Category: Bangladesh

A recent survey reveals that while 51% of Bangladeshi journalists personally use AI tools, only 20% of newsrooms have institutional AI integration. ChatGPT leads with 78% usage among AI tools, followed by Grammarly and Google Translate. The study, “Media Metamorphosis: AI and Bangladeshi Newsrooms 2024,” surveyed 53 journalists from 25 news outlets. Key challenges include resistance to technological change, lack of understanding, and ethical concerns. The assessment recommends developing guidelines and modernizing journalism education.READ FULL

The Ministry of Religious Affairs has issued warnings to 124 Hajj agencies that have not registered any pilgrims for Hajj 2025, stating they may face administrative action. Out of 891 approved agencies, these 124 have been directed to complete registrations immediately. The preliminary registration period, which began on September 1, will continue until November 30, with Hajj packages to be announced on October 30.READ FULL

Bangladesh Army Chief General Waker-uz-Zaman met with Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus at State Guest House Jamuna following his return from an 11-day official visit to North America. During the meeting, he briefed Yunus about his visits to the US and Canada, where he held discussions with UN peacekeeping officials and high-ranking military and civilian leaders, including the US army chief.READ FULL

Former Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina is reportedly staying in a secure IB safehouse in Delhi’s VVIP zone near India Gate and Khan Market, according to Hindustan Times and The Print. She has been there since August 5 after leaving Bangladesh. Multiple layers of security protect her due to death threats. Her daughter Saima Wazed, WHO’s South East Asian regional director, also lives in Delhi with security protection.READ FULL

A Dhaka court has sent 26 students to jail following their protest at the secretariat demanding HSC result re-evaluation. They were charged with attempted murder after being detained yesterday along with 28 others, who were later released to their guardians. The protest, led by students who failed or performed poorly in HSC exams, took place at the Education Ministry building, where police and army personnel dispersed the demonstrators.READ FULL

Law enforcement has heightened security around Bangabhaban, the president’s residence in Bangladesh, following student protests demanding President Sahabuddin’s resignation. On Tuesday, around 300-400 protesters attempted to breach barricades, leading to clashes with security forces that left three people injured. The Anti-Discrimination Student Movement has issued a five-point demand with an ultimatum by Thursday. As of Wednesday morning, heavy security presence continues, though no protesters were seen.READ FULL

The interim government has announced restrictions on tourist visits to Saint Martin’s Island from November to February. Overnight stays are prohibited in November, while December and January will allow up to 2,000 daily visitors with overnight stays permitted. The island will be closed to tourists in February for cleaning and maintenance. Single-use plastic has been banned on the island, according to Chief Adviser’s Deputy Press Secretary Apurba Jahangir.READ FULL

A woman in Jashore filed a rape case against four Awami League activists yesterday at the Women and Children Repression Prevention Tribunal. According to the complaint, the accused – Yunus Ali, Shariful Islam, Arif Hossain, and Noor Islam – initially demanded Tk 10 lakh as extortion from her pharmacy. Later, on June 5, they allegedly raped her at gunpoint in her home and threatened to kill her if she disclosed the incident.READ FULL

252 trainee Sub-Inspectors were discharged from Sarda Police Academy in Rajshahi just before graduation. While officially cited for disciplinary issues over a breakfast incident, sources reveal that background checks on political affiliations were conducted for 801 trainees after the Awami League government’s fall in August. The dismissed trainees received discharge letters at their homes after being sent on a three-day vacation.READ FULL

The repatriation of Bangladeshi nationals from conflict-stricken Lebanon has begun. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs announced that the first group of 54 Bangladeshis is scheduled to arrive in Dhaka this evening. They are traveling via Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, on a Saudi Airlines flight. This marks the start of efforts to bring Bangladeshi citizens back home amid the ongoing conflict in Lebanon. The ministry has confirmed the arrangements for this initial group’s return to Bangladesh.READ FULL

Bangladesh will participate in the BRICS Summit in Kazan, Russia, from Tuesday to Thursday this week. Foreign Secretary Md Jashim Uddin will lead the Bangladesh delegation. He is expected to hold bilateral meetings with counterparts from BRICS member nations and other invited leaders during the summit. The BRICS bloc consists of developing economies, and Bangladesh’s participation indicates its engagement with this influential group. The foreign secretary is scheduled to return to Bangladesh on October 25 after the summit concludes.READ FULL

A low pressure system is expected to form over the east-central Bay of Bengal and north Andaman Sea within 24 hours. Bangladesh Meteorological Department forecasts mainly dry weather with partly cloudy skies. Sandwip recorded 74mm rainfall, while temperatures ranged from 21°C in Tetulia to 34.4°C in Sitakunda.READ FULL

Three Malaysian-based Bangladeshi expatriates died in a chemical factory explosion in Johor state’s SILC industrial area on October 10. The victims – Jabbar Ali (42), Abu Taher (32), and Salam (24) – were buried Sunday at Ramzanbeg community graveyard in Munshiganj after their bodies arrived in Dhaka. Local community seeks government aid for bereaved families.READ FULL

Experts at a roundtable in The Hague discussed Bangladesh’s increasing flood challenges due to climate change. They emphasized the need for innovative approaches to water management, improved flood forecasting, and interdisciplinary collaboration. Suggestions included enhancing early warning systems, using natural infrastructure, and integrating local knowledge. The discussion, organized by the Bangladesh Embassy in the Netherlands, highlighted the partnership between the two countries in water management. Experts stressed the importance of dynamic, sustainable plans and rethinking solutions for Bangladesh’s water challenges.READ FULL

UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Türk is set to visit Bangladesh in late October for three days. He’s expected to meet Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus and discuss human rights issues, including establishing a UN office in Dhaka. This visit follows an invitation from the Chief Adviser for a fact-finding mission on recent human rights violations. An advance team has already visited Bangladesh, meeting various stakeholders. The visit coincides with Bangladesh’s 50th anniversary of UN membership and the new interim government.READ FULL

Former State Minister for Industries and ex-MP Kamal Ahmed Mojumder has been remanded for three days in connection with the murder of Ikramul Haque during the Anti-Discrimination Student Movement. Mojumder was arrested on Friday night in Gulshan, Dhaka. The court granted a three-day remand after hearing both sides. Ikramul Haque was shot on August 4 near the Shah Ali shrine and died on August 14. His father filed a murder case on September 7.READ FULL

In the last 24 hours, Bangladesh reported 3 dengue deaths and 411 new hospitalizations, with 210 cases in Dhaka and 201 outside the capital. The total dengue cases for 2024 have reached 47,461, with 237 deaths. This marks a significant decrease from 2023, which saw 321,179 cases and 1,705 deaths. The Directorate General of Health Services continues to monitor the situation as dengue remains a public health concern in the country.READ FULL

Police in Dhaka have arrested Md Abu Sayeed, the Sutrapur Thana Tati League president, for his alleged involvement in the killing of student Nadimul Hasan Elem during the anti-discrimination student movement in July. Sayeed was apprehended on Thursday night following an investigation that used information technology to link him to the crime. The incident occurred on July 19 when Awami League-affiliated groups allegedly attacked protesters and fired gunshots, resulting in Elem’s death. A murder case was filed on September 1 in connection with the incident.READ FULL

In Barishal, Bangladesh, 49 fishermen have been jailed for violating the ongoing 22-day ban on hilsa fishing. Authorities conducted 455 raids between October 13-16, resulting in 72 cases and Tk 3.58 lakh in fines. Officials inspected various fishing sites, seizing 2,570 kg of hilsa and 11.40 lakh meters of illegal netting. The ban covers a 7,000-square-kilometer coastal breeding zone. To support affected fishermen, the government will distribute 7,996 metric tons of rice to 319,830 individuals across six districts during the ban period.READ FULL

Bangladesh’s interim government has extended public holidays for major religious festivals in 2025. Eid-ul-Fitr will now have five days off, up from three, while Eid-ul-Azha will have six days. Durga Puja holidays have been increased to two days. The decision was approved by the advisory council, chaired by Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus. For each Eid, one day will be a general holiday, with the rest declared by executive order. For Durga Puja, Bijoya Dashami will be a general holiday, and Navami an executive-order holiday.READ FULL

The International Crimes Tribunal in Bangladesh has issued an arrest warrant for former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, along with 49 others, over alleged mass killings during the Anti-Discrimination Student Movement in July-August. The tribunal began proceedings on Thursday, with prosecutors requesting warrants for 50 individuals. Over 60 complaints have been filed against Hasina, Awami League leaders, and others for enforced disappearances and murders. The chief prosecutor stated that Interpol’s help would be sought to bring back fugitives, including Hasina, who are abroad.READ FULL

Bangladesh’s interim government has announced the cancellation of eight national days associated with the Awami League, including March 7 and Sheikh Mujibur Rahman’s birthday. Information Adviser Md Nahid Islam stated that these days were imposed by the “fascist” Awami League and will no longer be observed. He also suggested that a new national day might be added to commemorate the recent mass uprisings in July and August that led to the Awami League’s fall.READ FULL

Dhaka Metropolitan Police’s Traffic Division filed 1,131 cases and collected Tk 47,12,500 in fines on October 14 for traffic rule violations. During the operation, 223 vehicles were impounded and 68 were towed. DMP Deputy Commissioner Muhammad Talebur Rahman stated that these drives will continue to maintain discipline on Dhaka’s streets. The police force is conducting ongoing campaigns against traffic rule breakers to bring the city’s traffic system under control.READ FULL

The European Commission announced a new €21.5 million humanitarian aid package for the Asia-Pacific region, bringing total EU support to nearly €95 million in 2024. The funding will support projects in Bangladesh, Myanmar, Indonesia, and Malaysia. Additionally, an EU Humanitarian Air Bridge flight will deliver supplies to Laos for typhoon Yagi victims. The EU is also strengthening cooperation with ASEAN on disaster management, with Commissioner Janez Lenarčič visiting the Philippines and Indonesia to reinforce partnerships and sign a new agreement on disaster preparedness and response.READ FULL

Bangladesh Army Chief General Waqar-uz-Zaman has departed for an official visit to the USA and Canada. During his trip, he will meet with high-ranking military and civilian officials at the UN Headquarters and in both countries. Discussions will center on UN peacekeeping missions, enhancing army capabilities, improving bilateral relations, and planning future cooperation. The visit aims to strengthen military ties and outline mutual areas of interest. General Waqar-uz-Zaman is scheduled to return to Bangladesh on October 25.READ FULL

During a Durga Puja event in Barishal, Bangladesh, a man recited from the Quran on stage near the Durga idol, causing discomfort among attendees. The incident occurred at Takabari Sorbojonin Sree Sree Durga Temple on Bijoya Dashami. Local BNP leaders were present, and the recitation allegedly happened at the request of a temple committee adviser. Police were called to prevent potential unrest. This follows a similar incident in Chattogram where Islamic songs were performed at a puja mandap, leading to arrests.READ FULL

Three people were killed and 20 injured in a gas cylinder explosion on a bus in Lakshmipur district, Bangladesh. The incident occurred around 2 am at Green Life Filling Station while the bus was refueling. Victims included CNG-run autorickshaw drivers and bus drivers. Fire services responded, recovering bodies and rescuing the injured. Ten severely injured individuals were transferred to Dhaka Medical College Hospital. The accident was attributed to the use of a substandard gas cylinder. Authorities are investigating the incident.READ FULL

The Bangladesh government has set an October 23 deadline for hajj aspirants to complete primary registration, including a Tk 3 lakh deposit. This aligns with Saudi Arabia’s roadmap for tent allocation and service provider agreements. Delayed registration may result in pilgrims being assigned to remote areas or New Mina, far from Jamarat and exposed to extreme heat. The Ministry of Religious Affairs emphasized the importance of meeting the deadline to secure preferred accommodation in Mina and Arafat.READ FULL

Recent floods in Sherpur, Bangladesh have caused extensive damage, with losses of Tk600 crore in agriculture and fisheries, and Tk113 crore in infrastructure. Waterborne diseases are spreading due to lack of clean water. The Hindu community couldn’t celebrate Durga Puja due to submerged temples. Many families are facing hunger and inadequate relief. Farmer Badal Chandra Borman lost crops worth Tk70,000-80,000. The district administration is distributing relief and awaiting allocations for rehabilitation. Twelve people have died in the floods.READ FULL

Bangladesh ranked 84th out of 127 countries in the 2024 Global Hunger Index, dropping three places from last year. Despite this, the country has shown notable improvement since 2016, reducing its score by over 5 points. Bangladesh’s hunger level is categorized as “moderate” with a score of 19.4. The index considers factors like undernourishment, child stunting, wasting, and mortality. Globally, hunger remains serious or alarming in 42 countries, with South Asia facing significant challenges.READ FULL

Ten monitoring teams under the Local Government Division are working to control dengue spread across Bangladesh, particularly in Dhaka and other major cities. From January to October 9, 2024, the country recorded 39,822 dengue cases and 196 deaths. Dhaka South City Corporation reported the highest numbers with 8,657 cases and 106 deaths. Officials cite unusual heavy rainfall as a major challenge in mosquito control efforts, while hospitals struggle to accommodate the increasing number of patients.READ FULL

The Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) has confiscated smuggled goods worth over Tk 1 crore during operations in Sylhet and Sunamganj border areas on Wednesday and Thursday. The seized items include 10,180 kg of Indian sugar, clothing items, 7 cows, cigarettes, liquor, and 4,275 kg of Bangladeshi garlic, along with vehicles used for smuggling. BGB Sylhet Battalion Commander Lt Col. Md. Hafizur Rahman said the items will be handed over to customs authorities.READ FULL

Former Bangladesh planning minister MA Mannan was released on bail from Sylhet MAG Osmani Medical College Hospital on Thursday. Mannan, who had been arrested on September 19 following a case filed against him regarding an alleged attack on students, was receiving medical treatment at the hospital since Tuesday. The Sunamganj District and Sessions Judge Court granted him bail on Wednesday, considering his age and health condition. He was discharged around 2pm after completing necessary procedures.READ FULL

A fatal incident occurred in the Bay of Bengal on Thursday when Myanmar forces opened fire on a Bangladeshi fishing vessel. The shooting, which took place approximately 50 kilometers south of Saint Martin’s Island, resulted in the death of 50-year-old fisherman Md Osman. Two other fishermen were injured in the incident, according to Teknaf Upazila Nirbahi Officer Md. Adnan Chowdhury. The identities of the injured fishermen remain unknown.READ FULL

A recent icddr,b study analyzing 275 news articles from 12 leading Bangladeshi newspapers reveals media’s crucial role in shaping public awareness about antimicrobial resistance (AMR). The research found that misuse of antibiotics (32.2%), sale without prescriptions (29%), and over-prescription (26.1%) were the most reported issues. Bangladesh faces alarming AMR rates, with common pathogens showing high resistance to antibiotics. WHO predicts AMR could cause 10 million deaths annually by 2050, primarily affecting Asia and Africa.READ FULL

Bangladesh has lodged a formal protest with India over the killing of Bangladeshi national Md. Kamal Hossain by Indian Border Security Force (BSF) on October 7. Through a note sent to the Indian High Commission in Dhaka, Bangladesh expressed serious concern over continued border killings despite India’s commitment to reduce them to ‘zero level’. The government called for investigations into all border killings and demanded justice, noting these actions violate the 1975 Joint Guidelines.READ FULL