INSERT INTO `news_details` (`id`, `news_id`, `details`, `ticker`, `representative`, `keyword`, `video_link`, `google_drive_link`, `audio_link`, `shoulder`, `created_at`, `updated_at`) VALUES
(12529, 12529, '<div style=\"text-align: justify; \"><span style=\"font-size: 1rem;\"><b>State Minister for Disaster Management and Relief Md Mohibur Rahman on Saturday (May 25, 2024) said cyclonic storm \'Remal\' is projected to make landfall in the coastal regions of Satkhira in Khulna and Cox’s Bazar in Chattogram by Sunday evening.</b></span><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify; \"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">Almost 4,000 shelter centres have been prepared in the coastal districts,  equipped with adequate dry food, he said while speaking at a press briefing held at the Secretariat.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">Bangladesh Meteorological Department (BMD) may issue  great danger signal number 10 between 12 am Saturday to 1 am Sunday, said the minister.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">Currently, the maritime ports have been asked to maintain local cautionary signal no one and No 3 signal will be issued within a few hours, he said.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">80,000 volunteers are ready to tackle the situation and all necessary preparations have been taken, said Mohibur Rahman.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">The State Minister also warned that parts of Satkhira and Cox’s Bazar could be significantly impacted by the cyclonic storm, with a potential 7-10 feet high tidal surge, heavy rainfall, and landslides in the hilly areas of Chattogram.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify; \">bnbd/fas</div>', NULL, 'News Desk', '[\"4\"]', NULL, NULL, NULL, NULL, '2024-05-25 09:50:58', '2024-05-25 09:52:11'),
(12530, 12530, '<div style=\"text-align: justify; \"><span style=\"font-size: 1rem;\"><b>The death of a British man and injuries impacting dozens of other people aboard a Singapore Airlines flight that hit severe turbulence Tuesday highlighted the potential dangers of flying through unstable air.</b></span><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify; \"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">The exact cause of the 73-year-old man’s death is under investigation. Authorities said he may have suffered a heart attack, though that hasn’t been confirmed. Based on witness accounts, the number of injuries and the airliner’s sharp descent, experts point to the significant safety hazards that in-flight turbulence poses to airline passengers and crews.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">While turbulence-related fatalities are quite rare, injuries have piled up over the years. Some meteorologists and aviation analysts note that reports of turbulence encounters also have been increasing and point to the potential impacts that climate change may have on flying conditions.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">Most incidents of planes hitting bumpy air are minor, however, and airlines have made steady improvements to reduce accident rates from turbulence over time. Experts advise air travelers to stay vigilant, stressing the importance of wearing a seat belt whenever possible as a first line of protection. - AP&nbsp;</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify; \">bnbd/fas</div>', NULL, 'International Desk', '[\"29\"]', NULL, NULL, NULL, NULL, '2024-05-25 10:48:54', '2024-05-25 10:48:54'),
(12531, 12531, '<div style=\"text-align: justify; \"><b><span style=\"font-size: 1rem;\">Six people have died in separate road accidents in Mymensingh, Tangail and Chattogram districts.</span><br></b></div><div style=\"text-align: justify; \"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">In Mymensingh, a couple died as a bus ran over them while they were crossing the Dhaka-Mymensingh highway at Bhaluka on Friday night.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">The deceased were identified as Abbas Ali Dewan, 60, and his wife Hazera Khatun, 50, residents of Kalmegha village in Sakhipur Upazila of Tangail.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">According to police, Abbas Ali and his wife came to visit his granddaughter’house.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">A bus of Shahjalal Paribahan knocked down the couple when they were crossing the road, leaving them dead on the spot.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">Shah Kamal Akanda, Officer-in-Charge (OC) of Bhaluka Model Police Station, said the highway police recovered the bodies.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">Police seized the bus but the driver managed to escape.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">In Tangail, two people were killed in a road accident in Pauli area of Kalihati upazila on Saturday morning.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">The identities of the deceased could not be known immediately. However, police said that the deceased were the driver and helper of the covered van.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">Mir Mohammad Sajedur Rahman, Officer-in-Charge of Elenga Highway Police Outpost, said a Dhaka-bound covered van crashed into a lorry on the south side of Pauli Bridge on the Dhaka-North Bengal highway.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">The front part of the covered van was smashed, leaving the driver and the helper of the covered dead on the spot, he said.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">In Chattogram, two people were killed and two others injured in a collision between a bus and a CNG-run auto-rickshaw on Chattogram-Khagrachhari highway in Hathazari upazila of Chattogram on Saturday noon.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">The deceased were identified as Abdul Motaleb Tuku, 70, and Md. Absar,55 of Hathazari upazila. </div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">Nazirhat Highway Police Station Sub-Inspector Anisul Islam said the injured were taken to a hospital.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify; \">bnbd/fas</div>', NULL, 'News Desk', '[\"41\"]', NULL, NULL, NULL, NULL, '2024-05-25 10:51:16', '2024-05-25 10:51:28'),
(12532, 12532, '<div style=\"text-align: justify; \"><b><span style=\"font-size: 1rem;\">The G7 will explore ways of using the future income from frozen Russian assets to help Ukraine, finance chiefs from the Group of Seven industrial democracies said on Saturday, according to a draft statement seen by Reuters.</span><br></b></div><div style=\"text-align: justify; \"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">The G7 froze some $300 billion of Russian assets shortly after Moscow invaded its neighbor in February 2022.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">“We are making progress in our discussions on potential avenues to bring forward the extraordinary profits stemming from immobilized Russian sovereign assets to the benefit of Ukraine,” the draft statement said.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">The statement will not undergo significant changes before a final version to be released later on Saturday, a G7 source said. - Reuters</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify; \">bnbd/fas</div>', NULL, 'International Desk', '[\"29\"]', NULL, NULL, NULL, NULL, '2024-05-25 10:58:11', '2024-05-25 10:58:11'),
(12533, 12533, '<div style=\"text-align: justify; \"><b><span style=\"font-size: 1rem;\">Clashes in London between supporters and opponents of Iran’s government on Friday left four people with injuries, Sky News reported on Saturday.</span><br></b></div><div style=\"text-align: justify; \"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">One person was arrested on suspicion of violent disorder following the clashes.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">Metropolitan Police officers were called to the scene at about 6 p.m. following reports of violence.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">Pro-Tehran demonstrators had held an event to mark the death of President Ebrahim Raisi, who died in a helicopter crash last week.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">Outside the venue, anti-Tehran protesters held a counter-demonstration, and clashes broke out between the two sides.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">A Metropolitan Police spokesperson said four people were treated by paramedics for injuries. “Their injuries are not believed to be either life threatening or life changing,” the spokesperson added.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">“Further inquiries will now follow to establish what further offences took place and to identify those involved.” - Arab News</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify; \">bnbd/fas</div>', NULL, 'International Desk', '[\"29\"]', NULL, NULL, NULL, NULL, '2024-05-25 11:03:13', '2024-05-25 11:03:13'),
(12534, 12534, '<div style=\"text-align: justify; \"><span style=\"font-size: 1rem;\"><b>Iran’s ageing helicopter fleet was pushed into the spotlight after a crash last week claimed the lives of President Ebrahim Raisi, Foreign Minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian, and seven others.</b></span><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify; \"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">Anadolu correspondent compiled the information about the condition and maintenance of the helicopters in Iran\'s military inventory.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">The decades-old fleet comprising various models all procured before the 1979 Islamic Revolution reportedly faces significant maintenance and parts supply challenges due to prolonged international sanctions. These issues have severely affected their operability, leaving the exact number of functional airframes unclear.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">US-made helicopters</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">A substantial portion of Iran’s helicopter fleet consists of American-made choppers, including Sikorsky SH-3 Sea Kings, RH-53D Sea Stallions, Boeing CH-47 Chinooks, and various Bell models. These helicopters were acquired before the 1979 revolution.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">Iran operates eight Sikorsky SH-3 Sea Kings, initially designed for anti-submarine warfare but later adapted for VIP transport.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">The country’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei rarely uses helicopters, preferring airplanes even for short domestic trips despite having a fleet capable of VIP transport.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">These helicopters were used by the US Navy from 1961 to 2006 when they were eventually retired.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">Iran also possesses several RH-53D Sea Stallions, primarily obtained for naval mine-laying tasks.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">The helicopter made its first flight in 1964 and entered service in 1966, before being retired from active duty in 2020.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">The tandem-rotor Boeing CH-47 Chinook, known for its heavy-lift capabilities, also features prominently in the Iranian fleet.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">Iran received over 100 Chinooks from the US before the revolution but several were lost during the Iran-Iraq War in the 1980s.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">Additionally, models like the Bell 206, Bell 212, and Bell 214 are part of Iran’s inventory, though their operational status remains uncertain due to maintenance challenges. A Bell 212 was carrying President Raisi and his entourage.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">The Iranian army currently has 32 Bell 212s and Bell 214s.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">Iran has two Bell 412 helicopters, an improved version of the Bell 212 that made its first flight in 1979.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify; \"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">Finally, Iran holds 12 US-built Kaman HH-43 Huskie helicopters, which initially flew in 1953 and were retired in the 1970s. There is no evidence as to whether Tehran actively uses them.&nbsp;</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">bnbd/fas</div>', NULL, 'International Desk', '[\"29\"]', NULL, NULL, NULL, NULL, '2024-05-25 11:18:41', '2024-05-25 11:18:41'),
(12535, 12535, '<div style=\"text-align: justify; \"><span style=\"font-size: 1rem;\"><b>The newest song of Coke Studio Bangla season 3 celebrates 40 years of Warfaze with their rendition of the iconic Obak Bhalobasha.&nbsp;&nbsp;</b></span><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify; \"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">The song was originally written and composed by the former lead vocal of Warfaze- Babna Karim. The Coke Studio Bangla rendition of the song is composed, arranged &amp; performed by Warfaze alongside the Coke Studio team. This track is produced by the producer of season 3 Shayan Chowdhury Arnob, Sheikh Monirul Alam Tipu and Samir Hafiz.&nbsp;&nbsp;</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">Originally a cornerstone of Bengali rock music, this iconic song was first brought to life by the legendary band Warfaze in 1994. As pioneers of rock music in Bangladesh, Warfaze has been instrumental in shaping the industry for nearly four decades.&nbsp;</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">Now, they return to their masterpiece with a fresh rendition that pays homage to its iconic classic status. Babna Karim, the former lead vocalist of Warfaze penned the original lyrics amidst the serene yet powerful backdrop of crashing waves on a seashore, capturing the untamed beauty of nature.&nbsp;</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">This new version, a tribute to the timeless original, is a symphony of nostalgia and innovation. It features a choir, a string orchestra, and the distinctive heavily distorted guitar riffs that define Warfaze\'s sound. This rendition is not merely a reimagining but rather the true version of the song as it was always meant to be.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">Joinning Babna Karim on vocals is Palash Noor, while Samir Hafiz and Kamal are on guitar, Shams on keys, Tipu on drums and Roger on bass.&nbsp; Coke Studio Bangla’s latest track promises to captivate the audiences with one of the classic hits of Bangla music industry while introducing this iconic song to the new listeners. The song is available on the official YouTube &amp; Spotify channel of Coke Studio Bangla.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify; \">bnbd/R/fas</div>', NULL, 'Staff Correspondent', '[\"13\"]', NULL, NULL, NULL, NULL, '2024-05-25 12:29:03', '2024-05-25 12:35:45'),
(12536, 12536, '<div><span style=\"font-size: 1rem;\">A ruling by the top United Nations court ordering Israel to halt its military offensive in the southern Gaza city of Rafah has deepened its disconnect with the United States over an operation that faces mounting international condemnation but that American officials describe, at least for now, as limited and targeted.</span><br></div><div><br></div><div>The decision Friday by the International Court of Justice in The Hague adds to the pressure facing an increasingly isolated Israel, coming just days after Norway, Ireland and Spain said they would recognize a Palestinian state, and the chief prosecutor of a separate international court sought arrest warrants for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu as well as leaders of Hamas.</div><div><br></div><div>The Biden administration stands apart from the global community — though it is opposed to a major offensive in Rafah, the administration also insists that the steps its close ally Israel has taken so far have not crossed red lines.</div><div><br></div><div>Administration officials so far have appeared determined to press on with military and political support for Israel following the deadly Hamas attack it endured last October, while also pressuring its ally to avoid a full-scale military operation in densely populated Rafah.</div><div><br></div><div>\"What we have seen so far in terms of Israel\'s military operations in that area has been more targeted and limited, has not involved major military operations into the heart of dense urban areas,\" national security adviser Jake Sullivan told reporters at a White House briefing this week.</div><div><br></div><div>But, he added, \"We now have to see what unfolds from here.\"</div><div><br></div><div>A State Department official, speaking on condition of anonymity to describe the administration\'s internal assessment of the situation, said the operation in Gaza had \"not yet moved into the core heart of Rafah that gets us to the densest of dense areas.\" - AP&nbsp;</div><div><br></div><div>bnbd/fas</div>', NULL, 'International Desk', '[\"29\"]', NULL, NULL, NULL, NULL, '2024-05-25 12:31:28', '2024-05-25 12:31:28'),
(12537, 12537, '<div style=\"text-align: justify; \"><span style=\"font-size: 1rem;\"><b>Awami League (AL) General Secretary and Road Transport and Bridges Minister Obaidul Quader today said they have no agenda to send any political leader or worker to jail.</b></span><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">\"But, the persons who are miscreants, offenders and wrongdoers must land in jail. If anybody is involved with crimes, he or she must be indicted in cases and awarded punishment,\" he told reporters.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">Earlier, the minister placed wreath on the grave of National Poet Kazi Nazrul Islam on his 125th birth anniversary at Dhaka University.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">Quader said the government did not think of sending any political leader or activist, including those of BNP, to jail after the elections. But cases were filed against miscreants who were involved in arson terrorism, used arms and killed innocent people, he added.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">The AL general secretary said communal evil forces are in active under the leadership of BNP. Awami League is determined to uproot the communal forces, he added.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">Paying rich tribute to Kazi Nazrul, Quader said the poet\'s fiery writings speak out for the rights of the exploited and deprived people and teach them to protest against injustice.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">From the songs and poems of the poet, people have been inspired in every democratic movement, including anti-British movement, language movement, mass upsurge of 1969 and the Liberation War, he added.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">He said Poet Nazrul has enriched the literature, music and culture of the country through his writings.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">Quader said the greatest Bangalee of all time, the Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman was devoted to poet Nazrul.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify; \">In the post-independence period, the poet was brought from Kolkata to Bangladesh with the honor of National Poet as per the desire of Bangabandhu, he added.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">AL Presidium Member Dr Mostafa Jalal Mahiuddin, Joint general secretary AFM Bahauddin Nasim, Organising secretaries Ahmed Hossain, SM Kamal Hossain and Sujit Roy Nandi, Office Secretary Barrister Biplob Barua, Publicity Secretary Dr Abdus Sobhan Golap, and Science Affairs Secretary Abdus Sabur, among others, were present. - BSS</div><div style=\"text-align: justify; \"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify; \">bnbd/fas</div>', NULL, 'Staff Correspondent', '[\"1\"]', NULL, NULL, NULL, NULL, '2024-05-25 12:59:22', '2024-05-25 12:59:22'),
(12538, 12538, '<div style=\"text-align: justify; \"><span style=\"font-size: 1rem;\"><b>The UK’s Hay literary festival has dropped its main sponsor over a boycott criticizing its links to Israel and fossil fuel companies.</b></span><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify; \">Speakers and performers at the festival pulled out from scheduled appearances in protest over investment firm Baillie Gifford’s sponsorship of the event, The Guardian reported.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">On Friday, the festival said it was canceling its sponsorship deal with the firm.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">Singer Charlotte Church and comedian Nish Kumar had earlier pulled out of appearing at the event.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">In a statement on her social media channels, Church said she had taken part in the boycott “in solidarity with the people in Palestine and in protest of the artwashing and greenwashing that is apparent in this sponsorship.”</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">Fossil Free Books, the group that has led the campaign against Baillie Gifford’s sponsorship of the event, has demanded that the firm divest from companies “that profit from Israeli apartheid, occupation and genocide.”</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">More than 700 writers and publishing professionals have signed a statement by FFB concerning the Hay festival campaign.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">Kumar shared the statement online in announcing the cancelation of his appearance.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">An FFB organizer said: “Hay festival is right to listen to the concerns of hundreds of book workers who are working to create fossil-free and genocide-free festivals.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">“Hay must now develop a fundraising policy that rules out any future sponsorship by companies that invest or profit from the fossil fuel industry, Israeli occupation, apartheid or genocide, and any other human rights abuses.”</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">Hay CEO Julie Finch said the festival’s decision to cancel the sponsorship deal with the firm was taken “in light of claims raised by campaigners and intense pressure on artists to withdraw.”</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">She added: “Our first priority is to our audience and our artists. Above all else, we must preserve the freedom of our stages and spaces for open debate and discussion, where audiences can hear a range of perspectives,” reports Arab News</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">Baillie Gifford began its relationship with the festival in 2016 as a principal sponsor. A spokesperson said: “It is regrettable our sponsorship with the festival cannot continue.”&nbsp;</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify; \">bnbd/fas</div>', NULL, 'International Desk', '[\"24\"]', NULL, NULL, NULL, NULL, '2024-05-25 13:43:14', '2024-05-25 13:43:14'),
(12539, 12539, '<div style=\"text-align: justify; \"><span style=\"font-size: 1rem;\"><b>Mushfiqur Rahim, former Bangladesh captain and no longer part of the T20 squad, along with Mehidy Hasan Miraz and Mohammad Saifuddin, have been included in the Bangladesh Tigers\' practice camp.</b></span><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">Both Miraz and Saifuddin were surprisingly overlooked from the T20 World Cup squad, which was announced earlier. The tournament is set to begin in the USA and West Indies next month.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) stated in a media release that the camp, starting on May 26th in Mirpur, will focus on skill and strategic training for 21 players.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">Along with Musfhqiur, Miraz, and Saifuddin, the squad also includes players like Taijul Islam, Anamul Haque Bijoy, Nayeem Hasan, Mominul Haque and Nurul Hasan Sohan.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">The squad, chosen by the national team selection panel, combines experienced and emerging players. The camp aims to refine players\' techniques and mental preparation for upcoming challenges.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">Training sessions will be held in phases across multiple locations, including Sylhet and Chittagong.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">Bangladesh Tigers, a specialized unit, consists of players who stand just around the national team. Formation of this squad aims to provide them with top-tier facilities, ensuring their readiness for any upcoming challenges.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify; \">bnbd/fas</div>', NULL, 'Sports Desk', '[\"20\"]', NULL, NULL, NULL, NULL, '2024-05-25 13:44:45', '2024-05-25 13:44:45'),
(12540, 12540, '<div style=\"text-align: justify; \"><b><span style=\"font-size: 1rem;\">Nagorik Oikya President Mahmudur Rahman Manna has urged Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina to clarify which country is conspiring to create a Christian state taking parts of Chattogram Hill Tracts (CHT) and Myanmar’s Rakhine.</span><br></b></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">Addressing a sit-in program, he also expressed scepticism about whether any foreign nation actually approached the Prime Minister with such an offer or if it was merely a fabricated story.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">The Jatiyatabadi Motor Chalak Dal organised the program in front of the Jatiya Press Club, demanding the unconditional release of BNP leaders and activists, including its Chairperson Khaleda Zia, and the withdrawal of false cases against Tarique Rahman.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">\"You (PM) had earlier said they (US) wanted Saint Martin\'s Island from me, but I didn\'t agree to it…then the US said we didn\'t want even an inch of Bangladesh\'s land, let alone Saint Martin’s. Then they (PM) didn\'t say that again,\" Manna said.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify; \">He said the Prime Minister now made up a story saying that she was offered a proposal by a white-skinned man to create a new Christian state, taking a portion from Myanmar’s Rakhine and another from the CHT.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">The Nagorik Oikya leader questioned, \"Who has given her the proposal? It won\'t do to say just any white-skinned person, as the British, Europeans, Canadians, and Japanese all have white skin, you need to specify which white-skinned individual has given you this proposal.\"</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">He said the Prime Minister would not be able to reveal the name of the individual who allegedly made such a proposal.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">\"We want to know from the Prime Minister, which person, which government, and which country is asking for the CHT from you. It won’t happen that by creating this story you can make people cry and feel your sorrow and be appeased to tell you to stay in power. We’re not that kind of people,\" Manna said.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">The Nagorik Oikya President also thinks the Prime Minister’s remarks were irresponsible.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">He, however, made it clear that they are against anyone seeking to establish another nation using Bangladesh\'s land.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">Earlier on Thursday, Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina disclosed that she was offered a hassle-free reelection in the January 7 polls provided she allowed a foreign country to establish an air base in Bangladesh territory.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">“The offer came from a white man,” she said while delivering her introductory speech at the 14-party meeting held at her official residence Ganabhaban.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">She mentioned that there is a conspiracy to turn Bangladesh into another East Timor. “Like East Timor...they will create a Christian country taking a part of Bangladesh (Chattogram) and Myanmar with a base in the Bay of Bengal,” she said.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">Manna said the Awami League government will not be able to stay in power for five years as it has become weak in every aspect.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">He warned that the fall of the current government will be ensured if people take to the streets properly in unison. \"People are ready, and they’re looking towards that path, people from all walks of life are waking up. InshaAllah, we will receive even better news in the future. I invite you all to join us in the street movement.\"</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify; \">bnbd/fas</div>', NULL, 'Staff Correspondent', '[\"1\"]', NULL, NULL, NULL, NULL, '2024-05-25 14:29:43', '2024-05-25 14:29:43'),
(12541, 12541, '<div><span style=\"font-size: 1rem;\"><b>After a temporary gap, Chuadanga on Saturday again experienced the country\'s highest temperature at 41.7 degrees Celsius.</b></span><br></div><div><br></div><div>People are experiencing the blistering heat as a mild to moderate heat wave is sweeping over Dhaka, Rajshahi, Rangpur, Mymensingh, Khulna, Barishal, Chattogram and&nbsp; Sylhet divisions and it may continue.</div><div><br></div><div>Rakibul Hasan, senior observer of Chuadanga First Class Meteorological Observatory, said that from May 6 to May 24, the temperature was ranging from 34 degrees to 40.0 (zero) degrees Celsius.</div><div><br></div><div>“But today at 3pm, they recorded 41.7 Degrees Celsius,” he added. “Due to the increase of moisture incursion people feel discomfort.”</div><div><br></div><div>Along with this, load shedding has led to extreme discomfort in the public life of Chuadanga.</div><div><br></div><div>The people of the district, especially the low-income people are in dire straits due to the intense heat.</div><div><br></div><div>Dr Waliar Rahman, health and family planning officer for Chuadanga Sadar upazila, advised the residents to stay indoors because of the risk of heatstroke.</div><div><br></div><div>He emphasised the importance of staying hydrated and consuming fruits as much as possible</div><div><br></div><div>Earlier on April 30, Chuadanga recorded the highest temperature of this season at 43.8 degrees Celsius.&nbsp;</div><div><br></div><div>bnbd/fas</div>', NULL, 'News Desk', '[\"41\"]', NULL, NULL, NULL, NULL, '2024-05-25 14:44:00', '2024-05-25 14:44:00'),
(12542, 12542, '<div style=\"text-align: justify; \"><span style=\"font-size: 1rem;\"><b>Bangladesh set an instance of religious harmony in the world as her government wants to pull the country forward taking the people of all religious faiths, said Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina.</b></span><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">The premier said while exchanging pleasantries with the country\'s Buddhist religious leaders and eminent personalities of Buddhist community on the Buddha Purnima, the biggest religious festival of the Buddhist community, at Ganabhaban here.&nbsp;&nbsp;</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">\"We want our country to move forward. In Bangladesh, our journey for advancement is with the people of different religious faiths,\" she said.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">Buddha Purnima marks the birth, enlightenment and death of Gautama Buddha.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">Sheikh Hasina said Bangladesh has set an example in the whole world by observing all festivals of the different religions together and building the country in a non-communal spirit.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">She said many people tried to take Bangladesh to a different path but they couldn\'t.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">\"Bangladeshi people are very generous. We love to walk together. That\'s how we go ahead,\" she added.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify; \">Sheikh Hasina mentioned that her government wants to pull the country ahead further.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">She said, \"We want to build our country. There is no such thing as religions or castes here. We work for people. We work for the socio-economic development of people as well as overall development.\"</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">She said her government also works for the development of the Buddhist people in the other parts of the country along with the Chattogram Hill Tracts.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">She also said there is a separate fund in the Prime Minister\'s Office and from there, special assistance is given to the people of other religious faiths not only for religious activities but also for other cultural activities and development as well.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">The prime minister also referred to setting up of place of worships for different religious faiths apart from Muslim in the country.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">She said, \"Actually we need applied education for livelihood. . . Everyone can take religious education from the beginning. Sitting in the place of religious worship, they can also practice religious ritual and learn applied necessity. We have taken step for it.\"</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">On the other hand, Sheikh Hasina said the basic principle of every religion, which Gautama Buddha also said, is welfare of the human beings that can make the world people happy.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify; \">bnbd/fas</div>', NULL, 'Staff Correspondent', '[\"19\"]', NULL, NULL, NULL, NULL, '2024-05-25 14:59:28', '2024-05-25 14:59:28'),
(12543, 12543, '<div><span style=\"font-size: 1rem;\">Canada’s Deputy Minister of International Development Christopher MacLennan arrived in Dhaka on Saturday evening on a two-day visit.</span><br></div><div><br></div><div>The Deputy Minister will meet with officials and development partners to discuss Canada’s evolving international assistance in the context of Bangladesh’s graduation from Least Developed Country status in 2026.</div><div><br></div><div>He will discuss opportunities to leverage Canada\'s Indo-Pacific Strategy in Bangladesh.</div><div><br></div><div>The Deputy Minister will also have discussions about the ongoing response to the Rohingya refugee crisis and the situation at the border.</div><div><br></div><div>Australia, Canada, the European Union, the Republic of Korea, New Zealand, Norway, Switzerland, the United Kingdom, and the United States have reiterated their call on all States to prevent or to cease the flow of arms or military and dual-use material, including aviation fuel to the Myanmar military.</div><div><br></div><div>“We are deeply concerned by the escalating conflict in Myanmar and in particular the increasing harm to civilians, which is driving a worsening and devastating human rights and humanitarian crisis across the country,” said the countries in a joint statement issued by the US Department of State on Saturday.</div><div><br></div><div>The visit by Canada’s Deputy Minister will be a chance to strengthen Canada’s partnerships with some of Bangladesh’s world-class non-governmental and research organizations, said the Canadian High Commission in Dhaka.</div><div><br></div><div>Since January 2022, Christopher MacLennan has been deputy minister of international development where he leads on the international assistance and humanitarian response mandate of the Government of Canada. - UNB</div><div><br></div><div>bnbd/fas</div>', NULL, 'News Desk', '[\"19\"]', NULL, NULL, NULL, NULL, '2024-05-25 15:03:05', '2024-05-25 15:03:05'),
(12544, 12544, '<div style=\"text-align: justify; \"><b><span style=\"font-size: 1rem;\">A meteorologist of Bangladesh Meteorological Department (BMD) said, Cyclonic storm \'Remal\' is likely to hit southern districts of Bangladesh by tomorrow evening.</span><br></b></div><div style=\"text-align: justify; \"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">\"Under the influence of cyclone, Bangladesh, particularly its southern and southeastern regions may witness heavy to very heavy rainfall,\" Director General of Department of Disaster Management Mizanur Rahman told BSS this evening.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">Referring to the data of the Met Office, he said as large size of radius of the cyclone has been developed and significant rainfall may occur in 19 costal districts side by side central parts of the country.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">As the cyclonic storm is approaching towards the coastal regions of Bangladesh, much of southern parts may witness rainfall from tonight, Mizanur added.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">He said the government has taken all necessary preparations to handle any destructive situation caused by the cyclone.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">The DG also said the authorities already directed all relevant organizations alongside involving 78,000 volunteers for launching massive evacuation drive to shift vulnerable populations to safer places.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">Maritime ports of Chattogram, Cox\'s Bazar, Mongla and Payra have been advised to hoist local cautionary signal number three lowering distant cautionary signal number in the wake of the deep depression over the North Bay, a special weather bulletin of Bangladesh Meteorological Department (BMD) said today.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">The deep depression over East central bay and adjoining west central bay moved northwards over the same area (near lat: 18.2on, lon: 89.8oe) and was centered at 12 noon today about 500 kms southwest of Chattogram port, 435 kms southwest of Cox\'s Bazer port, 475 kms south of Mongla port and 425 kms south of Payra port, it added.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">All fishing boats and trawlers over North Bay and deep sea have been advised to take shelter immediately.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">The deep depression over eastcentral Bay of Bengal moved nearly northwards with a speed of 11 kmph during past 6 hours and lay centered at 12noon of 25th may, 2024 over the same region near latitude 18.2on and longitude 89.7oe, about 420 km south of Khepupara, about 420 km south-southeast of Sagar Islands (West Bengal) and 460 km south-southeast of canning ( West Bengal), according to the Indian Meteorological Department (IMD).</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">It is very likely to continue to move nearly northwards and intensify into a cyclonic storm over Eastcentral and adjoining north bay of Bengal around May 25 evening. Continuing to move further northwards.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">It would intensify into a severe cyclonic storm by 26th may morning and cross Bangladesh and adjoining West Bengal coasts between Sagar Island and Khepupara by May 26 midnight as a severe cyclonic storm with wind speed of 110-1 20 gusting to 135 kmph.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify; \">bnbd/fas</div>', NULL, 'Environment Desk', '[\"4\"]', NULL, NULL, NULL, NULL, '2024-05-25 15:10:25', '2024-05-25 15:10:25'),
(12545, 12545, '<div style=\"text-align: justify; \"><span style=\"font-size: 1rem;\"><b>Cyclone ‘Remal’ is expected to turn into a severe cyclonic storm in the next six hours, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) said.</b></span><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">Cyclone Remal, a deep depression over the Bay of Bengal that intensified into a cyclonic storm, is expected to turn severe before making landfall between the coasts of West Bengal and Bangladesh on Sunday night, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) said on Sunday morning.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify; \">The cyclone will likely cross West Bengal and adjoining Bangladesh coasts between Sagar Island and Khepupara with a wind speed of 110 to 120 kmph, gusting to 135 kmph, and make landfall on Sunday midnight.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">According to the weather department, the cyclone is forecast to significantly impact West Bengal, coastal Bangladesh, Tripura, and some other parts of northeastern states with heavy rainfall and strong winds. - Hindustan TImes</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify; \">bnbd/fas</div>', NULL, 'Staff Correspondent', '[\"19\"]', NULL, NULL, NULL, NULL, '2024-05-26 02:39:17', '2024-05-26 02:39:17'),
(12546, 12546, '<div><b><span style=\"font-size: 1rem;\">Israel bombed the Gaza Strip, including Rafah, on Saturday, a day after the top UN court ordered it to halt military operations in the southern city as efforts get underway in Paris to seek a ceasefire in the war sparked by Hamas’s October 7 attack.</span><br></b></div><div><br></div><div>The International Court of Justice (ICJ) also demanded the immediate release of all hostages still held by Palestinian militants, hours after the Israeli military announced troops had recovered the bodies of three more of the captives from northern Gaza.</div><div><br></div><div>The Hague-based court, whose orders are legally binding but lack direct enforcement mechanisms, also ordered Israel to keep open the Rafah crossing between Egypt and Gaza, which it closed earlier this month at the start of its assault on the city.</div><div><br></div><div>Israel gave no indication it was preparing to change course in Rafah, insisting that the court had got it wrong.</div><div><br></div><div>“Israel has not and will not carry out military operations in the Rafah area that create living conditions that could cause the destruction of the Palestinian civilian population, in whole or in part,” National Security Adviser Tzachi Hanegbi said in a joint statement with Israel’s foreign ministry spokesman.</div><div><br></div><div>The Palestinian militant group Hamas, which has ruled Gaza since 2007, welcomed the ICJ ruling on Rafah but criticized its decision to exclude the rest of war-torn Gaza from the order. - AFP</div><div><br></div><div>bnbd/fas</div>', NULL, 'International Desk', '[\"29\"]', NULL, NULL, NULL, NULL, '2024-05-26 02:43:04', '2024-05-26 02:43:04'),
(12547, 12547, '<div><span style=\"font-size: 1rem;\"><b>At least six newborn babies have died out of the 12 who were rescued after a massive fire broke out at the New Born Baby Care hospital in east Delhi’s Vivek Vihar on Saturday night. One infant is on a ventilator and five others are being treated at a hospital.</b></span><br></div><div><br></div><div>The police said that the infants were rescued from the upper floors of the building. Officials said the fire broke out in the three-storey building and the whole building was in flames.</div><div><br></div><div>The DFS chief Atul Garg earlier said they received a call about the fire around midnight. “The call was about a fire at a baby care centre. There are multiple babies inside. The firemen are working there. The fire is being doused and the infants are being rescued,” he said soon after the fire broke out.</div><div><br></div><div>Fire officials reached the spot and doused the fire. News agency ANI reported that the fire was completely extinguished.</div><div><br></div><div>The infants were taken to the East Delhi Advance NICU hospital after the fire broke out.</div><div><br></div><div>Fire Officer Rajesh said to ANI, “At 11:32 pm, Fire Service Control Room received information that fire broke out at a hospital…fire tenders reached the spot and fire has been extinguished completely. 2 buildings were affected by the fire, one is the hospital building and 2 floors of a residential building on the right side also caught fire...11-12 people were rescued and they were taken to hospital. Further details will be shared later.” According to Hindustan TImes reports&nbsp;</div><div><br></div><div>bnbd/fas</div>', NULL, 'International Desk', '[\"29\"]', NULL, NULL, NULL, NULL, '2024-05-26 03:04:11', '2024-05-26 03:04:11');
INSERT INTO `news_details` (`id`, `news_id`, `details`, `ticker`, `representative`, `keyword`, `video_link`, `google_drive_link`, `audio_link`, `shoulder`, `created_at`, `updated_at`) VALUES
(12548, 12548, '<div><span style=\"font-size: 1rem;\"><b>Moldova is now seeking extradition from Russia of an opposition politician convicted of mass fraud after he moved there from exile in Israel, the country’s justice minister said on Saturday.</b></span><br></div><div><br></div><div>Ilan Shor, a pro-Russian business magnate, was sentenced last year in absentia to 15 years in prison in connection with the disappearance from the banking system of $1 billion in 2014, dubbed Moldova’s “theft of the century.”</div><div><br></div><div>Shor has organized noisy street demonstrations against pro-European President Maia Sandu and urged Moldovans to vote “no” in a referendum authorities have called for October on joining the European Union by 2030.</div><div><br></div><div>Justice Minister Veronica-Mihailov Moraru said Moldova would redirect its extradition appeals to Moscow after Shor said he had moved to Russia and announced he had been granted Russian citizenship.</div><div><br></div><div>“The justice ministry has not been informed of this by the Russian authorities,” she told TVR Moldova television.</div><div><br></div><div>“If we are advised officially that he holds Russian citizenship, we will analyze the circumstances and consider how to act in procedural terms.”</div><div><br></div><div>Moldova, an ex-Soviet state lying between Ukraine and Romania, had repeatedly sought Shor’s extradition from Israel.</div><div><br></div><div>After his conviction, a party bearing Shor’s name was banned by the Constitutional Court and a new party, called “Chance,” was formed in its place.</div><div><br></div><div>Shor is the driving force behind the “Victory” electoral bloc launched last month — in Moscow — to oppose the EU referendum and Sandu’s bid for re-election at a poll to be held on the same date.</div><div><br></div><div>He said last week he wanted to become prime minister if a president favorable to his views would nominate him.</div><div><br></div><div>Sandu denounces Moscow’s invasion of Ukraine and describes Russia and corruption as the biggest threats to her country.</div><div><br></div><div>The Victory bloc, made up of four parties, campaigns with the slogan “No to the EU” and calls for Moldova instead to join the Eurasian Economic Union — a Russian-led regional grouping.</div><div><br></div><div>It has not yet decided on a candidate to run against Sandu. The opposition Socialists and Communists, also friendly to Moscow, oppose the pro-EU referendum but have shown little inclination to cooperate with Shor and the Victory bloc. - Reuters</div><div><br></div><div>bnbd/fas</div>', NULL, 'International Desk', '[\"29\"]', NULL, NULL, NULL, NULL, '2024-05-26 04:20:02', '2024-05-26 04:20:02'),
(12549, 12549, '<div style=\"text-align: justify; \"><b><span style=\"font-size: 1rem;\">In preparation for Cyclone Remal, 500 shelters and 290 medical teams have been kept prepared in Chattogram, said the District Disaster Management Committee.</span><br></b></div><div style=\"text-align: justify; \"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">The decision to keep those shelters and teams prepared was made at an emergency meeting of the committee held last night.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">Furthermore, the Fire Service and Civil Defense has canceled the leave of all officials and employees from nine stations, mobilizing 270 personnel for immediate response. A special control room has also been formed at Agrabad Fire Service Station in the port city.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">Rakib Hasan, Additional Deputy Commissioner (General) of Chattogram district administration, informed that around 500 shelters were being prepared, 290 medical teams were formed, and all executive officers and local union chairpersons and members in the coastal areas of Chattogram were on high alert.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">According to the Civil Surgeon’s Office, a medical team has been assigned to each union, five teams to each upazila health complex, and five teams are on standby at Chattogram General Hospital.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">Dr. Md. Elias Chowdhury, district Civil Surgeon, said that 200 teams at the union level, 75 teams across 15 upazila health complexes, nine teams at urban dispensaries, one team for school health, and five teams at the general hospital were formed to face the impact of the cyclonic storm.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">Moreover, all doctors, officers, and employees under the Civil Surgeon’s Office have been instructed to remain at their posts while an emergency control room has also been opened, he said.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">Dinmoni Sharma, Deputy Director of Chattogram Fire Service and Civil Defense, informed that the fire service has started operations in various coastal areas.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">Announcements are being made through loudspeakers urging residents to move to safe locations before the storm hits. Operations in the city will commence based on weather conditions, he said, adding that 270 fire personnel across nine stations are prepared, with all leaves canceled.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">The deep depression over the Bay of Bengal intensified into a cyclonic storm Saturday night, with the name \'Remal.\' The cyclone is predicted to make landfall today, affecting the coasts of Bangladesh and India’s West Bengal.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">The Meteorological Department reported that the depression has been moving north and northeast at 15 kilometers per hour over the past six hours.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">Gaining strength over the sea before hitting the coast between Khepupara, Bangladesh, and Sagar Island, West Bengal, it will hit with speeds of 110 to 120 kilometers per hour, with wind gusts reaching up to 135 kilometers per hour.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify; \">bnbd/fs</div>', NULL, 'News Desk', '[\"29\"]', NULL, NULL, NULL, NULL, '2024-05-26 04:50:19', '2024-05-26 04:50:19'),
(12550, 12550, '<div><span style=\"font-size: 1rem;\"><b>The Shipping Ministry suspended launch services on all routes from 10pm on Sunday as the deep depression over east-central Bay and adjoining west-central Bay intensified into Cyclone Remal.</b></span><br></div><div><br></div><div>All launches of inland waterways from Dhaka River Ports will remain suspended until further notice, said Md. Jahangir Alam Khan, senior information officer of the ministry.</div><div><br></div><div>Earlier, the Met Office asked the Payra and Mongla maritime ports to hoist danger Signal 7 and danger Signal 6 for Cox\'s Bazar and Chattogram seaports.</div><div><br></div><div>Besides, the deep depression over east-central Bay and adjoining west-central Bay moved northwards, and intensified into a cyclonic storm \"Remal\" over northwest Bay and adjoining area on Saturday evening, according to Bangladesh Meteorological Department (BMD).</div><div><br></div><div>State Minister for Disaster Management and Relief Md Mohibur Rahman on Saturday said cyclonic storm \'Remal\' is projected to make landfall in the coastal regions of Satkhira in Khulna and Cox’s Bazar in Chattogram by Sunday evening.</div><div><br></div><div>Almost 4,000 shelter centres have been prepared in the coastal districts, equipped with adequate dry food, he said while speaking at a press briefing held at the Secretariat.</div><div><br></div><div>bnbd/fas</div>', NULL, 'News Desk', '[\"19\"]', NULL, NULL, NULL, NULL, '2024-05-26 05:04:26', '2024-05-26 05:04:26'),
(12551, 12551, '<div style=\"text-align: justify; \"><span style=\"font-size: 1rem;\"><b>Hamas official Osama Hamdan has said that there is no need for new negotiations with Israel, amid Israeli media reports that there is an intention to renew Gaza truce talks.</b></span><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">In a phone interview with Al Jazeera Arabic on Saturday, Hamdan said that the immediate requirement is for Israel to withdraw from the Gaza Strip and for all aggression to stop.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify; \">“We do not need new negotiations,” he said, adding that Hamas has already agreed to a ceasefire proposal that Israel has rejected.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify; \">“There is no guarantee that it [Israel] will accept new proposals to go to negotiations … If there are no serious guarantees, this means giving Israel more time to continue the aggression,” he added.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">Earlier this month, Hamas approved a proposal for a ceasefire in the seven-month Gaza war put forward by mediators Qatar and Egypt although Israel said the proposal falls short of its demands.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">On Saturday, according to Israeli media, officials involved in the negotiations said the Israeli government intended to renew talks for a Gaza captive release deal the in coming days, after a meeting with mediators in Paris.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">According to the reports, Israeli intelligence chief David Barnea had agreed to a new framework for the stalled negotiations with mediators — CIA Director Bill Burns and Qatari Prime Minister Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">The new offer was drafted by the Israeli negotiating team and contains possible solutions to points of disagreement in previous discussions. But defence ministry officials believe that even if Israel agrees to a temporary ceasefire, it will be able to return to war again when needed after months.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">Hamas has insisted that it is not willing to accept only a temporary ceasefire, but that an end to the fighting has to be permanent.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">Israel has insisted that the war will not end before its goals are met, including the total defeat of Hamas. However, Israel is coming under growing international pressure to stop and is increasingly isolated. Among recent blows for Israel are an International Court of Justice order for it to stop its Rafah offensive, the chief prosecutor of the International Criminal Court seeking arrest warrants for Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Defence Minister Yoav Gallant, and a decision by Ireland, Norway and Spain to recognise Palestine. According to Al Jazeera reports&nbsp;</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify; \">bnbd/fas</div>', NULL, 'International Desk', '[\"29\"]', NULL, NULL, NULL, NULL, '2024-05-26 05:37:19', '2024-05-26 05:37:19'),
(12552, 12552, '<div style=\"text-align: justify; \"><span style=\"font-size: 1rem;\"><b>The maritime ports of Mongla and Payra have been asked to hoist the Great Danger Signal No. 10 as cyclonic storm ‘Remal’ over northwest Bay and adjoining area moved northwards and intensified into a severe cyclonic storm.</b></span><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">The maritime ports of Chattogram and Cox’s Bazar have been asked to hoist Great Danger Signal No. 9.&nbsp;</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">The cyclone was centred at 6 am on Sunday about 400 kms southwest of Chattogram port, 360 kms southwest of Cox\'s bazar port, 330 kms south of Mongla port and 295 kms south of Payra port, said a bulletin issued at 8:30 am on Sunday signed by Kh. Hafizur Rahman, a meteorologist at BMD.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">It is likely to move in a northern direction and may cross Sagar Island in West Bengal and Khepupara coast near Mongla by this evening.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify; \">Maximum sustained wind speed within 64 km of the severe cyclone centre is about 90 kph rising to 120 kph in gusts or squalls; sea will remain high near the severe cyclone centre.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">The coastal districts of Khulna, Satkhira, Bagherhat, Pirojpur, Jhalakathi, Barguna, Barishal, Bhola, Patuakhali and their islands and chars will come under Great Danger Signal ten (r) ten, according to the bulletin.&nbsp;</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">The coastal districts of Chattogram, Cox\'s Bazar, Feni, Cumilla, Noakhali, Lakshmipur, Chandpur and their islands and chars will come under Great danger Signal nine (r) nine.&nbsp;</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">Under the peripheral effect of the severe cyclone and steep pressure gradient, the low-lying areas of the coastal districts of Khulna, Satkhira, Bagherhat, Pirojpur Jhalakathi, Barguna, Barishal, Bhola, Patuakhali, Noakhali, Lakshmipur, Feni, Chandpur, Cumilla, Chattogram, Cox\'s Bazar and their islands and chars are likely to be inundated by wind driven surge of 08-12 feet height above normal, astronomical tide, it reads.&nbsp;</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">Under the influence of the cyclone Rajshahi, Rangpur, Mymensingh, Dhaka, Khulna, Barishal, Chattogram and Sylhet divisions are likely to experience heavy (44-88 mm) to very heavy rainfall (289 mm) with gusty or squally wind. Due to very heavy rainfall, landslide may occur at places in Cox\'s Bazar, Bandarban, Rangamati, Khagrachari and Chattogram.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify; \"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">All fishing boats and trawlers in north Bay and deep sea have been advised to remain in shelter till further notice.&nbsp;</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify; \">bnbd/fas</div>', NULL, 'Staff Correspondent', '[\"19\"]', NULL, NULL, NULL, NULL, '2024-05-26 06:37:53', '2024-05-26 06:37:53'),
(12553, 12553, '<div style=\"text-align: justify; \"><span style=\"font-size: 1rem;\"><b>A Russian strike on Saturday hit a store selling building materials in the eastern Ukrainian city of Kharkiv, killing at least two people, its mayor said.</b></span><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify; \"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">“We know for sure about two dead,” Kharkiv mayor Igor Terekhov wrote on Telegram, saying that according to preliminary information the strike hit a hypermarket for construction materials in a residential area.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">Kharkiv regional governor Oleg Synegubov said that “two Russian guided bombs hit a construction hypermarket” and “a fire broke out over 15,000 square meters.”</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">Videos posted by witnesses on social media showed a huge column of black smoke billowing into the sky from the Epitsentr store, located in an area of large stores beside a car park. The chain of hypermarkets sells household and DIY goods.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">“We have a large number of people missing. There are many wounded,” Terekhov wrote on Telegram.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">“Apparently, the attack was on a shopping center where there were many people — this is pure terrorism.”</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">The city of Kharkiv, Ukraine’s second largest, regularly comes under attack from Russian missiles.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">Strikes on the city killed at least seven people on Thursday, local authorities said.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">Russia launched a ground offensive in the northeastern Kharkiv region on May 10, but Ukraine said Friday that it had managed to halt its progress. - AFP </div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify; \">bnbd/fas</div>', NULL, 'News Desk', '[\"19\"]', NULL, NULL, NULL, NULL, '2024-05-26 06:58:18', '2024-05-26 08:37:47'),
(12554, 12554, '<div style=\"text-align: justify; \"><span style=\"font-size: 1rem;\"><b>Hundreds of Muslims in eastern Pakistan went on a rampage over allegations that a Christian man had desecrated the pages of Islam’s holy book, ransacking and burning his house and beating him before police officers rescued the man and his father, officials said.</b></span><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify; \"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">The incident occurred Saturday in the Mujahid Colony residential area in Sargodha, a city in Punjab province, said district police chief Ijaz Malhi. He said police quickly responded and saved the lives of the two men.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">Malhi said the situation was under control and officers were investigating the allegations.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">The incident brought back memories of one of the worst attacks on Christians in Pakistan in August 2023, when angry mobs burned churches and attacked dozens in Jaranwala, a district in Punjab province.&nbsp;</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">Muslim residents claimed they saw a Christian and his friend tearing out pages from a Qur’an and throwing them on the ground. No one was killed. In 2009, six Christians were killed and some 60 homes burned down in the district of Gojra in Punjab following allegations of insults to Islam.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">Malhi said police on Saturday dispersed the crowds and were also seeking help from religious scholars to defuse tensions. The Punjab government condemned the attack.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">The man’s small shoemaking factory was also burned down, Malhi said.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">Blasphemy accusations are common in Pakistan.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">Under the country’s blasphemy laws, anyone found guilty of insulting Islam or Islamic religious figures can be sentenced to death. While no one has been executed for blasphemy, often just an accusation can cause riots and incite mobs to violence, lynching and killings. - AP</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify; \">bnbd/fas</div>', NULL, 'International Desk', '[\"29\"]', NULL, NULL, NULL, NULL, '2024-05-26 07:31:33', '2024-05-26 07:31:33'),
(12555, 12555, '<div><span style=\"font-size: 1rem;\"><b>High-octane setting, opponents fiercely glaring looking into each other\'s eyes with the sole intention to take them down, not by punching or grappling, but by slapping.</b></span><br></div><div><br></div><div>This was the scene at the first Slap Fighting Championship Arabia held in Space Arena Dubai on Saturday evening, where hundreds of residents gathered to witness a spectacle.</div><div><br></div><div>In this one-of-a-kind competition, opponents strike each other in the face until submission or knockout. The audience in the arena was captivated with its intensity and raw energy, leaving some thrilled and others feeling surreal.</div><div><br></div><div>“I had been watching this sport on social media and on television. I came here just to experience how it feels in real life. Watching the competition live was a different spectacle,” said Abdullah Saeed, a spectator and an extreme sports enthusiast.</div><div><br></div><div>The atmosphere was electrifying, with the audience cheering passionately for the athletes as they landed slaps on their opponent, knocking them out, increasing the tension between the competitors.</div><div><br></div><div>“The energy here is unreal,” said Ahmed Najeeb, who came along with his friends to watch the first slap competition held in Dubai.</div><div><br></div><div>“I\'ve never seen anything like this. I did not even watch it online. It\'s brutal but fascinating. You can feel the tension in the athletes eyes when the opponent gets ready to slap,\" said Najeeb.</div><div><br></div><div>As the first season of the Slap Fighting Championship Arabia unfolded, it was clear that this new addition to Dubai\'s sporting calendar had struck chords with the residents. They were on the edge of their seats, supporting their favourite fighters. Source : Khaleej Times</div><div><br></div><div>bnbd/fas</div>', NULL, 'Sports Desk', '[\"20\"]', NULL, NULL, NULL, NULL, '2024-05-26 07:41:38', '2024-05-26 07:41:38'),
(12556, 12556, '<div style=\"text-align: justify; \"><span style=\"font-size: 1rem;\">Russian President Vladimir Putin will start a two-day state visit to Uzbekistan on Sunday (May 26).</span><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify; \"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">Putin and Uzbek President Shavkat Mirziyoyev will discuss the current state and future prospects of strategic bilateral relations and exchange views on a number of regional issues.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">A package of documents is expected to be signed during the visit.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">The leaders will also take part in the first meeting of the Russian-Uzbek Council of Regions. - Sputnik</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify; \">bnbd/fas</div>', NULL, 'International Desk', '[\"29\"]', NULL, NULL, NULL, NULL, '2024-05-26 07:44:26', '2024-05-26 07:44:26'),
(12557, 12557, '<div style=\"text-align: justify; \"><b><span style=\"font-size: 1rem;\">Emergency teams pulled three bodies from the rubble of Papua New Guinea’s massive landslide, the United Nations said on Sunday, warning the death toll of five would likely rise in the disaster where hundreds are feared dead.</span><br></b></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify; \">Media in the Pacific nation north of Australia have said Friday’s landslide buried more than 300 people and over 1,100 houses when it levelled Kaokalam village in Enga Province, about 600km northwest of capital Port Moresby.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">More than six villages have been impacted by the landslide in the province’s Mulitaka region, said Australia’s department of foreign affairs and trade.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">The UN migration agency IOM said more than 100 houses, an elementary school, small businesses and stalls, a guesthouse, and a petrol station were buried.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">The death toll stood at five as of Saturday night, IOM’s chief of mission in Papua New Guinea, Serhan Aktoprak, said in a statement on Sunday, adding that the “number of injured and missing are still not known”.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">The UN’s Papua New Guinea office said three bodies were retrieved from an area where 50 to 60 homes had been destroyed, while six people, including a child, were pulled from rubble alive.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">It said many of those buried were yet to be located as search and rescue efforts continued in the mountainous area of the country, which shares the island of New Guinea with Indonesia.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">Aid group CARE Australia said late on Saturday that nearly 4,000 people lived in the impact zone but the number affected was probably higher as the area is “a place of refuge for those displaced by conflicts” in nearby areas.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">At least 26 men were killed in Enga Province in February in an ambush amid tribal violence that prompted Prime Minister James Marape to give arrest powers to the country’s military.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">The landslide left debris up to 8m deep across 200sq km, cutting off road access and making relief efforts difficult, CARE said. Helicopters were the only way to reach the area, the Australian Broadcasting Corp reported.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">Aid groups have said more homes could be at risk if the landslide continues down the mountain, as the terrain remains unstable.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">Marape has said disaster officials, the Defence Force and the department of works and highways were assisting with relief and recovery efforts.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">Social media footage posted by villager Ninga Role showed people clambering over rocks, uprooted trees, and mounds of dirt searching for survivors. Women could be heard weeping in the background. - Reuters&nbsp;</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify; \">bnbd/fas</div>', NULL, 'International Desk', '[\"29\"]', NULL, NULL, NULL, NULL, '2024-05-26 07:49:14', '2024-05-26 07:49:14'),
(12558, 12558, '<div style=\"text-align: justify; \"><span style=\"font-size: 1rem;\"><b>A volunteer firefighter and a Chilean forestry official have been formally accused by prosecutors with involvement in setting wildfires that engulfed central Chile this past February, killing over 130 people.</b></span><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify; \"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">Implicated so far is volunteer firefighter Francisco Ignacio Mondaca, along with Francisco Pinto, an official from Chile’s National Forestry Corporation (Conaf), part of the agriculture ministry that is responsible for preventing forest fires.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">The prosecutor’s office in Valparaiso, a coastal city close to areas hardest hit by the fires, said on Saturday that both suspects were in pre-trial detention.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">Attorneys for the two men could not immediately be reached.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">Authorities say Mondaca, the firefighter, carried out the plot, while citing the Conaf official as the mastermind behind it.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">Prosecutors said they had access to evidence the shows Moncada and Pinto acted deliberately and that they had knowledge about the optimal weather conditions to start fires.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">“We have material that shows that they agreed to act jointly when the appropriate meteorological conditions arose to ensure that the fires occurred,” Claudia Perivancich, regional prosecutor of Valparaiso, told reporters.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">Officials found that in each of the four places where fires first broke out on Feb 2 they also found devices made of cigarettes and matches that started them.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">The judge gave authorities six months to finish the investigation, saying that more work had to be done on the cases of missing victims and each suspect’s cell phone, according to a post on Valparaiso’s prosecutor office’s X account.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">Prosecutor Osvaldo Ossandon said authorities were able to link Mondaca to six previous fires that occurred in the area, according to a post on X from Valparaiso’s prosecutor’s office.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">The fires were the worst natural disaster to strike the South American nation since the 2010 earthquake and tsunami that left more than 500 dead.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">Chile, Argentina and other parts of South America’s southern cone have faced a severe heat wave, something experts say will become more common during the southern summer months due to climate change.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">The extreme weather in Chile has also been exacerbated by the El Niño climate phenomenon, which warms the Pacific Ocean. - Reuters</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify; \">bnbd/fas</div>', NULL, 'International Desk', '[\"29\"]', NULL, NULL, NULL, NULL, '2024-05-26 08:35:52', '2024-05-26 08:35:52'),
(12559, 12559, '<div style=\"text-align: justify; \"><span style=\"font-size: 1rem;\"><b>Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on Sunday witnessed the draft copy of the documentary \'Mujib in Calcutta\' made depicting the Kolkata life of Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman.</b></span><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify; \"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">She reviewed the draft documentary at her official residence Ganabhaban in the morning.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">Kolkata city had a great role in the life of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman as he had spent four years there from 1942 when he studied in Islamia College (later renamed Maulana Azad College).</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">The documentary titled \'Mujib in Calcutta\' has been produced by Indian acclaimed film director Goutam Ghose.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">PM’s Deputy Press Secretary KM Shakhawat Moon said the Prime Minister viewed the draft of documentary \'Mujib in Calcutta\' and gave her opinion and necessary instructions to those who are involved in its production.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">The life of Bangbanahdu in Islamia College in Kolkata, his days in Bekar Hostel, his involvement in the Calcutta University student movement, his night in Alimuddin Street, walk around the park, his charismatic speech at Brigade Maidan and many more such things have been depicted in the documentary by Goutam Ghose.&nbsp;</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify; \">bnbd/fas</div>', NULL, 'News Desk', '[\"19\"]', NULL, NULL, NULL, NULL, '2024-05-26 09:37:39', '2024-05-26 09:37:39'),
(12560, 12560, '<div style=\"text-align: justify; \"><span style=\"font-size: 1rem;\"><b>More than eight lakh people have taken refuge in cyclone shelters as the severe cyclonic storm Remal is set to make landfall on the southern coasts of Bangladesh and parts of India by midnight today, said State Minister for Disaster Management and Relief Md Mohibbur Rahman.</b></span><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">He said that while talking to reporters after an inter-ministerial meeting at the secretariat in Dhaka on Sunday.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify; \">“As per the information we have, more than eight lakh people have taken shelter so far. Since great danger signals have been issued, we have asked the law enforcement agencies to bring them to shelters as soon as possible,” he said.&nbsp;</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">The state minister also requested all to take refuge in cyclone shelters without any delay. “We have prepared 8,000-9,000 shelters [in the coastal areas]. Adequate dry food, water, and medical supplies have also been sent there.”</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">On the other hand, all educational institutions have been prepared as shelters and those involved in the management of the institutions should assist people in taking refuge, he added.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">Meanwhile, the government has cancelled the leave of officials and employees of all ministries, divisions, and departments along with city corporations and municipalities to tackle the aftermath of the severe cyclonic storm.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">The maritime ports of Mongla and Payra have been asked to hoist the Great Danger Signal No. 10 as cyclonic storm ‘Remal’ over northwest Bay and adjoining area moved northwards and intensified into a severe cyclonic storm.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify; \">bnbd/fas</div>', NULL, 'Staff Correspondent', '[\"19\"]', NULL, NULL, NULL, NULL, '2024-05-26 09:51:04', '2024-05-26 09:51:04'),
(12561, 12561, '<div style=\"text-align: justify; \"><span style=\"font-size: 1rem;\"><b>Strong winds, torrential downpours and storm surges are three elements of a cyclone that wreaks havoc in case you do not take sufficient precautionary steps. Natural disasters like cyclones are not easy to control.&nbsp;</b></span><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify; \">However, one can stay prepared to combat the situation. Considering this, we present this piece on cyclone precautions, focusing on the do\'s and don\'ts before, during and after a cyclone.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">In the event of a natural disaster like a severe cyclonic storm, individuals are often unsure about the safety measures to be taken. To that cause, you will find the cyclone do\'s and don\'ts in the following sections.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><b>Here are some precautions of cyclone one should follow to stay prepared for the disaster -</b></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">☼ Ensure good structural condition of your house so that it can withstand strong winds.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">☼ Seal off all door and windows securely.&nbsp;</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">☼ Trim down trees to make sure they do not fall over telephone or electricity lines during the storm.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">☼ Keep your mobile phone fully charged and other appliances like torches handy as there may be power cuts during a cyclone.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">☼ Store essential items like groceries and medicines in advance. It is vital to ☼ keep dry foods that are not perishable during emergencies.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">☼ Prepare an emergency first-aid kit.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">☼ Store water because the water supply may be disrupted during and after cyclones.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><b>Given below is a list of safety measures to be taken during a cyclone&nbsp;</b></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><b><br></b></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">☼ Be aware of the official cyclone warning.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">☼ Follow the official website of Indian Meteorological Department to remain informed about the latest updates.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">☼ Install storm shutters or board up glass windows.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">☼ Keep all the doors and windows closed.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">☼ Take proper care of adults or children who need attention.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">☼ Switch off the electrical mains in your house.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">☼ Park your vehicles beneath a solid shelter with a hand brake or in gear to guard them.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify; \">bnbd/fas</div>', '<p><b><font color=\"#3984c6\">Precautionary steps</font></b><br></p>', 'Life Style Desk', '[\"36\"]', NULL, NULL, NULL, NULL, '2024-05-26 10:21:28', '2024-05-26 10:21:28'),
(12562, 12562, '<div style=\"text-align: justify; \"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify; \">Severe cyclonic storm Remal has started to make landfall on Bangladesh’s coast with strong wind and heavy rainfall, according to the Met Office.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">“It began to make landfall at 9pm and it will take five to six hours to cross the coast,” meteorologist Dr Mohammad Abul Kalam Mollik told UNB.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">Cyclone Remal: Coastal areas in Khulna experiencing rain, tidal surge</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">The coastal areas are experiencing heavy rainfall due to the influence of cyclonic storm Remal.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">Bangladesh has evacuated more than 800,000 people from the coastal areas.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">\"We have already prepared 8,000 to 9,000 shelters. Adequate dry food, biscuits, water and medical supplies have reached all the shelters,” said State Minister for Disaster Management and Relief Md Mohibur Rahman on Sunday.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">Youth swept away in tidal surge dies in Patuakhali</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">Maritime ports of Payra and Mongla have been advised to keep hoisting Great Danger Signal 10 while Cox\'s Bazar and Chattogram have been advised to keep hoisted great danger signal number 9.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify; \">bnbd24/kh</div>', NULL, 'news desk', '[\"4\"]', NULL, NULL, NULL, NULL, '2024-05-26 19:25:41', '2024-05-26 19:25:41'),
(12563, 12563, '<div><span style=\"font-size: 1rem;\"><b>Heavy rains and strong winds brought by Cyclone Remal  have lashed the costal districts in the country, leaving at least eight people dead, flooding villages and uprooting  trees.</b></span><br></div><div><br></div><div>Eight people died in Patuakhali, Barishal, Bhola and Satkhira districts on Sunday night and Monday.</div><div><br></div><div>The violent storm disrupted power supply to coastal districts, leaving over 2 crore people without power since Sunday night.</div><div><br></div><div>Power supply to 2.22 crore consumers of the Bangladesh Rural Electrification Board (BREB), out of its total 3.58 crore, has been suspended following the landfall of cyclone Remal on Sunday, according to a BREB official.</div><div><br></div><div>He said mainly the power transmission was halted to those cyclone-hit areas as part of a cautionary measure to avoid any accident.</div><div><br></div><div>According to primary report received from Bagerhat, the cyclone\'s fury has damaged homes, uprooted trees, broken electric poles and severed power lines, leaving nearly 500,000 residents without electricity since Sunday night.</div><div><br></div><div>On Sunday night, embankments in several areas were breached, inundating villages with tidal waters.</div><div><br></div><div>Deputy Commissioner Md. Khalid Hossain confirmed the preliminary data, indicating that 10,000 families have been stranded and 45,000 homes have been destroyed.</div><div><br></div><div>In Khulna over 100 shrimp enclosures in Khulna\'s Koyra, Dacope and Paikgacha upazilas were washed away by tidal surges.</div><div><br></div><div>Besides, at least 30 villages were inundated after the collapse  of dams in 9 places in these upazilas.</div><div><br></div><div>In Bhola, Dhal char, char Kukrimukri and Monpura went under 4/5 feet water, leaving over 25000 people marooned, reports UNB</div><div><br></div><div>Bangladesh has evacuated more than 800,000 people from the coastal regions. </div><div><br></div><div>bnbd/fas</div>', NULL, 'Staff Correspondent', '[\"19\"]', NULL, NULL, NULL, NULL, '2024-05-27 09:44:39', '2024-05-27 14:13:07'),
(12564, 12564, '<div><span style=\"font-size: 1rem;\"><b>Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina extended an invitation to US business leaders to explore business opportunities in Bangladesh and partner with the country in its journey towards becoming a developed, prosperous, and smart nation by 2041.</b></span><br></div><div><br></div><div>“I invite you to invest in our many vibrant and high-potential sectors, such as renewable energy, shipbuilding, automobiles, pharmaceuticals, light and heavy machinery, chemical fertilizers, ICT, marine resources, and medical equipment, among others,” she said.</div><div><br></div><div>The Prime Minister said this during her opening speech at a meeting with the US-Bangladesh Business Council at her official residence, Ganabhaban.</div><div><br></div><div>She expressed optimism that economic engagement through the US-Bangladesh Business Council would deepen in the coming days. “The United States will become our long-term partner in achieving our development goals through trade, investment, technology transfer, and by creating a smooth and predictable supply chain for mutual benefits,” she added.</div><div><br></div><div>While briefing reporters after the meeting, PM’s speechwriter M Nazrul Islam said that Sheikh Hasina informed members of US-Bangladesh Business Council that with her personal initiative after forming the government in 1996, US investment in Bangladesh increased manifold.</div><div><br></div><div>Nazrul Islam said that the US investors expressed high expectations regarding their investments in Bangladesh.</div><div><br></div><div>“But they pointed out some challenges which needed to be addressed for more investments in Bangladesh,” he said.</div><div><br></div><div>US-Bangladesh Business Council Chairman Steven Kobos delivered the welcome speech while the Council President Ambassador (retd) Atul Keshap gave the vote of thanks.</div><div><br></div><div>Sheikh Hasina hoped that the US-Bangladesh Business Council would continue to play a significant role in advancing trade and investment cooperation between the two friendly countries.</div><div><br></div><div>“Our focus is now on promoting economic and commercial relations with not only regional but also global partners, including the United States,” she said.</div><div><br></div>', NULL, 'News Desk', '[\"33\"]', NULL, NULL, NULL, NULL, '2024-05-27 09:47:38', '2024-05-27 09:47:38'),
(12565, 12565, '<div><span style=\"font-size: 1rem;\"><b>Residents of Dhaka can expect continuous rainfall throughout the day as Cyclone Remal impacts the region, according to the Bangladesh Meteorological Department (BMD).</b></span><br></div><div><br></div><div>Meteorologist Bazlur Rashid reported to UNB that Dhaka saw 35mm of rain by 9 am today, with more expected throughout the day.</div><div><br></div><div>The incessant rain has flooded parts of some streets, slowing down traffic, and disrupting commute for officer workers and students in Dhaka.</div><div><br></div><div>Cyclone Remal, which began making landfall on Bangladesh’s coast on Sunday night, has moved northward and weakened. Initially a severe cyclonic storm, it has diminished to a cyclonic storm and further to a land-deep depression over Jashore and surrounding areas, according to the latest BMD bulletin.</div><div><br></div><div>Maritime ports in Payra and Mongla have been advised to lower their danger signal from 10 to local cautionary signal number three. Similarly, Cox\'s Bazar and Chattogram are advised to lower their danger signal from nine to local cautionary signal number three.</div><div><br></div><div>bnbd/fas</div>', NULL, 'News Desk', '[\"39\"]', NULL, NULL, NULL, NULL, '2024-05-27 09:50:13', '2024-05-27 09:50:13'),
(12566, 12566, '<div style=\"text-align: justify; \"><span style=\"font-size: 1rem;\">Power supply to 2.22 crore consumers of the Bangladesh Rural Electrification Board (BREB), out of its total 3.58 crore, has been suspended following the landfall of cyclone Remal on Sunday (May 26, 2024).</span><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify; \"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">According to a top official of the BREB, these consumers are living in the areas belonging to 61 Palli Biduyt Samities (PBSs), out of a total 81.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">“The areas where power supply remained off till Monday since the hit of the cyclone are mainly located in the coastal belt of the country,” he told UNB.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">He, however, said mainly the power transmission was halted to those cyclone-hit areas as part of a cautionary measure to avoid any accident.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">With the improvement of the situation, gradually the power transmission and distribution system will be checked and restored, he added.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">He noted that it’s still not clear how much damages were caused by cyclone Remal. “We’re now receiving information from the cyclone affected areas,” he said.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">Ministry of Power, Energy and Mineral Resources took some measures including opening control rooms on Sunday to deal with the cyclone.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify; \">bnbd/fas</div>', NULL, 'News Desk', '[\"19\"]', NULL, NULL, NULL, NULL, '2024-05-27 10:56:09', '2024-05-27 10:56:09');
INSERT INTO `news_details` (`id`, `news_id`, `details`, `ticker`, `representative`, `keyword`, `video_link`, `google_drive_link`, `audio_link`, `shoulder`, `created_at`, `updated_at`) VALUES
(12567, 12567, '<div style=\"text-align: justify; \"><span style=\"font-size: 1rem;\">The severe cyclonic storm Remal affected four lakh people, damaging 50,000 homesteads, uprooting trees, breaking electric and telephone poles, causing a wind-driven surge inundating a vest area of Sundarbans and embankments in low-lying regions, an official said.</span><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">\"At least four lakh people of 68 unions in nine upazilas of Khulna have been affected by \'Remal\',\" said District Relief and Rehabilitation Officer Md Abdul Karim.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">\"Hundreds of shrimp enclosures have been washed away, a huge number of thatched houses and standing crops were damaged while trees, electricity and telephone poles were uprooted. Many villages were also submerged by the tidal surge,\" he added.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">Khulna District Administration, Mongla Port Authority, Bangladesh Navy, Bangladesh Coast Guard (BCG) of Mongla West Zone, Fire Service and Civil Defence are working to rehabilitate the affected coastal people.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">As part of the immediate response, more than 2 lakh people were successfully evacuated and moved to 604 cyclone centres before the \'Remal\' hit the region, said Deputy Commissioner of Khulna Khondokar Yasir Arefin.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">Over 5,500 volunteers from different organisations, including Red Crescent and CPP, are working in different regions, he said.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">He added that 1,100 more volunteers from non-government organizations (NGOs) are also in action as 168 medical teams with health workers are working at cyclone-affected upazilas.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">Abdul Karim said the \"fear of major disaster” due to severe cyclonic storm is mostly over as the district administration took appropriate precautionary measures to cope with the disaster.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">He, however, said in some places, fallen trees have halted traffic.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">No casualty is reported due to the storm as a few people were injured in coastal areas.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">Abdul Karim said about 2.5-lakh metric tonnes of rice, Taka 5-lakh in cash and 2,000 packets of dry food have, so far, been distributed in Koyra, Dakop and Paikgachha upazilas.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">The operation of Mongla Port has already resumed, said Md Makruzzaman, Secretary of Mongla Port Authority (MPA).</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">\"No damage took place as the port authority has taken massive preparation earlier,\" he added.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">Talking to BSS, Abu Naser Mohsin Hossain, DFO of Sundarban West, said the intensity of damage in Sundarban could not be known immediately.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">Around 61 kilometers of embankments in Khulna, Satkhira and Bagerhat have been damaged partially, Water Development Board (WDB) officials said.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">Hundreds of villages in Koyra, Paikgachha and Dakop upazilas of Khulna were inundated due to heavy rain and saline water that entered by breaking embankments in different points, sub-divisional engineer Liakat Ali of WDB confirmed.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">UNO of Koyra Tarik Uzzaman and UP Chairman Abdullah Al Mamun of Bedkashi of Koyra said villagers are voluntarily trying to repair embankments to stop intruding saline water, reports BSS</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">Electricity supply was hampered in different coastal villages till the filing of this report, sources said.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify; \">bnbd/fas</div>', NULL, 'News Desk', '[\"41\"]', NULL, NULL, NULL, NULL, '2024-05-27 11:02:32', '2024-05-27 11:02:32'),
(12568, 12568, '<div><span style=\"font-size: 1rem;\">The Election Commission on Monday postponed the elections to 19 out of 109 Upazila Parishads slated for May 29 due to the landfall of cyclone Remal on Sunday.</span><br></div><div><br></div><div>EC Secretary Md Jahangir Alam said this at a press conference in the Nirbachan Bhaban in the city’s Agargaon area.</div><div><br></div><div>He said the EC and the field-level administration took preparations to conduct elections to 109 upazila parishads in the third phase of the sixth upazila parishad election on May 29 next.</div><div><br></div><div>But the Commission postponed the elections to 19 upazila parishads considering the severe brunt of the cyclone Remal in the election areas, said the EC Secretary, adding that the decision was taken depending on information so far gathered from the field.</div><div><br></div><div>The 19 Upazilas where election won’t be held on May 29 include 18 ones in&nbsp; the coastal districts and one in Rangamati district.</div><div><br></div><div>The 19 upazilas are&nbsp; Sarankhola, Morrelganj and Mongla upazilas in Bagerhat district; Koira, Paikgaccha and Dumuria in Khulna; Gournadi and Agailjhara in Barishal; Patuakhali Sadar, Mirzaganj and Dumki in Patuakhali; Mothbaria in Pirojpur; Tazmuddin and Lalmohon in Bhola;Rajapur and Kathalia in Jhalakati; Bamna and Patharghata in Barguna, and Baghaichhari in Rangamati.&nbsp;</div><div><br></div><div>In reply to a question, the EC Secretary said the polls to other upazila parishads might&nbsp; be suspended, if&nbsp; information on devastation is received from other upazilas.</div><div><br></div><div>Now, a total of 90 upazila parishads will go to polls in the third phase election on May 29.&nbsp;</div><div><br></div><div>bnbd/fas</div>', NULL, 'News Desk', '[\"41\"]', NULL, NULL, NULL, NULL, '2024-05-27 11:14:23', '2024-05-27 11:14:23'),
(12569, 12569, '<div><span style=\"font-size: 1rem;\">Amazon Prime Video continues to captivate audiences worldwide with its diverse selection of original shows, movies, local language productions, and strategic global licensing. With a robust cloud infrastructure, regular content updates, and data-driven user insights, the OTT (over-the-top) platform ensures a consistent stream of engaging content. Viewers eagerly anticipate the monthly line-up tailored to their interests and preferences.</span><br></div><div><br></div><div>This June, Amazon Prime Video offers an array of exclusive films, web series, and shows that promise to entertain and engage. Here’s a closer look at the must-see releases on this digital platform.</div><div><br></div><div>10 Must-See Amazon Prime Shows Streaming This June</div><div>Marlon Wayans: Good Grief / Stand-up Comedy Special / June 4, 2024</div><div>Marlon Wayans, the multi-talented actor and comedian, returns to the stage with his latest comedy special, “Marlon Wayans: Good Grief”. Directed by Troy Miller, this special, filmed at the iconic Apollo Theater in Harlem, showcases Wayans’ unique comedic style, blending physical humor and witty commentary with heartfelt moments.</div><div><br></div><div>The special delves into Wayans\' journey of coping with the loss of both of his parents, touching on themes of family and resilience. Wayans shares poignant anecdotes about his father\'s teachings and the unexpected challenges of caring for aging parents, providing a touching and hilarious exploration of grief.</div><div><br></div><div>Counsel Culture / Talk Show / June 6, 2024</div><div>Hosted by Nick Cannon, “Counsel Culture” is a podcast-turned-talk show set to premiere on Prime Video and Amazon Freevee. The show aims to destigmatize discussions around male mental health by addressing topics such as grief, emotional vulnerability, financial security, loyalty, marriage, and trust.</div><div><br></div><div>Cannon is joined by various guest co-hosts, including comedian Howie Mandel, former NBA star Lamar Odom, NFL receiver DeSean Jackson, and multi-talented artist Ray-J. The guest panelists also include singer-songwriter August Alsina, therapist Stephan Speaks, psychic medium John Edward, grief expert David Kessler, and comedian Tim Chantarangsu, among others.</div><div><br></div><div>Mothers’ Instinct / Psychological Thriller Film / June 7, 2024</div><div>Directed by Benoit Delhomme, \"Mothers\' Instinct\" features a star-studded cast including Anne Hathaway, Jessica Chastain, Anders Danielsen Lie, and Josh Charles. This film is a remake of Olivier Masset-Depasse\'s 2018 French-language movie and is based on the 2012 novel \"Mothers\' Instinct.\"</div><div><br></div><div>The plot revolves around Alice and Celine, whose peaceful lives are shattered by a tragic incident, unraveling their sisterly bond amidst paranoia, guilt, and suspicion. Delhomme\'s directorial debut promises a gripping and emotional thriller that explores the depths of maternal love and the consequences of tragedy.</div><div><br></div><div>Poolman / Comedy Mystery Movie / June 7, 2024</div><div>Chris Pine makes his directorial debut with \"Poolman,\" in which he also serves as producer, co-writer, and lead actor. The film stars DeWanda Wise, Annette Bening, Stephen Tobolowsky, John Ortiz, Clancy Brown, Ray Wise, Jennifer Jason Leigh, Juliet Mills, Danny DeVito, and Ariana DeBose.</div><div><br></div>', NULL, 'Entertainment', '[\"13\"]', NULL, NULL, NULL, NULL, '2024-05-27 11:22:51', '2024-05-27 11:22:51'),
(12570, 12570, '<div style=\"text-align: justify; \"><b><span style=\"font-size: 1rem;\">The European Union aims to agree in principle to press ahead with an EU border mission at Rafah, a city in the southern Gaza Strip abutting Egypt, the bloc’s foreign policy chief Josep Borrell said.</span><br></b></div><div style=\"text-align: justify; \"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">Speaking before a monthly meeting of EU foreign ministers, Borrell also accused Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu of using false claims of antisemitism against the International Criminal Court for his own political ends.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">The bloc is considering reviving its European Union Border Assistance Mission (Eubam) at Rafah, which has not been operational since 2007, when the Palestinian Islamist group Hamas seized full control of Gaza.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">The Rafah crossing is the main entry point for aid from Egypt, and has been closed since Israeli forces took control of it from the Gazan side nearly three weeks ago.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">“Today we can have a political decision and then it needs to be implemented technically,” Borrell told reporters, adding it would require approval from Israel, Egypt and the Palestinians.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">The civilian mission would need unanimous approval from the 27 EU member states. It was not immediately clear what the role of a revived Eubam would be, and it would have to be adapted to reflect the potentially dangerous nature of such an operation.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">Austria’s foreign minister Alexander Schallenberg said it would take some time for any decision on the mission to be put in place. Diplomats have said the mission was unlikely to be in place before hostilities in Rafah stopped.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">“Israel has yet to consolidate a ‘day-after’ plan for Gaza, so there is no formal position on this initiative,” said an Israeli official, speaking to Reuters on condition of anonymity given the sensitivity of war planning.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">“But it is worth remembering that the (Israeli) defence minister, in his Jan 4 proposal, outlined a multinational force that would be one of the four prongs for managing Gaza once Hamas is defeated. An EU mission in Rafah could potentially dovetail with that,” the official added. - Reuters </div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify; \">bnbd/fas</div>', NULL, 'International Desk', '[\"29\"]', NULL, NULL, NULL, NULL, '2024-05-27 11:40:22', '2024-05-27 14:13:34'),
(12571, 12571, '<div style=\"text-align: justify; \"><span style=\"font-size: 1rem;\">Papua New Guinea informed the UN today that more than 2,000 people were buried in a massive landslide that swept over a remote village, according to a copy of the letter obtained by AFP.</span><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">“The landslide buried more than 2,000 people alive and caused major destruction,” the country’s national disaster centre told the UN office in the capital Port Moresby.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">A once-bustling remote hillside village in Enga province was almost wiped out when a chunk of Mount Mungalo collapsed in the early hours of Friday morning, burying scores of homes and the people sleeping inside them.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">The landslide caused “major destruction to buildings, food gardens and caused major impact on the economic lifeline of the country”, the disaster office said.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">The main highway to Porgera Mine was “completely blocked”, it said in the letter, which was received by UN officials on Monday morning.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">“The situation remains unstable as the landslip continue to shift slowly, posing ongoing danger to both the rescue teams and survivors alike.”</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">The scale of the catastrophe required “immediate and collaborative actions from all players”, it said, including the army, and national and regional responders.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">It called on UN to inform Papua New Guinea’s development partners “and other international friends” of the latest situation.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">Assistance should be coordinated through the disaster centre, it said. - AFP</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify; \">bnbd/fas</div>', NULL, 'International Desk', '[\"29\"]', NULL, NULL, NULL, NULL, '2024-05-27 12:11:59', '2024-05-27 12:11:59'),
(12572, 12572, '<div style=\"text-align: justify; \"><span style=\"font-size: 1rem;\">Palestinian health workers said Israeli airstrikes killed at least 45 people Sunday and hit tents for displaced people in the southern Gaza city of Rafah, and “numerous” others were trapped in flaming debris. Gaza’s Health Ministry said women and children made up most of the dead and dozens of wounded.</span><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">The attacks came two days after the International Court of Justice ordered Israel to end its military offensive in Rafah, where more than half of Gaza’s population had sought shelter before Israel’s incursion earlier this month. Tens of thousands of people remain in the area while many others have fled.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">Footage from the scene of the largest airstrike showed heavy destruction. Israel’s army confirmed the strike and said it hit a Hamas installation and killed two senior Hamas militants. It said it was investigating reports that civilians were harmed. Defense Minister Yoav Gallant was in Rafah on Sunday and was briefed on the “deepening of operations” there, his office said.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">The United Nations Palestinian refugee agency, UNRWA, said on Monday that reports of attacks on families seeking shelter in Rafah in the southern tip of the Gaza Strip were \"horrifying\".</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">“Information coming out of Rafah about further attacks on families seeking shelter is horrifying,\" UNRWA wrote on X.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">\"There are reports of mass casualties including children and women among those killed. Gaza is hell on earth. Images from last night are yet another testament to that.\"</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">Palestinian health and civil emergency service officials said on Sunday Israeli air strikes killed at least 35 Palestinians and wounded dozens in an area in the southern Gaza Strip city of Rafah designated for the displaced.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">The Israeli military said its air force struck a Hamas compound in Rafah, and that the incident was under review.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">A spokesperson with the Palestinian Red Crescent Society said the death toll was likely to rise as search and rescue efforts continued in Rafah’s Tal Al-Sultan neighborhood about two kilometers (1.2 miles) northwest of the city center.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">The society asserted that the location had been designated by Israel as a “humanitarian area.” The neighborhood is not included in areas that Israel’s military ordered evacuated earlier this month.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">The airstrike was reported hours after Hamas fired a barrage of rockets from Gaza that set off air raid sirens as far away as Tel Aviv for the first time in months in a show of resilience more than seven months into Israel’s massive air, sea and ground offensive.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">There were no reports of casualties in what appeared to be the first long-range rocket attack from Gaza since January. Hamas’ military wing claimed responsibility. Israel’s military said eight projectiles crossed into Israel after being launched from Rafah and “a number” were intercepted, and the launcher was destroyed.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">Earlier Sunday, dozens of aid trucks entered Gaza from southern Israel under a new agreement to bypass the Rafah crossing with Egypt after Israeli forces seized the Palestinian side of it earlier this month. Israel’s military said 126 aid trucks entered via the nearby Kerem Shalom crossing.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">But it was not immediately clear if humanitarian groups could access the aid — including medical supplies — because of fighting. The crossing has been largely inaccessible because of Israel’s offensive in Rafah. United Nations agencies say it is usually too dangerous to retrieve the aid. The World Health Organization last week said an expanded Israeli incursion in Rafah would have “disastrous” impact.”</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">“With the humanitarian operation near collapse, the secretary-general emphasizes that the Israeli authorities must facilitate the safe pickup and delivery of humanitarian supplies from Egypt entering Kerem Shalom,” the spokesperson for UN chief Antonio Guterres said in a statement.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">Egypt refuses to reopen its side of the Rafah crossing until control of the Gaza side is handed back to Palestinians.&nbsp;</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">It agreed to temporarily divert traffic through Kerem Shalom, Gaza’s main cargo terminal, after a call between US President Joe Biden and Egyptian President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi.Egypt on Monday condemned what it called the \"deliberate bombardment by Israeli forces of displaced peoples\' tents\" in Rafah, in strikes which Gaza\'s civil defence agency said killed at least 45 people.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify; \"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">The Egyptian Foreign Ministry issued a statement calling on Israel to \"implement the measures ordered by the International Court of Justice (ICJ) concerning an immediate cessation of military operations\" in Rafah.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">The war between Israel and Hamas has killed nearly 36,000 Palestinians, according to Gaza’s Health Ministry, which does not distinguish between civilians and fighters in its count. Israel blames civilian deaths on Hamas because the militants operate in dense, residential areas.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">Around 80 percent of Gaza’s 2.3 million people have fled their homes, severe hunger is widespread and UN officials say parts of the territory are experiencing famine.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">Hamas triggered the war with its Oct. 7 attack into Israel, in which Palestinian militants killed some 1,200 people, mostly civilians, and seized some 250 hostages. Hamas still holds some 100 hostages and the remains of around 30 others after most of the rest were released during a ceasefire last year.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has said Israel must take over Rafah to eliminate Hamas’ remaining battalions and achieve “total victory” over the militants, who recently regrouped in other parts of Gaza.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">The war has also heightened tensions in the Israeli-occupied West Bank. Palestinian authorities on Sunday said Israeli forces shot dead a 14-year-old boy near the southern West Bank town of Saeer. The Israeli army said the Palestinian male was shot dead after trying to stab Israeli forces at Beit Einun Junction. - Arab News</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify; \">bnbd/fas</div>', NULL, 'International Desk', '[\"29\"]', NULL, NULL, NULL, NULL, '2024-05-27 12:42:27', '2024-05-27 12:42:27'),
(12573, 12573, '<div style=\"text-align: justify; \"><b><span style=\"font-size: 1rem;\">Saudi Arabia on Monday condemned the Israeli attacks on Rafah, the latest of which was the targeting of tents of displaced Palestinians near the warehouses of UNRWA that killed at least 45 people, mostly children and women.&nbsp;</span><br></b></div><div style=\"text-align: justify; \"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">The foreign ministry, in a statement on social media X, also affirmed the Kingdom’s rejection of the blatant violations by the Israeli occupation forces of all international and humanitarian laws.&nbsp;</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">It also called on the international community to intervene immediately.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan said Monday that the humanitarian situation in Gaza is completely unacceptable.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">Prince Faisal stressed that the two-state solution to the Palestinian-Israeli conflict remains the foundation for permanent peace and security in the region.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">He also noted that there are several European countries planning to officially recognize the State of Palestine to follow Spain, Ireland and Norway, in an attempt to implement the two-state solution.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">Jordan also strongly condemned the “ongoing war crimes committed by Israeli occupation forces in Gaza,” particularly the ‘latest incident involved the bombing of a refugee camp near the UNRWA headquarters in western Rafah.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">“This act defies the rulings of the International Court of Justice and constitutes a severe violation of international law and international humanitarian law,” a statement from the Jordanian foreign ministry said.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">Jordan reiterates its ‘unequivocal condemnation of these actions’, embassy spokesperson Sufian Qudah said.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">Qudah described them as blatant violations of international law and international humanitarian law, contravening all human and moral values.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">These actions were war crimes that the international community must confront, ensuring accountability for those responsible, he said, calling for an immediate and effective international action to hold Israel accountable for its practices and violations.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">Qudah urged the international community to “stop Israel’s continuous breaches of international law and international humanitarian law, to ensure the protection of unarmed civilians in Gaza, and to safeguard aid organizations and their staff, particularly UNRWA.”</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">Turkiye will ‘do everything possible’ to hold ‘barbaric’ Israel to account over Rafah strikes, President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said on Monday.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">“We will do everything possible to hold these barbarians and murderers accountable who have nothing to do with humanity,” he said.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">French President Emmanuel Macron on Monday said he was “outraged” over Israel’s latest strikes on Rafah that killed dozens of displaced persons. According to Arab News reports&nbsp;</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify; \">bnbd/fas</div>', NULL, 'International Desk', '[\"29\"]', NULL, NULL, NULL, NULL, '2024-05-27 13:19:00', '2024-05-27 13:19:00'),
(12574, 12574, '<div style=\"text-align: justify; \"><b><span style=\"font-size: 1rem;\">State Minister for Disaster Management and Relief Md Mohibur Rahman said that the cyclonic storm Remal which made landfall in Bangladesh\'s coastal area on Sunday night has so far claimed 10 lives.</span><br></b></div><div style=\"text-align: justify; \"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">Besides, 1,50,457 houses were damaged during the storm. Of these, 35,483 houses were fully damaged in 107 unions and 914 municipalities, said the state minister while speaking at a press briefing held at the Secretariat on Monday.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">The deaths were reported from Khulna, Satkhira, Barishal, Patuakhali, Bhola and Chattogram districts. Among the deceased, three died in Bhola and Barishal districts each, and one each in Satkhira, Khulna, Chattogram and Patuakhali districts.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">Nineteen districts have been affected during the storm, he said. These are Khulna, Satkhira, Bagerhat, Jhalakathi, Barishal, Patuakhali, Pirojpur, Barguna, Bhola, Feni, Cox’s Bazar, Chattogram, Noakhali, Laxmipur, Chandpur, Narail, Gopalganj, Shariatpur and Jashore.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">A total of 9424 shelters have been opened in the coastal districts of the country and over 8 lakh people took shelter there, he said.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">Besides, 52,146 domestic animals were also housed there.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">He also claimed that no major damage had occurred due to massive preparation taken by the ministry following the directives of the prime minister.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">Meanwhile, a total of 1,471 medical teams were formed to provide treatment to the people in the cyclone-hit areas and of them, 1,400 remain active.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">Tk 6.85 crore has been allocated to the affected people. Tk 3.85 crore, 5,500 tonnes of rice, 5,000 dry foods, Tk 1.50 crore for baby food and Tk 1.50 crore for fodder have been distributed in 15 districts, said the minister.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify; \">bnbd/fas</div>', NULL, 'Staff Correspondent', '[\"19\"]', NULL, NULL, NULL, NULL, '2024-05-27 14:10:52', '2024-05-27 14:10:52'),
(12575, 12575, '<div><b><span style=\"font-size: 1rem;\">The World Health Organization chief on Monday urged countries to nail down a landmark global agreement on handling of future pandemics after they missed a hard deadline.</span><br></b></div><div><br></div><div>Scarred by COVID-19 — which killed millions, shredded economies and crippled health systems — nations have spent two years trying to forge binding commitments on pandemic prevention, preparedness and response.</div><div>Negotiators failed to clinch a deal ahead of this week’s World Health Assembly — the annual gathering of WHO’s 194 member states — the deadline for concluding the talks.</div><div><br></div><div>WHO chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus opened the assembly Monday, saying he was confident that an agreement would be secured.</div><div><br></div><div>“Of course, we all wish that we had been able to reach a consensus on the agreement in time for this health assembly and crossed the finish line,” he said.</div><div><br></div><div>“But I remain confident that you still will, because where there is a will, there is a way.”</div><div><br></div><div>Tedros said the task before negotiators had been “immense, technically, legally, and politically,” and that they had been “operating on a very ambitious time line.”</div><div><br></div><div>“You have demonstrated a clear commitment to reaching an agreement,” he said, adding that negotiators had “worked long days and nights,” closing meetings as late as 4:00 a.m.</div><div><br></div><div>He hailed their dedication to push forward despite “a torrent of misinformation that was undermining your negotiations.”</div><div><br></div><div>While missing Friday’s deadline, countries have voiced a commitment to keep pushing for an accord.</div><div><br></div><div>Negotiators are due on Tuesday to present the outcome of the talks to the assembly, which runs until June 1, and the assembly will take stock and decide what to do next.</div><div><br></div><div>“I know that there remains among you a common will to get this done, so, there must always be a way,” Tedros said.</div><div>“Meaning the solution is in your hands,” he stressed.</div><div><br></div><div>Parallel talks have also taken place on revising the International Health Regulations, which were first adopted in 1969 and constitute the existing international legally binding framework for responding to public health emergencies around the world.</div><div><br></div><div>The proposed amendments to the IHR, including adding more nuance to a system meant to alert countries to potential health emergencies of global concern, might have a better chance of being adopted during this week’s assembly, observers said. - AFP</div><div><br></div><div>bnbd/fas</div>', NULL, 'International Desk', '[\"6\"]', NULL, NULL, NULL, NULL, '2024-05-27 14:27:50', '2024-05-27 14:27:50'),
(12576, 12576, '<div style=\"text-align: justify; \"><span style=\"font-size: 1rem;\"><b>Iran’s acting President Mohammad Mokhber addressed the country’s new parliament Monday in his first public speech since last week’s helicopter crash that killed his predecessor and seven others.</b></span><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify; \"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">His speech comes as Iran prepares for a presidential election to replace the late Ebrahim Raisi in just a month, a vote that could see the previously behind-the-scenes bureaucrat potentially run alongside others. Meanwhile, Iran’s new hard-line parliament is expected to select its new speaker Tuesday.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">In his remarks, Mokhber praised Raisi’s time in office, noting that Iran’s crude oil production— a key source of hard currency for the country — climbed to more than 3.6 million barrels a day. That comes after Oil Minister Javad Owji said Sunday that Iran was now exporting around 2 million barrels a day, despite Western sanctions targeting the Islamic Republic.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">Mokhber also asserted that the country’s economy remained stable under Raisi when Iran took military actions in Iraq, Israel and Pakistan in recent months.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">“Three countries were hit. We hit Israel, people find that figures and indexes are the same in the morning when they wake up, price of hard currency is the same, inflation is the same, liquidity is the same and the market is full of people’s needs,” Mokhber claimed. “This strength, this settlement and this power is not a usual thing, they all were because of guidance by the supreme leader and the sincere efforts of Ayatollah Raisi.”</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">The Iranian rial has tumbled from a rate of 32,000 rials to $1 at the time of Tehran’s 2015 nuclear deal with world powers. Today, it stands around 580,000 to $1 in the wake of the US’ unilateral withdrawal from the accord and a series of attacks on shipping in the Mideast, first attributed to Iran and later involving Yemen’s Houthi rebels as Israel’s war against Hamas on the Gaza Strip began over seven months ago.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">On May 20, rescuers recovered the bodies of Raisi, Foreign Minister Hossein Amirabdollahian and others in a mountainous region in northwestern Iran following a fatal helicopter crash.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">Iran will hold presidential elections on June 28 to replace Raisi. On Thursday, a five-day registration period for candidates will open. Analysts have suggested that Mokhber could be one of those to register.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">Meanwhile, Monday marked the first day for Iran’s newly elected parliament, following a March election that saw the country’s lowest turnout since its 1979 Islamic Revolution. Of those elected to the 290-seat body, hard-liners hold over 230 seats, according to an Associated Press survey.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">Iran’s parliament plays a secondary role in governing the country, though it can intensify pressure on a presidential administration when deciding on the annual budget and other important bills. Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, 85, has the final say in all important state matters. - AP</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify; \">bn/fas</div>', NULL, 'International Desk', '[\"29\"]', NULL, NULL, NULL, NULL, '2024-05-27 14:32:00', '2024-05-27 14:32:00'),
(12577, 12577, '<div style=\"text-align: justify; \"><b><span style=\"font-size: 1rem;\">Five Pakistani soldiers were killed in gunbattles with Islamist militants in the country’s northwest bordering Afghanistan on Monday, the Pakistan Army said.</span><br></b></div><div style=\"text-align: justify; \"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">The statement said the deaths were in addition to two other soldiers, including an officer, who were killed the previous day in an operation against the militants on the outskirts of the northwestern city of Peshawar.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">It said a total of 23 militants had also been killed in the last two days in what it described as three intelligence-based operations on their hideouts in northwest Pakistan close to the Afghan border.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">The militants were “involved in numerous terrorist activities against the security forces as well as the innocent civilians,” the army said.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">The five soldiers were killed in Khyber district, it said.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">The military didn’t identify what group the militants belonged to.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">The lawless tribal regions along the Afghan border have long been a safe haven for the Islamist and sectarian militants who operate under an umbrella group called Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP).</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">The TTP aims to overthrow the government and replace it with a harsh brand of Islamic law.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">Islamabad says TTP leaders have taken refuge in neighboring Afghanistan where they run camps to train Islamist militants to launch attacks inside Pakistan.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">Kabul has previously said rising violence in Pakistan is a domestic issue for Islamabad.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">Relations between Pakistan and Afghanistan have soured in recent months. Islamabad says Kabul is not doing enough to tackle militant groups targeting Pakistan.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">On Sunday, Pakistan said it had arrested 11 Islamist militants who were involved in a suicide bombing that killed five Chinese engineers, alleging the attack was planned by the TTP on Afghan soil, a charge Kabul has previously denied. - Reuters&nbsp;</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify; \">bnbd/fas</div>', NULL, 'International Desk', '[\"29\"]', NULL, NULL, NULL, NULL, '2024-05-27 14:39:01', '2024-05-27 14:39:01'),
(12578, 12578, '<div style=\"text-align: justify; \"><span style=\"font-size: 1rem;\">Awami League (AL) General Secretary Obaidul Quader has said that party President and Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina will visit the cyclone-hit areas once the weather situation improves.</span><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify; \"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">\"Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina monitored the situation of the cyclonic storm \'Remal\' remaining sleepless throughout the (last) night. Once the weather situation gets normal, she will visit the cyclone affected areas,\" he said.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">Quader, also road transport and bridges minister, said this at a press conference on the contemporary issues at AL President Sheikh Hasina\'s political office in the city\'s Dhanmondi area.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">He said other party leaders will accompany the Prime Minister during her visit to the cyclone-hit areas.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">Noting that he heard about the death of some people due to cyclone \'Remal\', the AL general secretary said the coastal areas witnessed high tide during the storm.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">The cyclone \'Remal\' caused massive damages to households and infrastructures in the coastal areas, he said, adding that the public representatives and AL leaders and activists have been instructed to stand beside the cyclone-affected people.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">&nbsp;</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">Besides, the government has provided dry foods and fresh water while work is underway to assess the extent of the damage, added Quader.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify; \">bnbd/fas</div>', NULL, 'Staff Correspondent', '[\"19\"]', NULL, NULL, NULL, NULL, '2024-05-27 15:08:41', '2024-05-27 15:08:41');
INSERT INTO `news_details` (`id`, `news_id`, `details`, `ticker`, `representative`, `keyword`, `video_link`, `google_drive_link`, `audio_link`, `shoulder`, `created_at`, `updated_at`) VALUES
(12579, 12579, '<div><b><span style=\"font-size: 1rem;\">The tent camps stretch for more than 16 kilometers (10 miles) along Gaza’s coast, filling the beach and sprawling into empty lots, fields and town streets. Families dig trenches to use as toilets. Fathers search for food and water, while children look through garbage and wrecked buildings for scraps of wood or cardboard for their mothers to burn for cooking.</span><br></b></div><div><br></div><div>Over the past three weeks, Israel’s offensive in Rafah has sent nearly a million Palestinians fleeing the southern Gaza city and scattering across a wide area. Most have already been displaced multiple times during Israel’s nearly 8-month-old war in Gaza, which is aimed at destroying Hamas but has devastated the territory and caused what the United Nations says is a near-famine.</div><div><br></div><div>The situation has been worsened by a dramatic plunge in the amount of food, fuel and other supplies reaching the U.N. and other aid groups to distribute to the population. Palestinians have largely been on their own to resettle their families and find the basics for survival.</div><div><br></div><div>“The situation is tragic. You have 20 people in the tent, with no clean water, no electricity. We have nothing,” said Mohammad Abu Radwan, a schoolteacher in a tent with his wife, six children, and other extended family.</div><div><br></div><div>“I can’t explain what it feels like living through constant displacement, losing your loved ones,” he said. “All of this destroys us mentally.”</div><div><br></div><div>Abu Radwan fled Rafah soon after the Israeli assault on the city began on May 6 as bombardment neared the house where he was sheltering. He and three other families paid $1,000 for donkey carts to take them to the outskirts of Khan Younis, about 6 kilometers (3.6 miles) away, where it took a day living outside before they could assemble the materials for a makeshift tent. Next to the tent, they dug a toilet trench, hanging blankets and old clothes around it for privacy.</div><div><br></div><div>Families usually have to buy the wood and tarps for their tents, which can run up to $500, not counting ropes, nails and the cost of transporting the material, the humanitarian group Mercy Corps said.</div><div><br></div><div>Israeli authorities controlling all entry points into Gaza have been letting greater numbers of private commercial trucks into the territory, the U.N. and aid worker say. More fruits and vegetables are found in markets now, and prices on some have fallen, Palestinians say.</div><div><br></div><div>Still, most homeless Palestinians can’t afford them. Many in Gaza have not received salaries for months and their savings are depleting. Even those who have money in the bank often can’t withdraw it because there is so little physical cash in the territory. Many turn to black market exchanges that charge up to 20% to give cash for transfers from bank accounts.</div><div><br></div><div>Meanwhile, humanitarian convoys with supplies for the U.N. and other aid groups to distribute for free have fallen to nearly their lowest levels in the war, the U.N. says.</div><div><br></div><div>Previously, the U.N. was receiving several hundred trucks a day. That rate has dropped to an average of 53 trucks a day since May 6, according to the latest figures from the U.N. humanitarian office OCHA on Friday. Some 600 trucks a day are needed to stave off starvation, according to USAID.</div><div><br></div><div>In the past three weeks, most of the incoming aid has entered through two crossings from Israel in northern Gaza and via a U.S.-built floating pier taking deliveries by sea. The two main crossings in the south, Rafah from Egypt and Kerem Shalom from Israel, are either not operating or are largely inaccessible for the U.N. because of fighting nearby. Israel says it has been letting hundreds of trucks through Kerem Shalom, but the U.N. has only been able to collect about 170 of them on the Gaza side over the past three weeks because it can’t reach the crossing.</div><div><br></div><div>Entry of fuel has fallen to about a third of what it was before the Rafah offensive, according to OCHA. That reduced amount has to be stretched between keeping hospitals, bakeries, water pumps and aid trucks working.</div><div><br></div><div>The American humanitarian group Anera “is having difficulty distributing what we are able to bring in to the people who need it because there’s so little fuel for trucks,” its spokesperson Steve Fake said.</div><div><br></div><div>Most of those fleeing Rafah have poured into a humanitarian zone declared by Israel that is centered on Muwasi, a largely barren strip of coastal land. The zone was expanded north and east to reach the edges of Khan Younis and the central town of Deir al-Balah, both of which have also filled with people.</div><div><br></div><div>“As we can see, there is nothing ‘humanitarian’ about these areas,” said Suze van Meegen, head of operations in Gaza for the Norwegian Refugee Council, which has staff operating in Muwasi.</div><div><br></div><div>Much of the humanitarian zone has no charity kitchens or food market, no hospitals operating, only a few field hospitals and even smaller medical tents that can’t handle emergencies, only pass out painkillers and antibiotics if they have them, according to testimony from Mercy Corps. “It’s just a matter of time before people begin to suffer greatly from food insecurity,” the group said.</div><div><br></div><div>The Muwasi area is mostly coastal dunes with no water resources or sewage systems. With human waste deposited near the tents and garbage piling up, many people suffer from gastrointestinal diseases such as hepatitis and diarrhea, as well as skin allergies and lice, Mercy Corps said.</div><div><br></div><div>One aid worker who fled Rafah said he was lucky and could afford to rent a house in Deir al-Balah. “You can’t walk” in the town from all the tents that have arisen, he said, speaking on condition of anonymity because his agency had not authorized him to speak.</div><div><br></div><div>Many people he sees in the street are yellow with jaundice or hepatitis, and “the stench is disgusting” from the sewage and piles of garbage.</div><div><br></div><div>Israel says its offensive in Rafah is vital to its war aim of destroying Hamas in Gaza after the group’s Oct. 7 attack, in which militants killed some 1,200 people and abducted around 250 others from southern Israel. Israel’s campaign in Gaza triggered by the attack has killed some 36,000 people, according to Gaza’s Health Ministry.</div><div><br></div><div>Aid groups have warned for months that an attack on Rafah will worsen Gaza’s humanitarian disaster. So far, Israel’s operations have been short of its planned all-out invasion, though fighting has expanded over the past three weeks from the eastern parts of Rafah to central districts of the city. A strike Sunday hit a tent camp in a western part of Rafah, causing a large fire and killing at least 45 people, according to health officials. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu acknowledged a “tragic mistake” had occurred.</div><div><br></div><div>From the exodus the assault has caused, satellite photos taken last week show dense new tent camps running the length of the coast from just north of Rafah to outside Deir al-Balah. The ramshackle tents and shelters are densely packed in mazes of corrugated metal and plastic sheets, blankets and bedsheets draped over wooden sticks for privacy.</div><div><br></div><div>Tamer Saeed Abu’l Kheir said he goes out at 6 a.m. every day to find water, usually returning around noon to the tent outside Khan Younis where he and nearly two dozen relatives live. His three children, aged 4 to 10, are always sick, but he said he has to send them out to collect wood for the cooking fire, though he worries they’ll come across unexploded bombs in the wrecked houses, reports AP</div><div><br></div><div>His aging father has trouble moving so has to use the bathroom in a bucket, and Abu’l Kheir has to regularly pay to transport him to the nearest hospital for kidney dialysis.</div><div><br></div><div>“Wood costs money, water costs money, everything costs money,” said his wife, Leena Abu’l Kheir. She broke down in sobs. “I’m afraid I’ll wake up one day and I’ve lost my children, my mother, my husband, my family.”</div><div><br></div><div>bnbd/fas</div>', NULL, 'International Desk', '[\"29\"]', NULL, NULL, NULL, NULL, '2024-05-28 09:47:39', '2024-05-28 09:47:39'),
(12580, 12580, '<div><span style=\"font-size: 1rem;\">Cyclone Remal has damaged crops on 3,074 hectares of land in Jashore, according to the district Department of Agricultural Extension (DAE).&nbsp;</span><br></div><div><br></div><div>Heavy rains and strong winds lashed Jashore throughout the day on Sunday under the influence of Cyclone Remal. The intensity of the rain and winds increased at night. Crops of various types were affected by the storm and rain.</div><div><br></div><div>According to information from the district agricultural office, vegetables, banana, mango, sesame, papaya, mug, chilli, jute, litchi, and lemon were affected by the cyclone. This season, 14,220 hectares of vegetables, 587 hectares of banana, 3,924 hectares of mango, 1,680 hectares of sesame, 559 hectares of papaya, 515 hectares of mug, 435 hectares of chilli, 23,550 hectares of jute, 641 hectares of litchi, and 148 hectares of lemon have been cultivated in Jashore.</div><div><br></div><div>Of these, crops on 3,074 hectares of land have been affected by the cyclone. This includes vegetables on 1,429 hectares of land, bananas on 67 hectares of land, mangoes on 114 hectares of land, sesame on 331 hectares of land, papaya on 26 hectares of land, moong dal on 36 hectares of land, chilli on 60 hectares of land, jute on 972 hectares of land, litchi on 36 hectares of land, and lemon on three hectares of land.</div><div><br></div><div>It may take another day or two to assess the extent of the damage to these affected crops, said DAE Deputy Director Dr Sushanta Kumar Tarapdar. He said that the first step is to determine how much land was affected by the cyclone. The extent of the damage is then determined from this.</div><div><br></div><div>Meanwhile, farmers say that this year has been a disaster for crops. With the exception of paddy, all other crops have been damaged. The intense heat wave for more than a month has caused extensive damage to fruits, especially mangoes and litchis. They have also lost their juiciness. The second round of damage has been caused by the storm.</div><div><br></div><div>Sadar Upazila Agriculture Officer Hasan Ali said that the scaffolding of various crops, including bitter gourd, pumpkin, and bottle gourd, has collapsed. These scaffolds will have to be rebuilt.</div><div><br></div><div>Sellers fear that the heatwave has already had a one-time impact on the vegetable market and that the storm could have a second-time impact. As a result, prices could also rise. According to UNB reports</div><div><br></div><div>bnbd/fas</div>', NULL, 'News Desk', '[\"19\"]', NULL, NULL, NULL, NULL, '2024-05-28 10:02:24', '2024-05-28 10:02:24'),
(12581, 12581, '<div><b><span style=\"font-size: 1rem;\">Gas supply will remain suspended for 10 hours from 10:00 am to 8:00 pm on Wednesday (May 29) in different areas of Narayanganj for gas pipeline relocation and installation.</span><br></b></div><div><br></div><div>According to Titas Gas Transmission and Distribution Company, the areas where gas supply will remain halted include Panchabati, Panchabati BSCIC, Bholai, Isdair, Kashipur, Goganpur , Char Syedpur, and Mukta.</div><div><br></div><div>Regretting the temporary inconvenience to consumers, the Titas Gas authority said the adjoins areas may experience low pressure in gas supply.</div><div><br></div><div>bnbd/fas</div>', NULL, 'News Desk', '[\"39\"]', NULL, NULL, NULL, NULL, '2024-05-28 10:15:43', '2024-05-28 10:15:43'),
(12582, 12582, '<div style=\"text-align: justify; \"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify; \"><b>The Artist Journalist Foundation of Bangladesh (AJFB) has awarded playwright Rajib Moni Das with the ATN Bangla-AJFB Star Award.</b></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">In the AJFB Star Award 2023-2024, Rajib Moni Das has been honored as the best playwright. The Artist Journalist Foundation of Bangladesh (AJFB) organized a grand ceremony on Sunday, 26 May, 2024, at the ATN Bangla Auditorium of the Bangladesh Film Development Corporation (BFDC) to recognize outstanding contributions in various branches of culture, presenting lifetime honors and awards.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">The event organized by the Artist Journalist Foundation of Bangladesh (AJFB) was attended by chief guest Dr. Mahfuzur Rahman, Chairman of ATN Bangla and ATN News, and renowned film director Kazi Hayat. During the event, Dr. Mahfuzur Rahman presented the Best Playwright Award to Rajib Moni Das for his special contributions to the field of drama.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">Rajib Moni Das expressed his gratitude by respectfully greeting and thanking everyone present for deciding to honor him. He also extended his continuous love to his countless well-wishers.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">Regarding the honor, he further stated that an honor is a commemorative recognition of a person\'s work, which encourages them to perform better and increases their responsibility towards their work. He committed to contributing to meeting the expectations of everyone and the audience.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">The event was also attended by former successful Railway Minister Mujibul Haque Mujib, AJFB\'s founding president Abul Hossain Majumder, AJFB President Faruq Hossain Majumder, General Secretary actor Nirab, among many others.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">The ceremony awarded lifetime honors and recognition for outstanding contributions in various cultural branches. Lifetime honors were awarded to theater and film personality Dilara Zaman and music personality Ferdous Wahid.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">Special honors were received by film personalities Rozina, Shabnam Parvin, Amit Hasan, Nirab Hossain, Elina Shammi, Shirin Shila, and singer Balam.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify; \">bnbd24/kh</div>', NULL, 'news desk', '[\"13\"]', NULL, NULL, NULL, NULL, '2024-05-28 10:27:36', '2024-05-28 10:27:36'),
(12583, 12583, '<div><span style=\"font-size: 1rem;\"><b>Dhaka\'s air quality has turned \"good\" due to the incessant rain triggered by Cyclone Remal.</b></span><br></div><div><br></div><div>With an air quality index (AQI) score of 38 at 9 am this morning (May 28, 2024), Dhaka anked 77th on the list of cities worldwide with the worst air quality.</div><div><br></div><div>When the AQI score is between 0 and 50, air quality is considered to be ‘good’, while between 50 and 100 is ‘moderate’, between 101 and 150 ‘unhealthy for sensitive groups’, between 151 and 200 is ‘unhealthy’, between 201 and 300 is said to be \'very unhealthy\', while a reading of 301+ is considered \'hazardous\', posing serious health risks to residents.&nbsp;</div><div><br></div><div>India\'s Delhi, Indonesia\'s Jakarta and Pakistan\'s Lahore occupied the first three spots on the list, with AQI scores of 216, 173 and 162, respectively.&nbsp;</div><div><br></div><div>AQI, an index for reporting daily air quality, is used by government agencies to inform people how clean or polluted the air of a certain city is, and what associated health effects might be a concern for them.&nbsp;</div><div><br></div><div>In Bangladesh, the AQI is based on five criteria pollutants -- Particulate Matter (PM10 and PM2.5), NO2, CO, SO2 and Ozone.&nbsp;</div><div><br></div><div>Dhaka has long been grappling with air pollution issues. Its air quality usually turns unhealthy in winter and improves during the monsoon.&nbsp;&nbsp;</div><div><br></div><div>With the advent of winter, the city’s air quality starts deteriorating sharply due to the massive discharge of pollutant particles from construction work, rundown roads, brick kilns and other sources.</div><div><br></div><div>Air pollution consistently ranks among the top risk factors for death and disability worldwide. Breathing polluted air has long been recognised as increasing a person’s chances of developing a heart disease, chronic respiratory diseases, lung infections and cancer, according to several studies.</div><div><br></div><div>As per the World Health Organization (WHO), air pollution kills an estimated seven million people worldwide every year, largely as a result of increased mortality from stroke, heart disease, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, lung cancer and acute respiratory infections.</div><div><br></div><div>bnbd/fas</div>', NULL, 'News Desk', '[\"39\"]', NULL, NULL, NULL, NULL, '2024-05-28 10:45:12', '2024-05-28 10:45:12'),
(12584, 12584, '<div><b><span style=\"font-size: 1rem;\">Spain moved to formally recognize a Palestinian state with Ireland and Norway to follow suit on Tuesday in a coordinated effort by the three western European nations. Israel slammed the diplomatic move that will have no immediate impact on its grinding war in Gaza but adds to international pressure on Tel Aviv to soften its devastating response to last year\'s Hamas-led attack.</span><br></b></div><div><br></div><div>Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez said the Spanish Cabinet will recognize a Palestinian state at its Tuesday morning meeting as a European Union rift with Israel widens. Ireland and Norway were also to make official their recognition of a Palestinian state later in the day.</div><div><br></div><div>“This is a historic decision that has a single goal, and that is to help Israelis and Palestinians achieve peace,” Sánchez, standing at the gates of the prime minister\'s palace in Madrid, said during a televised speech.</div><div><br></div><div>Israel’s Foreign Minister Israel Katz lashed out at Spain on X, saying Sánchez\'s government was “being complicit in inciting genocide against Jews and war crimes.”</div><div><br></div><div>While dozens of countries have recognized a Palestinian state, none of the major Western powers has done so. Still, the adherence of three European countries to the group represents a victory for Palestinian efforts in the world of public opinion.</div><div><br></div><div>Relations between the EU and Israel nosedived Monday, the eve of the diplomatic recognition EU members Ireland and Spain, with Madrid insisting that the EU should take action against Israel for its continued deadly attacks in southern Gaza’s city of Rafah. According to AP reports&nbsp;</div><div><br></div><div>bnbd/fas</div>', NULL, 'International Desk', '[\"29\"]', NULL, NULL, NULL, NULL, '2024-05-28 10:47:41', '2024-05-28 10:47:41'),
(12586, 12586, '<div style=\"text-align: justify; \"><span style=\"font-size: 1rem;\">A total of 3.70 lakh positions out of 19.151 lakh government jobs remain vacant, Public Administration Minister Farhad Hossain said today.</span><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">The minister revealed this information during a dialogue organized by the Bangladesh Secretariat Reporters Forum (BSRF).</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">Addressing a question about women lagging behind in the Bangladesh Civil Service (BCS), the minister noted that out of 84 secretaries, 11 are women. Additionally, there are 658 senior assistant secretaries, seven female deputy commissioners, 151 female UNOs, and 88 female AC land officers.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">“We are making progress in women empowerment, with women constituting 29 percent of government job holders,” he stated.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">Responding to a question about allegations against 351 government officials from grade-1 to grade-9 over the past ten years, Farhad Hossain said that 41 received severe punishment and 140 received light punishment. In total, 181 officials were punished, while 170 were discharged, reports UNB</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">Regarding concerns about not maintaining policy in promotions, the minister assured, “Promotions and postings are conducted following proper policies. We have a well-ordered system. It’s important to consider various factors such as officers studying abroad under government scholarships, assignments in embassies abroad, and health issues of some officers. We take all these factors into account.&nbsp;</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify; \">bnbd/fas</div>', NULL, 'News Desk', '[\"19\"]', NULL, NULL, NULL, NULL, '2024-05-28 11:18:44', '2024-05-28 11:18:44'),
(12587, 12587, '<div><span style=\"font-size: 1rem;\"><b>An Indian climber rescued from Everest has died in hospital, a Nepali tourism official said today, taking the number of fatalities this season on the world’s highest mountain to eight.</b></span><br></div><div><br></div><div>Banshi Lal, 46, was plucked from the mountain last week and taken to a hospital in Nepal’s capital Kathmandu.</div><div><br></div><div>“He died at the hospital yesterday,” Rakesh Gurung of the tourism department told AFP.</div><div><br></div><div>Three people — a British climber and two Nepali guides — among the eight are listed as missing but presumed dead.</div><div><br></div><div>The latest fatality comes as the Everest mountaineering season nears its end, with the death toll relatively low compared to other years.</div><div><br></div><div>Last year was the deadliest season on the mountain with 18 fatalities.</div><div><br></div><div>Three others died climbing other Nepali peaks including a Romanian aiming for Lhotse, neighbouring Everest, and a French and a Nepali climber on Makalu, the fifth highest peak.</div><div><br></div><div>Nepal is home to eight of the world’s 10 highest peaks and welcomes hundreds of adventurers each spring, when temperatures are warm and winds typically calm.</div><div><br></div><div>All the Everest deaths occurred in areas above 8,000m, known as the ‘death zone’, where thin air and low oxygen levels heighten the risk of altitude sickness.</div><div><br></div><div>Nepal has issued more than 900 permits for its mountains this year, including 419 for Everest, earning more than US$5 million in royalties.</div><div><br></div><div>More than 600 climbers and their guides have already reached the summit of Everest after a rope-fixing team reached the peak last month.</div><div><br></div><div>China also reopened the Tibetan route to foreigners this year for the first time since closing it in 2020 because of the pandemic. - AFP&nbsp;</div><div><br></div><div>bnbd/fas</div>', NULL, 'International Desk', '[\"29\"]', NULL, NULL, NULL, NULL, '2024-05-28 12:09:00', '2024-05-28 12:09:00'),
(12588, 12588, '<div style=\"text-align: justify; \"><span style=\"font-size: 1rem;\"><b>Ireland’s Ambassador to Bangladesh and India Kevin Kelly has said they have a “renewed commitment” to Bangladesh, noting that they have a new Asia Pacific strategy that was launched last year.</b></span><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">“The significance and sustained economic growth which we have seen in Bangladesh must be applauded. We are very interested in understanding more about your economic model. Bangladesh in many ways, we see, is standing as an example of what can be achieved by hard work and strategic planning,” he said.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify; \"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">The ambassador, who submitted his credentials to President Mohammed Shahabuddin on Tuesday, was delivering his keynote speech at a roundtable discussion in Dhaka as part of Cosmos Dialogue.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">He said Bangladesh is situated between two colossal markets in this region between India and China, and they see it as a “crucial gateway” to ASEAN, much as they see Ireland as being a very good gateway for Bangladesh into the European Union market.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">On easing visas for Bangladeshis, the ambassador said with Masud Khan, Honorary Consul of Ireland in Bangladesh and his team they are going to look into the issue. “That’s a commitment. We are going to do that. Definitely that’s on our agenda. We are working with Masud and his team.”</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">Cosmos Foundation, the philanthropic arm of the Cosmos Group, hosted the discussion titled \"Bangladesh-Ireland Relations: Prognosis for the Future.\"</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">The session was chaired by Dr Iftekhar Ahmed Chowdhury, a renowned scholar-diplomat and former advisor on Foreign Affairs of Bangladesh Caretaker Government while Masud Khan, Honorary Consul of Ireland in Bangladesh delivered welcome remarks.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">Lailufar Yasmin, professor, Department of International Relations, Dhaka University and Parvez Karim Abbasi, assistant professor, Department of Economics, East West University spoke as discussants. Cosmos Foundation Chairman Enayetullah Khan delivered closing remarks.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">On the global matrix today, Dr Iftekhar Chowdhury said, Ireland has established itself as a state actor and he expressed his optimism that Ireland will help shape the European policy in a way so as to use them for Bangladesh in the aftermath of the LDC graduation.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">The foreign affairs expert said both Bangladeshis and Irish are bonded by strong values, including a passion for freedom.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">Both the Bengalis and Irish struggled for decades in achieving their sovereign identities, Dr Chowdhury said.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">A second shared value is the desire and the ability to express individual and societal emotions through the medium of literature, he mentioned.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">Masud Khan said indeed, both sides have been able to identify the areas in which potential cooperation between Bangladesh and Ireland could deepen.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">“I would add to this list sports, in particular cricket. This is an activity which engages both the youth and adults of both countries, in one way or another. As the Honorary consul of Bangladesh, I shall make every possible effort to contribute to these efforts,” he said.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">Masud said this year has been a remarkable one in terms of bilateral relations with a “successful” ministerial visit from Ireland to Bangladesh, a very rewarding courtesy meeting with Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">Thereafter, earlier this month, Bangladesh and Ireland held their first ever Foreign Office Consultations in Dublin.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">Enayetullah Khan said he is absolutely persuaded that there is a great deal that Bangladesh and Ireland can achieve by working together.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">“A good beginning has been made by the establishment of a Consulate in Dhaka. Already some benefits are coming to light. Public interest in Ireland has been growing in Bangladesh. The first ever foreign office consultations between the two sides held in Dublin recently was yet another milestone along our journey of bilateral cooperation,” he said.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">As an important member of the European Union, Khan said, he has no doubt that Ireland will render Bangladesh every support in smoothening Bangladesh’s transition to a post LDC -phase of development.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">He said Ireland can take pride in its excellent citadels of learning in their universities which will continue to attract Bangladeshi students.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">Ambassador Kelly said one has to admit that the current economic ties between Bangladesh and Ireland are too small with just over 540 million euros in bilateral trade per annum.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">“That\'s the figure we have from last year. But the good news is that figure is on an upward trajectory, and we believe that those figures can be greatly increased,” he said, adding that they support Bangladesh’s efforts to diversify goods and services trade beyond the traditional predominance of readymade garments.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">The ambassador referred to the recent opening of the Honorary Consul in Dhaka and said, “It gives me great pride to see the Irish flag. It\'s a small start but it is an indication of our growing commitment to Bangladesh.”</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">About renewing their commitment to engage with the region wider than China, he said, “I think in the past, there\'s an acknowledgement that perhaps a huge amount of our focus in the wider Asia Pacific region went to China. And now there is a real attempt to rebalance that and to look to other countries such as Bangladesh. I won\'t go through the details of that strategy. But there are over 100 different actions, opening up whole new areas for collaboration, people to people links, economic and political ties.”</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">The ambassador said their trade policy plays a very important role in promoting their values and standards, including the positive contribution that trade and investments can make to sustainable development.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">“We managed to attract a huge amount of international multi multinational investment. One of our greatest assets is our highly skilled, educated, and increasingly multicultural population. It\'s also one of the youngest in Europe. We have one of the best education systems in the world,” said the Irish envoy.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">Mentioning that the Irish dairy sector has enjoyed strong exports to Bangladesh in recent years, the envoy said they are open to exploring further areas for economic engagement with Bangladesh.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">Ambassador Kelly said they would like to be a friend for Bangladesh. “I\'m encouraged to see that the relations between the EU and Bangladesh are growing ever stronger.”</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">He said they support the negotiations and the new Partnership and Cooperation Agreement (PCA) between Bangladesh and the EU.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">“We know that\'ll recast a much more modern relationship in terms of political and trade engagement, moving away from aid. We also see real potential in the Global Gateway Initiative, which aims to support climate action and renewable energy projects in Bangladesh,” said the ambassador.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify; \">He said they support the graduation of Bangladesh to the GSP plus scheme and Ireland is supportive of measures to minimize any economic shocks that may arise from graduation.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">The envoy said they are committed to the collective response to this long running humanitarian catastrophe – the Rohingya crisis.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">Prof Lailufar Yasmin said Island comes into play being the wealthiest country within the European Union and it has a lot to offer for Bangladesh.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">She laid emphasis on people to people contact as they are talking about academic collaboration.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">Talking about skilled migration, Prof Lailufar said, “We can have dual degree programs. And these dual degrees will work in Ireland and in many other countries, where there is a real shortfall of educated and skilled sort of graduates.”</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">Prof Abbasi said Ireland can get a steady supply of skilled IT professionals as the country has at least 600,000 IT professionals. “So Ireland being the hub of the IT sector, we could actually engage with them,” reports UNB</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">He also talked about the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) and Free Trade Agreement issues.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">“This is the beginning of a beautiful relationship as was the final line of the movie Casablanca. So let us take time to nurture this. And again, only good things will result,” he added.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify; \">bnbd/fas</div>', NULL, 'News Desk', '[\"19\"]', NULL, NULL, NULL, NULL, '2024-05-28 13:14:22', '2024-05-28 13:14:22'),
(12589, 12589, '<div style=\"text-align: justify; \"><b><span style=\"font-size: 1rem;\">BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir on Tuesday said, “I don\'t feel like talking about this government anymore. How much can I say? They\'ve become too thick-skinned that they’re least bothered about criticism...their only goal is to plunder public money.\"&nbsp;</span><br></b></div><div style=\"text-align: justify; \"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">He urged the government to step down without any manoeuvring as its existence has already been tainted by widespread corruption.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">Speaking at a discussion, he also warned that their party will intensify the movement to ensure the ouster of the government despite all obstacles.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">The Jatiyatabadi Muktijoddha Dal, the freedom fighters\' wing of BNP, organised the programme at Dhaka Reporters’ Unity (DRU), commemorating the 43rd death anniversary of BNP founder and late president Ziaur Rahman.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">Referring to the exposure of various graft incidents involving ruling party leaders and former officials, he said the government has earned a serious bad reputation for unbridled corruption and plundering.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">“They have become completely tainted with corruption. No matter how much they talk, whatever they say, in reality, they have no existence. The evidence of that is visible everywhere. I say their time is over. So, stop manoeuvring so that you can receive a proper burial and funeral, and people can remember you,” Fakhrul said.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">He also questioned who promoted former Army Chief Aziz Ahmed and ex-IGP Benazir Ahmed to engage in irregularities.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">“Who nurtured Aziz? Where was Aziz’s position and where was he elevated? Now the history of Benzir Ahmed’s countless misdeeds and plundering are also being exposed,” he said.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">The BNP leader said Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina should step down, taking responsibility for the graft incidents involving her party colleagues and former government officials.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">“There aren\'t just one or two incidents like this; there are countless. There’s nothing but corruption around them…all their so-called elected representatives in the local government elections, or the MPs elected in the midnight elections are extremely involved in corruption. They are all drowning under the weight of ill-gotten money.”</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify; \">He also said ruling party leaders are building second homes abroad with their illegal money. “A former State Minister for Land had 365 houses in London.”</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">Under the circumstances, the BNP leader said opposition parties must move forward to protect the country with new strategies, considering the geo-political situation and the new world order.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">He said all patriotic individuals, all political forces, especially the young generation who love the country, must unite now and step forward to protect the country from the clutches of the dreadful monster and safeguard the nation from peril. “We’ll be eliminated if we get defeated in the struggle for saving the country.”</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">He said it is now dangerous for opposition leaders and workers to raise their voices and carry out movements in Bangladesh.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">“Everything is dangerous here. Amidst this peril, we must gather the courage to stand firm. We must realise our justified demand for holding an impartial election. For that, we must intensify our movement,” he added</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify; \">bnbd/fas</div>', NULL, 'Staff Correspondent', '[\"1\"]', NULL, NULL, NULL, NULL, '2024-05-28 13:29:41', '2024-05-28 13:29:41'),
(12590, 12590, '<div><b><span style=\"font-size: 1rem;\">Former Dutch intelligence chief Dick Schoof will be presented today as the proposed prime minister of the Netherlands’ incoming right-wing government.</span><br></b></div><div><br></div><div>The four parties that will form the new government, led by Geert Wilders’ nationalist PVV, announced a press conference with Schoof for 1500 GMT today.</div><div><br></div><div>Election winner Wilders earlier this month reached an agreement on forming a new government with three other conservative parties, after ruling himself out for the top job in the cabinet.</div><div><br></div><div>Schoof, 67, is currently the senior official at the Dutch ministry of justice, after having led the country’s intelligence agency AIVD and anti-terrorism agency NCTV for years.</div><div><br></div><div>He would head a cabinet that the four parties have said would have looser ties to parliament.</div><div><br></div><div>That government will, however, have to stick to the agreement reached by the four parties, which aims for a clampdown on migration and exceptions on EU asylum and environmental rules.</div><div><br></div><div>Far-right leader Wilders last week said he expected the new government to be operational by end June. - Reuters</div><div><br></div><div>bnbd/fas</div>', NULL, 'International Desk', '[\"29\"]', NULL, NULL, NULL, NULL, '2024-05-28 14:10:18', '2024-05-28 14:10:18'),
(12591, 12591, '<div style=\"text-align: justify; \"><span style=\"font-size: 1rem;\"><b>Pope Francis, widely quoted as having used a highly derogatory word to describe the LGBT community, did not intend to use homophobic language and apologises to anyone offended by it, the Vatican said today.</b></span><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify; \"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">“The Pope never intended to offend or express himself in homophobic terms, and he apologises to those who felt offended by the use of a term reported by others,” Vatican spokesman Matteo Bruni said in an emailed statement.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">Italian media had reported on Monday that Francis used the Italian term ‘frociaggine’, roughly translating as ‘faggotness’ or ‘faggotry’, as he told Italian bishops he remained opposed to admitting gay people into the priesthood.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">Italian political gossip website Dagospia was the first to report the alleged incident, said to have happened on May 20 when the pontiff met Italian bishops behind closed doors. Bruni said Francis was “aware” of the reports.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">The Vatican spokesman reiterated that the pope remained committed to a welcoming Church for all, where “nobody is useless, nobody is superfluous, (where) there is room for everyone.”</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">Francis, who is 87, has been credited with making substantial overtures towards the LGBT community during his 11-year papacy, but his reported comments caused shock and consternation, even among his supporters.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">In 2013, at the start of his papacy, he famously said: “If a person is gay and seeks God and has good will, who am I to judge?” Last year he allowed priests to bless members of same-sex couples, triggering substantial conservative backlash. - Reuters</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify; \">bnbd/fas</div>', NULL, 'International Desk', '[\"29\"]', NULL, NULL, NULL, NULL, '2024-05-28 14:12:49', '2024-05-28 14:12:49'),
(12592, 12592, '<div><br></div><div><span style=\"font-size: 1rem;\"><b>Twenty-one Palestinians were killed, at least twelve of them women, while dozens wounded in new Israeli strikes on an area of tents housing displaced people West of Rafah today, Palestinian medical officials said.</b></span><br></div><div><br></div><div>The new Israeli strikes targeted tents of displaced families in the designated humanitarian area in Mawasi in western Rafah, according to medics and residents. - Reuters</div><div><br></div><div>bnbd/fas</div>', NULL, 'International Desk', '[\"29\"]', NULL, NULL, NULL, NULL, '2024-05-28 14:17:10', '2024-05-28 14:17:10'),
(12593, 12593, '<div><b><span style=\"font-size: 1rem;\">The government is not embarrassed about former Army chief Aziz Ahmed and former IGP Benzir Ahmed issue as the government has the courage to bring them to justice, said Awami League General Secretary and Road Transport and Bridges Minister Obaidul Quader.</span><br></b></div><div><br></div><div>The government didn’t give them a chance to go scot-free. The government is uncompromising on corruption, he said.</div><div><br></div><div>He made the remarks at a press conference at the Awami League president\'s office in Dhanmondi in the capital on Tuesday noon, reports unb</div><div><br></div><div>“Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina is known as an honest Prime Minister worldwide, and her popularity in Bangladesh stems from her integrity and hard work. The government is always ready to take action against corruption,” he said.</div><div><br></div><div>Mentioning that the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) is investigating the issue, Quader said, “ACC is independent. Sheikh Hasina has given ACC the freedom. ACC has informed that investigations into the illegal assets of Benzir Ahmed are still ongoing and further investigations will be conducted.”</div><div><br></div><div>“As an investigation is ongoing, they will have to face trial. No criminal will be spared under Sheikh Hasina\'s rule. Former army chief Aziz Ahmed - if he is a criminal, ACC can investigate him. If he is a criminal, he must face punishment. Whoever he may be,” Quader said.</div><div><br></div><div>bnbd/fas</div>', NULL, 'News Desk', '[\"19\"]', NULL, NULL, NULL, NULL, '2024-05-28 14:19:59', '2024-05-28 14:19:59'),
(12594, 12594, '<div><b><span style=\"font-size: 1rem;\">A Hong Kong court will deliver verdicts this week in the biggest case brought against pro-democracy campaigners since China imposed a national security law to crush dissent.</span><br></b></div><div><br></div><div>Forty-seven people from a cross-section of Hong Kong’s then-opposition face life in prison on subversion charges for political activities in 2020, following democracy protests that saw millions take to the streets.</div><div><br></div><div>Thirty-one members of the group — which includes democratically elected lawmakers, union members and academics — have pleaded guilty.</div><div><br></div><div>Three judges handpicked by the government to try national security cases are scheduled to deliver verdicts against the remaining 16 on Thursday and Friday.</div><div><br></div><div>Cases under the national security law and related crimes, such as sedition, have a 100% conviction rate, with 114 people found guilty since the legislation came into force in 2020.</div><div><br></div><div>Rights groups say the law undermines civil liberties that were meant to be enshrined under a 1997 agreement to hand the former British colony back to China.</div><div><br></div><div>The government says the law is needed to crack down on major crimes such as collusion and secession after the massive, and at times violent, pro-democracy demonstrations in 2019.</div><div><br></div><div>Beijing’s Hong Kong Affairs Office had said the defendants staged “a severe challenge against Hong Kong’s constitutional order” by organising and joining an unofficial primary election in July 2020.</div><div><br></div><div>The primary was meant to shortlist some pro-democracy candidates for the city’s official legislature election — which was later cancelled by authorities.</div><div><br></div><div>Prosecutors said the defendants planned to seize a legislative majority to force Hong Kong authorities to meet five demands raised by protesters in 2019. - AFP </div><div><br></div><div>bnbd/fas</div>', NULL, 'International Desk', '[\"29\"]', NULL, NULL, NULL, NULL, '2024-05-28 14:33:11', '2024-05-28 14:34:00');
INSERT INTO `news_details` (`id`, `news_id`, `details`, `ticker`, `representative`, `keyword`, `video_link`, `google_drive_link`, `audio_link`, `shoulder`, `created_at`, `updated_at`) VALUES
(12595, 12595, '<div style=\"text-align: justify; \"><b><span style=\"font-size: 1rem;\">State Minister for Information and Broadcasting Mohammad Ali Arafat today urged the German broadcaster Deutsche Welle (DW) to show commitment to human rights and press freedom making and broadcasting documentary on the genocide orchestrated by Israeli forces in Gaza.</span><br></b></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">He made the call while talking about the recent documentary of the DW on Bangladesh\'s human rights situation comparing with the context of Sri Lanka at a workshop here.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">The state minister inaugurated the workshop titled \'Right to Information for the Marginalized and disadvantaged Citizen\' at the Information Commission (IC) conference room in the city\'s Agargaon area this morning.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">\"Very recently, the DW released a report on human rights tagging Bangladesh with Sri Lanka that witnessed a civil war in recent past. I don\'t want to criticize it rather I appreciate commitment of any organization towards human rights,\" he said.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">\"But I would like to ask the DW to prove its commitment to human rights and press freedom by making documentary on the human rights violation and genocide in Gaza,\" Arafat added.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">If the DW could not do it, he said, the documentary will be treated as motivated and a part of anti-Bangladesh conspiracy being carried out by a vested quarter, which does not talk about the problems and development of the marginalized people in real sense and try to tarnish the country\'s image at the global stage.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">Information Commission and Advancing Women\'s Right of Access to Information Project of The Carter Centre jointly organized the workshop with Chief Information Commissioner (CIC) Dr Abdul Malek in the chair.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">Aroma Dutta, MP, Information Commissioners Shahidul Alam Jhinuk and Masuda Bhatti and USAID Office Director Alena Tansey spoke at the function as special guests.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">Earler, on May 25, the Inter Services Public Relations Directorate (ISPR) issued a rejoinder protesting the DW documentary titled \"Torturers deployed as UN peacekeepers\" and terming it \"false and fallacious one\".</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">\"This documentary presents a misleading portrayal of Bangladesh Army personnel in UN Peacekeeping Missions,\" said the ISPR rejoinder.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">Speaking about the Right to Information (RTI) Act, Arafat said the law was passed in parliament in 2009 with Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina as the Leader of the House that reflected her commitment to transparency and accountability of the government, the governance and democracy at large.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">However, the law involves two sides - information providers and information seekers, he said, adding, \"But we noticed a bit of lack of understanding between the two sides over the proper use of the law. I would like to thank the CIC and his entire team for working relentlessly to make the both sides understand about the law by giving trainings\".</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">The government officials should realize that they are not the owners of information but custodians, so they are bound to give the information when it is sought by the people or media on behalf of the people, the state minister said.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">Noting that this law has been enacted to ensure the access to information, he said there is no alternative to providing training to the both sides - information seekers and providers - to yield the maximum result of the law.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">Referring to Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina\'s one of the ten special initiatives \'Ashrayan Prakalpa\', Arafat said Bangabandhu\'s daughter has rehabilitated the landless poor people, including the bede community like Manta, under her housing project, which is a matter of human rights.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">She ensured the citizenship and voting rights of the Hijra (third gender) and bede people, he said, adding, the government is working giving the highest priority to the protection of the human rights, voting right and freedom of expression of the marginalized, the landless and the destitute.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">The protection of the human rights was always ignored in the country, no one paid attention to it, the state minister said, adding that Bangabandhu\'s daughter Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina at first thought about it and ensured it.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify; \"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">\"We have to march forward by involving all people in the inclusive development. Otherwise, the development will not be sustainable,\" he said.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">Highlighting Bangladesh\'s progress in attaining the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), Arafat said the country secured the first position among all the countries across the world six years in a row in terms of achieving the SDG targets.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">Pointing that about Taka 120,000 crore is allocated in the budget for social safety net programme to help the poor and underprivileged people, he said this information should be reached to the people who are entitled to get the assistance under this programme so that they can get the benefits.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">The Information Commission can work to ensure the access of the marginalized people to information regarding the government\'s social safety net programme, the state minister said, adding, if anyone creates obstacles in providing these information, the commission should take actions against him or her.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">Later, Arafat unveiled the RTI News Letter published by the Information Commission. Source: BSS</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify; \">bnbd/fas</div>', NULL, 'News Desk', '[\"19\"]', NULL, NULL, NULL, NULL, '2024-05-28 14:46:11', '2024-05-28 14:46:11'),
(12596, 12596, '<div><span style=\"font-size: 1rem;\"><b>Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina directed the authorities to speedily repair the embankments damaged by cyclone Remal in the coastal areas.</b></span><br></div><div><br></div><div>\"The damaged embankments must be repaired speedily as monsoon is approaching,\" she was quoted as telling the meeting, according to a media briefing by Planning Minister Abdus Salam.</div><div><br></div><div>Sheikh Hasina made this directive while chairing the meeting of the Executive Committee of the National Economic Council (Ecnec) at the NEC conference room in the city’s Sher-e Bangla Nagar area.</div><div><br></div><div>He said the Prime Minister also directed for ensuring safe water in the cyclone-affected areas so that water-borne diseases could not spread.</div><div><br></div><div>Abdus Salam said the prime minister monitored the cyclone situation throughout the night and issued necessary directives to the relevant agencies for tackling the situation.</div><div><br></div><div>State Minister for Planning Md Shahiduzzaman Sarker, Planning Division Senior Secretary Satyajit Karmakar, Planning Commission members and secretaries concerned were also present at the briefing.</div><div><br></div><div>Planning Secretary Satyajit Karmakar said the Ecnec meeting approved 11 development projects involving a total of Tk 14,337 crore.</div><div><br></div><div>“The total estimated cost of 11 projects approved in the meeting is Tk 14,337.38 crore (only additional costs of revised projects were counted here),” he said.</div><div><br></div><div>Of the cost, Tk 6,541.52 crore&nbsp; will be financed from the national exchequer, while Tk 7,879.15 crore from the foreign sources and the remaining Tk 83.29 crore from the own funds of the organisations concerned, he said.</div><div><br></div><div>bnbd/fas</div>', NULL, 'Staff Correspondent', '[\"19\"]', NULL, NULL, NULL, NULL, '2024-05-28 14:50:57', '2024-05-28 14:50:57'),
(12598, 12598, '<div style=\"text-align: justify; \"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify; \"><b>The Artist Journalist Foundation of Bangladesh (AJFB) has awarded director Polash Moni Das with the ATN Bangla-AJFB Star Award.</b></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">In the AJFB Star Award 2023-2024, Polash Moni Das has been honored as the best director. The Artist Journalist Foundation of Bangladesh (AJFB) organized a grand ceremony on Sunday, 26 May, 2024, at the ATN Bangla Auditorium of the Bangladesh Film Development Corporation (BFDC) to recognize outstanding contributions in various branches of culture, presenting lifetime honors and awards.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">The event organized by the Artist Journalist Foundation of Bangladesh (AJFB) was attended by chief guest Dr. Mahfuzur Rahman, Chairman of ATN Bangla and ATN News, and renowned film director Kazi Hayat. During the event, Dr. Mahfuzur Rahman presented the Best Director Award to Polash Moni Das for his special contributions to the field of drama.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">Polash Moni Das expressed his gratitude by respectfully greeting and thanking everyone present for deciding to honor him. He also extended his continuous love to his countless well-wishers.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">Regarding the honor, he further stated that an honor is a commemorative recognition of a person\'s work, which encourages them to perform better and increases their responsibility towards their work. He committed to contributing to meeting the expectations of everyone and the audience.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">The event was also attended by former successful Railway Minister Mujibul Haque Mujib, AJFB\'s founding president Abul Hossain Majumder, AJFB President Faruq Hossain Majumder, General Secretary actor Nirab, among many others.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">The ceremony awarded lifetime honors and recognition for outstanding contributions in various cultural branches. Lifetime honors were awarded to theater and film personality Dilara Zaman and music personality Ferdous Wahid.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">Special honors were received by film personalities Rozina, Shabnam Parvin, Amit Hasan, Nirab Hossain, Elina Shammi, Shirin Shila, and singer Balam.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify; \">bnbd24/kh</div>', NULL, 'news desk', '[\"13\"]', NULL, NULL, NULL, NULL, '2024-05-28 16:18:12', '2024-05-28 16:18:12'),
(12599, 12599, '<div style=\"text-align: justify; \"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify; \"><b>The Artist Journalist Foundation of Bangladesh (AJFB) has awarded director Momin Sarkar with the ATN Bangla-AJFB Star Award.</b></div><div style=\"text-align: justify; \"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify; \">In the AJFB Star Award 2023-2024, Momin Sarkar has been honored as the best director. The Artist Journalist Foundation of Bangladesh (AJFB) organized a grand ceremony on Sunday, 26 May, 2024, at the ATN Bangla Auditorium of the Bangladesh Film Development Corporation (BFDC) to recognize outstanding contributions in various branches of culture, presenting lifetime honors and awards.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify; \"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify; \">The event organized by the Artist Journalist Foundation of Bangladesh (AJFB) was attended by chief guest Dr. Mahfuzur Rahman, Chairman of ATN Bangla and ATN News, and renowned film director Kazi Hayat. During the event, Dr. Mahfuzur Rahman presented the Best Director Award to Momin Sarkar for his special contributions to the field of drama.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify; \"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify; \">Momin Sarkar expressed his gratitude by respectfully greeting and thanking everyone present for deciding to honor him. He also extended his continuous love to his countless well-wishers.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify; \"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify; \">Regarding the honor, he further stated that an honor is a commemorative recognition of a person\'s work, which encourages them to perform better and increases their responsibility towards their work. He committed to contributing to meeting the expectations of everyone and the audience.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify; \"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify; \">The event was also attended by former successful Railway Minister Mujibul Haque Mujib, AJFB\'s founding president Abul Hossain Majumder, AJFB President Faruq Hossain Majumder, General Secretary actor Nirab, among many others.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify; \"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify; \">The ceremony awarded lifetime honors and recognition for outstanding contributions in various cultural branches. Lifetime honors were awarded to theater and film personality Dilara Zaman and music personality Ferdous Wahid.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify; \"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify; \">Special honors were received by film personalities Rozina, Shabnam Parvin, Amit Hasan, Nirab Hossain, Elina Shammi, Shirin Shila, and singer Balam.&nbsp;&nbsp;</div><div style=\"text-align: justify; \"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify; \">bnbd24/kh</div>', NULL, 'news desk', '[\"13\"]', NULL, NULL, NULL, NULL, '2024-05-28 16:22:41', '2024-05-28 16:22:41'),
(12600, 12600, '<div style=\"text-align: justify; \"><span style=\"font-size: 1rem;\"><b>Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has urged the international community to end the arms race and instead spend the money for eradication&nbsp; of poverty and easing the adverse impacts of climate change.</b></span><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify; \"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">“The money for arms development and competition can be provided to the climate fund for the countries that are now going to be affected by climate changes in order to protect mankind from climate adversities. And the money can also be used on food for the poor children, as well as education and health of the underprivileged children,” she said.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">The prime minister was addressing a programme arranged in the city’s Bangabandhu International Conference Centre (BICC) to mark the International Day of United Nations Peacekeepers 2024 and pay tributes to the fallen peacekeepers and those who had been wounded while peacekeeping duty.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">Pointing to the countries which are spending a huge amount of money on arms development and arms race, she said, “We talk about peace. But why do you engage in conflicts?”&nbsp;</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">Had this money spent for arms race been spent on foods for hungry people, education and medical treatment for the poor, then peace would have beeb established in this world. The living standard of people would have improved and the people could live in a decent manner, said Hasina.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">“Conflicts and wars in different parts of the world are disrupting world peace today,” she said citing Russia-Ukraine war, Israel’s genocide in Gaza, the forcibly displaced Rohingya people of Myanmar.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">The wars and conflicts have created a dire situation for the mankind, she said.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">“As the arms race continues to rise, the lives of people become more and more miserable,” she said, adding that the women and children are suffering the most and young people are losing their lives due to conflicts and wars.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">The premier stressed the need for solving problems and disputes through negotiation.&nbsp; “We don\'t want war, we want peace. We want to solve everything through dialogue. A large number of people in the world still live below the poverty line,” she added.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">She said Bangladesh has become a role model for global peace.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">\"Bangladesh is a dependable name in the efforts of protecting peace and safety alongside establishing global peace. We are acknowledged by all as we have become a role model on the global stage,\" she said.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">She said currently 6,092 Bangladeshi peacekeepers, including 493 women, are deployed in 13 UN missions around the world and they have already successfully completed 63 missions in different countries in the world.&nbsp;</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">Bangladesh, the PM said, is now observing 36 years since it started contributing troops to the UN peacekeeping missions.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">She said Bangladesh is currently the largest troops-contributing country to UN peacekeeping. \"They (Bangladeshi peacekeepers) have been working with fame and glory,\" she said.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">She said leaders of the countries where Bangladeshi peacekeepers are now working have highly praised them. \"I feel really proud of the compliments,\" she said.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">The prime minister said Bangladesh is actively participating in other international forums alongside the UN peacekeeping missions to establish global peace.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">\"Overall, our professionalism, efficiency and commitment in establishing global peace have set an example for others,\" she said.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify; \">bnbd/fas</div>', NULL, 'Staff Correspondent', '[\"19\"]', NULL, NULL, NULL, NULL, '2024-05-29 09:15:31', '2024-05-29 09:15:31'),
(12601, 12601, '<div style=\"text-align: justify; \"><span style=\"font-size: 1rem;\"><b>Fish and shrimp farmers in Bagerhat district are reeling from a devastating blow after Cyclone Remal washed away 35,000 enclosures, resulting in losses estimated at Tk 70 crore.</b></span><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify; \"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">During a recent visit to Rampal upazila of the district, this UNB Correspondent found many embankments broken by the tidal surge, transforming once-productive areas into vast water bodies.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">It looks like there is only one enclosure over a large area. Many could not protect their shrimp in the end, even after raising the height of the net in the embankment.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">The situation is equally dire in Sadar, Rampal, Mongla, and Morrelganj upazilas. Farmers report that the combination of tidal surges and heavy rains devastated their enclosures. Additionally, shrimp are succumbing to drought and viral infections, compounding their losses.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">Natural disasters have repeatedly struck this region, with Cyclone Remal being only the latest. Previous storms like Yaas, Bulbul, Aila, and Sidr have also wreaked havoc, causing substantial financial losses and discouraging shrimp farming.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">Samir Baran, a shrimp farmer with two decades of experience, shared his plight: “Water entered my eight bigha of shrimp enclosures due to the tidal surge caused by Cyclone Remal, leading to losses amounting to several lakhs.”</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">Anwar Hossain, another farmer from Chanditala in Rampal, echoed this sentiment, saying, “This year, I have lost everything.”</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">Shrimp farmers in Rampal, Mongla, Morrelganj and Bagerhat’s Sadar upazilas said that once upon a time, shrimp farming was a profitable business. But now, shrimp farming is not so profitable for various reasons, including natural disasters. According to UNB reports&nbsp;</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">Referring to Cyclone Remal, they said, they have not seen such a tidal surge in recent years.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">The shrimp industry in Bagerhat is now facing an unprecedented crisis. Mohitul Islam Sumon, president of the Shrimp Farmers Association, estimated the total loss at Tk 300 crore. “Almost all small and large shrimp enclosures have been washed away,” he stated, calling for interest-free loans and life insurance for farmers to support the struggling industry.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">ASM Russel, the district fisheries officer, confirmed the widespread damage: “A total of 35,000 fish and shrimp enclosures were washed away, with preliminary estimates showing losses of Tk 70 crore for shrimp and Tk 3 crore for infrastructure.” He emphasized the urgent need for financial assistance and loans on favorable terms to help farmers recover.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">The fisheries department reported that Bagerhat district hosts 74,700 fish enclosures on 56,000 hectares, supporting 55,000 fish farmers. With their livelihoods at stake, the call for support and sustainable solutions has never been more critical.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify; \">bnbd/fas</div>', NULL, 'News Desk', '[\"4\"]', NULL, NULL, NULL, NULL, '2024-05-29 09:49:59', '2024-05-29 09:49:59'),
(12602, 12602, '<div><span style=\"font-size: 1rem;\">Flash floods are likely to hit some parts of the northeastern region of the country as major rivers keep swelling due to heavy rainfall, Flood Forecasting and Warning Center of Water Development Board said on Wednesday.</span><br></div><div><br></div><div>There is a probable risk of flash floods in the areas adjoining to Surma, Kushiyara, Manu, Sarigowain rivers at different places in the north-eastern region of the country in 24 hours commencing&nbsp; 9 am on Wednesday as those may cross the danger level, said a bulletin of FFWC.</div><div><br></div><div>The major rivers in the northeastern region of the country are in rising trend, which may continue in 48 hours, it said.</div><div><br></div><div>According to Bangladesh Meteorological Department (BMD) and foreign weather-related organizations, medium to heavy rain are expected in different places of the northern, northeastern and adjoining upstream regions of the country in the next 24-48 hours.</div><div><br></div><div>As a result, the water level for the main rivers in the northern region may rise slowly and water level may rise rapidly depending on time for northeastern part of the country, it said.</div><div><br></div><div>Flood Forecasting and Warning Center observed 110 water level stations and found that the water level of 53 rivers has increased in the last 24 hours while decreased in 51 rivers.</div><div><br></div><div>The Brahmaputra river is in rising trend while the Jamuna and Ganges-Padma rivers are in falling trend.</div><div><br></div><div>The rise in water level for Brahmaputra river may continue and the water level may increase slowly in Jamuna river in next 48 hours.&nbsp;</div><div><br></div><div>bnbd/fas</div>', NULL, 'Staff Correspondent', '[\"19\"]', NULL, NULL, NULL, NULL, '2024-05-29 10:01:47', '2024-05-29 10:01:47'),
(12603, 12603, '<div style=\"text-align: justify; \"><span style=\"font-size: 1rem;\"><b>People in northern India have been struggling with an unrelenting, weekslong heat wave that has forced schools to close in some places and raised the risk of heatstrokes for laborers working outdoors.</b></span><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">India’s weather department expects the high temperatures to persist across the region for the next few days and has put several states on high alert.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">Some parts of India’s capital reported up to 49.9 degrees Celsius (122 degrees Fahrenheit) on Tuesday, with the weather bureau saying the temperatures were 9 degrees higher than expected. The nearby states of Punjab and Haryana also saw temperatures soar, with one place in Rajasthan topping the 50 C (122 F) mark.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">India declares a heat wave whenever temperatures are above 45 C (113 F).</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">The extreme heat in northern India has coincided with a 6-week general election, increasing health risks as people wait in long lines to cast their vote. The voting ends on Saturday.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">The sizzling temperatures are also taking a toll on animals, putting them at risk of dehydration and heatstroke.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">Sitaram, an animal conservationist in the city of Bikaner in Rajasthan who goes by one name, said that endangered chinkaras — also known as Indian gazelle — are facing a shortage for water. His rescue center has been looking after the sick and injured chinkaras and providing them shelter and water to beat the heat.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify; \"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">April, May and June are always hot in most parts of India before monsoon rains bring cooler temperatures. But extreme heat is fast becoming a public health crisis in India, with the warm weather getting more intense in the past decade and typically accompanied by severe water shortages.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">Tens of millions of India’s 1.4 billion people lack running water. - AP&nbsp;</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify; \">bnbd/fas</div>', NULL, 'International Desk', '[\"29\"]', NULL, NULL, NULL, NULL, '2024-05-29 10:10:16', '2024-05-29 10:10:16'),
(12604, 12604, '<div><span style=\"font-size: 1rem;\">A farmer was killed in a lightning strike in Balaganj upazila of Sylhet on Tuesday night.</span><br></div><div><br></div><div>The deceased was identified as Sajid Mia, 45, a resident of Mokbelpur village of Balaganj upazila.</div><div><br></div><div>According to locals, lightning hit Sajid Mia when he was fishing in a haor around 1 am.</div><div><br></div><div>He was taken to the Upazila Health Complex where doctors declared him dead.</div><div><br></div><div>bnbd/fas</div>', NULL, 'News Desk', '[\"41\"]', NULL, NULL, NULL, NULL, '2024-05-29 10:15:49', '2024-05-29 10:15:49'),
(12605, 12605, '<div style=\"text-align: justify; \"><b><span style=\"font-size: 1rem;\">Rapid Action Battalion (RAB)-6 has provided aid and assistance to the cyclone-affected residents of Koyra in Khulna and Mongla in Bagerhat, following the devastating impact of Cyclone Remal.</span><br></b></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify; \">The information was shared in a notification sent from RAB-6 Khulna office on Tuesday night.&nbsp;&nbsp;</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">On May 26 and 27, Cyclone Remal caused extensive damage in coastal areas of Khulna, Bagerhat and Satkhira, leaving many including farmers and workers helpless.&nbsp;</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">Before the cyclone\'s landfall, RAB-6, in collaboration with local administrations and community leaders, alerted residents and actively participated in rescue operations.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">Following the cyclone, RAB-6 initiated distribution efforts, providing essential supplies including rice, pulses, flour, oil, beaten rice, jaggery, saline, and potable water to cyclone victims in Mongla and Koyra.&nbsp;</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">In addition, the mobile medical team of RAB is providing necessary medical services to the cyclone victims.&nbsp;</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">The assistance efforts aim to mitigate the impact of food shortages, water scarcity, and the spread of water-borne diseases exacerbated by Cyclone Remal\'s aftermath.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify; \">bnbd/fas</div>', NULL, 'News Desk', '[\"42\"]', NULL, NULL, NULL, NULL, '2024-05-29 10:39:20', '2024-05-29 10:39:20'),
(12606, 12606, '<div style=\"text-align: justify; \"><b><span style=\"font-size: 1rem;\">In the first five months of 2024, Bangladesh\'s readymade garment (RMG) industry has achieved a significant milestone in sustainable fashion, with 12 factories earning LEED certification.</span><br></b></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) is a globally recognized green building rating system that emphasizes environmental responsibility and energy efficiency.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">This recent accomplishment brings Bangladesh\'s total to 218 LEED-certified green factories, underscoring the country\'s commitment to green initiatives within the garment sector, according to Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA) Director Mohiuddin Rubel.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">Of the 218 certified factories, 84 have achieved the highest, platinum rating, 120 have earned gold, 10 silver, and 4 are certified, as reported by the BGMEA.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">In the first five months of 2024, eight of the newly certified factories received the platinum rating, while the remaining four were awarded gold. Notable performers include S.M. Sourcing with 106 points and Green Textiles Limited Unit 4 with 104 points. Other high scorers include Integra Dresses and Knit Asia Limited, both achieving 99 points, Remi Holdings Ltd with 97 points, and Fatullah Apparels, also scoring 97 points.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify; \"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">Bangladesh’s achievement positions the country as a leader in the global sustainable fashion movement, with 56 out of the 100 LEED-certified green factories worldwide located here, according to BGMEA.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">This includes 9 of the top 10 and 18 of the top 20 LEED-certified factories globally, based on BGMEA data.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">The geographic distribution of these certifications within Bangladesh illustrates the RMG industry\'s widespread commitment to sustainability.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">By proactively achieving LEED ratings, Bangladesh\'s garments industry is setting a benchmark for environmental stewardship, positioning the country as a key player in the global push for more sustainable manufacturing practices. Source: UNB</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify; \">bnbd/fas</div>', NULL, 'News Desk', '[\"33\"]', NULL, NULL, NULL, NULL, '2024-05-29 11:04:46', '2024-05-29 11:04:46'),
(12607, 12607, '<div style=\"text-align: justify; \"><span style=\"font-size: 1rem;\"><b>Biman Bangladesh Airlines could be expanding its fleet with new aircraft from Airbus. Outgoing Managing Director and CEO of the national flag carrier, Shafiul Azim, made the indication during a views exchange meeting with the Aviation and Tourism Journalists’ Forum of Bangladesh (ATJFB) today.</b></span><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">The meeting, held in Dhaka, saw the participation of ATJFB members led by their president, Tanzim Anwar. Addressing the forum, the outgoing Biman MD said that Airbus had proposed two offers to Biman for aircraft procurement.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">“Initially, Airbus offered us two cargo planes, but we decided we do not need them at the moment. Instead, we expressed our interest in expanding our passenger fleet. Subsequently, Airbus proposed four passenger aircraft, which was a better offer. This proposal has been evaluated by the committee and forwarded to the board for approval,” Azim explained.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify; \"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">He emphasized the importance of diversifying their fleet, noting that currently, 16 out of 21 large aircraft in Biman’s fleet are from Boeing. “We are considering Airbus’s offers seriously. Diversifying our aircraft will not only mitigate risk but also appeal to passengers who appreciate newer models,” Azim said.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">Regarding Boeing, Azim mentioned that they also received an offer from Boeing, which will be evaluated. “We have a longstanding relationship with Boeing, not just in terms of aircraft procurement but also their technical support and credit facilities. We are working well together,” he added.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">Azim highlighted Biman’s advantageous position due to the competitive proposals from both Airbus and Boeing. He assured that regardless of the manufacturer chosen, Biman stands to benefit as a customer.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">When asked about the financial status of Biman, Azim confidently stated that Biman has been “profitable for eight out of the last ten years.” The two years of losses included one year heavily impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic and another due to significant payment obligations. “Despite challenges such as dollar shortages and ongoing global conflicts, we have remained profitable,” the Biman MD said.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">He further defended Biman’s financial health, pointing out that regular audits have confirmed their profitability. “We continue to hire, pay salaries and bonuses, including profit bonuses. If Biman wasn’t profitable, where would this money come from? To those who doubt our success, I pray they find guidance,” he remarked.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">Reflecting on his tenure, Azim expressed satisfaction with his management approach. “During my time, I never hesitated to reward deserving employees or to impose necessary disciplinary actions. I have used my authority to the fullest and believe that with effort, Biman can compete with the world’s leading airlines,” he stated.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">Addressing the frequent changes in Biman’s leadership, Azim underscored the need for a stable management system. “Our human and technical resources are competent. If systems and structures are in place, the organization won’t rely on any single individual. I have focused on establishing these systems,” he noted.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">He also recommended retaining experienced personnel in technical fields, regardless of age, as experience grows with time. “Biman should not function with the mindset of a government office; it is a commercial entity and should be managed commercially,” Azim advised.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">He expressed a slight regret, wishing that four new aircraft could have been added to Biman’s fleet during his tenure.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">On May 26, the Ministry of Public Administration announced Md. Jahidul Islam Bhuiyan as the new Managing Director and CEO of Biman Bangladesh Airlines. In a separate announcement, Shafiul Azim was promoted to Secretary of the Election Commission, reports UNB</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify; \">bnbd/fas</div>', NULL, 'News Desk', '[\"19\"]', NULL, NULL, NULL, NULL, '2024-05-29 11:24:04', '2024-05-29 11:24:04'),
(12608, 12608, '<div style=\"text-align: justify; \"><span style=\"font-size: 1rem;\"><b>Three soldiers have been killed in Rafah, the Israeli military said Wednesday. Israeli media reported that the soldiers were killed when a booby trap exploded Tuesday, and three other soldiers were wounded. The military says at least 290 soldiers have been killed since the ground operation in Gaza began in October.</b></span><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify; \"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">Israel says it is carrying out limited operations in eastern Rafah along the Gaza-Egypt border. Palestinians in Rafah reported heavy fighting Wednesday as Israeli forces pressed their assault on the border town once seen as the territory’s last refuge. The United States and other allies of Israel have warned against a full-fledged offensive in the city.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">Israeli leaders say their forces must enter Rafah to dismantle Hamas and return hostages taken in the Oct. 7 attack that triggered the war.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">Fighting in Rafah has caused more than 1 million Palestinians to flee, most of whom had already been displaced in the war between Israel and Hamas. They now seek refuge in squalid tent camps and other war-ravaged areas, where they lack shelter, food, water and other essentials for survival, the U.N. says.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">Israeli bombardments and ground offensives in Gaza have killed more than 36,000 Palestinians, according to the Health Ministry, which doesn’t distinguish between combatants and civilians.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">Israel launched its war in Gaza after Hamas’ Oct. 7 attack in which militants stormed into southern Israel, killed some 1,200 people — mostly civilians — and abducted about 250. Israel says around 100 hostages are still captive in Gaza, along with the bodies of around 30 more. - AP&nbsp;</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">bnbd/fas</div><div style=\"text-align: justify; \"><br></div>', NULL, 'International Desk', '[\"29\"]', NULL, NULL, NULL, NULL, '2024-05-29 11:33:40', '2024-05-29 11:33:40'),
(12609, 12609, '<div><span style=\"font-size: 1rem;\">A former chairman of Meherpara union was stabbed to death by miscreants at Bhagirathpur in Sadar upazila of Narsingdi district on Tuesday night.</span><br></div><div><br></div><div>The deceased was identified as Mahbubul Hasan, 40, general secretary of the Meherpara union unit of Awami League.</div><div><br></div><div>Quoting witnesses, Mostafizur Rahman, superintendent of Narsingdi Police, said that 7/8 miscreants swooped on Mahbubul around 12:15 am last night and stabbed him indiscriminately with sharp weapons, reports unb</div><div><br></div><div>The miscreants carried out the attack when Mahbubul along with 8-10 of his followers was returning home from the AL office.</div><div><br></div><div>Two more people were injured in the attack as they tried to save the local Awami League leader. They were taken to Sadar Hospital where the doctors declared Mahbubul dead.</div><div><br></div><div>bnbd/fas</div>', NULL, 'News Desk', '[\"41\"]', NULL, NULL, NULL, NULL, '2024-05-29 12:01:27', '2024-05-29 12:01:27'),
(12610, 12610, '<div style=\"text-align: justify; \"><span style=\"font-size: 1rem;\"><b>The motive behind the killing of MP Anwarul Azim Anar is yet to be ascertained as the mastermind is still in abroad, said Dhaka Metropolitan Police Commissioner Habibur Rahman on Wednesday.</b></span><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">“What is the motive behind the killing of MP Anar? Neither the Bangladesh police nor the Indian police have been able to unearth it so far,” he said while talking to reporters after attending a programme at the DMP headquarters.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">However, police will try to bring back mastermind of the killing to the country through diplomatic efforts, he added.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">&nbsp;</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">The motive will be known once the mastermind of the murder is arrested, said DMP Commissioner.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">&nbsp;</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">The prime accused in the MP murder case Shaheen is now in the US and there is no extradition treaty between US and Bangladesh, he said adding “Police will try its level best to bring back him with utmost importance.”</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">MP Anar went to Kolkata on May 11 for medical treatment and he remained untraced since May 14.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">Home Minister Asaduzzaman Khan on May 22 said the MP was brutally killed at a flat in New Town, near Kolkata. A case was filed on May 22 following the death of MP Anar.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify; \">bnbd/fas</div>', NULL, 'Staff Correspondent', '[\"42\"]', NULL, NULL, NULL, NULL, '2024-05-29 12:24:56', '2024-05-29 12:24:56'),
(12611, 12611, '<div><b><span style=\"font-size: 1rem;\">The United States has said peacekeeping operations play an \"essential role\" in promoting international peace and security, and it is essential that peacekeeping personnel protect human rights.&nbsp;</span><br></b></div><div><br></div><div>\"In accordance with the UN Due Diligence Policy, the UN relies on troop and police contributing countries to self-certify that they are not sending troops or police who are implicated in committing human rights violations or violations of international humanitarian law,\" said US Department of State Spokesperson Mathew Miller in a regular briefing.&nbsp;</div><div><br></div><div>He made the remarks when Mushfiqul Fazal Ansarey, former assistant press secretary to the then Prime Minister Khaleda Zia, raised Bangladesh specific questions at the briefing.&nbsp;</div><div><br></div><div>In a video of the media briefing shared by the US Department of State, Ansarey was seen reading out written questions.&nbsp;</div><div><br></div><div>Earlier, the United Nations said it follows a three-step screening process when deploying troops in peacekeeping missions, to meet the highest standards of efficiency and integrity, including respect for and commitment to human rights.&nbsp;</div><div><br></div><div>“Look, there are three parts to the screening. One thing involves self-certification; the other one involves the certification by the sending country, and obviously, there’s a procedure also by the High Commissioner’s Office for Human Rights,” Spokesman for the Secretary-General, Stephane Dujarric, told a regular briefing at the UN headquarters in New York on May 22.</div><div><br></div><div>Ansarey has been referred to by Bangladesh’s Foreign Minister Hasan Mahmud as someone “paid by BNP” to ask questions “purposefully for generating negative responses.”</div><div><br></div><div>“There’s someone who used to work for Khaleda Zia\'s press wing. He is paid by BNP. He asks questions purposefully to try and get negative answers about Bangladesh. He asks questions intentionally,\" Foreign Minister Hasan Mahmud told reporters recently, apparently referring to Ansarey’s activities at the US State Department briefings.</div><div><br></div><div>Bangladesh is one of the largest contributors to peacekeeping operations and the UN appreciates Bangladesh for its “steadfast and remarkable contribution” to peacekeeping operations over the years.&nbsp;</div><div><br></div><div>Responding to another question on May 28, US State Department Spokesperson Miller said that they believe corruption saps economic growth, hinders development, destabilizes government, and undermines democracy, reports unb</div><div><br></div><div>\"We have made anti-corruption a core national security interest since the outset of this administration, and our detailed implementation plan for this strategy has been articulated at a number of senior levels,\" Miller said.&nbsp;&nbsp;</div><div><br></div><div>bnbd/fas</div>', NULL, 'News Desk', '[\"19\"]', NULL, NULL, NULL, NULL, '2024-05-29 12:48:19', '2024-05-29 12:48:19');
INSERT INTO `news_details` (`id`, `news_id`, `details`, `ticker`, `representative`, `keyword`, `video_link`, `google_drive_link`, `audio_link`, `shoulder`, `created_at`, `updated_at`) VALUES
(12612, 12612, '<div style=\"text-align: justify; \"><span style=\"font-size: 1rem;\"><b>High Commissioner of Malaysia to Bangladesh Haznah Md Hashim on Wednesday said they want to make sure that jobs are guaranteed for all the Bangladeshis who are going to Malaysia.&nbsp;</b></span><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify; \"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">\"We are committed to that. We are in good cooperation with the government of Bangladesh to address any relevant issues,\" she told diplomatic correspondents in an interaction, describing how serious her government is about the welfare of Bangladeshi workers.&nbsp;</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">The High Commissioner, however, acknowledged that there my might be syndicates that are beyond the control of both Bangladesh and Malaysian governments.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">\"You just mentioned syndicates. Of course there are things beyond our control. This is something beyond not only Malaysian government, but also beyond the control of Bangladesh government,\" she said.&nbsp;</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">The Malaysian High Commissioner said they are committed to make things better in the future.&nbsp;</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">She said her government is committed to ensuring the welfare of Bangladeshi workers in Malaysia.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">The High Commissioner highly appreciated Bangladeshi workers\' contribution to Malaysia in a big way. \"We want to ensure that everything is in place.\"</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">She said things will be reviewed time to time on the basis of needs and supply and demand.&nbsp;</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">During an interaction with the members of the Diplomatic Correspondents Association, Bangladesh (DCAB), High Commissioner Haznah said so far the deadline for Bangladeshi workers to reach Malaysia is May 31. \"It\'s fixed by my government. It was announced in January this year.\"</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">The High Commissioner highlighted her country’s efforts to offer world-class healthcare, education, and tourism facilities with an affordable cost.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">She also talked about the Free Trade Agreement between the two countries. \"I am confident that it would happen.\"</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">DCAB President Nurul Islam Hassib also spoke at the session and thanked the High Commission for hosting the discussion.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify; \">bnbd/fas</div>', NULL, 'Staff Correspondent', '[\"19\"]', NULL, NULL, NULL, NULL, '2024-05-29 13:07:26', '2024-05-29 13:07:26'),
(12613, 12613, '<div><b><span style=\"font-size: 1rem;\">Babar Ali, who conquered the world’s highest peak Mount Everest a few days back, was accorded a reception at Chattogram Shah Amanat International Airport upon his arrival from Nepal via Dhaka on Tuesday night.</span><br></b></div><div><br></div><div>A festive atmosphere was prevailing in his birthplace Chattogram when the news of his return spread on social media.</div><div><br></div><div>In an immediate reaction to the media, Babar said, \"I had the confidence that after reaching the summits of Everest and Lhotse, I would return home. And that\'s what happened. Long training, effort and ambition—all have been fulfilled. I am delighted with the encouragement from the people of our country.\"</div><div><br></div><div>Babar Ali was warmly welcomed at the Shah Amanat International Airport by the people of Chittagong around 10.15pm.</div><div><br></div><div>bnbd/fas</div>', NULL, 'News Desk', '[\"20\"]', NULL, NULL, NULL, NULL, '2024-05-29 13:27:37', '2024-05-29 13:27:37'),
(12614, 12614, '<div style=\"text-align: justify; \"><span style=\"font-size: 1rem;\"><b>Chief Election Commissioner Kazi Habibul Awal has said approximately 35 per cent votes were cast in the third phase of Upazila Parishad polls.</b></span><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">It would take a few hours to know the exact voter turnout,&nbsp; the CEC said at a press briefing held at the Nirbachan Bhaban in the capital’s Agargaon.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify; \"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">He said six people were injured in stray incidents, 30 people were arrested and two were sentenced for various irregularities.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">On the other hand, Election Commission Secretary Jahangir Alam told reporters that voter turnout was approximately 20 per cent in the first four hours.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">The voting began at 8:00am and continued till 4:00 pm without any break.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">A total of 1,196 candidates contested against 261 posts in 87 Upazila Parishads.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">The candidates include 397 chairman contenders, 456 vice chairman and 299 women (reserved) vice chairman contestants.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify; \">bnbd/fas</div>', NULL, 'Staff Correspondent', '[\"19\"]', NULL, NULL, NULL, NULL, '2024-05-29 13:46:11', '2024-05-29 13:46:11'),
(12615, 12615, '<div><span style=\"font-size: 1rem;\"><b>An earthquake measuring 5.4 on the Richter scale was felt in Bangladesh at 7:13 pm on Wednesday.</b></span><br></div><div><br></div><div>The epicenter of the earthquake was 31 km East-southeast (ESE) of Mawlaik, Myanmar, according to the United States Geological Survey (USGS).</div><div><br></div><div>There were no immediate reports of injuries or damage from the earthquake.</div><div><br></div><div>bnbd/fas</div>', NULL, 'News Desk', '[\"4\"]', NULL, NULL, NULL, NULL, '2024-05-29 13:59:53', '2024-05-29 13:59:53'),
(12616, 12616, '<div style=\"text-align: justify; \"><span style=\"font-size: 1rem;\"><b>Bangladesh has become a role model in establishing global peace, reiterating her call to stop ongoing wars solving all problems through dialogue and channelised the money used in arms races for welfare of mankind, said Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina.</b></span><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify; \">Sheikh Hasina made the remarks while addressing an event marking the International Day of UN Peacekeepers-2024 at the Bangabandhu International Conference Centre (BICC) here.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">&nbsp;</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">\"Bangladesh is a dependable and responsible name in the efforts of protecting peace and safety alongside establishing global peace. We are acknowledged by all and have become a role model on the global stage,\" she said.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">She said as many as 6092 Bangladeshi peacekeepers including 493 women have been working with reputation in 13 places of the UN peacekeeping missions.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">\"They (Bangladeshi peacekeepers) have been working with fame and glory,\" she added.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">The prime minister said the heads of the state and government where the Bangladeshi peacekeepers are now working have highly praised them.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">\"I feel really proud hearing the appreciation,\" she continued. Bangladesh is working to pursue the global peace following the ideal of Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">\"We are actively participating in other international forums alongside the UN peacekeeping missions to establish global peace,\" she said.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">She also said the \"Culture of Peace\" proposal placed by Bangladesh in 1997 was unanimously adopted as resolution in the UN in 1999 and the UN had announced 2000 as the \"International Year of the Culture of Peace\".</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">The prime minister said Bangabandhu had appeared as envoy of peace and voice of the distressed people of the world through his work.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">For that reason, Bangabandhu was awarded the \"Joliot Curie Peace Medal\" on May 23 in 1973, she said.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">Sheikh Hasina greeted the Bangladeshi peacekeepers as they are tirelessly working to protect civilians, human rights and establish peace globally.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">She said that the Bangladeshi peacekeepers have successfully taught Bangla culture and language to many people of the countries they are working for.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">\"So, the people of those countries (where the peacekeepers are working) have given you untold love and affections,\" she added.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">\"Overall, our professionalism, efficiency and commitment in establishing global peace have set an example for others,\" she continued.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">The prime minister called upon the Bangladeshi peacekeepers to continue the efforts and thus brighten the country\'s image further.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">She recalled the contribution of 168 Bangladeshi peacekeepers who sacrificed their lives and 266 others who are severely injured for establishing global peace.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">&nbsp;</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">Chief of Army Staff General S M Shafiuddin Ahmed, Senior Foreign Secretary Masud Bin Momen and the United Nations Resident Coordinator Gwyn Lewis also spoke at the programme.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify; \">bnbd/fas</div>', NULL, 'Staff Correspondent', '[\"19\"]', NULL, NULL, NULL, NULL, '2024-05-29 14:55:11', '2024-05-29 14:55:11'),
(12617, 12617, '<div style=\"text-align: justify; \"><b><span style=\"font-size: 1rem;\">Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on Thursday distributed relief materials among the victims of cyclone Remal in the district.</span><br></b></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">The relief distribution programme was held at Government Mojahar Uddin Biswas Degree College at Kolapara organised by district administration.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">Earlier, she flew by a helicopter over Mathbaria and Pathorghata areas in Patuakhali district to get a bird\'s eye view of the devastation caused by this week\'s cyclone.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">The helicopter carrying the PM landed at the helipad adjoining to Khepupara Govt Model Secondary School,&nbsp; Kalapara of Patukhali district at 12:20pm today after around one and a half hours of ride from Dhaka.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">Mathbaria and Pathorghata in Kalapara were among the hardest-hit areas when the cyclone roaring from the Bay of Bengal hit the Bangladesh coast on Sunday.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">The prime minister\'s helicopter at some points flew just above the ground so she can have a better view of the damages caused by the cyclone that triggered tidal surges and torrential rains washing away beribadhs, fish farms, felling houses and trees along the coast.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">It also left at least 16 people dead and many injured amid huge evacuation of people to cyclone shelters in an operation constantly monitored by the prime minister from Dhaka.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">After relief distribution she visited the Shaheed Sheikh Kamal Bridge on Patuakhali-Kuakata road.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">PM Hasina later sat with the divisional level officials to review the relief operation and assess the immediate rehabitation needs of the affected people.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">Wrapping up her day-long programme to the area Hasina is scheduled to leave for Dhaka at 3 pm, according to her office.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">Besides claiming lives Cyclone Remal destroyed over 35,000 homes, and seriously affected more than 37 lakh people in 19 districts.&nbsp;</div><div style=\"text-align: justify; \"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">The storm made landfall near Khepupara of Patuakhali with wind speed of up to 130kmph on Sunday evening.&nbsp;</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">As many as 327,000 people have so far been affected in the district while some 235 houses were completely and 1,865 others were partially destroyed, official sources said.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">Across the affected areas the agricultural sector suffered losses of over Tk 260 million, while the fishery sector\'s losses are estimated to be over Tk 280 million, said the sources. According to UNB reports&nbsp;</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify; \">bnbd/fas</div>', NULL, 'Staff Correspondent', '[\"19\"]', NULL, NULL, NULL, NULL, '2024-05-30 09:14:59', '2024-05-30 09:14:59'),
(12618, 12618, '<div><span style=\"font-size: 1rem;\"><b>Chinese President Xi Jinping on Thursday said war should not continue indefinitely, justice should not be absent forever, and commitment to the two-State solution should not be wavered at will.</b></span><br></div><div><br></div><div>Xi made the remarks as he delivered a keynote speech at the opening ceremony of the 10th ministerial conference of the China-Arab States Cooperation Forum.</div><div><br></div><div>The Middle East is a land bestowed with broad prospects for development, but the war is still raging on it. Since last October, the Palestinian-Israeli conflict has escalated drastically, throwing the people into tremendous sufferings, Xi said.</div><div><br></div><div>China firmly supports the establishment of an independent State of Palestine that enjoys full sovereignty based on the 1967 borders and with East Jerusalem as its capital. It supports Palestine\'s full membership in the U.N., and supports a more broad-based, authoritative and effective international peace conference, he added.</div><div><br></div><div>Xi noted China will continue to provide assistance to help ease the humanitarian crisis in Gaza and support post-conflict reconstruction, and support the work of the U.N. Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East in providing emergency humanitarian assistance to Gaza. - XINHUA</div><div><br></div><div>bnbd/fas</div>', NULL, 'International Desk', '[\"29\"]', NULL, NULL, NULL, NULL, '2024-05-30 09:36:06', '2024-05-30 09:36:06'),
(12619, 12619, '<div style=\"text-align: justify; \"><span style=\"font-size: 1rem;\"><b>North Korea has launched hundreds of waste-filled balloons to South Korea, covering the entire country. The balloons have been found from the border regions of Gyeonggi and Gangwon provinces to distant locations like Gyeryongdae in South Chungcheong Province, where South Korean military headquarters are situated, and even in Geochang, South Gyeongsang Province, beyond the Baekdudaegan mountain range.</b></span><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">According to the South Korean military, North Korea deployed large balloons filled with waste over a period of about 10 hours from the night of May 28 to the afternoon of May 29. This comes two days after the North denounced a leaflet launch by a South Korean anti-North Korean group as a “provocation” and announced on May 26 that it would distribute “trash and filth packets.” The Joint Chiefs of Staff said that “as of 4 p.m. on May 29, we have confirmed around 260 balloons sent south, the largest number ever launched by North Korea in a single day.”</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">North Korean leader Kim Jong-un’s sister Kim Yo-jong, vice director of the Workers’ Party of Korea, described the release of waste balloons as “the people’s expression of freedom” in a statement on the night of May 29, and sarcastically asked for the South Korean government’s understanding, mocking Seoul’s stance that “the anti-North Korean leaflets are protected under freedom of expression.” She further described them as a “sincere gift of goodwill” to the “ghosts of liberal democracy,” suggesting that South Korea should “keep picking them up.”</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">The balloons contained bags filled with animal manure, cigarette butts, and paper waste. There have been no reports of regime propaganda leaflets attached to the balloons. This marks the first such balloon launch since North Korea ceased the practice around the time of the Pyeongchang Olympics in 2018, resuming it after about six years. The JCS sternly warned North Korea to “immediately cease such crude acts.”</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify; \">North Korea also conducted a GPS jamming attack in the western sea region early on May 29.&nbsp;</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">The South Korean military reported no casualties or property damage from the balloons or the GPS jamming. Observers suggest that North Korea’s “gray zone” provocations are intensifying, aiming to disrupt South Korean society through non-military means. A government official said, “They want to test whether our citizens and government are unsettled by these psychological and hybrid threats.” - The Chosun daily&nbsp;</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify; \">bnbd/fas</div>', NULL, 'International Desk', '[\"29\"]', NULL, NULL, NULL, NULL, '2024-05-30 10:09:28', '2024-05-30 10:09:28'),
(12620, 12620, '<div><span style=\"font-size: 1rem;\">Bangladesh Meteorological Department (BMD) has predicted rain or thundershowers in five divisions including Dhaka and Chattogram over 24 hours, starting from 9 am today.</span><br></div><div><br></div><div>“Rain or thundershowers accompanied by temporary gusty wind is likely to occur at a few</div><div><br></div><div>places in Rangpur, Mymensingh and Sylhet divisions and at one or two places in Dhaka and Chattogram divisions,” said a BMD bulletin.</div><div><br></div><div>Weather may remain mainly dry with temporary partly cloudy sky elsewhere over the country.</div><div><br></div><div>Day and night temperatures may fall slightly over the northern part and may rise slightly elsewhere in the country.</div><div><br></div><div>A trough of westerly low lies over West Bengal in India to northwest Bay. Southwest monsoon has advanced upto Teknaf coast.</div>', NULL, 'News Desk', '[\"19\"]', NULL, NULL, NULL, NULL, '2024-05-30 10:56:39', '2024-05-30 10:56:39'),
(12621, 12621, '<div style=\"text-align: justify; \"><span style=\"font-size: 1rem;\"><b>Road Transport and Bridges Minister Obaidul Quader has called on bus owners to ensure that passengers are not overcharged as they travel home for Eid-ul-Azha.</b></span><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">Speaking at a press briefing today, Quader emphasized the need for strict monitoring of bus fares and enhanced measures to facilitate safe and smooth journeys.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify; \">“We must guarantee fair treatment for all passengers, especially during the Eid rush,” Quader said. “No extra fare should be imposed on homebound travelers.\"</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">Quader urged authorities to increase surveillance at key entry points to Dhaka and other strategic locations to manage the influx of travelers. He also stressed the importance of ensuring an adequate number of vehicles to prevent overcrowding and delays.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">“Now, people can travel from Cumilla to Dhaka in 30-40 minutes. However, due to heavy traffic, passengers often face one to two-hour delays on the Hanif Flyover,” Quader said, adding that this issue needs to be resolved in the national interest.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">The minister highlighted the difficulties faced by garment workers, particularly in the Chandra area of Gazipur, during Eid journeys. “Thousands start walking on the streets due to a shortage of vehicles,” he remarked, urging for more adequate transportation arrangements.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">Quader reiterated that motorcyclists cannot be allowed to ride without helmets and stressed the importance of vehicle fitness. Bangladesh has progressed significantly, but the standards of bus owners have declined, he noted. “Proper surveillance is crucial to prevent road accidents.”</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">He called on bus owners to ensure that only qualified drivers, not their helpers, operate the buses. “We need to strengthen the monitoring system to reduce the recurrence of accidents,” Quader added.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">bnbd/fas</div><div style=\"text-align: justify; \"><br></div>', NULL, 'Staff Correspondent', '[\"19\"]', NULL, NULL, NULL, NULL, '2024-05-30 11:22:10', '2024-05-30 11:22:10'),
(12622, 12622, '<div style=\"text-align: justify; \"><span style=\"font-size: 1rem;\"><b>Bangladesh has offered cadet training scholarship after Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman in the country\'s five government marine academies for foreigners through International Maritime Organization (IMO).</b></span><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">The sholarship has been offered for 10 cadets from Small Island Developing States (SIDS) and African Least Developed Countries (LDCs).</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">This proposal was made when IMO Secretary-General Arsenio Antonio Dominguez Velasc paid a courtesy call on Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina at the latter’s official residence Ganabhaban on Thursday.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">In response, the UN marine agency IMO gladly accepted this offer, said PM’s Speechwriter Md Nazrul Islam while briefing reporters after the meeting.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">In the meeting, different other issues including shipbuilding, ship recycling, maritime crimes and climate issues came up for discussion.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">The IMO official document stressed the need for promoting gender equilibrium in the marine academies in Bangladesh.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">In this regard, the PM said there was no girl cadet in the marine academies in the past. But her government introduced the enrollment of girls in the marine academies and many girls are enrolling in the academies.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">About the ship recycling industry, the IMO secretary-general said Bangladesh is the largest ship recycling country. Bangladesh demonstrated its high commitment for environmentally safe ship recycling by acceding to the Hong Kong Convention in June last.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">The Hong Kong convention, a treaty set up by UN shipping agency the International Maritime Organization (IMO), is aimed at ensuring that ships, when being recycled after reaching the end of their operational lives, did not pose any unnecessary risks to human health, safety and to the environment.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">The PM sought assistance from the IMO, a specialised agency of the United Nations, for strengthening safe ship recycling here in Bangladesh.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">“We are enhancing the safety measures in shipbuilding and ship recycling and we seek support from IMO,” she was quoted as saying.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">She said Bangladesh has achieved remarkable progress in shipbuilding as the private sector alongside the government is building ships here and Bangladeshi ships are being exported to European countries as well.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">The PM said sea transportation is very important for Bangladesh and stressed the need for ensuring safe water routes.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">She expressed her satisfaction over the role of IMO for the quick release of Bangladeshi ship MV Abdullah hijacked by Somali pirates recently.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">About the safety in the Bay of Bengal, Sheikh Hasina was quoted as saying, “We all together control the pirates here and such steps should be taken in other places.”</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">She said Bangladesh increased the safety measures on the movement of inland water vessels as well and has successfully reduced the number of casualties.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">The PM said the government has been trying to minimise the casualties and damages of the cyclone and other natural disasters.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">Arsenio Dominguez said the IMO is working on maritime crimes including human and drug trafficking, reports unb</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">PM’s Ambassador at-Large Mohammad Ziauddin, Principal Secretary M Tofazzel Hossain Miah, IMO Vice-President Saida Muna Tasneem and Secretary (Maritime Affairs Unit) at the Foreign Ministry Rear Admiral (retd) Khurshid Alam were present.&nbsp;</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify; \">bnbd/fas</div>', NULL, 'News Desk', '[\"34\"]', NULL, NULL, NULL, NULL, '2024-05-30 11:41:04', '2024-05-30 11:41:04'),
(12623, 12623, '<div style=\"text-align: justify; \"><span style=\"font-size: 1rem;\"><b>Power supply to 97 percent consumers of the Bangladesh Rural Electrification Board (BREB) was restored while it was cent percent for consumers of West Zone Power Distribution Company Ltd (WZPDC) till 12 noon on Thursday.</b></span><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify; \"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">The Power Division, referring to an updated information, said that the BREB restored the electricity supply to 2.93 crore consumers, which is 97 percent of its total affected consumers.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">Some 3.03 crore consumers of the BREB got disconnected from the electricity supply network after cyclone Remal hit the country on Sunday.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">Still electricity supply could not be restored to some 9.22 lakh consumers, which is 3 percent of the total BREB consumers.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">BREB hopes that they will be able to restore electricity to 99 percent of its affected consumers by 6 pm on Thursday while 1 percent will remain without electricity as they need door- to- door service.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">The WZPDC has restored electricity supply to all of its affected consumers during the same period. The total affected consumers of WZPDC were 4.53 lakh who were without electricity due to the cyclone.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">The Power Division said that about 21,000 workforce from BREB are currently working at the field level, while the WZPDC has also engaged its manpower to repair damaged power lines.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify; \">bnbd/fas</div>', NULL, 'News Desk', '[\"19\"]', NULL, NULL, NULL, NULL, '2024-05-30 12:02:59', '2024-05-30 12:02:59'),
(12624, 12624, '<div style=\"text-align: justify; \"><span style=\"font-size: 1rem;\"><b>Brazil withdrew its ambassador to Israel on Wednesday after months of tensions between the two countries over the war in Gaza, the latest repercussion from a South American nation over Israel’s military campaign in the Palestinian territory.</b></span><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify; \"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">The move was announced in Brazil’s official gazette.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">Israel’s foreign ministry said no official message has yet been received from the Brazilian government on the matter. However, following the media reports, the Brazilian chargé d’affaires was summoned to appear at the ministry on Thursday for a meeting.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">Brazil’s President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva has been a frequent critic of Israel’s offensive in Gaza, which he compared to the Holocaust earlier this year. That led Israel’s Foreign Minister Israel Katz to summon the Brazilian ambassador, Frederico Meyer, to the national Holocaust museum in Jerusalem for a public reprimand.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">At the time, Lula called Meyer home. However, Wednesday’s action represented an escalation and a diplomatic downgrade, with the Brazilian Embassy in Israel still in place but without an ambassador in the post. - AP&nbsp;</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify; \">bnbd/fas</div>', NULL, 'International Desk', '[\"29\"]', NULL, NULL, NULL, NULL, '2024-05-30 12:33:35', '2024-05-30 12:33:35'),
(12625, 12625, '<div><span style=\"font-size: 1rem;\"><b>BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir alleged that Bangladesh is now completely under the grip of mafias and plunderers.</b></span><br></div><div><br></div><div>Talking to reporters on the premises of Zaiur Rahman’s grave, the BNP leader also said the current government’s main goal is to turn Bangladesh into a failed state by depleting its assets on Thursday.</div><div><br></div><div>\"Bangladesh is now entirely under the control of offenders, looters, and mafias. On one hand, they (govt) are snatching political rights of people, on the other, they are destroying the economy,” he said.</div><div><br></div><div>Fakhrul said their party and other opposition parties have continued their movement against the current regime. “Inshallah, we’ll emerge victorious in this struggle.”</div><div><br></div><div>On the other hand, Fakhrul, accompanied by BNP leaders and workers, paid homage to its founder and late President Ziaur Rahman by placing a wreath, marking his 43rd death anniversary.</div><div><br></div><div>They also participated in a milad and doa mahfil seeking eternal peace for the departed soul of Zia and the good health of party Chairperson Khaleda Zia.</div><div><br></div><div>He said they came to pay tribute to their party founder and great leader Ziaur Rahman when democracy is completely exiled in Bangladesh.</div><div><br></div><div>The BNP leader also said the ruling Awami League has taken away the voting rights of the people by using various tactics and usurped power to restore one-party rule in a different manner.</div><div><br></div><div>\"So on the anniversary of his (Zia’s) martyrdom, we have taken an oath that we, the young, the old, and the women, will intensify the movement that is going on now to protect our rights, the independence, and sovereignty of the country. We’ll establish a pro-people government by defeating this terrible monstrous regime through this movement,” Fakhrul said.</div><div><br></div><div>Ziaur Rahman, who founded the BNP in 1978, was assassinated by a group of disgruntled army officers at Chittagong Circuit House on May 30, 1981.</div><div><br></div><div>bnbd/fas</div>', NULL, 'Staff Correspondent', '[\"1\"]', NULL, NULL, NULL, NULL, '2024-05-30 12:57:31', '2024-05-30 12:57:31'),
(12626, 12626, '<div style=\"text-align: justify; \"><span style=\"font-size: 1rem;\"><b>Israeli forces have taken control of a buffer zone along the border between the Gaza Strip and Egypt, the country\'s military said on Wednesday, giving Israel effective authority over the Palestinian territory\'s entire land border.</b></span><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify; \"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">Israel also continued deadly raids on Rafah in southern Gaza despite an order from the International Court of Justice to end attacks on the city, where half of Gaza\'s 2.3 million people had previously taken refuge.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">In a televised briefing, chief military spokesperson Daniel Hagari said Israeli forces had gained \"operational\" control over the \"Philadelphi Corridor\", using the Israeli military\'s code name for the 14 km-long (9 mile) corridor along the Gaza Strip\'s only border with Egypt.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">\"The Philadelphi Corridor served as an oxygen line for Hamas, which it regularly used to smuggle weapons into the area of the Gaza Strip,\" Hagari said. Hamas is the armed Palestinian group that governs the blockaded territory. - Reuters</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify; \">bnbd/fas</div>', NULL, 'International Desk', '[\"29\"]', NULL, NULL, NULL, NULL, '2024-05-30 13:21:26', '2024-05-30 13:21:26'),
(12627, 12627, '<div style=\"text-align: justify; \"><span style=\"font-size: 1rem;\">Defending champions Bangladesh stormed into the semifinals of the 12-nation Bangabandhu Cup International Kabaddi Tournament as the first team beating Poland by 79-28 point with seven lonas at the Shaheed Suhrawardy Indoor Stadium in Mirpur on Thursday.</span><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">Bangladesh is clearly leading the first half by 38-15 point against their lone European opponent.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">With the day\'s 4th consecutive victory, hosts Bangladesh took a solo lead in six-team Group A with all-win run securing full eight points from straight four group matches,</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">Bangladesh skipper Arduzzaman Munshi again led the team from the front securing 25 points and was adjudged the man of the match while Razib Ahmed scored 15 points.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify; \"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">Last three times champions Bangladesh will play Nepal on Friday at 6 pm in their last group match to decide the group champions.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">Nepal have secured six points from three matches and Indonesia have four points also from three matches, are the main contenders of Bangladesh in the group.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">Nepal and Indonesia are due to meet each other in their 4th match Thursday evening.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">Earlier in the day\'s first match, Nepal brightened their semifinal berth from Group A with three straight wins beating South Korea by 67-45 point with four lonas after dominating the first half by 35-22 point at the same venue Thursday morning. - UNB</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify; \">bnbd/fas</div>', NULL, 'Sports Desk', '[\"20\"]', NULL, NULL, NULL, NULL, '2024-05-30 13:43:25', '2024-05-30 13:43:25'),
(12628, 12628, '<div style=\"text-align: justify; \"><b><span style=\"font-size: 1rem;\">Joining the ranks of celebrities speaking out for the Palestinians, American rapper Macklemore has found success with his latest offering Hind’s Halla piece that openly condemns the widespread genocide that is going unchecked in Gaza.</span><br></b></div><div style=\"text-align: justify; \"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">According to GuardianHind’s Hall is named after the Columbia University building that was renamed Hamilton Hall by student protesters to refer to Hind Rajab, a five-year-old child killed in Gaza.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">“If the students in tents set up on the lawn / Occupying the square is really against the law / And a reason to call the police and their squad / Where does genocide end in your definition, huh?” Macklemore raps, referring to the police crackdown on student protests in the US. Student protesters on US campuses have made headlines for their solidarity with those suffering in the Middle East, particularly those in Gaza.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">Making waves on a number of Billboard charts, Forbes reported that in the first week of availability, Hind’s Hall sold 6,773 copies. According to the report, the tune enjoyed a high opening on many charts thanks to very healthy sales figures, which greatly boosted the standalone tune, making it a notable win for the Grammy champion.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">Performing well on three separate Billboard charts, the track debuted at No. 7 on the all-genre Digital Songs chart. Resonating with Macklemore’s fans, many of whom hold the same values ​​as him, Hind’s Hall marks just the second time the rapper has charted in the top 10 only without his former collaborator Ryan Lewis.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">Furthermore, Hind’s Hall it also debuted highest on the Rap Digital Song Sales chart. The Rap Digital Song Sales Chart is specific to only the top-selling rap releases in the country. With Kendrick Lamar Not like us still atop the chart, Macklemore narrowly missed out on his first solo No. 1. - The Pakistan daily</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify; \">bnbd/fas</div>', NULL, 'Entertainment  Desk', '[\"13\"]', NULL, NULL, NULL, NULL, '2024-05-30 13:51:58', '2024-05-30 13:51:58'),
(12629, 12629, '<div style=\"text-align: justify; \"><span style=\"font-size: 1rem;\"><b>The US department of justice (DOJ) said a Chinese national was arrested in an international operation on charges of creating and using malware that was used in cyber attacks, large-scale fraud and child exploitation.</b></span><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify; \"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">Singapore’s Straits Times newspaper reported today that the man, 35-year-old Wang Yunhe, was arrested in the city state on May 24.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">Wang’s arrest follows last August’s high profile sweep of 10 Chinese citizens holding multiple nationalities charged with laundering more than US$2 billion through the Asian financial hub.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">The department of justice said in a statement dated May 29 that Wang and unnamed others allegedly “created and disseminated malware to compromise and amass a network of millions of residential Windows computers worldwide”.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">From 2018 until July 2022, Wang received US$99 million from sales of the hijacked proxied IP addresses either in cryptocurrency or fiat currency, the DOJ said.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">It said cyber criminals who bought access to the infected IP addresses then bypassed financial fraud detection systems and stole “billions of dollars from financial institutions, credit card issuers, and federal lending programmes”.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">This includes fraudulent loss exceeding US$5.9 billion from 560,000 fraudulent unemployment insurance claims originating from compromised IP addresses, said the DOJ.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">“Wang used the illicitly gained proceeds to purchase real property in the US, St Kitts and Nevis, China, Singapore, Thailand, and the UAE,” the DOJ statement said.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">It said Wang’s assets and properties included sports cars, more than a dozen domestic and international bank accounts, over two dozen cryptocurrency wallets, luxury watches and 21 properties across several countries.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">Matthew S Axelrod, assistant secretary for export enforcement at the US department of commerce’s bureau of industry and security, said the case read like a screenplay. - Reuters</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify; \">bnbd/fas</div>', NULL, 'International Desk', '[\"18\"]', NULL, NULL, NULL, NULL, '2024-05-30 14:20:45', '2024-05-30 14:20:45'),
(12630, 12630, '<div><span style=\"font-size: 1rem;\"><b>Israeli forces killed at least 12 Palestinians in a dawn air strike on Rafah in southern Gaza today and fighting raged in several other areas of the coastal enclave, Gaza medics said.</b></span><br></div><div><br></div><div>Israel pressed on with its offensive on Rafah a day after saying its forces had taken control of a buffer zone along the nearby border between the Gaza Strip and Egypt, giving it effective authority over Gaza’s entire land frontier.</div><div><br></div><div>It said the buffer zone’s capture had cut off a route used by the Palestinian Islamist resistance group Hamas to smuggle arms into Gaza during more than seven months of war, which has laid waste to much of the territory and raised fears of famine.</div><div><br></div><div>Gaza medical sources said the 12 Palestinians, whom it said were civilians, had been killed and an unspecified number of others wounded in an Israeli air strike as they tried to recover the body of a civilian in the centre of Rafah.</div><div><br></div><div>Another Palestinian civilian was killed in an air strike on Al-Shati refugee camp west of Gaza City in the north of the densely populated enclave, the medics said.</div><div><br></div><div>Israel reported clashes in southern, central and northern Gaza but did not immediately comment on the reported deaths in Rafah, where hundreds of thousands of displaced Palestinians took refuge earlier in the war.</div><div><br></div><div>Israel has kept up raids on Rafah despite an order by the International Court of Justice (ICJ), the top UN court, to halt its attacks.</div><div><br></div><div>Israeli forces say they are trying to root out Hamas fighters and rescue hostages being held there, and the ICJ also called for the release of hostages held in Gaza by Hamas.</div><div><br></div><div>More than 36,000 Palestinians have been killed in Israel’s air and land war in Gaza, with 53 of those killed in the past 24 hours, the Hamas-run enclave’s health ministry said.</div><div><br></div><div>Israel launched its offensive after Hamas fighters crossed from Gaza into southern Israel on Oct 7 last year, killed 1,200 people and abducted more than 250, according to Israeli tallies.</div><div><br></div><div>The Israeli military said a soldier had been killed in fighting in northern Gaza, bringing to 292 Israel’s combat losses since its first Gaza ground incursion on Oct 20. According to Reuters reports&nbsp;</div><div><br></div><div>bnbd/fas</div>', NULL, 'International Desk', '[\"29\"]', NULL, NULL, NULL, NULL, '2024-05-30 14:23:03', '2024-05-30 14:23:03'),
(12631, 12631, '<div><span style=\"font-size: 1rem;\"><b>A volcano in western Indonesia erupted today, spewing an ash cloud 2km into the sky as authorities warned residents over potential dangers from cold lava flows.</b></span><br></div><div><br></div><div>Mount Marapi in West Sumatra province erupted at 1.04pm, spewing thick grey clouds of ash 2km above its peak, the national disaster mitigation agency, or BNPB, said in a statement.</div><div><br></div><div>The volcano – one of Indonesia’s most active – has been at the second highest alert level of the country’s four-tiered system for weeks, with authorities advising people to stay outside a 4.5km exclusion zone around its crater.</div><div><br></div><div>Local residents are advised to be vigilant over threats of cold lava flows following the eruption, BNPB spokesman Abdul Muhari said.</div><div><br></div><div>“People are urged to stay away from river areas that originate from the Marapi volcano and be on alert to the potential dangers of lahar that could occur, particularly when it rains,” he said.</div><div><br></div><div>Cold lava, also known in Indonesia as lahar, is a mixture of volcanic materials like ash, sand and pebbles carried down a volcano’s slopes by rain.</div><div><br></div><div>Heavy rains this month caused volcanic debris to flow into districts near Marapi, killing more than 60 people, destroying dozens of houses, and damaging roads and mosques.</div><div><br></div><div>In the event of ash falls, residents should wear face masks to prevent respiratory problems and clear volcanic ash from the roofs of their houses to prevent collapses, geological agency head Muhammad Wafid said in a statement today.</div><div><br></div><div>Indonesia, a vast archipelago nation, experiences frequent seismic and volcanic activity due to its position on the Pacific “Ring of Fire”.</div><div><br></div><div>In December, Marapi erupted and spewed an ash tower 3,000m into the sky.</div><div><br></div><div>At least 24 climbers, most of them university students, died in the eruption. - AFP&nbsp;</div><div><br></div><div>bnbd/fas</div>', NULL, 'International Desk', '[\"29\"]', NULL, NULL, NULL, NULL, '2024-05-30 14:40:44', '2024-05-30 14:40:44');
INSERT INTO `news_details` (`id`, `news_id`, `details`, `ticker`, `representative`, `keyword`, `video_link`, `google_drive_link`, `audio_link`, `shoulder`, `created_at`, `updated_at`) VALUES
(12632, 12632, '<div><span style=\"font-size: 1rem;\"><b>Local Government, Rural Development, and Cooperatives Minister Md Tazul Islam MP stated that all types of waste from sacrificial animals must be removed and the sacrificial sites cleaned within 24 hours.</b></span><br></div><div><br></div><div>He made this statement during a press briefing held on Thursday morning following a preparatory review meeting on the occasion of Eid-ul-Azha 2024. The meeting focused on preparations at the National Eidgah, management of animal markets, designated places for animal sacrifices, and ensuring prompt waste removal.</div><div><br></div><div>In response to a question about designated sacrificial sites, Tazul said that hygienic places must be designated for animal sacrifices and slaughtering. The local administration and local government institutions will widely publicise a list of area-based animal markets and designated sacrificial sites for public awareness.</div><div><br></div><div>To prevent fraud, the minister added that fake currency detection machines must be installed in all animal markets across the country. This will be implemented by Bangladesh Bank and the Financial Institutions Division. Additionally, with the assistance of Bangladesh Bank and other banks, arrangements should be made for cashless transactions through ATM booths, point-of-sale (POS) machines, and mobile financial services (MFS).</div><div><br></div><div>The preparatory review meeting for the upcoming Eid-ul-Azha included specific discussions and recommendations on the preparation of the National Eidgah grounds, management of animal markets, and waste management, among other topics.</div><div><br></div><div>Dhaka North City Corporation Mayor Md Atiqul Islam; Local Government Division Secretary Muhammad Ibrahim\' Mayor of Gazipur City Corporation, Zayeda Khatun, were present at the time, among others.&nbsp;</div><div><br></div><div>bnbd/fas</div>', NULL, 'Staff Correspondent', '[\"39\"]', NULL, NULL, NULL, NULL, '2024-05-30 14:49:38', '2024-05-30 14:49:38'),
(12633, 12633, '<div style=\"text-align: justify; \"><span style=\"font-size: 1rem;\"><b>Low-lying areas in five upazilas of Sylhet have been inundated amid incessant rains and onrush of water from upstream, leaving 3 lakh people stranded.</b></span><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify; \"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">The four flood-hit upazilas are Gowainighat, Jaintapur, Kanaighat, Zakiganj, and Companiganj.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">Flood water submerged the Sylhet-Tamabil highway near Bangla Bazaar, Ronpani, and Biraimara areas of Jaintapur on Thursday morning due to rise of water levels in different rivers, disrupting communication.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">The army, BGB, Jaintapur Model Police Station team, Fire Service, Ansar VDP, representatives from various unions, voluntary organisations, and social and political leaders were seen actively participating in the rescue operations.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">Sylhet Deputy Commissioner Sheikh Russell Hasan and Additional Superintendent of Police Mahfuz Akhter Simul visited the flood-affected areas along with some local public representatives and government officials.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">The swelling of the Sari and Piain rivers have marooned people in various villages in Nijpat, Jaintapur, Darbast, and Charikata unions of Jakiganj upazila.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">The low-lying areas of Nijpat Lamapara, Bandarhati, Moynahhati, Jangalhati, Borkhela, Meghli, Tilkaipara, Fulbari, Noyabad, Horni, Bairakhel, Guaboari, Dibihaor haor, Ghilatali, Muktapur, Biraimara haor, Kharubil, Lamanigram, Katakhali, Bauerbhag, and Baon haor in the upazila went&nbsp; under water.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">A total of 48 shelters and a control room have been opened across six unions in the upazila.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">Jaintapur Upazila Nirbahi Officer (UNO) Umme Salika Rumaiya said army, BGB, fire service, and police are actively involved in rescue operations.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">All 48 shelters are prepared with necessary amenities, she said.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">Liaquat Ali, Chairman of the Jaintapur Upazila Parishad, said&nbsp; rescue operation was hampered by darkness and strong currents on Wednesday night and it resumed on Thursday morning.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">On Thursday, the district administration distributed 1,000 sacks (200 sacks in each upazila) of dry food, 75 metric tons of rice (15 mts in each upazila), and relief materials worth Tk 2.5 lakh in five upazilas. According to UNB reports&nbsp;</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify; \">bnbd/fas</div>', NULL, 'News Desk', '[\"19\"]', NULL, NULL, NULL, NULL, '2024-05-30 15:41:29', '2024-05-30 15:41:29'),
(12634, 12634, '<div style=\"text-align: justify; \"><span style=\"font-size: 1rem;\"><b>While monsoon brings a welcome respite from the heat, it also presents unique challenges for our skin. Increased humidity and fluctuating temperatures can lead to fungal infections, breakouts, dullness, and irritation. However, with proper care, you can maintain a healthy, radiant skin throughout the rainy season.</b></span><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify; \"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify; \"><b>Changes in Skin Condition during Rainy Season</b></div><div style=\"text-align: justify; \"><b>Increased Oiliness</b></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">Increased humidity stimulates sebum production and causes a greasy appearance. This excess oil can clog pores which results in blackheads and acne. Managing oil production and pore congestion is crucial for preventing skin issues during humid conditions.&nbsp;</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">Acne Breakouts</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">The damp environment fosters bacterial growth and increases the risk of acne. And pores clogged with oil and bacteria can become inflamed, causing pimples. Proper cleansing and pore maintenance are essential to prevent inflammation and acne breakouts in such conditions.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">Fungal Infections</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">In humid climates, feet and armpits are more susceptible to fungal infections due to excessive sweating and moisture. Common fungal infections include ringworm and athlete’s foot, emphasising the importance of maintaining dryness and hygiene in these regions.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">Dry and Sensitive Skin</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">Despite high humidity, you may experience dehydration. It can make skin dry and sensitive. Additionally, weather fluctuations can exacerbate skin irritation and sensitivity.&nbsp; Proper hydration and skincare routines are vital to mitigate these effects and maintain skin health during such conditions.&nbsp;</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">Dull Skin</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">Reduced sunlight exposure during the rainy season can make the skin look dull and lifeless. Furthermore, air pollution during the rainy season can also contribute to skin dullness.&nbsp;</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">Tips to Keep Your Skin Healthy in Humid Weather</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">Cleanse Regularly</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">Ditch harsh soaps! Use a gentle, soap-free cleanser to remove dirt and excess oil without stripping your skin’s natural moisture. Additionally, cleanse your face at least twice daily to prevent clogged pores and bacterial buildup.&nbsp;</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">You can also use a toner if you have dry skin to keep your pores clean and maintain hydration. This routine helps maintain a clear, fresh complexion by eliminating impurities that can accumulate throughout the day.&nbsp;</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">Exfoliate Wisely</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">For deep cleansing, rely on the exfoliation process. The increased humidity during the rainy season can significantly impact your skin. Oil, sweat, dirt, residual makeup, and other impurities can clog your pores, leading to acne, breakouts, and other skin issues.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">Exfoliate 1 or 2 times per week to remove dead skin cells and prevent pore congestion. Opt for a gentle exfoliant to avoid irritating your skin. Gentle exfoliation helps remove dead skin cells that can clog pores and lead to breakouts. It is necessary to choose a scrub suitable for your skin type.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">Hydrate Your Skin</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">Regardless of the season, maintaining your skin\'s moisture balance is essential. Keeping your skin hydrated and moisturised prevents excessive oil production, helping to avoid acne and dry patches. This is a crucial monsoon skincare tip to ensure your skin stays healthy and clear.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">Apply a non-greasy, lightweight moisturiser to keep your skin hydrated without feeling heavy. You can also incorporate products containing hyaluronic acid for effective hydration.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">Control Oil</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">Pick oil-free or non-comedogenic skincare products to prevent pore blockage. Also, keep blotting papers available to absorb excess oil throughout the day. It can help maintain a fresh and matte complexion.&nbsp;</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify; \">bnbd/fas</div>', '<p><b>Monsoon</b><br></p>', 'Staff Correspondent', '[\"36\"]', NULL, NULL, NULL, NULL, '2024-05-30 16:21:06', '2024-05-30 16:21:06'),
(12635, 12635, '<div style=\"text-align: justify; \"><span style=\"font-size: 1rem;\"><b>Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has said that her party Awami League (AL) is always sincerely dedicated to the development of the country and its people.</b></span><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">The premier said while addressing a relief distribution programme at Government Mojahar Uddin Biswas Degree College at Kolapara here organised by the district administration.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify; \">\"We are beside you (countrymen), (we) will remain there and will provide all kinds of assistance what are needed,\" she said.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">Mentioning that the overall development of this southern region was only possible as AL is in power, she said, \"There were many people came to the power, but they didn\'t do any development activities for this region.\"</div><div style=\"text-align: justify; \"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">She added protecting living standard of the people is the main target of her government.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify; \">Sheikh Hasina said, \"Natural calamities will come. Our target is to maintain living standard of the people facing those (disasters), and we are working for that.\"</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">This time the tidal waves were much higher comparing to the previous cyclones, she said.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">The premier thanked the people for taking shelter in the cyclone centres built by the government.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">She said the AL government is doing whatever needed for ensuring basic needs of the people.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">Her government has been able to stand beside the people during such natural calamities as the country is witnessing continued democracy, she said.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">\"The socioeconomic development is taking place in the country as continued democracy is prevailing here,\" she added.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">Presided over by kolapara Awami League Vice President Nirmal Nandi, State Minister for Disaster Management and Relief Md. Mohibbur Rahman, Awami League Joint Secretary AFM Bahauddin Nasim and Organising Secretary Advocate Afzal Hossain also spoke.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">Earlier, the prime minister distributed relief materials among the cyclone Remal-affected people of this area.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">Sheikh Hasina also undertook an aerial visit to Mathbaria and Pathorghata areas of Patuakhali district to see herself the trail of havoc caused by the recent Cyclone Remal.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">She witnessed the super storm Remal-affected two areas from the helicopter that was hovering just over the ground at a slow speed on her way to Patuakhali from Dhaka.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify; \"><br></div>', NULL, 'Staff Correspondent', '[\"19\"]', NULL, NULL, NULL, NULL, '2024-05-30 16:23:48', '2024-05-30 16:23:48'),
(12636, 12636, '<div style=\"text-align: justify; \"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify; \">BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir has questioned how former Inspector General of Police (IGP) Benazir Ahmed and his family members “left the country without obstruction” despite the allegations of amassing assets illegally.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">Speaking at a discussion on Saturday, he also said this exposes the ruling party leaders’ claims of not sparing wrongdoers as “mere eyewash and deception.”</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">“I saw a media report that Benazir and his family went to Singapore, leaving the country on May 4. Before leaving, he emptied all his bank accounts and withdrew around Tk 60 crore. I don’t know whether the amount is much bigger,” Fakhrul said.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">The BNP leader further said, “My question is, how did he leave the country? What is the significance of a court order to confiscate his assets and freeze his bank accounts and the Anti-Corruption Commission’s move to file a case against him? When he was told he wouldn’t be allowed to go anywhere, how did he sneak off to Singapore right under the government\'s nose?”</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">He said the ruling party leaders also made remarks that no one involved in corruption would be spared. “Do they (the government) think people are stupid? They understand all these are eyewash and deceptions. You’re ruling the country by resorting to trickery.”</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">Bangladesh Sammilita Peshajibi Parishad, a platform of pro-BNP professionals, organised the programme at the Jatiya Press Club, marking the 43rd death anniversary of BNP founder Ziaur Rahman.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">Fakhrul said the government not only nurtured Benazir and Aziz Ahmed (former army chief) but also promoted countless corrupt individuals.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">He said that Awami League has turned Bangladesh into a “safe haven for plundering.”</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">“We must protect the country from it. We believe that through the struggle of the people of Bangladesh, we will defeat this monster that is wreaking havoc everywhere, establish a government of the people, and restore true democracy,\" the BNP leader said.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">Fakhrul said BNP, together with many other opposition parties, have long been carrying out a movement for the restoration of democracy.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">Stating that they must achieve victory and success in their struggle, the BNP leader said their party will never step back from its ultimate goal of establishing people’s voting rights and democracy.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">“Our goal remains unwavering. Strategies may change over time; we will decide that through discussions…we’re working hard to organise them all. We believe we have not failed. We have started working again. Inshallah, victory will be ours as we’re fighting on the path of truth and justice,\" Fakhrul observe. UNB&nbsp;</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify; \">bnbd24/kh</div>', NULL, 'news desk', '[\"1\"]', NULL, NULL, NULL, NULL, '2024-06-01 11:15:08', '2024-06-01 11:15:08'),
(12637, 12637, '<div style=\"text-align: justify; \"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify; \"><b>A four-member team from the Detective Branch (DB) of the Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) is en route to Nepal following an investigation in India, to probe the murder of Jhenaidah-4 MP Anwarul Azim Anar.</b></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">The team, led by the DB Chief Mohammad Harun-or-Rashid, is focusing on the main accused in the murder, Akhtaruzzaman Shaheen.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">Before departing Dhaka, Harun addressed media reports about the arrest of a person named Siam in Nepal. “I can\'t say anything at this moment. But we are going for an investigation. We will let you know soon,” Harun told journalists at Dhaka Airport this morning.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">Harun revealed that the suspects in Anar\'s murder had used the Nepal route. \"We have spoken to Jihad in India. We have several suspects related to Anar\'s murder, apart from the main culprit. Both sides have discussed this matter,\" he said.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">He also noted that several major criminals from Bangladesh, including suspects in Anar\'s murder, have recently been using the Kolkata route.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">“Considering everything, we have also written to Interpol to check if there are any criminals in that area. Overall, we are going to Nepal mainly for investigation,\" Harun added. UNB</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify; \">bnbd24/kh</div>', NULL, 'news desk', '[\"19\"]', NULL, NULL, NULL, NULL, '2024-06-01 12:38:42', '2024-06-01 12:38:42'),
(12638, 12638, '<div style=\"text-align: justify; \"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify; \"><b>Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on Sunday asked the youth to be euipped with knowledge, technology, and science to successfully face the challenges of the future and build a better Bangladesh in the spirit of the 1971 liberation war.</b></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">“This era is the era of technology, science, and knowledge. Without achieving knowledge it would not be possible for a person to prepare for the future and the country,” she said.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">The prime minister said this while distributing prizes among the winners of a nationwide video competition titled ‘Bangabandhu in my eyes’ held at her official residence Ganabhaban.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">She also asked the youth to take lessons from the history to be better prepared for the future.&nbsp;&nbsp;</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">Hasina expressed the hope that the new generation will&nbsp; take the the country towards prosperity.&nbsp;</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">“We have to take lessons from the history, we have to find our own path for the coming future to advance along with the other countries. You have to prepare yourselves that way,” she said.&nbsp;</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">She put highest emphasis on education for building a nation and taking it towards prosperity.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">“And without education it is not possible at all. Without education it is not possible to eradicate poverty. Education is the biggest achievement for a person,” she said.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">The PM urged the young people to get ready to lead the country.&nbsp;</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">“You have to get ready, the spirit of the liberation war must be upheld. You have to build Bangladesh free from hunger, poverty and with prosperity,” she said.&nbsp;</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">In this connection, she firmly said that Bangladesh will not yield to anyone.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">“We will go with our own dignity. We all have to keep that in our mind always,” she said.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">Pointing to the distortion of Bangladesh\'s history after the assassination of the Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, Hasina said that the real history has emerged now following corrective measures.&nbsp;</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">The prime minister called upon all to remain alert so none can push the country backwards and make it again the country of beggers.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">\"None can pull us back. We always have to be alert. We have to march the country ahead,\" she said.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">Earlier, the prime minister distributed certificates, crests and award money among the winners. UNB</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify; \">bnbd24/kh</div>', NULL, 'News Desk', '[\"19\"]', NULL, NULL, NULL, NULL, '2024-06-02 11:23:31', '2024-06-02 11:23:31'),
(12639, 12639, '<div style=\"text-align: justify; \"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify; \"><b>Chilean President Gabriel Boric said Saturday his country was joining South Africa in its case at the International Court of Justice accusing Israel of \"genocide\" in the war&nbsp;<span style=\"font-size: 1rem;\">against Hamas.</span></b></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">Speaking to the National Congress, Boric decried the \"catastrophic humanitarian situation\" in Gaza and called for \"a firm response from the international community.\"</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">\"Chile will become a party to and support the case that South Africa presented against Israel before the International Court of Justice in The Hague,\" Boric said.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">The ICJ is considering South Africa\'s case, but in the interim has brought in \"preliminary measures\" ordering Israel do everything it could to prevent acts of genocide during its campaign against Hamas.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">The top UN court last month ordered Israel to halt military operations in the southern Gaza city of Rafah, where displaced Palestinians are seeking safety from Israel\'s military offensive.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">Before the Rafah offensive began, the United Nations said up to 1.4 million people were sheltering in the city.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">Since then, one million have fled the area, the UN agency for Palestinian refugees, UNRWA, has said.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify; \">Chile has recognized Palestine as a state since 2011, and Boric has previously said the war in Gaza has \"no justification\" and is \"unacceptable.\"</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">The Gaza war was sparked by Hamas\'s unprecedented October 7 attack, which resulted in the deaths of 1,189 people, mostly civilians, according to an AFP tally based on Israeli official figures.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">Militants also took 252 hostages, 121 of whom remain in Gaza, including 37 the army says are dead.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">Israel\'s retaliatory offensive has killed at least 36,379 people in Gaza, mostly civilians, according to the Hamas-run territory\'s health ministry. AFP</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">bnbd24/kh</div>', NULL, 'International Desk', '[\"29\"]', NULL, NULL, NULL, NULL, '2024-06-02 11:39:58', '2024-06-02 11:39:58'),
(12640, 12640, '<div style=\"text-align: justify; \"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify; \">Awami League (AL) General Secretary Obaidul Quader today said former inspector general of police (IGP) Benazir Ahmed will be brought home back if he is found guilty.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">&nbsp;</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">“The trail of accused Benazir will continue on graft charges even if he stays abroad. If he is convicted, he will have to return home. The government will not show any mercy,’ he told a press conference at AL president’s Dhanmondi political office here.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">&nbsp;</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">Quader, also the road transport and bridges minister, said the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) is conducting a probe into the alleged graft of Benazir Ahmed and following the legal procedures.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">&nbsp;</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">“So, why will the government take measures excitedly avoiding the ACC. The government will consider whether its anti-graft bodies have any failure,” he said.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">&nbsp;</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">Responding to a statement of BNP secretary general Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir, the AL general secretary said an individual can commit corruption but the thing is - how the government considers that corrupt.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">&nbsp;</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">“I want to ask a question to Mirza Fakhrul - who from the government sent Benazir abroad? Who saw off him at the airport? Which authorities of the government were involved?” he said.&nbsp;&nbsp;</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">&nbsp;</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">Quader said after 1975, no ruler or government showed the courage to take steps against the corrupt but the Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina government has shown its courage by doing so.&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">&nbsp;</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">During the BNP’s tenure, he said, the culture of money laundering was introduced in the country. “When BNP assumed power, its leaders got involved in festival of illegal wealth accumulation. This is the established truth at home and abroad,” he added.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">&nbsp;</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">The road transport and bridges minister said when BNP assumed power in 2001, the party institutionalised graft in the country, while Bangladesh was champion in corruption five times in a row.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">&nbsp;</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">By siphoning off millions of Taka abroad, convicted fugitive Tarique Rahman (BNP acting chairman) has been leading a luxurious life aboard, he said.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">&nbsp;</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">At the onset of the press conference, Quader in his written speech said corruption is found in all countries but nobody from home and abroad can claim that Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and her government show tolerance to graft.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">&nbsp;</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">He said Sheikh Hasina is an absolute honest politician and it has been recognised globally and her industry and honest lifestyle are behind her popularity.&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">&nbsp;</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">AL organising secretary Sujit Roy Nandi, its science and technology affairs secretary Abdus Sabur and deputy office secretary Sayem Khan were, among others, present at the press conference.&nbsp;</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify; \">bnbd24/kh</div>', NULL, 'News Desk', '[\"19\"]', NULL, NULL, NULL, NULL, '2024-06-02 13:20:11', '2024-06-02 13:20:11'),
(12641, 12641, '<div style=\"text-align: justify; \"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify; \"><b>People are earning less, but spending most on food in Bangladesh, creating grave difficulty for the poorer sections of society.&nbsp;</b></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">The research director of the Center for Policy Dialogue (CPD) Dr Khondaker Golam Moazzem said this in a media briefing on ‘Bangladesh Economy 2023-24, Third Interim Review’ held at CPD office in Dhanmondi on Sunday.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">In a keynote presentation, he said,”We have become a luxurious country. We earn less, but spend the most on food. The victims of which are the poor and common people. What economy are we in?”</div><div style=\"text-align: justify; \"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">The government efforts are there. Many times the tariff on essential commodities is reduced, benefiting one type of trader, he said.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">Pointing out that the disparity between the rich and the poor has increased, he said:</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">\"Currently the per capita domestic income is US$ 2675, and the per capita national income is $2784. The average per capita income that we got was mainly due to the high earners. Considering the poor people, their income has decreased.\"</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">“Discrimination has widened here. Private investment is not visible. Excessive borrowing by the government is a major reason. The government should control the matter. The government\'s investment target of 7.5 percent is not expected to be achieved,” said Moazzem.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">He said the economy is undergoing a severe crisis, worsened by policy weaknesses, poor governance, and inadequate reforms. This has resulted in low revenue collection, reduced fiscal space, increased government borrowing from banks, and a declining foreign currency reserve.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">In the keynote presentation Moazzem said, “We are at 9 and 10 percent in inflation. Currently more than Sri Lanka. Failure to control inflation is a major failure for the government.”</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">For example, compared to 2019, the price of miniket rice has increased by 17 percent, pajam rice price by 15 percent and coarse rice by 30 percent. That is, where the profiteers are making more profit, the products that the poor and middle class consume and sell more in the market, he said.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">He said the price of lentils (musor dal) rose by 95 percent, wheat 40-54 percent, flour 60, open soybean 84 percent, bottled soybean 56 percent, and palm oil 106 percent. The price of beef is also high, broiler chicken is 60 percent raise, sugar price 152 percent, powdered milk 46-80 percent, onion 164 percent, garlic 310 percent, and dry chili 105 percent, which is much higher than the international market.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">“We see weakness in the market and supply monitoring system,” said Moazzem.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">He said, GDP growth was estimated at 7.5 percent. But in January it revised to 6.5 percent. Various international organizations, including the IMF, have estimated it is even lower.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">“The government is far from the budget target. The employment trend is not increasing with the growth of GDP, rather decreasing. National income is increasing in GDP, but is not contributing or contributing less to employment,” he said.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">Regarding the revenue target, Golam Moazzem said, “We can see a 13 percent growth in revenue collection, which is in a good position as July-January last year. Last year was negative.”</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">“If the target of revenue is to be achieved, then 63 percent growth must be achieved, which is impossible to achieve,” he pointed out.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">Other members of CPD’s research team were also present in the briefing. UNB</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify; \">bnbd24/kh</div>', NULL, 'News Desk', '[\"19\"]', NULL, NULL, NULL, NULL, '2024-06-02 13:26:23', '2024-06-02 13:26:23'),
(12642, 12642, '<div style=\"text-align: justify; \"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify; \"><b>The Ministry of Expatriates\' Welfare and Overseas Employment has formed a six-member committee to find out those responsible for the failure to send workers to Malaysia before the fixed deadline.&nbsp;</b></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">&nbsp;</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">The committee, headed by Additional Secretary Noor Md Mahbubul Haq, has been asked to submit their report within seven working days.&nbsp;</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">&nbsp;</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">State Minister for Expatriates\' Welfare and Overseas Employment Shafiqur Rahman Chowdhury disclosed this to journalists at his ministry office here today.&nbsp;</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">&nbsp;</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">He said about 16,970 migrant workers failed to reach Malaysia before the deadline of May 31 due to mismanagement while the Bureau of Manpower, Employment, and Training (BMET) approved 493,642 workers to go to Malaysia.&nbsp;</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">&nbsp;</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">\"Those who are responsible will be brought to book,\" he said, adding that the probe body will submit the report within seven days and steps will be taken based on the probe body\'s recommendations.&nbsp;</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify; \">bnbd24/kh</div>', NULL, 'News Desk', '[\"19\"]', NULL, NULL, NULL, NULL, '2024-06-02 13:41:47', '2024-06-02 13:41:47'),
(12643, 12643, '<div style=\"text-align: justify; \"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify; \"><b>Health Minister Dr. Samanta Lal Sen today said the government has taken all-out preparedness on healthcare services to prevent dengue diseases.</b></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">\"We have asked all relevant organizations to remain alert for taking prompt actions to deal any possible outbreak of the dengue diseases,\" he told a press conference at his ministry here.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">Emphasizing on taking comprehensive initiatives to prevent the dengue disease, the health minister said all relevant organizations have to work in a coordinated manner to combat mosquito-borne diseases as the country witnessed severe outbreak of dengue last year.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">He said Bangladesh reported over three lakh dengue infected patients last year meaning this is the highest number dengue cases in a single year since the mosquito-borne disease was detected in 2000.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">In the past 23 years, 2.5 lakh dengue cases were reported in the country while it logged over three lakh dengue patients last year.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">Samanta said sharp rise of both infection and fatality of dengue in 2023 is forcing all relevant organizations to shed light on taking concerted efforts to destroying breeding sources of dengue diseases alongside improving healthcare services.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">Community engagement is very crucial to prevent dengue disease; Samanta said, adding it is impossible for a single institution to handle the menace.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">According to the health experts, the city dwellers have to be careful about sources of stagnant water as most of the people in the country have utter negligence to keep their surroundings neat and clean.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">The two city corporations must assign adequate number of staffers to collect information larva of Aedes mosquito from every houses of the city, they said adding, all have to abide by rules to destroy breeding grounds of mosquito.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">The survey released recently showed eighteen wards under two city corporations of Dhaka are at high risk of dengue.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">The survey was conducted jointly by the two city corporations of Dhaka and the Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS) between April 17 and 26.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">&nbsp;</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">The wards of Dhaka North City Corporation which are at risk include - 12, 13, 20, 36, 31, 32, 17 and 33. The vulnerable wards of Dhaka South City Corporation are - 4, 13, 52, 54, 16, 3, 5, 15, 17 and 23.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify; \">bnbd24/kh</div>', NULL, 'News Desk', '[\"19\",\"6\"]', NULL, NULL, NULL, NULL, '2024-06-02 14:45:02', '2024-06-02 14:45:02'),
(12644, 12644, '<div style=\"text-align: justify; \"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify; \"><b>Around 17,000 people, who were planning to go to Malaysia, failed to go there within the stipulated time, said State Minister for Expatriate Welfare and Overseas Employment Shofiqur Rahman Chowdhury on Sunday.</b></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">Already a six-member body, headed by additional secretary of Expatriate Welfare and Overseas Employment Ministry, Mahbubul Haque, has been formed to look into the reason behind the failure of workers in Malaysia and the committee was asked to submit its report within the next seven working days, he said while talking to reporters at the Ministry.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">Till May 31, the Bureau of Manpower Employment Training (BMET) has given the clearance certificate to 4,93,642 workers to go to Malaysia and among them 4,76,672 went to the country while 16970 remained left in Bangladesh, he said.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">Assuring that punitive action will be taken against those who will found responsible in sending the workers to Malaysia, Shofiqur said the government will find out the reason behind failure of sending workers by the recruiting agencies within stipulated time, identify those recruiting agencies involved in it and complains if any to the committee and will fix how to deal with such issues, he said.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">Noting that the government was always sincere about sending workers to Malaysia, Shofiqur said urgent notices have been published in advertisements in the newspapers while twenty-three additional flights have been operated to carry workers.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">In addition, we have sent a letter requesting extension of time to send workers to Malaysia.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">Replying to a question about the syndicate, the junior minister said the government doesn’t believe in any syndicate and the government wants that the recruiting agencies, approved by the government, can send workers.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">Expecting the opening of the labour market in Malaysia, Shofiqur said the government is working with utmost sincerity.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">Besides, secretary to the Expatriate Welfare and Overseas Employment, Ruhul Amin, said those who have tickets issued before May 24, were approved to go to Malaysia. UNB</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify; \">bnbd24/kh</div>', NULL, 'News Desk', '[\"19\"]', NULL, NULL, NULL, NULL, '2024-06-02 14:48:26', '2024-06-02 14:48:26'),
(12645, 12645, '<div style=\"text-align: justify; \"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify; \"><b>Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina\'s forthcoming visit to China will be \"another historical\" one opening up a new chapter in Bangladesh-China relations.</b></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">\"It will be another historical one. It will be a game-changer. It will open a new chapter,\" Chinese Ambassador to Bangladesh Yao Wen told reporters while responding to a question at a seminar on Sunday night.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">The ambassador made the remarks when a reporter sought to know about a date of PM\'s Hasina\'s proposed visit next month.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify; \">\"Let\'s wait and see,\" the envoy said.                                                                                                                                      </div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">Foreign Secretary Masud Bin Momen is already in Beijing to have bilateral discussions with his Chinese counterpart on Monday.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">\"He will have a meeting with Chinese Vice-Minister of Foreign Affairs Sun Weidong, which is scheduled to take place on June 3,\" a senior official told UNB.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">Issues of mutual interest, including Hasina\'s proposed visit, are likely to be discussed.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">Meanwhile, an inter-ministerial meeting was held at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs recently.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">The two sides will discuss finding a convenient date for the PM\'s visit to China on Monday.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"> Hasina is likely to pay an official visit to China before July 15.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">In May 2023, the Chinese vice minister was in Bangladesh on a two-day official visit to discuss issues of mutual interest.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">He had a bilateral meeting with Foreign Secretary Masud Bin Momen during his stay in Dhaka.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">Recently, Ambassador of China to Bangladesh Yao Wen said Bangladesh and China should deepen their strategic partnership for cooperation and explore new growth points.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">\"China is willing to work with Bangladesh to continue exploring cooperation opportunities under the Global Development Initiative, Global Security Initiative and Global Civilisation Initiative,\" he said.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">In particular, the ambassador said, they were willing to promote the upgrading of industries and digitalisation process in Bangladesh.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">The ambassador spoke at the seminar titled “China-Bangladesh Free Trade Agreement: A Mutually Beneficial and Win-Win Choice” held at the Embassy of China.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">State Minister for Commerce Ahasanul Islam Titu spoke at the seminar as the chief guest, highlighting various aspects of the bilateral relations.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">Dr Mohammad Abdur Razzaque, Chairman of RAPID, Al Mamun Mridha, Secretary General of Bangladesh China Chamber of Commerce and Industry (BCCCI) and Ke Changliang, President of Chinese Enterprises Association in Bangladesh (CEAB), among others, spoke.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify; \">bnbd24/kh</div>', NULL, 'News Desk', '[\"19\"]', NULL, NULL, NULL, NULL, '2024-06-02 16:49:01', '2024-06-02 16:49:39');
INSERT INTO `news_details` (`id`, `news_id`, `details`, `ticker`, `representative`, `keyword`, `video_link`, `google_drive_link`, `audio_link`, `shoulder`, `created_at`, `updated_at`) VALUES
(12646, 12646, '<div style=\"text-align: justify; \"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify; \"><b>Secretary General of the Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation (BIMSTEC) Indra Mani Pandey on Monday said a date has been proposed for the next Summit in Bangkok, Thailand later this year, awaiting approval from the member states.&nbsp;</b></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">\"The date for the 6th BIMSTEC Summit will formally be announced soon. It will have some significant outcomes. It will set a direction for the future of the BIMSTEC,\" he told members of the Diplomatic Correspondents Association, Bangladesh (DCAB) at its Secretariat.&nbsp;</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">The BIMSTEC Secretary General hoped the upcoming Summit would add new vigour to regional cooperation within BIMSTEC.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">\"I believe BIMSTEC has a bright future. All the members are truly committed to make sure BIMSTEC becomes a success story,\" he said while making a presentation on BIMSTEC activities.&nbsp;</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">The Summit will adopt a Bangkok Vision 2030 which would be an overarching kind of document and give direction to the organisation, he said, adding that it would be one of the significant outcomes.&nbsp;&nbsp;</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">Responding to a question on maritime cooperation, the Secretary General said they will share details once the member States sign the document.&nbsp;</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">\"It (likely MoU) will deal with every aspect of maritime connectivity,\" he said.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">The BIMSTEC Secretary General said bilateral and regional cooperation are being reinforced.&nbsp;</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">He said the member states want to see BIMSTEC successful and being able to deliver.&nbsp;</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">Progress has been reported in the preparations for the upcoming BIMSTEC meeting, which will involve member countries Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Myanmar, Nepal, Sri Lanka, and Thailand, the designated host.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">Thailand assumed the Chairmanship of BIMSTEC on March 30, 2022, underscoring its commitment to transforming this cooperation into a resilient organization capable of responding effectively to the evolving global landscape.&nbsp;</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">Thailand prioritizes rapid and comprehensive adaptation, sustainable development, and enhancing the collective capabilities of all seven member nations.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">The BIMSTEC Secretary General underscored the significance of the entry into force of the BIMSTEC Charter, hoping that it would usher in a new era of cooperation in the region. \"That was a historic occasion.\"</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">DCAB President Nurul Islam Hasib was also present. UNB</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify; \">bnbd24/kh</div>', NULL, 'News Desk', '[\"19\"]', NULL, NULL, NULL, NULL, '2024-06-03 08:28:22', '2024-06-03 08:28:22'),
(12647, 12647, '<div style=\"text-align: justify; \"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify; \">The world’s largest election could also be one of its most consequential.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify; \"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify; \">India has close to 970 million voters among its more than 1.4 billion people, and its general election pits Prime Minister Narendra Modi, an avowed Hindu nationalist, against a broad alliance of opposition parties that are struggling to play catch up.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify; \"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify; \">Now 73, Modi first swept to power in 2014 on promises of economic development, presenting himself as an outsider cracking down on corruption. Since then, he has fused religion with politics in a formula that has attracted wide support from the country’s majority Hindu population.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify; \"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify; \">India under Modi is a rising global power, but his rule has also been marked by rising unemployment, attacks by Hindu nationalists against minorities, particularly Muslims, and a shrinking space for dissent and free media.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify; \"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify; \">The final day of voting in the 6-week-long election was Saturday. The vote counting will start Tuesday and will be updated throughout the day. The election results will likely be known the same day.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify; \"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify; \">The voters are choosing 543 members for the lower house of Parliament for a five-year term.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify; \"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify; \">Votes were cast at more than a million polling stations. Each of the seven voting phases lasted a single day with several constituencies across multiple states voting that day. The staggered polling allowed the government to transport election officials and voting machines and deploy tens of thousands of troops to prevent violence. Candidates crisscrossed the country, poll workers hiked to remote villages, and voters lined up for hours in sweltering heat.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify; \"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify; \">India has a first-past-the-post multiparty electoral system in which the candidate who receives the most votes wins. To secure a majority, a party or coalition must breach the mark of 272 seats.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify; \"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify; \">Modi’s Bharatiya Janata Party and his main challenger, Rahul Gandhi of the Indian National Congress, represent Parliament’s two largest factions. Several other important regional parties are part of an opposition bloc.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify; \"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify; \">Opposition parties, which previously were fractured, have united under a front called INDIA, or Indian National Developmental Inclusive Alliance, to deny Modi a a third straight election victory.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify; \"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify; \">The alliance has fielded a single main candidate in most constituencies. But it has been roiled by ideological differences and personality clashes, and has not yet decided on its candidate for prime minister.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify; \"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify; \">Most exit polls project Modi is set to extend his decade in power with a third consecutive term, especially after he opened a Hindu temple in northern Ayodhya city in January, which fulfilled his party’s long-held Hindu nationalist pledge. During the polls Modi escalated polarizing rhetoric in incendiary speeches that targeted the country’s Muslim minority.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify; \"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify; \">Modi touts India\'s roaring economy as he seeks reelection, but many feel left behind</div><div style=\"text-align: justify; \"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify; \">Another victory would cement Modi as one of the country’s most popular and important leaders. It would follow a thumping win in 2019, when the BJP clinched an absolute majority by sweeping 303 parliamentary seats. The Congress party managed only 52 seats.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify; \"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify; \">For decades, India has clung doggedly to its democratic convictions, largely due to free elections, an independent judiciary, a thriving media, strong opposition and peaceful transition of power. Some of these credentials have eroded under Modi’s 10-year rule, with the polls seen as a test for the country’s democratic values.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify; \"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify; \">Many watchdogs have now categorized India as a “hybrid regime” that is neither a full democracy nor a full autocracy.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify; \"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify; \">The poll results will also test Modi’s limits. Critics accuse him of running on a Hindu-first platform, endangering the country’s secular roots.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify; \"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify; \">Under Modi, the media, once viewed as vibrant and largely independent, have become more pliant and critical voices muzzled.Courts have largely bent to Modi’s will and given favorable verdicts in crucial cases. Centralization of executive power has strained India’s federalism. And federal agencies have bogged down top opposition leaders in corruption cases, which they deny.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify; \"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify; \">Another key issue is India’s large economy, which is among the fastest growing in the world. It has helped India emerge as a global power and a counterweight to China. But even as India’s growth soars by some measures, the Modi government has struggled to generate enough jobs for young Indians, and instead has relied on welfare programs like free food and housing to woo voters.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify; \"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify; \">bnbd24/kh</div>', NULL, 'News Desk', '[\"29\"]', NULL, NULL, NULL, NULL, '2024-06-03 08:34:10', '2024-06-03 08:34:10'),
(12648, 12648, '<div style=\"text-align: justify; \"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify; \"><b>German Chancellor Olaf Scholz was due to visit Germany\'s flood-hit south on Monday after days of heavy rain left large parts of the region under water.</b></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">Thousands of people have been evacuated from their homes over the weekend in the southern regions of Bavaria and Baden-Wuerttemberg.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">The situation continued to get worse overnight into Monday, with 800 people asked to leave their homes in the area of Ebenhausen-Werk, Bavaria, after a dam burst.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">The district of Regensburg, which sits on the Danube, also joined a growing list to declare a state of emergency as the water rose.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">Scholz was expected to visit the area of Reichertshofen, in Bavaria, close to where some of the worst flooding has been seen.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">The chancellor will arrive in the flood zone around 11:00 am local time (0900 GMT) in the company of Interior Minister Nancy Faeser and Bavarian premier Markus Soeder.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">On Sunday, a 42-year-old volunteer fireman was found dead after his vessel turned over during a flood rescue operation.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">Another volunteer, 22, was still missing after his boat also overturned overnight into Sunday.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">A search operation to find the missing rescue worker had to be stopped due to the exceptionally high waters and strong currents, local police said.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">The search was set to resume Monday, if conditions improved.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">The German Weather Service (DWD) lifted warnings of heavy rain and storms overnight into Monday in all the affected areas.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">Some rain could however continue to fall in the areas of southern Germany already impacted.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"> </div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">The widespread flooding and continued rainfall had an impact on transport in the region with widespread train cancellations and delays.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">Train lines leading from Munich to Stuttgart, Nuremberg and Wuerzburg were unusable as a result of the bad weather, rail operator Deutsche Bahn stated on its website.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">A landslide near Schwaebisch Gmuend overnight into Sunday caused a high-speed train travelling between Stuttgart and Augsburg to derail, blocking the line. Nobody was hurt in the incident. </div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify; \">bnbd24/kh</div>', NULL, 'International Desk', '[\"29\"]', NULL, NULL, NULL, NULL, '2024-06-03 09:55:44', '2024-06-03 09:56:07'),
(12649, 12649, '<div style=\"text-align: justify; \"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify; \"><b>President Mohammed Shahabuddin asked the Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) office to ensure transparent and accountable use of public funds.&nbsp; &nbsp;</b></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">The President came up with the directive as a three-member delegation led by the Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) of Bangladesh, Md Nurul Islam, handed over an audit and accounts report to him at Bangabhaban here this afternoon.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">President\'s Press Secretary Md Joynal Abedin said that the President had instructed all relevant authorities to maintain transparency and accountability in government spending.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">&nbsp;</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">The President emphasized the importance of auditing to verify that people\'s money is being used properly, as Bangladesh\'s budget and development programs continue to grow every year.&nbsp;&nbsp;</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">The Head of the State directed the CAG to take necessary steps to update all audits and resolve any outstanding audit objections.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">During the meeting, the CAG provided an overview of their recent work, including 45 compliance audit reports, two utility account reports, and two financial account reports.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">They also informed the President about measures taken regarding government employee salaries, pensions, and other benefits.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">Secretaries concerned to the President\'s office were also present. BSS</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify; \">bnbd24/kh</div>', NULL, 'News Desk', '[\"19\"]', NULL, NULL, NULL, NULL, '2024-06-03 10:53:54', '2024-06-03 10:53:54'),
(12650, 12650, '<div style=\"text-align: justify; \"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify; \"><b>Government, semi-government, autonomous and semi-autonomous institutions will run from 9am to 5pm after Eid-ul-Azha vacation.</b></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">The decision was taken in a cabinet meeting today. Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina chaired the meeting held at her office.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">&nbsp;</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">Later, Cabinet Secretary Md Mahbub Hossain held a press conference at the Secretariat to inform about the decisions taken in the meeting.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">&nbsp;</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">On November 15, 2022, the office schedule was made from 9am to 4pm to save power and energy. Earlier, during usual time, schedule of the government offices was from 9am-5pm.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">Now, government offices will return to previous schedule again.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">&nbsp;</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">The cabinet secretary said the government office time will be from 9am to 5pm between Sunday and Thursday but there will be a 30-minute break from 1pm to 1:30pm for prayers and lunch.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">Friday and Saturday will be weekend holidays, he said.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">Mahbub Hossain said Shahbagh Thana will be shifted from the capital\'s Suhrawardy Udyan as the new address of the police station will be on Ramna mouza in Sakura restaurant area near Hotel Intercontinental.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">The government has decided to shift the thana for the Swadhinata Stambha (third phase first revised) construction project.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">&nbsp;</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">Besides, the cabinet today approved drafts of Bangladesh Forest Industries Development Corporation Act and National Bio-safety Policy 2024 and few other issues.&nbsp;</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify; \">bnbd24/kh</div>', NULL, 'News Desk', '[\"19\"]', NULL, NULL, NULL, NULL, '2024-06-03 13:20:14', '2024-06-03 13:20:14'),
(12651, 12651, '<div style=\"text-align: justify; \"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify; \"><b>Awami League General Secretary and Road Transport and Bridges Minister Obaidul Quader today said BNP is closely connected with communal evil forces, including Jamaat.</b></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">“The statement of BNP secretary general Mirza Fakhrul Islam  Alamgir over anti-liberation forces and fanatic organization Jamaat has proved that BNP is closely connected with Jamaat and other communal forces,” he said in a statement sent to media here.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">Quader said the statement of Mirza Fakhrul over Jamaat is clearly contradictory and illogical. The politics of Jamaat is contradictory to the main spirit of Bangladesh, the ideology of the Liberation War and values of independence, he said, adding that their politics has been proved as anti-state.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">He said a patriot never recognize the politics, which is against the country’s constitution and its spirit. The people (Jamaat), whose politics hit the root of the country’s spirit, their tricks can never be scientific and rational, he continued.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"> “The statement of Fakhrul has exposed his real face, which was disguised in a camouflage of progressiveness. His statement is also an exposure of his ill motive to provoke terrorist activities of ultra communal evil forces,” he said.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">Quader said BNP has relation with communal evil forces historically, as military dictator Ziaur Rahman had created a scope for BNP and other anti-liberation forces to do politics in the soil of Bangladesh.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">BNP leaders, including Fakhrul, have liability towards communal evil forces, so they patronize fanatic groups, he said.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">On the other hand, Awami League is doing politics with the spirit of great Liberation War and its ideology.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify; \">bnbd24/kh</div>', NULL, 'News Desk', '[\"1\"]', NULL, NULL, NULL, NULL, '2024-06-03 16:04:41', '2024-06-03 16:05:21'),
(12652, 12652, '<div style=\"text-align: justify; \"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify; \"><b>Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on Tuesday asked the tea growers and traders to opt for more diversified and aromatic tea considering the growing global&nbsp; demand for such types of drink.</b></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">“I think we need to pay attention to make diversified and aromatic&nbsp; tea as the demand for it is much higher now in foreign countries,” she said.&nbsp;</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">The premier made this remark while addressing a programme arranged in the city’s Osmani Memorial Auditorium on the occasion of 4th National Tea Day and National Tea Award-2024.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">She said now the taste of the people has changed and so there is not only tea from tea leaves, but also different types and flavours of tea like herbal and spicy tea have already been made available in the market.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">“Instead of just selling tea leaves in bulk, we need to add value to them and export them. If so, we (Bangladesh) can earn foreign currency on the one hand and the traders will make a good profit on the other hand. I want it,” said&nbsp; Hasina.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">She said now tea is made with different things like basil leaf, ginger, lemon, bay leaf, cardamom, cloves and cinnamon.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">The prime minister asked the tea garden owners and tea traders to package such types of tea and add value to it for getting more profit.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">“If you add value to tea, not just selling tea leaves in bulk, you will get more price, good money and&nbsp; earnings. Its demand is constantly increasing throughout the world,” she added.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">She stressed the need for more research on making tea from jute leaves, saying now tea is produced from jute leaves on a small scale. Jute tea might be good for controlling diabetes, she added.&nbsp;</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">The prime minister urged the tea garden owners and businesspeople&nbsp; to be more sincere regarding&nbsp; the wellbeing of tea workers if they want more production.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">“If you are sincere to the workers, you can make them more productive,” she said, adding that the owners should pay attention to the workers’ healthcare and education of their children.&nbsp;</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">She said the government will do its part, mentioning&nbsp; that she has an emotional attachment with the tea industry as her Father Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman was the first Bengali Chairman of the tea board and awarded the tea workers citizenship.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">Developed countries make commitments on climate change, but fail to implement: PM Hasina</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">She thanked the tea workers as they always vote for Awami League.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">When the Awami League government came to power in 1996, it took initiatives to expand the tea cultivation in the North Bengal, she said, adding that as a result, tea cultivation has gone to Panchagarh, Thakurgaon, Lalmonirhat, Nilphamari, Dinajpur and Rangpur districts.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">This time, the tea production has increased to 102.92 million kg, said the prime minister.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">The National Tea Award was awarded for the second time in eight categories in recognition of the outstanding contribution to the tea industry.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">The premier handed over the National Tea Award-2024 to the recipients from tea growers, exporters and workers as well as inaugurated the Tea Fair-2024.&nbsp;</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">State Minister for Commerce Ahasanul Islam Titu presided over the event, while Chairman of Parliamentary Standing Committee on Commerce Ministry Tipu Munshi, Commerce Secretary Selim Uddin, Chairman of Bangladeshi Cha Sangsad (Association of tea garden owners) Kamran T Rahman, Chairman of Tea Traders Association of Bangladesh Shah Moinuddin Hasan and Chairman of Bangladesh Tea Board Major General Ashraful Islam spoke on the occasion.&nbsp;</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">In the event, an audio-visual documentary was screened focusing on the tea industry of Bangladesh. UNB&nbsp;</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify; \">bnbd24/kh</div>', NULL, 'News Desk', '[\"19\"]', NULL, NULL, NULL, NULL, '2024-06-04 08:29:14', '2024-06-04 08:29:14'),
(12653, 12653, '<div style=\"text-align: justify; \"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify; \"><b>Toyota Chairman Akio Toyoda apologized Monday for massive cheating on certification tests for seven vehicle models as the automaker suspended production of three of them.</b></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">The wide-ranging fraudulent testing at Japan’s top automaker involved the use of inadequate or outdated data in collision tests, and incorrect testing of airbag inflation and rear-seat damage in crashes. Engine power tests were also found to have been falsified.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">Toyota Motor Corp., based in Toyota city, central Japan, suspended production in the country of the Corolla Fielder, Corolla Axio and Yaris Cross. The deceptive tests were also found on discontinued models.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">The company said the wrongdoing does not affect the safety of the vehicles already on roads, which include the Corolla subcompact and Lexus luxury vehicles.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">“We sincerely apologize,” Toyoda told reporters, bowing deeply and holding the position for several seconds, as is customary in Japan at news conferences where companies apologize for misbehavior.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">A Japanese government investigation into Toyota began in January. The issue does not affect Toyota’s overseas production.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">Also Monday, Toyota\'s Japanese rival Mazda Motor Corp. reported similar irregular certification testing, and halted production of two models, the Roadster and Mazda 2. It said incorrect engine control software was used in the tests.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">Mazda, based in the southwestern city of Hiroshima, also acknowledged violations on crash tests on three discontinued models. None of the violations affect the vehicles’ safety.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">Tokyo-based Honda Motor Co. also apologized Monday for improper tests, such as those on noise levels and torque, on a range of models. Honda said affected older models — the Accord, Odyssey and Fit — are no longer in production. The safety of the vehicles is not affected, it said.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">Certification problems starting surfacing two years ago at Toyota group companies, truck maker Hino Motors and Daihatsu Motor Co. — specializing in small models — and Toyota Industries Corp., which makes machinery and auto parts.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">Shinji Miyamoto, a Toyota executive overseeing customer satisfaction, said Toyota began looking into its own tests following the problems at the group companies.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">The apparent unraveling of the testing systems at Toyota and its group companies is an embarrassment for an automaker that’s prided itself for decades on production finesse and a corporate culture based on empowering workers to make “ever-better cars.”</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">Toyoda, the grandson of the company’s founder, suggested some certification rules might be overly stringent, noting such tests differed around the world. But he repeatedly said he wasn\'t condoning the violations.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">“We are not a perfect company. But if we see anything wrong, we will take a step back and keep trying to correct it,” said Toyoda.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">He said the company may have been too eager to get the tests done and abbreviated them at a time when model varieties were burgeoning.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">Toyota sells more than 10 million vehicles around the world. AP</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify; \">bnbd24/kh</div>', NULL, 'News Desk', '[\"29\"]', NULL, NULL, NULL, NULL, '2024-06-04 08:40:53', '2024-06-04 08:40:53'),
(12654, 12654, '<div style=\"text-align: justify; \"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify; \"><b>The United States on Monday announced a draft Security Council resolution supporting the Israel-Hamas ceasefire plan outlined by Joe Biden last week, urging Hamas to accept it.</b></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">\"Numerous leaders and governments, including in the region, have endorsed this plan,\" said US Ambassador Linda Thomas-Greenfield.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">The draft text, seen by AFP, \"welcomes the new deal announced on May 31, and calls upon Hamas to accept it fully and implement its terms without delay and without condition.\"</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">Biden outlined on Friday what he called an Israeli plan that in three phases would end the bloody conflict, free all hostages and lead to the reconstruction of the devastated Palestinian territory without Hamas in power.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">However fissures between the two allies emerged when Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu\'s office stressed that the ongoing war in Gaza would continue until all of Israel\'s \"goals are achieved,\" including the destruction of Hamas\'s military and governing capabilities.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">Israeli media have questioned to what extent Biden\'s ceasefire speech and some crucial details were coordinated with Netanyahu\'s team, including how long any truce would hold and how many captives would be freed and when.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">Earlier Monday, the White House said Biden told the emir of mediator Qatar that he saw Hamas as \"the only obstacle to a complete ceasefire\" in Gaza, and urged him to press the group to accept it.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">Hamas last week said it viewed Biden\'s outline \"positively,\" but has since made no official comment on the stalled negotiations, while mediators Qatar, Egypt and the United States have not announced any new talks.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">Before Biden had made his Friday announcement, Algeria had last week circulated a draft resolution calling for an immediate ceasefire and a halt of the Israeli offensive on the southern Gaza city of Rafah, citing the recent order to that effect from the International Court of Justice.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">Washington at the time had said that the text wouldn\'t be helpful, saying instead direct, on-the-ground negotiations were necessary for a truce.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">No vote is scheduled for either draft resolution.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">The council has struggled to find a unified voice since the war broke out with the October 7 Hamas attack on Israel, followed by Israel\'s retaliatory campaign.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">After passing two resolutions centered on the need for humanitarian aid to people in Gaza, in March the council passed a resolution calling for an immediate ceasefire -- an appeal that had been blocked several times before by the United States.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">Washington, increasingly frustrated with the mounting civilian death toll, finally allowed that resolution to pass by abstaining from voting.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify; \">bnbd24/kh</div>', NULL, 'International Desk', '[\"43\"]', NULL, NULL, NULL, NULL, '2024-06-04 08:56:13', '2024-06-04 08:56:13'),
(12655, 12655, '<div style=\"text-align: justify; \"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify; \"><b>Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on Tuesday said her government has created opportunities for the country’s children to pursue their education and flourish their talents.</b></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">“We’ve created scopes for our children so that they can pursue education in various ways and flourish their latent talents,” she said.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">The PM was speaking at the prize giving ceremony of Essay and Art Competitions, held on the occasion of the birth anniversary of Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, in her official residence Ganabhaban here.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">She handed over the prizes to the best performers among the 304 winners of the competitions held on the occasion of 99th, 100th, 101st, 102nd, 103rd and 104th birth anniversaries of Bangabandhu.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman Memorial Trust arranged the competitions.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">Noting that the Awami League government has set up various types of specialised universities in the country, Hasina said the government is setting up universities at the district level.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">She said multi-dimensional universities including medical, agricultural, design and fashion, aerospace and aviation, and science and technology have been established.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">The premier said her government formulated many laws and policies for the protection of the children and opened windows for education.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">She said the government provides the students from pre-primary to secondary level with free textbooks, stipends and scholarship as well as scholarships even for higher education.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">“Thanks to our steps, the literacy rate has gone up to 76.8 percent now, which was only 45 percent in 2006,” she added.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">The PM said her government set up computer labs in schools and computer training and incubation centres in the country. “We’re expanding IT education, digital systems and computer training,” she said.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">She said the world is marching forward in the age of technology. “Our children will not lag behind. We’ll build them as a modern nation by equipping them with the latest technological knowledge,” she continued.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">The prime minister said her government’s vision now is that Bangladesh will be a smart Bangladesh by 2041.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">“Today’s children and youth will be the future guides of 2041 Bangladesh. We want to develop them properly so that they can take Bangladesh forward,” she said.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">Speaker Shirin Sharmin Chaudhury was present in the function presided over by President of the Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman Memorial Museum and noted painter Hashem Khan.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">Curator of Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman Memorial Museum, Md Nazrul Islam Khan, also spoke on the occasion. UNB</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify; \">bnbd24/kh</div>', NULL, 'News Desk', '[\"19\"]', NULL, NULL, NULL, NULL, '2024-06-04 12:07:47', '2024-06-04 12:07:47'),
(12656, 12656, '<div style=\"text-align: justify; \"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify; \"><b>Indian markets closed sharply down Tuesday as early counting showed that Prime Minister Narendra Modi\'s party faced a tighter than expected race.</b></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">India\'s benchmark stock indices, the NIFTY 50 and the BSE Sensex, had hit new highs at the close of day Monday but dropped sharply Tuesday as the early vote figures started to come in.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">They recovered slightly to each close down more than 5%.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">The country\'s stock markets have boomed under Modi, whose pro-market policies have made him popular among India\'s corporations and businesspeople. Critics have said India has become more unequal.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">Even if Modi\'s Bharatiya Janata Party does not secure a parliamentary majority on its own, early counts reported by India\'s Election Commission showed his coalition including smaller parties leading in a majority of seats.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">Prime Minister Narendra Modi\'s coalition led in a majority of seats Tuesday in India\'s general election, according to early figures, but faced a stronger challenge from the opposition than expected after it pushed back against the leader\'s mixed economic record and polarizing politics.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">The counting of more than 640 million votes cast over six weeks in the world\'s largest democratic exercise was set to take all day. Modi was still widely expected to be elected to a third five-year term — even as the race tightened and the early count showed his Hindu nationalist party might not secure a majority on its own.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">If Modi wins, it would cement the 73-year-old as one of the country\'s most popular and important leaders. It would only be the second time an Indian leader has retained power for a third term after Jawaharlal Nehru, the country\'s first prime minister.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">In his 10 years in power, Modi has transformed India\'s political landscape, bringing Hindu nationalism, once a fringe ideology in India, into the mainstream while leaving the country deeply divided.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">His supporters see him as a self-made, strong leader who has improved India\'s standing in the world. His critics and opponents say his Hindu-first politics have bred intolerance and while the economy, the world\'s fifth-largest and one of the fastest-growing, has become more unequal.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">Some seven hours into counting, early leads reported by India\'s Election Commission showed Modi\'s Bharatiya Janata Party was ahead in 236 constituencies and had won two, including one uncontested, of 543 parliamentary seats. The main opposition Congress party led in 99 constituencies.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">A total of 272 seats are needed for a majority. In 2019, the BJP won 303 seats.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">Modi\'s party is part of the National Democratic Alliance, whose parties led in 287 constituencies, according to the early count, including the two won by BJP. The Congress party is part of the INDIA alliance, which led in 230 constituencies.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">The Election Commission does not release data on the percentage of votes tallied, and early figures were expected to change.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">The \"Congress party and other opposition parties have showed tremendous resilience. To have a stronger opposition augers very well for India\'s democracy that has taken a hit during Modi\'s 10-year rule,\" said political analyst Rasheed Kidwai.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">Exit polling from the weekend had projected the NDA to win more than 350 seats. Indian markets, which had hit an all-time high on Monday, were down sharply in midday trading Tuesday, with benchmark stock indices — the NIFTY 50 and the BSE Sensex — both down by more than 7%.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">Extreme heat struck India as voters went to the polls, with temperatures higher than 45 degrees Celsius (113 Fahrenheit) in some parts of the country. Temperatures were somewhat lower on Tuesday for the counting, but election officials and political parties still took precautions, hauling in large quantities of water and installing outdoor air coolers for people waiting for results outside the buildings where votes were being tallied and party headquarters.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">Voting ends in the last round of India\'s election, a referendum on Modi\'s decade in power</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">BJP workers outside the party\'s office in New Delhi performed a Hindu ritual shortly after the counting began. Meanwhile, supporters at the Congress party headquarters appeared upbeat and chanted slogans praising Gandhi, the party\'s campaign face.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">Over 10 years in power, Modi\'s popularity has outstripped that of his party\'s, and has turned a parliamentary election into one that increasingly resembles a presidential-style campaign. The result is that the BJP relies more and more on Modi\'s enduring brand to stay in power, with local politicians receding into the background even in state elections.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">\"Modi was not just the prime campaigner, but the sole campaigner of this election,\" said Yamini Aiyar, a public policy scholar.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">The country\'s democracy, Modi\'s critics say, is faltering under his government, which has increasingly wielded strong-arm tactics to subdue political opponents, squeeze independent media and quash dissent. The government has rejected such accusations and say democracy is flourishing.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">And economic discontent has simmered under Modi. While stock markets reach record-highs and millionaires multiply, youth unemployment has soared, with only a small portion of Indians benefitting from the boom.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">As polls opened in mid-April, a confident BJP initially focused its campaign on \"Modi\'s guarantees,\" highlighting the economic and welfare achievements that his party says have reduced poverty. With him at the helm, \"India will become a developed nation by 2047,\" Modi repeated in rally after rally.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">But the campaign turned increasingly shrill, as Modi ramped up polarizing rhetoric that targeted Muslims, who make up 14% of the population, a tactic seen to energize his core Hindu majority voters.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">The opposition INDIA alliance has attacked Modi over his Hindu nationalist politics, and campaigned on issues of joblessness, inflation and inequality.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">But the broad alliance of over a dozen political parties has been beset by ideological differences and defections, raising questions over their effectiveness. Meanwhile, the alliance has also claimed they\'ve been unfairly targeted, pointing to a spree of raids, arrests and corruption investigations against their leaders by federal agencies they say are politically motivated. The government has denied this. UNB</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify; \">bnbd24/kh</div>', NULL, 'International Desk', '[\"43\"]', NULL, NULL, NULL, NULL, '2024-06-04 13:01:46', '2024-06-04 13:01:46');
INSERT INTO `news_details` (`id`, `news_id`, `details`, `ticker`, `representative`, `keyword`, `video_link`, `google_drive_link`, `audio_link`, `shoulder`, `created_at`, `updated_at`) VALUES
(12657, 12657, '<div style=\"text-align: justify; \"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify; \"><b>Chief of Air Staff Air Chief Marshal Shaikh Abdul Hannan today paid a farewell call on President Mohammed Shahabuddin at Bangabhaban here.</b></div><div style=\"text-align: justify; \"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify; \">The air force chief expressed his gratitude to the president for his cooperation while performing his duties, President\'s Press Secretary Md Joynal Abedin told newsmen in a media briefing after the meeting.&nbsp;</div><div style=\"text-align: justify; \"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify; \">The president was also apprised by the air chief of the overall activities of the air force, including its overall development work.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify; \"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify; \">The president, also the supreme commander of the Armed Forces, thanked the outgoing air force chief for successfully discharging his assignment.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify; \"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify; \">The head of the state, as well, appreciated his role in the development of the air force.&nbsp;</div><div style=\"text-align: justify; \"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify; \">Shahabuddin expressed his hope that the ongoing development of the air force would continue and simultaneously the government would extend full cooperation in this regard.&nbsp;</div><div style=\"text-align: justify; \"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify; \">During the meeting, President\'s wife Dr. Rebeka Sultana was present.&nbsp;</div><div style=\"text-align: justify; \"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify; \">President\'s Office Secretary Md Wahidul Islam Khan and Military Secretary Major General M Adil Chowdhury were also present.&nbsp;</div><div style=\"text-align: justify; \"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify; \">bnbd24/kh</div>', NULL, 'News Desk', '[\"19\"]', NULL, NULL, NULL, NULL, '2024-06-04 13:06:24', '2024-06-04 13:06:24'),
(12658, 12658, '<div style=\"text-align: justify; \"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify; \"><b>Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on Wednesday said Bangladesh is one of the pioneers in the world in terms of coastal afforestation.</b></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">“In the world, Bangladesh is one of the pioneers in coastal afforestation. As of now, the afforestation has been created in some 261,570 hectares in the coastal areas. We’ve created a green belt of 89,853 hectares since 2009,” she said.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">The premier was addressing a programme arranged in the city’s Bangabandhu International Conference Centre (BICC) to mark the World Environment Day-2024.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">In the function, she also opened the Environment Fair-2024, the National Campaign for Tree Plantation and the Tree Fair-2024.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">With the theme “land restoration, stopping desertification and building drought resilience,” this year the World Environment Day 2024 is being observed throughout the world under the slogan “Our land. Our future. We are #GenerationRestoration.”&nbsp;</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">The prime minister urged all to plant trees in every possible place and make rooftop gardening to gain financially, relief from temperature and thus protect the environment.&nbsp; &nbsp;</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">“I would like to request everyone to plant trees wherever you can…. If you all plant trees wherever you have places —&nbsp; in offices, courts, mosques and Madrashas–, you will get relief from the temperature. And make rooftop gardening,” she said.&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">She said everyone should at least plant a fruit-bearing tree, wood tree and herbal tree.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">“If you plant fruit-bearing trees, you will be able to eat fruits and if you plant wood trees, you will get good money from the sale of wood,” she added.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">The prime minister inaugurated the Tree Plantation Campaign by planting two saplings – Palash and Bel (wood apple) trees with the theme of “\'Decorate the country with trees, enrich Bangladesh” (Brikkha Diye Sajai Desh, Samriddhi Kori Bangladesh).</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">She said her government’s goal is to protect the country, its people from natural disasters and save nature.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">“Some 8.38 crore saplings will be planted during this monsoon season. We’ve taken such a step,” she said.&nbsp;&nbsp;</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">Noting that her party Awami League began a tree plantation campaign in 1985, AL President Sheikh Hasina asked every member of her party to plant at least three saplings –one fruit-bearing tree, one wood tree and one herbal tree during its month-long campaign from the first day of Bangla month Asharh.&nbsp;</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">She said research continues to develop submergence-tolerant varieties of rice in a bid to sustain food security.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">“We’re conducting research for the development of submergence-tolerant varieties of rice. The 1998 flood lasted a long time in our country. The country had never witnessed such a long lasting flood before. So, we want the paddy to survive under the water for a longer period,” she said.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">The PM said the Awami League government, coming to power in&nbsp; 1996, started development of saline-tolerant varieties of rice for the cultivation in the country’s southern region and finally gained success in this regard.&nbsp;</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">She said the country’s agricultural scientists also developed drought-tolerant varieties of rice but more research still continues in this regard.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">“In terms of development of drought-tolerant and submergence-tolerant varieties of rice, we’ve gained remarkable success but it will take some more days to start the commercial use of such varieties. We’ll definitely be able to do it. Then we need not to worry about food,” she said.&nbsp;</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">“Our efforts continue to develop not only saline-tolerant rice,but also saline-tolerant wheat, potato and vegetables,” said Sheikh Hasina.&nbsp;</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">She stressed the need for exploring the natural ways for crop production in order to come out from the excessive use of chemical fertilisers and pesticides.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">“We’ve been implementing massive programmes for the development of coastal areas. But here one thing needs to be kept in mind about how we can do these in natural ways, not using chemical fertilisers and pesticides excessively,” she said.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">The prime minister handed over the Bangabandhu Award for Wildlife Conservation 2023 and 2024, the National Environment Medal 2023, the National Awards for Tree Plantation 2022 and 2023 and cheques among the best beneficiaries of social forestation.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">Seven individuals in three categories received Bangabandhu Award for Wildlife Conservation 2023 and 2024, while three others and two organisations in five categories received the National Environment Medal-2023, 14 persons and organisations in seven categories got the National Awards for Tree Plantation 2022 and 2023, and 10 best beneficiaries of social forestation received cheques of the profit.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">Each recipient was given the cash money equivalent to the price of two Vori 22-carat gold, a&nbsp; cheque of Tk 50,000, and a certificate under&nbsp; Bangabandhu Award for Wildlife Conservation, and the cash money equivalent to the price of two Vori 22-carat gold, a&nbsp; cheque of Tk 50,000, a crest and a certificate under the National Environment Medal.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">Besides, the awardees for tree plantation were given a crest, a certificate and cash money. Of them, Tk 100,000 was given as the first prize, while Tk 75,000 as the second prize and Tk 50,000 as the third prize.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">The Environment Fair will continue till June 11, while the tree plantation campaign till July 13. The fair will be open for visitors from 9am to 8pm every day.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">Some 30,000 acres of forest land has been reoccupied and afforestation has been completed there across the country from October, 2020 to April, 2024.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">This year, some 8.33&nbsp; lakh saplings will be planted throughout the country during the monsoon season.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">Environment, Forest and Climate Change Minister Saber Hossain Chowdhury chaired the event, while Chairman of Parliamentary Standing Committee on Environment, Forest and Climate Change Ministry Dipankar Talukder and Environment Secretary&nbsp; Farhina Ahmed spoke on the occasion. UNB&nbsp;</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify; \">bnbd24/kh</div>', NULL, 'News Desk', '[\"19\"]', NULL, NULL, NULL, NULL, '2024-06-05 09:10:41', '2024-06-05 09:10:41'),
(12659, 12659, '<div style=\"text-align: justify; \"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify; \"><b>Three people were killed in a head-on collision between a motorcycle and an engine-run van at Shawrankhali intersection under Paikgachha upazila of the district this morning.</b></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">The deceased were identified as van driver Ismail Gazi, son of late Anser Al Gazi of Sahapara village and motorcycle riders Riad Gazi, son of Abidur Rahman Gazi, resident of Batikhali village and Mahbub Gain, son of Harun Gain of Garaikhali village of the upazila.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">Officer-in-Charge of Paikgachha Police Station Obaidur Rahman said the accident took place on the Paikgachha-Khulna road around 10am when the motorbike collided head-on with the van, leaving three people dead on the spot.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">The bodies were sent to Khulna Medical College Hospital (KMCH) morgue for postmortem, the OC said.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify; \">&nbsp;bnbd24/kh</div>', NULL, 'News Desk', '[\"19\"]', NULL, NULL, NULL, NULL, '2024-06-05 09:15:44', '2024-06-05 09:15:44'),
(12660, 12660, '<div style=\"text-align: justify; \"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify; \"><b>All coaching centers will be closed from June 29 to August 11, as HSC and equivalent examinations are going to start from June 30.</b></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">This was stated by Education Minister Mohibul Hasan Chowdhury today, while answering the queries of the newsmen at a press conference organized by the education ministry at the Secretariat.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">&nbsp;</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">\"The decision was taken with an aim to conduct the examinations in a fair and orderly manner in an environment free from rumors of question paper leaks,\" he said.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify; \">bnbd24/kh</div>', NULL, 'News Desk', '[\"19\"]', NULL, NULL, NULL, NULL, '2024-06-05 09:19:35', '2024-06-05 09:19:35'),
(12661, 12661, '<div style=\"text-align: justify; \"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify; \"><b>Foreign Minister Hasan Mahmud today (June 05, 2024) congratulated the winning alliance led by BJP and the people of India for exercising their democratic rights in the just-held election in India.</b></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">The Foreign Minister also congratulated the Congress-led alliance INDIA.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">“We congratulate NDA, INDIA and the people of India for continuing the democratic trend. It’s an inspiration and example of democracy,” he told reporters at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs while responding to a question.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">The Election Commission of India has declared results for 542 of the 543 Lok Sabha constituencies, with the BJP winning 240 seats and the Congress 99.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">Hasan said a new government will soon be formed in India and hoped that the relations between Bangladesh and India will reach to a new height with deeper cooperation and expansion of people-to-people ties.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">Read more: PM Hasina to visit New Delhi June 21-22 and China July 9-12</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">“This is the choice of the Indian people. The same alliance will be in power. Our ties will continue. Our relationship with India is based on the spirit of 1971 Liberation War and bonded through shared sacrifice and blood,” said the Foreign Minister.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">He said opposition parties in India play a responsible role which is not seen in Bangladesh.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">Responding to a question on the water-sharing issue, Hasan said the government of Bangladesh deals with the central government of India and they will continue discussion on fair share of water of common rivers.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">“We have excellent relations with India. This special relationship cannot be compared to anyone else,” Hasan said.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify; \">bnbd24/kh</div>', NULL, 'News Desk', '[\"19\"]', NULL, NULL, NULL, NULL, '2024-06-05 09:26:22', '2024-06-05 09:26:22'),
(12662, 12662, '<div style=\"text-align: justify; \"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify; \"><b>The UN Secretary General has urged for protecting the planet\'s essential ecosystems from \'biodiversity decimation,\' worsening climate impacts, and widespread pollution.</b></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">In a message marking the World Environment Day, António Guterres emphasized that countries “must deliver” on all their commitments to restore degraded ecosystems and land, and on Kunming-Montreal Biodiversity Framework, the global agreement to protect biodiversity.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">“They must use their new national climate action plans to set out how they will halt and reverse deforestation by 2030. And we must drastically scale-up finance to support developing countries to adapt to violent weather, protect nature, and support sustainable development.”</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">Celebrated by millions around the world, World Environment Day has been held annually since 1973 and has grown to be largest global platform for environmental outreach ever.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">This year, it is being commemorated under the overarching theme “land restoration, desertification and drought resilience”.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">The UN chief also highlighted that prompt and effective action makes economic sense.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">“Every dollar invested in ecosystem restoration creates up to thirty dollars in economic benefits,” he said.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">‘It’s time to break free’</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">Failure to curb runaway pollution, climate chaos and biodiversity destruction are clear for all to see. Healthy, fertile lands are transforming into deserts, thriving ecosystems into dead zones and rising carbon dioxide emissions.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">“That means crops failing, water sources vanishing, economies weakened, and communities endangered – with the poorest hit hardest … It is time to break free,” the UN chief said.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">“We are Generation Restoration. Together, let us build a sustainable future for land, and for humanity,” he added.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify; \">bnbd24/kh</div>', NULL, 'News Desk', '[\"4\"]', NULL, NULL, NULL, NULL, '2024-06-05 09:32:28', '2024-06-05 09:32:28'),
(12663, 12663, '<div style=\"text-align: justify; \"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify; \"><b>President Mohammed Shahabuddin asked the university authorities to ensure quality education and research on campuses coping with modern education programs across the world.</b></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">&nbsp;</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">The President, also chancellor of the universities, made the call as Jahangirnagar University (JU) Vice-Chancellor (VC) Professor Dr. Md. Nurul Alam and Rajshahi University (RU) Vice-Chancellor Prof. Golam Sabbir Sattar (Tapu) called on him at Bangabhaban here this afternoon.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">\"Apart from the formal education, the President also put emphasis on informal education,\" President’s Press Secretary Md Joynal Abedin Zainal Abedin told BSS after the meetings.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">During the meeting, the President was apprised by the vice-chancellors of the overall situation of their respective universities, including educational program and various plans.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">The Vice-Chancellor of Rajshahi University led a three-member delegation during the meeting.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">The RU VC handed over a copy of the university\'s overall education programs to the President, who is an alumnus of RU.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">At this time, the VC invited the President to join the RU Convocation to be held in November next.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">Noting that the university is an open field for acquiring knowledge, the President said education programs should be designed in such a way that students can acquire knowledge on various contemporary and international issues and prove themselves worthy in the competitive world.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">Stating that there is no substitute for research in the acquisition and dissemination of knowledge, the Head of State said, \"In research, quality should be given priority over the quantity.\"</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">Priority should be given to making the benefits of this research accessible to all, he added.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">He emphasized on the opinion of the concerned stakeholders in setting the educational program.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">Secretaries concerned to the President\'s office were present there.&nbsp;</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify; \">bnbd24/kh</div>', NULL, 'News Desk', '[\"19\"]', NULL, NULL, NULL, NULL, '2024-06-05 11:18:32', '2024-06-05 11:18:32'),
(12664, 12664, '<div style=\"text-align: justify; \"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify; \"><b>Finance Minister Abul Hassan Mahmood Ali is set to unveil a possible Taka 7,97,000 crore national budget for the next fiscal year (FY25) at Jatiya Sangsad (JS) tomorrow.</b></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">&nbsp;</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">He will announce the budget amid the growing challenges of containing inflation, maintaining a sound foreign currency reserve, a stable exchange rate and generating more revenues.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">&nbsp;</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">This will be the country\'s 53rd budget and the 25th of the Awami League (AL) government in six terms. This budget will also be the 21st under the rule of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina in different terms.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">&nbsp;</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">Tajuddin Ahmad presented the country\'s first budget as finance minister of the post-independence Bangabandhu government in 1972.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">&nbsp;</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">This budget for FY25 will be the maiden budget of incumbent Finance Minister AH Mahmood Ali.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">&nbsp;</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">Career diplomat Ali, who previously served the Cabinet as the Minister for Disaster Management and Relief and the Minister for Foreign Affairs, would eye building a \'Smart Bangladesh\' despite various obstacles and adversities.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">&nbsp;</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">The theme of the budget for the next fiscal year would be \"Pledge towards building a happy, prosperous, developed and smart Bangladesh\" in pursuit of turning the country\'s economy into its previous sound state.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">&nbsp;</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">Amid the global volatile condition and adversities, the finance minister is eying a 6.75 percent GDP growth while containing the inflation at 6.50 percent although the general point to point inflation is still hovering slightly below the double digit mark albeit various efforts from the government to tame inflation.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">&nbsp;</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">Finance ministry officials said the possible budget size of Taka 7,97,000 crore would be 4.60 percent or likely around Taka 35,215 crore higher than the budget of the outgoing fiscal year (FY24). The country\'s GDP size has been estimated at Taka 55,97,414 crore.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">&nbsp;</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">Apart from the already approved Annual Development Programme (ADP) outlay of Taka 2,65,000 crore, the possible budget will see an estimated deficit of Taka 2,56,000 crore excluding grants. If the grants are considered, then the overall budget deficit will stand at Taka 2,51,600 crore.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">&nbsp;</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">As the government wants to lower expenses, it is likely to contain the budget deficit to 4.6 percent of the gross domestic product in the next fiscal year. The government usually keeps the budget deficit at around 5 percent.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">&nbsp;</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">In the current fiscal year (FY24), the budget deficit is Taka 2,61,785 crore.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">&nbsp;</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">Apart from the original ADP allocation of Taka 2,65,000 crore, Taka 5,943 crore is likely to be allocated for schemes, Taka 7,627 crore for special projects outside the ADP and Taka 2,884 crore for the food for work programme.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">&nbsp;</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">The officials said the government this time is neither pursuing a high and ambitious growth nor taking fresh mega projects.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">&nbsp;</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">Besides, there will be added pressure on repaying principal amounts and interests against foreign loans for which the National Board of Revenue (NBR) would put higher emphasis on generating more revenues.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">&nbsp;</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">To face the expenditure pressure, the government will eye for realizing overall revenue of Taka 5,41,000 crore of which the revenue board alone would be entrusted with collecting Taka 4,80,000 crore which is Taka 50,000 crore higher than the outgoing fiscal year.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">&nbsp;</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">Apart from the NBR, the government will strive to collect Taka 15,000 crore as non-NBR revenue while Taka 46,000 crore as non-tax revenue.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">&nbsp;</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">Besides, Taka 4,400 crore is expected to come as foreign grants.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">&nbsp;</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">Finance Division officials familiar with the process of budget formulation said that apart from containing inflation, the priorities of the next budget will include returning the economy into its previous stable state, keeping the prices of commodities within the purchasing power of the common people and maintaining decent living standards by citizens.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">&nbsp;</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">The fresh budget will see various austerity measures for reining in public expenditure alongside boosting the farm productivity and keeping the supply chain normal.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">&nbsp;</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">Besides, steps towards continuous monitoring of markets to contain inflation, increasing the coverage of the social safety nets, measures for automatic adjustment of fuel oil in line with the global market would help put a positive impact on inflation.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">&nbsp;</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">The next budget features a good number of initiatives that include ensuring food for all, improvement in food supply system, widening the coverage of the social safety nets, modernizing every village, ensuring digital health and education system, fast track infrastructure projects, facing the climate change impact and global adversities.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">&nbsp;</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">To meet the budgetary expenditure, the government eyes borrowing of around Taka 1,27,200 crore from foreign sources of which Taka 36,500 crore will be spent as repayment of foreign loans. The net foreign loan is likely to stand at Taka 90,700 crore.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">&nbsp;</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">On the other hand, the government is likely to borrow Taka 1,60,900 crore from the domestic sources including Taka 1,37,500 crore from the banking system and Taka 23,400 crore as loan from the non-bank sources.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">&nbsp;</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">The government is also likely to earmark an allocation of around Taka 5,06,971 crore as its operating cost, Taka 93,000 crore as interest payment of local loans and Taka 20,500 crore as interest payment of foreign loans, Taka 37,989 crore as capital expenditure, Taka 119 crore for food account and Taka 8,457 crore as loan and advance.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">&nbsp;</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">To widen the VAT net, the NBR will beef up its operations to set up EFDs in Dhaka and Chattogram. Besides, in order to detect newer taxpayers, the NBR has a plan to work with the BRTA, DPDC and city corporations in an integrated manner.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">&nbsp;</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">The government is also likely to make mandatory submission of e-challans in case of VAT payment of Taka 20 lakh and above while the current ceiling is now Taka 50 lakh. Besides, some 20.26 lakh people are likely to be included afresh in the social safety nets to cushion them from the impact of inflation.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">&nbsp;</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">Meanwhile, a Finance Ministry press release said that to make the budget more participatory, all the budget documents would be uploaded into the websites of the Finance Division www.mof.gov.bd the NBR www.nbr.gov.bd while anyone can read and download these documents while browsing those websites.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">&nbsp;</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">Besides, anyone from home and abroad can send their opinions and recommendations on the budget through the email budgetfeedback@finance.gov.bd.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">&nbsp;</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">The Finance Minister will hold a post-budget press conference on Friday at 3:00 pm at the Osmani Memorial Auditorium in the capital.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify; \">bnbd24/kh</div>', NULL, 'News Desk', '[\"19\"]', NULL, NULL, NULL, NULL, '2024-06-05 12:46:25', '2024-06-05 12:46:25'),
(12665, 12665, '<div style=\"text-align: justify; \"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify; \"><b>Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on Wednesday told Parliament that the government will take action against those who are responsible for the recent failure to send migrant workers to Malaysia.</b></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">“We’re definitely investigating what problems occurred this time. If anyone is responsible, they will surely be tried,” she said.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">The premier said this while responding to a supplementary question from Opposition Chief Whip Mujibul Haque Chunnu during the Question-Answer session in the House.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">Earlier the Parliament went into the budget session at around 5:00pm with Speaker Shirin Sharmin Chaudhury in the chair.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">In the supplementary question, the JP lawmaker said the fate of many Malaysia-bound Bangladeshi workers are uncertain and some 17,000 workers couldn’t be sent by May 31 deadlines&nbsp; despite having everything including permission ready for them.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">He also highlighted the creation of a nexus in sending migrant workers to Malaysia saying that Malaysia receives manpower from 14 countries and in the case of all the countries except Bangladesh, all agencies having licenses can send manpower. In the case of only Bangladesh, several fixed agencies do it.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">Mujibul Haque wanted to know If harsh action will be taken against those who are responsible for it, he said.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">In reply, the prime minister said the government had introduced special flights to send workers to Malaysia.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">\"All workers were sent (to Malaysia) through special flights and other regular flights. But many were left out. The reason (behind not being able to go to Malaysia) will be investigated,” she said.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">“Whenever we discuss and decide how many people will go, then it can be seen that a group of people in our country, who deal with manpower, try to send people in a hurry,” she said.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">Highlighting the various steps taken by the government to send workers abroad, Hasina said some people want to go abroad through brokers. They get into trouble.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">In replying to a question from Awami League lawmaker Mahfizur Rahman, the PM said experts have opined that traffic congestion in Dhaka city and its consequential effects are causing annual losses of about US$ 3.8 billion.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">“This money will be saved if the Metrorail lines are launched under the Time-bound Action Plan 2030 and the opportunity will be created to fully invest the money in the economy,” she added.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">The PM said a study has found that after the completion of the entire section of MRT Line-6, during the operation of the metro rail, about Tk 8.38 crore will be saved in terms of daily Travel Time Cost and about Tk 1.18 crore in terms of Vehicle Operation Cost.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">In reply to a query of AL lawmaker Faridun Nahar Laily, the premier said it is unfortunate that \"we are noticing--a certain clique, especially the communal and war criminal clique and the BNP-Jamaat\" are constantly spreading rumours through social media.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">“A large part of them is located in different developed countries. They are mainly spreading false and distorted news against Bangladesh and the current government through social media like Facebook, X (formerly Twitter), YouTube.”</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">Legal, technical and diplomatic steps have been taken at home and abroad to stop these misinformation and rumours, she added.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">She said her government has a plan to create a separate \'Cyber Police Unit\' keeping in view the current scenario in safe cyberspace and combating cybercrime.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify; \">bnbd24/kh</div>', NULL, 'News Desk', '[\"19\"]', NULL, NULL, NULL, NULL, '2024-06-05 14:46:57', '2024-06-05 14:46:57'),
(12666, 12666, '<div style=\"text-align: justify; \"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify; \">Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina in a message addressed to her Indian counterpart Narendra Modi, congratulated the victory of the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) led by the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in the 18th Lok Sabha elections, according to an official press release.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">&nbsp;</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">In the letter dated June 4, she said,\" On behalf of the people of Bangladesh and on my own behalf, I wish to extend my heartiest congratulations to you on the resounding victory of National Democratic Alliance (NDA) led by the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in the 18th Lok Sabha elections.\"&nbsp;&nbsp;</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">&nbsp;</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">As the leader of the largest democracy in the world, she said, \"You carry the hopes and aspirations of the people of India.\"&nbsp;&nbsp;</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">&nbsp;</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">\"Your convincing victory is a testament to the trust and confidence that the people of India have reposed in your leadership, commitment and unwavering dedication for the country,\" she said.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">&nbsp;</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">The Premier said she firmly believed that the friendly and close ties of the two countries will continue in all areas, as Modi started the journey with renewed mandates for a rare 3rd consecutive term.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">&nbsp;</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">\"Let me assure you that Bangladesh, as a trusted friend of India, will continue to work together for the betterment of the people of the two countries as well as for a prosperous and peaceful region,\" she continued.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">&nbsp;</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">She conveyed her best wishes to the people of India for the continued peace, progress and prosperity.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">&nbsp;</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">\"I look forward to working closely with you in the coming days. Please accept, Excellency, the renewed assurances of my highest consideration,\" she concluded.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify; \">bnbd24/kh</div>', NULL, 'News Desk', '[\"19\"]', NULL, NULL, NULL, NULL, '2024-06-05 14:52:02', '2024-06-05 14:52:02'),
(12667, 12667, '<div style=\"text-align: justify; \"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify; \"><b>Road Transport and Bridges Minister Obaidul Quader said on Wednesday that Bangladesh\'s friendship is with the Indian Government, not with any particular party or individual.</b></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">He made the remarks at a press briefing at the Awami League president\'s office in Dhaka\'s Dhanmondi on Wednesday evening.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">Regarding the upazila polls, Quader said the elections were peaceful, except for some stray incidents. No casualties were reported.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">\"Voter turnout in the 4th Phase Upazila Parishad polls was more than 34 percent. At that time, Quader thanked the Election Commission, law enforcement agencies and others those involved in the election duties.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">BNP claims that there are many Aziz and Benazir in the Awami League, replying to such a question, the AL leader asked, \"Who created Shamsul Huda, Rakibul Huda, SP Kohinur? Who made Moin U Ahmed the army chief by traversing eight people?\"</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">\"Mirza Fakhrul Saheb is now putting the liability on Awami League for what they have done,\" the miniser said.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">The Anti-Corruption Commission is independent and it can even investigate and prosecute any corruption made by ministers, he added.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">\"Fakhrul said they would protest against corruption. Corrupted BNP will protest against corruption! This is the best joke of the year, Quader said.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">Regarding the case of Dr Yunus, he, said :Our country has laws. Dr Yunus will be tried according to that law. There will be no violations of the law. No injustice will be done to him in this case.\"</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">“He will get the fair trial and we have no qualms about insulting him in any way,” stated Quader.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">AL Organising Secretary BM Mozammel Haque, SM Kamal Hossain, Sujit Roy Nandi, Awami League Office Secretary Barrister Biplob Barua, were present at the time, among others. UNB</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify; \">bnbd24/kh</div>', NULL, 'News Desk', '[\"19\"]', NULL, NULL, NULL, NULL, '2024-06-05 16:23:14', '2024-06-05 16:23:14'),
(12668, 12668, '<div style=\"text-align: justify; \"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify; \"><b>The special Cabinet meeting began today to approve the proposed national budget for the fiscal year 2024-25, presided over by Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina at the cabinet room of the Jatiya Sangsad Bhaban.</b></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">Finance Minister AH Mahmood Ali, along with other ministers and state ministers, are attending the meeting. The finance minister is set to unveil the proposed national budget this afternoon, following its authentication by the President.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">The proposed budget for the 2024-25 fiscal year exceeds Tk 8 lakh crore, including a Tk 265,000 crore Annual Development Programme (ADP). The National Economic Council (NEC) has already approved the ADP, allocating the highest amount of Tk 70,687.75 crore (26.67% of the allocation) to the transport and communication sector.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">Tk 7.97 lakh crore budget set to be unveiled in Parliament Thursday; Revenue target set at Tk4.8 lakh crore</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">Additionally, the NEC approved an ADP of Tk 13,288.91 crore for autonomous bodies and corporations, bringing the total ADP for 2024-2025 to Tk 278,288.91 crore.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">The ADP includes 1,321 projects: 1,133 investment projects, 21 survey projects, 87 technical assistance projects, and 80 projects from autonomous bodies and corporations.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">Among the ministries and divisions, the Local Government Division is set to receive the highest allocation of approximately Tk 38,809 crore (15% of the total allocation) in the ADP.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify; \">bnbd24/kh</div>', NULL, 'News Desk', '[\"19\"]', NULL, NULL, NULL, NULL, '2024-06-06 08:03:45', '2024-06-06 08:03:45'),
(12669, 12669, '<div style=\"text-align: justify; \"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify; \"><b>The cabinet at a special meeting today approved the proposed national budget for the fiscal year 2024-25.</b></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">&nbsp;</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina presided over the meeting held in the cabinet room of the Jatiya Sangsad Bhaban.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">&nbsp;</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">Finance Minister AH Mahmood Ali, other cabinet ministers and state ministers concerned attended the meeting.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">&nbsp;</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">The finance minister is set to unveil the proposed national budget for fiscal 2024-25 this afternoon, after the authentication of the budget by the President.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">&nbsp;</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">AH Mahmood Ali is scheduled to start unveiling the budget involving Taka 797,000 crore with a Taka 265,000 crore Annual Development Programme (ADP).</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">&nbsp;</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">The National Economic Council (NEC) already approved the ADP with an outlay of Taka 265,000 crores, keeping the highest allocation of Taka 70, 687.75 crore (26. 67pc of allocation) for the transport and communication sector.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">&nbsp;</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">Besides, the NEC approved some Taka 13,288 crore ADP of the autonomous bodies or corporations.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">&nbsp;</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">So, with the Taka 13,288 crore ADP for autonomous bodies or corporations, the total size of ADP for 2024-2025 has stood at Taka 278,288 crore.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">&nbsp;</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">In the ADP, the total number of projects is 1,321 including 1,133 investment projects, 21 survey projects, 87 technical assistance projects and 80 projects from autonomous bodies and corporations.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">&nbsp;</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">The Local Government Division, among the ministries and divisions, is going to receive the highest allocation of some Tk 38,809 crore (15pc of allocation) in the ADP.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify; \">bnbd24/kh</div>', NULL, 'News Desk', '[\"19\"]', NULL, NULL, NULL, NULL, '2024-06-06 10:13:47', '2024-06-06 10:13:47');
