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.
Sources we track 1
Bangladesh Prioritizes Respectful Partnership with India, President Says
- Bangladesh's President Mohammed Shahabuddin emphasized the importance of the relationship with India, calling it a key trade and development partner. - He stated that Bangladesh is committed to a re…
Bangladesh identifies over 21,000 illegal river occupiers, plans stronger protection laws
- Bangladesh has identified over 21,988 illegal occupiers on its 1,415 rivers. - Amendments to the National River Protection Commission Act are underway to classify encroachment and pollution as crimi…
Mother, two daughters killed in Bangladesh attack; assailant beaten to death by mob
- A woman and her two daughters were killed in a violent attack in Lakshmipur, Bangladesh. - The suspected assailant was beaten to death by an angry mob after the attack. - The victims' second daughte…
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- Bangladesh is introducing cultural education from Class IV, incorporating activities like recitation, music, dance, and drama. - The initiative aims to connect students with cultural heritage and ex…
Bangladesh Launches Major Project to Combat Drug Addiction
- Approximately 8.2 million people in Bangladesh, or 4.88 percent of the population, are addicted to illicit drugs, according to the Home Minister. - The government is implementing a Tk 1,413 crore pr…
Landslide-hit bridge serving 10,000 in Bangladesh tea gardens collapses
- A bridge connecting Kapai and Laskarpur tea gardens in Habiganj, Bangladesh, collapsed after a landslide, disrupting communication for about 10,000 residents. - Tea workers face doubled workloads an…
Bangladesh PM invites Chinese investment, pledges support
- Prime Minister Tarique Rahman invited Chinese companies to invest in Bangladesh, pledging government support and an investor-friendly environment. - Bangladesh will establish an Investment Office in…
Bangladesh PM Seeks Chinese Support for Development Projects in Beijing Meeting
- Bangladesh Prime Minister Tarique Rahman met with a senior Chinese Communist Party leader in Beijing. - Rahman sought Chinese support for development projects, including the China-Bangladesh Friends…
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- Two powerful earthquakes, measuring 7.2 and 7.5 magnitude, struck Venezuela, causing significant building collapses in Caracas. - Emergency services are responding to collapsed structures, including…
Missing child's body recovered from ditch in Dhaka's Khilkhet area
- Police in Dhaka recovered the body of a three-year-old child who had been missing since Tuesday. - The child, identified as Mahadi Rahman, was found in a ditch behind a house in the Jamtala area of …
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- Razia Samad Dahlia, 83, continues her lifelong dedication to social service in Sherpur. - She has established a diabetic hospital, a heart foundation, and supported numerous underprivileged individu…
Pakistani Court Sentences Baloch Activist to Life Imprisonment on Terror Charges
- A Pakistani court sentenced prominent Balochistan rights activist Mahrang Baloch to life imprisonment on murder and terror charges. - Baloch was arrested in 2025 over a 2024 protest in Gwadar that l…
Bangladesh mobile operators owe $1.2 billion in revenue: Minister
- Bangladesh's four mobile operators collectively owe Tk 13,144 crore in outstanding revenue, according to the Post and Telecommunications Minister. - Teletalk Bangladesh Ltd accounts for Tk 5,954 cro…
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- Fish traders and fishermen protested alleged extortion at the Rani Rashmoni Fish Ghat in Chattogram. - They claim individuals posing as leaseholders are illegally collecting fees and seizing fish co…
Bangladesh Targets Full Financial Inclusion by 2026
- Bangladesh aims for 100% financial inclusion for adult citizens by 2026 through its National Financial Inclusion Strategy. - The country currently has over 193 million bank accounts, with 64.50% of …
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- Bangladesh has described India's explanation for the return of a prime ministerial adviser from New Delhi as "unsatisfactory." - The incident at Delhi airport, where Dr. Zahed Ur Rahman was question…
Two UPDF activists killed in separate incidents in Bangladesh's Khagrachhari
- Two United People's Democratic Front (UPDF) activists were killed in separate incidents in Khagrachhari, Bangladesh. - One activist was shot dead in a clash with security forces in Ramgarh, while an…
Bangladesh mobile operators owe government Tk 13,144 crore
- Bangladesh's four mobile operators collectively owe Tk 13,144 crore in outstanding revenue to the government. - Teletalk Bangladesh Ltd has the largest outstanding amount at Tk 5,954 crore, with a p…
Bangladesh to expand VAT net to include more business sectors
- Bangladesh plans to expand the value-added tax (VAT) net to include several business sectors in the 2026-27 fiscal year. - Sectors targeted include grocery stores, beauty parlors, garment retailers,…
Pakistani court sentences Baloch activist Mahrang Baloch to life in prison
- Prominent Baloch activist Mahrang Baloch and an associate have been sentenced to life in prison by a Pakistani anti-terrorism court. - They were convicted for the killing of a paramilitary soldier d…
Football World Cup Ticker: Showdown in Group B with Switzerland, Bosnia-Herzegovina, and Canada starting at 8 PM
- The World Cup 2026 in North America features a decisive Group B showdown between Switzerland and Canada. - Both teams have four points, but Canada holds the advantage with a better goal difference. …
Jagannath University Hosts Two-Day Music Festival Celebrating Bengali Songs
- Jagannath University is hosting its fifth annual music festival, featuring artists from across Bangladesh. - The two-day event, organized by the university's Music Department, includes performances …
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- Bangladeshi student Shahriar Ahmed Imon, 22, was found dead in Cyprus 10 days after disappearing, with his family claiming he was murdered. - A Bangladeshi national, Shahin Babu, 22, has been arrest…
Bangladesh faces trade deficits with 58 nations; tea estates vulnerable to unrest
- Bangladesh recorded trade deficits with 58 countries in fiscal year 2024-25, with China, India, and Indonesia being the top three deficit partners. - The minister stated that imports from China were…
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- Opposition leader Shafiqur Rahman demanded the government step down if it fails to ensure justice for alleged enforced disappearances, killings, and massacres. - He criticized the ruling Awami Leagu…
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- Experts urged Bangladesh to learn from Pakistan's rapid rooftop solar adoption to ensure energy security and affordability. - Pakistan's solar boom is driven by rising electricity tariffs, declining…
Trial begins for ex-ministers over 2024 uprising killings
- The trial of former ministers Rashed Khan Menon and Qamrul Islam began at the International Crimes Tribunal-1 over alleged crimes against humanity. - The case involves the killing of 23 people in Ba…
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- Speaker Hafiz Uddin Ahmad insisted that cabinet members must regularly attend parliamentary sessions, prioritizing state work over parliamentary proceedings. - This directive came in response to the…
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- The government plans to establish 445 safe shelters in Dhaka as part of urban disaster preparedness for earthquakes. - Dhaka South and North City Corporations have identified 256 and 189 potential s…
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- Eighteen pro-Jamaat-e-Islami state law officers resigned, citing the government's failure to implement the July National Charter. - They also protested the government's opposition to an independent …
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- Two factories in Gazipur, Unique Washing & Dyeing and Unique Designers Ltd, have permanently closed due to financial difficulties, rendering approximately 1,800 workers jobless. - A settlement was r…
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- Three more children have died from suspected measles in 24 hours, bringing the total suspected and confirmed deaths to 686. - The number of suspected measles deaths has risen to 593, while confirmed…
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- Bangladesh will conduct a nationwide Vitamin A Plus campaign on June 28, aiming to administer supplements to nearly 23.5 million children under five. - The campaign, resuming after a suspension sinc…
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- The Teesta River in Lalmonirhat has crossed its danger mark due to a surge in upstream hill runoff from India. - Char lands and low-lying areas along the river are flooded, with reports of damage to…
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- Dhaka University suspended three teachers and relieved two others of academic duties over alleged involvement in the July uprising. - The suspended teachers are accused of supporting the Awami Leagu…
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- A dilapidated bridge in Balidia village, Magura, poses a daily risk to thousands of residents, including schoolchildren. - The bridge, built around 1996-97, has collapsed railings and deteriorated s…
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- The playground of a primary school in Mymensingh remains waterlogged for at least four months annually, preventing students from participating in sports and activities. - Stagnant water on the field…
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- MP Rokeya Begum delivered an emotional maiden speech in parliament, recounting the death of her son during the July Uprising and demanding justice. - She highlighted the slow pace of trials at the I…
Parliamentary speaker demands ministers' regular attendance
- Speaker of Parliament Hafiz Uddin Ahmad urged ministers to attend parliamentary sessions regularly, emphasizing their importance over state duties. - He addressed complaints about ministers' absence…
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- A ransomware attack on Tata Electronics has resulted in the leak of confidential manufacturing documents belonging to Apple and Tesla. - The stolen data, posted on the dark web, includes proprietary…
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- Bangladesh's Prime Minister's Information Adviser stated the Awami League lacks moral courage for politics. - He suggested the party's return to normal politics is only possible if past actions are …
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- Bangladesh has advanced its digital infrastructure but faces a gap between internet access and meaningful use, particularly for women and rural populations. - Experts emphasize the need for inclusiv…
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- Iran asserts its control over the Strait of Hormuz, a key issue in ongoing Middle East war talks with the United States. - While an initial deal was reached on sanctions relief and communication lin…
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- Dhaka police have banned sharp weapons and firecrackers during upcoming Tazia processions for Holy Ashura. - The restrictions aim to ensure public safety and preserve the religious solemnity of the …
Factory closures leave 1,800 Bangladeshi workers anxious over jobs, dues
- Two factories, Unique Washing & Dyeing and Unique Designers Ltd, have permanently closed in Gazipur, Bangladesh, leaving approximately 1,800 workers uncertain about their future and unpaid dues. - T…
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- A journalist was assaulted by activists of Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami in Dhaka. - The incident occurred during an altercation between reporters and activists after a procession. - Jamaat-e-Islami ha…
Andy Burnham favored to succeed Starmer as Labour leader
- British Prime Minister Keir Starmer has announced his resignation after two years in office. - Andy Burnham, the current mayor of Manchester, is widely considered the favorite to succeed Starmer as …
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- U.S. President Donald Trump criticized outgoing British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, citing Starmer's handling of energy policy, immigration, and relations with Washington. - Trump specifically faul…
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- Europe is experiencing a severe heatwave, leading to widespread disruptions and cancellations. - Outdoor events have been called off, transportation services are facing delays, and schools have been…
China Investigates Diaper Irritant Allegations; Huggies Denies Claims
- Chinese authorities are investigating reports of a rash-causing irritant found in diapers from brands including Huggies, Babycare, and Bibabebe. - The substance, formamide, is toxic and can cause di…
Russia downs 301 Ukrainian drones; attacks kill six in Ukraine
- Russia downed 301 Ukrainian drones overnight, with Moscow reporting dozens shot down near the capital. - Russian attacks across Ukraine killed at least six people, including a boy and his grandmothe…
China Hits 10 U.S. Firms With Export Controls in Retaliation
- China has imposed export controls on 10 U.S. companies involved in defense and rare earths mining in retaliation for U.S. blacklisting of Chinese firms. - The move follows President Trump's visit to…
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- The United Nations reports that Myanmar's military was responsible for over 700 civilian deaths during last year's six-month election period. - Air strikes were identified as the primary cause of ci…
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- Pope Francis criticized world leaders for prioritizing war over feeding the hungry, calling global priorities "badly skewed." - He urged governments to increase funding to combat hunger and remove g…
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- Europe is experiencing an intensifying heatwave, with temperatures forecast to reach extreme levels. - Authorities have implemented special measures, including school closures and transport disrupti…
Deadly Gas Explosion at Qatar Facility Kills 13, Injures 66
- A major gas explosion at a Qatar energy facility killed 13 people and injured 66 others. - The victims were identified as Indian and Pakistani nationals. - Qatar's energy minister stated the inciden…
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- A fire in a building housing a library and coaching center in Lucknow, India, killed at least 14 people. - The blaze started on the middle floor of the three-story commercial building and spread rap…
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- Two students opened fire at a school in the central Philippines, killing three teenagers and wounding seven others. - The alleged shooters, aged 15 and 14, were taken into custody after firing shots…
Daily Star Editor meets London diaspora, vows broader engagement
- The Daily Star's Editor and Publisher Mahfuz Anam met with the British-Bangladeshi community in London to discuss strengthening engagement with diaspora readers. - Anam highlighted the newspaper's e…
Student leader missing for three days, associates fear abduction in Bangladesh
- Saidur Rahman, president of the Narayanganj district unit of Student Federation of Bangladesh, has been missing for three days. - His disappearance was disclosed at a press conference where associat…
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- Top Indian and Iranian security officials met in New Delhi for a BRICS security chiefs gathering. - Discussions focused on the Middle East situation, India-Iran ties, and security challenges. - Chin…
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- A government official in Debiganj, Bangladesh, is under investigation after a video surfaced allegedly showing him demanding a 15 percent commission on project bills. - The video, which went viral o…
BNP leader appointed to ICAPP standing committee
- Md Ismail Zabihullah, an adviser to the BNP Chairman, has been appointed to the standing committee of the International Conference of Asian Political Parties (ICAPP). - Zabihullah and BNP Joint Secr…
Low gas pressure expected in Dhaka region due to reduced LNG supply
- Gas pressure will be low for all consumers in the greater Dhaka region and surrounding districts until June 25. - The reduction is due to a decrease in the supply of re-gasified liquefied natural ga…
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- For the first time in 700 years, donations at a Sylhet shrine were counted publicly. - The donations totaled Tk 17,65,559 in cash and seven ana of gold. - The counting occurred as the outgoing deput…
Bangladesh MPs call for ban on religion-based party, restrict politics in mosques
- A Bangladeshi MP called for banning Jamaat-e-Islami, accusing the party of exploiting religion and opposing the country's independence. - Another MP urged a law to prevent political activities withi…
Deadly Fire at Lucknow Animation Center Kills at Least Eight
- At least eight people died in a fire at an animation training center in Lucknow, India, on Monday. - Local media reported a higher death toll, mostly students, and visuals showed a person jumping fr…
Bangladesh-India Relations Hindered by Adhikari's Remarks, Claims Siraj
- Golam Mohammad Siraj claims Suvendu Adhikari's statements are damaging relations between Bangladesh and India. - Siraj alleges that Adhikari's remarks are hindering respectful and friendly bilateral…
BTV's expenditure exceeds earnings by up to 12 times: Minister
- Bangladesh Television (BTV) consistently spends seven to 12 times more than its earnings, the information minister told parliament. - In the current fiscal year up to May, BTV's income was Tk 8.05 c…
Ministers' absence from parliament budget session questioned
- An opposition lawmaker questioned the absence of ministers during Bangladesh's ongoing budget session. - The speaker agreed that ministerial presence is essential and pledged to request their attend…
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- An 11-party alliance led by Jamaat-e-Islami announced a rally in Dhaka demanding trials for enforced disappearances, killings, and massacres under the former ruling Awami League party. - The allianc…
Rare albino buffalo "Donald Trump" transferred for scientific research in Bangladesh
- A rare albino buffalo, nicknamed "Donald Trump," has been transferred to the Bangladesh Livestock Research Institute (BLRI) for scientific study. - The buffalo will undergo a 14-day quarantine befor…
Landmine Blasts Kill Three Near Bangladesh-Myanmar Border, Families Fear for Livelihoods
- Three people, including two Tanchangya men and a Rohingya laborer, died in separate landmine explosions near the Bangladesh-Myanmar border. - Victims' families are struggling to cope with the loss a…
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- The government has ordered the deployment of army personnel in three metropolitan cities and three other districts until June 30. - This deployment is in response to fears of sabotage and law-and-or…
Relocated crocodile refuses food for 19 days in Bangladesh
- A female mugger crocodile, estimated to be 45-50 years old, has refused food for 19 days after being relocated from a shrine pond to a wildlife center in Khulna, Bangladesh. - Forest officials are m…
Motorcyclist dies after brick attack in Dhaka
- A 21-year-old motorcyclist, Sajit Chowdhury Rafi, died from injuries sustained in a brick attack on June 9. - Police arrested three suspects, who are allegedly involved in drug-related cases and had…
Bangladesh PM urges Malaysia to reopen labor market, pursue FTA
- Bangladesh Prime Minister Tarique Rahman urged Malaysia to reopen its labor market to Bangladeshi workers and recruit more. - Both countries agreed to pursue a Free Trade Agreement (FTA) and strengt…
Woman dies after falling into open drain hidden by floodwaters in Bangladesh
- A woman in Bangladesh died after falling into an open drain concealed by heavy rainfall and accumulated water. - The drain was part of the BRT project and was submerged due to waterlogging on the Dh…
Europe braces for intensifying heatwave; France records deaths
- Europe is bracing for an intensifying heatwave, with France recording heat-related deaths over the weekend. - Several French departments are on red alert, leading to school closures and public event…
Iran, US Agree to Open Communications Lines to Secure Strait of Hormuz, End Lebanon Fighting
- Iran and the United States agreed to establish communication channels to ensure the Strait of Hormuz remains open and to end fighting in Lebanon. - Talks in Switzerland, mediated by Pakistan and Qat…
UK PM Starmer may step down Monday as successor looms
- British Prime Minister Keir Starmer is reportedly planning to step down as early as Monday, according to UK media. - Labour politician Andy Burnham is expected to be sworn in as an MP the same day, …
China Hits Back at US Blacklist with Export Controls on Defense and Rare Earth Firms
- China has imposed export controls on 10 US companies and banned public procurement from 46 others in response to a US blacklist. - The US had added 80 companies to its "Chinese military enterprise l…
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- Prime Minister Tarique Rahman urged expatriate Bangladeshis to focus on contributing to the country rather than solely pursuing personal demands. - He stated he would not use his position to seek re…
BNP activist found murdered in Jashore
- A local leader of the BNP party, Atiar Rahman, was found dead with his throat slit in Jashore, Bangladesh. - Police recovered the body from a canal and observed multiple sharp weapon injuries, sendi…
Youth Sentenced to 17 Years for Abduction, Murder of 5-Year-Old in Bangladesh
- A youth has been sentenced to 17 years in jail for the abduction and murder of a five-year-old boy in Bangladesh. - The convict, Siam Ahmed alias Mithu, was 16 at the time of the 2020 crime and has …
Former chief justice denied bail in murder case
- Former chief justice ABM Khairul Haque was denied bail in a murder case linked to the July Uprising. - He was arrested in July 2025 and has remained in jail, facing charges related to the uprising a…
MPs trade fascist accusations in heated budget debate
- Bangladeshi MPs traded accusations of fascist behavior during a budget debate in parliament. - An opposition MP criticized the prime minister for making false claims and using appeasement language t…
Bangladesh PM Arrives in Malaysia for Maiden Overseas Visit
- Prime Minister Tarique Rahman of Bangladesh arrived in Kuala Lumpur for his first overseas visit since taking office. - The two-day trip aims to strengthen economic ties, expand labor market opportu…
Awami League leader dies after allegedly falling into drain during police raid; police deny involvement
- A local Awami League leader died in Barishal city after allegedly falling into a drain while trying to escape a police raid. - His family claims police operations target ordinary party workers, whil…
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- Prime Minister has directed the renaming of three unions in Bogura, Bangladesh. - New names must reflect local history, heritage, or universally acceptable identities. - Public hearings will be held…
OpenAI hires AI pioneers Shazeer and Ball ahead of public listing
- OpenAI has hired Noam Shazeer, a key figure behind AI advancements, and Dean Ball, a former White House AI policy official, as it prepares for a public listing. - Shazeer, who co-led Google's Gemini…
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- The Election Commission (EC) in Bangladesh is preparing for local government elections, including a mock voting exercise. - Key preparations include data, infrastructure, voter lists, polling center…
Lawmaker's False War Hero Claim Expunged from Bangladeshi Parliament Record
- A Bangladeshi lawmaker's claim that his father was martyred in the 1971 Liberation War was expunged from parliamentary records after it was found to be false. - The lawmaker, Abdul Muntakim, admitte…
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- A serving Bangladesh Army officer testified that he witnessed preparations and overheard a coded conversation involving a retired Major General in connection with the 2012 disappearance of BNP leade…
Snap spins off AI video team into gaming venture Dotmo
- Snap is spinning off its generative AI video team into a new company called Dotmo. - Dotmo will focus on creating interactive gaming experiences, leveraging Snap's AI technology. - Snap will receive…
Bangladesh speaker expunges remarks on leader's personal life from parliament record
- Speaker Hafiz Uddin Ahmad expunged his own remarks and those of a BNP MP concerning Maulana Mamunul Haque from parliamentary records. - The expunged comments related to alleged extramarital affairs …
Verdicts Delivered in 7 Crimes Against Humanity Cases, 59 Defendants Sentenced
- Law Minister Md Asaduzzaman informed parliament that 80 cases have been filed with the International Crimes Tribunals for crimes during the July 2024 Uprising. - Verdicts have been delivered in seve…
Malaysia health official blames interim government for measles vaccine shortage
- A Malaysian health official stated that ongoing measles vaccine shortages are due to negligence by the interim government, not a lack of clarity. - The shortage resulted from the discontinuation of …
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- Prime Minister Tarique Rahman of Bangladesh embarked on his first state visit to Malaysia and China since taking office. - During the visit to Malaysia, agreements on cultural exchange and a free tr…
Multiple Job Openings Announced in Bangladesh with July Deadlines
- Eastern Bank PLC (EBL) is hiring a Priority Banking Manager, with applications due July 2. - The Danish Refugee Council (DRC) seeks a Protection Information Management Specialist, deadline July 5. -…