies him as a consultant and former government adviser. It added that he currently holds only two bank accounts: one at Sonali Bank and another at City Bank opened for election expenses.

A meeting held on Thursday, January 1, at the Chief Adviser’s Office recommended installing digital and manual billboards in densely populated urban areas to clearly present the content of the upcoming referendum linked to the 13th parliamentary election. The directive was issued to mayors, panel mayors, and administrators of all city corporations and municipalities across the country. The meeting was chaired by Professor Ali Riaz, Special Assistant to the Chief Adviser and Chief Coordinator of public awareness activities for the election and referendum.

Officials from the Information Ministry, Local Government Division, and Cultural Affairs Ministry reported that awareness campaigns were already underway through billboards, video content, and mobile publicity vehicles. Seven video contents have been produced, with more in progress. Participants emphasized using social media and local networks, including religious leaders, to reach voters effectively. The meeting also observed a moment of mourning for former Prime Minister and BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia.

The chair urged all city and municipal authorities to display the referendum logo, ballot samples, and leaflets within seven days in major public areas and to maximize publicity using available resources.

Mohammad Shafiul Alam, the Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami candidate for the Chattogram-11 constituency, has objected to a report published in the online edition of the daily Amar Desh regarding his election affidavit. In a written statement issued Thursday night, he described the report as false and misleading. The report, titled “Surprising information in Jamaat candidate’s affidavit!”, claimed that his two sons and one daughter had an annual income of five lakh taka, which Alam denied. He stated that his eldest son’s annual net income was only fifty thousand taka, as clearly mentioned in the affidavit, and that his other two children had no income or assets listed.

Alam further said the report incorrectly described his children’s professions as legal consultants. He clarified that the combined income of his wife and eldest son amounted to five lakh taka, as properly documented in the affidavit. He alleged that the publication of such “false and misleading” news before the election had damaged his personal reputation and electoral image, and that the report had spread widely on social media.

The reporter responded that the story was based entirely on the affidavit submitted to the Election Commission, citing specific columns listing dependents’ professions and income sources.