The judge in Donald Trump’s hush money trial stated that the former president was “cursing audibly” and shaking his head in a “contemptuous” manner during Stormy Daniels’ testimony on Tuesday. Judge Juan Merchan warned Trump’s lawyers to temper their client’s behavior, noting it had the potential to intimidate the witness and jury. Trump’s attorneys unsuccessfully sought a mistrial based on Daniels’ explicit testimony about their alleged affair. Trump later called the case a “disgrace” and said he should be campaigning instead. Photo: AFP
Category: Archive
World sweltered as April smashed global heat records
April 2024 marked another month of record-breaking global air and sea surface temperatures, according to the EU’s Copernicus Climate Change Service. Despite the weakening El Niño phenomenon, temperatures were 1.58°C above pre-industrial levels, surpassing the 1.5°C Paris Agreement target. The report cited human-caused climate change as exacerbating the extremes, with diverging floods and droughts observed globally. Experts warn that the end of El Niño does not mean an end to high temperatures, as greenhouse gas emissions continue to trap heat. photo: Reuters
HSBC’s 2023 profit nearly Tk 1,000cr
HSBC Bangladesh has registered a record profit of nearly Tk 1,000 crore in 2023, making it one of the most profitable banks in the country. The 70% year-on-year profit surge was attributed to a rise in interest income and investment income from treasury bills and bonds. However, the bank’s income from commissions dropped by 21%. HSBC increased its investments in high-yielding treasury bonds but reduced its loans and advances during the year. The bank also witnessed a 17% hike in classified loans.
AstraZeneca to withdraw Covid-19 vaccine globally as demand dips
AstraZeneca has initiated the worldwide withdrawal of its Covid-19 vaccine, Vaxzevria, citing a “surplus of available updated vaccines” since the pandemic. The company cited declining demand for Vaxzevria due to the availability of multiple updated variant vaccines. AstraZeneca has also proceeded to withdraw the vaccine’s marketing authorizations within Europe. The withdrawal comes after reports that the company admitted in court documents that the vaccine could cause side effects like blood clots and low platelet counts. Photo: Reuters
Luis Enrique proud despite ‘unfair’ Champions League exit
Despite the “unfair” 2-0 aggregate defeat against Borussia Dortmund in the Champions League semi-finals, Paris Saint-Germain coach Luis Enrique insisted he was “proud” of his team’s performance. Despite hitting the woodwork six times across the two legs, PSG failed to score, with Enrique acknowledging the result was not a fair reflection of the tie. The Spaniard now shifts focus to the French Cup final against Lyon, where PSG aim to complete a domestic treble. PHOTO: REUTERS
In tackling climate change, we must aim for just resilience
Despite over a decade of negotiations, the world has failed to produce a complete adaptation framework to track adaptation actions. At COP28, the UAE Framework for Global Climate Resilience was approved, but it lacks measurable indicators to monitor progress. As a pioneer in community-based adaptation, Bangladesh can show a path by integrating equity and justice considerations into its National Adaptation Plan (NAP2050) indicators, ensuring a “just resilience” approach that leaves no one behind in the fight against climate change. PHOTO: STAR
US halts bomb shipment to Israel over Rafah concerns
The United States paused a shipment of bombs to Israel last week over concerns that Israel might invade the southern Gaza city of Rafah. This marks the first time President Biden has squeezed military aid to the key US ally during the ongoing conflict. The move came after Israel did not fully address US concerns about a potential major ground operation in Rafah, where over a million people are sheltering. Photo: AFP
Beyond Dollar: Bangladesh to seek over 36b yuan in Chinese loans
Bangladesh plans to seek over $5 billion in soft loans from China to ease pressure on its dollar reserves. The funds will be used to support businesses importing raw materials and for budget support. China is Bangladesh’s largest trading partner, with Bangladesh importing goods worth $22.9 billion in fiscal 2022-23. Officials aim for a long-term loan with an interest rate below 1% to address the country’s depleting reserves, currently at $19.95 billion.
PM urges IOM to raise more funds for Rohingyas
Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina today urged the International Organization for Migration (IOM) to raise more funds from newer sources to assist the Rohingyas sheltered in Bangladesh. During a courtesy call by IOM Director General Amy Pope, Hasina said the decreased funding for Rohingya assistance requires the IOM to find new partners for raising more funds. The PM also called on the IOM to help relocate Rohingyas to Bhasan Char, where around 30,000 Rohingyas have already been shifted out of the 100,000 capacity built with facilities like education and healthcare. Photo: BSS
418 BGB platoons deployed for first phase of upazila polls
Ahead of the first phase of upazila parishad polls tomorrow, 418 platoons of Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) have been deployed to maintain peace and assist the local administration until May 10. Additionally, 1,59,874 Ansar members will help law enforcers ensure security at voting centers. In the first phase, 1,588 candidates will contest 150 upazila polls for chairman, vice chairman, and reserved vice chairman posts. Already, 25 candidates have been elected unopposed in this phase. Photo: Border Guard Bangladesh
Rain or thundershowers likely in all eight divisions: Met office
The Bangladesh Meteorological Department (BMD) has predicted rain or thundershowers in all eight divisions over the next 24 hours. Gusty winds and hail are expected in some areas. A mild heatwave is sweeping over Gopalganj, Jashore, and Chuadanga districts, but it may abate soon. The highest temperature recorded yesterday was 37.6°C in Jashore, while the lowest today was 18.8°C in Bandarban. The highest rainfall in the last 24 hours was 130mm in Feni. Photo: Prabir Das
Rejuvenated Amir back for ‘unfinished work’ at T20 World Cup
Rejuvenated fast bowler Mohammad Amir, 32, has come out of retirement to play for Pakistan in the upcoming T20 World Cup. Amir, who was jailed for spot-fixing in 2011, says he has “unfinished work” after being part of Pakistan’s 2009 T20 World Cup winning team as a teenager. He aims to complete his redemption by helping Pakistan win the tournament in the USA and West Indies. Amir has rejoined a potent Pakistan pace attack featuring Shaheen Afridi, Naseem Shah and Haris Rauf. Photo: AFP
Forex reserve target for IMF loans may be revised down to $18b
Bangladesh has proposed to the IMF to revise down the Net International Reserves (NIR) target for June below $18 billion, as the existing $20.11 billion target appears difficult to achieve due to the prevailing external sector situation. Meeting the NIR target is a condition for securing the fourth tranche of IMF’s $4.7 billion loan programme. Bangladesh has also requested to revise down the tax revenue collection target for June.
State-run oil companies see double-digit profit growth
The three state-run oil companies in Bangladesh – Jamuna Oil, Meghna Petroleum, and Padma Oil – reported double-digit profit growth in the first nine months of the current fiscal year, despite a decline in sales. This growth was primarily driven by higher bank deposit interest incomes, benefiting from the rise in interest rates, rather than from their core operations. The companies’ profits rose between 11% and 28% year-on-year, boosted by the increased non-operating income from bank deposits.
Pandemic’s new poor unable to recover: study
A recent study reveals that people who fell into poverty due to the COVID-19 pandemic remain unable to recover their previous economic status amid financial crises and high inflation. The “new poor” lack strong networks, access to loans, and social safety nets, making them vulnerable to further economic deterioration. The study highlights the constraints faced by these households in coping with pandemic-induced shocks and their struggles to overcome poverty.
Global companies upbeat about Bangladesh’s denim
International clothing retailers and brands are optimistic about Bangladesh’s denim products due to promising business prospects. They are expanding operations in the country as local manufacturers’ response is growing. The global supply chain recovery and Bangladesh’s increasing production capacity and competitive prices have boosted confidence in sourcing denim products from Bangladesh.
Stock market not lucrative in long run
Research by a Dhaka University professor revealed that Bangladesh’s stock market is profitable in the short-term but not lucrative for long-term investors. The study found that investors earned profits in the short-run but incurred losses over the long haul, with the yearly market return falling short of risk-free interest rates offered by banks.
Pulitzer Prizes honor Gaza war coverage
The 2023 Pulitzer Prizes recognized journalists’ coverage of the Gaza war, including The New York Times and Reuters for their reporting on the Israel-Hamas conflict. The awards also honored jailed Russian opposition leader Vladimir Kara-Murza for his columns criticizing Putin’s regime. Other winners highlighted reporting on migrant labor, racial injustice, and gun violence in the US.
Europe’s auto suppliers reach the end of the road
As the automotive industry shifts away from combustion engines, German auto suppliers are cutting thousands of jobs. Workers like Emrullah Karaca, who made brakes for 20 years at Continental, are being retrained for new roles like assembling heat pumps. The transition is hitting towns reliant on auto suppliers hard, with factories closing and few alternative jobs available, especially as competition from cheaper Chinese suppliers intensifies. Photo: Reuters/
16 people killed in Israeli air strikes in Rafah
Medics and first responders in Gaza reported that 16 Palestinians were killed in Israeli air strikes in the southern city of Rafah on Sunday. The casualties included seven people from one family and nine from another. This came hours after Hamas rockets had killed three Israeli soldiers earlier in the day. Medical sources confirmed two separate strikes took place in different locations around Rafah. Photo: Reuters
Time for Bangladesh to shift focus towards population management
Bangladesh’s successful family planning initiatives led to a decline in fertility rates, but the progress has stagnated. The country now faces challenges like a high rate of unintended pregnancies and a potential expiration of the demographic dividend by 2035-36. Experts stress the need to refocus on family planning services, especially for disadvantaged groups, to address these issues and achieve maternal and child health targets under the Sustainable Development Goals. PHOTO: REUTERS
Bangladesh Bank cyber heist: CID takes 78th date to complete probe
A Dhaka court has directed the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) to submit its probe report by July 9 in the Bangladesh Bank cyber heist case involving the theft of $101 million in 2016. CID has now taken 78 dates to complete the investigation into the case filed after $81 million was transferred from Bangladesh Bank’s New York account to Manila, from where most of it went missing. So far, Bangladesh has recovered $35 million of the stolen funds.
Bernard Hill, ‘Titanic’ and ‘Lord of the Rings’ actor, passes away
Acclaimed British actor Bernard Hill, best known for portraying Captain Edward Smith in “Titanic” and King Theoden in “The Lord of the Rings” trilogy, passed away unexpectedly on Sunday morning. Hill’s agent confirmed the news, leaving fans heartbroken over the loss of the versatile actor who captivated audiences with memorable performances throughout his decades-long career in film and television. Photo: Collected
US pauses ammunition shipment to Israel for first time since Oct 7: reports
The Biden administration paused a shipment of US-made ammunition to Israel last week amid Israel’s ongoing attack on Gaza, though reasons were unclear. This marks the first time since Hamas’s October 7 attack that the US has stopped weapons shipment to Israel. While Israeli officials expressed concerns, the US stated it has provided billions in security aid to Israel and will continue ensuring Israel can defend itself, amid mounting pressure over support for Israel’s campaign against Palestinians in Gaza. Reuters file photo
CU to introduce dope tests for freshers in 2023-24 academic session
In a first for Bangladesh, Chittagong University (CU) will introduce mandatory dope tests for students who passed the recent entry exams for the 2023-24 academic session. The decision aims to prevent drug abuse among freshers. Students must pass the dope test at Chattogram Medical College Hospital to secure final admission. Those testing positive will be denied admission, with vacant seats filled from the waiting list after dope testing.
Sundarbans fire doused after nearly three days: forest official
Firefighters successfully doused the fire that had been raging since May 3 in the Chandpai range of East Sundarbans in Bagerhat, Bangladesh. The fire originated in Latif’s Chila area near Amurbunia patrol post. Efforts to contain the blaze were hindered by the lack of nearby water sources and the thick layer of leaves in the mangrove forest. Authorities took measures to prevent the fire from spreading further. photo/Tanjir H Rubel
Hundreds of trees, electric poles damaged in Kapasia
A nor’wester storm lashed Kapasia upazila of Gazipur, Bangladesh, last night, causing widespread damage. Hundreds of trees were uprooted or broken, electric poles and a transformer were damaged, leading to power cuts. Several mud houses were also damaged, leaving some families homeless. Firefighters are working to remove fallen trees from roads.
Don’t repurpose Tajuddin Ahmad park
The editorial highlights the urgency of preserving open green spaces like parks in Dhaka amid record heatwaves. It criticizes the Gulshan Youth Club for transforming the Shaheed Tajuddin Ahmad Park into a sports ground, restricting public access and violating environmental laws. The authorities are urged to remove illegal structures, adhere to the park’s original design, and manage it inclusively consulting locals. Proper management of all parks across cities is emphasized for public well-being.
Writ filed with HC seeking directives on govt to stop cutting of trees
A rights organization, Human Rights and Peace for Bangladesh (HRPB), has filed a writ petition with the High Court seeking directives to the government to stop cutting trees across the country, including Dhaka, to protect the environment. The petition argues that decreasing vegetation is adversely impacting living conditions and violating the right to decent living amid rising temperatures. It also contends that continued deforestation will severely damage Bangladesh’s environment and people’s right to live.
Rain likely in Dhaka, six other divisions in next 72 hours
The Bangladesh Meteorological Department has predicted rain or thundershowers accompanied by gusty or squally wind in seven divisions, including Dhaka, over the next 72 hours starting today. Hailstorms are also likely at isolated places. A mild to moderate heatwave is sweeping over four divisions but may abate. Day and night temperatures may fall slightly in several divisions. The maximum temperature yesterday was 39.7°C in Rajshahi.
Officials’ relatives misusing stickers of police, other institutions: DMP
Traffic police say relatives of officials from various institutions, including the police force, are illegally using stickers of those institutions on their vehicles for undue privileges. Since April 12, they have taken legal action against 363 vehicles for carrying unauthorized stickers. Police are cracking down on the misuse of stickers as it aids in evading detection after crimes. They have also fined 461 unfit vehicles and impounded 2,350 other illegal vehicles during this period. Photo: Collected
Trudeau, Jaishankar’s first reactions to 3 Indians’ arrest over Nijjar murder
Canadian PM Justin Trudeau defended the arrest of three Indian nationals in the murder of Khalistani terrorist Hardeep Singh Nijjar, stating Canada is a rule-of-law country with an independent justice system. The suspects allegedly played different roles in the killing. India’s External Affairs Minister said they appear to be Indians with a “gang background” but awaits police details.
Klopp confident successor can hit the ground running with ‘Liverpool 2.0’
Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp is confident the club is well-positioned for continued success after his departure at the end of the season. He expects Dutchman Arne Slot to take over a squad bolstered by recent signings like Mac Allister and Szoboszlai. Klopp felt he couldn’t give 100% energy for another year, prompting his decision to leave after nine years at the helm. Photo: Reuters
Rail link on Dhaka-Mymensingh route restored
Rail connectivity between Dhaka and Tangail, Narsingdi, and Mymensingh was disrupted for a day after a derailment at Joydebpur Junction. Seven coaches of an empty Dhaka-Tangail commuter train rammed into a stationary oil tanker train, injuring three staffers. Rescue operations continued for two days, and a probe committee was formed. Train services on the western routes faced delays due to single-line operations. Photo: Collected
Hamas negotiators arrive in Egypt for Gaza truce talks: media
A Hamas delegation arrived in Egypt on Saturday for talks on a proposed truce and hostage release in Gaza. Egyptian state-linked media Al-Qahera News reported, citing an unnamed source, that “significant progress” has been made in the negotiations between the Palestinian militant group and Israel. The Egyptian mediators have reportedly “reached an agreed-upon formula on most points of contention,” indicating progress towards a potential agreement. REUTERS/
Bangladesh Bank has to provide info that people have right to know: Arafat
Bangladesh’s State Minister for Information and Broadcasting, Mohammad Ali Arafat, said the central bank must provide all information the public has a right to know, while protecting sensitive data. He acknowledged the need for a system that allows access to journalists while safeguarding confidential strategies. This comes after the Bangladesh Bank imposed restrictions on journalists’ entry into its headquarters, prompting condemnation from media bodies demanding free access. Photo: Amran Hossain