United News of Bangladesh

The Yonex-Sunrise Bangladesh Junior and Senior International Badminton Tournament 2024 is set to kick off at the Shaheed Tajuddin Ahmed Indoor Stadium in Dhaka on Friday. The Junior Series will take place from December 13 to 16, while the Senior Series is scheduled for December 17 to 21. Leading shuttlers from 19 countries will compete in the tournaments, which are being organised by the Bangladesh Badminton Federation (BBF). BBF Acting President Quamrunnahar Dana shared details of the event at a press conference on Wednesday. A total of 114 players from India, Indonesia, and host nation Bangladesh will compete in the Junior Tournament. West Indies seal series with 7-wicket win over Bangladesh Meanwhile, the Senior Tournament will see 228 participants from 19 countries, including India, Thailand, Myanmar, Canada, Indonesia, Sri Lanka, Japan, the Maldives, England, Ukraine, Italy, Finland, Bulgaria, Uganda, Malaysia, Vietnam, the Philippines, and Singapore. Both tournaments will feature five events each for junior and senior categories.  

West Indies clinched the three-match ODI series with a dominant seven-wicket win over Bangladesh in the second ODI in Basseterre on Tuesday. Spearheaded by Jayden Seales’ fiery 4-22 and a clinical batting display led by Brandon King’s 82, the hosts chased down the 228-run target with 79 balls to spare. After winning the toss, West Indies opted to bowl first, and Seales delivered immediately. The pacer dismantled Bangladesh’s top order, reducing them to 54-3 within 10 overs. Bangladesh v West Indies, 2nd ODI: After promising start, Tigers bowled out for 227 Tanzid Hasan provided early resistance with a brisk 46 off 33 balls, but wickets fell regularly. Gudakesh Motie and Justin Greaves chipped in with crucial strikes, and despite a record 92-run partnership for the eighth wicket between Mahmudullah (62) and Tanzim Hasan Sakib (45), Bangladesh was bundled out for 227 in 45.5 overs. In reply, West Indies’ openers Brandon King and Evin Lewis laid a solid foundation with a 109-run partnership. King’s 82 off 76 balls, laced with eight boundaries and three sixes, set the tone. Lewis fell agonizingly short of a half-century, dismissed for 49 by Rishad Hossain. Keacy Carty added 45, and captain Shai Hope (17 not out) and Sherfane Rutherford (24 not out) finished the job comfortably. “We were clinical today,” said Hope. “We have been struggling to win series at home, hope to finish 3-0 now.” West Indies opt to bowl first in 2nd ODI vs Bangladesh It was West Indies’ first ODI series win against Bangladesh after 10 years.  Bangladesh captain Mehidy Hasan Miraz lamented his team’s batting collapse. “We didn’t bat well in the middle overs. Partnerships were missing. 300-plus was needed on this wicket,” he said. West Indies aim for a 3-0 whitewash, while Bangladesh looks to regroup ahead of their Champions Trophy preparations.

Bangladesh faltered after a solid start, managing 227 in 45.5 overs in the second ODI against West Indies in Basseterre on Sunday. Jayden Seales, who troubled the Tigers batsmen in the Test series that preceded the white ball cricket, was the wrecker-in-chief for the West Indies, bagging impressive figures of 4/22 off 9 overs, putting the hosts in control at the break. Bangladesh, asked to bat first by Shai Hope, began aggressively with Tanzid Hasan’s 46 off 33 balls, with four boundaries and two sixes. But Seales struck early, dismissing Soumya Sarkar (2) and Litton Das (4) in quick succession, followed by captain Mehidy Hasan Miraz (1), leaving Bangladesh struggling at 54-3. Tanzid’s dismissal at 64-4 triggered further setbacks as Afif Hossain (24) and Jaker Ali (3) failed to stabilize the innings against Gudakesh Motie’s tidy bowling. Motie claimed 2-36, while Justin Greaves and Romario Shepherd picked up crucial wickets too. Read: West Indies opt to bowl first in 2nd ODI vs Bangladesh Veteran Mahmudullah anchored the innings with a hard-fought 62 off 92 balls, hitting two fours and four sixes. Respectability was salvaged thanks to young Tanzim Hasan Sakib, primarily in the team for his bowling, who contributed a fighting 45 off 62 deliveries. The duo added 92 runs for the eighth wicket, lifting Bangladesh past 200. It’s now the record of the highest eighth wicket stand of Bangladesh in ODIs. Mahmudullah and Sakib surpassed the 84 of Mohammad Mithun and Mohammad Saifuddin, which they scored in 2019 against New Zealand in Napier. The lower order crumbled quickly after Tanzim’s departure, with Shoriful Islam entertaining briefly with a quick-fire 15 off 8 balls. Shepherd ended the innings with Shoriful’s dismissal, capping off an efficient bowling performance by West Indies. West Indies won the first ODI by five wickets. A win today would seal the ODI series for them. Prior to the ODIs, the Test series was drawn 1-1. There's a T20I leg as well, after the 3-match ODIs get done.

Former champions Dhaka Abahani Limited made a winning start  while last time's runners up Dhaka Mohammedan SC conceded defeat in the 10-team Federation Cup Football at two separate venues across the country on Tuesday. Dhaka Mohammedan SC, which shocked last season's treble winners Bashundhara Kings beating them by 1-0 goal in a BPL match last week, today (Tuesday) made a frustrating journey in Fed Cup Football losing to Rahmatganj MFS by 0-1 goal at the Bashundhara Kings Arena. This was the 2nd successive defeat for traditional black and whites Mohammedan at the Basundhara Kings Arena (ground)  this season after conceding 1-3 defeat against the Kings in the one-match Challenge Cup Football recently. Rajon Hawlader scored the match winning goal for the old Dhaka outfit Rahmatganj in the 83rd minute by an angular rebound shot (1-0). Rahmatganj started the season brilliantly winning all three matches after winning two consecutive  BPL matches.. Although, Rahmatganj winning the day' s match, but Mohammedan SC played a better game and they did everything except scoring goal from half dozen of good opportunities. Rahmatganj goalkeeper Mamun Alif   also performed brilliantly under the bar and foiled a series of Mohammedan good attempts. Fed Cup Football: Traditional rivals Mohammedan, Abahani start campaign on Tuesday Mohammedan SC were restricted to 10-men in the 85th minute as their player Shanto hit one of the opponent's booters. In the day's other match, Dhaka Abahani Ltd, without any foreign players,  made a flying start beating their minnow Chittagong Abahani Ltd by 3-0 goals at the Shaheed Dhirendranath Dutta Stadium in Cumilla on Tuesday. Sumon Reza opened the Abahani account in the 17th minute by a good header, off a Kamrul Islam free kick and led the first half by 1-0 goal. Mohammad Ibrahim doubled the Dhaka Abahani margin in the 76th minute by a placing shot (2-0) while Yeasin Khan sealed the fate of the scoring 3rd goal in the 88th minute (3-0).,  Earlier in the tournament opener on last Tuesday, Holders Bashundhara Kings managed 1-0 goal victory over Brothers Union Club while the other opening day's day's match between Bangladesh Police FC and Fortis FC ended in a goalless draw. Ten premier division league clubs, split into two groups, are initially participating  in the first phase of the Federation Cup Football at three venues in Dhaka, Mymensingh and Cumilla   Grouping of Federation Cup: Group A -Bashundhara Kings, Bangladesh Police FC, Fortis FC, Brothers Union Club and Dhaka Wanderers Club Group B - Mohammedan SC Ltd, Dhaka Abahani Ltd, Chattagram Abahani Ltd, Rahmatganj MFS and Fakirerpool Youngmen's Club. Later, top two teams from each of the groups will play in the meet's next round (qualification and elimination) like the Franchisee  Cricket League    

West Indies won the toss and opted to bowl first against Bangladesh in the 2nd match of the three-match series. West Indies won the first match of the series by a comfortable margin of five wickets. Another win will seal the series for them. Bangladesh made one change to their playing XI bringing Shoriful Islam in replacing Taskin Ahmed. First ODI: Bangladesh post 294 against West Indies with three fifties West Indies also made one change-- Marquino Mindley is set to get his ODI cap, replacing Alzarri Joseph. Bangladesh XI: Tanzid Hasan, Soumya Sarkar, Litton Das (wk), Mehidy Hasan Miraz (capt), Afif Hossain, Mahmadullah, Jaker Ali, Rishad Hossain, Tanzim Hasan, Nahid Rana, Shoriful Islam West Indies XI: Brandon King, Evin Lewis, Keacy Carty, Shai Hope (capt, wk), Sherfane Rutherford, Roston Chase, Romario Shepherd, Justin Greaves, Marquino Mindley, Gudakesh Motie, Jayden Seales

The US Embassy in Dhaka joined Bangladesh national women’s football team captain Sabina Khatun and her fellow SAFF Champions Maria Manda, Ritu Porna Chakma, and Masura Parvin, for an event to promote the USAID Healthier in Motion Wellness campaign at BRAC University campus. Students, athletes, and fitness enthusiasts came together to highlight the importance of physical and mental well-being, with an emphasis on empowering women and girls through activities traditionally dominated by men. US Embassy Chargé d’affaires, a.i. Megan Bouldin, along with BRAC University Pro Vice-Chancellor Professor Syed Mahfuzul Aziz and Registrar Dr. David Dowland, led the event, noting the importance of creating a supportive environment for women and girls to overcome social barriers and provide equitable opportunities. The national women’s football team joined male and female students in a star-studded futsal match to highlight the role of sports in promoting gender equality and resilience. Students also engaged in a yoga session led by Shazia Omar, campaign ambassador and founder of Dhaka Flow, fostering a sense of mindfulness among attendees. The event also featured a series of dynamic sports and fitness activities, including football, yoga, and boxing, allowing students to explore diverse avenues for maintaining a healthy lifestyle. The USAID Healthier in Motion campaign is organized in partnership with Khelbei Bangladesh and Dhaka Flow, and underscores U.S.-Bangladesh partnership to empower women and girls. The campaign addresses social and cultural barriers to promote an inclusive environment where individuals, particularly females, can prioritize their well-being and actively participate in physical activities. Healthier in Motion also features regional and national outreach events bringing together youth, women and communities alongside fitness professionals, health experts and celebrities to champion healthy lifestyles.    

Losing finalists last time Dhaka Mohammedan SC and former champions Dhaka Abahani Limited will start their campaign in the 10-team ongoing Federation Cup Football at two separate venues on Tuesday. Dhaka Mohammedan SC will play Rahmatganj MFS at 2:30 pm at the Bashundhara Kings Arena while Dhaka Abahani Ltd will meet their minnow Chittagong Abahani Ltd also at 2:30 pm at the Shaheed Dhirendranath Dutta Stadium in Cumilla. Earlier in the tournament opener on last Tuesday, Holders Bashundhara Kings managed 1-0 goal victory over Brothers Union Club while the other opening day's day's match between Bangladesh Police FC and Fortis FC ended in a goalless draw Ten premier division league clubs, split into two groups, are initially participating in the first phase of the Federation Cup Football at three venues in Dhaka, Mymensingh and Cumilla Grouping of Federation Cup: Group A -Bashundhara Kings, Bangladesh Police FC, Fortis FC, Brothers Union Club and Dhaka Wanderers Club Group B - Mohammedan SC Ltd, Dhaka Abahani Ltd, Chattagram Abahani Ltd, Rahmatganj MFS and Fakirerpool Youngmen's Club. Later, top two teams from each of the groups will play in the meet's next round (qualification and elimination) like the Franchisee Cricket League.

Losing finalists last time Dhaka Mohammedan SC and former champions Dhaka Abahani Limited will start their campaign in the 10-team ongoing Federation Cup Football at two separate venues on Tuesday. Dhaka Mohammedan SC will play Rahmatganj MFS at 2:30 pm at the Bashundhara Kings Arena while Dhaka Abahani Ltd will meet their minnow Chittagong Abahani Ltd also at 2:30 pm at the Shaheed Dhirendranath Dutta Stadium in Cumilla. Asian Cup Qualifiers: Bangladesh grouped with India, Hong Kong, Singapore Earlier in the tournament opener on last Tuesday, Holders Bashundhara Kings managed 1-0 goal victory over Brothers Union Club while the other opening day's day's match between Bangladesh Police FC and Fortis FC ended in a goalless draw  Ten premier division league clubs, split into two groups, are initially participating  in the first phase of the Federation Cup Football at three venues in Dhaka, Mymensingh and Cumilla Grouping of Federation Cup: Group A -Bashundhara Kings, Bangladesh Police FC, Fortis FC, Brothers Union Club and Dhaka Wanderers Club  BPL Football: Dhaka Abahani maintain winning start beating Wanderers 1-0 Group B - Mohammedan SC Ltd, Dhaka Abahani Ltd, Chattagram Abahani Ltd, Rahmatganj MFS and Fakirerpool Youngmen's Club. Later, top two teams from each of the groups will play in the meet's next round (qualification and elimination) like the Franchisee  Cricket League 

The ceremonial draw of the home and away basis AFC Asian Cup Saudi Arabia' 2027 Qualifiers was held today (Monday) at the AFC headquarter in the Malaysian capital Kuala Lumpur. Twenty four Asian teams, split into six groups, will initially take part in home and away basis competition and later the six group champions will qualify for the AFC Asian Cup 2027 in Saudi Arabia. Lowly Bangladesh (FiFA Ranked 185) put in four-team Group C of the AFC meet with top seed India (127),  Hong Kong (156) and Singapore (161) in 2025 and 2026. India will play their home match against Bangladesh on March 25, Bangladesh will host Singapore on June 10, Bangladeshi will also play their home match with Hong Kong home on October 9 next year. Bashundhara Kings to play Dhaka Mohammedan Friday Bangladesh will play their away match with Hong Kong on October 14, Bangladesh will host India on November 18 next year while playing their away match with Singapore on March 31, 2026. Eighteen teams including defending champions Qatar and hosts Saudi Arabia have already  assured the final round berth. The groupings are:   Group A: Tajikistan, Philippines, Maldives, Timor-Leste  Group B : Lebanon, Yemen, Bhutan,  Brunei Fed Cup Football: Holders Bashundhara Kings manage 1-0 win over Brothers Union in opener  Group C: Bangladesh, India, Hong Kong , Singapore Group D: Thailand, Turkmenistan, Chinese Taipei, Sri Lanka Group E: Syria, Afghanistan, Myanmar, Pakistan Group F: Vietnam, Malaysia, Nepal, Laos

Two days before FIFA confirms Saudi Arabia as the 2034 World Cup host, the United Nations’ top human rights official pledged Monday to try to ensure migrant labor standards are “properly respected” around the tournament. Saudi Arabia is the only candidate and sure to win Wednesday when FIFA will ask an online meeting of its 211 member federations to award the 2034 hosting rights by acclaim without an itemized vote. The oil-rich kingdom’s World Cup plan needs to build eight of the 15 promised stadiums from scratch, plus add 175,000 hotel rooms. It will rely heavily on migrant workers, often from South Asia, within a labor law framework that activist groups say does not protect them. On Monday, the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, Volker Türk, said his organization in Geneva was not directly engaged by FIFA on World Cup issues. “What we are involved in though is to make sure that indeed, in each and every major sporting event, human rights are part and parcel of the way that sports events are not only conceived but also conducted,” Türk said at a news conference on the eve of the UN’s annual Human Rights Day. Critics of FIFA say a Saudi-hosted World Cup risks repeating rights abuses seen during a decade of similar preparations for the 2022 World Cup in Qatar. Allegations of widespread labor abuses in Saudi Arabia are already part of an investigation by the UN-backed International Labor Organization (ILO) after a formal complaint by trade unions. Two United States senators have cited human rights in urging FIFA to find a different host for its marquee men’s event that earns billions of dollars in profit for the soccer body. “Whatever the decision is, to whoever is going to organize it, we will provide precisely that type of advice to the organizers,” Türk, an Austrian lawyer, said. “That will include also, of course, the need to make sure that migrant labor standards are properly respected and all the various other human rights dimensions of major sporting events.” FIFA has been criticized for not using its leverage ahead of the World Cup decision with Saudi Arabia, despite its president Gianni Infantino building close ties to Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. Saudi officials made some promises in a formal bid document to engage with the ILO and domestic agencies but not international groups like unions and rights groups that have limited or no access to work in the country.