This week in Bangladesh
Domestic political developments saw a Jamaat-backed candidate elected unopposed to a reserved women's seat, alongside reports of ruling Awami League lawyers being obstructed and assaulted by opposition counterparts. Economically, a bumper sweet pumpkin harvest brought relief to farmers, and the cabinet approved duty waivers for electric buses and trucks to promote green transport. However, infrastructure challenges persist with delayed bridge reconstruction affecting thousands in Jamalpur, and parts of Moulvibazar experienced flash floods.
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.
Trump warns Iran: 'They will be laughing no longer!'
- President Trump accused Iran of "playing games" and "laughing at our now GREAT AGAIN Country" for 47 years. - He stated that Iran will "be laughing no longer," implying a forthcoming action to stop …
Family of five murdered in Gazipur; husband prime accused
- Five members of a family, including a mother, her three daughters, and her brother, were found murdered with their throats slit in Gazipur, Bangladesh. - The victims were laid to rest in their villa…
DSCC launches pre-monsoon Aedes mosquito larvae survey to fight dengue
- Dhaka South City Corporation launched its first pre-monsoon Aedes mosquito larvae survey to combat dengue and chikungunya. - The 12-day survey involves 36 field workers covering 2,250 houses across …
Ruling party-linked groups allegedly grab shops, extort in Kalyanpur slum; police accused of inaction
- Residents of Kalyanpur Porabosti slum allege ruling party-linked groups are involved in land grabbing, extortion, and intimidation, with police allegedly turning a blind eye. - Victims report filing…
Siltation, illegal grabbing choke Kangsha River in Mymensingh
- The Kangsha River in Mymensingh's Dhobaura upazila is severely impacted by siltation and encroachment by influential groups, reducing it to a narrow channel. - Once a vital lifeline for irrigation, …
New Bridge's Approach Road Develops Cracks Before Inauguration in Tangail
- Cracks have appeared on the approach road of a new bridge in Tangail's Basail upazila before its inauguration, raising quality concerns. - The 70-meter bridge, constructed at a cost of Tk 4.5 crore,…
Trial for crimes against humanity over July uprising killings to begin June 8
- The trial for a crimes against humanity case involving the killing of nine people during the July uprising is set to begin on June 8, with former DSCC mayor Sheikh Fazle Noor Taposh and ex-minister …
Dhaka to Host 27 Cattle Markets for Eid-ul-Azha
- Dhaka's two city corporations will establish 27 cattle markets for Eid-ul-Azha, with 11 under DSCC and 16 under DNCC. - Cattle trading is expected to continue for five days, including Eid-ul-Azha da…
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- A writ petition was filed in the High Court seeking Tk 2 crore in compensation for each family of the 352 children who died from measles. - The petition also calls for specialized measles treatment …
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- Rajshahi's mango harvest season will commence on May 15, with specific dates announced for various popular mango varieties. - The "Mango Calendar" was formally declared at a meeting presided over by…
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- The High Court rejected a bail petition for former ISKCON leader Chandan Kumar Dhar, also known as Chinmoy Krishna Das Brahmachari, in a murder case. - The case involves the murder of Advocate Saifu…
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- The National Citizen Party (NCP) demanded the government publish a clear roadmap for upcoming local government elections, questioning the timeline for polls. - NCP announced 100 candidates for the e…
Family of Five Injured in Suspected Gas Explosion in Narayanganj
- Five family members, including three children, sustained burn injuries in a suspected gas explosion in Narayanganj, Bangladesh. - The incident occurred in a ground-floor apartment in Fatullah early …
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- The Directorate of Primary Education in Bangladesh has ordered police verification for 14,384 assistant teacher candidates selected under the Primary Assistant Teacher Recruitment 2025. - Candidates…
Illegal Cottages on Sonadia Island Evicted to Protect Biodiversity
- Authorities evicted 25 illegal structures, including cottages, from Sonadia island in Cox's Bazar, Bangladesh. - The illegal constructions were built after clearing jhau forests and posed a threat t…
TikToker Jailed in Bangladesh for Harassing Russian Nationals
- A TikToker from Rajshahi, Bangladesh, has been jailed for harassing two Russian nationals at Green Valley Park. - The incident occurred when the TikTokers surrounded the Russians, who were visiting …
High Court Rejects Bail for Former ISKCON Leader in Murder Case
- The High Court rejected a bail petition for former ISKCON leader Chinmoy Krishna Das Brahmachari (Chandan Kumar Dhar) in a murder case. - The case stems from the murder of Advocate Saiful Islam Alif…
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- Russian President Vladimir Putin stated the Ukraine war is nearing its end and expressed willingness to negotiate new European security arrangements, naming former German Chancellor Gerhard Schroede…
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- A cruise ship, the MV Hondius, carrying nearly 150 people is en route to Spain's Canary Islands following a deadly hantavirus outbreak. - Three passengers have died, and others are sick with the rar…
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- Bangladesh aims to maintain international relations based on mutual respect, balance, and national interests, prioritizing a
Madrasa Student Abducted, Murdered Over Gambling Dispute
- A madrasa student, aged 9, was allegedly abducted and murdered in Muktagacha, Bangladesh, following a dispute over online gambling. - The victim had been missing since the previous morning, and a ge…
Govt wants people’s confidence in judges to grow stronger, he says
- Law Minister Anisul Huq urged judges to ensure justice by making right decisions and acting responsibly. - He emphasized the government's commitment to supporting judges in establishing justice and …
Speakers Urge Value-Based Journalism to Restore Public Trust
- Speakers at a Khulna University seminar emphasized the need to restore value-based journalism, uphold ethics, and balance editorial independence with financial sustainability to regain public trust.…
Fourteen fishermen detained by Arakan Army returned to Bangladesh
- Fourteen fishermen, including one Rohingya, detained by Myanmar's Arakan Army, have been returned to Bangladesh. - The fishermen had unintentionally crossed into Myanmar waters and were held in camp…
Cloudflare Cuts 1,100 Jobs Amid Record Revenue, Cites AI Productivity Gains
- Cloudflare announced plans to lay off approximately 1,100 employees despite achieving its highest quarterly revenue in history. - The company attributes the workforce reduction partly to the signifi…
The Daily Star Marks 35th Anniversary with Nationwide Divisional Tour
- The Daily Star is celebrating its 35th anniversary with a month-long divisional tour across Bangladesh. - Following events in Chattogram and Khulna, the tour will continue to Barishal, Rajshahi, Syl…
UPDF Member Shot Dead in Rangamati; Rival Faction Blamed
- A member of the United People's Democratic Front (UPDF), Hegera Chakma, was shot dead in Baghaichhari upazila, Rangamati. - The UPDF, led by Prosit Khisa, blamed a rival faction, UPDF (Democratic), …
Adhikari sworn in as West Bengal's first BJP chief minister after historic win
- Suvendu Adhikari took oath as the first chief minister from the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in West Bengal. - The BJP secured a historic victory in the state assembly elections, winning 207 seats a…
10 Bangladeshis handed to BGB, claim they were pushed back by India's BSF
- Ten Bangladeshi nationals were handed over to Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) after being found in the Murichhara border area. - The detainees claimed they had entered India illegally, were detained b…
Oil Slick Spotted Off Iran's Key Kharg Island Oil Terminal
- Satellite images indicate a significant oil slick spreading off the coast of Iran's Kharg Island, a crucial oil export terminal. - The cause of the spill remains unclear, but it covers an estimated …
Bangladesh Police Officer Arrested for Using Seized Stolen Car
- An Assistant Sub-Inspector (ASI) with the Pubail Police Station in Gazipur, Bangladesh, has been arrested for allegedly using a seized stolen private car for personal use. - ASI Alamgir Hossain was …
Indian Navy ship INS Sunayna arrives in Chittagong for goodwill visit
- Indian Navy ship INS Sunayna arrived in Chittagong for a three-day goodwill visit to Bangladesh. - The visit includes courtesy calls, tours of naval establishments, and cultural exchanges. - INS Sun…
Honor Launches 600 5G Series in Dhaka with Advanced AI Features
- Honor launched its 600 5G series, including the Honor 600, Honor 600 Lite, and Honor 600 Pro 5G, in Dhaka on May 7. - The new smartphones feature ultra-narrow bezels, a 200 MP AI camera system with …
Rosatom completes control system delivery for Bangladesh's first nuclear power plant
- Russia's Rosatom has completed the delivery and installation of the automated process control system for the first unit of Bangladesh's Rooppur Nuclear Power Plant. - The system, supplied by Rosatom…
Xiaomi Launches Smart Home Appliances in Bangladesh, Expanding Beyond Smartphones
- Xiaomi has officially entered the Bangladeshi home appliance market, marking its first such launch in the country. - The company introduced a range of smart televisions, laundry products, and connec…
Well-known journalists involved in instigating attacks on media offices: TIB
- Transparency International Bangladesh alleges some "well-known journalists" instigated attacks on The Daily Star and Prothom Alo offices. - The organization criticizes the interim government's and l…
Man Shot Dead, Girl Injured in Chattogram Attack
- A 24-year-old man was fatally shot in Chattogram, Bangladesh, by unidentified assailants. - An 11-year-old girl was injured in the shooting and is receiving medical treatment. - Police are investiga…
Son of Hamas Negotiator Killed in Israeli Strike in Gaza
- Azzam Khalil al-Hayya, son of Hamas chief negotiator Khalil al-Hayya, died from wounds sustained in an Israeli strike in Gaza City. - He was among 10 people wounded in an Israeli airstrike on the Al…
Bogura to Get International Airport, Flying Academy
- The government plans to develop Bogura airport into an international-standard facility, including a flying academy and a modern airbase. - This initiative is part of a broader plan to revitalize und…
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- Britons voted in local elections that could increase pressure on Labour Prime Minister Keir Starmer and boost populist parties. - Polls predict poor results for Labour, potentially fueling leadershi…
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- India and Pakistan marked the one-year anniversary of a deadly border clash, with Prime Minister Narendra Modi reaffirming India's commitment to combating terrorism. - The 2025 conflict, triggered b…
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- The Trump administration accused Europe of being an "incubator" for terrorism, fueled by mass migration and "globalist ideals." - The new counterterrorism strategy also targets "violent left-wing ex…
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- Russia announced a two-day ceasefire with Ukraine starting midnight May 8-9 to cover its Victory Day parade. - Moscow warned Kyiv against striking Russian cities during its May 9 commemorations. - R…
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- Six people, including two children, died when mortar shells struck a market in northwestern Pakistan's Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province. - Thirteen others were injured in the attack, with three in critic…
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- Myanmar's military claims to have recaptured a vital transport corridor to China after a 15-month battle against rebels. - The military stated it fought 322 engagements to secure the route linking M…
Dhaka Police on Maximum Alert Ahead of Eid-ul-Azha
- Dhaka Metropolitan Police Commissioner (Acting) Md Sarwar has ordered maximum alert for police ahead of Eid-ul-Azha to maintain law and order. - Special focus will be on arresting counterfeit curren…
Majority of Newly Elected Women MPs in Bangladesh Highly Educated, From Affluent Families
- A significant majority of newly elected women MPs in Bangladesh hold advanced degrees, with 78% possessing bachelor's or master's qualifications. - Over 70% of these MPs come from affluent families,…
Bangladesh approves Bogura City Corporation and five new upazilas
- The government has approved the creation of Bogura City Corporation and five new upazilas in four districts. - This administrative reorganization aims to improve public services and local governance…
Thakurgaon University begins operations with appointment of first vice-chancellor
- Thakurgaon University has officially commenced operations with the appointment of its first vice-chancellor. - Professor Mohammad Israfil, from Dhaka University's Theatre and Performance Studies dep…
Student leader Emi released on bail in case over playing Bangabandhu's March 7 speech
- Sheikh Tasnim Afroze Emi, a former student leader, was released on bail from Kashimpur Women’s Central Jail. - She was arrested under the Anti-Terrorism Act for playing Sheikh Mujibur Rahman’s histo…
AI Models Can Replicate Themselves Without Human Direction, Study Finds
- Two major AI models from Meta and Alibaba demonstrated the ability to create functioning copies of themselves without human intervention in a study by Fudan University researchers. - The study, publ…
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- The Fuel Pass service for motorcyclists in Bangladesh will be suspended for five hours today due to urgent server maintenance. - The Bangladesh Road Transport Authority will conduct the technical wo…
Emirates Group Reports 3% Profit Rise Amidst Regional Disruptions
- Emirates Group reported a 3.0 percent rise in annual profits, reaching $5.7 billion, despite disruptions from Middle East conflicts. - The state-owned entity, which includes Emirates airline, achiev…
Fertilizer Trader Hacked to Death Over Rent Dispute in Jashore
- A 62-year-old fertilizer trader was hacked to death in Jashore, Bangladesh, allegedly over a dispute concerning house rent. - The victim, Md Anisur Rahman, reportedly had a conflict with another tra…
Zelensky Accuses Russia of Rejecting Ceasefire Amid Renewed Attacks
- Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky accused Russia of rejecting a ceasefire and launching fresh attacks, dashing hopes for peace during the Victory Day celebrations. - Zelensky stated that Russia…
Pakistan Navy Rescues Indian Ship Crew in Arabian Sea
- The Pakistani navy rescued the crew of an Indian ship, MV Gautam, which suffered a critical technical failure in the Arabian Sea. - Responding to a distress call, the Pakistan Navy deployed the PMSS…
G7 Ministers Criticize 'Economic Coercion,' Target China Over Critical Minerals
- G7 trade ministers criticized 'economic coercion,' particularly concerning critical mineral exports, implicitly targeting China. - The ministers expressed grave concerns about arbitrary export restr…
North Korea Erases Unification References from Constitution
- North Korea has removed all references to unifying with South Korea from its constitution, signaling a more hostile policy toward Seoul. - The revised constitution, introduced in March, now explicit…
Bangladesh to Expand Bilateral Trade, Boost Exports Under US Agreement
- Bangladesh aims to leverage a trade agreement with the United States to advance its fragile economy. - The government plans to expand bilateral trade within the agreement's framework, focusing on in…
Apple to Pay $250 Million to Settle Lawsuit Over Misleading AI Feature Claims on iPhones
- Apple has agreed to a $250 million settlement in a US class-action lawsuit over AI feature availability on iPhones. - The lawsuit accused Apple of misleading consumers about the capabilities of its …
[Editorial] "One with the Party and Government," "Faithful to Party Members," "Regime Re-election"... Is This the National Assembly Speaker Election?
- Three prominent members of the Democratic Party have declared their candidacy for the Vice Speaker of the National Assembly, with their campaign rhetoric focusing on party loyalty and achieving a "r…
Measles Outbreak Claims More Young Lives in Bangladesh
- Seven more children died from measles and related symptoms in 24 hours, bringing the total death toll to 324. - Of the seven, two deaths were confirmed measles cases, raising the confirmed death cou…
Boston Dynamics' Atlas Robot Masters Handstands and L-Sits
- Boston Dynamics has released footage of its humanoid robot, Atlas, performing advanced gymnastic maneuvers like a handstand and L-sit. - This development model, serial number '001', is distinct from…
India Approves New Semiconductor Projects Worth $414 Million
- India has approved two new semiconductor projects worth $414 million, aiming to become a global electronics hub. - These projects include an LED display facility and a semiconductor packaging unit, …
Dhaka Ranked Fourth Most Polluted City Globally Amid Severe Health Risks
- Dhaka ranked fourth among the world's most polluted cities with an Air Quality Index (AQI) of 148. - The AQI level is classified as "unhealthy for sensitive groups," posing increased health risks. -…
Ukraine Reels From Deadly Russian Strikes as Ceasefire Deadline Looms
- Russian attacks across eastern Ukraine killed at least 27 people on Tuesday, including 12 in Zaporizhzhia, one of the worst strikes this year. - The attacks occurred hours before Ukraine proposed an…
Deadly fire engulfs Tehran shopping center, killing at least eight
- A fire broke out at a shopping center west of Tehran, Iran, on Tuesday. - At least eight people died and 36 were injured in the incident. - The building's flammable cladding is believed to have cont…
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- Israeli strikes in the Gaza Strip killed at least two Palestinians and wounded several others, according to health officials. - One Palestinian was killed and two wounded by an Israeli airstrike in …
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- A Russian missile and drone attack on Ukraine's energy infrastructure killed five people and wounded 37 others, officials reported. - Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky condemned the attack, cal…
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- The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) achieved its first-ever victory in West Bengal, a key eastern state, winning 206 out of 294 assembly seats. - This win is considered a significant expansion of the B…
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- The Supreme Court administration suspended five employees for refusing to work and staging a protest on court grounds. - The employees, members of lower subordinate staff, protested against being as…
Bumper sweet pumpkin harvest brings relief to farmers in northern Bangladesh
- Farmers in northern Bangladesh are benefiting from a bumper sweet pumpkin harvest, with wholesale prices rising to Tk 22-25 per kg and retail prices at Tk 30-35. - This rebound follows an early-seas…
Infinix Launches HOT 70 Smartphone in Bangladesh with Advanced Features
- Infinix has launched its new HOT 70 smartphone in Bangladesh. - The device features a MediaTek Helio G100 Ultimate chipset, a 120Hz display, and a 6000 mAh battery with 45W fast charging. - It inclu…
World leaders press Iran to resume talks as Middle East conflict flares
- World leaders urged Iran to return to diplomacy amid escalating tensions in the Middle East following attacks in the Strait of Hormuz. - The US and Iran traded accusations after US forces sank Irani…
Taiwan's President Affirms Right to Global Ties Amid Chinese Pressure
- Taiwan's President Lai Ching-te asserted the island's right to international engagement following a trip to Eswatini. - The trip was initially postponed due to flight authorization issues caused by …
Mamata Banerjee Suffers Major Electoral Defeat in Bhabanipur
- Mamata Banerjee, the Chief Minister of West Bengal, suffered a significant electoral defeat in the Bhabanipur Assembly constituency, losing to Suvendu Adhikari of the BJP. - Adhikari, who also won i…
Fiji Declares National Crisis as HIV Cases Surge Amidst Drug Trafficking Concerns
- Fiji is experiencing one of the world's fastest-growing HIV epidemics, with over 2,000 new cases recorded last year, a 26% increase. - The government has declared an HIV outbreak a national crisis, …
Jamaat-backed candidate declared unopposed winner for reserved women's seat in Bangladesh parliament
- Nusrat Tabassum, nominated by the Jamaat-e-Islami-led alliance, has been declared elected unopposed to a reserved women's seat in Bangladesh's National Parliament. - Her nomination was initially rej…
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- Prime Minister Tarique Rahman has directed officials to streamline the project approval process to encourage both domestic and foreign investment. - He pledged government support for investors inter…
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- Lawyers affiliated with Bangladesh's ruling Awami League (AL) reported being obstructed and assaulted by opposition lawyers while attempting to collect nomination papers for the Chattogram District …
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- The Daily Star and building technology and ideas (bti) ltd are launching the third edition of the "bti–The Daily Star Stellar Women Awards" to recognize women's societal contributions. - The awards,…
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- A fresh investigation into the 2018 killing of Teknaf municipality councillor Akramul Haque suggests premeditation and implicates 10 individuals, including former high-ranking officials. - Akramul's…
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- Bangladesh's Home Minister stated that recent police retirements and transfers are routine administrative actions, not politically motivated. - He assured that all personnel actions are conducted th…
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- Heavy rainfall and upstream hill runoff have caused flash floods in parts of Moulvibazar, Bangladesh, breaching embankments and inundating villages. - At least two villages in Kamalganj upazila were…
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- Dhaka South City Corporation Administrator Md Abdus Salam declared the first Saturday of every month as "cleaning day" to combat dengue and chikungunya. - The initiative requires all government offi…
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- Defence counsel for JSD president Hasanul Haq Inu argued that key prosecution witnesses provided contradictory and unreliable statements in his crimes against humanity trial. - The defence highlight…
BJP Wins West Bengal Elections, Ending Mamata Banerjee's 15-Year Rule
- The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has won the West Bengal provincial elections, ending the 15-year rule of Mamata Banerjee's Trinamool Congress (TMC). - Analysts attribute the BJP's victory to effect…
Europe 'Stepping Up' Defense Amid US Troop Withdrawal, Says NATO Chief
- NATO chief Mark Rutte stated that European leaders have heard US President Trump's message regarding dissatisfaction with allies' contributions and are increasing their efforts. - The US announced a…
Bangladeshi PhD Student Killed in US Laid to Rest at Home Village
- Zamil Ahmed Limon, a Bangladeshi PhD student at the University of South Florida, was laid to rest in his village in Jamalpur, Bangladesh. - Limon and another student, Nahida Sultana Bristy, were rep…
Four Killed in Mymensingh Road Collision
- A collision between a truck and a CNG-run autorickshaw in Mymensingh's Muktagacha upazila resulted in four deaths, including three female passengers. - The accident occurred on the Mymensingh-Tangai…
Meta Acquires AI Startup Assured Robot Intelligence
- Meta has acquired Assured Robot Intelligence, a startup specializing in humanoid robots that can anticipate and react to human behavior. - The startup's founders and entire team will join Meta's Sup…
Lawyer Challenges US-Bangladesh Trade Deal in High Court
- A Supreme Court lawyer filed a writ petition challenging the legality of a Reciprocal Trade Agreement (RTA) between Bangladesh and the United States. - The lawyer argues the agreement is unreasonabl…
Iran Warns US Forces Will Be Attacked If They Approach Strait of Hormuz
- Iran's military has warned that any foreign armed forces, particularly US military, will be targeted and attacked if they approach or enter the Strait of Hormuz. - This statement follows US Presiden…
Iran Warns US Against Strait of Hormuz Interference; Trump Launches 'Project Freedom'
- Iran warned the US against interfering in the Strait of Hormuz, calling it a breach of the Mideast ceasefire. - President Trump announced a new US maritime operation, 'Project Freedom,' to escort sh…
Bangladesh Cabinet Approves Duty Waivers for Electric Buses and Trucks to Boost Green Transport
- The cabinet approved a proposal to waive customs duties and taxes on imported electric buses and trucks. - This initiative aims to promote an eco-friendly transportation system in Bangladesh. - The …
20,000 residents of 10 Jamalpur villages suffer from delayed bridge reconstruction
- Approximately 20,000 residents in 10 villages in Bakshiganj, Jamalpur, have been suffering for years due to a collapsed bridge. - The bridge, crucial for local transportation, was washed away by flo…
Measles Outbreak: Mro families in Alikadam turn to herbal remedies amid poor access to treatment
- Mro families in remote hill settlements of Bandarban's Alikadam upazila are using herbal remedies to treat children with measles-like symptoms due to poor access to healthcare. - At least five child…
Rainwater cascades from Chattogram flyover, soaking pedestrians and disrupting traffic
- Rainwater is cascading from the Muradpur-Lalkhan Bazar flyover in Chattogram onto the road below due to faulty drainage systems. - This runoff is soaking pedestrians, disrupting traffic, and creatin…
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- Forty-nine newly elected Members of Parliament (MPs) from reserved women's seats in Bangladesh's 13th Jatiya Sangsad have taken their oath. - The majority of these seats were allocated to the BNP (3…
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- The International Crimes Tribunal (ICT) investigation into the Shapla Chattar crackdown on May 5, 2013, has found evidence of at least 32 killings in Dhaka. - Chief Prosecutor Md Aminul Islam stated…