Two including EC staffer held for forging NID cards
DHAKA, Jan 15, 2026 (BSS) - The Criminal Investigation Department (CID) has arrested two individuals, including a computer operator-cum-office assistant of the Election Commission (EC), on charges of forging National Identity (NID) cards and illegally selling personal information of the citizens. The accused were involved in a sophisticated forgery and data-selling network that allegedly earned them several crores of taka every month. Using unauthorized access and forged documents, the syndicate created fake NID cards and sold sensitive personal data to various interested parties. CID officials stated that the operation was carried out following intelligence-based investigations and that more individuals may be involved in the racket. Authorities reiterated their commitment to taking strict action against those involved in identity fraud and misuse of government data systems.
Source:Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha
January 15, 2026 08:05 UTC
Apex court lists plea to upgrade Hasina, Kamal’s sentence to death
Ousted Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. The matter was listed as item number 58 on the cause list of the Appellate Division Chamber Judge Court. The ICT prosecution filed the appeal with the Appellate Division of the Supreme Court on December 15, 2025. The prosecution filed “Criminal Appeal No 96/2025: Chief Prosecutor vs Sheikh Hasina and another” on eight grounds with the Appellate Division on that day. Under charge number one, the tribunal found both Sheikh Hasina and Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal guilty on three counts and sentenced them to imprisonment till natural death.
Source:Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha
January 15, 2026 08:04 UTC
Honest sharecropper finds gold, cash in haystack, hands over to police
DHAKA, Jan 15, 2026 (BSS) - An inspiring example of honesty was set on Wednesday when a sharecropper in Chandpur reported the discovery of a large sum of money and gold ornaments found while harvesting paddy. The recovered cash amounted to Taka 2,39,200 and gold ornaments weighing 6.4 bhori of 22-carat, 21-carat, and traditional gold, with an estimated market value of Taka 10,90,000, according to a police press release here today. Moslem Mia, a sharecropper working on paddy fields near Abul Kashem Market under Matlab Police Station, found cash and gold hidden inside a pile of straw while spreading the harvested straw in the sun. The recovered money and gold ornaments have been officially seized and placed under court custody. Officer-in-Charge of Matlab Police Station confirmed the incident to the 999 authorities, praising the honesty and integrity of the sharecropper, which has drawn widespread appreciation in the local community.
Source:Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha
January 15, 2026 07:58 UTC
UK economy rebounds with 0.3% growth in November: official
UK economy rebounds with 0.3% growth in November: officialLONDON, Jan 15, 2026 (BSS/AFP) - Britain's economy grew more than expected in November, official data showed Thursday, handing a boost to the Labour government after recent weak figures. Gross domestic product increased 0.3 percent from the previous month, the Office for National Statistics said in a statement, beating an analyst consensus forecast for growth of 0.1 percent. GDP had fallen 0.1 percent in October, the ONS confirmed.
Source:Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha
January 15, 2026 07:48 UTC
2 Japanese professors visit DU Television, Film and Photography dept
DHAKA, Jan 15, 2025 (BSS) - Two senior professors from the University of Tokyo, Japan, yesterday visited the Department of Television, Film and Photography (TFP) at the University of Dhaka. As part of the visit, Dr Hayashi delivered a lecture titled "The Rise of Fake News in the Digital Age: A Japanese Perspective." In his remarks, Saiyeed Shahjada Al Kareem, chairman of the Department of Television, Film and Photography, said the world is currently witnessing a rapid circulation of misinformation that is reshaping social and political realities in deeply harmful ways. He added that the lecture enabled students to critically engage with fake news as a global media crisis through a Japanese lens, while also encouraging comparative reflection in relation to Bangladesh. Discussions held between the visiting professors and faculty members prior to the lecture focused on future joint research initiatives, academic exchange programmes and institutional collaboration.
Source:Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha
January 15, 2026 07:38 UTC
Experts growing new skin for Swiss fire victims
The centre -- which the hospital says is the only one capable of producing such large amounts of skin tissue while complying with Swiss and European regulations -- works with healthy pieces of skin taken from the burn victims themselves, to avoid the risk of skin being rejected. "We are about to begin the second phase, which is the most critical: the multiplication of keratinocyte tissue -- skin." - Success rate -The success of these skin grafts is not always guaranteed. While waiting for these grafts, doctors can apply airtight dressings, skin from deceased donors or fish skin to the burned areas. Once the skin grafts have been carried out, doctors must also monitor the positioning of joints during the healing process, including using splints, before the long rehabilitation process begins, said Pantet.
Source:Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha
January 15, 2026 07:22 UTC
New ordinance sets 2-year punishment to protect haors, wetlands
Illegal occupation, filling, unauthorized excavation or conversion of haors, wetlands or sandbanks will lead to up to two years’ imprisonment or a fine of Taka 10 lakh. For polluting water, soil or the environment, the ordinance stipulates two years’ imprisonment or a fine of Taka two lakh, or both. According to the ordinance, an official list of haors and wetlands across the country will be prepared. The ordinance mandates that the concerned department will formulate a master plan for the protection, conservation, development and integrated management of haors and wetlands and update it regularly. Before undertaking any development project related to haors or wetlands, the opinion of the Haor and Wetland Development Department must be obtained.
Source:Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha
January 15, 2026 07:05 UTC
Massive illegal fishing nets seized, 254 arrested nationwide
During the operations, River Police seized a total of 3,08,59,395 meters of illegal fishing nets, along with 3,574 kg of fish, 20 kg of crabs, and 80 kg of jellied shrimps, according to a press release of the force. Additionally, 260 illegal bushes used for fishing were destroyed from river areas. Over the seven-day period, 254 accused persons were arrested, and 70 cases were registered. Authorities stated that all seized illegal nets and jellied shrimps were destroyed in accordance with regulations. The confiscated crabs were released back into the water, while the remaining fish were distributed to orphanages.
Source:Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha
January 15, 2026 06:51 UTC
Char land farming boosts commercial agriculture in Rajshahi region
Abundant production of all varieties of winter vegetables has already flooded local markets, with yields exceeding targets due to early cultivation. Other farmers, including Tozammel Haque, Hasen Ali and Asad Ullah of Amadpur village, reported similar success, expressing optimism about expanding commercial farming in vast char areas. Agricultural experts view char land farming as an effective climate change adaptation strategy, turning unstable riverbeds into productive agricultural zones. DAE Additional Director Dr Azizur Rahman said char land farming has created extensive employment opportunities, improving the socio-economic conditions of local communities. Overall, char land agriculture in the Rajshahi region has evolved from subsistence farming to large-scale commercial operations, playing a crucial role in meeting the country's growing food demand, he added.
Source:Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha
January 15, 2026 06:27 UTC
50th BCS preliminary exam to be held on Jan 30
The Public Service Commission (PSC) has announced the schedule for the preliminary examination of the 50th Bangladesh Civil Service (BCS). The preliminary exam will be held simultaneously on January 30, from 10am to 12pm at centres in Dhaka, Rajshahi, Chittagong, Khulna, Barisal, Sylhet, Rangpur, and Mymensingh. Earlier, on November 26 last year, the PSC published the circular for the 50th BCS on its website. According to the PSC’s tentative roadmap, the preliminary examination will be held on January 30, and the results will be published on February 10. The written examination will begin on April 9, with results to be published on July 30.
Source:Dhaka Tribune
January 15, 2026 06:22 UTC
Real crash out of Copa del Rey on Arbeloa debut
Real Madrid fell to a shock 3-2 defeat in the Copa del Rey last 16 on Wednesday as Alvaro Arbeloa's debut as coach ended in humiliation by second-tier opposition. Appointed on Monday to replace Xabi Alonso, Arbeloa and his side were ousted by Jefte Betancor's stoppage-time winner at the Carlos Belmonte stadium. After Madrid lost the Spanish Super Cup final on Sunday against rivals Barcelona, president Florentino Perez replaced Alonso with reserve team coach Arbeloa. - Jefte's double -Albacete frustrated Madrid after the break and then burst into life in attack to take the lead once more. "I'm not afraid of failure, I can understand that someone would want to call this defeat that," added Arbeloa.
Source:Dhaka Tribune
January 15, 2026 06:09 UTC
Referendum: Ducsu announces month-long program to secure victory for ‘Yes’
Dhaka University Central Students’ Union (Ducsu) has announced a month-long program comprising 15 events across the country to ensure the victory of the "Yes" vote in the upcoming national referendum. The initiatives aim to increase public awareness and participation in the referendum under the pro-reforms slogan, “Vote ‘Yes’, Choose a Safe Bangladesh.”The programs were announced on Wednesday at a press conference held in front of the Ducsu building. Ducsu Vice President (VP) Shadik Kayem outlined the month-long plan at the briefing. He described the referendum as a historic pathway to implementing those reforms, adding that participating in the referendum and casting a ‘Yes’ vote is a responsibility to uphold the sacred legacy of the blood of the July martyrs. At the same time, it would help end the culture of enforced disappearances, extrajudicial killings, secret detention centres, and other human rights violations.
Source:Dhaka Tribune
January 15, 2026 06:09 UTC
A hopeful rise
In recent years, our ranking has fluctuated near the bottom of the global list. While this modest rise may offer a sliver of optimism, the reality remains unchanged: Bangladesh still holds one of the weakest passports in the world, with visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to only 37 destinations. Passport strength reflects more than just travel convenience; it signals a country’s diplomatic reach, economic standing, and global trust. Students struggle to attend international programs, professionals miss out on global opportunities, and ordinary travelers face lengthy, costly, and uncertain visa processes. True mobility -- and the opportunities it brings -- will require far more than incremental ranking changes, and we hope to see that become a priority.
Source:Dhaka Tribune
January 15, 2026 06:09 UTC
Ensuring the elections remain on track
At a time when speculation and misinformation have clouded the national mood, such firmness helps restore a sense of direction and stability. Questions surrounding the election timelines, participation, and credibility have created immense public anxiety, and understandably so. This assurance also carries weight beyond our borders, as the interim government's intention to hold a free and fair election reinforces Bangladesh’s image as a nation that values democratic norms. Any attempt to delay, manipulate, or undermine the process would risk damaging both domestic confidence and international standing. The path towards building back a democratic nation is rarely smooth, but conviction is imperative in this regard.
Source:Dhaka Tribune
January 15, 2026 06:09 UTC
Inter extend Serie A lead to six points after Napoli slip
Inter Milan moved six points clear at the top of Serie A on Wednesday after beating Lecce 1-0 and taking advantage of Napoli's goalless draw with Parma. Inter travel to Udinese at the weekend before welcoming Premier League leaders Arsenal to the San Siro for a huge Champions League fixture. Chivu's team lost their previous two Champions League matches and are at risk of dropping out of the top eight places which give direct qualification to the last 16. Lecce meanwhile stay one place and three points above Serie A's relegation zone after collecting just one point from their last five matches. On Saturday Napoli host another also-ran in Sassuolo before travelling to FC Copenhagen for a match will be key to their prospects of reaching the Champions League play-offs.
Source:Dhaka Tribune
January 15, 2026 06:09 UTC