With Eid-ul-Fitr being celebrated today (Monday), millions of people have already left Dhaka to reunite with their families and celebrate the joyous occasion, but not everyone has the luxury of travelling home for Eid.Many individuals have stayed back in Dhaka due to professional commitments or personal circumstances. Their stories, particularly those of young women spending Eid alone, reflect the sacrifices made in pursuit of education, career goals and responsibilities. Eid Through Generations: A three-dimensional celebration in DhakaAs educational institutions closed for the Eid holidays, most students have returned home. Yet, a handful of female students at Dhaka University’s Rokeya Hall, have chosen to remain behind to continue their studies and prepare for upcoming exams.One such student, Tamanna, said, “Eid at the hall and Eid with family are completely different experiences. Still, some of us chose to stay. Travelling home means battling the traffic, only to return soon after. If I go home, I won’t be able to study properly. So, I had to make this sacrifice. If I perform well, my parents will be happy, and this sadness will fade. I will miss celebrating with my parents, younger siblings, and cousins, but I must stay for the sake of my future.” Eid Films: Dhallywood superstars counting on festive spirit to breathe life into moribund industryMizanur Rahman, the hall guard, mentioned that around 40-45 students are staying back this year. “We cook special meals for them on Eid. Everyone gathers to celebrate as best they can. The gates close at night, so they cannot stay out too long. Most remain due to their studies or because their homes are too far away.”Dr Hosne Ara Begum, the Provost of Rokeya Hall, said, “Students stay behind for various reasons—studies, personal matters, or religious commitments. This year, about 40-45 students remain, compared to nearly 200 last year. Since the holidays are longer this time, most students have travelled home. We strive to create a familial atmosphere for those who stay behind, providing meals throughout the day, though we cannot fully replicate the warmth of home.”Healthcare and Media Professionals Sacrifice Eid for DutyFor some professionals, duty takes precedence over personal celebrations.Fariha (not her real name), a medical officer at a private hospital in Mohammadpur, Dhaka, has not been granted leave this Eid, much like the previous Eid-ul-Azha. With her family residing in Barishal, she finds it painful to celebrate without them.“Living alone is already difficult. Missing Eid with my parents is even harder. However, when I serve patients, their gratitude helps me forget my hardships. Their smiles bring joy to my heart.”Similarly, Noboni (not her real name), a journalist at a news agency, has spent the past few Eids in Dhaka due to work obligations.She said, “I live alone in Badda. We usually get leave for one of the two Eid festivals, but duty often comes first. Since I live in the north of the country, travelling home within just three days is almost impossible. By the time I pass through the traffic, the day is nearly over. Later, I plan to take leave, but work pressure keeps delaying it.” Pakistani attires reign supreme in Dhaka’s Eid shopping frenzyDespite the difficulty, Noboni finds fulfilment in her role. “As frontliners, our responsibility to the nation is significant. The satisfaction of ensuring people’s safety during Eid outweighs the sacrifice. People trust our reports, so it is our professional duty to provide accurate information. The office has become my second family.”Part-Time Workers Face Challenges in Returning HomeZaima Riyan, a private university student working part-time, is also unable to return home for Eid. “My university is closed, but my workplace only gives two days off—Eid day and the day after. It is impossible to travel home for such a short time. I started this job recently, working after classes to ease my parents’ financial burden. I had hoped to visit home, but since I cannot, I have sent gifts to my parents instead. The hardest part is not being able to hand them over in person.”A Nation Balancing Work and TraditionAccording to the latest report from the Ministry of Public Administration, Bangladesh has 1,396,818 government employees, with 987,679 men and 409,139 women, making up approximately 29% of the total workforce.The remaining 71% work in the private sector, many without official holidays. Among them are essential workers such as doctors, journalists, police officers, and administrative staff, whose commitment keeps the country running even during the most festive periods.For those staying behind in Dhaka, the joy of Eid is bittersweet. While they deeply miss their families, they remain committed to their responsibilities, striving for a better future. Their sacrifices, though painful, reflect resilience, dedication, and a sense of duty that is truly commendable.

Consumers in vast areas around the capital may experience low gas pressure for 24 hours, from Tuesday to Wednesday. According to Titas Gas Transmission and Distribution PLC, due to urgent tie-in work at GTCL's off-transmission point, low gas pressure may prevail in the Titas Gas-affiliated areas of Joydevpur, Tongi, Chandra, Konabari, Ashulia, Savar, Dhamrai, Manikganj, and adjacent areas. This will occur for a total of 24 hours, from 8 am on Tuesday (April 1) to 8 am on Wednesday (April 2). Titas Gas authorities have apologised to their customers for the temporary inconvenience.

Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus on Thursday said Bangladesh would import more wheat and fertiliser from Russia and also keen to see Russian energy giant Gazprom conducts more offshore and onshore exploration activities in the country. The issues came up for discussion when Deputy Prime Minister of Russia Alexei Overchuk met Dr Yunus on the sidelines of the Boao Forum for Asia Conference in the Chinese resort town. During the meeting the two leaders discussed issues of mutual interest, including the operation of the Russian-funded Rooppur Nuclear Power Plant, Bangladesh's plan to import wheat and fertiliser from Russia and Gazprom's gas exploration work in Bangladesh. Prof Yunus said financial issues over the Rooppur power plant have been sorted out with Bangladesh repaying the money in an account in Dhaka, according to CA's Deputy Press Secretary Abul Kalam Azad Majumder. Russia keen to help Bangladesh ensure food, energy security: Ambassador Khozin He said the power plant is expected to start generating power on a trial basis by the end of this year. Alexei Overchuk stressed increasing people-to-people contacts between the two countries, saying Russia would like to see more Bangladeshi students studying in the country. He said Russia would like to export more wheat and fertiliser to Bangladesh. Foreign Adviser Md Touhid Hossain, Energy and Transport Adviser Fouzul Kabir Khan and High Representative to the Chief Adviser Dr Khalilur Rahman were also present during the meeting.    

Miscreants shot and killed a 35-year-old man in Dhaka’s Gulshan area on Thursday night. The victim was identified as Sumon, an internet business owner, said Sub-inspector Maruf Ahmed of Gulshan Police Station. Sumon was shot in front of Gulshan Police Plaza around 9 pm while standing on the road on the plaza’s north side, the SI said. UPDF man shot dead in Khagrachhari The victim got into a scuffle with several individuals before the assailants opened fire on him. The miscreants then fled the scene. Police rushed Sumon to Dhaka Medical College Hospital in a critical condition, where doctors declared him dead around 11 pm. Sumon’s family said that he had long-standing business disputes with Rubel, a man who operates a cable service in the Mohakhali TV Gate area. Sumon’s brother-in-law Md Badsha Mia Rubel said the shooting might have resulted from these tensions, as Rubel had allegedly threatened to kill Suman in the past. 32-year-old shot dead in Jashore Police were working to identify the attackers. Sumon had multiple criminal cases, including extortion, filed against him in various police stations, including Gulshan and Banani, said Additional Commissioner of Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) Nazrul Islam. He might have been killed due to internal conflict, said the addl commissioner The body was sent to the hospital morgue for an autopsy, added the SI. UPDF member shot dead in alleged PCJSS attack in Rangamati

Members of the Detective Branch (DB) of Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) arrested six individuals in connection with the looting of gold jewellery after shooting a gold trader in the capital’s Banasree area on February 24. Based on information, several DB teams conducted a series of raids in different parts of the country, including Dhaka, Gazipur, Narayanganj, Barishal, Pirojpur, and Madaripur, to arrest the gang members., said DMP Commissioner Sheikh Sazzat Ali at a briefing at the DMP media centre on Saturday. The arrestees were identified as Md Kausar (31), Md Farhad (64), Md Khalilur Rahman (50), Md Sumon (30), Dulal Chowdhury (43), and Aminul (35). Law enforcers recovered around five bhori of looted gold, Tk 2.44 lakh from the sale of some stolen gold, one revolver used in the robbery, four rounds of bullets, and a motorcycle. Out of the two motorcycles used in the incident, one was recovered, said the DMP commissioner. "We were able to arrest six people. We also recovered the weapon used in the incident, along with two rounds of bullets, Tk 244,000 from the gold sold, and two motorcycles, one of which we recovered," he added. After an extensive investigation, police arrested six individuals involved in the crime, which had drawn significant attention across media and social media platforms, he said. "Following extensive media coverage and public concern, we directed the Detective Branch (DB) to solve the case diligently. After a thorough investigation, we have identified and arrested six of the seven individuals involved,” Commissioner Sazzat also said. The arrestees include the group’s leader, Kausar, along with Khalil and Farhad. Sumon, Dulal Chowdhury, and Aminul were responsible for backup and reconnaissance. In addition to solving this case, the police commissioner revealed that their investigation led to the identification of several other criminal gangs, and authorities were optimistic about making further arrests soon. The DMP Commissioner also urged media outlets and social media users to avoid repeatedly spreading such incidents, which can fuel public fear and insecurity. "My intention is to assure the citizens of Dhaka that our police force is capable of handling such situations and restoring order," he added. On February 24, 45-year-old businessman Anwar Hossain was shot and robbed of gold jewellery in Banasree. Anwar sustained bullet wounds on his hands and legs and was admitted to Dhaka Medical College Hospital (DMCH). Anwar owns a jewellery shop named “Alankar” at Banasree C Block. After closing his shop for the night, he was returning home with 200 tolas of gold and Tk 100,000 in cash when he was ambushed.

Highlighting that Bangladesh wants to diversify its sourcing for defence materials, Foreign Affairs Adviser Md Touhid Hossain on Wednesday welcomed Italian interest in contributing to the modernisation of the defence sector of Bangladesh. Vice Minister for Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation of Italy, Maria Tripodi, met with the Foreign Adviser at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and discussed the issues of mutual interest. On the issue of migration, both sides commended contribution of the Bangladeshi diaspora in Italy to both the economies. They prioritised the need for expanding legal migration pathways while affirming joint efforts to tackle irregular migration, human trafficking and migrant exploitation. As raised by the foreign adviser with deep concern, the vice-minister assured expedited decisions on long-pending visa applications of Bangladeshi workers. Referring to the warm bilateral relations since 1972, Vice Minister Tripodi conveyed firm support of the Italian government to the interim government of Bangladesh and appreciated its ongoing reform initiatives towards building a peaceful Bangladesh. BGMEA president seeks embassy’s support in attracting Italy’s investment She expressed satisfaction over the trade relations between the two countries, further desired to expand cooperation, particularly in textile and defence sectors. Based on the dynamic economic relations between Bangladesh and Italy, he opted for more Italian investment, especially in the greenfield sectors. He also apprised that the present government, particularly, BIDA, is working relentlessly to create better business environment in Bangladesh with simplifying the processes for foreign investors. Tripodi lauded Bangladesh’s generous hosting of the forcibly displaced Rohingyas in Cox’s Bazar and reiterated continued humanitarian and political support of Italy. Pointing to the present political situation in Myanmar with control of non-state actors in the bordering area, the foreign adviser expressed concern over the complex challenges Bangladesh is facing. Sustainable return of the Rohingyas to their homeland, Myanmar, is the only solution to this problem, he emphasised. The Italian vice minister is paying a two-day-long official visit to Bangladesh. This is the first ministerial visit from any EU country since the formation of the interim government, said the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Biman seeks Italy’s support for inaugural Dhaka-Rome flight After arrival at the Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport on Tuesday afternoon, she was warmly received by Abul Hasan Mridha, Director General (West Europe and EU), Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Dhaka, the overcrowded capital city of Bangladesh, has ranked the 16th on the list of cities with the worst air quality with an AQI score of 148 at 8:55am this morning (February 13, 2025). Today’s air was classified as 'unhealthy for sensitive groups’, referring to a health risk to residents, according to the AQI index. However, Wednesday’s air quality was marked as unhealthy with an AQI score of 171.   When the AQI value for particle pollution is between 50 and 100, air quality is considered ‘moderate’, usually sensitive individuals should consider limiting prolonged outdoor exertion, between 101 and 150, air quality is considered ‘unhealthy for sensitive groups’, between 150 and 200 is ‘unhealthy’, between 201 and 300 is said to be 'very unhealthy', while a reading of 301+ is considered 'hazardous', posing serious health risks to residents. Pakistan’s Lahore, Myanmar’s Yangon and Vietnam’s Hanoi cities respectively occupied the first, second, and third spots on the list, with AQI scores of 221, 216 and 195 respectively. Dhaka’s air world's 6th worst this morning The AQI, an index for reporting daily air quality, informs people how clean or polluted the air of a certain city is and what associated health effects might be a concern for them. The AQI in Bangladesh is based on five pollutants: particulate matter (PM10 and PM2.5), NO2, CO, SO2, and ozone. Dhaka has long been grappling with air pollution issues. Its air quality usually turns unhealthy in winter and improves during the monsoon. As per World Health Organization (WHO), air pollution kills an estimated seven million people worldwide every year, mainly due to increased mortality from stroke, heart disease, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, lung cancer, and acute respiratory infections.  

The state-run Trading Corporation of Bangladesh (TCB) is set to resume its sales programme through trucks today (Monday), aiming to provide essential commodities at subsidised rates to consumers in Dhaka and Chattogram metropolitan areas. According to a media release issued on Sunday, the TCB will offer items including edible oil, lentils, sugar, chickpeas and dates through mobile trucks. This initiative is designed to assist low-income families and stabilise market prices. Purchase Limits and Pricing: Edible Oil: Up to 2 litres per person at Tk 100 per litre.Lentils: Up to 2 kilograms at Tk 60 per kg.Sugar: 1 kilogram at Tk 70.Chickpeas: Up to 2 kilograms at Tk 60 per kg.Dates: 500 grams at Tk 155. TCB trucks selling edible oil at Tk100 per liter set to hit the streets from tomorrow Each consumer is allowed to purchase the specified quantities to ensure wider distribution among the populace. The TCB said that the initiative will start in Dhaka and Chattogram, with plans to expand to other divisional cities and select districts in the near future. Consumers are encouraged to queue at designated truck station points to avail themselves of these subsidised goods.

Dhaka, the overcrowded capital city of Bangladesh, has ranked the seventh on the list of cities with the worst air quality with an AQI score of 160 at 90am this morning (February 7, 2025). Today’s air was classified as 'unhealthy', referring to a health risk to residents, according to the AQI index. However, hazardous air quality continued in the densely polluted city over the past few days. When the AQI value for particle pollution is between 50 and 100, air quality is considered ‘moderate’, usually sensitive individuals should consider limiting prolonged outdoor exertion, between 101 and 150, air quality is considered ‘unhealthy for sensitive groups’, between 150 and 200 is ‘unhealthy’, between 201 and 300 is said to be 'very unhealthy', while a reading of 301+ is considered 'hazardous', posing serious health risks to residents. Dhaka’s air quality the worst this morning Kuwait’s Kuwait City, Myanmar’s Yangon and Pakistan’s Lahore cities respectively occupied the first second, and third spots on the list, with AQI scores of 390, 255 and 186 respectively. The AQI, an index for reporting daily air quality, informs people how clean or polluted the air of a certain city is and what associated health effects might be a concern for them. The AQI in Bangladesh is based on five pollutants: particulate matter (PM10 and PM2.5), NO2, CO, SO2, and ozone. Dhaka has long been grappling with air pollution issues. Its air quality usually turns unhealthy in winter and improves during the monsoon. As per World Health Organization (WHO), air pollution kills an estimated seven million people worldwide every year, mainly due to increased mortality from stroke, heart disease, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, lung cancer, and acute respiratory infections.

Japanese Parliamentary Vice-Minister Ikuina Akiko has underscored the need for early conclusion of the Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA) between Bangladesh and Japan in order to boost trade and investment between the two countries. The issues were discussed when Japanese Parliamentary Vice-Minister Akiko met Foreign Adviser Md Touhid Hossain at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Sunday. Appreciating Bangladesh’s positive investment climate, Akiko mentioned that the Japanese investment and businesses are continuing their operations in Bangladesh despite recent political changes. The Japanese Parliamentary Vice-Minister is on a two-day visit to Bangladesh, said the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Lauding Japan’s humanitarian assistance for the Rohingyas including their relocation to Bhashan Char, the Foreign Adviser sought Japanese support to draw a roadmap for early repatriation of the Rohingyas. He also sought Japanese support for hosting a high-level conference on the Rohingya issue in Doha in collaboration with the United Nations. During the meeting, the Japanese Vice-Minister reiterated Japan’s support for the interim government and its ongoing reform and nation-building initiatives. The Foreign Adviser thanked Japan for its immense contribution to Bangladesh’s socio-economic development initiatives since independence. The Japanese Vice-Minister conveyed Japan’s continued support for Bangladesh during the post-LDC graduation period. She noted that more than 310 Japanese companies are currently doing business in Bangladesh and the number will go higher.