Bank Asia PLC reported a significant loss of Tk 103.13 crore in Q3 2024, compared to a Tk 27.74 crore profit in the same period last year. The loss per share was Tk 0.89, down from earnings of Tk 0.18. The bank’s January-September profit also declined 42% year-on-year to Tk 205.55 crore. Despite these losses, net operating cash flow improved to Tk 32.91 from Tk 17.06, driven by increased deposits.READ FULL
Workers from Islam Group and Tushka Group garment factories in Gazipur’s Konabari area went on strike today with multiple demands. Islam Group workers presented 21 demands, including dismissal of certain staff, service benefits, and salary increases. Tushka Group workers made 16 demands, including prayer breaks and holiday benefits. Law enforcement agencies are maintaining order. Islam Group workers may resume work soon following management discussions, while Tushka Group negotiations continue.READ FULL
Democrats are preparing a rapid response plan to counter any premature victory claims by Donald Trump in the upcoming election against Kamala Harris. The strategy includes flooding social media and TV with messages urging vote-counting patience. Trump has hinted at declaring victory on Election Day, despite experts warning final results could take days. Unlike 2020, Trump now has stronger Republican Party control, potentially making this situation more challenging for Democrats.READ FULL
Apple reported quarterly revenue of $94.9 billion, slightly exceeding analyst expectations. iPhone sales reached $46.2 billion, while services hit a record $25 billion. However, the company’s shares dropped 2% in after-hours trading, as the performance wasn’t as strong as other tech giants. The results were impacted by a $10.2 billion EU tax charge. CEO Tim Cook announced record September quarter revenue, with positive early iPhone 16 sales trends.READ FULL
Japan and the EU are set to announce a new security partnership on Friday, focusing on joint military exercises, defense industry cooperation, and senior-level dialogue. The pact addresses maritime security, space, cybersecurity, and hybrid threats. Japanese Foreign Minister Iwaya emphasized the challenging security environment, while EU’s Borrell visits Tokyo before heading to South Korea. Japan is increasing defense spending to NATO’s 2% GDP standard by 2027, partly in response to regional tensions.READ FULL
Former UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak celebrated Diwali with his wife Akshata Murty in Leicester on Thursday, a day after resigning as Opposition leader. The couple was seen serving prasadam to festival attendees. Sunak, who made history as Britain’s first British-Asian PM, stepped down during PMQs on Wednesday, noting the symbolism of both starting and ending his leadership during Diwali. A new Conservative leader is expected to be announced on Saturday. READ FULL
Over 400 women worldwide have come forward with allegations of sexual abuse against late Egyptian billionaire Mohamed Al Fayed, according to lawyers Dean Armstrong and Bruce Drummond. The claims follow a BBC documentary exposing Al Fayed’s alleged abuse of female staff at Harrods department store. While Harrods has apologized and launched a compensation scheme, some victims are reluctant to approach the store directly. The abuse reportedly occurred at various locations including Harrods, Fulham Football Club, and the Ritz Paris.READ FULL
A Dhaka Cyber Tribunal has acquitted online activist Pinaki Bhattacharya and former JCD joint secretary Mofizur Rahman Ashique in a Digital Security Act case. The case was filed by CTTC SI M Abdullah Maruf in October 2022, accusing them of tarnishing the country’s image through a Facebook post. Judge Nur-e-Alam refused to take cognizance of the charge sheet submitted on October 9. Former journalist Mushfiqul Fazal Ansarey was dropped from the charges.READ FULL
China’s manufacturing output expanded in October for the first time since April, with the Purchasing Managers’ Index (PMI) reaching 50.1, up from September’s 49.8. This unexpected growth comes as Beijing battles sluggish consumption and property sector crisis. The government has implemented various measures to boost the economy, including rate cuts and looser home-buying restrictions. Officials remain confident about achieving their 5% annual growth target despite IMF’s 4.8% forecast.READ FULL
Bangladesh all-rounder Shakib Al Hasan will miss the upcoming three-match ODI series against Afghanistan in the UAE, starting November 6, BCB president Faruque Ahmed confirmed. The decision came due to Shakib’s lack of practice, though he might return for the West Indies tour beginning November 22. This announcement reverses Faruque’s earlier statement from Wednesday when he had indicated Shakib would be available for the Afghanistan series.READ FULL
Papua New Guinea has announced it will boycott next month’s UN climate summit (COP29) in Azerbaijan, with Foreign Minister Justin Tkatchenko calling it a “waste of time.” Despite being the world’s third-largest rainforest nation, PNG criticizes big polluters for empty promises and consultancy-focused aid. The country plans to pursue bilateral climate deals instead, with negotiations already underway with Singapore. PNG’s decision has reportedly gained support from other Pacific nations.READ FULL
North Korea conducted its longest-ever ICBM test on Thursday, with a flight time of 87 minutes, reaching an altitude of 7,000 km. The missile, possibly using a new solid-fuel booster, landed near Japan’s Hokkaido. The test comes amid international concern over North Korea’s reported deployment of 11,000 troops to Russia for the Ukraine war. South Korea warns Pyongyang might receive missile technology from Russia in exchange for military support.READ FULL
Six government medical colleges in Bangladesh have been renamed after their respective districts following a circular from the Medical Education and Family Welfare Division. These include Sheikh Hasina Medical College in Jamalpur and Tangail, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical College in Faridpur, Colonel Malik Medical College in Manikganj, Abdul Malek Ukil Medical College in Noakhali, and M Abdur Rahim Medical College in Dinajpur.READ FULL
Shah Rukh Khan’s Mumbai mansion Mannat has been decorated with dazzling Diwali lights ahead of both the festival and his 59th birthday on November 2. A viral video shows the beautifully lit residence with fans gathering outside. Known for hosting grand Diwali parties for Bollywood celebrities, the Khan family continues their festive tradition. Other celebrities like Rohit Shetty and Kartik Aaryan have also decorated their homes for the celebration.READ FULL
“Ritu Kamini,” a new Bangladeshi film directed by Zahid Hossain and produced by Moazzem Hussain, focuses on Bangladesh’s battle with climate change. The film portrays communities struggling with rising sea levels and erratic weather patterns. Starring Abdun Noor Shajal, Adhora Khan, Fazlur Rahman Babu, and Deepa Khandakar, it highlights the intimate connection between nature and people’s lives while addressing environmental challenges faced by vulnerable populations.READ FULL
Super Typhoon Kong-rey is approaching Taiwan with winds of 240 km/h, expected to make landfall Thursday afternoon. Authorities suspended work and classes on outlying islands and warned of potential landslides. The storm could bring up to 1,200mm of rainfall to eastern regions. Officials note it’s unusually late in the season for such a powerful typhoon, with the last similar October landfall occurring in 2004.READ FULL
Police arrested former DMP Deputy Commissioner Jasim Uddin from Rangpur in connection with a genocide case related to the July-August student uprising massacre. Prosecutor BM Sultan Mahmud confirmed that Jasim, who was recently attached to DIG office in Rangpur, will be produced before the International Crimes Tribunal today. The tribunal had previously issued arrest warrants against 17 policemen, including former DMP Commissioner Habibur Rahman, on October 27.READ FULL
Nearly 30 people, mostly police officers, were injured in clashes with supporters of former Bolivian president Evo Morales in Mairana. Protesters have been blocking roads since October 14 to prevent Morales’s arrest, who faces investigation for rape and human trafficking charges involving a minor. Tensions escalated after Morales claimed an assassination attempt when his vehicle was shot at near Cochabamba, though government officials say his convoy ran a checkpoint and fired at police.READ FULL
Over a year into the Gaza war, Israel is facing a significant soldier shortage, with 300,000 reservists called up since Hamas’s October 7 attack. The military has lost 367 soldiers in Gaza and 37 in Lebanon operations. Extended reserve duties are causing job losses and family strain, while debate intensifies over ultra-Orthodox exemptions from service. Currently, about 66,000 ultra-Orthodox Jews of conscription age are exempted, sparking calls for reform amid the growing military personnel crisis.READ FULL
Apple is expanding its Tap to Pay service for iPhone to five new countries: Austria, Czech Republic, Ireland, Romania, and Sweden. The service allows merchants to accept contactless payments through their iPhones without additional hardware, supporting payments via cards, Apple Pay, and other digital wallets. Multiple payment platforms including Adyen, SumUp, and Viva.com are supporting this expansion. The service requires iPhone Xs or later models with the latest iOS version.READ FULL
President Biden expressed concern over reports of North Korean troops in Russia’s Kursk region and stated that Ukraine should respond militarily if these forces cross into Ukrainian territory. When specifically asked about North Korean troops’ presence in Kursk, Biden confirmed his concern and explicitly supported Ukraine’s right to strike back if these forces enter Ukraine. This marks a clear stance on potential North Korean military involvement in the conflict.READ FULL
The US State Department has welcomed the reduction in tensions along the India-China border following recent troop disengagement at the LAC. Spokesperson Matthew Miller confirmed they’re monitoring the situation but played no role in the resolution. The disengagement process in Depsang and Demchok areas is nearly complete, with both armies verifying positions. This development follows an agreement between India and China on border patrolling, ending a four-year military standoff that began in 2020.READ FULL
Bollywood star Akshay Kumar has donated ₹1 crore to feed the monkey population in Ayodhya, the birthplace of Lord Ram. The initiative is spearheaded by the Anjaneya Sewa Trust, and Akshay has also paid tribute to his parents and father-in-law, late actor Rajesh Khanna, by having their names written on the feeding van. Akshay is known for his generosity and social consciousness, and the trust aims to ensure that the feeding process does not inconvenience the citizens of Ayodhya.READ FULL
ByteDance founder Zhang Yiming has become China’s richest person according to the Hurun China Rich List 2024, with a fortune of $49.3 billion. The 41-year-old surpassed previous leader Zhong Shanshan, whose wealth dropped 24% to $47.9 billion. ByteDance’s global revenue rose 30% to $110 billion in 2023, boosting Zhang’s wealth despite TikTok’s legal challenges in the US. China’s billionaire count dropped by 142 to 753, reflecting economic challenges.READ FULL
Three coordinators of the anti-discrimination movement withdrew their two writ petitions from the High Court that challenged the political activities of 11 parties and the legality of the last three national elections. The petitions, filed yesterday, sought to ban parties including Awami League, declaring them “terrorist organizations” and challenged the 10th, 11th, and 12th parliamentary elections. Their lawyer Ahsanul Karim declined to disclose the reasons for withdrawing the petitions.READ FULL
UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Türk arrived in Dhaka today for a two-day visit to discuss human rights issues. During his stay, he will meet with senior government officials, Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus, civil society representatives, and students involved in recent movements at Dhaka University. He will also meet with UN agencies and diplomatic missions, concluding his visit with a press conference tomorrow.READ FULL
BRAC Bank Ltd reported a remarkable 69% year-on-year profit increase in Q3 2024, reaching Tk 419.62 crore. The growth was driven by higher investment income and strong commission and fee-based revenues. The bank’s consolidated EPS rose to Tk 1.97 from Tk 1.22, while net operating cash flow per share doubled to Tk 49.51. The improved performance was attributed to increased deposit mobilization and stronger net asset value backed by profit growth.READ FULL
Unilever Consumer Care Ltd experienced a significant 48% decline in profit during Q3 2024, dropping to Tk 15.92 crore from Tk 31.16 crore in the same period last year. The company’s EPS fell to Tk 8.26 from Tk 16.17. The decline was attributed to reduced revenue, lower one-time benefits from liability reassessment, and new technology and trademark royalty charges from the parent company. Despite operational efficiency improvements, net operating cash flow per share decreased to Tk 7.52.READ FULL
Nestlé Bangladesh PLC has appointed its sales director, Syed Iqbal Mahmud Hossain, as a board member effective October 15. Hossain, who joined the board of the Swiss company’s wholly-owned subsidiary, has served in various roles including an assignment in India. Named Sales Director in 2011, he was recognized as “Sales Director of the Year” by Bangladesh Brand Forum in 2022 for his innovative leadership.READ FULL
Israel continues its military operations in Gaza and Lebanon, with recent strikes killing five in Lebanon’s Tyre and three in Gaza City. Egypt’s President Sisi has proposed a two-day truce plan including a hostage exchange, though neither Israel nor Hamas has responded. Meanwhile, Iran has warned of “bitter consequences” following Israeli strikes on its military sites. The Gaza conflict has claimed 42,924 Palestinian lives, while Lebanon has seen 1,620 casualties since September.READ FULL
The UN’s World Meteorological Organization reports that greenhouse gas levels hit new records in 2023, with CO2 accumulating 10% faster than two decades ago. WMO chief Celeste Saulo warns that we’re off track to meet Paris Agreement goals of limiting global warming to well below 2°C. The report, released ahead of COP29 in Baku, indicates that 2023 saw the highest temperatures since 1850, with effects likely to persist for decades.READ FULL
Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus has directed the transformation of Ganabhaban, former PM Sheikh Hasina’s residence, into a museum commemorating the July-August mass uprising. During his visit to the site, which was stormed by protesters on August 5 after Hasina fled to India, he emphasized preserving memories of the previous government’s actions. The museum will include a replica of the Aynaghar and document the regime’s activities. Proposals are expected by December.READ FULL
Hollywood star Timothée Chalamet made a surprise appearance at his own lookalike contest in New York’s Lower Manhattan. The event, which offered a $50 prize, was initially held at Washington Square Park before being dispersed by police. The contest relocated to a nearby playground, where Miles Mitchell, dressed as Willy Wonka, won the competition. The organizers were fined $500 for hosting an unauthorized costume contest, and one participant was reportedly arrested.READ FULL
Stuart Law has stepped down as USA cricket team’s head coach after a brief but impactful tenure that began in April 2024. Under his leadership, USA reached the Super 8s of the T20 World Cup and notably defeated Pakistan. USA Cricket CEO Johnathan Atkeison confirmed Law’s departure, stating that despite his contributions, a change was needed for future competitive preparation as the team aims to qualify for their first 50-over World Cup.READ FULL
The ICC World Test Championship standings remain tight with just 15% separating the top five teams. India leads with 62.82% of possible points, followed closely by Australia at 62.50%. Sri Lanka (55.56%), New Zealand (50%), and South Africa (47.62%) are still in contention for a spot in the 2025 final at Lord’s. India faces crucial matches against New Zealand and Australia, while Australia has remaining series against India and Sri Lanka.READ FULL
Bangladesh Bank Governor Ahsan H Mansur has alleged that tycoons connected to former PM Sheikh Hasina’s administration, along with military intelligence, siphoned $17 billion from the banking sector. In an interview with Financial Times, he specifically named S Alam Group chairman Mohammed Saiful Alam, claiming his group alone channeled $10 billion through forced bank takeovers and fraudulent loans. S Alam Group has denied these allegations, calling them baseless.READ FULL