The Bangladesh Meteorological Department (BMD) has predicted rains or thundershowers in parts of the country, including Dhaka, over the next 24 hours. However, mild to moderate heat wave conditions may persist in Dhaka and five other divisions. A severe heat wave is sweeping over Pabna, Jashore, Chuadanga, and Bagerhat districts. Day and night temperatures are expected to remain nearly unchanged across the country.
Category: Archive
Dhaka-Jashore rail line to be inaugurated within 2 months: minister
The newly constructed 169km Dhaka-Jashore rail line, Bangladesh Railway’s biggest project costing around Tk 40,000 crore, will be inaugurated within two months by Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. Additionally, Railways Minister Zillul Hakim and Chief Whip Noor-E-Alam Chowdhury jointly launched commuter trains on the Dhaka-Bhanga-Rajbari route, named Bhanga Commuter and Chandana Commuter respectively. Photo: Collected
India lifts ban on onion export
India lifted the ban on onion exports after nearly six months, setting a Minimum Export Price of $550 per tonne. This decision is significant as onion is a politically sensitive commodity in India, and it comes amid the Lok Sabha elections there. In Bangladesh, onion prices soared to Tk 65-70 per kg from the previous week’s Tk 58-60, with traders blaming suppliers for allegedly stocking onions ahead of Eid-ul-Azha.
Meryl Streep to be honoured with Palme d’Or at Cannes Film Festival
Veteran actress Meryl Streep will be honored with the prestigious honorary Palme d’Or at the opening ceremony of the 77th Cannes Film Festival on May 14. This marks Streep’s celebrated return to Cannes after winning Best Actress in 1989. The star-studded festival lineup includes films by Francis Ford Coppola, Paul Schrader, and George Miller. Greta Gerwig will serve as the jury president. Festival officials praised Streep’s transcendent five-decade career, calling her “part of our collective cinematic heritage.” Streep may also participate in a panel discussion during the festival. Photos: Collected
Student protests in the US: A déjà vu of 1968
Reminiscent of the 1968 anti-Vietnam War student protests that marked a watershed in US politics, major universities across the country are witnessing student demonstrations against Washington’s stance on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. The younger generation finds the US government’s “unqualified” support for Israel amid the ongoing violence against Palestinians, including children and women, as unethical and unjust. Through these protests, students are demanding a course correction in the country’s policy that has largely backed Israel across the political spectrum, with few exceptions like Senator Bernie Sanders. PHOTO: REUTERS
No to English at the Paris Olympics, say French MPs
French MPs have adopted a resolution urging organizers, athletes, trainers, and journalists to use French as much as possible during the 2024 Paris Olympics. The move aims to counter the creeping use of English in sports and the perceived loss of French language influence. The resolution, though non-binding, reflects France’s longstanding efforts to protect its language, including a 1994 law mandating French in advertising and media. However, the global dominance of English, especially in sports broadcasts, continues to challenge French linguistic purists. Photo: AFP
Handover of 500 acres of land for Bay Terminal at final stage
The process of handing over 500 acres of government-owned khas land to the Chattogram Port Authority (CPA) for the Bay Terminal project has reached the final stage. The district administration has instructed the CPA to deposit the token lease price of Tk 3 crore. Once complete, the mega expansion will allow larger vessels to berth at Chattogram port. The CPA is set to receive a total of 500.72 acres, while the acquisition of remaining required land is also in progress. The authority hopes to get around $8 billion in foreign investment for the project.
Taiwan detects 26 Chinese aircraft, five ships around island
Taiwan’s defense ministry detected 26 Chinese aircraft and 5 naval vessels around the island in the last 24 hours, with 17 planes crossing the median line of the Taiwan Strait. The sorties come weeks before Taiwan’s new president Lai Ching-te, viewed by China as a separatist, takes office on May 20. Tensions have ramped up as Taiwan rejects China’s claims over the island. The incident follows Manila summoning a Chinese envoy over a water cannon incident damaging Philippine vessels in the disputed South China Sea amid joint US-Philippines military drills in the region. Photo: Reuters/Carlos Garcia Rawlins
Fresh chaos, arrests on US college campuses as police flatten camp at UCLA
Police forcibly removed pro-Palestinian protesters and encampments from several colleges, including UCLA, on Thursday. At UCLA, 210 arrests were made as police used flash bangs and riot gear to dismantle the tent city. Protests erupted at universities across the U.S. over Israel’s offensive on Gaza, with demonstrators demanding divestment from companies supporting Israel. President Biden condemned the protests, saying “destroying property is not a peaceful protest.” The crackdown followed clashes between pro-Palestinian and pro-Israeli groups at UCLA. Photo: Reuters
Turkey halts all trade with Israel, cites worsening Palestinian situation
Turkey has stopped all exports and imports to and from Israel, citing the “worsening humanitarian tragedy” in Palestinian territories. The Turkish trade ministry stated, “Export and import transactions related to Israel have been stopped, covering all products.” This move comes after Turkey previously imposed trade restrictions on Israel over its offensive on Gaza. The two countries had a trade volume of $6.8 billion in 2023. Israel’s foreign minister accused Turkish President Erdogan of disregarding trade agreements and Turkish interests, vowing to find alternatives to trade with Turkey. Photo: Reuters
70% of environment journalists report attacks, threats, pressure: UN
A UNESCO report revealed that 70% of environmental journalists from 129 countries experienced attacks, threats, or pressure related to their job. Two in five of those journalists subsequently faced physical violence. UNESCO warned of an increase in violence and intimidation against journalists reporting on the environment and climate. At least 749 journalists and news outlets covering environmental issues were targeted with murder, violence, detention, or legal attacks between 2009 and 2023, with a 42% increase in attacks from 2019 to 2023. UNESCO plans to launch a grants program to support persecuted environmental journalists. Photo: Reuters
17 new Covid cases reported in 24 hours
Bangladesh recorded 17 new COVID-19 cases in the 24 hours till Thursday morning, taking the total caseload to 2,050,028, according to the Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS). No new deaths were reported, keeping the official death toll at 29,494. The daily case test positivity rate was 3.35% after testing 508 samples. The recovery rate remained unchanged at 98.41%, and the death rate stood at 1.44%
Faisal Khan now managing director of Summit Corporation
Faisal Khan has been appointed as the managing director of Summit Corporation, Bangladesh’s largest independent power producer, LNG infrastructure, and energy trading company. He joined Summit Group in 2007 and has served as the president of the Bangladesh Independent Power Producers’ Association. Founder chairman Muhammed Aziz Khan expressed confidence in Faisal’s leadership abilities, while Faisal credited his uncle’s mentorship for his professional growth.
Remittance rises 21% in April
Remittance inflow to Bangladesh witnessed a 21% year-on-year surge to $2.04 billion in April, driven by the Eid-ul-Fitr festival when expatriates send more money home. Higher exchange rates offered by some banks for US dollars also contributed to the rise. April’s receipts were 2.31% higher than March’s $1.99 billion, according to Bangladesh Bank data.
Thailand trip a step forward in efforts to protect economic interests: PM
Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina declared her recent 6-day visit to Thailand a landmark success, aimed at safeguarding Bangladesh’s economic interests and elevating its regional presence. She highlighted strengthening ties with Thailand, an influential ASEAN member, as crucial for advancing economic and diplomatic relations, including discussions on a free trade agreement, Rohingya repatriation, and supporting Bangladesh’s bid to become an ASEAN Sectoral Dialogue Partner by 2024.
Maersk’s net profit sinks amid Red Sea attacks
Danish shipping giant Maersk reported a 13-fold drop in Q1 net profit to $177 million, citing Yemeni rebel attacks forcing it to avoid the vital Red Sea route. However, Maersk raised its full-year profit outlook to $4-$6 billion, citing higher demand and rates due to Red Sea supply chain disruptions caused by Iran-backed Houthi rebel attacks on ships since November.
Moon may contain more ice than past estimations: study
A recent study by Indian and US space scientists suggests there may be 5 to 8 times more sub-surface water-ice in the first couple of meters of the moon’s polar craters than previously estimated. This ice could be crucial for future moon missions and human presence. The study was conducted by researchers from ISRO, IITs, and US institutions like USC and JPL, after India’s successful unmanned moon mission landed in the lunar south pole region last year. . Image: for illustrative purpose
Secondary schools to reopen on Saturday: education ministry
Academic activities at secondary-level educational institutions in the country will resume on Saturday, as announced by the Ministry of Education today. The decision comes after the High Court’s order to close primary, secondary schools, and madrasas until Thursday due to the ongoing heatwave. However, there is no update yet regarding the reopening of primary schools. photo/Anisur Rahman
UK researchers unveil face of 75,000-year-old Neanderthal woman
Archaeologists have reconstructed the face of a 75,000-year-old Neanderthal woman, named Shanidar Z, whose skull was found in an Iraqi cave in 2018. The discovery challenges the perception of Neanderthals as brutish, revealing evidence of empathy and tradition in their burial practices. The well-preserved skull allowed experts to create a 3D-printed model for an accurate facial reconstruction, depicting Neanderthals’ similarities to modern humans. .AFP
Bogota cuts ties with Israel over ‘genocidal’ Gaza campaign
Colombian President Gustavo Petro announced his country will sever diplomatic ties with Israel, accusing its leader of being “genocidal” over the Gaza war. Petro, a harsh critic of Israel’s offensive that killed thousands in Gaza, said the world cannot accept “genocide” against Palestinians. Israel denounced Petro as “anti-Semitic and hateful,” saying he rewarded “Hamas murderers.” Hamas praised the move as a “victory,” urging other Latin American nations to follow suit. Photo: AFP
PSG optimistic about Champions League chances despite Dortmund defeat
Paris Saint-Germain coach Luis Enrique remained optimistic about reaching the Champions League final despite a 1-0 first-leg defeat to Borussia Dortmund. Despite hitting the posts twice and dominating possession, PSG conceded a first-half goal to Niclas Fuellkrug. Enrique acknowledged the difficulty but believes his team can overturn the deficit at home, having previously defeated Dortmund at the Parc des Princes. However, there are concerns over a potential injury to defender Lucas Hernandez, who was forced off late in the first half. Photo: Reuter
Pvt hajj agencies fail to rent houses for pilgrims in KSA
Bangladesh’s hajj management faces crisis as many private hajj agencies struggle to rent houses in Saudi Arabia to accommodate pilgrims ahead of flights starting May 9. The Hajj Agencies Association of Bangladesh and Religious Affairs Ministry are blaming each other for mismanagement, including visa and quota issues. With around 80,000 pilgrims under private management, agencies warn of difficulties in ensuring desired services, especially for the elderly, due to the crisis.
Patuakhali farmers fear heatwave may disrupt crop production
Farmers in Patuakhali are worried the ongoing month-long heatwave will severely impact crop production, including Boro paddy, mung beans, groundnut, and other Rabi crops. They report reduced yields, small grain sizes, and lack of irrigation water due to dried up canals. The Department of Agricultural Extension fears at least a 10% loss in Boro paddy yield due to heat stress and warns of adverse effects on other crops, underlining the need for renovating natural reservoirs. Photo: Sheikh Nasira
Unite to restore people’s rights: Fakhrul
BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir called for a new movement to reclaim people’s rights and eliminate corruption, accusing the government of economic mismanagement. Addressing a May Day rally, he urged unity across sectors to wage a movement for restoring voting rights and democracy. Fakhrul alleged the government is attempting to impose one-party rule and vowed the opposition’s commitment to continue the struggle for establishing democracy.
Driest April in 43 years
Bangladesh experienced a record low of only 1mm average rainfall in April, the driest since 1981, marking a staggering 81% deficit compared to the normal 134mm. This exceptional dry spell, coupled with soaring temperatures, led to the country’s longest heatwave in 76 years. However, meteorologists predict some relief in May with the possibility of rain and thundershowers from May 2-8, followed by milder heatwaves due to the neutralization of El Niño. Photo: Amran Hossain
Free press is not a choice, but a necessity: Antonio Guterres
UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres marked World Press Freedom Day by calling for safeguarding press freedom and journalists’ rights worldwide. He emphasized the necessity of a free press to combat misinformation, ensure accountability, and raise awareness about environmental crises. Guterres expressed concern over attacks on environmental journalists, urging authorities to protect media workers risking their lives to inform the public on vital issues.
Their hands are stained with workers’ blood: Quader on BNP
Obaidul Quader, Awami League General Secretary, accused BNP of having workers’ blood on their hands, claiming they lack public support. He praised Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina for raising minimum wages and called for unity against alleged conspiracies to destroy the garment industry by instigating workers. Quader stated BNP is responsible for its own downfall.
Milton Samadder detained
Milton Samadder, founder of Child and Old Age Care, was detained by the detective branch of police from Mirpur area in the capital today. The DB Chief Harun Or Rashid confirmed the matter, stating that the detention followed media reports on alleged irregularities and crimes related to the care home. However, Milton denied the allegations in statements to the media. . Photo: Collected
Dhaka’s air quality 5th worst in the world this morning
Dhaka’s air quality was marked “unhealthy” this morning, ranking 5th among cities with the worst air quality worldwide. With an Air Quality Index (AQI) score of 159, Dhaka trailed behind Delhi, Kathmandu, and Medan. Bangladesh measures AQI based on particulate matter, NO2, CO, SO2, and Ozone levels. Air pollution remains a persistent issue in Dhaka, with levels typically worsening during winter.
Six killed in gun attack on Afghan mosque: govt spokesman
Six people were killed and one injured when an unknown gunman opened fire inside a mosque in Afghanistan’s western Herat province on Monday night. The attack took place around 9 pm in the Guzara district, south of Herat city, during evening prayers. While no group has claimed responsibility yet, analysts suggest the regional Islamic State affiliate poses the biggest security threat in Afghanistan.
ADB leads $121m financing for private solar project in Bangladesh
The Asian Development Bank (ADB) has signed a $121.55 million financing package with Dynamic Sun Energy (DSE) Private Ltd to build and operate Bangladesh’s first private sector utility-scale 100-megawatt grid-connected solar power plant in Pabna. ADB arranged and syndicated the debt package, mobilizing financing from global lenders. The solar plant will generate 193.5 gigawatt-hours of electricity annually and avoid 93,654 tonnes of carbon dioxide emissions per year.
Square Pharma’s profit grows to Tk 1,465cr
Square Pharmaceuticals Ltd recorded a profit of Tk 1,465 crore in the July-March period of the current financial year, up around 9% year-on-year. The company’s Earnings Per Share (EPS) grew to Tk 18.24 from Tk 16.82 in the same period last year. Despite economic slowdown and higher operational costs, the pharmaceutical giant maintained healthy growth in revenue and profits, although EPS growth was modest due to not passing on cost increases to consumers. Photo: Square Pharmaceuticals PLC
Apu’s illustration refreshes 90s nostalgia on social media
An illustration by artist Zahidul Haque Apu, featuring iconic characters from the late 90s to early 2000s, has gone viral on social media. The artwork includes beloved figures like Humayun Ahmed, Ayub Bachchu, Michael Jackson, and popular cartoon characters like Meena, Mr. Bean, and Captain America, evoking nostalgic memories for those who grew up in that era. The artist aimed to capture the vibrant pop culture of the 90s through this captivating piece. Photos: Collected
10 heat stroke deaths in the last week, 3 in last 24 hours: DGHS
In the last week, 10 people died of heat stroke across Bangladesh, with 3 deaths occurring in the 24 hours till 9:00 am today, according to the Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS). The DGHS data revealed that 8 men and 2 women succumbed to heat stroke, and 5 people were admitted to hospitals due to the same issue. The DGHS has prepared a guideline and is training doctors to manage heat-related illnesses.
Heatwave comes as a blessing for salt farmers
The intense heatwave in Bangladesh has proven to be a boon for salt farmers, leading to record salt production of over 2.2 million tonnes this fiscal year. The scorching sun has accelerated the salt production process, with farmers harvesting salt within 24 hours instead of the usual 8-9 days. This surplus production has caused a decline in salt prices, benefiting farmers despite slightly higher production costs. The pre-production phase will continue until mid-May, with an increase in both land under cultivation and the number of salt farmers.
European states expected to recognise Palestinian statehood by end May, Borrell says
Several European member states are expected to recognise Palestinian statehood by the end of May, the EU’s foreign policy chief Josep Borrell said on Monday at the sidelines of a World Economic Forum special meeting in Riyadh. Photo: REUTERS