2 Japanese professors visit DU Television, Film and Photography dept
DHAKA, Jan 15, 2025 (BSS) - Two senior professors from the University of Tokyo, Japan, yesterday visited the Department of Television, Film and Photography (TFP) at the University of Dhaka. As part of the visit, Dr Hayashi delivered a lecture titled "The Rise of Fake News in the Digital Age: A Japanese Perspective." In his remarks, Saiyeed Shahjada Al Kareem, chairman of the Department of Television, Film and Photography, said the world is currently witnessing a rapid circulation of misinformation that is reshaping social and political realities in deeply harmful ways. He added that the lecture enabled students to critically engage with fake news as a global media crisis through a Japanese lens, while also encouraging comparative reflection in relation to Bangladesh. Discussions held between the visiting professors and faculty members prior to the lecture focused on future joint research initiatives, academic exchange programmes and institutional collaboration.
Source:Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha
January 15, 2026 07:38 UTC
Experts growing new skin for Swiss fire victims
The centre -- which the hospital says is the only one capable of producing such large amounts of skin tissue while complying with Swiss and European regulations -- works with healthy pieces of skin taken from the burn victims themselves, to avoid the risk of skin being rejected. "We are about to begin the second phase, which is the most critical: the multiplication of keratinocyte tissue -- skin." - Success rate -The success of these skin grafts is not always guaranteed. While waiting for these grafts, doctors can apply airtight dressings, skin from deceased donors or fish skin to the burned areas. Once the skin grafts have been carried out, doctors must also monitor the positioning of joints during the healing process, including using splints, before the long rehabilitation process begins, said Pantet.
Source:Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha
January 15, 2026 07:22 UTC
New ordinance sets 2-year punishment to protect haors, wetlands
Illegal occupation, filling, unauthorized excavation or conversion of haors, wetlands or sandbanks will lead to up to two years’ imprisonment or a fine of Taka 10 lakh. For polluting water, soil or the environment, the ordinance stipulates two years’ imprisonment or a fine of Taka two lakh, or both. According to the ordinance, an official list of haors and wetlands across the country will be prepared. The ordinance mandates that the concerned department will formulate a master plan for the protection, conservation, development and integrated management of haors and wetlands and update it regularly. Before undertaking any development project related to haors or wetlands, the opinion of the Haor and Wetland Development Department must be obtained.
Source:Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha
January 15, 2026 07:05 UTC
Massive illegal fishing nets seized, 254 arrested nationwide
During the operations, River Police seized a total of 3,08,59,395 meters of illegal fishing nets, along with 3,574 kg of fish, 20 kg of crabs, and 80 kg of jellied shrimps, according to a press release of the force. Additionally, 260 illegal bushes used for fishing were destroyed from river areas. Over the seven-day period, 254 accused persons were arrested, and 70 cases were registered. Authorities stated that all seized illegal nets and jellied shrimps were destroyed in accordance with regulations. The confiscated crabs were released back into the water, while the remaining fish were distributed to orphanages.
Source:Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha
January 15, 2026 06:51 UTC
Char land farming boosts commercial agriculture in Rajshahi region
Abundant production of all varieties of winter vegetables has already flooded local markets, with yields exceeding targets due to early cultivation. Other farmers, including Tozammel Haque, Hasen Ali and Asad Ullah of Amadpur village, reported similar success, expressing optimism about expanding commercial farming in vast char areas. Agricultural experts view char land farming as an effective climate change adaptation strategy, turning unstable riverbeds into productive agricultural zones. DAE Additional Director Dr Azizur Rahman said char land farming has created extensive employment opportunities, improving the socio-economic conditions of local communities. Overall, char land agriculture in the Rajshahi region has evolved from subsistence farming to large-scale commercial operations, playing a crucial role in meeting the country's growing food demand, he added.
Source:Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha
January 15, 2026 06:27 UTC
50th BCS preliminary exam to be held on Jan 30
The Public Service Commission (PSC) has announced the schedule for the preliminary examination of the 50th Bangladesh Civil Service (BCS). The preliminary exam will be held simultaneously on January 30, from 10am to 12pm at centres in Dhaka, Rajshahi, Chittagong, Khulna, Barisal, Sylhet, Rangpur, and Mymensingh. Earlier, on November 26 last year, the PSC published the circular for the 50th BCS on its website. According to the PSC’s tentative roadmap, the preliminary examination will be held on January 30, and the results will be published on February 10. The written examination will begin on April 9, with results to be published on July 30.
Source:Dhaka Tribune
January 15, 2026 06:22 UTC
Real crash out of Copa del Rey on Arbeloa debut
Real Madrid fell to a shock 3-2 defeat in the Copa del Rey last 16 on Wednesday as Alvaro Arbeloa's debut as coach ended in humiliation by second-tier opposition. Appointed on Monday to replace Xabi Alonso, Arbeloa and his side were ousted by Jefte Betancor's stoppage-time winner at the Carlos Belmonte stadium. After Madrid lost the Spanish Super Cup final on Sunday against rivals Barcelona, president Florentino Perez replaced Alonso with reserve team coach Arbeloa. - Jefte's double -Albacete frustrated Madrid after the break and then burst into life in attack to take the lead once more. "I'm not afraid of failure, I can understand that someone would want to call this defeat that," added Arbeloa.
Source:Dhaka Tribune
January 15, 2026 06:09 UTC
Referendum: Ducsu announces month-long program to secure victory for ‘Yes’
Dhaka University Central Students’ Union (Ducsu) has announced a month-long program comprising 15 events across the country to ensure the victory of the "Yes" vote in the upcoming national referendum. The initiatives aim to increase public awareness and participation in the referendum under the pro-reforms slogan, “Vote ‘Yes’, Choose a Safe Bangladesh.”The programs were announced on Wednesday at a press conference held in front of the Ducsu building. Ducsu Vice President (VP) Shadik Kayem outlined the month-long plan at the briefing. He described the referendum as a historic pathway to implementing those reforms, adding that participating in the referendum and casting a ‘Yes’ vote is a responsibility to uphold the sacred legacy of the blood of the July martyrs. At the same time, it would help end the culture of enforced disappearances, extrajudicial killings, secret detention centres, and other human rights violations.
Source:Dhaka Tribune
January 15, 2026 06:09 UTC
A hopeful rise
In recent years, our ranking has fluctuated near the bottom of the global list. While this modest rise may offer a sliver of optimism, the reality remains unchanged: Bangladesh still holds one of the weakest passports in the world, with visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to only 37 destinations. Passport strength reflects more than just travel convenience; it signals a country’s diplomatic reach, economic standing, and global trust. Students struggle to attend international programs, professionals miss out on global opportunities, and ordinary travelers face lengthy, costly, and uncertain visa processes. True mobility -- and the opportunities it brings -- will require far more than incremental ranking changes, and we hope to see that become a priority.
Source:Dhaka Tribune
January 15, 2026 06:09 UTC
Ensuring the elections remain on track
At a time when speculation and misinformation have clouded the national mood, such firmness helps restore a sense of direction and stability. Questions surrounding the election timelines, participation, and credibility have created immense public anxiety, and understandably so. This assurance also carries weight beyond our borders, as the interim government's intention to hold a free and fair election reinforces Bangladesh’s image as a nation that values democratic norms. Any attempt to delay, manipulate, or undermine the process would risk damaging both domestic confidence and international standing. The path towards building back a democratic nation is rarely smooth, but conviction is imperative in this regard.
Source:Dhaka Tribune
January 15, 2026 06:09 UTC
Inter extend Serie A lead to six points after Napoli slip
Inter Milan moved six points clear at the top of Serie A on Wednesday after beating Lecce 1-0 and taking advantage of Napoli's goalless draw with Parma. Inter travel to Udinese at the weekend before welcoming Premier League leaders Arsenal to the San Siro for a huge Champions League fixture. Chivu's team lost their previous two Champions League matches and are at risk of dropping out of the top eight places which give direct qualification to the last 16. Lecce meanwhile stay one place and three points above Serie A's relegation zone after collecting just one point from their last five matches. On Saturday Napoli host another also-ran in Sassuolo before travelling to FC Copenhagen for a match will be key to their prospects of reaching the Champions League play-offs.
Source:Dhaka Tribune
January 15, 2026 06:09 UTC
Dhaka air most polluted in world Thursday morning
Dhaka, the densely populated capital of Bangladesh, ranked first among the world’s most polluted cities on Thursday morning, recording an Air Quality Index (AQI) of 271 at 9:13am. The city’s air was classified as ‘very unhealthy’, indicating a serious health threat, according to the AQI report, on Thursday. The AQI, which reports daily air quality, informs residents how clean or polluted the air is and highlights potential health effects. Air Quality: Dhaka ranks 2nd worst on Wednesday morningDhaka has long struggled with air pollution. Air quality usually deteriorates in winter and improves during the monsoon season.
Source:Dhaka Tribune
January 15, 2026 06:09 UTC
FIFA: Over 500 million from 211 countries request World Cup tickets
Football's global governing body FIFA said Wednesday it had received more than 500 million requests for tickets to this year's World Cup despite rumbling controversy over sky-high prices to attend the event. FIFA said fans would be notified of whether their requests had been successful "no earlier than 5 February." "Half a billion ticket requests in just over a month is more than demand - it's a global statement," FIFA President Gianni Infantino said. Football Supporters Europe (FSE) said ticket prices were almost five times higher than at the 2022 tournament in Qatar. Those criticisms prompted FIFA to introduce a new category of cut-price tickets in December set at 60 US dollars (51 euros) each.
Source:Dhaka Tribune
January 15, 2026 06:09 UTC
Iran and its people must not collapse
As we speak, Iran and its people live in danger from day to day. That Iran has been governed by the ayatollahs in harsh manner is not to be denied, indeed is condemned. What Iran needs now is a democratic opening, inaugurated by the ayatollahs, that will go into a consolidation of the revolution brought about in 1979. In other words, Mossadegh’s revolution gave Iran back to its people. But the larger truth about the 1979 revolution must not be brushed aside.
Source:Dhaka Tribune
January 15, 2026 06:09 UTC
The economy of discourse
What appears to be a national conversation about reform, democracy, and stability is better understood as a political economy of discourse shaped by incentives, risks, and timing. To understand Bangladesh’s current political discourse, it is not enough to look at what political actors are saying. This is where political discourse becomes cautious and defensive. It is the political economy of transition itself, which incentivises caution, fragmentation, and narrative management. Siamul Huq Rabbany is a development and governance analyst focusing on political economy, democratic transitions, and state reform.
Source:Dhaka Tribune
January 15, 2026 06:09 UTC