Adilur calls for ‘Yes’ vote in referendum
Adviser Adilur Rahman Khan spoke at a public meeting helid in Cox's Bazar today. Photo : BSSCOX’S BAZAR, Jan 17, 2026 (BSS) – Adviser of the Ministries of Housing and Public Works , Industries and Local Government, Rural Development and Cooperatives Adilur Rahman Khan today urged people to vote ‘Yes’ in the referendum scheduled for February 12 to uphold the spirit of a new Bangladesh. The meeting, chaired by Cox’s Bazar Deputy Commissioner Md. A. Mannan, was attended by senior officials, civil society members and people from different walks of life. After the meeting, the adviser inaugurated the 'Voter Gari' for the referendum at the Deputy Commissioner’s office premises.
Source:Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha
January 17, 2026 08:22 UTC
South American bloc to ink long-awaited trade deal with EU
The long-awaited agreement comes amid the sweeping use of tariffs and trade threats by US President Donald Trump's administration, which has sent countries scrambling for new partnerships. Together, the EU and Mercosur account for 30 percent of global GDP and more than 700 million consumers. They fear the deal will lead to an influx of cheaper South American products due to production standards they consider less stringent. - 'A powerful message' -European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, European Council head Antonio Costa and EU Trade Commissioner Maros Sefcovic will attend the signing ceremony in Asuncion. On Friday, Trump threatened to slap trade tariffs on countries that do not support his plans to take over Greenland, a territory of NATO ally Denmark.
Source:Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha
January 17, 2026 08:07 UTC
Djokovic says 'addiction' to tennis keeps him going at 38
Djokovic says 'addiction' to tennis keeps him going at 38MELBOURNE, Jan 17, 2026 (BSS/AFP) - Novak Djokovic said Saturday he still gets a "drug-like" adrenaline rush from tennis and is not thinking about retiring anytime soon. The 38-year-old is about to embark on his 21st Australian Open and remains among the top contenders, behind defending champion Jannik Sinner and top-ranked Carlos Alcaraz. "I'm still living my dream to be honest," the former world number one said on the eve of the opening Grand Slam of the year. "I think that a lot of the top athletes from different sports can relate to that. His long-time rivals Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal have both hung up their racquets and Djokovic said he constantly got asked about when he would join them.
Source:Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha
January 17, 2026 08:02 UTC
Ganędagǫ: Hall Relocates 46 Residents Following Sprinkler Main Pipe Break in Stairwell
The 46 displaced residents were “relocated to other buildings on campus” according to a Friday afternoon follow up email sent to the residents of Ganędagǫ: Hall. After spending Thursday night at Statler Hotel, Saraf was informed that she would be staying at Carl Becker Hall for the next six weeks. To view this video please enable JavaScript, and consider upgrading to a web browser that supports HTML5 video Ganędagǫ: Hall began to flood at all levels on Thursday. Residents that remain in the building will receive temporary access to Toni Morrison Hall’s laundry space as a result of the flooding impacting the laundry room in Ganędagǫ: Hall. Residents seeking support were encouraged by a University spokesperson to reach out to Elliot Hickey, the Ganędagǫ: Hall Residential Hall Director and Jie Zhao, the Assistant Director of Student Behavior & Support.
Source:Daily Sun
January 17, 2026 07:05 UTC
Bangladesh take on Bhutan tomorrow
DHAKA, Jan 17, 2026 (BSS)- The Bangladesh men's team will take on Bhutan in their third match of the SAFF Futsal Championship 2026 scheduled to be held at the Nonthaburi Stadium in Nonthaburi, Thailand tomorrow (Sunday). Bangladesh currently stand bottom of the table with one point from three matches Bhutan inch up from Bangladesh also with one point playing the same number of matches. Bangladesh team who played a fighting 4-4 goals draw with India in their tournament opening match, failed to keep the tempo after losing a 6-1 goal defeat to Maldives in their second match. Bhutan earlier played out to a 3-3 with Sri Lanka in their opening match but they lost to Pakistan by 4-2 in their second match. The table toppers at the end of all seven rounds of matches will be crowned the first-ever SAFF Men's Futsal champions.
Source:Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha
January 17, 2026 06:57 UTC
Govt tightens oversight of public assets to reduce long-term fiscal risks
Government introduces PPE and Lease Manual to strengthen SOE governance, curb liabilities, and improve accountability. The event was organized by the Scheme on SOE Governance under the Strengthening Public Financial Management Program to Enable Service Delivery (SPFMS), Finance Division (FD). Without stronger oversight, these hidden risks can suddenly become direct government expenditures, undermining fiscal stability and public service delivery. Ibrahim Khalid, Director, SoE Wing, FD made presentation and the moderator was Rahima Begum, Director General, Monitoring Cell, FD. Policy actions include enacting a comprehensive SOE law, publishing an annual fiscal risk statement, updating the PPE Manual, strengthening corporate governance practices, and promoting equity financing to reduce reliance on government transfers.
Source:Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha
January 17, 2026 06:42 UTC
DU authorities file case over attack on students
The Dhaka University (DU) authorities have filed a case against those responsible for attacking DU students at New Market Police Station on Thursday at the Science Lab intersection. The case was lodged on the night of Thursday, according to a press release issued by the university’s Public Relations Office. When a bus carrying Dhaka University students was heading toward the campus, the protesters obstructed it. In protest against the incident, Dhaka University students staged a sit-in at the Nilkhet area on the evening of Thursday. The press release also noted that the administrator of Central University has expressed regret to the Dhaka University authorities over the incident.
Source:Dhaka Tribune
January 17, 2026 06:23 UTC
Finance adviser describes election as highly significant
Finance Adviser Dr Salehuddin Ahmed said participation in the February 12 referendum is crucial, as a “Yes” vote would enable reforms and reflect public hopes. He said past governments reformed unilaterally, while a “Yes” vote in the referendum would ensure people’s participation and reflect public hopes. He said the election will be historic, watched worldwide, and urged voters to support reforms by voting “Yes” in the referendum. Earlier, the finance adviser, who also oversees the Ministry of Science and Technology, inaugurated the "Vote Vehicle". As part of the campaign in favor of the "Yes" vote, the decorated vehicle will tour various roads and alleys across the district every day.
Source:Dhaka Tribune
January 17, 2026 06:23 UTC
Appeal hearings on candidacy continue at EC for 8th day
The Election Commission (EC) on Saturday continued the eighth day of appeal hearings against the decisions of Returning Officers over the acceptance and rejection of nomination papers for the 13th Jatiya Sangsad elections. The hearings began at 10am at the auditorium (Basement-2) of the Election Commission building in the Agargaon area here. On Friday, the seventh day of hearings, the Commission heard 43 appeals. A total of 645 appeals were filed with the Election Commission challenging the acceptance and rejection of nomination papers in the upcoming election. On the final day of scrutiny on January 4, Returning Officers declared 1,842 nomination papers valid and rejected 723 out of the total 2,568 nomination papers submitted across 300 parliamentary constituencies.
Source:Dhaka Tribune
January 17, 2026 06:23 UTC
Steve Smith blasts Big Bash record 32 off single over
Steve Smith smashed 32 off one over on his way to a 41-ball century to set a Big Bash League record as the Sydney Sixers edged David Warner's Sydney Thunder in an electric T20 clash. "We knew we had to go hard from the outset because Davey played a beautiful knock," Smith told broadcaster Kayo Sports. Smith shared in a 141-run opening stand with Pakistan's Babar Azam (47 off 39) and briefly threatened to match or better the fastest BBL ton (39 balls). He was eventually stumped by Sam Billings for 100 as he came down the wicket to Tanveer Sangha, having blasted five fours and nine sixes. It moved the Sixers up to fourth on the BBL ladder and left the Thunder anchored to the bottom.
Source:Dhaka Tribune
January 17, 2026 06:07 UTC
Mahmudur Rahman Manna under observation in CCU
Nagorik Oikya President Mahmudur Rahman Manna is under close observation at the coronary care unit (CCU) of Bangladesh Medical College Hospital in Dhaka. The party’s Joint General Secretary Shakib Anwar confirmed the development at around 12pm on Saturday. “He has not suffered a heart attack,” Shakib Anwar said, adding that several tests have been conducted and a clearer picture of his health will be known once the reports are available. Manna was admitted to the hospital at around 11:15pm on Friday after complaining of chest pain. He had earlier been hospitalised in September 2024 after suffering a heart attack.
Source:Dhaka Tribune
January 17, 2026 06:05 UTC
Dhaka’s air quality 2nd worst in the world Saturday morning
Dhaka has ranked second on the list of cities worldwide with the worst air quality with an AQI index of 287 at 9am Saturday morning. Dhaka’s air was classified as "very unhealthy" on Saturday, according to the air quality index. The AQI, an index for reporting daily air quality, informs people how clean or polluted the air of a certain city is and what associated health effects might be a concern for them. Dhaka has long been grappling with air pollution issues. Its air quality usually turns unhealthy in winter and improves during the monsoon.
Source:Dhaka Tribune
January 17, 2026 06:05 UTC