NsNewsWire | Bangladesh's First Press News Agency

Second largest Muslim congregation begins

DHAKA, Jan. 9 (Xinhua) — Amid a non-stop countrywide blockade, the first phase of the second largest annual Muslim congregation after holy Hajj begins Friday morning in Tongi on the outskirts of Bangladesh capital Dhaka with religious sermons for millions of devotees from home and abroad. The grand prayer at the congregation called Biswa Ijtema […]

Bango Market: a “shopping paradise” in Bangladesh

DHAKA, Jan. 9 (NsNewsWire) — Despite its shabby appearance, the Bango Market in this capital city, with thousands of shops showcasing a great variety of fashionable products and branded casual wears, has been the favorite shopping destination for both locals and foreigners living in Dhaka. For bargain hunters, they would prefer to go to the […]

World’s shortest int’l flight: Hardly any time to sip a coffee

Austria, Jan. 8 (NsNewsWire) — Passengers travelling on a new flight offered by Austrian budget airline Fly Niki from April will hardly have time to sip a coffee between take-off and landing. The flight between Vienna and Bratislava, which lie just about 50 kilometres (30 miles) apart, will last about 20 minutes, the airline said, […]

Scores of passengers injured as compartments derail

DHAKA, Jan. 8 (Xinhua) — Scores of passengers were injured early Thursday as six compartments of a passenger train veered off the track in Sylhet. “Some 50 passengers were injured in the accident,” said an official who preferred to be unnamed. He blamed miscreants removed several fish-plates during the blockade hours.

Cricketer Rubel lands in jail on rape charge

DHAKA, Jan. 8 (NsNewsWire) — Bangladesh national cricketer Rubel Hossain was sent to jail Thursday after he surrendered before a Dhaka court in connection with a rape case filed by a local movie actress . Film actress Naznin Akter Happy last month lodged the case under the Prevention of Women and Child Repression Act on […]

Sri Lanka starts presidential polling

COLOMBO, Jan. 8 (NsNewsWire) — Fifteen million voters in Sri Lanka head to the polls on Thursday to elect the country’s next president in what has been the closest fought race in a decade. The two main contenders include incumbent President Mahinda Rajapaksa, who is seeking an unprecedented third term in power, and New […]

China aims for faster administrative approvals

BEIJING, Jan. 8 (NsNewsWire) — The Chinese central government has promised more efforts to accelerate the administrative approval process. The State Council, China’s cabinet, published a document listing several measures to simplify approval procedures and improve transparency in the process after a meeting on Wednesday, reports Xinhua. The meeting was presided over by Premier Li […]

Spotlight: Manhunt for suspects in Paris attack under way, one reportedly surrenders

PARIS, Jan. 8 (NsNewsWire) — French police on Thursday published photos of two brothers wanted as suspects over a deadly shooting incident at the headquarters of the satirical magazine Charlie Hebdo that killed 12 people. Paris police said arrest warrants have been issued for Cherif Kouachi, 32, and his 34-year-old brother Said who were “likely […]

China eyes reform, opening up to improve economy

BEIJING, Jan. 7 (NsNewsWire) — Chinese Premier Li Keqiang said China should count on reform, opening up and structural adjustment to improve economy during a three-day tour of south China’s Guangdong Province. Li said China should push forward reform and opening up steadfastly in a bid to maintain economic growth within a proper range, as […]