Court orders suspension of electoral activities in Pabna-1, Pabna-2
The Election Commission (EC) has decided to suspend voting in the Pabna-1 and Pabna-2 constituencies due to boundary complications. Confirming the matter to the media on Friday, senior secretary of the Election Commission Secretariat Akhtar Ahmed said the decision was taken following a court directive. Akhtar Ahmed said that the court had instructed the commission not to carry out any electoral activities in the Pabna-1 and Pabna-2 constituencies. Consequently, all voting activities in these two seats have been suspended for the time being.
Source:Dhaka Tribune
January 09, 2026 06:56 UTC
On the borderline
There can be no denying that tensions are high between Bangladesh and India currently - a predicament that favours neither nation. During such a time, the recent battalion commander-level meeting between Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) and India’s Border Security Force (BSF) truly stands out as a welcome reminder of diplomacy’s quiet power. As such, that both sides chose dialogue instead deserves recognition. Bangladesh has long advocated for humane border practices, and a meeting of this sort is a necessary reminder of its importance. We can only hope that such exchanges become the norm, and help to build a more stable and dignified relationship between the two countries.
Source:Dhaka Tribune
January 09, 2026 06:56 UTC
Beyond the boundary
But what happens when the field itself becomes contested territory -- when players cannot cross the boundary line because the boundary has become a border they dare not cross? Why did Bangladesh take this sweeping step -- one that risked severe sporting sanctions and potential forfeiture of World Cup points? Perhaps most significantly, the concerns extend to ordinary Bangladeshi cricket supporters who would want to travel to India to watch their team compete in a World Cup. If Bangladesh withdraws entirely, both countries and international cricket as a whole suffer damage that will take years to repair. Whether the world of international cricket can accommodate those concerns while maintaining its structures and principles remains very much an open question.
Source:Dhaka Tribune
January 09, 2026 06:56 UTC
Cold wave, fog to dominate weather
File PhotoDHAKA, Jan 9, 2026 (BSS) – The overall weather situation indicates dry conditions across the country with a temporary partly cloudy sky during the next 24 hours commencing from 9:00 am today, while cold wave and dense fog are likely to continue affecting daily life in several regions. According to forecast of the Bangladesh Meteorological Department (BMD, a mild to moderate cold wave is currently sweeping over Rangpur and Rajshahi divisions along with the districts of Narsingdi, Jashore, Chuadanga and Kushtia, and the prevailing conditions suggest it may persist further. Temperature trends show little change at night, while a slight rise in day temperature is expected across the country, indicating a continuation of cold nights followed by comparatively milder daytime conditions. The highest temperature recorded yesterday was 28.1 degrees Celsius at Bandarban, highlighting regional variation, while the lowest temperature today dropped sharply to 6.8 degrees Celsius at Tetulia, underscoring the intensity of cold conditions in the northern part of the country. Today’s sunset in Dhaka will be at 5:28 pm and tomorrow’s sunrise is expected at 6:43 am, pointing to longer cold night hours as winter conditions continue to dominate the weather pattern.
Source:Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha
January 09, 2026 06:03 UTC
Street named after Khaleda Zia in the USA
Three-time former Prime Minister of Bangladesh and BNP Chairperson Begum Khaleda Zia. File photoDHAKA, Jan 8, 2026 (BSS) - A street in the US state of Michigan has been named after late Begum Khaleda Zia, three-time former Prime Minister of Bangladesh and Chairperson of the BNP. The Carpenter Street, located in the heart of Hamtramck City, will now be known by the name of Begum Khaleda Zia. The proposal to rename the section of Carpenter Street between Joseph Campau Avenue and Conant Street after Begum Khaleda Zia was recently approved by the City Council. With the addition of a street named after Khaleda Zia in Michigan, an inseparable chapter of Bangladesh's political history has now taken permanent form on American soil.
Source:Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha
January 09, 2026 05:28 UTC
Dhaka University moves to rename Sheikh Mujib, Fazilatunnesa halls
Dhaka University's highest policy-making forum, the Syndicate, has moved forward with a decision to rename the Sheikh Mujibur Rahman Hall and the Sheikh Fazilatunnesa Hall to the Shaheed Osman Hadi Hall and the Captain Sitara Parvin Hall, respectively. O Thursday at 9:40pm, Dhaka University Proctor Saifuddin Ahmed confirmed this information to the Dhaka Tribune. He said: "The Senate will make the final decision; the Syndicate has sent this (name change proposal) to the Senate. Additionally, the Syndicate also framed charges against four teachers from the Blue Panel for their dismissal during the same meeting. The accused teachers are— Professor Zinat Huda, Professor AKM Jamal Uddin, Professor Sadeka Halim, and Professor Mashiur Rahman.
Source:Dhaka Tribune
January 09, 2026 04:57 UTC
Get to Know: Gwin Elementary Assistant Principal Hunter Nichols
× Expand Jon Anderson Hunter Nichols Hunter Nichols, assistant principal at Gwin Elementary School in Hoover. I interviewed, got the job and then moved straight into the assistant principal role three years ago. Some of my best aha moments are on my run, thinking about school — what needs to take place next. If it comes from legislators or anything like that, obviously we have to take it and run with it. I just wish sometimes we could get back to the root of teaching students without all the demands, which is tough.
Source:Daily Sun
January 09, 2026 04:53 UTC
Panchagarh Shivers at Season's lowest 6.8øC
Photo: BSSPANCHAGARH, Jan 9, 2026 (BSS) - The minimum temperature in Panchagarh fell to 6.8 degree Celsius this morning, marking the district's lowest of the season so far. At 9 am, the Tetulia Weather Observation Centre recorded the 6.8 degree Celsius reading, which the Meteorological Office confirmed as the season's lowest here. Officials noted that temperatures between 6.1 degree Celsius and 8 degree Celsius indicate a moderate cold wave, which is currently affecting the area. The day before, the minimum temperature was 9.2 degree Celsius, while the maximum reached 18.5 degree Celsius. Senior observer Jitendranath Roy of the Tetulia Weather Observation Centre said on Friday, humidity stood at 100 percent, with wind speeds of 10-12 kilometers per hour.
Source:Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha
January 09, 2026 04:45 UTC
China says consumer prices rose in December
BEIJING, Jan 9, 2026 (BSS/AFP) - Chinese consumer prices rose in December, official data showed Friday, extending a period of growth following months of deflationary pressure in the world's second-largest economy. The consumer price index, a key measure of inflation, rose 0.8 percent year-on-year, the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) said. Consumer demand rose last month as the new year approached, NBS statistician Dong Lijuan said in a statement. "Policies aimed at expanding domestic demand and promoting consumption continued to show results," Dong added. The producer price index -- which measures the cost of goods at the factory gate -- dropped 1.9 percent on-year in December, the NBS said.
Source:Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha
January 09, 2026 04:29 UTC
Asian stocks rally ahead of US jobs, Supreme Court ruling
HONG KONG, Jan 9, 2026 (BSS/AFP) - Asian markets rose Friday after a two-day stutter as traders look ahead to the release of crucial US jobs data and a possible Supreme Court ruling on Donald Trump's sweeping global tariffs. A report showing Chinese consumer prices rose at their fastest pace in almost three years also provided a boost to Shanghai and Hong Kong stocks. But focus is now on the outlook for US interest rates, with closely watched non-farm payrolls figures due out later in the day. The Supreme Court's possible ruling on the legality of many of Trump's punishing tariffs is also keeping investors occupied. A ruling against the government could have a huge on impact its economic and fiscal plans.
Source:Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha
January 09, 2026 04:19 UTC
Iran forces accused of firing on protesters as death toll mounts
Local media and official statements have reported at least 21 people, including security forces, killed since the unrest began, according to an AFP tally. But raising its own toll based on verified deaths, the Norway-based NGO Iran Human Rights said security forces had killed at least 45 protesters, including eight minors. HRANA also posted footage it said showed security forces firing on protesters with handguns in Kermanshah. 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:Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha
January 09, 2026 03:41 UTC
Khalilur Rahman meets US Trade Representative Jamieson Greer in Washington DC
National Security Adviser Dr Khalilur Rahman met with US Trade Representative Ambassador Jamieson Greer in Washington DC on Thursday afternoon. Photo: CA's Press WingDHAKA, Jan 9, 2026 (BSS) - National Security Adviser Dr Khalilur Rahman met with US Trade Representative Ambassador Jamieson Greer in Washington DC on Thursday afternoon. During the meeting with Ambassador Greer, Dr Rahman briefed him on the progress in reducing trade gap between Bangladesh and the United States. Dr Rahman also took the opportunity to request Bangladesh's access to DFC funding for its private sector. Ambassador Greer assured Dr Rahman of his efforts in these regards.
Source:Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha
January 09, 2026 03:37 UTC
CORNELL NOTES: Consistency Key to Second Half of Conference Play, as No. 10 Women’s Hockey Readies to Host No. 11 Clarkson, St. Lawrence.
Women’s hockey has looked dominant, listless, and confusing at various times during its first half of conference play. “They have been practicing with a higher level of accountability, understanding the correlation between how you practice is going to equate to how you’re going to play,” Derraugh said. This year’s Clarkson team is likely to once again prove challenging for Cornell. I guess you would say usually it’s more of a back and forth game,” Derraugh said. Cornell will host Clarkson Friday afternoon at 3 p.m. and St. Lawrence on Saturday at 3 p.m.
Source:Daily Sun
January 09, 2026 03:36 UTC
One dead, 38 missing after Philippine dump site collapse
MANILA, Jan 9, 2026 (BSS/AFP) - Rescue workers searched for survivors on Friday after the collapse of a landfill in the central Philippines killed at least one person and left 38 missing. At least 12 employees have been pulled from the garbage and hospitalised, according to a statement on the official Facebook page of city mayor Nestor Archival. Rescue workers were "fully engaged in search and retrieval efforts to locate the remaining missing persons", he said. It wasn't raining at all," said Marge Parcotello, a civilian staff member of the police department in Consolacion, a town that shares a common boundary with the dump site. "Many of the victims are from Consolacion," she said.
Source:Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha
January 09, 2026 03:29 UTC
Iranians mass on Tehran avenue in major anti-govt protest: images verified by AFP
PARIS, France, Jan 9, 2026 (BSS/AFP) - Protesters in Tehran massed on a key avenue in the northwest of the Iranian capital on Thursday in a major protest that is part of a nationwide movement sparked by anger over the cost of living, according to images on social media verified by AFP. Crowds of people, as well as vehicles honking in support, filled a part of the vast Ayatollah Kashani Boulevard, images from Tehran showed. Other videos published of the protest on Kashani Boulevard in Tehran showed people chanting anti-government slogans including "death to the dictator". People were also seen packing a major road in the Vakilabad district of Mashhad, home to one of Shiite Islam's holiest shrines, in a video not verified by AFP. Activists say that the protest movement is showing no sign of abating and is even growing in scale, despite a crackdown that has already left dozens dead, according to rights groups.
Source:Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha
January 09, 2026 03:19 UTC