Server glitch forces savings certificate sales suspension, resumption in ‘couple of days’
He expects the problem to be resolved within a couple of days, after which savings certificate transactions will return to normal. The server malfunction has led to the suspension of new purchases of savings certificates since Thursday. The central bank typically handles the sale and renewal of savings certificates, with large crowds usually observed until 2pm. Different savings certificate schemes are available for the lower middle class, people with limited incomes, women, the disabled, and retired officers and employees. Due to this investment, the government must pay interest to savings certificate holders every month, and thus, net sales are considered government debt.
Source:bd News24
January 14, 2025 20:21 UTC
Reform commission proposes 47 recommendations for ACC
The reform process will include a national anti-corruption strategy paper, says commission chiefThe commission formed to reform the Anti-Corruption Commission, or ACC, has prepared a report containing 47 recommendations. Iftekharuzzaman, executive director of Transparency International Bangladesh, is heading the ACC Reform Commission, one of six commissions formed by the interim government, alongside those for the judiciary, police, and judiciary division. Iftekharuzzaman told bdnews24.com the report on the reform of the ACC has been prepared under two broad recommendations. He said the formulation of a national anti-corruption strategy paper and its implementation will also be part of the reform process. Multiple sources suggest the reform report may include proposals to amend the ACC Chairman and Commissioner Appointment Act.
Source:bd News24
January 14, 2025 19:04 UTC
JnU students hold ‘complete shutdown’ programme amid hunger strike
Students at Jagannath University (JnU) have begun a ‘complete shutdown’ programme after a 24-hour hunger strike to push for their three-point charter of demands. Among their key demands is the call for the construction of the university’s second campus to be handed over to the army, reports UNB. After their 24-hour-long hunger strike failed to yield a response, the students locked the main entrance of the university and the Sajid Academic Building on Monday morning. Jagannath University received a cheque for nearly Tk 9 billion in July 2019 to implement the project, which is estimated to cost Tk 19.2 billion. Last week, they escalated their campaign by staging a hunger strike, demanding accountability and immediate action to fulfil the commitment.
Source:bd News24
January 14, 2025 17:52 UTC
German defence minister arrives in Ukraine to send message of support
"The first and most important thing is to make it very clear psychologically and politically that we will continue to stand by Ukraine," said Pistorius upon arriving in Kyiv. He will meet the Ukrainian government to discuss further aid and will assess the military situation. Trump says he will quickly solve the war in Ukraine and has criticised the scale of US support for Kyiv. There is debate in Germany over Berlin's support for Ukraine ahead of a snap German election on Feb 23, particularly as the incoming Trump presidency is putting pressure on Europe to boost its own defences. He said he would discuss the question of industrial cooperation for arms productions in Ukraine, including how to support Kyiv in boosting capacity and conclude joint ventures.
Source:bd News24
January 14, 2025 15:54 UTC
It's up to government, political parties to decide election timing, says UN
He made the statement while responding to a question on Tuesday about the BNP's demand to hold the 13th national election by the middle of this year. The UNDP delegation led by Lewis held a meeting with the chief election commissioner at the Nirbachan Bhaban in Dhaka’s Agargaon. Asked about the possible timing of the polls, she said: “That’s outside of the scope of the election mission. It’s really a decision of the political parties and Muhammad Yunus’s government. To this end, the UNDP delegation will stay in Bangladesh for the next 10 days to meet with political parties, the Election Commission, civil society, teachers, and other stakeholders, she said.
Source:bd News24
January 14, 2025 15:53 UTC
Students will receive all textbooks within February, says education advisor
Students across Bangladesh are expected to have all their textbooks in hand within February, Education and Planning Advisor Wahiduddin Mahmud has said. During a courtesy meeting with leaders of the Education Reporters Association of Bangladesh, or ERAB, at the Planning Commission on Monday, he shared updates on the progress of textbook distribution. “The officials working on textbooks had said all books would be delivered on time, but later we realised there was still much work to be done,” he said. The advisor continued, “Initially, we were facing difficulties with the supply of art paper, and there was also a shortage of paper. “However, with the help of student representatives, intelligence agencies, and others, the issue of art paper has been resolved.”He said there is still some shortage of art paper, but shipments are expected to arrive by the end of January.
Source:bd News24
January 14, 2025 15:17 UTC
Dreadlocked Indian ascetics among 35mn who take holy dip in Maha Kumbh festival
Naga Sadhus or Hindu holy men take a holy dip during the "Maha Kumbh Mela", or the Great Pitcher Festival, in Prayagraj, India, Jan 14, 2025. REUTERS/Adnan AbidiNaga Sadhus or Hindu holy men take a holy dip during the "Maha Kumbh Mela", or the Great Pitcher Festival, in Prayagraj, India, Jan 14, 2025. REUTERS/Adnan AbidiNaked Hindu ascetics smeared in holy ash charged into the waters of sacred rivers in India on Tuesday, part of a large crowd of 35 million devotees who took the holy dip on the second day of the Maha Kumbh Mela, or Great Pitcher Festival, seeking absolution from their sins. "The crowd today was fantastic," said ascetic Rakesh Kumar after his holy dip at the confluence of the rivers Ganga, Yamuna, and the mythical Saraswati. Every 12 years, the festival is described as "maha" or great, as the timing is considered to render it more auspicious, drawing bigger crowds.
Source:bd News24
January 14, 2025 15:08 UTC
No tension at Bangladesh-India border, situation stable: home advisor
Home Advisor Jahangir Alam Chowdhury has said there is no tension along the India-Bangladesh border, describing the situation as relatively stable. “There is no tension at the border now. The advisor added that a meeting between the director generals of Border Guard Bangladesh, or BGB, and India's Border Security Force, or BSF, is scheduled for next month to discuss restoring peace. On the domestic front, Jahangir said there is no fertiliser shortage in the country. He warned, "If anyone tries to create an artificial shortage of fertiliser, action will be taken against them.
Source:bd News24
January 14, 2025 14:10 UTC
From success story to headache: ICC grapples with Afghanistan dilemma
"We are committed to leveraging our influence constructively to support the Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB) in fostering cricket development and ensuring playing opportunities for both men and women in Afghanistan," an ICC spokesperson told Reuters. While the women's team has been disbanded, Afghanistan men's team have shifted base to Dubai. Britain's Culture minister Lisa Nandy was also apprehensive of the utility of boycotting a cricket team. Australia also play Afghanistan only in multi-team ICC events and have refused to host them more than once. Afghanistan begin their Group B campaign against South Africa in Karachi on Feb 21 before taking on England and Australia.
Source:bd News24
January 14, 2025 13:02 UTC
Sagar-Runi murder case: PBI to question Ziaul, Mashiur
On the night of Aug 15, 2024, police arrested Ziaul in Khilkhet, based on a case filed at Dhaka’s New Market Police Station. In connection with the murder case filed at Dhaka’s New Market Police Station, Mashiur was arrested on Sept 19, 2024. Runi’s brother, Nausher Ali Roman, filed a case with the Sher-e-Bangla Police Station in connection with the murder. Three weeks later, on Oct 23, 2024, the government formed its own task force to expedite the investigation into the murder case. Following the murder, Runi’s brother, Nausher, filed a case at the Sher-e-Bangla Nagar Police Station in Dhaka.
Source:bd News24
January 14, 2025 11:54 UTC
Two women file case over alleged gang rape in Cumilla
The women alleged that they were also beaten and the incident was recorded on videoTwo women have lodged a case against seven individuals over being an alleged gang rape at a sawmill in Cumilla. The case was filed around midnight on Monday, said Nangalkot police chief AK Fazlul Haque. The women also alleged that they were “beaten up” and “recorded on video" as well. But, due to the recorded video clips, they decided to ask for help from Nurpur locals on Saturday. Chauddagram Assistant Superintendent of Police Nishat Tabassum said: “The two women lodged the complaint to us.
Source:bd News24
January 14, 2025 09:18 UTC
India's Maha Kumbh marks first 'royal bath' with dreadlocked ascetics' holy dip
REUTERSSadhus or Hindu holy men from Panchayati Bada Udasin Akhara take part in a religious procession during "Peshwai" or the arrival of the members of an akhara or sect of sadhus ahead of the "Maha Kumbh Mela", or the Pitcher Festival, in Prayagraj, India, January 12, 2025. REUTERSScores of naked Hindu ascetics smeared in holy ash charged into the water of holy rivers in northern India on Tuesday, dreadlocks flying, during the first 'royal bath' of the Maha Kumbh Mela, or Great Pitcher Festival. The dip by the ascetics, who wore only holy beads, though some wielded tridents, spears, or maces, signals the start of the ritual, watched by thousands of devotees. Earlier, to chants and the beat of drums, the ascetics had moved in procession towards the water, standing atop decorated trucks, riding horses, or walking. Every 12 years, the festival is described as 'maha' or great, as the timing is considered to render it more auspicious, drawing bigger crowds.
Source:bd News24
January 14, 2025 05:02 UTC
January 14, 2025
A "Shadabuk Machhranga" or white-throated kingfisher sits on the branch of a tree to seek prey in the Katka sanctuary in the Sundarbans. Twelve species of kingfisher can be found in Bangladesh. Most of them are found in the Sundarbans, the largest mangrove forest in the world. Photo: Muhammad Mostafigur Rahman
Source:bd News24
January 14, 2025 03:09 UTC
Gaza ceasefire deal close after 'breakthrough' in Doha
REUTERSNegotiators will meet in Doha on Tuesday seeking to finalise details of a plan to end the war in Gaza after US President Joe Biden said a ceasefire and hostage release deal he has championed was on "the brink" of coming to fruition. An Israeli official said negotiations were in advanced stages for the release of up to 33 hostages as part of the deal. "The negotiation over some core issues made progress and we are working to conclude what remains soon," a Hamas official said. TRUMP'S INAUGURATION SEEN AS DEADLINETrump's Jan. 20 inauguration is now widely seen as a de facto deadline for a ceasefire agreement. Unarmed North Gaza residents would be allowed back, with a mechanism to ensure no weapons are moved there.
Source:bd News24
January 14, 2025 02:06 UTC
Bangabandhu Memorial Trust, CRI benefits brought under income tax regime
The interim government has imposed a tax on the income of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman Memorial Trust.Recently, the National Board of Revenue, or NBR, announced the revocation of six statutory regulatory orders, or SROs, that were exempted from income tax by the deposed Awami League government.Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman Memorial Trust was one of them.According to the 2018 notification, this trust was exempted from income tax for 10 years on interest earned from fixed or savings deposits.Following the change in power, the previous notification has been cancelled after six years.The income tax on the interest earned on the trust's deposits must be paid from now on as per the normal rules.Similarly, the tax exemption provided to the Awami League's research wing, the Centre for Research and Information, or CRI, has also been withdrawn.According to the previous notification issued in January 2019, the organisation was exempted from tax for an unspecified duration on all earnings from donations, grants, and interest received from banks and other sources through its activities.At the same time, the current government has also cancelled the tax exemption granted to President Abdul Hamid Foundation in 2019.According to the previous notification, the foundation received tax exemption on all income and interest on bank deposits for 10 years.Since the interim government took office, it has been monitoring exemptions given during the previous government, cancelling many of them from time to time.This list includes business entities favoured by the Sheikh Hasina government, as well as social organisations and institutions established named after political figures. —bdnews24.com
Source:bd News24
January 14, 2025 00:01 UTC