A National Citizens Party (NCP) programme in Hatiya on the south coast, in honour of Abdul Hannan Masud, the party's senior joint coordinator, came under attack Monday evening, leaving Hannan and several of his supporters injured. The incident took place around 7:30pm on Monday, when he visited Jahajmara Union to exchange post-Iftar greetings with locals. NCP was quick to blame the BNP for the attack. Abu Yusuf, Hatiya Coordinator of the Anti-Discrimination Student Movement, the platform that led the uprising against Sheikh Hasina's Awami League last year, said, “BNP supporters obstructed Abdul Hannan Masud’s programme. In response, Masud shortened his event and urged supporters not to react to any provocation. He then staged a sit-in protest with his activists on the main road of Jahajmara Bazar.” Vote for those who will work for you: NCP leader Sarjis Alam tells rally Accusing BNP activists, Hannan Masud said, "Some BNP-affiliated leaders and activists disrupted my program. I will not leave until the administration takes action against them." According to local witnesses, when the two groups eventually came face-to-face, they inevitably clashed and in this, Hannan and his supporters came off worse, with one of them admitted to the Upazila Health Complex. Later, police and the Navy arrived at the scene and brought the situation under control. Regarding the incident, Upazila BNP Joint General Secretary Lutfullahil Majid Nishan claimed a BNP man was attacked first: "Upazila Krishak Dal Convener Abdur Rob was beaten and injured. When local BNP members staged a protest march, tensions escalated." Hatiya Police Station Officer-in-Charge (OC) AKM Azmal Huda said, "Upon receiving the information, we quickly reached the scene. Police and the stationed Navy forces in Hatiya brought the situation under control. The situation is now normal."

Bangladesh Bank Governor Dr. Ahsan Mansur is currently visiting London, with the tracing and recovery of funds laundered from Bangladesh by beneficiaries of the previous Awami League regime is a key agenda. It is widely believed that a significant portion of these funds have been invested in the UK property market . To that end, he has been meeting with relevant British government officials about initiating the process. On Monday, he held a meeting with the 47-strong all-party parliamentary group (APPG) on responsible tax and corruption. Prior to the meeting though, members of the APPG believe they may have been targeted by a “disinformation” campaign aimed at discrediting the man leading efforts to trace funds allegedly laundered from Bangladesh into the UK, reports The Guardian. MPs raised the alarm after receiving emails about Dr Mansur, who was installed as the governor of Bangladesh Bank last year, shortly after the Uprising that overthrew "the autocratic government of Sheikh Hasina," as The Guardian put it. Mansur has made no secret of his belief that some of the money stolen by the fallen regime's allies may have been used to buy UK property, and is seeking help from the British government as well as private companies to track down the tens of billions siphoned out of Bangladesh during the AL's prolonged spell in government, engineered by more than one controversial election. The MPs fear that Britain’s efforts to assist Bangladesh could be further clouded by an apparent smear campaign against Mansur involving "news articles by fake journalists," The Guardian said. Default loans rise to Tk3.45 lakh crore until December: Governor The method will be familiar to Bangladeshis who have faced the same sort of online campaign for opposing the AL. Indeed, it carries the signature of the CRI, the AL's now defunct think tank. The email's sender, who according to The Guardian claimed to be a journalist, sent links to a website called International Policy Digest, featuring two articles about apparent displays of wealth by Mansur’s daughter and questioning why she was not being investigated. Neither of the articles’ supposed authors appears to have any other profile as a journalist, according to The Guardian. They even found that the pictures of the journalists in their profiles on the site were actually stock images. Both Mansur and the MPs on the committee raised concerns that the emails were part of a concerted disinformation campaign. Mansur, a former IMF official, who previously lived and worked in Washington, told The Guardian he believed that people under investigation for money laundering were trying to “diminish my reputation and target me in various ways”. He added that his daughter was a US citizen who had little to do with Bangladesh. One APPG member, Rupa Huq, received a separate email from a UK public relations firm called Palatine Communications, also linking to the International Policy Digest content. The email said that if Mansur was prepared to “impugn the integrity of Tulip Siddiq”, then he and his family should also face scrutiny. Mansur has had no involvement in the cases against Tulip Siddiq. He told The Guardian he had never made any comments about Siddiq. Members of the APPG are reported to have referred the emails to parliamentary cyber security advisers, as well as to the parliamentary foreign affairs committee, which is investigating disinformation. “I urge the relevant parliamentary authorities to investigate thoroughly – we must get to the bottom of who paid for this, and why, in order to understand how we can best protect ourselves,” The Guardian quotes APPG member Phil Brickell as saying. A spokesperson for Palatine Communications told The Guardian: “We have nothing to do with, and know nothing of, the authorship of this article, but nor did we ever claim it represented the gospel truth." Finally a spokesperson for International Policy Digest told The Guardian that the person who had actually written the articles had “wished to remain anonymous”, adding that they were confident that the content was “fairly accurate”.

The Bangladesh Film Certification Board has raised some objections to the upcoming Shakib Khan-starrer Eid-Ul-Fitr film 'Borbad', recommending several cuts after a review on Monday, according to filmmaker Kazi Hayat, also a board member. “We watched the film on Monday and agreed that there are some cuts to be made. If they resubmit the edited version, the certificate will be issued by Tuesday,” he told the media. “The board found issues with the violence portrayed in the film. The filmmakers have been asked to revise those parts," he added. The news has left Shakib Khan's fans furious, and they have been posting on several film-related Facebook groups calling out plans to stage protests, including a siege of the Bangladesh Film Development Corporation (BFDC) and a long march towards the Certification Board office in the capital’s Ramna on Tuesday, demanding an uncut certification. In 'Borbad', Shakib Khan reunites with his 'Priyotoma' co-star Idhika Paul from Kolkata. The film also features notable actors such as Fazlur Rahman Babu, Mamunur Rashid, Intekhab Dinar, Shahiduzzaman Selim, Misha Sawdagor, and popular Tollywood actor Jisshu Sengupta. The film’s teaser and released songs have already generated significant buzz among movie enthusiasts, and anticipation grew further after the Information Ministry issued the approval letter on Sunday, slightly easing concerns about its release. However, today’s certification board objections have reignited uncertainty. Meanwhile, 'Jongli', directed by M Raahim and starring Siam Ahmed, Bubly, and Dighi, has received a 'Universal' (U) certification on March 24. On the same day, popular actor Afran Nisho’s second film 'Daagi' - produced by SVF Alpha I Entertainment Limited in association with OTT platform Chorki and directed by Shihab Shaheen - also received the same certification. Additionally, 'Jinn-3', a horror film produced by Jaaz Multimedia featuring Abdun Noor Sajal and Nusrat Faria, obtained its certification on the same day as well. Another Eid release, 'Chokkor 302', directed by Sharaf Uddin Jibon and starring popular actor Mosharraf Karim, has already received its certification.

Bangladesh Bank has instructed commercial banks to keep adequate cash at ATMs and ensure smooth online banking without interruptions as they head into an unusually long closure of nine days for the Eid holidays. After it was decided to declare a holiday on April 3, it means most offices in the country will get a holiday stretching for 9 days on the occasion of Eid ul Fitr. That is why banks and financial institutions will be closed for these days. For this, the central bank has instructed banks to keep sufficient money in the automated teller machine (ATM) booths of the bank to facilitate smooth transactions. In addition, it has been asked to ensure that the point of sales (POS), online payment gateway, mobile financial service (MFS) are kept operational at all times. Bangladesh Bank lifts ban of foreign tour for NBFIs Bangladesh Bank issued a notification in this regard on Monday. It says that banks and financial institutions will have to ensure uninterrupted transactions through ATMs, point of sales (POS), QR codes, internet banking, online payment gateway and mobile financial service (MFS). In addition, the central bank has instructed banks and financial institutions to ensure round-the-clock service at the ATM booths and to resolve any technical errors in the ATM booths quickly and to ensure adequate supply of money. The central bank's instructions have been given to keep security personnel alert at the booths at all times and to inspect the booths of the officials of the concerned banks. The notification further states that in the case of Point of Sales (POS), round-the-clock POS and QR code services should be ensured and merchants and customers should be made aware to prevent fraud. In the case of internet banking, online payment gateways, two-factor authentication system should be kept in place for card-based 'card not present' transactions. At the same time, all banks or their subsidiary companies in MFS services should ensure uninterrupted transaction systems and adequate cash supply at the agent level.

A gang of robbers looted more than 20 mobile phones and over a lakh taka in cash during a robbery on a moving bus in the C&B area of Savar. The incident took place around 7:30pm on Monday on a Manikganj-bound Shubhojatra Paribahan bus departing from Dhaka. According to eyewitnesses, the robbers boarded the bus from the Radio Colony area of Savar. After traveling some distance, they brandished local weapons and knives to intimidate the passengers. Highway robbery on passenger bus in Kushtia, driver injured Forhad Ali, a passenger from Nalam village in Savar, said, "The robbers took around 20 mobile phones and over a lakh taka in cash from the passengers. At one point, the driver turned off the interior lights, causing panic among everyone." When the bus reached the Jahangirnagar University area, several students of the university, who were on board, took the bus to the campus and detained it, as the driver could not provide a clear reason for turning off the lights. Saugatul Alam, Officer-in-Charge (OC) of Savar Highway Police Station, said, "We have received reports of the incident and have seen a video circulating on social media. Our police team is inside the JU campus, and appropriate action will be taken once we verify the facts."

Rezaul Maksud Jahedi, Secretary of the Ministry of Youth and Sports, has been appointed as the new Secretary of the Local Government Division. A notification regarding his transfer to the Local Government Division was issued by the Ministry of Public Administration on Monday (March 24). 196 deputy secretaries promoted to joint secretary Earlier, on October 6 last year, Rezaul Maksud Jahedi joined as the Secretary of the Ministry of Youth and Sports. He joined Bangladesh Civil Service (BCS) Administration Cadre in 1994 as an Assistant Commissioner and Magistrate. He served as an Additional Secretary in the Ministry of Public Administration before being appointed as Secretary in the Ministry of Youth and Sports.

BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman on Monday wished former Bangladesh cricket captain Tamim Iqbal’s speedy recovery as he suffered a heart attack. In a post on his verified Facebook page, Tarique said, “Cricketer Tamim Iqbal, get well soon.” The BNP leader also prayed to the Almighty Allah for his quick healing. Tamim Iqbal was hospitalised after he suffered a heart attack during a Dhaka Premier League (DPL) match at the Bangladesh Krira Shikkha Protishtan (BKSP) ground in Savar on Monday morning. Cricket world prays for Tamim after heart attack He regained consciousness after undergoing a stent procedure at a hospital in Savar. While leading Mohammedan Sporting Club in a match against Shinepukur Cricket Club at BKSP, Tamim experienced chest pain shortly after the toss. He was initially treated on the field and then rushed to the nearby KPJ Specialist Hospital, where a blockage in his heart was detected. Tamim is currently under close monitoring in the hospital's Cardiac Care Unit (CCU).

The Chairman of the University Grants Commission (UGC) Professor Dr. S. M. A. Fayez, has expressed optimism about finding a logical solution to the issues surrounding the seven government colleges affiliated with Dhaka University. He acknowledged the cooperation received from all stakeholders and stated that a well-structured resolution is expected soon. He made these remarks Monday at an Iftar organized by the Education Reporters Association, Bangladesh (ERAB) at Hotel La Vinci in Karwan Bazar, Dhaka. Addressing ERAB, the UGC Chairman said, “You are a symbol of unity. At UGC, we work as a team, along with university vice-chancellors and others. If UGC has any success, it is because we stand together. Feel free to point out our mistakes and extend your support. We are a part of you and will continue to provide all necessary cooperation.” UGC asks private unis to conduct educational activities at permanent campuses During the event, Dr. K M Kabirul Islam emphasized the need to build a corruption-free and discrimination-free nation, urging journalists to contribute to this cause. Professor Dr. Md Anwar Hossain praised members of ERAB for their constructive criticism and news coverage, which he said helps in institutional improvement. National University VC Professor Dr. A. S. M. Amanullah acknowledged the vital role journalists played in stabilizing the National University’s situation post-August 5, stating that their support was crucial in overcoming challenges. The event was presided over by ERAB President Faruq Hossain and conducted by General Secretary Solamain Salman, with the participation of ERAB members.

Senior Secretary of the Ministry of Home Affairs Nasimul Gani has dismissed as 'gossip' the speculation on declaration of emergency in the country. He made the comments on Monday at the signing event of the 'Standard Operating Procedure for the Return of Bangladeshi Citizens to Bangladesh' regarding the swift return of those illegally attempting to migrate from Bangladesh to Australia by sea. When asked whether there is a possibility or discussion regarding the declaration of a state of emergency, the senior secretary said, "I have no comments on this. These are gossips. A few people are talking, but I have no comments on this." "We will continue our work as we are doing. It will continue as usual," he added. Home Ministry issues fresh warning to undocumented foreign nationals in Bangladesh The Senior Secretary also said, "Two of our officers are patrolling the streets all night, observing. We are alert, the police are alert. We are all trying to ensure that the stability we have remains intact." Regarding security during Eid, Nasimul Gani emphasised, "We haven't reduced vigilance even a bit. It's not just the regular police patrols, we have a list from our ministry, and two officers check every night how the patrol is going on in Dhaka city. We remain alert." "All the security arrangements that are made during Eid will be implemented this time as well, InshaAllah. We will stay alert to ensure nothing unpleasant happens," he added.

Army Chief General Waker-uz-Zaman on Monday presented a financial assistance cheque to the family of martyr Abu Sayed, who lost his life during the July-August uprising. According to a Facebook post on the Bangladesh Army’s verified page, unarmed Abu Sayed was killed in police firing during the movement in Rangpur on July 16, 2024. "His selfless sacrifice for the motherland will be remembered forever," the post reads. Martyr Abu Sayed’s father admitted to Dhaka CMH On December 10 last year, Abu Sayed’s father suffered a sudden cardiac arrest and was airlifted from Rangpur to the Combined Military Hospital (CMH) by an army helicopter for emergency treatment. He later recovered. Responding to an invitation from the army chief, Abu Sayed’s father attended an iftar mahfil on March 23, hosted in honour of those injured in the July-August uprising.

Calling Awami League (AL) a terrorist organisation, National Citizen Party (NCP) Convenor Nahid Islam on Monday demanded that the registration of the party (AL) be cancelled. Speaking virtually at an iftar event organised by the party’s Narayanganj district unit, Nahid, a former adviser to the interim government, said his party will resist if any effort is made to rehabilitate the AL again, alleging that some quarters are trying to rehabilitate it. Even before the past 15 years, the AL also had established fascism earlier and you (party fellows) know how much oppressions had been carried by the party on people, he said. Recalling the role of the Narayanganj people in the July uprising, he said the NCP was launched with new political aspirations, and it aims to build the country afresh in continuation with the July uprising. Nahid calls for consensus to end ‘Mujibbadi’ politics in Bangladesh Seeking support from people to build a new Bangladesh, Nahid said they have been demanding justice of the mass killers, structural reforms of the country and elections to the Constituent Assembly. He said ensuring visible judgment of the AL for the fascism before the next election is one of the main demands of the NCP. If the trial of AL fascists is not ensured after the mass uprising, then it is not certain that the country will not see another fascism, Nahid said. Expressing his party’s firm stance on the reforms and changes, he alleged that some parties are going back to the past’s arrangements and expressing reluctance to the reforms. “New Bangladesh is not possible with the old constitution as the constitution we have requires the election of a Constituent Assembly,” he observed. Simultaneous legislative and constituent assembly elections possible: Nahid Urging leaders and workers to stand against extortion and supremacy, Nahid expressed his desire to stand by fellows to sort out their problems.

Dhaka, Mar 24 (UNB)- Planning Adviser Dr Wahiduddin Mahmud on Monday said the interim government is making strides through key reforms and enhanced regulatory measures, fostering optimism for economic stability and recovery. He also underscored the urgent need for structural reforms for quick recovery of the economic stability in the country. The Adviser warned that persistent governance failures, particularly in the banking sector, remain a major concern that must be urgently addressed. He said that the government has introduced measures to enhance transparency, including publishing project details online to foster greater accountability. He was Speaking at an Iftar event hosted by the Development Journalist Forum of Bangladesh (DJFB) at the NEC conference room. The Adviser warned that persistent governance failures, particularly in the banking sector, remain a major concern that must be urgently addressed. He said that the government has introduced measures to enhance transparency, including publishing project details online to foster greater accountability. He mentioned that foreign investment, which is crucial for economic growth, has yet to reach expected levels while the export sector has seen some positive growth. Mahmud emphasised that restoring investor confidence depends on ensuring greater transparency in project management. Planning adviser Wahiduddin Mahmud inaugurates AES Bangladesh consortium He also stressed the importance of sustainable foreign debt management to avoid future economic crises. “Debt repayment is increasing rapidly, and it will continue to rise in the coming years,” he cautioned. The Planning Adviser highlighted the urgency of reforms in the banking sector. He called for stronger oversight and swift action to curb the growing culture of loan defaults among institutions and entrepreneurs. Acknowledging a slight increase in remittance inflows, he noted that a significant portion of expatriate earnings continues to flow through informal channels, further straining foreign currency reserves. He put emphasis on stronger measures to channel remittance flows through formal banking avenues. To strengthen economic resilience, Wahiduddin Mahmud advocated for diversifying the export sector, reducing dependence on a narrow range of industries.  Addressing inflation, he pointed out that rising prices of essential commodities have significantly impacted lower and middle-income groups. Despite ongoing economic and governance challenges, Mahmud expressed hope that continued reforms and a commitment to transparency would help stabilise the economy and restore public confidence. END/UNB/FF/ssk

Kathmandu, the capital of Nepal, is a mesmerising destination rich in history, culture, and natural beauty. Known as the "City of Temples," Kathmandu offers a unique blend of traditional heritage and modern attractions. Whether you’re a history enthusiast, an adventure seeker, or a foodie, Kathmandu has something for everyone. For Bangladeshis, Nepal is an accessible and affordable travel destination with visa-on-arrival facilities. Let's dive into a detailed city guide to Kathmundu with the best places to see, exciting things to do, and adventurous activities to explore. Best Things to Do in Kathmand . Explore Swayambhunath Stupa – The Monkey Temple Swayambhunath, known as the Monkey Temple, is one of Kathmandu’s iconic landmarks. Perched on a hill, it offers breathtaking panoramic views of the valley. The temple, dating back over 2,000 years, is accessed by climbing 365 steps, where playful monkeys may accompany your journey.  Reaching the top of the temple, you can explore the stupa, enjoy its intricate artwork, and embrace the peaceful spiritual atmosphere. This site is perfect for photography and quiet reflection, making it a must-visit for holidaymakers. Experience the Vibrant Streets of Thamel Thamel is the lively heart of Kathmandu, known for its bustling streets, markets, cafes, and restaurants. Here, you can shop for Nepali souvenirs, enjoy local delicacies, and experience the blend of Nepali culture and modern conveniences. Thamel is also a hub for nightlife, making it a great place to relax after a day of sightseeing and exploring. Read more: Safety Precautions for Traveling on Buses or Public Transport at Night Visit Bhaktapur – A UNESCO World Heritage Site Located just outside Kathmandu, Bhaktapur is a short drive away and rich in cultural history. The city boasts impressive temples like Nyatapola Temple and the 55-Window Palace. As you stroll through its narrow streets, you will encounter traditional Newari architecture, local crafts, and vibrant squares like Taumadhi Square. B Bhaktapur is also famous for its food, especially the delicious momo (dumplings). A visit here will take you back in time, immersing you in the mediaeval charm of Nepal. Discover Pashupatinath Temple Pashupatinath Temple, one of the holiest Hindu sites in Nepal, is located along the Bagmati River. Dedicated to Lord Shiva, it attracts millions of pilgrims annually. The sprawling temple complex is home to numerous shrines and pagodas, where visitors can witness religious ceremonies, including public cremations on the riverbanks. The site provides a peaceful yet powerful experience, offering deep insight into Hindu rituals and spiritual practices. Read more: Top Reasons Why London Is Tripadvisor's Best Travel Destination for 2025

Two judges from the High Court Division have been appointed to the Appellate Division of the Supreme Court. They are Justice AKM Asaduzzaman and Justice Farah Mahbub. On Monday, the Ministry of Law issued a notification in this regard on the order of the president. Govt approves ordinance for transparent HC judge appointments The judges took oath of office at 10:30 am on Monday. Chief Justice Dr. Syed Refaat Ahmed administered the oath at the Judges' Lounge of the Supreme Court. The notification states, "The President of the People's Republic of Bangladesh, under the powers conferred by Article 95(1) of the Constitution of the People's Republic of Bangladesh, has appointed Justice AKM Asaduzzaman and Justice Farah Mahbub, Judges of the High Court Division of the Bangladesh Supreme Court, as Judges of the Appellate Division of the Bangladesh Supreme Court."

A Khulna court on Monday asked to freeze bank accounts, FDR and National Saving Certificates worth Tk 8.10 crore belonging to former Khulna City Corporation (KCC) Mayor Talukder Abdul Khaleque and his wife Habibun Nahar, former MP of Bagerhat-3 constituency . Khulna Metropolitan and Session Judge Sharif Hossain Haidar passed the order after hearing the petition filed by Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC), said deputy director MD Abdul Wadud. During the investigations, ACC found Tk 8.10 crore at the bank of Khaleque and his wife in different banks including IFIC bank, BASIC bank, Agrani Bank and Standard Bank. ACC files cases against Saima Wazed, Exim Bank’s ex-chairman Besides, a number of FDRs, saving certificates were also found on their name. On December 24, 2024, a graft allegation was found against the removed former KCC Mayor. ACC on January 21, this year, formed a committee to investigate the graft allegation. Khaleque and his wife went into hiding after August 5. Khaleque was wanted in different cases.  

Ganosamhati Andolon Chief Coordinator Junaid Saki on Monday demanded that Awami League be tried as a party even if it requires enacting new laws, alongside prosecuting genocidal fascists and their accomplices. Speaking at an Iftar event organised by the party in Mymensingh, Saki said, "There is a tug-of-war over credit for the mass uprising—one group wants to claim it all for themselves. After August 5, divisions are being created, and tagging is being done in a fascist manner. This will ultimately pave the way for the resurgence of the old fascists. Those creating these divisions must be identified as enemies." Reforms and elections must complement each other: Saki Emphasizing the need for a constitutional reform council to facilitate the amendment of the constitution, he urged that no action should be taken that could disrupt national unity. "Some are talking about reforms, others about elections. But the original understanding was that reforms and elections would take place together," he added. Presided over by Mostafizur Rahman Rajib, convenor of the party’s Mymensingh district unit, Rukunuzzaman Rokon, member secretary of BNP's southern district unit, Abul Hasan Rubel, executive coordinator of Ganosamhati Andolon, Hatem Rana, member secretary of Nagorik Oikya’s district unit, and leaders of Gono Odhikar Parishad, Rahat Jahan Hossain, Ali Yusuf, and Abul Kalam Al Azad, among others spoke on the occasion.

Firefighters successfully brought 95% of the fire under control by Monday afternoon after it broke out in the Shapla Beel area of the Sundarbans on Sunday. Despite the progress, sporadic flames and smoke were still visible at the base of several trees, said Sakria Haider, Deputy Assistant Director of Bagerhat Fire Station. The firefighters began dousing the flames with water from the Bhola River around 1 pm on Monday. Previously, efforts had been hindered due to a water shortage, and responders were waiting for the evening tide to assist in the operation, Haider added. Authorities expect to fully extinguish the fire by Monday night. So far, five acres of forest land have been destroyed. Alongside the firefighters and the Forest Department, local residents also joined the efforts to contain the blaze. Sundarbans fire rages for 2 days, destroys five acres of forest Md Abu Bakar Zaman, Assistant Director of Khulna Fire Service and Civil Defence, said 41 firefighters from eight units worked overnight, while 35 firefighters from six units joined the operation on Monday morning. "Extinguishing the fire has been a challenge as there is no water source nearby. We had to rely solely on tidal water from the Bhola River," he said. Investigation and Future Prevention Kazi Muhammad Nurul Karim, Divisional Forest Officer of the Sundarbans East Zone, confirmed that a three-member probe committee has been formed to investigate the fire. The exact cause and the extent of biodiversity loss will be determined once the report is received. Md Amir Hossain Chowdhury, Chief Conservator of the Forest Department, stated that the government has initiated steps to create water sources within the Sundarbans. Plans include excavating large ponds and dredging the Bhola, Khorma, and Aruarber rivers and canals to enhance water flow. "Lowering the high banks of these rivers will help tidal water flow more easily into the forest. This will not only support firefighting efforts but also ensure water availability for wildlife," he said. Fires destroy 90 acres of Sundarbans in 19 years Besides, authorities are investigating whether there was any sabotage involved, as multiple fires erupted within a 7-kilometre span in just one day. Another probe body will be formed on Tuesday to assess the fire’s cause, impact on biodiversity, and necessary action. According to the Forest Department, the first fire was spotted at around 7 am on Saturday in Tepar Beel, Sarankhola upazila. Dry leaves helped the fire spread quickly, damaging trees and vegetation. Another fire was detected in the dense forest of Shapla Beel at around 11:30 am on Sunday.

U.S. negotiators met with Russian representatives on Monday to discuss a proposed partial ceasefire in Ukraine, a day after holding separate talks with Ukraine’s delegation. Both Kyiv and Moscow have accused each other of undermining efforts to reach a temporary pause in the three-year-old war. The negotiations follow last week’s agreement in principle between Ukraine and Russia, brokered by U.S. President Donald Trump. However, the two sides remain divided on the scope of the ceasefire, particularly over which targets would be off-limits. The White House says the agreement should cover "energy and infrastructure."The Kremlin insists it only applies to "energy infrastructure."Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has called for railways and ports to be included.Monday’s talks in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, aim to resolve these disputes and discuss a possible pause in Black Sea hostilities to safeguard commercial shipping. Diplomatic Talks and Military Clashes ContinueU.S. and Russian representatives met in the Saudi capital Monday morning, according to Russian news agencies Tass and RIA-Novosti. The Ukrainian delegation remained in Riyadh, expecting further discussions with the U.S. Grigory Karasin, head of Russia’s foreign affairs committee, described the negotiations as progressing in a “creative way”, saying both sides "understand each other’s views." However, military tensions remain high, with both Ukraine and Russia launching cross-border attacks: Russia accused Ukraine of attacking an oil pumping station in southern Russia, which serves a major export pipeline. Zelenskyy says Putin's vow on Ukraine's energy infrastructure unrealisticUkraine rejected the accusation, claiming Russia itself had shelled a gas metering station in Kursk to blame Kyiv.Zelenskyy insisted Russia was the aggressor, stating: "Since March 11, a proposal for an unconditional ceasefire has been on the table. But it is Russia that continues all this.”He urged the U.S., Europe, and allies to intensify pressure on Moscow to halt the attacks. Trump’s special envoy, Steve Witkoff, expressed cautious optimism on Fox News, predicting that a pause in Black Sea hostilities could lead to a broader ceasefire. China Denies Sending PeacekeepersAmid speculation that China might deploy peacekeepers to Ukraine, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Guo Jiakun firmly denied the reports: “Let me stress that the report is completely false. China’s position on the Ukraine crisis is clear and consistent.”While China has provided economic and diplomatic support to Russia, it has not sent weapons or personnel. However, North Korea—an ally of China—has reportedly deployed troops to assist Russian forces. Cyberattack Hits Ukrainian RailwaysUkraine’s state railway operator Ukrzaliznytsia suffered a massive cyberattack on Sunday, disrupting its online booking system. The company reassured passengers that train operations were unaffected, stating: "The railway continues to operate despite physical attacks on the infrastructure, and even the most vile cyberattacks cannot stop it." Trump, Putin to seek limited ceasefire on energy, infrastructure in Ukraine warFresh Strikes on Both SidesUkraine's Special Operations Forces claimed to have destroyed four Russian military helicopters in the Belgorod region using U.S.-supplied HIMARS rockets. Drone footage of the attack was posted online.Russia launched a missile strike on Sumy, northern Ukraine, hitting residential buildings and a school. Officials said 28 people were injured, including four children.Ukraine’s air force reported 99 Russian attack and decoy drones were launched overnight, 57 of which were intercepted.What’s Next?If the Constitutional Court upholds Yoon’s impeachment, South Korea must hold a presidential election. If overturned, Yoon will regain his powers. Meanwhile, Trump’s mediation efforts continue amid skepticism, as Russia conditions a full ceasefire on Ukraine halting military mobilization and receiving no Western weapons—demands that Kyiv and its allies reject outright. Source: With input from agency 

A private European aerospace company called off its maiden attempt to launch an orbital rocket on Monday due to unfavorable wind conditions. Munich-based Isar Aerospace had planned to launch its Spectrum rocket from Andøya, an island in northern Norway. However, the company cited weather, safety, and range infrastructure concerns for the postponement. A new launch date has not yet been set, though a rescheduled attempt could take place later this week. The 28-meter (91-foot) Spectrum is a two-stage launch vehicle designed for small and medium-sized satellites. While the startup has acknowledged that achieving orbit on the first test flight is unlikely, it considers even a 30-second flight a success, as the primary goal is to gather data on the rocket's integrated systems. Science, tradition combine to restore relics in Beijing Isar Aerospace, which has secured more than €400 million ($435 million) in funding, aims to eventually produce up to 40 launch vehicles per year at its facility near Munich. These rockets will primarily be used to deploy satellites into orbit. The company operates independently from the European Space Agency (ESA), which has long conducted satellite launches, mainly from French Guiana and Cape Canaveral, Florida. Source: With input from agency  

BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman on Monday voiced grave concerns over the unfolding political situation in the country, alleging that a conspiracy is afoot to tarnish the army’s image and turn it against people. “Someone somewhere may be trying to instigate something. We are witnessing attempts to make the army controversial and pit it against people," he said while virtually addressing an iftar programme. In light of this, the BNP leader called on the patriotic citizens of the country to thwart the conspiracy at any cost through united efforts. The BNP media cell organised the iftar at the Ladies Club in the city’s Eskaton in honour of journalists from various print, electronic and online outlets. “Just as we saw a few days ago, where efforts were made to pit reform against elections, in the same way, attempts are being made to position the military against the people…we can understand there’s a plot behind this attempt,” Tarique said. He said it is possible to resist the plot if all patriotic citizens of the country remain vigilant and united. “We must tackle this plot at any cost.” The BNP leader called on journalists to play a crucial role in this regard by helping the nation overcome the crisis. “We will surely be able to thwart the plot if you (journalists), from your respective positions, present the facts and accurate information regarding the various issues that have been used to create confusion,” he said. The BNP leader said a certain quarter has continued its conspiracy against the country and its independence and sovereignty. “If we all work together, we will surely be able to resist it.” He said the restoration of democracy is now the only way to safeguard the people’s democratic rights, ensure their economic freedom, and bring stability to the country. The BNP leader said all of the country’s institutions were destroyed during the last 15 years of fascist rule. Tarique urges political parties to prioritise public issues alongside reforms Alongside political leaders and activists, he said people from all walks of life sacrificed their lives and endured oppression and repression over the past 15 years with the aim of achieving positive change. “Our call will be to provide the necessary support to the people of Bangladesh in this regard, and as a political party, we will do everything we can to assist them,” Tarique said. He said while reform is now a much-discussed issue, BNP has presented its reform outlines to the nation at various times since 2017. Tarique said many people of the country sacrificed their lives during the July-August mass uprising to oust the dictator and establish democracy and their rights.  “We all must come together on a single platform to make their (martyrs of the mass uprising) sacrifice meaningful. We must all remain vigilant and play our respective roles from our positions,” he said. The BNP leader also said the people of the country expect the establishment of democratic rights and a change in the country, hoping for a return to stability in Bangladesh. Speaking at the programme, BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir said a new conspiracy has been initiated very cleverly. “This plot aims to destabilise Bangladesh again and plunge the country into danger. The institutions of Bangladesh, which are still crucial for safeguarding the country's independence and sovereignty, especially the military, are being made controversial.” He said the objective behind this conspiracy is similar to when Bangladesh’s independence was once threatened in the past. “Now efforts are being made to once again endanger the country's independence and sovereignty. We’re being made vulnerable again, and a malicious attempt is underway to tarnish the reputation of our patriotic military, who stood by the nation at every critical moment.” Fakhrul said journalists have always stood as the conscience of the nation, providing the people with accurate information during times of crisis. “We expect you to continue playing that same vital role.” He also expressed hope that the entire nation would remain united and thwart the plot to destabilise the country.

Public Works Department (PWD) Sporting Club earned a 1-0 goal victory over old Dhaka outfit Farashganj Sporting Club in the Bashundhara Group Bangladesh Championship League Football’ 2024-25 at the practice ground of the Bashundhara Kings Arena here Monday afternoon. Mohammad Sharif scored the match-winning goal for PWD SC in the very 4th minute of the match. In the day’s other match, coming from behind, Dhaka Rangers Football Club defeated Little Friends Club by 2-1 goals at the Fortis FC ground in Jalshiri Monday afternoon. Mohammad Amir Ali scored first for Little Friends Club in the 8th minute of the match and dominated the match till 91st minute. But, Ariyan Shikder scored twice for Dhaka Rangers in a span of only two minutes in the added time –-in the 90+2 and 90+4 minutes.

South Korea’s Constitutional Court has overturned the impeachment of Prime Minister Han Duck-soo, reinstating him as acting leader on Monday. However, the court has yet to rule on the separate impeachment of President Yoon Suk Yeol over his declaration of martial law in December. Implications of the RulingObservers noted that the 7-1 decision in Han's case does not necessarily indicate how the court will rule on Yoon’s impeachment, as Han was not central to the martial law declaration. However, the ruling may embolden Yoon’s supporters and escalate political tensions with the opposition. Following his reinstatement, Han expressed gratitude to the court for what he termed a “wise decision” and vowed to prioritize pressing issues, including global trade challenges—an apparent reference to the Trump administration’s tariff policies. Calling for national unity, he stated, “There’s no left or right—what matters is the advancement of our nation.” Background: Political Turmoil and ImpeachmentSouth Korea has been in political crisis since Yoon, a conservative, declared martial law on December 3, deploying troops to the opposition-controlled National Assembly and other locations in Seoul. The decree lasted just six hours before lawmakers convened and successfully voted to nullify it. On December 14, the assembly impeached Yoon, accusing him of violating the Constitution and attempting to suppress political opposition. Han assumed the role of acting president until his own impeachment later that month. The dual impeachments of South Korea’s top two leaders have deepened domestic political divisions and raised concerns about the country’s economic and diplomatic stability. Key Factors in Han’s ImpeachmentOne major factor in Han’s impeachment was his refusal to fill three vacant seats on the nine-member Constitutional Court, a move that could have influenced the outcome of Yoon’s impeachment ruling. His successor as acting president, Choi Sang-mok, later appointed two justices but left one seat vacant. Han also faced allegations of abetting Yoon’s martial law order and obstructing independent investigations into potential rebellion charges against Yoon. Japan China and South Korea discuss trilateral cooperation On Monday, seven of the court’s eight justices ruled against Han’s impeachment, stating that his actions were either not illegal or not severe enough to justify removal. Additionally, they noted procedural flaws in the impeachment motion. One justice dissented, supporting Han’s impeachment. Political ReactionsThe main liberal opposition Democratic Party criticized the court’s decision, urging it to remove Yoon swiftly. Meanwhile, Yoon’s office welcomed the ruling, calling the opposition’s repeated impeachment efforts “reckless, malicious political offensives.” Uncertainty Over Yoon’s FutureInitially, analysts expected a verdict on Yoon’s impeachment by mid-March, but the delay has fueled speculation about the court’s reasoning. “Today’s verdict will energize both Yoon’s supporters and opponents,” said Duyeon Kim, a senior analyst at the Center for a New American Security in Washington. “However, given the differences in allegations, it’s too early to predict the court’s ruling on Yoon.” Kim noted that Han’s reinstatement, given his bureaucratic background, would likely stabilize the country compared to the uncertainty during his suspension. Public Opinion and Political DivisionsMass protests for and against Yoon have erupted across South Korea. Initial polls showed widespread disapproval of Yoon’s martial law order, though his support has recently strengthened. Yoon contends that his declaration was a necessary measure to counter the Democratic Party’s obstruction of his policies and impeachment motions against key officials. Critics argue he sought to use military rule to avoid investigations into corruption scandals involving him and his wife. Senior military and police officials have testified that Yoon ordered them to remove lawmakers from the assembly to prevent a vote against his decree. Yoon, however, insists the troop deployment was meant to maintain order. Japan's leader calls for common ground ahead of key meeting with China and South Korea Potential OutcomesIf the court upholds Yoon’s impeachment, a new presidential election will be required. If it overturns the decision, Yoon will regain his full presidential powers. Separately, Yoon faces charges of directing rebellion, a crime punishable by life imprisonment or the death penalty if convicted. Source: With input from agency 

The name of the iconic procession of the Bengali New Year, the ‘Mangal Shobhajatra’, is not going to be changed and no discussion has been held regarding this, officials including Cultural Adviser Mostofa Sarwar Farooki confirmed on Monday. Thus was finalised at a meeting presided over by DU Vice-Chancellor Prof Niaz Ahmed Khan at the Senate Bhaban of Dhaka University on Monday, where stakeholders gathered to discuss the upcoming Bengali New Year 1432 celebrations. This year’s Pahela Baishakh celebration will span two days, and the slogan for this year’s Mangal Shobhajatra will be ‘Noboborsher Oikkotan, Fascibaader Oboshan’ (Harmony of New Year, End of Fascism), as announced in the meeting. The debate over renaming the Mangal Shobhajatra surfaced following a statement made by Mostafa Sarwar Farooki on Sunday. The issue sparked reactions on social media, prompting discussions among stakeholders. However, speaking to reporters after the meeting, Farooki clarified that there was no discussion about changing the name. “There has been no discussion regarding the name change, and we have made the slogan for this year’s celebration as ‘Noboborsher Oikkotan, Fascibaader Oboshan,’” he confirmed to reporters after the meeting. Pahela Baishakh celebrations to be more inclusive, colourful this year: Farooki The two-day celebration will also include Chaitra Sankranti festivities alongside the traditional Pahela Baishakh events, the Cultural Adviser said. Preparation for the festivities and the Mongol Shobhajatra have already been started and the festivities will be joined by both public and private universities, Farooki told the reporters on Monday. After a meeting with stakeholders at the Secretariat yesterday, Farooki said: “This Shobhajatra was initially called ‘Anando Shobhajatra’, and later it became ‘Mangal Shobhajatra’. Since it has already undergone one name change, it could change again if there’s consensus; if everyone is in favour, it might not be changed.” The Cultural Adviser also said this year’s Shobhajatra is no longer just for Bangalees; it is for everyone including the Chakmas, Marmas, Garos, and others. “We must ensure the name reflects inclusivity, so it doesn’t feel exclusive or limited to one group. We want to avoid putting anyone in a bracket,” said the Adviser. On Sunday, Farooki also said that this year’s Mangal Shobhajatra, which will involve participation from all ethnic groups, will feature new elements including colours, scents, and melodies. "This time, you will see new things in the Shobhajatra that will come out from the Faculty of Fine Arts and others. You will witness these changes firsthand," he mentioned: Mangal Shobhajatra, organized by the Faculty of Fine Arts at Dhaka University, was inscribed on UNESCO's Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity in 2016. It symbolizes the spirit of unity, peace, and secularism in Bangladesh.

Two readymade garment (RMG) factories were shut for an unidentified period in Ashulia in the face of the demonstration by the workers, demanding payment of arrears and Eid bonus. Sources said the workers of Zihan Garments Industries Ltd and Cross War Garment had been demonstrating for the past few days to press home to pay their arrears and Eid bonus. On Sunday night, the authorities put up notices at factories' gates, reading that the organisations were declared shut for an unidentified period. Upon arrival, the workers found it and started demonstrating in front of the factories and tried to take to the street. Garment workers block road at Ashulia for 6hrs But in the face of a barrier from the law enforcers, the workers were forced to go back while additional police personnel were deployed in the area. Mominul Islam, superintendent of police of Ashulia Industrial Police-1, said they were in conversation with the owners to reopen the factories.

Bangladesh must urgently reform its waste management system to address environmental challenges and reduce methane emissions, Environment Adviser Syeda Rizwana Hasan said on Monday. Bangladesh must act now on waste segregation and methane mitigation, she said this while speaking at a workshop on Revisiting Bangladesh’s NDC 2021: Integrating Decentralized Waste Management and Methane Mitigation Strategies, organised virtually by the Environment and Social Development Organisation (ESDO). She also highlighted the country's inefficient waste management practices, stressing that, despite pilot initiatives, large-scale segregation remains absent. "We have not been managing our waste very efficiently. It is hardly structured. While there are some pilot projects, at the national level, we do not practice segregation," added the adviser. BFIDC to provide affordable, sustainable furniture in modernisation drive: Adviser Rizwana She announced plans to collaborate with city corporations and local government agencies to initiate waste segregation programs in identified areas. "On this World Environment Day, I plan to work with local authorities to launch a segregation program. Our major urban landfills are designated, but they are neither environmentally certified nor well-managed. This is a serious concern," she emphasized. The Adviser warned that unregulated waste disposal, particularly outside the capital, has led to environmental degradation. She recounted a recent discussion with a local government agency, urging them to stop waste dumping near a national park. "This shows how bad the situation is. It is high time we focused on fundamental waste management reforms," she said. Addressing the risks posed by landfill fires, she acknowledged the growing interest in waste-to-energy projects but cautioned against over-reliance on incineration. "Our waste has high moisture content, making incineration less feasible. We need site-specific solutions to address landfill issues like those in Amin Bazar and Matuail," she noted. She reaffirmed Bangladesh’s commitment to integrating waste management into its Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) to reduce emissions. "Segregation is key, and we must resist quick-fix solutions that appear magical but are not sustainable," said the adviser.

Israeli airstrikes across Gaza have killed more than 60 Palestinians, including women and children, the Gaza Health Ministry reported on Monday. The attacks occurred nearly a week after Israel abruptly ended its ceasefire with Hamas with a wave of strikes. Egypt Proposes New Ceasefire DealEgypt has put forward a new proposal aimed at reviving the ceasefire between Israel and Hamas, officials said. As part of the plan, Hamas would release five hostages, including an American-Israeli, in exchange for Israel allowing humanitarian aid into Gaza and agreeing to a weeks-long pause in hostilities. Israel would also release hundreds of Palestinian prisoners. A Hamas representative stated that the group had responded “positively” to the offer but did not provide specifics. Both Egyptian and Hamas officials spoke on condition of anonymity, as they were not authorized to discuss the negotiations publicly. Surge in West Bank Settlement ApprovalsAn Israeli anti-settlement group has reported an "unprecedented surge" in approvals for new settler homes in the occupied West Bank since U.S. President Donald Trump returned to office. During his previous term, Trump strongly supported Israel’s territorial claims, often challenging long-standing U.S. policy. While past administrations criticized settlement expansion, they took little concrete action against it. Israel strikes Gaza's largest hospital Peace Now, which monitors settlement growth, stated that Israel has advanced plans for 10,503 housing units in the West Bank since the beginning of the year, surpassing the 9,971 units approved in all of 2024. An additional 1,344 homes are expected to receive approval on Wednesday. Israel captured the West Bank, Gaza, and East Jerusalem during the 1967 war. The Palestinians seek these territories for a future state and view Israeli settlement expansion as a major obstacle to peace. Israel has established over 100 settlements, housing more than 500,000 Israeli citizens, while about 3 million Palestinians live under Israeli military control. The Palestinian Authority governs major population centers. Senior Hamas Official Killed in Hospital StrikeThe Israeli military has confirmed that an airstrike on a hospital in Gaza killed senior Hamas official Ismail Barhoum, who was responsible for the group’s finances. According to Hamas, Barhoum was receiving medical treatment at Nasser Hospital when the strike occurred. The attack also killed a teenage boy who was recovering from surgery. The Israeli military stated that Barhoum managed Hamas’ finances in Gaza and oversaw funding transfers to its military wing. He had recently taken over as head of Hamas’ government in Gaza after the previous leader was killed in an Israeli strike. Israel has targeted and eliminated many top Hamas leaders and mid-level commanders throughout the 17-month war. However, Hamas was able to quickly reassert control over Gaza during a ceasefire earlier this year. Civilian Casualties and Humanitarian CrisisThe Gaza Health Ministry reported that 61 people killed by Israeli strikes in the past 24 hours were brought to hospitals, along with 143 wounded individuals. The total Palestinian death toll in the Israel-Hamas war has now exceeded 50,000, with more than 113,000 wounded, according to the ministry. These figures do not differentiate between civilians and combatants. Meanwhile, the Palestinian Civil Defense reported that six paramedics disappeared while on a rescue mission in Rafah after Israeli forces entered the area on Sunday morning. There has been no communication with them since. In the Nuseirat refugee camp, an Israeli airstrike hit a school sheltering displaced Palestinians, killing at least four people, including a child. Medical facilities treated 18 others wounded in the attack. Three other hospitals reported a combined 25 deaths from overnight Israeli strikes. The Israeli military has not commented but maintains that it targets militants and takes measures to minimize civilian casualties. Attack in Northern IsraelA vehicle attack followed by gunfire at a bus stop in northern Israel left one man in his 70s dead, Israeli authorities said. Police stated that the attacker ran over multiple people before opening fire. Officers shot and killed the assailant, whom they identified as a suspected Palestinian militant. A man in his 20s was hospitalized in serious condition. Wounded children overwhelm Gaza hospital amid relentless Israeli airstrikes Since Hamas’ October 7, 2023, attack, violence in the region has escalated. Israel has carried out military operations in the occupied West Bank, resulting in hundreds of Palestinian casualties. Additionally, there has been an increase in attacks by Jewish settlers. Thousands Trapped in RafahPalestinian officials report that thousands of people remain trapped in Rafah after Israeli forces encircled parts of the city. Israel has ordered the evacuation of Tel al-Sultan, instructing residents to flee to Muwasi, an area with makeshift tent camps along the coast. While thousands have left, many remain stranded by advancing Israeli troops. The Rafah municipality stated that the trapped individuals include first responders from the Civil Defense and the Palestinian Red Crescent. Israel Defends Its Military ActionsIsraeli Defense Minister Israel Katz defended the country’s military operations, stating that Israel is making efforts to avoid civilian casualties while targeting Hamas militants. Katz’s remarks came nearly a week after Israel ended its ceasefire with Hamas, launching a series of strikes that local health officials say killed hundreds of Palestinians, most of them women and children. “Israel is not fighting Gaza’s civilians and is doing everything required under international law to minimize harm,” Katz said. He blamed Hamas for civilian casualties, accusing the group of using noncombatants as human shields. Katz reiterated that Israel would continue its offensive until Hamas releases all hostages and is no longer in control of Gaza. Rising Death TollIsraeli airstrikes have killed at least 25 Palestinians in the past day, according to hospital reports. Al-Ahli Hospital in Gaza City received 11 bodies from overnight strikes, including three women and four children. One attack killed two children, their parents, their grandmother, and their uncle. Nasser Hospital in Khan Younis received seven bodies from overnight strikes and four from previous attacks. The European Hospital near Khan Younis received three bodies. Gaza’s Health Ministry estimates that more than 50,000 Palestinians have died since the war began, with women and children comprising more than half of the casualties. The Israeli military claims to have killed approximately 20,000 Hamas fighters but has not provided evidence. Hamas-led militants killed about 1,200 people and kidnapped 251 during their October 7, 2023, attack on Israel. U.S. Surgeon Describes Hospital AttackA U.S. trauma surgeon working in Gaza reported that many patients injured in an Israeli strike on Nasser Hospital had already been wounded in previous attacks. Dr. Feroze Sidhwa, a California-based surgeon with MedGlobal, stated that he was in the hospital’s intensive care unit when the airstrike hit surgical wards on Sunday. Many of the victims had been recovering from injuries sustained in earlier airstrikes. Israel orders troops to go deeper into Gaza “They were already trauma patients, and now they’ve been traumatized again,” Sidhwa told Australian media. He said a man and a boy he had operated on just days before were among those killed in the attack. Source: With input from agnecy 

The much talked-about AFC Asian Cup Qualifiers match between two traditional rivals India and Bangladesh will be held on Tuesday (Match 25) in the Indian hill city of Shillong. Bangladesh will start their four-team Group C campaign of the AFC Asian Cup with an away match against their giant rival India, which will kick off on Tuesday at 7:30pm at the grass ground of the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in Shillong. The match will carry special significance as the Bangladesh-origin English Premier League playing attacking midfielder Hamza Dewan Choudhury is going to make debut for Bangladesh national team, for the first time for any national side. Moreover, former Indian captain cum celebrated footballer Sunil Chettri returned back to the Indian team again from retirement to play against Bangladesh. Ahead of the match against India, Bangladesh team took a 12-day intensive training in Saudi Arabia's city Taif before moving to India. Addressing a pre-match official press conference in Shillong Monday noon, Bangladesh captain Jamal Bhuyan said, “although India (ranked 126) is 59 steps ahead of Bangladesh (ranked 185) in FIFA ranking, but we do not keep in mind, and our full focus is to win the match”. “English Premier League player Hamza will be the main attraction and inspiration of our team against India and our players want to win the match,” he further added. The Spanish Head Coach of Bangladesh team Javier Cabrera in the press conference said, “It will be an exciting and tight match (against India), we are ready and confident to do well making the things very difficult for India." The Spanish Head Coach of India Manolo Marquez praised the inclusion of English footballer Hamza in the Bangladesh team saying “It is good for Asian football, he is a very good player and I think it will be a good game tomorrow (Tuesday)." The India team, which prepared themselves at the match venue in Shillong for about the last ten days, beat the Maldives team by 3-0 goals in a preparatory match there last week. Booters reach Shillong to play AFC Asian Cup Qualifiers against India Bangladesh team, which reached Shillong last Thursday for the AFC Asian Cup match, failed to make proper practices there for not getting a standard practice venue. Bangladesh practiced first last Friday at the below standard grass ground of the North -Eastern Hills University in Shillong. Bangladesh did not practice at the University ground on the next day (Saturday) and looked for a grass ground there, but failed. Finally, they were forced to make practices under rented floodlights at the turf of the Nehru Stadium Saturday evening. Bangladesh team practices at the Nehru Stadium turf for the 2nd consecutive day Sunday afternoon, although they have to play a match against India in the grass ground. However, Bangladesh team will make final practices at the match venue of Jawaharlal Nehru in Shillong on Monday Bangladesh squad: Goalkeepers: Mitul Marma, Sujon Hossain, and Mehdi Hasan Srabon. Defenders: Shakil Ahad, Shakil Hossain, Rahmat Mia, Isa Faisal, Tariq Raihan Kazi, Topu Barman, Saad Uddin, Mohammad Ridoy and Syed Shah Quazem Kirmranee Midfielders: Md Sohel Rana, Sohel Rana, Chandon Roy, Mojibar Rahman Jony, Shekh Morsalin, Jamal Bhuyan, Hamza Dewan Chowdhury and Foysal Ahmed Fahim. Forwards: Rakib Hossain, Shahriar Emon, Mohammad Ibrahim and Al Amin

The written examination for 46th Bangladesh Civil Service (BCS) is scheduled to begin on May 8 while the preliminary test of 47th BCS will be held on June 27. The Public Service Commission (PSC) issued a notice in this regard on Monday. Appointment of 6 members of BPSC cancelled The exams will be held simultaneously in Dhaka, Rajshahi, Chattogram, Khulna, Barishal, Sylhet, Rangpur and Mymensingh, said the release. The written examination of the last BCS and the schedule of the 47th Preliminary and other related important instructions will be informed later through the PSC website (http://www.bpsc.gov.bd/), Teletalk Bangladesh Limited's website (http://www.bpsc.gov.bd/) and national daily newspapers.

The written examination for 46th Bangladesh Civil Service (BCS) is scheduled to begin on May 8 while the preliminary test of 47th BCS will be held on June 27. The Public Service Commission (PSC) issued a notice in this regard on Monday. The exams will be held simultaneously in Dhaka, Rajshahi, Chattogram, Khulna, Barishal, Sylhet, Rangpur and Mymensingh, said the release. Reform Commission recommends completing BCS exam within one year The written examination of the last BCS and the schedule of the 47th Preliminary and other related important instructions will be informed later through the PSC website (http://www.bpsc.gov.bd/), Teletalk Bangladesh Limited's website (http://www.bpsc.gov.bd/) and national daily newspapers.  

An elderly woman and her daughter sustained burn injuries - the mother's far worse than her daughter's - after accidentally falling onto a stove while cooking at their home on Paltan Calvert Road in the capital on Monday. The injured individuals have been identified as 63-year-old Hosne Ara and her 34-year-old daughter, Taslima Sultana. Salauddin, a resident of the same building who rescued them, said that the physically unwell Hosne Ara fell onto the stove while cooking around noon on Monday. He also mentioned that Taslima suffered minor injuries while attempting to save her mother. 6 of a family burnt in Chandpur fire ‘from gas line leakage The two were later taken to the National Burn Institute in the afternoon. Shawon Bin Rahman, a resident physician at the Burn Institute, confirmed that both individuals were admitted, with Hosne Ara sustaining burns to 88% of her body and Taslima on 2% of her body. Hosne Ara’s condition is critical, he added.

A fraud posing as an army major was arrested from the Jahaj Company Intersection in Rangpur city on Sunday night. The detainee is Fazle Rabbi, 28, son of Moktar Alam from Batunia in Thakurgaon district. Brig. Gen Humayun Kaiyum, commander of the 72 Infantry Brigade of the Bangladesh Army, detained Rabbi from the spot around 11pm and seized a fake military ID card, four mobile phones, a walkie-talkie, a motorcycle, and Tk 3 lakh in cash from him. Moreover, several conspiratorial documents and certificates related to military recruitment were seized at the time. Brig. General Kaiyum said he noticed Rabbi and four others—dressed in civilian clothing—near the entrance of a mall while he was out shopping for Eid. When he asked for their identification, the group tried to escape. 4 operatives of ‘Magnetic Coin’ fraud gang arrested with huge money in Adabor “I chased them and shouted. With the help of local people, we managed to capture Rabbi. During primary interrogation, he admitted that he was a fake army major,” said the army official. With information gleaned from the detainee, four more frauds were detained. Rabbi admitted to deceiving unemployed youths across various districts in Rangpur division by promising them jobs in the military in exchange for large sums of money. 33 brokers, fraudsters detained at DMCH Legal action will be taken against the arrestees, he added.

Twenty-two more new dengue cases were reported in the 24 hours leading up to Sunday morning, bringing the total number of cases to 1,845 this year. According to the Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS), new cases were reported as follows: five in Barishal Division (Out of CC), twelve in Chattogram Division (Out of CC), and five in Dhaka South City Corporation. Nationwide Vitamin A campaign starts Saturday The number of deaths remained at 13, with no new fatalities reported during this period, the DGHS added. Currently, 102 dengue patients are receiving treatment in hospitals across the country. Seminar highlights importance of proper iftar and sehri Last year, dengue claimed the lives of 575 people. According to the DGHS, there were 101,214 dengue cases and 100,040 recoveries in the same year.

Even though they have successfully managed  power and gas supplies during the holy month of Ramadan, officials in both sectors are now facing a dilemma as they anticipate a looming crisis in the country  during the upcoming peak summer season. They predict that the country could experience around 3,000 MW of load shedding if the demand surpasses 18,000 MW during the peak summer months, which are expected to last from April 15th to September 15th. Currently, the relatively mild temperatures during Ramadan have kept electricity demand within a manageable limit of 15,000 MW. Official data from Power Grid Bangladesh PLC, which provides hourly updates on demand, supply, and load shedding, indicates that the country experienced 215 MW of load shedding when demand reached 13,700 MW at 4 pm on March 20. “This was the highest level of load shedding in recent days,” stated an official from Power Grid Bangladesh, highlighting concerns about a potential widening gap between demand and supply in the coming period. He noted that the shortfall had not exceeded 200 MW in recent days but expressed fears that it would continue to increase as temperatures rise. The highest recorded electricity demand in recent days was 14,700 MW during the evening peak hour on March 19, while the supply stood at approximately 14,500 MW. Officials at the Bangladesh Power Development Board (BPDB) acknowledged the significant support received from Petrobangla in securing gas supplies to maintain the operation of gas-fired power plants, which generated 6,500 MW. “We have been receiving over 1,000 million cubic feet per day (MMCFD) of gas. This is why there hasn't been a major shortfall in power generation,” an official explained. He added that sufficient power generation was also ensured from coal-fired and furnace oil-based power plants. “However, during peak summer, when the demand increases, it will be challenging to manage the situation unless gas supply is increased to 1,200 MMCFD,” he said. Energy sector leaders discuss restructuring for growth, sustainability Petrobangla officials also voiced concerns regarding the anticipated surge in demand from the power sector. Engineer Md. Rafiqul Islam, Director (Operation & Mines) of Petrobangla, said the government had implemented additional measures during Ramadan. “We imported an extra five LNG cargoes, considering the seriousness of the situation.” “But in the coming summer, we will require even more gas imports to meet the growing demand. Nevertheless, this may not be feasible due to limitations in re-gasification facilities,” he added. Rafiqul Islam elaborated that the country’s two LNG terminals have a maximum re-gasification capacity of 1,100 MMCFD, while the demand is expected to exceed 1,200 MMCFD. “Even if the government desires, it cannot increase gas imports beyond nine cargoes per month – five from long-term contracts and four from the spot market," he said. Statistics show that as of Wednesday, the country’s total gas supply was 2,877 MMCFD against a demand of approximately 3,800-4,000 MMCFD. This included around 1,000 MMCFD from imported LNG, with the remaining 1,877 MMCFD originating from local production. Given the circumstances, a senior BPDB official stated that they would rely more heavily on coal-fired and furnace oil-based power plants to bridge the gap. “Currently, we are generating an average of 5,600 MW from gas-fired plants, 4,500 MW from coal-fired plants, and 2,500 MW from furnace oil-based plants, with the remaining 2,500 MW coming from imports and other sources,” he said. He went on to say, “In summer, if gas supply does not improve, we will attempt to increase power generation from coal-fired and furnace oil-based plants.” Despite all efforts, he acknowledged that peak summer is likely to see power cuts of at least 2,000 MW.

A newborn baby was found alive from a maize field in East Maheshkhali village in Sadar upazila of Thakurgaon district on Monday. A woman, who was working at a chili field, near the maize field, heard that a baby was crying there. Later, she spotted the newborn baby there around 11:30am. Being informed, Khairul Islam, Sadar Upazila Nirbahi Officer (UNO) rushed in and rescued the newborn baby. Local people suspected that the baby girl was dumped here within an hour and a half of her birth. “The baby is doing well and she was given first aid. The matter will be investigated and the safety of the newborn will be ensured,” said UNO. Later, the baby was taken to Thakurgaon 250-bed General Hospital.  

Egypt has presented a new proposal to Israel and Hamas aimed at restoring the Gaza ceasefire deal, two informed Egyptian security sources told Xinhua on Monday.  To be updated     

National Citizen Party’s chief organiser (North) Sarjis Alam on Monday urged the people to vote in the next election for the candidates who keep their promises. He was speaking at a rally at Bijoy Ekattor Chattor in Debiganj under Panchagarh district. “Don’t cast your vote seeing the name of any party and symbol. Vote for those who act keeping their words and work accordingly. The country will march forward if people work selflessly,” he said. Sarjis said his party will build resistance against repression, oppression, extortion, and syndicate existing in the system of Bangladesh. He alleged that leaders of the political parties had been using general people for long. Arrest Gazipur attackers by tonight, demands Sarjis Urging people not to take any money from the candidates, he said those who offer money will not work for you. So refrain from taking money. Earlier in the morning, Sarjis flew to Saidpur Airport in Nilphamari from where he drove to Debiganj in a motorcade of over a hundred vehicles. He is scheduled to attend an Iftar event at his village in Atwari upazila.

Police in a drive arrested former MP of Kishoreganj-5 constituency (Bajitpur) Afzal Hossain from Meherpur district town on Monday. Tipped off, a team of police conducted a drive in Clinicpara of the district town and arrested Afzal from the house of Mamun Hossain, a staff of Afzal Shoes, owned by Afzal, said Mezbah Uddin, officer-in-charge of Sadar Police Station. Sources said former MP Afzal was scheduled to go to India through Sonapur border in Mujibnagar upazila early Monday and for this, he had contracted a huge amount of money to a gang on the border.      

The cricketing community has come together in support of Bangladesh’s former captain Tamim Iqbal, who suffered a heart attack during a Dhaka Premier League match in Savar on Monday morning. Tamim, who was leading Mohammedan Sporting Club in their match against Shinepukur Cricket Club at the BKSP grounds, complained of chest pain shortly after the toss. He was initially treated at the venue before being taken to KPJ Specialized Hospital nearby, where doctors detected a blockage in his heart and inserted a stent. He is currently under observation in the hospital’s cardiac care unit (CCU). Tamim eyes second successive BPL title Dr Razeeb Hasan, director of KPJ Hospital, told reporters that Tamim was brought in a critical condition. “He had a heart attack. We conducted an angiogram, angioplasty, and successfully placed a stent. The procedure went smoothly, and the blockage has been cleared. But his critical condition has not fully passed,” Dr Hasan said. Tamim is currently under 48-hour observation. Club officials said he briefly regained consciousness and was able to speak with his family members. Tamim Iqbal announces end of international cricket career As the news of his illness spread, messages of support flooded social media from fans, fellow cricketers, and cricket organisations around the world. Indian Premier League (IPL) champions Kolkata Knight Riders wrote: “Get well soon, Tamim Iqbal. The entire cricket fraternity is praying for you.” Sri Lankan legend Lasith Malinga shared, “Wishing you a speedy and complete recovery, Tamim! Keep fighting like you always have on the field.” Former Bangladesh captain Mashrafe Bin Mortaza posted, “May Allah be with you, Tamim. InshAllah, you will return to us soon, healthy and strong.” National teammates also expressed their concern. Fast bowler Taskin Ahmed urged everyone to keep Tamim in their prayers, saying, “He fell seriously ill during a match and is currently on life support. May Allah grant him a quick recovery,” Allrounder Mehidy Hasan Miraz echoed the sentiment. Bangladesh opener Tanzid Hasan also requested fans to remember Tamim in their prayers. Earlier in the day, Tamim led his team at the toss, appearing in good health. His sudden illness has shocked the cricketing community. Several top officials from the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB), including president Faruque Ahmed, visited him at the hospital. The BCB also postponed its scheduled board meeting in light of Tamim’s condition. Tamim Iqbal, 36, is one of Bangladesh’s most celebrated cricketers and the country’s highest run-scorer in ODIs.  

Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) has taken all possible security measures to ensure safe and festive celebration of the upcoming Eid-ul-Fitr. “We’ve made all kinds of security preparations so that the city dwellers can celebrate the Eid-ul-Fitr in a festive and safe environment,” DMP Commissioner SM Sazzat Ali said while speaking in a coordination meeting held at the conference room of the DMP Headquarters on Monday. Ferry service introduced on Banshbaria-Sandwip Route in Chattogram Besides, a sense of security awareness must also be created at the individual or institutional level,” he said. The DMP chief, who chaired the meeting, mentioned that the overall law and order situation in Dhaka Metropolitan City was thoroughly reviewed. The meeting also addressed measures to ensure the safe and smooth travel of passengers, the successful execution of Eid congregations, and traffic management. Formal Eid train journey begins amid tight security He further said that the law and order situation in the capital has significantly improved due to the strong efforts of the DMP. “Crimes such as robbery and extortion have been greatly reduced thanks to police initiatives. We must continue to progress with everyone's cooperation,” added the DMP chief.

The Bangladesh Bank has lifted the ban on foreign travel by officers and employees of Non-Bank Financial Institutions (NBFIs). The Financial Institutions and Markets Department of Bangladesh Bank issued a directive in this regard on Monday. The directive states that a circular was issued on May 29, 2022, asking officers and employees of finance companies to stop traveling abroad to participate in training, study tours, exposure visits, meetings and seminars. Under the new directive, officers and employees of finance companies can travel abroad with the approval of the appropriate authorities in accordance with the relevant policies of their own organizations for essential foreign travel. However, officers and employees of finance companies who have separate instructions from Bangladesh Bank regarding foreign travel must comply with the provisions of the relevant directives.

Marking the Genocide Day, Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus on Monday remembered all the martyrs who laid down their lives, stressing that it was through their sacrifices that the country achieved its desired independence through a nine-month long bloody War of Liberation.  The ‘New Bangladesh’ will emerge as a strong, peaceful and democratic country, he said, adding that this is their pledge on the Genocide Day. “Today, March 25, is the ‘Genocide Day.’ On this day in 1971, the Pakistani invading forces carried out the world's most barbaric crackdown across the country, including Dhaka. I remember, with a heavy heart, all the martyrs who sacrificed their lives on that most terrible night," he said in a message. Dr Yunus said the nation is still grieving over this infernal carnage. Genocide Day: Nation to observe one minute ‘blackout’ at 10:30 pm on March 25 night During those days of March 1971, when all of Bangladesh was turbulent in movement, the military dictator Yahya secretly left Dhaka on the evening of March 25, amidst the non-cooperation movement, he said. "That night, Pakistani troops launched 'Operation Search Light' and carried out the most brutal massacre in the history of sleeping unarmed people," Dr Yunus said. Thousands of innocent people, including students, teachers, police and army personnel, were martyred across the country, including Dhaka University, Pilkhana and Rajarbagh in the sudden attacks by the invading forces equipped with sophisticated weapons, the Chief Adviser said. "The Bangladesh we wanted after the independence, there people did not have any fundamental rights during the dictatorship that fell upon the country," he said. Symbolic blackout on March 25 night to mark Genocide Day In the July uprising, the nation was unshackled from the "tyranny of dictatorship" through the valour of the students and the masses, Dr Yunus said. The interim government, he said, aspires to move forward by embracing the spirit of the great War of Independence and the July uprising to build a just society and establish the rule of law. "I pray for the salvation of the souls of all martyrs on the night of 25th March," Dr Yunus said.  

In protest against the ongoing genocide and Israeli war crimes backed by Western powers, Drik Picture Library organised a solidarity rally this morning at Rabindra Sarobar in Dhanmondi to commemorate the martyred Palestinian children. The death toll in Gaza has surpassed 50,000, with 17,000 of the victims being children. In remembrance of these innocent lives, Drik staff expressed solidarity alongside the children from the organization "Shishuder Jonno Amra" (We for the Children). Mangal Shobhajatra may get a new name: Farooki The rally featured poetry by artist Farzana Wahid Shayan on Gaza’s children and a speech by eminent photographer and Drik Picture Library founding Managing Director Shahidul Alam, highlighting the brutal reality of the ongoing atrocities. “In the same way children are playing here at this amphitheater today, children everywhere in the world should have the same freedom to play,” Shahidul Alam said in his speech. “We are meant to nurture them in such an environment. But Israeli aggression, war crimes, and genocide have shattered this reality.” Shilpakala Academy to hold Eid celebrations 1st time ever He emphasised the importance of standing in solidarity with Palestine and continuing the struggle for their freedom. "People around the world are protesting from their respective positions. We must also keep supporting Palestine so that when our children ask us about our role in this crisis, we can face them with dignity," he added. The rally was attended by Drik’s friends, fellow activists, artists, photographers, and members of the public.

Energy sector leaders sat in a meeting with representatives from various banks on Monday and discussed a restructuring plan aimed at stimulating national economic growth and ensuring a sustainable future. The focus of the meeting was to revise financial strategies that would foster long-term growth, job creation and responsible energy development. The meeting, hosted by Energypac PLC, was followed by an Iftar event at the Energypac Centre in Tejgaon, Dhaka. Opt for renewable energy to make city livable: Experts Participants expressed optimism regarding the discussions, noting the collaborative and productive atmosphere. The proposed restructuring seeks to establish a more stable and prosperous future for both the energy sector and the country as a whole. During the meeting, Energypac presented its financial performance for the current year, outlined its strategic plans to tackle upcoming challenges, and shared projections for the next five years. The discussions underscored Energypac’s commitment to sustainable growth, innovation, and resilience in an ever-changing economic environment. Bangladesh, Kuwait pledge stronger ties in trade, energy and investment Humayun Rashid, Managing Director and CEO of Energypac PLC, said, “Our financial performance reflects the hard work and dedication of our team, along with the steadfast support of our stakeholders. Looking ahead, we remain focused on driving innovation, sustainability, and growth to create long-term value for all.”  

The 2025 Joint Response Plan (JRP) has requested $934.5 million to reach 1.48 million people, including Rohingya refugees sheltered in Cox’s Bazar and Bashan Char and Bangladeshi host communities in Ukhiya and Teknaf. Under the leadership of the Bangladesh government, the 2025-26 Joint Response Plan (JRP) for the Rohingya Humanitarian Crisis was launched on Monday. The JRP is developed yearly and is an annual fundraising document and articulates the shared vision of how the humanitarian community will respond to the assessed and expressed needs of Rohingya refugees and affected host communities. Rohingyas are victims of racial discrimination and prolonged statelessness: Prof Yunus Through the 1st year of the 2025-26 JRP, the UN and its partners are calling on the international community to extend financial support to address the prioritized needs of Rohingya refugees and the Bangladeshi communities that are hosting them as the refugee crisis enters its seventh year. The 2025 JRP brings together 113 partners including UN Agencies, Bangladeshi and international NGOs. Nearly half of them are national organizations from Bangladesh. The 2025 JRP is focusing on five key objectives: Work towards the early, voluntary, and sustainable repatriation of Rohingya refugees/FDMNs to Myanmar, strengthening   the protection and resilience of Rohingya refugee/FDMN women, men, girls, and boys, delivering life-saving assistance to populations in, fostering the well-being of host communities and straightening disaster risk management and combat the effects of climate change. New report to expose international crimes in Rohingya camps: Fortify Rights

Research and advocacy organization PROGGA (Knowledge for Progress) and Anti-Tobacco Media Alliance (ATMA) have urged policymakers to reduce the number of cigarette price tiers from 4 (four) to 3 (three) in the upcoming national budget for FY 2025-26. During the event at the National Press Club, speakers said that the existing four-tiered price system in cigarette bars any tax and pricing measure from playing an effective role. Against this backdrop, the low and medium tiers of cigarettes should be merged and prices for the new tier should be hiked so that it can contribute additional revenue to government coffers and play a role in discouraging cigarette use among the youth and the poor demographic. PROGGA and ATMA also presented a number of proposals to be incorporated in the upcoming FY 2025-26 national budget. In support of the proposals, Dr. Mahfuz Kabir, research director of Bangladesh Institute of International and Strategic Studies (BIISS) and Member of Local Government Reform Commission, said, "Currently more than 80 percent of all cigarette users belong to low and medium tiers. Merging these two tiers into one can hike the government's revenue inflow and reduce cigarette use. The additional revenue can significantly contribute to realizing the government's ongoing reform projects." Daulat Akter Mala, president, Economic Reporters' Forum (ERF), said, "The government should bring all tobacco products out of the purchasing capacity of people to protect public health." As presented during the event, an analysis of the average retail prices of essential commodities in seven metropolitan cities of the country (Dhaka, Chattogram, Rajshahi, Khulna, Sylhet, Barisal and Rangpur) between 04 July 2021 and 04 July 2023, as reported by the Department of Agricultural Marketing (DAM), shows that price of loose sugar has seen a 89 percent hike in this time period, the hike is 87 percent for potatoes, 75 percent for loose flour, 47 percent for pangash fish, 43 percent for eggs, 34 percent for soybean oil, 30 percent for powdered milk, and 27 percent for broiler chicken. However, during this same timeframe, the hike in the prices of different tiers of cigarettes ranged between 6 -15 percent only. Among the tax and pricing measures presented during the event are as follows: The low and medium tier should be merged into one and prices for 10 sticks of the merged tier should be set at TK90 while the retail price of high-tier cigarettes should be kept at existing BDT 140 for 10 sticks. The prices for 10 sticks of premium cigarettes should be raised to BDT 190 while the supplementary duty (SD) on all cigarette tiers should be the existing 67 percent. For non-filtered bidi, the retail price should be TK25 for 25 sticks. In the case of filtered bidi, the retail price for 20 sticks should be set at TK20. Both prices should be followed by a 45 percent SD. Regarding smokeless tobacco, the retail price for 10 grams of jarda and gul should be TK 55 and TK 30, followed by 60 percent SD. The budget proposals also suggest retaining 15 percent VAT on the retail prices of tobacco products and continuing the existing 1 percent health development surcharge (HDS). In support of the proposals, speakers informed that budget proposals placed by anti-tobacco organizations, if realized, can help the government raise a staggering BDT 20,000 crore in additional revenue, which will come in handy in reaching revenue targets and improve public health. Implementation of such proposals, in the long run, will also help prevent the premature deaths of 1.7 million Bangladeshis, including nearly 900,000 youths. The discussants in the event include Mortuza Haider Liton, convener of ATMA, Mizan Chowdhury, Co-convener of ATMA, ABM Zubair, Executive Director, PROGGA, and leaders of different anti-tobacco organizations. Nadira Kiron, Co-convener of ATMA, hosted the event whereas Md. Hasan Shahriar, Head of Tobacco Control, PROGGA, presented the budget proposals. Tobacco claims 161,000 lives every year in Bangladesh. In 2017-18, the toll of tobacco use in the national economy (due to medical expenses and loss of productivity) stood at BDT 30,560 crore.

The formal Eid journey in trains from Dhaka’s Kamalapur Railway Station to different parts of the country started on Monday morning amid tight security. Those booked tickets for March 24-journey on March 14 travelled to their destinations, with passengers allowed to enter the main platform of the station after going through a three-layer checking procedure, said Kamalapur station manager Md Shahadat Hossain. Md Asad, a passenger of Chattogram-bound Subrana Express, said he along with wife and children was travelling from Dhaka smoothly amid the tight security. He said though he faced a little bit of problems in managing online tickets, but it was later done successfully. Eid journey was safe this time due to use of speed guns: Bangladesh Police Borhan Uddin, a student, travelling to Mymensingh in Jamuna Express said he would go home by bus if the train ticket had not been managed, appreciating the strict security measure at the station.  

The Australian Visa Center is set to open in Dhaka by the end of March, Senior Secretary of the Home Ministry, Nasimul Ghani said on Monday. This move will make the visa application process more accessible for Bangladeshi citizens, who previously had to apply through the Australian Visa Center in New Delhi. UNICEF welcomes Bangladesh’s decision  to establish separate children’s courts  The announcement came after the signing ceremony of the 'Standard Operating Procedure for the Return of Bangladeshi Citizens to Bangladesh' between the governments of Bangladesh and Australia. He said that the visa center would begin operations in Dhaka soon and visa issuance could commence shortly after Eid. Australia to issue visas for Bangladeshis from Dhaka Home Affairs Adviser Lieutenant General (Retd.) Md. Jahangir Alam Chowdhury attended the event as the chief guest.  

Bangladesh Bank has announced April 3 as a holiday for Non- Bank Financial Institutions (NBFI), same as the government employees. The Financial Institutions and Markets Department of Bangladesh Bank issued the notification on Monday. More than 17 million Eid holidaymakers expected to depart Greater Dhaka It said the Ministry of Public Administration has declared April 3 (Thursday) as a public holiday on the occasion of the upcoming holy Eid-ul-Fitr. Finance companies, like government institutions, will also be closed on that day. However, the central bank has yet to declare the holidays for banks on the occasion of Eid.

One-minute 'Blackout' will be observed across the country from 10:30pm to 10:31pm on March 25, marking the Genocide Day. Key Point Installations (KPIs) and emergency establishments will remain out of the blackout purview, said a handout of the Press Information Department on Monday. Besides, no lighting will be allowed at the government, semi-government, autonomous and private institutions on March 25 night. 21 political parties submit reform opinions to Consensus Commission President Mohammed Shahabuddin and Chief Adviser Dr Yunus will issue special messages to honour the victims of the 1971 genocide. Commemoration and discussion meetings will be held at all educational institutions including schools, colleges, madrasas, and technical schools throughout the country, with participation from prominent personalities and heroic freedom fighters. Seminars focusing on the genocide and the Liberation War will take place at the Liberation War Museum at 10 am or at a convenient time, providing a platform for in-depth discussions on the nation's history. Govt announces programmes for Independence Day celebration Rare photographs and documentaries showcasing the genocide will be displayed in Dhaka and other city corporation areas to educate and raise awareness about this dark chapter in history. Besides, Bangladesh Television and Bangladesh Betar will air various special programmes related to the genocide and the Liberation War. Special prayers will be offered  in mosques and other places of worship after Zuhr prayers or at a suitable time remembering those who were killed on the night of March 25, 1971.  

A Dhaka court on Monday ordered the authorities concerned to confiscate the property of cricketer Shakib Al Hasan in a Tk 4 crore cheque disnonour case.Dhaka Additional Chief Metropolitan Magistrate Ziadur Rahman passed the order following a petition filed by Advocate Rafi Ahsan.On December 15, last year, Md Shahibur Rahman, relationship officer of IFIC Bank filed the case against four people including Shakib in cheque dishonor case.The other accused in the case included Sakib AL Hasan Agro Farm Managing Director Gazi Sahagir Hossain, its Director Imdadul Haque and Malaikar Begum. Shakib cleared to bowl again, eyes return to competitive cricketOn January 19, the court summoned Shakib and asked him to appear before the court.Imdadul, an accused in the case, secured bail in the case upon surrender.As Shakib and Gazi Shahagir did not appear before the court, the court issued arrest warrants against them.The court also fixed March 24 for submitting the progress report.Meanwhile, Shahagir surrendered before the court and secured bail in the case.According to the case documents, Shakib Al Hasan Agro Farm Limited took loans from the Banani branch of IFIC Bank for business purposes. The company issued two cheques for a total of approximately Tk 4.14 crore against these loans. However, both cheques were dishonoured due to insufficient funds. In response, the bank sent a legal notice via a daily newspaper, demanding repayment. Since the loan was not returned within 30 days, the bank filed the case in court.

The BNP has dissolved the central committee of the Doctors Association of Bangladesh (DAB), the physicians' body of the party. The party has also formed a 12-member preparatory and management committee for the upcoming DAB council, said a press release signed by BNP Senior Joint Secretary General Ruhul Kabir Rizvi on Monday. BNP works out Independence Day programme "The existing central committee of DAB, led by President Professor Harun Al Rashid and General Secretary Dr Md Abdus Salam, has been dissolved," the press release said. Professor Harun Al Rashid was elected President and Dr Md Abdus Salam was elected General Secretary of DAB through direct voting by councilors on 26 May 2019. The tenure of the committee was due to expire on 25 May 2024. The newly formed preparatory and management committee has been tasked with completing the council proceedings within the next 45 days. BNP opposes equating July 2024 Uprising with 1971 Liberation War in constitution The 12-member committee for the council’s preparation and management includes BNP Chairperson's Advisory Council members Ismail Zabiullah, Bijon Kanti Sarker, Professor Mamun Ahmed, Syed Moazzem Hossain Alal, National University Pro-Vice Chancellor Lutfor Rahman, BNP Education Secretary Professor ABM Obaidul Islam, Health Secretary Rofiqul Islam, Assistant Office Secretaries SM Rofiqul Islam, Parvez Reza Kakon, and members of the dissolved committee Shah Mohammad Aman Ullah, Erfan Ahmed Shohel, and Mustafa Aziz Suman.

The Economic Reporters’ Forum (ERF) on Sunday recommended increasing the tax exemption limit for individual taxpayers from Tk 3.5 lakh to Tk 4 lakh to alleviate the financial strain caused by rising inflation. ERF President Doulot Akter Mala presented the proposal to National Board of Revenue (NBR) Chairman Md Abdur Rahman Khan during a pre-budget meeting at the Revenue Building. As part of its budget recommendations, the ERF called for reducing the tax burden on middle-class and low-income groups through a refund system via mobile financial services (MFS) for excess taxes paid. Cigarette tax overhaul can boost revenue by Tk 20 billion : Speakers It also proposed that banks refund deducted interest to individuals without taxable income. The forum suggested capping the tax rate on essential commodities, education materials, and medical equipment at 5 percent. Besides, it advocated for a separate revenue policy to support small and medium enterprises (SMEs) and facilitate their access to bond facilities. Other key recommendations included keeping private provident funds tax-free and increasing investment in the healthcare sector by raising taxes on tobacco products. The ERF also proposed setting the highest individual tax rate between 30 and 35 percent, reducing the VAT rate to 7 percent, and collecting wealth tax based on market valuation. It stressed the need to shift focus towards direct taxation and implement integrated digitization initiatives. Highlighting the growth of large businesses in district and city corporations, the ERF recommended establishing Medium Taxpayer Units (MTUs) similar to the existing Large Taxpayer Units (LTUs). The forum underscored the importance of transparency in tax exemptions, urging the NBR to provide clear explanations and estimates of revenue losses for each exemption. Regarding Bangladesh’s transition from the Least Developed Country (LDC) category, the ERF called for a structural overhaul of the country’s import tariff system, noting that tariffs remain higher than the LDC average and that little progress has been made on tariff reductions despite years of discussions. The ERF also emphasized the need for impact analyses of all NBR policy decisions to determine the beneficiaries of tax, VAT, and duty exemptions. It urged increased investment in NBR’s research and statistics division, including hiring skilled personnel to modernize and enhance efficiency. Addressing banking taxation, the ERF pointed out that a 10-15 percent tax is deducted from interest earned on tax-paid deposits, along with excise duty on bank balances. Given the declining savings capacity of individuals, it proposed withdrawing excise duty on deposits up to Tk 5-10 lakh and reducing the tax on interest income. To curb fraudulent business loans, the ERF suggested that banks verify business information from the NBR’s database before approving large loans. It noted that many individuals take out significant loans under false pretenses using the names of drivers, janitors, and office assistants, making recovery difficult. Enforcing such verification, the ERF argued, would help prevent loan fraud and enhance revenue collection. On money laundering, the ERF urged visible progress in enforcing the 2013 Transfer Pricing Law, which was introduced to curb tax evasion and illicit fund transfers. For export diversification, the forum proposed extending bonded warehouse facilities to other potential industries, similar to those available for the ready-made garment sector. To promote green industrialization, the ERF suggested maintaining at least a 5 percent corporate tax gap between conventional and eco-friendly factories, arguing that the existing 2 percent tax benefit is insufficient given the additional investment required for environmentally friendly industries. The meeting was attended by other executive and general members of the ERF.  

The 2026 World Cup will have a record 48 teams, and New Zealand qualified on Monday five days after Japan became the first nation excluding the three hosts to secure a spot. Other teams could follow in the current international window. Next year’s tournament in the United States, Mexico and Canada kicks off on June 11 and the final will take place on July 19. Forty-three teams will get their spots through their continent’s qualifying process. Another two will secure their berths in the international playoffs featuring six teams and scheduled for March 2026. What is the breakdown of berths? Asia will have eight direct berths and one in the intercontinental playoff. Africa has nine direct spots plus one for the intercontinental playoff. North and Central America plus the Caribbean get three direct berths and another two spots in the intercontinental playoffs. South America has six direct spots and will send another team to the intercontinental playoffs. Oceania for the first time has a guaranteed spot at the World Cup, and New Zealand clinched that with a 3-0 win over New Caledonia in Auckland. It could add another with New Caledonia going into the intercontinental playoffs. Europe will have 16 teams sure to play in the next World Cup. Who has qualified so far? The three host countries automatically qualify — and thus occupy three of the CONCACAF spots Host nations United States, Mexico, Canada Asia Japan (qualified on March 20 by beating Bahrain 2-0) Oceania New Zealand (qualified on March 24 by beating New Caledonia 3-0)

U.S. and Russian negotiators on Monday sat down for talks in Saudi Arabia on a partial ceasefire in Ukraine, hours after a round of negotiations between U.S. and Ukrainian delegations, Russian news reports said. The state Tass and RIA-Novosti news agencies said the negotiations had begun in the capital Riyadh. The meeting is expected to be followed by another contact between U.S. and Ukrainian teams. The separate meetings are set to discuss details of a pause in long-range attacks from both Russia and Ukraine against energy facilities and civilian infrastructure, as well as a halt on attacks in the Black Sea to ensure safe commercial shipping. Ukraine and Russia agreed in principle Wednesday to a limited ceasefire after U.S. President Donald Trump spoke with the countries’ leaders, but the parties have offered different views of what targets would be off-limits to attack and accused each other of undermining efforts to reach a pause. Israel strikes Gaza's largest hospital While the White House said “energy and infrastructure” would be covered, the Kremlin declared that the agreement referred more narrowly to “energy infrastructure.” Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said he would also like railways and ports to be protected. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov emphasized Friday that the agreement reached between Trump and Putin referred only to energy facilities, adding that the Russian military is fulfilling Putin’s order to halt such attacks for 30 days. Peskov accused Ukraine of derailing the partial ceasefire with an attack on a gas metering station in Sudzha in Russia’s Kursk region. Ukraine’s military General Staff rejected Moscow’s accusations and blamed the Russian military for shelling the Sudzha gas metering station, a claim Peskov rejected as “absurd.” As negotiations on a partial ceasefire progressed, Russia launched a barrage of drones across Ukraine overnight on Saturday that killed at least seven people, including a father and his 5-year-old daughter in the capital Kyiv. In a televised statement Sunday evening, Zelenskyy said that "since March 11, a proposal for an unconditional ceasefire has been on the table, and these attacks could have already stopped. But it is Russia that continues all this.” “There must be more pressure on Russia to stop this terror,” Zelenskyy said, adding that it “depends on all our partners — the U.S., Europe, and others around the world.” South Korean court overturns PM Han's impeachment Zelenskyy has emphasized that Ukraine is open to a full, 30-day ceasefire that Trump has proposed, while Russian President Vladimir Putin has made a complete ceasefire conditional on a halt of arms supplies to Kyiv and a suspension of Ukraine’s military mobilization — demands rejected by Ukraine and its Western allies. Speaking on “Fox News Sunday,” Trump’s special envoy Steve Witkoff said he expected “some real progress” at the talks in Saudi Arabia, “particularly as it affects a Black Sea ceasefire on ships between both countries, and from that you’ll naturally gravitate into a full-on shooting ceasefire.” As for Sunday talks in Riyadh between Ukrainian and U.S. representatives, Zelenskyy said they had been conducted on a more “technical level” compared to similar meetings last week, this time involving representatives from Ukraine’s military, energy ministry and diplomatic corps. “Our team is working in a fully constructive manner, and the discussion is quite useful. The work of the delegations continues," Zelenskyy said. "But no matter what we’re discussing with our partners right now, Putin must be pushed to issue a real order to stop the strikes, because the one who brought this war must be the one to take it back.” Ukrainian railways come under cyber attack Ukrainian state railway operator Ukrzaliznytsia came under a “massive targeted cyber attack” on its online services on Sunday, the company wrote on Telegram, adding that the restoration of its systems was ongoing as of Monday morning. The company said the cyberattack did not affect train movements or schedules, but that the online purchase of tickets was currently unavailable. “The railway continues to operate despite physical attacks on the infrastructure, and even the most vile cyber attacks cannot stop it,” the company wrote. Russian troops fired 99 strike and decoy drones into Ukraine overnight Sunday, according to Ukraine’s air force, of which 57 were shot down and 36 were lost from radar. The remaining drones caused damage in at least five regions of Ukraine, the air force report says. In the Kyiv region, one man suffered injuries overnight as a Russian drone struck a residential area. “The man has superficial shrapnel wounds to his abdomen, chest, thighs, and head,” the acting head of the Kyiv region, Mykola Kalashnyk, wrote on Telegram on Monday. In the Kharkiv region, a Russian drone struck a residential building in the village of Velyka Babka, injuring a 25-year-old man and a pregnant woman. Both were hospitalized, regional head Oleh Syniehubov said on Telegram on Monday morning. In Zaporizhzhia, Russian drones damaged several houses of local residents overnight with one elderly woman suffering light injuries, regional head Ivan Fedorov wrote on Telegram.

The National Consensus Commission has so far received reform opinions from 21 political parties as Bangladesh Nezame Islam submitted its opinions on Monday. A delegation, led by Bangladesh Nezame Islam secretary Maulana Abu Taher handed over its reform opinions to member of the consensus commission Dr Badiul Alam Majumdar at the commission's office at the parliament complex in the city. With the Nezame Islam, a total of 21 political parties, including BNP, Bangladesh Jamaat-e Islami and newly-formed National Citizen Party (NCP) submitted their opinions. Meanwhile, the National Consensus Commission held talks with four political parties to reach a consensus over the reform initiatives taken by the interim government. The four parties are Liberal Democratic Party (LDP), Khelafat Majlis, Bangladesh Labour Party and Rastra Sangshkar Andolan. BNP submits proposals on reforms to Consensus Commission The Commission will sit in dialogues with other political parties in phases after Eid-ul Fitr. The commission, spearheaded by Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus, started its work on February 15, 2025. The commission identified the crucial recommendations made in the reports of five reform commissions – the constitution reform commission, the public administration reform commission, the electoral system reform commission, the judiciary reform commission and the ACC reform commission – to seek opinions from the political parties. Consensus Commission to hold talks with two parties Saturday Later, the commission sent a set of recommendations in a spreadsheet format to 38 political parties asking them to send their specific opinions on the important reform recommendations by March 13.

The Ministry of Religious Affairs is providing interest-free microloans and financial assistance to imams and muezzins across the country from Imam-Muezzin Welfare Trust. These loans and financial aid are being offered to those who have received training at the Imam Training Academy of the Islamic Foundation, Ministry of Religious Affairs said in a press release on Monday. Umrah air ticket syndicate disbanded, says Adviser Khalid For the current fiscal year 2024-25, a total of Tk 1.8 crore has been distributed among 600 imams and muezzins as interest-free loans. Besides, Tk 2.31 crore  has been allocated as financial assistance for 4,620 imams and muezzins nationwide. Of this, Tk 14.75 lakh has already been distributed among 295 people in Dhaka district and the distribution of the remaining funds currently underway, read the release. A total of Tk 4.11 crore is being distributed in the current fiscal year for these two welfare initiatives. Contracts with Hajj service providers must be ended by Feb 14: Adviser Khalid Established in 2001, the Imam-Muezzin Welfare Trust aims to support imams and muezzins who face financial difficulties due to accidents, disabilities, or serious illness, as well as provide assistance to the families of deceased imams and muezzins. The trust also offers financial aid for the education of the children of imams and muezzins.

Former food minister Qamrul Islam, ex-state minister for ICT Zunaid Ahmed Palak, former State Minister for Industries Kamal Ahmed Majumder and former Mayor of Dhaka North City Corporation Atiqul Islam have been shown arrested in separate cases filed with different police stations in the capital linked to July movement. Dhaka Metropolitan Magistrate GM Farhan Istiaq passed the order after the investigating  officers of the cases produced them before the court. 219 arrested during DMP’s special 24-hr drive on Saturday Earlier at 10:08 am, they were brought to the dock from the Dhaka Chief Metropolitan Magistrate's Court. Then they were escorted from the court to jail. Among them, Palak was show arrested in the murder case of Sajedur Rahman Omar and Jahangir Alam at the Jatrabari Police Station. HC to hear Chinmoy’s bail petition after Eid vacation Kamal Ahmed Majumder was shown arrested in connection with the murder of Tariqul Islam Rubel at the Kafrul Police Station, while Atiqul Islam and Qamrul Islam were shown arrested in the murder case of Sajid Hawlader at the Badda Police Station.  

A drug accused escaped from police custody after breaking the grill of a window at Aftabganj Police Camp in Nawabganj upazila of Dinajpur district on Sunday. Inspector Sirajul Islam, in-charge of Aftabganj Police Camp, said police arrested Royel, 35, from Kazipara area early Sunday along with three bottles of Phensedyl. Later, he was brought to Aftabganj Police Camp kept in a room. Schoolgirl dies after being stabbed during namaaz in Dinajpur At one stage, Royel managed to flee by breaking the grill of the window. Manjurul Islam, superintendent of Birampur Circle Police, said as  the police camp does not have a designated detention facility  the accused was kept in a room. Police are trying  to arrest the fugitive, he added. END/UNB/Corr/MAS/FH

The government has taken elaborate programmes at the national level to celebrate the Independence and National Day on 26th March. The day will begin with a 31-gun salute in the morning across the country including in Dhaka,  said a press release of the  Ministry of Liberation War Affairs on Monday. President Md. Shahabuddin and Chief Adviser Dr. Muhammad Yunus will lay wreaths early in the morning to pay profound respect to the memories of the martyrs of 1971. Later the families of the Birsreshtha, war-wounded freedom fighters, and brave freedom fighters led by Liberation War Affairs Adviser, will also lay wreaths. BNP works out Independence Day programme People from all walks of life including foreign diplomats, political leaders, and representatives from social, cultural, and professional bodies will lay wreaths at the National Memorial. Besides, wreaths will be laid at district and upazila memorials across the country. National flags will be hoisted, and the national anthem will be performed at all divisions, districts, and upazilas. Student rallies and parades will also take place. On this day, the national flag will be hoisted atop all government, semi-government, autonomous, and private buildings. In Dhaka, the national flag will be hoisted atop prominent buildings and important establishments will be illuminated. However, lighting will not be permitted on the black night of genocide on 25th March. DU announces programmes for Independence Day celebration Main roads and traffic islands in Dhaka and other cities will be decorated with national flags and other flags. This day is a public holiday. The President and the Chief Adviser will also issue messages on the occasion.  

The long-awaited ferry service on the Banshbaria (Sitakunda)-Guptachhara-Sandwip route was launched on Monday, ushering in a new era of improved connectivity and economic opportunities for Sandwip’s residents. Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus outlined several significant initiatives aimed at enhancing the development of Sandwip, including plans to declare it a seaport, open the Kumira-Guptachara ghat, and improve transport connectivity. Addressing the function to mark the launch of the ferry service on the Chattogram-Sandwip route, Dr Yunus shared that comprehensive measures are being taken to facilitate progress in the region. “We are working on declaring Sandwip a seaport, opening the Kumira-Guptachara ghat, launching a Dhaka-Kumira bus service, constructing roads in the ferry ghat area, and ensuring regular dredging of the waterway," he said, joining the event virtually from the State Guest House Jamuna, expressing his hope that these initiatives would alleviate the long-standing difficulties faced by Sandwip residents. "Once these plans are fully implemented, the ongoing challenges faced by the people of Sandwip will be significantly reduced," Dr Yunus said. He highlighted that the newly launched ferry service would provide a safer and more comfortable way for residents, including children, the elderly, and the sick, to cross the sea. Dr Yunus called on Sandwip's residents to continue contributing to the country's economy, particularly through their remittance contributions from abroad. The Chief Adviser acknowledged the vital role Sandwip's people play in strengthening the national economy. He also encouraged local communities to work together towards further development in their area.

A vessel carrying  11,500 metric tonnes of boiled rice from India has arrived at Chittagong Port. This delivery is part of a larger import deal under an open tender contract (Package-2), which encompasses the import of 450,000 MT of rice from India in total, according to a press release on Monday. To date, 285,769 MT of rice have already arrived in the country. Sample testing of the rice on board has already been completed and the unloading process is set to begin shortly. Authorities have taken all necessary measures to ensure the swift and efficient unloading of the rice, added the release.  

Chairman of the National Board of Revenue (NBR) Md Abdur Rahman Khan on Monday said he had requested the Finance Adviser to reduce the budget size and give some relaxation to the mass people. “I have requested (Finance Adviser), sir please cut short the budget size and give some relief to people,” he said while speaking at the pre-budget meeting with Economic Reports’ Forum (ERF) held at Revenue Building. He also said Bangladesh’s next budget would be a business-friendly beautiful one. “We might lose some revenue due to this.” But, the NBR chairman said that taxpayers who were previously paying a reduced rate would have to pay the regular rate, more or less, from the next fiscal year. “We will propose it to the policymakers, it would bring good for everyone,” he added. Abdur Rahman Khan said that the number of quality taxpayers is very negligible in the country. “We had taken aggressive policy to increase the tax collection,” he said. Next national budget will be business-friendly: Adviser Salehuddin He said that work on increasing the operational efficiency has been taken to catch the tax evaders through improving professional excellence, and put emphasis on containing tax evasion in the country that has become a normal phenomenon. Talking about the Value Added Tax (VAT), Abdur Rahman Khan said that it is now in a total indiscipline situation. He said that if input VAT credit and standard VAT rate can be imposed properly, then for many business entities the rate would be less than one percent. The NBR chief said the VAT Law, introduced in 2012, was significantly distorted over time and later amended in 2019 to address these distortions. “The power of VAT was accounting based and invoice based one, we have destroyed that, as a result it is not growing right now, we have uprooted the main strength of VAT, we want to return the discipline of VAT,” he said. When the issue of wealth tax was placed, the NBR chairman said that it was in the country in 1963, later it was scrapped in 1999. Finance Adviser assures rational budget for 2025-26 prioritising local needs “If we can digitise the total system, bring the valuation of assets under a model, then it will definitely reduce the discrimination of wealth in the country, it will also be an extra source of revenue,” he said. He also hinted that slowly the government would go for wealth tax getting out from the surcharge on wealth if the valuation of land and building can be established on a non-debated platform.  

UNICEF, a UN agency dedicated to promoting and protecting the rights of children worldwide, on Monday welcomed the government of Bangladesh’s recent decision to establish separate Children’s Courts, marking a significant step toward ensuring a child-friendly justice system that upholds the rights and well-being of children.  This landmark decision reinforces Bangladesh’s commitment to implementing the Children Act, 2013, aligning national legal frameworks with international standards, including the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC), UNICEF said. As Bangladesh advances this critical reform, UNICEF urged continued investment in a justice system focused on diversion, restorative justice, and rehabilitation over punitive measures.  Strengthening child protection mechanisms, expanding legal aid services, and integrating mental health and psychosocial support will be essential in ensuring the success of these courts, said the UN agency. Ensure immediate action, accountability for violence against children: UNICEF to interim govt “In too many cases, children who desperately need to be supported by the social welfare system fall into the criminal justice system. Having child friendly systems is a step toward ensuring that rehabilitation is given every opportunity to work – putting the focus on a system that is designed to rehabilitate, not punish,” said Rana Flowers, UNICEF Representative in Bangladesh.  “This initiative is a response to the brave call from young people during Summer 2024 for justice and a fairer system and will help break cycles of vulnerability and create a more just and inclusive society for young people," she added.  Flowers said UNICEF will continue to support the government to ensure that children and young people are not arbitrarily detained or separated from family, ensuring due process in a system that recognizes their age, ensures specifically trained personnel are working with them and where rehabilitation is the goal. The establishment of Separate Children’s Courts is vital for treating children in conflict with the law with dignity, UNICEF said.  These courts will offer specialized legal and social services, focusing on rehabilitation rather than punishment, and ensure proceedings in child-sensitive environment with trained judges and legal professionals. The decision comes at a crucial time, after the civil unrest in Bangladesh in 2024, where young people demanded justice, accountability, and better opportunities.  Their advocacy highlighted the need for reforms to protect children and adolescents from violence, exploitation, and wrongful detention. UNICEF urges safer, fairer future for Bangladesh’s youth; calls for ending criminalization of children Regretfully, during that time, and according to the OHCHR report from last February, children were subjected to arbitrary arrest and often detained in police stations, at Detective Branch headquarters and in prisons, together with adults, UNICEF said.  They were also subjected to other violations there, including torture, ill-treatment and coercion to induce confessions. The youth movement showed the strength and leadership of Bangladesh’s youth, pushing for policies that recognize children’s rights and potential, UNICEF said. This reform is a direct response to their demands ensuring that justice is accessible, fair, and rehabilitative for all children, and to avoid atrocities such as those reported in the OHCHR report against children happen again, said the UN agency. UNICEF is "committed to working with the government, judiciary, civil society, and young people" to help implement this reform.  This includes providing support in setting up courts, training justice professionals, and strengthening social service systems to protect and care for children.

Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus on Monday enquired about the health condition of former national cricket captain Tamim Iqbal who suffered a "massive heart attack" while playing a game at BKSP. On behalf of the Chief Adviser, his Deputy Press Secretary Abul Kalam Azad Majumder spoke to Bangladesh Cricket Board chief executive officer Nizam Uddin Chowdhury. Nizam Uddin informed that Tamim was rushed to a nearby hospital after the heart attack and an angiogram was conducted immediately to know the cricket icon’s health condition. Tamim Iqbal hospitalised with chest pain in Savar The BCB is in regular touch with Tamim’s physicians and is ready to extend any support required for the treatment of the player. Nizam Uddin said that they would keep the Chief Adviser updated regularly regarding the health condition of Tamim Iqbal. Tamim played 70 Tests, 243 ODIs, and 78 T20 internationals for Bangladesh and led the national team in various phases during his illustrious career.

The BNP on Monday chalked out a two-day day programme to celebrate the Independence Day on March 26. BNP senior joint secretary general Ruhul Kabir Rizvi announced the programmes at a press conference at the party’s Nayapaltan central office. As part of the programmes, BNP senior leaders will pay tributes to the martyrs of the Liberation War by placing a wreath at the National Mausoleum, Savar at 8:30am on the day. Tarique urges political parties to prioritise public issues alongside reforms Later, they will place wreaths at the mazar of late BNP founder Ziaur Rahman at Sher-e-Banglanagar in the capital to mark the day. A doa mahfil will be held there to be arranged by Jatiyatabadi Ulema Dal. Besides, the party will hoist national and party flags atop its all offices, including the central one, in the morning. BNP submits proposals on reforms to Consensus Commission The BNP will arrange a discussion tomorrow (Tuesday) at the Institution of Engineers, Bangladesh. The party’s all city, district, upazila and municipality units across the country and its all associate bodies will also mark the day with different programmes.

With Eid-ul-Fitr approaching, authorities have taken preparations to ensure a smooth journey for holidaymakers at Paturia and Aricha ferry terminals, key transit points to the southern districts and crucial waterways to northern Bangladesh. Abdus Salam, Additional General Manager (AGM) of the Bangladesh Inland Water Transport Corporation (BIWTC) said to ensure smooth and safe transport of passengers and vehicles 17 ferries will operate on Paturia-Daulatdia route and 6 ferries (both large and small) on the Aricha-Kazirhat route. Besides, 600 police officers, both in uniform and plainclothes, will be stationed across the 36-kilometre road in Manikganj as well as on the Aricha and Paturia waterways. Emergency telephone services will also be available to ensure safety and prevent any inconvenience to travelers. To ensure efficient management of the journey, coordination meetings have already been held between the district administration, police, BIWTC, BIWTA, transport sector leaders, and the relevant ferry terminal authorities. Several key decisions were made in these meetings. To handle the increased vehicle pressure at Paturia terminal, the northern side of the terminal will use the BRTC terminal. Besides, trucks carrying sand or soil will not be allowed to operate on the highways and connecting roads during this period. To enhance passenger safety, in addition to the 999 emergency service, local police and administrative officials will  also provide assistance. Abdus Salam said the pontoon and approach roads at the ferry terminals have been repaired to facilitate vehicle boarding and disembarking.

Former Bangladesh captain Tamim Iqbal who suffered a heart attack has regained consciousness after undergoing a stent procedure on his heart at a hospital in Savar. He has talked to doctors and family members, Tariqul Islam, an official at Mohammedan Sporting Club, told UNB. Earlier Dr Razeeb Hasan, Medical Director of the KPJ Specialised Hospital, said the stenting was done smoothly and efficiently, and the blockage has been completely cleared. “However, he is still under observation, and his condition remains critical. It will take a little more time,” he said at a press briefing.  Dr Razeeb said, “He came to us in a critical condition. We gave all the necessary treatment. By the grace of Allah, his condition is now better. He had a heart attack. To address it, we performed an angiogram, angioplasty, and placed a stent.” The procedure was carried out by cardiologist Dr Moniruzzaman Maruf. Tamim was hospitalised after suffering a heart attack during a Dhaka Premier League (DPL) match at the Bangladesh Krira Shikkha Protishtan (BKSP) grounds in Savar on Monday morning. CA Dr Yunus enquires about Tamim Iqbal’s health condition   Tamim, who was leading Mohammedan Sporting Club against Shinepukur Cricket Club in Dhaka Premier League (DPL) at BKSP in Savar, experienced chest pain after the toss. He was initially treated on the ground and later rushed to the nearby KPJ Specialised Hospital, where a blockage in his heart was detected. Tamim is currently in the hospital’s Cardiac Care Unit (CCU) receiving close monitoring. Former national cricketer Salim Shaheed named as chairman of CWAB His wife Ayesha Siddiqui and brother Nafis Iqbal are by his side, while senior officials from the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB), including president Faruque Ahmed, visited the hospital.

A fire that broke out two days back continues to blaze in the Shapla Bil area of the Sundarbans, with authorities struggling to control its spread. Despite ongoing efforts, the fire has yet to be fully extinguished, forest officials said. On Monday, sporadic flames and smokes were still visible across various parts of the forest. Approximately five acres of forest land have already been destroyed, with firefighting operations still underway. Fires destroy 90 acres of Sundarbans in 19 years Water is being pumped from the nearby Bhola River, situated about 3 kilometres away, to help control the blaze. But the success of the efforts is heavily dependent on the tide. During the low tide, when the water level drops, firefighting activities come to a temporary halt. The tidal water from the Bhola River is a vital resource for combating the fire. Md Abu Bakar Zaman, assistant director of the Khulna Fire Brigade and Civil Defence, explained that pipes have been laid from the Bhola River to pump water for firefighting purposes. The operation began on Sunday night around 8:30 pm and has continued without interruption. But the effectiveness of this operation depends largely on the tide, with the firefighting process coming to a standstill during low tide. On Monday morning, at approximately 7 am, water from the Bhola River was again used to contain the fire. Although the fire's intensity has diminished, occasional flames and smoke were still visible. Forty-one personnel from eight fire stations worked through the night on Sunday, and 35 personnel from six stations participated in the operation on Monday. Zaman said that had a more consistent water source been available, the fire could have been controlled more swiftly. The exact cause of the fire, however, remains unknown. Dipen Chandra Das, assistant forest conservator of the Chandpai Range in the Sundarbans East Division, mentioned that a 5-kilometre-long fire lane had been cleared in the Shapla Bil area to prevent the fire from spreading further. However, due to dense vegetation like palm trees and vines, it has not been possible to spray water over the entire 5-kilometre stretch. As of 11 am on Monday, some parts of the fire lane had not yet received water, with firefighting efforts still hindered by the tidal limitations. Another fire breaks out in Sundarbans, this time near Shaplar Bil Das added that fires in the Sundarbans are particularly difficult to contain, especially when no nearby water sources are available. The fire is located around 3 kilometres from the Bhola River, making it challenging to reach, while the siltation in the riverbed often causes water shortages. As a result, firefighting teams are entirely reliant on the high tide for water. Preliminary assessments indicate that about five acres of forest have been consumed by the fire. Kazi Mohammad Nurul Karim, divisional forest officer of the Sundarbans East Division, confirmed that firefighting efforts are still ongoing, albeit at a slow pace due to the lack of nearby water sources. Personnel from the Forest Department, fire stations, Civil Protection Groups (CPGs), Village Forest Management (VTRTs), and local villagers have all been involved in the firefighting operations. An investigation team, formed after the fire in the Tepper Bil area, has now been tasked with investigating the fire in Shapla Bil. Karim added that once the investigation report is received, the exact cause of the fire and the damage to the area's biodiversity will be assessed. It is noteworthy that this fire in Shapla Bil follows another blaze in the Tepper Bil area on Saturday, located in the Chandpai Range of the Sundarbans East Division. Flames were first spotted at 7 am, and fire brigade personnel, along with local villagers, managed to extinguish the fire by Sunday afternoon. The Tepper Bil fire destroyed approximately four acres of forest. An investigation committee has been formed to assess the cause and extent of the damage there. On Sunday at around 11:30 am, the Forest Department spotted a fire in the dense forest of Shapla Bil, and firefighting operations were immediately launched. New fire breaks out in Sundarbans A 5-kilometre fire lane was created to prevent the spread of the fire, with personnel from the Forest Department, Fire Service, CPG, VTRT and local villagers working together to contain the blaze. As of 11 am on Monday, firefighting operations were still ongoing. The proximity of these two fires, occurring just one day apart within a 7-kilometre radius, has raised concerns about possible sabotage. The Forest Department is now considering the possibility of arson.

Rain and thundershowers, accompanied by lightning flashes and temporary gusty winds, are expected to occur at one or two places over the Rangpur, Rajshahi, and Khulna divisions in the coming hours, according to the Bangladesh Meteorological Department’s latest weather bulletin on Monday. Rain, thunderstorms expected over 4 divs, says BMD The weather conditions are likely to bring brief, intense spells of rainfall, with the possibility of lightning. Alongside the showers, temporary gusty winds may also affect these regions, potentially causing disruptions, it said. Rain, thundershowers likely in 8 divisions: BMD Day temperature was predicted to rise slightly, while the night temperature was expected to experience a slight decrease across the country, added the bulletin.

Asian stock markets were mostly lower on Monday, following a tech-driven rally that helped Wall Street break a four-week losing streak. U.S. stock futures rose as investors looked ahead to developments concerning President Donald Trump’s tariffs. Reports indicated that Trump may narrow his broad tariff approach to focus on countries with significant trade surpluses with the U.S., many of which are in Asia. Deepal signs agreement with Crack Platoon for nationwide EV charging network President Trump has set April 2 as a deadline for imposing additional tariffs on trading partners, following a series of prior deadlines that had been postponed, sometimes at the last moment. During a meeting with business leaders and U.S. Senator Steve Daines, the first U.S. Congress member to visit Beijing since Trump’s inauguration, Chinese Premier Li Qiang adopted a conciliatory tone. Li stated that relations between the two countries had reached a crucial point and emphasized the need for dialogue over confrontation and win-win cooperation instead of zero-sum competition. He expressed China’s hope for joint efforts with the U.S. to ensure steady and sustainable relations between the two nations. The meeting also involved leaders from major American businesses, including FedEx CEO Raj Subramaniam, Boeing Senior VP Brendan Nelson, Qualcomm CEO Cristiano Amon, and Pfizer CEO Albert Bourla. IG’s Junrong Yeap noted that Trump administration officials had hinted that the list of affected countries may not be universal, and existing tariffs, such as those on steel, might not necessarily be cumulative. This sparked optimism that Trump’s tariff plans might be more posturing than substantial. Despite this, Chinese markets remained sluggish. Hong Kong's Hang Seng Index dropped 0.3% to 23,613.50, while the Shanghai Composite Index fell 0.3% to 3,356.50. In Tokyo, the Nikkei 225 remained mostly flat at 37,676.97, after a preliminary manufacturing report showed the fastest decline in output in a year, with new orders falling at an even quicker rate. Taiwan’s Taiex rose by 0.1%. On Friday, the S&P 500 edged up by 0.1% to 5,667.56, marking a 0.5% weekly gain, though it remains down 4.8% for the month. The Dow Jones Industrial Average gained 0.1% to 41,985.35, while the Nasdaq composite rose 0.5% to 17,784.05. Technology stocks led the charge, helping to offset broader declines in the S&P 500. The tech sector, which has been central to the market's recent sell-offs after a strong performance in the previous year, includes some of Wall Street’s most valuable stocks. Apple rose by around 2%, and Microsoft added 1.1%. However, Nvidia fell by 0.7%, while Micron Technology saw an 8% drop, marking the biggest decline among S&P 500 stocks. Johnson & Johnson plans $55b in US investments over the next 4yrs Stocks have been struggling for weeks due to concerns about the U.S. economy's direction. A trade war with key U.S. trading partners threatens to exacerbate inflation, impacting both consumers and businesses. Inflation remains persistently above the Federal Reserve’s 2% target, and tariffs could undermine the central bank's efforts to control inflation. Recent economic data on home sales, industrial production, and unemployment suggested the economy remains resilient, while other reports on consumer sentiment and retail sales revealed growing caution among consumers. Businesses have been warning investors about the negative impacts of tariffs, inflation, and uncertainty on costs. Homebuilder Lennar dropped by 4% after issuing a weaker-than-expected forecast for new orders and average sales prices in the current quarter. The company attributed the decline to high interest rates, inflation, and decreased consumer confidence, which are all impacting the already challenging housing market. In other markets, U.S. benchmark crude oil declined by 22 cents to $68.06 per barrel in electronic trading on the New York Mercantile Exchange. Brent crude, the international benchmark, fell by 30 cents to $71.86 per barrel. The U.S. dollar rose to 149.78 Japanese yen from 149.37 yen, while the euro edged up to $1.0823 from $1.0816.

Gaza's Health Ministry reports that Israel targeted the largest hospital in southern Gaza on Sunday night, resulting in one death, several injuries, and a significant fire. The strike hit the surgical building of Nasser Hospital in Khan Younis, just days after the hospital was overwhelmed with casualties following Israel’s resumption of attacks last week. Israel's military confirmed the strike, claiming it targeted a Hamas militant operating at the hospital. Israel attributes civilian deaths to Hamas, accusing them of operating in densely populated areas. Israeli airstrikes kill senior Hamas leader, 18 others; Houthis launch missile toward Israel Nasser Hospital, like many other medical facilities in Gaza, has sustained damage from Israeli airstrikes throughout the conflict. The Health Ministry also reported that over 50,000 Palestinians have died in the ongoing conflict, with the military stating that they have killed dozens of militants since the end of a ceasefire earlier this week. On the political front, public unrest in Israel has been growing, with protests outside Prime Minister Netanyahu’s office and calls for changes in direction. Meanwhile, in Gaza, Israel's military ordered thousands of people to leave the severely damaged Tel al-Sultan neighborhood in Rafah, causing more displacement amidst ongoing strikes. Israel also confirmed the death of a Hamas leader, Salah Bardawil, in an airstrike in Muwasi, along with his wife. In southern Gaza, hospitals reported receiving 24 more bodies from overnight strikes, including several women and children. The Health Ministry's figures show a staggering death toll, including over 15,000 children. Meanwhile, Israel claims it has killed around 20,000 militants, although they have not provided evidence. Israel retaliates with strikes on Lebanon after rocket attack The ceasefire that had been in place since January has collapsed, with no progress in the planned negotiations for the next phase. Additionally, Israel's government passed a measure to create 13 new settlements in the West Bank, bringing the total number of settlements to 140, despite international opposition.

Tiger Woods has publicly confirmed his relationship with Vanessa Trump, the former daughter-in-law of President Donald Trump, by sharing two photos on social media with the message, “Love is in the air.” Woods and Vanessa, who was married to Donald Trump Jr., were recently spotted together at Torrey Pines in San Diego, where Woods was present for the final round of the Genesis Invitational to award the trophy as the tournament host. Vanessa’s daughter, Kai Trump, attends the same school as Woods' children, Sam and Charlie. Kai and Charlie also participated in a prestigious junior golf tournament this week. Tiger Woods' son, Charlie, qualifies for first USGA event at age 15 Woods shared on X, where he has 6.4 million followers: “Love is in the air and life is better with you by my side! We look forward to our journey through life together.” He further requested privacy for their loved ones during this time. One of the photos shows Woods and Vanessa posing together, while the other captures them lounging in a hammock, with Vanessa’s arm resting on his chest as he looks up. The couple had been the subject of media speculation for several weeks. Vanessa was married to Donald Trump Jr. for 12 years, with whom she has five children. Woods had previously announced on March 11 that he had ruptured his left Achilles tendon, which would keep him out of the Masters and likely the rest of the year. It’s unclear why Woods, who is known for keeping his personal life private, decided to confirm the relationship by posting photos. This move recalls a similar situation in 2013, when Woods and Lindsey Vonn shared pictures of themselves together to confirm their relationship. At the time, Woods expressed his desire to reduce media intrusion, saying they wanted to avoid the "stalkarazzi" and limit paparazzi access to their private moments. Tiger Woods returns to Florida to recover from car crash Woods has two children from his marriage to Elin Nordegren, whom he divorced in 2010 following revelations of multiple extramarital affairs. His only other public relationship was with Erica Herman, which ended in October 2022 after about seven years. Their breakup was complicated, and Herman eventually dropped lawsuits against Woods and the trust that owns his South Florida estate, where she had been residing.

The Pakistani drama industry flourishes with its gripping narratives and deep-rooted heritage. In 2025, trending content spans drama, romance, and comedy, stirring audiences with emotional depth. Available on widely accessible YouTube, these dramas are racking up millions of views. Let’s explore the top Pakistani dramas dominating the digital space in 2025. Top 10 Trending Pakistani Dramas in 2025  . Meem Se Mohabbat Penned by Farhat Ishtiaq and directed by Ali Hassan, this drama unfolds deep connections in unexpected moments, blending tenderness with heartbreak. Roshi, a carefree girl, lands an internship where she meets Talha, a grieving single father devoted to his traumatized son, Mohid. Their unexpected bond sparks change. The series stars Ahad Raza Mir and Dananeer Mobeen in key roles, supported by Khadija Saleem and Mekael Diwan. Read more: April 2025 Hindi Films Lineup: Top 10 Most Hyped Bollywood Releases Since its debut on December 5, 2024, Hum TV’s YouTube channel has aired the binge-worthy series every Wednesday and Thursday. Link: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLbVdwtmx18sv5yjgfkIOpaSBt8sZrTh76 Aas Paas Starring Ali Ansari and Laiba Khan in lead roles, this drama follows Arshia, a determined young woman striving to reunite her family after her father’s abandonment. She crosses paths with Dr. Saham, a dedicated professional with his own struggles. Together, they embark on a journey where their devotion to family is tested, challenging their own happiness. Mohammad Iftikhar Iffi’s direction and Samra Bukhari’s writing elevate the romantic series. Read more: April 2025 South Indian Film Slate: 12 most hyped releases Launched on March 2, 2025, ‘Aas Paas’ finds its audience daily on HarPalGeo TV’s YouTube platform. Link: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLdZNFVCDo_1fl-kRzohA6tAAXHCk8P4Df Judwaa Helmed by Furqan Adam and written by Fizza Jafri and Orooj Binte Arsalan, this series features Aina Asif in a dual role. The supporting cast includes Adnan Raza Mir, Shahood Alvi, Sabreen Hisbani, and Zhalay Surhadi. ‘Judwaa’ tells the story of twin sisters with identical faces but opposing personalities and destinies. One gentle and reserved, the other bold and fearless. Fate leads them through unexpected, dramatic twists. Read more: Amazon Prime Video Original Lineup for April 2025: Most Hyped Web Series and Films From February 6, 2025, onwards, this captivating drama now airs every day on Hum TV’s YouTube. Link: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLbVdwtmx18suuF0meUSymnXvbc6yCtoQd Mann Mast Malang Starring Danish Taimoor, Sahar Hashmi, and Ali Raza, this series boasts Ali Faizan as its director and Nooran Makhdoom as its writer. This drama series follows two families, once united by their children’s engagement, who become sworn enemies after a single incident. As the story unfolds, former fiances Kabeer and Riya begin to grow closer, eventually falling in love. Their relationship faces the challenge of reconciling their feuding families as they fight to make their love successful at any cost. Read more: Top 10 Netflix English Originals to Watch in April 2025: Movies, Series, and Shows Since February 21, 2025, the marathon-worthy show continues to be airing on HarPalGeo’s YouTube channel every Friday to Sunday. Link: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLdZNFVCDo_1fTLEzoy2KPER3pvFw4QFxY Dil Wali Gali Mein With Sajal Ali and Hamza Sohail taking centre stage, this romantic comedy thrives under the direction of Kashif Nisar and the writing of Zafar Mairaj. In this love, comedy, and family feud, Deeju and Mujji, college sweethearts, are swept up in a storm of rivalry. They plan a court marriage until fate has other plans. Read more: March 2025 K-Drama Fever: 10 Most-hyped Shows Worth Binge-Watching Kicking off on March 2, 2025, the irresistible watch has been a daily treat for viewers on the YouTube platform of Hum TV. Link: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLbVdwtmx18suslhoh5aIL_XJRDGIO_Y2D

Second Lady Usha Vance is set to visit Greenland as President Donald Trump advocates for the United States to take control of the self-governing, mineral-rich territory, which is a part of American ally Denmark. Vance will depart on Thursday and return on Saturday, as stated by her office. She and one of her three children will be part of a U.S. delegation visiting historic sites and learning about Greenlandic culture. South Korean court overturns PM Han's impeachment Reports from media in Greenland and Denmark indicate that Vance will be joined by Trump’s national security adviser, Mike Waltz. Neither the White House nor the National Security Council have responded to requests for comment. During his first term, Trump expressed interest in purchasing Greenland, despite Denmark, a NATO ally, insisting it was not for sale. Greenland’s people also strongly opposed Trump’s idea. Vice President JD Vance stated on Sunday that Trump “doesn’t care” about European reactions. He claimed Denmark was failing in its responsibilities towards Greenland and not being a good ally. “If that means we need to take more territorial interest in Greenland, that’s what President Trump is going to do,” Vance said on Fox News' Sunday Morning Futures. He added, “He doesn’t care about what the Europeans scream at us; he cares about putting the interests of American citizens first.” Since returning to the White House, Trump has repeatedly suggested the U.S. should control Greenland, citing national security concerns, though he insists his goal is not American expansionism. “I think we will have it,” Trump said about Greenland shortly after beginning his second term on January 20. The U.S. already maintains a military base there, and the president's eldest son, Donald Trump Jr., visited it in January. During her trip, Usha Vance will attend the Avannaata Qimussersu, Greenland’s national dogsled race, featuring around 37 mushers and 444 dogs. Her office stated that Vance and the U.S. delegation “are excited to witness this monumental race and celebrate Greenlandic culture and unity.” In a recent Oval Office meeting with NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte, Trump commented that “Denmark’s very far away” from Greenland, questioning whether Denmark still had the right to claim the island as part of its kingdom. “A boat landed there 200 years ago or something. And they say they have rights to it,” Trump said. “I don’t know if that’s true. I don’t think it is, actually.” Greenland’s parliament issued a joint statement last week rejecting Trump’s remarks. Denmark has acknowledged Greenland’s right to independence whenever it chooses. US lifts bounties on senior Taliban officials, including Sirajuddin Haqqani In addition to his focus on Greenland, Trump has hinted at the possibility of military intervention in Panama to take control of the Panama Canal, suggested that Canada should become the 51st U.S. state, and proposed that U.S. interests might take control of the war-torn Gaza Strip from Israel to develop it into a resort area akin to the French Riviera.

A chilling wave of sexual violence is engulfing Bangladesh, leaving a trail of shattered lives and sparking nationwide outrage. The recent, horrific rape and subsequent death of eight-year-old girl in Magura has become a stark symbol of a deepening crisis, igniting a fierce debate about the safety of Bangladesh’s women and children. More than 17 million Eid holidaymakers expected to depart Greater Dhaka While the government has responded to the escalating public outcry with promises of swift investigations and trials – 15 days for probes, 90 days for conclusions – the grim statistics paint a picture of a society struggling to protect its most vulnerable. Figures from the human rights organisation Ain o Salish Kendra (ASK) reveal a disturbing reality: 401 women fell victim to rape and gang rape in 2024 alone, with a shocking number murdered or driven to suicide in the aftermath. The early months of 2025 offer no respite, with dozens more cases reported in January, February and March -- many involving children. Experts fear these numbers represent just the tip of the iceberg, with societal stigma and fear contributing to significant underreporting. Amidst this atmosphere of fear and anger, a question hangs heavy in the air: can modern technology, particularly the proliferation of mobile applications, offer a tangible solution in preventing these heinous crimes? While no technological fix can address the deep-rooted societal issues that fuel sexual violence, a growing number of experts believe that harnessing the power of digital tools could provide a crucial layer of defence for potential victims. Professor Dr Md Mesbahuddin Sarker, from Jahangirnagar University's Institute of Technology, is among those who see potential in this approach. "We have reached a point where relying solely on existing laws is insufficient," he argues. "Modern technology, including mobile apps and the Internet of Things, presents a vital opportunity to empower individuals and potentially deter perpetrators." Several such applications have already emerged in Bangladesh, each offering a unique set of features designed to enhance safety. The 'Anti-Rape Device,' conceived in January 2020, is a discreet wearable that can be triggered to send an immediate distress signal to the police. Eid sales expected to hit Tk 2 lakh crore reinforcing its economic might Meanwhile, 'Joy,' launched in 2018 by A2I and the Ministry of Women and Children Affairs, provides a platform for reporting violence and seeking help. 'Bachao,' introduced in January 2022, leverages GPS technology to connect users in danger with a network of pre-selected contacts and emergency services at the press of a 'Rape Alert' button. The 'Alley' app, a champion of a university software exhibition, boasts a 'Danger Mode' that automatically alerts trusted individuals and emergency numbers if it detects signs of distress through movement or sound in potentially risky environments. However, the promise of these technological interventions is tempered by significant challenges. Professor Sarker points out the critical issue of accessibility, with some apps requiring paid subscriptions, potentially excluding those most in need. More fundamentally, there is a stark lack of public awareness. Ruhi, a university master's student, expressed surprise when asked about these safety apps. "I didn’t know about them," she admitted. "I’ve never heard of them before." This sentiment was echoed by Sathi Akter, a 38-year-old WASA employee and mother. "What are you talking about? I don’t know anything about them," she said, highlighting the urgent need for greater dissemination of information. "My daughter is) l14. It’s important for us to know about these things so that we can raise awareness for ourselves and our children." Even the police, while acknowledging the potential of these tools, reveal the early stages of their integration. Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) Deputy Commissioner Talebur Rahman highlighted the recent launch of the 'HELP' app, specifically designed for women on public transport. "Through this app, women can immediately report harassment or sexual assault in moving buses or other public transport using their smartphone and internet connectivity," he explained. But, he recognised that they were yet to see any successful distress signals through the app. DMP's cybercrime department, under Deputy Commissioner Md Shahjahan, reiterated that their actions are primarily driven by formal complaints. "We take action based on complaints from victims. They need to formally report incidents for us to proceed," he stated, confirming that no complaints had yet been received through the safety apps. Manikchhari College buckling under pressure as exam chaos grows The road ahead for leveraging technology in the fight against sexual violence in Bangladesh is fraught with both opportunity and obstacles. While these apps offer a glimmer of hope by empowering individuals with tools for immediate assistance and potential deterrence, their true impact hinges on widespread awareness, affordability, and seamless integration with law enforcement and support services. Experts stress that technology alone cannot eradicate the deeply ingrained societal issues that fuel this violence. Public education campaigns, robust policy support, and ongoing technological enhancements are crucial to ensure these digital tools genuinely reach and help those in danger. Ultimately, the fight against this "shadow pandemic" requires a multi-pronged approach, where technology acts as a vital component within a broader societal commitment to safety, equality, and justice for all women and children.

Feeling stressed, unwell, or burnt out at work? A Swiss town is offering a unique approach to healing: art therapy through museum visits, prescribed by doctors. In Neuchâtel, Switzerland, a two-year pilot project has been launched where doctors can prescribe free visits to any of the town's four museums for patients they believe could benefit from exposure to art. Mangal Shobhajatra may get a new name: Farooki Local authorities are covering the costs of these "museum prescriptions," based on a 2019 World Health Organization report which highlighted the positive effects of the arts on mental health, trauma recovery, cognitive decline, frailty, and premature mortality. Art can serve as preventive medicine, helping to relax the mind. Additionally, museum visits encourage physical activity through walking and standing for extended periods. Julie Courcier Delafontaine, a council member in Neuchâtel, noted that the COVID-19 crisis also contributed to the program's creation. "During the lockdowns, people realized just how much we need cultural sites to feel better," she said. So far, around 500 museum prescriptions have been distributed, with a budget of 10,000 Swiss francs (around $11,300). If successful, the program could be expanded to include other forms of artistic expression, such as theatre or dance. Although the Swiss national healthcare system doesn't yet recognize culture as therapy, Courcier Delafontaine hopes the program’s success will change that. Marianne de Reynier Nevsky, the town’s cultural mediation manager, who helped create the program, mentioned a similar initiative in Montreal, Canada, in 2019. She believes it could benefit a wide range of patients, such as those suffering from depression, chronic illness, or mobility issues. The goal is also to encourage patients who are reluctant to leave their homes to get moving. Dr. Marc-Olivier Sauvain, head of surgery at Neuchâtel Hospital, has already prescribed museum visits to patients to help them prepare physically for surgery. He expects a wider rollout after a control group is established. "It's wishful thinking to tell patients to walk or stroll to improve fitness before surgery," Sauvain explained. "Museum prescriptions offer both physical and intellectual exercise." For patients, this approach is often more appealing than traditional treatments. "It's really nice to prescribe museum visits rather than medications or tests that patients don’t enjoy," Sauvain said. World Mime Day 2025 celebrated in Dhaka Some visitors to the museums, like poet and retired teacher Carla Fragniere Filliger, have expressed their support for the initiative. "I think it’s a great idea," she said during her visit. "There should be prescriptions for all the museums in the world!"

Conan O'Brien was honoured with the Mark Twain Prize for lifetime achievement in comedy at a ceremony on Sunday night at the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, amidst ongoing tensions surrounding the institution's leadership. O'Brien, 61, was announced as the recipient of the prestigious award in January, just weeks before President Donald Trump made significant changes to the Kennedy Center, removing its long-time president and chairman of the board. Trump replaced the board with his loyalists, who then elected him as chairman. Faria's call for action against misogyny leads to man's termination from Sajida Foundation During the event, O'Brien was celebrated with tributes and messages from a host of comics and celebrities, many of whom also addressed the uncertain future of the institution. "I think it would be insane not to address the elephant in the room," comedian Nikki Glaser remarked before the event. "It's in the air tonight. This night is about Conan, but it can be both." As the ceremony got underway, Stephen Colbert joked about the addition of two new board members: Bashar Assad, the former president of Syria, and Skeletor, a fictional villain. John Mulaney humorously suggested that the building might soon be renamed “the Roy Cohn Pavilion,” in reference to one of Trump’s mentors. Sarah Silverman made several Trump-related jokes, though many were too explicit to be shared. Trump had stated on social media that the individuals removed from the board “do not share our Vision for a Golden Age in Arts and Culture.” How this vision unfolds remains unclear, but Trump has expressed interest in booking more Broadway shows and has proposed granting Kennedy Center Honors to actor Sylvester Stallone and singer Paul Anka. Amid this turmoil, O'Brien steps into the spotlight, known for his more lighthearted and self-deprecating comedic style. While his work has generally avoided overtly political themes, he has tackled sensitive societal issues. In 2011, O'Brien officiated a live gay wedding on his show, marrying his longtime costume designer, Scott Cronick, and his partner, David Gorshein. O'Brien gained national attention in 1993 when he replaced David Letterman as the host of “Late Night,” despite having no significant on-screen experience. Previously a writer for "Saturday Night Live" and "The Simpsons," he had made only occasional appearances as a background extra. He went on to host “Late Night” for 16 years, longer than any other host. Later, O'Brien was chosen to replace Jay Leno as the host of “The Tonight Show,” but his tenure ended in failure after just seven months. Following a public dispute with NBC over declining ratings and the return of Leno, O'Brien received a multimillion-dollar payout to exit the network in early 2010. O'Brien then moved to TBS, where he continued hosting a talk show, launching popular podcasts and travel series. His travel show “Conan O’Brien Must Go” received both critical and audience acclaim, with a second season underway. Recently, his hosting of the Academy Awards was met with positive feedback, leading the producers to announce his return next year. Since Trump’s takeover of the Kennedy Center, several artists, including “Hamilton” producers and actress/writer Issa Rae, have cancelled planned appearances. Others, like comedian W. Kamau Bell, have addressed the controversy directly during performances, while cellist Erin Murphy Snedecor ended her recent set with the protest song "All You Fascists Bound to Lose." Salman Khan attends Sikandar trailer launch with father Salim Khan Previous recipients of the lifetime achievement award include David Letterman, Jay Leno, George Carlin, Whoopi Goldberg, Bob Newhart, Carol Burnett, Bill Murray, and Dave Chappelle. The ceremony will be available for streaming on Netflix later this year, although the date has not yet been confirmed.

South Korea’s Constitutional Court on Monday reversed the impeachment of Prime Minister Han Duck-soo, reinstating him as acting leader of the country. This decision was made while the court has yet to issue a verdict on the separate impeachment of President Yoon Suk Yeol. Many analysts believe the ruling on Han’s impeachment doesn’t offer much insight into the likely outcome of Yoon's case, as Han was not central to the controversial imposition of martial law by Yoon. Nevertheless, the decision could strengthen Yoon's loyal supporters and intensify their political campaign against the opposition. US lifts bounties on senior Taliban officials, including Sirajuddin Haqqani Han became acting president after Yoon, a conservative, was impeached by the opposition-controlled National Assembly in December following Yoon’s imposition of martial law on December 3, which sparked a political crisis. However, Han himself faced impeachment by the assembly later that month amid political conflict with opposition lawmakers. The consecutive and unprecedented impeachments of the nation’s top two leaders deepened the country’s political division and raised concerns over its diplomatic and economic stability. In the interim, Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister Choi Sang-mok served as acting president. On Monday, seven of the court’s eight justices ruled to overturn or dismiss Han's impeachment, stating that the accusations against him were not legally valid or significant enough to justify his removal from office, or that the impeachment motion had failed to meet the necessary quorum in the assembly. Only one justice upheld the impeachment. A dismissal of Han would have required the backing of at least six justices. After his reinstatement, Han addressed the media, stating that he would focus on "the most urgent matters," including the shifting global trade landscape, likely alluding to the Trump administration’s aggressive trade policies. He also called for national unity, stating that "there’s no left or right — what matters is the advancement of our nation." The court has not yet ruled on Yoon's impeachment. If upheld, South Korea will need to hold a presidential election. If Yoon’s impeachment is overturned, he will be restored to office with full presidential powers. Yoon's impeachment came about two weeks before Han's. Observers had expected the Constitutional Court to rule on Yoon's case in mid-March, but no decision has been made as of now. Yoon has also been arrested and charged with rebellion related to his martial law decree. If convicted, he faces either the death penalty or a life sentence. On March 8, a Seoul district court allowed Yoon to stand trial while not being detained, leading to his release from prison. Massive protests for and against Yoon have divided South Korea’s major cities, including Seoul. Earlier polls suggested that a majority of South Koreans disapproved of Yoon's martial law decree, though support for Yoon and his sympathizers has grown since then. The main point of contention in the political battle over Yoon is his deployment of hundreds of troops and police to the assembly following the declaration of martial law. While Yoon claims the intention was to maintain order, military and police officials have stated that Yoon ordered them to remove lawmakers to prevent a vote to rescind his decree. Eventually, enough lawmakers managed to vote against the decree, rejecting it unanimously. Han, a seasoned diplomat appointed by Yoon, attempted to stabilize diplomatic relations and reassure financial markets while serving as acting president. His refusal to fill three vacancies on the nine-member Constitutional Court, however, triggered the opposition’s push for his impeachment. Restoring the court’s full membership became a contentious issue, as a ruling in favor of Yoon’s impeachment would require at least six justices. Han’s successor, Choi Sang-mok, appointed two new justices but left the ninth seat vacant. Turkish court orders key Erdogan rival jailed pending trial on corruption charges Both Han and Choi argued that bipartisan consent was needed to appoint new justices, but critics suggested they were aligning with Yoon's People Power Party to increase Yoon’s chances of returning to power. On Friday, the main liberal opposition party, the Democratic Party, along with other smaller opposition parties, submitted an impeachment motion against Choi.

The work is highly technical, taking place in a setting that resembles a laboratory rather than a museum. A fragment of a glazed roof tile from Beijing’s Forbidden City undergoes analysis in a cutting-edge X-ray diffraction machine, which generates images that are then displayed on computer screens. The fragment being examined has a darkened area on its surface, which restorers seek to identify. Their goal is to enhance the preservation of artifacts in the vast imperial palace, which served as the residence of China’s emperors and the centre of power for centuries. Researchers find potential to delay Alzheimer’s symptoms, but funding delays threaten progress “We want to determine what the black substance is,” said Kang Baoqiang, one of the restorers at the site, now a museum drawing visitors from around the globe. “Whether it originates from atmospheric sediment or is the result of significant internal changes.” A team of approximately 150 workers blends scientific analysis with traditional methods to clean, repair, and restore the museum’s collection of over 1.8 million relics. The collection includes scroll paintings, calligraphy, bronzes, ceramics, and, somewhat unexpectedly, elaborate antique clocks presented to emperors by early European visitors. In a room down the corridor from the X-ray facility, two restorers meticulously patch holes in a panel of patterned green silk featuring the Chinese character for “longevity,” carefully applying colour in a technique known as “inpainting.” This piece is believed to have been a birthday gift for Empress Dowager Cixi, the influential figure behind the throne in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Much of the restoration work is painstaking and repetitive, often taking months to complete. “I don’t have grand ambitions about protecting traditional cultural heritage, as some people say,” remarked Wang Nan, one of the restorers. “I simply find satisfaction in the sense of accomplishment when an antique piece is restored.” Now a major tourist attraction in central Beijing, the Forbidden City was named by foreigners during imperial times because access was largely restricted. Officially, it is known as the Palace Museum. During World War II, many of its treasures were swiftly removed to prevent them from falling into the hands of the invading Japanese army. Later, during the civil war that led to the Communist Party’s rise to power in 1949, the defeated Nationalists transported many of the most valuable items to Taiwan, where they are now housed in the National Palace Museum. Since then, Beijing’s Palace Museum has rebuilt its collection. How will the universe end? A changing understanding of dark energy may provide a new answer Restoration techniques have also progressed, noted Qu Feng, head of the museum’s Conservation Department, though traditional methods remain the foundation of their work. “When we restore an antique, we safeguard the cultural values it embodies,” Qu said. “And that is our ultimate objective.”

On the grounds of a gas-fired power plant on Canada’s eastern coast, an obscure company is pumping a mineral-rich slurry into the ocean, aiming to combat climate change. Whether this is an act of pollution or a breakthrough in climate solutions depends on perspective. A pipe along the shore releases a blend of water and magnesium oxide—a fine white powder commonly used in construction and antacids. Planetary Technologies, based in Nova Scotia, is betting that this mineral will help the ocean absorb more greenhouse gases. Finding health advice on social media is easy—but knowing what to trust is harder "Restore the climate. Heal the ocean," reads the slogan displayed on a nearby shipping container. Planetary is one of many emerging companies exploring ways to harness the ocean’s natural ability to absorb carbon. With a $1 million grant from Elon Musk’s foundation, it is also in the running for a $50 million prize. Numerous other companies and research groups are testing similar concepts—whether by sinking rocks, dispersing nutrients, submerging agricultural waste, or cultivating seaweed—to trap carbon dioxide for centuries. Over the past four years, nearly 50 field trials have been conducted, with startups securing hundreds of millions in funding. However, debate surrounds the potential consequences of scaling these approaches and their true effectiveness in combating climate change. Critics argue the industry is advancing too hastily without sufficient oversight. “It’s like the Wild West. Everyone is jumping on board, eager to contribute,” said Adina Paytan, a professor of earth and ocean sciences at the University of California, Santa Cruz. Planetary, like many ocean startups, finances its projects by selling carbon credits—certificates representing one metric ton of carbon dioxide removed from the air. Though largely unregulated and widely debated, carbon credits have become a common way for businesses to offset emissions rather than reducing them directly. These credits often sell for several hundred dollars each. Last year, the industry sold over 340,000 marine carbon credits—up from just 2,000 four years prior, according to tracking site CDR.fyi. Yet, this remains a minuscule fraction of what scientists estimate is necessary to maintain a habitable planet. Despite the uncertainties, industry leaders like Will Burt, Planetary’s chief ocean scientist, acknowledge they are venturing into unknown territory. However, they argue that inaction poses an even greater risk to both the planet and the oceans. “We need to determine if this approach works as quickly as possible. The sooner, the better.” U.S. regulators recall nearly all Tesla Cybertrucks over safety issue Drawing Carbon into the Ocean Carbon capture efforts have expanded significantly in recent years. According to the United Nations’ Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, cutting emissions alone will not be sufficient to slow global warming. Actively removing heat-trapping gases is essential, and the ocean presents a vast and logical solution. Significant investments have already been made in land-based approaches, including extracting carbon dioxide from the air, underground storage, and reforestation. However, these methods are often limited by space and potential disruptions to local communities. In contrast, the ocean, which already plays a crucial role in regulating the planet’s climate, appears nearly boundless. “Can the ocean’s vast surface area help mitigate the worst effects of climate change?” asked Adam Subhas, who leads a carbon removal project at the Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution in Massachusetts. On a recent afternoon along Halifax Harbour, Burt swapped his bike helmet for a hard hat as he guided two engineering students through Planetary’s site. A detached truck trailer stored massive bags of magnesium oxide mined in Spain and shipped across the Atlantic to Canada. Many companies exploring ocean-based climate solutions aim to reduce or transform the carbon dioxide stored in seawater. If successful, Burt explained, the ocean will act "like a vacuum," drawing in more carbon from the atmosphere. Planetary’s approach involves dissolving magnesium oxide into seawater, which converts carbon dioxide from a gas into stable molecules that remain out of the atmosphere for millennia. Other alkaline minerals, like limestone and olivine, have a similar effect. Other startups are focusing on cultivating seaweed and algae to absorb carbon dioxide, similar to how trees remove carbon from the air. Gigablue, for instance, is adding nutrients to New Zealand’s waters to stimulate the growth of phytoplankton, which would not otherwise thrive there. Some companies see the ocean’s depths as a storage site for organic materials that would otherwise emit greenhouse gases on land. Startups have submerged wood chips off Iceland’s coast and are planning to sink Sargassum seaweed to extreme depths. Carboniferous is seeking federal approval to deposit sugarcane pulp in the Gulf of Mexico, also called the Gulf of America by President Donald Trump. Burt acknowledges that Planetary’s work may seem like a “scary science experiment.” However, early tests indicate minimal risks to marine life. Magnesium oxide is already used in water treatment facilities to neutralise acidity. Halifax Harbour is just one of Planetary’s testing locations. The company also operates at a wastewater treatment facility in Virginia and plans to launch trials in Vancouver later this year. The National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine estimate that to meet the climate goals set during the Paris Agreement, billions of tons of carbon dioxide must be removed from the atmosphere annually by mid-century. “The goal is to counteract the rapidly worsening climate crisis,” Burt said. “We must act with caution and integrity, but we must also act swiftly.” Balancing Enthusiasm and Caution Despite industry optimism, not all coastal communities are eager to embrace these initiatives. In North Carolina, plans to deposit large quantities of olivine near the town of Duck faced regulatory concerns, reducing the project’s scale by more than half. Vesta, the company behind the initiative, promotes olivine as a tool for absorbing carbon while reinforcing coastlines against erosion. However, state and federal agencies raised concerns about potential harm to marine ecosystems, including habitats for sea turtles and Atlantic sturgeon. Vesta CEO Tom Green acknowledged that the initial proposal was unlikely to be approved as submitted. “It’s about starting a dialogue with regulators and local communities,” he explained. After incorporating a restoration plan and more detailed monitoring, a scaled-down version of the project proceeded last summer. Now, 8,000 metric tons of olivine from Norway lie beneath North Carolina’s waves. Green understands the skepticism and emphasises that Vesta’s intent is to protect, not harm, the environment. “It’s our responsibility to engage with local communities, present our data, and build trust.” Other projects have faced similar resistance. Fishing communities have voiced concerns over a Woods Hole project near Cape Cod that involves introducing sodium hydroxide into ocean waters. While the Environmental Protection Agency supports the project’s scientific merits, fishermen worry about potential impacts on marine life and local industries. Planetary, too, encountered opposition in Cornwall, England, where a proposed magnesium hydroxide release sparked protests. Following community backlash and government recommendations, the company paused operations, pledging to source minerals closer to the site and abstain from selling carbon credits from previous releases. The Unanswered Questions Even among scientists, uncertainties remain. Some principles behind these technologies have been studied for decades, yet real-world trials are essential to understanding large-scale impacts. Tracking how the ocean processes added materials is complex. Elements may sink, disperse, or alter in ways difficult to predict. “It’s incredibly challenging to control the ocean,” noted carbon cycle scientist Sarah Cooley. Questions persist regarding how long carbon will remain sequestered. Organic material like seaweed and wood chips could eventually decompose, re-releasing carbon. While some estimates suggest centuries or millennia of storage, others predict mere decades. Scaling these efforts to billions of tons annually presents further challenges, requiring vast resources, energy, and funding. Despite uncertainties, many experts argue that waiting is not an option. With global temperatures breaking records and carbon emissions reaching new highs, the urgency to act grows stronger. “The alternative to trying,” said David Ho, an oceanography professor at the University of Hawaii, “is allowing climate change to continue unchecked.”

Ishan Kishan smashed an unbeaten 106 off 47 deliveries as Sunrisers Hyderabad clinched a 44-run victory over Rajasthan Royals in their opening match of the 2025 Indian Premier League on Sunday. Kishan’s explosive innings, featuring 11 fours and six sixes, marked his maiden IPL century on debut for his new team, which recorded its second-highest total in tournament history. Travis Head contributed 67 off 31 balls, as Hyderabad carried forward its 2024 momentum to post a formidable 286-6 in 20 overs. New Zealand beat Pakistan by 115 runs in 4th T20I The team’s previous highest total was 287-3 against Royal Challengers Bengaluru last season, the highest-ever IPL score. In the later match, Chennai Super Kings triumphed over Mumbai Indians by four wickets with five balls to spare in a high-stakes showdown. Afghanistan’s left-arm wrist spinner Noor Ahmad returned exceptional figures of 4-18 in four overs, helping Chennai restrict Mumbai to 155-9 after opting to bowl first. Tilak Varma top-scored with 31 off 25 balls. Rachin Ravindra’s unbeaten 65 off 45 balls, coupled with skipper Ruturaj Gaikwad’s rapid 53 off 26, powered Chennai to 158-6 in 19.1 overs. Rajasthan’s Brave Chase Falls Short at 242-6 Despite putting up a strong fight, Rajasthan Royals could only manage 242-6 in response to Hyderabad’s massive target. Dhruv Jurel led the charge with 70 off 35 balls, while Sanju Samson struck 66 off 37. Sent in to bat first, Hyderabad got off to a flying start with Head and Abhishek Sharma (24) putting together a blistering 45-run stand in just 19 balls. Kishan shifted gears, reaching his half-century in just 25 balls. Having been acquired at the season’s auction, he proved to be an instant success, smashing his way to a dominant hundred on his first outing for Hyderabad. He shared an 85-run stand off 39 balls with Head, who also struck nine fours and three sixes before falling just before the halfway mark. Kishan, alongside Hyderabad, kept the scoring rate high. He found able support in Nitish Reddy (30 off 15) and Heinrich Klaasen (34 off 14). His second fifty came off just 22 deliveries, propelling Hyderabad to a commanding total in their opening game. Heather Knight steps down as England Women’s Cricket captain after nine years A Forgettable Outing for England’s Jofra Archer England fast bowler Jofra Archer endured a torrid spell, conceding 76 runs in his four overs—the most expensive figures in IPL history. Rajasthan’s chase got off to a shaky start, with Yashasvi Jaiswal departing for just one and Riyan Parag falling for four—both in the second over. Nitish Rana followed soon after, dismissed for 11, leaving Rajasthan at 50-3. Samson, introduced as an impact substitute, made an instant impression. He raced to 50 in 26 balls and put together a 111-run partnership off 60 deliveries with Jurel, keeping Rajasthan in the contest on a batting-friendly surface. Jurel reached his half-century off 28 balls, striking six sixes and five fours to anchor the chase. However, Adam Zampa removed him in the 15th over, while Samson fell in the previous over. With the required rate soaring, Rajasthan struggled to pull off the mammoth chase despite late cameos from Shimron Hetmyer (42 off 23) and Shubham Dubey (34* off 11). Mumbai Struggles Against Spin in Chennai Ahmad starred with the ball after left-arm pacer Khaleel Ahmed claimed 3-29, including the prized wicket of Rohit Sharma for a four-ball duck. On a sluggish Chepauk pitch, Mumbai failed to gain momentum in their season opener. They also missed the services of captain Hardik Pandya, who was serving a slow over-rate suspension from last season. Stand-in skipper Suryakumar Yadav managed 29 off 26 before falling to Ahmad, who was assisted by a sharp stumping from Indian legend MS Dhoni, making his IPL return for Chennai at 43. Mumbai slumped to 96-6 in 13 overs and further to 118-7 in 16.1 overs. Deepak Chahar, making his Mumbai debut against his former team, chipped in with an unbeaten 28 off 15 balls, including two sixes, to push the total beyond 150. Chasing 156, Chennai was boosted by a 67-run second-wicket partnership off just 37 deliveries between Gaikwad and Ravindra. Gaikwad’s 50 came in just 22 balls, featuring three sixes and six fours. Mumbai fought back through 24-year-old left-arm wrist spinner Vignesh Puthur (3-32). Chennai kept losing wickets to Puthur and Will Jacks, but Ravindra ensured his side got across the line in the final over. Dhoni remained unbeaten on 0 off two deliveries.

Dhaka ranked sixth on the list of cities with the worst air quality with an AQI score of 176 at 8:28 am on Monday. The air was classified as “unhealthy,” according to the AQI index. Dhaka air quality ‘unhealthy’ Tuesday morning Senegal’s Dakar, India’s Delhi and Pakistan’s Lahore occupied the first, second, and third spots on the list, with AQI scores of 238, 219 and 202 respectively. When the AQI value for particle pollution is between 50 and 100, air quality is considered ‘moderate’, usually sensitive individuals should consider limiting prolonged outdoor exertion, between 101 and 150, air quality is considered ‘unhealthy for sensitive groups’, between 150 and 200 is ‘unhealthy’, between 201 and 300 is said to be 'very unhealthy', while a reading of 301+ is considered 'hazardous', posing serious health risks to residents. The AQI, an index for reporting daily air quality, informs people how clean or polluted the air of a certain city is and what associated health effects might be a concern for them. The AQI in Bangladesh is based on five pollutants: particulate matter (PM10 and PM2.5), NO2, CO, SO2, and ozone. Dhaka air ‘unhealthy for sensitive groups’ Sunday morning Dhaka has long been grappling with air pollution issues. Its air quality usually turns unhealthy in winter and improves during the monsoon. As per World Health Organization (WHO), air pollution kills an estimated seven million people worldwide every year, mainly due to increased mortality from stroke, heart disease, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, lung cancer, and acute respiratory infections.

A fire that broke out at a CNG-run autorickshaw garage at Palashbagh, Rampura of Dhaka, early Monday morning was brought under control. Six firefighting units from Khilgaon, Baridhara, Tejgaon, and Siddik Bazar fire stations brought the fire under control at 6:30 am, said Warehouse Inspector Anwarul Islam of the Fire Service and Civil Defence headquarters media cell. Fires destroy 90 acres of Sundarbans in 19 years Earlier, the fire broke out at the garage at 5:28 am. Further details regarding the cause of the fire and damages were yet to be known. Another fire breaks out in Sundarbans, this time near Shaplar Bil

UNICEF, a UN agency dedicated to promoting and protecting the rights of children worldwide, has said the interim government and law enforcement agencies should ensure immediate action and accountability for all reported cases of violence against children through strengthened investigation, prosecution, and judicial processes. Establishing a specialised child protection unit within law enforcement, trained in trauma-informed investigations and victim-sensitive approaches, is fundamental, said UNICEF Representative to Bangladesh Rana Flowers. Severe malnutrition among Rohingya children surge by 27%: Unicef Besides, she said, expanding and professionalising the social service workforce would provide gender-sensitive, child-centered support for survivors and their families. To secure justice for victims and survivors, independent and gender-sensitive prosecutors must be appointed to ensure timely prosecution and hold legal actors accountable for meeting the government’s 90-day case resolution target, she mentioned. The UNICEF Representative said she is "profoundly horrified" by the alarming rise in reported cases of sexual violence against children, especially girls, in Bangladesh over the last weeks. "I am especially concerned with the recent surge in horrific cases of child rape and sexual violence, including in places meant to protect and nurture children like educational institutions," Flowers said in a statement on recent cases of violence against children on Sunday. She said their hearts are especially heavy with the tragic death of the eight-year-old child from Magura a few days ago. Her death serves as a "devastating reminder" of how children, especially girls, are being subjected to grave violations of their fundamental rights and safety. Japan, Unicef sign $ 3.3mn deal to strengthen assistance for Rohingya children Sadly, Flowers said, this young girl´s death is merely one of many horrifying acts against children. According to UNICEF's monitoring, a distressing number of children have reportedly fallen victims of rape and murder in recent months. From January 2025 to March 16, media and local human rights organisations recorded approximately 50 cases of child rape. The trend seems to be getting even more worrisome - only on Monday 10 March, there were 7 children killed and 6 confirmed cases of violence. These statistics are more than just numbers; they represent shattered lives, profound trauma for survivors, and unimaginable grief for families and communities, Flowers said. These incidents have sparked deep concern across the nation, raising urgent questions about the safety and protection of children and adolescents, especially in the hands of people they trust at home and in schools. According to UNICEF estimates, 1 in 8 girls and women alive today globally experienced rape or sexual assault before the age of 18, and studies in Bangladesh confirm that perpetrators are often known to their victims. In response to this crisis, the UNICEF welcomed the order issued by the government to bring the perpetrators to justice immediately, while insisting on calling rape, such a heinous crime, by its rightful name. UNICEF acknowledged the interim government’s commitment to a "zero tolerance" policy against violence against women and girls. "We also commend the Bangladesh Telecommunication Regulatory Commission (BTRC) for its efforts in removing harmful content from online platforms," Flowers said. However, while these measures are crucial, they must be part of a broader, sustained effort to address the root causes of violence against children, she said. To create a society where every child can grow up free from fear and violence, Flowers said, the interim government and all stakeholders need to take immediate and decisive actions to strengthen and invest in child protection systems. The media also plays a crucial role in generating a safer society for children. Authorities should enforce ethical media and child safeguarding policies to protect children’s dignity and well-being during investigations and legal proceedings. Concurrently, Flowers said, media outlets should commit to responsible reporting by safeguarding the identity, privacy, and dignity of child survivors and victims, avoiding sensationalism, and preventing further harm to victims, families and communities. And very important, she said, they need the good men of Bangladesh to stand against all forms of violence and every parent to ensure that boys and girls are raised to respect the other, not to have some false sense of entitlement to abuse. The lack of safety and security for children contributes to the persistence of child marriage and other forms of violence. "Every child has the right to grow up in a safe and protective environment, both at home and in public spaces. Child survivors must be shielded from further trauma, especially during investigations and legal proceedings," Flowers said. Survivors deserve dignity, healing and justice, she said, adding that it is essential to respect their right to privacy—by authorities, media, law enforcement, the judiciary, and the public— to support their recovery. For child victims, Flowers said, justice must be swift and uncompromising, ensuring accountability for those responsible. UNICEF urges safer, fairer future for Bangladesh’s youth; calls for ending criminalization of children "At UNICEF, we remain steadfast in our commitment to child rights and protection and stand ready to support the interim government in strengthening child protection systems and ensuring a safer Bangladesh for all children," Flowers said.

India has not responded yet on Dhaka's request, seeking a meeting between Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on the sidelines of the BIMSTEC Summit in Bangkok, Thailand early next month. "No, there has been no response," said Foreign Affairs Adviser Md Touhid Hossain on Sunday when a journalist asked whether there was any response from Delhi regarding the possible meeting of the two leaders. On Wednesday, Bangladesh approached India through the diplomatic channel to arrange a meeting between Dr Yunus and Indian Prime Minister Modi on the sidelines of the upcoming BIMSTEC Summit in Bangkok. On March 21, the Indian Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said they have no update to share regarding a likely bilateral meeting between the two leaders. “On the meeting that you asked, a bilateral meeting, I don't have any update to share at this point in time,” said MEA Spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal at a weekly briefing in New Delhi when a journalist wanted to know whether there was a likelihood of Prime Minister Modi meeting Chief Adviser of Bangladesh Prof Yunus on the sidelines of the Summit. The MEA Spokesperson also said Bangladesh-India relationship is a wide canvas and they have been engaged with Bangladesh on several issues - development cooperation, economic matters and on issues of connectivity. Dr Yunus' China visit to be very productive, successful with some announcements Dr Yunus is scheduled to pay a two-day visit to Thailand to attend the BIMSTEC Summit, to be held on April 2-4 in Bangkok. Thailand will host the 6th Summit of the Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation (BIMSTEC) and Bangladesh will take responsibility as the next chair of Bimstec there, officials said. Thailand has taken over the Bimstec Chairmanship from Sri Lanka since 30 March 2022. BIMSTEC consists of seven member countries, namely Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Myanmar, Nepal, Sri Lanka and Thailand. BIMSTEC Secretary General Indra Mani Pandey recently said the Summit will have some significant outcomes. "It will set a direction for the future of Bimstec," he said. Dr Yunus said Dhaka has always insisted that Bangladesh’s relationship with India will be the best relationship ever. Because, he explained, the fate of Bangladesh and India is tied together and they cannot be isolated from each other. “So, we are always encouraging everything to happen in the best possible way,” Dr Yunus told BBC in a most recent interview, adding that the clouds due to some fake news are not part of the relationship that the two countries enjoy. The Chief Adviser thinks Bangladesh and India have an excellent relationship. “We will continue to do it,” he said, describing India as a good business partner of Bangladesh.

Former planning director of the Islamic University in Kushtia, Dr Nowab Ali Khan, is suspected of concealing files and documents from the university's Planning and Development division that may contain evidence of wrongdoing on his part. An allegation of embezzling Tk 6 crore using fake documents was raised against Nowab Ali Khan, former university administration officers, and Chhatra League leaders from the university's ongoing mega project . Fearful of getting caught and facing the law, he allegedly removed important files and documents from his office in the name of removing books and PhD documents, just after receiving his release order from the university administration. He packed multiple office files into three mini bags and a large sack. To avoid using the university’s main entrance, he reportedly advised his cohorts of danger and used the chief engineer’s car to exit through the university's gate no-2 near the dormitory area. According to sources, Estate office deputy director Moazzem Hossain was made the new planning director releasing Nowab Ali on March 5. Nowab Ali Khan was released from his position for opposing the students' movement during the July Mass Uprising. Islamic University VC highlights mission of global standard education and research As per the rules and regulations, the previous director should officially hand over his responsibilities to the new director. Nowab Ali, instead of doing that, allegedly took various files home from the office. Nowab Ali later handed over his charge to the newly appointed director on March 8 which intensified suspicions. Chief engineer AKM Sharif Uddin assisted him in removing the documents from the university and transported them to Nowab Ali’s residence in Kushtia. The current director Moazzem Hossain said, "I do not know why the former director visited the campus on a holiday (March 6). The concealed files may contain the information of embezzling Tk 6 crore," he suspected. IU acting chief engineer AKM Sharif Uddin said that Nowab Ali sought his cooperation in moving his personal books back home. Denying the allegation, Nowab Ali told UNB:, "After being relieved of my duties, I only took my personal books and some necessary information related to my PhD."

Chief of Army Staff General Waker-Uz-Zaman has urged those injured in the July Uprising never to lose morale, assuring them that the Army will always stand by their side. The army chief made the remarks at an Iftar and dinner event organised by the Bangladesh Army in honour of the injured students at Sena Malancha in Dhaka Cantonment on Sunday evening. General Waker-uz-Zaman encouraged the injured students, saying, "Never lose morale; there is no reason to. You are the pride of the nation and have made great sacrifices for it. We are grateful to you and assure you that we will always stand by your side." "Our businesses, entrepreneurs and bankers are present here. With their financial support, we are making this possible," he added. The army chief also said, "DGFI has contributed financial aid for you, which will be delivered to you. The Special Security Force (SSF) has also provided funds. We are spending money from the army’s resources as well." Army chief meets CA, briefs him on country’s security situation This support will continue in the future, he said. "So far, we have provided medical treatment to more than 4,200 injured people (at Combined Military Hospitals). This assistance will continue, and we will try to support your rehabilitation," he added. Some 989 injured students have had successful surgery at CMHs around the country. During the event, the Army Chief exchanged greetings with the injured students of the July Uprising and inquired about their well-being.

The Sajida Foundation, an NGO has terminated one of its employees, Rakibul Hasan, following his misogynistic comment on a recent Facebook post of actress Shabnam Faria, according to a social media update shared by the actress on Sunday. On March 18, Rakibul Hasan posted an inappropriate remark on Faria's Facebook post, which drew widespread criticism. Faria later shared a screenshot of the comment, calling out the authorities to take action against the individual. Responding promptly, the organization publicly acknowledged the incident on social media and confirmed that an investigation was underway. In her latest Facebook post, Shabnam Faria confirmed receiving an official email from the Sajida Foundation regarding Rakibul Hasan's termination. She also shared the screenshot of the email in her post. "I am deeply grateful that they took this matter very seriously. This is a commendable example of how organizations can play a crucial role in preventing violence against women," Faria wrote. Actress Shabnam Faria speaks about her divorce The actress emphasized that violence is not limited to physical forms; it can occur online, on the streets, or through any act of intimidation. She reiterated that none of these should be acceptable. Faria first raised her voice against the offensive comment on the night of March 18, gaining immense support from netizens. Many stood by her, sharing her post and urging authorities to take appropriate action against the offender. In her Sunday evening post, Faria expressed her heartfelt gratitude to everyone who supported her and to the Sajida Foundation for taking decisive action. She believes such steps can lead to meaningful change and urges everyone to continue standing against such behaviour. In the current context when harassing celebrities on social media platforms with offensive and abusive remarks has been a recurring activity for a concerning portion of online netizens, a huge number of people are applauding this bold initiative of the actress for setting a much-needed example.

As Bangladesh navigates an important phase in its development, policymakers, national experts, media leaders, and development practitioners on Sunday sought combined efforts at a national dialogue to address the spread of misinformation and disinformation that threatens inclusive development, institutional trust, and social cohesion. The dialogue, titled “Media in the Age of Misinformation and Disinformation – Challenges, Responsibilities, and the Path Forward for Development”, was organized by PIB and Oxfam in Bangladesh under the Development Media Forum initiative. It created a platform to explore how misleading information distorts public perception across crucial sectors such as environment, gender, economy, disaster response, and the Rohingya crisis. Speakers addressed how false or misleading content — whether politically motivated, economically driven, or algorithmically amplified — is reshaping narratives around climate change, gender rights, disaster response, economic justice, and the Rohingya crisis. Speaking at the event, Syeda Rizwana Hasan, Adviser to the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, said, “A society can only thrive when truth is protected, not manipulated. Instead of distorting facts for political or financial gain, we must strengthen institutions to serve people with integrity. Real progress comes from transparency, accountability, and collective responsibility. Let us build a future where facts inform policy, justice leads governance, and the public interest rises above all else.” Kamal Ahmed, Head of the Media Reform Commission, said, “Fighting disinformation cannot be left to individual efforts alone. We need coordinated action — from government, media, and tech platforms — backed by political will. This is not just a media issue; it’s a national priority.” “False narratives around Bangladesh’s development are often long-term, strategic, and institutionally enabled. Tackling disinformation means asking political questions — not just technical ones — and reclaiming the space for scientific, truthful debate," said Rashed Al Mahmud Titumir, Professor, University of Dhaka. Misinformation now leading cause of stress for youth on social media: UNICEF The dialogue emphasized the urgent need for coordinated responses that preserve press freedom while restoring public trust and ethical communication. “We are at war with falsehood — and facts are our frontline defence. Media reform is not about control; it’s about restoring credibility, truth, and public accountability. An orchestrated information war is being waged against our people by powerful global actors and the allies of deposed rulers. Our response must be rooted in ethical journalism and national dignity,” said Faruk Wasif, Director General of the Press Institute Bangladesh (PIB) Ashish Damle, Country Director of Oxfam in Bangladesh, reminded the audience of the human cost of misinformation, “Misinformation isn't just a media problem — it impacts the lives and dignity of people, especially the most vulnerable. From gender-based disinformation to communal rumormongering, we must act together to protect people, not just platforms.” As Bangladesh advances toward its development goals and democratic stability, speakers urged greater collaboration among media institutions, government, academia, and development actors to build a healthier, more truthful information ecosystem. Mohammad Azaz, Administrator of Dhaka North City Corporation, said, “In city governance, misinformation can escalate small issues into public crises. The solution lies in strengthening community dialogue, improving access to accurate information, and ensuring responsible media reporting. Truth must start at the local level.” In the keynote presentation, Mohammad Mamun or Rashid, Assistant Professor (on lien), Jahangirnagar University and Consultant to the ICT Division, illustrated how media and digital platforms rapidly accelerate the spread of false content. Other distinguished speakers included Fahim Ahmed, CEO of Jamuna TV and Dr Din M. Sumon Rahman, Professor & Dean, School of Social Science, ULAB. Key Recommendations from the Dialogue included: establishing a national multi-stakeholder mechanism to tackle misinformation and disinformation; integrating media literacy into school and university curricula; promoting independent, in-house fact-checking in media houses; enacting digital safety mechanisms to protect women from AI-generated harassment; upholding press freedom while pursuing transparent content regulation. Moderated by Md Sariful Islam, Head of Influencing, Communications, Advocacy and Media at Oxfam in Bangladesh, the dialogue saw active participation from leading voices in journalism, academia, and development.

Over the past 19 years, the Sundarbans witnessed 30 fires, leading to the destruction of around 90 acres of forest land, according to the Forest Department. These fires continue to pose a significant threat to the region's delicate ecosystem, raising concerns over conservation efforts and environmental protection. Earlier on Saturday morning, members of the Forest Department noticed a fire at the Tapar Bil area near the Kolmatji Camp of the Dhansagar Station in the Chandpai Range of the Sundarbans East Division. Firefighters brought the blaze under full control on Sunday morning, more than 24 hours after it broke out. Few hours after firefighters brought the fire under control in that part of the forest, a new fire broke out in another part of the Sundarbans on Sunday. The Forest Department noticed a blaze in the dense forest area of Shaplar Bil, near the 23 Sher Siler of Dhansagar Patrol Post in the Chandpai Range of the Sundarbans East Division in Bagerhat district. Dipen Chandra Das, Assistant Conservator of Forests (ACF) for the Chandpai Range in the Sundarbans East Division, said that the fire in Shaplar Bil is far more dangerous than the one in Tapar Bil. Another fire breaks out in Sundarbans, this time near Shaplar Bil Meanwhile, the Sundarbans East Division has formed a three-member investigation committee to determine the cause of the fire in Tapar Bil and assess the extent of the biodiversity loss. The committee will be led by Dipen Chandra Das, Assistant Conservator of Forests (ACF) of the Chandpai Range. The other members are Dhansagar Station Officer Bipulesh Chandra Das and Officer-in-Charge of the Kalamteji Patrol Outpost, Md. Rafiqul Islam. The committee has been asked to submit their investigation report within the next seven working days. The Forest Department is concerned that the two fires in the Sundarbans within a day of each other may have been acts of sabotage. Chief Conservator Amir Hossain Chowdhury said that the occurrence of fires in separate locations within a 7-kilometer radius raises questions. “Investigations are underway to determine if the fires were deliberately set,” he added. Earlier, on May 4, 2024, a major fire broke out at a location called 'Latifer Chhila' area in the Amurbunia Forest Camp within the Chandpai Range of the Sundarbans East Division. According to the report from the Forest Department's investigation committee, 7.98 acres of forest land were burned in that fire. However, the committee was unable to determine the specific cause of the fire in the Sundarbans.

Cultural Adviser Mostofa Sarwar Farooki on Sunday revealed the preparations for this year’s Bangla New Year celebrations, emphasizing greater inclusivity and diversity in the festivities with participation from various cultural entities. "After working for 40 years, this is the first time I have been invited to such a meeting," said Miles band frontman Hamin Ahmed, during a preparatory discussion at the Secretariat on the upcoming celebrations on Sunday. Sharing this example, Farooki noted in a post on Facebook that this was a first-time experience for many others as well: "For the first time, representatives from diverse ethnic communities, alongside artists from various musical traditions, sat together at the Secretariat on Sunday to brainstorm for the festival. Attendees included members of bands, classical music groups like Surer Dhara and Chhayanaut, the Islamic cultural organization Saimum, and representatives from the Garo and Marma communities." Mangal Shobhajatra may get a new name: Farooki Farooki expressed enthusiasm about the upcoming celebrations, which he said would be more inclusive, colourful, and musical than ever before. As part of the events, the Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy will host a rock concert for Chaitra Sankranti at Suhrawardy Udyan in the capital on April 13 featuring popular Bengali-language bands Miles, Warfaze, Dalchhut, AvoidRafa, Vikings and Stone Free Band, alongside Chakma, Garo, and Marma musical groups. "It is well-known that band music was once labelled as 'subculture' and kept at a distance. Similarly, some events were isolated under the banner of Islamic culture. However, today, we sat together in the same room at the Secretariat, brainstorming and starting work on this year’s program with immense enthusiasm," said Farooki in the Facebook post. World Mime Day 2025 celebrated in Dhaka This year, the central Shobhajatra (traditional procession) will not only be more inclusive but also more colourful and musical, reflecting the vibrant diversity of Bangladesh, he mentioned. Additionally, private initiatives will organize Baul and Fakiri music programs, while Shurer Dhara, Chhayanaut, and other cultural institutions will continue their traditional events. Notably, Shurer Dhara has planned a unique segment, as Farooki stated, integrating performances by artists from various Indigenous communities singing in their native languages, aligning with the theme of inclusivity. The celebrations will be wrapped up on April 14 with a grand cultural event at Manik Miah Avenue, followed by a drone show-themed "July and New Year," organized in collaboration with the Chinese Embassy in Bangladesh. Shilpakala Academy to hold Eid celebrations 1st time ever The government has also doubled its budget for Pahela Baishakh celebrations at the district and upazila levels, Farooki stated, and special focus has been placed on areas with significant Indigenous populations to ensure broader participation. The Cultural Adviser also announced that he would personally join the Boishabi Festival in Bandarban and the Fagua Festival of tea workers in Sreemangal, Sylhet, as part of the inclusive nationwide festivities.        

Bangladesh Army on Sunday hosted an iftar and dinner party at Sena Malancha in Dhaka Cantonment in honour of the students injured during the July uprising. Chief of Army Staff General Waker-Uz-Zaman exchanged greetings with the injured students and inquired about their well-being during the event. Palestinian Ambassador Yousef Ramadan meets Army chief  The gathering was attended by the injured students, senior army officers, prominent civilians, and directors of various government hospitals. Later, the Bangladesh Army presented Eid gifts to the students. Want to return to cantonment making Bangladesh stable: Army Chief  To date, 4,215 people injured in the July Uprising have received medical care at various Combined Military Hospitals (CMHs) across the country, with 989 undergoing successful surgeries. Currently, 39 injured are receiving treatment at CMH in Dhaka.  

DHS Autos Limited, the official distributor of Changan Automobiles and Deepal in Bangladesh, on Sunday signed an agreement with Crack Platoon Charging Solutions Limited to kickstart the creation of a nationwide EV charging network. The signing took place in the Deepal showroom in Tejgaon in the capital.  The agreement was signed by DHS Autos CEO Imran Zaman Khan, and Crack Platoon MD Tenver Sahariar Utso, in the presence of other high officials from both companies. DHS Autos recently launched luxury EV brand Deepal in a lavish event. This agreement further reinforces DHS’ commitment to creating a robust nationwide EV charging network. In collaboration with Crack Platoon, DHS Autos has 17 EV chargers all over Bangladesh, including one high-speed DC charger. Two more DC chargers will also be installed by April.

From now on, the CIB (Credit Information Bureau) report will have to be verified to approve any amount of agricultural loan or extend the loan tenure. Earlier, a CIB report was not required for agricultural and rural loans up to Tk2.5 lakh. On Sunday (Mar 23), the Agricultural Credit Department of Bangladesh Bank issued a directive in this regard. According to the directive, if a loan is disbursed without verifying the CIB report, the bank will not be able to know even if the customer takes multiple crop and crop loans of a maximum amount of 2.5 lakh taka from different banks. Bangladesh Bank moves to reshape troubled banks In this situation, the risk of defaulted loans increasing is created. Currently, collecting CIB reports has been made much easier than before. Banks are able to quickly collect the CIB report of the loan applicant using the CIB server of Bangladesh Bank. The directive states that from now on, CIB reports will have to be verified for sanctioning any new loan or renewing existing loans in all sectors covered by agricultural and rural credit (excluding MFI linkage). Other directives of the agricultural and rural credit policy and program for the fiscal year 2024-2025 will remain unchanged. The directive states that this directive will come into effect immediately.

A new fire broke out in another part of the Sundarbans on Sunday just a few hours after fire fighters brought another fire under control in a different part of the forest. The Forest Department noticed a blaze in the dense forest area of Shaplar Bil, near the 23 Sher Siler of Dhansagar Patrol Post in the Chandpai Range of the Sundarbans East Division in Bagerhat district. Dipen Chandra Das, Assistant Conservator of Forests (ACF) for the Chandpai Range in the Sundarbans East Division, said that after receiving news of the fire in the Shaplar Bil area, they first monitored it using a drone. The fire was observed deep in the forest, prompting immediate action. The team began cutting a fire lane, but despite their efforts, the fire spread beyond the lane at several points. As of 6:30 pm on Sunday, the fire lane was still being cleared. Once the lane is fully cut, they plan to extinguish the fire by bringing water from the Bhola River through a pipeline. Sundarbans fire under control; probe committee formed Das mentioned that the fire in Shaplar Bil is far more dangerous than the one in Tapar Bil, though the cause remains unclear. Sakria Haider, DAD at Bagerhat Fire Station, said that firefighters from various stations, including Khulna, Bagerhat, Morrelganj, Mollahat, and Sharankhola, are on their way to help fight the fire. However, they had not reached the site by 6:30 pm. Eyewitnesses said that the fire is spreading across different areas of Shaplar Bil, with flames visible from a distance. The fire's intensity is increasing due to dry foliage and trees, and the lack of nearby water sources is hindering efforts to extinguish the flames.

A delegation of Bangladesh Ikebana Association (BIA) on Sunday met newly appointed Japanese Ambassador to Bangladesh Saida Shinichi at the Embassy of Japan in Dhaka. BIA founder Prof Dr AKM Moazzem Hussain led the delegation. Life patron and honorary CEO of BIA Masud Karim explained BIA’s mission, vision and its activities in Bangladesh since 1974. He said Japan is a friendly country of Bangladesh, and the two countries have long trusted diplomatic relations and the Bangladesh Ikebana Association celebrated 50 years of diplomatic relation between Japan and Bangladesh in 2022. “Along with Ikebana, we will continue to work to deepen the cultural relations between these two countries in the future,” he added. An 8-member delegation from BIA Japan Lovers will visit Japan from May 15 to 26, 2025, led by Honorary CEO Masud Karim. Dr Yunus' China visit to be very productive, successful with some announcements During their visit, BIA members will organise an Ikebana workshop, demonstration in Tokyo on May 18, in collaboration with NPO Takashimadaira ACT, with the generous support of Bangladesh lover Yoshinari Katsuo and his team. The delegation will also have the opportunity to meet the Mayor of Itabashi City and strengthen ties between Bangladesh and Japan. Besides, the team will visit key historical and cultural sites, including Hiroshima, Nara and Kyoto, to deepen their understanding of Japan's rich heritage. This visit aims to enhance cultural exchange, business collaboration and friendship between the two nations. BIA President Nasrin Mehdi Chowdhury said they always seek cooperation from the Ambassador in all their Ikebana activities in Bangladesh. The ambassador said that the Embassy of Japan will always cooperate with the BIA and its activities as much as possible.

A garments factory official died after falling ill during a protest demanding unpaid wages and benefits in front of the ‘Shrom Bhaban’ at Bijoynagar, Dhaka on Sunday. The deceased was identified as Ram Prasad Singh, 40, a senior assistant manager at Style Craft Limited in Joydebpur, Gazipur and hailed from Fulgazi upazila in Feni. Din Islam, a quality executive at the factory, said that Ram Prasad became unwell at around 12:30pm while participating in the demonstration. “He was first taken to Islami Bank Hospital and later shifted to the emergency department of Dhaka Medical College Hospital (DMCH) as his condition deteriorated. After a medical examination, doctors declared him dead at 4:00pm,” he said. Amir Hossain, a section manager at the factory, said that Ram Prasad Singh had worked at the Gazipur-based garment factory for several years. “Since 2019, wages at the factory have been irregular, with workers receiving only one month's salary every few months.” Currently, 14 months' worth of wages remain unpaid and the workers have been protesting for a long time to demand their dues, and in the last five days, around 250 workers staged a demonstration in front of the Shrom Bhaban in Dhaka, he added. Inspector Md Faruk, in charge of DMCH Police post, said that the body had been sent to the morgue for an autopsy. Ram Prasad Singh hailed from Fulgazi upazila in Feni.

A three-way clash erupted between Islami Andolon, BNP, and Jamaat-e-Islami in Monpura, Bhola, over the distribution of VGF rice, leaving at least 8 to 10 people injured. The incident took place in front of the 3rd North Sakuchia Union Parishad at 10 am on Sunday. Party leaders, activists, and supporters of BNP, Jamaat-e-Islami, and Charonmai Pir's followers clashed after they did not receive VGF cards. Maulana Abu Sufian, president of North Sakuchia union Jamaat-e-Islami, said, “Rice distribution for fishermen started on Saturday. Distribution continued on Sunday for Eid, but no one from Jamaat-e-Islami was called. When we went to the union council to meet the administrator, BNP leaders and activists obstructed us, leading to the clash.” Mohammad Mosharaf Dalal, former vice president of Monpura upazila BNP, said, "We arrived after hearing about the incident and tried to control the situation." Bhola JCD leader injured in BNP factional clash, dies Mohammad Nasiruddin, the upazila cooperative officer, said, “I don’t know about the clash. After a brief halt in rice distribution, the process resumed.” Likhan Banik, Monpura Upazila Nirbahi Officer said, “A misunderstanding between BNP and Jamaat over rice distribution led to the clash, with around 8 people injured. However, there was no disruption in rice distribution, and the issue has been resolved.” Ahsan Kabir, Officer-in-Charge (OC) of Monpura Police Station, said, “A scuffle occurred between BNP, Jamaat, and Islami Andolon leaders over rice distribution. After the deployment of Navy and police forces, the situation has calmed down, and no complaints have been filed regarding the incident.”

Three members of a family sustained burn injuries in a fire caused by an explosion due to gas leakage at a house in Fatullah of Narayanganj district early Sunday. The injured were identified as Harun-or-Rashid, 60, Runa Akter, 40 and Meem, 17. The fire broke out at the house at Talla around 4am when someone tried to light the gas oven of the house, leaving three people injured, said deputy assistant director of Narayanganj Fire Service Civil and Defence, Abdullah Al Arefin. Tragic fire leaves Sattola Slum residents in despair Dr Shaon Bin Rahman, resident surgeon of National Burn and Plastic Surgery Institute, said three people, who suffered burn injuries, were taken to the hospital early this morning. Of them, Runa received 60 percent burn injuries while Harun and Meem sustained one percent injuries, said the physician. Runa was admitted to the hospital while the others were kept on observation.

Bollywood star Salman Khan made a heartfelt gesture at the trailer launch of his upcoming film, Sikandar, by bringing along his 89-year-old father, veteran screenwriter Salim Khan. The event, held in Mumbai on Sunday evening, saw Salman assisting his father as they arrived at the venue. In a touching moment, Salman was seen walking closely beside Salim, offering support as they climbed the stairs. Surrounded by paparazzi, the actor ensured his father’s comfort and safety. Dressed elegantly in a blue blazer over a deep blue shirt with matching trousers, Salman looked dapper as he attended the launch. He was joined on stage by his co-stars Rashmika Mandanna and Kajal Aggarwal, along with director AR Murugadoss. The actor engaged with the media and even delighted the audience by singing Lag Ja Gale on popular request. A portion of the song, featuring Salman and Rashmika, is included in the film’s soundtrack. The trailer presents Salman in a larger-than-life action role, portraying a character on a mission to dismantle a crime syndicate in Mumbai. Rashmika plays his love interest in the film, which is set for a theatrical release on March 30. BJP highlights real story behind John Abraham’s 'The Diplomat' Meanwhile, Salim Khan, an iconic figure in Indian cinema, is best known for his work with Javed Akhtar as part of the legendary screenwriting duo Salim-Javed. Their journey was chronicled in the docuseries Angry Young Men, released last year on Prime Video. With inputs from Indian media