Iran has approved six candidates, mostly conservatives, for the June 28 presidential election to replace Ebrahim Raisi, who died in a helicopter crash. The approved candidates include conservative Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, ultraconservative former nuclear negotiator Saeed Jalili, and one reformist candidate, Massoud Pezeshkian. Former President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad was disqualified again. The elections come amid tensions over Iran’s nuclear program and the ongoing Gaza war between Israel and Iran-backed Hamas. Reuters file photo
Category: Archive
St Martin’s Island cut off from mainland
Water transport between Bangladesh’s Saint Martin’s Island and Teknaf has been halted for three days since Friday due to firing incidents on boats by Myanmar criminals. This has triggered a food crisis on the island which is home to 10,000 people and depends on supplies from the mainland. The Trawler Owners’ Association said multiple trawlers were fired upon near the Naf River estuary, the only transportation route to the island. Authorities are exploring
India down Pakistan in low-scoring thriller
India edged out Pakistan by six runs in a thrilling low-scoring T20 World Cup match in New York. Pakistan bowled India out for 119 but Jasprit Bumrah’s 3-14 proved decisive as Pakistan fell short on 113-7 chasing the modest target. Mohammad Rizwan top-scored for Pakistan with 31. The nail-biting win keeps India on course in the tournament while Pakistan, after an earlier shock loss to USA, face an uphill battle to reach the Super Eight stage. Photo: AFP
Scotland cruise to seven-wicket victory over Oman
Scotland boosted their chances of qualifying for the T20 World Cup second round by thrashing Oman by seven wickets in Antigua. Brandon McMullen’s unbeaten 61 off 31 balls guided Scotland’s successful chase of 151 with nearly seven overs remaining. Opener George Munsey made 41 as Scotland topped Group B. Oman’s Pratik Athavale scored 54 but their total of 150-7 proved inadequate against Scotland’s clinical batting display. Scotland now face Australia in their final group game. Photo: Facebook
Macron calls shock French elections after far-right rout
French President Emmanuel Macron called a snap national election after far-right gains in European Parliament voting dealt a blow to his centrist party. The vote reflected a rightward shift across Europe, with wins for nationalists in Italy and the mainstream conservative EPP remaining the biggest bloc. Germany’s Olaf Scholz also suffered losses to the right. The results raise uncertainty over the EU’s future direction on issues like security, climate change, and economic competition. Photo: Reuters
Dengue: One dead, 25 hospitalised in 24 hours
One more person died from dengue in Bangladesh in the last 24 hours, raising the total fatalities to 38 this year. Additionally, 25 new patients were hospitalized across the country. Currently, 141 patients are receiving treatment, and the total dengue cases reported since January 1, 2024, stands at 3,056, according to the Directorate General of Health Services.
Walton launches self-made ‘AI Doctor’ feature for smart fridges
Walton has launched an AI-based “AI Doctor” feature for its Smart fridges, developed by its Research and Innovation Centre. The AI system can automatically analyze fridge performance, detect issues, predict component failures, and notify the nearest service center for faster after-sales service. It was inaugurated by Walton officials at the company’s corporate office in Dhaka. Photo: Walton
Prime Bank, Evercare Hospital sign deal on healthcare services
Prime Bank and Evercare Hospital Dhaka have signed an agreement where the hospital will offer special healthcare packages to the bank’s priority banking customers. The deal was signed by Md Nazeem A Choudhury, Deputy Managing Director of Prime Bank, and Vinay Kaul, Chief Marketing Officer of Evercare Hospital, at the bank’s corporate office in Dhaka. Photo: Prime Bank
6,000 more doctors to be appointed: health minister
Health Minister Dr Samanta Lal Sen informed parliament that 6,000 more doctors will be appointed to fill vacant posts in health institutions across Bangladesh. The proposal to appoint 2,000 doctors in the first phase has already been sent to the health directorate. Environment Minister Saber Hossain Chowdhury said 2,338 drives were conducted against brick kilns since 2019, filing 4,436 cases and jailing 98 people. Railway Minister Zillul Hakim stated plans to procure more locomotives, carriages, and wagons to improve passenger and freight services.
Dhaka bourse’s major index hits 38-month low
The major index of the Dhaka Stock Exchange (DSE) fell significantly today, the first trading day after the national budget proposal, reflecting investors’ disappointment. The DSEX plunged 65 points or 1.25% to 5,171, the lowest in 38 months. The DSES and DS30 indices also dropped. Analysts cited the absence of positive measures in the budget and the proposed 15% capital gains tax above Tk 50 lakh as reasons behind the bearish trend. Turnover plunged 34% as buyers remained scarce amid the sell-off. File photo
Five reasons financial disasters are hard to avoid
An analysis by regulators, academics, and investors at the London School of Economics identified five key reasons why financial disasters are hard to avoid: 1) Riskier activities shifting to less regulated areas like investment funds; 2) Increased similarity among major banks; 3) Evolving business models challenging regulatory assumptions; 4) Fundamental weaknesses like debt bias and limited liability structures; 5) Political pressure for bailouts despite post-crisis reforms. The group concluded that old problems and new dangers create conditions ripe for future turbulence in the financial system.Photo: REUTERS
PM meets veteran BJP leader Advani in India
During her ongoing three-day official visit to India, Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina paid a courtesy call on veteran BJP leader and former Indian Deputy Prime Minister LK Advani at his residence in New Delhi. Indian media released photos of the meeting, though details were not provided. Hasina arrived in Delhi yesterday to attend Narendra Modi’s swearing-in ceremony after his party’s election victory. She is scheduled to return to Dhaka tomorrow.
Amrai Kingbadanti Foundation distributed essential items and food among Cyclone Remal affected people
The “Amrai Kindbadanti Foundation,” formed by alumni of SSC 2000 and HSC 2002 batches, provided 3 tons of essential commodities and food to over 300 families affected by Cyclone Remal in Patuakhali’s Chalitabunia Union. The non-profit organization, registered in 2019 and with 51,000 members on Facebook, aims to assist disaster victims. It has undertaken various social responsibility initiatives, including free oxygen banks during COVID-19, support for special needs children, free health camps, and aid for the underprivileged.
Free education up to class 8 on the cards: Mohibul
Bangladesh’s Education Minister Mohibul Hassan Chowdhury informed parliament about the government’s plan to provide free education up to class 8 to ensure equal access. He said the Department of Secondary and Higher Education is working on implementing the plan within a “logical period.” The minister also disclosed that 29 private universities have vacancies for vice-chancellors, and 4,613 educational institutions lack MPO facilities. Efforts are underway to identify and revoke fake technical education certificates.
Pollution, encroachment: Bangshi river dying slowly
The once-vibrant Bangshi River in Jamalpur is slowly dying due to illegal encroachment, pollution, and unchecked siltation. The 3-km stretch within Jamalpur municipality has shrunk to a 3-meter-wide canal before merging with the Brahmaputra. Despite efforts by authorities to demarcate and excavate the river, residents continue dumping garbage, causing waterlogging and foul odors. While locals urge the municipality to clean up the river, the mayor blames the residents for its plight and calls for raising awareness against dumping waste.
Imran Khan opens up about being skinny-shamed
In a candid interview, Bollywood actor Imran Khan opened up about being skinny-shamed and the pressures to conform to societal beauty standards. He revealed his struggles with body image, including using steroids to bulk up, which impacted his mental and physical health. Imran highlighted the double standards in how men and women are judged for their appearances and the detrimental effects of such scrutiny, which even led him to battle depression. His revelations shed light on the overlooked issue of body shaming among men.
Bangladeshi ‘record-breaking’ skydiver honoured
Bangladeshi skydiver Ashik Chowdhury, who recently completed a record-breaking jump from 41,000 feet, said his inspiration was the resilient people of Bangladesh. He hopes his achievement will inspire others to explore new horizons. Holding the national flag during the jump was an honor for him. United Commercial Bank PLC sponsored his daring attempt, which unofficially set a new world record pending Guinness certification. Photo: STAR
Afsana Begum on conquering the world of extreme sports in saree
Afsana Begum, a Bangladeshi doctoral student in Japan, is redefining traditional norms by pursuing extreme sports like skydiving and snowboarding while wearing a saree. Her remarkable feat challenges societal perceptions, showcasing the saree’s versatility and her cultural pride. Afsana carefully modifies her attire for safety, inspiring awe worldwide and encouraging others to embrace their heritage in unconventional ways. Her vision aims to empower women to explore new adventures while celebrating their cultural identities.
Abul Hayat, Manoj Mitra and others earn significant awards in Kolkata
Bangladeshi actor Abul Hayat, Kolkata’s theatre icon Manoj Mitra, filmmaker Prabhat Roy, and producer Purnima Dutta were honored with prestigious lifetime achievement awards at a grand ceremony in Kolkata on June 8. The event, organized by the Bengal Film and Television Chamber of Commerce, celebrated their remarkable contributions to the film and theater industries. The awardees expressed their gratitude and hopes for stronger cultural ties and progress in Bengali cinema.Photos: Collected
Bangladeshi shot dead by BSF in Cumilla
A 50-year-old Bangladeshi man, Md Anwar Hossain from Cumilla’s Burichang upazila, was shot dead by Indian Border Security Force (BSF) along the Jamtala border while allegedly trying to enter India to bring sugar. His body is still lying in Indian territory, and authorities are working to retrieve it and hand it over to his family after completing necessary formalities with BSF. Photo: Star
One killed in clash over ‘loud bike noise’ in Patenga
A 25-year-old youth named Moniruzzaman Rafi was killed and another, Raihan (26), injured in a clash between two groups over a trifling matter at Patenga sea beach area in Chattogram. The altercation erupted due to loud noise from Rafi’s motorcycle. Police arrested four suspects in connection with the murder after the stabbing incident early today.
Dhaka University students stage protest against quota reinstatement
In a protest against the High Court’s order to restore the 56 percent quota system, including 30 percent for freedom fighters’ children, in government jobs, thousands of Dhaka University students and alumni took out a procession demanding the cancellation of all quotas. They submitted a memorandum to the Attorney General and vowed to intensify their movement if the government resumes the quota system. Photo: Palash Khan
New baggage rules: What inbound passengers can bring from abroad
The proposed budget for FY2024-25 introduces changes to curb misuse of duty-free baggage allowances. Key changes include defining gold jewelry as designed 22-carat ornaments, allowing two used mobiles duty-free but taxing one new phone, revoking permission for under-12s to bring gold/cigarettes. Passengers aged 12+ can bring 65kg baggage duty-free with specified duty-paid items like gold bars, TVs, appliances and duty-free items like gold jewelry, cigarettes, and electronics within limits. Prothom Alo file photo
Netanyahu says Israel won’t ‘surrender’ after hostages rescued
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said “Israel does not surrender to terrorism” after troops rescued four hostages alive from Gaza Strip militants. The hostages, kidnapped during a music festival attack on October 7, were identified as Noa Argamani, Almog Meir Jan, Andrey Kozlov, and Shlomi Ziv. Netanyahu vowed to bring home all remaining hostages, both alive and dead, from the militant group Hamas. The October 7 attack had resulted in over 1,000 Israeli deaths and nearly 37,000 Palestinian casualties. AFP
Police cordon off house on suspicion of being a militant den in Netrokona
Police have cordoned off a two-storied building in Netrokona’s Bhasapara area suspecting it to be a militant den. They recovered arms, bullets, jihadi books, and other materials during a raid. The house belongs to a DUET teacher but was rented out two years ago. Locals said boundary walls were raised and CCTVs installed after it was rented. Police suspect explosives might be stored there and have called in counter-terrorism and SWAT teams to investigate further. Prothom Alo
Of damaged dams and sleepless nights
Thousands of residents in five unions of Khulna’s Koyra upazila face displacement fear as breached embankments, inundated homes, and submerged croplands become a recurring scene during monsoon. This year’s situation worsened after Cyclone Remal battered the already dilapidated embankments. Despite being a perennial issue, the coastal embankments continue to have vulnerabilities, exposing around 1.94 lakh people to tidal surges. Locals allege the embankments were in poor condition even before the cyclone hit, putting their properties at risk of being devoured by rivers. Photo: Habibur Rahman
Textile, garment makers urge govt to reconsider their demands
Textile and garment makers in Bangladesh have urged the government to reconsider some of their demands in the new national budget. Key demands include reducing source tax on exports, continuing cash incentives till 2032, withdrawing VAT on garment waste and yarn sales, introducing food rationing for garment workers, and addressing gas crisis affecting production. They welcomed proposed rebates on textile imports but sought lower duty on chillers. The demands aim to improve business conditions for the crucial export sectors.
Cop shot dead by colleague in Baridhara diplomatic zone
A police constable named Monirul was shot dead by his colleague Kawsar Ahmed near the Palestinian embassy in Dhaka’s Baridhara area around 11:45 pm. Both were on duty in front of the embassy. Kawsar was detained, and the area was cordoned off. A passerby named Sajjad, who works as a driver for an embassy, also sustained gunshot wounds. Police recovered bullet casings from the spot and deployed additional forces, including a SWAT team, in the diplomatic zone after the incident.
Ruthless Australia crush England
Australia inflicted a crushing 36-run defeat on defending champions England in their T20 World Cup 2024 group match in Barbados. Posting 201-7, Australia then restricted England to 165-6, leaving their rivals’ hopes of progressing in jeopardy. Openers Travis Head and David Warner gave Australia a blistering start before Adam Zampa’s spin bowling derailed England’s chase after a strong opening stand between Phil Salt and Jos Buttler. Photo: AFP
No headache over CPD, TIB reactions on budget: Obaidul Quader
Obaidul Quader, the road transport minister and Awami League general secretary, dismissed criticism from the Centre for Policy Dialogue (CPD) and Transparency International Bangladesh (TIB) over the proposed budget, stating the government does not care about their reactions as they “play the tune of the opposition.” He defended the provision for whitening black money, saying it would enhance money flow into the banking system, and challenged critics to provide names of corrupt Awami League leaders for action.Prothom Alo file photo
BUET student Sony murder: Two main accused still at large after 22 years
Twenty-two years after the murder of BUET student Sabekun Nahar Sony during a clash between two Chhatra Dal groups, the two main accused, Mokammel Hayat Khan and Nurul Islam, remain at large. Sony’s father passed away last year without seeing the killers punished. While one accused has completed his jail term, four others are still in prison. Sony’s family continues to demand the arrest of the absconding culprits and justice for their daughter.
District administration takes over Benazir’s Savanna Eco Resort
The Gopalganj district administration has taken control of the Savanna Eco Resort and Natural Park owned by former inspector general of police Benazir Ahmed, who faces allegations of illegally amassing wealth. The Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) assisted in the takeover, which was announced through a PA system on Friday night. Locals, who claim their lands were forcibly acquired for the resort, cheered the move, hoping to regain access to their properties. The district administration will now manage the resort’s operations as per court order. Photo:prothomalo
Budget 2024-25: Wide gap between earnings and aspirations
The proposed budget for 2024-25 fiscal year has drawn more criticism than appreciation. While it aims to control inflation, critics argue the revenue-expenditure gap is unrealistic. Reducing corporate tax may boost industries, but increasing tax on existing taxpayers and allowing whitening of black money at a lower rate has drawn flak for being discriminatory. Experts also criticize the reduced allocation for education. Addressing these concerns could make the budget more realistic and people-friendly.Source:prothomalo
Suzanne Lenglen: The world’s first global sporting celebrity
Suzanne Lenglen, the French tennis icon of the 1920s, is being honored with a new concertina-style roof at the French Open’s Court Suzanne-Lenglen. The design pays tribute to Lenglen’s famous pleated skirts that shocked audiences when she ditched corsets and long skirts. Lenglen was the first tennis celebrity, winning 8 Grand Slams and bringing a bold, physical style to the women’s game. Her daring fashion, charisma and dominance made her an icon of the Jazz Age and paved the way for modern sports stardom. (Source:BBC)
Asif Akbar’s ‘Boneyard’, starring Mel Gibson, out now in US theatres
American film director of Bangladeshi origin, Asif Akbar, known for films like “Astro” and “The Commando”, has released his latest Hollywood movie “Boneyard” starring legendary actor-director Mel Gibson. The thriller, inspired by a true story, follows an FBI agent (Gibson) on a personal quest to find a notorious serial killer known as the “Bone Collector” after his niece goes missing. The film also features 50 Cent, Nora Zehetner, and Brian Van Holt in pivotal roles. Photo: Collected
Mexican fashion designer recycles election ads into tote bags
Fashion designer Camilo Morales is upcycling vinyl political advertisements from Mexico’s recent elections into bags, clothing and accessories. His latest raw material is the ubiquitous campaign banners, which he cuts up and sews into tote bags sold for 100-600 pesos ($5-$33). Morales says the election season was “ridiculous” with ads proliferating quickly. His pieces range from plain white backgrounds to collages featuring candidate imagery like shadowed eyes. It’s his way of repurposing the campaign materials.Photo: Reuters