File PhotoBy Naser UddinDHAKA, Jan 19, 2026 (BSS) - Demand for various types of fruits produced in Bangladesh is increasing overseas, a trend reflected in export earnings. If farmers can be provided with more training on sanitation, demand for Bangladeshi agricultural products will increase further. Moreover, Bangladeshi agricultural products have strong demand in markets such as the United Arab Emirates, Belgium, Malaysia, the United States, and the United Kingdom. In the last fiscal year, exports to these countries amounted to USD 74 million, USD 70 million, USD 51 million, USD 41 million, and USD 48 million, respectively. Export market analysis further shows that demand for Bangladeshi agricultural products is also increasing in Oman, the Philippines, Qatar, China, and Canada.

File PhotoDHAKA, Jan 19, 2026 (BSS) - Land Adviser Ali Imam Majumdar today urged the land owners to pay land development tax regularly and voluntarily saying this tax is one of the state’s most important and reliable sources of revenue. Majumdar was speaking as the chief guest at a workshop on “Determining measures for collection of land development tax” at the conference room of Bhumi Bhaban in the capital. The adviser said that proper collection of land development tax strengthens the national economy and plays an important role in implementing development plans. He said with the introduction of digital land services, the rate of land development tax payment has been increasing steadily every year. “Although there were some technical issues in the online system in the initial stages, it is now possible to pay land development tax entirely online.

DHAKA, Jan 19, 2026 (BSS)— In a bid to return to winning ways, Bangladesh Under-19 will take on New Zealand on Tuesday in their second match of the ICC Under-19 World Cup at Bulawayo, Zimbabwe. The 2020 edition champions Bangladesh suffered an 18-run defeat against India in their opening match, via DLS method. Bangladesh was initially set a revised target of 239 in 49 overs due to rain interruptions. The Bangladesh youngsters reached 90 for 2 in 17.2 overs before rain halted play again. Putting the disappointment of that loss behind them, Bangladesh is now fully focused on their clash against New Zealand as they look to revive their campaign.

Photo: CA's Press WingDHAKA, Jan 19, 2026 (BSS) - Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus today sought cooperation from all political parties to hold the forthcoming general elections in a free, fair and festive manner. "It is the responsibility of all of us - the government, the Election Commission, and political parties - to ensure that this year's elections are held in a fair and festive atmosphere. I seek cooperation of all political parties in this regard," he said. "We are trying to explain to the people why it is necessary to vote 'Yes' in the referendum and what will happen if they vote 'Yes'. We have also called upon all political parties in this regard," he added.

GENEVA, Jan 19, 2026 (BSS/AFP) - Iran appears to be using executions "as atool of state intimidation", the United Nations said Monday, as it denounceda jump in capital punishment globally in 2025. "The scale and pace of executions suggest a systematic use of capitalpunishment as a tool of state intimidation, with disproportionate impact onethnic minorities and migrants," he warned. While the overall global trend continues to move towards universal abolitionof the death penalty, Iran and a handful of other states such as Saudi Arabiaand the United States saw executions surge. "This is not only incompatible with international law, but also ineffectivein deterring crime," Turk insisted. It also highlighted the ongoing public executions in Afghanistan, "in breachof international law".

However, Neesham has taken leave from the national squad following a request from Rajshahi Warriors head coach Hannan Sarkar. The first T20I between New Zealand and India will be played on January 21, while the BPL final is set for January 23. If Rajshahi qualify for the final, Neesham will miss the first two matches of the India series. “Let me start by saying that even though he is a national team player, Neesham will stay with Rajshahi Warriors until the end of the BPL,” Hannan said. He told me that if Rajshahi reach the final, he will return to the national team immediately after playing that match.”

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DHAKA, Jan 19, 2026 (BSS) - Sylhet Titans have received a major boost ahead oftheir Eliminator clash against Rangpur Riders in the Bangladesh PremierLeague (BPL) with the arrival of England batter Sam Billings. "Sylhet Titans confirm the arrival of England batter Sam Billings in Dhakaahead of the BPL playoffs. Billings has joined the squad as the team entersthe decisive phase of the tournament," the franchise said in a press releaseon Monday. "His availability adds experience and tactical depth to the Titans' lineup ata time when clarity, composure and execution matter most. Billings brings a wealth of T20 experience, having featured in 394 matchesand scoring 7,442 runs at a strike rate of 133.68, including 36 half-centuries.

Photo: Video ScreenshotDHAKA, Jan 19, 2026 (BSS) – Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus today called upon the countrymen to participate in the referendum during the upcoming elections and cast “Yes” vote to build the state according to their expectations. If you cast the “Yes” vote, the door to building the new Bangladesh will open,” the Chief Adviser added. He urged the citizens not only to vote themselves, but also to encourage everyone they know to vote “Yes” and to bring them to the polling stations, calling on the people to change the country together. If you cast the “Yes” vote in the referendum, Bangladesh will be free from discrimination, exploitation and oppression,” he said. Prof Yunus explained that the “Yes” vote in the referendum means the government and the opposition will work together in forming a caretaker government and the Election Commission.

Photo: BSSLALMONIRHAT, Jan 19, 2026 (BSS) - Severe cold is normal phenomenon during Bangali month of Magh but intensity of chilly weather is in decreasing trend in northern district of Lalmonirhat bringing some relief to public life. Magh, which began a few days ago, is typically associated with the most severe cold of the season. Just a week ago, dense fog and biting cold from early morning to late afternoon severely disrupted daily life. He explained that temperatures between 8 and 10 degrees Celsius are considered mild, 6 to 8 degrees moderate, and 4 to 6 degrees severe cold wave conditions. "At present, there is no threat of a new severe cold wave," he said.

DHAKA, Jan 19, 2026 (BSS) - Rupnagar Police has arrested seven individuals involved in various criminal activities during a day-long special operation conducted in different areas under the Rupnagar Police Station on Monday. According to a police press release, the operation was carried out to strengthen law and order in the area. The arrested individuals have been identified as Md. Raihanur Rahman (31), Md. Rupnagar Police officials stated that such special operations will continue regularly to ensure public safety and maintain law and order in the area.

Education Advisor Professor Dr. Chowdhury Rafiqul Abrar -File photoCHATTOGRAM, Jan 19, 2026 (BSS): Emphasizing the significance of creativity, skill, and innovative thinking, Education Advisor Professor Dr. Chowdhury Rafiqul Abrar today said these qualities are essential for societal progress and people’s well-being. The Education Advisor delivered a speech as the chief guest at the 3rd convocation of Chattogram Independent University (CIU) at the Navy Convention Center in Tiger Pass this morning. Professor Dr. Mohammad Anwar Hossain, a member of the University Grants Commission (UGC) gave a special guest speech at the event. The education advisor advised the students to prioritize the country's interests, people's welfare, and the long-term well-being of their institutions over personal gains when making decisions in the workplace. During the event, CIU Board of Trustees Chairman Lutfe M Ayub, CIU Education, Science, Technology, and Cultural Development Trust (ESTCDT) Chairman Mohammad Zakaria Khan, and CIU Vice-Chancellor Professor Dr. Mir Mohammad Nurul Absar also addressed the audience.

DHAKA, Jan 19, 2025 (BSS) – The US Embassy today cautioned Bangladeshi visa applicants against paying any visa bond before interviews, warning that advance payments neither guarantee visa approval nor protect applicants from fraud or scams. In a statement posted on its verified Facebook page today, the embassy said paying a bond in advance does not ensure a visa and noted that third-party websites offering such services may be fraudulent. It noted that a bond would be returned only if the visa holder fully complies with its terms. The requirement will not apply to holders of valid B1/B2 visas issued before that date. According to the website, eligible B1/B2 visa applicants from the listed countries may be required to post a bond of $5,000, $10,000 or $15,000, with the amount determined during the visa interview.