Ex-Islami Bank chairman Obayed Ullah under ACC scrutiny
The Anti-Corruption Commission has opened an investigation into former Islami Bank Bangladesh chairman Obayed Ullah Al Masud over allegations of loan fraud, conflict of interest, unethical investment, and embezzlement. The inquiry is being led by Assistant Director Md Nazmul Islam, ACC spokesperson and Deputy Director Akhtarul Islam confirmed. Before joining Islami Bank, Obayed served as managing director of two state-owned banks -- Sonali Bank and Rupali Bank. In 2019, a cash credit loan of Tk 21 million was sanctioned in favour of a company named MAS Corporation. Two unlisted firms were contracted, with payments exceeding Tk 19.5 million -- one owned by Obayed himself and the other by a former director of the bank.
Source:bd News24
October 09, 2025 12:59 UTC
Bangladesh reports four more dengue deaths, 781 hospitalisations in a day
Bangladesh has recorded four more dengue deaths, taking the total fatalities due to the disease to 224 this year, while another 781 patients have been admitted to hospitals around the country in the last 24 hours. The tally of reported hospitalisations rose to 52,885 this year, according to the Directorate General of Health Services. In Thursday’s daily bulletin, of the four deaths recorded over the past day, two occurred at Dhaka Medical College Hospital, while two others died at Kurmitola General Hospital and Mugda Medical College Hospital. September saw the highest number of dengue-related hospital admissions, 15,866, and deaths, 76, this year. Currently, 2,452 dengue patients are being treated in hospitals across the country, with 827 in Dhaka and 1,625 outside the capital.
Source:bd News24
October 09, 2025 12:51 UTC
NBR member Belal Hossain made OSD two days after ACC lawsuit
On Thursday, the Internal Revenue Division (IRD) issued a notification transferring Belal to the OSD post within NBR. Belal is accused of acquiring nearly Tk 50 million in illicit assets and hiding information related to these assets in his wealth statement. According to case documents, Belal “concealed information” about assets valued at Tk 46.01 million. The documents added that Belal accumulated a total of Tk 49.75 million in movable and immovable assets from 2004 to 2022, all deemed illicit. On Wednesday, Belal was removed from his post as NBR member (Customs Implementation & IT) and reassigned to the president of the Customs, Excise, and VAT Appellate Tribunal.
Source:bd News24
October 09, 2025 12:51 UTC
A few more days of rain to come before monsoon eases
A few more days of rain to come before monsoon easesAs autumn draws to a close, a few final days of rain are likely to precede the retreat of the monsoon winds, yielding to a drier season ahead. According to our forecast, there will be a few more days of rain before the monsoon winds depart in October.”He explained that during the rainy season, winds blow from the south, carrying moisture from the ocean and forming clouds that produce rain. Moderate to heavy rain could occur in some areas, while day and night temperatures are expected to remain steady nationwide. The forecast indicates rain or thundershowers in many of the same areas, with no significant change in day or night temperatures. Looking further ahead, the BMD said rainfall is expected to ease over the five days from Monday evening, as the southwest monsoon winds start withdrawing from the country’s western region.
Source:bd News24
October 09, 2025 12:42 UTC
Pope Leo invokes criticism of Trump's policies in first major document
Pope Leo XIV reacts next to a child as he arrives for a general audience in St. Peter's Square at the Vatican, October 8, 2025. REUTERS/Yara NardiPope Leo XIV reacts next to a child as he arrives for a general audience in St. Peter's Square at the Vatican, October 8, 2025. REUTERS/Yara NardiPope Leo urged the world's Catholics to help immigrants in his first major document, which was released on Thursday and invoked one of the late Pope Francis' strongest criticisms of US President Donald Trump's anti-immigration policies. It calls for widespread changes to the global market system to address rising inequality and to help people living paycheck-to-paycheck. DOCUMENT REFERENCES CRITICISM OF BORDER WALLSElected in May to replace Francis, Leo has shown a much more reserved style than his predecessor, who frequently criticised the Trump administration.
Source:bd News24
October 09, 2025 12:26 UTC
Researchers make groundbreaking discovery that could transform how we grow food: 'Not science fiction anymore'
An agricultural breakthrough could help alleviate fears about food insecurity as farmers face increasingly unpredictable weather because of rising global temperatures. Ironically, food delivery methods destabilize food systems, increasing food insecurity as extreme weather devastates crops and pushes prices higher at grocery stores. … By bringing production closer to consumption, they help reduce both climate risk and food transport needs," Yamori explained. "Vertical tomato farms in skyscrapers are not science fiction anymore," Yamori said. "Plant factories offer precise control and production stability, while greenhouses leverage natural variability to enhance photosynthetic efficiency and fruit quality.
Source:bd News24
October 09, 2025 12:20 UTC
Prominent figures worldwide, including Arundhati Roy, call for Shahidul Alam’s release
A dozen prominent figures from around the world, including rights activist Arundhati Roy, have called for the immediate and unconditional release of Bangladeshi photographer Shahidul Alam, who was allegedly detained by Israeli forces while travelling to Gaza as part of the Freedom Flotilla. Drik, the independent media organisation founded by Shahidul, published the statement issued by his friends and family at 9am on Thursday. Drik reported that Israeli forces seized a total of eight ships, including the Freedom Flotilla vessel Conscience, at 6am Palestinian time (8am Bangladesh time) on Wednesday. In previous attempts, more than 40 ships of the Global Sumud Flotilla fleet sought to break the blockade and enter Gaza. Another flotilla of 11 ships, organised by the Freedom Flotilla Coalition and Thousand Madleens to Gaza, set sail for Gaza on Oct 1.
Source:bd News24
October 09, 2025 12:01 UTC
Who is Paul Kapur, the new US assistant secretary of state for South Asia?
Paul Kapur, a distinguished Indian-origin academic, has been appointed as the new US assistant secretary of state for South and Central Asian Affairs, a key diplomatic post overseeing relations with countries including India and Bangladesh. Kapur is the second individual of Indian descent to hold this top diplomatic role for the South Asian region, succeeding Nisha Desai Biswal, who previously served as the assistant secretary of state for South and Central Asian Affairs. He is a professor in the Department of National Security Affairs at the United States Naval Postgraduate School, specialising in South Asian politics, security, and international relations. Addressing the perennial tensions between India and Pakistan, he said that South Asia had "recently avoided a costly conflict”. He is the author of “Jihad as Grand Strategy: Islamist Militancy, National Security, and the Pakistani State”; “Dangerous Deterrent: Nuclear Weapons Proliferation and Conflict in South Asia”; co-author of “India, Pakistan, and the Bomb: Debating Nuclear Stability in South Asia” and “The Challenges of Nuclear Security: US and Indian Perspectives”.
Source:bd News24
October 09, 2025 11:39 UTC
UK signs $468 million deal to supply India with missiles
MUMBAI, INDIA - OCTOBER 9: British Prime Minister Keir Starmer and Prime Minister of India Narendra Modi attend the India-UK CEO Forum at Jio World Convention Centre on Oct 9, 2025 in Mumbai, India. Leon Neal/Pool via REUTERSMUMBAI, INDIA - OCTOBER 9: British Prime Minister Keir Starmer and Prime Minister of India Narendra Modi attend the India-UK CEO Forum at Jio World Convention Centre on Oct 9, 2025 in Mumbai, India. Leon Neal/Pool via REUTERSBritain said on Thursday it had signed a 350 million pound ($468 million) contract to supply the Indian army with UK-manufactured lightweight missiles, as part of a deepening weapons and defence partnership between the two countries. The announcement came as British Prime Minister Keir Starmer was visiting Indian Prime counterpart Narendra Modi in Mumbai, where the pair hailed the potential of the commercial links from their months-old trade deal. "The deal paves the way for a broader complex weapons partnership between the UK and India, currently under negotiation between the two governments," it said.
Source:bd News24
October 09, 2025 11:01 UTC
Hostel director held over 'assault' on female DU student
The hostel authority interrogated her and then assaulted her, the plaintiff, a Swapnonibas resident, complained.The victim told bdnews24.com that she had gone to her friend's place as her university residential hall was closed. "The hostel director abused me verbally. My brother informed the police about the incident and the police rescued us. "She said she had filed a case following the incident, but the perpetrators were attempting to force her and her friend to withdraw it. �"bdnews24.com
Source:bd News24
October 09, 2025 03:20 UTC
If there is consensus, how prepared is EC to hold referendum with parliamentary polls in February?
If there is consensus, how prepared is EC to hold referendum with parliamentary polls in February? As the Election Commission (EC) advances preparations for the parliamentary election, debate has returned to the national conversation over a referendum to implement the July Charter. Some parties propose holding the referendum and the parliamentary election on the same day, while others propose holding the referendum a month before the general election. The parliamentary election, costing around Tk 25 billion, will engage more than one million personnel. If the government decides to hold a referendum, we will hold it.”He believes significant savings would be made if it is held together with the parliamentary election.
Source:bd News24
October 09, 2025 02:21 UTC
Scientists make game-changing breakthrough using 'dead' EV batteries: 'A magic potion'
As the world transitions toward cleaner, renewable sources of energy, lithium-ion batteries have become increasingly important. "By 2040, the volume of end-of-life lithium-ion batteries is expected to reach 20,500 kilotons, emphasizing the need for effective waste management strategies." Therefore, extending the life of and properly disposing of lithium-ion batteries will be key to the success of any cleaner-energy future. Still, the team envisions a future wherein battery-rejuvenation stations are widely available, allowing EV drivers to periodically restore their lithium-ion batteries. With lithium-ion batteries accounting for as much as 40% of the cost of a new EV, the ability to restore spent batteries could save consumers considerable amounts of money, as well.
Source:bd News24
October 09, 2025 01:44 UTC
Officials enact strict fishing ban to protect iconic species: 'This decision is based on scientific grounds'
The hilsa fish, known locally as the "Ilish," is an extremely popular fish within Bengali culture. According to Infofish, it started on Oct 4, and there will be a 22-day ban on catching, selling, hoarding, and transporting the fish. The hilsa, an ocean fish that visits the river to lay eggs, has a very limited time frame with which to breed. Plus, during Prime Big Deal Days you’ll save 30% off women’s probiotics, multivitamins, grass-fed collagen, organic protein, and more. According to bdnews24.com, Bangladesh Fisheries and Livestock Adviser Farida Akhter said: "This decision is based on scientific grounds and considers the breeding timeline of female hilsa.
Source:bd News24
October 09, 2025 00:34 UTC
France's Macron will appoint new prime minister in next 48 hours
France's Macron will appoint new prime minister in next 48 hoursFrench President Emmanuel Macron will appoint a new prime minister in the next 48 hours, his office said on Wednesday, adding that a majority of lawmakers were against holding a snap parliamentary election amid France's worst crisis in decades. Sebastien Lecornu, France's fifth prime minister in two years, tendered his and his government's resignation on Monday, just hours after announcing the cabinet line-up, making it the shortest-lived administration in modern France. "On this basis, the President of the Republic will appoint a Prime Minister within the next 48 hours." Lecornu did not say who that next prime minister could be, making clear his job was done and it was up to Macron to decide. "I told the President of the Republic ... that I believe the situation allows for him to appoint a prime minister in the next 48 hours," Lecornu said.
Source:bd News24
October 09, 2025 00:31 UTC
Eight Bangladeshi workers killed in Oman road accident
Eight Bangladeshi migrant workers have died in a road accident in Oman. The crash occurred around 3pm local time, on Wednesday when a microbus carrying the workers collided with a fish-loaded container truck, state-run Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha (BSS) reported. “Nine Bangladeshis, including the driver, were heading towards Dukum Sidra, about 650km from Muscat, in a microbus when the accident occurred,” Asadul Haque, first secretary (Labour) at the Bangladesh Embassy in Muscat told BSS. A representative from the Bangladesh Embassy has already reached the scene to provide “necessary” support. Asadul added that the embassy will take the steps to repatriate the bodies to Bangladesh in line with proper procedures.
Source:bd News24
October 08, 2025 19:17 UTC