The Daily Ittefaq

Data collection for ‘Farmer Card’ begins

BSS — Sat, 18 Jul 2026 18:29:30 +0600

The Department of Agricultural Extension (DAE) has started a nationwide data collection campaign for farmers and agricultural land across the country to implement the ‘Farmer Card’ programme announced in the government’s election manifesto. The campaign has started simultaneously in all upazilas of the country from Saturday, said a press release here. Initially, data... Details

PM orders tougher action against air, noise pollution

UNB — Sat, 18 Jul 2026 15:10:57 +0600

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman on Saturday directed the authorities concerned to intensify efforts to curb air and noise pollution, stressing the need for tougher enforcement against polluting vehicles, brick kilns and excessive use of vehicle horns. He gave the directives while chairing a meeting on environmental pollution at the Prime Minister's Office. The meeting discussed a range of... Details

16 spillway gates of Kaptai dam opened as lake water level rises

UNB — Sat, 18 Jul 2026 15:08:50 +0600

Authorities on Saturday opened 16 spillway gates of the Kaptai Hydroelectric Power Station as the water level of Kaptai Lake approached the danger mark amid continuous rainfall and upstream water flow. The gates were opened by six inches each simultaneously at 11:20 am, releasing around 9,000 cusecs of water per second into the Karnaphuli River, said Mahmud Hasan, manager of the Kaptai... Details

Europe heat wave may have caused over 10,000 extra deaths

UNB — Sat, 18 Jul 2026 12:49:45 +0600

An unusually early and intense heat wave across Europe this year may have caused more than 10,000 additional deaths, according to early data collected from several countries. Researchers say deaths rose sharply in late June, when many parts of Europe experienced record-breaking temperatures. Scientists measure this using "excess mortality"—the number of deaths above what would normally... Details

World Cup fever fuels internet subscriber growth

BSS — Sat, 18 Jul 2026 12:00:01 +0600

The ongoing FIFA World Cup appears to have given a strong boost to internet usage in Bangladesh, with industry insiders attributing a sharp rise in internet subscriptions to increased data consumption during the global football spectacle alongside some others aspects. Latest data released by the Bangladesh Telecommunication Regulatory Commission (BTRC) showed internet subscriptions increased... Details

Betel farming brings fortunes for three Naogaon villages

UNB — Sat, 18 Jul 2026 10:48:58 +0600

What was once a farming community dependent on seasonal rice cultivation has evolved into a thriving hub of commercial betel leaf production, bringing prosperity and optimism to hundreds of families in three villages of Naogaon. For many farming families in Jalm, Magura and Jageshwar, the vibrant green betel gardens symbolise more than agricultural success—they represent financial... Details

River ports asked to hoist cautionary signal No 1

UNB — Sat, 18 Jul 2026 10:15:30 +0600

River ports in some regions have been asked to hoist cautionary signal No 1 as a rain r thunder showers accompanied by temporary south or southeasterly gusty or squally wind is likely to occur in many parts of the country, according to the special bulletin Bangladesh Meteorological Department (BMD). “Rain or thunder showers accompanied by temporary south or southeasterly gusty or... Details

Iranian army says struck US targets in Kuwait, Jordan: state TV

BSS — Sat, 18 Jul 2026 10:06:48 +0600

Iran's army said it struck US military targets in Kuwait and Jordan in response to American attacks, according to a statement carried by the Iranian state broadcaster on Saturday. In Kuwait, Iranian forces targeted an ammunition depot at the Al-Adiri camp, the headquarters buildings and ammunition depots at the Ali Al-Salem base and several communication bridges. In Jordan, fuel tanks at the... Details

World Cup rings for winners as Trump attendance confirmed

Click Ittefaq Desk — Fri, 17 Jul 2026 23:57:46 +0600

Fifa will present World Cup rings to the winners of Sunday's final between Argentina and Spain, which will be attended by Donald Trump. Winner rings are a tradition in American sport, with the NFL's Super Bowl victors presented with them, reports the BBC. Thirty rings will be made available to the world champions, and a further 1,996 rings will go on sale to fans. Each ring will include a... Details

Delhi says Dhaka's request being examined

UNB — Fri, 17 Jul 2026 22:24:03 +0600

India on Friday reiterated that Bangladesh’s extradition request for former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina is being taken into consideration, given the legalities and judicial processes involved. "We have received a request for extradition. This request, as we have said earlier as well, is under examination, and the request is being taken into consideration, given the legalities that are... Details

Over 500 Rohingya vanished at sea - what happened?

Click Ittefaq Desk — Fri, 17 Jul 2026 22:21:58 +0600

Two boats carrying an estimated 530 Rohingya asylum seekers left Myanmar's Rakhine state on 29 June, and have not been heard from since. The equivalent of a jumbo jet full of people has vanished. It is very likely that they both capsized. The monsoon has started, the seas are rough, and the boats - usually old fishing trawlers converted to carry as many people as possible - are barely... Details

Starship grounded after engine failure during countdown

UNB — Fri, 17 Jul 2026 14:45:14 +0600

SpaceX aborted the launch of its giant Starship rocket just moments before liftoff on Thursday after several engines failed to ignite during the countdown, marking the first last-second launch cancellation for the full-scale spacecraft. Engine ignition began about three seconds before the scheduled launch, but four of the rocket’s 33 engines did not start, prompting the automatic launch... Details

Kitchen market prices soar after rain

Click Ittefaq Desk — Fri, 17 Jul 2026 12:26:50 +0600

Days of continuous rainfall and supply shortages have driven up vegetable prices in Dhaka's kitchen markets, with the cost of almost all varieties—except a few—now exceeding Tk100 per kilogram. Egg prices have also increased. Over the past week, the price of a dozen eggs has risen by Tk20, while fish and poultry prices, which were already high, have remained elevated. After visiting several... Details

US launches fresh wave of strikes against Iran

Click Ittefaq Desk — Fri, 17 Jul 2026 11:16:40 +0600

The US launched a wave of strikes against Iran for the sixth night in a row, its military said, as the two sides battled for control of the Strait of Hormuz. US Central Command (Centcom) said the attacks were intended to "further degrade Iranian military capabilities", before saying it had boarded a vessel as part of its blockade of the strait, BBC reports. In an apparent escalation, Iran's... Details

EU, G77 reaffirm support for Bangladesh's LDC graduation

BSS — Fri, 17 Jul 2026 11:12:51 +0600

European Union (EU) and the Group of 77 and China (G77) have reaffirmed their support for Bangladesh's efforts to ensure a smooth, sustainable and irreversible graduation from the Least Developed Country (LDC) category. The assurances came during separate meetings held at the United Nations Headquarters in New York between Commerce Minister Khandakar Abdul Muktadir and Head of the European... Details

Rain batters 180km of roads in Bagerhat

UNB — Fri, 17 Jul 2026 11:11:04 +0600

Days of relentless rainfall have battered nearly 180 kilometres of roads in Bagerhat, causing an estimated Tk 80 crore in damage to roads and transport infrastructure and disrupting traffic. According to the local Roads and Highways Department (RHD) officials, the prolonged downpour has stripped bituminous surfacing from roads at multiple locations, eroded road shoulders, damaged guide walls... Details

Bangladesh RMG exports to EU slump 19% in Jan-May

UNB — Thu, 16 Jul 2026 23:13:22 +0600

Bangladesh’s apparel exports to the European Union (EU) slumped by 18.89 percent year-on-year to €7.28 billion ($8.33 billion) in the first five months of 2026 (January-May), marking the steepest decline among the region's major global suppliers. Maps According to Eurostat data analysed by Mohiuddin Rubel, founder and CEO of Bangladesh Apparel Voice, the country is facing a... Details

Rath Yatra celebrated in Bangladesh

UNB — Thu, 16 Jul 2026 21:06:31 +0600

Members of the Hindu community celebrated Rath Yatra across the country on Thursday amid religious fervour and enthusiasm, commemorating the annual journey of Lord Jagannath, along with his siblings Balabhadra and Subhadra, from the Jagannath Temple to the Gundicha Temple. The main journey of Lord Jagannath, Balabhadra and Subhadra in three big chariots was brought out by the International... Details

Economic growth may slow to 3.5% in FY27: IMF staff team

UNB — Thu, 16 Jul 2026 20:04:37 +0600

The International Monetary Fund (IMF) staff team concluded a five-day visit to Dhaka on Thursday, projecting Bangladesh's economic growth to moderate to 3.5 percent in FY2026-27 and weaken further below 3 percent over the medium term in the absence of decisive reforms. The visit, which took place from July 12 to 16, 2026, was led by Ivo Krznar following a request from the Bangladesh... Details

Fugitive ex-Major convicted in Ziaur Rahman assassination case arrested

UNB — Thu, 16 Jul 2026 17:41:45 +0600

Detectives have arrested retired Major Md Mozzaffar Hossain, a fugitive convict in former President Ziaur Rahman assassination case, after nearly 45 years on the run. Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) Additional Commissioner and Chief of the Detective Branch (DB) Md Shafiqul Islam confirmed the arrest on Thursday afternoon. However, he did not disclose further details about the arrest.... Details

No one to be left behind in building new Bangladesh: PM

UNB — Thu, 16 Jul 2026 17:34:47 +0600

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman on Thursday pledged to build a prosperous and discrimination-free Bangladesh, saying his government wants to ensure equal rights and opportunities for all communities, including ethnic minorities. He made the remarks during a meeting with representatives from ethnic minority communities at the Cabinet Division conference room in the Bangladesh Secretariat, said... Details

Heavy rainfall likely across country

UNB — Thu, 16 Jul 2026 16:31:50 +0600

Bangladesh Meteorological Department (BMD) has predicted rains and thundershowers across the country in 24 hours commencing 9 am on Thursday. “Light to moderate rain/thunder showers accompanied by temporary gusty wind is likely to occur at many places over Rangpur, Mymensingh, Khulna, Barishal, Chattogram & Sylhet divisions and at a few places over Rajshahi & Dhaka divisions with... Details

July Shaheed Dibosh today

BSS — Thu, 16 Jul 2026 15:27:24 +0600

July Shaheed Dibosh (July Martyrs' Day) is being observed in the country today. The day commemorates Abu Sayed, the first martyr of the 2024 student-led quota reform movement, and all others who lost their lives during the July Uprising. Marking the day, the national flag remains at half-mast on all government, semi-government, and autonomous buildings, as well as educational institutions and... Details

Maritime ports asked to hoist signal No-3

BSS — Thu, 16 Jul 2026 14:48:55 +0600

Maritime ports of Chattogram, Cox's Bazar, Mongla and Payra have been advised to hoist local cautionary signal number 3 as a low-pressure area has formed over the Northwest Bay. The low-pressure area over Northwest Bay and adjoining North Odisha-West Bengal coast persists over the same area and it is likely to intensify. Under its influence, squally weather may affect the maritime ports,... Details

Biman seeks proposals for dry lease of 3 Dreamliners

UNB — Thu, 16 Jul 2026 13:38:03 +0600

In a move to expand and modernise its fleet, Biman Bangladesh Airlines has invited international proposals to dry lease three Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner aircraft for six years, aiming to induct the wide-body jets by January 1, 2027. A dry lease in aviation is an arrangement where an aircraft owner provides only the bare aircraft without crew, maintenance, or insurance. The leasing party (lessee)... Details

Govt moves to raise strategic fuel storage capacity to 90 days

BSS — Thu, 16 Jul 2026 12:02:42 +0600

The government has undertaken a comprehensive initiative to raise the country's strategic fuel storage capacity to 90 days for further strengthening energy security and safeguarding the economy against global geopolitical and market uncertainties. "The government has undertaken the move to ensure uninterrupted industrial production and sustain economic growth even during disruptions in the... Details

France's parliament passes assisted dying law

Click Ittefaq Desk — Thu, 16 Jul 2026 10:57:42 +0600

France's parliament on Wednesday approved a bill to allow assisted dying for terminally ill adults. The law would allow an adult who is terminally ill to request a lethal substance that could be either self-administered or administered by a doctor, according to a Deutsche Welle report. It applies to French citizens or legal residents who have an illness that is life-threatening and in an... Details

US launches fresh strikes on Iran

Click Ittefaq Desk — Thu, 16 Jul 2026 09:26:21 +0600

The US said it had launched a fresh wave of strikes against Iran on Wednesday as President Donald Trump warned Tehran it "better behave". The US military said "Iranian military capabilities used to threaten vessels" moving through the Strait of Hormuz had been targeted, and that it had also fired on a ship attempting to violate its renewed blockade of Iran's ports, BBC reports. It came after... Details

Messi magic sends Argentina into World Cup final

BSS — Thu, 16 Jul 2026 09:19:16 +0600

Lionel Messi engineered a spectacular comeback for Argentina against England in their World Cup semi-final on Wednesday to keep his team on track for back-to-back titles. England were agonisingly close to reaching their first World Cup final for 60 years before succumbing to relentless pressure from Lionel Scaloni's team, who roared back to win 2-1 in Atlanta. It sets up a mouthwatering... Details

Ban on tourists visit to Sajek Valley lifted

BSS — Wed, 15 Jul 2026 22:52:28 +0600

The Rangamati district administration today officially reopened Sajek Valley and all other tourist destinations in the district nine-day after closure due to continuous heavy rainfall, which had caused landslides, increased accident risks in hilly areas, and disrupted transportation. The decision was announced in a public notice signed urging travellers to exercise caution during the ongoing... Details

Universal Card to unify all welfare schemes: PM

UNB — Wed, 15 Jul 2026 20:40:28 +0600

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman on Wednesday announced plans to introduce a Universal Card to bring all government welfare programmes under a single platform, while outlining an ambitious roadmap to create 9 crore jobs and transform Bangladesh into a trillion-dollar economy by 2034. Delivering his winding-up speech at the concluding sitting of the second and budget session of the 13th... Details

Iran threatens to halt regional energy exports

UNB — Wed, 15 Jul 2026 17:56:35 +0600

Iran on Wednesday threatened to stop all oil and gas exports from the Middle East after the United States reinstated its naval blockade and intensified airstrikes against the country, further escalating tensions that have pushed the region closer to a wider conflict. The latest exchange of attacks follows the collapse of an interim agreement aimed at ending hostilities between Washington and... Details

Five more measles deaths logged

UNB — Wed, 15 Jul 2026 16:59:18 +0600

Five children died with symptoms consistent with measles in the 24 hours until 8:00am on Wednesday, bringing Bangladesh’s combined tally of confirmed and suspected measles-related deaths to 772. The Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS) has classified the latest deaths as suspected measles fatalities. With the latest update, the number of suspected measles deaths has risen to... Details

External borrowing rules for foreign-owned industries eased

UNB — Wed, 15 Jul 2026 16:10:34 +0600

Bangladesh Bank has granted general permission for fully foreign-owned industrial enterprises, operating both within and outside specialised economic zones, to borrow directly from their parent companies, associates, or shareholders abroad, in a move aimed at easing access to finance for foreign investors. The central bank's Foreign Exchange Investment Department (FEID) issued the directive... Details

Low-pressure over Bay; ports hoist signal No-3

BSS — Wed, 15 Jul 2026 14:27:06 +0600

Bangladesh Meteorological Department (BMD) has advised the maritime ports of Chattogram, Cox's Bazar, Mongla and Payra to hoist local cautionary signal No. 3 (R) as a low-pressure area has formed over the northwest Bay of Bengal. A warning message issued today by the BMD said the low-pressure area formed over the northwest Bay and adjoining North Odisha-West Bengal coast. Under its influence,... Details

PM for collective efforts to make country greener

BSS — Wed, 15 Jul 2026 12:36:48 +0600

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman today said everyone must work together to make Bangladesh greener and urged children to plant at least one tree each every year. "We all should make an effort to make our country greener," he said. The Prime Minister made the call while inaugurating a nationwide tree plantation programme at government primary schools at the Bangladesh-China Friendship... Details

BB tightens boiler import rules

UNB — Wed, 15 Jul 2026 11:36:21 +0600

The Bangladesh Bank (BB) has made prior approval from the Chief Inspector of Boilers mandatory for the import of boilers and boiler components, in line with a directive from the Ministry of Industries. The central bank's Foreign Exchange Policy Department issued a notification on Tuesday, instructing authorised dealer (AD) branches of all banks engaged in foreign exchange transactions to... Details

Midnight social media curfew proposed for older UK teens

Click Ittefaq Desk — Wed, 15 Jul 2026 11:28:49 +0600

Older teenagers in the UK will face an overnight social media curfew, the government has announced - though they will be able to opt out of it by changing their account settings. It would mean apps such as Instagram, TikTok and YouTube being set to be unavailable by default to 16 and 17-year-olds between midnight and 06:00, BBC reports. The government also wants "addictive" features such as... Details

China economic growth falls sharply, missing target

Click Ittefaq Desk — Wed, 15 Jul 2026 10:02:01 +0600

China's economic growth slowed sharply between the start of April and end of June as weak domestic demand and the Iran war's impact on oil prices overshadowed the country's strong exports. Official gross domestic product (GDP) figures showed the world's second largest economy grew in the second quarter by 4.3%, below Beijing's annual target, and after a 5% rise in the first quarter, BBC... Details

Tax Money to Trash

Editorial — Wed, 15 Jul 2026 09:44:32 +0600

What could be more disheartening than the fact that imported medical equipment worth hundreds of millions of taka is ultimately being sold to scrap dealers by the kilogram? The report published yesterday in Ittefaq has laid bare, in the starkest possible manner, the skeletal condition of our country's ailing healthcare sector. This is not merely a case of shortsightedness; rather, it is a... Details

Spain advance to World Cup final

BSS — Wed, 15 Jul 2026 09:38:56 +0600

France arrived in the World Cup semi-finals hailed as the most scintillating attacking force to grace the tournament since Brazil's fabled 1982 side. But like Zico, Eder, Falcao and Socrates before them, Kylian Mbappe and company found out the hard way that dazzling football is no guarantee of survival. A hitherto sparkling French campaign full of offensive pyrotechnics fizzled out like a dud... Details

Dhaka 6th among world's most polluted cities

UNB — Wed, 15 Jul 2026 09:37:05 +0600

Dhaka ranked 6th among the world's most polluted cities on Wednesday morning, recording an Air Quality Index (AQI) score of 137 at 9:05 am. According to the AQI scale, the city's air quality was classified as 'Unhealthy for Sensitive Group', poses minor health risks to vulnerable people. Kinshasa in DR Congo topped the global pollution list with an AQI score of 178, followed by Medan in... Details

Trump reverses Strait of Hormuz fee plan

UNB — Tue, 14 Jul 2026 22:56:55 +0600

U.S. President Donald Trump on Tuesday abandoned plans to impose fees on ships using the Strait of Hormuz, saying Gulf nations would instead boost investment in the United States, as renewed U.S. strikes on Iran and Iranian attacks on shipping and American allies further undermined an interim peace agreement. The temporary deal had been expected to reopen the strategic waterway, a vital route... Details

1,000 evacuated as wildfire spreads near Paris

UNB — Tue, 14 Jul 2026 20:24:35 +0600

Hundreds of firefighters continued battling two wildfires in the Fontainebleau forest south of Paris on Tuesday after the blazes burned nearly 2,000 hectares (about 4,900 acres) and forced around 1,000 people to evacuate, local authorities said. Although larger wildfires have been affecting southern France, the Fontainebleau blaze is unusual because of its proximity to the densely populated... Details

Kaptai Hydropower generation rises to 222 MW

BSS — Tue, 14 Jul 2026 18:45:12 +0600

Electricity generation at the Karnafuli Hydroelectric Power Station in Kaptai has increased to 222 megawatts (MW) as the water level in Kaptai Lake has risen following recent continuous rainfall and runoff from upstream hills. Confirming this development to BSS here this morning, Engineer Mahmud Hasan, Manager of the Karnafuli Hydroelectric Power Station, said that as of 9am today, all five... Details

SSC in January, HSC in June from next academic year

BSS — Tue, 14 Jul 2026 17:05:22 +0600

The government has undertaken an initiative to reschedule the country’s public examinations to make the academic calendar more time befitting and better aligned with international standards. Under the plan, the Secondary School Certificate (SSC) and equivalent examinations will be held in January, while the Higher Secondary Certificate (HSC) and equivalent examinations will take place in... Details

BAJUS slashes gold price again within 24hrs

UNB — Tue, 14 Jul 2026 16:39:01 +0600

The Bangladesh Jewellers Association (BAJUS) on Tuesday cut the price of gold for the second time in 24 hours, slashing the rate of 22-karat gold by Tk 2,158 per bhori to set the new price at Tk 219,808, inclusive of VAT. In a notice issued in the morning, BAJUS said the fresh price cut reflects a decline in the price of pure gold in the local market. The revised rates came into effect from 10... Details

Dengue risk rises in Dhaka

UNB — Tue, 14 Jul 2026 14:52:33 +0600

Days of heavy rainfall and widespread waterlogging in the capital have heightened the risk of dengue, with stagnant water accumulating on roads, at construction sites and in residential areas, creating ideal breeding grounds for Aedes mosquitoes. The impact is becoming increasingly visible at the Bangladesh Shishu Hospital and Institute, where the dengue unit has seen a growing number of child... Details

PM assures full govt support for young entrepreneurs

UNB — Tue, 14 Jul 2026 14:15:02 +0600

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman on Tuesday assured young entrepreneurs of the government's full backing, saying it will do its best to help them build successful businesses as they are vital to Bangladesh's future and economic transformation. "We are with you—to help you, guide you and stand beside you. I do not know how much we will be able to do, but we will do our utmost to support... Details

Japan tightens social media rules for elections

BSS — Tue, 14 Jul 2026 12:50:39 +0600

AI-generated images and videos will have to be marked as such under new rules on the use of social media during elections in Japan, the internal affairs minister said Tuesday. The new rules, approved by parliament on Monday and which will take effect in March, also forbid internet users and platforms from spreading fake or distorted information about candidates. "We believe that this is... Details

France, Spain set for blockbuster World Cup semifinal

UNB — Tue, 14 Jul 2026 11:37:12 +0600

France and Spain will put their unbeaten records on the line when they face each other in the first semifinal of the FIFA World Cup on Tuesday, with only one team earning a place in Sunday's final. Both sides are playing in their 17th World Cup and neither has trailed in any match during this year's tournament. France, led by Kylian Mbappé, and Spain, inspired by teenage star Lamine... Details

Rainfall likely to surge again

Click Ittefaq Desk — Tue, 14 Jul 2026 09:53:14 +0600

The final days of the Bengali month of Ashar are drawing to a close. Shraban begins in just one day. The monsoon winds have now become active across the country, bringing widespread heavy to very heavy rainfall. Although Dhaka did not experience particularly heavy rain yesterday, rainy conditions continue to prevail, and many streets and alleys remain waterlogged. From 6:00 a.m. on Sunday to... Details

Floods We Created

Editorial — Tue, 14 Jul 2026 09:41:39 +0600

The heavy rainfall this season has left vast areas of the country's major cities—including the capital, Dhaka, and Chattogram—underwater in an unprecedented manner. Waterlogging has become an all-too-familiar reality for urban residents during every monsoon, but this year's situation has surpassed even that recurring hardship. In many places, people remained stranded for hours in... Details

Houthis launch missiles, drones at Saudi airport

UNB — Tue, 14 Jul 2026 09:31:58 +0600

Yemen's Iran-backed Houthi rebels said they launched missiles and drones targeting Saudi Arabia's Abha International Airport on Monday, hours after blaming Saudi airstrikes for hitting Sanaa International Airport in a sharp escalation of tensions. No casualties were immediately reported from either attack. Houthi military spokesperson Brig. Gen. Yahya Saree said the group carried out the... Details

Trump says deal with Iran still 'possible'

BSS — Tue, 14 Jul 2026 09:30:18 +0600

US President Donald Trump said Monday that a deal with Tehran to end the Middle East war was still possible, despite launching fresh strikes on Iran and reimposing a blockade of Iranian ports. "Yeah, I think a deal is possible. Sure, I do," Trump told reporters in the Oval Office. "We had a deal with them two days ago and then they said 'Oh we can't make that deal. We have to negotiate it... Details

UK begins trials of Ebola vaccine developed in just 8 weeks

Click Ittefaq Desk — Mon, 13 Jul 2026 23:30:29 +0600

A new vaccine to tackle Ebola will now be tested on people after the UK regulator gave permission for trials to take place. Scientists at the University of Oxford started developing the vaccine eight weeks ago when a public health emergency was declared on 17 May, BBC reports. It is the first - out of four vaccines under development - to enter clinical trials. Volunteers are being recruited,... Details

Heavy rains and flash floods in Bangladesh leave 51 dead

Click Ittefaq Desk — Mon, 13 Jul 2026 21:48:53 +0600

At least 51 people have died and more than a million affected by heavy rainfall in Bangladesh in recent days. Thousands have lost their homes as flash floods and landslides hit large parts of the country, including the capital Dhaka, BBC reports. More than half the deaths so far have occurred in Cox's Bazar, home to a large Rohingya refugee population. Last week several students and a teacher... Details

Dedicated control room launched for flood-time power coordination

UNB — Mon, 13 Jul 2026 20:12:33 +0600

The Power Division has opened a dedicated control room to ensure uninterrupted electricity supply and strengthen coordination among power utilities during the ongoing flood situation in parts of the country. NaturalDisasters According to an office order issued by the Power Division, the control room has been set up on the 14th floor of Bidyut Bhaban in Dhaka and will remain operational... Details

EU countries weigh trade ban on Israeli settlements

BSS — Mon, 13 Jul 2026 17:27:14 +0600

EU foreign ministers on Monday discussed imposing an import ban on products from Israeli settlements, after pressure from a raft of member states. "Everybody agrees that the situation in the West Bank is really intolerable," EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas said at the start of a meeting in Brussels. "What is happening in the West Bank is actually making it more and more impossible that... Details

'Govt on highest alert to ensure healthcare in 11 flood-hit districts'

UNB — Mon, 13 Jul 2026 16:51:07 +0600

The government has taken the highest level of preparedness to ensure uninterrupted healthcare services in 11 flood-hit districts in eastern Bangladesh, Health and Family Welfare Minister Sardar Md. Sakhawat Husain said on Monday. "No patient should be deprived of treatment. Adequate stocks of medicines, saline, antivenom and healthcare personnel have been kept ready while additional medical... Details

BMD warns of waterlogging in Dhaka metropolitan areas

UNB — Mon, 13 Jul 2026 14:41:27 +0600

The Bangladesh Meteorological Department (BMD) has warned that temporary waterlogging may occur in parts of Dhaka metropolitan areas due to heavy to very heavy rainfall in the next 24 hours. In a rainfall warning bulletin issued on Monday, the BMD said heavy rainfall (44–88mm in 24 hours) to very heavy rainfall (more than 88mm in 24 hours) is likely at places over Rangpur, Rajshahi,... Details

Oil prices jump above 3.5% on renewed US-Iran fighting

BSS — Mon, 13 Jul 2026 13:12:05 +0600

Oil prices opened sharply higher on Monday after the United States launched a wave of attacks on Iran and as Tehran announced it would close the Strait of Hormuz. A barrel of international benchmark Brent crude for September delivery rose 3.75% to $78.86 at around 2210 GMT on Sunday. US benchmark West Texas Intermediate rose 3.65 percent to $74.02 per barrel for August delivery. Details

Heavy downpour likely over 6 divisions

BSS — Mon, 13 Jul 2026 12:05:57 +0600

Bangladesh Meteorological Department (BMD) forecasted that heavy rainfall may occur at places over Rangpur, Rajshahi, Mymensingh, Dhaka, Chattogram and Sylhet divisions today. "Under the influence of active monsoon, heavy (44-88 mm/24hours) to very heavy (>88 mm/ 24hours) rainfall is likely to occur at places over Rangpur, Rajshahi, Mymensingh, Dhaka, Chattogram and Sylhet divisions during... Details

PM opens tree plantation campaign in Gournadi

BSS — Mon, 13 Jul 2026 11:35:22 +0600

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman today inaugurated a tree plantation campaign by planting coconut and neem saplings along the bank of the newly re-excavated Sarikal–Batajor Canal in Batajor Union of Gournadi upazila in the district. A munajat (prayer) was offered following the inauguration of the tree plantation campaign. Earlier, the Prime Minister arrived at the canal bank at... Details

Fresh US strikes raise stakes in Hormuz crisis

UNB — Mon, 13 Jul 2026 10:35:48 +0600

The United States launched several waves of strikes on Iran into Monday morning over an Iranian attack on a container ship in the Strait of Hormuz that set it ablaze and left a crew member missing over the weekend. Iran retaliated by targeting countries across the Middle East. Missile alert sirens sounded at dawn Monday in Bahrain, home to the U.S. Navy's 5th Fleet. There was no immediate word... Details

27 killed in Bangkok bar fire

UNB — Mon, 13 Jul 2026 10:04:23 +0600

A huge fire engulfed a pub in Bangkok early Monday morning, killing at least 27 people and injuring dozens before firefighters brought the blaze under control, officials said. Footage shared online by first responders shows a huge blaze raging and plumes coming out of the front door of the Na Ladprao pub in the northern part of the Thai capital. People are seen trying to flee as thick black... Details

PM leaves Dhaka for Barishal on daylong tour

BSS — Mon, 13 Jul 2026 10:01:57 +0600

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman left Dhaka for Barishal this morning on a daylong visit to join several programmes, including a tree plantation campaign there. Shortly after 6:00 am, the prime minister departed from his Gulshan residence by road aboard the red-and-green bus bearing the slogan 'Bangladesh First.' Prime Minister's Additional Press Secretary Atikur Rahman Ruman said, "Prime... Details

The new rules behind World Cup decisions

UNB — Mon, 13 Jul 2026 09:59:10 +0600

It was another game-changing moment at the World Cup that had more to do with television replays in a room far away than a moment of brilliance on the field. The sending off of Switzerland's Breel Embolo in Saturday's quarterfinal game against Argentina was the latest call that may have left fans scratching their heads, not least because of the confusing name of the newly implemented law that... Details

Iran says Hormuz is shut: What happens next?

Click Ittefaq Desk — Sun, 12 Jul 2026 22:27:43 +0600

The Middle East entered a new and uncertain phase on Sunday after Iran declared the Strait of Hormuz closed once again following fresh US air strikes. While Tehran has announced the closure before, this time the declaration comes after attacks on commercial shipping, the largest US military response since the ceasefire collapsed and missile and drone strikes across several Gulf countries,... Details

Bangladesh's gross forex reserves rise to $36.58bn

BSS — Sun, 12 Jul 2026 22:19:26 +0600

Bangladesh's foreign exchange reserves stood at US$36.58 billion (gross), according to the latest data released by Bangladesh Bank (BB) on Sunday. The country's gross foreign exchange reserves reached US$36.58 billion, while reserves calculated under the IMF's BPM6 methodology stood at US$31.94 billion. Details

Flood, landslides death toll climbs to 51

UNB — Sun, 12 Jul 2026 18:43:00 +0600

At least 51 people were killed and 39 others injured in floods, hill runoff and landslides that have affected seven districts, according to the Disaster Management and Relief Ministry. The flood-affected districts are Khagrachhari, Rangamati, Bandarban, Cox's Bazar, Chattogram, Moulvibazar and Habiganj. Among the fatalities, Cox's Bazar recorded the highest number with 28 deaths, followed by... Details

Tk 4.60cr, 8,950 tonnes of rice allocated for flood, disaster relief

BSS — Sun, 12 Jul 2026 17:20:07 +0600

Ministry of Disaster Management and Relief has allocated Tk 4.60 crore in cash and 8,950 metric tonnes of rice for humanitarian assistance across all 64 districts since July 7 to support people affected by floods and other natural disasters. According to the ministry, the first phase of assistance included Tk 60 lakh and 1,200 metric tonnes of rice for the districts of Chattogram, Cox's Bazar,... Details

79,246 students awarded Primary Scholarship

UNB — Sun, 12 Jul 2026 15:56:09 +0600

A total of 79,246 students have been awarded scholarships in the Primary Scholarship Examination, with 32,965 securing Talentpool scholarships and 46,281 receiving General scholarships. Some 35,892 scholarship recipients are boys, accounting for 45.29 percent, while 43,354 are girls, representing 54.71 percent, said Education Minister Ehsanul Hoque Milon on Sunday at a press briefing at the... Details

PM holds meeting on waste-to-energy projects for Dhaka City

BSS — Sun, 12 Jul 2026 14:32:27 +0600

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman today held a meeting on two waste-to-energy projects to be implemented at Aminbazar under Dhaka North City Corporation (DNCC) and at Matuail under Dhaka South City Corporation (DSCC). The meeting was held at the conference room of the Cabinet Division in the Bangladesh Secretariat here this morning, said PM's Deputy Press Secretary Shahadat Hossain Shadhin. He... Details

Downpour triggers waterlogging across Dhaka

UNB — Sun, 12 Jul 2026 13:34:20 +0600

Continuous rainfall since early Sunday has triggered waterlogging in many parts of the capital, causing inconvenience for commuters. Rain started pouring down shortly after midnight and continued until Sunday morning. The Bangladesh Meteorological Department (BMD) recorded 82 mm of rainfall in Dhaka between 6:00am and 12:00pm, said meteorologist Hafizur Rahman. Due to the downpour, roads in... Details

Trump administration subpoenas NYT journos over coverage

Click Ittefaq Desk — Sun, 12 Jul 2026 12:12:02 +0600

Several New York Times (NYT) journalists were summoned to testify under oath after they reported alleged security concerns involving President Donald Trump's new Air Force One plane, the US newspaper said. Federal agents delivered subpoenas to some reporters' homes demanding they appear before a federal grand jury investigating a potential crime, the Times said, reports the BBC. The paper had... Details

Argentina advance to World Cup semifinals

UNB — Sun, 12 Jul 2026 10:52:54 +0600

Julian Alvarez scored a stunning long-range goal in the 112th minute as defending champions Argentina defeated Switzerland 3-1 after extra time to book a place in the World Cup semifinals on Saturday. Lautaro Martinez added another goal in the closing seconds of extra time, giving Argentina a more comfortable-looking victory than the closely contested match suggested. Argentina will now face... Details

The Human Crisis

Editorial — Sun, 12 Jul 2026 10:08:58 +0600

The Almighty Creator has endowed every living being in this earthly world with an innate instinct: the instinct for self-preservation and the protection of its own kind. A tiny bird fearlessly dives at a predatory hawk to defend its chicks. A mother hen, disregarding her own safety, shields her young even in the face of a fox or a kite. This unwritten law of nature has remained unchanged for... Details

Argentina, Switzerland level 1-1 after 90 minutes in WC quarterfinal

UNB — Sun, 12 Jul 2026 09:50:53 +0600

Argentina and Switzerland remained deadlocked at 1-1 after 90 minutes in their FIFA World Cup quarterfinal on Saturday, sending the match into extra time as the Swiss were reduced to 10 men following the late dismissal of Breel Embolo. Defending champions Argentina took the lead in the 10th minute when Alexis Mac Allister headed home from a Lionel Messi corner. Switzerland drew level in the... Details

US launches third round of strikes on Iran

UNB — Sun, 12 Jul 2026 09:49:01 +0600

he US military has launched a third round of strikes on Iran after accusing the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) of carrying out an attack on a Cyprus-flagged container ship in the Strait of Hormuz, US Central Command (CENTCOM) said. According to CENTCOM, the vessel caught fire and suffered engine damage during the alleged attack, leaving it unable to continue its voyage. It also said... Details

Barrister Jamir Uddin Sircar passes away

UNB — Sun, 12 Jul 2026 09:47:27 +0600

Former acting President and Speaker of Parliament Barrister Jamir Uddin Sircar passed away early Sunday while undergoing treatment at a hospital in the capital. He was 95. He breathed his last at 4:18am at Bangladesh Specialized Hospital in Shyamoli, Supreme Court Bar Association President Barrister AM Mahbub Uddin Khokon said. "Sir has left us. Arrangements are being made for his janazas and... Details

China's second typhoon in a week makes landfall

Click Ittefaq Desk — Sun, 12 Jul 2026 00:23:26 +0600

A powerful typhoon has made landfall in China, the second to hit the country in a week, with nearly two million people evacuated from areas in the path of the storm. Typhoon Bavi, which spans 1,000km (620 miles) at its widest point - roughly the width of France - first came ashore in the coastal city of Taizhou on Saturday evening before making a second landfall in Wenzhou around midnight... Details

FIFA offers World Cup final pitch pieces for sale at $450 each

UNB — Sat, 11 Jul 2026 22:37:19 +0600

FIFA has begun selling pieces of the pitch that will be used in the 2026 FIFA World Cup final at MetLife Stadium, offering fans a chance to own a souvenir from the tournament for $450 per piece. GeographicReference The collectible, available through FIFA's official online store, contains an authentic fragment of the grass from the July 19 final, preserved in premium acrylic and... Details

Three more measles deaths logged

UNB — Sat, 11 Jul 2026 18:53:40 +0600

Three children died with symptoms consistent with measles in the 24 hours until 8:00am on Saturday, bringing Bangladesh’s combined tally of confirmed and suspected measles-related deaths to 753. Demographics The Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS) has classified the latest deaths as suspected measles fatalities. With the latest update, the number of suspected measles... Details

Venezuela earthquake death toll rises above 3,500

UNB — Sat, 11 Jul 2026 15:39:57 +0600

The death toll from last week's twin earthquakes in Venezuela has climbed to more than 3,500, while nearly 18,000 people remain homeless, raising fears of a worsening public health crisis. Lawmaker Jorge Rodriguez said on Monday that the official death toll had reached 3,535. The earthquakes also injured 16,740 people and left 17,854 without homes. At least 12,800 displaced people are now... Details

Over 20 countries to join Bangladesh Travel Mart-2026

BSS — Sat, 11 Jul 2026 14:51:51 +0600

More than 20 countries will participate in the first-ever Bangladesh Travel Mart (BTM) 2026 in September, aiming to promote Bangladesh as an emerging tourism and travel trade hub in South Asia. The three-day international travel marketplace, organised by the Bangladesh Outbound Tour Operators Association (BOTOA), will be held at Hotel InterContinental Dhaka from September 3 to 5. Over 130... Details

Bandarban tourist spots closed until July 15

UNB — Sat, 11 Jul 2026 13:38:16 +0600

The district administration has announced the closure of all tourist spots in Bandarban until July 15 amid heavy rainfall, weather-related risks and concerns over public safety. The decision was announced on Friday night in a public notice signed by Deputy Commissioner Md Saniul Ferdous. According to the notice, the closure covers all tourist spots, waterfalls, hill trails, river routes,... Details

PM opens DMC Day-2026

UNB — Sat, 11 Jul 2026 13:05:20 +0600

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman on Saturday inaugurated DMC Day-2026, marking the 80th founding anniversary of Dhaka Medical College (DMC). The Prime Minister formally opened the celebration at 10:00am by releasing balloons and pigeons on the college campus. He was accompanied by his wife Dr Zubaida Rahman, a former student of Dhaka Medical College. As part of the programme, Prime Minister... Details

Heavy rains inundate parts of Khulna

UNB — Sat, 11 Jul 2026 11:05:57 +0600

Large parts of Khulna city remained submerged after 184 millimetres of rainfall over the past 51 hours, causing severe waterlogging and widespread disruption to daily life, while residents questioned the effectiveness of a Tk 823-crore drainage improvement project. According to the Khulna Meteorological Office, the city received 184 millimetres of rainfall over the past 51 hours. The... Details

Remember or Repeat

Editorial — Sat, 11 Jul 2026 09:40:46 +0600

Memory is one of the Creator's most remarkable gifts to humanity. It is memory that connects people with their experiences. By weaving together joy and sorrow, triumph and defeat, mistakes and wisdom, it gives meaning to life. As people grow older, they do not merely age; if their memory remains intact, they also become wiser through the light of experience. This is why, in the later stages of... Details

Apple sues OpenAI over theft of trade secrets

Click Ittefaq Desk — Sat, 11 Jul 2026 09:37:44 +0600

Apple has accused OpenAI of gaining access to valuable inside information through the hiring of its former employees. In a federal lawsuit filed on Friday, Apple sued the artificial intelligence (AI) company, two of its employees, as well as io Products, claiming it has engaged in "a pattern of theft" of Apple's confidential product development and related work, BBC reports. At least two... Details

Bangladesh included in new Saudi visa program

Click Ittefaq Desk — Sat, 11 Jul 2026 09:08:59 +0600

Saudi Arabia has identified the first seven countries whose citizens can benefit from its newly launched Visa Package programme, allowing eligible travellers to obtain an electronic tourist visa as part of a bundled travel booking. The initial phase covers visitors from Bangladesh, Egypt, Jordan, India, Pakistan, Indonesia and Mexico, with the Ministry of Tourism saying more nationalities will... Details

Govt asks media to comply with court order on Hasina

UNB — Sat, 11 Jul 2026 08:54:04 +0600

The Ministry of Information and Broadcasting has urged all media outlets and social media platforms to strictly follow the court directives regarding broadcast and publication of statements or speeches by the ousted, now fugitive, former prime minister Sheikh Hasina. The ministry issued a statement on Friday drawing the attention of all print, electronic, and online news media, as well as... Details

US seeks public Iranian commitment on Strait of Hormuz security

UNB — Sat, 11 Jul 2026 08:52:48 +0600

The United States is urging Iran to publicly declare that the Strait of Hormuz is open to international shipping and that it will no longer target vessels passing through the strategic waterway. According to senior U.S. officials, internal political divisions within Iran have complicated efforts to maintain a ceasefire and advance negotiations. U.S. officials said recent attacks on ships were... Details

Pressure builds on Europe's biggest port to be greener

Click Ittefaq Desk — Sat, 11 Jul 2026 00:12:09 +0600

Standing on a grassy verge in the Hook of Holland, I'm overlooking the Port of Rotterdam. At the delta of the Rhine and Meuse in the Netherlands, on land largely reclaimed from the North Sea, it's the biggest port for freight in Europe, reports the BBC. By some measures, Rotterdam alone handles almost as much cargo as all UK ports combined. The horizon is dominated by cranes, bulk carriers... Details

Israel to join in future US strikes on Iran

UNB — Fri, 10 Jul 2026 22:28:22 +0600

Israel is ready to participate in potential future US military actions against Iran if requested by Washington, but is currently awaiting approval from US President Donald Trump, media says on Friday. The report, without citing any sources, noted that Israeli officials expect the military exchanges between the United States and Iran to persist over the coming days. In a separate report... Details

30,000 marooned in Habiganj

UNB — Fri, 10 Jul 2026 19:39:11 +0600

Around 30,000 people across four unions in three upazilas of Habiganj district have been marooned by floodwater after incessant rain and hill runoff from the upstream caused the Khowai River embankment to breach. Sources at the local Bangladesh Water Development Board (BWDB) said the river protection embankment collapsed in the Kaliganj area of Laskarpur union in Sadar upazila on Thursday... Details

PM orders prompt measures to support flood victims

UNB — Fri, 10 Jul 2026 19:32:51 +0600

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman has directed the authorities to intensify relief and rescue efforts for people affected by floods and heavy rainfall across the country, while also asking BNP leaders and activists to stand beside the victims and assist them in every possible way. Prime Minister's Press Secretary Saleh Shibly disclosed the directives on Friday. He said the flood situation has... Details

11 dead in Spain wildfires

UNB — Fri, 10 Jul 2026 15:12:32 +0600

A wildfire in southern Spain has killed at least 11 people, making it one of the country's deadliest on record, as soaring temperatures grip much of the country, authorities said early Friday. Several victims of the fire in Almeria were found inside burnt-out vehicles, local media reported. Eight others have been injured in the blaze, which 150 firefighters and 220 soldiers from Spain's... Details

BMD forecasts heavy to very heavy rain, warns of landslides

UNB — Fri, 10 Jul 2026 14:41:37 +0600

The Bangladesh Meteorological Department (BMD) on Friday forecast heavy to very heavy rainfall in parts of the country over the next 24 hours, warning that the downpour could trigger landslides in the hilly areas of Chattogram division and cause temporary waterlogging in Dhaka and Chattogram metropolitan areas. Bangladeshiculture blog In a heavy rainfall warning issued in the morning,... Details