The Chinese Ambassador to Bangladesh, Yao Wen, met with the Minister of Cultural Affairs, Nitai Roy Chowdhury, today at his ministry office. Photo: PIDDHAKA, Mar 5, 2026 (BSS) - Chinese Ambassador to Bangladesh Yao Wen today met with Culture Affairs Minister Nitai Roy Chowdhury and State Minister Ali Newaz Mahmud Khayam at the minister’s office here. At the beginning of the meeting, the Ambassador expressed satisfaction over the peaceful and fair conduct of Bangladesh’s recent national elections and extended heartfelt congratulations to the Minister and State Minister on the victory in the 13th National Parliament elections. Both the sides discussed strengthening of existing friendly relationship and enhancing cultural cooperation, including joint cultural events, exhibitions and training programmes. State Minister Ali Newaz Mahmud noted the importance of mutual exchange and promotion of drama, dance and other cultural arts.

The 1973 War Powers Resolution -- passed after the Vietnam War -- was intended to prevent presidents from committing US forces to prolonged conflicts without congressional consent. The House resolution invokes that law, directing the president to withdraw US forces from "unauthorized hostilities" involving Iran unless lawmakers explicitly approve the operation. But Republican leaders have rallied behind Trump, arguing that limiting his authority during an ongoing military campaign would embolden Iran and endanger US troops. "I think passage of a war powers resolution right now would be a terrible, dangerous idea...It would empower our enemies, House Republican Speaker Mike Johnson told reporters. "Under our Constitution, the power to initiate war rests solely with Congress," he said.

Vatican’s Greetings on the Occasion of Ramadan and Eid-ul-FitrDHAKA, March 5, 2026 (BSS) - On the occasion of the holy month of Ramadan and Eid-ul-Fitr, the Vatican has extended its heartfelt greetings and solidarity to the Muslim community of the country. The message received from the Vatican states that Muslims deepen their spiritual life through the observance of Ramadan, prayer, self-restraint, and devotion while expressing their faith in the one and almighty Creator. The message also calls for choosing the path of justice, compassion, and goodness rather than violence in times of crisis and challenges. Expressing solidarity with Muslim brothers and sisters, the message encourages all to work together for justice, dignity, and peace. The message concludes with prayers and best wishes for peace, well-being, and blessings for the Muslim community, their families, and all people, the handout added.

Bangladesh are eyeing another enterprising display after their battling performance against defending champions China PR as the tournament debutants face three-time winners DPR Korea at Western Sydney Stadium in Sydney, Australia on Friday. Ritu Porna Chakma and her teammates will once again look to gain valuable experience against another tournament favourite in DPR Korea. “We’re going to face a very strong team,” said Bangladesh head coach Peter Butler at the pre-match press conference ahead of the DPR Korea clash. “You look at where they are in terms of their FIFA rankings; they are probably one of the favourites for the tournament. “I watched the match between China PR and Bangladesh.

According to a press release, in the past seven days the River Policeconfiscated 39,723,523 meters of illegal fishing nets, 4,501 kilograms offish, 56,000 fish fry, and 350 kilograms of jellied shrimp. During the drive, authorities also removed and destroyed 373 riverine bushesused for illegal fishing activities. The seized illegal fishing nets and jellied shrimp were destroyed. The remaining fish were distributed to orphanages, while the fish fry werereleased back into the water to support the conservation of aquaticresources. River Police officials said such operations will continue across the countryto curb illegal fishing and protect the nation's waterways and fisheries.

But Bethell, aided by partnerships of 77 with Will Jacks (35) and 50 with Sam Curran (18), kept England in the hunt. The left-hander hit seven sixes and eight fours in his 48-ball thrash before his run out in the final over finally allowed India to celebrate in front of 35,000 jubilant fans in Mumbai's Wankhede stadium. "It's an unbelievable feeling, going to Ahmedabad for the final, a special feeling for the boys," said India captain Suryakumar Yadav, who paid tribute to England. "In India, going for the title, there will be pressure, there will be nerves but the boys will be excited as well," Suryakumar added. Hardik Pandya hit 27 off 12 balls late on and Tilak Varma 21 off seven to take India past the 250 mark.

The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) has announced the squad for the three-match ODI series against Pakistan today. The squad saw a number of notable omissions from the squad that played in the last ODI series in October 2025 against the West Indies. Nurul Hasan Sohan, Jaker Ali Anik and Shamim Hossain were discarded while pacer Hasan Mahmud is currently nursing a right tennis elbow. Mahidul Islam Bhuiyan has been retained and this is a good opportunity for him to fulfil the potential he has shown,"Chief selector Gazi Ashraf Hossain Lipu said after announcing the squad. Squad:Mehidy Hasan Miraz (Captain), Soumya Sarkar, Saif Hassan, Tanzid Hasan Tamim, Najmul Hossain Shanto, Towhid Hridoy, Liton Kumer Das, Afif Hossain, Mahidul Islam Bhuiyan, Rishad Hossain, Tanvir Islam, Mustafizur Rahman, Taskin Ahmed, Shoriful Islam, Nahid Rana.

A mobile court in Thakurgaon Sadar fined a pesticide trader Tk 20,000 for storing expired pesticides. The drive, conducted on Thursday at the Sugar Mill Market area by the Sadar Upazila Agriculture Office, found that Messrs Sonamoni Traders had stocked expired pesticides and products lacking price, manufacturing date, expiry date and batch number. Sadar Upazila Executive Magistrate and Assistant Commissioner (Land) Ashadul Haque conducted the mobile court and imposed the fine under Section 37 of the Consumer Rights Protection Act, 2009. Officials from the agriculture department were also present during the operation. The magistrate said the trader admitted the offence, adding that such drives will continue to protect farmers and ensure safe agricultural practices.

Experts at a workshop in Rajshahi stressed the need for coordinated efforts to prevent children from being used in drug carrying and trafficking and to ensure their healthy development. They called on both government and non-government organizations to work together to guide children toward becoming responsible citizens and protect them from the dangers of drug abuse. Heads of drug rehabilitation centres from eight districts of the division took part in the programme. He also said drug seizures have increased significantly in recent times and stressed the need for stronger monitoring in border areas to curb trafficking. The workshop was attended by heads of 61 drug rehabilitation centres operating across Rajshahi Division.

Sunflower cultivation gaining popularity among farmers in NepalSunflower cultivation is becoming increasingly popular among farmers in Nepal, particularly in the Narail district, as the crop proves to be a profitable alternative to traditional farming. Local agricultural officials say interest in sunflower has grown due to its high yields and relatively low production costs. In three upazilas of the district, the total sunflower cultivation area has reached about 191 hectares, an increase of 81 hectares compared with last year. Local farmers report promising crop conditions and strong demand for sunflower oil. If weather conditions remain favourable, authorities expect a strong harvest this season and further expansion of sunflower cultivation in the coming years.

A mobile court conducted a drive in Paba Upazila of the Rajshahi Metropolitan area on Wednesday through a joint initiative of the district administration and the Bangladesh Standards and Testing Institution (BSTI). During the operation, M/s NS Medical International, located at Baya Bazar in Paba Upazila, was fined Tk 40,000 for producing and packaging sanitary napkins without obtaining BSTI approval and product packaging registration certification. All raw materials used in the production of sanitary napkins were seized and destroyed during the drive. In total, two establishments were fined Tk 50,000 during the drive. Officials from the BSTI Rajshahi office assisted in the operation under the leadership of Assistant Director (Metrology) Azizul Hakim.

Japan has provided US$6.7 million to the World Food Program (WFP) to support Rohingya and vulnerable host communities in Cox's Bazar through food assistance, nutrition services and agricultural resilience initiatives. Japanese Ambassador to Bangladesh Saida Shinichi said Japan remains committed to supporting vulnerable populations in Bangladesh, including Rohingya and local host communities. "Through this partnership with WFP, Japan aims to contribute to food security, improved nutrition and the overall well-being of Rohingya families, particularly women and children," he said. The funding will also support the repair of agricultural infrastructure damaged by floods and cyclones in host communities while equipping aggregation centres with cold storage and modern food processing facilities. WFP Bangladesh Country Director Simone Parchment (ai) described Japan's latest contribution as "timely and critical," expressing appreciation for Japan's continued support to the Rohingyas and host communities.

Potato farmers are suffering heavy financial losses as wholesale market prices have dropped far below production costs for the second consecutive year. Growers say the price slump has left them uncertain about continuing potato cultivation during the next season. Many growers say they are forced to sell at low prices after waiting for hours at wholesale markets. Farmers report production costs ranging between Tk 16 and Tk 18 per kilogram, while wholesale prices hover between Tk 8 and Tk 9. Farmers there say production costs this year ranged from Tk 12 to Tk 15 per kilogram due to increased spending on seeds, fertilizers, irrigation and pesticides.

Thousands of devotees gathered in Bagerhat to celebrate the traditional religious festival of Dol Festival with enthusiasm and colorful festivities on Wednesday. The day-long celebration took place at the Bangladesh Sevashram Central Temple premises in Gora Nalua area of Chitalmari upazila. As the day progressed, a colorful procession was brought out, parading through the surrounding roads while devotees celebrated by throwing Abir, the traditional colored powder associated with the Dol festival. People of all ages participated enthusiastically in the celebrations, creating a festive and joyous atmosphere throughout the temple premises and nearby areas. Religious speakers at the event highlighted that Dol Yatra promotes the values of brotherhood, tolerance, and communal harmony among people.

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman and UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan. Photo : CollageDHAKA, Mar 6, 2026 (BSS) - Prime Minister Tarique Rahman and UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan in a phone conversation today discussed implications of military escalation for regional security and stability in view of the ongoing war between Israel-US and Iran. The premier also expressed sincere thanks to the UAE President and his country for taking care of Bangladeshi people in the UAE, Shibly said. Shibly said, during the conversation, Tarique Rahman invited Mohamed bin Zayed to visit Bangladesh while the UAE President accepted the invitation. The UAE President sincerely thanked Bangladesh Prime Minister for the call and for standing by his country.