EC is confident holding a neutral election: CEC 
EC is confident holding a neutral election: CEC 
Appeal proceeding on nomination papers begins today
Appeal proceeding on nomination papers begins today
EC confident of a good election: Commissioner Anwarul Islam
EC confident of a good election: Commissioner Anwarul Islam
Ferry services on Aricha-Kazirhat resume after 10 hours
Ferry services on Aricha-Kazirhat resume after 10 hours
No scope for unethical influence in election: EC Sanaullah
No scope for unethical influence in election: EC Sanaullah
Tarique Rahman holding meeting with top business leaders 
Tarique Rahman holding meeting with top business leaders 
EC confident of a good election: Commissioner Anwarul Islam
BNP most popular, persecuted by fascism: Helal 
BNP most popular, persecuted by fascism: Helal 
KHULNA, Jan 5, 2025 (BSS) - BNP Information Affairs Secretary Azizul Bari Helal has expressed confidence that the BNP would form the next government as it is the country's most popular party and one that has been persecuted by fascism.  He made the remarks while attending discussion meetings and prayer programmes seeking eternal peace of the departed soul of former Prime Minister and BNP Chairperson Begum Khaleda Zia in Rupsha and Terokhada Upazilas of the district on Sunday.  The Rupsha Upazila Hawkers' Union organized the function at the Rupsha Ghat premises at 3:00 pm.  Speaking on the occasion, Helal said many are now talking about new political parties, but the BNP will form the next government as it remains the most popular party in Bangladesh and has long been persecuted by fascism.  Helal said he has been involved in politics for about 40 years and has always tried to stand by the people of Rupsha, Terokhada, Dighalia and greater Khulna whenever he got the opportunity. Helal added that if the BNP comes to power in the future, he would have greater scope to play a stronger role in implementing the ideals of Shaheed President Ziaur Rahman, the political legacy of Begum Khaleda Zia and the plans of the party's Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman.  Helal prayed that Almighty Allah forgives Begum Khaleda Zia and grants her Jannatul Ferdous.  Later in the afternoon, Helal attended another prayer meeting organized by local women in Debipur Joypur. He later distributed food in the Khorar Bottola area of Kismat Khulna.  Local BNP leaders and activists were present at the programmes.
Travel ban imposed on former Jamalpur-1 MP Noor Mohammed, wife
Travel ban imposed on former Jamalpur-1 MP Noor Mohammed, wife
Court attaches plots, 3 vehicles of Anisul Huq
Court attaches plots, 3 vehicles of Anisul Huq
Khaleda Zia: From homemaker to Bangladesh's first female prime minister
Khaleda Zia: From homemaker to Bangladesh's first female prime minister
The untold Liberation War journey of Khaleda Zia
The untold Liberation War journey of Khaleda Zia
Khaleda Zia's policy: Balancing between left and right
Khaleda Zia's policy: Balancing between left and right
Adieu Khaleda Zia: The fearless face of Bangladesh politics
Adieu Khaleda Zia: The fearless face of Bangladesh politics
ADB commits $2.57b in sovereign financing for Bangladesh in 2025
ADB commits $2.57b in sovereign financing for Bangladesh in 2025
DHAKA, Jan 5, 2026 (BSS) - The Asian Development Bank (ADB) has committed $2.57 billion in new sovereign financing to Bangladesh in 2025, more than doubling its 2024 commitment of $1.18 billion.  The 2025 programme targets priority investments in energy, transportation, banking reforms, urban services, climate resilience, small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), and the improvement of livelihood and services in Cox's Bazar.  This year's sovereign lending portfolio reflects a balanced mix across sectors and financing modalities, said an ADB press release.  "We proudly reaffirm our commitment to supporting Bangladesh's priorities during this significant transition period, which is further complicated by an increasingly challenging global landscape," said ADB Country Director Hoe Yun Jeong.  "The 2025 commitments underscore our enduring partnership with Bangladesh and shared focus, in close collaboration with the Economic Relations Division (ERD) and other government ministries and agencies, on economic diversification, enhanced infrastructure and services, and human development," he added. The ADB's sovereign commitments in 2025 demonstrated a strong focus on infrastructure and institutional reforms. Of the total $2.57 billion committed across ten projects, approximately 35 percent supported transport infrastructure, 23 percent was on finance, and 16 percent supported public sector management and governance.  Energy initiatives accounted for 11 percent, while water and urban development contributed 9 percent, and human and social development represented 6 percent. Key commitments include the $688 million South Asia Subregional Economic Cooperation-Chattogram-Dohazari Railway Project, which will upgrade a critical rail line and build a bypass to enable direct train services from Dhaka to Cox's Bazar.  Also notable are the $500 million Stabilizing and Reforming the Banking Sector Programme, Subprogramme 1, aimed at strengthening regulation, corporate governance, asset quality, and financial stability; and the $400 million Climate-Resilient Inclusive Development Programme Subprogramme 2, designed to enhance climate resilience, reduce emissions in climate-critical sectors, and promote inclusive growth. Enhanced project readiness and portfolio management strengthened implementation in 2025.  The ADB also provided non-sovereign assistance to the private sector, supporting investments in textiles, renewable energy, trade finance, food security, microfinance, and public-private partnerships (PPP). Throughout the year, ADB worked closely with other development partners to deliver coordinated support for operationalizing the Bangladesh Climate Development Partnership, promoting public and financial sector reforms, and enhancing economic diversification and logistics.  These collaborative efforts helped mobilize $720 million in co-financing. ADB also delivered targeted knowledge support to inform policy on foreign investment, inclusive development, and public debt management. As of 31 December 2025, ADB's cumulative sovereign and non-sovereign loan commitments to Bangladesh exceeded $42 billion, with an active sovereign portfolio comprising 48 projects amounting to $10.8 billion. Looking ahead to 2026, ADB will maintain flexibility to address the country's evolving needs and priorities.  Priorities will include developing economic corridors, strengthening multimodal logistics,advancing public sector reforms and capital market development, promoting private sector development, and accelerating digital transformation. ADB is a leading multilateral development bank supporting inclusive, resilient, and sustainable growth across Asia and the Pacific.  Working with its members and partners to solve complex challenges together, ADB harnesses innovative financial tools and strategic partnerships to transform lives, build quality infrastructure, and safeguard the planet. Founded in 1966, ADB is owned by 69 members-50 from the region. 
NBR initiates entry of all paper VAT returns into e-VAT System
NBR initiates entry of all paper VAT returns into e-VAT System
Irish PM calls for 'open trade' in talks with China's Xi     
Irish PM calls for 'open trade' in talks with China's Xi     
Youth festival held in Rajbari thru various competitions 
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Broadcasting of IPL matches suspended in Bangladesh
Iran calls for release of Venezuela's Maduro
BNP most popular, persecuted by fascism: Helal 
Two killed in series of Russian attacks on Ukraine
Iran accuses Israel of seeking to 'undermine national unity'
Malaysia to introduce 10-year term limit for prime minister
Indictment hearing in a sedition case against Hasina, 285 others Jan 21
Travel ban imposed on former Jamalpur-1 MP Noor Mohammed, wife
Court attaches plots, 3 vehicles of Anisul Huq
EC is confident holding a neutral election: CEC 
১০
Secondary level students to get all textbooks by January 15: NCTB
Secondary level students to get all textbooks by January 15: NCTB
JnU suspends Jan 6 classes, exams over students' union polls 
JnU suspends Jan 6 classes, exams over students' union polls 
DU opens condolence book for Begum Khaleda Zia 
DU opens condolence book for Begum Khaleda Zia 
IU's research group hosts Biology Think Tank Meeting in Sylhet
IU's research group hosts Biology Think Tank Meeting in Sylhet
United efforts crucial to protect life, nature, biodiversity: Experts
United efforts crucial to protect life, nature, biodiversity: Experts
RAJSHAHI, Jan 5, 2025 (BSS) - Speakers at a meeting unequivocally called for an integrated effort of all the government, non-government and volunteer youth organizations concerned to protect life, nature and biodiversity. Unplanned industrialization and infrastructure development and grabbing of arable lands have been posing a serious threat to the agriculture, biodiversity and food security in the region, particularly the Barind region.  The experts made the observations in the annual general meeting of Barendra Youth Forum (BYF), consisting of around 46 youth organizations, at SK Food World Restaurant in the city on Sunday afternoon. Bangladesh Resource Centre for Indigenous Knowledge (BARCIK) actively involved in organizing various meetings and events focusing on life and nature protection, supported the event. A 13-member BYF new executive committee was formed, with Atikur Rahman as president and Poly Rani Pramanik as its general secretary.  Prof Bidhan Chandra Das, who retired from the Department of Zoology at Rajshahi University addressed the meeting as a focal person disseminating his expertise on the issue. BARCIK Regional Coordinator Shahidul Islam, cultural activist Waliur Rahman Babu and BYF leaders Atikur Rahman Sohel Hossain, Salman Farsy, Poly Rani Pramanik and Mukhlesur Rahman also spoke.   Prof Bidhan Chandra Das called for addressing the threat of climate change to livelihoods besides emphasizing the need for renewable energy sources and sustainable water management. He also focused on raising awareness about the dangers of plastic pollution and its impact on the environment, including rivers, soil, and even human health.  Utmost emphasis should be given to supporting farmers to adopt organic farming practices, promoting safe vegetable cultivation and highlighting its benefits for both health and income.  Community participation, including organizing dialogues, rallies, and tree plantation events has become an urgent need to foster a sense of responsibility towards nature.  In his remarks, Shahidul Islam said school, college and university-level students need proper knowledge about the importance of biodiversity, natural resource conservation and climate change issues so that they can contribute to this field.  
Prayer held seeking eternal peace of Begum Khaleda Zia
Prayer held seeking eternal peace of Begum Khaleda Zia
Police Nari Kalyan Samity donates warm clothes in Gaibandha
Police Nari Kalyan Samity donates warm clothes in Gaibandha
Djokovic quits players' union he co-founded
Djokovic quits players' union he co-founded
Guinea's Supreme Court validates Mamady Doumbouya's election victory
Guinea's Supreme Court validates Mamady Doumbouya's election victory
Messi's Miami sign Canada goalkeeper St. Clair
Messi's Miami sign Canada goalkeeper St. Clair
Root in Ponting territory with 41st Test century at 5th Ashes Test
Root in Ponting territory with 41st Test century at 5th Ashes Test
Iran calls for release of Venezuela's Maduro
Iran calls for release of Venezuela's Maduro
TEHRAN, Jan 5, 2026 (BSS/AFP) - Iran called on Monday for the release of Nicholas Maduro, the ousted president of Tehran's close ally Venezuela who was seized in a US military operation and taken to New York to stand trial. "The president of a country and his wife were abducted. It's nothing to be proud of; it's an illegal act," foreign ministry spokesman Esmail Baqaei said at a weekly press conference. "As the Venezuelan people have emphasised, their president must be released."  
Mild cold wave sweeps parts of country, dry weather likely
Mild cold wave sweeps parts of country, dry weather likely
Mild cold wave, temperature fall, dense fog grip parts of country
Mild cold wave, temperature fall, dense fog grip parts of country
Mild cold wave continues across northern, western districts
Mild cold wave continues across northern, western districts
Mercury dips to 8 degree Celsius in Jashore
Mercury dips to 8 degree Celsius in Jashore
Dry weather, fog, slight temperature changes predicted
Dry weather, fog, slight temperature changes predicted
Lowest temperature at 9.7°C recorded in Dinajpur 
Lowest temperature at 9.7°C recorded in Dinajpur 
Dry weather, fog, changes of temperature forecast 
Dry weather, fog, changes of temperature forecast 

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Date : 05 Jan, 2026
Key winners at Critics Choice Awards
Key winners at Critics Choice Awards
Veteran South Korean actor Ahn Sung-ki dies at 74
Veteran South Korean actor Ahn Sung-ki dies at 74
Third 'Avatar' film passes the $1 billion mark worldwide
Third 'Avatar' film passes the $1 billion mark worldwide
Two-day 38th National Poetry Festival begins Feb 1
Two-day 38th National Poetry Festival begins Feb 1
69 fresh dengue cases detected overnight
69 fresh dengue cases detected overnight
Hepatitis B, a major cause of liver cancer: Dr Shakil Gani
Hepatitis B, a major cause of liver cancer: Dr Shakil Gani
63 more hospitalised in last 24 hours
63 more hospitalised in last 24 hours
Tourist influx peaks in Rangamati in winter season
Tourist influx peaks in Rangamati in winter season
Mustard cultivation exceeds target in Meherpur 
Mustard cultivation exceeds target in Meherpur 
Honey collectors set up 3,665 bee boxes in Jamalpur
Balsundari, apple and kashmiri plum bring fresh hope to Patuakhali farmers
Regional temperature records broken across the world in 2025
Regional temperature records broken across the world in 2025
Regional temperature records broken across the world in 2025
2025 on target to be UK's hottest year on record: Met Office
Tourist influx peaks in Rangamati in winter season
Tourist influx peaks in Rangamati in winter season
Panchagarh's unique 'Rocks Museum' draws tourists with ancient artifacts
Idrakpur Fort of Mughal era stands as a witness to time