news and current affairs.
Saif Hassan preaches team-first gospel in Sharjah
Bangladesh opener Saif Hassan says his priority centers on team impact rather than personal position as the squad prepares for Thursday's opening Twenty20 International against Afghanistan at Sharjah Cricket Stadium. The 25-year-old batsman debuted in the format during 2021 against Pakistan and returned to national duty for the Netherlands series before appearing in the recent Asia Cup. Hassan posted 178 runs across four Asia Cup matches at an average above 44 while striking at 128, recording two half-centuries against tournament opponents. The right-hander acknowledged early career shortcomings but expressed confidence after addressing technical weaknesses through focused practice. Hassan emphasized the significance of winning the...
Sri Lanka's inflation nightmare creeps back
Sri Lanka recorded its steepest price increases in 14 months in September, as costs rose for food, healthcare, and education. The statistics office reported annual inflation reached 1.5 percent compared with 1.2 percent the previous month and a 0.5 percent decline one year earlier. Food expenses surged 2.9 percent while other goods rose just 0.7 percent. The central bank anticipates further increases through December, which could bring the rate to the 5 percent target. Prices peaked at 69.8 percent three years ago when the nation depleted foreign reserves needed for basic imports during its most severe economic downturn. Stability returned after securing a 2.9 billion dollar International Monetary Fund rescue package in early 2023 and...
Myanmar war kills all hope for Rohingya return
Ongoing violence between Myanmar's military and separatist forces has created conditions that prevent displaced Rohingya Muslims from returning to their homes, according to UN Special Envoy Julie Bishop. The western Rakhine State has experienced severe fighting since the 2021 military coup that removed the elected government. Many Rohingya fled the region during a 2017 military operation that several nations have characterized as genocide. Bishop noted that the Rohingya population wishes to return and rebuild their communities in Rakhine but faces seemingly impossible obstacles due to the escalating conflict. Conditions in the state have worsened dramatically since November 2023, further endangering Rohingya residents. The UN human...
Sharmin Supta still begging for a century
Bangladesh arrives at the ICC Women's Cricket World Cup 2025 with momentum from their breakthrough performance three years earlier, when they captured their first tournament victory against Pakistan. Right-handed batter Sharmin Akther Supta leads eight returning players who have since built on that success with a drawn series against India and a series triumph over Pakistan. The 29-year-old veteran topped the qualifying tournament with 266 runs across five matches and earned selection to the team of the tournament after Bangladesh secured their World Cup berth by edging the West Indies on net run rate. Sharmin has come close to reaching triple figures with scores of 96 and 94 not out in recent matches, but still pursues her first...
ILT20's cricket tentacles grab Saudi Arabia
The DP World International League T20 has formed a partnership with the Saudi Arabian Cricket Federation to bring matches to the Kingdom in future seasons. The federation has sanctioned the tournament for both men and women, though Season 4 will take place in the United Arab Emirates from December 2025 through early January 2026. League chairman Khalid Al Zarooni said the collaboration reflects a shared commitment to expanding cricket throughout the Gulf region and creating new opportunities for athletes and fans alike. Saudi Arabia will participate immediately through a requirement that each franchise sign at least one player from the Kingdom during the October 1 auction. Prince Saud Bin Mishal Al-Saud of the federation stated that...
ShareTrip and PBIL team up to manage your fun fund
Prime Bank Investment and ShareTrip launched a joint initiative linking wealth building to travel planning. The Ticket to Invest campaign offers ShareTrip customers travel discounts, while Prime Bank waives account opening charges for new investors. Managing Director Syed M Omar Tayub said the partnership helps people combine smart financial planning with their travel ambitions. ShareTrip chief executive Sadia Haque stated the program encourages users to save strategically for future trips. The companies plan employee wellness activities and financial education sessions. Prime Bank Investment manages six investment schemes designed for different customer groups through its PrimeInvest product.
Textile Warriors crushed by Binary Blasters' 2-1 victory
Computer science students won the International Standard University football championship on Monday at the Royal Multisport Arena in Dhaka. The Binary Blasters defeated the Textile Warriors 2-1 in a close final match watched by Vice Chancellor Abdul Awal Khan and former national player Kaiser Hamid. Atik Rahman earned player of the tournament honors while Mehedi Hasan received the best goalkeeper award. Nine teams from seven departments competed in the first Football Fest organized by the campus sports club. University administrators and faculty members attended the ceremony led by Chief Advisor Mohammad Ali. The tournament established a foundation for future annual competitions at the institution.
Australia's Newcastle uni eyes up students at AIUB
American International University-Bangladesh hosted University of Newcastle Pro Vice-Chancellor Aleksandr Voninski and Australian High Commission officials on Tuesday. The Australian delegation met with AIUB trustees and administrators, led by board founder Ishtiaque Abedin, to discuss academic partnerships and collaboration. Both universities agreed to expand their student exchange programs and research cooperation. The meeting addressed faculty development initiatives and mobility opportunities for Bangladeshi students. AIUB Vice Chancellor Saiful Islam and other senior administrators participated in talks with representatives from Newcastle's international student division. Officials from both countries emphasized the importance of...
Double Dhaka beatdown leaves Sylhet, Rajshahi crying
Dhaka teams swept both National Cricket League T20 matches on Tuesday at Sylhet International Stadium. Dhaka Metro defeated Sylhet by 23 runs behind debutant Aich Mollah's unbeaten 53 and Shadman Islam's 49-run contribution in their 161-run total. Sylhet managed just 123 runs as Shahidul Islam claimed three wickets for the winners. Dhaka Division beat Rajshahi by 28 runs in the second contest after posting 150 runs. Mahidul Islam Ankon scored 35 while openers Ashiqur Rahman and Ryan Rafsan built a 50-run partnership. Rajshahi collapsed to 122 runs despite efforts from Habibur Rahman Sohan and Sabbir Hossain. Spinner Nazmul Haque Apu took three wickets for 10 runs to secure the victory. The result kept Dhaka Division at the top of the...
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