Foreign ministry backs decision not to participate in T20 World Cup in India: Touhid 
Foreign ministry backs decision not to participate in T20 World Cup in India: Touhid 
No manipulated election to take place in Bangladesh: CEC
No manipulated election to take place in Bangladesh: CEC
Dhaka to seek exemption from US visa bond: Touhid 
Dhaka to seek exemption from US visa bond: Touhid 
Shipping Adviser orders Khagrachari hill-cutting inquiry
Shipping Adviser orders Khagrachari hill-cutting inquiry
LPG traders association withdraws strike after meeting with BERC
LPG traders association withdraws strike after meeting with BERC
Indictment order against Ziaul Ahsan over enforced disappearance, killings on Jan 14
Indictment order against Ziaul Ahsan over enforced disappearance, killings on Jan 14
Plan underway to expand advanced laparoscopic surgery to district level: Prof PC Biswas
Swechchhasebak Dal demands immediate arrest of Musabbir’s killers  
Swechchhasebak Dal demands immediate arrest of Musabbir’s killers  
DHAKA, Jan 8, 2026 (BSS) - Bangladesh Jatiyatabadi Swechchhasebak Dal today said it would launch tough programmes if the killers of its leader Azizur Rahman Musabbir are not arrested immediately. Jatiyatabadi Swechchhasebak Dal senior Vice Chairman Yasin Ali and Vice Chairman Fakhrul Islam Robin made the demand while speaking before Musabbir's funeral prayers in front of the BNP's central office at Naya Paltan this afternoon. Yeasin said, "We demand the arrest of the killers and miscreants involved in Musabbir's murder within the next 24 hours. In support of this demand, we will announce protest programmes in Dhaka Mohanagar and all district towns across the country on Saturday. If Musabbir's killers are not arrested within this period, the organization will announce tougher programmes." Former Member Secretary of Dhaka Mohanagar North Azizur Rahman Musabbir was shot by terrorists on Wednesday night and died after being taken to hospital. His wife Suraiya Begum filed a case with Tejgaon police station, naming unknown accused today.  Musabbir's coffin was brought to the BNP central office at Naya Paltan after Zohr prayers. Among those present were BNP Joint Secretary General Habib Un Nabi Khan Sohel, Swechchhasebak Dal Secretary Mir Sarafat Ali Sapu, central leaders Abdul Kader Bhuiyan Jewel, SM Jahangir, Mostafizur Rahman, Dhaka Mohanagar North BNP Convenor Aminul Haque, South Member Secretary Tanvir Ahmed Robin, Senior Vice Chairman of the Swechchhasebak Dal Yasin Ali, and other leaders and activists. Speaking briefly before the funeral prayers, BNP Joint Secretary General Habib Un Nabi Khan Sohel said, "Those who are involved in this murder, whoever they may be, must be arrested immediately and brought to justice.” “We hope the killers will be arrested immediately. Otherwise, we will assume there is a lack of sincerity on your part, or that you are incapable. So, I urge the government to take effective measures,” he added.  Swechchhasebak Dal Secretary Mir Sarafat Ali Sapu said, "Musabbir was a patriotic, brave soldier. He was arrested many times during the fascist Sheikh Hasina's regime. Once, he was subjected to enforced disappearance during the fascist regime. He was a tested party leader and his murder cannot be accepted." Dhaka Mohanagar North BNP Convener Aminul Haque said, "A quarter is carrying out murders to sabotage the election. Musabbir was a brave soldier. He endured hundreds of cases and oppression but never left the streets. We believe Musabbir's murder is part of a conspiracy by those who want to sabotage the election. The sole purpose is to destabilize the country. We must remain vigilant about this." Dhaka Mohanagar South BNP Member Secretary Tanvir Ahmed Robin, condemning Musabbir's murder, said, "I urge the government and law enforcement agencies: you find Musabbir's killers quickly, otherwise we will find them. This murder cannot be accepted in any way."  
Krishak Dal pays tribute at mausoleums of Ziaur Rahman, Khaleda Zia
Krishak Dal pays tribute at mausoleums of Ziaur Rahman, Khaleda Zia
Janaza of Swechchhasebak Dal leader Musabbir held
Janaza of Swechchhasebak Dal leader Musabbir held
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
Bangladesh has made notable progress in digital payments: PRI
Bangladesh has made notable progress in digital payments: PRI
DHAKA, Jan 08, 2026 (BSS) - The Policy Research Institute of Bangladesh (PRI), with support from the Gates Foundation, today hosted a stakeholder consultation workshop titled “Toward a Cashless Economy: A Strategic Roadmap for Bangladesh” at the conference room of PRI.  The workshop brought together policymakers, regulators, economists, financial sector representatives, and development partners to discuss pathways, challenges, and policy priorities for advancing digital and cashless transactions in Bangladesh, said a press release. 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. It identified major constraints, including limited interoperability, infrastructure gaps, cyber security risks, and low digital literacy.  The study emphasized financial inclusion, reduced transaction costs, and improved economic governance as the core benefits of a cashless transition. Global and regional experiences showed the importance of strong digital public infrastructure and coordinated regulation. The proposed roadmap recommends phased reforms, stronger regulatory coordination, expanded digital infrastructure, consumer protection, and fintech innovation to enable an inclusive and secure move toward a cashless economy. 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. Success in our transition toward a cashless economy depends on strong coordination among regulators, financial institutions, and technology providers to ensure it is inclusive for all.” The session was chaired by Dr. Zaidi Sattar, Chairman of PRI, who, in his opening remarks, emphasized that human civilization has come full circle in its modes of exchange. “When homo sapiens (humans) first inhabited the planet Earth, all transactions were in barter. Money (cash) was a big invention. After many thousand years, cash has become cumbersome for financial transactions, so we are moving towards a cashless society again,” he added. He said that three factors determine GDP growth: labor force growth, capital investment, and productivity growth.  “The cashless economy contributes to productivity growth, but the valuations generated within the cashless economy must be captured. To reflect digital advancements in national production, the Bangladesh Bureau of Statistics (BBS) needs to adopt the UN System of National Accounts (UN SNA) 2025 to appropriately incorporate the value added by digital and cashless transactions into the GDP growth. This process will take at least three years. Cooperation among the Bangladesh Bank, BBS, and research organizations will be required, including access to relevant data from the Bangladesh Bank,” he added. The keynote presentation was delivered by Dr. Ashikur Rahman, Principal Economist at PRI.  He said, “Today, we convened the first consultation meeting to initiate the development of a strategic roadmap for accelerating Bangladesh’s transition to a cashless economy, drawing lessons from experiences in China and India.” “The cashless agenda must now be elevated to a national development priority. Digital and cashless instruments are no longer peripheral innovations; they are powerful enablers of financial inclusion, Policy Research Institute of Bangladesh economic governance, and a low-transaction-cost economy. When designed and deployed well, they can extend formal financial services to underserved populations, reduce informality, improve transparency, and strengthen state capacity.” He added, “Our objective is to move beyond aspiration and produce a pragmatic, execution-ready action plan—one that policymakers, regulators, and technology partners can realistically implement. The focus is on identifying concrete reforms, sequencing priorities, and aligning public and private capabilities to give this agenda real momentum. If Bangladesh is to sustain inclusive growth in an increasingly digital global economy, the transition to cashless finance must be deliberate, coordinated, and time-bound. This consultation marks the first step toward that goal.”  An open floor discussion followed, where participants shared insights on issues such as merchant adoption, cost of digital transactions, cybersecurity risks, rural outreach, and the role of fintech innovation. The discussion reflected a strong consensus on the need for collaborative action among the government, central bank, private sector, and development partners. The workshop concluded with closing remarks by Dr. Khurshid Alam, Executive Director of PRI, who thanked the Chief Guest, chair, speakers, and participants for their valuable contributions.  He reiterated PRI’s commitment to evidence-based policy dialogue and research to support Bangladesh’s digital transformation agenda. Dr. Bazlul H. Khondker, Research Director of PRI, was also presented at the workshop.
67.8pc growth of remittance inflow till Jan 7
67.8pc growth of remittance inflow till Jan 7
World Bank warns of fraud schemes misusing its name
World Bank warns of fraud schemes misusing its name
Youth festival held in Rajbari thru various competitions 
  • Latest
  • Most Viewed
LPG traders association withdraws strike after meeting with BERC
900 metres of illegal nets, fishing rods seized from Halda River
Foreign ministry backs decision not to participate in T20 World Cup in India: Touhid 
Dhaka put Sylhet to bat first for victory in BPL
KU 2021 batch celebrates graduation festival 
35 dengue patients hospitalized in 24 hours
BCB announces squad for Women's T20 WC Qualifier
Swechchhasebak Dal demands immediate arrest of Musabbir’s killers  
Stocks edge higher amid moderate trading
Bangladesh has made notable progress in digital payments: PRI
১০
KU 2021 batch celebrates graduation festival 
KU 2021 batch celebrates graduation festival 
Mourning meeting held at BOU remembering Khaleda Zia
Mourning meeting held at BOU remembering Khaleda Zia
BAU launches seaweed-based research to strengthen crop resilience
BAU launches seaweed-based research to strengthen crop resilience
JU VC, pro-BNP teachers pay homage at Khaleda Zia's grave
JU VC, pro-BNP teachers pay homage at Khaleda Zia's grave
900 metres of illegal nets, fishing rods seized from Halda River
900 metres of illegal nets, fishing rods seized from Halda River
CHATTOGRAM, 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.  
Forest land worth Tk 2 crore recovered in Banshkhali
Forest land worth Tk 2 crore recovered in Banshkhali
Doa mahfil held seeking eternal peace of Khaleda Zia in Bhola
Doa mahfil held seeking eternal peace of Khaleda Zia in Bhola
BCB announces squad for Women's T20 WC Qualifier
BCB announces squad for Women's T20 WC Qualifier
Dhaka put Sylhet to bat first for victory in BPL
Dhaka put Sylhet to bat first for victory in BPL
Dhaka United, Somaj Kollayan split point in Sr. Div. Football
Dhaka United, Somaj Kollayan split point in Sr. Div. Football
Waseem leads Rajshahi to fourth victory in BPL
Waseem leads Rajshahi to fourth victory in BPL
Spanish PM open to sending troops to maintain peace 'in Palestine'
Spanish PM open to sending troops to maintain peace 'in Palestine'
MADRID, Jan 8, 2026 (BSS/AFP) - Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez said Thursday he was prepared to deploy troops to "Palestine" for peacekeeping "when the opportunity presents itself". "I will propose to parliament, when the opportunity presents itself, that we send peacekeeping troops to Palestine, once we can see how to advance this task of pacification," he told a gathering of Spanish ambassadors in Madrid. "Of course, we have not forgotten Palestine and the Gaza Strip... Spain must actively participate in rebuilding hope in Palestine. The situation there remains intolerable." Sanchez also reiterated his support for sending peacekeeping forces to Ukraine. The Spanish government, which recognised the State of Palestine in 2024, has been one of Europe's most vocal critics of Israel's offensive in Gaza, launched following the Hamas attack on southern Israel on October 7, 2023. At the end of last year, Sanchez called for raising awareness about the "dramatic situation" of Palestinians during a meeting in Madrid with Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas.  
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 

Start Prayer Time

Date : 08 Jan, 2026
6th Bogura International Film Festival begins today
6th Bogura International Film Festival begins today
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
35 dengue patients hospitalized in 24 hours
35 dengue patients hospitalized in 24 hours
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
Tourist influx peaks in Rangamati in winter season
Tourist influx peaks in Rangamati in winter season
Fallow Lalmai Hills land transformed into thriving fruit garden
Fallow Lalmai Hills land transformed into thriving fruit garden
Profitable prices encouraging Rangpur farmers to expand banana cultivation
Broccoli brings higher profits to Rajshahi farmers
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