France approves 150m euro loan for Bangladesh's Covid-19 fight

Diplomatic CorrespondentThe Executive Board of the French Development Agency (Agence Française de Développement - AFD) has approved a concessional loan of 150 million euro to support Bangladesh with its cash transfer programs and COVID-19 responsiveness.The embassy in Dhaka on Thursday said the loan will contribute towards the World Bank supported Cash Transfer Modernization Project which seeks to improve the transparency and efficiency of selected cash transfer programs for vulnerable populations by modernizing service delivery.It would also support government efforts to address the social and economic consequences of the COVID-19 epidemic.The project has three components. (1) Enhancement of Cash Transfer Programs, which incentivizes actions towards improving the business processes under selected cash transfer programs; (2) Modernization of Service Delivery, which provides technical assistance to support the enhancements of technology assets, utilize integrated informati...

Foreign investment proposals rise by 537.51pc in April-June

Fully foreign and joint venture investment proposals with Bangladesh Investment Development Authority (BIDA) rose by 537.51 percent (Taka 41,502.954 million) during the April-June quarter compared to the same period of the preceding year 2019, reports BSS.According to the latest data of BIDA, the authority received some 46 overall investment proposals involving Taka 56,835.811 million during the three months of the year.Out of the 46 investment proposals, BIDA received 38 proposals involving Tak...

FBCCI mourns death of ex-secretary ASSM Zahirul Haque

Business DeskFBCCI President Sheikh Fazle Fahim has expressed deep grief over the death of ASSM Zahirul Haque Dulal, former Law and Justice Division Secretary of Law Ministry. At the same time, he expressed deep sympathy...

‘Sheikh Kamal an icon of new, future generations’

Diplomatic CorrespondentThe 71st anniversary of birth of Sheikh Kamal, the eldest son of the Father of the Nation, was celebrated in a befitting manner at Bangladesh Embassy in Washington, D.C. Wednesday, recalling his extraordinary contributions to the national life, ranging from sports and culture to politics and patriotism. To celebrate the birthday, the embassy organised a discussion on the life and work of Sheikh Kamal, screened a documentary on his life and cut a birthday cake and special prayers.Bangladesh Ambassador Mohammad Ziauddin and Minister (Press) Shamim Ahmad took part in the discussion.First Secretary and Head of Chancery Md Mahmudul Islam conducted the programme.Paying rich tributes to Sheikh Kamal, Ambassador Ziauddin characterised him as an icon of the new and futu...

Indictment hearing adjourned till May 6

BCB to decide BPL’s future soon

Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) said on Wednesday that they will sit in September to decide the future of the upcoming Bangladesh Premier League (BPL), reports Cricfrenzy. BCB had opted to host the BPL excluding the franchises in the last edition after a few franchises wanted some changes in existing rules of the tournament.While franchise-based cricket is gaining popularity all across the globe, the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) has decided to take control of the Bangladesh Premier League (BPL) in the next edition. The incident took place after a fallout between six franchise owners, with the exception of Dhaka Dynamites.It was understood that the big issue was Shakib Al Hasan, Bangladesh's premier cricketer, opting to sign up with Rangpur Riders earlier this year from Dhaka Dynamites. As such, the franchises had the option of signing four players from outside the player draft, which made Shakib's switch, as well as that of other renowned players Tamim Iqbal and Mushfiqur Rahim being fined.But, it is believed, that the Dhaka franchise was not happy to lose its star player, and wanted some changes in the rules.However, according to insiders, BPL is going to be the franchise-based system from the upcoming edition, though the future looks to be bleak considering the Covid-19 impact in the country.BPL is considered as a domestic tournament though where many international cricketers take part. But this time, the big question remains if international cricketers would come to play there, BCB media committee chairman Jalal Yunus said to the reporters on Wednesday.&quo...

Covid-19 cases and deaths increase during Eid holidays

At the end of the general holidays for Eid-ul-Azha, it has been noted that there has been a spike in the number of new Covid-19 cases as well as deaths in the country. This is indeed a cause of concer...

Post-Eid waste management

The holy Eid-ul-Azha, the second biggest religious festival of the Muslims, was celebrated across the country on Saturday with due solemnity, religious fervor and zeal. On the occasion, Muslims across the country offered prayers in congregations and ...

Pantry recipes to make while you're stuck at home

foodpanda takes health safety measures in response to COVID-19

Enticing UMAI