A German court found the country's soccer federation guilty of tax evasion connected to the 2006 World Cup. The case ended a decade-long investigation about vote buying allegations. Officials accused Germany of using secret money to secure FIFA committee votes for hosting rights. The Frankfurt court imposed a 110,000 euro fine after a 16-month trial. This penalty concluded the lengthy legal process.
Prosecutors wanted a bigger punishment for the German federation known as DFB. The organization failed to pay about 2.7 million euros in required taxes. These taxes related to a 6.7 million euro payment made to FIFA during April 2005. The payment resolved a debt that Franz Beckenbauer had taken on three years earlier. Beckenbauer led...
Zimbabwe prepares for its annual Victoria Falls Marathon on July 6, 2025. The race marks its 18th year and attracts runners from around the world. Econet Group sponsors the event and expects more than 5,000 people to participate. The marathon takes place near one of Africa's most famous waterfalls. Organizers promise a world-class experience for all athletes.
Dr Douglas Mboweni leads Econet Group and oversees marathon preparations. He says the event brings together elite runners and families for fun races. The marathon offers three different distances for various skill levels. Participants can choose from a full 42.2-kilometer race, a half marathon, or a shorter family run. The theme this year celebrates African legends and victory...
Bangladesh's interim government published a reform booklet detailing changes across multiple sectors since taking power last year. The document covers power systems, railways, elections, courts, education and public administration. Officials called it a living document that will grow as more reforms happen. The booklet shows progress made across different areas of government. Leaders plan to update the guide as new changes take place.
Election reforms feature a draft for redrawing parliamentary districts before the next vote. The Council of Advisers approved this boundary plan. Officials want to change the Representation of the People Order with help from the Election Commission. The commission also reviews rules for local and foreign...
Dhaka police chief SM Sazzat Ali promised strong protection for two major religious events coming to the capital. The commissioner said officers will guard Muslim worshippers during holy Ashura celebrations. Police forces will also protect Hindu devotees during their Ulta Rath Yatra festival. Ali urged people from both faiths to help each other maintain peace during the ceremonies. He wants communities to show respect and work together for safe religious observances.
Tazia procession leaders told police they have enough volunteers to help control crowds during the mourning march. Officers will handle overall safety duties and manage traffic flow around religious sites. The police department held a planning session at headquarters to...
Labour and Employment Adviser Dr M Sakhawat Hossain told reporters that garment factories closed before last August 5. Many people wrongly believe these shutdowns happened after that date. Factory owners borrowed huge amounts from banks but failed to pay workers their wages on time. The adviser made these comments after attending a seminar at Bangladesh Public Administration Training Centre.
Military officers from 24 countries participated at the Defence Services Command and Staff College event. Dr Sakhawat explained that garment factory owners borrowed between 200 crore and 300 crore taka from banks. Most of these business leaders became loan defaulters because they could not repay the money. Banks refused to give them additional...
Rajshahi University started a two-day international meeting about teaching methods today. The conference focuses on arts and humanities education for modern times. Faculty members from the Arts department organized this event for the third year. More than 400 experts from 13 countries joined the gathering. Vice-Chancellor Professor Saleh Hassan Naquib opened the conference at the Senate Building.
Several education leaders spoke during the opening ceremony. Professor Yousuf Mahbubul Islam from Southeast University attended the event. Two assistant vice-chancellors from Rajshahi University also participated. Professors from Malaysia International Islamic University shared their knowledge with attendees. Dean Professor Belal Hossain led...
Government officials finished a two-day workshop on procurement rules at the education ministry today. First-class officers from the ministry and related agencies attended the training program. The session focused on teaching proper procedures for government purchasing and contracts.
Md Nasimur Rahman Sharif spoke to participants during the final day of training. The Joint Secretary from the Planning Department explained work orders and contract procedures. He also covered how financial authority gets shared among different government levels. His presentation helped officials understand their roles in procurement decisions. The training aimed to improve government spending practices.
Masud Akhter Khan opened the workshop on Tuesday...
Weather officials warned four major seaports to raise storm warning flags as dangerous conditions approach Bangladesh waters. The Bangladesh Meteorological Department issued emergency alerts for Chattogram, Cox's Bazar, Mongla and Payra ports. Officials told port authorities to display local cautionary signal number three immediately. Strong winds and rough seas threaten shipping operations across the region. The weather service expects conditions to worsen over the next several hours.
A powerful low pressure system developed over the Northwest Bay near Bangladesh coastlines. The storm system created steep pressure changes across northern bay waters. Weather experts predict gusty winds will hit maritime ports and coastal communities...
Bangladesh opposition leader Tarique Rahman condemned the former government for creating a dictatorship during its rule. The BNP Acting Chairman spoke ahead of the UN International Day in Support of Victims of Torture. Rahman described how the previous administration destroyed democratic freedoms across the country. He said citizens lost basic rights during the Awami League's control of power. The party leader blamed violent conflicts around the world for causing deaths and injuries to innocent people.
Rahman accused the former ruling party of imprisoning democracy for nearly 16 years. He claimed autocratic leaders used extreme force against their political enemies. The opposition figure said press freedom disappeared under restrictive...
