On December 29, Bangladesh Bank had issued a circular allowing a maximum 270-day deferred payment facility for the import of industrial raw materials. With the latest decision, LPG imports have now been brought under the same facility. Industry insiders believe the decision will help reduce immediate foreign exchange pressure linked to LPG imports and lower the risk of supply disruptions in the domestic market. In this context, the government had recommended that Bangladesh Bank facilitate LPG imports, sources said. The circular, issued by Bangladesh Bank’s Foreign Exchange Policy Department-1, was signed by the department Director Md Harun-or-Rashid.

Bangladesh is set to achieve a milestone in institutionalizing its growing freelancing sector as the country’s first national digital platform for freelancer registration and ID card management, freelancers.gov.bd, will be formally inaugurated on Tuesday. The platform’s security and technical capabilities have been successfully verified through VAPT (Vulnerability Assessment and Penetration Testing), said a press release of the Ministry of Posts, Telecommunications and Information Technology on Monday. Implemented by the Information and Communication Technology Division (ICT Division) and the Department of ICT, the platform will allow freelancers in the country, for the first time, to obtain a government-recognized digital identification card (Freelancer ID Card). Through this ID card, registered freelancers will have easier access to banking services, loans and credit facilities, financial incentives, and various government and private training opportunities. The freelancers.gov.bd platform will also serve as a national freelancer database, maintaining updated information on the number of freelancers, their skills, types of work, and market trends.

In a country where the default approach is often to shy away from acknowledging failure, such honesty is welcome. Police reform remains among the most critical steps for the future health of the nation - and is a step that cannot be left to the police alone. At the same time, a functional nation requires a police force that protects citizens, not intimidates them. One that upholds the rule of law, not bends it to expediency and that earns trust through fairness, dignity, and accountability. Without such a force, progress and the very foundation of creating a democratic nation remains a distant dream.

Khulna University administration has suspended Professor Dr Rubel Ansar of the Bengali Department for two years following allegations of sexual harassment by a female student. According to university sources, in August last year, a female student accused Professor Rubel Ansar of indecent behavior, sexual harassment, and proposing an unethical relationship. On December 26, the Sexual Harassment Prevention Center of the university submitted two separate reports to the committee. Professor Dr SM Mahbubur Rahman said the syndicate, based on the committee’s recommendations, decided to relieve Professor Rubel Ansar from one of the allegations. When contacted, Professor Rubel Ansar said he had received the university’s letter and would comment on the matter later.

Canada has said it remains steadfast in its support for efforts to advance accountability, dignity and justice for the Rohingya. The discussion focused on the long-standing persecution and violence faced by the Rohingya in Myanmar, their ongoing struggle for rights and justice, and the importance of international accountability, said the high commission on Monday. The Rohingya representatives expressed their appreciation for Canada’s support, including support to ensure the Rohingya victims' voices are heard in the landmark ICJ case. The High Commissioner acknowledged their courage in testifying and reaffirmed Canada’s commitment to human rights, accountability and international justice. Bangladesh is currently hosting over 1.3 million Rohingya in Cox’s Bazar camps and Bhasan Char.

Barcelona retained the Spanish Super Cup with an entertaining 3-2 Clasico win over Real Madrid in Saudi Arabia on Sunday. After Raphinha sent Barcelona ahead Vinicius Junior pulled Madrid level with a fine individual goal to kick-start a frenetic end to the first half in Jeddah. The battle was decided by a deflected Raphinha effort after 73 minutes, as Barca claimed the fourth trophy of coach Hansi Flick's reign. Barca thrashed Madrid 5-2 in last season's final, also at the King Abdullah Sports City stadium, but this was a far closer affair. "We're very happy, another trophy, it's always a big game against Madrid," Lewandowski told Movistar.

Scott McTominay kept Napoli in touch with Serie A leaders Inter Milan with a brace in Sunday's entertaining 2-2 draw at the San Siro, after AC Milan were held to a 1-1 draw at Fiorentina. Instead Inter stay three points ahead of their local rivals, with Roma in fourth and level on 39 points with Napoli who were saved by a stellar performance from McTominay. Calhanoglu's spot-kick, rattled in off the post past penalty specialist Vanja Milinkovic-Savic, seemed to be the decisive blow with Inter in the ascendency and Napoli livid. For Inter it was another missed opportunity in a big match, with just one point collected from their four fixtures played against Napoli, Milan and fifth-placed Juve who face Cremonese on Monday. Fiorentina are two points behind Genoa who sit just outside the relegation zone and host Cagliari on Monday evening.

Over 5.5 lakh Ansar men to be deployed in upcoming election: Home AdviserHome Affairs Adviser Lieutenant General (Retd.) The adviser said a total of 555,958 Ansar-VDP members will be deployed at 42,766 polling stations during the elections, with 13 members assigned to each centre. In addition, 1,191 Ansar Battalion striking force teams, comprising 11,910 members, will be deployed nationwide to strengthen overall election security. The Home Adviser instructed Ansar members to strictly avoid any immoral, biased or irresponsible conduct that could disrupt or influence the electoral process. They included 15 officers of the 41st BCS Ansar Cadre, 88 Upazila Trainers, 1,100 members of the 26th Ansar Battalion and 2,124 members of the 27th Ansar Battalion.

BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir today to journalists at his residence in Kalibari, Thakurgaon. Photo : BSSTHAKURGAON, Jan 12, 2026, (BSS) - Terming the withdrawal of pace bowler Mustafizur Rahman from the Indian Premier League (IPL) a humiliation for the country, BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir has backed the Bangladesh Cricket Board's firm stance on the matter. Mirza Fakhrul, a former cricketer and ex-board member, said international considerations were involved in the issue. Regarding water sharing issues, he said if BNP comes to power, due share of water will be obtained through discussions and maintaining mutual respect with India. Responding to a query, he said it is government's failure that it could not be able to recover all illegal arms and ammunitions ahead of the polls.

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JEDDAH, Saudi Arabia, Jan 12, 2026 (BSS/AFP) - Barcelona retained the Spanish Super Cup with an entertaining 3-2 Clasico win over Real Madrid in Saudi Arabia on Sunday. After Raphinha sent Barcelona ahead Vinicius Junior pulled Madrid level with a fine individual goal to kick-start a frenetic end to the first half in Jeddah. Lewandowski chipped Barca back in front but Gonzalo Garcia struck deep in stoppage time to send the teams in level at the break. Barca thrashed Madrid 5-2 in last season's final, also at the King Abdullah Sports City stadium, but this was a far closer affair. "We're very happy, another trophy, it's always a big game against Madrid," Lewandowski told Movistar.

JHENAIDAH, Jan 12, 2026 (BSS) – A motorcyclist was killed after his motorcycle went out of control and crashed into a tree in Maheshpur upazila of the district on Sunday evening. The deceased was identified as Rakibul Hasan Azad, 20, son of Abdur Rashid of Natima Bogapara village under Maheshpur upazila. According to eyewitnesses, Azad was returning home from Natima Bazar riding his motorcycle. Being informed, members of Maheshpur Fire Service and police rushed to the scene and recovered the body. Officer-in-Charge of Maheshpur Police Station Mehedi Hasan said the body was handed over to the family after completing necessary legal formalities.

DAMBULLA, Sri Lanka, Jan 12, 2026 (BSS/AFP) - Sri Lanka eked out a hard fought 14-run victory over Pakistan in the third T20 at rain-hit Dambulla on Sunday, easing their batting jitters and squaring the three-match series 1-1. In a contest trimmed to 12 overs a side, Sri Lanka muscled their way to a competitive 160 before choking Pakistan to 146-8. Having been bowled out inside 20 overs in the series opener, Sri Lanka needed a statement with the bat and duly ticked every box after being put in. But once the field spread, Sri Lanka tightened the screws, applied the choke and forced the asking rate to spiral. We know we are going to play all our World Cup games in Sri Lanka and it's important that we played in similar conditions," he added.