United News of Bangladesh

All necessary arrangements are being made by the security forces and relevant state authorities to allow the public to participate in the funeral of former Prime Minister and BNP Chairperson Begum Khaleda Zia, officials said Tuesday night. According to a press release from the Chief Adviser’s Press Wing, the funeral will be held at Manik Mia Avenue on Wednesday, after Zohr prayers, around 2:00 pm. The coffin will be placed at the western end of Manik Mia Avenue instead of the South Plaza of the National Parliament. The ceremony will take place both inside the National Parliament grounds and across Manik Mia Avenue, with measures in place to ensure that people can participate safely. Roads surrounding the avenue will also be managed to allow public access. After the funeral, around 3:30 pm, Begum Khaleda Zia will be laid to rest with state honors beside the late President and freedom fighter Ziaur Rahman. Members of her family, high-ranking state officials, government authorities, foreign guests, diplomats, and BNP-nominated politicians are expected to attend. Access will be restricted to designated personnel during the burial, and public movement in Zia Udyan, Sher-e-Bangla Nagar, will be limited until the completion of the burial rites.

The aspirants from 51 out of 59 registered political parties, along with hundreds of independent candidates, submitted nominations to contest the upcoming 13th national parliamentary election, according to the data compiled by the Election Commission. Among the parties, the highest 331 aspirants from Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) submitted nomination papers (multiple candidates in some constituencies) to run the election scheduled for February 12, 2026. Besides, 276 aspirants from Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami, 268 from Islami Andolon Bangladesh, 224 from Jatiya Party (JaPa), 104 from Gano Odhikar Parishad, 94 from Bangladesh Khelafat Majlish, 65 from Communist Party of Bangladesh CPB), 53 aspirants from AB Party, 44 from National Citizen Party-NCP, 42 from Insaniat Bangladesh and 41 aspirants from Basod. The other political parties who joined the race have less than 40 aspirants each. Read more: Bangladesh Polls: Registration time for postal voting extended till Jan 5 Several registered parties, including Samyabadi Dal (ML), Krishak Sramik Janata League, NAP, Workers Party, Bikalpadhara Bangladesh, Bangladesh Tarikat Federation, Trinamool BNP and BNM have no aspirants in the election. A total of 2,569 aspirants, including 478 independent candidates, filed nomination papers in the country's 300 constituencies. The Election Commission is now scrutinising the nomination papers before finalising the list of valid candidates for the polls. Chief Election Commissioner AMM Nasir Uddin on December 11 last announced the schedule to arrange the 13th parliamentary election and the referendum on the July National Charter (Constitutional Reform) Implementation Order simultaneously on February 12 next. Read more: Election season kicks off in Bangladesh; 2,582 candidates submitted nomination papers According to the election schedule, the deadline for the submission of nomination papers was December 29, while the last date for the withdrawal of candidature is January 20. The election campaign will start on January 22 and continue till 48 hours before the balloting period (7:30am on February 10). The time for the scrutiny of nomination papers is on December 30-January 4, while the appeals against the decisions of the returning officers can be filed from January 5 to 9 and the appeals will be settled from January 10 to 18.

Jamaat-e-Islami Nayeb-e-Ameer Syed Abdullah Muhammad Taher on Tuesday said former Prime Minister Begum Khaleda Zia was the most popular leader Bangladesh has ever seen. “If we make an assessment up to this moment, Begum Khaleda Zia was the most popular leader in Bangladesh. Today, the entire nation is united, without any question, in mourning her and paying respect,” he told reporters. Taher made the remarks around 7:45pm in front of the BNP Chairperson’s political office in Gulshan, after signing the condolence book opened there in memory of Khaleda Zia. He said Khaleda Zia was an uncompromising leader in the struggle to establish people’s rights. “She proved this through every step of her political life. She was very patriotic and never compromised on national interests, even under pressure from powerful neighbours. Because of this, she often became a victim of political persecution,” he said. The Jamaat leader also said during her illness, people from all political backgrounds prayed anxiously for her recovery and stood united. “That itself shows how widely she was loved and respected,” he said. “Khaleda Zia died with the highest honour and love from the people. She was successful in her political life. The nation should now fulfil its responsibilities by following her patriotism and dedication to the country,” Taher said. Khaleda Zia passed away around 6:00 am on Tuesday at Evercare Hospital after receiving treatment for more than a month.

An Ansar member was killed by gunfire from a colleague at a garment factory in Bhaluka, Mymensingh on Monday evening. Police have arrested the accused Ansar member in connection with the incident. The incident occurred around 7:00 pm at Sultana Sweaters Limited, a Labib Group factory in Mehrabari area of Bhaluka upazila. The deceased, Bajendra Biswas, 40, was the son of Probita Biswas from Kadirpur village, Sadar, Sylhet. The accused, Noman Mia, hails from Baluturi Bazar area under Taherpur police station in Sunamganj district. Both were working at the factory. According to police and local sources, 20 Ansar members were on duty at the factory at the time. Bajendra and Noman were seated together when a shot was accidentally fired from a shotgun in Noman’s hand, hitting Bajendra in his left arm. He was critically injured and rushed to Bhaluka Upazila Health Complex by colleagues, where the duty doctor declared him dead. Bhaluka Model Police Station Officer-in-Charge Zahidul Islam said the accused Noman Mia was arrested immediately after the incident. The deceased’s body has been sent to Mymensingh Medical College Hospital for autopsy. Legal proceedings are ongoing, and a detailed investigation into the incident is underway.

Gonoforum Emeritus President Dr Kamal Hossain on Tuesday described late BNP Chairperson and former Prime Minister Begum Khaleda Zia as an inspiration of Bangladesh’s democratic struggle. In a condolence message, he also expressed deep sorrow over Khaleda’s death and conveyed sympathy to her bereaved family members and BNP leaders and activists. “We have lost a patriot and a democratic guardian with the passing of Begum Khaleda Zia. She will remain a unique source of inspiration in the country’s democratic struggle,” he said. Dr Kamal said Khaleda Zia took charge of her party at a difficult time and, under her capable leadership, BNP became united and earned the confidence of the people. He said her uncompromising leadership during the anti-autocracy movement of the 1990s, the formation of the outline of the three alliances, and her role in the restoration of democracy would be remembered by the nation lifelong with deep respect. Dr Kamal also recalled Khaleda Zia’s role in establishing the parliamentary system in Bangladesh and her repeated imprisonment during democratic movements, saying her refusal to compromise with injustice set a shining example for future generations. He observed that the people of the country never accepted the boundless oppression, persecution and humiliation inflicted upon her during the previous Awami League government; rather, she emerged as a shining symbol of the people’s aspirations. In his message, Dr Kamal prayed for the salvation of Khaleda’s departed soul and urged the country’s people to pray for her.

A fire broke out at a six-storey building in Ichapura Bazar, Sirajdikhan, Munshiganj, on Tuesday afternoon, but prompt action by the fire service prevented major damage. The blaze started around 4:30 pm on the ground floor mobile shop ‘Payel Telecom’ at Khaja Tower, a six-storey commercial building, according to local sources. Muhammad Shafikul Islam, Deputy Director of Munshiganj Fire Service, said two units from Sirajdikhan Fire Station rushed to the scene and brought the fire under control within about half an hour. He added that mobile phones and various servicing equipment inside the shop were damaged in the fire, but no casualties were reported. Initial investigations suggest the fire may have been caused by an electrical short circuit. The fire was confined to the shop where it started and did not spread to surrounding stores, averting a potentially larger disaster, the fire service said. A technical investigation into the incident is ongoing.

Two brothers were injured in an explosion caused by a gas burner leakage at a restaurant in the capital’s Bashundhara area on Tuesday evening. The incident occurred around 6:45pm at Dhali Food Corner while a gas stove line was being repaired, said Imaul Islam, officer-in-charge of Vatara Police Station. He said the blast took place due to a gas line leakage during the repair work of the burner, but no cylinder explosion occurred. The injured were identified as Shah Ali and Sabuj, sons of Monjurul. They were taken to a nearby hospital for primary treatment, and their injuries are not serious, the OC added.

Jahangirnagar University (JU) has published the results of the 2025–26 academic year admission test for the first-year undergraduate (honours) batch-55 ‘A’ unit, which includes the Faculty of Mathematical and Physical Sciences and the Institute of Information Technology. The results were released Tuesday on the university’s official admission website. According to university sources, a total of 60,351 candidates applied for 426 seats in the ‘A’ unit this year, meaning an average of nearly 140 students competed for a single seat. The JU administration said detailed information regarding the admission process and results can be accessed at the university’s admission portal: ‘ju-admission.org’. The first-year undergraduate (honours) admission tests for the 2025–26 academic year started on December 21 and concluded on December 29.

Professor AZM Zahid Hossain, personal physician of BNP Chairperson and former Prime Minister Begum Khaleda Zia, on Tuesday recalled her deep sense of motherly affection towards those around her. He shared his memories while speaking to journalists at the BNP Chairperson’s Gulshan office. “Those of us who had the opportunity to work closely with Begum Khaleda Zia saw two sides of her,” Dr Zahid said. “On the one hand, she was truly a guardian figure, and on the other, she cared for us with deep motherly affection.” He said no one could leave her residence without eating. “She would always ask whether the doctors had eaten, whether those working with her had been served food,” he recalled. Dr Zahid, also a BNP Standing Committee member, said Khaleda was attentive even to small details. “If a doctor arrived a little late, she would ask why it took so long. She would say, ‘I have been waiting.’ When she was at home, specialist doctors visited her every day, and she spoke to everyone.” He urged the country’s people to pray to Almighty Allah to grant her Jannah. “May Allah give the leaders and activists of BNP the strength to bear this loss, and grant BNP Acting Chairman the strength to carry out his responsibilities amid this grief.” Asked when he last spoke to Khaleda Zia, Dr Zahid said dialysis began on December 1 and she was later placed on elective ventilation. “Even after that, there were times when we spoke to her. When we visited, she tried to respond and answer our questions.” He said doctors always acted according to her physical condition. “As physicians, we never do anything that could worsen a patient’s condition. At this moment, given my mental state, it is difficult for me to specify exactly when our last conversation took place.” Dr Zahid noted that whenever they visited her, she was responsive. “If she was asked something, she always tried to reply.” Khaleda Zia passed away at around 6:00am on Tuesday at Evercare Hospital, where she had been undergoing treatment for more than a month. Following her death, the BNP announced a seven-day mourning programme, during which party flags will be kept at half-mast and black flags will be hoisted at all offices of the party. Khaleda will be laid to rest beside her husband and late President Ziaur Rahman at Sher-e-Bangla Nagar in the capital, following her namaz-e-janaza at the South Plaza of the Jatiya Sangsad Bhaban on Wednesday afternoon.

Feni is in deep mourning following the death of BNP Chairperson and former Prime Minister Begum Khaleda Zia. She passed away at 6:00 am Tuesday at Evercare Hospital in Dhaka after battling illness for 37 days. Residents of Feni, particularly in her ancestral village of Majumdar Bari in South Sripur, Fulgazi, were seen weeping as news of her death spread. Locals described the former Prime Minister as a leader who cared deeply for her people, often visiting her village and personally inquiring about their welfare despite tight security during her tenure. Tavith Awal, president of the Bangladesh Football Federation and a native of Daganbhuiyan, called her death “one of the saddest days in Bangladesh’s history,” praising her sacrifices for democracy and her unwavering leadership. BNP leaders and local residents recalled Khaleda Zia’s compassion, her respect for elders, and affection for the young. Many expressed personal grief, saying her guidance and mentorship had left a lasting impact on their lives. Khaleda Zia was born Khaleda Khanam Putul on August 15, 1945, in Dinajpur. She studied at Mission School and Dinajpur Government Girls’ High School before marrying Ziaur Rahman in 1960. She was elected to parliament five times from Feni-1 and served as Prime Minister three times. Her passing leaves a void in both her party and the nation. Tributes and prayers for her soul and her family continue to pour in from across Feni and beyond.

Sardar Ayaz Sadiq, Speaker of Pakistan’s National Assembly, will represent Pakistan at the funeral of former Prime Minister and BNP Chairperson Begum Khaleda Zia on Wednesday. The announcement was confirmed by Pakistan’s Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar through his verified X account. Begum Khaleda Zia passed away on Tuesday morning at Evercare Hospital in Dhaka after battling illness for 37 days. Her funeral will take place at her ancestral home in Majumdar Bari, South Sripur, Fulgazi, Feni.

Three-time Prime Minister and five-time MP Khaleda Zia, daughter of Feni, was known for personally interacting with villagers at her ancestral home in South Sripur, Fulgazi, despite tight security during her tenure. Locals recalled that she would remove security barriers to speak directly with people about local issues and development projects. Mohammad Jamal Uddin Khondakar, former imam of the local mosque and founder of Iskandaria Madrasa, said, “She would call villagers closer, speak to each person individually, and inquire about their well-being and local affairs.” Neighbor Monara Akter added, “We could only peek from a distance, but she would have security step aside to talk with us face-to-face.” Ismail Bhuiya Tipu, joint convener of Fulgazi Upazila Jubo Dal, recalled being called forward by her during a visit and talking for 40 minutes, a memory he described as priceless. Local and family sources said Khaleda Zia had also visited her father’s grave in 2008 before starting election campaigning from Fulgazi. Her ancestral residence houses a mosque, madrasa, school, and college for public use. Her cousin Shamim Hossain Majumdar said, “She respected elders and cared deeply for children. Her death is an irreparable loss for the nation.” Khaleda Zia, born Khaleda Khanum Putul on Aug 15, 1945, in Dinajpur, served as Prime Minister after being elected five times as MP from Feni-1 constituency.

The Ministry of Home Affairs has directed that no assemblies or programmes, including the Bishwa Ijtema, be held at the Tongi Ijtema ground during the pre-election period to ensure the smooth conduct of the 13th Jatiya Sangsad election and the 2026 referendum. The directive was issued on Tuesday through a letter sent to the Inspector General of Police (IGP). According to the letter, requests had been made to organise Khurujer Jor from January 2–4 and Bishwa Ijtema-2026 from January 22–24 at the Tongi Ijtema ground. However, considering the need to ensure a free, fair, peaceful and uninterrupted election and referendum, the ministry asked the IGP to take necessary measures to prevent any gatherings or events, including Khurujer Jor and the Bishwa Ijtema, at the venue during the pre-election period. The letter also noted that keeping the Tongi Ijtema ground free of assemblies during the election period is necessary in view of overall law and order, public safety and administrative preparedness surrounding the nationally significant election and referendum. The Home Ministry instructed the police and all concerned authorities to take required steps and ensure full cooperation in implementing the directive.

Shafiqul Islam, one of the July warriors who was shot during the July Uprising, has died after battling complications for nearly one and a half years. Shafiqul, a resident of Haluaghat upazila in Mymensingh, breathed his last at around 7am on Monday while undergoing treatment at Shaheed Tajuddin Ahmad Medical College Hospital in Gazipur. Physicians of the hospital said he died after suffering from pneumonia. Shafiqul was the son of Abdus Samad of Dorshapara village under Haluaghat upazila. He had been living with his family in the Tongi East area of Gazipur City Corporation. According to family members and local sources, Shafiqul Islam was officially recognised as a July fighter and enlisted in the government gazette, bearing gazette number 722. He sustained a bullet injury on his right thigh on August 5 last year while taking part in the uprising in the Azampur area of Uttara. Following the incident, he was initially treated at Dhaka Medical College Hospital and later referred to the National Institute of Traumatology and Orthopaedic Rehabilitation (NITOR). Since then, he had been receiving treatment at different hospitals for a prolonged period. Although necessary documents were prepared to send him abroad for advanced medical treatment at government initiative, Shafiqul allegedly declined to go overseas for treatment. Ridwan Siddiqui, a representative of the Haluaghat July martyrs and injured cell, said Shafiqul’s janaza will be held on Wednesday at 10am at the Mama Pagla Mazar Mosque premises in Dorshapara. He will be buried at his family graveyard after the funeral prayers. Meanwhile, Al Noor Mohammad Ayas, coordinator of the Shaheed and Injured Cell of the Anti-Discrimination Students’ Movement central committee, said Shafiqul’s death is a reminder that many injured July fighters are still deprived of proper medical care, while families of martyrs continue to be denied justice.

Nepalese Foreign Affairs Minister Bala Nanda Sharma will attend the state funeral of former Prime Minister and Chairperson of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party Begum Khaleda Zia and pay last respects on behalf of the government and the people of Nepal. The Foreign Minister’s visit reflects Nepal’s deep respect for the late leader’s contributions to strengthening Nepal–Bangladesh relations during her three tenures as Prime Minister, said the Nepalese Ministry of Foreign Affairs. During the visit, Minister Sharma will be accompanied by senior officials of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The Foreign Minister is scheduled to arrive at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport on Tuesday night (11:25pm) by a Biman Bangladesh Airlines flight and to return to Kathmandu on January 1.

The body of BNP Chairperson and former Prime Minister Begum Khaleda Zia will be kept at the Evercare Hospital mortuary overnight before being taken to her Gulshan residence on Wednesday morning. “Madam’s (Khaleda’s) body has been kept at the Evercare Hospital mortuary for the night. On Wednesday morning, it will be taken to her residence Feroza,” said BNP media cell member Sayrul Kabir Khan. He said family members and close relatives will bid her final farewell at her residence, Feroza, where she had been living since April 20, 2011. After being evicted from her cantonment residence by the Awami League government in November 2010, the BNP Chairperson initially stayed for a few days on a second-floor apartment in a five-storey building in Gulshan-2, owned by her brother Shamim Eskander. Later, she moved to Feroza, a two-storey rented house built on one bigha of land. From Feroza, Sayrul said, Khaleda’s body will be taken to the South Plaza of the Jatiya Sangsad, where her namaz-e-janaza will be held at 2:00 pm. Following the janaza, she will be laid to rest beside the grave of her husband, late President Ziaur Rahman, at Zia Udyan in Sher-e-Bangla Nagar, Dhaka. Khaleda Zia passed away around 6:00 am on Tuesday at Evercare Hospital after receiving treatment for more than a month.

A seven-year-old child was allegedly raped after her hands, legs and mouth were tied in Chandina upazila of Cumilla. The injured child is currently receiving treatment at Cumilla Medical College Hospital. Police arrested an 18-year-old youth, Tushar Ahmed, in connection with the incident. He was detained on Tuesday afternoon from Barkait village under Chandina upazila. Tushar is the son of expatriate Faridul Islam Shahid of Daburibari area in the same village. According to police and family members, the incident occurred on Friday (December 26) afternoon. The victim’s grandmother said Tushar’s grandmother called the child from her home to pick bael fruit from a tree. After picking the fruit, the accused allegedly took the child into a room, tied her hands, legs and mouth, and raped her before fleeing after opening the door. The child was taken to Chandina Upazila Health Complex in a bleeding condition and was later admitted to Cumilla Medical College Hospital for advanced treatment, she added. Following the incident, some local influential individuals allegedly sided with the accused and attempted to resolve the matter locally. They reportedly tried to suppress the incident by offering money to the child’s poor father, a rickshaw puller. As a result, the incident did not become widely known in the area for three days. The matter came to light on Tuesday after it spread by word of mouth. Later in the afternoon, journalists visited the spot and informed the police, prompting immediate action. Police subsequently arrested the accused, Tushar, without delay. Chandina Police Station Officer-in-Charge (OC) Atikur Rahman said that police detained the accused as soon as they learned of the incident. He added that legal proceedings in this regard are currently underway.

Marginalised and low-income communities in Bangladesh face a severe healthcare crisis as potential medicine price hikes following the country’s LDC graduation threaten to halt their access to essential treatment. The findings were revealed in a research report presented today by ‘Bangladesh LDC Graduation Watch’ during a discussion meeting at the Economic Reporters Forum (ERF) auditorium in Dhaka. The session began with a minute of silence in memory of former Prime Minister Begum Khaleda Zia, who passed away earlier this morning. The study, which focused on 100 low-income individuals from the Dalit community in Dhaka and tea workers in Srimangal, highlighted the crushing financial burden of healthcare- Income Depletion: Low-income families already spend an average of 33 percent of their monthly earnings on medicine. In extreme cases, such as cancer treatment, some families spend up to 135 percent of their total income. Treatment Discontinuation: Due to past price increases, 84 percent of women and 53 percent of men have already either stopped their treatment or reduced their dosages. Future Risks: If prices rise by another 20-30 percent, approximately 23 percent of women and 29 percent of men will be unable to afford any treatment. Furthermore, about 60 percent of both men and women indicated they would have to take loans to continue their medical care. Speaking at the event, Firoz Ahmed, a member of the Constitution Reform Committee, noted that while healthcare is a fundamental right in the constitution, it remains unenforceable by courts. He emphasized that the state must ensure medical treatment for all citizens before graduating from the LDC status. Pavel Partha, Director of BARCIK, warned that international trade agreements post-graduation, particularly the TRIPS Agreement, could cause immeasurable damage to the pharmaceutical sector. Additionally, representatives for tea and garment workers shared harrowing accounts of occupational health hazards, noting that workers often lose their ability to work after just 12 years and cannot afford the rising costs of medicines on their meager wages. Zakir Hossain, CEO of Nagorik Uddyog, concluded the meeting by pledging further research and advocacy to mitigate the negative impacts of LDC graduation on the country's most vulnerable populations.

Bangladesh Bank has finalised the scheme to merge five troubled Shariah-based banks into a single entity named ‘Sammilito Islami Bank PLC’. This newly formed bank will acquire First Security Islami Bank, Social Islami Bank, Union Bank, Global Islami Bank, and EXIM Bank. The central bank released the detailed resolution scheme on Tuesday, outlining a unique capital structure and a plan for depositor repayment. The policy sets the authorized capital of the new bank at Tk40,000 crore, with a paid-up capital of Tk35,000 crore. The capital will be divided into three classes of shareholders: Class A Shareholders: The government has provided Tk20,000 crore as capital, making it the primary shareholder. Class B Shareholders: Tk7,500 crore from the fixed deposits of institutional depositors (banks and financial institutions) within the five merging banks will be converted into shares. Class C Shareholders: Another Tk7,500 crore from the fixed deposits of other non-bank institutional depositors will also be converted into shares. However, certain entities are exempt from this mandatory share conversion. These include educational and religious institutions, hospitals, provident and gratuity funds, joint ventures, multinational companies, and foreign embassies. Protection for Individual Depositors: Bangladesh Bank has introduced specific measures to protect the interests of general depositors- Full Protection: Deposits up to Tk2.0 lakh are fully secured under the ‘Deposit Insurance Act’ and can be withdrawn at any time. Installment Withdrawals: For deposits exceeding Tk2.0 lakh, withdrawals from current and savings accounts will be allowed in installments over a period of 24 months. Humanitarian Exception: In a compassionate move, patients suffering from critical illnesses like cancer or those requiring kidney dialysis will be allowed to withdraw funds beyond the stipulated limits to cover medical expenses. The central bank also unveiled the logo of the newly formed "Sammilito Islami Bank" alongside the issuance of this notification. This merger marks a significant step by the regulator to stabilize the Islamic banking sector in Bangladesh.

Japanese Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Takaichi Sanae and Motegi Toshimitsu have expressed condolence at the passing of former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia. Takaichi Sanae and Motegi Toshimitsu extended their messages of condolences to Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus and Foreign Affairs Adviser Md Touhid Hossain separately on Tuesday. They also expressed sincere condolences and paid tributes for Khaleda Zia for her endeavours which built the foundation for the development of Japan-Bangladesh relations for today. Khaleda Zia, the three-time prime minister, breathed her last around 6am at Evercare Hospital in Dhaka while undergoing treatment there. Meanwhile, the government announced a three-day national mourning and a holiday for Wednesday to show respect to Khaleda Zia. Her namaz-e-janaza will be held at the South Plaza of Jatiya Sangsad Bhaban at 2pm. Later, she will be laid to rest beside the grave of party founder and her husband former President Ziaur Rahman.

Bangladesh plunged into deep mourning on Tuesday as people from all walks of life--political leaders, business figures, social and cultural activists, and religious organisations -- mourned the passing of former Prime Minister and BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia, one of the most influential figures in the country’s political history. Reflecting the scale of national grief, the interim government led by Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus announced a three-day national mourning, along with a public holiday on Wednesday, expressing profound shock at the loss. Condolences also poured in from different countries. Diplomatic missions stationed in Dhaka and several heads of government expressed their deep sympathies at the death of Khaleda Zia, wife of former Shaheed President Ziaur Rahman and mother of BNP’s Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman. Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed deep sorrow, recalling his personal interaction with the former prime minister. “I recall my warm meeting with her in Dhaka in 2015. We hope that her vision and legacy will continue to guide our partnership. May her soul rest in peace,” he said in a condolence message, noting her enduring influence on Dhaka–Delhi relations. Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif said he was deeply saddened by the passing of Khaleda Zia.“Her lifelong service to Bangladesh and its growth and development leaves a lasting legacy,” he said. Curtain falls on a political giant as Khaleda Zia passes into history A number of high-level foreign dignitaries from India, Pakistan, Bhutan and the Maldives are expected to attend Khaleda Zia’s funeral on Wednesday to pay their last respects. Among the likely attendees are Indian External Affairs Minister Dr S Jaishankar and Pakistan’s Foreign Minister and Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar. International media outlets also highlighted her death prominently. Alongside local media, global platforms such as Al Jazeera, DW, CNN and NDTV ran headlines and in-depth reports outlining her political journey and legacy. President Mohammed Shahabuddin described Khaleda Zia’s death as an irreparable loss to the nation. In a condolence message, he said her uncompromising role in establishing democracy and safeguarding the rights of people would remain memorable in Bangladesh’s political history, according to the President’s Office. He prayed for the eternal peace of her soul and expressed his deepest sympathy to the bereaved family. Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus termed Khaleda Zia a towering figure in the country’s democratic movement. “With the sad demise of Begum Khaleda Zia, the nation has lost one of its most significant political guardians. I am deeply saddened and shocked by her death,” he said. He said that she was not merely a political leader but “an inseparable chapter in the history of Bangladesh,” noting that in recognition of her long struggle, historic contributions and the deep sentiment of the people, the government had earlier this month declared her a person of great national importance. Several advisers, including Syeda Rizwana Hasan, expressed deep sorrow at her passing. Her son and BNP’s acting chairman Tarique Rahman paid an emotional tribute, remembering her as both a devoted mother and a steadfast guardian of the nation. “My mother, BNP Chairperson Begum Khaleda Zia, has responded to the call of Almighty Allah and left us today. Inna lillahi wa inna ilayhi raji'un (Indeed, we belong to Allah, and to Him we shall return),” he wrote in an emotional post on his verified Facebook page. Khaleda to be laid to rest beside Zia; Janaza at Parliament’s South Plaza BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir also expressed shock and sorrow, while leaders from other political parties, including Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer Dr Shafiqur Rahman and the NCP Convener, conveyed their condolences, describing her death as a profound loss to the nation. Khaleda Zia breathed her last around 6:00 am on Tuesday while undergoing treatment at Evercare Hospital in Dhaka. Serving as chairperson of the BNP until her demise, she remained a formidable political force and, notably, never lost a national election since joining politics. As Bangladesh prepares to bid farewell, the outpouring of grief at home and abroad underscores Khaleda Zia’s enduring imprint on the nation’s political landscape and her lasting legacy in the history of Bangladesh.

More than 3 million individual taxpayers have so far submitted their income tax returns online for the current 2025–26 tax year, reflecting a sharp rise in the use of Bangladesh’s e-return system, according to the National Board of Revenue (NBR). The NBR said around 4.5 million taxpayers have already registered on the e-return platform, while over 3 million have completed submission of their returns through the system to date. The online filing initiative was formally inaugurated on 4 August 2025 by Finance Adviser Dr Salehuddin Ahmed via the NBR’s official portal, www.etaxnbr.gov.bd. Under a special order issued this year, online submission of income tax returns has been made mandatory for all categories of individual taxpayers, with specific exemptions. Those exempted include senior citizens aged 65 years and above, physically challenged and special needs taxpayers, Bangladeshis residing abroad, legal representatives filing returns on behalf of deceased taxpayers, and foreign nationals working in Bangladesh. However, the NBR noted that many taxpayers from the exempted categories are also voluntarily opting for online filing. Monthly data show a steady and significant increase in e-return submissions. In August 2025, 251,784 taxpayers filed returns online, followed by 301,302 in September and 454,076 in October. The number rose sharply in November to 1,040,472, while nearly 1 million taxpayers have already submitted e-returns in December so far. By comparison, only 1,002,298 taxpayers had filed e-returns during the same period last year. To facilitate taxpayers, the government has extended the deadline for filing income tax returns until 31 January 2026. The NBR expressed optimism that more than 4 million taxpayers will submit their returns within the extended timeframe this year. Although online filing is not compulsory for Bangladeshis living abroad, the NBR has introduced a simplified mechanism to bring them under the digital system. Expatriate taxpayers can apply for registration by emailing basic information such as passport number, national identity card number and email address to [email protected]. Upon verification, an OTP and registration link are sent to the applicant’s email address, enabling overseas Bangladeshis to register and submit their income tax returns online. In addition, authorised representatives are now able to file e-returns on behalf of taxpayers under the current system. The NBR highlighted that the e-return platform allows taxpayers to file returns without uploading any supporting documents. Taxpayers can directly enter accurate details of their income, expenditure, assets and liabilities into the system and pay taxes online using debit or credit cards, internet banking or mobile financial services such as bKash and Nagad. Upon submission, taxpayers can instantly generate and print an acknowledgement slip and an automated income tax certificate. If any error is detected in a submitted return, taxpayers can file a revised return directly through the e-return system within 180 days of the original submission. So far, nearly 30,000 taxpayers have already submitted revised returns for the 2025–26 tax year. To make the process more user-friendly, the NBR has arranged training programmes on the e-return system for taxpayers as well as authorised representatives, including income tax lawyers, chartered accountants, cost and management accountants, and chartered secretaries. A dedicated call centre has also been set up to provide real-time assistance, with taxpayers able to seek immediate support by calling 09643-71-71-71. In addition, taxpayers can report e-return-related issues in writing through the eTax Service option on the NBR website, while e-return help desks established at all tax zones across the country are providing services and guidance during office hours. The NBR has urged all individual taxpayers to use the e-return system and submit their income tax returns for the 2025–26 tax year by the extended deadline of 31 January 2026.

Chattogram Deputy Commissioner Mohammad Zahidul Islam Mian has taken responsibility for the treatment, safety and rehabilitation of two ailing siblings rescued from a roadside in Anwara upazila amid severe cold. The DC took charge of the children on Tuesday, directing officials to ensure medical care, protection and long-term rehabilitation. The children—four-year-old girl Ayesha and her two-year-old brother Morshed-were rescued on Sunday evening from the Majargate area of Barkhain union under the upazila. According to the girl, their home is in the Moulvir Dokan area of Satkania upazila. Their parents are Khoreshed Alam and Jhinuk Akhter. On Monday, a video showing the sister carrying her brother on lap sitting along a roadside circulated on social media, triggering huge criticism over the matter. After reports of the children’s condition on social media, the DC instructed Anwara Upazila Nirbahi Officer (UNO) Tahmina Akhter to take immediate action. Following primary treatment, the children were brought to the DC’s office on Tuesday. Despite being engaged in election-related duties, the DC reviewed the children’s physical condition and overall circumstances. Considering the boy’s severe weakness and illness, he was admitted to Chattogram General Hospital for further treatment. The DC also provided financial assistance to cover medical and immediate needs. Officials were instructed to ensure there is no negligence in the children’s care. The DC also directed the Department of Social Services to take steps for their safety and rehabilitation. The children were rescued by a local CNG-run auto-rickshaw driver, Mahim Uddin, who found them sitting by the roadside in the cold. His wife, Sharmin Akhter, said both children were ill and that the younger one is physically challenged, adding that they bathed the children with warm water and fed them, which provided some relief. After locals informed the administration, the district authorities moved swiftly to take measures, including treatment. In recognition of the rescue, the DC awarded Mahim Uddin Tk 10,000 in cash. Mahim said he rescued the children out of humanitarian concern, adding that the DC’s encouragement further motivated him. DC Zahidul said the administration would ensure the children are raised in a safe and secure environment with necessary support for their future. He said, “We all naturally love our own children the most. But those who can go beyond their own children and embrace the children of others are truly human.” Anwara Police Station Sub-Inspector Momen Kanti Dey said the DC’s actions reflected genuine humanitarian values.    

Russia’s nuclear-capable Oreshnik missile system has officially entered active service in Belarus, the Russian Defense Ministry announced Tuesday, as U.S.-led efforts to broker a resolution to the nearly four-year war in Ukraine reach a critical stage. A ministry video showed mobile intermediate-range ballistic missile vehicles conducting forest maneuvers as part of combat training. Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko earlier confirmed the arrival of up to 10 Oreshnik systems in the country. Russian President Vladimir Putin had said the missiles would enter combat duty before year-end, warning that Moscow would pursue further gains in Ukraine if Kyiv and its Western allies rejected Russia’s peace demands. The announcement coincides with high-profile U.S.-mediated diplomacy. President Donald Trump hosted Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy in Florida over the weekend, describing Kyiv and Moscow as “closer than ever” to a deal, though major disputes remain over troop withdrawals and control of the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant. Putin previously tested a conventional Oreshnik strike in Ukraine in November 2024. He claims the missile’s multiple warheads reach speeds of up to Mach 10 and are virtually unstoppable, with conventional strikes potentially as devastating as nuclear ones. Moscow has warned the West that the missiles could target nations assisting Ukraine with long-range attacks on Russia. Belarusian authorities said the Oreshnik has a range of up to 5,000 kilometers (3,100 miles). Russian media highlighted it could reach a Polish air base in 11 minutes and NATO headquarters in Brussels in 17. The missile’s payload—nuclear or conventional—cannot be verified before impact. The deployment underscores Belarus’ growing military and political dependence on Russia. Opposition leader Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya criticized the move, while the country’s history of hosting Russian tactical nuclear weapons and the 2024 revised Russian nuclear doctrine further extend Moscow’s influence. Source: AP 

China’s People’s Liberation Army (PLA) continued large-scale military exercises around Taiwan on Tuesday, staging live-fire drills as part of “Justice Mission 2025” to signal its ability to deter external support for the island. Taiwanese authorities said some Chinese rounds landed closer to the island than in previous exercises. The drills disrupted civilian life, with Taiwan’s Civil Aviation Administration establishing seven temporary “danger zones,” leading to over 150 international and domestic flight delays or cancellations. The PLA’s Eastern Theater Command deployed destroyers, frigates, fighters, and bombers north and south of Taiwan, while ground forces conducted long-range live-fire drills. Command spokesperson Li Xi said the exercises achieved “desired effects.” Taiwan’s Defense Ministry reported detecting 130 Chinese aircraft, 14 military ships, eight other official vessels, and a Chinese balloon between Monday and Tuesday. Ninety aircraft crossed the median line of the Taiwan Strait. President Lai Ching-te condemned the drills, pledging Taiwan would act responsibly without provoking conflict. The exercises are part of a broader Chinese strategy to pressure Taiwan, which Beijing claims as its territory, and to challenge the Democratic Progressive Party’s arms purchases from the U.S. Last week, China imposed sanctions on 20 U.S. defense companies and 10 executives following a $10 billion arms sale to Taipei. Tensions also extended to Japan, as Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi criticized Tokyo for statements suggesting military involvement if China attacked Taiwan, calling for vigilance against “resurgence of Japanese militarism.” Locally, Taiwan’s fishing communities faced economic losses as the exercises restricted access to fishing zones. Chen Wen-chin of the Keelung District Fishermen’s Association said radio alerts were broadcast hourly to guide fishermen away from dangerous areas. Source: AP 

Australian authorities said Tuesday that the two men accused of killing 15 people at a Jewish event on Bondi Beach acted alone and were not part of a broader terrorist cell. Police confirmed that Sajid Akram, 50, and his son Naveed Akram, 24, traveled to the Philippines on November 1, arriving in Manila before transiting to Davao City, and returned to Sydney on November 29. Early investigations suggest they did not undergo training or logistical preparation for the December 14 attack, with authorities noting the pair “rarely left their hotel” during the visit. Australian Federal Police Commissioner Krissy Barrett said CCTV footage from the Philippines is under review and initial assessments indicate the men acted independently. “There is no evidence to suggest these alleged offenders were part of a broader terrorist cell or were directed by others,” she said, adding that the investigation is ongoing and new information may emerge. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said the alleged gunmen appeared motivated by Islamic State ideology. Sajid Akram was killed by police during the attack, while Naveed Akram, hospitalized afterward, faces 59 charges, including 15 counts of murder and one of committing a terrorist act, and is due in court in April. Source: BBC

Wall Street stocks remained mostly flat as trading for 2025 nears its conclusion. Early Tuesday, the Dow slipped 0.3%, the S&P 500 edged down 0.1%, and the Nasdaq rose slightly by less than 0.1%. The main activity, however, continues in the commodities market, where gold, silver, and copper recovered after steep losses the previous day. Gold rose 1.3%, silver surged 7.7%, and copper climbed 3%, while oil increased 0.6%. Monday’s declines followed the Chicago Mercantile Exchange’s request for traders to post additional funds to trade precious metals. Gold futures jumped 1.7% Tuesday after dropping 4.6% on Monday, marking over a 64% increase for the year. Silver futures advanced 7.7% after falling 8.7% and have more than doubled in 2025. Copper also regained some losses with a 3.1% gain and has risen more than 42% this year, its best annual performance in 16 years, driven by strong demand linked to energy infrastructure and AI technology. Mining stocks, including Freeport-McMoRan and Newmont, rebounded more than 2% following Monday’s pullback. In Tokyo, Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi marked the final trading session of 2025, emphasizing Japan’s aim to attract global investment. The Nikkei 225 ended at 50,339.48, up nearly 25% for the year, its first year-end close above 50,000. With just two trading days remaining, many major investors have closed positions, keeping trading volumes light. Most global markets will be closed Thursday for New Year’s Day, with some also observing closures on Wednesday and Friday. In early European trading, Germany’s DAX was nearly flat at 24,348.38, Britain’s FTSE 100 gained 0.1% to 9,876.73, and Paris’ CAC 40 remained largely unchanged at 8,112.37. In Asia, Hong Kong’s Hang Seng rose 0.9% to 25,854.60, while Shanghai Composite stayed steady at 3,965.51. Australia’s S&P/ASX 200 dipped 0.1% to 8,717.10, South Korea’s Kospi fell 0.2% to 4,214.17, Taiwan’s Taiex dropped 0.4%, and India’s Sensex was nearly flat. U.S. crude oil gained 27 cents to $58.35 per barrel, though it has fallen nearly 20% this year. Brent crude increased 26 cents to $61.75 per barrel. Source: AP 

Nepal has announced it will end its long-standing deposit scheme that required climbers to pay $4,000, refundable only if they brought back at least 8kg of waste from Mount Everest, calling it a failure after 11 years. Authorities said the program had “not shown tangible results” and became an administrative burden, despite most climbers returning some trash. Officials noted that the scheme mainly ensured waste removal from lower camps, while higher camps — where the garbage problem is worst — remained largely unmonitored. Climbers at high altitudes typically bring back only oxygen bottles, leaving tents, cans, and food packaging behind. Each climber produces an average of 12kg of waste during expeditions that last up to six weeks. Nepal plans a new system under which climbers will pay a non-refundable clean-up fee, likely $4,000, to fund checkpoints at higher camps and deploy mountain rangers to ensure trash is returned. The initiative is part of a five-year mountain clean-up action plan aimed at tackling the growing environmental impact of climbing tourism, as thousands of climbers and support staff ascend Everest each year. Tourism officials said the revised approach will create a dedicated fund for clean-up and monitoring, responding to long-standing concerns from the Sherpa community over the ineffectiveness of the deposit scheme. Source: BBC

The Election Commission has extended the registration time by five days till January 5 next for expatriates and other entitled voters to vote through the postal ballots during the upcoming national election and referendum, slated for February 12, 2026. “Now the deadline for the postal ballot registration is December 31. But the time for postal ballot registration has extended to January 5. The registration will be closed at 12:00am after January 5 Midnight,” EC Senior Secretary Akhtar Ahmed told journalists at Nirbachan Bhaban in the capital. He said the time was extended on requests from the expatriates and the entitled voters from inside the country. This is the first time the Election Commission has introduced an effective IT-supported hybrid postal balloting system, enabling expatriates, government staff who are posted outside their respective constituencies, polling personnel, and the persons who will be in the legal custody to exercise their franchise through a combination of digital registration and manual voting. The Election Commission opened the ‘Postal Vote Bd’ app for the Out-of-Country Voting (OCV) on November 19 and for the In-Country Postal Voting (ICPV) on December 17. More than one million eligible voters including some 631,000 expatriates registered their names to vote through the postal ballots in the upcoming national election and the referendum, scheduled to be held simultaneously on February 12, 2026. A total of 1,082,541 voters, including 137,317 females registered through the ‘Postal Vote Bd’ app till 8:38pm on Tuesday. Among the 450,632 voters who registered from inside the country, as many as 367,248 are government employees, 72,512 solely polling personnel, 5,842 Ansar and VDP members and 5,030 prisoners. Chief Election Commissioner AMM Nasir Uddin on December 11 last announced the schedule to arrange the 13th parliamentary election and the referendum on the July National Charter (Constitutional Reform) Implementation Order simultaneously on February 12 next. According to the election schedule, the deadline for the submission of nomination papers was December 29, while the last date for the withdrawal of candidature is January 20. The election campaign will start on January 22 and continue till 48 hours before the balloting period (7:30am on February 10).

Dhaka University is in mourning following the death of Begum Khaleda Zia, former Prime Minister of Bangladesh and Chairperson of the BNP. Her passing has plunged teachers, students, officers, and staff of the university into deep grief and sorrow. The Vice-Chancellor, Pro-Vice-Chancellors, and Treasurer of the university have expressed their condolences. In addition, banners expressing mourning have been displayed in various residential halls, and special prayers are being offered at mosques. The Dhaka University Central Students’ Union (DUCSU) has also expressed its condolences and called for prayer gatherings in all mosques on campus, seeking the eternal peace of Begum Khaleda Zia, described as a “symbol of uncompromising struggle.” In order to pay the highest respect and honor to Khaleda Zia-hailed as a “symbol of national unity”, the university authorities have declared three days of mourning at Dhaka University from Tuesday through Thursday. During this period, all classes and examinations at the university have been suspended. As part of the mourning observance, the national flag at the university is being flown at half-mast. As part of the mourning program, a condolence meeting will be held on Sunday, January 4, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. at the auditorium of the Nabab Nawab Ali Chowdhury Senate Building. To organize the meeting, a five-member committee has been formed with Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Academic) Professor Dr. Mamun Ahmed as its convener. Curtain falls on a political giant as Khaleda Zia passes into history In a condolence message, Vice-Chancellor Professor Dr. Niaz Ahmed Khan said that Begum Khaleda Zia devoted her entire life to the welfare of the country and the nation. Her tireless struggle and dedication to establishing democracy and people’s rights will continue to guide future generations for ages to come. As the first woman Prime Minister of Bangladesh, she served the country and the nation and always stood by the side of ordinary people. Her unparalleled contributions to the country and the nation will remain eternally memorable. The Vice-Chancellor prayed for the eternal peace of Begum Khaleda Zia and expressed his deepest sympathy to the bereaved family members.

One of the iconic figures in Bangladesh’s political history, BNP Chairperson and three-time former Prime Minister Begum Khaleda Zia, known as an uncompromising leader, lifelong fighter and true patriot, passed away on Tuesday morning (December 30, 2025). She was 80. Her long and turbulent political journey came to a solemn end at 6:00am on Tuesday at Evercare Hospital, where she had been receiving treatment for 37 days. “The BNP Chairperson breathed her last at 6:00am,” AKM Wahiduzzaman, the party’s ICT Affairs Secretary, said early in the morning. Her death was later confirmed by the medical board and senior party leaders. “It is with a heavy heart that we announce the passing of our esteemed Chairperson,” said BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul, his voice choked with emotion. Read more: Khaleda to be laid to rest beside Zia; Janaza at Parliament’s South Plaza She is survived by her eldest son Tarique Rahman, three granddaughters, and millions of supporters and admirers. Her long political career has left a lasting mark on Bangladesh’s political landscape and inspired generations. Shockwave in Winter Morning Widow of slain President and BNP founder Ziaur Rahman, Khaleda Zia had long been woven into the fabric of Bangladesh’s political drama — its rises, ruptures, hopes, and hostilities. Her final months were marked by an unrelenting battle against pneumonia, chronic lung infections and persistent cardiac complications. News of her death spread quickly through the city in the early hours, cutting through the cold winter morning and heavy fog. People across the country were stunned. Silence fell, while scenes of grief unfolded inside and outside the hospital. A deep sense of grief swept across Bangladesh with condolence messages pouring in from leaders at home and abroad. The BNP announced seven days of mourning over the death of its long-time leader. The government has declared three days of national mourning, including a general holiday on Wednesday. As per the BNP Standing Committee’s decision, Khaleda Zia’s namaz-e-janaza will be held at 2:00pm on Wednesday at the South Plaza of the National Parliament and Manik Mia Avenue in the capital. She will be buried with full state honours at Chandrima Udyan beside the grave of her husband, former President Ziaur Rahman, at 3:30pm. Khaleda Zia led the BNP for 41 years and earned the title of the ‘uncompromising leader’ during the anti-autocracy movement of the 1990s. She served as a Member of Parliament five times -- Prime Minister three times and Leader of the Opposition twice. Read more: Jaishankar to represent India to pay last respect to ex-PM Khaleda Wednesday Starting her political journey as a homemaker, Khaleda spent much of her over four-decade political life on the streets, leading movements and facing arrests and imprisonment, but never leaving the country. She never lost an election she contested. The BNP chief had been suffering from multiple chronic illnesses, including liver and kidney complications, heart disease, high blood pressure, diabetes, arthritis and infections. She was admitted to Evercare Hospital on November 23. As her condition worsened, her elder son, BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman, and other family members rushed to the hospital late Monday night. Shortly after 2:00am, Khaleda Zia’s personal physician, AZM Zahid Hossain, told reporters that she was passing through an ‘extremely critical time’ and requested the nation to pray for her recovery. A few hours later, doctors declared her dead. Family members, including Tarique Rahman, his wife Zubaida Rahman, their daughter Zaima Rahman, the family of her late son Arafat Rahman Koko, her siblings, and BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir, were present at the hospital at the time. Doctors, nurses and hospital staff were seen in tears as the news broke. The news spread rapidly on social media, with people from all walks of life expressing grief. BNP leaders, activists and supporters gathered outside the hospital in large numbers. Read more: Khaleda Zia: 41 years at BNP’s helm - an uncompromising leader At around 9am, the head of the medical board Prof Shahabuddin Talukder said with a choked voice that the medical team tried their best for more than a month, but Khaleda Zia was declared clinically dead at 6:00am. BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir said the loss is ‘irreparable’ and something the nation would never be able to overcome. Govt’s Reactions Fakhrul said Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus had called him to express condolences. BNP Senior Joint Secretary General Ruhul Kabir Rizvi announced a seven-day mourning programme following the death of Khaleda. As part of the programme, black flags will be hoisted at all party offices across the country for a week starting Tuesday while party leaders and activists will wear black badges and Quran khatam and prayers will be held nationwide during the period. Condolence books were opened at BNP’s central office, Chairperson’s Gulshan office and other party offices across the country. Read more: Top foreign dignitaries to attend Khaleda Zia’s funeral An emergency meeting of the Advisory Council was held in the afternoon, where Mirza Fakhrul attended as a special guest. The meeting began with a minute’s silence, and decisions were taken regarding state mourning and funeral arrangements. Law Adviser Asif Nazrul said Khaleda Zia’s contribution to the country would remain unforgettable. The BNP Standing Committee also held an emergency meeting chaired by Tarique Rahman. BNP offices at Naya Paltan, Gulshan and elsewhere witnessed emotional scenes as leaders and supporters broke down in tears. Tarique’s Tributes Meanwhile, Tarique Rahman paid an emotional tribute to Khaleda, remembering her as a tender and loving mother who was also a steadfast guardian for her family and the nation. “My mother, BNP Chairperson Begum Khaleda Zia, has responded to the call of Almighty Allah and left us today. Inna lillahi wa inna ilayhi raji'un (Indeed, we belong to Allah, and to Him we shall return),” he wrote in an emotional post on his verified Facebook page. Read more: Vehicular movement to be restricted while Khaleda Zia’s body transported in city To many, he said, she was the leader of the nation, an uncompromising leader, the ‘Mother of Democracy’, the ‘Mother of Bangladesh’. “To me, Khaleda Zia was a tender and loving mother who devoted her entire life to the country and its people. Throughout her life, she stood firm against autocracy, fascism, and domination, leading the struggle for freedom, sovereignty, and the restoration of democracy,” he said. Though her life was illuminated by sacrifice and struggle, Tarique said at home Khaleda was their truest guardian, a mother whose infinite love gave them strength in their darkest moments. He said Khaleda endured repeated arrests, denial of medical care, and relentless persecution. “Yet even in pain, confinement, and uncertainty, she never stopped sheltering her family with courage and compassion. Her resilience was not loud, but it was unbreakable.” For the country, Tarique said she lost her husband and lost her child. “In that loss, this nation and its people became her family, her purpose, her very soul. She leaves behind an unforgettable legacy of patriotism, sacrifice, and resistance, a legacy that will live on in the democratic conscience of Bangladesh.” Khaleda’s Legacy Khaleda Zia leaves behind a legacy as a steadfast leader, a symbol of resilience and patriotism, and one of the most influential states persons in Bangladesh’s history. History rarely announces its chosen figures in advance. BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia has proven it. Her life was a testament to resilience, determination and leadership, marked by an unwavering commitment to democracy and deep patriotism. Read more: Tarique, other family members were by Khaleda’s side during her demise Starting as a homemaker, she entered politics seven months after the assassination of her husband, late President and BNP founder Ziaur Rahman and rose to become Bangladesh’s first female Prime Minister in less than a decade. Over a political career spanning nearly 43 years, she faced personal tragedies, imprisonment and political turbulence, yet remained a steadfast leader and a unifying symbol of democracy in Bangladesh. She led the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) for 41 consecutive years as its chairperson, shaping not only her own remarkable political journey but also the course of the nation’s turbulent politics. Khaleda Zia, who entered politics with no prior political experience following the assassination of her husband and BNP founder Ziaur Rahman in 1981, went on to shape a remarkable 43-year political journey. Analysts describe her as a charismatic and uncompromising leader. She led a long struggle against military rule under HM Ershad, forming a seven-party alliance that played a key role in his fall. Her political journey was not without hardships. She endured imprisonment, family tragedies—including the deaths of her husband and younger son, Arafat Rahman Koko—and repeated political harassment. Read more: BNP to open condolence book for Khaleda Zia at Gulshan office Even when the army-backed government in 2007 offered her opportunities to return to power or to go abroad, she firmly refused, saying that Bangladesh was her only home and the place where she wished to live until her death. Through this stance, she emerged as a symbol of resilience, integrity and national unity. Khaleda Zia was also known for her pragmatic approach. She supported dialogue and compromise when necessary, including the introduction of a neutral caretaker government system into the constitution, even when initially opposed within her party. She skillfully led BNP through multiple alliances, protests and elections, balancing strategic decisions with her principles. From Putul to Unifying Figure Born on August 15, 1945, as Khaleda Khan and nicknamed ‘Putul’ by her family, she married Ziaur Rahman in 1960 and became a widow at 36, raising her two sons, Tarique Rahman and Arafat Rahman, while gradually emerging as a decisive political leader. Throughout her leadership of BNP, Khaleda Zia earned respect not only from her followers but also across political parties. Analysts describe her as a unifying figure, a champion of democracy, and a symbol of perseverance who transformed Bangladesh’s political landscape, paving the way for women to lead at the highest level. Read more: Khaleda’s Death: Govt announces 3-day state mourning, general holiday Wednesday Khaleda Zia was admitted to Evercare Hospital on November 23 due to heart and lung infections and passed away at 6:00 pm on Tuesday. She was nominated for three constituencies—Dinajpur-3, Feni-1 and Bogura-7—for the upcoming 13th parliamentary election, although her party also fielded alternative candidates in view of her critical health condition.

Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) has expressed deep shock at the sad demise of three-time former Prime Minister and BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia. On behalf of the DMP, its commissioner SM Sazzat Ali conveyed the sadness. As a three day state mourning will be observed showing respect to Khaleda Zia from Wednesday to Friday. Considering the situation, the DMP commissioner has issued the instructions exercising his powers conferred by Sections 28 and 29 of the DMP Ordinance. 1. During that time, all types of fireworks, bursting of crackers, flying lanterns and gas balloons have been banned in the DMP area. 2. No cultural programmes, DJ parties, rallies or processions can be held in open spaces. 3. Loud honking of car horns or any other activity that creates public nuisance is prohibited. The DMP seeks the full cooperation of the respected city residents to observe the mourning.

American Chamber of Commerce in Bangladesh (AmCham) expresses its deepest condolences on the passing of Begum Khaleda Zia, first female Prime Minister of Bangladesh and the second female head of government in the Muslim world. Her exemplary leadership marked a defining chapter in Bangladesh’s modern history. She broke barriers and reshaped the legacy of women’s leadership in South Asia and beyond. “We remember her national leadership and democratic legacy in shaping the economy, education, and nation-building. We believe the nation will remain united and draw lessons from her resilience, empathy, and dedication to public life. Our heartfelt sympathies go out to her bereaved family during this time of profound loss,” said AmCham President and Executive Committee.          

Leaders of Bangladesh's premier business organizations and trade bodies have expressed profound grief and shock following the demise of former Prime Minister and BNP Chairperson Begum Khaleda Zia. In separate tributes, the country’s top industrial representatives hailed her as a monumental figure in Bangladesh’s economic and democratic evolution. FBCCI: A Grateful Nation Remembers The Federation of Bangladesh Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FBCCI), the nation's apex trade body, issued a heartfelt condolence message. FBCCI Administrator Md. Abdur Rahim Khan stated that the nation would forever remember her tireless struggle and immense contributions toward establishing democracy and safeguarding the rights of the people. He noted that her leadership provided a stable foundation for the country's commercial growth. BGMEA & BKMEA: Icon of Economic Liberation The Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA) president Mahmud Hasan Khan, stated that her role in the nation’s overall development and the economic liberation of the common people is "written in golden letters" in the history of Bangladesh. Similarly, BKMEA President Mohammad Hatem described her as an icon of the democratic struggle, noting that her contributions to the country's industrial infrastructure were "indescribable." DCCI & BTMA: A Loss for the Global Muslim Community The Dhaka Chamber of Commerce and Industry (DCCI), led by President Ashraf Ahmed, and the Bangladesh Textile Mills Association (BTMA), under President Showkat Aziz Russell, highlighted her historic milestone as the first elected female Prime Minister of Bangladesh and the second in the Muslim world. They emphasized her lifelong commitment to establishing the socio-economic rights that modern businesses now rely upon. DSE & BASIS: Symbols of Integrity and Courage The Dhaka Stock Exchange (DSE) leadership, including Chairman Mominul Islam and Managing Director (MD) Nuzhat Anwar, praised her "unwavering commitment to honesty and public welfare," particularly her role in strengthening the national economic framework. BASIS Administrator Abul Khair Mohammed Hafizullah Khan added that the nation has lost a "brave guardian" and a "shining star" who never compromised on the dignity of the people. BAJUS: The End of an Era Enamul Haque Khan, President of the Bangladesh Jewellers’ Association (BAJUS), described her passing as the "end of an era." He remarked that she was not merely a political leader but a significant chapter of Bangladesh’s history whose loss has created a void that can never be filled. Across the board, these organizations extended their deepest sympathies to the bereaved family and the people of Bangladesh, praying for the eternal peace of her soul.

Jahangirnagar University (JU) has announced a one-day general holiday and will keep the national flag at half-mast for three days following the death of Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) Chairperson and former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia. The decision was announced in a press release signed by Acting Registrar ABM Azizur Rahman on Tuesday. According to the release, in line with the government’s declaration, all classes and examinations at the university will remain suspended on Wednesday (December 31). All administrative offices will also remain closed on the day. The press release further said that the Government of Bangladesh has declared a three-day state mourning from December 31 to January 2 over the demise of the former prime minister. As part of the observance, the national flag will be flown at half-mast across the Jahangirnagar University campus during the mourning period. In addition, special prayers will be offered for the salvation of her departed soul. A doa mahfil will be held at all mosques on the campus after Jumma prayers on Friday (January 2). Special prayers will also be arranged at other religious places of worship seeking eternal peace for the deceased. Khaleda Zia passed away at 6:00am on Tuesday (December 30) while undergoing treatment at Evercare Hospital in the capital.

Israel announced Tuesday it will halt operations of more than two dozen humanitarian organizations in Gaza, including Doctors Without Borders (MSF), starting Jan. 1, citing their failure to meet new vetting rules. The Ministry of Diaspora Affairs said the organizations did not provide sufficient details on staff, funding, and operations. Israel accused some MSF staff of alleged ties to Hamas and other militant groups, claims the group has strongly denied. The ministry noted that about 25 organizations, representing 15% of NGOs operating in Gaza, will not have their permits renewed. International organizations criticized Israel’s rules as arbitrary and warned that they could put aid workers at risk. Tensions have escalated over aid in Gaza since the two-year war ended with a ceasefire on Oct. 10. Israel maintains it is fulfilling aid commitments under the ceasefire, while humanitarian groups say more assistance is urgently needed for the territory’s two million residents. Doctors Without Borders said in 2024 it took allegations of staff involvement in military activities “very seriously” and reiterated it would never knowingly employ individuals engaged in such actions.

European and Canadian leaders met virtually Tuesday to discuss U.S.-led efforts to end the nearly four-year conflict between Russia and Ukraine, amid rising tensions over Russian claims, denied by Kyiv, of a drone attack on a residence used by President Vladimir Putin. The talks included European heads of state, Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney, NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte, and European institution leaders. Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk said that while “peace is on the horizon,” it is not guaranteed. German Chancellor Friedrich Merz emphasized that transparency is required from all parties, including Russia. The meeting followed U.S. President Donald Trump’s hosting of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy at his Florida resort on Sunday, during which Trump said Ukraine and Russia are “closer than ever” to a peace agreement. The Russian allegations involved a reported attack by Ukraine on a lakeside residence in Novgorod’s Dolgie Borody area, 400 kilometers northwest of Moscow. Kyiv called the claims false, and Kremlin officials accused Ukraine of attempting to undermine U.S. peace efforts. Observers warn the accusations could disrupt negotiations. According to the Washington-based Institute for the Study of War, Moscow has sought to prolong talks to continue its military campaign, avoid pressure from the U.S., and extract concessions on bilateral relations.

Traffic will remain restricted on several roads in the capital on Wednesday due to the movement of the convoy carrying the body of former Prime Minister and BNP Chairperson Begum Khaleda Zia, according to Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP). The funeral prayer (Namaj-e-Janaja) of Begum Khaleda Zia is scheduled to be held at the South Plaza of the National Parliament Building after Zuhr prayer on Wednesday, says a DMP media release. As per the DMP, the body will be taken from Evercare Hospital to the South Plaza of the National Parliament Building in the morning. The convoy will pass through Evercare Hospital, 36 July Expressway, Kuril Flyover, Navy Headquarters, residence Firoza, Gulshan-2, Kamal Ataturk Avenue, Airport Road, Mohakhali Flyover, Jahangir Gate, Bijoy Sarani, and the Aeroplane Crossing, before entering the South Plaza through Gate No. 6 of the National Parliament Building. Traffic restrictions have been imposed on the relevant roads during the movement of the convoy. The DMP has sought cooperation from the public to avoid inconvenience. The information was disclosed in a media release issued by DMP on Tuesday evening, signed by its Deputy Commissioner (Media) Talebur Rahman.

Myanmar’s military-backed Union Solidarity and Development Party (USDP) claimed a dominant lead in the first phase of the country’s general election, even as the state election commission has yet to announce official results. The initial round, held Sunday in 102 of 330 townships, saw the USDP reportedly secure 88 of 102 contested lower house seats. The party also claimed 85% of seats in regional legislatures. Final nationwide results will be announced after subsequent voting phases on Jan. 11 and Jan. 25. Due to ongoing armed conflicts, 65 townships will not participate in the election. Myanmar’s legislature has 664 seats, with the military constitutionally guaranteed 25% of positions. The USDP’s strong showing positions it to select the next president, who will appoint a Cabinet. More than 4,800 candidates from 57 parties are running, but only six are competing nationally, with the USDP as the dominant contender. Voter turnout has not been disclosed, with opposition groups calling for a boycott and human rights observers describing the polls as neither free nor fair. The first phase saw attacks by anti-military armed groups in 11 townships, injuring at least five people, highlighting persistent violence and instability in the country since the 2021 military takeover.

The Department of Agricultural Marketing (DAM) and non-government organisation Shukrishi (Shupannya Brand) will jointly work for the development of agri-business entrepreneurship, particularly among youths and women in the country. In this regard, Shukrishi and Programme on Agricultural and Rural Transformation for Nutrition, Entrepreneurship and Resilience in Bangladesh (PARTNER-DAM Part) of the Department of Agricultural Marketing (DAM) of the Agriculture Ministry signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) in the capital on Tuesday. Agency Programme Director of the PARTNER-DAM Part Dr Mohammed Abdullah Al Faroque and Shukrishi CEO MA Baten Khan signed the deal on behalf of their respective sides. The deal is a formal commitment of the two organisations to jointly work to run practical development activities through training to create agricultural entrepreneurs at the field level. This MoU aims to establish a partnership with Shukrishi in its mission to empower rural communities through impactful training and development initiatives. As per the deal, Shukrishi will conduct hands-on training programmes to enhance the capacity and skills of the potential agro-entrepreneurs as well as monitor and support the activities of agro-entrepreneurs, particularly providing market access support to the participants through the Shukrish’s supply chain on completion of the training programme.

President Donald Trump indicated Monday that the U.S. has struck a dock facility along a shore linked to drug trafficking as part of its escalating campaign against Venezuela, though officials provided few details. Speaking alongside Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Trump said the facility was used to load boats accused of carrying drugs destined for the U.S. “There was a major explosion in the dock area where they load the boats up with drugs,” he said. “They load the boats up with drugs, so we hit all the boats and now we hit the area. It’s the implementation area. And that is no longer around.” The move signals a potential expansion of U.S. operations from strikes on drug boats in international waters toward actions closer to shore. The U.S. military conducted another strike Monday in the eastern Pacific, killing two people, and has killed at least 107 individuals in 30 strikes since September. Trump did not confirm whether the dock strike was conducted by the military or CIA, nor its exact location, though he said it was “along the shore.” The administration has previously deployed warships, built up forces in the region, seized oil tankers, and suggested the possibility of future land strikes in Venezuela or elsewhere in South America. Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro condemned the U.S. actions, asserting the operations aim to remove him from power. The White House has framed the campaign as an effort to disrupt drug trafficking into the United States. White House Chief of Staff Susie Wiles recently told Vanity Fair that Trump intends to continue strikes on boats until Maduro “cries uncle.”  

The Jatiya Press Club (JPC) has expressed deep sorrow at the demise of former Prime Minister and BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia. On behalf of the JPC, its President Hasan Hafiz and General Secretary Ayub Bhuiyan conveyed their profound condolences. A condolence meeting was held at the club at 11am in place of its scheduled annual general meeting. At the outset of the meeting, a one-minute silence was observed in solemn tribute to Khaleda Zia. Following the condolence meeting and discussion, a special prayer was offered seeking eternal peace for the departed soul. The meeting was chaired by President Hasan Hafiz and conducted by General Secretary Ayub Bhuiyan. Management Committee members Abdul Hye Sikder, Kader Gani Chowdhury, Bakhtiar Rana, Quazi Rownak Hossain, Shahnaz Begum, Mohammad Momin Hossain, Masumur Rahman Khalili and AKM Mohsin attended the meeting.

The Advisers Council Committee on Economic Affairs on Tuesday recommended approving a proposal in principle submitted by SOCAR Trading SA, Switzerland for the short-term supply of Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG). The recommendation came from the 41st meeting of the Advisers Council Committee on Economic Affairs in this year held virtually with Finance Adviser Dr Salehuddin Ahmed in the chair. The proposal was considered for processing under the Government-to-Government (G2G) procurement method in line with Section 68 of the Public Procurement Act, 2006 and Rules 99(2) and 107(2) of the Public Procurement Rules, 2025. The proposal was placed by the Energy and Mineral Resources Division. After detailed discussion, the committee recommended approving the proposal in principle. The meeting also considered a proposal related to organising the upcoming Jatiya Sangsad election in 2026 in a festive manner. The proposal sought approval to apply the Direct Procurement Method under the physical services category to carry out expanded caravan activation activities nationwide. The objective is to ensure wider dissemination of already produced voter awareness materials, including television commercials and video documentaries, as part of public awareness initiatives ahead of the national election. The proposal was placed by the Ministry of Cultural Affairs. Following deliberations, the committee recommended the proposal for approval in principle.

Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud arrived in Turkey on Tuesday for high-level talks with President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, days after Israel announced its recognition of Somaliland, the breakaway region of Somalia. Turkish officials said the discussions would focus on expanding bilateral cooperation, Somalia’s fight against terrorism, efforts to reinforce national unity and key regional developments. Turkey has emerged as one of Somalia’s strongest partners over the past decade, providing military training, backing major infrastructure projects and operating a military base in Mogadishu. Ankara has also sent a seismic research vessel, protected by naval ships, to explore Somalia’s offshore oil and gas potential. Israel’s decision last week to recognize Somaliland — the first country to do so — sparked sharp criticism from Turkey, Somalia and several other nations. Ankara described the move as unlawful and warned it could threaten stability in the Horn of Africa. The motivation behind Israel’s announcement remains unclear. Earlier this year, Turkey mediated talks between Somalia and Ethiopia following tensions over a deal between Ethiopia and Somaliland. In January 2024, Ethiopia signed an agreement with Somaliland to lease coastal land for a naval base in exchange for recognition, a move Somalia says violates its sovereignty. Somaliland declared independence from Somalia more than 30 years ago but remains largely unrecognized internationally.  

All scheduled banks operating in Bangladesh will remain closed on Wednesday (December 31), following the government’s declaration of a public holiday in honor of the late former Prime Minister and BNP Chairperson, Begum Khaleda Zia. The Department of Off-site Supervision (DOS) of Bangladesh Bank issued a circular to the Managing Directors and Chief Executives of all banks on Tuesday to confirm the closure. The decision follows a notification from the Ministry of Public Administration, which declared a one-day public holiday by executive order due to the passing of the former Prime Minister. According to the circular, banks will observe ‘Bank Holiday’ on Wednesday (December 31). Despite the general closure, banks may keep specific branches or departments open at their own discretion if it is necessary for the completion of annual or half-yearly financial accounting for the year 2025. On the other hand, Bangladesh Bank has postponed its scheduled press conference regarding the activities of the Shammilito Islamic Bank following the passing of Begum Khaleda Zia, former Prime Minister and Chairperson of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP). The central bank announced the decision through a short message service (SMS) sent to the media on Tuesday afternoon. But the Bangladesh Bank released a logo of Sammilito Islami Bank on Tuesday and sent it to the journalists. According to the message, the press conference, which was originally scheduled for 5:00 PM today at the Bangladesh Bank headquarters, has been canceled in light of the national mourning declared following the demise of Begum Zia. The central bank also noted that a formal press release regarding this matter will be issued later.

The authority of Dhaka University (DU) has announced a three-day mourning beginning Tuesday after the passing of former prime minister and BNP Chairperson Begum Khaleda Zia. The decision was taken to show due respect to Khaleda Zia, the university authorities said, according to a media release signed by Mohammad Rafikul Islam, acting director of the Public Relations Office of the DU. As part of the mourning, all academic activities including classes and examinations remain suspended during the mourning period, and the university’s flag will be kept at half-mast. Further programmes will be arranged in line with the state schedule. Alongside observing mourning, the DU plans to organise academic seminars and other events highlighting the life and works of the former premier. From Tuesday, Quran telawat, doa and special prayers will be held at the university’s central mosque, Masjidul Jami’a, as well as at mosques in all halls, hostels and residential areas, seeking eternal peace for the departed soul of Khaleda Zia. Special prayers will also be arranged at other religious places of worship. To facilitate participation in Khaleda Zia’s janaza on Manik Mia Avenue on Wednesday, the DU authority has arranged special transport for teachers, students, officers and staff.

External Affairs Minister Dr S Jaishankar will represent the government and people of India at the funeral of three-time former Prime Minister and Chairperson of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) Khaleda Zia. As Delhi believes Khaleda Zia’s vision and legacy will continue to guide the partnership between Bangladesh and India, Jaishankar will represent the government and people of India at the funeral of Khaleda Zia. “He (Jaishankar) will accordingly visit Dhaka December 31,” a senior official told UNB noting that it is a brief visit on short notice to pay last respect to Khaleda. Khaleda Zia, the then Leader of the Opposition, visited India at the invitation of the External Affairs Minister from October 28 to November 3, 2012. Her last official visit to India was in March 2006 as the then Prime Minister of Bangladesh. She paid a state visit to India from March 20-22 March at the invitation of the then Indian Prime Minister Dr Manmohan Singh. During the visit, she held comprehensive discussions with then Indian Prime Minister Dr Manmohan Singh on the entire gamut of bilateral relations. They also discussed regional and international issues of mutual interest. Meanwhile, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday expressed deep sorrow at the death of former Prime Minister and BNP Chairperson Khaleda and hoped that her vision and legacy will continue to guide Dhaka-Delhi partnership. "I recall my warm meeting with her in Dhaka in 2015. We hope that her vision and legacy will continue to guide our partnership. May her soul rest in peace," PM Modi said in a message. Khaleda Zia will be laid to rest beside her husband and late President Ziaur Rahman at Sher-e-Bangla Nagar in the capital, following her namaz-e-janaza at the South Plaza of the Jatiya Sangsad Bhaban on Wednesday afternoon. The Indian Prime Minister said he is deeply saddened to learn about the passing of Khaleda and hoped that her vision and legacy will continue to guide our partnership. “May her soul rest in peace," Prime Minister Modi said in the message. "Our sincerest condolences to her family and all the people of Bangladesh. May the Almighty grant her family the fortitude to bear this tragic loss," he said. As the first woman Prime Minister of Bangladesh, PM Modi said, her important contributions towards the development of Bangladesh, as well as Bangladesh-India relations, will always be remembered.

BNP on Tuesday expelled nine leaders at different levels for violating party discipline by carrying out organisational activities against its decisions. The decision was announced in a media release signed by BNP Senior Joint Secretary General Ruhul Kabir Rizvi. The expelled leaders are BNP Assistant International Affairs Secretary Barrister Rumeen Farhana, National Executive Committee members Muhammad Gias Uddin, Mohammad Shah Alam, Hasan Mamun and Abdul Khaleq, former Vice-President of Jatiyatabadi Chhatra Dal and Secretary General of the Bangladesh Hindu Buddhist Christian Welfare Front Tarun Dey, former Convener of Dhaka North City BNP Saiful Alam Nirob, Sylhet district BNP Vice-President Mamunur Rashid, and President of Bancharampur upazila BNP in Brahmanbaria district agriculturist Mehdi Hasan Palash. The party said they have been expelled from BNP’s primary membership as well as from all posts at every level of the party for breaching organisational discipline. Party sources said the nine leaders were expelled for submitting nomination papers to contest the 13th parliamentary election against the party decision.

Dhaka Mass Transit Company Limited (DMTCL) will operate additional special metro rail services on Wednesday to ease the transportation of those wishing to join the namaz-e-janaza of former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia. The state-owned DMTCL will run the metro rail beyond their regular schedule on the occasion of the janaza scheduled to be held at 2pm at the South Plaza of Parliament, according to a notice issued by AKM Khairul Alam, director (admin) of the organisation. On December 20, the DMTCL also ran special metro services to facilitate the journey of people who wanted to participate in the janaza of Sharif Osman bin Hadi, who died in a Singapore Hospital on December 18 while undergoing treatment. Khaleda to be laid to rest beside Zia; Janaza at Parliament’s South Plaza He sustained bullet injuries in an attack by terrorists while electioneering on Culvert Road at Puratan Paltan of Dhaka on December 12.

Detective Branch (DB) of Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) arrested a listed criminal and recovered  two firearms and ammunition during a drive in the Pallabi area of the capital late Monday night. The arrestee was identified as Ashikur Islam Shanto, 20. Based on secret information,  a team of DB (Mirpur Division) conducted the operation in front of Meghbaran Restaurant in Section-11 under Pallabi Police Station around 11:10pm. The detectives had information that a gang of armed men and drug dealers were staying inside the restaurant, said DMP's DC (Media) Talebur Rahman on Tuesday afternoon. Sensing presence of the law enforcers, arrested Ashikur was trying to flee the scene but finally he was caught. Acting on his information got during primary interrogation,the detectives carried out another drive  on the ground floor of an abandoned DNCC market at Paris Road in D Block of Mirpur-10 Section and recovered a foreign-made revolver, a foreign pistol with a magazine loaded with two rounds of 9mm bullets, and 20 rounds of 7.62mm ammunition by digging under the staircase . A case was filed with Pallabi Police Station in this connection. DB arrests 13 AL, affiliate leaders for attempting to disrupt public order During interrogation, Ashikur reportedly confessed to being an active member of a terrorist group known as “Bhaira De.” He and his associates had long been involved in drug trading, extortion and snatching in the Pallabi area by intimidating people with firearms, the DC (Media) said. Police also said Ashikur is a charge-sheeted accused in 10 cases, including snatching, preparation for robbery, theft and narcotics cases filed with different DMP police stations.

The Advisers Council Committee on Government Purchase on Tuesday recommended approval of several key procurement proposals involving purchase of 70,000 metric tons of fertiliser, 50,000 metric tons of non-Basmati para-boiled rice, 10,000 metric tons of phosphoric acid and major infrastructure development under the Ministry of Shipping. The recommendations came from the committee’s 52nd meeting in this year held this afternoon, where five proposals from the Ministries of Food, Shipping and Industries were reviewed. Finance Adviser Dr Salehuddin Ahmed presided over the meeting virtually. Among the approved proposals, the Ministry of Food will procure 50,000 metric tons of non-Basmati parboiled rice through international open tender method at a cost of Tk 220.05 crore to strengthen national food reserves in the fiscal year 2025–26. To ensure uninterrupted fertiliser supply for agriculture, the committee also endorsed multiple proposals from the Ministry of Industries. These include the import of 10,000 metric tons of phosphoric acid for Triple Super Phosphate Complex Limited (TSPCL) with around Tk 97.70 crore alongside procurement of 30,000 metric tons of bagged granular urea fertiliser from KAFCO, Bangladesh with around Tk 190.59 crore and 40,000 metric tons of bulk granular urea fertiliser from Saudi Arabia’s SABIC Agri-nutrients Company with around Tk 190.59 crore. In the infrastructure sector, the committee recommended approval of a major proposal from the Ministry of Shipping for construction works at the Inland Container and Bulk Terminal at Khanpur in Narayanganj, implemented by the Bangladesh Inland Water Transport Authority (BIWTA). The 1st revised project aims to enhance inland container handling, bulk cargo storage and logistics efficiency, at a cost of approximately Tk 184.91 crore. Officials said the approved procurements will play a crucial role in ensuring food security, fertiliser availability for farmers and improved inland water transport facilities across the country.

The sudden exit of actor Akshaye Khanna from Drishyam 3 has sparked industry-wide discussion, with director Abhishek Pathak revealing the reasons behind the decision and sending a message to the Dhurandhar star. In an interview with ETimes, Pathak said, “People around him suggested he should now focus on projects that revolve entirely around him. I wish him all the best and would say—try doing a solo film now.” The director added that attempts to resolve the issue were unsuccessful, noting, “I stopped trying because he seemed to be on some other planet.” Pathak explained that Akshaye left the film five days before shooting began, despite having approved the look, costumes, and narration, and enjoying the story. A major point of disagreement was Akshaye’s insistence on wearing a wig, which the director felt was inconsistent with the film’s continuity. Currently, Akshaye Khanna is enjoying success with Dhurandhar. Pathak emphasized the collaborative nature of filmmaking, stating, “It’s a team effort—writer, director, actors, and many others contribute. It’s not about one person.” Drishyam 3 is scheduled for release on October 2, 2026.   With inputs from NDTV

As the finale of Netflix’s Stranger Things approaches, fans across social media are uniting to ensure the survival of Steve Harrington, played by Joe Keery. Over the show’s five seasons, many characters have died at the hands of the Upside Down, demogorgons, and Vecna, but viewers are determined not to lose Steve. Some fans have even threatened the Duffer brothers and Netflix, expressing their demand that he survives the upcoming events. Steve, who began as Nancy Wheeler’s boyfriend, has become a central figure, protecting the younger characters and fighting alongside Eleven, Mike, Will, Lucas, Dustin, Jim Hopper, and Joyce Byers. His friendship with Dustin Henderson, especially their pledge of mutual protection, has become a fan-favourite storyline. Social media platforms are flooded with memes, posts, and prayers from fans, reflecting the extraordinary attachment to the character. Despite assurances from the Duffer brothers that no major deaths are planned in the finale, fans continue to campaign vigorously for Steve’s safety.   With inputs from NDTV

American singer Beyoncé has officially become a billionaire, Forbes announced, making her the fifth musician to reach a 10-figure fortune. Beyoncé joins an exclusive group of musicians with immense wealth, including Taylor Swift, Rihanna, Bruce Springsteen, and her husband Jay-Z, whose net worth Forbes estimates at $2.5 billion. Earlier this month, Forbes valued Beyoncé’s fortune at $800 million and predicted she would cross the billionaire mark after years of successful music, tours, and business ventures. Her 2023 Renaissance World Tour alone grossed nearly $600 million, making her one of the world’s top pop icons. Beyoncé also produced a concert film from the tour, distributed through AMC theaters, earning her nearly half of the film’s $44 million global box office revenue. Her 2024 album, Cowboy Carter, celebrated the black roots of country music and won the Grammy Award for Album of the Year — her first Grammy win in that category. The accompanying tour, featuring Jay-Z, their children, and former Destiny’s Child members, generated over $400 million in ticket sales and $50 million from merchandise. Despite some slow ticket sales leading to price cuts, the tour set records at London’s Tottenham Hotspur Stadium and Paris’ Stade de France, with ticket prices ranging from £71 to £950. Additional earnings came from a Netflix halftime show for the NFL and Levi’s commercials. Forbes’ announcement confirms Beyoncé’s position among the world’s wealthiest musicians, marking a major milestone in her career.   With inputs from BBC

US President Donald Trump on Monday said he hopes to reach the second phase of the Gaza peace plan “very quickly” and warned Hamas of “hell to pay” if it does not disarm soon. Trump made the remarks during a press conference with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in Florida. He said Israel has “lived up to the plan 100%” despite ongoing military actions in Gaza. The Gaza ceasefire, which began in October, envisions a technocratic government in Gaza, disarmament of Hamas, withdrawal of Israeli troops, and reconstruction of the territory. Trump said reconstruction could “begin pretty soon.” Trump also warned Iran that the US could carry out further strikes if the country resumes its ballistic missile or nuclear weapons programmes. Iran’s top adviser, Ali Shamkhani, responded that any aggression would receive an “immediate harsh response.” Trump said the focus now is on ensuring Hamas disarms “in a fairly short period of time” so that the peace plan can progress. He stressed that Israel is following the plan and expressed concern mainly about the actions of other parties. The leaders also discussed regional tensions, including Syria and Lebanon’s Hezbollah group. Trump said he hopes Israel can maintain peaceful borders with Syria under its new leadership. Since the ceasefire began, at least 414 Palestinians have been killed by Israeli military operations in Gaza, while Israel has reported three soldier deaths during the same period.   With inputs from BBC

Russian military losses in the war against Ukraine have been rising at their fastest pace since the full-scale invasion began in 2022, according to an analysis by BBC News Russian, as diplomatic efforts led by the United States intensified this year. Over the past 10 months, the number of confirmed Russian deaths has grown sharply. BBC data show that about 40 percent more obituaries of Russian soldiers were published in 2025 compared with the previous year, coinciding with renewed pressure from US President Donald Trump’s administration to reach a peace deal. The BBC, working with independent outlet Mediazona and volunteers, has so far verified nearly 160,000 names of people killed while fighting on Russia’s side. The figures are based on official reports, media publications, social media posts, and newly identified graves and memorials. However, the real toll is believed to be far higher. Military experts consulted by the BBC estimate that confirmed deaths may represent only 45 to 65 percent of the actual number, suggesting total Russian fatalities could range between 243,000 and 352,000. The BBC noted that obituary data, while preliminary, offer insight into the changing intensity of the conflict. In 2025, daily obituary counts peaked during key moments of Russia-US diplomatic engagement, including direct talks between Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin and later discussions around a proposed peace framework. An average of more than 320 obituaries per day were recorded in October and November, about double the daily average in 2024, the analysis said. Observers say the Kremlin has sought to make territorial gains on the battlefield to strengthen its position in negotiations. A senior aide to President Putin recently said Russia’s “recent successes” had positively influenced talks with Washington. The data also show a growing share of casualties among so-called volunteers — civilians who signed military contracts after the invasion began. While only about 15 percent of Russian military deaths were volunteers a year ago, the figure has risen to roughly one in three in 2025. Local authorities across Russia have reportedly intensified recruitment drives, offering large financial incentives and targeting people facing debt or criminal charges, allowing Moscow to offset heavy losses without announcing a new mass mobilisation. Despite the rising death toll, Russian officials say recruitment continues to outpace losses. NATO, however, estimates that tens of thousands of Russian soldiers are being killed each month. Ukraine has also suffered heavy casualties in the war, with both sides continuing to pay a high human cost as fighting drags on and peace efforts remain uncertain.   With inputs from BBC

History rarely announces its chosen figures in advance. BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia has proven it. Her life was a testament to resilience, determination and leadership, marked by an unwavering commitment to democracy and deep patriotism. Starting as a homemaker, she entered politics seven months after the assassination of her husband, late President and BNP founder Ziaur Rahman and rose to become Bangladesh’s first female Prime Minister in less than a decade. Over a political career spanning nearly 43 years, she faced personal tragedies, imprisonment and political turbulence, yet remained a steadfast leader and a unifying symbol of democracy in Bangladesh. According to political analysts, Khaleda’s rise began with public sympathy as the wife of Ziaur Rahman, but she soon turned that sympathy into genuine respect through her merit, modesty, generosity, wisdom and soft-spoken manner. Political analyst and author Mohiuddin Ahmad, in his book Khaleda, wrote, “In practical terms, she was the first Prime Minister of independent Bangladesh elected under a neutral government. No one can take away this achievement from her.” Late journalist Mahfuz Ullah, in the foreword to his book ‘Begum Khaleda Zia: Her Life, Her Story’, highlighted her unique rise, writing, “She (Khaleda Zia) carved out an independent political position at a time when society was overwhelmingly male-dominated.” Khaleda Zia entered politics with no prior experience, joining BNP in 1981 to help stabilise the party during internal divisions after her husband’s death. She quickly rose through the ranks, becoming senior vice chairperson in March 1983, acting chairperson in January 1984, and BNP chairperson unopposed in May 1984, still under the age of 40. Top foreign dignitaries to attend Khaleda Zia’s funeral Under her leadership, BNP came to power three times, and she personally never lost an election. She became Bangladesh’s first female Prime Minister in 1991 and the second woman to lead a Muslim-majority country after Pakistan’s Benazir Bhutto. Analysts describe her as a charismatic and uncompromising leader. She led a long struggle against military rule under HM Ershad, forming a seven-party alliance that played a key role in his fall. Her political journey was not without hardships. She endured imprisonment, family tragedies—including the deaths of her husband and younger son, Arafat Rahman Koko—and repeated political harassment. Even when the army-backed government in 2007 offered her opportunities to return to power or to go abroad, she firmly refused, saying that Bangladesh was her only home and the place where she wished to live until her death. Through this stance, she emerged as a symbol of resilience, integrity and national unity. Khaleda Zia was also known for her pragmatic approach. She supported dialogue and compromise when necessary, including the introduction of a neutral caretaker government system into the constitution, even when initially opposed within her party. She skillfully led BNP through multiple alliances, protests, and elections, balancing strategic decisions with her principles. Born on August 15, 1945, as Khaleda Khan and nicknamed ‘Putul’ by her family, she married Ziaur Rahman in 1960 and became a widow at 36, raising her two sons, Tarique Rahman and Arafat Rahman, while gradually emerging as a decisive political leader. Throughout her leadership of BNP, Khaleda Zia earned respect not only from her followers but also across political parties. Analysts describe her as a unifying figure, a champion of democracy, and a symbol of perseverance who transformed Bangladesh’s political landscape, paving the way for women to lead at the highest level. Tarique pays heartfelt tribute to Khaleda, hails her as a loving mother Khaleda Zia was admitted to Evercare Hospital on November 23 due to heart and lung infections and passed away at 6:00 pm on Tuesday. She was nominated for three constituencies—Dinajpur-3, Feni-1 and Bogura-7—for the upcoming 13th parliamentary election, although her party also fielded alternative candidates in view of her critical health condition. Khaleda Zia leaves behind a legacy as a steadfast leader, a symbol of unity and one of Bangladesh’s most influential and enduring political figures.

A number of high-level dignitaries, including from India, Pakistan, Bhutan and the Maldives, will join former Prime Minister and BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia's funeral on Wednesday to pay their last respect to her. Indian External Affairs Minister Dr S Jaisankar, Pakistan's Foreign Minister and Deputy Prime Minister Isĥaq Dar are among the likely foreign dignitaries. Khaleda to be laid to rest beside Zia; Janaza at Parliament’s South Plaza "This is still a developing story. We might get a concrete list of dignitaries by soon," a diplomat told UNB.

Dhaka Chamber of Commerce & Industry (DCCI) has expressed grief and deepest condolences at the death of former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia. On behalf of the business body and members of the Board of Directors, its President Taskeen Ahmed conveyed the condolence, according to a DCCI media release. Khaleda Zia was the first female prime minister of Bangladesh and second among the Muslim nations. She played a pioneering role in the struggle to establish democratic governance in Bangladesh and worked relentlessly throughout her life to uphold the socio-economic and democratic rights of the people of the country, which will be remembered with utmost respect forever. DCCI prayed to the almighty Allah to grant the departed soul eternal peace and Jannah.

Information and Broadcasting Adviser Syeda Rizwana Hasan has expressed deep condolences at the death of former Prime Minister and BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia. In a condolence message, the adviser said the death marks the end of a significant and brighter chapter in Bangladesh’s political history. She said Khaleda Zia’s principled, uncompromising stance, leadership and struggle against the fallen autocratic regimes of HM Ershad and Sheikh Hasina will be remembered as a uniquely important contribution to the country’s journey towards democracy. Khaleda’s uncompromising role will remain memorable: President The adviser prayed for the eternal peace of the departed soul and expressed heartfelt sympathy to the bereaved family members and relatives.

Bangladesh Secretariat Reporters’ Forum (BSRF) has expressed deep sorrow and condolences at the passing of former Prime Minister and BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia. In a condolence message, BSRF President Masudul Hoque and General Secretary Ubaidullah Badal said her death has created an irreparable vacuum in the nation’s political arena. They said the nation would remember her with gratitude for long struggle and significant contributions to establishing democracy and safeguarding people’s rights. Her role in the development of the multi-party democratic system and in movements to establish democracy and people’s rights will be remembered in history, they said. They prayed for eternal peace of the departed soul and expressed deep sympathy to her bereaved family members and party leaders and activists.   

BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir on Tuesday called on party members and supporters to transform their grief over the passing of Chairperson Khaleda Zia into renewed determination, strengthening BNP into an unstoppable force and advancing the cause of a truly democratic Bangladesh. “Let us turn the grief over Khaleda Zia’s death into strength, build BNP into an unstoppable party, and establish Bangladesh as a truly democratic country,” he said. Fakhrul spoke to reporters after a meeting of the party’s National Standing Committee at the Chairperson’s Gulshan office on Tuesday afternoon. “The passing of our national leader is an irreplaceable loss in Bangladesh’s political history, and filling this void will not be easy. She left us at a time when she was most needed and when the nation was moving towards elections to strengthen democracy and establish a democratic system. She left us at a critical moment for our country,” he said.  Fakhrul said the grief and sorrow over the demise of their topmost leader is very difficult for them to bear, but they wanted to transform this grief into strength. By following the path laid out by Khaleda, he said they want to give democracy an institutional shape in Bangladesh and establish democracy firmly in the country through a free and fair election, Speaking outside the BNP Chairperson’s office with members of the Standing Committee, Fakhrul said Khaleda Zia was not only a great politician for Bangladesh but also a respected figure in the democratic world as she dedicated her whole life to democracy. He described her as a brave, wise, and exceptional leader who fought repeatedly to protect democracy, even facing imprisonment and persecution. Tarique pays heartfelt tribute to Khaleda, hails her as a loving mother “Today, she is no longer with us,” Fakhrul said, his voice choking with emotion. He also said Khaleda spent almost her entire political life fighting for democracy and upholding its values.  “She served as Prime Minister three times, working to strengthen democracy and improve people’s lives. Even as an opposition leader, she continued her efforts to support democratic institutions,” the BNP leader said.

Recent media reports suggesting that the government has decided to reduce the SIM registration limit to five per NID from January 1, 2026 are incorrect and misleading. Such misinformation creates unnecessary confusion among customers and businesses, said a Bangladesh Telecommunication Regulatory Commission (BRTC) statement on Tuesday. The industry also emphasises that limiting SIM numbers is not an effective or sustainable solution to address crime, fraud, or misuse of mobile services, it said . These challenges are more effectively managed through strong KYC enforcement, real-time monitoring, data analytics, and advanced fraud-detection mechanisms, rather than by placing blanket restrictions on legitimate users and enterprises. ACC files case against 6 BTRC officials Overly restrictive policies may inadvertently push users toward informal or unregulated channels, increasing security risks instead of reducing them. The telecommunications sector remains committed to supporting individual users, entrepreneurs, small and medium businesses, and technology-enabled services, while safeguarding customer rights and freedom of choice, it added.

BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia will be laid to rest beside her husband and late President Ziaur Rahman at Sher-e-Bangla Nagar in the capital, following her namaz-e-janaza at the South Plaza of the Jatiya Sangsad Bhaban on Wednesday afternoon (December 31, 2025). “We, the Standing Committee, have decided that her Janaza will be held tomorrow (Wednesday) at 2:00 pm at the field of the South Plaza of the Parliament House and across the entire area of Manik Mia Avenue,” said BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir. Speaking to reporters after a meeting of the BNP Standing Committee at the Chairperson’s Gulshan office on Tuesday, he also said the Khatib of the Baitul Mukarram National Mosque will lead the Janaza. Read more: Preparations underway at Manik Mia Avenue for Khaleda Zia’s funeral Fakhrul said BNP Standing Committee member Nazrul Islam Khan will conduct the Janaza proceedings. Following the Janaza, he said, Khaleda Zia will be buried beside the grave of Ziaur Rahman, Bangladesh’s proclaimer of independence, and introducer of multi-party democracy, popularly known as ‘Rakhal Raja’. Fakhrul urged all those intending to join the janaza to maintain strict discipline during the janaza and burial, requesting that no one disrupt the ceremony or move forward for photographs, and emphasised the importance of showing respect and preserving the solemnity of the occasion. He also called for prayers to the Almighty Allah for Khaleda Zia’s soul, seeking that she be granted a place in Jannah. The BNP leader also urged all to pray that Allah gives the Zia family, especially her eldest son and BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman, the strength to fulfill the responsibilities for the country and bear this grief. Read more: Condolences pour in for Khaleda Zia as nation mourns Fakhrul said the government has already declared three days of mourning, with tomorrow announced as a holiday. “You also know that the Prime Adviser has spoken to the nation, and we thank the government for their full cooperation.” Besides, he said, BNP has declared seven days of mourning. “During these seven days, we will wear black badges and raise black flags. Prayers and Quran recitations will be held at all party offices.” Earlier, the BNP Standing Committee held a meeting at the Chairperson’s Gulshan office, chaired by Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman. After being under medical treatment for over a month, BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia passed away at Evercare Hospital at 6 am on Tuesday. Read more: Curtain falls on a political giant as Khaleda Zia passes into history

The Embassy of Russia in Bangladesh on Tuesday said they are deeply saddened to learn about the demise of Bangladesh’s first female prime minister and BNP chairperson Begum Khaleda Zia. "Russia will remember her with gratitude for the cordial relations maintained with our country during her three tenures as the head of the Government," said the Embassy. The Embassy extended their sincere condolences to her family, friends and fellow party members.

President Mohammed Shahabuddin has expressed deep sorrow and grief over the death of former Prime Minister and BNP Chairperson Begum Khaleda Zia, describing the death as an irreparable loss to the nation. In a condolence message, the President said Khaleda’s uncompromising role in establishing democracy and the rights of the people will remain memorable in Bangladesh’s political history, accoring to the President’s Office. Khaleda’s Death: Govt announces 3-day state mourning, general holiday Wednesday The President prayed for the eternal peace of the deceased's soul and expressed his deepest sympathy to his bereaved family.

BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman on Tuesday paid an emotional tribute to party Chairperson Khaleda Zia, remembering her as a tender and loving mother who was also a steadfast guardian for her family and the nation.  “My mother, BNP Chairperson Begum Khaleda Zia, has responded to the call of Almighty Allah and left us today. Inna lillahi wa inna ilayhi raji'un (Indeed, we belong to Allah, and to Him we shall return),” he wrote in an emotional post on his verified Facebook page. To many, he said, she was the leader of the nation, an uncompromising leader, the ‘Mother of Democracy’, the ‘Mother of Bangladesh’. Tarique said the country today mourns the loss of a guiding presence that shaped its democratic aspirations. “To me, Khaleda Zia was a tender and loving mother who devoted her entire life to the country and its people. Throughout her life, she stood firm against autocracy, fascism, and domination, leading the struggle for freedom, sovereignty, and the restoration of democracy,” he said. Though her life was illuminated by sacrifice and struggle, Tarique said at home Khaleda was their truest guardian, a mother whose infinite love gave them strength in their darkest moments. He said Khaleda endured repeated arrests, denial of medical care, and relentless persecution. “Yet even in pain, confinement, and uncertainty, she never stopped sheltering her family with courage and compassion. Her resilience was not loud, but it was unbreakable.” Khaleda Zia: 41 years at BNP’s helm - an uncompromising leader For the country, Tarique said she lost her husband and lost her child. “In that loss, this nation and its people became her family, her purpose, her very soul. She leaves behind an unforgettable legacy of patriotism, sacrifice, and resistance, a legacy that will live on in the democratic conscience of Bangladesh.” “I ask you all to pray for my mother. For the profound emotion, love, and respect shown by the people of this country and by the world, my family and I remain eternally grateful,” he said.

The highest number of candidates—18 each—submitted nomination papers in Dhaka-12 and Gazipur-2 constituencies while the lowest number of aspirants—two—filed nominations in Pirojpur-1 for the 13th parliamentary election. According to the latest count of the Election Commission, a total of 2,570 candidates submitted nomination papers before the deadline expired on Monday to contest the election across the country’s 300 constituencies, although 3,407 aspirants had collected nomination forms. More than 10 candidates filed nominations each in 66 constituencies while fewer than five candidates submitted papers in 16 constituencies. Dhaka-17 and Dhaka-18 each recorded 17 candidates while Dhaka-3 and Dhaka-5 had 16 aspirants each. Besides, 15 candidates submitted nomination papers each in eight constituencies —Narail-1, Jhalokathi-1, Dhaka-7, Narayanganj-4, Faridpur-1, Brahmanbaria-6, Noakhali-5 and Khagrachari. Only three candidates filed nominations each in four constituencies—Thakurgaon-1, Meherpur-1, Dhaka-2 and Chattogram-15. Four candidates submitted nomination papers each in 11 constituencies, which are Dinajpur-4, Nilphamari-3, Rajshahi-4, Rajshahi-6, Pabna-5, Khulna-2, Jamalpur-1, Sherpur-3, Netrakona-5, Shariatpur-3 and Rajbari-1. The nomination submission process concluded in a peaceful atmosphere across the country, with most aspirants filing papers on the final day, as only 166 nominations were submitted until Sunday. No incident of violence was reported in connection with the submission of nomination papers. BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman’s nomination papers were submitted to contest from Dhaka-17 and Bogura-6 constituencies. Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer Dr Shafiqur Rahman’s nomination papers were filed to the returning officer concerned to contest from Dhaka-15 constituency. BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir submitted the nomination paper to contest from Thakurgaon-1 constituency, while Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami Secretary General Mia Golam Parwar submitted his nomination paper to run from Khulna-5 constituency. The number of aspirants, who submitted nomination papers, was 2,711 in the 12th general election held on January 07, 2024, what that was 3,065 in the 11th general election held on December 30, 2018.    The Election Commission on December 11 announced the schedule to hold the 13th parliament election and the referendum on the July National Charter (Constitutional Reform) Implementation Order simultaneously on February 12 next. According to the election schedule, the scrutiny of nomination papers is on December 30-January 4, while the appeals against the decisions of the returning officers can be filed from January 5 to 9 and the appeals will be settled from January 10 to 18. The last date for the withdrawal of candidature is January 20. The election campaign will start on January 22 and continue till 48 hours before the balloting period (7:30am on February 10). This time the Commission appointed 69 returning officers –two divisional commissioners (Dhaka and Chattogram), three regional election officers (Dhaka, Chattogram and Khulna) and 64 district deputy commissioners. The collection and submission of nomination papers started on December 12, a day after the announcement of the election schedule.  

For over four decades, Khaleda Zia, Bangladesh’s first woman prime minister, led the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) for 41 consecutive years as its chairperson, shaping not only her own remarkable political journey but also the course of the nation’s turbulent politics. Khaleda Zia, who entered politics as a homemaker with no prior political experience following the assassination of her husband and BNP founder Ziaur Rahman in 1981, went on to shape a remarkable 43-year political journey. To keep the party united amid internal divisions and political uncertainty following Ziaur Rahman’s death and the military takeover by General Hussain Muhammad Ershad, senior BNP leaders persuaded Khaleda Zia to join politics in January 1982. According to the BNP website, Khaleda Zia became a primary member of the party on January 3, 1982. She was made Senior Vice Chairperson in March 1983 and was appointed Acting Chairperson on January 12, 1984. On May 10, the same year, she was elected BNP Chairperson unopposed. She completed 41 years in that position in May this year. Under her leadership, BNP came to power thrice and played a central role in Bangladesh’s political history. She became Prime Minister by winning the fifth, sixth, and eighth parliamentary elections in 1991, 1996, and 2001, and notably never lost any election she personally contested. In 1991, Khaleda Zia became Bangladesh’s first woman Prime Minister and the second woman head of government in the Muslim world after Pakistan’s Benazir Bhutto. During her tenure, parliamentary democracy was restored in the country. Her political career was marked by a long struggle against military rule under Ershad and later political rivalry with Sheikh Hasina. Political analysts describe her as a charismatic leader who fought against authoritarian rule for nearly two and a half decades. She was also called an uncompromising leader for her steadfast struggle against autocratic ruler HM Ershad. Khaleda Zia’s leadership faced its most difficult period during the Awami League government, when she was convicted in two cases and jailed. She remained in prison for more than two years before being released in March 2020 through an executive order during the Covid-19 pandemic. Her sentence suspension was later extended periodically. Following the fall of the Awami League government after the July Mass Uprising on August 5, 2024, Khaleda Zia was freed through another executive order. Nayapaltan shrouded in grief after Khaleda Zia’s death She left for London on January 7, 2025, for advanced medical treatment and returned home on May 6 after 117 days abroad. In recent months, she was hospitalised several times due to various health complications. Born on August 15, 1945, Khaleda Zia was originally named Khaleda Khan. Her family nickname was ‘Putul’. She married Ziaur Rahman in 1960 when he was a captain in the Pakistan Army and later adopted the name Khaleda Zia. Widowed at the age of 36, she raised her two sons, Tarique Rahman and late Arafat Rahman Koko, on her own. Despite criticism from some quarters that she rose to power through political inheritance, observers note that she established her leadership in a male-dominated political landscape through determination and political skill. Late political analyst and author Mahfuz Ullah wrote a book on her life, in which he noted that Khaleda Zia carved out her own political space through merit and leadership at a time when few women led major political parties. Khaleda Zia’s namaz-e-janaza Wednesday at JS compound: Fakhrul In Bangladesh’s political history, Khaleda Zia has remained one of the most influential and enduring figures. Khaleda Zia was admitted to Evercare Hospital on the night of November 23 on the advice of a medical board after being diagnosed with infections in her heart and lungs and died at 6pm today (Tuesday). Meanwhile, she had been nominated for three constituencies — Dinajpur-3, Feni-1 and Bogura-7 — for the upcoming 13th parliamentary election. However, the party kept alternative candidates for her seats in view of her critical health condition.  

Nepalese Prime Minister Sushila Karki has expressed sorrow over the death of Khaleda Zia, BNP chairperson and the first female Prime Minister of Bangladesh. "I am deeply saddened to learn of the passing away of Begum Khaleda Zia, BNP chairperson and the first female Prime Minister of Bangladesh," she said in a message. On behalf of the Government and people of Nepal, the Nepalese Prime Minister extended her heartfelt condolences to her family, friends and the people of Bangladesh. Iran condoles death of former PM Khaleda Zia Begum Zia leaves behind a legacy of lifelong public service, with her enduring leadership marking a historic chapter in the democratic journey of her country, he said. "As a true friend of Nepal, she will be remembered for her significant role in strengthening Nepal-Bangladesh relations. May her departed soul rest in eternal peace," said the Nepalese Prime Minister.  

All scheduled Federation Cup and women’s football league matches were suspended on Tuesday following the death of former prime minister and BNP chairperson Khaleda Zia. The Bangladesh Football Federation (BFF) confirmed that both Federation Cup fixtures slated for the day were postponed as part of nationwide mourning. The Under-15 National Championship final, scheduled to be held in Noakhali, was also called off. In women’s football, three league matches due to be played at Kamalapur Stadium were suspended, with revised dates to be announced later. BFF vice-president Fahad Rahman said the media all sporting activities for the day had been halted out of respect. He added that it remained uncertain whether matches would resume the following day, as Khaleda Zia’s funeral prayers were expected to be held on Wednesday. Khaleda’s Death: Govt announces 3-day state mourning, general holiday Wednesday Other national sports bodies, including the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB), also issued condolence messages. Officials said further decisions on fixtures would depend on the duration of the official mourning period. Khaleda Zia, a two-time prime minister, died on Tuesday morning at Evercare Hospital in Dhaka.    

A large number of BNP leaders and activists gathered outside Evercare Hospital on Tuesday following the death of BNP Chairperson and former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia. Witnesses said several hundred people had thronged the hospital premises since Tuesday morning. Many were seen breaking down in tears while some peered through the barbed-wire fence set up at the hospital gate.  

Diplomatic Correspondents Association, Bangladesh (DCAB) on Tuesday expressed its profound sorrow at the passing of Begum Khaleda Zia, three-time former Prime Minister and BNP Chairperson. In a message of condolence issued by DCAB President AKM Moinuddin and General Secretary Md. Arifuzzaman Mamun, DCAB noted that her historic role in the struggle to establish democracy, uphold a multi-party political culture, and safeguard the rights of the people of Bangladesh will be remembered with deep respect and gratitude. Through her uncompromising leadership, DCAB said, the nation was repeatedly steered away from undemocratic rule during critical moments in its history. The nation will forever remember her significant contributions to the country and its democratic institutions with honour, DCAB said in its message. DCAB extended its heartfelt sympathy and deepest condolences to the bereaved family members, relatives, and well-wishers of Begum Khaleda Zia during this time of profound grief. DCAB prayed for strength and solace for her loved ones as they mourn this irreplaceable loss. With her passing, an era of strong, female-led political leadership in Bangladesh draws to a close, DCAB said in its message. "May her soul rest in eternal peace."  

The Iranian Embassy in Dhaka on Tuesday extended its sincere condolences to the government and people of Bangladesh, as well as to the leadership and members of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), on the passing of former Prime Minister Begum Khaleda Zia. In a condolence message, the Embassy described Khaleda Zia as a prominent national leader who played a significant role in the political history of Bangladesh and made notable contributions to democratic governance and public life throughout her career. During her tenure as Prime Minister, the Embassy said, Bangladesh maintained constructive and friendly relations with Iran, based on mutual respect and cooperation. Mamata Banerjee mourns death of Khaleda Zia It also conveyed its deepest sympathy to her family, including her son and BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman, as well as her colleagues and supporters, and wished peace for her departed soul.  

A pall of gloom descended on BNP’s Nayapaltan central office on Tuesday as devastated leaders and activists streamed in, many in tears, following the death of party Chairperson and three-time former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia. Many leaders and activists were seen weeping openly as they mourned the loss of their beloved leader. Some party leaders also expressed anger, blaming the Sheikh Hasina government for her death. They alleged that Khaleda Zia fell seriously ill due to a lack of proper treatment during her time in jail. Meanwhile, a full recitation (Khatm) of the holy Quran began at the party office. Black flags were hoisted as a mark of mourning. Following her death, BNP announced seven days of mourning. Party flags will be kept at half-mast and black flags will be hoisted at all party offices during the mourning period. The party will also open a condolence book at the BNP Chairperson’s Gulshan office for three days. BNP Media Cell member Sayrul Kabir Khan said the condolence book would be open for signatures on Tuesday from 3:00 pm to 9:00 pm. It will remain open on Wednesday (December 31) from 4:00 pm to 9:00 pm and on Thursday (January 1) from 10:00 am to 6:00 pm. Khaleda Zia, a three-time former prime minister and BNP Chairperson, passed away at 6:00 am on Tuesday while undergoing treatment at Evercare Hospital in the capital. Khaleda Zia’s namaz-e-janaza Wednesday at JS compound: Fakhrul She was admitted to the hospital on November 23. As her condition worsened on November 27, she was shifted to the ICU, where she remained on life support until her death. Born on August 15, 1945, Khaleda Zia was Bangladesh’s first woman prime minister and the second woman prime minister in the Muslim world after Benazir Bhutto of Pakistan.

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee  has expressed deep sorrow over the death of former Prime Minister and BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia. In a post on X on Tuesday, she wrote, “I am saddened by the demise of Bangladesh’s former Prime Minister and one of its prominent leaders Begum Khaleda Zia. I extend my condolences to her grieving family, friends, and political colleagues.” Earlier Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed deep sorrow at the death of former Prime Minister and BNP Chairperson Begum Khaleda and hoped that her vision and legacy will continue to guide Dhaka-Delhi partnership. Hope ex-PM Khaleda's vision, legacy will continue to guide our partnership: PM Modi "I recall my warm meeting with her in Dhaka in 2015. We hope that her vision and legacy will continue to guide our partnership. May her soul rest in peace," Prime Minister Modi said in a message.

BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir on Tuesday informed a special meeting of the Council of Advisers that the namaz-e-janaza of BNP Chairperson and former Prime Minister Begum Khaleda Zia will be held on Wednesday. The janaza will be held after Zohr prayers at the South Plaza of the Jatiya Sangsad Bhaban, adjacent to the Manik Mia Avenue. He said Khaleda Zia will be laid to rest beside martyred President and freedom fighter Ziaur Rahman. Mirza Fakhrul attended the meeting chaired by Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus following a special invitation. During the meeting, he expressed gratitude to the interim government on behalf of the family and BNP and thanked the Chief Adviser for extending all necessary assistance, including security arrangements for Begum Khaleda Zia. At the beginning of the meeting, a one-minute silence was observed in memory of three-time former Prime Minister, uncompromising leader of the democratic movement, and BNP Chairperson Begum Khaleda Zia, followed by prayers for the eternal peace of her soul. Religious Affairs Adviser AFM Khalid Hossain conducted the prayers. The meeting declared a three-day state mourning starting Wednesday, along with a one-day general holiday on Wednesday. A condolence resolution was adopted at the meeting, which was read out by Environment, Forest and Climate Change and Information Adviser Syeda Rizwana Hasan. During the three days of state mourning, the national flag will be flown at half-mast at all government, semi-government and autonomous institutions, educational institutions, and all government and private buildings across the country, as well as at Bangladesh missions abroad. At the same time, special prayers will be held in mosques across the country on Wednesday, seeking forgiveness for the departed soul of Khaleda Zia. Special prayers will also be organised at places of worship of other religions. The meeting also decided that condolence books will be opened at Bangladesh missions abroad. Prof Yunus said the government would provide all possible assistance during the burial and Namaz-e-Janaza of Khaleda Zia. Tarique, other family members were by Khaleda’s side during her demise  

BNP Chairperson and former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia passed away while her eldest son and BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman was by her bedside at Evercare Hospital on Tuesday morning At the time of her death, other close family members were also present there, party sources said. They included Tarique Rahman’s wife, Dr Zubaida Rahman, their daughter Zaima Rahman, and Shameela Rahman Sithi, wife of her late younger son Arafat Rahman Koko. Among other relatives, Khaleda Zia’s younger brother Shamim Eskander and his wife, as well as her elder sister Selina Islam, were at the hospital during her final moments. Some other family members were also present there. BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir was at the hospital at that time. Members of the medical board formed for Khaleda Zia’s treatment were also present. Khaleda’s  janaza likely on Wednesday, burial beside Ziaur Rahman: Salahuddin Begum Khaleda Zia, a three-time former prime minister and BNP chairperson, passed away at 6 am on Tuesday while undergoing treatment at Evercare Hospital in the capital. She was admitted to the hospital on November 23. As her condition worsened on November 27 she was shifted to the ICU where she remained on life support until her death. Born on August 15, 1945, Khaleda Zia was Bangladesh’s first woman prime minister and the second woman prime minister in the Muslim world after Benazir Bhutto of Pakistan.

The BNP Standing Committee sat in an emergency meeting on Tuesday to decide the party’s next course of action following the death of its chairperson Begum Khaleda Zia. The meeting began at 12:38pm at the chairperson’s Gulshan office with BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman in the chair. BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir and Standing Committee members Khandaker Mosharraf Hossain, Mirza Abbas, Gayeshwar Chandra Roy, Dr Abdul Moyeen Khan and Nazrul Islam Khan. Tarique Rahman went straight to the Gulshan office from Evercare Hospital to join the Standing Committee meeting. Khaleda Zia passed away at Evercare Hospital at 6:00 am after receiving treatment for more than a month. Following her death, BNP has announced seven days of mourning. Party flags will be kept at half-mast and black flags will be hoisted at party offices during the mourning period.  

US President Donald Trump warned Iran on Monday that Washington could launch further military strikes if Tehran attempts to revive its nuclear program, as he held talks with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu at his Florida residence. Trump, who previously said US strikes in June had left Iran’s nuclear capabilities “completely and fully obliterated,” suggested there were signs Tehran might be trying to rebuild parts of the program outside known sites. Speaking at his Mar-a-Lago estate with Netanyahu beside him, Trump said the United States would respond forcefully if that proves true. “Now I hear that Iran is trying to build up again,” Trump told reporters. “And if they are, we’re going to have to knock them down. We’ll knock them down. We’ll knock the hell out of them. But hopefully that’s not happening.” At a later news conference, Trump said he could authorize another strike if suspected activity is confirmed. “If it’s confirmed, they know the consequences, and the consequences will be very powerful, maybe more powerful than the last time,” he said. Iran has insisted it is no longer enriching uranium at any site and has sought to signal openness to renewed negotiations. The Iranian mission to the United Nations did not immediately respond to Trump’s remarks. Israeli officials, meanwhile, have voiced concern in local media about Iran rebuilding long-range missile capabilities that could threaten Israel. The warning came as Trump said he wants to push ahead with the next phase of the US-brokered Israel-Hamas ceasefire, while stressing that Hamas must be disarmed. The truce has largely held, but progress toward a second phase has slowed amid mutual accusations of violations and disagreements over the path forward. The first phase of the ceasefire began in October, two years after the Hamas-led attack on Israel that killed about 1,200 people. Nearly all of the 251 hostages taken during that assault have since been released, alive or dead. Netanyahu, who also met separately with Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, has indicated he is not rushing into the next phase while the remains of hostage Ran Gvili are still in Gaza. Trump said Gvili’s family, whom he met in Florida, is still waiting for their son to be returned. The proposed second phase envisions rebuilding a demilitarized Gaza under international supervision, with a Palestinian technocratic committee managing daily affairs and a multinational stabilization force providing security. Key elements, including the composition and mandate of that force, remain unresolved, according to officials briefed on the discussions. Trump and Netanyahu, who praised each other during the visit, also touched on domestic Israeli politics. Netanyahu said Israel’s education ministry would award Trump the Israel Prize, breaking with past convention. Trump again urged Israeli President Isaac Herzog to pardon Netanyahu, who is on trial in multiple corruption cases. “He’s a wartime prime minister who’s a hero. How do you not give a pardon?” Trump said. Herzog’s office later said any decision on the pardon request would follow established legal procedures.  

Saudi Arabia bombed Yemen's port city of Mukalla on Tuesday over what it described as a shipment of weapons for a separatist force there that arrived from the United Arab Emirates. The UAE did not immediately acknowledge the strike. The attack signals a new escalation in tensions between the kingdom and the separatist forces of the Southern Transitional Council, which is backed by the Emirates. It also further strains ties between Riyadh and Abu Dhabi, which had been backing competing sides in Yemen's decadelong war against the Iranian-backed Houthi rebels amid a moment of unease across the wider Red Sea region. Yemen's anti-Houthi forces later declared a state of emergency Tuesday. It issued a 72-hour ban on all border crossings in territory they hold, as well as entries to airports and seaports, except those allowed by Saudi Arabia. A military statement carried by the state-run Saudi Press Agency announced the strikes, which it said came after ships arrived there from Fujairah, a port city on the UAE's eastern coast. "The ships' crew had the disabled tracking devices aboard the vessels, and unloaded a large amount of weapons and combat vehicles in support of the Southern Transitional Council's forces," it said. "Considering that the aforementioned weapons constitute an imminent threat, and an escalation that threatens peace and stability, the Coalition Air Force has conducted this morning a limited airstrike that targeted weapons and military vehicles offloaded from the two vessels in Mukalla," it added. It wasn't immediately clear if there were any casualties from the strike or if any other military besides Saudi Arabia's took part. The Saudi military said it conducted the attack overnight to make sure "no collateral damage occurred." The UAE did not immediately respond to a request for comment from the AP. The Council's AIC satellite news channel acknowledged the strikes, without offering details. The attack likely targeted a ship identified by analysts as the Greenland, a roll-on, roll-off vessel flagged out of St. Kitts. Tracking data analyzed by the AP showed the vessel had been in Fujairah on Dec. 22 and arrived in Mukalla on Sunday. The second vessel could not be immediately identified. Mohammed al-Basha, a Yemen expert and the founder of the Basha Report, a risk advisory firm, cited social media videos which purported to show new armored vehicles rolling through Mukalla after the ship's arrival. The ship's owners, based in Dubai, could not be immediately reached. "I expect a calibrated escalation from both sides. The UAE-backed Southern Transitional Council is likely to respond by consolidating control," al-Basha said. "At the same time, the flow of weapons from the UAE to the STC is set to be curtailed following the port attack, particularly as Saudi Arabia controls the airspace." Footage later aired by Saudi state television, which appeared to be filmed by a surveillance aircraft, purportedly showed the armored vehicles moving through Mukalla to a staging area. The types of vehicles corresponded to the social media footage. Mukalla is in Yemen's Hadramout governorate, which the Council had seized in recent days. The port city is some 480 kilometers (300 miles) northeast of Aden, which has been the seat of power for anti-Houthi forces in Yemen after the rebels seized the capital, Sanaa, back in 2014. The strike in Mukalla comes after Saudi Arabia targeted the Council in airstrikes Friday that analysts described as a warning for the separatists to halt their advance and leave the governorates of Hadramout and Mahra. The Council had pushed out forces there affiliated with the Saudi-backed National Shield Forces, another group in the coalition fighting the Houthis. Those aligned with the Council have increasingly flown the flag of South Yemen, which was a separate country from 1967-1990. Demonstrators have been rallying for days to support political forces calling for South Yemen to secede again from Yemen. The actions by the separatists have put pressure on the relationship between Saudi Arabia and the UAE, which maintain close relations and are members of the OPEC oil cartel, but also have competed for influence and international business in recent years. There has also been an escalation of violence in Sudan, another nation on the Red Sea, where the kingdom and the Emirates support opposing forces in that country's ongoing war. Meanwhile, Israel has acknowledged Somalia's breakaway region of Somaliland as an independent nation, the first to do so in over 30 years. That's sparked concern from the Houthis, who have threatened to attack any Israeli presence in Somaliland.

Humanoid robots took center stage at a major Silicon Valley gathering this week as advances in artificial intelligence renewed investor interest, though doubts remain about how soon humanlike machines will become a practical reality. More than 2,000 people, including engineers from Disney, Google and dozens of startups, attended the Humanoids Summit to showcase emerging technology and debate how to speed up development of robots designed to move and work like humans. Summit founder Modar Alaoui said many researchers now see humanoids or other physical forms of AI as inevitable, with the main uncertainty being how long it will take. The recent boom in AI, fueled by systems such as ChatGPT and Google’s Gemini, has injected fresh momentum into a field long considered too complex and expensive for investors. Supporters argue that the same breakthroughs that improved language-based AI are also helping robots better understand their surroundings and perform tasks using vision and language models. Disney highlighted its progress with a walking robotic version of the “Frozen” character Olaf, which is expected to roam independently in Disneyland parks in Hong Kong and Paris early next year. While such entertainment-focused machines already exist, experts said truly general-purpose robots capable of contributing meaningfully in homes or workplaces are still years away. Skepticism was evident even among conference participants. Cosima du Pasquier, co-founder of Haptica Robotics, said the humanoid sector still faces major scientific and engineering hurdles, noting that much research remains unresolved. According to consultancy McKinsey, around 50 companies worldwide have raised at least $100 million to develop humanoid robots, with China leading the race. Government incentives, a push to build a full humanoid ecosystem by 2025 and strong manufacturing capacity have given Chinese firms an edge, reflected in their dominance at the summit’s exhibition area. In contrast, U.S. efforts have been driven largely by private investment and excitement around AI. High-profile skeptics remain, including robotics pioneer Rodney Brooks, who has argued that current humanoids are unlikely to achieve true dexterity despite massive funding. Some practical deployments are already under way. Agility Robotics recently announced that its warehouse robot Digit is being tested at a Texas distribution center run by Mercado Libre, showing how robots with limited humanlike features are entering workplaces. Industry leaders said competition between countries is intensifying. Jeff Burnstein, head of the Association for Advancing Automation, said the United States has strong AI expertise but acknowledged that China currently has greater momentum in humanoid development, leaving the question of global leadership still open.

The Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) will open a condolence book for former Prime Minister Begum Khaleda Zia at the BNP Chairperson’s Gulshan office for three days. Sayrul Kabir Khan, a member of the BNP media cell, said the condolence book will be open for signatures today (Tuesday) from 3:00pm to 9:00pm.  It will remain open on Wednesday (December 31) from 4:00pm to 9:00pm, and on Thursday (January 1) from 10:00am to 6:00pm. Begum Khaleda Zia, a three-time former prime minister and BNP chairperson, passed away at 6 am on Tuesday while undergoing treatment at Evercare Hospital in the capital. Khaleda’s  janaza likely on Wednesday, burial beside Ziaur Rahman: Salahuddin She was admitted to the hospital on November 23. As her condition worsened on November 27 she was shifted to the ICU where she remained on life support until her death. Born on August 15, 1945, Khaleda Zia was Bangladesh’s first woman prime minister and the second woman prime minister in the Muslim world after Benazir Bhutto of Pakistan.  

Human-driven climate change pushed 2025 into the ranks of the three hottest years ever recorded and, for the first time, the three-year global temperature average crossed the 1.5 degrees Celsius limit set under the 2015 Paris Agreement, scientists said. The findings by World Weather Attribution researchers, released Tuesday in Europe, came after a year marked by deadly and costly climate extremes across the globe. Scientists said temperatures stayed unusually high despite the presence of La Nina, a natural cooling pattern in the Pacific, pointing instead to continued burning of fossil fuels as the main driver. “If we don’t stop burning fossil fuels very, very quickly, very soon, it will be very hard to keep that goal,” said Friederike Otto, co-founder of World Weather Attribution and a climate scientist at Imperial College London. The researchers said extreme weather killed thousands of people and caused billions of dollars in damage in 2025. They identified 157 severe extreme events worldwide and closely examined 22 of them. Heat waves were described as the deadliest disasters of the year, with some events found to be 10 times more likely than they would have been a decade ago because of climate change. Otto said many of the heat waves seen this year would have been almost impossible without human-caused warming, underscoring how sharply risks have increased. Other disasters included prolonged drought that fueled wildfires in Greece and Turkey, deadly floods in Mexico, Super Typhoon Fung-wong forcing more than a million people to evacuate in the Philippines, and monsoon-triggered floods and landslides across parts of India. The report warned that the growing frequency and intensity of such events are pushing communities toward what scientists call limits of adaptation, where warning systems, resources and recovery capacity are no longer sufficient. The study also highlighted how rapidly intensifying storms are complicating forecasting and response, citing Hurricane Melissa, which struck Jamaica, Cuba and Haiti and overwhelmed local response capacities. Meanwhile, global efforts to curb warming showed limited progress. United Nations climate talks in Brazil ended without a clear plan to phase out fossil fuels, although more funding was pledged to help vulnerable countries adapt. Many experts now acknowledge that global warming is likely to exceed 1.5 degrees Celsius, even as some say reversing the trend may still be possible. Progress has varied by country. China is expanding renewable energy but continues to rely heavily on coal. In Europe, extreme weather has increased pressure for climate action, though some governments warn of economic costs. In the United States, the Trump administration has shifted policy toward supporting coal, oil and gas over clean energy. Andrew Kruczkiewicz, a senior researcher at Columbia University’s Climate School who was not involved in the analysis, said communities are increasingly facing unfamiliar and fast-intensifying disasters, requiring earlier warnings and new approaches to response and recovery. “On a global scale, progress is being made,” he said, “but we must do more.”

The government announced a three-day state mourning and general holiday on Wednesday over the death of BNP Chairperson and former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia. Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus announced the decision in a televised address to the nation on Tuesday. "I humbly appeal to everyone to maintain discipline in all forms of mourning, including the Namaz-e-Janaza. I know that you are all very emotional at this time. I hope that you will show patience in this time of mourning and cooperate with all those involved in carrying out all the formalities, including her funeral," Prof Yunus said. "May the Almighty Allah grant us all patience, strength and the ability to remain united," said the Chief Adviser. Prof Yunus urged all to be vigilant so that no one can attempt instability or acts of sabotage in this time of mourning. "It is very important for all of us to play our responsible role at this time," he said. Prof Yunus said the entire nation is silent in deep grief and sorrow. "We are deeply saddened and shocked by the demise of Begum Khaleda Zia. The nation has lost a great guardian in her death," he said. Prof Yunus expressed his sincere condolences to her family members, political colleagues and countless workers and supporters on behalf of the entire nation. "My prayer to the Almighty Allah is that He may grant us all the strength to overcome this deep grief," he said. Prof Yunus said Begum Khaleda Zia was an extremely glorious figure in the politics of Bangladesh. He said her outstanding role in the struggle to establish democracy, multiparty political culture and the rights of the people will remain immortal in history. Chief Adviser calls Council of Advisers to discuss Khaleda Zia’s burial: Fakhrul "Her uncompromising leadership against tyranny and fascism has repeatedly shown the nation the way out of undemocratic situations," Prof Yunus said. The nation will forever remember her excellent contributions to the country and the nation with respect, Prof Yunus said. Her long political journey, people-oriented leadership, and her steadfast role in upholding the independence and sovereignty of the beloved motherland will be unforgettable, he said. Khaleda’s  janaza likely on Wednesday, burial beside Ziaur Rahman: Salahuddin "The void of such a great, far-sighted and pure patriotic leader cannot be filled," Prof Yunus said. In this moment of mourning, he said, "Let us all, from our respective positions, seek forgiveness for the departed soul of Begum Khaleda Zia." At the same time, he said, "Let us remain united in this difficult time for the nation."

After years of perilous fieldwork and advanced data analysis, Mexican scientists have produced the first three-dimensional image of the interior of Popocatépetl, one of the world’s most active volcanoes whose eruptions threaten millions of people. A team from the National Autonomous University of Mexico (UNAM) spent five years scaling the volcano before dawn, hauling heavy equipment and braving harsh weather and eruption risks to collect seismic data. Using artificial intelligence to analyze the information, the researchers were able to map where magma accumulates beneath the crater, a breakthrough expected to improve understanding of the volcano’s behavior and help authorities respond more effectively to eruptions. Project leader Marco Calò of UNAM’s Institute of Geophysics said the new image offers unprecedented detail of the 17,883-foot volcano’s internal structure. The 3D cross-section extends about 11 miles below the crater, revealing several magma reservoirs at different depths rather than a single chamber, with more magma concentrated toward the southeast side. Popocatépetl, known locally as El Popo, poses a major risk because about 25 million people live within 100 kilometers of it. Homes, schools, hospitals and five airports could be affected by a major eruption. Although the volcano has been closely monitored, it lacked a high-resolution internal map until now. To achieve this, the team expanded the network of seismographs around the volcano from 12 to 22, allowing them to capture detailed underground vibrations. Doctoral researcher Karina Bernal used artificial intelligence to classify different types of tremors, helping scientists infer the materials, temperatures and depths inside the volcano before turning those findings into a map. Popocatépetl has been active since 1994, releasing gas, ash and smoke almost daily and periodically forming lava domes that later collapse, triggering eruptions. The most recent eruption occurred in 2023. Calò said working directly on the volcano transformed his research, calling Popocatépetl a “majestic” natural laboratory. He noted that firsthand experience helps scientists better understand the limits of their analyses and provide more reliable information to nearby communities. During their expeditions, the team retrieved data from seismic stations high on the volcano’s slopes, sometimes finding equipment damaged by weather, animals or explosions. Despite setbacks, the project has delivered key insights and raised new questions, including why tremors are more frequent on the southeast flank and what that means for future eruptions. With their findings set to be published, the scientists say seeing the volcano’s interior move in 3D makes the risks and effort worthwhile, and fuels their determination to continue climbing and learning more about El Popo.

The Jagannath University Central Students’ Union (JnUCSU) election was postponed on Tuesday following the death of former Prime Minister and BNP Chairperson Begum Khaleda Zia. The decision was announced in a notice signed by Chief Election Commissioner Professor Dr Mostafa Hasan. According to the notice, the University Syndicate, the highest authority of Jagannath University, unanimously decided at an emergency meeting held in the morning to suspend the Jagannath University Central Students’ Union and Hall Students’ Union Election 2025, which was scheduled for the day.  

Ambassador of Japan to Bangladesh Saida Shinichi has expressed sorrow over the death of three-time former Prime Minister and BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia. "It is with profound sorrow that we learned of the passing of Her Excellency Begum Khaleda Zia, former Prime Minister of the People's Republic of Bangladesh and esteemed Chairperson of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP)," he said in a condolence message. The Ambassador said they extend their deepest condolences to her family, the members of the BNP, and the Government and people of Bangladesh. During her tenure as Prime Minister, Begum Zia visited Japan twice, making invaluable contributions to the enduring friendship and cooperation between our nations, said the Ambassador. "We express our sincere gratitude for her dedicated efforts and remarkable achievements. May her soul rest in eternal peace," he said in his message.

The German Embassy in Dhaka on Tuesday expressed its deepest condolences on the passing of Begum Khaleda Zia, three-time Prime Minister of Bangladesh, the country’s first female head of government. In her long public career, Begum Zia played a significant role in shaping Bangladesh’s political landscape, the Embassy said in a message. Germany recalled its engagement with her over the decades, including her meeting with German Foreign Minister Joschka Fischer during his 2004 visit to Dhaka, as well as her meeting with German President Christian Wulff during his state visit in 2011. "She also engaged in other high-level meetings with senior German representatives over the years," said the Embassy. At this moment of loss, Germany honours her contribution to national life and extends its sympathy to her family, her party, and the people of Bangladesh. Germany said it remains committed to the enduring friendship between our two countries. "May she rest in peace."  

National Citizen Party (NCP) Convener Nahid Islam on Tuesday said the contribution and lifelong struggle of BNP Chairperson and former Prime Minister Begum Khaleda Zia in establishing democracy in Bangladesh will be preserved in the nation’s history. Expressing deep grief over Khaleda Zia’s death in a post on his verified Facebook page in the morning, Nahid said her courageous leadership during the anti-autocracy movement showed the people of Bangladesh the path to securing democratic rights. He said Khaleda Zia played an outstanding role in restoring a democratic environment and re-establishing the parliamentary system in Bangladesh following the mass uprising of the 1990s. “In her long political life, she faced imprisonment many times and went through numerous ups and downs, yet she remained steadfast in her political ideals and unwavering in defending the rights of the people. She was uncompromising when it came to the sovereignty of the country and the nation,” Nahid wrote. He said Khaleda Zia’s contribution and struggle in the fight to establish democracy in Bangladesh would certainly be remembered. “Her long political journey dedicated to the welfare of the country and its people will continue to inspire future generations. With her passing, a long and eventful chapter of Bangladesh’s political history has come to an end,” he added. Khaleda Zia, who had been suffering from multiple health complications, was admitted to Evercare Hospital in Dhaka on November 23. As her condition deteriorated, she was shifted to the Critical Care Unit (CCU) for advanced treatment. The BNP chairperson and former prime minister passed away at the Evercare Hospital at 6:00am on Tuesday while undergoing treatment there.  

The French Embassy in Bangladesh has expressed its deepest condolences on the passing of Begum Khaleda Zia, former Prime Minister of Bangladesh and the country’s first female head of government. Throughout her long public career, Begum Zia played an important role in shaping Bangladesh’s national life, said the Embassy in a message on Tuesday. "Her legacy will be remembered," France said. At this time of mourning, France extended its thoughts to her family, her party, and the people of Bangladesh.  

BNP Chairperson and former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia is likely to be laid to rest beside her husband late President Ziaur Rahman at Zia Udyan in the capital’s Sher-e-Bangla Nagar. BNP Standing Committee member Salahuddin Ahmed shared the information with the media on Tuesday. He said Khaleda Zia’s namaz-e-janaza is likely to be held on Wednesday (December 31) at Manik Mia Avenue in Dhaka after Johr prayers. Former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia passes away “After the janaza, she may be buried next to her husband, martyred President Ziaur Rahman, at Zia Udyan,” Salahuddin said. Begum Khaleda Zia, a three-time former prime minister and BNP chairperson, passed away at 6 am on Tuesday while undergoing treatment at Evercare Hospital in the capital. She was admitted to the hospital on November 23. As her condition worsened on November 27 she was shifted to the ICU where she remained on life support until her death. Born on August 15, 1945, Khaleda Zia was Bangladesh’s first woman prime minister and the second woman prime minister in the Muslim world after Benazir Bhutto of Pakistan. Details of the funeral arrangements and burial will be finalised following consultations with the family and party leadership, BNP leaders said.  

More than one million eligible voters including some 620,000 expatriates registered their names to vote through the postal ballots in the upcoming national election and the referendum, scheduled to be held simultaneously on February 12, 2026. A total of 10,12,354 voters –894,997 males and 117,355 females- registered through the ‘Postal Vote Bd’ app till 10:38am on Tuesday, a day before the registration deadline will expire on December 31. Among them, 619,922 expatriate Bangladeshis are keen to vote from around 140 countries across the world under the EC’s Out-of-Country Voting (OCV) programme. Candidates not allowed to enter any center other than their own: JnUCSU Election Commission Besides, 392,402 eligible voters are interested to vote through the postal ballot from inside the country under the EC’s In-Country Postal Voting (ICPV) programme. Though the postal balloting system has been in the laws for a long time, it was never practiced in the previous elections. This is the first time the Election Commission has introduced an effective IT-supported hybrid postal balloting system, enabling expatriates, government staff who are posted outside their respective constituencies, polling personnel, and the persons who will be in the legal custody to exercise their franchise through a combination of digital registration and manual voting. The Election Commission opened the ‘Postal Vote Bd’ app for the Out-of-Country Voting (OCV) on November 19 and for the In-Country Postal Voting (ICPV) on December 17. Election season kicks off in Bangladesh; 2,582 candidates submitted nomination papers Among the 560,000 expatriate registrant, the highest number came from the Saudi Arabia (186,356) followed by Qatar (66,089), Malaysia (55,926), Oman (47,402), UAE (31,337), Kuwait (28,271), USA (27,668), UK (25,317), Italy (18,069), Singapore (17,691), Bahrain (14,767), Canada (13,138), South Korea (10,667), Australia (9,990), Japan (8,032), Maldives (7,755), France (6,929), Portugal (6,329), South Africa (5,188), Germany (4,978), Spain (2,945), China (1,913), Finland (1,907), Poland (1,806), Brunei (1,456), Sweden (1,421), Ireland (1,312) and Denmark (1042). Among the registered ones, the highest 82,850 will vote in Cumilla district, while 76,019 in Dhaka district, 70,993 in Chattogram, 47,165 in Noakhali, 34,777 in Sylhet, 34,752 in Chandpur, 33,291 in Feni, 28,381 in Brahmanbaria, 28,370 in Tangail and 25,331 in Lakshmipur. In terms of parliamentary seats, the highest 13,541 registered ones will vote in Feni-3 constituency, while 10,969 in Chattogram-15 constituency, 10,869 in Noakhali-1 constituency, 10,778 in Cumilla-10 constituency, 10,568 in Feni-2 constituency and 10,030 in Noakhali-3 constituency.     Chief Election Commissioner AMM Nasir Uddin on December 11 last announced the schedule to arrange the 13th parliamentary election and the referendum on the July National Charter (Constitutional Reform) Implementation Order simultaneously on February 12 next. According to the election schedule, the deadline for the submission of nomination papers was December 29, while the last date for the withdrawal of candidature is January 20. The election campaign will start on January 22 and continue till 48 hours before the balloting period (7:30am on February 10). A total of 2,570 candidates submitted nomination papers to contest from the country's 300 parliamentary constituencies in the February-12 election.  

BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir on Tuesday described the death of BNP Chairperson and former Prime Minister Begum Khaleda Zia as “irreparable”, saying the nation would never be able to fill the void created by her death. “We never imagined that we would have to stand before you with this news. We were hopeful that just like before, she would recover once again. But we’re now devastated,” he said in an emotional voice during a briefing at the Evercare Hospital in the morning. Fakhrul further said, “As you have already heard, the head of the medical board Professor Shahabuddin Talukder, announced that at 6:00am today our Mother of Democracy, the guardian of the nation, left us. Inna Lillahi wa Inna Ilaihi Raji’un. This grief, this loss, is unusual and irreparable. This nation will never be able to make up for it,” he said. He said Khaleda devoted her entire life to the rights and welfare of the people. Prof Yunus mourns death of former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia “That leader, who dedicated her whole life to the rights and well-being of people, our leader Begum Khaleda Zia, is no longer with us. For us, her colleagues and political workers, this is something we cannot yet comprehend,” the BNP leader said. He said her death created a huge vacuum not only in Bangladesh’s politics but also in democratic movements worldwide. Emergency Standing Committee Meeting Mirza Fakhrul said the BNP Standing Committee would hold an emergency meeting at 12:30pm to finalise elaborate programmes. “We will also coordinate our programmes with those announced by the government and inform you accordingly,” he said. Earlier, Professor Shahabuddin Talukder, head of the medical board formed for Khaleda Zia’s treatment, formally announced that the BNP Chairperson breathed her last at 6:00am at the ICU of Evercare Hospital. Hope ex-PM Khaleda's vision, legacy will continue to guide our partnership: PM Modi During the briefing, BNP Standing Committee member Mirza Abbas, Professor AZM Zahid Hossain and members of the medical board were present. Khaleda Zia was admitted to Evercare Hospital on November 23. As her condition deteriorated on November 27, she was shifted to the CCU. She remained on life support until her final moments.  

Prime Minister of Pakistan Shehbaz Sharif on Tuesday said he is deeply saddened by the passing of Begum Khaleda Zia, Chairperson of the BNP and former Prime Minister of Bangladesh. "Her lifelong service to Bangladesh and its growth and development leaves a lasting legacy," he said in a message. Begum Zia was a committed friend of Pakistan, said the Pakistan Prime Minister. "My Government and the people of Pakistan stand with the people of Bangladesh in this moment of sorrow," he said. "Our thoughts and prayers are with her family, friends and the people of Bangladesh during this difficult time. May Allah SWT bless her soul. Ameen!".  

The United States on Tuesday extended deepest condolences on the passing of former Prime Minister Begum Khaleda Zia. Zia played a pivotal role in shaping her country’s modern history, and her leadership was instrumental in advancing Bangladesh’s development, said the US in a message shared by its Embassy in Dhaka.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday expressed deep sorrow at the death of former Prime Minister and BNP Chairperson Khaleda and hoped that her vision and legacy will continue to guide Dhaka-Delhi partnership. "I recall my warm meeting with her in Dhaka in 2015. We hope that her vision and legacy will continue to guide our partnership. May her soul rest in peace," Prime Minister Modi said in a message. Meanwhile, Indian External Affairs Minister Dr S Jaishankar is going to represent the government and people of India at the funeral of Begum Khaleda Zia. He will accordingly visit Dhaka on December 31, a senior official told UNB. Khaleda Zia will be laid to rest beside her husband and late President Ziaur Rahman at Sher-e-Bangla Nagar in the capital, following her namaz-e-janaza at the South Plaza of the Jatiya Sangsad Bhaban on Wednesday afternoon. The Indian Prime Minister said he is deeply saddened to learn about the pashope that her vision and legacy will continue to guide our partnership. May her soul rest in peace," Prime Minister Modi said in a message. "Our sincerest condolences to her family and all the people of Bangladesh. May the Almighty grant her family the fortitude to bear this tragic loss," he said. As the first woman Prime Minister of Bangladesh, PM Modi said, her important contributions towards the development of Bangladesh, as well as Bangladesh-India relations, will always be remembered.

Light rains or drizzle is likely to occur across the country in 24 hours commencing 9 am on Tuesday, said Bangladesh Meteorological Department (BMD). According to a regular bulletin of BMD, “Moderate to thick fog may occur at many places over the country during midnight to morning and it may continue at places till noon.” Air navigation, inland river transport and road communication may disrupt temporarily due to thick fog. Dense fog blankets Dhaka; winter chill disrupts normal life Night and day temperatures may remain nearly unchanged over the country. Due to foggy condition, cold feelings may persist over the country. The country’s lowest temperature was recorded in Kishoreganj’s Nikli at 11.0 degree Celsius. Dhaka recorded a minimum temperature of around 13.5 degrees Celsius on Tuesday. Ridge of Sub-continental high extends up to West Bengal and adjoining area. Seasonal low lies over South Bay, extending its trough to northeast Bay.  

Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus will address the nation at 12:00 pm, Chief Adviser’s Deputy Press Secretary Abul Kalam Azad Majumder said on Tuesday. The speech will be broadcast simultaneously on Bangladesh Television and Bangladesh Betar, he added.  

Extending his deepest condolences, Chinese Ambassador to Bangladesh Yao Wen on Tuesday (December 30, 2025) said BNP Chairperson and former Prime Minister Begum Khaleda Zia has long embodied Bangladesh’s democratic aspirations and stood as a steadfast champion of freedom. "With profound sorrow and a heavy heart, I extend my deepest condolences on the passing of Begum Khaleda Zia, Chairperson of BNP, Former Prime Minister of Bangladesh and your beloved mother," he said in a message sent to BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman. Li Qiang, Premier of the State Council of the People's Republic of China and Wang Yi, Chinese Foreign Minister have respectively sent a message of condolence to Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus and Adviser for Foreign Affairs Md Touhid Hossain. Read more: Prof Yunus mourns death of former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia Ambassador Yao said her leadership helped shape the nation’s history, and her resilience has inspired its people. "She is also a cherished friend of the Chinese people, whose contributions left a lasting mark on our bilateral ties. The Chinese people will always remember her with deep gratitude and the highest respect," he said. The Communist Party of China will continue to maintain its longstanding and friendly ties with the BNP under your leadership, said the Ambassador. "Please accept my sincerest condolences once again. May Begum Khaleda Zia’s soul rest in eternal peace, and may her contributions to Bangladesh and to China-Bangladesh relations be forever remembered," said the Ambassador. Read more: Former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia passes away