The interim government on Sunday clarified the chief adviser's support for the "Yes" vote in the forthcoming referendum is consistent with democratic norms in Bangladesh, outlining major six points in favour of the government stance. "Recent commentary has raised concerns that the interim government and the Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus's open support for a "Yes" vote in Bangladesh's forthcoming referendum on institutional reforms may be inconsistent with the expectations of an interim administration," said a statement issued by the Chief Adviser's Press Wing in the afternoon. However, when assessed in light of Bangladesh's specific political context, the mandate of the interim government, and comparative international practice, such criticism does not withstand close scrutiny," it said. In Bangladesh's current transitional moment, the statement said, silence would not represent neutrality, it would represent a failure of leadership. Its mandate-understood domestically and communicated clearly to international partners-has been to stabilize the state, restore democratic credibility, and deliver a credible framework of reforms before returning authority to an elected government, it read.

BNP Chairman Tarique Rahman on Sunday said his party plans to create a separate department under the Ministry of Liberation War Affairs to support the families of martyrs and fighters of the July 2024 mass uprising, if it comes to power. Tarique said independence and sovereignty were achieved in 1971 and protected again in 2024 through the mass uprising against fascism. ‘2024 Uprising Belongs to PeopleTarique said the 2024 mass uprising did not belong to any individual, party or group. “It was a true mass uprising of democratic people who were deprived of their rights,” he said. He warned that people must remain alert against attempts to turn the mass uprising to protect independence into a movement for partisan interests.

The Ministry of Religious Affairs has published a list of 80 vaccination centres in the country for Hajj pilgrims to receive the required vaccines. As per the Saudi government’s directives, Hajj pilgrims who have passed health screening will have to receive meningitis and influenza vaccines. The vaccination centres include civil surgeon offices in all districts outside Dhaka. In the capital, the centres include Dhaka Medical College Hospital, Sir Salimullah Medical College and Mitford Hospital, Shaheed Suhrawardy Medical College Hospital, Kurmitola General Hospital, Mugda Medical College Hospital, Government Employees Hospital, Combined Military Hospital, Central Police Hospital and the Bangladesh Secretariat Clinic. Outside Dhaka, designated centres include Shaheed Ahsan Ullah Master General Hospital in Tongi, Gazipur; Shaheed Tajuddin Ahmad Medical College Hospital in Gazipur; Chittagong Medical College Hospital; Sylhet MAG Osmani Medical College Hospital; Khulna Medical College Hospital; 250-bed Mohammad Ali Hospital in Bogra; and 250-bed Dinajpur Sadar Hospital.

The International Crimes Tribunal has taken cognisance of formal charges against 28 individuals, including former minister Jahangir Kabir Nanak and former Dhaka South City Corporation mayor Sheikh Fazle Noor Taposh. Following a hearing on the prosecution’s submitted formal charges, a three-member panel of International Crimes Tribunal-1, led by Justice Md Golam Mortuza Mojumder, passed the order on Sunday. Arrest warrants have also been issued against the absconding accused. Meanwhile, arrest warrants have been issued against absconding accused, including Nanak and Taposh, and the tribunal has directed that they be produced before it on 29 January. He added that the prosecution possesses sufficient evidence, including video footage, and that there are 50 witnesses in the case.

China’s Ambassador to Bangladesh Yao Wen on Sunday met National Security Adviser Dr Khalilur Rahman and reaffirmed his government’s continued support for Bangladesh’s ongoing democratic transition and conveyed best wishes for the successful conduct of the forthcoming national election. They reaffirmed the longstanding friendship and development cooperation between Bangladesh and China. Discussions included the Teesta River Comprehensive Management and Restoration Project and the proposed Bangladesh-China Friendship Hospital. In this context, the Chinese Ambassador said he would visit the Teesta project area and reiterated China’s commitment to completing the ongoing technical assessment expeditiously, said the Chief Adviser’s press wing. Both sides expressed satisfaction with the positive momentum in bilateral relations and reiterated their shared commitment to further strengthening cooperation for mutual benefit.

In the complaint, Mamun Howlader urged the EC to strictly comply with High Court rulings on dual citizenship. He cited Article 66(2)(c) of the Constitution and the Representation of the People Order, 1972, which bar foreign nationals or dual citizens from contesting parliamentary elections. Referring to a High Court order (Writ Petition No 16463/2023), he noted that an individual remains a foreign citizen until renunciation is formally accepted, and that merely applying for renunciation is insufficient—a position upheld by the Appellate Division. The complaint alleges that during recent appeal hearings, the EC accepted only affidavits from dual citizens stating that their citizenship renunciation was “under process” and, on that basis, declared their nominations valid, in violation of constitutional provisions and the High Court’s ruling. Mamun Howlader further alleged that the EC is unlawfully accepting reviews of its own appellate decisions and urged the CEC not to validate any nomination of a dual citizen without final legal proof of renunciation of foreign citizenship.

A five‑member BNP delegation has met Chief Election Commissioner AMM Nasir Uddin at the Election Commission headquarters in Agargaon, as student activists staged a sit‑in outside. The delegation on Sunday afternoon was led by BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir. Other members included Standing Committee Member Nazrul Islam Khan, chairperson’s advisory council member Ismail Jabiuallah, former acting EC secretary Mohammad Zakaria and Barrister Ruhul Quddus Kajal, bdnews24.com reports. BNP has objected to expatriate ballots listing only party symbols -- 118 in total including “No” vote -- without candidate names, unlike domestic ballots. The sit‑in, led by Chhatra Dal President Rakibul Islam Rakib and General Secretary Nasir Uddin Nasir, drew hundreds of activists from Dhaka and beyond, with plans to continue into the night.

CHATTOGRAM, January 18, 2026 (BSS): A drug dealer named Md. Anwar (27) was arrested with 11 kgs of ganja in a special police operation in Satkania, Chattogram here today. An auto-rickshaw used for transporting the drugs was also seized from Anwar during the operation. Emran Hossain and a police force stopped an unregistered CNG auto-rickshaw in the Tech area of Dhupi Para and conducted a search. They found 11 kg of marijuana in 11 packets wrapped in blue polythene inside a white plastic bag on the back seat of the auto-rickshaw.

Irish Foreign Minister Helen McEntee. Photo: CollectedLONDON, Jan 18, 2026 (BSS/AFP) - Ireland's Foreign Affairs Minister on Sunday described the tariffs being threatened by US President Donald Trump over European allies' stance on Greenland as "completely unacceptable". The decision "is completely unacceptable and deeply regrettable," said Helen McEntee". "Ireland has been crystal clear that the future of Greenland is a matter to be determined by Denmark and by the Greenlandic people, in line with well-established democratic principles and international law," she added.

DHAKA, Jan 18, 2026 (BSS) - Bangladesh Women's team got off to a winning startto the ICC T20 World Cup Qualifier with a 21-run victory over USA at UpperMulpani Cricket Ground in Nepal today. Sharmin Akter Supta hammered a 39 ball-63 and Nahida Akter claimed 4-24 toplay a vital role in Bangladesh's emphatic victory. Supta anchored the innings after two openers Dilara Akter and JuairiyaFerdous Mour were dismissed, scoring 17 runs each. Mahi Madhaban was the most successful bowler for USA with 3-23 while IsaniVaghela took 2-27. The top three teams from Group A will advance to the Super Six stage, wherethey will face the top three sides from Group B.

Driven by broad-based buying, the DSEX jumped 76 points, or 1.53%, to settle at 5,035. The last time the premier bourse's key index closed above this level was on 27 November 2025, when it stood at 5,028. The top 10 companies based on turnover value were BRAC Bank, Square Pharmaceuticals, City Bank, Beximco Pharmaceuticals, Taufika Food, Crystal Insurance, Paramount Insurance, Meghna Insurance, Jamuna Bank, and Bangladesh Shipping Corporation (BSC). Apex Tannery led the list of price gainers, followed by Crystal Insurance, Paramount Insurance, Rahim Textile, Heidelberg Materials, Republic Insurance, Beximco Pharmaceuticals, Rahima Food, Karnaphuli Insurance, and Sonar Bangla Insurance. The Selective Categories' Index (CSCX) and All Share Price Index (CASPI) advanced by 103.56 points and 165.40 points, respectively.

Prof Bidhan for collective efforts to improve quality of primary educationAdviser Professor Dr. Bidhan Ranjan Roy Poddar today spoke a view exchange meeting titled 'Role of Education-Related Stakeholders in Improving the Quality of Primary Education' at Khagrachhari. Photo : BSSKHAGRACHHARI, Jan 18, 2026 (BSS) - Primary and Mass Education Adviser Professor Dr. Bidhan Ranjan Roy Poddar today said that collective efforts of all the stakeholders are essential to improve the quality of primary education. Describing primary education as the foundation of nation-building, the adviser said that ensuring quality primary education requires the combined initiatives of all the education-related stakeholders. Prof Bidhan Ranjan said that strengthening teacher training, improving school infrastructure, ensuring regular student attendance and raising awareness among the guardians can enhance the quality of primary education. The meeting discussed on the challenges and necessary steps in primary education, and the participants pledged to work together.

Police have recovered the body of a 27-year-old woman from a rented house in the Kalachandpur area of Gulshan in Dhaka, with her throat slit. Her body was recovered from a house in Kalachandpur Paschim Para on Saturday night. Confirming the incident, Gulshan Police Station Sub-Inspector Mofizul Islam said police reached the spot around 1am after receiving information and recovered the body. Police said two women lived in the rented house. Preliminary information suggests Sadia Akhter Mimi worked at a beauty parlour.

Eisakhil hammeredan unbeaten 107 off 72 balls, laced with four fours and 11 sixes, to propelhis side to a respectable 173-2. But Hridoy helped Rangpur gun down the target in 19.4 overs, smashing a 109off 63, which included 15 fours and two sixes. Fellow opener Rahmat Ali (9) and No.3 batter Jaker Anik (3) fellcheaply, leaving Eisakhil to anchor the innings almost single-handedly. Hridoy then took complete control of the chase, adding 87 runs with captainLiton Das to bring Rangpur to the brink of victory. Hasan Mahmud eventually dismissed Hridoy to bring an end to his scintillatingknock, but the damage had already been done.

DHAKA, Jan 18, 2026 (BSS) - The Ministry of Land has launched a mobile application named ‘Bhumi’ to address the emerging situation and to ensure easy, safe and reliable land services for the citizens, said a ministry release here today. The government has introduced the app as organized fraud rings are creating fake/forged Dakhila, Khatian and DCR documents and deceiving ordinary citizens, the release said, adding that such activities are punishable offences under existing laws. By attaching QR codes similar to those used on Dakhila, Khatian and DCR issued through the land service system at https:/land.gov.bd/bhumi and iOS Link. Using the QR code verification feature of the app, citizens are requested to scan the QR codes displayed on Dakhila, Khatian and DCR documents to verify the accuracy of the related information and to refrain from using any QR scanner other than the ‘Bhumi’ app. Necessary legal action will be taken under existing laws against those involved in preparing fake or forged Dakhila, Khatian or DCR documents or against those who prepare or use such fake documents.