The Daily Star - Bangladesh News, Political News, Bangladesh Economy & Videos, Breaking News

Investigation / 'Shoot directly': Hasina’s order and deadly aftermath

Months-long investigation by The Daily Star indicates state forces increased deployment of lethal weapons after the ousted PM authorised their use

It was just about 7:00am on Monday. A mother sat with her daughter at a bus counter in Dinajpur, set for a two-hour commute to Rangpur for the daughter’s HSC exam three hours later.

Upon entering the Bangladesh Secretariat premises, one might hesitate to believe that this is the country’s highest policymaking establishment.

Column by Mahfuz Anam / Birth centenary of Tajuddin Ahmad: The unsung leader of our Liberation War

Tajuddin led the nation during a bloody war with stupendous courage, determination, patriotism and exemplary leadership.

The July that rocked Bangladesh / July 25, 2024: A nation in grief and defiance

On July 25, 2024, two more individuals -- Zaman Mia, 19, a garment worker from Narsingdi, and Zakir Hossain, 29, a tailor shop employee from Rayerbagh --succumbed to their bullet wounds at Dhaka Medical College Hospital, according to hospital sources and their families.

US, Bangladesh to hold next tariff talks on July 29

If held in person, the team led by commerce adviser will leave for the USA on July 27

Explainer / How did the CID identify the bodies so quickly?

Of the five missing families, four provided DNA samples from both parents, while one family submitted samples from the mother, father, and a brother

Reaction / A jet crash, a lost childhood, and the long road to healing

The crash didn't just hit a school, it tore through childhoods, shattered friendships, and left an entire school traumatised

Wrestling legend Hulk Hogan dead at 71

Emergency responders were dispatched to Hogan’s Clearwater, Florida home early Thursday morning following reports of a cardiac arrest. Police vehicles and ambulances were seen outside the residence, where Hogan was reportedly taken away on a stretcher.

Crawley and Duckett run riot before India hit back in fourth Test

Zak Crawley and Ben Duckett got England off to a flying start in their first innings of the fourth Test before India ensured both openers fell agonisingly short of centuries.

Rain-soaked joy amidst defeat

Bangladesh players celebrate in the pouring rain after clinching the T20I series 2-1 against Pakistan, despite suffering a 74-run loss in the final match in Mirpur on Thursday

They are expected to start their work at the National Institute of Burn and Plastic Surgery early in the morning

Ex-CJ Khairul sent to jail

Earlier in the day, DB arrested Khairul from a house in Dhaka's Dhanmondi

Barca's Ter Stegen faces three months out after back surgery

Barcelona goalkeeper Marc-Andre ter Stegen is set to undergo back surgery on a long-term problem and will miss three months as a result, the Germany international said on Thursday.

BB withdraws dress code for its employees

Bangladesh Bank yesterday withdrew its internal advisory on workplace attire following an instruction from Governor Ahsan H Mansur amid widespread criticism.

Chasing 150 feels like chasing ghosts for Tigers

The Tigers suffer from megalophobia –- they fear large targets.

Opinion

Opinion

Confusion over Milestone death toll is unacceptable

Timely, coordinated communication vital to dispel rumours

We need a revival of our conscience

Politicians descended upon the hospitals in droves. And no, they did not come alone. They brought their entourages and photographers, hungry for headlines and votes.

Business

Business

Private education sector’s contribution to economy rises: BBS

The private education sector has generated employment at a slow rate, yet its contribution to the economy has risen at a higher rate, according to the latest survey report of the Bangladesh Bureau of Statistics (BBS).

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Sports

Sports

Bangladesh vs Pakistan 3rd T20I / Tigers all out for 104, lose third Pakistan T20I by 74 runs

Bangladesh captain Litton Das won the toss and opted to bowl first in the third and final T20I of the three-match series against Pakistan in Mirpur on Thursday.

NZ, Pakistan headline England’s blockbuster 2026 Test summer

England will play three Tests against New Zealand in June, starting at Lord's, and Pakistan will arrive in mid-August for three Tests.

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

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

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News

News

Madhabpur in Habiganj / Students struggle as school remains waterlogged

The echoes of children playing have long fallen silent at Suaboi Government Primary School in Madhabpur upazila of Habiganj, where stagnant water has gripped the premises for nearly six months.

Water crisis hampers jute harvest in Rangpur

Thousands of farmers across the Rangpur region are unable to harvest their mature jute crops due to a severe water crisis, as a prolonged dry spell and scant rainfall have left local water bodies nearly dry.

Highway bends turn fatal in Amtali upazila

At least 17 hazardous bends along a 37-kilometre stretch of the Patuakhali-Kuakata highway -- between Shakaria and Bandra in Barguna’s Amtali upazila -- have become death traps for commuters, with dozens killed and hundreds injured in recent months.

WOMEN WITH DISABILITIES / Invisible in data, ignored in policy

Despite women outnumbering men in Bangladesh according to the 2022 Population and Housing Census, their representation in disability-related data remains significantly lower than that of men.

DISRUPTING OFFICE WORK / Now govt can dismiss employees within 31 days

If investigations prove allegations such as disrupting government work or disobeying lawful orders from a superior authority, the government will have the power to impose strict punishments within 31 working days.

Entertainment

Entertainment

Uttara Welfare Association’s sudden ban on shooting houses sparks outrage among artistes

Former General Secretary of the Actors’ Association and actor Raonak Hasan wrote, “A notice has been issued from the Uttara Sector-4 Welfare Association to stop shooting activities. Various types of offices operate in residential areas. There are hundreds of schools and multiple types of businesses. But only shooting seems to be a problem! Similar attempts have been made in the past. Those issues were resolved through specific guidelines jointly formulated by the relevant organisations, the local Member of Parliament, the City Corporation, and the police administration. I hope the same will happen this time as well. I call upon all concerned parties to pay attention to this matter.”

Tribute / No chains could bind Shafin Ahmed

Amidst the authoritarian regime’s crackdown on protesters, the former Miles frontman was one of the first from the music industry to speak out without any filter whatsoever. He did that a good two weeks before musicians would be mobilized into “Get up, Stand up,” which culminated in a historical musical protest on August 3. Little did we know that we would lose him only 3 days after that Facebook post. He had lost his life to a heart attack while on a tour with his lineup in North America.

Isteaque-Shuvo’s new track ‘Aajo Bolte Parini’ released under T-Series Bangla

Popular South Asian audio-visual label T-Series has unveiled “Aajo Bolte Parini”, marking the second lyrical release by Bangladeshi songwriter Isteaque Ahmed.

Life & Living

Life & Living

Thoughtful ways to pamper your parents

Here's your guide to bringing a little extra joy into their lives — because if anyone has earned a bit more happiness, it’s your parents.

What counts as cheating now? Gen‑Z rules vs Boomers

A billionaire CEO’s affair sparked debate on what counts as cheating in 2025. With evolving relationship norms, terms like “situationships” and shifting values challenge traditional definitions of love, loyalty, and commitment in modern dating.

Online but unprotected: Why our kids need cyber literacy, not just internet access

In many developing nations, digital access has arrived faster than digital safety. And our children are caught in the middle.

Youth

Youth

In the shadow of July: The parents who waited, worried, and walked together

Between July 15 and August 5 last year, parents across the country held their breaths waiting, worrying, and counting the hours until their children returned home from the protests. Some had their parents' blessing. Others went without it.

We mourn

The Campus team extends its most profound and sincere condolences to the survivors and the families of the victims.

Superman soars into new territory by unearthing the hero’s true essence

Superman conveys a message about kindness, hope, and how our choices represent who we are.

Tech & Startup

Tech & Startup

Google Photos adds AI video creation feature

Google has announced new AI features in Google Photos that allow users to convert still images into short videos and apply artistic styles to photographs. The tools, currently rolling out to US users, utilise the company's Veo 2 AI model to generate content from existing photos in a user's library.

Scientists develop robot that "eats" other robots to grow

Researchers at Columbia University have created a process in which machines can physically grow by consuming parts from other robots or their environment. This new technology, described as 'robot metabolism', allows robots to absorb materials to expand, repair, and improve themselves, much like living organisms, according to a study published in Science Advances, a peer-reviewed scientific journal.

Hackers exploit Microsoft flaw to target 100 organisations: report

A newly discovered vulnerability in Microsoft's SharePoint software has been exploited to breach approximately 100 organisations in an ongoing cyber-espionage campaign, according to security researchers cited in a recent Reuters report.

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

Environment

Environment

Nature’s own pesticide…

An oriental hornet having lunch near the National Press Club in Dhaka.

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Elephant hits moving train inside Chunati Wildlife Sanctuary, video goes viral

A video of the incident, which took place around 10:30pm, has gone viral on social media

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Low pressure likely over North Bay on July 24: BMD

One or two places in Rajshahi and Khulna divisions may also experience rainfall

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BELA urges for ban on illegal nets at JU campus to protect biodiversity

It also demanded that those responsible for using these fine-meshed fishing nets be identified and brought under legal accountability to ensure appropriate punishment

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Restored canal brings relief to residents in Ctg’s Raozan

There is no waterlogging this year, says an official of the Raozan Municipality

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Nature quest: Rainy day Rituals

With rain setting the scene, three Indian white-eyes enjoy a communal bath in Chattogram’s Hazarikhil -- a ritual among birds to build social bonds.

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World risks up to $39 trillion in economic losses from vanishing wetlands, report says

Some 22% of wetlands, both freshwater systems such as peat lands, rivers and lakes, and coastal marine systems including mangroves and coral reefs, have disappeared since 1970

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Depression over Bay of Bengal triggers heavy rainfall

Rainfall since early morning flooded parts of Dhaka city including low-lying roads in Mirpur, Moghbazar, and Shantinagar

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