Finance Adviser Dr Salehuddin Ahmed -File photoDHAKA, Dec 23, 2025 (BSS) – Finance Adviser Dr Salehuddin Ahmed today said that Bangladesh would import essentials such as rice from India if prices remain competitive, regardless of the prevailing political discourse between the two neighbouring countries. Dr Salehuddin stressed that Bangladesh has never pursued punitive trade measures against India for political reasons. On the broader state of Bangladesh–India relations, Dr Salehuddin acknowledged that political rhetoric, particularly during periods of heightened political activity, can sometimes appear strained. Dr Salehuddin also said the interim government has no desire to see tensions between neighbouring countries. Highlighting Bangladesh’s regional outlook, Dr Salehuddin said the country believes strongly in regionalism and constructive engagement with all neighbours.

Image: Amnesty International CanadaGENEVA, Dec 23, 2025 (BSS/AFP) - More than 400 prominent women, includingfour Nobel laureates and several former presidents and prime ministers,demanded Tuesday that Iran immediately release engineer and activist ZahraTabari, fearing she faces imminent execution. There was no mention in Iranian official media about her case, norconfirmation that she had been sentenced to death. According to Norway-based Iran Human Rights (IHR), Iranian authorities haveexecuted more than 40 women this year alone. "We demand Zahra's immediate release, and we call on governments worldwide tostand with the women of Iran in their quest for democracy, equality, andfreedom." The appeal said Tabari stood accused of collaborating with the oppositionorganisation People's Mujahedin (PMOI, also known by the Persian acronymMEK), which is banned in Iran.

DHAKA, Dec 23, 2025 (BSS) - The government has approved a major energy sector proposal aimed at strengthening domestic gas exploration and enhancing long-term energy security, alongside endorsing a series of large-scale power distribution proposals in the Dhaka–Mymensingh region. The committee gave approval to an important proposal under the energy and mineral resources Division for drilling new gas wells in Bhola. The total estimated cost of the proposal stands at Taka 907.29 crore. Officials said the approval of this proposal will contribute significantly to increasing domestic gas production, reducing dependence on imported fuel and strengthening national energy security. Officials said the combined approval of the gas exploration and power distribution proposals reflects the government’s continued emphasis on strengthening the energy sector.

Photo: BSSDHAKA, Dec 23, 2025 (BSS) - Dhamrai Hardinge Government High School in boys'section and Hamida Afaz School in girls' section emerged champions in theVictory Day School Kabaddi competition that concluded at National KabaddiStadium in the capital today (Tuesday). Bangladesh Olympic Association (BOA) Secretary General Jubaidur Rahman Ranawas present as the chief guest in the ceremony and distributed the trophiesto the winners'. Bangladesh Kabaddi Federation (BKF) vice-president Abdullah Al Noman presidedover the prize distribution ceremony while its general secretary SM NewazSohag and joint secretary Abdul Haque were also present. Speaking as the chief guest on the occasion, Jubaidur Rahman Rana praised therecent activities of the Kabaddi Federation and said: "The Kabaddi Federationis doing very well. BKF general secretary SM Newaz Sohag said they would keep continuation of theSchool Kabaddi Tournament as they have plans to pick up talented players fromthis meet to bring them under long-term training.

Besides, in a move aimed at keeping edible oil prices stable during the holy month of Ramadan, the government has approved separate proposals to procure 4.75 crore litres of edible oil, including soybean oil and rice bran oil. Under the decisions, the government will procure 1 crore litres of refined rice bran oil locally while 3.75 crore litres of soybean oil from international sources under direct purchase methods. Officials said the procurement would help maintain adequate supply in the domestic market and prevent price hikes during Ramadan, when consumption of edible oil increases sharply. Officials said the procurement would help ensure adequate supply while keeping prices within affordable levels. The lentils will be procured in 50-kg bags and distributed through government channels to stabilise the market and support low and middle-income consumers.

DHAKA, Dec 23, 2025 (BSS) - Noakhali Express wicketkeeper-batter Mahidul Islam Ankon stressed the importance of playing as a unit to achieve the desired results in the upcoming Bangladesh Premier League (BPL). Speaking to reporters, Ankon emphasized that individual performances alone will not be enough in a tough tournament like the BPL. Ankon also expressed his eagerness to contribute as much as possible, particularly by batting at the top of the order. "In T20 cricket, the batting order—whether it's the middle or lower order—can change based on the match situation," he explained. "Nabi has been playing T20 cricket for years and has vast experience in the BPL.

Greenland PM says 'our decisions are made here'Greenland's prime minister Jens Frederik Nielsen. Photo: CollectedCOPENHAGEN, Dec 23, 2025 (BSS/AFP) - Greenland's prime minister on Tuesday stressed that decisions about the autonomous territory's future would be made on the island, after US President Donald Trump reiterated that the United States needed Greenland for "national security". Trump on Sunday appointed Louisiana governor Jeff Landry as special envoy to Greenland, prompting anger from Denmark, which summoned the US ambassador. That is not how we see ourselves, and that is not how we in Greenland can or should be described," Nielsen said. Leaders of both Denmark and Greenland have repeatedly insisted that the vast island is not for sale and that it will decide its own future.

CEC A M M Nasir Uddin spoke at a meeting held at the auditorium of the Election Commission Building in Agargaon, Dhaka. Photo : BSSDHAKA, Dec 23, 2025 (BSS) - Chief Election Commissioner A M M Nasir Uddin today said there is no scope for any failure in carrying out the grave responsibility in organizing a free, fair and acceptable election at this critical juncture of the country. The CEC continued, “I have said it before that we want to demonstrate what the rule of law truly means. The reason for saying this is that we want to remove any collective allegations brought against us.”He added, “We want to prove that we can conduct a proper and fair election. And this is possible only through the rule of law.”He went on saying, “Therefore, it is our expectation that those working at the field level will ensure the rule of law.

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The government has raised the salaries of headteachers at government primary schools to grade 10, granting them the rank of gazetted officers. The Ministry of Primary and Mass Education moved their pay one step up from grade 11, according to a media statement on Tuesday. The new pay scale will be effective from Dec 15, it added.

LEO (July 23-Aug. 22): Don’t fall so in love with a plan that you can’t see what doesn’t fit or isn’t working. Eyes and ears open will protect you much more effectively than ‘set and forget.’ Awareness plus boundaries keeps things clear. VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22): Despite happy and strong Universal stars, today could be frustrating if you’re desperately trying to meet deadlines. CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19): No matter how much you want to believe in a fantasy, it’s unlikely to be actualized. PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20): Working in tandem could achieve the greatest results, plus, shared experiences and shared laughter bond people more tightly together.

Cloudy morning followed by afternoon sun ahead for North Texas Temperatures continue to climb throughout this week, feeling more like spring than winter. Highs may come close or even break daily high temperature records all week long.

Photo : CollectedDHAKA, Dec 23, 2025 (BSS) - The government today approved multiple proposals for importing some 1.30 lakh metric tons of TSP and DAP fertiliser from Morocco to ensure uninterrupted supply for upcoming agricultural season. The approvals came from the 51st meeting of the Advisers Council Committee on Government Purchase in this year held today at the Cabinet Division Conference Room at Bangladesh Secretariat with Finance Adviser Dr Salehuddin Ahmed in the chair. The day’s purchase committee meeting approved three consignments of TSP fertiliser, each of 30,000 metric tons with Taka 181.74 crore each, and one consignment of 40,000 metric tons of DAP fertiliser with Taka 324.08 crore under state-level agreements between Bangladesh Agricultural Development Corporation (BADC) and OCP Nutricrops of Morocco. Officials said the timely import of fertiliser would play a crucial role in supporting farmers during the cultivation seasons, ensuring higher crop yields and safeguarding food security. The government has been prioritising fertiliser availability amid global market volatility to protect farmers from rising costs and ensure stable agricultural production.

DHAKA, Dec 23, 2025 (BSS) - The list of examination centres for the SecondarySchool Certificate (SSC) examinations-2026 has been published. If there is any objection related to the centres, it must be submitted inwriting to the office of the Controller of Examinations of the DhakaEducation Board by December 31, a notice from the Dhaka Secondary and HigherSecondary Education Board reads. The urgent notice has been sent to the Heads and Principals of all governmentand non-government secondary-level educational institutions under the Board'sjurisdiction. According to the notice, application or objection will not be accepted afterDecember 31.