Category: Bangladesh

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)