Day: January 19, 2024

Channel i lifted the BSJA Media-Cup trophy, beating T Sports by four wickets in the final game of the tournament, held at Paltan Outer Stadium today. A total of 32 media houses of the country took part in the tournament, organized by the Bangladesh Sports Journalists Association (BSJA), powered by Bashundhara Kings. After batting first, T Sports put up 88-2 in six overs, a target which Channel I gunned down in 4.2 overs, losing two wickets. Sazzad Khan who was adjudged man of the match, made highest 31 off 6. T Sports' Parvez was adjudged man of the tournament and best batter for his 139 runs and six wickets. Mostafiz Pranto of Business Standard took six wickets to be the best bowler. The champions were awarded a trophy and Tk 30,000 while the runners-up got Tk 15,000 along with trophy. Bashundhara Kings chairman Imrul Hasan, who is also the vice-president of Bangladesh Football Federation (BFF) and Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) media committee chairman Tanvir Ahmed Titu were present and dis tributed the prizes among the winners. BSJA president Sayeeduzzman, general secretary Anisur Rahman and other members of the organization were present at the time. Source: Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha

Over 700 distressed people affected badly by the sweeping cold weather were given blankets today to mitigate their sufferings. Mayor of Rajshahi City Corporation (RCC) and Awami League (AL) Presidium Member AHM Khairuzzaman Liton distributed the warm clothes on the premises of Shaheed AHM Kamaruzzaman Government Degree College this afternoon as the chief guest. Speaking on the occasion, Mayor Liton said the present government under the dynamic and visionary leadership of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has been extending need-based supports to the poor and marginalized people to mitigate the existing plights of the cold-stricken people. He also urged the richer sections of the society and other non-government volunteer and philanthropic organizations to stand beside the cold-hit people in the region with helping hands. Source: Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha

The 10th edition of the Bangladesh Premier League (BPL) kicked off in a grand style with fast bowler Shoriful Islam claiming a hat-trick in his side Durdanto Dhaka's match against defending champions Comilla Victorians today at Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium. Shoriful who returned figures of 3-27, took all of his wickets in the last three balls of Comilla's innings. After conceding two sixes at the hands of Khushdil Shah in the second and third ball, he took the sweet revenge when he had Comilla's Pakistan recruit caught by Taskin. Later in the last two balls, he claimed the wicket of West Indies recruit Roston Chase and Mahidul Islam Ankon, helped by the fielders to become the seventh bowler in the tournament to claim hat-trick. Comilla eventually were restricted to 143-6. Pakistan's Mohammad Sami was the first bowler in BPL to slam a hat-trick in the first edition in 2012. So far three overseas players and four Bangladeshi players achieved the feat in this tournament. The first three hat-tricks were registered in Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium in Mirpur and then the next three were recorded at Zahur Ahmed Chowdhury Stadium in Chattogram before Mirpur saw a hat-trick again thanks to Shoriful. List of BPL hat-tricks: Mohammad Sami (Pakistan)--Duronto Rajshahi vs Dhaka Gladiators 2012 Al-Amin Hossain (Bangladesh)--Barisal Bulls vs Sylhet Super Stars 2015 Aliss Islam (Bangladesh)--Dhaka Dynamites vs Rangpur Riders 2019 Wahab Riaz (Pakistan)--Comilla Victorians vs Khulna Titans 2019 Andre Russell (West Indies)--Dhaka Dynamites vs Chattogram Vikings 2019 Mrittunjoy Chowhdury (Bangladesh)--Chattogram Challengers vs Sylhet Sunrisers 2022. Shoriful Islam (Bangladesh)-Durdanto Dhaka vs Comilla Victorians 2023 Source: Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha

United Arab Emirates (UAE), Qatar, Egypt, Luxemburg, Turkey, Singapore, Malaysia and Brazil congratulated Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on her re-election as the premier of Bangladesh for the 4th straight term. In a congratulatory message, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan congratulated Sheikh Hasina on assuming office of the prime minister once again in the aftermath of the general elections of Bangladesh. "I am confident that the relations between our countries based on historical and cultural ties will further deepen and strengthen during your new term," he said. In another message, Egyptian President Abdel Fattah Al Sisi extended his warmest congratulations to Sheikh Hasina on winning the general elections securing a new term as prime minister of Bangladesh. "Your re-election to this high office reflects the confidence and trust your people have in your able leadership to achieve further progress for your country," he said. Abdel Fattah said Egypt and Bangladesh share a long history of friendshi p and cooperation and he express his confident that the bilateral relations between the two countries will continue to grow over the coming years for the mutual benefit of the peoples of the two nations. Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva, in his congratulatory letter, hailed Sheikh Hasina for the leadership she has demonstrated during her four terms as Prime Minister as evidenced by the significant social and economic achievements of her government. He wished her fifth term to be a resounding success in guiding the destiny of the friendly nation. Lula da Silva assured that Bangladesh will always have a steadfast partner in Brazil in the pursuit of peace and prosperity for the societies. He hoped the two countries can continue to work together to further strengthen the bonds of friendship and cooperation that unite the nations. The year 2023 was highly positive for the relations between the two nations as the Brazilian president recalled the meeting between him and Bangladesh premier on the si delines of the BRICS Summit in Johannesburg where they had the opportunity to discuss the paths of sustainable development and the pursuit of prosperity and well-being for the peoples. He also invited Bangladesh premier to visit Brazil at a date to be mutually agreed upon through diplomatic channels. In separate letters, Qatar's Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Mohammed Bin Abdulrahman Bin Jassim Al-Thani, Singapore Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong, UAE Vice-President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai Sheikh Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Luxemburg's Vice-Prime Minister, Minister for Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade, Minister for Cooperation and Humanitarian Action Xavier Bettel extended their warmest congratulations and best wishes to Sheikh Hasina on securing the absolute majority in the 12th National Election of Bangladesh. They also wished sound health and happiness for Bangladesh premier as well as for the government and Bangladesh's further welfare and prosperity. Malaysian Prime Mini ster Anwar Ibrahim congratulated Sheikh Hasina for her reelection as Prime Minister of Bangladesh. In a greeting message, he wrote, "On behalf of the Government and the people of Malaysia, I extend my heartiest congratulations to you on being sworn in for a fourth term as the Prime Minister of the People's Republic of Bangladesh." "In your tenure as Prime Minister, you have remarkably steered your country through more than a decade of robust economic growth, ensuring that Bangladesh emerged as one of the success stories of Asia," he added. Source: Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha

Around 240 potential youths are being given skill development training for making them self-reliant through various income-generating activities. The beneficiary youths are being imparted training on four courses-- digital marketing for freelancing, graphics design for freelancing, web-design and development for freelancing and video editing and freelancing. On behalf of its "Employment Skill Development Institute", Rajshahi City Corporation (RCC) has been providing the four-month training since January 1 last. Established at the 10th floor of the city bhavan's annex building, the institute is conducting the courses for the interested people. RCC and National Skill Development Authority belonging to the Bangladesh Technical Education Board will provide certificates to each of the participants upon successful completion of the course. City Mayor AHM Khairuzzaman Liton inspected the training activities along with sharing views with the participating youths and others concerned yesterday afterno on. Speaking on the occasion, Mayor Liton said they established the institute for creating skilled human resources through training. Many people are seen earning huge money and bringing dollars from abroad through freelancing sitting at home, he mentioned, adding: "They are also working as remittance fighters." Liton said they are very much intended to generate employment opportunities for youths both the boys and girls after the best use of the potential sector. RCC Chief Engineer Nur Islam and Coordinator of the institute Prof Habibur Rahman were present on the occasion. Source: Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha

Two people including a NGO official were killed and four others injured while an oil-laden lorry hit a passenger-laden human- hauler (locally known as Mahindra) at Ghatail upazila here last night. "The accident took place in Porabari area under Deulabari union of the upazila around 9:30 pm", said Officer-in-Charge (OC) of Gatail Police Station Abu Salam Mia. Of the deceased, police confirmed the identity of Shafiqul Islam, 45, who worked as a manager of a non-government organisation (NGO) ASA, hailed from Dhanbari upazila. The accident occurred when the lorry, heading towards Alenga under Kalihati upazila, hit another passenger-carrying human-hauler coming from the opposite direction in the area, leaving one dead on the spot, said the Police official. Another wounded succumbed to his injuries on way to the Ghatail Upazila Health Complex as locals tried to shift the injured there immediately after the incident, he said. Rest four Mahindra passengers, who injured during the accident, were admit ted to the Upazila Health Complex, the OC added. Source: Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha

A total of 550 blankets were distributed from the Prime Minister's Relief and Welfare Fund among the helpless, cold-hit people living in various unions, including Madhnagar and Piprul unions, under Naldanga upazila of the district last night (Thursday). Deputy Commissioner (DC) Abu Naser Bhuiyan handed over the blankets as the chief guest among the helpless, cold-hit people living in various unions, including Madhnagar and Piprul, of the upazila. Additional Deputy Commissioner (ADC) Masudur Rahman, Naldanga Upazila Nirbahi Officer (UNO) Dewan Akramul Haque, among others, were present on the occasion. The DC urged the rich people to stand by the cold affected poor people to mitigate their sufferings. Source: Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha

Members of Rapid Action Battalion (RAB) in an anti-crime drive arrested an alleged top-listed drug peddler with 5.1 kilograms of heroin in Chapainawabganj district last midnight. The arrested was identified as Roksana Begum, 38, wife of Muhammad Alam of Char Kodalkati village under Sadar upazila of Chapainawabganj district, the RAB sources said this afternoon. Acting on a tip-off, a team of the elite force conducted a raid on her residence around 9:30 pm and nabbed her. The team recovered the contraband drugs after searching the house red-handed, said Commanding Officer of RAB-5 Lieutenant Colonel Munim Ferdous. A case was recorded with Chapainawabganj Sadar Police Station in this connection and the arrested person along with the seized goods was handed over to the police. Source: Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha

Four shops were gutted in a fire at Pourashava hawkers market in the district town today. The fire originated from an electric short circuit at a shop of the hawkers market around 10am this morning and soon engulfed the adjacent business establishments, and as a result, four shops were completely gutted, Ranjit Kumar Saha, Deputy Director of Fire Services and Civil Defense Station said. Being informed, three units of firefighters rushed to the spot and doused the blaze with the help of locals and affected businessmen after one hour of efforts, he said. The extent of damage will be known after investigation, he added. Source: Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha

Holders Bashundhara Kings registered their fourth consecutive victories in the Bangladesh Premier League football beating Lieutenant Sheikh Jamal Dhanmondi Club by 3-0 goals held at Sheikh Fazlul Haque Mani Stadium in Gopalganj on Friday. In the day's match, Brazilian forward Dorielton struck twice while his compatriot Robinho netted the other one goal for Kings. After the barren first half, Dorielton finally broke the deadlock scoring the first goal in the 79th minute and he scored the second goal for his team in the 90+2nd minute of the match. Forward Robinho sealed the victory scoring the third goal for Kings in the 90+6th minute of the match. The day's win saw Kings raise their tally to twelve points from four matches while Sheikh Jamal Dhanmondi Club remained at their previous collection of three points playing the same number of matches. Source: Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha

Awami League (AL) General Secretary and Road Transport and Bridges Minister Obaidul Quader today said BNP's non-participation in the 12th general elections is part of its conspiracy against the country's sovereignty. He made the remark while speaking at a press conference at the AL President's Dhanmondi political office here this afternoon. Quader said the election would have been more competitive if the BNP participated in it. "Yet, the election was not voter-less and non-competitive though BNP did not participate in it. The party's election boycott is part of a conspiracy against the country's sovereignty," he added. He said in many countries of the world, despite the participation of all political parties, the voter turnout is not seen above 40 percent. "We know that about 25-30 percent of voter turnout is seen in many countries, including in Europe. Sometimes it gets less than that," the AL general secretary said. He said a crisis is prevailing all over the world while in the past few days snowstorm s have killed 30 people in the United States in a cold wave. Many counties have been affected by the snowstorm and the Russia-Ukraine war, Quader said. He said the first session of the 12th Jatiya Sangsad will begin on January 30. "We can claim that there is democratic continuity in the country because of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina's bravery. Even after the elections, terrorists identified under the leadership of BNP are hatching plots," the minister added. AL Organising Secretaries BM Mozammel Haque, Mirza Azam, Afzal Hossain and Sujit Roy Nandi, Office Secretary Barrister Biplab Barua and Deputy Office Secretary Sayem Khan were, among others, present at the press conference. Source: Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha

Pace bowler Shoriful Islam picked up a hat-trick and Naim Sheikh struck a half-century as Durdanto Dhaka made a winning start to the Bangladesh Premier League (BPL), beating defending champions Cumilla Victorians by five wickets at Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium today. Shoriful, who took all three wickets in the last three balls of the innings, finished with 3-27 to help the side restrict Cumilla to 143-6, despite a 66 from Imrul Kayes, who was removed as captain of the side despite leading them three BPL titles. Naim's 52 was instrumental in helping the side overhaul the target with three balls to spare. Naim and his opening partner Danushka Gunathilaka added 101-run to make the chase a cake-walk as Dhaka reached 147-5 in 19.3 overs to give its new owner a winning start. Naim who brought up his fifty off 38 balls, finally was dismissed by left-arm spinner Tanvir Islam after hitting three fours and as many sixes in 40 balls. Sri Lankan recruit Gunathilka's 41 came off 42 balls with the help of fo ur fours and one six. After giving the side a breakthrough with the wicket of Naim, Tanvir also took the wicket of Gunathilaka in his next over and finally had figures of 2-27. Mustafizur Rahman then took two wickets to make the match little competitive before Chaturanga de Silva hit a six to confirm the side's victory. Irfan Shukkur was the other notable scorer with 16 ball-24. Being sent to bat first, Comilla was stifled by Dhaka spinners, who stemmed the run flow with tight bowling. Chaturanga de Silva removed Comilla's new captain Liton Das for 13 to break through before Kayes and Towhid Hridoy shared a 93-run for the second wicket. But they failed to go after the bowlers when it mattered most. Taskin Ahmed who picked up 2-30, got rid of both of the batters in the space of three balls in the penultimate over as they tried to accelerate the scoreboard. Kayes clobbered six fours and two sixes for his 56 ball-66 while Hridoy's 41 ball-47 studded with one four and two sixes. Pakistan recruit Khushdil Sh ah hit Shoriful consecutive two sixes before the pacer further extended Comilla's agony with hat-trick. Source: Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha