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                                <title><![CDATA[The Press Today Feed]]></title>
                                <description>The Press Today Latest News Feeds</description>
                                <language>bn-BD</language>
                                <updated>Thu, 03 Sep 2026 11:09:49 +0000</updated>
                        <entry>
            <title><![CDATA[Speakers Call for Protection of Orphans’ Rights and Ethical Business Practices]]></title>
            <link rel="alternate" href="http://www.presstoday.news/news/article/opinion/451" />
            <id>http://www.presstoday.news/news/article/opinion/451</id>
            <author>
                <name> <![CDATA[The Press Today Admin]]></name>
            </author>
            <summary type="html">
                <![CDATA[LOHAGARA, Chattogram: Speakers at the 56th International Seeratunnabi (PBUH) Mahfil in Chunati have called for protecting the rights of orphans and vulnerable people, maintaining honesty in business and upholding Islamic ethical values in society.

The ninth day of the 19-day-long mahfil was held on Wednesday, September 2, 2026, at Shah Manzil Seerat Maidan in Chunati under Lohagara upazila of Chattogram. The event was organised as part of the 56th International Seeratunnabi (PBUH) Mahfil, initiated by the renowned Islamic scholar Hazrat Maulana Hafiz Ahmad, popularly known as Shah Saheb Qibla Chunati (RA).

Former principal of Kutubkhali Tamizia Fazil Madrasa, Alhaj Maulana Omar Hamza, presided over the session. The programme was moderated by Maulana Faruk Hossain, principal of Chunati Hakimia Kamil Madrasa.

Religious scholars addressed several important topics, including the rights of orphans and vulnerable people, the contributions of the Ashab al-Suffa, ethical business practices, and the causes of divine punishment.

Speaking on &ldquo;Islam and the Protection of the Rights of Orphans and the Vulnerable,&rdquo; Maulana Nazmus Sakib, khatib of Badamtal Yasin Khairati Jame Mosque, said Islam teaches people to take responsibility for orphans and disadvantaged members of society.

He said protecting their rights, ensuring their livelihood and preserving their dignity are both individual and social moral responsibilities.

Maulana Muhammad Qutub Uddin, a hadith scholar at Garangia Islamia Kamil Madrasa, discussed &ldquo;The Ashab al-Suffa: Their Identity and Their Unique Role in Preserving and Promoting Hadith.&rdquo; He said the Ashab al-Suffa were a group of Companions devoted to knowledge and worship, and their contribution to learning, preserving and transmitting Hadith to later generations holds a significant place in Islamic history.

Alhaj Maulana Solaiman Bin Qasem, director general of Jamea Ahmadiya Safibad Madrasa, spoke on &ldquo;Adulteration, Hoarding and Price Hikes from the Perspective of Islamic Values.&rdquo;

He said fraud, adulteration, artificial shortages and unjustified price increases are contrary to Islamic principles. He stressed the importance of honesty, trustworthiness and fair pricing in business.

Alhaj Maulana Kamal Hossain, khatib of West Pagaar Atarkol Jame Mosque in Dhaka, discussed &ldquo;The Causes of Divine Punishment and the Punishments That Befell Previous Nations.&rdquo;

He said injustice, oppression, disobedience and moral degradation can become causes of divine displeasure. He urged people to learn lessons from the history of earlier nations and refrain from sin and wrongdoing.

Alhaj Maulana Muhammad Khobib, muhtamim of Patiya Jiri Madrasa, attended the mahfil as a special guest.

Among those present were Mahfil Mutawalli Committee President Alhaj Maulana Muhammad Hafizul Islam Abul Kalam Azad, Organising Secretary Shahzada Maulana Abdul Malek Muhammad Ibn Dinar Najat, committee members Alhaj Abu Taher and Alhaj Ismail Manik, Principal Alhaj Maulana Hafizul Islam Nizami, Shahzada Tayebul Haque Bedar, Saifuddin Muhammad Tarek and other organisers and distinguished guests.

The programme began with recitations from the Holy Quran by Hafiz Muhammad Sakibul Islam and Hasan Mahmud. Farhan Hasin Sinan and Sakibul Islam performed naat in praise of the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH).

The ninth-day session concluded with the Khutba-e-Sadr, Milad Sharif and a special prayer (munajat).

PT/Gn]]>
            </summary>
                                    <updated>Thu, 03 Sep 2026 11:09:49 +0000</updated>
        </entry>
            <entry>
            <title><![CDATA[IsDB to provide $1.004b for modernization of Eastern Refinery]]></title>
            <link rel="alternate" href="http://www.presstoday.news/news/article/trade-and-commerce/450" />
            <id>http://www.presstoday.news/news/article/trade-and-commerce/450</id>
            <author>
                <name> <![CDATA[The Press Today Admin]]></name>
            </author>
            <summary type="html">
                <![CDATA[DHAKA, Sept 3, 2026- A financing agreement for &quot;Modernization and Expansion of Eastern Refinery in Bangladesh&quot; amounting to USD 1004.29 million was signed today during the visit of the Islamic Development Bank Group Chairman, Dr. Muhammad Al Jasser to Dhaka.

The agreement has been signed between the Government of Bangladesh (GoB) and the Islamic Development Bank (IsDB).

Dr. Mohammad Mizanur Rahman, Additional Secretary, Economic Relations Division, Ministry of Finance, and Anasse Aissami, Director General, Country Programs, IsDB, signed the agreement on behalf of the GoB and IsDB, respectively.

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman and Dr. Muhammad Al Jasser, Chairman, Islamic Development Bank Group, graced the signing ceremony.

The above-mentioned project will be implemented by Bangladesh Petroleum Corporation (BPC) under the Energy and Mineral Resources Division.

Proper implementation of the project will enhance the BPC&#39;s current refining capacity from 1.5 million MT to 4.5 million MT, contributing to further strengthening the country&#39;s energy security, producing environmentally friendly (Euro-5 standard) petroleum oil, and reducing dependence on imported refined fuel oil, said an ERD press release.

IsDB is one of the trusted multilateral development partners of Bangladesh and has provided continuous support for the socioeconomic development of Bangladesh since its inception, in the form of grants, project loans, trade financing, private-sector financing, export credit guarantees, etc.

Immediately after the signing ceremony, the IsDB Group Chairman called on the Prime Minister and expressed his deep commitment to supporting Bangladesh&#39;s development priorities.

The Prime Minister emphasized that the IsDB should explore opportunities for low-cost financing for its members and stated that Bangladesh will extend all possible cooperation to further deepen the Bangladesh-IsDB partnership. (BSS)

 ]]>
            </summary>
                                    <updated>Thu, 03 Sep 2026 10:56:15 +0000</updated>
        </entry>
            <entry>
            <title><![CDATA[Mid-day meal every child&#039;s right, not charity: Bobby Hajjaj]]></title>
            <link rel="alternate" href="http://www.presstoday.news/news/article/bangladesh/449" />
            <id>http://www.presstoday.news/news/article/bangladesh/449</id>
            <author>
                <name> <![CDATA[The Press Today Admin]]></name>
            </author>
            <summary type="html">
                <![CDATA[DHAKA, Sept 3, 2026 - State Minister for Primary and Mass Education Bobby Hajjaj today said providing mid-day meals to schoolchildren is not an act of charity or favour, but a fundamental right of every child.

&quot;The main objective of the school feeding programme is to improve children&#39;s health, ensure regular attendance and enhance their learning capacity by providing nutritious food,&quot; he said.

He was speaking at an orientation programme for head teachers and a discussion on improving the quality of primary education, organised today at a local hotel in Khulna under the &quot;Feeding Programme in Government Primary Schools&quot; project, said a press release received here.

Bobby Hajjaj said ensuring nutrition and education for every child is the government&#39;s responsibility and warned that no irregularity, negligence or supply of substandard food would be tolerated in implementing the programme.

He said the participation of teachers, parents and local communities in ensuring transparency and accountability in the programme would be further strengthened.

Referring to Prime Minister Tarique Rahman&#39;s vision, the state minister said the school feeding programme is playing an effective role in achieving the two key goals of primary education set by the Prime Minister - &quot;No child will remain out of school&quot; and &quot;Every child will be properly educated.&quot;

&quot;The government is continuously increasing investment in primary education. The objective is not merely to develop infrastructure, but also to ensure nutrition for every child and build a skilled and educated generation,&quot; he added.

On ensuring food quality, Bobby Hajjaj instructed the authorities not to accept or distribute any substandard, rotten or unsuitable food. He said such food should be returned immediately and the concerned Assistant Upazila Education Officer informed.

&quot;If any irregularity is found in the supply system, strict action will be taken after investigation,&quot; he warned.

He also said the &quot;Mothers&#39; Committee&quot; was being involved more effectively in monitoring the programme to strengthen oversight.

Khulna Divisional Commissioner Md Abdullah Harun chaired the meeting.

Khulna City Corporation Administrator Nazrul Islam Manju, Joint Secretary of the Ministry of Primary and Mass Education Md Matiar Rahman, Feeding Programme Project Director Md Abul Amin and Khulna Deputy Commissioner Hure Jannat attended the programme as special guests.

Head teachers from various government primary schools across Khulna Division also participated in the programme.(BSS)]]>
            </summary>
                                    <updated>Thu, 03 Sep 2026 10:49:56 +0000</updated>
        </entry>
            <entry>
            <title><![CDATA[PM Tarique Rahman&#039;s 19th Jail-Free Day today]]></title>
            <link rel="alternate" href="http://www.presstoday.news/news/article/politics/448" />
            <id>http://www.presstoday.news/news/article/politics/448</id>
            <author>
                <name> <![CDATA[The Press Today Admin]]></name>
            </author>
            <summary type="html">
                <![CDATA[DHAKA, Sept 3, 2026 - The 19th &lsquo;Jail-Free Day&rsquo; of BNP Chairman and Prime Minister Tarique Rahman is being observed today with the party recalling the period as one of the most difficult chapters of his political life.

Tarique Rahman was arrested on March 7, 2007 in a plot to fulfil political vendetta during the illegal 1/11 government. After being imprisoned for about 18 months without trial, he was released on bail on September 3, 2008.

In the early hours of March 7, 2007, the then BNP Senior Joint Secretary General, Tarique Rahman, was arrested from his Dhaka Cantonment residence and imprisoned. He was subjected to brutal torture while in prison.

After securing bail in all the false and politically motivated cases filed against him, he went to England in 2008 for better treatment. After living abroad for a long time, he returned to fascism-free Bangladesh on December 25, 2025.

Then, in the parliamentary elections held on February 12, 2026, the country&rsquo;s people gave BNP the responsibility of running the state. After forming the government based on the people&#39;s mandate, BNP Chairman Tarique Rahman is currently running the country as the Prime Minister.(BSS)

PT/Gn]]>
            </summary>
                                    <updated>Thu, 03 Sep 2026 10:45:53 +0000</updated>
        </entry>
            <entry>
            <title><![CDATA[Eastern Refinery’s 2nd Unit Moves Forward with $1B IsDB Deal]]></title>
            <link rel="alternate" href="http://www.presstoday.news/news/article/trade-and-commerce/447" />
            <id>http://www.presstoday.news/news/article/trade-and-commerce/447</id>
            <author>
                <name> <![CDATA[The Press Today Admin]]></name>
            </author>
            <summary type="html">
                <![CDATA[After 13 years of delay, multiple revisions, and mounting cost overruns, Bangladesh&rsquo;s long-awaited Eastern Refinery Unit-2 (ERL-2) project is finally gaining momentum. A major breakthrough is set for September 3 with the official signing of a $1.004 billion loan agreement with the Islamic Development Bank (IsDB), alongside the rapid procurement of an international consulting firm.

 

Overcoming a 13-Year Bottleneck

 

Built in Patenga in 1968, Bangladesh&#39;s sole state-owned refinery currently operates with an annual crude oil processing capacity of 1.5 million tonnes. Over decades of continuous use, its efficiency has naturally declined. With Bangladesh&rsquo;s national demand for refined oil now sitting at nearly 7 million tonnes annually, the country relies heavily on importing expensive refined petroleum, causing a massive drain on foreign exchange reserves.

 

Initially conceived in 2010 with an estimated cost of BDT 13,000 crore, the ERL-2 project stalled due to funding hurdles and administrative complexities. Following 12 revisions, the project scope has been updated to a total cost of BDT 35,465 crore ($2.95 billion), with completion targeted for November 2030.

 

Key Economic &amp; Strategic Benefits

 

The deployment of the second unit on 70 acres of existing ERL land will transform the domestic energy landscape:

 


	
	Capacity Expansion: Increases national crude refining capacity from 1.5 million to 4.5 million tonnes annually.
	
	
	Massive Cost Savings: Refining crude locally reduces costs by approximately $20 per barrel. Bangladesh Petroleum Corporation (BPC) estimates this will save around $473 million (BDT 5,788 crore) annually in foreign currency.
	
	
	High-Grade Production: Designed to produce Euro-5 standard petrol and diesel, alongside Jet Fuel, LPG, base oil, furnace oil, and bitumen.
	
	
	Heavy Crude Capability: Modern equipment will allow the facility to process lower-grade, heavier crude oils, giving Bangladesh greater flexibility and leverage in global crude procurement.
	
	
	SPM Integration: The existing Single Point Mooring (SPM) double pipeline system will transport crude directly from deep sea to onshore storage, drastically reducing handling time and logistics costs.
	


What Lies Ahead

 

With IsDB financing secured, BPC is fast-tracking the selection of an international consultant to handle detailed engineering design, tender preparation, contractor selection, and overall construction supervision.

 

Engr. Sharif Hasnat, Managing Director of Eastern Refinery Limited, confirmed the progress, emphasizing that the project aims to begin trial runs by 2030. Once fully operational, ERL-2 will serve as a cornerstone for Bangladesh&rsquo;s long-term energy independence and economic stability.

 

How would you like to build on this coverage&mdash;would you like to develop an executive summary presentation, draft social media promotion copy, or explore a deep dive into the underlying economic impact?]]>
            </summary>
                                    <updated>Mon, 31 Aug 2026 13:43:20 +0000</updated>
        </entry>
            <entry>
            <title><![CDATA[FIFA president Infantino &#039;must go&#039;]]></title>
            <link rel="alternate" href="http://www.presstoday.news/news/article/sports/446" />
            <id>http://www.presstoday.news/news/article/sports/446</id>
            <author>
                <name> <![CDATA[The Press Today Admin]]></name>
            </author>
            <summary type="html">
                <![CDATA[PARIS, France, Aug 31, 2026 - French football great Michel Platini said on Sunday FIFA president Gianni Infantino &quot;must go&quot; following the scandals that have rocked world football&#39;s governing body.

The 56-year-old Infantino has been under fire since his aborted plan to bring private investment into FIFA events, such as the World Cup.

He was also lambasted over a number of controversies during the recently-ended World Cup in North America.

&quot;Economic affairs are one thing but Infantino has failed because he is the guarantor of the rules of the game and he didn&#39;t respect them,&quot; former UEFA president Platini told Canal+.

Platini hit out at the so-called hydration breaks at the World Cup, which often lasted as much as four minutes and were used by the host broadcaster for advertisements.

He also pointed to the half-time show during the final which largely overran the required maximum of 15 minutes, and the furore around FIFA suspending the red card ban given to American forward Folarin Balogun following a phone call made by US President Donald Trump to Infantino.

&quot;The ad breaks are not in the rules, the 30-minute half-time break in the final is not in the rules, and the red card, that&#39;s the worst,&quot; said Platini.

&quot;He&#39;s the guarantor (of the rules), he doesn&#39;t respect them, he must go,&quot; added Platini about Infantino, who was UEFA&#39;s secretary general under the Frenchman&#39;s leadership.

Since the World Cup, UEFA threatened to boycott FIFA tournaments until Infantino scrapped the FIFA Forward Enterprises plan to bring in private investment.

European football&#39;s governing body UEFA has also accused Infantino of &quot;criminal mismanagement&quot; over the private financing.

- &#39;He always loved money&#39; -

Other regions, CONCACAF and Asia, have joined UEFA in putting pressure on Infantino, who is hoping to run for re-election in March.

&quot;It won&#39;t be sporting institutions that sort this out and bring him down,&quot; Platini said.

&quot;If UEFA wanta to bring down Infantino, it will be through the courts.&quot;

&quot;I always knew that he loved money and power,&quot; Platini added about the Swiss-Italian.

Platini was himself accused of fraud in 2015 when he was UEFA president and eyeing the top job at FIFA to replace Sepp Blatter, who was likewise accused of giving an illegal 2-million-dollar payment to the Frenchman.

Platini was eventually acquitted of any wrongdoing in 2025 but was forced to step down at the time, with Infantino leaping on the opportunity to be elected FIFA president in his stead in 2016.

&quot;He didn&#39;t bring me down, he benefitted from it,&quot; said Platini.

&quot;But now that there are lots of investigations into him all over the world, there is some noise about how he knew about certain things -- let&#39;s see what happens next.&quot;

Platini is suing Infantino, and former FIFA officials Marco Villiger and Domenico Scala, in France &quot;to seek compensation for all the damages he has suffered as a result of the tactics used to prevent him from being elected FIFA President in 2015&quot;.

He accuses the trio of a &quot;criminal conspiracy to commit false accusation... influence peddling... and aiding and abetting influence peddling&quot;.(BSS/AFP)

PT/Gn]]>
            </summary>
                                    <updated>Mon, 31 Aug 2026 13:31:22 +0000</updated>
        </entry>
            <entry>
            <title><![CDATA[Sri Lanka&#039;s ex-finance minister arrested]]></title>
            <link rel="alternate" href="http://www.presstoday.news/news/article/international/445" />
            <id>http://www.presstoday.news/news/article/international/445</id>
            <author>
                <name> <![CDATA[The Press Today Admin]]></name>
            </author>
            <summary type="html">
                <![CDATA[COLOMBO, Aug 31, 2026 - Sri Lanka&#39;s former finance minister Ravi Karunanayake was arrested on Monday for allegedly using state funds to pay his private employees, the country&#39;s main anti-corruption body said.

The former cabinet minister was taken into custody by the Commission to Investigate Allegations of Bribery or Corruption (CIABOC) following a lengthy interrogation.

&quot;The former minister was behind the payment of salaries to three people from the National Lotteries Board, but they did private work for him,&quot; a CIABOC official told AFP, requesting anonymity.

The arrest of Karunanayake, a member of former president Ranil Wickremesinghe&#39;s administration, comes amid a widespread crackdown on corruption by President Anura Kumara Dissanayake, who took office in 2024.

Another ex-minister, Keheliya Rambukwella, was arrested earlier this month for allegedly aiding the theft of a centuries-old sacred rock from the palace of the island&#39;s last Sinhala king.

Rambukwella was health minister when Sri Lanka faced an acute shortage of medicines after defaulting on its $46 billion foreign debt in April 2022.

All the immediate family members of former president Mahinda Rajapaksa are also facing investigation or prosecution over money laundering, bribery and murder.

The Rajapaksas have denied all allegations.(BSS/AFP)

PT/Gn]]>
            </summary>
                                    <updated>Mon, 31 Aug 2026 13:25:03 +0000</updated>
        </entry>
            <entry>
            <title><![CDATA[BNP&#039;s 48th founding anniversary tomorrow]]></title>
            <link rel="alternate" href="http://www.presstoday.news/news/article/national/444" />
            <id>http://www.presstoday.news/news/article/national/444</id>
            <author>
                <name> <![CDATA[The Press Today Admin]]></name>
            </author>
            <summary type="html">
                <![CDATA[DHAKA, Aug 31, 2026 (BSS) - The 48th founding anniversary of Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), founder by Shaheed President Ziaur Rahman, is tomorrow.

Ziaur Rahman was the founding chairman of the party which began its journey on September 1, 1978. He was at the forefront of organizing BNP and led the party until he was killed by a group of disgruntled military personnel in 1981.

To mark the anniversary, BNP announced a five-day programme.

As part of the programme, Prime Minister and BNP Chairman Tarique Rahman will pay tributes to Shaheed President Ziaur Rahman and former prime minister Begum Khaleda Zia by placing wreaths at their graves in the capital&#39;s Zia Udyan at 9am tomorrow.

A discussion meeting will be held on September 5.

The party will also organise a fish fry releasing programme on a suitable date under the leadership of Joint Secretary General Habibun Nabi Khan Sohel. A tree plantation campaign will be led by Joint Secretary General and Water Resources Minister Shahiduddin Chowdhury Anne.

After Ziaur Rahman&#39;s assassination, his wife Begum Khaleda Zia took over the leadership of the party and she served as the chairperson of the party until her death.

However, since her imprisonment in false cases in 2018, her son Tarique Rahman, now prime minister, served as the acting chairman of the party.

After the demise of Begum Khaleda Zia last year (2025), her son Tarique Rahman took the helm of the party taking charge of the party chief.

Under the leadership of Begum Khaleda Zia, the BNP won the nine-year-long struggle against dictator Ershad by waging a mass uprising.

Begum Khaleda Zia gained the reputation of an &#39;uncompromising national leader&#39; through her uncompromising fight against the dictatorship.

Under the leadership of Begum Khaleda Zia, the BNP won a majority in the 1991 national elections and formed the government.

After overcoming various conspiracies, the BNP came to power again in 2001 by gaining a majority under the leadership of Begum Khaleda Zia.

Since one-eleven changeover in 2007, the BNP faced various obstacles, dangers, torture and oppression till 2024.

In order to confront the fascist Awami League regime, numerous leaders and activists of the party, including the party chief Begum Khaleda Zia, were subjected to indescribable torture and oppression.

Many were subjected to enforced disappearances and murders.

The role and sacrifice of BNP along with the students and the public in the mass uprising of 2024 was immense.

The 16-year-long fascist regime collapsed on August 5, 2024 in the mass uprising and fascist Sheikh Hasina resigned and fled the country.

During Sheikh Hasina&#39;s long rule, BNP could not hold any meetings without any hindrance. BNP was obstructed in various ways by the state apparatus and the then ruling party cadres.

In the 13th national election held on February 12 this year, BNP again achieved a landslide victory and two-third majority in parliament. The BNP formed government under the leadership of Tarique Rahman. BSS

PT/Gn]]>
            </summary>
                                    <updated>Mon, 31 Aug 2026 13:17:34 +0000</updated>
        </entry>
            <entry>
            <title><![CDATA[PM greets BNP leaders, activists on the party’s 48th founding anniversary]]></title>
            <link rel="alternate" href="http://www.presstoday.news/news/article/national/443" />
            <id>http://www.presstoday.news/news/article/national/443</id>
            <author>
                <name> <![CDATA[The Press Today Admin]]></name>
            </author>
            <summary type="html">
                <![CDATA[DHAKA, August 31, 2026 - Prime Minister Tarique Rahman today greeted leaders, activists, supporters and well-wishers of Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) and the countrymen on the occasion of the party&rsquo;s 48th founding anniversary to be observed tomorrow.

&ldquo;The establishment of BNP was a landmark event in the history of restoring democracy in Bangladesh,&rdquo; he said in a message this afternoon.

The Prime Minister recalled that Shaheed President Ziaur Rahman founded BNP on August 31, 1978, at an open ground in Ramna, Dhaka.

He said Ziaur Rahman, after assuming office, restored democracy and reinstated the rights of banned political parties to conduct political activities, paving the way for the formation of BNP and the revival of pluralistic democracy in the country.

Premier Tarique Rahman paid deep respect to Shaheed President Ziaur Rahman, describing him as the Great Proclaimer of Independence, a successful statesman and architect of modern Bangladesh.

He also recalled former Prime Minister and BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia with respect, saying that through her charismatic leadership and personality, she took BNP closer to people across the country.

&ldquo;Whenever independence, sovereignty and democracy have come under threat, BNP leaders, activists, supporters and well-wishers have sacrificed their lives alongside the pro-democracy people,&rdquo; he said.

The Prime Minister paid tribute to BNP leaders and activists at all levels for their supreme sacrifices in the struggle for democracy and good governance.

He said BNP, alongside the people, had played and continued to play the role of a vigilant guardian in protecting the country&rsquo;s independence, sovereignty and democracy.

Tarique Rahman said BNP had been given the opportunity to run the state whenever people were able to exercise their voting rights through free and fair elections.

Highlighting various initiatives undertaken by BNP governments to strengthen and institutionalize democracy, including the restoration of parliamentary democracy and expansion of women&rsquo;s education, he said after the end of more than 15 years of &ldquo;fascist rule and exploitation&rdquo;, the people had again entrusted BNP with running the state through a free, fair and impartial polls.
The Prime Minister said BNP wanted to reciprocate the people&rsquo;s trust and love by establishing an accountable state and was working to build Bangladesh as a welfare-oriented country.

&ldquo;The people who believe in democracy are the source of all political power of BNP,&rdquo; he said, adding that BNP&rsquo;s other name was the struggle to build a welfare-oriented, democratic and self-reliant Bangladesh.(BSS)]]>
            </summary>
                                    <updated>Mon, 31 Aug 2026 13:14:04 +0000</updated>
        </entry>
            <entry>
            <title><![CDATA[Seeratunnabi Mahfil enters seventh day in Chunti with discussions on wudu, congregational prayer and Surah Al-Asr]]></title>
            <link rel="alternate" href="http://www.presstoday.news/news/article/bangladesh/442" />
            <id>http://www.presstoday.news/news/article/bangladesh/442</id>
            <author>
                <name> <![CDATA[The Press Today Admin]]></name>
            </author>
            <summary type="html">
                <![CDATA[CHUNATI (Lohagara), CHATTOGRAM &mdash; Aug 31, 2026: The seventh day of the 56th International Seeratunnabi (PBUH) Mahfil, a 19-day religious gathering initiated by eminent Islamic scholar Hazrat Mawlana Hafiz Ahmad, popularly known as Shah Saheb Qibla Chunati (RA), was held on Monday at Shah Manzil Seerat Maidan in Chunti under Lohagara upazila of Chattogram.

The session was presided over by Alhaj Mawlana Mamtazur Rahman, president of Anjumane Talaba-e-Sabeqeen. Mawlana Faruk Hossain, principal of Chunti Hakimia Kamil Madrasa, moderated the programme.

Religious scholars at the gathering emphasised the importance of purity in worship, congregational prayer and the proper use of time, while discussing various aspects of Islamic teachings, including wudu and the Tafsir of Surah Al-Asr.

Mawlana Zamir Uddin, Khatib of Amjadiya Rafiqul Ulum Kamil Madrasa Mosque, discussed &ldquo;The Fard, Sunnah and Mustahabb of Wudu.&rdquo; He said wudu is an important means of attaining purity and that observing its obligatory, Sunnah and recommended practices properly enhances the beauty and completeness of worship.

He stressed the importance of learning and following the correct method of performing wudu.

Speaking on &ldquo;The Importance and Virtues of Offering Prayer in Congregation,&rdquo; Alhaj Mawlana Abu Tayeb, Khatib of Baitul Jannat Jame Mosque, said congregational prayer plays an important role in strengthening unity, discipline and brotherhood among Muslims.

He urged people to develop the habit of regularly attending mosques and offering prayers in congregation.

Alhaj Mawlana Kafil Uddin, assistant professor at Amjadiya Rafiqul Ulum Kamil Madrasa, delivered a discussion on &ldquo;Tafsir and Lessons of Surah Al-Asr.&rdquo; He said the Surah underscores the importance of time in human life and provides clear guidance towards success.

&ldquo;Faith, righteous deeds, advising one another to uphold the truth and practising patience are the qualities that protect people from loss and lead them towards success,&rdquo; he said.

Alhaj Mawlana Mosharraf Hossain said time is extremely valuable in human life.

&ldquo;Following the teachings of Surah Al-Asr, we should encourage one another to remain steadfast in truth and patience alongside faith and righteous deeds. Only then can we attain well-being in this world and the Hereafter,&rdquo; he said.

Former chairman of Satkania Union Parishad Alhaj Mawlana Mahmudul Haque attended the gathering as a special guest.

Among others present were Alhaj Mawlana Muhammad Hafizul Islam Abul Kalam Azad, president of the Mutawalli Committee; Shahzada Mawlana Abdul Malek Muhammad Ibn Dinar Najat, organising secretary; committee members Alhaj Abu Taher and Alhaj Ismail Manik; former principal Alhaj Mawlana Hafizul Haque Nizami; Shahzada Tayebul Haque Bedar; Chhaied Uddin; Ahmadul Kabir; and officials and distinguished personalities associated with different levels of the Mahfil.

The Holy Quran was recited by Khaled Muhammad Saifullah and Hafiz Muhammad Tahsinur Rahman. Naat-e-Rasul (PBUH) was performed by Aziz Uddin Siddiqui and Tanbirul Haque Tahsin.

The programme concluded with Khutba-e-Sadr, Milad Sharif and Munajat.PR

PT/GN]]>
            </summary>
                                    <updated>Mon, 31 Aug 2026 13:04:14 +0000</updated>
        </entry>
            <entry>
            <title><![CDATA[Imran Khan to be treated with respect and dignity]]></title>
            <link rel="alternate" href="http://www.presstoday.news/news/article/opinion/441" />
            <id>http://www.presstoday.news/news/article/opinion/441</id>
            <author>
                <name> <![CDATA[The Press Today Admin]]></name>
            </author>
            <summary type="html">
                <![CDATA[Calls are growing for Pakistan cricket legend and former World Cup-winning captain Imran Khan to be treated with the respect and dignity befitting one of the greatest figures in the history of the sport.

Imran, who led Pakistan to their historic 1992 World Cup triumph, has spent more than three years in prison. Concerns have recently been raised over his health and access to medical treatment and family members, prompting 21 former international captains to appeal to Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif for appropriate care and regular family visits.

Former Australia captain Greg Chappell, who met Imran in Pakistan several years ago, has also expressed concern over his current condition. Chappell said Imran was physically strong when they met but claimed that his health had deteriorated during his prolonged imprisonment, including problems with his right eye.

The concerns have also drawn support from current Australia captain Pat Cummins, who shared Chappell&#39;s remarks on X and backed the former international captains&#39; appeal. Cummins said he hoped Imran would receive proper medical treatment in accordance with court directions and be allowed continued access to his family.

Beyond cricket and politics, supporters of the appeal say Imran deserves to be treated with basic dignity and respect. As the captain who delivered Pakistan their greatest cricketing achievement and a figure who left an enduring mark on the international game, his legacy remains deeply significant to millions of cricket fans around the world.

The appeal, therefore, is not simply about a former cricketer&#39;s health. It is also a call for a sporting icon who once carried Pakistan&#39;s hopes on the world&#39;s biggest cricketing stage to be treated with the dignity and respect that every human being deserves.]]>
            </summary>
                                    <updated>Sat, 29 Aug 2026 11:59:35 +0000</updated>
        </entry>
            <entry>
            <title><![CDATA[Kaptai Lake nears to danger level]]></title>
            <link rel="alternate" href="http://www.presstoday.news/news/article/national/440" />
            <id>http://www.presstoday.news/news/article/national/440</id>
            <author>
                <name> <![CDATA[The Press Today Admin]]></name>
            </author>
            <summary type="html">
                <![CDATA[16 spillway gates of the Kaptai Hydroelectric Power Plant will be opened tonight as the water level in Kaptai Lake nears the danger level, said authorities.

The gates will be opened by six inches from 10 PM to release water and manage flooding in upstream and downstream areas, said Kaptai Hydroelectric Power Plant Manager Engineer Mahmud Hasan.

At 2 PM on Saturday, the lake&#39;s water level was recorded at 105.64 feet mean sea level (MSL), while its maximum holding capacity is 109 feet MSL. Initially, around 9,000 cusecs of water per second will be released through the 16 spillway gates.

Meanwhile, all five generating units of the Kaptai Hydroelectric Power Plant are operating, releasing around 32,000 cusecs of water per second for power generation.

Authorities are closely monitoring the lake&#39;s water level, rainfall and inflow from upstream areas. The timing of the spillway opening and the volume of water released may be changed or increased depending on rainfall and upstream inflow.

PT/ra]]>
            </summary>
                                    <updated>Sat, 29 Aug 2026 11:41:12 +0000</updated>
        </entry>
            <entry>
            <title><![CDATA[No AI to write judgments: Chief Justice]]></title>
            <link rel="alternate" href="http://www.presstoday.news/news/article/national/439" />
            <id>http://www.presstoday.news/news/article/national/439</id>
            <author>
                <name> <![CDATA[The Press Today Admin]]></name>
            </author>
            <summary type="html">
                <![CDATA[Chief Justice Zubayer Rahman Chowdhury on Saturday said artificial intelligence should not be used to write court judgments, stressing that judges must rely on facts, law and their own conscience.

Speaking as the chief guest at the opening of the &lsquo;AI Governance Summer School 2026&rsquo; at the Asiatic Society Bangladesh auditorium in the capital, he said using AI to write judgments would be inappropriate.

Addressing judges, the Chief Justice said writing a judgment required three elements: the facts of the case, the applicable law and the judge&#39;s conscience.

&ldquo;A judge must examine the facts, apply the relevant law and use his or her own wisdom and conscience in reaching a decision,&rdquo; he said.

He said human conscience and independent thinking could not be controlled or replaced by artificial intelligence.

The Chief Justice also warned of the risks of relying blindly on AI, citing a recent case in England in which references provided by AI were later found to be non-existent.

&ldquo;We must remain cautious and ensure that AI is used for positive purposes and not misused,&rdquo; he said.

Additional Attorney General Barrister Anik R Haque and Dhaka University Law Faculty Dean Dr Mohammad Ekramul Haque also spoke at the programme. Deputy Attorney General Barrister Tasnova Shelly delivered the welcome address.

PT/ra]]>
            </summary>
                                    <updated>Sat, 29 Aug 2026 11:28:47 +0000</updated>
        </entry>
            <entry>
            <title><![CDATA[Enforced Disappearances Day 2026]]></title>
            <link rel="alternate" href="http://www.presstoday.news/news/article/international/438" />
            <id>http://www.presstoday.news/news/article/international/438</id>
            <author>
                <name> <![CDATA[The Press Today Admin]]></name>
            </author>
            <summary type="html">
                <![CDATA[The International Day of the Victims of Enforced Disappearances will be observed in Bangladesh on Sunday (August 29) as elsewhere in the world drawing attention to the plight of those who have gone missing under mysterious or unlawful circumstances.

To mark the day, various human rights organizations, political and social organizations will hold different programs aimed at raising awareness and demanding justice.

Enforced disappearance is a global issue, especially in autocratic regimes and politically unstable regions.

The United Nations (UN) has designated August 30 as the International Day of Victims of Enforced Disappearances since 2011, to ensure that necessary measures are taken globally to trace disappeared individuals and to show solidarity with their families.

The day also marks the adoption of an international convention on December 20, 2006, at the UN General Assembly to prevent enforced disappearances and end the impunity surrounding the crime.

In 2010, the International Convention for the Protection of All Persons from Enforced Disappearance was enacted, and August 30 was officially declared as the International Day.

Families of the disappeared and various governmental and non-governmental organizations observe the day.

The main objective of this day is to highlight the inhuman crime of enforced disappearance on the global stage and to exert pressure on states to be held accountable.

PT/ra]]>
            </summary>
                                    <updated>Sat, 29 Aug 2026 11:21:46 +0000</updated>
        </entry>
            <entry>
            <title><![CDATA[July victims get jobs]]></title>
            <link rel="alternate" href="http://www.presstoday.news/news/article/national/437" />
            <id>http://www.presstoday.news/news/article/national/437</id>
            <author>
                <name> <![CDATA[The Press Today Admin]]></name>
            </author>
            <summary type="html">
                <![CDATA[Prime Minister Tarique Rahman on Saturday handed over appointment letters to 74 people from families of victims of enforced disappearances, murders and the July mass uprising.

At a ceremony held at the Karabi Hall of the Prime Minister&rsquo;s Office in Tejgaon, the Prime Minister personally handed over appointment letters to 10 of the recipients.

Prime Minister&rsquo;s Additional Press Secretary Atikur Rahman Rumon said the 74 recipients included family members of victims of enforced disappearance and killing, as well as injured fighters and family members of those killed during the July mass uprising.

Among those receiving appointment letters from the Prime Minister were Ishfaq Ahmed, brother of Iftekhar Ahmed Dinar; Moniruzzaman Hira, brother of Nuruzzaman Jony; Anan Hossain Noor, brother of Anwar Hossain Mahbub; Hasnain Reza, brother of Selim Reza Pintu; and Shammi Sultana, wife of Khaled Hossain Sohel.

Recipients from the July uprising included visually impaired injured fighter Alal Ahmed, Md Abul Hossain, father of martyr Alvi; Zartaj Parvin, mother of martyr Ahnaf; injured fighter Kazi Saimum Siraj; and Mahbub Alam, brother of Israfil Islam.

The recipients expressed gratitude to the Prime Minister for the appointments and demanded justice for those responsible for enforced disappearances and killings.

The programme was conducted by Atikur Rahman Rumon, also the convener of Amra BNP Poribar.

Cabinet Secretary Nasimul Gani, Principal Secretary to the Prime Minister ABM Abdus Sattar, Press Secretary Saleh Shibly, Deputy Press Secretary Zahidul Islam Rony, Hasan Shiplu, Suzauddaula, Shahadat Shadhin, Assistant Press Secretary AKM Nazmul Haque, Shahriar Pamir and Moksedul Momin Mithun of Amra BNP Poribar, among others, were present.

PT/ra]]>
            </summary>
                                    <updated>Sat, 29 Aug 2026 11:15:06 +0000</updated>
        </entry>
            <entry>
            <title><![CDATA[Bhutan King meets President in Dhaka]]></title>
            <link rel="alternate" href="http://www.presstoday.news/news/article/international/436" />
            <id>http://www.presstoday.news/news/article/international/436</id>
            <author>
                <name> <![CDATA[The Press Today Admin]]></name>
            </author>
            <summary type="html">
                <![CDATA[Bhutanese King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck made a brief stopover in Dhaka early Wednesday while travelling from Singapore to Bhutan, where President Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir received him at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport.

The special flight carrying the Bhutanese monarch landed in Dhaka in the early hours of and remained at the airport for around an hour.

 

During the stopover, the president held a courtesy meeting with the King at the airport&rsquo;s VVIP lounge.

The two leaders held a cordial discussion on various issues of mutual interest.

President Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir invited the Bhutanese King and members of the royal family to make a state visit to Bangladesh at a mutually convenient time.

In response, King Jigme Khesar invited the president and prime minister of Bangladesh to visit Bhutan at their convenience.

PT/ra]]>
            </summary>
                                    <updated>Wed, 26 Aug 2026 11:46:24 +0000</updated>
        </entry>
            <entry>
            <title><![CDATA[Chattogram Divisional Conference of National Nikah Registrar Unity Alliance Held]]></title>
            <link rel="alternate" href="http://www.presstoday.news/news/article/arts/435" />
            <id>http://www.presstoday.news/news/article/arts/435</id>
            <author>
                <name> <![CDATA[The Press Today Admin]]></name>
            </author>
            <summary type="html">
                <![CDATA[Chattogram, Bangladesh &mdash; August 22, 2026: The Chattogram divisional conference of the National Nikah Registrar Unity Alliance, an umbrella platform comprising the Bangladesh Kazi Association, Muslim Nikah Registrar Welfare Council, Bangladesh Union Nikah Registrar Welfare Association and Bangladesh Muslim Nikah Registrar Forum, was held on Saturday at the Chattogram Zila Parishad Auditorium.

Speakers at the conference said that, if necessary, a larger movement would be organised in Dhaka to protect the jurisdictional rights of Nikah Registrars across the country. They also alleged that certain vested-interest groups were attempting to create misunderstanding and distance between the government, Islamic scholars and the Kazi community.

The programme was conducted by Maulana Kazi Mohiuddin Sadek and presided over by Syed Muhammad Abu Sayeed, Joint Convener of the National Nikah Registrar Unity Alliance and President of the Bangladesh Muslim Nikah Registrar Forum.

The chief guest was Kazi Dr. A.S.M. Kader Kibria, Convener of the National Nikah Registrar Unity Alliance, President of the Bangladesh Kazi Association and Joint Convener of Pallabi Thana BNP.

The keynote speaker was Kazi Sabbir, spokesperson of the alliance and President of the Muslim Nikah Registrar Welfare Council. Kazi Mozammel Hossain, President of the Bangladesh Union Nikah Registrar Welfare Association and Member Secretary of the alliance, attended as a special discussant.

Among those who addressed the gathering were Kazi Hafiz Ahmad Morshed, Kazi Md. Abu Taher, Kazi Maulana Abdur Rahman, Kazi Mahmudul Hasan Fuad, Kazi Abul Bashar, Kazi Mufti Shaker Ahmad and Advocate Kazi Sharif Uddin Khandaker, along with Nikah Registrars from different districts, upazilas, police station areas and unions of the Chattogram Division.

During the conference, leaders raised concerns over the jurisdiction and professional security of Nikah Registrars.

They alleged that during the previous Awami League government, Nikah Registrars in different parts of the country faced various forms of harassment. According to the speakers, in some cases existing union jurisdictions were divided and additional Nikah Registrars were appointed to the same areas following recommendations and lobbying linked to influential political figures.

The speakers claimed that such decisions reduced the income of existing Nikah Registrars and created severe financial difficulties for some of those affected.

They further said that a number of cases concerning the jurisdiction of Nikah Registrars remain pending before the High Court, contributing to continued uncertainty and hardship for members of the profession.

Alliance leaders also alleged that attempts were still being made to reduce or alter the jurisdiction of existing Nikah Registrars, which they said could create dissatisfaction among Kazis and Islamic scholars and generate unnecessary tensions with the government.

The speakers expressed hope that the current administration would take the concerns of Nikah Registrars into consideration and would avoid measures that could negatively affect their established jurisdictions and livelihoods.

Senior leaders of the Kazi community called for a fair and transparent approach to jurisdiction-related decisions and urged the authorities to protect the professional rights and financial security of Nikah Registrars throughout Bangladesh.Pressrelease.

PT/Gn]]>
            </summary>
                                    <updated>Tue, 25 Aug 2026 15:20:36 +0000</updated>
        </entry>
            <entry>
            <title><![CDATA[56th International Mahfil-e-Seeratunnabi (PBUH) Begins in Chunati with 19-Day Programme]]></title>
            <link rel="alternate" href="http://www.presstoday.news/news/article/bangladesh/434" />
            <id>http://www.presstoday.news/news/article/bangladesh/434</id>
            <author>
                <name> <![CDATA[The Press Today Admin]]></name>
            </author>
            <summary type="html">
                <![CDATA[Chattogram, Bangladesh &mdash; August 25, 2026: The 56th International Mahfil-e-Seeratunnabi (PBUH), a 19-day religious programme held in Chunati village under Lohagara Upazila of Chattogram, formally began on Tuesday, August 25, at the Chunati Shah Manzil Seerat Maidan.

The historic Mahfil was originally introduced by the renowned Islamic scholar of Chunati, Hazrat Maulana Hafez Ahmad (Rah.), popularly known as Shah Saheb Qibla Chunati. Continuing the long-standing tradition, this year&#39;s programme began after Zuhr prayer with Qur&#39;an recitation, devotional performances and scholarly discussions on the life, teachings and Seerah of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH).

The opening session was presided over by Alhaj Maulana Muhammad Hafizul Islam Abul Kalam Azad, President of the Mahfil Mutawalli Committee. Alhaj Maulana Dr. Syed Muhammad Abu Noman, former Principal of Baitush Sharaf Adarsha Kamil Madrasa, attended the inaugural session as a distinguished guest.

The discussion session was moderated by Maulana Faruk Hossain, Principal of Chunati Hakimia Kamil Madrasa.

During the first session, speakers discussed different stages of the life of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), including his birth, childhood, youth, pre-prophetic life, family background and the social environment of Arabia at the time. The scholars also highlighted various aspects of the Prophet&#39;s character, ideals and guidance for humanity.

Alhaj Maulana Zainul Abedin, Assistant Professor of Cox&#39;s Bazar Tafhimul Quran Alim Madrasa, delivered a discussion on the scheduled topic, &ldquo;The Birth of Muhammadur Rasulullah (PBUH), His Life Before Prophethood and the Social Status of His Family.&rdquo;

The second session was presided over by Alhaj Maulana Hamed Hasan, Principal of Salima Siraj Women&#39;s Fazil Madrasa.

The scheduled topic for the session, &ldquo;Prophecies of Earlier Prophets and Messengers Regarding the Arrival of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH),&rdquo; was discussed by Maulana Ashraful Mostafa bin Nuri, Assistant Superintendent of Chakaria Mishkatul Millat Dakhil Madrasa.

Other speakers included Hafez Maulana Maher Shams, Lecturer at Lohagara Barahatia Eshaatul Uloom Fazil Madrasa; Alhaj Maulana Rafiq Ullah Miazi, Khatib of Chattogram Metropolitan Hospital Jame Mosque; and Alhaj Maulana Shahadat Hossain, Principal of Lohagara Amirabad Sufia Fazil Madrasa.

In their respective discussions, the speakers addressed the status and dignity of the Ahl al-Bayt and the Sahabah, the beginning of divine revelation to Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), the reaction of contemporary Arab society to his message, and several other important aspects of the Seerah.

A number of religious scholars, members of the Mahfil management committee, social leaders and distinguished guests attended the opening-day programme.

Among those present were Shahzada Maulana Abdul Malek Muhammad Ibn Dinar Najat, Organising Secretary of the Mahfil Mutawalli Committee; committee members Alhaj Abu Taher, Alhaj Ismail Manik and H. M. Mahabubul Haque; noted social worker Alhaj Abdus Shukur; Maulana Mahmudul Haque, former Principal of Sitakunda Alia Kamil Madrasa; Maulana Momtaz Uddin, President of Anjuman-e-Tolaba-e-Sabekin, Chunati Hakimia Kamil Madrasa; former Secretary Maulana Oliuddin Mohammad; Shahzada Tayyabul Haque Bedar; and Saifuddin Mohammad Tarek, along with other organisers, scholars and community representatives.

At the beginning of the programme, a Pesh Kalam was presented by Alhaj Maulana Hafizul Islam Nizami, a member of the Mutawalli Committee, Khalifa Mujaz of Chunati Tariqat-e-Mujaddedia and a madrasa principal.

Alhaj Mustak Ahmad, former President of the Cox&#39;s Bazar Shop Owners&#39; Federation, attended the programme as a special guest, together with prominent representatives from different professions and sections of society.

The Holy Qur&#39;an was recited by Masud Hasan Kamal Fayaz and Muhammad Abdul Ahad. Takrim Khan Siddiqui, Talha bin Dawood Adib and Ahsan Ullah Tamin presented Na&#39;at-e-Rasul (PBUH) during the programme.

The opening day marked the beginning of the 19-day 56th International Mahfil-e-Seeratunnabi (PBUH), during which scholars and religious speakers are expected to discuss different chapters of the life, mission, teachings, character and legacy of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) through a series of scheduled sessions in Chunati.

PT/Gn]]>
            </summary>
                                    <updated>Tue, 25 Aug 2026 15:00:49 +0000</updated>
        </entry>
            <entry>
            <title><![CDATA[Chinese workers turn to AI as fears of job losses grow]]></title>
            <link rel="alternate" href="http://www.presstoday.news/news/article/science/433" />
            <id>http://www.presstoday.news/news/article/science/433</id>
            <author>
                <name> <![CDATA[The Press Today Admin]]></name>
            </author>
            <summary type="html">
                <![CDATA[As artificial intelligence rapidly changes China&#39;s job market, workers are increasingly worried about being replaced, while others are learning to use AI to find new opportunities.

Computer programmer Fei Zhaojun experienced the change firsthand. His boss recently asked whether AI could soon replace human programmers. Two weeks later, Fei and about 160 colleagues lost their jobs at a Beijing company.

The 40-year-old had once doubted that AI could handle programming properly. But he now believes many mid-level coding jobs can be replaced.

&quot;Even if it is a disaster that leads to replacing all humans, at this stage, you just have to use it as everyone else is using it,&quot; Fei said.

He is currently taking a career break and making short vlog-style videos about ordinary people&#39;s lives while deciding what to do next.

China is among the world&#39;s leading adopters of AI, with strong government support encouraging businesses and workers to use AI tools and robots.

Shujing He, a Beijing-based senior analyst at research and advisory firm Plenum, said there appears to be less opposition to AI in China than in some other countries.

&quot;Individuals who worry about being replaced, as well as those who have already left traditional workplaces, are often eager to experiment with AI-enabled businesses and independent ventures,&quot; she said.

AI changes traditional jobs
Part-time translator Du Qinchun in Chengdu has been helping train an AI translation model. The work has temporarily brought him more opportunities, but he said wages in the translation industry have fallen by more than half compared with several years ago.

The spread of AI translation tools has also reduced interest in foreign-language university programs.

According to market research firm IDC, the share of Chinese industrial companies using AI models and AI &quot;agents&quot; rose to 47.5% last year from 9.6% in 2024.

AI and robotics are also moving into physical jobs. Humanoid robots are being tested for tasks such as sorting parcels, directing traffic and making coffee. Food delivery robots are spreading in some parts of the country, raising concerns about the future of millions of delivery workers.

Generative AI is also increasingly being used in China&#39;s short-drama industry for writing, production and distribution. Chinese media reports said the number of live-action short and vertical video series fell by about 75% in the first quarter of this year compared with the same period last year.

Plenum analyst He said jobs requiring specialized training are becoming easier to perform with AI, particularly in software development and multimedia production.

The International Labour Organization has also warned that women may face greater job risks from AI because they are more likely to work in roles that can be automated and remain underrepresented in science and technology.

AI brings both risks and opportunities
China&#39;s government is promoting its &quot;AI Plus&quot; initiative and a five-year plan through 2030 to expand AI across industries as the country competes with the United States in technology.

Zilan Qian, a research associate at Oxford China Policy Lab, said China&#39;s strong government support could allow AI to spread across different sectors faster than in many other countries.

The rapid adoption comes as China&#39;s economy faces other challenges. Consumer spending has remained weak partly because people are worried about job security, while a long-running housing downturn has reduced household wealth.

Cornell University economics professor Eswar Prasad said China&#39;s technology sector could increase productivity but may not create enough new jobs.

&quot;AI is likely to lift productivity across the board but could have a severe disruptive effect on employment,&quot; he said, warning that this could worsen employment problems and affect social stability.

China&#39;s overall urban unemployment rate is around 5%, while unemployment among people aged 16 to 24, excluding students, is about three times higher.

However, some experts believe AI could become useful as China&#39;s workforce shrinks. The country&#39;s population is aging rapidly, and by 2050 there are expected to be fewer than two working-age adults for every retiree.

&quot;Automation could partially offset a shrinking workforce rather than being purely a threat to it,&quot; said Xuenan Cao, a professor at San Francisco Bay University.

Workers find new ways to adapt
Some Chinese workers are already using AI to build new careers.

Wang Zhicheng, 32, previously worked as a scriptwriter for a company producing 3D educational videos for children. He regularly used AI for brainstorming and fact-checking.

After the company laid off about half of its 13 scriptwriters, Wang resigned and began working independently, producing illustrated children&#39;s books.

He said AI can save time but its output is sometimes repetitive, formulaic and inconsistent.

&quot;You can treat AI as a tool just like (Microsoft) Word,&quot; Wang said. &quot;Humans are still the decision makers on which one to pick or pursue among all that AI generates.&quot;

For high school chemistry teacher Yang Zheng, AI is less of a threat and more of a useful classroom tool.

The 29-year-old said students can use AI to get immediate answers and ask follow-up questions, although the technology sometimes makes mistakes.

&quot;It is a good thing for students as it generates in real-time so that students can ask follow-up questions,&quot; Yang said. &quot;It often gets things wrong, but it improves over time.&quot;]]>
            </summary>
                                    <updated>Tue, 25 Aug 2026 14:48:01 +0000</updated>
        </entry>
            <entry>
            <title><![CDATA[Man arrested for fake FB accounts using PM family members’ names]]></title>
            <link rel="alternate" href="http://www.presstoday.news/news/article/crime/432" />
            <id>http://www.presstoday.news/news/article/crime/432</id>
            <author>
                <name> <![CDATA[The Press Today Admin]]></name>
            </author>
            <summary type="html">
                <![CDATA[DHAKA, Aug 24, 2026 - A man was arrested for allegedly creating fake Facebook accounts using the names and photos of members of Prime Minister Tarique Rahman&rsquo;s family and two of his officials.

The CT-Cyber Crime Investigation Division&rsquo;s E-Fraud Investigation Team of Dhaka Metropolitan Police arrested the man during a drive in the capital&rsquo;s Khilkhet area on Sunday, said PM&rsquo;s Deputy Press Secretary Jahidul Islam Rony.

The arrestee was identified as Kakon Rana, 35.

Citing police, he said Kakon had allegedly opened fake Facebook accounts using the names and photos of members of the Prime Minister&rsquo;s family, Additional Press Secretary Atikur Rahman Ruman and Personal Assistant Abdur Rahman Suny.

He allegedly used the fake accounts to spread false and fabricated information, tarnishing the reputation of the individuals concerned.

Police also said he had created multiple accounts and pages using the names of many other people.

Following a complaint, the E-Fraud Investigation Team analysed information related to the fake accounts and conducted a drive in the capital on Sunday afternoon.

Police also seized a mobile phone and other evidence from his possession.

A case was filed against him with Banani Police Station under the Cyber Security Act. Police have sought a seven-day remand to interrogate him.(BSS)

PT/Gn]]>
            </summary>
                                    <updated>Tue, 25 Aug 2026 14:42:52 +0000</updated>
        </entry>
            <entry>
            <title><![CDATA[PM greets Muslim Ummah on Eid-e-Miladunnabi]]></title>
            <link rel="alternate" href="http://www.presstoday.news/news/article/national/431" />
            <id>http://www.presstoday.news/news/article/national/431</id>
            <author>
                <name> <![CDATA[The Press Today Admin]]></name>
            </author>
            <summary type="html">
                <![CDATA[DHAKA, August 25, 2026 - Prime Minister Tarique Rahman today extended heartfelt greetings and best wishes to the Muslim Ummah across the world, including Muslims in Bangladesh, on the occasion of the holy Eid-e-Miladunnabi (PBUH).

In a message issued ahead of the occasion, the Prime Minister said the auspicious arrival of Hazrat Muhammad (PBUH), the Holy Prophet and Messenger of Allah, was a unique and glorious event in the history of human civilisation.

&ldquo;His advent opened a new horizon of truth and light for humanity. The Prophet (PBUH) called people towards Tawhid and taught them truth, justice, equality, brotherhood, humanity and peace,&rdquo; he said.

&ldquo;His life and teachings have become an eternal guide and model for mankind,&rdquo; the premier added.

Quoting the Holy Quran (Surah Al-Ahzab, verse 21), Tarique Rahman said, &ldquo;Indeed, in the Messenger of Allah you have a good example to follow.&rdquo;

He said the life of the Holy Prophet (PBUH) reflected the teachings of the Holy Quran and embodied truthfulness, trustworthiness, justice, forgiveness, tolerance, kindness and altruism.

The Prime Minister said the Prophet (PBUH) upheld the dignity and rights of all people, transcending differences of race, colour, tribe, language and social status. He also emphasised compassion and responsibility towards orphans, the poor, helpless and deprived, while giving special importance to the rights of family members, neighbours, women, children and marginalised people.

&ldquo;His teachings do not divide people, rather strengthen the bond of brotherhood, harmony and mutual responsibility,&rdquo; he said.

The PM observed that the world is currently facing various crises, including war, conflict, violence, discrimination, intolerance and moral degradation, which are disrupting peace, security and normal life.

&ldquo;At such a time, the teachings of the Holy Prophet (PBUH) on peace, justice, compassion, forgiveness and humanity are very relevant,&rdquo; he added.

He said following the Prophet&rsquo;s life and philosophy could help build a peaceful and welfare-oriented society based on justice, responsibility and human values at individual, family, social and state levels.

Referring to the young generation as the future of the country, Tarique Rahman said the life and ideals of the Holy Prophet (PBUH) could inspire young people to stay away from drugs, terrorism, extremism and crime and remain steadfast on the path of truth and justice.

He said the Prophet&rsquo;s teachings were important not only to the religious and spiritual life of Muslims but also to the development of human and moral values.

&ldquo;His ideals must be embodied in our personal lives, family lives and social behaviour. We can build a peaceful, just and humane Bangladesh only by strengthening mutual respect, compassion, tolerance and a sense of justice,&rdquo; the Prime Minister added.

He prayed to Almighty Allah to grant all the ability to follow the life and Sunnah of the Holy Prophet Hazrat Muhammad (PBUH) and to establish peace, justice, equality, prosperity and humanity in Bangladesh and across the world.(BSS)

PT/Gn]]>
            </summary>
                                    <updated>Tue, 25 Aug 2026 14:29:32 +0000</updated>
        </entry>
            <entry>
            <title><![CDATA[Govt appoints 184 more doctors under 48th BCS (Special)]]></title>
            <link rel="alternate" href="http://www.presstoday.news/news/article/health/430" />
            <id>http://www.presstoday.news/news/article/health/430</id>
            <author>
                <name> <![CDATA[The Press Today Admin]]></name>
            </author>
            <summary type="html">
                <![CDATA[The government has appointed 184 more doctors under the 48th BCS (Special). The Ministry of Public Administration issued a notification to this end on Tuesday.

Of these, 165 were appointed as assistant surgeons and 19 as assistant dental surgeons under the Bangladesh Civil Service (Health) cadre.

The appointed candidates have been asked to join the designated office of the Health Services Division under the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare on September 7.

If no further instructions are issued, they will join their respective ministries or departments on the same date.

The notification said candidates who fail to join on the designated date will be considered unwilling to join the service, and their appointments will be treated as cancelled.

Earlier, 3,263 candidates were appointed under the 48th BCS (Special) on January 22 this year.Unb

PT/Gn]]>
            </summary>
                                    <updated>Tue, 25 Aug 2026 14:18:03 +0000</updated>
        </entry>
            <entry>
            <title><![CDATA[BNP Media Cell&#039;s graphic designer relieved of duties]]></title>
            <link rel="alternate" href="http://www.presstoday.news/news/article/politics/429" />
            <id>http://www.presstoday.news/news/article/politics/429</id>
            <author>
                <name> <![CDATA[The Press Today Admin]]></name>
            </author>
            <summary type="html">
                <![CDATA[A member of the BNP Media Cell&rsquo;s digital team and graphic designer, Tanim Sufiani, has been relieved of all responsibilities on Monday following the publication of information on social media about his previous political activities.

The decision was announced in a notice signed by BNP Media Cell Convener Dr Moudud Hossain Alamgir Pavel. The notice said the decision took effect from the day it&#39;s issued.

According to the notice, the authorities of the BNP Media Cell came across information published on social media regarding Sufiani&rsquo;s previous political activities. The matters were considered contrary to professional transparency, mutual trust and the organisation&rsquo;s internal policies.

In light of this, the relevant authorities decided to relieve Sufiani of all responsibilities at the BNP Media Cell, including his position as a graphic designer on the digital team, effective Aug 24.

The notice further said that following his removal, Sufiani would no longer have any representation or association using the BNP Media Cell&rsquo;s name, identity, position or responsibilities. He would also have no further involvement in the internal activities of the Media Cell.UNB

PT/Gn]]>
            </summary>
                                    <updated>Tue, 25 Aug 2026 14:08:37 +0000</updated>
        </entry>
            <entry>
            <title><![CDATA[Muktijoddha Dal pays tribute at Zia family graves]]></title>
            <link rel="alternate" href="http://www.presstoday.news/news/article/politics/428" />
            <id>http://www.presstoday.news/news/article/politics/428</id>
            <author>
                <name> <![CDATA[The Press Today Admin]]></name>
            </author>
            <summary type="html">
                <![CDATA[Leaders and activists of the Jatiyatabadi Muktijoddha Dal on Tuesday paid tribute to the graves of BNP founder and former president Ziaur Rahman and former prime minister Khaleda Zia by placing floral wreaths.

They placed the wreaths at Ziaur Rahman&rsquo;s grave in the capital&rsquo;s Sher-e-Bangla Nagar area around 10:30am, marking the 34th founding anniversary of the Jatiyatabadi Muktijoddha Dal.

After the tribute, special prayers and a munajat were offered seeking the eternal peace of the souls of Ziaur Rahman and Khaleda Zia.

Central and metropolitan-level leaders and activists of the Jatiyatabadi Muktijoddha Dal were present on the occasion.

PT/Gn]]>
            </summary>
                                    <updated>Tue, 25 Aug 2026 11:43:36 +0000</updated>
        </entry>
            <entry>
            <title><![CDATA[Cases filed against ex-minister Saifuzzaman &amp;  28 others]]></title>
            <link rel="alternate" href="http://www.presstoday.news/news/article/crime/427" />
            <id>http://www.presstoday.news/news/article/crime/427</id>
            <author>
                <name> <![CDATA[The Press Today Admin]]></name>
            </author>
            <summary type="html">
                <![CDATA[DHAKA, Aug 25, 2026- The Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) has filed
three separate cases against former land minister Saifuzzaman Chowdhury and
his company Aramit Cement, along with 28 others for embezzling and laundering
Taka 141.20 crore through fake bills and vouchers.

ACC Public Relations Department Deputy Director Md Aktarul Islam disclosed
the information at the commission&#39;s regular media briefing here today.

According to the ACC, Aramit Cement PLC obtained money from the Jubilee Road
branch of Islami Bank Bangladesh PLC by submitting fake bills and vouchers in
the name of purchasing raw materials for cement production, although no
actual purchase or sale took place.

The commission alleged that Taka 141.20 crore was withdrawn through 27
documents and subsequently transferred, moved and converted through different
bank accounts before being laundered to the United Arab Emirates (UAE), the
United Kingdom (UK), the United States of America (USA) and other countries.

In the first case, the ACC alleged that Taka 57.60 crore was embezzled on
March 20 in 2018 through a document issued in the name of Imperial Trading, a
customer of First Security Islami Bank PLC&#39;s Agrabad branch.

A total of 16 people have been accused in the case.

The second case concerns the embezzlement of Taka 41.625 crore through 17
documents issued between April 4, 2018 and December 26, 2019, in the name of
same company, a customer of United Commercial Bank (UCB) PLC&#39;s Kamal Bazar
branch. A total of 16 people have been made accused in this case.

The third case relates to the alleged embezzlement of Taka 42.075 crore
through nine documents between August 6, 2020 and March 28, 2021, through
UCB&#39;s Sadarghat branch in Chattogram.

After deducting the customer&#39;s equity of Taka 4.675 crore, the alleged
embezzled amount stood at Taka 42.075 crore. A total of 20 people have been
accused in this case.

The ACC alleged that Saifuzzaman Chowdhury, owner of Aramit Group and the
then land minister, used his influence to facilitate the approval of loans
from Islami Bank. Employees of Aramit Group were allegedly shown as owners of
a fictitious supplier and the documents were subsequently approved.

The commission further alleged that the loan proceeds were transferred, moved
and converted through various means before being withdrawn in cash, used to
settle previous liabilities and allegedly transferred to the UAE.

According to ACC documents, assets were allegedly purchased in the UAE with
the laundered money, which was later transferred to the UK, USA and other
countries to acquire additional assets.

The ACC identified Saifuzzaman Chowdhury as the &quot;ultimate beneficiary&quot; of the
alleged embezzlement and one of its key masterminds.

Rukmila Zaman, managing director of Aramit Cement and former chairman of UCB,
has also been accused of involvement in the alleged activities. The ACC
alleged that she used her influence to facilitate loan approvals from Islami
Bank and helped to obtain approval for documents through fictitious
suppliers, thereby assisting in the embezzlement and laundering of funds.

Aramit Cement&#39;s Chief Financial Officer Mohammad Shah Alam has been accused
of submitting false applications and obtaining approval for documents despite
the absence of any supply of goods. He allegedly subsequently assisted in
transferring, moving and converting the funds, withdrawing them in cash,
settling previous liabilities and laundering money to the UAE.

Aramit Cement AGM Md Abdul Aziz has been accused of applying in the name of
Imperial Trading while posing as its owner and using it as a fictitious
supplier to obtain approval for documents.

According to the ACC documents, he worked as an AGM of Aramit Group and also
served as Saifuzzaman Chowdhury&#39;s personal assistant. He has also been
accused of opening bank accounts, submitting false inspection reports and
assisting in money laundering.

Another Aramit Cement AGM, AKM Maruf, has also been accused of obtaining
approval for documents by submitting false applications despite the absence
of any actual supply of goods.

Several officials of Islami Bank&#39;s Jubilee Road branch have also been named
as accused. They include Md Zakir Hossain, Mohammad Abdul Haque, Muhammad
Tanvir Hasan, Md Abdul Qader, Md Mizanur Rahman Bhuiyan, Muhammad Abdul
Karim, Mohammad Akhtar Hossain, Mohammad Jamal Uddin, Muhammad Nizam Uddin,
Md Ashraf Uddin, Mohammad Rashid Sadat, Aktarul Azim, Md Mohiuddin, Mohammad
Khorshed Alam, Md Shahidullah, Mohammad Harun Al Rashid, Mohammad Mohsin Ali,
Abul Kalam Azad and Sheikh Moniruzzaman.

The ACC also named Md Rubel Uddin, K A A M Yasir and Md Wahiduzzaman
Chowdhury of United Commercial Bank&#39;s Kamal Bazar branch, as well as Md
Emdadul Hasan and Khorshed Alam of the First Security Islami Bank&#39;s Agrabad
branch, as accused.

According to the ACC, the concerned bank officials signed office notes,
purchase orders, issuance instructions and other documents despite there
being no supply of goods against the documents, thereby allegedly assisting
the embezzlement.

The ACC further alleged that Md Abdul Aziz, the owner of Imperial Trading,
was actually an AGM of Aramit Group and personal assistant to Saifuzzaman
Chowdhury. Despite this, he was presented as a supplier, while inspection
reports were submitted and bank accounts were opened in the company&#39;s name.

The commission said the accused subsequently failed to trace the actual
destination of the funds and instead assisted in transferring, moving and
converting the money, withdrawing it in cash, settling previous liabilities
and laundering it to the UAE. BSS

PT/Gn]]>
            </summary>
                                    <updated>Tue, 25 Aug 2026 11:36:11 +0000</updated>
        </entry>
            <entry>
            <title><![CDATA[US Army sergeant Wife deported]]></title>
            <link rel="alternate" href="http://www.presstoday.news/news/article/international/426" />
            <id>http://www.presstoday.news/news/article/international/426</id>
            <author>
                <name> <![CDATA[The Press Today Admin]]></name>
            </author>
            <summary type="html">
                <![CDATA[WASHINGTON, Aug 24 - The wife of a U.S. ​Army sergeant was deported to Honduras on Monday, marking the latest example of &zwnj;the impact of the Trump administration&#39;s immigration crackdown on relatives of members of the U.S. military.
Cristy Maryori Villafranca-Trejo &quot;was removed from the United States&quot; on Monday, a Department of Homeland Security spokesperson said in an email. Army Sergeant Hedar Leonel ​Turcios Juarez told ABC News his wife, the mother of a 6-year-old, was deported to ​Honduras.
Villafranca-Trejo is at least the seventh spouse or parent of an active-duty ⁠U.S. military service member to be deported under the Trump administration&rsquo;s immigration crackdown, according to ​an Associated Press tally.
The Immigration and Customs Enforcement agency, which is part of DHS and has ​been the face of President Donald Trump&#39;s immigration crackdown and deportation drive, arrested her on July 11 after conducting what the DHS called a &quot;targeted immigration enforcement operation.&quot; The DHS said she received due process.
Turcios Juarez previously said ICE officers detained ​his wife outside a Walmart in July as their daughter watched. He said his wife left Honduras ​in 2016 due to violent crime in the country. The DHS alleged that she illegally entered the United &zwnj;States.
Turcios Juarez ⁠joined the military and became a U.S. citizen in 2024 after a nine-month deployment to the Middle East, according to ABC News. He said he began pursuing citizenship for his wife, hoping his service would help expedite her naturalization process.
Over the weekend, the immigrant father of a ​U.S. sailor on board ​the USS Abraham Lincoln ⁠aircraft carrier, which was deployed in the Middle East during the Iran war, was taken into federal immigration custody and remains in detention.
Trump has ​pursued an immigration crackdown that includes revocations of visas and green cards ​and an aggressive ⁠deportation drive. He says the crackdown aims to improve domestic security.
Rights groups say the crackdown has violated free speech and due process rights and created an unsafe environment, particularly for ethnic minorities, who ⁠have ​raised concerns about racial profiling.
While Trump campaigned in 2024 on a ​platform of stopping illegal immigration, his administration has also made legal immigration more difficult - for example, by imposing new and expensive ​fees for applicants of certain work visas. (Reuters)]]>
            </summary>
                                    <updated>Tue, 25 Aug 2026 11:29:44 +0000</updated>
        </entry>
            <entry>
            <title><![CDATA[Investors shrug off US sanctions plan for Iran, bitcoin powers on]]></title>
            <link rel="alternate" href="http://www.presstoday.news/news/article/international/425" />
            <id>http://www.presstoday.news/news/article/international/425</id>
            <author>
                <name> <![CDATA[The Press Today Admin]]></name>
            </author>
            <summary type="html">
                <![CDATA[LONDON/SINGAPORE, Aug 25- Global share and bond markets regained a sense ​of calm on Tuesday as investors shrugged off U.S. plans to expand sanctions against Iran and began limbering up for &zwnj;Wednesday&rsquo;s results from the world&rsquo;s most valuable company, Nvidia.
U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent had warned countries on Monday to cut their financial ties with Iran or face secondary sanctions as part of what had been billed as &quot;economic D-Day,&quot; but the Treasury Department stopped short of actually imposing penalties.
It had triggered a modest overnight pull-back in both oil ​prices and benchmark government bond yields, with the latter also helped by a report the U.S. Treasury could tap its cash account to finance increased U.S. debt ​buybacks.
European shares started 0.3% higher as investors took comfort in the softer-than-feared U.S. announcement, though it was partly as ⁠defence firms&#39; stocks pushed higher on the likelihood that the conflict could continue for many months yet. /EU
In the currency market, the dollar (.DXY), opens new tab also ​inched higher against the euro and the Japanese yen , though it was the breakdown of the traditional correlation with bond yields that traders remained focused ​on following volatility.
Michael Metcalfe, head of global macro strategy at State Street Global Markets, said the jump in yields and weakness in the dollar over the last month was a sign that a &quot;negative bias&quot; towards the greenback could be returning.
&quot;There is just a kind of concern about the fiscal situation in the U.S. and you ​are getting this classic dollar weakness and higher yields,&quot; he said, adding that the next few days would be interesting too, given the run-up ​to the Federal Reserve&#39;s annual Jackson Hole conference.
The other area that has been whipped up by so-called &quot;dollar debasement&quot; worries is the global cryptocurrency market.
Bitcoin crossed the $80,000 level &zwnj;for the ⁠first time since mid-May as another 2% overnight jump took its rise over the last 10 days past 30%.
Gold ticked down 0.6% to $4,624 per ounce, but it too is at its highest since May, up 15% for the month.
Germany&#39;s 10-year bond yield , the benchmark for euro zone borrowing costs, was flat at 3.242%, remaining near the 15-year high of 3.275% touched last week. French 30-year yields were at 4.894% having hit an 18-year ​high on Monday.
NVIDIA LOOMS LARGE
The tech ​sector &mdash; which heavily dominates global equity ⁠indexes &mdash; was holding its breath for Nvidia&#39;s (NVDA.O), opens new tab results on Wednesday; investors are aware how hard it will be for the chipmaker to meet lofty expectations.
Analysts are generally looking for quarterly revenue to almost double to around $92 billion, ​with full-year earnings guidance seen in a range of $103 billion to $105 billion.
&quot;Judging from Nvidia&#39;s track record, it ​won&#39;t be surprising if ⁠they meet the headline numbers,&quot; Fabien Yip, a market analyst at IG, said.
&quot;But I think the piece people are trying to understand is whether there are concerns on the circular deals powering its growth and whether that growth percentage is sustainable in the upcoming quarters.&quot;
Wall Street futures were pointing to the Nasdaq, S&amp;P 500 ⁠and Dow ​Jones Industrial all nudging fractionally higher later following a modest pullback since mid-August as ​broader market sentiment has wobbled.
Overnight in Asia, MSCI&#39;s broadest index of Asia-Pacific shares outside Japan (.MISX00000PUS), opens new tab ended up 0.4% as South Korea (.KS11), opens new tab and Taiwan (.TWII), opens new tab both gained, while Japan&#39;s Nikkei (.N225), opens new tab also ended 0.5% higher.
China&#39;s CSI300 blue-chip index (.CSI300), opens new tab was down ​0.2% though. Partially weighing on tech sentiment was Alibaba&#39;s (9988.HK), opens new tab launch of a $10.2 billion share sale at a steep discount. (Reuters)

PT/Gn]]>
            </summary>
                                    <updated>Tue, 25 Aug 2026 11:15:56 +0000</updated>
        </entry>
            <entry>
            <title><![CDATA[BB Governor directs Sammilito Islami Bank to resume normal operations]]></title>
            <link rel="alternate" href="http://www.presstoday.news/news/article/trade-and-commerce/424" />
            <id>http://www.presstoday.news/news/article/trade-and-commerce/424</id>
            <author>
                <name> <![CDATA[The Press Today Admin]]></name>
            </author>
            <summary type="html">
                <![CDATA[Dhaka, Aug 25, 2026 - Bangladesh Bank (BB) Governor Md Mostaqur Rahman today directed the chairman and managing director of Sammilito Islami Bank PLC to take necessary measures to protect depositors&#39; interests and resume normal banking operations at the earliest.

The governor gave the directives at a meeting with the chairman of Sammilito Islami Bank PLC, Kazi Shairul Hasan and Managing Director Abedur Rahman Sikder at Bangladesh Bank this morning, according to a press release.

Bangladesh Bank Deputy Governors Dr Md Habibur Rahman, Dr Md Kabir Ahmed, Md Sarwar Hossain and Md Anisur Rahman were present at the meeting.

The governor directed the bank&#39;s chairman and managing director to take measures on three key issues.

First, he instructed the bank authorities to make it clear to all depositors that there will be no &quot;haircut&quot; on their profits.

He said there was still some confusion among depositors on the issue and the bank must clarify the matter.

Second, the governor said money is already being returned to depositors in line with the scheme announced on December 29, 2025.

He further directed the bank to take necessary measures so that, from next Tuesday (September 1), individual depositors can withdraw money from Al-Wadiah current accounts, Mudaraba savings accounts and Mudaraba term deposits, according to their requirements, beyond the provisions of the original scheme where necessary.

Finally, the governor instructed Sammilito Islami Bank, which has a capital base of Tk 35,000 crore, to take all necessary steps to resume normal banking activities as soon as possible.(BSS)

PT/Gn]]>
            </summary>
                                    <updated>Tue, 25 Aug 2026 10:59:46 +0000</updated>
        </entry>
            <entry>
            <title><![CDATA[Andaleeve calls for boycotting those practicing intellectual fascism]]></title>
            <link rel="alternate" href="http://www.presstoday.news/news/article/national/423" />
            <id>http://www.presstoday.news/news/article/national/423</id>
            <author>
                <name> <![CDATA[The Press Today Admin]]></name>
            </author>
            <summary type="html">
                <![CDATA[DHAKA, Aug 25, 2026- Information and Broadcasting Minister Andaleeve Rahman today called for a social boycott of those who practice intellectual fascism.

&quot;We can&#39;t do anything except socially condemn and boycott those media outlets that support, promote or practice fascism intellectually,&quot; he said.

The minister made the remarks while responding to a question at a weekly press briefing on the progress of various government activities at the conference room of the Press Information Department (PID) in the Bangladesh Secretariat here.

At the beginning of the event, Andaleeve unveiled the cover of a book titled &quot;I Have a Plan: Six Months of the Democratic Journey,&quot; published by the PID, highlighting the government&#39;s special achievements over the past six months.

Coming down heavily on intellectual fascism, the minister said, &quot;If anyone supports or promotes fascism through intellectual thinking and consciousness, we have nothing to do but socially condemn such a practice.

&quot;Those who do not believe in the spirit of a free Bangladesh and a newly independent Bangladesh deserve to be socially boycotted, which is the greatest form of justice for them.&quot;

Responding to another question regarding the press freedom, he said believing in democracy is a matter of mindset.

&quot;The mindset we witnessed over the past 17 years was one of taking a position against criticism. But neither the present government nor the Prime Minister has any intention of restricting media freedom or controlling the media,&quot; Andaleeve added.

Describing the institutional pictures under the previous regime, he further said, &quot;Over the past 17 years, all systems in the country were corrupt. After taking responsibility following such a fragile situation, the government is going through one of the most difficult periods in the country&#39;s history.

&quot;In this situation, we expect objective criticism from you so that we can correct our mistakes and move forward on the right path.&quot;

Responding to a journalist&#39;s question about ousted Sheikh Hasina, the minister said, &quot;She is currently staying in India. According to reports in the Indian media, efforts are underway to resolve the matter through the court or judicial process.&quot;

However, he said, the Bangladesh government&#39;s clear demand is that all those with cases against them for past crimes, including the July uprising, will be brought back for the sake of proper justice.

Asked about stopping the practice of false circulation figures by newspapers, the minister said the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting has begun vigorous efforts to stop the dishonest practice of printing a small number of copies while showing circulation figures of more than one lakh.

About press freedom, State Minister for Information and Broadcasting Yasser Khan Choudhury said, &quot;I told earlier that everyone has the freedom to speak against the government. Whether it is against or in favor of the government, presenting the voice of the people is democracy.&quot;

Instructions have now been given to BTV and government media to broadcast news of opposition parties proportionately, he added.

The state minister further said an application has been submitted to the Ministry of Finance to double the trust fund grant for the welfare of journalists. One crore taka has already been transferred for sick and insolvent journalists, he added.

Secretary of the Information and Broadcasting Ministry Mahbuba Farjana and Principal Information Officer (PIO) Syed Abdal Ahmed were present at the briefing. (BSS)

PT/Gn]]>
            </summary>
                                    <updated>Tue, 25 Aug 2026 10:51:05 +0000</updated>
        </entry>
            <entry>
            <title><![CDATA[Chiefs of three services call on President]]></title>
            <link rel="alternate" href="http://www.presstoday.news/news/article/national/422" />
            <id>http://www.presstoday.news/news/article/national/422</id>
            <author>
                <name> <![CDATA[The Press Today Admin]]></name>
            </author>
            <summary type="html">
                <![CDATA[DHAKA, Aug 25, 2026 &ndash; Chiefs of three services today paid a courtesy call on President Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir at Bangabhaban, said a Bangabhaban press release here.

Chief of Army Staff General Waker-Uz-Zaman, Chief of Naval Staff Admiral Khondkar Misbah Ul Azim and Chief of Air Staff Air Chief Marshal Hasan Mahmood Khan met the President this noon.

During the meeting, they congratulated the President on his assuming office as the President and conveyed their best wishes for his tenure.

They also briefed the President on various activities of their respective forces and sought his guidance and cooperation as the Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces in discharging their responsibilities.

The President expressed satisfaction with the activities of the Armed Forces and said the incumbent government is working to develop the Armed Forces into a modern four-dimensional force.

The President assured the chiefs of the three armed forces that all-out cooperation would be extended for the overall development of the Armed Forces alongside enhancing their professional skills.(BSS)

PT/GN]]>
            </summary>
                                    <updated>Tue, 25 Aug 2026 10:25:11 +0000</updated>
        </entry>
            <entry>
            <title><![CDATA[Now is time to end the war with US: Iranian President]]></title>
            <link rel="alternate" href="http://www.presstoday.news/news/article/international/421" />
            <id>http://www.presstoday.news/news/article/international/421</id>
            <author>
                <name> <![CDATA[The Press Today Admin]]></name>
            </author>
            <summary type="html">
                <![CDATA[Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian has called for an end to the months-long war with the United States, saying Tehran should move towards ending the conflict while it remains in a &ldquo;position of power and dignity&rdquo;.

&ldquo;It is better that we bring the war to an end now as we are in a position of power and dignity,&rdquo; Pezeshkian said at a meeting with doctors on Friday, according to Al Jazeera.

&ldquo;The whole world acknowledges our victory and emphasises that America has attacked our schools, hospitals and infrastructure in violation of all regulations and is hated around the world,&rdquo; he said.

Pezeshkian also defended a memorandum of understanding reached with Washington in June, which has faced criticism from hardliners in the Iranian parliament.

His critics have accused his government of making concessions to the United States. Pezeshkian rejected the charge, saying the agreement did not require Tehran to capitulate.

Pezeshkian is regarded as a reformist within Iran&rsquo;s political establishment, according to a BBC report.]]>
            </summary>
                                    <updated>Sat, 22 Aug 2026 10:15:52 +0000</updated>
        </entry>
            <entry>
            <title><![CDATA[Cholera vaccination begins]]></title>
            <link rel="alternate" href="http://www.presstoday.news/news/article/health/420" />
            <id>http://www.presstoday.news/news/article/health/420</id>
            <author>
                <name> <![CDATA[The Press Today Admin]]></name>
            </author>
            <summary type="html">
                <![CDATA[The Preventive Oral Cholera Vaccination Campaign 2026 officially began across 14 high-risk upazilas and thanas in the country on Saturday, with free vaccines being administered to help prevent cholera.

The two-dose campaign will run in two phases. The first dose will be administered from August 22 to September 21, while the second dose will be given from September 26 to October 25.
People must receive both doses at the recommended interval to ensure full protection.

All healthy individuals aged one year and above are eligible for the vaccine, while pregnant women are excluded from the campaign. The vaccine is being provided free of charge.

Vaccination centres will remain open from 8AM to 5PM every day. Vaccines are being administered at designated centres and Expanded Programme on Immunisation (EPI) booths in the 14 high-risk areas.

PT/ra]]>
            </summary>
                                    <updated>Sat, 22 Aug 2026 10:08:06 +0000</updated>
        </entry>
            <entry>
            <title><![CDATA[President at  National Memorial to pay tribute]]></title>
            <link rel="alternate" href="http://www.presstoday.news/news/article/national/419" />
            <id>http://www.presstoday.news/news/article/national/419</id>
            <author>
                <name> <![CDATA[The Press Today Admin]]></name>
            </author>
            <summary type="html">
                <![CDATA[President Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir has paid tribute to the martyrs of the Liberation War at the National Martyrs&rsquo; Memorial in Savar.

The president entered the memorial premises at around 10:22AM and laid a wreath at the altar in honour of the martyrs. He then stood in silence for a while, paying deep respect to those who sacrificed their lives during the 1971 Liberation War.
A smartly turned-out contingent of the three armed forces presented him with a guard of honour during the visit. Tight security measures have been taken in and around the memorial ahead of the newly elected president&rsquo;s visit.

PT/ra]]>
            </summary>
                                    <updated>Sat, 22 Aug 2026 10:02:21 +0000</updated>
        </entry>
            <entry>
            <title><![CDATA[Sekandar Devastated After Losing Two Sons in Shipyard Gas Leak]]></title>
            <link rel="alternate" href="http://www.presstoday.news/news/article/national/418" />
            <id>http://www.presstoday.news/news/article/national/418</id>
            <author>
                <name> <![CDATA[The Press Today Admin]]></name>
            </author>
            <summary type="html">
                <![CDATA[Sekandar Ali, a resident of Bhatiary Union in Sitakunda upazila, was left devastated after learning that both of his sons had died in a gas leak incident at a ship recycling yard. He could not stop crying as he repeatedly wondered how he would get through the days ahead without his two sons.

On Friday (August 14), a toxic gas leak from the tank of a scrap vessel named LNG occurred at Ferdous Recycling Shipyard, located along the coast of Bhatiary Union. The incident claimed the lives of nine people. Among the deceased were Sekandar Ali&rsquo;s two sons, Mansur and Nasir.

Having lost both sons at the same time, Sekandar is now inconsolable. His three granddaughters have also been left facing an uncertain future after losing their fathers.

The bodies of Mansur and Nasir were kept at the morgue of Chattogram Medical College Hospital. Sekandar stood there, overcome with grief, while his granddaughters cried beside him. Nasir&rsquo;s daughter and Mansur&rsquo;s two daughters wept silently. Their faces reflected the uncertainty that has suddenly taken over their lives after losing their fathers.

Waiting outside the morgue, Sekandar Ali said through tears, &ldquo;My two sons had been working at that shipyard for 17 years. They had never faced any serious danger before. Now I have lost both of them at once. My children will never call me &lsquo;father&rsquo; again.&rdquo;

He added, &ldquo;What will happen to my granddaughters? That is the thought that is tormenting me. Because of the negligence of the yard authorities, I have lost my sons. If the injured workers had received medical treatment in time after the accident, perhaps they could have survived.&rdquo;

Rupa Akter, the elder daughter of deceased Mansur, said Friday was a holiday, but her father and the other workers were allegedly forced to go to the shipyard.

&ldquo;After the accident in the morning, the injured workers were kept inside the yard for nearly two hours with the gate closed. I believe my father might have survived if he had received medical treatment quickly,&rdquo; she said.

Rupa said, &ldquo;Who will look after us now? What will happen to us? How will we survive for the rest of our lives? Hundreds of such questions keep going through our minds. We have no brothers. We are three sisters, and our father was the sole earning member of our family.&rdquo;

Meanwhile, the atmosphere in the area became heavy with mourning as news of the two brothers&rsquo; deaths spread among their relatives and neighbors.

Local residents said Nasir and Mansur were both well-respected in the community. They were known as kind and cheerful people and were loved by everyone. Many in the area said they were struggling to accept the sudden deaths of the two brothers.

Ferdous Wahid, owner of the shipyard, said arrangements would be made to provide advanced medical treatment to those injured in the incident. He also said the families of the deceased would receive compensation according to government regulations, along with additional financial assistance.

PT/ra]]>
            </summary>
                                    <updated>Sat, 15 Aug 2026 14:07:47 +0000</updated>
        </entry>
            <entry>
            <title><![CDATA[Alliance Knit has laid off]]></title>
            <link rel="alternate" href="http://www.presstoday.news/news/article/national/417" />
            <id>http://www.presstoday.news/news/article/national/417</id>
            <author>
                <name> <![CDATA[The Press Today Admin]]></name>
            </author>
            <summary type="html">
                <![CDATA[Alliance Knit Composite Limited, an export-oriented garment factory at Jirabo, has laid off 565 workers during an official holiday via SMS.

The factory cited business slump, financial crisis, and work shortage as reasons of this massive lay off.

The Human Resource and Administration Department of the factory, located in the Pukurpar area of Jirabo, Ashulia, issued a notice on Saturday morning declaring the termination of workers across various departments.

The retrenchment comes into effect from Saturday.

According to the notice containing the list of affected workers, the factory faces severe business depression due to global and domestic factors. Production was severely disrupted due to a lack of banking support and sufficient work orders.

The management stated that to ensure business survival and continuity, it was forced to reduce excess workforce under Section 20 of the Bangladesh Labor Act, 2006.

The notice assured that all legal dues and full compensation will be paid within the timeline stipulated under Section 20(2) of the Labor Act.

Furthermore, under Section 21 of the Labor Act, the laid-off workers will receive priority if the factory expands operations or hires new workers within the next year.

Jiarul Haq, an operator in the sewing department, said he received the lay-off notice on his mobile phone on Thursday night while visiting his village in Dinajpur during a three-day holiday. He expressed anxiety after losing his job without knowing the exact reason for his termination.

Explaining the decision, the factory&#39;s Managing Director Zaem Ahmed said, &quot;We have no orders or work. That is why workers were laid off. When work arrives, we will recruit workers again.&quot;

Meanwhile, Rafiqul Islam Sujon, President of Bangladesh Garments and Industrial Workers Federation, termed the business slump an excuse. He said sacking so many workers simultaneously during a holiday is inhumane, demanding the immediate withdrawal of the notice and reinstatement of the 565 workers with unpaid dues.

Confirming the lay-offs, Industrial Police-1 Director Mominul Islam said the factory retrenched some workers due to a business slump caused by gas shortages and lack of sufficient work orders.

PT/ra]]>
            </summary>
                                    <updated>Sat, 08 Aug 2026 15:30:33 +0000</updated>
        </entry>
            <entry>
            <title><![CDATA[India has nothing to do with her recent press conference]]></title>
            <link rel="alternate" href="http://www.presstoday.news/news/article/opinion/416" />
            <id>http://www.presstoday.news/news/article/opinion/416</id>
            <author>
                <name> <![CDATA[The Press Today Admin]]></name>
            </author>
            <summary type="html">
                <![CDATA[India has clarified that it does not endorse any statements made by former Bangladesh prime minister Sheikh Hasina, with the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) saying her recent press conference in New Delhi was organized by a private entity and had no backing from the Indian government.

India has distanced itself from remarks made by former Bangladesh prime minister Sheikh Hasina during a recent press conference in New Delhi, stating that the Indian government neither supported nor was associated with her comments.

Speaking at the Ministry of External Affairs&#39; weekly media briefing on Friday, MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said the Indian government does not endorse any statements made by Hasina, including her remarks about Bangladesh&#39;s current government during the Aug. 5 press conference.

Jaiswal also clarified that the press conference had been organized by a private organization and was not an initiative of the Government of India.

Earlier, the Bangladesh government strongly protested India&#39;s decision to allow Hasina, who it described as a fugitive former prime minister convicted and sentenced to death, to address the media in New Delhi.

In an official statement, Bangladesh said it was &quot;deeply outraged&quot; that Hasina had been allowed to speak live to the media from Indian soil, alleging that she and her associates spread &quot;poisonous hatred&quot; against Bangladesh and its people.

The statement further said that holding the event on the second anniversary of the July Revolution amounted to an affront to Bangladesh&#39;s sovereignty and a grave insult to those who lost their lives during the movement.

It also accused Hasina and her associates of attempting to rewrite history by denying the findings of the United Nations regarding the killings of civilians, including children, during the July-August 2024 unrest, adding that such attempts had been rejected by the people of Bangladesh.

The remarks by the Indian spokesperson were made during the MEA&#39;s regular weekly briefing and were broadcast on the ministry&#39;s official YouTube channel.

PT/ra]]>
            </summary>
                                    <updated>Fri, 07 Aug 2026 14:39:40 +0000</updated>
        </entry>
            <entry>
            <title><![CDATA[Gold price again increased]]></title>
            <link rel="alternate" href="http://www.presstoday.news/news/article/trade-and-commerce/415" />
            <id>http://www.presstoday.news/news/article/trade-and-commerce/415</id>
            <author>
                <name> <![CDATA[The Press Today Admin]]></name>
            </author>
            <summary type="html">
                <![CDATA[Bangladesh Jewellers Association (Bajus) has increased the price of gold in the local market to Tk 232,930 per bhori, inclusive of VAT, with a hike of Tk 9,856.

This decision will come into effect from 10 am on Thursday, according to a notification issued by the association.

This has been decided keeping in view the price increase of pure gold in the local market.

According to the new rate, the price of 21-karat gold would now stand at Tk 222,491 per bhori, 18-karat at Tk 191,056, and traditional gold at Tk 156,064 per bhori, all inclusive of VAT, the notification added.

These prices will be applicable at all jewellery shops until further notice, Bajus said, adding that the charge for making ornaments will vary according to the designs of the ornaments.

PT/ra]]>
            </summary>
                                    <updated>Fri, 07 Aug 2026 14:32:12 +0000</updated>
        </entry>
            <entry>
            <title><![CDATA[BNP leader was shot and seriously injured]]></title>
            <link rel="alternate" href="http://www.presstoday.news/news/article/crime/414" />
            <id>http://www.presstoday.news/news/article/crime/414</id>
            <author>
                <name> <![CDATA[The Press Today Admin]]></name>
            </author>
            <summary type="html">
                <![CDATA[A BNP leader was shot and seriously injured in front of Millat Camp in the Mirpur-11 area of the capital on Friday evening.

The victim was identified as Alamgir, a member of the Nawabganj Upazila unit of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) in Dhaka district.

According to local sources, the shooting took place in front of Millat Camp at around Friday evening. Alamgir sustained serious injuries in the attack and was rescued and taken to a hospital for treatment.

The motive behind the shooting and the identities of those involved could not be immediately confirmed.

PT/ra]]>
            </summary>
                                    <updated>Fri, 07 Aug 2026 14:26:42 +0000</updated>
        </entry>
            <entry>
            <title><![CDATA[Gas flow to the national grid has begun]]></title>
            <link rel="alternate" href="http://www.presstoday.news/news/article/national/413" />
            <id>http://www.presstoday.news/news/article/national/413</id>
            <author>
                <name> <![CDATA[The Press Today Admin]]></name>
            </author>
            <summary type="html">
                <![CDATA[Gas flow to the national grid has begun to recover following successful repairs to the damaged Floating Storage and Regasification Unit (FSRU) at Moheshkhali in Cox&rsquo;s Bazar.

The resumption of gas supply on Thursday has started easing the severe two-week energy crisis, improving pressure across industrial hubs, CNG refueling stations, and residential areas.

Minister for Power, Energy and Mineral Resources Iqbal Hassan Mahmood, MP, confirmed that transmission from the repaired FSRU has commenced. He expressed optimism that the country&rsquo;s overall gas supply would normalize within two to three days.

The increased gas supply will boost pipeline pressure and allow gas-fired power generation plants to gradually restart operations, the minister noted.

According to Petrobangla, one boiler of the damaged terminal has been restored and is currently supplying around 115 million cubic feet of gas per day (MMCFD) to the national grid. Combined with another operational floating terminal supplying 550 MMCFD, the total flow has significantly improved gas pressure, particularly in the Chittagong region.

PT/ra]]>
            </summary>
                                    <updated>Fri, 07 Aug 2026 14:21:45 +0000</updated>
        </entry>
            <entry>
            <title><![CDATA[US fresh strikes on Iran began further]]></title>
            <link rel="alternate" href="http://www.presstoday.news/news/article/international/412" />
            <id>http://www.presstoday.news/news/article/international/412</id>
            <author>
                <name> <![CDATA[The Press Today Admin]]></name>
            </author>
            <summary type="html">
                <![CDATA[US President Donald Trump has warned of further military action against Iran, saying more severe attacks could follow while insisting there remains room for negotiations.

In an interview with radio host Hugh Hewitt on Monday, Trump accused Iran of failing to honour an agreement with the United States and claimed US military action had prevented Tehran from acquiring nuclear weapons.

We&#39;re going to hit them very hard, Trump said, adding that Iran had &quot;practically nothing&quot; left and was relying on rhetoric.

Shortly after the interview, US Central Command (CENTCOM) announced that US forces had carried out fresh strikes on Iran for a third consecutive night, according to the report.

Trump also suggested that Iran&#39;s underground Pickaxe Mountain nuclear facility near the Natanz uranium enrichment site could become a future military target.

He claimed the US was closely monitoring the facility and warned that it could be attacked if necessary.

According to the report, Pickaxe Mountain lies about a mile south of the Natanz nuclear complex and contains two deep underground tunnel systems believed to be heavily fortified. Experts have said the site may be difficult to destroy even with powerful bunker-busting bombs.

Iran&#39;s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps claimed responsibility for the tanker attack, alleging the ships had ignored repeated warnings and entered a restricted area.

Bahrain also came under renewed missile attack, prompting authorities to activate air raid sirens and advise residents to seek shelter. No casualties or damage were immediately reported.

The UAE condemned the attacks and said it reserved the right to take all necessary measures to protect its territory, citizens and residents.

The latest escalation comes amid an ongoing dispute between Washington and Tehran over control of the Strait of Hormuz, a critical maritime route for global energy supplies. Oil prices rose following the renewed hostilities, with Brent crude climbing above $84 per barrel in early trading.

The US Embassy in Abu Dhabi and the US Consulate in Dubai canceled consular appointments through Wednesday, citing the deteriorating regional security situation.

PT/ra]]>
            </summary>
                                    <updated>Tue, 14 Jul 2026 13:27:01 +0000</updated>
        </entry>
            <entry>
            <title><![CDATA[High-voltage World-Cup semi-final Tonigh]]></title>
            <link rel="alternate" href="http://www.presstoday.news/news/article/sports/411" />
            <id>http://www.presstoday.news/news/article/sports/411</id>
            <author>
                <name> <![CDATA[The Press Today Admin]]></name>
            </author>
            <summary type="html">
                <![CDATA[European giants France and Spain are set to clash in the high-voltage World-Cup semi-final Tonight at 1:00AM. Both of the teams have been unstoppable throughout the tournament.

Although Spain had their hiccup against Cabo Verde, the team has shown extraordinary performance in the tournament. They have conceded only one goal in this tournament, showing remarkable achievement.

France has been outstanding throughout the tournament too. They are considered as one of the top favorites for the title.

Many describe this battle between two of the tournament&rsquo;s best teams as a &quot;final before the final.&quot; The two sides have contrasting football philosophies. France excels in fast-paced counter-attacks. Spain believes in ball possession and controlled football.

France has not faced a major test before reaching the last four. Captain Kylian Mbapp&eacute; leads their all-star attack. He has already scored eight goals in six matches.

Mbapp&eacute; is a top contender for the Golden Boot. Morover, he is supported by Bayern Munich star Michael Olise, Ballon d&#39;Or winner Ousmane Demb&eacute;l&eacute;, and the PSG duo Bradley Barcola and D&eacute;sir&eacute; Dou&eacute;.

Under Luis de la Fuente, Spain has reached the semi-finals with a calm approach. They rely on their trademark ball possession, tactical attacks, and a talented squad.

Spain defeated France 5-4 in a thrilling UEFA Nations League match last year. They also won 2-1 in the Euro 2024 semi-final before eventually winning the title.

The two nations have met 38 times in total. Spain holds a clear advantage with 18 wins. France has won 13 times, while 7 matches ended in a draw.

Since the start of the 2018 World Cup, Spain has lost only one of their 27 matches in major tournaments (16 wins, 10 draws). They have been unbeaten in 14 matches since their 2-1 defeat to Japan in the 2022 World Cup.

Will France&rsquo;s lightening paced counter-attacks will break through Spain&rsquo;s disciplined defense, or will Spain&rsquo;s controlling football decide the result of the match? Only time will say.

PT/ra]]>
            </summary>
                                    <updated>Tue, 14 Jul 2026 11:39:06 +0000</updated>
        </entry>
            <entry>
            <title><![CDATA[HSC examinations will continue as per schedule]]></title>
            <link rel="alternate" href="http://www.presstoday.news/news/article/education/410" />
            <id>http://www.presstoday.news/news/article/education/410</id>
            <author>
                <name> <![CDATA[The Press Today Admin]]></name>
            </author>
            <summary type="html">
                <![CDATA[Higher Secondary Certificate (HSC) and equivalent examinations will continue as scheduled across the country, except in the Chattogram division where exams have been postponed due to waterlogging, an education board official said on Tuesday.

Prof Jesmin Taslima Banu, convener of the Inter-Education Board Examination Controllers&#39; Committee and controller of examinations at the Dhaka Education Board, said there had been no new directive to suspend the examinations.

&quot;The government will make the decision, and the education boards will implement it. So far, the government&#39;s instruction is that the examinations will continue,&quot; she told reporters.

The decision was reaffirmed at an online meeting held at the Ministry of Education earlier in the day to review the overall examination situation.

The meeting, chaired by Education and Primary Education Minister ANM Ehsanul Haque Milon, was attended by senior government officials, including the prime minister&#39;s education adviser, the education secretary, divisional commissioners, chairmen of education boards, deputy commissioners, police superintendents and other relevant officials.

According to officials, only the examinations in the Chattogram division were postponed because severe waterlogging made it impossible to hold the tests there. They said examination conditions in the rest of the country remained suitable and that, except for one centre, examinations on Monday were conducted without major disruption.

Based on the assessment, the meeting decided that HSC and equivalent examinations would continue according to the published schedule in all other parts of the country.

Meanwhile, protests by a section of HSC candidates continued in Dhaka and several other parts of the country on Tuesday. Demonstrators demanded suspension of the examinations until the flood and adverse weather conditions improve, a special examination for students who missed the July 13 tests due to the weather, and the resignation of the education minister. They also staged demonstrations and road blockades in areas including Science Laboratory and Uttara in the capital.

PT/ra]]>
            </summary>
                                    <updated>Tue, 14 Jul 2026 11:14:14 +0000</updated>
        </entry>
            <entry>
            <title><![CDATA[Full marks for questions 6 and 7 of the Physics first paper]]></title>
            <link rel="alternate" href="http://www.presstoday.news/news/article/education/409" />
            <id>http://www.presstoday.news/news/article/education/409</id>
            <author>
                <name> <![CDATA[The Press Today Admin]]></name>
            </author>
            <summary type="html">
                <![CDATA[Full marks for HSC Physics questions 6, 7 due to errors: Education Minister. Education Minister Dr ANM Ehsanul Haque Milon has announced that all HSC examinees will receive full marks for questions 6 and 7 of the Physics first paper due to errors in the questions.

He made the announcement during a question-answer session in the Jatiya Sangsad on Tuesday (July 14). &ldquo;Errors were found in questions 6 and 7 of the Physics first paper of the HSC examination. Therefore, we have decided to award full marks to all examinees for these two questions,&rdquo; the minister said.

He said the current government took charge only four months ago, while the question-setting process had been completed much earlier.

&ldquo;Question formulation and moderation usually begin about two years in advance. Therefore, the current government or administration was not involved in preparing this question paper,&rdquo; he added.

Addressing the Speaker, the education minister said the question moderation process was a lengthy one and the questions were prepared by moderators appointed during the previous government.

&ldquo;However, immediately after the errors were identified, we decided to award full marks to all examinees for questions 6 and 7 of Physics Paper 1,&rdquo; he said.

PT/ra]]>
            </summary>
                                    <updated>Tue, 14 Jul 2026 10:54:09 +0000</updated>
        </entry>
            <entry>
            <title><![CDATA[Wildfires in Spain]]></title>
            <link rel="alternate" href="http://www.presstoday.news/news/article/international/408" />
            <id>http://www.presstoday.news/news/article/international/408</id>
            <author>
                <name> <![CDATA[The Press Today Admin]]></name>
            </author>
            <summary type="html">
                <![CDATA[At least 12 people have been killed in a major wildfire in southern Spain as an intense heatwave continues to fuel blazes across southern Europe.

The Andalusian regional government said the fire in Los Gallardos, Almeria province, also left six people injured. Several victims were found inside burned-out vehicles, while local residents said the blaze may have started after a power line fell. Authorities have not yet confirmed the cause.

With temperatures nearing 40 degrees Celsius, wildfires have spread across parts of Spain, France and Portugal. Hundreds of firefighters are battling the flames, while thousands of residents have been evacuated from affected areas.

About 150 firefighters are working to contain the blaze near Bedar. One person was hospitalised with smoke inhalation and another with burn injuries, while four others received treatment at the scene.

The wildfire has forced road closures and the evacuation of around 1,000 residents.

Andalusian regional president Juanma Moreno described the incident as a &quot;tragic tragedy&quot; and expressed condolences to the victims&#39; families in a post on X.

Spain has deployed its Military Emergency Unit to support firefighting efforts after Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez announced the country&#39;s largest-ever summer wildfire response force.

Spain recorded its hottest June since records began in 1950, with temperatures forecast to reach as high as 42 degrees Celsius in some areas.

Climate experts warn that rising temperatures driven by climate change are increasing the frequency and intensity of heatwaves, droughts and destructive wildfires across Europe.

pt/ra]]>
            </summary>
                                    <updated>Fri, 10 Jul 2026 11:56:59 +0000</updated>
        </entry>
            <entry>
            <title><![CDATA[Referee&#039;s decision was correct !]]></title>
            <link rel="alternate" href="http://www.presstoday.news/news/article/sports/407" />
            <id>http://www.presstoday.news/news/article/sports/407</id>
            <author>
                <name> <![CDATA[The Press Today Admin]]></name>
            </author>
            <summary type="html">
                <![CDATA[The referee&#39;s decision in the Argentina-Egypt match was correct, claims the Spanish defender

Amidst the storm of criticism on social media over Egypt&#39;s allegations, Spain&#39;s young defender Pau Kubersi has stood by Argentina. The controversy surrounding Argentina&#39;s match, which defeated Egypt in the last 16 to reach the quarter-finals, is still ongoing.

&quot;I think everything was legal. In the end I saw that the foul was clear because of the stamp and I didn&#39;t see anything that was very controversial,&quot; Kuberci told Marca radio.

The controversy was sparked by Egypt&#39;s disallowed goal, and the Barcelona centre-back has openly expressed his opinion on the matter.

Kuberci is confident in his team&#39;s ability ahead of the quarter-final against Belgium. &quot;Our defense is very good, but the forwards and midfielders also help us defend and make the job easier. Our goal is to win the World Cup and we will move towards that goal,&quot; he said.

He then said that he imagined the moment of winning the title.

Kuberci did not give much importance to the draw with Cape Verde in the group stage. He trusted in the team&#39;s overall improvement. He said, &quot;We know that the first match is always difficult, it is difficult to regain momentum after not playing together for a year, to start a new World Cup. After that we adapted and now we are in a very good position. Now we are not focusing on anything other than Belgium and the quarter-finals.&quot;

Speaking to La Vanguardia, Kuberci also expressed his excitement about facing Messi in a possible final. &quot;If we can play against Messi in the final, it would be great. Because that would mean we would be in the final and closer to the title. And if it were against Messi, who is one of my idols, that would be extraordinary. But I have to be 100% focused because you never know where things will turn out,&quot; he said.]]>
            </summary>
                                    <updated>Fri, 10 Jul 2026 11:52:32 +0000</updated>
        </entry>
            <entry>
            <title><![CDATA[WC: Both Belgium and Spain team expressed their confidence.]]></title>
            <link rel="alternate" href="http://www.presstoday.news/news/article/sports/406" />
            <id>http://www.presstoday.news/news/article/sports/406</id>
            <author>
                <name> <![CDATA[The Press Today Admin]]></name>
            </author>
            <summary type="html">
                <![CDATA[Spain and Belgium will lock horns today in one of the most anticipated quarter-finals of the FIFA World Cup, with both European heavyweights aiming to secure a place in the last four.

The clash has been widely billed as an early final, with both sides entering the match on the back of convincing Round of 16 victories. Spain advanced after defeating Portugal, while Belgium cruised past the United States with a commanding 4-1 win.

Spain have impressed throughout the tournament with their disciplined, possession-based football and quick attacking transitions. Coach Luis de la Fuente believes his side must remain fully focused against an experienced Belgian team.

&quot;Belgium are a very experienced and talented side. A moment of carelessness can be dangerous, but we are confident in our football. Our objective is to control the match and make the most of our chances,&quot; he said at the pre-match press conference.

He added that knockout matches are often decided by fine margins. &quot;Small mistakes make the difference, so we need to keep our players focused.&quot;

Belgium coach Rudi Garcia also expressed confidence despite acknowledging the quality of the opposition.

&quot;Spain are one of the favourites, but we are not afraid of anyone. We will go onto the pitch determined to reach the semi-finals. It&#39;s not enough to play well; we must also have a winning mentality,&quot; Garcia said.

He dismissed suggestions that reaching the quarter-finals was already a success for Belgium. &quot;We want to go much further,&quot; he added.

Spain&#39;s midfield trio of Rodri, Pedri and Fabian Ruiz has been instrumental in controlling games, while youngsters Lamine Yamal and Nico Williams have added pace and creativity in attack. Captain Alvaro Morata is expected to lead the frontline.

Belgium, meanwhile, will once again rely on captain Kevin De Bruyne to dictate play, with goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois providing experience and stability at the back.

Analysts believe the midfield battle will be crucial. Spain will look to dominate possession and dictate the tempo, while Belgium are expected to exploit counter-attacking opportunities whenever they arise.

Spain have been among the tournament&#39;s strongest defensive teams, conceding few clear chances, whereas Belgium have displayed impressive attacking efficiency in the knockout stage.

With a place in the World Cup semi-finals at stake, fans can expect a fiercely contested encounter in which tactical discipline, composure and moments of individual brilliance could prove decisive.

Spain: Unai Sim&oacute;n; Dani Carvajal, Robin Le Normand, Aymeric Laporte, Marc Cucurella; Rodri, Pedri, Fabi&aacute;n Ruiz; Lamine Yamal, Nico Williams, &Aacute;lvaro Morata.

Belgium: Thibaut Courtois; Thomas Meunier, Wout Faes, Jan Vertonghen, Maxime De Cuyper; Amadou Onana, Youri Tielemans, Kevin De Bruyne; J&eacute;r&eacute;my Doku, Lo&iuml;s Openda, Leandro Trossard.]]>
            </summary>
                                    <updated>Fri, 10 Jul 2026 11:45:44 +0000</updated>
        </entry>
            <entry>
            <title><![CDATA[Sajek Valley under evacuation.]]></title>
            <link rel="alternate" href="http://www.presstoday.news/news/article/bangladesh/405" />
            <id>http://www.presstoday.news/news/article/bangladesh/405</id>
            <author>
                <name> <![CDATA[The Press Today Admin]]></name>
            </author>
            <summary type="html">
                <![CDATA[The Bangladesh Army and police on Friday began evacuating the remaining 421 tourists stranded in Sajek Valley under tight security as weather conditions improved.

The convoy left Sajek at around 9:00am and is travelling to Khagrachhari via Baghaihat.

The evacuation follows Thursday&#39;s operation, when 150 stranded tourists were safely escorted out of the hill resort.

Meanwhile, the flood situation in Khagrachhari has improved as river water receded, restoring normalcy in several low-lying areas. However, parts of Merung Union remain inundated, with thousands of families still marooned. Intermittent rainfall continues, raising fears of fresh flooding.

pt/ra]]>
            </summary>
                                    <updated>Fri, 10 Jul 2026 11:39:21 +0000</updated>
        </entry>
            <entry>
            <title><![CDATA[Hatiya under flood !]]></title>
            <link rel="alternate" href="http://www.presstoday.news/news/article/bangladesh/404" />
            <id>http://www.presstoday.news/news/article/bangladesh/404</id>
            <author>
                <name> <![CDATA[The Press Today Admin]]></name>
            </author>
            <summary type="html">
                <![CDATA[Thousands of residents in seven unions of Hatiya upazila in Noakhali have been stranded after days of heavy rainfall and unusually high tides inundated vast low-lying areas. Homes, croplands, fish farms and roads have gone underwater, while many low-income families say they have been unable to cook for three consecutive days as floodwaters entered their kitchens.

The worst-hit areas include Tamaraddi, Sukhchar, Jahajmara and Nolchira unions, where floodwaters have submerged homes, kitchens, courtyards, rural roads and fish enclosures. Farmers are also fearing significant losses as large stretches of agricultural land remain underwater.

Residents said the flooding has affected not only the mainland but also the remote islands and chars, including Nijhum Dwip, Damarchar, Dhalchar, Chargasia, Noler Char, Boyar Char, Char Ataur and Moulvir Char, further worsening the suffering of people living in the coastal belt.

Local resident Sakib Ahmed said the combined impact of heavy rain and tidal flooding has submerged most parts of Hatiya, leaving low-income families in an extremely vulnerable situation. &quot;Water has entered many kitchens, and some families have not been able to cook for the past three days. So far, we have not received any assistance from the authorities,&quot; he said.

Shaharaj, a businessman at Bandar Tila Bazar in Nijhum Dwip, said continuous rainfall has forced people to remain indoors, bringing business activities almost to a halt. &quot;Customers cannot reach the market because their homes are flooded. With almost no sales, we are suffering financially, while daily wage earners are facing immense hardship,&quot; he said.

Nolchira Union Parishad Chairman Md Golam Aziz said prolonged rainfall has inundated low-lying parts of the union, damaging homes, roads and croplands. &quot;If the water does not recede soon, the suffering of local residents will intensify. We are preparing a list of affected families and seeking assistance from the local administration,&quot; he said.

According to the Noakhali Meteorological Office, 104 millimetres of rainfall were recorded in the district over the last 24 hours. Hatiya Upazila Nirbahi Officer (UNO) Russell Iqbal said several low-lying areas had been inundated by rainwater and tidal surges, causing waterlogging in different parts of the upazila.

&quot;Eleven administrative teams are working on the ground to address the situation. Food assistance has already been distributed among 500 to 600 affected people, and our relief operations are continuing,&quot; the UNO said.

pt/ra]]>
            </summary>
                                    <updated>Fri, 10 Jul 2026 11:33:58 +0000</updated>
        </entry>
            <entry>
            <title><![CDATA[Sheikh Hasina coming back !]]></title>
            <link rel="alternate" href="http://www.presstoday.news/news/article/politics/403" />
            <id>http://www.presstoday.news/news/article/politics/403</id>
            <author>
                <name> <![CDATA[The Press Today Admin]]></name>
            </author>
            <summary type="html">
                <![CDATA[Former prime minister Sheikh Hasina, who has been living in exile in India and has been sentenced to death in absentia in a crimes against humanity case, has said she plans to return to Bangladesh by December and surrender before a court.

In an exclusive interview with Reuters, Hasina said she would return alongside senior Awami League leaders currently living abroad. The nearly hour-long telephone interview, conducted on Thursday night, was her first direct interview with an international media outlet since she was ousted from power on August 5, 2024, during the student-led mass uprising and fled the country.

Although Hasina had earlier indicated in a written interview with NDTV that she intended to return this year, this is the first time she has suggested a timeframe.

Awami League remains banned in Bangladesh, while Hasina, 78, has been sentenced to death in absentia by the International Crimes Tribunal (ICT).

&quot;If I return to the country, they can arrest me, even kill me. But I have to go,&quot; she told Reuters.

Explaining her decision, Hasina said, &quot;The leaders and workers of my party are being subjected to extreme oppression. If death comes, I want it to come on the soil of my own country, where my parents lie, where their blood was shed.&quot;

Last November, the ICT sentenced Hasina to death in absentia after finding her guilty of ordering a deadly crackdown on the 2024 student movement.

According to a UN report, around 1,400 people were killed during the unrest. Hasina has consistently denied allegations that she ordered the killings.

India&#39;s decision to shelter Hasina has strained relations between Dhaka and New Delhi, with Bangladesh repeatedly requesting her extradition.

&quot;They want to bring me back. They are repeatedly writing to India to send me back. But I will go myself,&quot; she said.

Reuters reported that Hasina&#39;s return could further reshape Bangladesh&#39;s political landscape as the BNP-led government seeks to stabilise the country after two years of political turmoil. It also noted that her return could influence relations between Bangladesh and India.

There was no immediate response from the Bangladesh government&#39;s spokesperson or India&#39;s Ministry of External Affairs to Hasina&#39;s remarks.

Hasina said cases had been filed against nearly all Awami League leaders and activists, forcing many into hiding.

&quot;I have told everyone, this time I will return home. You will also have to return one day. We will all surrender to the court together,&quot; she said.

However, she did not specify the exact date of her return or identify the court where she intends to surrender.

&quot;I believe in justice. Once the trial process begins, people will see how farcical this court is ? &quot;and I want to prove that,&quot; she said.

Hasina also denied holding any secret discussions with the Bangladesh government or any foreign government regarding her return.

&quot;Democracy, voting rights, the political rights of the Awami League, and justice are not subjects of any secret discussions,&quot; she said.

The former prime minister said she was not concerned about imprisonment, noting that she had previously been jailed after returning from exile in 1981 for protesting military rule and again in 2007 under the military-backed caretaker government on corruption charges.

Reflecting on her departure from Bangladesh in August 2024, Hasina said she fled out of fear for her life as protesters advanced towards her residence.

&quot;When a government remains in power for a long time, mistakes can happen. No government is above mistakes. However, it is for the people to judge what was right or wrong. I leave that judgment to them,&quot; she said.

Despite the ban on Awami League activities, Hasina said she had already announced an online meeting with party leaders from 125 of the country&#39;s 300 parliamentary constituencies as part of efforts to reorganise the party.

Calling for the ban to be lifted, she said, &quot;They may have punished me and I may not be able to participate in the elections. But why should they ban the Awami League? If we have done something wrong, let the people decide.&quot;

Reuters also noted that former home minister Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal, who is also living in India and has been sentenced to death in absentia, could not be reached for comment. The news agency said it was also unable to contact other Awami League leaders.

Courtsy: Daily Bangladesh Observer

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            </summary>
                                    <updated>Fri, 10 Jul 2026 11:28:30 +0000</updated>
        </entry>
            <entry>
            <title><![CDATA[Egypt reached knockout stage after 1-1 draw against Iran]]></title>
            <link rel="alternate" href="http://www.presstoday.news/news/article/sports/402" />
            <id>http://www.presstoday.news/news/article/sports/402</id>
            <author>
                <name> <![CDATA[The Press Today Admin]]></name>
            </author>
            <summary type="html">
                <![CDATA[Egypt booked a place in the World Cup knockout rounds for the first time in their history after earning a 1-1 draw with Iran on Friday. The result secured Egypt a second-place finish in Group G, while Iran must wait to find out if they have done enough to progress.

Belgium claimed the top spot in the group with a commanding 5-1 victory over New Zealand in Vancouver. The group winners had previously been held to a 1-1 draw by Egypt earlier in the tournament.

Iran still have a chance of reaching the knockout rounds for the first time since the tournament expanded to 48 teams, but their qualification now depends on other results.

Egypt made a bright start, taking the lead in the fifth minute through Mahmoud Saber. Mohamed Salah, the former Liverpool forward, played a key role in the move before Saber fired the ball through the legs of Iranian goalkeeper Alireza Beiranvand.

Iran responded quickly, with Ramin Rezaeian equalising nine minutes later to level the match.

The Iranians thought they had snatched a dramatic winner deep into stoppage time when Shoja Khalilzadeh found the net in the 93rd minute. However, the goal was ruled out for offside after a video review, denying Iran all three points.

A victory would have guaranteed Iran a place in the knockout stage.

The match, promoted as a &ldquo;Pride Match&rdquo; in Seattle, ended with Egypt celebrating a historic qualification, while Iran&#39;s hopes of progressing remain uncertain.

PT/ra]]>
            </summary>
                                    <updated>Sat, 27 Jun 2026 08:17:00 +0000</updated>
        </entry>
    </feed>
