File PhotoDHAKA, Jan 11, 2026 (BSS) - Bangladesh recorded a robust rise in net Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) during July-September 2025, reflecting positive investor confidence amid global uncertainties. Cumulatively, total net FDI inflows for January–September 2025 stood at $1.41 billion, marking an 80 percent increase compared to $780 million during the corresponding period of 2024. In April–June 2025, net FDI had already reached $303.27 million, compared to $272.22 million in Q2 of the previous year—representing a year-on-year gain of 11.4%. Overall, net FDI in H1’25 (January–June) increased by more than 61% compared to H1’24. “We expect some moderation in Q4’25 due to the upcoming elections, but anticipate a rebound post-election, supported by a strong investment pipeline,” he added.

39 held under Operation Devil Hunt in cityDHAKA, Jan 11, 2026 (BSS) - As part of Operation Devil Hunt Phase-2, police arrested 39 people in the last 24 hours during coordinated drives conducted by Jatrabari, Sher-e-Bangla Nagar, Khilkhet, Banani and Mirpur Model police stations. The arrestees were involved in various criminal activities, including narcotics offenses, pending cases, warrants and other crimes. Jatrabari Police Station arrested the highest number, 13 people, from crime-prone areas under its jurisdiction. Meanwhile, Banani Police Station arrested 5 people involved in regular cases, warrants and other criminal activities. The DMP has reiterated that Operation Devil Hunt Phase-2 will continue with intensified drives across the city to maintain law and order.

The escalating standoff regarding Bangladesh’s refusal to travel to India for the T20 World Cup has placed ICC Chairman Jay Shah under severe pressure, according to a report by an Indian media outlet. The report by NDTV suggests that Shah faces a “stern test” as he attempts to broker a solution during a scheduled meeting with BCCI officials on Sunday. From Logistics to National Honor According to the NDTV report, the complexion of the crisis changed significantly following a second letter sent by the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) to the ICC. NDTV notes that the ICC cannot simply impose a decision on the BCB; any solution must be one that Dhaka accepts willingly to maintain the tournament's credibility. Furthermore, excluding Bangladesh—a team that qualified on merit—is not an option, as it would lead to legal and political entanglements, require a vote within the ICC board, and potentially destabilize the Asian Cricket Council.

Fisheries and Livestock Adviser Farida Akhter -File photoDHAKA, Jan 11, 2026 (BSS)- Fisheries and Livestock Adviser Farida Akhter today said it is very important to conserve endangered animal species and bring them back to the nature. Effective initiatives should be taken to protect animals and conserve the environment and biodiversity, she said while addressing a workshop. Bangladesh Livestock Research Institute (BLRI) arranged the workshop titled ‘Livestock Development Research Plan for the Hilly Region' at the hall room of Naikhongchhari Upazila Parishad in Bandarban this afternoon. Speaking as the chief guest, Farida said it is necessary to test the adaptation capacity of animals due to climate change or other reasons. The livestock adviser said if vaccines are not given on time, diseases spread and the amount of loss goes up.

DHAKA, Jan 11, 2026 (BSS) - Hobart Hurricanes became the first team to reachthe playoffs of Big Bash League (BBL) this season after their match againstSydney Sixers was called off due to persistent rain at Sydney Cricket Groundtoday. Sydney reached 32 for no loss in five overs before rain interrupted the gameand eventually led to abandonment. Hobart so far collected 13 points from nine matches, winning six and losingjust two. Bangladesh leg-spinner Rishad Hossain who remains the integral partof Hobart in his debut BBL season played a key role in taking the side to theplayoffs by claiming 11 wickets. He is so far the second highest wicket-taker for Hobart behind the captainNathan Ellis who took 12 wickets.

DHAKA, Jan 11, 2026 (BSS) - The government today clarified that Moni Chakraborty, a grocery shop owner in Narsingdi, was killed due to family disputes and previous business enmity, nullifying the religious link with the killing. Referring to the recent incident of Moni Chakraborty killing in Narsingdi, he said according to preliminary assessments by the police and the victim's family, he was killed due to family disputes and previous business enmity. As the individual belonged to the Hindu community, false propaganda was spread in various places claiming that he was killed in a communal attack, Foyez added. Otherwise, he said, issuing statements without verifying the facts and spreading false information together can play a significant role in damaging social and communal harmony. Chief Adviser's Press Secretary Shafiqul Alam and Deputy Press Secretary Mohammad Abul Kalam Azad Majumder were present at the briefing.

"Since the start of the protests, Iran Human Rights has confirmed the killing of at least 192 protesters," the Norway-based non-governmental organisation said, warning that the deaths "may be even more extensive than we currently imagine". Several circulating videos, which have not been verified by AFP, allegedly showed relatives in a Tehran morgue identifying bodies of protesters killed in the crackdown. The US-based Center for Human Rights in Iran (CHRI) said it had received "eyewitness accounts and credible reports indicating that hundreds of protesters have been killed across Iran during the current internet shutdown". State TV on Sunday broadcast images of funeral processions for security forces killed in recent days, as authorities condemned "riots" and "vandalism". Iran's parliament speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf said Iran would hit back if the US launched military action.

Rokeya, a 60-year-old woman, who was admitted to a hospital after experiencing severe back pain, which worsened with the cold. Joydar Molla, a 65-year-old from Alipur village, was admitted for breathing difficulties aggravated by the cold. One such case is that of Rokeya, a 60-year-old woman, who was admitted to a hospital after experiencing severe back pain, which worsened with the cold. Health officials noted that cases among children and the elderly have increased during the cold wave. Authorities are urging residents, especially the elderly and children, to take necessary precautions during the cold spell.

A Bangladeshi child is in critical condition after being injured by a stray bullet during heavy fighting between the Arakan Army and Rohingya armed groups across the Myanmar border. Huzaifa Afnan, 9, has been admitted to Chittagong Medical College Hospital (CMCH) after sustaining a gunshot wound to the head. Hospital sources said Huzaifa was brought to CMCH by ambulance at around 4:30pm on Sunday. The incident occurred early Sunday morning in the Techcha Bridge area of Teknaf's Whykong union, where Huzaifa was hit by a bullet fired from across the Myanmar border. Huzaifa Afnan is the daughter of Jasim Uddin of Lambabil village and a third-grade student of Lambabil Haji Mohammad Hossain Government Primary School.

President of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan has pardoned 25 Bangladeshi citizens who were previously convicted in the UAE. The pardon was granted following a request from Bangladesh, seeking clemency for Bangladeshi nationals arrested in UAE in connection with the events surrounding the July 2024 and subsequently sentenced by UAE courts. The expatriate Bangladeshis were detained at different times in the UAE during the July 2024 uprising in Bangladesh. This humanitarian gesture reflects the UAE leadership’s commitment to compassion, tolerance and justice, as well as the deep-rooted, brotherly relations between the United Arab Emirates and Bangladesh, the Embassy said. Earlier, the President had also pardoned Bangladeshi expatriates several times who were serving sentences for staging a rare protest in the UAE, underscoring the UAE’s humanitarian approach.

Bangladesh has reaffirmed its firm support for Somalia’s sovereignty and territorial integrity at an extraordinary meeting of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) convened to address recent regional developments. “Bangladesh aligns itself fully with the collective resolve of the OIC to uphold international law, respect for sovereignty and territorial integrity of Member States, and the unity and solidarity of the Muslim world,” said the adviser. During his intervention, Adviser Hossain urged the OIC to categorically reject and condemn Israel’s recognition of the so-called “Somaliland” and reaffirm, in the strongest possible terms, its full and unwavering support for Somalia’s sovereignty and territorial integrity. He further underscored that the sovereignty of OIC Member States is non-negotiable, stressing those illegal negotiations will not be tolerated and that justice, international law and multilateralism must prevail over unilateralism and coercion. The meeting also reaffirmed continued solidarity with the Palestinian people and reiterated the centrality of the Palestinian cause to the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation.

The 24th Dhaka International Film Festival (DIFF 2026) began on Sunday and will continue until January 18, 2026, marking the start of one of the most prestigious international cultural events in Bangladesh. This year’s festival is being held at multiple venues in Dhaka, including Alliance Française de Dhaka, Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy, Bangladesh National Museum and Stamford University Bangladesh. The festival screenings at Stamford University were formally inaugurated by the Vice-Chancellor (Acting) of the university, Prof Dr Md Younus Mia. It is worth mentioning that the main inauguration ceremony of the 24th Dhaka International Film Festival was held on Saturday at 4pm at the auditorium of the Bangladesh National Museum. The Dhaka International Film Festival, organized regularly by Rainbow Film Society since 1977, is recognized as the most prestigious international film festival in Bangladesh and plays a significant role in promoting world cinema and cultural exchange.

Pope Leo XIV. Photo: CollectedVATICAN CITY, Jan 11, 2026 (BSS/AFP) - Pope Leo XIV offered prayers for those killed in protests in Iran and in the conflict in Syria during his weekly Angelus prayer on Sunday, calling for dialogue and peace. "My thoughts turn to what is happening these days in the Middle East, particularly in Iran and Syria, where persistent tensions are causing the deaths of many people. I hope and pray for the patient cultivation of dialogue and peace, for the common good of society as a whole," he said.

Mitchell lifts New Zealand to 300-8 in ODI opener against IndiaDaryl Mitchell. Photo: CollectedVADODARA, India, Jan 11, 2026 (BSS/AFP) - Daryl Mitchell hit an attacking 84 to steer New Zealand to 300-8 despite regular strikes by India in the first match of their one-day international series on Sunday. New Zealand slipped again when Kuldeep Yadav sent Glenn Phillips back for 12 and Krishna bowled Mitchell Hay for 18. The in-form Mitchell stood firm to raise his fourth 60-plus score in his past five ODI innings, including two centuries. But Mitchell kept up the attack and he hit Krishna for two fours and a six before the bowler had him lbw in the 48th over.

Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) Chairman Dr Mohammad Abdul Momen on Sunday said he does not want to see individuals who own assets not disclosed in their election affidavits as future rulers of the country. He made the remarks while responding to a question at the founding anniversary program of Reporters Against Corruption (RAC), the association of journalists covering the ACC beat. ACC Commissioner Mian Mohammad Ali Akbar Azizi, Brigadier General (retd) Hafiz Ahsan Farid and Secretary Mohammad Khaled Rahim were also present. Expressing his expectations regarding the country’s future, the ACC chairman said ensuring good governance and justice for all remains the commission’s goal. We expect that those who will govern in the future must be righteous and committed to justice,” he said.