Netizens are criticizing the rendition of the iconic song “Karar Oi Louho Kopat” by A.R. Rahman, that was featured in the film Pippa. The essence of the song has been lost in this rendition, according to some. In the past, numerous musicians have attempted to preserve the song’s integrity while performing alternative renditions, but this attempt has been widely deemed unsuccessful.
Music composer Debojyoti Mishra said, “We all know A.R. Rahman as a genius composer and an insightful individual. Personally, he’s a friend of mine. However, it’s distressing to see that the iconic song of the legendary rebel poet and composer, Kazi Nazrul Islam, has been brutally murdered. Like many others, I’m deeply shocked by this tragedy. It’s a nightmarish scenario, and even as a standalone piece.”
Bazar365, the trusted online grocery store with a strong commitment to sustainability, has been recognized with the prestigious “Most Sustainable Brand” award at the Marvel of Tomorrow Season 3 awards. The event, organized by The Marvel – Be You, was a grand celebration of influencers and their exceptional work in 29 different categories. Bazar365’s focus on sustainability, along with its role as a sustainable partner for the event, underscores its commitment to fighting the global plastic pollution problem.
The award ceremony took place on November 3, 2023, at the beautiful Radisson Blu Dhaka Water Garden. It was a significant moment in acknowledging leaders in various industries. Bazar365’s dedication to sustainability stood out as it was crowned the “Most Sustainable Brand.”
What’s even more inspiring is that Bazar365 collected about 10 kilograms of waste from the event, showing a practical approach to dealing with the plastic pollution challenge. The company, with its focus on making a real impact, is setting a powerful example for sustainable practices in the world of e-commerce.
Alec Mithun, the CEO of Bazar365, expressed his heartfelt gratitude for the recognition. He said, “We are incredibly honored to receive the ‘Most Sustainable Brand’ award. This is a clear validation of our mission to confront plastic pollution. We’re not just another online store; we are here to bring positive changes. Our goal is to raise awareness and inspire sustainable habits, one step at a time.”
Bazar365’s commitment to sustainability goes far beyond just receiving awards. The company aims to partner with more events, spreading the word about plastic pollution and fostering sustainable habits. It’s a mission that not only inspires but also serves as a beacon of hope for a cleaner, greener future.
The United States is the single largest market for Bangladeshi-made garments. Bangladesh’s garment exports are on the decline. In the first nine months of this year (January-September), the export of clothing to the US market has decreased by 23.33 percent. Out of this, exports have decreased by almost 35 percent (34.71 percent) in the month of September alone.
According to data from the US Department of Commerce, Bangladesh exported $5.78 billion worth of ready-made garments to the country during the January-September period, compared to $7.54 billion in the same period last year. Comparing these two periods, garment exports in the country decreased by 1.76 billion dollars or 1.76 billion dollars.
Exporters say the economic slowdown and high inflation caused by the Russia-Ukraine war have reduced the purchasing power of US consumers. And because of this, the demand for ready-made clothes has decreased. This has had a negative impact on the export of garments to the country.
According to them, such situation may prevail for another three to four months. Then maybe exports can increase gradually.
নিত্যপণ্যের দরের ঊর্ধ্বগতির কারণে দেশের বিভিন্ন অঞ্চলের মানুষ কষ্টে থাকলেও কৃষিভিত্তিক অর্থনীতির অঞ্চল রংপুরে তার নির্বাচনী এলাকার মানুষ বেশ ভালো আছে বলে দাবি করেছেন বাণিজ্য মন্ত্রী টিপু মুনশি।
সেই ভালো থাকার ‘প্রমাণ’ ফ্যাশনে পড়েছে বলেও মনে করেন তিনি। দাবি করেছেন, তার এলাকার নারীরা এখন ‘লিপস্টিকে মন দিয়েছে।’
এ কারণে আগামী নির্বাচনের বৈতরণী পার হতে তেমন সমস্যা হবে না বলেও আশা করছেন বাণিজ্যমন্ত্রী। বুধবার সাংবাদিকদের এক প্রশ্নে তিনি বলেন, “আমার এলাকার মানুষের কোনো কষ্ট নেই। তারা আলুর দাম পাচ্ছে।” “দেশের একেকটা এলাকায় একেক পরিস্থিতি। আমার এলাকা কৃষিপ্রধান হওয়ায় তারা ভালো আছেন। কিন্তু ঢাকা শহরে যে নির্বাচন করবে তার অনেক সমস্যা হবে।”
“আমার এলাকায় কৃষিভিত্তিক অর্থনীতি, আলুভিত্তিক অর্থনীতি। তাদের কোনো কষ্ট নেই। মহিলারা দিনে তিনবার করে লিপিস্টিক লাগাচ্ছে, চারবার করে স্যান্ডেল পাল্টাচ্ছে। সুতরাং আমার ভোটের কোনো সমস্যা হবে না। এটা আমি খুব ভালো করেই জানি।”
Yonhap News Agency reported on Wednesday that a man was crushed to death by a robot in South Korea after the machine evidently failed to distinguish him from the boxes of bell peppers it was handling.
According to Yonhap, the robotic arm pressured the man’s upper body against the conveyor belt, causing his face and torso to be crushed. According to the report, he was transferred to the hospital but later passed away.
Tiger New Energy has successfully closed a ground breaking US$2.5 million USD seed funding round, a notable achievement for green mobility in Bangladesh. This round is led by Wavemaker Partners, a leading Southeast Asian venture capital firm with a strong track record of backing sustainable and innovative startups, and is followed by several reputable international and local investors.
At a time when luxury brands worldwide are just starting to embrace the electric vehicle revolution, Bangladesh has been leading with an innovative approach. Every day, 2.5 million electric vehicles traverse the nation’s streets. But these aren’t the typical sedans. They are three-wheeled electric vehicles, becoming a symbol of urban transportation in Bangladesh. This remarkable transformation has taken place without extensive government subsidies, demonstrating the power of innovation and commitment.
However, there are still challenges to overcome. Issues like range anxiety and the transition to more efficient lithium batteries have been a barrier for many. Recognizing this, two Harvard alumni, Nicole Mao and Yiwei Zhu, set forth a vision with Tiger New Energy. Their ground breaking battery-swapping technology is not just a solution to these challenges but a revolution for Bangladesh’s mobility landscape.
By enabling drivers to quickly swap out depleted batteries for fully charged ones, they eliminate the prevalent range anxiety, allowing drivers to save both time and money. Moreover, with a commitment to sustainability, Tiger New Energy uses renewable energy sources for its battery swaps, aligning with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 7.
This recent seed funding round, led by Wavemaker Partners SG, is a testament to the belief in Tiger New Energy’s mission and will fuel their expansion across Bangladesh. The fresh infusion of capital will drive their battery swapping station network, propelling the nation further into sustainable transportation.
Nicole Mao, CEO of Tiger New Energy, emphasized the company’s mission, “Our dedication goes beyond technology. It’s about shaping a sustainable future for Bangladesh and showcasing the potential of emerging markets.”
A woman from Teknaf, Monira Begum, went to jail in place of Senuwara Begum, who was charged with a connection to a narcotics case. Senuwara Begum paid her to do jail time in place of her. When Monira Begum’s fingerprints were taken in jail last month so that those could be matched with the records in the NID server, police found the discrepancy.
The Chattogram Prison authorities found around 12 more similar incidents in the prison in 2023. Among them, 2 are still in jail while the rest are on bail, said the authorities. In most cases, poor people serve the time instead of the actual convicts. The authorities said that the inmates told them they got between Tk 3,000 and Tk 15,000 to serve someone else’s time. Jail officials said the prison authority got access to the NID server since January, which allowed them to detect such fraudulence. Chattogram Central Jail’s Superintendent Muhammad Manjur Hossain said, “We have a prisoner database where we keep details of prisoners, including fingerprints. Recently, we have been able to match our data with the NID server.”
Yesterday EU scientists said that 2023 is set to be the world’s warmest in 125,000 years, after data showed last month was the hottest recorded October by a large margin.
Last month crossed the previous highest October mean temperature, from 2019, by 0.4 degrees Celsius, the EU’s Copernicus Climate Change Service (C3S) Deputy Director Samantha Burgess said, describing the temperature anomaly as “very extreme”. This has resulted in 2023 as a whole “virtually certain” to be the warmest year captured. The heat is a consequence of continued greenhouse gas release from burning of fossil fuels, added to the naturally occurring El Nino climate pattern, which warms the surface waters in the eastern Pacific Ocean. The latest hottest year on record is 2016, which is also an El Nino year, although 2023 is on track to surpass that.
A Jubo League leader in Feni ended up in jail yesterday in a case over torching a truck on Thursday during a 3-day blockade enforced by the BNP and Jamaat-e-Islaami.
The 35-year-old arrestee, Nurul Uddin Tipu, is a member of both the Feni Jubo League and the Dhalia Union Jubo League, according to Feni Sadar Jubo League President Nurul Abbas, who spoke to The Daily Star. On Thursday, according to the OC of the Feni Sadar Model Police Station, Mohammad Shahidul Islam Chowdhury, some criminals set fire to a vehicle from a Chattogram sugar factory on the Dhaka-Chattogram highway in Feni. Ujjal Baidya, the truck owner who is from the Dewan Bazar area in Chattogram’s Bakalia, filed a case against 15 to 20 unidentifiable people under the Special Powers Act with Feni Model Police Station on Thursday night. He claimed that the damage caused by the fire cost Tk 1.5 lakh. The primary investigation unearthed Tipu being involved in the arson incident, said the OC.
Actor Patrick Dempsey, who starred in the show “Grey’s Anatomy”, was named People magazine’s “Sexiest Man Alive” for 2023 on Tuesday, succeeding Marvel star Chris Evans, who had the honor for the year of 2022.
Dempsey, who is currently 57 years of age, said he was “completely shocked” when he got the news and thought it was some kind of a joke. “It’s nice to have the recognition, and certainly my ego takes a little bump, but it gives me the platform to use it for something positive,” Dempsey told the magazine for their cover story. In December of this year, Dempsey will star in the biopic “Ferrari”, directed by Michael Mann, where he will portray Italian Formula One driver Piero Taruffi. The movie also features Adam Driver and Penelope Cruz in its cast.
According to reports, Grand Theft Auto VI, the upcoming installment in the immensely popular open-world franchise, could be unveiled by Rockstar Games as early as this week. Bloomberg reports that an announcement regarding the release of a trailer for Grand Theft Auto VI in December, which will commemorate the 25th anniversary of Rockstar Games, could be made this week.
In February 2022, Rockstar made its initial confirmation that it was at work on the next Grand Theft Auto and that active development was “well underway.” Since then, Bloomberg has reported that Grand Theft Auto VI, inspired by Bonnie and Clyde, will feature the series’ first female protagonist. Reportedly, Grand Theft Auto VI will also take place in a fictitious version of Miami, comparable to the setting of GTA: Vice City (2002). Grand Theft Auto VI is expected to arrive in 2024.
Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina of Bangladesh has been urged by UN Rights Chief Volker Turk to release Khaleda Zia, the main opposition leader, so that she may receive urgent medical treatment abroad. Zia, a two-time former premier, was at “high risk” of dying without medical intervention abroad, according to Bangladeshi clinicians, after the Hasina administration denied her requests to depart.
The UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, Turk said in a letter to the Bangladeshi PM that Zia’s release would be seen as “a significant step towards political dialogue & reconciliation”. “I call upon your government to consider her release to allow her to receive the urgent and specialised medical care that she needs abroad,” he wrote in the letter dated 1 November.
Once more, the United Nations (UN) has conveyed concerns regarding the mass arrest and the broader state of affairs in Bangladesh. Stephane Dujarric, spokesman for the United Nations secretary-general, stated this on Tuesday during a press briefing at the UN headquarters in New York. Stephane Dujarric was questioned regarding the Bangladeshi government’s rejection of the secretary-general’s appeals to cease violence, excessive force, and detention.
The journalist mentioned that the ruling party’s secretary has called the UN useless and said it has no role in the world except for saying some good words. “So what is your position as over 8,000 opposition protesters had been detained, and people are killed by the police?”, he asked. In reply, the spokesman said such allegations on the UN is nothing new. “On the situation in Bangladesh, I would refer you to what we’ve been saying for the last week, if not more, expressing our concern at the high number of arrests and the overall environment,” he added.
One female RMG worker was killed and ten more injured during a confrontation between police and workers on Wednesday in the Konabari area of Gazipur. Anjuara Begum, aged 24, was the spouse of Jamal Hossain and resided in Char Natipara, Kazipur upazila, Sirajganj. She was an operator of Islam Garments in the Konabari area.
The clash happened in the morning when workers started to demonstrate in Konabari area, against the government issued minimum wage for the labourers, and police shot rubber bullets, sound grenades and lobbed teargas shells. At least 12 workers were hurt in the conflict and 2 were sent to Dhaka Medical College Hospital where doctors declared Anjuara dead, said in-charge of DMCH police outpost Bachchu Mia.
Md Ashfaqur Rahman, the founder and CEO of Maven Autos, died in a bike accident today. He fell from his bike on the Dhaka-Mawa Expressway at around 2:30 AM. He was rushed to Dhaka Medical College and Hospital. The doctors declared him dead around 3:30 AM.
According to Rakibul Hasan, store and customer service officer of Maven Autos, Ashfaqur travelled to Mawa last night for some work. It’s unclear whether he lost control of his bike or some other vehicle was involved in the accident.
The website ‘istomorrowhartal.com’, which previously provided up-to-date information on hartals (strikes) and blockades in Bangladesh, has reappeared in 2023 amidst the ongoing blockades. The website was established in 2015. The website was originally established amidst a phase of frequent hartals by the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP). It has been recently enhanced to incorporate details regarding the most recent blockades initiated by the aforementioned party.
The website was made by Pathao founder Hussain M Elius in 2015, to provide a reliable source of info for people to know whether a hartal or blockade was to take place on the following day. It was a result of the challenges faced by commuters and the need for companies to plan ahead during unforeseeable times. With the repeat of BNP-led blockades in 2023, ‘istomorrowhartal’ has seen an update with info of latest blockades.
A recently found video shows Mike Johnson, a Republican politician, promoting an app that enables “accountability” between him and his son over any porn use. “Covenant Eyes is the software that we’ve been using a long time in our household,” he said. The app sends an alert to his son whenever he looks at anything explicit, and sends him an alert when his son does the same.
An accountability partner makes sure you’re on your way to stick to your goals. In his case, it is his son who’s 17, Johnson said. “So he and I get a report of all the things that are on our phones or devices once a week. If anything objectionable comes up, your accountability partner gets an immediate notice.”
During a campus-hosted vigil on Friday, a University of Massachusetts Amherst student was apprehended based on allegations of punching a Jewish student and spitting on the flag of Israel, according to officials. The occurrence transpired during a “Bring Them Home: Solidarity Walk and Installation” orchestrated by UMass Hillel, an on-campus Jewish organization. The organization stated that the event featured vacant seats at a Shabbat table symbolizing the 240 individuals held captive by Hamas.
At the event, the suspect walked through the gathering “aggressively giving people the middle finger,” UMass Amherst Hillel said in a statement. After the event ended and event security had left, the same student came back and then punched a Jewish student holding an Israeli flag, took the flag and spit on it, the organization said. The assaulted student was not injured, school officials said. UMass Police looked into it and the student, unidentified, was arrested that night and released on bail with a condition of not returning to campus.
Artists from Bangladesh are coming together to perform a concert for charity named “To Gaza from Dhaka” in solidarity with Gaza in the midst of its ongoing crisis. The concert will be organized by the platform Artists Against Genocide on November 24 at the central campus of Dhaka University.
Today, musician Ahmed Hasan Sunny, one of the platform’s spokespersons, informed the media that this concert will feature the performances of at least fifteen bands and musicians. As of now, confirmed performers include Maqsood O’ Dhaka, Zohad Reza Chowdhury of Nemesis, Karnival, Masha Islam, rapper Shafayat, and Aseer Arman. In a few days, a few additional bands and performers will be finalized.
A video of a former Chhatra League leader publicly stamping on the boat symbol in ballots for the by-election of Laxmipur-3 (Sadar) seat has spread on Facebook. In this video, the person can be seen stamping the boat symbol on multiple ballot papers in the polling station. After the video went viral on Monday, there was accusations of unfair voting practice.
A 57-second video that has gone viral shows a man sitting in a polling booth repeatedly stamping a boat symbol on a ballot paper. A card with boat symbol, which denotes an affiliation with Bangladesh Awami League, hangs around his neck. Another person in the room was helping him stamp the ballots.
A confrontation yesterday between locals and students at Daffodil International University in Ashulia resulted in the injuries of 5 students. Ejaj Ur Rahman, director of students’ affairs at the DIU, said that during the evening, an unauthorized group of people stormed a campus building and shattered several windows with bricks.
Later, they assaulted students who were demanding justice for the murder of a fellow student while demonstrating on campus. The assault resulted in the injuries of 5 students. Then, agitated students vandalized several market stalls in the vicinity. The president of the Chandgaon Traders and Owners Association, Shahariar Sumon, asserted that DIU students set 4 shops on fire and vandalized at least 70, while claiming that they did not attack the students. On October 27, Hasibul Islam Antar, a student of the DIU’s textile department, was assaulted by locals in Savar. He later died at a Mymensingh hospital on November 1.
Yesterday, the university authorities had filed a case with the Savar Model Police regarding this. Police arrested the main accused, Rahat Sarkar, from Gazipur.
As Israeli bombs struck a school serving as a place of refuge and landed outside a hospital, the United Nations warned of a “catastrophic” situation for children in Gaza, as pressure mounted on Israel over the civilian suffering caused by its campaign.
The UN estimates that more than forty percent of those killed in Gaza following nearly four weeks of conflict were children; 3,900 child victims have been reported, and an additional 1,250 are presumed to be buried beneath bombed structures. Inadequate rescue equipment, overcrowded hospitals, and dwindling supplies render the possibilities of survival for those stuck in rubble unbearably rare. Over the last 29 days, an average of 130 have been killed each day.
Sri Lanka’s cricket board has been sacked by their sports minister Roshan Ranasinghe on Monday, days after a humiliating loss to India at the World Cup. Sri Lanka Cricket, the richest sports organization on the economically struggling island, and Ranasinghe have been embroiled in a dispute for several months regarding allegations of pervasive corruption.
Arjuna Ranatunga, the 1996 World Cup-winning captain of Sri Lanka, has been designated chairman of a new interim board, according to a statement from Ranasinghe’s office. A former board president and a retired supreme court judge are also members of the new seven-member council. The action was taken a day after secretary Mohan de Silva, the second-highest officer of the board, resigned. Ranasinghe publicly called for the resignations of the entire board following Sri Lanka’s 302 run defeat by hosts India in the World Cup last week.
A Bangladeshi woman gave birth to a baby aboard a Saudi Arabia domestic flight. The woman, 30, was on a plane flying from Tabuk to Jeddah on Friday when she experienced contractions, Saudi news portal ‘Sabq’ reported.
Two football teams were among the passengers on board, and they were accompanied by medical professionals who assisted in the delivery of the infant through the translation of medical instructions by another traveler until the woman delivered the baby securely. The physicians decided against cutting the umbilical cord until a medical support team at the airport had completed its assessment of the situation. Female Saudi physicians specializing in emergency care were mobilized to provide the essential medical attention to the woman and her infant daughter. Both were transferred to a nearby hospital once their conditions had been confirmed to be stable.
On Sunday, leaders and activists of Jahangirnagar University Chhatra Dal (BNP’s student wing) locked several faculties at the campus on 1st day of BNP’s 48-hour nationwide blockade. Shortly after, a proctorial team hurried there and unlocked the gates, according to on-campus reports.
“We did this to bolster the current blockade by BNP. 7-8 activists including the campus JCD leader Mazharul Amin Tamal, Salman Ahmed and Mehdi Hasan were there,” said Mizanur Rahman, an activist of the Ju CD unit and a student of the 2014-15 academic session. BCL’s JU unit president Akhtaruzzaman Sohel said, “Chattra Dal is carrying out the activity like thieves, but students are not behind them. The students stood against this by breaking down the locks.”
In Kolkata, during the CWC 2023 match against South Africa, Virat Kohli scored his 49th one-day international century, tying the mark held by the legendary Sachin Tendulkar of India. Kohli, who is 35 years old, amassed 100 runs off 119 balls, inciting a frenzy among the crowded audience at Eden Gardens.
Tendulkar scored 49 centuries in 451 innings and 462 matches, while it has taken Kohli 277 innings and 289 ODIs. Kohli now has the second-highest runs at the World Cup with 542.
Anisul Huq, minister of law, justice, and parliamentary affairs, stated on Sunday that the arrests of BNP leaders were not for political motives but rather for their participation in illicit activities. He delivered the remark during a press conference at the Secretariat.
“They were not apprehended on political grounds. Because of their involvement in illicit activities, they were apprehended. It is completely unrelated to politics,” he declared. The law minister met with Inspector General of Police (IGP) Chowdhury Abdullah Al Mamun earlier today.
Following the political violence that claimed the life of a police official and a political activist on October 28, nearly a dozen leaders of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), including Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir, Standing Committee Member Amir Khasru Mahmud Chowdhury, and Party Vice Chairman Barrister Shahjahan Omar (Mirza Abbas), have been arrested.
দ্বিতীয় দফায় বাংলাদেশের প্রধান কোচের দায়িত্ব নিয়েছেন হাথুরুসিংহে। দলের দায়িত্ব নিয়ে আশানূরুপ কিছু করতে পারেননি তিনি। চলমান বিশ্বকাপে বাংলাদেশের পারফরম্যান্সও শোচনীয়। তবে দলের এমন বাজে সময় টুর্নামেন্ট চলাকালীন সময়ে হাথুরু জানালেন আসল কাজ হবে তার বিশ্বকাপ শেষে।
সোমবার (৬ নভেম্বর) শ্রীলঙ্কার বিপক্ষে দিল্লিতে মাঠে নামবে বাংলাদেশ দল। তার আগে সংবাদ সম্মেলনে এসেছিলেন হাথুরুসিংহে। এ সময় বিশ্বকাপ ব্যর্থতার প্রশ্নে টাইগার এই প্রধান কোচ বলেন, ‘আমার আসল কাজ শুরু হবে বিশ্বকাপের পরে। আগের সাত মাসে কিছুই করার ছিল না।’ হাথুরুসিংহে বলেন, ‘দলটা যে অবস্থায় ছিল সেখান থেকে নিয়ে এখনকার জন্য প্রস্তুত করেছি। আসলে আমার কাজ শুরু হবে এরপর। বিশ্বকাপের জন্য প্রস্তুত হওয়া একরকম, আর দলকে সামনে নিয়ে যাওয়া আরেক চ্যালেঞ্জ।’
গত সাতমাসে অনেক কিছুই নিজের নিয়ন্ত্রণের বাইরে ঘটেছে বলে মন্তব্য হাথুরুসিংহে। তিনি বলেন, ‘দেখুন আমি সাত মাস আগে কাজ শুরু করেছি। আমার হাতে কেবল সাত মাস সময় ছিল। এর মাঝে বেশ কিছু জিনিস ঘটেছে যা আমার নিয়ন্ত্রণে ছিল না। আমার মনে হয় এটা নিয়ে আলোচনা করা কিংবা ভাবার সঠিক সময় নয়।’
A garment union representative reported on Friday that Levi’s and H&M are among the leading global clothing brands whose production has been halted in Bangladesh due to days of violent protests by workers demanding a near-tripling of their wages. Providing many of the world’s most renowned fashion houses, Bangladesh’s 3,500 garment factories generate approximately 85% of the nation’s $55 billion in annual exports.
The majority of the sector’s four million employees, however, are women whose monthly wages begin at 8,300 taka ($75) and whose working conditions are appalling. Striking employees have stormed dozens of factories, while the proprietors of several hundred others have closed in an effort to prevent vandalism. Many of the country’s largest factories which produce apparel for nearly all major Western brands and retailers were among them, according to Kalpona Akter, president of the Bangladesh Garments and Industrial Workers Federation (BGIWF).
The department of the Canadian government who are responsible for national health policy, Health Canada, asked to withdraw 216,595 pieces of sleepers from the brand ‘George’ that were made in Bangladesh for health risks. The defective products were sold between November 2022 and June 2023, the department said on their website.
The zipper pulls and foot grips of the ‘George’ brand clothings risked being ingested or choked on, as they might fall off after repeated washing. “Consumers should immediately stop using the recalled sleepers and check the style number printed on the collar to determine if they are impacted by this recall. According to a Canadian government website, the clothings were made in Bangladesh by Gazipur-based Unique Designers Ltd and distributed by PDS Far-East Ltd of Kowloon, Hong Kong. Faruque Hassan, president of BGMEA, responded that he is not fully informed about the issue.
জনসভাকে উদ্দেশ্য করে প্রধানমন্ত্রী বলেন, “আগামী নির্বাচনের তফসিল যেকোনো সময় ঘোষণা হবে। আগামী নির্বাচনে নৌকায় ভোট দিয়ে, যাকেই প্রার্থী করি- সেটা কানা-খোঁড়া যেই হোক, তাকে নৌকায় মার্কায় ভোট দিয়ে বিজয়ী করবেন।”
শনিবার (৪ নভেম্বর) রাজধানীর আরামবাগে মেট্রোরেলের আগারগাঁও থেকে মতিঝিল অংশের উদ্বোধন উপলক্ষে আওয়ামী লীগের ঢাকা বিভাগীয় জনসভায় তিনি এসব কথা বলেন। প্রধানমন্ত্রী বলেন, “এবার নৌকা জিতবে। এ দেশের মানুষ যেন উন্নত জীবন পায়, সেটাই চাই।”
“Jawan,” a film starring Shah Rukh Khan, has sparked the practice of Hindi films being released concurrently in India and Bangladesh. ‘Tiger 3’ starring Salman Khan is now following this trend. ‘Tiger 3’ will be released in Bangladesh on November 12, concurrent with its global release, which will also encompass India. ‘Tiger 3’s’ importation and release in Bangladesh are the responsibility of Jazz Multimedia.
Abdul Aziz, the president of Jazz, stated that the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting has granted permission for the film’s release in Bangladesh, as requested in their application. On November 12, ‘Tiger 3’ will therefore be released in Bangladesh on the same day it is released in India and other countries.
A charity shop has issued a request to not donate sex toys in light of recent donations of the same. The Barnardo’s branch in Gorseinon, Swansea, was enthusiastic about reinforcing on social media that it is a charity for children. Furthermore, the organization claimed that its volunteer team comprised individuals of various age groups.
Additionally, clients were informed that the branch is equipped with CCTV “to trace these items back to their rightful owners.” As per the Barnardo’s website, additional items that are not permitted at its branches are car booster seats, mattresses, electric blankets, and white goods including laundry machines and refrigerator freezers.
The Wider Collective, in partnership with The Marvel – Be You, has accomplished a monumental feat by introducing Bangladesh’s first-ever AI-generated influencer, Marvella. This reveal occurred during the prestigious Influencer Awards ‘Marvel of Tomorrow: Season 3,’ hosted by The Marvel – Be You.
The AI-Influencer named Marvella is a 22-year-old graphic designer who embodies the Gen Z spirit. She has a deep passion for traveling and art. Marvella possesses the ability to curate content that resonates seamlessly with the diverse interests and preferences of the mass population.
Marvella was developed by The Wider Collective, a creative software agency specializing in experimental technology. They harnessed the power of artificial intelligence to create a digital persona that embodies the essence of contemporary influencer culture.
The event marks a significant turning point in the creative industry and technology landscape of Bangladesh, shining a spotlight on the potential of AI in the influencer marketing sector. Marvella’s introduction was met with excited applause from the audience, signaling a new era in digital influencing.
Ehfaz Rezwan, and Mehraab Anwar, the founders of The Wider Collective, shared their excitement about the project.
Ehfaz said “We’re very excited to be at the forefront of technological innovation in Bangladesh, with the unveiling of Marvella being just the tip of the iceberg. Here at The Wider Collective, our mission revolves around using the most cutting-edge technology to create products and services that push the limits of human imagination. We cannot wait to see how creative industries around the world make use of the innovations we bring forth.”
Mehraab shared his thoughts “Artificial Intelligence is poised to spearhead a global transformation across all industries, catalyzing innovation, enhancing efficiency, and personalizing experience. We aim to propel Bangladesh to the forefront by advocating for the widespread adoption of these cutting-edge technologies, enabling the nation to compete on a global stage.”
In addition to the founders Ehfaz Rezwan and Mehraab Anwar, a dedicated team of talented individuals at The Wider Collective worked tirelessly to bring Marvella to life. This collaborative effort included the expertise of Nirvana Islam, Ali Hasib, Akhlaq Siddiqi, and Pew Hossain, who played integral roles in the development of Bangladesh’s first AI influencer. Their combined skills, creativity, and commitment were essential in achieving this groundbreaking innovation.
The Marvel – Be You, distinguished for its expertise in influencer management, played a pivotal role in bringing Marvella to life.
Marvella redefines the influencer role across branding, social engagement, and content creation. The global virtual influencer market is rapidly expanding, transcending time and location constraints. It spans various categories, from fashion and advertising to music and brand launches. Notable influencers include Lil Miquela, with 2.7 million Instagram followers and a #47 Billboard ranking. Figures like Shudu, the first virtual supermodel, and Imma, Japan’s inaugural virtual model, have substantial impacts in this field.
On Saturday, PM Sheikh Hasina inaugurated the metro rail service from Agargaon to Motijheel, the capital’s commercial district. The PM traveled to Motijheel from metro rail’s Agargaon station to mark the operation of this new section. This increases the country’s first metro rail’s service area from Uttara to Motijheel.
The Uttara to Agargaon section of the metro rail was inaugurated by the PM on December 28. The Agargaon-Motijheel section of the metro rail system will commence operations for a duration of four hours, stopping at three stations: Farmgate, Secretariat, and Motijheel. The remaining terminals will be gradually operationalized, Dhaka Mass Transit Company Limited (DMTCL) representatives said. Additionally, Sheikh Hasina commenced construction of the MRT Northern route on Saturday. As of Sunday, commuters can travel to Motijheel from Agargaon between 7:30 am and 11:30 am.
A Bangladeshi national suspected of belonging to a Pakistani Al-Qaeda-affiliated group that studied military tactics and published incendiary videos online was apprehended by Italian police yesterday, according to reports. The man, who defined himself as a “Al-Qaeda lover” on Facebook, allegedly posted online videos and messages “inciting terrorist actions or acts of intolerance toward other communities,” according to Genoa police.
Police claim that the suspect has been under investigation since 2021 and is part of Tehreek-e Taliban Pakistan (TTP). They also claimed that he was waiting for his residency in Italy before planning to fight in Pakistan. The militant organization adopting a strict Islamist ideology, is classified as a foreign terror group by the United States and surfaced in Pakistan in 2007 when it orchestrated a deplorable surge of violence that culminated in a military crackdown in 2014. The group, which maintains ties to Al-Qaeda, has been bolstered in recent times by the Taliban’s resurgence in adjacent Afghanistan.
At least 3 people were hurt as a bus hit a private car inside Bangabandhu tunnel in Chittagong’s Patenga area last night. The injured could not be identified immediately.
An assistant engineer with the Bangabandhu Tunnel authority, Tanvir Rifat said that an Anwara bound bus hit a private car from behind at around 8:50pm, leaving 3 passengers of the car injured. “Upon information, we rushed to the spot and sent the injured to a hospital,” he said. Assistant manager of the tunnel authority Jahangir Alam said they were getting ready to take legal action in this regard. The tunnel wasn’t damaged because of the accident, he added.
“Pett Kata Shaw,” a web series by Nuhash Humayun, won “Best International Feature” at the Raindance Film Festival in the United Kingdom. The eleven-day festival commenced on November 25. On October 31, at 6:00 pm local time, Nuhash’s directorial effort was screened at Genesis. Additionally, the winners were declared via the festival’s Instagram post.
Nuhash posted on his socials about the achievement writing, “PETT KATA SHAW wins Best International Feature at Raindance. It was beautiful to hear a Bangla name called out for the TOP award of the festival. Thanks to the Raindance programming and jury”.
Election Commission released the final voters’ list for the 12th parliamentary polls on Thursday afternoon with 11,96,91,633 voters. Election Commission’s NID wing Director General AKM Humayun Kabir said that this is the final voters’ list before polls.
He mentioned that there are 60,771,579 male voters, 58,919,202 female voters, and 852 hijra voters.
On Thursday morning, at least 25 people, including five police officers, were injured in confrontations between garment workers and police in the Mirpur area of Dhaka. Various areas of Gazipur also experienced labor disruption on the same day, with police using tear gas to disperse agitated workers. The garments workers, particularly in Dhaka and Gazipur, are now on movement for over a week demanding increase of their monthly wages and clashes with law enforcement agencies and street protests occurred in past three days. In light of this, Border Guard Bangladesh personnel were deployed in Dhaka and neighboring areas on Thursday to secure the factories and prevent any acts of vandalism.
According to witnesses in Dhaka, several thousand workers from various garment factories in Mirpur began demonstrating at the Mirpur- 11 intersection in the morning, disrupting traffic flow on the surrounding roads. At approximately 11:00 a.m., the police used tear gas and baton charges to disperse agitated laborers, resulting in at least 25 injuries. Since the morning, workers have reportedly been demonstrating peacefully to urge their demand for a minimum wage of Tk 23,000. However, police assaulted them, resulting in 20 injured workers, they said. Pallabi police station in charge Md Mahfuzur Rahman said that police asked workers to vacate the road for traffic but workers engage in clash leaving five policemen injured.
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