Dhaka’s air quality deteriorated to ‘unhealthy’ levels today, ranking fifth among cities with the worst air pollution, with an AQI of 130. Nepal’s Kathmandu, China’s Beijing, and Thailand’s Chiang Mai topped the list. Air pollution is a severe issue in Dhaka, with particulate matter being the primary pollutant. According to WHO, air pollution causes around 7 million premature deaths globally every year due to respiratory and cardiovascular diseases. Photo/Rashed Shumon
In Bogura, aspiring swimmers from underprivileged backgrounds face a severe lack of proper training facilities despite their success at the national level. The district’s Tk 3 crore swimming pool remains non-operational, forcing them to practice in dirty ponds used for fish farming. Masud Rana, a swimming instructor who trains these athletes for free, expressed frustration over years of false promises and authorities’ negligence in addressing the issue, despite repeated media coverage. Photo: Mostafa Shabuj
Only 40 of the world’s 100 largest private firms have set net-zero carbon emissions targets, lagging behind public companies, according to a report by Net Zero Tracker. The lack of market pressure and regulation is cited as the reason for the slow uptake. However, with upcoming regulations in the EU and other regions, private firms will face increasing pressure to take action on climate change and set credible emissions reduction plans. Photo: Reuters
Dinesh Karthik, 38, is pushing for a spot in India’s T20 World Cup squad with his stellar form in the ongoing IPL season. The wicketkeeper-batter has scored 226 runs in 6 innings at an average of 75.33 and a strike rate of 205.45 while excelling as a finisher for RCB. Karthik, whose last India appearance was in the 2022 T20 World Cup, is keen to represent the country again and believes he is “100% ready” for the upcoming mega event in the West Indies and USA. However, he respects the decision of the team management led by Rahul Dravid, Rohit Sharma, and Ajit Agarkar. PHOTO: AFP
Bangladesh’s edible oil industry has consolidated into an oligopoly, with just four major companies – TK Group, City Group, S Alam Group, and Meghna Group – controlling 80% of the imported edible oil market. The change occurred as many smaller players exited due to inability to sustain losses from price volatility in the global commodities market and unhealthy competition. Experts raise concerns that the oligopolistic nature may allow the major firms to influence prices, affecting consumer interests, unless regulated effectively.
At least 58 people died after an overloaded wooden river boat capsized in Bangui, the capital of the Central African Republic, while heading to a village chief’s funeral. The boat was carrying over 300 people when it sank on the Mpoko river on Friday. Rescue efforts managed to retrieve 58 bodies, but the total number of victims is unknown. The government has announced an investigation and support for victims’ families. The tragedy highlights the unrest and poverty plaguing the conflict-ridden Central African Republic, one of the world’s least developed countries.
Taylor Swift’s new album “The Tortured Poets Department” (TTPD) broke multiple streaming records on its release day of April 19th. It became the most-streamed album in a single day on Spotify, and Swift became the most-streamed artist in a single day on the platform. The 31-track album, an anthology reflecting heartbreak, also had the most pre-saves on Spotify’s Album Countdown Page. Swift surprise-dropped an additional 15 songs titled “TTPD: The Anthology” shortly after the album’s release. Photo: Collected
A very severe heatwave is sweeping over the north, northeast and northwest districts of Bangladesh, while a severe heatwave is affecting Dhaka, Khulna, and parts of Rajshahi, according to the Met Office. Districts like Pabna, Jashore, and Chuadanga are experiencing a very severe heatwave. Rain and thundershowers with gusty winds are likely in parts of Mymensingh, Sylhet, and Chattogram. Day temperatures may rise further in Rangpur, while night temperatures are expected to remain unchanged across the country. The discomfort due to increased moisture may persist. Photo Amran Hossain
In a horrific incident in Dinajpur’s Nawabganj upazila, a man beat his wife Morzina Begum (34) and daughter Afrin (7) to death, while also critically injuring his son Al Amin (14). The perpetrator, Shahidul Islam, reportedly attacked his family following an argument with his wife. He has been detained by police. Shahidul’s father claims the argument escalated, leading Shahidul to assault his wife and children with a bamboo pole. The deceased’s bodies have been sent for autopsy, while the injured son is undergoing treatment at Rangpur Medical College Hospital.
Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina inaugurated the Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Battery Complex at the Artillery Centre and School in Chattogram today. During her visit, she witnessed the portrait of Bangabandhu, the historic 3.7-inch howitzer that fired the first shot in 1971, and other artillery exhibits. She also joined a darbar with army officers and watched a documentary on Mujib Battery. The event was attended by cabinet members, service chiefs, MPs, and high officials. Photo collected
Dhaka University has decided to conduct classes virtually until further notice due to the ongoing heatwave sweeping across the country. However, examinations will be held in-person. The decision was made after discussions between the Vice-Chancellor and Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Academic), Prof. Sitesh Chandra Bachar. The university’s residential halls will remain open. This move follows the government’s decision to close all primary, secondary, and college-level educational institutions from April 21 to 27 due to the intense heat.
Max Verstappen extended his lead in the Formula One championship by winning the Chinese Grand Prix from pole position. The Dutchman secured his fourth victory in five races, with McLaren’s Lando Norris taking second to deny Red Bull a one-two finish. Sergio Perez completed the podium but now trails Verstappen by 25 points. Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc and Carlos Sainz finished fourth and fifth, respectively, while Mercedes’ George Russell came sixth, and Fernando Alonso took seventh with the fastest lap. Photo: AFP
Bangladesh’s debt-to-GDP ratio is set to cross 40% in the current fiscal year as the government continues borrowing amid lower revenue collection. It was 39.8% in FY2022-23 and is forecast to reach 41.41% in FY2023-24, according to an IMF report. While the debt burden rises, revenue earnings remain low at around 8-9% of GDP. Economists warn the high debt could be risky if revenue growth doesn’t pick up and the dollar crunch persists. They recommend raising revenue and reducing wasteful expenditure to lessen debt risks.
Two people, Jakir Hossain (33) from Chuadanga and Sukumar Das (60) from Pabna, died from heat stroke on Saturday as Bangladesh experiences an intense heat wave. Authorities have closed schools, madrasas, and colleges till April 27 due to the severe heat. Chuadanga recorded 42.3°C on Saturday, while the country’s highest temperature of 42.6°C was recorded in Jashore. The heat wave persists due to lack of rainfall, according to weather officials, who warned that temperatures might drop only if it rains or a storm occurs. UNB
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Four Bangladeshi women – Yeasmin Begum, Ayesha Hasan, Soma Begum, and Kulsuma Akter – were murdered by their husbands in the UK within the last two years over family feuds. Two perpetrators received prison sentences of 33 and 21 years respectively, while two cases remain under trial. These incidents have raised concerns among Bangladeshis living in the UK. Syeda Choudhury, a London councilor, cited economic strain, drug addiction, and gambling as major reasons behind the rise in domestic violence within the community. Photo Collected
The National University has suspended classes at all colleges under its jurisdiction due to the extreme heat wave until further notice. Additionally, the government has extended the closure of all schools and colleges across Bangladesh until April 27 in response to the ongoing heat wave conditions. This decision comes after the meteorological department issued a three-day heat alert for the country. Earlier, primary schools had also been closed for seven days until April 27 due to the intense heat. The educational institutions were initially scheduled to reopen on April 23 after Ramadan and Eid holidays. Photo Collected
Bangladeshi expatriates in San Antonio, Texas, celebrated Eid-ul-Fitr and Pahela Baishakh with great fervor. The Bangladeshi Association in San Antonio (BASA) organized events showcasing Bengali culture, including traditional songs, dances, and cuisine. BASA also recognized the academic achievements of 15 Bangladeshi students by presenting scholarships and awards. Despite being thousands of miles away from their homeland, the Bangladeshi community in San Antonio remains committed to preserving their cultural heritage and fostering a sense of unity and belonging.
During the Eid vacation from April 4 to 18, a staggering 407 people lost their lives and 1,398 were injured in 399 road accidents across Bangladesh, according to the passenger welfare association. Motorcycles were involved in nearly 50% of the accidents, resulting in 165 fatalities and 240 injuries. The association compiled the accident data from media reports and the national orthopedic hospital. Additionally, 24 deaths and 21 injuries occurred in 18 rail accidents, while 7 fatalities and 5 injuries were reported in river routes during the same period. Photo Prothom Alo
Bangladesh is experiencing an intense heatwave, with the highest temperature recorded at 42.6°C in Jashore and 40.4°C in Dhaka. The heatwave began in early April and intensified since April 15th. Temperatures between 36-37.9°C are considered mild, 38-39.9°C as moderate, 40-41.9°C as intense, and 42°C and above as extremely intense. Chuadanga also recorded 42.3°C. The Meteorological Department has issued a 72-hour warning due to the heatwave and forecasts little chance of temperature drop in the next two to three days. photo Jewel Shill
UN experts expressed dismay over the situation of Bangladeshi migrants in Malaysia, who paid exorbitant fees to recruiters, ending up in debt bondage. They raised concerns about criminal networks operating between the two countries, deceiving migrants with fake job offers. The experts alleged high-level officials’ involvement, calling it unacceptable. Each migrant reportedly paid around Tk 500,000 for jobs in Malaysia, highlighting the exploitation in the labor migration process. The experts urged both governments to address this undignified situation urgently. (photo/reuters)
The United States vetoed a UN Security Council resolution calling for Palestine to be admitted as a full UN member state, despite growing international concern over the humanitarian crisis in Gaza from Israel’s military offensive. Twelve countries voted in favor, but the U.S. veto blocked the resolution’s passage, maintaining its stance that Palestinian statehood must result from direct peace negotiations with Israel. The Palestinian UN ambassador vowed persistent efforts for statehood, calling it “inevitable” amid tears over the veto. (photo/reuters)
India’s general election, the world’s largest, began on April 7th with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s BJP seeking an unprecedented third term. The opposition alliance INDIA promises welfare programs and accuses Modi of undermining democracy. Voting is held in seven phases until June 1st due to the massive electorate. While BJP is favored, economic issues like unemployment and inflation plague voters. A fragmented opposition struggles against Modi’s popularity and Hindu nationalist agenda. The high-stakes election will shape India’s future trajectory. (photo/afp)
Israeli missiles reportedly struck a site in Iran on Thursday, according to US media, citing an official. This comes days after Iran launched retaliatory drone strikes on Israel. Iranian state media reported an explosion in Isfahan province, home to several nuclear sites. Iran suspended flights over multiple cities, while some airlines rerouted flights away from Iranian airspace. Tensions have escalated amid the Israel-Gaza conflict, with Iran warning Israel against further “military adventurism.” Analysts warn of risks of the Gaza war spilling over regionally as Iran-backed groups pledge support for Palestinians. The reports caused oil prices to jump. (photo/reuters)
Freedom fighter Shib Narayan Das, one of the designers of the first Bangladesh flag before independence, passed away at 78 in Dhaka on Friday. As a Chhatra League activist, Das was part of the team that conceptualized the initial flag design in 1970, drawing the map of East Pakistan within the red circle on a green background. Though later refined by Kamrul Hasan, Das’s skillful rendering formed the basis of Bangladesh’s iconic national flag. His demise was mourned by political leaders who praised his pivotal role in creating this enduring national symbol. (photo/collected)
A “torture cell” run by former Chhatra League leader Golam Rasul’s teen gang has been discovered in Chattogram’s Akbar Shah area. Located on the ground floor of an under-construction building, the enclosed space was used to torture locals who defied Rasul’s extortion demands. Despite multiple cases against Rasul, including the recent murder of a dentist, police claimed being unaware of the torture cell’s existence. Locals accuse Rasul’s gang of extorting construction sites and businesses in the area, highlighting the gang’s apparent impunity. (photo/jewel shil)
A fire broke out in the cardiac ward of Dhaka Shishu Hospital in Agargaon on Friday afternoon, causing panic among patients and their relatives. The fire, which originated on the fourth floor, was doused around 2:40 pm after seven firefighting units responded. No casualties were reported, but medical equipment, including ICU beds in the cardiac ward, were damaged. The cause of the fire is yet to be determined by the fire service. Witnesses reported relatives rushing out with patients as the fire spread.(photo/dipu malakar)
A fire broke out in the cardiac ward of Dhaka Shishu Hospital in Agargaon on Friday afternoon, causing panic among patients and their relatives. The fire, which originated on the fourth floor, was doused around 2:40 pm after seven firefighting units responded. No casualties were reported, but medical equipment, including ICU beds in the cardiac ward, were damaged. The cause of the fire is yet to be determined by the fire service. Witnesses reported relatives rushing out with patients as the fire spread. Photo Dipu Malaka
A team from Rajshahi University of Engineering and Technology (RUET) secured third position in the Huawei ICT Competition 2023-2024 APAC Round, involving over 6,400 students from 14 countries. The RUET team, comprising Shuvam Agarwala, Rakesh Kar, and Md Mazharul Islam, participated in the network track and will advance to the global round in Shenzhen, China. Over 1,000 Bangladeshi undergraduates enrolled in the competition across four tracks. Huawei lauded the potential of Bangladeshi youth and pledged to continue supporting talent development.(photo/prothomalo)
In the past 24 hours, Bangladesh reported one more death due to dengue, raising the total number of fatalities from the disease this year to 24. During this period, 23 more patients were hospitalized with viral fever, with 6 cases in Dhaka and the rest outside the capital. The total number of dengue patients currently receiving treatment stands at 96. Bangladesh has reported 1,939 dengue cases since the beginning of 2024, a significant increase from the previous year’s record-breaking outbreak that resulted in 1,705 deaths.
The Bangladesh Jewellers’ Association (Bajus) has set a new record price for gold, with each bhori (11.664 grams) now selling at Tk 119,637, up from the previous rate of Tk 117,573. This price increase is attributed to global gold market fluctuations, as Bangladesh imports only a small portion of its gold demand, with the majority being met through smuggling. The Bangladesh Bank had previously taken steps to discourage gold imports by requiring a 100% margin on letters of credit for gold, in an effort to save foreign currency.
The court has taken into account the police investigation report in a case filed against actress Pori Moni and her costume designer by businessman Nasir Uddin. The report found truth in Nasir’s allegations that he was assaulted by Pori Moni and her associate. The court has summoned the two accused to appear. However, Pori Moni’s lawyer says the trial has begun in the attempted rape case filed by Pori Moni against Nasir, and she is completely innocent. The conflicting cases and investigations highlight the complex legal battle between the two parties.(Photo/Kabir Hossain)
Experts have attributed Bangladesh’s economic developments to a coordination between collective and individual initiatives, as well as a symbiotic relationship between the government and the market. However, they warn of upcoming challenges, including the loss of trade privileges after graduating from the LDC group in 2026. Concerns were raised about a shift from an inclusive to an exclusionary development paradigm, and the need for institutional reforms to address issues like corruption and revenue collection capacity. Experts emphasize that the country’s past successes may not guarantee future progress. (photo/prothom alo)
The Bangladeshi government has readjusted the prices of soybean oil, increasing the cost of widely used bottled products from Tk 163 to Tk 167 per litre. However, the price of unpacked soybean oil has been cut by Tk 2 to Tk 147 per litre. The price of palm super oil has been set at Tk 135 per litre. The new rates will take effect immediately, but the state minister acknowledged that it may take 15-20 days for the reduced prices to be reflected in the market. (photo/bdnews24)
Google, the Alphabet-owned tech giant, is laying off an unspecified number of employees as part of a broader effort to become more efficient and align resources with its top product priorities. The layoffs are not company-wide, and affected employees will be able to apply for internal roles. The move follows a series of job cuts across the tech and media industry, as companies grapple with economic uncertainty. Google’s finance chief has also announced plans to expand the company’s operations in locations like Bangalore, Mexico City, and Dublin. (photo/reuters)
Elon Musk, the CEO of Tesla, is set to announce a $2-$3 billion investment in India during his visit to New Delhi next week to meet Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The investment will primarily be used for building a new Tesla factory in the country, where electric vehicle (EV) adoption is still in its early stages. The move comes as Tesla faces slowing sales in major markets like the US and China, and the company has recently announced layoffs affecting 10% of its workforce. (photo/reuters)
The Ruang volcano in Indonesia’s North Sulawesi province erupted violently, spewing lava, rocks, and ash up to 3 km into the sky. Authorities have shut down a nearby airport, evacuated over 800 people from the vicinity, and raised the alert status to the highest level. The eruption has caused damage to homes and forced a hospital to evacuate. Officials are concerned about the potential for further eruptions and the risk of a tsunami if parts of the mountain collapse into the ocean. (photo/reuters)