BNP Chairman Tarique Rahman spoke at a prayer meeting this afternoon in the Korail area of the city to seek forgiveness for the soul of former Prime Minister Begum Khaleda Zia. For this, everyone’s cooperation is necessary,” BNP Chairman Tarique Rahman told the residents of city’s Korail area. Earlier, at 4pm, Tarique Rahman arrived on the stage of the prayer meeting and greeted everyone present there by raising both hands. Alongside schools, we want to ensure they have an environment for sports, that there are playgrounds for sports; by the will of Allah, we want to arrange that here too,” added Tarique Rahman. For those who could not attend today's programme, I request you to convey my message to mothers, sisters, brothers-to everyone who could not come.”Emphasizing the importance of staying united, Tarique Rahman said unity makes it possible to tackle all crises.

The Bangladesh Air Force (BAF) is set to replace its BANATU-14 contingent in MONUSCO, Democratic Republic of Congo. The air chief also participated in a special munajat arranged for the contingent’s success. Principal staff officers, the air officer Commanding of the Dhaka area, and senior BAF officers from Air Headquarters and bases attended the event. For the mission, BAF has deployed one C-130B aircraft along with necessary ground support equipment. The BANATU-15 contingent, led by Group Captain Mohammad Salim Javed, will see 35 members depart from Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport, Dhaka, to the Democratic Republic of Congo on Sunday, with the remaining 27 members scheduled to depart on February 2, 2026.

Bangladesh’s 700MHz spectrum auction has taken a surprising turn as Robi Axiata withdrew, leaving Grameenphone the sole participant in the auction scheduled for Wednesday. Robi cites strategic, technical teasonsRobi’s Chief Corporate and Regulatory Affairs Officer Shahed Alam said the company opted out after a strategic and technical review. Legal and market challengesAround 20MHz of the 700MHz band remains tied up in a long-running legal dispute stemming from a 2007 allocation, limiting full utilization. Implications for 5GThe 700MHz band is critical for 5G rollout and high-speed internet coverage, especially in rural areas and indoor environments. With Grameenphone now the sole bidder, the auction’s outcome could accelerate the company’s network expansion—but may also raise concerns over competition and market balance.

DHAKA, Jan 20, 2026 (BSS) - Rangpur Riders' dramatic defeat to Sylhet Titans, sealed by a sensational last-ball six from Chris Woakes, brought back painful memories of Bangladesh's heartbreak in the Nidahas Trophy for Rangpur skipper Liton Das. Bangladesh had suffered a similar fate in the 2018 Nidahas Trophy final in Sri Lanka, failing to defend five runs off the final ball when Dinesh Karthik smashed a six off Soumya Sarkar to snatch four-wicket victory for India. Defending a modest 111- nine, Rangpur put up a spirited fight and left Sylhet needing nine runs from the final over. "I remembered the Nidahas Trophy after seeing the six on the last ball. Reflecting on the disappointment, Liton admitted that paper strength does not always translate into results on the field.

RAB Director General AKM Shahidur Rahman -Photo: RABCHATTOGRAM, Jan 20, 2026 (BSS) – RAB Director General AKM Shahidur Rahman has announced that Jungle Salimpur area of Chattogram, a sanctuary for terrorists, will be freed from all illegal settlements and arms-holders through legal measures. Shahidur Rahman was taking to journalists after the Namaj-e-Janaza of RAB officer Motaleb Hossain, who was killed in a terrorist attack yesterday, at the RAB-7, head-office in Patenga, Chattogram today. Regarding the Jungle Salimpur, the RAB DG described it as a terrorist hideout. AKM Shahidur Rahman also highlighted the RAB's successful operations in arresting terrorists and recovering weapons since June-August 2024. Motaleb Hossain, was killed in a gunfight with terrorists during a raid in the Salimpur jungle area.

The barrage of hundreds of drones and missiles, which targeted energy facilities across Ukraine, killed at least one 50-year-old man near Kyiv. AFP journalists in the capital heard air raid sirens and explosions as Ukrainian air defense systems responded to the drones and missiles. The head of the southern Odesa region added that Russian drone had crashed into a residential building and energy facilities had been hit. The International Criminal Court has issued arrest warrants for two top Russian military officials over the attacks on Ukraine’s energy grid. Due to war-time sensitivities, Kyiv does not say which energy facilities have been damaged or destroyed in Russian attacks.

Bank Asia Agent Banking marked its 12th founding anniversary by celebrating a milestone—bringing 7.5 million customers into the formal financial system and transforming access to banking services across Bangladesh. On the occasion, outstanding agents and employees were honored for their contributions in expanding banking services to millions of customers. To mark the milestone, Bank Asia organized an agent meet, Pitha Utsab, and a vibrant cultural program at the Corporate Office. Bank Asia launched its Agent Banking operations on January 17, 2014 with its first outlet in Bhabanipur, Sirajdikhan Upazila, Munshiganj. Over the past 12 years, agent banking has onboarded 75 lakh customers, of whom 92% are from rural areas and 64% are women, underscoring Bank Asia’s strong commitment to inclusive growth and sustainable financial empowerment across Bangladesh.

A Dhaka court has issued arrest warrants against 25 individuals, including former Bangladesh Bank Governor Dr Atiur Rahman, in a case over the alleged embezzlement of about Tk531 crore in the name of the Annontex Group. He said that of the 26 accused named in the charge sheet, former Janata Bank Chairman Dr Abul Barakat has already been arrested and is currently in jail. According to the ACC, former Bangladesh Bank Governor Atiur Rahman and Abul Barakat, acting in collusion, facilitated loans for 22 Annontex Group institutions through fraudulent means and later misappropriated the funds using various unethical methods. On October 20 last year, a charge sheet was submitted against Abul Barakat and 26 others. The charge sheet alleges that the accused embezzled about Tk531 crore from Janata Bank PLC by creating false records through deception and forgery.

The statement said that the visa bond does not apply to students studying in the United States on F or M visas. Only business or tourist (B1/B2) visa applicants will be required to pay a bond, where applicable. The statement further noted that applicants should not pay any bond before the interview. Paying a bond in advance does not guarantee visa issuance, and third-party websites may be fraudulent. The bond amount will be refunded if the visa terms and conditions are properly followed.

Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus on Tuesday afternoon visited the July Mass Uprising Memorial Museum at Ganabhaban, Dhaka to review the progress of its final-stage construction. Political leaders accompanying him included BNP Standing Committee member Salahuddin Ahmed, Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami Amir Dr Shafiqur Rahman, and National Citizens Party Convener Nahid Islam. Under the guidance of Cultural Affaira Adviser Farooki, museum curators Tanzim Wahab, Merina Tabassum Khan, researchers, and other responsible officials conducted a full tour. Commenting on the museum, Yunus said: “This museum could be created while the blood of the July martyrs was still fresh; this is an unprecedented example worldwide. This teaches us that ordinary people can resist oppression when needed.”He thanked Adviser Farooki and everyone involved in the museum’s work.

The International Cricket Council (ICC) has not approached Scotland about replacing Bangladesh at next month’s men’s T20 World Cup, though Scottish players say they would be ready if needed. As the highest-ranked team not in the tournament, Scotland could be considered if Bangladesh withdraws, but Cricket Scotland has not been contacted and is not initiating talks, out of respect for the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB). Scotland missed out on the 2026 T20 World Cup after finishing fourth in last summer’s Europe Qualifier, with the Netherlands and Italy claiming the two available spots. Previously, Scotland replaced Zimbabwe at the 2009 T20 World Cup after Zimbabwe pulled out for political reasons. With current T20 World Cup qualifications conducted regionally, any replacement decision is likely to be at the ICC’s discretion.

The Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) has recovered 10 landmine pressure plates (trigger components) from a border area of Hnila Union in Teknaf upazila of Cox’s Bazar, adjacent to the Myanmar border, as fresh panic has spread across the region. The pressure plates were recovered on Tuesday morning from the Ulubania border area of Hnila Union. According to local sources and the BGB, a total of 10 pressure plates were collected from morning until noon. Lieutenant Colonel Zahidul Islam, commanding officer of the 64 BGB Battalion, said several components resembling landmine pressure plates were found in the border area. Local representatives said residents of the border area are effectively living under the constant fear of death.

Negotiations have collapsed between the Syrian president and the chief of the country’s Kurdish-led forces, a Kurdish official told AFP, as the army deployed reinforcements to flashpoint areas in the north. President Ahmed al-Sharaa and Mazloum Abdi, who heads the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), were meeting to discuss a ceasefire agreement that included integrating the Kurds’ administration into the state. In the phone call, they “emphasized the need to guarantee the Kurdish people’s rights and protection within the framework of the Syrian state,” the Syrian presidency said. Under the agreement, Damascus also took responsibility for IS prisoners and their families held in Kurdish-run jails and camps. Local fighters from tribes in the Arab-majority Deir Ezzor province sided with Damascus and seized the areas before the arrival of government forces.

The Election Commission (EC) has instructed the Ministry of Home Affairs to ensure appropriate security arrangements for Dr Shafiqur Rahman, ameer of Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami, along with six other senior party leaders, in light of the upcoming 13th National Parliament election and referendum. A letter regarding the matter, signed by Mohammad Monir Hossain, deputy secretary of the EC, was recently sent to the senior secretary of the Public Security Division of the Ministry of Home Affairs. According to EC sources, Advocate Ehsanul Mahbub Zubayer, assistant secretary general of Jamaat and head of the Central Publication and Media Department of the party , submitted an application to the chief election commissioner requesting security arrangements for seven senior party leaders and parliamentary candidates. The seven Jamaat leaders identified to receive special security are: Dr Shafiqur Rahman, meer; Dr. Syed Abdullah Md Taher, nayeb-e-ameer (former MP); ATM Azharul Islam, nayeb-e-ameer; Professor Mia Golam Parwar, secretary general; Professor Mujibur Rahman, nayeb-e-ameer; Dr Hamidur Rahman Azad, assistant secretary general (former MP); and Maulana Rafiqul Islam Khan, assistant secretary general. The EC’s letter stressed that ensuring the security of political leaders during the election and related campaign activities is essential to creating an environment for a free and fair vote.

In a heart-stopping finish at the Sher-e-Bangla National Stadium, Chris Woakes struck a massive six off the final ball to guide the Sylhet Titans to an incredible victory over the Rangpur Riders in the BPL Eliminator on Tuesday. The breathtaking win keeps Sylhet's title hopes alive, propelling them to the second qualifier, while the Rangpur Riders have been knocked out of the tournament. Chasing a modest target of 112, the match appeared to be slipping away from Sylhet during a tense final over bowled by Rangpur's Fahim Ashraf. However, Woakes held his nerve, connecting perfectly with the final ball to send it over the ropes and trigger wild celebrations in the Sylhet camp. Alongside Khaled, Woakes and Nasum Ahmed chipped in with two wickets each to keep the scoring in check.