Special measures being taken to reduce student dropout rate: Bidhan
Special measures being taken to reduce student dropout rate: BidhanPrimary and Mass Education Adviser Professor Dr. Bidhan Ranjan Roy Podder visited several primary schools in Madhyanagar upazila of his home district Sunamganj. Photo: PIDSUNAMGANJ, Jan 11, 2026 (BSS) - Primary and Mass Education Adviser Professor Dr. Bidhan Ranjan Roy Podder today said the government is taking special measures to reduce the dropout rate among primary school students. The adviser made the remarks while visiting several primary schools in Madhyanagar upazila of his home district Sunamganj. In the morning, he visited Golha Government Primary School in his native village under Sadar Union, Jamsherpur Government Primary School and Madhyanagar Bazar Government Primary School. Regarding the school feeding programme, Prof Bidhan said all primary schools across the country would be brought under the programme gradually.
Source:Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha
January 11, 2026 18:48 UTC
CID arrests another member of Telegram-based fraud ring over Tk 10cr embezzlement
DHAKA, Jan 11, 2026 (BSS) - The Criminal Investigation Department (CID) has arrested another member of a fraud ring accused of embezzling more than Taka 10 crore by luring victims into fake online investment schemes through Telegram. According to the case statement, the fraud ring embezzled Taka 10,10,58,305 from the complainant through four bKash accounts and nine bank accounts. Following the filing of the case, the CID launched an investigation and earlier arrested the mastermind of the ring, Nadim (32), on December 5, 2025. Based on information obtained through technological analysis, CID arrested Md Sohel Mia, who also confessed to his involvement during preliminary interrogation. The investigation is being continued by the Cyber Police Center (CPC) of the CID to identify other members of the fraud ring and uncover the full scope of the crime.
Source:Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha
January 11, 2026 18:48 UTC
Ali Riaz calls for ‘Yes’ vote to prevent return of enforced disappearances
Special Assistant to the Chief Adviser, Professor Dr Ali Riaz today attended the Barishal Divisional Imam Conference as chief guest at Bells Park in Barishal. He made the remarks while addressing the Barishal Divisional Imam Conference as chief guest at Bells Park in Barishal city organized to promote the referendum and motivate the voters. Dr Riaz said the nation had suffered severely under a fascist regime and stressed that a united ‘yes’ vote was essential to safeguard the country’s future. The conference was jointly organized by the Barishal Divisional Administration and the Bangladesh Islamic Foundation’s Divisional Office, with Barisal Divisional Commissioner Mohammad Mahfuzur Rahman in the chair. Manzoor Morshed Alam lam, Barisal Metropolitan Police Commissioner Md Shofiqul Islam, and President of the Barisal Divisional Imam Association Maulana Abdul Hai Nizami.
Source:Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha
January 11, 2026 18:38 UTC
India to set up naval base in Bay of Bengal with China, Bangladesh, Pakistan in focus
NEW DELHI, Jan 11: India has moved to strengthen its maritime posture in the northern Bay of Bengal by setting up a new naval base in West Bengal, amid rising Chinese naval activity and shifting regional security dynamics involving Bangladesh and Pakistan.India Today reported, citing top defence sources, that the Indian Navy will operate the facility as a naval "detachment", primarily focused on deploying small warships for rapid-response operations.The base will make use of the existing Haldia dock complex, allowing the Navy to operationalise the facility quickly with minimal additional infrastructure, the New Delhi-based weekly said.Initial work will include the construction of a dedicated jetty and shore-support facilities, it added.As per the report, the Haldia base is expected to host Fast Interceptor Crafts (FICs) and 300 tonne New Water Jet Fast Attack Crafts (NWJFACs).These platforms can reach speeds of up to 40-45 knots and are designed for quick-response maritime missions.It noted that the vessels are armed with CRN-91 guns and are likely to be equipped with loitering munition capabilities such as the Nagastra system, enhancing both strike and surveillance roles.Experts cited by the magazine said the move is linked to several factors, including increased movements by the People's Liberation Army Navy (PLAN) in the Indian Ocean Region, growing concerns over maritime infiltration, and incidents of illegal crossings from Bangladesh into India using sea routes.The shallow waters and dense maritime traffic near the India-Bangladesh coastline make fast and agile platforms particularly effective for deterrence and interception, India Today said.The base assumes added importance amid China's expanding naval footprint in the Indian Ocean and Beijing's deepening defence and infrastructure engagement with Bangladesh, alongside its long-standing military partnership with Pakistan, it added.As per India Today, the base will be relatively compact, with an estimated strength of around 100 officers and sailors, indicating it will not function as a full-fledged command.Located about 100km from Kolkata, the site offers direct access to the Bay of Bengal while avoiding time-consuming transit through the River Hooghly. �"bdnews24.com
Source:bd News24
January 11, 2026 18:38 UTC
City Bank to buy high-value Gulshan plot, construct a 28-storey building
Its proximity to the bank's existing headquarters, however, made the location strategically important. "Because the land adjoins our head office, the purchase was finalised after negotiation," he added. "The board reviewed both the land valuation and the construction cost, considering the need for a functional and visually appealing building. "In a disclosure to the Dhaka Stock Exchange on Thursday, City Bank said it received Bangladesh Bank's no-objection on Jan 6 for the land purchase.Approval for construction will be sought separately before obtaining clearances from other authorities, it added.The bank said it obtained valuation reports from two firms. City Engineering Inspection Company assessed the land value at Tk 175 million per katha, putting the total price at Tk 3.5 billion.Another firm, Nandanick Bangladesh, valued the land at Tk 178.2 million per katha, estimating the total at Tk 3.56 billion.
Source:bd News24
January 11, 2026 18:37 UTC
‘Manhandling’ of CU teacher worries Dhaka University’s pro-BNP teachers
The White Panel, a platform of pro-BNP teachers at Dhaka University (DU), has expressed concern over the harassment of a colleague at Chittagong University. Leaders of the Chittagong University Central Students' Union (CUCSU) allegedly manhandled Prof Hasan Mohammad Roman of the university’s Department of Law on Saturday. The student leaders said they targeted the teacher for his role against the university’s students during the July Uprising. “Publicly insulting, intimidating, or physically harassing any university teacher creates insecurity on campus,” said the teachers’ platform in the statement. Roman remained in detention by students for nine hours before the Chittagong University officials escorted him back to his residence.
Source:bd News24
January 11, 2026 18:32 UTC
Khokon urges vigilance against religious extremists
Photo: BSSNARSINGDI, Jan 11, 2026 (BSS) - BNP Joint Secretary General and Narsingdi district unit President Khairul Kabir Khokon today urged people to remain vigilant against religious extremists who spread confusion in the name of religion. He made the remarks while speaking as the chief guest at a doa mahfil organised by Chinishpur Union unit of BNP at the Daspara Nursery Field this afternoon. In the event, all sought eternal peace of the departed soul of BNP Chairperson Begum Khaleda Zia. Khokon said following the political ideals of Tarique Rahman and implementing his proposed 31-point outline would help build a happy, prosperous and democratic state. The programme was presided over by Abdul Al-Mamun Munshi, president of Chinishpur Union BNP Ward No-6, while Advocate Shirin Sultana, Self-Reliance Affairs Secretary of the BNP National Executive Committee, spoke as the main discussant.
Source:Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha
January 11, 2026 17:58 UTC
US urges Americans to leave Venezuela 'immediately' due to risk
WASHINGTON, United States, Jan 11, 2026 (BSS/AFP) - The US State Department on Saturday urged Americans in Venezuela to leave the country "immediately," citing risks from armed militias searching vehicles for US citizens at roadblocks. "The security situation in Venezuela remains fluid," the department said in a security alert, one week after the country's leader Nicolas Maduro was captured by US forces in a lightning raid. "As international flights have resumed, US citizens in Venezuela should leave the country immediately," it said, warning of armed militias called colectivos searching cars for Americans or evidence of US support.
Source:Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha
January 11, 2026 17:51 UTC
District administration committed to holding free, fair polls: Kurigram DC
Photo : BSSKURIGRAM, Jan 11, 2026 (BSS) – The district administration is committed to holding the 13th National Parliament elections in a free, fair, peaceful and neutral manner, Deputy Commissioner (DC) Annapurna Debnath said today. Of these, 351 have been identified as vulnerable,” she said while addressing a meeting of the Law and Order Committee at her conference room. SP Fazle Rabbi said coordinated efforts of law enforcement agencies, political parties, journalists and professionals would be required to conduct the upcoming elections smoothly. The BGB commander said 490 BGB members would be deployed in five upazilas of the district to maintain law and order during the polls. Meanwhile, the army camp commander said 650 army personnel would be deployed to ensure a free and fair election.
Source:Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha
January 11, 2026 17:43 UTC
EC distributes leaflets on referendum, national Election
DHAKA, Jan 11, 2026 (BSS)- The Election Commission (EC) has taken measures to widely distribute banners and leaflets prepared for the upcoming referendum and the 13th National Parliament Election 2026 to be held on February 12. The distribution of the printed banners and leaflets is ongoing nationwide through the Publication and Documentation Branch of the Election Commission Secretariat. The commission has issued instructions for widespread publicity by hanging banners in every Divisional Commissioner's Office, Regional Election Office, Deputy Commissioner's Office, Senior District/District Election Office. The City Corporation Office and every ward office and important places in Dhaka City, Municipality Office, Upazila Nirbahi Office, Upazila/Thana Election Office also have directed hanging banners as part of widespread campaign. Distribution activities are underway through the Procurement and Printing Branch of the Election Commission Secretariat, with 15 thousand per Upazila/Thana Election Office, 3,000 per Senior District/District Election Office and 2,000 thousand per Regional Election Office.
Source:Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha
January 11, 2026 17:13 UTC
Rights group says at least 192 killed in Iran protests
Photo: CollectedPARIS, France, Jan 11, 2026 (BSS/AFP) - At least 192 people have been killed in two weeks of protests against the government and economic strain in Iran, a rights group said on Sunday, in a sharp rise from an earlier death toll of 51. "Since the start of the protests, Iran Human Rights has confirmed the killing of at least 192 protesters," the Norway-based NGO said, warning that the toll could be much higher as a days-long internet blackout hampered verification.
Source:Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha
January 11, 2026 17:13 UTC
Special measures underway to reduce student dropout: Bidhan
Primary and Mass Education Adviser Professor Dr Bidhan Ranjan Roy Podder spoke at a press conference at his residence in Sadar Union, Madhyanagar, Sunamganj today. Photo: BSSSUNAMGANJ, Jan 11, 2026 (BSS) - Primary and Mass Education Adviser Professor Dr Bidhan Ranjan Roy Podder today said the government is taking special measures, including the school feeding programme, to reduce the rate of student dropouts at the primary level. The adviser made the remarks while visiting Golha Government Primary School in his native village under Sadar Union, Jamsherpur Government Primary School and Madhyanagar Bazar Government Primary School in Madhyanagar upazila. Responding to concerns over the shortage of teachers in primary schools in Madhyanagar upazila, the adviser said the problem would be resolved soon, noting that the teacher recruitment process is currently underway. On the school feeding programme, Dr Bidhan said the initiative would be expanded gradually to bring all primary schools across the country under its coverage.
Source:Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha
January 11, 2026 17:03 UTC
Breathing danger: Dhaka begins week as world’s most polluted city
As the week began Sunday, Dhaka once again found itself at the top of a grim global ranking—emerging as the world’s most polluted city amid persistently hazardous air conditions that continue to affect millions across Bangladesh. At around 8:30am, the capital recorded an Air Quality Index (AQI) of 235, categorised as “very unhealthy,” according to Switzerland-based air quality monitoring platform IQAir. Dhaka topped a list of 125 cities worldwide, underscoring the severity of the ongoing air pollution crisis. Regarding air quality issues on Sunday morning, India’s capital New Delhi ranked second globally, with an AQI score of 230. Over the years, authorities have launched multiple projects and announced a range of policy measures aimed at curbing air pollution.
Source:Dhaka Tribune
January 11, 2026 16:56 UTC
Fire guts four houses in Barguna, one injured
Four houses were gutted by a massive fire on Green Road, leaving several families homeless last night. Photo : BSSBARGUNA, Jan 11, 2026 (BSS) - At least four houses were completely gutted in a fire in the Green Road area of the district town last night, leaving several families homeless and destitute. The fire broke out around 8.30 pm in a house and rapidly spread to adjacent houses, according to local sources. The injured person was rescued in critical condition and admitted to a local hospital. Local authorities have assured that further investigation is underway and that steps will be taken to provide assistance to the affected families.
Source:Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha
January 11, 2026 16:40 UTC
Delayed trials deny timely justice: Speakers
The workshop was organised by the non-government organisation NICE Foundation at the CSS Ava Centre in the city. Former Member of Parliament and BNP nominated MP aspirant of Khulna-2 constituency Nazrul Islam Manju said delays in the trial of women and child abuse cases are seriously hampering justice. Nazrul Islam Manju said that if elected in the future, effective laws would be enacted by reforming existing weaknesses and loopholes in laws related to women and child abuse to ensure justice. M. Mujibur Rahman, Editor of NICE Foundation chaired the workshop, while Mamun Akhtar, Deputy Director of Bangladesh Betar, Khulna moderated the event. Welcome remarks were delivered by Rabeya Sultana, Programme Director of NICE Foundation, while the concept paper was presented by Anjum Tasnuva, Associate Professor of Khulna University of Engineering & Technology.
Source:Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha
January 11, 2026 16:27 UTC