National,CORPORATE & BRAND

Govt orders probe into irregularities in Tk 518cr Jute mill project

The Planning Commission has ordered the authorities concerned to take punitive measures as it moves to close a controversial jute mill project plagued by irregularities, unauthorised spending and unapproved land development.The project, now renamed “Jamuna Specialized Jute and Textile Mill (1s...

National

Bangladesh among beneficiaries as Germany makes record €11.8 b climate contribution

Germany has made its highest-ever contribution to tackling climate change and supporting vulnerable countries like Bangladesh, according to the latest figures reported to the European Commission for 2024.Germany’s total contributions last year reached EUR 11.8 billion (USD 13.86 billion), mark...

National,Politics

Govt says efforts underway to free journalist Shahidul Alam

Efforts are underway to free Bangladeshi journalist and writer Shahidul Alam, who has been in an ‘Israeli prison’, with the help of Turkey, according to a Facebook post shared on the Chief Adviser’s Press Wing on Friday.Turkish authorities have expressed hope that Shahidul Alam may...

National,Politics

‘If they can’t fix it, let’s fish it’: Hasnat’s protest on dilapidated Cumilla road

In a unique form of protest, chief organiser of South Region of National Citizen Party (NCP) Hasnat Abdullah released live fish into the pothole-ridden Debidwar–Chandina regional road in Debidwar upazila of Cumilla on Friday morning.Hasnat staged the symbolic protest in Kachisar area during a ...

National,Business & Commerce,Bank & Insurance,Politics

Govt approves proposal to merge five Shariah banks into one

The Council of Advisers has approved a proposal to merge five financially troubled private Islamic Shariah-based banks into a single new entity.The decision was taken on Thursday during a meeting of the Council held at the Chief Adviser’s Office in Tejgaon, chaired by CA Prof Muhammad Yunus.Ch...

National,Art& Culture

Times Higher Edu Ranking: Dhaka University climbs 200 places

Dhaka University (DU) has advanced 200 places to fall within the 801–1000 range in the Times Higher Education (THE) World University Ranking 2026.Last year, the university was ranked within the 1001–1200 bracket.The UK-based renowned educational magazine published the ranking on Thursday...

National,Business & Commerce,Bank & Insurance

Businesses urge BB to cut interest rates, expand export fund

Business leaders from major trade bodies including the Federation of Bangladesh Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FBCCI on Thursday urged the central bank to lower interest rates and increase Export Development Fund (EDF) to boost private sector recovery and exports.They made the call during a meet...

National,Healthcare,Country, Districts

Four more die of dengue; 781 hospitalised

Four more deaths from dengue were reported in the 24 hours till Thursday morning, raising the total number of deaths from the mosquito-borne disease to 224 this year.During this period, 781 more patients were hospitalised with viral fever, bringing the total number of cases to 52,885, according to t...

National,Healthcare

Dengue cases higher than last year but death rate declines: DGHS DG

Although the number of dengue infections is higher than last year but the death rate is lower, said Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS) Director General Prof Dr Md. Abu Jafor on Thursday.“This year, the number of dengue infections is higher than last year, but the death rate in propo...

National,Politics

Former Naogaon MP among 5 AL men held in Dhaka

Detectives during an overnight operation have detained five leaders and activists of Awami League and banned Bangladesh Chhatra League including former MP of Naogaon-6 constituency  Omar Faruk Sumon from different parts of the capital.The  other arrestees are Abu Naim Juber, 22, former vic...

National,World

Bangladesh welcomes Israel-Hamas peace talks

Bangladesh has welcomed the ongoing dialogue between Hamas and Israel aimed at ending the war in Gaza.In a statement on Thursday, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs said Bangladesh believes that diplomacy and dialogue are the only means to resolve any conflict and commends all stakeholders for their ef...

National,Politics

Decision on ‘Upper House’ solely Bangladesh’s internal matter: EU

European Union Ambassador and Head of Delegation to Bangladesh Michael Miller on Thursday said that introducing an ‘Upper House’ in Bangladesh is entirely a domestic decision and the EU has no role or intention to influence it.“The question of whether Bangladesh will go for an Uppe...

National,Business & Commerce,Bank & Insurance,Politics

Bangladesh, ADB ink $100m deal to help small, medium enterprises

The Asian Development Bank (ADB) and Bangladesh on Thursday signed a $100 million agreement to help cottage, micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises (CMSMEs) outside Dhaka and Chattogram metropolitan areas, gain access to medium and long-term credit.Economic Relations Division (ERD) Secretary Md....

National,Business & Commerce,CORPORATE & BRAND

NBR sets up e-Return Help Desks in all tax zones

The National Board of Revenue (NBR) has set up e-Return Help Desks in all tax zones across the country to facilitate smooth and hassle-free submission of online income tax returns by taxpayers.Earlier on August 4, 2025, Finance Adviser Dr Salehuddin Ahmed formally inaugurated the e-Return submission...

National,Business & Commerce

Chemists, druggists demand 25pc commission hike from pharmaceutical companies

Bangladesh Chemists and Druggists Association (BCDA) has demanded that pharmaceutical companies increase the sales commission for drug retailers by 25 percent and warned of tougher programmes if their demand is not met within 15 days.The association’s central executive committee came up with t...

National,Politics

Democracy means ensuring people’s freedom, basic rights: Tarique

BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman has said democracy is not just about holding elections but about ensuring people’s freedom and fundamental rights.In a message issued on Thursday marking Shaheed Jihad Day and the 30th anniversary of the martyrdom of Nazir Uddin Ahmed Jihad, Tarique, however,...

National,Politics

Ganatantra Mancha announces 140 candidates for election

The Ganatantra Mancha alliance on Thursday announced its first list of 140 candidates, declaring its plan to contest all 300 constituencies in the upcoming national election.The list was announced by the alliance’s coordinator and Rashtra Sangskar Andolon Chief Coordinator Hasnat Quaiyum at a ...

National,City

‘500 bhoris’ gold looted from Mouchak jewelry shop

Robbers have reportedly looted around 500 bhoris of gold from a jewelry shop at Fortune Shopping Mall in Mouchak area of the capital.The robbery took place between 3am and 4am on Wednesday night at ‘Shampa Jewellers’ on the mall’s second floor,said police and shop owner.Assistant C...

National,Politics

German Ambassador meets Fakhrul; discusses election, trade issues

Newly appointed German Ambassador to Bangladesh Dr Rüdiger Lotz met BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir on Thursday and discussed issues related to the upcoming national election, trade, investment and broader bilateral cooperation.The hour-long meeting, which began around 10:30am...

National,Business & Commerce,Country, Districts

Bangladesh stock indices see mixed trading in early hours

Bangladesh’s stock indices witnessed mixed trading in early hours of transactions on Wednesday, with a slight rise in Dhaka and a marginal fall in Chattogram, as most companies saw their share prices edge up.During the first hour of trading on the last working day of the week, the key index of...