Stories from Bangladesh

The second T20 International between Bangladesh and New Zealand was abandoned in Chotogram due to persistent showers. The match was called off without a single ball being bowled. Bangladesh currently leads the three-match series one-nil.

US Ambassador to Bangladesh Brent T. Christensen praised the recently signed Agreement on Reciprocal Trade (ART). He described the deal as a genuine partnership intended to foster more bilateral trade between the two nations.

Rosatom head Alexey Likhachev met with Bangladesh Prime Minister Muhammad Yunus to discuss the Rooppur Nuclear Power Plant project. The discussions focused on the continued involvement of Russian construction in the project.

The Non-resident Ambassador of Belarus to Bangladesh, Mikhail Ka..., discussed skilled labour migration between the two nations. The talks focused on establishing frameworks for the movement of professional workers.

Nuclear fuel loading has commenced in a reactor in Bangladesh. This reactor is part of the first power unit built with Russian participation. The development follows the clearing of the site for the plant. This unit was constructed with the participation of Russia. The process follows developments in fundamental sciences including mathematics, physics, and chemistry. Prime Minister Mishustin noted that the project involves fundamental science and automation. The facility utilizes industrial robots and automation systems. Russia's State Nuclear Energy Corporation announced it has begun loading fuel into the first reactor at a power plant located in Bangladesh. The action was confirmed by the corporation. This action marks a step in the facility's start-up phase. Once fully operational, the plant is expected to meet up to 10% of Bangladesh's total power demands.

The New Zealand cricket team, the Blackcaps, lost the first of three T20 matches against Bangladesh. New Zealand scored 182 for six after batting first. Bangladesh successfully chased the target, reaching 183 for four in the 18th over, winning by six wickets. The New Zealand Blackcaps are down 1-0 in their three-match T20 series against Bangladesh after a poor opening game. Batting first, the Blackcaps scored 182 for six, a score they believed would be around par. Dame Cleaver and opener Cassidy Clarke both scored 51 runs.

Indian photojournalist Raghu has passed away at the age of 83. He reportedly embraced digital photography without difficulty during his career. He was noted for his transition from traditional film to digital photography while maintaining high technical standards. He remained passionate about image quality and large-scale prints throughout his career. His work involved meticulous processing similar to traditional negative development. The broadcast highlighted the prolific work of photographer Raghu, noting his body of work in Bangladesh. The late photographer's work included color photography of the Taj Mahal and frequent visits to Kolkata. The photographer's recent work includes a book on Bangladesh titled The Price of Freedom. The journalist was noted for his influential photography of the 1971 Bangladesh conflict.

Bangladeshi photographer and activist Shahid al-Alam is remembered for his sensitivity and ability to capture both ordinary and extraordinary moments in Indian history. He photographed prominent figures like Mother Teresa and Indira Gandhi, and was adept at working in both color and black and white. His work is described as having a tactile element. His portfolio features a amount of black and white photography alongside contemporary pieces. His legacy includes diverse subjects ranging from historical landmarks to contemporary scenes. He maintained traditional craft principles while utilizing modern tools like the iPhone for high-quality imagery. His work was noted for its ability to produce large-scale blow-ups. He remained passionate about the quality of digital imagery throughout his career.

Rohingya populations are facing increased displacement due to fighting between the Myanmar military and the Arakan Army. Civilians are caught in the crossfire of the conflict seeking independence for Rakhine State. Many displaced individuals are moving toward the Bangladesh border. Many displaced individuals are being housed in deteriorating former school buildings. Others are living outdoors in makeshift shelters with corrugated metal roofs on beaches. Displaced populations are currently dependent on support from NGOs and UN agencies including the UNHCR and IOM.

The Rohingya, originally from Myanmar, are living under difficult conditions in refugee camps in Bangladesh and Indonesia. They face oppression and persecution in Myanmar, where their citizenship has been revoked and they are not officially recognized as an ethnic minority. In addition to military persecution, the Arakan Army, fighting for an independent Rakhine state, also does not recognize the Rohingya. In Malaysia and Indonesia, initial solidarity has shifted to skepticism and rejection. Rohingya refugees in Indonesia are housed in former schools, with organizations like UNHCR and IOM providing support as they lack official recognition. Many hope for asylum in a third country, with young Rohingya seeking vocational training and employment, which is currently unlikely for most.