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Day: November 19, 2025

New Date Announced for BPL Player Auction

New Date Announced for BPL Player Auction The uncertainty surrounding the BPL player auction has finally come to an end. After multiple rescheduling attempts, the BPL Governing Council has officially announced a new date. The repeated delays had raised concerns among fans and franchises, especially with the tournament scheduled to start in just a month. The BPL Governing Council of the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) has confirmed that the BPL Players’ Auction 2026 will be held on 30 November (Sunday) at 3 PM at the Grand Ballroom of Radisson Blu Dhaka. The announcement has brought relief after several postponements. According to the governing council, the new date was fixed to ensure proper coordination with all stakeholders and to prepare for a transparent, well-organized, and high-standard auction. The auction is being considered the most crucial step in preparing for the 12th edition of the BPL. This year, teams will be formed entirely through the auction system, where strategy, budget, and planning will play key roles in securing preferred players. Franchises have already started finalizing their squad plans based on the new date. The governing council also stated that they are ready to welcome all franchise representatives, sponsors, partners, and media personnel on the scheduled day.

The uncertainty surrounding the BPL player auction has finally come to an end. After multiple rescheduling attempts, the BPL Governing Council has officially announced a new date. The repeated delays had raised concerns among fans and franchises, especially with the tournament scheduled to start in just a month. The BPL Governing Council of the Bangladesh […]

Bus Catches Fire in Rampura

Bus Catches Fire in Rampura A Victor Classic Paribahan bus caught fire in front of the Rampura TV Centre in the capital on Wednesday night. Two units of the Fire Service rushed to the spot around 10 p.m. and quickly brought the blaze under control. Rakibul Hasan, the duty officer at the Fire Service control room, said they were informed of the fire at around 10 p.m. and immediately dispatched units to the scene. The cause of the fire and the extent of the damage are yet to be determined. No casualties have been reported. Tejgaon Division Police Commissioner Md. Ibne Mizan said the incident occurred in the Hatirjheel police station area involving a Victor Classic bus. So far, there are no reports of injuries. The fire has been extinguished, and authorities are investigating whether it was an act of sabotage or caused by some other reason. Police are currently stationed at the site.

A Victor Classic Paribahan bus caught fire in front of the Rampura TV Centre in the capital on Wednesday night. Two units of the Fire Service rushed to the spot around 10 p.m. and quickly brought the blaze under control. Rakibul Hasan, the duty officer at the Fire Service control room, said they were informed […]

‘No Need to Shoot, Hitting in the Chest with a Brick Will Kill Him,’ Audio Goes Viral

‘No Need to Shoot, Hitting in the Chest with a Brick Will Kill Him,’ Audio Goes Viral Barely a recovery from the murder of Sarwar Hossain Babla in Chattogram, a new audio has surfaced revealing another murder plot and a disturbing criminal syndicate. The audio, circulating widely on social media, reportedly captures Ekram Hossain, known as a police source, planning the killing of Nasir Uddin Chowdhury. In the leaked audio, a conversation between Ekram and Chattogram’s Sajjad Ali Khan, also known as Boro Sajjad, is heard: “No need to shoot Nasir, hitting him in the chest with a brick will kill him.” Ekram further says, “I will video him being killed. Then I’ll hit him with a chopper and record that too. I’ll make a full package—killing after killing.” Ekram accuses Nasir of controlling bars and businesses in the New Market area, allegedly extorting 2–3 lakh taka from owners each time. He is also said to be active in protecting the business interests of some local Awami League leaders. Attempts to reach Nasir Uddin on his mobile went unanswered. Nasir, listed with RAB and police, was arrested in 1998 and served 26 years in prison before being released in 2023. Since his release, he has allegedly been involved in extortion, tender grabbing, and asserting dominance in the area. Locals say Ekram has long maintained fear and control in the area by leveraging his police source identity. The audio leak has spread panic, highlighting the activity of a major criminal network centered around extortion and murder plans. Notably, on the night of November 5, Sarwar Hossain Babla was shot six times at close range by a gunman while accompanying BNP candidate Ershad Ullah during election campaigning in the Khalikatoli area of Khondokar Para, Baily Road Thana. Babla died at the scene. He was formerly associated with Boro Sajjad’s group.

Barely a recovery from the murder of Sarwar Hossain Babla in Chattogram, a new audio has surfaced revealing another murder plot and a disturbing criminal syndicate. The audio, circulating widely on social media, reportedly captures Ekram Hossain, known as a police source, planning the killing of Nasir Uddin Chowdhury. In the leaked audio, a conversation […]

Laldia–Pangaon Terminals: Two Foreign Companies to Receive 10-Year Tax Exemption

Laldia–Pangaon Terminals: Two Foreign Companies to Receive 10-Year Tax Exemption The two foreign companies awarded the responsibility to operate the Laldia and Pangaon container terminals will enjoy a 100% tax exemption for the next 10 years, National Board of Revenue (NBR) Chairman Abdur Rahman Khan has announced. He clarified that this is not a new incentive but a continuation of an existing government order. Speaking at an event in Gulshan, Dhaka, on Wednesday, the NBR chairman said that as part of the newly signed agreements for Laldia and Pangaon terminals, the operators have been granted full tax exemption. Not only the companies, but their foreign technical staff will also enjoy tax-free privileges. Additionally, royalties, dividends, and technical knowledge fees payable to the companies will remain outside the tax net. He pointed out that the government already offers extensive tax incentives across various sectors, including economic zones, EPZs, and hi-tech parks. “If we continue granting indiscriminate tax exemptions to entities that are supposed to pay taxes, how will we ensure direct tax collection?” he questioned. According to an existing 2017 Statutory Regulatory Order (SRO), investors in 12 categories of infrastructure projects under Public–Private Partnership (PPP) are entitled to a 10-year full income tax exemption. These projects include national highways, expressways, flyovers, river ports, seaports, airports, rail lines, bus terminals, bus depots, tunnels, monorails, and old-age homes. Another order states that foreign technicians employed in such projects are eligible for 50% tax exemption on their income for the first three years. Notably, on November 17, the interim government signed agreements to hand over the Laldia terminal in Chattogram and the Pangaon terminal near Dhaka to foreign operators—marking the first-ever instance of long-term leasing of major port infrastructure to foreign companies in Bangladesh. APM Terminals BV, a Netherlands-based subsidiary of Denmark’s A.P. Moller–Maersk, signed a 30-year concession agreement with Chattogram Port Authority (CPA) to develop and operate the Laldia terminal. According to the PPP Authority, the company will invest USD 550 million (approximately Tk 6,700 crore) in construction, equipment supply, and related work during the first three years. It will also pay Tk 250 crore as signing money.

The two foreign companies awarded the responsibility to operate the Laldia and Pangaon container terminals will enjoy a 100% tax exemption for the next 10 years, National Board of Revenue (NBR) Chairman Abdur Rahman Khan has announced. He clarified that this is not a new incentive but a continuation of an existing government order. Speaking […]

Why India Won’t Extradite Sheikh Hasina: Al-Jazeera Analysis

Why India Won’t Extradite Sheikh Hasina: Al-Jazeera Analysis In a case over crimes against humanity during the July uprising, the International Crimes Tribunal sentenced ousted Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and former Home Minister Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal to death. Former Police Inspector General Chowdhury Abdullah Al-Mamun received five years in prison. On August 5, 2024, Sheikh Hasina resigned amid a student-led uprising and fled to India, where she is currently residing in New Delhi. Despite the death sentence, India has not extradited her. Al-Jazeera reports that it is “virtually impossible” for the Indian government to send Hasina back to face execution. Political analysts in India argue that forcing her return could inadvertently legitimize “anti-India forces” in Bangladesh. During her tenure (1996–2001, 2009–2024), Hasina oversaw significant economic growth in Bangladesh. However, opposition groups allege human rights violations, including suppression of political opponents and extrajudicial killings. In July 2024, student protests demanding reform led to her resignation and flight to India. Former Indian High Commissioner Pinak Ranjan Chakravarty stated, “Extraditing her would complicate bilateral relations. New Delhi has provided her safe refuge. She will not be returned to Bangladesh.” South Asian experts say that although Hasina remains politically significant for India, practical realities make extradition highly unlikely. Analysts suggest India focus on building ties with Bangladesh’s current government and drop the extradition agenda. In short, given political, diplomatic, and human rights considerations, India returning Sheikh Hasina is highly improbable, contributing to long-term tension between the two nations.

In a case over crimes against humanity during the July uprising, the International Crimes Tribunal sentenced ousted Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and former Home Minister Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal to death. Former Police Inspector General Chowdhury Abdullah Al-Mamun received five years in prison. On August 5, 2024, Sheikh Hasina resigned amid a student-led uprising and fled […]

Massive Fire at Gazipur Factory, 9 Units Controlling Blaze

Massive Fire at Gazipur Factory, 9 Units Controlling Blaze A fire broke out at the Standard Phoenix Coil Factory in Bagherbazar, Gazipur. The incident occurred on Wednesday (19 November) around 1:00 PM at the factory in the Sadar area. Nine units of the Fire Service are working to bring the fire under control.

A fire broke out at the Standard Phoenix Coil Factory in Bagherbazar, Gazipur. The incident occurred on Wednesday (19 November) around 1:00 PM at the factory in the Sadar area. Nine units of the Fire Service are working to bring the fire under control.

‘OC Sayed and ASI Biswajit Set Six Bodies on Fire Using Petrol’ — State Witness Abzalul

‘OC Sayed and ASI Biswajit Set Six Bodies on Fire Using Petrol’ — State Witness Abzalul State witness and former police officer Sheikh Abzalul Haque has apologized to the International Crimes Tribunal for failing to prevent the brutal killing and burning of six youths in Ashulia during the July-August movement. He sought forgiveness on Wednesday (19 November) after giving his statement before Tribunal-2, led by retired district judge Md. Manjurul Basid. On the same day, Abzalul testified against former MP Saiful Islam and 15 other accused in a case involving the killing of seven people, including the burning of six bodies in Ashulia. Although he was not present during the burning itself, he said he learned of the incident on 15 August when he went to deposit his service weapon at the police station. According to his testimony, then Ashulia Police Station OC Sayed and ASI Biswajit poured petrol on the six bodies and set them on fire. Following his deposition, Abzalul asked the tribunal for forgiveness. Earlier, on 21 August, Tribunal-2 framed formal charges against the 16 accused and ordered the trial to begin. Seven of the eight accused present in court pleaded not guilty, while SI Abzalul admitted his involvement and applied to become a state witness. His confession was formally recorded, and he was granted permission to testify for the prosecution. After charges were framed, 14 September was set as the date for opening statements and recording witness testimonies. On that day, the tribunal rejected the accused’s discharge pleas and formally read out the charges. For the eight absconding accused, including former MP Saiful Islam, two state-appointed lawyers were assigned. The arrested accused include: former Additional SP (Crime & Ops) of Dhaka district Abdullahil Kafi, former Additional SP (Savar Circle) Shahidul Islam, Inspector Arafat Hossain, SI Malek, SI Arafat Uddin, ASI Kamrul Hasan, SI Abzalul, and Constable Mukul. A notice was published in newspapers instructing the fugitive accused to appear before the tribunal. On 2 July, the prosecution submitted formal charges along with 313 pages of documents, statements of 62 witnesses, 168 pages of evidence, and two pen drives. The tribunal accepted the charges and issued arrest warrants against the eight absconding accused. Notably, on 5 August 2023, six young men were shot dead by police in Ashulia. Their bodies were later placed in a police van and burned. One of the victims was reportedly still alive at the time but was also set on fire with petrol. Following the incident, a case was filed with the International Crimes Tribunal on 11 September on charges of crimes against humanity.

State witness and former police officer Sheikh Abzalul Haque has apologized to the International Crimes Tribunal for failing to prevent the brutal killing and burning of six youths in Ashulia during the July-August movement. He sought forgiveness on Wednesday (19 November) after giving his statement before Tribunal-2, led by retired district judge Md. Manjurul Basid. […]

‘I Was Detained on an Adviser’s Instructions’ — Journalist Sohel

‘I Was Detained on an Adviser’s Instructions’ — Journalist Sohel Mizanur Rahman Sohel, Online Head of Dainik Bhorer Kagoj and Secretary of the Online Editors’ Alliance, has alleged that he was detained on the instructions of a government adviser. In a post from his verified Facebook account on Wednesday (19 November), Sohel said he was kept in DB custody for nearly 10 hours without any charges. He wrote that around midnight on Tuesday, 5–6 DB officers forcibly picked him up from his home, saying the DB chief wanted to speak with him. At the DB office, his name was entered as an accused, and he was kept in a cell with other detainees—yet no one could explain why he had been arrested. Sohel claimed that a government adviser ordered his detention to help only nine mobile phone traders establish a monopoly in the market. He added that Abu Saeed Piyas, Secretary of the Online Editors’ Alliance, was also detained and remains in DB custody. A press conference by Business Community Bangladesh (MBCB) on the National Equipment Identity Register (NEIR) was scheduled to be held on Wednesday at the DRU. Sohel was the media consultant for the event. According to him, the main intention behind his detention was to stop that press conference. In his post, he wrote that NEIR contradicts the country’s free-market policy and the objectives of the Competition Commission. He alleged that a deep conspiracy is underway to destroy the livelihoods of 25,000 mobile phone traders across the country for the benefit of only nine businessmen. This, he warned, would severely affect general people, especially rural consumers and expatriates. He also claimed that one of these nine businessmen is a school friend of the adviser involved. Sohel questioned, “Why does the government fear when someone speaks against a business syndicate? Did they really need to pick me up in the middle of the night just to stop a press conference?” He added that he believes he was released quickly because many colleagues, well-wishers, and friends raised their voices on social media and in the news after learning about his detention. Notably, Sohel was picked up from the New Badda area of the capital on Tuesday night.

Mizanur Rahman Sohel, Online Head of Dainik Bhorer Kagoj and Secretary of the Online Editors’ Alliance, has alleged that he was detained on the instructions of a government adviser. In a post from his verified Facebook account on Wednesday (19 November), Sohel said he was kept in DB custody for nearly 10 hours without any […]

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