Category: Archive

Hiring begins with bribery

The UN independent experts have raised concerns over the recruitment process of Bangladeshi workers in Malaysia, alleging that it begins with bribery within Malaysian ministries and the Bangladesh High Commission. Workers are reportedly charged exorbitant fees of $4,500 to $6,000, violating the agreed cap of $720 under a bilateral agreement. The experts urged both governments to investigate the exploitation, ensure ethical recruitment, and prevent retaliation against workers for claiming their rights, citing potential debt bondage and humanitarian crisis. Representational photo: Star/File

29 May 2024

World’s first wooden satellite built by Japan researchers

Japanese researchers have developed the world’s first wooden satellite, a tiny 10cm cuboid craft made from magnolia wood called LignoSat. The wooden satellite, created by Kyoto University and Sumitomo Forestry, is expected to burn up completely upon re-entry, avoiding metal debris. It will be launched on a SpaceX rocket to the International Space Station in September to test its durability in space conditions. The researchers aim to promote wooden satellites as an environmentally-friendly alternative to metal ones. Photo: AFP

29 May 2024

Foreign fighters in Myanmar

The arrival of Western volunteer fighters in Myanmar to join the conflict against the Tatmadaw (Myanmar military) has raised concerns about potential foreign intervention and escalation of the crisis. Regional countries like Bangladesh, China, and India are unlikely to allow such foreign fighters access through their territories, as they wish for a peaceful resolution to the conflict. However, some international actors, particularly the U.S., which has expressed support for the opposition NUG/PDF groups, may have different motivations regarding the presence of these volunteers. PHOTO: REUTERS

29 May 2024

Sabina crosses 150-goal milestone

Sabina Khatun of Nasrin Sports Academy etched her name in history by becoming the top-scorer in the UCB Women’s Football League for the third time, while also crossing the 150-goal landmark. The national team captain scored five goals against Dhaka Rangers FC, taking her tally to 15 and surpassing Mosammat Sagorika’s previous record. Sabina called for more competitions and financial benefits to improve the standard of women’s football in Bangladesh. Photo: Firoz Ahmed

29 May 2024

Traders aggrieved over customs harassment in export-import trade

Businesses have expressed grievances over alleged harassment by customs officials and unwarranted delays in export-import trade clearance, leading to financial penalties, additional costs, and disruptions in production and shipments. During a meeting with the Prime Minister, business leaders urged for measures to address corruption and harassment by customs officials, and sought cooperation from the National Board of Revenue to facilitate smooth trade operations.

29 May 2024

West Indies ready to knock home T20 World Cup ‘out of this world’

West Indies are pinning their hopes on young fast bowler Shamar Joseph as they aim to become the first team to win the T20 World Cup three times when they host the tournament. Despite recent struggles, the presence of match-winners like Nicholas Pooran, Andre Russell, and the pace duo of Shamar and Alzarri Joseph has the team optimistic about knocking the home World Cup “out of this world.”. IANS file photo

29 May 2024

PM to visit cyclone-hit areas Thursday

Prime Minister and Awami League (AL) president Sheikh Hasina will visit areas hit by cyclonic storm Remal in Patuakhali on Thursday.AL general secretary and road transport and bridges minister Obaidul Quader disclosed the information in a press conference at AL president Sheikh Hasina’s Dhanmondi political office in Dhaka today.

29 May 2024

Menstrual Hygiene Day observed

Menstrual Hygiene Day was celebrated on Tuesday to raise awareness and break the stigma around menstruation, ensuring women and girls can manage their periods safely and with dignity. The theme was “Together for a #PeriodFriendlyWorld.” Menstrual Health and Hygiene Platform hosted an event showcasing transformative stories, government commitments, and innovative solutions. Speakers highlighted the need for collaborative efforts to improve menstrual health management in Bangladesh. A youth assembly provided a platform for younger participants to share their experiences and perspectives on menstrual health challenges.

29 May 2024

Missing imported China clay, Indian goods recovered in Lalmonirhat

The police recovered a huge cache of imported goods worth around Tk 50 lakh from a warehouse in Lalmonirhat’s Hatibandha upazila. The haul included 18,000kg of China clay, Indian clothes, medical accessories, and gold ornaments that went missing 20 days ago after being imported from India. Two C&F traders involved in the crime were arrested, while the warehouse owner is absconding. The operation was conducted by Gazipur DB Police with assistance from Hatibandha police based on information from the truck driver who transported the goods. Photo: Collected

29 May 2024

MP Azim murder: Main associate of Shimul Bhuiyan arrested

In a major breakthrough in the MP Anwarul Azim Anar murder case, the Detective Branch of police arrested Saiful Alam alias Saiful Member, a close associate of prime suspect Shimul Bhuiyan, from Jashore last night. Saiful, a former leader of the Purba Bangla Communist Party, was the prime accused in the murder of Prof Uday Sangkar and wanted in two other murder cases. He was arrested with 960 grams of explosives and is believed to have links to MP Azim’s murder as he was in India during that time, along with Shimul Bhuiyan.

29 May 2024

Rohit, Kohli in focus as India look to end title drought

Veteran stars Rohit Sharma (37) and Virat Kohli (35) may be playing their final World Cup as India aims to end its decade-long global title drought at the upcoming T20 World Cup. The duo, considered the torchbearers of Indian cricket, last tasted success in the 2013 Champions Trophy. While Kohli shone in the IPL, Rohit’s form dipped. With the T20 World Cup potentially their last shot at glory, expectations are high for the greats to deliver and guide India to the coveted trophy. PHOTO: AFP

28 May 2024

A thoughtful gift from co-star overwhelms Tariq Anam Khan

In a heartwarming gesture, actor-director Ziaul Hoque Polash gifted veteran actor Tariq Anam Khan a book on poet Jibanananda Das during the filming of their drama “Ebhabeo Phire Asha Jaay.” Polash’s thoughtful gift, a book titled “Ek Jon Kamalalebu” by Shahaduzzaman, was inspired by their discussions about Jibanananda’s poetry during the night shoots. Tariq Anam Khan expressed his gratitude for Polash’s kind gesture, highlighting the respect and admiration they share. Photos: Collected

28 May 2024

Cyclone Remal: ‘Never saw water level this high’

Cyclone Remal battered Pirojpur district, leaving a trail of destruction. It inundated villages, uprooted trees, and damaged houses, stranding thousands. The storm washed away croplands, fish farms, and disrupted utilities. Locals described unprecedented high water levels, with most houses flooded. At least 13 people died, over 35,000 homes were destroyed, and 37 lakh people were severely affected across 19 districts. Photo: Habibur Rahman

28 May 2024

Cyclone Remal: Firefighter dies of electrocution while removing trees in Khagrachhari

A 21-year-old firefighter, Rasel Hossain, lost his life after being electrocuted while clearing uprooted trees caused by Cyclone Remal in Khagrachhari’s Matiranga upazila. The tragic incident occurred when electricity supply resumed suddenly, and Rasel came in contact with a torn wire. He joined the Fire Service and Civil Defence in 2023 and hailed from Dhaka’s Dhamrai upazila.

28 May 2024

Elon Musk’s AI startup xAI now worth $24 bln

In a significant move, Elon Musk’s AI startup, xAI, has raised a staggering $6 billion in Series B funding, valuing the company at $24 billion post-money. Backed by prominent investors like Andreessen Horowitz and Sequoia Capital, the funds will be utilized for launching initial products, developing infrastructure, and accelerating research and development. xAI has already released Grok, a conversational AI chatbot, and PromptIDE, an IDE for prompt engineering. Illustration: Tech & Startup Desk

28 May 2024

Bangladesh’s reputation as a freelancing powerhouse is on the line

Bangladesh’s freelancing industry, once hailed as a global powerhouse, is facing challenges due to market saturation and lack of skilled workforce. Despite contributing over $100 million in annual foreign remittances and being recognized by organizations like Oxford Internet Institute, Forbes, and Payoneer, the country’s reputation as a top freelancing destination is at risk if the situation worsens. Experts emphasize the need for developing the right skills and mindset to sustain the industry’s growth. VISUAL: ZARIF FAIAZ

28 May 2024

Airfares peaking as travellers in Europe, Asia seek savings

Airfares in Europe and Asia are starting to plateau or fall, signaling an end to the post-COVID travel boom. Airlines, struggling with higher costs and limited aircraft availability, are facing a setback as the “travel at all costs” trend wanes and customers become more price-sensitive due to inflation. Budget carriers like Ryanair have warned about slower ticket price growth, while Asian airlines like Singapore Airlines and Cathay Pacific expect passenger yields to moderate as capacity expands. Photo: Daniel Eledut on Unsplash

28 May 2024

Shironamhin takes legal action against G-Series for copyright violation

Bangladeshi band Shironamhin has filed a complaint against audio production company G-Series, accusing them of violating copyright laws by commercially exploiting their songs on YouTube and other digital platforms without authorization. Despite a 2018 ruling granting Shironamhin the copyright for 30 songs from their first three albums, G-Series has continued to monetize the music online. The case remains unresolved as both parties await further legal developments. Photos: Collected

28 May 2024

Sri Lanka holds rates to manage inflation, foster economic stability

Sri Lanka’s central bank kept interest rates unchanged on Tuesday, surprising some analysts who expected a rate cut. The move aims to curb inflation pressures and foster economic stability following the country’s financial crisis. Annual inflation cooled to 1.5% in April, but the bank cautioned about upside risks. It urged lenders to pass on lower rates to borrowers to boost private sector credit and support the economy’s projected 3% growth in 2024. Photo: Reuters/File

28 May 2024

Two ex-policemen, accomplice jailed in extortion case

A Dhaka court sentenced two former policemen and their accomplice to four years and six months in prison for snatching a mobile phone, cash, and threatening to implicate an Uber driver in a drug case. The convicts, former ASI Monirul Islam, constable SM Julfikar Ali, and Nuruddin Ahmed Sumon, had stopped the driver at Malibagh Intersection in 2019, planted Yaba tablets in his car, and demanded money, leading to their arrest and conviction.

28 May 2024

Fitch lowers Bangladesh rating as external buffers weaken

Fitch Ratings has downgraded Bangladesh’s long-term foreign-currency issuer default rating to “B+” from “BB-“, citing the lingering weakening of the country’s external buffers. However, the outlook is stable, reflecting mitigation of refinancing risks through the IMF program and moderate government debt. The downgrade comes as Bangladesh’s foreign exchange reserves have fallen substantially due to interventions, capital outflows, and informal remittance channels, leaving the country more vulnerable to external shocks despite recent policy reforms.

28 May 2024

Walls closing in on captain Shanto

Najmul Hossain Shanto, the current Bangladesh captain across formats, is facing immense pressure due to his poor batting form in T20Is ahead of the 2024 T20 World Cup. His T20I struggles are stark with just 189 runs in his last 10 innings at a strike rate of 102. While captaincy has boosted his ODI numbers, his T20I woes along with the team’s shambolic performances, including a series loss to the USA, have put Shanto under tremendous scrutiny as captain and batsman. Photo: Firoz Ahmed

28 May 2024

Ronaldo breaks Saudi League’s single-season scoring record

Cristiano Ronaldo capped his first full Saudi Pro League season in style, breaking the record for most goals scored in a single campaign. The 39-year-old Portuguese striker scored a brace for Al Nasr against Al Ittihad, taking his tally to 35 goals and surpassing the previous record of 34 held by former Al Nasr forward Abderrazak Hamdallah. Ronaldo, who joined Al Nasr in January 2023 after stints at top European clubs, achieved this feat in his debut season in Saudi Arabia. PHOTO: REUTERS

28 May 2024

Bangladesh, Japan begin formal talks to sign trade deal

Bangladesh and Japan have formally begun negotiating an Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA) to allow duty-free export benefits for Bangladeshi products in the Japanese market after LDC graduation in 2026. The first round of talks was held in Dhaka from May 19-23, where both sides exchanged views on negotiating areas like trade in goods, services, investment and dispute settlement. An EPA is crucial for Bangladesh to retain its $1.9 billion annual exports to Japan, which is at risk of facing up to 18% duties post-LDC graduation.

28 May 2024

An IGP’s eye-watering corruption takes the lid off patronage politics

The massive wealth amassed by former IGP Benazir Ahmed exposes systemic corruption at the highest levels of law enforcement during the Awami League’s tenure. His partisan stance and policies sidelined rule of law, allegedly enabling extortion. The revelations align with the US sanctioning him earlier for human rights abuses, raising concerns over the government rewarding compromised officials. This follows similar anti-kleptocracy action against another top official, signaling extensive corruption among the highest bureaucracy during this administration’s rule. Illustration: Biplob Chakroborty

28 May 2024

2 killed, 5 injured in Jashore road accident

Two people were killed and five others injured when a Satkhira-bound bus of Green Saint Martin Paribahan overturned at Taraganj Bazar in Jashore’s Sadar upazila this morning. The deceased were the bus supervisor Tafiqur Rahman (28) and passenger Hashem Ali (40). A passenger alleged the helper drove recklessly in stormy weather as the driver slept. Traffic remained disrupted for 2 hours after the accident. Photo: Collected

27 May 2024

No vessel could come back to jetty for rough sea

No vessel could return to the jetties of Chattogram port on Monday as rough seas persisted, suspending major operations for the second consecutive day. 19 vessels were earlier shifted to the sea as a precaution against Cyclone Remal. Attempts by port pilots to board these ships and bring them back failed due to heavy swells, rain and winds. Limited cargo delivery from port yards resumed, but loading/unloading remained suspended with outer anchorage vessels also unable to offload cargo. Photo: Rajib Raihan

27 May 2024

Agargaon-Motijheel section: Metro rail service suspended again

Metro rail operations between Agargaon and Motijheel in Dhaka were suspended again in the afternoon around 5pm due to weak signal issues. This was informed by Dhaka Mass Transit Company’s Managing Director MAN Siddique. However, the Uttara-Agargaon section remained operational. Earlier in the morning, services were halted for 1.5 hours due to power issues on the Uttara-Motijheel line. Representational image

27 May 2024

Cyclone Remal kills 16, snaps power links to millions in India, Bangladesh

Cyclone Remal lashed the coastlines of India and Bangladesh, killing at least 16 people and cutting power to millions before weakening. In Bangladesh, 10 people died while in India’s West Bengal state, the cyclone claimed 6 lives. The cyclone disrupted power supply as fallen trees and snapped lines hit electricity distribution. Around 3 million people in Bangladesh and over a million in India were evacuated to storm shelters as a precautionary measure. Reuters

27 May 2024

Papua New Guinea reports more than 2,000 people buried in landslide

Papua New Guinea informed the UN that more than 2,000 people were buried alive in a massive landslide that swept over a remote village. The landslide, caused by the collapse of a portion of Mount Mungalo, buried scores of homes and caused major destruction. It blocked the main highway to Porgera Mine and posed ongoing danger to rescue teams and survivors. Papua New Guinea called for immediate aid from the UN and international partners to deal with this catastrophic situation. Photo: AFP

27 May 2024

Cyclone Remal: PDB cuts power production by half

The Bangladesh Power Development Board (PDB) cut electricity generation by more than half due to Cyclone Remal, leaving hundreds of thousands without power across the country. Many power plants in coastal areas were shut down as a precautionary measure. Electricity poles were damaged, mainly in Khulna and Barisal regions. PDB’s current production is around 5,000MW, down from over 12,000MW the previous day. Power cuts began last midnight in many areas including parts of Dhaka.

27 May 2024

Cyclone Remal: Commuters suffer as heavy rain lashes Dhaka

Heavy rain and gusty winds from Cyclone Remal lashed parts of Bangladesh including Dhaka since morning, causing difficulties for commuters particularly office-goers. Dhaka received 9mm rainfall till 6am while Kutubdia saw 125mm during the same period. The Met office forecast continued rain throughout the day with Dhaka potentially experiencing moderate to heavy rainfall. The gusty winds offered little respite from the downpour for pedestrians. Photo: Prabir Das

27 May 2024

Nadal bidding to avoid early French Open exit

In a highly anticipated French Open first-round clash, Rafael Nadal, the 14-time champion, faces a stern test against the in-form Alexander Zverev. Nadal, unseeded due to injury struggles, admits it’s “one of the toughest opponents possible.” Zverev, a recent Rome Open winner and semi-finalist at Roland Garros for three straight years, acknowledges the challenge of facing Nadal but remains excited for the battle. The match promises to be a thrilling encounter between the legendary Spaniard and the rising German star.  Photo: AFP

27 May 2024

T20 giants and minnows ready to battle in USA and Caribbean

Cricket’s global expansion faces a test with the T20 World Cup in the Caribbean and USA. The tournament features a record 20 teams, including debutants like USA, Canada, and Uganda. While aiming to spike curiosity in the American market, the focus remains on celebrating existing cricket fans, especially from immigrant communities. The ICC also sees it as a potential pathway to cricket’s return to the Olympics in 2028.

27 May 2024

Brazil’s Ronaldinho stars in charity match for flood victims

Brazilian football legend Ronaldinho came out of retirement to play in a charity match at Maracanã Stadium, raising funds for victims of devastating floods in southern Brazil. The 44-year-old scored twice and assisted once in the 5-5 draw, receiving a standing ovation. Other Brazilian stars like Cafu also participated in the match aimed at supporting relief efforts in the flood-hit Rio Grande do Sul state where over 160 people have died. Photo: AFP

27 May 2024