Author: News Desk

News DeskDHAKA: Bangladesh witnessed a historic transition on Monday as interim leader Muhammad Yunus stepped down, formally handing over power to an elected government.In a nationally broadcast farewell, the 85-year-old Nobel Peace Prize laureate reflected on his tenure and urged citizens to safeguard the democratic reforms and freedoms that had taken root during his interim administration. “Today, the interim government is stepping down,” Yunus said, addressing the nation.“But let the practice of democracy, freedom of speech, and fundamental rights that has begun not be halted.” His remarks came amid widespread anticipation for the inauguration of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP)…

News Desk MUNICH: At the Munich Security Conference on Friday, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio asserted that India had pledged to halt further imports of Russian oil, a statement that immediately drew attention amid ongoing tensions over energy supplies and sanctions. Speaking to reporters, Rubio said Washington had secured “the commitment” from New Delhi to refrain from purchasing additional Russian crude, framing the pledge as part of broader international efforts to pressure Moscow following its actions in Ukraine. “The United States has imposed additional sanctions on Russia’s oil. In our conversations with India, we’ve gotten their commitment to stop…

News Desk MUNICH: Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir, Chief of Army Staff of Pakistan, conducted a series of high-level meetings in Germany this week, focusing on bilateral and regional security matters. His visit, which coincided with the 62nd Munich Security Conference, brought together military and civilian leaders from multiple nations to discuss defence cooperation, counter-terrorism, and broader strategic issues. According to Pakistan’s Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), Field Marshal Munir held talks with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, addressing shared concerns over global and regional security. The discussions were reported to centre on strengthening counter-terrorism collaboration and exploring avenues for…

News Desk COLOMBO: There are strong indications that Mohsin Naqvi, chairman of the Pakistan Cricket Board, and Jay Shah, chairman of the International Cricket Council, may watch the highly anticipated Pakistan-India T20 World Cup match together. Sources suggest that Mohsin Naqvi will travel to Sri Lanka for the match against India, with the possibility of joining Jay Shah in the stands. Officials from the ICC, as well as representatives from the Board of Control for Cricket in India, are expected to be present, while PCB and BCCI officials will also be gathered at the same venue in Colombo. The Sri…

News Desk NAROWAL: “Dreams have turned into reality,” students were told at a ceremony held at University of Narowal, where laptops were distributed under the prime minister’s laptop scheme. The event, attended by a large number of students, marked what university officials described as a milestone for the institution. Many of those receiving laptops spoke of their excitement, calling the devices an important step in their academic journey and a tool that would help them compete in an increasingly digital world. The chief guest was federal minister for planning and development, Ahsan Iqbal. He was joined by the university’s vice-chancellor,…

News Desk COLOMBO: Pakistan’s T20 captain Salman Ali Agha has described spinner Usman Tariq as the team’s “trump card” ahead of the crucial World Cup clash against India, saying the squad has a detailed plan for the entire Indian batting line-up. Speaking at a press conference in Colombo, Salman Ali Agha said all players were important, but Usman Tariq’s skills gave Pakistan a strategic edge. “Usman Tariq has cleared scrutiny over his bowling action twice already, yet discussions continue,” he said. “None of this affects him, and everyone is entitled to their opinion. He remains our trump card.” The captain…

News Desk LONDON: The United Kingdom has introduced a new law tightening rules for dual citizens, requiring them to hold a British passport to enter the country. The Home Office has warned that from 25 February 2026, British nationals with dual citizenship will only be allowed to board flights, ferries, or trains to the UK if travelling on a British passport. Those attempting to enter using a foreign passport will be refused travel. Under the new rules, all travellers must obtain an Electronic Travel Authorization at a fee of £16. Dual citizens wishing to use their non-British passport will need…

Domestic broadcasters confirmed that the BNP and its allies secured at least 213 of 299 contested seats, leaving Jamaat-e-Islami and partners with just 76 in the Jatiya Sangsad News Desk DHAKA: The Bangladesh National Party (BNP) secured a decisive two-thirds majority in general elections on Friday, in a result widely viewed as a stabilizing moment for the South Asian nation after months of turmoil following the ouster of former prime minister Sheikh Hasina. The outcome, confirmed by domestic broadcasters, gave the BNP and its allies at least 213 of the 299 contested seats, while the opposition Jamaat-e-Islami and its partners…

News Desk DHAKA: The leader of Bangladesh’s Jamaat-e-Islami, Dr Shafiqur Rahman, called on party workers to remain alert and steadfast while monitoring polling stations until election results are announced. Speaking on the social media platform X, he alleged attempts at ballot fraud in various parts of the country and urged citizens to safeguard their right to vote. “Today is your day of victory. Today is your day of freedom,” Dr Rahman said. “Some may try to take away what is rightfully yours. Do not allow them. This is the injustice we have fought against for the past 17 years, and…

News Desk MOSCOW: Russia has signaled its readiness to deepen ties with India, saying bilateral relations can expand “as far as India is willing,” according to Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergey Ryabkov. In an interview with The Indian Express, Ryabkov described the history of relations between the two countries as “extraordinary” and suggested that cooperation across trade, investment, and strategic projects could grow significantly in the coming months. “The sky is the limit,” he said, emphasizing that Russia was prepared to explore opportunities in India’s rapidly growing economy, which, with a population of 1.5 billion, offers room for multiple partnerships.…