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
Independent MP candidate rescued unconscious in Rangpur
Police on Friday evening rescued Azizar Rahman, an independent MP candidate for the Gaibandha-3 (Sadullapur–Palashbari) constituency, in an unconscious state from Modern Mor in Rangpur city. According to police, locals informed them about an unconscious man lying at Modern Mor around 7pm. A police team rescued him and later identified him as Azizar Rahman. Confirming the incident, Tajhat Police Station Officer-in-Charge Ataur Rahman said: “After receiving information from locals, we rescued an unconscious person from Modern Mor. Later, it was confirmed that he is Azizar Rahman, an independent MP candidate from Gaibandha-3.”Police said that during preliminary questioning, Azizar Rahman stated that after his nomination was initially cancelled, he regained eligibility through an appeal in Dhaka.
Source:Dhaka Tribune
January 17, 2026 06:05 UTC
Woman stabbed in theft bid dies, suspect killed in Narayanganj mob attack
A woman was stabbed to death by a suspected thief during theft bid who was then killed in a lynch-mob attack in Rupganj upazila of Narayanganj district on Friday night. At 7pm on Friday, Amena caught Mehedi red-handed as he attempted to steal a mobile phone from her house. After being resisted, Mehedi hit Amena with a sharp weapon, leaving her injured. Hearing screams of Amena, local people caught Mehedi and beat him up mercilessly, leaving Mehedi dead. Meanwhile, Amena was taken to a local hospital where doctors declared her dead.
Source:Dhaka Tribune
January 17, 2026 06:05 UTC
Jamaat-e-Islami holds emergency Executive Council meeting
The Central Executive Council of Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami held an emergency meeting on Saturday amid the ongoing political situation. The meeting began at 9am at the party’s central office in Moghbazar, confirmed Jamaat Central Assistant Secretary General Ehsanul Mahbub Zubair. Jamaat-e-Islami Amir Dr Shafiqur Rahman is presiding over the meeting, which is being attended by other members of the Central Executive Council. An agreement was reached among 10 parties, including Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami, on 253 seats, leaving 47 seats undecided. Sources said discussions may be held regarding the candidacies of Islami Andolan Bangladesh, led by the Charmonai Pir, which has yet to join the electoral alliance.
Source:Dhaka Tribune
January 17, 2026 06:05 UTC
Media conference 2026 inaugurated in Dhaka
Media professionals from across the country gathered in the capital on Saturday as the Media Conference 2026 was inaugurated, reaffirming their collective stance in defense of freedom of expression, democratic values, and independent journalism. The conference began in the morning at the Krishibid Institution Bangladesh (KIB) auditorium in Dhaka. He emphasized the need for unity among media professionals to uphold courageous, responsible, and independent journalism in the face of mounting challenges. Against this backdrop, the conference aims to provide a unified platform for journalists, editors, and media owners to speak out against such threats and to demand safeguards for press freedom. Participants raised issues related to ensuring journalists’ safety, protecting professional dignity and rights, and preserving a democratic media environment.
Source:Dhaka Tribune
January 17, 2026 06:05 UTC
Boudman, Emery each hope to win District 7 House seat
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Source:Daily Sun
January 17, 2026 05:56 UTC
Senegal aim to deny hosts Morocco in Cup of Nations final
The French-born coach played in the last Morocco side to reach the final, when they lost to hosts Tunisia in 2004. If he does not, then the chances are he will no longer be in charge by the time the World Cup starts in June. The most important thing is that Morocco are in the final." Former Liverpool star Mane said after the Egypt game that the final would be his last Cup of Nations match. Centre-back Koulibaly will miss the game through suspension, a big blow for Senegal in a final between two outstanding defences.
Source:Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha
January 17, 2026 05:41 UTC
EU deploys 56 long-term observers nationwide
DHAKA, Jan 17, 2026 (BSS) - European Union Election Observation Mission (EU EOM) today deployed 56 long-term observers (LTOs) across all 64 districts of Bangladesh to monitor the parliamentary elections scheduled for February 12. The EU EOM follows a robust and well-established methodology of long-term, nationwide observation to ensure a balanced and thorough assessment of the electoral process. The observers have been drawn from EU Member States, Canada, Norway and Switzerland. At full strength, the EU EOM will comprise 200 observers from all 27 EU member states, Canada, Norway and Switzerland. The EU EOM will present its preliminary findings at a press conference on February 14 in Dhaka.
Source:Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha
January 17, 2026 05:02 UTC
Reece Meckley scores 31 to lead Delone Catholic over York Catholic
Reece Meckley scores 31 to lead Delone Catholic over York CatholicJan. 16, 2026, 11:39 p.m. Shelly Stallsmith/York Daily RecordDelone Catholic's Grace McCleary is introduced as a starter against York Catholic on Friday, Jan. 16, 2026. Shelly Stallsmith/York Daily RecordDelone Catholic's Reece Meckley is introduced as a starter against York Catholic on Friday, Jan. 16, 2026. Shelly Stallsmith/York Daily RecordDelone Catholic's Reece Meckley finds an open lane away from York Catholic's Maggie Fifer on Friday, Jan. 16, 2026. Shelly Stallsmith/York Daily RecordReece Meckley celebrates with her Delone Catholic teammates after they increased their lead over York Catholic late in the game on Friday, Jan. 16, 2026.
Source:Daily Sun
January 17, 2026 04:40 UTC