GENEVA, Jan 19, 2026 (BSS/AFP) - Iran appears to be using executions "as atool of state intimidation", the United Nations said Monday, as it denounceda jump in capital punishment globally in 2025. "The scale and pace of executions suggest a systematic use of capitalpunishment as a tool of state intimidation, with disproportionate impact onethnic minorities and migrants," he warned. While the overall global trend continues to move towards universal abolitionof the death penalty, Iran and a handful of other states such as Saudi Arabiaand the United States saw executions surge. "This is not only incompatible with international law, but also ineffectivein deterring crime," Turk insisted. It also highlighted the ongoing public executions in Afghanistan, "in breachof international law".

However, Neesham has taken leave from the national squad following a request from Rajshahi Warriors head coach Hannan Sarkar. The first T20I between New Zealand and India will be played on January 21, while the BPL final is set for January 23. If Rajshahi qualify for the final, Neesham will miss the first two matches of the India series. “Let me start by saying that even though he is a national team player, Neesham will stay with Rajshahi Warriors until the end of the BPL,” Hannan said. He told me that if Rajshahi reach the final, he will return to the national team immediately after playing that match.”

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JYD Deadline: JYD Investors with Losses in Excess of $100K Have Opportunity to Lead Jayud Global Logistics Ltd. Securities Fraud Lawsuit

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DHAKA, Jan 19, 2026 (BSS) - Sylhet Titans have received a major boost ahead oftheir Eliminator clash against Rangpur Riders in the Bangladesh PremierLeague (BPL) with the arrival of England batter Sam Billings. "Sylhet Titans confirm the arrival of England batter Sam Billings in Dhakaahead of the BPL playoffs. Billings has joined the squad as the team entersthe decisive phase of the tournament," the franchise said in a press releaseon Monday. "His availability adds experience and tactical depth to the Titans' lineup ata time when clarity, composure and execution matter most. Billings brings a wealth of T20 experience, having featured in 394 matchesand scoring 7,442 runs at a strike rate of 133.68, including 36 half-centuries.

Photo: Video ScreenshotDHAKA, Jan 19, 2026 (BSS) – Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus today called upon the countrymen to participate in the referendum during the upcoming elections and cast “Yes” vote to build the state according to their expectations. If you cast the “Yes” vote, the door to building the new Bangladesh will open,” the Chief Adviser added. He urged the citizens not only to vote themselves, but also to encourage everyone they know to vote “Yes” and to bring them to the polling stations, calling on the people to change the country together. If you cast the “Yes” vote in the referendum, Bangladesh will be free from discrimination, exploitation and oppression,” he said. Prof Yunus explained that the “Yes” vote in the referendum means the government and the opposition will work together in forming a caretaker government and the Election Commission.

Photo: BSSLALMONIRHAT, Jan 19, 2026 (BSS) - Severe cold is normal phenomenon during Bangali month of Magh but intensity of chilly weather is in decreasing trend in northern district of Lalmonirhat bringing some relief to public life. Magh, which began a few days ago, is typically associated with the most severe cold of the season. Just a week ago, dense fog and biting cold from early morning to late afternoon severely disrupted daily life. He explained that temperatures between 8 and 10 degrees Celsius are considered mild, 6 to 8 degrees moderate, and 4 to 6 degrees severe cold wave conditions. "At present, there is no threat of a new severe cold wave," he said.

DHAKA, Jan 19, 2026 (BSS) - Rupnagar Police has arrested seven individuals involved in various criminal activities during a day-long special operation conducted in different areas under the Rupnagar Police Station on Monday. According to a police press release, the operation was carried out to strengthen law and order in the area. The arrested individuals have been identified as Md. Raihanur Rahman (31), Md. Rupnagar Police officials stated that such special operations will continue regularly to ensure public safety and maintain law and order in the area.

Education Advisor Professor Dr. Chowdhury Rafiqul Abrar -File photoCHATTOGRAM, Jan 19, 2026 (BSS): Emphasizing the significance of creativity, skill, and innovative thinking, Education Advisor Professor Dr. Chowdhury Rafiqul Abrar today said these qualities are essential for societal progress and people’s well-being. The Education Advisor delivered a speech as the chief guest at the 3rd convocation of Chattogram Independent University (CIU) at the Navy Convention Center in Tiger Pass this morning. Professor Dr. Mohammad Anwar Hossain, a member of the University Grants Commission (UGC) gave a special guest speech at the event. The education advisor advised the students to prioritize the country's interests, people's welfare, and the long-term well-being of their institutions over personal gains when making decisions in the workplace. During the event, CIU Board of Trustees Chairman Lutfe M Ayub, CIU Education, Science, Technology, and Cultural Development Trust (ESTCDT) Chairman Mohammad Zakaria Khan, and CIU Vice-Chancellor Professor Dr. Mir Mohammad Nurul Absar also addressed the audience.

DHAKA, Jan 19, 2025 (BSS) – The US Embassy today cautioned Bangladeshi visa applicants against paying any visa bond before interviews, warning that advance payments neither guarantee visa approval nor protect applicants from fraud or scams. In a statement posted on its verified Facebook page today, the embassy said paying a bond in advance does not ensure a visa and noted that third-party websites offering such services may be fraudulent. It noted that a bond would be returned only if the visa holder fully complies with its terms. The requirement will not apply to holders of valid B1/B2 visas issued before that date. According to the website, eligible B1/B2 visa applicants from the listed countries may be required to post a bond of $5,000, $10,000 or $15,000, with the amount determined during the visa interview.

EC to brief representatives of political parties on postal voting tomorrowPhoto: BSSDHAKA, Jan 19, 2026 (BSS)- The Election Commission (EC) will brief all political parties on the voting process through the ‘Postal Vote BD’ app in connection with the upcoming 13th national election slated for February 12. The briefing will be held tomorrow from 4:00 pm to 5:30 pm at the auditorium (Basement-2) of Nirbachan Bhaban, according to an EC document. The EC asked the every registered political party to attend the event with two representatives possessing technical knowledge. In preparation for the election, scrutiny of nomination papers of contesting candidates and hearings on appeals have already been completed. Following the allocation of symbols, registered voters, both home and abroad, will be able to start voting through the Postal Vote BD App.

Shaheed President Ziaur Rahman, Bir Uttam. File PhotoBy Maruf MallickDHAKA, Jan 19, 2026 (BSS) - Shaheed President Ziaur Rahman Bir Uttam promoted liberal politics as he introduced multi-party democracy in the country. Village development was the main basis of economic development as per Ziaur Rahman's philosophy. Ziaur Rahman showed in 1977 how it is possible to create natural reservoirs across the country at low cost. Ziaur Rahman suggested planting fruit trees on both sides of every highway, road and footpath in the country.

Photo : BSSCOX'S BAZAR, Jan 19, 2026 (BSS) - An endangered mother turtle was rescued late Sunday night and released into the Bay of Bengal in Pekua upazila of Cox's Bazar district by the Forest Department. The turtle was later released into the sea through the Magnama-Kutubdia Channel. Range Officer Mamun said they were informed by a local environmental activist that a large marine mother turtle had become trapped in fishing net at Jaliyakhali. Acting on the information, our team rushed to the spot and rescued the turtle from the house of a local fisherman named Shahin, he said. Weighing around 50 kilograms, they described it as a massive mother turtle.

Media urged to broadcast video message of CA on referendumChief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus. Photo: Video screenshotDHAKA, Jan 19, 2026 (BSS)- All electronic and online media have been requested to simultaneously air a recorded message of Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus at 6.30 PM today on upcoming referendum, said a PID handout. The recorded message can be downloaded from the link below:https://drive.google.com/file/d/1UhPDoFiipjpDFqtue54md92rFGBTqGzw/view?usp=sharing