Govt salary hike questionable amid spending concerns

Hossain Zillur Rahman, a former adviser to the caretaker government, yesterday questioned the sharp increase in government employees’ salaries at a time when public spending efficiency remains questionable.
23 January 2026, 04:34 AM

Airlines cheer as surcharges slashed

The government has slashed the fees for landing, air navigation, parking and embarkation, much to the relief of the local airlines which have been saddled by the high surcharges.
23 January 2026, 04:32 AM

Woman burnt to death in Natore

A woman was burnt to death in a reprisal attack following the killing of a man on Wednesday night in Singra upazila of Natore.
23 January 2026, 04:29 AM

‘India somewhat overreacted’

Foreign Adviser Touhid Hossain has said there is no proof that the Bangladesh government has failed to ensure the security of Indians.
23 January 2026, 04:28 AM

Nation steps into campaign fest

Full of promises and hope, the election festivities have finally arrived as the nation prepares for its first truly competitive election since 2008.
23 January 2026, 04:26 AM

Record crore‑rich candidates in race

The upcoming national election will see participation from the highest number of MP candidates with assets worth Tk 1 crore or more, said Transparency International Bangladesh (TIB) yesterday.
23 January 2026, 04:11 AM

Four-day holiday for election

People will get to enjoy a four-day consecutive holiday from February 11 to 14, following the declaration of February 11 as a general holiday.
23 January 2026, 04:07 AM

RTI Ordinance gets Advisory Council nod

The Advisory Council yesterday approved the draft of the Right to Information Ordinance, 2026 at its weekly meeting at the Chief Adviser’s Office.
23 January 2026, 02:40 AM

US praises govt’s polls, reform efforts

US Ambassador Brent Christensen has expressed strong support for the United States’ backing of Bangladesh’s demo-cratic transition and praised the interim government’s efforts regarding the up
23 January 2026, 02:38 AM

BNP condemns shooting of Keraniganj leader

People won't accept conspiracy to disrupt election through violence, Fakhrul says
23 January 2026, 02:35 AM

Tarique Rahman campaigns for BNP candidates in Kishoreganj

Urges voters to back sheaf of paddy, promises development and accountability
23 January 2026, 02:06 AM

Dhaka central univ ordinance approved

The government yesterday approved the Dhaka Central University Ordinance, 2026, a measure aimed at bringing seven government colleges in the capital under a unified academic structure to enhance the quality of higher education and resolve long-standing administrative gridlocks.
23 January 2026, 00:00 AM

Ctg candidate’s vehicle ‘attacked’

Unknown miscreants allegedly hurled bricks at the vehicle of Muhammad Wahed Murad, the Islamic Front Bangladesh candidate backed by the Greater Sunni Alliance from Chattogram-9, on the first day of election campaigning yesterday.
23 January 2026, 00:00 AM

Expat ministry’s statement and our reply

The expatriates’ welfare and overseas employment ministry has issued a statement regarding The Daily Star’s report titled “Overseas manpower recruitment: Approval for 252 agencies raises red flags” published on January 19, 2026.
23 January 2026, 00:00 AM

ICT-2 frames charges against Quader, 6 others

A tribunal yesterday charged Obaidul Quader and six other leaders of the Awami League and its affiliated organisations with crimes against humanity over atrocities during the July 2024 uprising.
23 January 2026, 00:00 AM

‘Irresponsible and utterly unfounded’

China has urged the US to be more aware of its responsibilities and focus on actions conducive to Bangladesh’s stability as well as development and cooperation in the region.
23 January 2026, 00:00 AM

HC questions legality of 18-member taskforce

The High Court has issued a rule questioning the legality of the health ministry’s decision to constitute an 18-member taskforce for preparing the essential drug list and recommending rational drug pricing excluding Ayurvedic, Unani, Homeopathic, Biochemic, Herbal and Veterinary experts.
23 January 2026, 00:00 AM

NID misuse, poll-time donations punishable offence

The Election Commission yesterday warned that carrying, collecting or transferring another person’s National Identity Card, as well as promising donations during election campaigns, are punishable offences under the law.
23 January 2026, 00:00 AM

BNP walking a tightrope between rebels and allies

Despite hectic negotiations, repeated warnings, and expulsions, BNP has failed to persuade its rebel candidates to withdraw from the election race, triggering frustration and anger among its partners.
23 January 2026, 00:00 AM

DNCC backtracks on rent guidelines

Amid widespread criticism, the Dhaka North City Corporation (DNCC) has revised its recently issued house rent guideline, clarifying that rent determination will be based on negotiation and existing laws.
23 January 2026, 00:00 AM