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Govt bans planting, sale of Eucalyptus, Acacia

Kawsar Ahmed
                                       Published by: Friday, 16 May, 2025, 11:00 am
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Govt bans planting, sale of Eucalyptus, Acacia

In a move aimed at protecting the environment, natural habitats, and biodiversity, the government has officially banned the planting, harvesting, and sale of eucalyptus and acacia tree seedlings. The Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change issued a notification on Thursday (May 15) confirming the decision.

According to the notification, all afforestation programs carried out by government agencies, private organisations, and individuals must now prioritise planting indigenous species—particularly native fruit-bearing, forest, and medicinal trees—instead of invasive species like eucalyptus and acacia.

The ministry cited several ecological concerns behind the decision. Eucalyptus and acacia trees are known to absorb excessive amounts of groundwater, depleting soil moisture and causing long-term damage in areas with dry or seasonal climates. Furthermore, toxins released from their fallen leaves degrade soil quality and inhibit the growth of other vegetation, making it difficult for native species to thrive nearby.

“These species pose a significant threat to local biodiversity,” the ministry said in the statement. “Many native plants, insects, and birds cannot find suitable nesting grounds or food sources in or around these trees.”

The ministry has urged all organisations and citizens to actively participate in planting native tree species to help preserve the country’s ecological balance and meet both national and international environmental commitments.

Bangladesh announce ODI squad for Sri Lanka series, Naim returns after 2 years

Munna Khan
Published by: Wednesday, 25 June, 2025, 2:42 pm
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Bangladesh announce ODI squad for Sri Lanka series, Naim returns after 2 years

Bangladesh have announced a 16-member squad for the upcoming ODI series against Sri Lanka, with left-handed opener Mohammad Naim making a return to the national setup after more than two years.

Right-arm pacer Taskin Ahmed also returns from injury.

Chief selector Gazi Ashraf Hossain announced the squad on Monday at a press conference held at the Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium in Mirpur.

The three-match series will begin on 2 July in Colombo. Mehidy Hasan Miraz, who was recently appointed as the ODI captain, will lead the side for the first time in the format.

Naim, 25, was rewarded for his strong domestic form. He scored 618 runs in 11 matches in the recently concluded Dhaka Premier League, finishing as the tournament’s third-highest run-getter.

He replaces Soumya Sarkar, who is yet to fully recover from a recurring back injury.

Taskin Ahmed’s inclusion will boost Bangladesh’s pace options. The fast bowler missed recent assignments due to fitness issues but has returned to full training.

The ODI series will follow the conclusion of the ongoing Test series. The second Test is set to begin on 25 June in Colombo.

Bangladesh squad for Sri Lanka ODIs: Mehidy Hasan Miraz (captain), Tanzid Hasan, Parvez Hossain Emon, Mohammad Naim, Najmul Hossain Shanto, Towhid Hridoy, Litton Das, Jaker Ali, Shamim Hossain, Rishad Hossain, Tanvir Islam, Taskin Ahmed, Tanzim Hasan Sakib, Nahid Rana, Hasan Mahmud, Mustafizur Rahman.

Honda launches City e:HEV in Bangladesh

Munna Rahman
Published by: Tuesday, 24 June, 2025, 10:48 am
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Honda launches City e:HEV in Bangladesh

DHS Motors Limited, the official distributor of Honda in Bangladesh, has recently launched the Honda City e:HEV at the Honda Showroom in Tejgaon, Dhaka.

The Honda City e:HEV features a 1500cc hybrid engine. The vehicle comes equipped with a leather interior, rear AC controls, and other features. All of this is put together in a body bigger, wider, and higher than the national favorite Toyota Premio, according to a press release by DHS Motors.

All but 3 political parties agree on term limit of PM: Ali Riaz

Staff Correspondent, Dhaka
Published by: Monday, 23 June, 2025, 8:09 am
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All but 3 political parties agree on term limit of PM: Ali Riaz

Most political parties have agreed that no individual should serve as prime minister for more than 10 years in their career, except for three including the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), professor Ali Riaz, vice-president of the National Consensus Commission said on Sunday.

“After lengthy discussions, we reached a clear position that a person cannot remain prime minister for more than 10 years. However, we have yet to reach full consensus as three parties opposed the proposal and asked for reconsideration,” he stated.

Professor Ali Riaz made these comments today after the second round of talks between the National Consensus Commission and political parties at the Foreign Service Academy on Bailey Road in the capital.

Speaking about the discussions with political parties, he said, “We focused on two main topics throughout the day: the term limit of the prime minister and the fundamental principles of the constitution.”

On the term limit issue, Ali Riaz said most parties agreed on a 10-year cap, but BNP, NDM, and BLDP differed, requesting further discussion after internal consultations. These parties argued that this issue is linked with other matters, particularly the formation of the NCC and the structure of the upper house.

Regarding the second discussion point, Ali Riaz mentioned that the Constitutional Reform Commission had presented a proposal on the constitution and the state’s guiding principles.

Taking into account the sentiments and positions of various parties, the consensus commission will prepare a final proposal emphasising equality, human dignity, social justice, and democracy, he added.

Ali Riaz also said that the meetings were adjourned for the next two days at the request of political parties so they can discuss these matters at their policymaking levels.

“We hope this break will help resolve the remaining unresolved issues,” he added.

Today’s discussion with the National Consensus Commission aimed to conclude previously unfinished talks and included 30 political parties such as BNP, Jamaat, NCP, Islami Andolon, Gono Odhikar Parishad, and Ganosamhati Andolan.

Moderated by the chief adviser’s special assistant Monir Haidar, commission members Safar Raj Hossain, Justice Emdadul Haque, Badiul Alam Majumdar, Iftekharuzzaman, and Mohammad Ayub Mia, were also present at the meeting.