Photo: BSSDHAKA, Jan 16, 2026 (BSS) - Eminent citizens of the country have remembered three-time former Prime Minister Begum Khaleda Zia with deep respect, saying that to build the country, people must advance on the path shown by her. The speakers made these observations at a citizens' condolence meeting titled "Invincible Begum Khaleda Zia", held this afternoon at the South Plaza of the National Parliament Building in remembrance of Begum Khaleda Zia. The meeting concluded at 5:30 pm with prayers and supplications seeking forgiveness for the soul of Begum Khaleda Zia. He was accompanied by his wife Zubaida Rahman, daughter Zaima Rahman, Khaleda Zia's younger son Arafat Rahman Koko's wife Sharmila Rahman, and other family members. "With the death of Begum Khaleda Zia, time has not died, history has not died," he said, adding that the driving force of future history in this land would be Khaleda Zia and her ideals.

DHAKA, Jan 16, 2026 (BSS) - The Election Commission (EC) has asked the voters, who registered to vote in the 13th general elections and referendum, to contact its call centre numbers to reset their respective passwords on the 'Postal Vote BD' app. In a message today, the EC said the voters are being requested to contact the call centre numbers to reset their passwords on the Postal Vote BD app. According to official data, a total of 15,33,683 voters have registered to vote through postal ballots in the upcoming 13th national elections and referendum. Of those, a total of 7,61,141 voters have registered in the 'in-country postal vote' category within the country. In addition, 7,72,542 expatriate voters have registered from different countries of the world.

Finance Adviser Salehuddin Ahmed. File PhotoNATORE, Jan 16, 2026 (BSS) - Finance Adviser Salehuddin Ahmed today said that the government will reach a final decision regarding the implementation of the National Pay Commission recommendations only after the formal report is submitted. "The National Pay Commission was established after a hiatus of 10 to 12 years," he told reporters after visiting to the Gurudaspur Upazila Mini Stadium. Salehuddin assured people that the commission is working with sincerity; however, he emphasized that several factors, most significantly the provision of funds, must be considered before implementation. In response to inquiries regarding a potential referendum, Dr. Salehuddin Ahmed expressed the government's commitment to reforms, stating that a referendum is necessary to reflect the will of the people.

BAU, Mymensingh, Jan 16, 2026 (BSS) - The Food Systems Innovation Challenge-2026 will be held here for the third time here aimed at transforming global food systems towards sustainability. From March to September, the selected teams will have time to work on implementing their proposed projects. Bangladesh coordination team has arranged a special orientation session for BAU students interested in participating in the competition. According to Professor Rahman, this session will be held on January 27 at the gallery of the Faculty of Fisheries, BAU. Each selected team will receive financial support of 1,000 euros to implement their project.

JERUSALEM, Jan 16, 2026 (BSS/AFP) - A US-backed plan to end the war in Gaza has entered its second phase despite unresolved disputes between Israel and Hamas over alleged ceasefire violations and issues unaddressed in the first stage. The creation of a Palestinian technocratic committee, announced on Wednesday, is intended to manage day-to-day governance in post-war Gaza, but it leaves unresolved broader political and security questions. Israel has accused Hamas of delaying the handover of Gvili's body, while Hamas has said widespread destruction in Gaza made locating the remains difficult. Aid agencies say Israel has not allowed the volume of humanitarian assistance envisaged under phase one, a claim Israel rejects. - Disarmament, governance in phase two -Under the second phase, Gaza is to be administered by a 15-member Palestinian technocratic committee operating under the supervision of a so-called "Board of Peace," to be chaired by Trump.

Carrick given Manchester derby baptism of fire, Frank in the firing lineMANCHESTER, United Kingdom, Jan 16, 2026 (BSS/AFP) - Michael Carrick has the chance to make a fine first impression to his short-term stint as Manchester United manager by derailing local rivals Manchester City's Premier League title challenge on Saturday. Since then he gained far more managerial experience at second-tier Middlesbrough, but was sacked in June for failing to achieve promotion to the Premier League. The Portuguese coach, already sacked once this season by Nottingham Forest, has managed just two wins in 16 Premier League games since joining the Hammers in September. Top of both the Premier League and Champions League, the Gunners are on course for an unprecedented quadruple after FA and League Cup victories this week. Fixtures (all times GMT)SaturdayManchester United v Manchester City (1230), Sunderland v Crystal Palace, Tottenham v West Ham, Liverpool v Burnley, Leeds v Fulham, Chelsea v Brentford (all 1500), Nottingham Forest v Arsenal (1730)SundayWolves v Newcastle (1400), Aston Villa v Everton (1630)MondayBrighton v Bournemouth (2000)

With half the season gone, record-breaking Bayern are unbeaten and are officially the best team in Bundesliga history at this point in a campaign. Speaking with AFP and other media on Thursday, Raum called Bayern "the best team in the world at the moment" but expected a "completely different game" this time around. 11 - Bayern are 11 points clear of second-placed Borussia Dortmund, the equal best record at the season's halfway point. 65 - Halfway through the season, Bayern have 65 goals -- the best tally in league history. Fixtures (1430 GMT unless stated)FridayWerder Bremen v Eintracht Frankfurt (1930)SaturdayHoffenheim v Bayer Leverkusen, Cologne v Mainz, Hamburg v Borussia Moenchengladbach, Wolfsburg v Heidenheim, Borussia Dortmund v St Pauli, RB Leipzig v Bayern Munich (1730)SundayStuttgart v Union Berlin, Augsburg v Freiburg (1630)

Adviser Faruk-E-Azam, Bir Protik, today spoke at a courtyard meeting at the Lakkatura Golf Club ground, Sylhet. Photo : PIDSYLHET, Jan 16, 2026 (BSS) – Disaster Management and Relief and Liberation War Affairs Adviser Faruk-E-Azam, Bir Protik, today said the referendum is aimed at handing over the ownership of the state and government to the people. Calling first-time voters fortunate, he said their first vote would be for fundamental state reforms and the protection of basic rights. In her speech, Health Adviser Nurjahan Begum said no government can change people’s fate if citizens are not aware of their rights. She said there is no alternative to voting in favour of the referendum to reform and strengthen the state system and build a discrimination-free country.

MELBOURNE, Jan 16, 2026 (BSS/AFP) - Jannik Sinner said Friday a three-month doping ban last year made him stronger as a person and more relaxed on court as he prepares to defend his Australian Open title. The 24-year-old arrived at Melbourne Park last year under intense pressure, not knowing his fate after a drugs scandal. Sinner always maintained the product entered his system unintentionally through a massage from his physiotherapist, who had used a spray containing it to treat a cut. - 'Dad Cahill' -Sinner saw off Alexander Zverev in straight sets to win the title a year ago, having come from two sets down to defeat Daniil Medvedev in the 2024 Australian Open final. He has this huge experience," Sinner said having convinced the Australian to put his retirement plans on hold.

"The admission test for 'C' Unit was held simultaneously at six regional centers across the country on Friday," a BRUR press release said here tonight. The total attendance rate of candidates at the three exam centers was 94.53% in the second shiftBRUR Vice-chancellor Professor Dr Md Showkat Ali visited BRUR exam center. After the inspection, he told reporters that the Rajshahi University admission test was held in a fair environment at BRUR center. At this time, Dean of the Faculty of Engineering and Technology, Professor Dr Md Mizanur Rahman, Professor of the Department of Agronomy and Agricultural Extension of Rajshahi University Dr Md. Aminul Haque, BRUR Registrar Dr Md Harun-or Rashid, Proctor Dr Md Ferdous Rahman and others were present.

BNP Chairman Tarique Rahman-File PhotoDHAKA, Jan 16, 2026 (BSS)- BNP Chairman Tarique Rahman held a virtual meeting this morning with US Trade Representative Ambassador Jamieson Greer, discussing bilateral trade issues between Bangladesh and the United States (US). Tarique Rahman joined the meeting around 9.00am [local time] from his Gulshan residence here, BNP Chairman's Press Secretary Saleh Shibly confirmed. During the discussion, both sides exchanged views on mutual tariff rates, bilateral trade and explored prospects for future economic cooperation. The meeting was also attended by Assistant US Trade Representative for South and Central Asia Brendan Lynch, USTR Director for South Asia Emily Ashby and BNP Joint Secretary General (International Relations) and Adviser to the BNP Chairman Tarique Rahman Humayun Kabir.

Adviser Mostofa Sarwar Farooki today attened the international photo exhibition 'Chobi Mela'. Photo : BSSDHAKA, Jan 16, 2025 (BSS)- Eleventh edition of the international photo exhibition 'Chobi Mela' has begun today at the different venues in Bangladesh. "It would be wrong to see Chobi Mela just as a festival. Mostofa Sarwar Farooki said the Chhobi Mela is probably the only international art event in Bangladesh that we can feel proud of. The art exhibition featured picture of struggle and stories of the people from the different walks of life.

'Was hoping for more': Trump support slips one year inDOYLESTOWN, United States, Jan 16, 2026 (BSS/AFP) - Michelle Sims hesitated when asked if she still backed Donald Trump one year into his presidency. The 50-year-old is one of many Americans whose support for Trump has waned since he took office last January, as opinion polls show a slump in the president's approval rating. Trump won there in 2024 by a tiny margin -- the first time since 1988 a Republican presidential candidate has taken Bucks County. They don't want chaos," Danny Ciesler, the newly elected Democratic sheriff of Bucks County, told AFP. The 68-year-old said he is "very happy" with his vote for Trump "over what I see on the far left side."

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer. Photo: CollectedLONDON, Jan 16, 2026 (BSS/AFP) - British Prime Minister Keir Starmer has "no plan" to hold talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin, his spokesperson said on Friday after some other European leaders suggested they should reach out to the Russian leader. "There is no plan for the PM to speak to President Putin. His focus is firmly in supporting Ukraine to secure a just and lasting peace and putting ... (Ukraine) in the strongest position" to both continue fighting and at any future peace talks, the spokesperson said.

Photo: University Grants CommissionDHAKA, Jan 16, 2026 (BSS) - The 'Dhaka Declaration' has been adopted with eight strategic commitments, aimed at building a stable, inclusive, innovative and globally acceptable higher education system in South Asia. The declaration identified sustained political commitment, strong institutional leadership and regional cooperation as essential components for meaningful and sustainable transformation of higher education. The declaration also recognized higher education as a strategic sector for fostering peace and mutual trust in South Asia and called for revitalizing the SAARC platform to further strengthen regional cooperation. UGC Chairman Professor Dr SMA Faiz, Commission Members Professor Dr Mohammad Anwar Hossain, Professor Dr Md Saidur Rahman, Professor Dr Masuma Habib and Professor Dr Ayub Islam were present at the closing session. Participants said the 'Dhaka Declaration' would serve as a common roadmap for transforming the future of higher education in South Asia.