INSERT INTO `news_details` (`id`, `news_id`, `details`, `ticker`, `representative`, `keyword`, `video_link`, `google_drive_link`, `audio_link`, `shoulder`, `created_at`, `updated_at`) VALUES
(6351, 6351, '<div style=\"text-align: justify; \"><span style=\"font-size: 1rem;\"><b>The BBC in India has been asked to provide financial details in a new probe linked to alleged foreign exchange violations. Britain\'s public broadcaster had faced a tax investigation earlier this year.</b></span><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">The BBC\'s foreign remittances are being scrutinised by the Enforcement Directorate, sources said today.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">The Enforcement Directorate has registered a case against BBC India under the Foreign Exchange Management Act (FEMA).</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">The probe agency has asked the BBC to furnish its books of accounts and financial statements.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">This comes months after the Income Tax department surveyed the BBC and sent its teams to the broadcaster\'s offices in Delhi and Mumbai over allegations of irregularities in taxes, diversion of profits and non-compliance with rules.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">During the survey, senior BBC staff had to stay in the office overnight to respond to questions.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">The Central Board of Direct Taxes (CBDT), the administrative body for the Income Tax department, had said the income and profits shown by various BBC group entities were \"not commensurate\" with the scale of their operations in India and tax had not been paid on certain remittances by its foreign entities.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">The tax searches came weeks after the British broadcaster aired a documentary that was critical of Prime Minister Narendra Modi\'s leadership of Gujarat during the 2002 sectarian riots. The BBC\'s two-part series titled \"India: The Modi Question\", examined allegations that PM Modi, as Chief Minister of Gujarat, didn\'t do enough to stop the riots - allegations that were dismissed by the Supreme Court. The government used emergency powers to take down posts sharing the documentary in January.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">Foreign Minister S Jaishankar, in an interview, said the timing of the BBC documentary is \"not accidental\" and denounced the narrative in the foreign media. NDTV</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify; \">bnbd24/kh</div>', NULL, 'News Desk', '[\"1\"]', NULL, NULL, NULL, NULL, '2023-04-13 12:52:19', '2023-04-13 12:52:19'),
(6352, 6352, '<div style=\"text-align: justify; \"><b style=\"font-size: 1rem;\">People from all walks of life paid their last respects to Gonoshasthaya Kendra founder and freedom fighter Dr Zafrullah Chowdhury at the Central Shaheed Minar today.</b><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">His body was brought to the Central Shaheed Minar from Birdem Hospital’s mortuary at 10:05 am and was kept there till 1 pm.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">Dr Zafrullah was given a guard of honour by the state at Central Shaheed Minar.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">His first namaz-e-janaza will be held at Suhrawardy Udyan around 2:30 pm.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">His body will be taken to Savar\'s Gono Bishwabidyalay campus at 10 am tomorrow. After Jum\'ah prayers, the second namaz-e-janaza will be held on the university campus.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">Dr Zafrullah Chowdhury passed away on Tuesday night at the age of 81. 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, '2023-04-13 13:53:38', '2023-04-13 13:53:38'),
(6353, 6353, '<div style=\"text-align: justify; \"><b style=\"font-size: 1rem;\">Donald Trump filed a lawsuit on Wednesday against his former personal lawyer and fixer Michael Cohen, a likely star witness in the criminal case facing the former US president in New York.</b><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">The suit, filed in a US District Court in Florida, seeks $500 million from Cohen over his alleged breach of attorney-client privileges and a confidentiality agreement.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">Cohen was among the witnesses who testified before the grand jury that ultimately indicted Trump, making him the first former or sitting US president to face criminal charges.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">He has been charged with 34 felony counts of falsifying business records in connection with a hush money payment to porn star Stormy Daniels.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">Cohen says he arranged the $130,000 payment in exchange for her silence about a tryst Daniels says she had with Trump in 2006.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">Trump pleaded not guilty to the charges in a Manhattan court on April 4.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">In his lawsuit, Trump accuses Cohen of \"spreading falsehoods\" about him and claimed to have suffered \"vast reputational harm.\"</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">\"Such continuous and escalating improper conduct by (Cohen) has reached a proverbial crescendo and has left (Trump) with no alternative but to seek legal redress,\" the suit said.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">&nbsp;</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">Trump is seeking a jury trial and compensatory and punitive damages of more than $500 million.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">&nbsp;</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">The 76-year-old former real estate tycoon has been embroiled in scores of lawsuits over the past decades and has a long history of attacking his opponents in court.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">Cohen, 56, is expected to be a star witness for the prosecution if the criminal case against Trump in Manhattan ever comes to trial.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">&nbsp;</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">He has acknowledged paying Daniels on Trump\'s behalf and was sentenced to three years in prison for various crimes, including the hush-money case and tax evasion.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">Trump has denied any wrongdoing and claims he is the victim of a political \"witch hunt\" by the Manhattan district attorney, a Democrat, intended to derail his 2024 White House campaign. 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, '2023-04-13 14:27:48', '2023-04-13 14:27:48'),
(6354, 6354, '<div><b><span style=\"font-size: 1rem;\">Rapid Action Battalion (RAB) Director General M Khurshid Hossain today (Thursday) said the letter threatening attack on Mangal Shovajatra was sent to a Fine Arts Institute’s student to create panic and it is not a threat from militants.</span><br></b></div><div><br></div><div>“The letter was sent to create panic. It has nothing to do with politics,” he said while talking to reporters at the Ramna Batamul in the capital after inspecting the security arrangements at the venue for the Bangla New Year celebrations on Friday.</div><div><br></div><div>Regarding the security for Pahela Baishakh celebrations, he said the Rab commando team is ready to deal with any kind of situation that may arise, as well as each Rab battalion has started special intelligence surveillance across the country.</div><div><br></div><div>Special security measures have been taken by setting up adequate checkposts, observation posts in different places of the capital, including TSC, Shahbagh, Suhrawardy Udyan and Ramna Batamul, where the new year celebration events are organized.</div><div><br></div><div>Rab\'s Bomb Disposal Unit and Dog Squad are ready to deal with any situation, Khurshid said adding that the venue will be under Rab’s CCTV coverage.</div><div><br></div><div>Meanwhile, Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) Commissioner Khandker Golam Faruq said there will be three tiers of security arrangements along with the police and various units during the Pahela Baishahkh celebration.</div><div><br></div><div>“Those who want to enjoy the New Year will be able to celebrate it safely,” he said.</div><div><br></div><div>Regarding the incident of militant escape, the commissioner said two militants were kidnapped but 10 militants were arrested.</div><div><br></div><div>“The two escapees have been kept under surveillance. They will be arrested soon,” he said.</div><div><br></div><div>In response to another query, The DMP commissioner said there is no immediate threat from terrorists, reports UNB</div><div><br></div><div>“But we will remain vigilant and ready so that no one can dare to cause any disturbance,” he added.</div><div><br></div><div>bnbd24/fas</div>', NULL, 'News Desk', '[\"30\"]', NULL, NULL, NULL, NULL, '2023-04-13 15:41:27', '2023-04-13 15:41:27'),
(6355, 6355, '<div style=\"text-align: justify; \"><b style=\"font-size: 1rem;\">The government has set a target to procure 4 lakh tonnes of paddy, 12.50 lakh tonnes of boiled rice and one lakh tonne wheat in the upcoming Boro season.</b><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify; \"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">The procurement of Boro paddy and rice will start from May 7 and continue till August 31, 2023.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">The procurement price of Boro paddy has been fixed at Tk 30 per kg, boiled rice at Tk 44 and wheat at Tk 35 per kg. In 2022, the price of paddy was Tk 27 per kg, boiled rice Tk 40 and wheat Tk 28.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">The price was fixed at a meeting of the Food Planning and Monitoring Committee (FPMC) at the cabinet meeting room on Thursday. Food Minister Sadhan Chandra Majumder presided over the meeting, according to a press release of the food ministry.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">Agriculture Minister Dr Abdur Razzaque, Local Government, Rural Development and Cooperatives Minister Md Tajul Islam, Health and Family Welfare Minister Zahid Maleque, Commerce Minister Tipu Munshi and Fisheries and Livestock Minister SM Rezaul Karim attended the meeting.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">Secretaries to different ministries, including the cabinet secretary, were present in the meeting. 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, '2023-04-13 15:47:09', '2023-04-13 15:47:09'),
(6356, 6356, '<div style=\"text-align: justify; \"><b style=\"font-size: 1rem;\">A Dhaka court on Thursday framed charges against BNP acting chairman Tarique Rahman and his wife Zubaida Rahman in a graft case filed against them for acquiring wealth beyond their known sources of income and concealing information in their affidavits.</b><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">With charge framing the formal trial in the case against them began.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">Dhaka Metropolitan Senior Special judge Md Asaduzzaman passed the order in absence of both the accused.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">The court also ordered that Tarique and Zubaida will not be allowed to fight the legal battle through a lawyer.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">Earlier, on November 01, 2022, a Dhaka court issued arrest warrants for Tarique and Dr Zubaida in the graft case.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">The court also ordered to give notice in the newspaper to appear before the court on January 19.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">On June 26, the High court ordered the judicial court to dispose of the case as soon as possible.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">The HC also rejected the couple’s writ petitions, challenging the corruption case against them.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">As both of them remain fugitives, the court rejected the writ petitions – saying these are not acceptable.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">The court also withdrew the stay order on the trial proceedings of the case filed against them.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">On September 26, 2007, ACC lodged a complaint with Kafrul police against Tarique Rahman, Zubaida and her mother Iqbal Mand Banu for amassing illegal wealth worth Tk 4.81 crore and concealing the information.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">In the same year, the High Court issued a rule suspending the trial proceedings in the case after hearing a petition filed by Zubaida.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">In 2008, a charge sheet was filed against three people.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">The HC rejected the rule in 2017 and asked her to surrender before the court within eight weeks. 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, '2023-04-13 15:57:53', '2023-04-13 15:57:53'),
(6357, 6357, '<div><b><span style=\"font-size: 1rem;\">President M Abdul Hamid and Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina issued separate messages greeting the countrymen on the occasion of Pahela Baishakh, the first day of Bengali New Year 1430, to be celebrated tomorrow.</span><br></b></div><div><br></div><div>President Abdul Hamid, in his message, wished all Bangladeshis living in the country and abroad a happy Bengali New Year.</div><div><br></div><div>The advent of Baishakh comes to people\'s lives with ever new messages, the head of the state said, adding that forgetting sorrow, decay and failure, everyone wakes up with great joy.</div><div><br></div><div>He said Pahela Baishakh is the main part of the eternal tradition of the Bengali nation.</div><div><br></div><div>The counting of the year, which started during the Mughal period as the crop year (Fasali shan), has become a commemorative festival imbued with non-communal spirit among all Bengalis over time.</div><div><br></div><div>At that time, Pahela Baishakh was the main force in the development, self-control and liberation of Bengali culture, he continued.&nbsp;</div><div><br></div><div>With the emergence of Bangladesh, this power of culture strengthened and accelerated the political spirit, Hamid said.</div><div><br></div><div>He said the traditional Mangal Shovajatra, a procession brought on the first day of Bengali New Year, got UNESCO recognition in 2016 as world heritage.</div><div><br></div><div>This international recognition of national culture is an absolute pride and dignity for Bengalis as a nation, he said, adding that one of the foundations of the philosophy and ideology of Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman was the development of native culture and development of national spirit.</div><div><br></div><div>This consciousness was active in the Bengali New Year that Bangabandhu celebrated with his fellow prisoners while he was confined to prison, he said.</div><div><br></div><div>He urged all to build a happy and prosperous Smart Bangladesh free from hunger and poverty by embracing this liberal spirit, Bangabandhu\'s philosophy of state, the ideal of establishing Bangladesh and the flame of state-language spirit.</div><div><br></div><div>In her message, Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina said Pahela Baishakh is the day of harmony and the great reunion of Bengalis.</div><div><br></div><div>The premier called upon all, irrespective of religion and caste, to wake up with new joy forgetting the sorrows and failures of the past year.</div><div><br></div><div>The search for the identity and roots of Bengalis can be found through its celebration, Sheikh Hasina said, adding that Pahela Baishakh is a reflection of the Bangalees.</div><div><br></div><div>During the Pakistan period, the colonial power wanted to destroy the Bengali tradition, the premier said, adding that the Bengalis resisted it with the strength of self-identity and their own culture.&nbsp;</div><div><br></div><div>Bengalis joined the struggle for liberation by holding that power, she continued.</div><div><br></div><div>She said the combined flow of culture and politics has been turned into a struggle for independence and freedom.&nbsp;</div><div><br></div><div>\"This is how independent sovereign Bangladesh emerged in the world,\" she added.</div><div><br></div><div>Following this, the traditional Mangal Shovajatra has been recognized as world heritage by UNESCO, she said.</div><div><br></div><div>\"The international recognition of it is undoubtedly a great achievement. Following this path, the Bangalees will become the best nation in the world community,\" Hasina said.</div><div><br></div><div>The Bengali nation cannot be suppressed as the achievements and progress of the Bangalee heroes will be remembered ages after ages, she said.</div><div><br></div><div>Ethnic heritage and pride are also the key to the lifelong struggle of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman in establishing the ideologies such as secularism, liberalism, nationalism and democracy, the premier added.</div><div><br></div><div>She hoped that this year\'s Baishakh will be a great inspiration for the nation to fight against militancy, fundamentalism, extremism and anti-liberation forces and to build a society free from hunger and poverty and a golden Bangladesh cum smart Bangladesh as dreamt by Bangabandhu. - BSS</div><div><br></div><div>bnbd24/fas</div>', NULL, 'News Desk', '[\"30\"]', NULL, NULL, NULL, NULL, '2023-04-13 19:47:37', '2023-04-13 19:47:37'),
(6358, 6358, '<div><span style=\"font-size: 1rem;\"><b>Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) Commissioner Khandkar Golam Faruq has said three-tier security measures have been taken on the occasion of the Pahela Baishakh.</b></span><br></div><div><br></div><div>“We have taken adequate security measures throughout Dhaka ahead of Pohela Baishakh celebrations – the Bangla new year,” he said this, briefing journalists after inspecting the security arrangements on the occasion of Pohela Baishakh celebrations at Ramna Batamul today.</div><div><br></div><div>DMP Additional Commissioners AKM Hafiz Akhter, Dr Kha Mahid Uddin, Muha Ashrafuzzaman, chief of the CTTC Md Asaduzzaman, Md Munibur Rahman and chief of Detective Branch (DB) Mohammad Harun-or-Rashid, Joint Commissioners, Deputy Commissioners and officers of various units were present.</div><div><br></div><div>Faruq said every year the ‘Barshabaran’ ceremony begins with the music of Chayanat at Ramna Batamul, adding, “The Bangla New Year celebrations will start tomorrow in the same way. Three-tier security measures have been taken on this occasion.”</div><div><br></div><div>He greeted all, including journalists, saying that in 2001, the militants had bombed the mass gathering at Ramna Batamul to destroy and disrupt the Bangali cultural heritage.</div><div><br></div><div>“Many innocent people lost their lives. Since then, the DMP provides flawless security at every place where Pahela Baishakh is celebrated in Dhaka city, including Ramna,” the DMP commissioner said.</div><div><br></div><div>He said sweeping is being done with DMP\'s dog squad and bomb disposal unit at Ramna\'s Batamul and surrounding areas.&nbsp;</div><div><br></div><div>The DMP Commissioner said 27,00 policemen, including plainclothes ones, will remain alert at Ramna Batamul, Dhaka University campus and Rabindra Sarobar areas to make the efforts a success.</div><div>&nbsp;</div><div>During the Pahela Baisakh celebrations, some youths create public nuisance by using loud instruments, he said and requested everyone not to use such instruments and not to enter Ramna Park with bags.</div><div><br></div><div>The DMP chief said a total of nine gates will be installed for entering and exiting Ramna Batamul, of which four gates will be used for entering into the venue.&nbsp;</div><div><br></div><div>“Each gate will have an archway. None will be allowed to enter with bags. Apart from this, visitors can stay from 6am to 4pm,” he said.</div><div><br></div><div>Replying to a question, Faruq said, “As a Bangali, I think that the New Year celebrations cannot be stopped with two-one bombs. In 1971, the Pakistani forces along with their collaborators could not suppress these Bangalis with their cannons and guns. So, any terrorist will not be able to suppress us by throwing a bomb or two,” reports BSS</div><div><br></div><div>“We are not such a fearful nation. We are a nation of heroes... the police are ready to deal with any situation,” he said.</div><div><br></div><div>bnbd24/fas</div>', NULL, 'News Desk', '[\"30\"]', NULL, NULL, NULL, NULL, '2023-04-13 20:36:47', '2023-04-13 20:36:47'),
(6359, 6359, '<div><span style=\"font-size: 1rem;\"><b>Finance Minister AHM Mustafa Kamal on Thursday said that the business community will be happy with the upcoming budget of FY 2023-24.</b></span><br></div><div><br></div><div>The government has the sympathy of the people including the business community as they are providing a large portion of revenue, which contributes much to the development of the country, he said.</div><div><br></div><div>Kamal said this while speaking at the 43rd consultation meeting of the National Board of Revenue and The Federation of Chamber of Commerce and Industry (FBCCI), at a hotel in Dhaka.</div><div><br></div><div>The finance minister also appreciated the people\'s excellent contribution&nbsp; to&nbsp; economic growth of the country overcoming several barriers including Covid-19 pandemic and Russia-Ukraine war.</div><div><br></div><div>He said the global economic growth projection is estimated at 2.9 percent this year down from 3.5 percent last year, while Bangladesh’ economic growth is over 7 percent. It has been possible for the outstanding resilience of the people.</div><div><br></div><div>He expected that Bangladesh would emerge as one of the world\'s 20 largest economies by 2031.&nbsp;</div><div><br></div><div>In response to different issues raised by businesses, the NBR Chairman Abu Hena Md. Rahmatul Muneem said the revenue board does not want to confine the tax-revenue in the legal frame, or file a case against the businesses.</div><div><br></div><div>“We are keeping the door open for negotiating any issue related to tax, and&nbsp; please come to NBR to solve the problems, ” he added.</div><div><br></div><div>He also urged the businesspeople to provide tax and VAT as part of their responsibility&nbsp; to make a developed Bangladesh.</div><div><br></div><div>Abu Hena also urged businesses not to be frightened in facing the challenges of the LDC graduation issue, rather it is better to improve adoption in technology and production of domestic industries.</div><div><br></div><div>He acknowledged that NBR did not get desired success in collecting retail VAT and taxes so far, but is trying to develop a smart system through reforming the total sector.</div><div><br></div><div>The FBCCI president Md Jasim Uddin gave seven-point recommendation for the budget of FY 2023-24 including a safeguard measure of CMSMEs, tax exemption, bond facility to expand exports, keep a stable supply chain of essential goods, modernisation NBR, reduce economic discrimination by employment and preferring technical as well as employment oriented education.</div><div><br></div><div>President of shop owners’ association Helal Uddin urged the government and businesses to extend the hand of financial assistance to the fire-affected small traders of Bangabazar.</div><div><br></div><div>Leaders of different sectors, professionals, economists, ministry of finance and revenue board officials participated in the budget consulting meeting.</div><div><br></div><div>The FBCCI president&nbsp; also handed over a written proposal of businesses to the finance minister for consideration those in the upcoming budget. According to UNB reports&nbsp;</div><div><br></div><div>bnbd24/fas</div>', NULL, 'News Desk', '[\"30\"]', NULL, NULL, NULL, NULL, '2023-04-13 22:36:28', '2023-04-13 22:36:28'),
(6360, 6360, '<div style=\"text-align: justify; \"><b style=\"font-size: 1rem;\">Chhayanaut, the country’s esteemed cultural institution known for welcoming the Bengali new calendar year with its traditional flagship event on the morning of April 14,&nbsp; organised its traditional Pahela Baishakh cultural festivity at Ramna Park in the capital on Friday morning.</b><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">The festivity began at 6:15 am under the Banyan tree at Ramna (Ramna Batamul), with an eight-minute rendition of the tabour-based ‘Rag Aheer Bhairav’ melody on the sarangi before mesmerising audiences with songs, recitations and more.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">A total of 12 solo songs, two recitations and 10 chorus were presented at the event featuring the themes of nature, love for humanity, self-purification and patriotism, performed by esteemed artists.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">Audiences from every part of the capital cued and gathered for the celebration even before dawn, singing and dancing to welcome the new Bengali calendar year heralding good tidings.&nbsp;</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">The event came to its closure with a group rendition of the national anthem.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">Bangladesh Television and Bangladesh Betar live telecast the event, and Chhayanaut also streamed the festivity live on its YouTube channel was also streaming the event at https://www.youtube.com/@ChhayanautDigitalPlatform.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">Strict security measures were put in place at the venue by the security enforcement unit of the government and the volunteers of the 13th Hussars Open Rover Scout Group, alongside Chhayanaut workers.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">Chhayanaut, founded in 1961, has earned global fame for organising the traditional, extravagant cultural festivity of Pahela Baishakh at Ramna Park every year since the year of 1967. The only exception was in 1971, during the Liberation War of Bangladesh, and then in 2020-2021 due to the global outbreak of COVID-19. Also, this has been the second time the event got celebrated in the month of holy Ramadan.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">One of the most coveted and long-awaited festivities in Bangladesh, the traditional cultural presentation of Chhayanaut marking the Pahela Baishakh has earned its fame as one of the grandest regular cultural celebrations in the world. 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, '2023-04-14 13:55:56', '2023-04-14 13:55:56'),
(6361, 6361, '<div style=\"text-align: justify; \"><b style=\"font-size: 1rem;\">The fire that broke out at a warehouse in Dhaka\'s Nawabpur on Thursday night was fully doused, the authorities said.</b><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">Fourteen firefighting units of the fire service responded to the blaze and extinguished the fire at 1:58 am on Friday, said Shahjahan Sikder, deputy assistant director (media) of Fire Service and Civil Defense Headquarters.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">The fire broke out at Nawabpur Mohammadia Market-185. An estimated 20 shops and warehouses were damaged. No casualties were reported, he said.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">“The blaze began around 10:10pm on Thursday. Locals alerted the fire department after thick smoke was coming out from Ayub Bhaban beside Nawabpur Tower in Suritola,\" said Shahjahan.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">The reason for the fire and the extent of the damage could not be confirmed immediately, he added. UNB</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify; \">bnbd24/kh</div>', NULL, 'News Desk', '[\"19\"]', NULL, NULL, NULL, NULL, '2023-04-14 14:35:32', '2023-04-14 14:35:32'),
(6362, 6362, '<div style=\"text-align: justify; \"><b style=\"font-size: 1rem;\">Pahela Baishakh, the first day of Bangla New year, is being celebrated with great enthusiasm and in a universal festive mood on Friday.</b><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">The celebration started with Mangal Shobhajatra, headed by DU Vice Chancellor Mohammad Akhtaruzzaman at 9:00 am.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">The rally was brought out from the Fine Arts faculty of the university and moved around the campus.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">State Minister for Culture KM Khalid participated in the procession.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">\"Bengali New Year 1430 has appeared with a message of hope and success. Mangal Shobhajatra is our cultural heritage. It is listed in the UNESCO heritage list too. Our struggle for freedom started through cultural movement,\" said the VC.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">He said, \"The procession is a cultural tradition of the Bengalees. Now it belongs to thr World Heritage. Thus, this cultural heritage belongs to the international community too.\"</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">\"It is a great resource for every person in the world. It is our collective responsibility of all to maintain, preserve and spread it among all. And it reflects inclusive vision and philosophy,\" he said.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">\"It is a humanitarian and non-sectarian call against all forms of extremism,\" he added.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">The two main motifs in this year\'s rally are child in the mother\'s lap and blue bull (Nilgai). As the child is safe in the mother\'s arms there is symbolically the message of global peace. Apart from this, Nilgai has been kept as a symbol of endangered and lost animals. Apart from this, four other motifs have been displayed in the procession. They are tiger, peacock, sheep and deer.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">Personnel from special security forces ensured the security of Mangal Shovazatra by providing end-to-end protocol to the rally.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">\"You know there have been threats, a lawyer has even filed a case in the High Court to stop the Mangal Shobhajatra. From that point of view, we took every possible measure to ensure the safety,\" said state minister Khalid.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">Though the students of the fine arts faculty prepared the festive masks of owls for the Pahela Baishakh celebration, the masks were prohibited to use due to security reasons.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">To ensure security, movement of all kinds of vehicles except stickered vehicles of DU have been restricted in the campus area.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">The Suhrawardy Udyan gate near TSC will also be locked till the evening of the first day of Bangla New Year but the gate near Ramana Kali mandir, Bangla Academy, Engineering Institute and Chobir hat gate of Suhrawardy Udyan Will be open for the visitors.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">Visitors can only enter the campus till 5 pm today then the area will be locked and no one can enter the campus after the specified time but they can exit. 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, '2023-04-14 14:38:30', '2023-04-14 14:38:30'),
(6363, 6363, '<div style=\"text-align: justify; \"><b style=\"font-size: 1rem;\">Foreign Minister&nbsp; AK Abdul Momen has said there is no need to hold political dialogue with the opposition BNP before the next general election and suggested that they follow the system that is in place in the election process.&nbsp;&nbsp;</b><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">“Why do you need a dialogue? Is it to come (to power) through the backdoor? No way. There is no need for discussion as there is a system and they (opposition parties including BNP) should come forward who are willing to take part in the election,” he told Voice of America Bangla service in an exclusive interview during his recent visit to the US.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">Momen made a counter question to VoA journalists – “Do the Democratic Party and the Republican Party or other parties discuss before the election? No, never. Because, there is a system. They do follow the system.”</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">The foreign minister said, “Those whom you are referring to began their journey through guns. They believe in guns not in ballots.”</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">Momen said his party – Bangladesh Awami League – has trust in the people and that is why they want a “free, fair, transparent and credible election.” “Because we believe in people. We want a model election.”</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">&nbsp;The foreign minister said Bangladesh is the country where 30 lakh people sacrificed their lives to uphold justice, democracy, human dignity and human rights. “In each of our blood, democracy is there with the right to vote.”</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">The United States has reiterated its desire to see a free and fair election in Bangladesh, noting that the world will be observing Bangladesh’s next national election.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">Read more: Want security in the region but no defence pact: Momen on Indo-Pacific Strategy</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">“Of course, we’re looking – the world is looking – to Bangladesh for its next election, to make sure that they set a strong example of free and fair election for the region and for the world,” US Secretary of State Antony J Blinken said during his meeting with Momen on April 10..</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">“I agree with Secretary Blinken. I am so happy that he also wants a model election which can be portrayed in the rest of the world. I want, too and we seek support from all,” Momen told VoA Bangla service</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">To have a fair election, Momen said all parties should demonstrate sincerity and political commitment.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">He said his party – AL – always came to power through election and never through coup or bullet. “Others are not even close to us in terms of the level of sincerity and commitment we have for democracy.”&nbsp;&nbsp;</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">Momen said the BNP should participate in the election if they believe in democracy. He mentioned that the BNP boycotted elections in the past and carried out destructive activities to halt elections. “We don’t want to see that situation again.”</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">Momen said he requested Secretary Blinken to send election observers as many as possible but they should be independent and must not be Bangladesh origin to avoid partisan observers.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">“We have nothing to hide. Because we have done an excellent job over the last 14 years and we are convinced that people will vote for us in spite of stories being cooked up and people will not believe those stories,” he said. 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, '2023-04-14 16:23:06', '2023-04-14 16:23:06'),
(6364, 6364, '<div style=\"text-align: justify; \"><span style=\"font-size: 1rem;\"><b>Arab countries gathered in Jeddah on Friday to discuss ending Syria\'s long spell in the diplomatic wilderness, as regional relations shift following Saudi Arabia and Iran\'s decision to resume ties.</b></span><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">Ministers and top officials from the six Gulf Cooperation Council countries -- Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates -- plus Egypt, Iraq and Jordan were to meet at Saudi Arabia\'s request.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">Up for discussion in the Red Sea city is Syria\'s suspension from the Arab League, imposed when President Bashar al-Assad\'s government launched a bloody crackdown on pro-democracy protests in 2011.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">Backed by Iran and Russia, Assad has been shunned by many Middle Eastern countries and is a Western pariah over the 12-year war, which has killed more than half-a-million people and forced about half of Syria\'s pre-war population from their homes.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">But on Wednesday, in the latest sign of an easing in tensions with Damascus, Syria\'s Foreign Minister Faisal Mekdad arrived in Jeddah, the first such visit since the war began.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">Mekdad and his Saudi counterpart discussed \"the necessary steps\" to end Damascus\'s isolation, according to a Saudi statement on Wednesday.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">Any recommendation to reinstate Syria in the 22-member Arab League, whose next meeting is due to be held in Saudi Arabia in May, is likely to draw protests from Western capitals.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">Syria\'s rehabilitation sends \"a message to the opposition that Assad will triumph in the end and that their foreign backers will betray them\", Aron Lund of the Century International think tank told AFP.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">\"These bilateral engagements with Saudi Arabia and others are exactly what Damascus has been looking for,\" said Syria expert Sam Heller.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">But late Thursday, the prime minister of Qatar -- an opponent of Assad\'s government -- poured cold water on talk of Syria\'s possible return to the Arab League.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">\"There is nothing proposed, it is all speculation,\" Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al-Thani said in a television interview.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">- \'Overcome Gulf differences\' -</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">The Jeddah meeting is one in a flurry of initiatives following Saudi Arabia and Iran\'s landmark, Chinese-brokered announcement on March 10 that they would resume ties, seven years after an acrimonious split.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">Earlier on Friday, an exchange of nearly 900 prisoners from Yemen\'s civil war between the Iran-backed Huthi rebels and a Saudi-led coalition got underway when the first flight left the rebel-controlled capital Sanaa.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">The Saudi ambassador to Yemen this week held talks with Iran-backed Huthi rebels aimed at ending the devastating civil war that has raged since the Saudi-led military intervention started in 2015.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">And late on Wednesday, gas-rich Qatar and its tiny but strategic Gulf neighbour Bahrain agreed to re-establish relations, putting aside a long-running diplomatic feud.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">Sunni-ruled Saudi Arabia, the world\'s biggest oil exporter, and Shiite theocracy Iran have long been vying for influence around the region, with Yemen and previously Syria among their proxy conflicts.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">But analysts say Saudi Arabia is now trying to calm the region to allow it to focus on ambitious domestic projects aimed at diversifying its energy-dependent economy.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">Although the Arab League takes decisions by consensus, unanimous agreement is unlikely, said a Riyadh-based diplomat who declined to be identified.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">\"The meeting aims to overcome the Gulf differences over Syria as much as possible,\" the diplomat told AFP, singling out Qatar.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">\"The Saudis are trying at least to ensure that Qatar does not object to Syria\'s return to the Arab League if the issue is put to any vote,\" the diplomat added. 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, '2023-04-14 16:37:17', '2023-04-14 16:37:17'),
(6365, 6365, '<div style=\"text-align: justify; \"><span style=\"font-size: 1rem;\">People in most parts of the country are witnessing the scorching temperature as a mild to severe heat wave is sweeping over most parts of the country including Dhaka and it may continue in the next 24-hour period starting from 9am today, according to a Met Office bulletin.</span><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">Bangladesh Meteorological Department (BMD) in the bulletin said severe heat wave is sweeping over the districts of Faridpur, Manikganj, Rajshahi, Pabna, Bagerhat, Jashore, Chuadanga and Kushtia.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">Mild to moderate heat wave is sweeping over Barishal and Chattogram divisions and the rest part of Dhaka, Rajshahi and Khulna divisions and the districts of Mymensingh and Moulvibazar and it may continue, it also said.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">&nbsp;Day and night temperature may rise slightly over the country, it said, adding \"even weather may remain dry with temporary partly cloudy sky over the country.\"</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">Trough of Westerly low lies over West Bengal and adjoining area. Seasonal low lies over South Bay.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">Country\'s maximum temperature on Thursday was recorded by 41.0 degree Celsius at Chauadanga while minimum temperature today was recorded by 20.3 degree Celsius at Tetulia. 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, '2023-04-14 16:44:45', '2023-04-14 16:44:45');
INSERT INTO `news_details` (`id`, `news_id`, `details`, `ticker`, `representative`, `keyword`, `video_link`, `google_drive_link`, `audio_link`, `shoulder`, `created_at`, `updated_at`) VALUES
(6366, 6366, '<div style=\"text-align: justify; \"><b style=\"font-size: 1rem;\">People across the country are celebrating Pahela Baishakh, the first day of Bengali New Year, upholding the rich cultural heritage of the Bengalees on Friday.</b><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">Chhayanaut, the country’s esteemed cultural institution known for welcoming the Bengali new calendar year with its traditional flagship event on the morning of April 14,&nbsp; kicked off the festivity at 6:15 am under the Banyan tree at Ramna (Ramna Batamul).</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">Meanwhile, the Dhaka University’ Fine Arts faculty brought out their Mangal Shobhajatra to celebrate the Bengali New Year 1430 this morning.&nbsp;</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">Outside the capital, the Bengali New Year is being celebrated across the country with a multitude of arrangements including Shobhajatra and other cultural festivities.&nbsp;</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">Cumilla Victoria College brought out a colourful possession, led by AKM Bahauddin Bahar, lawmaker of Cumilla-6 constituency, to celebrate the Pahela Baishakh.&nbsp;</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">Leaders and students of different social, cultural and educational institutions participated in the procession.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">The procession began at the college premises and ended at Cumilla Shilpakala Academy, where a cultural programme was organised.&nbsp;</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">People in Khulna celebrated Pohela Boishakh with great enthusiasm and in a universal festive mood on Friday.&nbsp;</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">While inaugurating the ‘Mangal Shobhajatra’ Khulna City Corporation (KCC) Mayor Talukder Abdul Khaleque said, \"Pohela Boishakh is a Bengali tradition, a day of harmony and a universal festival.&nbsp; Bengali New Year is inextricably linked with Bengali folk culture.&nbsp;&nbsp;</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">In Barishal, people are celebrating the first day of Bengali new year with various arrangements including folk culture exhibition, and a three-day fair.&nbsp;</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">The festival started at 6:30 am on Friday with a morning programme organised by Udichi Shilpi Gosthi Barisal at Brajmohan (BM) School.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">A ‘shobhajatra’ was organised by Charukala, Barishal from BM college which ended in front of the Ashwini Kumar Hal of the college after going around the city.&nbsp;</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">Besides, the Barisal district administration organised a procession from circuit house at 9 am, folk music and painting competitions were held at Shishu Academy at 10am. A cultural programme and prize distribution was held at Shilpakala Academy at 9:30am.&nbsp;</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">Meanwhile, the people of Narail celebrated the beginning of the Bengali New Year 1430 with a variety of cultural events.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">The district administration and Sammilita Sangskritik Jote organised multiple events throughout the day at Sultan Mancha square of Narail Government Victoria College and district Shilpakala Academy to welcome the new year and bid farewell to the old one.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">People from all walks of life attended in a&nbsp; joyous and colourful procession which started from the Narail Govt. Victoria college and ended in the district\'s Shilapakala academy.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">Similar possessions were also organised in other parts of the country including Chattogram, Dinajpur, Sherpur, Brahmanbaria and Khagrachhari, including a wide range of cultural events. 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, '2023-04-14 17:05:58', '2023-04-14 17:05:58'),
(6367, 6367, '<div style=\"text-align: justify; \"><span style=\"font-size: 1rem;\"><b>The highest temperature of the country this year was recorded in Chuadanga at 41.7&nbsp; degrees Celsius on Friday.</b></span><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">The district has also recorded the highest temperature across the country for 13 consecutive days, according to Chuadanga Weather Observatory.&nbsp;</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">Jaminur Rahman, in-charge of Chuadanga Weather Observatory, said: “Chuadanga recorded the highest temperature of the country this season at 41.7 degree celsius in Chuadanga at 3:00pm today. Besides, the highest temperature of the country was recorded here from April 2 to April 14.”</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">“There is currently no chance of rain. Consequently, this temperature will continue to rise. On top of that, a severe heat wave has begun today,” he said.&nbsp;</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">People in Chuadanga are experiencing scorching temperatures as a mild to severe heatwave continues to batter the district for the past two weeks. The extreme heat has put the working population in great trouble. Due to the heat, people are unwilling to leave their homes unless it is an emergency.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">Many people are becoming ill as a result of the excessive heat. The number of patients of various ages, including children, has also increased in the upazila health complexes and district hospitals.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">Shafiul of Kulchara village in Chuadanga Sadar said, \"It is difficult to tolerate such heat. I couldn\'t work long in the fields. I\'m sitting in the shadows now. There will be a delay in completing the work today. It\'s hot, and I don\'t know if I\'ll be able to work anymore.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">Emdadul Haque Emdad, a private employee living in Chuadanga Sadar Hospital Road area said: “I have to commute by motorcycle due to my marketing job. Although it\'s usually comfortable riding a motorcycle, it feels like my body is burning due to&nbsp; the intensity of the sunlight.”</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">According to Chuadanga Weather Observatory sources, the temperature in Chuadanga was recorded at 33.4 degrees Celsius on April 2, the highest temperature in the country. Since then, the highest temperature of the country has been recorded in this district for 13 consecutive days. 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, '2023-04-14 17:46:51', '2023-04-14 17:46:51'),
(6368, 6368, '<div style=\"text-align: justify; \"><b style=\"font-size: 1rem;\">North Korea said Friday it flight-tested a solid-fuel intercontinental ballistic missile for the first time, a possible breakthrough in its efforts to acquire a more powerful, harder-to-detect weapon targeting the continental United States.</b><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">North Korea\'s official Korean Central News Agency issued the report a day after the country\'s neighbors detected a launch of a long-range missile from near Pyongyang, which extended a run of weapons displays involving more than 100 missiles fired into the sea since the start of 2022.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">Thursday\'s test did not appear to demonstrate the weapon\'s full capacity, and it remains unclear how far North Korea has come in mastering technologies to ensure the warhead would withstand atmospheric reentry and accurately strike targets. Still, analysts said the test was likely a meaningful advance in North Korea\'s goal to build a nuclear arsenal that could directly threaten the United States.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">KCNA said the launch was supervised on site by North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, who described the missile — named Hwasong-18 — as the most powerful weapon of his nuclear forces that would enhance counterattack abilities in the face of external threats created by the military activities of the United States and its regional allies.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">Kim pledged to further expand his nuclear arsenal to \"constantly strike extreme uneasiness and horror\" in his rivals and make them feel regret for their wrong choices.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">North Korea has justified its weapons demonstrations as a response to the expanding military exercises between the United States and South Korea, which the North condemns as invasion rehearsals while using them as a pretext to push further its own weapons development.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">Kim added that the Hwasong-18 would rapidly advance North Korea\'s nuclear response posture and further support an aggressive military strategy that vows to maintain \"frontal confrontation\" against its rivals.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">North Korea has tested various intercontinental missiles since 2017 that demonstrated the potential range to reach the U.S. mainland, but the others use liquid fuel that must be added relatively close to the launch and they cannot remain fueled for prolonged periods.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">An ICBM with built-in solid propellants would be easier to move and hide and fired quickly, reducing the opportunities for opponents to detect and counter the launch. It\'s not immediately clear how close the North is to having a functional solid-fuel ICBM capable of striking the U.S. mainland.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">South Korea\'s Defense Ministry in a statement described Hwasong-18\'s flight as a \"mid-phase test\" and said North Korea would need more time and effort to complete the system. It maintains that North Korea\'s technologies haven\'t reached the point where it can protect its ICBM warheads from the harsh conditions of atmospheric reentry.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">Last month, South Korean Defense Minister Lee Jong-Sup also told lawmakers that North Korea likely hasn\'t yet acquired the technology to place nuclear warheads on its newer short-range missiles targeting South Korea, though he acknowledged the country was making considerable progress on it.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">Still, Thursday\'s test marked a \"significant breakthrough for the North Koreans, but not an unexpected one,\" said Ankit Panda, an expert with the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">\"The primary significance of solid-fuel ICBMs is in terms of what they\'ll do for the survivability of North Korea\'s overall ICBM force,\" he said.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">\"Because these missiles are fueled at the time of manufacture and are thus ready to use as needed, they will be much more rapidly useable in a crisis or conflict, depriving South Korea and the United States of valuable time that could be useful to preemptively hunt and destroy such missiles.\"</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">\"Advancing solid-fuel technology could also be useful in improving what the Kim regime claims are its tactical nuclear and submarine-based deterrents,\" said Leif-Eric Easley, a professor at Ewha University in Seoul.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">North Korean state media published photos and videos of the missile blasting off from a launch vehicle at a test site inside a forest and the separation of the missile\'s first and second stages following liftoff. Kim watched from an observation post along with military officials and his wife, sister and daughter.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">KCNA described the Hwasong-18 as a three-stage missile with the first stage tested at a standard ballistic trajectory and the others programmed to fly at higher angles after separation to avoid North Korea\'s neighbors. It wasn\'t immediately clear how the third stage, which would be the part where the warhead would be placed, was tested.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">The agency said the first and second stages fell into waters off the country\'s eastern coast. The official Rodong Sinmun newspaper published an aerial photo of an object it described as the third stage following separation, but state media provided no further details.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">Kim Dong-yub, a professor at the University of North Korean Studies in Seoul, said North Korea for the test likely designed the third stage as an empty device and simply let it fall after separation.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">He noted that North Korea didn\'t release details about how high the missile went, which suggests it wasn\'t tested at the weapon\'s full capacity and range, and said the North likely will test the system several more times.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">Soo Kim, an expert with Virginia-based consultancy LMI and a former CIA analyst, said each successive test by North Korea \"seems to demonstrate greater options for the regime to provoke and threaten the region.\"</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">\"With the Day of the Sun festivities coming up, and a U.S.-South Korean summit around the corner, the timing is also ripe for a North Korean provocation for (Kim Jong Un) to yet again remind us that his weapons are getting bigger, better, and all the more challenging for the U.S., South Korea, and the international community to deal with,\" she said.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">She was referring to the birth anniversary of Kim\'s state-founding grandfather, Kim Il Sung, which falls on Saturday, and a planned summit in Washington this month between President Joe Biden and South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">Solid-fuel ICBMs highlighted an extensive wish list Kim announced under a five-year arms development plan in 2021, which also included tactical nuclear weapons, hypersonic missiles, nuclear-powered submarines and spy satellites.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">The North has fired around 30 missiles this year alone over 12 different launch events as both the pace of its weapons development and the U.S.-South Korean military exercises increase in a cycle of tit-for-tat. The U.S. and South Korean militaries conducted their biggest field exercises in years last month and separately held joint naval and air force drills involving a U.S. aircraft carrier strike group and nuclear-capable U.S. bombers.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">North Korea claimed the drills simulated an all-out war against North Korea and communicated threats against it. The United States and South Korea have said their exercises are defensive in nature and expanding them was necessary to cope with the North\'s evolving threats. AP</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify; \">bnbd24/kh</div>', NULL, 'News Desk', '[\"1\"]', NULL, NULL, NULL, NULL, '2023-04-14 17:54:02', '2023-04-14 17:54:02'),
(6369, 6369, '<div style=\"text-align: justify; \"><span style=\"font-size: 1rem;\"><b>General President of the Affairs of the Grand Mosque and Prophet\'s Mosque Sheikh Dr. Abdulrahman bin Abdulaziz Al-Sudais declared that the total number of male and female worshipers who visited the Grand Mosque during the first 20 days of Ramadan amounted to more than 22 million people.</b></span><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify; \"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify; \">Dr. Al-Sudais stressed that the Presidency prepared the Grand Mosque through an operational plan and strategy that provided all means of convenience and facilitated all services for worshipers to perform their rituals with ease and tranquility, and also ensured the availability of safety means inside the Grand Mosque and communication with the relevant authorities.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">He hailed the Saudi leadership for supporting the Two Holy Mosques and their visitors and for creating the best conditions for worshippers to perform their rituals easily. SPA</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">bnbd24/kh</div>', NULL, 'News Desk', '[\"7\"]', NULL, NULL, NULL, NULL, '2023-04-14 19:16:07', '2023-04-14 19:16:07'),
(6370, 6370, '<div style=\"text-align: justify; \"><b style=\"font-size: 1rem;\">Ending all speculations, Mohammedan Sporting Club finally moved to the Super League phase with a game to spare in Dhaka Premier League (DPL).&nbsp;</b><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">After being winless in the first five matches, it looked highly likely that the traditional powerhouse won\'t secure a super league spot for the second consecutive time but the return of national players including Shakib Al Hasan boosted their confidence to such extent they won five straight matches.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">But no big names, it was wicket-keeper Mahidul Islam Ankon who led the emphatic 52-run victory over Shinepukur Cricket Club today at BSKP-3 ground to help the side secure the spot.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">Also the defeat of Gazi Group Cricketers to Brothers Union contributed in their early entrance to the Super League. If Gazi Group won the match, Mohammedan would have to wait till the last game to know their fate.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">Gazi Group who had nine points now in 10 matches, will take on Shinepukur in their last match and if they win, they will go through Super League.&nbsp;</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">If they fail to win, Brothers and City Club who had eight points each could give a shot to the super league as the sixth team. Brothers will take on Rupganj Tigers Cricket Club but City would have to face off more tougher opponents like Abahani Limited.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">Abahani Limited (18 points), Sheikh Jamal Dhanmondi Club (18 points), Legends of Rupganj (16 points) and Prime Bank Cricket Club (12 points) had already moved to the Super League. After winning today\'s game, Mohammedan moved to fifth position with 11 points.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">Put into bat first, Mohammedan compiled 276-6 thanks to Ankon who blasted a run-a-ball-125 with six fours and seven sixes. Skipper Imrul Kayes made 69 off 86 with seven fours and two sixes while Shakib Al Hasan scored 30 off 25 with one four and two sixes.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">Pacer Mehedi Hasan Rana and Masum Khan Tutul took two wickets apiece for Shinepukur.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">However Shinepukur were bowled out for 224 in 43.2 overs with Shubham Sharma making highest 66. He indeed kept the Shinepukur hopes alive but Shakib Al Hasan claimed his wicket to dent the hopes. Opener Khalid Hasan made 56.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">Nazmul Apu was the best bowler for Mohammedan with 3-41 while Musfik Hasan and Jake Lintott grabbed two wickets apiece.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">&nbsp;</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">Brothers Union vs Gazi Group Cricketers</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">Opener Tanzid Hasan Tamim hammered a 114 ball-106 runs knock as Brothers Union chased down 306 runs target effortlessly to beat Gazi Group Cricketers by five wickets in at Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">Thanks to a century of opener Mehedi Maruf, Gazi Group Cricketers piled up 305-7 after being asked to bat first. In form Maruf, struck 100 off 104 with eight fours and two sixes while Farhad Hossain made 85.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">Mahmudul Hasan hit a fluent 49 and Anamul Haque made 21 ball-39 not out toward the end to help Gazi Group propel past 300 runs mark.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">Arafat Sunny Junior scalped 3-34 while Mahedi Hasan took 2-36 for Brothers.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">But Tanzid made it cake-walk, hitting six fours and five sixes for his 106, which helped the side gun down the target in 49 overs. Anisul Islam Emon chipped-in-with 57 and Sabbir Hossain added 48 to complement Tanzid\'s effort. Saad Nasimw as 39 not out.&nbsp;</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">&nbsp;</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">City Clubs vs Rupganj</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">An unbeaten 61-run partnership from the ninth wicket pair helped City Club to secure a two-wicket win over Rupganj Tigers Cricket Club in the last ball of the match at Khan Shaheb Osman Ali Stadium.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">No. 9 batter Robiul Haque was 32 not out and No. 10 batter Irfan Hossain was 31 not out after securing the victory for the side which crushed Rupganj\'s hopes to stay alive for Super League.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">Rupganj had now just seven points in 10 matches while City whose Super League hope was also ended, had so far eight from 10 matches.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">After being sent to bat first, Rupganj Tigers were restricted to 231-8 with opener Imranuzzmana top-scoring 43 and Shamim Patwary adding 39.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">Robiul Haque and Rafsan Al Mahmud claimed two wickets apiece.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">Shahriar Komol set the platform with 69 before Robiul and Irfan\'s rearguard action helped the side clinch the last ball drama. BSS</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify; \">bnbd24/kh</div>', NULL, 'News Desk', '[\"20\"]', NULL, NULL, NULL, NULL, '2023-04-14 19:19:30', '2023-04-14 19:19:30'),
(6371, 6371, '<div style=\"text-align: justify; \"><span style=\"font-size: 1rem;\"><b>Awami League general secretary and Roads and Bridges Minister Obaidul Quader on Friday said Baisakh will be celebrated as long as Awami League is in the country, as Pahela Baishakh is a day to express one\'s identity and non-communal spirit.</b></span><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">He said these things while participating in the colorful procession organized by Dhaka Metropolitan South Awami League on the occasion of Bangla New Year 1430 celebration on Friday (April 14).</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">Obaidul Quader said Awami League was with the historical tradition of Bangladesh including Pahela Baishakh before and still is.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">\"It is not our headache who is observing or not. But we will observe it,\" he added.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">Pointing out that Bengalis are celebrating Pahela Baishakh in a festive atmosphere, he said Pahela Baishakh is the destination of Bengali spirit, history and tradition.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">Quader said that Sheikh Hasina is moving ahead with challenging decisions to deal with all the crises including the global economic crisis.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">Awami League General Secretary said&nbsp; communalism practice has grown under the leadership of BNP. They will be overthrown under the leadership of Sheikh Hasina.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">\"Those who prefer communal ideology and prefer bi-nationalism do not respect the history of celebrating Baisakh They will be resisted,\" he also said.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">The procession started from the capital\'s Bahadur Shah Park and ended in front of the Awami League\'s central office at Bangabandhu Avenue. UNB</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify; \">bnbd24/kh</div>', NULL, 'News Desk', '[\"4\"]', NULL, NULL, NULL, NULL, '2023-04-14 22:07:21', '2023-04-14 22:07:21'),
(6372, 6372, '<div style=\"text-align: justify; \"><b><span style=\"font-size: 1rem;\">Gonoshasthaya Kendra founder and valiant freedom fighter Dr Zafrullah Chowdhury was laid to eternal rest at the Gonoshasthaya Kendra in Savar after Jumma prayers today.</span><br></b></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">Before that, Savar\'s public health center officials, employees, public university teachers, students, politicians and people from all walks of life, paid their last respects to him at Gonoshasthaya Kendra\'s PHA field from 10am to 12:30pm.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify; \">Dr Zafrullah\'s wife, children and other well wishers were present at the time.&nbsp;</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">Dr Zafrullah Chowdhury breathed his last at Gonoshasthaya Nagar Hospital in Dhaka on Tuesday at the age of 81. 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, '2023-04-14 22:11:32', '2023-04-14 22:11:32'),
(6373, 6373, '<div style=\"text-align: justify; \"><b style=\"font-size: 1rem;\">Foreign Minister Dr AK Abdul Momen on Friday said the United States does not want caretaker government but they want the election in line with the country\'s existing laws.&nbsp;</b><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">\"US is very happy to see our development and they want to be part of our development journey,\" he told reporters after attending a programme in Sylhet.&nbsp;</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">Momen said the government wants a free and fair election.&nbsp;</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">\"But it’s not only the government’s responsibility. It’s also a responsibility of the people and all the political parties to ensure a free and fair election,\" he said.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">The people of Bangladesh never forget to vote, Momen said.&nbsp;</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">He hoped for a secular and harmonious Bangladesh, noting that the Bangla New year will be a year of tolerance and harmony.&nbsp;</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">\"I hope the sense of tolerance and sense of respect will be strengthened,\" Momen said.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">\"[We’ll] achieve a beautiful Bangladesh by stopping mudslinging,” he said, while attending a Mangal Shobajatra in Sylhet on the occasion of Pohela Boishakh on Friday.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">The celebration of Bengali new year in Sylhet started at 9 am this morning with a Mangal Shobhajatra from the district administration premises.&nbsp;</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">Officials and employees of different socio-cultural organizations, different educational institutions and administration of Sylhet attended the possession.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">Besides, Sylhet Agricultural University, Shruti Sylhet, Anandalok, Charan Cultural Center, Pathshala, Shilpakala Academy and other organizations are celebrating Pohela Boishakh with cultural festivities. 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, '2023-04-15 08:53:58', '2023-04-15 08:53:58'),
(6374, 6374, '<div style=\"text-align: justify; \"><b style=\"font-size: 1rem;\">Black smoke filled the air as a pre-dawn fire engulfed the New Super Market in the capital, forcing fire service to mobiise 28 of their units at the scene and military, paramilitary and police joining their hands to extinguish the blaze.</b><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">Fire service officials said the incident was reported to them at about 5.40 am and they immediately sent the units to the scene, one after another, and there had been no reported deaths from the blaze.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">TV footages showed army, navy, air force and paramilitary Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) personnel along with police joined hands to help the fire fighters while businessmen rushed to the market in their apparent futile efforts to save their belongings at the shops.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">The fire service could not ascertain immediately what might have caused the fire but the incident came just 11 days after a pre-dawn blaze in a near identical manner broke out and burned several thousand shops at Dhaka’s Bangabazar clothing market.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">The Bangabazar fire devastated the shop owners by the loss weeks ahead of the Eid since efforts of hundreds of firefighters and army personnel could do little to save their belongings as the inferno tore through the clothing market, turning it into a pile of ashes.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">The New Super Market today also went up in flames, before the daily businesses had opened. 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, '2023-04-15 10:35:32', '2023-04-15 22:24:20'),
(6375, 6375, '<div style=\"text-align: justify; \"><b style=\"font-size: 1rem;\">Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida was evacuated unhurt after a suspect threw what appeared to be a smoke bomb at an outdoor speech in western Japan on Saturday, domestic media reported.</b><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">A loud explosion was heard, but the premier took cover and was unharmed while police subdued a man at the scene, public broadcaster NHK said.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">The incident occurred at the Saikazaki fishing harbour in Wakayama prefecture, some 65 km (40 miles) southwest of Osaka city.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">Former Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, the longest-serving leader of modern Japan, was assassinated with a homemade gun last July while campaigning for a parliamentary election, shocking the nation and prompting a review of security for politicians, who routinely press the flesh with the public.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">Kishida had just started to deliver the speech after touring the harbour when Saturday\'s incident occurred, NHK said. The speech was scheduled for 11:40 a.m. (0240 GMT), according to Kishida\'s ruling Liberal Democratic Party.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">Kishida was to continue his Saturday afternoon campaign schedule after the incident, the LDP confirmed via its Twitter account.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">NHK footage showed crowds running away as several police officers appeared to pin a man to the ground before removing him from the scene. The man appeared to be in his 20s or 30s, media said.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">A representative of Wakayama\'s prefectural police headquarters told Reuters he could not answer questions about the incident.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">A woman on the scene told NHK that she saw an object flying overhead and \"it gave me a bad feeling, so we ran away unbelievably fast. Then we heard a really loud noise. It made my daughter cry.\"</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">Kishida is to host a Group of Seven (G7) summit in Hiroshima next month. G7 foreign ministers are to meet on Sunday in the resort city of Karuizawa. Reuters</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify; \">bnbd24/kh</div>', NULL, 'News Desk', '[\"1\"]', NULL, NULL, NULL, NULL, '2023-04-15 10:41:47', '2023-04-15 10:41:47'),
(6376, 6376, '<div style=\"text-align: justify; \"><b style=\"font-size: 1rem;\">Pakistan celebrated skipper Babar Azam\'s 100th international match in the shortest format with a clinical 88-run win in the first Twenty20 against New Zealand in Lahore on Friday.</b><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">&nbsp;</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">Azam failed with just nine runs but Fakhar Zaman and Saim Ayub scored 47 runs each and put on a 79-run partnership for the third wicket to anchor Pakistan to 182 all out in 19.5 overs.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">&nbsp;</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">Fast bowler Haris Rauf, one of five players who returned after being rested in Pakistan\'s last series against Afghanistan, took career best figures of 4-18 as New Zealand were 94 all out in 15.3 overs.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">&nbsp;</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">Left-arm spinner Imad Wasim finished with 2-2 in his only over -- taking both his wickets off successive deliveries.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">&nbsp;</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">Mark Chapman top-scored with 27-ball 34 inclusive of four boundaries and a six while skipper Tom Latham made 24-ball 20.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">&nbsp;</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">Rauf\'s previous best T20 figures of 4-22 had also come against New Zealand in Sharjah in 2021.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">&nbsp;</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">Azam praised his bowling unit.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">&nbsp;</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">\"The pitch was assisting the bowlers so it was a good batting performance to get that total and then our complete bowling unit was excellent,\" said Azam, happy at reaching a personal landmark.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">&nbsp;</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">\"I had never expected this. I still remember the journey of starting off here as a ball-boy on the side-lines, and to now be here, it is a huge honour,\" said Azam of serving as a ball-boy during the 2007 series against South Africa.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">&nbsp;</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">Latham said his team did not adapted to the different conditions.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">&nbsp;</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">\"We did not quite adapt to the conditions early enough,\" said Latham whose team are missing top eight players due to Indian Premier League.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">&nbsp;</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">\"On that surface, the score was slightly above-par. We did not build partnerships with the bat.\"</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">&nbsp;</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">Earlier, Zaman and Ayub lifted Pakistan from a poor start after they won the toss and batted.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">Pakistan lost both their openers -- Mohammad Rizwan leg-before for eight and then Azam bowled -- to pacer Adam Milne by the fifth over for just 30.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">&nbsp;</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">Ayub lifted the tempo with two boundaries each off Milne and Ben Lister before he and Zaman hit a six each off spinner Ish Sodhi in the tenth over.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">&nbsp;</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">Zaman struck four boundaries and two sixes in his 34-ball knock while Ayub\'s rapid 28-ball innings featured two sixes and six fours.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">&nbsp;</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">Ayub was run out while taking a second run before Zaman was caught at deep square-leg off Sodhi.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">&nbsp;</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">Faheem Ashraf hit a 16-ball 22 while Wasim scored 16 off 13 balls to help Pakistan add 47 runs in the last five overs.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">&nbsp;</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">New Zealand pacer Matt Henry took a hat trick in his figures of 3-32.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">&nbsp;</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">Henry dismissed Shadab Khan (five) and Iftikhar Ahmed (nought) off the last two deliveries of his third over and then Shaheen Shah Afridi with the first of his fourth.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">&nbsp;</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">Lister had figures of 2-30 while Milne finished with 2-51.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">&nbsp;</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">The remaining four matches are in Lahore on April 15 and April 17 and Rawalpindi on April 20 and 24. AFP</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify; \">bnbd24/kh</div>', NULL, 'News Desk', '[\"20\"]', NULL, NULL, NULL, NULL, '2023-04-15 10:59:00', '2023-04-15 10:59:00'),
(6377, 6377, '<div style=\"text-align: justify; \"><span style=\"font-size: 1rem;\"><b>A fire broke out at Dhaka’s New Supermarket — next to New Market — early today (April 15, 2023).</b></span><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify; \">A total of 28 firefighting units and teams of Bangladesh Army, Navy and Air Force are working to control the blaze.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">Fifteen people including 9 firefighters have been admitted to Dhaka Medical College Hospital after they fell sick from the heavy smoke. </div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">Twelve Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) units are also working on the spot. </div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">The fire broke out around 5:40 am and was still not under control at the time of filing this report.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">Shahjahan Sikder, deputy assistant director of Fire Service and Civil Defence headquarters media cell said that the first firefighting unit reached the spot around 5:43 am. 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, '2023-04-15 11:03:34', '2023-04-15 15:56:09'),
(6378, 6378, '<div style=\"text-align: justify; \"><b style=\"font-size: 1rem;\">BNP senior leader Amir Khosru Mahmud Chowdhury has said the entire democratic world is now with Bangladesh for a creditable election, ensuring human rights and press freedom.</b><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">“It’s not only the United States, but also the entire world consciences are now with the people of Bangladesh. All the democracy-loving and freedom-loving countries are closely monitoring human rights, rule of law, media freedom, and the election,” he said.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">Speaking at a discussion on Friday, the BNP leader also said US Secretary of State Antony J Blinken during his meeting with Foreign Minister Dr AK Abdul Momen in Washington recently gave a message that the entire world is looking to Bangladesh for a neutral, acceptable, and inclusive election.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">“He (Momen) was also been given a message not to continue the repression on the media workers and to keep a close eye on the Digital Security Act through which freedom of expression is being disrupted,” he said.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">Khosru, also a BNP standing committee member, said the US has also asked the Bangladesh government to respect human rights.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">He questioned why the global community and democracy-loving countries are only looking to the Bangladesh election instead of that of other countries in the South Asian region, including India, Nepal, Bhutan, Sri Lanka, and Pakistan. “It has manifested how we have got humiliated before the world.”</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">Earlier on Monday, Foreign Minister Dr AK Abdul Mome met his US counterpart Antony J Blinken where they discussed a wide range of issues, including Bangladesh’s next election, the Digital Security Act, human rights, and the Rohingya crisis.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">Sylhet Divisional Jatiyatabadi Chhatra Forum, in Dhaka, arranged the programme at Dhaka Reporters\' Unity demanding the trace and safe return of former BNP organising secretary M Ilias Ali.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">Former lawmaker Ilias Ali and his car driver Ansar Ali were reportedly been subjected to enforced disappearance at midnight on April 17 in 2012 from near Mohakhali railway crossing in the capital.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">Khosrul said the current government will no longer be able to stay in power by creating a climate of fear by resorting to the politics of enforced disappearance, falsehood, and the politics of false and ghost cases.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">“The people of Bangladesh have decided to defeat them (the AL regime) politically…the people of Bangladesh have also taken a decision to remove fascism,” he observed. UNB</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify; \">bnbd24/kh</div>', NULL, 'News Desk', '[\"4\"]', NULL, NULL, NULL, NULL, '2023-04-15 11:52:42', '2023-04-15 11:52:42');
INSERT INTO `news_details` (`id`, `news_id`, `details`, `ticker`, `representative`, `keyword`, `video_link`, `google_drive_link`, `audio_link`, `shoulder`, `created_at`, `updated_at`) VALUES
(6379, 6379, '<div style=\"text-align: justify; \"><b style=\"font-size: 1rem;\">France’s Constitutional Council on Friday approved an unpopular plan to raise the retirement age from 62 to 64 in a victory for President Emmanuel Macron after months of mass protests that have damaged his leadership.</b><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">The decision dismayed or enraged critics of the pension plan. Hundreds of union activists and others gathered peacefully in Paris Friday evening before some groups broke off in marches toward the historic Bastille plaza and beyond, setting fires to garbage bins and scooters as police fired tear gas or pushed them back.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">Unions and Macron’s political opponents vowed to maintain pressure on the government to withdraw the bill, and activists threatened scattered new protests Saturday.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">Macron’s office said he would enact the law in coming days, and he has said he wants it implemented by the end of the year. Prime Minister Elisabeth Borne said Friday’s decision “marks the end of the institutional and democratic path of this reform,” adding that there was “no victor” in what has turned into a nationwide standoff and France’s worst social unrest in years.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">The council rejected some measures in the pension bill, but the higher age was central to Macron’s plan and the target of protesters’ anger. The government argued that the reform is needed to keep the pension system afloat as the population ages; opponents proposed raising taxes on the wealthy or employers instead, and said the changes threaten a hard-won social safety net.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">In a separate but related decision, the council rejected a request by left-wing lawmakers to allow for a possible referendum on enshrining 62 as the maximum official retirement age. The council will rule on a second, similar request, next month.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">Carl Pfeiffer, a 62-year-old retiree protesting outside City Hall, warned that the Constitutional Council’s decision won’t spell the end of tensions.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">The council members “are irresponsible, because the anger that will come right after in the country, it’s their fault,″ he said.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">Bartender Lena Cayo, 22, said she was disappointed but not surprised by the decision.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">“We are protesting for so many weeks and the government didn’t hear us,” she said. “Workers who have gone on strike or protested the legislation since January are fighting “for their rights, but nothing changes.”</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">As tensions mounted hours before the decision, Macron invited labor unions to meet with him on Tuesday no matter what the Constitutional Council decision was, his office said. The unions rejected Macron’s invitation, noting that he had refused their previous offers of a meeting, and called for mass new protests on May 1, international workers’ rights day.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">Unions have been the organizers of 12 nationwide protests since January and have a critical role in trying to tamp down excessive reactions by protesters. Violence by pockets of ultra-left radicals have marked the otherwise peaceful nationwide marches.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">The plan to increase the retirement age was meant to be Macron’s showcase measure in his second term.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">The council decision caps months of tumultuous debates in parliament and fervor in the streets.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">Spontaneous demonstrations were held around France ahead of the nine-member council’s ruling. Opponents of the pension reform blockaded entry points into some cities, including Rouen in the west and Marseille in the south, slowing or stopping traffic.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">The prime minister was interrupted while visiting a supermarket outside Paris by a group of people chanting, “We don’t want it,” referring to the way she skirted the vote by lawmakers to advance the pension reform.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">The government’s decision to get around a parliamentary vote in March by using special constitutional powers heightened the fury of the measure’s opponents, as well as their determination. Another group awaited Borne in the parking lot.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">Union leaders have said the Constitutional Council’s decisions would be respected, but have vowed to continue protests in an attempt to get Macron to withdraw the measure.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">The leader of the moderate CFDT, Laurent Berger, warned that “there will be repercussions.”</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">Holding out hope to upend the decision, unions and some protesters recalled parallels with a contested 2006 measure about work contracts for youth that sent students, joined by unions, into the streets. That legislation had been pushed through parliament without a vote and given the green light by the Constitutional Council — only to be later scrapped to bring calm to the country.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">Far-right lawmaker Marine Le Pen denounced the pension reform as “brutal and unjust.” In a statement, she said that once the reform is put into practice it “will mark the definitive rupture between the French people and Emmanuel Macron.”</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">Polls have consistently shown that the majority of French citizens are opposed to working two more years before being able to reap pension benefits. The legislation also requires people to work 43 years to receive a full pension, among other changes to the system. 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, '2023-04-15 12:00:51', '2023-04-15 12:00:51'),
(6380, 6380, '<div style=\"text-align: justify; \"><b style=\"font-size: 1rem;\">A fire that broke out at Dhaka’s New Supermarket — next to New Market — early today, has been brought under control.</b><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">The blaze was brought under control around 9:10 am, said Shahjahan Sikder, deputy assistant director of Fire Service and Civil Defence headquarters media cell.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">Members of law enforcement agencies are assisting traders in evacuating the establishment with their goods.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">A total of 28 firefighting units and teams of Bangladesh Army, Navy and Air Force are working to douse the blaze.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">Fifteen people including 9 firefighters have been admitted to Dhaka Medical College Hospital after they fell sick from the heavy smoke.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">Twelve Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) units are also working on the spot.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">The fire broke out around 5:40 am.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">The first firefighting unit reached the spot around 5:43 am. 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, '2023-04-15 12:04:31', '2023-04-15 12:04:31'),
(6381, 6381, '<div style=\"text-align: justify; \"><b style=\"font-size: 1rem;\">Pop diva Celine Dion announced the release of new music on Thursday -- her first since revealing last year that she was suffering from a rare neurological disorder that was affecting her singing.</b><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">&nbsp;</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">The new album \"Love Again\" is the soundtrack for a film of the same name, and contains five new songs as well as past hits.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">&nbsp;</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">It is the 55-year-old Canadian Dion\'s first since her 2019 album \"Courage.\"</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">&nbsp;</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">\"I had a lot of fun doing this movie. And to have the privilege of appearing with the beautiful and talented actors Priyanka Chopra Jonas and Sam Heughan in my very first feature film is a gift that I will cherish forever,\" Dion said in a statement.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">&nbsp;</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">\"I think it\'s a wonderful feel-good story, and I hope that people will like it, and like the new songs too,\" Dion said.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">&nbsp;</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">The romantic comedy by director Jim Strouse is scheduled for release in theatres on May 5.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">&nbsp;</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">In December, Dion posted a tearful video on Instagram to say she had recently been diagnosed with Stiff-Person Syndrome and would not be ready to start a European tour in February as she had planned.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">&nbsp;</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">She said the disorder was causing muscle spasms and was \"not allowing me to use my vocal cords to sing the way I\'m used to.\"</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">&nbsp;</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">The \"Courage World Tour\" began in 2019, and Dion had completed 52 shows before the Covid-19 pandemic put the remainder on hold.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">&nbsp;</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">She later cancelled the North American section of the tour due to her health problems.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">&nbsp;</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">Her spring dates in Europe, which were due to begin in the Czech Republic, were postponed to 2024, while eight of her summer shows were cancelled entirely.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">&nbsp;</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">This was to have been the Grammy-winning winner\'s first global concert tour in a decade and the first without her husband-manager Rene Angelil, who died from cancer in 2016. AFP</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify; \">bnbd24/kh</div>', NULL, 'News Desk', '[\"13\"]', NULL, NULL, NULL, NULL, '2023-04-15 12:40:23', '2023-04-15 12:40:23'),
(6382, 6382, '<div style=\"text-align: justify; \"><b style=\"font-size: 1rem;\">Montana has become the first US state to pass legislation banning TikTok on personal devices.</b><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">TikTok, which is owned by Chinese company ByteDance, has been accused of posing a national security risk through data gathered from users.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">If signed into law by Governor Greg Gianforte, the ban could come into effect in January.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">The company has suggested that it would take legal action to fight the Montana bill.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">The bill, known as SB 419, passed by a vote of 54 to 43. It cites a number of concerns about TikTok, including alleged surveillance from the Chinese government.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">Violations of the bill could carry a penalty of up to $10,000 (£8,000), which would be enforced by Montana\'s Department of Justice. The penalties apply to companies, rather than individual users.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">Mr Gianforte, a Republican who previously banned the app on the devices of government employees, is expected to sign it. BBC</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify; \">bnbd24/kh</div>', NULL, 'News Desk', '[\"18\"]', NULL, NULL, NULL, NULL, '2023-04-15 13:16:13', '2023-04-15 13:16:13'),
(6383, 6383, '<div style=\"text-align: justify; \"><b style=\"font-size: 1rem;\">Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina today asked concerned authorities to look into whether “arson, terrorism by BNP-Jamaat” is behind the recent fire incidents.</b><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">“It should be investigated whether they (BNP-Jamaat) are taking a different path by causing incidents like fire,” she said.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">The prime minister said this while talking at the Awami League Local Government Nomination Board meeting held at her official residence Gana Bhaban.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">She asked to investigate whether the recent spate of fire incidents in markets were part of a conspiracy or sabotage.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">The PM said when the first fire incident occurred, everyone thought that it was an accident.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">“…The fire incidents are occurring after 6am. Surveillance should be beefed up and markets have to remain alert,” she said.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">“Everyone should be more aware. Everyone has to make arrangements on their own initiative to guard (their establishments). All efforts by the government will continue,” she said.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">She said that observing the recent fire incidents raises questions whether these are plain accidents or there is some manipulation behind these.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">“We know that some political parties want to wage a movement after Eid, cripple the economy, and oust the government. But what are the faults of the common people and businessmen?” – she asked.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">She also said that unnecessary gathering at sites of fire incidents must not be allowed when fire fighters are trying to douse the blaze, and strict action will be taken in case of any obstruction regarding this matter.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">“Why will they (fire fighters) face obstacles when they try to extinguish the fire? Some people attacked the fire fighters… Who are these people?” – the PM asked.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">She said that businessmen were the worst sufferers as they have been waiting for the Eid season. She also urged the countrymen to remain alert.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">Recalling the arson, terrorism by BNP-Jamaat in the recent past, she expressed her concerns and stressed on proper investigations.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">“In the past, they burnt people, and now whether they have taken the path to cripple the economy needs to be looked into,” she said. 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, '2023-04-15 13:29:17', '2023-04-15 13:29:17'),
(6384, 6384, '<div style=\"text-align: justify; \"><span style=\"font-size: 1rem;\">Brazilian leader Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva is set to forge closer ties with Chinese President Xi Jinping during a meeting in Beijing on Friday, a day after he lashed out at the power of the US dollar and the IMF.</span><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">The veteran leftist, whose government recently announced a deal with Beijing to trade in their own currencies -- ditching the dollar as an intermediary -- is in China to boost ties with his country\'s top trading partner and spread his message that \"Brazil is back\" as a key player on the global stage.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">Lula also had strong words for the International Monetary Fund, alluding to accusations the IMF forces overly harsh spending cuts on cash-strapped countries like Brazil\'s neighbour Argentina in exchange for bailout loans.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">Lula, who took office in January, is looking to reposition Brazil as a global go-between and deal broker, seeking friendly ties across the board after four years of relative isolation under his far-right predecessor, Jair Bolsonaro.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">He met with Chinese Premier Li Qiang at Beijing\'s Great Hall of the People on Friday afternoon, followed by talks with Xi Jinping. Lula visited US President Joe Biden in February. 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, '2023-04-15 13:37:42', '2023-04-15 13:37:42'),
(6385, 6385, '<div style=\"text-align: justify; \"><b style=\"font-size: 1rem;\">Covid variant XBB.1.16, also known as Arcturus, has been dubbed as the \'variant under monitoring\' by WHO (World Health Organisation) after it was found to be spreading fast in many parts of the world. According to recent WHO data, a total of 712 XBB.1.16 sequences were found in 21 countries. XBB 1.16 is a subvariant of the Omicron variant, which emerged in late 2021 and has since then replaced delta as the dominant variant around the world.&nbsp;</b><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">Carrying additional spike mutations, Arcturus variant is considered more transmissible and immune-evasive than its predecessors and may escape immunity acquired by previous infections or vaccines. While the symptoms of XBB.1.16 are not very different from the previous strains and the disease caused by it largely remains mild, in case of vulnerable population like children and elderly, it can cause slightly different symptoms.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">\"XBB.1.16 variant, a sub-lineage of Omicron variant, is believed to be the cause of recent concerning surge in number of Covid cases. According to available reports based on genome sequencing, XBB 1.16 has few additional spike mutations. As per the available data, it seems to more transmissible and immune evasive, i.e. causing infections in patients with pre-existing natural or vaccine induced immunity,\" says Dr Rohit Kumar Garg, Consultant, Department of Infectious Diseases, Amrita Hospital, Faridabad.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">Common symptoms of XBB.1.16 or Arcturus in adults</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">Experts say the loss of taste and smell seen in the days of spread of Delta variant is uncommon now while symptoms like fever, sore throat, running nose, body ache, diarrhoea, fatigue are more common in Covid patients.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">\"The symptoms of XBB 1.16 are not much different from previous variants. Some of the common symptoms in adults include fever, sore throat, running nose, cough, body ache, myalgia, fatigue, diarrhoea. Symptoms due to shortness of breath, low oxygen saturation, respiratory distress can be seen in patients who develop severe illness,\" says Dr Garg.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">\"Infected adults may experience symptoms like fever, cough, cold, nasal discharge/running nose, blocked nose, sneezing, soreness and irritation in throat, scratchy throat, change of voice/hoarse voice, shortness of breath, headache, body aches, fatigue, nausea, diarrhoea, chest pain. Loss of taste and smell as seen with Delta variant of Covid-19 is not much seen now,\" says Dr Gurmeet Singh Chabbra, Director- Pulmonology, Marengo Asia Hospitals, Faridabad.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">Symptoms of XBB.1.16 or Arcturus in children</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">Children in addition to sore throat, runny nose, blocked nose may have conjunctivitis or pink eye in this current surge of Covid infections.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">\"XBB.1.16 variant symptoms reported in children are high fever, cough, itchy conjunctivitis — or pinkeye — without pus, but with \'sticky eyes\'. Scratchy throat also leading to difficulty in swallowing, running nose, blocked nose seems to be more common symptoms in current Covid variant,\" says Dr Chabbra.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">\"Infected adults may experience symptoms like fever, cough, cold, nasal discharge/running nose, blocked nose, sneezing, soreness and irritation in throat, scratchy throat, change of voice/hoarse voice, shortness of breath, headache, body aches, fatigue, nausea, diarrhoea, chest pain. Loss of taste and smell as seen with Delta variant of Covid-19 is not much seen now,\" says Dr Gurmeet Singh Chabbra, Director- Pulmonology, Marengo Asia Hospitals, Faridabad.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">Symptoms of XBB.1.16 or Arcturus in children Children in addition to sore throat, runny nose, blocked nose may have conjunctivitis or pink eye in this current surge of Covid infections.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">\"XBB.1.16 variant symptoms reported in children are high fever, cough, itchy conjunctivitis — or pinkeye — without pus, but with \'sticky eyes\'. Scratchy throat also leading to difficulty in swallowing, running nose, blocked nose seems to be more common symptoms in current Covid variant,\" says Dr Chabbra. HT</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify; \">bnbd24/\'kh</div>', NULL, 'News Desk', '[\"6\"]', NULL, NULL, NULL, NULL, '2023-04-15 14:06:15', '2023-04-15 14:06:15'),
(6386, 6386, '<div style=\"text-align: justify; \"><b style=\"font-size: 1rem;\">G7 allies kicked off two days of \"difficult\" climate talks in northern Japan on Saturday, facing pressure to show progress on key fossil fuel commitments in an example to other major economies including China.</b><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">Campaigners have warned climate and environment ministers from the group of developed countries against backsliding on pledges on the shift away from coal and gas at home and abroad.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">But a leaked third draft of a statement to be issued at the meeting in Sapporo has relieved some experts, who had feared a more ringing endorsement of the need for overseas gas investments as proposed by Japan.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">\"All in, given low expectations, it now seems a better outcome than many expected,\" said Ed King from the climate-oriented communications firm GSCC.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">The ministers want to show unity after a major UN climate report warned last month that 1.5 degrees Celsius of global warming would be seen in about a decade. It called for \"rapid and far-reaching\" action to keep increases within relatively safe limits.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">However, as as the energy crisis sparked by the Ukraine war squeezes G7 countries, including this year\'s president Japan, divisions have arisen among the group.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">A French government source said their minister was trying to \"avoid or put a stop to any form of reversal on fossil fuel\" commitments, while describing \"difficult\" discussions among the bloc.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">The draft statement calls on nations to take action \"in this critical decade\", urging a peak in global greenhouse emissions by 2025 at the latest.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">Experts say this language is aimed at China, the world\'s largest carbon emitter, which is targeting a peak in its carbon emissions by 2030.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">The draft also stresses the \"urgency\" of slashing global emissions by 60 percent by 2035 from 2019 levels, as recommended by the UN\'s IPCC panel of climate experts.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">- Coal and gas promises -</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">Other phrasing has been more contentious, with the final statement sure to be closely scrutinised for signs of the direction of talks at the G20 in New Delhi and the COP28 climate meeting in Dubai later this year.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">Ministers pledged at the last G7 climate ministerial in Germany in May 2022 to largely end fossil fuel use in their electricity sectors by 2035.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">They also agreed to stop new direct public support the same year for overseas fossil fuel projects that take no steps to offset carbon dioxide emissions.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">But this was watered down a month later when G7 leaders said the \"exceptional circumstances\" of Russia\'s war in Ukraine made gas investments \"appropriate as a temporary response\".</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">Japan has sought language that would solidify that exception, and trade minister Yasutoshi Nishimura has said a one-size-fits-all approach is inappropriate.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">\"It\'s necessary to work towards the common goal of net zero by taking various approaches according to the circumstances of each country,\" he said at the event\'s opening speech on Saturday.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">The latest draft of the G7 climate statement, seen by AFP, recognises \"the primary need to accelerate the clean energy transition through energy savings and gas demand reduction\".</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">And on coal -- another hotly debated topic -- the United States has proposed wording that acknowledges the need to \"call on international partners to end new unabated coal power generation projects globally\".</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">Canada\'s environment and climate change minister Steven Guilbeault told AFP that \"in terms of phasing out fossil fuel from the electricity sector... we would be, as Canada, very comfortable with having strong language on that\".</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">The draft also includes recognition of nuclear power\'s potential to reduce dependence on fossil fuels, and supports the International Atomic Energy Agency\'s review of Japan\'s plan to start releasing treated water from its devastated Fukushima plant into the sea.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">Japan had sought G7 recognition for its controversial strategy of burning hydrogen and ammonia alongside fossil fuels to reduce carbon emissions -- which climate activists say only serves to extend the lifespan of polluting plants.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">But the draft statement simply notes that \"some countries are exploring\" the potential of the two fuels in the journey to net-zero emissions.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">And it says this should be \"aligned with a 1.5oC pathway and our collective goal for a fully or predominantly decarbonised power sector by 2035\". 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, '2023-04-15 14:28:27', '2023-04-15 14:28:27'),
(6387, 6387, '<div style=\"text-align: justify; \"><b style=\"font-size: 1rem;\">Japan\'s Prime Minister Fumio Kishida resumed campaigning on Saturday, shortly after being evacuated unharmed from the scene of an apparent \"smoke bomb\" blast, local media reported.</b><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">\"There was a loud blast sound at the previous speech venue. Police are&nbsp;<span style=\"font-size: 1rem;\">investigating details, but I\'d like to apologise for worrying many people and&nbsp;</span><span style=\"font-size: 1rem;\">causing them trouble,\" national broadcaster NHK quoted Kishida as saying at a&nbsp;</span><span style=\"font-size: 1rem;\">stop in western Japan\'s Wakayama.</span></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">\"An election that\'s important to our country is taking place, and we must&nbsp;<span style=\"font-size: 1rem;\">work together and follow through on it.\" AFP</span></div><div style=\"text-align: justify; \"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify; \">bnbd24/kh</div>', NULL, 'News Desk', '[\"1\"]', NULL, NULL, NULL, NULL, '2023-04-15 14:40:40', '2023-04-15 14:40:40'),
(6390, 6390, '<div><span style=\"font-size: 1rem;\"><b>The latest fire incidents in the capital are being investigated to see if there was any sabotage, said Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) Commissioner Khandker Golam Faruq.</b></span><br></div><div><br></div><div>He said this while briefing the media after visiting the fire sight at New Super Market.</div><div><br></div><div>Intelligence surveillance will be strengthened, and at the same time, intelligence personnel in white clothes will be stationed in front of the markets, he said.</div><div><br></div><div>Earlier, a massive fire broke out at Dhaka’s New Super Market — next to New Market around 5:40 am. The first firefighting unit reached the spot around 5:43 am and it was brought under control around 9:10 am.</div><div><br></div><div>At least 19 people fell sick from the heavy smoke while firefighters were trying to douse the blaze.</div><div><br></div><div>A total of 28 firefighting units and teams of Bangladesh Army, Navy and Air Force are still working to douse the fire.</div><div><br></div><div>Twelve Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) units are also working on the spot. Source: UNB</div><div><br></div><div>bnbd24/fas</div>', NULL, 'News Desk', '[\"30\"]', NULL, NULL, NULL, NULL, '2023-04-15 15:54:17', '2023-04-15 15:54:17'),
(6391, 6391, '<div><span style=\"font-size: 1rem;\"><b>SpaceX has cleared the final regulatory hurdle standing before the inaugural launch of its Starship rocket — the most powerful rocket ever constructed.</b></span><br></div><div><br></div><div>The Federal Aviation Administration, which licenses commercial rocket launches, announced Friday that it granted the company’s request for an uncrewed flight test of the rocket out of the SpaceX facilities in South Texas. The vehicle, which has already undergone preflight ground testing, is poised to take off as soon as Monday.</div><div><br></div><div>“After a comprehensive license evaluation process, the FAA determined SpaceX met all safety, environmental, policy, payload, airspace integration and financial responsibility requirements,” the agency said in a statement.</div><div><br></div><div>Earlier Friday, the FAA issued an air traffic restriction for the area surrounding the launch. The Notice to Air Missions, or NOTAM, orders planes and other air traffic to steer clear of the launch area — which lies due East of Brownsville, Texas — on Monday between 7 a.m. and 10:05 a.m. CT (8 a.m. and 11:05 a.m. ET).</div><div><br></div><div>This will be SpaceX’s first attempt to put Starship into orbit, building on a yearslong testing campaign to work out the design of the rocket.</div><div><br></div><div>SpaceX CEO Elon Musk has talked about Starship for about a decade, making elaborate presentations about its design and describing it as the vehicle that underpins SpaceX’s founding purpose: sending humans to Mars for the first time.</div><div><br></div><div>Additionally, NASA has already awarded SpaceX contracts and options — worth more than $3 billion — to use Starship to ferry government astronauts to the surface of the moon under the space agency’s Artemis program.</div><div><br></div><div>The inaugural flight test will not complete a full orbit around Earth. If successful, however, it will reach orbital speeds and travel about 150 miles above Earth’s surface, well into altitudes deemed to be outer space.</div><div><br></div><div>Starship consists of two parts: the Super Heavy booster, a gargantuan rocket that houses 33 engines, and the Starship spacecraft, which sits atop the booster during launch and is designed to break away after the booster expends its fuel to finish the mission.</div><div><br></div><div>On this flight, the rocket booster will be discarded into the ocean shortly after liftoff. In future flights, however, SpaceX plans to recover the vehicle by guiding it to an upright landing back at the launch site. The Starship spacecraft will complete nearly one full lap of the planet, ending its flight with a splashdown off Hawaii. - CNN</div><div><br></div><div>bnbd24/fas</div>', NULL, 'International Desk', '[\"29\"]', NULL, NULL, NULL, NULL, '2023-04-15 16:26:01', '2023-04-15 16:26:01'),
(6392, 6392, '<div><b><span style=\"font-size: 1rem;\">Severe heat wave is sweeping over many places of the country and it may continue, said a weather forecast issued by the </span><span style=\"font-size: 1rem;\">Bangladesh Metrology Department (BMD) here today.</span></b></div><div><br></div><div>\"Severe heat wave is sweeping over Khulna division and the districts of Dhaka, Faridpur, Manikganj, Rajshahi, Pabna and Patuakhali... Mild to moderate heat wave is sweeping over remaining parts of the country and it may continue,\" said the bulletin valid for the next 24 hours commencing 9am today.</div><div><br></div><div>The day and night temperature may remain nearly unchanged over the country, <span style=\"font-size: 1rem;\">it added.</span></div><div><br></div><div>Country\'s maximum temperature on Friday was recorded 41.7 degrees Celsius at Chuadanga while today\'s minimum temperature 20.5 degrees Celsius was recorded at Rangamati.</div><div><br></div><div>However, no rainfall recorded across the country during the last 24 hours. </div><div><br></div><div>The sun sets at 6.20 pm today and rises at 5.37 am tomorrow in the capital. Source: BSS</div><div><br></div><div>bnbd24/fas</div>', NULL, 'News Desk', '[\"30\"]', NULL, NULL, NULL, NULL, '2023-04-15 16:38:55', '2023-04-15 22:10:13'),
(6393, 6393, '<div><span style=\"font-size: 1rem;\"><b>At least 27 people were injured and 12 lost their lives in a tragic accident in Maharashtra\'s Raigad district on the old Mumbai-Pune highway on Saturday. The incident occurred when a bus carrying about 40 passengers plunged into a gorge on its way from Pune to Mumbai.</b></span><br></div><div><br></div><div>The private bus was carrying members of a traditional music troupe from Pune to Mumbai when it fell into a gorge near Shingroba temple on the highway at around 4.50 am.</div><div><br></div><div>An unnamed police official gave details about the injured and deceased to news agency PTI, he said, “The bus was carrying members of \'Baji Prabhu Vaadak Group\' from Mumbai\'s Goregaon. They were returning to Goregaon after taking part in an event in Pimpri Chinchwad area in Pune district. The bus had left the venue around 1 am on Saturday,\"</div><div><br></div><div>The police official also informed that the incident occurred under the Khopoli police station limits which lies around 70 kilometers from Mumbai.</div><div><br></div><div>Raigad Superintendent of Police (SP) Somnath Gharge while informing about the people involved in the accident said that they belonged to Sion and Goregaon in Mumbai and Virar in neighbouring Palghar district.</div><div><br></div><div>Police officials confirmed that the injured passengers were in the age group of 18-25. They have now been admitted to Khopoli Rural Hospital for further treatment. Meanwhile, a rescue operation by a team of local police and trekkers is underway to find the missing passengers.</div><div><br></div><div>Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde has also expressed grief over the accident and announced a relief of ₹5 lakh for the relatives of deceased passengers.</div><div><br></div><div>While sharing the information on Twitter, Maharashtra CMO tweeted in Marathi, “The Chief Minister@mieknathshinde has expressed deep grief over the horrific accident that took place on the old Mumbai-Pune highway when a private bus fell into a ravine. Expressing condolences to the deceased and their families, an aid of ₹5 lakh each has been announced to the relatives of the deceased.\"</div><div><br></div><div>“As soon as the information about the accident came, Chief Minister Eknath Shinde contacted Raigad Collector, Superintendent of Police over phone and inquired about the incident. While giving instructions to provide immediate help to the accident victims, the Chief Minister also directed to provide immediate medical treatment to the injured at government expense.\" the Maharashtra CMO added. Source: livemint.com&nbsp;</div><div><br></div><div>bnbd24/fas</div>', NULL, 'International Desk', '[\"29\"]', NULL, NULL, NULL, NULL, '2023-04-15 17:08:25', '2023-04-15 17:08:25'),
(6394, 6394, '<div><b><span style=\"font-size: 1rem;\">Sultan Al Jaber, president of the COP28 climate talks, called on Saturday for \"available, accessible and affordable\" finance for the developing economies most vulnerable to the destructive impacts of a warming planet.</span><br></b></div><div><br></div><div>Al Jaber, who is also head of the United Arab Emirates\' national oil company, said he had urged G7 climate and environment ministers meeting in Japan this weekend to prioritise support for poorer countries.</div><div><br></div><div>\"The time has come for us to provide a fair deal for the Global South, especially when it comes to climate finance,\" he told AFP on the sidelines of the G7 talks in Sapporo.</div><div><br></div><div>\"I\'m fine with raising ambitions, even going for more ambitious plans and programmes\" to fight global warming, he said.</div><div><br></div><div>However, to boost trust worldwide \"this needs to be equipped and coupled and supported with real, pragmatic, actionable plans enabled by finance that is available, accessible and affordable\".</div><div><br></div><div>The choice of Al Jaber, chief executive of the Abu Dhabi National Oil Company (ADNOC), to head December\'s COP28 UN climate change conference in Dubai has angered activists who fear it will hold back progress on reducing emissions.</div><div><br></div><div>Al Jaber, 49, is also the UAE\'s minister for industry and advanced technology and founded the government-owned renewable energy company Masdar.</div><div><br></div><div>COP27, held in Egypt in November, brought a landmark agreement to create a \"loss and damage\" fund to cover the costs of the destruction that developing countries face from climate-linked natural disasters.</div><div><br></div><div>Floods that covered large swaths of Pakistan last year and drought in East Africa both bear the fingerprint of climate change.</div><div><br></div><div>Multi-billion-dollar investment plans have also been announced in recent months for countries such as South Africa and Indonesia to transition to clean energy from fossil fuels.</div><div><br></div><div>Al Jaber said climate finance for developing countries needs to be \"very high on the agenda\".</div><div><br></div><div>But he highlighted the need \"to strike a balance between passion and realism, in order for us to deliver a true, pragmatic, progressive, practical deal at COP28\".</div><div><br></div><div>In a closed-door address to the G7 climate ministers on Saturday, Al Jaber also called for developed countries to follow through on an unfulfilled promise to provide developing nations with $100 billion a year to fight climate change.</div><div><br></div><div>He also urged the world to triple the amount of money available for clean tech investment, adaptation finance and energy transition in developing countries by 2030, according to a transcript of his speech obtained by AFP.</div><div><br></div><div>The latest leaked draft of a G7 climate statement to be issued on Sunday reaffirms the bloc\'s commitment to the $100-billion pledge, which dates back to COP15 in Copenhagen in 2009.</div><div><br></div><div>In the draft, the G7 vows to work with other developed nations \"to fully meet the goal in 2023\". Source: AFP&nbsp;</div><div><br></div><div>bnbd24/fas</div>', NULL, 'International Desk', '[\"29\"]', NULL, NULL, NULL, NULL, '2023-04-15 18:16:08', '2023-04-15 18:16:08'),
(6395, 6395, '<div><b><span style=\"font-size: 1rem;\">Relics of ancient viruses - that have spent millions of years hiding inside human DNA - help the body fight cancer, say scientists.</span><br></b></div><div><br></div><div>The study by the Francis Crick Institute showed the dormant remnants of these old viruses are woken up when cancerous cells spiral out of control.</div><div><br></div><div>This unintentionally helps the immune system target and attack the tumour.</div><div>The team wants to harness the discovery to design vaccines that can boost cancer treatment, or even prevent it.</div><div><br></div><div>The researchers had noticed a connection between better survival from lung cancer and a part of the immune system, called B-cells, clustering around tumours.</div><div><br></div><div>B-cells are the part of our body that manufactures antibodies and are better known for their role in fighting off infections, such as Covid.</div><div><br></div><div>Precisely what they were doing in lung cancer was a mystery but a series of intricate experiments using samples from patients and animal tests showed they were still attempting to fight viruses.</div><div><br></div><div>\"It turned out that the antibodies are recognising remnants of what\'s termed endogenous retroviruses,\" Prof Julian Downward, an associate research director at the Francis Crick Institute, told me.</div><div><br></div><div>Retroviruses have the nifty trick of slipping a copy of their genetic instructions inside our own.</div><div><br></div><div>• More than 8% of what we think of as \"human\" DNA actually has such viral origins</div><div><br></div><div>• Some of these retroviruses became a fixture of our genetic code tens of millions of years ago and are shared with our evolutionary relatives, the great apes</div><div><br></div><div>• Other retroviruses may have entered our DNA a few thousand years ago</div><div><br></div><div>Some of these foreign instructions have, over time, been co-opted and serve useful purposes inside our cells, but others are tightly controlled to stop them spreading.</div><div><br></div><div>However, chaos dominates inside a cancerous cell when it is growing uncontrollably and the once tight control of these ancient viruses is lost.</div><div><br></div><div>These ancient genetic instructions are no longer able to resurrect whole viruses but they can create fragments of viruses that are enough for the immune system to spot a viral threat.</div><div><br></div><div>\"The immune system is tricked into believing that the tumour cells are infected and it tries to eliminate the virus, so it\'s sort of an alarm system,\" Prof George Kassiotis, head of retroviral immunology at the biomedical research centre, told me.</div><div><br></div><div>The antibodies summon other parts of the immune system that kill off the \"infected\" cells - the immune system is trying to stop a virus but in this case is taking out cancerous cells.</div><div><br></div><div>Prof Kassiotis says it is a remarkable role reversal for retroviruses which, in their heyday, \"might have been causing cancer in our ancestors\" due to the way they invade our DNA, but are now protecting us from cancer, \"which I find fascinating\", he adds.</div><div><br></div><div>The study, published in the journal Nature, describes how this happens naturally in the body but the researchers want to enhance that effect by developing vaccines to teach the body how to hunt for endogenous retroviruses.</div><div><br></div><div>\"If we can do that, then you can think not only of therapeutic vaccines, you can also think of preventative vaccines,\" said Prof Kassiotis.</div><div><br></div><div>The research came out of the TracerX study which has been tracking lung cancers in unprecedented detail and this week showed cancer\'s \"near infinite\" ability to evolve. It led the researchers running the trial to call for more focus on preventing cancer as it was so hard to stop.</div><div><br></div><div>Dr Claire Bromley, from Cancer Research UK, said: \"All of us have ancient viral DNA in our genes, passed down from our ancestors, and this fascinating research has highlighted the role it plays in cancer and how our immune system can recognise and destroy cancer cells.\"</div><div><br></div><div>She said \"more research\" was needed to develop a cancer vaccine but \"nevertheless, this study adds to the growing body of research that could one day see this innovative approach to cancer treatment become a reality.\" Source: BBC</div><div><br></div><div>bnbd24/fas</div>', NULL, 'International Desk', '[\"29\"]', NULL, NULL, NULL, NULL, '2023-04-15 19:14:03', '2023-04-15 19:14:03');
INSERT INTO `news_details` (`id`, `news_id`, `details`, `ticker`, `representative`, `keyword`, `video_link`, `google_drive_link`, `audio_link`, `shoulder`, `created_at`, `updated_at`) VALUES
(6396, 6396, '<div><span style=\"font-size: 1rem;\"><b>Nearly 200 shops were gutted in a devastating fire in the New Super Market (South) building beside the New Market here, President of New Market Traders\' Association Dewan Aminul Islam Shaheen said at a press conference.</b></span><br></div><div><br></div><div>\"According to preliminary estimates, each store had merchandise worth about Taka 20 lakh to one crore...Those goods were destroyed by fire and damaged by the water,\" he told the reporters this afternoon. </div><div><br></div><div>Besides, Mohammad Shahjahan Shikder, Media Cell (Officer-in-Charge) of \"The Life Saving Force Bahini\" told journalists that a total of 30 people, including one air force sergeant, three fire service officers, 21 fire fighters, two volunteers, two Ansar members and one scout were injured while extinguishing the fire.</div><div><br></div><div>He added: \"They are undergoing treatment at Dhaka Medical College Hospital and burn unit of the hospital.\" </div><div><br></div><div>The third-floor shops sustained significant damage from a fire that broke out at 5:40am and was brought under control at 9:10am by 30 firefighting units and teams from police, army, navy and air force, RAB, BGB and Ansar with locals rescue campaigners. </div><div><br></div><div>Initially, the fire service official could not give any information about the cause of the fire, the amount of damage and casualties.</div><div><br></div><div>Affected businessmen and local people said there were 1275 shops in the building of Dhaka New Super Market (South) damaged by the devastating fire. </div><div><br></div><div>Owner of Bismillah Crockery Monir Hossain said, \"As far as I know, there are 1275 shops here. Although there are more clothe shops, at least 200 categories of business are done in this market.\"</div><div><br></div><div>The businessmen said the largest building in New Market had the largest number of clothing stores. However, they had at least two hundred categories of business in this three-storey market.</div><div><br></div><div>The third floor of the market had ready-made garments and others, including children\'s items, adults\' pants-shirts, t-shirts, jeans items, saree-lungis, three-pieces, travel bags, money-bags, belts and wallets, they added.</div><div><br></div><div>The second floor also has ready-made clothing, garment items and crockery on the south side, souvenir shops and on the ground floor curtains, bedsheets, seasonal fabrics, home furnishing items, stoves, microwaves, glassware, home furnishing items.</div><div><br></div><div>Meanwhile, Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) public relations officer Shariful Islam told reporters that 12 platoon BGB brought the fire under control in the New Super Market (D.) building of Dhaka New Market.</div><div><br></div><div>Meanwhile, business leaders said after the fire in New Super Market, many markets including nearby Chandni Chowk, Gauchia, Hawkers Market were closed since morning. </div><div><br></div><div>This is done for the overall safety of New Market, they added.</div><div><br></div><div>About the frequent fire incidents in the capital, Inspector General of Police (IGP) Chowdhury Abdullah Al-Mamun said the Bangladesh Police are investigating every incident of fire in the capital. </div><div><br></div><div>\"If there is any vandalism here, strict action will be taken against those involved in the different incidents in several markets of the capital,\" he told journalists while distributing iftar items and cash among the needy people on the occasion of the holy month of Ramadan and Eid-ul-Fitr.</div><div><br></div><div>Bangladesh Shop Owners Association organized the programme at Siddheshwari School and College ground here this afternoon.</div><div><br></div><div>The IGP highly appreciated the initiative of the business leaders to provide assistance for needy people at the time of this moment as some workers has already lost their jobs due to some frequent fire incidents in the capital.</div><div><br></div><div>The police chief called upon the leaders of the Shop Owners Association to extend a helping hand to the helpless workers.</div><div><br></div><div>Meanwhile, Director General (DG) of Fire Service and Civil Defense Directorate, Brigadier General Md Main Uddin said after about three and a half hours of efforts, the fire in the capital\'s New Super Market was brought under control. However, it will take time to completely extinguish the fire as there are flammable materials in the market.</div><div><br></div><div>He also said the frequent fire incidents in the city markets should be investigated to know the exact reasons behind those.</div><div><br></div><div>\"Traders are suffering tremendous losses due to fire incidents in various markets just before the Eid... We would request the law enforcement and intelligence agencies to look into the matter as to whether these fire incidents are accidents or sabotage,\" he said at a press briefing in front of the New Super Market gate-4 this afternoon.</div><div><br></div><div>Black smoke filled the air as the pre-dawn fire engulfed the New Super Market in the capital, forcing the Fire Service to mobilize 30 of their units at the scene with military, paramilitary and police joining their hands to extinguish the blaze.</div><div><br></div><div>The Fire Service could not ascertain immediately what might have caused the fire but the incident came just 11 days after a pre-dawn blaze in a near identical manner that broke out and burned several thousand shops at Dhaka\'s Bangabazar clothing market.</div><div><br></div><div>The Bangabazar fire devastated the shop owners by the loss weeks ahead of the Eid since efforts of hundreds of firefighters and army personnel could do little to save their belongings as the inferno tore through the clothing market, turning it into a pile of ashes. According to BSS reports </div><div><br></div><div>bnbd24/fas</div>', NULL, 'News Desk', '[\"30\"]', NULL, NULL, NULL, NULL, '2023-04-15 21:49:11', '2023-04-15 22:22:57'),
(6397, 6397, '<div><span style=\"font-size: 1rem;\"><b>President Abdul Hamid and Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina issued separate messages congratulating the exporters selected for the National Export Trophy 2019-20.</b></span><br></div><div><br></div><div>They will be given the award at a function in the city on Sunday.</div><div><br></div><div>In a message on the eve of this occasion, President Abdul Hamid said giving awards of \'National Export Trophy\' to meritorious exporters in recognition of their outstanding contributions to national exports during the financial year 2019-20 is a positive step to enhance trade and investment.</div><div><br></div><div>The president believed that such initiative will encourage exporters to expand their export and trade.</div><div>&nbsp;</div><div>The head of the state extended his heartiest congratulations to all the exporting companies and businessmen who have won the Export Trophy.</div><div><br></div><div>In another message, Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina said the Awami League-led government is working tirelessly to develop the country\'s business and commerce by maintaining a business-friendly environment to build the golden Bangladesh as dreamt by of Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman.</div><div><br></div><div>\"Our government has been providing various incentives to businesses to strengthen the country\'s economy,\" she said.</div><div><br></div><div>The premier said total export earnings were US $ 15.56 billion at the time of formation of the government in 2009, which increased several fold to US $ 60.97 billion in Fiscal Year (FY) 2021-22 due to continued policy support in previous years.</div><div><br></div><div>In the first July-February of the fiscal year 2022-23, the revenue earned by the commodity sector was US $ 37.07 billion, which is 9.56 percent higher than the export earnings of US $ 33.84 billion in the same period of the previous fiscal year.</div><div><br></div><div>\"We have taken various initiatives to increase exports and increase new markets,\" she said, adding that the government is working closely with the business community to increase Bangladesh\'s ability to export goods as well as expand and export services.</div><div><br></div><div>The private sector is being considered as the main driving force in the economic development of the country, she said.</div><div><br></div><div>Export trade plays an important role in bringing stability to the overall economy, the premier said.</div><div><br></div><div>Therefore, it is expected that entrepreneurs are encouraged to innovate new products and expand the market by recognizing those organizations that those have successfully faced all the challenges of export-trade and are earning a large amount of foreign currencies, she added.</div><div><br></div><div>Both the President and the Premier wished the National Export Trophy 2019-2020 a success. - BSS</div><div><br></div><div>bnbd24/fas</div>', NULL, 'News Desk', '[\"30\"]', NULL, NULL, NULL, NULL, '2023-04-15 22:17:51', '2023-04-15 22:17:51'),
(6398, 6398, '<div><b><span style=\"font-size: 1rem;\">Inspector General of Police (IGP) Chowdhury Abdullah Al Mamun said that police are investigating every fire incident to see if there was any sabotage.</span><br></b></div><div><br></div><div>He made the comment at an iftar and money distribution programme among the poor organised by Bangladesh Shop Owners Association at Siddheshwari School and College Ground in the capital this afternoon.</div><div><br></div><div>Appreciating the initiatives of the Bangladesh Shop Owners Association, the IGP called upon the leaders of the association to extend a helping hand to the jobless workers who lost their jobs due to the fire.</div><div><br></div><div>Chaired by Md Helal Uddin, president of Bangladesh Shop Owner Association, Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) Commissioner Khandker Golam Faruq and Tourist Police Additional IGP Habibur Rahman spoke as special guests at the event, according to UNB reports.</div><div><br></div><div>bnbd24/fas</div>', NULL, 'News Desk', '[\"30\"]', NULL, NULL, NULL, NULL, '2023-04-15 22:22:07', '2023-04-15 22:22:07'),
(6399, 6399, '<div><span style=\"font-size: 1rem;\"><b>Dhaka dwellers on Saturday experienced the hottest day since 1965, causing miserable sufferings to all.&nbsp; &nbsp;</b></span><br></div><div><br></div><div>The highest temperature recorded in the capital Saturday was 40.4 degrees Celsius which has been the maximum temperature since 1965, according to Bangladesh Meteorological Department (BMD).</div><div><br></div><div>In 1965, the highest 42 degrees Celsius was recorded in the capital.&nbsp;</div><div><br></div><div>The highest temperature recorded in the capital Friday was 40.2 degrees Celsius, which was the same as that was recorded exactly nine years ago on April 14, 2014, reports UNB.</div><div><br></div><div>On the other hand, Saturday’s highest temperature in the country was recorded in Chuadanga at 42.2 degrees Celsius.</div><div><br></div><div>bnbd24/fas</div>', NULL, 'News Desk', '[\"30\"]', NULL, NULL, NULL, NULL, '2023-04-15 22:31:36', '2023-04-15 22:31:36'),
(6400, 6400, '<div style=\"text-align: justify; \"><b style=\"font-size: 1rem;\">A power struggle between Sudan\'s army and a notorious paramilitary force has rocked the country, with 27 reported dead and nearly 200 injured.</b><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">Residents dodged gunfire in the capital, Khartoum, as rival forces battled over the presidential palace, state TV, and army headquarters.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">Among the dead were three UN workers, who were shot after the two sides exchanged gunfire at a military base.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">The clashes erupted after tensions over a proposed transition to civilian rule.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">Both the army and its opponents, the Rapid Support Forces (RSF), claimed they had control of the airport and other key sites in Khartoum, where fighting continued overnight.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">Violence was also reported elsewhere in the country, including in cities in the Darfur region.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">The army said jets were hitting RSF bases, and the country\'s air force told people to remain in their homes on Saturday night while it conducted a full aerial survey of paramilitary activity.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">Residents of Khartoum told the BBC of their panic and fear, with one describing bullets being fired at the house next door.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">At least 27 people have been killed and nearly 200 were injured in the violence, a Sudanese doctors\' union said.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">It said it did not know how many of the casualties were civilians. Earlier, the union said three civilians had been confirmed dead.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">Three employees for the World Food Programme (WFP), a UN body that delivers food assistance to vulnerable communities, were killed after the RSF and armed forces exchanged fire at a military base in Kabkabiya, in the west of the country.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">Two other staff members were seriously injured, and the RSF looted several WFP vehicles.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">Generals have been running Sudan since a coup in October 2021.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">The fighting is between army units loyal to the de facto leader, Gen Abdel Fattah al-Burhan, and the RSF, commanded by Sudan\'s deputy leader, Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo also known as Hemedti.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">Gen Dagalo said his troops would keep fighting until all army bases were captured.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">In response, Sudan\'s armed forces ruled out negotiations \"until the dissolution of the paramilitary RSF\".</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">\'So much panic and fear\'</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">In Khartoum, people were filmed running away and taking cover as black smoke rose over the city.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">A Reuters journalist said there were armoured vehicles in the streets, while video showed a civilian plane ablaze at Khartoum airport. Saudi airline Saudia said one of its Airbuses came under fire.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">Saudia and EgyptAir have suspended flights to Khartoum and neighbouring Chad has closed its border with Sudan.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">\"We don\'t have any electricity,\" a British-Sudanese doctor, who is visiting relatives in Khartoum, told the BBC. \"It is hot. We can\'t afford to open the windows, the noise is deafening.\"</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">Another eyewitness speaking to the BBC via her Kenya-based sister said: \"Shooting is still ongoing and people are staying indoors - there is so much panic and fear.\"</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">Residents had not been expecting the clashes, she said, and many had been caught in transit, with bridges and roads closed and many schools in lockdown.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">Duaa Tariq was speaking to the BBC when a military plane flew over her building. \"They\'re shooting live ammunition at the roof of the house next door and we\'re just now taking shelter,\" she said.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">The UK, the US and the EU have all called for an immediate end to the fighting. The UN\'s secretary general has spoken to Gen Burhan and Gen Dagalo, urging them to end the violence.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">US Ambassador John Godfrey said he \"woke up to the deeply disturbing sounds of gunfire and fighting\", and that he was \"sheltering in place with the embassy team, as Sudanese throughout Khartoum and elsewhere are doing\".</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">Russia\'s embassy was also concerned by the \"escalation of violence\" and urged a ceasefire, Reuters reported.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">The RSF on Saturday claimed control of at least three airports, the army chief\'s residence and the presidential palace, but Gen Burhan denied this in an interview with al-Jazeera.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">There are also reports of clashes at the state TV station, which eyewitnesses say is now controlled by the RSF.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">Earlier, the RSF had said that one of its camps in the south of Khartoum had been attacked. And on Saturday evening, Reuters reported that the army launched airstrikes on an RSF base in the north-west of the city, citing eyewitnesses.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">The army has said that RSF fighters have been attacking army camps and trying to seize the military headquarters.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">\"Clashes are ongoing and the army is carrying out its duty to safeguard the country,\" the AFP news agency quoted army spokesman Brig Gen Nabil Abdallah as saying.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">The Reuters news agency also cited witnesses as saying that there was gunfire in the northern city of Merowe.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">The RSF released a video that it said showed Egyptian troops who had \"surrendered\" to them in Merowe. The Egyptian military said its soldiers were in Sudan to conduct exercises with their Sudanese counterparts and that it was co-ordinating with Sudanese authorities to guarantee the safety of its personnel. BBC</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify; \">bnbd24/kh</div>', NULL, 'News Desk', '[\"1\"]', NULL, NULL, NULL, NULL, '2023-04-16 08:40:26', '2023-04-16 08:40:26'),
(6401, 6401, '<div style=\"text-align: justify; \"><span style=\"font-size: 1rem;\">Sudan\'s military and a powerful paramilitary force battled fiercely Saturday in the capital and other areas, reportedly causing more than 200 deaths and injuries while dealing a new blow to hopes for a transition to democracy and raising fears of a wider conflict.</span><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">The country\'s doctors\' syndicate said late Saturday that at least 27 people had been killed and more than 180 wounded. But the Sudan Doctor\'s Syndicate added that there many uncounted casualties, including military and RSF personnel in the western Darfur region and the northern town of Merowe.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">The clashes capped months of heightened tensions between the armed forces and the Rapid Support Forces group. Those tensions had delayed a deal with political parties to get the country back to its short-lived transition to democracy, which was derailed by an October 2021 military coup.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">After a day of heavy fighting, the military ruled out negotiations with the RSF, instead calling for the dismantling of what it called a \"rebellious militia.\" The tough language signaled that the conflict between the former allies, who jointly orchestrated the 2021 coup, was likely to continue.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">The Sudan Doctor\'s Syndicate did not immediately release details of where the 27 deaths occurred, but it said at least six of them were in the capital Khartoum and its sister city Omdurman. At least eight dead and 58 wounded were in the vicinity of Nyala, the capital city of the South Darfur province in the southwest.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">The fighting erupted early Saturday. The sound of heavy firing could be heard throughout the day across the neighborhoods in and near the capital, where the military and the RSF had massed tens of thousands of troops since the coup.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">Witnesses said fighters from both sides fired from armored vehicles and from machine guns mounted on pick-up trucks in densely populated areas. Some tanks were seen in Khartoum. The military said it launched strikes from planes and drones at RSF positions in and around the capital.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">The miliatry said in a statement late Saturday that its troops had seized all RSF bases in Omdurman, while residents reported heavy airstrikes on paramilitary positions in and around the capital continued into the night. Sounds of gunfire and explosions were still heard in several parts of Khartoum, they said.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">Those in Khartoum described chaotic scenes. \"Fire and explosions are everywhere,\" said Amal Mohamed, a doctor in a public hospital in Omdurman. \"We haven\'t seen such battles in Khartoum before,\" said resident Abdel-Hamid Mustafa.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">One of the flashpoints was Khartoum International Airport. There was no formal announcement that the airport was closed, but major airlines suspended their flights.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">Saudi Arabia\'s national airline said one of its aircraft was involved in what it called \"an accident.\" Video showed the plane on fire on the tarmac. Another plane also appeared to have caught fire. Flight-tracking website FlightRadar24 identified it as a Boeing 737 for SkyUp, a Kyiv, Ukraine-based airline. It did not immediately respond to a request for comment.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">The Sudan Doctors\' Syndicate said earlier in the day that two civilians were killed at the Khartoum airport. Another man was shot to death in the state of North Kordofan, it said. The BBC said one of its reporters was stopped by soldiers, taken to the military headquarters and beaten.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">The leaders of the armed forces and the RSF traded blame over who started Saturday\'s fighting and offered conflicting accounts of who was in control of key installations.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">Gen. Abdel-Fattah Burhan, commander of Sudan\'s military, told the Qatar-based satellite news network Al Jazeera that RSF troops first \"harassed\" the military south of Khartoum, triggering the clashes.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">Burhan accused the RSF of entering Khartoum airport and setting fire to some planes. He also said all strategic facilities including the military\'s headquarters and the Republican palace, the seat of Sudan\'s presidency, are under his forces\' control. He threatened to deploy more troops to Khartoum.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">The head of the RSF, Gen. Mohammed Hamdan Dagalo, accused Burhan of starting the battle by surrounding RSF troops. \"This criminal, he forced this battle upon us,\" he said.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">Dagalo told Al Jazeera that he believed the fighting would be over in \"the next few days.\"</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">The RSF alleged that its forces controlled strategic locations in Khartoum and the northern city of Merowe some 350 kilometers (215 miles) northwest of the capital. The military dismissed the claims as \"lies.\"</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">The fighting comes after months of escalating tensions between the generals and years of political unrest since the 2021 coup. The tensions stem from a disagreement over how the RSF, headed by Dagalo, should be integrated into the armed forces and what authority should oversee the process. The merger is a key condition of Sudan\'s unsigned transition agreement with political groups.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">Pro-democracy activists have blamed Burhan and Dagalo for abuses against protesters across the county over the past four years, including the deadly break-up of a protest camp outside the military\'s headquarters in Khartoum in June 2019 that killed over 120 protesters. Many groups have repeatedly called for holding them accountable. The RSF has long been accused of atrocities linked to the Darfur conflict.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken and other top diplomats expressed extreme concern over the outbreak of violence. \"We urge all actors to stop the violence immediately and avoid further escalations or troop mobilizations and continue talks to resolve outstanding issues,\" Blinken wrote on Twitter.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres; the European Union\'s top diplomat, Josep Borrell; the head of the African Union Commission, Moussa Faki Mahamat; the Arab League chief, Ahmed Aboul Gheit; and Qatar all called for a cease-fire and for both parties to return to negotiations. Egypt, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates called on those fighting in Sudan to exercise restraint and work toward a political solution.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">Former Prime Minister Abdalla Hamdok, who was ousted in the 2021 coup, warned of a possible regional conflict if the fighting escalates. \"Shooting must stop immediately,\" he said in a video appeal to both sides posted on his Twitter account.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">Cameron Hudson, a senior associate with the Center for Strategic and International Studies think-tank and a former U.S. diplomat, said the fighting could become wider and prolonged, calling on the United States to form a coalition of regional countries to pressure the leaders of the military and RSF to de-escalate.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">Volker Perthes, the U.N. envoy for Sudan, and the Saudi ambassador in Sudan, Ali Bin Hassan Jaffar, were in contact with Dagalo and Burhan to try to end the violence, said a U.N. official who asked for anonymity to discuss internal deliberations.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">Chad announced that it is closing its land borders with Sudan.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">The clashes also took place in other areas across the country including the Northern province, the conflict-ravaged Darfur region, and the strategic coastal city of Port Sudan on the Red Sea, a military official said, speaking on condition of anonymity because he was not authorized to brief the media. 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, '2023-04-16 09:41:51', '2023-04-16 09:41:51'),
(6402, 6402, '<div style=\"text-align: justify; \"><b style=\"font-size: 1rem;\">Poland and Hungary on Saturday banned imports of grain and other food from Ukraine to protect local farmers, officials from both countries said.</b><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">Ukraine\'s grain exports have been transiting through the European Union to other countries since the war-torn nation\'s traditional Black Sea routes were blocked by Russia\'s invasion.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">But because of logistical issues, the grain had been piling up and driving down prices, which led to protests from farmers and the resignation of Poland\'s agriculture minister.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">\"Today the government decided on a regulation to ban the entry, imports of grain into Poland, as well as of dozens of other kinds of food,\" the governing party\'s leader Jaroslaw Kaczynski said.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">Otherwise \"it would lead to a far-reaching crisis of Poland\'s farming sector... We have to protect Polish agriculture,\" he added.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">Speaking at a convention of his right-wing Law and Justice (PiS) party in the northern village of Lyse, Kaczynski stressed that Poland remained a staunch supporter of neighbouring Ukraine.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">\"We remain, without even the slightest change, friends and allies of Ukraine,\" he said.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">In a similar announcement, Hungarian Agriculture Minister Istvan Nagy in a Facebook message also said Hungary was banning the import of agricultural products from Ukraine.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">Both Warsaw and Budapest said that their bans will last until June 30.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">In Poland the ban will apply to imports of grain, sugar, meat, fruits and vegetables, milk, eggs and other food items.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">A Hungarian agriculture ministry statement sent to MTI news agency said grain, oilseeds and several other agricultural products would be banned.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">Responding to Poland\'s announcement, Ukraine\'s ministry of agrarian policy said on Saturday that it \"regrets the decision\".</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">\"Polish farmers are facing a difficult situation, but we emphasise that Ukrainian farmers are facing the most difficult situation\" given the war, it added.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">The ministry proposed for the two countries to come to a new agreement in the coming days that would satisfy both sides.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">Polish government spokesman Piotr Muller told the PAP news agency that \"we are open to other actions that could stabilise the situation.\"</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">Budapest said in its statement that, during the ban period \"the government expects a permanent solution and the adoption of EU measures\".</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">Hungary \"is committed to representing the interests of the Hungarian farming community,\" it added.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">Last month, Poland and Hungary were among several European countries that requested help from the European Union to counter the impact of cheap Ukrainian grain. 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, '2023-04-16 09:48:00', '2023-04-16 09:48:00'),
(6403, 6403, '<div style=\"text-align: justify; \"><b style=\"font-size: 1rem;\">Real Madrid were made to wait, but eventually conjured a stylish 2-0 victory at Cadiz on Saturday in La Liga, ahead of their Champions League trip to face Chelsea.</b><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">Nacho Fernandez and Marco Asensio struck to help champions Madrid cut Barcelona\'s lead at the top of the table to 10 points, before the Catalans visit Getafe on Sunday.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">Both sides hit the woodwork in the first half but Madrid overran their opponents, with only Cadiz goalkeeper David Gil keeping them at bay.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">Eventually, when it seemed they had tried everything, Nacho broke the deadlock in the 72nd minute with a drive from distance, with Asensio adding another four minutes later.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">\"Good attitude, good commitment, good combinations, the team played very well,\" said Madrid coach Carlo Ancelotti.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">\"It was a game that could have been a trap -- the players were concentrating well, and we played well.\"</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">Ancelotti rang the changes at the Nuevo Mirandilla to rest players for the visit to Stamford Bridge for the quarter-final second leg, including veteran midfielders Toni Kroos and Luka Modric and winger Vinicius Junior.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">Madrid suffered a 3-2 home defeat by Villarreal last weekend before the 2-0 first leg win over Chelsea, and Ancelotti admitted his team were not motivated enough.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">On this occasion they arrived with the right mindset and on another day would have ended the first half several goals in front.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">Gil made stunning saves to deny Karim Benzema, Rodrygo and Asensio.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">Madrid were racking up the shots and, finally, their 26th effort of the night went in.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">It came from an unlikely source, in veteran defender Nacho, who drove home from the edge of the box into the bottom corner.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">With Cadiz\'s resistance broken, Madrid quickly added another.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">Fede Valverde carried the ball forward and fed Asensio, who finished clinically.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">It was a satisfying evening for Ancelotti and his team, leaving them in good shape to continue their European adventure, aiming to finish the job in London and reach the semi-finals.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">Despite his other rotations, Ancelotti left Benzema on the pitch for the full 90 minutes, a surprise given he has had fitness issues this season.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">\"I saw him doing so well, he was so fresh,\" the coach told reporters.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">\"I told him I\'ll start you and when you are tired, I\'ll take you off, but he was good until the end.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">\"He was a bit sad not to have scored, but he combined spectacularly with Rodrygo and it was a pleasure to watch him -- it was hard for me to take him off because I wanted to enjoy his quality on the pitch.\"</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">Defeat leaves Cadiz 15th, four points clear of the drop zone.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">- Athletic avengers -</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">Elsewhere Inaki Williams scored twice as Athletic Bilbao beat Real Sociedad 2-0 in the Basque derby, giving a fiery San Mames something to celebrate after the team\'s Copa del Rey semi-final exit.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">La Real had the chance to tighten their grip on fourth place after Villarreal, sixth, stumbled to a 2-1 home defeat by relegation-battling Real Valladolid, but fell short in Bilbao.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">Real Betis beat struggling Espanyol 3-1 to move fifth, three points behind Imanol Alguacil\'s side.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">Real Sociedad goalkeeper Alex Remiro made good saves from brothers Nico and Inaki Williams, before the latter broke the deadlock when he stabbed home from a corner.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">Inaki smashed home his second goal after 70 minutes, driving into the box and rifling past Remiro from a tight angle.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">Alexander Sorloth should have pulled one back for the visitors but inexplicably slammed over the bar from point-blank range.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">Barrenetxea followed suit with another huge miss when completely unmarked in the box late on, leaving Athletic fans laughing in the stands at their luck.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">Los Leones celebrated with their fans at the end, the victory making amends for their recent cup exit against Osasuna.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">Athletic stayed seventh but ensured the race for European football grew tighter.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">\"It was important to win at home, after the cup day,\" said their coach Ernesto Valverde.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">\"It\'s a derby, we know the pressure there is in these type of games, it was a very tense match.\" AFP</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify; \">bnbd24/kh</div>', NULL, 'News Desk', '[\"20\"]', NULL, NULL, NULL, NULL, '2023-04-16 09:52:36', '2023-04-16 09:52:36'),
(6404, 6404, '<div style=\"text-align: justify; \"><b style=\"font-size: 1rem;\">A brilliant Lionel Messi goal helped Paris Saint-Germain to a 3-1 home win over Lens on Saturday to surely end any doubt about the outcome of this season\'s Ligue 1 title race, after an early sending-off left the visitors with a mountain to climb.</b><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">Lens, who began the day six points behind league leaders PSG in second place, looked the better team until Ghana midfielder Salis Abdul Samed was dismissed for a dangerous challenge on Achraf Hakimi in the 19th minute.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">That changed everything, and by half-time the hosts were out of sight thanks to three goals in the space of 10 minutes from Kylian Mbappe, Vitinha and then Messi, with Przemyslaw Frankowski pulling one back for Lens from a penalty.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">Mbappe opened the scoring and Vitinha\'s long-ranger doubled PSG\'s lead in the 37th minute.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">Both goals were good but Messi\'s that made it 3-0 was stunning, the Argentine finding a pocket out of space outside the area, feeding a pass to Mbappe and then receiving the France striker\'s backheel return before slotting beyond goalkeeper Brice Samba and into the far corner.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">The result leaves the reigning champions nine points ahead with seven games left, meaning it is surely just a matter of time until PSG secure a French record 11th league title.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">\"We must not think that it\'s done and dusted,\" said coach Christophe Galtier.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">\"We will need to remain serious and determined to maintain our lead and not give any hope to the teams chasing us.\"</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">The win comes at the end of a week overshadowed by allegations of racism against Galtier, who had already been under pressure since PSG\'s elimination from the Champions League last month.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">Galtier said on Friday that he was \"deeply shocked\" by accusations that he made racist and Islamophobic remarks about Nice players when he was in charge there last season.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">The allegations surfaced in an email apparently sent by former Nice sporting director Julien Fournier and which have been reported by various French media. AFP has not been able to verify the message.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">The affair looks set to hang over the coach and the club in the coming weeks.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">\"I was very determined and focused on the match, like my players,\" Galtier said of trying to stay concentrated on the game.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">\"It was obviously an important match, if not decisive, and so it was important to get the result and enjoy it.\"</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">- Mbappe on target –</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">Lens were hoping to take advantage of the leaders\' problems and extend a four-match winning run that had got the northern club\'s supporters dreaming of a first league title since 1998.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">They triumphed 3-1 when the teams last met in Lens on January 1 and they started the better of the two sides at the Parc des Princes.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">Yet their enterprising opening did not bring a goal and they were severely handicapped when Abdul Samed saw red for catching Hakimi with his studs above the ankle.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">They were then torn apart with Mbappe firing in off the post on the turn from Vitinha\'s pass for his 20th league goal this season.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">Vitinha then smashed in his first goal in a PSG shirt before Messi took centre stage.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">The Argentine\'s 20th club goal of the campaign was also arguably his finest in two years in a PSG shirt, just as he comes towards what may be the end of his time in France.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">Lens regrouped in the second half and pulled a goal back when Frankowski converted from the spot after a Fabian Ruiz handball.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">Lois Openda remained a menace up front for Lens but they were left with too much to do to and will now focus on trying to hold onto a place in the top three and Champions League qualification.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">\"I would have liked us to close the gap tonight but even had we done that it would have been very difficult,\" admitted Lens manager Franck Haise.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">\"Of course the title is for Paris. There is not much doubt about that.\"</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">Marseille can move above Lens into second, and trim PSG\'s lead to eight points, with a win against Troyes on Sunday. AFP</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify; \">bnbd24/kh</div>', NULL, 'News Desk', '[\"20\"]', NULL, NULL, NULL, NULL, '2023-04-16 10:29:56', '2023-04-16 10:29:56'),
(6405, 6405, '<div style=\"text-align: justify; \"><span style=\"font-size: 1rem;\">With an air quality index (AQI) score of 179 at 9:30 am today, Dhaka ranked 4th in the list of cities worldwide with the worst air quality.</span><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">Thailand’s Chiang Mai, Nepal’s Kathmandu and India’s Delhi occupied the first three spots in the list, with AQI scores of 222, 192 and 190, respectively.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">An AQI between 101 and 150 is considered \'unhealthy\', AQI 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;\">In Bangladesh, the AQI is based on five criteria 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;\">Air pollution consistently ranks among the top risk factors for death and disability worldwide.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">As per the World Health Organization (WHO), air pollution kills an estimated seven million people worldwide every year, largely as a result of increased mortality from stroke, heart disease, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, lung cancer and acute respiratory infections. UNB</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">bnbd24/kh</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify; \">&nbsp;</div>', NULL, 'News Desk', '[\"19\"]', NULL, NULL, NULL, NULL, '2023-04-16 10:45:43', '2023-04-16 10:45:43');
INSERT INTO `news_details` (`id`, `news_id`, `details`, `ticker`, `representative`, `keyword`, `video_link`, `google_drive_link`, `audio_link`, `shoulder`, `created_at`, `updated_at`) VALUES
(6406, 6406, '<div style=\"text-align: justify; \"><span style=\"font-size: 1rem;\">South Korea\'s military fired warning shots to turn back a patrol boat from the North that had crossed the&nbsp;</span><span style=\"font-size: 1rem;\">countries\' de facto maritime border, Seoul said Sunday.</span><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">The boat breached the Northern Limit Line on Saturday morning near South Korea\'s Baekryeong Island, the Joint Chiefs of Staff said in a statement.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">\"Our Navy\'s high-speed boat sent warning messages and conducted warning shots and immediately warded it off,\" it said.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">\"Our military is prepared against various provocations and keeping a decisive combat posture while closely monitoring the enemy\'s movements,\" the statement added.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">During the operation, some South Korean crew members were being treated for injuries sustained when their vessel collided with a Chinese fishing boat.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">The de facto maritime border -- which was never officially recognised by the North -- has long been a flashpoint between the two Koreas, which remain technically at war after the 1950-53 Korean War ended with an armistice rather than a peace treaty.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">Last year the nuclear-armed North fired a ballistic missile across the maritime border, prompting Seoul to fire three missiles of its own in response, while also suspending flight routes and warning island residents in the area to shelter in bunkers.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">Relations between the two Koreas are at one of their lowest points in years after Pyongyang declared itself an \"irreversible\" nuclear power last year,effectively ending the possibility of denuclearisation talks.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">North Korean leader Kim Jong Un has doubled down on weapons testing, with Pyongyang firing several of its most powerful intercontinental ballistic missiles this year.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">Washington and Seoul have ramped up defence cooperation in response, stagingm joint military exercises with advanced stealth jets and high-profile US strategic assets.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">North Korea views such exercises as rehearsals for invasion and described them on Tuesday as \"frantic\" drills \"simulating an all-out war against\" Pyongyang. 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, '2023-04-16 11:30:00', '2023-04-16 11:30:00'),
(6407, 6407, '<div style=\"text-align: justify; \"><b style=\"font-size: 1rem;\">The massive fire at New Supermarket, next to Dhaka New Market, was finally doused this morning -- around 27 hours after it started and burnt down several shops and establishments during this busy Eid shopping season.</b><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">Lima Khanom, duty officer (control room) of Fire Service and Civil Defence Headquarters said the flame was finally doused around 9 am today.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">Earlier yesterday, the fire broke out at around 5:40 am.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">A total of 28 firefighting units and teams of Bangladesh Army, Navy and Air Force took part in the effort to douse the fire. The fire was brought under control around 9:10 am yesterday.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">Some 32 people, including firefighters, fell sick from the heavy smoke while firefighters were trying to douse the blaze.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">On April 4 morning, a massive fire broke out at Bangabazar Shopping Complex in Dhaka, burning several thousand shops to ashes. A total of six adjacent markets were also burnt.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">The fire was doused on April 7, over 75 hours after it broke out. 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, '2023-04-16 11:56:29', '2023-04-16 11:56:29'),
(6408, 6408, '<div style=\"text-align: justify; \"><span style=\"font-size: 1rem;\">Sudan\'s military and a powerful paramilitary force battled fiercely in the capital and other areas, dealing a new blow to hopes for a transition to democracy and raising fears of a wider conflict. A doctors\' syndicate said Sunday the death toll rose to 56, with at least 595 people wounded.</span><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">The clashes capped months of heightened tensions between the military and its partner-turned-rival, the Rapid Support Forces group. Those tensions had delayed a deal with political parties to get the country back to its short-lived transition to democracy, which was derailed by an October 2021 military coup.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">Chaotic scenes unfolded in the capital of Khartoum, where fighters firing from truck-mounted machine guns battled in densely populated neighborhoods. \"Fire and explosions are everywhere,\" said Amal Mohamed, a doctor in a public hospital in Omdurman. \"We haven\'t seen such battles in Khartoum before,\" said resident Abdel-Hamid Mustafa.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">By the end of the day, the military issued a statement ruling out out negotiations with the RSF, instead calling for the dismantling of what it called a \"rebellious militia.\" The head of the paramilitary group, in turn, branded the armed forces chief a \"criminal.\" The tough language signaled that the conflict between the former allies, who jointly orchestrated the 2021 coup, was likely to continue.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">Meanwhile, diplomatic pressure appeared to be mounting. Top diplomats, including the U.S. Secretary of State, the U.N. secretary-general, the EU foreign policy chief, the head of the Arab League and the head of the African Union Commission urged the sides to stop fighting.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">Arab states with stakes in Sudan — Qatar, Egypt, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates — also called for a cease-fire and for both parties to return to negotiations.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken said he consulted with the foreign ministers of Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates. \"We agreed it was essential for the parties to immediately end hostilities without pre-condition,\" he said in a statement early Sunday.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">The fighting comes after months of escalating tensions between the commander of Sudan\'s miltitary, Gen. Abdel-Fattah Burhan, and the head of the RSF, Gen. Mohammed Hamdan Dagalo. It also followed years of political unrest since the 2021 coup.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">The recent tensions stem from disagreement over how the RSF, headed by Dagalo, should be integrated into the armed forces and what authority should oversee the process. The merger is a key condition of Sudan\'s unsigned transition agreement with political groups.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">The fighting erupted early Saturday. The two sides traded blame over who started and also made rival claims over who controlled strategic installations around the capital.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">By early Sunday, at least 56 people had been killed across Sudan and at least 595 wounded.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">The Sudan Doctor\'s Syndicate said at least six of the deaths were reported in the capital Khartoum and its sister city Omdurman and another eight near Nyala, the capital city of the South Darfur province in the southwest.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">The syndicate said the casualty toll was likely higher, with many believed to be still uncounted in western Darfur region and the northern town of Merowe.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">The military said in a statement late Saturday that its troops had seized all RSF bases in Omdurman, while residents reported heavy airstrikes on paramilitary positions in and around the capital that continued into the night. After nightfall, sounds of gunfire and explosions were still heard in several parts of Khartoum, they said.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">One of the flashpoints was Khartoum International Airport. There was no formal announcement that the airport was closed, but major airlines suspended their flights.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">Saudi Arabia\'s national airline said one of its aircraft was involved in what it called \"an accident.\" Video showed the plane on fire on the tarmac. Another plane also appeared to have caught fire. Flight-tracking website FlightRadar24 identified it as a Boeing 737 for SkyUp, a Kyiv, Ukraine-based airline. It did not immediately respond to a request for comment.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">The doctors\' group said two civilians were killed at the airport.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">Burhan, the armed forces chief, told the Qatar-based satellite news network Al Jazeera, that the day began with RSF troops \"harassing\" the military south of Khartoum, triggering the clashes. He said RSF fighters entered Khartoum airport and set fire to some planes.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">He said all strategic facilities including the military\'s headquarters and the Republican palace, the seat of Sudan\'s presidency, are under his forces\' control. He threatened to deploy more troops to Khartoum.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">Dagalo accused Burhan of starting the battle by surrounding RSF troops. \"This criminal, he forced this battle upon us,\" he said.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">Dagalo told Al Jazeera that he believed the fighting would be over in \"the next few days.\"</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">The RSF alleged that its forces controlled strategic locations in Khartoum and the northern city of Merowe some 350 kilometers (215 miles) northwest of the capital. The military dismissed the claims as \"lies.\"</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">The clashes also took place in other areas across the country including the Northern province, the conflict-ravaged Darfur region, and the strategic coastal city of Port Sudan on the Red Sea, a military official said, speaking on condition of anonymity because he was not authorized to brief the media.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">Pro-democracy activists have blamed Burhan and Dagalo for abuses against protesters across the county over the past four years, including the deadly break-up of a protest camp outside the military\'s headquarters in Khartoum in June 2019 that killed over 120 protesters. Many groups have repeatedly called for holding them accountable. The RSF has long been accused of atrocities linked to the Darfur conflict.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">Former Prime Minister Abdalla Hamdok, who was ousted in the 2021 coup, warned of a possible regional conflict if the fighting escalates. \"Shooting must stop immediately,\" he said in a video appeal to both sides posted on his Twitter account.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">Cameron Hudson, a senior associate with the Center for Strategic and International Studies think tank and a former U.S. diplomat, said the fighting could become wider and prolonged, calling on the United States to form a coalition of regional countries to pressure the leaders of the military and RSF to de-escalate.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">Volker Perthes, the U.N. envoy for Sudan, and the Saudi ambassador in Sudan, Ali Bin Hassan Jaffar, were in contact with Dagalo and Burhan to try to end the violence, said a U.N. official who asked for anonymity to discuss internal deliberations.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">Chad announced that it is closing its land borders with Sudan.&nbsp; 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, '2023-04-16 12:57:32', '2023-04-16 12:57:32'),
(6409, 6409, '<div style=\"text-align: justify; \"><b style=\"font-size: 1rem;\">Japan\'s army found wreckage and five bodies Sunday during a deep-sea search for crew on board a helicopter that disappeared from radar earlier this month, an army spokesman said.</b><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">The aircraft with 10 people on board had been on a reconnaissance mission when it went missing on April 6, in what the Ground Self-Defense Force (GSDF) described as an \"aerial accident\".</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">Two pilots, two mechanics and six crew members were on board the UH-60JA, including a GSDF general from the 8th division.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">The newly found wreckage appeared to be from the missing helicopter, but there were no details yet on the identities of the bodies retrieved, the army spokesman said.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">\"There are still five left undiscovered, so search and rescue operations are underway simultaneously,\" the spokesman told AFP.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">Coastguard rescuers had already discovered several pieces of debris that appeared to be from the helicopter, including a door, a snapped blade and a yellow life raft that was still packed inside a bag.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">There has been no indication of what caused the apparent accident.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">Japan\'s military, which is limited to ostensibly defensive activity by the country\'s post-war constitution, has seen occasional accidents.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">In January 2022, a Japanese fighter jet crashed in waters off central Ishikawa region, killing two pilots on board.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">And in 2019, an F-35A stealth jet crashed into the sea, after taking off from northeastern Japan on a training mission. The accident sparked a scramble to recover the pilot and secrets on board.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">Japan\'s defence ministry subsequently said the pilot, who died in the crash, appeared to have suffered spatial disorientation. 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, '2023-04-16 13:57:47', '2023-04-16 13:57:47'),
(6410, 6410, '<div style=\"text-align: justify; \"><b style=\"font-size: 1rem;\">Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on Sunday said that political leadership and decision- and not military rule - is the most important matter for a country to prosper.</b><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">“Whenever our country was outside this political decision, which means under direct or indirect military rule, it did not register its development and prosperity. The people of the country have to realise this,” she said.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">The premier said this while delivering her introductory speech at the 8th meeting of the National Training Council held at her official residence Ganabhaban.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">She said that development in every sector was ensured while the political leadership came to power.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">“At least I can claim that from 2009 to 2023 the unprecedented development of the country was done by the political decision,” she said.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">Hasina said that her government has adopted the ideology and ideals of Independence and followed it in running the administration.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">“We are getting the results. Because of this policy we have attained the status of developing country,” she said.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">She urged all to sustain this momentum of development and democracy for the benefits of the generations to come.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">“We have to keep our eyes particularly on this matter,” she said.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">The PM put utmost importance on training as she said it is urgently needed to develop one nation.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">“The world is changing and now an era of technology is underway. We have to advance further in compliance with the era of technology,” she said.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">She mentioned that it should be ensured that the country’s manpower get proper training for appropriate advancement in the coming days.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">In the ever evolving world we need to keep the pace with the rest of the world. We need that capable manpower also,” she said.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">In this regard, she said that from 2009 to April 2023 the foreign training section of the Public Administration Ministry sent some 6185 public servants for short-term training abroad while 606 got long term training.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">She mentioned that Coronavirus pandemic and the Ukraine-Russia war caused setback for the whole world.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">“We have been able to continue our development pace despite the problems. I know that there will be obstacles and adverse situation time and again,” she stated.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">She regretted that there is one section of people in the country who did not participate in the Liberation War and don’t believe in independence.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">“They always hold a negative attitude about the country, and we have to move further overcoming these hurdles. Obstacles will come, but we have to find our way to move forward.”</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">Stressing the need for training of manpower she asked the NTC to prepare a curriculum which will supplement government’s initiative to make Smart Bangladesh.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">“We want to advance step by step keeping no one behind,” she asserted.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">She said that her government’s aim is to reduce further the number of ultra-poor which now account for five per cent of the country’s population. 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, '2023-04-16 14:00:57', '2023-04-16 14:00:57'),
(6411, 6411, '<div style=\"text-align: justify; \"><span style=\"font-size: 1rem;\"><b>Drivers of a bus and a pickup van were dead and 12 people were injured in a head-on collision involving the vehicles on Dinajpur-Gaibandha’s Govindapur regional road, under Birampur upazila of Dinajpur district, this morning.</b></span><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">The deceased are bus driver Golam Rabbani, 36, a resident of Dinajpur, and pickup van driver Md Azad of Brahmanbaria. More details about the casualties and those injured could not be known immediately.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">Suman Kumar Mohanto, officer-in-charge (OC) of Birampur Police Station, said the accident occurred around 6:30 am when the Dinajpur-bound bus of Nabil Paribahan from Dhaka collided with the pickup van heading in the opposite direction in Bouttali area on the road, leaving the drivers killed on the spot and 12 passengers of the bus injured.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">On information, members of Fire Service and Civil Defence and police rushed to the spot and recovered the bodies while the injured were sent to several hospitals including Birampur Upazila Health Complex, he said.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">The bodies were brought to the Police Station, the OC said, adding that traffic movement on the road is now normal. 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, '2023-04-16 14:45:31', '2023-04-16 14:45:31'),
(6412, 6412, '<div style=\"text-align: justify; \"><span style=\"font-size: 1rem;\"><b>Samantha Ruth Prabhu has reacted after Keerthy Suresh called her \'one of the most strong-hearted individuals\'. Taking to Instagram on Saturday night, Keerthy held an Ask Me Anything (AMA) session. She wrote on her Instagram Stories, \"I am here to answer your questions.\" A fan asked, \"Tell about #Sam.\"</b></span><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">Keerthy Suresh replied, \"Sam is one personality that I look up to. She is one of the most strong-hearted individuals I have come across. Simply put, she is unstoppable! (White heart emoji) @samantharuthprabhuoffl.\" Samantha shared the post on her Instagram Stories and wrote, \"Thank you darling @keerthysureshofficial (red heart emoji).\"</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">This isn\'t the first time that Samantha has reacted to Keerthy\'s post. Recently, Keerthy shared a post on Instagram celebrating her film Dasara\'s success. She captioned the post, “Vennela’s celebration!” She also added the hashtags--Dasara and dhoom dhaam blockbuster. Samantha reacted to the post, \"The best thing I’ve seen all day.\"</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">Samantha and Keerthy has featured together in Mahanati (2018), a Telugu-language biographical drama film. Directed by Nag Ashwin, the film also stars Dulquer Salmaan, Vijay Deverakonda, Prakash Raj, and Bhanupriya among others. They were seen in Seemaraja (2018) a Tamil-language action film. In the film, Keerthy had a cameo appearance.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">Fans saw Samantha recently in Shaakuntalam, based on a popular Indian classic play Abhigyan Shakuntalam by Kalidasa, ancient India\'s greatest poet and playwright. Shakuntala was the wife of King Dushyant and the mother of Emperor Bharata. The film hit the theatres on April 14 in Hindi, Tamil, Malayalam, and Kannada.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">Dev Mohan has been paired opposite Samantha. Asked about the movie, Samantha told news agency ANI, \"It\'s a love story. And love is like a universe in itself. Our cultural heritage is rich. And the story of this film is inspired from one of our oldest classics. Apart from the story, the movie has high-level graphics and special effects.\"</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">Samantha will be next seen in an upcoming romantic film Khusi opposite Vijay Deverakonda. She also has the action thriller web series Citadel alongside Varun Dhawan in the pipeline.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">Keerthy was last seen in Dasara along with Nani. Released on March 30 in Telugu, Tamil, Malayalam, Kannada and Hindi, the period action drama received mixed to positive reviews. Directed by first-time filmmaker Srikanth Odela, Dasara is set in a village situated in Singareni Coal Mines in Peddapalli district of Telangana. Dasara also features Dheekshith Shetty, Shine Tom Chacko, Samuthirakani, Sai Kumar and Poorna. HT</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify; \">bnbd24/kh</div>', NULL, 'News Desk', '[\"13\"]', NULL, NULL, NULL, NULL, '2023-04-16 14:59:05', '2023-04-16 14:59:05'),
(6413, 6413, '<div><b><span style=\"font-size: 1rem;\">The average loan amount of each family in Bangladesh was Tk 70,506 in 2022, up from Tk 37,743 in 2016, according to Bangladesh Bureau of Statistics (BBS) data shared recently.</span><br></b></div><div><br></div><div>One-third of households in Bangladesh are now in debt. This information has emerged in the latest household income-expenditure survey of BBS.</div><div><br></div><div>According to the survey, 37 percent of the country’s households have taken loans or borrowed money last year.</div><div><br></div><div>During the survey – from January to December last year, an average of 37.03 percent of households reported taking loans or borrowing money. In the 2016 survey, 29.70 percent of the households were borrowing.</div><div><br></div><div>As such, in 6 years, the borrowing of families in the country has increased by more than 7 percent.</div><div><br></div><div>Last Wednesday, BBS published the preliminary results of Household Income and Expenditure Survey 2022.</div><div><br></div><div>MORE RURAL HOUSEHOLDS IN DEBT THAN IN CITIES</div><div><br></div><div>According to the BBS survey, more households in the villages are in debt than in cities.</div><div><br></div><div>In rural areas, an average of 39.35 percent of families are in debt. In urban areas, this percentage is 32.11.</div><div><br></div><div>In 2016, the average household debt in urban areas was 22.10 percent. And in rural areas that percentage was 32.70.</div><div><br></div><div>In 2022, the number of households in debt increased by an average of 10 percent in urban areas, and by 6.5 percentage in rural areas, the BBS survey stated. - UNB</div><div><br></div><div>bnbd24/fas</div>', NULL, 'News Desk', '[\"30\"]', NULL, NULL, NULL, NULL, '2023-04-16 17:40:24', '2023-04-16 17:40:24'),
(6414, 6414, '<div><span style=\"font-size: 1rem;\"><b>Fifty more model mosques and Islamic cultural centres under fourth phase will be inaugurated tomorrow, said an official release here today.</b></span><br></div><div><br></div><div>&nbsp;Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina is expected to join the model mosque\'s inauguration ceremony virtually from her official Ganobhaban residence at 10 am on Monday.</div><div><br></div><div>The programme will be chaired by State Minister for Religious Affairs Md Faridul Haque Khan, the release added.</div><div><br></div><div>In 2017, the government has taken a project worth of Taka 9,435 crore for constructing Islamic Cultural Center and Model Mosque in every district and upazila of the country.</div><div><br></div><div>Mentionable, the tenure of the second revised project to set up 564 model mosques and Islamic cultural centres in every district and upazila has valid till June 2024.</div><div><br></div><div>So far, a total of 150 model mosques and Islamic cultural centres -- 50 completed by December 7, 2021 in the first phase, 50 by January 16, 2023 in the second phase and 50 by March 16, 2023 in the third phase-- have already been inaugurated in the country. According to BSS reports&nbsp;</div><div><br></div><div>bnbd24/fas</div>', NULL, 'News Desk', '[\"30\"]', NULL, NULL, NULL, NULL, '2023-04-16 19:52:43', '2023-04-16 19:52:43'),
(6415, 6415, '<div><span style=\"font-size: 1rem;\"><b>Railway Minister Md. Nurul Islam Sujan has said access to rail stations have been controlled&nbsp; so no one can enter the stations without a ticket.</b></span><br></div><div><br></div><div>The minister made the remarks while talking to reporters following a visit to the Kamalapur railway station on Sunday.</div><div><br></div><div>He said, “Our two main religious festivals are Eid-ul-Fitr and Eid-ul-Azha. During this time hundreds of thousands of people leave Dhaka city to visit their relatives and spend Eid in village. One of the means of transportation is railway. During Eid there is a huge pressure of passengers.\"</div><div><br></div><div>“To cope with this pressure we prepare and take various measures. We announced our plan a month ago through the media,” said Nurul.</div><div><br></div><div>He also mentioned that Bangladesh Railway has taken internal preparations as necessary to deal with the pressure.</div><div><br></div><div>For the first time ever, Bangladesh Railway has sold 100% of its tickets for inter-city trains online to reduce the hassle of people, the minister said.</div><div><br></div><div>The Eid special service is set to begin from tomorrow and expected to be run until the last week of the month, he added.</div><div><br></div><div>The minister said he visited Kamalapur Railway Station to observe overall preparations.</div><div><br></div><div>“I have discussed with the concerned people here asked them to take all the necessary steps to ensure a safer journey for the passengers,” he added.</div><div><br></div><div>The minister also said that Dhaka-bound, Ekta, Drutojaan, Panchagarh Nilsagar, Kurigram, Lalmoni and Rangpur Express trains will not stop at Dhaka Airport Railway because passengers from that station tend to occupy seats in these trains.</div><div><br></div><div>To reduce the chaos during Eid commute, The railway minister said special measures have been taken including installation of temporary bamboo fences at Kamalapur, Airport, Joydevpur stations so that passengers can not enter stations without showing tickets.</div><div><br></div><div>Regarding the schedule disruption, Minister Sujan said, “ If one of our single line trains is delayed by 10 minutes, it will impact other trains as well. And due to the ongoing heatwave, trains’ speed has to be kept low.”</div><div><br></div><div>He urged the passengers to be patient keeping all this situation in mind.</div><div><br></div><div>During the station visit, Railway Secretary Dr Md Humayun Kabir, Bangladesh Railways Director General Kamrul Ahsan, Additional Director General Operations Sardar Shahadat Ali and other officials concerned were present. - UNB</div><div><br></div><div>bnbd24/fas</div>', NULL, 'News Desk', '[\"30\"]', NULL, NULL, NULL, NULL, '2023-04-16 20:11:08', '2023-04-16 20:11:08'),
(6416, 6416, '<div><span style=\"font-size: 1rem;\"><b>Fifty-eight markets and shopping malls in the capital are in a vulnerable state, according to the survey of Fire Service and Civil Defense.</b></span><br></div><div><br></div><div>The organization has released a list of markets and shopping malls, declaring them \"extremely risky\" and \"risky\" in terms of fire accidents.</div><div><br></div><div>Of them, nine have been declared \"extremely risky,\" 14 have been declared \"moderately risky,\" and 35 have been declared \"risky.\"</div><div><br></div><div>Fire Service and Civil Defence director (operations and maintenance) Lieutenant Colonel Mohammad Tajul Islam Chowdhury revealed the information at a press briefing on Sunday.</div><div><br></div><div>The extremely risky markets are -- Gausia Market, Barishal Plaza Market, Rajdhani and New Rajdhani Super Market, Alauddin Market, Shakil Anwar Tower, Shahidullah Market, Sharif Market, Maya Katara and Roslyn Vista.</div><div><br></div><div>Colonel Tajul Islam said that the New Supermarket was marked risky and they were repeatedly informed of the matter.</div><div><br></div><div>He also urged the business owners and management committees of the markets to hire people to guard the market throughout the night at various points, reports UNB</div><div><br></div><div>“They will not only help prevent any sabotage but also, given the current high temperature in the country, if any flammable substance catches fire, they can immediately take action to put it out,” he added.</div><div><br></div><div>Tajul Islam said that on behalf of the Fire Service, they have visited several markets along with DGFI-NSI members.\"</div><div><br></div><div>But we are sorry to say that what we have seen in the inspection is not satisfactory,\" he said.</div><div><br></div><div>\"We have talked to four market owner associations today and gave them ideas about how to deal with fire,\" he added.</div><div><br></div><div>bnbd24/fas</div>', NULL, 'News Desk', '[\"30\"]', NULL, NULL, NULL, NULL, '2023-04-16 21:38:24', '2023-04-16 21:38:24'),
(6417, 6417, '<div><b><span style=\"font-size: 1rem;\">Seven carriages and a locomotive of Dhaka-bound passenger train Sonar Bangla Express were derailed when it hit a freight train at Hasanpur station of Nangalkot in Cumilla.</span><br></b></div><div><br></div><div>\"Dhaka-bound Sonar Bangla Express from Chattogram hit a freight train from behind at Hasanpur station at 6.45pm caused its locomotive and seven carriages-four Sobhon class chair coaches and three AC coaches to derail,\" Railway Ministry\'s information office Shariful Alam told BSS.</div><div><br></div><div>Twenty five people were injured including five critically in the incident.</div><div>He said the accident took place when the Sonar Bangla Express entered a loop line where the freight train was stationary. According to BSS reports</div><div><br></div><div>bnbd24/fas</div>', NULL, 'News Desk', '[\"30\"]', NULL, NULL, NULL, NULL, '2023-04-16 22:03:29', '2023-04-16 22:03:29'),
(6418, 6418, '<div><span style=\"font-size: 1rem;\"><b>Awami League General Secretary Obaidul Quader today said BNP may be involved in the recent fire incidents broke out in different city markets.</b></span><br></div><div><br></div><div>“Setting fire and carrying out arson attacks is the old habit of them (BNP). BNP may take ill tactics of setting fire aiming to mobilise its movement,” he said.</div><div><br></div><div>“It is a big question now whether the BNP has chosen the tactic of setting fire to mobalise its movement. This mystery must be revealed,” Quader told an Eid gift distribution ceremony here.</div><div><br></div><div>On behalf of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, the Eid gifts were distributed among poor people in Mirpur’s Kafrul area this afternoon.</div><div><br></div><div>Quader, also the road transport and bridges, asked AL leaders and workers to remain alert against arson terrorism across the country.</div><div><br></div><div>“If anyone plays with fire, he or she will be given a befitting reply. So remain prepared,” he said.</div><div><br></div><div>Terming BNP secretary general Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir a pathological liar, the AL general secretary said how Fakhrul tells lies before taking iftar.</div><div><br></div><div>BNP has started holding meeting with foreigners and it claimed that the United States (US) expressed concern over the next parliament elections of Bangladesh, he said.</div><div><br></div><div>Quader said the US also invited the ruling AL and “We accepted the invitation of US Ambassador (in Dhaka) Peter Haas. During the meeting (with the US envoy), Peter Haas did not raise any concern. They don\'t have any concern over the caretaker government but the BNP and its like-minded parties have headache to this end”.</div><div><br></div><div>The Awami League distributes iftar items among the commoners while BNP leaders hold iftar parties with capable people and this is the difference between the BNP and the ruling AL, he said.</div><div><br></div><div>He said Fakhrul talks against Bakshal every day but BNP founder Ziaur Rahman joined Bakshal. “You should answer why Zia joined Bakshal?” he questioned.</div><div><br></div><div>Quader said BNP leaders have realised that bad days are coming for them as they know that BNP will be defeated once the election is held.</div><div><br></div><div>“People love Prime minister Sheikh Hasina. People think that Sheikh Hasina is an honest and hardworking person. BNP wanted to make Bangladesh a failed state. Today, Sheikh Hasina has made Bangladesh a successful country,” he said.</div><div><br></div><div>The AL general secretary said BNP does not love the country’s people but it wants power.</div><div><br></div><div>“Sheikh Hasina wants to change the people\'s fortunes. On contrast, BNP leaders want their personal gains. They want to earn money through corruption and launder the money abroad,” he said.</div><div><br></div><div>Chaired by Awami Swechasebak League acting president Gazi Mesbaul Hossain Shachchu, the ceremony was addressed, among others, by State Minister for Industries Kamal Ahmed Majumdar, Dhaka North City AL general secretary SM Mannan Kochi and Swechasebak League general secretary AKM Afzalur Rahman. According to BSS reports</div><div><br></div><div>bnbd24/fas</div>', NULL, 'News Desk', '[\"30\"]', NULL, NULL, NULL, NULL, '2023-04-16 22:38:15', '2023-04-16 22:38:15'),
(6419, 6419, '<div><span style=\"font-size: 1rem;\"><b>BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir on Sunday alleged the mass media of the country is suffering under \'the current fascist government\' and the Digital Security Act (DSA).</b></span><br></div><div><br></div><div>“When we look at the newspapers and watch television channels, it seems that the same media industry is also affected by the terrible attacks of fascism,” he said.</div><div><br></div><div>Speaking at an iftar party, Fakhrul said the entire country and the nation have been passing through a critical juncture and awful situation.</div><div><br></div><div>He said the government has created a division in society and it is turning the country into a failed state.</div><div><br></div><div>“It’s very painful for those who we fought for the Liberation War as all the democratic institutions have been destroyed one after another,” the BNP leader said.</div><div><br></div><div>He said the current fascist regime has spread a climate of fear everywhere, including in the media. “Fascism succeeds when a fear of terror is created in the entire society and when a reign of terror is established.”</div><div><br></div><div>Pro-BNP faction of the Bangladesh Federal Union of Journalists (BFUJ) and Dhaka Union of Journalists (DUJ) arranged the iftar party at the Jatiya Press Club.</div><div><br></div><div>BNP leader alleged that there is no press freedom now in Bangladesh and no government in the past has hampered press freedom in the way the current government is doing now. “That’s why the media people themselves exercise self-censorship. All of you (journalists) now think whether it can be written or not and whether you may face the Digital Security Act.”</div><div><br></div><div>Fakhrul said many journalists have still been facing cases under the DSA. “I have seen in jail many of our youths have been staying there in cases filed under the Digital Security Act.)</div><div><br></div><div>He said the government has created such a situation in the country by creating division among the journalists that the media workers now can’t work unitedly for press freedom.</div><div><br></div><div>Fakhrul said the government also shut down many media outlets, including the Daily Din Kal while 44 journalists were killed under the rule of the current regime.</div><div><br></div><div>“The basic thing is that press freedom is necessary for a democratic state and society, but the government has suppressed this matter,” the BNP leader observed.</div><div><br></div><div>He also said it cannot even imagine in a civilised country the way Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina criticised the media in parliament. “The Prime Minister of a civilised country can’t speak in such a language.”</div><div><br></div><div>Under the current circumstances of the country, the BNP leader called upon the journalists and professionals for the restoration of democracy, reports UNB.</div><div><br></div><div>He also said, “The only demand of the people of the country is the resignation of the current regime. We must come forward with this demand by creating a strong unity.&nbsp;</div><div><br></div><div>bnbd24/fas</div>', NULL, 'News Desk', '[\"30\"]', NULL, NULL, NULL, NULL, '2023-04-16 23:06:22', '2023-04-16 23:06:22');
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(6420, 6420, '<div style=\"text-align: justify; \"><b style=\"font-size: 1rem;\">Top diplomats from the Group of Seven wealthy democracies are tackling two major worries in Northeast Asia, vowing a tough stance on China’s increasing threats to Taiwan and North Korea\'s unchecked tests of long-range missiles.</b><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">Another major crisis, Russia’s war in Ukraine, will also consume the agenda Monday as the diplomats gather in this Japanese hot spring resort town for Day Two of talks meant to pave the way for action by G-7 leaders when they meet next month in Hiroshima.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">For the American delegation, the meeting comes at a crucial moment in the world’s response to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and efforts to deal with China, two issues that G-7 ministers from Japan, the United States, the United Kingdom, France, Germany, Canada, Italy and the European Union regard as potent challenges to the post-World War II rules-based international order.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">A senior U.S. official traveling with U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken told reporters that the Biden administration’s goal for the talks is to shore up support for Ukraine, including a major initiative on Ukraine’s energy infrastructure launched at last year’s G-7 gatherings in Germany, as well as to ensure the continued provision of military assistance to Kyiv. Ramping up punishment against Russia for the conflict, particularly through economic and financial sanctions that were first threatened by the G-7 in December 2021, before the invasion, will also be a priority, the official said.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">Ukraine faces an important moment in coming weeks with Russia’s current offensive largely stalled and Ukraine preparing a counter-offensive. The U.S. official, who spoke on condition of anonymity to discuss Blinken’s priorities at the closed-door meetings, said there would be discussion about ways to deepen support for Ukraine’s long-term defense and deterrence capabilities. That might also improve Kyiv’s position for potential negotiations that could end the conflict on its terms.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">The role of Japan — the only Asian member of the G-7 — as chairman of this year\'s talks provides an opportunity to discuss coordinated action on China. Leaders and foreign ministers of G-7 countries, most recently France and Germany, have recently concluded visits to China, and the diplomats in Karuizawa are expected to discuss their impressions of where the Chinese stand on numerous issues, including the war in Ukraine, North Korea, and Taiwan, which is a particular sore point in U.S.-Chinese relations.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">At a private working dinner on Sunday night that marked the diplomats’ first formal meeting, Japanese Foreign Minister Yoshimasa Hayashi urged continued dialogue with China on the many global challenges where participation from Beijing is seen as crucial. Among the Chinese interests that are intertwined with those of wealthy democracies are global trade, finance and climate efforts.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">But the diplomats are also looking to address China’s more aggressive recent stance in Northeast Asia, where it has threatened Taiwan, the self-governing democracy that Beijing claims as its own.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">Hayashi told ministers that outside nations must continue “building a constructive and stable relationship, while also directly expressing our concerns and calling for China to act as a responsible member of the international community,” according to a summary of the closed-door dinner.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">China recently sent planes and ships to simulate an encirclement of Taiwan. Beijing has also been rapidly adding nuclear warheads, taking a tougher line on its claim to the South China Sea and painting a scenario of impending confrontation.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">The worry in Japan can be seen it its efforts in recent years to make a major break from its self-defense-only post-WWII principles, working to acquire preemptive strike capabilities and cruise missiles to counter growing threats.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">Blinken, the top U.S. diplomat, had been due to visit Beijing in February, but the trip was postponed because of a Chinese spy balloon incident over U.S. airspace and has yet to be rescheduled.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">Blinken met briefly with China’s top diplomat, Wang Yi, on the sidelines of the Munich Security Forum, but high-level contacts between Washington and Beijing have become rare. Thus, Blinken will be seeking insight from his French and German counterparts on their interactions with the Chinese, the senior U.S. official said.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">Despite indications, notably comments from French President Emmanuel Macron, that the G-7 is split over China, the official said there is shared worry among G-7 nations over China’s actions. The official added that the foreign ministers would be discussing how to continue a coordinated approach to China.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">North Korea is also a key area of worry for Japan and other neighbors in the region.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">Since last year, Pyongyang has test-fired around 100 missiles, including intercontinental ballistic missiles that showed the potential of reaching the U.S. mainland and a variety of other shorter-range weapons that threaten South Korea and Japan.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">Hayashi “expressed grave concern over North Korea’s launch of ballistic missiles with an unprecedented frequency and in unprecedented manners, including the launch in the previous week, and the G-7 Foreign Ministers strongly condemned North Korea’s repeated launches of ballistic missiles,” according to the summary. AP/UNB</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify; \">bnbd24/kh </div>', NULL, 'News Desk', '[\"1\"]', NULL, NULL, NULL, NULL, '2023-04-17 09:19:57', '2023-04-17 20:31:24'),
(6421, 6421, '<div style=\"text-align: justify; \"><b style=\"font-size: 1rem;\">President Emmanuel Macron is on Monday to address France for the first time since signing into law his controversial pension reform, facing warnings the political and social crisis sparked by the changes is not over.</b><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">Macron signed the legislation early Saturday, just hours after the banner change to raise the retirement age from 62 to 64 had been validated by the constitutional court, prompting accusations he was smuggling the law through in the dead of night.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">After three months of protests and strikes, the left and unions have vowed not to give in and have warned of mass protests on the May 1 Labour Day.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">Polls have consistently showed a majority of French remain opposed to the reform, which the government rammed through parliament using a controversial mechanism allowing it to be passed without a vote.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">Meanwhile, Macron\'s own personal popularity ratings have eroded, with some analysts suggesting he has given a head-start to far-right leader Marine Le Pen in the long path to 2027 elections.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">The press has widely dubbed it a \"Pyrrhic victory\" after the Greek king who defeated the Romans but saw most of his army destroyed in the process.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><b>- \'President of chaos\' -</b></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">Macron is expected to address the nation around 1800 GMT, presidential sources said, in a speech that government spokesman Olivier Veran said Saturday would be in the spirit of \"pacification\".</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">But the leader of the powerful CGT union Sophie Binet said in an interview with regional newspapers Sunday that Macron was \"on his way to becoming the president of chaos\".</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">\"He is opening the way to the National Rally\" party of Le Pen, who was shown in one poll as the victor if the 2022 presidential election was re-run at the present time, she said.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">\"Emmanuel Macron is far from finished from having to deal with the social and political crisis, which he continues to dangerously stir up,\" said Le Monde daily in an editorial.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">It noted that Le Pen was the only French politician whose popularity has been notably boosted by the crisis, while trust in the country\'s democratic institutions has fallen.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">\"The cost of the pensions reform appears to be exorbitant,\" it said.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">The crisis also comes at a time of increasing challenges on the international stage for Macron, who faced accusations of cosying up to China on a visit to Beijing last week.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">- \'Determined to accelerate\' -</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">Macron, 45, came to power in 2017 promising reform in France and a fresh new politics. But opponents accuse him of increasingly reclusive and anti-democratic behaviour.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">\"Emmanuel Macron no longer has authority ... so suddenly he is becoming brutal and authoritarian,\" hard-left deputy Clementine Autain told French TV on Sunday.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">Le Pen said Macron had three choices to end a crisis \"which he created himself\" -- a referendum on the changes, legislative elections or resignation.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">But Prime Minister Elisabeth Borne vowed Saturday the government would press ahead with more reforms now the pensions overhaul was passed.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">\"We are determined to accelerate\" the pace of reforms, she told the national council of Macron\'s Renaissance party.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">Binet and other union bosses have called for a \"popular and historic tidal wave\" of people on the streets to oppose the reforms on May 1.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">As a prelude to the May 1 protests, railway unions are calling for a day of \"railway anger\" on April 20. 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, '2023-04-17 09:23:44', '2023-04-17 09:23:44'),
(6422, 6422, '<div style=\"text-align: justify; \"><b style=\"font-size: 1rem;\">At least four people were killed and more than 20 others injured, mostly teens, in a Saturday night shooting at a birthday party in Alabama, officials said, in the latest spasm of American gun mass violence.</b><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">Local news reports said the shooting occurred at a Sweet 16 party at a dance studio in Dadeville, a small town northeast of the state capital Montgomery.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">\"There were four lives tragically lost in this incident, and there\'s been a multitude of injuries,\" Sergeant Jeremy Burkett, a spokesman for the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency (ALEA), told reporters Sunday.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">He specified later that 28 people had been wounded, some of them critically, and urged residents to come forward with any information they might have related to the attack. But Burkett provided no further details on how the shooting unfolded or why.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">Annette Allen told the Montgomery Advertiser that her grandson Phil Dowdell was among those who died: he had been celebrating his sister Alexis\'s 16th birthday when gunfire ripped through the party.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">\"He was a very, very humble child. Never messed with anybody. Always had a smile on his face,\" Allen said of her grandson, a high school senior and football player due to graduate within weeks.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">\"Everybody\'s grieving,\" Allen said of the small community of some 3,000 residents.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">President Joe Biden, who was briefed on the shooting, said the nation was again grieving over young Americans killed in gun violence.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">\"What has our nation come to when children cannot attend a birthday party without fear?\" Biden, who has long sought tighter gun safety measures, asked in a statement.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">\"Guns are the leading killer of children in America, and the numbers are rising -- not declining,\" he added. \"This is outrageous and unacceptable.\"</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">The nearby Lake Martin Community Hospital received 15 individual gun-shot wound patients, mostly victims in their teens, Heidi Smith, marketing director for the rural health facility\'s operator IvyCreek Healthcare, told AFP.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">Six of the patients were discharged and nine have been transferred to facilities with higher levels of care. Of those, five were in critical condition, Smith said.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">\"It\'s been terrible,\" she said.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">More than 12 hours after the tragedy, neither Burkett nor other law enforcement officials provided any details on who may have perpetrated the shooting and why, or whether a suspect has been detained.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">\"We can\'t share anything further at this time,\" the sergeant said, adding only that \"it was tied to a birthday party.\"</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">Dadeville Chief of Police Jonathan Floyd called the town \"a tight-knit community full of wonderful people.\"</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">The Alabama Law Enforcement Agency said its State Bureau of Investigations has launched a probe together with Dadeville police and federal agencies including the FBI.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">Television station WRBL of nearby Columbus, Georgia reported heavy police activity overnight and crime scene tape around a building in Dadeville, where it said white sheets could be seen covering parts of the floor.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">- \'Heartbreaking\' -</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">State leaders took to Twitter Sunday offering prayers and decrying violence but they did not provide details on what happened.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">\"This morning, I grieve with the people of Dadeville and my fellow Alabamians,\" Governor Kay Ivey posted. \"Violent crime has NO place in our state.\"</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">The United States, a country of around 330 million people, is awash with some 400 million guns, and deadly mass shootings are a regular occurrence.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">The latest deaths came on the 16th anniversary of the deadliest US school shooting on record, in which 32 people were killed at Virginia Tech in 2007.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">Separately, police confirmed two people were killed and four others wounded in a shooting late Saturday at a crowded park in Louisville, Kentucky, the same city where a bank employee slaughtered five people at his workplace last Monday.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">There have been 163 mass shootings in the United States so far this year, according to the Gun Violence Archive. The non-profit group defines a mass shooting as having a minimum of four victims shot, either injured or killed, excluding any shooter.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">Efforts to tighten gun controls have for years run up against opposition from Republicans, staunch defenders of the constitutional right to bear arms.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">The political paralysis endures despite widespread outrage over recurring shootings. 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, '2023-04-17 09:28:07', '2023-04-17 09:28:07'),
(6423, 6423, '<div><span style=\"font-size: 1rem;\">Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina today paid homage to Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman by placing a wreath at his portrait at Dhanmondi 32 here marking the historic Mujibnagar Day.</span><br></div><div><br></div><div>She placed the wreath at the portrait of the Father of the Nation in front of the Bangabandhu Memorial Museum this morning. BSS</div><div><br></div><div>bnbd24/kh</div>', NULL, 'News Desk', '[\"19\"]', NULL, NULL, NULL, NULL, '2023-04-17 09:49:04', '2023-04-17 09:49:04'),
(6424, 6424, '<div style=\"text-align: justify; \"><b style=\"font-size: 1rem;\">Although there are 41 recognised river routes between Dhaka and the south coast,  at present there are commercial launches operating from Sadarghat terminal of Dhaka river port on just 25 routes.   </b><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">Bangladesh Inland Water Transport Authority (BIWTA) sources said that launches are not plying the remaining river channels due to the shortage of passengers.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">However, launch owners say that 15 waterways have apparently been abandoned due to poor navigability. They said, this crisis has been created due to lack of sufficient dredging.   </div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">They claim that even on the 25 waterways that are operational, launches ply on just 19 of those. Launch movement on the remaining 6 routes is irregular. </div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">Rights activists complain that there is no transparency and accountability in excavation and dredging works. Due to this, there are irregularities and corruption in this important work. </div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">Launch owners also have the same complaint that waterways are not being dredged properly due to lack of transparency and accountability.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">Badiuzzaman Badal, Senior Vice President of Bangladesh Inland Water Transport (Passenger carrier) Association, an organisation of launch owners, said, “We are a major stakeholder in the shipping sector. But we are not involved in river dredging. Our opinion is not taken on which route has more or less navigability crisis.\"</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">Referring to the lack of minimum transparency and accountability in dredging, Badiuzzaman Badal said, “BIWTA is doing the job as per their wish leading to widespread irregularities and corruption. As a result, general people, including water transport owners, are not getting the benefits. As the launch cannot proceed in many waterways due to the navigability crisis, in order to reach many destinations, one has to travel much more than the prescribed distance, wasting extra time. On the one hand, the fuel cost of the owners increases, on the other hand, the passengers do not want to board the launch because of the extra time wasted.” </div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">Badiuzzaman Badal said these in a press conference at the organisation\'s office at Sadarghat Terminal on April 8. </div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">Aminur Rasul Babul, member secretary of Safe Waterway Implementation Movement, said that Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina herself is sincere in the development of inland shipping communication. The government is also giving adequate allocation in this sector. But due to the irregularities and corruption of BIWTA\'s dredging department, the desired success in rescuing the defunct waterways has not come even after 14 years. </div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">Mihir Biswas, joint secretary of Bangladesh Poribesh Andolon (BAPA), said that BIWTA\'s responsibility is to maintain the navigability of waterways through regular dredging under its revenue fund.  </div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">“The river dredging, including rescue of lost waterways and the expensive works of silt removal, are under its development fund. The organisation has been doing these two tasks for more than a century. For this, thousands of crores of public funds have been spent, but the expected success is not visible,” Mihir Biswas commented, also blaming irregularities, corruption and lack of accountability and transparency as responsible for this. UNB</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify; \">bnbd24/k</div>', NULL, 'News Desk', '[\"19\"]', NULL, NULL, NULL, NULL, '2023-04-17 11:29:43', '2023-04-17 20:32:27'),
(6425, 6425, '<div style=\"text-align: justify; \"><b style=\"font-size: 1rem;\">Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on Monday inaugurated 50 more model mosques and Islamic cultural centres across the country in the fourth phase joining virtually from her official residence Ganabhaban.</b><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">With the new ones, she has so far inaugurated 200 mosques out of 564 being built at a cost of Taka 9,435 crore all over the country.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">The construction of the remaining mosques and Islamic cultural centres is scheduled to be completed by June, 2024</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">Earlier, she opened 50 mosques each in the first phase on June 10, 2021, in the second phase on January 16 this year and the third phase on March 16. </div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">The model mosques and Islamic cultural centres include separate places for ablution and namaj along with air-condition system.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">Besides, there will be registration and training arrangements for hajj pilgrims, Imam training centre, research centre and Islamic library, autism corner, ritual system before burial, car parking facility, hifzakhana, pre-primary education and Quran learning arrangement, conference room for Islamic cultural activities and Islamic dawat, Islamic books sale centre, boarding facility for local and foreign guests along with the mosques.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">Being imbued with the spirit of Islam and following the footsteps of Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, the prime minister has come up with the idea of constructing 564 model mosques across the country.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">The purpose of the project is to publicise Islamic brotherhood and its values as well as disseminate the essence of Islam against extremism and militancy as the religion never supports those.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">It would also put concentration on creating awareness against terrorism and violence against women along with disseminating development activities of the government.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">Under category A, some 69 four-storey mosques having the elevator facility and a floor space of 2,360.09 square metres each are being constructed in 64 districts and city corporation areas.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">Under category B, 475 mosques are being built with a floor space of 1680.14 square metres each, while 16 mosques under C category in coastal areas will have a floor space of 2,052.12 square metres each.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">Tungipara Upazila in Gopalganj district and Bishwanath  Upazila of Sylhet district were also connected to the programme where the local lawmakers, public representatives, political parties\' leaders, government officers, alem-ulama and common people were present.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">A video-documentary on the model mosques and Islamic cultural centres was screened at the function.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">With State Minister for Religious Affairs Md Faridul Haque Khan in the chair, secretary of the ministry Kazi Enamul Hassan delivered welcome address at the function.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">Prime Minister’s Principal Secretary Md Tofazzel Hossain Miah moderated the programme. 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, '2023-04-17 11:35:15', '2023-04-17 13:51:24'),
(6426, 6426, '<div style=\"text-align: justify; \"><span style=\"font-size: 1rem;\"><b>As the heatwave severely impacts public life, with an air quality index (AQI) score of 158 at 9:40 am today (April 17, 2023), Dhaka ranked 5th in the list of cities worldwide with the worst air quality.</b></span><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">India’s Delhi, Nepal’s Kathmandu and Thailand’s Chiang Mai occupied the first three spots in the list, with AQI scores of 228, 198 and 165, respectively.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">An AQI between 101 and 150 is considered \'unhealthy\', AQI 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;\">In Bangladesh, the AQI is based on five criteria 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;\">Air pollution consistently ranks among the top risk factors for death and disability worldwide.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">As per the World Health Organization (WHO), air pollution kills an estimated seven million people worldwide every year, largely as a result of increased mortality from stroke, heart disease, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, lung cancer and acute respiratory infections. 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, '2023-04-17 11:54:25', '2023-04-17 11:54:25'),
(6427, 6427, '<div style=\"text-align: justify; \"><span style=\"font-size: 1rem;\">A fire broke out in BGB Market at House Building area of the city\'s Uttara area on Monday morning.</span><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">Five units of fire fighters were trying to douse the fire that broke out around 10:30am in the Sector-7 market, Duty Officer of the fire service control room Anisur Rahman said.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify; \">The reason behind the fire or the damage caused was not yet known.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify; \"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify; \">bnbd24/kh</div>', NULL, 'News Desk', '[\"19\"]', NULL, NULL, NULL, NULL, '2023-04-17 12:01:55', '2023-04-17 12:01:55'),
(6428, 6428, '<p style=\"text-align: justify; \"><span style=\"font-size: 1rem;\"><b>Qatar expects more than five million people to visit the Gulf state in 2023 despite a post-World Cup lull, its tourism chief said on Sunday.</b></span><br></p><p style=\"text-align: justify; \">Akbar Al-Baker, head of Qatar Airways and Qatar Tourism, admitted that hotels had fallen quiet after the World Cup final on December 19.</p><p style=\"text-align: justify; \">But he insisted that every World Cup host has the same lull after the tournament and that hotels were still 65-70 percent full.</p><p style=\"text-align: justify; \">Baker told a press conference there were 1.16 million visitors in the first quarter of 2023 and told AFP on the sidelines that he expected \"at least\" five million over the year.</p><p style=\"text-align: justify; \">In 2019, before the coronavirus pandemic, there were about 2.1 million tourists. By comparison, rival Dubai had more than 14 million tourists in 2022.</p><p style=\"text-align: justify; \">As part of a bid to end reliance on its natural gas riches, Qatar has spent billions of dollars on infrastructure for tourism and hosting major sports events.</p><p style=\"text-align: justify; \">The government has set a target of six million foreign tourists a year by 2030. \"I think we will not be too far away from the target\" in 2023, Baker told AFP.</p><p style=\"text-align: justify; \">\"Because of FIFA we built so much infrastructure in the hospitality industry and of course now it is our job to make sure that in the coming months we are making sure that occupancy rates go up.\"</p><p style=\"text-align: justify; \">Qatar, which says there were 1.4 million visitors during the World Cup, is predicting foreign travellers will make up about one third of the three million people expected to attend an international horticultural expo that runs from October 2 until March 28, 2024. AFP</p><p style=\"text-align: justify; \">bnbd24/kh</p>', NULL, 'News Desk', '[\"1\"]', NULL, NULL, NULL, NULL, '2023-04-17 12:07:16', '2023-04-17 12:07:16'),
(6429, 6429, '<div style=\"text-align: justify; \"><b style=\"font-size: 1rem;\">The Maharashtra Bhushan Award ceremony on Sunday in Navi Mumbai turned fatal for at least 11 people who died of heatstroke after standing in the sun for hours.</b><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">About 125 people who attended the ceremony complained of exhaustion, chest pain etc.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">Chief Minister Eknath Shinde reached the Kamothe Hospital where the patients were taken for treatment and reviewed the situation.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">Shinde announced ₹5 lakh relief to the family of the deceased. Former Maharashtra chief minister Uddhav Thackeray is also likely to visit the hospital.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">he function was held in a large open ground at Navi Mumbai\'s Kharghar between 11.30am to 1.30pm to felicitate social worker Dattatreya Narayan Dharmadhikari, also known as Appasaheb Dharmadhikari. Lakhs of his followers attended the event. After standing under the sun during the peak daytime, many complained of illness and were sent to the hospital for treatment where at least eight of the followers died.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">Shinde termed the deaths \'very unfortunate\' and said the expenses of the treatment will be borne by the state government. The Chief Minister also directed officials to shift patients to specialised hospitals if they needed additional treatment.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">The nearest weather station to the spot of the event recorded a maximum temperature of 38 degrees Celsius.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">\"Lakhs of people had come for the event and it went well. It is painful to see some of them suffer. It is a very unfortunate situation which is very painful for me,\" Shinde said.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">\"It is very unfortunate and painful that some members participating in the Maharashtra Bhushan award ceremony this morning died due to heatstroke. I offer my heartfelt tributes to these seekers. We share in the grief of their families,\" deputy chief minister Devendra Fadnavis tweeted. HT</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify; \">bnbd24/kh</div>', NULL, 'News Desk', '[\"1\"]', NULL, NULL, NULL, NULL, '2023-04-17 12:14:14', '2023-04-17 12:14:14'),
(6430, 6430, '<div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"font-weight: bolder; font-size: 1rem;\">Bangladesh\'s Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina today (April 17, 2023) urged all religious-minded people, including Aleem and Ulema, to remain vigilant so that no one could tarnish the image of Islam.</span><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">“Let’s ensure that our sacred religion is not tarnished through various means. Aleem, Ulema and religious-minded people must keep an eye on this issue,” she said.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">The prime minister said this while inaugurating 50 more model mosques and Islamic cultural centres across the country – in the fourth phase – joining virtually from her official residence Ganabhaban.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">She said that Islam is the religion of peace, and those engaged in terrorism and militancy are tarnishing the image of this religion of peace.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">“They are on the wrong path. All of us have to pay special attention to this matter,” she said.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">The PM said that the last judgement will be made by the Almighty Allah.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">“Who believes in Islam and who does not, we cannot decide that. It is very regrettable that sometimes we see some people unnecessarily trying to undermine other religions or different mazhab (sects) of Islam,” Sheikh Hasina said.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">She said that this is against the lessons of Islam and ideology of the Prophet (PBUH). “This kind of attitude is not acceptable. Allah will judge everyone and everything… Allah will decide who will go to heaven and who will go to hell.”</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">Everyone will perform rituals of their own religion, and it is stated in the constitution of Bangladesh, she said.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">“One cannot go to heaven by killing people. Killing innocent people will lead one to land in the fire of hell… People must be aware of this,” the PM said.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">She said that all, irrespective of religion and background, gave their blood to attain the independence of the country.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">“Everyone will perform their religious rituals, maintaining communal harmony. We run our country keeping faith in Allah. Everyone has equal rights and we believe that,” she said.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">Terming militancy and terrorism as menaces of society, she said that these take away lives and misguide people. “Steps must be taken to keep people away from these menaces.”</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">She urged Aleems, Ulemas and Khatibs to be vigilant as sometimes quarters with vested interest misguide impressionable children to the wrong path.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">“We cannot let children get involved in terrorism. Islam’s messages of peace and values must be ingrained in them,” she said.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">She also asked all to remain alert regarding rumours, corruption, and repression of the weak. In this connection, she requested the imams to deliver special Khutba during Jummah prayers.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">Read More: Model mosques to inspire all to understand essence of Islam: Hasina</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">A documentary on the model mosques and Islamic cultural centres was screened at the function.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">With State Minister for Religious Affairs Md Faridul Haque Khan in the chair, secretary of the ministry Kazi Enamul Hassan delivered welcome address at the function.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">Prime Minister’s Principal Secretary Md Tofazzel Hossain Miah moderated the programme. 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, '2023-04-17 13:48:55', '2023-04-17 13:48:55'),
(6431, 6431, '<div style=\"text-align: justify; \"><span style=\"font-size: 1rem;\">Jatiya Party has nominated former secretary MM Niazuddin as their mayoral candidate for Gazipur city corporation election.&nbsp;</span><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">A meeting of party’s nomination board took the decision, Jatiya Party Chairman’s press secretary Khandaker Deloar Jalil told UNB on Monday.&nbsp;&nbsp;</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">On April 3, the Election Commission announced the schedules of elections to five city corporations.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">The elections will be held in Gazipur on May 25, Khulna and Barishal on June 12, and Rajshahi and Sylhet on June 2. 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, '2023-04-17 13:56:12', '2023-04-17 13:56:12'),
(6432, 6432, '<div style=\"text-align: justify; \"><span style=\"font-size: 1rem;\"><b>The death toll from fierce fighting between Sudan\'s regular army and paramilitaries has risen to at least 97, with scores of other people wounded, the doctors\' union said early Monday.</b></span><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">\"The death toll among civilians in clashes since it began on Saturday ... has reached 97,\" it said in a statement, noting that the figure does not include all casaulties as many could not reach hospitals due to difficulties in movement. 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, '2023-04-17 14:13:09', '2023-04-17 14:13:09'),
(6433, 6433, '<div style=\"text-align: justify; \"><span style=\"font-size: 1rem;\"><b>Intermittent fasting (IF) has become a popular diet trend among wellness enthusiasts as the eating pattern has been found to be beneficial for managing blood sugar levels, blood pressure, cholesterol among a host of other advantages. Many celebrities like Alia Bhatt, Bharti Singh, Varun Dhawan and Malaika Arora have lost oodles of weight by doing intermittent fasting.&nbsp;</b></span><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">According to John Hopkins Medicine, intermittent fasting works by prolonging the period when your body has burned through the calories consumed during your last meal and begins burning fat. There are different types of intermittent fasting from 5:2 approach that involves eating regularly five days a week and restricting calorie intake for the remaining days. 16/8 fasting involves eating for eight hours and fasting for 16.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">\"Intermittent fasting is a popular eating pattern that has gained significant attention in recent years due to its potential health benefits. This eating pattern involves alternating periods of fasting and eating, with many people using it as a tool for weight loss, improved metabolism, and better overall health. While intermittent fasting has several potential benefits, it is essential to consider how this eating pattern can affect your liver health,\" says Dr. Amit Miglani - Director &amp; HOD - Gastroenterology, Asian Hospital Faridabad.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">How intermittent fasting affects liver health</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">\"The liver is an essential organ that performs several critical functions, including detoxification, metabolism, and energy production. When you fast, your liver is responsible for breaking down stored glycogen to produce glucose to fuel your body. The liver also plays a crucial role in ketone production during fasting, which is a primary source of energy for the brain and other organs. However, prolonged fasting can have negative effects on liver health, leading to potential complications,\" says Dr Miglani.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">IF reduces risk of fatty liver disease</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">Intermittent fasting can help reduce risk of fatty liver disease by promoting weight loss.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">\"Fatty liver disease occurs when there is excess fat accumulation in the liver, leading to inflammation and damage. While fatty liver disease is often associated with excessive alcohol consumption, it can also occur due to high-calorie diets and sedentary lifestyles. Studies have found that intermittent fasting may help reduce the risk of developing the fatty liver disease by promoting weight loss and reducing inflammation,\" says the expert.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">IF may relieve elevated liver enzymes</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">Elevated levels of liver enzymes are often a sign of liver damage or disease. Several studies have found that intermittent fasting can reduce liver enzymes, indicating improved liver health. This may be because intermittent fasting reduces oxidative stress and inflammation, which can lead to liver damage.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">Cons of intermittent fasting for liver health</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">However, it is important to note that intermittent fasting may not be suitable for everyone, particularly those with pre-existing liver conditions.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">\"If you have liver disease, speaking with your doctor before trying intermittent fasting or any other dietary changes is essential. Additionally, it is crucial to maintain a healthy diet during the eating periods of intermittent fasting to ensure that your liver is getting the nutrients it needs to function correctly,\" says Dr Miglani.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">\"Intermittent fasting can have both positive and negative effects on liver health. While it may help reduce the risk of fatty liver disease and improve liver enzymes, it is important to approach this eating pattern with caution, particularly if you have pre-existing liver conditions. As with any dietary change, it\'s essential to speak with your doctor before trying intermittent fasting to ensure it\'s safe and suitable for your needs,\" concludes the expert. HT</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify; \">bnbd24/kh</div>', NULL, 'News Desk', '[\"6\"]', NULL, NULL, NULL, NULL, '2023-04-17 14:34:01', '2023-04-17 14:34:01');
INSERT INTO `news_details` (`id`, `news_id`, `details`, `ticker`, `representative`, `keyword`, `video_link`, `google_drive_link`, `audio_link`, `shoulder`, `created_at`, `updated_at`) VALUES
(6434, 6434, '<div><span style=\"font-size: 1rem;\"><b>Arjun Tendulkar made his Indian Premier League debut on Sunday bowling for Mumbai Indians, the team once captained by his illustrious batsman father Sachin Tendulkar.</b></span><br></div><div><br></div><div>Standing at over six feet (1.83 metres) tall, the 23-year-old left-hander was given the new ball in the match against Kolkata Knight Riders at Mumbai\'s Wankhede Stadium.</div><div><br></div><div>Arjun went wicketless in his two overs, giving away 17 runs, in a match that Mumbai won and his proud father wrote an emotional note on social media.</div><div><br></div><div>\"Arjun today you have taken another important step in your journey as a cricketer,\" Tendulkar tweeted.</div><div><br></div><div>\"As your father, someone who loves you and is passionate about the game, I know you will continue to give the game the respect it deserves and the game will love you back.\"</div><div><br></div><div>Tendulkar added: \"You have worked very hard to reach here, and I am sure you will continue to do so. This is the start of a beautiful journey. All the best!\"</div><div><br></div><div>The youngster joined five-time IPL winners Mumbai in 2021 -- making his T20 debut for the state team the same year -- but this was the first time he had been picked for the franchise.</div><div><br></div><div>The paceman has played seven first-class matches for Goa, after shifting bases to the western state last year.</div><div><br></div><div>His father, who has almost god-like status in cricket-mad India, began his career with Mumbai state\'s junior team before being picked for the senior side at the age of 15.</div><div><br></div><div>He won his first cap for India in 1989 before going on to become the highest Test scorer of all time as well as the first player to score 100 international centuries. He retired in 2013. - AFP&nbsp;</div><div><br></div><div>bnbd24/fas</div>', NULL, 'Sports Desk', '[\"20\"]', NULL, NULL, NULL, NULL, '2023-04-17 16:01:34', '2023-04-17 16:01:34'),
(6435, 6435, '<div><span style=\"font-size: 1rem;\"><b>The High Court (HC)&nbsp; refused to allow bail to suspended deputy inspector general (DIG) of police Mizanur Rahman in a graft case as it deleted the matter from its cause list.</b></span><br></div><div><br></div><div>A High Court division bench of Justice Md Mostafizur Rahman and Justice Md Ali Reza deleted the matter as it came up on number 39 on today\'s cause list.</div><div><br></div><div>Advocate Shah Manjurul Haque appeared for the suspended DIG, while senior Advocate Khurshid Alam Khan stood for the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) today.</div><div><br></div><div>The ACC on June 24, 2019, filed the case against Mizanur Rahman, his wife Sohelia Anar Rotna and nephew Mahmudul Hasan for amassing illegal wealth of Taka three crore. Source: BSS</div><div><br></div><div>bnbd24/fas</div>', NULL, 'News Desk', '[\"30\"]', NULL, NULL, NULL, NULL, '2023-04-17 17:04:40', '2023-04-17 17:04:40'),
(6436, 6436, '<div><b><span style=\"font-size: 1rem;\">The Asian Development Bank (ADB) and the Government of Bangladesh today signed agreements for $230 million loan to help the rehabilitation and reconstruction efforts in north-eastern Bangladesh affected by devastating floods in May-June 2022.</span><br></b></div><div><br></div><div>Sharifa Khan, Secretary, Economic Relations Division, and Edimon Ginting, ADB Country Director for Bangladesh, signed the agreements on behalf of Bangladesh and ADB respectively.</div><div><br></div><div>The assistance under the Flood Reconstruction Emergency Assistance Project will help in the reconstruction, improvement of resilience, and economic recovery of northeastern districts of Brahmanbaria, Habiganj, Kishoreganj, Moulvibazar, Mymensingh, Netrakona, Sherpur, Sunamganj and Sylhet, said a press release.</div><div><br></div><div>Record rainfall in northeastern Bangladesh in May-June 2022 caused massive flooding, especially in the low-lying Haor region, affecting some 7.2 million people.</div><div><br></div><div>\"The project will address the climate change impacts by developing innovative climate-resilient infrastructure under the build-back-better principles in line with the government\'s national adaptation plan,\" said Country Director Edimon Ginting.</div><div><br></div><div>\"The project will also help improve living conditions, livelihoods, and climate resilience in the flood-affected northeast region of Bangladesh by reducing flood risks in 79,233 hectares of land; improving climate-resilient irrigation infrastructure and water delivery services in at least 10,000 hectares of land; reconstructing and rehabilitating 757 kilometers (KM) of rural roads, 34 km of rail track, 80 km of river embankment and 11,900 tube wells; and planting 100,000 trees,\" Ginting added.</div><div><br></div><div>In partnership with reputable national and international research institutes, the project will support climate-smart agriculture technologies and livelihood support to the flood-affected people in the socioeconomically underdeveloped Haor region.</div><div><br></div><div>The improvement in agriculture value chains (crops and fisheries) will enhance food security, nutrition, employment, poverty reduction, and rural livelihoods. The project will incorporate safety features in infrastructure designs, particularly for the elderly, women, children, and people with disability. In line with the build-back-better approach, the infrastructure design will consider historical and projected climate scenarios including maximum flood depth and velocity, and temperature and rainfall.</div><div><br></div><div>The project will also support water management through alternative wetting and drying technology, direct seeded rice, and the use of solar irrigation for climate adaptation and mitigation.</div><div><br></div><div>An additional $1 million technical assistance grant from ADB\'s Technical Assistance Special Fund will support implementing agencies in building their capacities in climate adaptation and disaster risk management, improving project implementation and monitoring, and strengthening flood risk management and early warning system.</div><div><br></div><div>ADB is committed to achieving a prosperous, inclusive, resilient, and sustainable Asia and the Pacific, while sustaining its efforts to eradicate extreme poverty. Established in 1966, it is owned by 68 members-49 from the region. - BSS</div><div><br></div><div>bnbd24/fas</div>', NULL, 'News Desk', '[\"30\"]', NULL, NULL, NULL, NULL, '2023-04-17 18:49:21', '2023-04-17 18:49:21'),
(6437, 6437, '<div><span style=\"font-size: 1rem;\"><b>Amid sweltering heat in most parts of the country, Bangladesh Metrological Department (BMD) has predicted rains and thundershowers at one or two places in Barishal, Chattogram and Sylhet divisions in 24 hours from 9 am on Monday (April 17, 2023).</b></span><br></div><div><br></div><div>“Weather may remain dry with temporary partly cloudy sky over the country, having chances of rain or thunder showers at one or two places over Barishal, Chattogram and Sylhet divisions,” said a Met office bulletin.</div><div><br></div><div>Severe heat wave is sweeping over Khulna division and Dhaka, Faridpur, Gopalgang, Manikganj, Narayanganj, Rajshahi and Pabna districts.</div><div><br></div><div>Mild to moderate heat wave is sweeping elsewhere over the country &amp; it may continue.</div><div><br></div><div>Day and night temperatures may remain nearly unchanged over the country.</div><div><br></div><div>A trough of low lies over West Bengal and adjoining area. Seasonal low lies over South Bay. According to UNB reports&nbsp;</div><div><br></div><div>bnbd24/fas</div>', NULL, 'News Desk', '[\"30\"]', NULL, NULL, NULL, NULL, '2023-04-17 18:52:12', '2023-04-17 18:52:12'),
(6438, 6438, '<div><b><span style=\"font-size: 1rem;\">Inspector General of Police (IGP) Chowdhury Abdullah Al-Mamun today said no unfit vehicles would be allowed ply on the roads and highways during the Eid.</span><br></b></div><div><br></div><div>“No vehicles without fitness will be allowed to ply on the roads and highways on or before the Eid-ul-Fitr in order to ensure peoples journey more safe and sound,” he said.&nbsp;</div><div><br></div><div>Addressing a view exchange meeting with the transport owners and leaders at the Hall of Pride of the Police Headquarters, the IGP said the movement of vehicles of such as Nasiman, Bhatavati, etc, will be stopped on the highways.</div><div><br></div><div>Additional Inspector General of Police (Adi.IGP-Admin) Md Kamrul Ahsan, Commissioner of the Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) Khandaker Golam Faruq, Addi.IGP and Chief of the Special Branch (SB) Md Monirul Islam, Addi.IGP Md Atiqul Islam, Addi.IGP of the River Police Md Shafiqul Islam and other senior police officials were present at the meeting.</div><div><br></div><div>The IGP urged the transport owners and leaders not to carry extra passengers in vehicles, on the roof of buses and in goods carrier.</div><div><br></div><div>The transport owners and leaders assured that they will provide necessary assistance to the police in the upcoming Eid like the past.</div><div><br></div><div>The IGP expressed his hope and said, “If we all work together, people\'s Eid journey will be comfortable.”</div><div><br></div><div>Later, the IGP joined a virtual meeting with all the Metropolitan Police Commissioners, Range DIGs and District Superintendents of Police.</div><div><br></div><div>He asked them to ensure smooth traffic movement and control the law and order professionally keeping in view the upcoming Eid.</div><div><br></div><div>Referring to the recent fires at various markets, Chowdhury Mamun directed the concerned police officers to work in coordination with the market committees in this regard.&nbsp;</div><div><br></div><div>“Soon after any incidents, the situation would have to bring under control and quick action should be taken,” he added.</div><div><br></div><div>The IGP said that tight security measures of all shopping malls and markets should be continued, reports BSS</div><div><br></div><div>He directed the concerned police officials to strengthen security at the homes of the people leaving the city during the Eid, adding, “Ensure security of the Eid congregation also.”&nbsp;</div><div><br></div><div>bnbd24/fas</div>', NULL, 'News Desk', '[\"30\"]', NULL, NULL, NULL, NULL, '2023-04-17 19:41:55', '2023-04-17 19:41:55'),
(6439, 6439, '<div><span style=\"font-size: 1rem;\"><b>An earthquake of magnitude 3.7 hit Assam on Monday. The tremors of the quake were felt in Guwahati along with neighbouring countries of Bangladesh and Bhutan.</b></span><br></div><div><br></div><div>The epicentre of the quake was in Kamrup district and it lay at a depth of 10 km.</div><div><br></div><div>No reports of loss of life or damage to property have been received yet. As per the National Center for Seismology website, the jolt was felt at 4.52 PM.</div><div><br></div><div>The tremor was felt in different parts of the state, including in the largest city Guwahati.</div><div><br></div><div>The North Eastern region falls in the high seismic zone, making earthquakes frequently hit the region. Source: indiatvnews.com</div><div><br></div><div>bnbd24/fas</div>', NULL, 'International Desk', '[\"29\"]', NULL, NULL, NULL, NULL, '2023-04-17 19:58:34', '2023-04-17 19:58:34'),
(6440, 6440, '<div><b><span style=\"font-size: 1rem;\">Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on Monday urged the Iranian President Dr Seyyed Ebrahim Raisi to take efforts to ensure that Iranian women could live with dignity and honour with equal opportunity for education and work with their male counterparts.</span><br></b></div><div><br></div><div>She made this call when the President of the Islamic Republic of Iran phoned her on Monday afternoon.</div><div><br></div><div>After exchanging pleasantries, both leaders shared views on the issues of bilateral, regional and international interests, said a press release issued by the PMO.</div><div><br></div><div>Hasina cited that Bangladesh abstained from voting for UN Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) resolution to remove Iran from the Commission on the Status of Women.</div><div><br></div><div>During the 22-minute tele-conference, she recalled that Bangladesh and Iran, being the members of OIC and D-8, have often been supportive to each other on many occasions.</div><div><br></div><div>The PM reiterated Bangladesh’s readiness to extend support to Iran in multilateral platforms, especially in the UN. </div><div><br></div><div>In this context, she cited Bangladesh\'s vote against the resolution placed by Canada at the Human Rights Council</div><div><br></div><div>Hasina thanked President Raisi for the telephone call and appreciated that the new administration of Iran has been reaching out to Bangladesh to expand and consolidate bilateral ties.</div><div><br></div><div>She said that the bilateral trade volume between the two countries was far below the true potential and both sides should take further engagements to enhance trade and business between the two countries.</div><div><br></div><div>Emphasising the need for forming a Joint Business Commission (JBC) between the chamber bodies of the two countries, the Bangladesh premier underlined the need for regular Joint Economic Commission (JEC) meetings.</div><div><br></div><div>The premier informed that Bangladesh was working towards convening the 6th meeting in Tehran sometime this year. In this regard, she hoped that the platform of the Joint Economic Commission would facilitate both sides to explore ways of overcoming the trade barriers, existing international sanctions, and restrictions in bank transactions.</div><div><br></div><div>Hasina highlighted that with its growing manufacturing strength, Bangladesh could be a source of quality imports at a competitive  price.</div><div><br></div><div>She added that Bangladesh has been exporting world-class garment and textile products, porcelain, pharmaceuticals, frozen fish and seafood, leather goods, jute  yarn, IT, light engineering, small and medium size ships, agro products, and more to Western markets, including Europe, the USA, and other destinations.</div><div><br></div><div>She also expressed Bangladesh’s willingness and ability to export those products to Iran as well.</div><div><br></div><div>Hasina congratulated Iran for the restoration of diplomatic ties with Saudi Arabia.</div><div><br></div><div>She appreciated that this was a classic example of a successful diplomatic maneuver that would lead to greater regional stability in the Gulf and beyond.</div><div><br></div><div>The Bangladesh PM condemned Israel’s recent acts of aggression, desecration of the al-Aqsa Mosque, and the raid on Palestinian worshippers.</div><div><br></div><div>She informed that her government has consistently condemned such illegal acts by Israeli forces.</div><div><br></div><div>She briefed President Raisi about the humanitarian treatment extended to the Rohingya refugees for more than five years despite the declining financial support from the international community.</div><div><br></div><div>She urged Iran to support Bangladesh’s cause in international platforms, including OIC, as Rohingya repatriation should be a priority for the Muslim community.</div><div><br></div><div>Hasina wished the President and the brotherly people of Iran a blessed and peaceful Ramadan and a belated Happy Nawroz.</div><div><br></div><div>She also thanked him for his warm greetings on Bangladesh’s Independence Day.</div><div><br></div><div>The PM recalled her visits to Iran in 1997 to attend the 8th OIC Summit and August 2012 to attend the 16th NAM Summit in Tehran. She also stated that bilateral relations between Bangladesh and Iran were premised on strong commonalities which emanated from shared history, faith, and culture.</div><div><br></div><div>The Bangladesh Prime Minister invited the Iranian President to visit Bangladesh at his convenience. She wished him and the brotherly people of Iran a happy Eid-ul-Fitr in advance. According to UNB reports </div><div><br></div><div>bnbd24/fas</div>', NULL, 'News Desk', '[\"30\"]', NULL, NULL, NULL, NULL, '2023-04-17 20:20:05', '2023-04-17 20:37:43'),
(6441, 6441, '<div><span style=\"font-size: 1rem;\"><b>As directed by Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) provided food and grocery packs to 6000 less fortunate families by opting out their regular Ifter Party at the month of Ramadan.</b></span><br></div><div><br></div><div>\"We have already made 6000 packs, which included food and groceries. We also have already started distributing those packs to the needy people,\" BCB president Nazmul Hassan Papon said here today at the Academy Ground of BCB, where he also distributed food and grocery packs to the less fortunate people.</div><div><br></div><div>\"Our honourable Prime Minister directed our party Awami League and its other wings to distribute food to the less fortunate, rather than arranging ifter party. It\'s really important to help the underprivileged instead of spending huge money for lavish ifter party. From BCB, we also used to arrange ifter party every year but this year after the direction of Premier, we decided to opt out Ifter party.</div><div><br></div><div>The BCB president distributed food and grocery packs to BCB groundsmen, security people, cleaners at the Academy ground today, reports BSS</div><div><br></div><div>\"Today we just inaugurated the programme here. The packets will be distributed in and outside of some venues of Dhaka,\" Papon said.</div><div><br></div><div>bnbd24/fas</div>', NULL, 'Sports Desk', '[\"20\"]', NULL, NULL, NULL, NULL, '2023-04-17 20:41:31', '2023-04-17 20:41:31'),
(6442, 6442, '<div><b><span style=\"font-size: 1rem;\">Generation and supply gap is widening in power production, leading to load shedding of over 1500 MW across the country today.</span><br></b></div><div><br></div><div>The official data of state-owned Bangladesh Power Development Board (BPDB) shows that the country had an actual shortage of about 1,401 MW electricity against a demand of 16,000 MW on Sunday as the total power generation reached 14,599 MW during peak evening hours.</div><div><br></div><div>Similarly, BPDB data shows that the country is expected to generate 15,160 MW against a demand of 16,000 MW and a load shedding forecast was given to be 840 MW during peak evening hours — mainly from 7 pm to 11 pm — when the country uses the highest electricity.</div><div><br></div><div>Most top officials of BPDB, however, believe it would not be possible to generate the electricity from the operating plants as per the forecast made for today due to different reasons.</div><div><br></div><div>They said due to high temperatures, power plants are vulnerable to interruption.</div><div><br></div><div>Machines of some plants cannot cope with the high temperature and trip, said a top official of BPDB.</div><div><br></div><div>BPDB statistics show that the country will experience a total of 1,291 MW of load shedding, of which Khulna region will face the highest load shedding of 350 MW, followed by Mymensingh 249 MW, Cumilla 240 MW, Rajshahi 210 MW, Rangpur 132 MW, Sylhet 100 MW and Dhaka 10 MW while Chattogram and Barishal will have no load shedding.</div><div><br></div><div>It also shows that the coal-fired Rampal Maitree Super Thermal Plant of BIFPCL could not resume operation after shutting down two days back. As a result, the national grid is not getting 617 MW from the plant.</div><div><br></div><div>The sudden shutdown of Rampal power plant has a big impact on the grid which ultimately increased the shortage, said another BPDB official.</div><div><br></div><div>bnbd24/fas</div>', NULL, 'News Desk', '[\"30\"]', NULL, NULL, NULL, NULL, '2023-04-17 20:57:12', '2023-04-17 20:57:12'),
(6443, 6443, '<div><span style=\"font-size: 1rem;\"><b>A long-term initiative will be taken, in unity with all concerned, to make markets and shopping malls \'risk-free\', Dhaka South City Corporation (DSCC) Mayor Sheikh Fazle Noor Taposh has said.</b></span><br></div><div><br></div><div>He said this while handing over a check of Tk 2 crore to traders affected by the Bangabazar fire at DSCC head office on Monday afternoon.</div><div><br></div><div>\"We have to go for long-term action,\" he pledged.</div><div><br></div><div>Talking about the fact that the Fire Service had marked both the markets that faced fire disaster recently - Bangabazar and New Super Market - at risk of fire, he urged such situations to be dealt with more seriously in future. \"Not only to identify it as risky, but also to ensure that it is not used further until it is de-risked,\" Taposh said.</div><div><br></div><div>Besides, the DSCC has formed a standing committee to look into these issues thoroughly, added the mayor.</div><div><br></div><div>\"We will take all necessary steps to de-risk each market in a phased manner,\" he said.</div><div><br></div><div>The mayor also said, \"Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has already given instructions to BIDA -- so that they also take action in this regard. So we will collectively take long-term measures from now on.\"</div><div><br></div><div>Meanwhile, Helal Uddin, president of Bangladesh Shop Owners Association, thanked the mayor for everything done by the DSCC for the rehabilitation of the affected traders of the Bangabazar fire. According to UNB reports&nbsp;</div><div><br></div><div>bnbd24/fas</div>', NULL, 'News Desk', '[\"30\"]', NULL, NULL, NULL, NULL, '2023-04-17 22:21:12', '2023-04-17 22:21:12'),
(6444, 6444, '<div><span style=\"font-size: 1rem;\"><b>This is the moment SpaceX broke the news that the launch was halted for the day - minutes ahead of the scheduled launch time.</b></span><br></div><div><br></div><div>The rocket can\'t just sit on a launch pad for days on end, full of fuel, waiting to lift off.</div><div><br></div><div>The propellants are super-chilled and they constantly need to be replenished during a countdown as some of the liquid warms up and vents to the atmosphere.</div><div><br></div><div>SpaceX must de-tank while they work through their valve issue and decide on a new flight day.</div><div><br></div><div>The rocket doesn\'t have the equipment on board to main the liquid methane and liquid oxygen in the correct storage state for extended periods.</div><div><br></div><div>This equipment is all off to the side of the launch pad in an area called \"the tank farm\". - BBC</div><div><br></div><div>bnbd24/fas</div>', NULL, 'News Desk', '[\"30\"]', NULL, NULL, NULL, NULL, '2023-04-17 22:38:12', '2023-04-17 22:38:12'),
(6445, 6445, '<div style=\"text-align: justify; \"><span style=\"font-size: 1rem;\"><b>As explosions and gunfire thundered outside, Sudanese in the capital Khartoum and other cities huddled in their homes for a third day Monday, while the army and a powerful rival force battled in the streets for control of the country.</b></span><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify; \">At least 200 people have been killed and over 1,800 wounded since the fighting erupted, U.N. envoy Volker Perthes told reporters. The two sides are using tanks, artillery and other heavy weapons in densely populated areas. Fighter jets swooped overhead and anti-aircraft fire lit up the skies as darkness fell.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">The toll could be much higher because there are many bodies in the streets around central Khartoum that no one can reach because of the clashes. There has been no official word on how many civilians or combatants have been killed. The doctors’ syndicate earlier put the number of civilian deaths at 97.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">The sudden outbreak of violence over the weekend between the nation’s two top generals, each backed by tens of thousands of heavily armed fighters, trapped millions of people in their homes or wherever they could find shelter, with supplies running low and several hospitals forced to shut down.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">Top diplomats on four continents scrambled to broker a truce, and the U.N. Security Council was set to discuss the crisis.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">“Gunfire and shelling are everywhere,” Awadeya Mahmoud Koko, head of a union for thousands of tea vendors and other food workers, said from her home in a southern district of Khartoum.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">She said a shell stuck a neighbor’s house Sunday, killing at least three people. “We couldn’t take them to a hospital or bury them.”</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">In central Khartoum, sustained gunfire erupted and white smoke rose near the main military headquarters, a major battle front. Nearby, at least 88 students and staffers have been trapped in the engineering college library at Khartoum University since the start of fighting, one of the students said in a video posted online Monday. One student was killed during clashes outside and another wounded, he said. They do not have food or water, he said, showing a room full of people sleeping on the floor.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">Even in a country with a long history of military coups, the scenes of fighting in the capital and its adjoining city Omdurman across the Nile River were unprecedented. The turmoil comes just days before Sudanese were to celebrate Eid al-Fitr, the holiday marking the end of Ramadan, the Islamic month of fasting.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">The power struggle pits Gen. Abdel-Fattah Burhan, the commander of the armed forces, against Gen. Mohammed Hamdan Dagalo, the head of the Rapid Support Forces, a paramilitary group. The former allies jointly orchestrated an October 2021 military coup. The violence has raised the specter of civil war just as Sudanese were trying to revive the drive for a democratic, civilian government after decades of military rule.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">Under international pressure, Burhan and Dagalo had recently agreed to a framework agreement with political parties and pro-democracy groups, but the signing was repeatedly delayed as tensions rose over the integration of the RSF into the armed forces and the future chain of command.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">The U.S., the U.N. and others have called for a truce. Egypt, which backs Sudan’s military, and Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates — which forged close ties to the RSF in recent years as it sent thousands of fighters to support their war in Yemen — have also called for both sides to stand down.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sissi said late Monday that Cairo was in “constant contact” with both the army and the RSF, urging them to halt the fighting and return to negotiations.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">But both generals have thus far dug in, demanding the other’s surrender.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">The European Union’s foreign policy chief, Josep Borrell tweeted that the EU ambassador to Sudan “was assaulted in his own residency,” without providing further details. EU officials did not immediately respond to requests for comment.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">Dagalo, whose forces grew out of the notorious Janjaweed militias in Sudan’s Darfur region, has portrayed himself as a defender of democracy and branded Burhan as the aggressor and a “radical Islamist.” Both generals have a long history of human rights abuses and their forces have cracked down on pro-democracy activists.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">Heavy gunbattles raged in multiple parts of the capital and Omdurman, where the two sides have brought in tens of thousands of troops, positioning them in nearly every neighborhood.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">Twelve hospitals in the capital area have been “forcefully evacuated” and are “out of service” because of attacks or power outages, the Sudan Doctors’ Syndicate said, out of a total of around 20 hospitals. Four other hospitals outside the capital have also shut down, it added in a statement late Monday.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">Hadia Saeed said she and her three children were sheltering in one room on the ground floor of their home for fear of the shelling as gunfire rattled across their Bahri district in north Khartoum. They have food for a few more days, but “after that we don’t know what to do,” she said.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">Residents said fierce fighting with artillery and other heavy weapons raged Monday afternoon in the Gabra neighborhood southwest of Khartoum. People were trapped and screaming inside their homes, said Asmaa al-Toum, a physician living in the area.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">Fighting has been particularly fierce around each side’s main bases and at strategic government buildings — all of which are in residential areas.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">The military on Monday claimed to have secured the main television building in Omdurman, fending off the RSF after days of fighting. State-run Sudan TV resumed broadcasting.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">On Sunday, the RSF said it abandoned its main barracks and base, in Omdurman, which the armed forces had pounded with airstrikes. Online videos Monday purported to show the bodies of dozens of men said to be RSF fighters at the base, strewn over beds, the floor of a clinic and outside in a yard. The authenticity of the videos could not be confirmed independently.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">The military and RSF were also fighting in most major centers around the country, including in the western Darfur region and parts of the north and the east, by the borders with Egypt and Ethiopia. Battles raged Monday around a strategic airbase in Merowe, some 350 kilometers (215 miles) northwest of the capital, with both sides claiming control of the facility.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">Only four years ago, Sudan inspired hope after a popular uprising helped depose long-time autocratic leader Omar al-Bashir.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">But the turmoil since, especially the 2021 coup, has frustrated the democracy drive and wrecked the economy. A third of the population — around 16 million people — now depends on humanitarian assistance in the resource-rich nation, Africa’s third largest.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">Save the Children, an international charity, said it has temporarily suspended most of its operations across Sudan. It said looters raided its offices in Darfur, stealing medical supplies, laptops, vehicles and a refrigerator. The World Food Program suspended operations over the weekend after three employees were killed in Darfur, and the International Rescue Committee has also halted most operations.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">With the U.S., European Union, African and Arab nations all calling for an end to fighting, the U.N. Security Council was to discuss the developments in Sudan. U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres said he was consulting with the Arab League, African Union and leaders in the region, urging anyone with influence to press for peace.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">At a meeting of the Group of Seven wealthy nations in Japan on Monday, U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken said the Sudanese “want the military back in the barracks. They want democracy. They want the civilian-led government, Sudan needs to return to that path.” 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, '2023-04-18 09:12:53', '2023-04-18 09:12:53'),
(6446, 6446, '<div style=\"text-align: justify; \"><b style=\"font-size: 1rem;\">Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina\'s ‘Ashrayan Project’ under which homes are built for homeless and displaced people in Bangladesh, has played a key role in achieving the goals of poverty eradication, hunger eradication, gender equality and women\'s empowerment, among others, India’s leading English-language magazine India Today writes.&nbsp;</b><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">Her innovative Shelter Scheme, to transform Bangladesh into a developed and prosperous country by 2041, has been able to bring about positive changes in inclusive development by aiming to provide houses for landless, homeless, and marginalized people in 64 districts of the country, writes the magazine in its April 15 issue.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">Whereas examples of low-interest loans for land purchase are found in several countries around the world, Bangladesh becomes the first country to offer free land ownership with houses to its marginalized citizens in order to bring its backward communities into the mainstream, India Today notes.&nbsp;</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">“Beneficiaries under this scheme are not only provided with accommodation, but they are also provided with various training, daily allowances during training, and loans after training to make them economically self-reliant,” the report states.&nbsp;</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">“The scheme includes empowering women by giving them half ownership of land and houses, providing free electricity connection, providing clean water by installing one shallow tube well for every 10 families, and providing food assistance under three months of VGF to the resettled families initially,” it reads.&nbsp;</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">The India Today report also lauded PM Hasina’s development, known as the \"Sheikh Hasina model\".</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">The \'Ashrayan Project\' is a unique example of how a house can be a major tool for overall family welfare and social development.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">In its report, India Today highlighted the experience of two beneficiaries of the project.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">For 30 long years, Moksedul, a brick kiln labourer, waited for a house that he could call his own.&nbsp;</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">His long-held desire has been granted, as he has been assigned a semi-furnished house in his own name.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">Moksedul told India Today that he can live very well with his family now.&nbsp;</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">Meanwhile, sixty-five-year-old Piara Begum is a resident of Patharghata in Barguna who lost her family home to the river thirty years ago.&nbsp;</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">She used to live with her husband on the banks of the river until he died of cancer 16 years ago.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">“Finally, Piara Begum\'s misery has come to an end after she is allotted a house built by the Bangladesh government on the occasion of ‘Mujib centenary’ under the ‘Ashrayan\' scheme.” India Today writes.&nbsp;</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">“I have been suffering all my life. I never dreamed of a house. Now, I have got a semi-furnished house with land. The prime minister has given me a house. I am very happy. As long as I live, I will pray for the prime minister,” she told India Today.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">The “Ashrayan” project was undertaken in 1997 under the leadership of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. And since its inception, approximately 5,07,244 landless and homeless families have been rehabilitated at various stages under this shelter initiative.&nbsp;</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">Through this initiative, the society\'s backward community has been given access to semi-finished housing and two decimals of land. 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, '2023-04-18 10:24:03', '2023-04-18 10:24:03'),
(6447, 6447, '<div style=\"text-align: justify; \"><span style=\"font-size: 1rem;\"><b>SpaceX has rescheduled for Thursday the first test flight of Starship, the most powerful rocket ever built, designed to send astronauts to the Moon, Mars and beyond, after a technical glitch forced a halt to the countdown.</b></span><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">A planned liftoff Monday of the gigantic rocket was called off less than 10 minutes ahead of the scheduled launch because of a pressurization issue in the first-stage booster, SpaceX said.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">The private space company continued with the countdown in what it called a \"wet dress rehearsal,\" stopping the clock with 10 seconds to go, just before the massive engines on the booster were to have been ignited.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">SpaceX founder Elon Musk said a frozen pressure valve forced a scrub of the launch, which had been planned for 8:20 am Central Time (1320 GMT) from Starbase, the SpaceX spaceport in Boca Chica, Texas.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">\"Learned a lot today, now offloading propellant, retrying in a few day,\" Musk tweeted.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">Before announcing Thursday as the new target for liftoff, SpaceX had said the inaugural flight would be delayed for at least 48 hours to recycle the liquid methane and liquid oxygen that fuels the rocket.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">The new launch window opens Thursday at 8:28 am Central Time (1328 GMT) and lasts 62 minutes, SpaceX said on Twitter.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">The US space agency NASA has picked the Starship spacecraft to ferry astronauts to the Moon in late 2025 -- a mission known as Artemis III -- for the first time since the Apollo program ended in 1972.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">Starship consists of a 164-foot (50-meter) tall spacecraft designed to carry crew and cargo that sits atop a 230-foot tall first-stage Super Heavy booster rocket.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">SpaceX conducted a successful test-firing of the 33 Raptor engines on the first-stage booster in February but the Starship spacecraft and the Super Heavy rocket have never flown together.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">The integrated test flight is intended to assess their performance in combination.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">Musk had warned ahead of the launch that a delay was likely.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">\"It\'s a very risky flight,\" he said earlier. \"It\'s the first launch of a very complicated, gigantic rocket.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">\"There\'s a million ways this rocket could fail,\" Musk said. \"We\'re going to be very careful and if we see anything that gives us concern, we\'ll postpone.\"</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">- \'Multi-planet species\' -</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">NASA will take astronauts to lunar orbit itself in November 2024 using its own heavy rocket called the Space Launch System (SLS), which has been in development for more than a decade.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">Starship is both bigger and more powerful than SLS and capable of lifting a payload of more than 100 metric tonnes into orbit.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">It generates 17 million pounds of thrust, more than twice that of the Saturn V rockets used to send Apollo astronauts to the Moon.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">The plan for the integrated test flight is for the Super Heavy booster to separate from Starship about three minutes after launch and splash down in the Gulf of Mexico.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">Starship, which has six engines of its own, will continue to an altitude of nearly 150 miles, completing a near-circle of the Earth before splashing down in the Pacific Ocean about 90 minutes after launch.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">\"If it gets to orbit, that\'s a massive success,\" Musk said.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">\"If we get far enough away from the launchpad before something goes wrong then I think I would consider that to be a success,\" he said. \"Just don\'t blow up the launchpad.\"</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">SpaceX foresees eventually putting a Starship into orbit, and then refueling it with another Starship so it can continue on a journey to Mars or beyond.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">Musk said the goal is to make Starship reusable and bring down the price to a few million dollars per flight.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">\"In the long run -- long run meaning, I don\'t know, two or three years -- we should achieve full and rapid reusability,\" he said.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">The eventual objective is to establish bases on the Moon and Mars and put humans on the \"path to being a multi-planet civilization,\" Musk said.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">\"We are at this brief moment in civilization where it is possible to become a multi-planet species,\" he said. \"That\'s our goal. I think we\'ve got a chance.\" 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, '2023-04-18 10:38:16', '2023-04-18 10:38:16');
INSERT INTO `news_details` (`id`, `news_id`, `details`, `ticker`, `representative`, `keyword`, `video_link`, `google_drive_link`, `audio_link`, `shoulder`, `created_at`, `updated_at`) VALUES
(6448, 6448, '<div style=\"text-align: justify; \"><span style=\"font-size: 1rem;\"><b>Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on Monday put emphasis on a collective response to confront the multifaceted challenges that the world is facing now.</b></span><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">“We need to take a risk-informed approach that considers multidimensional vulnerability, promotes gender equality, strengthens social protection, and expands concessional lending through Multilateral Development Banks (MDBs),” she said.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">The prime minister said this in her pre-recorded Keynote address at the panel discussion titled ‘Development Cooperation: Long-term Resilience and the Role of Multilateral Development Banks’ in the United Nations Economic and Social Council (Ecosoc).</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">She said that by working together and leveraging the resources and expertise of MDBs, significant progress can be made towards creating a more resilient and prosperous world for generations to come.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">“Let’s work together to build a prosperous and, poverty- and-hunger-free world by supporting the poor people through MDBs,” she said.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">Hasina said that the world economy is now passing through multiple challenges - firstly due to the COVID-19 pandemic and later on by the staggering impacts of Russia-Ukraine war.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">“At this complex global context, development cooperation has become very crucial in building resilience of the vulnerable segment of the global community and addressing the multi-dimensional crises,” she said.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">She mentioned that it is strongly believed that multilateral development banks (MDBs) can play an important role in bringing a positive change to the critical global scenario.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">She said that financing from MDBs will foster multi-party dialogues to address pressing global issues and advance policies that will ensure financial support in achieving the SDGs as per in accordance with its mandate specified in the 2015 Addis Ababa Action Agenda.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">“MDBs have to play a critical role in promoting global public goods, such as healthcare, education, and technology. These have a significant impact on sustainable development,” she said.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">The PM said that the MDBs are uniquely positioned to provide technical assistance and knowledge to developing countries, including LDCs, and help them build capacity and promote sustainable development.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">“While working towards building resilience in developing countries, we must also admit their ability to explore their full potentials. These include financial inequalities, digital divides and development divides. The focus should be on building long-term resilience through sustainable and equitable development.”</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">She said that it is observed that the interest rates and service charges of MDBs are increasing. Such measure are pushing the developing countries into further tight spot.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">She urged the MDBs to fix a debt management plan which are financially viable and also contribute to economic development of vulnerable countries.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">The prime minister said that Bangladesh became a lower-middle-income country in 2015. It is also qualified for graduation from the LDCs to a developing country.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">“Our goal is to attain the status of an upper middle-income country by 2031 with the ultimate vision to make a prosperous, developed and knowledge-based SMART Bangladesh by 2041.”</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">But, she said, our development journey has been impeded by the current geopolitical crisis, economic uncertainty and climate change impacts.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">“The world community should come forward to help countries like us overcome the crises,” she added. UNB</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify; \">bnbd24/kh</div>', NULL, 'News Desk', '[\"19\"]', NULL, NULL, NULL, NULL, '2023-04-18 11:41:14', '2023-04-18 11:41:14'),
(6449, 6449, '<div style=\"text-align: justify; \"><b style=\"font-size: 1rem;\">With an air quality index (AQI) score of 162 at 9:15 am today, Dhaka ranked 3rd in the list of cities worldwide with the worst air quality.</b><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">Nepal’s Kathmandu and Thailand’s Chiang Mai occupied the first two spots on the list, with AQI scores of 183 and 178, respectively.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">An AQI between 151 and 200 is considered \'unhealthy\', AQI 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;\">In Bangladesh, the AQI is based on five criteria 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. Air pollution consistently ranks among the top risk factors for death and disability worldwide.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">As per the World Health Organization (WHO), air pollution kills an estimated seven million people worldwide every year, largely as a result of increased mortality from stroke, heart disease, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, lung cancer and acute respiratory infections. 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, '2023-04-18 11:47:07', '2023-04-18 11:47:07'),
(6450, 6450, '<div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><b style=\"font-size: 1rem;\">Billionaire Twitter owner Elon Musk is again sounding warning bells on the dangers of artificial intelligence to humanity — and claiming that a popular chatbot has a liberal bias that he plans to counter with his own AI creation.</b><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">Musk told Fox News host Tucker Carlson in a segment aired Monday night that he plans to create an alternative to the popular AI chatbot ChatGPT that he is calling “TruthGPT,” which will be a \"maximum truth-seeking AI that tries to understand the nature of the universe.”</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">The idea, Musk said, is that an AI that wants to understand humanity is less likely to destroy it.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">Musk also said he\'s worried that ChatGPT “is being trained to be politically correct.”</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">In the first of a two-part interview with Carlson, Musk also advocated for the regulation of artificial intelligence, saying he\'s a “big fan.” He called AI “more dangerous” than cars or rockets and said it has the potential to destroy humanity.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">Separately, Musk has incorporated a new business called X.AI Corp,, according to a Nevada business filing. The website of the Nevada secretary of state’s office says the business was formed on March 9 and lists Musk as its director and his longtime adviser, Jared Birchall, as secretary.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">Musk has for many years expressed strong opinions about artificial intelligence and has dismissed other tech leaders, including Mark Zuckerberg and Bill Gates, for having what he has described as a “limited” understanding of the field.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">Musk was an early investor in OpenAI — the startup behind ChatGPT — and co-chaired its board upon its 2015 founding as a nonprofit AI research lab. But Musk only lasted there for a few years, resigning from the board in early 2018 in a move that the San Francisco startup tied to Tesla’s work on building automated driving systems. “As Tesla continues to become more focused on AI, this will eliminate a potential future conflict for Elon,” OpenAI said in a February 2018 blog post.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">“I came up with the name and the concept,” Musk told Carlson, lamenting that OpenAI is now closely allied with Microsoft and is no longer a nonprofit.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">Musk elaborated on his departure in 2019, saying it was also related to his need to focus on engineering problems at Tesla and some differences of opinion with OpenAI’s leaders. It was “just better to part ways on good terms,\" he said.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">“Tesla was competing for some of same people as OpenAI &amp; I didn’t agree with some of what OpenAI team wanted to do,” Musk tweeted, without specifying.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">But there have been questions surrounding the quality of Tesla\'s AI systems. U.S. safety regulators last month announced an investigation into a fatal crash involving a Tesla suspected of using an automated driving system when it ran into a parked firetruck in California.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">The firetruck probe is part of a larger investigation by the agency into multiple instances of Teslas using the automaker’s Autopilot system crashing into parked emergency vehicles that are tending to other crashes. NHTSA has become more aggressive in pursuing safety problems with Teslas in the past year, announcing multiple recalls and investigations.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">In the year after Musk resigned from the board, OpenAI was still far away from working on ChatGPT but publicly unveiled the first generation of its GPT system, on which ChatGPT is founded, and began a major shift to incorporate itself as a for-profit business.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">By 2020, Musk was tweeting that “OpenAI should be more open” while noting that he had “no control &amp; only very limited insight” into it.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">At times, he has been complementary. In the days after the Nov. 30 release of ChatGPT, Musk tweeted to OpenAI CEO Sam Altman that it is “scary good” and complained that news media wasn’t widely covering it because “ChatGPT is not a far left cause.”</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">Since then, however, Musk has repeatedly highlighted examples that he says show left-wing bias or censorship. Like other chatbots, ChatGPT has filters that try to prevent it from spewing out toxic or offensive answers. AP/UNB</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">bnbd24/kh</div>', NULL, 'News Desk', '[\"18\"]', NULL, NULL, NULL, NULL, '2023-04-18 11:52:19', '2023-04-18 11:52:19'),
(6451, 6451, '<div style=\"text-align: justify; \"><b style=\"font-size: 1rem;\">Russian President Vladimir Putin has visited Ukraine\'s Kherson region, the Kremlin said on Tuesday.</b><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">\"The supreme commander of Russian Federation armed forces has visited the headquarters of the Dniepr military grouping\" in the Kherson region, the Kremlin said in a statement, without giving details on when the visit took place. It marked the first time Putin has visited Kherson, a region partly occupied by Russian forces, since Moscow annexed it along with three other Ukrainian regions last year. 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, '2023-04-18 11:57:53', '2023-04-18 11:57:53'),
(6452, 6452, '<div style=\"text-align: justify; \"><b style=\"font-size: 1rem;\">Police on Monday arrested two men on charge of raping a housewife at Dhaneshwargati village under Shalikha upazila of Magura district and produced them before a court today.</b><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">The arrestees were identified as Mithun Bishwas, 37 and Goutam Bishwas, 38.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">Mosharraf Hossain, officer-in-charge of Shalikha Police Station, said on Friday night, the two men waited outside the victim\'s house.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">When she came out to use the toilet, they swooped on her and raped her.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">After the incident, the woman filed a case with Shalikha Police Station on Sunday accusing the two men, the OC said.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">The woman was sent to Magura 250-bed District Hospital for medical test, he added. UNB</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify; \">bnbd24/kh</div>', NULL, 'News Desk', '[\"19\"]', NULL, NULL, NULL, NULL, '2023-04-18 12:18:51', '2023-04-18 12:18:51'),
(6453, 6453, '<div style=\"text-align: justify; \"><span style=\"font-size: 1rem;\"><b>China\'s economy grew a forecast-busting 4.5 percent in the first quarter as the country reopened after the end of zero-Covid measures late last year, official data showed Tuesday.</b></span><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">The figures were the first snapshot since 2019 of the world\'s second-largest economy unencumbered by the strict health measures that helped keep the coronavirus in check but battered businesses and supply chains.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">A key driver of the standout reading was a bounce in retail sales, the main indicator of household consumption, which surged 10.6 percent on-year in March, the biggest increase since June 2021.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">However, industrial production climbed 3.9 percent last month, an improvement from January-February but below analysts\' expectations of 4.4 percent, according to data published by the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS).</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">Tuesday\'s NBS report said in the first three months of the year China had faced a \"grave and complex international environment as well as arduous tasks to advance reform, development and ensure stability at home\".</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">Beijing\'s virus-containment policy -- an unstinting regime of strict quarantines, mass testing and travel curbs -- strongly constrained normal economic activity before it was abruptly ditched in December.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">The Chinese economy is also beset by a series of other crises, from a debt-laden property sector to flagging consumer confidence, global inflation, the threat of recession elsewhere, and geopolitical tensions with the United States.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">Since the rapid dismantling of the suffocating zero-Covid policy, Chinese people have in recent months returned to restaurants and started to travel again, giving much-needed stimulus to services.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">- Modest growth target -</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">\"Consumption saw a recovery during the first quarter partly because of pent-up demand but is not yet back on pre-pandemic levels,\" Teeuwe Mevissen, an analyst at RaboBank, said.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">\"Loss in household wealth due to the real estate crisis and loss of household income during the pandemic are factors why consumers have not spent more.\"</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">And Iris Pang, the chief economist for Greater China at ING, said the primary reason for the faster-than-expected growth was the much stronger growth in retail sales, which were \"mainly boosted by catering\".</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">The official January-to-March growth figure was significantly higher than the 3.8 percent predicted by analysts in an AFP poll.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">China\'s economy grew just three percent in the whole of last year, one of its weakest performances in decades.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">It posted a 4.8 percent expansion in the first quarter of 2022, though that slowed to just 2.9 percent in the final three months of the year.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">The government has set a comparatively modest growth target of around five percent this year, a goal the country\'s Premier Li Qiang has warned could be hard to achieve.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">An AFP poll of analysts predicted that the Chinese economy would grow by an average of 5.3 percent this year, roughly in line with the International Monetary Fund\'s 5.2 percent forecast.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">Still, experts have warned that wider global trends could yet weigh on China\'s recovery.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">Ken Cheung at Mizuho Bank said domestic consumption \"proved to be the pillar\" behind the economic improvement, but \"industrial production was disappointing given the strong rebound in exports growth\".</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">He added it will \"take time for business confidence recovery, which requires translating the credit expansion into money flow to support real economic activities\". AFP</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify; \">bnbd24/kh</div>', NULL, 'News Desk', '[\"6\"]', NULL, NULL, NULL, NULL, '2023-04-18 12:44:02', '2023-04-18 12:44:02'),
(6454, 6454, '<div style=\"text-align: justify; \"><span style=\"font-size: 1rem;\"><b>Bangladesh Metrological Department (BMD) forecast rain or thunder showers at one or two places over Sylhet division in 24 hours from 9am on Tuesday when some parts of the country are reeling under intense heat wave.</b></span><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">A Met office bulletin said a severe heat wave is sweeping Rajshshi, Pabna, Chuadanga and Kushtia.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">Besides, mild to moderate heat wave is lashing Dhaka, Rangpur and Sylhet divisions and some parts of Rajshahi, Khulna and Barishal divisions and Mymensingh, Chandpur, Cox’s Bazar, Khagrachari and Patuakhali district and it may continue, it added.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">The season\'s highest temperature of the country was recorded in Ishwardi at 43 degree Celsius on Monday.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">Earlier, the weather observatory centre recoded 42 degrees Celsius in Pabna on April 15, 2022.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">Day and night temperatures may remain nearly unchanged over the country. 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, '2023-04-18 13:14:24', '2023-04-18 13:14:24'),
(6455, 6455, '<div style=\"text-align: justify; \"><b style=\"font-size: 1rem;\">Toxic hooch has killed at least 27 people in the eastern Indian state of Bihar where alcohol is banned, officials said Tuesday, with unconfirmed reports putting the death toll at 40.</b><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">Selling and consuming liquor is prohibited in several parts of India, driving a thriving black market for potent and sometimes lethal backstreet moonshine that kills hundreds every year.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">Initial investigations into the latest tragedy showed that poisonous methyl alcohol was mixed with spirit that proved deadly.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">Police official Jitender Kumar told AFP that 27 deaths had been reported since Saturday.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">Kumar said most of the victims were from poor families and used to consume locally made cheap tipple known as \"Desi Daru\".</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">Some local media put the toll at 40.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">Police have arrested 174 people in connection with illegal manufacturing, sale and supply of liquor over the last three days.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">They have also seized and destroyed over 900 litres (240 gallons) of toxic liquor during raids.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">Local authorities have been using drones, helicopters and motorboats to crack down on the black market, but the most recent incident is just the latest in a string of similar deadly cases.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">Last year in December, 37 people were killed after consuming illicit liquor in the same state. 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, '2023-04-18 13:56:45', '2023-04-18 13:56:45'),
(6456, 6456, '<div style=\"text-align: justify; \"><b style=\"font-size: 1rem;\">Priyanka Chopra is currently promoting her upcoming show Citadel besides cheering for Nick Jonas at his concerts. She recently stepped out with Nick and their daughter Malti Marie Chopra Jonas, and fans couldn\'t keep calm over how Malti looked like a cute little fashionista. She was in a Gucci overcoat and woolen boots. Priyanka also looked stylish in a black overcoat and matching pants with a beige turtleneck top. Nick was in a white hoodie, white cap and denims.</b><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">As photos of the Jonas family were shared by a fanpage on Instagram, many reacted to them with love. A fan commented, “Omggg (Oh my God) this fam is adorable!! And MM (Malti Marie) in her Gucci coat! What a fashionista already!” Another said, “Beautiful family MM looks super cute and her little shoes fit for a Princess.” One more fan commented, “Just love you guys and Mm she is so beautiful. I am so happy you guys took her to India and she is being brought up with two cultures...” Noticing Malti\'s resemblance with Nick, a fan wrote, “Malti is Nick\'s twin! She’s sooo pretty!!” A comment also read, “Oh! Can\'t get enough of this beautiful Lil family.”</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">Priyanka recently flew to India with Nick and Malti. She and Nick attended the star-studded launch of Nita Mukesh Ambani Cultural Centre in Mumbai post which Nick flew back to the US. Priyanka stayed back for the Citadel premiere and also visited the Siddhivinayak temple with Malti for the first time.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">Malti was born six months premature via a surrogate in January last year. Priyanka said she had a medical condition due to which she and Nick opted for surrogacy. In an interview to Vogue, Priyanka revealed “This was a necessary step, and I’m so grateful I was in a position where I could do this. Our surrogate was so generous, kind, lovely and funny, and she took care of this precious gift for us for six months. I was in the OR (operating room) when she came out. She was so small, smaller than my hand,” she recalled. “We spent every single day with her on my chest, on my husband’s chest.\" HT</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify; \">bnbd24/kh</div>', NULL, 'News Desk', '[\"13\"]', NULL, NULL, NULL, NULL, '2023-04-18 14:01:30', '2023-04-18 14:01:30'),
(6457, 6457, '<div><b style=\"font-size: 1rem;\">Five Eid jamaats (congregation) will be held at the Baitul Mukarram National Mosque here on the day of Eid-ul-Fitr, a Islamic Foundation press release said today.</b><br></div><div><br></div><div>The first Eid jamaat will be held at 7am while the next four Jamaats will be held at 8am, 9am, 10am and 10.45am respectively.</div><div><br></div><div>Baitul Mukarram National Mosque Senior Pesh Imam Hafez Maulana Mizanur Rahman will conduct the first Eid jamaat.</div><div><br></div><div>Hafez Mufti Muhibullah Baki Nadvi will conduct the second jamaat while other three jamaats will be led by Dr Maolana Abu Saleh Patowari, Hafez Maolana Ehsanul Haque and Maolana Muhiuddin Kashem respectively.</div><div><br></div><div>Meanwhile, Islamic Foundation will organise a discussion and doa mahfil after the Magrib prayer today on the holy Shab-e-Qadr.</div><div><br></div><div>Director General of the foundation Dr Muhammad Bashirul Alam will present as the chief guest while Islamic Foundation Secretary M Maniruzzaman will chair it. BSS</div><div><br></div><div>bnbd24/kh</div>', NULL, 'News Desk', '[\"7\"]', NULL, NULL, NULL, NULL, '2023-04-18 14:07:28', '2023-04-18 14:07:28'),
(6458, 6458, '<div style=\"text-align: justify; \"><b style=\"font-size: 1rem;\">A Satkhira court on Tuesday sentenced four people, including former MP and BNP leader Habibul Islam Habib, to life term imprisonment and 44 others to 7 years’ jail&nbsp; in two separate cases filed over the attack on then opposition leader Sheikh Hasina\'s motorcade in Satkhira in 2002</b><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify; \"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">Among the convicts, Habibul Islam Habib, Abdul Quader Bachchu and Ronju were sentenced to life term imprisonment in an arms case and Habiul Islam Habib, Abdul Quader Bachchu, Ronju and Ripon were sentenced to life term jail in an explosives case.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">The court sentenced the remaining 44 accused to seven years jail in the two cases.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">Satkhira Special Tribunal-3 Judge Bishwanath Mandal pronounced the judgement around 10:30am.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">A total 35 accused, including former BNP lawmaker Habibul Islam Habib, were present at the court. Of the total 50 accused, two have already died and 13 are absconding.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">2002 attack on Hasina\'s motorcade: 4 get life imprisonment, 44 others 7 years’ jail&nbsp;</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">Satkhira Judge Court\'s PP Adv. Abdul Latif, GP Adv. Shambhunath Singh, Additional PP Adv. Fahimul Haque Kislu, High Court lawyer Adv. Mohammad Hossain represented the state while Barrister Aminul Islam, Adv. Shahanara Akter Bakul and Adv Abdul Majid stood for the convicts.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">On August 30, 2002, incumbent Prime Minister and then opposition leader&nbsp; Sheikh Hasina\'s convoy came under attack as she was returning to Magura after visiting a freedom fighter\'s wife in Satkhira\'s Kalaroa.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">Although Hasina survived the attack relatively unscathed, at least 12 people, including Awami League leaders and journalists, were injured, according to the case statement.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">On February 4, 2021, Satkhira Chief Judicial Magistrate Court sentenced the BNP leader and other accused to 4 to10 years jail in another case over the attack. 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, '2023-04-18 14:35:53', '2023-04-18 14:35:53'),
(6459, 6459, '<div><span style=\"font-size: 1rem;\"><b>G7 foreign ministers on Tuesday demanded the “immediate reversal” of a Taliban government ban on Afghan women working for non-governmental organizations and the United Nations in Afghanistan.</b></span><br></div><div><br></div><div>Under their austere interpretation of Islam, Taliban authorities have imposed a slew of restrictions on Afghan women since seizing power in 2021, including banning them from higher education and many government jobs.</div><div><br></div><div>In December, they banned women from working for domestic and foreign non-governmental organizations. On April 4, the curb was extended to UN offices across the country, triggering international outrage.</div><div><br></div><div>“We call for the immediate reversal of unacceptable decisions restricting human rights and fundamental freedoms, including the latest bans prohibiting Afghan women from working for NGOs and the UN,” the top G7 diplomats said in a statement after two days of talks in Japan.</div><div><br></div><div>The group also slammed the Taliban authorities’ “systematic abuses of human rights of women and girls and discrimination against the members of religious and ethnic minorities.”</div><div><br></div><div>In a statement to AFP, Taliban government spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid dismissed the G7 call.</div><div><br></div><div>“Foreign countries should not interfere in the internal affairs of Afghanistan,” he said.</div><div><br></div><div>“The values and laws that are being enforced or implemented in Afghanistan are matters concerning Afghans only and have nothing to do with other countries.”</div><div><br></div><div>Mujahid said foreign countries “should study and accurately monitor the situation in Afghanistan” by engaging with Kabul — hinting at diplomatic engagement that most nations cut off when the Taliban ousted a US-backed government.</div><div><br></div><div>“They should be in touch with us and then take a stand,” he said.</div><div><br></div><div>The Taliban’s supreme leader Hibatullah Akhundzada, in a statement ahead of the Muslim festival of Eid Al-Fitr, also called for the international community to butt out of Afghanistan’s affairs.</div><div><br></div><div>“Afghanistan wants positive relations with its neighbors, Islamic countries, and the world based on mutual benefits and within the framework of Islamic principles,” Akhundzada said.</div><div><br></div><div>“Afghanistan does not want to interfere in the internal affairs of other countries, it also insists that other countries should not interfere in our internal issues.”</div><div><br></div><div>The UN has said the ban on Afghan women working for its mission forces it to make an “appalling choice” on whether to continue operations in Afghanistan.</div><div><br></div><div>It says it cannot comply with the ban as it is “unlawful under international law, including the UN Charter.”</div><div><br></div><div>Over the past two weeks, the UN has ordered all its Afghan staff, men and women, not to report to offices until further notice.</div><div><br></div><div>Local employees make up the bulk of the 600 women working for the UN in the country. In total, there are about 3,300 Afghans in the country’s 3,900-strong UN workforce.</div><div><br></div><div>The restriction will also hamper donation-raising efforts by the UN at a time when Afghanistan is enduring one of the worst humanitarian crises in the world, UN officials say.</div><div><br></div><div>The UN airlifted $1.8 billion into Afghanistan between December 2021 and January 2023, funding an aid lifeline for the nation’s 38 million citizens and shoring up the domestic economy.</div><div><br></div><div>In other restrictions placed on Afghan women since 2021, authorities have barred teenage girls from secondary school, while women have been pushed out of many government jobs, prevented from traveling without a male relative and ordered to cover up outside the home, ideally with a burqa.</div><div><br></div><div>Women have also been banned from universities and are not allowed to enter parks, gyms or public baths. Source: AFP&nbsp;</div><div><br></div><div>bnbd24/fas</div>', NULL, 'International Desk', '[\"29\"]', NULL, NULL, NULL, NULL, '2023-04-18 15:16:10', '2023-04-18 15:16:10'),
(6460, 6460, '<div><b><span style=\"font-size: 1rem;\">Road Transport and Bridges Minister Obaidul Quader on Tuesday said that motorcycles will be allowed to ply on the Padma Bridge from 6 am on April 20.</span><br></b></div><div><br></div><div>“This opportunity has been given at the instruction of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on experimental basis,” he said at Ganabhaban.</div><div><br></div><div>The minister said that motorcycles can cross the Padma Bridge using the service lane.&nbsp;</div><div><br></div><div>Quader said that motorcycles should cross the Padma Bridge following the speed limit, and the maximum speed limit for motorcycles will be 60 kilometres per hour.</div><div><br></div><div>He warned that if discipline is not maintained, the opportunity of riding motorcycles on the Padma Bridge will be cancelled.&nbsp;</div><div><br></div><div>The Bridges Division banned motorbike movement on the bridge from 27 June, 2022. According to UNB reports</div><div><br></div><div>bnbd24/fas</div>', NULL, 'News Desk', '[\"30\"]', NULL, NULL, NULL, NULL, '2023-04-18 16:11:30', '2023-04-18 16:11:30'),
(6461, 6461, '<div><span style=\"font-size: 1rem;\"><b>Iran’s President Ebrahim Raisi on Tuesday warned that any “slightest action” by Israel against his country will see “the destruction of Haifa and Tel Aviv.”</b></span><br></div><div><br></div><div>Addressing the National Army Day parade in the capital Tehran, he said Israel has received this message from Iran’s armed forces as tensions continue to heighten between the arch-foes in the wake of recent airstrikes in Syria that killed Iranian military advisors.</div><div><br></div><div>Flanked by top military commanders, Raisi said the message of Iran’s National Army Day, observed on April 18 every year, is a “message of peace and friendship for countries in the region.”</div><div><br></div><div>He, however, hastened to add that “extra-regional forces,” referring specifically to American forces, “should leave the region as soon as possible,” saying their presence “endangers the region’s security.”</div><div><br></div><div>During the parade, the Iranian army’s ground force, naval force, and air force put on display their indigenous equipment including fighter jets, helicopters, air defense systems, and drones.</div><div><br></div><div>This year’s military parade comes amid Iran’s growing tensions with both the US and Israel amid a stalemate in the 2015 nuclear deal talks as well as recent strikes in Syria.</div><div><br></div><div>Two members of Iran’s elite Revolutionary Guards (IRGC) were killed in Israeli airstrikes near Damascus late last night, after which Iran vowed a “firm and decisive response.”</div><div><br></div><div>Tensions between Tehran and Washington have also grown amid the standoff over Iran nuclear deal.</div><div><br></div><div>At a weekly press conference in Tehran on Monday, Iran’s Foreign Ministry spokesman Nasser Kanaani said the US is “no longer the superpower” and that “the unipolar world has ended.” - Anadolu Agency&nbsp;</div><div><br></div><div>bnbd24/fas</div>', NULL, 'International Desk', '[\"29\"]', NULL, NULL, NULL, NULL, '2023-04-18 16:23:24', '2023-04-18 16:23:24'),
(6462, 6462, '<div><span style=\"font-size: 1rem;\"><b>The most pious month Ramadan is all set to bid adieu soon! The Last Friday of Ramadan known as \'Jumma-Tul-Wida\', the word Alvida means \'good-bye\'. A special day that brings abundant blessings, endless mercy and salvation to the seekers.</b></span><br></div><div><br></div><div>Juma-tul-Wida is the Last Friday of Ramadan. The Holy Prophet (P.B.U.H) said” any one who worships Allah in Friday will receive protection from Allah for the entire week”.&nbsp;</div><div><br></div><div>The importance of Friday is more then other days of the week. The Prophet Mohammad said: “Allah Almighty forgives the sins committed between two Fridays of the one who performs his Friday Namaaz regularly”. Juma tul Wida is the day of acceptance of prays (Dua).</div><div><br></div><div>Friday is like day of Eid for Muslims because there are much similarity between Eid and Friday. On both days Muslims offer prayer 2 Rakat namaz and they listen Khutbah of Immam. Both Namaz can not be Qaza.</div><div><br></div><div>The Holy Prophet (P.B.U.H) said” the first person who enter the mosque for Friday prayer will get the reward of the charity of a camel, the second person will be rewarded with the charity of a cow, the third person will receive the reward the charity of a sheep, the fourth person the charity of a chicken, the fifth person charity of an egg”.</div><div><br></div><div>Jumu\'atul-Widaa\' is the last Friday in the month of Ramadan Kareem before Eid-ul-Fitr.</div><div><br></div><div>Jumma tul widaa/ Jumu\'atul-Widaa/Last jumma of Ramadan is come in 3rd arsha of Ramadan kareem</div><div><br></div><div>If a man takes bath on Friday; purifies himself as much as he can with ablution, applies oil from his oils, or uses any available perfume in his house, then goes out and, without squeezing between two men, prays what is prescribed for him, then remains silent when the Imam speaks (delivers sermon) his (minor) sins between that time and the next Friday will be forgiven.” [Sahih Bukhari, Vol. 1, Page 121, Book on the Friday Prayer] Accoridng to reports&nbsp;</div><div><br></div><div>bnbd24/fas</div><div><br></div>', NULL, 'Islamic Desk', '[\"21\"]', NULL, NULL, NULL, NULL, '2023-04-18 17:19:11', '2023-04-18 17:19:11'),
(6463, 6463, '<div><span style=\"font-size: 1rem;\"><b>The holy Lailatul Qadr or Shab-e-Qadr, the holiest and most blessed night for Muslims, will be observed across the country on Tuesday night with due solemnity and religious fervour.</b></span><br></div><div><br></div><div>Muslim devotees will spend the night seeking divine blessings for peace and progress of the country as well as the Muslim Ummah.</div><div><br></div><div>According to the holy Quran, this is superior to a thousand nights as the Quran was revealed to the greatest Prophet Hazrat Muhammad (pbuh) on this glorified night to show mankind the path of worldly and eternal emancipation.</div><div><br></div><div>Devout Muslims usually pass the night offering special prayers, recitation from the holy Quran, holding milad mahfils, zikr and other religious rituals at mosques and in their houses.</div><div><br></div><div>They also visit graveyards to seek divine blessings for the departed souls of their near and dear ones.</div><div><br></div><div>President Abdul Hamid and Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina greeted the country’s people and the Muslim Ummah across the world on the occasion.</div><div><br></div><div>Newspapers will publish special articles while state-run Bangladesh Betar, Bangladesh Television and private television channels will air special programmes highlighting the significance of Lailatul Qadr. According to UNB reports</div><div><br></div><div>bnbd24/fas</div>', NULL, 'News Desk', '[\"21\"]', NULL, NULL, NULL, NULL, '2023-04-18 18:57:52', '2023-04-18 18:57:52'),
(6464, 6464, '<div><b><span style=\"font-size: 1rem;\">Bangladesh has recently approved payment of USD $318 million for payment to Russia in the Chinese currency of yuan for construction of the Rooppur nuclear power plant.&nbsp;</span><br></b></div><div><br></div><div>A meeting held recently between the Economic Relations Division and Russian officials decided that the payment will be made in yuan at a Chinese bank account, Uttam Kumar Karmkar, head of the European affairs of Economic Relations Division (ERD), Ministry of Finance confirmed&nbsp; to UNB.</div><div><br></div><div>He said that the decision was taken to use the Chinese currency yuan for debt repayment at a meeting of the ERD last Thursday.</div><div><br></div><div>He said that although the decision has been taken to use Chinese currency to repay the loan, the transaction has not yet been completed. Payment details need to be clarified and resolved.</div><div><br></div><div>Citing the diplomatic sensitivity of the matter, he declined to comment further.</div><div><br></div><div>Dhaka\'s decision seems to have resolved the problem of making any payment to sanctions-hit Russia in the US dollar.&nbsp;</div><div><br></div><div>Last year, Western countries excluded Russia from the Society for Worldwide Interbank Financial Telecommunications, or SWIFT, one of the world\'s payment systems, due to its military invasion in Ukraine.</div><div><br></div><div>The Rooppur nuclear power plant is being built in Bangladesh with a loan from Russia. But due to sanctions on Russia, it is not possible to pay in US dollars. - UNB</div><div><br></div><div>bnbd24/fas</div>', NULL, 'News Desk', '[\"30\"]', NULL, NULL, NULL, NULL, '2023-04-18 19:39:53', '2023-04-18 19:39:53'),
(6465, 6465, '<div><b><span style=\"font-size: 1rem;\">The death toll in the ongoing clashes between the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) has climbed to 144, the Central Committee of the Sudanese Doctors (CCSD) said in a statement Tuesday.</span><br></b></div><div><br></div><div>“The number of casualties is rapidly increasing with the continuation of the aggressive fighting and the deterioration of the hospitals’ capacity to receive the injury cases. The limit of movements due to the intensive fire and the shut-down of some hospitals due to the attack and cut of the power also make it more complicated,” CCSD said in a statement.</div><div><br></div><div>Meanwhile, the fighting continued for the fourth consecutive day with intensive airstrike and artillery shelling, particularly in and around the army headquarters.</div><div><br></div><div>The two sides have blamed each other of being responsible of Monday\'s attacks on diplomats in the country, including EU Ambassador to Sudan Aidan O\'Hara in his own residence and on a US embassy convoy.</div><div><br></div><div>The army head Gen. Abdul Fattah Alburhan has granted pardon to the RSF soldiers who will surrender to SAF.</div><div><br></div><div>Efforts of regional and international mediations are underway to slow down the situation after the two sides conducted a four-hour truce by the UN to evacuate hundreds of civilians held in the clash areas. - Anadolu Agency&nbsp;</div><div><br></div><div>bnbd24/fas</div>', NULL, 'International Desk', '[\"29\"]', NULL, NULL, NULL, NULL, '2023-04-18 19:44:50', '2023-04-18 19:44:50'),
(6466, 6466, '<div><b><span style=\"font-size: 1rem;\">The Executive Committee of National Economic Council (ECNEC) approved a revision to raise the cost of the Padma Multipurpose Bridge construction at a cost of Taka 2412.13 crore and also extending the timeframe till June 2024.</span><br></b></div><div><br></div><div>The approval came from a meeting of the ECNEC chaired by its chairperson and Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina at the NEC conference room in the city\'s Sher-e Banglanagar area.</div><div><br></div><div>\"A total of 15 projects were placed before today\'s meeting. Of them, 12 projects were passed and two projects were deferred. And the rest one got time extension,\" said Planning Minister MA Mannan while briefing reporters after the meeting. State Minister for Planning Dr Shamsul Alam, Planning Commission members and secretaries concerned were present at the briefing.</div><div><br></div><div>Of the 12 approved projects, eight are new ones and the rest four are revised projects.</div><div><br></div><div>The overall estimated cost of the 12 projects is Taka 19,598.84 crore. Only additional costs of four revised projects were estimated.</div><div><br></div><div>\"Out of the total estimated cost, Taka 13,203.66 crore will come from the foreign sources as project assistance, Taka 6,260.72 crore from the government of Bangladesh while the rest Taka 134.46 crore from the fund of an organisation concerned,\" said Planning Secretary Satyajit Karmaker.</div><div><br></div><div>Explaining the reasons behind the 3rd revision and rise in cost of Padma Multipurpose Bridge Construction Project, member of Physical Infrastructure Division of the Planning Commission Dr Mohammad Emdad Ullah Mian said the VAT rate has risen to 15 percent now from 10 percent as well as the prices of construction materials for river training and the price of dollar went high.</div><div><br></div><div>As per the project documents, the main work of Padma Bridge project has already been completed. But, now the revision of the project is required to complete the remaining ancillary works and the payment of contractors\' dues. So, the project can be approved under this consideration.</div><div><br></div><div>In terms of cost, the largest three new projects approved in the ECNEC meeting are \"Programme on Agricultural and Rural Transformation for Nutrition, Entrepreneurship and Resilience in Bangladesh Project,\" with an estimated cost of Taka 6,910.94 crore; \"Bangladesh Road Safety Project\" with Taka 4,988.14 crore; and \"Procurement of 2 Crude Oil Mother Tankers and 2 Mother Bulk Carrier Ships on the basis of G2G Project\" with Taka 2,620.77 crore.</div><div><br></div><div>During the meeting, Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina directed the authorities concerned to ensure necessary facilities in the country\'s jails to run the virtual court.</div><div><br></div><div>She gave this directive during the discussion about the first revision of Reconstruction of Mymensingh Central Jail Project which was approved with an additional cost of Taka 112.54 crore. - BSS</div><div><br></div><div>bnbd24/fas</div>', NULL, 'News Desk', '[\"30\"]', NULL, NULL, NULL, NULL, '2023-04-18 19:55:05', '2023-04-18 19:55:05');
INSERT INTO `news_details` (`id`, `news_id`, `details`, `ticker`, `representative`, `keyword`, `video_link`, `google_drive_link`, `audio_link`, `shoulder`, `created_at`, `updated_at`) VALUES
(6467, 6467, '<div style=\"text-align: justify; \"><b style=\"font-size: 1rem;\">China\'s foreign minister told his Israeli and Palestinian counterparts that his country is ready to help facilitate peace talks between the two sides, in its latest effort at mediation in the region.</b><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">In separate phone calls to the two officials on Monday, Qin Gang expressed China\'s concern over intensifying tensions between Israel and Palestinians and its support for a resumption of peace talks, the Foreign Ministry said in statements issued late Monday.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">Last month, Saudi Arabia and Iran reached a deal in China to restore diplomatic ties that were cut off in 2016. It was a dramatic moment of diplomacy for China that Beijing touted as evidence of its ability to be a diplomatic player in the Middle East.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">Qin stressed in his talks with Israeli Foreign Minister Eli Cohen that Saudi Arabia and Iran have set a good example of overcoming differences through dialogue, a statement about that phone call said.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">He told Cohen that Beijing encourages Israel and the Palestinians to show political courage and take steps to resume peace talks. “China is willing to provide convenience for this,” he was quoted as saying.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">Israel and the Palestinians have not held substantive peace talks on ending the century-long conflict in over a decade. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu\'s government is committed to expanding settlements in the occupied West Bank — which most of the international community considers illegal and an obstacle to peace — and several of his key allies are staunchly opposed to the creation of an independent Palestinian state.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">Cohen expressed his country\'s commitment to reducing tensions, but said the problem appeared to be difficult to resolve in the short term, the Chinese Foreign Ministry statement said.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">Israel\'s Foreign Ministry said in a statement that Qin and Cohen discussed “the importance of maintaining quiet at the Temple Mount, particularly in the final days of Ramadan,” the Muslim holy month, but made no mention of peace talks with the Palestinians.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">It said that Cohen conveyed “the threat that we see in Iran’s nuclear program” and called on China to help prevent Tehran from obtaining nuclear weapons.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">Qin also told Palestinian Foreign Affairs Minister Riyad al-Maliki that China is willing to play an active role in the resumption of talks, a second statement said.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">On Tuesday, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Wang Wenbin confirmed Qin\'s outreach to the two officials. “It is never too late to do the right thing,” he said.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">This month, violence in Israel and the West Bank has increased, touched off by an Israeli police raid on Jerusalem’s most sensitive holy site, the compound home to the Al-Aqsa mosque. The Israeli military struck sites linked to the Palestinian group Hamas in southern Lebanon and the Gaza Strip after militants in the two territories fired rocket salvos at Israel. The mosque sits on a contested hilltop revered as the third-holiest site in Islam and the holiest site in Judaism. AP/UNB</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify; \">&nbsp;bnbd24/kh</div>', NULL, 'News Desk', '[\"1\"]', NULL, NULL, NULL, NULL, '2023-04-19 12:59:40', '2023-04-19 12:59:40'),
(6468, 6468, '<div style=\"text-align: justify; \"><b style=\"font-size: 1rem;\">Four women, including a mother and daughter, were crushed under the wheels of a train on Dhaka-Tangail-Bangabandhu Bridge highway at Mirhamjani in Kalihati upazila of Tangail district this morning.</b><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">The deceased were identified as Basanti Rani, Aroti Rani Das, Shanti Rani and her daughter Shilpi Rani.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">Maniruzzaman Manir, station master of Bangabandhu Bridge East Rail Station, said the accident occurred around 5:30 am when the Dhaka-bound ‘Ekota Express’ train hit the four while they were walking on the rail tracks, leaving them dead.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">They met the tragic end while heading towards Salla to receive Zakat clothes early this morning.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">On information, police recovered the bodies. 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, '2023-04-19 13:07:03', '2023-04-19 13:07:03'),
(6469, 6469, '<div style=\"text-align: justify; \"><b style=\"font-size: 1rem;\">The country’s power generation increased further, setting a new record on Tuesday with the production reaching 15,626 MW at 9 pm on night.</b><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">According to a statement of the Power Division, the country set the new record surpassing the previous production of 15,604 MW at 9 pm on Monday.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">Officials at the state-owned Bangladesh Power Development Board (BPDB), said the resting of operation of the diesel-fired and gas fired more power plants attributed to this new record.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">They also said import of power from the Adani Power-built thermal power plant for Bangladesh also played a role in this regard.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">The country has started importing about 759 MW from Indian Adani Group’s Godda power plant in Jharkhand.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">They said the cost of the imported power from Adani Group’s power plant at Godda in the Indian state of Jharkhand has not been settled yet, but officials said the tariff of electricity from Adani Group might be above Tk 14 per unit while average production cost is below Tk 7.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify; \">Now Bangladesh’s installed grid power generation capacity is over 25,000 MW.</div>', NULL, 'News Desk', '[\"19\"]', NULL, NULL, NULL, NULL, '2023-04-19 13:14:15', '2023-04-19 13:14:15'),
(6470, 6470, '<div style=\"text-align: justify; \"><b style=\"font-size: 1rem;\">The holy Shab-e-Qadr, also known as Lailatul Qadr, (the Night of Decree) when the first verses of the holy Quran were revealed to Prophet Hazrat Muhammad (PBUH), was observed across the country last night.</b><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">The Muslim devotees passed the night offering special prayers, reciting the holy Quran, holding zikr and other religious rituals, seeking blessings of the almighty Allah for long life, peace and progress for themselves, their families, relatives, friends as well as the nation and the Muslim Ummah.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">Marking the Lailatul Qadr, today is a public holiday.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">Newspapers published special articles while state-run Bangladesh Betar,</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">Bangladesh Television and private television channels aired special</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">programmes highlighting significance of the Lailatul Qadr.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">According to the holy Quran, the night is better than 1,000 nights as the</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">angels and the spirit descend therein, by the permission of almighty Allah with all decrees.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">This is one of the holiest and most blessed nights which is likely to occur on one of the odd number nights in the last 10 days of Ramadan and most likely to be the 27th of the holy month.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">Devotees, on the nights, usually visit graveyards to seek eternal blessings for the departed souls of their near and dear ones.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">To the Muslims, the entire month of Ramadan is a period of spiritual</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">training. Besides fasting, they devote themselves to praying, reciting the holy Quran and offering charity. BSS</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify; \">bnbd24/kh</div>', NULL, 'News Desk', '[\"7\"]', NULL, NULL, NULL, NULL, '2023-04-19 13:19:33', '2023-04-19 13:19:33'),
(6471, 6471, '<div style=\"text-align: justify; \"><span style=\"font-size: 1rem;\">The number of Afghans in poverty nearly doubled to 34 million as the nation was racked by the collapse of the US-backed government and the Taliban takeover, the United Nations said Tuesday.</span><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify; \"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">Vast foreign subsidies were halted and aid programmes dramatically cut back after the US-backed republic fell in 2021 as many countries refused to deal with the Taliban authorities in Kabul.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">Those NGOs still providing vital help were dealt a further blow in December last year by a Taliban government order barring Afghan women from working for them.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">The curb was extended this month to the UN\'s Afghan women employees and the organisation said it faces an \"appalling choice\" over whether to continue its aid schemes.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) released on Tuesday a stark new assessment of 2022 data estimating 34 million Afghans were living below the poverty line.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">The figure is a staggering increase of 15 million on 2020, the last full year of rule by the Western-backed government that crumbled in a matter of weeks the following summer.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">There is no contemporary census data for Afghanistan but the UN uses a population estimate of 40 million, meaning 85 percent of the nation is projected to be in poverty.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">\"Some have been compelled to sell their homes, land, or assets that generate income,\" the UNDP report said.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">\"Others have resorted to the distressing practice of commodifying their own family members, turning children into labourers and young daughters into brides.\"</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">The UN airlifts vast sums of US dollars into Afghanistan to pay staff and operating costs -- cash injections that have also been vital in shoring up the nation\'s faltering economy.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">- \'Into the abyss\' -</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">About $1.8 billion was imported this way between December 2021 and January 2023, according to the UN\'s mission in Afghanistan.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">It warned at the start of the year \"if the volume of assistance that the UN is able to provide diminishes the amount of cash shipped will be reduced\".</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">That means if the UN winnows down its work owing to the Taliban government curbs, it will have the double effect of reducing aid and cutting a crucial economic lifeline for desperate Afghans.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">The UN has also warned that restrictions may turn off the aid tap at the source, with donors wary of committing cash to projects that cannot be implemented.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">The UN\'s 2023 Afghanistan appeal has thus far raised only five percent of its $4.6 billion goal.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">\"If foreign aid is reduced this year, Afghanistan may fall from the cliff edge into the abyss,\" the UNDP resident representative in Afghanistan, Abdallah Al Dardari, said in a statement.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">Many organisations suspended their operations in protest against the December ban on NGOs employing Afghan women.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">An exemption was granted to those working in the health sector following days of wrangling, but the UNDP said 150 NGOs and aid agencies \"have suspended all or part of their work\".</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">Aid officials say they need women workers to help identify and support Afghan women beneficiaries across the country.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">\"The ban has very negative consequences,\" Dardari told reporters during the release of the UNDP report in Kabul.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">\"If we don\'t have those female colleagues, who will knock on the door and provide support and talk to Afghan women in their homes?\"</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">- Negative impact -</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">The UN has told all Afghan citizens, both men and women, to stay away from its offices since Taliban authorities banned Afghan female UN staff from work two weeks ago.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">\"For now they are working from home and they will continue to be UN staff and they will continue to be paid,\" Dardari said.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">The order is the latest in a slew of creeping restrictions on the freedoms of women since 2021 that have seen teenage girls barred from schools and women pushed out of many government jobs.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">In a wide-ranging public statement ahead of the Muslim festival of Eid al-Fitr, Taliban supreme leader Hibatullah Akhundzada said \"the development of Afghanistan is the responsibility of Afghans\".</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">\"We should not rely on others,\" he said.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">Qatar, traditionally a major donor which has pressed the Taliban authorities to end the ban on women workers, said it sent on Tuesday its first humanitarian flight to Afghanistan in 10 months carrying food, medical supplies and books. AFP</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify; \">bnbd24/kh</div>', NULL, 'News Desk', '[\"6\"]', NULL, NULL, NULL, NULL, '2023-04-19 13:30:01', '2023-04-19 13:30:01'),
(6472, 6472, '<div style=\"text-align: justify; \"><b style=\"font-size: 1rem;\">The UK government said Tuesday it had frozen the assets of a Lebanese businessman suspected of financing Hezbollah, while US authorities announced action against a network allegedly helping the man avoid sanctions.</b><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">The UK Treasury action against Nazem Said Ahmad on national security grounds follows similar US restrictions imposed in 2019.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">Washington meanwhile issued fresh sanctions on Tuesday against an international network of 52 individuals and entities operating out of Lebanon, the United Arab Emirates and Britain who allegedly supported Ahmad.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">The US State Department in 1997 designated Hezbollah -- an Iran-backed Shiite movement that is a key political player in Lebanon -- as a Foreign Terrorist Organization, and in 2019 said the group had used Ahmad and his companies to launder \"substantial amounts of money.\"</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">In a statement Tuesday, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken said the latest actions are \"against a global sanctions evasion network that facilitates the payment, shipment, and delivery of cash, art, and luxury goods\" for the benefit of Ahmad.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">Ahmad\'s extensive art collection is known to include works by Pablo Picasso and Andy Warhol.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">According to a UK Treasury statement, \"all assets and economic resources belonging to Ahmad in the UK have been frozen and no UK person may do business with him or any of the companies he owns or controls.\"</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">London proscribed Hezbollah\'s External Security Organization as a terrorist organization in 2001. The ban was extended to all of its military apparatus seven years later.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">- \'Blood diamond\' trade -</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">Brian Nelson, the US State Department\'s top sanctions official, said that \"the individuals involved in this network used shell companies and fraudulent schemes to disguise Nazem Said Ahmad\'s role in financial transactions.\"</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">Among key facilitators identified were Ahmad\'s son Firas and daughter Hind, alongside other relatives and business associates.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">According to the UK Treasury, Ahmad has an extensive art collection in the Britain and conducts business with UK-based artists, galleries and auction houses.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">The sanctions mean he will no longer be able to trade in the UK art market and no other dealers will be able to do business with him or his companies.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">In December 2019, the US Treasury described Ahmad as one of Hezbollah\'s \"top donors, generating funds through his longstanding ties to the \'blood diamond\' trade.\" 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, '2023-04-19 13:41:06', '2023-04-19 13:41:06'),
(6473, 6473, '<div style=\"text-align: justify; \"><b><span style=\"font-size: 1rem;\">With an air quality index (AQI) score of 160 at 9:30 am today, Dhaka ranked 6th in the list of cities worldwide with the worst air quality.</span><br></b></div><div style=\"text-align: justify; \"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">Nepal’s Kathmandu, China’s Beijing, and Thailand’s Chiang Mai occupied the first three spots on the list, with AQI scores of 177 and 172, and 170 respectively.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">An AQI between 151 and 200 is considered \'unhealthy\', AQI 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;\">In Bangladesh, the AQI is based on five criteria 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. Air pollution consistently ranks among the top risk factors for death and disability worldwide.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">As per the World Health Organization (WHO), air pollution kills an estimated seven million people worldwide every year, largely as a result of increased mortality from stroke, heart disease, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, lung cancer and acute respiratory infections. 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, '2023-04-19 14:25:52', '2023-04-19 14:25:52'),
(6474, 6474, '<div style=\"text-align: justify; \"><b style=\"font-size: 1rem;\">Rain or thunder showers is likely at one or two places over Mymensingh and Sylhet divisions with hails at isolated places in 24 hours from 9 am on Wednesday, said the Bangladesh Metrological Department .</b><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">However, the prevailing heat wave condition in different parts of the country is likely to continue, it said.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">According to the bulletin, “Severe heat wave is sweeping over Dinajpur, Rajshshi, Pabna and Chuadanga districts and mild to moderate heat wave is lashing Dhaka and Barishal divisions and the rest part of Rajshahi and Khulna divisions and the districts of Panchagarh, Rangpur, Nilphamari, Moulvibazar, Rangamati and Bandarban and it may continue.”</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">Also read: Rains likely in parts of the country over next 24 hours</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">Weather may remain mainly dry with temporary partly cloudy sky elsewhere over the country.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">The country’s maximum temperature was recorded at 42 degrees Celsius in Rajshahi on Tuesday while country’s minimum temperature was recorded at 22.4 degrees Celsius in Teknaf of Cox’s Bazar district on Wednedsay.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">Day and night temperatures may remain nearly unchanged over the country.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">A trough of westerly low lies over West Bengal and adjoining area. Seasonal low lies over South Bay. 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, '2023-04-19 16:12:58', '2023-04-19 16:12:58'),
(6475, 6475, '<div style=\"text-align: justify; \"><b style=\"font-size: 1rem;\">Russia\'s FSB domestic security agency said Wednesday it had detained a Russian-Ukrainian citizen suspected of planning to \"sabotage\" an energy infrastructure site in annexed Crimea.</b><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">Russian lawmakers this week toughened penalties for \"terrorism\" and sabotage as Moscow pursues its military offensive against Ukraine.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">The FSB in the city of Kerch \"prevented the preparation of sabotage at a facility of the energy system of the peninsula,\" annexed from Ukraine in 2014, it said in a statement.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">\"A citizen of Russia and Ukraine, born in 1971, who was involved in the preparation of this crime, was detained,\" the statement said.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">According to the FSB, the suspect was being held for planning to commit \"sabotage\" and \"possession of explosives or explosive devices\".</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">The charges carry a possible life sentence, the FSB said.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">It also said the suspect was in contact \"with a representative of Ukraine\'s security services, who coordinated his criminal activities\".</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">FSB chief Alexander Bortnikov this month accused Ukraine and Western powers of inciting Russians to armed rebellion.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">President Vladimir Putin also accused Western security services of being involved in \"terrorist\" attacks in Russia.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">In early April, Russia detained a young woman after an explosion killed a top military blogger in Saint Petersburg, blaming Ukraine and the opposition. 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, '2023-04-19 16:15:43', '2023-04-19 16:15:43'),
(6476, 6476, '<div style=\"text-align: justify; \"><b style=\"font-size: 1rem;\">India is set to overtake China to become the most populous country in the world by the middle of this year, data released by the United Nations shows.</b><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">India\'s population is pegged to reach 1,428.6 million against China\'s 1,425.7 million, reports BBC.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">This shows India will have 2.9 million more people than its Asian neighbour.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify; \">The Asian giants have more than 1.4 billion people each, and have accounted for more than a third of the global population for over 70 years.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">India\'s population number, however, is an estimate since there has been no Census in the country after 2011.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">Also, the UN says their estimate does not include the population of China\'s two Special Administrative Regions - Hong Kong and Macau - and the island of Taiwan, which Beijing sees as a breakaway province to be unified with the mainland one day. But Taiwan sees itself as distinct from the Chinese mainland, with its own constitution and democratically-elected leaders.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">In November, the global population crossed 8bn. But experts say growth is not as rapid as it used to be and is now at its slowest rate since 1950.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">Both India and China have seen declines in their fertility rates. In China, the population started declining last year, despite the country abandoning its one-child policy in 2016 and introducing incentives for couples to have two or more children.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">In India too, fertility rates have fallen substantially in recent decades from 5.7 births per woman in 1950 to 2.2 births per woman today. 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, '2023-04-19 16:25:14', '2023-04-19 16:25:14'),
(6477, 6477, '<div style=\"text-align: justify; \"><b style=\"font-size: 1rem;\">The number of vehicles has increased on Dhaka-Tangail Highway and on the Bangabandhu Bridge link road as working people started leaving capital Dhaka to celebrate Eid-ul-Fitr with their near and dear ones.</b><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">A total of 30,251 vehicles crossed Bangabandhu Bride in the last 24 hours. Bridge authority said 17,256 vehicles crossed Bangabandhu Bridge from Tangail end while 12,995 vehicles crossed the Bridge from Sirajganj end till 6 am today.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">Executive Engineer of Bangabandhu Bridges Authority Ahsanul Kabir Pavel said a total of Taka over 2.44 crore has been collected as toll from 6 am on Tuesday to 6 am today. For smooth movement of vehicles, 11 toll booths have been installed in Tangail end of the Bridge while nine booths in Sirajganj end. 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, '2023-04-19 16:33:34', '2023-04-19 16:33:34'),
(6478, 6478, '<div style=\"text-align: justify; \"><span style=\"font-size: 1rem;\"><b>The United States eavesdropped on conversations of the United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres and other UN officials, according to a report by The Washington Post citing leaked classified intelligence documents the newspaper obtained.</b></span><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">Guterres expressed to UN officials and world leaders his \"outrage\" over being denied an opportunity to visit Ethiopia\'s war-torn Tigray region, The Post said in a Monday report, citing four documents, two of them previously unreported.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">Guterres, according to one dated Feb. 17 and seen by The Post, wanted to confront Ethiopian UN Representative Taye Atske Selassie Amde as the country\'s foreign minister, Demeke Mekonnen, sent Guterres a letter rejecting his planned visit to Tigray amid peace negotiations.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">Another document obtained by The Post revealed that Guterres was \"not happy\" about having to travel to Kiev to meet Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky in early March. While the document didn\'t provide a reason for the secretary general\'s unwillingness, The Post cited a UN diplomat as saying weeks of tiring international travels on commercial flights was the cause.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">The trove of leaked classified documents, numbering hundreds of pages and resulting in the arrest of a U.S. air national guardsman on charges of disclosing classified national defense information without authorization, has seen the United States scramble to assess the damage and restrict access to classified information for certain employees at the Department of Defense.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">Other documents recently reported by U.S. media showed the United States has also been spying on allies such as South Korea, Israel and Ukraine.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">Asked by Xinhua at a Brookings Institution event on Monday to comment on allegations of U.S. spying efforts and on how Washington should soothe the concerns expressed by its allies, Democratic House Representative Abigail Spanberger refused to comment on \"anything specifically that was leaked.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">The congresswoman, who prior to becoming a lawmaker worked as an operations officer at the Central Intelligence Agency, praised the U.S. administration\'s \"commitment to safeguarding the information that we collect and our commitment to safeguarding the information (U.S. allies) collect and provide to us.\"&nbsp; 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, '2023-04-19 17:31:13', '2023-04-19 17:31:13'),
(6479, 6479, '<div style=\"text-align: justify; \"><b style=\"font-size: 1rem;\">Awami League (AL) General Secretary Obaidul Quader today alleged that BNP is once again planning to carry out arson terrorism ahead of the upcoming parliamentary elections.&nbsp;</b><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">“Evil forces are out to destabilise the country’s stability and started ill-efforts centering the polls again. The incidents of fire in several places in a row are similar to arson terrorism. This is most important thing that whether fire incidents in the markets were planned or not,” he said.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">Quader, also the road transport and bridges minister said these while addressing a joint meeting at AL President Sheikh Hasina’s Dhanmondi political office here this morning.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">Stating that the AL leaders and workers will guard the country\'s markets, he said Prime minister Sheikh Hasina is uncompromising over the issues of the country’s democracy, constitution and stability.&nbsp;</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">The AL general secretary said there is a fear of the black shadow of arson terrorism centering elections, while footsteps can be heard like that in 2013, 2014 and 2015.&nbsp;</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">BNP failed to get public support in its nationwide movement, road marches and human chains as the country’s people did not respond to its calls, he said.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">Quader said the AL does not have any problem about anyone’s friendship with the USA.&nbsp;</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">“Democracy will not run in Bangladesh as per the order of anyone. The overall situation of Bangladesh has been informed to everyone, including the EU and US Ambassadors (in Dhaka). The elections will be held in line with the constitution and will be conducted by the Election Commission (EC). The government will not interfere into it,” he said.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">Claiming that the non-communal forces are united across the country, the AL general secretary said BNP wants an unelected government to come to power in the country.&nbsp;</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">“They (BNP men) started playing with fire again. After having failed in movement, they are desperate now to topple the Sheikh Hasina’s government,” he said.</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\">Deputy Leader of the House and AL presidium member Begum Matia Chowdhury, AL presidium members Kazi Zafarullah, Shajahan Khan, Col. (retd) Faruk Khan, Mofazzal Hossain Chowdhury Maya, Bir Bikram, Advocate Qumrul Islam, Jahangir Kabir Nanak and Dr Mustafa Jalal Mohiuddin, joint general secretary AFM Bahauddin Nasim, organising secretaries BM Mozammel, Kamal Hossain, Afzal Hossain and Sujit Roy Nandi, publicity secretary Dr Abdus Sobhan Golap, science and technology affairs secretary Abdus Sabur and health affairs secretary Dr Rokeya Sultana were, among others, present at the meeting. BSS</div><div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br></div><div style=\"text-align: justify; \">bnbd24/kh</div>', NULL, 'News Desk', '[\"4\"]', NULL, NULL, NULL, NULL, '2023-04-19 17:53:36', '2023-04-19 17:53:36'),
(6480, 6480, '<div><b><span style=\"font-size: 1rem;\">The situation on Dhaka-Mymensingh highway in Gazipur is better than the last few years.</span><br></b></div><div><br></div><div>However, since this morning, there are crowds of home-goers at various important points including Chandana intersection on the highway and the pressure of vehicles is also very high.</div><div><br></div><div>To keep the movement of vehicles smooth on the highway, the road is being monitored round the clock with the deployment of additional traffic police at important points including Chandana, Bhogra Bypass intersection, Board Bazar, and Station Road.</div><div><br></div><div>There are certain routes with fewer vehicles and more commuters. Many said they have to wait for a long time for buses, and taking advantage of this, transport workers are charging extra fare.</div><div><br></div><div>Buses on the Mymensingh, Kishoreganj, Sherpur, Netrakona and other routes are charging about one and a half times more than usual fare, they complained.</div><div><br></div><div>Gazipur Metropolitan Police Deputy Commissioner (traffic) Mohammad Alamgir Hossain said, about 1,000 traffic police personnel, APBN members and rover scouts have been deployed in three shifts to maintain normal traffic conditions on the highway during this year\'s Eid journey.</div><div><br></div><div>Special monitoring is going on to prevent unfit vehicles from plying the road. Some tow-trucks have also been kept ready at different points of the highway. According to UNB reports</div><div><br></div><div>bnbd24/fas</div>', NULL, 'News Desk', '[\"30\"]', NULL, NULL, NULL, NULL, '2023-04-20 12:57:36', '2023-04-20 12:57:36'),
(6481, 6481, '<div><span style=\"font-size: 1rem;\"><b>Some 67 million children partially or fully missed routine vaccines globally between 2019 and 2021 because of lockdowns and health care disruptions caused by the Covid-19 pandemic, the United Nations said Wednesday.</b></span><br></div><div><br></div><div>\"More than a decade of hard-earned gains in routine childhood immunization have been eroded,\" read a new report from the UN\'s children\'s agency, UNICEF, adding that getting back on track \"will be challenging.\"</div><div><br></div><div>Of the 67 million children whose vaccinations were \"severely disrupted,\" 48 million missed out on routine vaccines entirely, UNICEF said, flagging concerns about potential polio and measles outbreaks.</div><div><br></div><div>Vaccine coverage among children declined in 112 countries and the percent of children vaccinated worldwide slipped 5 points to 81 percent -- a low not seen since 2008. Africa and South Asia were particularly hard hit.</div><div><br></div><div>\"Worryingly, the backsliding during the pandemic came at the end of a decade when, in broad terms, growth in childhood immunization had stagnated,\" the report said.</div><div><br></div><div>Vaccines save 4.4 million lives each year, a number the United Nations figures could jump to 5.8 million by 2030 if its ambitious targets to leave \"no one behind\" are met.</div><div><br></div><div>\"Vaccines have played a really important role in allowing more children to live healthy, long lives,\" Brian Keeley, the report\'s editor in chief, told AFP. \"Any decline at all in vaccination rates is worrying.\"</div><div><br></div><div>Before the introduction of a vaccine in 1963, measles killed approximately 2.6 million people each year, mostly children. By 2021, that number had fallen to 128,000.</div><div><br></div><div>But between 2019 and 2021, the percentage of children vaccinated against measles fell from 86 percent to 81 percent, and the number of cases in 2022 doubled compared to 2021.</div><div>- Declining vaccine confidence -</div><div><br></div><div>The slide in vaccination rates could be compounded by other crises, Keeley warned, from climate change to food insecurity.</div><div><br></div><div>\"You\'ve got increasing number of conflicts, economic stagnation in a lot of countries, climate emergencies, and so on,\" he said. \"This all sort of makes it harder and harder for health systems and countries to meet vaccination needs.\"</div><div><br></div><div>UNICEF called on governments \"to double-down on their commitment to increase financing for immunization\" with special attention on accelerating \"catch-up\" vaccination efforts for those who missed their shots.</div><div><br></div><div>The report also raised concerns about a drop in people\'s confidence in vaccines, seen in 52 out of 55 countries surveyed.</div><div><br></div><div>\"We cannot allow confidence in routine immunizations to become another victim of the pandemic,\" Catherine Russell, UNICEF\'s executive director, said in a statement. \"Otherwise, the next wave of deaths could be of more children with measles, diphtheria or other preventable diseases.\"</div><div><br></div><div>Vaccine confidence can be \"volatile and time specific,\" the report said, noting that \"further analysis will be required to determine if the findings are indicative of a longer-term trend\" beyond the pandemic.</div><div><br></div><div>Overall, it said that support for vaccines \"remains relatively strong.\"</div><div><br></div><div>In about half of the 55 countries surveyed, more than 80 percent of respondents \"perceived vaccines as important for children.\"</div><div><br></div><div>\"There is reason to be somewhat hopeful that services are recovering in quite a few countries,\" said Keeley, who added that preliminary vaccination data from 2022 showed encouraging signs.</div><div><br></div><div>But even getting numbers back up to pre-pandemic levels will take years, he said, not including reaching \"the children who were missing before the pandemic.\"</div><div><br></div><div>\"And they are not an insubstantial number.\" - AFP</div>', NULL, 'International Desk', '[\"29\"]', NULL, NULL, NULL, NULL, '2023-04-20 14:35:39', '2023-04-20 14:35:39');
