AFP : The International Monetary Fund said it reached a new $7 billion loan deal with Pakistan in a bid to bolster its faltering economy. Islamabad agreed in exchange to conduct further unpopular reforms, including widening the South Asian nation’s chronically low tax base. Pakistan last year came to the brink of default as the economy shrivelled amid political chaos, catastrophic 2022 monsoon floods and decades of mismanagement — as well as the global economic downturn. The nation was saved...
Staff Reporter : Obaidul Quader, General Secretary of the Awami League (AL) and Minister of Road Transport and Bridges, asserted on Saturday that the demands and statements put forth by the quota protesters are in direct contradiction with the constitution and the foundational principles of the state. Addressing journalists at a press briefing held at the Awami League President’s office in Dhanmondi, Quader emphasized the indispensable nature of the quota system within the current context of Bangladesh. He alleged that...
Staff Reporter : At least four people died in separate incidents due to electrocution in rain water accumulated in the capital. These accidents occurred in Pallabi and Old Dhaka of the capital on Friday (July 12). The people who died in this incident have been identified as Md. Alauddin (27), Md. Russell (18), Md. Ayub Ali (45) and Abdul Noor of Bhashantek. Alauddin is the son of Bachchu Mia of Meghera village in Tarakanda police station of Mymensingh district. Russell...
DU Correspondent : Students across the country protesting for the reformation of the quota system in all government jobs are set to march en masse towards the President’s office on Sunday. The demonstrators aim to submit a memorandum calling for an emergency session in the National Parliament to resolve the quota ‘discrimination’ by passing legislation for a permanent solution. The protesting students have also demanded the withdrawal of a case filed by the police, alleging it to be false. They...
Staff Reporter : The recently concluded visit of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina to China has garnered extensive coverage in both...
Staff Reporter : Additional Commissioner of Dhaka Metropolitan Detective (DB) Police, Mohammad Harun-or-Rashid, has raised concerns over external influences attempting to divert the students’ quota movement from its original path. Addressing journalists at Minto Road in the city, Mohammad Harun-or-Rashid emphasized the need to uphold the rule of law amidst ongoing protests. “If individuals defy court orders, damage property under the guise of the movement, or obstruct public thoroughfares, law enforcement agencies will take necessary legal actions,” stated Harun-or-Rashid firmly....
Staff Reporter : Dr. Ahsan H. Mansur, Executive Director of the Policy Research Institute (PRI), has expressed concern over Bangladesh’s...
Staff Reporter : Mirza Abbas, Standing Committee Member of the main opposition party BNP, has accused the government of attempting to sidetrack the students’ anti-quota movement by associating it with BNP. Speaking to journalists at the grave of BNP founder late President Ziaur Rahman, Abbas urged the government to promptly address the students’ demands regarding quota reform. “It is unnecessary to mask the real issue of quota reform by falsely implicating BNP in this movement. This is a deceitful tactic...
Abu Jakir : In a significant escalation, the government is increasing pressure on students protesting for quota reform, urging them to leave the streets and return to their classrooms. According to insiders, the ruling Awami League is poised to take a strong political stance against the demonstrators, with stricter measures anticipated from Sunday, the first working day after the weekend. Law enforcement has reportedly been instructed to use force if the protests continue to block roads on Sunday, sources within...
Staff Reporter : Prolonged torrential rain since early Friday morning has left multiple areas of Dhaka waterlogged, creating chaos for...
Al Mamun Harun Ur Rashid : In a recently held bilateral meeting between the governments of Bangladesh and China, Beijing has demonstrated a clear focus on deepening its relationship with Dhaka for both internal and regional interests, experts said. The governments of Bangladesh and China unveiled plans to enhance their relationship, signaling China’s strategic intent to solidify its influence in South Asia and tap into Bangladesh’s significant market. Experts highlight that this partnership is crucial for China, aiming to strengthen...