Australia sealed a thumping 4-1 Ashes win over England with a five-wicket victory in the final Test at Sydney on Thursday. England came to Australia with genuine hopes of a first away Ashes series win since 2010-11 with their aggressive "Bazball" approach. McCullum to face musicMcCullum leaves Australia with serious questions over whether he should keep his job, although Stokes is almost certainly safe. Australia depthAustralia's superior bowling depth was on full display during the series, with even a depleted attack able to wrestle England into submission. Stokes admitted they were outplayed by Australia's attack, crediting their "amazing execution" with the ball as key to the series result.

Devotees gather at Rajban Vihar to celebrate 107th birth anniversary of revered monk Bana Bhante. Photo : BSSRANGAMATI, Jan 8, 2026 (BSS) – Thousands of devotees from different communities thronged Rajban monastery (vihar) in Rangamati today to observe the 107th birth anniversary of the most revered Buddhist monk, arahant and enlightened one Sreemat Sadhanananda Mahasthabir widely known as Bana Bhante. General Secretary of the Rajban Vihar Management Committee Amiya Khisa told BSS that a seven-day-long programme has been chalked out marking the occasion. BNP leader Dipen Dewan, Buddhist monks and thousands of devotees attended the programmes, praying for, amity, compassion peace and prosperity of the nation as well as global peace. Bana Bhante was born on January 8, 1920, in Rangamati and attained the great passing away (Mohaparinirvana) on January 30, 2012, at the age of around 93.

Forest officials rescue trapped deer in Sundarbans during historic trap-removal operation ensuring wildlife safety. Photo : BSSBAGERHAT, Jan 8, 2026 (BSS) - Forest officials today rescued and released a live deer that had been caught in a trap in the Charaputia area of the Sundarbans. A forest team conducted a trap-removal drive in the area, during which the trapped deer was spotted. According to officials, forest guards are conducting risky foot patrols in their respective jurisdictions to prevent deer poaching in the Sundarbans. East Sundarbans Divisional Forest Officer Md Rezaul Karim Chowdhury told BSS that such a massive and challenging trap-removal operation had never been carried out before in the history of the Sundarbans.

Chief of the European Union (EU) Election Observation Mission to Bangladesh, Ivars Ijabs, on Thursday said there will be some 200 EU observers in Bangladesh to monitor the upcoming national election and referendum, focusing on the free, fair, and credible balloting. “But now we have just started with our mission,” Ivars Ijabs said. Noting that the initial team is smaller, he said the team is composed of those who are long-term observers. Ivars Ijabs said Bangladesh is a beautiful country with a very pluralistic and diverse society. “The Bangladesh Election Commission told us that these are really a very historic and important election, taking into account what happened in August of 2024 right now,” he added.

A total of 35 people were hospitalized with dengue across the country in the last 24 hours, while no death from the mosquito-borne disease was reported during the period. According to the bulletin, among the newly hospitalized patients, nine were admitted in Barisal division (outside city corporation areas), four in Chittagong division (outside city corporation areas), one in Dhaka division (outside city corporation areas), six in Dhaka North City Corporation, seven in Dhaka South City Corporation, five in Khulna division (outside city corporation areas), one in Mymensingh division (outside city corporation areas) and two in Rajshahi division (outside city corporation areas). During the same period, 71 dengue patients were discharged from hospitals. With this, a total of 257 patients have been released from hospitals so far this year. Meanwhile, from January 1 to December 31, 2025, a total of 1,02,861 dengue cases were reported in the country, with 413 deaths.

Bangladesh and the European Union have concluded negotiations on the Framework Agreement on Comprehensive Partnership and Cooperation (PCA) following the fifth round of talks in Dhaka and Sylhet on 7–8 January. Both sides agreed on the contents of the proposed treaty during the discussions, with a three-member EU delegation currently visiting Bangladesh for this purpose. EU Ambassador Michael Miller and senior EU officials participated in the talks both in person and virtually. Earlier on January 7, the EU delegation paid courtesy calls on the Chief Adviser and the Foreign Affairs Adviser. The Chief Adviser reaffirmed Bangladesh’s commitment to free, fair, and peaceful elections, while the Foreign Affairs Adviser highlighted the country’s preference for constructive engagement with the EU.

DHAKA, Jan 8, 2026 (BSS) - Sylhet Titans put up a commanding 180 for 6, thanks to a blitzkrieg in the final overs against Dhaka Capitals in their crucial Bangladesh Premier League (BPL) match at the Sylhet International Cricket Stadium today. The late onslaught from England recruit Moeen Ali was instrumental in turning a modest total into a challenging one. Put into bat first, Sylhet got a solid start from openers Parvez Hossain Emon and Tawfique Khan, who added 48 runs in the first six overs. Tawfique was dismissed for 17 just after the first power-play, but Emon and Ariful Islam kept the scoreboard moving. Ziaur Rahman finished with 3 for 35 to emerge as the pick of the bowlers for Dhaka.

Prof Ali Riaz urges NGOs to mobilize public support for referendum ensuring democracy and transparency. Photo : BSSDHAKA, Jan 8, 2026 (BSS)- Special Assistant to the Chief Adviser Professor Ali Riaz today said the upcoming referendum, if it passed, will prevent the ways of the future governments to be fascist one. He said they must stop this path of becoming fascists by winning the "yes" vote in the upcoming referendum. Stating that there is no room for doubt about what or why a referendum is, Prof Ali Riaz said the referendum will be like any other general election, but through the referendum the people will decide how the future of Bangladesh will run. Prof Ali Riaz recalled the contribution of NGOs and development workers to the reconstruction of independent Bangladesh, the welfare of the poor, and mitigating all natural disasters and crises.

DHAKA, Jan 8, 2026 (BSS) - Three more matches of the 1st Division Volleyball League have been decided on the fourth day held at Shaheed Noor Hossain National Volleyball Stadium in the capital today. On the day’s matches, East End Club beat Fire Service and Civil Defense, Shahbagh Sporting Club outplayed Bhai Bhai Sangha and Maultifabs Limited defeated Azad Sporting Club, all by straight 3-0 set. The week-long competition is organized by Bangladesh Volleyball Federation and jointly patronized by Zarif Dairy and Agro Project Limited and RK Ceramics (Bangladesh) Limited.

DHAKA, Jan 8, 2026 (BSS)—The International Cricket Council today announced the list of the match officials for the ICC U19 Men’s Cricket World Cup 2026 to be held in Zimbabwe and Namibia from January 15. Seventeen umpires and four match referees from the Emirates ICC International Panels of Umpires and Referees will officiate at the tournament, the ICC said in a press release. Bangladesh’s match referee Neeyamur Rahul and umpire Mausudur Rahman Mukul are in the list to officiate the matches of the tournament. The four match referees are Dean Cosker, of England, India’s Prakash Bhatt, as well as Graeme La Brooy and Neeyamur Rahul, who represented Sri Lanka and Bangladesh internationally respectively. Referees: Dean Cosker (Eng), Graeme La Brooy (SL), Neeyamur Rahul (Ban), Prakash Bhatt (Ind).

BOURNEMOUTH, United Kingdom, Jan 8, 2026 (BSS/AFP) - Antoine Semenyo said goodbye to Bournemouth by clinching a dramatic 3-2 win that heaped pressure on under-fire Tottenham boss Thomas Frank on Wednesday. Semenyo is on the verge of a reported o65 million ($87 million) move to Manchester City and the Ghana forward ensured his likely last game for the Cherries was a memorable one. On his 26th birthday, Semenyo scored his 10th goal of the season in stoppage-time at the Vitality Stadium to leave Frank in turmoil. While Postecoglou also struggled to improve Tottenham's domestic form, he did end their 17-year trophy drought by winning the Europa League last season. In contrast to Frank's prosaic tactics, which have earned him widespread criticism this season, Postecoglou embraced Tottenham's 'to dare is to do' ethos with a committment to attacking football.

Trump says Venezuela will buy only US products with oil proceedsWASHINGTON, United States, Jan 8, 2026 (BSS/AFP) - President Donald Trump said Wednesday that Caracas would only buy US-made products with the profits from what Washington says is a deal to sell oil from Venezuela following the toppling of Nicolas Maduro. "I have just been informed that Venezuela is going to be purchasing ONLY American Made Products, with the money they receive from our new Oil Deal," Trump said on his Truth Social network. They would include agricultural products, machinery, medical devices and energy equipment, he added.

Australia 71-2 at lunch, need 89 more to win final Ashes TestSYDNEY, Jan 8, 2026 (BSS/AFP) - Australia zeroed in on victory in the fifth and final Ashes Test Thursday, needing 89 more runs to seal a 4-1 series triumph with Marnus Labuschagne and Steve Smith at the crease. At lunch on day five in Sydney, the hosts were 71-2 after being set 160 to win when England were dismissed for 342 on the back of Jacob Bethell's stylish 154. The 22-year-old's maiden Test century had given England hope of back-to-back victories after winning the last Test at Melbourne inside two days. Australia won the first three Test in Perth, Brisbane and Adelaide to retain the Ashes. It was Starc's 31st wicket of the series, more than any other bowler, with the 35-year-old finishing on 3-72.

CARACAS, Jan 8, 2026 (BSS/AFP) - The US attack that led to Venezuelan leader Nicolas Maduro's capture in Caracas left 100 people dead and dozens more wounded, Interior Minister Diosdado Cabello said Wednesday. "So far -- and I mean so far -- there are 100 dead and a similar number of wounded. The attack on our country was terrible," Cabello said on state television. The minister added that Maduro and his wife Cilia Flores were injured in the seizure but were "recovering." Both were seen walking on their own power during a New York court arraignment this week.

Uruguay could emerge as gateway for RMG exports to Mercosur market: BGMEAAlberto Guani, Ambassador of Uruguay to Bangladesh, paid a courtesy visit to the BGMEA office today. Photo: BGMEADHAKA, Jan 8, 2026 (BSS) - Uruguay could emerge as a key gateway for Bangladesh’s readymade garment (RMG) exports to the Mercosur market, one of South America’s most influential regional trading blocs, said leaders of the Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA) today. The observation came when Alberto Guani, Ambassador of Uruguay to Bangladesh, paid a courtesy visit to the BGMEA office today. BGMEA Director Shah Rayeed Chowdhury said Uruguay could particularly play a vital role as the main gateway for Bangladeshi apparel exports to the wider Mercosur region. Both sides expressed keen interest in working closely together to strengthen trade and investment ties between Bangladesh and Uruguay.