The Daily Blurb

26/09/2025

Sharadiya Durga Utsab is not just a religious celebration—it symbolizes the awakening of feminine power and the triumph of good over evil. Reflecting this spirit, women of Santosh’s Palpara in Tangail have been organizing Durga Puja for nearly two decades. Under the banner of “Ekota Sangha,” this initiative has become a remarkable example of women’s empowerment and community leadership.

The organizers believe the festival goes beyond rituals, carrying a strong social message of equality, dignity, and independence for women. “Through this celebration, we want to highlight the importance of women’s strength in society,” said Sabita Rani Pal, president of Ekota Sangha.

For the Hindu community, the arrival of Goddess Durga signifies the end of darkness and the beginning of peace and harmony. The women of Palpara hope their efforts will inspire others while spreading the light of unity, empowerment, and compassion across society.

26/09/2025

Bangladesh has retained its position as the world’s leading ship recycling nation for the seventh year in a row. In 2024, the country dismantled 2.74 million gross tonnes of vessels, representing 43.2% of the global share. Although this marked a 19.9% drop compared to the previous year, Bangladesh continues to dominate the sector, particularly in recycling bulk carriers, liquefied gas carriers, and oil tankers, with respective global shares of 67%, 58%, and 42%.

This milestone highlights Bangladesh’s central role in global ship recycling. The nation is steadily moving towards greener practices, with 14 yards already certified under the Hong Kong Convention and another 20 undergoing certification. Backed by international collaboration and investment, these initiatives aim to strengthen environmental safeguards and improve safety standards across the industry.

26/09/2025

Bangladeshi mountaineer Babar Ali has etched his name in history by successfully summiting Mount Manaslu (8,163 meters), the world’s eighth-highest peak, without the use of supplemental oxygen. He reached the summit at 4:45 am Bangladesh time on Friday, September 26, alongside his longtime climbing partner, Bire Tamang. This marks the first time a Bangladeshi climber has conquered an 8,000-meter peak without artificial oxygen.

On the same day, another Bangladeshi mountaineer, Tanvir Ahmed, also scaled Manaslu, while climber Taufiq Ahmed Tamal summited earlier on September 25. The trio had left base camp on September 23, gradually acclimatizing at higher camps before their successful pushes.

Manaslu, located in the Mansiri Himal range of Nepal, is renowned as one of the most dangerous peaks despite being the eighth highest. Notably, Babar had earlier climbed Mount Everest in May 2024, becoming the sixth Bangladeshi to achieve that feat.

26/09/2025

25/09/2025

Bangladeshi designer Tasmim Zobaear is making remarkable strides in Paris, redefining what couture can mean for South Asia on the global stage. Through TZ STUDIO, he introduces a philosophy rooted in seduction, strength, and accomplishment, producing gowns that balance architectural sharpness with feminine allure. His creations whether crystal-studded bridal gowns or sculpted couture for Cannes red carpets—demand international attention.

At his recent Spring/Summer 2026 show at the Musée des Arts Décoratifs, Zobaear enchanted audiences with designs inspired by nature. Hibiscus blooms, butterfly bows, and delicate transparencies transformed fashion into a living fable, celebrated with standing ovations.

From Chattogram beginnings to Paris’s runways, Zobaear is not just designing clothes, he is reshaping the world’s perception of Bangladeshi fashion. With bold vision and global visibility, he continues to prove that Bangladeshi creativity deserves its place at the very heart of haute couture.

25/09/2025

On September 24, 2025, protests erupted in Ladakh as youthful activists—many from Generation Z—took to the streets, demanding full statehood, constitutional safeguards, and recognition under the Sixth Schedule. Demonstrations turned lethal after police opened fire on protesters; at least four people were killed and dozens more wounded. Protesters also clashed with law enforcement, threw stones, and set fire to government and party offices, prompting strict curfews and bans on public gatherings.

Activist Sonam Wangchuk—a familiar face in Ladakh’s autonomy movement—was cited by authorities as having incited violence through “provocative speeches,” though his supporters claim peaceful intent. Security forces have denied using disproportionate force, insisting they acted in self-defense. Political leaders, rights groups, and local communities have demanded an impartial investigation and resumed dialogue.

25/09/2025

Too cute!

25/09/2025

According to a report by The Business Standard, former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina was recorded in a phone conversation with Dhaka South City Corporation Mayor Sheikh Fazle Noor Taposh during the July–August 2024 crackdown on the quota reform movement. In the 5-minute 34-second call, Hasina stated, “I told them to burn certain things… they have burned our Setu Bhaban.” She further mentioned that the internet was down and various machines were burned, expressing frustration over the situation. Prosecutor Mizanul Islam indicated that these conversations suggest Hasina herself had ordered arson

25/09/2025

Spain has reaffirmed its strong support for Palestinian statehood, with Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez urging the United Nations to grant Palestine full membership. Speaking at the UN following a French-led summit on recognition, Sánchez declared that “this conference marks a milestone, but it’s not the end of the road — it’s only the beginning. The State of Palestine must be a member.”

Spain has consistently criticized Israel’s war in Gaza and advocated for a two-state solution as the only path toward lasting peace. The call comes amid escalating violence and growing humanitarian concerns, as regional leaders intensify demands for international recognition of Palestinian rights.

24/09/2025

Italy has mobilised a navy ship to support the Global Sumud Flotilla, a civilian convoy seeking to deliver humanitarian aid to Gaza, after its vessels were reportedly targeted in a drone attack.

Italian Defence Minister Guido Crosetto condemned the strike, saying the use of drones against the flotilla—which includes Italian citizens—was “unacceptable.” He ordered the frigate Virginio Fasan, which was already operating near Crete, to head toward the flotilla’s location for potential rescue or assistance missions.

Organisers of the flotilla reported multiple explosions, communications jamming, and damage to at least 11 vessels, though no casualties have yet been confirmed. Israel has not officially responded to the allegations.

Italy also called on Israel to guarantee the safety of all people aboard the flotilla, especially given the presence of parliamentarians, MEPs, and Italian nationals among its ranks.

24/09/2025

Dhaka University (DU), Bangladesh’s premier public university, is facing mounting challenges in international recognition, with some degrees now being downgraded overseas. Singapore’s Ministry of Manpower recently reclassified DU qualifications, previously considered equivalent to a bachelor’s degree, as foundation-level credentials. This affects graduates seeking employment and professional roles in Singapore, limiting eligibility for certain work passes.

Experts attribute the broader recognition issues to outdated curricula, limited research output, and insufficient international accreditation. Several professional programs, particularly in engineering, therapy, and health-related fields, are most affected, often requiring additional certification or coursework abroad. The Bangladesh Accreditation Council, established in 2018 to ensure quality standards, has yet to certify any DU programs, exacerbating the problem

24/09/2025

A cat that had been trapped in a tree for two days was finally rescued in a joint operation by the Fire Service and Dhaka North City Corporation.