EC dispatches 7.28 lakh postal ballots to expatriate voters
EC dispatches 7.28 lakh postal ballots to expatriate voters
CA for setting up independent institution to conduct research on power, energy
CA for setting up independent institution to conduct research on power, energy
Indictment order against Ziaul Ahsan over enforced disappearance, killings on Jan 14
Indictment order against Ziaul Ahsan over enforced disappearance, killings on Jan 14
Arguments in plot scam case against Hasina, Tulip, 16 others on Jan 13 
Arguments in plot scam case against Hasina, Tulip, 16 others on Jan 13 
Wave of excitement sweeps Thakurgaon ahead of Tarique Rahman’s visit
Wave of excitement sweeps Thakurgaon ahead of Tarique Rahman’s visit
No compromise on security of cricketers, country's dignity: Asif Nazrul
No compromise on security of cricketers, country's dignity: Asif Nazrul
Plan underway to expand advanced laparoscopic surgery to district level: Prof PC Biswas
Climate change intensifies drought risks in Barind region: Experts
Climate change intensifies drought risks in Barind region: Experts
By Md Aynal Haque RAJSHAHI, Jan 8, 2026 (BSS) - The vast Barind region is facing increasingly unpredictable droughts due to inadequate and uneven rainfall, affecting the timing of monsoon onset and withdrawal, experts said. Sharing his observations, Prof Niamul Bari of the Department of Civil Engineering at Rajshahi University of Engineering and Technology (RUET) said the Barind region is among the worst drought-hit areas of the country, with the number of consecutive dry days and temperature steadily rising over the last three decades. He said drought episodes have become more erratic due to climate change, a trend that is likely to intensify in the coming years, creating severe challenges for vulnerable communities. During prolonged dry spells, most surface water sources dry up, leaving people without sufficient water for drinking, sanitation and agriculture, he added. The human cost of drought includes increased disease incidence, particularly among children, malnutrition caused by crop failure, rising poverty and hindered socio-economic development, Prof Bari noted. Talking to BSS, Prof Chowdhury Sarwar Jahan of the Department of Geology and Mining at Rajshahi University said the Barind region receives an average annual rainfall of about 1,400 millimetres, significantly lower than the national average of around 2,300 millimetres. He explained that rainwater does not easily recharge groundwater due to clayey soil with low porosity, resulting in high evaporation. The absence of large surface water bodies such as rivers or lakes further slows groundwater recharge. During droughts, people mainly depend on hand-pumped tube wells drawing water from shallow aquifers that rely on seasonal rainfall. However, under prolonged drought conditions, these aquifers dry up, rendering tube wells ineffective, he said. To enhance the resilience of climate-vulnerable communities, the Palli Karma-Sahayak Foundation (PKSF) has undertaken a project with financial support from the Green Climate Fund (GCF). Under the initiative, more than 2.5 lakh marginalized families affected by climate change will gain access to water for drinking, farming and household use in the drought-prone Barind region. The four-year project, titled "Extended Community Climate Change Project-Drought (ECCCP-Drought)," is being implemented in 14 upazilas of Rajshahi, Chapainawabganj and Naogaon districts at an estimated cost of around Tk 300 crore. Key components of the project include capacity building of government and private institutions on climate change, artificial groundwater recharge, re-excavation of ponds and canals, and expansion of drought-tolerant crop cultivation. As part of promoting Managed Aquifer Recharge (MAR), around 2,500 rooftop-based MAR systems will recharge nearly five lakh cubic metres of water into aquifers annually. In addition, 40 injection wells in ponds will replenish about four lakh cubic metres of groundwater each year, while ponds will store around 1.5 lakh cubic metres of surface water. The project also aims to introduce drought-adaptive cropping patterns involving crops such as rice, wheat and mung bean, selected based on moisture tolerance, crop duration and water requirements. About 15,000 farmers will be engaged in these practices. Under the scheme, 3,500 hectares of land will be brought under irrigation through the rehabilitation of 140 kilometres of canals across the three districts. Fruit trees requiring minimal water, along with cotton, will also be promoted to enhance farmers' income and reduce agricultural water use by at least 70 percent. ECCCP-Drought Project Coordinator Rabi Uzzaman told BSS that climate change is altering the nature of droughts in the Barind tract by increasing temperature and rainfall variability, posing serious threats to lives and livelihoods. He said the project aims to address these challenges through improved water management, climate-adaptive technologies, infrastructure maintenance and better planning for irrigation and domestic water use. The initiative will also increase access to safe drinking water, easing the burden on women, he added.
Court attaches ex-MP Gulandaz’s properties worth Tk 8.56 crore
Court attaches ex-MP Gulandaz’s properties worth Tk 8.56 crore
IO's testimony continues in case against Hasina, Radwan, 16 others
IO's testimony continues in case against Hasina, Radwan, 16 others
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
NOVOAIR marks 14 years with fare discount
NOVOAIR marks 14 years with fare discount
DHAKA, Jan 8, 2026 (BSS) - Novoair, one of the country's private carrier today celebrated its 14th anniversary, announcing a special 14 percent fare discount for passengers as part of a month-long programme marking the milestone. Novoair commenced operations on January 9, 2013, with its inaugural passenger flight on the Dhaka-Chattogram route. Since then, the airline has established itself as a trusted name in domestic aviation through its emphasis on service quality, punctuality, and safety, said the airline press release.  Over the past 13 years, the airline has operated more than 142,000 flights and safely transported over eight million passengers, the release said. To enhance passenger convenience, Novoair pioneered several digital and customer-focused initiatives in the country's aviation sector, including the "SMILES" frequent flyer programme, co-branded cards, a dedicated mobile app for ticket purchases, and web check-in facilities. Extending greetings to regulatory authorities, business partners, and passengers, NOVOAIR Managing Director Mofizur Rahman said the airline remains committed to ensuring on-time operations and safe travel. "Despite various challenges, NOVOAIR has emerged as a reliable and trusted airline. Going forward, our focus will remain on further improving passenger services while expanding both domestic and international routes," he said. The airline said it officially steps into its 14th year of operations and as part of the anniversary offer, NOVOAIR announced a 14 percent discount on fares for one month.  Passengers can avail themselves of the offer by purchasing tickets from NOVOAIR sales centres, its website, and mobile applications, using the promo code VQANNI14. Currently, NOVOAIR operates daily flights from Dhaka to Chattogram, Cox's Bazar, Sylhet, and Saidpur.
Cambodian bank founded by accused scam boss ordered liquidated: central bank
Cambodian bank founded by accused scam boss ordered liquidated: central bank
Asian markets mixed as traders eye US jobs data
Asian markets mixed as traders eye US jobs data
Youth festival held in Rajbari thru various competitions 
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Teenager killed in Madaripur road crash
NOVOAIR marks 14 years with fare discount
Lebanon's army says completed first phase of disarming Hezbollah
Indictment order against Ziaul Ahsan over enforced disappearance, killings on Jan 14
Israel condemns Syrian 'attacks against Kurdish minority' in Aleppo
Climate change intensifies drought risks in Barind region: Experts
Court attaches ex-MP Gulandaz’s properties worth Tk 8.56 crore
KMP imposes restrictions ahead of assistant teacher recruitment exam
Wave of excitement sweeps Thakurgaon ahead of Tarique Rahman’s visit
IO's testimony continues in case against Hasina, Radwan, 16 others
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Mourning meeting held at BOU remembering Khaleda Zia
Mourning meeting held at BOU remembering Khaleda Zia
JU VC, pro-BNP teachers pay homage at Khaleda Zia's grave
JU VC, pro-BNP teachers pay homage at Khaleda Zia's grave
Measures underway to ensure health protection of primary teachers, students
Measures underway to ensure health protection of primary teachers, students
Over 90 pc secondary textbooks printed, nationwide distribution crosses 80 pc
Over 90 pc secondary textbooks printed, nationwide distribution crosses 80 pc
Teenager killed in Madaripur road crash
Teenager killed in Madaripur road crash
MADARIPUR, Jan 8, 2026 (BSS) - A teenager was killed and another injured in a road accident at Rajoir upazila of the district last night. The deceased was identified as Osman, 19, son of Billal Howlader of Uttaripara village under Rangabali Police Station in Patuakhali district. He was a student of Baitul Noor Cadet Madrasa. The accident occurred around 10:00 pm near Rajoir Bridge on the Dhaka-Barisal highway when a Dhaka-bound bus of 'Shyamoli Paribahan' hit a motorcycle from opposite direction, leaving bike rider Osman dead on the spot and its co-rider Hasibul, 16, injured. The injured was sent to a local hospital. Officer-in-Charge of Mustafapur Highway Police Station Md. Mamun Al Rashid confirmed the matter.
KMP imposes restrictions ahead of assistant teacher recruitment exam
KMP imposes restrictions ahead of assistant teacher recruitment exam
Mobile court fines 5 brick kilns Tk 23 lakh in Gaibandha
Mobile court fines 5 brick kilns Tk 23 lakh in Gaibandha
Australia's emotional Khawaja bows out for final time with Ashes win
Australia's emotional Khawaja bows out for final time with Ashes win
Glenn on course for Olympic berth at US Figure Skating championships
Glenn on course for Olympic berth at US Figure Skating championships
Australia win fifth Ashes Test to complete 4-1 series victory over England
Australia win fifth Ashes Test to complete 4-1 series victory over England
Semenyo stuns Spurs to leave Frank under fire
Semenyo stuns Spurs to leave Frank under fire
Lebanon's army says completed first phase of disarming Hezbollah
Lebanon's army says completed first phase of disarming Hezbollah
BEIRUT, Lebanon, Jan 8, 2026 (BSS/AFP) - The Lebanese army announced Thursday that it had completed the first phase of its plan to disarm Hezbollah, covering the area between the Israeli border and the Litani River. In a statement, the army said it had "achieved the objectives of the first phase" of its plan, with an intention to extend it to the rest of Lebanon. Hezbollah, weakened after a deadly war with Israel in November 2024, refuses to surrender its weapons in the rest of Lebanon. The army said it now controls the area in Lebanon south of the Litani River "with the exception of territory and positions still occupied by Israel" near the border. Despite a ceasefire between Hezbollah and Israel in place for over a year, which stipulates that Israel must withdraw from Lebanese territory, Israel continues to occupy five strategic points near the border. The Israeli army is still conducting operations against Hezbollah, which it accuses of seeking to rearm, and is questioning the effectiveness of the Lebanese army's disarmament efforts. Under the ceasefire agreement, Hezbollah must withdraw its forces north of the Litani River and have its military infrastructure dismantled in the evacuated areas. The Lebanese army said its operations will continue south of the Litani to "complete the disposal of unexploded ordnance" and search for tunnels dug by Hezbollah. It added that it will take measures to "permanently prevent armed groups from rebuilding their capabilities". Army Commander Rodolphe Haykal is scheduled to brief the government Thursday afternoon on the progress made. The Lebanese government is under intense pressure from the United States to disarm the Iran-backed Hezbollah, amid fears of an escalation in Israeli attacks. Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar praised the Lebanese government and army's efforts on Sunday, but added that they were "far from sufficient". A committee comprised of representatives from the United States, France, Lebanon, Israel and the United Nations is tasked with monitoring the ceasefire.
Lowest temperature of season drops to 6.7 degrees Celsius
Lowest temperature of season drops to 6.7 degrees Celsius
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 

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Date : 08 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
Cold-related illnesses surge, 1,400 children treated in Khulna hospitals
Cold-related illnesses surge, 1,400 children treated in Khulna hospitals
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
Tourist influx peaks in Rangamati in winter season
Tourist influx peaks in Rangamati in winter season
Profitable prices encouraging Rangpur farmers to expand banana cultivation
Profitable prices encouraging Rangpur farmers to expand banana cultivation
Broccoli brings higher profits to Rajshahi farmers
Women in Satkhira achieve financial solvency
2025 warmest year on record in North Sea: German maritime agency
2025 warmest year on record in North Sea: German maritime agency
Norway sees hottest year on record in 2025
Regional temperature records broken across the world in 2025
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