Businessmen in Bangladesh’s Bandarban district are worried about a poor tourist influx during the Eid holidays due to the ongoing security operations against an ethnic armed group. Many hotels and resorts lack bookings, while tour guides and drivers struggle without tourists. However, tourists can still visit some areas declared safe by authorities.
Category: Yesterday
Heavy rains likely in three divisions on Eid day
The Meteorological Department forecasts different weather conditions across Bangladesh on Eid day. Heavy rain is likely in Rangpur, Mymensingh, and Sylhet divisions, while Barishal, Khulna, and Rajshahi may experience high temperatures around 36-37°C. Dhaka is expected to have cloudy skies with the possibility of brief rain showers, but the humidity will make the weather feel muggy and uncomfortable.
Govt won’t intentionally engage in war with Myanmar: Obaidul Quader
Awami League General Secretary Obaidul Quader said the government has no intention of engaging in war with Myanmar over the St. Martin’s Island issue. He accused BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul of making irresponsible statements, lacking diplomatic knowledge. Quader stated Bangladesh is prepared to retaliate if attacked but wants to solve problems through discussions.
BGB Chief orders heightened vigilance along the Myanmar border
The Director General of Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB), Major General Mohammad Ashrafuzzaman Siddiqui, has instructed BGB members to remain vigilant along the Myanmar border due to recent unrest in the area. During his visit to Saint Martin’s Island and the southeastern border region adjacent to Myanmar, he emphasized preparedness to handle any potential situation. He appreciated the BGB personnel’s efficient performance on the remote island and provided directives on operational, training, and administrative matters to maintain the country’s sovereignty and border security.
Gazipur factory workers stage demo demanding wage arrears
Several hundred workers of National Chemicals Manufacturing Company Limited in Gazipur have been demonstrating since 8 am today, demanding payment of five months’ wage arrears. They allege a worker was injured during a protest yesterday when police used batons to disperse them. However, police deny any clash occurred with the workers.
Eight Israeli soldiers killed as fighting rages in Gaza
Eight Israeli soldiers were killed in an explosion in southern Gaza on Saturday, one of the military’s heaviest losses during the ongoing conflict. The blast hit an armored vehicle near Rafah amid fierce street battles between Israeli troops and Palestinian militants. The incident brings Israel’s death toll to 306 since the ground offensive began in October. Intense cross-border violence also erupted between Israel and Hezbollah in Lebanon, raising fears of the conflict spilling over regionally.
Namibia batter becomes first to retire out in a T20 WC match
Namibian opener Nikolaas Davin became the first batter to ‘retire out’ in a T20 World Cup match during his team’s game against England. After a slow start scoring 18 off 16 balls, the 26-year-old walked off in the 6th over to be replaced by David Wiese, who smashed 27 off 12 balls. Though Namibia lost, Davin made history as only the 4th batter ever to retire out in a T20I match.
Bangladeshi businessman to sue Singapore surgeon after procedure that left him ‘paralysed’
A Bangladeshi businessman, Noor Alam, is suing a Singaporean neurosurgeon after allegedly becoming paralyzed following a spinal procedure at Gleneagles Hospital in 2022. Alam claims the surgeon was negligent. Meanwhile, Gleneagles has sued Alam for over $1 million in unpaid medical bills, alleging he refused discharge. Alam argues the hospital implied the surgeon was their employee, making them liable for his alleged negligence.
Siblings, in-laws to pay tax for remittance from expatriates
Bangladesh’s proposed budget for 2024-25 will tax remittances sent by expatriates to siblings, in-laws or others except parents, children and spouses up to 30%. This aims to tax cash/gifts sent through others’ accounts when intended recipients lack accounts. Critics warn it contradicts policies encouraging remittances and will create complications for expatriate Bangladeshis supporting families back home.
Fashion Week brings another layer of chaos to Paris
Paris Fashion Week returns amidst political turmoil in France, bringing together the worlds of fashion and sports. Notable events include Pharrell Williams’ show for Louis Vuitton and Vogue’s mega-party pairing top brands with Olympic disciplines. Major shake-ups include Chanel dropping Virginie Viard as creative director and the final show by retiring designer Dries Van Noten. Navigating increased traffic congestion due to Olympic preparations adds another layer of chaos.
BTS’ Jungkook breaks record with 7 UK chart entries as soloist
BTS member Jungkook has broken a new record by becoming the first Korean soloist to have seven entries on the UK Official Singles Chart. His latest track “Never Let Go” debuted at No. 60, making it his seventh song to chart in the UK. The song also topped the Official Singles Downloads Chart and ranked No. 3 on the Official Singles Sales Chart. With this achievement, Jungkook solidifies his position as the K-pop solo artist with the most Top 10 entries on the UK chart.
Modi greets Hasina on Eid-ul-Azha
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi has sent a letter to Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, conveying his warmest greetings on the occasion of Eid-ul-Azha. Modi highlighted the values of sacrifice, compassion, and brotherhood symbolized by the festival, and described it as an integral part of the multi-cultural heritage. He also wished Hasina good health and wellbeing as Bangladesh prepares to celebrate Eid-ul-Azha tomorrow.
Customers feel the heat as spice prices spike
Consumers in Bangladesh are feeling the heat as prices of essential spices like coriander, cardamom, cinnamon, clove, garlic, and ginger have spiked ahead of Eid-ul-Azha. The price hikes ranging from 1.7% to over 250% are attributed to higher global market prices, reduced production in some countries, and an increase in the value of the dollar, making imports costlier.
Albania’s Bajrami scores fastest ever Euros goal after 23 seconds
Albania’s Nedim Bajrami scored the fastest goal in European Championship history after just 23 seconds against Italy in their Euro 2024 opener. Bajrami’s strike beat the previous record of 67 seconds by Russia’s Dmitri Kirichenko in 2004. However, Italy fought back quickly with goals from Bastoni and Barella to lead 2-1 after 16 minutes in the Group B match against the reigning champions.
England stay alive with rain-hit win over Namibia
Reigning champions England stayed alive in the T20 World Cup with a 41-run victory over Namibia in a rain-hit must-win group match in Antigua on Saturday. Harry Brook’s unbeaten 47 off 20 balls propelled England to 122-5 in 10 overs, and Namibia were restricted to 84-3 in their revised target of 126. The win kept England in contention for the Super Eights alongside Scotland.
Lightning kills 4 in Rangamati’s Langadu, 1 still missing
Four people, including a woman, were killed in two separate lightning strikes in Langadu upazila of Rangamati, Bangladesh. Three people died after being struck by lightning on a boat in Kaptai Lake, while the woman faced the tragic end when lightning struck her in Atarak Chhara area. Additionally, the boat operator is still missing after the incident.
BRAC Bank signs deal with WeGro Technologies to provide financing to farmers
BRAC Bank has partnered with WeGro Technologies Ltd to facilitate affordable loans for smallholder farmers across Bangladesh. The agreement aims to empower farmers by providing financing for their agricultural projects, contributing to the country’s agricultural development. WeGro operates in 29 zones and has connected over 5,000 farmers with institutional financiers since its inception in 2021. The partnership will enable BRAC Bank to reach more farmers and support their growth through accessible financing.
‘If I could embrace him one more time
On Father’s Day, several Bangladeshi celebrities expressed their fond memories and deep longing for their late fathers. Actors like Ziaul Faruq Apurba, Chanchal Chowdhury, Samrat, and Aruna Biswas reminisced about their close bonds with their fathers, sharing how they wish they could embrace them one more time, hear their voices, and confide in them as they did before. The emotional tributes highlighted the irreplaceable role fathers play in their children’s lives.
Govt trims food distribution plan for FY25 amid high inflation
The Bangladesh government has cut the food grain distribution target for the upcoming fiscal year 2024-25, reducing it by 10 percent compared to the current year’s revised target. Economists have criticized the decision as illogical, given the high food inflation rate above 10 percent and the need to provide aid to the poor. The government plans to distribute 30.3 million tonnes of rice and wheat among the low-income population, down from the current year’s revised target.
Almost all garment factories clear salary, bonus
Almost all garment and textile factories in Bangladesh have cleared salary payments and provided festival bonuses to their workers ahead of Eid-ul-Azha, according to Industrial Police and worker leaders. The factories followed government rules for allocating holidays, allowing workers to leave for their village homes. Worker leaders confirmed that salaries were paid on time, with only a few factories making partial payments, and no reports of layoffs before the Eid festival.