This week in Bangladesh
This week in Bangladesh, domestic news focused on social issues, with the High Court ruling against prenatal gender detection and BRAC unveiling an ambitious plan for job creation and women's rights. Tragic incidents included the recovery of two missing madrasa students' bodies in Narayanganj and multiple child drownings in Noakhali. Additionally, two Bangladeshi expatriates were killed in an Israeli drone strike in Lebanon.
About Bangladesh
Bangladesh, a South Asian nation on the Bay of Bengal, is known for its lush deltaic landscape, rich cultural heritage, and a rapidly growing economy. As the world's eighth-most populous country, it plays a significant role in regional dynamics. However, its news landscape operates under a hybrid-regime, facing restrictions and common self-censorship, which shapes the nature of its media coverage.
Visiting Bangladesh
Media landscape
Bangladesh's media environment is classified as authoritarian, with press freedom not-free. The Digital Security Act imposes significant restrictions, leading to widespread self-censorship among journalists and outlets.
Be aware that news from Bangladesh may be subject to government influence and self-censorship, so seek diverse sources for a comprehensive view.
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- Bangladesh stated that any defense deal, including a potential one with the US, will prioritize the nation's interests. - The State Minister for Foreign Affairs confirmed that decisions involve rele…
Bangladesh cuts jet fuel price by Tk 39.57 per liter
- Bangladesh has reduced the price of jet fuel by Tk 39.57 per liter, effective from midnight. - This follows a previous reduction of Tk 22.35 per liter on May 7 and comes after two price increases in…
Man's Body Found in Lift Shaft in Chattogram; Investigation Underway
- A man's body was recovered from a lift shaft in a residential building in Chattogram, Bangladesh. - The victim, identified as 38-year-old Mashfiq Mahmud Khan, was last seen entering the lift early F…
BNP Leader Expelled After Cocaine Arrest in Bangladesh
- A local BNP leader in Netrokona, Bangladesh, has been expelled from the party after his arrest with cocaine. - Saifuzzaman Kajal was apprehended with 480 grams of cocaine in Dhaka's Uttara area on A…
Dhaka launches mosquito larvae control campaign ahead of monsoon
- Dhaka South City Corporation (DSCC) launched a pre-monsoon mosquito larvae control campaign, aiming to reduce mosquito populations by 65 percent. - DSCC administrator Md Abdus Salam stated that 99 p…
Doctors, nurses' Eid leave cancelled as measles outbreak claims 512 lives
- Doctors and nurses' Eid-ul-Azha leave is cancelled to manage the ongoing measles outbreak. - The country has recorded 512 deaths from measles and measles-like symptoms since March 15. - UNICEF had p…
Bangladesh Prime Minister test-drives local EVs, promises support
- Prime Minister Tarique Rahman test-drove locally manufactured electric vehicles (EVs) and pledged government support for the industry. - Bangladesh Auto Industries Limited, the country's first EV ma…
US requires most immigrants to apply for green cards from abroad
- The US Citizenship and Immigration Services has implemented a new policy requiring most immigrants to apply for green cards from abroad. - This shift treats in-country applications as an "extraordin…
Clashes Erupt in Jhenaidah After Eggs Thrown at Politician; Over 100 Sued
- Eight Chhatra Dal leaders and over a hundred unidentified individuals are facing charges following an attack on National Citizen Party (NCP) Chief Coordinator Nasiruddin Patwary in Jhenaidah. - Clas…
Top terrorist 'Bhagne Emon' arrested in Jashore
- Rab arrested Emon, a listed top terrorist in Jashore, who is a fugitive accused in 17 cases including murder and extortion. - Emon was apprehended in the Nutun Khoyertola area of Jashore town follow…
China Invests Nearly $100M in Bangladesh; Ambassador Hails "Belt and Road" Momentum
- Four Chinese companies have signed investment deals worth nearly $100 million in Bangladesh within three months of the new government taking office. - Chinese Ambassador Yao Wen stated that Banglade…
bKash Modernizes Historic School Library in Dhaka, Honoring Late Officer
- bKash has modernized the library at St Joseph Higher Secondary School in Dhaka, Bangladesh. - The initiative honors the late Mahfuz Sadique, a former student and bKash's chief communications officer…
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- Harvard University will implement a new grading system to combat grade inflation, limiting A grades to a maximum of 20 percent of students in a course. - The change, approved by faculty, aims to res…
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- US President Donald Trump had a tense conversation with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu regarding differing approaches to Iran. - Trump halted planned targeted attacks on Iran at the reque…
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- The United Nations has stated that the Taliban government's new decree on marriage separation 'reinforces systemic discrimination' against Afghan women and girls. - The decree, published in mid-May,…
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- China has expressed support for Cuba and urged the United States to cease its judicial actions against the country following charges against former leader Raul Castro. - The US indictment of the 94-…
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- Taiwan's President Lai Ching-te expressed willingness to speak with US leader Donald Trump, a move that would break decades of diplomatic protocol. - Trump had previously stated he would speak with …
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- Israel has deported all foreign activists seized from a Gaza-bound flotilla, following international condemnation of their treatment. - Over 430 activists were detained after attempting to breach th…
Bangladesh Enters Nuclear Age with Rooppur Power Plant's Fuel Loading
- Bangladesh has officially entered the nuclear energy era with the successful fuel loading at Unit-1 of the Rooppur Nuclear Power Plant. - The plant is expected to provide a stable, low-carbon baselo…
Female journalists almost six times more likely to face abuse than men, study says
- A new study reveals that female journalists face significantly higher rates of harassment, including verbal, online, and physical abuse, compared to their male colleagues. - The research, covering o…
Health Reform Commission Seeks Increased Budget for Primary Healthcare
- Members of the Health Sector Reform Commission requested an increased health sector budget to implement primary healthcare. - The commission emphasized that a strong primary healthcare system would …
DUET VC Resumes Duties Amid Campus Shutdown After Clashes
- A newly appointed Vice-Chancellor at Dhaka University of Engineering & Technology (DUET) resumed duties amid a campus shutdown. - The VC held a discussion with teachers, officers, and staff, who req…
BNP Leader Hacked to Death in Narayanganj Over Soil Dispute
- A local BNP leader, Osman Goni, was killed in an attack during a soil extraction project in Narayanganj, Bangladesh. - Police have detained four individuals for questioning in connection with the mu…
ANFREL Calls for Reforms to Bolster Trust in Bangladesh's Electoral Process
- The Asian Network for Free Elections (ANFREL) has released its final assessment of Bangladesh's 2026 parliamentary election and referendum. - The report highlights improvements in electoral manageme…
Laser Hair Removal Device Sparks Airport Scare in Australia
- An Australian airport was partially evacuated due to a suspicious item detected during security screening. - The object was identified as a laser hair removal device, and the Bomb Response Unit dete…
Meta Slashes 8,000 Jobs in AI Pivot
- Meta is laying off approximately 8,000 employees, about 10% of its global workforce, to redirect resources toward artificial intelligence initiatives. - CEO Mark Zuckerberg announced the cuts, stati…
Deadly Ebola Outbreak in DRC and Uganda; WHO Declares Health Emergency
- The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and Uganda are battling a significant Ebola outbreak caused by the rare Bundibugyo strain, for which no vaccine or drug currently exists. - The World Health Or…
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- The World Health Organization (WHO) assesses the risk of the Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo as high nationally and regionally, but low globally. - WHO experts believe the outbrea…
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- The construction of the Shah Arefin (RA)-Advaita Mahaprabhu Maitree Bridge in Sunamganj, Bangladesh, faces uncertainty as seven girders have collapsed within two years. - The Local Government Engine…
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- A court in Cox's Bazar, Bangladesh, sentenced four people to death and nine to life imprisonment for the murder of Army officer Lt Tanjim Sarwar. - Five other accused were acquitted in the case. - T…
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- Dhaka Medical College Hospital is struggling to cope with a growing number of measles cases among children, leading to overcrowded paediatric wards. - Children with measles are often sharing beds wi…
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- Bangladesh is reinstating the phrase "Except Israel" in its regular passports, a policy previously applied to diplomatic ones. - This clause, historically used to prevent travel to Israel, was remov…
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- Traders are bringing sacrificial animals, primarily bulls, to Dhaka's makeshift cattle markets ahead of Eid-ul-Azha, despite the official opening being three days away. - Animals are arriving early …
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- The new Dhaka Metropolitan Police Commissioner, Mosleh Uddin Ahmed, stated that criminals' political affiliations will not be considered during operations. - He highlighted recent arrests, including…
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- Bidisha Ershad, former wife of the late Jatiyo Party chairman, was sentenced to two years in prison for fraud by a Dhaka court. - The court also imposed a fine of Tk 10,000, with an additional month…
Bangladesh Forms Advisory Committee for Media Reform
- The Bangladeshi government will establish an advisory committee to finalize media reform proposals. - The committee will consider stakeholder input, recommendations, and existing policy proposals. -…
Nine Killed in Multiple Road Accidents Across Bangladesh
- At least nine people were killed in separate road accidents across Bangladesh over the past two days. - Incidents included collisions between motorcycles and trucks, buses and human hauliers, and a …
Four Workers Die After Entering Septic Tank in Bangladesh
- Four workers died after entering a septic tank at an under-construction building in Golania village, Brahmanbaria, Bangladesh. - Police were informed and rushed to the scene, but the identities of t…
Six Police Officers Injured in Dhaka Eviction Clash
- Six policemen were injured during an eviction drive in Dhaka's Pallabi area when slum dwellers attacked authorities. - The operation, conducted by the National Housing Authority to clear government …
Sabuj Mia detained after six days on the run
- Sabuj Mia has been detained by authorities after being on the run for six days. - The details surrounding his detention and the reasons for his being sought by authorities are not specified in the p…
DUET campus shut for 7th day as students demand new VC appointment
- Students at Dhaka University of Engineering and Technology (DUET) have continued their protest for the seventh consecutive day, locking campus gates. - The "complete shutdown" program aims to pressu…
Hundreds of Workers Block Road in Bangladesh Demanding Unpaid Wages
- Several hundred workers from NASSA Group blocked Tejgaon Link Road in Bangladesh, demanding unpaid salaries and bonuses. - The demonstration, which began around 10:00 am, caused severe traffic disru…
EU Reaches Deal to Implement Trade Pact with US Ahead of Trump's Tariff Deadline
- EU lawmakers and member states reached a deal to implement the bloc's nearly year-old trade pact with the United States. - The agreement aims to meet a July 4 deadline set by President Donald Trump,…
Thai Crew Member Fatally Stabbed by Colleague on Ship at Chattogram Port
- A Thai crew member was fatally stabbed by a fellow crewman aboard a scrap ship docked at Chattogram port. - The altercation occurred on deck, leading to the stabbing with a kitchen knife. - The assa…
Judges reassigned, Supreme Court Secretariat functions suspended
- Fifteen lower court judges serving in the Supreme Court Secretariat have been reassigned to the Law Ministry, effectively suspending the Secretariat's functions. - The Supreme Court Secretariat was …
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- A delegation from the Citizen’s Platform for SDGs, Bangladesh met with the Jatiya Sangsad Speaker to propose forming an all-party parliamentary caucus. - The proposed caucus aims to strengthen the v…
Body of private tutor found in sack; police suspect murder over gold earrings
- Police in Chapainawabganj, Bangladesh, recovered the body of a private tutor, Mariam Begum, stuffed in a sack from a house. - The victim, 55, was allegedly murdered for her gold earrings, which were…
BGB Returns Fire After Indian Border Force Shoots in Sylhet
- Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) returned fire after India's Border Security Force (BSF) initiated shooting in the Sonarhat border area. - No casualties were reported following the exchange of fire. - …
Elephant Dies from Gunshot Wound in Bangladesh, Calf Left Crying
- An elephant died from a gunshot wound to the eye in Cox's Bazar, Bangladesh, likely inflicted about a month prior. - The elephant was found severely injured and unable to stand, with its calf crying…
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- Over 100 residents in Bilaser Par village, Sreemangal, rely on a fragile bamboo bridge for daily movement due to the absence of a permanent structure. - Villagers have repeatedly requested a permane…
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- The Election Commission of Bangladesh aims to hold peaceful and fair local government elections, though the date is not yet finalized. - Chief Election Commissioner AMM Nasir Uddin stated that coope…
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- Despite a surplus of over 22 lakh sacrificial animals nationwide, prices for bulls remain high ahead of Eid-ul-Azha due to increased production costs. - Traders are hesitant to bring large animals t…
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- Speakers at a roundtable urged the government to ensure the active participation of marginalized and underprivileged communities in the national budget process for FY 2026-27. - Recommendations incl…
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- The father of six-year-old Jabir Ibrahim testified before the International Crimes Tribunal-1, recounting his son's death during a victory rally on August 5, 2024. - Jabir was fatally shot in the th…
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- Qatar seeks to recruit skilled Bangladeshi workers, including electricians, plumbers, and technicians, from five designated technical training centers. - The request was made during the 7th Banglade…
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- A farmer, identified as Akbar Mondol, was allegedly killed by rivals in Magura following a dispute over establishing supremacy. - The incident occurred when Mondol was working in his field, and he w…
Chants of ‘Death to America’ echo near Tehran’s Tajrish Square as flags wave and vendors sell tea, souvenirs
- Thousands of Iranians participated in state-sponsored rallies near Tehran's Tajrish Square, chanting anti-US slogans. - The demonstrations occurred amidst heightened tensions and US President Donald…
Nigeria and US conduct fresh strikes against Islamic State jihadists
- The US military announced that Nigeria and the United States conducted fresh airstrikes against Islamic State jihadists in northeast Nigeria. - The strikes, conducted on Sunday, targeted ISIS milita…
Israel intercepts Gaza-bound aid flotilla, Turkey calls it 'piracy'
- Organizers of the Global Sumud Flotilla reported that Israeli forces intercepted 10 of their aid boats, with contact lost with 23 vessels in the eastern Mediterranean. - Israel's foreign ministry st…
Israel, Hezbollah continue fighting in Lebanon despite truce extension
- Israel conducted airstrikes in southern Lebanon, while Hezbollah launched new attacks on Israeli forces, continuing hostilities despite a US-backed truce extension. - Lebanon's health ministry repor…
Bangladesh Reaffirms Commitment to Sustainable Urban Development at World Urban Forum
- Bangladesh affirmed its commitment to sustainable, climate-resilient urban development aligned with UN SDGs at the World Urban Forum (WUF13). - The nation highlighted its new Spatial Planning Act an…
Fishermen Attack Forest Offices After Alleged Patrol Killing in Sundarbans
- A crab fisherman was shot dead in the Sundarbans, allegedly by a Forest Department patrol team. - Hundreds of enraged fishermen attacked two forest offices in Satkhira in retaliation, injuring sever…
NCP alleges 'election engineering,' warns of mass uprising for EC overhaul
- NCP Chief Coordinator Nasiruddin Patwary alleged election engineering in the 13th national polls and threatened mass uprising to overhaul the Election Commission. - Patwary claimed that those who le…
Israeli Airstrike Kills Islamic Jihad Commander, Daughter in Lebanon
- An Israeli airstrike in eastern Lebanon killed an Islamic Jihad commander and his daughter. - The strike targeted an apartment near the city of Baalbek. - Emergency workers are searching the rubble …
Prof. Mohammad Iqbal Assumes Office as Duet Vice Chancellor
- Professor Mohammad Iqbal has been appointed the eighth vice chancellor of Dhaka University of Engineering and Technology (Duet) in Gazipur. - He will serve a four-year term and has pledged to advanc…
CCC denies ordering graffiti removal, says damaged Shaheed Washim Akram Flyover pillars will be repainted
- Activists staged counter-protests in Chattogram over the removal of graffiti related to the July uprising from flyover pillars. - The Chattogram City Corporation (CCC) mayor denied ordering the remo…
WHO Maintains 'Low Risk' Assessment for Hantavirus Outbreak on Cruise Ship
- The World Health Organization (WHO) stated that the hantavirus outbreak on a cruise ship poses a "low risk." - The cruise ship, MV Hondius, is expected to dock in Rotterdam, Netherlands, with 27 peo…
Former Additional Secretary Md Abdul Karim Passes Away at 64
- Md Abdul Karim, a former additional secretary in the Ministry of Youth and Sports, passed away at the age of 64. - He retired from government service in 2021 after serving in the Ministry of Youth a…
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- The Bangladeshi government plans to establish an independent commission to strengthen the media and ensure press freedom. - Information Minister Zahir Uddin Swapon stated the commission will focus o…
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- The Jojnal river in Habiganj, Bangladesh, is severely polluted and encroached upon, shrinking from a navigable waterway to a narrow, malodorous canal. - Illegal encroachment by influential individua…
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- Additional Inspector General of Police Mosleh Uddin Ahmed has been appointed the new commissioner of Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP). - Ahmed, who previously headed the Criminal Investigation Depart…
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- Experts and regulators warn that the rapid expansion of Bangladesh's LPG sector is increasing fire and explosion risks due to inadequate safety compliance, oversight, and trained manpower. - Key iss…
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- The Supreme Court has upheld the High Court's bail orders for Selina Hayat Ivy, former mayor of Narayanganj City Corporation, in two murder cases. - The apex court's chamber judge issued a "no order…
UN Women Seeks Explanation for Low Female Representation in Parliament
- A UN Women delegation met with the Election Commission (EC) to discuss the low representation of women in the 13th parliament. - The EC explained that seven women won general seats and 50 were elect…
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- The High Court ordered the government not to arrest or harass former chief justice ABM Khairul Haque without him being a named accused in a specific case. - The court issued a rule questioning the l…
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- Bangladesh faces a shortage of Vitamin A capsules, with distribution campaigns halted during the interim government's tenure. - The Health Minister expects a supply of over 10 million Vitamin A caps…
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- The High Court has asked the government to explain its failure to protect the fundamental rights of street children. - The court issued a rule following a petition by the Equitas Foundation, demandi…
Measles Deaths Reach 459 as Six More Children Die
- Six more children died from measles and measles-like symptoms in 24 hours, bringing the total deaths to 459. - Of the six, one death is confirmed measles, while 75 deaths are confirmed and 384 are s…
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- Dhaka's district administration will launch the "Hello DC" app to improve public services and transparency. - Citizens can use the app to access services online and lodge complaints daily between 9:…
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- Cuba has released a
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- Iran is threatening to charge major tech companies for using subsea internet and financial cables that run under the Strait of Hormuz. - State-linked media outlets have issued veiled threats of dis…
Journalists' body protests mandatory NOC for job switch
- The Dhaka Reporters Unity (DRU) has strongly protested a notice from the Association of Television Channel Owners (ATCO) that requires journalists to obtain a 'No Objection Certificate' (NOC) from p…
Ebola Outbreak in DRC Declared International Health Emergency; Over 80 Dead
- An Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo has claimed over 80 lives, with authorities warning of no available vaccine for the specific strain. - The World Health Organization has declare…
Israeli Strikes Hit Lebanon Despite Fragile Ceasefire; Hezbollah Calls Talks 'Dead-End'
- Israeli strikes targeted eastern and southern Lebanon, impacting areas including the Bekaa valley, despite a fragile ceasefire. - A Hezbollah lawmaker described the ongoing negotiations between Leba…
Dhul Hijjah crescent moon sighted in Saudi Arabia, Eid-ul-Azha set for May 27
- Saudi Arabia has confirmed the sighting of the Dhul Hijjah crescent moon, marking the beginning of the final month of the Islamic lunar calendar. - Eid-ul-Azha will be celebrated in Saudi Arabia on …
Bangladesh to Launch New Primary Curriculum in 2028 with Focus on Learning Outcomes and Environment Upgrades
- A new curriculum for primary students will be implemented in 2028, following a year of design and subsequent teacher training. - The curriculum will focus on language, mathematics, sports, and cultu…
Dubai Taxi Company to Hire 6,000 Bangladeshi Drivers
- Dubai Taxi Company plans to recruit 6,000 drivers from Bangladesh this year, including 1,500 in the latest phase. - Bangladeshi workers are prioritized due to their strong work ethic, with around 8,…
Habiganj Bus Services Suspended Indefinitely Amid Worker Assaults and Vandalism Claims
- Bus services in Habiganj, Bangladesh, were suspended indefinitely due to alleged assaults on transport workers and vandalism. - The Habiganj Motor Owners Association initiated the strike after meeti…
US Delegation Departs China, Discards Items Amid Security Concerns
- A US delegation concluded two days of high-level talks in Beijing with Chinese officials. - Upon departure, US staff and journalists were reportedly instructed to discard items received during the v…
Amazon to End Support for Older Kindle Devices, Sparking User Backlash
- Amazon will end support for Kindle devices released before 2012, disabling access to the Kindle Store after May 20, 2026. - Affected devices will only be able to access content already downloaded; t…
Editors' Council submits list of 282 journalists, 94 accused in murder cases, to PM
- The Editors’ Council submitted a list of 282 journalists to the Prime Minister, noting 94 face murder charges. - Council members stated that such cases harm democracy and the government's image, wit…
Appellate Division chamber judge passes 'no order' on state petitions seeking stay on bail granted over July uprising cases
- The Supreme Court upheld High Court orders granting ad-interim bail to former Narayanganj City Corporation mayor Selina Hayat Ivy in two murder cases related to the July uprising. - A chamber judge …
At Least 15 Injured as 'Rival Groups' Clash on Campus
- Clashes erupted on the Dhaka University of Engineering and Technology (DUET) campus, injuring at least 15 people. - The violence stemmed from student protests against the appointment of a new vice c…
Former State Minister Mizanur Rahman Sinha Laid to Rest
- Former state minister and BNP leader Mizanur Rahman Sinha was laid to rest following a janaza prayer at Jatiya Sangsad Bhaban. - Prime Minister Tarique Rahman and other dignitaries paid their respec…
Family claims four-year-old was killed; police investigating
- The body of a four-year-old girl, Humayra Jannat, was found near her home in Rajshahi, Bangladesh, hours after she went missing. - Her family alleges she was murdered, citing poison-like smells from…
Opposition Warns Against Foreign Dependence, Demands Transparency on US Deals
- Bangladesh's opposition leader Nahid Islam warned against reliance on foreign powers for governance. - He questioned recent agreements with the US, including energy and commercial deals, demanding p…
96 sacks of govt rice recovered from Jamaat leader's house in Noakhali
- Authorities in Noakhali, Bangladesh, recovered 96 sacks of government-allocated rice from the home of a local Jamaat-e-Islami leader. - Locals reported that the rice was being hoarded for resale at …
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- Two teenage brothers drowned in the Teesta River in Lalmonirhat Sadar upazila after being swept away by strong currents. - The incident occurred at a location known for illegal sand extraction, whic…
AI Workshop at DU Explores Future Prospects, Challenges for Professionals
- A workshop on artificial intelligence (AI) for professionals was held at the University of Dhaka, gathering students, professionals, entrepreneurs, and academics. - The event, organized by Bizz Solu…
Political Parties in Bangladesh Failing on Female Representation Mandate
- Political parties in Bangladesh are failing to meet the legal requirement of 33 percent female representation in party committees, according to a dialogue in Khulna. - Speakers noted that women, des…