bdnews24.com | English Version

12 detained over Savar unrest

Fri, 03 Jul 2009 02:15:55 +0600

Police arrested 12 factory workers from Ashulia Thursday for alleged involvement in three days of riots earlier in the week over work conditions, pay and the killing of co-workers by law enforcement agencies.

Geeteara family arrested in house grab case

Fri, 03 Jul 2009 01:37:21 +0600

Police arrested former MP Nazim Kamran Choudhury, the husband of former caretaker adviser Geeteara Safiya Choudhury, along with two close relatives, Thursday on charges of forcible occupation of a Gulshan property.

Ex-MP Nazim Kamran Chy held in house grab case

Fri, 03 Jul 2009 01:14:30 +0600

Police arrested businessman Nazim Kamran Choudhury, husband of former caretaker adviser Geeteara Safiya Choudhury, and two other close relatives on Thursday in a house grab case.

SB nets JMB splinter group heads

Fri, 03 Jul 2009 00:21:54 +0600

Police arrested two suspected JMB militants Thursday in a sting that also netted two alleged leaders of a newly formed splinter group known as 'Islam and Muslim'. The new group was formed by trained militants who were formerly members of Jamaat-ul-Mujahideen Bangladesh, according to a statement given to reporters at a press briefing in the capital's Special Branch office.

Digital mapping project extended to all major cities

Fri, 03 Jul 2009 00:05:20 +0600

The government is set to bring all Bangladesh's major cities under an extended digital mapping project, to better execute development programmes. An ECNEC meeting on Thursday, chaired by prime minister Sheikh Hasina, approved the 'Improvement of the Digital Mapping System of Survey of Bangladesh' at an estimated cost of Tk 181.43 crore.

Slow start for information commission

Thu, 02 Jul 2009 23:04:58 +0600

The government is yet to finalise plans for the new three-member Information Commission, although the Right to Information Act was passed by parliament ten days ago with retroactive effect from October 2008. "Our ministry has sent a letter to the housing and public works ministry requesting an office and logistical assistance for the commission," said information minister Abul Kalam Azad at his office Thursday.

Help NRBs to help us: Zillur

Thu, 02 Jul 2009 22:58:41 +0600

President Zillur Rahman has called on government ministries and foreign missions to give all support to non-resident Bangladeshis so they in turn can do good for the country.

Help NRBs to help us: Zillur

Thu, 02 Jul 2009 22:58:41 +0600

President Zillur Rahman has called on government ministries and foreign missions to give all support to non-resident Bangladeshis so they in turn can do good for the country.

Ashraf rejects BNP demands for Chakravarty removal

Thu, 02 Jul 2009 22:46:57 +0600

Awami League spokesperson Syed Ashraful Islam, rejecting BNP's demands to take action against Indian high commissioner Pinak Ranjan Chakravarty, said Thursday that the envoy did not overstep diplomatic norms in remarks about the Tipaimukh dam.

Serena downs Dementieva in epic semi

Thu, 02 Jul 2009 22:16:40 +0600

Second seed Serena Williams recovered from match point down to beat Russian fourth seed Elena Dementieva 6-7 7-5 8-6 in a nailbiting semi-final at Wimbledon on Thursday.

Tigers play West Indies A on Friday

Thu, 02 Jul 2009 22:01:01 +0600

Mashrafe Bin Mortaza is set to make his debut as Bangladesh captain when he leads the side against West Indies A in the three-day practice match beginning in Barbados on Friday.

Changing test format will damage game, says Miandad

Thu, 02 Jul 2009 22:00:51 +0600

Former Pakistan test captain Javed Miandad has urged the International Cricket Council (ICC) to resist calls for a shake-up of the traditional test match format.

FIFA-appointed reps inspect 'Balur Math'

Thu, 02 Jul 2009 22:00:38 +0600

Italian-based Limonta and Bangkok-based Seara, appointed by FIFA, on Thursday inspected the 'Balur Math' adjacent to the Bangladesh Football Federation prior to laying the artificial turf on the field.

Dementieva, Safina out to stop Williams charge

Thu, 02 Jul 2009 21:35:11 +0600

In a shootout between Russia and the United States, Dinara Safina and Elena Dementieva will be out to do something no one has managed to do at Wimbledon since 2007 -- stop the Williams sisters from reaching the final.

Broad looks to turn potential into performance

Thu, 02 Jul 2009 21:20:06 +0600

Stuart Broad, as befits the son of former England opener Chris, has always looked a cricketer of the highest pedigree.

Pakistan board fines Asif after Dubai detention

Thu, 02 Jul 2009 21:13:08 +0600

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has fined pace bowler Mohammad Asif one million rupees ($10,250) for bringing Pakistan into disrepute, after he was detained in Dubai last year for possessing opium.

Power grid gets another 33MW

Thu, 02 Jul 2009 21:12:48 +0600

The national grid received another 33 megawatts from Thursday as Summit Utteranchal Power Company Limited launched a small independent power plant at a cost of Tk 145 crore. The prime minister's energy adviser Toufiq-e-Elahi Chowdhury formally unveiled the plant at Maona in Gazipur.

Power grid gets another 33MW

Thu, 02 Jul 2009 21:12:48 +0600

The national grid received another 33 megawatts from Thursday as Summit Utteranchal Power Company Limited launched a small independent power plant at a cost of Tk 145 crore.

Obama's climate leadership faces test at G8 forum

Thu, 02 Jul 2009 19:59:39 +0600

President Barack Obama, buoyed by a domestic victory on climate policy, faces his first foreign test on the issue next week at a forum that could boost the chances of reaching a UN global warming pact this year.

ADB South Asia chief to arrive July 4

Thu, 02 Jul 2009 20:00:46 +0600

Kunio Senga, director general of the South Asia Department of the Asian Development Bank will arrive in Dhaka on July 4 on a five-day official visit.

Journalists Nizamuddin, Jalal Ahmed Chowdhury honoured

Thu, 02 Jul 2009 19:55:41 +0600

The Bangladesh Sports Writers' Association (BSWA) accorded a reception to renowned sports writers Dr Nizamuddin Ahmed and Jalal Ahmed Chowdhury on the occasion of 'World Sports Journalists Day' on Thursday.

New BIISS chairman named

Thu, 02 Jul 2009 19:36:50 +0600

Major General Ferdous Mia has been appointed as the new chairman of Bangladesh Institute of International and Strategic Studies.

1 dead, 2 hurt in Dhaka police shooting

Thu, 02 Jul 2009 19:33:36 +0600

A man, suspected of attempting to murder a Jubo League leader Wednesday night, died Thursday after being shot by police in the Manikdi area of the capital, while two others received bullet injuries.

Ahmad Tariq Karim new envoy to India

Thu, 02 Jul 2009 19:28:38 +0600

The government has appointed retired diplomat Ahmad Tariq Karim as high commissioner of Bangladesh to India.

RAB catch JMB suspect in Joypurhat

Thu, 02 Jul 2009 19:09:29 +0600

Rapid Action Battalion captured an suspected member of banned militant outfit Jama'atul Mujahideen Bangladesh at Jalaigari village in Kalai Upazila, Joypurhat, on Thursday.

Double defeat for Bangladesh youth cagers

Thu, 02 Jul 2009 19:01:58 +0600

Bangladesh suffered a double defeat Thursday's basketball matches (three on three) of the Inaugural Asian Youth Games at the Anglican High School ground in Singapore.

JCD divided over new central leaders

Thu, 02 Jul 2009 18:35:16 +0600

Jatiyatabadi Chhatra Dal, BNP's associate student organisation, appeared divided Thursday over the announcement of its new central leaders. A JCD faction rejected the just-formed central committee, bringing out a protest rally at the Dhaka University campus and declaring 'non-cooperation' with the new leaders. Updates, adds quotes

Panel suggests new office to oversee missions

Thu, 02 Jul 2009 18:34:05 +0600

A parliamentary panel has recommended a new office to oversee the activities of Bangladesh missions abroad, its chairman says.

GP finally gets IPO go-ahead

Thu, 02 Jul 2009 18:30:48 +0600

Grameenphone, the country's leading mobile phone operator, has finally received the regulatory nod to enter the share market after twice submitting proposals to the SEC, for what will be Bangladesh's biggest ever public offer. The company received formal consent from the Securities and Exchange Commission on its IPO application submitted last December, SEC executive director Farhad Ahmed told reporters after a meeting on Thursday.

GP gets IPO go-ahead

Thu, 02 Jul 2009 18:30:48 +0600

Grameenphone, the country's leading mobile phone operator has received formal consent from the Securities and Exchange Commission of Bangladesh on its Initial Public Offer application.

Dutch minister to meet PM

Thu, 02 Jul 2009 17:54:58 +0600

Bert Koenders, the Dutch minister for development cooperation, will arrive in the city on July 5, a press statement said Thursday.

Start process to remove Indian envoy: MP

Thu, 02 Jul 2009 17:16:07 +0600

A BNP MP has asked the government to initiate the process to get Indian high commissioner Pinak Ranjan Chakravarty withdrawn for "breaching" diplomatic norms.

Train coaches derail in Thakurgaon

Thu, 02 Jul 2009 16:04:37 +0600

Four passenger coaches of the mail train Kanchan Express derailed Thursday at Harinarayanpur of Thakurgaon Sadar, bdnews24.com Thakurgaon correspondent said.

Int'l plastic products fair in Jan

Thu, 02 Jul 2009 15:48:25 +0600

The sixth international plastic products fair will be held on Jan 25-28 in Dhaka. Bangladesh Plastic Materials Manufacturers And Exporters' Association president Ferdous Wahed said on Thursday that there would be 350 stalls in the fair to be held at Bangladesh-China Friendship Conference Centre.

Letter from Washington28 year-old speechwriter among Obama's top-earning aides

Thu, 02 Jul 2009 15:33:32 +0600

The White House is perhaps the most sought-after place to work not only because of the power and aura that are associated with the president's official residence but also for the money the aides make. Arshad Mahmud writes

4 die in Gazipur road crash

Thu, 02 Jul 2009 15:24:03 +0600

A head-on collision between a bus and a human hauler killed four people and injured five others on Thursday at Bilaspur, Gazipur, police said.

Bus runs over, kills father, son

Thu, 02 Jul 2009 14:26:51 +0600

A speeding bus on the Dhaka-Sylhet highway ran over a rickshaw-van driver and his son on Thursday.

Regenerated legs no big trick for salamanders

Thu, 02 Jul 2009 13:25:34 +0600

Mexican salamanders who can re-grow amputated legs are not pulling off quite as big a biological trick as scientists had first thought, which may help doctors trying to regenerate human limbs.

Villagers kill straying tiger

Thu, 02 Jul 2009 14:23:27 +0600

Villagers in Sharankhola Upazila near the Sundarbans beat a straying tiger to death on Thursday.

More than 800 wildlife species now extinct

Thu, 02 Jul 2009 13:22:39 +0600

More than 800 animal and plant species have gone extinct in the past five centuries with nearly 17,000 now threatened with extinction, the International Union for Conservation of Nature reported on Thursday.

Fame, fortune for web tutors in education-crazy S.Korea

Thu, 02 Jul 2009 13:19:21 +0600

For a teacher who never sees his students and instructs only online, South Korean Woo Hyeong-cheol makes a lot of money, $4 million a year to be exact.

Web advertisers propose self-regulation principles

Thu, 02 Jul 2009 13:15:12 +0600

Online advertisers are proposing a mix of consumer education, disclosures about what information is being collected and special protections for children and sensitive information in an effort to head off tough legislation.

SEC lawyer raised alarm about Madoff: report

Thu, 02 Jul 2009 13:10:40 +0600

A US Securities and Exchange Commission lawyer warned about irregularities at Bernard Madoff's financial management firm as far back as 2004, The Washington Post reported on Thursday, citing agency documents and sources familiar with the investigation.

DSE turnover tops a staggering Tk 11bn

Thu, 02 Jul 2009 14:04:39 +0600

Turnover on the Dhaka Stock Exchange on Thursday touched an all-time high of Tk 11.49 billion, just two days after it soared to Tk 9.42 billion. The key indices of the bourses also surged, powered mainly by banks, non-banking financial institutions and insurers, market observers said. UPDATES

Auto supplier Lear to file for bankruptcy, obtains financing

Thu, 02 Jul 2009 13:03:33 +0600

Auto seating supplier Lear Corp said on Wednesday it would file for Chapter 11 in a reorganization supported by key secured lenders and bondholders and had obtained $500 million in bankruptcy financing.

NY City apartment sales down over 50 percent

Thu, 02 Jul 2009 13:00:30 +0600

Manhattan apartment sales plunged more than 50 percent and the average price dropped 21.4 to 24 percent from a year ago, as the US recession forced many who own a piece of the Big Apple to eat humble pie, several reports said.

Huda, Kamaruzzaman insane: HC

Thu, 02 Jul 2009 13:28:09 +0600

The High Court on Thursday dismissed the contempt petition filed against former BNP minister Nazmul Huda and Jamaat-e-Islami leader Md Kamaruzzaman for slamming last month's High Court ruling on the proclamation of independence, saying they were insane.

COMMENT: China's Web filtering starts in the West

Thu, 02 Jul 2009 12:39:56 +0600

The Chinese government's attempts to enforce Internet filters on all PCs could have led to a dangerous escalation in its censorship powers. But Western firms were the ones responsible for creating and selling such filtering software in the first place.

Ex-ERD secretary goes to jail

Thu, 02 Jul 2009 12:19:42 +0600

A special judge's court has sent convicted former secretary Ismail Zabiullah to jail on surrender on twin charges of accumulating illegal wealth and concealing information.

Budget-focused monetary policy by July 15: BB chief

Thu, 02 Jul 2009 11:43:00 +0600

The Bangladesh Bank will announce a new monetary policy by July 15 to help implement the budget, encourage growth and boost investment, the central bank governor said on Thursday.

Budget-focused monetary policy by July 15: BB chief

Thu, 02 Jul 2009 11:43:00 +0600

The Bangladesh Bank will announce a new monetary policy by July 15 to help implement the budget, encourage growth and boost investment, the central bank governor said on Thursday.

US embassy closed Sunday

Thu, 02 Jul 2009 11:33:29 +0600

The American embassy, including the consular and the public affairs sections with the Archer K. Blood American Center Library and the Student Advising Center will remain closed on Sunday, July 5 on the occasion of Independence Day, an American national holiday, the embassy said in a press release on Thursday.

Alleged outlaw arrested in Narail

Thu, 02 Jul 2009 11:30:42 +0600

Police arrested alleged regional leader Maruf Hossain of the outlawed Biplobi Communist Party in Narail on Wednesday night.

California declares fiscal emergency over budget

Thu, 02 Jul 2009 08:02:06 +0600

California Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger declared a fiscal emergency on Wednesday, forcing lawmakers to tackle a budget gap that has raised the prospect of drastic measures to keep the state working.

Pirate Bay founders get rich in jail

Thu, 02 Jul 2009 01:48:55 +0600

A little-known Swedish software firm has snapped up file-sharing website The Pirate Bay with the hope of turning the source of legal controversy into a money-spinner that appeals to both users and content providers.

India will reject greenhouse gas emission targets

Thu, 02 Jul 2009 01:48:47 +0600

India will not sign up to targets to reduce its greenhouse gas emissions but will instead focus on fighting poverty and boosting economic growth, the environment minister said on Tuesday.

NRB conference eyes 'nation building'

Thu, 02 Jul 2009 01:48:27 +0600

A three-day NRB conference on manpower development kicks off Thursday with the aim of exploring "a new approach to nation building", say its organisers. The conference, to be attended by ministers, bureaucrats, academics and entrepreneurs, will touch on issues such as rights of workers at home and abroad, role of government agencies in safeguarding those rights and ways to further develop the country's human resources.

Khaleda approves new JCD committee

Thu, 02 Jul 2009 01:39:21 +0600

BNP chairperson Khaleda Zia has approved a new 101-member central committee for Jatiyatabadi Chhatra Dal, the BNP's associate student organisation. A statement released Wednesday said JCD's new president will be Sultan Salahuddin Tuku, with Amirul Islam Khan Alim filling the post of general secretary.

Sahara leaves for Singapore

Thu, 02 Jul 2009 01:14:47 +0600

Home minister Sahara Khatun left for Singapore early hours Thursday to undergo medical treatment, said a government spokesperson on Wednesday.

Rag traders, opportunists blamed for Savar unrest

Thu, 02 Jul 2009 00:58:10 +0600

President of the Garment Workers Unity Forum, Moshrefa Mishu, alleged on Wednesday that rag traders and other opportunists were exploiting the ongoing labour unrest and creating chaos in the export-focused readymade garment sector.

Life in North Korea: lies, potatoes and cable TV

Thu, 02 Jul 2009 00:16:08 +0600

North Koreans who recently arrived in the South live in a world of contradictions where their upbringing instills them with reverence for Kim Jong-il but their daily struggle leads them to believe he is a brutal despot.

Heavy rain triggers flooding

Thu, 02 Jul 2009 00:13:19 +0600

Heavy rain triggered flash floods in Bandarban and Netrokona on Wednesday, while rivers in Sunamganj rose above danger levels. The Someswari River in Netrokona was 24 centimetres above the danger mark, marooning about 15,000 people, local government official Mir Khairul Anam told bdnews24.com.

JS panel backs MPs as advisers to CCs

Wed, 01 Jul 2009 23:40:40 +0600

A parliamentary panel has inserted a provision in the proposed city corporation bill making the MPs ex-officio advisers to six city corporations. The parliamentary standing committee on local government added the provision to the bill on Wednesday in line with demands by MPs to have a say on city corporation activities. But their recommendations will not be mandatory.

Ershad recovering after heart op

Wed, 01 Jul 2009 23:16:35 +0600

Former president and Jatiya Party chairman HM Ershad was recovering after a heart operation at Sikder Medical College Hospital on Wednesday, a hospital spokesperson said.

Seven more swine flu cases detected

Wed, 01 Jul 2009 22:42:11 +0600

Seven more cases of swine flu have been detected by IEDCR, bringing the number of confirmed infections in Bangladesh to 16, an official said Wednesday. Divisional health directorate heads have been asked to attend a meeting in Dhaka on Thursday to plan measures to combat the spread of the virus, said Prof Mahmudur Rahman, director of the Institute of Epidemiology, Disease Control and Research.

Transport strike in south suspended

Wed, 01 Jul 2009 22:36:02 +0600

Private bus operators temporarily called off a strike in four southern districts after a joint meeting at the Bagerhat district commissioner's office on Wednesday night.

India raises fuel prices for first time in a year

Wed, 01 Jul 2009 21:13:56 +0600

The government unexpectedly raised gasoline and diesel prices by as much as 10 percent on Wednesday, its first increase this year, passing some of oil's rally into an economy just beginning to find its feet amid a global recession.

Federer downs Karlovic to reach semis

Wed, 01 Jul 2009 22:05:30 +0600

Five-times champion Roger Federer took the sting out of Croatian Ivo Karlovic's venomous serve to win 6-3 7-5 7-6 and book his place in a 21st straight grand slam semi-final at Wimbledon on Wednesday.

Asif won't defend 10m air rifle gold

Wed, 01 Jul 2009 22:05:20 +0600

Prolific shooter Asif Hossain Khan will not defend his 10m air rifle gold when Bangladesh hosts the 5th South Asian Shooting Championship, scheduled for July 3-9 at the Bangladesh Krira Shikkha Protisthan.

Confederations Cup winners Brazil regain FIFA top spot

Wed, 01 Jul 2009 22:05:08 +0600

Confederations Cup winners Brazil returned to the top of the FIFA world rankings on Wednesday for the first time since August 2007 by jumping four places and knocking European champions Spain down to second spot.

Tigers reach Barbados

Wed, 01 Jul 2009 22:04:49 +0600

The Bangladesh cricket team reached Barbados on Tuesday to play two Tests, three one-day internationals as well as a Twenty20 international against the West Indies.

DSE halts trade of 28 underperformers

Wed, 01 Jul 2009 21:55:15 +0600

The Dhaka Stock Exchange has halted trade of more than half of its Z-category scrips, effective from Thursday.

DSE halts trade of 28 underperformers

Wed, 01 Jul 2009 21:55:15 +0600

The Dhaka Stock Exchange has halted trade of almost half of its Z-category scrips, effective from Thursday. In a statement released Wednesday, the DSE said the decision to suspend transactions of 28 underperformers came in line with a regulatory directive.

Murray tops bill amid glut of slam winners

Wed, 01 Jul 2009 21:34:49 +0600

Not satisfied at being put through the wringer once, Andy Murray addicts were gearing up for another dose of heart-stopping action on Wednesday with the Scot topping the bill on men's quarter-finals day at Wimbledon.

Few thrills as Williams sisters thrive

Wed, 01 Jul 2009 21:34:19 +0600

Sobriety returned to Wimbledon on Tuesday after the heady brew of the night before with Centre Court open to the sunny skies and the insatiable Williams sisters blasting through to the semi-finals.

High-speed Internet key for development: WB

Wed, 01 Jul 2009 21:24:56 +0600

Access to affordable internet and mobile phone services is a requisite for economic and social development, according to a report by World Bank.

Ferguson lauds Ronaldo after transfer to Real

Wed, 01 Jul 2009 21:23:52 +0600

Manchester United manager Alex Ferguson paid fulsome tribute to Cristiano Ronaldo on Wednesday, after the Portugal winger's world record transfer to Real Madrid.

Flintoff reprimanded for missing England team bus

Wed, 01 Jul 2009 21:23:14 +0600

Captain Andrew Strauss said England's players needed to improve their timekeeping after Andrew Flintoff was reprimanded for missing a team engagement.

Vaughan is one of England's greats, says Flintoff

Wed, 01 Jul 2009 21:14:34 +0600

Andrew Flintoff led the tributes after former England captain Michael Vaughan announced his retirement from cricket on Tuesday.

Ponting plots his final act of revenge

Wed, 01 Jul 2009 21:13:14 +0600

There is very little that Australia captain Ricky Ponting has failed to achieve in his distinguished career, either as an individual player or as a leader.

Johnson looms as Australia's answer to Flintoff

Wed, 01 Jul 2009 21:12:22 +0600

Australia's long search for a matchwinning all-rounder to counter the feats of England's Andrew Flintoff may finally be over.

Benefits of DST being 'masked', says minister

Wed, 01 Jul 2009 21:10:57 +0600

State minister for power and energy Shamsul Haque Tuku said Wednesday that increased power demands were masking the positive impact of Daylight Saving Time.

Hughes times it right in rising for the Ashes

Wed, 01 Jul 2009 21:00:05 +0600

Perfect timing is an essential commodity in cricket and the emergence of batsman Phillip Hughes could not have come at a better time for the Australians.

Indian envoy may have breached norms:FM

Wed, 01 Jul 2009 20:57:54 +0600

Foreign minister Dipu Moni has said that the Indian high commissioner may have breached diplomatic norms when he spoke about the controversial Tipaimukh dam issue and Bangladesh's internal affairs last month. She said her ministry would take necessary action against the high commissioner if he had indeed breached diplomatic norms by his comments.

ICC ponder four-day tests as part of innovations

Wed, 01 Jul 2009 20:52:49 +0600

The International Cricket Council (ICC) is considering four-day tests as part of a series of innovations to keep the oldest form of the sport exciting to spectators in the wake of Twenty20's growing popularity.

Gazipur complete the finals line-up

Wed, 01 Jul 2009 20:48:52 +0600

Gazipur were the last team to qualify for the finals of the Grameen-Danone Nations Cup when the hosts emerged zonal champions beating Tangail 1-0 in the final at the Gazipur Stadium on Wednesday.

Shooter Sadia finishes 7th in Asian Youth Games

Wed, 01 Jul 2009 20:41:20 +0600

Sadia Sultana of Bangladesh Krira Shikkha Protisthan finished seventh in the girls' 10m air rifle event in the inaugural Asian Youth Games at SAFRA Yishun in Singapore on Wednesday.

Australia to tour India for seven one-dayers

Wed, 01 Jul 2009 20:40:51 +0600

Australia will tour India for seven one-day internationals in October and November this year, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) announced on Wednesday.

Bus strike in south rolls into second day

Wed, 01 Jul 2009 19:40:08 +0600

Private bus operators in the south continued to strike Wednesday for a second day, to press home five demands, causing misery to thousands of commuters.

Two die of electrocution during rains

Wed, 01 Jul 2009 19:24:29 +0600

A mother and son died after being electrocuted on a Lalbagh street amid heavy rains in the capital on Wednesday. Four year-old Shawon was playing in front of his house at Najimuddin Road between downpours, when he received an electric shock after coming into contact with a hanging power cable, said locals.

Govt forms Information Commission

Wed, 01 Jul 2009 19:11:04 +0600

The government has formed a three-member Information Commission with former secretary M Azizur Rahman at the helm, to implement the Right to Information Act, according to a gazette notification on Wednesday.

Rag traders, opportunists blamed for Savar unrest

Wed, 01 Jul 2009 19:00:33 +0600

India consulted Dhaka, no law can stop Tipai dam: envoy

Wed, 01 Jul 2009 17:55:03 +0600

Indian high commissioner Pinak Ranjan Chakravarty has said his country had consulted Bangladesh over the construction of the controversial Tipaimukh dam on the Barak river.

BNP wants 'meddling' Indian envoy removed

Wed, 01 Jul 2009 17:54:22 +0600

The parliamentary party of the main opposition BNP has demanded that Indian high commissioner Pinak Ranjan Chakravarty be withdrawn for what it said was his meddling in the internal affairs of Bangladesh.

DU celebrates 88 years

Wed, 01 Jul 2009 16:03:32 +0600

Dhaka University was celebrating 88 years on Wednesday, with the motto 'Higher education through democratisation'.

Solar orbiter Ulysses ends mission after 18 years

Wed, 01 Jul 2009 14:37:07 +0600

The interplanetary space probe Ulysses officially ceased operations on Tuesday after an 18-year voyage of roughly 5.5 billion miles (8.85 billion km) and nearly three complete orbits around the sun, NASA said.

66 more 'harassment cases' to be dropped

Wed, 01 Jul 2009 15:36:42 +0600

Sixty-six more 'politically motivated cases' will be dropped, the head of a scrutiny committee that recommended quashing of the cases said on Wednesday. "We have decided to withdraw another 66 cases that were filed only to persecute politicians," state minister for law Kamrul Islam, also the committee chairman, told reporters. FULL STORY

GE teams up with Geron for stem-cell research

Wed, 01 Jul 2009 14:34:27 +0600

General Electric Co is teaming up with US biotech company Geron Corp to use stem cells to develop products that could give drug developers an early warning of whether new medicines are toxic.

All-day party celebrates China web filter delay

Wed, 01 Jul 2009 14:27:45 +0600

Chinese web users flooded to a trendy art zone cafe Wednesday to celebrate a last-minute halt to a rollout of government-sponsored filtering software, and make a stand for freedom of expression in the Communist-run state.

Pirate Bay founders get rich in jail

Wed, 01 Jul 2009 14:25:50 +0600

Wining and dining still popular in downturn

Wed, 01 Jul 2009 14:20:55 +0600

The economic downturn appears to go down better with a meal and a glass of wine, with a survey showing consumers outside Europe and the United States do not intend to cut back on dining out and having fun.

TCB to start sales in August

Wed, 01 Jul 2009 15:05:36 +0600

The Trading Corporation of Bangladesh will start selling edible oil, pulses and sugar in the second week of August to keep prices of essentials stable during the month of Ramadan, commerce minister Faruq Khan said on Wednesday. "The TCB will appoint two agents in each Upazila so that no one can monopolise the business," Khan told reporters after a meeting of the parliamentary standing committee on the commerce ministry.

NRB conference eyes 'nation building'

Wed, 01 Jul 2009 14:49:05 +0600

Huda, Kamaruzzaman face contempt charges

Wed, 01 Jul 2009 14:28:29 +0600

Former BNP minister Nazmul Huda and Jamaat-e-Islami assistant secretary general Md Kamaruzzaman face contempt of court charges for slamming last month's High Court ruling on the proclamation of independence.

Pintu's lawyers ask for more time in Aug 21 hearing

Wed, 01 Jul 2009 14:09:05 +0600

A Dhaka court Wednesday held a partial hearing on a petition by state prosecutors for further probe into the Aug 21 2004 grenade attack on an Awami League rally. Speedy trial tribunal judge Md Masder Hossain set July 12 for the next hearing after lawyers for accused former deputy minister Abdus Salam Pintu appealed for more time.

India will reject greenhouse gas emission targets

Wed, 01 Jul 2009 11:52:23 +0600

India will not sign up to targets to reduce its greenhouse gas emissions but will instead focus on fighting poverty and boosting economic growth, the environment minister said on Tuesday.

Michael Jackson gets more bizarre after death

Wed, 01 Jul 2009 11:46:24 +0600

Bizarre in life, Michael Jackson's complex personal affairs are taking even stranger twists in death, with reports on Tuesday questioning the parentage of his children and what caused his untimely demise.