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(11301, 11301, '<div><span style=\"font-size: 1rem;\"><b>US acting Deputy Assistant Secretary at Bureau of South and Central Asian Affairs Scott Urbom said Bangladesh has been an important partner of the USA for over 50 years, investing billions of dollar in Bangladesh’s health, education and other sectors.</b></span><br></div><div><br></div><div>“We look forward to deepening the partnership with Bangladesh in the next 50 years and beyond,” he said while speaking at a programme organised by the Bangladesh Embassy in Washington.</div><div><br></div><div>Scott Urbom said the Mother Language Day holds special place in the hearts of not only the people of Bangladesh, also the people of all over the world.</div><div><br></div><div>He also mentioned the sacrifice of those heroes who shed blood to establish the nation of Bangladesh and preserve the Bangla language.</div><div><br></div><div>Urbom said today Bangla ranks one of the most well-spoken languages in the world, and it is the testament to Bangla language’s influence and importance of connecting Bengali speakers around the world.</div><div><br></div><div>The Bangladesh Embassy in Washington DC observed “Mohan Shahid Dibosh” and the International Mother Language Day on Wednesday (21 February) by recalling the supreme sacrifice of the martyrs of the 1952 Language Movement, said a media release on Friday.</div><div><br></div><div>To commemorate the historic day, the embassy arranged a daylong programme by paying glowing tributes to the language heroes who laid down their lives in Dhaka 72 years ago to establish Bangla as the state language.</div><div><br></div><div>As part of the program, a colourful function was held at the auditorium of the mission in the evening in the presence of ambassadors, diplomats from various countries, senior officials of the US government and the members of Bangladeshi diaspora.</div><div><br></div><div>Bangladesh Ambassador to the United States Mr. Muhammad Imran delivered the welcome remarks.</div><div><br></div><div>In his remarks, Imran paid deepest homage to the martyrs of the great Language Movement and Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman.</div><div><br></div><div>He described the spirit of great Language Movement as like a ‘lighthouse’ for Bengali nation and said that the rich Bangla language earned through the bloodshed of language heroes could be a proper diplomatic tool to project Bangladesh in the international arena.</div><div><br></div><div>Holding the spirit of the great Language Movement and the War of Liberation, Bangladesh is marching forward fast with tremendous economic performance under the leadership of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, he said.</div><div><br></div><div>The ambassador called upon the Bangladeshi diaspora in the USA to encourage the new generations to learn more about the rich Bangla language, culture and heritage.</div><div><br></div><div>Later, a spectacular cultural function was held where the Embassy Family, officials of the Foreign Service Institute, the US Department of State, as well as artistes from India, Nepal, Japan and Sri Lanka and a Bangladeshi cultural group performed captivating the audience with songs, group dance and reciting poems at the packed Bangabandu Auditorium.</div><div><br></div><div>Later the ambassador handed over prizes among the winner of essay competition organised by the Embassy.</div><div><br></div><div>Earlier in the morning, a discussion session highlighting the significance of the glorious day was held at the Bangabandhu Auditorium. Ambassador Muhammad Imran and Defence Attache Brigadier General Md Shahedul Islam took part in the discussion.</div><div><br></div><div>The programme of the day commenced with the placing of a floral wreath at the altar of the Shaheed Minar by Bangladesh Ambassador Imran on the embassy premises and bringing out a ‘Probhat Ferry’ with the participation of the officers, employees and their family members at one-minute past zero hour.</div><div><br></div><div>Other programmes of the day included ceremonial hoisting of the national flag at half-mast by the ambassador in front of the Chancery and placing of a floral wreath at the bust of Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman in the presence of the Embassy officials and employees, screening of a documentary and holding a special prayer.</div><div><br></div><div>The messages issued on the occasion by the President, Prime Minister and Foreign Minister were read out by Minister (Economic) Md Fazle Rabbi, Minister (Political) Md Rashedujjaman and First Secretary Wahiduzzaman Noor.</div><div><br></div><div>Counselor and Head of Chancery Shamima Yeasmin Smriti, First Secretary (Passport &amp; Visa Wing) Muhammad Abdul Hye Milton and First Secretary Md Ataur Rahman conducted the daylong programme. - UNB</div><div><br></div><div>bnbd24/fas</div>', NULL, 'News Desk', '[\"30\"]', NULL, NULL, NULL, NULL, '2024-02-23 08:02:29', '2024-02-23 08:02:29'),
(11302, 11302, '<div><span style=\"font-size: 1rem;\"><b>A case has been filed against Jahangirnagar University Chhatra Union president Amartya Roy and general secretary Anindya Ganguly for drawing anti-rape graffiti over Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman’s portrait on the campus.</b></span><br></div><div><br></div><div>JU Chief Security Officer Sudipto Shahin filed the case on behalf of the university at Ashulia Police Station on Thursday afternoon.</div><div><br></div><div>\"According to the decision of the university syndicate, the case has been filed under the state law. I have completed the work of the case at Ashulia Police Station this afternoon,” said Shahin.</div><div><br></div><div>Earlier on February 20, the university administration expelled them for one year at a special syndicate meeting.</div><div><br></div><div>On February 7, a section of the university\'s Chhatra Union (Amartya Roy-Riddha Anindya) reportedly painted anti-rape graffiti by removing Bangabandhu\'s potrait on the wall of the new arts building of the university.</div><div><br></div><div>Protesting the incident, two Chhatra League leaders sat on a hunger strike for four consecutive days since February 15 demanding capital punishment for those involved, reports UNB</div><div><br></div><div>On the other hand, University Vice-Chancellor Prof Nurul Alam met the hunger strikers on the night of February 18 and assured them of punishment for those involved.</div><div><br></div><div>bnbd24/fas</div>', NULL, 'News Desk', '[\"30\"]', NULL, NULL, NULL, NULL, '2024-02-23 08:24:07', '2024-02-23 08:24:07'),
(11303, 11303, '<div><b><span style=\"font-size: 1rem;\">An Indian court has asked authorities to find new monikers for two lions named after a Hindu goddess and a Muslim emperor, following a religious group’s petition to stop them from sharing an enclosure.</span><br></b></div><div><br></div><div>Sita and Akbar were shipped to Siliguri Zoo in West Bengal this month as part of an animal exchange programme from a neighbouring state.</div><div><br></div><div>That irked the Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP), a prominent right-wing Hindu organisation that has campaigned against interfaith relationships.</div><div><br></div><div>The group took the matter to court saying the lion pair’s cohabitation was an act of “blasphemy” that hurt Hindu religious sentiments.</div><div><br></div><div>Justice Saugata Bhattacharyya of the Calcutta high court asked government counsel to rename the pair yesterday.</div><div><br></div><div>“These names should be avoided and discontinued to avoid unnecessary controversy,” he said from the bench, according to the Hindustan Times newspaper.</div><div><br></div><div>Government counsel Joyjit Choudhury told the judge that the state was “already thinking of renaming” the pair.</div><div><br></div><div>Sita is one of the main characters of the Hindu epic Ramayana and the wife of Ram, one of the Hindu faith’s most revered deities.</div><div><br></div><div>Akbar was a 16th-century Mughal emperor who extended Islamic rule over much of the Indian subcontinent – a time Hindu nationalist groups say was a period that their religion was oppressed.</div><div><br></div><div>The VHP also claimed that Akbar the lion had originally been named after Ram before the pair arrived in Siliguri.</div><div><br></div><div>Critics say religious intolerance towards India’s 200-million-strong Muslim minority has grown since Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s government came to power in 2014.</div><div><br></div><div>The VHP, a group loosely affiliated with Modi’s ruling Bharatiya Janata Party, has campaigned against interfaith marriages and supported efforts by state governments to make them more difficult.</div><div><br></div><div>It has also promulgated a “Love Jihad” conspiracy theory that alleges India’s Muslim minority hoodwink Hindu women into marriage to convert them to Islam. - AFP </div><div><br></div><div>bnbd24/fas</div>', NULL, 'News Desk', '[\"29\"]', NULL, NULL, NULL, NULL, '2024-02-23 08:28:17', '2024-02-26 14:20:54'),
(11304, 11304, '<div><b><span style=\"font-size: 1rem;\">A Russian drone hit a commercial area in Ukraine’s Black Sea port of Odesa, killing three people, the Ukrainian military and regional governor Oleh Kiper said today.</span><br></b></div><div><br></div><div>The military said Russia launched 31 drones at Ukraine overnight, with air defences destroying 23 of them.</div><div><br></div><div>In a post on the Telegram messaging app, the military’s Southern Forces said they had intercepted nine drones, but one struck an area near the port, causing a blaze.</div><div><br></div><div>Firefighters recovered one body and said people might still be under the rubble as emergency teams fought to control the blaze. A woman security guard was rescued unharmed from a building, the post said.</div><div><br></div><div>“The bodies of two more people were found under the rubble,” Kiper, the regional governor, said on Telegram. “In total, three people died as a result of the enemy attack.”</div><div><br></div><div>The military said missiles were also used in the attack, but failed to hit any targets. Pictures posted by the military show heavy damage to buildings in the area and rescue teams picking their way through debris.</div><div><br></div><div>In the central city of Dnipro, a Russian drone hit a multi-storey apartment building, injuring eight people, the regional governor said.</div><div><br></div><div>Serhiy Lysak, governor of Dnipropetrovsk region, wrote on Telegram that the search ran through the night and other residents might still be under rubble.</div><div><br></div><div>Reuters was unable to verify independently the accounts. - Reuters&nbsp;</div><div><br></div><div>bnbd24/fas</div>', NULL, 'International Desk', '[\"29\"]', NULL, NULL, NULL, NULL, '2024-02-23 08:31:55', '2024-02-23 08:31:55'),
(11305, 11305, '<div><span style=\"font-size: 1rem;\"><b>Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on Friday said there are many international platforms, but the forums don’t work in times of need.</b></span><br></div><div><br></div><div>“I think many platforms were already formed, but these don’t work in time,” she said responding to a question from Enayetullah Khan, Editor-in-Chief of United News of Bangladesh (UNB), at a press conference at Ganobhaban.</div><div><br></div><div>The press conference was organised to inform about the outcomes of her recent visit to Germany to attend the Munich Security Conference-2024.</div><div><br></div><div>The prime minister said she doesn’t think of taking any initiative to create a new platform with middle powers or emerging powers as she is busy with Bangladesh and the large population on a small land.</div><div><br></div><div>Khan in his question said now Bangladesh is in a geopolitical conflict when the non-alliant platform has become irrelevant in the current political landscape. There are middle powers and emerging powers like ours (Bangladesh). Indonesia, Malaysia and Vietnam among them, he said.</div><div><br></div><div>“You (Sheikh Hasina) have led many issues starting from climate change to mother and child, and women empowerment (in the international forums). Do you think of taking an initiative to create a new platform with the middle powers and emerging powers?” asked the UNB Editor-in-Chief.</div><div><br></div><div>In reply, the premier said, “I am an ordinary person. I am busy with my country, its people, the large population on a small land (of the country). Yes, I raise my voice and protest where I see any injustice. I always say that I don’t want war, rather I want peace.”</div><div><br></div><div>Hasina, however, said she doesn\'t have any competence and contemplation to form any platform like this, reports UNB</div><div><br></div><div>She said vetoes are given even over proposals to stop the Gaza war in the United Nations Security Council as had been during the Liberation War of Bangladesh. But genocide continues in Gaza where even hospitals are not being spared of attacks and children don’t have foods.</div><div><br></div><div>“I protest such things. I am conscious enough over my power whatever I have. I don’t think that I need to do anything bigger than it,” she said.</div><div><br></div><div>bnbd24/fas</div>', NULL, 'News Desk', '[\"30\"]', NULL, NULL, NULL, NULL, '2024-02-23 09:17:27', '2024-02-23 09:17:27'),
(11306, 11306, '<div><span style=\"font-size: 1rem;\"><b>Eight communist rebels and a policeman were killed in the Philippines this week during clashes between security forces and a Maoist insurgency group, the army said today.</b></span><br></div><div><br></div><div>The latest fighting happened on the central Bohol and Negros islands as government forces continue to battle the long-running insurgency despite hopes of peace talks this year.</div><div><br></div><div>Five rebels were killed when fighting broke out today as army troops and police attempted to arrest the NPA’s leader on Bohol, Domingo Jaspe Compoc, who was among those killed.</div><div><br></div><div>“He (Compoc) is notorious … We have been monitoring his group’s activities since last year,” regional military spokesman lieutenant-colonel Israel Galorio told AFP.</div><div><br></div><div>Compoc had a 2.6 million peso bounty on his head on charges of rebellion and multiple murders, among others.</div><div><br></div><div>A police officer was also shot dead and a second officer was wounded, a Bohol police spokesman told reporters.</div><div><br></div><div>On Wednesday, three other NPA rebels were killed and three soldiers wounded in gunfights on Negros island, the military also reported.</div><div><br></div><div>“Since there is still no directive or order to cease the conduct of focused military operation or joint operation with the (police) … we will still continue our internal security operations,” Galorio said.</div><div><br></div><div>President Ferdinand Marcos’s government and the rebels jointly announced last November that they intend to resume peace talks in 2024, aimed at ending the decades-long insurgency that has claimed thousands of lives.</div><div><br></div><div>But no dates have yet been set for formal negotiations. - AFP&nbsp;</div><div><br></div><div>bnbd24/fas</div>', NULL, 'International Desk', '[\"29\"]', NULL, NULL, NULL, NULL, '2024-02-23 09:20:10', '2024-02-23 09:20:10'),
(11307, 11307, '<div><span style=\"font-size: 1rem;\">US authorities said Wednesday they had charged a member of the Japanese yakuza criminal underworld with handling nuclear material sourced from Myanmar and seeking to sell it to fund an illicit arms deal.</span><br></div><div><br></div><div>According to a superseding indictment unsealed in a Manhattan court, yakuza leader Takeshi Ebisawa and co-defendant Somphop Singhasiri had previously been charged in April 2022 with drug trafficking and firearms offenses, and both were remanded.</div><div><br></div><div>“The defendant stands accused of conspiring to sell weapons grade nuclear material and lethal narcotics from Burma [Myanmar], and to purchase military weaponry on behalf of an armed insurgent group,” said Assistant Attorney General Matthew Olsen of the Justice Department’s National Security Division.</div><div><br></div><div>“It is chilling to imagine the consequences had these efforts succeeded and the Justice Department will hold accountable those who traffic in these materials and threaten US national security and international stability.”</div><div><br></div><div>The military weaponry to be part of the arms deal included surface-to-air missiles, the indictment alleges.</div><div><br></div><div>Prosecutors allege that Ebisawa “brazenly” moved material containing uranium and weapons-grade plutonium, alongside drugs, from Myanmar.</div><div><br></div><div>From 2020, Ebisawa boasted to an undercover officer he had access to large quantities of nuclear materials that he sought to sell, providing photographs of materials alongside Geiger counters registering radiation.</div><div><br></div><div>During a sting operation including undercover agents, Thai authorities assisted US investigators to seize two powdery yellow substances which the defendant described as “yellowcake.”</div><div><br></div><div>“The [US] laboratory determined that the isotope composition of the plutonium found in the Nuclear Samples is weapons-grade, meaning that the plutonium, if produced in sufficient quantities, would be suitable for use in a nuclear weapon,” the Justice Department said in its statement.</div><div><br></div><div>One of Ebisawa’s co-conspirators claimed they “had available more than 2,000 kilograms [4,400 pounds] of Thorium-232 and more than 100 kilograms of uranium in the compound U3O8—referring to a compound of uranium commonly found in the uranium concentrate powder known as ‘yellowcake’.”</div><div><br></div><div>The indictment claims Ebisawa had suggested using the proceeds of the sale of nuclear material to fund weapons purchases on behalf of an unnamed ethnic insurgent group in Myanmar.</div><div><br></div><div>Ebisawa faces a mandatory minimum sentence of 25 years in prison for seeking to acquire surface-to-air missiles, and up to 20 years imprisonment for the trafficking of nuclear materials internationally.</div><div><br></div><div>Prosecutors describe Ebisawa as a “leader of the Yakuza organized crime syndicate, a highly organized, transnational Japanese criminal network that operates around the world [and whose] criminal activities have included large-scale narcotics and weapons trafficking.” - AFP&nbsp;</div><div><br></div><div>bnbd24/fas</div>', NULL, 'International Desk', '[\"29\"]', NULL, NULL, NULL, NULL, '2024-02-23 09:23:44', '2024-02-23 09:23:44'),
(11308, 11308, '<div><span style=\"font-size: 1rem;\"><b style=\"\">The Karen National Union (KNU) has captured more territory in Mon and Karen states and Bago Region where the ethnic armed group’s three brigades are based, according to KNU spokesman Padoh Saw Taw Nee.</b></span><br></div><div><br></div><div>The KNU spokesman last month traveled to the front line in Thaton District where KNU Brigade 1 is based, Nyaunglebin District in Bago Region where Brigade 3 is based, and Doopalaya District in southeastern Karen State where Brigade 6 is based.</div><div><br></div><div>Padoh Saw Taw Nee reported on his front-line visits in a recently published video.</div><div><br></div><div>The KNU’s armed wing, the Karen National Liberation Army, occupied Let Khet mountain overlooking Myawaddy town on the Thai border in July last year, and has since successfully repulsed 13 junta attacks to retake the mountain, the KNU spokesman said.</div><div><br></div><div>It now has control over the Asian Highway from Myawaddy to Kyonedoe town, with its troops primarily deployed in rural areas.</div><div><br></div><div>“We have controlled the Asian Highway since December,” he said in the video.</div><div><br></div><div>In Bago Region, KNU Brigade 3 territory has expanded from rural areas in Kyaukkyi, Mone and Shwekkyin townships to over 60 villages in Pyu, Madauk, Nyaunglebin, Kyauktaga, Penwegon and Natthangwin on the west bank of the Sittaung River, said Padoh Saw Taw Nee, reports The Irrawaddy.</div><div><br></div><div>On the other hand, KNU Brigade 1 has gained territory in Mon State’s Thaton District townships of Bilin and Kyaikto, as well as neighboring Hpa-an in Karen State, he added.</div><div><br></div><div>“In Kyaikto, our troops can now wander around the Kyaiktiyo (Golden Rock) Pagoda. Kyaikto Township is adjacent to Shwekyin Township. We can now go to the outskirts of Theinzayat.”</div><div><br></div><div>In areas controlled by the three KNLA brigades, junta troops no longer dare to leave their bases and have been reduced to a defensive position, Padoh Saw Taw Nee added.</div><div><br></div><div>bnbd24/fas</div>', NULL, 'News Desk', '[\"29\"]', NULL, NULL, NULL, NULL, '2024-02-23 09:35:27', '2024-02-23 09:35:27'),
(11309, 11309, '<div><b><span style=\"font-size: 1rem;\">President Mohammed Shahabuddin on Friday asked all judges to strictly monitor that power is not misused.</span><br></b></div><div><br></div><div>\"Power and responsibility are related to one another. Power must be exercised to perform duties. Again, responsibility should be shown in the exercise of power,\" he said.</div><div><br></div><div>He was addressing the inaugural session of the International Conference on South Asian Constitutional Courts in the Twenty- First Century: Lessons from Bangladesh and India at the inner courtyard of Bangladesh Supreme Court in Dhaka.</div><div><br></div><div>Read: English version of ‘Bangladesh will Go a Long Way’ written by President Shahabuddin published</div><div><br></div><div>Chief justice of India Dr. Dhananjaya Y. Chandrachud spoke on the session as the guest of honour while Chief Justice of Bangladesh Obaidul Hasan presided over the programme, reports UNB</div><div><br></div><div>Law, Justice and Parliamentary affairs minister Anisul Huq, Attorney General Abu Mohammed Amin Uddin, President of Momtaj Uddin Fakir also spoke in the event.</div><div><br></div><div>bnbd24/fas</div>', NULL, 'News Desk', '[\"30\"]', NULL, NULL, NULL, NULL, '2024-02-23 09:53:20', '2024-02-23 09:53:20'),
(11310, 11310, '<div><span style=\"font-size: 1rem;\"><b>Japan\'s disposal of nuclear-contaminated wastewater into the surrounding ocean poses a risk \"not only for human health, but also for the global marine environment and international public interests,\" China said on Friday.</b></span><br></div><div><br></div><div>Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning said Beijing and other nations have taken \"completely legitimate, reasonable, and necessary\" measures for food safety and public health after the release of wastewater from the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power plant last year.</div><div><br></div><div>Japan began releasing treated radioactive wastewater from the plant last August, triggering a backlash from China and opposition parties in South Korea and the Solomon Islands.</div><div><br></div><div>Beijing had suspended all seafood imports from Japan for six months after Tokyo went ahead with plans to release the water, citing concerns about radioactive contamination.</div><div><br></div><div>The plant has more than 1 million tons of treated wastewater to release in a 30-year process.</div><div><br></div><div>The Fukushima plant was forced to shut down after facing the largest nuclear accident since 1986 in Chernobyl following an earthquake and tsunami in 2011. - Anadolu Agency</div><div><br></div><div>bnbd24/fas</div>', NULL, 'International Desk', '[\"29\"]', NULL, NULL, NULL, NULL, '2024-02-23 10:15:52', '2024-02-23 10:15:52'),
(11311, 11311, '<div><b><span style=\"font-size: 1rem;\">Czech farmers were driving their tractors and other vehicles to several border crossings on Thursday to meet their colleagues from neighboring countries and join forces in their protests against European Union agriculture policies, bureaucracy and overall conditions for their business.</span><br></b></div><div><br></div><div>Farmers complain that the 27-nation EU’s environmental policies, such as the Green Deal, which calls for limits on the use of chemicals and on greenhouse gas emissions, limit their business and make their products more expensive than non-EU imports.</div><div><br></div><div>The farmers also complain about low prices for their products and say grain and other agriculture products coming from Ukraine and Latin America negatively affect the market.</div><div><br></div><div>The farmers met their colleagues from neighboring Germany, Poland and Slovakia at a number of border crossings. Farmers from 10 EU countries, ranging from Central Europe to the Baltics and the Balkans, were participating in the protest, organizers said.</div><div><br></div><div>The farmers invited Czech Agriculture Minister Marek Vyborny, his Slovak counterpart Richard Takac, and the representatives of farmers from Poland and Hungary to rally at a Czech-Slovak border crossing known as Hodonin-Holic, which was blocked by hundreds of tractors, reports AP&nbsp;</div><div><br></div><div>“We don\'t protest against the EU, we protest against the wrong decisions by the European Commission,” said Andrej Gajdos from the Slovak Chamber of Agriculture and Food.</div><div><br></div><div>bnbd24/fas</div>', NULL, 'International Desk', '[\"29\"]', NULL, NULL, NULL, NULL, '2024-02-23 10:19:08', '2024-02-23 10:19:08'),
(11312, 11312, '<div><span style=\"font-size: 1rem;\"><b>Israel’s military has killed at least 40 Palestinians in attacks on central Gaza ahead of a new round of international talks to broker a truce and as Tel Aviv has outlined a plan for the enclave after the war ends.</b></span><br></div><div><br></div><div>The “heinous massacre” committed by Israeli forces in Deir el-Balah in the central part of the territory injured more than 100 people, Gaza’s government media office said in a statement late on Thursday, adding that the overwhelming majority of casualties were women and children.</div><div><br></div><div>“We hold the American administration and the international community, additionally to Israel, fully responsible for these ongoing crimes, and we call on the free world to immediately put an end to this war of extermination that the Israeli army is waging against civilians,” it said.</div><div><br></div><div>Reporting from Rafah in southern Gaza, Al Jazeera’s Tareq Abu Azzoum said residential homes were “attacked without any prior warning” in the strikes.</div><div><br></div><div>Hamas said in a statement on Friday that the attacks on homes “confirm to the international community that it [Israel] is a rogue entity that does not care about human laws and values”.</div><div><br></div><div>More than 29,000 Palestinians, mostly children and women, have been killed by the Israeli army since the start of the war on October 7, according to the Ministry of Health in Gaza.</div><div><br></div><div>Yet United States National Security Council spokesperson John Kirby said late on Thursday that negotiations for a ceasefire and the exchange of captives held in the enclave for Palestinian prisoners had been “constructive”.</div><div><br></div><div>A Hamas delegation left Cairo, Egypt, on Friday after three days of talks, for which Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu did not send representatives.</div><div><br></div><div>Egypt and Qatar-mediated negotiations are expected to continue later on Friday in Paris, with Israel also sending a delegation. A renewed ceasefire proposal could be crafted in the French capital, but the details are still unclear. According to Al Jazeera reports</div><div><br></div><div>bnbd24/fas</div>', NULL, 'News Desk', '[\"29\"]', NULL, NULL, NULL, NULL, '2024-02-23 10:36:31', '2024-02-23 10:36:31'),
(11313, 11313, '<div><b><span style=\"font-size: 1rem;\">Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on Friday said there will be no shortage of any commodity in the market during the upcoming month of Ramadan.</span><br></b></div><div><br></div><div>“There’ll be no scarcity of anything during Ramadan. All arrangements have already been made,” she said, replying to a question at a press conference in her official residence Ganabhaban.</div><div><br></div><div>The press conference was organised to inform about the outcomes of her recent visit to Germany to attend the Munich Security Conference-2024.</div><div><br></div><div>Talking about essential commodities during the month of fasting, Hasina said there is an arrangement to import sufficient amountsm of goods like gram, dates and sugar. “So, there will be no problem with this,” she added.</div><div><br></div><div>The prime minister went to Munich on February 15 and returned home on February 19.</div><div><br></div><div>During her stay in Munich, Hasina attended the Munich Security Conference and held meetings with global leaders on the sidelines, according to UNB reports&nbsp;</div><div><br></div><div>bnbd24/fas</div>', NULL, 'News Desk', '[\"30\"]', NULL, NULL, NULL, NULL, '2024-02-23 10:54:34', '2024-02-23 10:54:34'),
(11314, 11314, '<div style=\"text-align: justify; \"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">The United States and European Union on Friday heaped hundreds of new sanctions on Russia in connection with the second anniversary of its invasion of Ukraine and in retaliation for the death of noted Kremlin critic Alexei Navalny last week in an Arctic penal colony.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">The U.S. government imposed roughly 600 new sanctions on Russia and its war machine in the largest single round of penalties since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine on Feb. 24, 2022.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">The EU, for its part, added sanctions on several foreign companies over allegations that they have exported dual-use goods to Russia that could be used in its war against Ukraine. The 27-nation bloc also targeted scores of Russian officials, including members of the judiciary, local politicians and people it said were \"responsible for the illegal deportation and military re-education of Ukrainian children.”</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">President Joe Biden said the sanctions come in response to Russian President Vladimir Putin’s “brutal war of conquest” and to Navalny’s death, adding that “we in the United States are going to continue to ensure that Putin pays a price for his aggression abroad and repression at home.\"</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">But while previous sanctions have increased costs for Russia’s ability to fight in Ukraine, they appear to have done little so far to deter Putin and it was unclear that the latest big round would significantly alter that.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">In specific response to Navalny’s death, the State Department targeted three Russian officials the U.S. says are connected to his death, including the deputy director of Russia’s Federal Penitentiary Service, who was promoted by Putin to the rank of colonel general on Monday, three days after Navalny died.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">The sanctions bar the officials from traveling to the U.S. and block access to U.S.-owned property. But they appear largely symbolic given that the officials are unlikely to travel to or have assets or family in the West.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">White House national security spokesman John Kirby said to “expect more” action later related to Navalny\'s death, adding that \"today this just a start.”</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">The Biden administration is levying additional sanctions as House Republicans are blocking billions of dollars in additional aid to Ukraine. The war is becoming entangled in U.S. election-year politics, with former President Donald Trump voicing skepticism about the benefits of the NATO alliance and saying that he would “encourage” Russia to “do whatever the hell they want” to countries that, in his view, are not pulling their weight in the alliance.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">Biden on Friday called on Congress to pass Ukraine aid, which has stalled since House Speaker Mike Johnson blocked votes on aid passed by the Senate for Ukraine and other countries.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">“Russia is taking Ukraine territory for the first time in many months,” Biden said. “But here in America, the speaker gave the house a two week vacation. They have to come back and get this done, because failure to support Ukraine in this critical moment will never be forgotten in history.”</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">Biden spoke later Friday with French President Emmanuel Macron about Russia’s recent actions and the need to support Ukraine. A White House readout said they also discussed developments in the Middle East.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">Many of the new U.S. sanctions announced Friday target Russian firms that contribute to the Kremlin’s war effort — like drone and industrial chemical manufacturers and machine tool importers — as well as financial institutions, such as the state-owned operator of Russia’s Mir National Payment System.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">The U.S. also will impose visa restrictions on Russian authorities it says are involved in the kidnapping and confinement of Ukrainian children. In addition, 26 third-country people and firms from across China, Serbia, the United Arab Emirates, and Liechtenstein are listed for sanctions, for assisting Russia in evading existing financial penalties.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">The Russian foreign ministry called the EU sanctions “illegal” and said they undermine “the international legal prerogatives of the UN Security Council.” In response, the ministry is banning some EU citizens from entering the country because they have provided military assistance to Ukraine. It did not immediately address the U.S. sanctions.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">Overall, since the start of the war, the U.S. Treasury and State departments have targeted more than 4,000 officials, oligarchs, firms, banks and others under Russia-related sanctions authorities. The EU asset freezes and travel bans constitute its 13th package of measures imposed by the bloc against people and organizations it suspects of undermining the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Ukraine.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">“Today, we are further tightening the restrictive measures against Russia’s military and defense sector,” EU foreign policy chief Josep Borrell said. “We remain united in our determination to dent Russia’s war machine and help Ukraine win its legitimate fight for self-defense.”</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">In all, 106 more officials and 88 “entities” — often companies, banks, government agencies or other organizations — have been added to the bloc’s sanctions list, bringing the tally of those targeted to more than 2,000 people and entities, including Putin and his associates.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">Companies making electronic components, which the EU believes could have military as well as civilian uses, were among 27 entities accused of “directly supporting Russia’s military and industrial complex in its war of aggression against Ukraine,” a statement said.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">Those companies — some of them based in India, Sri Lanka, China, Serbia, Kazakhstan, Thailand and Turkey — face tougher export restrictions.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">Some of the measures are aimed at depriving Russia of parts for pilotless drones, which are seen by military experts as key to the war.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">A $60 per barrel price cap has also been imposed on Russian oil by Group of Seven allies, intended to reduce Russia’s revenues from fossil fuels.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">Critics of the sanctions, price cap and other measures meant to stop Russia’s invasion say they are not working fast enough.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">Maria Snegovaya, a senior fellow at the Center for Strategic and International Studies, said that primarily sanctioning Russia’s defense industry and failing to cut meaningfully into Russia’s energy revenues will not be enough to halt the war.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">“One way or another, they will have to eventually address Russia’s oil revenues and have to consider an oil embargo,” Snegovaya said. “The oil price cap has effectively stopped working.”</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">Treasury Deputy Secretary Wally Adeyemo, in previewing the new sanctions, told reporters that the U.S. and its allies will not lower the price cap; “rather what we’ll be doing is taking actions that will increase the cost” of Russia’s production of oil.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">The Treasury Department says the current cap is working, with an agency analysis finding that Kremlin oil tax revenue was more than 40 percent lower in the first nine months of 2023 because of it.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">Adeyemo added that “sanctions alone are not enough to carry Ukraine to victory.”</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">“We owe the Ukrainian people who have held on for so long the support and resources they desperately need to defend their homeland and prove Putin wrong once and for all time.” AP/UNB</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify; \">bnbd24/kh</div>', NULL, 'news desk', '[\"1\"]', NULL, NULL, NULL, NULL, '2024-02-24 06:09:48', '2024-02-24 06:09:48'),
(11315, 11315, '<div style=\"text-align: justify; \"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify; \">UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres on Friday called for an end to the Ukraine crisis.<br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">He made the appeal at a Security Council meeting scheduled to coincide with the second anniversary of Russia\'s special military operation in Ukraine.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">Two years on, the conflict in Ukraine remains an open wound at the heart of Europe. It is high time for peace -- a just peace, based on the UN Charter, international law and UN General Assembly resolutions, said Guterres.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">International disputes shall be settled by peaceful means and all states shall refrain from the threat or use of force against the territorial integrity or political independence of any other state, he said.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">The danger of the conflict escalating and expanding is very real. Around the world, the conflict in Ukraine is deepening geopolitical divides, fanning regional instability, shrinking the space available to address other urgent global issues, and undermining the shared norms and values that make the world safer, he said.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">The conflict accelerated a surge in food prices, economic shocks and a global cost-of-living crisis, which hit developing countries the hardest. In addition, the prospect of this conflict resulting in a nuclear accident chills spines around the world, he added.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">\"It is time to recommit to the (UN) Charter and renew respect for international law. That is the path to peace and security -- in Ukraine and around the world,\" said Guterres. XINHUA</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify; \">bnbd24/kh</div>', NULL, 'news desk', '[\"1\"]', NULL, NULL, NULL, NULL, '2024-02-24 06:33:06', '2024-02-24 06:33:06'),
(11316, 11316, '<div style=\"text-align: justify; \"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify; \"><b>A US delegation comprising high officials of National Security Council, State Department and USAID arrived here today on a three-day official visit to discuss ways to further strengthen diplomatic ties with Dhaka. </b></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><b> </b></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">Special Assistant to the US President and US National Security Council (NSC) Senior Director for South Asia Eileen Laubacher, USAID Assistant Administrator, Bureau for Asia, Michael Schiffer and US Department of State Deputy Assistant Secretary for South and Central Asia (SCA) Afreen Akhter are the members of the delegation to visit Dhaka from February 24 to 26, a US embassy press release said here today. </div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"> </div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">\"The three principals will discuss with the government of Bangladesh ways to strengthen diplomatic ties, address challenges, and promote a shared vision for the advancement of mutual interests in the Indo-Pacific region,\" read the press release. </div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"> </div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">Their visit will also include meetings with youth activist and civil society leaders, labor organizers, and those engaged in developing a free and uncensored media, it added. </div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"> </div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">\"The United States remains committed to partnering with Bangladesh to advance our shared vision for a free and open Indo-Pacific, to supporting human rights, addressing climate change, advancing regional resilience to transnational threats, and promoting economic reforms,\" said the US embassy here. </div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"> </div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">On Thursday, Foreign Minister Dr Hasan Mahmud said that Bangladesh-US relations would further deepen and be strengthened with the visit of US officials to Bangladesh.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"> </div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">\"Their (US) officials\' visit to Bangladesh (in the coming days) would make the relations deeper and wider,\" he said while replying a query of a journalist. </div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"> </div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">Mahmud said the letter sent by US President Joe Biden to Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina is important to take forward the relations between the two countries. </div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"> </div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">This is the first visit by US officials after the Bangladesh\'s January 7 national election. 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, '2024-02-24 06:36:05', '2024-02-24 13:47:28'),
(11317, 11317, '<div style=\"text-align: justify; \"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify; \">Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina today said her government has taken various initiatives to ensure justice for people, attributing any country\'s development to independent judiciary, strong parliament and administration.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">\"After assuming power, we\'ve made the judiciary totally independent separating it from the administration, which was the vision of Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman,\" she said.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">The premier said this while addressing the closing session of the two-day International Conference on \"South Asian Constitutional Courts in the Twenty-First Century: Lessons from Bangladesh and India\" as the chief guest at Bangabandhu International Conference Center (BICC) here.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">She said once judiciary was dependent on the government for financial ground. But, her government has separated the judiciary by allocating separate budget for it, she said.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">The Awami League government, as well, has enacted a law for the formulation of Election Commission (EC) as it was earlier attached to the Prime Minister\'s Office, Sheikh Hasina said.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">\"We\'ve also made the EC completely independent and allocated separate fund for it,\" she said, adding, \"That means, we believe it, and for that purpose, the Awami League government could make it.\"</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">Apart from ensuring the independence of the judiciary, the government has made EC independent for the sake of election system so that it could ensure the rights of the people properly. 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, '2024-02-24 08:36:39', '2024-02-24 08:36:39'),
(11318, 11318, '<div><b><span style=\"font-size: 1rem;\">On Saturday, Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina launched the Bangabandhu App, a digital tribute to the Father of the Nation, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, and the rich history of Bangladesh.</span><br></b></div><div><br></div><div>The app, developed by Durbar Technologies Limited, was launched at an official ceremony at the Prime Minister\'s residence, Ganabhaban, according to a press release from the Prime Minister\'s press wing.</div><div><br></div><div>Following the launch, Prime Minister Hasina remarked, \"This app opens up opportunities for the masses to explore the eventful life of the Father of the Nation,” reports UNB</div><div><br></div><div>She also highlighted the app as a digital avenue for educating people on the authentic narrative of Bangladesh\'s struggle for independence.</div><div><br></div><div>The Prime Minister expressed her gratitude to the team behind the Bangabandhu App for their efforts in bringing this visionary project to life.&nbsp;</div><div><br></div><div>bnbd24/fas</div>', NULL, 'News Desk', '[\"30\"]', NULL, NULL, NULL, NULL, '2024-02-24 09:04:02', '2024-02-24 09:04:02');
INSERT INTO `news_details` (`id`, `news_id`, `details`, `ticker`, `representative`, `keyword`, `video_link`, `google_drive_link`, `audio_link`, `shoulder`, `created_at`, `updated_at`) VALUES
(11319, 11319, '<div><b><br></b></div><div><b><br></b></div><div><b>Eco-friendly wooden bicycle, manufactured in Bagerhat’s BSCIC Industrial area, has garnered significant attention through generating employment and opening new markets, particularly in Europe.</b></div><div><br></div><div>Wood, renowned for its versatility, is now prominently featured in making the environment-friendly \'Baby Balance Bikes,\' capturing foreign buyer’s interest.</div><div><br></div><div>Already 20,000 wooden bicycles have been exported to Greece in the first phase.</div><div><br></div><div>Produced by the \'Natural Fiber\' company in Bagerhat’s BSCIC Industrial City, these eye-catching bicycles are complemented by a range of eco-friendly furniture items including hotel beds, sun beds, pet toys, catering to global demand.</div><div><br></div><div>Sources said Natural Fiber started its production in BSCIC Industrial City in 2005. At the beginning, various coir products including mattresses, coir felt, coco peat, disposable slippers were made with coconut shell.</div><div><br></div><div>Natural Fiber transitioned to wooden bicycles and other wooden goods in 2023, sparking international interest.</div><div><br></div><div>Mustafiz Ahmed, the entrepreneur of the wooden bicycle, said he got the order of 3 lakh \'Baby Balance Bike\' from Greece in 2023 and he managed to export it in December last year.</div><div><br></div><div>Besides, many wooden toys for cats and dogs, manufactured in his factory, were also exported to Belgium last year, he said.</div><div><br></div><div>“The second lot of wooden bicycles will be exported soon. Orders also came for adult bicycle alongside the baby bike. \'Baby Balance Bike\' is selling at 100-150 euro per piece in the European market,” he said.</div><div><br></div><div>During a recent visit by the UNB correspondent, the factory was found bustling with men and women workers diligently crafting wooden bicycles and their components.</div><div><br></div><div>The workers were busy in making wheels, frames and various parts of the bicycle using ‘Akashmoni’, ‘Gamari’ and ‘Mehgani’ timber.</div><div><br></div><div>Abbas Ali, a worker said “First they collect timber and cut it into pieces. Later, they craft it in different shapes to make the necessary parts of the bicycle. It takes about two days to build one wooden bicycle.”</div><div><br></div><div>Rekha Rani, echoing the sentiment of her fellow workers, expressed pride in their craftsmanship and the impact their exports have on their families\' well-being.</div><div><br></div><div>“We can manage our family well with the salary we receive working in the factory,” she said.</div><div><br></div><div>Tonny, another worker, said they are not only making the wooden bicycle but also made different types of eco-friendly furniture.</div><div><br></div><div>Shariful Islam, another worker of the factory, said they have to make 11 parts to make one \'Baby Balance Bike\' and then they colour it.</div><div><br></div><div>Mustafiz also expressed doubt about getting incentive in the furniture sector as the government has reduced the incentive rate to 7 % from the existing 10%.</div><div><br></div><div>Zahirul Islam, deputy director of Bangladesh Small and Cottage Industries Corporation (BSCIC), Bagerhat, said foreign currency is being earned by exporting these echo-friendly wood products abroad, reports UNB</div><div><br></div><div>BSCIC will provide training, loans as well as other assistances to such entrepreneurs, he said.</div><div><br></div><div>bnbd24/fas</div>', NULL, 'News Desk', '[\"30\"]', NULL, NULL, NULL, NULL, '2024-02-24 09:09:37', '2024-02-24 09:09:37'),
(11320, 11320, '<div><span style=\"font-size: 1rem;\"><b>Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on Saturday said an independent judiciary, strong parliament and administration can take a country towards development.</b></span><br></div><div><br></div><div>“After coming to power we have made judiciary totally independent by separating it from the administration in fulfilling the belief of Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman,” she said.</div><div><br></div><div>The prime minister said this while addressing the valedictory session of the two-day International Conference on \'South Asian Constitutional Courts in the Twenty-First Century: Lessons from Bangladesh and India’ at Bangabandhu International Conference Center (BICC).</div><div><br></div><div>She said that the government has separated the judiciary from the administration by allocating separate budget for it.</div><div><br></div><div>The Judiciary, she said, was previously dependent on the government for financial matters.</div><div><br></div><div>The Prime Minister said that the government has announced to transform Bangladesh as smart one by 2041.“I want that the judiciary will be smart one.”</div><div><br></div><div>She mentioned various initiatives taken the Chief Justice to make the judiciary smart one and thanked him.</div><div><br></div><div>She also thanked the higher court for their verdict which had declared the 5th and 7th amendments to the Constitution legitimising&nbsp; the military regimes illegal.</div><div><br></div><div>“This supplemented country’s socioeconomic advancement since 2009 by ensuring democratic trend of the country. It has been possible as the country has stable situation since then,” she said.</div><div><br></div><div>“Through the 15th amendment to the Constitution we have strengthened democracy,” she said.</div><div><br></div><div>Besides, she mentioned that the Awami League government has enacted law for the formulation of an independent Election Commission in Bangladesh.</div><div><br></div><div>She also said that the Election Commission was earlier attached to the Prime Minister Office.</div><div><br></div><div>“We have made it (EC) independent completely and allocated separate funds for it,” said the prime minister.</div><div><br></div><div>“That means we believe in the independence of the EC, and the Awami League government can make that happen,” she said.</div><div><br></div><div>The prime minister said that her government has included an article in the Constitution, as per the verdict of the High Court, making illegal grabbing of state power a punishable offence.</div><div><br></div><div>“By this inclusion, I can say, the basic rights of the people, democratic right, have been protected,” she said.</div><div><br></div><div>Hasina said that Bangladesh has achieved the recognition of a developing country effective from 2026, reports UNB</div><div><br></div><div>“Inshallah by 2041 we will be able to make Bangladesh developed and prosperous Golden Bangladesh to materialise the ideals of Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman,\" she asserted.</div><div><br></div><div>Chief Justice of Bangladesh Justice Obaidul Hassan, Chief Justice of India Justice Dhananjaya Y Chandrachud, Minister for Law, Justice and Parliamentary Affairs Anisul Huq and Justice M. Enayetur Rahim of Appellate Division also spoke.</div><div><br></div><div>bnbd24/fas</div>', NULL, 'News Desk', '[\"30\"]', NULL, NULL, NULL, NULL, '2024-02-24 09:15:47', '2024-02-24 09:15:47'),
(11321, 11321, '<div><span style=\"font-size: 1rem;\"><b>The United States and European Union on Friday heaped hundreds of new sanctions on Russia in connection with the second anniversary of its invasion of Ukraine and in retaliation for the death of noted Kremlin critic Alexei Navalny last week in an Arctic penal colony.</b></span><br></div><div><br></div><div>The U.S. government imposed roughly 600 new sanctions on Russia and its war machine in the largest single round of penalties since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine on Feb. 24, 2022.</div><div><br></div><div>The EU, for its part, added sanctions on several foreign companies over allegations that they have exported dual-use goods to Russia that could be used in its war against Ukraine. The 27-nation bloc also targeted scores of Russian officials, including members of the judiciary, local politicians and people it said were \"responsible for the illegal deportation and military re-education of Ukrainian children.”</div><div><br></div><div>President Joe Biden said the sanctions come in response to Russian President Vladimir Putin’s “brutal war of conquest” and to Navalny’s death, adding that “we in the United States are going to continue to ensure that Putin pays a price for his aggression abroad and repression at home.\"</div><div><br></div><div>But while previous sanctions have increased costs for Russia’s ability to fight in Ukraine, they appear to have done little so far to deter Putin and it was unclear that the latest big round would significantly alter that.</div><div><br></div><div>In specific response to Navalny’s death, the State Department targeted three Russian officials the U.S. says are connected to his death, including the deputy director of Russia’s Federal Penitentiary Service, who was promoted by Putin to the rank of colonel general on Monday, three days after Navalny died.</div><div><br></div><div>The sanctions bar the officials from traveling to the U.S. and block access to U.S.-owned property. But they appear largely symbolic given that the officials are unlikely to travel to or have assets or family in the West.</div><div><br></div><div>White House national security spokesman John Kirby said to “expect more” action later related to Navalny\'s death, adding that \"today this just a start.”</div><div><br></div><div>The Biden administration is levying additional sanctions as House Republicans are blocking billions of dollars in additional aid to Ukraine. The war is becoming entangled in U.S. election-year politics, with former President Donald Trump voicing skepticism about the benefits of the NATO alliance and saying that he would “encourage” Russia to “do whatever the hell they want” to countries that, in his view, are not pulling their weight in the alliance.</div><div><br></div><div>Biden on Friday called on Congress to pass Ukraine aid, which has stalled since House Speaker Mike Johnson blocked votes on aid passed by the Senate for Ukraine and other countries.</div><div><br></div><div>“Russia is taking Ukraine territory for the first time in many months,” Biden said. “But here in America, the speaker gave the house a two week vacation. They have to come back and get this done, because failure to support Ukraine in this critical moment will never be forgotten in history.”</div><div><br></div><div>Biden spoke later Friday with French President Emmanuel Macron about Russia’s recent actions and the need to support Ukraine. A White House readout said they also discussed developments in the Middle East.</div><div><br></div><div>Many of the new U.S. sanctions announced Friday target Russian firms that contribute to the Kremlin’s war effort — like drone and industrial chemical manufacturers and machine tool importers — as well as financial institutions, such as the state-owned operator of Russia’s Mir National Payment System.</div><div><br></div><div>The U.S. also will impose visa restrictions on Russian authorities it says are involved in the kidnapping and confinement of Ukrainian children. In addition, 26 third-country people and firms from across China, Serbia, the United Arab Emirates, and Liechtenstein are listed for sanctions, for assisting Russia in evading existing financial penalties.</div><div><br></div><div>The Russian foreign ministry called the EU sanctions “illegal” and said they undermine “the international legal prerogatives of the UN Security Council.” In response, the ministry is banning some EU citizens from entering the country because they have provided military assistance to Ukraine. It did not immediately address the U.S. sanctions.</div><div><br></div><div>Overall, since the start of the war, the U.S. Treasury and State departments have targeted more than 4,000 officials, oligarchs, firms, banks and others under Russia-related sanctions authorities. The EU asset freezes and travel bans constitute its 13th package of measures imposed by the bloc against people and organizations it suspects of undermining the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Ukraine.</div><div><br></div><div>“Today, we are further tightening the restrictive measures against Russia’s military and defense sector,” EU foreign policy chief Josep Borrell said. “We remain united in our determination to dent Russia’s war machine and help Ukraine win its legitimate fight for self-defense.”</div><div><br></div><div>In all, 106 more officials and 88 “entities” — often companies, banks, government agencies or other organizations — have been added to the bloc’s sanctions list, bringing the tally of those targeted to more than 2,000 people and entities, including Putin and his associates.</div><div><br></div><div>Companies making electronic components, which the EU believes could have military as well as civilian uses, were among 27 entities accused of “directly supporting Russia’s military and industrial complex in its war of aggression against Ukraine,” a statement said.</div><div><br></div><div>Those companies — some of them based in India, Sri Lanka, China, Serbia, Kazakhstan, Thailand and Turkey — face tougher export restrictions.</div><div><br></div><div>Some of the measures are aimed at depriving Russia of parts for pilotless drones, which are seen by military experts as key to the war.</div><div><br></div><div>A $60 per barrel price cap has also been imposed on Russian oil by Group of Seven allies, intended to reduce Russia’s revenues from fossil fuels.</div><div><br></div><div>Critics of the sanctions, price cap and other measures meant to stop Russia’s invasion say they are not working fast enough.</div><div><br></div><div>Maria Snegovaya, a senior fellow at the Center for Strategic and International Studies, said that primarily sanctioning Russia’s defense industry and failing to cut meaningfully into Russia’s energy revenues will not be enough to halt the war.</div><div><br></div><div>“One way or another, they will have to eventually address Russia’s oil revenues and have to consider an oil embargo,” Snegovaya said. “The oil price cap has effectively stopped working.”</div><div><br></div><div>Treasury Deputy Secretary Wally Adeyemo, in previewing the new sanctions, told reporters that the U.S. and its allies will not lower the price cap; “rather what we’ll be doing is taking actions that will increase the cost” of Russia’s production of oil.</div><div><br></div><div>The Treasury Department says the current cap is working, with an agency analysis finding that Kremlin oil tax revenue was more than 40 percent lower in the first nine months of 2023 because of it, reports AP.</div><div><br></div><div>Adeyemo added that “sanctions alone are not enough to carry Ukraine to victory.”</div><div><br></div><div>“We owe the Ukrainian people who have held on for so long the support and resources they desperately need to defend their homeland and prove Putin wrong once and for all time.”</div><div><br></div><div>bnbd24/fas</div>', NULL, 'International Desk', '[\"29\"]', NULL, NULL, NULL, NULL, '2024-02-24 09:59:50', '2024-02-24 09:59:50'),
(11322, 11322, '<div><b><span style=\"font-size: 1rem;\">BNP on Saturday alleged that Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina blamed BNP for the hikes in the prices of essential commodities just to mislead the people and hide her government’s failure.</span><br></b></div><div><br></div><div>“The syndicate government formed through a dummy election is misleading the people by making strange remarks. The government, which has completely failed to control commodity prices, is now blaming BNP for the increase in the prices of essential items,” said BNP Senior Joint Secretary General Ruhul Kabir Rizvi.</div><div><br></div><div>Speaking at a press briefing, at the party’s Nayapaltan central office, he also said the PM at her Friday’s press conference at Ganabhaban said those who are agitating to overthrow the government have some tricks to increase the commodity prices.</div><div><br></div><div>\"Her such statements mean that her autocracy has become rotten and perverted. Therefore, Sheikh Hasina has no choice but to utter blatant lies and make untrue, fabricated and baseless comments. All these statements are the manifestation of a disturbed mind... that\'s why she’s resorting to ridiculous lies,” Rizvi said.</div><div><br></div><div>However, he said, the Prime Minister has admitted that commodity prices have gone up limitlessly. \"They (govt) have an old habit of shamelessly blaming BNP for their failures, looting, stealing, and misdeeds.”</div><div><br></div><div>Since Sheikh Hasina is unable to control the dishonest businessmen as the head of the government, Rizvi said she is spreading false propaganda to blame BNP for her failure to stay in power illegally. “The looter government does not have the minimum competence to control the market.”</div><div><br></div><div>​The BNP leader said the common people are going through a very tough time to survive amid the skyrocketing prices of all commodities.</div><div><br></div><div>He said though the government had issued various threats it could not control the market as the market manipulators are now controlling the Awami League regime.</div><div><br></div><div>“The way price of every commodity is increasing, not only the lower-income people but also the middle class ones have become extremely helpless. People are unable to buy necessary daily essential items, including rice, lentils, oil, onion, garlic and chicken. The beef and mutton are now becoming like a distant star in the sky for the poor people,” Rizvi observed.</div><div><br></div><div>BNP Chairperson’s Advisory Council member Habibur Rahman Habib is seriously ill, but the jail authorities are not providing him with necessary treatment, he alleged, reports UNB</div><div><br></div><div>\"His (Habib’s) condition is serious. He is not being treated in jail and he is not being given proper prescriptions and medicines. He can\'t even walk,” the BNP leader said.</div><div><br></div><div>He called upon the government to take immediate steps to ensure better treatment of ailing Habib since 15 jailed opposition leaders have recently died in custody.</div><div><br></div><div>bnbd24/fas</div>', NULL, 'News Desk', '[\"30\"]', NULL, NULL, NULL, NULL, '2024-02-24 10:51:59', '2024-02-24 10:51:59'),
(11323, 11323, '<div><span style=\"font-size: 1rem;\"><b>Ukrainian drones hit a major Russian steel factory overnight, causing a large fire, a Kyiv source said today on the second anniversary of Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine.</b></span><br></div><div><br></div><div>The governor of Russia’s Lipetsk region identified the plant as one in the city of Lipetsk, some 400km north of the Ukrainian border, that is responsible for about 18% of Russian steel output.</div><div><br></div><div>He said a fire apparently caused by a drone strike had been extinguished at the plant, operated by Russian steelmaker Novolipetsk (NLMK), and that there had been no casualties.</div><div><br></div><div>The Ukrainian source told Reuters the attack, a joint operation by GUR military intelligence and the SBU security service, had caused a major fire and that staff had been evacuated.</div><div><br></div><div>“Raw materials from this enterprise are used to manufacture Russian missiles, artillery, drones. Therefore, it is a legitimate goal for Ukraine,” the source said, without specifying the location of the plant.</div><div><br></div><div>Video posted on social media purporting to be from Lipetsk showed an explosion, with orange flames illuminating the night-time sky.</div><div><br></div><div>NLMK said on social media that the fire broke out at 1.40am local time. The company did not immediately respond to a request for comment.</div><div><br></div><div>The Lipetsk plant specialises in flat steel, making 80% of NLMK’s steel products.</div><div><br></div><div>Ukrainian drone attacks on Russian military and industrial targets have become increasingly common in recent months, notably hitting oil facilities that Kyiv says are vital to the Russian war effort, but Ukrainian sources had not so far claimed responsibility for an attack on a steel plant, reports Reuters</div><div><br></div><div>Russian authorities said Ukrainian drones had been downed over the Lipetsk, Kursk and Tula regions overnight.&nbsp;</div><div><br></div><div>bnbd24/fas</div>', NULL, 'International Desk', '[\"29\"]', NULL, NULL, NULL, NULL, '2024-02-24 11:56:30', '2024-02-24 11:56:30'),
(11324, 11324, '<div><span style=\"font-size: 1rem;\"><b>Eleven crew of a coal-laden vessel swam ashore after a crack developed in its bottom in the Pashur River on its way to Jashore from Mongla sea port in Bagerhat on Saturday morning.</b></span><br></div><div><br></div><div>Kazi Kamrul Islam, master of cargo vessel ‘MV Ishra Mahmud’, said the vessel sailed out for Jashore’s Naowapara after loading 950 metric tonnes of coal from a merchant vessel at the sea port on Friday evening.</div><div><br></div><div>When the vessel anchored in the Charkana area of the river 11 am, a crack developed in its bottom and water entered, he said.</div><div><br></div><div>Md Makruzzman, deputy director (public relations) of the Mongla Port Authority, said the coals are being shifted from the vessel to a barge, reports UNB</div><div><br></div><div>Moreover, movement of vessels remained uninterrupted on the Pashur Channel, he added.</div><div><br></div><div>bnbd24/fas</div>', NULL, 'News Desk', '[\"30\"]', NULL, NULL, NULL, NULL, '2024-02-24 12:55:34', '2024-02-24 12:55:34'),
(11325, 11325, '<div><b><span style=\"font-size: 1rem;\">Thai prime minister Srettha Thavisin said today that ex-premier Thaksin Shinawatra was happy and in a good mood but still weak after his recent release from hospital detention.</span><br></b></div><div><br></div><div>The 74-year-old billionaire, whose family’s party has regained power, was released on parole on Feb 18 after six months in detention, his first day of freedom in his homeland 15 years after he fled a military coup that had deposed him.</div><div><br></div><div>“There wasn’t much talking. He’s still weak but his arm can move a bit,” Srettha told reporters, adding that Thaksin, who left hospital with his arm in a sling, was in a good mood and smiling. “He’s happy to be home.”</div><div><br></div><div>Thaksin has been at the heart of a two-decade power struggle between his family and its coterie of capitalist upstarts, and a nexus of royalists, generals and old-money families that have long wielded influence over Thai governments and institutions.</div><div><br></div><div>He faced years in prison on his return from exile on charges of graft and abuse of power, which he denies as politically motivated.</div><div><br></div><div>On his first night in jail, he was transferred to the luxury wing of a police hospital, where he served his detention.</div><div><br></div><div>Doctors said he had experienced tightness in his chest and high blood pressure.</div><div><br></div><div>Thailand’s king in August commuted Thaksin’s sentence from eight years to one year, of which he served half.</div><div><br></div><div>Speaking after visiting Thaksin at the billionaire’s Bangkok residence, Srettha said he did not talk about how the influential ex-premier would help the country. Thaksin encouraged him in his work but they did not discuss politics, Srettha said.</div><div><br></div><div>“I didn’t talk about how he would help the country. But he is concerned about the country… as there are a lot of economic problems,” the prime minister said.</div><div><br></div><div>Thaksin’s return last year coincided to the day with ally and political newcomer Srettha being chosen prime minister, leading many to suspect a deal between Thaksin and his powerful enemies in Thailand’s royalist-military establishment. - Reuters&nbsp;</div><div><br></div><div>He and the government, led by the Shinawatra family-backed Pheu Thai Party, have dismissed such speculation.</div><div><br></div><div>bnbd24/fas</div>', NULL, 'International Desk', '[\"29\"]', NULL, NULL, NULL, NULL, '2024-02-24 13:35:37', '2024-02-24 13:35:37'),
(11326, 11326, '<div><b><span style=\"font-size: 1rem;\">&nbsp;At the Jabalia refugee camp in northern Gaza, Abu Gibril was so desperate for food to feed his family that he slaughtered two of his horses.</span><br></b></div><div><br></div><div>“We had no other choice but to slaughter the horses to feed the children. Hunger is killing us,” he told AFP.</div><div><br></div><div>Jabalia was the biggest camp in the Palestinian territories before the war, which began after Hamas fighters attacked southern Israel on Oct 7, leaving some 1,160 dead, based on Israeli figures.</div><div><br></div><div>Gibril, 60, fled there from nearby Beit Hanun when the conflict erupted. Home for him and his family is now a tent near what was a UN-run school.</div><div><br></div><div>Contaminated water, power cuts and overcrowding were already a problem in the densely populated camp, which was set up in 1948 and covers just 1.4sq km.</div><div><br></div><div>Poverty, from high unemployment, was also an issue among its more than 100,000 people.</div><div><br></div><div>Now food is running out, with aid agencies unable to get in to the area because of the bombing — and the frenzied looting of the few trucks that try to get through.</div><div><br></div><div>The World Food Programme this week said its teams reported “unprecedented levels of desperation” while the United Nations warned that 2.2 million people were on the brink of famine.</div><div><br></div><div>Yesterday, the health ministry in Hamas-run Gaza said a two-month-old baby died of malnutrition in hospital in Gaza City, 7km away from Jabalia.</div><div><br></div><div>Overall, at least 29,606 people have been killed in Gaza in the war, the ministry said today.</div><div><br></div><div>Scavenging and begging</div><div><br></div><div>In the camp, bedraggled children wait expectantly, holding plastic containers and battered cooking pots for what little food is available.</div><div><br></div><div>With supplies dwindling, costs are rising. A kilo of rice, for example, has shot up from seven shekels (US$1.90) to 55 shekels, complains one man.</div><div><br></div><div>The UN children’s agency Unicef has warned that the alarming lack of food, surging malnutrition and disease could lead to an “explosion” in child deaths in Gaza.</div><div><br></div><div>One in six children aged under two in Gaza was acutely malnourished, it estimated on Feb 19.</div><div><br></div><div>Residents have taken to eating scavenged scraps of rotten corn, animal fodder unfit for human consumption and even leaves to try to stave off the growing hunger pangs.</div><div><br></div><div>“There is no food, no wheat, no drinking water,” said one woman.</div><div><br></div><div>“We have started begging neighbours for money. We don’t have one shekel at home. We knock on doors and no one is giving us money”.</div><div><br></div><div>‘Dying from hunger’</div><div><br></div><div>Tempers are rising in Jabalia about the lack of food and the consequences. On Friday, an impromptu protest was held involving dozens of people.</div><div><br></div><div>One child held up a sign reading: “We didn’t die from air strikes but we are dying from hunger”.</div><div><br></div><div>Another held aloft a placard warning “Famine eats away at our flesh”, while protesters chanted “No to starvation. No to genocide. No to blockade”.</div><div><br></div><div>In Beit Hanun, Gibril used two horses to harvest a parcel of land. But the conflict destroyed that, along with his house, leaving him with nothing.</div><div><br></div><div>Over the weeks and months, Israel’s relentless bombardment has left Gaza largely a place of shattered concrete and lives.</div><div><br></div><div>Gibril kept the radical decision to slaughter his horses to himself, boiling the meat with rice, and giving it to his unwitting family and neighbours.</div><div><br></div><div>Despite the necessity, he said he was still wary of their reaction. “No one knows they were in fact eating a horse.” - AFP&nbsp;</div><div><br></div><div>bnbd24/fas</div>', NULL, 'International Desk', '[\"29\"]', NULL, NULL, NULL, NULL, '2024-02-24 13:39:45', '2024-02-24 13:39:45'),
(11327, 11327, '<div><span style=\"font-size: 1rem;\"><b>Donald Trump is seeking to cement his status as the Republican Party’s effective presidential nominee in today’s South Carolina contest, while his lone remaining challenger, former UN ambassador Nikki Haley, hopes a stronger-than-expected performance in her home state buoys her long-shot campaign.</b></span><br></div><div><br></div><div>Trump is overwhelmingly favoured to win the southern US state’s primary election, the fifth Republican nominating vote in a campaign the former president has dominated from the outset despite facing dozens of criminal charges.</div><div><br></div><div>He swept the first four contests in Iowa, New Hampshire, Nevada and the US Virgin Islands, knocking out the rest of the initially large Republican field along the way.</div><div><br></div><div>Opinion polls show Trump holding an average statewide lead of 30 percentage points, according to the poll tracking website 538. The Republican nominee will face Democratic president Joe Biden in the Nov 5 election.</div><div><br></div><div>Haley, a native of South Carolina who served as its governor from 2011 to 2017, dismissed suggestions this week that a home-field defeat would prompt her to end her White House bid, even though she does not have a clear path to the nomination.</div><div><br></div><div>“We don’t anoint kings in this country,” she said on Tuesday during a campaign appearance in Greenville, South Carolina, adding that she was “not going anywhere” regardless of the primary’s outcome.</div><div><br></div><div>She has vowed to press on to Super Tuesday in early March, when 15 states and one US territory will vote, including Texas, Virginia and North Carolina, awarding around one-third of the delegates to July’s Republican National Convention, which will choose the nominee.</div><div><br></div><div>But a lopsided victory for Trump, 77, today would only increase pressure on Haley, 52, to drop out so that the former president can turn his attention to campaigning against Biden.</div><div><br></div><div>The president is already treating Trump as the Republican nominee and painting him as a mortal threat to the republic.</div><div><br></div><div>Polls will be open on Saturday from 7am to 7pm eastern time.</div><div><br></div><div>South Carolina’s primary is “open,” allowing any registered voter to participate, which could offer Haley a boost if independents and Democrats – who tend to favour her over Trump – turn out in force.</div><div><br></div><div>In contrast to the campaign’s early stages, Haley has sharply attacked Trump leading up to the vote, warning Republican voters that a third consecutive Trump nomination will end in defeat.</div><div><br></div><div>Haley, whose foreign policy credentials are at the centre of her campaign, has focused in recent days on Trump’s stance toward Russia following the death of Alexei Navalby, the main opposition leader there.</div><div><br></div><div>She criticised Trump for waiting days before commenting on Navalny’s death and then for failing to blame Russian president Vladimir Putin. She also condemned Trump’s recent remarks that that he would not defend Nato allies from a Russian attack if he felt they had not spent enough on defence.</div><div><br></div><div>Trump has questioned Haley’s intelligence, nicknaming her “birdbrain,” and frequently reminds voters that the state’s top Republicans, including Governor Henry McMaster, have endorsed his campaign.</div><div><br></div><div>“You’re not supposed to lose your home state,” Trump told a Fox News town hall this week.</div><div><br></div><div>A New York native, Trump lost the state but won the overall election in 2016. He moved his permanent residence to Florida in 2019.</div><div><br></div><div>With a massive lead in national opinion polls, Trump could effectively clinch the nomination by mid-March if he wins primaries at the same pace – just in time for his first criminal trial, which is scheduled to begin on March 25 in New York City.</div><div><br></div><div>He is charged in that case with falsifying business records to conceal hush money payments made to porn star Stormy Daniels. - Reuters</div><div><br></div><div>bnbd24/fas</div>', NULL, 'International Desk', '[\"29\"]', NULL, NULL, NULL, NULL, '2024-02-24 13:41:55', '2024-02-24 13:41:55'),
(11328, 11328, '<div><span style=\"font-size: 1rem;\">President Mohammed Shahabuddin on Saturday urged all concerned to remain more vigilant about fake doctors and health institutions.</span><br></div><div><br></div><div>\"The government has already started taking legal actions against these. I hope that you will fully cooperate with the government in this regard,\" he said.</div><div><br></div><div>He said this while delivering his speech after&nbsp; opening the \'Fourth International Scientific Conference-2024\' at a city hotel.Bangladesh Cardiovascular Research Foundation and Interventional Academy of USA organized the conference.</div><div><br></div><div>He also asked physicians to treat patients with sensitivity and kindness and take utmost care to protect patient dignity and privacy.&nbsp;</div><div><br></div><div>Saying that \"Medical science is ever-changing, as new diseases emerge, medical science advances to overcome those.\"</div><div><br></div><div>Lauding the dynamism into medical education, treatment, service and research activities and improved medical management, he said treatment, education and research programs should be conducted keeping in mind the nature of various types of disease.&nbsp;</div><div><br></div><div>He also underscored the need for raising awareness to prevent heart disease, cancer, AIDS and other fatal diseases.</div><div><br></div><div>Referring to the government\'s constant efforts to ensure universal healthcare at people\'s doorsteps, he said the government aims to create a welfare society and state by ensuring a pollution-free, environment-friendly healthy living for every citizen.</div><div><br></div><div>He called upon the government, private sectors and physicians to come forward to ensure further development of the country\'s overall health system as well.</div><div><br></div><div>Mentioning that providing quality medical services to the country\'s vast population is a challenge, he said&nbsp; the government has already taken steps for better medical service.</div><div><br></div><div>\"Priority should be given on providing medical services to the poor . It must&nbsp; be ensured that they (poor) are not deprived of treatment or neglected fo want of money,\" he said.</div><div><br></div><div>Health and Family Welfare Minister Dr. Samanta Lal Sen, Bangladesh Medical Association (BMA) President Dr. Mustafa Jalal Mohiuddin, Vice Chancellor (VC) Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University (BSMMU) Prof. Dr. Md Sharfuddin Ahmed, Course Chairman of Interventional Academy, USA, Dr. Rajesh M Deve, Prime Minister\'s personal physician Prof Dr. ABM Abdullah and President of Bangladesh Cardiovascular Research Foundation Prof. Dr. SM Mustafa Zaman, among others, spoke. - UNB</div><div><br></div><div>bnbd24/fas</div><div><br></div>', NULL, 'News Desk', '[\"30\"]', NULL, NULL, NULL, NULL, '2024-02-24 13:49:15', '2024-02-24 13:49:15'),
(11329, 11329, '<div><b><br></b></div><div><b>Dozens of victims of an Israeli strike on a residence where displaced people were sheltering in central Gaza’s Deir el-Balah area are being transferred to the nearby Al-Aqsa Hospital.</b></div><div><br></div><div>Dr Khalil al-Degran said the medical facility has received “many dead and injured, most of whom were women and children”.</div><div><br></div><div>“We expect to receive many more by the ambulances that are still at the site,” he told Al Jazeera.</div><div><br></div><div>“We are not equipped to receive such large numbers of victims,” he said, adding that the strike was part of Israel’s “genocide against our people”. - Al Jazeera&nbsp;</div><div><br></div><div>bnbd24/fas</div>', NULL, 'International Desk', '[\"29\"]', NULL, NULL, NULL, NULL, '2024-02-24 13:56:49', '2024-02-24 13:56:49'),
(11330, 11330, '<div><b><span style=\"font-size: 1rem;\">Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan on Saturday criticized the UN and Western countries for “just watching the humanitarian crimes” committed by Israel in Gaza for the last 140 days.&nbsp;</span><br></b></div><div><br></div><div>“So much so that the UN Security Council does not and cannot call for an immediate cease-fire,” Erdogan decried, speaking at a meeting of the Justice and Development (AK) Party in Türkiye’s northwestern province of Sakarya.</div><div><br></div><div>“Neither Western powers nor the UN Security Council have made a useful effort to prevent Israeli violence,” he stressed.</div><div><br></div><div>Israel has pounded the Gaza Strip since a cross-border attack by Hamas, which Tel Aviv says killed nearly 1,200 people.</div><div><br></div><div>The Israeli war on Gaza has pushed 85% of the territory\'s population into internal displacement amid acute shortages of food, clean water, and medicine, while 60% of the enclave\'s infrastructure has been damaged or destroyed, according to the UN.</div><div><br></div><div>For the first time since its creation in 1948, Israel stands accused of genocide at the International Court of Justice, the highest judicial body of the United Nations, over its Gaza war.</div><div><br></div><div>An interim ruling in January ordered Tel Aviv to stop genocidal acts and take measures to guarantee that humanitarian assistance is provided to civilians in Gaza. - Anadolu Agency&nbsp;</div><div><br></div><div>bnbd24/fas</div>', NULL, 'News Desk', '[\"29\"]', NULL, NULL, NULL, NULL, '2024-02-24 14:01:02', '2024-02-24 14:01:02'),
(11331, 11331, '<div><br></div><div>A three-member BNP delegation, led by party Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir, had a closed-door meeting with visiting US Deputy Assistant Secretary at the Bureau of South and Central Asian Affairs, Afreen Akhter, on Saturday.</div><div><br></div><div>The hour-long meeting that began at 3pm was held at the Westin Hotel in the capital’s Gulshan area. US Ambassador to Bangladesh Peter Haas was also present at the meeting.</div><div><br></div><div>After the meeting, a post on the Facebook page of the US Embassy in Dhaka said, “We welcomed a fruitful discussion with BNP’s Secretary General about the current political landscape in Bangladesh and the thousands of opposition members in prison. Looking forward to continued engagement.”</div><div><br></div><div>It also said engaging in constructive dialogue is key to understanding different perspectives and finding common ground. The embassy also shared a photo of the meeting.</div><div><br></div><div>The other member of the BNP delegation includes party Standing Committee member Amir Khosru Mahmud Chowdhury and Organising Secretary Shama Obaid.</div><div><br></div><div>Talking to reporters about the meeting, Amir Khosru said they joined the meeting at the invitation of the US and talked about various issues. “That\'s all I can say... I don\'t have anything more to say.\"</div><div><br></div><div>Asked what they discussed at the meeting, he parried the questions saying he is not willing to say anything about it.</div><div><br></div><div>Replying to another question about whether they talked about the last national election in Bangladesh, he also preferred to remain tight-lipped, saying he had nothing to say.</div><div><br></div><div>No one from the US side briefed reporters on the outcome of the meeting.</div><div><br></div><div>This was the first meeting of BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul and Amir Khusro with foreigners after being released from prison. Fakhrul and Khosru were arrested in connection with the violence on the streets ahead of the 12th National Assembly elections centring the party\'s grand rally in the capital on October 28. They were recently released on bail after spending three and a half months in jail. According to UNB reports</div><div><br></div><div>bnbd24/fas</div>', NULL, 'News Desk', '[\"30\"]', NULL, NULL, NULL, NULL, '2024-02-24 16:33:57', '2024-02-24 16:33:57'),
(11332, 11332, '<div style=\"text-align: justify; \"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify; \">Home Minister Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal conveyed his anticipation for an imminent final verdict in the BDR carnage case while addressing the media after paying his respects to the martyrs at Dhaka’s Banani graveyard on Sunday morning.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">He emphasised the government\'s expectation for the judicial process to conclude shortly, stating, \"We are hopeful that the final judgment will be delivered in the coming days. The completion of the trial hinges entirely on the judicial proceedings, and I can assure there has been no laxity in the trial process.\"</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">Acknowledging the complexity of the case, he noted, \"Given the involvement of numerous individuals, navigating through these investigations was a colossal endeavour.\"</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">Chiefs of the three armed services, the additional secretary of the Public Security Department, and family members of those who lost their lives in the Pilkhana tragedy were at the graveyard at the time. 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, '2024-02-25 07:12:41', '2024-02-25 07:12:41'),
(11333, 11333, '<div><span style=\"font-size: 1rem;\"><b>Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on Sunday called for special funding from the World Bank dedicated to fostering women entrepreneurs in Bangladesh, aiming to enhance their socioeconomic status.</b></span><br></div><div><br></div><div>During a meeting with World Bank Managing Director Anna Bjerde at the Sangsad Bhaban office, the Prime Minister emphasized the need for additional concessional loans for climate change mitigation and adaptation projects.</div><div><br></div><div>The briefing, provided by PM’s speech writer M Nazrul Islam, highlighted Sheikh Hasina\'s commitment to financial inclusion and entrepreneurship among women. \"From ICT to agriculture and small handicraft industries, women are contributing significantly, and we aim to elevate their socioeconomic position further,\" she remarked.</div><div><br></div><div>Sheikh Hasina requested the World Bank to provide a special fund for Bangladeshi women to accelerate their entrepreneurial ventures and socioeconomic progress. \"This initiative will pave the way for new entrepreneurs,\" she noted, reports UNB</div><div><br></div><div>Furthermore, the Prime Minister underscored the government\'s efforts in marketing products created by women entrepreneurs and integrating climate change and resilience considerations into development projects to ensure sustainable growth. Bangladesh is at the forefront of sustainable development, she said.&nbsp;</div><div><br></div><div>“You can provide more loans at concessionary rate for the climate change and climate resilience projects,” she told the World Bank MD.</div><div><br></div><div>bnbd24/fas</div>', NULL, 'News Desk', '[\"30\"]', NULL, NULL, NULL, NULL, '2024-02-25 08:58:01', '2024-02-25 08:58:01'),
(11334, 11334, '<div><span style=\"font-size: 1rem;\"><b>Law Minister Anisul Huq assured the Parliament on Sunday that the government is dedicated to safeguarding press freedom and will not impose any restrictions on it.</b></span><br></div><div><br></div><div>He highlighted upcoming legislation aimed at combating misinformation and fake news without infringing on media freedom.</div><div><br></div><div>Addressing the Parliament in the absence of the State Minister for Information and Broadcasting, Mohammad Ali Arafat, Huq responded to concerns raised by Jatiya Party MP from Patuakhali, ABM Ruhul Amin Hawladar, regarding the spread of false news by online media outlets.</div><div><br></div><div>Hawladar questioned the necessity of a law to prohibit such practices, to which Minister Huq reaffirmed the constitutional guarantee of free speech and press freedom.</div><div><br></div><div>“Law has to be made in that light and with due respect,” he said.</div><div><br></div><div>He referenced the existing Cyber Security Act, indicating that it, along with forthcoming laws proposed by the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, aims to address the issue of misinformation responsibly.</div><div><br></div><div>The government\'s approach is to prevent confusion and the spread of fake news through appropriate measures, not control, the Law Minister emphasized, ensuring that the press\'s freedom remains intact. - UNB</div><div><br></div><div>bnbd24/fas</div>', NULL, 'News Desk', '[\"30\"]', NULL, NULL, NULL, NULL, '2024-02-25 09:07:14', '2024-02-25 09:07:14'),
(11335, 11335, '<div><b><br></b></div><div><b>Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on Sunday asked local government officials to dedicate their efforts to eradicating terrorism, militancy, drug abuse, and corruption from society. \"We must build a society free from terrorism, militancy, corruption and drugs. You have a crucial role to play,\" she emphasized.</b></div><div><br></div><div>Her call came during a speech at the Bangabandhu International Conference Centre in Dhaka, celebrating National Local Government Day 2024, themed “Local government will be smart: Rights to services will be ensured.”</div><div><br></div><div>Highlighting the detrimental impact of drug abuse on youth and its potential to fuel terrorism, militancy, and corruption, the Prime Minister called on public representatives to foster community awareness to combat these issues. She pointed to the significant strides Bangladesh has made under her leadership, urging local leaders to contribute to this momentum.</div><div><br></div><div>Sheikh Hasina also stressed the importance of environmental protection through initiatives like village-level waste management and water body conservation. “Starting waste management at the village level is imperative to avoid future complications,” she asserted, advocating for comprehensive sewerage master plans that extend to rural areas.</div><div><br></div><div>She envisioned a future where local government bodies are empowered to drive national development, emphasizing the central government\'s role in providing the necessary framework for local initiatives.</div><div><br></div><div>The event was chaired by LGRD and Cooperatives Minister Md Tazul Islam, with notable speakers including Dhaka North City Corporation Mayor Md Atiqul Islam, Barishal City Corporation Mayor Abul Khair Abdullah, Shariatpur Zila Parishad Chairman Sabedur Rahman Khoka Sikder, Chairman of Bagha Upazila Parishad Layeb Uddin Ahmed from Rajshahi, Panchagarh Muncipality Mayor Zakia Khatun and Chairman of Jagddol Union Parishad Humayun Rashid Lablu from Derai Upazila of Sunamganj.</div><div><br></div><div>Local Government Division Secretary Muhammad Ibrahim welcomed attendees, setting the stage for a day dedicated to enhancing local governance and service delivery across Bangladesh. According to UNB reports&nbsp;</div><div><br></div><div>bnbd24/fas</div>', NULL, 'News Desk', '[\"30\"]', NULL, NULL, NULL, NULL, '2024-02-25 10:19:15', '2024-02-25 10:19:15'),
(11336, 11336, '<div><b><span style=\"font-size: 1rem;\">A Natore court on Sunday sentenced a youth to two life terms in prison for abducting and raping a schoolgirl in Naldanga upazila of Natore.</span><br></b></div><div><br></div><div>The convict is Hafizul Islam.</div><div><br></div><div>Women and Children Repression Prevention Tribunal Judge Muhammad Abdur Rahim passed the verdict.</div><div><br></div><div>The court also fined the convict Tk 40,000 and ordered him to pay the same to the victim; he will have to serve 60 years in prison.</div><div><br></div><div>Public Prosecutor Sirajul Islam said Hafiz and his accomplices abducted and raped a seventh-grader at Bangalkholshi High School in Naldanga upazila on September 13, 2019.</div><div><br></div><div>Later, after the victim\'s father, Asmat Mandal, filed a case, police rescued the victim from Jashore and arrested him. - UNB</div><div><br></div><div>bnbd24/fas</div>', NULL, 'News Desk', '[\"30\"]', NULL, NULL, NULL, NULL, '2024-02-25 11:30:30', '2024-02-25 11:30:30');
INSERT INTO `news_details` (`id`, `news_id`, `details`, `ticker`, `representative`, `keyword`, `video_link`, `google_drive_link`, `audio_link`, `shoulder`, `created_at`, `updated_at`) VALUES
(11337, 11337, '<div><span style=\"font-size: 1rem;\"><b>Donald Trump notched another victory Saturday against Nikki Haley, this time in the former governor’s home state of South Carolina.</b></span><br></div><div><br></div><div>The Associated Press called the Republican presidential primary race for Trump shortly after polls closed at 7 p.m. local time.</div><div><br></div><div>\"This was a little sooner than we anticipated, an even bigger win than we anticipated,\" Trump told reporters after the race was called.</div><div><br></div><div>\"I have never seen the Republican Party so unified as it is right now,\" said the former president. \"You can celebrate for about 15 minutes, but then we have to get back to work.\"</div><div><br></div><div>Despite her fourth consecutive defeat to her former boss, Haley also lost in Iowa, New Hampshire and Nevada, the former South Carolina governor, and UN ambassador under Trump said she will keep on campaigning.</div><div><br></div><div>\"I’m not going anywhere,” said Haley. “On Sunday, I\'ll still be running for president. I\'m campaigning every day until the last person votes.\"</div><div><br></div><div>Haley has indicated that she will head straight to the state of Michigan for its primary Feb. 27, then onto the Super Tuesday contest on March 5, when the greatest number of states hold their primary elections and caucuses.</div><div><br></div><div>\"In the 10 days after South Carolina, another 21 states and territories will vote,\" said Haley. \"People have a right to have their voices heard. And they deserve a real choice, not a Soviet-style election where there\'s only one candidate, and he gets 99% of the vote.\"</div><div><br></div><div>Even with the loss, Haley will continue to pick up delegates which is important to winning the presidential nomination. Despite Trump being considered the frontrunner, both candidates are still nowhere near the 1,215 delegate count needed to clinch the party\'s nomination.</div><div><br></div><div>Delegates will formalize the nomination at the Republican National Convention which starts July 15 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. - Anadolu Agency&nbsp;</div><div><br></div><div>bnbd24/fas</div>', NULL, 'International Desk', '[\"29\"]', NULL, NULL, NULL, NULL, '2024-02-25 11:32:03', '2024-02-25 11:32:03'),
(11338, 11338, '<div><span style=\"font-size: 1rem;\"><b>The first spacecraft to make a US landing on the moon in more than 50 years ran into a snag, officials said Friday.&nbsp;</b></span><br></div><div><br></div><div>The Odysseus lander touched down on the lunar surface late Thursday, making it the first American spacecraft to make a moon landing since NASA\'s Apollo missions ended in 1972.</div><div><br></div><div>Intuitive Machines, the private Houston, Texas-based company that built the spacecraft, initially said the lander touched down in an upright position at its destination near the moon\'s south pole.</div><div><br></div><div>But CEO Steve Altemus told reporters Friday that the craft \"caught a foot in the surface and tipped,\" according to multiple media outlets.</div><div><br></div><div>The lander is believed to be tilted on its side, likely leaning on a rock, said company officials. The mishap damaged some antennas and hampered communications with the spacecraft, but the mission is still ongoing.</div><div><br></div><div>“So far, we have quite a bit of operational capability even though we’re tipped over,\" said Altemus.</div><div><br></div><div>Intuitive Machines became the first private company to achieve a moon landing.</div><div><br></div><div>NASA reportedly paid $118 million for the mission to deliver scientific payload to the moon. - Anadolu Agency</div><div><br></div><div>bnbd24/fas</div>', NULL, 'International Desk', '[\"29\"]', NULL, NULL, NULL, NULL, '2024-02-25 11:43:28', '2024-02-25 11:43:28'),
(11339, 11339, '<div><b><span style=\"font-size: 1rem;\">The US and UK carried out 22 airstrikes targeting three Yemeni governorates, including the capital Sanaa, the Yemen-based Houthi group said on Sunday.&nbsp;&nbsp;</span><br></b></div><div><br></div><div>The US and British “aggression” targeted the city of Sanaa and its countryside with 17 airstrikes, the Houthi-affiliated Saba news agency reported.&nbsp;</div><div><br></div><div>“The US-British aggression also launched two airstrikes on the communications network in the Qaradha area of Haifan district, and launched another raid on the communications network in the Shamir area of Maqbanah district in Taiz governorate,” it said.&nbsp;</div><div><br></div><div>Two raids were launched on Al-Har farms in the Abs district of the Hajjah governorate, according to the news agency.&nbsp;</div><div><br></div><div>Earlier, the Houthi-affiliated Al-Masirah television reported that the US and UK carried out airstrikes Saturday in the Yemeni capital of Sanaa.&nbsp;</div><div><br></div><div>Al-Masirah also quoted an unnamed military source in the Houthi group as saying that “the renewed raids of the American-British aggression are a desperate attempt to prevent Yemen from providing support operations to the Palestinian people in the Gaza Strip.”&nbsp;</div><div><br></div><div>There was no immediate comment from the American or British side.&nbsp;</div><div><br></div><div>The Yemeni Houthi group has been targeting cargo ships in the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden owned or operated by Israeli companies or transporting goods to and from Israel in solidarity with the Gaza Strip, which has been under an Israeli onslaught since Oct. 7.&nbsp;</div><div><br></div><div>With tensions escalating due to joint strikes by the US and UK against Houthi targets in Yemen, the group declared that it considered all American and British ships legitimate military targets.&nbsp; - Anadolu Agency</div><div><br></div><div>bnbd24/fas</div>', NULL, 'International Desk', '[\"29\"]', NULL, NULL, NULL, NULL, '2024-02-25 11:54:12', '2024-02-25 11:54:12'),
(11340, 11340, '<div><b><br></b></div><div><span style=\"font-size: 1rem;\"><b>At least 86 Palestinians were killed and 131 others injured over the last 24 hours, as Israel continues its onslaught on the besieged Gaza Strip, the territory\'s Health Ministry said on Sunday.&nbsp;</b></span><br></div><div><br></div><div>“The Israeli occupation committed seven massacres against families in the Gaza Strip, leaving 86 martyrs and 131 injured during the past 24 hours,” the ministry said in a statement.</div><div><br></div><div>“Many people are still trapped under rubble and on the roads as rescuers are unable to reach them,” the statement added.</div><div><br></div><div>Flouting the International Court of Justice’s provisional ruling, Israel continues its onslaught on the Gaza Strip where at least 29,692 Palestinians have been killed, mostly women and children, and 69,879 injured since Oct. 7, according to Palestinian health authorities.</div><div><br></div><div>Israel has pounded the Gaza Strip since a cross-border attack by Hamas, which Tel Aviv says killed nearly 1,200 people.</div><div><br></div><div>The Israeli war on Gaza has pushed 85% of the territory\'s population into internal displacement amid acute shortages of food, clean water and medicine, while 60% of the enclave\'s infrastructure has been damaged or destroyed, according to the UN.</div><div><br></div><div>Israel stands accused of genocide at the International Court of Justice. An interim ruling in January ordered Tel Aviv to stop genocidal acts and take measures to guarantee that humanitarian assistance is provided to civilians in Gaza.</div><div><br></div><div>Hostilities have continued unabated, however, and aid deliveries remain woefully insufficient to address the humanitarian catastrophe. - Anadolu Agency</div><div><br></div><div>bnbd24/fas</div>', NULL, 'International Desk', '[\"29\"]', NULL, NULL, NULL, NULL, '2024-02-25 11:57:11', '2024-02-25 11:57:11'),
(11341, 11341, '<div><span style=\"font-size: 1rem;\"><b>In a heartrending incident early Sunday in Babukhali village, Magura, a 65-year-old farmer, Moyen Uddin Mollah, discovered his cowshed ablaze, resulting in the loss of his cow and four goats to the flames.</b></span><br></div><div><br></div><div>Shortly after the tragedy, Moyen experienced severe chest pain. Despite the swift response of family members and neighbors who transported him to a local doctor, he succumbed to what was suspected to be a heart attack around 1 am.</div><div><br></div><div>The fire is believed to have been sparked by a mosquito coil Moyen had lit to protect his livestock from mosquitoes, ironically leading to the devastating blaze.</div><div><br></div><div>Nipul Mollah, the farmer\'s son, quantified the loss at approximately Tk 3 lakh, reports UNB</div><div><br></div><div>In response to the calamity, Mohammadpur Police Station Officer-in-Charge (OC) Borhan-ul-Islam reported that an unnatural death case has been registered.</div><div><br></div><div>bnbd24/fas</div>', NULL, 'News Desk', '[\"30\"]', NULL, NULL, NULL, NULL, '2024-02-25 12:03:03', '2024-02-25 12:03:03'),
(11342, 11342, '<div><span style=\"font-size: 1rem;\"><b>The revolutionary Palaung State Liberation Front (PSLF) says it will establish a people’s government by next year in seven seized towns in northern Shan State.</b></span><br></div><div><br></div><div>The PSLF is the political wing of the Ta’ang National Liberation Army (TNLA), formed in 1992 on the Thai border.</div><div><br></div><div>The TNLA is a member of the Brotherhood Alliance with the Myanmar National Democratic Alliance Army and Arakan Army. The alliance launched Operation 1027 across northern Shan State on October 27 last year, seizing around 20 towns and vital trade routes with China.</div><div><br></div><div>The TNLA occupied Namhsan, Mantong, Namhkam, Kutkai, Namtu, Monglon and Mongngaw</div><div><br></div><div>The PSLF has vowed to prevent people being forcibly recruited by other armed organizations and interference in tax collection.</div><div><br></div><div>PSLF president Lieutenant General Tar Aik Bong in his Ta’ang National Revolution Day speech in January asked Ta’ang expats to return in rebuild the liberated areas.</div><div><br></div><div>“We solemnly urge the people to provide any support they can afford as a step to restore the liberated areas,” the general said.</div><div><br></div><div>Tar Aik Bong promised fair and impartial laws and a new security and administrative system in the liberated areas.</div><div><br></div><div>The PSLF has been establishing its administration in Kutkai and Namtu since January.</div><div><br></div><div>The Ta’ang authorities guaranteed security, the rule of law, education, health and social development.</div><div><br></div><div>A Kyaukme resident said: “It’s our dream to escape from the military dictatorship. We rely on the TNLA and hope it can develop the liberated areas.”</div><div><br></div><div>The PSLF’s annual meeting was held this month and attended by 185 people.</div><div><br></div><div>A PSLF statement said Myanmar’s population should work together to break the regime and build a federal, democratic union where all ethnic groups can cooperate peacefully.</div><div><br></div><div>It said Ta’ang communities were suffering from conflict and military rule. - The Irrawaddy</div><div><br></div><div>bnbd24/fas</div>', NULL, 'International Desk', '[\"29\"]', NULL, NULL, NULL, NULL, '2024-02-25 12:52:19', '2024-02-25 12:52:19'),
(11343, 11343, '<div><span style=\"font-size: 1rem;\"><b>Foreign Minister Dr Hasan Mahmud on Sunday said that the United States has expressed willingness to work with Bangladesh to create a new chapter in their relations.</b></span><br></div><div><br></div><div>\"There is willingness from both sides. Together, we want to create a new chapter in our relations,\" he told reporters after his meeting with the visiting US delegation at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.</div><div><br></div><div>Minister Hasan said the big thing is that they want a new chapter of relations with Bangladesh.</div><div><br></div><div>\"We also want to begin a new chapter of relations with them,\" he said, adding that the people will benefit through strengthening the relations.</div><div><br></div><div>Eileen Laubacher, Special Assistant to the President and Senior Director for South Asia, US National Security Council (NSC); Michael Schiffer, USAID Assistant Administrator, Bureau for Asia; and Afreen Akhter, US Department of State Deputy Assistant Secretary for South and Central Asia, are on a three-day visit to Bangladesh.</div><div><br></div><div>\"It\'s a pleasure for us to talk about our shared priorities and ways for us to cooperating together in the future,\" Eileen Laubacher told reporters in her very brief remarks.</div><div><br></div><div>She also said they value the relations with Bangladesh.</div><div><br></div><div>\"We discussed with the Foreign Minister how our two countries can work on mutual interests, including economic development, security, refugees, climate, labor, and trade,\" said the US Embassy in a separate message after the meeting.</div><div><br></div><div>Bangladesh is an important partner in the Indo-Pacific region, it said.</div><div><br></div><div>Responding to a question regarding withdrawal of sanctions on RAB, the Foreign Minister said the US side has given five observations which Bangladesh will follow up.</div><div><br></div><div>He said the current situation in Myanmar has posed a security threat for Bangladesh and the region. \"We discussed this issue.\"</div><div><br></div><div>Foreign Minister Hasan said they urged the US to ensure a ceasefire in Gaza.</div><div><br></div><div>Regarding Rashed Chowdhury, one of the killers of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman who took shelter in the United States, Hasan said they raised the issue with the US delegation to send him back to Bangladesh. The US side has said the issue is pending with the US Justice Department.</div><div><br></div><div>The three US officials, according to the US side, are visiting to discuss with the government of Bangladesh ways to \"strengthen diplomatic ties, address challenges, and promote a shared vision for the advancement of mutual interests in the Indo-Pacific region.\"</div><div><br></div><div>They also met Foreign Secretary Masud Bin Momen, civil society representatives, labour leaders, youth activists and those engaged in developing a free and uncensored media.</div><div><br></div><div>Foreign Minister Dr Hasan Mahmud on Thursday said that the Bangladesh-US relations would further be deepened and widened with the visit of the US officials.</div><div><br></div><div>The foreign minister also said the letter sent by US President Joe Biden to Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina is important to take forward the relations between the two countries, reports UNB</div><div><br></div><div>On the other hand, After the national election, the US in a statement on January 8 said, \"Looking ahead, the United States remains committed to partnering with Bangladesh to advance our shared vision for a free and open Indo-Pacific, to supporting human rights and civil society in Bangladesh, and to deepening our people-to-people and economic ties.\"</div><div><br></div><div>bnbd24/fas</div>', NULL, 'News Desk', '[\"30\"]', NULL, NULL, NULL, NULL, '2024-02-25 13:18:22', '2024-02-25 13:18:22'),
(11344, 11344, '<div><b><span style=\"font-size: 1rem;\">Azerbaijan\'s President Ilham Aliyev congratulated Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan on his 70th birthday, Azerbaijani Presidency said on Sunday.</span><br></b></div><div><br></div><div>Wishing Erdogan success and health, Aliyev said: “Your life is an example of faithfully serving the homeland and the people.”</div><div><br></div><div>“You are a great personality, a distinguished statesman who has worked selflessly for the prosperity of brotherly Türkiye, for its development today, and for it to take its rightful place in the international arena,” the Azerbaijani leader said in the message.</div><div><br></div><div>“You have fulfilled your historical mission with confidence and determination, and with your farsighted and decisive policy, you have made your country one of the most prominent and powerful states in the world.</div><div><br></div><div>“Türkiye\'s significant achievements and gains in the last 20 years are linked to your name,” the message read.</div><div><br></div><div>Aliyev emphasized that they wish the fraternal country Türkiye to achieve all the goals and objectives it has set for itself and to achieve new successes and victories.</div><div><br></div><div>“You are a true friend of the Azerbaijani people,” he said, adding: “Your heartfelt devotion to Azerbaijan has found expression in your constant support for the territorial integrity of our country, in strengthening the Azerbaijan-Türkiye fraternity, in your unparalleled services for the sake of keeping our alliance unshakable.”</div><div><br></div><div>“Your resolute and clear stance and unwavering support for the just cause of Azerbaijan are remembered with gratitude by our people,” he noted.</div><div><br></div><div>Recalling that he paid his first official visit to Türkiye after the elections in his country, Aliyev thanked his Turkish counterpart for his invitation and hospitality.</div><div><br></div><div>The Azerbaijani president also emphasized that he is confident that the relations between the two countries, which draw their strength from common history, rich national and spiritual values, brotherhood and unity of peoples, will develop and strengthen in line with the principle of \"one nation, two states\" with their joint efforts. - Anadolu Agency</div><div><br></div><div>bnbd/fas</div>', NULL, 'International Desk', '[\"29\"]', NULL, NULL, NULL, NULL, '2024-02-25 13:28:08', '2024-02-25 13:28:08'),
(11345, 11345, '<div><span style=\"font-size: 1rem;\"><b>BNP on Sunday expressed concern over the prolonged legal proceedings in the Pilkhana mutiny case.</b></span><br></div><div><br></div><div>A BNP delegation led by its standing comittee member Abdul Moyeen Khan paid homage to the those killed in the mutiny at the Banani Military graveyard in the morning.</div><div><br></div><div>\"We have heard about the judgment in the Pilkhana carnage case, but what is the status of the judgment? Has there been any appeal in the judgment, and why has the hearing not completed in 15 years? Furthermore, another explosive case was filed in 2011... Why is the trial of the case still lingering?\" he said.</div><div><br></div><div>“Today, we will say only one thing, every citizen of Bangladesh should get justice through good governance, through law... That\'s what we expect. ”</div><div><br></div><div>On February 25, 2009, several hundred Bangladesh Rifles (now BGB) men staged an armed revolt at the Darbar Hall of the force\'s Pilkhana headquarters during the three-day \"BDR Week\".</div><div><br></div><div>A total of 74 people, including 57 Army officers, were killed in the massacre beginning on this day.</div><div><br></div><div>The mutiny finally ended the following day (Feb 26) with the surrender of firearms, ammunition and grenades through a negotiation between the then government and the BDR rebels. - UNB</div><div><br></div><div>bnbd24/fas</div><div><br></div>', NULL, 'News Desk', '[\"30\"]', NULL, NULL, NULL, NULL, '2024-02-25 15:12:15', '2024-02-25 15:12:15'),
(11346, 11346, '<div><span style=\"font-size: 1rem;\"><b>World Bank Managing Director for Operations Anna Bjerde has reiterated the World Bank’s strong support to help Bangladesh achieve its vision of upper-middle income status by 2031.</b></span><br></div><div><br></div><div>Concluding her first visit to Bangladesh on Sunday, she underscored that deep macroeconomic and financial sector reforms are needed urgently to sustain inclusive growth.&nbsp;&nbsp;</div><div><br></div><div>“The story of Bangladesh’s economic growth and development has been an inspiration for many countries,” said Bjerde.</div><div><br></div><div>“Fast and bold reforms in monetary and fiscal policies will enable Bangladesh to maintain macroeconomic stability, reduce financial sector risks, and sustain inclusive growth amid global uncertainties,\" she said in a statement while wrapping up her visit.</div><div><br></div><div>Bjerde met Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and commended the country’s development.</div><div><br></div><div>Today, almost all children—boys and girls—go to school and nearly every household has electricity.</div><div><br></div><div>She also thanked the Prime Minister for sheltering displaced Rohingya people and pledged to support Bangladesh in addressing their needs until their safe and voluntary return, as well as those of the host community.</div><div><br></div><div>The World Bank and the Government are discussing a financing program of over $650 million for two new projects to address the needs of both the displaced Rohingya population and the host communities in the Chattogram Division, said the global lending agency.</div><div><br></div><div>Nearly half of the financing will be utilized for the displaced Rohingya people and will be entirely on grant terms.</div><div><br></div><div>“I am very proud of our long-standing partnership with Bangladesh that has helped lift millions of people out of poverty. We will continue supporting Bangladesh to create jobs, develop a robust private sector, attract investment, and build resilience to climate shocks and future crises while at the same time ensuring that no one is left behind,” Bjerde added.&nbsp;&nbsp;</div><div><br></div><div>During the visit, she also met with the Finance Minister, Bangladesh Bank Governor, senior government officials, private sector and civil society leaders and women entrepreneurs to discuss Bangladesh’s development priorities. She was accompanied by the World Bank Vice President for the South Asia Region, Martin Raiser.</div><div><br></div><div>Since Bangladesh’s independence, the World Bank has committed about $41 billion in International Development Association (IDA) financing in the form of grants, interest-free loans, and concessional credits.</div><div><br></div><div>Currently, Bangladesh has the largest ongoing IDA program in the world, and the World Bank is Bangladesh’s largest development partner. - UNB</div><div><br></div><div>bnbd24/fas</div>', NULL, 'News Desk', '[\"30\"]', NULL, NULL, NULL, NULL, '2024-02-25 16:20:26', '2024-02-25 16:20:26'),
(11347, 11347, '<div><b><br></b></div><div><b>An enormous rise in Islamophobic incidents against the backdrop of the Israel-Hamas war has led many Muslims in the UK to fear leaving their homes after dark, The Independent reported on Sunday.</b></div><div><br></div><div>Many of the Islamophobic incidents have involved people being targeted over their support for Palestine as the war in Gaza continues.</div><div><br></div><div>Muslims who spoke to The Independent said they had bricks thrown through their windows for displaying the Palestinian flag, and a 17-year-old was questioned by his teachers after he displayed a Palestinian badge on his bag at school.</div><div><br></div><div>Islamophobia Response Unit, a charity dedicated to supporting victims of Islamophobia, said there was a 365 percent increase in reports of Islamophobia in October 2023, following Hamas’ attack on Israel that month.</div><div><br></div><div>“Since October 2023, IRU has seen a sustained increase in reports to the unit,” said IRU CEO Majid Iqbal.</div><div><br></div><div>“It is clear that this is now developing into a long-term trend and is having a profound impact on those affected by it. IRU calls on the press and politicians to not demonize legitimate Palestinian activism and, by extension, British Muslims, to avoid feeding into the serious societal problem of Islamophobia,” he said.</div><div><br></div><div>Tell MAMA, another body that records anti-Muslim hate incidents, said there were 2,010 Islamophobic incidents between Oct. 7 and Feb. 7, more than triple the 600 reported during the same period the year before.&nbsp;</div><div><br></div><div>The figures were released in the same week that Tory MP Lee Anderson was suspended by the Conservative Party after making comments about London Mayor Sadiq Khan that have been widely condemned as Islamophobic.</div><div><br></div><div>Anderson told GB News on Friday that “Islamists” had “got control” of the mayor of London and the capital city.</div><div><br></div><div>“I don’t actually believe that the Islamists have got control of our country, but what I do believe is they’ve got control of Khan and they’ve got control of London … He’s actually given our capital city away to his mates,” the former Tory deputy chairman said.&nbsp;</div><div><br></div><div>Of the cases reported to IRU, a 17-year-old Londoner said he was interrogated by teachers about his faith and “his understanding of Hamas” after he put a Palestinian badge on his school bag.</div><div><br></div><div>The Year 13 student said he felt targeted because he was Muslim, which triggered an anxiety attack and led to exam failure.</div><div><br></div><div>“The numerous instances of being pulled out whilst studying to remove my badge made me feel like I was targeted because I was a Muslim, which made me feel like I was doing something wrong,” the boy said.&nbsp;</div><div><br></div><div>“This feeling of being targeted intensified following the intimidating interrogation, which I was subjected to,” he added.</div><div><br></div><div>A 32-year-old doctor said he has been too scared to leave his home after an attack he believes stemmed from his support for Palestine.</div><div><br></div><div>He was awoken on Feb. 5 after a large rock smashed through a window at his Manchester home, which displayed a Palestinian flag. He said he was unable to sleep and took two weeks off work as a result of the incident.</div><div><br></div><div>“This event has been extremely traumatic and has had a significant impact on my well-being,” he told The Independent.</div><div><br></div><div>“I am not sleeping; I just pace around until 4 or 5 a.m. because I am too scared to sleep in the property. I no longer leave the house after sunset, as I am too frightened, reports Arab News</div><div><br></div><div>“I will soon be returning to work after two weeks off sick with stress, but I am very concerned about the impact this event will have on my professional performance as a doctor. I do not know how I can work with patients whilst I am this sleep-deprived,” he added.</div><div><br></div><div>bnbd24/fas</div>', NULL, 'News Desk', '[\"29\"]', NULL, NULL, NULL, NULL, '2024-02-25 16:28:24', '2024-02-25 16:28:24'),
(11348, 11348, '<div><b><span style=\"font-size: 1rem;\">Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has written back to US President Joe Biden.</span><br></b></div><div><br></div><div>Foreign Minister Hasan Mahmud handed over a copy of the letter to Special Assistant to the President and Senior Director for South Asia, US National Security Council (NSC), Eileen Laubacher on Sunday.</div><div><br></div><div>It is a response to the letter sent by the US President to the Bangladesh Prime Minister.</div><div><br></div><div>Bangladesh Ambassador to USA, Muhammad Imran, will hand over the original copy of the letter to White House.</div><div><br></div><div>The Foreign Minister has said that they want a new chapter of relations with Bangladesh.</div><div><br></div><div>“We want to begin a new chapter of relations with them,” he said, adding that the nations will benefit through strengthening the relations.</div><div><br></div><div>Eileen Laubacher led an inter-agency US delegation during her meeting with Foreign Minister Hasan at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Sunday.</div><div><br></div><div>The USAID’s Assistant Administrator of the Bureau for Asia Michael Schiffer, the US Department of States Deputy Assistant Secretary at the Bureau of South and Central Asian Affairs (SCA) Afreen Akhter, and CDA of the US Embassy in Dhaka Helen LaFave were present at the meeting.</div><div><br></div><div>Besides, Bangladesh Ambassador to the US Muhammad Imran and Director General of Foreign Ministry’s North America Wing Khandker Masudul Alam and other officials from the ministry were present.</div><div><br></div><div>The discussions centred around exploring new avenues to deepening the existing relationship. Economic cooperation, trade and investment, Rohingya humanitarian response, climate change, and energy were in focus during the meeting.</div><div><br></div><div>The Foreign Minister reiterated Bangladesh’s steadfast position in favour of peace and against any form of war.</div><div><br></div><div>He asked for US to use its leverage to achieve a permanent ceasefire in Gaza.</div><div><br></div><div>Hasan also hoped for the Russia-Ukraine war to end.</div><div><br></div><div>The extradition of Bangabandhu’s self-confessed killer Rashed Chowdhury from the US was also discussed.</div><div><br></div><div>He also asked for the withdrawal of the US sanction on RAB.</div><div><br></div><div>Earlier, US President Joe Biden wrote to Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina expressing his willingness to work together to achieve Bangladesh’s economic goals. He also expressed willingness to partnering with Bangladesh on the shared vision for a free and open Indo-Pacific.</div><div><br></div><div>As the two countries embark on the next chapter of the US-Bangladesh partnership, Biden said he wants to convey the sincere desire of his administration to continue their work together on regional and global security, economic development, climate change and energy, global health, humanitarian support, especially for Rohingya refugees, and more, reports UNB</div><div><br></div><div>“We have a long and successful history of working together to solve problems, and our strong people-to-people ties are the foundation of this relationship,” the US President wrote to PM Sheikh Hasina.</div><div><br></div><div>bnbd24/fas</div>', NULL, 'News Desk', '[\"30\"]', NULL, NULL, NULL, NULL, '2024-02-26 09:09:28', '2024-02-26 09:09:28'),
(11349, 11349, '<div><span style=\"font-size: 1rem;\"><b>An active-duty member of the U.S. Air Force was critically injured Sunday after setting himself ablaze outside the Israeli Embassy in Washington, D.C., while declaring that he “will no longer be complicit in genocide,” a person familiar with the matter told The Associated Press.</b></span><br></div><div><br></div><div>The man, whose name wasn’t immediately released, walked up to the embassy shortly before 1 p.m. and began livestreaming on the video streaming platform Twitch, the person said. Law enforcement officials believe the man started a livestream, set his phone down and then doused himself in accelerant and ignited the flames. At one point, he said he “will no longer be complicit in genocide,” the person said. The video was later removed from the platform, but law enforcement officials have obtained and reviewed a copy.</div><div><br></div><div>The person was not authorized to publicly discuss details of the ongoing investigation and spoke to the AP on condition of anonymity.</div><div><br></div><div>Police did not immediately provide any additional details about the incident.</div><div><br></div><div>The incident happened as Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is seeking the cabinet approval for a military operation in the southern Gazan city of Rafah while a temporary cease-fire deal is being negotiated. Israel’s military offensive in Gaza, however, has drawn criticisms, including genocide claims against the Palestinians.</div><div><br></div><div>Israel has adamantly denied the genocide allegations and says it is carrying out operations in accordance with international law in the Israel-Hamas war.</div><div><br></div><div>In December, a person self-immolated outside the Israeli consulate in Atlanta and used gasoline as an accelerant, according to Atlanta’s fire authorities. A Palestinian flag was found at the scene, and the act was believed to be one of “extreme political protest.”</div><div><br></div><div>In a statement, the Metropolitan Police Department in Washington said its officers had responded to the scene outside the Israeli Embassy to assist U.S. Secret Service officers and that its bomb squad had also been called to examine a suspicious vehicle. Police said no hazardous materials were found in the vehicle. - AP</div><div><br></div><div>bnbd24/fas</div>', NULL, 'News Desk', '[\"30\"]', NULL, NULL, NULL, NULL, '2024-02-26 09:35:25', '2024-02-26 09:35:25'),
(11350, 11350, '<div><span style=\"font-size: 1rem;\"><b>The United States has said it looks forward to working with Bangladesh to \"enhance economic investment\" over the next 50 years and beyond.</b></span><br></div><div><br></div><div>The visiting US delegation met Salman F Rahman, Private Industry and Investment Adviser to PM Sheikh Hasina, to hear how government and private companies are collaborating.</div><div><br></div><div>Eileen Laubacher, Special Assistant to the President and Senior Director for South Asia, US National Security Council (NSC); Michael Schiffer, USAID Assistant Administrator, Bureau for Asia; and Afreen Akhter, US Department of State Deputy Assistant Secretary for South and Central Asia, are on a three-day visit to Bangladesh.</div><div><br></div><div>For over 50 years, the US has partnered with the government and the people of Bangladesh, providing over $8 billion to tackle issues like public health, education, energy, environment, food security, natural disasters, and more.</div><div><br></div><div>The United States is one of the largest investors in Bangladesh and its largest single country export market, said the US Embassy in Dhaka.</div><div><br></div><div>\"Our leadership from Washington D.C. joined local economic experts to discuss a range of issues impacting the bilateral trade relationship,\" said the US Embassy.</div><div><br></div><div>The United States \"stands ready\" to help Bangladesh create a business climate that attracts more investment from the US.</div><div><br></div><div>The delegation discussed ways to improve the business environment, making investment in Bangladesh more attractive to American companies.</div><div><br></div><div>The three officials, according to the US side, are visiting Bangladesh to discuss with the government of Bangladesh ways to \"strengthen diplomatic ties, address challenges, and promote a shared vision for the advancement of mutual interests in the Indo-Pacific region.\"</div><div><br></div><div>They also met Foreign Minister Dr Hasan Mahmud, Foreign Secretary Masud Bin Momen, civil society representatives, labour leaders, youth activists and those engaged in developing a free and uncensored media.</div><div><br></div><div>\"We discussed with the Foreign Minister how our two countries can work on mutual interests, including economic development, security, refugees, climate, labor, and trade,\" said the US Embassy in a separate message after the meeting, reports UNB</div><div><br></div><div>Bangladesh is an important partner in the Indo-Pacific region, it said.</div><div><br></div><div>bnbd24/fas</div>', NULL, 'News Desk', '[\"30\"]', NULL, NULL, NULL, NULL, '2024-02-26 09:37:02', '2024-02-26 09:37:02'),
(11351, 11351, '<div><b style=\"\"><span style=\"font-size: 1rem;\">Palestinian Prime Minister Mohammed Shtayyeh says his government is resigning, in a move that could open the door to U.S.-backed reforms in the Palestinian Authority.</span><br></b></div><div><br></div><div>President Mahmoud Abbas must still decide whether he accepts Shtayyeh and his government\'s resignation, tendered Monday. But the move signals a willingness by the Western-backed Palestinian leadership to accept shake-up that might usher in reforms seen as necessary to revitalize the Palestinian Authority.</div><div><br></div><div>The U.S. wants a reformed Palestinian Authority to govern Gaza once the war is over. But many obstacles remain to making that vision a reality. - AP</div><div><br></div><div>bnbd24/fas</div>', NULL, 'International Desk', '[\"29\"]', NULL, NULL, NULL, NULL, '2024-02-26 10:40:23', '2024-02-26 10:40:23'),
(11352, 11352, '<div><b><span style=\"font-size: 1rem;\">The world’s top decision-making body on the environment is meeting in Kenya\'s capital on Monday to discuss how countries can work together to tackle environmental crises like climate change, pollution and loss of biodiversity.</span><br></b></div><div><br></div><div>The meeting in Nairobi is the sixth session of the United Nations Environment Assembly, and governments, civil society groups, scientists and the private sector are attending.</div><div><br></div><div>“None of us live on an island. We live on planet Earth, and we are all connected,” Inger Andersen, executive director of the U.N. Environment Programme, which is leading the process, told The Associated Press ahead of the talks. “The only way we can solve some of these problems is by talking together.”</div><div><br></div><div>At the meeting, member states discuss a raft of draft resolutions on a range of issues that the assembly adopts upon consensus. If a proposal is adopted, it sets the stage for countries to implement what’s been agreed on.</div><div><br></div><div>In the last round of talks in 2022, also in Nairobi, governments adopted 14 resolutions, including to create a legally binding instrument to end plastic pollution globally. Andersen described it then as the most significant environmental multilateral deal since the Paris Agreement to limit global warming.</div><div><br></div><div>For this year’s talks, countries have submitted 20 draft resolutions for discussion, including on how best to restore degraded lands, combat dust storms and reduce the environmental impact of metal and mineral mining.</div><div><br></div><div>But with countries having different priorities, it’s often hard to get consensus on the draft resolutions. However, Andersen said, there’s generally “a forward movement” on all draft resolutions for this year\'s meeting, known as UNEA-6.</div><div><br></div><div>With this meeting\'s focus on multilateralism, UNEP wants to build on past agreements it led between governments, such as the Minamata Convention to put controls on mercury and the Montreal Protocol to heal the hole in the ozone layer, Andersen said.</div><div><br></div><div>Björn Beeler, international coordinator for the International Pollutants Elimination Network, thinks there\'ll be slow progress on more complex issues such as financing around chemicals and waste.</div><div><br></div><div>Beeler also expects strong opposition on a draft resolution that wants to phase out the use of highly hazardous pesticides. The draft resolution, which was submitted by Ethiopia and is co-sponsored by Uruguay, aims to create a global alliance of U.N. bodies like UNEP, the World Health Organization and the International Labor Organization.</div><div><br></div><div>“If this does go through, it would be very significant because it would be the first time ever to see global movement on highly hazardous pesticides,” said Beeler, who is attending the talks.</div><div><br></div><div>UNEP anticipates more than 70 government ministers and 3,000 delegates at the talks, reports AP</div><div><br></div><div>“What we should expect at UNEA-6 is decision makers looking into the horizon, being aware of what is it that’s coming to us that could potentially damage our planet, and taking preemptive action to prevent this,” said Andersen.</div><div><br></div><div>bnbd24/fas</div>', NULL, 'International Desk', '[\"29\"]', NULL, NULL, NULL, NULL, '2024-02-26 11:02:35', '2024-02-26 11:02:35'),
(11353, 11353, '<div><span style=\"font-size: 1rem;\"><b>Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said Sunday that 31,000 Ukrainian soldiers have been killed in action in the two years since Russia launched its full-scale invasion.</b></span><br></div><div><br></div><div>Zelenskyy said that the number was far lower than estimates given by Russian President Vladimir Putin\'s government.</div><div><br></div><div>“31,000 Ukrainian military personnel have been killed in this war. Not 300,000, not 150,000, not whatever Putin and his deceitful circle have been lying about. But nevertheless, each of these losses is a great sacrifice for us”, Zelenskyy said at the “Ukraine. Year 2024” forum in Kyiv.</div><div><br></div><div>The Ukrainian leader said that he wouldn\'t disclose the number of troops that were wounded or missing. He also said that “tens of thousands of civilians” had been killed in occupied areas of Ukraine, but said that no exact figures would be available until the war was over.</div><div><br></div><div>“We don’t know how many of our civilians they killed. We don’t,” he said.</div><div><br></div><div>It\'s the first time that Kyiv has confirmed the number of its losses since the start of Russia’s full-scale war on Feb. 24, 2022.</div><div><br></div><div>Russia has provided few official casualty figures. The most recent data from the Defense Ministry, published in January 2023, pointed to just over 6,000 deaths, although reports from U.S. and U.K. officials put that number significantly higher.</div><div><br></div><div>A U.S. intelligence report declassified in mid-December 2023 estimated that 315,000 Russian troops had been killed or wounded in Ukraine. If accurate, the figure would represent 87% of the roughly 360,000 troops Russia had before the war, according to the report.</div><div><br></div><div>Independent Russian news outlet Mediazona said Saturday that about 75,000 Russian men died in 2022 and 2023 fighting in the war.</div><div><br></div><div>A joint investigation published by Mediazona and Meduza, another independent Russian news site, indicates that the rate of Russia’s losses in Ukraine is not slowing and that Moscow is losing about 120 men a day. - AP&nbsp;</div><div><br></div><div>bnbd24/fas</div>', NULL, 'International Desk', '[\"29\"]', NULL, NULL, NULL, NULL, '2024-02-26 11:17:24', '2024-02-26 11:17:24'),
(11354, 11354, '<div><span style=\"font-size: 1rem;\"><b>Energy experts and economists are voicing strong opposition against the government’s proposal to further increase electricity tariffs in Bangladesh. They are urging a re-evaluation of the power sector’s financial management, specifically pointing out excessive and questionable spending as a more viable solution to the sector’s financial woes.</b></span><br></div><div><br></div><div>They observed that currently there is 42 percent surplus electricity that can be attributed to government’s deals to set up costly power plants.</div><div><br></div><div>“Rampant, unjust expenses – from state-owned company board remunerations to large-scale power purchase deals – underscore the need for financial rectification over tariff hikes,” eminent energy expert Prof SM Shamsul Alam said.</div><div><br></div><div>In a recent statement, State Minister for Power, Energy, and Mineral Resources, Nasrul Hamid, hinted at an increase in electricity tariffs, starting from March, to counter the widening gap between production costs and sales revenues.</div><div><br></div><div>The move aims to alleviate financial pressures on the Bangladesh Power Development Board (BPDB) and the national economy.</div><div><br></div><div>“We have to adjust power tariff at both the retail and bulk level to cover the production cost. However, gas prices may be adjusted only for the power plants,” Hamid declared, assuring that the impact on retail consumers would be kept to a minimum.</div><div><br></div><div>Sources within the government revealed plans to implement a 5 percent hike in bulk electricity prices and a 3 percent increase at the retail level through an administrative order, bypassing traditional regulatory hearings.</div><div><br></div><div>According to Annual Report 2022-23 of the Bangladesh Power Development Board (BPDB), per unit production cost was Tk 11.33, while electricity was sold at Tk 6.7 per unit — incurring a loss of about Tk 4.63 per unit.</div><div><br></div><div>This imbalance has led to a staggering loss of Tk 47,788 crore for the fiscal year, as the government grapples with purchasing electricity from private and international sources at significantly higher rates.</div><div><br></div><div>The government has been facing great trouble as it has to purchase electricity worth Tk 82,778 crore from private sector power producers, while it generates electricity worth Tk 13,307 crore from its own plants.</div><div><br></div><div>The annual report also shows that BPDB’s average per unit production cost from its own plants is Tk 7.63, while it is Tk 14.62 at the independent power producers or IPPs (private sector). At rental plants, the cost is Tk 12.53, at public plants Tk 6.85, and power imported from India cost Tk 8.77 per unit.</div><div><br></div><div>Sources in the BPDB said that in the last decade and a half, electricity prices have been increased on 11 occasions at the wholesale level and on 13 occasions at the consumer level.</div><div><br></div><div>In the current fiscal 2023-24, the gap between production cost and selling rate has further widened, and now average production cost of each unit is about Tk 12 while it’s selling at Tk 6.7 per unit.</div><div><br></div><div>Prof Shamsul Alam, also senior vice president of the Consumers Association of Bangladesh (CAB), said the unjust expenses in the state-owned power and energy entities have been established in the hearings of the Bangladesh Energy Regulatory Commission (BERC).</div><div><br></div><div>“But no steps were taken by the Power and Energy Ministry to address those issues. Rather, the regulatory body’s authority was taken away and it was turned non-functional by amending the relevant law,” the energy expert told UNB.</div><div><br></div><div>He said that in every case the government was found reluctant to take action to reduce the unjust expenses in the power and energy sector.</div><div><br></div><div>He also observed that the Rapid Increase of Power and Energy Supply (Special) Act has been key in creating the unbearable situation for which the government has to provide a huge capacity charge to the private power plant operators and subsidy to state entities.</div><div><br></div><div>“Now, the reality is that despite having 42 percent surplus electricity, the country has to endure significant load shedding, even during winter,” he said.</div><div><br></div><div>He said that it’s “ridiculous” that despite such surplus electricity and an obligation of capacity charge putting pressure on the economy, the government has announced a plan to import 9,000 MW of electricity from abroad.</div><div><br></div><div>Economist and Research Director at Centre for Policy Dialogue, Khondaker Golam Moazzem, in a recent seminar showed through a study report that all political parties in Bangladesh, except the ruling Awami League, want to get rid of capacity payments in the power sector.</div><div><br></div><div>He said that the reduction of over-generated power capacity was missing in the Awami League’s election manifesto announced before the January 7 national election.</div><div><br></div><div>He also recommended shutting down the costly rental power plants immediately to reduce the overall cost.</div><div><br></div><div>M. Tamim, special assistant to the chief advisor of the former caretaker government, said that without reducing the cost, the onus of the increased production cost is being imposed on the consumer, reports UNB</div><div><br></div><div>“This way, the government subsidies can be reduced by increasing the electricity tariff. But it will neither address the dollar crisis, nor resolve the fuel import problem. So, load shedding cannot be prevented by increasing the power tariff,” he said.</div><div><br></div><div>bnbd24/fas</div>', NULL, 'News Desk', '[\"30\"]', NULL, NULL, NULL, NULL, '2024-02-26 12:14:07', '2024-02-26 12:14:07'),
(11355, 11355, '<div><span style=\"font-size: 1rem;\"><b>Indian Air Chief Marshal VR Chaudhari arrived in Dhaka on Monday on a three-day visit.</b></span><br></div><div><br></div><div>He is visiting Bangladesh at the invitation of Air Marshal Shaikh Abdul Hannan, the Chief of Air Staff, Bangladesh Air Force.</div><div><br></div><div>The Indian Air Force Chief is accompanied by a three-member delegation.</div><div><br></div><div>The Indian Air Force Chief is scheduled to pay courtesy calls on Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, all three Service Chiefs and meet other senior officers from the Bangladesh Armed Forces, according to the Indian High Commission in Dhaka.</div><div><br></div><div>He will also visit major BAF air bases during the course of his visit.</div><div><br></div><div>The Indian Air Force Chief would also be paying tribute to the members of the Bangladesh Armed Forces, who made the supreme sacrifices during the Liberation War of 1971 by laying a wreath at the altar of Shikha Anirban in Dhaka Cantonment.</div><div><br></div><div>The visit of the Indian Air Force Chief will further strengthen the close and friendly ties existing between the Armed Forces of the two countries, said the High Commission. - UNB</div><div><br></div><div>bnbd24/fas</div>', NULL, 'News Desk', '[\"30\"]', NULL, NULL, NULL, NULL, '2024-02-26 12:29:26', '2024-02-26 14:23:13');
INSERT INTO `news_details` (`id`, `news_id`, `details`, `ticker`, `representative`, `keyword`, `video_link`, `google_drive_link`, `audio_link`, `shoulder`, `created_at`, `updated_at`) VALUES
(11357, 11357, '<div><span style=\"font-size: 1rem;\">Fortune Barishal delivered a dominant performance against the Chattogram Challengers in the Bangladesh Premier League (BPL) Eliminator on Monday, securing a place in the second Qualifier.</span><br></div><div><br></div><div>They will now face the winner of the first Qualifier between Rangpur Riders and Comilla Victorians.</div><div><br></div><div>Chattogram\'s BPL 2024 campaign has come to an end with this defeat.</div><div><br></div><div>Despite finishing the league phase with seven wins in 12 matches, and entering the playoffs with the same points as Barishal, their inferior run rate meant they were placed at number fourth in the points table.</div><div><br></div><div>Batting first, Chattogram managed a modest total of 135 for nine in their allotted 20 overs. In reply, Barishal comfortably chased down the target within 15 overs, securing a convincing victory with seven wickets in hand.</div><div><br></div><div>Barishal\'s chase suffered an early setback with Soumya Sarkar\'s dismissal for a duck. However, Tamim Iqbal and Kyle Mayers steadied the innings with a crucial 98-run partnership.</div><div><br></div><div>Mayers unleashed a blistering 25-ball fifty, which included a 26-run over off Chattogram captain Shuvagata Hom featuring three sixes and two fours.</div><div><br></div><div>After Mayers\' dismissal at 50, Tamim Iqbal continued to guide Barishal towards victory, ending with his third unbeaten half-century of this BPL season. And with this fifty, his total in this BPL surpasses 400 runs.</div><div><br></div><div>Chattogram\'s batting struggled against a disciplined Barishal bowling attack. They lost in-form opener Tanzid Hasan for just two runs, hunted by Mohammad Saifuddin in the second over.</div><div><br></div><div>Wicketkeeper-batter Imrul Kayes fell cheaply for seven, further increasing the pressure.</div><div><br></div><div>Josh Brown attempted to counter-attack and was dropped on 20 by Tamim. However, he was unable to fully capitalise on the chance, adding only 14 more runs to his score.</div><div><br></div><div>All of Tom Bruce, Shykat Ali, and Shuvagata Hom got starts but failed to convert them into significant contributions.</div><div><br></div><div>Josh Brown was Chattogram\'s top scorer with 34, while captain Shuvagata Hom contributed 24. For Barishal, Kyle Mayers and Saifuddin both claimed two wickets for 28 runs in their four-over spells. Obed McCoy also contributed with two wickets for 29 runs. According to UNB reports&nbsp;</div><div><br></div><div>bnbd24/fas</div>', NULL, 'Sports Desk', '[\"20\"]', NULL, NULL, NULL, NULL, '2024-02-26 12:31:43', '2024-02-26 12:31:43'),
(11358, 11358, '<div><b><span style=\"font-size: 1rem;\">The eldest daughter and close aide of Pakistan’s former Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif on Monday became the country’s first-ever female chief minister in eastern Punjab province.</span><br></b></div><div><br></div><div>Mariam Nawaz, 50, was elected chief minister in a 220-0 vote in her favor, beating out rival for the post, Rana Aftab, who was nominated by the Sunni Ittehad Council, an ally of imprisoned former Prime Minister Imran Khan.</div><div><br></div><div>Opposition lawmakers supporting Khan, who was ousted in a no-confidence vote in parliament in 2022, boycotted the session of the 371-member Punjab Assembly.</div><div><br></div><div>Nawaz thanked God in televised remarks and promised she would equally serve those who voted for her and those who opposed her. “The doors of my heart and office will remain open for the opposition as well,” she said.</div><div><br></div><div>Nawaz\'s appointment was largely expected following the Feb. 8 parliamentary elections in which her father\'s Pakistan Muslim League party, or PML-N, emerged as the largest party in the National Assembly or lower house of the parliament and in the Punjab Assembly.</div><div><br></div><div>The PML-N, which was initially trailing candidates representing Khan\'s supporters — the former cricket player turned Islamist politician was barred from running — emerged last Friday as the largest single winner in the election after receiving 24 additional seats — 20 from out of the 60 seats reserved for women, as well as four seats out of 10 reserved for minorities. Nine independent members have also joined the PML-N.</div><div><br></div><div>The PML-N is now heading into a coalition with the Pakistan People’s Party, or PPP, with Nawaz\'s uncle, former Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, on a firm path to becoming the next prime minister, his second term in office.</div><div><br></div><div>The Sharifs are one of the top two families that have dominated Pakistani politics for decades. Nawaz Sharif, who served three times as a premier, was ousted from power in 2017 in a graft case. Khan, who replaced Sharif in 2018, granted him permission to travel to London for medical treatment following a court order.</div><div><br></div><div>Sharif came back to Pakistan from self-imposed exile abroad and returned to politics ahead of the elections. In her father\'s absence, Nawaz had led political campaigns and taken over his work, reports AP&nbsp;</div><div><br></div><div>However, many critics say Nawaz\'s rise is yet another case of nepotism. Earlier, one of Shehbaz Sharif\'s sons, Hamza Shehbaz, had also served as the chief minister in Punjab.</div><div><br></div><div>bnbd24/fas</div>', NULL, 'International Desk', '[\"29\"]', NULL, NULL, NULL, NULL, '2024-02-26 12:57:24', '2024-02-26 12:57:24'),
(11359, 11359, '<div><span style=\"font-size: 1rem;\"><b>Environment, Forest and Climate Change Minister Saber Hossain Chowdhury said that the allocated Tk 35,000 crore from 24 ministries in the current fiscal year is insufficient to combat climate change.</b></span><br></div><div><br></div><div>The United Nations will provide substantial funding to Bangladesh through its various agencies to combat climate change, he said.</div><div><br></div><div>At that time, Chowdhury emphasized the need for increased financial support.</div><div><br></div><div>Discussions were held with the UN delegation on sourcing additional funds for climate mitigation and adaptation efforts through various UN channels, he said.</div><div><br></div><div>The Minister was talking to reporters following a bilateral meeting with UN Resident Coordinator Gwyn Lewis at his residence in Paribagh in the capital.</div><div><br></div><div>Louise Barber, senior development coordination officer and strategic planner, was also present on the occasion.</div><div><br></div><div>Highlighting the focus on securing international financial support to address climate change impacts, Lewis reiterated the UN\'s commitment to collaborate closely with Bangladesh on climate resilience strategies, including the implementation of national adaptation plans, advocacy, flood control and community-based adaptation measures.</div><div><br></div><div>She praised Bangladesh\'s leadership in environmental conservation and pledged continued UN support for the country\'s sustainable development goals.</div><div><br></div><div>The meeting also discussed collaborative efforts to tackle critical environmental challenges such as deforestation, biodiversity loss, and plastic pollution.</div><div><br></div><div>Lewis and Chowdhury explored avenues to strengthen partnerships between the UN and Bangladesh in environmental protection and sustainable development initiatives. According to UNB reports&nbsp;</div><div><br></div><div>bnbd24/fas</div>', NULL, 'News Desk', '[\"30\"]', NULL, NULL, NULL, NULL, '2024-02-26 14:19:20', '2024-02-26 14:19:20'),
(11360, 11360, '<div><span style=\"font-size: 1rem;\"><b>Popular ghazal and playback singer of India Pankaj Udhas breathed his last at 72.&nbsp;</b></span><br></div><div><br></div><div>The family of the singer confirmed his death on Monday stating that he died after a prolonged illness.</div><div><br></div><div>Pankaj is best known for lending his voice to memorable tracks like Chitthi Aayi Hai from Mahesh Bhatt\'s 1986 crime thriller Naam. Source: Hindustan Times&nbsp;</div><div><br></div><div>bnbd24/fas</div>', NULL, 'Entertainment', '[\"13\"]', NULL, NULL, NULL, NULL, '2024-02-26 14:54:33', '2024-02-26 14:54:33'),
(11361, 11361, '<div><span style=\"font-size: 1rem;\"><b>A minor girl who suffered burn injuries in a gas cylinder blast at Bhashan Char Rohingya camp in Noakhali on Saturday died at Chattogram Medical College and Hospital on Monday, taking the death toll from the blast to two.</b></span><br></div><div><br></div><div>The deceased was identified as Mubassara, 4, said Assistant Sub-inspector Nurul Alam Ashique, in-charge of Chattogram Medical College and Hospital police outpost.</div><div><br></div><div>Earlier on Saturday, nine people were injured when a gas cylinder exploded at the Rohingya camp in Bhashanchar area.</div><div><br></div><div>Of them, seven were taken to Chattogram Medical College and Hospital for treatment where Russel, 3, succumbed to his injuries on that day.</div><div><br></div><div>Currently Jobaida, 22, Rosmina, 5, Robi Alam, 5, Amena Khatun, 24 and Sohel, 5 are undergoing treatment at the hospital, said Director of Chattogram Medical College and Hospital, Brigadier Shamim Ahsan, reports UNB</div><div><br></div><div>Of them, Roshmina received 50 percent burn injuries while Robi received 45%, Amena eight percent, Sohel 52% and Jobaida 25% burn injuries.&nbsp;</div><div><br></div><div>bnbd24/fas</div>', NULL, 'News Desk', '[\"30\"]', NULL, NULL, NULL, NULL, '2024-02-26 15:06:00', '2024-02-26 15:06:00'),
(11362, 11362, '<div><span style=\"font-size: 1rem;\"><b>Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has expressed her firm optimism saying that Bangladesh will be transformed into a developed and prosperous country by 2041, according to media reports.</b></span><br></div><div><br></div><div>The government is working relentlessly to implement the delta plan by 2100, she said in her message on Monday ahead of the National Statistics Day-2024 to be observed tomorrow for the fourth time.</div><div><br></div><div>“I am hopeful that the government would be able to build a hunger and poverty-free, developed and prosperous Sonar Bangladesh as dreamt by the father of nation within 2041 by adopting the effective plan and development strategy through time-befitting and standard statistical system,” she said.&nbsp;&nbsp;</div><div><br></div><div>The prime minister, in her message, said Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman established BBS in 1974 by merging four separate statistical agencies, realising the importance of quality statistics to formulate a robust development plan and examine the progress of the implementation of the country after the great War of Liberation in 1971.</div><div><br></div><div>The Statistics Division was later established in 1975 to coordinate and provide secretarial support to the national statistician system including BBS, the premier added.</div><div><br></div><div>One of the manifestations of the capacity of the National Statistical System is conducting the population and housing census in a complete digital method for the first time in 2022 and publishing the preliminary report within a month.&nbsp;</div><div><br></div><div>bnbd24/fas</div>', NULL, 'News Desk', '[\"30\"]', NULL, NULL, NULL, NULL, '2024-02-26 15:24:07', '2024-02-26 15:24:07'),
(11363, 11363, '<div><span style=\"font-size: 1rem;\"><b>Foreign Minister Dr Hasan Mahmud on Monday said it is clear as daylight that BNP was behind the BDR mutiny and killed the country’s smart officers.</b></span><br></div><div><br></div><div>\"Can the government do such a thing after forming a government with huge mandate? It is as clear as daylight that BNP lost its sense and they staged the BDR mutiny through conspiracy and our smart officers were killed,\" he told reporters at his residence while responding to a question.</div><div><br></div><div>Hasan, also Awami League Joint General Secretary said many of those who were killed in the mutiny belonged to Awami League family.</div><div><br></div><div>He said BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia came out from her cantonment residence well ahead of the mutiny though she leaves bed late.</div><div><br></div><div>\"Why did she leave bed so early on that day? That means she knew about the mutiny beforehand,\" Hasan said.</div><div><br></div><div>He said the government obtained Khaleda Zia\'s phone call records and knows how many times she talked to people in London.</div><div><br></div><div>\"So, it\'s very clear that BNP is involved in it,\" he added.</div><div><br></div><div>Referring to BNP leader Dr Moeen Khan, Hasan said Moeen Khan might have forgotten that Bangladesh was the champion in corruption five times during BNP-Jamaat tenure.</div><div><br></div><div>The Foreign Minister said BNP thought that the election will not be held and they desired to see conflict so that voters could not cast their votes, reports UNB.</div><div><br></div><div>But, he added, voters came out in a big way, and Awami League won the election.</div><div><br></div><div>\"BNP has now lost its control,\" he added.</div><div><br></div><div>On his discussion with the US delegation, Hasan said they had a very frank and open discussion to take relations to a new height.&nbsp;</div><div><br></div><div>bnbd24/fas</div>', NULL, 'News Desk', '[\"30\"]', NULL, NULL, NULL, NULL, '2024-02-26 15:53:25', '2024-02-26 15:53:25'),
(11364, 11364, '<div style=\"text-align: justify; \"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify; \">In a decisive address on Tuesday, Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina asked the Bangladesh Police to intensify their efforts in eradicating militancy, terrorism, drug abuse, and corruption, underscoring these actions as pivotal for the nation’s peace, stability, and future prosperity.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">Speaking at the inauguration of Police Week-2024 in Dhaka’s Rajarbagh Police Lines, she outlined the vision of a developed and prosperous Bangladesh reliant on robust law enforcement.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify; \">“Our operation against militancy, terrorism, drugs, and corruption will persist. The police must play a proactive role. The peace and stability of our country are paramount for achieving our developmental goals,” the Prime Minister stated.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">This year’s Police Week, bearing the theme ‘Smart police smart country, Bangladesh of peace and progress,’ will run until March 3, reflecting a commitment to modernizing the force to better serve the nation.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify; \"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">Prime Minister Hasina also called on the police to bolster their image as “friends of the people” through professionalism, sincerity, and competence. She emphasized the long-standing principle of the police as a beacon of hope and assistance for the public in times of need.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">“When the country’s citizens face danger, they turn to the police. It is crucial to reinforce this bond of trust,” she remarked.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">The Prime Minister asked police to earn people’s trust and confidence. “People of the country can now trust police. We want you to serve the people with more sincerity,” she said.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">She recalled the patience and professionalism demonstrated by police in tackling arson violence, vandalism and killings unleashed by BNP-Jamaat during the 2013-2015 period and towards the end of 2023.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">“Police tackled the situation with utmost patience. I sincerely thank them for the patience they demonstrated,” she said.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">Appreciating their role in the United Nations peacekeeping missions, the premier thanked the Bangladesh Police for their contribution to maintaining world peace.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">Focusing on her government’s measures and success in modernizing the Bangladesh Police force since 2009, Sheikh Hasina said the government formed Anti-Terrorism Unit (ATU) and Counter-Terrorism and Transnational Crime Unit (CTTC) to eradicate militancy and terrorism.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">She also recalled that her government formed the Police Bureau of Investigation (PBI), Highway Police, Industrial Police, Tourist Police, Naval Police, Special Security and Protection Battalion, and MRT Police to address crimes.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">DNA lab, modern forensic lab, automated fingerprint identification system (AFIS) and chemical laboratory have already been set up for Bangladesh Police, she said, adding that all these labs and resources are functional in some divisional cities.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">“We plan to set up such labs in every division in the future,” said the Prime Minister.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">She said that Cyber Police Centre has been set up to tackle cybercrimes and related crimes like financial crimes and money laundering.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">Besides, CTTC of Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) and other units are also working to combat cybercrimes. “We also have plans to set up a full-fledged cyber police unit,” she added.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">She said that the government enhanced the number of police personnel and facilities for them significantly as well as arranged timely trainings.&nbsp;</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">“Today I can claim that the police have been developed as a modern, competent, time-befitting, vibrant, and pro-people force,” said the PM.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">At the event, the Prime Minister awarded the Bangladesh Police Medal (BPM-Bravery) to 35 officers and the President Police Medal (PPM-Bravery) to 60 officers in recognition of their valour over the past year. Additionally, 95 officers received the BPM service medal, and 210 were honoured with the PPM service medal for their exemplary service.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">The event commenced with Prime Minister Hasina being welcomed by Home Minister Asaduzzaman Khan, Senior Secretary of Public Security Division Mustafizur Rahman, Inspector General of Police (IGP) Chowdhury Abdullah Al-Mamun, President of Parade Committee Additional IGP Kamrul Ahsan and Parade Marshal Deputy IGP Haider Ali Khan. She then led a review of a grand parade, signifying the start of a week dedicated to honouring the dedication and bravery of Bangladesh’s police force. 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, '2024-02-27 09:04:39', '2024-02-27 09:04:39'),
(11365, 11365, '<div style=\"text-align: justify; \"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify; \">State Minister for Power, Energy and Mineral Resources Nasrul Hamid on Tuesday said power tariff will go up with effect from March 1.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">The power tariff might increase between Tk 0.34 and Tk 0.70 per unit, he said while talking to reporters at his office in the Power and Energy Ministry.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">This step is being taken as part of the government move to come out of the subsidy now being given to the power sector, said the minister.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">He also indicated that there might be an adjustment in the gas price as well keeping consistency with price in the international market.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">The government last increased the electricity tariff in March last year.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">According to the BPDB’s Annual Report 2022-23, the fiscal year saw the production of 87,024 million kilowatt hours of electricity at a total cost of TK 98,646 crore.&nbsp; &nbsp;</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">Its per unit production cost was Tk 11.33, while it was selling electricity at Tk 6.7 per unit — incurring a loss of about Tk 4.63 per unit.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">This imbalance has led to a staggering loss of Tk 47,788 crore for the fiscal year, as the government grapples with purchasing power from private and international sources at significantly higher rates.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">With this huge loss, the government has been facing great trouble as it has to purchase electricity worth Tk 82,778 crore from private sector power producers, while it generates electricity worth Tk 13,307 crore from its own generation plants.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">Building Climate Resilient Livelihoods project launched with inception workshop</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">The annual report also shows that the BPDB’s average per unit production cost from its own plants is Tk 7.63, while it is Tk 14.62 at the independent power producers or IPPs (private sector), at rental plants Tk 12.53, at public plants Tk 6.85, and imported power from India at Tk 8.77.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">The government purchases electricity from the private sector and India in dollars. 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, '2024-02-27 09:39:51', '2024-02-27 09:39:51'),
(11366, 11366, '<div style=\"text-align: justify; \"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify; \"><b>Israel and Hamas on Tuesday played down chances of an imminent breakthrough in talks for a cease-fire in Gaza, after U.S. President Joe Biden said Israel has agreed to pause its offensive during the Muslim holy month of Ramadan if a deal is reached to release some hostages.</b></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">The president\'s remarks came on the eve of the Michigan primary, where he faces pressure from the state\'s large Arab American population over his staunch support for Israel\'s offensive. Biden said he had been briefed on the status of talks by his national security adviser, Jake Sullivan, but said his comments reflected his optimism for a deal, not that all the remaining hurdles had been overcome.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">In the wake of Hamas\' Oct. 7 attack on southern Israel, Israel\'s air, sea and ground campaign in Gaza has killed tens of thousands of people, obliterated large swaths of the urban landscape and displaced 80% of the battered enclave\'s population.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">Israel\'s seal on the territory, which allows in only a trickle of food and other aid, has sparked alarm that a famine could be imminent, according to the United Nations.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">With U.N. truck deliveries of aid hampered by the lack of safe corridors, Egypt, Jordan, the United Arab Emirates, Qatar and France conducted an airdrop of food, medical supplies and other aid into Gaza on Tuesday. At a beach in southern Gaza, boxes of supplies dropped from military aircraft drifted down on parachutes as thousands of Palestinians ran along the sand to retrieve them.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">But alarm is growing over worsening hunger among Gaza\'s 2.3 million Palestinians.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">Two infants died from dehydration and malnutrition at Kamal Adwan Hospital in Gaza City, said the spokesman for Gaza\'s Health Ministry, Ashraf al-Qidra. He warned that infant mortality threatens to surge.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">\"Dehydration and malnutrition will kill thousands of children and pregnant women in the Gaza Strip,\" he said.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">The U.N. Population Fund said the Al Helal Al Emirati maternity hospital in Gaza\'s southernmost town of Rafah reported that newborns were dying because mothers were unable to get prenatal or postnatal care. Premature births are also rising, forcing staff to put four or five newborns in a single incubator. Most of them do not survive, it said, without giving figures on the numbers of deaths.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">Now the prospect of an invasion of Rafah has prompted global alarm over the fate of around 1.4 million civilians trapped there.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">Talks to pause the fighting have gained momentum recently and were underway Tuesday. Negotiators from the United States, Egypt and Qatar have been working to broker a cease-fire that would see Hamas free some of the dozens of hostages it holds in exchange for the release of Palestinian prisoners, a six-week halt in fighting and an increase in aid deliveries to Gaza.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">The start of Ramadan, which is expected to be around March 10, is seen as an unofficial deadline for a deal. The month is a time of heightened religious observance and dawn-to-dusk fasting for hundreds of millions of Muslims around the world. Israeli-Palestinian tensions have flared in the past during the holy month.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">\"Ramadan\'s coming up, and there has been an agreement by the Israelis that they would not engage in activities during Ramadan as well, in order to give us time to get all the hostages out,\" Biden said in an appearance on NBC\'s \"Late Night With Seth Meyers\" that was recorded Monday.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">In separate comments the same day, Biden said that he hoped a cease-fire deal could take effect by next week.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">At the same time, Biden did not call for an end to the war, which was triggered when Hamas militants killed 1,200 people, mostly civilians, and abducted roughly 250 people, according to Israeli authorities.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">Israeli officials said Biden\'s comments came as a surprise and were not made in coordination with the country\'s leadership. A Hamas official played down any sense of progress, saying the group wouldn\'t soften its demands.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">The Israeli officials, who spoke on condition of anonymity because they weren\'t authorized to discuss the sensitive talks with the media, said Israel wants a deal immediately, but that Hamas continues to push excessive demands. They also said that Israel is insisting that female soldiers be part of the first group of hostages released under any truce deal.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">Hamas official Ahmad Abdel-Hadi indicated that optimism on a deal was premature.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">\"The resistance is not interested in giving up any of its demands, and what is proposed does not meet what it had requested,\" he told the Pan-Arab TV channel Al Mayadeen.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">Hamas has previously demanded that Israel end the war as part of any deal, which Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu called \"delusional.\"</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">In Washington, Secretary of State Antony Blinken spoke by phone separately with the foreign ministers of Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates to discuss planning for post-conflict reconstruction and governance of Gaza.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">Neither country is directly involved with the ceasefire negotiations but both will be critical in supporting what will an expensive, lengthy and difficult scenario when the fighting stops, particularly in winning popular Arab backing for security guarantees for Israel should it agree to talks on the creation of a Palestinian state.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">In nearly identical statements, State Department spokesman Matthew Miller said Blinken had discussed with the ministers the U.S. \"commitment to achieving sustained peace through the establishment of an independent Palestinian state with security guarantees for Israel.\"</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">At a news conference in Doha on Tuesday, Qatar Foreign Ministry spokesperson Majed al-Ansari said his country felt \"optimistic\" about the talks, without elaborating.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">A senior official from Egypt has said the draft deal includes the release of up to 40 women and older hostages in return for up to 300 Palestinian prisoners — mostly women, minors and older people.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">The official, speaking on condition of anonymity to discuss the negotiations, said the proposed six-week pause in fighting would allow hundreds of trucks to bring desperately needed aid into Gaza every day, including to the hard-hit north.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">Biden, who has shown staunch support for Israel throughout the war, left open the door in his remarks for an eventual Israeli ground offensive in the city of Rafah in southern Gaza, on the border with Egypt, where more than half of the enclave\'s 2.3 million people have fled under Israeli evacuation orders.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">Netanyahu has said a ground operation in Rafah is an inevitable component of Israel\'s strategy for crushing Hamas. This week, the military submitted for Cabinet approval operational plans for the offensive, as well as evacuation plans for civilians there. AP</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify; \">bndb24/kh</div>', NULL, 'news desk', '[\"1\"]', NULL, NULL, NULL, NULL, '2024-02-28 05:21:55', '2024-02-28 05:21:55'),
(11367, 11367, '<div style=\"text-align: justify; \"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify; \">Dhaka has topped the list of cities worldwide with the worst air quality with an AQI score of 274 at 9 am on Wednesday morning .</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">Dhaka’s air was classified as \'very unhealthy\', posing serious health risks to residents, according to the air quality index.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">China’s Shenyang, Kyrgyzstan’s Bishkek, and China’s Wuhan occupied the second, third and fourth spots on the list, with AQI scores of 194, 176 and 169 respectively.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">When the AQI value for particle pollution is between 101 and 150, air quality is considered ‘unhealthy for sensitive groups’, between 150 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.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">The AQI, an index for reporting daily air quality, informs people how clean or polluted the air of a certain city is and what associated health effects might be a concern for them.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">The AQI in Bangladesh is based on five pollutants: particulate matter (PM10 and PM2.5), NO2, CO, SO2, and ozone.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">Dhaka has long been grappling with air pollution issues. Its air quality usually turns unhealthy in winter and improves during the monsoon.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">As per World Health Organization (WHO), air pollution kills an estimated seven million people worldwide every year, mainly due to increased mortality from stroke, heart disease, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, lung cancer, and acute respiratory infections. 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, '2024-02-28 05:25:47', '2024-02-28 05:25:47'),
(11368, 11368, '<div style=\"text-align: justify; \"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify; \">Realme, the world\'s fastest-growing smartphone brand, launched its latest entry-level handset in Bangladesh — the realme Note 50. Known as the \"Long-lasting Value King,\" the phone offers robust durability and extreme cost-effectiveness at a lucrative price starting from BDT 10,999.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">Realme Note 50 epitomizes reliability and quality, featuring the only water and dust resistance certification ‘IP54 rating’ for phones of this price point, fortified by a high-strength glass screen and a robust internal die-cast aluminum structure, ensuring top-tier drop protection. With realme\'s dedicated R&D, users can trust in a sustained smooth experience for up to 48 months. </div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">With a two-tone back cover design and stylish right-angled edges, the phone comes in sky blue and midnight black, blending dynamism with simplicity. At just 7.99mm thick and weighing 186g, it offers the slimmest body in this price range. Compared to competitor devices of a similar price, users will enjoy a more comfortable handheld experience with Note 50. The phone comes with a taste of both aesthetics and reliable quality. </div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">Realme Note 50 establishes itself as a frontrunner in its price segment, showcasing a top-tier 6.74-inch full-screen display boasting an impressive 90.3% screen-to-body ratio, surpassing competitors in both features and reliability. With a peak brightness of 560 nits for enhanced outdoor clarity, coupled with a smooth 90Hz high refresh rate and wide color gamut, it offers users an unparalleled visual experience. This blend of cutting-edge technology and dependable performance sets a new standard in its class, reaffirming realme\'s commitment to delivering exceptional reliability. </div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">realme Note 50, equipped with an octa-core processor and an impressive AnTuTu benchmark score of 245,343, guarantees superior gaming performance and swift application launches. Available in 4GB+64GB and 4GB+128GB variants, it ensures seamless everyday use and ample storage capacity. Complemented by its 5000mAh large battery, offering up to 106 hours of continuous music playback, the entry-level charmer ensures better performance compared to competitor devices of this price range.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">Realme Note 50’s 4GB+64GB variant is available with a lucrative price tag of BDT 10,999, while the 4GB+128GB variant is available at BDT 11,999. For further details on the realme Note 50 launch, users can visit the realme Bangladesh official website at https://www.realme.com/bd/realme-note50</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify; \">bnbd24/kh</div>', NULL, 'news desk', '[\"18\"]', NULL, NULL, NULL, NULL, '2024-02-28 05:31:51', '2024-02-28 05:33:45'),
(11369, 11369, '<div><b><span style=\"font-size: 1rem;\">In a significant development for Bangladesh’s aviation sector, the construction of the third terminal at Dhaka’s Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport (HSIA) is slated to be fully completed by April 5, 2024, with the terminal expected to be fully operational by October. This marks a pivotal moment in the expansion and modernization of the country’s aviation infrastructure.</span><br></b></div><div><br></div><div>The Civil Aviation Authority of Bangladesh (CAAB) will take over the terminal’s responsibilities from the contractor once the construction is completed. This transition will initiate the process of moving operations from the old terminals to the new one, focusing on Operational Readiness and Airport Transfer (ORAT) project.</div><div><br></div><div>AKM Maksudul Islam, the project director, told UNB that nearly all construction work, including civil engineering tasks, is nearing completion. Any remaining work is expected to be finalized in the first week of April, ensuring a smooth handover to CAAB by April 6. Preparations are underway to fully launch the terminal’s operations in October, including the completion of system integration and calibration tasks, which have successfully passed multiple evaluations.</div><div><br></div><div>Air Vice Marshal M Mafidur Rahman, Chairman of CAAB, informed UNB that the third terminal is almost ready for flight operations and is expected to be fully functional by October. The completion of this terminal will significantly increase Dhaka airport’s capacity, facilitating the growth of domestic and international airlines’ operations. This expansion is anticipated to improve passenger amenities, increase revenue, and enhance the airport’s overall efficiency.</div><div><br></div><div>The CAAB chairman highlighted the Prime Minister’s directive to expedite the project, noting that the work has been completed ahead of schedule, within the allocated budget, and without compromising quality. The third terminal is equipped with state-of-the-art machinery to ensure superior service quality for passengers, aiming to accommodate an increase in both domestic and international travellers, which will, in turn, boost revenue.</div><div><br></div><div>The expansion of Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport, including the construction of the third terminal, was approved by the Executive Committee of the National Economic Council (ECNEC) on October 24, 2017, with the first revised development project proposal approved on December 10, 2019, for BDT 21,399 crore. The construction contract was awarded to the Aviation Dhaka Consortium, which includes Japan’s Mitsubishi and Fujita, and South Korea’s Samsung, based on a design by internationally renowned architect Rohani Baharin.</div><div><br></div><div>The soft opening of the third terminal by Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on October 7, 2023 marked a significant milestone. Once fully completed, the new terminal will more than double Dhaka airport’s capacity to handle aircraft and increase annual passenger throughput from 8 million to 20 million, transforming it into a bustling hub and increasing revenue.</div><div><br></div><div>Currently, Shahjalal International Airport operates with two terminals covering over 100,000 square meters. The addition of the third terminal will introduce an extra 230,000 square meters of space, featuring 115 check-in counters, 64 departure and 64 arrival immigration desks, enhanced security measures including 27 baggage scanning machines, 40 scanning machines, 12 boarding bridges, 16 carousels, and 11 body scanners.</div><div><br></div><div>The third terminal will also enable parking for 37 aircraft simultaneously and includes two high-speed taxiways to reduce runway wait times, buildings for cargo import and export, and a three-storey parking structure for 1,350 vehicles. Initially, 12 out of 26 boarding bridges will be operational, with 115 check-in counters, including 15 self-service counters and 10 automated passport control counters.</div><div><br></div><div>Biman Bangladesh Airlines and other domestic airlines are planning to increase flight operations with the inauguration of the third terminal. Foreign airlines have also shown interest in expanding their services. The third terminal will be connected to the metro rail and the Dhaka Elevated Expressway, providing seamless access for passengers and enhancing the Dhaka airport’s capacity to serve as a regional aviation hub. - UNB</div><div><br></div><div>bnbd24/fas&nbsp;</div>', NULL, 'News Desk', '[\"30\"]', NULL, NULL, NULL, NULL, '2024-02-28 08:43:51', '2024-02-28 08:43:51'),
(11370, 11370, '<div><span style=\"font-size: 1rem;\"><b>Amar Ekushey Book Fair 2024 has been extended by two days beyond the scheduled time</b>.</span><br></div><div><br></div><div>Director general of Bangla Academy, Muhammad Nurul Huda announced this on Tuesday evening, reports UNB.</div><div><br></div><div>He said, \"The Book Fair has been extended by two days following the the kind consent of the prime minister.\"</div><div><br></div><div>Earlier, Secretary of the Ministry of Culture Khalil Ahmad told media, \"Today the prime minister has approved the extension of the fair by two days. We are informing the fair management committee about it now. They will make an announcement on the mike of the fair and the official notification will be issued tomorrow.\"</div><div><br></div><div>As per the declaration, the fair will be wrapped up on March 2.</div><div><br></div><div>bnbd24/fas</div>', NULL, 'News Desk', '[\"30\"]', NULL, NULL, NULL, NULL, '2024-02-28 09:11:40', '2024-02-28 09:11:40'),
(11371, 11371, '<div><span style=\"font-size: 1rem;\"><b>A man was killed and six others were injured in a fire at a mobile phone SIM manufacturing factory in&nbsp; Gazipur on Wednesday noon.</b></span><br></div><div><br></div><div>The deceased was identified as Likhon, 24, a resident of Gaibandha district.</div><div><br></div><div>According to locals and factory workers the fire broke out&nbsp; at “Intelligent Card Limited \'\' factory in Dhirasram Vararul following a blast while setting a machine, leaving Likhon dead on the spot.</div><div><br></div><div>On information, two units of Joydebpur Fire Station rushed to the spot and doused the fire, reports UNB</div><div><br></div><div>Gazipur Fire Service Deputy Director Abdullah Al Arefin confirmed the matter.</div><div><br></div><div>The injured were admitted to Gazipur Shahid Tajuddin Ahmed Medical College Hospital, he said.</div><div><br></div><div>bnbd24/fas</div>', NULL, 'News Desk', '[\"30\"]', NULL, NULL, NULL, NULL, '2024-02-28 10:44:14', '2024-02-28 10:44:14'),
(11372, 11372, '<div><span style=\"font-size: 1rem;\"><b>The government has rearranged the office timing for the upcoming holy month of Ramadan from 9 am to 3:30 pm for all government, semi-government, autonomous and semi-autonomous institutions.</b></span><br></div><div><br></div><div>The decision was taken on Wednesday at the weekly cabinet meeting held with Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina in the chair at the Prime Minister\'s Office.</div><div><br></div><div>“During the  Ramadan, 9am to 3:30pm was fixed as the office timing from Sunday to Thursday. And there’ll be a 15-minute break from 1:15 to 1:30pm for Zohr prayers,” cabinet secretary Md Mahbub Hossain said while briefing reporters at the secretariat.</div><div><br></div><div>However, banks, insurance companies, financial institutions, post, railway, hospitals, state-run mills and factories and other emergency service-providing organisations will fix their own office time considering their own laws and public interest.</div><div><br></div><div>Besides, the Supreme Court will fix the office timing for all courts which are under its authority.  </div><div><br></div><div>The holy month of Ramadan is expected to begin on March 12, subject to sighting the moon, reports UNB </div><div><br></div><div>bnbd24/fas</div>', NULL, 'News Desk', '[\"30\"]', NULL, NULL, NULL, NULL, '2024-02-28 11:44:31', '2024-02-28 11:44:47'),
(11373, 11373, '<div><b style=\"\"><span style=\"font-size: 1rem;\">Jatka Conservation Week 2024 will be observed from March 11 to 17,&nbsp; aiming to create mass awareness about preserving hilsa fry to boost its production.</span><br></b></div><div><br></div><div>The decision was taken at a meeting of the National Taskforce Committee on Hilsa Resources Development held at the conference room of the Fisheries Department on Wednesday with Fisheries and Livestock Minister Md Abdur Rahman in the chair.</div><div><br></div><div>Like every year, various programmes will be taken on the occasion of Jatka Conservation Week, the minister said.</div><div><br></div><div>The programmes include publicity activities on the importance of preserving jatka and related laws in different places including different important fish landing centers in Dhaka, fish warehouses and&nbsp; markets.</div><div><br></div><div>Besides, videos will be screened alongside arranging boat race, Hadudu, swimming and mobile courts drives will be conducted in hats, bazars and warehouses to raise awareness, said the minister.</div><div><br></div><div>Fisheries and Livestock Minister Md Abdur Rahman will inaugurate the Jatka Conservation Week 2024&nbsp; in Chandpur Sadar Upazila on March 11, 2024.</div><div><br></div><div>Fisheries and Livestock secretary Md Selim Uddin was present. - UNB</div><div><br></div><div>bnbd24/fas</div>', NULL, 'News Desk', '[\"30\"]', NULL, NULL, NULL, NULL, '2024-02-28 11:53:54', '2024-02-28 11:53:54'),
(11374, 11374, '<div><span style=\"font-size: 1rem;\"><b>Bangladesh and Saudi Arabia will sign a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to enhance collaboration in protecting environment and wildlife and combating climate change.&nbsp;&nbsp;</b></span><br></div><div>&nbsp;</div><div>The decision came when Environment, Forest and Climate Change Minister Saber Hossain Chowdhury held a bilateral meeting with Saudi Arabia\'s State Minister for Environment Dr Osama Ibrahim Faqeeha on the sidelines of ongoing UN Environment Assembly in Nairobi, Kenya.</div><div>&nbsp;</div><div>Recognising the mutual commitment to environmental protection, both the nations agreed to enhance cooperation by signing the MoU.&nbsp;</div><div>&nbsp;</div><div>The agreement aims to bolster collaboration in key areas such as environmental protection, wildlife conservation, combating climate change and pollution control, according to a message received here.</div><div>&nbsp;</div><div>During the meeting, State Minister Faqeeha extended a formal invitation to Bangladesh Minister Saber Hossain Chowdhury to attend the United Nations Convention on Desertification (UNCCD) slated for December 2024.&nbsp;</div><div>&nbsp;</div><div>This invitation underscores the growing collaboration between Bangladesh and Saudi Arabia in addressing environmental challenges on a global scale, he said.</div><div><br></div><div>They discussed a wide array of issues, including knowledge exchange programmes, agricultural sustainability, mangrove conservation, waste management, the development of smart cities, and strategies to address land degradation.</div><div>&nbsp;</div><div>They underscored the need for the shared determination of Bangladesh and Saudi Arabia to pursue innovative solutions to pressing environmental issues.</div><div><br></div><div>Saber Hossain expressed Bangladesh\'s dedication to advancing environmental sustainability both locally and internationally.</div><div><br></div><div>bnbd24/R/fas</div><div><br></div>', NULL, 'Staff Correspondent', '[\"30\"]', NULL, NULL, NULL, NULL, '2024-02-28 13:09:09', '2024-02-28 13:09:09');
INSERT INTO `news_details` (`id`, `news_id`, `details`, `ticker`, `representative`, `keyword`, `video_link`, `google_drive_link`, `audio_link`, `shoulder`, `created_at`, `updated_at`) VALUES
(11375, 11375, '<div><span style=\"font-size: 1rem;\"><b>Paul Maley has spent much of his life chasing solar eclipses. He has witnessed 83 solar eclipses from 1960 to 2023. On April 8, he plans to see the 84th aboard a cruise ship in Mexico, located right in the path of totality—the swath where the moon fully blocks the sun.</b></span><br></div><div><br></div><div>\"It\'s more eclipses than anyone living or dead,\" he said, proudly.</div><div><br></div><div>But millions of Americans will also get a chance to see the next eclipse. The heavenly display will be visible—weather permitting—in North America to about 31.5 million people living in the path of totality, including a long stretch through the U.S. The rest of the continental United States, as well as parts of Alaska and Hawaii, will be able to see a partial solar eclipse.</div><div><br></div><div>Maley\'s pursuit of the phenomenon has taken him across the world—from the icy land of Antarctica to the Cocos Islands off the western coast of Australia. Some of the experiences have been unnerving, like a trip to Turkey in 1999 during a period of unrest when military police filled the streets, Maley said.</div><div><br></div><div>Others have been blissfully simple. A trip to watch a partial eclipse—which doesn\'t attract nearly the same fanfare as a total eclipse (more on that later)—in South Korea with his wife ended with a celebration for two at a Dunkin Donuts.</div><div><br></div><div>Maley, 76, says these journeys are somewhat of an obsession for him. But they also provide an escape and are an easy way to put one\'s place in the universe in perspective, he said.</div><div><br></div><div>\"No matter how many things in this world are screwed up, whether it\'s political or military or economic, nobody can change what\'s going on in the sky when it comes to an eclipse of the sun,\" he said. \"It\'s going to happen. There\'s nothing you can do about it, so you might as well go there and enjoy it and free yourself from all the problems that you\'re facing.\"</div><div><br></div><div>What happens during a total solar eclipse?</div><div>A total solar eclipse happens when the moon passes between the sun and Earth, completely blocking the face of the sun from view and casting a shadow onto the Earth. For people viewing the eclipse from locations where the moon\'s shadow completely blocks the sun, known as the path of totality, the sky will become dark.</div><div><br></div><div>Depending on the weather and visibility, people along the path of totality will see the sun\'s corona, the outermost part of the sun\'s atmosphere, which is typically obscured by the sun\'s brightness. Just before totality, viewers can also spot flashes of light—known as Baily\'s beads—along the circumference of the moon.</div><div><br></div><div>A rapid drop in temperature typically occurs during a total solar eclipse. At times, birds will fall silent and nocturnal animals will abruptly awaken, mistaking the brief phenomenon for nightfall.</div><div><br></div><div>The phenomenon also has appeared—and had various interpretations—in religious texts. Some Indigenous people have traditions they observe—like abstaining from food—during solar eclipse events.</div><div><br></div><div>The last total solar eclipse that crossed the United States was in August 2017. It was the first total solar eclipse visible in the contiguous U.S. in 38 years, according to NASA. The April eclipse will be the last to be visible in the Lower 48 until Aug. 23, 2044.</div><div><br></div><div>When will this total eclipse happen and who can see it?</div><div>The eclipse will begin over the South Pacific Ocean and will move diagonally across Mexico, the United States and Canada. Mexico\'s Pacific coast will be the first location in continental North America to experience totality around 11:07 a.m. PDT.</div><div><br></div><div>The eclipse will enter the United States in Texas and make its way through Oklahoma, Arkansas, Missouri, Illinois, Kentucky, Indiana, Ohio, Pennsylvania, New York, Vermont, New Hampshire and Maine. A map on NASA\'s website provides an approximate time that each location in the path of totality will see the eclipse.</div><div><br></div><div>While more than 30 million Americans will get a chance to experience a total solar eclipse, most will see only a partial eclipse, which happens when the moon passes between the sun and the Earth but all three bodies are not perfectly lined up, as is the case on either side of the path of totality. Rather than being completely obscured, the sun will appear as a crescent shape.</div><div><br></div><div>The maximum duration of totality along the eclipse path will be 4 minutes, 28 seconds, though it\'s likely to be shorter in most locations.</div><div><br></div><div>Why does this happen and how often?</div><div>Solar eclipses occur because, as the Earth is orbiting the sun, the moon is orbiting the Earth. Roughly every 28 days as the moon makes a complete journey around the Earth it moves between the sun and Earth, said Nick DiFrancesco, an assistant professor of geology at the University at Buffalo.</div><div><br></div><div>But eclipses don\'t happen every 28 days.</div><div><br></div><div>\"The three factors that influence whether an eclipse is going to occur or not are the alignment of the Earth, moon and sun, that tilt or inclination of the moon\'s orbit around the Earth and the last thing, essentially, is how close to the Earth the moon is,\" DiFrancesco said.</div><div><br></div><div>Those factors have to be in perfect alignment to get a total solar eclipse.</div><div><br></div><div>How to get the best viewing experience</div><div>People frequently travel to the path of totality to experience the total solar eclipse with their own eyes. Eclipse chasers will tell you that\'s the only way to do it. There are even travel guides that plan complete vacations with the eclipse as the central focus.</div><div><br></div><div>This year, Maley has helped organize a cruise for roughly 200 people to see the eclipse in Mexico. He also helped put together a trip for eclipse chasers at an all-inclusive beachfront hotel in Mazatlan, Mexico, which will feature discussions with experts in addition to the viewing.</div><div><br></div><div>Even the popular travel website Expedia put together vacation packages for the eclipse. The U.S. National Park Service has posted tips about which parks are best situated to see the eclipse.</div><div><br></div><div>However you choose to view it, experts say, you should plan ahead. Cities in the path of totality are expecting an influx of visitors and major traffic jams as people flood to those communities to get a glimpse of the scientific wonder.</div><div><br></div><div>The weather can also affect visibility. Experts suggest monitoring the forecast and being flexible enough to move from your initial location to one with less cloud cover, if necessary.</div><div><br></div><div>And while it\'s unlikely you\'ll need much gear to view the eclipse, there is one must-have: adequate eye protection. Solar viewing glasses, also known as eclipse glasses, can be purchased online. Experts recommend taking care to ensure the glasses meet the ISO 12312-2 standard for solar viewers and to inspect them for any damage prior to viewing the eclipse.</div><div><br></div><div>NASA experts say a quick way to do this is to pull out your phone flashlight and shine it onto the glass lens. If they offer enough protection, you\'ll only be able to see a pinpoint of light.</div><div><br></div><div>Maley may be biased but he says there is no substitute for seeing an eclipse in person, phys org</div><div><br></div><div>\"It\'s something that has to be seen. The photographs that people have taken, including myself, never do it justice, and even the videos are all two-dimensional,\" he said.</div><div><br></div><div>\"It\'s just something that cannot accurately be conveyed to people unless they\'re right there on the same spot experiencing it with you.\"&nbsp;</div><div><br></div><div>bnbd24/fas</div>', NULL, 'News Desk', '[\"29\"]', NULL, NULL, NULL, NULL, '2024-02-28 13:49:34', '2024-02-28 13:49:34'),
(11376, 11376, '<div><b><span style=\"font-size: 1rem;\">Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on Wednesday said the prices of essential commodities will be reined in at a tolerable level during the month of Ramadan.&nbsp;&nbsp;</span><br></b></div><div><br></div><div>“I hope that the price inflation will remain at a tolerable level during the holy month of Ramadan and it will be possible to rein in the prices of daily necessities in the market,” she said.</div><div><br></div><div>The prime minister was responding to a written question from ruling party MP (Bhola) Ali Azam during PM’s question answer session in the House.</div><div><br></div><div>She said the measures already taken by the government will provide relief to the poor families, including elderly persons, widows, women left by husbands and low income groups.</div><div><br></div><div>Hasina, the leader of the House, said that the present government is the people\'s government. So the government is always trying to ease the suffering of the people.</div><div><br></div><div>“The government is doing everything to maintain normal prices of essential consumer goods. We have already managed to contain the abnormal rise in consumer prices to a large extent,” she said.</div><div><br></div><div>She mentioned that Bangladesh is feeling the pressure of imported inflation due to the increase in the prices of some products such as fuel oil, edible oil, wheat, fertilisers and various food products, consumer goods and industrial raw materials in the world market.</div><div><br></div><div>The prime minister also said that various duty exemptions are being provided to cut down inflation.</div><div><br></div><div>In response to a question from Awami League’s another Bhola MP Nurunnabi Chowdhury, she said that the country is continuously moving forward and with the growing economic activities, the quality of life of people has also improved.</div><div><br></div><div>“As a result, the demand for natural gas, the main driving force of the economy, is also increasing gradually. So it is not possible to maintain the supply to meet demand of gas.”</div><div><br></div><div>She also highlighted the steps taken by the government for the development of the energy sector.</div><div><br></div><div>Reiterating the government\'s zero-tolerance policy against corruption, the prime minister told Independent MP (elected from Kishoreganj) Sohrab Uddin that graft hampers overall development of the country.</div><div><br></div><div>“It’s not possible to prevent corruption only through law enforcement and punishment. Corruption will be eradicated from the society and the state through a coordinated initiative by building a social movement,” she said.</div><div><br></div><div>Replying to another question by Awami League lawmaker from Laxmipur Noor Uddin Chowdhury Nayan, the prime minister said that initiatives will be taken to construct Shaheed Minar in all educational institutions now without Shaheed Minar, reports UNB</div><div><br></div><div>In response to the question of Independent MP elected from Nilphamari Siddiqul Alam, Hasina said that no project for the construction of multi-storied residential flats has been taken up for the purpose of rehabilitating the people living in Bihari camp and improving their quality of life.</div><div><br></div><div>“Planned multi-storied residential flats can be constructed with government funding or grants, after feasibility studies,” she said.</div><div><br></div><div>bnbd24/fas</div>', NULL, 'News Desk', '[\"30\"]', NULL, NULL, NULL, NULL, '2024-02-28 13:54:03', '2024-02-28 13:54:03'),
(11377, 11377, '<div><b><span style=\"font-size: 1rem;\">Inspector General of Police (IGP) Chowdhury Abdullah Al Mamun on Wednesday warned that police will face action if they are found involved in drugs abuse or trade.</span><br></b></div><div><br></div><div>The IGP said that if any police official’s drugs involvement is found, their punishment will be harsher than general people. \"They will not be brought under law only but also lose their job,\" he</div><div>said.</div><div><br></div><div>The IGP came up with the remarks while speaking at the \'IGP\'s Exemplary Good Services Badge\' (IGP\'s Badge) and prize distribution ceremony at the parade ground of Rajarbagh Police Lines in the capital on the second day of Police Week, reports UNB</div><div><br></div><div>“We have a zero-tolerance policy against militancy, drugs and corruption. No one will be spared,” he warned.</div><div><br></div><div>He said during recruitment every member is recruited through dope test. \"No one will get a job if they are addicted to drugs.\"</div><div><br></div><div>\"We are working to establish the police as a people-friendly force,\" he said.</div><div><br></div><div>Addressing the policemen, the IGP, “ You have to make yourselves as technology-based, mass-oriented, service-oriented, people-friendly and women- and children-friendly force.</div><div><br></div><div>bnbd24/fas</div>', NULL, 'News Desk', '[\"30\"]', NULL, NULL, NULL, NULL, '2024-02-28 14:20:29', '2024-02-28 14:20:29'),
(11378, 11378, '<div><span style=\"font-size: 1rem;\"><b>Dubai, known as the City of Gold, is strategically located at the crossroads of continents, making it a melting pot of diverse cultures. Known for its iconic skyline and extravagant lifestyle, Dubai is a paradise for avid shoppers seeking the finest goods on earth. Let\'s delve into the most renowned shopping destinations and uncover the treasures that make Dubai a shopper\'s dream.</b></span><br></div><div><br></div><div>What to Buy from Dubai</div><div>Gold and Diamond Jewellery</div><div>Dive into Dubai\'s opulence as the \"City of Gold\" lives up to its name. You may explore the Gold Souk and esteemed jewellery stores for a dazzling array of exquisite gold, diamond, and platinum jewellery at tax-friendly prices. Do not miss the chance to bring home a beautifully designed and reasonably priced gold piece, a quintessential Dubai souvenir.</div><div><br></div><div>Precious and Semi-Precious Stones</div><div>If you have passion for precious stones, then Dubai is the right place for shopping. Dubai offers a market for premium diamonds, rubies, sapphires, emeralds, and an array of semi-precious stones. Whether opting for loose stones or adorned in jewellery, the city provides a selection of high-quality gemstones for discerning buyers.</div><div><br></div><div>Arabic Attar</div><div>You can immerse yourself in the essence of Dubai with Arabic Attars, exquisite perfume oils desired for their aromatic allure. Distilled from plant sources, these alcohol-free oils offer a range of scents, personalised by vendors. A traditional and fragrant souvenir, perfect for a sensory journey in Dubai.</div><div><br></div><div>Oudh and Bakhoor</div><div>You may find the iconic aromas of Dubai with Oudh and Bakhoor. Crafted from Southeast Asian agarwood, Oudh offers an expensive yet uniquely pleasant fragrance. Bakhoor, the burned chips of agarwood, provides an equally delightful aroma. Ideal as a special gift, these distinct scents capture the essence of traditional Dubai.</div><div><br></div><div>Arabian Coffee and Coffee Pots</div><div>Individuals can indulge their coffee cravings with the bold taste of Arabian coffee, a delightful Dubai purchase for coffee enthusiasts. You can take home the authentic experience, accompanied by traditional Arabic-style coffee pots, locally known as \"dallah.\" Made from copper, some adorned with gold and silver, these pots serve both functional and decorative purposes.&nbsp;</div><div><br></div><div>Persian Rugs and Carpets</div><div>You can elevate your home\'s elegance with the timeless beauty of Persian rugs and carpets, a quintessential Dubai purchase. Handcrafted options, though pricier, showcase intricate designs and fine detailing. Customisation is also offered, ensuring a perfect fit for your space. An investment in beauty and class.</div><div><br></div><div>Pashmina Shawls</div><div>Elevate your style in Dubai with a luxurious Pashmina shawl, crafted from goat hair blended with silk. It is necessary to ensure authenticity of this fine product by checking its ability to pass through a ring. While genuine Pashmina may be a splurge, silk or viscose alternatives offer affordable elegance.</div><div><br></div><div>Arabian Dates</div><div>You may enjoy the natural sweetness of Dubai\'s exquisite dates, a perfect power snack and souvenir. With over 20 varieties, including Sokari, Kholas, and Madjool, these nutrient-rich gems offer instant energy and Middle Eastern tradition in every bite.</div><div><br></div><div>Arabian Spices</div><div>Transform your dishes with the magic of Dubai\'s local spices, a flavourful and affordable souvenir. This item is ideal for cooking enthusiasts or as a thoughtful gift from a Dubai tour as these aromatic spices capture the essence of Dubai\'s culinary allure.</div><div><br></div><div>Arabic Lanterns and Lamps</div><div>The magical world of Aladdin with Arabic lanterns can be a perfect Dubai purchase for home decor enthusiasts. Made from copper, tin, or aluminium with filigree work, these lanterns showcase intricate patterns and ornate designs.&nbsp;</div><div><br></div><div>Available in various sizes and shapes, they make unique and beautiful souvenirs, reminiscent of Arabian tales. Whether placed on a table or hung up, these lanterns add a touch of elegance and tradition to any space. Perfect for gifting, these Aladdin-inspired lamps are a testament to the craftsmanship and artistry of Dubai.</div><div><br></div><div>Traditional Arab Shoes</div><div>It would be great to elevate your wardrobe with traditional Arab shoes, a quirky and stylish souvenir from Dubai. These shoes feature intricate thread-work for men and bead embellishments for women. These slim-fit shoes add a touch of Arabian flair to your outfit making them a perfect Dubai purchase. They are also available in various styles and colours,</div><div><br></div><div>Arabic Calligraphy Art</div><div>Arabic calligraphy is a significant form of artistic expression in the Middle East. This communicates profound meanings through the strokes and curves of its letters. It encompasses traditional and contemporary styles, often depicting Quranic verses or poetry.&nbsp;</div><div><br></div><div>Camel Milk Chocolate</div><div>Tourists can indulge in the unique and delicious taste of camel milk chocolates from Al Nassma, a must-have delicacy in Dubai. They are available in various varieties, including whole milk, 70% cocoa, dates, macadamia, and spiced chocolate. These chocolates, especially the ones shaped like camels, are a delectable treat and a perfect Dubai souvenir.</div><div><br></div><div>Electronic Gadgets</div><div>Dubai\'s dynamic tech scene presents a perfect place for gadget enthusiasts. From the latest smartphones to cutting-edge cameras, electronic stores in malls like BurJuman and Deira City Centre offer a wide range of affordable options. While not a traditional purchase, Dubai\'s electronics are often cheaper than many markets, providing value for money. It is suggested to compare prices with your home country for the best deals.</div><div><br></div><div>Hookah Pipe</div><div>It is suggested to bring a piece of Arabian tradition home like authentic Arabic hookah pipes, perfect for both decor and relaxation. It is available in various sizes and designs and these beautifully crafted pipes are a common and cherished item in Arab households, offering a touch of elegance and tradition.</div><div><br></div><div>Arabian Daggers</div><div>People can decorate their homes with the traditional Emirati khanjar, a curved dagger often worn as part of men\'s attire. These ornate daggers feature handles adorned with silver or marble, adding a touch of Arabian elegance to your space.</div><div><br></div><div>Incense Holders</div><div>One should experience Arabian hospitality with Dubai\'s enticing incense holders. Infused with fragrances like frankincense or myrrh, these cultural treasures add a rich aroma to your space. You may find them in malls or explore the Spice Souq in Old Deira.</div><div><br></div><div>Most Popular Shopping Malls in Dubai</div><div>The Dubai Mall</div><div>The Dubai Mall boasts over 1,200 shops, encompassing high-end fashion, cutting-edge electronics, and traditional treasures. This is admired as one of the world\'s largest malls and it offers family attractions, art, spectacular aquarium, etc. Featuring top brands like Dior and Fendi, it is the epitome of luxury and variety in Dubai.</div><div><br></div><div>Wafi City</div><div>Wafi City, an iconic mall in Dubai, provides a unique shopping experience amidst surroundings inspired by ancient Egypt and upscale luxury. Its exterior resembles an Egyptian necropolis with giant statues. Inside, the mall features Middle Eastern-style fashion boutiques and international luxury labels, creating a captivating blend of ancient and modern.&nbsp;</div><div><br></div><div>Mall of the Emirates</div><div>Mall of the Emirates, famed for hosting Ski Dubai, offers a unique shopping experience with a focus on luxury brands. Boasting flagship stores, exclusive boutiques, and an indoor ski resort, it is a haven for discerning shoppers.&nbsp;</div><div><br></div><div>With trendy brands, the mall exudes a luxurious and premier vibe. Here you can find haute couture, boutique-style Apple store, Harvey Nichols, Marks &amp; Spencer and many more sought-after international brands.&nbsp;</div><div><br></div><div>Ibn Battuta Mall&nbsp;</div><div>Ibn Battuta Mall presents an awesome architectural construction of six courts inspired by the renowned explorer\'s journeys. Boasting exclusive interior design with intricate tiling, vivid mosaics, and themed aesthetics, each court reflects unique themes like Andalusia, India, etc.&nbsp;</div><div><br></div><div>Offering exclusive international experience, the mall blends notable brands presenting upscale and streetwear fashion, lifestyle shops, sporting goods, etc. With regular events and promotions, this platform promises a vibrant shopping encounter.&nbsp;</div><div><br></div><div>Dubai Festival Mall</div><div>Situated along Dubai Creek, Dubai Festival City is a shopping haven boasting over 400 stores, including a massive IKEA. Beyond shopping, visitors can enjoy waterfront dining, laser light shows, ultramodern entertainment displays, etc. The Canal Walk offers elegant waterfront dining, while Festival Bay hosts the iconic IMAGINE show. This mall stands as one of Dubai\'s most notable shopping destinations.</div><div><br></div><div>City Centre Mirdif</div><div>City Centre Mirdif stands out among Dubai\'s malls, offering more than 430 retail shops, featuring Debenhams and Centrepoint. Known for innovative entertainment, it hosts iFly, an indoor skydiving hotspot, and Little Explorers for kids\' edutainment. Besides these, trendy brands, like United Designers, Yoshii Boutique, etc showcase beautiful styles from regional brands, making it a famous shopping centre.</div><div><br></div><div>Dubai Outlet Mall</div><div>Those who love to bargain while shopping should not miss the Dubai Outlet Mall. Featuring year-round sales at factory outlets, it offers the latest trends from designer labels like Diane von Furstenberg, Burberry, and Marc Jacobs, alongside electronics as well as luxury perfumes. Mondays bring extra delights, with selected stores offering additional discounts of up to 50%, making it a sought-after shopping mall in Dubai.</div><div><br></div><div>BurJuman Centre</div><div>Despite its age, BurJuman remains one of the most popular Dubai malls, drawing thousands with its contemporary fashion and family-friendly atmosphere. Housing leading retailers, a state-of-the-art cinema, and enticing dining options, it exudes a vibrant ambience. Accommodating popular brands like H&amp;M and Levi\'s, this mall appears as a timeless shopping destination in Dubai.</div><div><br></div><div>Cautions and Tips to Buy Gold in Dubai</div><div>Shopping on Special Sales</div><div>Dubai offers competitive gold prices year-round, with the best deals during events like the Dubai Summer Surprises, Dubai Shopping Festival, etc.</div><div><br></div><div>Research Market Prices</div><div>Try to stay informed about daily fluctuations in gold prices, as this knowledge empowers you to make informed decisions and avoid overpaying.</div><div><br></div><div>Verify Authenticity</div><div>Ensure the authenticity of your gold purchases by choosing reputable stores with proper certifications for precious metals. Look for the gold purity hallmark certificate and Bareeq certification for added assurance.</div><div><br></div><div>Cash Advantage, Exercise Caution</div><div>When bargaining for gold in Dubai, cash payments—whether in US dollars or dirhams—often secure better prices. However, exercise caution when carrying large numbers of cash.</div><div><br></div><div>Secure Documentation</div><div>It is important to obtain detailed receipts for warranties, appraisals, and potential customs declarations. These ensure proper documentation for your purchases.</div><div><br></div><div>Reclaim VAT at the Airport</div><div>Tourists can reclaim the 5% VAT on gold jewellery at the Dubai Airport\'s VAT refund counter. So it is necessary to keep your purchase receipts for this process.</div><div><br></div><div>Final Words</div><div>Shopping in Dubai is an unparalleled experience that combines luxury, tradition, and modernity. From the glittering Gold Souk to the chic boutiques in the malls, Dubai caters to every shopper\'s taste.&nbsp;</div><div><br></div><div>Whether you are seeking opulent gold jewellery, traditional souvenirs, or the latest electronic gadgets, Dubai has it all. Again it is necessary to remember to exercise caution, conduct thorough research, and immerse yourself in the vibrant shopping culture for an unforgettable experience. Source: UNB</div><div><br></div><div>bnbd24/fas</div>', '<p>Shopping in Dubai<br></p>', 'News Desk', '[\"30\"]', NULL, NULL, NULL, NULL, '2024-02-28 14:26:49', '2024-02-28 14:26:49'),
(11379, 11379, '<div><b><br></b></div><div><b><span style=\"font-size: 1rem;\">Pope Francis, who has been suffering from the flu, was brought to a hospital in central Rome after the papal audience on Wednesday, arriving at the Gemelli Hospital on Tiber Island in a small white Fiat 500 and leaving again under escort in the same car after a short period. The Vatican had no immediate comment.</span><br></b></div><div><br></div><div>The 86-year-old pope was pushed in a wheelchair into the audience hall at the Vatican earlier in the day, appearing weary as he dropped heavily into his seat. In recent weeks he has walked the short distance to his chair, but he has been struggling with mild flu symptoms the past week.</div><div><br></div><div>The pope also canceled appointments Saturday and Monday due to the flu, but appeared as usual for the Sunday blessing from a window overlooking St. Peter\'s Square.</div><div><br></div><div>Last week, Francis coughed repeatedly during Ash Wednesday services that he presided over at a Roman church, and opted not to participate in the traditional procession that inaugurates the church’s Lenten season.</div><div><br></div><div>This time of year in 2020, just as the coronavirus pandemic was starting to hit Italy, Francis also suffered a bad cold that forced him to cancel several days of official audiences and his participation in the Vatican’s annual spiritual retreat. The Vatican had already scrubbed the retreat for this year in favor of personal spiritual exercises</div><div><br></div><div>The Argentine pope had part of one lung removed as a young man because of a respiratory infection, and in 2021 had a chunk of his colon removed because of an intestinal inflammation. He has been using a wheelchair and cane since last year because of strained knee ligaments and a small knee fracture that have made walking and standing difficult.</div><div><br></div><div>The Pope used his brief words at the end of Wednesday\'s audience to mark the 25th anniversary of the ratification of the Anti-Personnel Mines Convention, expressing his “closeness to the numerous victims of these insidious devices that remind us of the dramatic cruelty of war.”</div><div><br></div><div>He also appealed for peace in the Middle East, Ukraine and prayed for the victims of attacks in Burkina Faso and Haiti.</div><div><br></div><div>At the end of the audience, the pope spent about an hour greeting the faithful from his wheelchair, stopping to talk, bless babies and exchange gifts. - AP&nbsp;</div><div><br></div><div>bnbd24/fas</div><div><br></div>', NULL, 'International Desk', '[\"29\"]', NULL, NULL, NULL, NULL, '2024-02-28 14:31:15', '2024-02-28 14:31:15'),
(11380, 11380, '<div><span style=\"font-size: 1rem;\"><b>More than 50 UK-based broadcast journalists have sent an open letter to the Israeli and Egyptian embassies calling for “free and unfettered access” to Gaza for foreign media, British media reported today.</b></span><br></div><div><br></div><div>The letter, from 55 correspondents and presenters from the main broadcasting outlets based in the UK, appealed for better protection for journalists already reporting in the territory.</div><div><br></div><div>“Almost five months into the war in Gaza, foreign reporters are still being denied access to the territory, outside of the rare and escorted trips with the Israeli military,” said the letter, quoted by multiple local media outlets.</div><div><br></div><div>“We urge the governments of Israel and Egypt to allow free and unfettered access to Gaza for all foreign media.”</div><div><br></div><div>It called on Israel to openly state its permission for international journalists to operate in Gaza and for the Egyptian authorities to allow international journalists access to the Rafah Crossing between Egypt and Gaza.</div><div><br></div><div>Journalists who signed the letter include Alex Crawford from Sky News, Jeremy Bowen from the BBC and Christiane Amanpour from CNN.</div><div><br></div><div>Although some journalists have been invited to briefly “embed” with the Israel Defence Forces (IDF) for escorted tours inside Gaza, they have been prohibited from talking to any of the Palestinians there.</div><div><br></div><div>“There is intense global interest in the events in Gaza and for now the only reporting has come from journalists who were already based there,” said the letter.</div><div><br></div><div>“It’s vital that local journalists’ safety is respected and that their efforts are bolstered by the journalism of members of the international media.</div><div><br></div><div>“The need for comprehensive on the ground reporting of the conflict is imperative.”</div><div><br></div><div>United Nations reports indicate that at least 122 journalists and other media workers have been killed and many others wounded in the Gaza Strip since war erupted there following Hamas’s deadly attacks inside Israel on Oct 7.</div><div><br></div><div>The Palestinian fighters also killed four Israeli journalists on Oct 7, while three journalists have been killed by Israeli shelling on the Lebanese side of their border.</div><div><br></div><div>Israel’s Supreme Court on Jan 9 rejected a request from international media for free access to Gaza.</div><div><br></div><div>The fighting in Gaza was triggered by Hamas’s assault on southern Israel, the worst since the country’s 1948 founding.</div><div><br></div><div>Around 1,140 people died in the attack, most of them civilians, according to an AFP tally based on Israeli figures.</div><div><br></div><div>The health ministry in Hamas-run Gaza said today that at least 29,954 people have been killed in the Palestinian territory during the war between resistance fighters and Israel, reports AFP&nbsp;</div><div><br></div><div>The toll includes at least 76 deaths in the past 24 hours, while 70,325 people have been wounded since the conflict began on Oct 7, a ministry statement said.</div><div><br></div><div>bnbd24/fas</div>', NULL, 'International Desk', '[\"29\"]', NULL, NULL, NULL, NULL, '2024-02-28 14:35:08', '2024-02-28 14:35:08'),
(11381, 11381, '<div><span style=\"font-size: 1rem;\"><b>Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelensky met with Balkan leaders in Albania today, seeking to keep support and weapons flowing to Kyiv as Russia makes gains on the battlefield two years after invading its neighbour.</b></span><br></div><div><br></div><div>Zelensky has been criss-crossing the globe in recent weeks to rally support for his beleaguered country, as Ukraine’s armed forces face a critical shortage of ammunition and struggle to hold back Russia’s military advances on the ground.</div><div><br></div><div>He arrived in Albania late Tuesday and yesterday met in Tirana with several leaders from across the region during the “Ukraine-Southeast Europe Summit” – his first visit to the Balkan nation since Russia’s invasion in February 2022.</div><div><br></div><div>Following a sitdown with Albania’s prime minister Edi Rama, the Ukrainian president said the two sides were exploring further defence cooperation.</div><div><br></div><div>“Since the first days of the full-scale invasion, Albania has supported Ukraine in our struggle for freedom and territorial integrity,” Zelensky wrote on X.</div><div><br></div><div>“Today we also discussed Ukraine’s defence needs and potential joint arms production,” he added.</div><div><br></div><div>Albania, a Nato member since 2009, has been a vocal supporter of Ukraine but has stayed largely quiet in public about supplying Kyiv with arms.</div><div><br></div><div>During a visit to Albania earlier this month, US secretary of state Antony Blinken praised Tirana’s backing of Ukraine.</div><div><br></div><div>“It was one of the first countries to send military aid to Ukraine in the wake of the Russian aggression – guns, ammunition, mine resistant vehicles – and it’s currently one of the top 10 per capita in terms of its support for Ukraine and security assistance,” Blinken said.</div><div><br></div><div>Leaders from across the Balkans – including Serbia’s president Aleksandar Vucic, Croatian prime minister Andrej Plenkovic, and Kosovo president Vjosa Osmani, were set to attend the summit in Tirana, according to organisers.</div><div><br></div><div>Serbia remains a rare outlier in the region for refusing to sanction Russia, while Ukraine has never formally recognised Kosovo’s independence declaration in 2008.</div><div><br></div><div>Despite the lack of ties, Kosovo’s president said the government in Pristina was supportive of Ukraine.</div><div><br></div><div>“The moment of joint recognition will come with the freedom of Ukraine,” Osmani told reporters as she entered the summit.</div><div><br></div><div>Seeking aid</div><div><br></div><div>Zelensky has repeatedly pleaded with allies for more aid, warning that Ukrainian victory “depends” on the west boosting support.</div><div><br></div><div>Already massively outgunned, his country is fending off a renewed Russian offensive with dwindling ammunition that has had to be rationed.</div><div><br></div><div>EU allies are rallying to address that shortfall with a Czech-led plan to buy artillery from outside the bloc.</div><div><br></div><div>More than two years after Russia’s invasion, the EU is facing the prospect of having to shoulder more of the aid burden as funds from the US dry up.</div><div><br></div><div>Political infighting in the US Congress has stalled a vital US$60 billion aid package, with the Republican right-wing, led by 2024 presidential candidate Donald Trump, souring against Ukraine’s cause.</div><div><br></div><div>House Speaker Mike Johnson, an ally of former president Trump and head of a razor-thin Republican majority, has refused to allow a vote on the package.</div><div><br></div><div>French president Emmanuel Macron meanwhile provoked backlash from fellow allies and a warning from the Kremlin this week when he raised the possibility of sending Western troops into Ukraine.</div><div><br></div><div>Before arriving in Tirana, Zelensky stopped in Saudi Arabia, where he sought to promote his peace plan and discuss potential prisoner of war exchanges.</div><div><br></div><div>Saudi Arabia maintains relations with both Russia and Ukraine and has mediated between the warring parties before, including a deal struck in September 2022 that saw the release of more than 200 captive Ukrainians. - AFP&nbsp;</div><div><br></div><div>bnbd24/fas</div>', NULL, 'International Desk', '[\"29\"]', NULL, NULL, NULL, NULL, '2024-02-28 14:44:14', '2024-02-28 14:44:14'),
(11382, 11382, '<div><b><span style=\"font-size: 1rem;\">President Mohammed Shahabuddin on Wednesday said special care should be taken to ensure that no one is subjected to undue harassment while carrying out routine street checks.</span><br></b></div><div><br></div><div>\"The sad thing is that when I opened the newspaper recently, I got news of some negative activities of police - which saddens me like all the people of the country,\" he said.</div><div><br></div><div>The President said while addressing the programme addressing the high officials of the police on the occasion of Police Week 2024 at Bangabhaban.</div><div><br></div><div>He said vehicles carrying various goods including food items also have to pay a unauthorised toll on the roads. As a result, the price of food items at the consumer level is increasing and the suffering of the people is increasing as well.</div><div><br></div><div>\"You have to take responsibility to stop these activities. But you have to be careful that no one from the police force is involved in these activities,\" he said.</div><div><br></div><div>The President also directed to take the strict action against the culprits as it is the duty to serve the people selflessly.</div><div><br></div><div>He hoped that the police will always stand by the people as a friend and ensure their safety, reports UNB</div><div><br></div><div>Saying that police department is the only place of dependence for the common peopl, he said, “People always believe that police will help them. You have to be more dedicated to earn public trust by providing services to the people.”</div><div><br></div><div>He added that the common people are still afraid of going to the police stations, none wants to go to the police stations unless they are bound.&nbsp;</div><div><br></div><div>The President suggested police to remove unnecessary fear or the fear of troubles from people\'s minds.</div><div><br></div><div>bnbd24/fas</div>', NULL, 'News Desk', '[\"30\"]', NULL, NULL, NULL, NULL, '2024-02-28 15:08:06', '2024-02-28 15:08:06'),
(11383, 11383, '<div style=\"text-align: justify; \"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify; \">The United States on Wednesday urged Israel to allow Muslims to worship at the Al-Aqsa mosque compound in Jerusalem during Ramadan, after a far-right minister proposed barring Palestinians from the occupied West Bank from praying there.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">&nbsp;</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">\"As it pertains to Al-Aqsa, we continue to urge Israel to facilitate access to Temple Mount for peaceful worshippers during Ramadan consistent with past practice,\" State Department spokesman Matthew Miller told reporters. AFP</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify; \">bndb24/kh</div>', NULL, 'news desk', '[\"1\"]', NULL, NULL, NULL, NULL, '2024-02-29 06:25:01', '2024-02-29 06:25:01'),
(11384, 11384, '<div style=\"text-align: justify; \"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify; \"><b>US President Joe Biden remains \"fit for duty\" with no new health worries, his doctor said Wednesday after the 81-year-old\'s last medical ahead of an election in which his age is a key issue.</b></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">The keenly awaited annual examination at the Walter Reed military medical center outside Washington came just weeks after a special counsel report that portrayed him as elderly and forgetful.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">\"He continues to be fit for duty and fully executes all of his responsibilities without any exemptions or accommodations,\" White House doctor Kevin O\'Connor said in a summary.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">\"This year\'s physical identified no new concerns.\"</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">Biden, who faces a likely rematch with 77-year-old Donald Trump in November\'s election, himself joked that the only concern was that doctors \"think I look too young.\"</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">\"Everything\'s great,\" he told reporters at the White House.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">Biden took a short helicopter ride to the medical center that is often used by US presidents and left after two and a half hours, saluting naval staff and donning sunglasses before leaving in his motorcade.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">The only new issue this year was Biden\'s use of a machine to reduce sleep disruption, along with an emergency dental procedure, O\'Connor said after the examination.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">- \'Robust\' -</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">Biden continues to suffer a range of minor issues including a stiff walk due to wear and tear in his spine and a minor heart valve issue but there was no significant change in them from last year, the report said.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">Crucially, a \"reassuring\" and \"extremely detailed\" exam found no sign of neurological problems including Parkinson\'s or a stroke, it added.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">\"President Biden is a healthy, active, robust 81-year-old male, who remains fit to successfully execute the duties of the presidency,\" O\'Connor concluded.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">Biden\'s routine medical exam comes as voter concerns mount over the age of a leader who would be 86 at the end of a second term in office.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">The issue was thrust further into the spotlight by the special counsel report.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">It cleared him of illegally retaining classified documents in his home and garage -- but said he would come across to a jury as a \"well-meaning, elderly man with a poor memory.\"</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">Biden launched a fiery counterattack in a press conference at the White House, saying his memory was \"fine\" and slamming the special counsel for claiming he could not remember when his son Beau died of cancer.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">\"I am well-meaning, and I\'m an elderly man, and I know what the hell I\'m doing... I put this country back on its feet,\" he said at the time.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">- \'The other guy\' -</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">There has been a growing clamor for Biden to take a cognitive test, but the White House said his doctors had assessed that he did not need one.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">\"The president passes a cognitive test every day,\" Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre told reporters, citing the domestic and international political issues he dealt with.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">\"This is a very rigorous job.\"</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">This week Biden took a more lighthearted tone while trying to deflect the issue back onto his septuagenarian nemesis Trump.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">In an interview with late-night TV comic Seth Meyers on Monday, Biden said he was a better bet than \"the other guy,\" who is only four years younger.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">In last year\'s medical exam Biden got a clean bill of health, although he did have a cancerous skin lesion removed from his chest.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">Trump routinely depicts Biden as old, decrepit and unfit for office -- despite being nearly the same age and raising eyebrows with a series of verbal gaffes and memory issues of his own.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">The real estate tycoon recently confused his rival Republican Nikki Haley with Democratic former House speaker Nancy Pelosi, and said Viktor Orban was president of Turkey, rather than Hungary.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">Haley, 52, has depicted both men as too old for the presidency.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">Late last year, Trump released a note from his doctor declaring him to be in \"excellent\" health, but it was short on details and did not say what tests Trump had undergone when he had a physical in September 2023. AFP</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify; \">bnbd24/kh</div>', NULL, 'news desk', '[\"1\"]', NULL, NULL, NULL, NULL, '2024-02-29 06:41:33', '2024-02-29 06:41:33'),
(11385, 11385, '<div style=\"text-align: justify; \"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify; \">Cristiano Ronaldo has been suspended for one match for making an alleged offensive gesture during a Saudi Arabia league game while playing for Al Nassr in the Saudi Pro League.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">After Al-Nassr defeated Riyadh rival Al-Shabab 3-2 on Sunday, video footage appeared to show Ronaldo cupping his ear and repeatedly thrusting his hand forward near his pelvis, in a gesture that seemed to be aimed at Al-Shabab fans.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">Background chants of “Messi,” referencing Ronaldo’s longstanding soccer rival Lionel Messi, could be heard.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">The Disciplinary and Ethics Committee of the Saudi Arabia Football Federation (SAFF) committee announced the ban on social media early Thursday morning local time. Al-Nassr’s next league game is at home to Al-Hazm on Thursday.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">The former Real Madrid and Manchester United star will also have to pay a fine of 20,000 Saudi Riyals ( $5,333) to Al-Shabab, to cover the costs of the club filing the complaint, and half of that amount to the federation.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">The committee said that the decision was not open to appeal.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">While the incident was not captured by television cameras, the actions of Ronaldo, who scored a first-half penalty in the game, were widely criticized in Saudi Arabia by former players and commentators.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">According to reports in the Saudi Arabia media, the 39-year-old told the committee that the gesture was one of victory and common in Europe.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">It is not the first time that the Portuguese forward has been at the center of controversy since joining Al-Nassr. Last April, upon leaving the field after a game against Al-Hilal, Ronaldo appeared to grab his genitals as fans chanted Messi’s name. On that occasion, Al-Nassr said that the forward had sustained a groin injury in the match.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">Ronaldo, who moved to the Riyadh-based club in December 2022, has a league-leading 22 goals. His scored the opener against Al Shabab, a first-half penalty.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">Al Nassr is also in the quarterfinals of the Asian Champions League, a tournament it has never won. AP</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify; \">bndb24/kh</div>', NULL, 'news desk', '[\"20\"]', NULL, NULL, NULL, NULL, '2024-02-29 06:45:55', '2024-02-29 06:45:55');

INSERT INTO `news_details` (`id`, `news_id`, `details`, `ticker`, `representative`, `keyword`, `video_link`, `google_drive_link`, `audio_link`, `shoulder`, `created_at`, `updated_at`) VALUES
(11402, 11402, '<div><span style=\"font-size: 1rem;\"><b>Iris Apfel, a textile expert, interior designer and fashion celebrity known for her eccentric style, has died. She was 102.</b></span><br></div><div><br></div><div>Her death was confirmed by her commercial agent, Lori Sale, who called Apfel “extraordinary.” No cause of death was given. It was also announced on her verified Instagram page on Friday, which a day earlier had celebrated that Leap Day represented her 102nd-and-a-half birthday.</div><div><br></div><div>Born Aug. 29, 1921, Apfel was famous for her irreverent, eye-catching outfits, mixing haute couture and oversized costume jewelry. A classic Apfel look would, for instance, pair a feather boa with strands of chunky beads, bangles and a jacket decorated with Native American beadwork.</div><div><br></div><div>With her big, round, black-rimmed glasses, bright red lipstick and short white hair, she stood out at every fashion show she attended.</div><div><br></div><div>Her style was the subject of museum exhibits and a documentary film, \"Iris,\" directed by Albert Maysles.</div><div><br></div><div>“I\'m not pretty, and I\'ll never be pretty, but it doesn\'t matter,” she once said. “I have something much better. I have style.\"</div><div><br></div><div>Apfel enjoyed late-in-life fame on social media, amassing nearly 3 million followers on Instagram, where her profile declares: “More is more &amp; Less is a Bore.” On TikTok, she drew 215,000 followers as she waxed wise on things fashion and style and promoted recent collaborations.</div><div><br></div><div>“Being stylish and being fashionable are two entirely different things,\" she said in one TikTok video. “You can easily buy your way into being fashionable. Style, I think is in your DNA. It implies originality and courage.”</div><div><br></div><div>She never retired, telling “Today”: \"I think retiring at any age is a fate worse than death. Just because a number comes up doesn’t mean you have to stop.”</div><div><br></div><div>“Working alongside her was the honor of a lifetime. I will miss her daily calls, always greeted with the familiar question: “What have you got for me today?,” Sale said in a statement. “Testament to her insatiable desire to work. She was a visionary in every sense of the word. She saw the world through a unique lens – one adorned with giant, distinctive spectacles that sat atop her nose.”</div><div><br></div><div>Apfel was an expert on textiles and antique fabrics. She and her husband Carl owned a textile manufacturing company, Old World Weavers, and specialized in restoration work, including projects at the White House under six different U.S. presidents. Apfel’s celebrity clients included Estee Lauder and Greta Garbo.</div><div><br></div><div>Apfel’s own fame blew up in 2005 when the Metropolitan Museum of Art’s Costume Institute in New York City hosted a show about her called “Rara Avis,” Latin for “rare bird.” The museum described her style as “both witty and exuberantly idiosyncratic.</div><div><br></div><div>Her originality is typically revealed in her mixing of high and low fashions — Dior haute couture with flea market finds, 19th-century ecclesiastical vestments with Dolce &amp; Gabbana lizard trousers.” The museum said her “layered combinations” defied “aesthetic conventions” and “even at their most extreme and baroque” represented a “boldly graphic modernity.”</div><div><br></div><div>The Peabody Essex Museum in Salem, Massachusetts, was one of several museums around the country that hosted a traveling version of the show. Apfel later decided to donate hundreds of pieces to the Peabody — including couture gowns — to help them build what she termed “a fabulous fashion collection.” The Museum of Fashion &amp; Lifestyle near Apfel’s winter home in Palm Beach, Florida, also plans a gallery dedicated to displaying items from Apfel’s collection.</div><div><br></div><div>Apfel was born in New York City to Samuel and Sadye Barrel. Her mother owned a boutique.</div><div><br></div><div>Apfel’s fame in her later years included appearances in ads for brands like M.A.C. cosmetics and Kate Spade. She also designed a line of accessories and jewelry for Home Shopping Network, collaborated with H&amp;M on a sold-out-in-minutes collection of brightly-colored apparel, jewelry and shoes, put out a makeup line with Ciaté London, an eyeglass collection with Zenni and partnered with Ruggable on floor coverings.</div><div><br></div><div>In a 2017 interview with AP at age 95, she said her favorite contemporary designers included Ralph Rucci, Isabel Toledo and Naeem Khan, but added: \"I have so much, I don\'t go looking.\" Asked for her fashion advice, she said: \"Everybody should find her own way. I\'m a great one for individuality. I don\'t like trends. If you get to learn who you are and what you look like and what you can handle, you\'ll know what to do.\"</div><div><br></div><div>She called herself the “accidental icon,” which became the title of a book she published in 2018 filled with her mementos and style musings. Odes to Apfel are abundant, from a Barbie in her likeness to T-shirts, glasses, artwork and dolls.</div><div><br></div><div>Apfel’s husband died in 2015. They had no children. - AP</div><div><br></div><div>bnbd24/fas</div>', NULL, 'Entertainment', '[\"13\"]', NULL, NULL, NULL, NULL, '2024-03-02 10:02:49', '2024-03-02 10:02:49'),
(11403, 11403, '<div><span style=\"font-size: 1rem;\"><b>Confusion over the identity of Journalist Bristi Khatun (Abhishruti Shastri) who was killed in the fire at a commercial building at Bailey Road in the capital, has delayed the process of handing over her body to her family.&nbsp;</b></span><br></div><div><br></div><div>Abhishruti worked as a reporter for the online news portal The Report.</div><div><br></div><div>Abhishruti\'s father Shahburul Alam Sabuj said that her daughter\'s name is Bristi Khatun and she is a Muslim but her friends and colleagues claimed that she was known as Abhishruti and that she claimed to be a Hindu.</div><div><br></div><div>The different claims led to confusion when Sabuj came to get her daughter\'s body from the Sheikh Hasina Burn Institute at around 3:00pm Friday (1 March).</div><div><br></div><div>On the other hand, the hospital authorities checked her voter identity card and used her fingerprint to confirm the data in the government database, where they found her identity is registered as Bristi Khatun.</div><div><br></div><div>Convinced of her identity, hospital authorities later began the body handover process.</div><div><br></div><div>Sabuj said, \"I wanted to raise my girl to be a prominent figure in the future. My daughter always told me \'Baba, don\'t worry. I will be a good human being\'.</div><div><br></div><div>\"My daughter never wanted to take money from me. She used to say, \'I can take care of myself. You don\'t need to worry, Baba\'. I had so many hopes and dreams, all of those ended.</div><div><br></div><div>\"I used to say that village girls can\'t do anything better. But I will go to the village and say that my daughter does a lot of things. What will I take to the village now?\"</div><div><br></div><div>Sabuj also said he would head for his village in Kushtia\'s Khoksa upazila tonight with her daughter\'s body.</div><div><br></div><div>bnbd24/fas</div>', NULL, 'News Desk', '[\"30\"]', NULL, NULL, NULL, NULL, '2024-03-02 10:26:05', '2024-03-02 10:26:05'),
(11404, 11404, '<div><b><br></b></div><div><b>Bangladesh Youth Leadership Center (BYLC), a leadership institute, organized a 7.5 km run in Hatirjheel in association with the Ministry of Youth and Sport to raise awareness on reducing air pollution by creating the city green.</b></div><div><br></div><div>Supported by the Embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands, the BYLC Running with Purpose 2024 event saw the participation of around 1000 runners of diverse backgrounds, said a press release.</div><div><br></div><div>By bringing hundreds of youth, children, and adults to run through part of the city, the run drew attention to the importance of clean air and a greener city, focusing on Sustainable Development Goal 3 (good health and wellbeing) &amp; 11 (Green City) which underscores the urgency to take action to combat air pollution and its impacts through making the surroundings greener.</div><div><br></div><div>M A Akher, Director (Planning), Department of Youth Development, expressed his gratitude to BYLC for igniting change through this remarkable run and guiding the nation\'s youth toward a purpose-driven path. \"Your dedication is inspiring and indispensable in propelling our future leaders towards a brighter tomorrow,\" he said.</div><div><br></div><div>At the award ceremony of BYLC Running with Purpose 2024 today, Ejaj Ahmad, the founder and executive chairperson of BYLC, emphasized the importance of access to fresh air as a basic necessity and a fundamental human right. He noted the rapid deterioration of</div><div><br></div><div>Dhaka\'s air quality over recent years, consistently placing it among the world\'s worst. He urged the ordinary citizens to actively contribute to creating a greener city while emphasizing the need to hold elected officials accountable for improving air quality in Dhaka.</div><div><br></div><div>Md. Khorshed Alam, Technical Judge, Bangladesh Athletics Federation, was also present at the event and appreciated BYLC\'s initiative in making Bangladesh a better place to live.</div><div><br></div><div>Tahsinah Ahmed, Executive Director, BYLC concluded the program by sharing her vote of thanks at the closing ceremony.</div><div><br></div><div>Praava Health, a leading healthcare provider in Bangladesh, was the health partner for the event, while the popular food chain, Unimart was the food partner. Other partners included Elite Force as our security partner, Dhaka Metropolitan Police, Hatirjheel Thana and others.</div><div><br></div><div>BYLC exists to build connections among youth from diverse backgrounds, equip them with leadership skills, and enable them to have high impact in public, private, and civil sectors.</div><div><br></div><div>Over the past fifteen years, they have trained more than 7000 young people in leadership and 3700(five years) in professional skill development. - UNB</div><div><br></div><div>bnbd24/fas</div>', NULL, 'Sports Desk', '[\"20\"]', NULL, NULL, NULL, NULL, '2024-03-02 10:31:26', '2024-03-02 10:31:26'),
(11405, 11405, '<div><span style=\"font-size: 1rem;\"><b>In the wake of the devastating fire on Bailey Road that claimed 46 lives, Health Minister Dr. Samanta Lal Sen has called for stringent action from Rajdhani Unnayan Kartripakkha (Rajuk) and the Public Works Ministry to avert future catastrophes.&nbsp;</b></span><br></div><div><br></div><div>Speaking on Saturday, the Minister expressed profound concern over the tragedy and the necessity for rigorous safety measures.</div><div><br></div><div>“Rajuk and the Public Works Ministry must adopt a proactive stance to ensure such a tragedy is never repeated,” Dr. Sen remarked after his participation in the 23rd International Scientific Seminar held in Dhaka.</div><div><br></div><div>He emphasized the critical need for these authorities to conduct thorough inspections to identify buildings at risk of fire. By doing so, Dr. Sen believes, the frequency of fire incidents can be significantly reduced in the future.</div><div><br></div><div>In addition to fire safety, Dr. Sen addressed the state of healthcare facilities in Bangladesh, advocating for the coexistence of private and government hospitals to meet the public\'s healthcare needs. However, he insisted that all healthcare institutions must adhere to established regulations and standards, reports UNB</div><div><br></div><div>“The regulation of hospitals is non-negotiable. Our drive against irregularities and non-compliance in healthcare facilities will persist to ensure the safety and well-being of our citizens,” he affirmed.</div><div><br></div><div>bnbd24/fas</div>', NULL, 'News Desk', '[\"30\"]', NULL, NULL, NULL, NULL, '2024-03-02 10:33:53', '2024-03-02 10:33:53'),
(11406, 11406, '<div><span style=\"font-size: 1rem;\"><b>Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi has expressed deep shock over the loss of lives due to the fire at Dhaka’s Bailey Road that has claimed 46 lives so far.&nbsp;</b></span><br></div><div><br></div><div>In a letter addressed to Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, Modi expressed his heartfelt condolences on the loss of lives in the fire at the Green Cozy Cottage Shopping Mall in Dhaka.</div><div><br></div><div>He also wished speedy recovery to those injured.&nbsp;</div><div><br></div><div>In the letter dated March 1, the Indian Prime Minister further affirmed that his country stands with Bangladesh in this hour of grief, and his thoughts and prayers remain with her and the friendly people of Bangladesh. - UNB</div><div><br></div><div>bnbd24/fas</div>', NULL, 'News Desk', '[\"30\"]', NULL, NULL, NULL, NULL, '2024-03-02 11:36:15', '2024-03-02 11:36:15'),
(11407, 11407, '<p><span style=\"font-size: 1rem;\">The Aga Khan Academy Dhaka wants to contribute to Bangladesh’s goal of a prosperous nation providing students with education of the highest standard in order to prepare them for the future and make a positive contribution in a changing world, the head of the Academy has said.</span><br></p><p>“We want to work together for a common goal, for the betterment of our people; and for a peaceful, rich and prosperous Bangladesh,” Suvina Shunglu, the new head of the Aga Khan Academy Dhaka, told UNB at her office recently.</p><p>The Academy, which is now in its second academic year, has a dream, said Suvina, who promotes a culture of quality education, diversity, and inclusion.</p><p>“This dream has come to us from its founder – Aga Khan. We are here and the school is here to realize that dream,” she said, adding that the dream is to groom people who will respect each other and who will be pluralistic and accept differences and will work together for the common goal.</p><p>Suvina, who has worked in the field of education and school administration over the last 30 years, said they do not have academies in the United States or in Europe but they have such academies in developing countries.</p><p>The Aga Khan Academy Dhaka is the fourth in a network of Aga Khan Academies being established in countries across Africa, South and Central Asia, and the Middle East.&nbsp;</p><p>The first Academy opened in Mombasa, Kenya in 2003, the second in Hyderabad, India in 2011 and the third in Maputo, Mozambique in 2013.</p><p>Highlighting the importance of teachers’ training, Suvina said teaching is one of the most meaningful professions. “I am not saying teaching is the most lucrative profession.”</p><p>“We want enough teachers for all the schools,” she said, adding that the International Baccalaureate (IB) is the most progressive curriculum.&nbsp;</p><p>During his visit last week to Aga Khan Academy, State Minister for Posts, Telecommunications and Information Technology Zunaid Ahmed Palak shared his vision to revolutionize education for talented Bangladeshis, particularly those residing in rural and remote areas.</p><p>His vision aims to establish a world-class learning environment through a robust national talent identification program, with the Aga Khan Academy proposed as a knowledge partner of the Ministry.</p><p>This collaborative effort seeks to empower underprivileged children in rural areas, nurturing their development into modern global citizens.</p><p>Palak underscored Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina\'s vision for a Smart Bangladesh by 2041, emphasizing innovative education to cultivate smart citizens.</p><p>In alignment with this vision, the Ministry is planning the establishment of the Sheikh Hasina Institute of Frontier Technology which will offer training programs including on AI and robotics.</p><p>Palak reiterated the government\'s commitment to transitioning from Digital Bangladesh to Smart Bangladesh, leveraging education, technology, and knowledge as drivers of progress.</p><p>Recognizing the Aga Khan Academy as a beacon of educational excellence, Palak proposed collaboration to modernize government educational institutions and promote ICT integration in education</p><p>This partnership aims to establish AI awareness programs, innovation challenge funds, and a robust education and knowledge ecosystem.</p><p>As the nation embarks on this transformative journey, Palak\'s vision promises to bridge the gap between urban and rural education, paving the way for a brighter future for all citizens of Bangladesh.</p><p>During his visit to the Academy, Palak graciously toured the campus and engaged with the students.</p><p>On behalf of the Aga Khan Development Network (AKDN) and the Aga Khan Academy, Resident Diplomatic Representative of AKDN, Munir M Merali, extended heartfelt gratitude to State Minister Palak for gracing the campus with his presence and for sharing his vision for a Smart Bangladesh, according to unb reports</p><p>bnbd24/fas&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>', NULL, 'News Desk', '[\"30\"]', NULL, NULL, NULL, NULL, '2024-03-02 11:39:34', '2024-03-02 11:39:34'),
(11408, 11408, '<div><span style=\"font-size: 1rem;\"><b>Foreign Minister Hasan Mahmud has highlighted the importance of caring for protecting the environment and the adverse effects of global warming that amongst others negatively contributing towards the rise of climate migrants and refusees.</b></span><br></div><div><br></div><div>Bangladesh urgently urged the world community to change the definition of climate migrants and refugees to bring it in line with the UN definition of migrants and refugees.</div><div><br></div><div>He mentioned the pristine nature of life in the universe and where life thrives only on the planet amongst two trillion galaxies.</div><div><br></div><div>At the first panel discussion of the Antaliya Diplomacy Forum held in Antalya, Türkiye on Saturday, the Foreign Minister spoke on global climate change and climate migrants and climate refugees issue.</div><div><br></div><div>Foreign Ministers of Malaysia and Bangladesh, State Minister for Foreign Affairs of Sri Lanka, and Deputy Minister for Foreign Affairs of Vietnam discussed various aspects of the Them “Building Asia-Pacific Regional Architecture: The Challenge of Unmatching Interests”.</div><div><br></div><div>Hasan mentioned that like many small and island nations, Bangladesh has become one of the worst sufferers of the Hlobal Climate Change and Global Warming.</div><div><br></div><div>Along it the sea level rise what is happening now for the last three decades mostly because of the increasing rise of greenhouse gases, the entire coastal area of Bangladesh is at the risk of inundation, he said.</div><div><br></div><div>\"And this phenomenon is constantly causing climate migrations. The issue is now so real that Bangladesh urgently needs to the world community to change the definition of climate migrants and refugees,\" he said.</div><div><br></div><div>The Foreign Minister mentioned that while his country and many environmental scientists have been focusing on the issue for many long years, many world leaders have not believed in it until lately it has become evident to all.</div><div><br></div><div>\"Yet the rich countries, the major contributors to the global warming, are doing very little to address the issue and protect our environment,\" Hasan said.</div><div><br></div><div>There are local issues that make the impact global.</div><div><br></div><div>Bangladesh as one of the worst sufferers of this harsh reality urgently to all activists and leaders to accept the importance of changing the definition of climate migrants and refugees and devise an acceptable definition of it and protect the victims and the future generations, said the Foreign Minister.</div><div><br></div><div>The panel discussion was moderated by Lawrence Anderson, an academic and fellow of Rajaratnam School of International Studies, Singapore. - UNB</div><div><br></div><div>bnbd24/fas</div>', NULL, 'News Desk', '[\"30\"]', NULL, NULL, NULL, NULL, '2024-03-02 12:18:53', '2024-03-02 12:18:53'),
(11409, 11409, '<div><span style=\"font-size: 1rem;\"><b>Three men were arrested today after the gang rape of a Spanish tourist on a motorbike trip through India’s remote east with her husband, local media reports said.</b></span><br></div><div><br></div><div>The attack took place last night in the Dumka district of the eastern state of Jharkhand, where the couple had stopped to camp the night in a tent.</div><div><br></div><div>The woman was able to reach a police patrol van at around 11pm and was taken to hospital for treatment, police officer Pitamber Singh Kherwar told The Times of India newspaper.</div><div><br></div><div>Kherwar said police had detained three people in connection with the attack and were on the hunt for more suspects.</div><div><br></div><div>The Spanish woman is being treated at a local hospital in Dumka and an investigation is underway, reports said.</div><div><br></div><div>An average of nearly 90 rapes were reported in India every day in 2022, according to data by the national crime records bureau.</div><div><br></div><div>However, large numbers go unreported due to prevailing stigmas around victims and a lack of faith in police investigations.</div><div><br></div><div>Convictions remain rare, with cases getting stuck for years in India’s clogged-up criminal justice system.</div><div><br></div><div>The notorious gang rape and murder of an Indian student made global headlines in 2012.</div><div><br></div><div>Jyoti Singh, a 23-year-old physiotherapy student, was raped and assaulted and left for dead by five men and a teenager on a bus in New Delhi in December that year. - AFP&nbsp;</div><div><br></div><div><span style=\"font-size: 1rem;\">The horrific crime shone an international spotlight on India’s high levels of sexual violence and sparked weeks of protests, and eventually a change inthe law to introduce the death penalty for rape.</span></div><div><span style=\"font-size: 1rem;\"><br></span></div><div>bnbd24/fas<br></div>', NULL, 'International Desk', '[\"29\"]', NULL, NULL, NULL, NULL, '2024-03-02 12:39:19', '2024-03-02 12:39:19'),
(11410, 11410, '<div><b><span style=\"font-size: 1rem;\">Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelensky today urged the west to deliver more air defence systems after five people were killed in the latest Russian strikes.</span><br></b></div><div><br></div><div>Overnight aerial attacks claimed three lives in the southern port city of Odesa, while shelling killed one person in the Kharkiv region near the Russian border and another in the frontline Kherson region, Ukrainian officials said.</div><div><br></div><div>“Russia continues to hit civilians,” Zelensky said in a post on social media.</div><div><br></div><div>“We need more air defences from our partners. We need to strengthen the Ukrainian air shield to add more protection for our people from Russian terror. More air defence systems and more missiles for air defence systems saves lives,” he said.</div><div><br></div><div>Ukraine is currently on the back foot in the two-year war as a crucial US$60 billion aid package is held up in the US Congress.</div><div><br></div><div>In Odesa, “a nine-storey building was destroyed as a result of an attack by Russian terrorists”, interior minister Igor Klymenko said today in a post on Telegram.</div><div><br></div><div>The attack killed at least three people, including a child, with others still unaccounted for, Ukraine’s emergency services said.</div><div><br></div><div>“Rescuers pulled out the body of a child, believed to be a three-to-five-year old, from the rubble of a house,” the office of Ukraine’s prosecutor-general said.</div><div><br></div><div>Footage shared from the scene showed several floors of a residential building collapsed and its facade ripped off.</div><div><br></div><div>In Kharkiv, a 76-year-old man was killed in a shelling attack shortly after midnight, regional governor Oleg Synegubov said.</div><div><br></div><div>And shelling in the frontline Kherson region this morning killed one more person, the provincial head said.</div><div><br></div><div>‘Difficult situation’</div><div><br></div><div>Ukraine’s air force said Russia had launched 17 Iranian “Shahed” drones overnight and fired three missiles.</div><div><br></div><div>It said it downed 14 of the drones, but falling debris caused damage to residential buildings in Odesa and Kharkiv.</div><div><br></div><div>Kyiv also appeared to have had launched its own overnight drone attack that damaged a residential building in Saint Petersburg, Russia’s second city.</div><div><br></div><div>The Russian head of the city reported an “incident” had occurred – language previously used to describe Ukrainian attacks – but said there were no casualties.</div><div><br></div><div>Videos on Russian social media showed what appeared to be a drone falling from the sky into the building, triggering an explosion, and locals said the blown out windows and small fires were caused by a drone hit.</div><div><br></div><div>Ukrainian media reported Russian air defences had shot down a drone that was targeting an oil depot less than a kilometre away from the building struck in St Petersburg.</div><div><br></div><div>Kyiv has hit several Russian oil refineries in recent months in what it has called fair retribution for Moscow’s attacks on Ukraine’s power grid.</div><div><br></div><div>The attacks come with Russia seeking to press its advantage on the battlefield.</div><div><br></div><div>Kyiv has admitted it is heavily outgunned and outnumbered, facing ammunition shortages amid aid delays.</div><div><br></div><div>Half of all promised western ammunition arrives in the country late, the defence minister has said – in what he called critical delays that cost lives and territory.</div><div><br></div><div>Russian forces have pressed westwards following last month’s capture of Avdiivka, and have seized several small villages in recent days.</div><div><br></div><div>Visiting frontline military posts today, Ukraine’s new commander-in-chief Oleksandr Syrsky said “the situation at the front remains difficult, but controlled”. - AFP&nbsp;</div><div><br></div><div>bnbd24/fas</div>', NULL, 'International Desk', '[\"29\"]', NULL, NULL, NULL, NULL, '2024-03-02 12:42:06', '2024-03-02 12:42:06'),
(11411, 11411, '<div><span style=\"font-size: 1rem;\"><b>Yemen’s Houthi group insisted Saturday on bringing relief aid into the Gaza Strip in exchange for allowing the sunken British ship Rubymar in the Gulf of Aden to be salvaged.</b></span><br></div><div><br></div><div>“We confirm again that the offer is valid to tow the ship (Rubymar) in exchange for bringing relief trucks into Gaza,” Muhammad Ali Al-Houthi, a member of the group\'s Supreme Political Council, said in a statement on X.</div><div><br></div><div>“We hold Britain responsible for all consequences,” he added.</div><div><br></div><div>There was no comment from Britain regarding the statement.</div><div><br></div><div>The British ship Rubymar, which was targeted by the Houthis on Feb. 18, was carrying large quantities of ammonia and oils, according to the official Saba Agency.</div><div><br></div><div>Last Saturday, the Yemeni government said that the ship was heading toward the Yemeni Hanish Islands in the Red Sea, which threatens a “major environmental disaster.”</div><div><br></div><div>Meanwhile, the US Central Command (CENTCOM) said last Saturday that “the unprovoked and reckless attack by Iran-backed Houthi terrorists caused significant damage to the ship, which caused an 18-mile oil slick.”</div><div><br></div><div>“The M/V Rubymar was transporting over 41,000 tons of fertilizer when it was attacked, which could spill into the Red Sea and worsen this environmental disaster,” it added.</div><div><br></div><div>The Yemeni Houthi group has been targeting cargo ships in the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden owned or operated by Israeli companies or transporting goods to and from Israel in solidarity with the Gaza Strip, which has been under an Israeli onslaught since Oct. 7.</div><div><br></div><div>With tensions escalating due to joint strikes by the US and UK against Houthi targets in Yemen, the group declared that it considered all American and British ships legitimate military targets. - Anadolu Agency&nbsp;</div><div><br></div><div>bnbd24/fas</div>', NULL, 'International Desk', '[\"29\"]', NULL, NULL, NULL, NULL, '2024-03-02 13:03:56', '2024-03-02 13:03:56'),
(11412, 11412, '<div><b><br></b></div><div><b>Türkiye’s President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and Bosnia and Herzegovina Presidential Council’s Bosniak Member Denis Becirovic, Croatian Member Zeljko Komsic and Serbian Member Zeljka Cvijanovic on Saturday discussed Türkiye-Bosnia Herzegovina relations as well as regional and global issues.</b></div><div><br></div><div>President Erdogan and the council’s members met on the sidelines of the Antalya Diplomacy Forum.</div><div><br></div><div>“President Erdogan expressed in the meeting that it is crucial for Türkiye to maintain the unity, peace, and stability of Bosnia and Herzegovina, and deepen the relations between the two countries,” Türkiye’s Communications Directorate said on X.</div><div><br></div><div>Erdogan also underlined Ankara’s determination to make sincere and constructive contributions in these matters, emphasizing that these contributions will continue to increase, the directorate said.</div><div><br></div><div>“President Erdogan stated that the steps taken for the increase of the bilateral trade volume and collaborations in all fields will continue,” it added. - Anadolu Agency&nbsp;</div><div><br></div><div>bnbd24/fas</div>', NULL, 'International Desk', '[\"29\"]', NULL, NULL, NULL, NULL, '2024-03-02 13:18:40', '2024-03-02 13:18:40'),
(11413, 11413, '<div><b><br></b></div><div><span style=\"font-size: 1rem;\"><b>Russia said on Saturday that Israel\'s plans regarding Palestinians in Rafah may turn into an \"ethnic cleansing.\"</b></span><br></div><div><br></div><div>Speaking at a news conference on the sidelines of the Antalya Diplomacy Forum in Türkiye, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov said: “A real tragedy is taking place in Gaza, which has no end in sight.”</div><div><br></div><div>There are a lot of initiatives on a cease-fire and humanitarian pause, however, the statements of the Israeli leadership show that they do not change their goal of \"clean up Gaza completely, eliminate Hamas,\" he said.</div><div><br></div><div>\"Even the Western representatives wonder how can this be done, to eliminate Hamas by 100%. Moreover, Israeli generals and ministers say that everyone in Gaza is Hamas. It is then necessary to destroy all the inhabitants of Gaza,\" he said.</div><div><br></div><div>Lavrov said Moscow is also concerned about Israeli plans to carry out a military operation in Rafah, where two-thirds of the Gazans are seeking shelter from violence.</div><div><br></div><div>\"If the operation of Rafah begins, a huge number of refugees will leave for Egypt, and the Egyptians have repeatedly stated that this is unacceptable. This will be ethnic cleansing in fact,\" he stressed.</div><div><br></div><div>Israel has launched a deadly military offensive on the Gaza Strip since an Oct. 7, 2023 Hamas attack, which Tel Aviv said killed less than 1,200 people.</div><div><br></div><div>At least 30,320 Palestinians have since been killed and 71,533 others injured amid mass destruction and shortages of necessities.</div><div><br></div><div>Israel has also imposed a crippling blockade on the Gaza Strip, leaving its population, particularly residents of northern Gaza, on the verge of starvation.</div><div><br></div><div>Israel is accused of genocide at the International Court of Justice. An interim ruling in January ordered Tel Aviv to stop genocidal acts and take measures to guarantee that humanitarian assistance is provided to civilians in Gaza. - Anadolu Agency</div><div><br></div><div>bnbd24/fas</div>', NULL, 'International Desk', '[\"29\"]', NULL, NULL, NULL, NULL, '2024-03-02 13:30:53', '2024-03-02 13:30:53'),
(11414, 11414, '<div><span style=\"font-size: 1rem;\">The Palestinian Authority hopes a ceasefire can be agreed in the Gaza war in time for Ramadan, its foreign minister, Riyad Al-Maliki, said on Saturday.</span></div><div><br></div><div>Israel and Hamas have been negotiating through mediators over a possible ceasefire in Gaza, with the aim of halting fighting in time for Ramadan, the Muslim fasting month, due to begin this year on March 10.</div><div><br></div><div>“We hope that we will be able to achieve a ceasefire before Ramadan, we hope to be able to achieve one today, yesterday, but we have failed,” he said at a news conference at a diplomatic forum in Antalya, Turkiye.</div><div><br></div><div>Egyptian security sources said on Saturday that ceasefire negotiations were due to resume in Cairo on Sunday.</div><div><br></div><div>Hamas, which precipitated the war in Gaza by attacking Israel on Oct. 7, killing 1,200 people and capturing 253 hostages according to Israeli tallies, has said it will not free all its captives without a comprehensive deal to end the war.</div><div><br></div><div>Israel, which has assaulted the Gaza Strip, killing more than 30,000 people according to Palestinian health authorities, has said it will agree only to temporary pauses in fighting to release hostages, and will not end the war until Hamas is eradicated.</div><div><br></div><div>Maliki called on the international community to make more efforts for a ceasefire.</div><div><br></div><div>When asked about the PA’s role for the governance of Gaza after the war, Al-Maliki said: “The only legitimate authority that will operate and continue to operate Gaza is the Palestinian Administration. This is how we see the situation in post-war Gaza.”</div><div><br></div><div>The PA, which exercises limited self rule in parts of the Israeli-occupied West Bank, lost control of Gaza to the Hamas militant group in 2007.</div><div><br></div><div>Maliki also said the PA President Mahmoud Abbas will pay a visit to Ankara on Tuesday and meet Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan.</div><div><br></div><div>The health ministry in Hamas-run Gaza said on Saturday the wartime death toll in the Palestinian territory had reached 30,320 after 92 new fatalities were recorded in the previous 24 hours.</div><div><br></div><div>The ministry also said 71,533 people have been wounded in Gaza since the war broke out on October 7. - Reuters&nbsp;</div><div><br></div><div>bnbd24/fas</div>', NULL, 'International Desk', '[\"29\"]', NULL, NULL, NULL, NULL, '2024-03-02 13:39:04', '2024-03-02 13:39:04'),
(11415, 11415, '<div style=\"text-align: justify; \"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify; \">Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on Sunday asked the field-level administration to take stern action against illegal hoarders of commodities and ensure smooth supply of essential items to the consumers during the upcoming month of Ramadan.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">“During the Ramadan, some businesses are there who always want to make extra profit by hoarding the essentials and raising their prices. But we have to pay a special attention to it. It is now one of our immediate duties,” said Sheikh Hasina.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">The premier made the directives while opening the Deputy Commissioner’s (DC) Conference-2024 at her office in the city.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">Divisional Commissioners and deputy commissioners of districts joined the four-day conference, which will conclude on Wednesday.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">“In the supply chain, problems are created or attempts are made to create artificial crisis of commodities. Some hoarders are there who let goods to be rotten but don’t supply the goods to the market. It needs to take tough legal action in this regard,” she said.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">The PM asked the field administration to pay a special attention so that the essential goods could reach to the common people smoothly during the upcoming Ramadan, the month of fasting for Muslims.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">She said though the inflation rate is still within 10 percent in Bangladesh, it is nonetheless a problem.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">She directed the officials to intensify monitoring on the market situation and ensure the consumers won’t be subjected to harassment.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">The subsequent programmes of the conference will be held at Osmani Memorial Auditorium, featuring a total of 30 sessions.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">Cabinet Secretary Mahbub Hossain delivered the welcome speech.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">Public Administration Minister Farhad Hossain, PM’s Principal Secretary Tofazzel Hossain Miah, Dhaka divisional commissioner Sabirul Islam, Chattogram DC Abul Bashar Mohammed Fakhruzzaman and Gaibandha DC Kazi Nahid Rasul spoke at the opening session.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">This year, some 350 proposals have been put forth by the DCs and divisional commissioners for the DC Conference, a platform for top field-level administration officials. 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, '2024-03-03 07:29:55', '2024-03-03 07:29:55'),
(11416, 11416, '<div><span style=\"font-size: 1rem;\"><b>In Dhaka, the capital of Bangladesh, the history of fire incidents stretches back decades, with each tragedy laying bare the systemic failures of monitoring and enforcement by the authorities.</b></span><br></div><div><br></div><div>The recurrence of these incidents, resulting in loss of lives and property, highlights a persistent cycle of negligence and a lack of proper supervision by the concerned agencies, including the Rajdhani Unnayan Kartripakkha (RAJUK) and the Fire Service and Civil Defence.</div><div><br></div><div>This pattern was tragically underscored by the recent blaze at a building housing several restaurants on Bailey Road, which claimed 46 lives, marking yet another dark chapter in Dhaka’s ongoing saga of preventable disasters.</div><div><br></div><div>The Bailey Road catastrophe is not an isolated incident but a continuation of Dhaka’s grim legacy of fire tragedies. Experts point to a systemic lack of accountability and supervision, with buildings across the capital flouting fire safety norms and regulations.</div><div><br></div><div>The construction of these structures often violates directives from the Fire Service and Civil Defence, lacking essential fire prevention measures such as alarms, adequate water supplies, and fire extinguishing systems.</div><div><br></div><div>The result is a cityscape riddled with potential fire traps, posing a constant threat to its inhabitants.</div><div><br></div><div>Professor Dr. Adil Muhammad Khan, President of the Bangladesh Institute of Planners (BIP), asserted that the frequent fires could be significantly reduced if the authorities took decisive action against those responsible for the lax approval and supervision of building constructions, and against building owners who neglect fire safety standards.</div><div><br></div><div>Dr. Khan emphasised that accountability must extend to RAJUK, the building owners, and even the tenants who, fully aware of the risks, continue to occupy these unsafe spaces.</div><div><br></div><div>The recurrence of fire incidents is further compounded by the failure to follow up on investigations after each tragedy. Dhaka has borne witness to several catastrophic fires, including those at Nimtoli, Churihatta, FR Tower, Armanitola, New Market, Moghbazar, and the latest disaster at Bailey Road. These incidents share common threads: mismanagement, the utilisation of risky multi-storied buildings, and a glaring lack of proper supervision, with many buildings operating without the requisite approvals from RAJUK and other regulatory bodies.</div><div><br></div><div>Despite repeated pledges from various quarters to transform Dhaka into a risk-free city, these promises have largely gone unfulfilled. Each tragic fire fades from public memory, only to be replaced by the next, in a seemingly endless cycle of devastation. This cycle is exacerbated by the mixed use of residential and commercial buildings, which Dr. Khan identified as a critical risk factor propelling the capital towards further disaster.</div><div><br></div><div>An example of this perilous overlap is the Green Cozy Cottage Building on Bailey Road. Despite approvals specifying that only the ground through fourth floors could be used commercially, with the fifth and sixth floors designated for residential purposes, the building predominantly housed restaurants, a clear breach of urban planning and building laws.</div><div><br></div><div>Dr. Khan advocated for treating such egregious violations, like the Bailey Road fire, as criminal acts, attributing them to the negligence of RAJUK and other service agencies.</div><div><br></div><div>The aftermath of the Bailey Road tragedy has seen calls for comprehensive measures, including the online registration of buildings with detailed usage information, and the public display of notices issued by the government against non-compliant building owners.</div><div><br></div><div>Ashraful Islam, the project director of the Detailed Area Plan (DAP) of RAJUK, clarified that the Bailey Road building was authorized only for office use, not for restaurants and showrooms, underscoring the illegal operations that contributed to the tragedy.</div><div><br></div><div>What Police Say</div><div><br></div><div>The police identified numerous restaurants operating within the building in violation of its approved use. Gas cylinders were stockpiled by the restaurants, highlighting a dangerous collusion between building owners and managers.</div><div><br></div><div>What Fire Service And Civil Defence Says</div><div><br></div><div>Fire Service and Civil Defence Director General Brig Gen Md Moin Uddin noted the absence of fire extinguishing systems in the building, despite multiple notices issued to the owners, who disregarded these warnings.</div><div><br></div><div>What RAJUK Says</div><div><br></div><div>Anisur Rahman Mia, chairman of RAJUK, stated that legal actions are underway against those implicated in the incident, with ongoing trials for previous fire-related cases. The establishment of a seven-member probe committee to investigate the Bailey Road fire, tasked with reporting their findings within seven working days, represents a step towards addressing these recurring tragedies. However, the broader challenge remains: ensuring compliance with RAJUK’s directives, a task complicated by the widespread disregard for regulatory standards, as evidenced by the failure of Mouchak Market authorities to respond to notices. The RAJUK chairman also claimed that nearly 70% of people did not follow their directives after getting approval for buildings.</div><div><br></div><div>A Look At Previous Fire Tragedies In Dhaka</div><div><br></div><div>Nimtoli</div><div><br></div><div>As many as 124 people were killed and 50 were injured as a transformer exploded at Nimtoli of Chankharpool on June 3, 2010. The fire department speculated that the fire was fanned by chemicals and other flammable products stored in shops. The overcrowded area also made it difficult for firefighters to bring the blaze under control</div><div><br></div><div>Churihatta</div><div><br></div><div>A total of 71 people died while several hundred people were injured when a gas cylinder exploded at Wahed Mansion in Churihatta of Chawkbazar area on February 20, 2019. The fire was reported to have originated in the explosion of a car’s gas cylinder, which triggered further fires in buildings and nearby gas cylinders.</div><div><br></div><div>FR Tower in Banani</div><div><br></div><div>At least 27 people died and scores were injured as a fire broke out at the multi-purpose FR Tower on March 28, 2019.</div><div><br></div><div>Moghbazar</div><div><br></div><div>At least twelve people were killed and 200 people were injured in an explosion at a building in Moghbazar Wireless area on June 27, 2021.</div><div><br></div><div>Bangabazar, New Super Market</div><div><br></div><div>A number of shops were gutted in a fire that broke out at Bangabazar Complex on April 4, 2023. Close to 6,000 stores were gutted, resulting in a loss of at least BDT 10 billion. Just 11 days after the Bangabazar shopping complex fire, another devastated Dhaka’s New Super Market. Close to 200 shops were gutted and according to primary estimates, each store had merchandise worth about Taka 20 lakh to one crore, according to UNB reports&nbsp;</div><div><br></div><div>bnbd24/fas</div>', NULL, 'News Desk', '[\"30\"]', NULL, NULL, NULL, NULL, '2024-03-03 09:38:22', '2024-03-03 09:38:22'),
(11417, 11417, '<div><b><span style=\"font-size: 1rem;\">Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) Senior Joint Secretary General Ruhul Kabir Rizvi on Sunday said the country’s power sector had plunged into a deep crisis.</span><br></b></div><div><br></div><div>Talking to reporters at BNP’s Nayapalton office Rizvi said Awami League General Secretary Obaidul Quader’s recent remarks on the power situation contradict what Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has said.&nbsp;</div><div><br></div><div>The BNP leader said Quader claimed that hundred percent people of the country are getting electricity supply while his PM a few days ago stated that load-shedding in small scale should remain in the country.</div><div><br></div><div>He said people of the country are suffering from load-shedding morning to evening whereas the temperature still remains at tolerable level.</div><div><br></div><div>Rizvi denounced Quader’s another statement that BNP is pleading with its foreign master by ignoring the people of the country.</div><div><br></div><div>He alleged that the AL general secretary is perhaps suffering from amnesia as he had forgotten the 2014 election when India’s then-foreign minister Sujata Singh visited Bangladesh to show their support to AL and manage HM Ershad to join the polls.</div><div><br></div><div>It is a clear sign of intervention in a sovereign country, he added.</div><div><br></div><div>This time also (January 7 election) the people of the country have seen that they (India) stand beside AL not Bangladeshi people, he continued, reports UNB</div><div><br></div><div>Rizvi said they can do anything here as AL recognizes them as their master by showing a ‘knee-jerk’ attitude.</div><div><br></div><div>BNP Vice Chairman Ahmed Azam Khan, Adviser to Chairperson Zainul Abdeen Farooq, Zainal Abedin (VP Zainal), Organizational Secretary Advocate Abdus Salam Azad, Assistant Office Secretary Munir Hossain, Assistant Economic Secretary Mahmudur Rahman Sumon, were present in the press briefing.&nbsp;</div><div><br></div><div>bnbd24/fas</div>', NULL, 'News Desk', '[\"30\"]', NULL, NULL, NULL, NULL, '2024-03-03 13:16:17', '2024-03-03 13:16:17');
INSERT INTO `news_details` (`id`, `news_id`, `details`, `ticker`, `representative`, `keyword`, `video_link`, `google_drive_link`, `audio_link`, `shoulder`, `created_at`, `updated_at`) VALUES
(11418, 11418, '<div><span style=\"font-size: 1rem;\"><b>A Dhaka court on Sunday granted bail to Nobel Laureate Prof Dr Muhammad Yunus and seven others in a case filed for allegedly misappropriating over Tk 25 crore from Workers-Employees Welfare Fund of Grameen Telecom.</b></span><br></div><div><br></div><div>Dhaka Metropolitan Senior Special Judge As-Shams Jaglul Hossain passed the order after hearing a petition submitted by the defendants upon surrender before the court, said Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) Prosecutor Mir Ahmmad Ali Salam.</div><div><br></div><div>Though the prosecution opposed the bail order, the court finally granted it after hearing, said the defendants’ counsel Abdullah Al Mamun.</div><div><br></div><div>The court also set April 2 for accepting charges against the eight accused in their presence, said the ACC prosecutor.</div><div><br></div><div>The rest defendants were absent from the hearing in the court while it passed no order regarding them.</div><div><br></div><div>The accused included Grameen Telecom’s Managing Director Md. Nazmul Islam, Director &amp; Former Managing Director Ashraful Hasan, Directors Parveen Mahmud, Naznin Sultana, Md. Shahjahan, Nurjahan Begum, SM Hujjatul Islam Latifi, lawyers Md. Yusuf Ali and Zafrul Hasan Sharif, President of Grameen Telecom Workers-Employees Union Md.&nbsp;</div><div>Kamruzzaman, General Secretary Firoz Mahmud Hasan; Union Representative Mainul Islam and Office Secretary Kamrul Hasan.</div><div><br></div><div>On May 30 last year, ACC’s Dhaka district combined office-1 Deputy Director Gulshan Anowar Prodhan filed the case against 14 people bringing the allegation of siphoning off more than Tk 25.22 crore from the welfare fund.</div><div><br></div><div>Grameen Telecom owns a 34.2% share of telecom operator Grameenphone, Norway’s Telenor occupies 55.8% while the remaining 10% is publicly held.</div><div><br></div><div>As of December 2023, its subscribers span over 82.20 million. - UNB</div><div><br></div><div>bnbd24/fas</div>', NULL, 'News Desk', '[\"30\"]', NULL, NULL, NULL, NULL, '2024-03-03 13:52:11', '2024-03-03 13:52:11'),
(11419, 11419, '<div><span style=\"font-size: 1rem;\">In an update from the Bangladesh Energy Regulatory Commission (BERC), the price of liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) has been adjusted upwards by Tk 0.66, setting the new rate at Tk 123.52 per kg, up from the previous Tk 122.86. This price change is effective from 6 pm on Sunday (March 03, 2024), indicating a slight increase in household and commercial expenses.</span><br></div><div><br></div><div>BERC, at a press briefing today, detailed the adjustment, noting that the price for a standard 12 kg LPG cylinder will now be Tk 1482, inclusive of VAT, marking an increase from the previous Tk 1474. This adjustment follows a rational scale across various LPG cylinder sizes, ranging from 5.5 kg to 45 kg, addressing the need for a proportional price revision across different consumer segments.</div><div><br></div><div>Furthermore, the price for “auto gas,” the LPG variant used in motor vehicles, has also seen a revision, now priced at Tk 68.05 per litre, including VAT, a slight increase from Tk 67.68. This adjustment reflects the broader impact of LPG price changes on transportation and related costs.</div><div><br></div><div>Notably, LPG prices marketed by the state-owned LP Gas Company will remain unchanged. This exception is attributed to its local production and the company’s minimal market share, which is less than 5 percent.</div><div><br></div><div>The decision to adjust LPG prices comes in the wake of rising costs in the international market, specifically tied to the increase in the Saudi CP (contract price), which serves as a benchmark for local operators importing LPG primarily from the Middle East. - UNB</div><div><br></div><div>bnbd24/fas</div>', NULL, 'News Desk', '[\"30\"]', NULL, NULL, NULL, NULL, '2024-03-03 14:05:33', '2024-03-03 14:05:33'),
(11420, 11420, '<div><span style=\"font-size: 1rem;\"><b>Seeking cooperation of International Solar Alliance (ISA), State Minister for Power, Energy and Mineral Resources Nasrul Hamid has said that the organisation can further contribute to promote widespread expansion of rooftop solar power.</b></span><br></div><div><br></div><div>He made the call when ISA Director General Dr. Ajay Mathur called on the state minister on Saturday. Various issues related to their mutual interests were discussed in the meeting.</div><div><br></div><div>Welcoming ISA director general, Nasrul Hamid said Bangladesh has a bright potential for renewable energy sources.</div><div><br></div><div>”But it is essential to reduce the cost of solar power by using modern technology to cover the land scarcity problem. Potential locations for floating solar must be selected judiciously”, he added.</div><div><br></div><div>He said that solar power would be further expanded to the isolated islands across the country.</div><div><br></div><div>He offered to ISA to work together with Bangladesh to install solar power in Bhasanchar, a large island, where large solar projects could be implemented.</div><div><br></div><div>The ISA Director General of ISA informed the state minister about the issues and decisions of the first steering committee meeting of his organisation on March 2, reports UNB</div><div><br></div><div>He said 9 projects will be implemented by December 2024. Of which 6 projects will cost $541,000. He, however, said the estimated cost of the floating solar project has not been determined.</div><div><br></div><div>Among others, Nirod Chandra Mandal, Joint Secretary of Power Division and Ramesh Kumar Kuruppath, Head of Program and Project Implementation Unit of ISA were present during the meeting.&nbsp;</div><div><br></div><div>bnbd24/fas</div>', NULL, 'News Desk', '[\"30\"]', NULL, NULL, NULL, NULL, '2024-03-03 14:21:45', '2024-03-03 14:21:45'),
(11421, 11421, '<div><span style=\"font-size: 1rem;\"><b>A writ petition was filed with the High Court seeking its directives to close all restaurants in residential buildings in Dhaka including on Bailey Road.</b></span><br></div><div><br></div><div>Supreme Court lawyer Eunus Ali Akond filed the writ petition with the High Court bench concerned on Sunday (March 03, 2024).</div><div><br></div><div>Besides, the petition also sought directives to provide compensation to the family members of the deceased and injured in the Bailey Road fire and arrest of those responsible in the fire incident.</div><div><br></div><div>Meanwhile, a Supreme Court lawyer Advocate Israt Zahan Santona filed another writ petition with the High Court bench concerned seeking judicial investigation into the deadly fire at Green Cozy Cottage Building on Bailey Road that claimed the lives of 46 people.</div><div><br></div><div>The petitions will move to the HC bench of Justice Naima Haider and Justice Kazi Zinat Hoque.</div><div><br></div><div>Secretaries to the Public Works Ministry, Cabinet Division, Home Ministry, Inspector General of Police, Chairman of Rajdhani Unnayan Kartripakkha (Rajuk), nayors of Dhaka North and South city corporations were made responsible in the writ petitions.</div><div><br></div><div>On Thursday night, a massive fire broke out at a building on Dhaka\'s Bailey Road leaving at least 46 people dead and injuring dozens of people. Later, a case was filed with Ramna police station. According to UNB reports</div><div><br></div><div>bnbd24/fas</div>', NULL, 'News Desk', '[\"30\"]', NULL, NULL, NULL, NULL, '2024-03-03 14:31:35', '2024-03-03 14:31:35'),
(11422, 11422, '<div><b><br></b></div><div><b>Zurich police said today they were hiking security in front of Jewish institutions after a potentially antisemitic knife attack left an Orthodox Jewish man in serious condition.</b></div><div><br></div><div>Police in Switzerland’s largest city said the 50-year-old was “critically injured” in the attack late yesterday and a 15-year-old Swiss boy suspected of being the perpetrator had been arrested on site.</div><div><br></div><div>The statement said the motives for the attack were unclear, but that Zurich cantonal police and the youth prosecutor’s office in charge of the investigation were explicitly looking into the possibility that it was an “antisemitic crime”.</div><div><br></div><div>The police also said they had consulted with various Jewish institutions in the city following the incident and decided to increase security around the institutions as a “precautionary measure”.</div><div><br></div><div>The GRA Foundation working against racism and antisemitism condemned the attack, maintaining that witnesses had heard the alleged perpetrator shout “antisemitic slogans that suggest a hate crime”.</div><div><br></div><div>“It was not just an isolated case,” it said in a statement, adding that it was clearly part of a pattern linked to the tensions over Israel’s war against Hamas in Gaza.</div><div><br></div><div>“Since the escalation in the Middle East, antisemitic incidents in Switzerland have skyrocketed,” it said.</div><div><br></div><div>Antisemitic and anti-Muslim hate crimes have been on the rise in many countries since the current conflict began on Oct 7, when Hamas carried out an unprecedented attack inside Israel.</div><div><br></div><div>That attack resulted in the deaths of about 1,160 people, mostly civilians, according to an AFP tally of official figures, and also saw the fighters abduct 250 hostages, of whom 130 remain in captivity, including 31 presumed dead, according to Israel.</div><div><br></div><div>Israel’s retaliatory offensive on the besieged Palestinian territory has killed more than 30,400 people, mostly women and children, according to the health ministry in Hamas-run Gaza.</div><div><br></div><div>“If the antisemitic motive is proven, the attack will represent a turning point and should not be viewed as just an isolated case,” GRA Foundation said.</div><div><br></div><div>“Such attacks threaten us all and our peaceful coexistence.” - AFP&nbsp;</div><div><br></div><div>bnbd24/fas</div>', NULL, 'International Desk', '[\"29\"]', NULL, NULL, NULL, NULL, '2024-03-03 14:51:18', '2024-03-03 14:51:18'),
(11423, 11423, '<div><b><span style=\"font-size: 1rem;\">Thailand has in the last week helped facilitate the transfer of some 900 Chinese nationals who had been trapped in scam centres in a Myanmar border town back to China, Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin said today.</span><br></b></div><div><br></div><div>Southeast Asia, including Myanmar, has become a hub for telecom and other online fraud, according to the United Nations, with hundreds of thousands of people trafficked by criminal gangs and forced to work in scam centres and other illegal operations.</div><div><br></div><div>The operation, which Thai police say started last Thursday and was completed yesterday, involved transporting the Chinese nationals from Myanmar’s bonder town of Myawaddy to an airport in the Thai border district of Mae Sot, where they were transferred to Chinese planes.</div><div><br></div><div>“This was a joint voluntary operation between three countries, China, Myanmar and Thailand,” Prime Minister Srettha said.</div><div><br></div><div>“The process was done voluntarily, based on humanitarian principles, it was not forced,” Srettha said, adding that Thailand had facilitated the transfer to the flights at Mae Sot.</div><div><br></div><div>Thai deputy police chief Surachae Hakparn said the operation involved 15 flights over three days to return Chinese scam victims to China.</div><div><br></div><div>The Chinese foreign ministry did not immediately respond to a Reuters request for comment.</div><div><br></div><div>Myanmar’s military spokesman also did not respond to a call seeking comment.</div><div><br></div><div>Last November Myanmar authorities handed over 31,000 telecom fraud suspects to China in a joint crackdown against online scams in Myanmar.</div><div><br></div><div>China and Myanmar also helped facilitate the transfer back to Thailand of more than two hundred Thais, both victims and those involved with telecom fraud gangs, who were trapped in fighting between Myanmar military and armed ethnic-minority groups in Laukkaing in Myanmar’s northern Shan state. - Reuters&nbsp;</div><div><br></div><div>bnbd24/fas</div>', NULL, 'International Desk', '[\"29\"]', NULL, NULL, NULL, NULL, '2024-03-03 14:55:35', '2024-03-03 14:55:35'),
(11424, 11424, '<div><span style=\"font-size: 1rem;\"><b>More than 30 people have died in rain-related incidents in Pakistan during days of heavy downpours, with thousands of schools closed, officials said today.</b></span><br></div><div><br></div><div>Widespread heavy rain since Thursday has caused severe disruption in some areas of the country, including the closure of all schools in Balochistan province until Thursday.</div><div><br></div><div>Eighteen children were among 26 killed in northwestern Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province as a result of collapsed buildings.</div><div><br></div><div>“As a result of continuous rainfall over the past four days in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, a total of 27 individuals have lost their lives,” said Taimur Ali Khan, the spokesman for the provincial disaster management authority in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.</div><div><br></div><div>Another person was killed in a landslide and more than 150 houses were also damaged.</div><div><br></div><div>In southern Balochistan province, five people were killed when buildings collapsed on Thursday and Friday, said Jahanzain Khan, head of the disaster management agency.</div><div><br></div><div>Damaged roads, floods and landslides have cut villages off from main towns in Balochistan, while major roads were blocked in Gilgit-Baltistan, local media reported.</div><div><br></div><div>Pakistan’s meteorological department anticipates further rainfall and snowfall across the region today. - AFP&nbsp;</div><div><br></div><div>bnbd24/fas</div>', NULL, 'International Desk', '[\"29\"]', NULL, NULL, NULL, NULL, '2024-03-03 14:58:07', '2024-03-03 14:58:07'),
(11425, 11425, '<div><span style=\"font-size: 1rem;\"><b>Bangladesh received inward remittances of USD $2.16 billion in February, which is the highest in 8 months (July-February) in the current fiscal year 2023-24.</b></span><br></div><div><br></div><div>According to the provisional data of the Bangladesh Bank (BB) revealed on Sunday, the expatriates sent $2.16 billion remittance to the country through the legal channel. In the previous month January, the expatriates had sent $2.10 billion in remittances.</div><div><br></div><div>Bangladesh has received so far $13.26 billion in inward remittances in the first eight months of the year through the legal channel.</div><div><br></div><div>Md Mezbaul Haque, BB spokesperson, told UNB that inward remittances flow increased in the legal channel as the government and banks are providing incentives.</div><div><br></div><div>He said the central bank instructed banks to provide additional incentives from their financial sources, which keeps a role in increasing the flow of inward remittances in the legal channel.</div><div><br></div><div>With the government\'s 2.5 percent incentive on expatriate income, banks can buy dollars at an additional 2.5 percent higher price. A total of 5 percent is getting incentives. As a result, remittances are coming to the country through legal channels.</div><div><br></div><div>The executive director of the private research institute South Asian Network on Economic Modeling (SANEM) Prof Dr. Selim Raihan said that a total of 5 percent incentive on remittances will help to boost remittances temporarily. But there will be no long-term solution, reports UNB</div><div><br></div><div>Dr. Raihan said,”To increase remittances, hundi should be stopped. If you want to stop hundi, you have to stop money laundering. Now a lot of money is being smuggled abroad. It has to be controlled by any means.”</div><div><br></div><div>bnbd24/fas</div>', NULL, 'News Desk', '[\"30\"]', NULL, NULL, NULL, NULL, '2024-03-03 16:11:16', '2024-03-03 16:11:16'),
(11426, 11426, '<div><span style=\"font-size: 1rem;\"><b>Belgian police today arrested four youths over messages they exchanged allegedly plotting a jihadist attack deemed “imminent enough to intervene”, a spokesman for the federal prosecutor’s office told AFP.</b></span><br></div><div><br></div><div>The four – three minors in their “late teens” and an adult man aged 18 – were arrested when police raided home addresses in the cities of Brussels, Ninove, Charleroi and Liege, the spokesman, Eric Van Der Sypt, said.</div><div><br></div><div>No weapons or explosives were found.</div><div><br></div><div>Police took away mobile phones and laptops for analysis, he said, confirming reports from Belgian media RTBF and HLN.</div><div><br></div><div>The messages the four exchanged on the internet about the alleged planned attack were “worrying enough to intervene, to do house searches”, Van Der Sypt said.</div><div><br></div><div>“It’s not that they were planning something tomorrow, but still imminent enough to intervene,” he said.</div><div><br></div><div>The relative youth of the suspects heightened authorities’ wariness.</div><div><br></div><div>“They’re very flexible. If somebody gives them a weapon, for example, things can go very, very fast. So we don’t want to take any risk,” the spokesman said.</div><div><br></div><div>“From the moment that we think that we have to intervene, even if we have not too much (evidence) afterwards, we prefer intervening in time.”</div><div><br></div><div>Police were questioning the four suspects and an investigating judge was to determine today or tomorrow what would ensue, he said.</div><div><br></div><div>Belgian authorities remain highly vigilant since the 2016 jihadist attacks by suicide bombers that killed 32 people in blasts at Brussels airport and the city’s metro system.</div><div><br></div><div>And in October last year, a Tunisian man shot dead two Swedish football fans in Brussels before being fatally shot by police.</div><div><br></div><div>The arrests today stemmed from a police operation looking into people deemed potentially violent and with links to Islamic extremism. - AFP</div><div><br></div><div>bnbd24/fas</div>', NULL, 'International Desk', '[\"29\"]', NULL, NULL, NULL, NULL, '2024-03-03 16:13:44', '2024-03-03 16:13:44'),
(11427, 11427, '<div><b><br></b></div><div><b>State Minister for Power, Energy and Mineral Resources Nasrul Hamid has indicated that the price of petroleum fuel may witness a decline with the application of the government-announced guideline for introducing their automated prices.</b></div><div><br></div><div>\"We’re waiting for the approval of the Prime Minister for the guideline... If we can apply the guideline within the first week of March, we’ll hopefully see a decline in the price,” he told reporters.</div><div><br></div><div>The government on Friday issued a “Fuel Pricing Guidelines” through a gazette notification to set an automated price for the petroleum fuels across the country. It said the system will be effective from March.</div><div><br></div><div>Under the guidelines, prices of all the petroleum fuels including petrol, diesel, octane, kerosene, furnace oil, jet fuel, marine fuels will be set automatically on the basis of the international market price.</div><div><br></div><div>Nasrul Hamid said the government’s main priority is the adjustment in the price of the diesel as the most consumption comes from this petroleum product.</div><div><br></div><div>He noted that from now on every month there will be adjustment in fuel prices. “If we seek, the price declines in the global market, local consumers will benefit from it. Now the prices of fuel are at an economic level.”</div><div><br></div><div>He also said the local prices will go up and down in line with the international price and every month such prices will be announced by the government for one-month tenure.</div><div><br></div><div>Immediately after issuing the guideline on Friday, Energy Secretary Md Nurul Alam had said that it won\'t be effective from today (from March). “Since we have not yet received the Prime Minister’s approval to make the guideline effective, we’ve to wait for some more days,” he said.</div><div><br></div><div>“We hope we\'ll get the PM’s approval soon and will bring it into effect within 10-12 days,” he told UNB.</div><div><br></div><div>The Fuel Pricing Guidelines, however, giving an example for its effectiveness said that if it is planned to make effective from April 1, the prices of fuels of one month in the international market from February 21 to March 20 has to be taken into consideration to set an average price and then set the price for month of April.</div><div><br></div><div>About such contradictory instructions in the guideline, the energy secretary said that such an automated pricing system is a new thing in Bangladesh. So, the ministry itself is in some confusion.</div><div><br></div><div>“We’ll sit with the Bangladesh Petroleum Corporation (BPC) to remove all confusions and make the guideline clear to all,” he said. The BPC is the state agency for importing and marketing of petroleum products across the country.</div><div><br></div><div>In case of setting a price for any of the petroleum fuels, all the expenses including the international market price, import tax, advance income tax and valued added tax (VAT), operational expense, finance, administrative and maintenance cost, margins of BPC, VAT, and sale and distribution costs will be taken into account and then set a price.</div><div><br></div><div>A source in the Energy Division said that the price of octane will go below the price of diesel as soon as the automated pricing formula is effective, reports UNB</div><div><br></div><div>“This is also a big concern for the government”, he said, adding that the government wants to keep the octane price higher than diesel,” he added.</div>', NULL, 'News Desk', '[\"30\"]', NULL, NULL, NULL, NULL, '2024-03-03 16:15:31', '2024-03-03 16:15:31'),
(11428, 11428, '<div><span style=\"font-size: 1rem;\"><b>In the heart of Dhaka’s upscale neighbourhoods – Dhanmondi, Gulshan, and Banani – a burgeoning restaurant scene thrives within the confines of multi-storey buildings. This rapid expansion, however, brings to light grave concerns over fire safety practices, or the lack thereof. Many of these dining establishments lack comprehensive fire safety measures, relying solely on elevators and a solitary staircase for emergency exits. This inadequate infrastructure places patrons and employees in a precarious position, with their safety hanging in the balance.</b></span><br></div><div><br></div><div>Conversations with residents of these areas shed light on these alarming realities, further underscored by the recent tragedy on Bailey Road, which has sown seeds of fear and apprehension among diners. The indiscriminate sprouting of restaurants, many of which have been operating without fire safety licenses for years, exacerbates the risk. These establishments, often housed in structures originally intended for residential use, now serve commercial purposes, thereby complicating the fire safety landscape.</div><div><br></div><div>This issue is not confined to a few isolated cases; nearly every alley in these areas is lined with cafes and restaurants, with some buildings entirely dedicated to these businesses. The architectural design, characterised by an extensive use of glass, restricts the inflow of air, and in the event of a fire, leaves breaking the glass as the only means to combat the flames.</div><div><br></div><div>The structural layout presents further challenges for emergency evacuation. Narrow staircases, cluttered or locked, significantly hinder the ability of patrons to evacuate safely in case of an emergency, turning what should be a straightforward escape route into a potential trap.</div><div><br></div><div>The fear of fire is not an abstract concern for the residents of Gulshan and Banani. Moniruzzaman, a businessman from Gulshan, and Didarul Haq Sunny, another businessman from Banani, voiced their apprehensions about dining out in the post-Bailey Road fire era.</div><div><br></div><div>“There’s a prevailing fear of taking families to restaurants in the Gulshan-Banani area, as it’s unclear which establishments have fire safety measures,” Moniruzzaman said. Didarul mentioned ceasing restaurant visits after the Bailey Road tragedy, citing fire safety as a major concern.</div><div><br></div><div>Their concerns highlight a critical demand for Dhaka’s development authority, RAJUK, to enforce and oversee rigorous fire safety standards across all restaurants.</div><div><br></div><div>Professor Dr. Adil Muhammad Khan, President of the Bangladesh Institute of Planners (BIP), echoed these sentiments. He pointed to the widespread practice of converting entire buildings into dining spaces, enveloped in glass, which fundamentally compromises fire safety protocols. The aftermath of the Bailey Road tragedy has left a palpable sense of urgency among citizens and experts alike, calling for immediate action from RAJUK and other relevant authorities to mitigate the risk of future incidents.</div><div><br></div><div>Dr. Adil advocated for detailed inspections of fire safety equipment, such as fire extinguishers and alarms, and insisted on comprehensive safety audits for all multi-storey and specially purposed buildings.</div><div><br></div><div>Despite existing regulations mandating two staircases in buildings, the reality on the ground reveals a stark misuse of these provisions, with designated fire exits often repurposed as storage areas. This blatant disregard for safety norms necessitates a stringent enforcement of building codes and fire safety regulations.</div><div><br></div><div>RAJUK’s Chairman, Anisur Rahman Mia, acknowledged the challenges at hand, committing to a series of actions aimed at identifying and rectifying establishments lacking in fire safety measures. He drew attention to the widespread issue of illegal commercial activities within residential buildings, underscoring RAJUK’s dedication to enforcing legal and safety standards, according to UNB reports</div><div><br></div><div>With over 517,000 buildings under its jurisdiction in Dhaka, of which only 200,000 are approved, RAJUK faces a daunting task. An astonishing 90% of the approved buildings deviated from their original designs, complicating the enforcement of fire safety and building codes, the public agency says.&nbsp;</div><div><br></div><div>bnbd24/fas</div>', NULL, 'News Desk', '[\"30\"]', NULL, NULL, NULL, NULL, '2024-03-04 09:03:22', '2024-03-04 09:03:22'),
(11429, 11429, '<div><span style=\"font-size: 1rem;\"><b>BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir&nbsp; left the country for Singapore on Monday morning for regular health checkup.</b></span><br></div><div><br></div><div>Fakhrul accompanied by his wife Rahat Ara Begum left Dhaka\'s Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport via a Biman Bangladesh Airlines flight around 8:30 am, his personal assistant M Yunus Ali told UNB.</div><div><br></div><div>He said Fakhrul is scheduled to have treatment at a Singapore clinic for various health issues, including a blockage in his neck .</div><div><br></div><div>He said the BNP leader is scheduled to return home on March 18 .</div><div><br></div><div>After being released from jail on February 15, Fakhrul went to Bangladesh Specialized Hospital with various health problems and received treatments at home under supervision of Prof Shamsul Arfein of the hospital, he said.</div><div><br></div><div>BNP Vice Chairman Prof AZM Jahid Hossain said their leader Fakhrul lost six kilograms of weight in over three months in jail since October 29.</div><div><br></div><div>Earlier on August 24, 2023, the 77-year-old BNP secretary general went to Singapore for a medical checkup.</div><div><br></div><div>His internal carotid artery problem was detected in 2015 when he had been in prison in a political case.</div><div><br></div><div>After being released from the jail, he went to Singapore and since then he goes to the country every year for follow-up treatment.</div><div><br></div><div>Members of Detective Branch arrested the BNP leader from his Gulshan residence a day after police foiled the party’s scheduled 28 October grand rally in the capital.</div><div><br></div><div>After securing bail from the High Court, he walked out of the Dhaka Central Jail on February 15. According to UNB reports&nbsp;</div><div><br></div><div>bnbd24/fas</div>', NULL, 'News Desk', '[\"30\"]', NULL, NULL, NULL, NULL, '2024-03-04 09:13:32', '2024-03-04 09:13:32'),
(11430, 11430, '<div><span style=\"font-size: 1rem;\"><b>Hundreds of inmates fled Haiti\'s main prison after armed gangs stormed the facility in an overnight explosion of violence that engulfed much of the capital. At least five people were dead Sunday.</b></span><br></div><div><br></div><div>The jailbreak marked a new low in Haiti\'s downward spiral of violence. It comes as gangs step up coordinated attacks in Port-au-Prince and while embattled Prime Minister Ariel Henry is abroad trying to salvage support for a United Nations-backed security force to stabilize the country.</div><div><br></div><div>Three bodies with gunshot wounds lay at the prison entrance, which was wide open, with no guards in sight. Plastic sandals, clothing and electric fans were strewn across normally overcrowded concrete patios that were eerily empty on Sunday. In another neighborhood, the bloodied corpses of two men with their hands tied behind the backs laid face down as residents walked past roadblocks set up with burning tires.</div><div><br></div><div>Haiti’s government urged calm as it sought to find the killers, kidnappers and perpetrators of other violent crimes that it said escaped during the outbreak of violence.</div><div><br></div><div>“The National Police is taking all measures to find the escaped prisoners and arrest those responsible for these criminal acts as well as all their accomplices, so that public order can be restored,\" the Communications Ministry said in a post on X, formerly Twitter.</div><div><br></div><div>Arnel Remy, a human rights attorney whose nonprofit works inside the prison, said on X that fewer than 100 of the nearly 4,000 inmates remained behind bars. Those choosing to stay included 18 former Colombian soldiers accused of working as mercenaries in the July 2021 assassination of Haitian President Jovenel Moïse. On Saturday night, several of the Colombians shared a video pleading for their lives.</div><div><br></div><div>“Please, please help us,” one of the men, Francisco Uribe, said in the message widely shared on social media. \"They are massacring people indiscriminately inside the cells.”</div><div><br></div><div>On Sunday, Uribe told journalists who walked breezily into the normally highly guarded facility, “I didn\'t flee because I\'m innocent.\"</div><div><br></div><div>Colombia\'s foreign ministry called on Haiti to provide “special protection” for the men.</div><div><br></div><div>In the absence of official information, inmates\' family members rushed to the prison to check on loved ones.</div><div><br></div><div>“I don’t know whether my son is alive or not,” said Alexandre Jean as she roamed around the cells looking for any sign of him. “I don’t know what to do.”</div><div><br></div><div>The violence Saturday night appeared to be widespread, with several neighborhoods reporting gunfire.</div><div><br></div><div>There were reports of a jailbreak at a second Port-au-Prince prison containing around 1,400 inmates. Armed gangs also occupied and vandalized the nation\'s top soccer stadium, taking one employee hostage for hours, the nation\'s soccer federation said in a statement. Internet service for many residents was down as Haiti’s top mobile network said a fiber optic cable connection was slashed during the rampage.</div><div><br></div><div>In the space of less than two weeks, several state institutions have been attacked by the gangs, who are increasingly coordinating their actions and choosing once unthinkable targets like the Central Bank. As part of coordinated attacks by gangs, four police officers were killed Thursday.</div><div><br></div><div>After gangs opened fire at Haiti\'s international airport last week, the U.S. Embassy said it was halting all official travel to the country and on Sunday night urged all American citizens to depart as soon as possible. The embassy said it would also cancel until Thursday all consular appointments.</div><div><br></div><div>The Biden administration, which has steadfastly refused to commit troops to any multinational force while offering instead money and logistical support, said it was monitoring the rapidly deteriorating security situation with grave concern.</div><div><br></div><div>A National Security Council official said violence serves only to delay a democratic transition while destroying the lives of thousands. The official, who spoke on condition of anonymity, reiterated U.S. support for elections, inclusive governance and the restoration of democracy.</div><div><br></div><div>The epicenter of the latest violence Saturday night was Haiti\'s National Penitentiary, which is holding several gang leaders. Amid the exchange of gunfire, police appealed for assistance.</div><div><br></div><div>“They need help,” a union representing police said in a message on social media bearing an “SOS” emoji repeated eight times. “Let’s mobilize the army and the police to prevent the bandits from breaking into the prison.”</div><div><br></div><div>The clashes follow violent protests that turned deadlier in recent days as the prime minister went to Kenya to try and salvage a proposed U.N.-backed security mission in Haiti to be led by the East African country. Henry took over as prime minister following Moise\'s assassination and has repeatedly postponed plans to hold parliamentary and presidential elections, which haven’t happened in almost a decade.</div><div><br></div><div>Haiti’s National Police has roughly 9,000 officers to provide security for more than 11 million people, according to the U.N. They are routinely overwhelmed and outgunned by gangs, which are estimated to control up to 80% of Port-au-Prince.</div><div><br></div><div>Jimmy Chérizier, a former elite police officer known as Barbecue who now runs a gang federation, has claimed responsibility for the surge in attacks. He said the goal was to capture Haiti’s police chief and government ministers and prevent Henry’s return.</div><div><br></div><div>The prime minister, a neurosurgeon, has shrugged off calls for his resignation and didn’t comment when asked if he felt it was safe to come home. According to AP reports</div><div><br></div><div>bnbd24/fas</div>', NULL, 'International Desk', '[\"29\"]', NULL, NULL, NULL, NULL, '2024-03-04 09:22:28', '2024-03-04 09:22:28'),
(11431, 11431, '<div><span style=\"font-size: 1rem;\"><b>Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina addressed the Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) during their annual day parade on Monday (March 04, 2024), emphasizing the paramount importance of adhering to the chain of command for maintaining discipline within the ranks.</b></span><br></div><div><br></div><div>“Keep in mind that the chain of command is the most important driving power for a disciplined force. Never break the discipline; continue following the chain of command,” Sheikh Hasina urged the BGB members.</div><div><br></div><div>The premier was addressing the parade of Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) Day-2024 at its headquarters in Dhaka.</div><div><br></div><div>The Prime Minister reflected on her government’s initiatives to bolster the BGB, citing the enactment of the Border Guard Bangladesh Act 2010 as a pivotal step towards enhancing the force\'s capabilities. “Now BGB has been built as an efficient, strong, modern three-dimensional force,” she said, adding that BGB is now capable of performing its duty on land, water, and air.</div><div><br></div><div>She said the Awami League government adopted the ‘Border Guard Bangladesh Vision-2041’ in a bid to develop the BGB as a world-class border guard force.</div><div><br></div><div>“We want Border Guard Bangladesh to be developed as a world-class border force, and march forward as border sentinels, becoming a symbol of trust for the people of Bangladesh,” she said adding that BGB will also be a smart force in Smart Bangladesh by 2041.</div><div><br></div><div>The prime minister appreciated the role of protecting the country’s borders and combating different border crimes, and standing beside the people during any crisis in the country.</div><div><br></div><div>“Alongside protecting the border, the BGB resisted different border crimes including smuggling, drug and women, children trafficking in a responsible manner,” she said.</div><div><br></div><div>Apart from playing the role as sentinels on the border, the BGB stands beside the people during any problem like arson violence in the country and always plays a role in protecting the lives and property, and thus they gained the trust and confidence of the nation, she said.</div><div><br></div><div>Recalling the 2009 BDR mutiny, Prime Minister Hasina shared her deep emotional connection to the tragedy, in which 74 individuals, including 57 distinguished officers, were tragically killed. The events unfolded on February 25 and 26, 2009, marking one of the darkest chapters in Bangladesh’s history.</div><div><br></div><div>PM said that she feels a profound sorrow, remembering the lives lost during the mutiny. She offered prayers for the souls of the deceased and extended her heartfelt condolences to their families. “No one can truly comprehend the depth of sorrow that comes with losing loved ones, as I do,” Hasina stated, emphasising her personal empathy for the bereaved families.</div><div><br></div><div>The Prime Minister reassured that those responsible for the mutiny have been held accountable, expressing her hope that such a tragedy will never be repeated.</div><div><br></div><div>Turning to the advancements made under her leadership, the PM outlined significant steps taken to modernise the Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB), noting the recruitment of 35,517 soldiers over the past 15 years. A notable milestone in inclusivity, her government initiated the integration of women into the force, with 936 female soldiers joining since 2015.</div><div><br></div><div>In response to emerging threats, her administration has implemented the ‘Smart Digital Surveillance and Tactical Border Response System’ across vulnerable sections of the border, enhancing surveillance capabilities and bolstering defences against trans-border terrorism.</div><div><br></div><div>Further emphasizing her commitment to border security and regional development, Hasina highlighted the construction of 1,036 km of border roads. This infrastructure project aims not only to secure the hilly border areas but also to improve the socio-economic conditions of remote communities.</div><div><br></div><div>The prime minister inspected a spectacular parade arranged at Bir Uttam Anwar Hossain Parade Ground in Pilkhana, riding on an open decorated vehicle, and then received salute of the march-past.</div><div><br></div><div>She handed over the BGB Medal, President BGB Medal, BGB Medal-Service and President BGB Medal-Service to 72 selected BGB personnel in recognition of their heroic and outstanding contribution to different activities of the force.</div><div><br></div><div>The PM unveiled a sculpture of Bangabandhu titled “Prerona” at the BGB headquarters.</div><div><br></div><div>Earlier, on her arrival, Sheikh Hasina was received by Home Minister Asaduzzaman Khan and BGB Director General Major General Mohammad Ashrafuzzaman Siddiqu, according to UNB reports&nbsp;</div><div><br></div><div>bnbd24/fas</div>', NULL, 'News Desk', '[\"30\"]', NULL, NULL, NULL, NULL, '2024-03-04 09:25:56', '2024-03-04 09:25:56'),
(11432, 11432, '<div><b><span style=\"font-size: 1rem;\">Bangladesh has expressed a keen interest in expanding China’s involvement in the power and energy sector. State Minister for Power, Energy and Mineral Resources, Nasrul Hamid, conveyed this strategic vision during a meeting with Yao Wen, the Chinese Ambassador to Bangladesh, emphasising the need for a substantial $30 billion investment over the next five years.</span><br></b></div><div><br></div><div>The meeting, held at the state minister’s office on Monday, covered a wide array of mutual interests, laying the groundwork for deeper cooperation between the two nations. “We are looking forward to China playing a more substantial role. Bangladesh’s power and energy sector needs $30 billion in investment over the next five years,” stated Hamid.</div><div><br></div><div>He welcomed Ambassador Yao, highlighting China’s long-standing friendship. “Chinese companies are making significant contributions to the expansion of the power and energy sector,” the state minister said.</div><div><br></div><div>He also offered to form a special team to explore the potential fields of investment. “A specialised team can be formed to increase investment in the sector,” he said.</div><div><br></div><div>Responding to the warm reception and the call for increased investment, Ambassador Yao reiterated China’s commitment to strengthening bilateral ties. China’s cooperation with Bangladesh is growing, Yao remarked.</div><div><br></div><div>It’s essential for both nations to come together to strengthen the area of cooperation, he added.</div><div><br></div><div>The Chinese envoy hoped that Bangladesh will be more prosperous, stronger and a developed nation in the next five years.</div><div><br></div><div>They also discussed various issues including Chinese funded projects, setting up lithium battery factory, semi-conductor factory, electric vehicles, battery storage system, smart meter, solar and wind power project, electricity from waste, and gas extraction. According to UNB reports&nbsp;</div><div><br></div><div>bnbd/fas</div>', NULL, 'News Desk', '[\"30\"]', NULL, NULL, NULL, NULL, '2024-03-04 10:41:14', '2024-03-04 10:41:14'),
(11433, 11433, '<div><b><br></b></div><div><b>BNP Chairperson\'s Advisory Council Member Zainul Abedin Farroque on Monday blamed Awami League-backed syndicates for unusual hike in prices of essentials.</b></div><div><br></div><div>“The traders who are responsible for price hike are part of Awami League syndicate. AL leaders fill up their pockets by depriving mass people. Awami League has snatched people’s all rights including right to food,” Farroque said.</div><div><br></div><div>He made the comments at a human chain programme organised by Trenomool Nagorik Andolan in front of&nbsp; the Jatiya Press Club protesting hike in prices of essentials.</div><div><br></div><div>The prices of essential commodities keep soaring and have gone beyond the purchasing capacity of&nbsp; people as the ‘illegal’ govt has snatched their rights, he added.</div><div><br></div><div>Farroque, also a former opposition chief whip in parliament, said this government is not the government of people. “They don’t think about people. Their one and only intention is laundering money abroad.”</div><div><br></div><div>He said a former minister had laundered thousand crores taka to London but the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) is ‘sleeping’ instead of investigation.</div><div><br></div><div>Farroque said people will suffer a lot during the holy month of&nbsp; Ramadan if the skyrocketing&nbsp; prices can’t brought within the purchasing capacity of mass people .</div><div><br></div><div>The BNP leader blamed the ruling party for destroying democracy and said that the AL grabbed the power with the help of India and without people’s mandate. - UNB</div><div><br></div><div>bnbd24/fas</div><div><br></div>', NULL, 'News Desk', '[\"30\"]', NULL, NULL, NULL, NULL, '2024-03-04 14:13:30', '2024-03-04 14:13:30'),
(11434, 11434, '<div><span style=\"font-size: 1rem;\"><b>There is no scope for raising the price of any product on the occasion of the month of Ramadan as there is plenty of supply, said State Minister for Commerce Ahsanul Islam Titu on Monday.</b></span><br></div><div><br></div><div>\"Directives were given to the deputy commissioners so that the transport system remains disciplined during Ramadan and to ensure obstacle free transportation,” he said while talking to reporters after attending the deputy commissioners’ conference.</div><div><br></div><div>The Directorate of National Consumer Rights Protection authorities are visiting the oil refinery factories to check whether they are writing the price of the oil properly, he said.</div><div><br></div><div>The deputy commissioners have been asked to monitor the market and to ensure the supply of the products and transporting system in a disciplined way, he added.</div><div><br></div><div>Besides, directives were given to distribute the products to the families under food-friendly programme in a fair way, he said, adding: “The DCs have been asked to update the list of families given food under the food-friendly programme within two months after addition and change.”</div><div><br></div><div>Mentioning that there are 7,700 dealers of Trading Corporation of Bangladesh (TCB) across the country, the state minister said the government is working to provide TCB products from a permanent shop after consultation with the public representatives within two months, reports UNB</div><div><br></div><div>Replying to a question about the import of sugar and onion from India, Titu said “Our High Commission is working and will know the details soon.”</div><div><br></div><div>He also assured of importing onion and sugar before the month of Ramadan.</div><div><br></div><div>bnbd24/fas&nbsp;</div>', NULL, 'News Desk', '[\"30\"]', NULL, NULL, NULL, NULL, '2024-03-04 14:57:06', '2024-03-04 14:57:06'),
(11435, 11435, '<div><span style=\"font-size: 1rem;\"><b>The Ministry of Fisheries and Livestock will sell beef, chicken, and eggs in trucks in different spots of Dhaka city from March 10 on the occasion of the arrival of Holy Ramadan.</b></span><br></div><div><br></div><div>The mobile trucks will sell beef at Tk 600 per kg, goat/mutton at Tk 900 per kg, dressed broiler chicken at Tk 280 per kg, and eggs at Tk 10.50 per piece.</div><div><br></div><div>The Minister of Fisheries and Livestock Md. Abdur Rahman MP informed this to reporters in a press briefing on Monday.</div><div><br></div><div>The minister spoke in a press briefing after the session with deputy commissioners on food, livestock, and fisheries held at the Osmani Memorial Auditorium on Monday.</div><div><br></div><div>Abdur Rahman said, “We will strictly control the market in the month of Ramadan. This mobile vending program will help regulate the market during Ramadan.”</div><div><br></div><div>He said, initially, the products will be sold at 30 spots in Dhaka city. This is an interim initiative of the government. It will be inaugurated on March 10, and the program will continue until the day before Eid.</div><div><br></div><div>In response to a query, the minister said this activity on the truck-sale program will be held in 30 places in Dhaka. The program will try to expand to more places according to the ability. - UNB</div><div><br></div><div>bnbd24/fas</div><div><br></div>', NULL, 'News Desk', '[\"30\"]', NULL, NULL, NULL, NULL, '2024-03-04 15:17:36', '2024-03-04 15:17:36'),
(11436, 11436, '<div><br></div><div>Finance Minister Abul Hassan Mahmood Ali on Monday said that inflation cannot be the main concern of the people of the country.</div><div><br></div><div>He said this in response to reporters\' questions after participating in the Deputy Commissioners conference.</div><div><br></div><div>Replying to a question on what was discussed at the Deputy Commissioners conference to control inflation, the finance minister downplayed the concern over inflation.</div><div><br></div><div>When reporters insisted it was the main concern, not the only one, the finance minister again said that the main concern is how one crore people have been given essential items through family cards. \"They are getting various products at lower cost,\" he said.</div><div><br></div><div>Finance Minister Mahmood Ali also said, “After independence, we are now at the highest level. Economic indicators are improving, there is nothing to be disappointed regarding the economy.”</div><div><br></div><div>He urged reporters to express the real and actual scenery of the financial sector through their reporting.</div><div><br></div><div>Bangladesh is moving forward as per the Delta Plan-2100, and development in different sectors is visible like metro rail and Padma Bridge, he pointed out.</div><div><br></div><div>State Minister for Finance Waseqa Ayesha Khan was also joined in the deputy commissioners’ conference. - UNB</div><div><br></div><div>bnbd24/fas</div>', NULL, 'News Desk', '[\"30\"]', NULL, NULL, NULL, NULL, '2024-03-04 15:40:25', '2024-03-04 15:40:25');
INSERT INTO `news_details` (`id`, `news_id`, `details`, `ticker`, `representative`, `keyword`, `video_link`, `google_drive_link`, `audio_link`, `shoulder`, `created_at`, `updated_at`) VALUES
(11437, 11437, '<div><span style=\"font-size: 1rem;\">The National Board of Revenue\'s(NBR) collections grew by 15.09 percent year-on-year in 7 months (July-January) and achieved 51 percent of fiscal\'s revised target.</span><br></div><div><br></div><div>The revenue board collected around Tk1.98 lakh crore in the first 7 months of the current fiscal year 2023-24. The NBR collected the revenue in contrast to the target Tk 2.15 lakh crore.</div><div><br></div><div>As a result, despite revenue growth of 15.09 percent, the revenue deficit compared to the target is Tk17,751 crore according to the revised target.</div><div><br></div><div>If the target set in the budget is calculated, the deficit will be more, said those concerned.</div><div><br></div><div>In the budget of the current fiscal year, NBR has been given a target of Tk 4.30 lakh crore. However, recently this target was revised to Tk4.10 lakh crore. According to UNB reports</div><div><br></div><div>bnbd24/fas</div>', NULL, 'News Desk', '[\"30\"]', NULL, NULL, NULL, NULL, '2024-03-04 15:42:09', '2024-03-04 15:42:09'),
(11438, 11438, '<div><b><br></b></div><div><b>A student of Shaheed Monsur Ali Medical College in Sirajganj was shot with a gun by a teacher inside the classroom on Monday.</b></div><div><br></div><div>The student,&nbsp; Arafat Ashik Tomal, 23, was admitted to hospital. He is a resident of Dhansiri Nataipara Mahalla of Bogra district.</div><div><br></div><div>The teacher Dr Raihan Sadiq was detained by police after the incident, said Sirajul Islam, officer-in-charge (OC) of Sirajganj Sadar police station.</div><div><br></div><div>Quoting the students, he said, a class of third-year students of the medical college hospital was going on at around 3:30 pm on Monday.</div><div><br></div><div>In this class, the teacher reportedly threatened students with failing them in exams. Following that, a dispute started&nbsp; between the students and the teacher.</div><div><br></div><div>At one stage, the third-year student was shot in the leg.</div><div><br></div><div>Students protested in the Medical College Hospital and neighborhood area over the incident.</div><div><br></div><div>The college’s Principal Prof Dr Amirul Hossain Chowdhury couldn’t be reached over phone.</div><div><br></div><div>Meanwhile, additional riot police have been deployed and patrolling has been intensified in the neighborhood. - UNB</div><div><br></div><div>bnbd24/fas</div>', NULL, 'News Desk', '[\"30\"]', NULL, NULL, NULL, NULL, '2024-03-04 15:44:50', '2024-03-04 15:44:50'),
(11439, 11439, '<div><b><br></b></div><div><b>The government is planning to provide 1.5 lakh tonnes of rice to 50 lakh families under Vulnerable Group Feeding (VGF) programme in the upcoming Ramadan, said Food Minister Sadhan Chandar Majumder on Monday.</b></div><div><br></div><div>The dealers were asked to collect rice from March 1 which will be distributed within March 10, he said while talking to reporters after attending the deputy commissioners’ conference at Osmani Memorial Auditorium in the city.</div><div><br></div><div>Replying to a question about whether the decision of the government will keep the rice market stable, the minister said “I think so as 50 lakh families will get rice at Tk 15 per kg under the food-friendly programme.”</div><div><br></div><div>Responding to another question about the implementation of the government order to write the name of rice varieties on sacks with price, Sadhan said “We had that we would issue an order within February 20 and the order will come into effect from April 14. It will be effective when Boro rice will be harvested in the new year,” reports unb</div><div><br></div><div>He also urged the deputy commissioners to provide all-out support to ensure implementation of the government decision to write the names and varieties of rice on sacks.&nbsp;</div><div><br></div><div>bnbd24/fas</div>', NULL, 'News Desk', '[\"30\"]', NULL, NULL, NULL, NULL, '2024-03-04 15:55:13', '2024-03-04 15:55:13'),
(11440, 11440, '<div><span style=\"font-size: 1rem;\"><b>Thirteen firefighting units are working to bring the blaze under control as flames are seen from inside the mill four hours after the fire broke out at the S Alam Refining Sugar Industries Limited at Isanagar in Karnaphuli upazila of Chattogram on Monday.</b></span><br></div><div><br></div><div>Shoaib Hossain Munshi, warehouse inspector of Karnaphuli Fire Service, said the fire broke out at the sugar mill, owned by S Alam group, around 4 pm and spread soon.</div><div><br></div><div>On information, eight firefighting units rushed to the spot and are trying to tame the blaze.</div><div><br></div><div>Later, five more firefighting units joined with the efforts to put the fire under control.</div><div><br></div><div>A team of Bangladesh Navy also joined their hands with fire service men.</div><div><br></div><div>However, the cause of the fire could not be known immediately.</div><div><br></div><div>The firefighting units are working relentlessly to douse the fire after having finally managed to bring the blaze outside the storage area under control around 8 pm.</div><div><br></div><div>Still fire was seen inside the mill, with the entire stock of unrefined sugar slowly melting.&nbsp;</div><div><br></div><div>Members of Coast Guards and Air Forces joined their efforts with the firefighters to extinguish the blaze.</div><div><br></div><div>Subrata Kumar Bhowmik, executive director of Salam Group, said the fire engulfed the mill very fast as the operation of the mill was continuing.</div><div><br></div><div>About one lakh tonnes of raw materials of sugar, imported from Brazil worth Tk 1400 crore, might be gutted down in the inferno, he said.</div><div><br></div><div>Whether there is any worker stuck inside the mill could not be known immediately.</div><div><br></div><div>A Fire Service man was injured while extinguishing the blaze, said Shoaib Hossain. - UNB</div><div><br></div><div>bnbd24/fas</div>', NULL, 'News Desk', '[\"30\"]', NULL, NULL, NULL, NULL, '2024-03-04 15:57:45', '2024-03-04 15:57:45'),
(11441, 11441, '<div><b><span style=\"font-size: 1rem;\">Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on Monday said the task of repatriating the forcibly displaced Myanmar nationals has become very difficult now because of internal conflict in the neighbouring country.</span><br></b></div><div><br></div><div>“The repatriation of Rohingyas is very important, but it has become very difficult now because of internal conflict in Myanmar,” she said.</div><div><br></div><div>The prime minister said this while Professor Payam Akhavan called on her at her Sangsad Bhaban office.</div><div><br></div><div>Akhavan is the appointed lawyer of Bangladesh in the International Court of Justice (ICJ).</div><div><br></div><div>PM’s speech writer M Nazrul Islam briefed reporters after the call on.</div><div><br></div><div>The Prime Minister said that Rohingyas have now become a huge burden for Bangladesh.</div><div><br></div><div>“Local people of Cox’s Bazar have now turned the minority due to the influx of Myanmar nationals. They are damaging our environment,” she said.</div><div><br></div><div>She also said it must be ensured that the forcibly displaced Rohingyas return to their own land in a dignified way.</div><div><br></div><div>She also reiterated Bangladesh’s stance not to allow anybody to use its territory for any kind of insurgency.</div><div><br></div><div>“Bangladesh believes in this policy and will not allow anyone to do so in future,” she said.</div><div><br></div><div>Hasina said in order to keep Rohingya youth away from criminal activities, the government has arranged better accommodation for one lakh Rohingyas in Bhashanchar island and so far transferred 35,000 Rohingyas there.</div><div><br></div><div>She mentioned that some Rohingya groups have already are involved in criminal activities like arms, women and drugs trafficking, which is a great concern for Bangladesh.</div><div><br></div><div>Dr Payam Akhavan told the premier that Bangladesh has now become a global leader in the area of climate justice.</div><div><br></div><div>PM Hasina said that Bangladesh formed climate trust fund after the COP-15, not depending on anyone, reports UNB</div><div><br></div><div>In addition, she said, Bangladesh has also taken various programmes for adaptation and mitigation, especially developing green-belt for the protection of coastal zones.</div><div><br></div><div>Sheikh Hasina thanked Professor Payam Akhavan for taking up the assignment to help prepare Bangladesh\'s legal submission to the International Court of Justice (ICJ) for its Advisory Opinion on the obligations of States \'to ensure the protection of the climate system\'.</div><div><br></div><div>Principal Secretary to the Prime Minister M Tofazzel Hossain Miah was present during the meeting.</div><div><br></div><div>bnbd24/fas</div>', NULL, 'News Desk', '[\"30\"]', NULL, NULL, NULL, NULL, '2024-03-04 16:04:47', '2024-03-04 16:04:47'),
(11442, 11442, '<div><span style=\"font-size: 1rem;\"><b>The National People\'s Congress (NPC), China\'s national legislature, will hold its annual meeting from March 5 to March 11 , a spokesperson said on Monday.</b></span><br></div><div><br></div><div>Spokesperson for the second session of the 14th NPC Lou Qinjian briefed the press and took questions from reporters.</div><div><br></div><div>Also on Monday the preparatory meeting adopted the agenda of the session, said the spokesperson.</div><div><br></div><div>The agendas are to deliberate the report on the work of the government, review the report on the implementation of the 2023 plan for national economic and social development and on the 2024 draft plan, and the draft plan for national economic and social development in 2024, review the report on the execution of the central and local budgets for 2023 and on the draft central and local budgets for 2024, and the draft central and local budgets for 2024, deliberate the bill put forward by the NPC Standing Committee on reviewing the draft revision to the Organic Law of the State Council,&nbsp; the work report of the NPC Standing Committee, work report of the Supreme People\'s Court, work report of the Supreme People\'s Procuratorate.</div><div><br></div><div>The people\'s congress system is the fundamental political system in China while on the pinnacle of the system sits the NPC, which is the supreme organ of state power.</div><div><br></div><div>According to the Constitution, all administrative, supervisory, adjudicatory and procuratorial organs of the state shall be created by the people\'s congresses and shall be responsible to them and subject to their oversight.</div><div><br></div><div>An important principle of the people\'s congress system and a basic requirement of its institutional design is that the power of all state organs and their staff are subject to oversight and checks.</div><div><br></div><div>Over 2.7 million deputies at the five levels of people\'s congresses, including nearly 3,000 deputies have their representation in NPC as it is designed to include people from various backgrounds and cover a diverse cross-section of society.</div><div><br></div><div>Deputies at various levels are key channels for people\'s voices and entitled and obliged to stand for the people\'s interests and express their requests.</div><div><br></div><div>Every ethnic group has its NPC deputy or deputies. NPC deputies submit motions and are the voice of the people they represent.</div><div><br></div><div>At the annual full session, they review and vote on important legal documents and personnel changes, such as the election of the president and vice president of China every five years, in addition to submitting proposals while the NPC Standing Committee will exercise its power, holding sessions to deliberate and adopt laws, among other matters.</div><div><br></div><div>When not in session, they interact with the people, take up training programs, and participate in inspections of law enforcement and research on important or urgent issues. Some of them are invited to observe bi-monthly legislative sessions of the NPC Standing Committee, a permanent body of the NPC.</div><div><br></div><div>NPC is the highest organ of State power and China\'s top legislative body while its permanent body is the Standing Committee. Each congress is elected for a 5-year term.</div><div><br></div><div>This year marks the 70th anniversary of the establishment of the NPC. Since Sept. 15, 1954, when about 1,200 deputies elected by universal suffrage gathered in Beijing to attend the first session of the first NPC.</div><div><br></div><div>It deliberates and passes major laws, decides on major issues, and supervises the work of the State Council, the Supreme People\'s Court and the Supreme People\'s Procuratorate. - UNB</div><div><br></div><div>bnbd24/fas</div>', NULL, 'News Desk', '[\"30\"]', NULL, NULL, NULL, NULL, '2024-03-04 16:23:23', '2024-03-04 16:23:23'),
(11443, 11443, '<div><span style=\"font-size: 1rem;\"><b>In a historic decision on February 29, the New York State Supreme Court, First Appellate Department, ruled in favour of Bangladesh Bank in its pursuit of justice against Rizal Commercial Banking Corporation (RCBC) and key individuals involved in the infamous theft of approximately $81 million.</b></span><br></div><div><br></div><div>The First Appellate Department confirmed that New York would be the venue for litigation arising from RCBC\'s theft of Bangladesh Bank\'s funds, highlighting the significance of the ruling, according to a press release of Bangladesh Bank.</div><div><br></div><div>Notably, the court affirmed the trial court\'s decision that RCBC, along with its senior executives Lorenzo Tan and Raul Victor B. Tan, and Kam Sin (Kim) Wong, could be held liable in New York courts for their involvement in the elaborate heist, it said.</div><div><br></div><div>The court ruling holds RCBC and its senior management accountable for their role in the fraud perpetrated against Bangladesh Bank. It allows Bangladesh Bank to pursue the defendants for the funds they controlled, which were knowingly laundered through foreign exchanges and the RCBC Treasury. The court emphasized the defendants\' failure to respond to Bangladesh Bank\'s stop payment request and return the stolen funds.</div><div><br></div><div>Additionally, the court addressed the transfer of approximately $58.2 million of stolen funds to accounts under fictitious names after RCBC received stop payment requests. The judgment highlighted RCBC\'s creation of fictitious accounts, the use of New York correspondent accounts for the theft, and profitable foreign exchange trades on the stolen funds, said the release.</div><div><br></div><div>The court also ruled against Wong, stating that the bank had sufficiently alleged his involvement in the conspiracy, including theft and money laundering. For Lorenzo Tan, the court underscored allegations of his close association with Wong and failure to take action after the stolen funds were transferred to fictitious RCBC accounts.</div><div><br></div><div>While the First Department dismissed some individual RCBC employees and conversion claims, it allowed Bangladesh Bank to move forward with claims in fraud, unjust enrichment, trespass, and money had and received against the defendants. The decision strengthens Bangladesh Bank\'s resolve to pursue justice in New York, where the money was stolen, showcasing a significant step forward in recovering the stolen funds, added the release.</div><div><br></div><div>Bangladesh Bank expressed satisfaction with the decision, emphasizing its commitment to holding the alleged co-conspirators accountable. The ruling sets the stage for further legal proceedings, with Bangladesh Bank considering its response, including potential appeals and responses to any appeal by the remaining RCBC defendants and Kim Wong.</div><div><br></div><div>This landmark decision is a crucial victory for Bangladesh Bank, bringing the institution one step closer to recovering the stolen funds and holding those responsible for the heist accountable. - UNB</div><div><br></div><div>bnbd24/fas</div>', NULL, 'News Desk', '[\"30\"]', NULL, NULL, NULL, NULL, '2024-03-04 16:28:10', '2024-03-04 16:28:10'),
(11444, 11444, '<div><span style=\"font-size: 1rem;\">Shehbaz Sharif was sworn in as Pakistan’s new prime minister on Monday after being elected a day earlier in a raucous parliamentary session.</span><br></div><div><br></div><div>He held the same position from April 2022 to August 2023, replacing archrival Imran Khan who was kicked out of the job after a no-confidence vote. Shehbaz is the younger brother of three-time premier Nawaz Sharif.</div><div><br></div><div>His appointment is controversial because of parliamentary elections last month that his opponents claimed were rigged in his favor.</div><div><br></div><div>Khan’s Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf party, the PTI, insists it did better in the poll but that electoral theft and other irregularities deprived it of a parliamentary majority.</div><div><br></div><div>Sharif’s Pakistan Muslim League party, the PML-N, didn’t win enough seats to form a government but went into coalition with others to get a majority, clearing his path to a second premiership.</div><div><br></div><div>He secured 201 votes in parliament to become prime minister, defeating the PTI-backed candidate Omar Ayub, who got 92 votes.</div><div><br></div><div>Monday’s swearing-in ceremony was held in the capital, Islamabad. President Arif administered the oath of office.</div><div><br></div><div>Sharif pledged to perform his duties and functions with honesty and loyalty and always for the country\'s independence, “integrity, stability, and for the sake of unity.”</div><div><br></div><div>But stability and unity are in short supply in Pakistani politics, and Sharif has a tough task of bringing lawmakers together to steer the country through challenging times.</div><div><br></div><div>The first two sessions of parliament have been chaotic and noisy, with the opposition shouting and jeering at the new government because of their election grievances.</div><div><br></div><div>Sharif is the 24th prime minister in Pakistan’s 77-year history. - AP&nbsp;</div><div><br></div><div>bnbd24/fas</div>', NULL, 'News Desk', '[\"29\"]', NULL, NULL, NULL, NULL, '2024-03-05 08:22:03', '2024-03-05 08:22:03'),
(11445, 11445, '<div><b><br></b></div><div><span style=\"font-size: 1rem;\"><b>Nobel laureate Dr Muhammad Yunus was hosted by US Ambassador to Bangladesh, Peter Haas, at a dinner on March 4 to meet with Greg Nelson, Chief Technology Officer of Opportunity International.</b></span><br></div><div><br></div><div>The organisation promotes and implements microfinance programmes around the world.</div><div><br></div><div>They discussed the health programmes of Grameen and Opportunity International and about possible collaboration between the two organisations, said the Yunus Centre on Tuesday.</div><div><br></div><div>Amy Haas, Laurie Nelson and Nurjahan Begum, Executive Vice Chairman of Grameen Shikhha, were present on the occasion, reports UNB</div><div><br></div><div>US Ambassador Haas on his LinkedIn posted: “It was an incredible privilege to speak with the Nobel Peace Prize Laureate Muhammad Yunus and Nurjahan Begum about their remarkable work towards improving the lives of people worldwide. Their contributions have made a significant impact and continue to inspire us all. Thank you for the work you do.”</div><div><br></div><div>bnbd24/fas</div>', NULL, 'News Desk', '[\"30\"]', NULL, NULL, NULL, NULL, '2024-03-05 10:26:16', '2024-03-05 10:26:16'),
(11446, 11446, '<div><b><span style=\"font-size: 1rem;\">Issuing a warning against hoarders, Law Minister Anisul Huq on Tuesday said action will be taken against those involved in hoarding of essential commodities under the Special Powers Act.</span><br></b></div><div><br></div><div>&nbsp;“If anyone tries to destabilises the market by hoarding commodities, action will be taken against them under the Special Powers Act,” said the minister while talking to reporters after attending the 3rd day of the Deputy Commissioners’ conference.</div><div><br></div><div>He also asked the DCs to dispose of the cases filed with mobile courts speedily and sought their help to clear the backlog of cases, reports UNB</div><div><br></div><div>Replying to a question about the PM\'s directives to take steps against illegal hoarders, Anisul said, “The Prime Minister herself ordered to take immediate steps in this regard. The&nbsp; Special Power Act was enacted in 1974 now I am saying through you (media) that if they do it, action will be taken under the Special Powers Act.”</div><div><br></div><div>bnbd24/fas</div>', NULL, 'News Desk', '[\"30\"]', NULL, NULL, NULL, NULL, '2024-03-05 11:39:13', '2024-03-05 11:39:13'),
(11447, 11447, '<div><span style=\"font-size: 1rem;\"><b>Foreign Minister Hasan Mahmud is attending an extraordinary meeting of OIC Council of Foreign Ministers in Jeddah today to discuss the continued Israeli aggression against Palestinian people.</b></span><br></div><div><br></div><div>The Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) is holding the meeting at the headquarters of its General Secretariat in Jeddah, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.</div><div><br></div><div>From Türkiye, Foreign Minister Hasan traveled to Jeddah to attend the meeting.</div><div><br></div><div>The preparatory Senior Officials Meeting (SOM) for the extraordinary session of the Council of Foreign Ministers of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC-CFM) was held at the headquarters of the OIC’s General Secretariat on Monday.</div><div><br></div><div>Ambassador Samir Bakr, the Assistant Secretary-General for Palestine and Al-Quds Affairs delivered the General Secretariat\'s speech, referring to the horrific massacre committed by the Israeli occupation forces, which claimed the lives of hundreds while they were waiting to receive food aid at the end of February.</div><div><br></div><div>Bakr said that this massacre constituted an example and witness to the war crimes practiced by the Israeli occupation army, which necessitates redoubling legal efforts, especially at the International Criminal Court and the International Court of Justice, as they are a legitimate and effective tool for holding the Israeli occupation accountable.</div><div><br></div><div>Bakr also said that Israel, the occupying power, continuing to carry out bloody crimes and massacres against the Palestinian people calls for a more effective movement with a more profound impact on the international arena, with the aim of confronting this brutal Israeli aggression by all legitimate and possible means, including political, legal, and media efforts, in implementation of the resolutions adopted by the Joint Arab and Islamic Summit held on November 11, 2023, in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.</div><div><br></div><div>The SOM will submit its draft resolution to the extraordinary OIC-CFM for adoption at the OIC’s headquarters today (Tuesday).</div><div><br></div><div>OIC Secretary-General Hissein Brahim Taha is expected to address the opening session of the OIC meeting.</div><div><br></div><div>In November last year, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia hosted the extraordinary joint Arab and Islamic Summit, in Riyadh, jointly organized by the OIC and the League of Arab States.</div><div><br></div><div>The Conference adopted a number of decisions, in particular assigning a committee of the Foreign Ministers of Member States, to tour world capitals and international organizations in order to stop Israeli aggression against the Palestinian people.</div><div><br></div><div>As part of its continued efforts to stop the brutal Israeli aggression against the Palestinian people since October 7, the OIC also held an open-ended executive committee extraordinary meeting at the foreign minister level, at its headquarters on October 18 last year.</div><div><br></div><div>During his participation in the Antalya Diplomacy Forum in Türkiye on March 1-3, the Foreign Minister described the event as a significant platform for international dialogue.</div><div><br></div><div>At the Forum, Hasan emphasized the urgent need for a collective effort to end the ongoing genocide in Gaza, holding Israel accountable for committing crimes against humanity and ethnic cleansing.</div><div><br></div><div>In an interview with TRT World, Hasan highlighted the lack of sufficient global action to halt the violence and atrocities in Gaza.</div><div><br></div><div>\"What\'s happening in Gaza is simply crimes against humanity. Not only crimes against humanity, ethnic cleansing is going on,\" he stated, pointing out the devastating toll on civilians, with over 30,000 people, predominantly women and children, killed in the conflict.</div><div><br></div><div>The Foreign Minister said they have not seen enough effort to stop this “war and genocide” and Israel is violating all the norms of any war.</div><div><br></div><div>Representing Bangladesh at the Forum in Türkiye, Hasan underscored the potential of the global community gathered there to play a pivotal role in addressing these atrocities, reports UNB</div><div><br></div><div>\"I think we can raise our united voices to stop these atrocities, ethnic cleansing and crimes against humanity in Gaza and stop Israel,\" he was heard saying in the video interview.</div><div><br></div><div>The Forum, initiated by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Türkiye and under the patronage of President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, ended on March 3.</div><div><br></div><div>This year\'s edition convenes heads of state, government officials, diplomats, business leaders, academics, and representatives from various sectors to discuss “Advancing Diplomacy in Times of Turmoil”, the theme for this year.</div>', NULL, 'News Desk', '[\"30\"]', NULL, NULL, NULL, NULL, '2024-03-05 12:28:13', '2024-03-05 12:28:13'),
(11448, 11448, '<div><span style=\"font-size: 1rem;\"><b>Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on Tuesday suggested that the Muslim countries introduce a common currency like the euro of the European Union to facilitate trade and commerce among them.</b></span><br></div><div><br></div><div>“It would be very good if we can introduce a common currency following the European Union to facilitate trade and commerce among us,” she said.</div><div><br></div><div>The prime minister said this while a delegation of D-8 trade ministers led by Turkish Deputy Minister of Trade Mustafa Tizcu called on her at her official residence Ganabhaban.</div><div><br></div><div>PM’s Speech writer M Nazrul Islam briefed the reporters after the call on.</div><div><br></div><div>Hasina said that the D-8 was formed with the eight Muslim-majority countries of the world aiming to enhance the trade and commerce among them along with improving friendship to develop the socioeconomic status of the people of these countries.</div><div><br></div><div>The grouping comprises Bangladesh, Egypt, Indonesia, Iran, Malaysia, Nigeria, Pakistan and Turkiye.</div><div><br></div><div>“My aim is to improve the fate and socioeconomic development of the common people. It is possible only when we will be able to enhance trade and commerce among us,” she said.</div><div><br></div><div>She mentioned that the member countries of the D-8 have ample scope to do achieve this.</div><div><br></div><div>“If we can improve trade among us then we do not have to be dependent on others,” she said.</div><div><br></div><div>Talking about the Rohingya issue she said that their one or two generations are going to be lost and many of them are involving with criminal activities.</div><div><br></div><div>She expressed her grave concern regarding their dignified repatriation to their homeland.</div><div><br></div><div>“It is becoming difficult day by day, especially because of the present internal conflict in Myanmar the move to repatriate them is becoming tough,” she said.</div><div><br></div><div>She said that the D-8 should work together like a family in trade and commerce and technical assistance to each other for developing their own fate</div><div><br></div><div>The main agenda of the meeting was to implement preferential trade agreement (PTA) among the D-8 member countries and expand its areas of effectiveness.&nbsp;</div><div><br></div><div>In this regards, a Dhaka Declaration was made and adopted at the meeting of Council of Ministers as they agreed to boost bilateral and multilateral trades among the D-8 countries.&nbsp;</div><div><br></div><div>The delegation extended their gratitude to the prime minister as one of the initiators of launching the D-8 grouping 27 years ago, and s today she remains the only founding head of government.</div><div><br></div><div>The delegation said that at the meeting they decided to increase the trade volume among the D-8 member countries to US$ 500 billion by 2030, which is now US$ 146 billion.&nbsp;&nbsp;</div><div><br></div><div>They also appreciated the prime minister for hosting and feeding the forcibly displaced Myanmar nationals, Rohingya, saying that the D-8 and Muslim countries will continue to provide assistance and cooperation for them, reports UNB</div><div><br></div><div>Talking about the Israeli attacks on Gaza, the delegation members lauded Sheikh Hasina’s stance in support of the Palestinian territory.</div><div><br></div><div>State Minister for Commerce Ahasanul Islam Titu, Ambassador-at-large M Ziauddin, Principal Secretary to the Prime Minister M Tofazzel Hossain Miah and Commerce Secretary Tapan Kanti Ghosh were present during the meeting.</div><div><br></div><div>bnbd24/fas</div>', NULL, 'News Desk', '[\"30\"]', NULL, NULL, NULL, NULL, '2024-03-05 14:49:31', '2024-03-05 14:49:31'),
(11449, 11449, '<div><span style=\"font-size: 1rem;\"><b>BNP Standing Committee member Mirza Abbas has said that ruling Awami League (AL) retains power by killing people.</b></span><br></div><div><br></div><div>AL is using state apparatus to kill the taxpayers, alleged the BNP leader.</div><div><br></div><div>He made the comments in a financial grant giving programme organised by BNP for the families of two deceased Jubo Dal leaders- Shamim Mollah from Mugdha Thana Unit and Abdur Rashid from Adabar Thana Unit.&nbsp;</div><div><br></div><div>Shamim Mollah was killed during October 28 grand rally while Abdur Rashid on October 29 during Hartal.</div><div><br></div><div>The grant-giving programme on behalf of BNP Acting Vice-Chairman Tarique Rahman was held at party Nayapaltan Central office on</div><div>Tuesday.</div><div><br></div><div>Mirza Abbas said about 15,000 leaders and activists of BNP had been killed by AL, making a lot of children orphans and families helpless.</div><div><br></div><div>He said AL destroyed BNP’s October 28 grand rally as part of their plan which included local and international conspiracy groups so that BNP could not participate in the parliament polls.</div><div><br></div><div>AL started arresting BNP leaders and activists 18 months before October 28 mass rally, he said.</div><div><br></div><div>\"They were even continuously threatening our senior leaders showing fear about jail before the 28 October programme,\" he alleged.</div><div><br></div><div>Mirza Abbas said the people of the country had responded to Tareque Rahman\'s urges by boycotting the January 7 staged dummy election, reports UNB</div><div><br></div><div>Before January 7 election Tarique Rahman requested people to refrain from casting their vote for AL.</div><div><br></div><div>BNP Standing Committee member said it is not new for AL to kill people. During 1974-1975 period, AL government had killed about 24-25 thousand people, he said.&nbsp;</div><div><br></div><div>bnbd24/fas</div>', NULL, 'News Desk', '[\"30\"]', NULL, NULL, NULL, NULL, '2024-03-05 14:55:43', '2024-03-05 14:55:43'),
(11450, 11450, '<div><span style=\"font-size: 1rem;\"><b>The private bus transport sector is under the control of powerful bus owner-worker associations and syndicates, often with ties to the ruling political party that extends to the extent that even governmental authorities appear powerless against their influence, according to a new research Transparency International Bangladesh (TIB).</b></span><br></div><div><br></div><div>The anti-corruption organisation stated this while releasing its research study ‘Integrity in Private Bus Transport Business’ at a press conference on Tuesday.</div><div><br></div><div>To overcome the challenges in the sector, TIB presented a 15-point charter of recommendations.</div><div><br></div><div>The TIB research report shows that control of the transport business by the ruling party members and its patronised quarter is at the centre of rampant corruption and irregularities in the bus transport sector, reads a press release.</div><div><br></div><div>Most of the leaders of the owners’ associations in the sector are associated with the ruling party. The 22 companies (13.1 percent of the total number of companies), included in TIB’s study, own 81.4 percent of the bus transport business. Almost 92 per cent members of the board of directors of these large bus companies are directly affiliated with the ruling party (80 percent) and other political parties (12 percent). They have monopolised authority in the owners’ and workers’ associations alongside creating impediments in law formulation and implementation by capturing policy mechanisms, thus taking the sector hostage.</div><div><br></div><div>Mentioning political patronage and role of syndicates as the root causes of irregularities and corruption in the bus transport sector, TIB Executive Director (ED) Dr. Iftekharuzzaman said, “The private bus transport business is entirely plagued by irregularities and corruption. Its root cause is the collusion between bus owners’ and workers’ associations, empowered by political patronage.”</div><div><br></div><div>“According to our research, almost 92 percent of the bus owners are associated with political parties, of whom 80 per cent are from the ruling political party and 12 percent are from other parties. As a result, despite expectations centering the transport sector that it would become a public-friendly one, in reality, it has been held hostage by the owners’ and workers’ associations, and their syndicate is taking undue advantage of this hostage situation. The hostage situation is so severe that the owners and workers, due to their collision, seem more powerful than the government. The government is failing in implementing its own laws and regulations to control corruption and irregularities in the private bus transport sector. Also, the expected services cannot be ensured, and at the same time, general workers in the sector are being deprived of their basic rights including a fair wage,” he added, reports UNB</div><div><br></div><div>Criticizing the role of the stakeholders associated with the transport sector, Dr. Iftekharuzzaman added, “Extortion and illegal transactions of various dimensions take place in bus transport. The city corporations, highway police, and owners’ and workers’ associations work in collusion in this regard. The BRTA has definitely failed to discharge its specified duties, and to mask the failures the agency is giving the excuse of manpower shortage. The corruption and irregularities alongside illicit transactions in the BRTA are taking place in collusion. The situation is becoming more critical, as all the concerned are sharing the economic benefit, made through corruption. We call for exemplary punitive measures against everyone involved in corruption and irregularities in this sector. Because, corruption thrives further when it is uncontrolled.”&nbsp;</div><div><br></div><div>bnbd24/fas</div>', NULL, 'News Desk', '[\"30\"]', NULL, NULL, NULL, NULL, '2024-03-05 15:44:54', '2024-03-05 15:44:54'),
(11451, 11451, '<div><span style=\"font-size: 1rem;\">Facebook has seemingly logged all of its user out with no explanation.</span><br></div><div><br></div><div>In what looks like a repeat of the Twitter apocalypse of 2022, when users were similarly logged out suddenly, social media users are completely lost as to why the website and app has gone down.</div><div><br></div><div>It\'s not just Facebook though, as Instagram, which as bought by the social media giants in 2012, is also down.</div><div><br></div><div>The result of this has been a pretty public meltdown from several of the site\'s users on the last major social media site standing: Twitter, or X if you want to get technical.</div><div><br></div><div>One mirrored some of our thoughts: \"Anyone else freak out and think they was being hacked?\"</div><div><br></div><div>Another made a great point: \"Love that I can always count on twitter to confirm that Meta is down and we’ve all been logged out of facebook and Instagram isn’t working\".</div><div><br></div><div>A different user also said: \"Me opening twitter to see if my phone is not broken, and facebook and messenger is just down,\" accompanied with a hilarious video of Kris Jenner nonchalantly closing her laptop.</div><div><br></div><div>Your X timeline is sure to be littered with reaction videos to represent users\' feelings, so if you\'re sharp, now might be the time to get that viral tweet.</div><div><br></div><div>It seems like everyone has made a return to X, as another user said: \"Everybody checking twitter to see if facebook is down for everyone else,\" with a video of The Weeknd in a maze at his iconic Super Bowl halftime show. - lad bible</div><div><br></div><div>bnbd24/fas</div>', NULL, 'News Desk', '[\"24\"]', NULL, NULL, NULL, NULL, '2024-03-05 15:57:06', '2024-03-05 15:57:06'),
(11452, 11452, '<div><span style=\"font-size: 1rem;\"><b>Coming down heavily on BNP for unleashing arson violence, Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on Tuesday said BNP has become Azrael for Bangladesh.</b></span><br></div><div><br></div><div>“Those who are involved in such kinds of incidents can’t be pardoned. They must face punishment,” she said.</div><div><br></div><div>The Leader of the House said this while taking part in the thanksgiving motion on the President’s speech and thus delivering her valedictory speech simultaneously in the maiden session of the 12th parliament.</div><div><br></div><div>During her speech, an audio-visual presentation was screened depicting the terrible scenario of the violence and fire incidents unleashed by BNP-Jamaat jote in 2013, 2014, 2015 and 2023.</div><div><br></div><div>She said BNP has continued terrorist activities day after day. Many are still leading a miserable life sustaining burn injuries in the arson violence unleashed by BNP-Jamaat jote, she added.</div><div><br></div><div>About the allegation that a huge number of BNP men are politically arrested, she questioned what is called political prisoners (Rajbondi) and how those who killed people by burning them through fire can be political prisoners. They are rather terrorists, militants and criminals.</div><div><br></div><div>“None are arrested due to political reasons. Those who remain arrested are either order-givers, directly engaged in the incidents or financers. So, none of the financers, order-givers or those who are directly engaged won’t be spared,” she said.</div><div><br></div><div>The PM asked the members of parliament to pay heed to quick deposition of witnesses and documents of the cases filed in connection with arson violence in their respective areas for the sake of quick disposal of the cases and ensuring punishment for the perpetrators.</div><div><br></div><div>Referring to the Israel attack on Gaza hospitals, Hasina said Israel kills children and women. “The character of the BNP is the same as it does here what Israel is doing in Palestine. BNP has become Azrael for Bangladesh,” she said.</div><div><br></div><div>The first session of the current parliament, which was formed through the January 7 general election, began on January 30. - UNB</div><div><br></div><div>bnbd24/fas</div><div><br></div>', NULL, 'News Desk', '[\"30\"]', NULL, NULL, NULL, NULL, '2024-03-05 16:04:55', '2024-03-05 16:04:55'),
(11453, 11453, '<div><b><br></b></div><div><b>The Offshore Banking Act, 2024 was passed in Parliament on Tuesday as part of a stated objective to enhance the country\'s reserves of foreign currency and attract foreign investment although it is feared that money laundering from the country will be increased through offshore banking.</b></div><div><br></div><div>Finance Minister Abul Hasan Mahmud Ali placed the bill in the House which was passed by voice vote.</div><div><br></div><div>Earlier, while participating in the discussion on the bill, four Jatiya Party MPs including Opposition Chief Whip Mujibul Haque Chunnu, Hafiz Uddin Ahmed, Masud Uddin Chowdhury and Ruhul Amin Hawlader demanded to send the bill to a committee for eliciting public opinions.</div><div><br></div><div>But their proposal was rejected by voice vote.</div><div><br></div><div>This is the first time the government is writing legislation on offshore banking in the country.</div><div><br></div><div>Chunnu said that big thieves, big fishes, state leaders, smugglers use offshore banking to make their money legal through banking in island countries like the Bahamas and thus launder the money abroad.</div><div><br></div><div>He also said names of some people from Bangladesh who have appeared in the newspaper</div><div><br></div><div>“They also laundered money through offshore banking, built houses and hotels abroad. It would be good if those thieves who have smuggled Bangladeshi money abroad bring back the money without giving any tax. But it seems money launderers won’t bring back the money.”</div><div><br></div><div>Instead Chunnu fears increased money laundering from the country through offshore banking.</div><div><br></div><div>Hafiz Uddin portrayed a sorry state of the country’s banking sector.</div><div><br></div><div>He alleged that S Alam Group laundered Islami Bank\'s money to Singapore.</div><div><br></div><div>Hafiz Uddin also said, “I do not know whether Bangladesh Bank will supervise the local banks. Bangladesh Bank\'s own money is being smuggled abroad and they are not aware of it. How can they supervise banks?\"</div><div><br></div><div>Masud Uddin said what we hear about offshore banking is that money is smuggled from Bangladesh to Bermuda and kept in other places.</div><div><br></div><div>“This has given us a negative impression about offshore banking. Through this law, a lot of foreign currency can come to the country tax free. But how to address its negative impact?”</div><div><br></div><div>As per the proposed law, non-resident individuals or foreign firms, who will invest here, can open offshore bank accounts.</div><div><br></div><div>A license from Bangladesh Bank is required to do offshore banking. Those who have obtained this license do not need to have a new license.</div><div><br></div><div>As per the proposed law, no individual will be allowed to do offshore banking business apart from any scheduled bank working in Bangladesh.</div><div><br></div><div>The offshore banking operations can be done with the five currencies –US Dollar, Pound, Euro, Japanese Yen and Chinese Yen.</div><div><br></div><div>Any relative of a Bangladeshi living abroad can open an account and manage the account as a supporter.</div><div><br></div><div>Now foreigners who deposit money under the internal banking system of Bangladesh, need permission to remit the money from the country. But in the case of offshore banking, they can do it freely.</div><div><br></div><div>The move for offshore banking is not only to increase reserves but also to gain financial benefit.</div><div><br></div><div>If someone keeps money in that offshore account, no one will ask about the source of the money.</div><div><br></div><div>The individuals or firms who are living abroad or the foreign ones will be allowed to open bank accounts under the proposed law.</div><div><br></div><div>It said that there should be policies approved by the bank board for the Related schedule Bank in the light of instructions given by Bangladesh Bank for conducting offshore banking activities.</div><div><br></div><div>Separate books of account shall be maintained for offshore operations of Scheduled Banks which shall be used for verification of financial and other operations.</div><div><br></div><div>Asset Liability Management guidelines of respective banks shall be applicable for offshore banking activities.</div><div><br></div><div>Funds can be transferred from domestic banking units to offshore banking units with the special approval of Bangladesh Bank, as per the proposed Law.</div><div><br></div><div>All the funded and non-funded limits prescribed by Bangladesh Bank shall be applicable to offshore banking business of Scheduled Banks.</div><div><br></div><div>Submission of all types of reports as directed by Bangladesh Bank shall be applicable for offshore banking business of scheduled banks.</div><div><br></div><div>Business interest or profits payable by the depositors or foreign lenders shall be exempt from direct and indirect taxes.</div><div><br></div><div>Accounts of depositors or foreign lenders shall be exempted from any duty and levy. - UNB</div><div><br></div><div>bnbd24/fas</div>', NULL, 'News Desk', '[\"30\"]', NULL, NULL, NULL, NULL, '2024-03-05 16:10:23', '2024-03-05 16:10:23'),
(11454, 11454, '<div><b><span style=\"font-size: 1rem;\">Ceasefire talks between Hamas and mediators broke up on Tuesday in Cairo with no breakthrough, with just days left to halt fighting in time for the start of Ramadan.</span><br></b></div><div><br></div><div>Senior Hamas official Bassem Naim told Reuters the militant group had presented its proposal for a ceasefire agreement to the mediators during two days of talks, and was now waiting for a response from the Israelis, who stayed away from this round.</div><div><br></div><div>“(Prime Minister Benjamin) Netanyahu doesn’t want to reach an agreement and the ball now is in the Americans’ court” to press him for a deal, Naim said.</div><div><br></div><div>Israel has declined to comment publicly on the talks in Cairo.</div><div>A source told Reuters earlier that Israel was staying away because Hamas had rejected its demand to furnish a list of all hostages who are still alive. Naim said this was impossible without a ceasefire first as hostages were scattered across the war zone and held by separate groups.</div><div><br></div><div>The Cairo talks had been billed as a final hurdle to reach the war’s first extended ceasefire — a 40-day truce during which dozens of hostages would be freed and aid would be pumped into Gaza to stave off a manmade famine, ahead of Ramadan, which is due to begin at the start of next week.</div><div><br></div><div>Egyptian security sources said on Monday they were still in touch with the Israelis to allow the negotiations to continue without an Israeli delegation present.</div><div><br></div><div>Washington, which is both Israel’s closest ally and a sponsor of the ceasefire talks, has said an Israeli-approved deal is already on the table and it is up to Hamas to accept it. Hamas disputes this account as an attempt to deflect blame from Israel if the talks collapse with no deal.</div><div><br></div><div>The United States has also called on Israel to do more to alleviate the humanitarian catastrophe in Gaza, where more than 30,000 people have been killed by Israel’s assault, launched after Hamas attacks that killed 1,200 people in October. - Reuters&nbsp;</div><div><br></div><div>bnbd24/fas</div>', NULL, 'International Desk', '[\"29\"]', NULL, NULL, NULL, NULL, '2024-03-05 17:30:30', '2024-03-05 17:30:30');
INSERT INTO `news_details` (`id`, `news_id`, `details`, `ticker`, `representative`, `keyword`, `video_link`, `google_drive_link`, `audio_link`, `shoulder`, `created_at`, `updated_at`) VALUES
(11455, 11455, '<div><b><br></b></div><div><b>Women farmers and female-headed households in low- and middle-income countries suffer larger losses due to climatic shocks, such as heat and flooding, than those by male-headed households, according to a new study Tuesday by the UN Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO).&nbsp;</b></div><div><br></div><div>The Unjust Climate noted that female-headed rural households on average have lost 8% more of their income during heat waves and 3% more during floods, compared to male-headed households.</div><div><br></div><div>The gender gap translates into a per capita reduction of $83 due to heat stress and $35 due to floods -- reaching an annual total of $37 billion and $16 billion, respectively, it said.</div><div><br></div><div>The report used data from 24 low- and middle-income countries across five regions and spans 70 years of daily climate data, matched with the incomes of more than 100,000 households.</div><div><br></div><div>Climate change is also increasing the number of hours women are required to work and since women already have a higher burden of care in almost all countries, it exacerbates the situation.</div><div><br></div><div>On top of all of this, there are also persistent discriminatory social norms that women and girls face in agri-food systems, which may constrain how much they can work outside the home or how far they can travel for work.</div><div><br></div><div>The FAO estimated that closing labor and productivity gaps between women and men could significantly affect GDP, increasing it by 1% globally and reducing food insecurity for 45 million people.</div><div><br></div><div>The report found that projects and policies focusing on empowerment can significantly improve resilience to climatic and other shocks. It was estimated that empowering projects could lead to an additional 235 million families having higher resilience to climate shocks.</div><div><br></div><div>Addressing the gaps and promoting empowerment are crucial to helping families and women become more resilient to climate change.</div><div><br></div><div>The UN agency then urged specific strategies to address the particular vulnerabilities of rural households headed by women. - Anadolu Agency</div><div><br></div><div>bnbd24/fas</div>', NULL, 'International Desk', '[\"29\"]', NULL, NULL, NULL, NULL, '2024-03-05 17:33:56', '2024-03-05 17:33:56'),
(11456, 11456, '<div><span style=\"font-size: 1rem;\">Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on Wednesday asked the Rapid Action Battalion (RAB) force to be more vigilant against the dishonest businesses to help stablise the prices of the essentials during the upcoming month of Ramadan.</span><br></div><div><br></div><div>“Holy Ramadan is coming. During this month it is very unfortunate that some dishonest businessmen become more greedy instead of restraining the greed,” she said.</div><div><br></div><div>She was addressing the 20th founding anniversary of RAB at the elite force\'s headquarters in the capital\'s Kurmitola.</div><div><br></div><div>She mentioned that these business people start hoarding essential items for this Ramadan, hike the prices and play various types of tricks.</div><div><br></div><div>“Proper steps must be taken against these dishonest businessmen and smugglers,” she asked the RAB officials.</div><div><br></div><div>Hasina also directed the RAB personnel to intensify their drive against the counterfeit notes ahead of Eid-ul-fitr.</div><div><br></div><div>“The drive against these elements are going on and I am asking you to continue the drive,” she said.</div><div><br></div><div>Home Minister Asaduzzaman Khan and Director General (DG) of the Rapid Action Battalion (RAB) M Khurshid Hossain also spoke at the programme.</div><div><br></div><div>A documentary on recent activities of RAB was screened at the programme. According to UNB reports&nbsp;</div><div><br></div><div>bnbd24/fas</div>', NULL, 'News Desk', '[\"30\"]', NULL, NULL, NULL, NULL, '2024-03-06 08:39:56', '2024-03-06 08:39:56'),
(11457, 11457, '<div><span style=\"font-size: 1rem;\"><b>Female farmers, poor people, and older populations are the most affected by climate change, and their needs require targeted measures, the UN Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) highlighted in a report published on Tuesday.</b></span><br></div><div><br></div><div>The study, titled \"Unjust Climate,\" reveals that certain social groups are disproportionately affected by climate-related income disparities due to unequal capacities to adapt to extreme weather. Conducted over two years by a team of eight experts and various consultants, the report collected socio-economic data from 109,000 rural households in 24 low and middle-income countries, representing over 950 million people.</div><div><br></div><div>According to the study, if average temperatures were to increase by just 1 degree Celsius, rural women would face a 34 percent greater loss in their total incomes compared to men.</div><div><br></div><div>As for poor households, rising temperature renders them more dependent on climate-sensitive agriculture, and with floods, they would lose 4.4 percent of their total compared to non-poor households on average.</div><div><br></div><div>The findings, categorized by gender, wealth and age, aim to guide countries in developing tailored responses to address the diverse needs of affected groups, reports UNB</div><div><br></div><div>\"Our hope is that we will start taking into more consideration the differences in the vulnerability of people, because vulnerabilities are not the same for all, and they need different types of support,\" FAO senior economist and report\'s lead author Nicholas Sitko told Xinhua.</div><div><br></div><div>bnbd24/fas</div>', NULL, 'News Desk', '[\"30\"]', NULL, NULL, NULL, NULL, '2024-03-06 09:50:19', '2024-03-06 09:50:19'),
(11458, 11458, '<div><span style=\"font-size: 1rem;\"><b>Chief of Army Staff of Bangladesh General SM Shafiuddin Ahmed returned home on Wednesday after attending the \'Doha International Maritime Defence Exhibition and Conference (DIMDEX 2024) in Qatar.</b></span><br></div><div><br></div><div>The DIMDEX was held on March 4 and March 5, said a press release of ISPR.</div><div><br></div><div>The conference discussed several issues including creating an atmosphere of mutual trust by improving relations among respective land forces, developing professional relations, strengthening regional security system, dealing with conflict problems, joint training and long-term plans for modernisation of forces.</div><div><br></div><div>Besides, the army chief also held bilateral meetings with the Chief of Staff of Qatar Armed Forces and senior military officials including the chiefs of army from different countries.</div><div><br></div><div>SM Shafiuddin left for Qatar on March 3. - UNB</div><div><br></div><div>bnbd24/fas</div>', NULL, 'News Desk', '[\"30\"]', NULL, NULL, NULL, NULL, '2024-03-06 10:17:19', '2024-03-06 10:17:19'),
(11459, 11459, '<div><span style=\"font-size: 1rem;\"><b>Dr Raihan Sharif, a lecturer of the Community Medicine department at Shaheed M Mansur Ali Medical College and Hospital in Sirajganj has been suspended over shooting a student inside a classroom.</b></span><br></div><div><br></div><div>The medical college authorities took the decision on Wednesday following the directives of the Directorate General of Medical Education (DGME), Prof Dr Amirul Hossain, principal of the college, told UNB.</div><div><br></div><div>Earlier, on Tuesday a Sirajganj court ordered the imprisonment of Dr Raihan.</div><div><br></div><div>The decision was handed down on Tuesday by Billal Hossain, judge of the Additional Chief Judicial Magistrate Court-1 in Sirajganj, shortly after Dr. Raihan’s court appearance.</div><div><br></div><div>The incident, which has sparked widespread condemnation, led to the formation of a three-member investigation committee by the Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS). The committee visited the medical college on Tuesday to examine the circumstances surrounding the shooting.</div><div><br></div><div>In response to the grave incident, students of Shaheed M Mansur Ali Medical College and Hospital organised a protest on the Sirajganj-Bogura-4 lane highway, demanding the immediate dismissal and severe punishment of Dr. Raihan. Their demands extend to the Prime Minister’s intervention for the revocation of the Bangladesh Medical and Dental Council (BMDC) registration and the permanent removal of the accused from his teaching position. The students eventually suspended their protest after receiving assurances from the DGHS investigative team.</div><div><br></div><div>Arafat Amin Tomal, 23, a third-year student and victim of the shooting, is currently receiving medical care. The incident took place on Monday afternoon during a class, resulting in Tomal’s hospitalisation. Dr. Raihan was arrested at the scene, and his firearm was confiscated by the police.</div><div><br></div><div>Md Sirajul Islam, the officer-in-charge of the local police station, revealed that Dr. Raihan Sharif was known for carrying weapons and knives, which he would openly display during lectures. Sharif reportedly threatened students with these weapons whenever they objected to their presence in the classroom.</div><div><br></div><div>The situation escalated during an exam on Monday when, after verbally abusing Tomal, Dr. Raihan shot him, leaving the student wounded. A preliminary investigation has confirmed that the firearm used was illegal, leading to an additional charge against Dr. Raihan under the Arms Act.</div><div><br></div><div>The victim’s father, Abdullah Al Amin, has filed a case against Dr. Raihan with the Sadar Police Station, further intensifying the legal actions against the embattled lecturer. According to UNB reports&nbsp;</div><div><br></div><div>bnbd24/fas</div>', NULL, 'News Desk', '[\"30\"]', NULL, NULL, NULL, NULL, '2024-03-06 10:22:16', '2024-03-06 10:22:16'),
(11460, 11460, '<div style=\"text-align: justify; \"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify; \">Rajib Moni Das has got Television Reporters Unity of Bangladesh (TRUB) Award-2024 in the best dramatist category.&nbsp;</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">The award ceremony was held at the Ballroom of hotel InterContinental Dhaka in the capital’s Shahbagh area on Wednesday. Minister for Land Narayan Chandra Chanda graced the occasion as the chief guest while former shipping minister Shajahan Khan inaugurated the ceremony. Rajib Moni Das is an author, playwright, lyricist and director.&nbsp;</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">He started his media career as a stage artiste. Since 2009, he has been writing script for television drams. His written first single-episode play is ‘Rahmat Master’. Rajib has written over 150 single-episode dramas so far.&nbsp; His popular drama serials are ‘Traffic Signal’, ‘Rong Berong er Manushera’, ‘Pagoler Mela’, ‘Saat Ronga Bhalobasha’. Apart from playwrights, Rajib also wrote songs, stories and novels. Rajib is also known for as ad maker and director. He has made a good many television commercials.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify; \">bnbd24/Roman</div>', NULL, 'news desk', '[\"13\"]', NULL, NULL, NULL, NULL, '2024-03-06 10:54:55', '2024-03-06 10:54:55'),
(11461, 11461, '<div><span style=\"font-size: 1rem;\"><b>The fire at the S Alam Group-owned sugar refinery factory in Chattogram has triggered a cascade of environmental repercussions, including water and soil contamination, air pollution, ecological disruption, potential health risks, and lasting environmental effects.</b></span><br></div><div><br></div><div>The Karnaphuli River is facing severe pollution as burnt waste from the mill, particularly melted sugar from warehouse number 1, is directly flowing into the river through two drains, turning its water copper-colored and leading to a distressing sight of dead aquatic animals along its banks.</div><div><br></div><div>The polluted water is causing harm to various aquatic species, including fish and crabs. Locals said dead fish have been floating in the river since Tuesday.</div><div><br></div><div>Burning sugar can create harmful byproducts like ash and trace amounts of nitrogen oxides and sulfur oxides. Sugar processing generates large volumes of wastewater containing organic matter, nutrients, and sometimes harmful chemicals like pesticides used in sugarcane cultivation. This can deplete oxygen in the river, harming aquatic life.</div><div><br></div><div>As a result, low oxygen levels and potential toxins from the burnt sugar are leading to fish kills and disrupting the aquatic ecosystem in the area.</div><div><br></div><div>The burned waste is not confined to the river alone, spreading several kilometers around the factory, said residents of the nearby area.</div><div><br></div><div>This is causing inconvenience and health concerns for the residents of Ichanagar.</div><div><br></div><div>As the combustion of sugar and other materials in the godown released various pollutants into the air, including carbon dioxide, carbon monoxide, particulate matter, and potentially toxic gases, this caused poor air quality in the surrounding area, affecting both human health and the environment.</div><div><br></div><div>Burning sugar also releases specific air pollutants like acrolein, a known irritant to the eyes and respiratory system.</div><div><br></div><div>Nazrul Islam, a local, said “Some locals are facing respiratory issues and we are afraid of getting sick.”&nbsp;&nbsp;</div><div><br></div><div>He expressed worry about the continuous dumping of factory waste in the river.</div><div><br></div><div>“The waste of these factories is regularly dumped into the river. Now they are dumping it on the roads and fields,” he said.</div><div><br></div><div>River researcher Idris Ali pointed out that the factory needed to allocate sufficient space for waste disposal before establishment.</div><div><br></div><div>The failure to do so has led to the burnt waste from the factory polluting the Karnaphuli River, posing a threat to fisheries and biodiversity, he said.&nbsp;&nbsp;</div><div><br></div><div>He also mentioned that prolonged fire can have a direct impact on the local ecosystem, harming plants, animals, and microorganisms.</div><div><br></div><div>“The release of pollutants into the air and water can disrupt the balance of the ecosystem and pose a threat to biodiversity,” he said.</div><div><br></div><div>Depending on the scale of the fire and the effectiveness of containment measures, the long-term environmental effects could persist even after the fire is extinguished. This may include ongoing pollution of air, water, and soil in the area.</div><div><br></div><div>“The environmental damage incurred may become irreversible,” said the expert.&nbsp;</div><div><br></div><div>He underscored law enforcement agencies\' need for heightened vigilance in enforcing regulations.</div><div><br></div><div>Meanwhile, Kamrul Hasan, the Deputy Director of the Department of Environment visited the site to collect water samples from both the factory drain and the river for analysis, reports unb</div><div><br></div><div>\"Upon testing the water samples, we will be able to determine the extent of damage to various water components,” he said.</div><div><br></div><div>Mostain Billah Adil, Chief Land Resources Officer of S Alam Group, said, “Approximately 30 dump trucks are currently depositing molten raw sugar at our designated site. We are making our best efforts to manage the situation. At this point, we can only be sorry now.”&nbsp;</div><div><br></div><div>bnbd24/fas</div>', NULL, 'News Desk', '[\"30\"]', NULL, NULL, NULL, NULL, '2024-03-06 16:09:44', '2024-03-06 16:09:44'),
(11462, 11462, '<div><b><br></b></div><div><b>Ahead of the month of Ramadan, the Trading Corporation of Bangladesh (TCB) will start selling five goods at subsidised prices from Thursday among 10 million family cardholders across the country.</b></div><div><br></div><div>A consumer with a family card can buy a maximum of 2 litres of soybean oil, 2 kg lentils, 1 kg of sugar, 5 kg rice and 1 kg dates.</div><div><br></div><div>In this case, the price of soybean oil will be kept at Tk 100 per litre, sugar at Tk 100, per kg lentils at Tk 60 per kg, dates at Tk 150, and rice at Tk 30 per kg.</div><div><br></div><div>The TCB increased the price of sugar by Tk30 to Tk100 per kg this time, which was Tk60 per kg last year.</div><div><br></div><div>In this regard, TCB spokesperson Humayun Kabir told UNB that the price of sugar has been increased to adjust the price in the market.</div><div><br></div><div>Earlier, TCB sold sugar at a relatively low price. The last time sugar was supplied to the dealers three months ago, the price was falling. Now the price of sugar in the market has increased a lot, he said.</div><div><br></div><div>According to the TCB, the distributors will conduct this activity according to the scheduled date and time in cooperation with the city corporations, district and upazila administrations.</div><div><br></div><div>During the campaign, family cardholders can buy products from the distributors\' shops or designated places in their respective areas.</div><div><br></div><div>State Minister for Commerce Ahasanul Islam Titu will inaugurate the Ramadan sales programme on Thursday at Ward No. 24 of the Dhaka North City Corporation. - UNB</div><div><br></div><div>bnbd24/fas</div>', NULL, 'News Desk', '[\"30\"]', NULL, NULL, NULL, NULL, '2024-03-06 16:13:20', '2024-03-06 16:13:20'),
(11463, 11463, '<div><br></div><div>&nbsp;A German man who deliberately got vaccinated for Covid-19 a whopping 217 times did not report any side effects from his many jabs, according to researchers studying possibly the “most vaccinated person in history”.</div><div><br></div><div>The immune system of the 62-year-old man from the central German city of Magdeburg – who has not been named – is still firing on all cylinders, the researchers said in The Lancet Infectious Diseases journal.</div><div><br></div><div>They said the man voluntarily received so many shots against all medical advice and warned against jumping to far-reaching conclusions from this single case.</div><div><br></div><div>The man first came to the attention of the German-led researchers due to news reports in 2022, when he had only received 90 jabs.</div><div><br></div><div>Media reports at the time said the man was suspected of getting so many doses to collect the completed vaccination cards, which could then be forged and sold to people who did not want to be vaccinated.</div><div><br></div><div>A public prosecutor in Magdeburg opened an investigation into allegations of fraud over the case but no criminal charges were filed, according to the scientific paper published earlier this week.</div><div><br></div><div>The prosecutor collected evidence of 130 vaccinations over nine months, it added.</div><div><br></div><div>But the man claims to have received 217 vaccine doses of eight different Covid-19 vaccines – including all mRNA versions – over 29 months.</div><div><br></div><div>Kilian Schober, a virologist at Germany’s University of Erlangen-Nuremberg and study co-author, said in a statement that when they contacted the man, he was “very interested” in undergoing a range of tests to examine the effect of so many vaccinations.</div><div><br></div><div>The case allowed the researchers an extremely rare chance to study what is known as “hypervaccination”.</div><div><br></div><div>Some scientists have theorised that after being hit by so many vaccinations, a body’s immune cells would become less effective as they became accustomed to the antigens.</div><div><br></div><div>But that was not the case for the German man, the researchers found.</div><div><br></div><div>In fact, he had “considerably higher concentrations” of immune cells and antibodies for Covid-19 than a control group of three people who received the recommended three vaccinations, the study said.</div><div><br></div><div>His body also showed no sign of fatigue from all those vaccinations – his 217th jab still boosted his number of antibodies against Covid-19, the researchers found.</div><div><br></div><div>The man reported that he never had any vaccine-related side effects from any of the 217 jabs. He also never tested positive for Covid-19 and showed no signs of past infection, the researchers said.</div><div><br></div><div>But they warned against taking away any wider lessons from the man’s experience.</div><div><br></div><div>“It should go without saying that we do not endorse hypervaccination,” Schober wrote on X, formerly known as Twitter.</div><div><br></div><div>Caitjan Gainty, an expert in the history of vaccines at King’s College London not involved in the study, told AFP she had “never come across a historical discussion of someone who received more vaccinations than this”.</div><div><br></div><div>It is “relatively unlikely” that anyone has ever had more vaccinations than the man, she added.</div><div><br></div><div>Spyros Lytras, a virologist at the University of Tokyo, said it was a “comically large number of vaccinations”.</div><div><br></div><div>“Whether this is the most vaccinated person in history, I cannot know, but they are certainly the most vaccinated person reported to date” by some margin, he told AFP.</div><div><br></div><div>“And I doubt that we’re going to see another such report any time soon.” - AFP&nbsp;</div><div><br></div><div>bnbd24/fas</div>', NULL, 'International Desk', '[\"30\"]', NULL, NULL, NULL, NULL, '2024-03-06 16:16:14', '2024-03-06 16:43:48'),
(11464, 11464, '<div><span style=\"font-size: 1rem;\"><b>Banks have disbursed agriculture credit of Tk2,473 crore more in the first seven months of the current fiscal year 2023-24 compared with the disbursement in FY2022-23.</b></span><br></div><div><br></div><div>According to the latest report of the Bangladesh Bank (BB), the achievement of the agriculture credit disbursement target was 60.44 percent or Tk21,154 crore in the first seven months of FY 2023-24. During the same period of the previous fiscal year the amount of loan disbursement was Tk18,684 crore or 60.64 percent of the target.</div><div><br></div><div>While the total amount increased the percentage rate has decreased slightly as the total volume of agriculture credit was raised in FY 2023-24.</div><div><br></div><div>The BB-set agriculture credit disbursement target in FY2023-24 is Tk35,000 crore, which was Tk30,811 crore in FY2022-23.</div><div><br></div><div>At the same time, five banks have disbursed 100 percent of targeted agriculture credit. Foreign lender Habib Bank has made a record of the highest agricultural and rural loan disbursement. The bank achieved 222.8 percent disbursement during the current fiscal year under the review period.</div><div><br></div><div>At the same time the AB Bank disbursed 173.3 percent, Dhaka Bank 145.3 percent, State Bank of India 121.8 percent, and Bank Al Falah disbursed 105.3 percent of loans.</div><div><br></div><div>According to the data, in the first seven months of the current financial year, eight state-owned banks disbursed agricultural loans of Tk 7,551 crore, which is 62.77 percent of the total target. Private and foreign banks disbursed loans of Tk 13,603 crore during the same period, which is 59.22 percent of the total target.</div><div><br></div><div>Among the private sector banks, the Padma Bank has disbursed agriculture loans 0.38 percent, Madhumati Bank 4.93 percent, Social Islami Bank 12.77 percent, Global Islami Bank 14.55 percent, Simanto Bank 17.72 percent and South East Bank 18.10 percent.</div><div><br></div><div>Local Citizen Bank and foreign Woori Bank could not disburse a single penny in the first seven months of the current fiscal year.</div><div><br></div><div>The BB reduced the dependency of private banks on Micro Finance Institutions (MFIs) to reach farmers at low-interest rates. The central bank has made it mandatory to disburse at least 50 percent of agricultural loans through the bank\'s own network. It was 30 percent earlier. According to unb reports</div><div><br></div><div>bnbd24/fas</div>', NULL, 'News Desk', '[\"30\"]', NULL, NULL, NULL, NULL, '2024-03-06 16:18:21', '2024-03-06 16:18:21'),
(11465, 11465, '<div><b><span style=\"font-size: 1rem;\">In response to the recent tragic fire on the Bailey Road in the capital, the Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) has been conducting drives targeting establishments with potential fire safety hazards.</span><br></b></div><div><br></div><div>The drive that started on March 3 resulted in the detention of 872 owners and employees from 1,347 hotels, restaurants, gas cylinder shops, and chemical warehouses till March 5.</div><div><br></div><div>The primary objective of the DMP drive is to assess and address fire safety shortcomings in various non-compliant buildings across the capital. Police inspected 1,132 hotels and restaurants, 207 gas cylinder shops, and eight chemical warehouses during the operation.</div><div><br></div><div>During the drive, 20 regular cases were filed at local police stations, resulting in the issuance of 887 additional prosecutions against individuals and businesses violating fire safety regulations, said KN Roy Nioty, ADC (Media and Public Relations) of the DMP.</div><div><br></div><div>This recent surge in enforcement comes after a devastating fire ripped through a seven-storey commercial building on Bailey Road in Dhaka on February 29, killing 46 individuals, including 26 women and three children, and critically injuring 22 others. According to UNB reports</div><div><br></div><div>bnbd24/fas</div><div><br></div>', NULL, 'News Desk', '[\"30\"]', NULL, NULL, NULL, NULL, '2024-03-06 16:21:58', '2024-03-06 16:21:58'),
(11466, 11466, '<div><span style=\"font-size: 1rem;\"><b>Chinese President Xi Jinping has asked his party members and officials to focus on innovations in a rapidly transforming global scenario.</b></span><br></div><div><br></div><div>\"Facing the latest round of scientific and technological revolutions and industrial transformations, we must seize opportunities and step up efforts for innovations,\" said Xi, also general secretary of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee and chairman of the Central Military Commission.</div><div><br></div><div>XI made the statement as he took part in the deliberation of the government work report with his fellow deputies from the delegation of Jiangsu Province to the second session of the 14th National People’s Congress on March 5 in Beijing.</div><div><br></div><div>He emphasised on the need to firmly focus on the primary task of high-quality development and develop new quality productive forces according to local conditions.</div><div><br></div><div>He also asked to strengthen emerging industries, arrange the development of industries for the future in advance, and modernise industrial system.</div><div><br></div><div>He said to develop new quality productive forces doesn’t mean ignoring or abandoning traditional industries. The endeavours in this regard should never be in a mad scramble, and bubbles should be prevented.</div><div><br></div><div>\"We should also avoid the domination of a single model,\" he said.</div><div><br></div><div>The President of China, the world’s second largest economy, also said localities should adhere to the principle of proceeding from reality, building the new before discarding the old, taking measures in line with local conditions, and giving differentiated guidance.</div><div><br></div><div>\"They must selectively cultivate new industries, business models and growth drivers in the light of their resource endowment, industrial foundation and scientific research conditions, among other factors,\" he said.</div><div><br></div><div>He also emphasised on transforming and upgrading traditional industries with new technologies and taking rigorous actions to make industries higher-end, smarter, and more environmentally friendly.</div><div><br></div><div>The deliberation was carried out in a warm and lively atmosphere within the delegation. Cui Tiejun, Gao Jifan, Song Yan, Wu Huifang, Wu Xinming and Sun Jingnan, six deputies of the delegation, presented on how to achieve great self-reliance and strength in science and technology, promote the high-quality development of the country’s photovoltaic industry, strengthen the protection and inheritance of cultural heritage, build happy villages featuring common prosperity, support the integrated development of the Yangtze River Delta, and promote craftsmanship.</div><div><br></div><div>Xi joined their talks from time to time, exchanging opinions with his fellow deputies.After listening to the deputies’ presentations, Xi delivered a speech.</div><div><br></div><div>He expressed his approval of the government work report, fully acknowledging the new progress and achievements made in Jiangsu’s economic and social development.</div><div><br></div><div>He expressed the hope that Jiangsu will have greater confidence, exert its utmost, and shoulder greater responsibilities to make even more contributions to the nation.</div><div><br></div><div>Xi stressed that Jiangsu possesses favorable conditions and capabilities for developing new quality productive forces.</div><div><br></div><div>He highlighted the importance of building a modern industrial system with advanced manufacturing as the mainstay.</div><div><br></div><div>\"It is essential for technological innovation to play a leading role in coordinating the upgrading of traditional industries, the expansion of emerging industries, and the nurturing of industries for the future and imperative to intensify the integration between technological innovation and industrial innovation, and reinforce the leading edge of traditional industries,\" he mentioned.</div><div><br></div><div>It is important to accelerate the building of internationally competitive clusters of strategic emerging industries, and make Jiangsu a major locality for the development of new quality productive forces, he added.</div><div><br></div><div>Xi pointed out the necessity of planning major measures to further deepen reform on all fronts, so as to continuously inject strong impetus into the endeavor to promote high-quality development and advance Chinese modernization. To build a high-level socialist market economy, it is imperative to accelerate the improvement of basic systems underpinning the market economy such as those for property rights protection, market access, fair competition, and social credit.</div><div><br></div><div>It is essential to improve and implement the institutions and mechanisms to unswervingly consolidate and develop the public sector and unswervingly encourage, support and guide the development of the non-public sector, facilitate the growth of the private sector and private enterprises, and stimulate the endogenous power and innovation vitality of various business entities. Reform of systems involving science and technology, education and professional personnel should be deepened, and barriers obstructing the development of new quality productive forces should be removed. Efforts should be continued to create a world-class business environment that is market-oriented, law-based and internationalized to foster new strengths for a higher-level open economy.</div><div><br></div><div>Xi stressed that since the 18th CPC National Congress in 2012, a series of coordinated regional development strategies, major regional strategies and functional zoning strategies have been implemented, playing an important supporting role in fostering a new development paradigm and promoting high-quality development. It is imperative for Jiangsu to fully integrate into and contribute to the development of the Yangtze Economic Belt and the strategy for integrated development of the Yangtze River Delta, and strengthen its alignment with the development strategies of other regions and major regional strategies to build interconnected innovation, industrial, and supply chains in a broader range of areas, so that Jiangsu can better leverage its strength as a major economically developed province to drive the development of the whole region and the whole country.</div><div><br></div><div>Xi pointed out that efforts must be made to sustain and reinforce the positive momentum of economic recovery, and boost confidence in development across society. Party officials should be among the first to have greater confidence and take concrete, effective actions.</div><div><br></div><div>\"To consolidate and expand what has been achieved in theoretical study programmes, efforts must be made to establish a long-term mechanism, resolutely rectify pointless formalities and bureaucratism, effectively reduce the burden on the grassroots, spark the creativity of the entire Party and society, and boost Party officials’ enterprising spirit in their work,\" he also said.</div><div><br></div><div>He also highlighted that the people-centered development philosophy should be upheld, and the people’s well-being should be steadily improved in the course of pursuing development, so as to guide and encourage the broad masses to create a happy life with their own hands.</div><div><br></div><div>Lastly, Xi stressed that it is important to ensure workplace safety by further improving the work to detect safety hazards, strengthening early warning and monitoring, and implementing emergency measures to ensure the safety of people’s lives and property.</div><div><br></div><div>Cai Qi, a member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee and director of the General Office of the CPC Central Committee, participated in the deliberation.</div><div><br></div><div>Mu Hong and Jiang Xinzhi, among others, were present. According to UNB reports&nbsp;</div><div><br></div><div>bnbd24/fas</div>', NULL, 'International Desk', '[\"30\"]', NULL, NULL, NULL, NULL, '2024-03-06 16:29:21', '2024-03-06 16:29:21'),
(11467, 11467, '<div><b><span style=\"font-size: 1rem;\">Two people were killed and four were injured as a pick-up van rammed into three motorbikes on Sylhet-Tamabil highway in Jaintiapur upazila of Sylhet district on Tuesday.</span><br></b></div><div><br></div><div>The deceased were identified as Shihab, 22, son of Alauddin, and Foysal Reza, 19, son of Liakat Ali of the upazila.</div><div><br></div><div>The accident occurred around 9:45 pm in front of Jaflong Valley Boarding School when the Mokampunji-bound pick-up van hit three motorbikes, leaving five people injured, said Tajul Islam, officer-in-charge of Jaintapur Model Police Station, reports unb</div><div><br></div><div>The injured were taken to Jaintiapur Upazila Health Complex where the doctors declared two of them dead.</div><div><br></div><div>Vehicular movement on Sylhet-Tamabil road remained suspended for an hour as local people put up barricades protesting the accident.</div><div><br></div><div>bnbd24/fas</div>', NULL, 'News Desk', '[\"30\"]', NULL, NULL, NULL, NULL, '2024-03-06 16:41:40', '2024-03-06 16:41:40'),
(11468, 11468, '<div><span style=\"font-size: 1rem;\">Former South Africa pacer Shabnim Ismail created history on Tuesday when she bowled the fastest delivery ever recorded in women\'s cricket.</span><br></div><div><br></div><div>Ismail broke the record with a delivery that clocked the speed of 132.1km/h (82.08mph) when bowling for the Mumbai Indians in their Women\'s Premier League (WPL) clash against the Delhi Capitals at Arun Jaitley Stadium.</div><div><br></div><div>It was the first time that a delivery in women\'s cricket has been clocked at a speed greater than 130km/h, with Ismail\'s thunderbolt smashing into the pad of former Australia captain Meg Lanning on the second ball of the third over of the match.</div><div><br></div><div>Ismail, who appeared for South Africa in all eight previous ICC Women\'s T20 World Cups and only retired from international cricket following last year\'s tournament on home soil, had previously been clocked as bowling at 128km/h (79.54mph) against the West Indies in 2016 and at 127km/h twice during the most recent edition of the ICC Women\'s Cricket World Cup in 2022.</div><div><br></div><div>When quizzed about breaking the record during a post-match interview, Ismail played down the effort and indicated she \"doesn\'t actually look at the big screen when I’m bowling.\"</div><div><br></div><div>Ismail\'s efforts were in vain as she delivered four expensive overs to finish with figures of 1/46 as the Indians went down to the Capitals by 29 runs in Delhi. - ICC</div><div><br></div><div>bnbd24/fas</div>', NULL, 'Sports Desk', '[\"20\"]', NULL, NULL, NULL, NULL, '2024-03-06 16:48:41', '2024-03-06 16:48:41'),
(11469, 11469, '<div><b><span style=\"font-size: 1rem;\">Iranian authorities are subjecting women to widespread surveillance to enforce the obligatory headscarf, even inside cars, and then imposing punishments including the confiscation of vehicles, Amnesty International said today.</span><br></b></div><div><br></div><div>The Islamic Republic’s leadership was in 2022 shaken by mass protests that saw women denounce the dress code but have made clear it has no plan to abandon the obligatory hijab imposed after the 1979 Islamic Revolution.</div><div><br></div><div>Amnesty said in a report, based on testimony from over 40 women inside Iran published ahead of the March 8 International Women’s Day, that women were being targeted with “widespread surveillance” in public spaces and “mass police checks” targeting women drivers.</div><div><br></div><div>It said pictures captured by surveillance cameras or reports from plain clothes agents using the police app Nazer identify licence plates of vehicles with female drivers or passengers deemed to have violated the rule.</div><div><br></div><div>The women then receive text messages ordering them to report to the police and hand over the vehicles as punishment. It said hundreds of thousands of such orders to impound vehicles have been issued.</div><div><br></div><div>The cars can then be released in some cases after 15-30 days once “arbitrary” fees are transferred and written pledges are obtained to observe compulsory veiling.</div><div><br></div><div>“In a sinister attempt to wear down resistance to compulsory veiling…Iran’s authorities are terrorising women and girls by subjecting them to constant surveillance and policing,” said Diana Eltahawy, Amnesty’s deputy director for the Middle East and North Africa, denouncing “draconian tactics”.</div><div><br></div><div>It said authorities have also conducted mass random checks, with police pulling over the women drivers to check if their cars are to be confiscated.</div><div><br></div><div>Access to transport, airports, and banking services is regularly denied and made conditional upon women wearing a headscarf, Amnesty said.</div><div><br></div><div>Those defying the rule face prosecution and in January 2024, a flogging sentence of 74 lashes was implemented against a young woman, Roya Heshmati, for appearing unveiled in public.</div><div><br></div><div>Protests erupted in September 2022 following the death in police custody of Mahsa Amini, who had been arrested for allegedly violating the hijab rule.</div><div><br></div><div>The demonstrations subsided in the face of a crackdown that saw hundreds killed and thousands arrested.</div><div><br></div><div>Iran’s parliament in September 2023 passed the “Bill to Support the Culture of Chastity and Hijab” which increases punishments for those deemed to have violated the rule. - AFP</div><div><br></div><div>bnbd24/fas</div>', NULL, 'International Desk', '[\"29\"]', NULL, NULL, NULL, NULL, '2024-03-06 17:06:10', '2024-03-06 17:06:10'),
(11470, 11470, '<div><b><span style=\"font-size: 1rem;\">Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on Thursday said the international recognition of Bangabandhu\'s historic March 7 speech proves that history cannot be obliterated, although the anti-liberation forces tried it.</span><br></b></div><div><br></div><div>“History cannot be erased, truth cannot be covered by false, and now that has been proved. The historical speech of March 7 has attained it’s the recognition in the world,” she said.</div><div><br></div><div>The prime minister was addressing a programme marking the historic March 7 speech of Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman before his proclanation of independence on March 26 in 1971.</div><div><br></div><div>She said that the historic speech is significant not only for the people of Bangladesh, rather this has been one of the greatest speeches of the world leaders who had encouraged their peoples for independence.</div><div><br></div><div>“They (anti-Liberation forces) erased the name of the Father of the Nation, his picture could not be shown, the historical speech of March 7 was banned, Joy Bangla slogan was banned,” she said.</div><div><br></div><div>Recalling the barbaric killing of the father of the nation, Hasina, also the elder dauhhter of Bangabandhu, said that the anti-liberation forces did not like the efforts of Bangabandhu after the independence of the country to turn Bangladesh as the least developed country within three years and seven months from a war-ravaged one.</div><div><br></div><div>“And when the country was advancing towards economic emancipation, the anti-liberation forces did not like that,” she said.</div><div><br></div><div>She also said that the most regrettable matter is that Pakistanis could not kill the father of the nation, but he was killed by some of his own countrymen.</div><div><br></div><div>“It was not just a killing for power, they did not killonly the President,” she said.</div><div><br></div><div>She mentioned that her mother, three younger brothers, only paternal uncle, student leader Fazlul Haque Moni and his pregnant wife, her uncle Abdur Rab Serniabat and his ten years old son, 13 years old daughter, four years old grandson were also killed.</div><div><br></div><div>She said that Bangabandhu’s military secretary who rushed to save him was also killed while police officer Siddiqur Rahman was slain.</div><div><br></div><div>“Bangladesh could not advance a single step after the massacre. Bangladesh was totally stuck, there was no socio-economic advancement while there was no change in the fate of the people,” she claimed.</div><div><br></div><div>The prime minister said that the March 7 speech not only inspired the people and prepared them for a guerrilla war, but also brought independence for them.</div><div><br></div><div>“A speech by a leader (Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman) not only inspired the people, prepared for a guerilla war, but also had brought victory in the war. That was the most important thing,” she said.</div><div><br></div><div>She said that the Pakistanis spent their time to find out the meaning and explanation of this speech.</div><div><br></div><div>“They (Pakistanis) tried to search the answer (of the speech) as what he (Bangabandhu) said, and what happened. The people of Bangladesh rose with arms and fought ... that was their (Pakistanis) statement.”</div><div><br></div><div>Hasina mentioned that they (Pakistanis) picked up many journalists and others to the then West Pakistan to get the answer of the speech.</div><div><br></div><div>She said that Bangabandhu wanted that the Bangalees should be given political, economic, social and cultural emancipation.</div><div><br></div><div>“He took every step in a very well planned manner, and part of that was the 7 March speech.”</div><div><br></div><div>She mentioned that many Pakistani military officers later mentioned in their books that they were stunned and could not take any action due to what he (Bangabandhu) said in the speech.</div><div><br></div><div>“In the speech, Bangabandhu showed his wisdom in preparing the nation for independence as well as not being identified as a separatist, and so the people not being immediately targeted by the Pakistani forces,\" she said.</div><div><br></div><div>The Cultural Affairs Ministry organised the programme at the Osmani Memorial Auditorium with its State Minister Naheed Ezaher Khan in the chair, reports UNB.</div><div><br></div><div>Liberation War Affairs Minister AKM Mozammel Haque, Education Minister Mohibul Hassan</div><div><br></div><div>Chowdhoury, PM’s Advisor Kamal Abdul Naser and Cabinet Secretary Md Mahbub Hossain also spoke.</div><div><br></div><div>Cultural Affairs Secretary Khalil Ahmed delivered the welcome speech.</div><div><br></div><div>At the outset, the iconic speech of Bangabandhu was played.</div><div><br></div><div>Later the PM witnessed a cultural show.</div><div><br></div><div>bnbd24/fas</div>', NULL, 'News Desk', '[\"30\"]', NULL, NULL, NULL, NULL, '2024-03-07 08:57:59', '2024-03-07 08:57:59'),
(11471, 11471, '<div><span style=\"font-size: 1rem;\"><b>March 7, a remarkable day in the history of the nation’s long arduous freedom struggle, is being observed on Thursday across the country with elaborate programmes.</b></span><br></div><div><br></div><div>In 2017, United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO) recognised the historic March 7 speech of Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman as a world documentary heritage.</div><div><br></div><div>On this day in 1971, Bangabandhu, the undisputed leader of Bangalees, delivered an epoch-making speech before a mammoth rally at the then Racecourse Maidan (now Suhrawardy Udyan) in Dhaka city.</div><div><br></div><div>In his 19-minute extempore speech before a million freedom-loving people, Bangabandhu made a clarion call for a non-cooperation movement -- asking the nation to prepare for liberating the country from the oppressive Pakistan regime.</div><div><br></div><div>\"The struggle this time is for freedom, the struggle this time is for independence, Joy Bangla,\" Bangabandhu declared from the massive rally.</div><div><br></div><div>During his speech, Bangabandhu said: \"Since we have learnt to give blood, we\'ll give more blood. Insha Allah, the people of this country will be liberated...turn every house into a fortress. Face (the enemy) with whatever you have.\"</div><div><br></div><div>His speech worked like a magic spell, inspiring the entire nation to join the struggle for independence from the autocratic and repressive rule of the then-Pakistani junta.</div><div><br></div><div>The Cabinet on October 7, 2020 declared March 7 as a \'Historic Day\' instead of \'National Historic Day\' -- to observe the day nationally and internationally, commemorating the immortal speech of Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman.</div><div><br></div><div>Awami League and different socio-political and cultural organisations have chalked out elaborate programmes on the occasion.</div><div><br></div><div>Bangladesh Betar and Bangladesh Television as well as private television channels and radio stations are airing special programmes while national dailies published special supplements marking the day.</div><div><br></div><div>National and Awami League party flags have been hoisted marking the day at Bangabandhu Bhaban and the party office this morning.</div><div><br></div><div>Meanwhile, President Mohammed Shahabuddin and Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina issued separate messages. According to UNB reports&nbsp;</div><div><br></div><div>bnbd24/fas</div>', NULL, 'News Desk', '[\"30\"]', NULL, NULL, NULL, NULL, '2024-03-07 09:15:32', '2024-03-07 09:15:32');
