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Migrants trapped in medical scam

Sohel Howlader (pseudonym) was preparing to travel to Saudi Arabia on a salesman visa. In February, he contacted a recruiting agency in Dhaka’s Paltan area to begin the mandatory medical certification process for Gulf-bound workers.

The pass rate in this year’s Secondary School Certificate (SSC) examinations across all nine general education boards has dropped to 68.04 percent, the lowest in 16 years.

Economist Prof Abul Barkat was arrested in the capital last night in a case filed with the Anti-Corruption Commission.

The July that rocked Bangladesh / July 11, 2024: Blockade turns confrontational

On July 11, 2024, the anti-quota movement entered a new phase of confrontation. Ignoring police warnings and ministers’ calls to step back, thousands of protesters defied barricades and took to the streets as part of their “Bangla Blockade.”

July injured to get free flats

The Ministry of Housing and Public Works has taken up a project to provide free flats in Dhaka to those who were seriously injured during the July uprising.

Trump tariffs: Businesses demand lobbyist for negotiations

Leaders of major business chambers and trade bodies yesterday expressed concern to the government about the 35 percent tariff levied on Bangladesh by the Trump administration.

Draft MoU for hosting UN rights office gets final nod

The council of advisers yesterday gave its final approval to the draft memorandum of understanding allowing the UN Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights to establish a mission in Bangladesh.

18 judges forced into retirement

The government yesterday sent 18 lower court judges into forced retirement.

SERVER FAILURE / All customs houses open this weekend to clear backlog

All customs houses across the country will remain open for import and export activities this weekend – today and tomorrow.

Directive to use ‘sir’, a relic from Hasina’s rule, annulled

Committee has been formed to review protocol directives

Aryna Sabalenka took a swipe at Amanda Anisimova over her behaviour during the American's stunning Wimbledon semi-final victory on Thursday.

Shakib shines with fifty and four-for on GSL debut

Shakib Al Hasan put in a stellar all-round show in his Global Super League debut for Dubai Capitals, claiming a four-wicket haul after hitting an unbeaten half-century to power his side to a 22-run win over Central Districts in the tournament opener at the Providence Stadium in Guyana on Thursday.

Root's 99 not out keeps India at bay in third Test

Joe Root's unbeaten 99 checked India's progress on Thursday's opening day of the third Test against England at Lord's.

Mohammedan part ways with Souleymane Diabate

Mohammedan Sporting Club has decided not to renew the contract of club captain and prolific striker Souleymane Diabate for the upcoming season after the club refused to meet the Malian’s wage demands.

‘JCD assaults’ JnU teachers, Ganatantrik Chhatra Sangsad leaders

The incident took place in front of the Shaheed Sajid Academic Building on the university campus around 4:30pm

Opinion

Opinion

Our dreams are NOT for sale!

The emptiness left behind by Farhan, Snigdho or Saikat is unbearable for their families and will forever remain so.

We need long-term climate solutions

Flash floods reignite call for measures beyond quick fixes or relief operations

Business

Business

Pharma exports more than double in seven years

Bangladesh’s pharmaceutical exports have more than doubled over the past seven years, reaching $213 million in the just-concluded fiscal year 2024-2025, thanks to the entry into fresh markets and a wave of new products.

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Sports

Sports

‘Anyone can have a bad day’

Bangladesh captain Litton Das said his lead bowler had a “bad day” and the batters did not “take responsibility” after his side suffered a seven-wicket drubbing at the hands of hosts Sri Lanka in the first match of the three-match T20I series in Pallekele on Thursday.

Sizzling Swiatek blasts past Bencic to reach first Wimbledon final

Iga Swiatek banished the last of her grasscourt demons to blaze into her first Wimbledon final with a quick-fire 6-2 6-0 demolition of Belinda Bencic on Thursday.

Watch / Plenty of promises, but where’s the action?

This episode of The Daily Star podcast "Pitch Perfect" seeks answers to these pressing questions.

TDS bangla banner TDS bangla banner
News

News

52 killed in Israeli strikes

Gaza’s civil defence agency yesterday said 52 people, including eight children, were killed in Israeli bombardments on the Palestinian territory.

Ex-FBI, CIA directors may have to ‘pay a price’

President Donald Trump on Wednesday accused former FBI director James Comey and ex-CIA chief John Brennan, two prominent critics under criminal investigation, of being “crooked” and said they may have to “pay a price.”

Iran threats within UK ‘significantly increased’

The threat posed by Iran in the UK has “significantly increased”, with Iranian spies behind more than a dozen attempts to kill or kidnap British-based individuals since 2022, parliament’s intelligence watchdog warned yesterday.

Indo-Pacific a ‘focal point of US foreign policy’

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio met counterparts in Southeast Asia yesterday during his first visit to the region since taking office, reassuring them it is a priority for Washington, despite President Donald Trump’s tariffs.

WAR IN UKRAINE / Russia seizes $50bn in assets as economy shifts

Russian authorities have confiscated assets worth some $50 billion over the past three years, underscoring the scale of the transformation into a “fortress Russia” economic model during the war in Ukraine, research showed on Wednesday.

Entertainment

Entertainment

‘Mainstream’ Xefer

The ever-rebellious Xefer was the talk of the town once again this Eid, with “Lichur Bagane” being hummed in tea stalls and blasted in parties. She also lent her voice in “Dhamaka” in Tasnia Farin and Sariful Razz starrer “Insaaf”.

Nepali film ‘Missing’ set for nationwide release in Bangladesh

The critically acclaimed Nepali film “Missing: Keti Harayeko Suchana” is set for a nationwide release across Bangladesh from July 18, 2025. The film will be screened at all Star Cineplex branches under the SAFTA agreement, with Show Motion Limited importing the film in exchange for the Bangladeshi film “No Dorai”. 

‘Aesthete’ invites viewers into a vivid dialogue of art and identity

The exhibition flows from abstraction to figuration, from lyrical introspection to social critique. Visitors encounter personal mythologies, reinterpretations of folk traditions, and unflinching meditations on contemporary life, underscored by an Alliance Française de Dhaka press release.

Life & Living

Life & Living

How Tasmit Arny created a heritage‑rooted jersey for Bangladesh Women’s Football team

Designer Tasmit Afiyat Arny created Bangladesh’s women’s football jersey as a powerful symbol of unity, heritage, and pride — blending cultural motifs like Jamdani with modern identity to celebrate overlooked women athletes through purposeful fashion

#Musing / A letter to my future self in 2035

A heartfelt letter to the future self, reflecting on struggles, perseverance, personal growth, and the hope for happiness, success, and compassion. An inspiring reminder to stay grounded, kind, and committed to lifelong goals.

Thinking of adopting a child? What prospective parents in Bangladesh must know

Adoption in Bangladesh involves emotional and legal considerations, requiring genuine commitment, understanding of the process, and readiness for societal challenges. Parents should prepare for emotional adjustments, support from extended family, and fostering a strong bond with their child.

Youth

Youth

The reality of internships for Life Sciences students

With cutthroat global competition and a lack of streamlined infrastructure locally, students often find themselves questioning where to go and whether their degrees are even worth it.

Inside the journey of a Bangladeshi academic chasing a PhD at Texas A&M

Campus caught up with Md Hasan Al Banna to delve deeper into his PhD journey at Texas A&M.

Ways to overcome physical distance in your friendships

Long-distance friendships thrive on effort, updates, and honest connection.

Tech & Startup

Tech & Startup

Dubai to open restaurant featuring AI chef

A new restaurant called WOOHOO will open in September 2025 in Dubai's Downtown district, featuring what its developers claim to be the world's first AI chef. The establishment will operate with a hybrid human-AI system where recipes, menus, and dining ambience are created by an AI program called 'Chef Aiman', while human staff will handle food preparation and service.

Microsoft Outlook faces global outage

Microsoft Outlook, the popular email app by Microsoft, is reportedly down, with users around the world experiencing issues accessing or sending emails since early today.

Pilot project begins at country's first robotic rehabilitation centre

Bangladesh is set to begin a limited pilot operation of its first robotic rehabilitation centre at the Bangladesh Medical University (BMU) Superspecialised Hospital in Shahbagh on July 10. 

Star Multimedia

Star Multimedia

Who, how, and under what rules gets a firearm license?

A gun magazine was found in Asif Mahmud Shojib Bhuiyan's bag during a recent search at the airport.

WATCH / 25 years since Test status: How far have Bangladesh come?

On June 26, 2000, Bangladesh became the 10th nation to gain Test status from the ICC -- a historic milestone that sparked hope and pride across the country.

Mob justice has become alarmingly regular – why?

Let's find out more on today's episode of Star Explains

Watch / ‘I’ve always said I don’t want the mayor’s seat’

In an exclusive interview with The Daily Star on Thursday afternoon, Ishraque talked about some of the issues regarding the legality of the mayoral post, his stance over the matter, his current strife with the government, and the ongoing situation surrounding the Nagar Bhaban

Can Israel break thru Iran’s nuclear stronghold?

In today's episode of Star Explains, we dive into the story behind the GBU-57, unpack expert military opinions, and examine how this deepening Iran-US conflict is taking on new and complex dimensions

Environment

Environment

The ocean lounger

A coral hawkfish rests on a coral, thus the name, in the Bay of Bengal off Saint Martin’s Island.

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Swelling Teesta threatens the northern dists

More than 100 villages remain inundated following embankment breaches at 20 points in Feni, while a fresh threat looms in the north as the rising Teesta river may trigger temporary flooding in low-lying areas of Rangpur, Nilphamari, Kurigram and Lalmonirhat.

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Padma erosion threatens ferry ghat

Officials of the Water Development Board (WDB), however, claimed there is sufficient protection work around the ferry ghat

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Relentless rain triggers flash floods in Feni

Incessant rains for the past few days have triggered flash flooding in Feni’s Fulgazi and Parshuram upazilas.

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Heavy rain causes waterlogging in Chattogram's low lying areas

The city recorded 153.6 millimetres of rainfall in the 24 hours leading up to 12:00pm today

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Monsoon, depression over Bay: Thousands suffer in coastal districts

People suffered due to waterlogging in Cox's Bazar, Patuakhali, Feni, Bhola, Barishal, and Khulna

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Flood threat looms over Feni as Muhuri river swells 137cm above danger level

Four breaches occurred in Parshuram upazila and three in Fulgazi

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Haor ecosystem rarest in world, must be protected: environment adviser

Rizwana noted that the govt is formulating a master plan to protect the Haor region

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