Slovenia votes in tight polls, with conservatives eyeing comeback
LJUBLJANA, March 22, 2026 (BSS/AFP) - Slovenians vote on Sunday in tight parliamentary elections, with the conservatives of veteran politician Janez Jansa, an admirer of US President Donald Trump, eyeing a comeback. Polls open at 7:00 am local time (0600 GMT) and close at 7:00 pm, with exit polls released just after the closure expected to indicate the result. - 'Slovenian values' -Jansa's conservatives long polled ahead of Golob's liberals, but the gap has recently closed, according to opinion polls, with the two parties now running neck-and-neck. Golob, 59, said in Friday's debate that voters were deciding "what kind of Slovenia" they want. "For those who love Slovenia under the free sun, the choice is very clear," said the former power company manager.
Source:Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha
March 22, 2026 06:48 UTC
Double blow for Egypt as African champions Pyramids and Ahly lose
Later, the other Egyptian challengers, record 12-time champions Al Ahly, were also eliminated after a 3-2 defeat at home to Esperance of Tunisia. Reda Slim put FAR ahead on nine minutes and captain Mohamed Hrimat added a second goal in the 54th minute. FAR became the first Moroccan winners of the competition in 1985, when it was known as the African Cup of Champions Clubs. - Sweet victory -Victory was particularly sweet for the Rabat outfit as they lost to Pyramids at the same stage of the Champions League last season. Pyramids began the second leg as the only one of the eight title contenders boasting an unbeaten record.
Source:Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha
March 22, 2026 06:08 UTC
Levante beat Oviedo to boost survival hopes, Sevilla slip
BARCELONA, March 22, 2026 (BSS/AFP) - Levante earned a crucial 4-2 win over Real Oviedo in La Liga on Saturday to boost their hopes of avoiding relegation. Sevilla fell to a 2-0 home defeat by Valencia to leave the Andalucian side just three points clear of the drop zone. In-form striker Carlos Espi netted twice for Levante, 19th, in the opening 25 minutes against bottom-of-the-table Oviedo. Oviedo are losing hope of staying in the top flight and are seven points behind Alaves with nine matches remaining. On Sunday, La Liga leaders Barcelona welcome Rayo Vallecano before second-place Real Madrid host Atletico Madrid in a derby clash.
Source:Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha
March 22, 2026 05:49 UTC
UAE says intercepting Iranian missiles, drones
DUBAI, March 22, 2026 (BSS/AFP) - The United Arab Emirates said its air defences responded to Iranian aerial attacks on Sunday. "UAE air defences are currently responding to incoming missile and drone threats from Iran," the defence ministry said in a statement, explaining "the sounds heard are the result of the Air Defence Systems intercepting missiles and drones". Gulf states have repeatedly denied those accusations, saying even before the war that they would not allow their territory or airspace to be used to attack Iran. On Saturday, the UAE joined 21 other countries in agreeing to contribute to efforts to secure the Strait of Hormuz passageway in the Gulf. Iran's de facto blockade of the strait, through which about 20 percent of the world's oil and gas normally flows, and the attacks on oil and gas infrastructure in the Middle East, have sent energy prices soaring.
Source:Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha
March 22, 2026 05:48 UTC
Golob goes toe-to-toe again with veteran Jansa in Slovenia election
Golob goes toe-to-toe again with veteran Jansa in Slovenia electionLJUBLJANA, March 22, 2026 (BSS/AFP) - Slovenian Prime Minister Robert Golob faces a tough challenge from nationalist ex-premier Janez Jansa -- an admirer of US President Donald Trump -- in Sunday's election after unseating him in 2022. - Golob, charismatic liberal -Golob, the former head of a state-owned power company, was a political newcomer when he became prime minister four years ago. - Jansa, conservative veteran -From corruption scandals and a spell in prison, conservative three-time premier Jansa has seen a fair share of drama in his long career. He attacks opponents and established media alike, echoing the tactics of allies like Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban. He started his third mandate as prime minister in 2020, weeks after the Covid-19 epidemic was declared.
Source:Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha
March 22, 2026 05:31 UTC
Japan FM says Iran released one of two detained Japanese nationals
Japan FM says Iran released one of two detained Japanese nationalsTOKYO, March 22, 2026 (BSS/AFP) - Japan's foreign minister said Sunday that one of two Japanese nationals detained in Iran has been released.The person, who has not been publicly identified, was released on Wednesday and will be returning to Japan, Foreign Minister Toshimitsu Motegi told a political talk show programme on Fuji Television. Iran released the person after deciding the individual's jail term was over, Jiji Press reported, citing unnamed Japanese diplomatic sources. Motegi said the development came after he made "strong calls" to Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi to release the detainees. He confirmed a second Japanese national remained in detention but did not identify the person. A Japanese government spokesperson at the time told reporters that a Japanese citizen had been detained on January 20 but declined to give more details.
Source:Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha
March 22, 2026 04:58 UTC
Robert Mueller, ex-FBI chief who led Trump-Russia probe, dead at 81
WASHINGTON, United States, March 22, 2026 (BSS/AFP) - Robert Mueller, the former FBI director who led a politically explosive investigation into Donald Trump's election campaign, has died aged 81, triggering a gloating response Saturday from the US president. Trump responded quickly on Truth Social, writing: "Robert Mueller just died. Mueller led the FBI for 12 years, starting just days before the September 11, 2001 Al-Qaeda attacks on the United States, during which time he built up the bureau's counterterror mission. Before taking on the politically sensitive Russia investigation, Mueller, a former Marine who was wounded and decorated for heroism in Vietnam, enjoyed a sterling reputation in Washington. Mueller is a "consummate professional and a straight shooter," then-FBI chief Christopher Wray, a Trump appointee, said in July 2019.
Source:Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha
March 22, 2026 04:22 UTC
Japan coach says Asian Cup crown 'well-deserved' for inspirational team
SYDNEY, March 22, 2026 (BSS/AFP) - Japan coach Nils Nielsen hailed the character of his "inspirational" side after they withstood a sustained Australian barrage to win the Women's Asian Cup, with the Greenlander calling the title well-deserved. We can find a style that fits our players because they are talented. "We couldn't find our own rhythm but the character of the players, the way they never stop playing, makes us 10-20 percent better. It's been too long since Japan last won a trophy so it was very important and well-deserved." "Australia are a world-class team with world-class players.
Source:Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha
March 22, 2026 04:14 UTC
'Perfect' PSG sweep past Nice to reclaim top spot in Ligue 1
PARIS, France, March 22, 2026 (BSS/AFP) - Paris Saint-Germain coach Luis Enrique hailed his side's "perfect evening" after reclaiming top spot in Ligue 1 with a dominant 4-0 victory over 10-man Nice on Saturday. PSG move one-point ahead of Lens, who thrashed Angers 5-1 on Friday and have played one more game. "It will be difficult until the end," warned Luis Enrique of the title battle. But already missing several key players, Luis Enrique lost two more, with Senny Mayulu substituted just before halftime, visibly suffering a calf injury. Toulouse secured their second consecutive Ligue 1 victory 1-0 against Lorient with substitute Emerson scoring after a solo run nine minutes from time.
Source:Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha
March 22, 2026 04:12 UTC
Records shattered as US heatwave moves eastward
WASHINGTON, United States, March 21, 2026 (BSS/AFP) - A record-breaking heatwave afflicting the western half of the United States moved eastward Saturday toward the center of the country, bringing unseasonably warm temperatures to places that were at freezing or below just a week prior. Dozens of cities from California to Colorado recorded their highest temperatures ever for the month of March, according to the National Weather Service Weather Prediction Center. On Saturday, areas that saw new records for the highest temperatures in March included 92 Fahrenheit (33.3C) recorded in Kansas City, Missouri, and North Platte, Nebraska. For instance, in Chanute, Kansas, temperatures went from a record low of 13F (-10.5C) on March 16 to a record high of 91F (32.8C) just four days later. On Friday the heatwave had brought temperatures up to 44.4C (112F) in several areas along the southern California-Arizona border, a national US record for March.
Source:Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha
March 22, 2026 03:52 UTC
US-China 'Board of Trade' may help ties but experts flag market worries
US-China 'Board of Trade' may help ties but experts flag market worriesWASHINGTON, United States, March 22, 2026 (BSS/AFP) - As Washington and Beijing mull a new mechanism to adjust trade between the world's two largest economies, some analysts warn that it could interfere with market forces, while others consider it a path to smoother coexistence. -After top US economic officials held talks with their Chinese counterparts in Paris last weekend, US trade envoy Jamieson Greer said both sides discussed creating a "US-China Board of Trade." The mechanism would help to formalize and identify what kinds of goods the United States should be exporting to and importing from China, he said. For now, officials appear to have made progress towards Chinese purchase commitments for agriculture, energy and planes from the United States, added Cutler, a former US trade official. -Bown of PIIE believes a managed trade agreement between the United States and China could be more successful than previous attempts to solve economic conflicts.
Source:Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha
March 22, 2026 03:48 UTC
64 killed in attack on Sudan hospital: WHO
64 killed in attack on Sudan hospital: WHOGENEVA, March 22, 2026 (BSS/AFP) - A strike on a hospital in Sudan killed 64 people and wounded 89 others, the World Health Organization said Saturday, with 13 children counted among the dead. As a result of Friday's tragedy, the total number of people killed in attacks on health care in the conflict has now passed 2,000. The SSA figures show attacks on health care in Sudan are growing deadlier by the year. In 2023, 64 attacks caused 38 deaths, and the following year, 72 attacks led to 200 deaths. In 2025, 65 attacks caused 1,620 deaths -- 82 percent of reported deaths from attacks on health care worldwide.
Source:Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha
March 22, 2026 03:47 UTC
BTS draws over 100,000 fans to Seoul comeback concert: label
SEOUL, March 22, 2026 (BSS/AFP) - More than 100,000 fans turned out to see K-pop superstars BTS's first concert in nearly four years, their label said Sunday, a smaller number than originally expected for the highly anticipated event in central Seoul. Some 15,000 police officers and security personnel were mobilised for the concert, with barricades lining the roads and nearby venues shut. It sold nearly four million copies on its first day, according to the label. Following Saturday's concert, the superstars will embark on their "ARIRANG" world tour, beginning April 9 in Goyang, South Korea. Spanning 82 concerts across 34 cities, the 2026-27 tour will take in Asia, North America, Europe and Latin America.
Source:Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha
March 22, 2026 03:32 UTC
Danish PM bids for third term in general electio
COPENHAGEN, March 22, 2026 (AFP) - Denmark votes Tuesday in a tight general election, with Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen seeking a third term after a campaign focused on domestic issues and set against tensions with the US over Greenland. The Social Democrats still lead in the polls, though they are expected to shed about six points compared with the 2022 election. But the Moderates, founded by Foreign Minister Lars Lokke Rasmussen, sit outside both and could play kingmaker in coalition talks. "There's a tie in many opinion polls where the Moderates... are the pivotal party, so they get to decide," University of Copenhagen political scientist Karina Kosiara-Pedersen told AFP. That dynamic benefits Frederiksen and Lokke Rasmussen, who is also a former two-time prime minister, Kosiara-Pedersen said, as both have been on the frontlines standing up to Trump.
Source:Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha
March 22, 2026 03:16 UTC
Qatar helicopter crashes after 'technical malfunction': ministry
DOHA, March 22, 2026 (BSS/AFP) - Rescuers were searching for the crew and passengers of a Qatari military helicopter that crashed in the Gulf state's waters after a "technical malfunction", the government said early Sunday. "A Qatari helicopter had a technical malfunction during a routine duty, which led to its crash in the regional waters of the State," Qatar's defence ministry said in a statement posted to X. "Searching operation for its crew members and passengers is in progress." The interior ministry said that several specialised teams have been deployed. Qatar has not specified where the helicopter was flying or the number of people on board.
Source:Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha
March 22, 2026 03:07 UTC