WASHINGTON, United States, Feb 6, 2026 (BSS/AFP) - US President Donald Trump on Thursday called for a brand new nuclear treaty after the last agreement with Russia expired, prompting fears of a new global arms race. Despite the stalemate on New START, Trump has enthusiastically restarted diplomacy with Russia and invited President Vladimir Putin to Alaska last August. - 'Unconstrained nuclear competition' -Campaigners have warned that the end of the New START treaty could trigger a global arms race, and urged nuclear powers to enter negotiations. Russia and the United States together control more than 80 percent of the world's nuclear warheads. Daryl Kimball, executive director of the Arms Control Association, which warns of nuclear risks, agreed that China should engage.

DHAKA, Jan 5, 2026 (BSS) - Bangladesh Army today reaffirmed its “full preparedness” to help conduct the next week’s national elections and referendum in a fair, free and peaceful manner. The army chief put special emphasis on performing duties through professionalism, impartiality, discipline, patience and citizen-friendly behaviour. In previous elections the number of army troops deployed was as high as 42,000. The military operations chief said the armed forces were carrying out regular patrols, joint operations and surveillance activities setting up 544 makeshift camps were set up in 411 upazilas in 62 districts and metropolitan areas. Army, Navy and Air Force helicopters will be deployed in advance at various places across the country to deal with emergency situations, he said.

This heart health test spots risks better than cholesterolYou’ve likely heard plenty about LDL (“bad”) and HDL (“good”) cholesterol. What Elevated ApoB Levels Can SignalHigher ApoB levels are linked to several cardiometabolic risks, including:Atherosclerosis is the hardening and narrowing of the arteries caused by plaque buildup. LDL cholesterol measures how much cholesterol is in your blood—but it doesn’t show how many LDL particles are carrying it, says cardiologist Kimberly Campbell, M.D. Men often delay focusing on heart health until midlife, while heart disease risk increases for women in menopause and perimenopause as estrogen levels decline. Increase healthy fats and fiberMonounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats can help lower LDL cholesterol and raise HDL cholesterol.

CountryUnited States of America US Virgin Islands United States Minor Outlying Islands Canada Mexico, United Mexican States Bahamas, Commonwealth of the Cuba, Republic of Dominican Republic Haiti, Republic of Jamaica Afghanistan Albania, People's Socialist Republic of Algeria, People's Democratic Republic of American Samoa Andorra, Principality of Angola, Republic of Anguilla Antarctica (the territory South of 60 deg S) Antigua and Barbuda Argentina, Argentine Republic Armenia Aruba Australia, Commonwealth of Austria, Republic of Azerbaijan, Republic of Bahrain, Kingdom of Bangladesh, People's Republic of Barbados Belarus Belgium, Kingdom of Belize Benin, People's Republic of Bermuda Bhutan, Kingdom of Bolivia, Republic of Bosnia and Herzegovina Botswana, Republic of Bouvet Island (Bouvetoya) Brazil, Federative Republic of British Indian Ocean Territory (Chagos Archipelago) British Virgin Islands Brunei Darussalam Bulgaria, People's Republic of Burkina Faso Burundi, Republic of Cambodia, Kingdom of Cameroon, United Republic of Cape Verde, Republic of Cayman Islands Central African Republic Chad, Republic of Chile, Republic of China, People's Republic of Christmas Island Cocos (Keeling) Islands Colombia, Republic of Comoros, Union of the Congo, Democratic Republic of Congo, People's Republic of Cook Islands Costa Rica, Republic of Cote D'Ivoire, Ivory Coast, Republic of the Cyprus, Republic of Czech Republic Denmark, Kingdom of Djibouti, Republic of Dominica, Commonwealth of Ecuador, Republic of Egypt, Arab Republic of El Salvador, Republic of Equatorial Guinea, Republic of Eritrea Estonia Ethiopia Faeroe Islands Falkland Islands (Malvinas) Fiji, Republic of the Fiji Islands Finland, Republic of France, French Republic French Guiana French Polynesia French Southern Territories Gabon, Gabonese Republic Gambia, Republic of the Georgia Germany Ghana, Republic of Gibraltar Greece, Hellenic Republic Greenland Grenada Guadaloupe Guam Guatemala, Republic of Guinea, Revolutionary People's Rep'c of Guinea-Bissau, Republic of Guyana, Republic of Heard and McDonald Islands Holy See (Vatican City State) Honduras, Republic of Hong Kong, Special Administrative Region of China Hrvatska (Croatia) Hungary, Hungarian People's Republic Iceland, Republic of India, Republic of Indonesia, Republic of Iran, Islamic Republic of Iraq, Republic of Ireland Israel, State of Italy, Italian Republic Japan Jordan, Hashemite Kingdom of Kazakhstan, Republic of Kenya, Republic of Kiribati, Republic of Korea, Democratic People's Republic of Korea, Republic of Kuwait, State of Kyrgyz Republic Lao People's Democratic Republic Latvia Lebanon, Lebanese Republic Lesotho, Kingdom of Liberia, Republic of Libyan Arab Jamahiriya Liechtenstein, Principality of Lithuania Luxembourg, Grand Duchy of Macao, Special Administrative Region of China Macedonia, the former Yugoslav Republic of Madagascar, Republic of Malawi, Republic of Malaysia Maldives, Republic of Mali, Republic of Malta, Republic of Marshall Islands Martinique Mauritania, Islamic Republic of Mauritius Mayotte Micronesia, Federated States of Moldova, Republic of Monaco, Principality of Mongolia, Mongolian People's Republic Montserrat Morocco, Kingdom of Mozambique, People's Republic of Myanmar Namibia Nauru, Republic of Nepal, Kingdom of Netherlands Antilles Netherlands, Kingdom of the New Caledonia New Zealand Nicaragua, Republic of Niger, Republic of the Nigeria, Federal Republic of Niue, Republic of Norfolk Island Northern Mariana Islands Norway, Kingdom of Oman, Sultanate of Pakistan, Islamic Republic of Palau Palestinian Territory, Occupied Panama, Republic of Papua New Guinea Paraguay, Republic of Peru, Republic of Philippines, Republic of the Pitcairn Island Poland, Polish People's Republic Portugal, Portuguese Republic Puerto Rico Qatar, State of Reunion Romania, Socialist Republic of Russian Federation Rwanda, Rwandese Republic Samoa, Independent State of San Marino, Republic of Sao Tome and Principe, Democratic Republic of Saudi Arabia, Kingdom of Senegal, Republic of Serbia and Montenegro Seychelles, Republic of Sierra Leone, Republic of Singapore, Republic of Slovakia (Slovak Republic) Slovenia Solomon Islands Somalia, Somali Republic South Africa, Republic of South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands Spain, Spanish State Sri Lanka, Democratic Socialist Republic of St. Helena St. Kitts and Nevis St. Lucia St. Pierre and Miquelon St. Vincent and the Grenadines Sudan, Democratic Republic of the Suriname, Republic of Svalbard & Jan Mayen Islands Swaziland, Kingdom of Sweden, Kingdom of Switzerland, Swiss Confederation Syrian Arab Republic Taiwan, Province of China Tajikistan Tanzania, United Republic of Thailand, Kingdom of Timor-Leste, Democratic Republic of Togo, Togolese Republic Tokelau (Tokelau Islands) Tonga, Kingdom of Trinidad and Tobago, Republic of Tunisia, Republic of Turkey, Republic of Turkmenistan Turks and Caicos Islands Tuvalu Uganda, Republic of Ukraine United Ara

Election systems manage sensitive data, including national identity numbers, biometric-linked voter records, phone numbers, and addresses of millions of citizens. “There is limited public disclosure about whether these systems underwent independent penetration testing or third-party security audits,” said an election technology expert. Cyber security expert Mohammad Shahadat Hossain stressed that technology alone is insufficient. “If election systems are perceived as opaque or insecure, even false claims of hacking or result manipulation become believable,” he said. Cyber security specialists consistently recommend multi-factor authentication, continuous system monitoring, mandatory staff training, independent audits, and 24/7 security operations centers.

At least 40 dwelling houses were gutted in a fire that broke out at a colony in Sreepur upazila of Gazipur district on Thursday. Md Nurul Karim, warehouse inspector of Gazipur Fire Service and Civil Defence, said the fire originated from a gas cylinder at a house in Mawna Uttarpara in the morning and engulfed the adjoining houses. On information, two firefighting units rushed to the spot and extinguished the blaze after nearly two hours. Valuables, including cash, televisions, refrigerators and furniture, were gutted in the fire. However, the extent of the damage could not be ascertained immediately.

Editors’ Council has called for ensuring the safety and security of journalists during the election period, noting that media professionals face various risks while carrying out their duties of news gathering and dissemination at such a critical time. Journalists working in the field are particularly vulnerable during elections, making their safety and security an issue of utmost importance, the Council said in a press release on Thursday, signed by its president Nurul Kabir and general secretary Dewan Hanif Mahmud. The Editors’ Council has urged the state, the interim government, the Election Commission, and the relevant law enforcement agencies to take effective measures to ensure adequate safety and security for journalists engaged in election-related coverage. The Council has also called upon political parties to play a responsible and proactive role in safeguarding journalists and ensuring that they can perform their professional duties without fear or obstruction. The Editors’ Council expressed hope that all concerned stakeholders will recognize the gravity of the issue and take necessary and effective steps to guarantee journalists’ safety throughout the election period.

Railway employees in Natore blocked railway tracks on Thursday demanding the immediate implementation of the ninth pay scale. The demonstration began around 10 am at the Natore Railway Station platform where employees of the Railway Engineering Department held a rally. Later, the protesters sat on the tracks, halting train services, reports UNB. The protesters vacated the tracks after half an hour, allowing normal train operations to resume. During the protest, Mizanur Rahman, central president of the Railway Engineering Department Employees Association along with financial secretary Robiul Islam and other leaders, addressed the gathering and urged the government to implement the ninth pay scale without delay.

Political analysts say the growing influence of young and first-time voters, many aged between 18 and 33, could reshape traditional voting patterns. Young voters now account for more than 34% of the total electorate, underscoring their potential impact on the upcoming polls. Within the broader 18–45 age range, BNP holds an edge, especially among voters aged 28–45. Voices from the young votersAmong first-time voters, participation itself carries symbolic weight. According to the EC, 8.53 million voters are aged 18–21, 19.62 million are 22–25, 12.22 million are 26–29, and 16.87 million are 30–33.

A four-day Agricultural Technology and Nutrition Fair 2026 concluded in Thakurgaon on Thursday with a closing ceremony and prize distribution. Organized by the Department of Agricultural Extension (DAE), Thakurgaon Sadar, under the Sustainable Agricultural Development Project (Dinajpur Region – 1st Revised), the fair was held at the Public Library Ground from February 2 to 5. The fair featured 30 stalls showcasing modern agricultural technologies, innovations, and nutritional practices. At the concluding ceremony, prizes were awarded to the best stalls, and saplings were distributed among students to promote environmental awareness. Officials said the fair helped promote sustainable agriculture and modern farming practices among farmers and the general public.

TOKYO, Feb 5, 2026 (BSS/AFP) - A cherry blossom festival boasting a highly Instagrammable view of Japan's Mount Fuji has been cancelled after residents complained of overtourism fuelled by the weak yen. "Behind (Mount Fuji's) beautiful landscape is the reality that the quiet lives of citizens are threatened. "To protect the dignity and living environment of our citizens, we have decided to bring the curtain down on the 10-year-old festival." The city, however, admits that even if the festival itself is cancelled, its venue -- a park overlooking Mount Fuji, cherry blossom trees and a five-story pagoda -- may still see a spike in visitors as spring nears. Mount Fuji is a perennial tourist attraction.

State Alabama Alaska Arizona Arkansas California Colorado Connecticut Delaware Florida Georgia Hawaii Idaho Illinois Indiana Iowa Kansas Kentucky Louisiana Maine Maryland Massachusetts Michigan Minnesota Mississippi Missouri Montana Nebraska Nevada New Hampshire New Jersey New Mexico New York North Carolina North Dakota Ohio Oklahoma Oregon Pennsylvania Rhode Island South Carolina South Dakota Tennessee Texas Utah Vermont Virginia Washington Washington D.C. West Virginia Wisconsin Wyoming Puerto Rico US Virgin Islands Armed Forces Americas Armed Forces Pacific Armed Forces Europe Northern Mariana Islands Marshall Islands American Samoa Federated States of Micronesia Guam Palau Alberta, Canada British Columbia, Canada Manitoba, Canada New Brunswick, Canada Newfoundland, Canada Nova Scotia, Canada Northwest Territories, Canada Nunavut, Canada Ontario, Canada Prince Edward Island, Canada Quebec, Canada Saskatchewan, Canada Yukon Territory, CanadaZip Code

State Alabama Alaska Arizona Arkansas California Colorado Connecticut Delaware Florida Georgia Hawaii Idaho Illinois Indiana Iowa Kansas Kentucky Louisiana Maine Maryland Massachusetts Michigan Minnesota Mississippi Missouri Montana Nebraska Nevada New Hampshire New Jersey New Mexico New York North Carolina North Dakota Ohio Oklahoma Oregon Pennsylvania Rhode Island South Carolina South Dakota Tennessee Texas Utah Vermont Virginia Washington Washington D.C. West Virginia Wisconsin Wyoming Puerto Rico US Virgin Islands Armed Forces Americas Armed Forces Pacific Armed Forces Europe Northern Mariana Islands Marshall Islands American Samoa Federated States of Micronesia Guam Palau Alberta, Canada British Columbia, Canada Manitoba, Canada New Brunswick, Canada Newfoundland, Canada Nova Scotia, Canada Northwest Territories, Canada Nunavut, Canada Ontario, Canada Prince Edward Island, Canada Quebec, Canada Saskatchewan, Canada Yukon Territory, CanadaZip Code

Some people have gift shop souvenirs; others have stuffed animals that brush together in silence. With the vast array of designs and characters in the Jellycat catalog, ranging from fluffy bunnies to funny baguettes, the friendly stuffed animals offer endless options. All this being said, these materials are not uncommon in stuffed animal creation. The AvailabilityA clear feature of the Jellycat catalog is its sheer variety of stuffed animals. While it has typical plush designs such as teddy bears, bunnies and cows, it also offers stuffed animal forms of common objects.

Moyeenul Islam Chowdhury. Photo : CollectedDHAKA, Feb 5, 2026 (BSS) - The government has appointed Justice Moyeenul Islam Chowdhury, a retired judge of the High Court Division, as the new chairman of the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) while four more commissioners have been also appointed to commission. Legislative and Parliamentary Affairs Division of the Ministry of Law, Justice and Parliamentary Affairs issued a gazette notification in this regard today. Nur Khan and Nabila Idris, both former members of the Commission of Inquiry on Enforced Disappearances, have been appointed as commissioners. Shariful Islam of the Department of Political Science at the University of Dhaka and human rights activist Ilira Dewan.