The Daily Blurb

18/02/2025

Zohad Chowdhury’s wife Mahreen has overcome cancer! The frontman of the iconic band shared this amazing news an hour ago through his page.

We hope and pray that the remaining part of their journey is even smoother!

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18/02/2025

Hasan Taher Imam, the Managing Director of Bangladesh RACE Asset Management, has been implicated in the embezzlement of approximately Tk 700 crore from mutual funds under the company’s management. Investigations reveal that over the past five years, Imam orchestrated unauthorized transactions benefiting his own enterprises, leading to significant financial losses for small investors. 

In response to these allegations, the Bangladesh Securities and Exchange Commission (BSEC) has frozen the Beneficiary Owner (BO) accounts of both Imam and RACE Chairman Chowdhury Nafeez Sarafat. This action aims to protect investor interests and ensure the security of assets managed by RACE. 

While initial reports suggested that Imam had fled to Malaysia,  recent developments indicate that he has returned to Bangladesh and resumed his activities. The situation has sparked public outrage, with many demanding accountability and stringent legal action against those involved in the financial misconduct.

18/02/2025

Former RAB officer Alep Uddin has been accused of repeatedly assaulting a prisoner’s wife, using threats of killing her husband in a “crossfire” to force her compliance. Reports indicate that he pressured the woman into breaking her fast on the sacred night of Shab-e-Qadr to engage in non-consensual acts. The alleged abuse occurred multiple times, severely affecting the woman’s mental health, ultimately leading to her death.

The case has sparked widespread outrage on social media, with journalist Maudud Sujon revealing details, including claims that the officer justified his actions as an “unwritten rule.” Public demands for justice against Alep Uddin continue to grow, with strong condemnation of his alleged crimes.

17/02/2025

Former Bangladesh captain Tamim Iqbal is taking his first step toward his ambition of joining the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) as a policymaker by investing in Gulshan Cricket Club, a team in the Dhaka Premier Division Cricket League (DPL).

After officially retiring from international cricket following the Bangladesh Premier League (BPL) final, Tamim has partnered with Fortune Barishal owner Mizanur Rahman to finance Gulshan CC. The club was previously operated by Beximco Sports, which has been struggling financially since the Awami League’s fall from power in August last year. Gulshan CC was recently promoted to the Premier Division from the First Division League.

Despite his investment, Tamim has not taken the club’s councillorship, as he intends to continue playing domestic cricket for a few more seasons. Instead, Mizanur Rahman is expected to become the club’s cricket committee chairman and councilor, while Tamim avoids the role to prevent conflicts of interest, as he will be captaining Mohammedan Sporting Club this season.

Speaking to the media, Tamim stated that their focus is currently on supporting the team financially and that they have not yet discussed or decided who will be the club’s councilor.

Veteran coach Khaled Mahmud Sujon, who recently joined Gulshan CC after a 12-year stint with Abahani Limited, expressed confidence in Tamim’s commitment. He said he had been looking for a reliable investor and found Tamim and Mizanur Rahman to be ideal partners.

The 2024-25 Dhaka League season is set to begin early next month.

17/02/2025

A February 2025 India Today Mood of the Nation (MOTN) poll surveyed public opinion in Northeast India regarding the Indian government’s decision to shelter former Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. The results showed that 55% of respondents believed she should be sent back to Bangladesh to strengthen diplomatic ties with Dhaka, while 23% supported India’s decision, considering her an ally. Meanwhile, 16% suggested relocating her to another country instead of returning her to Bangladesh.

The survey highlighted regional differences in opinion, as responses from the rest of India varied significantly. Nationwide, 37.6% supported sheltering Hasina, 21.1% favored her return to Bangladesh, and 29.1% preferred relocating her elsewhere. The poll underscores contrasting regional perspectives on India’s foreign policy regarding Bangladesh.

Source: India Today NE

16/02/2025

Susthotaa has launched Bangladesh’s first pet ambulance service, ensuring swift and compassionate medical transportation for animals in emergencies. This initiative aims to provide timely care, whether for routine vet visits or urgent medical attention. The ambulance is equipped to handle critical situations, offering pet owners peace of mind.

For immediate assistance, pet owners can call 09601 222 777 or pre-book the service through www.susthotaa.com.

Source: Susthotaa | Facebook

16/02/2025

Green Delta Insurance PLC has launched Bangladesh’s first-ever pet insurance policy, providing financial coverage for pet owners. At the moment the coverage is only limited to dogs and cats. The policy aims to ease the financial burden of veterinary expenses by covering medical treatment for accidental injuries, serious illnesses, and specific medical conditions.

According to Green Delta, the coverage for dogs ranges from BDT 20,000 to BDT 80,000, while for cats, it ranges from BDT 10,000 to BDT 30,000. They have also partnered with veterinary clinics and pet care facilities to offer additional benefits to policyholders.

With the growing number of pet owners in Bangladesh, this initiative marks a significant step toward ensuring better healthcare and financial security for pets. Green Delta’s introduction of pet insurance reflects a broader shift in recognizing pets as valued family members rather than just animals.

16/02/2025

Interim government’s Chief Adviser, Professor Dr. Muhammad Yunus, has announced that police verification will no longer be required for passport applications. He described the verification process as harassment and emphasized the need for change.

Speaking at the DC Conference at Osmani Memorial Auditorium in Dhaka on February 16, Dr. Yunus stated:

“A passport is my citizenship right. It is an identification document. We have now introduced a law that removes the requirement for police verification in passport applications. This process was unnecessary and a form of harassment.”

He stressed the importance of law and order, stating that the government’s success or failure now depends on maintaining stability. He also highlighted the protection of women, children, and minorities as a key responsibility of the government.

Dr. Yunus further urged officials to work as a team to avoid any actions that could disrupt overall national progress.

16/02/2025

16/02/2025

Iconic singer-songwriter Pratul Mukhopadhyay has passed away at 83 after a prolonged illness. As reported by Anandabazar Online, he breathed his last early Saturday while receiving treatment at a government hospital, where West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee oversaw his care. Mukhopadhyay had been struggling with health issues since the beginning of the year.

A longtime admirer of his music, Mamata Banerjee ensured he had access to proper medical treatment during his final days. Mukhopadhyay is best remembered for iconic songs like Ami Banglay Gaan G*i and Ochena Sagore Dinga Bhasiyechi, which remain deeply cherished. His passing has left a profound impact on the Bengali music industry, with artists and admirers expressing their sorrow.

Recognized as a significant figure in Bengali music, Mukhopadhyay’s death marks the end of an era. Fans and well-wishers continue to mourn his loss, while his musical legacy lives on.

Source: Dhaka Tribune

15/02/2025

15/02/2025

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15/02/2025

In a remarkable feat of endurance and determination, 25-year-old Tahura Sultana Rekha has completed a 26-day journey on foot from Teknaf to Tetulia, covering approximately 1,000 kilometers. She reached Banglabandha Zero Point in Tetulia, Panchagarh, on a recent Friday evening. 

Tahura embarked on her journey on November 29, 2024, from Teknaf. By December 16, she had reached the eastern side of the Jamuna Bridge. Facing restrictions that prevented her from walking across the bridge, she made the bold decision to swim across the river to continue her trek. 

Following this segment of her journey, Tahura joined a female expedition team in Nepal for a winter Himalayan adventure, further showcasing her adventurous spirit. 

Tahura’s journey is part of a project titled “Sea to Himalayas,” divided into three phases. Her mission is to inspire people to adopt healthier lifestyles and to demonstrate the power of determination. 

14/02/2025

Sylhet-based startup Dorik, co-founded by Mizanur Rahman and Anwar Hussain, has earned a spot on Andreessen Horowitz’s prestigious market map for website generation.

Andreessen Horowitz (a16z), one of the world’s top venture capital firms with over $40 billion in commitments, recognized Dorik as a key player in the no-code website-building space. This marks a significant milestone for Bangladesh’s SaaS industry, highlighting its growing influence on the global stage.

With this achievement, Dorik joins an elite list of companies shaping the future of web development, proving that is on the rise.

14/02/2025

Bangladesh has sent the necessary documents to India under the prisoner exchange agreement to bring back ousted Prime Minister and Awami League President Sheikh Hasina. Foreign Ministry spokesperson Rafiqul Alam shared this information during the ministry’s regular weekly briefing on Thursday (February 13).

He also indicated that the UN Fact-Finding Mission’s report on the genocide that took place in July-August could increase pressure on India to return Sheikh Hasina. Regarding whether friendly nations will be engaged in this issue, he said that the decision rests with the government.

Rafiqul Alam mentioned that Dhaka has not yet received agrément for Riaz Hamidullah, Bangladesh’s nominated High Commissioner to Delhi, but noted that it is normal for the process to take two and a half to three months.

13/02/2025

The Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) has initiated an investigation into allegations against former Finance Minister AHM Mustafa Kamal, commonly known as Lotus Kamal, and his daughter, Nafisa Kamal. The probe focuses on their alleged involvement in a scheme related to the Malaysian labor market. 

The ACC’s inquiry also extends to Kamal’s wife, Kashmiri Kamal, and several former members of parliament, including Nizam Uddin Hazari, Lt General (retd) Masud Uddin Chowdhury, and Benazir Ahmed, who are suspected of participating in the same scheme. 

Reports suggest that Kamal and his daughter have amassed significant wealth, allegedly through illicit means, and have established a substantial empire in Dubai. They are accused of laundering approximately Tk 25,000 crore and investing in various sectors in Dubai, including real estate. 

Additionally, it has been reported that Kamal and his daughter fled the country on July 15, carrying substantial amounts of money. Following their departure, the government froze the bank accounts of Kamal, his wife, and his daughter. The Bangladesh Financial Intelligence Unit (BFIU) has also halted transactions from their business accounts. 

The ACC has formed a three-member committee, led by Deputy Director Mohammad Nurul Huda, to investigate these allegations. The commission has prepared a summary of the accusations and is proceeding with the inquiry. 

This investigation is part of a broader effort by the ACC to address corruption and illicit financial activities involving high-profile individuals.

13/02/2025

NOT THE ACTUAL SIGNBOARD

In the Golapganj Upazila of Sylhet, a digital signboard at the Kushiara Shopping Complex in the Choumuhani area unexpectedly displayed the message: “Uncle, where is Hasu Apa? Has she fled to Modi?” A video clip capturing this incident has been widely shared on social media.

The video shows the message appearing on a digital signboard located on the second floor of the shopping complex, where “Niramoy Dental Care” is situated. The unexpected display of this text prompted someone to record it and share it online. The video began circulating on Wednesday night (February 12), sparking widespread discussion.

Regarding the incident, Golapganj Police Station Officer-in-Charge Moniruzzaman Molla stated, “Upon receiving reports of such a message appearing on the market’s signboard, police visited the scene and found the market closed.”

The phrase “Hasu Apa” is commonly understood to refer to Sheikh Hasina, the former Prime Minister of Bangladesh. The message’s appearance has led to various interpretations and discussions on social media platforms.