Bangladesh reported one more dengue death and 14 new cases in the last 24 hours, taking the toll to 40 and total cases to 3,207 this year. Currently, 143 patients are hospitalized. Last year saw a record high of 1,705 dengue deaths and 321,179 cases in the country.
Ex-Premier League striker Kevin Campbell has passed away at the age of 54 after a short illness. Campbell, who never earned an international cap, holds the record for most Premier League goals (83) by a player. He had successful spells with Arsenal, Everton, and other clubs, and was the first black captain of Everton in 2001. Photo: AFP
Bangladesh Meteorological Department has predicted increased rainfall in the northeastern and northwestern regions during Eid-ul-Azha and the following day. While Dhaka may experience light drizzles on Eid day, moderate to heavy showers are expected in Rangpur, Mymensingh, Sylhet, and parts of Chattogram divisions. The monsoon is expected to become more active, causing higher rainfall across the country after June 19.
According to the reports, Bangladesh has no specific standards for many food products, leading to legal issues for companies. While BSTI has standards for 273 compulsory products, there is confusion over approval processes for new items. Authorities state that they cannot ban products without proof of health risks, but companies face challenges in diversifying their offerings due to the lack of clear regulations.
Rapid Action Battalion (Rab) has arrested Abdul Samad, 50, for allegedly killing his wife Farida Yasmin, 42, by hitting her with a bamboo during a family dispute in Sreepur, Gazipur on June 13. Farida succumbed to her injuries at a local hospital. Abdul confessed to the crime during interrogation and was handed over to Sreepur Police Station. Source: Daily Star
Bus operators on southern routes from Dhaka’s Sayedabad terminal are allegedly charging extra fares from Eid holidaymakers, taking advantage of the rush. Passengers claim they are being forced to pay up to 60% higher fares as buses refuse to sell tickets at regular rates. Additionally, severe traffic congestion at the terminal is causing delays, with buses waiting hours to leave amid the Eid rush.
The Dhaka North City Corporation (DNCC) is deploying over 10,000 sanitation workers to manage the sacrificial animal waste within six hours after the Eid sacrifice. The DNCC Mayor stated that a central control system has been put in place, with more than 10,000 sanitation workers to be mobilized for the waste disposal efforts after the Eid sacrifice. Digital transaction systems have also been introduced for a smooth experience.
Bangladesh proposed signing a memorandum of understanding with Azerbaijan to import natural gas during the first foreign office consultation between the two countries in Baku. Foreign Secretary Masud Bin Momen, who led the Bangladesh delegation, also requested Azerbaijan to import RMG, pharmaceuticals and recruit manpower from Bangladesh. Both sides stressed on high-level visits and discussed cooperation in various sectors.
Health experts reveal that women face unique risk factors for heart disease, such as reproductive disorders, hormonal changes, and pregnancy complications, contributing to higher mortality rates. These factors, along with traditional risks like obesity and high blood pressure, can lead to endothelial dysfunction and increase the likelihood of developing cardiovascular diseases. Early recognition of symptoms and adopting lifestyle changes are crucial for prevention. Source: Hidustan Times
A study published in Microbiology Spectrum found that tomato juice has antibacterial properties that can effectively eliminate Salmonella Typhi, the bacteria causing typhoid fever, as well as other harmful enteric pathogens affecting the digestive and urinary tracts. The research identified two antimicrobial peptides in tomatoes that damage bacterial membranes, highlighting the potential health benefits of consuming tomatoes and tomato juice.
The University of Liberal Arts Bangladesh (ULAB) has ranked 69th in the World’s Universities with Real Impact (WURI) Rankings 2024, emerging as the only Bangladeshi university in the top 100. ULAB secured impressive ranks in specific categories, including 2nd in crisis management and 5th in student mobility and openness, solidifying its position as a leading innovative university globally.
Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina will visit Beijing after her scheduled trip to New Delhi this month, aiming to balance Bangladesh’s relations with India and China. Her Delhi visit from June 21-22 will focus on reiterating political commitment to bolster ties with India. However, China’s growing influence in the region has raised concerns for India, adding a geopolitical dimension to Bangladesh’s outreach to both Asian giants.
The University Grants Commission (UGC) has decided to allow private universities in Bangladesh to offer PhD programs and confer doctoral degrees, subject to meeting certain criteria. This move aims to curb brain drain, retain local talent, foster research culture, and enhance the country’s global academic standing while ensuring quality through regulatory oversight.
Over 1.5 million Muslim pilgrims will pray on Mount Arafat on Saturday, marking the climax of the annual hajj pilgrimage in Saudi Arabia. Worshippers will endure soaring temperatures of 43°C (109.4°F) at the rocky hill near Mecca, where Prophet Muhammad gave his last sermon. The grueling outdoor hajj is increasingly impacted by climate change, but remains an important religious duty and economic windfall for Saudi Arabia.
Taylor Swift announced that her massively successful Eras Tour will conclude in December 2024 after 152 shows across multiple continents. During her 100th show in Liverpool, the pop star revealed this was the first time she admitted to herself the tour would end, despite it feeling like they just started. The tour’s final stop will be in Vancouver on December 8th.
Researchers have documented one of nature’s great migrations – over 17 million insects annually passing through a mountain gap on the France-Spain border. A study found that at peak times, over 3,000 insects per meter moved through the Pass of Bujaruelo every minute, with 90% being marmalade hoverflies. Though insect numbers have declined, the migration remains an “amazing” spectacle to witness in September-October, especially on sunny days.
South Africa narrowly avoided an upset, defeating Nepal by just one run in a thrilling T20 World Cup match in St Vincent on Friday. Chasing 116, Nepal fell agonizingly short on 114/7 despite a 50-run partnership between Aasif Sheikh (42) and Anil Sah (27). Leg-spinner Kushal Bhurtel’s 4/19 had earlier restricted South Africa to 115/7. The close win sealed South Africa’s spot in the Super Eight phase.
Bangladesh signed separate air service agreements with Switzerland and the European Union to establish direct air connectivity with more European countries. The deal with Switzerland allows 7 weekly passenger and cargo flights each way. Bangladesh carriers nominated include Biman, US-Bangla, and Novoair. The EU agreement aims to ensure uniform regulations for air services with EU nations. The agreements open up new direct air travel opportunities between Bangladesh and Europe.
The United States imposed sanctions on the Israeli extremist group Tzav 9, accusing it of blocking and looting aid convoys attempting to deliver humanitarian assistance to Palestinian civilians in Gaza amid the ongoing conflict. The State Department condemned Tzav 9’s acts of sabotage and violence targeting essential aid, stating such assistance is vital to prevent a worsening humanitarian crisis in Gaza.
Lionel Messi scored twice as Argentina defeated Guatemala 4-1 in a Copa America warm-up friendly in Maryland on Friday. After falling behind to an early own goal, Messi equalized before Lautaro Martinez scored from the penalty spot. Lautaro and Messi added further goals in the second half as the reigning world champions tuned up for their title defense against Canada next week.
Despite assurances from India’s Border Security Force (BSF) to minimize casualties, at least 10 Bangladeshis have been killed in BSF firing along the Bangladesh-India border since March. Rights groups have questioned the effectiveness of BSF’s measures, as border killings continue unabated. According to data, 12 Bangladeshis, including a BGB member, have been killed by BSF this year so far. Rights bodies have rejected BSF’s claims of firing in self-defense, stating evidence suggests the killings were unprovoked in several cases.
Russian President Vladimir Putin outlined maximalist demands for ending the war in Ukraine, including Kyiv dropping its NATO ambitions and ceding control over four provinces to Russia. These conditions were swiftly rejected by Ukraine as tantamount to surrender. Putin’s hardline stance, restating calls for Ukraine’s demilitarization and “denazification,” appears aimed at undercutting a Ukrainian-led “peace conference” in Switzerland that Russia is excluded from. NATO’s chief slammed Putin’s proposal as a call for “more aggression.”
The demand for air ambulances in Bangladesh has risen steadily due to increasing affordability and more operators entering the market. Six local companies currently provide domestic helicopter services, with service providers noting a significant increase in flights carrying patients from distant districts like Dinajpur, Cox’s Bazar, and Rangpur to Dhaka. However, some passengers allege overcharging by companies, highlighting the need for government oversight on fare-related issues in this growing industry.