Two Bangladeshi nationals, Babul Uddin from Cumilla and Yusuf Miah from Sylhet, were shot dead around 12:30 pm on Saturday at Babul’s home in Jenner Street, Buffalo, New York. Police and a SWAT team arrived at the scene shortly after the shooting, and the area was cordoned off for six hours. While the victims’ identities were not disclosed, the police confirmed two male casualties in the incident. Photo: Collected
A 22-year-old man named Tuhin Ali has been arrested and sent to jail in Jashore for allegedly raping a 17-year-old hearing-impaired girl in the area. The victim’s mother filed a case accusing Tuhin of luring the girl to his house and raping her. The mother stated that Tuhin, being a neighbor, would often make illicit proposals and threaten the disabled girl when she refused. Representational image
West Ham’s 2-2 draw against Liverpool on Saturday effectively ended the Reds’ slim Premier League title hopes. Jarrod Bowen and Michail Antonio scored for West Ham, while Andy Robertson and an Alphonse Areola own goal were Liverpool’s goals. The result leaves Liverpool third with 75 points, one behind Manchester City who have two games in hand. Arsenal lead the table, two points ahead of Liverpool with a game in hand. PHOTO: REUTERS
A man was stabbed to death and at least five others were injured in Brahmanbaria during a clash between two groups over bursting firecrackers after a local football tournament. The deceased, Yakub Miah, 30, was stabbed by Tarek Islam, an MBBS doctor, after an argument broke out while celebrating the winning team’s victory with fireworks. Police have filed a case against six people, including Tarek, who is currently on the run.
Transport owners and workers in Chattogram have called a 48-hour strike from tomorrow morning, demanding compensation for buses burnt by students of Chittagong University of Engineering and Technology (CUET), among other demands. The decision was taken at a meeting of the Greater Chattogram Public Transports’ Owners and Workers Unity, chaired by its convener Manjur Alam Chowdhury. The strike will begin at 6:00 am on Sunday. Photo: Star
Sir Fazle Hasan Abed, the founder of BRAC, shared his viewpoint that women can carry burdens that men cannot, debunking the perception of their physical limitations. Recounting experiences from the 1974 famine, he observed how women persevered and took responsibility when men abandoned families, struggling to feed their malnourished children. Abed bhai learned that given opportunities, women can turn the impossible into possible. PHOTO: ARCHIVE
A fire broke out in a bus in front of the Army Stadium in Dhaka today. Upon receiving information, two fire engines rushed to the spot and brought the fire under control around 4:15 pm, according to the Fire Service and Civil Defence Control Room duty officer Khaleda Yasmin. Fortunately, no casualties were reported in the bus fire incident. Photo: Tanjia Rahman
Bangladesh Football Federation President Kazi Salahuddin has instructed to reschedule the UCB Women’s Football League matches in the evening following criticism over the initial scheduling during daytime heat. Earlier, concerns over floodlight costs led to plans for morning and afternoon matches. However, Salahuddin acknowledged the difficulty of playing in such heat and promised to arrange the required budget for evening matches under floodlights. Photo: BFF
West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee sustained minor injuries after falling while boarding a helicopter in Durgapur today. Videos show her slipping while trying to sit on the seat after climbing the stairs. Security personnel rushed to help her, but she continued her onward travel to Asansol. This is the latest in a series of incidents where Mamata has suffered injuries, including a car accident and hospitalizations. photo: Collected
India has permitted the export of 99,150 tonnes of onions to Bangladesh and five other countries – the UAE, Mauritius, Bhutan, Bahrain, and Sri Lanka. The National Cooperative Exports Limited (NCEL), a state-owned entity, will facilitate the onion exports to these nations.
The premature baby girl, Sabreen al-Ruh, who was delivered by emergency C-section after her mother was fatally wounded in an Israeli airstrike on Gaza, has died. Her uncle said she passed away on Thursday at an Emirati hospital in Rafah despite efforts to save her. He buried her in her father’s grave, as the airstrike had killed her entire immediate family. Sabreen’s survival after the strike was initially called a “miracle,” but she could not be saved amid the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas in Gaza that has claimed many civilian lives. Photo: AFP
Awami League General Secretary Obaidul Quader criticized BNP for failing to acknowledge Bangladesh’s development, stating they “see darkness in daylight.” He urged BNP to learn from Pakistani PM Shehbaz Sharif’s remarks praising Bangladesh’s economic progress, which Sharif said Pakistan feels “shame” about, contrasting with when Bangladesh was considered a “burden” for Pakistan. Quader also highlighted Sheikh Hasina’s stance against the Russia-Ukraine and Israel-Palestine conflicts, calling on world leaders to oppose aggression and wars amid the tense global situation. Photo taken from his Facebook page
Chuadanga recorded the highest temperature of 42.7°C today as a severe heatwave swept the district along with parts of Khulna division and other areas. People, especially the low-income group, are struggling with the intense heat, taking shelter under trees and shady places. Over 250 heat-related patients are admitted to Chuadanga Sadar Hospital. Authorities advised staying indoors, maintaining hydration, and consuming fruits to avoid heatstroke as the heatwave conditions may persist for a few more days across several districts. Photo: Prabir Das
The Chittagong University of Engineering and Technology (Cuet), closed due to student protests over the deaths of two students in a road accident, will reopen on May 12 as per the syndicate’s decision. However, some protesting students haven’t accepted the decision yet. Earlier, students suspended their demonstration after assurances from authorities that their demands would be met. The university had closed indefinitely and ordered students to vacate halls after failing to pacify protests that followed the accident deaths of two civil engineering students. Photo: Collected
The International Monetary Fund (IMF) mission in Bangladesh has recommended reducing government subsidies on power, gas, and fertilizer, and utilizing the savings for social safety net programs. It proposed including more poor people in the programs and increasing their monthly allowances. The IMF also advised reducing state-owned banks’ classified loans, taking action against willful defaulters, and implementing market-based interest and exchange rates. The mission’s visit aims to review the $4.7 billion loan program before releasing the third tranche.
Poultry farmers across Bangladesh are facing severe losses as the ongoing heatwave has led to the deaths of hundreds of chickens daily. Marginal farmers have incurred losses of around Tk 200 crore in the past 10 days. Egg production has declined by 4-10% due to the extreme heat. Farmers are struggling with high feed costs, power outages, and the need for medication. Many are contemplating closing their businesses as the heatwave persists until Saturday, with temperatures soaring above 40°C in some areas.
In the first phase of upazila parishad elections scheduled for May 8, a total of 25 candidates, including 6 chairmen, have been elected unopposed across several upazilas. These uncontested winners include chairmen, vice-chairmen, and female vice-chairmen from upazilas like Bagerhat Sadar, Munshiganj Sadar, Shibchar in Madaripur, and others. The early uncontested victories have raised questions about the electoral process, even though voting is still over two weeks away.
Transparency International Bangladesh (TIB) has protested the government’s hasty steps for merging banks, calling it a “new mask of indemnity” in the banking sector. TIB claimed the merger process lacks transparency, burdens healthy banks with defaulted loans, shields those responsible for irregularities, and provides impunity instead of accountability. The anti-corruption watchdog demanded postponing the merger initiatives and reforming policies based on expert opinions and global standards to address the core problems in the banking sector effectively. (photo/prothomalo)
The High Court has directed the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) to submit an affidavit detailing the progress of its investigation into allegations of illegal wealth accumulation by former Inspector General of Police (IGP) Benazir Ahmed within two months. The court emphasized its desire for the country to be free from corruption, money laundering, and ensuring no one escapes justice or is wrongfully prosecuted. The order came after hearing a writ petition seeking an ACC probe into news reports about Benazir’s alleged illegal assets. (photo/fb)
A 10-member IMF delegation is visiting Dhaka from Tuesday until May 8 to review Bangladesh’s progress in meeting the conditions for the $4.7 billion loan. They will hold meetings with government agencies like the Finance Division, Bangladesh Bank, and NBR. The visit comes amid challenges like low forex reserves, high inflation, and missed revenue targets. The third loan tranche is expected within two months, but conditions like adopting a flexible exchange rate remain unmet. (photo/reuters)
The Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS) has issued guidelines to prevent heatstroke amid the intense heatwave gripping the country. The key recommendations include staying in shade, drinking plenty of safe water, avoiding street food, wearing light-colored loose clothes, and seeking medical help if experiencing symptoms like cessation of sweating, nausea, severe headache, increased body temperature, decreased appetite, burning sensation, convulsions or fainting. (photo/collected)
Israeli PM Netanyahu vowed to fight against any potential U.S. sanctions on Israeli military units over alleged human rights violations in the occupied West Bank. Media reports suggested Washington was planning sanctions on the Netzah Yehuda battalion. The U.S. recently imposed sanctions linked to Israeli settlers, drawing Israeli criticism. Netanyahu said he would resist sanctioning Israeli forces “with all my strength,” while Defense Minister Gantz urged the U.S. to reconsider, arguing Israel’s military upholds international law. The reports highlight tensions between the allies over Israel’s policies in the Palestinian territories. Photo: Reuters
Fake AI-generated videos of Bollywood actors Aamir Khan and Ranveer Singh criticizing PM Modi and endorsing the opposition Congress party have gone viral on social media, viewed over half a million times. Khan has filed a police complaint, while the actors and fact-checkers have confirmed the videos are manipulated. The spread of such deepfakes highlights the potential impact of AI-generated content in India’s ongoing general election. Authorities and social media platforms are taking action to remove the misleading videos. Photo: Collected
The country is reeling under a severe heatwave, with hospitals in badly affected regions like Jashore, Chuadanga, Rajshahi, Pabna, and Barishal inundated with patients, especially children and the elderly suffering from diarrhea, dehydration, and heat-related illnesses. Dhaka is also experiencing a surge in outdoor patients with fever, cold, and diarrhea. Health experts attribute the outbreak to the scorching heat and drought, advising precautions like staying hydrated and wearing cotton clothing. Photo: Collected
Dhaka’s air quality deteriorated to ‘unhealthy’ levels today, ranking fifth among cities with the worst air pollution, with an AQI of 130. Nepal’s Kathmandu, China’s Beijing, and Thailand’s Chiang Mai topped the list. Air pollution is a severe issue in Dhaka, with particulate matter being the primary pollutant. According to WHO, air pollution causes around 7 million premature deaths globally every year due to respiratory and cardiovascular diseases. Photo/Rashed Shumon
In Bogura, aspiring swimmers from underprivileged backgrounds face a severe lack of proper training facilities despite their success at the national level. The district’s Tk 3 crore swimming pool remains non-operational, forcing them to practice in dirty ponds used for fish farming. Masud Rana, a swimming instructor who trains these athletes for free, expressed frustration over years of false promises and authorities’ negligence in addressing the issue, despite repeated media coverage. Photo: Mostafa Shabuj
Only 40 of the world’s 100 largest private firms have set net-zero carbon emissions targets, lagging behind public companies, according to a report by Net Zero Tracker. The lack of market pressure and regulation is cited as the reason for the slow uptake. However, with upcoming regulations in the EU and other regions, private firms will face increasing pressure to take action on climate change and set credible emissions reduction plans. Photo: Reuters
Dinesh Karthik, 38, is pushing for a spot in India’s T20 World Cup squad with his stellar form in the ongoing IPL season. The wicketkeeper-batter has scored 226 runs in 6 innings at an average of 75.33 and a strike rate of 205.45 while excelling as a finisher for RCB. Karthik, whose last India appearance was in the 2022 T20 World Cup, is keen to represent the country again and believes he is “100% ready” for the upcoming mega event in the West Indies and USA. However, he respects the decision of the team management led by Rahul Dravid, Rohit Sharma, and Ajit Agarkar. PHOTO: AFP
Bangladesh’s edible oil industry has consolidated into an oligopoly, with just four major companies – TK Group, City Group, S Alam Group, and Meghna Group – controlling 80% of the imported edible oil market. The change occurred as many smaller players exited due to inability to sustain losses from price volatility in the global commodities market and unhealthy competition. Experts raise concerns that the oligopolistic nature may allow the major firms to influence prices, affecting consumer interests, unless regulated effectively.
At least 58 people died after an overloaded wooden river boat capsized in Bangui, the capital of the Central African Republic, while heading to a village chief’s funeral. The boat was carrying over 300 people when it sank on the Mpoko river on Friday. Rescue efforts managed to retrieve 58 bodies, but the total number of victims is unknown. The government has announced an investigation and support for victims’ families. The tragedy highlights the unrest and poverty plaguing the conflict-ridden Central African Republic, one of the world’s least developed countries.
Taylor Swift’s new album “The Tortured Poets Department” (TTPD) broke multiple streaming records on its release day of April 19th. It became the most-streamed album in a single day on Spotify, and Swift became the most-streamed artist in a single day on the platform. The 31-track album, an anthology reflecting heartbreak, also had the most pre-saves on Spotify’s Album Countdown Page. Swift surprise-dropped an additional 15 songs titled “TTPD: The Anthology” shortly after the album’s release. Photo: Collected
A very severe heatwave is sweeping over the north, northeast and northwest districts of Bangladesh, while a severe heatwave is affecting Dhaka, Khulna, and parts of Rajshahi, according to the Met Office. Districts like Pabna, Jashore, and Chuadanga are experiencing a very severe heatwave. Rain and thundershowers with gusty winds are likely in parts of Mymensingh, Sylhet, and Chattogram. Day temperatures may rise further in Rangpur, while night temperatures are expected to remain unchanged across the country. The discomfort due to increased moisture may persist. Photo Amran Hossain
In a horrific incident in Dinajpur’s Nawabganj upazila, a man beat his wife Morzina Begum (34) and daughter Afrin (7) to death, while also critically injuring his son Al Amin (14). The perpetrator, Shahidul Islam, reportedly attacked his family following an argument with his wife. He has been detained by police. Shahidul’s father claims the argument escalated, leading Shahidul to assault his wife and children with a bamboo pole. The deceased’s bodies have been sent for autopsy, while the injured son is undergoing treatment at Rangpur Medical College Hospital.
Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina inaugurated the Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Battery Complex at the Artillery Centre and School in Chattogram today. During her visit, she witnessed the portrait of Bangabandhu, the historic 3.7-inch howitzer that fired the first shot in 1971, and other artillery exhibits. She also joined a darbar with army officers and watched a documentary on Mujib Battery. The event was attended by cabinet members, service chiefs, MPs, and high officials. Photo collected
Dhaka University has decided to conduct classes virtually until further notice due to the ongoing heatwave sweeping across the country. However, examinations will be held in-person. The decision was made after discussions between the Vice-Chancellor and Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Academic), Prof. Sitesh Chandra Bachar. The university’s residential halls will remain open. This move follows the government’s decision to close all primary, secondary, and college-level educational institutions from April 21 to 27 due to the intense heat.
Max Verstappen extended his lead in the Formula One championship by winning the Chinese Grand Prix from pole position. The Dutchman secured his fourth victory in five races, with McLaren’s Lando Norris taking second to deny Red Bull a one-two finish. Sergio Perez completed the podium but now trails Verstappen by 25 points. Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc and Carlos Sainz finished fourth and fifth, respectively, while Mercedes’ George Russell came sixth, and Fernando Alonso took seventh with the fastest lap. Photo: AFP