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.

'We are not afraid' of diplomatic clash with US: Venezuela leaderCARACAS, Jan 16, 2026 (BSS/AFP) - Venezuela's interim president Delcy Rodriguez said Thursday her government does not fear diplomatic confrontation with the United States, which ousted her predecessor Nicolas Maduro in a January 3 military strike. We know they are a lethal nuclear power... We are not afraid to confront them diplomatically, through political dialogue," said Rodriguez. Trump said on social media he and Rodriguez had discussed "many topics," including oil, minerals, trade and national security. Rodriguez has been walking a diplomatic tightrope, trying to meet Trump's demands without alienating Maduro loyalists who control Venezuela's security forces and feared paramilitaries. She described her call with the US leader as "productive and courteous" and characterized by "mutual respect."

Century-old Zamindar Suresh Chandra public library-Photo: BSSDINAJPUR, Jan 16, 2026 (BSS) - The historic century-old Zamindar Suresh Chandra Public Library, located on the banks of the Chhoto Jamuna River in Phulbari upazila of the district, is on the verge of extinction due to prolonged neglect, lack of maintenance and absence of regular funding. He said the matter was recently brought to the attention of the Phulbari Upazila Nirbahi Officer (UNO), urging immediate steps to protect and revive the institution. It was built adjacent to Sujapur High School to address the shortage of textbooks and reading materials for poor and ordinary students and was named Suresh Chandra Public Library in memory of the Zamindar. Over time, however, the library gradually declined, mirroring the fate of the once-flowing Chhoto Jamuna River. Phulbari UNO Hasan Ahmed said he had recently visited the library and instructed the management committee to clean the premises and make arrangements to reopen it.

Some factions could be ready to go with the obvious solution, another cohort might prefer to continue drinking their Kool-Aid. LEO (July 23-Aug. 22): What you know in your gut should always drown out intrusive, doubtful thoughts. VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22): Stories of truth and peace can heal, art can heal, music can heal. LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 22): Let cosmic wisdom win a tug of war with fantasy even if the fantasy seems more magnetic now. AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18): A lot of life’s richness can seem out of reach if you’re looking in the wrong places.

Adviser Dr Asif Nazrul today spoke at a civic memorial meeting in honour of the former BNP chairperson at the South Plaza of the National Parliament Building, Dhaka. “When she was alive, I attended various programmes in her support and often said, if Begum Zia remains well, Bangladesh will be well. To ensure it does, we must embrace Khaleda Zia’s legacy.”He criticised the judicial treatment Khaleda Zia faced, calling one case against her “shocking and absurd.” He recalled how she was deeply hurt by court proceedings and unfair judgments, despite her honesty and integrity. The law adviser added, “Today, it feels good that we can openly express our love for Begum Khaleda Zia. Distinguished citizens, researchers, doctors, teachers, religious leaders, and representatives from hill communities and various professions attended, among others.

A citizens' condolence gathering in memory of three-time former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia held at the South Plaza of the National Parliament Building. Photo: BSSDHAKA, Jan 16, 2026 (BSS) - A citizens' condolence gathering in memory of three-time former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia is currently underway in the city. Senior BNP leaders, including members of the party's Standing Committee, have joined this civic condolence gathering organized in memory of Khaleda Zia. No political party leaders will deliver speeches from the stage at the condolence gathering. However, distinguished citizens, researchers, doctors, teachers, religious representatives, representatives of hill communities, and leaders from various professions will deliver condolence messages.

The victory, however, confirmed Chattogram’s top-two finish at the point table, ensuing that they would play the Qualifier-1. Shoriful Islam claimed his maiden five-wicket haul before captain Mahedi produced an all-round performance to script the side’s comfortable victory. Chattogram faced a hiccup in their chase but Mahedi played a 36 ball-49 not out to steer the side to the victory in 17 overs, as Chattogram reached 128-5. Noakhali gave them a glimmer of hope, thanks to Ihsanullah who snapped up 2-23 to help the side reduce Chattogram to 29-4. Shoriful then appeared into the stage with sheer venom, cutting through Noakhali like up in surgical fashion.

Network for People’s Action (NPA) has made its debut in Dhaka, promising to engage youth and professionals in politics. On Friday afternoon, former Dhaka University student Mir Hojaifa Al Mamduh formally announced the platform at the Central Shaheed Minar. He also revealed that NPA will have a 101-member central council, disclosing the names of 99 members. The platform has drafted its political framework based on five core principles and seven specific objectives. The manifesto of NPA was read out by Ferdous Ara Rumi, Tuhin Khan, and Najifa Jannat.

DHAKA, Jan 16, 2026 (BSS) - Pacer Shoriful Islam etched his name into the record books with a memorable performance against Noakhali Express in a Bangladesh Premier League (BPL) match at the Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium here today. This was his maiden five-wicket haul in recognized T20 cricket. The nine runs conceded by Shoriful is the lowest by a Bangladeshi pacer in BPL history. The previous record was held by Abu Haider Rony, who had claimed five wickets for 12 runs for Rangpur Riders against Fortune Barishal in 2024. The best bowling figures in the history of the BPL still belong to Bangladesh fast bowler Taskin Ahmed, who grabbed seven wickets for 19 runs for Durbar Rajshahi last year.

DHAKA, Jan 16, 2026 (BSS)—Sylhet Titans captain Mehidy Hasan Miraz won the toss and sent Rajshahi Warriors in to bat first in the crucial Bangladesh Premier League (BPL) game at Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium today. Both teams had already made it playoffs but the match is important for them to finish at top two positions. Sylhet currently have 10 points in nine matches while Rajshahi sit at second position with 12 points from nine matches. A victory in this match would give Sylhet a chance to go second but since Rajshahi have still one match left, they will have another chance to give a shot at top-two finish. The top two teams will meet at the Qualifier-1 game, meaning they will have two shots to the final.

Science and Technology Adviser Salehuddin Ahmed today visited Rooppur Nuclear Power Plant at Ishwardi, Pabna. Photo : PIDISWAHRDI, Jan 16, 2026 (BSS) - Science and Technology Adviser Salehuddin Ahmed today expressed his hope that the Rooppur Nuclear Power Plant (RNPP) will play a groundbreaking role in the national power sector. The nuclear power plant is being established following all international rules and regulations. During the inspection, cabinet secretary Dr Sheikh Abdur Rashid, finance secretary Dr Md Khairuzzaman Majumder, economic relations division secretary Md Shahriar Quader Siddiqui, science and technology secretary Md Anwar Hossain were present. Chairman of Bangladesh Atomic Energy Commission, Bangladesh Atomic Energy Authority and the Rooppur Nuclear Power Plant Construction Project Director were present at the time.

Photo: CollectedCHATTOGRAM, Jan 16, 2026 (BSS) - The holy night of Shab-e-Meraj is being observed tonight in the city and across the district with great religious fervor and solemnity. Muslim devotees are spending the night in prayer, seeking divine blessings for the peace and progress of the country and the Muslim Ummah. Many Muslim devotees are visiting the shrines of renowned saints such as Hajrat Amanat Shah (RA), Hajrat Garibullah Shah (RA), and Hajrat Baizeed Bostami (RA). Devotees also visit graveyards to seek blessings for the departed souls of their loved ones. Adequate security measures are being taken at various important points, shrines, and mosques in the city on Saturday night.

Law enforcement agencies recovered seven crude bombs from a pond in Sreepur upazila of Gazipur on Friday. A bomb disposal unit of 9th Infantry Division recovered the bombs from the bank of the pond around 8:30 am. He said that three fish traders cast nets in the pond to catch fish. Later, they recovered the bombs from the pond. The recovered crude bombs are currently in police custody.

DHAKA, Jan 16, 2026 (BSS) - Motivated Bangladesh women's team take on Bhutanin their second match of the inaugural edition of SAFF Women's FutsalChampionship scheduled to be held at Nonthaburi Stadium in Bangkok, Thailandtomorrow (Saturday). Earlier, Bangladesh made a winning start in the tournament beating India by3-1 goals in their opening match. Thanks to skipper Sabina Khatun who playeda key role behind the Bangladesh victory scoring a brace. On the other hand, Bhutan played out to a 1-1 goal draw with Pakistan intheir opening match. The table toppers at the end of all seven rounds of matches will be crownedin the SAFF Women's Futsal champions.