An Iranian Revolutionary Guards commander denied reports of Iran transferring missiles to Russia, calling it “psychological warfare.” However, the EU described the reports as credible and is investigating further. The US and NATO expressed concern, stating such transfers would significantly escalate the Ukraine conflict. Ukraine has called for increased pressure on Iran and Russia due to their deepening military cooperation. The Kremlin confirmed developing dialogues with Iran in all areas. Iran has previously supplied drones to Russia for use in Ukraine.READ FULL
Two Days Ago
Hasina can appoint foreign lawyers if she wants
Tajul Islam, the new Chief Prosecutor of Bangladesh’s International Crimes Tribunal, announced that defendants, including Sheikh Hasina, will be allowed to appoint foreign lawyers for their trials. The prosecution team is gathering evidence from hospitals, media outlets, and various institutions to ensure a transparent investigation. Islam emphasized that the government has no political agenda in these trials, which aim to bring justice for atrocities committed against students and the public. The prosecution is working to start the trial process promptly.READ FULL
Woman dies after being hit by battery-run rickshaw at Shahbag
A woman named Tanya Khanam, 35, died after being hit by an uncontrolled battery-run rickshaw in Dhaka’s Shahbagh area. The incident occurred while she was waiting with her child outside the Shahbagh Museum. Witnesses say an unidentified person accidentally activated the parked vehicle. Tanya was rushed to Dhaka Medical College Hospital but succumbed to her injuries. Originally from Bagerhat, she had moved to Dhaka seeking employment at Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University. Police are investigating the incident.READ FULL
Polythene bags to be banned in all superstores from October 1
Starting October 1, the use of polythene and polypropylene shopping bags will be banned in all superstores across Bangladesh. Environment Adviser Syeda Rizwana Hasan announced the ban, which aims to promote eco-friendly alternatives like jute and cloth bags. The government will launch a nationwide media campaign on September 15 to raise public awareness, and the Ministry of Textiles and Jute will meet with superstore operators to ensure a steady supply of alternative bags. A fair showcasing sustainable bags will also be organized by September 30.READ FULL
Bangladesh lose hosting rights of C’wealth Karate Championship
The 11th Commonwealth Karate Championship, originally scheduled to take place in Dhaka from September 25-29, has been shifted to Durban, South Africa from November 27 to December 2. The decision was made by the Commonwealth Karate Federation due to security concerns following the recent student-led protests in Bangladesh. Bangladesh had won the bid to host the event last year, but the country may not be able to participate in the tournament in South Africa due to financial constraints.READ FULL
First ever consignment of eggs imported via Benapole at Tk 7 per piece
For the first time, a shipment of 231,000 chicken eggs was imported from India through the Benapole land port in Bangladesh. The import aims to address the rising prices of eggs in the domestic market. The consignment, valued at $11,272, was imported by a Dhaka-based company at a price of $0.56 per dozen eggs. Customs authorities have confirmed the eggs are fit for consumption and are working to expedite the release of the shipment after collecting the government revenue.READ FULL
Bangladeshi diaspora in UK join hands, urge to support flood response
Speakers at a webinar organized by Oxfam highlighted the urgent need for a unified approach to address the severe flooding crisis in Bangladesh. The UK’s Bangladeshi diaspora was urged to contribute financially and share skills and resources to support relief efforts. With over 2 million diaspora members globally, their collective action can have a significant impact in supporting affected communities. Oxfam has been delivering aid, but the scale of recovery required is immense, underscoring the vital role the diaspora can play.READ FULL
Dengue: One dies, 615 hospitlaised in 24hrs
One more dengue death was reported in Bangladesh in the last 24 hours, taking the total fatalities to 97 this year. 615 more patients were hospitalized with dengue-like symptoms. 175 patients were admitted in Dhaka North and 137 in Dhaka South. Currently, 1,642 dengue patients are under treatment nationwide. Bangladesh has recorded 16,285 dengue cases since January 1, 2024. Last year saw a record 1,705 dengue deaths and over 321,000 cases.READ FULL
Vietnam death toll from Typhoon Yagi jumps to 59
Typhoon Yagi, the most powerful storm to hit northern Vietnam in 30 years, has caused widespread devastation, killing 59 people and injuring 247. The typhoon brought severe flooding, landslides, and power outages, affecting 5.7 million customers. It severely impacted Vietnam’s manufacturing sector, a crucial part of the global supply chain. The storm also caused deaths in China and the Philippines. Authorities are working to manage flooding and restore power, while climate change is intensifying typhoons in the region. READ FULL
El Salvador police chief dies in helicopter crash
El Salvador’s police chief Mauricio Arriaza Chicas, who led the country’s anti-gang crackdown, died in a helicopter crash along with several others. The crash occurred near Pasaquina, about 180 km east of San Salvador. Other victims included police officials and a communications head. President Nayib Bukele called for an international investigation and praised Arriaza Chicas as a “national hero.” The incident has shocked the nation, with flags ordered to fly at half-mast for three days. READ FULL
Several passengers injured as plane skids off Indonesia runway
An ATR-42 plane operated by Trigana Air skidded off the runway in Indonesia’s Papua region, injuring several of the 48 people on board. The incident occurred during takeoff from Yapen Islands regency to Jayapura. All passengers and crew survived and were taken to a hospital. Local authorities are investigating the incident. Papua’s mountainous terrain and poor weather make flying challenging in the region, which has a history of aviation accidents. READ FULL
Army Chief calls on President
Bangladesh Army Chief General Waker-Uz-Zaman met with President Mohammed Shahabuddin at Bangabhaban. The Army Chief briefed the President on the army’s activities, including maintaining law and order nationwide. President Shahabuddin, as supreme commander of the armed forces, praised the army’s role in ensuring public security and providing relief during recent floods in the country’s north and south-eastern regions. Bangabhaban secretaries were present at the meeting. READ FULL
25 districts get new DCs
The Bangladesh government has appointed new deputy commissioners (DCs) to 25 districts. The Ministry of Public Administration issued a gazette notification for these appointments. The new DCs, all from the BCS (admin) cadre, will serve as both Deputy Commissioners and District Magistrates. The appointees come from various government departments and ministries, including the Cabinet Division, Economic Relations Division, and several other ministries and agencies. READ FULL
Four killed in Bagerhat road accident
Four people were killed and one injured in a head-on collision between a pickup van and a battery-run easy bike on the Bagerhat-Khulna highway in Bangladesh. The accident occurred around 9:30 am in Nawapara area, Fakirhat upazila. Three victims were identified as residents of Bagerhat Sadar upazila. Three died on the spot, while one succumbed to injuries at Khulna Medical College Hospital. Police are investigating the incident. READ FULL
Ex-chief whip ASM Feroz sent to jail in murder case
Former chief whip ASM Feroz has been sent to jail by a Dhaka court in connection with the killing of a youth during recent student protests. Feroz was arrested on August 23 and had been on remand. The case involves the death of 16-year-old Sohagh Miah, who was shot by police on July 19 near Bhatara Police Station. Sohagh’s father filed a case against 91 individuals, including former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, on August 20.READ FULL
WTO public forum begins tomorrow
The World Trade Organization’s annual public forum begins tomorrow in Geneva, focusing on “Re-globalization: Better Trade for a Better World.” The four-day event will explore how re-globalization can make trade more inclusive, with 139 sessions covering green policies, services trade, and digitalization. The forum will feature the launch of the World Trade Report, a lecture by Jason Furman, and discussions on various trade-related topics. Representatives from diverse sectors are attending, including Barkat Ullah Maruf from Bangladesh, who will moderate a panel on small-scale farming and green trade.READ FULL
Israel strikes on Syria kill 14: new state media toll
Israeli airstrikes in Syria’s central Hama province have resulted in at least 14 deaths and 43 injuries, according to Syrian state media. The strikes targeted areas near Masyaf, with six people reported to be in critical condition. This is an increase from an earlier report of five fatalities and 19 wounded. A Syrian war monitor had previously reported at least seven deaths. The overnight attack marks another incident in the ongoing conflict between Israel and targets in Syria.READ FULL
We are starving’: Malawi villagers cook toxic yams to survive drought
Southern Africa is facing its worst drought in a century, with Malawi particularly hard-hit. Villagers are resorting to eating potentially toxic wild plants as crops fail. The drought affects 44% of Malawi’s crop area and up to 40% of its population. About 5.7 million people will need food assistance until March. President Chakwera has declared a state of disaster in 23 of 28 districts and appealed for $200 million in aid. The crisis is impacting multiple countries in the region.READ FULL
Apple AI expected to star as new iPhones are unveiled
Apple is set to unveil its iPhone 16 lineup on Monday, featuring new generative AI capabilities. The launch comes as Apple aims to boost sales after a recent slump. The new iPhones are expected to include “Apple Intelligence,” a suite of AI-powered features for tasks like image editing and translation. An upgraded Siri is also anticipated. This move follows similar AI-focused releases from competitors Google and Samsung, as major tech companies increasingly integrate AI into their smartphone offerings.READ FULL
RU academic activities to resume on Sept 11
Rajshahi University will resume academic activities on September 11 after a two-month unscheduled closure due to teachers’ work-absent program protesting pension policy. The decision was made in an emergency syndicate meeting chaired by Vice-Chancellor Prof Abu Saleh Naquib. Residential halls will reopen on September 10. Classes and exams will restart simultaneously. The suspended admission process for first-year honors classes in the 2023-2024 academic year will resume shortly. The university had been closed since July 1 due to the teachers’ protest.READ FULL