Discussions on enhancing multilateral relations in meetings with diplomats: Humayun KabirTarique Rahman's Foreign Affairs Adviser Humayun Kabir speaking at a press conference in Gulshan, Dhaka. Photo: BSSDHAKA, Jan 19, 2026 (BSS) - BNP Chairman Tarique Rahman held a series of meetings today with envoys from 11 countries, including the United States Ambassador to Bangladesh, focusing on strengthening bilateral and multilateral relations. Tarique Rahman's Foreign Affairs Adviser and BNP Joint Secretary General Humayun Kabir made the remarks at a press conference outside the BNP Chairman's political office in Gulshan this evening. Humayun Kabir said the ambassadors were enthusiastic about the upcoming elections and expressed satisfaction with the environment before the elections. Earlier in the day, newly appointed US Ambassador to Bangladesh Brent T. Christensen paid a courtesy call on Tarique Rahman.

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The ICCB report described the banking system as the backbone of Bangladesh’s economic journey, responsible for mobilizing savings, financing trade, and generating employment. In a move described as the largest in Bangladesh’s financial history, the Bank Resolution Ordinance 2025 was recently enacted to handle distressed financial institutions. The ICCB report placed heavy emphasis on the necessity of a strong, professional, and independent Bangladesh Bank. Global experience suggests that an independent central bank is essential for handling financial pressures, maintaining economic confidence, and attracting investment. The ICCB called for strict action against willful defaulters, globally aligned compliance standards, and continuous regulatory capacity building.

The authorities of the private University of Asia Pacific (UAP) have dismissed two teachers following allegations of "blasphemy" and "Awami League sympathiser" tags. The dismissed teachers are Assistant Professor Layeka Bashir and Associate Professor Dr ASM Mohsin. The university authorities implemented it yesterday.”Among the dismissed teachers, Assistant Professor Layeka Bashir was serving as an assistant professor (Sociology) in the Department of Basic Sciences and Humanities. Sources further said that Assistant Professor Layeka Bashir teaches "Social History" a course that includes discussions on the origin and development of different religions. She has since been targeted, Layeka Bashir said.

For more than 30 years, the Flagstaff Family Food Center (FFFC) has been a cornerstone of compassion in northern Arizona. From packing produce to serving dinner, volunteers are the backbone of the Flagstaff Family Food Center. Help Fill a Family Food BoxFamily food boxes are a lifeline for households trying to stretch tight monthly budgets. The Flagstaff Family Food Center stands ready to meet the growing need — but it can’t do it alone. He serves on the Flagstaff Family Food Center Board of Directors, helping guide an organization that now provides millions of meals each year to neighbors experiencing food insecurity across northern Arizona.

Under Sheikh Hasina’s government, scarcity was anticipated and managed through LNG imports, LPG and CNG continuity, subsidies, and active state intervention. The result is a deepening gas crisis that exposes how a manageable challenge was turned into a national emergency, one that did not have to happen. The Anatomy of Bangladesh’s Gas System CollapseThe gas crisis has moved beyond short-term disruption and entered a phase of systemic failure. GAS CRISIS: A system full of holesTaken together, developments between 2024 and 2026 show that Bangladesh’s gas crisis is the product of governance breakdown under the interim administration. The current gas crisis is not a transition cost of reform; it is the cost of having none.

But while I’m very hopeful about our future, today, I would be remiss in not saying I’m concerned about it. Growing up, I was taught that you get educated, work hard, keep your nose clean, respect authority, have dreams and make them happen. Everything I’ve ever done in my life was the result of some ability, but mostly hard work and recognizing and taking advantage of opportunity. That same formula — hard work, taking advantage of opportunity and a bit of luck is available to everyone. Will we go over and self-destruct, or will we recognize the warning signs and bright red flashing lights before our eyes?

Even though the price of domestic yarn is up to $0.20 higher than imported yarn, readymade garment (RMG) industry owners are ready to buy it in the interest of the country's industry. However, there is one condition - the bonded warehouse facility cannot be withdrawn for yarn imports without ensuring this price difference. However, owners do not object to paying a maximum price of $0.20 more than imported yarn to sustain the domestic industry. It is learnt that currently, a large part of the export-oriented garment factories is using yarn imported from India. On behalf of BGMEA, he urged the government to immediately withdraw the decision to impose duty on yarn imports.

Supporters and leaders of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) thronged the mausoleum of the party’s founder and former president Ziaur Rahman at Sher-e-Bangla Nagar in Dhaka on Monday, marking his 90th birth anniversary. Leaders and activists of BNP’s associate and affiliated bodies — including Jubo Dal, Swechchhasebak Dal, Sramik Dal, Mahila Dal, Chhatra Dal, Muktijoddha Dal, Tanti Dal and Matsyajibi Dal — later placed wreaths at the grave in separate processions. “We came to pay tribute to Ziaur Rahman, the proclaimer of Bangladesh’s independence and the architect of modern Bangladesh,” he said. Ziaur Rahman founded the BNP on September 1, 1978. To mark the anniversary, the BNP also organized discussions and prayer programs in Dhaka and across districts and metropolitan cities nationwide.

Liberation War Affairs Adviser Farooq-e-Azam-File photoJOYPURHAT, Jan 19, 2026 (BSS) - Liberation War Affairs Adviser Farooq-e-Azam today urged citizens to vote 'yes' in the upcoming referendum to move the country forward and establish an accountable government. The adviser made the call at a courtyard meeting on voter motivation and awareness, held in Pashim Dogachi village of Dogachi Union in Joypurhat Sadar Upazila, marking the 13th national elections and the accompanying referendum. The adviser emphasised that a 'yes' vote will ensure a government accountable to the people, an independent judiciary, and justice for all. "That is why the referendum based on 'Yes or No' will be held alongside the 13th general elections," he said, urging everyone to campaign for and vote 'yes'. Participants from all walks of life spoke at the function, which was presided over by Joypurhat Deputy Commissioner M Al-Mamun Mia.

By Stephen BeechWater in Pompeii's Roman baths was contaminated, reveals new research. Based on the different geochemical characteristics, the team was able to determine the origin of the bathing water and draw conclusions about Pompeii's water management system and quality. During the reign of Augustus, the aqueduct was built in Pompeii, significantly increasing the amount of available water for bathing and providing drinking water. The researchers also found lead, zinc, and copper peaks in the carbonate deposits which indicates contamination with heavy metals in the baths water. "An increase in stable oxygen isotopes also shows that the pools in the Republican Baths provided warmer water after the renovation."

As Bangladesh prepares for its 13th national parliamentary election on February 12, persons with disabilities are urging political parties to make disability rights a core political commitment, while parties themselves offer cautious assurances that concrete pledges are forthcoming. “Without measurable targets, these promises remain rhetorical,” said Jahangir Alam, senior coordinator at the Centre for Disability in Development (CDD). Otherwise, disability rights will again be sidelined.”Accessibility remains a major concern across sectors. Salma Mahbub, general secretary of the Bangladesh Society for Change and Advocacy Nexus (BSCAN), said parties must recognize disability rights as a legal and constitutional obligation. If political parties are serious about inclusion, that seriousness must begin with their manifestos.”As campaigning intensifies, rights groups say the coming weeks will show whether political parties are willing to translate words into clear, enforceable commitments - or whether disability rights will once again be relegated to the margins of electoral politics.

DHAKA, Jan 19, 2026 (BSS) - The holy Shab-e-Barat will be observed across the country on February 3, as the moon of the holy month of Shaban, 1447 Hijri, was not sighted anywhere in the country today. The decision was taken at a meeting of the National Moon Sighting Committee held this evening at the conference room of the Islamic Foundation (IF) at Baitul Mukarram. According to the committee, the month of Rajab will complete 30 days on Tuesday (January 20), and the month of Shaban will begin on Wednesday (January 21). Secretary of the Ministry of Religious Affairs M Kamal Uddin presided over the meeting. The National Moon Sighting Committee made the announcement after reviewing reports and information received from district administrations, the Islamic Foundation head office and its divisional and district offices, the Bangladesh Meteorological Department and the Bangladesh Space Research and Remote Sensing Organization (SPARRSO).

Information and Broadcasting Adviser Syeda Rizwana Hasan in a rally in Rangpur town. Photo: BSSDHAKA, Jan 19, 2026 (BSS) - Information and Broadcasting Adviser Syeda Rizwana Hasan today urged citizens to vote 'yes' in the upcoming referendum, saying it is an opportunity to honour the July martyrs who sacrificed their lives for change. Regardless of party affiliation, we must seize this opportunity to vote 'yes' in the referendum scheduled for February 12," she said. Rizwana, also the Environment, Forest and Climate Change and Water Resources Adviser, made the remarks after a rally for voter motivation held in front of Rangpur Shilpakala Academy. She further noted that a 'yes' vote would restore political balance, prevent forced or rigged elections, and promote democratic practices within political parties.

Later, they blocked the Sylhet–Sunamganj regional highway and chanted slogans saying "Sucsu is our right, who can stop it", disrupting traffic movement. Voting for the long-awaited Sucsu election was scheduled to begin at 9am on Tuesday after 28 years. The High Court postponed the election for four weeks after hearing a writ petition filed by an independent candidate. “Our only demand is that the SUCSU election must be held tomorrow. The last Sucsu election was held on August 25, 1997.