Indian External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar’s visit to Dhaka should not be viewed through the prism of bilateral relations or politics, Foreign Affairs Adviser Md Touhid Hossain has said, adding that whether the visit would help ease tensions between the two countries would be clear in the future. He made the remarks while responding to journalists’ questions at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Thursday. Touhid Hossain said representatives from all South Asian countries had attended the program, including the Indian foreign minister. We should not try to find more meaning than that,” he said, urging against interpreting the visit from an interstate or political perspective. Asked whether there was any private meeting with Jaishankar, the adviser said there was no scope for a one-on-one discussion.

BNP Standing Committee member Salahuddin Ahmed on Thursday said that the void and sorrow created by the death of the party's chairperson and former prime minister Begum Khaleda Zia will never be filled. Salahuddin Ahmed said, “Begum Khaleda Zia is no longer with us today, but she remains in the hearts of the people. We are anxious as to whether we can genuinely fulfill those expectations.”Following Khaleda Zia’s death, he highlighted the legal aspect of her nomination in the upcoming election. Salahuddin Ahmed stated: “Since she is no longer physically present, her legal entity ceases to exist. Salahuddin Ahmed stressed the need to keep the party united, concluding: “We must unite everyone within our limited means and lead the nation forward.

DHAKA, Jan 1, 2026 (BSS) - The Dhaka Transport Coordination Authority (DTCA) organized a workshop titled "Preparedness for Bus Sector Reform of Dhaka City" on Tuesday to outline a roadmap for transforming the city's urban mobility. Addressing the workshop, the secretary emphasized that the government is committed to a holistic reform rather than isolated solutions. He announced the drafting of the 'Bus Transport Service Operation and Special Rights (Route Franchise) Act' to eliminate unhealthy competition among operators and transition towards company-based operations. To address this, DTCA has finalized a proposal to organize bus operations into 42 routes under nine clusters, managed by 22 companies. Dr. Asif-uz-zaman Khan, Professor and Head, Urban and Regional Planning, BUET, presented the keynote paper, detailing the necessity of integrating the bus system with mass transit modes like MRT.

According to education officials, a total of 38,068 books in Chakma language, 22,535 in Marma language and 26,398 in Tripura language were distributed to different schools. In addition, 20,146 textbooks were distributed among pre-primary school students across the district. A total of 457,692 textbooks have been distributed among 706 government and non-government primary schools and 123 secondary and higher secondary schools in the district. The formal distribution of textbooks took place on Thursday morning at various educational institutions, including Khagrachhari South Khabangparia Government Primary School. Sadar Upazila Primary Education Officer Shuvashish Barua, Assistant Primary Education Officer Pranab Chakma, Head Teacher Bijoya Khisa and several guardians were present at the event.

During FY 2024–25, Biman recorded a total revenue of Tk 11,559 crore, reflecting a 9.46 percent increase compared to the previous fiscal year. The airline also achieved an operational profit of Tk 1,602 crore, while its net profit rose by 178 percent year-on-year. The airline also carried 43,918 metric tons of cargo, earning Tk 925 crore, a 45.21 percent increase from the preceding fiscal year. Additionally, Biman provided ground handling services to 31,112 flights of foreign airlines, serving more than 6.1 million passengers during the year. Biman Bangladesh Airlines, a fully self-financed state-owned enterprise, has not received any government subsidy over the past 54 years.

From January 1, 2026, the use of the CBMS software has been made mandatory for receiving and issuing all services related to Utilization Permission (UP), according to a previously issued circular of the NBR. As per the directive, all UPs are now being issued online through three Customs Bond Commissionerates under the NBR. It may be mentioned that the NBR launched the automated CBMS software on January 1, 2025, with the objective of providing all bonded warehouse-related services online. The use of the CBMS software is expected to ensure faster, more transparent and accountable delivery of Utilization Permission services. It will also eliminate the complexities of manual document submission at bond commissionerates, significantly reducing human dependency and discretionary intervention.

Official data released by the government said 243 people were executed in drug-related cases in 2025 alone, according to AFP's tally. The figures from 2025 mark the second consecutive year Saudi Arabia has set a new record for executions, after authorities executed 338 people in 2024. Saudi Arabia resumed executions for drug offences at the end of 2022, after suspending the use of the death penalty in narcotics cases for around three years. Saudi Arabia is spending big on tourist infrastructure and top sports events such as the 2034 football World Cup as it tries to diversify its oil-reliant economy. Amnesty International began documenting executions in Saudi Arabia in 1990.

Broccoli cultivation in Dumuria, Khulna. Talking to BSS, Abu Hanif said he invested about Tk 5,000 in broccoli cultivation. Broccoli can be eaten both cooked and raw," he said, adding that sulfur compounds in broccoli help reduce inflammation and support brain health. The success of broccoli cultivation in Dumuria has inspired many other farmers to take interest in growing high-value vegetables for better income and improved nutrition. Meanwhile, farmers in saline-prone areas are also showing interest in broccoli cultivation due to its higher returns compared to many conventional crops.

Primary and Mass Education Adviser Professor Bidhan Ranjan Roy Poddar spoke as the chief guest at the inaugural ceremony of the textbook distribution programme at Abul Bashar Government Primary School in Dhaka. Photo: PIDDHAKA, Jan 1, 2026 (BSS) - Primary and Mass Education Adviser Professor Bidhan Ranjan Roy Poddar today said primary-level students received 100 percent of textbooks on the first day of the new year. He said it has been possible to distribute cent percent of textbooks among the students of every government primary school in Bangladesh at the beginning of the new year. Stating that there is no alternative to quality primary education, Dr Bidhan Ranjan said the main goal of primary education is to make children literate. If we can ensure the development of primary education involving all, it will have a positive impact on higher level education," he said.

Professor Dr Md Sayedur Rahman. Photo : CollectedDHAKA, Jan 1, 2026 (BSS) – The Chief Adviser to the Interim Government has appointed Professor Dr Md Sayedur Rahman as Special Assistant to the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare. He has been entrusted with the executive powers of the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare in accordance with Rule 3B(iia) of the Rules of Business, 1996, according to a gazette notification issued here today. While holding the post of Special Assistant, he will be entitled to the salary, allowances and ancillary benefits of a state minister. The order will come into effect immediately, it added.

DHAKA, Jan 1, 2026 (BSS) - The ninth or last round of the first phase Bangladesh Football League (BFL) begins tomorrow (Friday) with a lone encounter between defending champions Mohammedan Sporting Club and Brothers Union Club. The match begins at 2.30 pm at Birshreshtha Flight Lt. Matiur Rahman Stadium in Munshiganj. After the eighth round, the black and white Motijheel outfit Brothers Union Club stands sixth position in the league table with nine points while the all-orange Gopibagh outfit Brothers Union Club following Mohammedan closely with nine points. In the remaining last round matches on the following day (Saturday), table topper Bashundhara Kings face Fakirerpool Young Men's Club at Shaheed Miraj-Tapan Stadium in Manikganj, Bangladesh Police Football Club meet old Dhaka outfit Rahmatganj Muslim and Friends Society at Shaheed Barkat Stadium in Gazipur, Abahani Limited, Dhaka play against Arambagh Krira Sangha at Shaheed Dhirendranath Datta Stadium in Cumilla and Fortis Football Club face PWD Sports Club at Bashundhara Kings Arena in the capital.

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A Dhaka court has ordered the freezing of 28 bank accounts and two BO accounts in the names of former Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) joint police commissioner Biplob Kumar Sarkar and his wife Hosne Ara Begum over corruption allegations. Dhaka Metropolitan Senior Special Judge Court Acting Judge Md Alamgir passed the order on Thursday following an application filed by the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC), court sources said. ACC Assistant Director Russell Rony submitted the application seeking the freezing of the accounts on behalf of the commission. Investigators also informed the court that attempts were being made to transfer funds from the bank and BO accounts. Earlier, on December 9, the same court barred Biplob Kumar Sarkar, his wife Hosne Ara Begum, his brother Pranoy Kumar Sarkar and Hosne Ara’s sister Shahanara Begum from leaving the country.

Tarique said he is deeply grateful to the officers and personnel of the Bangladesh Army, Navy and Air Force who stood with dignity and diligence throughout the day. “Many of you were on duty for long hours, ensuring order and calm while remaining mindful of the grief that surrounded us. “I am grateful to the officers and staff of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, whose thoughtful efforts helped ensure that senior dignitaries from abroad were able to personally convey the condolences of their respective countries. Their presence reflected the deep respect my mother was held in beyond our borders,” Tarique said. Your efforts made it possible for our family, Alhamdilillah, and for the nation, to honour her memory with dignity,” he said.