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(10819, 10819, '<div><b><span style=\"font-size: 1rem;\">Road Transport and Bridges Minister Obaidul Quader today acknowledged the significant burden placed on low and middle-income people due to the escalating prices of daily essentials. He assured that the government is committed to maintaining the affordability of these commodities.</span><br></b></div><div><br></div><div>“Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has emphasized the need for concerted efforts to keep commodity prices at a manageable level, ensuring they remain within the purchasing capacity of the public,” Quader stated during a press briefing at the Secretariat.</div><div><br></div><div>Addressing Transportation and Infrastructure Challenges</div><div><br></div><div>The road transport and bridges minister also highlighted the government’s primary challenge of restoring order on the roads. “Despite the inauguration of the Padma Bridge and Dhaka Metro Rail, road discipline is yet to be achieved. We have devised a plan which, once implemented, should restore order,” he commented, reports UNB.</div><div><br></div><div>Quader encouraged collective efforts towards national development and touched upon the recent election. “Contrary to the scepticism of many, we have successfully conducted the elections. We anticipate further challenges, but we stand unafraid and ready to face them,” he declared.&nbsp;</div><div><br></div><div>bnbd24/fas</div>', NULL, 'International Desk', '[\"29\"]', NULL, NULL, NULL, NULL, '2024-01-14 11:09:17', '2024-01-14 11:09:17'),
(10820, 10820, '<div><span style=\"font-size: 1rem;\"><b>Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on Sunday directed the administration to expedite development works in the next five years.</b></span><br></div><div><br></div><div>“We’ve been elected for five years. But our time is very fixed. So, I want our development works to be expedited so we can take the country forward further,” she said.</div><div><br></div><div>The premier made directives while exchanging views with the field-level government officials at her residence at Tungipara in Gopalganj.</div><div><br></div><div>She asked the field administration to consider the returns from a development project while designing and undertaking it.</div><div><br></div><div>“When you undertake any project, you must keep in mind what would be its return and how much the country and the people would be benefited, if the project is implemented,” said Hasina adding that she doesn’t take any project just only for spending money.</div><div><br></div><div>She said many countries have slipped from the track of a developing country, but Bangladesh didn’t as it has successfully overcome many obstacles and could keep a stable position in different parameters of being a developing country.</div><div><br></div><div>“So, we’ve to take preparation accordingly (for the journey as a developing country),” she said.</div><div>Taking a swipe at the critics of her government, the PM said some people and a class of people are there who don’t feel good with anything. “Most of them are very known to me. I’ve known about their activities from my student life,” she said.</div><div><br></div><div>The premier said conspiracies continue against Bangladesh not only locally but also internationally. “So, don’t be upset seeing and hearing these. I am telling all about it in advance,” she said.</div><div><br></div><div>She asked all not to pay heed to the negative remarks against the country, rather have determination, confidence and a sense of self-esteem to continue doing whatever is necessary for the welfare of the country and the people and the development of the common people.</div><div><br></div><div>Noting that many countries couldn’t think that Bangladesh would be so developed and advanced in the last 15 years, she said adding that many are envious seeing the success and development of Bangladesh in the recent years.</div><div><br></div><div>“So, don’t be worried, hesitating and reneged seeing these (rumours and negative remarks against Bangladesh). You will have to go ahead with self-confidence,” she said, pointing at the government officials.</div><div><br></div><div>Many plots and conspiracies were there to stop the January 7 election, the PM said. She expressed her gratitude to the people for their spontaneous participation in the election.</div><div><br></div><div>She extended her thanks to the Election Commission, public administration and law enforcement agencies, including armed forces for their roles in holding the 12th parliamentary election.</div><div><br></div><div>The PM directed the field administration to implement the social safety programmes properly, to ensure waste management up to union level to protect the environment, develop every upazila in a planned way and campaign further among the common people about the universal pension scheme.</div><div><br></div><div>Mentioning that the government now provides Tk 45,000 crore subsidies to the gas and electricity sector, she stressed the need for enhancing the electricity tariff gradually not mounting inflation.</div><div>She said the cost of electricity production is very high but the electricity is given at a subsidised rate.</div><div><br></div><div>Saying that Bangladesh has already signed an agreement with India for trading in rupee, Hasina put emphasis on trading with few more countries in their currencies in order to reduce dependency on dollars. According to UNB reports</div><div><br></div><div>bnbd24/fas</div><div><br></div>', NULL, 'News Desk', '[\"30\"]', NULL, NULL, NULL, NULL, '2024-01-14 12:34:42', '2024-01-14 12:34:42'),
(10821, 10821, '<div><span style=\"font-size: 1rem;\"><b>The new season of the Bangladesh Premier League (BPL) is just around the corner, and the teams have already started gearing up for the biggest domestic cricketing event, commencing on January 19 in Dhaka.</b></span><br></div><div><br></div><div>A total of seven teams are participating in this year’s BPL. There was speculation of increasing the number of the teams, but that did not materialize.</div><div><br></div><div>While the shadow of past mismanagement allegations lingers, a beacon of hope shines – the BPL will have the Decision Review System (DRS) from the get-go, promising fairer on-field battles.</div><div><br></div><div>Durdanto Dhaka, a newcomer to the event, started their preparation on Sunday. Khaled Mahmud, their head coach, conducted the first practice session. Comilla Victorians, the BPL giants, also held their practice session on Sunday.</div><div><br></div><div>“Our main goal is to secure a place in the last four,” Khaled Mahmud said. “And to win the title, you will also need the favor of your luck.”</div><div><br></div><div>He also said that his team doesn\'t have the big stars this time, but he is taking it as a big challenge. “It’s anybody’s game,” he said. “Taskin (Ahmed), and Shoriful (Islam) are in our team. If they can perform well, we can challenge any team.”</div><div><br></div><div>To accommodate all participants, BPL teams are practicing at different venues this year, as the BCB academy ground alone wouldn\'t suffice. BKSP, a ground more than one and a half hours drive away, is also a venue for practice for a team.</div><div><br></div><div>BPL will kick off in Dhaka, then it will travel to Sylhet before coming back to Dhaka and then traveling to Chattogram. The final phase will be played in Dhaka again.</div><div><br></div><div>In the league phase, every team will take on each other in two matches. After that, the top two teams will take on each other in the first Qualifier match. Winners will advance to the final, and the loser will take on the winner of the Eliminator, which will be played between the top third and fourth teams, in the Qualifier 2. The final of this year\'s BPL will take place on March 1 in Dhaka\'s Mirpur. - UNB</div><div><br></div><div>bnbd24/fas</div>', NULL, 'Sports Desk', '[\"20\"]', NULL, NULL, NULL, NULL, '2024-01-14 13:39:45', '2024-01-14 13:39:45'),
(10822, 10822, '<div><b><span style=\"font-size: 1rem;\">Ruling out any external pressure, Foreign Minister Hasan Mahmud on Sunday said Bangladesh will stick to its foreign policy principle – “friendship to all, malice towards none” – against the backdrop of a divided world.</span><br></b></div><div><br></div><div>“All the countries in the East and the West have expressed their willingness to work with us, with the government. At the end of the day, they are our development partners and we will work together,” he told reporters at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.</div><div><br></div><div>Foreign Secretary Masud Bin Momen and Maritime Affairs Unit Secretary Rear Admiral (retd) Khurshed Alam were present at the time.</div><div><br></div><div>Meeting reporters for the first time after taking oath as the foreign minister, Hasan said the world is gradually becoming divided and it is a challenge in this changing scenario.</div><div><br></div><div>Apart from forging deeper friendships with all the countries, he said the government values their concerns, too.</div><div><br></div><div>“There had been many pressures centering the election. The election was held overcoming all those pressures. We never allowed us to feel any pressure from anyone. We will work together with all,” he said.</div><div><br></div><div>Responding to a question, he said they will have no problem in working together with all as Bangladesh has willingness to get closer to all. “We want to be with all. That is our strength.”</div><div><br></div><div>The foreign minister laid emphasis on sending skilled manpower abroad, addressing the problems of the expatriates and encouraging them to send remittance through formal channels.</div><div><br></div><div>He said the government needs to strengthen its economic diplomacy to expand its export market and explore new markets.</div><div><br></div><div>He reiterated that at the swearing-in ceremony of the newly elected government’s cabinet in Bangabhaban, all the ambassadors and high commissioners based in Dhaka, including those from the US, UK and the European Union (EU), were present.</div><div><br></div><div>“They all came to congratulate the current government,” said the new foreign minister.</div><div><br></div><div>Responding to a question, Hasan said each country has its own “perspective and narrative,” and the government of Bangladesh values those perspectives and narratives.</div><div><br></div><div>“It’s a very important ministry. It is a challenge,” he said about his new role.</div><div><br></div><div>FM Hasan said the elections were free and fair as described by international observers.</div><div><br></div><div>“We will work with all the countries – call it the West or East – for the development of our country. We believe in friendship to all and malice to none,” he said.</div><div><br></div><div>He said the election was held in a free and fair manner with the wider participation of voters in a festive atmosphere.</div><div><br></div><div>He said huge foreign observers including from the US, EU, OIC, Commonwealth, Japan and Saarc countries observed the polls and acknowledged the polls as “free and fair” with enthusiastic participation of voters.</div><div><br></div><div>“There were many barriers but the observers came to accept the polls,” he said.</div><div><br></div><div>The foreign minister, quoting a US observer, said there are always discussions and questions about the election, and even in the US.</div><div><br></div><div>“Ministry of Information was a challenge. I met that challenge with your help. It\'s definitely a challenge in the global context and the fact that there are wars going on in different parts of the world now,” said the foreign minister while responding to a question, reports UNB</div><div><br></div><div>He said under the leadership of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, they have taken the country forward by facing all the challenges.</div><div><br></div><div>“Prime Minister has entrusted me with the responsibility of foreign ministry. Insha Allah, facing this challenge, we will move the country forward and brighten the country’s image, improve relations with the East and the West,” the foreign minister said.</div><div><br></div><div>bnbd24/fas</div>', NULL, 'News Desk', '[\"30\"]', NULL, NULL, NULL, NULL, '2024-01-14 14:07:54', '2024-01-14 14:07:54'),
(10823, 10823, '<div><span style=\"font-size: 1rem;\"><b>BNP on Sunday alleged that ordinary citizens of the country are suffering in the face of high inflation caused by the ‘corruption, plunder and foul play’ of the government and pro-regime business syndicate.</b></span><br></div><div><br></div><div>Speaking at a press briefing at BNP’s Nayapaltan central office, BNP Senior Joint Secretary General Ruhul Kabir Rizvi also alleged that Awami League remains in power by relying on foreigners after committing election crimes.</div><div><br></div><div>“Prime Minister of the illegitimate government said prices have marked a rise due to the Russia-Ukraine War and Israel\'s attack on Palestine…I would like to say that price in other countries of the world did not rise for any reason, including the Ukraine War,” he said.</div><div><br></div><div>The BNP leader said the current ‘authoritarian regime’ is indulging in widespread corruption and looting in Bangladesh in the name of ‘strange development’ by snatching all the rights of the people.</div><div><br></div><div>“It’s now universally accepted that mega-corruption is happening in the name of mega-projects in Bangladesh. People belonging to the ruling party have looted all the banks. The prices of all products are now skyrocketing because of the syndicate of ministers and pro-ruling party businessmen,” he observed.</div><div><br></div><div>Rizvi also accused the ruling party of siphoning off lakhs of crores of taka abroad from the country.</div><div><br></div><div>“A kg of potatoes can’t be bought at the price of a kg of rice. Even in this vegetable season, there are no vegetables below Tk 100 per kg…the prices of onions and green chillies have skyrocketed. People are selling their children due to hunger pangs. But the ruling party leaders are least bothered abnd rather mocking the hungry people.\"</div><div><br></div><div>He said the country\'s economy is being repeatedly hit hard because of widespread corruption and money laundering by the government.</div><div><br></div><div>Rizvi slammed Awami League General Secretary Obaidul Quader for his comment that the BNP is looking at foreign friends to unseat the government with sanctions ‘like in Cambodia’.</div><div><br></div><div>\"I would like to tell Mr Obaidul Quader that it is not BNP but Awami League that has been in power depending on foreigners…there is a big power behind them. The prime minister formed the government by leaning on this power,” he observed.</div><div><br></div><div>The BNP leader said Awami League fears losing power after forming a dummy government through a dummy election, reports UNB.</div><div><br></div><div>“The people have shown you (govt) the red card on January 7 to drive you out of the field completely. Voters didn’t join that one-party one-sided fake election,” he said.</div><div><br></div><div>Rizvi said the questionable election has not been accepted anywhere – at home or abroad.</div><div><br></div><div>“The United Nations, international organisations and countries that are partners in our development have also demanded to cancel the farcical election and arrange a new election,” Rizvi added.</div><div><br></div><div><br></div><div>bnbd24/fas</div>', NULL, 'News Desk', '[\"30\"]', NULL, NULL, NULL, NULL, '2024-01-14 14:23:13', '2024-01-14 14:23:13'),
(10824, 10824, '<div><span style=\"font-size: 1rem;\">The chilly weather of winter brings cold waves which can harm children. During the cold months, keeping children safe from flu, colds and other kinds of winter sickness becomes a struggle for their parents. One effective way to enhance a kid’s immune system is by treating it with nutritious homemade soups. Here are some tasty soup recipes that cater to your child\'s health needs.</span><br></div><div><br></div><div>10 Delicious Soups to Strengthen Kids\' Immunity This Winter</div><div>Creamy Broccoli and Cheddar</div><div>Enjoy the nutritional benefits of Creamy Broccoli and Cheddar Soup, a blend of fresh broccoli, butter, cheddar, and milk. Rich in vitamins and antioxidants, broccoli enhances immunity. The soup provides essential nutrients, including calcium, supporting bone health. To make this comforting bowl, gently sauté fresh broccoli florets in butter, adding a creamy mix of cheddar and milk until velvety smooth.</div><div><br></div><div>This velvety creation is both satisfying and nourishing, offering a wholesome strategy to fortify your child against winter ailments. Incorporating broccoli\'s goodness, it contributes vitamins A and C. Relish a warm bowl of this nutrient-packed soup, making it a delicious yet health-conscious choice.</div><div><br></div><div>Hearty Chicken and Vegetable</div><div>Nourish your child with the wholesome goodness of the Chicken and Vegetable Soup. Packed with essential nutrients, this recipe combines protein-rich chicken with an array of nutritious vegetables like carrots, celery, and onions in a hearty broth. To prepare, gently simmer the chicken with the vibrant vegetable mix until it reaches perfection.</div><div><br></div><div>The dish is rich in vitamins such as vitamin A, vitamin K, and vitamin C. These vitamins contribute to a strengthened immune system. Additionally, the soup provides essential minerals like iron, supporting the body\'s metabolic processes and maintaining energy levels. This nutrient-dense soup is not only comforting on winter evenings but also serves as a robust defence against seasonal illnesses.</div><div><br></div><div>Spinach and Chicken Soup</div><div>Enjoy the nourishment of Spinach and Chicken Soup, a delicious mixture designed to enhance both taste and health. Combine spinach with chicken for a nutrient-rich infusion. Simmer these ingredients, allowing the flavours to merge into a comforting soup. Serve with lemon.</div><div><br></div><div>Beyond its delicious taste, this soup is a rich source of iron from spinach, essential for maintaining healthy blood. Chicken contributes essential proteins necessary for the growth and immune function of children. Together, they create a fortifying concoction that delights the taste buds of youngsters and strengthens cold resistance too.&nbsp;</div><div><br></div><div>Nourishing Coconut Carrot Lentil</div><div>Savour the health benefits of Nourishing Coconut Carrot Lentil Soup, combining protein-packed lentils, carrots, and velvety coconut milk for a wholesome infusion. Simmer the ingredients to meld flavours seamlessly. Together, they create a nourishing symphony that boosts your child\'s immunity, ensuring good health in winter.</div><div><br></div><div>This creation acts as a strong defence against winter ailments, with essential proteins, vitamins B and C, and coconut milk adding a creamy texture rich in healthy fats. This nutrient-dense delicious soup provides nutrients, making it a health-conscious choice for your child.</div><div><br></div><div>Tomato and Basil Delight</div><div>Savour the health benefits of Tomato and Basil Delight Soup, a nutritious fusion designed to boost immunity. Simply combine tomatoes with aromatic basil, simmering until the flavours mix seamlessly.</div><div><br></div><div>This soup is a powerhouse of nutrients, providing essential vitamins such as vitamin C from tomatoes. Basil contributes additional vitamins, including vitamin K, essential for bone health. Together, they create a nourishing concoction that supports your child\'s immune system with every serving.</div><div><br></div><div>Sweet Potato and Turmeric Soup</div><div>Dive in the nourishing embrace of Sweet Potato and Turmeric Soup, a winter wellness remedy. Combine sweet potatoes with the turmeric and simmer until the flavours harmonise into a comforting amalgam. This soup is a vigorous shield against winter sickness.</div><div><br></div><div>Sweet potatoes contribute vitamins A and C, while turmeric provides anti-inflammatory benefits. Together, they form a golden potion that not only pleases the palate but also strengthens your child\'s immunity in the seasonal chill. A bowl of sweet potato soup is the epitome of healthful winter indulgence.</div><div><br></div><div>Pumpkin Spice Comfort</div><div>Indulge in the nutritional richness of Pumpkin Spice Comfort Soup, a blend that combines the benefits of pumpkin with seasonal spices. Simmer pumpkin until tender, infusing it with a medley of spices. This soup is a potent defender against winter sickness.</div><div><br></div><div>Pumpkin is rich in essential vitamins, particularly vitamin A, vital for immune function and vision. The warming spices add not only a delightful aroma but also potential therapeutic benefits. Together, they create a comforting infusion that supports your child\'s immunity during the chilly season.</div><div><br></div><div>Mushroom Magic Elixir</div><div>Delight in the rich flavours of Mushroom Magic Elixir Soup, a culinary composition that combines various mushrooms. Prepare by simmering mushrooms until their flavours meld into a satisfying symphony.</div><div><br></div><div>This soup is a powerful shield against winter sickness. Mushrooms are rich in essential nutrients such as vitamin D, which supports immune function. Enjoy the umami-rich goodness of this soup for a comforting and fortifying experience amidst seasonal challenges.</div><div><br></div><div>Apple and Cinnamon Cheer</div><div>Experience the heart-warming Apple and Cinnamon Cheer Soup, a fusion that combines the sweetness of apples with the warmth of cinnamon. Simmer fresh apples until tender, infusing the broth with aromatic cinnamon.&nbsp;&nbsp;</div><div><br></div><div>This soup is an ally against winter sickness. Apples bring essential vitamins, particularly vitamin C, known for its immune-boosting properties. Cinnamon adds an antioxidant-rich element. Together, they create a comforting amalgamation that is tasty and healthy too. It fortifies your child\'s immunity, ensuring a healthy winter season with every spoonful.</div><div><br></div><div>Swedish Blueberry Soup</div><div>Swedish Blueberry Soup is an exotic delight that captures the essence of blueberries. Simmer fresh blueberries, sugar, and a hint of lemon for a delightful winter wellness tonic.</div><div><br></div><div>Apart from its enticing taste, the soup serves as a defender against winter sickness. Blueberries, rich in antioxidants and vitamin C, strengthen the body’s cold resistance system. Embrace the Swedish tradition and enjoy the sweet, tangy warmth of this soup with each comforting sip.</div><div><br></div><div>Bottom Lines</div><div>A bowl of warm, nourishing soup is the ultimate comfort in winter. Incorporating the above-mentioned 10 immunity-boosting soup recipes into your children\'s winter diet is a flavourful and nutritious way to safeguard their health. From hearty chicken to antioxidant-rich berries, these soups ensure a well-rounded approach to fortifying their immune systems.&nbsp;</div><div><br></div><div>So, why wait? Try these delectable concoctions, and watch your children relish not only the taste but also the health benefits. - UNB</div><div><br></div><div>bnbd24/fas</div>', '<p>Recipes for Children<br></p>', 'News Desk', '[\"30\"]', NULL, NULL, NULL, NULL, '2024-01-14 14:30:48', '2024-01-14 14:30:48'),
(10825, 10825, '<div><span style=\"font-size: 1rem;\"><b>India’s main opposition leader Rahul Gandhi today began a new cross-country march from a troubled northeastern state, aiming to generate political momentum to take on Prime Minister Narendra Modi in general elections due by May.</b></span><br></div><div><br></div><div>The ‘Bharat Jodo Nyay Yatra’, or Unite India Justice March, comes weeks after Gandhi’s Congress party suffered shock defeats in elections in three states, puncturing the mood of the opposition which intends to challenge Modi’s Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).</div><div><br></div><div>Gandhi walked for 3,500km from the southern tip of India to Kashmir in the north, ending a 135-day march in January 2023 in a move to help revive the Congress and his popularity.</div><div><br></div><div>The latest march, setting off from remote northeastern Manipur state will cover 6,713km over 66 days, passing through 15 states, with some of the journey via car.</div><div><br></div><div>Gandhi decided to start in Manipur, a state that has witnessed fierce fighting since last year.</div><div><br></div><div>At least 180 people have died and thousands were displaced in clashes that erupted after a court order suggested privileges granted to minority Kukis also be extended to majority Meitei community.</div><div><br></div><div>“I was determined that the march should begin in Manipur…as we understand the pain, loss, hurt and sadness you have been through,” he said.</div><div><br></div><div>Congress ahead of the march said it is not a political campaign, but the list of concerns that will be highlighted during the march – unemployment, poverty, democracy and diversity and the BJP’s “politics of hatred and violence” – are key election issues for the opposition.</div><div><br></div><div>Opposition groups led by Congress last year formed a 28-party alliance called INDIA (Indian National Developmental Inclusive Alliance) to jointly fight the BJP in national elections but it has been riven by differences over giving up seats to field a common candidate against the BJP.</div><div><br></div><div>Gandhi’s latest march will pass through states which are strongholds of key INDIA partners and the extent of their participation will indicate the health of the opposition, analysts said. - Reuters&nbsp;</div><div><br></div><div>bnbd24/fas</div>', NULL, 'International Desk', '[\"29\"]', NULL, NULL, NULL, NULL, '2024-01-14 14:42:19', '2024-01-14 14:42:19'),
(10826, 10826, '<div><span style=\"font-size: 1rem;\"><b>Four migrants died overnight and a fifth was in critical condition today after trying to reach Britain from northern France despite freezing temperatures, the French maritime authority said.</b></span><br></div><div><br></div><div>The group was attempting to reach a vessel off Wimereux when their small boat got into difficulty around 2am local time, the maritime prefecture told AFP.</div><div><br></div><div>“We have four dead migrants and one migrant in a critical condition at the hospital in Boulogne-sur-mer,” said one official.</div><div><br></div><div>A tugboat patrolling the coast went to the rescue and found the bodies, the first reported migrant deaths on the Channel in 2024.</div><div><br></div><div>The region around Calais, the jumping-off point for the shortest crossing to England, has long been a magnet for migrants.</div><div><br></div><div>More than two decades after the closure of a Red Cross centre in Sangatte, hundreds of people still live in tents and makeshift shelters near Calais and Dunkirk, hoping for a chance to make the crossing hidden in a truck or aboard a small boat.</div><div><br></div><div>The boats are a political priority for the British government and a bone of contention with France, as tens of thousands of people a year have been making the dangerous crossing.</div><div><br></div><div>According to the British government nearly 30,000 migrants crossed the Channel from mainland Europe to Britain in small boats in 2023, an annual drop of more than a third.</div><div><br></div><div>In November 2021, at least 27 people drowned when their dinghy capsized. - AFP</div><div><br></div><div>bnbd24/fas</div>', NULL, 'International Desk', '[\"29\"]', NULL, NULL, NULL, NULL, '2024-01-14 14:44:50', '2024-01-14 14:44:50'),
(10827, 10827, '<div><span style=\"font-size: 1rem;\">&nbsp;A volcano erupted in southwest Iceland today, posing an immediate <b>threat to a nearby fishing town that had been evacuated over fears of an outbreak, authorities said.</b></span><b><br></b></div><div><br></div><div>Early morning live streams from the site showed fountains of molten rock spewing from fissures in the ground, the bright orange lava flow glowing against the dark sky.</div><div><br></div><div>The eruption began north of the town of Grindavik, which was evacuated yesterday for a second time over fears that an outbreak was imminent amid a swarm of seismic activity, authorities said.</div><div><br></div><div>Iceland in recent weeks sought to build barriers of earth and rock to prevent lava from reaching Grindavik, but the latest eruption appeared to have penetrated the defences.</div><div><br></div><div>“According to the first images from the coast guard’s surveillance flight, a crack has opened on both sides of the defences that have begun to be built north of Grindavik,” the Icelandic Meteorological Office (IMO) said in a statement.</div><div><br></div><div>“Lava is now flowing towards Grindavik. Based on measurements from the coast guard’s helicopter, the perimeter is now about 450m from the northernmost houses in the town,” it added.</div><div><br></div><div>It was the second volcanic eruption on the Reykjanes peninsula in southwest Iceland in less than one month and the fifth outbreak since 2021.</div><div><br></div><div>Last month, an eruption started in the Svartsengi volcanic system on Dec 18 following the complete evacuation of Grindavik’s 4,000 residents and the closing of the Blue Lagoon geothermal spa, a popular tourist spot.</div><div><br></div><div>More than 100 Grindavik residents had returned in recent weeks before yesterday’s renewed evacuation order, according to local authorities.</div><div><br></div><div>Iceland’s civil protection agency today said it had raised its alert level to ’emergency’, the highest on a three-level scale, signaling an event had begun that could cause harm to people, communities, property or the environment.</div><div><br></div><div>Lying between the Eurasian and North American tectonic plates, two of the largest on the planet, Iceland is a seismic and volcanic hot spot as the two plates move in opposite directions. - Reuters</div><div><br></div><div>bnbd24/fas</div>', NULL, 'International Desk', '[\"29\"]', NULL, NULL, NULL, NULL, '2024-01-14 14:46:56', '2024-01-14 14:46:56'),
(10828, 10828, '<div><span style=\"font-size: 1rem;\">Pope Francis on Sunday called all forms of war a \"crime against humanity,\" stressing that war is \"not the way to resolve\" conflicts.&nbsp;</span><br></div><div><br></div><div>\"War itself is a crime against humanity. People need peace. The world needs peace,\" Francis said during his Sunday Angelus prayer, according to Vatican News.</div><div><br></div><div>\"At the beginning of the year, we exchanged wishes for peace, but weapons have continued to kill and destroy,\" he lamented.</div><div><br></div><div>The pontiff urged \"people who have power over these conflicts\" to realize that war is \"not the way to resolve them.\"</div><div><br></div><div>\"We must educate for peace,\" Francis said. \"It seems that we are not yet — all of humanity — with a sufficient education to stop every war. Let us always pray for this grace: to educate for peace.\" - Anadolu Agency&nbsp;</div><div><br></div><div>bnbd24/fas</div>', NULL, 'International Desk', '[\"29\"]', NULL, NULL, NULL, NULL, '2024-01-14 14:48:51', '2024-01-14 14:48:51'),
(10829, 10829, '<div><span style=\"font-size: 1rem;\"><b><font color=\"#085294\">Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on Sunday said Bangladesh will have to continue progressing overcoming the conspiracies.</font></b></span><br></div><div><br></div><div>“Conspiracies and plots never end. So, we’ll have to move forward facing the conspiracies,” she said.</div><div><br></div><div>The premier was addressing a post-election greetings and views exchange with leaders and activists of Kotalipara AL and associate bodies at her own constituency (Gopalganj-3) on Kotalipara Upazila premises here.</div><div><br></div><div>She said there is a lot of work to do in the future. The Awami League government has been able to transform the country into Digital Bangladesh and change the fate of the people of Bangladesh. “We’ll have to make it (the progress) sustainable and take it forward further,” she added.&nbsp;&nbsp;</div><div><br></div><div>Describing her Gopalganj-3 constituency (Tungipara-Kotalipara) as her stronghold,&nbsp; Hasina said she can confront any sort of conspiracy anywhere as she has a stronghold.</div><div><br></div><div>She said the people of Bangladesh are the source of her power and she successfully faced the conspiracies with this power. “The development trend of Bangladesh will continue in future as well, \" she said.&nbsp;&nbsp;</div><div><br></div><div>“The people of every village will enjoy all urban facilities,” she said, adding that her government will build the villages under the “My Village My Town” programme.</div><div><br></div><div>The PM said the government won’t make any compromise in punishing the arsonists and their masterminds in order to prevent recurrence of such heinous acts in future.</div><div><br></div><div>“We’re taking action and will take action against them…. We’re also arresting the order-givers so that none can kill people by burning and commit such heinous acts in future,” she said.</div><div>&nbsp;</div><div>PM\'s younger sister Sheikh Rehana, Sheikh Helal Uddin MP and Sheikh Salauddin Jewel were present on the dais. Kotalipara AL President Babu Bhabendranath Bishwas chaired the function, while its general secretary Aynal Hossain Sheikh conducted it.</div><div><br></div><div>AL advisory council member Akram Uddin Ahmed, Gopalganj Awami League president Mahbub Ali Khan and PM\'s political representative in her Gopalganj-3 constituency Shahidullah Khandaker also spoke at the programme, reports UNB.</div><div><br></div><div>She came to Tungipara on Saturday and joined a post-election greetings and views exchange meeting with leaders and activists of Tungipara Awami League and associate bodies at Tungipara Awami League office.</div><div><br></div><div>On the other hand, she spent the night at her own home in Tungipara, and on her way back to Dhaka joined the programme in Kotalipara.&nbsp;</div><div><br></div><div>bnbd24/fas</div><div><br></div>', NULL, 'News Desk', '[\"30\"]', NULL, NULL, NULL, NULL, '2024-01-14 14:51:30', '2024-01-14 14:51:30'),
(10830, 10830, '<div><b><span style=\"font-size: 1rem;\">Egyptian President Abdel Fattah Al Sisi on Monday (January 15, 2024) congratulated Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on her reelection and wished to enhance the existing bilateral relations further for mutual benefits.</span><br></b></div><div><br></div><div>“I extend my warmest congratulations to Your Excellency on winning the general elections that took place recently in your country, securing a new term as Prime Minister of Bangladesh,” Sisi said a letter sent to the Bangladesh Prime Minister.</div><div><br></div><div>The Egyptian president continued that her reelection reflects the confidence and trust Bangladeshis have in her able leadership to achieve further progress, reports UNB.</div><div><br></div><div>“Seizing this good opportunity, it is my pleasure to acknowledge that Egypt and Bangladesh share a long history of friendship and cooperation, and I am confident that the bilateral relations between our two countries will continue to grow over the coming years for the mutual benefit of our peoples,\" Sisi said.</div><div><br></div><div>“Reiterating my congratulations, please accept my sincerest wishes for the best of your well-being and continued success and for the welfare and prosperity of the friendly people of Bangladesh,” the Egyptian President added.&nbsp;</div><div><br></div><div>bnbd24/fas</div>', NULL, 'News Desk', '[\"30\"]', NULL, NULL, NULL, NULL, '2024-01-15 09:04:16', '2024-01-15 09:04:16'),
(10831, 10831, '<div><span style=\"font-size: 1rem;\"><b>Chinese Ambassador to Bangladesh Yao Wen has said China is ready to work with Bangladesh to expand new cooperation in a wider range of areas.</b></span><br></div><div><br></div><div>He mentioned higher levels of connectivity, renewable energy, the Blue Economy, financial stability, digital empowerment, scientific and technological innovation, agriculture and food security, poverty alleviation and sustainable development as areas of cooperation.</div><div><br></div><div>\"With joint efforts, we will achieve common development and promote together the building of a community with a shared future for mankind,\" said Ambassador Yao in an article.</div><div><br></div><div>The Ambassador said the two nations are set to embrace a historic opportunity to further elevate bilateral relations and friendly cooperation in various fields by 2025, the 50th anniversary of bilateral diplomatic ties.</div><div><br></div><div>Over the past 52 years since its independence, Bangladesh has always been committed to exploring the path of modernization in line with its own national conditions, and has made commendable achievements, he said.</div><div><br></div><div>The Ambassador said China hopes that under the leadership of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, the new Bangladeshi government will lead the people to proceed faster and steadier on the path of national prosperity and rejuvenation.</div><div><br></div><div>On January 11, 2024, Chinese President Xi Jinping and Premier of State Council Li Qiang sent congratulatory messages to Sheikh Hasina on her reelection as Prime Minister of Bangladesh.</div><div><br></div><div>The Chinese leaders expected that the two countries would make joint efforts to further implement the important consensus President Xi Jinping reached with Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina in Johannesburg, South Africa last August, enhance political mutual trust, promote traditional friendship, further synergize development strategies, and promote high-quality Belt and Road cooperation, so as to uplift the China-Bangladesh Strategic Partnership of Cooperation to a new height.</div><div><br></div><div>China and Bangladesh are both developing and populous countries at a critical stage of their respective development and revitalisation, said the Ambassador.</div><div><br></div><div>China calls for an equal and orderly multipolar world, forging a broader international consensus, proposing more effective solutions and enhancing the practicality and guidance for building a community with a shared future for humankind.</div><div><br></div><div>\"We advocate that the multipolar world should be equal, that is, to insist on the equality of all countries, oppose hegemony and power politics, oppose the monopoly of a few countries in international affairs, and effectively promote the democratisation of international relations,\" he said.</div><div><br></div><div>International issues should be resolved through consultation among all countries, and the future and destiny of the world should be in the hands of all countries, reports UNB.</div><div><br></div><div>Building a community with a shared future for humankind underscores the general trend of history and the direction of the people’s hearts, he said.</div><div><br></div><div>“More and more countries have come to realize that the future of the world should be jointly controlled by all countries, and created by all of us hand in hand,” added the Ambassador.&nbsp;</div><div><br></div><div>bnbd24/fas</div>', NULL, 'News Desk', '[\"30\"]', NULL, NULL, NULL, NULL, '2024-01-15 10:06:23', '2024-01-15 10:06:23'),
(10832, 10832, '<div><span style=\"font-size: 1rem;\"><b>An ethnic armed group in the western Myanmar state of Rakhine said it has taken control of a town bordering India and Bangladesh, marking the latest loss for the military government as it battles rebellion in several parts of the country.</b></span><br></div><div><br></div><div>Myanmar is in the throes of an insurgency on multiple fronts, where allied anti-junta groups backed by a pro-democracy parallel government have seized control of several military posts and towns.</div><div><br></div><div>It is the biggest challenge the junta has faced since it mounted a coup against an elected government in 2021.</div><div><br></div><div>A spokesman for the Arakan Army (AA) said late yesterday it had conquered Paletwa, a port town on the Kaladan River that is key to trade with neighbouring countries.</div><div><br></div><div>“Regarding border stability issues, we will cooperate at our best with neighbouring countries,” said AA spokesman Khine Thu Kha in a statement, adding the group will take over administration and law enforcement in the area.</div><div><br></div><div>A spokesman for the junta did not respond to a request for comment.</div><div><br></div><div>Reuters could not independently verify the AA’s claim.</div><div><br></div><div>The fall of Paletwa in the west comes after another rebel group in the Three Brotherhood Alliance took Laukkai town in Shan state on the border with China.</div><div><br></div><div>Last week, the junta agreed a ceasefire with that group, the TNLA, for the region bordering China.</div><div><br></div><div>The talks were held in the Chinese city of Kunming and facilitated by Chinese officials.</div><div><br></div><div>But yesterday, the rebel alliance said junta forces are breaching the ceasefire agreement, launching attacks in several townships in Shan state. - Reuters&nbsp;</div><div><br></div><div>bnbd24/fas</div>', NULL, 'International Desk', '[\"29\"]', NULL, NULL, NULL, NULL, '2024-01-15 10:46:36', '2024-01-15 10:46:36'),
(10833, 10833, '<div><span style=\"font-size: 1rem;\"><b>Hundreds of thousands of people on France’s Indian Ocean island of Reunion hunkered down in their homes under a strict lockdown today as a devastating storm that has already left one dead started to rip through the territory.</b></span><br></div><div><br></div><div>Cyclone Belal hit Reunion, one of France’s overseas territories that span the globe from the Caribbean to the Pacific, moving in from the northwest packing “extreme winds”, according to Meteo-France.</div><div><br></div><div>“The eye of the storm is passing over the Reunion Island, starting from the northern part,” the meteorological service said in its latest public bulletin.</div><div><br></div><div>It had previously said that Belal is not, however, expected to become an intense tropical cyclone.</div><div><br></div><div>“We’re into the hard part,” prefect Jerome Filippini, the island’s top Paris-appointed official, told France Inter.</div><div><br></div><div>“We will have a difficult and dangerous Monday”.</div><div><br></div><div>While initial damage was still moderate “one homeless person who had not taken shelter” died as a result of the storm in the western settlement of St Gilles, the prefecture said.</div><div><br></div><div>In preparation for gusty winds that could exceed 250kph in the highlands, authorities hoisted the violet-level alert, indicating imminent danger, at 6am, putting all 870,000 inhabitants, including the emergency services, on strict lockdown.</div><div><br></div><div>“All circulation is formally prohibited for any reason whatsoever, and until further notice,” the official statement said. Even security forces have been prohibited from moving.</div><div><br></div><div>Reunion, known as La Reunion in French, is located east of Madagascar and has a population of almost 900,000.</div><div><br></div><div>‘Stay at home’</div><div><br></div><div>Authorities urged islanders to stock up on food and water and stay indoors for 36 hours.</div><div><br></div><div>They were told not to leave home “for any reason”, unplug all devices, not use tap water and only use the telephone for an emergency.</div><div><br></div><div>Expecting waves up to 13m to 15m high, the entire coastline was put on alert.</div><div><br></div><div>Many balconies and gardens had been cleared of any objects that could be carried away or broken, and shopkeepers took in removable signs.</div><div><br></div><div>“We are not going to play heroes, we were told to stay at home,” Jules Dafreville, who lives in the capital St-Denis, said yesterday.</div><div><br></div><div>“I returned in the middle of the afternoon and I don’t plan to come out before … Tuesday morning.”</div><div><br></div><div>The island’s main airport said it was suspending flight operations.</div><div><br></div><div>French president Emmanuel Macron took to social media yesterday to urge residents to stay indoors.</div><div><br></div><div>“Be careful, stay at home,” he said on X, formerly Twitter.</div><div><br></div><div>‘Devastating winds’</div><div><br></div><div>The last major cyclone to hit Reunion was in 2014.</div><div><br></div><div>But speaking about the dangers of the current storm, authorities evoked Cyclone Firinga in 1989, which destroyed hundreds of homes and dumped record-breaking rain.</div><div><br></div><div>Meteo-France warned of a possible “lull” as the eye of the storm tracked over the island, but added, “this should not be understood as the end of the cyclone”.</div><div><br></div><div>“Quite the opposite, as the winds will pick up again in completely different directions,” said Celine Jauffret at the forecasting service.</div><div><br></div><div>The weather service warned that winds could exceed 200kph on the coast and 250kph or more in the highlands.</div><div><br></div><div>“These are destructive and devastating winds that could cause major damage,” said Sebastien Langlade, head of forecasting at Meteo-France Reunion.</div><div><br></div><div>Residents were also warned to beware potentially flooded rivers.</div><div><br></div><div>Six emergency health centres were set up for people requiring treatment, in addition to the 142 accommodation centres across the country for people to use in the event of flooding.</div><div><br></div><div>Olivier Blondet, manager of two restaurants and a nightclub in St-Denis, prepared his three establishments for the worst.</div><div><br></div><div>He fixed the sofa on his terrace to the railings and removed blunt objects, he said.</div><div><br></div><div>“We’re trying to make sure there’s absolutely nothing that can come off the ground and be thrown onto the windows or walls,” he said on BFMTV.</div><div><br></div><div>In St-Denis, around 20 homeless people were taken to a shelter. According to AFP reports</div><div><br></div><div>bnbd24/fas</div>', NULL, 'International Desk', '[\"29\"]', NULL, NULL, NULL, NULL, '2024-01-15 10:49:21', '2024-01-15 10:49:21');
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(10834, 10834, '<div><b><font color=\"#311873\"><span style=\"font-size: 1rem;\">Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on Monday issued warning against entertaining any sort of corruption and irregularities in any public sector, including public procurement.</span><br></font></b></div><div><br></div><div>“I will not tolerate any kind of corruption and irregularity to ensure transparency and accountability in all areas including government procurement,” she said.</div><div><br></div><div>The prime minister conveyed the stern message while delivering her introductory speech at the maiden cabinet meeting of the new government held at her office (PMO).</div><div><br></div><div>She said that transparency and accountability of government activities must be ensured.&nbsp;</div><div><br></div><div>“Special attention should be given to government revenue expenditure, public procurement and transparency must be ensured with accountability. I will not tolerate any kind of corruption and irregularity here,” she said.</div><div><br></div><div>She mentioned that corruption is not good for any country.&nbsp;</div><div><br></div><div>“We will use whatever resources we have appropriately. We will proceed by maintaining financial discipline,” she said.</div><div><br></div><div>Hasina said that Bangladesh has limited resources, but a huge population.&nbsp;</div><div><br></div><div>“We have to ensure welfare of the people with our limited resources,” she said.</div><div><br></div><div>Directing to ensure transparency in the social security sector, the prime minister said that attention should also be paid to make sure that the right people are getting the old age and social security allowances.</div><div><br></div><div>Hasina, the fifth-time prime minister of the country, asked the parties concerned to take measures to bring drugs under control.</div><div><br></div><div>Referring to the inflation, she said that the prices of the various commodities are high but there is no shortage of the items.</div><div><br></div><div>She stressed the need for controlling&nbsp; the inflation saying \"Only then the common people of Bangladesh will get the benefits of growth,” she said.</div><div><br></div><div>The prime minister said that the government since 2009 has been able to bring down food inflation from 12 per cent to nine per cent.&nbsp;</div><div><br></div><div>“All others fell to 8 percent. But we have to reduce it further,” she added.</div><div><br></div><div>She said that farmers are happy when food prices rise.&nbsp;</div><div><br></div><div>“But the consumers suffer. The pressure is on them. It has to be balanced, we have to act very quickly on how to make it consistent,” she said.</div><div><br></div><div>She reiterated her call to check wastage of public money, even in taking any kind of development project and maintain austerity in every sphere of life.</div><div><br></div><div>Sheikh Hasina asked authorities concerned to put the price manipulators under strict surveillance.</div><div><br></div><div>In this connection, she referred to upcoming Ramadan, and said only a limited number of groups import food products.&nbsp;</div><div><br></div><div>“They also always want to play a game here. In that case we have to take our own preparations,” she said.</div><div><br></div><div>The prime minister said that the products that needed most during Ramadan should be maintained at tolerable price and they should be available in the market and the supply should be uninterrupted, reports UNB.</div><div><br></div><div>“Appropriate measures should be taken in this regard,” she added.</div><div><br></div><div>She also put emphasis on the implementation of the election pledges. She asked to diversify the export items and find new markets.&nbsp;</div><div><br></div><div>bnbd24/fas</div>', NULL, 'News Desk', '[\"30\"]', NULL, NULL, NULL, NULL, '2024-01-15 11:16:35', '2024-01-15 11:16:35'),
(10835, 10835, '<div><span style=\"font-size: 1rem;\"><b>Turkish police detained Israeli footballer Sagiv Jehezkel and were questioning him today over a message he displayed on his wrist during a top tier match alluding to the passage of 100 days since the Oct 7 Hamas attack in Israel, state media said.</b></span><br></div><div><br></div><div>Turkish justice minister Yilmaz Tunc said prosecutors were investigating Jehezkel on a charge of “inciting people to hatred and hostility” for displaying a note written on his bandaged wrist saying “100 days, 7.10”, alongside a Jewish Star of David emblem.</div><div><br></div><div>Jehezkel, 28, held his clenched fist aloft to display the message after scoring a goal for his team, the southern Turkish club Antalyaspor, against Trabzonspor in Turkey’s Super Lig yesterday.</div><div><br></div><div>Antalya prosecutors launched an investigation into Jehezkel “due to his ugly gesture supporting Israel’s massacre in Gaza after scoring a goal” Tunc said on social media platform X.</div><div><br></div><div>State-owned Anadolu news agency said the process of taking the player’s statement was continuing, citing Antalyaspor’s spokesman saying lawyers were working on annulling his contract.</div><div><br></div><div>Fighters from the Islamist group Hamas stormed through Israeli communities on Oct 7, killing 1,200 people and capturing 240 hostages.</div><div><br></div><div>The subsequent war reached 100 days yesterday, with Israeli tanks and aircraft hitting targets in southern and central Gaza amid fierce gun battles in some areas.</div><div><br></div><div>The Gaza health ministry said the death toll from Israeli strikes is almost 24,000, with more than 60,000 wounded.</div><div><br></div><div>Rallies in support of the hostages still being held in Gaza were held in Israel and elsewhere yesterday.</div><div><br></div><div>Turkey has been a fierce critic of Israel’s war in Gaza, launched in response to the Oct 7 attack. - Reuters&nbsp;</div><div><br></div><div>bnbd24/fas</div>', NULL, 'Sports Desk', '[\"20\"]', NULL, NULL, NULL, NULL, '2024-01-15 11:20:54', '2024-01-15 11:20:54'),
(10836, 10836, '<div><b><span style=\"font-size: 1rem;\">Indian External Affairs Minister Dr S Jaishankar has invited his Bangladesh counterpart Dr Hasan Mahmud to visit New Delhi at a mutually convenient time.</span><br></b></div><div><br></div><div>Indian High Commissioner to Bangladesh Pranay Verma extended the invitation on behalf of the Indian External Affairs Minister on Monday.</div><div><br></div><div>Foreign Minister Hasan Mahmud accepted the invitation and told him that he would visit Delhi soon. He revealed he plans his first bilateral visit to India.</div><div><br></div><div>The visit aims to further strengthen diplomatic ties, with the exact date to be decided later.</div><div><br></div><div>Additionally, Mahmud is set to embark on a multilateral tour to Uganda this week</div><div><br></div><div>The meeting with the Indian High Commissioner marked Hasan Mahmud\'s first diplomatic engagement since assuming the office of foreign minister.</div><div><br></div><div>He noted the successful holding of the 12th parliamentary elections in Bangladesh on January 7, which was free, fair and participatory, according to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.</div><div><br></div><div>He also noted that international elections observers and media who visited Dhaka to cover elections expressed their satisfaction over the election process.</div><div><br></div><div>Hasan Mahmud mentioned that BNP is resorting to arson in the name of movement and protests and no discussions can be held with ine who patronizes this kind of heinous activities.&nbsp;</div><div><br></div><div>The new foreign minister thanked the government of India and Dr. Jaisankar for their Messages of Congratulations.</div><div><br></div><div>Earlier, Indian External Affairs Minister Dr. S Jaishankar congratulated Dr Hasan Mahmud on his appointment as the new Foreign Minister of Bangladesh.</div><div><br></div><div>“Look forward to working to further deepen the India-Bangladesh Maitri (friendship),” he said in a message shared on X, formerly known as Twitter. - UNB</div><div><br></div><div>bnbd24/fas</div>', NULL, 'News Desk', '[\"30\"]', NULL, NULL, NULL, NULL, '2024-01-15 14:32:21', '2024-01-15 14:32:21'),
(10837, 10837, '<div><span style=\"font-size: 1rem;\"><b>Prime Minister and Awami League President Sheikh Hasina today said that they have got huge public support in the January 7 election due to having confidence and trust of the people in her party.</b></span><br></div><div><br></div><div>\"Since we have a strong political party like the Awami League, we have gained support, confidence and trust of the people. This time election reflects the fact immensely,\" she said.</div><div><br></div><div>The Prime Minister was first addressing a joint meeting of the AL\'s central executive council, advisory council and its associate bodies at the party\'s central office at Banganandhu Avenue here this afternoon after winning the January 7 election with landslide victory.</div><div><br></div><div>The AL President said the general people of the villages have trust on her party as their fate is changed whenever they assume power.</div><div><br></div><div>\"They (the people) have no trust in others (remaining political parties \" she said.</div><div><br></div><div>So, the Premier asked the party men to devote themselves to change the fate of the poor and distressed people and give them a better and beautiful life following the ideal of the Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman.</div><div><br></div><div>\"We have to meet the aspirations of them. We must&nbsp; bear in mind always on how&nbsp; can&nbsp; we change the fate of the general people&nbsp; making&nbsp; one from a day labourer to a farmer and how to give the poor people&nbsp; an improved life,\" she said.</div><div><br></div><div>Referring to the absolute victory in the January 7 election, Sheikh Hasina said political organisation is the most important thing and nothing can be achieved without a party\'s support.</div><div><br></div><div>Mentioning that strength is required to achieve any success, the Premier said, \"And our strength is the people of Bangladesh and the Bangladesh Awami League and our associate organisations.\"</div><div><br></div><div>The Prime Minister said that the government has successfully overcome the challenges of Covid-19 as it got the support of a political party such as the Awami League, reports BSS.</div><div><br></div><div>\"Whatever we do using administration, it is hard to achieve success without the support of any political organisation and people,\" she said.</div><div><br></div><div>The Prime Minister, however, thanked the AL leaders and activists for entrusting her with the charge of the party president in 1981 that paved her return to the country from long-forced exile.</div><div><br></div><div>\"I have come to the AL office as it is my main root. So, I am here today. I may sit with all at the Ganabhaban. We have done everything, including the struggle and movement from there. I have a lot of memories of it,\" she said, giving a brief description of what she did after winning the election.&nbsp;</div><div><br></div><div>bnbd24/fas</div>', NULL, 'News Desk', '[\"30\"]', NULL, NULL, NULL, NULL, '2024-01-15 14:58:00', '2024-01-15 14:58:00'),
(10838, 10838, '<div><span style=\"font-size: 1rem;\"><b><font color=\"#311873\">BNP Senior Joint Secretary General Ruhul Kabir Rizvi on Monday predicted the current government would not be able to cling to power with the help of its foreign masters.</font></b></span><br></div><div><br></div><div>“Sheikh Hasina thinks that she’ll stay in power with the patronage of her masters. Those days are over,” he said.</div><div><br></div><div>Speaking at a doa and milad mahfil, the BNP leader said the country’s people showed \'signs of victory\' by boycotting the national election on January 7, resulting in low turnout. “You (govt) should grasp the pulse of the people from it.”</div><div><br></div><div>Jatiyatabdi Mohila Dal arranged the programme on the ground floor of the BNP’s Nayapaltan central office seeking the recovery of ailing party chairperson Khaleda Zia.</div><div><br></div><div>Rizvi said the people are now in a movement and they will be there on the streets in the coming days to make the programme a success.</div><div><br></div><div>Mentioning that Bangladesh has a history of protesting against injustice and overthrowing autocratic leaders eventually, Rizvi predicted Hasina\'s fate would be no different: “Sheikh Hasina\'s government will also be washed away…”</div><div><br></div><div>The BNP leader said the government shows the Padma Bridge and flyovers as signs of its development, \"while poor people sell their children to feed themselves\". He expects the people to be there on the streets again, to realise their demands and reclaim their rights.</div><div><br></div><div>Rizvi slammed Law Minister Anisul Huq for disputing a statement of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, Volker Turk, that contained a warning that Bangladesh\'s democracy must not turn \'cosmetic\'.</div><div><br></div><div>The law minister claimed Turk\'s statement in its entirety may have been uninformed.</div><div><br></div><div>“He (Huq) is a minister of Awami League government because he can lie. If he could tell the truth, Awami League would not have made him minister,\" he concluded.</div><div><br></div><div>Meanwhile, Rizvi along with BNP leaders and activists brought out a procession in the city’s Shantinagar area demanding the unconditional release of BNP chairperson Khaleda Zia, party secretary general Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir and other jailed leaders and workers of the party. According to UNB reports&nbsp;</div><div><br></div><div>bnbd24/fas</div>', NULL, 'News Desk', '[\"30\"]', NULL, NULL, NULL, NULL, '2024-01-15 15:17:38', '2024-01-15 15:17:38'),
(10839, 10839, '<div><span style=\"font-size: 1rem;\"><b>A volcano that erupted in southwest Iceland for the second time in less than a month, setting fire to several houses in a fishing town, appeared to be less active early today.</b></span><br></div><div><br></div><div>“A black day” read the front page headline of Icelandic daily Morgunbladid across an image of bright-orange lava fountains and houses burning in the town of Grindavik, some 40km southwest of the capital Reykjavik.</div><div><br></div><div>Molten lava flows reached the outskirts of Grindavik around noon yesterday, setting three houses alight, although the town was evacuated earlier and there was no immediate danger to people.</div><div><br></div><div>It was the second eruption on the peninsula of Reykjanes in four weeks and the fifth since 2021.</div><div><br></div><div>Live video footage today showed glimpses of orange lava still flowing to the surface but at smaller volumes, and further away from the town.</div><div><br></div><div>Geologists yesterday said magma corridors were believed to be flowing underneath the abandoned town, however, posing continued risk.</div><div><br></div><div>“Unfortunately (the lava) went a little bit more south than we had hoped for,” the head of Iceland’s civil protection and emergency management, Vidir Reynisson, told a press conference late yesterday.</div><div><br></div><div>Nevertheless, the defensive barriers built to the north of Grindavik had helped divert the flows of lava to the west, away from the town, Reynisson said.</div><div><br></div><div>Residents of Grindavik, a town of some 4,000 people before it was evacuated in November, said it was difficult to watch televised images of the fires.</div><div><br></div><div>“This is serious, it’s basically as bad as it can possibly get. Although it might get even worse, who knows,” evacuated resident Jon Gauti Dagbjartsson told Reuters late yesterday.</div><div><br></div><div>“I actually live in the house that I was born in and it’s a tough thought to think that this town might be over, and I would have to start all over somewhere else. But if that’s the case, then that’s exactly what we’ll do,” he said.</div><div><br></div><div>The Icelandic government will meet today to decide on support for the people of Grindavik.</div><div><br></div><div>“We need to put a lot of extra efforts into finding more housing, suitable housing,” Prime Minister Katrin Jakobsdottir said.</div><div><br></div><div>Located between the Eurasian and the North American tectonic plates, among the largest on the planet, Iceland is a seismic and volcanic hot spot as the two plates move in opposite directions. - Reuters&nbsp;</div><div><br></div><div>bnbd24/fas</div>', NULL, 'International Desk', '[\"29\"]', NULL, NULL, NULL, NULL, '2024-01-15 15:25:41', '2024-01-15 15:25:41'),
(10840, 10840, '<div><span style=\"font-size: 1rem;\"><b>An explosion at a furniture workshop in Azerbaijan’s capital Baku today killed six people and injured two dozen others, officials said.</b></span><br></div><div><br></div><div>Video footage shared by the emergencies ministry showed rescuers lifting a man from the smouldering rubble of a burnt out building, while firefighters combed the wreckage for survivors.</div><div><br></div><div>“The bodies of six people have been found and removed from the rubble,” the prosecutor’s office said.</div><div><br></div><div>At least 24 people were injured, three of whom were pulled from the rubble, it said earlier.</div><div><br></div><div>The cause of the blast was not immediately clear but prosecutors said they had launched a criminal investigation into a breach of “fire safety regulations”.</div><div><br></div><div>The incident came a week after a blaze at a maternity clinic in Baku left four infants dead, a case the president vowed to personally oversee.</div><div><br></div><div>In April 2022, a gas tank explosion at a nightclub in the capital killed one person and injured 37 others. - AFP&nbsp;</div><div><br></div><div>bnbd24/fas</div>', NULL, 'International Desk', '[\"29\"]', NULL, NULL, NULL, NULL, '2024-01-15 15:50:58', '2024-01-15 15:50:58'),
(10841, 10841, '<div><b><span style=\"font-size: 1rem;\">Health officials in Hamas-run Gaza reported on Monday more than 24,000 deaths in the war with Israel which has sent shockwaves across the region, as the fighting passed the grim 100-day milestone.</span><br></b></div><div><br></div><div>Deadly violence in the Israeli-occupied West Bank and along Israel\'s border with Lebanon as well as strikes by US forces and Iran-backed Yemeni rebels in the Red Sea have raised fears of an escalation beyond the Gaza Strip.</div><div><br></div><div>The war, sparked by Palestinian attacks on Israel, has created a humanitarian catastrophe for the 2.4 million people in the besieged strip, the United Nations and aid groups warn, and reduced much of the territory to rubble.</div><div><br></div><div>The health ministry in Gaza, ruled by Hamas since 2007, reported more than 60 \"martyrs\" overnight, in what the group\'s media office described as \"intense\" Israeli bombardment across Gaza.</div><div><br></div><div>The Hamas government media office said two hospitals, a girls\' school and \"dozens\" of homes were hit.</div><div><br></div><div>Hospitals in Gaza have been hit repeatedly since the war erupted, and the World Health Organization (WHO) says most of them are no longer functioning.</div><div><br></div><div>The Israeli military accuses Hamas militants of operating out of civilian facilities or from tunnels under them, a charge the Islamist group denies.</div><div><br></div><div>AFPTV footage showed smoke billowing over Khan Yunis, southern Gaza\'s main city, as explosions could be heard from nearby Rafah, on the territory\'s southern border with Egypt.</div><div><br></div><div>The army said its forces had struck \"two terrorists loading weapons into a vehicle\" in Khan Yunis and raided \"a Hamas command centre\" there and seized weapons.</div><div><br></div><div>In central Israel, which has been largely spared the current violence, a suspected car ramming attack on Monday killed one woman and injured at least 12 other people, police said, announcing the arrest of two Palestinian men. - AFP</div><div><br></div><div>bnbd24/fas</div>', NULL, 'International Desk', '[\"29\"]', NULL, NULL, NULL, NULL, '2024-01-15 16:00:50', '2024-01-15 16:00:50'),
(10842, 10842, '<div><span style=\"font-size: 1rem;\"><b>Ukraine said today it had destroyed a Russian Beriev A-50 spy plane and an Ilyushin Il-22 airborne command post in the Sea of Azov area, dealing a blow to Russian military operations in occupied southern Ukraine.</b></span><br></div><div><br></div><div>“Ukraine’s air force destroyed an enemy A-50 long-range radar detection aircraft and an enemy IL-22 air control centre,” army chief Valeriy Zaluzhnyi wrote on the Telegram messaging app.</div><div><br></div><div>“I am grateful to the air force for the perfectly planned and executed operation in the Azov Sea region!”</div><div><br></div><div>Reuters was unable to verify the statement independently.</div><div><br></div><div>The Russian defence ministry did not immediately respond to a written request for comment.</div><div><br></div><div>The Ukrainian defence ministry valued the A-50 aircraft at US$330 million.</div><div><br></div><div>Kyiv’s statements did not say how the planes had been destroyed.</div><div><br></div><div>The A-50, which first came into service near the end of the Soviet era, is a large Airborne Early Warning and Control aircraft that can scan an area several hundred kilometres across for enemy aircraft, ships and missiles.</div><div><br></div><div>Some Russian military bloggers said the downing of the aircraft would be a huge loss for Russia’s air force, since there was a limited number of the planes in service.</div><div><br></div><div>“It will be another dark day for the Russian aerospace forces and air defence,” wrote Rybar, a blogger with nearly 1.2 million subscribers that supports and provides running commentary on Russia’s war in Ukraine.</div><div><br></div><div>“There are not many A-50s. And the specialists operating them are generally rare. If an aircraft of this type is hit, the crew will not be able to escape.”</div><div><br></div><div>It was not clear how many A-50s Russia has in service.</div><div><br></div><div>London-based think tank IISS said in a 2021 report that Russia had nine A-50 aircraft in operation, including four modernised A-50U planes.</div><div><br></div><div>The Russian defence ministry said early last year that the modernised A-50U had been carrying out missions during the war in Ukraine.</div><div><br></div><div>The aircraft, which goes by the Nato reporting name of Mainstay, can detect more than 300 targets simultaneously, it said.</div><div><br></div><div>It can detect and track a missile launch at a distance of 800km and ground and sea targets at 300km. - Reuters&nbsp;</div><div><br></div><div>bnbd24/fas</div>', NULL, 'International Desk', '[\"29\"]', NULL, NULL, NULL, NULL, '2024-01-15 16:11:03', '2024-01-15 16:11:03'),
(10843, 10843, '<div><span style=\"font-size: 1rem;\">Real Madrid defeated Barcelona 4-1 to win the Spanish Super Cup on Sunday.</span><br></div><div><br></div><div>Vinicius Junior scored twice in the seventh and 10th minutes and his third goal came from a penalty kick in the 38th minute at Riyadh\'s Al -Awwal Stadium.</div><div><br></div><div>The 23-year-old Junior became the first Brazilian to score a hat-trick against Barcelona for Real Madrid.</div><div><br></div><div>Robert Lewandowski made a classy-long range finish for Barca in the 33rd minute.</div><div><br></div><div>In the 64th minute, Rodrygo made the score 4-1 with a goal from close range.</div><div><br></div><div>Barcelona were down to 10 men after Ronald Araujo received a red card in the 71st minute.</div><div><br></div><div>The Supercopa de Espana, or Spanish Super Cup, is contested by the winners and runners-up of the Copa del Rey (Spanish Cup) and Spanish La Liga. - Anadolu Agency&nbsp;</div><div><br></div><div>bnbd24/fas</div>', NULL, 'Sports Desk', '[\"20\"]', NULL, NULL, NULL, NULL, '2024-01-15 16:19:28', '2024-01-15 16:19:28'),
(10844, 10844, '<div><b><font color=\"#311873\"><span style=\"font-size: 1rem;\">The Bangladesh Bank (BB) will announce its next monetary policy on Wednesday for the second half of the fiscal year 2023-24 to tame inflation and ease exchange rate pressure.</span><br></font></b></div><div><br></div><div>As part of the preparation, the draft of the monetary policy was approved at the central bank board meeting on Sunday.</div><div><br></div><div>Officials who attended the board meeting told UNB that the exchange rates would not be real market-based in the upcoming monetary policy as the foreign exchange market is not stable yet.</div><div><br></div><div>The government policymakers instructed to keep the market under control by following the crawling peg system.</div><div><br></div><div>&nbsp;“Crawling pegs help control currency movement, especially when there are&nbsp; threats of devaluation. The purpose of crawling pegs is to provide stability,” said an official of the BB involved in the preparation of the monetary policy statement.</div><div><br></div><div>The monetary policy will focus on controlling&nbsp; the growing inflation, which has been a burning issue over the last eight months.</div><div><br></div><div>Economist and co-founder of PRI Dr Sadiq Ahmed, Director General of the Bangladesh Institute of Development Research (BIDS) Binayak Sen, and Chairman of the Economics Department of the Dhaka University Masuda Yasmin are in the monetary policy committee. According to UNB reports&nbsp;</div><div><br></div><div>bnbd24/fas</div>', NULL, 'News Desk', '[\"30\"]', NULL, NULL, NULL, NULL, '2024-01-15 16:47:44', '2024-01-15 16:48:05'),
(10845, 10845, '<div><span style=\"font-size: 1rem;\"><b><font color=\"#311873\">Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on Tuesday said the absolute win of Awami League in the January 7 election was the victory of Bangladesh, its people, and continuation of democracy and development.</font></b></span><br></div><div><br></div><div>The prime minister was addressing several hundred expatriate Awami League leaders from across the globe gathered at her official residence Ganabhaban to congratulate her on her party\'s fourth consecutive win in the parliamentary election</div><div><br></div><div>Hasina, who is also the chief of ruling Awami League, said that her government has been able to ensure people\'s right to vote in this month\'s election. </div><div><br></div><div>“We have ensured the constitutional right of the people,” she said.</div><div><br></div><div>She also said that the election was highly competitive as Awami League has opened the contest to all.</div><div><br></div><div>“We have given our electoral symbol boat to our candidates and asked others from the party to participate in the election whoever were interested,” she said.</div><div><br></div><div>Talking about BNP which did not participate in the election, she questioned how will they come to the election. </div><div><br></div><div>“In 2008 election BNP with their 20 party alliance got 30 seats only while AL alone bagged 233 seats,” she added. That election was held under a neutral caretaker government.</div><div><br></div><div>In this connection, she mentioned that many people thought in 2008 that BNP is equal to Awami League considering the organisational strength. </div><div><br></div><div>“But it was proved wrong in 2008 election,” she said.</div><div><br></div><div>After that, she said, BNP never wanted election. They insread unleashed arson attacks killing people and set fire to trains to foil the elections, reports UNB</div><div><br></div><div>“The more they (BNP) unleash the arson attack the more people will reject them. They know that they were rejected by the people,” she said.</div><div><br></div><div>The prime minister said that\'s  why  BNP does not want to participate in the election.</div><div><br></div><div>“Rather they wanted to spoil the election and looked to the illegal way to be in the power,” she said.</div><div><br></div><div>bnbd24/fas</div>', NULL, 'News Desk', '[\"30\"]', NULL, NULL, NULL, NULL, '2024-01-16 08:55:40', '2024-01-16 15:43:06'),
(10846, 10846, '<div><span style=\"font-size: 1rem;\"><b>In a bold initiative to ensure medical compliance and public safety, Health Minister Dr Samanta Lal Sen has directed immediate closure of all unregistered hospitals, diagnostic centers, and clinics. Addressing the media at the Secretariat, the minister emphasized the urgency of this action, citing both the need for medical safety and the recent surge in COVID-19 cases.</b></span><br></div><div><br></div><div>Dr Sen, taking a personal tone, revealed, “I myself have been a victim of an unlicensed hospital. Therefore, I will not tolerate such negligence.” His stern message was clear: unauthorized medical facilities must voluntarily cease operations or face severe consequences from the health ministry. This directive aligns with his previously declared position against corruption and malpractice in the healthcare sector.</div><div><br></div><div>Addressing Ayan’s tragic death</div><div><br></div><div>Highlighting the severity of consequences, the health minister discussed the heart-wrenching case of child Ayan’s death. “The incident of Ayan’s death is deeply tragic. We are awaiting the investigating committee’s report, and rest assured, appropriate actions will follow,” Dr Sen assured.</div><div><br></div><div>Earlier in the day, Ayan’s father, Shamim Ahmed, accompanied by family members, met with Minister Sen at the Secretariat. They presented a detailed account of the events leading to Ayan’s untimely demise, alongside a call for a thorough and fair investigation into his death.</div><div><br></div><div>Dr Ahmedul Kabir, Director General of the Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS), affirmed that the crackdown on unregistered entities is imminent. “It’s mandatory for all, including United Health Service, to be duly licensed. We have a considerable number of registered facilities, but being large-scale doesn’t exempt anyone from compliance,” he stated.</div><div><br></div><div>Rising COVID-19 Concerns and Preventive Measures</div><div><br></div><div>In the wake of identifying new COVID-19 variants and increasing infections in countries including India, the health minister expressed his deep concern. He urged high-risk groups to minimize public gatherings and called for universal mask usage. In a significant public health initiative, the government plans to administer the fourth dose of the COVID-19 vaccine to 1.25 crore people this year, with a long-term goal of reaching 2.5 crore people over two years. According to UNB reports</div><div><br></div><div>bnbd24/fas</div>', NULL, 'News Desk', '[\"30\"]', NULL, NULL, NULL, NULL, '2024-01-16 09:16:03', '2024-01-16 09:16:03'),
(10847, 10847, '<div><span style=\"font-size: 1rem;\"><b>Iran said late Monday it had launched strikes against a “spy headquarters and gathering of anti-Iranian terrorist groups” shortly after missiles hit an upscale area near the U.S. consulate in Irbil, the seat of Iraq’s semi-autonomous Kurdish region.</b></span><br></div><div><br></div><div>The security council of the Kurdish regional government said in a statement that four civilians were killed and six injured in the strikes.</div><div><br></div><div>Peshraw Dizayi, a prominent local businessman with a portfolio that included real estate and security services companies, was killed in one of the strikes along with members of his family, according to a post on X, formerly known as Twitter, by former Iraqi member of parliament Mashan al-Jabouri, who said that one of the missiles had fallen on Dizayi’s “palace, next to my house, which is under construction on the road to the Salah al-Din resort.”</div><div><br></div><div>Other regional political figures also confirmed Dizayi\'s death.</div><div><br></div><div>Soon after, a statement from Iran’s Revolutionary Guards on state media said it had struck “terrorist operations” including Islamic State targets in Syria “and destroyed them by firing a number of ballistic missiles.” Another statement claimed that it had hit a headquarters of Mossad, the Israeli intelligence agency, in the Kurdish region of Iraq.</div><div><br></div><div>The Islamic State extremist group claimed responsibility earlier this month for two suicide bombings targeting a commemoration for an Iranian general slain in a 2020 U.S. drone strike. The attack in Kerman killed at least 84 people and wounded an additional 284 at a ceremony honoring Revolutionary Guard Gen. Qassem Soleimani.</div><div><br></div><div>Last month, Iran accused Israel of killing a high-ranking Iranian general, Seyed Razi Mousavi, in an airstrike on a Damascus neighborhood.</div><div><br></div><div>An Iraqi security official said Irbil was targeted with “several” ballistic missiles but did not give further details. An official with an Iranian-backed Iraqi militia said 10 missiles fell in the area near the U.S. consulate. He said the missiles were launched by Iran’s Revolutionary Guards. Both officials spoke on condition of anonymity.</div><div><br></div><div>A U.S. defense official who spoke on condition of anonymity to discuss details that had not been made public said the U.S. tracked the missiles, which hit in northern Iraq and northern Syria, and no U.S. facilities were struck or damaged in the attacks. The official said initial indications were that the strike were “reckless and imprecise.”</div><div><br></div><div>In 2022, Iran claimed responsibility for a missile barrage that struck in the same area near the sprawling U.S. consulate complex in Irbil, saying it was retaliation for an Israeli strike in Syria that killed two members of its Revolutionary Guard.</div><div><br></div><div>The strikes come at a time of heightened tensions in the region and fears of a wider spillover of the ongoing war in Gaza.</div><div><br></div><div>Since the outbreak of the Israel-Hamas war on Oct. 7, Iranian-backed militias in Iraq have launched near-daily drone attacks on bases housing U.S. forces in Iraq and Syria, which the groups have said was in retaliation for Washington’s support of Israel, and in an attempt to force U.S. troops to leave the region. - AP</div><div><br></div><div>bnbd24/fas</div>', NULL, 'International Desk', '[\"29\"]', NULL, NULL, NULL, NULL, '2024-01-16 10:05:52', '2024-01-16 10:05:52'),
(10848, 10848, '<div><span style=\"font-size: 1rem;\"><b>Five members of a family suffered burn injuries as miscreants set a house on fire in Dhaka’s Keraniganj early today.</b></span><br></div><div><br></div><div>Aminul Islam, additional superintendent of police, said miscreants set the house of one Julhas on fire by pouring petrol at 4 am. They also locked the door from the outside.&nbsp;</div><div><br></div><div>Julhas along with his two children and two other family members sustained burn injuries in the fire.</div><div><br></div><div>Hearing their screams for help, neighbours rescued them with burn injuries.</div><div><br></div><div>On information, a firefighting unit rushed to the spot and extinguished the fire.</div><div><br></div><div>The injured were taken to the Sheikh Hasina National Institute of Burn and Plastic Surgery.</div><div><br></div><div>Police are trying to arrest the arsonists, said Aminul Islam, according to UNB reports</div><div><br></div><div>bnbd24/fas</div>', NULL, 'News Desk', '[\"30\"]', NULL, NULL, NULL, NULL, '2024-01-16 10:20:44', '2024-01-16 10:20:44'),
(10849, 10849, '<div><b><span style=\"font-size: 1rem;\"><font color=\"#085294\">Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy is headlining a frenzied first full day of the World Economic Forum\'s annual meeting in the Swiss ski resort of Davos, where top officials from the United States, the European Union, China, the Middle East and beyond will also take center stage Tuesday.</font></span><br></b></div><div><br></div><div>Zelenskyy will endeavor to keep his country\'s long and largely stalemated defense against Russia on the minds of political leaders, just as Israel\'s war with Hamas, which passed the 100-day mark, has siphoned off much of the world\'s attention and sparked concerns about a wider conflict in the Middle East.</div><div><br></div><div>Conversations with prime ministers of Qatar and Jordan will bookend the day\'s most visible events, with speeches by Chinese Premier Li Qiang, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and the United States national security adviser Jake Sullivan in between.</div><div><br></div><div>Zelenskyy, once reticent about leaving his war-torn country, has recently gone on a whirlwind tour to try to rally support for Ukraine\'s cause against Russia amid donor fatigue in the West and concerns that former U.S. President Donald Trump — who touted having good relations with Putin — might return to the White House next year.</div><div><br></div><div>On Monday, Zelenskyy made a stop in Switzerland\'s capital of Bern, where President Viola Amherd pledged her country would start working with Ukraine to help organize a “peace summit” for Ukraine.</div><div><br></div><div>Zelenskyy is following that up with his first trip to Davos as president after speaking by video in previous years. He hopes to parlay the high visibility of the event into a bully pulpit to showcase Ukraine\'s pressing needs, and allies will be lining up: A morning, invitation-only “CEOs for Ukraine” session will precede his afternoon speech.</div><div><br></div><div>The corporate chiefs will hear “what kind of immediate assistance is needed” and lay out how private and public sectors can help Ukraine rebuild one day, forum organizers say. The session will draw NATO leader Jens Stoltenberg, German Vice Chancellor Robert Habeck and U.S. envoy for Ukraine\'s economic recovery, Penny Pritzker, among others.</div><div><br></div><div>Later Tuesday, leaders of some of Ukraine’s key European allies — Lithuanian President Gitanas Nauseda, Dutch Foreign Minister Hanke Bruins Slot and Spanish Foreign Minister José Manuel Albares Bueno — will participate in a session on the “horizons” for Ukraine.</div><div><br></div><div>The theme of the meeting in Davos is “rebuilding trust,” and it comes as that sentiment has been fraying globally: Wars in the Middle East and Europe have increasingly split the world into different camps.</div><div><br></div><div>While the geopolitical situation has oozed gloom, businesses appear more hopeful — in part from prospects that artificial intelligence can help boost productivity. Leading Western stock indexes shot up in 2023, and falling inflation raised hopes of a decline in interest rates.</div><div><br></div><div>The consulting firm PwC, in its 27th annual CEO survey, said economic optimism has doubled among executives over the past year — even if the prospects over the next decade appear less certain. With the pressure from climate change and technology like artificial intelligence, a growing number of executives say they are worried their businesses would not be viable in 10 years without reinvention.</div><div><br></div><div>AI is a major topic over the week in Davos, with a key talk by Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella — whose company has invested billions in ChatGPT maker OpenAI — among the sessions planned Tuesday. - AP&nbsp;</div><div><br></div><div>bnbd24/fas</div>', NULL, 'International Desk', '[\"29\"]', NULL, NULL, NULL, NULL, '2024-01-16 10:32:40', '2024-01-16 10:32:40'),
(10850, 10850, '<div><span style=\"font-size: 1rem;\"><b><font color=\"#085294\"><br></font></b></span></div><div><font color=\"#085294\"><span style=\"font-size: 1rem;\"><b>Houthi rebels fired a missile, striking a U.S.-owned ship Monday just off the coast of Yemen in the Gulf of Aden, less than a day after they launched an anti-ship cruise missile toward an American destroyer in the Red Sea.</b></span><br></font></div><div><br></div><div>The attack on the Gibraltar Eagle, later claimed by the Houthis, further escalates tensions gripping the Red Sea after American-led strikes on the rebels. The Houthis\' attacks have roiled global shipping, amid Israel\'s war with Hamas in the Gaza Strip, targeting a crucial corridor linking Asian and Mideast energy and cargo shipments to the Suez Canal onward to Europe.</div><div><br></div><div>The United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations, which oversees Mideast waters, said Monday\'s attack happened some 110 miles (177 kilometers) miles southeast of Aden. It said the ship’s captain reported that the “port side of vessel hit from above by a missile.”</div><div><br></div><div>Private security firms Ambrey and Dryad Global told The Associated Press that the vessel was the Eagle Gibraltar, a Marshall Islands-flagged bulk carrier. The U.S. military\'s Central Command later acknowledged the strike.</div><div><br></div><div>“The ship has reported no injuries or significant damage and is continuing its journey,” Central Command said.</div><div><br></div><div>Houthi military spokesman Brig. Gen. Yahya Saree claimed the attack in a recorded television address that aired Monday night.</div><div><br></div><div>“The Yemeni armed forces consider all American and British ships and warships participating in the aggression against our country as hostile targets,” he said.</div><div><br></div><div>The vessel is owned by Eagle Bulk Shipping, a Stamford, Connecticut-based firm traded on the New York Stock Exchange. In a statement to The Associated Press, the company said the strike caused “limited damage to a cargo hold but (the ship) is stable and is heading out of the area.”</div><div><br></div><div>“All seafarers onboard the vessel are confirmed to be uninjured,” the firm said. “The vessel is carrying a cargo of steel products. Eagle Bulk management is in close contact with all relevant authorities concerning this matter.”</div><div><br></div><div>Satellite-tracking data analyzed by AP showed the Eagle Gibraltar had been bound for the Suez Canal, but rapidly turned around at the time of the attack.</div><div><br></div><div>Central Command said it detected a separate anti-ship ballistic missile launch toward the southern Red Sea on Monday, though it ”failed in flight and impacted on land in Yemen.\"</div><div><br></div><div>The U.S. Maritime Administration, under the Transportation Department, also issued a warning of a continuing \"high degree of risk to commercial vessels” traveling near Yemen.</div><div><br></div><div>“While the decision to transit remains at the discretion of individual vessels and companies, it is recommended that U.S. flag and U.S.-owned commercial vessels” stay away from Yemen in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden “until further notice,” the advisory said.</div><div><br></div><div>Sunday\'s missile launch toward the American warship also marked the first U.S.-acknowledged fire by the Houthis since America and allied nations began strikes Friday on the rebels following weeks of assaults on shipping in the Red Sea.</div><div><br></div><div>The Houthi fire in the direction of the USS Laboon, an Arleigh Burke-class destroyer operating in the southern reaches of the Red Sea, Central Command said.</div><div><br></div><div>The missile came from near Hodeida, a Red Sea port city long held by the Houthis, the U.S. said.</div><div><br></div><div>“An anti-ship cruise missile was fired from Iranian-backed Houthi militant areas of Yemen toward USS Laboon,” Central Command said. “There were no injuries or damage reported.\"</div><div><br></div><div>The Houthis did not acknowledge that attack.</div><div><br></div><div>It wasn’t presently clear whether the U.S. would retaliate for the latest attacks, though President Joe Biden has said he “will not hesitate to direct further measures to protect our people and the free flow of international commerce as necessary.”</div><div><br></div><div>The first day of U.S.-led strikes Friday hit 28 locations and struck more than 60 targets with cruise missiles and bombs launched by fighter jets, warships and a submarine. Sites hit included weapon depots, radars and command centers, including in remote mountain areas, the U.S. has said.</div><div><br></div><div>The Houthis have yet to acknowledge how severe the damage was from the strikes, which they said killed five of their troops and wounded six others.</div><div><br></div><div>U.S. forces followed up with a strike Saturday on a Houthi radar site.</div><div><br></div><div>Since November, the rebels have repeatedly targeted ships in the Red Sea, saying they were avenging Israel’s offensive in Gaza against Hamas. But they have frequently targeted vessels with tenuous or no clear links to Israel, imperiling shipping in a key route for global trade.</div><div><br></div><div>Even the leader of the Lebanese militant Hezbollah group, Hassan Nasrallah, obliquely referenced the widening Houthi attacks on ships in a speech Sunday, saying that “the sea has become a battlefield of missiles, drones and warships” and blaming the U.S. strikes for escalating maritime tensions.</div><div><br></div><div>“The most dangerous thing is what the Americans did in the Red Sea, (it) will harm the security of all maritime navigation,” Nasrallah said.</div><div><br></div><div>Though the Biden administration and its allies have tried to calm tensions in the Middle East for weeks and prevent any wider conflict, the strikes in the Red Sea threaten to ignite one.</div><div><br></div><div>It\'s also affecting shipping for the Middle East nation of Qatar, one of the world\'s top natural gas suppliers. Three liquid natural gas tankers that had recently loaded in Qatar and were bound for the Suez Canal remain idling off Oman, while another coming from Europe to Qatar remains off Saudi Arabia. QatarEnergy and government officials did not respond to a request for comment.</div><div><br></div><div>Saudi Arabia, which supports the Yemeni government-in-exile that the Houthis are fighting, sought to distance itself from the attacks on Houthi sites as it tries to maintain a delicate détente with Iran and a cease-fire it has in Yemen. The Saudi-led, U.S.-backed war in Yemen that began in 2015 has killed more than 150,000 people, including fighters and civilians, and created one of the world’s worst humanitarian disasters, killing tens of thousands more.</div><div><br></div><div>The American military did not specifically say the fire targeted the Laboon, following a pattern by the U.S. since the Houthi attacks began. However, U.S. sailors have received combat ribbons for their actions in the Red Sea — something handed out only to those who face active hostilities with an enemy force. - AP&nbsp;</div><div><br></div><div>bnbd24/fas</div>', NULL, 'International Desk', '[\"29\"]', NULL, NULL, NULL, NULL, '2024-01-16 10:49:41', '2024-01-16 10:49:41'),
(10851, 10851, '<div><span style=\"font-size: 1rem;\"><b>Two planes collided on an airport runway in Japan on Tuesday, in second such incident this month.</b></span><br></div><div><br></div><div>The planes belonged to Korean Air and Hong Kong-based Cathay Pacific which had passengers on board and the incident occurred at New Chitose Airport in Hokkaida, public broadcaster NHK reported.</div><div><br></div><div>Cathay Pacific said that its plane was \"on ground\" with passengers aboard when the incident happened.</div><div><br></div><div>More details to follow.</div><div><br></div><div>Earlier this month, at least five crew members were killed when a Japan Coast Guard aircraft and a Japan Airlines passenger plane collided at Tokyo airport. - Anadolu Agency&nbsp;</div><div><br></div><div>bnbd24/fas</div>', NULL, 'International Desk', '[\"29\"]', NULL, NULL, NULL, NULL, '2024-01-16 11:39:45', '2024-01-16 11:39:45');
INSERT INTO `news_details` (`id`, `news_id`, `details`, `ticker`, `representative`, `keyword`, `video_link`, `google_drive_link`, `audio_link`, `shoulder`, `created_at`, `updated_at`) VALUES
(10852, 10852, '<div><span style=\"font-size: 1rem;\"><b>The UK Maritime Trade Operations organization said it received reports of a missile hitting a ship southeast of Yemen’s southern city of Aden, shortly after residents in the central province of Al-Bayda and neighboring Abyan province reported seeing a missile fired from a Houthi-controlled area.</b></span><br></div><div><br></div><div>UKMTO “has received a report of an incident 95NM South East of Aden, Yemen. Master reports port side of vessel hit from above by a missile,” the agency said.</div><div><br></div><div>The warning came roughly an hour after locals in Abyan’s Lawdar district — which is close to the missile’s supposed launch site — reported seeing a missile launched from Houthi-controlled territory in Al-Bayda’s Mukayras fly over their neighborhoods.</div><div><br></div><div>“The missile was launched at around 3:55 p.m. from a hilly position held by the Houthis in Mukayras, and residents heard an explosion and observed missile smoke in the sky,” Mohsen Al-Markhi, a journalist from Lawder, told Arab News by telephone.</div><div><br></div><div>Another missile launched by the Houthis exploded near a village in the southern province of Al-Dhale on Monday, only hours after the US shot down a Houthi missile aimed at a US Navy ship in the Red Sea.</div><div><br></div><div>Residents in the Jahaf district reported a massive explosion on Monday after a ballistic missile fell in a hilly part of the district.</div><div><br></div><div>Locals sent Arab News a video of a large ball of dust and smoke rising from the site after the missile blasts.</div><div><br></div><div>Residents say the missile was not targeting their neighborhoods and landed before it reached its intended target.</div><div><br></div><div>Yemen’s Defense Ministry news site reported that the ballistic missile was fired from the Houthi-controlled Al-Jaefri village in Al-Dhale and detonated in an area between two minor villages in Jahaf.</div><div><br></div><div>Since the start of the Houthi attacks in the Red Sea in November, residents across Yemen, primarily those living in or near Houthi-controlled territory, have reported seeing Houthi missiles and drones flying over their areas, while others exploded near their farms after failing to reach their targets.</div><div><br></div><div>This comes as the US Central Command said that an anti-ship missile launched by the Houthis was shot down by a US fighter aircraft near Yemen’s coastal city of Hodeidah before reaching its target, the USS Laboon naval destroyer.</div><div><br></div><div>The Houthis pledged retaliation for the US and UK raids on regions under their control on Friday, adding they would not back down from assaults on any Israel-bound ships in the Red Sea.</div><div><br></div><div>According to the Houthis, their efforts are intended to push Israel to lift its siege of Gaza.</div><div><br></div><div>In Sanaa, the Houthis said that Iran’s President Ebrahim Raisi called the leader of the militia’s Supreme Political Council, Mahdi Al-Mashat, to denounce the UK and US strikes on Yemen and to urge them to continue their attacks on ships en route to Israel via the Red Sea.</div><div><br></div><div>“Raisi emphasized that Yemen’s move to safeguard international navigation and prohibit Israeli ships or those traveling to occupied Palestine from passing was courageous and prudent,” the official Houthi news agency quoted Raisi as saying to Al-Mashat.</div><div><br></div><div>Mohammed Ali Al-Houthi, head of the militia’s Supreme Revolutionary Committee, said many ships had reported their destinations to them and alerted them that they had no ties with Israel while sailing through the Red Sea to avoid attacks following Houthi instructions to do so last week. He called on all such ships to follow suit.</div><div><br></div><div>In a post on X, Al-Houthi said: “We greet ships sailing through the Red Sea, Bab Al-Mandab, and the Arabian Sea that announce ‘We have no relationship with Israel.” - Arab News&nbsp;</div><div><br></div><div>bnbd24/fas</div>', NULL, 'International Desk', '[\"29\"]', NULL, NULL, NULL, NULL, '2024-01-16 11:51:02', '2024-01-16 11:51:02'),
(10853, 10853, '<div><span style=\"font-size: 1rem;\"><b>Bangladesh’s State Minister for Power, Energy and Mineral Resources, Nasrul Hamid, announced a commitment to ensuring uninterrupted gas supply to consumers by 2026. This statement came during a discussion with reporters on Tuesday about the power and energy sector\'s advancements, potential, and obstacles.</b></span><br></div><div><br></div><div>Having achieved the milestone of 100 percent electricity coverage, Hamid noted the government\'s focus is now on providing continuous power and gas supply by 2026. He highlighted that Bangladesh currently imports 20 percent of its gas, utilizing 80 percent from domestic sources, with no immediate plans to increase imports.</div><div><br></div><div>The exploration of gas in deep sea areas could significantly bolster the energy division, Hamid mentioned. He acknowledged the existing challenges, particularly the ongoing gas shortage, attributing it to reliance on a Floating Storage and Regasification Unit (FSRU). Hamid assured that the current gas crisis is temporary, partly due to reduced pressure during severe winters.</div><div><br></div><div>Plans are underway to operationalize the FSRU soon, which is expected to add 400 mmcf of gas to the system. Additionally, another FSRU is set for renovation, with an aim to maintain uninterrupted gas supply starting next March. The minister revealed plans to incorporate two more FSRUs around 2026 and 2027 to meet the anticipated gas demand of 6,000 MMCF in 2027.</div><div><br></div><div>Hamid expressed optimism about domestic gas exploration, noting that most drilled wells have discovered gas. He emphasized the Bhola to Barishal gas pipeline as a top priority, with activities commencing this year. Gas from Bhola, currently supplied in CNG form, is expected to increase and be fully operational by mid-March next year.</div><div><br></div><div>The Bibiyana gas field also holds promise, with the minister expressing confidence about significant gas findings there. The immediate goal is to drill around 46 wells by mid-2025, followed by an additional 100 wells. This exploration is projected to add 500 mmcf of gas from domestic sources between 2024 and 2025.</div><div><br></div><div>Hamid concluded with a hopeful note on the Bibiyana field, which potentially harbors about 1.6 tcf of gas, further enhancing the nation\'s energy security and self-reliance. According to UNB reports</div><div><br></div><div>bnbd24/fas</div>', NULL, 'News Desk', '[\"30\"]', NULL, NULL, NULL, NULL, '2024-01-16 12:28:02', '2024-01-16 12:28:02'),
(10854, 10854, '<div><span style=\"font-size: 1rem;\">The Kurdish Regional Government (KRG) in northern Iraq said on Tuesday that the Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps\' (IRGC) allegations cited as reasons for attacks in Erbil city are \"baseless.\"</span><br></div><div><br></div><div>The counterterrorism unit of KRG mentioned on Facebook that on Monday at 11.30 p.m local time (2030GMT), the Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps targeted several civilian residential areas in Erbil with a large number of ballistic missiles, resulting in killing four civilians and injuring six others.</div><div><br></div><div>The announcement dismissed the IRGC\'s claim that the attacks were aimed at the \"headquarters of anti-Iranian groups,\" as groundless.</div><div><br></div><div>It emphasized that attacks on Erbil have consistently been carried out with unfounded pretexts, asserting that Erbil has never posed a threat to any party and has remained a stable location.</div><div><br></div><div>Highlighting the attacks as a \"clear violation of Iraq and the KRG\'s sovereignty,\" it called on the Iraqi central government and the international community not to remain silent against this crime.</div><div><br></div><div>Following reports of missile and drone attacks in various locations in Erbil, the Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps had claimed that they had targeted the \"headquarters of anti-Iranian terrorist groups and spies\" in the region. - Anadolu Agency</div><div><br></div><div>bnbd24/fas</div>', NULL, 'International Desk', '[\"29\"]', NULL, NULL, NULL, NULL, '2024-01-16 13:20:43', '2024-01-16 13:20:43'),
(10855, 10855, '<div><span style=\"font-size: 1rem;\"><b>Education Minister Mohibul Hasan Chowdhury Nowfel has said new universities shouldn\'t burden themselves with running undergraduate-level courses at the start of their journey</b></span><br></div><div><br></div><div>“Why are the new universities conducting undergraduate courses from the start? Undergraduate courses of the government colleges should be monitored and postgraduate courses will be done separately by the university,” he said.</div><div><br></div><div>The minister said this while exchanging views with Bangladesh Bishwabidyalay Parishad, an organization of vice-chancellors of public universities, at the auditorium of the International Mother Language Institute in the capital\'s Segunbagicha on Monday.</div><div><br></div><div>The start is a challenging time for a new university, the education minister said. “We should do research development from there with a full setup.”</div><div><br></div><div>Nowfel said in 2014, the prime minister asked to ensure academic monitoring by bringing all colleges or centenary colleges under the respective university. He advised the vice-chancellors of all public universities to take steps in this regard.</div><div><br></div><div>“The Open University is monitoring non-formal education across the country, then why can\'t Chittagong University monitor Chittagong College? Once upon a time, it did. If there was the capacity to do it before, then now the system should increase further, reports UNB.</div><div><br></div><div>“Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina herself has included seven colleges in Dhaka University on her own initiative. There may be challenges there, too. We are overcoming that challenge. Students blocked the road. But we didn\'t move,” he said.</div><div><br></div><div>“The quality of the seven colleges has improved. If Dhaka University can work on academic standard monitoring, why can\'t other universities?” He indicated that the ministry will do so if the law is to be amended in these cases.</div><div><br></div><div>On the other hand, Referring to the prime minister\'s directives, the education minister said all the universities are at the district level, the government colleges in those districts, their academies will do the work of monitoring.</div><div><br></div><div>bnbd24/fas</div>', NULL, 'News Desk', '[\"30\"]', NULL, NULL, NULL, NULL, '2024-01-16 13:39:29', '2024-01-16 13:39:29'),
(10856, 10856, '<div><span style=\"font-size: 1rem;\">Foreign Minister Dr Hasan Mahmud on Tuesday said the BNP-Jamaat alliance has always tried to put the country in trouble but assured that all their evil designs will go in vain.</span><br></div><div><br></div><div>“We want to take the country forward by deepening our excellent relations with all - in the East and West. Nothing bad will happen to Bangladesh despite the evil designs of the BNP. A cow never dies with the prayers of a vulture,” the Joint General Secretary of Bangladesh Awami League told reporters after his arrival at Shah Amanat International Airport.</div><div><br></div><div>This is his first visit to Chattogram, from where he is elected, after being appointed as the Foreign Minister.</div><div><br></div><div>Leaders of Chattogram metropolitan, north and south units of AL jointly welcomed the new foreign minister with flowers outside the airport.</div><div><br></div><div>The Foreign Minister said the national election has attracted international attention and has been accepted by the international community as evidenced by the fact that many election observers came to Bangladesh.</div><div><br></div><div>He said observers from the United States of America, NDI, IRI, European Union, SAARC, OIC and Commonwealth countries and other organisations have come to Bangladesh for the election.</div><div><br></div><div>“They all expressed their opinion simultaneously and described the election as free and fair. This election saw relatively less violence than other elections. This is the biggest thing,” the foreign minister observed.</div><div><br></div><div>Responding to a question, Hasan Mahmud said the country’s foreign friends are interested in Bangladesh’s election and that is why they went to the Election Commission.</div><div><br></div><div>“I saw in the newspapers that they are satisfied with the information given by the Election Commission,” he said, adding that a free and fair election was held in Bangladesh in a festive atmosphere with massive participation of the people.</div><div><br></div><div>Most of the registered political parties participated in this election, said the foreign minister.</div><div><br></div><div>“You know, on election day, it was very cold and foggy. That\'s why the voter turnout is around 42 percent. If it wasn\'t for the fog and cold, more votes would have been cast. BNP has tried to create panic among the people by setting trains on fire in an effort to obstruct and resist this election. But people were not afraid, people spontaneously went to cast their votes,” he added.</div><div><br></div><div>Responding to a question, the minister said it is not a big thing to become a minister but to get people\'s love and respect is the most important thing for a politician, reports UNB.</div><div><br></div><div>“We can make the country\'s image brighter. We can advance the development efforts of Bangladesh under the leadership of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina through further improved and closer relations with all the East-West countries,” he added.</div><div><br></div><div>Recognizing that everyone in his constituency has worked hard, the minister said, \"I have tried for the last 15 years to become the MP of the people. I never considered who voted for me or not. As a candidate, I have always been a candidate of Awami League, but I have tried to work as an MP for all people. I want to work as an MP for all people in this new journey.”</div><div><br></div><div>bnbd24/fas&nbsp;</div>', NULL, 'News Desk', '[\"30\"]', NULL, NULL, NULL, NULL, '2024-01-16 14:22:02', '2024-01-16 14:22:02'),
(10857, 10857, '<div><b><span style=\"font-size: 1rem;\">An Israeli lobby group was behind the sacking of a journalist at Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC), a report claimed on Tuesday citing a coordinated campaign which includes messaging on WhatsApp.</span><br></b></div><div><br></div><div>It has triggered an in-house protest with staff threatening to walkout.</div><div><br></div><div>Award-winning journalist and author Antoinette Lattouf was terminated by ABC last month for sharing on Instagram a report by Human Rights Watch (HRW) on Palestine\'s besieged enclave of Gaza.</div><div><br></div><div>The global rights watchdog released a report on how starvation was used as ‘a weapon of war’ by the Israeli government in Gaza. ABC also published a news item about the HRW report.</div><div><br></div><div>“The ABC sacked broadcaster Antoinette Lattouf after a high-level and coordinated letter-writing campaign from pro-Israel lobbyists that directly targeted the corporation’s chair, Ita Buttrose, and managing director David Anderson,” daily Sydney Morning Herald found in an investigative report which includes “dozens of leaked messages from a WhatsApp group called Lawyers for Israel.”</div><div><br></div><div>The report reveals that the Israeli lobby “repeatedly wrote to the ABC demanding Lattouf be sacked, and threatened legal action if she was not.”</div><div><br></div><div>Lattouf legally challenged her termination, calling it “not a win for journalism or critical, fair thinking.”</div><div><br></div><div>She is crowdfunding to support her court case in Australia which has seen widespread support for Palestinians.</div><div><br></div><div>While the ABC has denied Anderson was behind Lattouf, the broadcaster has told court that the journalist was removed “because she ignored a direction from managers and shared a controversial social media post from Human Rights Watch.”</div><div><br></div><div>On Tuesday, some 80 staff met at the ABC’s Ultimo headquarters in Sydney and sought meeting with managing director David Anderson.</div><div><br></div><div>Israel has launched a deadly onslaught on the Gaza Strip since the Hamas attack on Oct. 7, killing at least 24,100 people and injuring 60,834 others. Nearly 1,200 Israelis are believed to have been killed.</div><div><br></div><div>​​​​​​​Elaine Pearson, Asia director at HRW, criticized ABC\'s move to terminate Lattouf.</div><div><br></div><div>\"Journalists should be encouraged to amplify human rights reporting, not penalised for doing so,\" Pearson said on X. Anadolu Agency</div><div><br></div><div>bnbd24/fas</div>', NULL, 'International Desk', '[\"29\"]', NULL, NULL, NULL, NULL, '2024-01-16 14:45:47', '2024-01-16 14:45:47'),
(10858, 10858, '<div><span style=\"font-size: 1rem;\"><b>Education authorities in any district can shut down schools in case the temperature drops below 10 degrees Celsius, said the Directorate of Secondary and Higher Education (DSHE) in a circular on Tuesday.</b></span><br></div><div><br></div><div>According to the circular, “A cold wave is sweeping different parts of the country and as a result the educational activities are being seriously hampered. The regional deputy directors in consultation with the district education officers can keep the educational institutions under secondary level shut if the temperature drops below 10 degrees Celsius in any district.”</div><div><br></div><div>The institutions which will be shut due to low temperature will remain closed until the temperature rises above 10 degrees Celsius. According to UNB reports</div><div><br></div><div>bnbd24/fas</div>', NULL, 'News Desk', '[\"30\"]', NULL, NULL, NULL, NULL, '2024-01-16 14:54:16', '2024-01-16 14:54:16'),
(10859, 10859, '<div><span style=\"font-size: 1rem;\"><b><font color=\"#311873\">BNP Senior Joint Secretary General Ruhul Kabir Rizvi on Monday predicted the current government would not be able to cling to power with the help of its foreign masters.</font></b></span><br></div><div><br></div><div>“Sheikh Hasina thinks that she’ll stay in power with the patronage of her masters. Those days are over,” he said.</div><div><br></div><div>Speaking at a doa and milad mahfil, the BNP leader said the country’s people showed \'signs of victory\' by boycotting the national election on January 7, resulting in low turnout. “You (govt) should grasp the pulse of the people from it.”</div><div><br></div><div>Jatiyatabdi Mohila Dal arranged the programme on the ground floor of the BNP’s Nayapaltan central office seeking the recovery of ailing party chairperson Khaleda Zia.</div><div><br></div><div>Rizvi said the people are now in a movement and they will be there on the streets in the coming days to make the programme a success.</div><div><br></div><div>Mentioning that Bangladesh has a history of protesting against injustice and overthrowing autocratic leaders eventually, Rizvi predicted Hasina\'s fate would be no different: “Sheikh Hasina\'s government will also be washed away…”</div><div><br></div><div>The BNP leader said the government shows the Padma Bridge and flyovers as signs of its development, \"while poor people sell their children to feed themselves\". He expects the people to be there on the streets again, to realise their demands and reclaim their rights.</div><div><br></div><div>Rizvi slammed Law Minister Anisul Huq for disputing a statement of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, Volker Turk, that contained a warning that Bangladesh\'s democracy must not turn \'cosmetic\'.</div><div><br></div><div>The law minister claimed Turk\'s statement in its entirety may have been uninformed.</div><div><br></div><div>“He (Huq) is a minister of Awami League government because he can lie. If he could tell the truth, Awami League would not have made him minister,\" he concluded.</div><div><br></div><div>Meanwhile, Rizvi along with BNP leaders and activists brought out a procession in the city’s Shantinagar area demanding the unconditional release of BNP chairperson Khaleda Zia, party secretary general Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir and other jailed leaders and workers of the party. According to UNB reports</div><div><br></div><div>bnbd24/fas</div>', NULL, 'News Desk', '[\"30\"]', NULL, NULL, NULL, NULL, '2024-01-16 15:08:26', '2024-01-16 15:08:26'),
(10860, 10860, '<div><span style=\"font-size: 1rem;\">The final season of \"Succession\" dominated the Emmy Awards on Monday, scooping six prizes including best drama, at a nostalgic gala honoring television\'s past and present that was delayed by four months due to Hollywood strikes.</span><br></div><div><br></div><div>The HBO show about the back-stabbing dynastic battles of a powerful media family won awards for stars Kieran Culkin, Sarah Snook and Matthew Macfadyen, while \"The Bear\" topped the comedy awards and \"Beef\" led in the limited series section.</div><div><br></div><div>\"This is a show about family, but it\'s also about when... partisan news coverage gets intertwined with divisive right-wing politics,\" said \"Succession\" creator Jesse Armstrong.</div><div><br></div><div>\"After four seasons of satire, as I understand it, that\'s a problem we have now fixed,\" he joked, on the night that Donald Trump won the Iowa Republican caucuses.</div><div><br></div><div>Accepting their best actress and actor prizes, both Snook -- who was pregnant during the show\'s final season -- and Culkin paid tribute to their babies, with Culkin joking to his wife, \"I want more... you said maybe, if I win!\"</div><div><br></div><div>\"Succession,\" which had already won best drama series twice previously, had entered the night with a whopping 27 nominations, including a record three of the six nominees for best actor.</div><div><br></div><div>It also won for best writing and directing.</div><div><br></div><div>Jennifer Coolidge, the sole returning star for the Sicily-set second season of satire \"The White Lotus,\" won for best supporting actress.</div><div><br></div><div>Coolidge thanked \"all the evil gays,\" in a nod to her character\'s memorable storyline in which she befriended a flamboyant, yacht-owning group of men with sinister intentions.</div><div><br></div><div>The Emmys, which are the small screen\'s equivalent of the Oscars, typically take place in September.</div><div><br></div><div>But organizers opted for an unusual January slot this time around, correctly gambling that the entertainment industry strikes would be over, and that actors would be free to attend.</div><div><br></div><div>Stars and guests from Harrison Ford to Joan Collins walked the red carpet into the Peacock Theatre at LA Live in downtown Los Angeles for the ceremony.</div><div><br></div><div>- Vintage comedy -</div><div>Celebrating its 75th year, the Emmys featured multiple skits paying homage to beloved classic shows on elaborate sets.</div><div><br></div><div>Stars like Kelsey Grammar and Ted Danson appeared on a set emulating the beloved famous Boston bar from \"Cheers,\" while \"The Sopranos\" actors Lorraine Bracco and Michael Imperioli presented an award from the mob drama\'s psychiatrist office.</div><div><br></div><div>Other shows getting nostalgic reunions included \"Grey\'s Anatomy\" and \"Ally McBeal.\"</div><div><br></div><div>The organizers\' decision to hark back to television\'s golden days came in stark contrast with the gala\'s recent struggles, as the Emmys\' audiences have plummeted.</div><div><br></div><div>Last year\'s telecast was watched by just 5.9 million -- lower even than the 2020 \"pandEmmys\" lockdown edition that was broadcast from an empty theater -- and it was competing Monday with an NFL playoff game and the Iowa vote.</div><div><br></div><div>Plus this time, there was the confusion of honoring seasons of shows that aired months before.</div><div><br></div><div>The delay meant votes were cast back in the summer, for nominated shows that premiered as long as 18 months ago.</div><div><br></div><div>Most notably, \"The Bear\" -- which took viewers behind the scenes of a dysfunctional Chicago restaurant -- won six awards on Monday including the top comedy prize.</div><div><br></div><div>Stars Jeremy Allen White, Ayo Edebiri and Ebon Moss-Bachrach won for best actor, supporting actress and actor, and the show also won writing and directing prizes.</div><div><br></div><div>But the ceremony honored the show\'s intense debut season, which premiered way back in June 2022. At the next Emmys ceremony, taking place this September, the show\'s even more acclaimed and ambitious second season is eligible.</div><div><br></div><div>Quinta Brunson won for best actress in a comedy for \"Abbott Elementary.\"</div><div><br></div><div>- Limited series -</div><div>Netflix\'s \"Beef\" dominated the limited series categories, for shows that run only a single season, with five prizes including best limited series, writing and directing.</div><div><br></div><div>Its stars Ali Wong and Steven Yeun took lead acting prizes, playing road-rage drivers locked in a rapidly escalating feud.</div><div><br></div><div>\"Dahmer -- Monster: The Jeffrey Dahmer Story\" co-star Niecy Nash-Betts won best supporting actress, while Paul Walter Hauser won for best supporting actor for \"Black Bird,\" another dark true crime series.</div><div><br></div><div>\"Last Week Tonight with John Oliver\" won best scripted variety series, and variety series writing.</div><div><br></div><div>Rob Reiner and Sally Struthers paid tribute to the late Norman Lear for \"changing American culture,\' from a set modeled on one of his many hit shows, \"All In The Family.\"</div><div><br></div><div>The annual \"In Memoriam\" section honored TV stars who died in the past year including Angela Lansbury, Richard Roundtree, Harry Belafonte, 25-year-old \"Euphoria\" actor Angus Cloud and \"Friends\" star Matthew Perry. - AFP&nbsp;</div><div><br></div><div>bnbd24/fas</div><div><br></div>', NULL, 'Entertainment', '[\"13\"]', NULL, NULL, NULL, NULL, '2024-01-16 15:37:12', '2024-01-16 15:37:12'),
(10861, 10861, '<div><font color=\"#311873\"><span style=\"font-size: 1rem;\"><b>Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina today said BNP did not participate in the January 7 election in fear of defeat and has been searching for dark ways to assume power being rejected by the people time and again.</b></span><br></font></div><div><br></div><div>\"They know they are boycotted by the people. That is why, they don\'t want to take part in the election. So, they are searching for different ways to go to regain power by destroying the electoral process. They are now looking for the ways of darkness bypassing the path of light which is election,\" she said.</div><div><br></div><div>The Prime Minister was addressing expatriate Awami League leaders and activists at her official Ganabhaban residence here.</div><div><br></div><div>Sheikh Hasina asked the expatriates to stay alert against conspiracies saying that the plots are still being hatched.</div><div><br></div><div>\"They (BNP-Jamaat clique) are now demanding to cancel the election,\" she said.</div><div><br></div><div>Referring to 2008 parliamentary election, the premier said the BNP-Jamaat alliance got only 30 seats while the AL alone bagged 233 seats.</div><div><br></div><div>\"Since then, they don\'t want any election. They have been setting fire on buses, launches, trains and burning people to death. The more they do terrorist activities and arson violence, the more the people reject them,\" she said.</div><div><br></div><div>Sheikh Hasina came down heavily on the BNP as they have been doing politics with their party office.</div><div><br></div><div>\"They lock their office and then unlock it. They have lost the keys of their office and ways also and they are now becoming pedestrians of the lost way,\" she said.</div><div><br></div><div>BNP has one virtue and that is arson terrorism, she said.</div><div><br></div><div>The premier said BNP are skilled to create trap to kill people referring to withdraw fishplates of the railway track in which several persons were killed.</div><div><br></div><div>She said the BNP had distributed leaflets among the people urging people to boycott the election alongside with conducting the violence.</div><div><br></div><div>But, the people have casted their balloting spontaneously rejecting their plea to not going to polling centres.</div><div><br></div><div>\"Not only this time (January 7 election), the people have rejected them time and again. They did not take part in the election fearing to lose,\" she said.</div><div><br></div><div>The Prime Minister thanked the people as they voted spontaneously and sent her party to power again.</div><div><br></div><div>She continued participation of women in large numbers in the election a great achievement of the AL awareness campaign to make people understand that casting votes is their constitutional and civic rights.</div><div><br></div><div>In this connection, she mentioned that a 130-year-old woman exercise her voting franchise in the January 7 election.</div><div><br></div><div>Quoting the old women, she said, \"I want to vote Hasina.\"</div><div><br></div><div>She continued: \"Getting the trust and confidence of the people in me is my great achievement.\"</div><div><br></div><div>The premier said the victory of Awami League in the election is the victory of the people and democracy as well.</div><div><br></div><div>\"The victory is also the victory of continuation of the democracy and continuation of the development,\" she said.</div><div><br></div><div>They have realized that the government is the servant of the people after Awami League assumed power, she said.</div><div><br></div><div>\"I will work as a public servant not as a Prime Minister to change the fate of the people being a daughter of the Father of the Nation,\" she said.</div><div><br></div><div>She said there is no scarcity of food, reached electricity to every house and transformed Bangladesh into a digital Bangladesh since the Awami League had been in power in the last 15 years.</div><div><br></div><div>Now, the people of Bangladesh want more developed and improved life.</div><div><br></div><div>\"We will turn Bangladesh into a poverty and hunger free developed and prosperous Bangladesh by 2041 in the spirit of the Liberation War as envisioned by the Father of the Nation,\" she said.</div><div><br></div><div>The Prime Minister recalled with due respect the contribution of the expatriates in each of the democratic and progressive movement and in building the nation</div><div><br></div><div>She said the expatriates played great role in forming public opinions in favour of independent Bangladesh during the War of Liberation in 1971, reports BSS</div><div><br></div><div>\"I thank you all as the remittance you send to Bangladesh is the main driving force of our economy,\" she said.</div><div><br></div><div>On the other hand, The premier urged the all Bangladeshi expats to take part in the universal pension scheme to secure their future.</div><div><br></div><div>bnbd24/fas</div>', NULL, 'News Desk', '[\"30\"]', NULL, NULL, NULL, NULL, '2024-01-16 15:48:46', '2024-01-16 15:48:46'),
(10862, 10862, '<div><span style=\"font-size: 1rem;\"><b><font color=\"#311873\">US Ambassador to Bangladesh Peter Haas on Wednesday said he looks forward to working closely with Bangladesh in the coming months on issues of mutual importance.&nbsp;</font></b></span><br></div><div><br></div><div>He mentioned climate change, expanding business opportunities, and other areas of cooperation to advance the relations.&nbsp;</div><div><br></div><div>\"I look forward to working very closely in the coming months to advance our mutual interest,\" he told reporters after his meeting with Foreign Minister Dr Hasan Mahmud at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.&nbsp;</div><div><br></div><div>He said it was an opportunity to talk about the future of the US-Bangladesh relationship.&nbsp;</div><div><br></div><div>Later, the Foreign Minister met EU Ambassador to Bangladesh Charles Whiteley.&nbsp; - UNB</div><div><br></div><div>bnbd24/fas</div>', NULL, 'News Desk', '[\"30\"]', NULL, NULL, NULL, NULL, '2024-01-17 08:45:39', '2024-01-17 08:45:39'),
(10863, 10863, '<div><span style=\"font-size: 1rem;\"><b><font color=\"#311873\">In a harrowing incident early this morning, a ferry operating on the Daulatdia-Paturia route tragically capsized near No 5 ghat in the Manikganj district of Bangladesh. The mishap, involving the ferry ‘Rajanigandha’ with nine trucks onboard, led to the disappearance of one individual, identified as Humayun Kabir, the 39-year-old second driver of the vessel.</font></b></span><br></div><div><br></div><div>Anwarul Islam, warehouse inspector of Fire Service and Civil Defence, reported that the ferry sank around 8:16 am. Following the incident, local fire service divers were promptly dispatched to the site and succeeded in rescuing six individuals from the perilous waters.</div><div><br></div><div>The exact cause of the ferry’s capsizing remains unclear at this early stage of the investigation.</div><div><br></div><div>In a display of coordinated effort, the Bangladesh Navy has also joined the ongoing rescue operations, as confirmed by the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), reports UNB. The search continues for the missing ferry driver, Humayun Kabir, with rescue teams working tirelessly against the clock in the hope of a safe recovery.&nbsp;&nbsp;</div><div><br></div><div>bnbd24/fas</div>', NULL, 'News Desk', '[\"30\"]', NULL, NULL, NULL, NULL, '2024-01-17 10:48:42', '2024-01-17 10:48:42'),
(10864, 10864, '<div><font color=\"#634aa5\"><span style=\"font-size: 1rem;\"><b>Qatar and France said Tuesday they have mediated a deal between Israel and Hamas to allow the delivery of medications to around 45 of the more than 100 Israeli hostages held captive in Gaza. This marks the first agreement between the warring sides since a weeklong cease-fire collapsed in late November.</b></span><br></font></div><div><br></div><div>In Yemen, the U.S. launched the third strike in recent days against the Houthi rebel group, according to a U.S. official. The Houthis have attacked shipping in the crucial Red Sea corridor, saying they seek to halt Israel’s war in Gaza against Hamas.</div><div><br></div><div>In northern Gaza, Palestinian militants battled Israeli forces and launched a barrage of rockets from farther south. In the past 24 hours, the bodies of 158 people killed in Israeli strikes have been brought to hospitals, bringing the Palestinian death toll to 24,285 people, Gaza\'s Health Ministry said Tuesday.</div><div><br></div><div>In Israel, around 1,200 people were killed during Hamas\' Oct. 7 attack that sparked the war and saw some 250 people taken hostage by the militants. Accoridng to media reports </div><div><br></div><div>bnbd24/fas</div>', NULL, 'International Desk', '[\"29\"]', NULL, NULL, NULL, NULL, '2024-01-17 11:50:31', '2024-01-17 11:50:53'),
(10865, 10865, '<div><span style=\"font-size: 1rem;\"><b><font color=\"#6ba54a\">Ambassador of the European Union (EU) to Bangladesh Charles Whiteley on Wednesday said they are eyeing a \"step change\" in their relations with Bangladesh in the next five years deepening the ties in core areas.</font></b></span><br></div><div><br></div><div>\"I think in the next five years we would be really seeing a step change in our relationship,\" he told reporters at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs after his meeting with Foreign Minister Hasan Mahmud.</div><div><br></div><div>The ambassador said the relationship between Bangladesh and the EU will be driven by the new Partnership and Cooperation Agreement (PCA).</div><div><br></div><div>He said this Partnership and Cooperation Agreement is much more political in nature than the existing agreement that they have with Bangladesh.</div><div><br></div><div>\"That mainly premised on the development cooperation. Of course development cooperation is still a part of what we do in Bangladesh. You know we had our first political dialogue a year ago and that covers international affairs as well,\" said the ambassador.</div><div><br></div><div>He said it is important they have that mature discussion on the respective foreign policy not just about what is important in their immediate bilateral relations but what is happening in the wider world and how Bangladesh and the EU can influence things of shared priorities.</div><div><br></div><div>Of course that includes the Middle East and the Ukraine conflict, said the envoy.</div><div><br></div><div>Responding to a question, Whiteley said, \"We have made our statement and the election happened and we made our statement on that.\"</div><div><br></div><div>Regarding his meeting with the foreign minister, Whiteley said the meeting was a very much of forward looking discussion about how now they build the bricks of a modern relationship with Bangladesh.</div><div><br></div><div>\"That’s of course involves foreign policy issues. We will be seeing of course in due course with the other ministers, in areas where we directly engaged with the government of Bangladesh which was a very wide ranging,\" he observed.</div><div><br></div><div>\"I had the very good first meeting with the foreign minister, a very wide ranging discussion. It’s very good to welcome a foreign minister who knows Europe very well,\" Ambassador Whiteley said.</div><div><br></div><div>\"Of course he has very strong connection with Belgium which is the headquarters of the EU. He studied there and knows Europe well and how Europe functions,\" he added.</div><div><br></div><div>The ambassador said they widely discussed on how they can take forward the Bangladesh-EU relations and there was a lot on their agenda.</div><div><br></div><div>\"We are going to start negotiating a new Partnership and Cooperation Agreement very soon, which is very wide ranging new generation agreement, we only have one of that in South Asia, covering all different policy areas of collaboration,\" Whiteley said.</div><div><br></div><div>They also talked about the broad global situation - what is happening in the Middle East, the Ukraine conflict, the Russian aggression in Ukraine, which is of course a huge priority for the EU.</div><div><br></div><div>\"We talked about the Rohingya crisis. So all of areas where we have the long-standing cooperation with Bangladesh; where of course collaboration will continue for many years to come,\" said the ambassador.</div><div><br></div><div>\"It was a very successful first meeting and very dynamic discussion,\" he added.</div><div><br></div><div>Responding to a question Whiteley said they still have their election expert mission in town. \"You know they haven’t left yet. They will be making a report that will be made public thanks to the agreement of the government of Bangladesh (for agreeing).\"</div><div><br></div><div>It is a question of making sure that they put the relations on the right path in the years to come, Whiteley said.</div><div><br></div><div>\"Of course we will work on the recommendations of that report which we did with our last expert mission, is supposed to be to support, engagement where it’s wanted, where this partnership needs. So that’s what relationships are all about, working together on shared concerns,\" said the EU envoy.</div><div><br></div><div>\"We have many priorities you know and for us here, set our priorities for development engagement and of course renewable energy, the global gateway flagship project we discussed that with the minister,\" he said.</div><div><br></div><div>Bangladesh is one of the few countries for the Global Gateway flagship programme around the world. “This is where we will make a test case of our cooperation through helping Bangladesh reach its goal of generating energy from renewable sources and look forward to take enough for it,\" said the EU envoy, reports UNB.</div><div><br></div><div>On the other hand, on Rohingya issue, he added he never sees it as a forgotten crisis. \"It’s huge shared priority.\"</div><div><br></div><div>bnbd24/fas</div>', NULL, 'News Desk', '[\"30\"]', NULL, NULL, NULL, NULL, '2024-01-17 12:14:46', '2024-01-17 12:14:46'),
(10866, 10866, '<div><span style=\"font-size: 1rem;\"><b>Amidst the ongoing mild cold wave, Bangladesh Meteorological Department (BMD) has forecasted rainfall in various regions, including Dhaka.</b></span><br></div><div><br></div><div>Over the next 24 hours – starting from 9 am today (January 17, 2024)– rain is anticipated in Rajshahi, Khulna, Barishal, and Chattogram divisions. The Met office has highlighted a likelihood of rain in one or two places within these areas.</div><div><br></div><div>Meanwhile, rain is likely to occur at one or two places over Dhaka, Rajshahi, Khulna, Barishal and Chattogram divisions on Thursday, according to the forecast of BMD.</div><div><br></div><div>The forecast also includes the possibility of moderate to thick fog covering the country from night through to morning, potentially persisting until noon in some areas. This foggy condition may lead to temporary disruptions in air navigation, inland river transport, and road communication.</div><div><br></div><div>Wednesday witnessed the country’s lowest temperature at 9.4 degrees Celsius in Bandarban. As the country experiences this cold wave, the weather in other parts of Bangladesh is expected to remain mainly dry, with temporary partly cloudy skies.</div><div><br></div><div>Temperature fluctuations are also predicted, with the night temperature likely to increase by 1-2 degrees Celsius, and a slight rise in the daytime temperature across the country, reports UNB</div><div><br></div><div>The prevailing foggy conditions might also contribute to cold day scenarios in various places throughout Bangladesh. Citizens are advised to stay updated with the latest weather reports and plan their activities accordingly.</div><div><br></div><div>bnbd24/fas</div>', NULL, 'News Desk', '[\"30\"]', NULL, NULL, NULL, NULL, '2024-01-17 12:39:28', '2024-01-17 12:39:28'),
(10867, 10867, '<div><b><span style=\"font-size: 1rem;\">Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov has congratulated his Bangladesh counterpart Dr Hasan Mahmud on his appointment to the post of Foreign Minister.</span><br></b></div><div><br></div><div>“The Russia-Bangladesh relations are based on the solid foundation of friendship laid during the period of struggle of the East Bengal people for independence,” he said in a message.</div><div><br></div><div>The Russian Foreign Minister said they look forward to the continuation of productive interaction between the foreign offices of the two countries for the benefit of further strengthening the bilateral cooperation in political, trade, economic and other practical areas.</div><div><br></div><div>The Russian foreign minister wished Dr Mahmud sound health and success at his responsible post.&nbsp; - UNB</div><div><br></div><div>bnbd24/fas</div>', NULL, 'International Desk', '[\"29\"]', NULL, NULL, NULL, NULL, '2024-01-17 13:09:56', '2024-01-17 13:09:56'),
(10868, 10868, '<div><span style=\"font-size: 1rem;\"><b><font color=\"#6ba54a\">Bangladesh’s&nbsp; 12th&nbsp; parliamentary election was unfree and noninclusive, Transparency International Bangladesh (TIB) said on Wednesday in its primary findings on the January 7 balloting.</font></b></span><br></div><div><br></div><div>“The overall experience including gains and losses are ominous for the future of Bangladesh’s democracy and democratic election, which are contradictory to the spirit and dreams of the glorious liberation war and independence,” according to the report revealed at a press conference at the anti-graft organisation’s office in Dhaka.</div><div><br></div><div>Exeuctive Director of TIB Iftekharuzzaman spoke at the event.</div><div><br></div><div>The TIB conducted the survey in 50 out of 300 constituencies under its 12th&nbsp; National Parliament Election Process Tracking.&nbsp;&nbsp;</div><div><br></div><div>The country’s main opposition, led by BNP, boycotted the polls after Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s government refused to accept its demand that the vote be held under a non-partisan caretaker administration.</div><div><br></div><div>According to the report “The election was not free and inclusive due to mutually contradictory and intransigent positions of the two largest political parties.”</div><div><br></div><div>“The state of hostage of the future of democracy to this contradictory agenda and intransigence-driven conflict has been further exacerbated.” it added.</div><div><br></div><div>It said “The agenda to ensure continued stay in power through one-sided election has been successfully achieved, the legality of which may not be challenged, or may not hold if challenged. But in terms of political integrity, democratic and moral values this success will remain ever debatable.”</div><div><br></div><div>The key elements of the concept of democratic election and national international good practices like free, inclusive and above all, the precondition of a level playing field for free, open and unrestricted competition were not met, said the report.</div><div><br></div><div>The report also highlighted the role of the Election Commission.</div><div><br></div><div>&nbsp;“The Election Commission,” it said, “sometimes by compulsion in the name of Constitutional and legal compulsion and on occasions by design, played the role of a key catalyst for the realization of the agenda of the one-sided election. Other state institutions, especially law enforcement agencies and administration were also used to play, or played the same role in similar ways.”</div><div><br></div><div>“It has once again been proved that the zero-sum game of electoral politics in the country has no relevance to political ideology. Despite being an election without any meaningful political opponent, where fabricated competitions were staged between the ruling party nominated candidates and against its own ‘independents’ and those of other protégé parties, violations of electoral code of conduct have been pervasive including unhealthy rivalries and violent hostilities which had nothing to do with political ideology or public interest,” said the report, reports UNB.</div><div><br></div><div>The report concluded that “Finally, as ominous the experience around the Twelfth Parliament Election is for democratic future of Bangladesh, it is going to be a test case of lessons on what countries and peoples around the world with democratic aspirations would need to do and avoid, especially in terms of democratic backsliding and related electoral strategies and innovations.”</div><div><br></div><div>bnbd24/fas</div>', NULL, 'News Desk', '[\"30\"]', NULL, NULL, NULL, NULL, '2024-01-17 13:20:46', '2024-01-17 13:20:46');
INSERT INTO `news_details` (`id`, `news_id`, `details`, `ticker`, `representative`, `keyword`, `video_link`, `google_drive_link`, `audio_link`, `shoulder`, `created_at`, `updated_at`) VALUES
(10869, 10869, '<div><span style=\"font-size: 1rem;\"><font color=\"#634aa5\"><b>Pakistan said today that Iran carried out an airstrike on its territory that killed two children after Tehran launched attacks in Iraq and Syria against what it called “anti-Iranian terrorist groups”.</b></font></span><br></div><div><br></div><div>Pakistan denounced the strike, near the nations’ shared border late yesterday, as “completely unacceptable”, saying it was unprovoked.</div><div><br></div><div>Iranian news agency Mehrnews said the “missile and drone response” targeted the Jaish al-Adl group’s headquarters in Pakistan, calling it “another decisive step taken by Iran in response to the aggression against the security of our country”.</div><div><br></div><div>Formed in 2012, Jaish al-Adl is blacklisted by Iran as a terrorist group and has carried out several attacks on Iranian soil in recent years.</div><div><br></div><div>The strike came after Iran launched missile attacks on “spy headquarters” and “terrorist” targets in Syria, and Iraq’s autonomous Kurdistan region.</div><div><br></div><div>The Iranian strikes add to multiple crises across the Middle East, with Israel waging a war against Hamas in Gaza and pro-Palestinian Houthi rebels in Yemen attacking commercial vessels in the Red Sea.</div><div><br></div><div>Today, Iran’s defence minister Mohammad Reza Ashtiani said Tehran would set “no limits” to its security.</div><div><br></div><div>Mohammad Hosseini, deputy president for parliamentary affairs, said Pakistan had been warned “that they must prevent the entry into Iran of people who kill large numbers of people, it was natural to have the reaction of the Islamic Republic”.</div><div><br></div><div>China, close partners of Iran and Pakistan, urged restraint, with foreign ministry spokesman Mao Ning saying both should “avoid actions that would lead to an escalation of tension”.</div><div><br></div><div>Pakistan’s official statement did not specify where the strike took place, but Pakistani media said it was near Panjgur in southwest Balochistan province, where the two nuclear-armed countries share a sparsely populated border of nearly 1,000km.</div><div><br></div><div>Hours before the strike, Pakistan’s caretaker Prime Minister Anwar-ul-Haq Kakar had met Iran’s foreign minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian on the sidelines of the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland.</div><div><br></div><div>“This violation of Pakistan’s sovereignty is completely unacceptable and can have serious consequences,” Pakistan’s foreign ministry said in a statement.</div><div><br></div><div>It said the strike caused the “death of two innocent children while injuring three girls”. - AFP&nbsp;</div><div><br></div><div>bnbd24/fas</div>', NULL, 'International Desk', '[\"29\"]', NULL, NULL, NULL, NULL, '2024-01-17 13:35:42', '2024-01-17 13:35:42'),
(10870, 10870, '<div><span style=\"font-size: 1rem;\"><b>Israeli airstrikes killed nine Palestinians in two locations in the occupied West Bank today, medics said, and the military described at least five of the dead as fighters suspected of planning an imminent attack.</b></span><br></div><div><br></div><div>Among territories where Palestinians seek statehood, the West Bank has seen a surge of violence in parallel to the Gaza war that erupted on Oct 7 with a shock cross-border killing and kidnapping spree by Islamist Hamas in southern Israel.</div><div><br></div><div>The airstrike on a car in Balata, near the northern West Bank city of Nablus, killed five members of a local cell of fighters that planned a large-scale, imminent attack on Israelis, the military said in a statement.</div><div><br></div><div>It gave the name of the leader, who was among the dead, as Abdullah Abu Shalal. Palestine’s president Mahmoud Abbas’ Fatah faction said five of its members were in the car, including Abu Shalal.</div><div><br></div><div>Hours later, an airstrike in the central West Bank city of Tulkarm killed four Palestinians, medics said. The military spokesman confirmed that an operation was underway in Tulkarm but did not immediately provide details. - Reuters&nbsp;</div><div><br></div><div>bnbd24/fas</div>', NULL, 'International Desk', '[\"29\"]', NULL, NULL, NULL, NULL, '2024-01-17 13:39:16', '2024-01-17 13:39:16'),
(10871, 10871, '<div><span style=\"font-size: 1rem;\"><font color=\"#085294\">France’s controversial new culture minister, Rachida Dati today said that she plans to run for Paris mayor in 2026, only days after joining President Emmanuel Macron’s reshuffled government.</font></span><br></div><div><br></div><div>Dati’s arrival was the biggest surprise in last week’s cabinet shake-up that saw 34-year-old Gabriel Attal take over as prime minister.</div><div><br></div><div>Up until her appointment, Dati was a long-standing member of the opposition conservative LR party and is the mayor of the French capital’s chic 7th district that is home to most French ministries, the country’s parliament, and many foreign embassies.</div><div><br></div><div>She also served as justice minister under right-wing president Nicolas Sarkozy from 2007 to 2009.</div><div><br></div><div>But as soon as she accepted the cabinet post from Macron, LR leader Eric Ciotti announced her exclusion from the party.</div><div><br></div><div>“My objective is Paris,” Dati told the RTL broadcaster. “That’s what I’ve always said.”</div><div><br></div><div>“My wish is to unite everybody who wants change in Paris, I am determined,” she said.</div><div><br></div><div>Dati, a 58-year-old of Moroccan-Algerian origin, was defeated by incumbent Paris mayor Anne Hidalgo, a socialist, in the capital’s last municipal election in 2020.</div><div><br></div><div>Some analysts have speculated that Macron tapped Dati for the culture ministry post so she would run for mayor in the name of his own centrist alliance and finally take city hall after two-and-a-half decades of socialist control.</div><div><br></div><div>However, Macron yesterday told a televised news conference that he had not discussed Dati’s possible mayoral candidacy with her and at the weekend she denied press reports that suggested she had made an electoral pact with Macron.</div><div><br></div><div>But her announcement comes at the same time that Macron announced plans for electoral reform in Paris, Lyon, and Marseille, saying the mayor in those cities should be elected directly and no longer by an electoral college made up of city councillors.</div><div><br></div><div>Dati has called the current system “anti-democratic”, saying there was “no reason why Parisians can’t choose their mayor”.</div><div><br></div><div>Until now, Dati had been vocal in criticising figures from left and right who defected to Macron’s centrist alliance, which in 2021 she said consisted of “traitors” and amounted to “nothing without Emmanuel Macron”.</div><div><br></div><div>She was also charged in 2021 with corruption and abuse of power in connection with payments she received from the Renault-Nissan group, an automaker. But Macron responded that it was not the first time ministers in his government had faced charges and the presumption of innocence must prevail. - AFP</div><div><br></div><div>bnbd24/fas</div>', NULL, 'International Desk', '[\"29\"]', NULL, NULL, NULL, NULL, '2024-01-17 13:58:09', '2024-01-17 13:58:09'),
(10872, 10872, '<div><span style=\"font-size: 1rem;\"><b>At least 18 people have died after an explosion at a fireworks factory in central Thailand today, a rescue worker said.</b></span><br></div><div><br></div><div>“Eighteen found dead, confirmed,” the rescue worker said, revising his earlier estimate of 20.</div><div><br></div><div>The blast occurred at around 3pm local time near Sala Khao township, in central Suphan Buri province.</div><div><br></div><div>Police told AFP authorities were still checking the official death toll.</div><div><br></div><div>“There were deaths, we are checking how many people died,” police colonel Theerapoj Rawangban told AFP.</div><div><br></div><div>“We do not see more damage toward other houses or people who live in the (nearby) community,” he added.</div><div><br></div><div>There was no indication of what may have caused the explosion.</div><div><br></div><div>Images shared by the local rescue service showed metal debris littered on the ground and a huge plume of black smoke.</div><div><br></div><div>Explosions at workshops producing firecrackers and other pyrotechnics are not uncommon in Thailand.</div><div><br></div><div>Ten people died, and more than 100 were injured, after an explosion in a fireworks warehouse in Sungai Kolok town in southern Narathiwat province last year.</div><div><br></div><div>The Southeast Asian kingdom also has a poor safety record in the construction sector and deadly accidents are common. - AFP&nbsp;</div><div><br></div><div>bnbd24/fas</div>', NULL, 'International Desk', '[\"29\"]', NULL, NULL, NULL, NULL, '2024-01-17 14:05:02', '2024-01-17 14:05:02'),
(10873, 10873, '<div><span style=\"font-size: 1rem;\">Israeli tanks on Tuesday stormed back into parts of the northern Gaza Strip they had left last week, reigniting some of the most intense fighting since the New Year when Israel announced it was scaling back its operations there.</span><br></div><div><br></div><div>Massive explosions shook northern areas of Gaza from across the border with Israel — a rarity over the past two weeks after Tel Aviv announced a drawdown of forces from the area as part of a transition to smaller, targeted operations.</div><div><br></div><div>The rattle of gunfire reverberated across the border through the night. In the morning, contrails snaked through the sky as Israel’s Iron Dome defences shot down rockets fired across the fence.</div><div><br></div><div>Israel claimed its forces had killed “dozens” of Hamas fighters overnight in clashes in Beit Lahiya, on Gaza’s northern edge.</div><div><br></div><div>Health authorities said the last 24 hours of Israeli bombing had killed 158 people in the Palestinian enclave, raising their toll for the war to 24,285, with thousands more bodies feared lost in the rubble.</div><div><br></div><div>The Israeli bombardment has driven nearly all Gazans from their homes, some several times, and caused a humanitarian crisis, with food, fuel and medical supplies running low. - AFP&nbsp;</div><div><br></div><div>bnbd24/fas</div>', NULL, 'International Desk', '[\"29\"]', NULL, NULL, NULL, NULL, '2024-01-17 14:22:34', '2024-01-17 14:22:34'),
(10874, 10874, '<div><span style=\"font-size: 1rem;\"><b><font color=\"#085294\">South African international lawyers frequently appeared before the International Court of Justice in the 1960s. At the time, they were tasked with justifying their apartheid in Namibia. And they did. They argued that apartheid was good for everyone, that it prevented racial conflict and ‘decline’, that different people were at different stages of their development and so required different laws.</font></b></span><br></div><div><br></div><div>Their memorial to the court reads today like a banned subreddit containing “extensive references to the phenotypical characteristics of different tribes, the precise colour of their skin and the shape of women’s breasts” to justify what they called their policy of ‘separate development’.</div><div><br></div><div>How amazing that some decades later, black South African lawyers are arguing before the same court that a country that collaborated with their racist government should be held responsible for a genocide.</div><div><br></div><div>The applicant is South Africa</div><div>While some argue that it is a matter of shame that no Arab or Muslim state lodged the case, leaving the task to South Africa, I maintain that it is exactly this — that a non-Arab, non-Muslim nation and one which has overcome settler colonialism has brought this case — is what makes it so compelling.</div><div><br></div><div>Israel was a military ally of South Africa’s apartheid regime under some of the worst years of white rule. It even offered to sell nuclear weapons to the apartheid regime.</div><div><br></div><div>Once South Africa became democratic, its new government, the African National Congress and the Palestinian Liberation Organisation were so close their ties were referred to as fraternal. Yasser Arafat was one of the first leaders Mandela met after being released from prison in 1990 and he was one of the first foreign leaders to speak at South Africa’s newly democratic parliament.</div><div><br></div><div>The head of South Africa’s legal team, John Dugard, was UN Special Rapporteur for Palestine in the 2000s and notably said: “I’m a South African who lived through apartheid and I have no hesitation in saying that Israel’s crimes are infinitely worse than those committed by the apartheid regime of South Africa.”</div><div><br></div><div>There could be no better applicant for these proceedings than this former apartheid and colonised state and one against whom Israeli accusations of libel and anti-Semitism are less likely to stick.</div><div><br></div><div>The allegations are genocide</div><div>South Africa has alleged that Israel has committed a genocide against the Palestinian people. While most people understand genocide to mean mass killings of civilians, for international lawyers, it is a term of art.</div><div><br></div><div>Genocide requires the intent to destroy, in whole or in part, a national, ethnic, racial, and religious group. It is possibly the most difficult international crime to prove because it requires the ‘special intent’ to destroy the group. Mass extermination without that special intent is a crime against humanity but it is not genocide. The term genocide was coined after the Second World War by Polish lawyer Raphael Lemkin who wanted a category of crimes to denote the Holocaust where Jews were killed with the specific intent to annihilate them as a group. - Dawn</div><div><br></div><div>bnbd24/fas</div>', NULL, 'International Desk', '[\"29\"]', NULL, NULL, NULL, NULL, '2024-01-17 14:46:04', '2024-01-17 14:46:04'),
(10876, 10876, '<div><span style=\"font-size: 1rem;\"><b><font color=\"#085294\">Bangladesh Bank (BB) on Wednesday announced a contractionary monetary policy statement for the second half of the fiscal year 2023-24 to tame inflation.</font></b></span><br></div><div><br></div><div>“The central bank’s priority is to control inflation at any cost. To do this we set a policy of controlling currency flow outside the bank for another step to curb the growing inflation,” said Abdur Rouf Talukder, governor of the central bank.</div><div><br></div><div>Bangladesh has revised down the economic growth projection for FY 2023-24 to 6.5 percent from the initial 7.5 percent considering the ongoing challenges in the financial sector.</div><div><br></div><div>The authorities, however, revised the projection for inflation upwards to 7.5 percent from 6 percent as consumer prices persistently stayed high, according to the monetary policy statement.</div><div><br></div><div>The governor said that the central bank wants to bring down inflation to 7.5 percent by June. For this, the policy interest rate has been increased by 25 percentage points to 8 percent in the new monetary policy.</div><div><br></div><div>He said that the monetary target is downgraded to curb money supply cutting down private sector credit growth to 10 percent for June from the existing target of 11 percent.</div><div><br></div><div>According to the new policy, the interest rate is being increased from 7.75 percent to 8 percent.</div><div><br></div><div>As a result, the interest rate of the money, which other banks will borrow from the BB, will increase.</div><div><br></div><div>Besides, the central bank hints to increase the reverse repo rate (now called the Standing Deposit Facility or SDF) minimum interest rate by 75 percentage points from 5.75 percent to 6.50 percent. If there is surplus money in the market, the central bank withdraws the money through reverse repo.</div><div><br></div><div>The cap on the special repo or standing lending facility (SLF) interest rate in the policy interest corridor has been reduced by 25 basis points to 9.50 percent from 9.75 percent. This will reduce the cost of borrowing money from the BB during liquidity crises in banks.</div><div><br></div><div>The monetary policy announced for the first half of the current financial year (up to December) targeted private sector credit growth at 10.9 percent. But this target of credit growth like inflation has not been achieved. And till last November, credit growth in the private sector has been achieved at 9.90 percent, which is 1 percent less than the target. Accoridng to UNB reports</div><div><br></div><div>bnbd24/fas</div>', NULL, 'News Desk', '[\"30\"]', NULL, NULL, NULL, NULL, '2024-01-17 15:07:04', '2024-01-17 15:07:04'),
(10877, 10877, '<div><b><span style=\"font-size: 1rem;\">A Dhaka court on Wednesday granted bail to BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir in another case filed in the capital\'s Paltan Model Police Station.</span><br></b></div><div><br></div><div>The same court also granted bail to BNP standing committee member Amir Khasru Mahmud Chowdhury in two cases including one registered over the murder of police constable Amirul Islam Pervej.</div><div><br></div><div>Dhaka Metropolitan Magistrate Tahmina Haque granted them bail upon a bond of Tk 10,000 each.</div><div><br></div><div>Earlier on January 10, Dhaka Additional Chief Metropolitan Magistrate Sultan Sohagh Uddin granted bail to Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir in nine cases filed at the capital\'s Ramna and Paltan Model Police Stations.</div><div><br></div><div>At least 11 cases were filed against Fakhrul and 10 cases against Khasru over violence centring the BNP\'s October 28 rally in Dhaka.</div><div><br></div><div>Mirza Fakhrul, so far, has been granted bail in 10 out of 11 cases and Khasru in only two cases.</div><div><br></div><div>Lawyer Zainul Abedin said Fakhrul won’t be immediately released from prison as he is yet to secure bail in one more case.</div><div><br></div><div>On October 29, police filed a case with Ramna Police on charges of vandalism and attack on the Chief Justice\'s residence during the BNP rally on October 28.</div><div><br></div><div>Apart from Fakhrul, 59 BNP leaders and activists, including standing committee member Mirza Abbas, were accused in the case.</div><div><br></div><div>Fakhrul was arrested in the case on October 29 and has been in jail since then. - UNB</div><div><br></div><div>bnbd24/fas</div>', NULL, 'News Desk', '[\"30\"]', NULL, NULL, NULL, NULL, '2024-01-17 15:50:03', '2024-01-17 15:50:03'),
(10878, 10878, '<div><span style=\"font-size: 1rem;\"><b><font color=\"#085294\">Awami League General Secretary and Road Transport and Bridges Minister Obaidul Quader today said that the report of Transparency International Bangladesh (TIB) is “one-sided and anti-government.”&nbsp;</font></b></span><br></div><div><br></div><div>“They (TIB) are agents of BNP,” he said at a press briefing at the Awami League president’s office in Dhaka’s Dhanmondi this afternoon.</div><div><br></div><div>“TIB speaks in the tune of BNP. History says that they were always against Awami League. They speak for BNP. We could not find impartiality of their research,” said the AL leader.</div><div><br></div><div>“There are some organisations that talk about accidents. If a hundred die, they say five hundred died. TIB is like them. TIB and CPD said Padma Bridge is impossible. Filing a case doesn’t solve everything. Some are said for public perception. They will be dealt with politically,” he said.</div><div><br></div><div>TIB in its report on Wednesday said Bangladesh’s 12th parliamentary election was “not free and not inclusive.”</div><div><br></div><div>Quader acknowledged the existence of political tactics and conflicts within parties, asserting, “Conflicts are inherent in politics, and Awami League navigates through them under the leadership of Sheikh Hasina. The party remains united in addressing challenges wherever they arise.”</div><div><br></div><div>Addressing upcoming local government elections, Quader said, “Decisions regarding local government elections, including upazilas, and the use of party symbols will be finalized in the Awami League board meeting.”</div><div><br></div><div>When asked who would be the opposition party in the parliament, Quader responded, “Clarity on the opposition party will emerge once the session commences.”</div><div><br></div><div>Regarding commodity prices, Quader noted, “Sheikh Hasina has provided instructions on commodity prices. Ministries are formulating action plans based on the ground reality, including price control measures,” reports UNB</div><div><br></div><div>The press briefing was attended by AL Organizing Secretary BM Mozammel Haque, SM Kamal Hossain, Sujit Roy Nandi, among other leaders.</div><div><br></div><div>bnbd24/fas</div>', NULL, 'News Desk', '[\"30\"]', NULL, NULL, NULL, NULL, '2024-01-18 09:00:05', '2024-01-18 09:00:05'),
(10879, 10879, '<div><b><font color=\"#085294\"><span style=\"font-size: 1rem;\">Pakistan’s air force launched retaliatory airstrikes early Thursday on Iran. The strikes in Sistan and Baluchestan province follow Iran’s attack Tuesday on Pakistani soil that killed two children in the southwestern Baluchistan province.</span><br></font></b></div><div><br></div><div>The strikes imperil diplomatic relations between the two neighbors, as Iran and nuclear-armed Pakistan have long regarded each other with suspicion over militant attacks.</div><div><br></div><div>The attacks also raised the threat of violence spreading in a Middle East unsettled by Israel’s war with Hamas in the Gaza Strip. Iran also staged airstrikes late Monday in Iraq and Syria over an Islamic State-claimed suicide bombing that killed over 90 people earlier this month. Iraq has recalled its ambassador from Iran for consultations.</div><div><br></div><div>Pakistan’s Foreign Ministry described their attack as “a series of highly coordinated and specifically targeted precision military strikes.”</div><div><br></div><div>“This morning’s action was taken in light of credible intelligence of impending large scale terrorist activities,” the Foreign Ministry said in a statement. “This action is a manifestation of Pakistan’s unflinching resolve to protect and defend its national security against all threats.”</div><div><br></div><div>Several insurgent groups operate in Iran and Pakistan, including the Jaish al-Adl Sunni separatist group that was targeted by Tehran in its own strike. They all have a common goal of an independent Baluchistan for ethnic Baluch areas in Afghanistan, Iran and Pakistan.</div><div><br></div><div>Pakistan’s Baluchistan province, as well as Iran’s neighboring Sistan and Baluchestan province, have faced a low-level insurgency by Baluch nationalists for more than two decades.</div><div><br></div><div>Pakistan named its operation “Marg Bar Sarmachar.” In Iranian Farsi, “marg bar” means “death to” — and is a famous saying in Iran since its 1979 Islamic Revolution used to refer to both the United States and Israel. In the local Baluch language, “sarmachar” means guerrilla and is used by the militants operating in the cross-border region.</div><div><br></div><div>A deputy governor of Iran\'s Sistan and Baluchestan province, Ali Reza Marhamati, gave the casualty figures from Thursday\'s strike in a telephone interview, saying the dead included three women and four children near the town of Saravan along the border in Iran’s Sistan and Baluchestan province. He added that the dead were not Iranian citizens and acknowledged a separate blast near Saravan as well.</div><div><br></div><div>HalVash, an advocacy group for the Baluch people, shared images online that appeared to show the remains of the munitions used in the attack. It said a number of homes had been struck in Saravan. It shared videos showing a mud-walled building destroyed and smoke rising over the strike immediately after.</div><div><br></div><div>Thursday\'s development came a day after Pakistan recalled its ambassador to Tehran because of Tuesday\'s strikes by Iran inside Pakistan\'s southwestern Baluchistan province. Iran claimed it targeted bases for a militant Sunni separatist group. It drew strong condemnation from Pakistan, which denounced the attack as a “blatant violation” of its airspace and said it killed two children.</div><div><br></div><div>Iranian state television, quoting an anonymous official after the strike, said Tehran strongly condemned the attack and “demanded an immediate explanation” from Pakistan.</div><div><br></div><div>The risk of escalation remained Thursday as Iran’s military will begin a planned annual air defense drill from its port of Chabahar near Pakistan all across the south of the country to Iraq. The drill, Velayat 1402, will include live fire from aircraft, drones and air defense systems.</div><div><br></div><div>Iran and Pakistan share a 900-kilometer (560-mile), largely lawless border in which smugglers and militants freely pass between the two nations. The route is also key to global opium shipments coming out of Afghanistan.</div><div><br></div><div>For both Iran and Pakistan, the cross-border attacks renew questions about the preparedness of their own militaries, particularly their radar and air defense systems.</div><div><br></div><div>For Pakistan, such systems are crucial as tensions always remain at a low boil with India, their nuclear-armed rival. Their equipment has long been deployed along the frontier, rather than its border with Iran. For Iran, it relies on those systems against potential strikes by its main enemy, the U.S.</div><div><br></div><div>China, a crucial partner in both countries, had urged restraint. Beijing is a key regional player and has a major Belt and Road development in Gwadar port in Pakistan\'s Baluchistan province. According to UNB reports</div><div><br></div><div>bnbd24/fas</div>', NULL, 'International Desk', '[\"29\"]', NULL, NULL, NULL, NULL, '2024-01-18 09:09:24', '2024-01-18 09:09:24'),
(10880, 10880, '<div><span style=\"font-size: 1rem;\"><b>Foreign Minister Dr Hasan Mahmud today said informed quarters have questioned whether Transparency International Bangladesh (TIB) published its report on the January 7 election in an effort to “give weapon” to anti-election and anti-democratic forces.</b></span><br></div><div><br></div><div>“It seems that there is a similarity in terms of language between what BNP says and what TIB is saying. It is our expectation that TIB will not work as a supportive force for the anti-election and anti-democratic forces,” he told reporters at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.</div><div><br></div><div>The Foreign Minister hoped that TIB will not turn into “a spokesperson for a group” and uphold its reputation without deviating from its neutral position.</div><div><br></div><div>The Awami League joint general secretary said he received several phone calls with questions about the TIB report.</div><div><br></div><div>Though TIB was supposed to do research on issues, in most cases they do not do any research, Hasan Mahmud claimed.</div><div><br></div><div>The Foreign Minister said the election was held in a festive atmosphere and international observers from the US, European Union, Commonwealth, OIC and others described it as “free and fair.”</div><div><br></div><div>He said it seems TIB came up with its report with refined remarks made by BNP leaders.</div><div><br></div><div>Hasan Mahmud said the Election Commission demonstrated a strong role with strict imposition of laws including cancellation of AL candidates and other measures.</div><div><br></div><div>“There was no appreciation of EC efforts in the TIB report,” he said.</div><div><br></div><div>“The 12th parliamentary election was a one-sided one that was staged to appear competitive,” Transparency International Bangladesh (TIB) has said in its report, reports UNB</div><div><br></div><div>“It is an ominous sign regarding the future of democracy and democratic elections in Bangladesh,” said TIB Executive Director Dr Iftekharuzzaman at a press conference to share the findings of the anti-corruption watchdog’s study titled “The 12th Parliament Election Process Tracking.”</div><div><br></div><div>bnbd24/fas</div>', NULL, 'News Desk', '[\"30\"]', NULL, NULL, NULL, NULL, '2024-01-18 09:21:22', '2024-01-18 09:21:22'),
(10881, 10881, '<div><b><span style=\"font-size: 1rem;\">Bangladesh Meteorological Department (BMD) has forecasted a dynamic weather pattern for the coming 72 hours, starting at 9 am today (January 18, 2024), impacting various regions of the country including Dhaka.</span><br></b></div><div><br></div><div>According to a recent BMD bulletin, “Rain or thundershowers are expected in several areas, with Khulna and Barishal divisions likely to experience scattered showers. Isolated rain or thundershowers may occur in Rajshahi, Dhaka, and Chattogram divisions. Meanwhile, other regions can expect mainly dry conditions with temporary partly cloudy skies.”</div><div><br></div><div>The bulletin also warns of moderate to thick fog affecting many areas from midnight to morning. A mild cold wave is currently sweeping through the Rangpur division, as well as the districts of Kishoreganj and Noagaon, with potential to persist.</div><div><br></div><div>Dinajpur recorded the country’s lowest temperature today at 8 degrees Celsius.</div><div><br></div><div>Transport sectors, including air navigation, inland river transport, and road communication, face potential disruptions due to foggy conditions.</div><div><br></div><div>Temperatures are expected to fall slightly in the north-northeastern regions, while remaining relatively stable in other parts of Bangladesh, reports UNB.</div><div><br></div><div>Furthermore, the BMD anticipates “cold day conditions” in certain areas, highlighting the need for residents to prepare for a range of weather scenarios.&nbsp;</div><div><br></div><div>bnbd24/fas</div>', NULL, 'News Desk', '[\"30\"]', NULL, NULL, NULL, NULL, '2024-01-18 09:54:35', '2024-01-18 09:54:35'),
(10882, 10882, '<div><span style=\"font-size: 1rem;\"><b>The European Union (EU) wants to take the partnership and cooperation with Bangladesh to a new height, said its ambasador said on Thursday (January 18, 2024).</b></span><br></div><div><br></div><div>Ambassador Charles Whiteley made the remarks while paying a courtesy call on Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina at her official residence Ganabhaban.</div><div><br></div><div>He also congratulated Hasina on her re-election as the prime minister for fourth consecutive term and the fifth overall.</div><div><br></div><div>\"The existing facilities which Bangladesh is currently getting in various sectors including environment, good governance, renewable energy and transportation under the Global Gateway will be further enhanced in the days to come,\" PM\'s Deputy Press Secretary Md. Noorelahi Mina said quoted Whiteley.</div><div><br></div><div>The ambassador mentioned that the EU had already given Bangladesh 407 million Euro during the recent Global Gateway Forum summit at Brussels in Belgium.</div><div><br></div><div>The EU envoy promised to continue the facilities given to Bangladesh under EBA (Everything but Arms) facilities.</div><div><br></div><div>He also pledged to continue the GSP plus facilities to Bangladesh, said the deputy press secretary.</div><div><br></div><div>The EU ambssador also highly praised the inititives taken by Hasina\'s government for the development of those with disabilities and the marginalised people.</div><div><br></div><div>Bangladesh Premier has expressed her satisfaction over the existing relationship between her country and the European Union over the last 50 years.</div><div><br></div><div>\"This relationship between Bangladesh and European Union will be elevated to a new height,\" she said.</div><div><br></div><div>The prime minister thanked the EU for continuing support under the EBA and sought greater cooperation in different sectors including renewable energy under the Global Gateway programme.</div><div><br></div><div>Ambassador-at-large M Ziauddin and PM\'s Principal Secretary M Tofazzel Hossain Miah were present during the meeting. - UNB</div><div><br></div><div>bnbd24/fas</div>', NULL, 'News Desk', '[\"30\"]', NULL, NULL, NULL, NULL, '2024-01-18 10:11:13', '2024-01-18 10:11:13'),
(10883, 10883, '<div><span style=\"font-size: 1rem;\"><b>Ugandan opposition leader and former presidential candidate Bobi Wine said today that police had surrounded his residence and put him “under house arrest” ahead of a planned protest.</b></span><br></div><div><br></div><div>Opposition politicians had planned demonstrations today against the poor condition of roads in Uganda, which is hosting two global summits in the coming days.</div><div><br></div><div>Wine, a popstar-turned-politician, said police and soldiers had barred him from leaving his home in Magere, north of the capital Kampala.</div><div><br></div><div>“The cowardly military &amp; police have surrounded our home and put us under house arrest, but the protest is on,” the National Unity Platform (NUP) leader said on X.</div><div><br></div><div>“Fix our roads! Free Political Prisoners! Free Uganda!”</div><div><br></div><div>Wine, whose real name is Robert Kyagulanyi, challenged veteran President Yoweri Museveni in Uganda’s last election in 2021, calling for an end to his iron-fisted rule.</div><div><br></div><div>Former presidential candidate Kizza Besigye of the Forum for Democratic Change opposition party said today that he too was not allowed to leave his house.</div><div><br></div><div>“Barricaded at home by the COWARDS! No turning back; we deserve better. Please do what you can, wherever you’re, with whatever you have, to show the terrible roads affecting you today,” he posted on X.</div><div><br></div><div>A police spokesman confirmed the “security deployment” outside the two residences.</div><div><br></div><div>“We have taken some measures to stop them from instigating some people to hold unlawful assemblies and political demonstrations,” Patrick Onyango, spokesman for Kampala Metropolitan Police, told AFP.</div><div><br></div><div>“There is security deployment at Bobi Wine and Dr Besigye’s homes not to arrest but as a preventive measure in line with police mandate.”</div><div><br></div><div>Opposition parties have accused the government of detaining homeless people and razing thousands of roadside kiosks in a clean-up drive ahead of the Non-Aligned Movement and G77+China summits in Kampala. - AFP&nbsp;</div><div><br></div><div>bnbd24/fas</div>', NULL, 'International Desk', '[\"29\"]', NULL, NULL, NULL, NULL, '2024-01-18 10:25:18', '2024-01-18 10:25:18'),
(10884, 10884, '<div><span style=\"font-size: 1rem;\"><b>Pakistani airstrikes on Iran killed nine people in a border region in the Islamic Republic’s southeast today, state media reported, updating an earlier toll of seven dead.</b></span><br></div><div><br></div><div>“Two men were also killed in the missile attack this morning in one of the border villages of Saravan, bringing the death toll to nine,” the official IRNA news agency said quoting Alireza Marhamati, deputy provincial governor of Iran’s Sistan-Baluchistan province.</div><div><br></div><div>Marhamati had earlier said that three women and four children were killed in the strikes.</div><div><br></div><div>Pakistan said it had today launched “a series of highly coordinated and specifically targeted precision military strikes against terrorist hideouts” in Iran’s Sistan-Baluchistan province.</div><div><br></div><div>Iran’s interior minister Ahmad Vahidi said all the dead “were foreign nationals”, in a televised interview.</div><div><br></div><div>Iran’s Fars news agency said, without citing any sources, that those killed were “believed to be Pakistani nationals”.</div><div><br></div><div>Neither the minister nor Fars explained their presence there at the time.</div><div><br></div><div>Sistan-Baluchistan province is one of the few mainly Sunni Muslim provinces in Shiite-dominated Iran.</div><div><br></div><div>It has seen persistent unrest involving cross-border drug-smuggling gangs and rebels from the Baluchi ethnic minority as well as jihadists.</div><div><br></div><div>Iran condemned the strikes and summoned Pakistan’s charge d’affaires “to protest and request an explanation from the Pakistani government,” according to a statement by foreign ministry spokesman Nasser Kanani.</div><div><br></div><div>The attack took place two days after Iran carried out strikes against “terrorist” targets in Pakistan which left at least two children dead.</div><div><br></div><div>Yesterday, Pakistan had denounced the strikes near the countries’ shared border, recalled its ambassador from Iran, and blocked Tehran’s envoy from returning to Islamabad.</div><div><br></div><div>On Jan 10, the Jaish al-Adl (Army of Justice) jihadist group claimed an attack on a police station in the southeastern city of Rask which killed one officer. The group had carried out a similar attack in December, killing 11 police officers.</div><div><br></div><div>Formed in 2012, Jaish al-Adl is blacklisted by Iran as a terrorist group and has carried out several attacks on Iranian soil in recent years.</div><div><br></div><div>The group said yesterday that it had killed a member of Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps in Sistan-Baluchistan, IRNA news agency reported. - AFP</div><div><br></div><div>bnbd24/fas</div>', NULL, 'International Desk', '[\"29\"]', NULL, NULL, NULL, NULL, '2024-01-18 11:00:36', '2024-01-18 11:00:36'),
(10885, 10885, '<div><span style=\"font-size: 1rem;\"><b><font color=\"#085294\">A Japanese court today sentenced to death a man who was a minor at the time of his crime three years ago, in the first capital punishment case since the country lowered the legal age of adulthood, public broadcaster NHK and other media said.</font></b></span><br></div><div><br></div><div>Yuki Endo was 19 years old in 2021 when he stabbed the parents of a love interest and set fire to their home in Yamanashi prefecture, west of Tokyo, according to the reports.</div><div><br></div><div>It was the first death sentence to be given since Japan lowered the legal age of adulthood to 18 from 20 in April 2022, the reports said.</div><div><br></div><div>Japan and the US are the only Group of Seven nations that carry out capital punishment by methods including hanging in Japan and lethal injection in the US.</div><div><br></div><div>Unlike in the US, where execution dates are set in advance and made public, inmates in Japan are notified on the morning of their execution. The United Nations Committee against Torture has criticised Japan for “the psychological strain” on inmates and their families. - Reuters </div><div><br></div><div>bnbd24/fas</div>', NULL, 'International Desk', '[\"29\"]', NULL, NULL, NULL, NULL, '2024-01-18 11:32:40', '2024-01-18 11:32:58'),
(10886, 10886, '<div><span style=\"font-size: 1rem;\"><b>The number of North Korean defectors making it to the South tripled last year to 196 after a run of pandemic-linked lows, Seoul said today, with more elite diplomats and students seeking to escape.</b></span><br></div><div><br></div><div>Tens of thousands of North Koreans have fled to South Korea since the peninsula was divided by war in the 1950s, with most going overland to neighbouring China first, then entering a third country such as Thailand before finally making it to the South.</div><div><br></div><div>The number of successful escapes dropped significantly from 2020 after the North sealed its borders – purportedly with shoot-on-sight orders along the land frontier with China – to prevent the spread of Covid-19.</div><div><br></div><div>In 2021, only 63 people made it to the South, a more than 90% decrease from 2019, when 1,047 defectors arrived. Just 67 people arrived in 2022.</div><div><br></div><div>Last year, 196 defectors made it to South Korea, the country’s unification ministry said in a statement, a figure that remains well below the pre-pandemic average.</div><div><br></div><div>Women accounted for more than 80% of people who escaped the repressive nuclear-armed regime last year, and most defectors travelled via a third country, the ministry said.</div><div><br></div><div>There was also an upward trend in the defections of North Korean elites such as diplomats and students studying abroad, according to the ministry.</div><div><br></div><div>“We have confirmed last year’s defections by the elite class were the highest in recent years,” it said.</div><div><br></div><div>Around 10 people from North Korea’s elite class fled to the South last year, the most since 2017, according to the Yonhap news agency.</div><div><br></div><div>Defecting by sea directly to the South is extremely rare and seen as far more dangerous than land routes, with only a handful of people making it across the de facto maritime border, the Northern Limit line.</div><div><br></div><div>In 2023, 13 defectors fled to the South by sea, the unification ministry said, noting it was indicative of “worsening situations in North Korea”.</div><div><br></div><div>All escapees who crossed the maritime border cited food shortages as driving their decision to flee, it said.</div><div><br></div><div>Pyongyang uses harsh words such as “human scum” when describing their citizens who have escaped. - AFP&nbsp;</div><div><br></div><div>bnbd24/fas</div>', NULL, 'International Desk', '[\"29\"]', NULL, NULL, NULL, NULL, '2024-01-18 11:42:34', '2024-01-18 11:42:34'),
(10887, 10887, '<div><span style=\"font-size: 1rem;\"><b>Russia launched 33 drones and two missiles at Ukraine overnight, with air defences destroying 22 drones, the Ukrainian military said on Thursday.</b></span><br></div><div><br></div><div>“The main areas of attack were the south and north. The Ukrainian Air Force and Defence Forces destroyed 22 enemy drones. Several more drones did not reach their targets,” Ukraine’s Air Forces said on the Telegram messaging app.</div><div><br></div><div>Reuters could not independently verify the Ukrainian air force’s report. There was no immediate comment from Russia.</div><div><br></div><div>Ukrainian civilian and military authorities have not yet reported if the attack caused any casualties or damage. - Reuters&nbsp;</div><div><br></div><div>bnbd24/fas</div>', NULL, 'International Desk', '[\"29\"]', NULL, NULL, NULL, NULL, '2024-01-18 11:49:26', '2024-01-18 11:49:26'),
(10888, 10888, '<div><span style=\"font-size: 1rem;\"><b>The Indian navy said today that it had rescued the crew of a US-owned vessel in the Gulf of Aden after an attack by Yemen’s Houthi movement as tensions in the region’s sea lanes disrupted global trade.</b></span><br></div><div><br></div><div>Following the attack on the US Genco Picardy late yesterday, the US military said its forces had conducted strikes on 14 Houthi missiles that “presented an imminent threat to merchant vessels and US navy ships in the region”.</div><div><br></div><div>Attacks by the Iran-allied Houthi militia on ships in and around the Red Sea since November have slowed trade between Asia and Europe and alarmed major powers in an escalation of the war between Israel and Palestinian Hamas fighters in Gaza.</div><div><br></div><div>The Houthis say they are acting in solidarity with Palestinians and have threatened to target US ships in response to American and British strikes on the group’s positions.</div><div><br></div><div>India said it diverted a warship deployed in the region to rescue the 22 crew on board the Genco Picardy, including nine Indians. The crew were all safe and a fire on board the vessel had been extinguished.</div><div><br></div><div>The Houthi movement said its missiles had made a “direct hit” on the bulk carrier.</div><div><br></div><div>Shipping operator Genco confirmed the attack and said its vessel was hit by a projectile while it was transiting through the Gulf of Aden with a cargo of phosphate rock. - Reuters&nbsp;</div><div><br></div><div>bnbd24/fas</div>', NULL, 'International Desk', '[\"29\"]', NULL, NULL, NULL, NULL, '2024-01-18 12:59:22', '2024-01-18 12:59:22'),
(10889, 10889, '<div><span style=\"font-size: 1rem;\"><b>Indonesia’s defence minister Prabowo Subianto sent off the hospital aid ship KRI dr Radjiman Wedyodiningrat-992 from the Indonesian navy’s Command of Military Sea Traffic in Jakarta today to bring aid for Gazans, reported Antara news agency.</b></span><br></div><div><br></div><div>The ship brings aid, such as food, clothing, mineral water, and medicines, from Jakarta to El Arish, a city in Egypt that borders Rafah in Gaza.</div><div><br></div><div>“This is our proof of support to Palestinians in their struggle to defend themselves and achieve their independence. We continue to help with what we can do for them,” the minister remarked during the send-off ceremony accompanied by Indonesia’s navy chief of staff Admiral Muhammad Ali.</div><div><br></div><div>During the event, Subianto directly checked the readiness of the ship and personnel. He also spoke with Egypt 2024’s task force commander, Commodore Bimo Aji, who led the humanitarian mission to Palestine.</div><div><br></div><div>The minister admitted that the humanitarian mission was not an easy operation, as the Indonesian navy soldiers would be sailing through quite dangerous waters.</div><div><br></div><div>“This task is quite dangerous because they will pass through war areas, namely around the Gulf of Aden and the Red Sea, which is currently raging in open war,” he remarked.</div><div><br></div><div>He then expressed gratitude to Admiral Ali and other humanitarian agencies that helped this humanitarian operation.</div><div><br></div><div>“In the future, we will also continue our assistance to Palestine. We have planned to send planes to transport aid, ships, and provide continuous assistance. They really need it,” Subianto emphasised.</div><div><br></div><div>The KRI dr Radjiman has been docking in Jakarta since Nov 30, 2023, in preparation for sending aid to El Arish, Egypt, for the Palestinian people in Gaza. The hospital aid ship was initially planned not only to deliver aid but also to carry out health services on board and provide care to refugees from Gaza.</div><div><br></div><div>However, the permission given by the Egyptian government, so far, has only allowed the ship to deliver aid and make a friendly visit to El Arish, Egypt.</div><div><br></div><div>The ship, with 214 crew onboard, is scheduled to sail for 52 days from Jakarta via Batam to El Arish, Egypt, and return to Indonesia. The ship is also scheduled for a port visit in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. Of the 214 crew, 40 are members of the Indonesian navy’s special forces.</div><div><br></div><div>Assistance brought by the ship comprises 532 sacks of Pampers, 600 sacks of children’s clothing, 700 sacks and 500 boxes of adult clothing, 800 cartons of milk, 650 boxes of biscuits, 1,254 gallons and 1,700 boxes of mineral water, 460 boxes of medicines, 450 sacks of blankets, 450 sacks of jackets, and 470 boxes of instant noodles. - Bernama&nbsp;</div><div><br></div><div>bnbd24/fas</div>', NULL, 'International Desk', '[\"29\"]', NULL, NULL, NULL, NULL, '2024-01-18 13:14:56', '2024-01-18 13:14:56'),
(10890, 10890, '<div><span style=\"font-size: 1rem;\"><b>Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said that a probe had been launched into the case involving the surveillance of journalists, terming pressure against media personnel unacceptable.</b></span><br></div><div><br></div><div>Zelenskyy\'s remarks during an evening video address on Wednesday came after the Security Service of Ukraine (SBU) said it was investigating the circumstances regarding illegal wiretapping and video recording of employees of a local news outlet, indicating that criminal proceedings have been initiated.</div><div><br></div><div>The SBU believes “independent and professional” mass media’s transparent and unimpeded work is “an important condition for the development of Ukraine as a democratic state,” it added.</div><div><br></div><div>The Bihus.Info news outlet earlier said its employees were under surveillance for months after a video appeared online showing some of its staff members using drugs during a New Year\'s party.</div><div><br></div><div>Speaking about strategic discussions held during a meeting with the military leadership earlier in the day, Zelenskyy said \"Ukraine needs an ambitious, active perspective\" and the country should retain the initiative, adding: \"We want the end of the war to depend on Ukrainian actions and not the enemy\'s.”</div><div><br></div><div>Russia launched a \"special military operation\" in Ukraine nearly two years ago to \"demilitarize\" and \"denazify\" the former Soviet republic. The West, however, terms it aggression and has supported Kyiv through humanitarian, economic and military means.</div><div><br></div><div>That support, however, is said to be waning amid Kyiv\'s allegedly failed counteroffensive, changing Western political dynamics and a global focus on the Israeli-Hamas war. But Ukraine says it sees no sign of war fatigue among the allies. - Anadolu Agency&nbsp;</div><div><br></div><div>bnbd24/fas</div>', NULL, 'International Desk', '[\"29\"]', NULL, NULL, NULL, NULL, '2024-01-18 13:23:27', '2024-01-18 13:23:27');
INSERT INTO `news_details` (`id`, `news_id`, `details`, `ticker`, `representative`, `keyword`, `video_link`, `google_drive_link`, `audio_link`, `shoulder`, `created_at`, `updated_at`) VALUES
(10892, 10892, '<div><span style=\"font-size: 1rem;\"><b>Videos of world-renowned actors reading aloud the accusations against Israel regarding the alleged \"genocide\" in Gaza, during the initial hearing of the case filed by South Africa at the International Court of Justice (ICJ), have garnered thousands of views on social media platforms.</b></span><br></div><div><br></div><div>Actors of the TV series \"Crown,\" Khalid Abdalla and Tobias Menzies, and the actors of the TV series \"Game of Thrones,\" Charles Dance, Carice van Houten and Lena Headey were among the 29 actors featured in videos published on YouTube channel \"The Palestine Festival of Literature.\"</div><div><br></div><div>The videos were also watched hundreds of thousands of times on X.</div><div><br></div><div>In addition, Israeli-born actor Adam Bakri and Jewish actor Wallace Shawn, as well as actress Cynthia Nixon, who participated in the hunger strike demanding a cease-fire in Gaza in front of the White House, were among those who appeared in front of the camera and read out the accusations.</div><div><br></div><div>Israel is currently facing a \"genocide\" case brought to the UN court by South Africa due to its attacks in Gaza - which are repeatedly described as a breach to international laws by the UN. Tel Aviv, however, denies accusations of genocide by claiming that it is only trying to protect its own people.</div><div><br></div><div>Israel has launched a relentless military assault on Gaza after a cross-border attack by Hamas on Oct. 7, which Tel Aviv says killed around 1,200 people.</div><div><br></div><div>During Israel’s military campaign, at least 24,448 Palestinians have been killed and 61,504 others injured, according to Palestinian authorities. The majority of the victims were children and women.</div><div><br></div><div>According to the UN, 85% of the population of Gaza is already internally displaced amid acute shortages of food, clean water and medicine. - Anadolu Agency</div><div><br></div><div>bnbd24/fas</div>', NULL, 'Entertainment', '[\"13\"]', NULL, NULL, NULL, NULL, '2024-01-18 13:58:03', '2024-01-18 13:58:03'),
(10893, 10893, '<div><span style=\"font-size: 1rem;\"><b>BNP will celebrate the 88th birth anniversary of its founder Ziaur Rahman on Friday with due respect.</b></span><br></div><div><br></div><div>Born on January 19, 1936 at Bagbari in Bogura, Ziaur Rahman, founded BNP in 1978 and became the country’s seventh president.</div><div><br></div><div>Zia was assassinated by a group of army officers at Chattogram Circuit House on May 30, 1981.</div><div><br></div><div>BNP on Wednesday announced a two-day programme to mark the birth anniversary of its founder.</div><div><br></div><div>As part of the programmes, the party flags will be hoisted atop its offices, including Nayapaltan headquarters, on Friday morning.</div><div><br></div><div>Besides, the party leaders and activists, led by its standing committee members, will place wreaths at Zia\'s grave at Sher-e-Bangla Nagar at 11am on Friday.</div><div><br></div><div>Meanwhile, BNP arranged a discussion at the Institution of Engineers, Bangladesh on Thursday afternoon in memory of Zia.</div><div><br></div><div>BNP’s associate bodies will also mark the day with various programmes, including discussions and warm clothes distribution, as part of the birth anniversary programmes.</div><div><br></div><div>The party’s city, district and upazila units will also observe the day with different programmes.</div><div><br></div><div>Meanwhile, BNP senior joint secretary general Ruhul Kabir Rizvi issued a message on the occasion paying deep homage to Zia, according to UNB reports.</div><div><br></div><div>He recalled the BNP founder’s contributions to the country’s development and restoration of ‘multiparty democracy’.</div><div><br></div><div>The BNP leader also prayed for the eternal peace of the departed soul of Zia.</div><div><br></div><div>bnbd24/fas</div>', NULL, 'News Desk', '[\"30\"]', NULL, NULL, NULL, NULL, '2024-01-18 14:02:29', '2024-01-18 14:02:29'),
(10894, 10894, '<div><span style=\"font-size: 1rem;\"><b>Finance Minister Abul Hassan Mahmood Ali on Thursday said that the World Bank is ready to continue its help Bangladesh.</b></span><br></div><div><br></div><div>He was talking to reporters after a meeting with World Bank Country Director Abdoulaye Seck in his office at the Secretariat.</div><div><br></div><div>The finance minister said, “The president of the World Bank visited to the Rohingya camp. I took him there. The Rohingyas have not yet left, which is why there is that relationship. The World Bank works for Bangladesh. They want to help Bangladesh.”</div><div><br></div><div>Reply to a query about the fact that the World Bank wants reforms in the economy of Bangladesh, Ali said that they want reforms which are definitely needed.</div><div><br></div><div>However, he did not comment when asked where assistance was needed.</div><div><br></div><div>The finance minister said, “Let\'s see. Let\'s start working. We have a great relationship. They will continue to do so,” reports UNB.</div><div><br></div><div>Earlier, Abdoulaye Seck said that since the independence of Bangladesh, the World Bank provided USD $52 billion.</div><div><br></div><div>Another $16 billion in aid has been pledged. This assistance will be provided in various fields including education, health, energy and technology.&nbsp;</div><div><br></div><div>bnbd24/fas</div>', NULL, 'News Desk', '[\"30\"]', NULL, NULL, NULL, NULL, '2024-01-18 14:46:00', '2024-01-18 14:46:00'),
(10895, 10895, '<div><b><br></b></div><div><span style=\"font-size: 1rem;\"><b><font color=\"#397b21\">Bangladesh has called for greater unity and solidarity among the Non-Aligned Movement (NAM) member-states to ensure shared global prosperity.</font></b></span><br></div><div><br></div><div>While speaking at the ministerial meeting of the NAM in Kampala, Uganda, Foreign Secretary Masud Bin Momen referred to the statement of the Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman at the NAM Summit in Algiers in 1973 where Bangabandhu emphasised the principles of self-reliance and effective economic cooperation among the non-aligned countries which is still relevant after 50 years.</div><div><br></div><div>The two-day ministerial meeting on NAM ended on January 18 after finalizing the outcome document, Kampala Declaration and declaration on Palestine which are expected to be adopted in the 19th NAM Summit scheduled to be held on January 19-20.</div><div><br></div><div>Foreign Minister Dr Hasan Mahmud will lead the Bangladesh delegation in the 19th NAM Summit, said the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.</div><div><br></div><div>The Foreign Secretary also highlighted the progresses achieved under the leadership of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and mentioned that the people of Bangladesh re-elected her through a \"free, fair, peaceful and participatory\" election, to continue her march towards development and prosperity.</div><div><br></div><div>He also called for establishing effective mechanisms inside the NAM to help the NAM countries from LDC graduation and also to deal with the aftermath of the graduation.</div><div><br></div><div>The Foreign Secretary also attended the meeting of the NAM Ministerial Committee on Palestine and reiterated Bangladesh’s unequivocal support for the legitimate right and just struggle of the Palestinian people for their freedom from Israeli occupation and oppression, reports UNB.</div><div><br></div><div>He also urged the members of the Movement to use all tools available to secure an immediate ceasefire in Gaza.</div><div><br></div><div>bnbd24/fas</div>', NULL, 'News Desk', '[\"30\"]', NULL, NULL, NULL, NULL, '2024-01-18 15:31:56', '2024-01-18 15:31:56'),
(10896, 10896, '<div><span style=\"font-size: 1rem;\"><b>President Joe Biden and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu finally spoke Friday after a glaring, nearly four-week gap in direct communication during which fundamental differences have come into focus over a possible pathway to Palestinian statehood once the fighting in Gaza ends.</b></span><br></div><div><br></div><div>Biden and his top aides have all but smothered Netanyahu with robust support, even in the face of global condemnation over the mounting civilian death toll and humanitarian suffering in Gaza as the Israelis have carried out military operations in the aftermath of the Oct. 7 attack on Israel.</div><div><br></div><div>But the leaders\' relationship has increasingly shown signs of strain as Netanyahu has repeatedly rebuffed Biden\'s calls for Palestinian sovereignty, gumming up what the U.S. president believes is the key to unlocking a durable peace in the Middle East — the oft-cited, elusive two-state solution.</div><div><br></div><div>Neither side shows signs of budging.</div><div><br></div><div>Friday\'s phone call came one day after Netanyahu said that he has told U.S. officials in plain terms that he will not support a Palestinian state as part of any postwar plan. Biden, for his part, in Friday\'s call reaffirmed his commitment to work toward helping the Palestinians move toward statehood.</div><div><br></div><div>“As we’re talking about post-conflict Gaza ... you can’t do that without also talking about the aspirations of the Palestinian people and what that needs to look like for them,” said National Security Council spokesman John Kirby.</div><div><br></div><div>The leaders spoke frequently in the first weeks of the war. But the regular cadence of calls between Biden and Netanyahu, who have had a hot-and-cold relationship for over three decades, has slowed considerably. Their 30- to 40-minute call Friday was their first conversation since Dec. 23.</div><div><br></div><div>Both sides are hemmed in by domestic political considerations.</div><div><br></div><div>The chasm between Biden, a center-left Democrat, and Netanyahu, who leads the most conservative government in Israel’s history, has expanded as pressure mounts on the United States to use its considerable leverage to press Israel to wind down a war that has already killed nearly 25,000 Palestinians.</div><div><br></div><div>There is also growing impatience with Netanyahu in Israel over the lack of progress in freeing dozens of hostages still held by Islamic militants in Gaza.</div><div><br></div><div>“There is certainly a reason to be concerned,” says Eytan Gilboa, an expert on U.S.-Israeli relations at Israel’s Bar-Ilan University, “The more and more we see political considerations dominating the relationship between Biden and Netanyahu, which is likely to continue because of the upcoming presidential election and the weakness of both leaders, the more we will see them pulling apart.”</div><div><br></div><div>In their most recent calls, Biden’s frustration with Netanyahu has grown more evident, even though the U.S. leader has been careful to reaffirm his support for Israel at each step, according to U.S. officials who requested anonymity to discuss the leaders\' private interactions.</div><div><br></div><div>Yet, Biden, at least publicly, has not given up on the idea of winning over Netanyahu. Asked by a reporter on Friday if a two-state solution is impossible while Netanyahu is in office, Biden replied, “No, it\'s not.”</div><div><br></div><div>Aides insist Biden understands the political box Netanyahu finds himself in with his hard-right coalition and as he deals with ongoing corruption charges that have left the prime minister fighting for his freedom, not just his political future.</div><div><br></div><div>Biden, meanwhile, faces American voters in November, in a likely rematch with former President Donald Trump. Netanyahu and Trump forged a close relationship during the Republican’s term in office. Biden faces criticism from some on his left who believe he hasn\'t pushed the Israelis hard enough to demonstrate restraint as it carries out military operations.</div><div><br></div><div>Key Democratic lawmakers, including Massachusetts Sen. Elizabeth Warren and Connecticut Sen. Chris Murphy, this week warned that Netanyahu\'s position on statehood could complicate negotiations in the Senate on a spending package that includes military aid for Israel.</div><div><br></div><div>Expect Netanyahu to “use every trick that he has to keep his coalition together and avoid elections and play out the clock,” said Michael Koplow, chief policy officer at the Israel Policy Forum. ”And I’m sure that part of it is a conviction that if he waits until November, he may end up with Donald Trump back in the Oval Office.”</div><div><br></div><div>In recent weeks, some of the more difficult conversations have been left to Ron Dermer, a top aide to Netanyahu and former Israeli ambassador to the U.S., and Biden\'s national security adviser, Jake Sullivan. The two top aides talk almost daily — sometimes multiple times during a day, according to a U.S. official and an Israeli official, who were not authorized to comment publicly and spoke on the condition of anonymity.</div><div><br></div><div>Other senior Biden administration officials including Secretary of State Antony Blinken and Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin, as well as senior advisers Brett McGurk and Amos Hochstein, have been at the forefront of the administration\'s push to engage the Israelis and other Middle East allies as the Biden-Netanyahu dialogue has become less constructive.</div><div><br></div><div>Netanyahu, who has opposed calls for a two-state solution throughout his political career, told reporters this week that he flatly told U.S. officials he remains opposed to any postwar plan that includes establishment of a Palestinian state.</div><div><br></div><div>The prime minister\'s latest rejection of Biden\'s push in that direction came after Blinken this week said at the World Economic Forum in Davos that Israel and its Middle East neighbors had “a profound opportunity” to solve the generational Israel-Palestinian conflict. Asked if he thought Netanyahu was up to making the most of the moment, Blinken demurred.</div><div><br></div><div>“Look, these are decisions for Israelis to make,” Blinken said. “This is a profound decision for the country as a whole to make: What direction does it want to take? Does it see — can it seize — the opportunity that we believe is there?”</div><div><br></div><div>The Biden-Netanyahu relationship has seen no shortage of peaks and valleys over the years. As vice president, Biden privately criticized Netanyahu after the the Israeli leader embarrassed President Barack Obama by approving the construction of 1,600 new apartments in disputed East Jerusalem in the middle of Biden’s 2010 visit to Israel.</div><div><br></div><div>Netanyahu publicly resisted, before eventually relenting to, Biden\'s calls on the Israelis to wind down a May 2021 military operation in Gaza. And in late 2019, during a question and answer session with voters on the campaign trail, Biden called Netanyahu an “extreme right” leader.</div><div><br></div><div>The path to a two-state solution — one in which Israel would co-exist with an independent Palestinian state — has eluded U.S. presidents and Middle East diplomats for decades.</div><div><br></div><div>But as the war grinds on, Biden and his team have pressed the notion that there is a new dynamic in the Middle East in which Israel’s Arab and Muslim neighbors stand ready to integrate Israel into the region once the war ends, but only if Israel commits to a pathway to a Palestinian state.</div><div><br></div><div>Biden has proposed that a “revitalized” Palestinian Authority, which is based in the West Bank, could run Gaza once combat ends. Netanyahu has roundly rejected the idea of putting the Palestinian Authority, which is beset by corruption, in charge of the territory.</div><div><br></div><div>Netanyahu argues that a Palestinian state would become a launchpad for attacks on Israel. So Israel “must have security control over the entire territory west of the Jordan River,” Netanyahu said. “That collides with the idea of sovereignty. What can we do?”</div><div><br></div><div>White House officials have sought to play down Netanyahu\'s public rejection of Biden\'s call for a two-state solution, noting that the prime minister\'s rhetoric is not new.</div><div><br></div><div>They hold out hope Israel could eventually come around to accepting a Palestinian state that comes with strong security guarantees for Israel, reports AP&nbsp;</div><div><br></div><div>\"I don’t think Biden has any illusions about Netanyahu,” said Daniel Kurtzer, who served as U.S. ambassador to Egypt during the Bill Clinton administration and to Israel under George W. Bush. “But I don’t think he’s ready to slam the door on him. And that’s because he gets the intersection between the policy and the politics.”&nbsp;</div><div><br></div><div>bnbd24/fas</div>', NULL, 'International Desk', '[\"29\"]', NULL, NULL, NULL, NULL, '2024-01-20 08:43:26', '2024-01-20 08:43:26'),
(10897, 10897, '<div><span style=\"font-size: 1rem;\"><b>The government is considering an effective framework to hold those spreading disinformation and rumours accountable.</b></span><br></div><div><br></div><div>\"A framework on how to hold those who spread disinformation and rumors accountable is under consideration,\" State Minister for Information and Broadcasting, Mohammad A Arafat, said on Saturday.</div><div><br></div><div>In preventing propaganda, he said, the government is ensuring that freedom of expression and media is not hindered.</div><div><br></div><div>The information state minister made the announcement on X (formerly known as Twitter). According to UNB reports&nbsp;</div><div><br></div><div>bnbd24/fas</div><div><br></div>', NULL, 'News Desk', '[\"30\"]', NULL, NULL, NULL, NULL, '2024-01-20 09:16:19', '2024-01-20 09:16:19'),
(10898, 10898, '<div><b><span style=\"font-size: 1rem;\">Road Transport and Bridges Minister Obaidul Quader has said a survey is underway for extension of Dhaka Metro Rail from Uttara to Tongi.</span><br></b></div><div><br></div><div>He said this after inaugurating the Bangabandhu Corner at the DMTCL Building in Uttara’s Diabari.</div><div><br></div><div>The minister said the construction work of metro rail’s Motijheel to Kamalapur part will be completed by June next year.&nbsp;</div><div><br></div><div>A decision will be taken after discussion on extending service hours of metro rail on different days including Ijtema and Boi Mela, he said.</div><div><br></div><div>“From today, metro rail started operating from Uttara North to Motijheel from 7:10 am every day except Friday and the last train from Motijheel will leave for Uttara North at 8:40 pm,” he said.</div><div><br></div><div>The headway during peak hours will be 10 minutes and during off-peak hours it will be 12 minutes, reports UNB.</div><div><br></div><div>“This afternoon, I will travel from Uttara North to Motijheel by metro rail. I also urge you to travel regularly on time-saving and environment-friendly metro rail,” the minister said.</div><div><br></div><div>“Maximum facilities for passengers will be ensured in metro rail. Six lines of the metro rail will be operational by 2030,” said the minister.</div><div><br></div><div>“The greatest Bangalee of all time, the great architect of our independence, Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, dreamt of building a Sonar Bangla. His daughter Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina\'s government is working relentlessly to materialize that dream,” Quader said.</div><div><br></div><div>bnbd24/fas</div>', NULL, 'News Desk', '[\"30\"]', NULL, NULL, NULL, NULL, '2024-01-20 09:34:50', '2024-01-20 09:34:50'),
(10899, 10899, '<div><span style=\"font-size: 1rem;\"><b>Foreign Minister Dr Hasan Mahmud has called for peaceful settlement of disputes and promotion of culture of peace globally.</b></span><br></div><div><br></div><div>He made the call while speaking at the 19th NAM Summit in Kampala, Uganda, on Saturday.</div><div><br></div><div>The Foreign Minister is leading the Bangladesh delegation in the 19th NAM Summit.</div><div><br></div><div>He referred to the statement of the Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman at the NAM Summit in Algiers in 1973.</div><div><br></div><div>The Foreign Minister highlighted that Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina is carrying forward Bangabandhu’s legacy of peace, development, and human rights with courage and determination.&nbsp;</div><div><br></div><div>Mahmud reiterated Bangladesh’s unwavering support to the oppressed people of Palestine and demanded justice for them.</div><div><br></div><div>He urged the world community to stand with Palestinians and use all tools available to support their cause.</div><div><br></div><div>The Foreign Minister also urged all concerned to redouble efforts to ensure a sustainable solution to the Rohingya issue.</div><div><br></div><div>He underscored the need for a constructive and non-confrontational dialogue approach to promote peaceful, just, and inclusive societies.&nbsp;</div><div><br></div><div>The two-day Summit, inaugurated on Friday by Uganda President Yoweri Museveni as new Chair of the Movement, is expected to adopt the outcome document, Kampala Declaration and a declaration on Palestine.</div><div><br></div><div>On the sidelines of the NAM Summit, Foreign Minister Hasan Mahmud held a meeting with Myanmar Foreign Minister Than Swe.</div><div><br></div><div>They discussed Rohingya repatriation and other issues of importance between the two countries. According to UNB reports&nbsp;</div><div><br></div><div>bnbd24/fas</div>', NULL, 'News Desk', '[\"30\"]', NULL, NULL, NULL, NULL, '2024-01-20 13:00:20', '2024-01-20 13:00:20'),
(10900, 10900, '<div><span style=\"font-size: 1rem;\">Commonwealth Secretary General Patricia Scotland congratulated Sheikh Hasina on her re-election as Prime Minister of Bangladesh.&nbsp;</span><br></div><div><br></div><div>In a congratulatory letter sent to the Prime Minister, Patricia said that she was encouraged by the vision that Sheikh Hasina outlined after assuming office, which emphasised the principles of transparency and accountability and she also recalled the exhortation of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, of ‘friendship to all, malice towards none’.&nbsp;</div><div><br></div><div>“The Secretariat stands ready to support you as Prime Minister of Bangladesh, in continuing your important work on these values,” she said.&nbsp;</div><div><br></div><div>“These values are mirrored in our Commonwealth Charter, which call for tolerance, respect and understanding and delivering the many facets of sustainable development,” she said.</div><div><br></div><div>The Commonwealth Secretary General mentioned that she was pleased to have deployed a Commonwealth Expert Team of independent observers for the recent elections, led by the former Prime Minister of Jamaica,</div><div><br></div><div>Bruce Golding.&nbsp;</div><div><br></div><div>“I look forward to receiving the Team’s report with its findings and recommendations, and to an opportunity to discuss these with you,” she added.</div><div><br></div><div>Patricia said that Bangladesh is a treasured member of the Commonwealth family.&nbsp;</div><div><br></div><div>“Our diverse nations are bound by the shared values that are reflected in our Charter, including those of peace, democracy, and sustainable development,” she said.</div><div><br></div><div>In this connection, she mentioned that Bangladesh’s active engagement and leadership in the Commonwealth is greatly appreciated by its members, including on issues of oceans stewardship and climate change, digital innovation, trade and investment, youth, gender equality, and mental health.&nbsp;</div><div><br></div><div>“We look forward to continuing and building on this collaboration, to support Bangladesh</div><div><br></div><div>in achieving its full range of priorities during your fifth term in office.”</div><div><br></div><div>She also said that she is conscious of the historical journey of Bangladesh for freedom, democracy and development.&nbsp;</div><div><br></div><div>“I also look forward to welcoming you back to Marlborough House in London, and</div><div><br></div><div>looking ahead, to meeting you at the next Commonwealth Heads of Government</div><div><br></div><div>Meeting (CHOGM), which will take place in Samoa in the week of 21 October 2024.” - UNB</div><div><br></div><div>bnbd24/fas</div>', NULL, 'News Desk', '[\"30\"]', NULL, NULL, NULL, NULL, '2024-01-20 13:05:34', '2024-01-20 13:05:34'),
(10901, 10901, '<div><b><span style=\"font-size: 1rem;\">Road Transport and Bridges Minister Obaidul Quader has said a survey is underway for extension of Dhaka Metro Rail from Uttara to Tongi.</span><br></b></div><div><br></div><div>He said this after inaugurating the Bangabandhu Corner at the DMTCL Building in Uttara’s Diabari.</div><div><br></div><div>The minister said the construction work of metro rail’s Motijheel to Kamalapur part will be completed by June next year.&nbsp;</div><div><br></div><div>A decision will be taken after discussion on extending service hours of metro rail on different days including Ijtema and Boi Mela, he said.</div><div><br></div><div>“From today, metro rail started operating from Uttara North to Motijheel from 7:10 am every day except Friday and the last train from Motijheel will leave for Uttara North at 8:40 pm,” he said.</div><div><br></div><div>The headway during peak hours will be 10 minutes and during off-peak hours it will be 12 minutes.&nbsp;</div><div><br></div><div>“This afternoon, I will travel from Uttara North to Motijheel by metro rail. I also urge you to travel regularly on time-saving and environment-friendly metro rail,” the minister said, reports UNB</div><div><br></div><div>“Maximum facilities for passengers will be ensured in metro rail. Six lines of the metro rail will be operational by 2030,” said the minister.</div><div><br></div><div>“The greatest Bangalee of all time, the great architect of our independence, Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, dreamt of building a Sonar Bangla. His daughter Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina\'s government is working relentlessly to materialize that dream,” Quader said.</div><div><br></div><div>bnbd24/fas</div>', NULL, 'News Desk', '[\"30\"]', NULL, NULL, NULL, NULL, '2024-01-20 13:45:10', '2024-01-20 13:45:10'),
(10902, 10902, '<div><b><span style=\"font-size: 1rem;\">Pakistan and Iran \"agreed to de-escalate\" tensions Friday, Islamabad said, after trading deadly airstrikes on militant targets in each other\'s territory this week.</span><br></b></div><div><br></div><div>The rare military actions in the porous border region of Baluchistan -- split between the two nations -- had stoked regional tensions already enflamed by the Israel-Hamas war.</div><div><br></div><div>Iran carried out a missile and drone attack on what it called \"terrorist\" targets in Pakistan on Tuesday night, with Pakistan in turn striking militant targets inside Iran on Thursday.</div><div><br></div><div>Pakistan recalled its ambassador from Tehran and said Iran\'s envoy -- on a visit home -- was blocked from returning to Islamabad.</div><div><br></div><div>The United Nations and the United States appealed for restraint, while China offered to mediate.</div><div><br></div><div>But after speaking by phone, Pakistan\'s Foreign Minister Jalil Abbas Jilani and his Iranian counterpart Hossein Amir-Abdollahian agreed \"close coordination on counter terrorism and other aspects of mutual concern should be strengthened\".</div><div><br></div><div>\"They also agreed to de-escalate the situation,\" according to a summary of the conversation released by Islamabad\'s foreign ministry.</div><div><br></div><div>After the call, Amir-Abdollahian said in a statement \"the cooperation of the two countries to neutralise and destroy terrorist camps in Pakistan is essential\".</div><div><br></div><div>The muted rhetoric matched analysts\' predictions that both sides would seek to defuse the confrontation.</div><div><br></div><div>Tehran and Islamabad have both insisted they hit their own domestic militants sheltering on foreign territory.</div><div><br></div><div>\"The upshot of the new situation is that the two countries are seemingly and symbolically even,\" said Antoine Levesques, of the International Institute for Strategic Studies.</div><div><br></div><div>- Border closure fears -</div><div>Meanwhile on Friday, Pakistan Prime Minister Anwaar-ul-Haq Kakar held an emergency security meeting with military and intelligence chiefs.</div><div><br></div><div>\"The forum reiterated the unflinching resolve that sovereignty and territorial integrity of Pakistan are absolutely inviolable,\" said a summary released by Kakar\'s office.</div><div><br></div><div>\"Any attempt by anyone to breach it on any pretext will be responded with [the] full might of the state.\"</div><div><br></div><div>But the summit also said Pakistan and Iran should \"address each other\'s security concerns in the larger interest of regional peace and stability\".</div><div><br></div><div>Caretaker leader Kakar cut short his visit to the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland following the strikes, which came with national elections due in three weeks.</div><div><br></div><div>A collective death toll of 11 -- mostly women and children -- was reported from both sides of the border that bisects an arid region where militant movements have simmered for decades.</div><div><br></div><div>In the remote villages near the strike site in Panjgur district, where mobile signal is rarely available, farmers pieced together the events from reports passed on from visiting security officials who set up checkpoints in the area.</div><div><br></div><div>\"Helicopters were flying overhead and going in the direction of where the Iranian strike hit, but we didn\'t know what had happened,\" Maulana Mohammad Sadiq, 42, the prayer leader of a small seminary around five kilometres (three miles) from where a missile hit, told AFP on Thursday.</div><div><br></div><div>Villagers feared that deteriorating relations between the two sides could lead to border closures and cut off residents from Iranian trade, which the area relies on for employment and food imports.</div><div><br></div><div>\"If Iranians close the border, the people will starve and it will cause more militancy because youth will join the separatist organisations,\" said 55-year-old Haji Mohammad Islam.</div><div><br></div><div>Baluch separatists have been waging a low-level insurgency against Pakistani authorities from the largely ungoverned, impoverished region fighting for a better share of mineral resources.</div><div><br></div><div>Rights groups say the military\'s crackdown on the insurgency has included widespread enforced disappearances and extrajudicial killings.</div><div><br></div><div>Militancy has also risen sharply along Pakistan\'s border with Afghanistan further north, after the Taliban\'s return to power there in 2021. - AFP&nbsp;</div><div><br></div><div>bnbd24/fas</div>', NULL, 'International Desk', '[\"29\"]', NULL, NULL, NULL, NULL, '2024-01-20 13:48:04', '2024-01-20 13:48:04'),
(10903, 10903, '<div><span style=\"font-size: 1rem;\"><b><font color=\"#3984c6\">BNP’s senior leader Dr Abdul Moyeen Khan on Saturday unequivocally said that the opposition parties who have been on a movement will not leave the streets until democracy is restored.</font></b></span><br></div><div><br></div><div>\"We would like to say clearly that no other system except democracy will ever work in Bangladesh,” he said .</div><div><br></div><div>Speaking at a mass signature collection programme arranged by Nagorik Oikya in the capital, the BNP leader also said that the current Awami League government is ruling the country by the power of guns after usurping the state power.</div><div><br></div><div>“It’s not only us who are saying this now, look at media around the world and look at the statements issued by different countries about the farcical election held on January 7. They echoed what we, the democratic opposition parties, have been saying for last few years about the farcical elections,” he observed.</div><div><br></div><div>Dr Moyeen, a BNP standing committee member, said that it is established at home and abroad that democracy is now dead in Bangladesh.</div><div><br></div><div>He said their party’s only goal is to bring democracy back to Bangladesh. “Inshallah, our movement for democracy will continue...we won’t leave the streets until we can restore democracy and the democratic rights of the people of Bangladesh.”</div><div><br></div><div>The BNP leader expressed hope that every people of the country will join Nagorik Oikya’s mass signature programme against the farcical elections. He also urged the people&nbsp; to reject the current regime.</div><div><br></div><div>Nagorik Oikya launched the mass signature collection programme in favour of democracy and to disapprove the January-7 national election in front of the Jatiya Press Club.</div><div><br></div><div>The organisers said the signatures of the people of all walks of life will be collected in various places of Dhaka city and in districts and upazilas, and internationally through online as part of the party’s move to turn down the 12th parliamentary election and to justify the opposition parties’ demand for the restoration of democracy through a fresh election under a neutral government.</div><div><br></div><div>Nagrik Oikya&nbsp; President Mahmudur Rahman Manna said Awami League arranged a lopsided farcical election on January 7 as it is not capable of contesting a fair and inclusive election.</div><div><br></div><div>“That is why we have arranged this signature collection programme. We will try to reach not only 10 crore voters in Bangladesh, but also 17 -18 crore people of the country. Our&nbsp; programme—mass signature for democracy—will continue both offline and online,” he said.</div><div><br></div><div>Manna said they will also organise cultural programmes across the country in favour of democracy and to condemn the government formed by deceiving the country’s people.</div><div><br></div><div>Alongside the mass signature programme, he said their party together with other opposition parties will continue democratic programmes simultaneously on the streets.</div><div><br></div><div>“There is no reason for anyone to think that we left the streets as were collecting signatures,” he said.</div><div><br></div><div>\"We are collecting signatures to strengthen the street movement. We are trying to build such a struggle that will force the usurper to bow down,” Manna said.</div><div><br></div>', NULL, 'News Desk', '[\"30\"]', NULL, NULL, NULL, NULL, '2024-01-20 14:02:27', '2024-01-20 14:02:27'),
(10904, 10904, '<div><span style=\"font-size: 1rem;\">An Israeli missile strike on Syria’s capital Damascus today killed a member of Iran’s Revolutionary Guards and wounded others, a security source in the regional pro-Syria alliance told Reuters.</span><br></div><div><br></div><div>Syrian state media said a likely Israeli attack had targeted a building in the Mazzeh neighbourhood of Damascus, without giving further details.</div><div><br></div><div>Other local media in Syria reported explosions heard across the Syrian capital.</div><div><br></div><div>The security source, part of a network of groups close to Syria’s government and its major ally Iran, said the multi-storey building was used by Iranian advisers supporting President Bashar al-Assad’s government, and that it was entirely flattened by “precision-targeted Israeli missiles”.</div><div><br></div><div>There was no immediate comment from Israel.</div><div><br></div><div>Essam Al-Amin, head of the Al-Mowasat Hospital in Damascus, told local Syrian outlet Al-Watan Online that his hospital had received one corpse and three wounded people, including a woman, following today’s attack.</div><div><br></div><div>A spokesman for the Palestinian Islamic Jihad told Reuters that no members of their group were wounded in the strike, following reports that some were at the bombed-out building.</div><div><br></div><div>Israel has long pursued a bombing campaign against Iran-linked targets in Syria.</div><div><br></div><div>But it has shifted to deadlier strikes in the wake of the Oct 7 attack on Israel by fighters of the Iranian-backed Palestinian Islamist group Hamas from Gaza.</div><div><br></div><div>In December, an Israeli strike killed two Guards members, and another on Dec 25 killed a senior adviser to the Guards who was overseeing military coordination between Syria and Iran. According to Reuters reports</div><div><br></div><div>bnbd24/fas</div>', NULL, 'International Desk', '[\"29\"]', NULL, NULL, NULL, NULL, '2024-01-20 14:53:43', '2024-01-20 14:53:43'),
(10905, 10905, '<div><font color=\"#311873\"><span style=\"font-size: 1rem;\"><b>&nbsp;A senior Hamas official dismissed today comments by US president Joe Biden about the possibility of Israel agreeing to the establishment of a Palestinian state.</b></span><br></font></div><div><br></div><div>Biden said yesterday it was still possible that Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu could agree to some form of Palestinian state after the two leaders spoke by phone for the first time in nearly a month, while Israel’s war with Hamas in Gaza grinds on.</div><div><br></div><div>“The illusion that Biden is preaching about a state of Palestine and its characteristics does not fool our people,” Izzat al-Rishq, member of Hamas’s political bureau, said in a statement.</div><div><br></div><div>“Biden is a full partner in the genocidal war and our people do not expect any good from him.”</div><div><br></div><div>Biden said after the call that it was possible that Netanyahu could become open to some form of two-state solution, raised for decades to end tensions in the Middle East.</div><div><br></div><div>“There are a number of types of two-state solutions. There’s a number of countries that are members of the UN that … don’t have their own militaries,” Biden told reporters after an event at the White House.</div><div><br></div><div>The call between Biden and Netanyahu came a day after the Israeli leader said he opposes allowing Palestinian sovereignty as the war in Gaza shows no signs of letting up.</div><div><br></div><div>Netanyahu has pledged to destroy Hamas and demilitarise Gaza following the Palestinian Islamist group’s Oct 7 attack on Israel, and is increasingly resistant to US pressure for a plan that includes any form of Palestinian statehood.</div><div><br></div><div>Hamas’s attack resulted in the death of about 1,140 people, mostly civilians, according to an AFP tally based on official figures.</div><div><br></div><div>Israel has been conducting a relentless air and ground offensive that has killed at least 24,927 Palestinians, around 70 percent of them women, children and adolescents, according to Gaza health ministry figures. - AFP&nbsp;</div><div><br></div><div>bnbd24/fas</div>', NULL, 'International Desk', '[\"29\"]', NULL, NULL, NULL, NULL, '2024-01-20 15:14:14', '2024-01-20 15:14:14'),
(10906, 10906, '<div><span style=\"font-size: 1rem;\"><b>Vietnam has jailed nearly 100 people on terrorism charges over shooting attacks last year on police headquarters in the country’s Central Highlands that left nine people dead, state media said today.</b></span><br></div><div><br></div><div>Attackers on motorbikes stormed police and political offices in Dak Lak province in June last year in a rare incident of violent unrest in communist-ruled Vietnam.</div><div><br></div><div>At the end of a five-day trial at a prison where the accused have been held, 10 defendants were sentenced to life in prison while 90 others were given sentences ranging from nine months to 20 years, VNExpress reported.</div><div><br></div><div>Of the accused, 98 were charged with terrorism, one with hiding criminals and one with facilitating illegal immigration.</div><div><br></div><div>All are from ethnic minority groups indigenous to the Central Highlands, and the court accused them of seeking to “overthrow the state”.</div><div><br></div><div>Their ages range from 18 to 56.</div><div><br></div><div>Six defendants are on the run and were tried in absentia.</div><div><br></div><div>International arrest warrants have been issued for them.</div><div><br></div><div>VNExpress quoted the verdict as saying that the defendants had joined the Dega Soldiers group in early June 2023, gathering in the jungle for paramilitary training, including martial arts and bomb-making.</div><div><br></div><div>“The case was especially serious … with the terrorists aiming to overthrow the state, to establish the so-called Dega state,” it quoted the verdict as saying.</div><div><br></div><div>The court ruled that most of the defendants committed their crimes due to “lack of understanding”, blaming US-based reactionary groups for trying to lure, threaten or force them into the attacks.</div><div><br></div><div>The Dega are one of the ethnic minority groups from Vietnam’s Central Highlands, an area that has long been a hotbed of discontent over issues including land rights.</div><div><br></div><div>Communist authorities refer to followers of Protestantism in the Central Highlands as “Dega Protestants” – a group seeking autonomy from the state and linked to Montagnard political exiles in the US.</div><div><br></div><div>Montagnards – the collective name for various tribes in the area – sided with the US-backed south during Vietnam’s decades-long war.</div><div><br></div><div>Some are also calling for more autonomy, while others abroad advocate independence for the region.</div><div><br></div><div>After the deadly incident, police said they confiscated a total of 23 guns and rifles, two grenades, more than 1,000 bullets and other explosive devices.</div><div><br></div><div>Individuals are not allowed to own firearms in Vietnam and gun violence is extremely rare. - AFP&nbsp;</div><div><br></div><div>bnbd24/fas</div>', NULL, 'International Desk', '[\"29\"]', NULL, NULL, NULL, NULL, '2024-01-20 15:16:47', '2024-01-20 15:16:47'),
(10907, 10907, '<div><span style=\"font-size: 1rem;\"><b>Iran’s Revolutionary Guards launched a research satellite today, a minister said, putting it into a higher orbit in a new milestone for its aerospace programme that has faced western criticism.</b></span><br></div><div><br></div><div>The US has repeatedly warned Iran against such launches, saying the same technology can be used for ballistic missiles, including ones designed to deliver a nuclear warhead.</div><div><br></div><div>The Islamic republic says its satellite and rocket launches are only for civil or defence purposes, denying any ambition to develop a nuclear weapons capability.</div><div><br></div><div>“The Soraya satellite of the Iranian Space Organisation … was successfully launched with the Ghaem-100 satellite carrier of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps,” the official Irna news agency said.</div><div><br></div><div>“This is the first time that Iran has successfully placed a satellite in orbits higher than 500km,” Irna said.</div><div><br></div><div>The news agency cited telecommunications minister Issa Zarepour as saying that the satellite, which weighs about 50kg, was put in orbit 750km above Earth.</div><div><br></div><div>The Ghaem-100 carrier rocket is manufactured by the aerospace organisation of the powerful Revolutionary Guards.</div><div><br></div><div>It is the country’s first three-stage solid-fuel satellite launcher.</div><div><br></div><div>While Tehran has struggled with several satellite launch failures in the past, the successful launch of its first military satellite Nour-1, into orbit in April 2020, drew a sharp rebuke from the US.</div><div><br></div><div>Other western governments have voiced similar concerns about Iran’s aerospace programme.</div><div><br></div><div>Tehran has been under crippling US sanctions since Washington’s 2018 withdrawal from a landmark nuclear deal which granted Iran sanctions relief in return for curbs on its nuclear activities, designed to prevent it from developing a nuclear weapon. - AFP&nbsp;</div><div><br></div><div>bnbd24/fas</div>', NULL, 'International Desk', '[\"29\"]', NULL, NULL, NULL, NULL, '2024-01-20 15:36:31', '2024-01-20 15:36:31'),
(10908, 10908, '<div><span style=\"font-size: 1rem;\"><b>A welcome ceremony was held after the arrival of Axiom Mission 3 crew at the International Space Station (ISS) on Saturday.</b></span><br></div><div><br></div><div>The seven-member station crew met the Ax-3 astronauts - Michael Lopez-Alegria, Walter Villadei, Marcus Wandt, and Türkiye\'s first-ever space traveler Alper Gezeravci.</div><div><br></div><div>The mission was launched from NASA\'s Kennedy Space Center, Florida at 4.49 p.m. ET Thursday (2149GMT) on a Falcon 9 rocket of private space exploration company SpaceX.</div><div><br></div><div>The crew, which docked at 5:42 a.m. EST (10:42 GMT), entered the ISS at 07.16 EST. The four-person team will conduct more than 30 scientific researches during their 14-day stay.</div><div><br></div><div>\"This is an incredibly exciting time for human spaceflight with the third private mission, which is allowing many more countries to participate in the scientific research and technology development that we do onboard this orbiting laboratory,\" ISS commander Andreas Mogensen told the ceremony.</div><div><br></div><div>\"We have doubled the number of nationalities onboard the space station going from four to eight, which I think is a great testament to the international collaboration, which underpins this marvelous space station.\"</div><div><br></div><div>Türkiye\'s Gezeravci said he was happy to represent his country, and looked forward to contribute to science and research efforts.</div><div><br></div><div>Also speaking in Turkish, he expressed his gratitude to Mustafa Kemal Ataturk, the founder of the Republic of Türkiye, martyrs, the state and the nation for providing him the opportunity to enter space.</div><div><br></div><div>Lopez-Alegria, the leader of the Ax-3 mission, said: \"This is really a symbol of how Axiom in conjunction with NASA and other partners is working to expand human access to low Earth orbit.\"</div><div><br></div><div>\"So many nationalities represented onboard and this is really symbolic of what we\'re trying to do to open it up not only to other nations, also to individuals to researchers,\" he added.</div><div><br></div><div>Pilot Villadei said it was amazing to be up on the ISS and see how international collaboration has led to creating this outpost.</div><div><br></div><div>Crew member Wandt said it was great flying around and orbiting the Earth for 36 hours. - Anadolu Agency&nbsp;</div><div><br></div><div>bnbd24/fas</div>', NULL, 'International Desk', '[\"29\"]', NULL, NULL, NULL, NULL, '2024-01-20 15:55:43', '2024-01-20 15:55:43'),
(10909, 10909, '<div><span style=\"font-size: 1rem;\"><b>Bangladesh Jatri Kalyan Samiti (BJKS), a passengers\' welfare platform, on Saturday demanded the government introduce 5,000 new high-quality buses on the streets under a company with the government\'s management by removing existing rickety vehicles from the capital .</b></span><br></div><div><br></div><div>Secretary General of the BJKS Md. Mozammel Haque Chowdhury raised the demand in a press conference organised at the city\'s Dhaka Reporters Unity on Saturday morning.</div><div><br></div><div>In a written statement, he said that the current government has pledged that the country will join the ranks of developed countries by 2026.</div><div><br></div><div>The government is determined to improve the public transport system in Dhaka and elsewhere.</div><div><br></div><div>Quoting a JICA survey, the BJKS\'s secretary general said that there are currently 4 crore daily passenger trips in the capital.</div><div><br></div><div>There is a huge scope for transport business, and the transportation system of the city can be changed overnight through bus service if only extortion is stopped and dedicated bus lanes can be introduced, he said.</div><div><br></div><div>There are examples of owning 600-800 buses of many transport companies in Bangladesh after they started plying on the streets with one bus.</div><div><br></div><div>However, the state transport agency BRTC is not able to operate buses under its own management and is leasing them out to private individuals and institutions. The number of these buses is decreasing due to lack of maintenance, he added.</div><div><br></div><div>He urged the government, instead of bureaucracy in the management of BRTC, if BRTC can be managed by appointing managers with technical knowledge and experience in managing bus companies from the international market. it will play a major role in the passenger transport sector besides making BRTC profitable, he said.</div><div><br></div><div>The BJKS said that due to incompetence of leadership, inefficiency of management, lack of proper monitoring and monopolistic dominance of political contractors, corruption is going on, reports UNB.</div><div><br></div><div>The new government has made political commitment to establish good governance in these sectors.</div><div><br></div><div>”We want to see the reflection of this commitment of the government by ensuring quality and accountability in every project involving road, rail, sea and air,” he added.</div><div><br></div><div>bnbd24/fas</div>', NULL, 'News Desk', '[\"30\"]', NULL, NULL, NULL, NULL, '2024-01-20 16:01:32', '2024-01-20 16:01:32');
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(10910, 10910, '<div><span style=\"font-size: 1rem;\"><b><font color=\"#e79439\">Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on Sunday asked the exporters to be more sincere to bring back the money used for export purpose and maintain balance between import and export.</font></b></span><br></div><div><br></div><div>“We need to urgently maintain balance in import and export. I will urge everyone to be more careful about that purpose,” she said.</div><div><br></div><div>The prime minister said this while inaugurating the the month-long 28th edition of the Dhaka International Trade Fair (DITF) at Bangabandhu Bangladesh-China Friendship Exhibition Centre (BBCFEC) at Purbachal.</div><div><br></div><div>She also put emphasis on searching for new markets and products for the export basket to reduce dependency on handful of destinations.</div><div><br></div><div>“For that we need to look for new products, new destinations and markets abroad. We should not be dependent on one or two markets worldwide,” she said.</div><div><br></div><div>In this connection, she mentioned that Bangladesh has to overcome various types of hurdles and barriers to send its export items worldwide.</div><div><br></div><div>Hasina, also chief of the ruling Awami League, said that in its manifesto for January 7 election the Awami League projected export earnings at USD 150 billion by 2030.</div><div><br></div><div>“But for that we have to catch new markets, and our time is short. Above all, if we have fixed a target it will be easy to attain the target. We want to work like this way,” she said.</div><div><br></div><div>The prime minister said that jute products and combined jute-and-leather&nbsp; products have a huge market globally.</div><div><br></div><div>“We need to focus on this sector,” she said.</div><div><br></div><div>She also said that jute should get the opportunities as an agricultural product that are given to the garments sector, reports UNB</div><div><br></div><div>“The opportunities we are giving to garments sector need to be provided in other sectors as well,” she added.</div><div><br></div><div>Talking about the handicrafts, which has been declared as product of the year, she said that the government wants that this year handicrafts sector will increase the employment of women of the country.</div><div><br></div><div>bnbd24/fas</div>', NULL, 'News Desk', '[\"30\"]', NULL, NULL, NULL, NULL, '2024-01-21 08:59:53', '2024-01-21 08:59:53'),
(10911, 10911, '<div><b><span style=\"font-size: 1rem;\">In the 21st century, Bangladesh has transformed into a formidable economic force. This metamorphosis is exemplified by its journey from a once aid-dependent nation in the 1970s to a self-sufficient and aspiring economic powerhouse. The key to this remarkable turnaround? Its people, especially the youth, representing a demographic dividend ready to be harnessed, Zaidi Sattar, economist and Chair of the Policy Research Institute of Bangladesh, writes in WhiteBoard, a premier policy magazine.</span><br></b></div><div><br></div><div>Half a century ago, Bangladesh grappled with a food deficit and a population considered a burden. Fast forward to today, the nation boasts a food production of 40 million metric tons, showcasing its journey to self-sufficiency. The country’s economic stride is further marked by its graduation from a lower-middle-income country in 2015 to a developing country status set for 2026 by the United Nations.</div><div><br></div><div>This economic renaissance hasn’t gone unnoticed. The Wall Street Journal in 2010 wrote “Bangladesh, ‘Basket Case’ No More,” leading global investment firms like Goldman Sachs and JP Morgan to view Bangladesh as a new investment frontier, Sattar writes. Today, Bangladesh stands as the world’s second-largest apparel exporter, a remarkable feat considering its initial lack of a significant textile industry.</div><div><br></div><div>Development economist Amartya Sen lauded Bangladesh’s human development progress, outpacing its South Asian counterparts. Despite advancements, challenges like the low female labour force participation, at 40%, remain. Addressing this could further boost economic growth. The nation’s resilience is also evident in its self-funded mega-infrastructure, the 6.4 km Padma Bridge, highlighting its economic independence.</div><div><br></div><div>Under the leadership of Sheikh Hasina’s government, Bangladesh has maintained over a decade of macroeconomic stability, crucial for its current and future growth. The nation’s economic tale is one of balance, with agriculture providing food security and rural employment, while trade and industry propel its development forward, writes the economist.</div><div><br></div><div>The year 2022 posed significant challenges to global economies, including Bangladesh. However, its robust macroeconomic management over three decades allowed it to withstand shocks like the Russia-Ukraine war, highlighting its resilience during global crises.</div><div><br></div><div>Bangladesh’s economic strategy has been pivotal in its success. Since the 1990s, the country embraced an export-oriented trade policy, a shift from its previous inward-looking approach. This transition was influenced by the successful models of East Asian economies and has played a crucial role in Bangladesh’s development since 2010, Sattar is of the view.</div><div><br></div><div>The country’s export success, especially in clothing, is a testament to its effective use of comparative advantage. Embracing an export-led growth model, Bangladesh has seen consistent increases in GDP growth rates and a significant reduction in poverty rates. However, the nation must also focus on modernizing its tariff structure to diversify exports and further its development agenda.</div><div><br></div><div>Looking forward, Bangladesh’s economic story is not just about exports but also includes a strong role in global trade in services, bolstered by remittances from migrant workers. The country’s future competitiveness lies in developing world-class service industries, adapting to global trade trends, and adhering to international trading blocs’ disciplines.</div><div><br></div><div>As Bangladesh strides towards its graduation from the least developed country status, it faces the challenge of evolving its industrial policies in line with global trends. Its long-term Perspective Plan 2041 aims to transform Bangladesh into an advanced high-income economy, requiring strategic coordination between government and businesses.</div><div><br></div><div>Bangladesh’s economic journey from a struggling nation to a promising global player is a story of strategic policy choices, resilience, and innovation. As the world anticipates the “Asian century,” Bangladesh is poised to be a significant player, showcasing its remarkable journey from struggle to prosperity, writes Sattar. According to UNB reports&nbsp;</div><div><br></div><div>bnbd24/fas</div>', NULL, 'News Desk', '[\"30\"]', NULL, NULL, NULL, NULL, '2024-01-21 09:15:17', '2024-01-21 09:15:17'),
(10912, 10912, '<div><span style=\"font-size: 1rem;\"><b>In an address today at the Awami League President’s office in Dhanmondi, Dhaka, General Secretary of the party and Road Transport and Bridges Minister, Obaidul Quader, dismissed the notion that the government is desperate for validation. “There’s no reason to believe that the elected government is in a desperate situation, waiting like a Chatok bird for someone’s recognition,” Quader declared.</b></span><br></div><div><br></div><div>He also criticized the opposition party, BNP, for their conduct. “BNP is burning in frustration and hatred, because a vast number of people have elected Sheikh Hasina as the Prime Minister, despite the party boycotting the election. Now, they are envious,” he added.</div><div><br></div><div>Regarding the government’s actions, Quader stated, “As a patriotic government, the Awami League is proactively managing commodity prices.” He warned against the BNP’s approach to protests, asserting, “If BNP resorts to violence under the guise of protest, our law enforcement agencies are prepared to act, and politically, we are ready to confront them.”</div><div><br></div><div>Quader also commented on the BNP’s recent activities: “BNP’s so-called movement is unclear and has become a laughing stock both domestically and internationally. We view their actions as attempts to undermine our democratic culture.”</div><div><br></div><div>He concluded with a stern warning: “While the BNP has the right to peaceful political activities, any acts of terrorism or public disruption will be met with appropriate legal action.”</div><div><br></div><div>The briefing was attended by other notable Awami League leaders including Organising Secretary BM Mozammel Haque and Office Secretary Barrister Biplob Barua, highlighting the united front of the party in addressing current political challenges. According to UNB reports&nbsp;</div><div><br></div><div>bnbd24/fas</div>', NULL, 'News Desk', '[\"30\"]', NULL, NULL, NULL, NULL, '2024-01-21 09:32:33', '2024-01-21 09:32:33'),
(10913, 10913, '<div><b><span style=\"font-size: 1rem;\">Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on Sunday (January 21, 2024) inaugurated the month-long Dhaka International Trade Fair (DITF) at Bangabandhu Bangladesh-China Friendship Exhibition Centre (BBCFEC) at Purbachal.</span><br></b></div><div><br></div><div>Six foreign countries -- Turkey, India, Pakistan, Singapore, Hong Kong and Iran -- alongside local companies are taking part in the 28th edition of the fair where exhibitors will showcase products.</div><div><br></div><div>The Prime Minister also declared Handicrafts Products as the product of the year for 2024.</div><div><br></div><div>State Minister for Commerce Ahsanul Islam, Commerce Secretary Tapan Kanti Ghosh President of the Federation of Bangladesh Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FBCCI) Mahbubul Alam and vice-chairman of the Export Promotion Bureau (EPB) AHM Ahsan were also present on dais.</div><div><br></div><div>The fair will continue from January 21 to February 20. The Ministry of Commerce and the EPB have been organising trade fairs since 1995.</div><div><br></div><div>The DITF usually commences on 1 January each year. However, the EPB postponed the fair due to the 12th national elections held on January 7.</div><div><br></div><div>The trade fair will run from 10 am to 9 pm daily and to 10 pm on weekends. The entry fee is Tk 50 for adults and Tk 25 for children. Freedom fighters and the physically challenged people need no fee.</div><div><br></div><div>BRTC buses have been arranged from Farmgate and Kuril Biswa Road to the fair premises for the convenience of general visitors.</div><div><br></div><div>A total of 330 stalls have been allotted along with 23 pavilions and 27 mini pavilions.</div><div><br></div><div>There will also be 15 food stalls of different categories which can accommodate up to 500 people.</div><div><br></div><div>There are also a prayer room, children\'s playground, media corner, office rooms, medical rooms, guest-rooms for officials, and stores.</div><div><br></div><div>The parking area can provide facilities for 500 vehicles. - UNB</div><div><br></div><div>bnbd24/fas</div>', NULL, 'News Desk', '[\"30\"]', NULL, NULL, NULL, NULL, '2024-01-21 09:47:10', '2024-01-21 09:47:10'),
(10914, 10914, '<div><span style=\"font-size: 1rem;\"><b>A man and his son were killed in a collision between a motorbike and a three-wheeler, locally known as nasiman, on Sonahat land port road in Bhurungamari upazila of Kurigram on Sunday morning.</b></span><br></div><div><br></div><div>The deceased were Shahidul Islam, 48, and his son Biplob Hasan, 25, hailing from Sarkartari village of the upazila.</div><div><br></div><div>Locals said the victims riding on the bike were going to their village home from Bhurungamari upazila sadar in the morning.</div><div><br></div><div>The accident occurred when the three-wheeler crashed into the motorcycle coming from the opposite direction in Patershawari area, leaving the two critically injured, they said.</div><div><br></div><div>They were rushed to Bhurungamari Upazila Health Complex where physicians declared them dead upon arrival, reports UNB.</div><div><br></div><div>Bhurungamari police station’s Officer-in-Charge Ruhul Amin said poor visibility caused by dense fog might be the reason behind the accident.</div><div><br></div><div>bnbd24/fas</div>', NULL, 'News Desk', '[\"30\"]', NULL, NULL, NULL, NULL, '2024-01-21 10:14:22', '2024-01-21 10:14:22'),
(10915, 10915, '<div><b><span style=\"font-size: 1rem;\">The health ministry in Hamas-run Gaza said today at least 25,105 people have been killed in the Palestinian territory since the war with Israel broke out on Oct 7.</span><br></b></div><div><br></div><div>A ministry statement said some 62,681 people were also wounded in the fighting between Israeli forces and Palestinian fighters.</div><div><br></div><div>Over the past 24 hours, the ministry said 178 people had been killed across the Gaza Strip.</div><div><br></div><div>“Dozens are still under the rubble,” the Hamas government media office said in a separate statement, - AFP&nbsp;</div><div><br></div><div>“Dozens of martyrs as well as people who were injured could not be transferred to hospitals due to the continued artillery shelling” on several areas of the southern city of Khan Younis and some other parts of the strip, it said.</div><div><br></div><div>bnbd24/fas</div>', NULL, 'International Desk', '[\"29\"]', NULL, NULL, NULL, NULL, '2024-01-21 10:54:02', '2024-01-21 10:54:02'),
(10916, 10916, '<div><b><span style=\"font-size: 1rem;\">A passenger plane heading toward Russia has crashed in northern Afghanistan\'s Badakhshan province, Afghan television channel TOLOnews quoted an official as saying on Sunday.</span><br></b></div><div><br></div><div>The plane crashed in the mountainous Topkhana area of Kuran-wa-Munjan district on Saturday evening, \"obviously due to a technical problem,\" said Badakhshan\'s provincial director for information and culture Zabihullah Amiri.</div><div><br></div><div>Read: Officials report at least 13 dead in shelling of a market in Russian-occupied Ukraine</div><div><br></div><div>A team has been sent to the area to spot the crashed aircraft, the official added.</div><div><br></div><div>Abdul Wahid Rayan, spokesman for Afghanistan\'s Ministry of Information and Culture, said on social media that the small aircraft was traveling to Moscow when it appeared to have an engine problem.</div><div><br></div><div>Russian aviation authorities have reportedly confirmed that a plane with four crew members and two passengers on board disappeared from a radar screen in Afghanistan\'s airspace on Saturday evening.</div><div><br></div><div>Read: 5 killed in Poland as plane crashes into hangar&nbsp;</div><div><br></div><div>In Badakhshan, harsh winter weather and mountainous landscapes make it difficult for rescuers to reach the crash site. - XINHUA</div><div><br></div><div>bnbd24/fas</div>', NULL, 'International Desk', '[\"29\"]', NULL, NULL, NULL, NULL, '2024-01-21 11:09:16', '2024-01-21 11:09:16'),
(10917, 10917, '<div><span style=\"font-size: 1rem;\"><b>The Bangladesh Meteorological Department (BMD) announced on Sunday that a mild cold wave is currently affecting several districts across the Dhaka, Rangpur, and Rajshahi divisions. This weather pattern is expected to persist, bringing lower temperatures and impacting daily life.</b></span><br></div><div><br></div><div>According to the BMD’s latest weather bulletin, the districts experiencing this mild cold wave include Kishoreganj, Rajshahi, Pabna, Naogaon, Panchagarh, and Kurigram. The bulletin noted the lowest temperature recorded at 9.5 degrees Celsius in Rajshahi, Pabna’s Ishwardi, and Naogan’s Badalgachi. Meanwhile, the highest temperature of 28 degrees Celsius was observed in Chattogram’s Sitakunda, mirroring the previous day’s reading.</div><div><br></div><div>The BMD classifies a mild cold wave as temperatures ranging from 8 to 10 degrees Celsius. A moderate cold wave is categorized by temperatures between 6 to 8 degrees Celsius, while a severe cold wave is indicated by temperatures falling below 6 degrees Celsius.</div><div><br></div><div>Furthermore, the weather report predicts moderate to thick fog coverage across the country from midnight to morning, potentially lingering until noon in some areas. The overall weather is expected to remain mainly dry, with temporary partly cloudy skies.</div><div><br></div><div>There might be a slight decrease in night temperatures over the north-northeastern part of Bangladesh, while a minor increase is forecasted for other regions of the country. Daytime temperatures are anticipated to stay nearly unchanged nationwide.</div><div><br></div><div>Residents, particularly in the northern regions, have been facing severe cold conditions in recent days, causing disruptions to normal life and activities. - UNB</div><div><br></div><div>bnbd24/fas</div>', NULL, 'News Desk', '[\"30\"]', NULL, NULL, NULL, NULL, '2024-01-21 11:13:31', '2024-01-21 11:13:31'),
(10918, 10918, '<div><span style=\"font-size: 1rem;\"><b><font color=\"#634aa5\">State Minister for Power, Energy and Mineral Resources Nasrul Hamid on Sunday said gas supply situation will improve in Dhaka and adjacent areas in a day or two.</font></b></span><br></div><div><br></div><div>“We hope, gas shortage in Dhaka will decrease and we’ll&nbsp; see improvement in a day or two,” he said while briefing reporters at his ministry.</div><div><br></div><div>He noted that both the&nbsp; floating storage and re-gasification units (FSRU) in the country have resumed operation and the&nbsp; situation is gradually improving.</div><div><br></div><div>“However, one of them will undergo scheduled maintenance soon,” he said adding that normally the gas supply experiences some problems during the winter.</div><div><br></div><div>“But the government has taken measures to increase the supply of LPG as the some 80 percent of the residential consumers now use this liquified gas,”he said.</div><div><br></div><div>He said only consumers in Dhaka and adjoining areas use the pipeline gas while remaining use the LPG.</div><div><br></div><div>If the industrial consumers are deducted from the total consumers, the number of household consumers will be 25 lakh, he said.</div><div><br></div><div>He also informed that the government has a plan to install gas meters for all the consumers in next 3 years.</div><div><br></div><div>The country has been experiencing acute gas shortage since the start of the winter season. But the situation drastically deteriorated when one of the FSRUs experienced technical glitch on Friday.</div><div><br></div><div>The FSRU was repaired and put on operation that led to slight improvement in gas supply to Chattagram and elsewhere.</div><div><br></div><div>Meanwhile, another SFRU, which was on a 45-day scheduled maintenance, also resumed operation leading to a further improvement in the supply.</div><div><br></div><div>But the gas crisis was not fully resolved .</div><div><br></div><div>Many areas in Dhaka, Narayanganj and Gazipur had been experiencing extreme gas crises or low pressure problems. - UNB</div><div><br></div><div>bnbd24/fas</div>', NULL, 'News Desk', '[\"30\"]', NULL, NULL, NULL, NULL, '2024-01-21 12:22:44', '2024-01-21 12:22:44'),
(10919, 10919, '<div><span style=\"font-size: 1rem;\"><b><font color=\"#3984c6\">All secondary-level schools in the northern district of Rajshahi have been declared closed for two days, starting from today (January 21, 2024), due to severe cold.</font></b></span><br></div><div><br></div><div>All primary-level schools are also closed today, according to an official notification signed by Dr Sharmin Ferdous Chowdhury, deputy director (acting) of secondary and higher secondary education in Rajshahi zone.</div><div><br></div><div>Local meteorological department yesterday predicted that the district would experience less than 10 degrees Celsius temperature for the next two days (January 21 and 22).</div><div><br></div><div>Following the forecast, education officers of the district held a meeting yesterday and took the decision to keep the primary and secondary schools closed.</div><div><br></div><div>Saidul Islam, primary education officer of the district, told UNB’s Rajshahi correspondent that academic activity at the primary schools will remain closed only for Sunday but the offices will remain open as usual.</div><div><br></div><div>“Observing Sunday’s weather, the next course of action will be decided,” he said.</div><div><br></div><div>The district witnessed a fall of four degree Celsius temperature within a span of two days. The local Met Office yesterday recorded 9.8 degrees Celsius temperature against 13.8 degree Celsius a day before.</div><div><br></div><div>Dense fog blankets the whole district while wind has been blowing. As a result, a severe cold is being felt.</div><div><br></div><div>Rajib Khan, observer at Rajshahi Meteorological Observatory, said the minimum temperature in Rajshahi dropped to 9.6 degrees Celsius on January 13. The second lowest temperature of the season was recorded at 9.8 degrees Celsius at 7:30 am yesterday.</div><div><br></div><div>On Friday, the minimum temperature was recorded at 13.8 degrees Celsius, he said.</div><div><br></div><div>The temperature also decreased yesterday after dense fog had descended, he said, forecasting that such weather may persist throughout January.</div><div><br></div><div>On January 16, Directorate of Secondary and Higher Education (DSHE) issued a circular saying that the education authorities in any district can close down schools in case the temperature drops below 10 degrees Celsius.</div><div><br></div><div>According to the circular, “A cold wave is sweeping different parts of the country and as a result the educational activities are being seriously hampered. The regional deputy directors in consultation with the district education officers can keep the educational institutions under secondary level closed if the temperature drops below 10 degrees Celsius in any district.” - UNB</div><div><br></div><div>bnbd24/fas</div>', NULL, 'News Desk', '[\"30\"]', NULL, NULL, NULL, NULL, '2024-01-21 13:22:21', '2024-01-21 13:22:21'),
(10920, 10920, '<div><span style=\"font-size: 1rem;\">The Election Commission (EC) on Sunday said that the total number of voters in the country now stands at 12 crore, 17 lakh and 75,450, as per the latest draft update.</span><br></div><div><br></div><div>EC’s Assistant Director Arshadul Huq said there are 6,20,90,137 male voters and 5,96,84,389 female voters in the updated voter list.</div><div><br></div><div>According to the voter list act, the draft voter list is published on January 2 every year. However, the commission could not do so this year due to the recently held-12th parliamentary election.</div><div><br></div><div>This list will be in every upazila and thana election office of the country while objections regarding inclusion of foreigners, deceased individuals, and fake names in the draft list can be lodged there.</div><div><br></div><div>After disposal of objections, the EC will publish the final updated list on March 2 while the next upazila election will be held according to this list. - UNB</div><div><br></div><div>bnbd24/fas</div>', NULL, 'News Desk', '[\"30\"]', NULL, NULL, NULL, NULL, '2024-01-21 13:26:15', '2024-01-21 13:26:15'),
(10921, 10921, '<div><span style=\"font-size: 1rem;\"><b>&nbsp;A fire broke out at a Baltic Sea terminal belonging to Novatek, Russia’s largest liquefied natural gas producer, regional officials said today, amid reports of explosions and Ukrainian drone sightings in the area.</b></span><br></div><div><br></div><div>The Ust-Luga complex, located on the Gulf of Finland about 170km west of St Petersburg, processes stable gas condensate into light and heavy naphtha, jet fuel, fuel oil and gasoil, according to Novatek’s website.</div><div><br></div><div>The port is used to ship processed products to international markets.</div><div><br></div><div>“There were no casualties as a result of the fire at the Novatek terminal in the port of Ust-Luga. The personnel were evacuated,” Alexander Drozdenko, the Leningrad region’s governor, said on the Telegram messaging app.</div><div><br></div><div>Russian news agencies reported that two storage tanks and a pumping station had been damaged, but that the fire had now been brought under control.</div><div><br></div><div>Drozdenko did not say what caused the blaze, but Russian news outlet Shot reported that local residents had heard a drone operating nearby followed by several explosions.</div><div><br></div><div>St Petersburg-based news outlet Fontanka said at least two drones were spotted in the sky flying towards St Petersburg before the terminal caught fire.</div><div><br></div><div>Russia and Ukraine have targeted each other’s energy infrastructure in strikes designed to disrupt supply lines and logistics, each side seeking to demoralise the other in a nearly two-year-old war that shows no sign of ending.</div><div><br></div><div>On Friday, a drone attack hit an oil depot in Russia’s western region of Bryansk, bordering Ukraine, for which Moscow blamed Kyiv.</div><div><br></div><div>That came a day after an attack on a Russian Baltic Sea oil terminal that Russian officials said was unsuccessful.</div><div><br></div><div>There was no immediate comment today from Ukraine on the Novatek incident.</div><div><br></div><div>Novatek did not immediately respond to a request for comment.</div><div><br></div><div>Baza, a Russian news outlet known for its security services contacts, posted footage on Telegram of large flames shooting into the sky over what appeared to be an industrial complex.</div><div><br></div><div>Three international tanker ships were anchored near the fire, though there were no reports of damage to them, the Fontanka outlet said.</div><div><br></div><div>Drozdenko said a “high alert regime” had been introduced and that officials had gathered for an emergency meeting.</div><div><br></div><div>Novatek processed 3.4 million tons of stable gas condensate at the complex in the first half of 2023, according to the most recent data available, up 0.6% from the same period a year earlier. - Reuters&nbsp;</div><div><br></div><div>bnbd/fas</div>', NULL, 'News Desk', '[\"30\"]', NULL, NULL, NULL, NULL, '2024-01-21 13:30:27', '2024-01-21 13:30:27'),
(10922, 10922, '<div><b><span style=\"font-size: 1rem;\">Indian tennis icon Sania Mirza\'s family has officially confirmed the end of her marriage to Pakistani cricket star Shoaib Malik.</span><br></b></div><div><br></div><div>The confirmation surfaced a day after Shoaib posted images with his newlywed wife, Sana Javed, a Pakistani actress.</div><div><br></div><div>Sania and Shoaib had tied the knot in 2010, sparking immense interest among cricket fans, particularly from India and Pakistan.</div><div><br></div><div>“Sania has always kept her personal life away from the public eye,” reads a statement from the Mirza family. “However, today the need has arisen for her to share that Shoaib and she have been divorced for a few months now. She wishes Shoaib well for his new journey ahead!”</div><div><br></div><div>While Sania is currently engrossed in the commentary box at the Australian Open, Shoaib is busy playing in the Bangladesh Premier League (BPL).</div><div><br></div><div>Sania and Shoaib share parenthood of a son, who lives with Sania. - UNB</div><div><br></div><div>bnbd24/fas</div>', NULL, 'Sports Desk', '[\"20\"]', NULL, NULL, NULL, NULL, '2024-01-21 13:32:48', '2024-01-21 13:32:48'),
(10923, 10923, '<div><b><span style=\"font-size: 1rem;\">A Ukrainian strike on a market in Donetsk in eastern Ukraine left 13 people dead and 10 more wounded today, said the head of the region, which is under Russian control.</span><br></b></div><div><br></div><div>The Moscow-installed head of the Donetsk region, Denis Pushilin, said on Telegram that “at least 13 people were killed and 10 injured following a terrible bombing on a market”.</div><div><br></div><div>In a preliminary toll, Donetsk mayor Alexei Kulemzin had earlier reported eight dead in the shelling on the northeast of the city.</div><div><br></div><div>The Ukrainian city fell under the control of pro-Moscow separatists in 2014 and is regularly targeted by Kyiv’s forces, reports AFP</div><div><br></div><div>During the night of Jan 1 four people died and 13 were wounded, including journalists, in strikes on Donetsk, the Russian-controlled authorities said.</div><div><br></div><div>bnbd24/fas</div>', NULL, 'News Desk', '[\"29\"]', NULL, NULL, NULL, NULL, '2024-01-21 13:39:14', '2024-01-21 13:39:14'),
(10924, 10924, '<div><span style=\"font-size: 1rem;\"><b>Tens of thousands of people were expected to turn out again today to protest against the far-right AfD, after it emerged that party members discussed mass deportation plans at a meeting of extremists.</b></span><br></div><div><br></div><div>Some 250,000 demonstrators already gathered in cities across the country yesterday, according to estimate by public broadcaster ARD, with protesters carrying signs such as “Nazis out”.</div><div><br></div><div>Demonstrations were called in around 100 locations across Germany from Friday through the weekend, including in Munich and Berlin today.</div><div><br></div><div>Some 25,000 people were expected at the rally against the far-right in Munich, while another 10,000 were set to join a protest in Cologne, according to ARD.</div><div><br></div><div>Protesters are also set to gather in front of the German parliament in Berlin, and in cities in the east where the AfD has its strongholds.</div><div><br></div><div>The wave of mobilisation against the far-right party was sparked by a Jan 10 report by investigative outlet Correctiv, which revealed that AfD members had discussed the expulsion of immigrants and “non-assimilated citizens” at a meeting with extremists.</div><div><br></div><div>Among the participants at the talks was Martin Sellner, a leader of Austria’s Identitarian Movement, which subscribes to the “great replacement” conspiracy theory that claims there is a plot by non-white migrants to replace Europe’s “native” white population.</div><div><br></div><div>News of the gathering sent shockwaves across Germany at a time when the AfD is soaring in opinion polls, just months ahead of three major regional elections in eastern Germany where their support is strongest.</div><div><br></div><div>The anti-immigration party confirmed the presence of its members at the meeting, but has denied taking on the “remigration” project championed by Sellner.</div><div><br></div><div>But leading politicians including Chancellor Olaf Scholz, who joined a demonstration last weekend, said any plan to expel immigrants or citizens alike amounted to “an attack against our democracy, and in turn, on all of us”.</div><div><br></div><div>He urged “all to take a stand – for cohesion, for tolerance, for our democratic Germany”.</div><div><br></div><div>Interior minister Nancy Faeser went so far as to say in the newspapers of the Funke press group that the far-right meeting was reminiscent of “the horrible Wannsee conference”, where the Nazis planned the extermination of European Jews in 1942.</div><div><br></div><div>Not only politicians, but church leaders and Bundesliga football managers have called on people to make a stand against the far-right.</div><div><br></div><div>Protesters first gathered last weekend in Berlin and Potsdam, where the extremist meeting was held, and have gathered pace since.</div><div><br></div><div>Yesterday, around 35,000 people gathered in the centre of Frankfurt, responding to the call to “defend democracy” against the AfD.</div><div><br></div><div>“Demonstrating against racism is a must,” protester Maria told AFP in Frankfurt, reports AFP&nbsp;</div><div><br></div><div>“Germany has developed in such a way that racism occurs everywhere in Germany,” she said.&nbsp;</div><div><br></div><div>bnbd24/fas</div>', NULL, 'News Desk', '[\"30\"]', NULL, NULL, NULL, NULL, '2024-01-21 14:27:23', '2024-01-21 14:27:23'),
(10925, 10925, '<div><span style=\"font-size: 1rem;\"><b>Ghana has secured 600 million U.S. dollars in funding from the International Monetary Fund (IMF) as part of a 3-billion-dollar bailout program, the government announced late Friday.</b></span><br></div><div><br></div><div>The IMF\'s decision came after Ghana clinched a deal with its official creditors a week earlier to restructure parts of its external debts, a critical requirement to unlock the second tranche of IMF funding.</div><div><br></div><div>\"Ghana\'s performance under the program has been strong. All the quantitative performance criteria for the first review and almost all indicative targets and structural benchmarks are on track,\" the IMF said in a statement.</div><div><br></div><div>\"The 600 million dollars gives us additional fiscal space to support budget implementation in line with the program\'s requirements. We will continue to strengthen expenditure controls and improve revenue generation to improve our creditworthiness by 2026,\" said Ghanaian Finance Minister Ken Ofori-Attah.</div><div><br></div><div>Ghana, once ranked as one of the fastest-growing economies in Africa, has been plagued by severe economic crises in recent years marked by rising inflation, exchange rate fluctuation, and soaring cost of living.</div><div><br></div><div>The Ghanaian government obtained approval for the 3-billion-dollar loan from the IMF last May, hoping to roll out a flurry of economic reforms to steer the economy toward recovery. According to UNB reports&nbsp;</div><div><br></div><div>bnbd24/fas</div>', NULL, 'News Desk', '[\"30\"]', NULL, NULL, NULL, NULL, '2024-01-21 14:37:47', '2024-01-21 14:37:47'),
(10926, 10926, '<div><span style=\"font-size: 1rem;\"><b><font color=\"#634aa5\">BNP leader Dr Abdul Moyeen Khan on Sunday said the Awami League government will be forced to quit power at any moment as it has no ‘foundation’ and ‘public support’.</font></b></span><br></div><div><br></div><div>\"I would like to clearly say that this government was severely defeated through the farcical election on January 7. The ground under their feet has moved away,” he said.</div><div><br></div><div>Speaking at a discussion meeting, the BNP leader also said many people ask him whether this government will be able to stay in power for five more years after holding such an election.</div><div><br></div><div>“I would like to tell them even a day before their ouster the Ershad government did not know they would have to&nbsp; quit power in this way in 1990,” he said.</div><div><br></div><div>Dr Moyeen, a BNP standing committee member, said people are the foundation of the government of a country. “As this foundation has slowly moved away, the Awami League is now standing on nothing. There’s no ground beneath their feet. This regime will be forced to leave at any moment.”</div><div><br></div><div>Jatiyatabadi Muktijoddha Dal arranged the programme at Dhaka Reporters’ Unity (DRU), making the 88th birth anniversary of BNP founder Ziaur Rahman.</div><div><br></div><div>Dr Moyeen called upon the country’s people and the leaders and activists of the opposition parties to get ready to make more sacrifices to make their movement for the restoration of democracy and people’s right to vote a success.</div><div><br></div><div>&nbsp;“I would like to tell you (people) one thing that yes we have given blood and we have to give more blood. We’re in a movement on the streets and we have to be there on the streets. But this movement will be completely peaceful and systematic,” he said.</div><div><br></div><div>The BNP leader said their party believes that they will be able to restore democracy and people’s voting rights through a peaceful democratic movement, reports UNB.</div><div><br></div><div>“We believe in rules and democratic processes…BNP does not believe in the politics of logi-baitha (stick-oars). This is the difference between Awami League and BNP,” he said.</div><div><br></div><div>bnbd24/fas</div>', NULL, 'News Desk', '[\"30\"]', NULL, NULL, NULL, NULL, '2024-01-21 14:47:58', '2024-01-21 14:47:58'),
(10927, 10927, '<div><span style=\"font-size: 1rem;\"><b>A landslide in southwestern China’s mountainous Yunnan province early Monday buried 47 people and forced the evacuation of 200 more amid freezing temperatures and falling snow.</b></span><br></div><div><br></div><div>The disaster struck just before 6 a.m. in the village of Liangshui in the northeastern part of Yunnan province. Rescue efforts were underway to find victims buried in 18 separate houses, the Zhenxiong county publicity department said.</div><div><br></div><div>There were no immediate reports of deaths or injuries. The cause of the landslide wasn’t immediately known, although photos showed snow was on the ground and continuing to fall.</div><div><br></div><div>Luo Dongmei, 35, was sleeping when the landslide struck, but she survived and was relocated to a school by local authorities.</div><div><br></div><div>“I was asleep, but my brother knocked on the door and woke me up. They said there was a landslide and the bed was shaking, so they rushed upstairs and woke us up,” Luo said.</div><div><br></div><div>Luo, her husband and their three children, along with many other residents, have been provided with food at the school but are still waiting for blankets and other protection from the cold weather, she said.</div><div><br></div><div>Luo said she\'s been unable to contact her sister and aunt, who lived closer to the site of the landslide. “The only thing I can do is to wait,” she said.</div><div><br></div><div>Rescuers evacuated tourists last week from a remote skiing area in northwestern China where dozens of avalanches triggered by heavy snow trapped more than 1,000 people for a week. The avalanches blocked roads, stranding both tourists and residents in a village in Altay prefecture in the Xinjiang region, close to China’s border with Mongolia, Russia and Kazakhstan.</div><div><br></div><div>Landslides, often caused by rain or unsafe construction work, are not uncommon in China. At least 70 people were killed in landslides last year, including more than 50 at an open pit mine in the Inner Mongolia region. In 2021, 14 workers were killed when a tunnel under construction was flooded.</div><div><br></div><div>The landslide in Yunnan also came just over a month after China’s most powerful earthquake in years struck the northwest in a remote region between Gansu and Qinghai province. At least 149 people were killed in the 6.2-magnitude temblor that struck on Dec. 18, reducing homes to rubble and triggering heavy mudslides that inundated two villages in Qinghai province.</div><div><br></div><div>Nearly 1,000 people were injured and more than 14,000 homes were destroyed in China’s deadliest earthquake in nine years. - AP&nbsp;</div><div><br></div><div>bnbd24/fas</div>', NULL, 'International Desk', '[\"29\"]', NULL, NULL, NULL, NULL, '2024-01-22 08:39:14', '2024-01-22 08:39:14'),
(10928, 10928, '<div><span style=\"font-size: 1rem;\"><b>Prime Minister of the Czech Republic Petr Fiala has congratulated Sheikh Hasina on her re-election as the prime minister of Bangladesh.</b></span><br></div><div><br></div><div>“I deeply value the friendly relations the Czech Republic and Bangladesh enjoy and I believe that we will continue to deepen and strengthen them to the mutual benefit of our countries,” Czech PM wrote in a congratulatory message to his Bangladeshi counterpart, said the PMO on Monday.</div><div><br></div><div>He also assured Hasina of his country’s interest in developing cooperation further both on bilateral level and in international organisations in all areas of common interest, reports UNB</div><div><br></div><div>“I wish you every success in your demanding work for the well-being of the people of Bangladesh,” he said.</div><div><br></div><div>Hasina took office for the fourth consecutive term after sweeping this month\'s parliamentary polls.</div><div><br></div><div>bnbd24/fas</div>', NULL, 'News Desk', '[\"30\"]', NULL, NULL, NULL, NULL, '2024-01-22 09:15:21', '2024-01-22 09:15:21'),
(10929, 10929, '<div><span style=\"font-size: 1rem;\"><b>Awami League General Secretary Obaidul Quader on Monday said BNP is now spreading rumours at home and abroad by indulging in anti-government activities.</b></span><br></div><div><br></div><div>“Rumour terrorism has been associated with their arson terrorism,” he said at a press briefing at the Awami League president\'s office in Dhanmondi in the capital this noon, reports UNB.</div><div><br></div><div>Commodity prices are rising all over the world. But they are spreading propaganda by saying this situation is a potential famine, he said.</div><div><br></div><div>“If BNP had moved forward with positive politics, it would not have fallen so suddenly. In trying to topple the government, they have fallen into the pit of collapse,” he added.</div><div><br></div><div>On the other hand, Quader, also the road transport and bridges minister, said the political party with the second highest number of seats in the electipn will be the main opposition party.</div><div><br></div><div>bnbd24/fas</div>', NULL, 'News Desk', '[\"30\"]', NULL, NULL, NULL, NULL, '2024-01-22 10:33:15', '2024-01-22 10:33:15'),
(10930, 10930, '<div><b><span style=\"font-size: 1rem;\">A man and his son were missing as a trawler with seven people, including the two, capsized in the Meghna River late last night.</span><br></b></div><div><br></div><div>The missing are Razzak Sardar and his son Parvez Sadar, from Mehediganj upazila of Barishal.</div><div><br></div><div>Those who have been rescued are Russell Sardar, Reaz, Shakil, Rubel, and Ratan Sardar.</div><div><br></div><div>Rescued Shakil said they sailed out for Barishal’s Mehediganj from Bhola’s Manpura upazila on a trawler carrying scrap objects on Sunday night.</div><div><br></div><div>At one stage, the front end of the trawler started sinking in the river due to heavy tide, forcing five out of the seven crew members to jump into the river, he said, adding that unfortunately the father and the son were stuck in the trawler.</div><div><br></div><div>Fishermen from other boats and trawlers rushed in and rescued the five, Shakil said, adding that the fishermen later called the emergency service 999, seeking assistance to rescue the father and the son.</div><div><br></div><div>Bhola River Police Station’s Officer-in-Charge (OC) Bidyut Kumar Ghosh confirmed the matter, saying that a river police team is performing duty at the spot while a diver team of Fire Service and Civil Defence (FSCD) is conducting an operation to find the missing persons. - UNB</div><div><br></div><div>bnbd24/fas</div>', NULL, 'News Desk', '[\"30\"]', NULL, NULL, NULL, NULL, '2024-01-22 10:39:09', '2024-01-22 10:39:09'),
(10931, 10931, '<div><span style=\"font-size: 1rem;\"><b>Coca-Cola, one of the country\'s leading beverage companies, has announced Ju-un Nahar Choudhury as the new Managing Director of Coca-Cola Bangladesh Limited. She is the first Bangladeshi to take on the role of Managing Director for this fortune 500 company.</b></span><br></div><div><br></div><div>In this role, Choudhury will work closely with bottling and business partners, customers and other external stakeholders in the country.</div><div><br></div><div>She started her career with Unilever as a management trainee in marketing, and left her mark in various roles including leading the team who won a Guinness world record for the nationwide ‘Lifebuoy handwashing washing campaign’ covering 86,000 youth simultaneously in over 60 locations, said the comps on Monday.</div><div><br></div><div>She moved to Indonesia in 2014 with Reckitt Benckiser looking after the Dettol business. She also worked with Danone Indonesia as Head of Innovation and then joined aCommerce, an end-to-end ecommerce enabler present across seven ASEAN countries, as the FMCG director.</div><div><br></div><div>After spending eight years in Indonesia, Choudhury moved back to Bangladesh and joined Apex as marketing director in 2023.</div><div><br></div><div>Speaking on her appointment, Ju-un Nahar Choudhury, Managing Director, Coca-Cola Bangladesh said, “I am delighted to join the Coca-Cola system and partner with our bottling partners, Coca-Cola Bangladesh Beverages (CCBB) &amp; Abdul Monem Limited (AML), and other stakeholders to refresh our consumers in Bangladesh.\"</div><div><br></div><div>She also said, \"I am humbled to lead Bangladesh on this Coca-Cola journey and I am committed to steer our brands and franchise operations to new heights.”</div><div><br></div><div>Choudhury is the first woman to be appointed to this position in Bangladesh and will be replacing former Managing Director, Ta Duy Tung, who was appointed back in 2021.&nbsp;&nbsp;</div><div><br></div><div>Ajay Vijay Bathija, Vice President of Franchise Operations for Southwest Asia (SWA), said, “We welcome Ju-un to Coca-Cola. The Coca-Cola Company reiterates its focus on building a sustainable business in an important market like Bangladesh. Ju-un joins at an exciting time of the company’s journey in the country and our partners will gain a great deal from her wide experience in FMCG and e-commerce.”</div><div><br></div><div>Coca-Cola is the first company in Bangladesh to launch 100% recycled PET bottles in Bangladesh. Coke Studio Bangla, as a digital music platform, boasts a YouTube channel with 2.86 million+ subscribers, surpassing the combined subscriber count of some of Bangladesh\'s biggest brands.&nbsp;</div><div><br></div><div>As per a socio-economic impact study, the Coca-Cola system in Bangladesh contributes to the continuous economic growth of the country and also supports nearly 22,100 jobs which consist of 833 direct jobs and 21,300 indirect jobs. - UNB</div><div><br></div><div>bnbd24/fas</div>', NULL, 'News Desk', '[\"30\"]', NULL, NULL, NULL, NULL, '2024-01-22 10:59:44', '2024-01-22 10:59:44'),
(10932, 10932, '<div><span style=\"font-size: 1rem;\"><b>All primary and secondary level educational institutions in Bogura were declared&nbsp; closed for Monday due to severe cold.</b></span><br></div><div><br></div><div>Shah Alam, senior observer of Bogura Met Office, said the district recorded the season\'s lowest temperature at 9.1 degrees Celsius at 9am.</div><div><br></div><div>A mild cold wave has been sweeping the district and it may persist this month, he said.</div><div><br></div><div>Anwar Hossain, assistant headmaster of Bogura Zila&nbsp; School, said the school was declared closed following the directive from the district education office in the morning.</div><div><br></div><div>District Education Officer Hazrat Ali said all secondary educational institutions have been declared closed and all upazila education offices have been informed about this.&nbsp;</div><div><br></div><div>District Primary Education Officer Asaduzzaman Chowdhury said all primary schools in the district have been declared shut as the temperature dropped below 10 degree Celsius.</div><div><br></div><div>On January 16, Directorate of Secondary and Higher Education (DSHE) issued a circular saying that the education authorities in any district can close down schools in case the temperature drops below 10 degrees Celsius, reports UNB.</div><div><br></div><div>According to the circular, “A cold wave is sweeping different parts of the country and as a result the educational activities are being seriously hampered. The regional deputy directors in consultation with the district education officers can keep the educational institutions under secondary level closed if the temperature drops below 10 degrees Celsius in any district.”</div><div><br></div><div>bnbd24/fas</div>', NULL, 'News Desk', '[\"30\"]', NULL, NULL, NULL, NULL, '2024-01-22 11:48:07', '2024-01-22 11:48:07');
INSERT INTO `news_details` (`id`, `news_id`, `details`, `ticker`, `representative`, `keyword`, `video_link`, `google_drive_link`, `audio_link`, `shoulder`, `created_at`, `updated_at`) VALUES
(10933, 10933, '<div><b><span style=\"font-size: 1rem;\">Home Minister Asaduzzaman Khan on Monday said that the Election Commission has gifted a good election.</span><br></b></div><div><br></div><div>\"Those who made negative comments about the election have now understood that Bangladesh had a good election under the Prime Minister and the Election Commission,\" he said.</div><div><br></div><div>The minister made the remarks at the \'Great Wall Commemorative Medal\' handover ceremony of the Chinese government at the conference room of the ministry today.</div><div><br></div><div>Chinese Ambassador to Bangladesh Yao Wen handed over the medal where officials of the Ministry of Home Affairs and the delegation of China were present.</div><div><br></div><div>Regarding China\'s reaction to the national polls, Kamal said,” The Chinese government is our friend. They have always termed the election as an internal matter of Bangladesh and they didn\'t made any comment about it.”</div><div><br></div><div>\"Apart from China, we also have excellent relations with other neighbouring countries. I think it will be stronger,\" Kamal added.</div><div><br></div><div>Replying to a question, the Home Minister said, \"We are always concerned about cyber security. We have been seeking cooperation from China so that we could prevent transnational crimes,\" he added, reports UNB.</div><div><br></div><div>He said, \"China has been providing training to our security forces for long. So, We have requested them to increase its scope and they have taken into their consideration,\" the home minister said.</div><div><br></div><div>\"Our Inspector General of Police has already handed over a list to them for training. I think they will accept it,\" he added.</div><div><br></div><div>bnbd24/fas</div>', NULL, 'News Desk', '[\"30\"]', NULL, NULL, NULL, NULL, '2024-01-22 11:52:53', '2024-01-22 11:52:53'),
(10934, 10934, '<div><b><span style=\"font-size: 1rem;\">Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on Monday sounded a strong warning against illegal hoarders and market manipulators saying that they would face the music.</span><br></b></div><div><br></div><div>“If anyone hoards any goods out of ill-motive, we’ll have to take instant action against them through mobile courts and if needed send them to jail,” she said.</div><div><br></div><div>Bangladesh Awami League (AL) President Sheikh Hasina said this while chairing a meeting of AL Central Working Committee in her residence Ganabhaban.</div><div><br></div><div>She said the sudden price-hike (of essentials) after the election is a very abnormal matter.</div><div><br></div><div>“It is very essential to find out who are manipulators behind it. Not only find them, but also take instant actions against them. We’ll do it in future,” she added.</div><div><br></div><div>The premier urged the people of the country to stay vigilant so that none could play games with the (prices of) food items by hoarding and black marketeering.&nbsp; “There is no meaning to playing games with the food of people,” she said.</div><div><br></div><div>Coming down heavily on those who question the recently held 12th parliamentary election, Sheikh Hasina said the people accepted this election.</div><div><br></div><div>“Attempts are being made to create unnecessary confusion. Not only that, all of a sudden, the prices of rice and (some other) commodities went high after the election,” she added.The AL chief said the people spontaneously exercised their franchise in the January 7 general election despite campaigns carried out asking voters not to cast votes.</div><div><br></div><div>Noting that there are attempts to wage movements in the RMG sector alongside price-hike of essentials, she said having failed to thwart the election, they (BNP) now want to start again in an alternative way.</div><div><br></div><div>“We’ll not allow them to play ducks and drakes with the fate of the people of Bangladesh,” she said.</div><div><br></div><div>The PM said the people are pleased and happy that the election was held and Awami League formed the government.</div><div><br></div><div>“Insh\'Allah, any abnormal situation won’t take place anymore in Bangladesh,” she said, adding that they established democracy and it would continue.The socioeconomic development of the people of this country would be ensured through the continuation of democracy, she added.</div><div><br></div><div>Noting that her government will make further development of the country, she said they would keep arrangements to give a befitted reply to those who come to obstruct the development journey of Bangladesh.In the meeting, the upcoming countrywide upazila election was discussed, reports UNB</div><div><br></div><div>AL presidium members Engineer Mosharraf Hossain, Begum Matia Chowdhury, Sheikh Fazlul Karim Selim and Kazi Zafarullah, AL general secretary Obaidul Quader, and AL central working committee member Abul Hasnat Abdullah were on the dais.&nbsp;</div><div><br></div><div>bnbd24/fas</div>', NULL, 'News Desk', '[\"30\"]', NULL, NULL, NULL, NULL, '2024-01-22 16:11:41', '2024-01-22 16:11:41'),
(10935, 10935, '<div><span style=\"font-size: 1rem;\"><b>BNP senior leader Dr Abdul Moyeen Khan on Monday said the Awami League government will fall apart \'like a house of cards\' as people are not with this regime.</b></span><br></div><div><br></div><div>Speaking at a discussion, he also said the government’s efforts to stay in power \'with the force of the gun\' will not succeed.</div><div><br></div><div>“The basis of democracy is the people. This government has no foundation since the people are not with them. The government itself does not know when they will collapse like a house of cards,” the BNP leader said.</div><div><br></div><div>Stating that the force of guns cannot stand up to the power of people’s unity and justice, he urged the government to come to the path of democracy and arrange a fresh and credible election.</div><div><br></div><div>“Otherwise, the consequences will not be good…people can be defeated with bullets, guns and teargas. But people\'s love can’t be found. The election of January 7 was not fair. Which was said in all the media of the world,” Dr&nbsp; Moyeen said.</div><div><br></div><div>He also said the democratic world recognised that there is now no democracy in Bangladesh as the current government usurped power without the mandate of the people. “They are trying to stay in power through the barrel of a gun. Their efforts will never succeed.”</div><div><br></div><div>The University Teachers Association of Bangladesh (UTAB) organised the programme titled the “State philosophy of Shaheed Zia in uprooting the new Baksal” at Dhaka Reports’Unity (DRU), marking the 88th birth anniversary of ex-president Ziaur Rahman, the founder of BNP.</div><div><br></div><div>Dr Moyeen, a BNP standing committee member, said the Awami League does not work for the people as they do the politics of one-party rule and logi-baitha (sticks and oars). “They have sieged all the institutions of the country. They are deceiving the people by talking about the constitution.”</div><div><br></div><div>He called upon the all professionals, including the teachers, to play a proactive role in restoring democracy and people’s right to franchise: “No one can sit idle when the country lacks democracy. We want to eliminate the system of new Baksal-II.”</div><div><br></div><div>The BNP leader said the current government wants no one in this country to criticise them and talk about the restoration of democracy as the Awami League has become blind for the lust of power.</div><div><br></div><div>He said the government obstructed a peaceful programme like the distribution of leaflets urging people to boycott the 12th Parliamentary election.</div><div><br></div><div>“We’ve now announced to take out processions with black flags against the government. But there are threats that if we hold the black-flag processions, then there’ll be a crackdown on us again like in October 28.” - UNB</div><div><br></div><div>bnbd24/fas</div>', NULL, 'News Desk', '[\"30\"]', NULL, NULL, NULL, NULL, '2024-01-22 16:15:58', '2024-01-22 16:15:58'),
(10936, 10936, '<div><b><span style=\"font-size: 1rem;\">Bangladesh Meteorological Department (BMD) has reported that a mild cold wave is currently affecting four divisions and several districts across the country, as of the morning of January 23, 2024. This weather pattern, characterized by lower temperatures and dense fog, is expected to continue and may abate in some areas.&nbsp;</span><br></b></div><div><br></div><div>According to the latest weather bulletin, the mild to moderate cold wave is impacting Dhaka, Rangpur, Rajshahi, and Khulna divisions, along with the districts of Moulvibazar, Barishal, Bhola, and Cumilla. This season’s lowest temperature of 6.6 degrees Celsius was recorded today in Chuadanga and Sirajganj, contrasting with the highest temperature of 27.5 degrees Celsius in Cox’s Bazar’s Teknaf upazila.</div><div><br></div><div>The BMD classifies a mild cold wave as temperatures ranging from 8 to 10 degrees Celsius, a moderate cold wave from 6 to 8 degrees Celsius, and a severe cold wave as temperatures falling below 6 degrees Celsius.</div><div><br></div><div>Alongside the cold wave, moderate to thick fog is expected to blanket the country from midnight to morning, potentially persisting until noon in some areas. This fog poses significant challenges to air navigation, inland river transport, and road communication.</div><div><br></div><div>There is a slight expectation of rising night and day temperatures across the country. Furthermore, the BMD forecasts light rain or drizzle in one or two places over the Khulna division, while the rest of the country is likely to experience dry weather with partly cloudy skies.</div><div><br></div><div>Residents, especially in the northern part of Bangladesh, have been facing severe cold for the last few days. This weather phenomenon has significantly disrupted normal life, affecting daily routines and transport services. According to UNB reports&nbsp;</div><div><br></div><div>bnbd24/fas</div>', NULL, 'News Desk', '[\"30\"]', NULL, NULL, NULL, NULL, '2024-01-23 09:11:13', '2024-01-23 09:11:13'),
(10937, 10937, '<div><b><span style=\"font-size: 1rem;\">Rapid Action Battalion (RAB) arrested three accused in a murder case from Dhaka’s Keraniganj and Gazipur areas on Monday night.</span><br></b></div><div><br></div><div>The arrestees are Hiru Sardar, 40, Babu Sardar, 35, and Alamgir Sardar, 45.</div><div><br></div><div>Shihab Karim, senior assistant director of the RAB-2, said there had been a dispute between the accused and one Kala Chan over ownership of a piece of land.</div><div><br></div><div>On January 16 this year, the accused attacked the house of the victim, he said.&nbsp;</div><div><br></div><div>They beat him up mercilessly while he was returning home from a local union parishad member’s house after lodging complaints in this regard.</div><div><br></div><div>Later, locals rescued him and sent to Upazila Health Complex where he succumbed to his injuries while undergoing treatment, the RAB officer said.</div><div><br></div><div>The victim’s wife filed the murder case naming eight accused and four to five unnamed with the police station, reports UNB.</div><div><br></div><div>Following the case, the elite force conducted drives in Keraniganj and Gazipur to arrest them, he told. adding that the the arrestees were handed over to the police station concerned.</div><div><br></div><div>bnbd24/fas</div>', NULL, 'News Desk', '[\"30\"]', NULL, NULL, NULL, NULL, '2024-01-23 09:29:47', '2024-01-23 09:29:47'),
(10938, 10938, '<div><span style=\"font-size: 1rem;\"><b style=\"\">Popular filmmaker Mostafa Sarwar Farooki was hospitalised after he felt unwell on Monday (January 22, 2024) evening.</b></span><br></div><div><br></div><div>His hospitalisation was confirmed by his wife, actress Nusrat Imrose Tisha.</div><div><br></div><div>Tisha wrote on her verified Facebook page at 1 am on Tuesday, “Mostafa has been feeling unwell since last evening. After taking him to the hospital, it was informed that he suffered a mild stroke.”</div><div><br></div><div>“He is now being observed at the Neuro ICU. Please keep Mostafa Sarwar Farooki in your prayers,” Tisha wrote.</div><div><br></div><div>According to sources, the director is at a private hospital in Dhaka’s Panthapath.</div><div><br></div><div>He is currently being closely monitored by doctors but is now out of danger.</div><div><br></div><div>Fans and admirers, including many celebrities, have commented on and shared the post while asking for prayers for the acclaimed director.</div><div><br></div><div>Known for breaking stereotypical storytelling and popularising colloquial language in TV fiction, Farooki is widely acclaimed for his television series ‘51 Borti’, ‘69’, ‘420’, ‘Choruivati’, ‘Carrom’ and more.</div><div><br></div><div>After becoming successful in television, Farooki debuted as a filmmaker with ‘Bachelor’ (2004), featuring an ensemble cast of Ferdous Ahmed, Humayun Faridi, Shabnoor, Aupee Karim, Jaya Ahsan, Marzuk Russell and others, reports UNB.</div><div><br></div><div>After that, he continued his journey as a filmmaker with ‘Made in Bangladesh’, ‘Third Person Singular Number’, ‘Ant Story’ (Piprabiddya), ‘Television’, ‘Doob: No Bed of Roses’ and his most talked-about film ‘Saturday Afternoon (Shonibar Bikel), which is yet to have a proper theatrical release in Bangladesh.</div><div><br></div><div>With ‘Ladies & Gentleman’ (2021), Farooki debuted in OTT. He debuted as an actor in the Chorki’s film under the ‘Ministry of Love’ project, titled \'Something Like An Autobiography\' alongside Tisha.</div><div><br></div><div>bnbd24/fas</div>', NULL, 'News Desk', '[\"13\"]', NULL, NULL, NULL, NULL, '2024-01-23 10:07:51', '2024-01-23 10:30:41'),
(10939, 10939, '<div><b><span style=\"font-size: 1rem;\">Chattogram Challengers and Khulna Tigers secured victories in their respective matches in the ongoing Bangladesh Premier League (BPL) on Monday.</span><br></b></div><div><br></div><div>In the first contest of the day, the Challengers triumphed over Durdanto Dhaka, while the Tigers claimed victory against Barisal Bulls in the evening match; both matches took place at Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium.</div><div><br></div><div>Batting first, Dhaka managed to post 136 for eight, with Lasith Croospulle, serving as a concussion replacement for their opener Danushka Gunathilaka, top-scoring with 46. Irfan Sukkur contributed 27, and Alex Ross added 11. None of their other batters reached a double-digit total.</div><div><br></div><div>Challengers\' bowlers, Al Amin Hossain (2/15) and Bilal Khan (2/28), played pivotal roles in restricting Dhaka\'s innings.</div><div><br></div><div>In response, the Challengers successfully chased down the target with 10 balls to spare and six wickets in hand. Tanzid Hasan Tamim led the charge with 49, while Najibullah Zadran contributed 32.</div><div><br></div><div>In the next match of the day, the Tigers secured an eight-wicket victory against the Bulls with 12 balls remaining.</div><div><br></div><div>Openers Evin Lewis and Anamul Haque Bijoy both notched fifties, with Bijoy remaining unbeaten on 63, while Lewis scored 53 off 22 balls, featuring five sixes and five fours. Afif Hossain contributed 42 off 36, and Shai Hope remained unbeaten with 25 off just 10 balls.</div><div><br></div><div>Earlier, Mushfiqur Rahim anchored the Tigers\' innings to a total of 187 for four wickets, scoring 68 off 39 balls, including four sixes and five fours. Tamim Iqbal and Mahmudullah Riyad chipped in with 40 and 27 runs, respectively. But their efforts went in vain at the end of the day.</div><div><br></div><div>However, Tamim recorded a personal achievement in this match— reaching 3000 runs in BPL- most by a batter so far. - UNB</div><div><br></div><div>bnbd24/fas</div>', NULL, 'Sports Desk', '[\"20\"]', NULL, NULL, NULL, NULL, '2024-01-23 10:57:27', '2024-01-23 10:57:27'),
(10940, 10940, '<div><span style=\"font-size: 1rem;\">Chinese Communist Party\'s Vice Minister of the International Department Sun Haiyan is scheduled to arrive in Dhaka tonight to have meetings with Bangladesh leadership.</span><br></div><div><br></div><div>The Chinese Vice Minister, now visiting the Maldives, will have a number of meetings during her stay in Dhaka.</div><div><br></div><div>Though there has been no official announcement yet, the Chinese Vice Minister is likely to meet Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, Speaker Dr Shirin Sharmin Chaudhury and others, said a diplomatic source.</div><div><br></div><div>This is going to be the first visit by any senior Chinese politician after the formation of the new Cabinet led by Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina.</div><div><br></div><div>On January 11, Chinese President Xi Jinping sent a congratulatory message to Sheikh Hasina on her reelection as Prime Minister of Bangladesh.</div><div><br></div><div>President Xi hoped that Bangladesh and China would make joint efforts to further implement the important consensus he reached with the Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina in Johannesburg, South Africa, last August, enhance political mutual trust, promote traditional friendship, further synergize development strategies, and promote high-quality Belt and Road cooperation, so as to uplift the China-Bangladesh Strategic Partnership of Cooperation to a new height.</div><div><br></div><div>On the same day, Chinese Premier of State Council Li Qiang sent a congratulatory message to Sheikh Hasina on her reelection as Prime Minister of Bangladesh, saying China and Bangladesh are close neighbours with long-established friendship and development partners of close cooperation. In recent years, China and Bangladesh have deepened political mutual trust and achieved fruitful results in Belt and Road cooperation. According to UNB reports&nbsp;</div><div><br></div><div>bnbd24/fas</div>', NULL, 'News Desk', '[\"30\"]', NULL, NULL, NULL, NULL, '2024-01-23 11:31:30', '2024-01-23 11:31:30'),
(10941, 10941, '<div><span style=\"font-size: 1rem;\"><b>Three people were killed in a collision between a truck and a pickup-van in Taldighi area on Mymensingh-Sherpur road under Tarakanda upazila of Mymensingh district on Tuesday morning.</b></span><br></div><div><br></div><div>The deceased were identified as pickup-van driver Kamrul Islam, 22, son of Abdul Latif, Abdul Kadir, 45, son of Usan Ali and Mizanur Rahman, 48, son of Ramjan, hailing from Haluaghat upazila of the same district.&nbsp;</div><div><br></div><div>Police and locals said, the Sherpur-bound truck collided with the Mymensingh-bound pickup-van coming from the opposite direction in the morning, leaving the driver dead on the spot and two others critically injured.</div><div><br></div><div>Later, police and fire service personnel recovered the body and sent the injured to Mymensingh Medical College Hospital where physicians declared them dead upon arrival, reports UNB.</div><div><br></div><div>Wazedul Islam, Officer-in-Charge of Tarakanda Police Station said that they seized both the vehicles but the trucker managed to flee.</div><div><br></div><div>bnbd24/fas</div>', NULL, 'News Desk', '[\"30\"]', NULL, NULL, NULL, NULL, '2024-01-23 11:44:05', '2024-01-23 11:44:05'),
(10942, 10942, '<div><span style=\"font-size: 1rem;\"><b><font color=\"#3984c6\">Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on Tuesday sought cooperation from the development partners including France for ensuring the sustainability of the development programmes her government has implemented since 2009.</font></b></span><br></div><div><br></div><div>“To make the development of Bangladesh sustainable we have to go a long way. In this we need cooperation from the development partners including France,” she told French Ambassador to Bangladesh Marie Masdupuy who called her at her official residence Ganabhaban.</div><div><br></div><div>PM’s speech writer M Nazrul Islam briefed reporters after the call on.</div><div><br></div><div>He said that the prime minister told the envoy that during the tenure of the Awami League government transformation of rural areas has taken place in Bangladesh, which was known as poverty, flood and drought.</div><div><br></div><div>“Today’s Bangladesh is totally different,” she said.</div><div><br></div><div>In this connection, she mentioned that every village of the country has now electricity and communication network has been established.</div><div><br></div><div>“The rural areas have changed a lot while poverty has been reduced significantly,” she said.</div><div><br></div><div>Hasina said that the government has planned to build flats in rural areas for the poor people. Such flats are being built in the urban areas.</div><div><br></div><div>On Rohingya issue, she said that forcibly displaced Myanmar nationals must be repatriated to their homeland.</div><div><br></div><div>“They are getting involved in various types of crimes like drug trafficking and arms smuggling. They are not engaged in education or work,” she said.</div><div><br></div><div>She mentioned that without repatriation the crimes cannot be stopped totally.</div><div><br></div><div>She urged the Western countries including France to mount their pressure further for the quick repatriation of the Rohingyas.</div><div><br></div><div>Talking about the stranded Pakistanis, the premier said that their fourth generation is living here.</div><div><br></div><div>“It seems Pakistan will not take them back. So we are planning to build flats for them to ensure their permanent rehabilitation here,” she said.</div><div><br></div><div>She requested the French gas companies to invest in Bangladesh gas sector, including exploration.&nbsp;</div><div><br></div><div>During the meeting the PM and the envoy discussed some bilateral issues, including Airbus purchase and launching of Bangabandhu Satellite-II.</div><div><br></div><div>Ambassador Masdupuy handed over a message of French President Emmanuel Macron congratulating Hasina on her victory in the January 7 parliamentary election and being re-elected as the prime minister.&nbsp;</div><div><br></div><div>She mentioned the existence of excellent bilateral relations between the two countries, which strengthened especially following the visits of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina to France in 2021 and Macron’s 2023 visit to Dhaka.</div><div><br></div><div>On the climate issue, the ambassador said that her country wanted to see Bangladesh as the pioneer in using the Loss and Damage Utilisation Fund.</div><div><br></div><div>She mentioned that Bangladesh has set an example in facing the challenges of climate change.</div><div><br></div><div>She said that France wants to assist Bangladesh in green energy transition.</div><div><br></div><div>The ambassador also said that her country wants to cooperate with Bangladesh in blue economy and cyber security.</div><div><br></div><div>PM’s Adviser Salman F Rahman, Ambassador-at-large M Ziauddin and Principal Secretary M Tofazzel Hossain Miah were present.</div><div><br></div><div>bnbd24/fas</div>', NULL, 'News Desk', '[\"30\"]', NULL, NULL, NULL, NULL, '2024-01-23 12:23:17', '2024-01-23 12:23:17'),
(10943, 10943, '<div><font color=\"#e79439\"><span style=\"font-size: 1rem;\"><b>There is a saying that if it sounds too good to be true, then it probably is. As electronic and social media have made advertisements easier than ever, there is a growing number of scams, especially leveraging the tourism industry. Here’s what one should keep in mind to avoid scams while booking for travel at home or abroad.&nbsp;</b></span><br></font></div><div><br></div><div>Ways to Avoid Scams while Doing Travel Bookings&nbsp;</div><div>Check for Website Authenticity&nbsp;</div><div>Website authenticity is the first and foremost way to avoid travel booking scams.&nbsp;</div><div><br></div><div>What’s the typical process people follow for booking? They go to Google and type in their keywords like ‘7 days vacation package to (desired destination)’.&nbsp;</div><div><br></div><div>Many fake websites leverage these keywords and advertise on search engines. As a result, they tend to show up at the top of the search results. Fortunately, one can easily check where there is an “AD” mark next to the website link.&nbsp;</div><div><br></div><div>There are several ways to check an authentic site. An efficient approach would be to check for the Domain Authority (DA) using free online tools. It is better to avoid sites with lower DA scores.&nbsp;</div><div><br></div><div>Avoid Too Good to Be True Offers</div><div>Data harvesting and tracking is another way scammers target tourists and travelers. The moment you put in a keyword in a search bar regarding a booking, you will notice enticing offers showing up regarding that destination. Most of these ads often sound too good to be true. And in almost all the cases, they are.&nbsp;</div><div><br></div><div>As a precautionary measure, always double-check the offer on the website. Check for website authority to ensure that the displayed offers are indeed legit.&nbsp;</div><div><br></div><div>Double Check on the Payment&nbsp;</div><div>There are two warning signs of scams when it comes to payment – lack of encryption and guiding users to a different landing page. A legit travel booking site will have the necessary SSL encryption which shows up as a keypad lock right after the https in the address bar. Scam websites don’t have those.</div><div><br></div><div>Some scammers have legit-looking websites for information and pricing but would take the users to a different domain for payment. Users should be wary of those sites as well.&nbsp;</div><div><br></div><div>Avoid Wire Transfer</div><div>It\'s best to avoid wire transfers using bank credentials or a debit card. For booking, always try to use credit cards as most banks invalidate the transaction in case of fraudulent purchases. That is, if the booking turns out to be a scam, your money is protected.&nbsp;</div><div><br></div><div>It’s also a sign of a scam if a booking site insists on wire transfers rather than the use of credit cards.&nbsp;</div><div><br></div><div>Reconfirm the Booking&nbsp;</div><div>Sometimes scammers replicate trusted websites and take the booking through promotional campaigns of lucrative offers. While it\'s paramount to be wary of lucrative offers, many legit booking sites run promotional campaigns which can be a pretty good deal.&nbsp;</div><div><br></div><div>As a rule of thumb, tourists should always reconfirm the booking through telephone. They need to make sure to use the telephone number provided on the authentic website and not on the promotional offers.&nbsp;</div><div><br></div><div>Check Reviews&nbsp;</div><div>Unsure whether a booking site is legit or a scam? The best way to find out is to check for reviews. Many booking sites have their own dedicated review space. But let’s be honest, there’s no guarantee whether those reviews are legit or not.&nbsp;</div><div><br></div><div>The best approach would be to check independent third-party review websites like Trustpilot, Yelp, and Reviewsnap. Tourists can also look for reviews of certain travel companies, hotels, or booking agencies on social networking sites like Quora, Reddit, etc. These websites will give a better idea of whether a website is a scam or not.&nbsp;</div><div><br></div><div>Check for Hidden Fees</div><div>Another form of booking scam is the hidden charges. Sometimes even legit sites will put in a lucrative offer. However, the reduced price is often compensated through hidden charges. Booking sites are often pretty good at hiding them.&nbsp;</div><div><br></div><div>As per the law, the sites are obligated to provide a complete breakdown of the charges. Check the breakdown before making any payment. Hidden fees are designated under an inflated service charge or processing fee. So the tourists should check whether those fees are higher than normal prices.&nbsp;</div><div><br></div><div>Avoid Rushing&nbsp;</div><div>Any scam booking site would want to close the deal as fast as possible. Because the payment is the last hurdle to scam. Spam mails that have an urgent tone to them or booking sites that have a call to action now and then may turn out to be scams.&nbsp;</div><div><br></div><div>The scammers in these cases bank on people’s hesitancy. They aim to create a sense of urgency through limited time or limited booking tropes. To avoid such scams, always plan ahead and thoroughly check before making any transactions.&nbsp;</div><div><br></div><div>Consider Getting a Travel Agent&nbsp;</div><div>This is a more traditional and uncommon method to avoid scams. With exciting deals and numerous booking websites, people are comfortable making their plans and itineraries. But that also makes a person potentially vulnerable to scams.</div><div><br></div><div>A dedicated travel agent might be a great alternative if you want to avoid the hassle of vetting and double-checking everything personally. Though there might be some additional charges as travel agent fees.&nbsp;</div><div><br></div><div>Be Wary of Unsolicited Mails and Cold Calls</div><div>Phishing emails and cold calls are tried and tested methods when it comes to scamming. There was a time when spam mail scams were easily identifiable as they couldn’t identify the personnel by name. But now even that is possible with data harvesting.&nbsp;</div><div><br></div><div>The best approach to unsolicited emails and cold calls would be to confirm the offers on the official website or through a telephone number provided on the website. Under no circumstances use the information or links provided via email.&nbsp;</div><div><br></div><div>Final Words&nbsp;</div><div>Travelling is a passion for many. However, to avoid scams, tourists need to be careful while booking their flights and accommodation online. In this day and age of AI and advanced deepfakes, it is possible to replicate anything and everything as legit. Scammers often target non-tech-savvy people and use different tropes for booking scams. The best way to avoid these scams would be to stay alert and double-check everything. And always opt for trusted services, or hire a reliable travel agent even if it costs a few extra bucks. - UNB</div><div><br></div><div>bnbd24/fas</div>', '<p><font color=\"#a54a7b\"><b>Travel Bookings</b></font><br></p>', 'News Desk', '[\"30\"]', NULL, NULL, NULL, NULL, '2024-01-23 13:20:52', '2024-01-23 13:20:52'),
(10944, 10944, '<div><span style=\"font-size: 1rem;\"><b><font color=\"#3984c6\">Foreign Minister Dr Hasan Mahmud on Tuesday said Nobel laureate Dr Muhammad Yunus has been sentenced in a case filed by the aggrieved people, and the government is not a party to it.</font></b></span><br></div><div><br></div><div>“The government cannot dictate the court. I would like to say, paying due respect to Dr Yunus, that the government is not a party to the case. Aggrieved private people filed the case,” he told reporters while responding to a question at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.</div><div><br></div><div>He, however, preferred to consider his remarks as a citizen of the country and Awami league joint general secretary, not as the foreign minister.</div><div><br></div><div>Earlier, a TV journalist drew the Foreign Minister\'s attention to a letter from US congressmen to Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina regarding Dr Yunus.</div><div><br></div><div>If the US congressmen wrote any such letter, they are telling the government to interfere with the court. Can the government do that? Is it logical?” — said the foreign minister.</div><div><br></div><div>UNB could not verify the authenticity of the letter.</div><div><br></div><div>Earlier, a Dhaka court sentenced Dr Yunus and three top officials of Grameen Telecom to six months’ jail, with fine of Tk 25000 each, in a case over violation of labor law.</div><div><br></div><div>The others accused in the case are: Ashraful Hasan, CEO of Grameen Telecom Trust; trustee Nurjahan Begum; and managing director M Shahjahan.</div><div><br></div><div>They were accused of not making 101 workers and employees of Grameen Telecom permanent, not encashing public leave, and not depositing certain dividends to the Workers Welfare Foundation.</div><div><br></div><div>In the 84-page verdict, the judge said the charges of violating labor laws were proved against them, reports UNB.</div><div><br></div><div>The court, however, granted them conditional bail.</div><div><br></div><div>Dr Yunus claimed that he had been punished for a crime he did not commit.</div><div><br></div><div>“I have been punished for a crime that I haven’t committed,” Yunus told reporters after he was convicted in a case over violation of labor law. “If you want to call it justice, you can.”&nbsp;</div><div><br></div><div>bnbd24/fas</div><div><br></div>', NULL, 'News Desk', '[\"30\"]', NULL, NULL, NULL, NULL, '2024-01-23 14:08:09', '2024-01-23 14:08:09'),
(10945, 10945, '<div><span style=\"font-size: 1rem;\"><b>The Israeli army said Tuesday that 21 soldiers were killed in the Gaza Strip in the deadliest attack on its forces of the 3-month-old war against the militant Hamas group.</b></span><br></div><div><br></div><div>The reservists were preparing explosives to demolish two buildings in central Gaza on Monday when a militant fired a rocket-propelled grenade at a tank nearby, Rear Adm. Daniel Hagari, the chief military spokesperson, said. The blast triggered the explosives, causing both two-story buildings to collapse on the soldiers inside.</div><div><br></div><div>The heavy death toll could add new momentum to calls for Israel to pause the offensive or even halt it altogether. Large numbers of Israeli casualties have put pressure on Israel’s government to halt past military operations.</div><div><br></div><div>Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has vowed to press ahead until Israel crushes the ruling Hamas militant group and wins the freedom of over 100 hostages held captive in Gaza. Israelis are increasingly divided on the question of whether it’s possible to do either.</div><div><br></div><div>Families of the hostages and many of their supporters have called for Israel to reach a cease-fire deal, saying that time is running out to bring the hostages home alive. On Monday, dozens of hostages’ relatives stormed a parliamentary committee meeting, demanding a deal to win their loved ones’ release.</div><div><br></div><div>Israel launched the offensive after Hamas’ Oct. 7 cross border attack that killed over 1,200 people and abducted some 250 others. More than 100 were released in November in exchange for a weeklong cease-fire and the release of 240 Palestinians imprisoned by Israel.</div><div><br></div><div>The offensive has caused widespread destruction, displaced an estimated 85% of Gaza\'s population and left over 25,000 Palestinians dead, according to health officials in the Hamas-run territory. The United Nations and international aid agencies say the fighting has unleashed a humanitarian disaster, with a quarter of the area\'s 2.3 million people facing starvation.&nbsp; - AP</div><div><br></div><div>bnbd24/fas</div><div><br></div>', NULL, 'International Desk', '[\"29\"]', NULL, NULL, NULL, NULL, '2024-01-23 16:00:48', '2024-01-23 16:00:48'),
(10946, 10946, '<div><span style=\"font-size: 1rem;\"><b>Social Welfare Minister Dr Dipu Moni on Monday said that due to the effective policies and various initiatives of the government, better days of the country’s film industry have returned and the future of films would be even brighter.</b></span><br></div><div><br></div><div>“Through the medium of films, a country’s culture, history, tradition, literature and lifestyle can be documented and projected to the audiences - which our maestro filmmakers have done in the past. The government has been focusing on the further development of this important medium and as a result, we are witnessing the return of good films with even more in the future.”</div><div><br></div><div>The Minister shared her remarks while inaugurating the Wide Angle section of the 22nd Dhaka International Film Festival at the Bangladesh National Museum on Monday.</div><div><br></div><div>Lauding the DIFF authority, Dipu Moni said that the Dhaka International Film Festival organizers have been performing an extraordinary task to continue this film festivity for such a long time and providing film enthusiasts with a great platform to watch, discuss and collaborate on films.</div><div><br></div><div>Chinese Ambassador to Bangladesh Yao Wen and Deputy Chair of Shanghai Film Association and distinguished film scholar Dr Shi Chuan were present as special guests in the ceremony, which was chaired by researcher and Liberation War Museum trustee Mofidul Hoque, one of the festival committee members.</div><div><br></div><div>This year’s Dhaka International Film Festival (DIFF) is showcasing a total of 16 Chinese films as part of its coveted Wide Angle section, in association with the Embassy of the People\'s Republic of China and the Shanghai International Film Festival.</div><div><br></div><div>“In the Wide Angle section, we invite audiences to embark on a fascinating journey that explores the variety of styles represented in contemporary Chinese cinema. A collection of 16 from the most active filmmakers currently working in China, set in refreshingly diverse milieus ranging from the Southeastern metropolitan Shenzhen to the Northwestern grasslands, these films explore various themes and genres such as adventure, animation, comedy, family &amp; children\'s film, Sci-Fi, sport, suspense and more,” according to DIFF authority.</div><div><br></div><div>“Despite the diversity of characters and storytelling, these films engage and resonate with us by sharing universal feelings and deep experiences within our hearts. We wish Chinese culture along with Chinese cinema will continue to enrich the cultural diversity of the world,” the DIFF organizers quoted.</div><div><br></div><div>Initiated and organized by the Rainbow Film Society, the 22nd edition of DIFF will continue till January 28.</div><div><br></div><div>This year’s festival is showcasing 252 films from 74 countries at the Bangamata Sheikh Fazilatunnesa Mujib Auditorium (main auditorium) and Poet Sufia Kamal Auditorium of Bangladesh National Museum, National Art Gallery Auditorium and National Music and Dance Auditorium of Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy (BSA), Ministry of Foreign Affairs\' Academy Auditorium and Alliance Française de Dhaka (AFD), Dhanmondi in the capital. - UNB</div><div><br></div><div>bnbd24/fas</div>', NULL, 'News Desk', '[\"30\"]', NULL, NULL, NULL, NULL, '2024-01-23 16:03:17', '2024-01-23 16:03:17'),
(10947, 10947, '<div><b><span style=\"font-size: 1rem;\">The ninth death anniversary of Arafat Rahman Koko, the younger son of ex-president late Ziaur Rahman and thrice-former prime minister Khaleda Zia, founder and current chairperson respectively of the BNP, will be observed on Wednesday.&nbsp;</span><br></b></div><div><br></div><div>BNP and its associate bodies have taken various programmes to mark the day with due respect and remembrance.&nbsp;</div><div><br></div><div>Party leaders and activists, led by standing committee member Dr Abdul Moyeen Khan, will place wreaths at Koko’s grave and offer fateha there around 10:30am.</div><div><br></div><div>BNP will arrange a doa mahfil at its Nayapaltan central office at 11am seeking eternal peace for Koko’s departed soul. BNP standing committee member Nazrul Islam Khan will be present at the meeting.</div><div><br></div><div>Another doa mahfil will be held at the BNP chairperson’s Gulshan office at 4:30pm, to be attended by party standing committee members and the leaders and activists of the party and its associate bodies.</div><div><br></div><div>Different associate and professional bodies of BNP and its city and district units will also observe the day by holding various programmes, including discussions and prayer sessions, across the country.</div><div><br></div><div>On January 24, 2015, Koko died of cardiac arrest aged 45 in Malaysia.</div><div><br></div><div>His body was brought back home on January 27 and buried at Banani Graveyard. According to UNB reports&nbsp;</div><div><br></div><div>bnbd24/fas</div>', NULL, 'News Desk', '[\"30\"]', NULL, NULL, NULL, NULL, '2024-01-23 16:12:16', '2024-01-23 16:12:16'),
(10948, 10948, '<div><span style=\"font-size: 1rem;\"><b>The government will procure liquefied natural gas (LNG), fertiliser, lentil and edible oil to meet domestic demands.</b></span><br></div><div><br></div><div>A number of bulk procurement proposals were approved in the maiden meeting of the new Cabinet Committee on Government Purchase (CCGP) on Tuesday after the new cabinet was sworn in following the parliamentary election on January 7.</div><div><br></div><div>New Finance Minister Abul Hassan Mahmood Ali presided over the virtually held CCGP meeting.</div><div><br></div><div>As per a proposal of the Energy and Mineral Resources Division, state-owned Petrobangla will import LNG cargo, having 33.60 lakh MMBtu of LNG, at a cost of Tk 470.48 crore from TotalEnergies Gas &amp; Power Ltd. Switzerland through a limited bidding in the international spot market.</div><div><br></div><div>The committee approved some 8 proposals for importing fertilisers.</div><div><br></div><div>Of these, the 4 were placed by the Agriculture Ministry under which Bangladesh Agriculture Development Corporation (BADC) will import a total of 1.4 lakh metric tons of different types of fertiliser from four foreign companies.</div><div><br></div><div>The BADC will import 40,000 MT of DAP fertiliser from Ma\'aden of Saudi Arabia at Tk 259.16 crore with each tonne at $589, some 30,000 MT of TSP fertiliser from OCP, S.A of Morocco at Tk 112.38 crore with each MT at $386, another 40,000 MT of DAP fertiliser from the same company of Morocco at Tk 240.90 crore with each MT at $547.50 and 30,000 MOP fertliser from Russia\'s JSC Foreign Economic Corporation “Prodintorg” at Tk 99.69 crore with each MT at $302.</div><div><br></div><div>As per four separate proposals, placed by the Industries Ministry, the Bangladesh Chemical Industries Corporation (BCIC) will import a total of 1.20 lakh metric tons of urea fertiliser.</div><div><br></div><div>Of these, the 30,000 MT of bulk granular urea will imported from Muntajat of Qatar at Tk 103.42 crore with each MT at $313.42, while some 30,000 MT of bagged granular urea from Kafco at Tk 104.48 crore with each MT at $316.62, some 30,000 bulk granular urea from SABIC Agri-nutrients Company of Saudi Arabia at TK 103.42 crore with each MT at $313.42 and another 30,000 MT of bulk granular urea from same Saudi company at Tk 102.42 crore with each MT at $313.42 will be imported.</div><div><br></div><div>The committee approved three separate proposals placed instantly on the table by the Commerce Ministry.</div><div><br></div><div>As per the proposals, Trading Corporation of Bangladesh (TCB) will procure 10,000 MT of lentil through open tender from Uma Expo Pvt. Ltd., India, at Tk 96.14 crore with each kilogram (KG) at Tk 101.13, while another 10,000 MT of lent from (1) Roy Agro Food Products Ltd., Bogura; and (2) Nabil Naba Foods Ltd., Dhaka at Tk 105.45 crore with each kilogram (KG) price at Tk 105.45, and 1.20 crore litres of rice bran oil through direct purchase method (DPM) from (1) Majumdar Products Ltd.; (2) Majumdar Bran Oil Mills Ltd and (3) Ali Natural Oil Mills &amp; Agro Industries Ltd at Tk 189.60 crore with each litre price at Tk 158.</div><div><br></div><div>The TCB will sell the products among its 1 crore cardholder families through open market sale. - UNB</div><div><br></div><div>bnbd24/fas</div>', NULL, 'News Desk', '[\"30\"]', NULL, NULL, NULL, NULL, '2024-01-23 16:18:31', '2024-01-23 16:18:31'),
(10949, 10949, '<div><b><span style=\"font-size: 1rem;\">Bangladesh\'s Education Minister Mohibul Hasan Chowdhury Nowfel today (January 23, 2024) addressed the media regarding the ongoing controversy over a story featured in a textbook.</span><br></b></div><div><br></div><div>“We plan to consult with experts about the story of Sharifa discussed in the textbook. If there\'s any confusion or misrepresentation, changes will be made,” Chowdhury told reporters at the Secretariat.</div><div><br></div><div>The story of Sharifa previously sparked debate, and currently, some are protesting over its content. The Education Minister emphasized the need for a thorough discussion with National Curriculum and Textbook Board (NCTB) to understand why the story is eliciting such reactions.</div><div><br></div><div>He expressed concern about certain groups’ tendency to exploit religious sentiments and instigate instability and anarchy in the country, and said, “A few days ago, some recommendations were given to me from an organization. Some Qawmi madrasa teachers claimed that the word ‘transgender’ has been used in the textbook. However, upon examination, it was clarified that the term used was ‘third gender’.”</div><div><br></div><div>“In our society, third gender individuals, commonly known as ‘Hijra,’ are legally recognized citizens with rights,\" Minister Chowdhury clarified, reports UNB.</div><div><br></div><div>He further added, “If the presentation of the story leads to misunderstandings and controversies, we will discuss with experts whether we can modify its presentation while respecting the dignity of the third gender individuals. This is a specialized issue, and we don’t want to comment at a policy level.”</div><div><br></div><div>On the other hand, the Education Minister said, “We will discuss this matter with BRAC University and understand the issue through the University Grants Commission, following which a detailed discussion will be held.”</div><div><br></div><div>bnbd24/fas</div>', NULL, 'News Desk', '[\"30\"]', NULL, NULL, NULL, NULL, '2024-01-23 16:23:31', '2024-01-23 16:23:31'),
(10950, 10950, '<div><span style=\"font-size: 1rem;\"><b><font color=\"#3984c6\">Foreign Minister Hasan Mahmud on Wednesday said the government would do everything possible at an appropriate time to implement the court verdict against convicted BNP acting chairman Tarique Rahman now living in the UK.</font></b></span><br></div><div><br></div><div>“Our government wants to make sure that every convicted person’s verdict is implemented. The government will do everything possible at an appropriate time regarding Tarique Rahman’s issue,” he told reporters at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.&nbsp;&nbsp;</div><div><br></div><div>The foreign minister made the remarks when a reporter wanted to know about the efforts to bring back Tarique, acting chairman of BNP, for implementation of the court verdict.</div><div><br></div><div>He spoke with the reporters after a meeting with British High Commissioner to Bangladesh Sarah Cooke at his office where they discussed ways of strengthening cooperation between the two countries.&nbsp;</div><div><br></div><div>The government has been trying to bring back the BNP\'s convicted acting chairman Tarique to implement the court verdict, but it all depends on the UK government.</div><div><br></div><div>“He is there (UK). Whoever a criminal is, they should be brought back and their sentence should be carried out. We are making our efforts in this regard. But now it totally depends on the British government. Will they keep him there or allow the punishment to be executed? It totally depends on them,” Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina told Voice of America Bangla service in an interview in Washington last year.</div><div><br></div><div>There are a number of cases including money laundering, arms smuggling, corruption and also the 21 August grenade attack against him.</div><div><br></div><div>Responding to a question, the foreign minister said he laid emphasis on making the process easier as many face problems in terms of family reunion, reports UNB</div><div><br></div><div>He acknowledged that there are people who are living in the UK illegally.&nbsp;</div><div><br></div><div>bnbd24/fas</div>', NULL, 'News Desk', '[\"30\"]', NULL, NULL, NULL, NULL, '2024-01-24 09:16:26', '2024-01-24 09:16:26');
INSERT INTO `news_details` (`id`, `news_id`, `details`, `ticker`, `representative`, `keyword`, `video_link`, `google_drive_link`, `audio_link`, `shoulder`, `created_at`, `updated_at`) VALUES
(10951, 10951, '<div><font color=\"#3984c6\"><span style=\"font-size: 1rem;\"><b>India\'s Border Security Force (BSF) on Wednesday (January 24, 2024) handed over the body of a Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) member, who was shot by BSF members two days ago.</b></span><br></font></div><div><br></div><div>The deceased, Raisuddin, 35, was posted at the BGB-49 Battalion in Jashore.</div><div><br></div><div>Jessore 49-BGB Commanding Officer (CO) Lt. Colonel Ahmed Hasan Jamil and Assistant Director Masud Rana received the body. The body was sent to Jessore General Hospital.</div><div><br></div><div>Later, the body will be handed over to his family in Chapainawabganj.</div><div><br></div><div>The BGB member succumbed to his injuries while undergoing treatment in India, BGB said on Tuesday .</div><div><br></div><div>According to a BGB press release, a patrol team of BGB challenged a gang of cattle smugglers when they were intruding into Bangladesh from India, adjacent to Jhelepara post area under the Benapole upazila, around 5:30 am on Monday.</div><div><br></div><div>At one stage of the chase, the smugglers went back inside Indian territory, it reads, adding that BGB personnel Raisuddin got separated from the patrol team amid dense fog.</div><div><br></div><div>Though initially he was not found, later it was known through several sources that he was injured in BSF firing and was undergoing treatment in an Indian hospital, reports UNB.</div><div><br></div><div>The BGB demanded proper investigation into the incident and sent a protest note to their Indian counterparts.&nbsp;</div><div><br></div><div>bnbd24/fas</div>', NULL, 'News Desk', '[\"30\"]', NULL, NULL, NULL, NULL, '2024-01-24 09:21:55', '2024-01-24 09:21:55'),
(10952, 10952, '<div><span style=\"font-size: 1rem;\"><b><font color=\"#3984c6\">Uber, the ridesharing app, has announced the appointment of Nasheed Ferdous Kamal as the Country Head for Uber Bangladesh.</font></b></span><br></div><div><br></div><div>Nasheed is a seasoned leader with over 18 years of experience in marketing, product and pricing strategy, new business development, customer lifecycle management, revenue and base growth, said the company on Wednesday.</div><div><br></div><div>Before joining Uber, Nasheed was the General Manager at Robi Axiata Limited where she led the company’s Airtel brand Base Management and Customer Lifecycle Management in the region.</div><div><br></div><div>She is an alumnus of the University of Windsor and North South University.</div><div><br></div><div>Commenting on the appointment, Abhishek Padhye, Head of Regional Business Operations, Uber India and South Asia, said, “We are delighted to welcome Nasheed as the new head of our business in Bangladesh. Her addition to our team is a significant step towards reinforcing Uber’s footprint and ensuring sustained growth in Bangladesh. Nasheed brings robust experience from the telecom industry and we are confident that under her leadership, we will explore further avenues of growth in Bangladesh.”</div><div><br></div><div>Commenting on the appointment, Nasheed said: “Uber has transformed the way people move in Bangladesh, while also creating work opportunities for lakhs of people. I am excited to join Uber and work alongside the talented team, as we work together on building shared mobility business in Bangladesh while committing to our sustainability goals.”</div><div><br></div><div>Uber started operations in Bangladesh in 2016 with a mission to power mobility. In over seven years of operations, Uber has built a strong position in the ridesharing ecosystem. - UNB</div><div><br></div><div>bnbd24/fas</div>', NULL, 'News Desk', '[\"30\"]', NULL, NULL, NULL, NULL, '2024-01-24 10:35:19', '2024-01-24 10:35:19'),
(10953, 10953, '<div><span style=\"font-size: 1rem;\"><b>British High Commissioner to Bangladesh Sarah Cooke on Wednesday laid emphasis on working together to strengthen the ties between Bangladesh and the UK.</b></span><br></div><div><br></div><div>During her meeting with Foreign Minister Dr Hasan Mahmud at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, she also discussed how they can work together on challenges like climate change, migration and welfare of the Rohingyas.</div><div><br></div><div>The British High Commissioner said they also discussed trade and investment issues and ways to strengthen the security partnership between the two countries, reports UNB.</div><div><br></div><div>She said that they will continue to engage constructively with the government of Bangladesh and political parties on democracy and human rights issues.</div><div><br></div><div>bnbd24/fas</div>', NULL, 'News Desk', '[\"30\"]', NULL, NULL, NULL, NULL, '2024-01-24 11:05:26', '2024-01-24 11:05:26'),
(10954, 10954, '<div><span style=\"font-size: 1rem;\"><b>Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on Wednesday asked the Planning Commission to identify which of the running projects can be finished quickly with little cost to reap maximum economic benefits from the programmes.</b></span><br></div><div><br></div><div>“We have to prioritise the development programmes which would be finished with little money. Because I think that the quicker we would be able to finish these projects the quicker would be the returns and the country will get the benefits,” she said.</div><div><br></div><div>The prime minister said this in her introductory speech at the first meeting of the commission after forming the new government at NEC Auditorium of the Planning Commission in Sher-E-Bangla Nagar. She is also chairperson of the commission.</div><div><br></div><div>She asked the officials concerned to avoid delays in the implementation of projects and their extension.&nbsp;</div><div><br></div><div>PM Hasina asked the officials to deeply look in to the costs of the projects and the expected returns.</div><div><br></div><div>“While taking up new projects, please look deeply in to the expenditure of the projects, how much loan is involved, how much we have to repay with interest, how much time we would get for repaying loans,” she said.</div><div><br></div><div>She also asked to examine whether the country has the capability to take that much loan.</div><div><br></div><div>“This is urgently needed before taking up any project,” she said.</div><div><br></div><div>Besides, she said, the government has to consider the returns and effectiveness of a particular project for a particular area.</div><div><br></div><div>“How much the common people will benefit and how much it would inject in the economy. We have to look in to that,” she added.&nbsp;</div><div><br></div><div>The prime minister mentioned that Bangladesh is bracing for the biggest challenge in 2026 when it will complete the graduation to a developing country.</div><div><br></div><div>“We have to be specific what kind of facilities we would get as the developing country. From those we have to pick up the best facilities for us. And we have to start our work according to that,” she said.</div><div><br></div><div>She mentioned that many facilities as the LDC country might not be available after the graduation, although it will be available till 2029 and the government has already requested to extend those up to 2032.&nbsp;</div><div><br></div><div>“We have to consider all these elements while counting our challenges and find out the ways to face those,” she said.</div><div><br></div><div>She requested all to work hard so that the positive results of the independence and spirit of the liberation would be reached to every door of the country and the people enjoy developed and prosperous lives.</div><div><br></div><div>She also vowed to turn the country into a smart one by 2041. - UNB</div><div><br></div><div>bnbd24/fas</div>', NULL, 'News Desk', '[\"30\"]', NULL, NULL, NULL, NULL, '2024-01-24 11:49:37', '2024-01-24 11:49:37'),
(10955, 10955, '<div><span style=\"font-size: 1rem;\"><b><font color=\"#634aa5\">BNP senior leader Nazrul Islam Khan on Wednesday alleged&nbsp; that the disparity between the rich and the poor is widening gradually due to the lack of democracy in the country.</font></b></span><br></div><div><br></div><div>“If you think about the development of everyone, there is no way except democracy. As there is no democracy, a large number of people in the country are now crushed by the rise in commodity prices while a handful of people are buying houses worth crores of taka,” he said.&nbsp;</div><div><br></div><div>Speaking at a doa and milad mahfil, the BNP leader also alleged that only 5 percent of the people are embezzling a huge amount of the country\'s wealth and money by indulging in corruption and looting.&nbsp;</div><div><br></div><div>Nazrul, a BNP standing committee member, said the five percent people are given the scope to amass the ill-gotten money as the government does not need the support of the majority of the people. “As a result, they do not believe in voting.”</div><div><br></div><div>“If the votes were required (to form the government), they would have conducted free and fair elections, not a one-sided election like January-7 one,” he observed.</div><div><br></div><div>Stating that there is no alternative to restoring the people’s right to vote to get rid of such a situation in the country, the BNP leader urged everyone to get united to make the opposition parties’ ongoing&nbsp; anti-government movement a success.&nbsp;</div><div><br></div><div>He said the country’s people established democracy by sacrificing their lives and blood by liberating the country through the Liberation War in 1971. “That democracy does not exist now in Bangladesh…it has been destroyed.”</div><div><br></div><div>BNP arranged the programme programme at its Nayapaltan central office, marking the ninth death anniversary of Arafat Rahman Koko, the younger son of BNP founder Ziaur Rahman and party chairperson Khaleda Zia.</div><div><br></div><div>A munajat was offered at the end of the programme, seeking eternal peace for Koko’s departed soul.</div><div><br></div><div>Earlier in the morning, BNP leaders and activists, led by its standing committee member Dr Abdul Moyeen Khan, placed wreaths at Koko’s grave and offer fateha there, reports UNB</div><div><br></div><div>On January 24, 2015, Koko died of cardiac arrest aged 45 in Malaysia.</div><div><br></div><div>His body was brought back home on January 27 and buried at Banani Graveyard.</div><div><br></div><div>bnbd24/fas</div>', NULL, 'News Desk', '[\"30\"]', NULL, NULL, NULL, NULL, '2024-01-24 13:28:36', '2024-01-24 13:28:36'),
(10956, 10956, '<div><span style=\"font-size: 1rem;\"><b>Despite chilly weather, the country is experiencing load-shedding due to fall in power generation because of a severe gas crisis.</b></span><br></div><div><br></div><div>The data of the Power Grid Company of Bangladesh (PGCB), which controls the country\'s transmission system, shows that the country experienced about 322 MW of load-shedding on Wednesday (January 24) when the power generation fell to a level of 9113 MW at 9 am when normally the demand remains relatively lower during the peak winter compared with a day in the summer season.</div><div><br></div><div>In the summer, the demand goes up to 16,000 MW.</div><div><br></div><div>The PGCB data also shows that at the time the country\'s demand was 9450 MW and the gas-fired generation was reduced to a level of 4053 MW against its actual capacity of 11708.00 MW which shares 45.12 percent of the country\'s total grid-connected generation capacity of 25951 MW.</div><div><br></div><div>It reveals that in recent days the country experienced the most load shedding of 808 MW on January 21 at 11 am due to the gas crisis.&nbsp;</div><div><br></div><div>Available data with the state-owned Petrobangla shows that some 30 gas-fired power plants have remained off due to gas shortages that led to a drastic fall in power generation.</div><div><br></div><div>The plants include Unique Meghnaghat 584 MW, Doreen Narsingdi 22 MW SIPP, Doreen Tangail 22 MW SIPP, Summit Meghn. 335 MW, HPS (100 MW), Siddhirganj (2x120 MW), Tongi (80 MW), Aggreko (GSL)-145 MW Rent, HPL ( 360 MW ), HPL ( 360 MW ), Chandpur 150 MW CCPP, APS 450 MW CCPP, Ashuganj 200 MW Modular, APS 450 MW CCPP E, Sikalbaha 40 MW, Raozan (2x210) MW, S.Bazar 100 MW, S.Bazar 330 MW, K.gaon 3 yrs rent 50 MW, S.Bazar 3 yrs rental 50 MW, K gaon 142 MW CCPP, Habiganj 11 MW SIPP, Bibiyana-3 400 MW, F.ganj 15 yrs rent 51 MW, F.ganj 3 yrs rent 50 MW, Bogra 3 yrs rent (20 MW), Bogra 15 yrs rent (20 MW), Baghabari (100+71 MW, NWPGCL Unit - 1,2,3, Aggreko 95MW, and Bheramara 360 MW.</div><div><br></div><div>These plants together have a power generation capacity of 6012 MW from which the country is being deprived of.</div><div><br></div><div>&nbsp;The data also reveals that Petrobangla has been producing 2582.6 million cubic feet of gas per day (mmcfd) against its total demand of more than 4,000 mmcfd meaning that the shortfall is over 1,500 mmcfd.</div><div><br></div><div>Petrobangla officials attributed this crisis to the fall in import of liquefied natural gas (LNG).</div><div><br></div><div>\"The two LNG terminals have a combined capacity to supply a total of 1000 mmcfd while they are providing 529 mmcfd which is almost half of their capacity\", said one official.</div><div><br></div><div>\"Actually the ongoing dollar crisis has been the main constraint behind the decreasing import of the LNG\", he added.</div><div><br></div><div>Due to a shortage in gas supply, residential consumers in Dhaka and elsewhere have been experiencing a serious difficulty in their day-to-day cooking while industries are suffering a lot.</div><div><br></div><div>Many residents from different areas in Dhaka city alleged that they don\'t get any gas during the day period and have to wait until midnight to manage their cooking.</div><div><br></div><div>Petrobangla and Titas Gas officials said they can not give any assurance for a substantial improvement in the supply until the dollar crisis is fully resolved, reports UNB.</div><div><br></div><div>State Minister for Power, Energy and Mineral Resources Nasrul Hamid recently said that he hopes the situation in Dhaka city will improve soon.</div><div><br></div><div>He also noted that his ministry is taking measures to increase the import of the LPG as 80 percent of the household consumers use this liquefied gas while only 20 percent use piped gas.&nbsp;</div><div><br></div><div>bnbd24/fas</div>', NULL, 'News Desk', '[\"30\"]', NULL, NULL, NULL, NULL, '2024-01-24 14:00:31', '2024-01-24 14:00:31'),
(10957, 10957, '<div><span style=\"font-size: 1rem;\"><b>The amended labour act will be passed in the next parliament session, Law, Justice and Parliamentary Affairs Minister Anisul Haq said on Wednesday.</b></span><br></div><div><br></div><div>\"It will definitely be brought up in the next session and passed,\" he said replying to a question from reporters about the possibility of passage of the amended act.</div><div><br></div><div>He was talking to reporters after a meeting with the officials of the Labour Ministry at the secretariat today.</div><div><br></div><div>“ILO’s Governing Board meeting will be held in March. Today\'s meeting was for a briefing on the progress we are making and what we are doing over this labor act,” said the minister, reports UNB</div><div><br></div><div>He also said that the Prime Minister has taken responsibility of this ministry. “This is a reflection of how seriously she has taken the ministry. I will brief the Prime Minister in this regard first then I will tell you details about it,” he said.</div><div><br></div><div>Replying to a question regarding lowering the threshold of conditions required to form trade unions to 10 percent, the Law Minister said, “We have discussed this today as well”. We are proceeding according to a decision. I have made a change as per PM\'s earlier instructions, I will brief PM about it very soon.”&nbsp;</div><div><br></div><div>bnbd24/fas</div>', NULL, 'News Desk', '[\"30\"]', NULL, NULL, NULL, NULL, '2024-01-24 14:29:22', '2024-01-24 14:29:22'),
(10958, 10958, '<div><span style=\"font-size: 1rem;\"><b>South Africa expects the International Court of Justice (ICJ) to rule this Friday on whether it will grant emergency measures to stop the war in Gaza, South African news website News24 reported today, citing two sources close to the matter.</b></span><br></div><div><br></div><div>A spokesman for South Africa’s justice ministry told Reuters “no communique yet”.</div><div><br></div><div>A spokesman for Israel’s foreign ministry said he was not aware and was looking into it.</div><div><br></div><div>Earlier this month South Africa asked the ICJ, also known as the World Court, to order an emergency suspension of Israel’s devastating military campaign in the Palestinian enclave, accusing it of carrying out a state-led genocide.</div><div><br></div><div>Israel dismissed the genocide allegations as “grossly distorted” and said it had a right to defend itself and was targeting Hamas, not Palestinians civilians.</div><div><br></div><div>In the initial ruling the ICJ will not deal with the main question of whether Israel is committing genocide.</div><div><br></div><div>The court will just look at possible emergency measures, meant as a kind of restraining order while the court looks at the full case, which usually takes years. - Reuters&nbsp;</div><div><br></div><div>bnbd24/fas</div>', NULL, 'International Desk', '[\"29\"]', NULL, NULL, NULL, NULL, '2024-01-24 14:44:09', '2024-01-24 14:44:09'),
(10959, 10959, '<div><span style=\"font-size: 1rem;\"><b>A Russian Ilyushin Il-76 military transport plane crashed near the Ukrainian border today, and state news agency RIA quoted the defence ministry as saying it was carrying 65 Ukrainian prisoners of war to be exchanged for Russian captives.</b></span><br></div><div><br></div><div>The plane was carrying 74 people, including six crew and three guards when it crashed, RIA cited the defence ministry as saying.</div><div><br></div><div>There was no immediate information on the cause.</div><div><br></div><div>Andrei Kartapolov, a lawmaker in Russia’s parliament and a retired general, said during a parliamentary session that the plane had been shot down by three missiles.</div><div><br></div><div>He did not say what the source of his information was.</div><div><br></div><div>Reuters could not immediately verify details of who was on board, but Russia and Ukraine regularly swap prisoners of war.</div><div><br></div><div>Ukraine’s defence ministry and air force did not immediately reply to requests for comment.</div><div><br></div><div>Video posted on the Telegram messenger app by Baza, a channel linked to Russian security services, and verified by Reuters, showed a large aircraft falling towards the ground near the village of Yablonovo in the Belgorod region and exploding in a vast fireball.</div><div><br></div><div>Local governor Vyacheslav Gladkov said that an unspecified “incident” had occurred in the region’s Korochansky district, northeast of Belgorod city, and that he was going to inspect the site.</div><div><br></div><div>He said investigators and emergency workers were already on the scene.</div><div><br></div><div>The Il-76 is a military transport aircraft designed to airlift troops, cargo, military equipment and weapons.</div><div><br></div><div>It usually has a crew of five, and can carry up to 90 passengers.</div><div><br></div><div>The Kremlin said in response to a reporter’s question that it was looking into the situation.</div><div><br></div><div>Belgorod region, which borders Ukraine, has come under frequent attacks from Ukraine in recent months, including a December missile strike which killed 25 people. - Reuters&nbsp;</div><div><br></div><div>bnbd24/fas</div>', NULL, 'International Desk', '[\"29\"]', NULL, NULL, NULL, NULL, '2024-01-24 15:13:02', '2024-01-24 15:13:02'),
(10960, 10960, '<div><span style=\"font-size: 1rem;\"><b>More than 110 Rohingya from war-torn western Myanmar were arrested as they tried to flee the country to Malaysia, a local security source told AFP today.</b></span><br></div><div><br></div><div>The mainly Muslim Rohingya are seen in Myanmar as interlopers from Bangladesh.</div><div><br></div><div>They are denied citizenship and require permission to travel.</div><div><br></div><div>Fifty-nine men and 58 women were arrested from two trucks in Thanbyuzayat township in eastern Mon state yesterday, according to the local security source, who declined to be named as he was not permitted to talk to the media.</div><div><br></div><div>The source said the group was headed for Malaysia via Thailand.</div><div><br></div><div>According to initial reports, the group travelled first by boat from Sittwe and Maungdaw in Rakhine state and were later picked up by traffickers in Thanbyuzayat for the onward journey to Thailand before being abandoned.</div><div><br></div><div>In recent weeks, fighting between the junta and ethnic armed group the Arakan Army (AA) has rocked swathes of Rakhine state, displacing tens of thousands.</div><div><br></div><div>The military has since closed highways and banned water travel in the riverine state.</div><div><br></div><div>In 2017, the military launched a crackdown on Rohingya in Rakhine, sending hundreds of thousands of the persecuted minority fleeing into neighbouring Bangladesh.</div><div><br></div><div>The crackdown is now the subject of a genocide case at the International Court of Justice, while the Rohingya who remain in Myanmar are subject to what rights groups describe as apartheid-like conditions.</div><div><br></div><div>Every year, thousands of Rohingya undertake risky sea journeys from Myanmar and overcrowded refugee camps in Bangladesh trying to reach Malaysia or Indonesia.</div><div><br></div><div>Around 569 Rohingya were reported to have died or gone missing at sea last year, the United Nations’ refugee agency said yesterday, the highest number since 2014, reports AFP&nbsp;</div><div><br></div><div>Nearly 4,500 embarked on sea journeys from Myanmar or camps in Bangladesh in 2023, the agency said.&nbsp;</div><div><br></div><div>bnbd24/fas</div>', NULL, 'International Desk', '[\"29\"]', NULL, NULL, NULL, NULL, '2024-01-24 15:16:41', '2024-01-24 15:16:41'),
(10961, 10961, '<div><b><span style=\"font-size: 1rem;\">South African police said today that they had arrested a man accused of starting a fire that killed more than 70 in Johannesburg last year.</span><br></b></div><div><br></div><div>The 29-year-old was detained yesterday after confessing his involvement before an enquiry established to investigate the tragedy.</div><div><br></div><div>“A suspect was arrested in connection to the Marshalltown fire,” police spokesman Dimakatso Nevhuhulwi said.</div><div><br></div><div>Seventy-seven people were killed and scores injured as a blaze ripped through a five-storey building taken over for illegal housing in central Johannesburg last August.</div><div><br></div><div>It was one of the deadliest building fires worldwide in recent years.</div><div><br></div><div>The suspect is expected to appear in court “soon” on charges of arson, 76 counts of murder and 120 counts of attempted murder, police said.</div><div><br></div><div>Illegal occupation of disused buildings in the city centre is widespread, with many said to be under the control of criminal syndicates who collect rent from occupants. - AFP&nbsp;</div><div><br></div><div>bnbd24/fas</div>', NULL, 'International Desk', '[\"29\"]', NULL, NULL, NULL, NULL, '2024-01-24 15:18:43', '2024-01-24 15:18:43'),
(10962, 10962, '<div><b><span style=\"font-size: 1rem;\">Russia is closely monitoring the situation in Chad and has been following the fight against terrorist attacks with great concern, President Vladimir Putin said on Wednesday as he met Chad leader Mahamat Idriss Deby.</span><br></b></div><div><br></div><div>Speaking at a meeting with the transitional president of Chad in Moscow, Putin praised him for stabilizing the situation in the Central African country plagued by poverty and armed conflict.</div><div><br></div><div>\"We are glad that you managed to hold a vote on the new Constitution. I am sure that the election scheduled for the near future will be held at the proper level. We are happy that you managed to stabilize the situation in the country,\" he said.</div><div><br></div><div>Putin said Russia and Chad maintain stable connections and plan to further develop bilateral cooperation.</div><div><br></div><div>For his part, Deby offered condolences over the plane crash that occurred earlier in the day in Russia\'s Belgorod region.</div><div><br></div><div>\"This is a historic visit ... Chad and Russia have long-term relations. ... We hope that this visit will allow us to strengthen relations in all directions,\" he added.</div><div><br></div><div>Earlier commenting on Deby\'s visit, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov called Chad Russia\'s \"potential partner,\" saying the possibilities of cooperation with this country \"are far from being disclosed, there is a lot to work on.\"</div><div><br></div><div>Deby was named head of an 18-month transitional council in April 2021 after the death of his father from injuries while visiting troops on the frontline.</div><div><br></div><div>The period expired in October 2022, but the transition was extended by two years. He is eligible to run for the presidency in elections due by November. - Anadolu Agency&nbsp;</div><div><br></div><div>bnbd24/fas</div>', NULL, 'International Desk', '[\"29\"]', NULL, NULL, NULL, NULL, '2024-01-24 15:21:26', '2024-01-24 15:21:26'),
(10963, 10963, '<div><span style=\"font-size: 1rem;\"><b>Turkish legislators on Tuesday endorsed Sweden\'s membership in NATO, lifting a major hurdle on the previously nonaligned country\'s entry into the military alliance.</b></span><br></div><div><br></div><div>Lawmakers ratified Sweden\'s accession protocol 287 to 55, with ruling party members saying the Nordic country\'s tougher stance on Kurdish militants was key to winning approval. President Recep Tayyip Erdogan also previously has linked the ratification to Turkey\'s desire to buy fighter jets from the U.S.</div><div><br></div><div>The ratification comes into effect after its publication in the Official Gazette, which was expected to be swift.</div><div><br></div><div>Hungary then becomes the only NATO ally not to have ratified Sweden\'s accession.</div><div><br></div><div>\"Today we are one step closer to becoming a full member of NATO,\" Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson wrote on X, the platform formerly known as Twitter. In Washington, U.S. National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan welcomed the news, saying having Sweden in the alliance will make it \"safer and stronger.\"</div><div><br></div><div>NATO-member Turkey had been delaying Sweden\'s membership for more than a year, accusing the country of being too lenient toward groups that Ankara regards as security threats. It sought concessions from Stockholm, including moves to counter militants.</div><div><br></div><div>Turkey also had been angered by a series of demonstrations by supporters of the outlawed Kurdistan Workers\' Party, or PKK, in Sweden as well as Quran-burning protests that roiled Muslim countries.</div><div><br></div><div>Sweden in the past was a \"center in Europe\" for the PKK, Fuat Oktay, a senior legislator in Erdogan\'s governing party and the head of the foreign affairs committee, told parliament.</div><div><br></div><div>But since then, Sweden has amended its anti-terrorism laws, curbed the PKK\'s financial activities, convicted a terrorism suspect and extradited another, and lifted restrictions on arms sales to Turkey, Oktay said.</div><div><br></div><div>\"PKK-affiliated circles no longer find a comfortable room for maneuver in Sweden as they did in the past,\" Oktay said, explaining why the ruling party was now supporting Stockholm\'s bid.</div><div><br></div><div>Sweden pledged deeper cooperation with Turkey on counterterrorism, as well as support for Turkey\'s ambition to revive its EU membership bid.</div><div><br></div><div>Last month, parliament\'s foreign affairs committee gave its consent to Sweden\'s bid in the first stage of the legislative process, after Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan sent its accession protocol to lawmakers for approval.</div><div><br></div><div>Turkey\'s main opposition party also supported Sweden\'s membership in the alliance but a center-right party and the country\'s pro-Kurdish party were among parties that opposed it.</div><div><br></div><div>\"Sweden\'s steps concerning its extradition of wanted criminals or the fight against terrorism have remained limited and insufficient,\" Musavat Dervisoglu, a legislator from the Good Party told parliament.</div><div><br></div><div>Erdogan has linked ratification of Sweden\'s NATO membership to the U.S. Congress\' approval of a Turkish request to purchase 40 new F-16 fighter jets and kits to modernize Turkey\'s existing fleet. He has also urged Canada and other NATO allies to lift arms embargoes on Turkey.</div><div><br></div><div>Koray Aydin, another Good Party legislator, had urged parliament to hold out on ratifying Sweden\'s accession until the F-16 sales and the modernization kits were approved in Washington, saying Turkey would lose an important bargaining chip.</div><div><br></div><div>U.S. President Joe Biden\'s administration never formally tied the sale of the F-16s to Turkey\'s ratification of Sweden\'s NATO membership. However, numerous influential members of Congress had said they would not support the sale unless and until Turkey signed off on Sweden\'s accession to the alliance.</div><div><br></div><div>U.S. administration officials say they expect relatively quick action on the F-16 sale after the ratification.</div><div><br></div><div>Sullivan, the U.S. national security advisor, said after Tuesday\'s vote that Sweden\'s accession to the alliance has been a priority for Biden.</div><div><br></div><div>\"Sweden is a strong, capable defense partner. Sweden joining NATO is in the national security interests of the United States, and will make the Alliance safer and stronger,\" he said.</div><div><br></div><div>Sweden and Finland abandoned their traditional positions of military nonalignment to seek protection under NATO\'s security umbrella, following Russia\'s invasion of Ukraine in February 2022. Finland joined the alliance in April, becoming NATO\'s 31st member, after Turkey\'s parliament ratified the Nordic country\'s bid.</div><div><br></div><div>Hungary has also stalled Sweden\'s bid, alleging that Swedish politicians have told \"blatant lies\" about the condition of Hungary\'s democracy. Hungary has said it would not be the last to approve accession, although it was not clear when the Hungarian parliament intends to hold a vote.</div><div><br></div><div>Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán announced Tuesday that he sent a letter to his Swedish counterpart, Ulf Kristersson, inviting him to Budapest to discuss Sweden\'s entry into NATO.</div><div><br></div><div>NATO requires the unanimous approval of all existing members to expand, and Turkey and Hungary were the only countries that have been holding out, frustrating other NATO allies who had been pressing for Sweden and Finland\'s swift accession. - AP&nbsp;</div><div><br></div><div>bnbd24/fas</div>', NULL, 'International Desk', '[\"29\"]', NULL, NULL, NULL, NULL, '2024-01-24 15:26:53', '2024-01-24 15:26:53'),
(10964, 10964, '<div><span style=\"font-size: 1rem;\"><b>Bangladesh Cricket Captain Shakib Al Hasan has been diagnosed with a retinal condition in his left eye.</b></span><br></div><div><br></div><div>This medical update of Shakib Al Hasan comes after the player reported visual-function concerns, said a Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) media release on Wednesday.</div><div><br></div><div>BCB Senior Physician Dr Debashis Chowdhury said, \"Shakib has been complaining of subtle issues with his left eye. After consulting Ophthalmologists in home and abroad and after the multiple eye assessments, it was confirmed that he is suffering from Extrafoveal Central Serous Chorioretinopathy (CSR) of the left eye.</div><div><br></div><div>\"It has been decided that a conservative approach will be adopted for managing the issue for now.\"</div><div><br></div><div>“Extrafoveal Central Serous Chorioretinopathy is a condition that affects the retina, leading to visual disturbances.The medical team overseeing Shakib\'s case is optimistic about managing the condition effectively with a conservative approach,“ he said.</div><div><br></div><div>BCB urged the cricketing fraternity and fans to respect Shakib\'s privacy as he focuses on his health and recovery, reports UNB.</div><div><br></div><div>Further updates on his condition will be provided in due course, the media release added.</div><div><br></div><div>bnbd24/fas</div>', NULL, 'Sports Desk', '[\"20\"]', NULL, NULL, NULL, NULL, '2024-01-24 15:43:48', '2024-01-24 15:43:48'),
(10965, 10965, '<div><b><span style=\"font-size: 1rem;\">Director Arun Matheswaran’s recent Pongal release Captain Miller, which stars Dhanush, Shiva Rajkumar and Priyanka Mohan in the lead roles, hit screens in Tamil, Kannada and Hindi this Pongal. The film minted ₹104.79 crore at the box office in its 12-day run.&nbsp;</span><br></b></div><div><br></div><div>Trade analyst Manobala shared on his X account that the Dhanush-starrer has held well even on the weekdays. He wrote, “#CaptainMiller WW Box Office. #Dhanush\'s Captain Miller holds well on the weekdays.” Giving a breakdown of the numbers, he added, “Day 1 - ₹ 16.29 cr, Day 2 - ₹ 14.18 cr, Day 3 - ₹ 15.65 cr, Day 4 - ₹ 13.51 cr, Day 5 - ₹ 12.24 cr, Day 6 - ₹ 9.33 cr, Day 7 - ₹ 4.92 cr, Day 8 - ₹ 4.27 cr, Day 9 - ₹ 4.80 cr, Day 10 - ₹ 5.04 cr, Day 11 - ₹ 2.52 cr, Day 12 - ₹ 2.04 cr, Total - ₹ 104.79 cr.”</div><div><br></div><div>Asian Cinemas and Suresh Productions will release the film in Telugu and they claimed in a press note that the paid premiers for the film, on January 25, have all been sold out. They even claimed that more shows are getting added due to public demand. Guntur Kaaram, HanuMan, Saindhav and Naa Saami Ranga were released on Pongal, so Captain Miller and Ayalaan’s release was deferred in the Telugu states, reports Hindustan Times&nbsp;</div><div><br></div><div>The official X account of Asian Cinemas posted, “Experience the captain\'s jaw Dropping Action on big screens from January 26th with the updated Runtime of 2 Hours 29 Mins!! #CaptainMillerTelugu.” The Tamil version of the film is 2-hours-37-minutes long and it looks like the markers re-edited the Telugu version. The release is expected to add to the overall collections.&nbsp;</div><div><br></div><div>bnbd24/fas</div>', NULL, 'International Desk', '[\"13\"]', NULL, NULL, NULL, NULL, '2024-01-24 16:10:28', '2024-01-24 16:10:28'),
(10966, 10966, '<div><span style=\"font-size: 1rem;\"><b>Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on Thursday hoped that China would come forward in a bigger way than before during the tenure of her new government for implementing its development programmes.</b></span><br></div><div><br></div><div>“China is one of the most important development and strategic partners of Bangladesh. We hope that during the new government’s tenure China will help us more than the previous times to help continue the development journey of Bangladesh,” she said.</div><div><br></div><div>The prime minister said this while Chinese Communist Party’s Vice Minister of the International Division Sun Haiyan called on her at her official residence Ganabhaban.&nbsp;</div><div><br></div><div>PM’s speech writer M Nazrul Islam briefed the reporters after the call on.&nbsp;</div><div><br></div><div>Sun Haiyan is the first senior Chinese politician to visit Bangladesh after formation of Hasina\'s new government following a landslide victory in January 7 election.</div><div><br></div><div>She conveyed her country\'s President Xi Jingping\'s greetings to Hasina on her reelection as the prime minister of Bangladesh for the fifth term.</div><div><br></div><div>She said that President&nbsp; Xi&nbsp; was confident about her re-election as the prime minister due to her struggle for changing the fate of the countrymen and the love and affection for the Bangladeshi people.</div><div><br></div><div>\"Xi was confident on Sheikh Hasina’s re-election as Prime Minister as she was committed to changing the fate of the people and her patriotism towards the country and its people,\" Sun said.</div><div><br></div><div>The Chinese vice minister also congratulated&nbsp; Hasina on her re-election as the prime minister on behalf of the Chinese government and the Communist Party of China (CPC).</div><div><br></div><div>She also congratulated Bangladesh premier\'s only daughter Saima Wazed on her election as the regional director of the World Health Organisation (WHO).</div><div><br></div><div>\"Saima Wazed will play a great role in containing autism globally,\" she said.</div><div><br></div><div>She hoped that the activities of Bangladesh premier will continue for socio-economic development of Bangladesh and quicken the transformation of the country into a prosperous and developed country.</div><div><br></div><div>To this end, the Sun referred to her several visits to Bangladesh since 1991.</div><div><br></div><div>\"I have witnessed a tremendous and unbelievable development of Bangladesh and efforts to upgrade the living standard of the countrymen (during the period),\" she said.</div><div><br></div><div>In reply the premier said the massive development has&nbsp; take place as she successfully infused confidence among the people that \"we can do.\"</div><div><br></div><div>The prime minister also credited the continuation of her government for a longer period that helped implement the plans to develop Bangladesh socio-economically.</div><div><br></div><div>She suggested Sun Haiyan visit the rural areas to see the \"real change\" of Bangladesh.</div><div><br></div><div>The Chinese vice minister also stressed the need for enhancing collaboration between China and Banhladesh.</div><div><br></div><div>During the meeting, Hasina said her government has been working to accomplish the unfinished tasks of Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman andc change the lot of the people by giving them a improved and better life.</div><div><br></div><div>She has sought Chinese cooperation to this end.</div><div><br></div><div>The Chinese vice minister also put importance on strengthening relations between Communist Party of China and Bangladesh Awami League by enhancing bilateral programmes.</div><div><br></div><div>Ambassador-at-large M Ziauddin and PM\'s Principal Secretary M Tofazzel Hossain Miah were present. According to UNB reports&nbsp;</div><div><br></div><div>bmbd24/fas</div><div><br></div>', NULL, 'News Desk', '[\"30\"]', NULL, NULL, NULL, NULL, '2024-01-25 09:12:12', '2024-01-25 09:12:12'),
(10967, 10967, '<div><span style=\"font-size: 1rem;\"><b>DC Park in Chattogram’s Fouzdarhat has become place of attraction for city dwellers for vibrant display of colourful flowers along the sea beach after the district administration developed the park inspired by Dubai\'s renowned Miracle Garden.</b></span><br></div><div><br></div><div>A month-long flower festival will begin at the park on Thursday (January 25, 2024) evening.</div><div><br></div><div>The festival, organized for the second time, promises a delightful experience for visitors with a collection of 127 species of exotic flowers. In addition to the floral extravaganza, the event features added attractions such as kite flying, traditional sweets festival, boat exhibitions, art displays, and a music festival.</div><div><br></div><div>Once infamous as a drug den near the Fouzdarhat area on the Link Road in Chattogram city, DC Park was transformed into a 194-acre park by the district administration.</div><div><br></div><div>The various species of flowers capture the attention of visitors, not just through their colours but also through the artistic arrangements.</div><div><br></div><div>Chattogram Deputy Commissioner Abuul Bashir Mohammad Fakhruzzaman said, \"The flower festival, starting today, is the second edition of the event initiated by the district administration. This year, the park will also be illuminated in the evenings to enhance the attraction.\"</div><div><br></div><div>Within the park, there is a heavenly kingdom of flowers with more than 127 species, surrounded by a vast pond where kayaking takes place. There are also arrangement of boat rides, art exhibitions by 100 artists, a book fair, a violin show, a kite festival, traditional sweets festival, puppet shows, and daily cultural performances to enchant visitors.</div><div><br></div><div>Chattogram District Administration reported that the park has been adorned with tulips imported from the Netherlands. The entry fee for visitors this year is set atTk 30, reports UNB.</div><div><br></div><div>Mentioning the efforts behind the festival, UNO of Sitakunda, M Rafiqul Islam, said, \"The drug den has been transformed into a kingdom of flowers. Seeing the enthusiasm of the people last year, we are going to arrange bigger this year with a month-long festival.\"&nbsp;</div><div><br></div><div>bnbd24/fas</div>', NULL, 'News Desk', '[\"30\"]', NULL, NULL, NULL, NULL, '2024-01-25 09:54:08', '2024-01-25 09:54:08'),
(10968, 10968, '<div><span style=\"font-size: 1rem;\"><b>Residents in Narayanganj are grappling with increased hardships due to acute shortage in gas supply. Due to a lack of gas supply through pipelines, residential consumers are being compelled to resort to using LPG cylinders, electric stoves (induction), and stoves.</b></span><br></div><div><br></div><div>Capitalising the situation, businessmen are raising the prices of gas cylinders and electric stoves.&nbsp; Locals said the price of a 12-kg gas cylinder of an unidentified company has surged to Tk 1,500.</div><div><br></div><div>Local shopkeepers are charging up to Tk 1,550 for cylinders from reputable companies, they alleged.</div><div><br></div><div>Ameena Begum, a resident of Choudhury Bari in the port area, said , \"Due to the unavailability of gas, I am now using an electric stove.\"</div><div><br></div><div>This shift has resulted in an additional burden for households, as the monthly electricity bills for electric stoves range from Tk 1,200 to Tk 1,500, said some local people.</div><div><br></div><div>Maksuda Begum, a housewife in the Masdair area, said, \"Despite having gas, I resort to electric stoves because they are more reliable.\"</div><div><br></div><div>The gas crisis is not limited to Narayanganj Sadar; various areas, including Paikpara, Baburail, Deobhog, Nimtala, Nitai Gonj, Tamakpatti, Amlapara, and Kaliar Bazar, are experiencing gas crisis.&nbsp;</div><div><br></div><div>Residents from these areas are contacting the gas company\'s complaint center and expressing their frustration over the situation.</div><div><br></div><div>The struggle of residents is especially intense in areas like Kashipur, Masdair, and Baraibhoga.</div><div><br></div><div>A local organization \"We, the Residents of Narayanganj\" has initiated efforts and submitted a&nbsp; memorandum to the regional office of Titas Gas.&nbsp;</div><div><br></div><div>The organization\'s president, Noor Uddin Ahmed, emphasized the need to end the malpractices of Titas Gas employees, which, according to him, are the root cause of the ongoing gas crisis. - UNB</div><div><br></div><div>bnbd24/fas</div>', NULL, 'News Desk', '[\"30\"]', NULL, NULL, NULL, NULL, '2024-01-25 10:36:12', '2024-01-25 10:36:12'),
(10969, 10969, '<div><span style=\"font-size: 1rem;\"><b>Indian actor Mrunal Thakur might have gained success with love stories like Sita Ramam and Hi Nanna in Telugu, but she says similar stories are hard to come by for her in Hindi.</b></span><br></div><div><br></div><div>In a conversation with Pinkvilla, she stated that the reason she doesn’t get to do romances in Hindi is that she doesn’t think she’s “popular enough.”</div><div><br></div><div>Mrunal and her affinity for romance</div><div><br></div><div>When asked by the interviewer when she would act in a romantic film in Hindi, Mrunal quipped, “I don’t know, I am not popular enough to get a love story yet. Am I wrong? I have to be popular to get a love story, no? There are a lot of films being offered to me, but definitely not romantic movies. I would love to do that.”</div><div><br></div><div>She added, “I don’t know yaar, I am just tired of proving to filmmakers now. I just want it to happen organically, I am done asking them.”</div><div><br></div><div>Talking to them, the actor claimed that many thanked her for “bringing romance back.”</div><div><br></div><div>She said, “We all grew up watching romantic movies and suddenly there were no films in the genre. Everyone pretends they don’t like romance but everyone watches it secretly. I am happy Hi Nanna and Sita Ramam shaped up the way they did. I hope to continue the magic, hopefully in another language. I was overwhelmed when I was called the queen of romance because Shah Rukh Khan is the king of romance.”</div><div><br></div><div>Upcoming work</div><div><br></div><div>Mrunal was seen in numerous films in 2023. In Hindi, she starred in Gumraah, Lust Stories 2, Aankh Mancholi and Pippa.</div><div><br></div><div>In Telugu, she acted in Hi Nanna, her second film in the language after the 2022 film Sita Ramam.</div><div><br></div><div>She will soon star in Family Star with Vijay Deverakonda and director Parasuram Petla. She will also act in Pooja Meri Jaan in Hindi by Navjot Gulati. Source: Hindustan Times</div><div><br></div><div>bnbd24/fas</div>', NULL, 'Entertainment', '[\"13\"]', NULL, NULL, NULL, NULL, '2024-01-25 10:40:15', '2024-01-25 10:40:15'),
(10970, 10970, '<div><span style=\"font-size: 1rem;\"><b>Foreign Minister Dr Hasan Mahmud on Thursday said any statement “backed by lobbyists” on Nobel laureate Dr Muhammad Yunus would have no adverse impact on foreign investment inflow into the country.</b></span><br></div><div><br></div><div>“Look, there are several lobbyist firms engaged behind some people who are talking on the Dr Yunus issue. Investment will not be impacted if a statement is backed by lobbyists,” he told reporters at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.</div><div><br></div><div>The Foreign Minister said Dr Yunus has been in the discussion over the last 12 years and Bangladesh still received significant foreign investment.</div><div><br></div><div>“Foreign investment is increasing. There is no relation with that. This is simply a legal matter,” said the Awami League joint general secretary.</div><div><br></div><div>He reiterated that Dr Yunus has been sentenced in a case filed by the aggrieved people, and the government is not a party to it.</div><div><br></div><div>“With due respect to Dr Yunus, I would like to say that aggrieved people filed the case. The government is not a party to it. It is a decision taken by the court. The government cannot interfere in it,” he said.</div><div><br></div><div>Earlier, a Dhaka court sentenced Dr Yunus and three top officials of Grameen Telecom to six months’ jail, with fine of Tk 25000 each, in a case over violation of labor law.</div><div><br></div><div>The others accused in the case are: Ashraful Hasan, CEO of Grameen Telecom Trust; trustee Nurjahan Begum; and managing director M Shahjahan.</div><div><br></div><div>They were accused of not making some workers and employees of Grameen Telecom permanent, not encashing public leave, and not depositing certain dividends to the Workers Welfare Foundation.</div><div><br></div><div>In the 84-page verdict, the judge said the charges of violating labor laws were proved against them, reports UNB.</div><div><br></div><div>The court, however, granted them conditional bail.</div><div><br></div><div>Dr Yunus claimed that he had been punished for a crime he did not commit. “I have been punished for a crime that I haven’t committed,” Yunus told reporters after he was convicted in a case over violation of labor law. “If you want to call it justice, you can.”</div><div><br></div><div>bnbd24/fas</div>', NULL, 'News Desk', '[\"30\"]', NULL, NULL, NULL, NULL, '2024-01-25 11:31:04', '2024-01-25 11:31:04');
INSERT INTO `news_details` (`id`, `news_id`, `details`, `ticker`, `representative`, `keyword`, `video_link`, `google_drive_link`, `audio_link`, `shoulder`, `created_at`, `updated_at`) VALUES
(10971, 10971, '<div><span style=\"font-size: 1rem;\"><b>Russian Ambassador to Bangladesh Alexander Mantytskiy has expressed optimism that with the newly elected government the ties between Dhaka and Moscow will continue to thrive, bringing peace and prosperity to the peoples.</b></span><br></div><div><br></div><div>The Ambassador made the remarks in a message on the occasion of the 52nd anniversary of diplomatic relations between Bangladesh and Russia.&nbsp;</div><div><br></div><div>Despite the current turbulence in international affairs, he said, fruitful cooperation between Moscow and Dhaka has been developing across many sectors.&nbsp;</div><div><br></div><div>In 2023, Russia-Bangladesh relations saw a number of milestones, such as the first ever visit of the Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov to Bangladesh in September; the nuclear fuel delivery ceremony at the Rooppur NPP in October, with virtual presence of President Vladimir Putin and Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina; a goodwill visit of the Russian Pacific Fleet to the port of Chattogram in November.&nbsp;</div><div><br></div><div>\"Russia makes a significant contribution to Bangladesh’s food security, being one of the key suppliers of various agro-industrial products, primarily wheat and fertilizers,\" said the Russian Ambassador.</div><div><br></div><div>In 2023, Russia\'s grain export to Bangladesh amounted to 2.7 million tons, said Ambassador Mantytskiy.&nbsp;</div><div><br></div><div>\"Meaningful interaction between our countries predates the formal establishment of diplomatic ties in January 1972 as the USSR largely supported the Bengali people in the international arena during the ongoing War for Independence in 1971,\" he said.&nbsp;</div><div><br></div><div>Since then, the envoy said, over the span of more than 50 years, the bilateral history has seen many remarkable events and significant achievements, as well as glorious memories, reports UNB.</div><div><br></div><div>\"The strong historic legacy and mutual affection between Russian and Bangladeshi people serve as a solid basis for new accomplishments and shared dreams,\" said the Russian Ambassador.</div><div><br></div><div>bnbd24/fas</div>', NULL, 'International Desk', '[\"29\"]', NULL, NULL, NULL, NULL, '2024-01-25 11:35:46', '2024-01-25 11:35:46'),
(10972, 10972, '<div><span style=\"font-size: 1rem;\"><b>Food Minister Sadhan Chandra Majumder has called on businessmen to follow best practices in the rice business to ensure its stable market price.</b></span><br></div><div><br></div><div>\"We urgently need all-out cooperation of millers, dealers, and traders to keep the rice price static for welfare of the public in general as rice is their staple food,\" he said.</div><div><br></div><div>The minister was addressing a divisional-level view-sharing meeting with stakeholders at the conference hall of deputy commissioner on Thursday as the chief guest.</div><div><br></div><div>Officials of administration, police, food, agriculture and other line departments and rice millers, dealers, traders and stakeholders from all eight districts in the division joined the meeting and some of them took part in its open discussion sharing their views on the issue.</div><div><br></div><div>Prof Shafiqur Rahman Badsha, MP, Secretary to the Ministry of Food Ismiel Hossain, and Director General of the Directorate of Food Md Shakhawat Hossain were present at the meeting with Commissioner of Rajshahi division Dewan Humayun Kabir in the chair.</div><div><br></div><div>Deputy Inspector General of Police Anisur Rahman and Rajshahi Metropolitan Police Commissioner Biplob Bijoy Talukder also spoke.</div><div><br></div><div>Food Minister Sadhan Majumder said the country has attained bumper production in aman and boro rice so there is no reason for the price hike.</div><div><br></div><div>He urged the local civil and police administration to take action against any hoarding of rice. There would be no scope for illegal storage of rice with ulterior motives of making a profit. Law violators must be brought to book.</div><div><br></div><div>The minister said they are working relentlessly to keep the rice price stable throughout the country and urged all to extend their wholehearted cooperation to make the effort successful.</div><div><br></div><div>Sadhan said the dealers and millers should extend cooperation in terms of giving information about the unscrupulous businessmen, reports BSS</div><div><br></div><div>\"We are trying to establish transparency and accountability in the activities of the food ministry, department and district and upazila level offices,\" he said, adding stern action would be taken against the officials and employees who would be found guilty.</div><div><br></div><div>bnbd24/fas</div>', NULL, 'News Desk', '[\"30\"]', NULL, NULL, NULL, NULL, '2024-01-25 12:14:56', '2024-01-25 12:14:56'),
(10973, 10973, '<div><b><span style=\"font-size: 1rem;\">In a significant move to stabilize its power sector, the Bangladesh government has secured Tk 2,062 crore through the issuance of special bonds. This initiative, aimed at clearing outstanding liabilities to private power plants, involves a collaboration with two prominent private banks: City Bank and Pubali Bank.</span><br></b></div><div><br></div><div>A comprehensive agreement was inked on Wednesday at the Secretariat, marking a critical step in addressing the financial challenges faced by the power sector. As per this agreement, the government will issue bonds worth Tk 1,985 crore to City Bank and Tk 77.50 crore to Pubali Bank, as confirmed by the Ministry of Finance.</div><div><br></div><div>Sources reveal that the government’s inability to disburse subsidy funds had left private power plants struggling to meet their financial obligations, leading some to the brink of insolvency.</div><div><br></div><div>To counter this crisis, the government’s issuance of special bonds comes with an 8 percent coupon rate, mirroring the repo rate set by Bangladesh Bank. Notably, any future fluctuations in the repo rate will correspondingly adjust the bond interest rate.</div><div><br></div><div>At the term’s end, the government will settle the bank dues along with interest, subsequently reclaiming these bonds. Unlike typical 15–20 year bonds, these special bonds have a maximum tenure of 10 years, a move tailored to the urgent needs of the power sector.</div><div><br></div><div>Key players in the power sector, including Summit Power, United Power, Confidence Power, Baraka, Kushiara, Doreen, and Akron Power, are among the beneficiaries of this initiative. The Finance Division also disclosed plans for phased agreements with other banks, including BRAC Bank and Bank Asia, to further address the sector’s liabilities.</div><div><br></div><div>Reflecting on the agreement’s significance, managing directors of several banks expressed optimism. While banks can leverage these bonds with Bangladesh Bank, it provides the government with crucial financial breathing space.</div><div><br></div><div>This strategic financial maneuver stands as a testament to the government’s commitment to ensuring the stability and sustainability of Bangladesh’s power sector. According to UNB reports&nbsp;</div><div><br></div><div>bnbd24/fas</div>', NULL, 'News Desk', '[\"30\"]', NULL, NULL, NULL, NULL, '2024-01-25 12:57:13', '2024-01-25 12:57:13'),
(10974, 10974, '<div><span style=\"font-size: 1rem;\"><b>Swedish prosecutors on Thursday said they had asked a Stockholm court to remand in custody a 51-year-old woman suspected of genocide, crimes against humanity and war crimes against Yazidis in Syria.</b></span><br></div><div><br></div><div>The woman, who has been active in the Daesh group since around 2000, was sentenced by a Swedish court to six years in prison in 2022 for making it possible for her 12-year-old son to be recruited as a child soldier for Daesh, Swedish Radio reported.</div><div><br></div><div>She is now suspected of crimes against the Kurdish-speaking Yazidi minority in 2014-2016 in Raqqa, then the capital of Daesh in Syria.</div><div><br></div><div>“The investigation concerns events in Raqqa, Syria from August 2014 to December 2016,” prosecutor Reena Devgun said in a statement from the Prosecution Authority.</div><div><br></div><div>She provided no other details of the alleged crimes.</div><div><br></div><div>In her 2022 conviction, the woman was also found guilty of aggravated war crimes and aggravated crimes against international law, Swedish Radio said.</div><div><br></div><div>Sweden’s principle of universal jurisdiction allows it to try a case regardless of where the offenses took place. - AFP&nbsp;</div><div><br></div><div>bnbd24/fas</div>', NULL, 'International Desk', '[\"29\"]', NULL, NULL, NULL, NULL, '2024-01-25 13:46:03', '2024-01-25 13:46:03'),
(10975, 10975, '<div><span style=\"font-size: 1rem;\"><b>France and Germany have agreed to individually widen their bilateral relations with Bangladesh and assured of standing beside the country on its development journey.</b></span><br></div><div><br></div><div>Foreign Minister Dr Hasan Mahmud said this after holding separate meetings with German Ambassador Achim Tröster and French Ambassador Marie Masdupuy at his office in Segunbagicha on Thursday (January 25, 2024).</div><div><br></div><div>The two most important European ambassadors discussed issues related to trade and investment, climate change, security cooperation and cooperation in the aviation and education sector.</div><div><br></div><div>Responding to a question on Bangabandhu Satellite-2, the foreign minister said this is definitely a priority for the government of Bangladesh and hoped that the discussions with France in this regard will see further progress.</div><div><br></div><div>On purchasing aircraft from the European aviation giants Airbus, the foreign minister said Bangladesh will buy when the country\'s economy permits.</div><div><br></div><div>Asked if the decision to buy the planes was final, Hasan Mahmud said such \'final decisions\' on purchase are not taken at the Foreign Ministry.</div><div><br></div><div>The two ambassadors also handed over congratulatory letters from their respective heads of government.</div><div><br></div><div>Both these countries are major development and trade partners of Bangladesh and the ambassadors discussed widening the relations in the coming days, Hasan Mahmud said.</div><div><br></div><div>Talking to reporters, French Ambassador Marie Masdupuy said France wants to start a new exchange programme for young teachers and students with Bangladesh.</div><div><br></div><div>She said France and Bangladesh already have an outstanding relationship and the two countries want to further deepen it in the days to come.</div><div><br></div><div>At the meeting, they reviewed the various aspects of the relationship including trade, climate change, culture, reports UNB.</div><div><br></div><div>Marie Masdupuy also said that Bangladesh and France have agreed to work together for a durable solution to the Rohingya crisis.</div><div><br></div><div>Hasan Mahmud said the two countries – France and Germany – have agreed to deepen their ties with Bangladesh and assured of playing a supportive role to Bangladesh on its development journey.</div><div><br></div><div>bnbd24/fas</div>', NULL, 'News Desk', '[\"30\"]', NULL, NULL, NULL, NULL, '2024-01-25 13:48:52', '2024-01-25 13:48:52'),
(10976, 10976, '<div><span style=\"font-size: 1rem;\"><b>Indonesia condemned on Thursday Israel’s deadly attacks on a UN facility sheltering displaced Palestinians in southern Gaza.</b></span><br></div><div><br></div><div>At least 12 people were killed and 75 others injured when Israeli forces shelled on Wednesday the Khan Younis Training Center, where thousands of people have sought shelter.</div><div><br></div><div>“Indonesia strongly condemns Israel’s attack on UN refugee facilities in Khan Younis, Gaza, that has resulted in the loss of lives,” the Indonesian Ministry of Foreign Affairs said in a statement.</div><div><br></div><div>“This attack adds to the list of violations of international law by Israel.”</div><div><br></div><div>Thomas White, the Gaza director of the UN Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East, said the situation in Khan Younis underscored a “consistent failure” to uphold fundamental principles of international humanitarian law.</div><div><br></div><div>The training center in Khan Younis is one of the largest UNRWA shelters. UN officials said the buildings are clearly marked and had their coordinates shared with Israeli authorities.</div><div><br></div><div>“Persistent attacks on civilian sites in Khan Younis are utterly unacceptable and must stop immediately. People are being killed and injured. As fighting intensifies around hospitals and shelters hosting the displaced, people are trapped inside and lifesaving operations are impeded,” White said in a statement.</div><div><br></div><div>Around 1.7 million Palestinians have been displaced during the past three months of daily Israeli bombardment and many of them are sheltering inside or near UN facilities. At least 335 of them have been killed and over 1,100 others injured, according to the agency’s figures.</div><div><br></div><div>“Every measure must be taken to protect civilians. I remind all parties that protection of hospitals, clinics, medical personnel and UN premises is explicitly enshrined within international law,” White said.</div><div><br></div><div>Indonesia’s statement comes after its Foreign Minister Retno Marsudi called on the UN Security Council to make no exceptions in upholding international law and demanded that Israel be held accountable if found responsible for atrocities in Gaza as “no nation is above the law.”</div><div><br></div><div>A staunch supporter of Palestine, Indonesia has been among its most vocal advocates in multiple international forums.</div><div><br></div><div>Marsudi is scheduled to speak at a public hearing held by the International Court of Justice next month, where she will be delivering legal arguments challenging Israel’s occupation of Palestine. - Arab News</div><div><br></div><div>bnbd24/fas</div>', NULL, 'International Desk', '[\"29\"]', NULL, NULL, NULL, NULL, '2024-01-25 14:21:51', '2024-01-25 14:21:51'),
(10977, 10977, '<div><span style=\"font-size: 1rem;\"><b>BNP Senior Joint Secretary General Ruhul Kabir Rizvi on Thursday described the new education policy and school curriculum as anti-national, saying it will only destroy the education system.</b></span><br></div><div><br></div><div>“The government is going to destroy the education system of the country by introducing anti-national curriculum in the new education system,” he said.</div><div><br></div><div>Speaking at a press briefing at the party’s Nayapaltan central office, the BNP leader also accused the government of trying to make the students forget their national existence with the new school curriculum.</div><div><br></div><div>\"The new education policy and the curriculum are contrary to the culture and values of the country. If the new educational policy and curriculum are implemented, the education system of the country will be destroyed,” he said.</div><div><br></div><div>Rizvi also said the government is trying to put the national existence at stake with the new school curriculum in a very well-planned and very cunning way.</div><div><br></div><div>Whenever the Awami League comes to power, he said democracy and freedom of speech are snatched and the education system is designed to make the new generation subservient to others.</div><div><br></div><div>&nbsp;The BNP leader claimed that the nation has been pushing towards destruction by implementing a new curriculum that is not universal as it has been formulated imitating the curriculum of a country.</div><div><br></div><div>&nbsp;He also said the education curriculum has been introduced with a deceitful political motive as a part of a plot to make the independence and sovereignty of the country dependent and to break the backbone of the nation. “The nation has turned down the new curriculum with hatred.”</div><div><br></div><div>Rizvi said the government earlier tried to do something new by introducing creative methods after spending thousands of crores of taka, but it finally turned unsuccessful.</div><div><br></div><div>“The science education has been compressed through new educational policy and curriculum and the attempts to inculcate moral values through religious education have been completely ignored. Attempts have also been made to pervert the adolescent mind by introducing sex education in the name of health protection education,” he observed.</div><div><br></div><div>The BNP leader said a drastic shrinkage of science education is visible in the new education curriculum and voiced concern that the removal of pure sciences such as physics, chemistry and biology from the secondary level will create obstacles in the way of building a science-minded generation.</div><div><br></div><div>He also said Bangladesh will fail to play a role in career-based knowledge, science, technology and medical science at global standards if the new curriculum is implemented, reports UNB</div><div><br></div><div>Besides, Rizvi said online use has been expanded in the curriculum, but online education is not perfect at all levels. “The children and teenagers can indulge in various misdeeds, illegal games, online gambling, Facebook, YouTube, Tik Tok, porn sites while collecting information using various devices (mobile and tab).”</div><div><br></div><div>He said online can be used in education programmes only during various natural disasters and emergencies like the coronavirus period.</div><div><br></div><div>bnbd24/fas</div>', NULL, 'News Desk', '[\"30\"]', NULL, NULL, NULL, NULL, '2024-01-25 15:01:05', '2024-01-25 15:01:05'),
(10978, 10978, '<div><span style=\"font-size: 1rem;\"><b>Speakers in a dialogue of the CPD on ‘Inception of Social Insurance Forum in Bangladesh’ said that it is time to introduce social insurance instead of a social safety net programme.</b></span><br></div><div><br></div><div>The speakers said this in the dialogue organised by the research institute Centre for Policy Dialogue (CPD) and GIZ on Thursday.</div><div><br></div><div>Khandkar Golam Moazzem, research director of CPD, presented the keynote at the event. CPD Board of Trustee member Parveen Mahmud presided over the event.</div><div><br></div><div>They said that given the existing socio-economic conditions of Bangladesh, it is not allowed to remain only in the social safety net.</div><div><br></div><div>The speakers said now is the time to introduce social insurance. The issue should be brought up in the action plan of the government, they said.</div><div><br></div><div>Many countries introduced social insurance over 100 years ago while Bangladesh is far behind in this field, they said.</div><div><br></div><div>Those nations are now reaping the benefits of this system, and Bangladesh should learn from those countries and move forward in this regard, they said.</div><div><br></div><div>In the keynote presentation, Dr Moazzem underscored ‘The SIF (Social Insurance Forum) aims to bridge knowledge gaps, facilitate framework development, establish networks with stakeholders, and track progress in thematic areas.’</div><div><br></div><div>“The knowledge gap will be bridged by identifying and addressing gaps in understanding through the dissemination of detailed insights into policy requirements,” he said.</div><div><br></div><div>Clarity on organisational and operational workflows will be emphasised to enhance comprehension and implementation, he pointed out.</div><div><br></div><div>In the presentation, Moazzem also said that there are many loopholes in the social safety net, and those who are supposed to get social protection do not get it. Those who are not supposed to get it, get it.</div><div><br></div><div>In this reality, if social insurance is introduced, it will be possible to fix these loopholes, he said.</div><div><br></div><div>Syed Saad Hossain Gilani, chief technical consultant of ILO\'s Dhaka office, expressed his surprise due to the lack of social security insurance in the country.</div><div><br></div><div>He blamed the sluggish bureaucracy for this. The government formulated the Social Security Strategy eight years ago. But the speed of its implementation is very low., he said.</div><div><br></div><div>He mainly blamed the lack of knowledge and experience of the bureaucracy for this.</div><div><br></div><div>“Social insurance is for everyone; it is not only for the poor because each one of us can experience unemployment, sickness, and aging’, said Dr Silvia Popp, Project Manager, of the Employment Injury Protection Scheme for Workers in the Textile and Leather Industries (EIPS).</div><div><br></div><div>Representatives of various NGOs including the country\'s microcredit institutions participated in the discussion phase of the programme, reports UNB.</div><div><br></div><div>They said that a lot of work has been done on microcredit and microinsurance in the country, and many pilot projects have been launched. Insurance companies also have regular mini-insurance products.</div><div><br></div><div>On the other hand, These projects and work experience need to be shared with everyone, then the work of social insurance will speed up, said the representatives of various NGOs.</div><div><br></div><div>bnbd24/fas</div>', NULL, 'News Desk', '[\"30\"]', NULL, NULL, NULL, NULL, '2024-01-25 15:05:55', '2024-01-25 15:05:55'),
(10979, 10979, '<div><b><span style=\"font-size: 1rem;\">Education Minister Mohibul Hasan Chowdhury Nowfel on Thursday urged the National Curriculum and Textbook Board (NCTB) to make recommendations to the policymakers for further review of the examination and evaluation system.</span><br></b></div><div><br></div><div>The minister made the request after a views exchange meeting with the experts of the examination and evaluation system at the Curriculum and Textbook Board in the capital\'s Motijheel on Thursday.</div><div><br></div><div>He also urged them to discuss with experts and gather information from the experience generated up to January and February, the first month of the academic year over the issue.</div><div><br></div><div>Among others, Chairman of National Curriculum and Textbook Board Md Farhadul Islam, and Dhaka University IER Professor Dr Tariq Ahsan were present. - UNB</div><div><br></div><div>bnbd24/fas</div>', NULL, 'News Desk', '[\"30\"]', NULL, NULL, NULL, NULL, '2024-01-25 15:08:22', '2024-01-25 15:08:22'),
(10980, 10980, '<div><b><span style=\"font-size: 1rem;\">The BNP and like-minded opposition parties are set to bring out processions holding black flags in all districts on Friday demanding the cancellation of the 12th parliament and protesting the growing price hikes of essential commodities.</span><br></b></div><div><br></div><div>A similar programme will also be held in all metropolitan cities, including Dhaka, on Saturday to press home the same demand and to register their protest against the skyrocketing prices of essential items.</div><div><br></div><div>Apart from Ganatantra Mancha, 12-Party Alliance, Jatiyatabadi Samamona Jote, Gono Odhikar Parishad, LDP, Labour Party, Ganatantrik Bam Oikya, Gonoforum and People’s Party will also take out black-flag processions separately in different areas of the capital.</div><div><br></div><div>Talking to UNB, BNP Senior Joint Secretary General Ruhul Kabir Rizvi said their party leaders and activists will bring out a procession at 2 pm on Saturday in front of the BNP’s Nayapaltan central office.</div><div><br></div><div>“We have informed the Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) about this programme. Our party Vice Chairman Advocate Nitai Roy Chowdhury talked to the&nbsp; DMP authorities about the programme,” he said.</div><div><br></div><div>He said the DMP authorities expressed a positive attitude towards the programme though they still did not give formal permission, reports UNB.</div><div><br></div><div>Rizvi said that the leaders and activists of BNP’s Dhaka south and north city units have taken all-out preparations to make the black-flag programme a success.</div><div><br></div><div>bnbd24/fas</div>', NULL, 'News Desk', '[\"30\"]', NULL, NULL, NULL, NULL, '2024-01-25 15:14:55', '2024-01-25 15:14:55'),
(10981, 10981, '<div><b><span style=\"font-size: 1rem;\">Road, Transport and Bridges Minister Obaidul Quader returned home from Singapore on Thursday evening after a routine health checkup in Mount Elizabeth Hospital.</span><br></b></div><div><br></div><div>A Biman Bangladesh Airlines flight carrying the minister landed in Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport (HSIA) from&nbsp; Singapore in the evening, said a media release signed by Sheikh Wahlid Fayez, senior information officer of the ministry.</div><div><br></div><div>Quader, also general secretary of Awami League, left Dhaka for Singapore on January 23 for going through his health check-up, reads the release. - UNB</div><div><br></div><div>bnbd24/fas</div>', NULL, 'News Desk', '[\"30\"]', NULL, NULL, NULL, NULL, '2024-01-25 15:49:52', '2024-01-25 15:49:52'),
(10982, 10982, '<div><span style=\"font-size: 1rem;\"><b>South Korean Ambassador to Bangladesh Park Young-sik on Saturday said Bangladesh and South Korea both could further develop the existing bilateral relations in a mutually beneficial manner.</b></span><br></div><div><br></div><div>\"Korea is not India, China, or the United States and does not have strategic interests (in Bangladesh),\" he said while delivering his keynote speech at Cosmos Dialogue.</div><div><br></div><div>Building on what both countries have achieved over the past five decades, the ambassador said, it is now high time for both countries to make the next 50 years even more prosperous.</div><div><br></div><div>To do this, he said that both countries need to expand high-level contacts.</div><div><br></div><div>Cosmos Foundation hosted the dialogue - the latest edition of Ambassadors’ Lecture Series titled \"Bangladesh-South Korea Relations: Prognosis for the Future.\"</div><div><br></div><div>Dr Iftekhar Ahmed Chowdhury, Cosmos Foundation President, scholar-diplomat, and former Foreign Affairs Advisor of Bangladesh Caretaker Government chaired and conducted the session.</div><div><br></div><div>Enayetullah Khan, Chairman of the Cosmos Foundation, delivered the closing remarks while Masud Khan, Deputy Managing Director of Cosmos Group, delivered the welcome remarks.</div><div><br></div><div>Former Ambassador Farooq Sobhan, Ambassador (Retd) Tariq A Karim, Honorary Adviser Emeritous, Cosmos Foundation; Rubana Huq, Chairman of Mohammadi Group; Lailufar Yasmin, Professor, Department of International Relations, Dhaka University; and Parvez Karim Abbasi, Assistant Professor, Department of Economics, East West University comprised the panel of discussants.</div><div><br></div><div>Since the establishment of diplomatic ties between the Republic of Korea and Bangladesh in 1973, the two countries have been enhancing cooperation in various fields, such as politics, economy, culture, development cooperation, and human exchange.</div><div><br></div><div>The two-way trade has surpassed 3 billion dollars recently.</div><div><br></div><div>South Korea’s investment in Bangladesh is the fifth largest in terms of accumulated amount.</div><div><br></div><div>The South Korean ambassador identified footwear and leather, ICT, pharmaceutical, shipbuilding and ship breaking industry, Blue Economy and deep sea fishing, agricultural and agricultural machinery, greenhouse and carbon trading scheme as new areas of bilateral cooperation.</div><div><br></div><div>He said Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and South Korean President Yoon Suk-yeol met in New Delhi on September 9 on the sidelines of G20 and vowed to further deepen cooperation in trade and commerce, culture and people to people contacts.</div><div><br></div><div>Issues related to diversifying Bangladesh\'s export, Economic Partnership Agreement between the two countries, cooperation in education sector, climate change, foreign direct investment, collaboration in fashion design and ways to add values to existing trade were discussed.</div><div><br></div><div>Former and current diplomats, foreign affairs experts, and economists were present at the dialogue. - UNB</div><div><br></div><div>bnbd24/fas</div>', NULL, 'News Desk', '[\"30\"]', NULL, NULL, NULL, NULL, '2024-01-27 07:44:47', '2024-01-27 07:44:47'),
(10983, 10983, '<div><font color=\"#085294\"><span style=\"font-size: 1rem;\"><b>Thousands of civilians were trapped in southern Gaza by bombardment and fighting between Israeli troops and Hamas fighters on Saturday, a day after the top UN court ruled Israel must prevent genocidal acts.</b></span><br></font></div><div><br></div><div>Growing alarm has focused on Khan Yunis, the biggest city in Gaza\'s south, where the two main hospitals were barely functioning under the weight of the relentless bombardment and the press of thousands in need.</div><div><br></div><div>Witnesses reported more overnight strikes on Khan Yunis, the current epicentre of Israel\'s assault on Gaza, and the Palestinian Red Crescent Society said some of the dead and wounded had been taken to the city\'s barely functioning Al-Amal hospital.</div><div><br></div><div>The strikes came after the International Court of Justice in The Hague ruled that Israel must prevent possible acts of genocide in its war against Hamas, the Islamist group that controls Gaza.</div><div><br></div><div>The court, which has virtually no enforcement power, stopped short of calling for an end to the fighting but also said in its ruling that Israel must facilitate \"urgently needed\" humanitarian assistance.</div><div><br></div><div>\"This is the first time the world has told Israel that it is out of line,\" said Maha Yasin, a 42-year-old displaced Palestinian woman in Gaza.</div><div><br></div><div>\"What Israel did to us in Gaza for four months has never happened in history.\"</div><div><br></div><div>Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu rejected the case as \"outrageous\".</div><div><br></div><div>Israel\'s relentless bombardment and siege of the Palestinian territory began soon after Hamas\'s unprecedented October 7 attacks that resulted in about 1,140 deaths in Israel, mostly civilians, according to an AFP tally of official Israeli figures.</div><div><br></div><div>Militants also seized about 250 hostages and Israel says around 132 of them remain in Gaza, including the bodies of at least 28 dead captives.</div><div><br></div><div>Israel has vowed to crush Hamas and the health ministry in Gaza says the Israeli military offensive has killed at least 26,083 people, about 70 percent of them women and children.</div><div><br></div><div>- Hospital services \'collapse\' -</div><div><br></div><div>Fierce fighting between Israeli troops and Hamas fighters has raged for days around Khan Yunis, forcing tens of thousands to flee further south to Rafah on the border with Egypt.</div><div><br></div><div>With a humanitarian crisis growing in Khan Yunis and northern areas of Gaza, UN agencies say most of the estimated 1.7 million Palestinians displaced by the war are crowded into Rafah.</div><div><br></div><div>At Khan Yunis\'s Nasser Hospital, the largest in the besieged city, Doctors Without Borders said surgical capacity was \"virtually non-existent\".</div><div><br></div><div>The international medical aid organisation said in a news release that medical services at the hospital had \"collapsed\" and the few staff who remained \"must contend with very low supplies that are insufficient to handle mass casualty events\".</div><div><br></div><div>World Health Organization chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said on social media platform X that 350 patients and 5,000 people displaced by the fighting remained at the hospital and that fighting in the vicinity continued.</div><div><br></div><div>He said the Nasser Hospital was \"running out of food, fuel and supplies\" and called for an immediate ceasefire so they could be replenished.</div><div><br></div><div>The Palestinian Red Crescent Society said Israeli tanks were targeting Al-Amal hospital, another of the few remaining medical facilities in Khan Yunis, and that it was \"under siege with heavy gunfire\".</div><div><br></div><div>The Israeli military accuses Hamas of having tunnels under hospitals in Gaza and of using the medical facilities as command centres.</div><div><br></div><div>Meirav Eilon Shahar, Israel\'s ambassador to the United Nations in Geneva, accused the WHO this week of collusion with Hamas by ignoring Israeli evidence of Hamas\'s \"military use\" of Gaza hospitals.</div><div><br></div><div>Tedros rejected the accusation, saying it could \"endanger our staff who are risking their lives to serve the vulnerable\".</div><div><br></div><div>- Diplomatic relations sour -</div><div><br></div><div>Relations between Israel and the UN agency for Palestinian refugees soured after the UNRWA said tanks had shelled one of its shelters in Khan Yunis on Wednesday, killing 13 people.</div><div><br></div><div>UNRWA said on Friday it had sacked several employees accused by Israel of involvement in the October 7 attack.</div><div><br></div><div>The UN Security Council will meet on Wednesday to discuss the ICJ\'s ruling, the council\'s presidency announced.</div><div><br></div><div>The European Union called for the \"immediate\" application of the ICJ\'s decision.</div><div><br></div><div>The ruling in The Hague was based on an urgent application brought by South Africa, long a supporter of the Palestinian cause, but a broader judgment on whether genocide has been committed could take years.</div><div><br></div><div>A security source told AFP on Friday that the head of the US Central Intelligence Agency will meet officials from Israel, Egypt and Qatar \"in the coming days in Paris\" to try to reach a deal with Hamas.</div><div><br></div><div>A week-long truce in November saw an exchange of hostages for Palestinian prisoners, however the White House warned that \"imminent developments\" are unlikely.</div><div><br></div><div>The war has led to fears of wider conflict, and US forces said they had struck a target in Huthi-held Yemen after an attack on a British tanker in the Gulf of Aden. - AFP </div><div><br></div><div>bnbd24/fas</div>', NULL, 'News Desk', '[\"30\"]', NULL, NULL, NULL, NULL, '2024-01-27 07:46:50', '2024-01-27 07:50:06'),
(10984, 10984, '<div><span style=\"font-size: 1rem;\"><b>Country’s lowest temperature of 7.2 degrees Celsius was recorded in Tetulia of Panchagarh district for the second consecutive day on Saturday as a mild to moderate cold wave is sweeping over parts of the country.</b></span><br></div><div><br></div><div>According to Dhaka’s Bangladesh Meteorological Department, “A mild to moderate cold wave is sweeping over Rangpur and Rajshahi divisions and the districts of Gopalganj, Kishoreganj, Moulvibazar, Jashore, Kushtia and Chuadanga and it may continue.”</div><div><br></div><div>Moderate to thick fog may occur at places over the river basins and light to moderate fog at places elsewhere over the country during midnight to morning. Inland river transport may be disrupted due to thick fog.</div><div><br></div><div>Weather may remain dry with temporary partly cloudy sky over the country.</div><div><br></div><div>Night temperature may fall slightly and day temperature may remain nearly unchanged over the country.</div><div><br></div><div>UNB’s Chuadanga correspondent reports that the district has been grappling with intense cold, disrupting day-to-day life, especially affecting children and the elderly.</div><div><br></div><div>On Saturday, the lowest temperature was recorded at 8.3 degrees Celsius in the district, said meteorologist Rakibul Hasan at the district Met Office.</div><div><br></div><div>Though the sun is visible, a mild cold wave has been prevailing in the district for the past few days.</div><div><br></div><div>The day labourers are the worst sufferers due to lack of daily jobs amid cold. Some people were seen keeping warm by burning logs while most preferred to stay indoors.</div><div><br></div><div>Liakat Ali, a rickshaw puller of Chuadanga district town said, “If this situation continues then it will be difficult for me to maintain the family.”</div><div><br></div><div>Majid, a day labourer, feared that he would have to starve if the situation continued for more days. - UNB</div><div><br></div><div>bnbd24/fas</div>', NULL, 'News Desk', '[\"30\"]', NULL, NULL, NULL, NULL, '2024-01-27 08:45:11', '2024-01-27 08:45:11'),
(10985, 10985, '<div><span style=\"font-size: 1rem;\"><b>In the aftermath of World War II and the murder by Nazi Germany of 6 million Jews in the Holocaust, the world united around a now-familiar pledge: Never again.</b></span><br></div><div><br></div><div>A key part of that lofty aspiration was the drafting of a convention that codified and committed nations to prevent and punish a new crime, sometimes called the crime of crimes: genocide.</div><div><br></div><div>The convention was drawn up in 1948, the year of Israel\'s creation as a Jewish state. Now that country is being accused at the United Nations\' highest court of committing the very crime so deeply woven into its national identity.</div><div><br></div><div>The reason the genocide convention exists \"is related directly to what the (Nazi) Third Reich attempted to do in eliminating a people, the Jewish people, not only of Germany, but of Eastern Europe, of Russia,\" said Mary Ellen O\'Connell, a professor of law and international peace studies at Notre Dame University\'s Kroc Institute.</div><div><br></div><div>Now, in response to Israel\'s devastating military offensive in Gaza that was triggered by murders and atrocities perpetrated by Hamas militants on Oct. 7, South Africa has gone to the International Court of Justice and accused Israel of genocide. Israel rejects the claim and accuses Pretoria of providing political cover for Hamas.</div><div><br></div><div>South Africa also asked the 17-judge panel to make nine urgent orders known as provisional measures. They are aimed at protecting civilians in Gaza while the court considers the legal arguments of both sides. First and foremost is for the court to order Israel to \"immediately suspend its military operations in and against Gaza.\"</div><div><br></div><div>On Friday, the court\'s American president, U.S. judge Joan E. Donoghue, will read out its decision at a public hearing.</div><div><br></div><div>Here is more information about the crime of genocide and other cases in the past.</div><div><br></div><div>WHAT IS GENOCIDE?</div><div><br></div><div>The 1948 Convention on the Prevention and Punishment of the Crime of Genocide, defines the crime as acts \"committed with intent to destroy, in whole or in part, a national, ethnical, racial or religious group, as such.\" It lists the acts as killing; causing serious bodily or mental harm; deliberately inflicting conditions of life calculated to bring about the group\'s physical destruction in whole or in part; imposing measures intended to prevent births; and forcibly transferring children.</div><div><br></div><div>The text is repeated in the Rome Statute, the founding treaty of the International Criminal Court, as one of the crimes under its jurisdiction, along with war crimes, crimes against humanity and the crime of aggression. The ICC prosecutes individuals and is separate to the International Court of Justice, which rules in disputes between nations.</div><div><br></div><div>In its written filings and at a public hearing earlier this month, South Africa alleged genocidal acts by Israel forces including killing Palestinians in Gaza, causing serious mental and bodily harm, and deliberately inflicting conditions meant to \"bring about their physical destruction as a group.\"</div><div><br></div><div>Israel has vehemently taken issue with South Africa\'s claims, arguing that it is acting in self-defense against what it calls the genocidal threat to its existence posed by Hamas.</div><div><br></div><div>HOW DO YOU PROVE GENOCIDE?</div><div><br></div><div>As well as establishing one or more of the underlying crimes listed in the convention, the key element of genocide is intent — the intent to destroy, in whole or in part, a national, ethnical, racial or religious group. It\'s tough to prove.</div><div><br></div><div>\"The most important thing is that whatever happens is done with the specific intent to destroy a group, so there\'s no plausible alternative reason why those crimes have been committed,\" said Marieke de Hoon, an associate professor of international law at the University of Amsterdam.</div><div><br></div><div>Said O\'Connell: \"Can you show that the widespread killing of these people was intended by the government? Or ... was the government waging a war and during that war large numbers of this particular group died, but that was not the intent of the government?\"</div><div><br></div><div>At public hearings earlier this month and in its detailed written submission to the ICJ, South Africa cited comments by Israeli officials that it claimed demonstrate intent.</div><div><br></div><div>Malcolm Shaw, an international law expert on Israel\'s legal team, called the comments South Africa highlighted \"random quotes not in conformity with government policy.\"</div><div><br></div><div>HAS THE ICJ EVER RULED BEFORE ON GENOCIDE?</div><div><br></div><div>In 2007, the court ruled that Serbia \"violated the obligation to prevent genocide\" in the 1995 Srebrenica massacre, when Bosnian Serb forces rounded up and murdered some 8,000 mostly Muslim men and boys in the Bosnian region.</div><div><br></div><div>Two other genocide cases are currently on the court\'s docket. Ukraine filed a case shortly after Russia\'s invasion nearly two years ago that accuses Moscow of launching the military operation based on trumped-up claims of genocide and that Russia was planning acts of genocide in Ukraine. In that case, the court ordered Russia to halt its invasion, an order that Russia flouted.</div><div><br></div><div>Another case involves Gambia, on behalf of Muslim nations, accusing Myanmar of genocide against the Rohingya Muslim minority. Gambia filed the case on behalf of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation.</div><div><br></div><div>Both Gambia and South Africa have filed ICJ cases in conflicts they are not directly involved in. That\'s because the genocide convention includes a clause that allows individual states — even uninvolved ones — to call on the United Nations to take action to prevent or suppress acts of genocide.</div><div><br></div><div>HAVE OTHER INTERNATIONAL COURTS PROSECUTED GENOCIDE?</div><div><br></div><div>Two now defunct U.N. tribunals — for the former Yugoslavia and Rwanda — both dealt with genocide, among other crimes.</div><div><br></div><div>The Yugoslav court convicted defendants including former Bosnian Serb leader Radovan Karadzic and his military chief Gen. Ratko Mladic on genocide charges for their involvement in the Srebrenica massacre.</div><div><br></div><div>The Rwanda tribunal, headquartered in Arusha, Tanzania, was the first international court to hand down a genocide conviction when it found Jean Paul Akayesu guilty of genocide and other crimes and sentenced him to life imprisonment in 1998. He was convicted for his role in Rwanda\'s 1994 genocide, when militants from the Hutu majority slaughtered some 800,000 people, mostly minority Tutsis. The tribunal convicted 62 defendants for their roles in the genocide.</div><div><br></div><div>The International Criminal Court has charged ousted Sudanese leader Omar al-Bashir with genocide in the Darfur region. He has not been handed to the court to stand trial. Al-Bashir\'s government responded to a 2003 insurgency with a campaign of aerial bombings and unleashed militias known as Janjaweed, who are accused of mass killings and rapes. Up to 300,000 people were killed and 2.7 million were driven from their homes.</div><div><br></div><div>A hybrid domestic and international court in Cambodia convicted three men members of the Khmer Rouge whose brutal 1970s rule caused the deaths of an estimated 1.7 million people. Two of them were found guilty of genocide. - AP</div><div><br></div><div>bnbd24/fas</div><div><br></div>', NULL, 'International Desk', '[\"29\"]', NULL, NULL, NULL, NULL, '2024-01-27 09:59:50', '2024-01-27 09:59:50');
