US Ambassador Brent Christensen meets Tarique Rahman
Newly appointed US Ambassador to Bangladesh Brent T. Christensen paid a courtesy call on BNP Chairman Tarique Rahman on Monday. The meeting began at 4:00 pm at the BNP Chairman’s Gulshan office in Dhaka, BNP Media Cell member Sayrul Kabir Khan said. BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir was present, along with Standing Committee member Amir Khosru Mahmud Chowdhury, Joint Secretary General Humayun Kabir, Advisory Council member Mahdi Amin, and press secretary Saleh Shibly. Several officials from the US Embassy in Dhaka also attended. Earlier in the day, Canadian High Commissioner to Bangladesh Ajit Singh also met Tarique Rahman in Dhaka.
Source:Dhaka Tribune
January 19, 2026 12:08 UTC
EU confirms emergency summit on Thursday over Trump Greenland threats
BRUSSELS, Belgium, Jan 19, 2026 (BSS/AFP) - EU leaders will meet Thursday evening for an emergency summit on threats by US President Donald Trump to impose tariffs on countries opposed to his push to take Greenland, a spokeswoman said Monday. The crisis talks in Brussels come as the 27-nation bloc weighs potential countermeasures against the United States if Trump follows through on punishing some of Washington's closest allies.
Source:Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha
January 19, 2026 12:06 UTC
Adviser: Nassa Group assets to be sold to settle workers’ arrears
The government has decided to settle workers’ outstanding wages and service benefits by selling the assets of Nassa Group, Labour and Employment Adviser Brig Gen (retd) Dr M Sakhawat Hossain has said. Dr Sakhawat said Tk76 crore has already been paid to workers through the sale of Nassa Group shares by a court-appointed administrator. He added that, under instructions from Bangladesh Bank, the group has also completed down payments to eight banks. “To clear the remaining dues, necessary steps will be taken to sell some Nassa Group properties through open competition, in line with court directives,” the adviser said, adding that the proceeds would be used to pay down payments to the remaining 15 banks as well as outstanding worker arrears. Administrators of Nassa Group, company representatives and officials from several commercial banks also took part in the discussion.
Source:Dhaka Tribune
January 19, 2026 12:02 UTC
Bangladesh women's team beat Nepal
DHAKA, Jan 19, 2026 (BSS)- It was an impressive performance by Sabina and Co. as Bangladesh women's team registered their second win in the SAFF Women's Futsal Championship beating Nepal by 3-0 goals held at Nonthaburi Stadium in Bangkok, Thailand today (Monday). The early breakthrough came for Bangladesh when captain Sabina Khatun scored the first goal in the 14th minute. She played a key role in helping Bangladesh win the match by a large margin with some amazing saves. The Sabina and Co, came from behind, played out to a 3-3 with Bhutan in their second match. The table toppers at the end of all seven rounds of matches will be crowned in the SAFF Women's Futsal champion
Source:Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha
January 19, 2026 12:02 UTC
Bangladesh’s first ‘Adaptation Fortress’ to protect communities from heatwaves, cyclones
The Adaptation Fortress will transform an existing school and cyclone shelter into a safe and cool refuge during heatwaves, which are becoming increasingly frequent and severe in southwestern Bangladesh. Mohammed Abdul Latif Jameel KBE, founder and chairman of Community Jameel, said, “The Jameel Observatory-CREWSnet’s construction of this first pilot Adaptation Fortress marks a milestone for Bangladesh and the region. For the first time the Jameel Observatory-CREWSnet is introducing the concept of shelter from heatwaves as well as cyclones in southwest Bangladesh. This integrated and proactive initiative will significantly improve climate resilience in a region with some of the highest risks from climate change." The Adaptation Fortress aims to protect the most vulnerable residents from both cyclones and extreme heat while serving as a blueprint for climate-resilient infrastructure.
Source:Dhaka Tribune
January 19, 2026 11:50 UTC
HC suspends Sucsu polls a day before voting
Voting in the Sucsu election was scheduled to be held on Tuesday. Earlier, on Sunday, a writ petition was filed with the High Court seeking a stay on the Sucsu and hall council elections. In such circumstances, allowing th Sucsu election to proceed would be unlawful. Meanwhile, the campaign period for candidates contesting the Sucsu and hall council elections had earlier been extended by 12 hours. Later, on January 15, the Election Commission granted permission to hold the Sucsu election on Tuesday.
Source:Dhaka Tribune
January 19, 2026 11:50 UTC
Fakhrul: BNP confident in EC’s ability to hold credible polls
BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir on Monday said his party is confident that the Election Commission (EC) will be able to conduct the upcoming national parliamentary election in a competent and credible manner. Fakhrul said their party placed a few of its concerns before the chief election commissioner on Sunday. Later, leaders of the BNP’s different associate bodies, including Metropolitan units, Jubo Dal, Swechchasebak Dal, Mohila Dal, Muktijoddha Dal, Chhatra Dal, Tanti Dal, Matsyajibi Dal also placed wreaths at the grave. “Beside him rests another extraordinary and indomitable leader, Begum Khaleda Zia, who dedicated her life to democracy, freedom and sovereignty of Bangladesh,” he said. Referring to the upcoming national election, the BNP leader said the election has been scheduled for 12 February.
Source:Dhaka Tribune
January 19, 2026 11:50 UTC
5,600 postal ballots returned from two countries over address issues
A total of 5,600 postal ballots have been returned from Malaysia and Italy due to voters’ addresses being untraceable. Of these, 4,000 ballots were returned from Malaysia and 1,600 from Italy. Sanaullah said the ballots could not be delivered to the concerned voters as their correct addresses were unavailable in the respective countries. He added that, due to face detection technology, there is no possibility of one person casting a vote on behalf of another through the postal ballot system. At this time, he also said on the postal ballots there were 39 electoral symbols which fell within the fold.
Source:Dhaka Tribune
January 19, 2026 11:50 UTC
Finance adviser for people cooperation to ensure free, fair election
Finance, Science and Technology Adviser of the interim government Dr. Salehuddin Ahmed. -File PhotoCHANDPUR, Jan 19, 2026 (BSS) - Finance, Science and Technology Adviser of the interim government Dr. Salehuddin Ahmed today urged the people of the country to extend their cooperation for holding the upcoming general election in a free and fair manner. He also said that to ensure judicial independence, speedy trial and maintenance of the law and order situation, any government must carry out reforms. The finance Adviser made the remarks while responding to queries of journalists after inaugurating a referendum campaign, voters motivation programme and ‘Voter Gari’ at Hasan Ali Government High School ground here in Chandpur today. Asked whether there is any concern over the next general election, Dr. Salehuddin Ahmed said, “Why won’t voting take place?
Source:Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha
January 19, 2026 11:42 UTC
Australia rest Cummins, Hazlewood, Maxwell for Pakistan T20 series
MELBOURNE, Jan 19, 2026 (BSS/AFP) - Australia will rest five top players, including Pat Cummins and Glenn Maxwell, for a three-match Twenty20 series in Pakistan ahead of the World Cup, selectors said Monday. Josh Hazlewood, Tim David and Nathan Ellis will also skip the series starting later this month. Their absence opened the door to fringe players Sean Abbott, Mahli Beardman, Ben Dwarshuis, Jack Edwards, Mitch Owen, Josh Phillippe and Matt Renshaw, who come into the 17-man squad. Chief selector George Bailey said the five were either returning from injury or having their loads managed ahead of the T20 World Cup in India and Sri Lanka which begin on February 7. Australia will play Pakistan in Lahore on January 29, 31 and February 1, before travelling to Sri Lanka where they are scheduled to open their World Cup campaign against Ireland in Colombo on February 11.
Source:Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha
January 19, 2026 11:20 UTC
9 lakh law enforcers to be deployed ahead of forthcoming national election: Home Adviser
The second phase of deployment will be vote-centric, with law enforcement personnel remaining on duty for seven days from February 8 to 14, he also said. To enhance security, 25,000 body-worn cameras will be used at important polling stations, while CCTV cameras will be installed in all 42,761 polling stations nationwide. For the first time in a national election, 418 drones from various law enforcement agencies will be deployed for surveillance, alongside dog squads and area-based operations to recover illegal weapons and arrest suspected miscreants. The Home Advisor said the newly introduced “Election Security App–2026”, developed by the National Telecommunication Monitoring Center (NTMC), will play a crucial role in real-time monitoring and rapid response to law and order issues. He reiterated that law enforcement agencies have been instructed to take immediate legal action against any attempt to disrupt or influence the election, ensuring a festive and peaceful voting environment across the country.
Source:Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha
January 19, 2026 11:05 UTC
25,000 body cameras, 418 drones to guard upcoming national polls: Home Adviser
Photo : BSSDHAKA, Jan 19, 2026 (BSS) – Home Adviser Lt Gen (retd) Md Jahangir Alam Chowdhury today said the government will deploy 25,000 body-worn cameras and 418 surveillance drones to strengthen security during the upcoming 13th national election scheduled for February 12. “Body-worn cameras will be used by police members at more important and important polling stations, enhancing real-time monitoring and accountability,” he said. A total of 418 drones from various law enforcement agencies will be used for aerial surveillance during the election, he said. “The use of modern technology like body cameras, drones and a centralized security app will significantly enhance our ability to maintain law and order during the elections,” he added. He said that the Election Security App–2026, developed by the National Telecommunication Monitoring Center (NTMC), will play a crucial role in law enforcement coordination.
Source:Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha
January 19, 2026 11:03 UTC
China: Population sinks for fourth year in a row
China's population fell for the fourth year in a row in 2025 after the country's birth rate dropped to its lowest point since records began almost 80 years ago, according to figures released by the national statistics office in Beijing on Monday. Only 7.92 million babies were born in the country last year, pushing the birth rate down 17% to 5.63 births per 1,000 people — the lowest since the foundation of the People's Republic of China in 1949. The population of India surpassed that of China back in 2023 and currently stands at approximately 1.464 billion people. At this rate, the Chinese population could shrink to around 800 million by the year 2100, according to calculations made by the United Nations. Nor has a 13% tax increase on condoms and other contraceptives, with the fertility rate estimated to have flatlined at 1 child per woman in her lifetime, far below the 2.1 rate that would maintain the size of China's population.
Source:Dhaka Tribune
January 19, 2026 11:03 UTC
Passengers to require e-tickets to ride Dhaka city, suburban buses
Passengers on buses operating in Dhaka and its suburban routes will now have to purchase e-tickets before boarding. The initiative will be executed with support from Dhaka Metropolitan Police, the Dhaka Road Transport Owners’ Association, the Bangladesh Road Transport Workers Federation, the Dhaka District Road Transport Workers Union, and several other workers’ organisations. UrbanMove Tech, a company specialising in digital transport solutions, is providing technical assistance for the e-ticketing system. “Discussions have been held over the past eight months with the road transport and bridges ministry, the home ministry, Dhaka North and South City Corporations, Dhaka and Gazipur Metropolitan Police, the Roads and Highways Department, district administrations, Highway Police, transport workers, and companies,” he said. IMPLEMENTATIONUrbanMove Tech Managing Director Junayed Abdullah said QR codes will be installed at more than 800 bus stops across Dhaka.
Source:bd News24
January 19, 2026 10:49 UTC
Chile declares emergency as wildfires kill at least 19
Uncontrolled wildfires tore through communities in southern Chile, leaving charred ruins in their wake and at least 19 dead, authorities said, announcing the latest toll on Sunday. There was a whirlwind of fire that consumed the houses in the town below,” Matias Cid, a 25-year-old student in Penco, told AFP. Most of the fatalities from the wildfires in the region have so far been in Penco, Mayor Rodrigo Vera said. “Nothing was left standing.”In the town of Lirquen, soldiers were patrolling the streets as night fell on Sunday. Wildfires have severely impacted south-central Chile in recent years amid growing signs of the impact of climate change in the South American country, including extreme weather, droughts and floods.
Source:Dhaka Tribune
January 19, 2026 10:43 UTC