Photo: freepikDHAKA, Jan 21, 2026 (BSS) – Speakers at a workshop today stressed the need for sustainable financing to prevent hypertension. The journalists’ workshop titled “Hypertension Control: Progress, Barriers, and the Way Forward”, was held at the BMA Bhaban in the capital. The speakers said ensuring the regular availability of anti-hypertensive medicines at all Community Clinics and Upazila Health Complexes through sustainable financing would enable effective control of hypertension and hypertension - induced non-communicable diseases. A presentation on hypertension control was made by PROGGA’s Programme Officer, Samiha Bintay Kamal. Due to inadequate budget allocation, the regular supply of anti-hypertensive drugs at NCD corners of Community Clinics and Upazila Health Complexes is being disrupted.

Photo: CollectedMELBOURNE, Jan 21, 2026 (BSS/AFP) - Top-ranked Carlos Alcaraz fended off a series of "bombs" before surging into the Australian Open third round on Wednesday, where he was joined by Aryna Sabalenka and a near-flawless Coco Gauff. Alexander Zverev, the third seed well beaten in last year's final by Jannik Sinner, also went through in four sets. Spanish superstar Alcaraz came through 7-6 (7/4), 6-3, 6-2 on Rod Laver Arena against hard-hitting German Yannick Hanfmann to take another step towards a career Grand Slam. The break failed to derail the German's victory charge, which resumed under a closed roof, as he won 6-3, 4-6, 6-3, 6-4. Third seed Gauff was clinical against Serbia's Olga Danilovic, who ended Venus Williams's tournament in round one.

A three-day art exhibition titled “Art for Equality” opened Wednesday at the University of Dhaka, accompanied by a digital catalogue. The event was organized by the Department of Art History, Faculty of Fine Art. Professor Dr. Niaz Ahmed Khan, vice chancellor of the University of Dhaka, inaugurated the exhibition. Shake Manir Uddin, chairman of the Department of Art History and Curator of the exhibition, presided over the event. The exhibition follows a November 14–15 workshop with 90 participants from nine universities, including Dhaka, Jagannath, Jahangirnagar, Khulna, Rajshahi, Shanto-Mariam University of Creative Technology, Dhaka Art College, Narayanganj Fine Art Institute, and Jessore S. M. Sultan Art College.

AB Party Chairman Mujibur Rahman Manju. Photo : CollectedDHAKA, Jan 21, 2026 (BSS)- AB Party Chairman Mojibur Rahman Manju has been allotted the party’s Eagle electoral symbol for the Feni-2 (Sadar) constituency. After receiving the symbol, Manju told the media that he firmly believes he will secure the people’s mandate if a free and fair election is held. Referring to Mojibur Rahman Manju as his own candidate, he said he would work with all his strength to ensure Manju’s victory. Leaders of Jamaat-e-Islami, AB Party, NCP and other members of the 10-party alliance were present.

Chief Adviser’s Press Secretary Shafiqul Alam briefed the media today at the Foreign Service Academy this afternoon. Later, Chief Adviser’s Press Secretary Shafiqul Alam briefed the media about the meeting at the Foreign Service Academy this afternoon. Deputy Press Secretary Mohammad Abul Kalam Azad Majumder and Senior Assistant Press Secretary Foyez Ahammad were present at the briefing. About the law and order, the press secretary said district and upazila-level law and order committees have been formed ahead of the polls. The meeting was informed that more than 100,000 members of the Bangladesh Army will be deployed during the election, Shafiqul Alam said.

Don’t let your career mood hinge on other’s choices. LEO (July 23-Aug. 22): A partner or counterpart could have the answer you need ready to go. Don’t let yourself get discouraged about a situation needing improved cooperation, this one may need time to resolve, try to let it go for now. VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22): If you’ve even wanted to step up as a mentor, now could be an excellent time. SCORPIO (Oct. 23-Nov. 21): You might know exactly what to do with a domestic situation, the fix could be approved of by all.

The International Cricket Council (ICC) told the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) at a board meeting on Wednesday that Bangladesh could be replaced at the 2026 men’s T20 World Cup if the team continues to refuse to travel to India for its scheduled matches, reported ESPNCricinfo. The ICC has asked the BCB to convey to the Bangladesh government that failure to agree to play in India would trigger Bangladesh’s removal from the tournament. The issue was subsequently put to a vote at the ICC Board, where a majority of members supported the option of replacing Bangladesh if the impasse persists. The developments came as the ICC Board meeting began earlier today to decide on the standoff with the BCB. The situation intensified overnight after reports emerged that the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) had written to the ICC expressing support for Bangladesh’s stance on not playing in India.

A woman has staged a solo protest at the Raju Sculpture at Dhaka University after being harassed on a bus, calling such incidents a “social disease” and seeking to raise awareness. Sidratul Muntaha Rahman Tibro held the protest at the base of the sculpture around on Tuesday, with several like-minded individuals joining in solidarity. Tibro told Dhaka Tribune on Wednesday that she was harassed on Monday while traveling to Shahbagh on a Ramjan Paribahan bus. She filed a complaint at Dhanmondi Model Police Station, and the alleged perpetrator was handed over to authorities. Explaining her protest, Tibro said: “These kinds of sexual harassment incidents happen constantly, and we’re not seeing any resolution.

Reading time: about 2 minutesIn May 1941, Kurt Vonnegut was an opinion columnist for The Sun. My new column, Campus Dialectic, will not teach you how to find the “real news” in the news. I thank Elf for showing me that valuable work can be done in the opinion department, where Campus Dialectic will call home. Eric Han Eric Han is a member of the Class of 2026 in the College of Arts and Sciences. His monthly column, Campus Dialectic, reviews recent Sun op-eds to speculate on cultural and political issues.

The lawsuit alleges that the schools conspired to reduce financial aid and favor wealthy students. Specifically, the plaintiffs argue that Cornell and other universities worked together to ensure that financial aid pricing was similar between institutions. The section was an exemption to the Sherman Antitrust Act that allowed need-blind institutions to collaborate on financial aid principles to ensure financial aid was similar among universities. Many universities, including Yale, Duke and Columbia, have already agreed to settlements over allegations of financial aid misconduct, with total amounts currently reaching nearly $320 million. That suit instead alleged coordination of financial aid practices through the College Board’s College Service Scholarship Program.

Mancha 24 has expressed concern over the fairness of the upcoming national election, citing a persistent culture of impunity. Mancha 24 convener Fahim Faruqi made the remarks at a press conference in front of Madhur Canteen at Dhaka University on Wednesday. He called loan defaulters “thieves” and warned that no defaulter would be allowed into parliament, adding that resistance would be formed with bamboo sticks if necessary. Faruqi also alleged a Chhatra League leader threatened a Mancha 24 organizer and criticized arrests of government critics while real perpetrators remain free. Mancha 24 organizer Lt Col (retd) Hasinur Rahman called elections involving dual citizens and foreign nationals “shameful,” while Major Rabbi Shahin warned the election could turn violent due to lack of preparation against thuggery.

General Daily Insight for January 21, 2026 A lot of noise may obscure today’s details, but we’re capable of piercing through it. The vibrant Sun meets clever Mercury, inviting you to reach beyond your usual scripts and explore fresh ideas. Cancer June 21 – July 22 Peace and communication need one another even more than usual. Sagittarius November 22 – December 21 Afternoon chats can bring surprising bright turns. The spirited Sun meets talkative Mercury in your friendly sign, providing a lift anywhere you might need it.

Photo : CollectedDHAKA, Jan 21, 2026 (BSS) – The government today approved separate proposals for procuring some 30,000 metric tons of urea fertilizer and more than 2.71 crore liters of soybean oil to meet the growing demand for the country. Per liter soybean oil will cost Taka 131.49. Under the consignment, per ton fertilizer would cost $405.25. Apart from these, procurement proposal for purchase of two large high-speed boats for Bangladesh Coast Guard under the revenue budget with around Taka 89.50 crore was approved in the day’s purchase committee meeting. In addition, three separate procurement proposals on the “Bangladesh Road Safety” were also approved in the day’s meeting.

BNP Chairperson Tarique Rahman has received the “sheaf of paddy” (dhaner shish) symbol as the member of parliament candidate for the Dhaka-17 constituency in the upcoming 13th National Parliamentary Election. Speaking to reporters after receiving the symbol, Monirul said the Dhaka divisional commissioner had allocated the “sheaf of paddy” symbol in favor of Tarique Rahman and instructed all candidates to abide by the electoral code of conduct. He added that voters of all classes, starting from the youth, are inclined to vote for Tarique Rahman. After receiving their symbols, candidates will start formal election campaigning from Thursday. Alongside the parliamentary election, a referendum will also be held on the same day using a separate ballot.

The President on Wednesday appointed Justice Farah Mahbub of the Appellate Division of the Supreme Court as the chairman of Bangladesh Judicial Service Commission (BJSC). A Law and Justice Division gazette, signed by its secretary Liaquet Ali Molla, said the President made the appointment as per Rule 3(2) (Ka) of the Bangladesh Judicial Service Commission Rules, 2007. The appointment will come into effect immediately, it added.