DUBAI, Jan 26, 2026 (BSS/AFP) - The United Arab Emirates will not allow attacks on Iran to be launched from its territory, the foreign ministry said in a statement on Monday. The ministry "has reaffirmed the United Arab Emirates' commitment to not allowing its airspace, territory, or waters to be used in any hostile military actions against Iran", the statement said.
BNP Chairman Tarique Rahman and BBC journalist Mark Tully. Photo : CollageDHAKA, Jan 26, 2026 (BSS)- BNP Chairman Tarique Rahman today expressed deep condolences over the death of BBC journalist Mark Tully, who reported on Bangladesh’s Liberation War of 1971. In a Facebook post on his verified page, Tarique Rahman said, "I am deeply saddened to hear of the passing of Sir Mark Tully." Tarique Rahman alo extended his heartfelt condolences to Mark Tully's family, friends and colleagues at the BBC. Mark Tully passed away at a hospital in New Delhi, India, on Sunday at the age of 90.
DHAKA, Jan 26, 2026 (BSS) - Bangladesh has successfully reaffirmed its standing as a global leader in the textile and apparel industry during the Texworld and Apparel Sourcing New York City 2026 exhibition. Gulam Mustafa, Managing Director of Design Sourcing, highlighted the event's value for the industry:“The Texworld Apparel Sourcing New York exhibition proved to be a valuable platform for us. He added that while inquiries focused on smaller order quantities, the experience has encouraged his firm to participate in Texworld Paris in February 2026. Reinforcing Global Standing The three-day exhibition reinforced Bangladesh's position as a "reliable, competitive, and forward-looking global sourcing destination" for textiles and apparel. By bringing together global fabric buyers and sourcing professionals, the event solidified Bangladesh's presence as a key sourcing hub for the U.S. market.
Seventeen personnel have returned to India from Rampal Power Plant on “security grounds”. Subsequently, 12 NTPC executives were deployed at the plant solely in advisory capacities, without any operational responsibilities. In view of the existing personal security concerns in Bangladesh, the NTPC advisory officials informed NTPC management and returned to India after obtaining all necessary approvals. They are available around the clock and are prepared to travel to the plant immediately if any operational emergency arises. BIFPCL further emphasized that both units of the Rampal Power Plant are operating at near full capacity in line with national grid demand, and that overall plant performance remains stable.
BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir on Monday said his party would ensure a merit-based recruitment system and would not allow bribery in public sector jobs if it comes to power. “If BNP comes to power, there will be no bribes for jobs, nor will anyone be allowed to take bribes. All appointments will be based on merit,” he said, adding that BNP does not betray public trust. Everyone must remain vigilant so that no one can succeed in creating such divisions.”Addressing members of the Hindu community, the BNP secretary general said they should not feel afraid. Local BNP leaders and activists were present at the meetings.
Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer Dr Shafiqur Rahman on Monday said he wanted to bring extortionists back to an honourable life by providing them with dignified work, even offering personal support if poverty was the root cause. “I want to embrace extortionists and hand them honourable work. Dr Shafiqur said Jamaat-e-Islami has refrained from filing false cases, claiming that each of the party’s eight cases names only one accused. Everyone—from truck drivers to mill owners—is distressed,” he said, adding that Jamaat-e-Islami aims to ensure dignified livelihoods for all. This time, we want to see the scales,” he added, alluding to Jamaat-e-Islami’s electoral symbol.
Under the move, the Bangladesh Investment Development Authority (Bida), Bangladesh Economic Zones Authority (Beza), Bangladesh Export Processing Zones Authority (Bepza), Bangladesh Hi-Tech Park Authority, Maheshkhali Integrated Development Authority (Mida) and the Public-Private Partnership (PPP) Authority will be merged into one entity. Although the interim government has taken the policy decision, implementation will be left to the next elected government. “An investor moving from Beza to Bepza has to follow a completely different set of rules. “There has been so much decentralisation in investment management that investment inflow itself has become difficult. The Bida Executive Chairman said special incentives will be offered to expatriate Bangladeshis who bring foreign direct investment (FDI) into the country.
He was briefing reporters after a Jamaat delegation, led by Zubair, met Chief Election Commissioner AMM Nasir Uddin at Nirbachan Bhaban in the city. Citing recent incidents in various constituencies, including Dhaka-15, he said mobile phones were snatched from women activists. “We did not give (women candidates) this time; Inshallah, we will give (them) next time,” he said. Raising the third reason, he said some of the other 11 parties in the Jamaat-led alliance have fielded women candidates in this election. A total of 27 political parties and alliances endorsed the agreement, while three parties issued notes of dissent.
BNP Chairman Tarique Rahman on Monday cautioned party leaders and activists about a possible plot to disrupt the February-12 election, urging them to stay vigilant to prevent any manipulation of the results. Tarique made the remarks while virtually addressing an election rally in Hatiya of Noakhali, seeking votes for BNP candidate Mahbubur Rahman Shamim in the Noakhali-6 constituency. Tarique called for unity among all communities, regardless of caste, creed or religion, to work for the betterment of the country. He pledged a series of development initiatives for Hatiya and urged voters to ensure victory for the BNP’s election symbol, the Sheaf of Paddy, in the upcoming election. Only then can we begin solving your problems,” Tarique said.
DHAKA, Jan 26, 2026 (BSS) - In a significant move to ensure financial stability and sustainable economic growth, stakeholders have formed a joint committee to develop a resilient bond market in Bangladesh, aiming to reduce the corporate sector's excessive reliance on bank loans. Despite the important role of a bond market in inclusive development, Bangladesh remains significantly behind its developing peer economies in this sector. Experts noted that existing bond issuance systems are not market-friendly, prompting corporate entities to prefer easily accessible bank loans over entering the capital market. Under the supervision of Bangladesh Bank, the committee has prepared a concept note analyzing the market's demand and supply, regulatory framework, and macroeconomic factors. The report emphasizes that shifting toward capital market financing is essential for the country's transition to a middle-income economy and for ensuring sustainable economic development.
DHAKA, Jan 26, 2025 (BSS)- A total of 4,05,164 votes were cast through postal ballots from the Bangladeshi expatriates for the 13th national parliamentary election and the referendum. Till this noon (January 26), a total of 6, 83,122 ballots were mailed from the concerned countries' voters, who have registered through the "Postal Vote BD" app, he informed. Of those, 4,78,326 ballots were collected by the voters and 4,05,164 expatriate voters have cast their votes through the ballots. A total of 3,44,993 ballots have been submitted in the post offices of the respective countries by the expatriate voters and 19,388 ballots have already arrived in the country, Salim Ahmed informed. A total of 15,33,683 voters (home and abroad) have registered to cast their votes through the "Postal Vote BD" app for the upcoming 13th national parliamentary election and the referendum for realizing the July Charter.
Cultural Affairs Adviser Mostofa Sarwar Farooki - File PhotoDHAKA, Jan 26, 2026 (BSS)- Cultural Affairs Adviser Mostofa Sarwar Farooki has asked the authorities concerned to reduce the rent of this year Amar Ekushey Book Fair stall by 25 percent. The adviser gave the directive in response to requests from publishers, the adviser said in a Facebook post. “Following appeals from the publishers, the stall rent at the book fair has been reduced this year. According to the post, a meeting in this regard was held with the Ministry of Cultural Affairs and the Director General of Bangla Academy. The Ministry of Cultural Affairs has expressed hope that this initiative will help making this year’s Amar Ekushey Book Fair vibrant one with gathering of writers, readers, and publishers.
Most Boomers have been through many such inconveniences, having lived through six or more decades of winter weather. I do recall foot-deep snows and icicles as tall as I every single winter. There were a few incidents of inclement winter weather that impacted me as an adult. They were of course the much-talked-about Great Blizzard of 1978 and the KY Ice Storm in 1993. I read briefly about his first winter in 1779 when he brought his family, along with Daniel Boone, and settled here.
In a joint statement sent to the media on Monday, the citizens denounced the relevant authorities and the bureaucracy for what they called an “inhumane and cruel” act. The statement said Saddam had a legal right to be granted parole to attend the funeral of his wife, Suborna Swarnali, and their infant child. The statement further noted that Saddam was not a death-row convict whose parole could pose significant security concerns. “Regardless of his political identity or any alleged crimes, denying parole under such circumstances is extreme, vindictive, and inhumane,” it said. The family claimed the tragic incident was triggered by prolonged despair over Saddam not being granted release.
In a must-win encounter, Bangladesh produced a wayward batting display andwere dismissed for just 136 in 38.1 overs. England captain Thomas Rew led the chase with an unbeaten 59 off 50 balls, aninnings featuring five fours and two sixes. Hakim followedsoon after for 20, triggering a dramatic collapse as Bangladesh lost theirremaining seven wickets for just 64 runs. Bangladesh will face off Zimbabwe on January 31 in their second and finalSuper Six match. Bangladesh carried one point from their abandoned group match, making theclash against England a must-win encounter for Bangladesh.
