Category: Archive

Somali pirates have released the hijacked Bangladeshi ship MV Abdullah and its 23 crew members after reportedly receiving a $5 million ransom payment. One of the pirates confirmed the ransom was paid and divided among them before they departed the vessel. The ship, a bulk carrier, was hijacked in March while en route from Mozambique to the UAE. This incident marks a resurgence of piracy off Somalia’s coast after a lull, potentially emboldened by regional instability and relaxed security measures. (photo/reuters)

Canadian aerospace company IMP Cascade Aerospace is interested in setting up an aircraft maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) facility in Bangladesh. The project, if approved, will help the country save foreign currency, develop skilled manpower, and generate employment opportunities. Bangladesh’s High Commissioner to Canada says the government and the company have already agreed in principle, and the next steps need to be determined before the agreement expires. The facility could also provide MRO services for neighboring countries, potentially earning Bangladesh foreign revenue. (photo/dhakatribune)

Nine more members of Myanmar’s Border Guard Police (BGP) have taken refuge in Bangladesh, entering through Teknaf borders amid intense fighting between junta forces and Arakan Army in Rakhine state. Residents near the Bangladesh-Myanmar border report hearing loud explosions and shelling since Eid. The new BGP members were disarmed and taken into custody by Bangladesh Border Guards. This follows 179 BGP members fleeing to Bangladesh in March. The repatriation process for those earlier arrivals is ongoing as conflicts escalate in Myanmar. (photo/banglatribune)

The Kuki-Chin National Front (KNF), an armed group in the Chittagong Hill Tracts, has emerged as a new threat to stability in the region. The group, which demands a separate state, has been involved in a series of attacks, including bank robberies and clashes with security forces. Authorities say the group has links with Islamist militant outfits and has been able to recruit new members, taking advantage of the unrest in the hills. The government’s peace talks with the KNF have stalled, raising concerns about the potential for further escalation of violence.

Dhaka’s air quality remained extremely poor throughout March, with no single day of good air quality. Measurements from Dhaka University and Stamford University researchers found significantly higher levels of air pollutants like Aerosol Optical Depth and PM2.5 compared to last year. This has led to a spike in respiratory illnesses, with over 600 patients visiting a Dhaka hospital daily. Experts blame the government’s inability to control construction activities, brick kilns, and waste management as the key reasons behind the worsening air pollution crisis in the capital city. (photo/prothomalo)

The High Court has suspended the BUET’s ban on student politics, but the students themselves oppose such politics on campus. A survey found that 98% of BUET students are against student politics, which they say promotes ragging, abuse of power, and victimization of innocent students. The ruling party’s student wing, Chhatra League, has been accused of dominating university campuses and suppressing opposing views, often resorting to violence. Experts argue that true student politics should be democratic and not serve as a tool for political parties to exert control over universities.(photo/prothoalo)

According to the Bangladesh Bank report, over 55% of the deposits in the country’s financial institutions, amounting to Tk 248.76 billion, belong to just 1.25% of the depositors who are millionaires. The remaining 98.75% of depositors hold only 44.5% of the total deposits. This highlights the extreme income inequality in Bangladesh, where the wealthy 10% hold 41% of the nation’s total income, while the poorest 10% have only 1.1%. Experts recommend imposing higher taxes on the wealthy to address this growing disparity and promote inclusive economic development.(photo/prothomalo)

The origins of the Bengali calendar can be traced back over 1,500 years to the reign of King Shashanka of Gauda. The calendar was later modified by Mughal Emperor Akbar to align with agricultural cycles. While Bangladesh celebrates Pahela Baishakh on April 14, West Bengal observes it a day later on April 15 due to differences in calculation methods. The calendar’s complex history is intertwined with the identity and traditions of the Bengali people, transcending the legacies of individual rulers. Its enduring significance lies in its connection to the agrarian rhythms and celestial observations of Bengal.(photo:wikimediacommons)

Iran launched a barrage of drone and missile strikes on Israel in retaliation for an alleged Israeli attack on its Damascus consulate. The attack, which critically injured a 7-year-old girl, was Iran’s first direct assault on Israeli territory. The U.S. pledged “ironclad” support for Israel, while the U.N. warned of the “real danger of a devastating region-wide escalation.” The strikes have raised fears of a wider conflict in the region, with both sides warning of severe consequences for further attacks. (Photo: Reuters)

The Bangladeshi-flagged vessel MV Abdullah and its 23 crew members have been released by Somali pirates after being held hostage for 32 days. The ship, owned by KSRM Group, was hijacked on March 12 while carrying coal from Mozambique to the UAE. After successful negotiations, the ship and crew have been released and are now sailing towards the UAE for unloading. All 23 crew members are reported to be safe and in good health, and have been able to contact their families. (Photo: thedailystar)

Bangla New Year’s Day, Pahela Baishakh, is being celebrated across Bangladesh today with festivities and cultural programs. Large crowds are expected to join the celebrations, especially in the capital. People wear traditional attire, enjoy special foods, and participate in events like the Mangal Shobhajatra procession. The day marks the transition from the old year to the new, with businesses opening new account books. The government and various organizations are hosting a range of programs to commemorate the occasion. Security measures are in place to ensure people can celebrate safely. (Photo: Anisur Rahman/Star)

Despite being the world’s second-largest garment exporter, Bangladesh imports ready-made garments worth around Tk 5 billion annually, mainly from India, Pakistan, and China. These imports surge before Eid-ul-Fitr, with women’s traditional wear like lehengas, salwar kameez, and sarees being prominent, alongside men’s T-shirts, shirts, and jeans. While official imports reached 23.5 million pieces worth nearly Tk 5.02 billion last year, the actual figure is likely higher due to undocumented channels like smuggling. The imports cater to both branded and non-branded entities as well as export-oriented factories.(photo/prothomalo)

A majority of garment workers in Bangladesh are yet to receive wages and bonuses just days before Eid-ul-Fitr, despite assurances from factory owners’ associations. According to industrial police data, 60% of workers at 2,534 factories had not been paid March wages, while 14% received no festival bonus as of Monday evening. Worker leaders criticized the lack of legal guidelines, leaving workers vulnerable to owners’ whims regarding timely payments before Eid. The labour ministry has avoided setting deadlines due to pressure from factory owners.(photo/prothomalo)

In Bangladesh, over 2,600 privately-run educational institutes have closed operations in the past two years, despite having the required approval from the government’s Secondary and Higher Education Division. The closures are attributed to a lack of students and financial viability, particularly for institutes opened without proper planning. Authorities are urged to revoke the approval of these defunct institutes and update the official records to reflect the true state of the education sector in the country.(photo/prothomalo)

Bangladesh’s secondary schools have lost over 1 million students in the past four years, while the number of students in technical, madrasa, and English medium education has increased. The drop in secondary enrollment is attributed to the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, with many students reportedly leaving general education for other streams. Despite this, the country has seen progress in reducing dropout rates at the secondary level, though higher secondary dropout has increased. Authorities are urged to investigate the reasons behind these trends and take appropriate measures. (photo/prothomalo)

As the Eid-ul-Fitr holiday approaches, Cox’s Bazar in Bangladesh is gearing up to welcome a large influx of tourists, with hoteliers expecting over 400,000 visitors. The tourism sector is poised to generate an estimated 6-7 billion Bangladeshi taka in revenue during the 5-day holiday period. Authorities have taken measures to ensure the safety and security of tourists, including deploying mobile courts to monitor for any price gouging by hotels and restaurants. With the popular destination of Bandarban facing recent safety concerns, Cox’s Bazar is expected to be a prime destination for the Eid break.(photo/prothomalo)

Sazzad Islam, a young man from Narayanganj, Bangladesh, has achieved remarkable success in the world of robotics. Despite facing challenges, he participated in the World Robot Olympiad (WRO) in 2021 and secured 10th place globally. This accomplishment paved the way for his admission to Stanford University. Sazzad has since become a coach and judge for the WRO, sharing his expertise and inspiring Bangladeshi youth to explore STEM fields. His journey showcases the power of perseverance and the potential of Bangladeshi talent on the global stage.

A fatal fire has broken out at the PRAN-RFL Habiganj Industrial Park in Bangladesh, killing one woman worker and injuring 30 others. The fire started in the park’s chips factory building, prompting a multi-unit response from the fire service. While the fire is now under control, details on the extent of damage and casualties remain unclear. Locals are protesting outside the facility, as no one has been allowed to enter the site. The incident highlights the need for stringent safety measures at industrial facilities in the country.(photo/prothomalo)

Brazil has expressed interest in exporting beef to Bangladesh, as the country aims to meet the rising demand for cattle during the Eid-ul-Azha festival. However, this proposal has faced opposition from local dairy farmers, who argue that Bangladesh has an abundant cattle population and that high fodder prices, rather than a shortage, are driving up beef prices. The government is considering the import option to control prices, but local industry groups are urging the government to prioritize supporting the domestic cattle farming sector instead.(photo/prothomalo)

Dentist Korban Ali, 60, has passed away after succumbing to injuries sustained while trying to save his son from an attack by a teen gang in Chattogram. Ali had intervened to help two school students being beaten by the gang members, and was later attacked himself. His son, Ali Reza, filed a case against 12 individuals allegedly linked to a local Awami Jubo League leader. The incident highlights the growing problem of youth gangs in Chattogram, with police estimating over 200 such groups operating in the city. (photo/prothomalo)