Police on Thursday arrested six members of a gang involved in robbery in multiple flats of a building at Dhanmondi area in the capital posing as members of Rapid Action Battalion (RAB). The arrestees were Farhad Bin Mosharraf ,33, Yasin Hasan ,22, Mobasher Ahmed,23, Wakil Mahmud,26, Abdullah ,32, and Sumon,29. Police also recovered two black jackets with ‘RAB’ written on them, three black caps with, a microbus, five mobile phones, a metal chisel, an old red slide wrench, and Tk 45,100 in cash, said DMP Deputy Commissioner (Media) Talebur Rahman. The gang arrived on the premises of a house owned by MA Hannan Azad, owner of ‘Alankar Niketan Jewellers’ in Dhanmondi,  in three microbuses and a private car claiming to be RAB personnel and looted cash and gold ornaments from multiple flats As they attempted to abduct MA Hannan Azad and force him into their vehicle a police patrol team arrived at the scene and managed to rescue him. The robbers attacked police to escape, leaving several members of the team injured. Robbery on moving bus in Savar; over 20 phones, Tk 1 lakh cash looted A case was filed at Dhanmondi Police Station on Thursday. Legal proceedings are underway against the suspects while efforts continue to recover the looted items and arrest the remaining gang members, said Talebur Rahman.

Eleven new dengue cases were reported in the 24 hours leading up to Thursday morning, bringing the total number of cases to 1,862 this year. According to the Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS), new cases were reported as follows: two in Barishal Division (Out of CC), two in Dhaka Division (Out of CC), two in Dhaka South City Corporation, two in Dhaka North City Corporation, two in Khulna Division (Out of CC) and one in Mymensingh Division (Out of CC). Every family could face a cancer case by 2030 without greater awareness, experts warn The number of deaths remained at 13, with no new fatalities reported during this period, the DGHS added. Currently, 74 dengue patients are receiving treatment in hospitals across the country. Doctors demand amendment to Tobacco Control Law Last year, dengue claimed the lives of 575 people. According to the DGHS, there were 101,214 dengue cases and 100,040 recoveries in the same year.

Bangladesh received its highest ever $2.95 billion in inward remittances in 26 days of March. Bankers and sector insiders predict that for the first time, Bangladesh will reach a new height of receiving $3.0 billion remittance in a single month this March. The previous monthly record was $2.64 billion, set in December 2024. That mark was broken on March 24, when it reached $2.75 billion. According to Bangladesh Bank's latest update, the expatriates’ remittance grew by 82.4 percent year-on-year in March. Interim govt working to dismantle syndicates to ensure real ease of doing business: Lutfey In the current fiscal year, Bangladesh received $21.44 billion remittance from July to March 26. In the previous fiscal year, the country received $16.69 billion remittance in the same period. “The economy has regained some relief with the increase in remittance flow ahead of this year's Ramadan and Eid. There is another festival immediately after Eid. All this is positive for the economy,” said Dr. M. Mashrur Reaz, former World Bank economist. As a result, the economy has been somewhat boosted around the festivals of Ramadan, Eid, and Pahela Baishakh, he said. Sector stakeholders said that the pace of expatriate income has increased since the new government took office. At the same time, hundi trading and money laundering have decreased. Apart from this, the dollar price of remittances is available in banks like in the open (kerb) market. For these, expatriates are showing interest in sending remittances through legal channels. Bangladesh Bank lifts ban of foreign tour for NBFIs Economists say that people's consumption demand increases around the festival. As a result, economic activity increases as huge amounts of money change hands frequently in various sectors. This increases the government's revenue. According to the Bangladesh Bank data, the expatriates sent remittance in 8 months, from July to February, as follows- *In July, $ 1.91 billion *August $2.22 billion * September $2.4 billion *October $2.39 billion *November $2.2 billion *December $2.64 billion *January $2.19 billion *February 2.53 billion. Bangladesh set to achieve record remittance inflow in March  

Several hundred villagers in Karnaphuli upazila of Chattogram blocked roads on Thursday, protesting the authorities' ‘failure’ to curb recurring elephant attacks. Hundreds of villagers gathered in the morning and blocked the PAB road in front of Daulatpur School, causing severe traffic congestion. The protesters said they staged demonstration as the authorities failed to take effective measures to control the elephant menace despite a four-day deadline given earlier.

Aston Villa defender Tyrone Mings has been appointed to the board of directors for the 2028 European Championship, which will be hosted by Britain and Ireland. Mings, 32, is the only player among the three independent non-executive directors overseeing the tournament’s organization. Having played for Aston Villa since 2019, he has earned 18 caps for England and was part of the squad at the 2021 Euros. However, injuries have sidelined him for much of the past two seasons, and at 35, he is unlikely to feature in the England squad for Euro 2028. His role was confirmed alongside the announcement of the official tournament delivery company, UK & Ireland 2028 Limited. English Football Association chair Debbie Hewitt will also chair the Euro 2028 board. UEFA’s decision to award the tournament to the UK and Ireland was largely influenced by England’s modern stadiums, which promise strong matchday revenues. This follows the financially challenging Euro 2021, which was played across 11 countries with limited spectators due to the pandemic. Arsenal stages 3-goal comeback against Real Madrid to reach WCL semis UEFA’s cash reserves fell to €360 million after the pandemic, but Euro 2028 is expected to restore that amount beyond the governing body’s €500 million target. The men's European Championship, held every four years, remains UEFA’s primary source of revenue, funding development grants for its member associations. Among the selected venues is Everton's new waterfront stadium at Bramley-Moore Dock, which is set to open next season. It will replace Goodison Park and was included in the list of Euro 2028 venues announced in April 2023. The stadium is currently hosting test events ahead of its official launch. Who qualified for the 2026 World Cup? Meanwhile, Casement Park in Belfast, which was initially listed as a host venue, has been dropped after the British government failed to secure the necessary funding for redevelopment. UEFA has yet to announce where Belfast’s allocated matches will now be played. Source: With input from agency 

Firefighters in South Korea are struggling to control massive wildfires that have claimed 27 lives, forced over 37,000 people to evacuate, and destroyed more than 300 structures. Helicopters continued dropping water over burning forests on Thursday as strong winds and dry conditions fueled the country's worst wildfires on record. Since last Friday, multiple blazes have been raging across southeastern South Korea, prompting the government to deploy thousands of personnel, along with helicopters and specialized equipment. However, gusty winds have hindered containment efforts. While rain is forecast for later Thursday, Korea Forest Service chief Lim Sang-seop warned that the expected precipitation—less than 5 millimeters (0.2 inches)—is unlikely to significantly aid firefighting efforts. Among the victims are a helicopter pilot who died in a crash while combating the fires, as well as four firefighters and emergency workers who were trapped by rapidly spreading flames. Authorities have not provided detailed information on the civilian casualties but noted that most were elderly individuals in their 60s or older, some of whom struggled to escape or refused to evacuate. Investigators suspect human error in several fire outbreaks, with some ignited by people burning grass near family tombs or sparks from welding work. Lee Han-kyung, deputy head of South Korea’s disaster response center, highlighted the role of climate change in the worsening wildfire crisis. “The wildfires again reveal the reality of the climate crisis we are experiencing,” he said, according to Yonhap news agency. 18 killed as wildfires devastate South Korea Scientists have warned that global warming is leading to more extreme weather events, including wildfires, hurricanes, floods, and heat waves, causing massive casualties and financial losses worldwide. As of Thursday, the wildfires have burned approximately 36,010 hectares (88,980 acres) of land—the most extensive damage of its kind in South Korea’s history. The disaster response center reported that 32 people have been injured, 325 buildings destroyed, and more than 37,180 people forced from their homes. Authorities have mobilized over 9,000 personnel and approximately 120 helicopters to combat the fires. In Cheongsong, one of the affected areas, thick smoke billowed from Juwang Mountain on Thursday morning as helicopters repeatedly doused the flames with water. Later in the day, smoke appeared to have subsided. Near the mountain, workers at a Buddhist temple covered a stone pagoda and other structures with fire-resistant materials, while firefighters drenched the surrounding area to prevent the flames from spreading. The worst-hit areas include Andong city, the counties of Uiseong and Sancheong, and the city of Ulsan. On Wednesday night, authorities ordered the evacuation of two villages in Andong, including Puncheon, home to the UNESCO-listed Hahoe folk village, which dates back to the 14th-15th century. Meanwhile, hikers at the scenic Jiri Mountain were advised to leave as the fire spread closer. South Korean PM Han Duck-soo reinstated as acting president after impeachment overturned The blazes have destroyed homes, factories, and historic sites. At Uiseong’s Gounsa temple complex—originally built in the 7th century—around 20 of its 30 structures were lost, including two state-designated “treasures.” Among them was a 1668-built pavilion overlooking a stream and a 1904 structure from the Joseon dynasty, marking a king’s longevity. The Korea Forest Service has raised its wildfire warning to the highest level, requiring local governments to deploy more emergency personnel, enforce stricter entry restrictions in forests and parks, and advise military units to suspend live-fire drills. Source: With input from agnecy 

Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney has criticized U.S. President Donald Trump’s decision to impose 25% tariffs on auto imports, calling it a “direct attack” on Canada. He warned that the trade war is harming Americans, citing a decline in consumer confidence. Speaking on Wednesday, Carney vowed to protect Canadian workers and businesses, stating, “We will defend our workers. We will defend our companies. We will defend our country.” However, he said he would review the specifics of Trump's executive order before announcing any retaliatory measures. The prime minister, who is currently campaigning for Canada’s April 28 election, will return to Ottawa on Thursday to lead a special Cabinet committee on U.S. relations. To counter the economic impact of the tariffs, Carney previously announced a CA$2 billion ($1.4 billion) “strategic response fund” aimed at safeguarding auto industry jobs. He stressed the importance of the sector, which directly employs 125,000 Canadians and supports nearly 500,000 more in related industries. Trump, who declared the tariffs “permanent,” had earlier granted Mexico and Canada a one-month exemption for U.S. automakers. However, with the new tax hike set to take effect in April, car manufacturers could face increased costs and declining sales. The move is part of Trump’s broader trade war, which has contributed to economic uncertainty. The Conference Board reported on Tuesday that U.S. consumer confidence fell for the fourth consecutive month, dropping to its lowest level since January 2021. “His trade war is hurting American consumers and workers, and it will only get worse,” Carney said while campaigning in Windsor, Ontario, near the U.S. border. Trump places 25% tariff on imported autos, expecting to raise $100 billion in tax revenues In addition to auto tariffs, Trump has previously imposed 25% tariffs on Canadian steel and aluminum and is threatening widespread levies on all Canadian imports and other U.S. trading partners starting April 2. “He wants to break us so America can own us,” Carney said. “But that will never happen because we don’t just look out for ourselves—we look out for each other.” Carney, a former central banker in both Canada and the U.K., made these remarks near the Ambassador Bridge, which carries 25% of all trade between the two nations and plays a crucial role in auto manufacturing. He highlighted that the bridge facilitates CA$140 billion ($98 billion) in goods annually, amounting to CA$400 million ($281 million) per day. “Now those numbers—and the jobs and paychecks that rely on them—are at risk,” Carney said. “The relationship between Canada and the U.S. has changed. We did not change it.” Ontario Premier Doug Ford warned that the tariffs would disrupt the auto industry on both sides of the border, leading to simultaneous plant closures. “President Trump calls it Liberation Day. I call it Termination Day for American workers,” Ford said. “I know Trump likes to say, ‘You’re fired!’—I just didn’t think he meant U.S. auto workers when he said it.” Trump has escalated tensions with Canada, even suggesting it should become the 51st U.S. state—a stance that has angered many Canadians. At a campaign rally in Kitchener, Ontario, crowds repeatedly booed when Trump's name was mentioned. Despite taking office on March 14, Carney has yet to speak with Trump, an unusual delay in communication between the two nations’ leaders. “It would be appropriate for the president and me to have a conversation given these recent developments. I expect that will happen soon,” Carney said. Opposition Conservative leader Pierre Poilievre also criticized the tariffs, warning they would harm both American and Canadian workers. Vermont businesses feel impact of Trump's tariffs on Canada “The message to President Trump should be clear: knock it off,” Poilievre said. “He’s changed his mind before. He’s imposed tariffs, then removed them. It wouldn’t be surprising if he does it again.” Source: With input from agency 

The United States has preliminarily approved Qatar’s request to purchase eight MQ-9B Predator armed drones, a deal valued at nearly $2 billion. The State Department’s approval, announced early Thursday, follows Doha’s prolonged efforts to secure the drones under the Biden administration, which had not authorized the sale despite Qatar’s role as a key intermediary between Washington and the Taliban in Afghanistan, Iran’s leadership, and Hamas in Gaza. However, this immediate approval under President Donald Trump signals a shift in U.S. relations with Qatar, particularly considering his prior support for a four-nation boycott of Doha during his first term. "This proposed sale will advance U.S. foreign policy and national security objectives by enhancing the defense capabilities of a key partner that plays a vital role in political stability and economic progress in the Middle East," the U.S. Defense Security Cooperation Agency stated. Qatar's government has yet to comment on the decision. The Gulf nation ranks as the second-largest buyer of U.S. military equipment after Saudi Arabia, having spent over $26 billion on F-15 fighter jets, Apache attack helicopters, missile defense systems, and other hardware. The deal now requires congressional approval, as U.S. lawmakers typically review such transactions and have the authority to block them. White House: Iran set to deliver armed drones to Russia Under the proposed agreement, Qatar would acquire eight drones equipped with hundreds of bombs and missiles, along with satellite-operated control systems. Manufactured by General Atomics, the MQ-9 Reaper drones cost approximately $30 million each. They can operate at altitudes above 40,000 feet (12,100 meters) and remain airborne for over 30 hours. The U.S. military and CIA have extensively used these drones in Afghanistan, Iraq, and Yemen. A swarm of small drones may help artificial reefs attract sea life Notably, Qatar’s approval comes as the United Arab Emirates has been awaiting clearance since 2020 for a $23 billion arms deal that includes up to 18 MQ-9 drones and advanced F-35 fighter jets. Trump's administration had close ties with the UAE, which established diplomatic relations with Israel under the Abraham Accords in 2020. Source: With input from agnecy 

A Dhaka court on Thursday cancelled the results to the 2020 DSCC election and announced BNP leader Ishraque Hossain as mayor of Dhaka South City Corporation (DSCC). Judge of Dhaka First Joint District Judge and Election Tribunal Md Nurul Islam passed the order, said the defendant’s lawyer Taherul Islam Touhid. The BNP leader was present at the court while the court was delivering the judgment. Election Tribunal declares BNP leader Shahadat as CCC Mayor Later, a celebratory procession led by Ishraque was brought on the court premises following the verdict. Ishraque is the son of undivided Dhaka City Corporation’s former Mayor Sadeque Hossain Khoka.

Bangladeshi pace sensation Nahid Rana said representing country is always the priority over franchise leagues like the Pakistan Premier League (PSL) to him. "To me, representing my country is always the priority over franchise leagues like the PSL," he said. He made the remarks while opening a business establishment in his hometown Chapainawabganj on Thursday. Since his debut for the national team, the Chapainawabganj Express has been showcasing exceptional bowling skills and his blistering pace has already drawn the attention of the international cricketing fraternity in a short time. Following this impressive performance, he has now been drafted into the popular PSL. Pakistani franchise Peshawar Zalmi picked the speedster from the draft and is expected to share the field with stars like Babar Azam and Saim Ayub. Phil Simmons confirmed as Bangladesh head coach until 2027 World Cup Nahid has already applied for a No Objection Certificate (NOC) from Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) to participate in the PSL, set to begin on April 11. The speedster said that he has sought permission for the entire PSL season. However, Bangladesh is scheduled to play two Test matches against Zimbabwe in April, raising uncertainty over his full participation in the league. He informed that BCB would decide on his availability after he plays one match. Ashutosh Sharma’s heroics secure dramatic one-wicket win for Delhi over Lucknow in IPL If Nahid gets the green light to play in the PSL, it will be a significant milestone in his career, the tournament providing him with an opportunity to showcase his talent on the international stage.