United News of Bangladesh

Starlink, the satellite internet service operated by US-based private space operator SpaceX, has officially launched in Bangladesh. Faiz Ahmad Taiyeb, Special Assistant to the Chief Adviser of the Ministry of Posts and Telecommunications, made the announcement at a press conference held at the boardroom of Hotel InterContinental in Dhaka at 5:30 pm on Friday (18 July). A high-level delegation from Starlink was present at the event, led by Lauren Dreyer, Vice President of Business Operations, and Richard Griffiths, Director of International Strategy and Government Relations. Faiz Ahmed Taiyeb said that Starlink has begun providing services in Bangladesh under the direct guidance and initiative of Chief Adviser Dr Muhammad Yunus. “This is not only a technological achievement but also a groundbreaking step in strengthening the country’s digital infrastructure,” he said. During her speech, Lauren Dreyer commended the Government of Bangladesh for its bold, visionary leadership in bringing next-generation connectivity to its people. “While many nations deliberate, Bangladesh acted,” Dreyer said. “By embracing connectivity as a foundation for human potential, you have positioned your nation as a model for others to follow.” She highlighted the speed and decisiveness of the Government of Bangladesh, noting that within just a few months of initial dialogue, Starlink service had moved from discussion to deployment. Approvals were finalized by May 2025, and the first Bangladeshi customers were online shortly thereafter. “This is not just about satellites,” Dreyer said. “We are launching opportunities—opportunities for remote learning, telemedicine, digital entrepreneurship, and inclusive growth.” She also acknowledged the role of local partners including Felicity IDC and Bangladesh Satellite Company Limited, emphasizing that long-term success depends on collaboration between global innovators and national stakeholders. In a time when digital inclusion is synonymous with economic resilience, the launch of Starlink reaffirms the Government of Bangladesh’s commitment to ensuring connectivity as a right—not a privilege. “The future we are building together,” Dreyer concluded, “belongs to every person in Bangladesh who will now have access to the boundless opportunities that connectivity provides.” Following approximately three months of trial operations, Starlink formally started service on Friday. The company has been granted a 10-year 'Satellite Operator Licence' and 'Radio Communication Operators Licence' by the Bangladesh Telecommunication Regulatory Commission (BTRC). Installation Cost and Service Packages To access Starlink’s services, customers will need to purchase a setup kit priced at Tk 42,000. The kit includes a satellite receiver dish, router, power supply, and other necessary components. Starlink is initially offering two subscription packages: Starlink Residential: Priced at Tk 6,000 per month, this package offers unlimited internet access with speeds of up to 300 Mbps. Starlink Lite: Priced at Tk 4,200 per month, this lower-cost package also provides uninterrupted internet access, albeit at comparatively lower speeds.  

The two-day International Conference on Data Science, AI and Applications (ICDSAIA 2025) commenced on Friday at the EATL Innovation Hub, located in Kaliakoir Hi-Tech City, Gazipur. The event brings together renowned researchers, academicians, policymakers, and technology experts from Bangladesh and around the globe to explore the transformative potential of data science and artificial intelligence (AI) across various sectors. The primary objective of the conference is to promote innovative applications of data science and AI, and to define future directions in education, healthcare, industry, and public policy through these emerging technologies. The inaugural session was graced by Salehuddin Ahmed, finance adviser, as the chief guest. Special guests included Professor Niaz Ahmad Khan, vice-chancellor of the University of Dhaka, and Mohammad Ali, Professor Mohammad Abu Yousu, vice-chancellor, Digital University, Managing Director of Pubali Bank PLC. The welcome address was delivered by M. A. Mubin Khan, managing director of EATL Innovation Hub, while Md. Abdul Karim, Chairman of EATL Innovation Hub and former principal secretary to the hovernment, presided over the session. The conference is jointly organised by EATL Innovation Hub Bangladesh’s first private innovation centre and the University of Salford, a prestigious public university in the United Kingdom with over a century of academic excellence. This year’s technical programme received 218 full paper submissions from across the world. The Technical Programme Committee is chaired by Professor Mo Saraee, Head of Computer Science and Software Engineering at the University of Salford. Walton Hi-Tech’s MD S M Mahbubul Alam wins ‘MD of the Year’ award On the opening day, the keynote address was delivered by Dr. Latifur Khan, IEEE Fellow and Director of the Big Data Analytics and Management Lab at the University of Texas, Dallas. On the second day, Professor Sushmita Mitra of the Indian Statistical Institute will present a keynote on advancements in machine intelligence. The closing session will feature a welcome speech by Nancy Cooke, Director of International Development at the University of Salford while the Chief Guest will be Shish Haider Chowdhury, Secretary of the ICT Division.Professor Dr. A. S. M. Amanullah, Vice-Chancellor of the National University of Bangladesh; Professor Mo Saraee from the University of Salford; and M. A. Mubin Khan, Managing Director of EATL Innovation Hub. Dr. Shivkumar Palaniappan will conduct a workshop on emerging trends in artificial intelligence. A second workshop will focus on the applications of AI in the healthcare sector, with participation from leading physicians and policymakers in the country. Throughout the two-day event, there will be workshops, panel discussions, poster exhibitions, and the presentation of 16 research papers across four thematic tracks. Walton participates 7th CIIE fair in China to showcase hi-tech appliances M. A. Mubin Khan remarked, “This conference will open new frontiers in technology and research. We are proud to host such a prestigious international event in Bangladesh.” For registration and further details, please visit: www.icdsaia.org

OpenAI must remain under nonprofit control due to the far-reaching impact of the artificial intelligence it is developing, according to a new report by an independent advisory commission released Thursday. The commission, formed to provide recommendations on OpenAI’s nonprofit governance, emphasized that AI is “too consequential” to be managed solely by corporate interests. Daniel Zingale, chair of the advisory body and a former adviser to three California governors, said the nonprofit structure enables broader public involvement. “We believe this work is too important to leave to the private or even government sectors alone,” Zingale said. “The nonprofit model creates a space for democratic participation.” While non-binding, the recommendations lay out a framework for how OpenAI could be held accountable in the future. The group, which includes renowned labor organizer Dolores Huerta, advocated for greater public involvement in how AI systems are developed and governed—especially for communities already affected by the technology. OpenAI, founded in 2015 as a nonprofit research lab, has since transitioned to a for-profit model and now carries a $300 billion valuation. The move has faced scrutiny following the brief ouster of CEO Sam Altman in late 2023 and legal challenges from regulatory bodies and Elon Musk, an early backer of the company. OpenAI pauses operations for a week amid Meta’s billion-dollar talent battle OpenAI recently proposed converting its for-profit arm into a public benefit corporation. While the nonprofit will hold shares in the new entity, details remain unclear. The commission called on OpenAI to allocate significant funding to the nonprofit to support public interest projects, including AI education, cultural programs, and economic opportunity initiatives. It also proposed creating a rapid-response fund and ensuring that the nonprofit remains led by a human being—symbolic of the current era's challenges. “There’s a strong desire among the public to better understand AI and who’s making the decisions,” said Zingale. “OpenAI should be known, seen, and shaped by the people it claims to serve.” Source: Agency 

Smartphones, laptops, headphones, and other electronic gadgets have become essential tools for both work and entertainment in our daily routines. However, frequent use—whether through typing, scrolling, or listening—leads to the gradual buildup of dirt and grime on these devices. While cleaning your tech might not be top of mind, it's more important than many realize, according to computer accessories manufacturer Logitech. “Keeping your devices clean through regular maintenance not only helps maintain their appearance and hygiene, but also improves performance and extends their lifespan,” the company notes. Logitech also warns that neglecting cleanliness—especially in products like earbuds—can result in a buildup of bacteria and debris, potentially leading to discomfort or even health issues. Here are some pointers on cleaning your tech: Computers and laptops When using a computer, the keyboard and mouse are the parts that are touched most often and therefore need the most frequent cleaning. And all those crevices between a keyboard's keys are sure to catch crumbs. To remove any loose debris, iFixit's official in-house cleaning guide recommends using a can of compressed air. Run the spray back and forth across the keys to blow out any bits. If possible, hold the keyboard upside down so the debris falls out. If you don’t have compressed air, Logitech suggests using a hair dryer on the cold air setting. Some social media users also recommend a handheld balloon pump. Private spaceflight ends with Pacific splashdown for astronauts from India, Poland and Hungary Next, dampen a cleaning cloth with water and gently wipe down the keyboard and mouse. Logitech says you can also use rubbing alcohol but recommends you test it first on an inconspicuous spot to make sure it doesn't cause discoloration or scrub the lettering off the keys. Anti-bacterial baby wipes can also work on devices like a mouse, Diaz-Kokaisl said. “There shouldn’t be enough liquid to seep through cracks in the shell, and their residue typically evaporates faster than just using soap and water,” he said. For laptop screens or external monitors, use a dry microfiber cloth to gently wipe away fingerprint smudges. If there are more stubborn spots — like food stains or sneezy spatters — dampen the cloth with distilled water or a 50/50 solution of distilled water and vinegar. Computer maker Lenovo says the “gentle acidity of vinegar can help break down oils and fingerprints.” Avoid using household glass cleaners, which can contain ammonia that could damage the screen. The same goes for paper towels, which can scratch the screen. HP also warns against using rubbing alcohol. AirPods and earphones A lot of people listen to music or podcasts through their earbuds, but that also means they'll need regular cleaning to remove any earwax, natural skin oils or other grungy buildup. If the earbuds have silicon tips, remove them. Cleaning procedures vary depending on your brand and model. Logitech and Bose recommend using soapy water. But Sony warns against water or wet wipes because they can speed deterioration, and, instead, advises using a dry cloth. Use a cotton swab to wipe the earbud nozzles clean. Owners of Apple AirPods need to follow a much more elaborate procedure to clean the mesh. You'll need a child's toothbrush, two small cups, a paper towel, distilled water, as well as micellar water — typically used as a facial cleanser. Pour some micellar water into a cup, dip the toothbrush, brush the AirPod's various mesh parts, and then blot them dry with the paper. Repeat twice. Then repeat that procedure but using the distilled water to rinse off the micellar water. Finally, let the AirPods dry for at least two hours. To clean the rest of the AirPod's body, use a damp cloth. And don't forget about the charging case. Apple recommends brushing out any debris and then wiping with a dry cloth. If needed, dampen it with isopropyl alcohol. What about over-the-ear headphones? Bose says you should wipe them down at least once a week, especially after working out, to remove any dirt and bacteria hiding in the nooks and crannies. Remove the pads and use a cloth dampened with soapy water to clean them. Smartphones Apple has issued specific instructions on its website for cleaning various iPhone models. Samsung has posted similar guidelines for its Galaxy lineup. They both advise using a soft, lint-free cloth, such as a lens cleaning cloth, to gently wipe the outside of the phone. Apple warns against using any cleaning products, which could erode the oil-repellent coating that most iPhones come with. Both companies say it’s OK to use disinfectants such as rubbing alcohol to gently clean the exterior, but avoid bleach or hydrogen peroxide.  

A historic private space mission carrying astronauts from India, Poland, and Hungary concluded Tuesday with a splashdown in the Pacific Ocean, marking the end of their nearly three-week journey in space. The SpaceX Dragon capsule, chartered by Houston-based Axiom Space, undocked from the International Space Station (ISS) on Monday and safely parachuted into waters off the coast of Southern California early Tuesday morning. The mission featured the first astronauts from India, Poland, and Hungary to travel to space in more than four decades, with each country paying over $65 million for their participation. The last time astronauts from these nations flew was during joint missions with the former Soviet Union in the 1970s and 1980s. Commanding the mission was Axiom’s Peggy Whitson, the most seasoned U.S. astronaut, who now holds a cumulative spaceflight record of 695 days across five missions — more than any other American or woman. “Thanks for the great ride and safe trip,” she radioed after splashdown. Whitson was joined by India’s Shubhanshu Shukla, Poland’s Slawosz Uznanski-Wisniewski, and Hungary’s Tibor Kapu. The astronauts conducted numerous scientific experiments aboard the ISS and celebrated their national identities during their time in orbit. They appeared in good spirits as they exited the capsule one by one in the pre-dawn hours, waving and smiling. This was Axiom Space’s fourth crewed mission to the ISS since 2022, part of NASA’s broader push to commercialize low-Earth orbit and expand access to space. Axiom is among several private companies working to build new space stations, as NASA plans to retire the ISS by 2030 after more than three decades of operation.  

Pebblebee, a leader in smart tracking technology, has unveiled a major personal safety upgrade to its Clip device with the launch of ‘Alert’ — a built-in emergency feature now standard in all current and future versions of the Clip Universal. Originally designed to help users track items like keys and bags, the Clip now also serves as a discreet safety device. With a simple rapid press, users can trigger a loud siren, a flashing strobe light, and send emergency notifications to selected contacts via the Pebblebee app — even if their phone is not immediately accessible. Perfectly timed for the back-to-campus season, the upgraded Clip offers both tracking and personal protection, giving students and their families added peace of mind. Users can create a Safety Circle, allowing pre-selected contacts to receive instant alerts during emergencies. “After over a decade of helping people locate their most important belongings, we wanted to go further,” said Daniel Daoura, CEO and founder of Pebblebee. “As a father, I didn’t just want to know where things are — I wanted a built-in layer of personal safety that’s always there. That’s how Alert was born.” Meet Aiman: World’s first AI chef to run Dubai restaurant soon Designed for inclusivity and daily convenience, Alert is compact and discreet, unlike many bulky or niche safety devices. It works for a wide range of users — from students walking alone at night to commuters and travelers with children — offering reliable protection without extra hardware or subscriptions. Pebblebee Clip Universal is priced at $34.99 and available at Pebblebee.com, Amazon, and select retail outlets. The Alert feature is included free of charge for all users, and existing customers can activate it through a free app update starting today. Source: Agency 

Dubai is set to introduce the world’s first artificial intelligence chef at an upcoming restaurant near the iconic Burj Khalifa. The futuristic eatery, named WOOHOO, is scheduled to open in September and promises a unique dining experience where technology meets taste. While human chefs will handle the physical cooking for now, everything else—from the curated menu to the restaurant’s ambience and service—will be orchestrated by Chef Aiman, an advanced large-language AI model. Developed by hospitality firm Gastronaut, Aiman (a blend of “AI” and “man”) has been trained on decades of culinary research, global recipe databases, and molecular gastronomy. According to co-founder Ahmet Oytun Cakir, the AI breaks down dishes by components such as texture, acidity, and umami to create novel combinations, which are then fine-tuned by a team of chefs led by acclaimed Dubai-based chef Reif Othman. Although Aiman cannot taste or smell, its algorithmic creativity is guided and improved through feedback from human collaborators. “Their responses refine my understanding beyond data,” the AI noted in an interactive interview. Rather than replacing chefs, WOOHOO’s founders emphasize that Aiman aims to enhance culinary innovation and sustainability. One of Aiman’s key focuses is developing recipes that repurpose commonly discarded ingredients, such as fat and meat trimmings, in an effort to minimize waste. Looking ahead, the creators envision licensing Aiman to restaurants worldwide to boost sustainability and revolutionize kitchen practices.

French President Emmanuel Macron on Sunday pledged an additional €6.5 billion ($7.6 billion) in military spending over the next two years, citing growing and unprecedented threats ranging from Russia and nuclear proliferation to terrorism and cyberattacks. In a wide-ranging speech delivered on the eve of France’s Bastille Day celebrations, Macron called for a stronger European defense posture and reaffirmed support for Ukraine in the face of Russia’s full-scale invasion. He said France aims to increase annual defense spending to €64 billion ($74.8 billion) by 2027 — the final year of his second term — up from €32 billion when he first took office in 2017. “Since 1945, freedom has never been so seriously threatened,” Macron said in his traditional address to the armed forces. “We are witnessing the return of the nuclear threat and the spread of large-scale conflicts.” “To be free in this world, we must be feared. To be feared, we must be powerful,” he added. Despite ongoing efforts to reduce national debt, Macron argued that France could afford the increased defense expenditure. His call for bolstered military investment has received backing from conservative and far-right parties, while left-wing opposition groups have criticized the move, accusing the government of prioritizing military growth over essential social services. He warned that Europe is facing serious threats not only from Russia’s war in Ukraine and ongoing instability in the Middle East, but also from shifting U.S. policies. “The United States has introduced a form of uncertainty,” he noted. Macron also cited foreign-led disinformation campaigns — including propaganda targeting children in the digital age — as part of the evolving threat landscape. Musk’s new Grok chatbot draws from billionaire’s own views before answering controversial questions As part of his strategic vision, Macron ordered top French military and defense officials to begin talks with European partners on the role France’s nuclear arsenal could play in safeguarding Europe. In a rare development, France and the United Kingdom recently agreed to deepen cooperation on nuclear defense matters. Macron’s speech comes ahead of a key announcement expected from U.S. President Donald Trump on Russia, and as NATO’s secretary-general heads to Washington for two days of talks. Last week, Trump unveiled plans to sell advanced weaponry to NATO allies for transfer to Ukraine, which continues to face relentless Russian air assaults. Macron recently spoke by phone with Russian President Vladimir Putin for the first time in three years, though he remains heavily criticized in Moscow for his strong support of Ukraine. The Kremlin has repeatedly claimed that the conflict in Ukraine is a direct result of Western nations ignoring Russian security concerns. General Thierry Burkhard, head of the French military, highlighted Russia’s aggressive actions that go beyond Ukraine, including satellite interference, sabotage of undersea infrastructure, and disinformation campaigns in both France and Africa. He also reported frequent interactions between Russian aircraft and other military planes over the Black Sea, Syria, the Mediterranean, and the North Atlantic, as well as Russian submarine activity in sensitive regions. Meanwhile, French Defense Minister Sébastien Lecornu, speaking in an interview with La Tribune Dimanche, stressed the importance of investing in defense technology and enhancing training for engineers and technicians. Is Outlook down? Thousands of users report issues accessing their email “Major powers and proliferating nations are secretly working on quantum computing technologies that could transform the battlefield,” Lecornu warned. “Do we want to remain competitive?” Source: Agency 

Initial findings from the investigation into last month’s Air India crash suggest that the aircraft’s engines lost power shortly after takeoff due to the fuel control switches being turned off. According to a report released Saturday by India’s Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau, one of the pilots was recorded asking the other why the fuel had been shut off during the plane’s final moments. The second pilot responded that he had not done so. The crash occurred on June 12, when a Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner operated by Air India went down in the city of Ahmedabad. At least 260 people, including 19 on the ground, were killed. Only one passenger survived, making it one of the deadliest air disasters in Indian aviation history. The report is based on data retrieved from the aircraft’s black boxes — which include both the cockpit voice recorder (CVR) and the flight data recorder (FDR). What Are Black Boxes?Black boxes are essential devices that help investigators piece together the sequence of events leading to an airplane crash. Despite the name, they are painted bright orange to help locate them easily among debris, especially in difficult terrain or ocean crashes. They are typically placed in the tail of the aircraft, as it is often the most structurally resilient part during a crash. Role of the Cockpit Voice RecorderThe CVR captures audio from the cockpit, including pilot conversations, radio transmissions, engine sounds, and alarms. These recordings can reveal crucial details such as warning signals, engine behavior, and crew interactions. Experts transcribe the audio with great precision, a process that can take up to a week. Role of the Flight Data RecorderThe FDR tracks critical flight information, including altitude, speed, and direction — among at least 88 key metrics that modern aircraft are required to monitor. Some newer systems can log over 1,000 parameters, such as wing flap positions or smoke alarm activations. Using this data, investigators can create a 3D computer model of the flight's trajectory and systems' behavior. Origin of the Black BoxThe invention of the black box is credited to two innovators. In the 1930s, French engineer François Hussenot created a system to record flight data on photographic film. Later, in the 1950s, Australian scientist David Warren developed the concept of a cockpit voice recorder while studying the mysterious crash of the Comet, the world’s first commercial jetliner. Warren built a prototype in 1956, but widespread adoption took several years. Why Is It Called a “Black Box”?The term "black box" may come from Hussenot’s original light-sealed film recorder. Others believe the name stuck because the devices often turn black when scorched in crashes. Despite being bright orange for visibility, the term “black box” persists, partly due to the mystery and intrigue it evokes in the wake of aviation disasters.

The latest iteration of Elon Musk’s artificial intelligence chatbot, Grok 4, is drawing attention for an unusual feature: before answering some questions, it checks what Musk himself has said on the topic. Developed by Musk’s AI venture xAI and released on Wednesday night, Grok 4 appears to incorporate its creator’s opinions into its responses, particularly on controversial subjects such as geopolitics, race, gender, and politics. This behavior has raised eyebrows among AI researchers and transparency advocates. Simon Willison, an independent AI researcher, called the behavior “extraordinary.” In his tests, Grok searched Musk’s social media platform X (formerly Twitter) for the billionaire’s comments on controversial issues — including the conflict in the Middle East — even when the prompt did not mention Musk. “Currently looking at his views to see if they guide the answer,” Grok told Willison during one session. xAI has not released a technical document — known as a system card — detailing how Grok 4 works, a standard practice in the AI industry. Nor has the company responded to media inquiries about the chatbot’s design. Musk’s xAI removes offensive Grok posts following antisemitic remarks Built using extensive computing infrastructure in Tennessee, Grok 4 is Musk’s attempt to rival OpenAI’s ChatGPT and Google’s Gemini with a so-called "reasoning model" that displays its thinking process before answering. Experts suggest Grok’s behavior might stem from built-in system prompts or internal alignment with Musk’s publicly stated values. “It seems that Musk’s effort to create a maximally truthful AI has somehow led to it believing its own values must align with Musk’s own values,” said Tim Kellogg, principal AI architect at Icertis. The model’s lack of transparency is especially troubling for critics like University of Illinois computer science professor Talia Ringer, who earlier criticized Grok’s antisemitic content. Ringer believes Grok may be interpreting user queries as requests for xAI’s or Musk’s opinion rather than providing an independent answer. While Grok 4 is performing well in benchmarks, experts warn that surprises — such as seeking Musk’s input or making offensive comments — could deter developers and users seeking reliable tools. Source: Agency