A Bangladeshi expatriate, Mohammad Alamgir, 55, from Sandwip upazila of Chattogram, lost his life in a road accident while on duty as an electrical supervisor in Dubai, UAE. The incident occurred on Sunday night when his car collided with another vehicle, resulting in his death on the spot. Alamgir had been residing in the UAE for 30 years. His body is currently at a Dubai hospital, awaiting repatriation to Bangladesh. Photo: UNB
Kylian Mbappe has signed for Real Madrid, forming a formidable attacking trio with Vinicius Junior and Jude Bellingham. The French forward joins from Paris Saint-Germain, reuniting with his childhood idol Cristiano Ronaldo’s former club. Mbappe, aged 25, will lead one of the most potent frontlines in world football, alongside the 20-year-old Bellingham and 23-year-old Vinicius. Their blend of skill, speed, and dynamism has drawn comparisons to Real Madrid’s famed ‘BBC’ trio of Ronaldo, Bale, and Benzema, who inspired multiple Champions League triumphs. PHOTO: REUTERS
The ruling NDA led by BJP is projected by exit polls to secure a landslide victory, nearing PM Modi’s ‘400 paar’ target, while the opposition INDIA alliance struggles to cross 180 seats. The opposition has accused the EC of biased conduct and raised concerns over EVMs, prompting the BJP to seek EC’s intervention against potential unrest during counting. The results will determine Congress’ ability to challenge the BJP’s dominance amid its shrinking national footprint. Photo: NDTV
Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina is expected to visit New Delhi on June 21-22 and Beijing on July 9-12 to strengthen Bangladesh’s ties with India and China, two major economic powers in Asia. Her visit to India will be the first bilateral engagement with PM Modi since September 2022. The upcoming China visit, dubbed a “game-changer” by the Chinese ambassador, aims to boost trade, investment, cultural exchange and align with Bangladesh’s “Vision 2041” and “Smart Bangladesh” goals. The visits hold significance for deepening strategic partnerships with the neighboring giants.
The Municipal Association of Bangladesh (MAB), in collaboration with the PRABRIDDHI project, launched a revamped Virtual Platform to foster local economic development and showcase best practices for municipal development. Md Tazul Islam MP, the Local Government Minister, inaugurated the platform and a digital training for municipal staff. The platform aims to connect 329 municipalities through a website and social media, promoting the Local Economic Development model and contributing to national development goals.
In the MP Anwarul Azim murder case, Celesty Rahman confessed that she posed as the wife of the alleged mastermind Aktaruzzaman to rent the Kolkata flat where the MP was killed. She was present during the dismemberment of Azim’s body. After her confessional statement, the court sent Celesty to jail. The detective sources revealed these details of her involvement in the gruesome murder. Additionally, the court issued an arrest warrant against another suspect, Siam Hossain, who is currently in Nepal police custody.
helsea have appointed Enzo Maresca as their new head coach on a five-year contract. The Italian leaves Leicester City, whom he led to Premier League promotion in his first season. Chelsea’s co-directors praised Maresca’s “exciting and identifiable style” and aligned ambitions. The 44-year-old previously coached Manchester City’s youth team and was Pep Guardiola’s assistant during their treble-winning season. Maresca will be tasked with returning Chelsea to the Champions League after their sixth-place Premier League finish last season. PHOTO: AFP
Turkey’s annual inflation jumped above 75% in May, but officials expect it to have peaked and begin declining from June. The central bank raised interest rates to 50% to combat soaring prices. Finance Minister Simsek predicted inflation will likely fall below 50% by end of Q3 as the government implements austerity measures, after high prices contributed to electoral setbacks for President Erdogan’s party in March municipal elections.
A suspected drug trader, Nezam Uddin from Cox’s Bazar, was killed in a reported gunfight between Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) and drug traders in Ramu upazila early today. BGB said around 200 smugglers led by Nezam attacked their patrol team, who fired back in self-defence. 98 cartons of cigarettes and 20,000 yaba pills were recovered from the spot. Nezam’s family claimed he went to visit a friend but was shot dead. BGB said he was involved in cattle smuggling and drug trading. Photo: Collected
Google has introduced a series of microlearning courses covering various aspects of Generative AI, including an introduction to Generative AI, Large Language Models, Responsible AI, Image Generation, Encoder-Decoder Architecture, Attention Mechanism, Transformer Models, BERT, and Image Captioning Models. These courses aim to provide a foundational understanding of Generative AI concepts, techniques, and applications, as well as hands-on experience with Google’s tools for developing Generative AI applications. Learners can earn skill badges by completing the courses and passing the final quizzes. Photo: Reuters
Boeing and NASA are preparing to launch the new Starliner space capsule on June 5 after scrubbing its inaugural test flight attempt on Saturday due to a ground system computer issue. The teams worked overnight to replace a faulty ground power supply unit that triggered an automatic abort during the countdown. The CST-200 Starliner’s first crewed flight to the International Space Station remains a crucial milestone for Boeing’s efforts to compete with SpaceX for NASA contracts. Once launched, the capsule is expected to reach the ISS in about 24 hours. Photo: REUTERS/Joe Skipper
AMD unveiled its next-generation Ryzen 9000 Series desktop processors, codenamed Granite Ridge, featuring Zen5 architecture and support for PCIe 5.0 and DDR5 memory. The flagship Ryzen 9 9950X boasts 16 cores, 5.7GHz boost, and promises the fastest consumer desktop performance. AMD also introduced the Ryzen 5000XT Series with upgraded 5900XT and 5800XT models for the AM4 platform. The new X870E and X870 chipsets bring PCIe 5.0, DDR5, and USB4 support. These processors are set for a July 2024 release, targeting DIY enthusiasts and system integrators. Photo: AMD
The Bangladesh Energy Regulatory Commission (BERC) has reduced the price of a 12kg Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) cylinder by Tk30 to Tk1,363, effective from 6pm on June 3. The retail price of LPG has been fixed at Tk113.55 per kg, leading to price reductions for cylinders weighing 5.5kg to 45kg. The autogas price for cars has also decreased to Tk63.53 per liter. BERC adjusts LPG prices monthly based on international propane and butane prices to maintain market consistency. Photo: Representational
The Bangladesh Energy Regulatory Commission has reduced the price of bottled Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) by Tk 2.53 per kg for the month of June. The new price per kg has been fixed at Tk 113.55. As a result, the price of a 12-kg bottled LPG, a common cooking fuel, will be Tk 1,363 – Tk 30 less than the previous month’s price. Additionally, the auto gas used in transports will cost Tk 62.53 per litre, down from Tk 63.92 last month. photo: Collected
A 60-70 year old wild elephant, which had wandered into residential areas of Juri upazila from May 22-24, was finally located on May 30 in the Alambari area by forest officials with help from locals. Despite initial difficulties due to cyclone-induced landslides, a medical team managed to administer antibiotics to the ailing but still mobile elephant. With its wound healing and normal appetite, authorities remain hopeful of its swift recovery under observation. Photo: Collected
BTS member Jungkook has announced the release of his new solo single “Never Let Go” on June 7th, as part of the group’s 2024 Festa celebrations. The heartfelt track is a promise to fans that he will always remain by their side. Meanwhile, anticipation builds for Jin’s return from military service, marked by a controversial “hugs event” that requires costly album purchases for entry. Amid backlash, Bighit Music has clarified the event guidelines, aiming to address fan concerns over exploitation. Photos: Collected
Inflation in Bangladesh rose to 9.89 percent in May, driven by higher food prices, according to the latest figures from the Bangladesh Bureau of Statistics. Food inflation surged to 10.76 percent, up 54 basis points from April, while non-food inflation slipped to 9.19 percent. The average inflation rate in the 2022-23 fiscal year stood at 9.02 percent, significantly higher than the recent yearly average of 6 percent, reflecting the persistent inflationary pressures in the economy. Star file photo
Former IGP Benazir Ahmed and his family members used intimidation tactics to purchase lands from minority Hindu and Christian communities in Gazipur’s Kaliganj upazila at very low prices. ACC found they own around 181 bighas in the area, mostly acquired when Benazir was RAB director general and IGP. Locals dubbed the area “The Benazir Project” as several government officials close to him also bought lands there. ACC is investigating the sources of funds used for these land acquisitions.
Resorts are mushrooming around the ecologically critical Sundarbans area, defying environmental regulations. Currently, 14 resorts have been established, with 8 more under construction in Khulna and Satkhira. These resorts involve land filling, tree felling, and operation of polluting generators and ACs, posing threats to the UNESCO World Heritage Site. Despite prohibitions, the resort boom continues unabated, causing water, sound, and soil pollution while driving away wildlife from the mangrove forests. Prothom Alo
Siam Illtemash, son of the legendary Bangladeshi actor Manna, is all set to make his debut in the Dhallywood film industry, following in his father’s footsteps. Despite keeping a low profile for years, Siam has completed his education and is now ready to fulfill the dreams of Manna’s fans by becoming a hero on the silver screen. While the details of his debut film remain undisclosed, Siam aims to become the “number one” in the world of cinema, having studied acting extensively. Fans eagerly await his grand entry into Dhallywood this year. Photos: Collected
Shah Rukh Khan attended Anant Ambani and Radhika Merchant’s pre-wedding celebration in Italy, where his new look, resembling Johnny Depp with a blue suit, glasses, and a hairstyle with beard, garnered significant attention from fans. Some likened his appearance to Johnny Depp, speculating about a “Pirates of the Caribbean” sequel. The event was attended by several Bollywood celebrities, including Ranbir Kapoor, Ranveer Singh, and Alia Bhatt. SRK is also gearing up for his next film, tentatively titled “King,” which will mark Suhana Khan’s acting debut. Photo: Collected
To protect yourself from lightning strikes, stay indoors during thunderstorms as buildings provide safety from direct electric contact. Avoid taking shelter under trees or in elevated areas as they attract lightning. Wear shoes with rubber soles to prevent electrical charges from traveling through the ground. Avoid showering, as lightning can travel through metal pipes and plumbing. Wait at least 30 minutes after the last thunder rumble before showering. Being cautious and taking proper precautions can help prevent potential injuries or fatalities from lightning strikes.
Berger Paints Bangladesh Limited (BPBL), in collaboration with the Institute of Architects Bangladesh (IAB), launched the 11th Berger Award for Excellence in Architecture (BAEA) at a press conference in Dhaka. The award aims to honor outstanding architectural projects in the country. Seven projects will be awarded, with each winner receiving Tk. 200,000, a trophy, and a certificate. The judging panel comprises renowned architects, and the last date for nomination submission is June 14, 2024. The award seeks to inspire and encourage architects to pursue excellence.
A woman, Afroza Begum, 40, died in police custody in Jashore’s Abhaynagar upazila on Sunday morning, hours after being detained from her residence. Her family alleged police implicated her in a false drug case and tortured her to death for failing to pay a bribe of Tk 2 lakh. However, police claimed they arrested her with 30 yaba pills and denied torturing her. They said she fell ill in custody and died on the way to the hospital. An investigation is underway.
The International Air Transport Association (IATA) expects airlines to fly a record nearly 5 billion passengers in 2024, surpassing pre-pandemic levels. IATA also raised its forecast for airlines’ net earnings this year to $30 billion, citing a “great achievement” after deep pandemic losses. However, the industry faces rising costs due to shortages, labor challenges, and climate change concerns, with total expenses projected to hit a record high of $936 billion in 2024.
Questions have arisen over whether false recommendations from three army officials were used to help former army chief Aziz Ahmed’s brother, Haris Ahmed, obtain a national ID card under a fake identity as Mohammad Hasan. Documents show Haris provided false parental information. One of the allegedly involved officials denied making any recommendation, while another said his signature seemed forged. Haris and another brother previously had sentences pardoned in murder cases, raising concerns over the privileged treatment.
Over 300 educational institutions, including 144 government primary schools and 165 private secondary schools, colleges, and madrasas, have been damaged by Cyclone Remal in Barguna district. The damage has disrupted studies, with authorities estimating around Tk 6.50 crore needed for renovations. The district education office has sent a list of damaged institutions to higher authorities for necessary allocations to resume educational activities. Photo: Collected
Mexico is set to elect Claudia Sheinbaum as its first woman president, according to exit polls. Sheinbaum, representing the ruling party, won around 58% of votes. Her victory marks a milestone in a country plagued by rampant criminal and gender-based violence. Despite sporadic violence, voters flocked to polling stations to choose a new president, members of Congress, and various officials. Photo: AFP
The Chief Election Commissioner stated that fair elections are not possible without the political will of the government and consensus among political parties. He said the Election Commission alone cannot conduct free, fair, and neutral polls. The Executive Director of Transparency International Bangladesh urged for a neutral election-time government system or obliging the incumbent government to act neutrally during elections. Both agreed on the need for reshaping the electoral system with the cooperation of political parties.
The Bangladeshi government aims to initiate formal negotiations for signing a free trade agreement (FTA) with China, its largest trading partner, as the joint feasibility study is complete. Experts believe an FTA with China, complemented by investment, will greatly benefit Bangladesh. The Chinese ambassador highlighted that Bangladesh’s trade deficit with China is not concerning, and Chinese investment will create more job opportunities in the country. Photo: Facebook
The Centre for Policy Dialogue (CPD) revealed that in Bangladesh, the price of coarse rice has increased by 30% over the last 5.5 years, disproportionately impacting the poor. Comparatively, prices of miniket and paijam rice rose by 17-18%. Prices of essentials like lentils, flour, oil, sugar, meat, and onions have also surged alarmingly. Despite having the lowest per capita GDP among 17 countries, Bangladesh spends the most on food at $928 per capita, reflecting a severe cost-of-living crisis for its citizens. Photo: prothom alo
The Bangladesh Meteorological Department warns of potential short-term flooding in the northern, northeastern, and southeastern regions due to heavy rainfall expected in June. Their one-month outlook predicts normal monsoon rains, with the possibility of 1-2 low-pressure systems, one potentially developing into a depression. Mild to moderate heatwaves and thunderstorms are also forecasted. The country experienced above-normal rainfall in May, with Sylhet recording the highest at 741mm. Photo: prothom alo
Renowned actress Rista Laboni Shimana is in critical condition following a severe brain haemorrhage on May 20. She has been unconscious for 13 days and is on life support due to respiratory difficulties. Her 8-year-old son is struggling to comprehend her condition. Doctors have indicated that only a miracle might improve her situation at this point. Shimana’s family and well-wishers are fervently praying for her recovery. Photo: Collected
A Chattogram court sentenced former Evaly CEO Mohammad Rassel and his wife Shamima Nasrin to one year in jail and fined them Tk 1.80 lakh for cheque fraud. The absconding couple failed to deliver a motorcycle after taking payment and issued a dishonored cheque. The court issued arrest warrants as they are fugitives. Rassel and Shamima were previously arrested in 2021 for fraud and embezzlement but later secured bail.
Opposition leaders dismissed exit poll predictions of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s victory as “bogus” and “fraud,” accusing them of attempting to justify rigging. Congress leaders Rahul Gandhi and Mallikarjun Kharge claimed their INDIA bloc would secure 295 seats, contradicting most exit polls that projected a resounding NDA win with over 350 seats. The official results will be announced on June 4.
Over 100 trees were felled at Jahangirnagar University to construct two new buildings, sparking protests from teachers, students, and two factions of the JU Chhatra Union. The university authorities were accused of unplanned construction without a new master plan. The JU Proctor deflected responsibility, while the project director claimed to have consulted stakeholders. Photo: Auritro Sattar