<?xml version="1.0" encoding="UTF-8"?>
<feed xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2005/Atom">
                        <id>http://www.presstoday.news/feeds</id>
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                                <title><![CDATA[The Press Today Feed]]></title>
                                <description>The Press Today Latest News Feeds</description>
                                <language>bn-BD</language>
                                <updated>Mon, 01 Jun 2026 09:30:06 +0000</updated>
                        <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>
            <entry>
            <title><![CDATA[Pump manager beaten at Natore over fuel crisis]]></title>
            <link rel="alternate" href="http://www.presstoday.news/news/article/national/362" />
            <id>http://www.presstoday.news/news/article/national/362</id>
            <author>
                <name> <![CDATA[The Press Today Admin]]></name>
            </author>
            <summary type="html">
                <![CDATA[A petrol pump manager was beaten and a journalist was assaulted while reporting on alleged fuel stockpiling in Natore on Tuesday night.

A local youth allegedly attacked Sanu Saha, manager of Natore Petroleum Agency in Hafrasta area around 9AM, after being denied petrol in a jerrycan, leaving him injured. Later the attacker fled the scene after being chased by locals. Natore Sadar Police Station OC Shafiqul Islam said legal action would be taken upon receiving a formal complaint.

Meanwhile, bikers blocked Natore-Dhaka highway in Mokrampur area after a nearby filling station ran out of fuel, causing a long tailback on the busy road.
Police from Jhalmalia Highway Police Station brought the situation under control, said its Officer in-Charge Mahabur Rahman.

In another incident the same night, local journalist Omar Faruq was assaulted by miscreants while attempting to take photographs of petrol being stored in drums illegally at a filling station in Lalpur area.

PT/ra]]>
            </summary>
                                    <updated>Wed, 01 Apr 2026 12:10:26 +0000</updated>
        </entry>
            <entry>
            <title><![CDATA[Iran clears 6 Bangladeshi ships]]></title>
            <link rel="alternate" href="http://www.presstoday.news/news/article/international/361" />
            <id>http://www.presstoday.news/news/article/international/361</id>
            <author>
                <name> <![CDATA[The Press Today Admin]]></name>
            </author>
            <summary type="html">
                <![CDATA[Iran&#39;s National Security Council has permitted six stranded Bangladeshi vessels to pass through the Strait of Hormuz.

Speaking at a press conference held at the Iranian Embassy in Dhaka on Wednesday, Iranian Ambassador to Bangladesh Jalil Rahimi Jahanabadi said that both Iran and Bangladesh are actively working to facilitate the safe return of the vessels.
He also noted that Bangladesh&rsquo;s Foreign Minister has sent a letter to Iran&rsquo;s Foreign Minister expressing gratitude for Tehran&rsquo;s assistance in ensuring the return of Bangladeshi nationals.
The ambassador emphasised that Bangladesh&rsquo;s shipping operations would face no obstacles and that Tehran is committed to providing maximum support. He also addressed the country&rsquo;s fuel shortage, noting that images of long queues at petrol pumps had been sent to Iranian authorities, requesting assistance to avoid disruption.

However, ambassador Jalil Rahimi mentioned that Iran has expressed some dissatisfaction regarding Bangladesh&#39;s official statement on the ongoing conflict in the Middle East. While acknowledging Bangladesh&#39;s expression of concern, he emphasized that a stronger condemnation of the situation was expected.

PT/ra]]>
            </summary>
                                    <updated>Wed, 01 Apr 2026 12:07:08 +0000</updated>
        </entry>
            <entry>
            <title><![CDATA[1972 constitution couldn&#039;t protect us: MP Shafiqul]]></title>
            <link rel="alternate" href="http://www.presstoday.news/news/article/politics/360" />
            <id>http://www.presstoday.news/news/article/politics/360</id>
            <author>
                <name> <![CDATA[The Press Today Admin]]></name>
            </author>
            <summary type="html">
                <![CDATA[Opposition Party Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami MP Shafiqul Islam declared in parliament on Monday that if the constitution were to be strictly adhered to, both the prime minister and home minister would not be in the country but abroad, while defending the referendum and July Charter Implementation Order amid ongoing debate.

Speaking during discussion on the motion of thanks to the President&#39;s address in the Jatiya Sangsad, Shafiqul Islam said, &quot;If we had to follow the constitution, the prime minister should not be in Bangladesh but outside the country. If the constitution had to be followed, the current home minister should now be outside the country.&quot;

The Jamaat MP expressed concern about potential discrimination similar to the past 17 years and said he has not seen effective progress in the trial for Sharif Osman Hadi&#39;s killing since the current government took office.

Pointing to the ruling party&#39;s stance on the referendum and July Charter Implementation Order, he said, &quot;If the constitution could have protected us, we would have had to search its pages to remove sand trucks that day. If the 1972 constitution could protect us, we would not be here today. We would be in jail, not in this parliament.&quot;

PT/ra]]>
            </summary>
                                    <updated>Tue, 31 Mar 2026 07:14:26 +0000</updated>
        </entry>
            <entry>
            <title><![CDATA[Dubai tanker  is burning !]]></title>
            <link rel="alternate" href="http://www.presstoday.news/news/article/international/359" />
            <id>http://www.presstoday.news/news/article/international/359</id>
            <author>
                <name> <![CDATA[The Press Today Admin]]></name>
            </author>
            <summary type="html">
                <![CDATA[Iran attacked and set ablaze a fully loaded crude oil tanker off Dubai on Monday, as President Donald Trump warned the US would obliterate Iran&#39;s energy plants and oil wells if it does not open the Strait of Hormuz.

The apparent strike on the Kuwait-flagged Al-Salmi is the latest in a string of assaults on merchant vessels by missiles or explosive air and sea drones in the Gulf and Strait of Hormuz since the US and Israel attacked Iran on Feb 28.

The month-long conflict has spread across the Middle East, killing thousands, disrupting energy supplies and threatening to send the global economy into a tailspin.

Crude oil prices briefly spiked anew after Kuwait&#39;s state news agency reported the attack on the tanker, which can carry around 2 million barrels of oil worth more than $200 million at current pric

Kuwait Petroleum Corp, the ship&#39;s owner, said work was underway to assess damage and warned of a possible oil spill.

Authorities in Dubai later said they had been able to bring the fire under control following a drone attack on the tanker. No injuries have been reported, they said.

The jump in oil and fuel prices has started to weigh on US household finances and become a political headache for Trump and his Republican Party ahead of the November midterm elections, having vowed to lower energy prices and ramp up US oil and gas production.

The US national average retail price of gasoline crossed $4 a gallon for the first time in more than three years on Monday, data from price-tracking service GasBuddy showed, as tightening global supplies push US crude prices above $101 a barrel.

Troops Deploy As Talks Continue

Attacks by both sides is showing no signs of easing, with fears of a wider conflict growing.

Iran-aligned Houthis entered the war by firing missiles and drones at Israel in recent days and Turkey reported a ballistic missile launched from Iran had entered Turkish airspace before being shot down by NATO air and missile defenses.

Israel carried out missile strikes on what it called military infrastructure in Tehran and infrastructure used by Iran-backed Hezbollah in Beirut, leaving black smoke hanging over the Lebanese capital.

Three United Nations peacekeepers from Indonesia were killed in two separate incidents in southern Lebanon.

Thousands of soldiers from the US Army&#39;s elite 82nd Airborne Division have started arriving in the Middle East, two US officials told Reuters on Monday, part of a reinforcement that would expand Trump&#39;s options to include the deployment of forces ​inside Iranian territory, even as he pursues talks with Tehran.

White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt later said Trump wanted to reach a deal with Tehran before an April 6 deadline he set last week after extending an earlier deadline he had set for Iran to open the Strait of Hormuz, a narrow waterway that normally carries about a fifth of global oil and liquefied natural gas supplies.

Leavitt said talks with Iran were progressing, adding that what Tehran says publicly differs from what it tells US officials in private.

The Wall Street Journal later reported Trump had told aides he is willing to end the military campaign against Iran even if the strait remains largely closed and leave a complex operation to reopen it for a later date.

Iran said earlier on Monday it had received US peace proposals via intermediaries, following talks on Sunday between the foreign ministers of Pakistan, Egypt, Saudi Arabia and Turkey.

Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baghaei said the proposals were &quot;unrealistic, illogical and excessive&quot;.

&quot;Our position is clear. We are under military aggression. Therefore, all our efforts and strength are focused on defending ourselves,&quot; he told a press conference.

Soon after Baghaei&#39;s remarks, Trump said the US was in talks with a &quot;more reasonable regime&quot; to end the war in Iran, but also issued a new warning over the Strait of Hormuz.

&quot;Great progress has been made but, if for any reason a deal is not shortly reached, which it probably will be, and if the Hormuz Strait is not immediately &#39;Open for Business,&#39; we will conclude our lovely &#39;stay&#39; in Iran by blowing up and completely obliterating all of their Electric Generating Plants, Oil Wells and Kharg Island,&quot; Trump wrote in a social media post, also threatening to attack Iranian desalination plants.

The White House said Trump was considering asking Arab nations to pay for the cost of the war. &quot;It&#39;s an idea that I know that he has and something that I think you&#39;ll hear more from him on,&quot; Leavitt said in response to a reporter&#39;s question about the idea.

His administration requested an additional $200 billion in funding for the war. The request faces stiff opposition in the US Congress which must approve new spending.

PT/ra]]>
            </summary>
                                    <updated>Tue, 31 Mar 2026 07:08:02 +0000</updated>
        </entry>
            <entry>
            <title><![CDATA[Online-Offline blended learning is expected: Education Minister]]></title>
            <link rel="alternate" href="http://www.presstoday.news/news/article/education/358" />
            <id>http://www.presstoday.news/news/article/education/358</id>
            <author>
                <name> <![CDATA[The Press Today Admin]]></name>
            </author>
            <summary type="html">
                <![CDATA[The government is planning to introduce a blended education system combining online and in-person classes in response to the current energy situation, said Education Minister ANM Ehsanul Haque Milon on Tuesday.

Speaking to reporters at the Secretariat, the minister said discussions are underway at the policymaking level and a proposal will soon be placed before the Cabinet for approval.

He noted that authorities are considering keeping educational institutions open six days a week to make up for recent disruptions in academic schedules caused by Ramadan holidays, various protests, and other factors.

The minister added that greater emphasis is being placed on online classes in metropolitan areas as part of efforts to ensure continuity in education while addressing energy-related challenges.

PT/ra]]>
            </summary>
                                    <updated>Tue, 31 Mar 2026 06:36:02 +0000</updated>
        </entry>
            <entry>
            <title><![CDATA[Professor Dilara Hafiz is no more!]]></title>
            <link rel="alternate" href="http://www.presstoday.news/news/article/national/357" />
            <id>http://www.presstoday.news/news/article/national/357</id>
            <author>
                <name> <![CDATA[The Press Today Admin]]></name>
            </author>
            <summary type="html">
                <![CDATA[Professor Dilara Hafiz, a distinguished academician and wife of Jatiya Sangsad Speaker Hafiz Uddin Ahmed, passed away on Saturday while undergoing treatment in Singapore. She was 78.

She breathed her last at Singapore General Hospital at around 1:30 PM local time, according to confirmation from BNP media cell officials.

A respected figure in Bangladesh&rsquo;s education sector, Prof Hafiz built a notable career spanning decades. She began as a lecturer at Eden Mohila College and later served as principal of both Eden College and Suhrawardy College. She went on to hold key national roles, including Chairman of the National Curriculum and Textbook Board (NCTB) and Director General of the Directorate of Secondary and Higher Education (DSHE).

Born on January 2, 1949, in Sunamganj, she completed her BA (Honours) and Master&rsquo;s degrees in History from the Dhaka University (DU) in 1968 and 1969 respectively. Beyond her academic career, she was also known for her literary contributions, authoring works such as Dur Durante Achena Digante.

While widely recognised as the spouse of the Speaker, Prof Hafiz established her own legacy as an educator, administrator and mentor to generations of students.

Her body is expected to be brought back to Bangladesh on Sunday evening. The first namaz-e-janaza will be held at 11:00 AM on March 30 at the South Plaza of the National Parliament, followed by another funeral prayer after Zuhr at the central mosque in Dhaka Cantonment. She will be laid to rest at the Banani Military Graveyard.

She is survived by her husband, a son, a daughter, grandchildren and numerous admirers and well-wishers. Her passing leaves a significant void in the country&rsquo;s academic and intellectual community.

PT/ra]]>
            </summary>
                                    <updated>Sat, 28 Mar 2026 16:01:42 +0000</updated>
        </entry>
            <entry>
            <title><![CDATA[Fuel is available: Ministry of Information]]></title>
            <link rel="alternate" href="http://www.presstoday.news/news/article/national/356" />
            <id>http://www.presstoday.news/news/article/national/356</id>
            <author>
                <name> <![CDATA[The Press Today Admin]]></name>
            </author>
            <summary type="html">
                <![CDATA[The Energy and Mineral Resources Division has issued a formal statement urging citizens to refrain from panic buying and excessive fuel purchases, confirming that stock levels and supply chains remain completely normal across the country.

According to a press release issued by the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting on Saturday, the government continues procuring necessary fuel from international markets to ensure uninterrupted supply aligned with national demand, eliminating any possibility of shortages.

The statement emphasized the hazardous nature of petrol, octane, and diesel, warning that private storage of these highly flammable substances poses significant safety risks to households and communities.

Authorities announced strict enforcement measures against individuals and entities engaged in illegal fuel hoarding for profit-seeking purposes. Mobile courts led by executive magistrates have been deployed across all districts to detect and prevent unauthorized stockpiling activities.

The government reiterated that fuel prices have not been increased, urging the public not to succumb to misinformation or rumors that might trigger unnecessary purchasing behavior.

PT/ra]]>
            </summary>
                                    <updated>Sat, 28 Mar 2026 14:56:21 +0000</updated>
        </entry>
            <entry>
            <title><![CDATA[*Information Minister Calls for Strong Media and Institutions at Turkiye Summit*]]></title>
            <link rel="alternate" href="http://www.presstoday.news/news/article/international/355" />
            <id>http://www.presstoday.news/news/article/international/355</id>
            <author>
                <name> <![CDATA[The Press Today Admin]]></name>
            </author>
            <summary type="html">
                <![CDATA[Information and Broadcasting Minister Zahir Uddin Swapan has emphasised the importance of credible communication, strong democratic institutions, and a free media in ensuring stability in the evolving global order at the International Strategic Communication Summit (STRATCOM) 2026, held today in Istanbul.

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, Vice President Cevdet Yilmaz, and Head of Communications Burhanettin Duran delivered the opening remarks at the event.

The Information Minister thanked the Government of Turkiye for hosting the timely forum amid rising global uncertainty, marked by shifting power dynamics and growing challenges of misinformation and disinformation, while delivering his speech at the panel discussion titled &ldquo;A New Framework for the Global Order: A Communication Perspective.&rdquo;

He highlighted that strategic communication is now central to governance, with nations increasingly judged by the credibility and consistency of their communication.

He stressed that the most effective response to misinformation lies in strengthening institutions, particularly an independent and professional media.

&ldquo;A strong fourth estate is essential to protect truth, ensure accountability, and sustain public trust,&rdquo; the minister said.

Bangladesh&rsquo;s ongoing reform priorities were also outlined, including strengthening democratic institutions, ensuring media freedom, reviewing restrictive laws, and developing an independent media regulatory framework.

The Information Minister reiterated that the solution to information disorder lies in a balanced, institutional approach&mdash;rejecting both censorship and unchecked chaos.

He further outlined three key principles for strategic communication: credibility, democratic resilience, and global cooperation.

The Information Minister highlighted the challenges of tackling misinformation and disinformation in a densely populated and rapidly digitizing country like Bangladesh. He noted that during the previous fascist regime, information was strategically distorted and used as a tool to control the public.

He Minister stated in his speech that in this digital age, an effective balance is needed between access to information and the free flow of information. A new, appropriate framework at both national and international levels will help us address emerging challenges. Bangladesh seeks to learn from other countries on these issues, while also contributing its own experiences to enrich global knowledge. This shared knowledge will work towards global peace and prosperity.

Highlighting bilateral ties, Bangladesh reaffirmed its close relationship with Turkiye and appreciated its support on humanitarian issues, including the Rohingya crisis.

Zahir Uddin Swapan concluded his speech with a call for a more inclusive global communication framework that ensures the voices of developing nations are fairly represented.

Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus Tahsin Ertugruloglu, Syria&rsquo;s Minister of Information Hamza Almustafa, and First Vice Minister for Culture and Information of Kazakhstan Kanat Zhumabayevich Iskakov also participated in the panel discussion.

PT/ra]]>
            </summary>
                                    <updated>Sat, 28 Mar 2026 06:05:09 +0000</updated>
        </entry>
            <entry>
            <title><![CDATA[Dilara Hafiz is on ventilation]]></title>
            <link rel="alternate" href="http://www.presstoday.news/news/article/national/354" />
            <id>http://www.presstoday.news/news/article/national/354</id>
            <author>
                <name> <![CDATA[The Press Today Admin]]></name>
            </author>
            <summary type="html">
                <![CDATA[Mrs. Dilara Hafiz, wife of National Parliament Speaker Hafiz Uddin Bir Bikrom, is in critical condition and has been placed on ventilator support at Singapore General Hospital, party officials confirmed on Friday.

BNP Media Cell member Shayrul Kabir Khan said Mrs. Dilara Hafiz is undergoing advanced treatment at the hospital and remains in a critical state.

A medical board meeting is scheduled for Saturday morning to assess her latest condition and determine the next course of treatment.

Mrs. Dilara Hafiz had been receiving treatment at the Combined Military Hospital (CMH) in Dhaka for an extended period. When her condition did not improve as expected, she was airlifted to Singapore by air ambulance on the afternoon of Eid-ul-Fitr.

PT/ra]]>
            </summary>
                                    <updated>Sat, 28 Mar 2026 05:25:59 +0000</updated>
        </entry>
            <entry>
            <title><![CDATA[Liberation War can&#039;t be equated: Home Minister]]></title>
            <link rel="alternate" href="http://www.presstoday.news/news/article/national/353" />
            <id>http://www.presstoday.news/news/article/national/353</id>
            <author>
                <name> <![CDATA[The Press Today Admin]]></name>
            </author>
            <summary type="html">
                <![CDATA[The Home Minister and BNP Standing Committee member Salahuddin Ahmed on Friday stated that the 1971 Liberation War stands unmatched in the nation&#39;s history and must not be equated with any other event, including the 2024 movement that toppled the previous government.

Speaking at a BNP discussion marking Independence Day at Engineers&#39; Institution in Dhaka&#39;s Ramna, Salahuddin addressed those who had proposed placing the 2024 uprising alongside 1971 in the constitutional preamble. &quot;1971 will never match any other history. Bangladesh&#39;s most glorious achievement is its independence, Liberation War and the struggle for freedom,&quot; he said.

He emphasized that BNP does not seek to diminish anyone&#39;s contributions or claim ownership of victory but insisted that the Liberation War must be honored above all else.

He said events such as 1975, 1979, 1990 and 2024 hold their own significance but cannot stand on the same footing as the war of independence.

Drawing a clear distinction between the two movements, Salahuddin said the 2024 uprising was a popular movement to topple a fascist autocratic government. &quot;The autocracy fell, but the state was not newly created. The state was won at the cost of hundreds of thousands of lives. We must protect its sovereignty and independence,&quot; he said, adding that the government would continue practicing democratic values to prevent any future return of authoritarianism.

Salahuddin outlined BNP&#39;s role in the country&#39;s democratic history, describing it as a record of defending democracy, restoring multiparty politics, establishing parliamentary governance and introducing the caretaker government system.

He credited former president Ziaur Rahman with liberating the country from one-party rule and restoring democratic foundations through the Fifth Amendment to the constitution.
He described BNP Chairperson Begum Khaleda Zia&#39;s legacy as one of fighting military autocracy and leading struggles for democratic freedom, noting that parliamentary democracy began its journey after BNP assumed power in 1991.

Criticizing the Awami League, Salahuddin said those who claimed to be the sole custodians of the spirit of independence had consistently denied Ziaur Rahman&#39;s documented role in declaring independence.

He said that on the night of March 25, 1971, when Pakistani forces launched mass killings at Rajarbagh Police Lines and other locations, it was Ziaur Rahman who declared rebellion from Chittagong and called for independence.

&quot;It is documented that the Liberation War began through Ziaur Rahman&#39;s declaration. He even declared independence in the name of Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, yet the Awami fascist forces have always refused to give him that credit,&quot; the home minister said.

Salahuddin pledged that the government would continue advancing the state through parliamentary discussions, consensus and democratic culture, ensuring that Bangladesh&#39;s sovereignty and democratic institutions remain protected.

PT/ra]]>
            </summary>
                                    <updated>Sat, 28 Mar 2026 05:21:41 +0000</updated>
        </entry>
            <entry>
            <title><![CDATA[Govt. offices will reopen from Tuesday]]></title>
            <link rel="alternate" href="http://www.presstoday.news/news/article/national/352" />
            <id>http://www.presstoday.news/news/article/national/352</id>
            <author>
                <name> <![CDATA[The Press Today Admin]]></name>
            </author>
            <summary type="html">
                <![CDATA[The seven-day government holiday on the occasion of the holy Eid-ul-Fitr ends on Monday.

After this long break, offices, courts, banks, insurance institutions and the stock market will reopen from Tuesday (March 24).

Eid-ul-Fitr, one of the biggest religious festivals of the Muslim community, was celebrated in the country on March 21.]]>
            </summary>
                                    <updated>Mon, 23 Mar 2026 10:35:47 +0000</updated>
        </entry>
            <entry>
            <title><![CDATA[Canal excavation has started Barguna]]></title>
            <link rel="alternate" href="http://www.presstoday.news/news/article/national/351" />
            <id>http://www.presstoday.news/news/article/national/351</id>
            <author>
                <name> <![CDATA[The Press Today Admin]]></name>
            </author>
            <summary type="html">
                <![CDATA[Chief Whip of Parliament Md Nurul Islam has launched the excavation of Kroke Canal in Barguna as part of a countrywide programme to dredge and restore rivers, canals and water bodies.

The initiative forms part of the government&#39;s wider strategy to boost environmental protection and strengthen climate resilience nationwide, according to a press release.

The inauguration was attended by Md Oli Ullah, a Member of Parliament from Islami Andolon Bangladesh, alongside local public representatives, political leaders and residents.

Officials said the programme reflects a key electoral pledge of the current government led by Tarique Rahman, Chairman of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party, who committed to large scale excavation and restoration of water bodies across the country.

The project is expected to enhance water flow, reduce waterlogging and support sustainable environmental management in climate vulnerable areas like Barguna.

PT/ra]]>
            </summary>
                                    <updated>Mon, 23 Mar 2026 10:32:46 +0000</updated>
        </entry>
            <entry>
            <title><![CDATA[BNP has announced Independence and National Day program]]></title>
            <link rel="alternate" href="http://www.presstoday.news/news/article/national/350" />
            <id>http://www.presstoday.news/news/article/national/350</id>
            <author>
                <name> <![CDATA[The Press Today Admin]]></name>
            </author>
            <summary type="html">
                <![CDATA[BNP has announced a two day programme to observe the Great Independence and National Day on March 26, the party&#39;s Senior Joint Secretary General Ruhul Kabir Rizvi said on Sunday.

Speaking at a press conference at the party&#39;s Nayapaltan central office, Rizvi outlined the planned activities. The party will hoist national and party flags at all its offices, including the central office, in the morning.

On the day, the president and prime minister will place wreaths at the National Memorial in Savar to pay tribute to the martyrs of the Liberation War. BNP leaders and activists will also pay homage there on behalf of the party.

From the National Memorial, party leaders and activists will proceed to Sher e Bangla Nagar to place wreaths at the graves of the party&#39;s founder and former President Ziaur Rahman and former Prime Minister Begum Khaleda Zia. A doa mahfil will be held at the grave premises, organised by the Jatiyatabadi Olama Dal.

On March 25, BNP will hold a discussion meeting at 2:30pm at the Institution of Engineers, Bangladesh.

Rizvi, who is also the prime minister&#39;s adviser on industry, said Independence and National Day is a major milestone in the nation&#39;s history, as independence gave Bangladesh a distinct identity on the world map and within the international community.

He said the day is highly significant as independence was achieved through long struggle and sacrifice, culminating on March 26. Rizvi noted that then Major Ziaur Rahman&#39;s declaration of independence inspired people from all walks of life, including students, workers, farmers and ordinary citizens, to join the Liberation War.

He said BNP has taken elaborate programmes to observe the day with respect for the sacrifices made during the Liberation War. The party has already published a poster marking Independence Day and will issue special supplements in national dailies.

In addition to the central two day programme, Rizvi said BNP units at district and municipal levels will organise discussion meetings and other events, while associate and affiliated bodies will implement their own programmes.

He called on leaders and activists of BNP and its associate organisations to make the programmes a success.

PT/ra]]>
            </summary>
                                    <updated>Mon, 23 Mar 2026 10:19:30 +0000</updated>
        </entry>
            <entry>
            <title><![CDATA[National Eidgah ready for Eid-ul-Fitr]]></title>
            <link rel="alternate" href="http://www.presstoday.news/news/article/national/349" />
            <id>http://www.presstoday.news/news/article/national/349</id>
            <author>
                <name> <![CDATA[The Press Today Admin]]></name>
            </author>
            <summary type="html">
                <![CDATA[DSCC Administrator Abdus Salam has said that all arrangements have been finalised for the main Eid-ul-Fitr congregation to be held at National Eidgah in the capital. According to him, the main Eid congregation is scheduled to begin at 8:30 AM and Prime Minister Tarique Rahman is expected to attend the prayers.

The National Eidgah ground, which covers around 25,400 square metres, can accommodate approximately 35,000 devotees at a time. Considering the possibility of adverse weather conditions, rain protection coverings and special drainage systems have also been put in place. If the weather becomes unfavourable, the main Eid congregation will instead be held at Baitul Mukarram National Mosque at 9:00 AM.

The DSCC administrator said drinking water facilities will be available at entry points and inside the Eidgah premises, while primary medical services and mobile toilet facilities have also been arranged for devotees.

A total of four gates have been designated for entry, including separate access for VIPs and general devotees, while seven gates will be used for exit. The entire area will remain under strict security surveillance by law enforcement agencies, and fire service units will remain on standby to respond to any emergency.

Besides the Prime Minister, the Chief Justice, cabinet members, diplomats and senior government officials are also expected to attend the main congregation. Abdus Salam said all preparations have been taken to ensure that devotees can perform the Eid prayers smoothly in a peaceful environment.

PT/ra]]>
            </summary>
                                    <updated>Tue, 17 Mar 2026 06:39:25 +0000</updated>
        </entry>
            <entry>
            <title><![CDATA[Long Eid vacation starts from today]]></title>
            <link rel="alternate" href="http://www.presstoday.news/news/article/national/348" />
            <id>http://www.presstoday.news/news/article/national/348</id>
            <author>
                <name> <![CDATA[The Press Today Admin]]></name>
            </author>
            <summary type="html">
                <![CDATA[A weeklong holiday began from Tuesday as the country gears up to celebrate Eid-ul-Fitr, the biggest religious festival of Muslims.

Millions of people have already started leaving major cities including the capital to celebrate the festival with their families and near and dear ones in their home as Monday was the last working day before Eid. Subject to moon sighting, Eid-ul-Fitr is expected to be celebrated in the country on March 20 or March 21.

The government has also declared March 18 a holiday to ensure that people travelling home for Eid do not face disruption, making Monday the final working day for government officials and employees before the festival.

PT/ra]]>
            </summary>
                                    <updated>Tue, 17 Mar 2026 06:30:40 +0000</updated>
        </entry>
    </feed>
