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Bybit Unveils 2026 Vision as "The New Financial Platform," Expanding Beyond Exchange Into Global Financial Infrastructure

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Bangladesh Bank opposed to cryptoAsked if the central bank is considering legalizing cryptocurrency, Arif Hossain Khan, executive director and spokesperson of Bangladesh Bank, said the regulator remains opposed for now. “Bangladesh Bank is not thinking positively about cryptocurrency at this moment,” he told Dhaka Tribune. “This decision may change in the future, but for now, we are not taking it positively.”On a central bank digital currency (CBDC), Khan said progress has been limited. “Now all my monthly expenses are covered through online income, including freelancing,” he said. Crypto and freelancingSaikat Ahmed (pseudonym), another public university student, questioned why crypto income is criminalized amid scarce formal employment.

Photo : BSSCUMILLA, Jan 30, 2026 (BSS) - Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) today seized a large quantity of illegally smuggled Indian sarees at the border area of Chauddagram upazila in the district. Lieutenant Colonel Mir Ali Ejaz, commander of BGB's Cumilla Battalion (10 BGB), said that the BGB members seized goods worth about Taka 88 lakh during a special drive in the area. He said that the special drive was conducted in the border of Anandapur BOP area under Chauddagram upazila in the district early today (Friday). The BGB commander said the seized sarees will be handed over to the concerned customs authorities as per the rules.

Allentown, Pa. — A global pharmaceutical company plans to invest billions in Pennsylvania to build a manufacturing facility. On Friday, Governor Josh Shapiro and Pennsylvania Department of Community & Economic Development (DCED) Secretary Rick Siger announced the Commonwealth has secured a $3.5 billion private-sector investment from global pharmaceutical firm Eli Lilly and Company to build a new, state-of-the-art pharmaceutical facility in Lehigh County. “This announcement also further proves that our Economic Development Strategy is working to attract historic, new investments to Pennsylvania. To meet increasing demand, we’re expanding our U.S. manufacturing network, with Lehigh Valley adding capacity for next-generation weight-loss medicines. “The Lehigh Valley is honored to welcome Lilly to the region,” said Don Cunningham, President & CEO, Lehigh Valley Economic Development Corporation.

Photo: BSSRAJSHAHI, Jan 30, 2026 (BSS) - The three-day "5th International Conference on Electrical, Computer and Telecommunication Engineering (ICECTE 2026)" was officially inaugurated today at Rajshahi University of Engineering and Technology (RUET). Engineering education must contribute to sustainable development." The conference, organized by RUET's Faculty of Electrical and Computer Engineering (ECE), features participation from both local and international researchers. Special guests included Emeritus Professor Dr. Yoshinori Namihira of the University of the Ryukyus, Japan. The welcome speech was delivered by Professor Dr. Ajay Krishna Sarkar, Technical Chair of the organizing committee and Professor of Electrical and Electronic Engineering.

After concluding an election rally in Bogra on Thursday night, Tarique Rahman stayed overnight at Hotel Naz Garden. The children also performed the song “Prothom Bangladesh, Amar Shesh Bangladesh” and presented handmade gifts to Tarique Rahman and Dr Zubaida Rahman. After the program, Tarique Rahman offered Jummah prayers at Bogra’s Baitul Aman Central Mosque. In Rangpur’s Pirganj, Tarique Rahman visited the grave of Abu Sayed, and later met with his family before heading to the Collector Eidgah ground. Recalling that period, Tarique Rahman said: “They were with us from 2001 to 2006.

Online gambling targeting Bangladesh’s upcoming national election is reportedly on the rise, despite strict legal prohibitions and active monitoring by authorities. Data from the platform showed 74% of participants predicting a Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) victory, while 26% backed Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami. Brig Gen Shafiul Azam Parvez, director general (engineering and operations) at BTRC, said: “Shutting down gambling platforms is an ongoing process. The Cyber Security Ordinance, promulgated on May 21, 2025, explicitly criminalizes online gambling, including creating, operating, promoting, or participating in gambling-related platforms or advertisements. Despite the global popularity of election betting markets, authorities warn that participating in online election gambling in Bangladesh is illegal and punishable under law.

Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer Dr Shafiqur Rahman on Friday said that his party is determined to launch a fierce battle against extortionists and syndicate groups that have been exploiting the people of Bangladesh, emphasizing that change in the country's governance is inevitable. Dr Rahman said: “We are speaking today because of the July revolution. "After the victory, from February 13 onwards, 90% of the extortionists will be permanently removed from power," he said. “He did not run away; rather, his blood remains a legacy with us,” Dr Rahman added. Dr Rahman warned that while extortion and corruption are rampant today, his party would no longer tolerate such practices after they assume power.

BNP Standing Committee member Salahuddin Ahmed has said that “those who persecuted followers of Sanatan Dharma in 1971 have once again returned in a new guise and are now contesting elections.” He posed the question to the nation as to whether all citizens of the country would be safe in their hands. Addressing the meeting, Salahuddin Ahmed said, “During the great War of Independence, followers of Sanatan Dharma in this country suffered the most persecution and made the greatest sacrifices at the hands of a religion-based party. The ancestors of our Sanatan brothers and sisters know this history well. Our party’s founder, the martyred President Ziaur Rahman, ensured religious freedom for people of all faiths. We too do not want any form of ethnic, religious, or racial division—we want to live together as Bangladeshis.”The meeting was chaired by Chandamoy Biswas Tilak, former General Secretary of the Pekua Upazila Bishwaspara Puja Udjapan Parishad.

A large share of voters traditionally aligned with the Awami League remain undecided ahead of the upcoming national election, while a significant portion appear inclined toward the BNP-led opposition alliance, according to a recent survey by research organization Innovision. The survey showed that 13.2% of respondents in this voter group favor Jamaat, the National Citizen Party (NCP), and allied parties. Political analysts say the high proportion of undecided voters within the Awami League’s traditional support base, combined with the sizable share expressing support for opposition alliances, may reflect voter dissatisfaction, political fatigue, or growing openness to alternative political forces. Analysts also note that undecided voters could play a decisive role in shaping the election outcome as campaigning intensifies ahead of polling day. The Awami League is barred from participating in the February 12 national election following the political upheaval and change in power after the August 5, 2024 mass uprising in Bangladesh.

Bangladesh Navy in its regular drive on Friday rescued a floating boat with 20 fishermen in the Bay of Bengal. According to information, the Bangladesh Navy ship "Surma" reached the spot to rescue the boat. The boat, which was floating in the sea near Kutubdia, was quickly rescued along with 20 fishermen. At that time, the rescued fishermen were provided with first aid and necessary food items. The crew of the rescued boat said on January 19, 2026, that they set out from Chittagong with the boat for fishing.

A day-long Job Fair was held at Moulvibazar Polytechnic Institute on Thursday. More than 30 national and international companies participated in the job fair. The resumes of other candidates were also collected, and organizers said that employment opportunities would be provided later based on merit. Alongside the job fair, a seminar was held at the auditorium of the Polytechnic Institute. The seminar was chaired by Engineer Belal Ahmed, Vice Principal of the institute, and moderated by faculty member Umme Sara Pushon.