Bangladesh has reaffirmed its firm support for Somalia’s sovereignty and territorial integrity at an extraordinary meeting of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) convened to address recent regional developments. “Bangladesh aligns itself fully with the collective resolve of the OIC to uphold international law, respect for sovereignty and territorial integrity of Member States, and the unity and solidarity of the Muslim world,” said the adviser. During his intervention, Adviser Hossain urged the OIC to categorically reject and condemn Israel’s recognition of the so-called “Somaliland” and reaffirm, in the strongest possible terms, its full and unwavering support for Somalia’s sovereignty and territorial integrity. He further underscored that the sovereignty of OIC Member States is non-negotiable, stressing those illegal negotiations will not be tolerated and that justice, international law and multilateralism must prevail over unilateralism and coercion. The meeting also reaffirmed continued solidarity with the Palestinian people and reiterated the centrality of the Palestinian cause to the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation.

The 24th Dhaka International Film Festival (DIFF 2026) began on Sunday and will continue until January 18, 2026, marking the start of one of the most prestigious international cultural events in Bangladesh. This year’s festival is being held at multiple venues in Dhaka, including Alliance Française de Dhaka, Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy, Bangladesh National Museum and Stamford University Bangladesh. The festival screenings at Stamford University were formally inaugurated by the Vice-Chancellor (Acting) of the university, Prof Dr Md Younus Mia. It is worth mentioning that the main inauguration ceremony of the 24th Dhaka International Film Festival was held on Saturday at 4pm at the auditorium of the Bangladesh National Museum. The Dhaka International Film Festival, organized regularly by Rainbow Film Society since 1977, is recognized as the most prestigious international film festival in Bangladesh and plays a significant role in promoting world cinema and cultural exchange.

Pope Leo XIV. Photo: CollectedVATICAN CITY, Jan 11, 2026 (BSS/AFP) - Pope Leo XIV offered prayers for those killed in protests in Iran and in the conflict in Syria during his weekly Angelus prayer on Sunday, calling for dialogue and peace. "My thoughts turn to what is happening these days in the Middle East, particularly in Iran and Syria, where persistent tensions are causing the deaths of many people. I hope and pray for the patient cultivation of dialogue and peace, for the common good of society as a whole," he said.

Mitchell lifts New Zealand to 300-8 in ODI opener against IndiaDaryl Mitchell. Photo: CollectedVADODARA, India, Jan 11, 2026 (BSS/AFP) - Daryl Mitchell hit an attacking 84 to steer New Zealand to 300-8 despite regular strikes by India in the first match of their one-day international series on Sunday. New Zealand slipped again when Kuldeep Yadav sent Glenn Phillips back for 12 and Krishna bowled Mitchell Hay for 18. The in-form Mitchell stood firm to raise his fourth 60-plus score in his past five ODI innings, including two centuries. But Mitchell kept up the attack and he hit Krishna for two fours and a six before the bowler had him lbw in the 48th over.

Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) Chairman Dr Mohammad Abdul Momen on Sunday said he does not want to see individuals who own assets not disclosed in their election affidavits as future rulers of the country. He made the remarks while responding to a question at the founding anniversary program of Reporters Against Corruption (RAC), the association of journalists covering the ACC beat. ACC Commissioner Mian Mohammad Ali Akbar Azizi, Brigadier General (retd) Hafiz Ahsan Farid and Secretary Mohammad Khaled Rahim were also present. Expressing his expectations regarding the country’s future, the ACC chairman said ensuring good governance and justice for all remains the commission’s goal. We expect that those who will govern in the future must be righteous and committed to justice,” he said.

Injured Pant ruled out of ODIs against New ZealandVADODARA, India, Jan 11, 2026 (BSS/AFP) - India's Rishabh Pant has been ruled out of the three one-day internationals against New Zealand starting Sunday in Vadodara because of a side strain sustained in training. The wicketkeeper-batsman will be replaced in the squad by Dhruv Jurel. "Pant has been diagnosed with a side strain (oblique muscle tear) and is subsequently ruled out of the ODI Series," said the Board of Control for Cricket in IndiaThe series will be followed by five T20s ahead of the T20 World Cup in India and Sri Lanka between February 7 and March 8. Pant, back-up wicketkeeper in the ODI squad to KL Rahul, is not in India's T20 World Cup squad.

Chief Adviser’s Press Secretary Shafiqul Alam has said that the government will campaign for the referendum as there is no legal barrier to doing so. During the meeting, the chief adviser said the interim government will campaign for a “Yes” vote after legal experts confirmed there is no legal barrier. Shafiqul Alam said the meeting focused on the referendum, not Awami League participation, as the EU stressed the importance of a “Yes” vote and nationwide monitoring. Quoting the chief adviser, the press secretary said that he assured the European Union that the upcoming election and referendum would be conducted in a very orderly manner. The Chief Adviser also said that the interim government and the Election Commission are fully prepared to ensure the smooth conduct of both the election and the referendum.

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Health officials on Sunday said they recorded 52 fresh cases of dengue onslaughts in the past 24 hours. "We recorded 52 fresh cases of dengue onslaughts in 24 hours ending at 8 am today," a spokesman of Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS) said. Since the start of the dengue onslaughts Bangladesh this year the disease inflicted 577 people. The dengue last year claimed 413 lives and inflicted 1,02,861 people in the country. Besides, the dengue claimed 575 lives and inflicted 1,01,214 people in 2024.

Venezuelan lawmaker Nicolas Maduro Guerra said on Saturday that his father, President Nicolas Maduro, sent a message through his lawyers saying he is in good condition and remains resolute while being held in the United States. Maduro Guerra said his father remains unbroken, adding that the government and its supporters “are united and standing firm.”“The strength of Chavismo lies in unity. Venezuela’s acting president, Delcy Rodriguez, on Saturday pledged to secure the return of Maduro and his wife. Speaking at a community event in Miranda state, Rodriguez said there was no uncertainty about Venezuela’s leadership or governing program. The Venezuelan people are in charge, and there is a government, that of President Nicolas Maduro,” she said, calling for unity to guarantee peace, stability and the country’s future.

But Waseem made 87 not out and Shanto struck 76 off 42 with six fours andfour sixes to lead the side to the victory with five balls to spare, reaching179-3. The victory took Rajshahi to second spot in the point table with 10 pointsfrom seven matches. Chasing the target, Rajshahi lost Tanzid Hasan Tamim cheaply before Waseemand Shanto put on 142-run partnership for the second wicket to edge the sidecloser to a victory. Mustafizur Rahman broke the partnership by dismissing Shanto but Waseem stoodtall to help the side race to the victory without any fuss. After this defeat, Rangpur moved down to third spot with eight points fromseven matches.

"The probability of a full restoration of pre-war economic relations between Russia and the EU within the next ten years is close to zero. According to the economist, the Russian economy and budget system have already adapted to the severing of old ties. "New logistics routes and sales markets established in Turkey, the UAE, India, China, and African countries have partially compensated for the losses. Further development of these eastern and southern axes is now considered a strategic priority," he noted. Despite the bleak outlook for Russia-EU relations, targeted, controlled, and pragmatic cooperation on specific, technically complex issues remains possible.

Prof Yunus to work on healthcare, youth development, 'Three Zero' agenda after pollsAkie Abe, head of Foundation for Encouragement of Social Contribution today met with Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus at the State Guest House Jamuna. Photo: CA's Press WingDHAKA, Jan 11, 2026 (BSS) - Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus today said that his post-election work would focus primarily on three areas - digital healthcare development, youth development and "Three Zero" agenda. First, he will work on digital healthcare development so that women and vulnerable groups in the country can gain greater access to the healthcare system. Secondly, he will continue his longstanding work on youth development, particularly in nurturing young entrepreneurs. Thirdly, the Chief Adviser said, he will continue his ongoing work related to the "Three Zero" agenda, which he has been pursuing previously.

Publish : 11 Jan 2026, 17:43Nepal’s former king Gyanendra Shah has expressed concern over the state of the country four months after a youth-led uprising toppled the previous government. Shah suspended the constitution and dissolved parliament in 2005, triggering a democratic uprising in which a Maoist insurgency sided with Nepal’s political establishment to orchestrate huge street protests. That eventually precipitated the end of the conflict, with parliament voting in 2008 to abolish Nepal’s 240-year-old Hindu monarchy. Public support for restoration of the monarchy has grown in tandem withdissatisfaction over political instability, corruption and slow economic development. “We will have no country if there is no king,” said Dhurba Raj Giri, 70, a farmer.

Commerce Adviser Sk Bashir Uddin t. File photoDHAKA, Jan 11, 2026 (BSS) - Commerce Adviser Sk Bashir Uddin today said that the government is implementing comprehensive reforms to trade policies and commercial laws to foster a more liberalized, inclusive, and justice-based economic environment. The government is currently finalizing changes to the Import Policy Order (IPO) aimed at simplifying trade operations, he said. “These reforms focus on easing transaction instruments and aligning conformity assessment requirements with international standards to which Bangladesh is a signatory. Addressing trade relations with India, Bashir stated that daily bilateral incidents generally do not impact broader trade dynamics. In anticipation of the upcoming month of Ramadan, the adviser announced that a stakeholder meeting is scheduled for January 19.