DHAKA, Dec 22, 2025 (BSS) - The Japan-Bangladesh Chamber of Commerce and Industry (JBCCI) has welcomed the announcement that the Governments of Bangladesh and Japan have reached an Agreement in Principle on the Bangladesh-Japan Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA). "This important development marks a major step toward the finalization of a comprehensive economic partnership between the two countries," said JBCCI President Tareq Rafi Bhuiyan (Jun) through a press release issued today. The current agreement in principle reflects alignment on the structure and key provisions of the EPA, with formal signing to follow upon completion of necessary legal and cabinet-level processes in both countries, he added. "We also commend the active participation of our members, whose inputs helped ensure the EPA reflects the needs of real businesses," he added. As the process now enters its legal and ratification phase, the JBCCI president committed to supporting implementation, capacity building, and outreach so that the benefits of this landmark agreement are maximized for both nations.

‘Voter Gari’ launching ceremony. Photo: CA's Press WingDHAKA, Dec 22, 2025 (BSS)- Ten specially designed ‘Voter Gari’, named the Super Caravan, began nationwide journeys today to campaign for the 13th National Elections and the proposed referendum on the July National Charter. The Super Caravan was formally inaugurated this afternoon at the South Plaza of the Jatiya Sangsad Bhaban. The main theme of the campaign is ‘Desher Chabi Apnar Hate’ (Country’s Key is in Your Hand). Officials said the government also planned to make at least 30 TVCs.

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DHAKA, Dec 22, 2025 (BSS) - Bangladesh's foreign exchange reserves have stood at US$ 32.72 billion, according to the latest data of the Bangladesh Bank (BB) released here today. But, as per the International Monetary Fund (IMF) methodology under the Balance of Payments and International Investment Position Manual (BPM6), Bangladesh's foreign exchange reserves stood at $28.04 billion.

DHAKA, Dec 22, 2025 (BSS) – The Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy has extended the duration of the ‘24th Young Artists’ Fine Art Exhibition’ by two days. The closing ceremony of the exhibition will be held on December 24 at 5:00 pm at the National Art Gallery Plaza, said a press release. The exhibition features works across almost all fine art mediums, including painting, sculpture, oriental art, crafts, ceramics, photography, installation art, performance art and new media art. Director of the Fine Arts Department Abdul Halim Chanchal will deliver the welcome address. The Young Artists’ Fine Art Exhibition is a regular national event in Bangladesh’s fine arts calendar.

Bangladesh has reportedly suspended visa services at its missions in India. On Monday, the foreign ministry officials, who declined to be named, said notices about the suspension have been affixed at the Bangladesh High Commission in Delhi and the Assistant High Commission in Agartala, Tripura. The suspension comes amid a spate of tensions and conflicting statements about allegations of a commotion and threats outside the Bangladesh missiion in Delhi. On Saturday night in Delhi, 20–25 members of an organisation called the “Akhand Hindu Rashtra Sena” protested outside the Bangladesh High Commission. Touhid also said normal security protocols were not properly followed at the Bangladesh High Commission.

DHAKA, Dec 22, 2025 (BSS) - Noakhali Express has confirmed the inclusion ofAfghanistan opener Sediqullah Atal for the upcoming Bangladesh Premier League(BPL). Atal has already established him as one of the dangerous openers in the worldby performing well in several T20 leagues including IPL, ILT20 and SA20. He will join with his compatriot Mohammad Nabi, a seasoned BPL campaigner andrecent title-winner with Fortune Barishal and pacer Bilal Sami in theNoakhali team. Ahead of the auction, Noakhali signed Sri Lanka's wicketkeeper-batter KusalMendis and West Indies opener Johnson Charles. The franchise has kept Sri Lankan batter AvishkaFernando, who has previously played in the BPL for Chattogram Challengers, ascover for Mendis.

Local Government, Rural Development and Cooperatives Adviser Adilur RahmanKhan, Cultural Affairs Adviser Mostofa Sarwar Farooki, Local GovernmentDivision Secretary Md. He advised involving District Information Offices and the localadministration with the Ministry of Cultural Affairs' 'Voter Caravan'programme. To encourage first-time voters, young voters, women voters, and voters fromsmall ethnic communities, region-based popular songs are being produced anddisseminated, she continued. Heads of information offices from all districts participated in the onlinemeeting. Additional Secretary of the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting Dr.Mohammad Altaf-ul-Alam, Director General (DG) of the Department of MassCommunication Md.

DHAKA, Dec 22, 2025 (BSS) - Rajshahi Warriors secured a five-wicket win overRangpur Riders in a practice game for the Bangladesh Premier League (BPL) atthe Bashundhara Sports City Cricket Ground today. Asked to bat first, Rangpur managed to put up just 136-5 with opener IftekharIfti battling alone for the side. Ripon Mondol and Abdul Gaffar picked up two wickets for Rajshahi in aneconomical bowling effort that was key in stifling Rangpur batting line up. Rajshahi, however, rode on total team performance to race to the victory asthey put up 139-5 for a victory in 18.1 overs. Abdul Halim took two wickets for Rangpur.

BNP Senior Joint Secretary General Ruhul Kabir Rizvi spoke to journalists after paying tribute at the shrine of the late President Ziaur Rahman in Sher-e-Bangla Nagar this morning. Photo: BSSDHAKA, Dec 22, 2025 (BSS) – Expressing grave concern over the continued incidents of mob violence across the country, BNP Senior Joint Secretary General Ruhul Kabir Rizvi today said that the attacks being carried out by unruly mobs pose a serious threat to humanity and democratic value. Rizvi said attacks are occurring one after another across the country under different pretexts. Mob justice is not only a symptom of lawlessness but also a dangerous force that undermines the rule of law and fuels further violence, he added. Criticizing fascist Sheikh Hasina, the BNP senior leader said that during the Awami League government's tenure, public money was wasted by purchasing electricity from abroad at exorbitant prices under unequal agreements.

Shipping Adviser Brigadier General (Rtd.) File PhotoCHATTOGRAM, Dec 22, 2025 (BSS) - Bangladesh Shipping Corporation (BSC), the state flag carrier, has achieved a record net profit of Tk 306.56 crore in the fiscal year 2024-25 securing the highest profit in the company's 54-year history. Operating expenses were Tk 289.92 crore, while administrative and financial expenses totaled Tk 126.45 crore, resulting in total expenses of Tk 416.27 crore. The Shipping Adviser also mentioned that BSC's net income increased by about Tk 56.87 crore in just one year. In response to journalists' inquiries about Chattogram Port, the Shipping Adviser alleged that a mafia ring exists around the port which had controlled its operations for 40 years, preventing new entrants.

The government has assigned gunmen to 20 high-risk individuals, including six top leaders of the National Citizen Party (NCP), editors of daily Prothom Alo and The Daily Star, as part of heightened personal security measures ahead of the upcoming national election. Several frontline leaders of the July movement have already been provided with personal protection, and the Ministry of Home Affairs said the process of issuing personal firearm licenses for self-defense is ongoing. Other political figures seeking protectionApplications for gunmen and arms licenses have also been submitted by several other politicians and election candidates. Inspector General of Police (IGP) Baharul Alam said: “Gunmen have been assigned to those at high risk. We are striving to keep law and order under control ahead of the elections.”Meanwhile, a meeting to review the national security situation was held at the state guest house, Jamuna.

Photo: CollectedLONDON, Dec 22, 2025 (BSS/AFP) - England coach Brendon McCullum wants to stay in his job despite a chastening Ashes series defeat but admits his future is out of his hands. England are 3-0 down in the five-match series after just 11 days of cricket, outplayed by a hungry Australian team. The New Zealander has a contract with England until the end of 2027 -- a period that includes the next home Ashes, earlier in the same year. You travel the world with the lads and try to play some exciting cricket and try to achieve some things." McCullum said England must show their identity in the final two games of the series, in Melbourne and Sydney.

Pope Leo XIV on the chair. Photo: CollectedVATICAN CITY, Dec 22, 2025 (BSS/AFP) - Pope Leo XIV on Monday warned againstpower struggles in the Vatican administration and called for "humility" in amore moderate echo of his predecessor Pope Francis's rhetoric. Leo was speaking to leaders of the Roman Curia -- the Catholic Church'sgoverning body -- as he prepares for his first Christmas as pope. "We then ask ourselves: is it possible to be friends in the Roman Curia? During his 12 years as pope, Francis would often use his Christmas messagesto the Roman Curia to stop power games -- sometimes incurring resentment fromhigh-ranking Church figures.

DHAKA, Dec 22, 2025 (BSS) - The Rajshahi Warriors team management has announced Najmul Hossain Shanto as their captain for the upcoming Bangladesh Premier League (BPL) T20 tournament. Mushfiqur Rahim, a seasoned leader who has captained Bangladesh across formats and multiple BPL franchises, was considered a strong contender for the position. He led Bangladesh to a historic victory in the 2020 Under-19 World Cup and later guided Rangpur Division to National Cricket League titles in both four-day and T20 formats. Akbar also led Bangladesh A to the final of the ACC Emerging Asia Cup earlier this year, showcasing his leadership and performance skills. Despite these options, the Rajshahi Warriors opted to appoint Shanto, who was signed directly by the franchise ahead of the BPL auction.