HASAKEH, Syria, Feb 2, 2026 (BSS/AFP) - Syrian government security forces entered the Kurdish stronghold of Hasakeh city on Monday, AFP correspondents said, under an integration deal agreed with the Kurds last week. An AFP correspondent saw a convoy of security force vehicles cross a Kurdish forces checkpoint into the northeastern city, as part of Friday's agreement to gradually integrate the Kurds' military and civilian institutions into the state.
SEOUL, Feb 2, 2026 (BSS/AFP) - Critics and fans welcomed South Korea's first major Grammy win for the song "Golden", from the hit animated film "KPop Demon Hunters", describing it on Monday as a breakthrough for the genre. Music columnist Kim Do-hoon told AFP that the Grammys had long sidelined K-pop because of what he said was its "cookie-cutter format". "The Grammys have traditionally placed strong emphasis on musical quality -- an area in which K-pop is not widely recognised," he said. "They are also known for avoiding heavily produced music, which is often the case with K-pop artists," Kim said. South Korea has won Grammys in the past in the technical and classical categories, but the award for 'Golden' was the first for a K-pop production.
A tribunal is set to frame charges on Feb 17 in a crimes against humanity case over the murder of Imam Hasan Tayem in Dhaka’s Jatrabari during the July Uprising. The other two members of the bench are retired district and sessions judge Md Manjurul Bashid and District and Sessions Judge Nur Mohammad Shahriar Kabir. Advocate Abul Hasan represented the accused during the hearing. State-appointed lawyers M Hasan Imam and Lokman Hawlader represented the nine absconding suspects. After the hearing, the tribunal set Feb 17 for the decision.
If the election is fair and peaceful, the Sheaf of Paddy symbol will win by a huge margin,” he said. Later, starting from Bheripara intersection, he carried out door-to-door campaigning in favor of the Sheaf of Paddy symbol, accompanied by party leaders and activists. The area echoed with slogans supporting the Sheaf of Paddy symbol. He distributed leaflets to local voters and passersby, urging them to vote for the Sheaf of Paddy symbol. Speaking as the chief guest, Dr Jahangir said the ‘Yes’ vote represents a struggle to free Bangladesh from domination and authoritarianism.
Police have arrested Biman Bangladesh Airlines Managing Director and CEO Shafiqur Rahman, his wife Bithi, and two others in connection with allegations of torturing a minor house helpThe arrests were made on Sunday night from Shafiqur’s residence in Sector 9 of Uttara in the capital. Uttara West Police Station Officer-in-Charge Kazi Rafiq Ahmed confirmed the arrests to Dhaka Tribune, saying the case was filed under the Women and Children Repression Prevention Act, 2000. According to police sources, the minor who had been employed at the Biman MD’s residence and was allegedly subjected to physical abuse over an extended period. The case was filed following a complaint by the victim’s family. The two other arrestees are two other house help of the residence.
Ameer of Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami Dr. Shafiqur Rahman said that Jamaat-e-Islami will ensure dignified employment opportunities for the country’s youth. “This election is not merely about a change of power; it is an election to change the direction of the nation. Whoever it may be in this country—an MP, a minister, or even the prime minister—if they commit a crime, we want to ensure they are brought to justice.”He said, “Cox’s Bazar is a region with immense potential. If its natural and economic resources are properly utilized, the area can be developed into one of the country’s major growth hubs. “We do not seek victory for Jamaat-e-Islami; rather, we seek the victory of the country’s 180 million people.
The Anti-Discrimination Student Movement has announced a nationwide campaign in support of the “Yes” vote in the referendum scheduled for February 12. In such a situation, he said, ensuring a victory for the “Yes” vote in the referendum has become an urgent necessity. Rifat Rashid also said: “If the ‘Yes’ vote does not win, there will be no moral or political basis to compel a future government to pursue reforms. On February 4, a “Yes Rally” will take place at 11am in Rajshahi, followed by a program at 3pm. On the same day, similar meetings will be held at 5pm in Barisal, followed by a “Yes Rally” at 7:30pm.
Photo exhibition on Khaleda Zia's active life begins in Ctg. Barrister Helal Uddin praised Begum Khaleda Zia for her unwavering leadership in the fight for democracy and the rights of the people. The photo exhibition showcases various aspects of Begum Khaleda Zia's life and political career, tracing her journey from a regular housewife to a three-time Prime Minister. The exhibition features over a hundred rare photographs capturing different moments from her family and political life. The Bogura Media and Cultural Society organised a photo exhibition in 12 districts across the country in the first phase, showcasing the life of Begum Khaleda Zia.
Iran president orders talks with US as Trump hopeful of dealPARIS, France, Feb 2, 2026 (BSS/AFP) - Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian has ordered the start of nuclear talks with the United States, local media said Monday, after US leader Donald Trump said he was hopeful of a deal to avert military action against the Islamic republic. While piling pressure on Iran, Trump has maintained he is hopeful of making a deal and Tehran has also insisted it wants diplomacy while vowing an unbridled response to any aggression. "President Pezeshkian has ordered the opening of talks with the United States," the news agency Fars reported on Monday, citing an unnamed government source. "Iran and the United States will hold talks on the nuclear file," Fars said, without specifying a date. Trump had warned "time is running out" for Iran to reach a deal on its nuclear programme, which the West believes is aimed at making an atomic bomb.
Professor Dr. Ali Riaz, Special Assistant to the Chief Adviser, spoke as the chief guest at a meeting titled "Public Awareness Campaign on the Referendum-2026" held at the Senate Building of RU. Photo: BSSRAJSHAHI, Feb 2, 2026 (BSS)- The "July National Charter" is not merely adocument, it is a roadmap for Bangladesh's future, as it has been written inexchange for the blood of young people, said Professor Dr. Ali Riaz, SpecialAssistant to the Chief Adviser. He stated that through the implementation of this charter, the foundation ofan accountable and democratic system of governance will be furtherstrengthened. Prof Ali Riaz said Bangladesh's youth continue their struggle with the goalof ensuring that future generations can live in an accountable democraticstate system. Teachers and students of the university, representatives from variousprofessions, and workers involved with the referendum were present at theexchange meeting.
A land lease agreement was signed today between the Bangladesh Economic ZonesAuthority (BEZA) and BRIC at the BEZA Office in the city, said a pressrelease. Executive Member (Investment Development) and Additional Secretary of BEZASaleh Ahmed and Director and Vice President of BRIC Mishal Karim signed theagreement on behalf of their respective organisations. Under the agreement, BRIC will be allotted five acres of land to set up amodern, export-oriented, and eco-friendly industrial unit. While catering to the internal market, BRIC intends to export 15 percent ofits produced goods to international markets. The Jamalpur Economic Zone is the first government-owned economic zone in theMymensingh Division, spanning 436 acres.
DHAKA, Feb 2, 2026 (BSS)- After nearly one and half month recess, theFederation Cup football resumes tomorrow (Tuesday) with two matches will beheld at two separate venues across the country. The all orange Gopibagh outfit Brothers Union Club stands top of the tablefrom group A with four points from two matches while PWD following themclosely with three points playing one match. Earlier, Brothers Union Club played goalless with Rahmatganj in their groupopening match and beat Abahani Limited by 1-0 goal in their second match. Abahani Limited beat Fakirerpool Young Men's Club by 4-2 in their openinggroup match but they lost to Brothers Union Club by 1-0 goal. Rahmatganjplayed out a goalless tie with Brothers Union Club in their opening groupmatch.
The Dhaka education board on Monday extended the form fill-up deadline for the Secondary School Certificate (SSC) examination by four more days, an official release said. According to the new schedule, examinees will be able to fill out their forms with the late fees until February 5 next. The release said students can pay the late fee through the mobile app of Sonali Bank Limited, "Sonali Seba". Heads of all educational institutions under the Dhaka Education Board have been directed to complete the form fill-up process for their students within the stipulated time.
TAURUS (April 20-May 20): The vibe at home should have settled since yesterday, making it a better place to restore inner calm. If it needs to be said, get it said today or tomorrow, by later Wednesday, Universal stars begin to sink. PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20): Staying in routines can help everything get done, disruption can help with boredom but may not move any mountains. BIRTHDAY STAR: Actor Zosia Mamet was born in Randolph, Vermont, on this date in 1988. Actor Zosia Mamet is 38.
DHAKA, Feb 02, 2026 (BSS) – Bangladesh’s export earnings recorded a significant double-digit month-on-month growth of 11.22 percent in January 2026, reflecting a positive shift in trade momentum despite persistent global economic challenges. According to the latest trade data, export earnings for January 2026 reached US$4,413.65 million, compared to $3,968.28 million in December 2025. The Ready-Made Garments (RMG) sector maintained its role as the primary driver of the nation's exports, contributing $22,980.20 million during the July–January period. Leather and Leather Goods, Jute and Jute Goods, Home Textiles, Plastic and Plastic Goods, and Light Engineering all registered growth on both a year-on-year and month-on-month basis. Exports to the U.S. grew by 1.64 percent for the period and saw a 2.24 percent increase on a month-on-month basis.
