Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus -File PhotoDHAKA, Jan 27, 2026 (BSS) - Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus today said that the main purpose of technology is not merely to boost productivity but to make people's lives easier, create new opportunities and reduce inequality in society. With the theme 'Bangladesh to the World', the four-day expo is being jointly organised by the ICT Division, Bangladesh Hi-Tech Park Authority and Bangladesh Computer Samity (BCS) and will continue until January 31. Terming the theme timely and appropriate, Prof Yunus said it reflects Bangladesh's strong determination to transform itself from a technology-using nation into a producer, innovator and global partner. The Chief Adviser said that alongside building a technology-enabled ecosystem, the government's initiatives are helping create a safe, transparent and investment-friendly environment, thereby accelerating technology-based industrialisation and encouraging innovation. Prof Yunus wished overall success of all programmes of the DDIExpo 2026.

Senior Secretary of the Ministry of Home Affairs Nasimul Gani on Tuesday said that the threatening phone calls received by the deputy commissioner (DC) and superintendent of police (SP) of Bagerhat originated from auto-generated numbers, making it difficult to identify the callers. He said the government is aware of the matter and remains vigilant, and there is no additional concern regarding the Rohingya issue ahead of the election. Asked about the threats reportedly made to the Bagerhat DC and SP from different locations, the home secretary said: “We are aware of the issue. Responding to rumours that Rohingya camps were being sealed ahead of the election, Nasimul Gani dismissed the claim, saying movement would not be restricted. People have to go out to earn their livelihood.”Asked whether the Rohingya issue posed any additional concern ahead of the election, he said: “There is no extra concern regarding the Rohingya issue during the election.

Suddenly, dozens of young volunteers emerge from the silence, gathering before heading to the shores of a small nearby lake. “We are trying to change people's mindset.”Bangladesh Clean, the group that organized the day’s volunteers, is not just a beautification effort. Between 1901 and 2019, average temperatures in Bangladesh have increased by nearly 2°Celsius during some months. Bangladesh Clean has become one model for how residents are taking matters into their own hands. Karibul doubts the effectiveness of this plan, given the overwhelming number of disease-carrying mosquitoes already breeding in Bangladesh.

The country's economy will never return to normal with the questionable single digit interest rates of 9%-6%, said Bangladesh Bank governor Dr. Ahsan H. Mansur. The governor further said: "Interest rates are currently very high. Bangladesh will graduate from LDC as the need arises, but the single digit rates cannot be imposed again through political pressure." Dr. Mansur also said that market-based interest rates will be determined. It is not possible to bring the financial sector back to normal by implementing a tight monetary policy alone.”

Two teenage fishermen have been injured by gunfire while fishing in the Naf River along the Bangladesh–Myanmar border in Teknaf. The incident occurred on Tuesday near Whykong Union, according to Sub-Inspector (SI) Khokon Kanti Rudra, chief of the local police outpost. The injured youths alleged that the shots were fired from the Myanmar side of the border by members of the Arakan Army. He said local fishermen later rescued the injured youths and took them to hospital. On Jan 12, an 11-year-old girl was injured by gunfire near the Techchibridge border area in Whykong Union, and the following day a landmine explosion inside Bangladesh near the same area severed the leg of 26-year-old Abu Hanif.

Sarjis Alam, chief organizer of the NCP for the northern region, spoke during election campaigns and yard meetings in various villages of Mirzapur union in Panchagar. During his campaign, Sarjis Alam also addressed the grievances of local residents and made several promises to deal with their issues. Referring to the referendum, he said, “If you vote ‘yes,’ ‘71 will not disappear. “The main reason for our freedom was that the people of Bangladesh wanted reform and change,” he said. There is no alternative.”He concluded by expressing confidence that the July Charter would be implemented with a ‘yes’ vote and that the 11-party alliance and Shapla Koli would lead the country toward building a new Bangladesh.

DHAKA, Jan 27, 2026 (BSS) - Cute First Division Men's Handball League,organised by Bogura District Sports Association (DSA), will begin at footballground adjoining Shahhed Chandu Stadium in Bogura tomorrow (Wednesday). Bogura Deputy Commissioner Toufikur Rahman is expected to open the league asthe chief guest. District league committee coordinator and joint member secretary of technicalcommittee Sayeed Ahmed will present there as the special guest while BoguraDSA member secretary Akram Hossain will preside over the opening ceremony. After the round robin league matches, the semifinals, place-deciding matchand final of the league be held on January 31. The participating teams:Group A - Nishindara Fakir Uddin Handball team, Police Line Handball team,Seven Star Handball Club, HN Handball Club (white team) and Master HandballClubGroup B - Beat Handball Club, Talora Handball Club, HN Handball Club (redteam), Shibganj Handball Club and Biyam Handball Club.

Election Commissioner Anwarul Islam Sarker on Tuesday said officials assigned to perform election duties will carry out publicity about the referendum but won’t campaign for or against any side. The Election commissioner said returning officers, assistant returning officers and other election officials would carry out publicity related to the referendum but would not take sides. Responding to another question regarding demands to ban the Jatiya Party from participating in the election, the Election commissioner said registered political parties that have valid nominations will take part in the polls. EC Anwar said the EC believes the overall election atmosphere this time is much better than many previous elections. These things are reflection of public confidence (in EC),” the Election Commissioner said.

No compromise on any attempt to undermine integrity of voting: SanaullahElection Commissioner Brig. General ballots and postal ballots will be counted simultaneously. He said postal ballots will be divided into two categories those from abroad and those from within the country. Postal ballots from abroad will be delivered directly to the Returning Officer by the postal department, while postal ballots from within the country will come through the local post offices, he added. Speakers at the meeting discussed issues relating to election law and order, the voting environment, and the referendum, among others.

The arrests have been made since the operations launch on December 13, 2025 and as of January 25, 2026. Overall, 64,628 people have been arrested across the country, including 42,164 on specific charges and warrants, he added. He also noted that Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) recovered firearms, mortar shells, mine safety caps and shotguns in multiple border operations and seized millions of taka worth of narcotics. In addition, 14 unarmed members of Myanmar security forces recently surrendered to the BGB amid the ongoing situation in Rakhine State, he continued. The Home Adviser said Operation Devil Hunt Phase-2 will continue with full force until terrorism, illegal arms and drug networks are completely dismantled and public safety is fully ensured.

Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus inaugurated an e-Learning Programme in 12 schools across the three hill districts in Chattogram, virtually from the state guest house Jamuna. Photo: CA's Press WingDHAKA, Jan 27, 2026 (BSS) - Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus today formally inaugurated the e-Learning Programme in 12 schools across the three hill districts in Chattogram. The e-Learning Programme will be launched in phases in 149 selected primary and secondary schools in the three hill districts within the shortest possible time. E-learning activities began today at Rani Dayamoyee High School, Kaptai Al-Amin Nuria Dakhil Madrasah, Farua Junior Secondary School and Islamabad Government Primary School in Rangamati, Kamalchari Pilot High School, Hajachhari Junior High School, Manikchari Girls' High School Pujgang Mukh Government Primary School in Khagrachhari, and Balaghata Ideal School, Haji Firoza Begum Wami Academy, Tindu Junior High School and Bogamukh Para Government Primary School in Bandarban. The government does not want to leave the people of the hill tracts lagging behind.

“Pragati Industries is the country’s first automobile manufacturing company, and it is a fully state-owned one. The procurement process will take time, and the vehicles will arrive much later, in phases. Sources present at the meeting said the Ministry of Home Affairs placed the proposal for procuring the vehicles directly under the revised RAB capacity enhancement project, which subsequently received policy approval from the committee. The initiative aims to enhance RAB’s effectiveness and modernise its operations by addressing logistical constraints, particularly the shortage of vehicles. Officials informed the meeting that the vehicles are urgently required in the 2025–26 fiscal year.

The government on Tuesday approved separate proposals to procure one crore litres of refined soybean oil and 10,000 tons of lentils to help stabilise the market ahead of the holy month of Ramadan. It also approved the procurement of 75,000 tons of fertiliser alongside proposals in the roads sector and the purchase of one small research vessel and two speedboats to facilitate oceanographic research. He said lentils will be procured from KBC Agro Products Private Limited, a local Bangladeshi company, while soybean oil will be sourced from Super Refinery Limited and Shabnam Vegetable Oil Industries Ltd at an estimated cost is Tk 70.96 crore. To keep edible oil prices stable, the committee also approved the procurement of one crore litres of refined soybean oil at an estimated cost of Tk185.92 crore. Under the proposal, 5 million litres will be procured from Super Oil Refinery Limited at Tk185.95 per litre, while the remaining 5 million litres will come from Shabnam Vegetable Oil Industries Ltd at Tk185.90 per litre.

Adviser Dr. M Sakhawat Hossain inaugurated the Modern Waste and Oily Residue Management Project, also known as the Port Reception Facility (PRF), at Mongla Port today. Photo: BSSKHULNA, Jan 27, 2026 (BSS) - Shipping Adviser Brigadier General (Retd) Dr. M Sakhawat Hossain inaugurated the Modern Waste and Oily Residue Management Project, also known as the Port Reception Facility (PRF), at Mongla Port this afternoon. In line with this commitment, Mongla Port has established an international-standard Port Reception Facility to ensure the safe collection, treatment and disposal of waste and oily residues generated by commercial vessels. The project includes two oil recovery vessels, one waste collection vessel, a PRF treatment plant, one dump barge, one self-propelled barge, one service tugboat, one pontoon, and the construction of jetty and yard facilities. The project will also support Bangladesh’s commitment to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals, particularly in environmental protection and marine biodiversity conservation.

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