Photo : BSSKHULNA, Feb 3, 2026 (BSS) - To strengthen research on the Sundarbans and coastal ecology, a Memorandum of understanding (Mou) was signed between Khulna University’s Institute for Integrated Studies on the Sundarbans and Coastal Ecosystems (IISSCE) and the Bangladesh Environment and Development Society (BEDS). Khulna University Treasurer Prof Dr Md Nurunnabi and BEDS Chief Executive Md Maksudur Rahman signed the MoU on behalf of their respective sides. As part of the MoU, IISSCE and BEDS will work as partners in conducting research and implementing projects on climate change and its impacts, ecosystem restoration, economic development, and the lives and livelihoods of coastal communities in the Sundarbans and coastal regions. The Mangrove Information and Research Centre established at the BEDS Dacope Field Office will jointly be used as a hub for research, training, and community-based activities. This will expand opportunities for Khulna University students and researchers to gain hands-on field experience and undertake applied research.

The people of Bangladesh forced her to leave the country by sacrificing their lives. Criticising the role of the administration and the Election Commission, the NCP spokesperson said recent incidents indicate a growing threat to democracy. "You have seen on social media that a presiding officer in Panchagarh was asking people to vote for a particular symbol. It is the responsibility of all of us to make that goal successful, and we hope you will fulfil that responsibility," he added. 11-party alliance candidate for Natore-3 SM Zargis Kadir, NCP Joint Convener and Election Management Committee Secretary Monira Sharmin, NCP district senior joint member secretary Hafizur Rahman and joint convener Tahash Noor also addressed on the occasion.

Collected photoKHARTOUM, Feb 3, 2026 (BSS/AFP) - The Sudanese army broke a paramilitary siege on the key southern city of Kadugli on Tuesday, army chief Abdel Fattah al-Burhan said, in the latest reversal of a paramilitary offensive through the Kordofan region. An RSF source confirmed the army advance and said the paramilitary would re-encircle the city. "This is a great day, people welcome the army, women ululated, even the children celebrated," Issa Tih, a resident of Kadugli, told AFP by phone. According to one army source, troops advancing from Dilling along the volatile 100-kilometre corridor defeated RSF and SPLM-N units following "fierce battles". An RSF source told AFP that army forces "infiltrated Dilling and Kadugli through rugged areas where forces were not present".

DHAKA, Feb 3, 2026 (BSS) - The Bangladesh Women's team arrived back in Dhaka on Monday night after a successful ICC Women's T20 World Cup Qualifying campaign in Nepal. The Bangladesh team finished on top and qualified for the ICC Women's T20 World Cup 2026 scheduled in England in June-July this year. The team was greeted at the airport on arrival by BCB Director and Chairperson of the Women's Wing Committee Rubaba Dowla. The team members will take some rest before starting preparation for the T20 World Cup. The BCB, meanwhile, is trying to arrange some International matches for them to take a better preparation for the showcase event.

Senior Secretary of the Ministry of Expatriates’ Welfare and Overseas Employment Dr. Neyamat Ullah Bhuiyan and Foreign Affairs Secretary Asad Alam Siam co-chaired the consultation meeting. Photo: MinistryDHAKA, Feb 3, 2026 (BSS) – Bangladesh has finalised its National Action Plan for the Global Compact for Migration (GCM), reaffirming its strong commitment to safe, orderly and regular migration and the protection of migrants’ rights. The soft adoption of the GCM National Action Plan (NAP) followed a multi-stakeholder consultation held on Monday, International Organization for Migration (IOM) said here today. Senior Secretary of the Ministry of Expatriates’ Welfare and Overseas Employment Dr. Neyamat Ullah Bhuiyan and Foreign Affairs Secretary Asad Alam Siam co-chaired the consultation meeting. With guidance from the Bangladesh Migration Compact Taskforce, IOM Bangladesh provided technical support throughout the drafting process.

Chief of Army Staff General Waker-Uz-Zaman today spoke at the Shariatpur District Circuit House. Photo: BSSDHAKA, Feb 3, 2026 (BSS) - Chief of Army Staff General Waker-Uz-Zaman today stressed the importance of performing duties with professionalism, impartiality, discipline, patience and a citizen-friendly approach. The meeting was held at the Shariatpur District Circuit House. The General Officer Commanding (GOC) of the Army Training and Doctrine Command, the GOC of the 9 Infantry Division and Savar Area Commander, along with senior officers from Army Headquarters and Savar Area, were present at the meeting. Senior officials from the civil administration, law enforcement agencies, and representatives of various media outlets also attended.

DHAKA, Feb 3, 2026 (BSS) - Bangladesh and Japan today signed a defence equipment and technology transfer agreement at Dhaka Cantonment under the supervision of the Armed Forces Division (AFD). Lieutenant General S M Kamrul Hassan, Principal Staff Officer of AFD, signed on behalf of Bangladesh, while Japan's Ambassador to Dhaka, Saida Shinichi, represented Japan. According to AFD, the agreement, a result of close cooperation since 2023, reflects mutual trust and coordinated vision. It is expected to accelerate Bangladesh's defence modernization, promote joint research and development and enhance military expert exchanges. The historic pact will also deepen Bangladesh-Japan strategic cooperation in South Asia, contributing to regional stability and global security while further strengthening bilateral defence ties.

I decided to take my brother’s suggestion and try Xi’an Street Food, but with a twist: I would conduct a comprehensive assessment of the restaurant by ordering and rating five of the most popular items on the menu. Cold Skin Peanut Noodles: BTrue to its name, the noodles have a subtle peanut flavor that is definitely noticeable but not overpowering. This is a plus, as I was able to appreciate the noodles’ flavor independent of the peanut flavor. For this reason, these peanut noodles are refreshing to eat and can be a good choice for summer. Based on its five most popular menu items, my dining experience and value, Xi’an Street Food is a must visit for Cornell students — perfect for any lunch, dinner or late-night snack.

In honor of Black History Month and the film's resounding success, it is worth exploring the themes that make Sinners such a powerful work. Black culture has long occupied a complicated place in American culture as a result of widespread racism. Instead, white artists took from the work of Black artists and were catapulted to commercial fame (think Benny Goodman, Elvis Presley and Eminem). Additionally, Black artists would often have to shed certain aspects of their identity and art in order to gain popular appeal. The enduring power of Black culture as a persistent tool for transcending oppression is exemplified in Sinners’ most famous scene.

In Loving Memory ofGail Lynn YoungGail Lynn Young, age 62, passed away on January 24, 2026, after displaying remarkable courage and grace in her battle with cancer. Gail was a proud graduate of Oakland Community College, where she earned her degree in Nursing. Gail had a zest for life and radiated joy while spending time with family and friends. Gail is survived by her beloved husband, mother and stepfather, stepson and stepdaughter-in-law, stepdaughter, and four grandchildren. A reception will follow at Evans Prairie CC, 1824 Evans Prairie Trail, The Villages.

DHAKA, Feb 3, 2026 (BSS) - Anata Choudhury and FM Syed Mahfuzur Rahman took joint lead in the points table after the fourth round with maximum four points in the preliminary round of Spectrum Bangladesh National Cup Chess held at Bangladesh Chess Federation hall room today. They are FM Md. Sharif Hossain, Swarnavo Choudhury, CM Md. Sajidul Haque, CM Md. Masum Hossain, CM Sohel Chowdhury, WFM Noshin Anjum, CM Md.

LALMONIRHAT, Feb 3, 2026 (BSS) - With the 13th National Parliament elections approaching in the second month of the year, enthusiasm and expectations have surged among voters in Lalmonirhat district. Tumpa Akhter, a voter from Aditmari upazila, said, “Voting is the right of every citizen. A total of 21 candidates are competing across Lalmonirhat’s three parliamentary constituencies, representing BNP, Jamaat-e-Islami, Jatiya Party, Bangladesh Communist Party, Bangladesh Nationalist Front (BNF), Islamic Andolan Bangladesh, Janatar Dal, Amar Bangladesh Party, Gana Sanghati Andolan, as well as independent candidates. District Election Officer Md Kamrul Islam said all necessary preparations have been completed to ensure safe and fair polling. According to the District Election Office, Lalmonirhat has a total of 1,144,496 voters across its three constituencies, including 574,067 male voters, 570,422 female voters, and seven third-gender voters.

How realistic is it for countries like Bangladesh to make cancer care more affordable — and where should governments start? Collecting data to understand the cancer burden allows governments to develop costed national cancer control plans and make targeted policy decisionsWomen often face extra barriers in accessing cancer care. Stronger public health measures — including tobacco control, awareness campaigns, and air quality policies — could prevent many cancers and reduce overall healthcare burden. Media can share personal stories behind the statistics, helping break taboos and encouraging early care. Policymakers must put people at the center of cancer care — investing in prevention, early detection, affordable treatment, and empathetic support.

Sirajul Islam alleged that a section of political actors had exploited a controversial post from the hacked account for political gain. Jamaat claimed the hacking was carried out through a phishing email sent from a Bangabhaban address. The hackers allegedly posted a misogynistic message briefly, which the party says contradicts Dr. Rahman’s views and Jamaat’s political ideology. Earlier, Jamaat alleged at another press conference that several key messages linked to the hacking were sent from a Bangabhaban email address. Jamaat further alleged that the phishing email was sent using the official email address of an assistant programmer at Bangabhaban ([email protected]) and that opening the attached file led to the takeover of Dr. Rahman’s X account.

Chief of Army Staff General Walker-Uz-Zaman said Tuesday that all relevant agencies are working sincerely to ensure a free, fair, and smooth election, stressing there is no chance of it not taking place. “Our goal is one and the same: to ensure a credible election." General Walker-Uz-Zaman expressed concern that financial transactions through various channels could be used to influence the election. We have already held detailed discussions with the Election Commission on this matter. Monitoring is being significantly strengthened to prevent such activities.”Warning those who might disrupt voting day, the army chief said some miscreants in every electoral area may attempt ballot snatching, fraud, or preventing voters from reaching polling centers.