Ninth National Pay Commission today submitted its report to Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus at the State Guest House Jamuna. Photo: CA's Press WingDHAKA, Jan 21, 2026 (BSS) – The Ninth National Pay Commission today submitted its report to Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus at the State Guest House Jamuna here. The government formed the 23-member Ninth National Pay Commission on July 27 last year and set a six-month deadline for submitting its report. This commission was constituted after a long gap of 12 years following the formation of the Eighth Pay Commission in 2013. If an employee has a differently-abled child, the Pay Commission recommends a monthly allowance of Taka 2,000.
Source:Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha
January 21, 2026 13:54 UTC
The high-stakes five-match T20I series between India and New Zealand began on January 21, 2026, at the Vidarbha Cricket Association Stadium in Nagpur. This series is a critical final rehearsal for both nations ahead of the 2026 T20 World Cup scheduled for February. The ‘Bangladesh reason’ behind James Neesham’s absence from IND vs NZ 1st T20IThe reason James Neesham is not playing in the 1st T20I is his extraordinary commitment to the Bangladesh Premier League (BPL) and his franchise, the Rajshahi Warriors. Sarkar praised Neesham’s Warrior Spirit noting that the player handled all the formalities himself to ensure he could play in the BPL final on January 23. We all knew how important a player like Neesham is for our team, so we tried everything possible.
Source:Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha
January 21, 2026 13:44 UTC
Former State Minister for Information Professor Abu Sayeed on Wednesday formally joined BNP. Earlier on Tuesday, Prof Abu Sayeed met BNP Chairman Tarique Rahman. After the 1/11 political changeover, he came to be known as a reformist and did not receive an Awami League nomination in the 2008 parliamentary election. He contested the 2014 parliamentary election as an independent candidate but was defeated. In the 11th parliamentary election in 2018, he contested from Pabna-1 seat as a candidate of the BNP-led alliance Jatiya Oikyafront, but also lost.
Source:Dhaka Tribune
January 21, 2026 13:42 UTC
Chief of Army Staff of Bangladesh Army General Waker-Uz-Zaman on Wednesday said 3,619 weapons were looted from different police stations of the country during the mass uprising in 2024. Of this, 237,100 rounds have already been recovered, which is 52 percent, said the Chief Adviser’s press wing quoting the Army Chief as saying at the meeting. The meeting, chaired by Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus, was held at the Chief Adviser’s office. After the meeting, Chief Adviser’s Press Secretary Shafiqul Alam briefed reporters at the Foreign Service Academy. Deputy Press Secretary Abul Kalam Azad Majumder and Senior Assistant Press Secretary Foyez Ahammad were also present at the media briefing.
Source:Dhaka Tribune
January 21, 2026 13:38 UTC
Photo : CollectedDHAKA, Jan 21, 2026 (BSS) - Bangladesh Bank (BB) study has laid emphasis on strengthening oversight regarding fertilizer price manipulation by dealers to reduce agricultural products production costs. The study recommended that the local agriculture office discourage the excessive use of fertilizers and pesticides. To address price fluctuations in the rice market, the study recommended the immediate withdrawal of import duties on fine rice. For potatoes, the report recommended that Bangladesh Bank launch a refinance scheme for large-scale growers to construct model homes for storing produce at minimal costs. The study proposed a major policy shift for the poultry industry, suggesting the introduction of a Minimum Support Price (MSP) for broiler chicken and eggs.
Source:Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha
January 21, 2026 13:36 UTC
BNP Chairman Tarique Rahman. File PhotoDHAKA, Jan 21, 2026 (BSS) - BNP Chairman Tarique Rahman will begin his election campaign tomorrow from Sylhet, addressing seven consecutive rallies in different areas. Mahdi Amin also the party’s election steering committee spokesperson revealed this at a press conference held at the BNP’s election office in Gulshan-2, Dhaka this morning. Chief Coordinator of the Election Steering Committee Ismail Zabihullah, other committee members, BNP leaders and distinguished persons will be present on the occasion. Members of the party’s Election Steering Committee Mohammad Zakaria, Jubayer Babu and Mostakur Rahman, and Media Cell member Shairul Kabir Khan were present at the press conference.
Source:Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha
January 21, 2026 13:34 UTC
Former Australia captain Steve Waugh is seeking to conquer cricket's "last great frontier" as one of the investors in a new European T20 franchise competition set to feature Steve Smith and Mitchell Marsh. Australia all-rounder Glenn Maxwell, a global T20 star, is one of the owners of the Belfast team. Waugh, 60, said the Amsterdam Flames had already signed Australia great Smith and Marsh, who is Australia's T20 captain. Former Australia skipper Waugh, who scored nearly 11,000 Test runs, said the opportunity to invest in the venture "stood out because it is driven by aspiration and long-term thinking". "This is about helping uphold the standards and spirit of cricket while supporting its growth into Europe, which remains the game's last great frontier."
Source:Dhaka Tribune
January 21, 2026 13:28 UTC
The University Teachers’ Network has demanded the immediate reinstatement of two faculty members dismissed from the University of Asia Pacific (UAP), alleging that the decision was influenced by a “mob” and violated academic freedom. The Teachers’ Network presented four key demands:Immediate reinstatement of the dismissed teachers and protection of staff and students opposing the decision. Cessation of threats against university teachers and staff, with implementation of unified service rules for job security. Highlighting the broader context, they said Bangladesh is facing a prolonged crisis of academic freedom, with powerful groups suppressing dissent and enforcing conformity. “The dismissal of the two UAP teachers is the latest example.”According to the Teachers’ Network, Laika Bashir had posted on Facebook due to security concerns, not from a religious perspective.
Source:Dhaka Tribune
January 21, 2026 13:28 UTC
Md Abu Naser, the Jamaat-e-Islami candidate for Chattogram-8, has decided to withdraw from the race, even after the official deadline for candidate withdrawal had passed. His decision to quit the race was revealed on Wednesday at a press conference at the Chattogram Metropolitan Jamaat-e-Islami office by the unit’s Assistant Secretary Md Morshedul Islam Chowdhury. Morshedul, serving as the election coordinator for Chattogram-8, said: “In line with the party’s decision and to maintain unity in the coalition, Abu Naser has chosen to step aside from the Feb 12 election in support of the NCP candidate.”
Source:bd News24
January 21, 2026 13:25 UTC
A driver’s assistant for Victor Paribahan died after being crushed between two buses operated by Ajmeri and Victor Paribahan in front of Khaddar Market in Paltan area of the the capital, early Tuesday. The deceased was identified as Md Ilias Hossain, 25,Following the incident, the drivers of both buses were taken into custody by Paltan police. The accident occurred around 12:30am, said Inspector Md Faruk, in-charge at the Dhaka Medical College Hospital police outpost. The victim’s sister, Rokhsana Akhter, said: “We learned that he was seriously injured after being crushed between two buses in front of Khaddar Market. He was later rescued in critical condition and taken to Dhaka Medical College Hospital, where he died while undergoing treatment.”Md Faruk added that the body has been kept at the hospital morgue and that the relevant police station has been informed.
Source:Dhaka Tribune
January 21, 2026 13:17 UTC
Photo: freepikDHAKA, Jan 21, 2026 (BSS) – Speakers at a workshop today stressed the need for sustainable financing to prevent hypertension. The journalists’ workshop titled “Hypertension Control: Progress, Barriers, and the Way Forward”, was held at the BMA Bhaban in the capital. The speakers said ensuring the regular availability of anti-hypertensive medicines at all Community Clinics and Upazila Health Complexes through sustainable financing would enable effective control of hypertension and hypertension - induced non-communicable diseases. A presentation on hypertension control was made by PROGGA’s Programme Officer, Samiha Bintay Kamal. Due to inadequate budget allocation, the regular supply of anti-hypertensive drugs at NCD corners of Community Clinics and Upazila Health Complexes is being disrupted.
Source:Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha
January 21, 2026 13:12 UTC
Photo: CollectedMELBOURNE, Jan 21, 2026 (BSS/AFP) - Top-ranked Carlos Alcaraz fended off a series of "bombs" before surging into the Australian Open third round on Wednesday, where he was joined by Aryna Sabalenka and a near-flawless Coco Gauff. Alexander Zverev, the third seed well beaten in last year's final by Jannik Sinner, also went through in four sets. Spanish superstar Alcaraz came through 7-6 (7/4), 6-3, 6-2 on Rod Laver Arena against hard-hitting German Yannick Hanfmann to take another step towards a career Grand Slam. The break failed to derail the German's victory charge, which resumed under a closed roof, as he won 6-3, 4-6, 6-3, 6-4. Third seed Gauff was clinical against Serbia's Olga Danilovic, who ended Venus Williams's tournament in round one.
Source:Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha
January 21, 2026 13:10 UTC
A three-day art exhibition titled “Art for Equality” opened Wednesday at the University of Dhaka, accompanied by a digital catalogue. The event was organized by the Department of Art History, Faculty of Fine Art. Professor Dr. Niaz Ahmed Khan, vice chancellor of the University of Dhaka, inaugurated the exhibition. Shake Manir Uddin, chairman of the Department of Art History and Curator of the exhibition, presided over the event. The exhibition follows a November 14–15 workshop with 90 participants from nine universities, including Dhaka, Jagannath, Jahangirnagar, Khulna, Rajshahi, Shanto-Mariam University of Creative Technology, Dhaka Art College, Narayanganj Fine Art Institute, and Jessore S. M. Sultan Art College.
Source:Dhaka Tribune
January 21, 2026 13:07 UTC
AB Party Chairman Mujibur Rahman Manju. Photo : CollectedDHAKA, Jan 21, 2026 (BSS)- AB Party Chairman Mojibur Rahman Manju has been allotted the party’s Eagle electoral symbol for the Feni-2 (Sadar) constituency. After receiving the symbol, Manju told the media that he firmly believes he will secure the people’s mandate if a free and fair election is held. Referring to Mojibur Rahman Manju as his own candidate, he said he would work with all his strength to ensure Manju’s victory. Leaders of Jamaat-e-Islami, AB Party, NCP and other members of the 10-party alliance were present.
Source:Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha
January 21, 2026 13:05 UTC
Chief Adviser’s Press Secretary Shafiqul Alam briefed the media today at the Foreign Service Academy this afternoon. Later, Chief Adviser’s Press Secretary Shafiqul Alam briefed the media about the meeting at the Foreign Service Academy this afternoon. Deputy Press Secretary Mohammad Abul Kalam Azad Majumder and Senior Assistant Press Secretary Foyez Ahammad were present at the briefing. About the law and order, the press secretary said district and upazila-level law and order committees have been formed ahead of the polls. The meeting was informed that more than 100,000 members of the Bangladesh Army will be deployed during the election, Shafiqul Alam said.
Source:Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha
January 21, 2026 13:05 UTC