Cornell Appoints Prof. Thorsten Joachims As New Vice Provost for Artificial Intelligence Strategy Position
Reading time: about 3 minutesProf. Thorsten Joachims, computer science and information science, was appointed to the new position of vice provost for artificial intelligence strategy on Jan. 1, according to a University press release sent on Tuesday. The Cornell AI Initiative, which Joachims currently directs, will be expanded under the position, Provost Kavita Bala told The Cornell Chronicle. The vice provost for artificial intelligence strategy will coordinate AI efforts across the university, from furthering research to strategizing classroom use. Created alongside the new position was the AI Strategy Council, consisting of Natalie Bazarova, associate vice provost for research; Steve Jackson, vice provost for academic innovation; Ben Maddox, chief information officer; Vinay Varughese, Weill Cornell chief information officer; and Fei Wang, Weill Cornell associate dean for AI and data science. This council will collaborate with Joachims on AI research and work in tandem with the Cornell AI Initiative, launched in 2021, which researches and evaluates the ethical, educational, health and labor effects of new generative technology, according to its website.
Source:Daily Sun
January 29, 2026 07:01 UTC
Air quality worsens as Dhaka tops global pollution ranking
At 9:20am, Dhaka recorded an air quality index (AQI) score of 257 and classified it as ‘very unhealthy’ as reported by IQAir. According to the AQI scale, a reading between 50 and 100 is considered ‘moderate’, with generally acceptable air quality, though sensitive individuals should limit prolonged outdoor exertion. The AQI, which reports daily air quality, informs residents how clean or polluted the air is and highlights potential health effects. Dhaka has long struggled with air pollution. Air quality usually deteriorates in winter and improves during the monsoon season.
Source:Dhaka Tribune
January 29, 2026 06:28 UTC
23 Bangladeshis rescued from lorry smuggling attempt from UK to France
The UK’s National Crime Agency (NCA) has rescued 23 Bangladeshi nationals who were being smuggled from London to France inside a lorry, exposing a large organised human trafficking network based in east London’s Tower Hamlets. According to a report by the BBC on Wednesday, the rescue took place during a special NCA operation near the Port of Dover. During the operation, officers searched a lorry and found the Bangladeshis concealed inside. NCA officials said that 22 of the rescued individuals were legally residing in the UK but attempted the dangerous journey to bypass France’s strict entry requirements. The operation led to the arrest of a 43-year-old man from New Cross, believed to be the ringleader of the trafficking network.
Source:Dhaka Tribune
January 29, 2026 06:28 UTC
CA: Rohingya crisis not receiving due attention, repatriation only solution
“The problem began in Myanmar, and the solution must also come from there. Prof Yunus said the repatriation of more than one million Rohingya refugees to their homeland in Myanmar’s Rakhine State remains the only viable and sustainable solution to the crisis. The meeting also covered the Rohingya situation in Bhasan Char, the upcoming general elections and referendum, and the country’s democratic transition. Ivo Freijsen said that Barham Salih, the newly appointed UNHCR chief, has expressed keen interest in visiting Bangladesh in the near future and is expected to travel to the Rohingya camps. Lamiya Morshed, SDGs Affairs Principal Coordinator and Senior Secretary to the government, was also present at the meeting.
Source:Dhaka Tribune
January 29, 2026 06:28 UTC
Ensuring a free press is essential
We are deeply concerned about the warning signs of a shrinking media freedom in Bangladesh. A free press is the lifeline of a functioning democracy, and targeted attacks on this institution, like the recent cases we have witnessed, should evoke more outrage. Protecting media freedom requires commitment at all levels. A democracy cannot mature if its commentators are silenced, and ensuring media freedom means safeguarding the public’s right to know and the nation’s right to self-reflection. In this crucial juncture of rapid change for Bangladesh, the freedom to report, question, and critique is indispensable.
Source:Dhaka Tribune
January 29, 2026 06:28 UTC
US Ambassador pays courtesy call on Jamaat ameer
US Ambassador to Bangladesh Brent T Christensen paid a courtesy call on Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer Dr Shafiqur Rahman at his Bashundhara office in the capital on Thursday morning. The two sides exchanged views on various issues, including Bangladesh’s prevailing political and economic situation, industry and trade, the national election, state reforms and the Rohingya issue, according to a social media post of the political party. Both sides also expressed optimism about further strengthening bilateral relations between Bangladesh and the United States in the future. Jamaat assistant secretary general and central publicity and media department chief Advocate Ehsanul Mahbub Zubayer, central executive council member Md Mobarak Hossain and the Ameer’s foreign affairs adviser Professor Dr Mahmudul Hasan were also present at the meeting.
Source:Dhaka Tribune
January 29, 2026 06:28 UTC
Mourinho's Benfica stun Real Madrid in 4-2 thriller
Benfica goalkeeper Anatoliy Trubin scored a dramatic stoppage-time header to secure a 4-2 Champions League win over Real Madrid, keeping Jose Mourinho’s side alive in Europe. The victory also allowed Benfica to snatch a play-off spot at the expense of Marseille. Mourinho praised the goal, calling it “fantastic, historic and well deserved” and said beating Real Madrid, his former club, brought “incredible prestige” to Benfica. Trubin’s late heroics overturned that narrative, with European football analyst Julien Laurens calling the result “incredible,” highlighting the drama of Mourinho’s victory against his former club and former protégé, Madrid coach Alvaro Arbeloa. Looking ahead, Benfica could face either Real Madrid or Inter Milan in the play-off round.
Source:Dhaka Tribune
January 29, 2026 05:19 UTC
Real, PSG drop into playoffs as Liverpool, Barca, City sweep through
Liverpool, Manchester City and Barcelona booked last-16 places in the Champions League on Wednesday, as holders Paris Saint-Germain and Real Madrid missed out on the top eight. But holders PSG will have to go through the knockout play-off round, as they did en route to glory last season, after a 1-1 home draw with Newcastle. Man City, Champions League winners in 2023, saw off Galatasaray 2-0 at the Etihad to grab eighth place with goals from Erling Haaland and Rayan Cherki. - Real face play-offs after 'keeper drama -Real Madrid took the lead against Benfica when Kylian Mbappe headed home his 12th Champions League goal of the season. Atletico, Atalanta, Bayer Leverkusen, Dortmund, Olympiacos, Club Brugge and Galatasaray are the other sides into the play-off round.
Source:Dhaka Tribune
January 29, 2026 05:19 UTC
Democracy needs better political communication
What we learned from the previous systemThe previous government had a highly centralized communication model. What we learned from the interim periodThe interim government led by Muhammad Yunus entered with a reform tone and public signals about press freedom. What parties should promise before asking for votesEvery party that wants to govern after February 12 should publish a short communication charter. That is how Bangladesh can reduce political temperature without reducing political rights. Abu Mohammad Sakil Faizullah is a Public Relations and Mass Communication Researcher, University of Georgia, Atlanta, USA.
Source:Dhaka Tribune
January 29, 2026 05:19 UTC
Bangladesh's transformation possible in five years with end to crimes: Dr Shafiqur
Bangladesh's transformation possible in five years with end to crimes: Dr ShafiqurPhoto: Bangladesh Jamaat-e-IslamiDHAKA, Jan 28, 2026 (BSS) - Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer Dr. Shafiqur Rahman today said if the country can eliminate theft, robbery and corruption, Bangladesh's image will undergo a dramatic transformation in just five years. Dr. Shafiqur Rahman further expressed concerns about widespread extortion, stating that small shopkeepers, street vendors and homeowners are frequent victims of extortion. The root cause of extortion, corruption and crime lies in the failure of justice," he added. Addressing the future of children, Shafiqur stressed that they are the nation's greatest asset and their proper education will shape a prosperous Bangladesh. Later, Dr. Shafiqur Rahman and his supporters distributed leaflets to local businesspeople and citizens, seeking their votes in the upcoming elections.
Source:Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha
January 29, 2026 05:03 UTC
BANDWiCH at Majestic
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Source:Daily Sun
January 29, 2026 04:42 UTC
Western nations support Bangladesh's Prevention and Suppression of Human Trafficking Ordinance
The envoys expressed the support for the ordinance at a meeting at the office of the Chief Adviser’s Special Envoy, Lutfey Siddiqi, on Wednesday. Photo : Chief Adviser's Press WingDHAKA, Jan 29, 2026 (BSS) - Envoys from Italy, Germany, the United Kingdom and the Netherlands has expressed support for Bangladesh's Prevention and Suppression of Human Trafficking and Smuggling of Migrants Ordinance 2025. In an effort to address the root causes of fraudulent visa applications from Bangladesh, the interim government has formulated the Prevention and Suppression of Human Trafficking and Smuggling of Migrants Ordinance 2025, which criminalises the smuggling of migrants, including facilitation through document fraud. Another received 300 tourist visa applications from the same area, all accompanied by fake statements from the same bank. Another country has temporarily suspended visa applications pending the completion of an ongoing investigation in Bangladesh.
Source:Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha
January 29, 2026 04:23 UTC
Jamaat leader’s death in clash: Midnight protest erupts at DU
Students of Dhaka University staged a protest march on Wednesday night, condemning the killing of a Jamaat-e-Islami leader during a clash between BNP and Jamaat supporters at an election manifesto reading event in Sherpur. Students from various residential halls led by Dhaka University Central Students’ Union (Ducsu) leaders, gathered at the VC Chattar around 11:30pm. They later brought out a protest procession, chanted slogans and marched to the Raju memorial sculpture. He claimed the BNP has betrayed the aspirations of building a new Bangladesh for the oppressed in the post-July uprising period. Rezaul Karim, general secretary of the Sreebardi Upazila unit of Jamaat, died after being injured in a clash between supporters of Jamaat-e-Islami and the BNP in Jhenaigati upazila of Sherpur district on Wednesday evening.
Source:Dhaka Tribune
January 29, 2026 03:33 UTC
Palestinian Ambassador meets Jamaat Ameer
Palestinian Ambassador to Bangladesh Yousef SY Ramadan met with Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer Dr. Shafiqur Rahman today at the Jamaat-e-Islami central office in the capital. Photo: Jamaat-e-Islami-Facebook PageDHAKA, Jan 28, 2026 (BSS)- Palestinian Ambassador to Bangladesh Yousef SY Ramadan paid a courtesy call on Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer Dr. Shafiqur Rahman today at the Jamaat-e-Islami central office in the capital. During the meeting, Dr. Shafiqur Rahman reaffirmed Bangladesh's longstanding and historic relationship with Palestine. The Jamaat Ameer further assured the Ambassador that Bangladesh's unwavering support for Palestine will continue until it’s fully established as an independent state. In response, Ambassador Ramadan expressed deep gratitude on behalf of the Palestinian people for Bangladesh’s continued support and solidarity.
Source:Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha
January 29, 2026 03:28 UTC
Holders PSG happy to take 'long route' via Champions League play-offs
The Premier League club were in the bottom pot of seeds and PSG ended up facing the Magpies instead of comparative minnows such as Pafos and Kairat Almaty. Only one of their eight opponents in the league phase came from outside Europe's four biggest leagues, and that was Portuguese giants Sporting. We will have to take the long route, but I don't think anyone else can be considered favourites more than us." - Newcastle's 'acid test' -PSG and Newcastle will discover the identity of their opponents in February's play-off round when the draw takes place on Friday. "This was the real acid test here against a team motivated to win and the holders of the competition," he insisted.
Source:Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha
January 29, 2026 03:23 UTC