Author: Desk Report

The Myanmar Navy has freed 56 Bangladeshi fishermen, along with six fishing boats, just hours after detaining them in the Bay of Bengal. The release occurred around midnight, and the fishermen arrived in Teknaf, Cox’s Bazar, early this morning, according to Sheikh Ehsan Uddin, Upazila Nirbahi Officer (UNO) of Teknaf. While the fishermen were released, they claimed that their fishing nets and catch had been confiscated by the Myanmar Navy. The detentions took place yesterday afternoon after the fishermen were accused of crossing into Myanmar’s maritime boundary. “The fishermen arrived this morning, and the coast guard is currently…

A ship carrying Pakistani Atap rice has docked at the Chittagong Port from Pakistan’s Qasim Port. The vessel, MV SIBI, arrived at the port’s CCT-1 jetty on Wednesday, at approximately 3:30 PM. According to sources, 50,000 tons of Atap rice are being imported from Pakistan under a Government-to-Government (G2G) agreement. This shipment marks the first delivery of rice under this agreement, with the MV SIBI carrying 26,250 tons of rice. Vidurshi Chakma, the Regulatory Officer for Food Directorate’s Movement and Storage, told Banglanews that after the samples are collected and tested, the unloading process of the rice from…

This Ramadan, consumers are finding relief in the form of lower prices for many essential items, especially kitchen and grocery staples, compared to previous years. BSS visited several key markets, including Karwan Bazar, Khilgaon Taltola Market, Fakirapool Bazar, Motijheel AGB Colony Kacha Bazar, and Shantinagar Bazar, and observed that many buyers are able to purchase goods within their budgets. Thanks to strict market monitoring by government agencies and various measures, the prices of essentials like sugar, dates, onions, cucumbers, potatoes, tomatoes, garlic, green and dry chilies, ginger, and isabgol are notably lower this Ramadan than in 2024. …

BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir’s health is showing significant improvement, according to his personal assistant, Yunus Ali. “He is expected to return home soon from the hospital,” Ali informed BSS. However, doctors have advised him to rest for a few more days. BNP media cell member Shairul Kabir Khan also shared that Mirza Fakhrul has requested the people of the country to offer prayers for his swift recovery. Fakhrul was hospitalized at the United Hospital in Gulshan on Sunday after falling ill. He is currently being treated under the supervision of Professor NAM Momenuzzaman, the hospital’s…

Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus has urged government officials to reform the country’s labour laws to meet international standards, aiming to improve the living conditions of millions of workers across various sectors. The Chief Adviser issued this directive during a meeting with officials from the Labour and Employment Ministry ahead of the 353rd session of the International Labour Organization (ILO) in Geneva, which will take place from March 10 to 20. Labour and Employment Adviser M Sakhawat Hossain is set to lead the Bangladesh delegation at the ILO session. “We must take positive action and deliver results.…

Volker Turk, the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, will present a fact-finding report on human rights violations related to the protests in Bangladesh during July and August 2024. The presentation will take place in Geneva on Wednesday, where Turk will discuss the findings and recommendations aimed at promoting accountability, justice, and human rights reforms in Bangladesh. The event will be streamed live on YouTube at 6 pm Dhaka time, accessible via [this link](https://youtube.com/live/szaCueW3WLs), according to the UN’s official website. The presentation will involve discussions with member states and civil society, focusing on advancing reforms and ensuring justice.…

An Iftar gathering was held in Chattogram on Tuesday to pray for the recovery of former Prime Minister and BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia and for the good health of BNP’s Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman, in observance of the holy month of Ramadan. The program took place at Hall 7 Community Center in Halishahar, Chattogram, with Mizanur Rahman Bhuiyan Milton, a member of BNP’s Central Executive Committee, serving as the chief guest. Among the attendees were prominent figures such as renowned academician Saeed Al Noman, son of the late BNP Vice Chairman Abdullah Al Noman, Engineer Belayet Hossain, Joint…

The government has announced plans to recruit an additional 2,000 doctors to bolster healthcare services, particularly in rural areas. Syeda Rizwana Hasan, adviser to the Ministry of Environment, Forest, and Climate Change, confirmed the move during a press briefing at the Foreign Service Academy after a meeting of the advisers’ council. This new recruitment initiative will complement the ongoing hiring process of 3,493 doctors through the Public Service Commission (PSC), which is already in progress. According to Rizwana, the decision to recruit more doctors aims to address the healthcare gap in rural communities, where medical services have been insufficient.…

Professor Chowdhury R Abrar is set to take the oath as a new adviser to the interim government tomorrow. The oath ceremony is expected to take place at Bangabhaban at 11 am, according to Chief Adviser’s Press Secretary Shafiqul Alam, who made the announcement during a press briefing at the Foreign Service Academy today. During the briefing, Alam confirmed that Prof. Abrar is likely to assume the role of education adviser, succeeding Dr. Wahiduddin Mahmud, who currently holds the position. Also present at the briefing were Environment, Forest and Climate Change Adviser Syeda Rizwana Hasan, Chief Adviser’s…

Former Bangladesh cricket captain Tamim Iqbal has dismissed any concerns regarding a potential conflict of interest stemming from his dual role as the captain of Mohammedan Sporting Club (MSC) and his involvement with Gulshan Cricket Club (GCC) as an organizer in the upcoming Bashundhara Dhaka Premier League (BDPL). With MSC set to face GCC in one of the opening matches of the DPL on March 3, Tamim addressed media questions regarding the overlap of his responsibilities. “I am not the owner of GCC—there’s a big difference,” Tamim clarified, countering suggestions that his involvement with both teams might pose an…