College student killed in Bogra road crash
A college student was killed in a road accident in Nandigram upazila of Bogra. The victim wasidentified as Akash Mia (18), son of Badshah Mia from Muraridighi village under Bhatra union ofNandigram upazila. He suffered severe head injuries and died on the spot, said Nandigram Police Station Officer-in-Charge (OC) Mizanur Rahman. His death cast a shadow of grief not only over his family but also over the entire village. OC Mizanur Rahman said that after completing the legal procedures, the body of the deceasedcollege student was handed over to his family.
Source:Dhaka Tribune
January 16, 2026 17:00 UTC
As Trump turns screws, how long can Europe play nice?
Buffeted by a US superpower turned hostile under Donald Trump, Europe is struggling to set red lines as its once-close ally attacks its laws, eggs on the far-right -- and threatens its sovereignty in Greenland. European nations scrambled a military mission to Greenland to try to defuse Trump’s threat -- but pushing back at the US president is easier said than done. “Telling Trump ‘You can’t do that,’ is not language that he understands,” summed up one EU diplomat, granted anonymity to discuss the sensitive matter. In that spirit leaders have stopped well short of calling out Trump’s threats -- levied right as the Europeans held crunch talks with US envoys on locking in post-war security guarantees for Ukraine. Trump’s threats to Greenland are just one part of the picture.
Source:Dhaka Tribune
January 16, 2026 17:00 UTC
New potato prices soar due to supply crunch in Dinajpur
Prices of newly harvested potatoes have increased sharply in Dinajpur due to the supply crisis caused by severe cold. Over the past few days, prices of new potatoes have surged drastically, forcing ordinary consumers to turn to old potatoes as their only affordable option. Within just two days, retail prices of new potatoes in the district have shot up by Tk 10 to Tk 25 per kilogram. As new potato prices move beyond consumers’ reach, middle- and lower-income families are now relying solely on old potatoes priced at Tk 12 per kg. As a result, local demand is being met mainly with old potatoes,” he said.
Source:Dhaka Tribune
January 16, 2026 17:00 UTC
Salehuddin: Govt to decide on pay commission implementation after report submission
Finance Adviser Salehuddin Ahmed on Friday said that the government will reach a final decision regarding the implementation of the National Pay Commission recommendations only after the formal report is submitted. "The National Pay Commission was established after a hiatus of 10 to 12 years," he told reporters after visiting the Gurudaspur Upazila Mini Stadium. Salehuddin assured people that the commission is working with sincerity; however, he emphasized that several factors, most significantly the provision of funds, must be considered before implementation. In response to inquiries regarding a potential referendum, Dr Salehuddin Ahmed expressed the government's commitment to reforms, stating that a referendum is necessary to reflect the will of the people. Prior to his arrival in Gurudaspur, Dr Salehuddin, who also oversees the Ministry of Science and Technology, conducted a field inspection of the Rooppur Nuclear Power Plant construction project.
Source:Dhaka Tribune
January 16, 2026 17:00 UTC
Adilur urges people to vote 'Yes' in referendum
Housing and Public Works and Local Government, Rural Development and Cooperatives Adviser Adilur Rahman Khan on Friday urged people to vote "Yes" in Referendum 2026. "I urged everyone to vote 'Yes' in the referendum in favour of the July National Charter, so that fascism and fallen tyranny can never return to Bangladesh," he said in response to a question. He said the people will decide the future of Bangladesh by voting "Yes" in the referendum on February 12 and electing their preferred representatives. Earlier in the morning, Adviser Adilur Rahman Khan placed a wreath at the "July Memorial" built in memory of the July martyrs in the district. Later, he spoke at a referendum campaign and voter motivation programme, organised by the Bandarban district administration, at the auditorium of Small Ethnic Cultural Institute, Bandarban.
Source:Dhaka Tribune
January 16, 2026 17:00 UTC
‘Dhaka Declaration’ adopted to transform higher education in South Asia
The 'Dhaka Declaration' has been adopted with eight strategic commitments, aimed at building a stable, inclusive, innovative and globally acceptable higher education system in South Asia. The declaration identified sustained political commitment, strong institutional leadership and regional cooperation as essential components for meaningful and sustainable transformation of higher education. The declaration also recognized higher education as a strategic sector for fostering peace and mutual trust in South Asia and called for revitalizing the SAARC platform to further strengthen regional cooperation. UGC Chairman Professor Dr SMA Faiz, Commission Members Professor Dr Mohammad Anwar Hossain, Professor Dr Md Saidur Rahman, Professor Dr Masuma Habib and Professor Dr Ayub Islam were present at the closing session. Participants said the 'Dhaka Declaration' would serve as a common roadmap for transforming the future of higher education in South Asia.
Source:Dhaka Tribune
January 16, 2026 17:00 UTC
US visa suspensions: What you need to know
This rule has to do with the “public charge” ground, or reason, for inadmissibility. Whether a migrant could potentially be denied entry based on the “public charge” rule is assessed on a case-by-case basis by immigration officers. But there are a limited number of reasons for the “public charge” rule to come into effect and prevent immigration. “Only applicants deemed likely to become primarily dependent on cash aid for income maintenance or long-term care at government expense could be denied for public charge,” the organization explains. But last November, the US’ Department of Homeland Security, or DHS, again proposed changes and will likely suspend the 2022 rules on “public charge” by late January.
Source:Dhaka Tribune
January 16, 2026 17:00 UTC
Road crash kills two, injures one in Rangamati
Two people were killed and one was seriously injured in a road accident in Kamillachhari–Mogban area on Asambosti-Kaptai Road in Rangamati on Thursday night. The deceased have been identified as Sadek Chakma, 38, and Milon Chakma, 50. The mini pickup transporting logs failed to climb an uphill road, lost control, and rolled backward into a ravine. Local residents rushed to the scene and rescued the injured, taking them to Rangamati General Hospital. The driver and helper of the mini pickup fled the scene immediately after the accident, police said.
Source:Dhaka Tribune
January 16, 2026 17:00 UTC
Media conference in capital Saturday
A media conference will be held in Dhaka on Saturday to protest against organized attacks on freedom of expression and democratic values and to express a united stand in favor of independent, responsible, and courageous journalism. Invited media representatives will participate in this event to stand together for responsible and courageous journalism. Democratic values in Bangladesh have been hit by a series of organized mob violence in recent times. Such attacks on freedom of expression and democratic values are unprecedented. Journalists will present their views with the aim of protecting the democratic environment and independence of the media, ensuring the safety of journalists, and upholding the professional dignity and rights of media workers.
Source:Dhaka Tribune
January 16, 2026 17:00 UTC
Citizens urge treading path shown by Khaleda Zia to build country
Photo: BSSDHAKA, Jan 16, 2026 (BSS) - Eminent citizens of the country have remembered three-time former Prime Minister Begum Khaleda Zia with deep respect, saying that to build the country, people must advance on the path shown by her. The speakers made these observations at a citizens' condolence meeting titled "Invincible Begum Khaleda Zia", held this afternoon at the South Plaza of the National Parliament Building in remembrance of Begum Khaleda Zia. The meeting concluded at 5:30 pm with prayers and supplications seeking forgiveness for the soul of Begum Khaleda Zia. He was accompanied by his wife Zubaida Rahman, daughter Zaima Rahman, Khaleda Zia's younger son Arafat Rahman Koko's wife Sharmila Rahman, and other family members. "With the death of Begum Khaleda Zia, time has not died, history has not died," he said, adding that the driving force of future history in this land would be Khaleda Zia and her ideals.
Source:Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha
January 16, 2026 16:53 UTC
Postal Vote: EC asks voters to contact call centre to reset password on app
DHAKA, Jan 16, 2026 (BSS) - The Election Commission (EC) has asked the voters, who registered to vote in the 13th general elections and referendum, to contact its call centre numbers to reset their respective passwords on the 'Postal Vote BD' app. In a message today, the EC said the voters are being requested to contact the call centre numbers to reset their passwords on the Postal Vote BD app. According to official data, a total of 15,33,683 voters have registered to vote through postal ballots in the upcoming 13th national elections and referendum. Of those, a total of 7,61,141 voters have registered in the 'in-country postal vote' category within the country. In addition, 7,72,542 expatriate voters have registered from different countries of the world.
Source:Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha
January 16, 2026 16:16 UTC
Govt to decide on pay commission implementation after report submission: Salehuddin
Finance Adviser Salehuddin Ahmed. File PhotoNATORE, Jan 16, 2026 (BSS) - Finance Adviser Salehuddin Ahmed today said that the government will reach a final decision regarding the implementation of the National Pay Commission recommendations only after the formal report is submitted. "The National Pay Commission was established after a hiatus of 10 to 12 years," he told reporters after visiting to the Gurudaspur Upazila Mini Stadium. Salehuddin assured people that the commission is working with sincerity; however, he emphasized that several factors, most significantly the provision of funds, must be considered before implementation. In response to inquiries regarding a potential referendum, Dr. Salehuddin Ahmed expressed the government's commitment to reforms, stating that a referendum is necessary to reflect the will of the people.
Source:Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha
January 16, 2026 15:56 UTC
Food Systems Innovation Challenge-2026 to be held at BAU
BAU, Mymensingh, Jan 16, 2026 (BSS) - The Food Systems Innovation Challenge-2026 will be held here for the third time here aimed at transforming global food systems towards sustainability. From March to September, the selected teams will have time to work on implementing their proposed projects. Bangladesh coordination team has arranged a special orientation session for BAU students interested in participating in the competition. According to Professor Rahman, this session will be held on January 27 at the gallery of the Faculty of Fisheries, BAU. Each selected team will receive financial support of 1,000 euros to implement their project.
Source:Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha
January 16, 2026 15:22 UTC
Gaza ceasefire enters phase two despite unresolved issues
JERUSALEM, Jan 16, 2026 (BSS/AFP) - A US-backed plan to end the war in Gaza has entered its second phase despite unresolved disputes between Israel and Hamas over alleged ceasefire violations and issues unaddressed in the first stage. The creation of a Palestinian technocratic committee, announced on Wednesday, is intended to manage day-to-day governance in post-war Gaza, but it leaves unresolved broader political and security questions. Israel has accused Hamas of delaying the handover of Gvili's body, while Hamas has said widespread destruction in Gaza made locating the remains difficult. Aid agencies say Israel has not allowed the volume of humanitarian assistance envisaged under phase one, a claim Israel rejects. - Disarmament, governance in phase two -Under the second phase, Gaza is to be administered by a 15-member Palestinian technocratic committee operating under the supervision of a so-called "Board of Peace," to be chaired by Trump.
Source:Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha
January 16, 2026 15:16 UTC
Carrick given Manchester derby baptism of fire, Frank in the firing line
Carrick given Manchester derby baptism of fire, Frank in the firing lineMANCHESTER, United Kingdom, Jan 16, 2026 (BSS/AFP) - Michael Carrick has the chance to make a fine first impression to his short-term stint as Manchester United manager by derailing local rivals Manchester City's Premier League title challenge on Saturday. Since then he gained far more managerial experience at second-tier Middlesbrough, but was sacked in June for failing to achieve promotion to the Premier League. The Portuguese coach, already sacked once this season by Nottingham Forest, has managed just two wins in 16 Premier League games since joining the Hammers in September. Top of both the Premier League and Champions League, the Gunners are on course for an unprecedented quadruple after FA and League Cup victories this week. Fixtures (all times GMT)SaturdayManchester United v Manchester City (1230), Sunderland v Crystal Palace, Tottenham v West Ham, Liverpool v Burnley, Leeds v Fulham, Chelsea v Brentford (all 1500), Nottingham Forest v Arsenal (1730)SundayWolves v Newcastle (1400), Aston Villa v Everton (1630)MondayBrighton v Bournemouth (2000)
Source:Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha
January 16, 2026 15:11 UTC