With relations between Europe and the United States strained, calls for a Europe-led boycott of World Cup 2026 are beginning to gain traction in some quarters. I wouldn’t like it if this happens as we won’t have a World Cup, which is always a highlight in sports and I love it. That meeting could prove decisive in any efforts to form a European alliance to boycott the tournament. With 16 of the 48 teams at the World Cup and the world’s most powerful club sides from Europe, any move by the continent’s associations would likely see the rest of the footballing world take notice — with some possibly to follow. “We do not believe that an isolated boycott on the part of NFF is an effective means of lasting change.

Slum residents now understand these false promises and will vote not for flats, but for justice and the national interest,” he added. Nahid Islam made the remarks at a public gathering organized by Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami for the Dhaka-15 constituency at 2pm on Thursday. Questioning the BNP’s proposal, Nahid Islam said: “Who will actually receive the Tk2,000–3,000 family cards BNP is talking about? Speaking on the issue of a referendum, Nahid Islam said the upcoming election is also a public referendum, urging a “yes” vote to reject injustice, oppression, and authoritarianism. By ensuring victory for the ‘yes’ vote, we will transform that movement into a celebration of success,” he added.

The Council of Advisers on Thursday approved a proposal to declare February 11 a public holiday, in addition to the public holiday on the voting day on February 12, to help voters participate and ensure law and order management in an effective manner. Alam said the meeting also approved an additional holiday on February 10 exclusively for workers in industrial zones. Workers in industrial zones will enjoy holidays on February 10 and 11. Along with the public holiday on the voting day on February 12, this will result in a three-day break. Alam said February 10 will apply only to industrial zone workers as a holiday.

East West University (EWU) held an orientation program for newly admitted students of the Spring Semester 2026 at the Manzur Elahi Auditorium on Thursday, at its campus in Aftabnagar, Dhaka. The program was attended by esteemed dignitaries, including Professor Dr Mohammed Farashuddin, Chairperson of the Board of Trustees and former Governor of Bangladesh Bank, and Professor Dr Shams Rahman, Vice Chancellor of EWU. They also advised the newly admitted students to focus on becoming skilled human resources. Notable attendees included Professor Dr Mohammad Ashik Mosaddik, Pro-Vice Chancellor of EWU, and Air Commodore (retd) Ishfaq Ilahi Choudhury, Treasurer of EWU. To add excitement to the day, the Department of Student Welfare organized a vibrant Club Fair, showcasing 23 student-run clubs.

Bangladesh goes down 5-1 to PakistanDHAKA, Jan 22, 2026 (BSS) -The Bangladesh men's team suffered a 5-1 goaldefeat to Pakistan in their crucial match of SAFF Futsal Championship held atthe Nonthaburi Stadium in Nonthaburi, Thailand today (Thursday). With this defeat, Bangladesh eliminated from the championship race. Earlier, Bangladesh team played to a fighting 4-4 goals draw withIndia in their tournament opening match, suffered 6-1 goal defeat to Maldivesin their second match. Bangladesh however fought back to registered a 4-1 victory over Nepal intheir third match and inflicted a massive 5-1 defeat on Sri Lanka in theirfourth match. After Pakistan, Bangladesh will play the last match of the championshipagainst Nepal on Saturday (Jan 24) at the same venue.

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BERLIN, Jan 22, 2026 (BSS/AFP) - Germany said it summoned Russia's ambassador Thursday and told him it was expelling a Russian diplomat suspected of being the handler of a Ukrainian-German woman arrested the previous day on espionage charges. "The German government will not tolerate espionage in Germany -- especially not under the guise of diplomatic status," said the German foreign ministry on X. "Today we summoned the Russian ambassador and informed him of the expulsion of the individual in question who spied on behalf of Russia."

Trump envoy says Ukraine-Russia talks 'down to one issue'DAVOS, Switzerland, Jan 22, 2026 (BSS/AFP) - Talks to end the war in Ukraine have made "a lot of progress" and are "down to one issue" between Kyiv and Moscow, US special envoy Steve Witkoff said on Thursday ahead of a trip to Russia. "I think we've got it down to one issue, and we have discussed iterations of that issue, and that means it's solvable. President Donald Trump's envoy, who will travel to Moscow later on Thursday with the US leader's son-in-law Jared Kushner, did not give further details. Meanwhile, Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky are due to meet in Davos on Thursday. Trump repeated on Wednesday his oft-stated belief that Putin and Zelensky were close to a deal.

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Finance Adviser Dr Salehuddin Ahmed -File photoDHAKA, Jan 22, 2026 (BSS) - Finance Adviser Dr Salehuddin Ahmed today said that a comprehensive reform of the country’s banking sector is unavoidable and critically important for safeguarding macroeconomic stability, restoring discipline in financial institutions, and ensuring sustainable growth. The Finance Adviser said this while addressing at a MTB-FE Roundtable as the chief guest on ‘Banking Sector Reforms’ held at a hotel in the capital today. Referring to recent legislative initiatives, he said the government has already taken steps to strengthen the legal framework governing the financial sector. Concluding his remarks, the Adviser said banking sector reform is not optional but a national necessity. “The banking sector is the backbone of the economy.

We want to play T20 WC but not in India: BulbulBangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) President Aminul Islam Bulbul-File photoDHAKA, Jan 22, 2026 (BSS) - Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) President Aminul Islam Bulbul reiterated the government’s stance on refusing to play the upcoming T20 World Cup in India, insisting that Bangladesh remains firm on its position. Our only demand is to play the World Cup — but not in India,” Bulbul said today. Our team is ready.”Bulbul said he would contact the ICC later today to further explain why playing in India is not possible. “We are trying our best to play the World Cup but not in India because the security situation there has not changed. “We feel proud of our cricket, but we have doubts about world cricket.

Kusal Mendis. Photo: CollectedCOLOMBO, Jan 22, 2026 (BSS/AFP) - Kusal Mendis played the anchor role with a surgeon's touch as Sri Lanka posted a competitive 271 for six after opting to bat first in the opening one-day international against England at Colombo's R. Premadasa Stadium on Thursday. The wicketkeeper batter was left stranded on 93, but his knock proved the glue that held Sri Lanka's innings together after the top order wobbled against England's spin. At 124 for four, with leg-spinners Rehan Ahmed and Adil Rashid asking probing questions, Sri Lanka were staring down the barrel. Sri Lanka were hardly complaining as the last over from Jamie Overton disappeared for 23 runs, Wellalage launching three fours and a six in a blistering cameo of 25 not out from 12 balls.

DHAKA, Jan 22, 2026 (BSS) - The Bangladesh Women's team confirmed the Super Six phase of the ICC T20 World Cup Qualifiers after crushing Namibia by 80 runs at Tribhuvan University International Cricket Ground, Kirtipur in Nepal today. The victory was their third on the trot, having defeated USA by 21 runs and Papua New Guinea by 30 runs in the first two matches. No Bangladesh batter, however, could reach even a fifty but small contribution from all helped them put up a challenging total. The top three teams from Group A will advance to the Super Six stage, where they will face the top three sides from Group B. The top four teams from the Super Six will qualify for the ICC Women's T20 World Cup to be held in England and Wales in June-July this year.

A Dhaka court has granted police six days to interrogate Faisal Rubel Ahmed, a close associate of Faisal Karim Masud—the prime suspect in the murder of Inqilab Moncho leader Sharif Osman bin Hadi. Hadi, convenor of the Inqilab Moncho and a prospective candidate, rose to prominence during the July Uprising and the movement to ban the Awami League. Inqilab Moncho’s member secretary filed the case over Hadi’s murder. On Jan 6, police submitted the chargesheet in the murder case accusing 17 suspects, including former Chaatra League activist Faisal Karim Masud. Police said Hadi’s murder was politically motivated.