Netherlands keen to construct seaports in Chittagong, Paira

The Netherlands has shown its interest in construction of seaports in Chittagong and Paira in Patuakhali.

Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte expressed this interest in a meeting with Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on the sidelines of the 70th UN General Assembly at New York on Monday.

Briefing reporters after the meeting, PM's Press Secretary Ihsanul Karim said the two leaders discussed various issues relating to mutual interests.

Sheikh Hasina said Paira area is very suitable for a deep seaport and the government is interested to start construction of the port as soon as possible.

The Bangladesh premier said the Netherlands can cooperate with Bangladesh in the areas of river dredging, land reclamation, flood control and natural disaster management.

The two Prime Ministers also discussed progress in preparing the "Bangladesh Delta Plan 2100" which is being formulated in cooperation of the Dutch government, a news agency report added.

Sheikh Hasina informed Mark Rutte that she would visit the Netherlands very soon.

The Dutch Premier highly appreciated Bangladesh's impressive progress in socioeconomic field and efficiency in flood control.

State Minister for Foreign Affairs Md Shahriar Alam, Chairman of the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Ministry of Foreign Affairs Dr Dipu Moni, Foreign Secretary Shahidul Haq and Bangladesh Ambassador to the Netherlands Sheikh Muhammad Belal were present.

Later in a meeting with Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, Sheikh Hasina requested him to make more Japanese investment in the Special Economic Zone allocated for Japan.

The Japanese Prime Minister noted that the cooperation between the two countries has been enhanced further at bilateral and multilateral levels following his visit to Bangladesh.

Lauding Bangladesh's progress in achieving Millennium Development Goals (MDGs), he said Bangladesh and Japan will work together to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

The two Prime Ministers also discussed the progress of the mega projects being implemented in Bangladesh with the support of Japan.

Finance Minister Abul Maal Abdul Muhith, State Minister for Foreign Affairs Md Shahriar Alam and Chairman of the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Ministry of Foreign Affairs Dr. Dipu Moni were present.

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Tavella was shot thrice: Forensic experts

Italian national Cesare Tavella, who was murdered in Dhaka a day ago, was shot three times from behind at close range, says the forensic expert who conducted the autopsy. “One bullet hit his left hand. It was a through and through gunshot. He was also shot twice on his back. One of those bullets pierced through his chest,” said Qazi Md Abu Shama on Tuesday. Briefing reporters at the Dhaka Medical College and Hospital mortuary, the forensic department’s assistant professor said they removed the third bullet that was stuck in Tavella’s body during autopsy. “He was shot from close range. It appears that these bullets were fired from a revolver,” Abu Shama added. Tavella, 50, was gunned down on Monday evening at Gulshan-2’s Road 90, the heart of the capital’s diplomatic enclave, amid several countries’ security concerns. He worked as the project manager at the Netherlands-based NGO ICCO Cooperation’s Profitable Opportunities for Food Security (PROOFS) programme. One of the witnesses, rickshaw mechanic Md Joynal said he saw three assailants fleeing on a motorcycle. One of them was wielding a gun.

Jihadist threat monitoring portal SITE Intelligence Group later on Monday night said the Islamic State had claimed responsibility for the murder, according to bdnews24.com.

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Over 1,000 sick pilgrims in Saudi hospitals

At least 1,000 pilgrims, who have come to Saudi Arabia to perform this season’s Holy Hajj which ended on September 25, are receiving treatment in a number of hospitals in Makkah after falling sick earlier this month. Health Ministry’s spokesman Faisal Al-Zahrani said more than 1,000 pilgrims are till getting treatment for various ailments in different hospitals in the Holy city of Makkah since the onset of Hajj season this year. He said the patients also include some pilgrims who were injured in the crane crash in the Grand Mosque on September 11, 2015, and others who sustained injuries during the Mina stampede on September 24. Zahrani said a total of 352 pilgrims who were injured during the stampede were transported to specialised hospitals outside the holy sites.

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Case filed over killing of Italian in Dhaka

A case has been filed in connection with the killing of the foreign NGO official in Gulshan area of Dhaka city on Monday evening. Official of ‘ICCO Cooperation’ filed the case with Gulshan Police Station on Tuesday morning. Quoting ‘Sight Intelligence Group’, Islamic State (IS) has claimed responsibility for killing the Italian national, foreign media reports. Earlier, Italian national Tavella, 60, technical director of the Netherlands-based non-governmental organisation ‘ICCO Cooperation’, was killed by miscreants in Gulshan area of the city, according to a news agency.

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Yemen air strike death toll rises over 131

The death toll from an air strike on a wedding party in Yemen has jumped to 131, medics said on Tuesday, in one of the deadliest attacks on civilians in Yemen's war that drew strong condemnation from the UN secretary-general.

A Saudi-led Arab coalition that has air supremacy over Yemen has strongly denied any role in the wedding party carnage, and a coalition spokesman suggested that local militias may have fired the projectiles.

Residents said on Monday that two missiles tore through tents in the Red Sea village of Al-Wahijah, near the port of Al-Mokha, where a local man affiliated with the Houthis was holding his wedding reception.

A medical source at a local hospital in Maqbana, where the casualties were taken, said on Tuesday that the death toll from the attack had risen to 131, from 27 reported on Monday, according to Reuters. 

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Canada also updates travel advice after US, UK

Canada has also updated its security alert for its citizens in Bangladesh as done by the United Kingdom and the United States, within a day into the murder of an Italian national in Dhaka.

The Canadian government in its official website mentioned that there is a 'threat of terrorism' in Bangladesh.

"At the end of September 2015, the Australian and United Kingdom (UK) governments informed their citizens that there is reliable information to suggest that militants may be planning to target Western interests in Bangladesh," it mentioned.

Earlier last Monday night, The Bureau of Diplomatic Security, US Department of State issued security message for US citizens in Dhaka advising them to review security. The British government also issued a travel alert claiming that 'militants' may be targeting western interests in Bangladesh in late September.

The travel advice coincides with the killing of an Italian man at Gulshan in the capital Monday evening, according to UNB. 

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Hasina urges peacekeepers to ensure peace across world

Asserting that Bangladesh's commitment to UN peacekeeping is strong and steadfast and it stands ready to go further, Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has urged all members of the peacekeeping community to work together to ensure peace and security around the world. "I call upon all members of the peacekeeping community to work together to ensure peace and security around the world," she said.

The Prime Minister said this at a Summit on Peacekeeping Operation at the UN Headquarters here on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly on Monday.  Sheikh Hasina co-chaired the Summit with US President Barack Obama. She said Bangladesh is adopting a national peacekeeping strategy to better respond to the evolving needs of the UN peacekeeping missions on the ground and at policy level.

"The national peacekeeping strategy paper is now at the final stage. As the leading troops and police contributor, Bangladesh stands ready to go further," the Prime Minister told her audience. She said Bangladesh's commitment to UN peacekeeping is strong and steadfast. "In Mali, DR Congo and Central African Republic, Bangladesh was the quickest to deploy troops under blue helmet."

Recalling Bangladesh's some commitments in last year's Summit, Hasina said Bangladesh is committed to providing infantry battalions, formed police units, utility helicopters, engineering and maritime units, and other enabling assets to address the existing and projected gaps in peacekeeping missions. She said Bangladesh recognises the need for the modernisation of peacekeeping operations with new technologies. "Their use should follow the principles of UN peacekeeping," she said.

Hasina said Bangladesh has established Institute for Peace Support Operations and Training (BIPSOT). The institute is being developed as a centre of excellence for training peacekeepers, especially the women ones, she said. The Prime Minister said Bangladesh is also pledge-bound to provide customised training and technical support to other troops and police contributing countries. "Bangladesh is also committed to protecting civilians and promoting gender and human rights issues," she said.

She called for 'zero tolerance' to sexual misconduct by peacekeepers saying highest priority should be given to the safety and security of peacekeepers.

Expressing her full support to the Secretary General's recommendations, the Prime Minister urged all members of the peacekeeping community to work together to ensure peace and security around the world.

The Summit was jointly hosted by Bangladesh, the USA, Japan, Pakistan Rwanda, Indonesia, the Netherlands, Ethiopia and the UN.

Leaders of over 50 countries from around the world attended the Summit in which they again committed to mobilizing a strong and modern UN peacekeeping force with 1.20 lakh troops.

Apart from Bangladesh Prime Minister, US President Barak Obama and Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe along with leaders of six more countries and the UNSG co-chaired the Summit, according to UNB. 

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Prosecutors launch probe into former Volkswagen boss

German prosecutors have begun an investigation against former Volkswagen chief executive Martin Winterkorn.

The probe will look at "allegations of fraud in the sale of cars with manipulated emissions data," the prosecutor's office said.

Mr Winterkorn quit last week after almost nine years at the helm of VW, saying he had no knowledge of the manipulation of emissions results, BBC reported.

Regulators in the US had found 'cheat' software in some diesel engines.

In the German legal system, anyone can file a criminal complaint with prosecutors, who are then obliged to examine them and decide whether there is enough evidence to open a formal investigation.

In this case, following the US revelations about the rigged tests, prosecutors in Braunschweig, near VW's headquarters in Wolfsburg, received about a dozen complaints, including one from Volkswagen itself, said spokeswoman Julia Meyer.

Over the weekend, German media reported that some of Volkswagen's own staff and one of its suppliers had warned years ago about the illegal use of so-called "defeat devices" to detect when a car was being tested and alter the running of its engines. 

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Biman's flights on Dhk-NY route to resume: PM

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has said flights of Biman Bangladesh Airlines on Dhaka-New York route will resume once the legal problems in this regard are resolved.

"Biman now has got enough modern Boeing aircraft. But, there’re some legal complexities top resume its flight operation from JFK International Airport in New York. Biman’s flights on Dhaka-New York route will resume once the legal problems are resolved," she said.

The Prime Minister, now in New York to attend the UN General Assembly (UNGA), said this while addressing a reception accorded to her by Awami League US chapter at Hotel Hilton on Sunday.

US Congresswoman from 9th District of Brooklyn Evet Clark, Awami League central leaders Dr Dipu Moni, Dr Hasan Mahmud, Abdus Sobhan Golap and general secretary of AL US chapter Sajjad Hossain, organizing secretary Chandan Dutta and leaders of various states spoke at the function held with AL US chapter president Siddiqur Rahman in the chair.

Finance Minister AMA Muhith, PM's Adviser Dr Moshiur Rahman, Expatriates' Welfare Minster Nurul Islam, state ministers Meher Afroz Chumki and M Shariar Alam were present, a news agency said.

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Taliban fighters seize key Afghan city

Hundreds of Taliban fighters have seized parts of the strategic northern Afghan city of Kunduz, reports say.

There is fierce fighting after militants launched a surprise attack from several directions. There are casualties on both sides, police say.

Taliban fighters have taken government buildings in the city centre, a BBC report said.

Monday's attack appears to be one of the most significant mounted on a provincial capital by the Taliban, correspondents say.

Government officials say that reinforcements have been sent to the city.

Kunduz province has seen a number of attacks since April, with the Taliban joining forces with other insurgents.

The city is symbolically significant to the Taliban as it was their former northern stronghold before their government was overthrown in 2001.

The assault comes a day after a bomb attack on a sports match in eastern Paktika province killed nine people.

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India launches first space laboratory

India has launched its first dedicated space laboratory Astrosat from the southern state of Andhra Pradesh.

The multi-wavelength observatory has a five-year lifespan and will "study celestial objects" 650km (404 miles) above earth.

The Indian Space Research Organisation (Isro) said Astrosat was carrying four X-ray payloads, a UV telescope and charge particle monitor, a BBC report said.

Astrosat is Isro's biggest project since its Mars orbiter mission in 2014.

Scientists glued to their computer screens broke into applause with the successful launch of Astrosat, the IANS news agency said.

Isro said the scientific objectives of Astrosat included understanding "high energy processes in binary star systems containing neutron stars and black holes" and detecting "new briefly bright X-ray sources in the sky".

The findings of the observatory will be analysed by India's major astronomy institutes and some universities, the agency added.

"What it means for India is this: it is one of the first scientific missions which will be available to the Indian researcher community as an observation opportunity. This is a starting point for such things," Isro's chairman AS Kiran Kumar said.

The launch vehicle used to place Astrosat in orbit also carried a payload of satellites from Indonesia, Canada and the US.

This is the first time an Indian vehicle has been used to place US satellites in orbit.

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Health and beauty benefits of almonds

Almonds can be eaten in many ways, and have a plethora of health benefits. They can be soaked overnight and eaten in the morning, or even simply as a snack.

Grind them up and mix it into your cake batter, to get an almond cake, or simply garnish your protein shake with broken almonds. The best part about almonds is that they are not only used in desserts, but make for great savoury dishes too. Experts say that eating even an ounce of almonds a day can reduce the risk of potential heart disease. So, what are you waiting for? Start including almonds in your daily routine, today!

For overall health

An ounce (or a handful) of almonds is rich in proteins, fibres, vitamins and trace minerals. They are also less in sugar. So, consuming almonds every day has a multitude of health benefits. They help protect the heart against diseases, as they are rich in magnesium, which is essential for a healthy heart. Additionally, they are good for reducing cholesterol levels and aid in weight loss too. They promote gastrointestinal health and help combat diabetes too, as the sugar content in almonds is less.

Tip: Soak six to eight almonds in water or milk overnight. Peel the skin off in the morning and consume immediately

For hair

Almond oil is useful in treating almost all kinds of hair ailments. It not only arrests hair fall, but is also useful in the treatment of dandruff, and delays greying. In addition, using almond oil, will make your hair healthier and shiny too. Almond oil is easily available in the market these days, and it can be used either by itself or in combination with other oils, in order to maintain the health of your hair.

Tip: For healthy hair, mix three tablespoons of almond oil with two tablespoons of castor oil and a hibiscus flower. Heat it gently, and once it cools down a bit, massage on to scalp for ten minutes. Wrap your head in a hot towel for about an hour. Shampoo as usual.

For skin

Almond oil or moisturisers that are rich in almonds is very good for the skin. Almond oil is rich in olein glyceride and linoleic acid which help prevent the occurrence of acne, pimples, and blackheads. Almonds are also rich in Vitamin E which keeps the skin soft and supple. Almond oil is also used on babies to tone their skin and to aid in muscle growth.

Tip: Mix quarter cup almonds (chopped and powdered in a mixie), with quarter cup of brown sugar. Add in two tablespoons of honey and a dash of almond oil to make a face scrub. Use twice daily, and watch your skin glow in a matter of weeks, according to a news agency.

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Amjad Khan was not first choice for Gabbar Singh

Bollyhood actor Amjad Khan was almost dropped from Sholay which was a cult classic movie in the year 1975. Yes! you read it correct, Amjab Khan who played the role Gabbar Singh so well in the movie was indeed not the first choice for the role. Do you want to know that reason why he was not the first choice? The reason is scriptwriter Javed Akhtar found his voice weak for Gabbar Singh's role. Interestingly, Danny Denzongpa was approached for that role initially, according to Times Of India. 

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Dubai Ruler's Son Dies

Dubai announced a three day mourning period after the 33-year old son of the Gulf emirate's ruler passed away, the official state news agency WAM said on Saturday.

Sheikh Rashid, son of the Prime Minister and Vice President of the United Arab Emirates Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid al-Maktoum, suffered a heart attack on Saturday morning, the agency said.

Sheikh Rashid was the eldest son of Sheikh Mohammed. Rashid's brother Sheikh Hamdan is the Crown Prince of Dubai, according to NDTV. 

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1 migrant child dead, 13 missing in Greek island

A girl believed to be five years old died and as many as 13 migrants may be missing at sea off the Greek island of Lesbos Saturday, the Greek coastguard said.

Nikos Lagkadianos, a coastguard spokesman, said 11 people were rescued from the sea between Lesbos and Turkey and one swam ashore in the early hours. The survivors said they thought 13 of their number were missing.

The girl was found unconscious and was declared dead later at hospital, Lagkadianos said.

Twenty-two migrants drowned and 200 more were rescued trying to reach the Greek island of Kos early last week and 34 refugees, almost half of them babies and children, drowned when their boat sank off the small island of Farmakonisi last Sunday, according to Reuters. 

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Novelist Jackie Collins dies

The novelist Jackie Collins has died of breast cancer at the age of 77, her family said in a statement.

"It is with tremendous sadness that we announce the death of our beautiful, dynamic and one-of-a-kind mother," the statement said.

The British-born writer, sister of actress Joan Collins, died in Los Angeles, her spokeswoman said.

Collins's career spanned four decades and she sold more than 500 million books in 40 countries.

The family statement said the writer lived "a wonderfully full life", adored by family, friends and readers.

"She was a true inspiration, a trailblazer for women in fiction and a creative force. She will live on through her characters but we already miss her beyond words," it added.

Collins was diagnosed with stage-four breast cancer six-and-a-half years ago, according to US celebrity magazine People, according to BBC. 

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BCL leader missing in boat capsize

A local leader of Bangladesh Chhatra League went missing as a boat capsized after being hit by a sand-laden trawler in the Bongshi river in Bank Town area of Savar upazila of Dhaka district on Saturday evening. The victim was identified as Didarul Arefin Pinak, son of Abdul Malek, a resident of Pouro Arpara area and he was former joint general secretary of Ashuliya thana Chhatra League. SM Kamruzzaman, officer-in-charge of Savar Model Police Station, said five BCL leaders, including Pinak, were returning from Keraniganj after a boat journey in the river. The boat carrying them capsized in the area in the evening after being hit by the trawler. Four other BCL leaders managed to swim ashore but Pinak went missing after the incident, according to a news agency. 

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1,000 homes destroyed by 2 California fires

The tally of homes destroyed by two massive Northern California wildfires topped 1,000 Saturday after authorities doing damage assessments in the Sierra Nevada foothills counted another 250 houses destroyed by flames that still threaten thousands of more structures.

California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection spokesman Daniel Berlant said the count of 503 homes destroyed by the blaze burning for more than a week in Amador and Calaveras counties comes as firefighters make progress and damage inspection teams have access to affected areas.

Cal Fire had reported 252 homes destroyed as of Friday night by the week-old fire that has charred 110 square miles (285 square kilometers). 

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Bangladesh to get Yak-130 aircraft

Russia has delivered the first batch of Yakovlev Yak-130 combat trainer aircraft (NATO reporting name Mitten) to Bangladesh. The plane allows training pilots in flying four-plus and fifth-generation combat aircraft, Russian media reports. The delivery process started on September 17. The shipping of the first Yak-130 consignment to Bangladesh started with six aircraft out of the 16 ordered planes to be delivered. Bangladesh is the second foreign country beyond former Soviet states to order the Yak-130 combat trainer. Algeria had received 16 of the type before it. At first, Bangladesh wanted 24 Yak-130s, but had to reconsider due to financial constraints. Irkut Corp is to deliver the Russian Defense Ministry 55 Yak-130s during 2011-16 under the current contracts the company has landed under the defense procurement programme. Four Yak-130s were acquired by Belarus and four aircraft more ordered by the country at the MAKS-2015 air show are to be delivered in 2016, according to a news agency. 

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Facebook now selling video ads targeted users will see

Facebook is now selling video ads that the target audience is sure to see. The world's biggest online social network said Thursday that advertisers can now buy ads that will be seen — from top to bottom — on a user's screen. Of course, this is still no guarantee that the user will choose to watch the entire video. But the option is likely to make advertisers happy.

Facebook, which started showing mobile ads in 2012, views video as the next frontier in advertising. The company says the new buying option will be available for every type of ad, including text, photo and video.

Facebook also formed a partnership with analytics company Moat to measure the effectiveness of video ads, including how many people watch them and for how long, according to AP.

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US stocks fall sharply

Fears over slowing global growth hammered stocks in the US and Europe on Friday and lifted prices of government bonds and other assets seen as safer bets. The Dow Jones industrial average ended down 290.16 points, or 1.7 per cent, to 16,384.58. The S&P 500 slumped 32.17 points, or 1.6 per cent, to 1,958.03 and the Nasdaq composite shed 66.72 points, or 1.4 per cent, to 4,827.23. Among US stocks making big moves, JPMorgan Chase fell $1.71, or 2.7 per cent, to $60.94. Citigroup slumped $1.36, or 2.6 per cent, $50.29. La Quinta plunged $2.92, or 15 per cent, to $16.05. The benchmark 10-year Treasury note gained, pushing down its yield to 2.13 per cent.  In metals trading, the price of gold rose $20.80 to $1,137 an ounce. Silver climbed 17.9 cents to $15.16 an ounce and Copper fell 6.6 cents to $2.39 per pound. US oil dropped $2.22, or 4.7 per cent, to $44.68 per barrel. Brent crude, the global benchmark, fell $1.61, or 3.3 per cent, to $47.47 per barrel in London. Wholesale gasoline fell 2 cents to $1.356 per gallon. Heating oil slipped 3.9 cents to $1.491 per gallon. Natural gas fell 4.7 cents to $2.605 per 1,000 cubic feet, according to AP.

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US plans military talks with Russia over Syria

The Obama administration is planning direct talks between Russian and American military officials soon over Russia's military buildup in Syria, a development that has flummoxed the US. Secretary of State John Kerry told reporters in London that President Barack Obama believes military-to-military discussions with Russia are "an important next step" as the US and its allies seek to resolve a worsening Syria crisis while also trying to understand Russia's burgeoning role. Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov first broached the idea earlier this week in a phone call with Kerry. The Pentagon will take the lead in the discussions, but Kerry shed no light on the exact level, venue and timing except to say, "I think, hopefully, it will take place very shortly." The Pentagon has not yet weighed in on what its role will be in the talks. "This (Syria) crisis has got to be solved," Kerry said before meeting with the United Arab Emirates Foreign Minister Abdullah bin Zayed, according to AP.

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Nasir sinks India A with century, five wickets

All-rounder Nasir Hossain cracked an unbeaten ton and picked up a five-wicket haul to ensure a comfortable 65-run victory for Bangladesh A as the visitors levelled the three-match unofficial ODI series against India A at 1-1 in Bangalore on Friday, reports NDTV.

The Mominul Haque-led side picked up the pieces from its opening loss against the hosts to return with a complete performance at the M Chinnaswamy stadium.

After posting 252 for eight while batting first, Bangladesh A shot India A out for 187 in 42.2 overs.

Put into bat, the visitors lost early wickets, but Nasir's unbeaten 102 off 96 balls helped the side reach a respectable score in 50 overs. The 70-run sixth-wicket partnership between Nasir and Liton Das (45) turned things around for the visitors.

India A's Rishi Dhawan bagged three wickets, while leg-spinner Karn Sharma had two scalps.

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Croatia moving migrants towards Hungary

Migrants flooding into Croatia are being moved to the Hungary border, with PM Zoran Milanovic saying his country cannot become a "migrant hotspot".

Up to 20 buses carried migrants to the border on Friday, although Hungary says it is building a new fence there. Croatia earlier closed seven of eight road crossings to Serbia after 14,000 migrants entered over the past two days seeking passage to northern Europe.

Slovenia, another neighbour of Croatia, accused it of breaking EU rules. The huge numbers heading north through the Balkans have triggered an EU crisis. Many are fleeing conflicts in Syria, Iraq and Afghanistan, according to a news agency--Aminul.

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Gunmen attack Pakistan air force base, 29 killed

Taliban militants have killed at least 29 people in an attack on an air force base in the northern city of Peshawar, Pakistani officials say. The gunmen, dressed in police uniforms, stormed the Badaber air base on Friday morning, Maj Gen Asim Bajwa said.

At least 16 of the victims were killed during morning prayers at a mosque inside the compound, Gen Bajwa added. The Pakistani Taliban said they ordered the attack. Peshawar has frequently been targeted by militants. Gen Bajwa said the militants entered the base, which is 10km (6 miles) south of Peshawar, at two points and then split into groups. A rapid response force was dispatched to the scene and contained the attackers around a guard room, he added. Thirteen militants were said to have been killed by security forces, although the Taliban said just one of their fighters died. The total number of gunmen involved is unclear, but Gen Bajwa said his forces were hunting for the remaining attackers. The exchange of fire also left 29 people injured, the Pakistani military said. Gen Bajwa claimed that mobile phone intercepts suggested that the attackers had come from inside Afghanistan, though he said there was no reason to blame the Kabul government, according to a news agency.

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Nawazuddin Siddiqui’s Life : From Watchman to Mainstream Bollywood

Nawazuddin Siddiqui is the son of a farmer from Buldhana district of Uttar Pradesh who worked hard to achieve the status in Bollywood. The actor who has worked with the all the three Khan’s of Bollywood has not let fame go to his head. He is still the same grounded person as before. From playing a 40-second side role to playing the lead, Nawazuddin Siddiqui has made his mark in the film industry with his performance. He faced a lot of struggle and hardships during his initial days in Mumbai. Here we bring you 13 pictures of Nawazuddin Siddiqui that tells you about his journey from a watchman to being a Bollywood star.

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Muslim boy arrested over clock invited to White House

US President Barack Obama has issued a White House invitation to a Muslim schoolboy who was arrested for bringing a homemade clock to school.

Ninth-grade high school student Ahmed Mohamed from Irving, Texas, was arrested on Monday after his teachers reported him to the police for making a clock, which they said resembled a bomb.

he arrest prompted outrage on social media with thousands expressing their anger at authorities for arresting a 14-year-old boy over his school project.

Social media users rallied behind the teen using the hash tag, which has picked up more than 500,000 mentions on Twitter so far, according to analytics site Topsy, and continues to rise rapidly.

The story also ranked highest on the user-generated curation website, Reddit.

Police have said they will not charge Mohamed but he told reporters on Wednesday that he remains suspended from school until Thursday, according to Reuters.

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Truckload of cattle snatched in Gazipur

Muggers snatched away a truck loaded with 19 cattle from a group of cattle traders in Mirer Bazar area of Gazipur city on early Thursday. Victim traders said they bought 19 cattle from Rajshahi and were heading towards Noakhali for selling those on Wednesday night. When the truck reached the area in the early morning, a gang of miscreants numbering 10-12 equipped with locally made weapons, on a pick-up van obstructed them. Later the bandits tied up the truck driver, his helper and traders. The thugs snatched Tk 30,000, five mobile phone sets and 19 cattle along with the truck and decamped leaving the traders into Rajendrapur jungle. Police recovered the truck from Mowchak area in an abandoned condition. Khandaker Rezaul Karim, officer-in-charge of Joydebpur Police Station, confirmed the incident, according to a news agency.

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S Arabia to pay Tk 20m to each family in Makkah mishap

In Makkah’s Grand Mosque mishap, 111 people, including one Bangladeshi, died and over 238 others were injured among at least 40 Bangladeshis.

The Saudi government has announced compensation for the family members of the deceased and those injured in the late last week crane collapse.

In a royal decree issued last Tuesday, King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud ordered to pay Saudi Riyal 1.0 million (around Tk 2.0 crore) each to the family of those died in the accident and to those who suffered permanent disability and SR 500,000 for each of the injured, reported Arab News.

Apart from paying compensation, the king also announced to host two family members of those died for next year’s Hajj, the report added.

Those injured who would not be able to complete their pilgrimage this year would be allowed to return next year as the king’s guest, according to bdnews24.com.

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14 die of dengue in Delhi

The deaths of three people from dengue fever in the Indian capital of New Delhi has brought the total toll to 14 in what officials call the worst outbreak of the disease in five years, local media reported Thursday.

Nearly 2,000 people in New Delhi have been diagnosed with the infectious disease, as the city government warned hospitals they would lose their license if they turn victims away.

Additional efforts by local authorities to cope with dengue fever include adding beds in state-run hospitals and charging smaller fees, according to the broadcaster.

Dengue fever is a virus with symptoms that include severe headaches, pain behind the eyes, nausea and vomiting, muscle and joint pain, and swollen lymph glands.

The dengue virus is transmitted by the Aedes aegypti mosquito, commonly found in Southeast Asia, Oceania, Africa and South America. There are four different strains of the dengue virus and there is currently no vaccine to counter the disease, according to NDTV.

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Japan security debate marred by scuffles in upper house

Scuffles have broken out in Japan's upper house ahead of a vote on a controversial move by the government to expand the role of the armed forces.

The bills would amend Japan's pacifist constitution to allow it to defend its allies overseas even when it is not under attack.

They have already been approved by the government-dominated lower house.

Opposition lawmakers Thursday morning tried to physically prevent the debate from taking place.

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Thailand search for gas in BD

The Petroleum Authority of Thailand has showed keen interest to explore gas in Bangladesh, said outgoing Thai Ambassador to Bangladesh Dr Modurapochana. The Thai envoy said this when she paid a farewell call on Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina at her office in Dhaka on Thursday. After the meeting, PM's Press Secretary Ihsanul Karim briefed reporters. Mentioning the bomb explosion outside a Hindu shrine in central Bangkok on August 17, Thai envoy laid emphasis on close security cooperation between Bangladesh and Thailand to combat terrorism. "The bomb blast was linked to human trafficking as 200 fake passports were recovered later," she said. The Prime Minister reiterated her government's zero tolerance policy against all sorts of terrorism and said her administration has undertaken various counterterrorism measures to root out terrorism from the country. Modurapochana noted that a Thai firm is constructing elevated expressway in Dhaka and said that it would help ease traffic congestion in the Bangladesh capital. The Prime Minister expressed her satisfaction over the excellent bilateral relations between the two countries and hoped that the ties would be strengthened further in the days to come. The Thai envoy thanked Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina for her excellent and sincere cooperation extended to her (envoy) during her over three-year stay in Bangladesh, according to a news agency.

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How Australia has reacted to its new PM

As Australia woke to news that another prime minister had lost his job mid-way through a parliamentary term, views were divided within political circles about what Malcolm Turnbull's ascension to the top post would mean for the country.

Mr Turnbull last Monday ousted Tony Abbott 54 votes to 44 in a late-night party room ballot, promising a new economic vision for Australia.

Interests groups - everyone from gay marriage supporters to climate change advocates - were lining up to push their case to Malcolm Turnbull on Tuesday, according to BBC.

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Serbian-Hungarian border closed to migrants

After it sealed the main entry point used by migrants the previous day, Hungary had continued to let them enter through an official border entry post around 2 kilometres further down. But at midnight, the main official border crossing point between Serbia and Hungary was closed to migrants and hundreds of migrants were left to queue with no apparent hope of entering.

Hungarian police claimed that a record 9,380 people entered Hungary on last Monday -- almost twice as many as the previous records set last week.

Those who had made it through the border before it shut were taken by bus to a train station at the border town of Roszke and loaded on to trains.

Unconfirmed reports suggested they were being taken to the Austrian border, according to NDTV.

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Cisco router attacks duck cyber defenses

Security researchers say they have uncovered previously unknown attacks on routers which direct traffic around the Internet, allowing hackers to harvest vast amounts of data while going undetected by existing cyber security defenses.

The attacks replace the operating system used in network equipment from Cisco (CSCO.O), the world's biggest maker of routers, the computer forensic arm of US security research firm FireEye (FEYE.O), Mandiant, said on Tuesday.

So far, Mandiant has found 14 instances of router implants in India, Mexico, Philippines and Ukraine, the company said in a blog post.

Separately, Cisco confirmed that it had alerted customers to these attacks on Cisco operating system software platforms.

The company said that it had worked with Mandiant to develop ways for customers detect the attack, which if found, will require them to re-image the software used to control their routers.

"If you own (seize control of) the router, you own the data of all the companies and government organizations that sit behind that router," FireEye Chief Executive Dave DeWalt said of his company’s discovery, according to Reuters.

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Commonwealth Secy Gen calls on PM Hasina

Commonwealth Secretary General Kamalesh Sharma on Tuesday sought Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina's active participation at the upcoming Commonwealth Heads of Governments Meeting (CHOGM) to be held in Malta later this year, as he called on her at the premier's office.

"He (Sharma) expressed hope that a high level Bangladesh delegation under the leadership of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina would attend the upcoming CHOGM and its parallel forums," a foreign office statement told BSS.

During the call on Sharma appreciated "Bangladesh's abiding commitment, fundamental values and principles of Commonwealth" while briefing her on the preparations and priorities of the forthcoming summit.

"He sought her (PM's) views and guidance in making the Commonwealth summit a success and bring the organisation into greater relevance," the statement read.

The premier, it said, told the Commonwealth chief that Bangladesh would like to see the CHOGM 2015 outcome "to voice for and enhance the interests of LDCs and Small Island and developing states (SIDS) in international fora in priority areas such as trade, market access, investment, poverty eradication, sustainable development, women's empowerment, climate change, blue economy and others."

Sharma leads a three-member delegation as he is on a three-day official visit to Bangladesh.

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Khaleda leaves for London

Khaleda Zia left for London for a medical check-up and will return home after spending the Eid-ul-Azha with her eldest son Tarique Rahman.  The BNP chairperson boarded an Emirates Airlines regular flight with several family members and it took off from Shahjalal International Airport at around 9:35pm Tuesday. She was accompanied by her younger brother Shamim Eskander, his wife Kaniz Fatema, Khaleda’s Personal Secretary ABM Abdus Sattar and maid Fatema Akhter. The former prime minister entered the airport through the VIP gate after senior BNP leaders saw her off.

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Computers 'do not improve' pupil results: OECD

Investing heavily in school computers and classroom technology does not improve pupils' performance, says a global study from the OECD.

The think tank says frequent use of computers in schools is more likely to be associated with lower results.

The OECD's education director Andreas Schleicher says school technology had raised "too many false hopes".

Tom Bennett, the government's expert on pupil behaviour, said teachers had been "dazzled" by school computers.

The report from the OECD examines the impact of school technology on international test results, such as the Pisa tests taken in more than 70 countries and tests measuring digital skills.

It says that education systems which have invested heavily in information and communications technology have seen "no noticeable improvement" in Pisa test results for reading, mathematics or science, according to BBC.

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Using too much Wi-Fi can trigger headache

Should you worry about 'wireless allergies'? Addressed with skepticism by most, the term electromagnetic hypersensitivity (EHS) or wireless allergy or gadget allergy, is ascribed to a range of non-specific symptoms like headache and fatigue apparently due to heavy use of wireless communicating devices, especially those that emit electromagnetic radiation (EMR).

Common sources of this Wi-Fi tsunami include mobile phone signals, Wi-Fi hotspots, Wi-Fi enabled devices like tabs, cellphones, laptops and a plethora of other gadgets.

The controversial issue was recently thrust in the limelight when a French court in a landmark ruling granted disability allowance to a 39-year-old woman who claimed to be experiencing discomfort from alleged EHS. She was forced to live in a countryside barn far away from the Wi-Fi and the internet.

Despite such examples, the legitimacy debate rages on - is it a real thing or cooked up - fueled by the absence of hard evidence and conclusive research.

According to WHO, EHS has no clear diagnostic criteria and there is no scientific basis to link its symptoms to EMF (electromagnetic field) exposure, but it also says: "The symptoms are certainly real and can vary widely in their severity. Whatever its cause, EHS can be a disabling problem for the affected individual."

The electromagnetic fields produced by mobile phones are classified by the International Agency for Research on Cancer as possibly carcinogenic to humans.

But all said and done, the fact is Wi-Fi, mobile phones and the internet are a necessity today, so much so that the number of internet connections in India has swelled to 300 million.

As for now, following simple tips like texting instead of talking, keeping cellphones and gadgets at a distance and not placing cell phones under pillows is the way to go.

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Online shopping meets virtual reality

Hrvoje Prpic is wandering through a fashion boutique trying to pick out a new accessory. Only he's not actually there. He's sitting in a trendy London coffee shop wearing a virtual reality headset that he believes could be the future of online shopping.

The 43-year-old is the founder of Trillenium, a start-up that creates virtual stores for brands aimed at marrying the experience of real-life shopping with the convenience of e-commerce on smartphones and computers.

Shoppers can tour the virtual store by focusing their gaze on products, browse items from different angles and socialise with friends online, bringing to life an e-commerce industry currently dominated by search boxes and static pictures.

"The current dot.com experience is pretty sterile. So if they can improve the experience, you might dwell a bit longer, spend a bit longer online exploring products because you can get closer to them, and buy more," said Dave Evans, commercial director at Kantar Retail Virtual Reality, which uses virtual reality technology to help retailers develop real-world stores.

Trillenium hopes to capitalise on the release of virtual reality headsets next year aimed at the consumer market, such as Facebook's Occulus Rift and Google's Cardboard.

And with British online retail sales forecast to surge 64 percent to 71.2 billion pounds ($110 billion) between now and 2020, according to researchers Mintel, Trillenium believes there will be no shortage of companies looking to improve their online businesses.

It has already attracted the attention of one of Europe's biggest online retailers, ASOS, whose venture capital arm holds a 9 per cent stake, as well as British tennis player Andy Murray, who invested through crowdfunding platform Seedrs.

Prpic, who has previously run a computer retail chain in Croatia and invested in a number of start-ups, believes Trillenium's technology will particularly appeal to women.

"Women like to discover," he told Reuters. "How women like to shop is that they want to see something, they want to spot something on the shelf nobody has seen before."

Trillenium is currently working on a demo for ASOS to be trailed at the end of this year, with Prpic saying his aim was for at least half of ASOS's 88 million unique users to eventually use the service.

Brands listed on the ASOS website will be able to pay to feature their products in the virtual store built by Trillenium. A more limited version, without the full 3D offering provided by the goggles, will be available on smartphones and computers.

The technology is still in its early stages, but Prpic believes it will be taken on by other firms in the coming years.

"We do have some clients that are interested in having Trillenium as well, but we are aiming only at the biggest for now. So there are maybe three or four names that we want to have, but not more than that," he said.

Trillenium has raised 335,000 pounds so far from Seedrs as well as two business angel investors. It hopes to raise an additional 1.8 million pounds in separate funds from venture capitalists.

In three years, Prpic hopes to launch a multiple platform service where clients can use his technology to build and customize their own stores from a template.

"This is the end goal," he said, according to Reuters.

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Hungary enacts tough new laws

Hungary has brought in tough new migrant laws which it says will "start a new era" in preventing the inflow of illegal immigrants.

Police can now detain anyone who tries to breach a razor-wire fence built on the border with Serbia.

Hungary has become a key point on the journey north for thousands of migrants from the Middle East and Africa.

On Monday, EU ministers failed to agree unanimously on mandatory quotas to relocate 120,000 asylum seekers.

Instead, at the meeting in Brussels, a majority agreed "in principle" and negotiations will now take place ahead of another meeting in October, according to BBC.

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Malaysia to take more Bangladesh workers under G2G process: Minister

Malaysia will fulfill a significant portion of the demand for extra work force from Bangladesh, Secretary General of Malaysian Human Resources Ministry Datuk Seri Haji Saripuddin Bin Haji said in Dhaka on Monday. During a meeting with Foreign Minister AH Mahmood Ali at foreign ministry, the secretary general also said that Malaysia has a plan to officially declare Bangladesh as a 'source country for labor force'.

Haji Saripuddin briefed foreign minister the outcome of the 6th Joint Working Group meeting held today at the Ministry of Expatriates' Welfare & Overseas Employment including 'G to G Plus' mechanism for recruitment of Bangladeshi workers. He also stated that Malaysia has opened all of its sectors including construction and services for Bangladesh.

Foreign Minister Mahmood Ali apprised the Secretary General Haji Saripuddin various initiatives taken by Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina for the welfare of Bangladesh workers employed abroad, according to a news agency.

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TCB begins Eid-ul-Azha OMS

The Trading Corporation of Bangladesh (TCB) began its open market sale (OMS) programme across Bangladesh this (Tuesday) morning ahead of Holy Eid-ul Azha. Eid-ul-Azha will be observed in the country on September 25 (Friday). Three daily essentials – sugar, onion and soybean oil – will be sold through a total of 173 trucks in the divisional headquarters and district towns. The price of sugar has been fixed at Tk37 per kilogram (kg) while that of onion at Tk50 per kg and soybean oil at Tk89 per litre.

The daily essentials will be sold in 24 trucks in Dhaka city, 10 trucks in Chittagong city, five each in 7 other divisional cities and two trucks each in the district towns. A consumer can purchase maximum 4 kg of sugar, 2 kg of onion and 10 litres of soybean oil from the OMS, said a TCB press release.

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3 arrested with firearms in Jessore

Rapid Action Battalion (Rab) personnel in a drive arrested three people along with three firearms, 170 grams of cocaine and bomb making materials from Jhumjhumpur area in sadar upazila of Jessore district on Monday. The arrestees were identified as Sumon, son of Abdul Mazid, a resident of Umarpara in the area, Mesbahul Islam, son of Mahbubul Islam, a resident of Bokchar area in the town, and Imran Sabuj, son of Mostafa Ali, a resident of Newsprint Paper Mill area under Khalishpur police station of Khulna. Deputy Director of Rab-6 Squadron Leader Kawser Hossain said on secret information that wanted terrorist Javed and his cohorts were staying at Jhumjhumpur, a team of Rab conducted a raid in the area at night and arrested Sumon, Mesbah and Imran along with three firearms, 170 grams of cocaine worth of Tk 50 million, some bomb making materials and two motorcycles. However, Javed managed to flee away from the scene. Sumon, Mesbah and Imran are wanted in several cases filed with different police stations. A case was filed in this connection, according to a news agency.

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