Photo: TexworldDHAKA, Jan 08, 2026 (BSS) - Bangladesh is preparing to showcase its industrial strength on the global stage with 15 exhibitors confirmed for Texworld USA – New York, scheduled for January 20–22, 2026. Held at the Javits Convention Center, this event is recognized as one of the largest and most influential textile sourcing exhibitions on the U.S. East Coast, said a press release. Under the EPB’s banner, 14 leading Bangladeshi companies will participate, including M&A Composite Ltd, Golden Tex, Blue Apparel, Hera Sweaters, PM Sourcing, Excom Fashion, AB Apparels, and Design Sourcing International Corp. For Bangladesh—a nation already globally recognized for its dominance in ready-made garments and fabric exports—this event serves as a "powerful gateway". It offers local manufacturers the opportunity to forge new international partnerships, gain insights into current trend cycles, and align with global sustainable sourcing trends.

PATUAKHALI, Jan 8, 2026 (BSS) - A battery-run auto-rickshaw driver was killed and two passengers were seriously injured after a goods-laden truck ran over the auto-rickshaw in Bauphal upazila of the district today. The accident occurred around 7:00 pm today on the Bauphal-Dashmina road in front of Panchayet Bari Mosque at Kalaiya Union of the upazila. Local people rescued the injured from the spot and took them to Bauphal Upazila Health Complex. Emergency department physician Dr Nurjahan of Bauphal Upazila Health Complex said the auto-rickshaw driver Md Motaleb Munshi had died before being brought to the hospital. Officer-in-Charge (OC) of Bauphal Police Station Md Siddiqur Rahman said police were sent to the spot after receiving the news of the accident.

The case has been lodged against five individuals - Alif Industries Chairman Md. The case was filed with Gulshan Police Station on January 7, 2026, under Sections 4(2) and 4(4) of the Money Laundering Prevention Act, 2012, against the accused directors and concerned officials. Special police super of CID, media, Md Jasim Uddin Khan confirmed filing the case. At the current market rate of Tk 122 per US dollar, the amount stands at around Tk 29.77 billion. The investigation found evidence of discrepancies in both price and quantity of imported goods, leading to significant financial losses for the state through misuse of foreign currency and money laundering.

Glenn on course for Olympic berth at US Figure Skating championshipsLOS ANGELES, United States, Jan 8, 2026 (BSS/AFP) - Amber Glenn upstaged world champion Alysa Liu with a record score to take the lead after the women's short program at the US Figure Skating Championships in St Louis on Wednesday. The 26-year-old two-time US champion leads world champion Liu, on 81.11, with Isabeau Levito in third. Glenn said her performance had been inspired by the memory of her grandmother Barbara, who passed away in February last year. "For some reason I just felt my grandma with me today, and that meant a lot," Glenn said. While Efimova and Mitrofanov look poised to retain their US crown, the duo are sweating on their eligibility for a place at the Olympics.

DHAKA, Jan 08, 2026 (BSS) - Bangladesh Bank (BB) today purchased US$206 million from 15 commercial banks through multiple auction methods as part of its ongoing strategy to curb the depreciation of the US dollar against the taka and revitalise the remittance and export sectors. According to central bank data, it bought dollars today at the rate of Tk 122.30. Accordingly, total purchases stood at $617 million in January 2026 and $3,752.50 million in FY 2025–26 to date.

The interim government has amended an ordinance to include a retired chief justice as a member of the Supreme Court Secretariat Commission. The announcement was made on Thursday at the Foreign Service Academy by Chief Advisor’s Press Secretary Shafiqul Alam, who briefed the media on decisions taken at the Advisory Council meeting, bdnews24.com reports. “A Supreme Court Secretariat Commission will be formed,” he said. From now on, a retired chief justice will also be included as a member.”The Supreme Court Secretariat Ordinance, 2025 was issued on Nov 30 to establish a separate secretariat ensuring the full independence of the judiciary. The ordinance lists the members of the commission.

469 appeals filed with EC in four days over nomination decisionsFile photo. With this, the total number of appeals filed over the past four days has reached 469, EC officials said. Of the 174 appeals filed on Thursday, 164 were against rejection of nomination papers, while 10 were against acceptance of nomination papers. Earlier, 131 appeals were filed on Wednesday, while 122 appeals were lodged on Tuesday, the second day, against returning officers' decisions on acceptance and rejection of nominations. EC officials said appeals against acceptance and rejection of nomination papers can be filed until 5:00 pm tomorrow.

During the operations, the River Police recovered a total of 4,56,24,465 meters of banned illegal fishing nets, 3,915 kg of fish, 50,000 fish fry, and 1,120 kg of jellied shrimp, said a press release of the force. In addition, 456 bushes used for illegal fishing activities were destroyed from rivers across the country. These include 53 cases under the Fisheries Act, 10 under the Reckless Speeding Act, six cases of unintentional death, two narcotics cases, and one case each under the Naval Accident Act, River Pollution Act, extortion, Marine Fisheries Act, and murder, along with four Sand Mahal cases. The River Police stated that the seized illegal nets and jellied shrimp were destroyed in accordance with the law. The River Police have said such operations will continue to safeguard aquatic resources and maintain law and order on the country’s waterways.

Australia sealed a thumping 4-1 Ashes win over England with a five-wicket victory in the final Test at Sydney on Thursday. England came to Australia with genuine hopes of a first away Ashes series win since 2010-11 with their aggressive "Bazball" approach. McCullum to face musicMcCullum leaves Australia with serious questions over whether he should keep his job, although Stokes is almost certainly safe. Australia depthAustralia's superior bowling depth was on full display during the series, with even a depleted attack able to wrestle England into submission. Stokes admitted they were outplayed by Australia's attack, crediting their "amazing execution" with the ball as key to the series result.

Devotees gather at Rajban Vihar to celebrate 107th birth anniversary of revered monk Bana Bhante. Photo : BSSRANGAMATI, Jan 8, 2026 (BSS) – Thousands of devotees from different communities thronged Rajban monastery (vihar) in Rangamati today to observe the 107th birth anniversary of the most revered Buddhist monk, arahant and enlightened one Sreemat Sadhanananda Mahasthabir widely known as Bana Bhante. General Secretary of the Rajban Vihar Management Committee Amiya Khisa told BSS that a seven-day-long programme has been chalked out marking the occasion. BNP leader Dipen Dewan, Buddhist monks and thousands of devotees attended the programmes, praying for, amity, compassion peace and prosperity of the nation as well as global peace. Bana Bhante was born on January 8, 1920, in Rangamati and attained the great passing away (Mohaparinirvana) on January 30, 2012, at the age of around 93.

Forest officials rescue trapped deer in Sundarbans during historic trap-removal operation ensuring wildlife safety. Photo : BSSBAGERHAT, Jan 8, 2026 (BSS) - Forest officials today rescued and released a live deer that had been caught in a trap in the Charaputia area of the Sundarbans. A forest team conducted a trap-removal drive in the area, during which the trapped deer was spotted. According to officials, forest guards are conducting risky foot patrols in their respective jurisdictions to prevent deer poaching in the Sundarbans. East Sundarbans Divisional Forest Officer Md Rezaul Karim Chowdhury told BSS that such a massive and challenging trap-removal operation had never been carried out before in the history of the Sundarbans.

Chief of the European Union (EU) Election Observation Mission to Bangladesh, Ivars Ijabs, on Thursday said there will be some 200 EU observers in Bangladesh to monitor the upcoming national election and referendum, focusing on the free, fair, and credible balloting. “But now we have just started with our mission,” Ivars Ijabs said. Noting that the initial team is smaller, he said the team is composed of those who are long-term observers. Ivars Ijabs said Bangladesh is a beautiful country with a very pluralistic and diverse society. “The Bangladesh Election Commission told us that these are really a very historic and important election, taking into account what happened in August of 2024 right now,” he added.

A total of 35 people were hospitalized with dengue across the country in the last 24 hours, while no death from the mosquito-borne disease was reported during the period. According to the bulletin, among the newly hospitalized patients, nine were admitted in Barisal division (outside city corporation areas), four in Chittagong division (outside city corporation areas), one in Dhaka division (outside city corporation areas), six in Dhaka North City Corporation, seven in Dhaka South City Corporation, five in Khulna division (outside city corporation areas), one in Mymensingh division (outside city corporation areas) and two in Rajshahi division (outside city corporation areas). During the same period, 71 dengue patients were discharged from hospitals. With this, a total of 257 patients have been released from hospitals so far this year. Meanwhile, from January 1 to December 31, 2025, a total of 1,02,861 dengue cases were reported in the country, with 413 deaths.

Bangladesh and the European Union have concluded negotiations on the Framework Agreement on Comprehensive Partnership and Cooperation (PCA) following the fifth round of talks in Dhaka and Sylhet on 7–8 January. Both sides agreed on the contents of the proposed treaty during the discussions, with a three-member EU delegation currently visiting Bangladesh for this purpose. EU Ambassador Michael Miller and senior EU officials participated in the talks both in person and virtually. Earlier on January 7, the EU delegation paid courtesy calls on the Chief Adviser and the Foreign Affairs Adviser. The Chief Adviser reaffirmed Bangladesh’s commitment to free, fair, and peaceful elections, while the Foreign Affairs Adviser highlighted the country’s preference for constructive engagement with the EU.

DHAKA, Jan 8, 2026 (BSS) - Sylhet Titans put up a commanding 180 for 6, thanks to a blitzkrieg in the final overs against Dhaka Capitals in their crucial Bangladesh Premier League (BPL) match at the Sylhet International Cricket Stadium today. The late onslaught from England recruit Moeen Ali was instrumental in turning a modest total into a challenging one. Put into bat first, Sylhet got a solid start from openers Parvez Hossain Emon and Tawfique Khan, who added 48 runs in the first six overs. Tawfique was dismissed for 17 just after the first power-play, but Emon and Ariful Islam kept the scoreboard moving. Ziaur Rahman finished with 3 for 35 to emerge as the pick of the bowlers for Dhaka.