Dhaka, Monday, Sep 29, 2025
A tragic incident unfolded in Kaliganj upazila, Lalmonirhat, on Sunday morning when two brothers lost their lives while trying to save their sibling from an electric shock. The unfortunate event took place in Bakalitari village of Chawlbola Union, leaving the community in deep sorrow. Two others were injured in the incident.The deceased have been identified as Nur Islam, 55, son of Elahi Baks, and Delwar Hossain, 43. The injured, who are receiving treatment at hospital, are their younger brother Yasin Ali, 38, and their uncle Sirajul Islam.Local residents said Nur Islam suffered an electric shock while attempting to connect a water pump near his house. On hearing the cries for help, his brother Delwar Hossain rushed to save him but was also caught in the fatal current. In a desperate attempt to rescue the two, Yasin Ali and their uncle Sirajul Islam were electrocuted.The four were later rescued by locals and rushed to ...
The Public Service Commission (PSC) has published the results of the 47th Bangladesh Civil Service (BCS) preliminary examination, with 10,644 candidates qualifying.The results were announced on Sunday night.Earlier, the PSC had said the results would be published by September 28.For the country’s youth, BCS is not just an exam—it is often seen as a pathway to fulfilling future dreams. The preliminary test marks the first step in that journey.The 47th BCS preliminary test was held simultaneously on September 19 at 256 centres across eight divisional cities. A total of 374,747 jobseekers had applied for the exam.Cadre and non-cadre postsAccording to the circular, there are 3,487 cadre posts and 201 non-cadre posts—making a total of 3,688 posts to be filled. Several new posts were also introduced in this BCS. Although the number of vacancies is comparatively higher this time, jobseekers believe competition will remain tough as the number of applicants continues to ...
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu drew attention to his wife, Sara Netanyahu, with a tongue-in-cheek comment on Friday evening in New York, saying she “decides everything, including when we attack.”The remark, delivered during a public appearance, placed Sara Netanyahu at the centre of the political conversation, highlighting the Prime Minister’s characteristic use of humour in addressing both personal and political matters.Observers noted that the comment, while light-hearted, underscores the couple’s highly publicised partnership and the occasional media focus on Sara Netanyahu’s influence in political affairs.
The Ministry of Religious Affairs has unveiled three official Hajj packages for 2026, paving the way for 127,198 pilgrims from Bangladesh to undertake the sacred journey next year.The announcement was made on Sunday at the ministry’s conference room by Religious Adviser AFM Khalid Hossain, who emphasised that airfares have been reduced to make the pilgrimage more accessible. Where last year’s airfare stood at Tk 167,820, it has now been lowered to Tk 154,830.The government Hajj packages are structured as follows:• Package 01 (Special): Tk 690,597• Package 02 (Affordable): Tk 558,881• Package 03 (Economical): Tk 467,167To ensure safety and health, A F M Khalid Hossain stated that pilgrims aged 70 or 80 and above must be accompanied by someone under 50. Moreover, anyone suffering from a contagious disease will not be permitted to perform Hajj.Private agencies will also offer Hajj packages, with the standard private package priced at Tk 509,185. Those ...
Three indigenous people were killed in an attack by miscreants in Guimara upazila of Khagrachhari district on Sunday.Superintendent of Police in Khagrachhari, Arefin Jewel, confirmed the matter in the evening.So far, three people have been killed. However, we are yet to identify them or confirm who carried out the attack, he said.The police official, however, claimed that the overall law and order situation in the area is under control.Meanwhile, the Home Ministry has expressed deep sorrow over the incident in which three indigenous people were killed while 13 army personnel, including a Major, Guimara Police Station’s officer-in-charge (OC), three other policemen and several others were injured.In a statement, the ministry said the perpetrators will be brought to justice through a prompt investigation. “No criminal will be spared,” it added.
A clash broke out in Guimara upazila of Khagrachhari on Sunday, defying Section 144 restrictions, and a fire was reported at Ramesu Market during the incident. Several shops and nearby homes, mostly belonging to hill residents, were damaged in the blaze.The incident occurred around 1:00 pm, according to local sources. District Administrator Md. ABM Iftikharul Islam Khandakar said, “A detailed situation report will be provided after assessing the scene.”The market is located about 100 yards from the Chattogram-Khagrachhari road. Videos and photos of the fire circulated widely on social media, showing the shops in flames.Earlier, a group called ‘Jummo Chhatra Janata’ blocked the road despite the Section 144 order in force. When law enforcement officials asked them to lift the blockade, a verbal confrontation escalated into a clash, during which gunshots were reportedly heard. Several people, including members of law enforcement, were injured.Efforts to reach Khagrachhari Police Superintendent Md. Arefin ...
-1759062771.webp "BIDA, JICA Launch ‘BanglaBiz’ as Unified Digital Gateway for Investors")
The Bangladesh Investment Development Authority (BIDA), in collaboration with the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), has launched BanglaBiz on Sunday, a unified digital gateway aimed at consolidating investment services and information under one platform for faster and more streamlined support to investors.For the first time, the One Stop Service (OSS) portals of all five major Investment Promotion Agencies (IPAs)—BIDA, Bangladesh Economic Zones Authority (BEZA), Bangladesh Export Processing Zones Authority (BEPZA), Bangladesh Hi-Tech Park Authority (BHTPA), and Bangladesh Small & Cottage Industries Corporation (BSCIC)—have been linked under a centralized interface through BanglaBiz.Investors can also access the Public Private Partnership Authority’s website from the BanglaBiz homepage via the IPA Summary Cards.The decision to develop BanglaBiz, aligned with investor needs, was approved by the BIDA Governing Body chaired by the Honorable Chief Adviser in April 2025. Financial and technical support for building the portal was provided by JICA.Key FeaturesThe initial release of BanglaBiz ...
-1759061878.webp "CEC Vows to Curb AI, Social Media Abuse in Bangladesh elections")
Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) AMM Nasir Uddin has said the Election Commission (EC) is working with full attention to tackle potential abuse of artificial intelligence (AI), misinformation and disinformation on social media during the next national election, scheduled for early February 2026.Speaking at a dialogue with civil society representatives at Nirbachan Bhaban on Sunday, the CEC announced plans to set up a central communication cell. “We’re fully aware of the consequences of abuse of social media and AI. InshAllah, we’ll develop a central communication cell,” he said.The dialogue marked the beginning of a series of consultations with stakeholders ahead of the 13th parliamentary election. Nasir Uddin noted that the Commission had restored its authority to cancel polls in an entire constituency if irregularities occur, saying, “If we see any problem, we’ll cancel the election of the whole constituency immediately.”Highlighting progress since the current Commission took office in November 2024, the CEC ...
The Dhaka and Chattogram stock markets ended the first trading day of the week in decline, as most company shares and overall turnover fell.From the start of early trading, the Dhaka Stock Exchange (DSE) indices moved downward and maintained the trend until the session closed. The main index, DSEX, fell by 35 points.The other two indices — Shariah-based DSES 6 points and the blue-chip DS-30 declined by 17 points.Among the 396 companies traded, the majority saw their share prices fall. While 70 companies gained, 282 lost value, and 44 remained unchanged.Shares in categories A, B, and Z mostly declined. In category A, which includes companies with the highest dividends, 42 companies rose, 160 fell, and 16 remained unchanged.In the block market, 26 companies sold shares worth Tk 43 crore, with BRAC Bank leading at Tk 21 crore.Total turnover at the DSE stood at Tk 560 crore, down from Tk 708 ...
Information Adviser Mahfuz Alam on Sunday said he has been in uncertainty over his post for the past two months as political parties have been demanding the resignation of student advisers.The last two months have been full of uncertainty for me regarding when I may have to step down. I don’t know when that moment will come,” he said.He was speaking at a dialogue titled “Self-regulation and Complaint Mechanism in Media: Political and Policy Perspectives” held at the CIRDAP auditorium in the capital. The event was organised by the Centre for Governance Studies (CGS) with support from the UK government and The Asia Foundation.The adviser said since May, political parties have been chanting slogans demanding the resignation of student advisers, which could even be heard from his official residence.Political parties need to ensure that those who are working here get the opportunity to work. The focus should be on how ...
The National Board of Revenue (NBR) has postponed recruitment tests for three positions by a week due to the Durga Puja holidays.The exams for Upper Division Assistant, Steno Typist-cum-Computer Operator, and Office Assistant-cum-Computer Typist were originally scheduled for October 3. However, as Sher-e-Bangla Nagar Government Girls’ High School—one of the designated exam centres—will remain closed for the holidays, the NBR has set a new date.The tests will now be held on October 11 (Friday) from 3pm to 4pm, according to a notification signed by NBR First Secretary (Board Administration) and Member Secretary of the Recruitment Committee Zahid Newaz on Sunday morning.On the same day and at the same time, written tests for the posts of Computer Operator and Data Entry/Control Operator will also take place. The preliminary test for these two posts was held last Friday, with results published the same day along with the written exam schedule.Meanwhile, following the ...
Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus has called upon expatriate Bangladeshis to actively contribute to the nation’s rebuilding efforts.The dream of change that emerged from the July mass uprising can only be realized if expatriate Bangladeshis play their vital role according to their abilities, he said.He made the call at an event titled “NRB Connect Day: Empowering Global Bangladeshis” in New York on Saturday, reports BSS.Nobel laureate Yunus said everyone will have a role in building the country. “We will no longer remain spectators in the gallery. The time for watching from the stands is over; now we will be on the field ourselves.”The event was also attended by political leaders from Bangladesh who are accompanying the Chief Adviser to the ongoing 80th UN General Assembly. Expressing gratitude to them, Yunus said, “Their presence in this tour has given us great confidence.”The programme began with a presentation by Chowdhury Ashiq Mahmud ...
Dhaka University authorities on Sunday admitted that ballot papers for the Dhaka University Central Students’ Union (Ducsu) election were printed at Nilkhet, as alleged by Bangladesh Jatiyatabadi Chhatra Dal (JCD).Vice-Chancellor Prof Niaz Ahmad Khan disclosed the matter at a press conference held at Abdul Matin Virtual Classroom of the university.He said although a cooperative firm printed the ballots at Nilkhet with the permission of the main vendor, the DU administration had not been informed of the arrangement. Since the vendor did not inform us, we were unaware that some ballots were printed at Nilkhet. However, the place or the number of ballots printed does not influence the fairness of the election in any way, he added.The Ducsu and hall union elections were held on September 9. According to the election commission, over 70 percent votes were cast in the polls. JCD emerged as the main challenger to Islami Chhatra Shibir but ...
Indices at both Dhaka and Chattogram stock exchanges witnessed a fall in the first hour of trading on Sunday, as most of the listed companies saw price drops.At the Dhaka Stock Exchange (DSE), the benchmark index DSEX slipped by 9 points in the opening hour.Of the other indices, the Shariah-based DSES remained unchanged, while the blue-chip DS30 index shed 4 points.During this period, out of the traded issues, prices advanced for 105 companies, declined for 213, and remained unchanged for 69.The turnover at the DSE crossed Tk 200 crore in the first hour.The Chittagong Stock Exchange (CSE) also saw a downturn, with its overall index losing 11 points.Among the traded scrips, 39 advanced, 47 declined and 8 remained unchanged.The CSE recorded turnover of over Tk 4 crore during the first hour of trading.
More than 120,000 students who passed this year’s Secondary School Certificate (SSC) and equivalent exams have not enrolled in colleges or madrasas for higher secondary education, raising concerns over potential dropouts right after completing secondary level.According to official data, a total of 1,206,597 students were eligible for college admission this year. However, despite four rounds of applications, only 1,080,091 students were selected for enrollment, leaving 126,000 students outside the process.Prof Mohammad Ali Jinnah of Dhaka University’s Institute of Education and Research (IER) expressed concern that these students may already be dropping out.We need detailed research to understand why they are not pursuing higher secondary enrollment. Economic hardship, early entry into the workforce, and other social factors could be major reasons,” he told.The Inter-Education Board Coordination Committee, however, said a clearer picture will emerge once data from the Technical Education Board admissions are included.This year, SSC and equivalent exam results were ...
In a significant move ahead of the upcoming elections, the Election Commission (EC) has provisionally approved 73 non-governmental organisations (NGOs) to register as local election observer organisations.The EC published the list, which includes the names and addresses of the organisations, in a public notification on Saturday night. These NGOs will play a vital role in monitoring the electoral process and ensuring transparency.The Commission has invited any claims, objections, or complaints regarding the listed organisations to be submitted in writing by October 20, 2025. Submissions must be sent to the EC Senior Secretary in six copies, accompanied by relevant documentary evidence, and must clearly state the complainant’s name, address, and contact number.Following the review and hearing of any objections, the EC will finalise the registration of the observer groups. According to the notification, the Commission’s decision on the registration of these organisations will be considered final.The complete list of the provisionally selected organisations is ...
After raising the price in three consecutive adjustments, the Bangladesh Jewellers Association (BAJUS) has finally reduced the gold price in the domestic market.In a press release issued on Saturday night, BAJUS announced that the price of 22-carat gold has been cut by Tk 1,890 per bhori (11.664 grams), fixing it at Tk 192,969. The new rates will come into effect from Sunday.BAJUS said the price of pure gold (tejabi) has fallen in the local market, prompting the latest adjustment.As per the new rates, the price of 21-carat gold has been set at Tk 184,198 per bhori, 18-carat at Tk 157,884, and traditional gold at Tk 131,045 per bhori.In addition to the selling price, buyers will have to pay 5% VAT as per government rules and a minimum 6% making charge set by BAJUS. The making charge may vary depending on jewelry design and quality.Earlier, on September 23, BAJUS last revised ...
Bangladesh Pharmacists Forum, the largest platform of graduate pharmacists in the country, has strongly demanded the introduction of a modern salary structure for pharmacists.The demand was made on Saturday at a rally, discussion meeting and press conference organized on the occasion of World Pharmacists Day at Waterfall Convention Hall in the capital’s Banglamotor area.Forum President Md. Azibur Rahman presided over the discussion while General Secretary Mohammad Mehedi Hasan Tanvir delivered the welcome address.Dhaka University Faculty of Pharmacy Dean Prof Dr Selim Reza attended the event as the chief guest. Among others, Directorate General of Drug Administration (DGDA) Director and Head of Pharmacovigilance Department Dr Akhtar Hossain, and Pharmacy Council of Bangladesh Deputy Director Asif Hasan were also present.In his speech, Forum President Md. Azibur Rahman said that the government must appoint clinical pharmacists and hospital pharmacists in all public and private hospitals to ensure better healthcare services. He also stressed ...
Iran has recalled its ambassadors to the United Kingdom, France and Germany for consultations following the reinstatement of United Nations sanctions, state media reported on Saturday.The move comes after the three European countries, known as the E3, triggered a mechanism to “snap back” UN sanctions against Tehran for the first time in a decade, citing concerns over Iran’s nuclear programme. The sanctions are set to take effect at 00:00 GMT on Sunday.The measures will impose a global ban on cooperation with Iran in nuclear, military, banking and shipping sectors. The announcement has further destabilised Iran’s economy, with the rial tumbling to record lows, trading at over 1.1 million per US dollar in Tehran’s open market.Attempts by Russia and China to delay the sanctions at the UN Security Council failed, with only four countries backing a draft resolution to block them.Meanwhile, the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) confirmed that some inspections ...
-1758979914.webp "Sylhet’s DC Sarwar Leads Cleanliness Drive with boom in hand")
Sylhet’s Deputy Commissioner Md Sarwar Alam, took to the streets with a broom in hand on World Environment Day, urging citizens to embrace cleanliness and environmental awareness.The DC participated in a cleanliness campaign at the Queen Bridge area of Sylhet city on Saturday (27 September), commencing at 7:00 am. The initiative, organised with the support of Sylhet City Corporation’s Waste Management Department, saw volunteers and officials clean the stretch from in front of the Circuit House to Jalalabad Park and Queen Bridge.Sarwar Alam not only issued instructions but also personally swept and cleared litter, emphasising, “This city belongs to all of us, and cleanliness must begin with ourselves.”Speaking at the event, the DC highlighted the importance of a cleaner Sylhet, saying, “It is our shared duty to build a clean and beautiful city. Streets and bridges free of hawkers and waste will be a source of pride for Sylhet. If residents ...