The Daily Star - Bangladesh News, Political News, Bangladesh Economy & Videos, Breaking News
Goods worth Tk 16k imported at Tk 2.59 crore
State-run Power Grid Company of Bangladesh Ltd (PGCBL) imported 68 kilograms of tower bolts, nuts and washers from India for a whopping $2,39,695 or Tk 2.59 crore, which is 1,619 times the contract value.
Troubled NBL offers cash to journalists in snacks box
After the press conference, the bank officials offered packets with snacks to journalists. However, after taking the packet, journalists noticed that it contained an envelope with Tk 5,000 inside
Israel plays down Hamas move on Gaza ceasefire, hits Rafah
Hamas on Monday agreed to a ceasefire proposal in the seven-month-old war with Israel in Gaza, hours after the Israeli military told residents to evacuate some parts of Rafah, which has been sheltering more than a million displaced people
Upazila Election: Astronomical rise in incumbents’ income
The incomes and moveable assets of incumbent chairmen, vice-chairmen and vice-chairmen in reserved posts for women at the upazila parishads have seen a whopping rise, according to a Transparency International Bangladesh report.
The fight against child marriage needs a new narrative
The latest official data paints an alarming picture of 41.6 percent of girls married under 18 and 8.2 percent married under the lower age of 15.
Opinion
Fire in the Sundarbans: How can we stop it from happening again
Repeated fires in the Sundarbans cannot be overlooked.
How concerned should we be about food insecurity?
The persistent high inflationary pressures in Bangladesh over the last two years have heightened concerns regarding the erosion of food security among a large section of the population.
Don’t repurpose Tajuddin Ahmad park
It must be left alone as a space for public recreation and exercise
Business
Digital technology crucial for essential service delivery
Bangladesh needs to take the crucial decision of embracing digital technology to ensure essential services like healthcare and education, said Binayak Sen, director general at the Bangladesh Institute of Development Studies (BIDS), yesterday.
Sports
Papon laughs off Shakib’s remarks on WC preparation
Shakib Al Hasan's remarks that playing Zimbabwe in a T20 series was not adequate preparation for upcoming the T20 World Cup had caused quite a bit of stir.
Fahad frustrates another Super Grandmaster in Dubai
Fahad's latest opponent had defeated reigning world champion Magnus Carlsen in 2022.
Jadeja proves all-round value ahead of T20 World Cup
The 35-year-old is India's premier spin-bowling all-rounder, apart from being a gun fielder, and will be expected to play a key role in the T20 showpiece in the United States and West Indies, where the ball is likely to turn.
News
‘Where can we go?’
Palestinian civilians in the southern Gazan city of Rafah voiced despair yesterday as Israel dropped fliers urging them to evacuate for their own “safety” ahead of a “limited” military operation.
Macron presses China’s Xi to halt Ukraine war
French President Emmanuel Macron and EU Commission president Ursula von der Leyen pressed Xi Jinping at a summit in Paris yesterday to use Beijing’s influence to halt the Russian war against Ukraine, also telling the Chinese leader to accept fair global trade rules.
600,000 children face ‘catastrophe’ in Rafah: Unicef
Some 600,000 children packed into Gaza’s Rafah city face “further catastrophe,” Unicef warned yesterday, urging against their forced relocation after Israel ordered an evacuation ahead of its long-threatened ground invasion.
Hezbollah fires rockets at Israeli base
Lebanese official media said an Israeli strike yesterday wounded three people in the country’s east, with Hezbollah saying it launched “dozens of Katyusha rockets” at an Israeli base in retaliation.
Delhi Lt Governor recommends NIA probe against Arvind Kejriwal
In an explosive turn of events yesterday, Delhi Lieutenant Governor VK Saxena has called for an anti-terror probe into allegations Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal received political funding from the banned Sikhs For Justice group founded by wanted terrorist Gurpatwant Pannun. Kejriwal’s Aam Aadmi Party hit back swiftly via senior leader Saurabh Bhardwaj, who dismissed the call for a probe by the National Investigation Agency (NIA) as a “conspiracy” against the party and its leader.
My Dhaka / The busy days of AC mechanics
As Dhaka continues to tackle the woes of summer heat, the business of selling air conditioners, stand fans, table fans, and coolers has seen an obvious rise.
Love road at Mirpur: A youthful street
Certain neighbourhoods in Dhaka have that one spot where people gather to just sit back and relax. For Mirpur, it’s the frequently discussed street referred to as “Love Road”.
Entertainment
Gaza Holocaust and Press Freedom: Drik calls a spade, a spade
The event, inaugurating the photo exhibition "Gaza Holocaust: Killing the Truthtellers", delved deep into the nuances of Western media's portrayal of conflicts, particularly the ongoing genocide in Gaza. Moderated by renowned photojournalist Shahidul Alam, the discussion brought together voices echoing a common sentiment: the West's selective adherence to its proclaimed values.
Birthdays remind us of how close we are to death: Omar Sani
This is his first birthday after his marriage to actress Mousumi, that she is not with him on this day. She is currently abroad. “Mousumi and our children are abroad; I am missing them a lot.”
Director announces ‘Shyama Kabya’ withdrawal from Cineplex, why?
Amidst Star Cineplex's alleged inclination towards showcasing foreign films over Bengali films, which has garnered severe criticism from the artiste community and audiences alike, the director asked for his film to be withdrawn from Star Cineplex.
Life & Living
When fashion mattered: throwback to the ‘cool’ days
1960s and 1970s fashion, a vibrant tapestry of rebellion and innovation, is making a comeback. Embodying freedom and expression, the era’s psychedelic prints, bohemian maxi dresses, and mod miniskirts spoke volumes about societal change. Today, the resurgence of these trends celebrates the blend of tradition and modernity, offering a nostalgic yet modern look.
From Lisbon to Porto: A tale of adventure in Portugal
Life is all about grabbing an opportunity when one presents itself and that’s exactly what I did, when I found an email in my inbox, one fateful day, inviting me for a 4-day work meeting, across several continents, to Europe. It was one of my favourite, yet least explored destinations in the world — Portugal — and this time, I knew I wanted to capitalise.
#Perspective / Searing summers: A journey through the hottest days on Earth
You might be asking yourself, “Why do some people love summer?” Given the heatwaves throughout the country, you have every right to ask. Now, let's delve into three of the hottest days ever recorded on Earth. This isn't going to make you feel better about the ongoing heatwave, but you are likely to be relieved after knowing that some people have seen worse.
Youth
Mongol-Tori Phoenix: BRAC University’s next-generation Mars rover
Mongol-Tori’s Phoenix, a next-generation Mars rover from BRAC University (BRACU), has secured a spot in the finals of the University Rover Challenge (URC) 2024.
Decision to increase age limit for govt jobs up to PM: minister
Regarding the education ministry's recommendation to raise the age limit for government jobs, Public Administration Minister Farhad Hossain today said it is subject to government policy
Understanding religious scriptures and finding spirituality
In Muslim households, children are taught to read the Quran from start to finish. But that’s the thing, they are taught to read, not understand it
Tech & Startup
Does keeping your AC at 27° with fan turned on really save money?
Dhaka's scorching summers inevitably lead to a surge in air conditioner (AC) usage. While escaping the heat is essential, the resulting spike in electricity bills can be a significant concern. Fortunately, a data-driven approach to AC settings, combined with the strategic use of fans, offers a solution that prioritizes both comfort and cost-effectiveness.
Vivo V30 Lite launched in Bangladesh
Vivo has introduced the V30 Lite smartphone in Bangladesh. The device was unveiled earlier today at a lunching ceremony in the capital.
Next Step / Jobs of the week
Here are our picks for jobs of the week. Check out the article for more details.
Star Multimedia
US pauses ammunition shipment to Israel for first time since Oct 7: reports
The Biden administration paused a shipment of US-made ammunition to Israel last week amid the latter's ongoing attack on Gaza, but the reasons for doing so were not clear, according to media outlets in the US and Israel
BCL expresses solidarity with student movement against assault on Gaza
Holds protest programme on DU campus
Student protests against Israel's offensive in Gaza spread
Student protests against the Israeli military assault on Gaza following the unprecedented October 7 attack by Hamas on Israel have spread to several countries
Mud houses: Providing shelter from harsh temperatures
During the relentless heatwave, as urban dwellers seek respite amidst the concrete jungle, those residing in mud houses across rural areas of Dinajpur and neighbouring districts find themselves considerably more at ease
Chairman candidate attacked by 'rivals’
Upazila chairman candidate Shahana Ferdousi Sima was beaten up allegedly by the supporters of one of her rivals in Lalmonirhat early today
Daily Star Books
Environment
BCSIR holds workshop on energy research
The Bangladesh Council of Scientific and Industry Research (BCSIR) organised a stake-holder workshop on "The Role of Energy Research for ensuring Socio-Economic development in building Smart Bangladesh" today in the capital.
Climate Adaptation: Address inequality while forming policies, says study
Despite the existence of policies, strategies, and plans to address climate change as a major concern, gaps still remain in the engagement of marginalised communities in climate action, according to a new study
Cutting trees: Why shouldn't eco-friendly laws be formulated, HC asks govt
The High Court today issued a rule asking the government to explain in four weeks why it should not be directed to formulate an eco-friendly law, rule, regulation, or policy for cutting and planting trees
When day turns into night
Clouds gather in the northern sky of Chattogram with a hint of storm and rain from the afternoon
Cutting trees: HC asks govt why environment-friendly law should not be formulated
The High Court today issued a rule asking the government to explain in four weeks why it should not be directed to formulate an environment-friendly law, rule, regulation or policy for cutting and planting trees
15 died of heatstroke in the last two weeks: DGHS
A total of 15 people died across the country due to heatstroke in the last 15 days, according to the Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS)
Hundreds of trees, electric poles damaged in Kapasia
Hundreds of trees were either broken or uprooted and electric poles damaged in Kapasia upazila of Gazipur as nor'westers lashed the district and many other parts of the country last night
Met office forecasts rains across country
Bangladesh Meteorological Department predicted rains in eight divisions of the country in the 24 hours from 9:00am today
Fact-check
India sieves online deluge to stamp out disinformation in world's biggest election
Just last week, two AI-generated deepfake videos of Bollywood stars criticising Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who is seeking a rare third term, and asking people to vote for the opposition Congress went viral, drawing half a million views.
Deepfakes of Bollywood stars spark worries of AI meddling in India election
The two videos have been viewed on social media more than half a million times since last week, a Reuters review shows.
Fact check: Mossad did not describe deceased US airman as 'enemy'
More claims suggesting the remark came from Mossad spread across X and TikTok.
Meta to set up team to counter disinformation, AI abuse in EU elections
European Parliament elections will take place June 6-9. Its 720 lawmakers, together with EU governments, pass new EU policies and laws.
Misinformation and disinformation: A threat to democracy in Bangladesh
In today’s digital age, the spread of misinformation and disinformation has arisen as a major challenge to global democracy.
OpenAI to launch anti-disinformation tools for 2024 elections
The explosive success of text generator ChatGPT spurred a global artificial intelligence revolution but also triggered warnings that such tools could flood the internet with disinformation and sway voters.
Deepfake video targeting Gaibandha-1 candidate surfaces on Facebook
On the day of the National Election 2024, a fabricated video surfaced on Facebook featuring Nahid Niger, an independent candidate for the Gaibandha-1 seat, announcing her withdrawal from the election. Subsequent verification by Dismislab, an online platform specialising in media research and verification, confirmed that the video was a product of AI-based deepfake technology.
Podcast on fake news: Impact of Israel-Hamas conflict on Bangladesh's national election
Uncover the sources and intentions behind these circulating rumors.
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