Indian parliament adopts condolence motion over Begum Zia’s death
Indian parliament adopts condolence motion over Begum Zia’s death
Shafiqul Alam hopes polls environment to improve with gradual presence of security forces
Shafiqul Alam hopes polls environment to improve with gradual presence of security forces
Plot to rig votes still on, says Tarique Rahman urging vigilance
Plot to rig votes still on, says Tarique Rahman urging vigilance
Bias to any political party will be tolerated in Feb 12 election: Home Adviser
Bias to any political party will be tolerated in Feb 12 election: Home Adviser
Direct Dhaka-Karachi flights resume after long hiatus
Direct Dhaka-Karachi flights resume after long hiatus
Govt approves proposal to declare March 23 as BNCC Day
Govt approves proposal to declare March 23 as BNCC Day
BNP candidate for Chandpur-3 pledges employment generation, safe drinking water
Jamaat demands maximum punishment for killers of Rezaul Karim
Jamaat demands maximum punishment for killers of Rezaul Karim
DHAKA, Jan 29, 2026 (BSS) -Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami has demanded an  immediate and thorough investigation into the killing of its leader Rezaul  Karim, urging authorities to arrest those responsible and ensure they face  the highest punishment. The party also condemned the failure of the Jhenaigati Upazila administration  and called for urgent action against the authorities involved as a local  Jamaat leader was killed after clash between activists of the BNP and Jamaat  during a manifesto unveiling programme in Sherpur-3 constituency yesterday.  In a press briefing at the party's central office in Dhaka today, Jamaat-e- Islami Assistant Secretary General and Central Publicity and Media Chief  Advocate Ahsanul Mahboob Zubair read out a written statement on behalf of  Jamaat-e-Islami.  In the statement, they condemned the violent incidents that took place in  Sherpur and other parts of the country, particularly the continued attacks on  women members of Jamaat, despite repeated appeals to the administration. "We demand immediate investigation into the killing of Rezaul Karim and that  the perpetrators be arrested and brought to justice with the highest possible  punishment," Zubair said. "We also demand urgent measures against the failure  of the Jhenaigati administration in handling the situation." Zubair also pointed out that during the initial violence, if the police had  intervened, the situation might not have escalated. "Instead, the police  stood as mere bystanders while the army tried to intervene and stop the  violence. We thank the Bangladesh Army for their efforts. However, we also  express our condolences to the injured army personnel and wish them a speedy  recovery," he added. He said, "Over the past few days, Jamaat and the 11-party alliance candidates  had faced continuous hindrances in their electoral campaigns, with repeated  attacks and harassment of Jamaat's female members.  "Despite informing the authorities, no visible action has been taken yet, and  we protest this one-sided approach from the administration," he said. Jamaat Assistant Secretary General Maulana Abdul Halim, Joint Secretary  General of Bangladesh Khilafat Majlis Maulana Toffazul Hossain Miahji, and  others from allied political parties, were also present at the press  conference. Jamaat-e-Islami also expressed their concerns regarding the current political  atmosphere, especially with the upcoming 17th National Election, saying, "The  post-July Revolution political environment was supposed to be one of mutual  respect, compassion, and cooperation between political parties".  "However, the recent events in Sherpur's Jhenaigati have marred that festive  atmosphere, dampening the spirit of the election campaign," he added.  
Coast Guard ready to ensure voting rights, election security: DG
Coast Guard ready to ensure voting rights, election security: DG
People will respond to post–Aug 5 killings through ballot: Abdul Halim 
People will respond to post–Aug 5 killings through ballot: Abdul Halim 
Govt to construct 1000-bed hospital in Nilphamari
Govt to construct 1000-bed hospital in Nilphamari
Feb 12 elections will set a standard for future polls: CA
Feb 12 elections will set a standard for future polls: CA
July Uprising Memorial Museum will show path to nation: CA
July Uprising Memorial Museum will show path to nation: CA
Majority of incidents involving minority communities in 2025 found non-communal: police report
Majority of incidents involving minority communities in 2025 found non-communal: police report
Microcredit borrowers to become bank owners: Ordinance promulgated
Microcredit borrowers to become bank owners: Ordinance promulgated
DHAKA, Jan 29, 2026 (BSS) - The interim government has promulgated the ‘Microfinance Bank Ordinance, 2026’ to further streamline the country’s microcredit operations, create employment opportunities, alleviate poverty, and ensure ownership of microfinance institutions by borrowers themselves. Under the newly promulgated ordinance, microcredit borrowers will no longer remain only clients of financial institutions; they will now become shareholders and owners of microfinance banks. The Legislative Division of the Ministry of Law, Justice and Parliamentary Affairs published the gazette notification on the ordinance yesterday. Law ministry public relations officer Md Rezaul Karim confirmed the matter today. According to the 0rdinance, the ‘Microfinance Bank’ will be established with an authorised capital of Taka 500 crore, of which at least 60 percent ownership must be held by general loan-borrower shareholders. The ordinance also designates the bank as a “social business” entity, where earned profits will not be distributed as personal dividends but will instead be reinvested in social development and poverty alleviation activities. The ordinance shall be known as the Microfinance Bank Ordinance, 2026. Bank Formation and Capital Structure: The ordinance states that the bank may be established for a specific geographical area after obtaining a licence from Bangladesh Bank, the designated licensing authority. The authorised capital of the bank will be Taka 500 crore, while the minimum paid-up capital must be at least Taka 200 crore. At least 60 percent of the bank’s capital must be contributed by borrower-shareholders. However, any Microfinance Bank established under this ordinance will not be eligible for listing on the country’s stock exchanges. Board of Directors: Regarding governance, the ordinance provides for a nine-member Board of Directors. Of them, four directors will be elected from among borrower-shareholders. In addition, there will be three nominated directors, two independent directors, and one Managing Director serving ex officio without voting rights. No director will be allowed to serve more than two consecutive terms. Social Business and Dividend Policy: The ordinance defines the Microfinance Bank as a social business institution. It specifies that investors will not receive dividends beyond their original investment amount. However, this restriction may be relaxed in the case of general borrower-shareholders to allow them to benefit from their investments. The remaining net profits must be utilised for social welfare and poverty reduction purposes. Core Functions of the Bank: According to the ordinance, the principal functions of the Microfinance Bank will include providing loans for self-employment and poverty alleviation, accepting deposits, and offering startup capital for small entrepreneurs. The bank will also provide free technical and administrative support to micro-entrepreneurs, and extend credit facilities for industrial and agricultural products, livestock, and machinery. Loan Recovery and Regulatory Oversight: In cases of default loan recovery, the bank will be allowed to follow the Artha Rin Adalat Ain, 2003. However, the ordinance emphasises that loan recovery must be conducted with social sensitivity, and no coercive or humiliating methods may be employed. Bangladesh Bank will act as the licensing and regulatory authority and will retain the power to dissolve the Board of Directors or remove the Chairman or any director if necessary. All banking activities will also be governed by relevant provisions of the Bank Companies Act, 1991 and the Microcredit Regulatory Authority Act, 2006. The ordinance further states that the government will determine the effective date of implementation through a gazette notification at the earliest possible time.  
Govt approves draft of Import Policy Order 2025–2028 to boost trade, exports
Govt approves draft of Import Policy Order 2025–2028 to boost trade, exports
BB buys $55m through dollar auction
BB buys $55m through dollar auction
3 martyr families in Sunamganj satisfied with Sheikh Hasina's verdict
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১০
Two-day winter festival begins at BRUR
Two-day winter festival begins at BRUR
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7 KU students to join Sakura Science Exchange Programme in Japan
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Sports, cultural activities nurture students' creativity: KCC Administrator
Sports, cultural activities nurture students' creativity: KCC Administrator
KHULNA, Jan 29, 2026 (BSS) - Khulna City Corporation (KCC) Administrator Md Mokhter Ahmed today said sports and cultural activities help nurture students' creativity and ensure both physical and mental well-being. He said participation in sports keeps students energetic, sharpens their intellect and enhances creativity, which in turn helps keep them away from drug abuse and other social vices.  "Alongside academic pursuits, students must engage regularly in sports to succeed in life," he added. The KCC administrator made the remarks while speaking as the chief guest at the prize distribution ceremony of the annual sports and cultural competition of KCC-run Khulna Collegiate Girls' School and KCC Women's College this afternoon. Referring to the institution as one of the country's leading centres for women's education, he said there are very few institutions in Bangladesh where female students can complete their education from primary to honours level on the same campus. He also listened attentively to various demands raised by the students and expressed hope that all existing problems would be resolved gradually under the supervision of the newly appointed principal.  Later, he distributed prizes among the winners of the competitions. Earlier in the morning, KCC Chief Executive Officer Rajib Ahmed inaugurated the sports competition by releasing balloons and festoons. Presided over by Principal Professor Dr Md Shahidur Rahman, the event was addressed, among others, by KCC Chief Engineer Mashiuzzaman Khan, Khulna University Controller Sheikh Sarafat Ali, KMP Deputy Police Commissioner Abdullah Al Masum, Senior Assistant Secretary of the Divisional Commissioner's Office Md Amirul Arafat, Sadar Thana Secondary Education Officer Md Abdul Momin, KCC Administrative Officer Molla Maruf Rashid, and guardian member of the institution's management committee Shahana Jahan.
Country will remain safe in Tarique Rahman’s hand: Monirul Haque 
Country will remain safe in Tarique Rahman’s hand: Monirul Haque 
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BNP will always stand by people to realise their rights: Manju
U-20 football team's residential camp begins tomorrow
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Khelaghar blank Suktara in BCL
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One sentenced to death, eight to life in Ctg murder case
One sentenced to death, eight to life in Ctg murder case
CHATTOGRAM, Jan 29, 2026 (BSS): A Chattogram court today sentenced one person to death and eight others to life imprisonment in a 25-year-old murder case of Anwara upazila in the district. Chattogram Divisional Speedy Trial Tribunal Judge Md Zahidul Haque delivered the verdict this afternoon. The condemned convict is Monirul Haque, while those sentenced to life imprisonment are Saiful Haque, Badrul Haque, Azizul Haque, Abdul Razzak, Md Rafiq, Choyadul Haque, Babul Haque and Md Hasan. All are residents of Boalia village under Anwara upazila. The court also fined each of the eight life-term convicts Tk 50,000, with an additional six months' imprisonment in default. Confirming the verdict, Tribunal Public Prosecutor S.U.M. Nurul Islam said the case dates back to July 7, 2000, when the accused attacked Nur Ahmed and Nurul Anwar with sharp weapons while they were clearing grass from their land at Boalia village. Nur Ahmed later died at Chattogram Medical College Hospital. Victim's elder brother Md Nasim, who was also injured in the attack, filed a murder case with Anwara Police Station against 11 people. According to the prosecution, laborers hired by Nasim were clearing grass on the disputed land when the accused arrived in a pre-planned manner and opened fire to scare them. Hearing the gunshots, Nurul Anwar and neighbor Nur Ahmed rushed to the spot and were hacked, leaving them critically injured. After investigation, police submitted charge sheets against 11 accused. The trial began on March 22, 2004, and the court recorded testimonies of 13 witnesses.  
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Seven-day BRRI research review workshop begins in Gazipur
Seven-day BRRI research review workshop begins in Gazipur
GPU Cloud, PaaS launched to strengthen Digital Public Infrastructure
GPU Cloud, PaaS launched to strengthen Digital Public Infrastructure
Venezuelans regain access to social network X after yearlong block
Venezuelans regain access to social network X after yearlong block

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Date : 29 Jan, 2026
140 disinformation identified in 73 Indian media about Bangladesh in 2025 
140 disinformation identified in 73 Indian media about Bangladesh in 2025 
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Bangladesh targeted 140 disinformation across 73 Indian news outlets in 2025: Rumor Scanner 
Rumor Scanner identifies viral fake photocard targeting political sentiment
Rumor Scanner identifies viral fake photocard targeting political sentiment
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BanglaFact rejects communal linkage over grocer Sarat murder
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