HONG KONG, Dec 24, 2025 (BSS/AFP) - Gold prices broke past $4,500 in Asian trade Wednesday on optimism that the Federal Reserve will continue cutting interest rates next year, and amid rising tensions between the United States and Venezuela. The precious metal hit a peak of $4,519.78 to extend a rally that has seen it surge more than 70 percent since the start of 2025.
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Two dead, others missing in US nursing home blast: governorWASHINGTON, United States, Dec 24, 2025 (BSS/AFP) - At least two people died and several others were missing after a "catastrophic" explosion Tuesday demolished part of a nursing home in eastern Pennsylvania, the US state's governor said. We know that there are some number of individuals still missing," Governor Josh Shapiro told a press conference. The governor praised quick-thinking first responders, notably firefighters who "were quite literally climbing up ladders, handing individuals in this nursing home to police, who were at times carrying two people on their back to safety." "They pulled many residents out of the building via windows, doors, stuck in stairwells, stuck in elevator shafts." "We are still in rescue mode until we know the building is clear," he said.
On behalf of the government, Education Adviser Professor C R Abrar visited the bereaved family in Mymensingh on Tuesday. During the visit, he spoke with Rabilal Das, the father of Dipu Chandra Das, among others. The education adviser reiterated that the killing was a heinous criminal act with no justification and no place in Bangladeshi society. Such acts of violence will be met with the full force of the law, the adviser said. The adviser reiterated the Interim Government’s resolve to protect all citizens and to ensure that justice is served.
SHERPUR, Dec 23, 2025 (BSS) - Members of the Narcotics Control Department (NCD) in a drive arrested a suspected drug dealer along with 1,600 pieces of yaba tablets in Dubarchar area under Sherpur upazila of the district on Tuesday afternoon. The arrested man was identified as Md Abdur Rashid, 34), son of Abdul Khalek of Jhaubari village under Roumari upazila in Kurigram district. During the operation, law enforcement officials also seized 37 grams of powder used in the production of yaba tablets and a motorcycle allegedly used for drug trafficking from his possession. Assistant Director of the Mymensingh Divisional Detective Office of the Narcotics Control Department, Md Kawsarul Hasan Roni, said that a case has been filed against the accused with Sherpur Sadar Police Station under the Narcotics Control Act. Meanwhile, Officer-in-Charge (OC) of Sherpur Sadar Police Station Md Sohel Rana confirmed that the arrested individual was produced before the court and subsequently sent to jail.
Kurigram is witnessing intensifying cold as icy northern winds and dense fog grip the district, causing severe hardship for residents, especially in char areas. Despite the absence of a formal cold wave, locals report heavy dew at night and fog-covered mornings, reducing visibility and worsening the chill. Cold is being felt most acutely in char regions of Kurigram Sadar, Ulipur, Nageshwari, and Rajarhat upazilas. Many residents, particularly the elderly, children, and day laborers, are confined indoors, losing income and struggling with the cold. Kurigram District Relief and Rehabilitation Officer Abdul Matin said Tk 54 lakh has been allocated to distribute blankets and winter clothing across the district’s nine upazilas.
Inqilab Mancha has demanded that the murder of Sharif Osman Hadi be tried within the next 30 working days through a fast-track judicial tribunal, with assistance from international intelligence agencies. The demand was announced on Tuesday at Shahbagh by Abdullah Al Jaber, member secretary of Inqilab Mancha, during the platform’s pre-scheduled Shohidi Shopoth ceremony. Inqilab Mancha issued another 24-hour ultimatum on Monday, placing three demands. Referring to those demands, Jaber said they had yet to receive any specific response. “Within the next 30 working days, those involved in Sharif Osman Hadi’s murder must be arrested and brought to justice through a fast-track judicial tribunal, with the support of professional and reliable international intelligence agencies,” he said.
Ahead of BNP acting chairman Tarique Rahman’s return to Bangladesh on December 25 after more than 17 years, authorities are deploying a “double-layer” security cordon combining state and party measures across Dhaka. Sources said a special security plan has been adopted across the capital centering Tarique Rahman’s arrival. As part of the plan, Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport will be placed under a special security cordon from December 24. Rahman’s personal security will be handled by the Chairperson Security Force (CSF), which protects BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia and has recently been reorganized and expanded. Separate security perimeters will be in place at all locations the BNP acting chairman visits after landing in Dhaka.
Corsicana, TX (75110)TodayAreas of patchy fog early. Mostly cloudy early, then sunshine for the afternoon. Winds S at 10 to 15 mph..TonightSome clouds. Winds S at 5 to 10 mph.
National Citizen Party (NCP) Convener Nahid Islam on Tuesday said his party supports restoring the civic and political rights of ordinary supporters of Awami League. “If the Awami League problem is not resolved, it will continue to resurface. In that case, a ‘Truth and Reconciliation Commission’ should be formed, and the political and civic rights of Awami League supporters should be restored on the condition that they seek forgiveness,” Nahid said. Calling for the dissolution of the Rapid Action Battalion (RAB), Nahid said, “RAB must be dissolved. Referring to the implementation of the July Charter, Nahid said, “We were forced to make compromises in many parts of the charter.
As a veterinarian, I’m often asked, “What’s a good holiday gift for my pet?” The good news is that the best gifts for pets don’t have to be fancy or expensive. Gifts that promote physical healthOne of the simplest ways to show love to a pet is by encouraging healthy movement. For dogs, interactive toys such as puzzle feeders, treat-dispensing balls or sturdy fetch toys provide both exercise and mental stimulation. They help pets eat more slowly -- which can reduce digestive upset and keep mealtime fun and engaging. The gift pets want mostAfter years in practice, I can confidently say that the best gift you can give your pet is your time.
Fisheries and Livestock Adviser Farida Akhter. File PhotoDHAKA, Dec 23, 2025 (BSS) - Fisheries and Livestock Adviser Farida Akhter today said increasing fisheries production would be meaningless if food safety is not ensured. Farida Akhter said fish is not merely a source of food to satisfy hunger, but an important provider of essential nutrition. She pointed out that artisanal and industrial trawlers catch fish using different methods, and some technologies used by industrial trawlers have recently raised serious concerns. In this context, Farida Akhter added that the government has decided to update the national fisheries policy as a key initiative to ensure sustainable and safe fisheries management.
However, the neutropenic diet has been in place for more than a half-century without any clinical trial results to back it up, researchers noted. The more liberal diet encouraged at least one serving of fresh fruits or vegetables each day, and allowed patients to eat pasteurized yogurt. Results showed that more than 31% of patients on the liberal diet wound up with a major infection, compared with 20% of those on the neutropenic diet. In fact, the trial was halted early because major infections were occurring so much more often among people on the liberal diet, researchers said. “We recognize how important good nutrition is for the gut microbiome and patient outcomes.”More informationMemorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center has more on the neutropenic diet.
Police have arrested the prime accused in the murder case of a local BNP leader in Ishwardi upazila of Pabna. The accused, Jahurul Mollah, was arrested with the help of RAB from the Raghunathpur area under Salanga Police Station in Sirajganj district, police said on Tuesday. Union BNP convener Biru Mollah, 48, was shot dead over a land dispute in Ishwardi earlier. He said a one-shooter gun, a revolver and 26 rounds of ammunition were recovered from Jahurul Mollah at the time of his arrest. The additional superintendent of police added that the arrested accused has been produced before the court after completion of necessary legal procedures.
