DHAKA, Jan 23, 2026 (BSS)—Despite a fabulous performance from Bangladesh leg pinner Rishad Hossain, Hobart Hurricanes failed to make it to the Big Bash League (BBL) final after suffering a 57-run defeat to Sydney Sixers at Sydney Cricket Ground today. Sydney Sixers, however, will take on Perth Scorchers in the final of BBL on Sunday. A mediocre batting performance from the Hobart batters saw them bowled out for just 141 in 17.2 overs. With the defeat, Rishad’s maiden Big Bash journey came to an end. He bowed out the tournament with 15 wickets from 12 matches, the highest by a spinner in the Big Bash this season.

Photo : BSSKHULNA, Jan 23, 2026 (BSS) - Saraswati Puja, worship of Goddess Saraswati, the deity of knowledge revered by the Sanatan community--was celebrated with due religious fervour and festivity at Khulna University of Engineering and Technology (KUET) today. The puja was held on Friday morning on the auspicious occasion of Shree Panchami at the KUET Central Temple. Organised by the KUET Puja Udjapan Parishad, the event saw spontaneous participation from Sanatan faculty members, officers, students and employees of the university. The idol was brought to the temple premises on Thursday evening ahead of the celebrations. The central temple premises wore a festive look throughout the occasion, reflecting the enthusiasm and devotion of the participants.

The United States has formally withdrawn from the World Health Organization (WHO), removing itself as one of the UN agency’s largest donors and a key participant in global health initiatives. Following the pandemic, WHO member states worked on an international pandemic treaty to ensure fair sharing of vaccines and treatments and strengthen preparedness for future outbreaks. Traditionally, the United States has been one of the largest financial contributors to the WHO, but Washington did not pay its membership fees for 2024 and 2025, causing significant job losses within the organisation. They added that future US engagement with the WHO will be limited strictly to safeguard the health and safety of Americans. In response to questions about US participation in global health initiatives like polio and HIV programs, officials said partnerships would continue through NGOs and faith-based groups, though no specific arrangements have been disclosed.

“Only the forces defeated in the July mass uprising and those who are collaborators of fascism can stand against ‘Yes’ vote in the referendum. Those opponents of the masses, have other thoughts and are seeking a 'No' vote in the referendum,” he said. That is why the government wants it to be a ‘Yes’ vote in the referendum. “The people of Bangladesh, the caravan of the masses, the tide of the masses are in favor of the yes vote,” he said and called on the people of Bangladesh to vote in favor of the ‘Yes’ vote. Later, he inspected the work of the Boldipukur-Tazpur Sada Fakir road under the Greater Rangpur Rural Infrastructure Improvement Project (GRRIIP) being implemented by LGED in Mithapukur Upazila in the afternoon.

Adilur Rahman Khan spoke to reporters after laying wreaths at the memorial erected in memory of the Rangpur district martyrs during the mass uprising on Friday. Photo: BSSRANGPUR, Jan 23, 2026 (BSS) – Adviser to the Ministries of Housing and Public Works, Industries and Local Government, Rural Development and Cooperatives Adilur Rahman Khan today said the government is seeking a ‘Yes’ vote in the referendum to implement the July Charter, while only defeated forces and collaborators of fascism are calling for a ‘No’ vote. He made the remarks while speaking to journalists after placing a wreath at the memorial of the martyrs of the Mass Uprising in the district town this morning. Adilur said the fascist government was ousted through a mass uprising following the sacrifices of students and the people, and the present government emerged from that movement. He expressed hope that the upcoming national election would be held peacefully and that people would overwhelmingly endorse the July Charter by voting ‘Yes’.

BNP Secretary General and Thakurgaon-1 constituency candidate Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir formally started his election campaign on Friday afternoon with a road meeting and public outreach event at Sholthari Bazar in Debipur union, the constituency’s southernmost area. Addressing a large gathering of supporters, Mirza Fakhrul said: “My childhood, adolescence, and youth were with you, and today I am older among you. He promised that if BNP is voted to power: “Mothers and sisters will be provided with family cards, and farmers will receive agricultural cards to ensure a higher standard of living. BNP Chairman Tarique Rahman has made a clear commitment in this regard.”Mirza Fakhrul emphasized that BNP is the only party capable of ensuring public security. The meeting was chaired by Salahuddin, president of Ward No-2 of Debipur Union, and attended by BNP leaders at the district, upazila, and union levels.

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DHAKA, Jan 23, 2026 (BSS)— Bangladesh Premier League (BPL) trophy arrived in spectacular fashion, flown into the stadium by helicopter ahead of today’s final between Chattogram Royals and Rajshahi Warriors. Former Bangladesh women’s captain Salma Khatun and former Under-19 captain Akbar Ali carried the trophy onto the field shortly afterward and placed it at the designated spot. Chattogram captain Mahedi Hasan and Rajshahi Warriors skipper Najmul Hossain Shanto then officially unveiled the new BPL trophy, much to the delight of the packed crowd. A colourful ceremony followed, featuring vibrant smoke displays around the stadium, before the trophy was paraded across the field in a special vehicle. The diamond-studded trophy, designed by a Dubai-based company, is valued at $25,000.

DHAKA, Jan 23, 2026 (BSS) - Host Jamalpur and Sherpur U-17 district teams reached Shitalakha zone final of the U-17 National Football Championship eliminating their respective rivals in the semifinals held at Jamalpur district stadium in Jamalpur today. In the day's first semifinal, Jamalpur beat Kishorganj by 4-3 goals in penalty shoot-out after the regulation time ended goalless draw. Salahuddin Arman of Jamlapur was named the player of the match for his impressive performance. In the day's second semifinal, Sherpur beat Gazipur by 18-17 goals in also in penalty shoot-out after the stipulated time ended 1-1 draw. Saiful Islam of Gazipur was named the player of the match for his outstanding performance in the match.

DHAKA, Jan 23, 2026 (BSS)—Chattogram Royals captain Mahedi Hasan won the toss and sent Rajshahi Warriors to bat first in the final of Bangladesh Premier League (BPL) at Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium today. Rajshahi Warriors topped the group phase, winning eight of their 10 matches. Chattogram Royals, on the other hand, finished second with six victories. In the first encounter, Chattogram defeated Rajshahi by two wickets, while Rajshahi avenged that loss with a three-wicket win in the second meeting. Chattogram Royals: Mirza Baig, Naim Sheikh, Hasan Nawaz, Asif Ali, Mahedi Hasan (captain), Mahmudul Hasan Joy, Aamer Jamal, Tanvir Islam, Shoriful Islam, Mukidul Islam Mugdho, Zahiduzzaman

National Citizen Party (NCP) Convener Nahid Islam on Friday said attempts to create confusion and fear are being made by a section after witnessing growing public support, but such efforts will not succeed. “Any attempt to intimidate voters or capture polling centres would fail as people themselves would safeguard the voting process and ensure the victory of their genuine representatives,” he told a brief rally while on an election campaign in the Bhatar Thana area of the capital. Nahid Islam conducted a door-to-door campaign in support of the NCP’s election symbol "Shaplakoli" in Bhatar from 7:30am to 9am. Later, he addressed a roadside gathering on Bashtola Road near Bhatar Thana, attended by leaders and activists of the NCP, Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami and other partners of the 10-party alliance. Nahid Islam also expressed optimism that the 10-party alliance would secure parliamentary representation through the election and play a leading role in governing the country.

File PhotoCHATTOGRAM, Jan 23, 2026 (BSS) - Chattogram University of Engineering and Technology (CUET) has published the results of its undergraduate first-year admission test for the 2025-26 academic year. The results were posted on the CUET admission website this morning. Information on admitted candidates, total vacant seats, and the list of candidates selected for the next phase will be published on the admission website on March 1. Professor Kazi Delwar Hossain, President of the Admission Committee, said, "All processes have been smoothly completed, and exam results have been promptly released." The CUET admission test for the first-year undergraduate program was held on January 17.

File PhotoDHAKA, Jan 23, 2026 (BSS) - A court here today sent to jail one Pabitra Kumar Barua, manager of a kindergarten named Sharmin Academy in the Nayapaltan area of the capital, in a case lodged over mentally and physically abusing a four-year-old student of the school. The court sent the accused to jail and set January 27 for holding a hearing on the remand plea as the concerned investigation officer was not present at the court during today's hearing. Police arrested Pabitra Kumar Barua in a raid conducted around 4:30 am on Friday in the Mirpur-6 area of the capital. However, footage collected with the help of local residents showed the child being taken into the office room and subjected to physical abuse. He was first taken to Islami Bank Hospital in Nayapaltan and later to Dhaka Medical College Hospital for treatment.

Saraswati Puja or Basant Panchami falls on Panchami Tithi of Shukla Paksha in the month of Magha each year when Hindus worship goddess Saraswati. Traditionally kids are introduced to education and learning on the day of Saraswati Puja and this ritual is called "Hatekhori". Jagannath Hall administration is organizing the dormitory's central puja at the dormitory's Upashanalay while employees of the hall is also arranging Saraswati Puja. Apart from Dhaka, Saraswati puja is also being celebrated at temples, educational institutions and residences across the country. Chattogram city and Madaripur district town sees biggest celebration of Saraswati Puja every year.

In Rajshahi-2 (Sadar), Rajshahi-3, and various upazilas of the district, candidates from the BNP, Jamaat-e-Islami, Jatiya Party, and other political parties carried out separate campaign programs. In the Rajshahi Sadar constituency, BNP-nominated candidate Mizanur Rahman Minu started his today's campaign after saying Jummah Prayers at Hatemkha Jame Mosque. In this constituency, Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami-nominated candidate Dr. Mohammad Jahangir continued his door-to-door campaign and sought votes for the 'Scale' symbol. In Rajshahi-6 (Charghat-Bagha) constituency, BNP candidate Abu Sayeed Chand has been campaigning since Thursday. In Rajshahi-2 (Godagari-Tanore) constituency, BNP-nominated candidate Major General (Retd) made mass-contacts and roadside meetings at Mundumala Municipality and its nine wards today.