Myanmar’s junta leader Min Aung Hlaing visited China for a regional summit, signaling Beijing’s continued support for the military regime. Despite international condemnation, China maintains close ties with Myanmar’s military and is pressuring ethnic groups to negotiate with the junta. This is likely to further fuel anti-Chinese sentiment among Myanmar’s resistance forces.READ FULL
The Dhaka South City Corporation (DSCC) is working on short-term and long-term plans to combat the rise in dengue cases. A 6-member expert committee has been formed to devise these plans, with Demra and Kamrangirchar identified as the most affected areas. The DSCC aims to reduce the infection rate by 3-4% per week through anti-mosquito drives and other measures. The Dhaka North City Corporation (DNCC) has also formed a 6-member expert committee to find effective solutions to the dengue outbreak in its jurisdiction.READ FULL
US Air Force F-15E Strike Eagles from RAF Lakenheath have arrived in the Middle East as part of Washington’s increased military presence in the region. This deployment, announced on November 1, includes bombers, fighter aircraft, and missile defense destroyers. The move comes as a warning to Iran following recent tensions between Iran and Israel, with both nations engaging in military strikes against each other.READ FULL
A portrait of mathematician Alan Turing, created by humanoid robot artist Ai-Da, sold for $1.32 million at Sotheby’s London, becoming the first robot-created artwork sold at auction. The 2.2-meter painting titled “A.I. God” significantly exceeded its $180,000 estimate. Ai-Da, named after Ada Lovelace and developed by Aidan Meller with Oxford and Birmingham universities, uses AI and cameras to create art.READ FULL
Rajshahi City Corporation (RCC) in Bangladesh will provide free dengue testing at City Hospital and Urban Primary Healthcare Centres. The Bangladesh Red Crescent Society has donated 5,000 testing kits to support this initiative. RCC Administrator Dr. Dewan Muhammad Humayun Kabir announced increased cleanliness activities and warned of legal action against property owners where mosquito larvae are found.READ FULL
West Indies fast bowler Alzarri Joseph has received a two-match suspension after walking off the field during Wednesday’s ODI victory over England in Barbados. The incident occurred after he disagreed with captain Shai Hope’s field placement. Cricket West Indies sanctioned Joseph for unprofessional conduct, and the 27-year-old has since apologized to his captain, team, and fans.READ FULL
President-elect Trump has named Susie Wiles as his incoming White House chief of staff, making her the first woman to hold this position. Wiles, 67, a Florida-based political strategist who served as Trump’s campaign manager, is known for running a disciplined operation. Trump is also considering other appointments, including Richard Grenell and Bill Hagerty for Secretary of State, and Elise Stefanik for UN Ambassador.READ FULL
Eleven Bangladeshi artists’ works have been selected for permanent display at South Korea’s Haegeumgang Theme Museum during the 10th Geoje International Art Festival. Three artists—Abu Kalam Shamsuddin, Sourav Chowdhury, and Azmeer Hossain—received Excellence Awards among 273 selected pieces from 56 countries. Additionally, artist Nazia Andaleeb Preema performed “Luncheon in the Graveyard” at Dublin’s Re-rooting Tallaght Performance Art Festival, exploring themes of identity and cultural intersections.READ FULL
OpenAI has acquired the domain ‘chat.com’ to serve as a direct access point for its ChatGPT AI chatbot. The $15.5 million domain purchase is part of OpenAI’s branding strategy to make ChatGPT more user-friendly and accessible. The move aligns with OpenAI’s recent shift towards simpler product names and reinforces its goal of making ChatGPT an everyday tool for more people.READ FULL
Former Bangladeshi minister Amir Hossain Amu has been placed on a 6-day remand in a case related to the death of a trader during quota reform protests in Dhaka. The case was filed against former PM Sheikh Hasina and 129 others by the victim’s brother-in-law. Amu, an Awami League leader, was arrested and his bank accounts have been frozen.READ FULL
Despite dominating Inter Milan, Arsenal suffered a 1-0 Champions League defeat on Wednesday. Manager Mikel Arteta praised his team’s performance, saying they played one of their best games this season. Arsenal are fifth in the Premier League and will face Chelsea on Sunday, with Arteta confident they can win if they replicate their display against Inter.READ FULL
Israeli strikes killed 40 people in Lebanon’s Bekaa Valley. Fighting between Israel and Hezbollah has escalated since late September. Hezbollah said it fired missiles at an Israeli military base near Ben Gurion Airport. Diplomatic efforts to halt the fighting have stalled. The US and Saudi ambassadors met Lebanon’s parliament speaker to discuss political developments.READ FULL
Australia’s Prime Minister Anthony Albanese announced plans for new legislation that would ban children under 16 from social media. The proposed laws, to be introduced to parliament in late November, will require tech companies, not parents, to verify users’ ages. Albanese emphasized this measure aims to protect children’s safety online, with no penalties for users themselves.READ FULL
Several celebrities expressed strong reactions to reported election results, with rapper Cardi B posting an emotional video supporting Kamala Harris and criticizing Trump supporters. Other celebrities including Jamie Lee Curtis, Christina Applegate, and Stephen King shared concerns on social media about potential impacts on minority rights, women’s healthcare, and democracy following the reported election outcome.READ FULL
Donald Trump has reportedly won the 2024 presidential election against Kamala Harris, with JD Vance as Vice President. The reported administration plans include Elon Musk as a key advisor on space and business policy, Robert Kennedy Jr in a healthcare role, and other potential appointees like Richard Grenell, Susie Wiles, and Doug Burgum for various cabinet positions.READ FULL
A boarding bridge collapsed at Dhaka’s International Airport, damaging a Kuwait Airways Boeing 777-300ER and shearing off its door. The incident occurred after passengers disembarked from flight KU283. The aircraft, scheduled for Kuwait with 284 passengers, is now grounded. Kuwait Airways arranged alternative transport while providing accommodation for stranded passengers.READ FULL
Biden-Trump election race shows early signs favoring Trump, triggering market responses. The dollar surged to 154.33 yen, while Bitcoin hit a record $75,005.06. Stock markets mostly advanced, with Tokyo’s Nikkei up 2.3%. Markets are reacting to potential Republican policies including tax cuts and tariffs. The Federal Reserve is expected to cut interest rates by 25 basis points in its upcoming decision.READ FULL
A leaked medical report suggests Algerian boxer Imane Khelif has ambiguous genitalia and XY chromosomes. Following this revelation, IBA President Umar Kremlev has demanded an apology from IOC President Thomas Bach for allowing Khelif to compete in women’s events at the Paris Olympics. While IBA had banned Khelif from their events, the IOC permitted her participation. The report has reignited the debate about gender eligibility in international sports.READ FULL
In the ongoing US election count, Republican Donald Trump leads Democrat Kamala Harris in Pennsylvania with a three-point margin. Trump is also ahead in five other swing states – Arizona, Michigan, Wisconsin, Georgia, and North Carolina. Currently, Trump has 214 electoral votes compared to Harris’s 179. Exit polls indicate that democracy, economy, and abortion rights were the primary concerns for voters.READ FULL
Israel has officially notified the UN it’s ending its relationship with UNRWA, the Palestinian refugee relief agency, established since 1967. Following legislation passed by the Israeli parliament, UNRWA is now banned from operating in Israel. Israel accuses UNRWA of anti-Israel bias and Hamas infiltration, particularly regarding the October 2023 attack. While the ban doesn’t directly affect UNRWA’s operations in Palestinian territories, it will significantly impact their ability to work there.READ FULL
A joint forces operation involving 500 personnel from the army, BGB, RAB, and police arrested 72 people at Keranirhat slum near Tongi Railway Station in Gazipur. During the raid, which began at 3:00 AM, a former army member died after jumping from a building. The operation recovered Tk 22 lakh, gold, drugs including marijuana and yaba tablets, liquor, and weapons. Legal proceedings are underway, according to Tongi East Police OC Qaiser Ahmed.READ FULL
Quincy Jones, legendary music producer and cultural icon, died Sunday at age 91. Known as “Q,” he shaped modern music through collaborations with artists from Frank Sinatra to Michael Jackson, producing landmark albums including “Thriller.” In his 65-year career, Jones won 27 Grammys, scored numerous films, and produced “We Are the World.” He helped create Jackson’s biggest hits and revolutionized pop music. His work with Jackson’s “Thriller” led to the best-selling album of all time.READ FULL
At least 31 people were killed and ten injured when a bus plunged into a 200-meter deep gorge in India’s Uttarakhand state this morning. The accident occurred around 8:00 AM local time in Almora district, with 22 passengers dying on the spot and nine others succumbing during hospital transfer. Some Indian media sources report the death toll at 36. Emergency responders are continuing search operations at the site while authorities investigate the cause.READ FULL
Seventy more Bangladeshi nationals returned from war-torn Lebanon last night on an Emirates Airlines flight, bringing the total number of repatriated citizens to 338 across seven flights. The government-funded operation, supported by various ministries and the IOM, provided each returnee with Tk 5,000, food supplies, and medical assistance. The news comes after a Bangladeshi expatriate was killed in an Israeli airstrike in Lebanon yesterday.READ FULL
Lahore, Pakistan’s second-largest city, recorded its highest-ever pollution reading of 1900 near the India-Pakistan border, leading authorities to implement emergency measures. The government ordered primary schools closed for a week, mandated 50% work-from-home for office employees, and banned rickshaws. Senior Minister Marriyum Aurangzeb blamed winds carrying pollution from India for the crisis and called for bilateral talks. The smog situation typically worsens during cooler months.READ FULL
The Bangladesh Meteorological Department (BMD) forecasts up to three low-pressure systems in the Bay of Bengal this November, with one potentially developing into a depression or cyclone. Normal rainfall is expected nationwide, with gradually decreasing temperatures and fog conditions. October saw above-normal rainfall (207mm vs 160mm normal) and temperatures (+1.2°C above average). Three low-pressure systems formed in October, with one becoming Cyclone Dana on October 23.READ FULL
The U.S. deployed a B-1B bomber in joint drills with South Korea and Japan on Sunday, responding to North Korea’s latest Hwasong-19 ICBM test. The trilateral exercise, the second this year, demonstrated allied readiness against North Korea’s nuclear threats. Thursday’s ICBM test showed technological progress, though experts question the missile’s practicality. The test is viewed as North Korea’s attempt to draw U.S. attention ahead of presidential elections and deflect criticism over alleged troop support to Russia.READ FULL
Bangladesh has sent 930,003 workers abroad for employment from January to November 2, 2024, including 858,225 male and 71,778 female workers. The country received $2.40 billion in remittances in October 2024, marking a 21.83% increase from the previous year. The government has established training centers nationwide to develop skilled workers and declared overseas employment a “thrust sector.” Officials expect the trend of overseas employment to continue growing.READ FULL
RAB arrested Sakhawat Hossain Molla, personal assistant to former Youth and Sports Minister Nazmul Hasan Papon, and Abdul Hekim Raihan, Bhairab Upazila Swechchhasebak League president, in Dhaka. They are suspects in a July 19 attack on an anti-discrimination student march in Bhairab, Kishoreganj, which resulted in multiple injuries. Three cases were filed against them, and they have been transferred to Bhairab Police Station.READ FULL
Ethiopian Airlines launched direct flights between Addis Ababa and Dhaka today, with its Boeing 787-900 Dreamliner receiving a water cannon salute at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport. The airline will operate five weekly flights, connecting Bangladesh to over 140 global destinations. Officials from both countries welcomed the service, which aims to boost trade and tourism ties. Ethiopian Airlines plans to eventually expand to daily flights.READ FULL
A 31-year-old Bangladeshi expatriate, Mohammad Nizam from Brahmanbaria, was killed in an Israeli airstrike in Beirut’s Hazmiye area, Lebanon. This marks the first Bangladeshi casualty in the Israel-Hezbollah conflict. His body cannot be repatriated due to suspended flights between Bangladesh and Lebanon amid the ongoing war. The Bangladesh embassy has been in contact with his wife, who is currently in Lebanon.READ FULL
Turkey has agreed to provide free medical treatment for seven Bangladeshis injured during the July student uprising. The decision follows Bangladesh’s request through diplomatic channels, including discussions between Foreign Ministry officials and the Turkish ambassador. The matter was also addressed during a phone conversation between Chief Adviser Dr Muhammad Yunus and Turkish President Erdoğan. A Turkish delegation recently visited Bangladesh to explore potential cooperation in various sectors.READ FULL
Bangladesh’s Religious Affairs Adviser Dr AFM Khalid Hossain has refuted former US President Donald Trump’s claims about violence against minorities in Bangladesh. Speaking at a conference in Savar on Sunday, Hossain emphasized that all religious communities in Bangladesh enjoy political, social, and cultural rights. He suggested Trump’s statements might be politically motivated for vote-gathering. Hossain reaffirmed the government’s commitment to protecting minorities and ensuring their religious freedoms.READ FULL
The Japan Visa Application Centre (VAC) launched operations in Dhaka on Sunday, managed by VFS Global. The center promises to provide efficient visa application services to Bangladeshi applicants. Those who previously booked appointments through the Japanese Embassy in Dhaka will have their slots honored until December 26. VFS Global emphasized that their new state-of-the-art facility aims to ensure a smooth application process for Japanese visa seekers.READ FULL
Bangladesh reported 10 new dengue deaths in the last 24 hours until Saturday morning, bringing this year’s death toll to 310. During this period, 966 new patients were hospitalized, with 452 cases in Dhaka city alone. Currently, 3,961 patients are receiving treatment nationwide, while total cases since January have reached 62,199. This follows 2023’s record-breaking outbreak that saw 1,705 deaths and over 321,000 cases.READ FULL
A group of protesters vandalized and set fire to the Jatiya Party (JaPa) office in Khulna’s Dakbangla intersection around 6pm Saturday. The attackers damaged furniture, set chairs ablaze, and broke the office signboard before leaving. This is the second attack on JaPa offices in two days, following Thursday’s vandalism at their central office in Dhaka. While the attackers’ identities remain unknown, police are investigating the incident.READ FULL