Sabalenka gets revenge over Keys in repeat of Australian Open final
Sabalenka gets revenge over Keys in repeat of Australian Open finalBRISBANE, Australia, Jan 9, 2026 (BSS/AFP) - World number one Aryna Sabalenka sent an Australian Open warning as she beat Madison Keys on Friday in Brisbane in a repeat of last year's Melbourne final. Keys stunned Sabalenka nearly 12 months ago but the Belarusian took revenge on the American with a statement 6-3, 6-3 victory to reach the semi-finals. She turned in an uncharacteristically error-strewn performance and struggled on serve as Sabalenka struck a series of superb returns. Sabalenka, aiming for her third Melbourne title in four years when the Australian Open begins on January 18, said the Brisbane tournament was helping her find form ahead of the first major of the year. Muchova has won her last three matches against Sabalenka, although the last was in 2024 at the China Open.
Source:Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha
January 09, 2026 10:59 UTC
New Chelsea boss Rosenior faces FA Cup test
LONDON, Jan 9, 2026 (BSS/AFP) - Liam Rosenior's first match as Chelseamanager comes laced with giant-killing danger as he takes the Blues tosecond-tier Charlton in the FA Cup third round. Troubled Tottenham boss Thomas Frank is fighting to avoid the sack, whileManchester United are also in turmoil as caretaker manager Darren Fletchertries to lift the gloom. When Rosenior was sacked just days after that loss, a less confidentcharacter would have found it hard to believe they were destined to manageChelsea less than two years later. Despite his solid work at another club controlled by Chelsea owners BlueCo,Rosenior was still a surprise choice to replace Enzo Maresca at StamfordBridge. The club have reportedly spoken to their former manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaerand ex-midfielder Michael Carrick, sacked by Middlesbrough earlier thisseason, about returning as interim boss.
Source:Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha
January 09, 2026 10:59 UTC
Real Madrid's Mbappe fit to play Super Cup final: Alonso
JEDDAH, Saudi Arabia, Jan 9, 2026 (BSS/AFP) - Real Madrid coach Xabi Alonso said Thursday that superstar French striker Kylian Mbappe is fit to play in the Spanish Super Cup final against Barcelona after a knee sprain. The forward was left out of Madrid's travelling party to Saudi Arabia, with Los Blancos beating city rivals Atletico Madrid 2-1 in the semi-final on Thursday to set up a Clasico final on Sunday. "(Mbappe) is a lot better, he is feeling good, and he has the same chance of playing as his team-mates," Alonso told reporters in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. Alonso said Mbappe would fly to join the squad on Friday. The 27-year-old is Madrid's top goalscorer with 29 goals this season across all competitions in 24 appearances.
Source:Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha
January 09, 2026 10:59 UTC
Bangladesh seeks US tariff cut as USTR agrees to consider proposal
National Security Adviser Dr Khalilur Rahman has proposed the US Trade Representative (USTR) to reduce the reciprocal tariff from the current 20%. Both sides agreed to rapidly resolve a handful of outstanding matters in order that the reciprocal tariff agreement could be finalized and executed expeditiously. Dr Khalilur Rahman also took the opportunity to request Bangladesh's access to DFC funding for its private sector. Bangladesh Ambassador to the US, Tareq Md Ariful Islam, accompanied the national security adviser, while Assistant USTR Brendan Lynch and other officials were with the USTR. Dr Khalilur Rahman is also expected to meet senior US State Department officials tomorrow.
Source:Dhaka Tribune
January 09, 2026 10:55 UTC
Age no barrier for rampant Australia but future uncertain
SYDNEY, Jan 9, 2026 (BSS/AFP) - Ashes hero Mitchell Starc insists age is justa number after Australia's 4-1 thumping of England, but the future of the"Dad's Army" is uncertain with a core of players in their mid-30s. Man-of-the-series Starc, 35, was exceptional in leading the home attack inall five Tests, bowling 153 overs and bagging 31 wickets -- more than anyoneelse. Starc said after their five-wicket win in the final Test in Sydney onThursday that "there's so much made about (the team's) age profile". -Playing India away and winning a first Test series in England since 2001 is abucket-list item for players such as Starc and Smith. Looking to the future, the likes of Campbell Kellaway, Matt Renshaw andNathan McSweeney are other top-order options.
Source:Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha
January 09, 2026 10:55 UTC
Shafiqul: Level playing field exists in Bangladesh election process
Press Secretary Shafiqul Alam on Friday said a complete level playing field exists in Bangladesh’s ongoing election process, asserting that the overall environment remains favorable. “We believe there is a completely level playing field in the election. Candidates are going door to door seeking votes, and the election mood is visible everywhere,” he told reporters during a visit to the Shibbari Temple on AB Guha Road in Mymensingh city. Addressing concerns raised by certain quarters, Shafiqul Alam said there was no visible evidence to support claims of an uneven playing field. During his visit, Shafiqul Alam also visited several shrines in the city, including Bura Pir’s Mazar and the shrine of Hazrat Shah Sufi Syed Kalu Shah (R), and condemned attacks on religious sites.
Source:Dhaka Tribune
January 09, 2026 10:54 UTC
Injured Kimmich to miss icy Bundesliga return for Bayern
BERLIN, Jan 9, 2026 (BSS/AFP) - Bayern Munich vice-captain Joshua Kimmich is expected to miss his side's clash with Wolfsburg on Sunday due to injury, as the Bundesliga resumes amid icy conditions across Germany. "We don't want to take any risks, he should make a complete recovery," Bayern sporting director Max Eberl told German media this week. While Kimmich may miss out, Bayern goalkeeper Manuel Neuer is hoping to return to action on Sunday after missing the last game of 2025 due to a thigh injury. 36 - A total of 36 goals have been scored in injury time in the Bundesliga season so far, the most ever after 15 games. Fixtures (1430 GMT unless stated)FridayEintracht Frankfurt v Borussia Dortmund (1930)SaturdayFreiburg v Hamburg, Werder Bremen v Hoffenheim, Union Berlin v Mainz, St. Pauli v RB Leipzig, Heidenheim v Cologne, Bayer Leverkusen v Stuttgart (1730)SundayBorussia Moenchengladbach v Augsburg (1430), Bayern Munich v Wolfsburg (1630)
Source:Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha
January 09, 2026 10:49 UTC
AC Milan scrape a point with Genoa after late penalty howler
Instead Stanciu smashed his effort over the bar and second-placed Milan extended their unbeaten league run to 17 matches, although Inter are further away after beating Parma 2-0 on Wednesday. "We should have created a couple of opportunities without exposing ourselves to a counter-attack which almost cost us the match." "We showed that we can have a say, that we have character, and we came very close to winning. Jamie Vardy's goal and assist wasn't enough for Cremonese who threw away a two-goal lead at half-time to draw 2-2 with Cagliari. Promoted Cremonese haven't won in five matches but are nine points above the relegation zone in 13th place.
Source:Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha
January 09, 2026 10:49 UTC
People to determine their fate for next 50 years thru Feb 12 polls: Fouzul
Muhammad Fouzul Kabir Khan today spoke while inspecting specially designed 'Voter Gari' at Gor-E-Shahid Boro Maidan in Dinajpur. Fouzul Kabir Khan said that in the past, people were deprived of exercising their voting rights. Fouzul added that if people give their verdict in favour of the reform proposals through the referendum, the reform process will continue. He further said the upcoming national election will be held under a neutral, non-partisan government, ensuring that no one can obstruct anyone from voting. He sought cooperation from all to ensure a peaceful national election.
Source:Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha
January 09, 2026 10:39 UTC
PSG beat Marseille on penalties to win French Champions Trophy
KUWAIT CITY, Jan 9, 2026 (BSS/AFP) - Paris Saint-Germain beat Marseille on penalties to win a topsy turvy French Champions Trophy in Kuwait on Thursday. With the match only three minutes away from penalties, centre-back Willian Pacho's ill-advised clearance flummoxed his 'keeper as Marseille suddenly seemed set to seal their first silverware since their 2012 French League Cup title. The fixture traditionally between the Ligue 1 champions and French Cup winners has led a nomadic existence over the years as the French Football Federation seeks to promote Ligue 1 beyond its borders. And in Europe, PSG will also be keen to wrap up automatic qualification to the Champions League last 16. With PSG winning both the league and French Cup last season, Marseille owed their presence in Kuwait to being league runners-up in 2024/25, albeit a yawning 19 points behind their arch rivals.
Source:Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha
January 09, 2026 10:39 UTC
Swiatek romps to United Cup victory in 58 minutes
SYDNEY, Jan 9, 2026 (BSS/AFP) - World number two Iga Swiatek defied apartisan crowd to thrash Australian Maya Joint in Sydney on Friday and givePoland the lead in their United Cup quarter-final. Joint is a talent at age 19 but she was blown away by the six-time Grand Slamchampion, Swiatek teaching her a lesson in a 6-1, 6-1 victory in 58 minutes. The 24-year-old Swiatek will be among the favourites when the Australian Openstarts on January 18 and this showed why as she won a third match in a row. Hubert Hurkacz faces home hope Alex de Minaur in the men's singles as Polandand Australia battle for the right to meet reigning champions the UnitedStates in the last four. The United Cup is a mixed-teams competition featuring 18 countries and servesas build-up to the Australian Open.
Source:Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha
January 09, 2026 10:37 UTC
Iranians step up protests as death toll mounts, internet cut
Iranian protesters on Thursday stepped up their challenge to the clerical leadership with the biggest protests yet of nearly two weeks of rallies, as authorities cut internet access and the death toll from a crackdown mounted. Iranian media and official statements have reported at least 21 people, including security forces, killed since the unrest began, according to an AFP tally. On Wednesday an Iranian police officer was killed west of Tehran trying “to control unrest,” the Fars news agency said. Rights groups have also accused authorities of resorting to tactics including raiding hospitals to detain wounded protesters. “Iran’s security forces have injured and killed both protesters and bystanders,” said Amnesty International, accusing authorities of using “unlawful force.”
Source:Dhaka Tribune
January 09, 2026 10:19 UTC
40 candidates appeal EC over rejection of nomination papers on last day
During the final hours, from 10am to 12pm, 40 candidates filed appeals with the Election Commission (EC) to challenge the rejection decisions issued by the returning officers. The 13th national parliamentary election is scheduled to be held on February 12, coinciding with a national referendum. In anticipation, prospective candidates submitted their nomination papers for scrutiny. After verification, the EC announced that out of all submissions, 1,842 nomination papers across the country’s 300 parliamentary constituencies were deemed valid, while 723 papers were rejected. Officials at the central booth confirmed that, as of midday on the last day, 40 nomination candidates had filed appeals.
Source:Dhaka Tribune
January 09, 2026 09:53 UTC
Bangladeshi fisherman injured by gunfire from Myanmar
Gunfire was reported from across the Myanmar border in Teknaf, Cox’s Bazar, on Friday morning at the North Para border area of Whykong. The incident follows Thursday evening, when a fisherman named Alamgir, 31, was shot while fishing in the Naf River. He added that Alamgir had been injured by gunfire in the Naf River on Thursday and that the border forces remain on alert. While reaching Bilashi Island in the middle of the river, gunfire suddenly came from the Myanmar side, hitting Alamgir in his left hand. SI Khokon Kanti Rudra of Whykong Police Outpost confirmed that local residents reported gunfire from the Myanmar border on Friday morning.
Source:Dhaka Tribune
January 09, 2026 09:51 UTC
US visa bond puts travel beyond reach for Bangladeshis
For millions of Bangladeshis, the United States’ newly announced visa bond requirement represents a significant new obstacle to short-term travel, one that critics say places financial pressure on ordinary citizens while doing little to address the underlying causes of visa overstays. US officials say the measure is intended to discourage overstays by creating a financial incentive to comply with visa rules. Although the bond is refundable, applicants must pay it upfront, often months before travel, and reimbursement can take time even after a timely departure. A tightening travel environmentThe visa bond is part of a broader immigration push under President Donald Trump’s renewed administration, which has included expanded deportations, stricter visa screening, revocations of legal status and increased scrutiny of applicants’ public activity. While US officials insist the bond does not deny entry, analysts say it adds yet another layer of deterrence in an already complex visa system.
Source:Dhaka Tribune
January 09, 2026 09:51 UTC