Afghan farmers taking heavy hit from opium poppy ban: UN
The ban has slashed poppy production overall to just 10,200 hectares (25,200acres) this year, "one of the lowest levels ever recorded" in Afghanistan,the UN Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) said. In Badakhshan on the border with Tajikistan, surveyed in the agency's mostrecent report, poppy production has jumped since the Taliban returned topower in 2021. Many farmers are instead growing wheat and other cereals, but in 2023 "theaverage per-hectare income from wheat was just $770, whereas opium poppyyielded around $10,000 per hectare". Poppy revenues had long been a major source of Afghanistan's economic outputbefore the Taliban returned to power in 2021. Farmers' income from opium sales fell by nearly half, to $134 million thisyear from $260 million in 2024.
Source:Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha
December 29, 2025 14:50 UTC
Myanmar pro-military party official says 'winning' junta-run poll
NAYPYIDAW, Myanmar, Dec 29, 2025 (BSS/AFP) - Myanmar's dominant pro-military party is "winning a majority" in the first phase of junta-run elections, a party source told AFP on Monday, after democracy watchdogs warned the poll would entrench military rule. The pro-military Union Solidarity and Development Party (USDP) is "winning a majority of seats around the country according to different reports", said a party official in the capital Naypyidaw, requesting anonymity because they were not authorised to speak to media. The military overturned the results of the last poll in 2020 after Suu Kyi's party, the NLD, trounced the USDP. "We guarantee it to be a free and fair election," he told reporters after casting his vote in Naypyidaw. But amid the war, the military has acknowledged that elections cannot happen in almost one in five lower house constituencies.
Source:Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha
December 29, 2025 14:40 UTC
Rishad continues to impress in Big Bash
Bangladeshi leg-spinner Rishad Hossain. Photo: ESPNDHAKA, Dec 29, 2025 (BSS) - Bangladesh leg-spinner Rishad Hossain continueshis rich vein of form in Big Bash League, guiding his side Hobart Hurricanesto a four-wicket win over Melbourne Renegades today at their home venue inBellerive Oval in Hobart. In this match, Rishad picked up two wickets for 34 runs in four overs but asusual gave the side an impetus in the middle overs, stifling Melbourne forruns. Rishad so far took eight wickets in five matches, second highest behind TomCurran and Haris Rauf who had nine wickets. The victory, however, propelled Hobart to second spot with eight points fromfive matches.
Source:Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha
December 29, 2025 14:40 UTC
Ripon shines as Rajshahi need 125 for 2nd win in BPL
Ripon shines as Rajshahi need 125 for 2nd win in BPLDHAKA, Dec 29, 2025 (BSS) - Pacer Ripon Mondol claimed his career-best 4-13 asRajshahi Warriors put them in strong position after restricting NoakhaliWarriors to a meager 124-8 in their third game in the Bangladesh PremierLeague (BPL) T20 today at the Sylhet International Cricket Stadium. Tanzim Hasan Sakib gave him ably support with 2-31. After Tanzim brokethrough the top order, Ripon applied pressure in middle overs, effectivelyruining Noakhali's aspiration to recover from the early collapse. Haider Ali, who led the side in absence of Shykat Ali, was the top-scorer forthe side with 33 off 28 while Mahidul Islam Ankon made 22. Earlier, Rajshahi won one and lost one in their first two matches whileNoakhali suffered defeats in both of the matches.
Source:Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha
December 29, 2025 14:40 UTC
Fahim Ashraf five-for leads Rangpur to victory in BPL opener
DHAKA, Dec 29, 2025 (BSS)- Medium pacer Fahim Ashraf claimed a five-wickethaul to steer Rangpur Riders to a comprehensive seven-wicket victory overChattogram Royals in their opening game at the Bangladesh Premier League(BPL) T20 tournament today at the Sylhet International Cricket Stadium. Pakistan recruit Fahim's 5-17 was instrumental in wrapping up Chattogram fora meager 102 in 17.5 overs before former England opener Dawid Malan hit a 51to guide Rangpur to 107-3 for a victory in just 15 overs. Mustafizur Rahman picked up 2-19 to complement Fahim in wrecking havoc onChattogram batting line up. But young pace sensation Nahid Rana began the rot by claiming Chattogramopener Adam Rossington for 1 after they were sent to bat first. Mustafizur also dismissed Naim Sheikh who top-scored for Chattogram with 20ball-39, Fahim then sparked the middle order collapse, ensuring that Rangpurwill get an easier target to chase.
Source:Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha
December 29, 2025 14:37 UTC
Jamalpur District Men's Handball League inaugurated
Photo: BSSDHAKA, Dec 29, 2025 (BSS) - Cute Jamalpur District Men's Handball League,organised by Bangladesh Handball Federation (BHF), was inaugurated atJamalpur Handball Stadium in Jamalpur today (Monday). Jamalpur Deputy Commissioner Mohammad Yusuf Ali formally inaugurated the meetas the chief guest, sponsored by Moushumi Industries Limited. Jamalpur District Sports Association's Member Secretary Dhirendra ChandraSarkar presided over the opening ceremony. Cute district-wide handball league coordinator and BHF technical committee'sjoint member secretary Sayeed Ahmed was also present there. On the opening day matches, Provati Jubo Sangha beat Prottasha Club by 6-4goals while Rokon Smrity Sangsad defeated Mohammedan Sporting Club by 11-5goals.
Source:Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha
December 29, 2025 14:31 UTC
BFF U-15 Football League final to be held tomorrow
DHAKA, Dec 29, 2025 (BSS) - Bangladesh Krira Shikkha Protisthan (BKSP) take on Barisal district in the final match of UCB BFF U-15 Football League scheduled to be held at Shaheed Bhulu Stadium in Noakhali tomorrow (Tuesday). The match kicks off at 2 pm. Bangladesh Football Federation president Tabith Awal is expected to be present in the final as the chief guest and distribute the trophy. United Commercial Bank PLC chairman Sharif Zaheer will also be present in the final as the special guest. A total of twelve district teams including BKSP are taking part in the final round of the league split into four groups.
Source:Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha
December 29, 2025 14:25 UTC
Taskin hails BCB for easing NOC policy for overseas leagues
Photo: CollectedDHAKA, Dec 29, 2025 (BSS)— Bangladesh fast bowler Taskin Ahmed has expressed his gratitude towards the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) for easing the NOC (No Objection Certificate) policy, allowing players to participate in overseas leagues. He highlighted the multi-dimensional environment created by foreign leagues, which feature diverse coaching staffs, players from various countries, and shared experiences that help players grow. “When you play in an overseas league, you’re exposed to a completely different environment,” Taskin explained. However, in recent months, the BCB has granted several players permission to play in foreign leagues. He also discussed the pressure that comes with playing in foreign leagues.
Source:Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha
December 29, 2025 14:25 UTC
Taxpayers must notify by Jan 15 if unable to file e-return
Taxpayers struggling with online income tax returns have until Jan 15 to request permission for alternate filing from their tax offices. The National Board of Revenue (NBR) issued an order on Monday setting the deadline for applications from taxpayers unable to submit e-returns. Earlier, the online filing requirement for individual taxpayers had been partially relaxed, allowing those unable to submit returns electronically to seek permission for alternative submission. Legal representatives may submit returns online if they wish, but there is no obligation. Expatriates can also file their returns online if they choose.
Source:bd News24
December 29, 2025 14:21 UTC
Postal voting: over 950,000 registered, window closes in two days
The number of people who registered to vote through the Postal Voting app has exceeded 950,000. The postal voting registration had begun on Nov 19. About 46,800 people on election duty and 4,367 Ansar members have also enrolled for postal voting. There are 3,675 inmates who registered for postal voting as well. The registered voters can also vote for the referendum for implementing the July Charter using the Postal Voting app.
Source:bd News24
December 29, 2025 14:09 UTC
‘Entrepreneurship among July warriors can boost jobs’
Photo : BSSTHAKURGAON, Dec 29, 2025 (BSS) – BSRI Director General Dr. Kabir Uddin Ahmed said that fostering entrepreneurship among the July warriors can create significant employment opportunities in emerging sectors related to sugar crops, including coconut. Now, enriched with advanced international ideas, its activities have significantly expanded.”“We have started research activities on pulses, dates, stevia, almonds, coconuts and even grapes. The program was presided over by BSRI Thakurgaon Regional Centre Chief Research Officer and Station In-charge Dr. Md. Special guests included BSRI Director (Research) Dr. Md. Ataur Rahman and Director (TOT) Dr. Selina Akhtar, among others.
Source:Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha
December 29, 2025 14:05 UTC
Coconino County Superior Court warning residents about new phone scam
State Alabama Alaska Arizona Arkansas California Colorado Connecticut Delaware Florida Georgia Hawaii Idaho Illinois Indiana Iowa Kansas Kentucky Louisiana Maine Maryland Massachusetts Michigan Minnesota Mississippi Missouri Montana Nebraska Nevada New Hampshire New Jersey New Mexico New York North Carolina North Dakota Ohio Oklahoma Oregon Pennsylvania Rhode Island South Carolina South Dakota Tennessee Texas Utah Vermont Virginia Washington Washington D.C. West Virginia Wisconsin Wyoming Puerto Rico US Virgin Islands Armed Forces Americas Armed Forces Pacific Armed Forces Europe Northern Mariana Islands Marshall Islands American Samoa Federated States of Micronesia Guam Palau Alberta, Canada British Columbia, Canada Manitoba, Canada New Brunswick, Canada Newfoundland, Canada Nova Scotia, Canada Northwest Territories, Canada Nunavut, Canada Ontario, Canada Prince Edward Island, Canada Quebec, Canada Saskatchewan, Canada Yukon Territory, CanadaZip Code
Source:Daily Sun
December 29, 2025 14:03 UTC
BGB Day 2025 celebrated with dignity
DHAKA, Dec 29, 2025 (BSS) - Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) Day 2025 was celebrated today with due dignity and enthusiasm across the country. These included 12 BGB Medals (BGBM), 24 President’s Border Guard Medals (PBGM), 12 BGB Medals-Service (BGBMS), and 24 President’s Border Guard Medals-Service (PBGMS). Senior Secretary of the Ministry of Home Affairs Nasimul Ghani and the BGB Director General were present at the event. Special prayers were also offered in BGB mosques nationwide and similar programs were organized at all BGB units. The BGB Day was celebrated today as December 20 had been declared a national mourning day following the martyrdom of Inqilab Moncho spokesperson Sharif Osman bin Hadi.
Source:Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha
December 29, 2025 14:01 UTC
Winter clothing sales boom as cold wave grips the capital
A visit to the ground found heavy crowds of buyers at New Market, New Super Market, Chandrima Super Market, Nurjahan Plaza, Globe Super Market, Gausia Market, Hawkers Market and Badruddoza Super Market. Visiting various markets, shopping malls and footpaths in the capital shows that winter clothes of various colors and designs are displayed at almost every shop. Md Ashraful Alam, a salesman of New Market, told BSS that due to the sudden increase in cold, sales of winter clothes have risen significantly over the last few days. At Nurjahan Market, Dolly Chandra Das, a resident of Azimpur, came to buy winter clothes for her children. "Winter clothes on the footpath are comparatively cheaper, and you can check them before buying, so I came.
Source:Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha
December 29, 2025 13:55 UTC
21 charge-sheeted in scrap metal trader Sohag killing case
DHAKA, Dec 29, 2025 (BSS) – Police has filed charge-sheet in against 21 in a case lodged over the brutal murder of scrap metal trader Lal Chand Mohammad Sohag in the capital’s Mitford area on July 9, 2025. Investigation officer Kotwali Police Station officer-in-charge Moniruzzaman filed the charge-sheet at Dhaka Chief Metropolitan Magistrate Court on December 28. Lal Chand Mohammad Sohag, 39, was hacked, beaten and stoned to death on July 9 near a gate of Sir Salimullah Medical College Mitford Hospital. His sister Monjuara Begum filed the case against 19 the next day.
Source:Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha
December 29, 2025 13:41 UTC