Russia says it downed over 232 Ukrainian drones, forcing Moscow airports to halt some flights
Russia says it downed over 232 Ukrainian drones, forcing Moscow airports to halt some flightsRussia said on Wednesday that its air defences had shot down at least 232 Ukrainian drones over various Russian regions, including some approaching Moscow where the capital's airports were briefly shut down to ensure the safety of flights. Russia's Defence Ministry said it had destroyed at least 232 Ukrainian drones, mostly over Russia's western regions bordering Ukraine, but also some approaching Moscow, a city which along with the surrounding area has a population of 21 million people. Moscow Mayor Sergei Sobyanin said three drones had been downed en route to the capital where three major airports briefly stopped flights before resuming operations. President Vladimir Putin on Tuesday visited the western Kursk region for the first time since Russian forces ejected Ukrainian troops from the area last month. Putin sent tens of thousands of soldiers into Ukraine in February 2022 and Russia now controls just under one fifth of the country.
Source:bd News24
May 21, 2025 14:03 UTC
Supporters of the BNP leader block key points of the roads bringing traffic to nearby areas to a standstill
Supporters of Ishraque Hossain have blocked the roads around Matsya Bhaban and Kakrail to press home their demand that the BNP leader be sworn in as Dhaka South mayor. They staged sit-ins in front of the High Court, Matsya Bhaban, Kakrail Intersection and State Guest House Jamuna in droves. The roads in front of Matsya Bhaban and Kakrail Mosque have remained closed since 11am, but ambulances carrying patients are being allowed through. The blockade triggered severe congestion on adjacent roads as vehicles were forced to reroute, leading to an overwhelming traffic bottleneck. As the deadline passed without progress, Ishraque’s supporters left Nagar Bhaban and moved to occupy the areas around Matsya Bhaban and Kakrail.
Source:bd News24
May 21, 2025 11:49 UTC
NCP demands reconstitution of EC
The National Citizen Party (NCP) announced a demonstration in front of the Election Commission (EC) headquarters in Agargaon, blaming the commission for the political crisis surrounding the delayed swearing-in of Ishraque Hossain as mayor of Dhaka South City Corporation (DSCC). At an emergency press conference on Tuesday night, NCP Member Secretary Akhtar Hossain declared that the party would protest at 12:00 pm on Wednesday in front of the EC building, according to bdnews24.com. “We urge the interim government to immediately consider the proposal for a reformed commission, reconstitute the Election Commission, and initiate preparations for local government elections,” Akhtar said. NCP Convenor Nahid Islam questioned the impartiality of the current electoral commission. What guarantee is there that they won't act with bias again in the future?” he asked.
Source:bd News24
May 21, 2025 03:00 UTC
EU countries adopt four sets of new Russia sanctions
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, French President Emmanuel Macron, Ukranian President Voloydmyr Zelensky, British Prime Minister Keir Starmer and Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk walk in the grounds of the Mariynsky Palace, in Kyiv, Ukraine, May 10, 2025. REUTERSGerman Chancellor Friedrich Merz, French President Emmanuel Macron, Ukranian President Voloydmyr Zelensky, British Prime Minister Keir Starmer and Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk walk in the grounds of the Mariynsky Palace, in Kyiv, Ukraine, May 10, 2025. REUTERSThe EU adopted four sets of sanctions against Russia over the war in Ukraine on Tuesday, including a 17th package targeting Moscow's shadow fleet, and measures related to chemical weapons, human rights and hybrid threats, the European Commission said on Tuesday. Oil and gas exports are one of Russia's main sources of revenue, which finance its war in Ukraine. EU diplomats briefly weighed imposing sanctions on the Dubai branch of Litasco, the trading arm of Russia's No.
Source:bd News24
May 21, 2025 02:25 UTC
DU students threaten 'long march' to home ministry over Shammo’s murder
Alongside this ultimatum, the students also presented a nine-point charter of demands that included justice for Shammo’s killing. From there, we will march towards the home ministry with the students of Dhaka University.”Shammo was stabbed at Suhrawardy Udyan around 11pm on May 13. He was also the literature and publication secretary of the AF Rahman Hall Chhatra Dal. “It is unfortunate that, since his killing, political student organisations have been engaging in division and dirty politics. Earlier, they brought out a black flag march demanding justice for Shammo’s killing, the resignation of the vice-chancellor and proctor and a safe campus.
Source:bd News24
May 20, 2025 22:36 UTC
Biman warns of online scam using its name and logo
Biman Bangladesh Airlines has issued a warning about fraudulent individuals and online travel agencies who are using the flag carrier's name, logo, employee names and photos to scam customers. "To earn the customer's trust, the fraudsters first provide a PNR as a booking reference and then demand payment. After receiving the payment, they either cancel the PNR or do not confirm the ticket, which leads to automatic cancellation after a certain time. "Biman added that many customers are unaware that a PNR and a ticket are not the same. A PNR only confirms a reservation, but not the issuance of a ticket.To confirm a seat on a Biman flight, a ticket must be issued.
Source:bd News24
May 20, 2025 21:28 UTC
Trump’s planned tax raid on migrant remittances threatens Bangladesh’s dollar lifeline
A proposed US tax on outward remittances spearheaded by President Donald Trump has alarmed Bangladeshi analysts, who warn it could severely disrupt dollar inflows and push migrant workers toward Hundi, denting foreign currency reserves. “A new tax like this will push more people in that direction.”HIGH STAKES FOR BANGLADESH’S RESERVE STABILITYAccording to Bangladesh Bank, the United States is one of the country’s top remittance sources. The trend was similar in FY2023, when Bangladeshi migrants in the US sent $3.52 billion, again the second-highest after UAE’s $3.76 billion. UNCERTAINTY LOOMSHow sharply US remittances to Bangladesh will fall if Trump’s tax plan becomes law uncertain. “The United States is either the top or second-largest source of remittances for Bangladesh,” he said.
Source:bd News24
May 20, 2025 19:43 UTC
Bangladesh court grants bail to actress Nusraat Faria
DHAKA: A court has granted bail to popular Dhaka film actress Nusraat Faria, who was arrested in an attempted murder case by the capital’s Bhatara police station during the anti-discrimination movement. Police in Bangladesh on Sunday arrested popular film actress Nusraat Faria, who played the role of Sheikh Hasina in the Bangabandhu biopic, ‘Mujib: The making of a Nation’. The Dhaka Tribune reported that Nusraat was arrested for her alleged involvement in an attempted murder case linked to anti-government protests. “A few days ago, a court approved an attempted murder case against her. Nusraat Faria mostly works in Dhallywood and Tollywood.
Source:bd News24
May 20, 2025 19:27 UTC
Showers to subside midweek, low pressure looms late May
Dhaka has seen intermittent rainfall over the past few days, marking the beginning of the Bengali month of Joishtho. There may also be moderate to heavy rainfall in some places in Rangpur, Mymensingh, and Sylhet divisions. The highest rainfall in the country in the last 24 hours was recorded in Sylhet, 192mm. Extremely heavy rainfall occurred in Rangpur and Kurigram’s Rajarhat, of which 146mm of rain fell in Rangpur, and 122mm in Rajarhat. The highest temperature recorded in the country in this period was in Jashore, 37 degrees Celsius.
Source:bd News24
May 20, 2025 16:27 UTC
No ‘retaliatory steps’ will be taken over India’s land port restrictions, says commerce secretary
No ‘retaliatory steps’ will be taken over India’s land port restrictions, says commerce secretaryBangladesh will not take retaliatory measures despite India restricting the entry of certain Bangladeshi goods at land ports, Commerce Secretary Mahbubur Rahman has said. He said this following a meeting with secretaries from several ministries and leaders from key business organisations at the Secretariat on Tuesday. The Indian government suspended imports of at least seven categories of goods from Bangladesh through the land ports, including processed food products and garments. Speaking after the meeting, the commerce secretary said: “We sat with stakeholders and business leaders and took their views on the matter [on Tuesday]. Once we receive a response, we’ll know when the meeting can take place.”
Source:bd News24
May 20, 2025 15:28 UTC
ACC summons Bashundhara Group chairman, family for questioning
The Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) has summoned Bashundhara Group Chairman Ahmed Akbar Sobhan and his family members for questioning over allegations of land grabbing, embezzlement of loan funds, and money laundering. In a letter sent on Tuesday, they were asked to appear at the ACC Headquarters in Dhaka’s Segunbagicha on May 25 and 26. Sobhan, his wife Afroza Begum, their eldest son Sadat Sobhan, and Sadat’s wife Sonia Ferdousi Sobhan have been summoned for May 25. On May 26, the ACC will quiz Managing Director Sayem Sobhan Anvir, his wife Sabrina Sobhan, Co-Chairman Sadat, Vice-Chairmen Shafiat Sobhan (Sanvir) and Safwan Sobhan along with Safwan’s wife Yasha Sobhan. That same month, a court imposed a travel ban on eight members of the Sobhan family following a plea by the ACC.
Source:bd News24
May 20, 2025 15:12 UTC
Bangladesh to reduce import duties on 100 types of good to appease Trump administration
Bangladesh to reduce import duties on 100 types of good to appease Trump administrationChief Advisor Muhammad Yunus gave provisional approval to this move during a meeting with the National Board of Revenue (NBR) on Monday. Chief Advisor Muhammad Yunus gave provisional approval to this move during a meeting with the National Board of Revenue (NBR) on Monday. An official present at the meeting told bdnews24.com, “We proposed zero duties on 100 tariff lines, keeping in mind imports from the United States. “He (Muhammad Yunus) then asked how we could apply this specifically to the US. Customs duties for imports are determined based on these codes.
Source:bd News24
May 20, 2025 14:53 UTC
Saudi authorities detain 3 Bangladeshis for attempting to enter Makkah ‘illegally’
The Saudi Hajj Security Forces have arrested three Bangladeshi nationals on charges of attempting to enter Makkah “without a permit” in breach of regulations set by the Hajj authorities, local media report. Saudi Arabia has introduced fresh rules to strengthen security and crowd control, alongside the pilgrims’ entry to Makkah. They are now required to carry permission from authorities to enter Makkah, proof of residence in Makkah, and a Hajj permit. During this period, no one will be able to enter or stay in Makkah or the surrounding areas without permission. The Saudi government has said that there will be maximum surveillance on those entering Saudi Arabia with a visitor’s visa.
Source:bd News24
May 20, 2025 12:11 UTC
Ishraque supporters threaten to ‘paralyse’ Dhaka if he’s not sworn in as mayor
Supporters of BNP leader Ishraque Hossain have threatened to “paralyse” Dhaka if he is sworn in as the Dhaka South City Corporation (DSCC) mayor by 10am on Wednesday. If a decision is not made to hand over mayoral duties to Ishraque Hossain by then, we will launch a tougher programme. Local Government Advisor Asif Mahmud’s recent statement on Ishraque Hossain becoming mayor is utterly false. On Saturday, Ishraque sent a letter to the Local Government Division requesting the necessary steps for his swearing-in as DSCC mayor. But on Mar 27 this year, Judge Md Nurul Islam of the Dhaka Election Tribunal overturned the result and declared Ishraque mayor.
Source:bd News24
May 20, 2025 12:11 UTC
Universal pension scheme to see major changes, ‘Islamic version’ in review
Universal pension scheme to see major changes, ‘Islamic version’ in reviewSeveral major changes have been approved for the universal pension scheme, including a proposal to assess the introduction of an “Islamic version”. The maximum monthly deposit in the "Progoti" scheme will be raised from Tk 10,000 to Tk 15,000. >> Service workers engaged under outsourcing contracts will be included in the “Progoti” scheme. >> The proposal to introduce an Islamic version of the pension scheme will be reviewed and presented in the next meeting. The universal pension scheme was introduced by the now-ousted Awami League government in August 2023 to ensure financial security for people from all backgrounds in their later years.
Source:bd News24
May 14, 2025 22:22 UTC