Without naming any political party he said religion is being used as a political tool by a particular political party to influence voters. BNP's election spokesperson Mahadi Amin was addressing a press conference at party’s Gulshan office here this afternoon. Mahadi Amin said candidates, leaders, and activists of a political party are conducting systematic election campaigns exploiting religious emotion of the voters. Mahadi Amin further said that such attempts to seek votes by misinterpreting religion and instilling fear in people are not only unethical but illegal also. Mahadi Amin said it’s the constitutional duty of the EC to hold a fair and neutral election.

The Bangladesh Under-19 has been eliminated from the ongoing ICC U-19 World Cup after suffering a crushing seven-wicket defeat against England in their opening Super Six match at the Queens Sports Club in Bulawayo. In a must-win encounter, the Junior Tigers capitulated under pressure, being bundled out for a paltry 136 in 38.1 overs. England chased down the target with ease, reaching 137 for 3 in just 24.1 overs, with 155 balls to spare. This defeat confirms Bangladesh's exit before the semi-finals for the third consecutive World Cup since their historic title win in 2020. The Junior Tigers will play a consolation match against Zimbabwe in Harare on January 31 before returning home.

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has announced that a final decision regarding the national team's participation in the upcoming T20 World Cup will be made by early next week. The confirmation came from PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi on Monday, following a high-level meeting with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif. Taking to a social media, Naqvi said, “Briefed him on the ICC matter, and he directed that we resolve it while keeping all options on the table. Tensions escalated last week when the ICC officially replaced Bangladesh with Scotland after the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) refused to send its team to India citing security concerns. With reports circulating that Pakistan may boycott the event or refuse to play India in solidarity with Bangladesh, the upcoming decision by the PCB will be critical for the future of the tournament.

The decision was communicated to applicants via email on Monday evening, according to Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) sources. After these developments, the ICC reportedly cancelled all media accreditation requests from Bangladesh collectively, despite earlier preparations by local media outlets. Anticipating strong audience demand, many Bangladeshi media houses had begun logistical planning for on-ground coverage regardless of the team’s final participation. Bangladeshi journalists have been a regular presence at Cricket World Cups since 1999, reflecting the country’s deep public interest in global cricket events. Attempts to seek clarification from the ICC’s media department have so far failed to elicit any official response.

Slain journalist Sir William Mark Tully. Photo: CollectedDHAKA, Jan 26, 2026 (BSS) - Foreign Adviser Md. Touhid Hossain today expressed deep sorrow over the death of veteran British journalist Sir William Mark Tully, who passed away on Sunday. Recalling Tully's role during the war in 1971, Touhid noted that his reports on BBC radio served as a vital source of information and inspiration for Bangladeshis. On behalf of Bangladesh, the foreign adviser conveyed heartfelt condolences and extended his sympathies to Tully's bereaved family, the statement said.

At the same time, it has reshaped South Asia’s trade landscape, opening a new window of opportunity for Bangladesh in the European market. India’s GSP suspension represents a time-bound opportunity, not a guaranteed gain. With India’s tariff advantage eroded, categories such as basic knitwear, denim, and casual woven garments are more likely to see orders shift toward Bangladesh. Beyond garments, Bangladesh could also benefit in leather and leather goods, home textiles, plastics and packaging, and light engineering products—industries where capacity has been expanding and competitiveness is gradually improving. If the country fails to secure EU GSP+ benefits afterward, it could soon face tariff pressures similar to those now confronting India.

Rob and I joined as a couple at a considerable savings. Inside that package was a pair of stiletto high heels, and a note from Rob: “My ankles are killing me! Whether deep into a good game of poker, or enjoying a cigar with friends, he was forever cheerful, and just booming with good fellowship…This past summer Rob celebrated sixty years of marriage to his loving wife, Linda. A loving heart is riches, riches enough; without it, intellect is poverty. So let the medicine flow today for our beloved brother, Rob Robins.

Bangladeshi citizens applying for B1 and B2 visas for the US will be required to post a bond. The US Embassy in Dhaka has issued guidelines on how to pay the bond, which will range from a minimum of $5,000 to a maximum of $15,000. Applicants will be issued a single-entry visa with a maximum validity of three months and must enter the United States through designated ports of entry. The embassy also stated that once the visa holder returns to Bangladesh and all visa conditions are met, the bond will be automatically cancelled and the amount refunded. Conditions include not engaging in employment in the United States and returning to Bangladesh within the specified time.

KYIV, Ukraine, Jan 26, 2026 (BSS/AFP) - A Russian drone and missile attackhas damaged parts of the Kyiv Pechersk Lavra, Ukraine's most famous religiouslandmark and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Ukraine's culture ministry saidMonday. The attack took place during the night between Friday and Saturday, theministry said. The UNESCO-listed complex, founded in the 11th century, is home to more than100 buildings as well as a subterranean labyrinth of caves where monks stayand worship. Russia's invasion almost four years ago has damaged hundreds of historicalbuildings, including religious sites, museums and libraries, according toUNESCO. The UN cultural body added the Lavra to its list of endangered landmarks in2023, citing the "threat of destruction" from Russia's ongoing offensive.

Blue Sky”What screams ‘falling in love with life’ more than a song about finally seeing the blue sky again after days of cloud and rain? This song is a beautiful reminder of the extraordinary things that exist in an incredibly ordinary world. For a playlist about falling in love with life, this felt like the perfect inclusion. “Falling Colour” is love, sunshine and hope. ‘Solar Flare’ is a weekly playlist column where Sun contributors spotlight a slice of musical taste with the campus community.

Election Commissioner Brig. today spoke at the conference room of the Chandpur Deputy Commissioner’s Office. Photo: BSSCHANDPUR, Jan 26, 2026 (BSS)- Election Commissioner Brig. today said no one will be allowed to create disorder at polling centers. Chandpur Deputy Commissioner (DC) Md.

The interim government is going to offer a 20 per cent rebate on electricity bills to reduce production costs in four sectors, including animal and poultry feed manufacturing. The decision was announced in a media statement issued by the Ministry of Fisheries and Livestock on Monday. The statement said the government is currently providing a 20 percent electricity rebate to 16 sectors under the power rebate policy to boost agricultural production, encourage agricultural exports and support agro-based industries. The sectors covered by the subsidy are animal and poultry feed manufacturing, fish feed production, the poultry industry and the dairy processing industry. The government said the initiative is expected to significantly reduce production costs, increase investment in the industrial sector and help the country become more self-reliant in producing safe and quality animal protein.

A total of 22 more people were hospitalized with dengue across the country in the last 24 hours, while no death was reported during the period. According to the release, among the newly hospitalized patients, seven were admitted in Barisal Division (outside city corporation areas), three in Chittagong Division (outside city corporation areas), one in Dhaka Division (outside city corporation areas), two in Dhaka North City Corporation, five in Dhaka South City Corporation, one in Khulna Division (outside city corporation areas) and four in Mymensingh Division (outside city corporation areas). During the same period, 22 dengue patients were discharged from hospitals. In 2025, a total of 102,861 dengue cases were reported in the country, while 413 people died from the disease. In 2024, the total number of dengue cases stood at 101,214, with 575 deaths reported.

Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS) has issued 10 emergency directives for all government and private hospitals and healthcare institutions across the country ahead of the 13th National Parliamentary Election and referendum scheduled for February 12. According to the notification, medical teams must be formed at different administrative levels during the election period, based on the scope of services. To address potential emergency situations during the election period, DGHS has directed hospitals to deploy additional manpower in their emergency departments. Private institutions have also been requested to provide logistic and manpower support to government authorities if needed. The directives also required divisional health offices and civil surgeon offices to keep 24-hour control rooms operational throughout the election period.

LONDON, Jan 26, 2026 (BSS/AFP) - Investors nervous about geopolitics, tariff threats and domestic US budgetary issues flocked to buy gold Monday, pushing the safe-haven precious metal well into record territory. The dollar sank, meanwhile, amid speculation of US-Japanese central bank coordination to support the yen. Gold climbed above $5,100 an ounce, having cracked $5,000 on Sunday, amid rising global uncertainty and turmoil set off by US President Donald Trump's policies. By comparison, gold could be had for just over $2,000 an ounce only two years ago. The stronger yen weighed on Tokyo's stock market because of its negative impact on exporters.