Child abuse is rampant in Bangladesh with reports becoming increasingly common. Between January-April 2024, 226 children were subjected to violence and 176 killed, according to Ain O Salish Kendra. In 2023, over 1,000 children faced abuse. Major issues include lack of legal recourse, social stigma, perpetrators’ influence, and delays in justice delivery. The trauma leaves lasting psychological scars on victims. Urgent systemic reforms and societal change are needed to protect children’s rights and dignity. VISUAL: SHAIKH SULTANA JAHAN BADHON
Category: Archive
KKR thrash SRH to win 3rd IPL title
Mitchell Starc’s sensational opening spell of 2-14 fired Kolkata Knight Riders to their third IPL title with an 8-wicket thrashing of Sunrisers Hyderabad in the final. Kolkata bowled out Hyderabad for a paltry 113, the lowest IPL final total. Rahmanullah Gurbaz (39) and Venkatesh Iyer (52*) then starred with the bat as Kolkata chased down the target comfortably. PHOTO: BCCI
Ctg port on highest security alert for Cyclone Remal
All operations were suspended at Chattogram port on Sunday as the highest security alert was issued due to Cyclone Remal. 19 vessels were shifted to the sea from the jetties. Flight operations at Shah Amanat Airport were also halted for 8 hours from noon. The port authority took necessary precautions, securing equipment and keeping rescue crafts ready to deal with emergencies once the cyclone makes landfall. Photo: Rajib Raihan
Budget for FY25: Another scope for legalising black money?
The Bangladesh government is considering allowing undisclosed money to be legalized and laundered money to be brought back home through formal channels in the next budget. Officials say a 15% tax on legalizing black money is being considered. Similar attempts in the past have not yielded expected results. Economists suspect a significant amount of money was laundered abroad before the recent election. The government aims to boost foreign currency reserves by enabling the repatriation of such funds. Illustration: Collected
T20 World Cup 2024: Get to know teams via interesting facts
Nepal is making their second appearance in the T20 World Cup after debuting in 2014. Their only win against a Test nation came against Afghanistan in 2014. They hold a 100% record over several associate nations. During the 2023 Asian Games, Nepal set multiple T20I records, including the highest team total (314/3), the biggest winning margin by runs (273), the most sixes in an innings (26), and the fastest fifty (9 balls by Dipendra Singh Airee).
HC orders to stop all activities of ‘Silicon City’ at Savar
The High Court has directed the government to immediately halt all activities of the “Silicon City” housing project in Savar, including earth-filling, plot selling, and registration. The court ordered this after the project was allegedly established by filling flood zones, reservoirs, and agricultural land illegally. The authorities have been asked to assess the environmental damage caused and submit a report within three months.
Influence operation threats are evolving rapidly
At a BIPSS policy circle, experts highlighted that influence operation threats are rapidly evolving, especially with advancements like AI. They discussed how influence operations undermine democracy, divide societies, and spread disinformation. The panelists emphasized the need for efficient fact-checking mechanisms, forensic labs, and increased awareness to cope with these emerging threats in Bangladesh.
Court orders to seize ex-IGP Benazir’s 4 Gulshan flats, properties under 133 deeds
A Dhaka court has ordered the seizure of properties held by former IGP Benazir Ahmed, his wife and children from 133 deeds, including 4 flats in Gulshan, and freezing of their shares in private firms. The orders came after the Anti-Corruption Commission appealed to attach more assets traced against the former police chief, who was earlier sanctioned by the US over human rights abuse allegations. The photo is taken from Benazir Ahmed’s Facebook page
Gujarat’s Rajkot game zone fire: death toll rises to 27
The death toll in the massive fire at a gaming zone in Gujarat’s Rajkot city has risen to 27, including at least four children under 12. The owner and manager of the TRP Game Zone have been detained amid reports of lack of clearance from local authorities. The state government has assigned a Special Investigation Team to probe the incident, which left many victims charred beyond recognition. Condolences have poured in from the President, Vice President and Prime Minister.
Aid trucks from Egypt enter Gaza via Kerem Shalom crossing: media
Aid trucks from Egypt started entering the Gaza Strip on Sunday through the Israeli-controlled Kerem Shalom crossing. According to the state-linked Al-Qahera News, a total of 200 trucks moved from the Egyptian side of Rafah border to Kerem Shalom. While the number of trucks that crossed after inspection was not specified, four fuel trucks had already entered Gaza and were headed to hospitals in the besieged territory. Photo: AFP
The Daily Star journo attacked in Savar
The Daily Star’s Savar correspondent Aklakur Rahman Akash was severely beaten while covering a dispute at a ceramic factory in Savar this morning. He sustained injuries to his face, eyes, head and other body parts. Akash was attacked by a stick-wielding group when he went to the factory after reports of vandalism amid an ownership tussle. He is undergoing treatment at Enam Medical College Hospital. Photo: Star
Cyclone Remal: Great danger signal number 10 for Mongla, Payra
Here’s a summary of the news in under 80 words:
Bangladesh Meteorological Department has issued a great danger signal no. 10 for Mongla and Payra ports as cyclonic storm Remal over the northwest Bay of Bengal has intensified into a severe cyclonic storm. It is expected to cross the Sagar Island and Khepupara coasts of West Bengal near Mongla by evening or midnight, bringing heavy rains and gusty winds to coastal areas of Bangladesh.
Trump booed and heckled by raucous crowd at Libertarian convention
Here is a 78 word summary of the key points:
At the Libertarian National Convention, Donald Trump faced a raucous audience with loud boos and jeers, contrasting with the adulation he typically receives from supporters. Libertarians criticized Trump’s pandemic response and vaccine push. Despite the hostile reception, Trump appealed for Libertarian support, promising cabinet positions and commuting Ross Ulbricht’s sentence if elected, but was met with skepticism. His appearance signaled concern over third-party candidate Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s potential to siphon votes.
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.
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
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
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.
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.
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
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.
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.
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
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.
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
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
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
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
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
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.
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
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.
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
‘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
Land Minister Javed owns at least 260 properties in the UK
Here is a 77 word summary:
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.
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
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.