Ukrainians wish for peace in 2026 -- and no more power cutsVYSHGOROD, Ukraine, Jan 1, 2026 (BSS/AFP) - Ukrainians marking their fourth New Year's Eve since Russia's invasion said their biggest wish for 2026 was peace -- as well as an end to the power cuts that had made life "hell". Russia has pounded its neighbour with almost daily drone and missile attacks since it launched its full-scale invasion in February 2022. Her biggest wish for 2026? "Of course, peace," she said, although she cautioned it was not wise to say wishes out loud -- "or they might not come true." Pensioner Neonila said Ukrainians had "adapted" to the power outages, living by candlelight and with flashlights on their phones.

Ahead of the parliamentary polls, three former Awami League leaders have filed nominations to contest under different banners, signalling a shift in loyalties and ambitions. They are participating as Jatiya Party, JP, and independent candidates. Two of the trio had previously sought Awami League nominations but, denied the party ticket, ran independently in earlier elections. He had previously sought Awami League nomination in the last election but ran independently when denied. Ashraful, also previously denied Awami League nomination, filed as an independent candidate, submitting 4,901 signatures, mostly from women voters.

From the first day of the year, exporters operating bonded warehouses must obtain Utilisation Permission (UP) exclusively through an online system to import raw materials under duty-free facilities, marking a decisive shift in the bonded management regime. In a media statement issued on Thursday, the National Board of Revenue (NBR) said the Customs Bond Management System (CBMS) has been made mandatory for all bonded warehouse licence holders. The NBR had announced a month earlier that the move would take effect from Jan 1 as part of efforts to make the country’s bonded management system “modern, transparent and technology-driven”. On Dec 1, the authority said services for bonded warehouse licence holders were already being provided online through 24 CBMS modules operated by three customs bond commissionerates under the NBR. Officers say the move is expected to streamline trade procedures and strengthen oversight of duty-free imports under the bonded warehouse facility.

Photo: BSSDHAKA, Jan 1, 2026 (BSS) - A cold wave has been sweeping over 17 districts of the country and moderate to dense fog may occur in some parts across the country, weather officials said here today. The districts facing cold wave are Madaripur, Gopalganj, Rajshahi, Pabna, Sirajganj, Dinajpur, Panchagarh, Sylhet, Moulvibazar, Cumilla, Khulna, Satkhira, Jashore, Chuadanga, Kushtia, Barishal and Bhola. It further said night temperatures across the country may rise slightly while day temperatures may increase by one to two degrees Celsius. Yesterday, the country’s highest temperature was recorded at 27 degrees Celsius in Teknaf. Today, the lowest temperature was recorded at 7.8 degrees Celsius in Jashore.

Foreign Adviser Md. File photoDHAKA, Jan 1, 2026 (BSS) - Foreign Adviser Md. It was a good gesture-nothing more than that," the foreign adviser told journalists at the Foreign Ministry here this afternoon. "His (Jaishankar's) visit was better not to seek meanings beyond courtesy," he added. Asked whether Jaishankar's visit would help ease tensions between Bangladesh and India, the foreign adviser said the answer would have to be assessed in the future.

BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir on Thursday said the passing of former prime minister and BNP chairperson Begum Khaleda Zia at a critical juncture for the country has deeply saddened the people. "I believe the people will ensure that the next election is free, fair and impartial, and that the force representing the nation, the Bangladesh Nationalist Party, will emerge victorious," he added. Speaking about Khaleda Zia's political stature and legacy, Fakhrul said she had established a unique position in national politics by upholding the philosophy of Bangladeshi nationalism bequeathed by Shaheed President Ziaur Rahman, alongside safeguarding the country's independence and sovereignty. Asked about the impact of Khaleda Zia's absence on the upcoming election, the BNP secretary general said the emotions and affection generated among the people following her passing would further strengthen the party. Replying to a question on post-funeral rituals, including the Kulkhani, Fakhrul said no decision had yet been taken and that details would be announced later.

National Citizens Party (NCP) Convener Nahid Islam has declared consulting as his profession, with an annual income of Tk16 lakh, according to his affidavit submitted to the Election Commission (EC) ahead of the 13th national parliamentary elections. In the affidavit, Nahid Islam said he will contest from the Dhaka-11 constituency. The affidavit states that Nahid Islam does not own any house, flat, car, agricultural or non-agricultural land. In terms of assets, Nahid Islam declared cash worth Tk19.5 lakh, while his wife has Tk2 lakh in cash. He declared jewellery worth Tk7.75 lakh in his own name and jewellery worth Tk10 lakh in his wife’s name.

Indian External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar’s visit to Dhaka should not be viewed through the prism of bilateral relations or politics, Foreign Affairs Adviser Md Touhid Hossain has said, adding that whether the visit would help ease tensions between the two countries would be clear in the future. He made the remarks while responding to journalists’ questions at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Thursday. Touhid Hossain said representatives from all South Asian countries had attended the program, including the Indian foreign minister. We should not try to find more meaning than that,” he said, urging against interpreting the visit from an interstate or political perspective. Asked whether there was any private meeting with Jaishankar, the adviser said there was no scope for a one-on-one discussion.

BNP Standing Committee member Salahuddin Ahmed on Thursday said that the void and sorrow created by the death of the party's chairperson and former prime minister Begum Khaleda Zia will never be filled. Salahuddin Ahmed said, “Begum Khaleda Zia is no longer with us today, but she remains in the hearts of the people. We are anxious as to whether we can genuinely fulfill those expectations.”Following Khaleda Zia’s death, he highlighted the legal aspect of her nomination in the upcoming election. Salahuddin Ahmed stated: “Since she is no longer physically present, her legal entity ceases to exist. Salahuddin Ahmed stressed the need to keep the party united, concluding: “We must unite everyone within our limited means and lead the nation forward.

DHAKA, Jan 1, 2026 (BSS) - The Dhaka Transport Coordination Authority (DTCA) organized a workshop titled "Preparedness for Bus Sector Reform of Dhaka City" on Tuesday to outline a roadmap for transforming the city's urban mobility. Addressing the workshop, the secretary emphasized that the government is committed to a holistic reform rather than isolated solutions. He announced the drafting of the 'Bus Transport Service Operation and Special Rights (Route Franchise) Act' to eliminate unhealthy competition among operators and transition towards company-based operations. To address this, DTCA has finalized a proposal to organize bus operations into 42 routes under nine clusters, managed by 22 companies. Dr. Asif-uz-zaman Khan, Professor and Head, Urban and Regional Planning, BUET, presented the keynote paper, detailing the necessity of integrating the bus system with mass transit modes like MRT.

According to education officials, a total of 38,068 books in Chakma language, 22,535 in Marma language and 26,398 in Tripura language were distributed to different schools. In addition, 20,146 textbooks were distributed among pre-primary school students across the district. A total of 457,692 textbooks have been distributed among 706 government and non-government primary schools and 123 secondary and higher secondary schools in the district. The formal distribution of textbooks took place on Thursday morning at various educational institutions, including Khagrachhari South Khabangparia Government Primary School. Sadar Upazila Primary Education Officer Shuvashish Barua, Assistant Primary Education Officer Pranab Chakma, Head Teacher Bijoya Khisa and several guardians were present at the event.

During FY 2024–25, Biman recorded a total revenue of Tk 11,559 crore, reflecting a 9.46 percent increase compared to the previous fiscal year. The airline also achieved an operational profit of Tk 1,602 crore, while its net profit rose by 178 percent year-on-year. The airline also carried 43,918 metric tons of cargo, earning Tk 925 crore, a 45.21 percent increase from the preceding fiscal year. Additionally, Biman provided ground handling services to 31,112 flights of foreign airlines, serving more than 6.1 million passengers during the year. Biman Bangladesh Airlines, a fully self-financed state-owned enterprise, has not received any government subsidy over the past 54 years.

From January 1, 2026, the use of the CBMS software has been made mandatory for receiving and issuing all services related to Utilization Permission (UP), according to a previously issued circular of the NBR. As per the directive, all UPs are now being issued online through three Customs Bond Commissionerates under the NBR. It may be mentioned that the NBR launched the automated CBMS software on January 1, 2025, with the objective of providing all bonded warehouse-related services online. The use of the CBMS software is expected to ensure faster, more transparent and accountable delivery of Utilization Permission services. It will also eliminate the complexities of manual document submission at bond commissionerates, significantly reducing human dependency and discretionary intervention.

Official data released by the government said 243 people were executed in drug-related cases in 2025 alone, according to AFP's tally. The figures from 2025 mark the second consecutive year Saudi Arabia has set a new record for executions, after authorities executed 338 people in 2024. Saudi Arabia resumed executions for drug offences at the end of 2022, after suspending the use of the death penalty in narcotics cases for around three years. Saudi Arabia is spending big on tourist infrastructure and top sports events such as the 2034 football World Cup as it tries to diversify its oil-reliant economy. Amnesty International began documenting executions in Saudi Arabia in 1990.

Broccoli cultivation in Dumuria, Khulna. Talking to BSS, Abu Hanif said he invested about Tk 5,000 in broccoli cultivation. Broccoli can be eaten both cooked and raw," he said, adding that sulfur compounds in broccoli help reduce inflammation and support brain health. The success of broccoli cultivation in Dumuria has inspired many other farmers to take interest in growing high-value vegetables for better income and improved nutrition. Meanwhile, farmers in saline-prone areas are also showing interest in broccoli cultivation due to its higher returns compared to many conventional crops.