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                                <title><![CDATA[The Press Today Feed]]></title>
                                <description>The Press Today Latest News Feeds</description>
                                <language>bn-BD</language>
                                <updated>Tue, 14 Jul 2026 13:27:01 +0000</updated>
                        <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

PT/ra]]>
            </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>
            <entry>
            <title><![CDATA[China reaffirmed its support for the Teesta project]]></title>
            <link rel="alternate" href="http://www.presstoday.news/news/article/international/401" />
            <id>http://www.presstoday.news/news/article/international/401</id>
            <author>
                <name> <![CDATA[The Press Today Admin]]></name>
            </author>
            <summary type="html">
                <![CDATA[China on Friday reaffirmed its support for the Teesta River Comprehensive Management and Restoration Project (TRCMRP), saying cooperation between Beijing and Dhaka should proceed without interference or influence from any third party.

&ldquo;I would like to stress that China-Bangladesh cooperation does not target any third party and should be free from third party influence,&rdquo; Chinese Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Guo Jiakun told reporters in Beijing while responding to a question.

The spokesperson stated China&rsquo;s position after a reporter flagged India&rsquo;s concerns over the Teesta cooperation between Bangladesh and China.

&ldquo;The comprehensive treatment and restoration of the Teesta River is a livelihood project to which the Bangladeshi side attaches high importance. China is ready to do what it can to support this project,&rdquo; said Guo Jiakun.

Seeking deeper cooperation with Bangladesh in integrated water resources management, China has decided to provide support within its capacity to the TRCMRP.

The Chinese side will also support experts from both countries in expediting the feasibility study of the project and related work, according to a joint statement shared by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Friday.

The two sides agreed to deepen cooperation in areas such as integrated water resources management, water resources planning, hydrological forecasting, flood prevention and disaster reduction, river dredging, and related technology sharing.

They also agreed to strengthen cooperation in maritime affairs.

Guo Jiakun said Bangladesh Prime Minister Tarique Rahman paid an official visit to China and attended the 17th Summer Davos.

During his visit, Chinese President Xi Jinping, Premier Li Qiang, and Chairman of the NPC Standing Committee Zhao Leji respectively met with and held talks with him, exchanging in-depth views on bilateral relations as well as international and regional issues of mutual interest.

Broad-based common understandings and a series of practical cooperation outcomes were achieved, forming a new strategic blueprint for the development of China-Bangladesh relations, the Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson said.

The visit, he said, can be defined by three highlights:

First, rendering steadfast mutual support to each other. Leaders of the two countries agreed to build a China-Bangladesh community with a shared future in the new era.

The two sides will firmly support each other in safeguarding their core interests, step up exchanges on governance experience, deepen strategic communication, and enhance political mutual trust.

China supports the new government of Bangladesh in its governance. The Bangladeshi side reiterated its firm commitment to the one-China principle.

Second, deepening mutually beneficial cooperation. The two sides agreed to advance high-quality Belt and Road cooperation, further align their development strategies, steadily promote the implementation of major landmark projects, including ports and water conservancy, enhance cooperation in trade, industrial and supply chains, and finance, expand cooperation in emerging areas such as new energy, the digital economy, AI, and information and communications technology, and strengthen regional connectivity.

The two sides signed multiple cooperation documents.

Third, upholding international fairness and justice. The two sides will enhance communication and coordination within the UN and other multilateral frameworks, promote an equal and orderly multipolar world and a universally beneficial and inclusive economic globalization, and jointly uphold the outcomes of World War II as well as the UN-centered international system.

Through the visit, the spokesperson said, China stands ready to work with Bangladesh to further deepen strategic communication and political mutual trust, better align development strategies, expand result-oriented cooperation, promote closer people-to-people and cultural exchanges, strengthen multilateral coordination, and ensure that the fruits of China-Bangladesh relations bring greater benefits to the two countries and their peoples.

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman returned home from Beijing on Friday, wrapping up his first overseas trip to Malaysia and China.]]>
            </summary>
                                    <updated>Sat, 27 Jun 2026 08:00:29 +0000</updated>
        </entry>
            <entry>
            <title><![CDATA[China persuing Bangladesh-Myanmar-China economic corridor]]></title>
            <link rel="alternate" href="http://www.presstoday.news/news/article/international/400" />
            <id>http://www.presstoday.news/news/article/international/400</id>
            <author>
                <name> <![CDATA[The Press Today Admin]]></name>
            </author>
            <summary type="html">
                <![CDATA[China has proposed the development of an economic corridor connecting Bangladesh, Myanmar and China to enhance regional connectivity, trade and economic cooperation.

The proposal came during talks between Chinese President Xi Jinping and Prime Minister Tarique Rahman at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing on Friday morning, said Prime Minister&rsquo; s Office (PMO) Spokesperson Mahdi Amin.

Speaking to reporters after the meeting, Mahdi Amin said the two leaders held detailed discussions on connectivity.

&ldquo;President Xi Jinping and Prime Minister Tarique Rahman discussed connectivity in detail. A proposal was made on how an economic corridor could be developed linking Bangladesh, Myanmar and China,&rdquo; he said.

The PMO spokesperson said the proposed corridor aims to expand Bangladesh&rsquo;s economy, increase economic transactions and strengthen multimodal transportation across the region.

He also said the initiative could create new opportunities for regional trade, investment and connectivity.

Mahdi Amin, also an adviser to the Prime Minister, said China also expressed interest in further modernising Chattogram Port.

&ldquo;We want to work on modernising the port and transforming it into a regional hub that will serve not only Bangladesh but also other countries,&rdquo; he said.

At the same time, China expressed interest in upgrading Mongla Port and making it more progressive and service-oriented, the adviser said. &ldquo;We discussed these issues during the meeting.&rdquo;

PT/ra]]>
            </summary>
                                    <updated>Sat, 27 Jun 2026 07:56:34 +0000</updated>
        </entry>
            <entry>
            <title><![CDATA[PM in China tour to meet Jinping on Friday]]></title>
            <link rel="alternate" href="http://www.presstoday.news/news/article/international/399" />
            <id>http://www.presstoday.news/news/article/international/399</id>
            <author>
                <name> <![CDATA[The Press Today Admin]]></name>
            </author>
            <summary type="html">
                <![CDATA[After concluding his visit to Malaysia, Prime Minister Tarique Rahman arrived in Dalian city in China, on Monday 9:30pm China local time, 7:30pm Bangladesh Standard Time.

Upon his arrival at Dalian International Airport, he was welcomed by Bei Yang, Vice Governor of China&#39;s Liaoning Province, Yao Wen, China&#39;s Ambassador to Bangladesh and Md. Nazmul Islam, Bangladesh&#39;s Ambassador to China.

From the airport, the Bangladesh PM was taken to his hotel residence through an official motorcade.

Tarique Rahman is expected to have a meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping at Great Hall of People on June 26, 2026.

According to the schedule, on Tuesday, June 23, 2026, Tarique Rahman is expected to hold a meeting with the President and Chief Executive Officer of the World Economic Forum.

The meeting may discuss the global economy, investment, climate change, and development cooperation.

On the same day in the afternoon, the PM will deliver a speech as the keynote speaker at a session titled &ldquo;Climate Leadership in Shifting Global Landscape&rdquo; at the World Economic Forum conference. In addition, he is scheduled to participate in several other important sessions and high-level programs of the conference.

In the evening, PM Tarique Rahman will attend a banquet hosted by his Chinese counterpart Li Qiang. Heads of state and government, policymakers, and representatives of international organizations from various countries will participate in the event.

Meanwhile, on the morning of June 24, 2026, PM Tarique is scheduled to participate in a bilateral meeting with the Prime Minister of Kazakhstan. The meeting may discuss various issues related to trade, investment, and regional cooperation between the two countries.

Later the same day, after participating in several more programs, the PM will leave Dalian for Beijing by train in the afternoon. During the next phase of his China visit, he is scheduled to take part in a number of high-level meetings and diplomatic engagements in Beijing.

PT/ra]]>
            </summary>
                                    <updated>Tue, 23 Jun 2026 08:46:18 +0000</updated>
        </entry>
            <entry>
            <title><![CDATA[Awami League turns 77; party chief in exile]]></title>
            <link rel="alternate" href="http://www.presstoday.news/news/article/politics/398" />
            <id>http://www.presstoday.news/news/article/politics/398</id>
            <author>
                <name> <![CDATA[The Press Today Admin]]></name>
            </author>
            <summary type="html">
                <![CDATA[Today marks the 77th founding anniversary of the Awami League (AL), whose political activities are banned and party chief is in exile.

The party was established on June 23, 1949, as Awami Muslim League at Rose Garden in the capital&#39;s old part.

At the time of its establishment, Sheikh Mujibur Rahman was in jail and he was made joint general secretary of the party then.

At the party&#39;s first council session, Maulana Abdul Hamid Khan Bhashani was elected president and Shamsul Haque was elected general secretary.

PT/ra

 ]]>
            </summary>
                                    <updated>Tue, 23 Jun 2026 08:42:42 +0000</updated>
        </entry>
            <entry>
            <title><![CDATA[Fuel prices raised again]]></title>
            <link rel="alternate" href="http://www.presstoday.news/news/article/national/397" />
            <id>http://www.presstoday.news/news/article/national/397</id>
            <author>
                <name> <![CDATA[The Press Today Admin]]></name>
            </author>
            <summary type="html">
                <![CDATA[The government has revised fuel prices at the consumer level for the month of June, raising the prices of petrol, octane, and kerosene by Taka 5 per liter.

The Ministry of Power, Energy, and Mineral Resources announced the new rates in a press release on Sunday.

According to the ministry, the prices have been readjusted in alignment with the rising costs in the global market. Under the new pricing structure, octane will now be sold at Taka 145 per liter, petrol at Taka 140, and kerosene at Taka 135. The price of diesel has been set at Taka 115 per liter.

These new rates are scheduled to take effect across the country starting Monday, June 1.

The government stated that this periodic readjustment is part of its ongoing policy to synchronize domestic fuel prices with international market fluctuations.

PT/ra]]>
            </summary>
                                    <updated>Mon, 01 Jun 2026 09:30:06 +0000</updated>
        </entry>
            <entry>
            <title><![CDATA[Dipen Dewan has resigned]]></title>
            <link rel="alternate" href="http://www.presstoday.news/news/article/national/396" />
            <id>http://www.presstoday.news/news/article/national/396</id>
            <author>
                <name> <![CDATA[The Press Today Admin]]></name>
            </author>
            <summary type="html">
                <![CDATA[Chittagong Hill Tracts (CHT) Affairs Minister Dipen Dewan has resigned citing health reasons. The information was confirmed by the Prime Ministers Press Wing.

He tendered his resignation on Monday, the first day after the Eid-ul-Azha holidays.

Dewan submitted his resignation letter to Prime Minister Tarique Rahman, mentioning that his health condition is preventing him from carrying out his official duties properly, said Prime Minister&#39;s Additional Press Secretary Atikur Rahman Rumon.

&#39;&#39;Due to my physical illness, various problems are being created in carrying out the regular responsibilities of the ministry,&#39;&#39; Dipen Dewan wrote in the letter.

Dewan said stepping down from his current position has become necessary in the interest of maintaining the momentum of the government&rsquo;s development and administrative activities.

Dipen Dewan had been serving as the Minister for Chittagong Hill Tracts Affairs in the government formed after the BNP&#39;s landslide victory in the February 12 general election.

PT/ra]]>
            </summary>
                                    <updated>Mon, 01 Jun 2026 09:27:22 +0000</updated>
        </entry>
            <entry>
            <title><![CDATA[Sundarbans restricted upto Aug 31]]></title>
            <link rel="alternate" href="http://www.presstoday.news/news/article/entertainment/395" />
            <id>http://www.presstoday.news/news/article/entertainment/395</id>
            <author>
                <name> <![CDATA[The Press Today Admin]]></name>
            </author>
            <summary type="html">
                <![CDATA[The Forest Department has imposed a 3-month ban on the entry of all, including tourists, into the Sundarbans to facilitate breeding and movement of fish and wildlife.

From June 1 to August 31, fishing, crab harvesting, honey collection and tourist visits will be completely prohibited to ensure the safe breeding of fish and aquatic species, conserve biodiversity and protect wildlife.

According to forest officials, the annual restriction helps maintain ecological balance and revitalises the forest&#39;s wildlife and biodiversity. Most fish and aquatic organisms spawn during this time, while the forest&#39;s vegetation also undergoes its natural regeneration process. To safeguard these ecological processes and ensure undisturbed wildlife movement, the annual three-month restriction will once again be enforced this year.

Md Rezaul Karim Chowdhury, the divisional forest officer (DFO) of the Sundarbans East Forest Division, said, &#39;&#39;This restriction is imposed every year to enhance the breeding capacity of aquatic and wildlife species. Therefore, no one will be permitted to enter the Sundarbans during this period.&#39;&#39; And issuance of new permits was suspended on May 24.

The Forest Department further stated that a proposal has been sent to the relevant ministry seeking food assistance and incentive packages for families dependent on the Sundarbans. If approved, affected households will receive support during the closure period.

The Sundarbans, recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is home to a rich diversity of flora and fauna, including the Royal Bengal Tiger, spotted deer, monkeys, crocodiles, monitor lizards, and various bird and fish species.

PT/ra]]>
            </summary>
                                    <updated>Sun, 31 May 2026 08:32:26 +0000</updated>
        </entry>
            <entry>
            <title><![CDATA[Return Hajj flight started]]></title>
            <link rel="alternate" href="http://www.presstoday.news/news/article/international/394" />
            <id>http://www.presstoday.news/news/article/international/394</id>
            <author>
                <name> <![CDATA[The Press Today Admin]]></name>
            </author>
            <summary type="html">
                <![CDATA[A total of 6,175 hajj pilgrims have returned home from Saudi Arabia as of Sunday following the completion of this year&#39;s hajj held on June 26.

&quot;A total of 15 return flights were operated by three designated carriers -- one by Biman Bangladesh Airlines, one by Saudia Airlines and two by Flynas Airlines,&quot; an official said.

Hajj office said so far, 416 hajis returned under government management, while 57,59 under private travel agencies arrangements in 15 flights -three by Biman Bangladesh Airlines, four by Saudia Airlines, and eight by Flynas Airlines.

At least 37 Bangladeshi pilgrims have died in Saudi Arabia during hajj with 24 males and 13 females. Of them, 27 died in Makkah and 10 in Madinah.

No deaths have been reported in Jeddah, Mina, or Muzdalifah.

This year&#39;s hajj operations began with the first outbound flight on April 18 and concluded on May 21.

The return hajj flights will continue till June 30.

PT/ra]]>
            </summary>
                                    <updated>Sun, 31 May 2026 08:29:04 +0000</updated>
        </entry>
            <entry>
            <title><![CDATA[Shaheed President Ziaur Rahman, the Architect of Modern Bangladesh: Fakhrul]]></title>
            <link rel="alternate" href="http://www.presstoday.news/news/article/national/393" />
            <id>http://www.presstoday.news/news/article/national/393</id>
            <author>
                <name> <![CDATA[The Press Today Admin]]></name>
            </author>
            <summary type="html">
                <![CDATA[BNP Secretary General and Local Government, Rural Development and Co-operatives (LGRD) Minister Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir on Saturday said the vision of late President Ziaur Rahman for building a modern, effective and well-governed Bangladesh remains as relevant today as ever.

He made the remarks while speaking to journalists after paying tribute at Ziaur Rahman&rsquo;s grave in Sher-e-Bangla Nagar, marking the 45th martyrdom anniversary of the BNP founder.

Fakhrul called on all political forces and citizens to work together to ensure the country&rsquo;s progress and democratic advancement.

He said people had long been unable to observe the day freely due to what he described as the &ldquo;grip of fascism,&rdquo; but now had greater freedom to commemorate their leader.

&ldquo;The dream that Shaheed President Ziaur Rahman envisioned for a modern, functional and well-governed Bangladesh remains highly relevant today,&rdquo; Fakhrul said.

He claimed that Ziaur Rahman played a significant role in laying the foundation for a modern state structure by moving away from outdated systems of governance.

The BNP secretary general said Zia&rsquo;s development philosophy and statecraft continue to serve as important guidelines for the country&#39;s advancement.

According to him, many of the ongoing reform initiatives in the country are consistent with the principles and vision promoted by Ziaur Rahman.

Fakhrul also said BNP would continue to pursue the ideals and policy direction of its founder in its efforts to establish good governance and effective state management.

Referring to BNP Chairman Tarique Rahman, he said the party leader was working for the welfare of the country and its people by following the ideals and philosophy of Ziaur Rahman.

Leaders and activists of BNP and its associate bodies paid tributes at the grave throughout the day as part of programmes marking the anniversary. The party also observed various commemorative events across the country.

PT/ra]]>
            </summary>
                                    <updated>Sun, 31 May 2026 08:24:50 +0000</updated>
        </entry>
            <entry>
            <title><![CDATA[Govt. initiatives are not enough to prevent rape: Mirza Fakhrul]]></title>
            <link rel="alternate" href="http://www.presstoday.news/news/article/national/392" />
            <id>http://www.presstoday.news/news/article/national/392</id>
            <author>
                <name> <![CDATA[The Press Today Admin]]></name>
            </author>
            <summary type="html">
                <![CDATA[BNP Secretary General and Local Government, Rural Development and Co-operatives Minister Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir on Thursday said only laws or government initiatives are not enough to prevent incidents of rape, child abuse and killings, stressing the need for a strong national social movement.

He made the remarks in a post shared on his personal Facebook profile in the morning.

Fakhrul said families, schools, madrasahs, teachers, religious leaders, media, social organisations and every citizen must come forward to address the issue.

&ldquo;We must teach our children respect, humanity, responsibility and the dignity of women. Ensuring the safety of our children means securing the future of Bangladesh,&rdquo; he said.

The BNP leader said incidents of rape, child abuse and killings are not isolated events, but alarming reflections of long-standing moral degradation, social irresponsibility and the rapid decline of human values over the years.

&ldquo;We are committed to continuing all-out efforts against these inhuman crimes and, to building a safe Bangladesh where our children can grow up without fear,&rdquo; he said.

Fakhrul urged everyone to join together in what he described as a collective struggle for change.

PT/ra

 ]]>
            </summary>
                                    <updated>Fri, 22 May 2026 09:40:05 +0000</updated>
        </entry>
            <entry>
            <title><![CDATA[Thomas Dooley new head coach of the Bangladesh Football Team.]]></title>
            <link rel="alternate" href="http://www.presstoday.news/news/article/sports/391" />
            <id>http://www.presstoday.news/news/article/sports/391</id>
            <author>
                <name> <![CDATA[The Press Today Admin]]></name>
            </author>
            <summary type="html">
                <![CDATA[The Bangladesh Football Federation (BFF) has appointed German-American tactician Thomas Dooley as the new head coach of the Bangladesh Men&rsquo;s National Football Team.

In a press release published on its official Facebook page at 10:01am on Friday, the country&rsquo;s football governing body confirmed the appointment.

With over 43 years of experience in elite global football, Thomas Dooley represented the USA national team, including at the 1994 FIFA World Cup, and captained the side at the 1998 FIFA World Cup.

He later served as assistant coach of the US national team under J&uuml;rgen Klinsmann from 2011 to 2014.

Coach Dooley is a specialist in building teams from the ground up and understands the unique challenges and strong passion of Asian football.

He previously led the Philippines to a historic unbeaten run in AFC Asian Cup qualification and their highest-ever FIFA ranking.

More recently, he served as head coach of Guyana, winning all four matches under his charge.

PT/ra]]>
            </summary>
                                    <updated>Fri, 22 May 2026 08:23:21 +0000</updated>
        </entry>
            <entry>
            <title><![CDATA[Special metro rail schedule during Eid-ul-Azha holidays]]></title>
            <link rel="alternate" href="http://www.presstoday.news/news/article/national/390" />
            <id>http://www.presstoday.news/news/article/national/390</id>
            <author>
                <name> <![CDATA[The Press Today Admin]]></name>
            </author>
            <summary type="html">
                <![CDATA[Dhaka Mass Transit Company Limited (DMTCL) has announced a special metro rail schedule for the Eid-ul-Azha holidays, stating that services will remain suspended only on Eid day.

The revised timetable was disclosed in a notice signed by DMTCL Deputy Project Director (Public Relations) Md Ahsan Ullah Sharifi on Thursday.

According to the announcement, during the Eid holiday period, the first train from Uttara North Station will depart at 6:30 AM, while the first train from Motijheel Station will leave at 7:15 AM.

The last train from Uttara North will depart at 9:30 PM and the final service from Motijheel will leave at 10:10 PM.

DMTCL said train headways during the holidays will range from a minimum of 12 minutes to a maximum of 15 minutes.

Around 140 trips will be operated daily using seven train sets, although the number of trips may be adjusted depending on passenger demand.

Passengers will be able to purchase single journey tickets from 6:40 AM to 9:20 PM. MRT and Rapid Pass top-up services will also remain available throughout the holiday schedule.

On Fridays, single journey ticket sales will begin at 2:45 PM from Uttara North Station and at 3:05 PM from Motijheel Station.

The notice also stated that ticket counters and ticket vending machines at all metro rail stations will close after 9:20 PM each day.

PT/ra]]>
            </summary>
                                    <updated>Fri, 22 May 2026 08:19:39 +0000</updated>
        </entry>
            <entry>
            <title><![CDATA[Army returning to barracks: Army Chief]]></title>
            <link rel="alternate" href="http://www.presstoday.news/news/article/national/389" />
            <id>http://www.presstoday.news/news/article/national/389</id>
            <author>
                <name> <![CDATA[The Press Today Admin]]></name>
            </author>
            <summary type="html">
                <![CDATA[Chief of Army Staff General Waker-Uz-Zaman said army is gradually returning to their barracks as the overall situation has now stabilised.

Speaking as the chief guest at the closing and prize-giving ceremony of Bangladesh Army Firing Competition-2026 at Cumilla Cantonment, the army chief said the military had carried out its duties in the field in response to the country&rsquo;s needs during a difficult time. He said the nation would remember the role played by the armed forces with gratitude during that challenging period.

Congratulating the champion and runner-up teams of the competition, Waker-Uz-Zaman praised the professionalism and shooting skills displayed by army personnel despite serving continuously in field duties for the past 18 months.

The firing competition began on May 16 under the overall supervision of the Headquarters of the 33 Infantry Division.

A total of 17 teams from various army formations, logistics areas, five independent brigades and the Para Commando Brigade took part in the event.

Senior military officials, including the Master General of the Ordnance (MGO), the Commandant of Bangladesh Ordnance Factory, the General Officer Commanding (GOC) of the 33 Infantry Division and Area Commander of Cumilla Area, the GOC of the 17 Infantry Division and Area Commander of Sylhet Area, along with senior officers from Army Headquarters, members of different ranks and representatives from various media outlets, were present at the event.

PT/ra]]>
            </summary>
                                    <updated>Fri, 22 May 2026 08:14:09 +0000</updated>
        </entry>
            <entry>
            <title><![CDATA[Ramisa murder case under swift trial: Home Minister]]></title>
            <link rel="alternate" href="http://www.presstoday.news/news/article/national/388" />
            <id>http://www.presstoday.news/news/article/national/388</id>
            <author>
                <name> <![CDATA[The Press Today Admin]]></name>
            </author>
            <summary type="html">
                <![CDATA[Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed assured the public that the rape and murder case of eight-year-old schoolgirl Ramisa would be tried swiftly to ensure justice.

Speaking at a press briefing at Home Ministry conference room, the minister said the government is committed to completing the trial process quickly through the prompt submission of the charge sheet.

&ldquo;We can assure everyone that the exemplary trial in the Ramisa murder case will be completed swiftly through the quick submission of the charge sheet. However, we cannot comment on the punishment,&rdquo; he said.

Ahmed stated that law enforcement agencies have been taking strong action against all heinous crimes since the BNP government assumed office, ensuring rapid arrests and investigations.

&ldquo;You cannot point to any heinous crime since we took office where the matter was ignored or arrests were not made promptly,&rdquo; he added.

Referring to the Ramisa case, the home minister said the prime accused, Sohel, along with his wife, was arrested within 24 hours of the incident. He also mentioned that the accused had already given a confessional statement before the court.

PT/ra]]>
            </summary>
                                    <updated>Fri, 22 May 2026 08:06:23 +0000</updated>
        </entry>
            <entry>
            <title><![CDATA[Xi-Trump summit]]></title>
            <link rel="alternate" href="http://www.presstoday.news/news/article/international/387" />
            <id>http://www.presstoday.news/news/article/international/387</id>
            <author>
                <name> <![CDATA[The Press Today Admin]]></name>
            </author>
            <summary type="html">
                <![CDATA[US President Donald Trump praised Chinese President Xi Jinping as a &ldquo;great leader&rdquo; and said the United States and China would have &ldquo;a fantastic future together&rdquo; as the two leaders opened a high-stakes summit in Beijing on Thursday.

The two presidents are holding a two-day summit focused on issues including the Iran war, trade, technology and Taiwan, although few major breakthroughs are expected.

In his opening remarks before bilateral talks, Trump said it was an &ldquo;honour&rdquo; to meet Xi and described him as his &ldquo;friend,&rdquo; reports Reuters.

&ldquo;We&#39;ve gotten along. When there were difficulties, we worked it out. I would call you and you would call me. People don&#39;t know, whenever we had a problem we worked it out very quickly,&rdquo; he said.

&ldquo;You&#39;re a great leader, sometimes people don&#39;t like me saying it, but I say it anyway, because it&#39;s true...It&#39;s an honour to be with you; it&#39;s an honour to be your friend... We&#39;re going to have a fantastic future together.&rdquo;

Trump said he had brought the &ldquo;best [business leaders] in the world&rdquo; with him to China.

&ldquo;Only the top people here today to pay respects to you,&rdquo; he said.

The US delegation includes leading executives such as Jensen Huang and Elon Musk.

Trump said some people had described the meeting as &ldquo;the biggest summit ever&rdquo; and added that he was looking forward &ldquo;very much&rdquo; to the discussions.

The US president made only a brief reference to past tensions in relations, including trade disputes, US support for Taiwan and concerns over the flow of precursor chemicals used to make fentanyl. He did not mention differences over the Iran war.

In his remarks, Xi called for &ldquo;cooperation&rdquo; rather than &ldquo;confrontation&rdquo; between the world&rsquo;s two largest economies.

&ldquo;The whole world is watching our meeting. Currently, a transformation not seen in a century is accelerating across the globe, and the international situation is fluid and turbulent. The world has come to a new crossroads,&rdquo; Xi said.

Raising broader questions about the future of bilateral ties, Xi said: &ldquo;Can China and the United States overcome the Thucydides trap and create a new paradigm of major country relations? Can we meet global challenges together and provide more stability for the world? Can we, in the interests of the well-being of our two peoples and the future of humanity, build a brighter future together for our bilateral relations?&rdquo;

&ldquo;These are the questions vital to history, to the world, and to the people. They are the questions of our times that you and I need to answer as leaders of major countries,&rdquo; he added.

Xi is also expected to raise Washington&rsquo;s decision to approve an $11 billion arms package for Taiwan, which Beijing considers part of its territory.

Stability in US-China relations is seen as the main objective of the summit. Trump is scheduled to leave Beijing on Friday after a final private meeting with Xi.
PT/ra]]>
            </summary>
                                    <updated>Thu, 14 May 2026 10:24:52 +0000</updated>
        </entry>
            <entry>
            <title><![CDATA[Dipu Moni, Babu, Rupa shown arrested]]></title>
            <link rel="alternate" href="http://www.presstoday.news/news/article/crime/386" />
            <id>http://www.presstoday.news/news/article/crime/386</id>
            <author>
                <name> <![CDATA[The Press Today Admin]]></name>
            </author>
            <summary type="html">
                <![CDATA[The International Crimes Tribunal (ICT) on Thursday ordered that former minister Dr Dipu Moni and Mozammel Babu and Farzana Rupa to be shown arrested in Shapla Chattar killing case.

The ICT-1, chaired by Justice Md Golam Mortuza Mozumder, issued the order, sending the accused to jail in connection with the case.Earlier on May 7, the tribunal ordered the authorities to produce them before it today, following petitions filed by the prosecution.

On the day, Prosecutor Gazi MH Tamim told the tribunal that during the May 5, 2013 crackdown at Shapla Chattar, Dipu Moni was serving as foreign minister and allegedly promoted internationally that law enforcers had &ldquo;eliminated a group of unruly people.&rdquo;

He further alleged that from the beginning, Mozammel Babu and Farzana Rupa portrayed Hefazat&rsquo;s grand rally as provocative in broadcast and later played a role in diverting the Shapla Chattar killings to a different direction and concealing information regarding the deaths.

After the hearing, the tribunal ordered that the accused be produced before it on May 14 and fixed June 7 for submission of the investigation report in the case, which is under investigation.

Earlier, six people, including former Inspector General of Police Shahidul Hoque, former Director General of the National Telecommunication Monitoring Centre (NTMC), dismissed Major General Ziaul Ahsan, and Shahriar Kabir, have been arrested in connection with the case.

ICT Chief Prosecutor Aminul Islam earlier alleged that Mozammel Babu and Farzana Rupa had attempted to deliberately divert the Shapla Chattar killings to a different direction and played a role in hiding information related to the deaths.

On May 5, he said 58 people killed during the crackdown on the Hefazat rally have been identified.

Besides, involvement of the then Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and other senior government officials have been found, he said, adding that around 90 per cent of the investigation into the incident has been completed and a formal report will be submitted to the tribunal by June 7.

On May 5, 2013, Hefazat launched &#39;Dhaka Blockade&#39; programme protesting alleged insult to the Holy Quran and Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) and to press for its 13-point agenda.

On that day, thousands of religious scholars, madrasah students and supporters gathered in Dhaka and later occupied the Shapla Chattar area in Motijheel.

A late-night joint forces operation was carried out when the gathering was dispersed amid gunfire, tear gas and sound grenades. Numerous casualties were reported although exact figures have long been disputed.

Different organisations have provided varying estimates of the death toll.

Hefazat published a preliminary list of 93 victims in 2025, while human rights group Odhikar reported 61 names in 2021.

A 2014 publication titled &#39;Shahidnama&#39; documented 41 deaths.

Despite 13 years passing since the incident, the trial has not yet been completed.

However, the issue resurfaced following political changes on August 5, 2024.

After the July uprising and formation of the interim government, Hefazat leader Azizul Haque Islamabadi filed a complaint with the ICT naming Sheikh Hasina and several others as accused.

The complaint also includes names of former ministers, senior security officials and police chiefs.

PT/ra]]>
            </summary>
                                    <updated>Thu, 14 May 2026 08:13:52 +0000</updated>
        </entry>
            <entry>
            <title><![CDATA[ECNEC passed Padma Barrage project]]></title>
            <link rel="alternate" href="http://www.presstoday.news/news/article/national/385" />
            <id>http://www.presstoday.news/news/article/national/385</id>
            <author>
                <name> <![CDATA[The Press Today Admin]]></name>
            </author>
            <summary type="html">
                <![CDATA[The government has given formal approval to the long debated Padma Barrage Project, endorsing an initial investment of Tk 34347 crore to move forward with the scheme.

The decision was taken on Wednesday at a meeting of the Executive Committee of the National Economic Council held at the Secretariat and chaired by Prime Minister Tarique Rahman.

In addition to the barrage, eight other development projects were cleared at the session. Planned for Pangsha in Rajbari district, the barrage is designed to tackle dry season water shortages in the Padma River, restore river flow in the south western region and improve overall water and environmental management. Project documents indicate the structure will be capable of storing around 2900 million cubic metres of water.

Authorities say the project will help regulate water flow between January and May in several key river systems, including the Ichhamati Mathabhanga, Gorai Madhumati, Chandana Barasia, Boral and Ichhamati rivers. It is also expected to secure water supply for the Godagari Pump House, the Ganges Kobadak irrigation scheme and the Rooppur Nuclear Power Plant.

Once operational, the barrage is projected to support irrigation across approximately 2.88 million hectares of cultivable land in districts such as Kushtia, Faridpur, Jashore, Khulna, Barishal, Pabna and Rajshahi.

The plan includes generation of 113 megawatts of hydropower and the use of the barrage deck as a multi purpose corridor carrying roads, power transmission lines and gas pipelines.

According to the proposal, the improved water management system could raise annual rice production by 2.39 million tonnes and fish output by 234000 tonnes.

The overall project cost was initially estimated at Tk 50443.64 crore. However, the Project Evaluation Committee advised implementing the scheme in phases and proposed Tk 34497 crore for the first stage.

After further review, ECNEC approved Tk 34347 crore for the first phase, to be financed entirely from government funds. Officials have set a tentative completion target of June 2033.

Environmental group Bangladesh Poribesh Andolon has expressed concern about advancing the project without what it described as transparent studies and public consultations on its potential impacts and benefits.

PT/ra]]>
            </summary>
                                    <updated>Thu, 14 May 2026 08:06:16 +0000</updated>
        </entry>
            <entry>
            <title><![CDATA[&#039;Sobar Agee Bangladesh (Bangladesh First)&#039;: PM]]></title>
            <link rel="alternate" href="http://www.presstoday.news/news/article/politics/384" />
            <id>http://www.presstoday.news/news/article/politics/384</id>
            <author>
                <name> <![CDATA[The Press Today Admin]]></name>
            </author>
            <summary type="html">
                <![CDATA[BNP Chairman and Prime Minister Tarique Rahman on Saturday sought the cooperation of his party&#39;s grassroots leaders to implement the party&#39;s election manifesto.

&quot;The government cannot succeed without the support and coordination of the party. So, we have to enter into a &#39;new struggle&#39; to implement all the promises (we) made to the people before the election,&quot; he said.

The BNP chairman added: &quot;One of our battles has ended. Now another battle has begun. That is to implement the commitments we made to the people&quot;.

He said this in his opening speech as the chief guest at a views-exchange meeting with grassroots leaders of BNP, Jubo Dal, Swechchhasebak Dal and Chhatra Dal at the Krishibid Institution Bangladesh (KIB) auditorium in the city&#39;s Farmgate area this morning.

The closed-door meeting began around 10:45 am with the slogan &#39;Sobar Agee Bangladesh (Bangladesh First)&#39;.]]>
            </summary>
                                    <updated>Sat, 09 May 2026 09:58:30 +0000</updated>
        </entry>
            <entry>
            <title><![CDATA[Ilias, Rinvy to lead DU Journalism Alumni Association]]></title>
            <link rel="alternate" href="http://www.presstoday.news/news/article/national/383" />
            <id>http://www.presstoday.news/news/article/national/383</id>
            <author>
                <name> <![CDATA[The Press Today Admin]]></name>
            </author>
            <summary type="html">
                <![CDATA[A new executive committee of Dhaka University Mass Communication and Journalism Alumni Association (DUMCJAA) for the 2026-2028 term has been formed with Elias Khan elected as president, Shahnaz Sharmeen Rinvy as general secretary and MD Masbud Bin Abdur Razzak as organising secretary.

The biennial election and annual general meeting of the association were held on Friday at the Teacher-Student Centre (TSC) of the University of Dhaka.

Chief Election Commissioner Mahfuzur Rahman announced the results shortly after midnight following vote counting.

Election commissioners Zahid Newaz Khan, Daulat Akter Mala, Abu Saleh Akon and Angur Nahar Monti were also present during the announcement.

​According to the results, Elias Khan secured 275 votes to defeat his nearest rival, Dr. M Kamal Uddin Jasim, who received 126 votes in the presidential race.

PT/ra]]>
            </summary>
                                    <updated>Sat, 09 May 2026 09:55:04 +0000</updated>
        </entry>
            <entry>
            <title><![CDATA[Suvendu, new CM of West Bengal]]></title>
            <link rel="alternate" href="http://www.presstoday.news/news/article/international/382" />
            <id>http://www.presstoday.news/news/article/international/382</id>
            <author>
                <name> <![CDATA[The Press Today Admin]]></name>
            </author>
            <summary type="html">
                <![CDATA[Suvendu Adhikari the BJP leader took oath as West Bengal Chief Minister after his party won the assembly election in this eastern state for the first time in its tumultuous electoral history, from the hands of the communists to Mamata Banerjee&#39;s activism-esque style that lasted 15 years.

Adhikari once served as an aide to a proud and unstoppable Banerjee, then chief minister, when she steered the Trinamool Congress ship. Fast forward to this very moment, Adhikari has settled himself on the cushy seat once occupied by the same person who he played aide to.

It&#39;s quite likely that in the current context no other leader in Bengal has a more dramatic, almost stardom-like ascension than Adhikari&#39;s story. Consider these, all in the former sense: aide to a defeated chief minister, senior guide to the Trinamool Congress, hero to voters in Nandigram and Bhabanipur. Like the Roman general who returned for justice, reports NDTV.

Today is more than just Adikari&#39;s day. Today is also more than just a dream-comes-true day for the BJP. The attendance of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah at the new chief minister&#39;s oath-taking tells how significant is this turn in Bengal&#39;s political destiny, irrespective of ideologies, winners and losers.

Adhikari&#39;s initial team has some big names: Dilip Ghosh, Agnimitra Paul, Ashok Kirtania, Kshudiram Tudu, and Nishith Pramanik, all of whom took oath today, which is also the birth anniversary of Rabindranath Tagore, Asia&#39;s first Nobel laureate.

Governor RN Ravi - the former Intelligence Bureau officer with a vast experience in fighting insurgencies - administered the oath of office and secrecy to Adhikari and the others at the Brigade Parade Grounds in Kolkata, days after the BJP won 207 seats in the 294-member assembly, ending the Trinamool Congress&#39;s 15-year run in the state.

The BJP appears to have worked hard to ensure representation in Adhikari&#39;s initial new team. Dilip Ghosh belongs to Other Backward Classes (OBC), Agnimitra Paul is Kayast, Ashok Kirtania is Mathua, Kshudiram Tudu belongs to a tribe, and Nishit Pramanik is Rajbonshi.

The BJP appears to have worked hard to ensure representation in Adhikari&#39;s initial new team. Dilip Ghosh belongs to Other Backward Classes (OBC), Agnimitra Paul is Kayast, Ashok Kirtania is Mathua, Kshudiram Tudu belongs to a tribe, and Nishit Pramanik is Rajbonshi.

Individually, these five leaders have been visible in the Bengal BJP for quite some time with their contributions to the party&#39;s overall health and the final push that propelled it to power.

Dilip Ghosh played a big role in expanding the BJP&#39;s ground network after 2014. Agnimitra Paul after joining the BJP in 2019 became one of BJP&#39;s most prominent women personalities in Bengal politics. Ashok Kirtania is known as a representative of the Matua voter base, which is extremely important to the BJP in Bengal&#39;s south. Kshudiram Tudu represents the tribal-dominated constituency Ranibandh, and has been powering the BJP&#39;s outreach in western Bengal&#39;s tribal areas. Nisith Pramanik is known for his strong appeal to young voters and organisational influence.

PT/ra]]>
            </summary>
                                    <updated>Sat, 09 May 2026 09:46:54 +0000</updated>
        </entry>
            <entry>
            <title><![CDATA[Wakimul&#039;s challenged‘A2I smart car’ invention!]]></title>
            <link rel="alternate" href="http://www.presstoday.news/news/article/national/381" />
            <id>http://www.presstoday.news/news/article/national/381</id>
            <author>
                <name> <![CDATA[The Press Today Admin]]></name>
            </author>
            <summary type="html">
                <![CDATA[Prime Minister Tarique Rahman has rode in a &lsquo;smart car&rsquo; invented by physically challenged college student Wakimul Islam, encouraging the youth in his creative endeavors.

Wakimul met the premier at the Prime Minister&rsquo;s Office (PMO) in the city&rsquo;s Tejgaon area on Saturday morning, Prime Minister&rsquo;s Additional Press Secretary Atikur Rahman Ruman said.

At that time, the Prime Minister inspected the small vehicle made by Wakimul, he said, adding, later, Wakimul demonstrated the &lsquo;smart car&rsquo; by driving it with the Prime Minister on board. The special battery-powered vehicle has been named &lsquo;A2I Smart Car&rsquo;.

Ruman said Prime Minister Tarique Rahman praised the 17-year-old youth for building the vehicle using local technology.

The premier underscored the need for developing a modern and user-friendly smart car at lower cost, he said, adding, the Prime Minister also assured of giving government support for such creative initiatives.

During the meeting, Wakimul Islam shared the story behind building the smart car with the Prime Minister.

The specially-abled youth said that there was a time when he used to stay at home all day and could not go outside. He started building the car with the idea of how to travel alone outside.

Wakimul is currently studying in Class XI under science group at Chowgacha Government College in Jashore. His father is a small businessman.

Wakimul said that with support, it would be possible to build more advanced smart cars using modern technology. He added that the vehicles could be used not only by specially-abled persons but also by elderly people.

Bangladesh Protibandhi Kallyan Somity (BPKS) Founder and Executive Director Abdus Sattar Dulal accompanied Wakimul Islam.

Dulal said the vehicle can run up to 50 kilometers on a full electric charge. Its maximum speed is 45 kilometers per hour.

Prime Minister&#39;s Defence Adviser Brigadier General (Retd) AKM Shamsul Islam and Principal Secretary ABM Abdus Sattar were present on the occasion, among others.

PT/ra]]>
            </summary>
                                    <updated>Sat, 09 May 2026 09:39:15 +0000</updated>
        </entry>
            <entry>
            <title><![CDATA[Who is next after Mamata ?]]></title>
            <link rel="alternate" href="http://www.presstoday.news/news/article/politics/380" />
            <id>http://www.presstoday.news/news/article/politics/380</id>
            <author>
                <name> <![CDATA[The Press Today Admin]]></name>
            </author>
            <summary type="html">
                <![CDATA[The BJP is set to govern Bengal for the first time since Independence. The TMC&rsquo;s vote share collapsed from 48% in 2021 to 40.8% &quot; a loss of more than 7 percentage points. Banerjee lost her own constituency, Bhabanipur, by 15,105votes. The decisive shift came in the second phase, covering 142 seats: BJP, which won just 18 of those in 2021, won 66 on Monday, reports NDTV.

Turnout rose sharply, with 63.4 million votes cast at 93%, against 59.9 million and 82.3% five years ago. To many observers, the BJP&rsquo;s Bengal win is the biggest political moment for the party since the 2014 Lok Sabha victory that installed Narendra Modi at the Centre.

&ldquo;It is basically a lack of rule of law that the people of Bengal voted against,&rdquo; said Abhirup Sarkar, former economist with the Indian Statistical Institute. &ldquo;Everyone suffered, especially industries and business, due to extortion and crime. This is the first time both Hindus and Muslims wanted to vote against the TMC.&rdquo;

The middle class and upper middle class, he added, shunned TMC specifically for governance failure &quot; a pattern most visible in Kolkata, where BJP swept seats Banerjee&rsquo;s government had long held. &ldquo;In districts where big leaders are based in Kolkata, TMC has not done well.&rdquo;

Before the first vote was cast, the election had been shaped by a special intensive revision (SIR) of the electoral roll notified in October 2025.

PT/ra]]>
            </summary>
                                    <updated>Tue, 05 May 2026 11:36:28 +0000</updated>
        </entry>
            <entry>
            <title><![CDATA[Measles vaccines issue will be investigated: Dr. Zahed]]></title>
            <link rel="alternate" href="http://www.presstoday.news/news/article/national/379" />
            <id>http://www.presstoday.news/news/article/national/379</id>
            <author>
                <name> <![CDATA[The Press Today Admin]]></name>
            </author>
            <summary type="html">
                <![CDATA[Prime Minister&#39;s Information and Broadcasting Adviser Dr Zahed Ur Rahman has said the issue of why some children were not given measles vaccines will be investigated.
The interim government never wants any incident like child deaths to occur, the adviser said while speaking at a press briefing organised at the Directorate of Information at the Secretariat on Tuesday.

&#39;&#39;It is essential to find out why vaccines were not administered in some cases.&#39;&#39;

He said that significant progress has been made in the government&#39;s ongoing vaccination campaign. So far, approximately 1.61 crore children aged six months to under five years have received measles vaccines, which is 89 per cent of the total target.

Mr. Shah Alam, Additional Secretary and Syed Abdal Ahmed, PIO including other senior officers of the Ministry were present during the press brefing.

PT/ra]]>
            </summary>
                                    <updated>Tue, 05 May 2026 11:25:11 +0000</updated>
        </entry>
            <entry>
            <title><![CDATA[No reason for concern on US-Bangla trade agreement.]]></title>
            <link rel="alternate" href="http://www.presstoday.news/news/article/international/378" />
            <id>http://www.presstoday.news/news/article/international/378</id>
            <author>
                <name> <![CDATA[The Press Today Admin]]></name>
            </author>
            <summary type="html">
                <![CDATA[Commerce Minister Khandakar Abdul Muktadir has said there is no reason for undue concern regarding Bangladesh-United States trade agreement.

&quot;An agreement between states is not like a personal contract that can be cancelled at will. This agreement is inherited. It is a reality and we aim to utilize it to its fullest potential to expand trade and investment,&quot; he said on Tuesday while responding to questions from journalists following a meeting with Brendan Lynch, Assistant US Trade Representative for South and Central Asia, held at the conference room of the Ministry.

On the issue of cancelling the agreement, the minister said, &quot;As representatives elected by the people, this government always prioritizes national interest. If any provision of the agreement contradicts Bangladesh&#39;s interest, there is scope within the agreement itself to amend it.&quot;

He described this as a &quot;self-correcting element.&quot;

Muktadir further noted that the agreement contains provisions for necessary adjustments and revisions, and therefore there is no reason for excessive concern or alarm.

Referring to a recent investigation initiated by the United States, he said Bangladesh had sought clarification and based on the response received, conveyed its position and observations.

&quot;We have clearly stated that it would have been more positive if such an investigation had not been initiated under the existing agreement framework.&#39;&#39;

PT/ra]]>
            </summary>
                                    <updated>Tue, 05 May 2026 11:15:51 +0000</updated>
        </entry>
            <entry>
            <title><![CDATA[DC Conference 2026]]></title>
            <link rel="alternate" href="http://www.presstoday.news/news/article/national/377" />
            <id>http://www.presstoday.news/news/article/national/377</id>
            <author>
                <name> <![CDATA[The Press Today Admin]]></name>
            </author>
            <summary type="html">
                <![CDATA[Parliament Speaker Hafiz Uddin Ahmad Bir Bikram called on civil servants to embrace a people-centered approach, warning that democracy cannot function effectively if officials see themselves as rulers rather than public servants.

Addressing the Deputy Commissioners Conference 2026 at the Jatiya Sangsad, the Speaker underscored the pivotal role of field administrators in strengthening democratic governance.

Deputy commissioners, he noted, serve as returning officers in national elections and therefore carry significant responsibility in ensuring credible and transparent polls.

Reflecting on the country&rsquo;s recent political history, Ahmad criticized what he described as widespread corruption and irregularities in the electoral system during the previous 16 years under the Awami League administration.

He said the restoration of public trust now depends in part on the integrity and professionalism of district-level officials overseeing future elections, including parliamentary contests.

&ldquo;For democracy to be meaningful, the state machinery must function with accountability and a service-oriented mindset,&rdquo; the Speaker said.

He urged bureaucrats to align their work with the democratic aspirations of the population, highlighting that Bangladesh&rsquo;s political rights were secured through decades of struggle and sacrifice from 1971 through 2024.

The event, organized by the Cabinet Division and held in the oath room of Parliament, began with a welcome address by Jatiya Sangsad Secretariat Secretary Barrister Md Golam Sarwar Bhuiyan.

Representatives of the deputy commissioners, including Nazma Ashrafi of Rangamati and Md Toufiqur Rahman of Bogura, as well as Rajshahi Divisional Commissioner A N M Bazlur Rashid, shared their views during the session.

Deputy Speaker Barrister Kayser Kamal described Parliament as the cornerstone of democratic life, saying open debate strengthens governance rather than weakens it.

Chief Whip Nurul Islam emphasized that deputy commissioners serve as a vital link between central authorities and local communities, ensuring that national policies are implemented effectively at the grassroots level.

Cabinet Secretary Nasimul Ghani delivered the closing remarks. The programme concluded with an interactive session between the Speaker and administrative officials from across the country, followed by a photo opportunity. Senior officials from the Cabinet Division and the Jatiya Sangsad Secretariat were also in attendance.

PT/ra]]>
            </summary>
                                    <updated>Tue, 05 May 2026 11:04:36 +0000</updated>
        </entry>
            <entry>
            <title><![CDATA[23,865 political cases withdrawn]]></title>
            <link rel="alternate" href="http://www.presstoday.news/news/article/crime/376" />
            <id>http://www.presstoday.news/news/article/crime/376</id>
            <author>
                <name> <![CDATA[The Press Today Admin]]></name>
            </author>
            <summary type="html">
                <![CDATA[A total of 23,865 politically motivated harassment cases have so far been withdrawn, said Law, Justice and Parliamentary Affairs Minister Md Asaduzzaman at the Jatiya Sangsad on Thursday. &#39;&#39;The process to withdraw the remaining cases is currently underway.&#39;&#39;
Responding to a scripted question from opposition lawmaker Muhammad Ali Asgar (Pabna-3), the Law Minister said the government does not have precise statistics on the number of harassment cases filed against leaders and activists of BNP and Jamaat-e-Islami across the country.

Citing information received from BNP&rsquo;s central office, he said that from 2007 to January 11, 2025, a total of 142,983 false and harassment cases were filed against BNP leaders and activists.

&#39;&#39;No official data is available regarding such cases filed against Jamaat-e-Islami leaders and activists during the same period.&#39;&#39;

The minister further said that after assuming office, the current government formed a four-member district-level committee on March 5, 2026, headed by the District Magistrate, to review and recommending for withdrawal of politically motivated cases.

The committee reviews applications for withdrawal along with FIRs, certified copies of charge sheets (where applicable), and opinions from Public Prosecutors (PPs).

&#39;&#39;If a case is found to have been filed for political harassment, is not necessary in the public interest, and its continuation may harm the state, it recommends the case for withdrawal,&#39;&#39; Asaduzzaman added.

PT/ra]]>
            </summary>
                                    <updated>Thu, 30 Apr 2026 09:31:47 +0000</updated>
        </entry>
            <entry>
            <title><![CDATA[US-Iran War: US expenses $25bn]]></title>
            <link rel="alternate" href="http://www.presstoday.news/news/article/international/375" />
            <id>http://www.presstoday.news/news/article/international/375</id>
            <author>
                <name> <![CDATA[The Press Today Admin]]></name>
            </author>
            <summary type="html">
                <![CDATA[The US-Iran war has cost $25 billion on US part as diclosed by a Pentagon official on Wednesday. With just six months before midterm elections in which President Donald Trump&#39;s Republicans may face an uphill battle to keep their House majority, Democrats are riding high in public opinion polls as they attempt to link the unpopular Iran war with affordability.

Jules Hurst, who is performing the duties of the comptroller, told lawmakers on the House Armed Services Committee that most of that money was for munitions.

Hurst did not detail what that cost estimate included and whether it took into account the projected costs of rebuilding and repairing base infrastructure in the Middle East damaged in the conflict.

Rep Adam Smith, the top Democrat on the House Armed Services Committee, responded to Hurst: &quot;I&#39;m glad you answered that question. Because we&#39;ve been asking for a hell of a long time, and no one&#39;s given us the number.&quot;

The $25 billion cost is equal to the entire budget of NASA for this year.

But it is unclear how the Pentagon arrived at the $25 billion amount given that a source had told Reuters last month that President Donald Trump&#39;s administration estimated that the first six days of the war had cost the United States at least $11.3 billion.

Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth told lawmakers that the cost was justified given the US goal of ensuring Iran will not have a nuclear weapon. &quot;What would you pay to ensure Iran does not get a nuclear bomb? What would you pay?&quot; Hegseth asked.

Hegseth sought to defend the Iran war more broadly in fiery remarks, saying it was not a quagmire and attacking Democratic lawmakers as &quot;feckless&quot; for criticising the unpopular conflict. &quot;You call it a quagmire, handing propaganda to our enemies? Shame on you for that statement,&quot; Hegseth said in response to Garamendi, and slammed &quot;reckless, feckless, and defeatist&quot; Congressional Democrats.

The United States started carrying out strikes against Iran on Feb 28 and the two sides are currently maintaining a fragile ceasefire. The Pentagon has poured tens of thousands of additional forces into the Middle East, including keeping three aircraft carriers in the region. Thirteen US troops have been killed in the conflict and hundreds wounded.

Few issues resonate with US voters more deeply than price increases, and the latest inflationary upswing is unsettling Republican insiders worried about their party&#39;s prospects before November elections that will determine control of the House and possibly the Senate.

Disruptions in shipments of oil and natural gas since the war started have caused a run-up in US gasoline prices and agricultural products such as fertilizers, on top of the long list of other high consumer prices.

The average US gasoline price on Tuesday rose to its highest level in nearly four years, according to data from the American Automobile Association.

Trump&#39;s popularity has taken a beating since the US and Israel launched the war against Iran.

Just 34 percent of Americans approve of the US conflict with Iran, down from 36 percent in mid-April and 38 percent in mid-March, a recent Reuters/Ipsos poll ⁠found.

PT/ra]]>
            </summary>
                                    <updated>Thu, 30 Apr 2026 09:33:53 +0000</updated>
        </entry>
            <entry>
            <title><![CDATA[Iran &#039;victorious&#039; in war with US: Iranian Speaker]]></title>
            <link rel="alternate" href="http://www.presstoday.news/news/article/opinion/374" />
            <id>http://www.presstoday.news/news/article/opinion/374</id>
            <author>
                <name> <![CDATA[The Press Today Admin]]></name>
            </author>
            <summary type="html">
                <![CDATA[Iran had been &quot;victorious in the field&quot; during weeks of war and had only agreed to a temporary truce with the United States because its demands had been met, the Iranian parliamentary speaker said on Saturday.

The two-week ceasefire is set to end Wednesday unless it is renewed, with a permanent deal that mediators including Pakistan are pushing to get over the line still not finalised and progress on key sticking points uncertain.

&quot;We were victorious in the field,&quot; Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf said in a national televised address, adding the United States had not achieved its goals and Iran controlled the strategic Strait of Hormuz maritime transit route.

&quot;If we accepted the ceasefire, it was because they accepted our demands,&quot; he said, referring to the United States.

&quot;The enemy&#39;s every effort was to impose its demands on us and it is important that we register our rights, so this is where negotiation is a method of struggle.&quot;

Ghalibaf and his delegation held closed door talks in Islamabad with US Vice President JD Vance on April 11, in the highest level Iran-US contacts since before the 1979 Islamic revolution.

The talks did not result in a final deal and officials have signalled mediations are continuing, though Iran&#39;s deputy foreign minister said on Saturday no date had been set for a new round of talks.

PT/ra]]>
            </summary>
                                    <updated>Sun, 19 Apr 2026 12:58:57 +0000</updated>
        </entry>
            <entry>
            <title><![CDATA[Trivudi is India&#039;s next envoy to Bangladesh]]></title>
            <link rel="alternate" href="http://www.presstoday.news/news/article/international/373" />
            <id>http://www.presstoday.news/news/article/international/373</id>
            <author>
                <name> <![CDATA[The Press Today Admin]]></name>
            </author>
            <summary type="html">
                <![CDATA[India has decided to nominate Dinesh Trivedi, a former minister and MP and current BJP leader, as the country&#39;s high commissioner to Bangladesh, reports Hindustan Times.

Trivedi is the first political appointee to Bangladesh in some time. He will replace career diplomat Pranay Verma, who is headed to Brussels to serve as India&rsquo;s envoy to the EU.

The Narendra Modi-led government in Delhi still requires the approval of the Tarique Rahman-led government in Dhaka to send the 75-year-old veteran politician to Dhaka.

Hindustan Times also described the appointment as &ldquo;a message of accountability to the Ministry of External Affairs&#39; diplomats&rdquo;.

Trivedi has served as India&rsquo;s minister for railways and also as minister of state for health and family welfare as a member of the Trinamool Congress. In 2021, he resigned from the Trinamool Congress and joined the BJP.

According to the Hindustan Times, Trivedi&rsquo;s appointment comes as India and Bangladesh seek to stabilise ties amid tensions following the mass uprising that ousted then prime minister Sheikh Hasina in August 2024. It added that the Modi government&rsquo;s choice of Trivedi shows it is willing to send political leaders, not just Indian Foreign Service officers, as envoys to key postings.

PT/ra]]>
            </summary>
                                    <updated>Sun, 19 Apr 2026 12:22:07 +0000</updated>
        </entry>
            <entry>
            <title><![CDATA[LPG price raised again]]></title>
            <link rel="alternate" href="http://www.presstoday.news/news/article/national/372" />
            <id>http://www.presstoday.news/news/article/national/372</id>
            <author>
                <name> <![CDATA[The Press Today Admin]]></name>
            </author>
            <summary type="html">
                <![CDATA[The price of liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) at the consumer level has been increased by Tk212, raising the cost of a 12kg cylinder to Tk1,940 from the previous Tk1,728.

Bangladesh Energy Regulatory Commission (BERC) announced the new rate in a notice issued on Sunday afternoon.

The revised price came into effect the same evening.

Earlier, on April 2, BERC had set the price of a 12kg LPG cylinder at Tk1,728 for the current month.

With the latest adjustment, consumers now face a significant jump of Tk212 in a single revision.

PT/ra]]>
            </summary>
                                    <updated>Sun, 19 Apr 2026 12:17:31 +0000</updated>
        </entry>
            <entry>
            <title><![CDATA[Natural Gas reserves can meet 12 more yrs&#039; demand: Iqbal Hasan]]></title>
            <link rel="alternate" href="http://www.presstoday.news/news/article/national/371" />
            <id>http://www.presstoday.news/news/article/national/371</id>
            <author>
                <name> <![CDATA[The Press Today Admin]]></name>
            </author>
            <summary type="html">
                <![CDATA[The country&#39;s existing natural gas reserves are sufficient to meet the country&#39;s energy demand for up to 12 years, Power, Energy and Mineral Resources Minister Iqbal Hasan Mahmud told parliament on Sunday.

The minister made the disclosure while responding to a question from Bogura-4 constituency lawmaker Md. Mosharraf Hossain during a session of the National Parliament chaired by Deputy Speaker Kayser Kamal on April 19.

Mahmud said the country&#39;s total recoverable gas reserves stand at 29.74 trillion cubic feet where as 22.11 trillion cubic feet had been extracted upto December 2025, leaving a remaining reserve of 7.63 trillion cubic feet as of January 1, 2026.

The minister noted that if no new gas fields are discovered and supply continues at the current rate of approximately 1,700 million cubic feet per day, the remaining reserves would sustain the national gas supply for roughly 12 years.

On exploration efforts, Mahmud said Petrobangla has a master plan to drill a total of 50 wells and conduct workover operations on 100 others. Of these, 26 wells have already been drilled or worked over, with the remaining projects at various stages of progress.

Regarding seismic surveys, the minister said state-owned BAPEX has completed the acquisition of 3,600 kilometres of 2D seismic data in Blocks 7 and 9, with data processing currently underway.

Meanwhile, preparations are in progress to launch 3D seismic data acquisition across 1,450 square kilometres covering the Habiganj, Bakhrabad, and Meghna areas through BGFCL. Additional large-scale 3D seismic surveys are also being planned across various parts of the country through BAPEX and SGFL.

PT/ra]]>
            </summary>
                                    <updated>Sun, 19 Apr 2026 12:14:48 +0000</updated>
        </entry>
            <entry>
            <title><![CDATA[BNP secured Bogura-6, Sherpur-3 by-polls]]></title>
            <link rel="alternate" href="http://www.presstoday.news/news/article/national/370" />
            <id>http://www.presstoday.news/news/article/national/370</id>
            <author>
                <name> <![CDATA[The Press Today Admin]]></name>
            </author>
            <summary type="html">
                <![CDATA[Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) clinched victories in two parliamentary by-elections on Thursday, with Rezaul Karim Badsha winning Bogura-6 and Mahmudul Haque Rubel taking Sherpur-3.

Both elections saw largely peaceful voting, though opposition candidates raised allegations of rigging and intimidation.

In the Bogura-6 by-election, BNP candidate Rezaul Karim Badsha was declared the winner with 1,33,215 votes across 150 polling centres, while his nearest rival, Abidur Rahman Sohel of Jamaat-e-Islami, received 56,904 votes.
and Mahmudul Haque Rubel was declared the winner with 1,33,215 votes across 150 polling centres, while his nearest rival, Abidur Rahman Sohel of Jamaat-e-Islami, received 56,904 votes.

Voting reportedly took place in a calm and peaceful environment. Though Abidur Rahman Sohel alleged that ruling party activists were involved in widespread rigging during the voting process, around 4 PM. The seat was previously held by Prime Minister and BNP Chairman Tarique Rahman, who won it in the February 12 general elections but later vacated it to retain Dhaka-17 constituency, where he narrowly defeated a Jamaat candidate.

The Sherpur-3 election saw a 50.52% voter turnout. Around 3:15 PM, Masudur Rahman announced his withdrawal from the race, alleging intimidation of his agents and violent attacks by ruling party activists, along with fraudulent vote casting, which he claimed were inadequately addressed by law enforcement.

PT/ra]]>
            </summary>
                                    <updated>Fri, 10 Apr 2026 10:31:08 +0000</updated>
        </entry>
            <entry>
            <title><![CDATA[Iran - US negotiation when?]]></title>
            <link rel="alternate" href="http://www.presstoday.news/news/article/international/369" />
            <id>http://www.presstoday.news/news/article/international/369</id>
            <author>
                <name> <![CDATA[The Press Today Admin]]></name>
            </author>
            <summary type="html">
                <![CDATA[Pakistan is ready to host Iranian and US delegations for negotiations in its capital, although Tehran&#39;s participation remained uncertain after deadly Israeli strikes on Lebanon threatened this week&#39;s temporary truce. on the other hand, Israel and Lebanon will hold talks in Washington next week, a State Department official said, amid mounting international concern that Israel&#39;s bombing campaign could shatter the already fragile two-week US-Iran ceasefire, reports AFP.

Islamabad was pressing ahead with its preparations for the high-stakes negotiations, which official sources say will canvass several sensitive points, including Iran&#39;s nuclear enrichment and the free flow of trade through the strategic Strit of Hormuz maritime chokepoint. Security was ramped up in Islamabad and the main luxury hotel hosting delegates was cleared of its normal well-heeled guests, Iran signalled that its participation could hinge on a halt in Israeli attacks on Lebanon.

&quot;The holding of talks to end the war is dependent on the US adhering to its ceasefire commitments on all fronts, especially in Lebanon,&quot; Esmaeil Baqaei, Iran&#39;s foreign ministry spokesman, said. &quot;If the travel plan is finalised, the composition of the delegation will also be announced,&quot; he added.

Iran&#39;s Revolutionary Guards signalled they were committing to the ceasefire, according to the state broadcaster. &quot;We would like to inform you that the armed forces of the Islamic Republic of Iran have not launched anything at any country during the ceasefire hours until now,&quot; the Guards said. Pakistan has insisted that Lebanon is included in the ceasefire, and Washington made a push to include Beirut in parallel talks. &quot;We can confirm that the Department will host a meeting next week to discuss ongoing ceasefire negotiations with Israel and Lebanon,&quot; a US State Department official said.

Neither Israel nor the Lebanese government have publicly confirmed these talks, although the announcement came shortly after Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu ordered his ministers to seek direct dialogue with Lebanon focused on disarming Iran-backed Hezbollah.

A Lebanese government official told AFP that Beirut would require a truce before entering any negotiations with Israel.

Attacks continued overnight, with air raid sirens in Israel&#39;s commercial hub Tel Aviv and other parts of the country and Hezbollah announcing it carried out drone and rocket strikes early on Friday on Israeli forces on both sides of the border as well as a town in Israel&#39;s north.
MarineTraffic data showed that the Gabon-flagged MSG passed through the strait on Thursday, the first non-Iranian oil tanker to do so since the ceasefire was announced.

PT/ra]]>
            </summary>
                                    <updated>Fri, 10 Apr 2026 10:17:00 +0000</updated>
        </entry>
            <entry>
            <title><![CDATA[Bangladesh preparing PM&#039;s good will visit to Delhi]]></title>
            <link rel="alternate" href="http://www.presstoday.news/news/article/international/368" />
            <id>http://www.presstoday.news/news/article/international/368</id>
            <author>
                <name> <![CDATA[The Press Today Admin]]></name>
            </author>
            <summary type="html">
                <![CDATA[Bangladesh has expressed optimism that Foreign Minister Dr. Khalilur Rahman&rsquo;s goodwill visit to India will help restore stability and lay the groundwork for stronger, more sustainable bilateral relations.

Speaking on Tuesday, Foreign Ministry spokesperson SM Mahbubul Alam said Dhaka hopes the visit will serve as a foundation for elevating cooperation between the two countries.

The Foreign Minister departed for New Delhi en route to Mauritius, where he will attend the Indian Ocean Conference from April 10-12.

During his stopover in Delhi, Dr. Rahman is scheduled to hold courtesy meetings with India&rsquo;s External Affairs Minister, National Security Adviser and the Minister for Petroleum and Natural Gas.

According to officials, Bangladesh will emphasize the importance of maintaining stability and advancing relations based on mutual respect, trust and shared interests.

The visit marks the first high-level engagement with India since the BNP-led government under Prime Minister Tarique Rahman assumed office, following a period of strain in bilateral ties.

A senior official confirmed that the two foreign ministers will meet on April 8 in New Delhi.

Although described as a &ldquo;goodwill visit,&rdquo; officials indicated that substantive discussions are expected. Bangladesh aims to better understand current dynamics in the relationship while raising several key issues of national interest.

Among the priorities, Dhaka will seek enhanced cooperation in the energy sector and reiterate its request for the extradition of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina.

It will also push for the swift return of other accused individuals, including Faisal Karim Masud, in connection with a high-profile murder case.

Bangladesh is also expected to urge India to take a more positive stance on fully resuming visa services, noting the mutual benefits; particularly in medical tourism. Border management will feature prominently as well, with Dhaka stressing the need to prevent loss of life along the frontier.

Additional topics likely to be discussed include water-sharing of common rivers, easing trade barriers and strengthening people-to-people connections.

Officials on both sides see the renewed engagement as an opportunity to recalibrate relations and open a new phase of cooperation. Longstanding cultural, historical and linguistic ties continue to underpin the relationship, with both countries aiming to rebuild momentum across multiple sectors.

The possibility of a future visit by Prime Minister Tarique Rahman to India may also be discussed, as both sides look to deepen diplomatic engagement in the months ahead.

PT/ra]]>
            </summary>
                                    <updated>Tue, 07 Apr 2026 12:29:18 +0000</updated>
        </entry>
            <entry>
            <title><![CDATA[about 51000 tonnes octane and furnace oil is due to arrive: BPC]]></title>
            <link rel="alternate" href="http://www.presstoday.news/news/article/national/367" />
            <id>http://www.presstoday.news/news/article/national/367</id>
            <author>
                <name> <![CDATA[The Press Today Admin]]></name>
            </author>
            <summary type="html">
                <![CDATA[A vessel carrying around 26,000 tonnes of refined octane is scheduled to arrive at Chittagong port from Malaysia on Wednesday.

The Bangladesh Petroleum Corporation (BPC) is supervising the import operation. The vessel, MT Central Star, flying the Marshall Islands flag, is expected to reach the port&#39;s outer anchorage within the day, a BPC official confirmed.

Authorities said another shipment of fuel oil is also en route, as the vessel MT Eastern Queens, carrying approximately 25,000 tonnes of furnace oil, is due to arrive at the outer anchorage on the same day.

Despite ongoing tensions in the Middle East, BPC officials said efforts are continuing to ensure uninterrupted fuel imports and stable supply across the country.

PT/ra]]>
            </summary>
                                    <updated>Tue, 07 Apr 2026 12:10:30 +0000</updated>
        </entry>
            <entry>
            <title><![CDATA[Ready to sacrificed my life for Iran: Iranian President]]></title>
            <link rel="alternate" href="http://www.presstoday.news/news/article/international/366" />
            <id>http://www.presstoday.news/news/article/international/366</id>
            <author>
                <name> <![CDATA[The Press Today Admin]]></name>
            </author>
            <summary type="html">
                <![CDATA[Iran&rsquo;s President Masoud Pezeshkian says, &ldquo;More than 14 million brave Iranians have so far declared their readiness to sacrifice their lives to defend Iran&rdquo;, reports AL Jazeera.

&ldquo;I have also sacrificed my life for Iran, I am and I will continue to do so,&rdquo; he wrote on X.

Israel has carried out several high-profile assassinations since the war started on February 24, including that of former Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei and Ali Larijani, the powerful secretary of Iran&rsquo;s Supreme National Security Council.

At least 2,076 people have been killed in Iran and 26,500 wounded.

PT/ra]]>
            </summary>
                                    <updated>Tue, 07 Apr 2026 12:03:44 +0000</updated>
        </entry>
            <entry>
            <title><![CDATA[&quot;100% coaching centers in the country will remain closed: Edu. Minister]]></title>
            <link rel="alternate" href="http://www.presstoday.news/news/article/education/365" />
            <id>http://www.presstoday.news/news/article/education/365</id>
            <author>
                <name> <![CDATA[The Press Today Admin]]></name>
            </author>
            <summary type="html">
                <![CDATA[Education Minister Ehsanul Haque Milon has announced that the government will close every coaching center in the country and bring unregistered kindergartens under a formal registration framework.
&quot;100% coaching centers in the country will remain shut down. The government will bring under registration all coaching centers and the kindergartens that have mushroomed across the country. Coaching centers will no longer be allowed to operate in this country,&quot; the minister said during an exchange with journalists at Cumilla Circuit House on Saturday afternoon.

Earlier in the day, the education minister attended a meeting at the Cumilla Shilpakala Academy auditorium as chief guest, where he interacted with center secretaries from the Cumilla Education Board, the Madrasa Education Board, and the Technical Education Board of Cumilla region ahead of SSC and equivalent examinations of 2026.

During the meeting, the minister announced that the installation of CCTV cameras in all educational institutions will be made mandatory. He said the cameras will be used to monitor whether teachers are present in classrooms and conducting lessons on time.

He warned that if cheating is detected at any examination center, the center secretary will be held legally accountable. &quot;Even if cheating materials are found in a washroom of the institution, the head of that institution will have to answer for it,&quot; he said.

The minister further cautioned that anyone found assisting in cheating from outside the examination center will also face legal action. &quot;No one will be allowed to cheat, and no one will be allowed to facilitate cheating,&quot; he stated firmly.

Terming the Ministry of Education a &quot;place of worship&quot; he declared that no form of corruption or dishonesty can be tolerated.

Addressing teachers, he emphasized that sincere efforts in educating students would be considered a form of &quot;Sadaqah Jariyah&quot; (ongoing charity).

The minister urged all stakeholders to treat education as a sacred responsibility and maintain integrity in the system.

Expressing confidence in teachers, the minister said they have always been protected and will continue to receive support in the future.

He, however, warned that any irregularities in the education sector would not be tolerated.

Dr Milon also noted that financial assistance had been provided in the past to teachers injured while performing their duties.

&quot;Education is not like other sectors; it is the main driver of nation-building. There is no alternative to responsibility here,&quot; he added, reiterating the government&#39;s firm position against cheating in examinations.

He further mentioned that in the past, decisions were made not to immediately penalize institutions even if their pass rate dropped to zero, allowing them an opportunity to improve.

The meeting was attended by center secretaries from the Cumilla Education Board, Madrasa Education Board, and Technical Education Board, among others.

Speakers at the event underscored the importance of collective efforts to ensure that the SSC and equivalent examinations are conducted smoothly, transparently, and without malpractice.

PT/ra]]>
            </summary>
                                    <updated>Sun, 05 Apr 2026 08:41:59 +0000</updated>
        </entry>
            <entry>
            <title><![CDATA[New timing  for offices &amp; markets from Sunday]]></title>
            <link rel="alternate" href="http://www.presstoday.news/news/article/national/364" />
            <id>http://www.presstoday.news/news/article/national/364</id>
            <author>
                <name> <![CDATA[The Press Today Admin]]></name>
            </author>
            <summary type="html">
                <![CDATA[Due to global energy crisis and ongoing conflict in Middle East, the government has announced revised working hours for public and private sector entities effective Sunday.

According to a gazette notification issued by the Ministry of Public Administration on Saturday, all government and private offices across the country will operate from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. from Monday through Thursday.

This is a reduction from the previous five-hour window that previously ran from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays remain weekend holidays throughout the sector.

The directive clarifies that emergency services such as utilities, hospitals, postal services, and security agencies remain exempt from these restrictions. While the Supreme Court will determine its own scheduling based on necessity, factories and industrial units are advised to adhere to labor laws under the guidance of the Ministry of Labor and Employment.

Similarly, banking hours have been adjusted, with scheduled banks now conducting cash transactions between 10 a.m. and 3 p.m., though bank premises will stay open until 5 p.m. Branches located at sea ports, land borders, and airports will continue operating around the clock as before.

Commercial establishments including shopping malls and retail shops must also close by 6 p.m. despite appeals from business groups seeking an extension until 8 p.m.

The cabinet has confirmed that the earlier closure time remains in force. The move mirrors a similar measure implemented in late 2022 before being reversed in mid-2024 following economic stabilization.

Regarding the education sector, the Ministry of Education stated it will present proposals regarding school hours during the next cabinet meeting following consultations with stakeholders.

Preliminary discussions suggest a possible hybrid model involving alternating days of online and physical attendance.

However, educators express concern over the feasibility of online classes for students in government primary schools, noting difficulties encountered during the pandemic.

Officials acknowledge the challenge of integrating remote learning for disadvantaged children while ensuring academic progress remains uninterrupted as institutions recently reopened following the Ramadan break.

Pt/ra]]>
            </summary>
                                    <updated>Sun, 05 Apr 2026 08:28:00 +0000</updated>
        </entry>
            <entry>
            <title><![CDATA[BNP will face same fate as AL : 11-party alliance]]></title>
            <link rel="alternate" href="http://www.presstoday.news/news/article/politics/363" />
            <id>http://www.presstoday.news/news/article/politics/363</id>
            <author>
                <name> <![CDATA[The Press Today Admin]]></name>
            </author>
            <summary type="html">
                <![CDATA[The 11-party alliance held a protest rally in the capital on Saturday, demanding immediate implementation of the referendum results and protesting the government&#39;s stance against the verdict.

At a rally and procession held at the National Mosque Baitul Mukarram premises in the afternoon, leaders of the alliance claimed that the government is turning fascist by opposing reforms and the results of the referendum.

They warned that if BNP tries to establish fascism, it will face the same fate as the previous government.

From the afternoon onward, leaders and activists arrived at the rally venue in small processions from different parts of the capital.

Many carried placards with slogans such as &quot;Implement the July Charter&quot; and &quot;We Must Respect the Referendum.&quot; Participants chanted slogans in favor of the referendum and against the government&#39;s position.

The protest rally was organized by Dhaka Metropolitan City unit of the 11-party alliance, chaired by Jamaat-e-Islami Naib-e-Amir ATM Azharul Islam. Senior leaders of the coalition addressed the gathering in turn.

Speakers accused the government of disregarding the aspirations of the people and taking a stance against the referendum results. They strongly criticized the current political situation and warned that if the verdict is not implemented immediately, a tougher movement will be launched.

They also stressed the need for constitutional reform to ensure the people&#39;s voting rights and the reflection of their opinions.

PT/ra]]>
            </summary>
                                    <updated>Sun, 05 Apr 2026 06:54:53 +0000</updated>
        </entry>
    </feed>
