July Charter was written with the blood of martyrs: Adilur RahmanAdviser Adilur Rahman Khan today spoke as the chief guest at a view-sharing meeting held with district-level officials at the Rangpur Deputy Commissioner's conference room. Photo : PIDRANGPUR, Jan 23, 2026 (BSS) - Adviser to the Ministry of Local Government; Rural Development and Cooperatives; Industries and Housing and Public Works Adilur Rahman Khan has said that the July Charter was written with the blood of martyrs. "The opportunity to implement the aspirations that were born through the sacrifice of the martyrs has come through the referendum. He made the remark as the chief guest at a view-sharing meeting held with district-level officials at the Rangpur Deputy Commissioner's conference room in the city on Friday. Government officials from various departments of Rangpur district, representatives of religious institutions, NGO representatives and journalists were present.

BNP Chairman and Dhaka-17 candidate Tarique Rahman said on Friday that only a democratically elected government can truly understand the people’s aspirations and ensure Bangladesh’s sustainable development. “What the people want cannot be understood by anyone other than an elected representative. Seeking votes for BNP’s electoral symbol, the sheaf of paddy, he said only BNP could bring real and positive change to people’s lives. Tarique also outlined his future plans, saying employment would be created in a planned manner if elected. Tarique Rahman concluded by calling on voters to elect him as Dhaka-17’s representative and to ensure the victory of sheaf of paddy candidates nationwide.

Bangladesh said the term “Rohingya” evolved historically from the old Arakan capital Mro-Haung or Rohang, and was later adopted by the community for self-identification amid systematic marginalisation in Myanmar. Attempts to portray the Rohingya as foreigners or recent migrants are inconsistent with historical facts, the statement said. The Rohingya were an integral part of Myanmar’s political and social life until the promulgation of the 1982 Citizenship Law, which excluded them from citizenship on ethno-religious grounds, Bangladesh noted. Bangladesh said Myanmar has persistently denied the Rohingya their constitutional guarantees, culminating in their mass eviction from Rakhine State during the 2016–17 period, rendering them stateless as part of a planned process to destroy the community. Bangladesh noted that despite such claims, Myanmar had recognised the Rohingya as “lawful residents of Burma” in the 1978 bilateral repatriation agreement with Bangladesh and assured their reintegration in subsequent accords.

A US-based rights group said Friday it has confirmed the deaths of more than 5,000 people during protests that swept Iran, adding that the vast majority were protesters targeted by security forces. The US-based Human Rights Activists News Agency (Hrana) said it had confirmed that 5,002 people had been killed, including 4,714 protesters, 42 minors, 207 members of the security forces and 39 bystanders. Giving their first official toll from the protests, Iranian authorities on Wednesday said 3,117 people were killed. There has been no report of any protesters executed but rights groups have warned demonstrators risk being charged with capital crimes, which could see them sentenced to death. Iran is the world’s most prolific executioner after China, according to rights groups.

DHAKA, Jan 23, 2026 (BSS) - A brilliant century from opener Tanzid Hasan Tamim steered Rajshahi Warriors to a respectable 174-4 against Chattogram Royals in the final of the Bangladesh Premier League (BPL) at Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium today. Put into bat first, Tanzid got Rajshahi off to a superb start alongside his fellow opener Sahibzada Farhan. New Zealand start Williamson was out for 15 ball-24 after trying to hit a big six off Shoriful Islam. However, Mukidul Islam dismissed him just after he reached his century as he was out for 100 off 62 with six fours and seven sixes. Mugdho and Shoriful were standout bowler for Chattogram Royals, claiming two wickets apiece.

Whether you chose to listen to them or not, the music of One Direction likely infiltrated your childhood somehow. Harry Styles’s return feels somewhat like a salve — a touch of the nostalgia the world would have gotten from a One Direction reunion. In honor of Liam Payne and Styles’s announcement, I’ve decided to dedicate this week’s Test Spin to One Direction’s 2014 record FOUR. “Ready to Run” reads more like a OneRepublic song than a One Direction one, but it’s fun and cheerful regardless. Test Spins is a fortnightly throwback column reviewing and recommending classic and underrated albums from the past.

Chris Hewitt, The Minnesota Star Tribune (TNS)There may be more style than substance in “The Infamous Gilberts” but it is very stylish, indeed. “The Infamous Gilberts” does a bit of both of those things. “Gilberts” is partly structured as a tour of the now-deserted mansion, which is called Thornwalk and which is going to be converted into a hotel. And it’s fun to speculate about them, even if — as with Thornwalk — there’s no way you’re buying that house. Inbred rich people probably have behaved like this down through the ages, but there’s an unreality in “The Infamous Gilberts,” along with a macabre sense of humor, that keeps it entertaining, rather than grim.

DHAKA, Jan 23, 2026 (BSS)—Despite a fabulous performance from Bangladesh leg pinner Rishad Hossain, Hobart Hurricanes failed to make it to the Big Bash League (BBL) final after suffering a 57-run defeat to Sydney Sixers at Sydney Cricket Ground today. Sydney Sixers, however, will take on Perth Scorchers in the final of BBL on Sunday. A mediocre batting performance from the Hobart batters saw them bowled out for just 141 in 17.2 overs. With the defeat, Rishad’s maiden Big Bash journey came to an end. He bowed out the tournament with 15 wickets from 12 matches, the highest by a spinner in the Big Bash this season.

Photo : BSSKHULNA, Jan 23, 2026 (BSS) - Saraswati Puja, worship of Goddess Saraswati, the deity of knowledge revered by the Sanatan community--was celebrated with due religious fervour and festivity at Khulna University of Engineering and Technology (KUET) today. The puja was held on Friday morning on the auspicious occasion of Shree Panchami at the KUET Central Temple. Organised by the KUET Puja Udjapan Parishad, the event saw spontaneous participation from Sanatan faculty members, officers, students and employees of the university. The idol was brought to the temple premises on Thursday evening ahead of the celebrations. The central temple premises wore a festive look throughout the occasion, reflecting the enthusiasm and devotion of the participants.

The United States has formally withdrawn from the World Health Organization (WHO), removing itself as one of the UN agency’s largest donors and a key participant in global health initiatives. Following the pandemic, WHO member states worked on an international pandemic treaty to ensure fair sharing of vaccines and treatments and strengthen preparedness for future outbreaks. Traditionally, the United States has been one of the largest financial contributors to the WHO, but Washington did not pay its membership fees for 2024 and 2025, causing significant job losses within the organisation. They added that future US engagement with the WHO will be limited strictly to safeguard the health and safety of Americans. In response to questions about US participation in global health initiatives like polio and HIV programs, officials said partnerships would continue through NGOs and faith-based groups, though no specific arrangements have been disclosed.

“Only the forces defeated in the July mass uprising and those who are collaborators of fascism can stand against ‘Yes’ vote in the referendum. Those opponents of the masses, have other thoughts and are seeking a 'No' vote in the referendum,” he said. That is why the government wants it to be a ‘Yes’ vote in the referendum. “The people of Bangladesh, the caravan of the masses, the tide of the masses are in favor of the yes vote,” he said and called on the people of Bangladesh to vote in favor of the ‘Yes’ vote. Later, he inspected the work of the Boldipukur-Tazpur Sada Fakir road under the Greater Rangpur Rural Infrastructure Improvement Project (GRRIIP) being implemented by LGED in Mithapukur Upazila in the afternoon.

Adilur Rahman Khan spoke to reporters after laying wreaths at the memorial erected in memory of the Rangpur district martyrs during the mass uprising on Friday. Photo: BSSRANGPUR, Jan 23, 2026 (BSS) – Adviser to the Ministries of Housing and Public Works, Industries and Local Government, Rural Development and Cooperatives Adilur Rahman Khan today said the government is seeking a ‘Yes’ vote in the referendum to implement the July Charter, while only defeated forces and collaborators of fascism are calling for a ‘No’ vote. He made the remarks while speaking to journalists after placing a wreath at the memorial of the martyrs of the Mass Uprising in the district town this morning. Adilur said the fascist government was ousted through a mass uprising following the sacrifices of students and the people, and the present government emerged from that movement. He expressed hope that the upcoming national election would be held peacefully and that people would overwhelmingly endorse the July Charter by voting ‘Yes’.

BNP Secretary General and Thakurgaon-1 constituency candidate Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir formally started his election campaign on Friday afternoon with a road meeting and public outreach event at Sholthari Bazar in Debipur union, the constituency’s southernmost area. Addressing a large gathering of supporters, Mirza Fakhrul said: “My childhood, adolescence, and youth were with you, and today I am older among you. He promised that if BNP is voted to power: “Mothers and sisters will be provided with family cards, and farmers will receive agricultural cards to ensure a higher standard of living. BNP Chairman Tarique Rahman has made a clear commitment in this regard.”Mirza Fakhrul emphasized that BNP is the only party capable of ensuring public security. The meeting was chaired by Salahuddin, president of Ward No-2 of Debipur Union, and attended by BNP leaders at the district, upazila, and union levels.

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DHAKA, Jan 23, 2026 (BSS)— Bangladesh Premier League (BPL) trophy arrived in spectacular fashion, flown into the stadium by helicopter ahead of today’s final between Chattogram Royals and Rajshahi Warriors. Former Bangladesh women’s captain Salma Khatun and former Under-19 captain Akbar Ali carried the trophy onto the field shortly afterward and placed it at the designated spot. Chattogram captain Mahedi Hasan and Rajshahi Warriors skipper Najmul Hossain Shanto then officially unveiled the new BPL trophy, much to the delight of the packed crowd. A colourful ceremony followed, featuring vibrant smoke displays around the stadium, before the trophy was paraded across the field in a special vehicle. The diamond-studded trophy, designed by a Dubai-based company, is valued at $25,000.