Michigan State University issued an apology on Saturday following an incident in which an image of Adolf Hitler was inadvertently displayed on its stadium videoboard just before a football game. Social media photos revealed that the videoboard displayed a still image of Hitler as part of a trivia quiz, which inquired about the birthplace of the dictator. The university clarified that the image and quiz, which occurred just before MSU’s Saturday game against the University of Michigan, originated from a “third-party source.”
“We are deeply sorry for the content that was displayed, as this is not representative of our institutional values,” said Matt Larson, the associate athletic director for MSU. On Sunday evening, Alan Haller, the athletic director at MSU, disclosed that an unidentified employee has been suspended with pay while the university conducts an investigation into the incident. “Antisemitism must be denounced. The image displayed prior to Saturday night’s game is not representative of who we are and the culture we embody,” Haller added. “Nevertheless, we must own our failures and accept responsibility.”
A tragic accident occurred this afternoon in Kishoreganj’s Bhairab upazila, resulting in at least 10 fatalities and numerous injuries. The incident involved a collision between a container train and a passenger train.
The police station’s Officer-in-Charge, Abdul Alim Sikder, confirmed the recovery of ten bodies from the wreckage to The Daily Star at approximately 5:00 pm.
The local authorities have issued a directive for tourists to depart from St Martin’s Island by Monday afternoon due to adverse weather conditions arising from a depression in the Bay of Bengal. Adnan Chowdhury, the Upazila Nirbahi Officer of Teknaf, has conveyed that tourists on St Martin’s Island must vacate the area by 2:30 pm today to ensure their safety. All tourists are urged to return to Teknaf.
Simultaneously, the local administration has imposed a prohibition on the movement of all types of vessels along the Teknaf-St Martin’s, St Martin’s-Cox’s Bazar, and St Martin’s-Chattogram routes on Monday.
As per a bulletin from the Meteorological Office, the maritime ports of Chattogram, Cox’s Bazar, Mongla, and Payra have been advised to raise local cautionary signal No 3. This advisory comes as the deep depression over the Westcentral Bay and surrounding regions has slightly shifted North-Northeastwards, remaining within the same vicinity.
At noon on Monday, the depression was situated approximately 755 kilometers West-Southwest of Chattogram port, 710 kilometers West-Southwest of Cox’s Bazar port, 630 kilometers Southwest of Mongla port, and 630 kilometers Southwest of Payra port, according to a bulletin from the Meteorological Office. It is anticipated to move in a North-Northwestward direction and intensify further. The influence of this depression is causing deep convection over the North Bay.
The bulletin warns of squally weather affecting the maritime ports, North Bay, and the adjoining coastal areas of Bangladesh. Sea conditions will remain turbulent near the center of the deep depression. Consequently, all fishing boats and trawlers over the North Bay and deep sea have been advised to remain in proximity to the coast, ready to seek shelter with very little notice. They are also cautioned against venturing into the deep sea.
MK Shipping Lines is planning to commence a cruise from Dhaka’s Sadarghat to Howrah in Kolkata, starting on November 20. According to Commodore Arif Ahmed Mostafa, Chairman of the Bangladesh Inland Water Transport Authority (BIWTA), the operation is set to receive approval from the BIWTA.
The operator originally intended to set sail on October 10 but had to reschedule due to a lack of government authorization and security concerns. Masum Khan, the owner of MK Shipping Lines, has confirmed that they are now prepared to embark on the scheduled journey. The cruise will have a capacity to accommodate between 300 to 350 passengers, offering packages ranging from Tk 6,000 to Tk 50,000 for one-way tours.
This cruise will follow the “Protocol on Inland Water Transit and Trade between Bangladesh and India,” established in 1972 to enhance bilateral maritime trade. A similar cruise has been launched from India under the same protocol, inaugurated by Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on January 13 of this year.
The cruise is expected to take approximately two days to navigate through river and coastal routes to reach Howrah. Once in Howrah, the vessel will remain for three days, allowing tourists to explore a diverse range of landscapes, villages, rural lifestyles, historical sites, and ancient mosques and temples.
A deep depression in the western-central Bay of Bengal is currently moving at a rate of 13 kilometers per hour in a north-northeast direction, and experts are suggesting that it has the potential to intensify into a cyclone. The weather department has issued a warning indicating that the depression may continue on its north-northeast trajectory and develop into a cyclone.
As of now, the depression is positioned at a distance of 840 kilometers from Chittagong seaport, 800 kilometers from Cox’s Bazar seaport, and 710 kilometers from Mongla and Payra seaports. The maximum wind speed within a 48-kilometer radius from the center of the depression is 50 kilometers per hour, and this speed could escalate to 60 kilometers per hour if it transforms into a storm.
The weather department has advised distant fishing trawlers and trailers to exercise caution due to the presence of strong winds near the center of the depression. Weather forecaster M. Monwar Hossain has noted that the final confirmation will be available after noon. Some coastal areas have already experienced light rainfall until 9 am today.
An unscheduled stop at Disneyland Paris became an unexpected detour for a chartered train transporting European Parliament members and their teams to Strasbourg. The train journey, originating in Brussels and bound for Strasbourg, took an unusual turn due to a signaling mishap on Monday. As a result, hundreds of European Parliament members and their staff were briefly treated to a surprise glimpse of the amusement park’s roller coasters, as reported by The BBC.
Authorities onboard the train were notified that the deviation resulted from a “routing mishap,” and they swiftly shared their humorous perspective on the situation via social media. Regrettably, the impromptu visit to Disneyland Paris did not afford the MEPs the opportunity to disembark and enjoy some of the park’s attractions. The French railway company SNCF informed AFP that the train encountered a 45-minute delay due to a signal misalignment, causing it to miss a connecting track as it neared the greater Paris area. Eventually, it was rerouted onto the correct high-speed track leading to Strasbourg.
Approximately a quarter of Bangladesh’s total arable land is found in the saline-rich soils of the southern region. The persistent issue of high salinity in the soil, prevalent in the coastal areas with brackish water, has posed a significant risk to the nation’s food security. This has resulted in millions of farmers in southern Bangladesh struggling with low rice yields. After years of dedicated research, a group of scientists has achieved a significant milestone in addressing coastal soil salinity in southern Bangladesh. Their focus has been on a wild rice variety called Uridhan (Oryza coarctata). Their breakthrough promises to assist farmers in increasing rice production in the extensive salt flats of the region.
A group of researchers has identified significant genetic characteristics in the Uridhan wild rice, poised to aid rice breeders in developing new rice varieties and cultivation techniques. This breakthrough is expected to help southern farmers overcome the current challenges associated with high soil salinity in paddy fields.
With funding from the Bangladesh Climate Change Trust, the scientists have effectively integrated three genes from the wild rice into some of Bangladesh’s highly productive but salinity-sensitive modern rice varieties. In laboratory conditions, promising results have been achieved, demonstrating the newfound ability of these rice lines to withstand elevated levels of soil salinity.
The country’s agro-biotech regulatory authorities have recently granted approval for these transgenic rice lines to undergo greenhouse trials at the National Institute of Biotechnology (NIB) facility.
Prof. Zeba Islam Seraj, an expert in biochemistry and molecular biology at the University of Dhaka, has been leading this team of scientists working on Uridhan. Recently, she presented the research findings to an audience representing the scientific community at the University of Dhaka.
During a conversation with this correspondent at the event, Professor Zeba emphasized the high susceptibility of coastal agriculture in Bangladesh to the impacts of climate change and natural calamities. She pointed out the escalating severity of disasters such as rising sea levels, tidal surges, soil salinity, saltwater intrusion, and cyclones in the coastal regions. As a result, rice cultivation in these areas is facing growing challenges due to heightened soil salinity.
To address this mounting salinity issue, Professor Zeba highlighted the importance of adopting various strategies. These include enhancing water management, utilizing halophytic species in agriculture, and employing breeding methods to develop crops that are tolerant to salt.
An elderly couple initiated legal proceedings against an art dealer upon learning that the mask they had sold to the dealer for £129 was considerably more valuable. Subsequently, the art dealer placed the mask up for auction, where it fetched an astounding £3.6 million.
The unidentified elderly couple in their eighties, residing in Nimes, France, undertook the task of decluttering their home in 2021. During this process, they opted to sell an ‘Ngil’ African mask. The mask was sold to an art dealer identified as Mr. Z for a meager 129 pounds. However, within a few months, Mr. Z proceeded to sell the same mask at an auction in Montpellier, fetching an astonishing 3.6 million pounds.
The elderly couple only became aware of the substantial sale when they stumbled upon it in a newspaper, prompting them to take legal action against Mr. Z. Their lawsuit is founded on the belief that Mr. Z deceived them and deliberately concealed the true value of the item.
According to The Metro News, the mask originates from the Fang people of Gabon and holds significance in wedding and funeral ceremonies. These masks are a rare find outside of Gabon, with just a few on display in museums worldwide. Analysis has dated the mask to the 19th century, and legal documents describe the item as “exceptional in terms of its rarity.”
The elderly couple had the mask due to the fact that the husband’s grandfather served as a colonial governor in Africa, as reported by industry media.
While the lawsuit is still in progress, the Court of Appeals in Nimes has determined that the couple’s case seems to be valid in principle.
Remitters will now be eligible to receive an additional incentive from banks, which can go as high as 2.50 percent, apart from the existing government support. Banks have intensified their efforts to boost remittance earnings and address the foreign exchange crisis, prompting the Bangladesh Foreign Exchange Dealers’ Association (Bafeda) and the Association of Bankers, Bangladesh (ABB) to make this decision during a joint meeting on Friday. This new incentive will become effective starting today.
Presently, the dollar is trading at Tk 110.50 on the interbank exchange market.
In an effort to attract more remittances, the government initially introduced a 2 percent incentive in 2019, which was later raised to 2.5 percent. Now, banks are ready to provide an additional incentive of up to 2.5 percent from their own resources.
Selim RF Hussain, Chairman of ABB and Managing Director of Brac Bank, explained that this decision is aimed at revitalizing remittance flows.
Remittance serves as a crucial source of US dollars for Bangladesh and is a cornerstone of the country’s economy. However, despite a significant outflow of workers in recent times, remittance inflows fell to a 41-month low of $1.34 billion in September.
Last year, more than 11.35 lakh Bangladeshis sought employment opportunities abroad, nearly doubling the 6.17 lakh migrant workers who did so the previous year.
Hussain noted that, except for remittances, the buying rate for US dollars remains steady at Tk 110, with the selling rate at Tk 110.50.
In January of the previous year, the interbank exchange rate was Tk 85.8.
The US dollar has been appreciating against the taka for the past year and a half, mainly due to dwindling foreign exchange reserves, driven by increased import costs in contrast to lower-than-expected remittance and export earnings.
Graham Potter taking over at Manchester United is in talks if Erik ten Hag is sacked, with Napoli also interested in the ex-Chelsea coach.
The former Chelsea coach could be an option for the Red Devils if their Dutch manager is sacked by the soon-to-be minority owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe. It has been reported that the Jim Ratcliffe is set to take over a 25% stake in the club and lead the club’s sporting section. Potter has also been targeted by defending Serie A champions Napoli, who are also considering Antonio Conte.
A resident of Yorkshire, United Kingdom, was awarded compensation for receiving an incorrect cancer diagnosis, which led to two years of unnecessary treatment.
Back in 2019, Megan Royle, a 33-year-old resident of East Yorkshire, was informed that she had skin cancer. This diagnosis led her to undergo a series of treatments, including immunotherapy, and she took steps to preserve her eggs due to concerns about potential fertility issues. However, she is currently grappling with a profound sense of shock after learning that the initial cancer diagnosis was incorrect, and she had undergone surgery for a condition she never actually had.
As reported by The BBC, in 2021, she received a confirmation that she had been misdiagnosed all along, and a review revealed that she never had cancer. Consequently, Megan has been granted compensation from the two NHS trusts that were involved in her case.
Ms. Royle from Beverley told the news outlet, “You just can’t really believe something like this can happen, and still to this day I’ve not had an explanation as to how and why it happened.
“I spent two years believing I had cancer, went through all the treatment, and then was told there had been no cancer at all.”
The father expressed his support for the daughter after the divorce and said that she should be treated with dignity when her inlaws do something wrong.
In India, weddings are renowned for their vibrant celebrations, music, and happiness. Whether couples opt for extravagant or simple ceremonies, these multi-day affairs are rich in rituals and traditions, all aimed at creating a memorable, once-in-a-lifetime experience. A prominent tradition, the “Baarat,” symbolizes the joy of embarking on a new life journey and typically involves lively music and dance, serving as a central highlight in many North Indian weddings.
However, in cases of separation or divorce, there’s often a sense of sorrow. Challenging this norm, a father recently shattered stereotypes by organizing a “baraat” for his daughter as she returned home following her divorce. In a powerful display of support for his daughter, the father emphasized the importance of treating her with dignity and respect, especially when her in-laws were in the wrong. This unique gesture sends a message of empowerment and solidarity in the face of societal expectations.
The father took to Facebook to share a video of this remarkable event. In his post, Prem Gupta explained the situation, highlighting the importance of supporting and respecting one’s daughter when her marriage, initially celebrated with great pomp, takes an unfortunate turn due to the actions of her spouse and their family. He stressed the precious value of daughters. In the video, the woman’s family members joyfully join her on her journey back home, celebrating with fireworks, applause, and warm embraces. The entire family moves together in a manner resembling a traditional “baraat,” reveling in the moment as they traverse the streets.
A representative of Mother Textile withdrew Tk 8.35 million from the company’s account at an Al-Arafah Islami Bank branch in Uttara.
Subsequently, he paid Tk 3,5 million to a business partner and left for Banani in the company vehicle with the remaining cash. Near Khiltchet, a maroon-colored vehicle overtook and impeded the car’s path while it was travelling along the elevated motorway from Kawla.
Eventually, five or six men donning black jackets emerged from the vehicle. They fraudulently claimed to be RAB officers and accuse company representatives of carrying illegal weapons.
Animesh Chandra Saha, his associate Shahjahan Mia, and the chauffeur Abul Bashar were subsequently blindfolded and handcuffed by the robbers. They then drove the victims around for a while before discharging them on 300 Feet Road.
The police analysed the area’s CCTV footage to identify the suspects, who were implicated in 15 robbery cases. They had been detained previously but were subsequently released on bail.
The Bangladesh Football Federation (BFF) has announced a cash reward of Tk 60 lakh for the players and management of the national men’s football team in recognition of their qualification for the second round of the FIFA World Cup 2026 Qualifiers. BFF president Kazi Salahuddin revealed this decision following an emergency meeting of the executive committee.
Bangladesh secured their place in the second round by defeating the Maldives with a 3-2 aggregate score in the preliminary round. They will now compete in Group I alongside Australia, Palestine, and Lebanon in the upcoming second round, which begins with an away match against the 27th-ranked Australia on November 16.
To support the team’s travel to Australia, the BFF requires approximately Tk 1.25-1.50 crores, and Salahuddin appealed for sponsors to aid the national team in their qualifiers campaign.
The Rafah border crossing, connecting Egypt and Gaza, has been opened to permit a limited amount of crucial aid to reach Palestinians who are facing severe shortages of food, medicine, and water due to the Israeli siege.
According to a statement from the Palestinian group Hamas, a convoy of 20 aid trucks entered the Gaza Strip from Egypt on Saturday, carrying essential supplies like medicine and food.
Preceding this, over 200 trucks, loaded with approximately 3,000 tonnes of essential aid, had been stationed near the Rafah crossing, ready to enter Gaza.
Hamas’ media office had previously stated, “The relief aid convoy that is supposed to enter today includes 20 trucks that carry medicine, medical supplies, and a limited amount of food supplies [canned goods].”
Martin Griffiths, the UN’s emergency relief coordinator, welcomed this aid delivery, recognizing it as the outcome of intensive negotiations with all relevant parties to ensure the resumption of aid operations into Gaza under appropriate conditions. Griffiths expressed confidence that this delivery marked the beginning of a sustainable effort to provide essential supplies, such as food, water, medicine, and fuel, to the people of Gaza in a safe, dependable, unconditional, and unimpeded manner.
However, Israel emphasized that the aid shipments arriving in Gaza from Egypt would not include fuel. The absence of fuel is a significant concern for Gaza’s population and the relief agencies, as it is required to operate water supply systems and generators crucial for running essential facilities, including hospitals.
Fuel shortages have already led to the shutdown of Gaza’s last operational seawater desalination plant, impacting the access to clean water. Multiple hospitals are either entirely non-operational or running on severely limited fuel supplies, jeopardizing the lives of patients, including newborns in incubators and those with critical medical conditions.
Juliette Touma, the communications director at UNRWA, stressed the absolute importance of fuel, stating that it is required for delivering assistance to the people of Gaza. Fuel remains a critical factor in maintaining vital services in the region.
A Taiwanese couple, dressed in formal attire, posed in front of a pile of garbage in an unconventional wedding photo aimed at encouraging their guests to be more environmentally conscious. Iris Hsueh, a Greenpeace campaigner, and her fiancé are planning an “environmentally friendly wedding” in January. They’ve requested guests to bring their own containers for leftover food. To vividly convey their message, the couple traveled three hours south for a photo shoot in Nantou county’s Puli township, where the local dump has seen a steady increase in trash over the years.
“I would show them the photograph” Iris Hsueh said and asked them if they would reconsider. “I didn’t think it would create such a big sensation.” Taiwan has had a recycling program since 1987, with over 50 percent of household waste processed through the system, ranking among the world’s highest rates. However, garbage in Puli township has been growing despite a decreasing population. The couple’s photos went viral, prompting friends and relatives to reevaluate their daily waste generation. Hsueh hopes her photos will spark conversations about the importance of reducing waste and avoiding single-use plastics.
In a heartwarming gesture, the official page of the Argentina National Football Team recently extended its heartfelt congratulations to the Bangladesh Football Team for their remarkable qualification to the second round of the FIFA World Cup 26 qualifiers. The social media post, which was posted in both Bengali and Spanish, read, “বিশ্বকাপ বাছাইপর্বের দ্বিতীয় রাউন্ডের কোয়ালিফাই করায় বাংলাদেশ কে অভিনন্দন! আমরা আশা করি কোন একদিন বড় মঞ্চে দেখা হবে।”
The Bangladesh Football Team’s journey to the second round of the FIFA World Cup 26 qualifiers has undoubtedly been an outstanding achievement. Their resilience and dedication have not only garnered praise from their fans but also caught the attention of the football world. This heartfelt message from the Argentina National Football Team further solidifies the importance of this milestone for the Bangladeshi football community.
Argentina, known for its rich footballing history and world-class talent, expressed their hope of one day facing the Bangladesh Football Team on the grand stage of international football. This sentiment not only showcases the respect that Argentina has for Bangladesh’s progress but also ignites the dreams of Bangladeshi football enthusiasts who dream of competing against football giants.
The post has sparked excitement and enthusiasm within the Bangladeshi football community, who see it as a symbol of international recognition and an affirmation of their hard work and dedication. It is also a reminder of the global nature of the beautiful game, where countries from different corners of the world can come together through the universal language of football.
An original 1977 ‘Star Wars’ X-Wing model, considered lost for decades, was sold at auction for an astounding $3.13 million, far exceeding its $400,000 starting bid.
The 1:24 scale model, one of four “hero” models made for close-up shots in the original film, was rediscovered in the collection of the late Hollywood modelmaker, Greg Jein. Jein’s friends found it in his garage among numerous Hollywood memorabilia items. The winning bidder, who remained anonymous, competed with another collector, and the X-wing’s sale price exceeded the previous year’s record of $2.4 million for a similar model.
Bangladesh’s Prime Minister, Sheikh Hasina, has declared a one-day state mourning on Saturday to honour the Palestinians who lost their lives in recent Israeli attacks. She also called for prayers in mosques and places of worship across the country on Friday to remember the victims, highlighting that those affected by the Israeli attacks include Muslims, Christians, and Jews.
The prime minister made these announcements during an event to inaugurate newly constructed bridges and overpasses in various districts. Sheikh Hasina expressed Bangladesh’s commitment to supporting the rights of the Palestinian people and emphasized the need to end the ongoing conflict and ensure the return of occupied lands to the Palestinians.
X, formerly known as Twitter, is introducing a $1 per year subscription for new users in New Zealand and the Philippines as part of a “Not A Bot” program aimed at reducing spam and bot activity.
It’s not clear why this subscription is limited to web users and these two countries. Existing users can continue to use the platform for free or subscribe to X’s main $8 per month subscription. Elon Musk, who oversees X, believes that charging a fee will deter bot activity on the platform.
Bangladesh’s Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has issued an urgent order for the quick delivery of medical supplies, including medications, to Palestinian hospitals. Zahid Maleque, the health minister, received this instruction over the phone on Wednesday.
This action is in response to an Israeli bombing on a Gaza hospital that caused a large number of Palestinians injured. Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina emphasized the need of giving the Palestinian people medical help while expressing her sorrow for the pain and anguish that people experience.
A recent social experiment on Instagram by the user “Experiment King” looked at how stores would respond if a man dressed as a hobo tried to buy an iPhone 15 with a bag full of coins. At first, many shops in Jodhpur wouldn’t let him in because of how he looked, and others wouldn’t take cash as payment. But in the end, one shop agreed to the unusual way of paying.
In a video that went viral, the “beggar” threw all of his coins on the ground and gave them to the seller and staff. The store workers counted the coins, and the man left with an iPhone 15 Pro Max. He even took a picture with the owner, who looked surprised. The video received over 34 million views and received varied reviews from viewers.
Grameenphone, Bangladesh’s leading telecom provider, is delighting its customers with an exciting offer. From October 1st to 14th, 2023, or while stocks last, GP customers (excluding Skitto & ERS numbers) who purchase the 15GB+500 Minutes pack for Tk 699 are eligible to receive a complimentary ‘Cholo Bangladesh’ fan t-shirt.
Customers can acquire this exclusive offer by purchasing the Tk 699 combo pack from retail stores, MyGP, or digital channels. Those who choose retail channels must collect their fan t-shirt from the same outlet, following a confirmation SMS from GP, within 10 working days.
Alternatively, customers who purchase the pack via digital channels will receive a home delivery of the fan t-shirt. To facilitate this, customers must provide their complete mailing address within the specified timeline, as mentioned in the SMS notification. Failure to do so will result in disqualification from the t-shirt offer.
The ‘Cholo Bangladesh’ fan t-shirts, available only in ‘L’ size, will be delivered to customers’ provided addresses within 30 working days from the date of submitting the correct information via the SMS link.
Apart from this enticing offer, customers availing the Tk 699 combo pack will also enjoy 15GB of data and 500 minutes of talk time, valid for 30 days.
Last year, I wanted open a bank account at a well-established and popular bank in Bangladesh due their app services. Particularly their ability to seamlessly transfer funds between various Mobile Financial Services (MFS) providers and the option to open a DPS/Fixed Deposits straight from their app.
However, being in full time employment at a leading multinational company in Dhaka meant I went to work at well before 9 AM and got out well after 6 PM even on a good day. So, I tried to download their dedicated account opening app from the Google Playstore to open an account from home as it was impossible to go to any of the bank’s branches to submit my account opening form and other supporting documents. Unfortunately, despite trying for over 2 weeks, the app kept crashing and I could not open their conventional current account without visiting their branch 2 months later after I left my full-time employment and while I was waiting for my visa to pursue higher education abroad.
This is not a one-off problem as many around me has complained of the same issue I had particularly faced. This is where Bangladesh’s MFS providers have excelled giving us the ability to open accounts with our NID from the comforts of our home.
A digital bank is essentially a bank which usually exists as the name suggests: in the digital sphere only. They do not have any branches or the tangible features and structures a traditional bank usually has. Everything from account opening to transferring funds, opening deposit schemes are done digitally with the quick tap on your smartphone or PC.
Given how the demand for consumer banking has been growing rapidly in the past decade, this has resulted in long waiting lines when a customer goes to take banking services from most bank’s branches. This not only wastes the customer’s time, but also puts a huge amount of extra workload on bankers in general who are paid a fixed income.
The potential for digital banks to flourish in a rapidly growing economy like that of Bangladesh is automatically high. New applicants for digital banks can only look at how MFS has changed the consumer financial landscape in Bangladesh in the last decade alone to seek inspiration and replicate it.
What can digital banks give to the public in general? Well, for starters, digital banks will save time by allowing customers to open bank accounts from anywhere as generally all necessary details and supporting documents are uploaded to the digital bank’s servers straight from a consumer’s smartphone or PC. Upon receipt of an application, a digital bank’s compliance team can work remotely to verify the identities of the applicants and approve the account opening. Additionally, many renowned digital banks in the Western world usually delegate the verification process to third parties or automate them through the usage of AI and other software tools. It is bad enough the amount of time we waste in traffic each day, it is equally frustrating to finally reach a bank’s branch then wait in the queue for almost an hour for a service which usually takes minutes at many renowned banks in Dhaka.
Secondly, as per a recent report by The Business Standard earlier this year, only 53% of adults in Bangladesh had accounts in financial institutions or MFS platforms in 2021. This leaves nearly half of a country whose population is nearing 170 million “unbanked”. Digital Banks can help solve this problem by making financial services more accessible. Imagine an individual who has access to the internet but lives in a remote area which is quite far from major towns and cities, for them to open a traditional bank account, they would have to travel for hours to get to a location within banking hours just to open a bank account.
Digital Banks can solve this problem as this individual can now just open a fully functioning bank account without travelling for hours with multiple printed copies of documents. Making banking services and financial services more accessible will not only help individuals, but also boost a nation’s economic growth.
Thirdly, the success of MFS providers like Bkash has been recognized globally and there has been extensive case studies of the social impacts it brought on for the people and the economy in general. This paved the way for extensive research and development in the MFS sector in Bangladesh as well as other MFS providers trying to compete with Bkash.
In a recent Bangladesh Bank circular, the paid-up capital required to start a bank in Bangladesh was raised from BDT 4.0 billion to BDT 5.0 Billion. However, to open a digital bank, the paid-up capital required is 1.25 billion- one fourth of that of a traditional bank.
This lower entry fees to the market can be beneficial to traditional banks eyeing a slice at the pie of the digital bank market. However, a word of caution here, just because there is a lower financial entry barrier for starting a digital bank does not mean it will be cheap to set up.
This is in part due to the fact digital banks will require extensive capital to be invested into the research and development of the digital banking services. It is no good to open a digital bank company if their app does not even work as intended (speaking from personal experiences).
As per news outlets, existing banks and MFS providers have expressed interest and applied to start their own digital banks. This is good news to instil trust and confidence in consumers to be encouraged to avail their services. Although, just like most online offerings in the Bangladesh market, it would be a good idea to give time for these services to develop and for these new digital banks and their consumers to reap the benefits of digital banks in the long term.
A good example of successful digital banking services to take inspiration from are UK registered banks such as Monzo, Starling Bank, Ally bank and the popular e-money platform Revolut.
Shafqat Aziz is a LLM candidate at Nottingham Trent University and his current research areas of interest include Fintech regulation, Financial Crime compliance of Blockchain and Cryptoasset Compliance. He can be reached at aziz.shafqat.95@gmail.com
The third season of Influencers Fest & Award, Let’s Vibe with Marvel of Tomorrow – the flagship event of The Marvel – Be You, will premiere this 3rd November 2023 at Radisson Blu Dhaka Water Garden. The theme of this year’s event will be “Go Global, Go AI” where impactful social media celebrities, influencers, and content creators will be recognized for their artistic and impactful achievements.
The selection in terms of finding the nominees of each category has gone through intensive research in quantitative data as well as qualitative analysis. Kantar Bangladesh, a consultation based on data and evidence, provides insights and actionable recommendations, and collaborated with The Marvel – Be You to conduct quantitative research to find out the shortlisted candidates. The honorable jury panel consisting of industry experts, provided their valuable analysis in order to get the top 3 nominees in each category from the shortlisted candidates.
The Marvel – Be You is introducing 28 categories of awards strictly based on data and jury analysis this year. The categories for awards include entertainment content creators, food vloggers, fashion vloggers, fashion designers, makeup artists, cooks, travel vlogs, tech reviewers, video game streamers, writers, photographers, artist, community engagement, social welfare, and many more.
The 29th category will be Popular Choice where all the nominees and winners of 28 categories will get votes from the general audience and the one who will get the highest votes will be titled as Popular Influencer of the year.
Breity Sabrin Khan, Co-Founder & Chief Executive Officer of The Marvel – Be You said, “This time we are looking forward to presenting a season with loads of exciting surprises lined up which has never been seen before in Bangladesh. With the ‘Go Global, Go AI’ theme we are proudly introducing multiple global engagements as well as innovations in futuristic artificial intelligence.”
ANM Ziaul Islam Mithu, Managing Director of Kantar Bangladesh said, “From the very first season of Marvel of Tomorrow, Kantar Bangladesh has developed a unique formula through which content creators of Bangladesh in different categories are being ranked justly for shortlisting and then in forward the juries ensure that the top three nominees for each category are being selected amongst the shortlisted candidates based on the quality of their contents.”
This year’s Marvel of Tomorrow is presented by Let’s Vibe and driven by Chery. The Experience Partners are Polar Ice Cream, Pickaboo and Service Partners are Axpert Productions, Bazar365, CThreeSixty Bangladesh, Cablgram, Dream Weaver, GoodyBro, Kantar Bangladesh, Lavish Boutique Salon, Nagorik TV, Safiya Sathi, The Front Page- confirmed till date.
For more information contact- Sheikh Nafi, +8801740260388
Executive Motors Limited, the esteemed representative of the BMW brand in Bangladesh for over two decades, is thrilled to announce a momentous milestone in the automotive industry with the introduction of the BMW iX3 M Sport, the first-ever Electric Vehicle (EV) from BMW in Bangladesh.
The BMW iX3 M Sport represents a paradigm shift in the realm of sustainable mobility, combining BMW’s iconic design language and innovative technologies to deliver an exhilarating, emission-free driving experience. With this revolutionary model, Executive Motors Limited reinforces its commitment to environmental stewardship and brings cutting-edge electric mobility to discerning customers in Bangladesh.
Key Features of the BMW iX3 M Sport:
Electrifying Performance: The BMW iX3 M Sport boasts BMW’s advanced electric powertrain, delivering breathtaking performance with instant torque and seamless acceleration. The electric motor is complemented by the M Sport package, adding a touch of sportiness to this environmentally-conscious vehicle.
Elegant Design: As expected from BMW, the iX3 M Sport exhibits an elegant and dynamic design, emphasizing aerodynamic efficiency and distinct M Sport styling cues. Its athletic stance and premium detailing set new standards in the luxury EV segment.
Long-Range Capability: Equipped with a high-capacity battery, the iX3 M Sport offers an impressive electric range, enabling drivers to embark on extended journeys without compromise.
Intuitive Technology: The BMW iX3 M Sport is equipped with the latest innovations in automotive technology, including a user-friendly infotainment system, advanced driver-assistance features, and seamless connectivity options.
Sustainable Materials: Sustainability remains at the core of BMW’s vision, and the iX3 M Sport reflects this commitment with its use of eco-friendly materials throughout the vehicle’s interior and production process.
Mr. Ashique Un Nabi, Director – Operation of Executive Motors Limited, expressed his excitement, stating, “We are immensely proud to introduce the BMW iX3 M Sport, the first-ever BMW Electric Vehicle in Bangladesh. This marks a pivotal moment for both the BMW brand and our valued customers here. With our longstanding history of representing BMW in Bangladesh, Executive Motors Limited is dedicated to pioneering sustainable automotive solutions, and the iX3 M Sport perfectly embodies this dedication.”
He further added, “The entire world is experiencing an electric vehicle revolution, which will eventually supplant automobiles that run on fossil fuels. In keeping with that, Executive Motors Limited began the iX3’s journey within the entire country. The vehicle maintains BMW’s performance, technology, and tradition while promoting for a cleaner and better environment in our nation. Additionally, Executive Motors Limited will install BMW standard charging stations at 16 locations across the nation for the convenience of customers, which will mark an important milestone for the nation’s journey of electric vehicles.”
Executive Motors Limited unveiled the BMW iX3 M Sport at their prestigious showroom in Tejgaon, where customers can explore the exceptional features and reserve their own electric masterpiece.
About Executive Motors Limited: Established in 2003, Executive Motors Limited has been the exclusive authorized importer and distributor of BMW vehicles in Bangladesh. Over the years, they have earned a distinguished reputation for delivering exceptional customer experiences and providing top-notch sales and after-sales services. The introduction of the BMW iX3 M Sport further solidifies its dedication to innovation and sustainability in the automotive sector.
The underground scene is a place of emotion for most of the bands hailing from this country. Making music here was never an easy trip for any of the bands that are currently doing well.
Powered by Bangladesh Metal Alliance, Trident Of Chaos, Coup de Grâce, and Cloven Hoof BD, Back To The Underground brings back these fantastic bands that formerly ruled the underground music scene.
This will be a celebration of Bangladesh’s underground heavy metal and rock music scene and the bands that sprang from it and are today driving the nation’s music industry.
Listeners will be able to observe the raw vitality they used to exude when they were younger.
This is the debut installment of this concert series, which will only focus on producing an immersive, participatory audience experience for concertgoers. Alongside, there are bands who are currently doing great in the underground scene as well.
Cryptic Fate, Mechanix, Thrash, Naive, Conclusion, and Torture Goregrinder are among the acts on the bill. Not only that, The Joint Family, after a long hiatus, are back to rock the stage and reconnect with their devoted fanbase.
And in addition to a daylong music performance, the festival will have a variety of small companies that correspond to the festival concept, notably product and lifestyle stalls. Back To The Underground will be held on August 26th (Saturday) at the National Library Auditorium. The tickets are live and available to purchase from Get Set Rock.
In the bustling culinary landscape of Dhaka, a distinctive aroma has been captivating the taste buds of pizza enthusiasts since February 2020. This aromatic journey began with the inception of Oven, a trailblazing pizza brand that introduced the concept of square pizzas, to the city’s food scene. What started as a humble cloud kitchen venture soon transformed into a gastronomic sensation, overcoming unprecedented challenges along the way.
The nascent days of Oven were marked by promise and innovation. Embracing the unique concept of square pizzas, the brand sought to redefine traditional pizza consumption. However, fate had an unexpected twist in store. Just as Oven was beginning to establish its foothold, the global Covid-19 pandemic swept across the world, casting a shadow of uncertainty over countless businesses, including the food industry.
Amidst the uncertainty, Oven demonstrated remarkable resilience. When circumstances dictated the temporary closure of its operations, the brand swiftly adapted its strategy. Rising to the occasion, Oven resumed serving its loyal customers in the Mohammadpur and Dhanmondi areas from 4 pm to 4 am, a testament to its commitment to satisfying cravings even in the most challenging times.
The crisis inadvertently gave birth to an unforeseen demand. Oven’s square pizzas had gained a loyal following, transcending geographical boundaries. Customers from diverse areas clamored for a taste of the innovative culinary delight that had earned Oven its reputation. The irresistible aroma of Oven’s square pizzas had become synonymous with comfort and indulgence, fostering a community that transcended physical limitations.
In November 2020, Oven embarked on a new chapter. Establishing a pick-up point and kitchen in the affluent neighborhood of Banani, the brand expanded its reach and solidified its presence. This strategic move not only catered to the growing demand but also laid the foundation for future growth.
Fast forward to January 2023, and Oven stands as a testament to perseverance and evolution. With unwavering determination, the brand has ventured into uncharted territory by introducing a small dine-in section at its Banani location. The carefully curated menu now extends beyond its signature square pizzas to include a tantalizing array of culinary delights. From mouthwatering hotdogs and delectable pasta dishes to exquisite seafood creations, Oven has successfully broadened its culinary horizons.
A true showstopper on the menu is the signature dessert, the chocolate lava, a fitting finale to a culinary journey that began with innovative square pizzas. This dessert encapsulates the essence of Oven’s evolution – a fusion of creativity, resilience, and unwavering commitment to providing a sensory experience that transcends the ordinary.
The story of Oven is one of triumph over adversity, a tale that resonates with food enthusiasts and entrepreneurs alike. From its modest beginnings in a cloud kitchen in Mohammadpur to the bustling outlet on Banani Road 6, Oven has carved a niche for itself as a pioneer of square pizzas and a symbol of culinary ingenuity. As we savor each slice of Oven’s delectable offerings, we are reminded that innovation knows no bounds, and the pursuit of passion can transform challenges into opportunities that enrich our lives and palates.
Bangladesh Startup Summit 2023 was truly a remarkable event in terms of the value it delivered by shedding light on the present-day industries in Bangladesh. Considering the fact that Bangladesh wants to produce 5 unicorns by 2025, e-commerce is set to play a critical role in causing the fruition of such an ambition.
Furthermore, as we transition from a Digital Economy to a Smart Economy by 2041, e-commerce would allow us to tackle one of the key challenges of Bangladesh, which is infrastructure. If utilized effectively, e-commerce holds the potential to transform our existing infrastructure into a more sophisticated and efficient system in our drive to meet SDGs 8, 9, 11, 12 and 13. As per our plan of being a Smart Economy it is imperative to ensure that e-commerce is facilitated to become a significant contributor of GDP and economic growth.
The current market size of the e-commerce industry in Bangladesh is $1.3bn, processes approximately 300,000 orders a day and has investment worth only a mere $2bn per capita which is very insignificant when compared to similar and neighboring nations. It is crucial to realize that our penetration has not increased as well with the most phenomenal burst happening during the time of covid-19.
However, if we focus on the brighter side, e-commerce in Bangladesh exists as being very diverse and inclusive of categories. E-commerce would be a crucial fragment for the Smart Economy. There are multiple dimensions of offerings ranging from travel, food, consumer products and much more. The diversity which exists ensures the sustenance of customers from multiple walks of life as we strive to build a sustainable future to craft value for communities and the nation in general.
In addition, the 4 major components of e-commerce operations in Bangladesh are constantly working in full swing. These 4 components are independent brand platforms, f-commerce, ride sharing and other social media platforms. All of these mediums are responsible for generating vast order quantities, necessitating swift deliveries and are accountable for the satisfaction of large numbers of customers on a day-to-day basis.
While we are transitioning towards being a Smart Economy, there are certain trends in e-commerce which are already in favor. One of these trends is the rise of using MFS in the processing of payments, away from the usage of cards. An impactful objective within Vision 2041 is ensuring total financial inclusion and the creation of a cashless society. The rising number of payments through e-commerce is an example of how we are propelling towards our vision.
Yet, if we truly wish to initiate the next wave of e-commerce in Bangladesh, we need to ensure certain measures and reforms are taken when it comes to devising policies- to transform the ideal pillars to leverage the next wave of e-commerce.
Digital Literacy: In order to ensure the transition towards a Smart Economy and ensure widespread inclusion in e-commerce, there needs to the instillation of digital literacy amongst everyone. After all, a Smart Economy would call for everyone to have a holistic knowledge of how the digital realm functions.
Include digital education in schools: The next generation of smart citizens needs to be built from now. However, the focus here is to ensure that digital literacy is not a luxury anymore and instead is transformed into a basic lesson. The incorporation of using AI effectively would also act as a booster. That would ensure that diverse communities – be it rural or urban – are able to navigate through digital platforms, tools and mediums. Essentially, this knowledge would allow them to become native users of e-commerce irrespective of their backgrounds.
Prevent frauds and scams: Policies and measures need to be formed in ways which allow the monitoring of risk and fraud to protect the interest of consumers at all times. This would mean protection from illogical offers and pyramid schemes. On the other hand, customer-side risks and fraud need to be mitigated as well.
Devise progressive data policies: Data in Bangladesh tends to be expensive. To ensure the successful operation of e-commerce and inclusion, data needs to become more affordable and accessible. Because only that is when we would be able to propel towards a smart future and ensure that the dream of a trillion-dollar economy is ensured from all ends.
If we are truly able to ensure the instrumental development of e-commerce in Bangladesh, we would be able to ensure that we truly boost our growth in GDP with further products and services through e-commerce; consequently, cause the creation of jobs and deurbanize to gradually decrease economic externalities from our density clutter since goods and services would be widely available, deliverable and sustainable.
Executive Motors Limited, the authorized dealer of BMW vehicles in Bangladesh and a concern of Meghna Executive Holdings, is thrilled to announce the launch of the highly anticipated all-new BMW X1 at the prestigious BMW showroom on July 8, 2023, in Tejgaon, Bangladesh, attracting numerous stakeholders and automotive enthusiasts.
“We are delighted to introduce the all-new BMW X1 to the Bangladeshi market,” said Mr. Ashique Un Nabi, Director Operations of Executive Motors Limited. “This SAV embodies the perfect blend of bigger dimensions and interior space, style, performance, and cutting-edge technology, offering our customers an unrivaled driving experience. We are confident that the all-new BMW X1 will exceed expectations and set new standards in the luxury SAV segment.”
The third-generation BMW X1 boasts larger dimensions, offering a spacious and luxurious driving experience. With its striking design elements, the vehicle captures attention from every angle. The front fascia features a commanding presence, highlighted by the signature BMW kidney grille and slim Adaptive LED Headlights with High Beam Assistant that ensure optimal visibility in all driving conditions. The 18-inch light-alloy wheels, long roofline, flat roof rails, 3D LED taillights, and square wheel arch contours add to the SAV’s sporty and sophisticated appeal.
The Ambient Lighting, Digital Key Plus with Comfort Access, Luxury Instrument Panel, Parking and Reversing Assistant, Automatic 2-Zone Climate Control, Active Sports Seats, Wireless Charging, Panorama Glass Roof, and a 12-speaker audio system deliver a truly luxurious and comfortable journey.
Setting new standards in technology and innovation, the all-new BMW X1 is equipped with an array of high-end features. The BMW Live Cockpit Plus with Intelligent Voice Command provides an intuitive and connected driving experience, while the latest BMW Curved Display with Operating System 8 has variable, configurable widgets that display information in real time.
The all-new BMW X1 is powered by a compact 1.5-litre engine with BMW TwinPower Turbo technology in front-wheel drive. The engine is paired to a 7-speed Steptronic double-clutch transmission, delivering 136 hp and 230 Nm of torque. The SAV accelerates from 0-100 km/h in 9.2 seconds and reaches a maximum speed of 208 km/h.
According to the World Economic Forum’s (WEF) latest Global Gender Gap Report 2023, Bangladesh ranks first among South Asian countries in terms of gender parity.
Bangladesh ranks 59th in the world with a score of 72.2%, demonstrating strong progress toward gender parity. Women across the country witnessed an increase in overall gender parity this year, as evidenced by a higher score and index ranking compared to 2022. Bangladesh will be ranked 71st in the world in 2022, with a gender parity score of 71.4%.
The Global Gender Gap Index assesses the current condition and evolution of gender parity in four major areas: economic participation and opportunity, educational attainment, health and survival, and political empowerment.
The parity score (the level of advancement toward gender parity) for each indicator is computed as the ratio of the value of each indicator for women to the value for men. A parity score of one shows complete parity.
Russian President Vladimir Putin pledged on Saturday to quell what he called an armed rebellion after rogue mercenary chief Yevgeny Prigozhin announced he had taken control of a southern city in an attempt to destabilize the military leadership.
The rapid change, with many specifics unclear, appeared to be the most serious internal issue Putin has faced since ordering a full-scale invasion of Ukraine – dubbed a “special military operation” – in February last year.
Putin claimed in a televised address that “excessive ambitions and vested interests have led to treason,” adding that the mutiny was a “stab in the back.” “It is a setback for Russia and our people.” And our responses to such a threat to the Fatherland will be stern.”
“All those who deliberately chose the path of betrayal, who planned an armed insurgency, who used blackmail and terrorist methods will face unavoidable punishment, and will answer both to the law and to our people,” Putin stated.
It will go down as one of the deadliest migrant disasters in recent Mediterranean history, second only to the April 2015 collision of a smuggling vessel and a cargo off the Libyan coast, which killed over 1,000 people.
On June 14, two hours after midnight, an overloaded fishing boat capsized in international waters near Greece. More than 500 people are thought to have died with the ship, including women and up to 100 children who had been imprisoned in its hold. Only 104 people were rescued from the sea that morning, with no women or children among them, and 81 bodies have been retrieved thus far.
The cause of the boat’s capsize is unknown; some survivors claim the smuggling boat was being pulled by the Greek coast guard when it capsized.
However, Greek officials claim that the ship was never towed by a Greek vessel, and that the migrants, who were aiming to land in Italy, had turned down repeated offers of aid.
After slashing her husband to death over being beaten by him for dowry, a lady surrendered to police.
The incident occurred early Thursday on Rayerbagh Sadiq Khan Road in the Mohammadpur police station region of the capital.
According to National Emergency Service 999 Police Inspector (Public Relations) Anwar Sattar, Banu Begum, 31, dialed 999 and reported the incidence of hacking her husband Md Shahin Mia, 40. He stated that the woman contacted and said she had killed her husband with a sharp object and wanted to turn herself in to police.
The police inspector further stated that Banu Begum, who was arrested during the initial interrogation, stated that she is the dead Shamim Mia’s second wife. They were having marital problems. Her husband frequently abused her for dowry. She eventually killed herself because she was fed up with her husband.
Neymar has apologized publicly for cheating on his partner, Bruna Biancardi. He has previously spoken to her and declared that he cannot picture his life without her.
Neymar and Bruna are expecting their first child this year, as they announced earlier this summer. According to the Brazilian footballer, the couple has been together for a few months and had a ‘wavering’ start to their relationship.
Neymar has now publicly apologized on Instagram after the texts were released there.
Fernanda Campos has accused Neymar of cheating on his partner. She claims that the two have been communicating since the FIFA World Cup in Qatar, but she had no idea he was dating.
After Elon Musk recently stated that he would be “up for a cage fight” with Zuckerberg, the Meta CEO responded by screenshotting Musk’s tweet and captioning it “send me location.”
I’ve established that Zuckerberg’s Instagram post was not a prank, which means the ball is now in Musk’s court. “The story speaks for itself,” Iska Saric, a Meta representative, told me. Musk replied with two words: Vegas Octagon.
Musk versus Zuckerberg would be the epitome of tech billionaire CEOs literally battling. Musk, 51, has the physical advantage over Zuckerberg, and he has spoken about becoming involved in “real hard-core street fights” while growing up in South Africa. Meanwhile, Zuckerberg, 39, is an aspiring MMA fighter who has already won Jiu-Jitsu competitions. He also claims to have just finished the rigorous “Murph Challenge” workout in under 40 minutes.
Regardless of who wins, I believe we can all agree that a Musk-versus-Zuckerberg fight would be one of the most exciting ever. It has to happen. Musk, don’t back down now.
Wednesday has surpassed Stranger Things season four as Netflix’s most-watched English-language series. Netflix has published its Top 10 list of TV series and movies by total number of hours viewed since 2021.
However, whereas the more hours viewed meant that longer television episodes and films had an advantage, the streaming behemoth has changed how it picks its most popular material.
The length of the show or movie will now be considered, with popular titles being judged based on their views rather than the amount of hours viewed.
As a result, Tim Burton’s Wednesday has surpassed Stranger Things’ fourth season, which clearly profited from its 13-hour run period, raking in 1.838 billion hour views. Wednesday saw 1.718 billion hours of viewing.
The BTS Army has attacked rapper Badshah for reportedly mocking BTS with his controversial lyrics in the song “Issa Vibe” from Shahid Kapoor’s film “Bloody Daddy.”
The song includes lyrics such as “Tujhe Handle Nahi Kar Sakta, Koyi Mere Siva.” Playlist BTS Biba, Bad Bunny.” According to Indian BTS fans, the phrase ‘Biba’ means ‘beautiful woman,’ which enraged the BTS Army, prompting them to publicly criticize him.
“Badshah has nothing against BTS,” one fan said. Another fan commented, “Badshah added BTS in his lyrics to create clout and hype for his illogical songs.”
BTS’s “Take Two” on the other hand, topped the Billboard Global 200 with 60.2 million streams and 64,000 sales worldwide.
In a heartwarming act of bravery, a man named Sebastian Arias became a true hero in La Victoria, Peru, as he fearlessly rescued numerous stray dogs from a devastating fire that engulfed an animal refuge. This incredible rescue mission, caught on dramatic video, has captured the admiration and applause of people worldwide.
As flames roared through the animal refuge, Sebastian Arias, displaying remarkable courage and determination, scaled the building with unwavering focus. With every step, he symbolized hope and compassion, embodying the belief that every life, no matter how small or forgotten, deserves saving.
It is estimated that Sebastian’s swift actions saved the lives of 25 dogs that would have otherwise perished in the devastating inferno.
Executive Motors Limited, the luxury automotive arm of Meghna Executive Holdings has introduced the seventh-generation flagship model of The BMW 7 Series which is synonymous for sheer driving pleasure, lounge-like comfort and digitalization to the next level.
The launch event of the BMW 735i took place at Radisson Blu in Dhaka on Saturday.
The front-end design of the all-new BMW 7 Series is dominated by features that are typical of the brand, but a clear distinction is maintained between the new luxury model and its stalemates in the BMW range. Unique equipment features, such as the multi- sensory vehicle experience BMW iDrive with BMW Curved Display, highlight its status as a symbol of the BMW Group’s innovative strength.
Regarding the latest edition from the BMW 7 series, Executive Motors Limited & Meghna Executive Holdings’ director operations Mr. Ashique Un Nabi said that the luxurious sedan embodies the epitome of automotive excellence and combines state-of-the-art technology with, unmatched comfort, and exhilarating performance.
“We are confident that the all-new BMW 7 Series will redefine the standards of luxury and driving pleasure in the Bangladeshi automotive market,” he added. The upright front end and new interpretation of the twin headlights and BMW kidney grille – both are signature BMW design elements. The standard BMW crystal headlights and the iconic glow of the kidney grille enhance the impressive presence of the front end by creating an aura of premiumness.
The BMW 735i comes as standard with adaptive LED headlights including matrix high beam and the selective Beam non-dazzling high beam assistant. The light functions are divided into two separate areas.
This fully digital screen grouping consists of a 12.3-inch information display behind the steering wheel and a control display with a screen diagonal of 14.9 inches. The steering wheel and the gear selector on the centre console also have a new design. The BMW Interaction Bar makes its debut here as a new breed of control/operation and design element. This functional unit, which boasts highly effective backlighting, extends across the full width of the instrument panel and well into the door panel trim.
Customers in Bangladesh now have the option power of a petrol engine combined with 48 Volt mild hybrid technologies. The all-new BMW 735i comes with a super smooth in-line six-cylinder engine reputed for the inherent butter smooth operation & developing a power output of 286 hp. The new multi-sensory vehicle experience BMW iDrive included as standard in the all-new BMW 7 series allows drivers to enjoy intuitive, multimodal control of vehicle, navigation, infotainment and communication functions.