Editor : Iqbal Sobhan ChowdhuryPublished by the Editor on behalf of the Observer Ltd. from Globe Printers, 24/A, New Eskaton Road, Ramna, Dhaka.Editorial, News and Commercial Offices : Aziz Bhaban (2nd floor), 93, Motijheel C/A, Dhaka-1000.Phone: PABX- 41053001-06; Online: 41053014; Advertisement: 41053012.E-mail: [email protected] , news©dailyobserverbd.com, advertisement©dailyobserverbd.com, For Online Edition: mailobserverbd©gmail.com
Source:bd News24
March 21, 2025 18:30 UTC
Military activity has intensified in Dhaka amid the ongoing nationwide crackdown by joint forces to maintain law and order.From Friday morning, army personnel were seen patrolling key roads, setting up checkpoints, and conducting searches at a level higher than usual.Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) Director Lt Col Sami Ud Dowla Chowdhury brushed aside concerns over increased deployment. "This is part of the army's regular duties; no such thing as extra patrols or checkpoints," he said.All through Friday, soldiers conducted searches and set up checkpoints in different areas including Rampura, Shantinagar, Kakrail, the National Press Club, Baitul Mukarram National Mosque, Mohakhali, Bijoy Sharani, Gulshan, and Khilkhet.Suspicious motorcycles and cars were stopped and searched as part of a joint forces operation.Although the Muhammad Yunus-led interim government assumed power after the fall of the Awami League administration, the military continues to deploy troops across the country.On Sept 17, 2024, the government granted executive magistracy powers to commissioned officers of the army for 60 days to control law and order.The Navy and Air Force officers were granted similar powers from Sept 30, 2024.These powers have been extended twice, with the most recent extension remaining in effect until May 15.Different Islamic groups and organisations held a protest rally near the Baitul Mukarram Mosque on Friday afternoon, condemning Israeli brutality in Palestine and the attacks on Muslims in India.Ahead of the Jummah prayers, additional law-enforcers, including army members, were deployed around the mosque and nearby areas.Army personnel carried out searches alongside police at the mosque gate, and Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) members were stationed at Nightingale crossing.In addition, increased army patrols were visible throughout different streets and alleyways of the capital.On Thursday, during a discussion at the State Guest House Jamuna Chief Advisor Muhammad Yunus said the caretaker administration has no plans to ban the Awami League.He, however, clarified that those facing charges of murder and crimes against humanity would be brought to justice in Bangladesh's courts.The statement led to protests by students at Dhaka University on Thursday night, demanding the withdrawal of Yunus' remarks and calling for a ban on the Awami League.The protests continued on Friday, with students from Dhaka University and the Inquilab Mancha separately demonstrating at the base of the Raju Memorial Sculpture.In this context, additional military activity was observed as part of the joint forces' "regular operations".�"bdnews24.com
Source:bd News24
March 21, 2025 18:29 UTC
You have seen several games where teams score 100 in the powerplay ... IPL OPENERRCB, who face Kolkata in Saturday's IPL opener at Eden Gardens, are likely to be involved when the 300-mark is breached given the traditionally flat pitch and small boundaries in Bengaluru. Ajinkya Rahane has been appointed Kolkata captain after the departure of Shreyas Iyer, who will spearhead Punjab Kings' bid to win their maiden IPL title. Sunday's double header includes a mouth-watering clash between Mumbai Indians and Chennai Super Kings, the IPL's most successful teams with five titles each. "I do feel this squad has got what it takes to go all the way."
Source:bd News24
March 21, 2025 17:31 UTC
In a recent meeting with leaders from major trade organisations, Finance Advisor Salehuddin Ahmed has committed to addressing the issues faced by traders regarding customs procedures in the upcoming budget for the fiscal year 2025-26. The advisor emphasised the need to strengthen the tax system and enhance revenue collection, while Parvez raised concerns about the capacity of the garment sector. The proposal also called for income tax exemptions on garment export incentives, a more business-friendly taxation policy, and a separation of lawmakers from implementers to create a taxpayer-friendly income tax framework. Furthermore, BKMEA called for the withdrawal of the 3 per cent tax on synthetic yarn and the removal of additional taxes on raw materials. The discussions reflect a commitment from the finance ministry to support the growth and sustainability of Bangladesh’s vital garment sector while addressing the operational challenges faced by traders.
Source:bd News24
March 21, 2025 16:27 UTC
ISPR says additional patrols and checkpoints are part of the army's regular dutiesMilitary activity has intensified in Dhaka amid the ongoing nationwide crackdown by joint forces to maintain law and order. From Friday morning, army personnel were seen patrolling key roads, setting up checkpoints, and conducting searches at a level higher than usual. Suspicious motorcycles and cars were stopped and searched as part of a joint forces operation. In addition, increased army patrols were visible throughout different streets and alleyways of the capital. In this context, additional military activity was observed as part of the joint forces' “regular operations”.
Source:bd News24
March 21, 2025 16:11 UTC
In a Facebook post around 2am on Friday, Hasnat claimed that he and two other individuals had been presented with a proposal for a “Refined Awami League” by the “cantonment”. “Wouldn’t it be better to have multiple opposition parties, including a weakened Awami League, rather than just one?” the officials allegedly asked. “A plan is underway to introduce a fresh conspiracy called the Refined Awami League. On Thursday, however, Chief Advisor Muhammad Yunus made it clear that the interim government had no intention of banning the Awami League. In his post, Hasnat issued a call for unity against “efforts to rehabilitate the Awami League before it could face trial”.
Source:bd News24
March 21, 2025 14:24 UTC
On Friday, he called on the interim government to “swiftly ensure trials” for the mass killings during the July Uprising that eventually ended the Awami League's 15-year rule. “Words are being thrown around on whether the Awami League should be able to participate in politics. Which Awami League leaders gave the orders to shed blood, destroy the mass movement….”He continued: “The Awami League is an old party. “I doubt whether Awami League chief Sheikh Hasina believes in Allah. They sought a complete ban on the Awami League.
Source:bd News24
March 21, 2025 12:09 UTC
Numerous pages on the social media platform are flooded with posts advertising train tickets for different destinations. Most of these posts focus on train tickets to northern destinations, though a few are for other routes. Some also offer bus tickets. Many users are desperately seeking tickets and posting their requests in groups, such as "Online Train Ticket (Ticket Bazar)", "Train Ticket Buy & Sell", "Online Ticket Bazar", and "Online Train Ticket Information", which have become hotspots for sketchy deals. BUS TICKETS SCAMS ON THE RISEBus travellers are also on scammers' radars.
Source:bd News24
March 21, 2025 11:01 UTC
REUTERS/Kim Kyung-HoonJX Advanced Metals mascot Coppy, the Cappa attends a ceremony to mark the company's debut on the Tokyo Stock Exchange in Tokyo, Japan, Mar 19, 2025. The US Federal Reserve, the Bank of Japan and the Bank of England all held rates steady. Central bankers highlighted the unsettled economic outlook due largely to rising trade tensions triggered by the United States under President Donald Trump. Asian stocks, taking cues from Wall Street, were subdued, with MSCI's broadest index of Asia-Pacific shares outside Japan down 0.22%. Futures for S&P 500 EScv1 and Nasdaq NQc1 inched higher in Asian hours, while European futures were little changed.
Source:bd News24
March 21, 2025 04:33 UTC
REUTERSEuropean Union leaders said on Thursday that they will continue to support Ukraine, but they did not immediately endorse a call by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky to provide at least 5 billion euros for artillery ammunition purchases. In a statement, all EU leaders except Hungary's Viktor Orban pledged to "continue to provide Ukraine with regular and predictable financial support". There was no concrete answer on the 5 billion euros. Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni expressed a preference for "truly common European instruments that do not directly burden the debt of states." Others, like Dutch Prime Minister Dick Schoof, said they were still very much opposed to joint euro bonds.
Source:bd News24
March 21, 2025 03:12 UTC
The Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) has filed two additional cases against Saima Wazed Putul, the daughter of former prime minister Sheikh Hasina. The cases allege “corruption and fraud” related to her work with a nonprofit organisation and her appointment to a senior position at the World Health Organization (WHO). According to the ACC, 20 banks were “forced” to contribute to the foundation in May 2017, and investigators were unable to verify how the funds were used. The second case accuses Putul of “fraud and forgery” in securing her appointment as the WHO’s Regional Director for Southeast Asia. The ACC has charged Putul and Mazumder under multiple sections of Bangladesh’s Penal Code and the Prevention of Corruption Act, 1947.
Source:bd News24
March 21, 2025 01:53 UTC
The Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) has presented its stance on a sweeping set of reform proposals on the first day of the National Consensus Commission’s dialogues with political parties. The party expressed greater reservations about public administration reforms, endorsing 11 out of 26 proposals while rejecting the remaining 15. “Among all the recommendations, the Election Commission reform recommendation was weak,” he said. In response, Consensus Commission Vice Chairman Ali Riaz assured him, “We will not give it to anyone.”The seven-member National Consensus Commission, led by Muhammad Yunus, chief advisor to the interim government, began its work on Feb 15. The consensus commission had asked 38 political parties to submit their positions on these recommendations by Mar 13.
Source:bd News24
March 20, 2025 19:27 UTC
"Among all the recommendations, the Election Commission reform recommendation was weak," he said. "They should have reviewed the records of past dialogues with political parties. "He also underscored the significance of law-enforcing agencies and administrative officials in ensuring credible elections. �"bdnews24.com"No matter what you do, you can't make the elections fair unless two key figures- the OC (officer-in-charge) and the UNO (Upazila Nirbahi Officer)-do their jobs properly," he said.At the meeting, Oli requested that the LDP's opinion paper remain confidential.In response, Consensus Commission Vice Chairman Ali Riaz assured him, "We will not give it to anyone. "The seven-member National Consensus Commission, led by Muhammad Yunus, chief advisor to the interim government, began its work on Feb 15.It was established in the wake of the mass uprising of July-August 2024, after which the interim government formed 11 commissions tasked with overhauling various aspects of governance.To date, six commissions-focused on constitutional reform, the electoral system, the judiciary, public administration, the Anti-Corruption Commission, and the police-have submitted their recommendations.The consensus commission had asked 38 political parties to submit their positions on these recommendations by Mar 13.The commission's next step will be to identify areas of agreement among parties, laying the groundwork for reforms ahead of Bangladesh's next national elections.-- bdnews24.com
Source:bd News24
March 20, 2025 18:06 UTC
Three teenage girls have allegedly been raped in Dhaka's Mugda area.Mugda Police Station officers arrested three people over the three separate incidents that occurred on Tuesday and Wednesday.The police station's Sub-Inspector Al-Amin said a teenage girl had filed a complaint alleging that she had been raped at her home after Iftar on Wednesday.One of her neighbours identified by a single name, 40-year-old Jabbar, was arrested afterwards. "Earlier on Tuesday, another minor girl was allegedly raped after being called to the rooftop of her neighbour Pintu Chandra Das's house. He was also arrested later. "The two accused have been sent to jail after giving confessional statements to the court, Al-Amin said.On the other hand, Mugda police SI Tahidul Islam said another teenage girl was purportedly raped on Tuesday.A case has been filed over the incident on Thursday.A youth who was known to the victim, identified by a single name as Siam, has been arrested.The three victims were sent to Dhaka Medical College Hospital for treatment, police said.�"bdnews24.com
Source:bd News24
March 20, 2025 17:37 UTC
Bangladesh allrounder Shakib Al Hasan’s ban from bowling in top-flight domestic and international cricket has been lifted by the England and Wales Cricket Board. Shakib will now be able to bowl in ODIs and leagues around the world, including the County Championship and the Hundred. "The news is right (clearing the bowling test) and I am cleared to bowl again," Shakib told Cricbuzz. Shakib was first suspended from bowling in all forms of cricket in December. The 37-year-old southpaw’s bowling action came under scrutiny during a County Championship match for Surrey against Somerset in September 2024.
Source:bd News24
March 20, 2025 10:22 UTC