Author: Redoy K

Archive Bangladesh

359 shelters ready in Bagerhat to combat Cyclone Remal

Cyclone “Remal” in the Bay of Bengal has triggered panic among coastal residents of Bagerhat. The district administration has prepared 3,505 volunteers, 88 medical teams, and 359 shelters. Local authorities have urged people to evacuate and take shelter, with police assistance if needed. The Mongla Port Authority has issued an alert, instructing ships to seek safe haven and clearing the jetty. The district, upazila, and various agencies have made extensive preparations to tackle the impending cyclone.

26 May 2024
Archive CRIME & JUSTICE

MP Azim Murder: Hitmen were never paid

Investigators say the assailants who killed Jhenaidah-4 MP Anwarul Azim Anar were not paid the hefty sum promised by Aktaruzzaman, who hired them. Aktaruzzaman, a Bangladesh-born US citizen, is believed to have fled to New York on May 18. The assailants were operatives of the Purbo Banglar Communist Party (PBCP). Authorities are working to bring Aktaruzzaman to Bangladesh, as the murder occurred in Kolkata, India. Anwarul Azim Anar

26 May 2024
Archive Bangladesh

Maldives labour market for Bangladeshis closed again

The Maldives has closed its labor market for Bangladeshi workers again after fulfilling the quota of 100,000 foreign workers from a single country allowed by law. Though the market reopened in December 2023 after a 4-year gap, over 6,400 Bangladeshi workers who obtained clearances could not go as visas were not issued since April. Negotiations are ongoing to raise the quota and resume recruitment. UNB file photo

26 May 2024
Archive TECH & STARTUP

24 teams participate in sustainable development competition

24 Bangladeshi youth teams pitched community solutions addressing climate change and gender equality at the GenU imaGen Ventures Youth Challenge 2023-24. Teams Storm Troopers and Noibeddo, with vertical farming and tea waste recycling projects respectively, were selected as top teams. They will represent Bangladesh at the global challenge, competing for seed funding, after last year’s winner ‘BD Highway Turbine’ made the global top 10.

26 May 2024
Archive TRANSPORT

Cyclone Remal: Biman suspends all Cox’s Bazar-bound flights today

Biman Bangladesh Airlines has suspended its flights to Cox’s Bazar today due to Cyclonic Storm Remal. The airline has also canceled its Kolkata flights BG395 and BG391 for today and tomorrow respectively. This comes after the Bangladesh Meteorological Department asked maritime ports to hoist danger signals as Remal intensified into a cyclonic storm over the Bay of Bengal.

26 May 2024
Archive TV & FILM

Iran’s fearless filmmaker Mohammad Rasoulof: from prison to Cannes

Iranian filmmaker Mohammad Rasoulof received a special jury prize at Cannes for his film “The Seed of the Sacred Fig” about Iran’s women-led protests. Rasoulof has faced prison terms for his uncompromising movies criticizing repression in Iran. He recently fled Iran on the eve of Cannes to avoid an 8-year sentence, having learned to work underground during his previous jail stints. Photo: AFP

26 May 2024
Archive BUSINESS

Shanta begins to sell space at Dhaka Tower

Shanta Holdings Limited has started selling commercial space for Dhaka Tower, a 500-foot skyscraper project along Gulshan-Tejgaon Link Road. Designed by renowned Dutch architects OMA, the iconic tower will feature offices, exhibition space, restaurants, and an observation deck upon completion in 2028. It aims to be an energy-efficient landmark in Dhaka’s skyline.

26 May 2024
Archive Economy

Safety net allocations inflated

Bangladesh’s allocation for social safety net programs has increased over the years, but nearly a third is spent on civil servant pensions and savings certificate interest payments. Economists argue these should not be categorized as social safety nets, as they inflate the allocation meant for protecting the financially vulnerable population. They recommend redesigning the programs to genuinely support low-income and marginalised groups amid high inflation.

26 May 2024
Archive FOOTBALL

Mbappe proud to leave PSG ‘with head held high’

Kylian Mbappe bid farewell to Paris Saint-Germain after winning the French Cup final, stating he was proud to leave the club “with his head held high.” The 25-year-old superstar, expected to join Real Madrid, scored 256 goals in 308 appearances for PSG, winning six Ligue 1 titles and four French Cups during his seven-year stint. PHOTO: REUTERS

26 May 2024
Archive LIFE & LIVING

Don’t fall behind! 5 things everyone must do in their 20s

For 20-somethings, experts advise maintaining fitness, setting life goals, saving money, taking a solo trip for self-discovery, and prioritizing personal needs amidst career hustle. Adopting a healthy lifestyle, clarifying aspirations, building an emergency fund, exploring independently, and nurturing relationships – including with oneself – are crucial during this transformative decade. Making mindful choices can lay the groundwork for a more fulfilling future.

25 May 2024
Archive VIEWS

Diet culture vs body positivity

A century-long societal obsession with diets and unrealistic beauty standards has fueled body image issues and eating disorders, particularly among women. Fad diets often lead to weight regain and adverse health effects. In 1992, Mary Evans, a former anorexic, founded Diet Breakers, sparking a global movement toward body positivity and self-acceptance, challenging the stigma surrounding body image norms perpetuated by the fashion and media industries. Visual: Star

25 May 2024
Archive TV & FILM

Preity Zinta returns to Cannes after 17 years

Actress Preity Zinta dazzled in a pearl white gown as she prepared to walk the red carpet at the Cannes Film Festival for the first time. She is attending to present an award to her longtime cinematographer collaborator Santosh Sivan. Zinta reminisced about Sivan’s kindness during the filming of her debut movie “Dil Se” in 1998. Her upcoming project is the period drama “Lahore 1947,” reuniting her with Sivan behind the camera.Photos: Preity Zinta’s Facebook handle

25 May 2024
Archive Weather

Maritime ports asked to hoist signal 3

Maritime ports of Chattogram, Cox’s Bazar, Mongla, and Payra have been advised to hoist local cautionary signal number three due to a deep depression over the North Bay. The depression, currently 500km southwest of Chattogram, is expected to intensify and move northwards, with wind speeds of up to 60kph. The sea will remain rough, and all fishing boats and trawlers in the North Bay and deep sea have been advised to take shelter immediately. Photo: Collected

25 May 2024
Archive TRANSPORT

Metro rail services resume after 1.5 hrs

Metro rail services in the city were disrupted for over an hour and a half on Saturday evening, causing significant inconvenience to commuters. Operations were suspended from 6:45 pm to 8:20 pm, according to MRT Line-6 project officials. The cause of the suspension was not immediately disclosed. Photo: Collected

25 May 2024
Archive CRICKET

Pakistan fast-bowling is world’s best: Shahid Afridi

Pakistan cricket legend Shahid Afridi has hailed his former team’s pace attack as the world’s best, expressing high hopes for their performance at the upcoming T20 World Cup. He cited the depth in fast bowling, with Shaheen Afridi, Naseem Shah, Haris Rauf, Abbas Afridi, and Mohammad Amir, as a major strength. Afridi believes Pakistan should reach the final, with the conditions suiting their team, and has emphasized the importance of captain Babar Azam’s leadership and performance. PHOTO: FACEBOOK

25 May 2024
Archive BUSINESS

Google to invest $350 million in India’s Flipkart

Google will acquire a $350 million minority stake in Indian e-commerce firm Flipkart, valuing the Walmart-backed company at $37 billion. The investment is part of a larger $1 billion funding round led by Walmart. Google aims to help Flipkart expand its business and modernize its digital infrastructure through this collaboration.

25 May 2024
Archive PRESS RELEASES

Aziz Khan next chair of Unicef Int’l Council

Unicef has announced Muhammed Aziz Khan as the incoming chair of the Unicef International Council, a community of private philanthropists supporting children’s causes. Khan, a Bangladeshi businessman and founder of the Anjuman and Aziz Charitable Trust, will assume the position in November 2024. He aims to grow the council’s membership and focus on education initiatives for children. Photo: UNICEF

25 May 2024
ACCIDENTS & FIRES

Two killed in Hathazari road crash

Two people were killed and two others injured when a CNG-run auto-rickshaw collided with a bus on the Chattogram-Khagrachhari regional highway at Hathazari upazila this afternoon. The accident occurred after the auto-rickshaw driver lost control while a car tried to overtake it, causing the auto-rickshaw to stop on the road before being hit by the bus. Photo: Md Rajib Raihan

25 May 2024
Archive Education

Why you should consider doing an exchange semester abroad

A Bangladeshi student shares their enriching experience of an exchange semester in Vienna, Austria, facilitated by BRAC University’s OSUN program. The opportunity exposed them to diverse cultures, advanced communication skills, and exposure to eminent professors. It fostered personal growth, research prowess, and a deeper understanding of global issues like distributive justice and fair trade policies. The immersive experience abroad instilled self-reliance and practical knowledge through industry visits, preparing them for future endeavors.

25 May 2024
Archive FOOTBALL

Real Madrid are the world’s best team: Simeone

Atletico Madrid coach Diego Simeone admitted they fell short of their objectives this season, labeling Real Madrid as the “best team in the world.” Despite securing Champions League qualification, Simeone believes they could have done better, citing their Champions League exit to Borussia Dortmund as a missed opportunity. Simeone, in his 12-year tenure with 402 wins in 680 matches, remains excited about the future and acknowledges the need for improvement to close the gap with Real Madrid. Photo: Reuters

25 May 2024
Archive Weather

‘Remal’ likely to hit coastal areas by tomorrow evening: state minister

Cyclonic storm ‘Remal’ is expected to make landfall in the coastal districts of Satkhira and Cox’s Bazar by tomorrow evening. The Bangladesh government has prepared nearly 4,000 shelter centres with dry food supplies in the coastal areas. The Bangladesh Meteorological Department is likely to issue a great danger signal number 10, and maritime ports have been asked to maintain cautionary signals. The government has deployed 80,000 volunteers to tackle the situation. Photo: Windy

25 May 2024
Archive CRIME & JUSTICE

Land Minister Javed owns at least 260 properties in the UK

Land Minister Saifuzzaman Chowdhury Javed allegedly owns at least 260 properties worth around £134.76 million in the UK through eight companies, despite declaring an annual income of only Tk 1.35 lakh in Bangladesh. His affidavit did not disclose any foreign income or assets held by dependents. The companies, incorporated between 2010-2021, have combined assets worth around Tk 2,423 crore according to UK filings, raising questions about the discrepancy between his declared income and massive overseas investments.

25 May 2024
Archive Weather

Deep depression likely to intensify by this afternoon

A deep depression over the Bay of Bengal is expected to intensify into a cyclonic storm named “Remal” by this afternoon, according to meteorologists. The storm is likely to gather strength and turn into a severe cyclone before making landfall, potentially hitting the Khepupara-Sundarbans and West Bengal areas. Authorities are monitoring the situation, and rain is forecasted in coastal areas, with the possibility of showers in Dhaka from tomorrow night. Photo: Collected

25 May 2024
Archive VIEWS

The Faujdarhat Cadet College campus, as seen on Google Earth.

The politically charged period from 1947 to 1971 in East Pakistan, leading to the birth of Bangladesh, witnessed remarkable architectural achievements. Prominent architects like Muzharul Islam, Louis Kahn, Constantinos Doxiadis, and others created iconic structures, raising intriguing questions about the interplay between political movements and architectural expression. These buildings, including the Parliament Complex, University of Dhaka Library, and Dhaka New Market, exemplified the socio-cultural spirit of the nation during its quest for self-determination. The Faujdarhat Cadet College campus, as seen on Google Earth.

25 May 2024
Archive Sports

No player from India’s T20 World Cup squad in IPL final

In a surprising turn of events, the IPL final between Kolkata Knight Riders and Sunrisers Hyderabad will not feature any player from India’s T20 World Cup squad. Despite Rajasthan Royals and Royal Challengers Bengaluru having players like Sanju Samson, Virat Kohli, and others in the World Cup team, their early elimination paved the way for this unprecedented scenario. Photo: AFP

25 May 2024
Archive Weather

Depression in Bay has intensified into deep depression

A deep depression formed over the Bay of Bengal, centered around 635 km southwest of Chattogram port. It is expected to intensify further and move northeastwards, with maximum sustained wind speeds of 50-60 km/h. Maritime ports have been advised to hoist cautionary signals, and fishing boats have been warned to remain close to the coast and avoid venturing into the deep sea until further notice. Representational image: NASA/International Space Station

25 May 2024
Archive TRANSPORT

Dhaka’s transport turmoil

Dhaka, the rickshaw capital, is grappling with a dysfunctional public transport system. Paddle rickshaws and decrepit buses over 30 years old clog the roads, symbolizing the chaos. Despite aspirations of being a smart city, indigenous innovations power rickshaws, while dilapidated buses disregard laws. The issue extends beyond public transport, as insensible commuters, whether on wheels or foot, contribute to the congestion by obstructing roads and disregarding traffic rules, exacerbating the city’s mobility woes.  PHOTO: PRABIR DAS

25 May 2024
Archive Bangladesh

Mango harvesting begins in Natore

Mango harvesting commenced in Natore today with the Gopalbhog variety. Abdul Wadud, deputy director of Natore DAE, officially inaugurated the harvest season. The district targets to produce 80,000 metric tonnes of mangoes from 5,718 hectares of orchards. However, due to drought, production may be reduced to 74,000 metric tonnes, as per the DAE. Photo: UNB

25 May 2024
Archive International

UN says only 906 aid truckloads reached Gaza since Israel’s Rafah operation

The United Nations says only 906 truckloads of humanitarian aid have reached Gaza since Israel began its military operation in the Rafah area on May 7. Access remains extremely limited, with a famine looming amid the ongoing conflict between Israel and Palestinian militants Hamas. Egypt has agreed to temporarily allow aid and fuel into Gaza via Israel’s Kerem Shalom crossing after the U.S. called for reopening the border. The UN says at least 500 trucks of aid per day are needed in Gaza. PHOTO: REUTERS

25 May 2024
Archive FOOTBALL

Mbappe to bring curtain down on PSG career in French Cup final

Kylian Mbappe will play his final game for Paris Saint-Germain in the French Cup final against Lyon on Saturday. The 25-year-old French captain is expected to leave PSG after the match, likely for Real Madrid. Although he has won numerous domestic titles with PSG, the Champions League has eluded him. Mbappe will aim to sign off with one last trophy before his anticipated departure. However, an in-form Lyon, who have revived their season under Pierre Sage, could spoil Mbappe’s PSG farewell in Lille. Photo: Facebook

25 May 2024
Archive Environment

Landslide in Papua New Guinea village kills about 100

A massive landslide in the remote village of Kaokalam, northern Papua New Guinea, has reportedly killed around 100 people. Residents are recovering bodies from the debris, which includes rocks, trees, and rubble left by the early morning landslide. The incident has also impacted operations at the nearby Porgera gold mine operated by Barrick Gold and Zijin Mining. Official details remain scarce as authorities have yet to respond. Photo: AFP

24 May 2024
Archive Pollution

Dhaka’s air 5th worst in the world this morning

Dhaka’s air quality remains ‘unhealthy’ as it ranked fifth among cities with the worst air pollution globally. The city’s Air Quality Index (AQI) stood at 152, while Hanoi, Lahore, and Kinshasa topped the list. AQI between 150-200 is considered ‘unhealthy’. Dhaka has long battled air pollution, which worsens in winter but improves during monsoon. Air pollution causes millions of premature deaths worldwide annually, according to WHO. File Photo: Collected

24 May 2024
Archive Editorial

Accidents waiting to happen

A patient’s recent death after being stuck in a malfunctioning hospital lift has exposed the dilapidated condition of lifts in major state-run hospitals in Dhaka. An investigation revealed old, rundown lifts posing serious risks to patients and staff. Despite persisting for years, authorities have not prioritized replacing these lifts or addressing overcrowding issues that contribute to breakdowns. The health directorate must urgently ensure implementation of its directives on safe lift operation to prevent such tragic incidents. Visual: Star

24 May 2024
Archive VIEWS

What could the recent ICC warrants mean?

The International Criminal Court (ICC) has issued arrest warrants for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Defense Minister Yoav Gallant, and Hamas leaders, accusing them of “war crimes and crimes against humanity” in the ongoing violence in Gaza. This unprecedented move highlights growing international pressure on Israel over its treatment of Palestinians, despite longstanding U.S. support. The ICC’s impartiality has been questioned, with critics arguing it disproportionately targets African nations and Western allies. The warrants have sparked debate over perceived moral equivalence between Israeli officials and Hamas militants. FILE PHOTO: REUTERS

24 May 2024
Archive CRIME & JUSTICE

Lured to India’s red light district, and a lucky escape

An investigation by The Daily Star exposes the dark world of sex trafficking from Bangladesh to Indian cities like Mumbai and Pune. In Pune’s famous Budhwar Peth red-light area, around 200-250 of the 800-900 sex workers are Bangladeshi girls trafficked with false promises. The dilapidated brothels have cramped rooms barely fitting a bed. Some rescued Bangladeshi victims have become brothel managers, perpetuating the vicious trafficking cycle by employing and trafficking more girls from Bangladesh.

24 May 2024
Archive VIEWS

Can automation and AI bring work-life balance in Bangladesh?

Automation and AI are rapidly transforming global labor markets. Bangladesh, with its robust workforce and growing economy, needs to reevaluate its labor laws and policies to strike a balance between technological advancements and worker protection. The textile and garment industry, employing over 4 million, is gradually automating, potentially threatening jobs but improving work conditions. Countries like the EU and France are prioritizing ethical AI principles, worker rights, and employee training to prepare for an automated future. Bangladesh must strategize to manage automation’s impact on its critical industries and workforce. VISUAL: CANVA

24 May 2024