BERLIN, Jan 22, 2026 (BSS/AFP) - Germany said it summoned Russia's ambassador Thursday and told him it was expelling a Russian diplomat suspected of being the handler of a Ukrainian-German woman arrested the previous day on espionage charges. "The German government will not tolerate espionage in Germany -- especially not under the guise of diplomatic status," said the German foreign ministry on X. "Today we summoned the Russian ambassador and informed him of the expulsion of the individual in question who spied on behalf of Russia."

Trump envoy says Ukraine-Russia talks 'down to one issue'DAVOS, Switzerland, Jan 22, 2026 (BSS/AFP) - Talks to end the war in Ukraine have made "a lot of progress" and are "down to one issue" between Kyiv and Moscow, US special envoy Steve Witkoff said on Thursday ahead of a trip to Russia. "I think we've got it down to one issue, and we have discussed iterations of that issue, and that means it's solvable. President Donald Trump's envoy, who will travel to Moscow later on Thursday with the US leader's son-in-law Jared Kushner, did not give further details. Meanwhile, Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky are due to meet in Davos on Thursday. Trump repeated on Wednesday his oft-stated belief that Putin and Zelensky were close to a deal.

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Finance Adviser Dr Salehuddin Ahmed -File photoDHAKA, Jan 22, 2026 (BSS) - Finance Adviser Dr Salehuddin Ahmed today said that a comprehensive reform of the country’s banking sector is unavoidable and critically important for safeguarding macroeconomic stability, restoring discipline in financial institutions, and ensuring sustainable growth. The Finance Adviser said this while addressing at a MTB-FE Roundtable as the chief guest on ‘Banking Sector Reforms’ held at a hotel in the capital today. Referring to recent legislative initiatives, he said the government has already taken steps to strengthen the legal framework governing the financial sector. Concluding his remarks, the Adviser said banking sector reform is not optional but a national necessity. “The banking sector is the backbone of the economy.

We want to play T20 WC but not in India: BulbulBangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) President Aminul Islam Bulbul-File photoDHAKA, Jan 22, 2026 (BSS) - Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) President Aminul Islam Bulbul reiterated the government’s stance on refusing to play the upcoming T20 World Cup in India, insisting that Bangladesh remains firm on its position. Our only demand is to play the World Cup — but not in India,” Bulbul said today. Our team is ready.”Bulbul said he would contact the ICC later today to further explain why playing in India is not possible. “We are trying our best to play the World Cup but not in India because the security situation there has not changed. “We feel proud of our cricket, but we have doubts about world cricket.

Kusal Mendis. Photo: CollectedCOLOMBO, Jan 22, 2026 (BSS/AFP) - Kusal Mendis played the anchor role with a surgeon's touch as Sri Lanka posted a competitive 271 for six after opting to bat first in the opening one-day international against England at Colombo's R. Premadasa Stadium on Thursday. The wicketkeeper batter was left stranded on 93, but his knock proved the glue that held Sri Lanka's innings together after the top order wobbled against England's spin. At 124 for four, with leg-spinners Rehan Ahmed and Adil Rashid asking probing questions, Sri Lanka were staring down the barrel. Sri Lanka were hardly complaining as the last over from Jamie Overton disappeared for 23 runs, Wellalage launching three fours and a six in a blistering cameo of 25 not out from 12 balls.

DHAKA, Jan 22, 2026 (BSS) - The Bangladesh Women's team confirmed the Super Six phase of the ICC T20 World Cup Qualifiers after crushing Namibia by 80 runs at Tribhuvan University International Cricket Ground, Kirtipur in Nepal today. The victory was their third on the trot, having defeated USA by 21 runs and Papua New Guinea by 30 runs in the first two matches. No Bangladesh batter, however, could reach even a fifty but small contribution from all helped them put up a challenging total. The top three teams from Group A will advance to the Super Six stage, where they will face the top three sides from Group B. The top four teams from the Super Six will qualify for the ICC Women's T20 World Cup to be held in England and Wales in June-July this year.

A Dhaka court has granted police six days to interrogate Faisal Rubel Ahmed, a close associate of Faisal Karim Masud—the prime suspect in the murder of Inqilab Moncho leader Sharif Osman bin Hadi. Hadi, convenor of the Inqilab Moncho and a prospective candidate, rose to prominence during the July Uprising and the movement to ban the Awami League. Inqilab Moncho’s member secretary filed the case over Hadi’s murder. On Jan 6, police submitted the chargesheet in the murder case accusing 17 suspects, including former Chaatra League activist Faisal Karim Masud. Police said Hadi’s murder was politically motivated.

The Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) has prosecuted Liaquat Ali Khan Mukul, chairman of Rupayan Real Estate Limited, on charges of illegally obtaining land-use clearance, special project approval, and design and construction permits in violation of a court-imposed stay. The project of the real estate company involved government property and privately owned land. ACC Director General Md Akhtar Hossain revealed the developments at a press conference at the anti-graft agency’s headquarters on Thursday. ACC Deputy Director Afia Khatun filed the case at the commission’s Integrated District Office in Dhaka, he said. The case has been filed against 43 people, including several senior officials of the Rupayan housing company and employees of the Rajdhani Unnayan Kartripakkah.

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* IMPACTS...The strong winds and weight of snow on tree limbs may down power lines and could cause sporadic power outages. Significant ice accumulation on power lines and tree limbs may cause widespread and long-lasting power outages. Expect power outages and tree damage due to the ice. PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS... Have an emergency kit ready in case of power outages. Take a winter storm kit along with you, including such items as tire chains, booster cables, flashlight, shovel, blankets and extra clothing.

DHAKA, Jan 22, 2026 (BSS) - The government today said it recruited 3,263 doctors officers under a special BSC exam for the health cadre. A Public Administration Ministry statement said the Bangladesh Civil Service (BCS) health cadre officers were recruited at the entry level through the 48th BCS (Special) examination-2025. It said 2,984 of the officers were recruited as assistant surgeons 279 people as assistant dental surgeons. If a probation officer is considered unfit to continue in the service during that period, he or she may be removed from the service in consultation with Bangladesh Public Service Commission (BPSC). As per the notification, the government recruited 279 people as assistant dental surgeon and 2,984 as assistant surgeon under BCS (Health) cadre.

Nearly 59 per cent of the BNP’s candidates contesting in the parliamentary polls have outstanding loans, according to Transparency International Bangladesh (TIB). According to the data presented, a total of 51 political parties are taking part in the national election, with 1,981 candidates in the final race. The TIB report notes that nearly 25.5 per cent of all candidates in the election carry some form of debt or liability. Legal shadows also loom over the race, with 530 candidates -- representing 22.66 per cent -- currently facing active court cases. The total declared electoral expenditure for all candidates stands at Tk 4.64 billion, with an average spending of Tk 2.25 million per person.

Barca star Pedri out for month with hamstring injuryPedri Gonzalez. Photo: CollectedBARCELONA, Jan 22, 2026 (BSS/AFP) - Barcelona midfielder Pedri Gonzalez is set for a month out with a hamstring injury, the Spanish champions said on Thursday. Pedri went off hurt in the second half of the 4-2 win at Slavia Prague in the Champions League on Wednesday. "Tests taken this morning have confirmed that first team player Pedri has a muscular injury in his right hamstring," said Barca in a statement. Should Barca beat second-tier Albacete in the Copa del Rey on February 3, Pedri would also be out for the first leg of the semi-finals the following week.