Press secretary: Election in all 300 constituencies with drone, dog squads deployed
Election will be held in 300 constituencies across Bangladesh, with unprecedented security measures including drones and police dog squads deployed, Shafiqul Alam, press secretary to the chief adviser, said on Wednesday. According to the Election Commission (EC), Wednesday marked the date for allocation of election symbols, and printing of postal ballots will begin at midnight. Regional election officers have been appointed for Dhaka, Chattogram, and Khulna. There are 42,779 polling centers and 247,492 polling booths nationwide. Each polling center will have at least 15 law enforcement personnel, including regular and irregular forces.
Source:Dhaka Tribune
January 21, 2026 15:26 UTC
Beijing vows to 'safeguard' rights if EU bans telecom suppliers
BEIJING, Jan 21, 2026 (BSS/AFP) - Beijing vowed on Wednesday that it would "safeguard" the rights and interests of Chinese businesses if the European Union pushes on with plans to ban "high-risk" foreign telecoms suppliers, a move seen as targeting China. Brussels unveiled the proposal on Tuesday as part of plans to revise its cybersecurity rules in a bid to bolster Europe's defences against a surge in cyber attacks. China's foreign ministry spokesman Guo Jiakun told reporters on Wednesday the move amounts to protectionism by the bloc. "We urge the EU to avoid going further down the wrong path of protectionism, otherwise, China will inevitably take necessary measures to resolutely safeguard the legitimate rights and interests of Chinese enterprises," Guo told a news conference. Brussels took the new step after the 2023 measures failed to yield enough change across the 27-country bloc.
Source:Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha
January 21, 2026 15:25 UTC
Rishad's Hobart keep BBL final hopes alive
DHAKA, Jan 21, 2026 (BSS)-Hobart Hurricanes Kept their hopes to play thefinal of Big Bash League (BBL) alive following their breathtaking 3-runvictory over Melbourne Stars on DLS method in knock out match at BelleriveOval in Hobart today. The match was hit by rain several times before Hobart laughed last to moveinto the Challenger phase, where they will play against Sydney Sixers for aberth in the final. After Hobart's innings, the rain again intervened to reduce the match furtheras Melbourne got revised target of chasing 85 runs in seven overs. Rishadrepaid the trust by conceding just 11 runs, leaving Melbourne a need of animprobable 26 runs in the last overs. Melbourne batters came down heavily on Mitchel Owen and scored 22 runs,leaving then still short of four runs for a victory.
Source:Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha
January 21, 2026 15:20 UTC
Price fall in large-cap drives stocks down
DHAKA, Jan 21, 2026 (BSS) - Country's both bourses, Dhaka Stock Exchange (DSE) and Chittagong Stock Exchange (CSE) today plunged as profit booking emerged across major large-cap scrips following consecutive sessions of gains. DSEX, the broad index of the DSE, shed 3.1 points or -0.1% to settle at 5,106 points, as against 5,109 points in the previous trading session. On the sectoral front, Pharma (17.7%) issues exerted the highest turnover, followed by General Insurance (14.1%) and Life Insurance (10.5%) sectors. The port city bourse, CSE, also witnessed a mixed session today. The selected indices (CSCX) and all Share Price Index (CASPI) declined by 4.8 and 6.9 point, respectively.
Source:Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha
January 21, 2026 15:18 UTC
BB works to form ‘Bank Resolution Fund’: Governor
BB Governor Dr Ahsan H Mansur today addressed as the chief guest at a discussion titled “Banking sector: current state and future challenges”, held at Jagannath University in the capital. In his speech, Dr Mansur clarified that this resolution framework will not be limited to banks but will also bring Non-Bank Financial Institutions (NBFIs) under its coverage. Regarding the structure of the economy, the Governor pointed out that while the banking sector usually ranks third among financial sectors globally, it holds the top position in Bangladesh. To combat tax evasion, Dr. Mansur advocated for a transition toward a cashless society. The session was presided over by BEA Convener Professor Dr Mahbub Ullah, with a welcome speech by Member Secretary Professor Dr Mohammad Helal Uddin.
Source:Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha
January 21, 2026 15:00 UTC
43 labour orgs place 6-point demand
Fourty-three labour organisations working on garment workers' rights have placed a six-point charter of demands before candidates contesting the Dhaka-19 (Savar–Ashulia) constituency, calling for improved security, better living standards and the resolution of long-standing problems faced by garment workers in the industrial belt on Wednesday. The demands were unveiled at a press conference at the Savar Press Club, organised by the Dhaka-19 Workers' Demand Realisation Committee, which coordinates the 43 organisations. The key demands include:Construction of workers’ colonies, government schools and colleges, day-care centres, playgrounds, and a 500-bed government hospital with a burn unit. Strict action against criminal activities, including jhut-related violence, drug trafficking, mugging, and extortion. Presentation and implementation of recommendations from the Labour Reform Commission and SCOPE’s nine-point demands.
Source:Dhaka Tribune
January 21, 2026 14:47 UTC
Donald Trump tells in Davos US is 'economic engine of the planet'
US President Donald Trump in Davos, Switzerland. Photo: CollectedDAVOS, Switzerland, Jan 21, 2026 (BSS/AFP) - US President Donald Trump on Wednesday proclaimed his country was the world's "economic engine," and slammed Europe as "not heading in the right direction," as Washington's allies push back against its bid to seize Greenland. "The USA is the economic engine on the planet. It's been the history," he said during a speech at the World Economic Forum in Davos, where the Greenland crisis has dominated talks. On Europe, the US leader said parts of continent were "not recognizable," adding: "I love Europe, and I want to see Europe go good, but it's not heading in the right direction."
Source:Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha
January 21, 2026 14:37 UTC
Pay Commission proposes Tk20,000–Tk160,000 salary scale
The Ninth National Pay Commission has recommended a sharp increase in the salaries and allowances of government employees, ranging from 100% to 142%, while keeping the existing 20-grade pay structure unchanged. The 23-member Pay Commission, headed by former finance secretary Zakir Ahmed Khan, submitted its report to Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus at the State Guest House Jamuna on Wednesday, three weeks ahead of the stipulated deadline. Commission chief Zakir Ahmed Khan said implementing the proposed pay structure would require an additional Tk1,06,000 crore. The commission has recommended that the revised pay structure be implemented partially from January 1, with full implementation beginning from July 1 - the start of the 2026–27 fiscal year. Sources said separate pay commissions will be formed later to finalize salary structures for the armed forces and the judiciary, following the submission of the general pay commission report.
Source:Dhaka Tribune
January 21, 2026 14:27 UTC
Further hearing on charge framing in sedition case against Hasina, 285 others on Feb 9
Ousted prime minister Sheikh Hasina. File pfotoDHAKA, Jan 21, 2026 (BSS) – A court here today set February 9 for holding a further hearing on charge framing in a sedition case filed against ousted Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and 285 others. Of the 286 accused, 259, including ousted Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, are still at large and are tried in absentia. On October 14, 2025, the court ordered publication of notices in newspapers asking the fugitives, including Sheikh Hasina, to appear before the court. After the investigation, the CID officer submitted a charge sheet on August 14 against 286 individuals, including Sheikh Hasina.
Source:Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha
January 21, 2026 14:19 UTC
Combative Prince Harry disputes having 'leaky' social circle in Daily Mail trial
LONDON (AP) — Prince Harry struck a combative tone as he testified Wednesday in his lawsuit against the publisher of the Daily Mail and disputed suggestions he was cozy with journalists who covered the royal family or that his friends dished dirt about him to the tabloids. “My social circles were not leaky,” he declared in the third and final round of his battle against the British tabloids . He said journalist Katie Nicholl had the luxury to use the term “unidentified source” deceptively to hide unlawful measures of investigation. He said “vicious persistent attacks," harassment and event racists articles about Meghan, who is biracial, had inspired him to break from family tradition to finally sue the press. The trial is expected to last nine weeks and a written verdict could comes months later.
Source:Daily Sun
January 21, 2026 14:10 UTC
Prince Harry says court claim against UK tabloids 'not just about me'
Photo: CollectedLONDON, Jan 21, 2026 (BSS/AFP) - Prince Harry said Wednesday that his joint court battle against the publisher of two UK tabloid newspapers was "not just about me" and was in the public interest, according to his witness statement. "There is obviously a personal element to bringing this claim, motivated by truth, justice and accountability, but it is not just about me. There is also a social element concerning all the thousands of people whose lives were invaded because of greed," he said. "I am determined to hold Associated accountable, for everyone's sake... I believe it is in the public's interest," he stated in the witness statement to his "unlawful information gathering" case against Associated Newspapers, publishers of the Daily Mail and Mail on Sunday, at London's High Court.
Source:Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha
January 21, 2026 14:07 UTC
Adviser orders undisrupted power supply at polling stations
The Election Commission (EC) on January 4 sent a letter to the Power Division seeking steeps to install power supply system at 325 polling stations, which currently have no power connections. “There is no electricity connection at 325 polling stations among the 42,761 polling stations that have been set up for the referendum and the 13th parliamentary election,” the EC letter said. Energy Adviser Fawzul Kabir Khan ordered to take necessary measures to provide power connection or alternative supply in all polling stations within a week. He said, "To ensure uninterrupted power supply, round-the-clock monitoring should be maintained. Chairman of Bangladesh Power Development Board (BPDB) informed the meeting that necessary arrangements will be made to ensure power supply in each area in coordination with the district administration.
Source:Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha
January 21, 2026 14:05 UTC
Merit scholarships awarded to 475 GSTU students
Photo: BSSGOPALGANJ, Jan 21, 2026 (BSS) - Gopalganj Science and Technology University (GSTU) on Tuesday awarded merit scholarships to 475 students to encourage excellence in education and research. Vice-Chancellor Professor Dr. Hossain Uddin Shekhar attended the programme as the chief guest, while Deputy Vice-Chancellor Professor Dr. Md. Kamruzzaman and President of the Department of Physics Professor Dr. Md. He also said steps were being taken to establish a scholarship desk soon to assist students in obtaining various scholarships at home and abroad. Deputy Vice-Chancellor Professor Dr. Md.
Source:Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha
January 21, 2026 13:58 UTC
Rizwana reaffirms govt’s readiness for Feb 12 polls; seeks ‘Yes’ vote in referendum
Information and Broadcasting Adviser Syeda Rizwana Hasan addressedc a rally as the chief guest at Ambika Stadium in Faridpur today. She attributed this to the government’s firm stance in favor of holding elections and the role of political parties in building public support. She said the interim government had consulted political parties extensively to build national consensus, and the elected government would be responsible for implementing the approved reforms. Earlier in the day, Rizwana participated in a rally to motivate voters ahead of the election and referendum. A video message from the Chief Adviser on the referendum was screened on a mobile voting vehicle at the end of the programme.
Source:Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha
January 21, 2026 13:56 UTC
Syria says 7 soldiers killed after Kurdish force targets arms factory
DAMASCUS, Jan 21, 2026 (BSS/AFP) - Syria's defence ministry said seven soldiers were killed on Wednesday when the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces targeted an arms depot in the country's northeast, despite a fresh ceasefire announced a day earlier. "Army forces found a factory for producing explosive devices and drone munitions" in Hasakeh province near a border crossing with Iraq, the ministry said, adding that as government forces began securing the site, the SDF "targeted it with a suicide drone, leading to an explosion and the death of seven soldiers", with 20 others wounded.
Source:Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha
January 21, 2026 13:56 UTC