US attack in Venezuela left 100 dead, minister says
CARACAS, Jan 8, 2026 (BSS/AFP) - The US attack that led to Venezuelan leader Nicolas Maduro's capture in Caracas left 100 people dead and dozens more wounded, Interior Minister Diosdado Cabello said Wednesday. "So far -- and I mean so far -- there are 100 dead and a similar number of wounded. The attack on our country was terrible," Cabello said on state television. The minister added that Maduro and his wife Cilia Flores were injured in the seizure but were "recovering." Both were seen walking on their own power during a New York court arraignment this week.
Source:Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha
January 08, 2026 14:25 UTC
Uruguay could emerge as gateway for RMG exports to Mercosur market: BGMEA
Uruguay could emerge as gateway for RMG exports to Mercosur market: BGMEAAlberto Guani, Ambassador of Uruguay to Bangladesh, paid a courtesy visit to the BGMEA office today. Photo: BGMEADHAKA, Jan 8, 2026 (BSS) - Uruguay could emerge as a key gateway for Bangladesh’s readymade garment (RMG) exports to the Mercosur market, one of South America’s most influential regional trading blocs, said leaders of the Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA) today. The observation came when Alberto Guani, Ambassador of Uruguay to Bangladesh, paid a courtesy visit to the BGMEA office today. BGMEA Director Shah Rayeed Chowdhury said Uruguay could particularly play a vital role as the main gateway for Bangladeshi apparel exports to the wider Mercosur region. Both sides expressed keen interest in working closely together to strengthen trade and investment ties between Bangladesh and Uruguay.
Source:Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha
January 08, 2026 13:50 UTC
Govt okays essential drug list, pricing guidelines to make healthcare affordable
Chief Adviser's Special Assistant Professor Dr Md Sayedur Rahman addressed a press briefing at the Foreign Service Academy this afternoon. Photo: CA's Press WingDHAKA, Jan 8, 2026 (BSS) - The Advisory Council at its weekly meeting today approved guidelines on the National Essential Drugs List and Drug Price Determination aimed at making medicines more affordable and accessible for the general people. "Under the newly approved guidelines, the Essential Drugs List has been significantly expanded. Noting that currently, the Drug Price Fixation Committee will oversee the implementation of the guidelines, he said, in future, the government plans to establish an independent National Drug Pricing Authority, separate from the existing Directorate General of Drug Administration (DGDA). This body will focus exclusively on drug price benchmarking, global reference pricing, and market monitoring, Dr Sayedur Raman said.
Source:Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha
January 08, 2026 13:50 UTC
Macron accuses US of 'turning away' from allies
French President Emmanuel Macron. Photo: CollectedPARIS, France, Jan 8, 2026 (BSS/AFP) - French President Emmanuel Macron said on Thursday that the United States was "breaking free from international rules" and "gradually turning away" from some of its allies. "Multilateral institutions are functioning less and less effectively," Macron said in his annual speech to French ambassadors. "We are living in a world of great powers with a real temptation to divide up the world."
Source:Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha
January 08, 2026 13:32 UTC
Wave of excitement sweeps Thakurgaon ahead of Tarique Rahman’s visit
There is a great excitement among the BNP and Thakurgaon residents ahead of Tarique Rahman’s arrival here. Sources said Tarique Rahman will arrive in Thakurgaon on Monday (12 January) night and will stay at the guest house of the BURO Training Centre-Thakurgaon. He (Tarique Rahman) last came to Thakurgaon for a blanket distribution programme in the winter of 2003." He further said, "The arrival of Tarique Rahman again after 23 years is a great joy for the leaders and activists even for the general masses. Most recently, on September 7, 2025, he delivered a guiding speech as the chief guest at the BNP Thakurgaon district unit bi-annual conference.
Source:Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha
January 08, 2026 13:31 UTC
Swecchasebak Dal issues 24-hour ultimatum for arrest of Muchabbir’s killers
The Jatiotabadi Swecchasebak Dal has said it will launch rigorous protests if the killers of its slain leader Azizur Rahman Muchabbir are not arrested within the next 24 hours. Robin said, “We demand the arrest of Muchabbir’s killers within the next 24 hours. In support of this demand, we are announcing protest programmes across all cities and districts, including the Dhaka metropolitan, this Saturday. BNP Joint Secretary General Habib Un-Nabi Khan Sohel, Swecchasebak Affairs Secretary Mir Sarafat Ali Sopu, and other central leaders, alongside Yasin and numerous activists, attended the funeral. On Muchabbir’s murder, our colleagues have given a 24-hour ultimatum.
Source:bd News24
January 08, 2026 13:27 UTC
Govt. takes steps to check horn playing to prevent noise pollution
DHAKA, Jan 8, 2026 (BSS) – The government has taken measures to prevent playing of horn to check noise pollution in the country with a view to considering public health. Excessive noise pollution is creating multiple health risks to people, while noise pollution causes various physical and mental problems, including hearing loss, partial or complete deafness, heart disease, high blood pressure, insomnia and mental concentration disorders, as well as the possibility of miscarriage in pregnant mothers, and the birth of deaf or disabled/special needs child in the womb. The government issued the Noise Pollution (Control) Rules, 2025 on November 24, 2025. Rule 6 of the Noise Pollution (Control) Rules, 2025 contains restrictions on vehicle horns. As per the Rule 6(3), no horn shall be played at night in a quiet area and as per Rule 6(4), no horn shall be played in residential areas.
Source:Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha
January 08, 2026 13:16 UTC
EU to send 200 observers during nat'l polls
Photo: BSSDHAKA, Jan 08, 2026 (BSS)- Member of the European Parliament and Chief Observer of the EU Election Observation Mission Ivars Ijab has said a 200-member EU delegation will observe Bangladesh’s upcoming 13th national election. He said this to reporters after a meeting with Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) A M M Nasir Uddin at Nirbachan Bhaban at Agargaon here today. Ijab said EU long-term observers are working in Bangladesh since the end of December while short-term observers will join with advanced team on February 12. The delegation will include members of the European Parliament and will stay in Bangladesh throughout the election period. Ijab emphasized that the EU mission would observe the electoral process impartially.
Source:Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha
January 08, 2026 13:11 UTC
900 metres of illegal nets, fishing rods seized from Halda River
Photo: BSSCHATTOGRAM, Jan 8, 2026 (BSS) – The Fisheries Department of Fatikchari upazila today confiscated 900 metres of illegal fishing nets and 12 fishing rods during a special drive in the Halda River, recognised as the only natural fish breeding ground in South Asia. Senior Upazila Fisheries Officer of Fatikchari Fisheries Department Md Azaziul Islam said they conducted the raid this morning along the Nazirhat stretch of the Halda River, from Nazirhat to the Haladar estuary, and seized the illegal nets and fishing rods. The seized nets have been kept at a temporary naval police camp along the Halda River and will be destroyed later, he added.
Source:Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha
January 08, 2026 13:01 UTC
Foreign ministry backs decision not to participate in T20 World Cup in India: Touhid
Foreign adviser Md Touhid Hossain. Photo : CollectedDHAKA, Jan 8, 2026 (BSS) – The foreign ministry has agreed with the Ministry of Youth and Sports on the decision not to travel to India to play, following the exclusion of cricketer Mustafizur Rahman, citing security concerns, foreign adviser Md Touhid Hossain said today. How can we be assured that they will remain safe”, Touhid said while speaking to journalists at the foreign ministry here this afternoon. Regarding reports of purchasing fighter aircraft from Pakistan, Touhid Hossain said discussions on the matter are ongoing. The foreign adviser informed the reporters that he is scheduled to leave Dhaka tomorrow (Friday) to attend a multilateral forum to be held in Saudi Arabia.
Source:Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha
January 08, 2026 13:01 UTC
Arguments in plot scam case against Hasina, Tulip, 16 others on Jan 13
Ousted Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and her nieces Tulip Siddiq. File PhotoDHAKA, Jan 8, 2026 (BSS) - A Dhaka court today set January 13, 2026 for placing arguments in a case against 18 people, including ousted Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, and her nieces Tulip Siddiq and Azmina Siddiq, over alleged irregularities in allocating a plot in the RAJUK New Town Project. The court on January 5 brought the testimony in the case to an end and set today for the placing of the statement by the defence. A total of 31 witnesses testified in the case. The ACC filed the case against 16 on January 13, 2025, and filed a charge sheet on March 10 against 18.
Source:Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha
January 08, 2026 13:01 UTC
ICC commits to addressing Bangladesh’s T20 World Cup security concerns, denies issuing ultimatum
Bangladesh’s World Cup participation in spotlight amid rising tensionsThe Bangladesh Cricket Board has publicly confirmed that it is in active communication with the International Cricket Council regarding security concerns surrounding the 2026 ICC Men’s T20 World Cup in India and Sri Lanka. “In its communication, the ICC has reiterated its commitment to ensuring the full and uninterrupted participation of the Bangladesh team in the tournament,” the statement continued. Speaking to bdnews24.com, he said, “The ICC has told us they want to stage the World Cup with Bangladesh included. They said they are finalising the security plan and asked us to outline the specific areas where we have concerns. “The Bangladesh Cricket Board remains firmly committed to placing the highest priority on the safety, security and well-being of the Bangladesh National Cricket Team,” the statement concluded.
Source:bd News24
January 08, 2026 12:50 UTC
Stocks edge higher amid moderate trading
DHAKA, Jan 08, 2026 (BSS) – Stocks today closed on a positive note with key indices showing slight gains despite a higher number of declining stocks. Similarly, the blue-chip DS30 index saw an increase of 1.56 points, reaching 1,914.94, while the Shariah-based DSES index ticked up by 1.42 points to close at 1,010.80. Peoples Leasing saw the most significant decline, followed by FAS Finance, Premier Leasing, and Fareast Finance. Other companies in the top 10 losers list included International Leasing, First Finance, Prime Finance, Family Tex, BIFC, and GSP Finance. The Selective Categories' Index (CSCX) and All Share Price Index (CASPI) increased by 19 points and 18.68 points, respectively.
Source:Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha
January 08, 2026 12:41 UTC
BCB announces squad for Women's T20 WC Qualifier
DHAKA, Jan 8, 2026 (BSS) - Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) has named the squad for the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup Qualifier 2026 to be held in Nepal from January 28 to February 1. The Bangladesh team will depart for Kathmandu on January 12. Bangladesh are drawn in Group A alongside the USA, Ireland, Namibia and Papua New Guinea. Bangladesh Women’s team will take on the USA on January 18 at the Women’s T20 World Cup Qualifier. The 10 teams participating in the tournament will vie for four qualification spots in the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup to be held in England and Wales in June-July.
Source:Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha
January 08, 2026 12:41 UTC
Bangladesh has made notable progress in digital payments: PRI
In a presentation, PRI showed that Bangladesh has made notable progress in digital payments, led by mobile financial services, QR payments, and online banking, yet it remains largely cash-dependent. Arief Hossain Khan, Executive Director of Bangladesh Bank, graced the event as the chief guest. In his remarks, he highlighted, “Bangladesh Bank is actively pursuing initiatives to promote digital payments, financial inclusion, and a secure payment ecosystem. “The cashless economy contributes to productivity growth, but the valuations generated within the cashless economy must be captured. Cooperation among the Bangladesh Bank, BBS, and research organizations will be required, including access to relevant data from the Bangladesh Bank,” he added.
Source:Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha
January 08, 2026 12:36 UTC