The interim government aims to hand over state power to the elected government as soon as possible after the February 12 election, Foreign Adviser Md Touhid Hossain said on Saturday, dismissing any notion of external pressure over the polls. The adviser made the remarks while replying to journalists after an exchange meeting with officials of various government offices and departments at the Munshiganj Deputy Commissioner’s conference room. Responding to a question on justice, Touhid Hossain said there is no scope for haste in the judicial process. Earlier, the foreign adviser laid wreaths at the July Shaheed Memorial alongside members of the martyrs’ families. Among others present were Superintendent of Police Md Menhazul Alam, PPM, Additional Deputy Commissioner (Overall) Muhammad Mosabberul Islam, and members of the martyrs’ families.

UK PM Starmer says all 'should uphold international law' after US actions in VenezuelaBritish Prime Minister Keir Starmer. Photo: CollectedLONDON, Jan 3, 2026 (BSS/AFP) - British Prime Minister Keir Starmer said Saturday all countries should "uphold international law" after President Donald Trump announced US forces had captured Venezuela's leader Nicolas Maduro in a large-scale assault. And as you know, I always say and believe we should all uphold international law." Nigel Farage, leader of the hard-right Reform UK party and a longtime Trump ally, called them "unorthodox and contrary to international law". But Ed Davey, leader of the centrist Liberal Democrats, urged Starmer to "condemn Trump's illegal action in Venezuela".

Brazil's Lula says US strikes a 'serious affront' to Venezuelan sovereigntyA collected photo of Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da SilvaBRASÍLIA, Jan 3, 2026 (BSS/AFP) - Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva on Saturday slammed the US attacks on Venezuela as a "serious affront" to the country's sovereignty, echoing criticism made by fellow regional heavyweight, Mexico. "The bombings in Venezuelan territory and the capture of its president cross an unacceptable line" the left-wing Lula wrote on X, saying they threaten "the preservation of the region as a zone of peace." He urged the international community, through the United Nations, to "respond vigorously" to the attacks.

DHAKA, Jan 3, 2026 (BSS)—Bangladesh leg-spinner Rishad Hossain put an economical bowling show to help Hobart Hurricanes win a high-scoring game against Sydney Thunder in a Big Bash League (BBL) game today at Sydney Showground Stadium. Rishad, however, went wicket-less after conceding 29 runs in four overs. However, Rishad’s economical bowling meant they eventually managed to put up 205-4, a total that always looked chase-able in a batting-friendly surface. Apart from Warner, no one from his side could make 30 plus runs. Hobart, however, gunned down the target in just 17.5 overs, reaching 207-4 with opener Tim Ward leading the charge with 49 ball-90.

Photo: BSSRANGAMATI, Jan 3, 2026 (BSS) - The Rangamati University of Science and Technology (RmSTU) hosted the first-ever 'Science Olympiad-2026' on its campus today, drawing enthusiastic participation from students across the district. Vice-Chancellor and Fellow of the Bangladesh Academy of Science Professor Dr Md Atiyar Rahman attended the rally and discussion session as the chief guest. Students from various schools and colleges in Rangamati district took part in the event. A total of 219 students from schools and colleges in Rangamati district registered for the Science Olympiad, which is being organized nationwide by the Bangladesh Academy of Science. Speaking on the occasion, Vice-Chancellor Dr Atiyar Rahman said the Bangladesh Academy of Science organizes various programs throughout the year to foster students' interest in science in Rangamati district.

Photo: BSSDHAKA, Jan 3, 2026 (BSS)- BNP Senior Joint Secretary General Ruhul Kabir Rizvi today said that it was Begum Khaleda Zia, who elevated politics to a moral high ground, where politics means fulfilling commitments made to the people. In this connectiuon, Rizvi said Begum Khaleda Zia is the only person, who possesses this characteristic as the leader of the nation.”Rizvi made the remarks while speaking at a prayer and condolence meeting for the former Prime Minister and BNP Chairperson Begum Khaleda Zia here as the chief guest. It was Begum Khaleda Zia who carried it forward. He described Khaleda Zia as a 'giant tree' and said, "When a tree becomes a giant, it provides shade to people. And the only person who represents this characteristic is the leader of the nation, Begum Khaleda Zia.

DHAKA, Jan 3, 2026 (BSS) - Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) announced a 15-member squad for the ensuing ICC Under-19 World Cup to be held jointly in Zimbabwe and Namibia from January 15. Pacer Al Fahad returned to the fold as the only change from the squad which played in the Under-19 Asia Cup. Azizul Hakim Tamim will lead the Bangladesh Under-19 team with Zawad Abrar appointed vice-captain. Bangladesh youngsters were drawn in a tough Group A alongside India, New Zealand and the USA. Standby: Abdur Rahim, Debashis Sarkar Deba, Rafi Uzzaman Rafi, Farhan Shahriar, Farzan Ahmed Alif, Sanjid Majumder and Mohammad Sobuj

Secretary of SHUJAN, Badiul Alam Majumder addressed a press conference titled “What kind of manifesto do we want in the aspiration of mass uprising” at the Jatiya Press Club (JPC) in the capital this morning. He also emphasized the need for institutionalizing democratic bodies, noting that a democratic state depends on strong, independent, neutral and effective institutions. For that, democratic and transparent political parties are necessary,” he said. He also underscored the need for an institutional fight against corruption, demanding that the Anti-Corruption Commission be declared a constitutional body and those political parties commit to an all-out anti-corruption drive. Additionally, he urged parties to pledge to build a merit-based society by investing in youth, technology, quality education and healthcare.

DHAKA, Jan 3, 2026 (BSS) - Mustafizur Rahman became the fastest pacer to reach the milestone of 400 wickets in official T20 cricket during a Bangladesh Premier League (BPL) game against Sylhet Titans on Friday at the Sylhet International Cricket Stadium. Starting the match with 399 wickets, he achieved the feat after taking the wicket of Sylhet captain Mehidy Hasan Miraz. Mustafizur played 315 matches to reach 400 T20 wickets to be the fastest amongst the pacers in the world, surpassing Pakistan's Wahab Riaz who needed 335 matches to reach the feat earlier. Mustafizur is now overall the second fastest to reach 400 wickets in T20s as he went past South Africa leg-spinner Imran Tahir, who had taken 320 matches to get there. Afghanistan spin king Rashid Khan remains the fastest bowler overall to reach the landmark, having done so in just 289 matches.

In this context, the DCCI urged the interim government, political parties and all relevant stakeholders to ensure a peaceful, inclusive and credible election process, as political stability is the key to sustainable economic recovery and investment growth. The Dhaka Chamber believes that a stable political environment during and after the election period will boost the confidence of local entrepreneurs and foreign investors, said a press release. The DCCI also noted that excessive government borrowing from the banking sector could shrink private-sector credit growth. The Dhaka Chamber also underscored the importance of full automation of revenue management, modernization of tax laws, expansion of the tax base and strict measures to prevent harassment of compliant taxpayers. As Bangladesh moves further along its transition from LDC status, the DCCI stressed the need for comprehensive economic preparedness.

A senior district leader of the Students Against Discrimination has sparked controversy after allegedly threatening police officers at Shayestaganj Police Station in Habiganj. He allegedly invoked past violence, claiming responsibility for the burning of another police station and the killing of a sub-inspector, bdnews24.com reports.

DHAKA, Jan 3, 2026 (BSS) - Arambagh Football Academy and T&T Club Motijheel won their respective matches in the Senior Division Football League held at Birshreshtha Shaheed Sepoy Mohammad Mostafa Kamal Stadium in the capital’s Kamalapur today . In the day' match, Arambagh Football Academy beat ten men Nobabpur Krira Chakra by a lone goal scored by Abdullah Al Hasan in the 90+1st minute from a spot kick. In the day’s another match, T&T Club edged past Bangladesh Boys Club also by a lone goal scored by Rajon Kumar in the 50th minute of the match.

“Shaheed President Ziaur Rahman declared himself as a 'worker' honoring and dignifying all of us. Nazrul Islam Khan said this while paying homage at the grave of Begum Khaleda Zia along with the leaders of the Bangladesh Jatiyatabadi Sramik Dal and its Dhaka Mohanagar North and South units. In 2006, Begum Khaleda Zia first formulated and approved the Bangladesh Labour Code. Begum Khaleda Zia established the Labour Welfare Foundation for the welfare of working class people. Nazrul Islam Khan said development is impossible without production and the main component of production is working class people.

Above-zero scores just bring better odds. CANCER (June 21-July 22): A partner could be sexier and more irresistible than usual, you could bring them nurture and peace. VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22): Negative stars like today’s can bring the ‘ick’ factor even with people you really enjoy. Better stars can allow for better alignment. Beyond this period, 2026 can bring many blessings in the realms of career, finance, creativity, innovation, protection, love, and family.

BNP has announced the appointment of two key officials to the party's acting chairman, Tarique Rahman. ABM Abdus Sattar, a former secretary of the government of Bangladesh, has been appointed as the private secretary, while AAM Saleh (Saleh Shibli), former general secretary of the Dhaka Reporters' Unity (DRU), has been appointed as the press secretary to BNP acting chairman Tarique Rahman. A press release signed by BNP Senior Joint Secretary General Ruhul Kabir Rizvi was made public on Saturday.