From Teknaf to Tetulia, experience the latest innovations with Walton refrigerators, designed to suit every corner of Bangladesh.
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Executive Machines Limited, the Apple Authorized Reseller of Apple products in Bangladesh, is thrilled to unveil the long-awaited iPhone 16 Series. The lineup includes the iPhone 16, iPhone 16 Plus, iPhone 16 Pro and iPhone 16 Pro Max, each featuring groundbreaking upgrades designed to elevate the mobile experience for users nationwide.
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With gold prices on the rise, Gold Kinen app and bKash are making gold purchases more affordable by offering up to BDT 5000 cashback on purchases made via bKash payment. Throughout the month of October, customers can earn 5% cashback on every gold purchase.
All customers will receive instant cashback directly to their bKash account, enhancing both affordability and convenience. This collaboration between Gold Kinen and bKash aims to reduce the financial burden of rising gold prices, making it easier for all customers to save in gold.
Download the app: https://goldkinen.com/qrlanding/
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In today’s dynamic environment, looking and feeling one’s best is paramount. The modern Bangladeshi man requires a grooming routine that complements his ambitious lifestyle and projects confidence and authority. Introducing Beardo, the premium men’s grooming brand that is set to transform the personal care landscape for Bangladeshi men. Beardo was founded with the discerning man in mind, offering a comprehensive range of products covering beard care, hair care, face care, and fragrances to help the Bangladeshi man look and feel his absolute best.
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On December 19, 2019, a modest cloud-based pizza delivery service named Oven began its journey in Dhaka. Born out of a desire to satisfy late-night cravings with high-quality food, Oven aimed to fill a gap in the market by offering gourmet, square-shaped pizzas delivered directly to customers’ doors during the odd hours of the night. Their simple yet innovative concept focused on exceptional taste and service from midnight to 4 am, appealing to night owls seeking comfort food during those quiet hours.
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“Haikyuu!! The Dumpster Battle,” with a runtime of one hour and forty minutes, offers a thrilling and exciting encounter. Susumu Mitsunaka, the film’s director, presents the dramatic and action-packed battle between Karasuno High and Nekoma, their longtime rival, which has been a point of interest since the anime’s first season.
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Review by Reshad Chowdhury Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga, directed by George Miller, is the eagerly awaited prequel to the critically acclaimed “Mad Max: Fury Road”. With Anya Taylor-Joy stepping into the shoes of Furiosa, the film delves into the character’s origin story, set against the harsh backdrop of Miller’s dystopian universe.
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Overview
“The Fall Guy,” directed by David Leitch, is a high-octane action-comedy that blends the thrills of stunt work with a heartfelt narrative about redemption and resilience. With a stellar cast led by Ryan Gosling and Emily Blunt, the film aims to offer a fresh take on the classic 1980s television series of the same name. As a critic, it’s essential to dissect the film’s various elements, from its narrative structure and character development to its technical prowess and overall entertainment value.
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Potted Compact Dracaena Warneckii Varigate, Lemon Lime Isolated on White Shafqat Aziz
Are you worried about the alarming levels of air pollution in Dhaka? It would be natural for one to be concerned given the daily news reports of record high levels of air pollution by AQI (Air Quality Index) which often terms it as “hazardous”. While there has been sparring usage of water canons by the respective city corporation trucks to stem the flow of dust particles in the air, it is questionable how effective these measures have been so far.
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Last year, ARKA Fashion Week, which took place between 26-28 Oct, 2023 took the city by storm. With a staggering footfall of over 7000 people, the event proved to be extremely popular, especially among the youth. Like last time, this initiative of ARKA Studio will once again reaffirm its commitment to providing equitable opportunities to all kinds of designers and brands. The overarching objective of ARKA Fashion Week is to see Bangladesh graduate from exporting garments to exporting fashion – to see Bangladeshi brands and retail labels add value in terms of culture export. ARKA believes that this evolution in our fashion and textile industry will help raise the stature of our nation and further improve our economy.
Moreover, ARKA Fashion Week is the perfect opportunity for everyone in Bangladesh to immerse themselves in fashion. The event will feature specially curated runway shows, clothes and accessories by the best brands and designers, and most importantly, the event is a place for fashion savvy individuals to express their own sense of style. As usual, ARKA FW will have a food zone and diverse musical performances every night, along with the following segments:
MARKETPLACE
This section, which is the heart of the event, will house entrepreneurs and brands which work with fashion, fashion accessories, and fashion related products, made in Bangladesh. A core philosophy to expect among the brands to be found in the Marketplace is sustainability. Most participants of ARKA Fashion Week Marketplace are small boutiques and/or e-commerce/f-commerce brands. As the exposure of these talented, local brands is limited, they have a certain disadvantage. ARKA Fashion Week hopes to bridge that gap and give a platform to these incredible, locally-grown brands.
DESIGN LAB
This is an interactive space where one can create their own designs. The concept is to walk in and purchase a ‘canvas’ i.e. products like a plain t-shirt, hat, tote bag or scarf, which can then be customized at any of the seven different design stations such as block printing, screen printing, hand-paint, patchwork, different forms of embellishments and appliqués, etc. This is a segment that any age group will enjoy participating in and can use to channel their creativity. Since it’s a design lab and not a workshop, anyone can come in at any time, buy a product and head over to the station to work on their design.
THE RUNWAY
With 4 slots each day, the runway will take place over 3 days, showcasing a variety of designers – new and upcoming, trailblazers and some exclusive designer brands. Curated by Azra Mahmood, Mehruz Munir, Nawshin Khair and Zarin Rashid, each of the participants of the runway were carefully selected and guided by the team. Perhaps one of the most anticipated segments of the event, the ARKA FW runway will not only be unique in terms of the designs being showcased on it; this time ARKA will also be presenting the finalists of a headhunt for new models to debut on the ARKA SS24 Runway. Moreover, the runway will also feature some students from design institutions in a cue curated by Afsana Ferdousi.
EXHIBITION AND SEMINARS
In this edition of ARKA Fashion Week, a couple of new segments, workshops and seminars, will be introduced. ARKA FW wants to cover all aspects of fashion, including the challenges and issues faced by the industry. As a result, it seemed imperative to host some seminars to address some issues that are prevalent in the fashion industry of our country. Moreover, before the event takes place, ARKA FW is also facilitating an exhibition concerning Tangail weaving and ways to preserve the traditional art of handloom textile. Led by Tahsin N. Choudhury, Nawshin Khair, Sk. Saifur Rahman and Jewel A. Rob — the results of the workshop will be exhibited at ARKA FW SS24. The exhibition will be curated by Jewel A. Rob.
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An orchestra of powerful storytelling , Immersive sound effects, unforgettable music scores, and award winning visual effects, Interstellar leaves no box left unchecked. No matter how many times you watch this movie, watching it in theatres with a Dolby Atmos sound system will undoubtedly blow your mind. Kudos to Star Cineplex for bringing it again.
I’ll be honest with you, I actually never watched Interstellar before, and because I wanted my first time to be a theatre experience. And I’m so glad I waited! Throughout the movie, you feel completely immersed in every scene, as if you are a part of Cooper’s Crew aboard the ship. Even if you have watched it before, watching it again in a Dolby Atmos theatre is worth every penny.
Just like every other Nolan movie, it’s one with a lot of Nolanverse scientific logic into it, which you probably need a rewatch to fathom completely. As always, the Fiction and Science merge so well together that almost everything shown in the movie is realistically possible, showing the amount of research that was put into the script.
Despite being such a long movie, the pacing was perfect, with the first act properly setting up the characters, and foreshadowing everything for the final act of the movie. The plot explores the effect of Gravity on space travel, and the way it can warp time itself. It explores the unknowns of space, including worm holes and the wonders of a black hole. You follow the journey of former Nasa Pilot Cooper across the Galaxy to find salvation for mankind, with lots of life threatening dangers along the way. Along with all of this, a main focus of the plot is familial bonds and all the emotions faced in such circumstances. The story telling utilises Nolan’s entire arsenal to the best capacity throughout the film, with completely unexpected plot twists that leave viewers on the edge of your seats, and an emotional ending which goes full circle, leaving questions and answers alike.
Characters were written to be relatable to every viewer, where you get to understand everyone’s motives and feel for every action each character makes. This was enhanced by the performance of every actor who delivered their A Game. Even the AI TARS can feel like he’s now your best friend! Visually, everything looked so realistic that you can’t even tell which part is CGI. Hanz Zimmer produced legendary sound scores for this movie captivating the viewers and making you feel immersed during every scene. The music scores are still played in popular TikTok videos today.
Overall, the first act of the film may be slow paced for a few viewers, but it pays off at the end. A visual marvel, and story telling at its finest, Interstellar is a masterpiece that will remain a timeless classic. It can be enjoyed by viewers of all ages, but the depth of the film can only be understood by more mature viewers capable of understanding the scientific aspects of the film. A must watch in theatres for anyone who enjoys watching movies.
9.5/10
To book tickets, go to https://www.cineplexbd.com and experience the masterpiece yourself.
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“Godzilla X Kong” is an electrifying clash of titans that delivers on its promise of epic battles and if you’re expecting next level storytelling, sadly this is not that movie. It is a classic monster flick with world building like the Marvel movies. Directed by Adam Wingard, this instalment in the Monsterverse franchise is a visual extravaganza that brings to life the iconic monsters with breathtaking CGI.
After three previous movies with mixed reviews, this clash of monsters is a breath of fresh air. The return of classic Toho monsters to the series creates epic moments throughout the film.The film balances the spectacle of giant monster fights with human characters. The human side was a bit lacklustre with exceptions of funny moments sprinkled in which was still enjoyable. However, a few characters and stories were introduced which remained a mystery until the end, making it harder for the audience to care about them.
“Godzilla X Kong” pays homage to the cheesy yet exhilarating monster films of the 60s, reminiscent of Toho classics. The standout moments undoubtedly lie within the electrifying fight sequences. Addressing a common critique of the franchise, where monsters were often obscured by darkness or rain, this instalment boldly showcases Godzilla and Kong engaging in epic battles, prominently under daylight, offering a visual feast for audiences.
In the battle for supremacy, audiences are treated to exhilarating action sequences that have been beautifully rendered with CGI which holds a lot of weight and really depicts their scale well while thrashing and bashing across the screen. Seamlessly integrating the monsters into their environments, immersing viewers in the chaos and destruction of the epic showdowns. One can really tell the attention to detail that has been present throughout the film.
Overall, “Godzilla X Kong” is a thrilling cinematic experience that delivers on its promise of larger-than-life monster battles and impressive CGI. The plotline is subpar across the board, but for action movies these days it holds up well enough. Whether you’re a fan of the Monsterverse franchise or just looking for an adrenaline-fueled blockbuster, this film transports us to a time of simpler movies of the past with pure action.
All things considered, I would give it a 7/10.
What did you think of the movie? Find out for yourself after watching it in Star Cineplex theatres across the country. Get your tickets at https://www.cineplexbd.com/
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Representatives from the prestigious UK university, the University of London, are in Dhaka this week to meet with students studying in its programs.
The team will visit two recognized teaching centers (RTCs) that the University works with in Bangladesh. They will be interviewing students and gathering their firsthand experience of what it’s like to study the University of London’s highly regarded degree courses while living in Bangladesh. They will also be finding out how a University of London degree will help students achieve their career goals.
Thanks to the flexibility of the University of London’s courses, students from Bangladesh can choose to study at any of the country’s seven recognised teaching centres which are affiliated with the University of London, or to study independently online. Currently, more than 1,600 students across Bangladesh choose to study a wide range of courses including Bachelor of Laws LLB (Hons) and CertHE in Common Law. A University of London law degree (LLB) certifies that students who have completed the course have achieved globally recognized standards.
The team will meet students at the London College of Legal Studies (South) in Dhaka on 15 February. The college was established in August 2004 to provide high-quality education/tuition for students who are interested in qualifying as Barristers of the English and Welsh Bar.
On Friday 16 February, the team will move on to Bhuiyan Academy, Bangladesh’s oldest recognized teaching center. Bhuiyan Academy offers a range of high-quality courses from LLB to BSc Business Administration in modern facilities.
Many University of London law graduates have advanced to become advocates to the Supreme Court of Bangladesh or hold other prestigious legal roles. These include Advocates of the Dhaka Bar Association, Advocates of the Supreme Court of Bangladesh, and Advocates of the District and Session Court, Chittagong.
Last week it was announced that one LCLS (South) alumni, Mohammad Taqi Yasir, who was previously recognized by Forbes 30 under 30 Asia, has won a British Council Study UK Alumni Award. Mohammad, a graduate of the University of London, received the award in the social action category. He is the co-founder of ‘Footsteps’, an organization working on sustainable community-centric initiatives.
“I’m so delighted to receive this award,” said Mohammad. “I do not doubt that studying for a degree with the University of London helped because the award recognizes those who have strengthened the links between Bangladesh and the UK. I chose to study in my own country to help my compatriots and the University of London made that easy for me. I would encourage anyone in Bangladesh thinking of studying to consider distance learning as a way forward.”
Speaking about the visit, University of London Pro Vice-Chancellor Professor Mary Stiasny OBE said:
“The University of London has been working with partners in Bangladesh for nearly 40 years and has strong links with RTCs across the country. We know that students in Bangladesh are passionate about the benefits that education can bring and we are looking forward to meeting students who are studying on our courses and hearing their stories. Later this year we will be sharing those stories to inspire people across Bangladesh to consider higher education and consider studying with the University of London.”
LCLS (South) said: “We are thrilled to witness the remarkable achievements of our alumni, Mohammad Taqi Yasir, who has not only excelled in his academic journey but has also been recognized with prestigious awards like the British Council Alumni Award and Forbes 30 under 30 for his social impact. As we continue to foster a dynamic environment for our students, we look forward to inspiring more success stories and contributing to the growth and development of our global community.
“We wish Taqi Yasir all the best for his future endeavors.”
Bhuiyan Academy said: “Bhuiyan Academy is a forward-thinking quality education provider institution that has offered the University of London programmes since 1989.
“With a diverse faculty, many distinguished in their fields, the Academy ensures a supportive environment for students. Student progression is regularly monitored through classes and assessments while mock trials, debates, and seminars are arranged to gain legal experience. With our spectacular setting and network of alumni, we strive for excellence.”
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Renowned luxury watch boutique Mohammad & Sons proudly announces a significant rebranding initiative by introducing a new logo and a captivating tagline – “The Time Has Come.”
This strategic move is a testament to the brand’s commitment to evolution, timeless elegance, and a celebration of the ever-changing essence of time, reads a press release.
The new logo is meticulously crafted to embody the essence of time.
Inspired by the classical hourglass, the logo symbolizes the seamless flow of moments, emphasizing the timeless beauty of their meticulously curated timepieces. It represents tradition and innovation, reflecting Mohammad & Sons’ rich heritage in luxury watches while embracing the future with an avant-garde spirit. The elegant and modern design of the hourglass within the logo captures the brand’s dedication to crafting watches that stand the test of time.
The new logo is accompanied by a powerful tagline encapsulating the essence of the brand’s philosophy – “The Time Has Come.” This tagline invites watch enthusiasts to experience more than just a watch; it beckons them to embrace each moment’s luxury and significance. Whether it’s a milestone celebration, a cherished memory, or a daily achievement, Mohammad & Sons will be part of the wearer’s journey. The tagline also signifies a pivotal moment in the brand’s history, emphasizing its continuous pursuit of excellence and innovation in luxury timepieces.
About Mohammad & Sons:
Founded in 2018, Mohammad & Sons has been synonymous with luxury watches, offering an exquisite collection that blends traditional craftsmanship with contemporary design. It has consistently provided a curated selection of timepieces from renowned international brands, earning a reputation for excellence and sophistication.
Website: mohammadandsons.com
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In Panchagarh’s Tentulia today, the mercury dropped to 5 degrees Celsius, the lowest of the season in Bangladesh, as reported by Met office. Rangpur Meteorological Department recorded the temperature of Tetulia at 9:00 AM in the morning today.
However, the temperature is not likely to drop further and the temperature may rise from tomorrow, the meteorologist said.
The Met office has also said that there is a possibility of rain on February 1 and 2.Source: https://www.thedailystar.net/environment/weather/news/tetulia-records-seasons-lowest-temperature-5-degrees-celsius-3530161?fbclid=IwAR3hqOyInuJPPFaATXWWtGtTeHjd8LEaThgYH1ubFW8g5T4LDQES6EEVWYw
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Barcelona coach Xavi Hernandez said that he has decided to leave at the end of the season after they lost 5-3 at home to Villarreal in LaLiga. This was their 3rd defeat in their last 5 games in all competitions. “I’d like to announce that as of June 30 I will not continue as Barca coach,” he said in a press conference. Barcelona are 3rd in the league on 44 points, 10 points behind the top team Real Madrid and eight points behind second-placed Girona.
They lost to Real Madrid in the Spanish Super Cup final earlier in January and were knocked out in the Copa del Rey quarter-finals by Athletic Bilbao on Wednesday.
Source: https://www.reuters.com/sports/soccer/barca-manager-xavi-leave-end-season-2024-01-27/
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Rezwana Choudhury Bannya, a famous Rabindra Sangeet singer, has been given the Padma Shri, India’s fourth-highest civilian award. The Indian government released a list of winners for the Padma Awards on Thursday. The singer from Bangladesh is on the list. Every year on January 26, India’s Republic Day, the list is made public. This year, Bannya is the only person from Bangladesh on the list. She was honored for “distinguished service” in the area of art.
Bannya, who is the founder of music education institute Surer Dhara, has written multiple books on Tagore’s music. She was also given the ‘Bangabhushan’ by the West Bengal government & the Feroza Begum Memorial Gold Medal. Bangladesh has recognised Bannya’s contributions to music and her contribution to spreading Rabindranath Tagore’s music with an Independence Award in 2016.
Source: BD News 24
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A Ugandan minister is facing backlash after calling people who have died of hunger in Uganda “idiots”. A lot of people have called Henry Okello Oryem’s statement tone-deaf. In 2022 alone, more than 2,200 people died of starvation and other related illnesses in north-east Uganda, according to report by an official human rights body. Mr Oryem says that with Uganda’s favourable climate and fertile land, people should be able to grow their own food. “It’s only an idiot, a real idiot, that can die of hunger in Uganda,” the state minister for foreign affairs said to the NTV Uganda television channel.
“If you work hard, there is land in Uganda. The climate is right in spite [of] climate change. If you make a double effort to make sure that you go out in the morning, you till your land, you plant the seeds, you maintain your plantation, surely, how do you fail then to get food?”
Other than being the cause of death for a large part of the population, the food shortage in the north-east left around half-a-million people in “acute hunger”, as came up in the report by the Uganda Human Rights Commission, which was established according to their constitution.Source: BBC News
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The driver of a Milestone school bus is said to have raped a sixth-grade girl in the Horirampur area of Uttara Sector-18 in Dhaka. Harun-ur-Rashid, 50, was caught by police as the suspected driver, and Md. Tushar, 46, his associate was arrested too. Even though it happened on October 12, the event wasn’t made public until the victim’s health was getting worse and she was showing signs of pregnancy.
On January 21, the victim’s father went to the Turag police station and made a report against the driver Harun and his associate Tushar.
Suspect Tushar was caught on the same day in the evening in Uttara Sector-13 by SI Md Ibrahim Molla, who is in charge of the investigation. Harun, the driver, was caught in the afternoon of January 22 in Ershad Nagar in Gazipur by the same team.
The driver confessed to a judge in a Dhaka CMM court that he was involved in the rape in a statement under Section-164 of the CrPc.Source: https://thefinancialexpress.com.bd/national/rape-case-in-uttara-main-suspect-associate-arrested
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Saudi Arabia has said it will open a shop in Riyadh which sells alcohol to select non-Muslim expats. This will be the first alcohol shop to open in the kingdom in more than 70 years. The customers will be limited to diplomatic staff, who have always imported alcohol in sealed official packages called diplomatic pouches. Saudi officials believe the shop will reduce “the illegal trade of alcohol”. Alcohol prohibition has been a part of the law since 1952, when one of King Abdulaziz’s sons drunkenly shot dead a British diplomat.
Two Saudi men in their 30s said they were concerned about what the sale of alcohol would mean for the kingdom’s principles. “It’s not who we are,” one of them said. “It’s not that I have, like, some kind of judgment towards people who drink. No, absolutely not. But having something that is out there affects the culture and the community.” He added: “Let’s say if I have a younger sibling, if alcohol is out there, there is a possibility that he will become an alcoholic.”
Mohammed bin Salman’s Vision 2030 aims to transform Saudi Arabia into a business, sports, and tourism hub, attracting more foreigners. Kristin Diwan of the Arab Gulf States Institute said that allowing alcohol “in stages” would facilitate this transition, highlighting the importance of attracting foreign investment in Saudi Arabia.
Source: https://www.theguardian.com/world/2024/jan/25/saudi-arabia-to-allow-first-alcohol-sales-in-72-years-dividing-opinion
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Jon Stewart is set to make a comeback to the ‘The Daily Show’. Showtime and MTV Entertainment Studios declared that he will resume hosting the show every Monday starting February 12.
Stewart will host and also serve as the executive producer for the program. He will work together with a rotating cast of comedians who will be at the helm of the programme on other weekdays, from Tuesdays through Thursdays.
“Stewart is the voice of our generation, and we are honored to have him return to Comedy Central’s ‘The Daily Show’ to help us all make sense of the insanity and division roiling the country as we enter the election season,” Chris McCarthy, the chief executive of Showtime and MTV Entertainment Studios, shared in a statement.
Source: Daily Star
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Miniso Bangladesh has achieved its 2nd consecutive global recognition at the biggest stage of Miniso’s 10th Anniversary Global Conference. Miniso held its prestigious global conference at the InterContinental Exhibition Center in Guangzhou, China. With 100+ countries and 3000+ attendees Miniso celebrated its establishment of the past 10 years. Along with the big International markets such as Mexico, Indonesia, France and UAE, Miniso Bangladesh has also received an award for their outstanding performance for the year 2023.
Miniso has emphasised in this conference on how important social media and online marketing is for today’s generation and how much more prominent it will be for the coming years and have appreciated Miniso Bangladesh’s continuous exciting and effective use of it. Jack Ye, the Chairman of Miniso has said in the conference “The last 10 years have been amazing and for the next 10 years we have more exciting things to come and we are more hungrier than ever. The goal is to make Miniso a Super Brand”. His vision and speech has inspired and excited the Master Franchisees who were present at the event.
Miniso handed over the award to the Miniso Bangladesh team who were in attendance. Amongst the team were the 3 directors of Miniso Bangladesh Shah Adeeb Chowdhury, Shah Rayeed Chowdhury and Chowdhury Asifuzzaman. Upon receiving this prestigious award Mr. Adeeb said “It’s an honour for us to be able to represent our country so proudly. We feel like we are a very strong force at the Miniso global table”. Adding to this Mr. Asifuzzaman said “Miniso is strongest currently in terms of IP collaboration and after what we have seen today I am excited for the Miniso Bangladesh market for the coming years. Starting with Sanrio product launch in mid this year”. Mr. Rayeed also shared his view on the future of Miniso Bangladesh, “We are aligned with Miniso Headquarters vision and we are now planning to open bigger and better stores and give our customer the Miniso experience that is unique and exciting”.
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The Department of Narcotics Control (DNC) in Dhaka has apprehended a 35-year-old Malawian woman, Nomthandazo Towera Soko, with around 8.5 kilograms of cocaine, the largest seizure of solid cocaine by Bangladeshi authorities. The drugs, valued at around Tk 1 billion, were discovered at Dhaka’s Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport. The DNC initiated the operation two days ago based on a tip-off about a cocaine shipment arriving in Bangladesh.
Soko, a shoe and garment trader, was arrested by authorities in Bangladesh under the pretext of visiting the country under the same pretext as her previous visits to Africa. The investigation revealed the involvement of local individuals and another foreign national in a smuggling operation involving 1 kg of cocaine and 8 kilograms of the drug wrapped in carbon paper.
Source: BD News 24
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NHK reported that a Japanese man was sentenced to death on Thursday for setting Kyoto Animation on fire and killing 36 people in 2019. Due to the studio’s large fan base, the deadly attack on KyoAni, a Kyoto-based studio, shocked Japan and the world. Shinji Aoba, 45, set the studio on fire by pouring petrol on the entryway, wounding 32. Aoba was also burned severely and treated for about a year.
It has been reported that Aoba held a grudge against the studio, known for their work “Violet Evergarden” and other popular ones, believing that they had plagiarised his novel, an accusation that KyoAni has denied.
The incident led to condolences from world leaders and business executives such as Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and Apple Chief Executive Tim Cook.Source: https://www.dhakatribune.com/world/asia/337710/japan-man-gets-death-sentence-for-killing-36-in
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PM Sheikh Hasina expressed her hope that China would play a more crucial role during the term of her new government to help execute its development programs.
“China is one of the most significant development and strategic partners of Bangladesh. We hope that during this government’s term, China will help us more than ever before to help advance the development journey of Bangladesh,” she said when the Chinese vice minister of the International Department of the CCP, Sun Haiyan, called on her at her official residence, Ganabhaban.
PM’s speech writer M Nazrul Islam had briefed reporters after the meeting.Source: https://www.dhakatribune.com/bangladesh/foreign-affairs/337703/pm-seeks-stronger-chinese-support-for-bangladesh%E2%80%99s
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Ju-un Nahar Choudhury has been appointed as the new managing director for Coca-Cola Bangladesh Ltd. She is the first woman and the first person from Bangladesh to hold the position. She took over for Ta Duy Tung, who had joined in 2021.
Choudhury began her job at Unilever as a marketing management trainee and worked in a number of different positions. It was her team’s work on the nationwide “Lifebuoy handwashing washing campaign” that earned them a Guinness world record.
In her other jobs, she has worked for Ricketts Benckiser, Danone Indonesia, and Apex.Source: Daily Star
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Saidus Salehin Khaled Sumon, better known as Bassbaba Sumon, fought cancer for a long time. Among other health problems, he had surgeries to fix problems with his eyes and back. Yesterday, Sumon said that he has beat cancer but is having trouble with his back. Even though he was very lean, he told his fans not to worry. He thanked them and said that his fans were his heroes and inspirations.
He shared on Facebook, “I’m not dealing with a life-threatening illness anymore, and there’s no cancer in my body. While I do have spine issues that will need surgery down the line, it’s not severe enough to hinder me from performing concerts or pose a risk to my life. You witnessed my concerts in 2021, 2022, and 2023, despite the challenges with my spine. Thankfully, my condition has significantly improved compared to before,” he elaborated in the post.
Source: Daily Star
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Saudi Arabia wants to build eight iconic mosques in Bangladesh and an Arabic language school in Dhaka. Saudi Arabia’s Ambassador to Bangladesh, Essa Youssef Essa Al Duhailan, told Minister of Religious Affairs Faridul Haque Khan about this during a meeting at the ministry on Sunday.
A news release from the ministry says that the two talked about a range of issues connected to the relationship between the two countries and how to make it better going forward.
Besides this, they talked about registering for Hajj, getting pilgrims to and from the event, opening an Arabic language school in Dhaka, and building eight iconic mosques in Bangladesh.Source: https://www.dhakatribune.com/bangladesh/foreign-affairs/337388/saudi-arabia-wants-to-build-eight-iconic-mosques
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As Valentine’s Day is coming up, an American zoo is offering people to get back at their exes in a unique way. In one of its long-standing traditions, the Bronx Zoo is giving people the chance to name a cockroach after their ex for $15. The package includes a colorful certificate emailed to your ex that a Madagascar hissing cockroach has been named in their honour.
CBS News reported that the Bronx Zoo launched the Name-a-Roach program in 2011, featuring Madagascar hissing cockroaches as the world’s largest species of cockroaches. The program, launched in 2011, saw 3,246 people name roaches as part of Valentine’s Day, highlighting the importance of cockroach conservation.
Source: https://www.ndtv.com/offbeat/this-us-zoo-will-let-you-name-a-cockroach-after-your-ex-for-valentines-day-4903455/amp/1
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A boss in Portland, Oregon ensured his workers don’t call in sick during a blizzard by picking everyone up and driving them to their workplace. “And I was hoping he would just let the store be closed for the day,” one of his employees, Ms Ruffin, captioned the video which has more than 4 million views on the TikTok.
In her comments section, she also shared that her boss even brought his workers home after that day’s work. “Not even upset. I just respect the hustle,” she wrote in a comment.
Source: https://www.ndtv.com/offbeat/boss-picks-up-every-employee-to-ensure-they-dont-call-in-sick-during-snowstorm-4880174/amp/1
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Guinness World Records has recognized Saudi Arabia’s Address Jabal Omar Mecca Hotel’s prayer room as the world’s highest hanging prayer room, located 483 meters above sea level. The prayer room, which can accommodate up to 520 worshippers, offers stunning views of the Kaaba and other Mecca religious landmarks.
Worshippers in Mecca experience a blend of traditional Arabic designs and modern luxury, reflecting the rich Islamic heritage. The prayer hall features Arabic calligraphy, enhancing the sanctity and offering a spiritual experience. Witnessing the sunrise and sunset, worshippers can immerse themselves in the Islamic faith.
Source: https://thefinancialexpress.com.bd/world/asia/worlds-highest-hanging-prayer-room-opens-in-saudi-arabia
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Team Bangladesh has won 15 awards at the International Robot Olympiad 2024. Among these 15 awards, they have also secured 3 gold medals. The event, held from 16 to 19 January 2024 in Athens, Greece, had a total of 1,400 students from 26 countries participating this year, where Team Bangladesh won 3 gold medals, 6 silver medals, 4 bronze medals, and 2 technical medals.
The 3 gold medals were won in three different categories. The winners list includes Zaima Jahin Wara (William Carey Academy) from Robosparks in the ‘Robot in Movie Junior’ category; Nasheetat Zainah Rahman (Mastermind English Medium School), Propa Halder (Birshreshtha Munshi Abdur Rouf Public College), and Marjia Afifa Prithibi (South Point School and College) from Robo Idiots in ‘Robot in Movie Senior’ category; and Misbah Uddin Inan (Chattogram Cantonment Public College) from Zeroth Team in ‘Creative Idea Senior’ category.
Silver medals were won by Mahruz Mohammad Ayman (Navy Anchorage School and College Dhaka) from Team Pie in the ‘Creative Junior’ category; Zaima Jahin Wara (William Carey Academy) from Team Robosparkars, and Mahruz Mohammad Ayman (Navy Anchorage School and College Dhaka) from Team Pie in ‘Physical Computing Junior’ category; Misbah Uddin Inan (Chattogram Cantonment Public College) and Sadia Akter Sarna (Viqarunnisa Noon School and College) from Team Zeroth in ‘Robot in Movie Senior’ category; Maisha Sobhan (Viqarunnisa Noon School & College), Samia Mehnaz (Viqarunnisa Noon School & College), and Maskur Malik Mustafa (Notre Dame College) from Team Aficionados in ‘Robot in Movie Senior’ category; and Mahir Tajwar Chowdhury (Mirzapur Cadet College) from Team Ex-Fanatic in the ‘AI Autonomous Driving Senior’ category. The winners were awarded their medals at the Faliro Coastal Zone Olympic Complex on 20 January 2024.
The Bangladesh Robot Olympiad has been a local competition since 2018, with the 6th Bangladesh Robot Olympiad Online Phase held from 13-17 September 2023 and the 6th Bangladesh Robot Olympiad National Phase from 29-30 September 2023. The winners were selected for this year’s IRO based on performance and other metrics.
Source: https://www.thedailystar.net/tech-startup/news/team-bangladesh-wins-15-awards-intl-robot-olympiad-2024-3524526
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A meat seller named Mamun Hossain (30) was killed in a dispute over the sale of meat at the price of Tk 650 per kg in Bagha, Rajshahi. He is the son of late Rahim Uddin of Piadapara village of Arani municipality. The incident took place at Adani Bazaar of the upazila around 10 am on Saturday. According to locals, Mamun Hossain and Khokon Hossain, son of deceased Khoda Box of the same village, were selling beef side by side.
Khokon’s accomplices Abdus Salam and Rafiqul Islam said that Mamun and Khokon are cousins. Together they did meat business. They separated the business some time ago.
Source: https://www.kalerkantho.com/online/country-news/2024/01/20/1356376
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A Japanese writer won the country’s top literary prize – then admitted to using ChatGPT to write a part of the book. Rie Kudan was recently awarded the Akutagawa Prize for her sci-fi novel Tokyo-to Dojo-to (Tokyo Sympathy Tower), which is about a tall prison tower. Judges allegedly called her novel “almost flawless.” During her acceptance speech, Kudan shared that a part of the novel had been written by ChatGPT.
“This is a novel written by making full use of a generative AI like ChatGPT, and probably about 5 per cent of the whole text is written directly from the generative AI,” Kudan said, according to The Japan Times. “I would like to work well with them to express my creativity.”
She said that in her daily life, she consults with ChatGPT about issues she feels she cannot talk about with others. “When the AI did not say what I expected, I sometimes reflected my feelings in the lines of the main character,” she said.
The Akutagawa Prize has been awarded since 1935 and is Japan’s top prize for literature. It is awarded semi-annually to talented up-and-coming writers.Source: https://www.thenationalnews.com/arts-culture/books/2024/01/20/japan-chatgpt-author-winner/
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Josh Radnor, the actor who played ‘Ted Mosby’ in the popular sitcom How I Met Your Mother, got married to wife Jordana Jacobs at Cedar Lakes Estate in Hudson Valley, New York. He shared photos on Instagram showing the newly-wed couple’s celebration.
“I got married! Two weeks ago. In a *light* blizzard. It was an incredible overwhelming snowy bliss-filled weekend. So grateful to so many people I love for making the trip to @thesistersofcedarlakes to be with us. To @forgedinthenorth for the extraordinary pictures. But most of all to Jordana. I can’t believe my great good fortune that I get to call this extraordinary woman my wife,” he captioned the series of images which featured the newly-weds kissing in a snowy backdrop. The previous November, the actor and singer revealed his plans to exchange vows after playing his song “Brooklyn Girl” during his NYC tour stop.
Source: https://people.com/how-i-met-your-mother-star-josh-radnor-is-married-8546632
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Bangladesh recorded 22 new cases of COVID-19 in a 24-hour period till Friday morning. Considering the new figures, the Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS) said that the nation’s overall COVID-19 caseload has risen to 2,046,711.
As there were no new deaths from the disease recorded in this time period, the official death toll still remains at 29,479. After the analysis of 430 samples, the daily case-test positivity rate was 5.12%, said the DGHS. The percentages for recovery and death were 98.41% and 1.44%, respectively, and did not fluctuate.
Source: https://unb.com.bd/category/Bangladesh/covid-in-bangladesh-22-more-cases-reported-in-24hrs/129458 -
In the world of programming languages, few have the charm and cultural resonance of ‘Mama Lang’, a unique creation born out of the lively streets and tea stands of Dhaka, Bangladesh. Its creator, a native of Dhaka, weaves together the colloquial energy of the city with the technical prowess of modern coding. ‘Mama Lang’ is not just a programming language; it’s a nostalgic journey back to the bustling neighborhoods of Dhaka, echoing the casual yet integral use of the word “Mama” in daily conversations.
At its core, ‘Mama Lang’ is a testament to the universality of programming, ingeniously intertwined with local lingo. It’s built on JavaScript, making it accessible and valuable for beginners, especially those who might later delve into more complex aspects of JavaScript. This strategic choice reflects a deep understanding of global tech trends and a commitment to making programming approachable and fun. The language’s syntax, inspired by everyday Bengali phrases, transforms coding from a daunting task into an engaging and enjoyable experience.
The language’s playful syntax and approachable design open up a new avenue for learning, especially for those who might have felt alienated by the often rigid and intimidating world of coding. It’s a step towards a more inclusive and diverse programming landscape, where language and culture become strengths rather than barriers.
While ‘Mama Lang’ may not be geared towards commercial success, its value lies in its potential as an educational tool and a cultural artifact. It’s a creative approach to demystify coding, especially for young learners in Bangladesh and Bengali-speaking communities worldwide. The language could serve as a stepping stone, inspiring a new generation of programmers who see their culture and language reflected in the world of technology.
In conclusion, ‘Mama Lang’ is more than just a programming language; it’s a celebration of culture, a bridge connecting the streets of Dhaka to the global digital landscape. It’s an invitation to laugh, learn, and embrace coding in a way that feels familiar and exciting. For anyone looking to explore the world of programming, ‘Mama Lang’ offers a welcoming and culturally rich starting point.
Check it out at: https://www.npmjs.com/package/mama-lang
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Apple’s Vision Pro headset will not have a dedicated Netflix app at launch. Although dedicated apps for Disney Plus, Max, Amazon Prime Video, and Paramount Plus are there, Netflix will not launch an app specifically for Apple’s headset or make its iPad app compatible with the platform. Instead, users will watch content from Netflix in a web browser, making the movies or TV shows wearers are watching less immersive.
Netflix was not mentioned in Apple’s announcement where they announced that the Vision Pro will launch with 3D movies and experiences from Disney Plus and Apple TV. Netflix’s absence from the $3,499 headset will probably make the device less enticing for those who want to use it for streaming their favorite shows and movies.
Source: https://www.theverge.com/2024/1/17/24042179/netflix-apple-vision-pro-app
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Activision in a tweet said Call of Duty’s anti-cheat mechanism, named Ricochet, will now close the game application on PC if it detects if a mouse & keyboard player turn on aim assist. This works across Modern Warfare 3, Modern Warfare 2, and Warzone.
“Our security detection systems now target players using tools to activate aim assist while using a mouse and keyboard,” they said. “The Call of Duty application will close if detected. Repeated use of these tools may lead to further account action.”
Source: IGN
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The Institute of Epidemiology, Disease Control, and Research (IEDCR) has confirmed the presence of the Omicron variant subtype JN.1 in Bangladesh. The WHO has previously informed the global community about this new subtype, which spreads rapidly but exhibits milder symptoms.
The emergence of this variant highlights the need for continued vigilance and public health measures, as it is a subtype of the Omicron variant, which is characterized by milder symptoms.
Director of IEDCR Professor Tahmina Shirin announced in a press statement that the JN.1 variant was detected in samples from 5 individuals. The samples were collected from both COVID-19 patients in the capital and those living outside the capital.
Source: https://prothomalo.pulse.ly/ycnnoqaxez
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