news and current affairs.
Bangladesh, Bhutan reaffirm ties, focus on trade, healthcare
Bangladesh and Bhutan pledged deeper collaboration across regional forums during talks between Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus and Prime Minister Dasho Tshering Tobgay in Dhaka. The governments established a joint working group to advance a Bhutanese special economic zone in Kurigram and noted progress on transit agreements following successful trial cargo runs from Chattogram Port to Burimari. Dhaka offered pharmaceutical supplies through government channels while proposing engineering scholarships at BUET and sports training opportunities for Bhutanese nationals. Officials signed memorandums covering telecommunications bandwidth and healthcare workforce exchanges. Bangladesh expressed support for the Gelephu Mindfulness City project...
Canada looks to boost trade, skills, and the auto sector in BD
Canadian officials expressed interest in strengthening supply chain collaboration with Bangladesh during discussions at the Dhaka Chamber of Commerce & Industry headquarters in Gulshan. Senior Assistant Deputy Minister Sara Wilshaw highlighted automotive sector opportunities as Canadian companies seek market diversification beyond their traditional focus on the United States, which currently absorbs three-quarters of exports. High Commissioner Ajit Singh identified potential cooperation areas spanning skills development, agro-technology, nursing education and business facilitation. Bilateral commerce between the nations reached $2.22 billion in fiscal 2024, with Bangladeshi shipments totaling $1.32 billion against Canadian goods valued...
Shanto praises Taijul's consistency, calls him an inspiration for the team
Bangladesh captain Najmul Hossain Shanto praised left-arm spinner Taijul Islam's dedication after the bowler surpassed Shakib Al Hasan as the nation's most prolific Test wicket-taker during a 217-run victory over Ireland at Mirpur. The skipper emphasized that Taijul's quiet professionalism and relentless preparation have shaped the Tigers' red-ball fortunes across a decade. Shanto told reporters that consistent excellence from veterans like Taijul and Mushfiqur Rahim deserves greater recognition to elevate public appreciation for the longest format. He urged media outlets to amplify such accomplishments alongside team performances. The spinner reached 250 career dismissals in the match at Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium...
Travis Head's century puts pressure on Khawaja's future as opener
Travis Head's explosive century against England has positioned him as a potential long-term solution to Australia's opening vacancy while raising questions about veteran Usman Khawaja's future with the national squad. The 38-year-old missed both innings in Perth due to back spasms, allowing Head to capitalize with an 83-ball knock of 123 that propelled his side to an eight-wicket triumph. Captain Steve Smith praised the innings as among the finest in Ashes history. Debutant Jake Weatherald partnered with Marnus Labuschagne and Head rather than Khawaja, managing a duck followed by a composed 23 that may earn him another opportunity in Brisbane. Head acknowledged that stepping up had been anticipated for some time, having previously...
Abdur Rahim stars with 6 wickets as National Cricket League sees dramatic Day 2
The second phase of National Cricket League action witnessed dominant bowling spells and contrasting batting fortunes across four venues. Rajshahi seized control after dismissing Rangpur for 258, with medium pacer Abdur Rahim claiming six scalps for 72 runs in response to the hosts' first-innings 268. Abdullah Al Mamun resisted with 64 before Rajshahi began their second turn at 12 for no loss. Sylhet overwhelmed Chattogram at Bogura's Shahid Chandu Stadium, routing them for 110 as Abu Jayed Rahi captured five wickets. The victors advanced to 193 for six in their follow-up effort behind Zakir Hasan's 61 and Amite Hasan's undefeated 58. Khulna compiled 387 on Soumya Sarkar's massive 186 before Mymensingh answered with 170 for three...
Dhaka Regency launches BBQ Fiesta with rooftop dining and live music
Dhaka Regency Hotel & Resort has introduced a seasonal barbecue program at its elevated dining venue Grill on the Skyline, where patrons can sample grilled proteins, kebabs, and seafood prepared by the property's kitchen staff. The establishment serves the offerings during evening hours through late night. Weekend service features musical entertainment to accompany the outdoor dining experience. Management markets the initiative as a way for visitors to enjoy city views while sampling flame-cooked menu selections in a festive atmosphere.
Real Madrid considers allowing outside investors to take a stake
Real Madrid may open its ownership structure to outside investors for as much as 10 percent of the club during the assembly gathering, where thousands of member delegates convene to vote on statutes and examine financial records. President Florentino Perez has reportedly considered the proposal as a response to competitive pressures from rival European squads backed by sovereign wealth funds and billionaires, with sources confirming deliberations are underway. The Spanish giant remains the sole football organization worldwide to surpass one billion euros in annual revenue, yet its traditional membership framework has created disadvantages when pursuing player acquisitions against competitors like Manchester City and Paris St Germain...
UIU seminar highlights earthquake risks and building resilience
United International University hosted a discussion on seismic hazards and protective strategies for Bangladeshi cities at its Madani Avenue campus. Prof. Dr. Mehedi Ahmed Ansari from BUET-Japan Institute of Disaster Prevention and Urban Safety served as the principal speaker, while Prof. Dr. Md. Mujibur Rahman chaired the proceedings and Dr. Rumana Afrin concluded the event. Ansari outlined Bangladesh's current vulnerability through geological evidence and presented engineering solutions for strengthening structures against tremors. His presentation covered Detailed Engineering Assessment protocols for evaluating structural weaknesses and prioritizing repairs, alongside retrofitting techniques for aging buildings. The RMG Initial...
Rivals court Awami League's vote bank amid election uncertainty
Major opposition parties have begun aggressive campaigns to capture the Awami League's traditional supporters ahead of the 2026 national election, with the ruling party facing an uncertain political future due to restrictions on its activities. Jamaat-e-Islami, the BNP, and the National Citizen Party are promising legal protection and safety to former Awami League voters in historically loyal districts such as Gopalganj, where all three parliamentary seats previously went to the ruling party by massive margins. Jamaat Secretary General Mia Golam Parwar stated the party is reaching ordinary voters who bear no responsibility for leadership misdeeds, while BNP Standing Committee member Amir Khasru Mahmud Chowdhury emphasized his...
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