12 killed in shootout in Mexico border city
A drug cartel has used a car bomb for the first time in Mexico's decades-long fight against traffickers, setting a deadly trap against federal police in a city across the border from Texas, the mayor of Ciudad Juarez said Friday.Mayor Jose Reyes said federal police have confirmed to him that a car bomb was used in the attack that killed three peo
World simmers in hottest year so far
The world is enduring the hottest year on record, according to a U.S. national weather analysis, causing droughts worldwide and a concern for U.S. farmers counting on another bumper year.For the first six months of the year, 2010 has been warmer than the first half of 1998, the previous record holder, by 0.03 degree Fahrenheit, said Jay Lawrimore
55 bodies found dumped in Mexican mine
five bodies were pulled out of a mine airshaft in southern Mexico that authorities say was used for dumping victims of drug-related violence, Guerrero officials said.The victims were found last week at the bottom of a 100-meter (300-foot) deep airshaft near the entrance to an abandoned mine in Guerrero state, officials said. Initially it was thou
12 foreign troops killed on deadly Afghan day
Twelve foreign soldiers, including seven Americans, were killed in separate attacks on the deadliest day of the year for Western forces in Afghanistan. A U.S. civilian contractor who trains Afghan police also died in a brazen suicide assault.The bloodshed Monday comes as insurgents step up bombings and other attacks ahead of a major NATO operatio
Japan PM Kan to launch new govt as election looms
New Japanese leader Naoto Kan will launch his cabinet on Tuesday as expectations jostle with doubts that he can clip the wings of a scandal-tainted party power broker and begin to tackle the nation's huge public debt.Kan, 63, to be sworn in as Japan's fifth premier in three years, must convince voters to give his Democratic Party a second chance
Spanish public sector to strike against austerity plan
Spanish public sector workers are preparing to strike in protest against an average 5% cut in pay that comes into effect this month.The cuts are part of a government austerity package aimed at reducing the country's budget deficit, swollen by almost two years of recession.
The protests come amid a European debt crisis that began in Greece.
Earl
BP cites progress in capping well, but draws Obama fire
As BP marked the first sign of progress in capping worst oil spill in US history, President Barack Obama warned the British energy giant not to shortchange victims of the disaster.BP offered the first positive signs since the massive oil leak began April 20, placing a cap on a ruptured pipe, which appeared to be working to capture most of the oil
Israel seizes new Gaza-bound aid ship
Israeli forces seized an Irish-owned ship bound for Gaza on Saturday, boarding the Rachel Corrie some 55 km (35 miles) out in the Mediterranean, a spokeswoman for the campaign group supporting the ship said.It was unclear whether there was any violence, although those aboard had said in advance they would not resist.
An Israeli military spokeswo
Israel boards Gaza-bound ships, 15 dead: reports
About 15 people were killed on Monday when the Israeli navy intercepted a convoy of aid ships that activists were trying to sail to the Gaza Strip, Israel's Channel 10 private television network said.Earlier, a spokesman for the Free Gaza Movement which organized the six-ship flotilla said at least two were killed.
Casualties could hurt Israel's
Santos wins Colombia 1st-round vote, faces runoff
Former Colombian Defense Minister Juan Manuel Santos easily won a first-round presidential vote on Sunday that puts him in a strong position in a June runoff to succeed U.S. ally President Alvaro Uribe.Santos, a Uribe supporter and scion of an elite family, won 47 percent of the votes, well ahead of former Bogota Mayor Antanas Mockus, who with 22
Storm Agatha kills 90 in Central America
The first tropical storm of the season in the Americas has left at least 90 people dead in Central America amid flash floods and mudslides triggered by heavy rains, officials said Sunday.Tropical Storm Agatha also forced more than 74,000 people to flee their homes as it whipped heavy rains across Guatemala, El Salvador, Honduras and Mexico.
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Actor Dennis Hopper dies aged 74 after cancer battle
Hollywood actor Dennis Hopper has died at the age of 74 following a battle with prostate cancer.Known for such cult classics as Easy Rider, Apocalypse Now and Blue Velvet, Hopper embodied the image of the Hollywood icon.
Hopper died on Saturday morning surrounded by friends and family at his home in Venice, California.
He was last seen in publi
30 killed in India bus accident
More than 30 people, including 10 children, were killed when a bus hit a police barricade, flipped over and was engulfed in flames in southern India early Sunday, news reports said.At least 28 others were injured, some seriously, when the vehicle's fuel tank caught fire after it overturned, trapping the passengers inside, the Press Trust of India
Zia’s death anniversary today
The 29th death anniversary of late president Ziaur Rahman, founder of Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), will be observed today.All units of BNP and its front and associate organisations across the country will observe Zia's death anniversary with due fervour and solemnity.
On May 30 in 1981, President Zia was assassinated by a group of disgrunt
Govt fully committed to strengthen Election Commission for free, fair and impartial elections
The government is fully committed to further strengthening the Election Commission to make it more competent and independent with a view to holding free, fair and impartial elections.Law and Parliamentary Affairs Minister Barrister Shafique Ahmed said this while inaugurating a two-day ‘Meeting on Cooperation between Election Commissions of South
International peacekeepers day Today
Bangladesh will observe the International Day of the UN Peacekeepers today(Saturday) as the largest contributor. It has 10,000 troops, both from the armed forces and the police, in 13 countries.
President Zillur Rahman in a message on the day said: "It is a matter of pride that the peacekeepers from Bangladesh are successfully working for estab
Twitter & Facebook useful diplomatic tools, says US
The Obama Administration, which is making maximum use of social networking sites like Facebook and Twitter in governance, feels these are "effective tools" that can enhance diplomacy.Top officials of the Obama Administration are seen twitting round the clock and various wings of the US government have now dedicated team for sites like Twitter, Fa
Air India staff still on strike, carrier cancels 76 flights
Air India has cancelled 76 domestic and international flights scheduled for today on its network in the wake of strike by 20,000 employees of the national carrier who are protesting against airline management's gag order."We have cancelled a total of 76 flights scheduled to be operated on domestic as well as international sectors from Delhi, Mumb
4 killed as Jamaicans clash over drug lord
Soldiers and police stormed a Kingston slum on Monday and traded gunfire with supporters of an alleged Jamaican drug lord who faces extradition to the United States.At least four people have been killed, including two policemen, one soldier and a civilian, and several others were wounded in two days of violence.
The government declared a state o
North Korea puts military on alert
North Korean leader Kim Jong-il has reportedly ordered his military to be on combat alert as tensions rise sharply on the peninsula after the South accused its neighbor of sinking a warship.The report by the South's Yonhap news agency immediately hit already nervous Seoul financial markets, with the main share index dropping more than three perce
SA seal win despite Sammy heroics
A stunning late assault from Darren Sammy couldn't prevent South Africa sealing a 17-run victory set-up by fifties from Hashim Amla and Jacques Kallis in a high-scoring game at the Sir Vivian Richards stadium.The match had looked all but over after West Indies had slipped to 236 for 8 in the 45th over, still 65 short of their target but Sammy lau
Air India aircraft overshoots runway, 160 feared dead
At least 160 people are feared dead after an Air India Express aircraft from Dubai, carrying 173 passengers, overshot the runway while landing at the Mangalore airport on Saturday morning.At least 6-8 people in critical condition have been rescued. Rescue operation was hampered by the thick smoke that engulfed the plane, airport authorities said.
Google chief suspects ulterior motive in Pakistan
Google chief executive Eric Schmidt said he suspects suppressing political criticism is a factor behind the move to block YouTube and Facebook in Pakistan in the name of Islam."I'm always suspicious of these broad bans," Schmidt told a gathering at non-profit public policy institute New America Foundation, of which he is chairman of the board.
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Cyclone Laila inches closer to coastal Andhra
At least eight persons were killed as heavy rains accompanied by fierce winds battered the coastal districts of the state on Wednesday ahead of cyclone Laila which continued its collision course with the AP coastline and is now set to make a landfall close to Machilipatnam in the late afternoon or evening of Thursday.As of Wednesday night, the se
Pakistani court orders Facebook blocked in prophet row
A court in Pakistan has ordered the authorities temporarily to block the Facebook social networking site.The order came when a petition was filed after the site held a competition featuring caricatures of the Prophet Muhammad.
The petition, filed by a lawyers' group called the Islamic Lawyers' Movement, said the contest was "blasphemous".
A mes
Thailand imposes curfew for three more nights
Thai authorities on Thursday imposed a curfew for three more nights in Bangkok and 23 other provinces to quell conflict in the aftermath of an army offensive against anti-government protesters.A meeting chaired by Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva "agreed to impose the curfew to better secure the area and curtail their activities", said Dithaporn
Nigeria President Yar'Adua dies after long illness
Nigerian President Umaru Yar'Adua, whose election marked the first peaceful transition of power from one civilian to another in a nation once plagued by military coups, has died, his spokesman said. He was 58.Yar'Adua's death Wednesday comes following a lengthy illness and almost three months after his vice president assumed control of Africa's m
23 dead, more than 160 injured in China tornado
At least 23 people were killed and more than 160 injured when a tornado struck China's southwestern mega-city of Chongqing Thursday, smashing homes and destroying crops, state media reported.The tornado hit two rural counties in the giant municipality at around 2:00 am (1800 GMT Wednesday), Xinhua news agency said, citing government sources.
The
Will Kasab get death or life? Court to decide today
The fate of Pakistani gunman Ajmal Kasab, who shot dead 166 persons along with his associates in November 2008, would be decided today by a special court which will consider imposing either life imprisonment or death penalty.Kasab has been found guilty of 80 charges under various acts including "waging war against nation" and mass murders, for wh
Britons vote in 'photo finish' election
Britons vote on Thursday in what is forecast to be the closest election since 1992, with the opposition Conservatives struggling to convert their opinion poll advantage into an outright majority.The center-right Conservatives, led by former public relations executive David Cameron, have seen their poll lead dwindle since the turn of the year, wit
War probe chief under probe He refutes Adviser Alauddin's remark on his political past; govt embarrassed
The government will investigate if the chief investigator of the agency probing war crimes had been a member of Islami Chhatra Sangha, pre-independence student wing of Jamaat-e-Islami.Home Minister Sahara Khatun yesterday called Chief Investigator Abdul Matin to her ministry to explain the allegation of his past affiliation with an organisation w
Pakistan Taliban chief 'threatens US in new video'
Pakistani Taliban leader Hakimullah Mehsud has appeared in a new video issued months after his reported death, vowing revenge attacks on the United States, US monitoring groups said Monday.Mehsud threatened to retaliate against the United States within a month for the killing of Islamist militant leaders, according to a transcript of the video al
BDR trial of Marishya 9 Rifle Battalion resumes
he hearing against 75 accused mutineers of Marishya 9 Rifle Battalion in BDR mutiny case resumed here this (Monday) morning.The three members court, led by BDR Director General Maj Gen Md Mainul Islam, started it’s proceedings at 9:00am, reports our Rangamati correspondent.
Earlier on Feb 18, the court adjourned the hearing till May 3.
Bachelor's level female students to get stipend
The government is going to introduce stipends for female students at bachelor's level (pass course) from July aiming to promote female education further.Under a five-year project, around one lakh female students will get Tk 200 per month on the basis of some conditions, said sources in the education ministry and the Directorate of Secondary and H
44 Rifles Battalion led mutiny
Thirty of the mutineers identified as to be involved in Pilkhana carnage belong to 44 Rifles Battalion, Prosecutor Lt Col Kazi Aniruddha told the BDR Special Court-5 on Monday.
Sepoy Selim Reza played the key role when a group of mutineers entered the Darbar Hall to kill the BDR high officials, including the then director general, on February 2
Ganabhaban to host Ratna's wedding Wednesday
The bride will hardly have any family around at Ganabhaban on Wednesday when she gets married.Sakina Aktar Ratna lost almost her entire family to the deadly fire that broke out at her five-storey apartment's ground floor on Thursday in Nimtali of Old Dhaka.
Her younger sister, Runa Aktar, was set to be engaged that evening and guests had already
Khaleda pitches for strong social safety net
In a first of its kind for Bangladesh, Leader of the Opposition and BNP chairperson Begum Khaleda Zia yesterday presented her party's perspective on the budget for the year 2010-11. The 39 page booklet entitled, ' Budget Thoughts' is being seen as both a proposal as well as critique of seventeen months of the Awami League led coalition government
Jamaat agrees to change charter
Jamaat-e-Islami has agreed to change the clause in its constitution on 'divine law' in the face of Election Commission's objection.The fundamentalist religion-based party will exclude sub-clause 5 under section 2 which states, in short, that the only sovereign power is the almighty Allah and that the party would not accept any law except that of
21-storey building evacuated after cracks develop
Police have evacuated people living inside a 21-storey building in the capital's Shantinagar on Saturday after a crack in the structure developed. The incident occurred around midday, with people inside the building saying it seemed as though the building had tilted.
The incident comes after another seven-storey building in Begunbari was seen t
Six storied building tilts at Begunbari
A major crisis was averted in North Begunbari, in Tejgaon area on Friday when residents of a a six storey building which had tilted precariously in one direction, were evacuated just in time. The building at plot number 40/A at Begunbari is close to the site where a six storey structure had collapsed a few days ago. A fire brigade team rushed to
Nation mourns victims of Nimtoli, Begunbari tragedies
Nation is observing mourning day today(Saturday) to commemorate the victims of Nimtoli fire and Begunbari building collapse tragedies that occurred in the capital within a span of three days.Before reeling out from the tragic deaths of 25 helpless people in the collapse of a five-storey building at Begunbari in Tejgaon on Tuesday, the nation was
BNP stages demo outside UK House
The UK Chapter of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) staged a demonstration in front of British parliament on Thursday to protest against the closure of Bengali daily Amar Desh and arrest of its acting editor Mahmudur Rahman, ANA from London said. Al-Haj Kamaruddin Ahmed, president of the British chapter of the party, at a press conferen
Hasina calls for common stand by poor nations
Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina yesterday opened the Asia Conference of the Global Climate Change Alliance in the city calling upon the most vulnerable countries to forge greater unity to establish their rights in the international forums.Addressing the inaugural session at Hotel Sheraton in the morning, she urged the developed economies to provide a
More than 100 Jamaat activists arrested in city for violating DMP ban
More than 100 Jamaat-e-Islami leaders and activists were arrested Monday morning from different places in the city on charges of trying to hold a pre-scheduled rally at Paltan Maidan in violation of a DMP ban.Jamaat-e-Islami will hold a press conference at its central office this (Monday) noon protesting the arrests of its leaders and activists.
Energy crisis holding back Bangladesh
The executive Report of the International Chamber of Commerce has called for increase in public spending in the power sector, which it says is hampering the growth of the manufacturing sector. It has also called for extensive hydrocarbon exploration with meaningful participation by the private sector, on a priority basis.Expressing concern at the
Death of Student Buet in mourning
Bangladesh University of Engineering and Technology (Buet) observed a day of mourning yesterday in memory of Samrat who was killed by a bus in the capital on Thursday.Teachers, students and officials of the university demanded arrest and exemplary punishment of the driver and other staffs of the bus, and proper compensation by the bus company to
2 crore children administered Vitamin A capsule
The Vitamin A Plus Campaign-2010 was held across the country yesterday with a view to preventing childhood blindness and reducing child mortality in the country.Over two crore under-5 children was administered vitamin-A plus capsule and de-worming tablets in the nationwide campaign.
This year's slogan of the campaign was 'Feed vitamin A capsule t
Muhith wants accountants to ensure transparency
Finance Minister AMA Muhith yesterday called upon accountants to improve their competence in ensuring transparency and accountability of the accounts - be it public or corporate."Transparency and accountability of accounts will be ensured if we can undertake good accounting practices," he said, inaugurating the 4th assembly of the Association of G
Govt firm to strengthen armed forces: Hasina
Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina yesterday expressed her government's firm commitment to strengthen the armed forces in line with the changed global perspectives."Our government has always been very supportive whenever the issue of strengthening and modernising the armed forces raised on the table and I want to assure you that we are ready to take all
US congrats Bangladesh govt on JMB leader Saidur’s arrest
The United States has congratulated the Bangladesh government on the arrest of Jamaat-ul-Mujahideen Bangladesh (JMB) leader Saidur Rahman in Dhaka on May 23.Robert O. Blake Jr., Assistant Secretary of State, Bureau of South and Central Asian Affairs, in a statement in Washington, said the JMB has been responsible for numerous acts of indiscrimina
JMB chief arrested
Police arrested Maulana Saidur Rahman Jafar, the chief of banned Islamist outfit Jamaatul Mujahideen Bangladesh, from a house at East Dania in the city early yesterday, said the inspector general of police Nur Mohammad while briefing newsmen at the police headquarters yesterday afternoon.Convicted in an explosives case and sentenced to 14 years' i
JMB chief Saidur held
Incumbent chief of banned Islamist outfit Jama'atul Mujahideen Bangladesh Saidur Rahman Jafar was arrested Monday night from the capital, the IGP confirmed on Tuesday.Saidur has been arrested from the capital's Dania area, Inspector General of Police (IGP) Nur Mohammad told a press briefing at his office in the afternoon.
Police also nabbed JMB'
Arrested man identified as HuJI militant
A man, who was arrested on charge of attacking a police team at Jurain Commissioner Road in the city on Sunday night, was identified as a member of the explosive unit of banned Islamist outfit Harkat-ul Jihad al Islami Bangladesh.The man, Mohammad Siddique, seriously wounded in a bomb explosion during the attack on police team has been undergoing
Cop-militant Gunfight Police believe it was a JMB den
The flat raided by law-enforcers Sunday night was a den of banned Islamist outfit Jama'atul Mujahideen Bangladesh and the arrestee was its military wing chief Shiblu, claimed police.Police have picked up Shiblu's parents and two siblings for quizzing and recovered nine more homemade grenades from the flat.
Additional Superintendent of Police Zan
Mosharref, Saydee sued for zakat scam
The Islamic Foundation yesterday filed a case against former BNP state minister for religious affairs Mosharref Hossain Shahjahan, former Jamaat lawmaker Delwar Hossain Saydee, and two others, on charges of misappropriating Tk 1.28 crore from the government Zakat Fund.The Daily Star called all four accused last night, but could only reach Saydee
Doctors' chambers closed on June 6
All private chambers of doctors across the country will remain closed on June 6. The Bangladesh Medical Association (BMA) says that the countrywide strike was to press for the doctors' demand for justice and trial of assault on a physician.
All specialist physicians in Dhaka closed their private chambers to public on Monday evening protesting t
Hasina, Khaleda greet Musa for Everest conquest
The conquest of the world's highest peak, the Mount Everest by Musa Ibrahim the first Bangladeshi to achieve the feat, has generated immense excitement across the country.Musa, is also the first journalist in the world to scale the height.
Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and leader of the opposition Khaleda Zia yesterday greeted Musa for his feat.
Mu
PM opens Tongi flyover tomorrow
Finally Ahsanullah Master flyover at Tongi of Gazipur is ready for inauguration. Prime minister Sheikh Hasina is expected to formally open the flyover on Sunday. After the inauguration ceremony the fly over will be opened for all. The authority expected that communication will be easier without using the Dhaka Kanchpur bridge Construction work
Hartal on June 27
BNP chairperson and Leader of the opposition in Parliament Khaleda Zia Wednesday called for dissolving the present parliament, terming it 'ineffective' and demanding fresh elections for an effective parliament. She urged the officials and employees of civil, police and military administrations not to obey the 'unjust order' of the government.
Form
Movement programme from Dhaka rally May 19: Khaleda
Former Prime Minister and Chairperson of Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) Khaleda Zia has said that an announcement of movement against the present government will be made from the party's Dhaka city grand rally on May 19. Her announcement came from a large public rally at historic Madrasa Maidan in Rajshahi city this afternoon.Terming the gover
One killed, 100 injured as AL men attack BNP convoy
One person was killed and nearly 100 others were injured yesterday after Awami League men swooped on the convoy of vehicles carrying BNP activists to party's grand rally in Rajshahi.The attack took place near Singra bazaar under Naotre district.
The deceased was identified as Zakir Hossain, president od Garidaha union of Sherpur under Bogra distri
Remain alert to BNP-Jamaat evil designs
Awami League (AL) acting general secretary Mahbub-ul-Alam Hanif yesterday asked the party leaders and workers to remain alert to and vigilant against 'the evil designs of the BNP-Jamaat alliance'.Addressing a joint meeting of six thana units of the Dhaka City AL, he alleged that the supporters of the war criminals were hatching conspiracy to creat
Matin quits as war crimes probe chief
Chief of the war crimes investigation agency Abdul Matin resigned yesterday amid raging controversy over his alleged link with Islami Chhatra Sangha (ICS), student wing of the Jamaat-e-Islami, Pakistan, during his student life. Although Matin mentioned 'personal ground' as the reason for his relinquishing the position, it was learnt that he resign
Ittefaq ownership goes to Manju
The ownership of the country's vernacular daily "Dainik Ittefaq" has gone to Anwar Hossain Manju and his two sisters in a deal signed at a simple ceremony at Sheraton Hotel yesterday.Barrister Mainul Hosein will get the ownership of Ittefaq Bhaban at 1, Ramkrishna Mission Road and Tk 10 crore.
A formal agreement was signed yesterday afternoo
Mumbai Attacks: Court to decide fate of Pak gunman Ajmal Kasab
Elaborate security arrangements have been made in and around the Arthur Road Central jail where a special court would today decide the fate of Pakistani gunman Mohammed Ajmal Amir Kasab and two Indians for their alleged role in the 26/11 terror attacks."The prosecution has prepared a watertight case against all the three accused and we hope the v
Channel 1 set to be closed
The government is set to suspend transmission of Channel 1, founded by controversial businessman Giasuddin Al Mamun. Telecom minister Raziuddin Ahmed Raju suggested almost as much.
Rumour of Channel 1 shutting down anytime has spread throughout the media grapevine.
Raju said machinery and licence of television channels are not transferable.
Hafiz to face debacle 'politically'
Bhola, Apr 25 (bdnews24.com) – Defeated BNP candidate Maj Hafiz Uddin Ahmed said he would counter the election irregularities politically.
A six-time winner from the constituency, Hafiz said he would not initiate legal action against what he claims to be vote rigging in the Bhola-3 by-elections.
Rejecting
Power key to investment
Dhaka, April 21 (bdnews24.com) — Bangladesh should primarily focus on attracting investment in infrastructure, especially power, said speakers at a discussion on Wednesday.
They noted that it was the key for attracting further investment in other areas.
Although the discussion was supposed to be on investment, speaker
BNP wants poll centres open to politicians
Dhaka, Apr 21 (bdnews24.com) – BNP has urged the Election Commission to cancel its decision banning political leaders and MPs to enter polling centres on the election day in Bhola.
"We want the commission to reconsider its decision," party's joint secretary general Rizvi Ahmed told a press briefing on Wednesday.
Concert for Bangladesh
18 die in trawler capsize in Sunamganj
At least 18 people drowned and eight others went missing after a trawler capsized in a hoar in Dharmapasha upazila of the district this (Tuesday) morning.Sources said the trawler sank with around 100 passengers near Shoilchapra in Dhamapasha at about 9:00am when it was going to Selborosh from Balijuri.
Rescue workers recovered 18 bodies of them
Nimtoli fire claims another life at CMH, death toll rises to 119
Another victim of Nimtoli fire tragedy succumbed to her injuries at Dhaka Combined Medical Hospital yesterday.The victim was identified as Sokina, 55, wife of Abul Kashem.
The victim's son Sohel is also fighting for his life in the same hospital.
With the new death, the number of total deaths rose to 119 till yesterday evening.
Earlier on Sunday
World cup: Ivory Coast hopeful over Drogba
vory Coast are hopeful captain Didier Drogba will play a part at the World Cup after his recovery from a broken arm was described as very encouraging.Drogba, 32, suffered the injury in his side's 2-0 win against Japan on Friday.
After undergoing successful surgery on Saturday, the striker has now linked up again with his team-mates.
A timeframe
Khaleda and all opposition MPs concerned over remand
Leader of the opposition and chief of BNP Khaleda Zia and 35 opposition members of the parliament in a joint statement yesterday expressed grave concern over remand of acting editor of Amar desh Mahmudur Rahman in the name of interrogation. The statement further said that the ruling party men had filed many false cases against him across the
Mahmud placed on four-day police remand
Mahmudur Rahman, acting editor of Amar Desh, the Bangla daily that was recently closed on government order, was placed on four days' police remand in two separate cases yesterday.Two courts of the Dhaka Chief Metropolitan Magistrate court granted three-day remand in a case filed with the Tejgaon Industrial Area Police station and one-day remand in
Historic June 7 observed
Prime minister Sheikh Hasina yesterday placed floral wreaths at the portrait of founder of the nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman at Bangabandhu Memorial Museum in the capital in observance of the historic 'six-point' day.The PM was accompanied by the Deputy Leader of the House Syeda Sajeda Chowdhury, cabinet members and members of parliamen
Huge obstacles faced by fire fighters
Narrow lanes, the lack of available water and the indiscriminate establishment of factories and chemical warehouses with no independent fire fighting equipment have made it very difficult for fire fighters in old Dhaka, according to experts.A huge fire in Old Dhaka's Nimtali area on Thursday has resulted in the deaths of at least 117 people.
"Th
Neemtali now a valley of the dead
Death toll in the country's worst-ever fire that engulfed several buildings at Neemtali in old Dhaka on Thursday night swelled to 117 yesterday.The government has declared a day of national mourning today (Saturday) across the country in memory of the victims of fire. It was declared upon the decision of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina with her cabin
Environment day programme postponed
The Environment and Forest Ministry has postponed its today's all programmes including the inaugural ceremony of 'World Environment Day-2010' in observance of the national mourning day remembering the fire victims recently broke out in city said a press release.Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina was scheduled to inaugurate the 'World Environment Day-201
Zia’s death anniversary observed
Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) yesterday observed the 29th death anniversary of the party's founder, late president Ziaur Rahman, with due fervour and solemnity across the country.On May 30 in 1981, president Zia was assassinated by a group of disgruntled army officers at the Circuit House in Chittagong.
All units of BNP and its front and asso
New mathematical concept invented at JU
Four dimensional mathematical concept has been invented by a young researcher at Jahangirnagar University (JU).The concept is usable to the String theory and Quantum mechanic theory, said Md. Khairul Islam, a third year student of physics department, also the inventor of the concept.
The newly invented and fourth mathematical dimension level is
Facebook ban temporary, Experts try to take 'offensive contents' off the site
Social networking site Facebook, blocked by the government, is expected to be back on in a couple of days, officials said yesterday.The site could be unblocked by Tuesday once offensive contents are taken off the site, said high-ups of the country's two IIG (international internet gateway) service providers.
Regulators blocked access to Facebook
JCD calls indefinite strike at Sust
Jatiyatabadi Chhatra Dal enforced an indefinite strike at Sylhet Shahjalal University of Science and Technology (Sust) on Monday protesting an attack on its activists by Bangladesh Chhatra League members that left 10 people injured.
Bangladesh, not WB, to handle climate fund
Bangladesh will now control around Tk 12 crore climate fund, which development partners wanted to be managed by the World Bank. The country gets rid of the condition following a successful negotiation with the donors."The declaration in this regard will come soon," Dr Hasan Mahmud, state minister for forest and environment, said at a news briefin
Jamaat presence at EC meet upsets many
The presence of Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer Matiur Rahman Nizami and Secretary General Ali Ahsan Mohammad Mojaheed at a programme organised by the Election Commission (EC) caused resentment among other invited political leaders, high-profile people and civil society members.No representative from the Awami League and BNP was present at the programme on
Pacific storm Agatha slams into Guatemala, 13 dead
Tropical Storm Agatha slammed into Guatemala's Pacific coast near the Mexican border on Saturday, lashing the region with torrential rains and killing at least 13 people.Agatha, the first named storm of the 2010 Pacific hurricane season, brewed up on Saturday morning and quickly raced inland. It was blamed for the deaths of 12 people in Guatemala
Facebook blocked
Facebook has been blocked in Bangladesh for a brief period, a senior BTRC official told bdnews24.com Saturday evening after hundreds of users reported the social networking site was down. The official, speaking on condition anonymity, admitted that elite crime busters RAB requested temporary closure of the site in the country.
"Yes, it's been b
BB chief wants people’s easy access to financial services
Bangladesh Bank Governor Dr Atiur Rahman yesterday called upon the commercial banks to reach mass people to tap their contribution in accelerating the country's economic growth."Banks will not only serve the elite group of the society," he said, adding that the financial services are the fundamental rights of the people.
The central bank governor
Tk 38,500 crore ADP gets NEC nod
The government yesterday approved a development budget of Tk 38,500 crore for the next fiscal year, showing an increased estimate of Tk 10,000 crore or 35 percent from the revised ADP of the current fiscal year.The new Annual Development Programe (ADP) was approved at a meeting of the National Economic Council (NEC) at its conference room, with Pr
Render services properly to village people, PM urges doctors
Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on Tuesday urged the country’s physicians and surgeons to render health services properly and timely to the people living in the villages.“People living outside the capital are also human beings and they have also the right to get health services. We’ll give you everything for your professional development. In exchang
Eight bombs recovered in Rangpur
Police have tightened security in Rangpur after police recovered eight hand-made bombs in the town on Monday night. The bombs were brought to Kotwali police station for inspection, police said.
Acting on a tip off, police recovered the large bombs on Monday night wrapped in red tape from Khalifa Para Mahalla of the town's RK Road, sub-inspector
Indian held with 480 rare tortoises at airport
Immigration officials at the Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport in Dhaka seized a consignment of 480 rare tortoises and arrested a Malaysia-bound Indian passenger early yesterday.The officials detected the consignment at about 1:30am and arrested the Malaysia-bound Indian passenger, Pir Mohammad, 42, from a Malaysian Airlines counter at the de
Nation Observes National Poet Kazi Nazrul’s 111th birth anniversary
The 111th birth anniversary of National Poet Kazi Nazrul Islam is being celebrated today (Tuesday) in a befitting manner across the country.The government and various socio-cultural and political organizations have chalked out elaborate programmes in observance of the day.
The programmes include placing of wreaths at the poet's grave on the prem
Nazrul’s birth anniversary today
The 111th birth anniversary of National Poet Kazi Nazrul Islam, who dreamt of a society free from disparity, exploitation and communalism, will be observed in the country today in a befitting manner.An elaborate programme has been drawn up Nationally to mark the occasion. The main programme of the day will be held at Nazrul Mancha at Trishal in My
KL to consider legalising all Bangladeshis
Malaysia will consider with sincerity the issue of legalising all Bangladeshis working in the country.Malaysian Prime Minister Najib Tun Abdul Razak gave the assurance when Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina called on him at the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre yesterday.
The Malaysian premier said he would place the matter of legalisation of Bangladesh
Red Shirts give up amid crackdown
Enraged protesters looted and set fire to major buildings in Bangkok, including the stock exchange, after a deadly army crackdown Wednesday on an anti-government rally in the Thai capital.Plumes of black smoke billowed across the skyline in the aftermath of the military assault on the "Red Shirt" camp which left at least six people dead, including
ACC spreads its dragnet against 200 graft suspects
The Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) proposes to take action against around 200 current and retired corrupt officials and employees of various service sectors, including the local government engineering department (LGED), the water development board (WDB), Rajdhani Unnayan Kartipakhya (RAJUK), the Power Development Board (PDB), the Dhaka Electric S
Export earning gears up
Export income between July and March of the current fiscal year (FY) 2009-10 was 11541.23 US dollars which was 0.80 per cent lower than the earning of 11634.36 US dollars during the same period of the last FY. Besides, the income for the month of March of the current FY was 1515.75 dollars, which was 18.38 per cent higher than the income o
GMG takes to air with new logo, plane
After traversing a turbulent decade, the GMG Airlines, the country's first and largest private airline, was re-launched on Saturday giving a much needed boost to the country's highly potential aviation industry dominated by foreign airlines.The airline unveiled its new logo and inducted a Boeing 767-300ER into its fleet on the day.
Commerce minist
Revenues exceed target in 3 qtrs
The government's revenue collection has exceeded its target in the first three quarters of the current fiscal albeit by a slight margin. Officials of the National Board of Revenue said on Tuesday that income tax revenues had exceeded the target by 2.2 percent, and the VAT by 1.82 percent.
The government earned 41, 648.23 crore against a target
44 battalion went on killing spree
The 44 Rifle Battalion of Bangladesh Rifles had not only spearheaded the last year's BDR mutiny in Pilkhana, more than 30 of the killers are from this battalion of whom one soldier murdered the then BDR DG Shakil Ahmed.The information surfaced yesterday during the submission of the commanding officer of the battalion, before the special court-5 s
Sohel, Salman cleared in Gazipur land cases
Dhaka, Apr 21(bdnews24.com)- A judge has dismissed two last remaining cases, filed during the military-installed 2007-8 caretaker government, against Beximco chiefs.
Sohel F. Rahman and Salman F. Rahman, chairman and vice chairman of the Beximco Group, were sued by the land officials in Gazipur district on May 17, 2007 in what w
BCL clash at JU, 25 injured
Jahangirnagar University, Apr 21 (bdnews24.com) – At least 25 students were injured in a clash between activists of the Bangladesh Chhatra League at Jahangirnagar University on Tuesday night.
One student, Sumon, received bullet wounds, and was taken to Dhaka Medical College Hospital. He was later shifted to the Orthopaedi
Dhaka appoints new Pakistan envoy
Dhaka, April 21 (bdnews24.com) — The government appointed retired diplomat Suhrab Hossain as Bangladesh high commissioner to Pakistan, a foreign ministry press statement said Wednesday.The post of high commissioner in Islamabad had been vacant for about six months when Yasmin Murshed, the previous envoy, returned to Bangladesh on Nov 23 last year
Papua New Guinea to take BD workers
Dhaka, Apr 21 (bdnews24.com) – Papua New Guinea has shown significant interest in taking Bangladeshi workers for gas excavation and construction work, labour and employment secretary Zafar Ahmed Khan said on Wednesday.
The country is also interested in taking college and university teachers.
Khan was talking to reporters af