Salahuddin: Election avoidance tactics won’t work
BNP Standing Committee member Salahuddin Ahmed said on Saturday that a political party is attempting to tactically avoid the upcoming election, but they will not be allowed to succeed. He urged the Election Commission to ensure a fair process and warned that those trying to obstruct democracy would fail. “Democracy will be restored in the country.”Salahuddin made the remarks while attending a discussion with families of victims of enforced disappearances, killings, and torture during the previous government. The event was held at the China-Bangladesh Friendship International Conference Center in Dhaka and jointly organized by Mayer Dak and Amra BNP Paribar, with families from across the country participating. He stressed that BNP’s politeness should not be mistaken for weakness, and reiterated that the party’s goal is to advance democracy.
Source:Dhaka Tribune
January 17, 2026 10:31 UTC
SAFA conference calls for ethical use of AI
SAFA conference calls for ethical use of AISAFA International Conference organized by the ICAB held at a city hotel in Dhaka. Financial experts said this at South Asia Federation of Accountants (SAFA) International Conference here Dhaka today. Khan emphasized that the adoption of AI in sustainability reporting is no longer a distant concept, but a structural shift already influencing how economic value is created, measured, and disclosed. However, without strong ethical frameworks, AI also poses risks such as algorithmic collusion, market dominance abuses, opacity, and exclusionary practices, he noted. He also emphasized on global relevance of the discussions and their potential to shape the future of the profession, particularly in sustainability reporting, ethical AI, and next-generation professional practices.
Source:Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha
January 17, 2026 10:30 UTC
BNP to stand always by those lost dear ones in fight against fascism: Tarique Rahman
BNP to stand always by those lost dear ones in fight against fascism: Tarique RahmanBNP Chairman Tarique Rahman today exchanged views with family members of the victims of enforced disappearances, killings, and torture perpetrated by Awami fascism during the past democratic movement, at the Bangladesh-China Friendship Conference Center in Dhaka. Photo: BSSDHAKA, Jan 17, 2026 (BSS) - BNP Chairman Tarique Rahman today said BNP will always stand by the families who lost their near and dear ones in the fight against fascism. Alongside the movement against fascism, the utmost effort has been made to stand by the people who lost their loved ones. BNP will always stand by the families who lost their dear ones in the fight against fascism." BNP Chairman Tarique Rahman listened to the plight of families who have been victims of enforced disappearances, killings, and torture for 16 years.
Source:Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha
January 17, 2026 10:23 UTC
Media professionals call for unity to protect press freedom
A Media Conference organized by NOAB and the Editors' Council held at the Krishibid Institution in the capital. Photo: BSSDHAKA, Jan 17, 2026 (BSS) - Media professionals today urged journalists to unite in defending press freedom, freedom of expression, and democratic values, emphasizing that the profession can only be safeguarded through collective action. Nurul Kabir, editor of New Age, said the development of a country's media is closely tied to national progress. Kaler Kantho editor and president of National Press Club, Hasan Hafiz criticized recent incidents affecting media houses and called for justice for those affected. Leaders from various journalist organizations-including the Association of Television Channel Owners, Broadcast Journalists Center, National Press Club, Dhaka Union of Journalists, Dhaka Reporters Unity, Diplomatic Correspondents Association, Economic Reporters Forum, Photo Journalists Association, and the Crime Reporters Association of Bangladesh-attended the conference.
Source:Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha
January 17, 2026 10:12 UTC
Bangladesh backs rule-based global economic cooperation: Touhid
Foreign Affairs Adviser Md Touhid Hossain spoke as the chief guest at the inaugural session of the SAFA International Conference in the city. Photo: MoFADHAKA, Jan 17, 2026 (BSS) - Foreign Affairs Adviser Md Touhid Hossain today reaffirmed Bangladesh's commitment to a rule-based international order and collective global action, stressing dialogue and cooperation to address shared economic challenges. "As a responsible neighbor and an active member of the United Nations and other international bodies, Bangladesh advocates for a rule-based international order and collective action in addressing global economic challenges. Organised by the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Bangladesh (ICAB), the conference was themed "Next Generation Profession: Converging Ethical AI and Sustainability Reporting". Khan urged the profession, regulators and standard-setters to work together to ensure AI-enabled sustainability reporting remains transparent, explainable and aligned with global standards and investor confidence.
Source:Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha
January 17, 2026 10:12 UTC
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Source:Daily Sun
January 17, 2026 10:11 UTC
Education dept. launches 18 Title IX probes as Supreme Court hears cases
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Source:Daily Sun
January 17, 2026 09:58 UTC
Malan, Hridoy steer Rangpur to strong 181-4 against Dhaka
DHAKA, Jan 17, 2026 (BSS) - Contrasting half-centuries from openers Dawid Malan and Towhid Hridoy helped Rangpur Riders post a competitive 181-4 against Dhaka Capitals in a crucial Bangladesh Premier League (BPL) match at the Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium today. A victory in this match would confirm Rangpur's playoff berth as the final team in the last four. Former England opener Malan top-scored with a fluent 78 off 49 balls, an innings laced with eight fours and four sixes. Despite the strong platform, Rangpur failed to breach the 200-run mark due to poor finishing from the middle order. For Dhaka Capitals, Mohammad Saifuddin was the most successful bowler, finishing with figures of 2-33.
Source:Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha
January 17, 2026 09:43 UTC
Internet connectivity in Iran improves slightly: NetBlocks
PARIS, France, Jan 17, 2026 (BSS/AFP) - Internet connectivity in Iran rose "very" sightly, monitoring group NetBlocks said on Saturday, more than 200 hours into a nationwide internet shutdown during protests against authorities. "Metrics show a very slight rise in internet connectivity in Iran this morning after the 200 hour mark," Netblocks said on X, but added that connection was only around 2 percent of ordinary levels and there was no sign of "a significant return". Protests in Iran have subsided after a crackdown that has killed thousands, monitors said Friday, a week after the start of the largest demonstrations in years challenging the country's theocratic system. Demonstrations sparked by economic grievances started with a shutdown in the Tehran bazaar on December 28 but turned into a mass movement demanding the removal of the clerical system that has ruled Iran since the 1979 revolution.
Source:Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha
January 17, 2026 09:26 UTC
China bids to host secretariat of new high seas treaty
WASHINGTON, United States, Jan 17, 2026 (BSS/AFP) - China on Friday proposed to host the secretariat of a new treaty governing the high seas, a surprise bid that underscores Beijing's desire to have greater influence over global environmental governance. China "has decided to present its candidature of the city of Xiamen to host the Secretariat" of the treaty, the Chinese mission to the United Nations wrote in a letter to Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, according to a copy seen by AFP. The treaty will officially enter into force on Saturday, and the host country of the eventual secretariat will be decided later this year. They include the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), the parent treaty underpinning all major international climate agreements, ratified by almost every country in the world. After years of delays, the treaty to protect the high seas was ratified in September by 60 countries.
Source:Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha
January 17, 2026 09:16 UTC
US Fed official says bank should be ready to cut rates
US Fed official says bank should be ready to cut ratesWASHINGTON, United States, Jan 17, 2026 (BSS/AFP) - A key US Federal Reserve official said Friday that central bank policymakers should be ready to lower interest rates further, citing "fragility" in the jobs market. But her views changed as she began observing "clearer signs of slowing economic growth and increasing fragility in the labor market." "My view is that we should continue to focus on risks to our employment mandate and preemptively stabilize and support labor market conditions," she said. She also warned that the employment market could weaken further: "The labor market can appear to be stable right up until it doesn't." But Trump has repeatedly called for rates to be slashed more to boost the economy, slamming Fed chair Jerome Powell for not backing aggressive rate cuts.
Source:Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha
January 17, 2026 09:06 UTC
Shooting in South African township leaves 7 dead
CAPE TOWN, Jan 17, 2026 (BSS/AFP) - Gunmen killed seven people in a township outside the South African city of Cape Town early on Saturday in an incident believed to be extortion-related, police said. The attack is the latest in a string of mass shootings that have shaken the crime-weary country of 63 million people. South Africa, the continent's most industrialised nation, is grappling with entrenched crime and corruption driven by organised networks. Two separate mass shootings in December, in which gunmen stormed a hostel and a bar, left two dozen people dead, including several children. Saturday's attack occurred in the city's Cape Flats area, which has a reputation for gang violence and where over 2,000 murders were recorded in the first nine months of 2025.
Source:Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha
January 17, 2026 08:57 UTC
EU advises airlines to avoid Iranian airspace
PARIS, France, Jan 17, 2026 (BSS/AFP) - The European Union Aviation Safety Agency on Friday advised airlines to avoid Iranian airspace, after threats of US attacks that have put the Islamic republic on guard. "Given the ongoing situation and the potential for US military action, which has placed Iranian air defence forces on a heightened state of alert, there is currently an increased likelihood of misidentification," the regulator said. Protests linked to the cost of living broke out in Iran on December 28, spiralling into one of the largest protest movements against the clerical leadership since the Islamic republic was founded in 1979. Until Wednesday, the United States had threatened military action if Iran did not abandon plans to execute arrested protesters. US President Donald Trump on Thursday thanked the Iranian government for cancelling "all scheduled hangings" after threatening Tehran with "serious consequences" if the crackdown continued.
Source:Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha
January 17, 2026 08:56 UTC
Adilur calls for ‘Yes’ vote in referendum
Adviser Adilur Rahman Khan spoke at a public meeting helid in Cox's Bazar today. Photo : BSSCOX’S BAZAR, Jan 17, 2026 (BSS) – Adviser of the Ministries of Housing and Public Works , Industries and Local Government, Rural Development and Cooperatives Adilur Rahman Khan today urged people to vote ‘Yes’ in the referendum scheduled for February 12 to uphold the spirit of a new Bangladesh. The meeting, chaired by Cox’s Bazar Deputy Commissioner Md. A. Mannan, was attended by senior officials, civil society members and people from different walks of life. After the meeting, the adviser inaugurated the 'Voter Gari' for the referendum at the Deputy Commissioner’s office premises.
Source:Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha
January 17, 2026 08:22 UTC