The Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) has started investigation into the allegations of amassing illegal wealth against former Inspector General of Police (IGP) Benazir Ahmed. A three-member committee, headed by ACC deputy director Hafizul Islam, has already been formed to investigate the corruption of the former IGP. ACC Secretary Khorsheda Yasmin confirmed the matter to the reporters at a press briefing at the ACC headquarters today (22 April). She said legal actions will be taken according to the relevant laws of the ACC after an investigation. Earlier, a writ petition was filed with the High Court seeking an investigation into Benazir Ahmed's corruption. Supreme Court lawyer Salahuddin Regan filed the writ petition with the concerned branch of the High Court. Four people, including the ACC chairman and secretary, have been made defendants in the case.

In 2024, with our attention taken up by the presidential race and by futile culture-war battles, following the news has seemingly become more fruitless than ever, especially for a religious person who feels obligated to respond to societal ills. When members of my Jewish community tell me they face this problem, I say that being God-conscious individuals requires us to see beyond the news of the day and focus on our most pressing moral concerns. In many respects, I am inspired by the Catholic Church, which, at its best, holds true to its values—whether I agree with its conclusions or not—without overly prioritizing political point-scoring. What matters is not landing on the left or right side of an issue, but seeking to carry out the will of God in the world. More and more, I have been saying there is one issue where all people, particularly all religious people, can present a unified front, across partisan lines and across faith traditions. That issue is what can be called the genocide of the Uyghurs in China. There seems to be no end in sight regarding disagreements on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, abortion, same-sex marriage and the like. But Christians, Jews and Muslims, as well as Democrats, Republicans and independents, can all agree that the Uyghur genocide, in which the Chinese Uyghur population (who are predominantly Muslim) has endured imprisonment, forced labor, religious persecution and much else, is an affront to human dignity and religious freedom. As one example of how we can respond, as Jews, a coalition of us led by the Elie Wiesel Foundation for Humanity are pressing Jewish C.E.O.s to provide documentation that they are not using Uyghur forced labor. If Christian organizations take similar steps, the impact can multiply. In recent history, Christians and Jews have come together to support the U.S. civil rights movement, religious freedom for minorities and the end of apartheid in South Africa. But when I look around at the world today, I see a startling lack of moral clarity. Part of this, I have to think, stems from the decline of religion, particularly in the United States. This decline was illustrated by a headline in USA Today in January: “More ‘nones’ than Catholics: Non-religious Americans near 30% in latest survey.” Despite the many societal improvements we have made in recent decades, I worry that we will no longer see mass movements for the betterment of the world if every individual is made into their own freelance arbiter of moral justice. That USA Today article confirmed my suspicions, saying: “Nones” are less likely to volunteer or vote in elections. Of the U.S. adults surveyed, 17 percent of religious “nones” volunteered in the last year compared to 27 percent of religiously affiliated adults, and 39 percent of “nones” voted in the 2022 election compared to 51 percent of religiously affiliated adults. They also showed slightly lower rates of civic engagement, and were less likely to have contacted officials or attended a government meeting in the last year. One explanation for these differences: Religious people feel responsible for the collective, whether it is made up of fellow synagogue-goers or parishioners, our co-religionists around the world, or all other human beings, made in the image of God. But we cannot afford to waste that blessing. We must use it to overcome the moral catastrophes of our time, understanding that religion is not just about carrying on the traditions of the past but also about shaping a brighter future. When we see the injustices of the world, we are called to actualize the words of Psalm 69: The lowly will see and rejoice; you who are mindful of God, take heart! For God listens to the needy, and does not spurn those held captive. If you are a Christian who wants to be a partner in our work toward ending the repression of the Uyghurs, join our coalition in a two-day conference, led by the Elie Wiesel Foundation for Humanity, on April 17 and 18 in New York City. If you cannot join, you can still get involved by researching and avoiding brands that use forced labor, pressuring politicians to act at the state and national levels, and petitioning governments and companies. Bans on products from Uyghur forced labor have been put in place, but they have not effectively been enforced and need reinforcements. I don’t want to take the view that religious people are the only ones who can lead on this issue. But I feel deeply compelled to act because of a deeply held belief that every human being is created in the image of God.   Source: America Magazine

A Dhaka court accepted the charge-sheet filed in a case against  against Dr Yunus, 13 others for allegedly embezzling Tk 25 crore from the company. Dhaka Metropolitan Sessions Judge Ash Shams Zaglul Hossain passed the order today (April 2) for further proceedings  the case was sent to Dhaka Special Judge Court-4. The court fixed May 2 for the next hearing of the case. Grameen Telecom director, Md Shahjahan, one of the accused who failed to appear before the court on this day, the court canceled his bail and issued an arrest warrant. Earlier, Dr. Yunus and other accused appeared in the court around 1:45 pm. On May 30 last year, the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC)  filed a case against 13 people, including Nobel Laureate Muhammad Yunus, for embezzling Tk 25.22 crore from Grameen Telecom's workers' welfare fund. Gulshan Anowar Pradhan, Deputy Director of Anti- Corruption Commission filed the case. On February 1, ACC Deputy Director Gulshan Anwar Prodhan, also the investigation officer of the case, submitted the charge sheet against 14 people, including Dr. Muhammad Yunus.

The United States and Britain on Monday have sanctioned two individuals and one Wuhan-based company that allegedly targeted critical infrastructure sectors in the US as part of an expansive hacking effort. The US Department of the Treasury's Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) sanctioned Wuhan Xiaoruizhi Science and Technology Company, Limited (Wuhan XRZ) , which it said was a Chinese Ministry of State Security (MSS) front company that has served as cover for multiple malicious cyber operations. The Treasury Department levied sanctions against two Chinese nationals Zhao Guangzong and Ni Gaobin, , as well as the Wuhan Xiaoruizhi Science and Technology Company, which the agency accused of acting as a front for China's top spy agency. "OFAC is also designating Zhao Guangzong and Ni Gaobin, two Chinese nationals affiliated with Wuhan XRZ, for their roles in malicious cyber operations targeting U.S. entities that operate within U.S. critical infrastructure sectors, directly endangering US national security," it said in a statement. Brian Nelson, the under secretary of the Treasury for terrorism and financial intelligence, said in a statement that, "The United States is focused on both disrupting the dangerous and irresponsible actions of malicious cyber actors, as well as protecting our citizens and our critical infrastructure." Additionally, the US Justice Department said that seven Chinese citizens have been indicted for their involvement in a China-based hacking group known as APT31 that spent approximately 14 years targeting US and foreign critics, businesses, and political officials for sensitive information. The action is part of a collaborative effort with the US Department of Justice, Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), Department of State, and the United Kingdom Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO)."   Source: DT NEXT

The Japanese yen has hit its lowest level against the dollar in decades, even after Japan's central bank announced a hike in interest rates. Currency markets saw Japan's yen dip to its lowest point against the dollar in more than three decades on Wednesday. The fall has raised speculation that authorities might intervene in market trading to prop up the currency. What's happening with the yen? The yen fell to 151.97 against the dollar — the lowest point since 1990 — before rallying slightly. The dollar was last down at 151.19. In the past two years, the yen has weakened significantly from roughly 115 against the dollar before Russia's invasion of Ukraine. In a historic shift in monetary policy, Japan increased interest rates this month for the first time since 2007. However, this has done little to stablize the falling price of the yen, given that Japan's benchmark interest rates remain among the lowest in the developed world and are not expected to rise much further.  A weaker yen makes exports from Japan cheaper. However, it also drives up import costs and energy prices for consumers in the world's fourth-largest economy. In a sign of concern about the need to shore up the currency, the Bank of Japan, the Finance Ministry, and Japan's Financial Services Agency held a meeting late in Tokyo trading hours. Japanese Finance Minister Shunichi Suzuki said earlier that authorities could adopt "decisive steps" against yen weakness.  Bankrupt banks and higher interest: Are startups in crisis? "Now we are watching market moves with a high sense of urgency," he told reporters. The government could intervene directly in the currency market, buying large amounts of yen and usually selling dollars for the Japanese currency. Tokyo last took such action in 2022 when the yen was also floundering. Why is the yen so low? Japan last week raised interest rates for the first time since 2007 in a move that marked a historic shift in monetary policy. Despite the rise in interest rates from negative territory, the cost of borrowing in Japan remains very low at 0 to 0.1%.  For investors, the US — which adopted an aggressive policy of hiking rates to tamp down inflation — offers a far more attractive rate of 5.25 to 5.5%, with a cut not priced in until July.  The value of the Japanese yen has already fallen more than 7% this year against the dollar.  Meanwhile, the dollar is on track for solid quarterly gains after investors tempered their expectations of big interest rate cuts in light of strong economic data and the reluctance from central bankers.

Ace all-rounder Shakib Al Hasan has made a comeback to the longer version format after a gap of one year as Bangladesh announced the squad for the second and final Test against Sri Lanka, which gets underway in Chattogram on March 30. Shakib has been out of the national team since the match against Sri Lanka in World Cup in India last year where he smashed 82 and took two wickets for a match winning performance but he fractured his left index finger, which ruled him out of the side's last match against Australia in the showcase event. Shakib's eye problem also emerged in the World Cup event and he was forced to miss Bangladesh series against New Zealand at home and away. He was then left out of the T20 and ODI squad and also the squad of the first Test of Bangladesh for Sri Lanka series as his eye was not deemed okay. However, according to the team management, he is now okay with his eye and played some Dhaka Premier League matches without any trouble. The star all-rounder last played a Test in April 2023 when Bangladesh met Ireland in Mirpur. Batter Towhid Hridoy, who was drafted in the 15-member squad for the first Test, misses out due to the inclusion of Shakib. Also out is pacer Mushfik Hasan who has picked up an injury on his left ankle which will require rehab. His replacement is fellow right-arm paceman Hasan Mahmud who has played 39 matches for Bangladesh in white ball cricket but is yet to feature in a Test. Mahmud has taken 49 wickets from 16 first-class outings. Sri Lanka lead the series 1-0 after winning the first Test in Sylhet by 328 runs. The Test series is part of the 2023-25 ICC World Test Championship cycle. Bangladesh squad for 2nd Test: Najmul Hossain Shanto (Captain), Zakir Hasan, Mahmudul Hasan Joy, Shadman Islam, Liton Das, Mominul Haque, Shakib Al Hasan, Shahadat Hossain Dipu, Mehidy Hassan Miraz, Nayeem Hasan, Taijul Islam, Shoriful Islam, Syed Khaled Ahmed, Nahid Rana, Hasan Mahmud.  

Police have clashed with Tibetan and Uyghur activists outside the Chinese embassy where the group was protesting against the visit of Foreign Minister Wang Yi. Federal police officers had to remove several protesters holding Tibetan and Uyghur flags and chanting anti-Chinese government slogans outside the embassy's compound. Protest organiser Tsewang Thupten told the crowd it was important to send a strong message to the visiting Chinese dignitary about his country's appalling human rights record.  "We will never be silent! We will never be silent. We will have courage. We will have courage. We will never stop! We will never stop!" protesters chanted. Meanwhile, Foreign Minister Penny Wong, who met with Chinese counterpart Mr Wang earlier on Tuesday, told media that she pressed him about the suspended death sentence handed to Australian writer Yang Hengjun, and also on unwinding its remaining restrictions on Australian's goods. Senator Wong and Mr Wang sat down for lengthy and wide-ranging discussions in Canberra on Wednesday morning.  Both ministers opened the meeting by acknowledging that their countries still have deep differences. But Mr Wang said those differences shouldn't "define" the relationship, while Senator Wong stressed that dialogue was critical to keeping it on an even keel. "A stable relationship between Australia and China doesn't just happen, it needs ongoing work," Senator Wong told journalists after the meeting. Senator Wong said she again raised the government's deep concerns over the death sentence handed to Australian writer Yang Hengjun last month. "I told the foreign minister Australians were shocked at the sentence imposed and I made clear to him the Australian government will continue to advocate on Dr Yang's behalf," she said. But she wouldn't be drawn on whether Australia was pressing for China to release Dr Yang and allow him to return home, or simply wanted to ensure he was spared the death penalty. Beijing has already signalled it will soon withdraw heavy tariffs on Australian wine, but Senator Wong said she'd pressed Mr Wang to also roll back barriers that remain on rock lobsters and some meatworks. On Wednesday, Mr Wang appeared to link China's decision to unwind wine tariffs to Australia's decision to let tariffs on Chinese wind towers lapse, but Senator Wong insisted during her press conference that the two issues were not linked in any way. "We'll continue to advocate for all trade impediments to be removed. We think it's in both countries' interests," she said. Senator Wong also said that Australia and China would "expand dialogue in key areas such as the Pacific, climate and energy cooperation and to enhance understanding and transparency", although it's not clear right now what shape those talks will take. The foreign minister told journalists she also expressed "serious concern" to Mr Wang about "unsafe conduct at sea" and highlighted Australia's "desire for peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait, and in our region." Australia has backed the Philippines in its dispute with Beijing over the South China Sea, where Chinese coastguard vessels have been trying to force Philippine ships out of contested  waters, despite an international ruling against its claims to the region. "I reflected the view of our region as outlined again and underscored again at the recent ASEAN summit about the importance of the South China Sea being governed by law, particular UNCLOS," Senator Wong said. She also said that plans for the Chinese premier to visit Australia later this year were "on track." That visit is widely expected to happen around the middle of the year, although that hasn't yet been publicly confirmed by either country. Earlier, Mr Wang used his opening remarks at the beginning of the meeting to declare that both China and Australia should "seek commonality or shelve differences" in the wake of several "twists and turns" in ties. "Our two countries have different social systems, histories and cultures, there are many differences, but our common interests outweigh those differences," he said. "So, we should also not only face differences and express them squarely but also manage and rise above those differences." In a thinly veiled reference to the United States, he also stressed that Australia should maintain an "independent" foreign policy and that "third parties" should not try to "disrupt" ties between Canberra and Beijing. Beijing has repeatedly accused the US of trying to corral Australia into a new military bloc with the aim of containing China, and has excoriated the federal government's plan to develop nuclear powered submarines under the AUKUS pact. "The most valuable (thing) is to stay committed to independence," he said. "I trust that independence is also a fundamental principle in Australia's foreign policy. "The development of our relations does not target any third party and should not be disrupted or affected by any third party." Source: ABC

Elder Chang Shun has been detained for the third time in six months, together with eight believers. There is no peace for the Maizhong Reformed Church, a house church in Fuyang, Anhui province, which refuses to join the government-controlled Three-Self Church. After the raid of January 18, 2024 during a prayer meeting for children, reported by “Bitter Winter” on January 23, another raid has hit the fiercely independent community. On March 10, there has been a new police intervention, and Elder Chang Shun has been detained again. As reported by Elder Chang’s wife and local believers, uniformed police officers raised and disrupted a prayer gathering of adults without showing any mandate or document. The devotees who insisted for seeing a mandate were detained. Cell phones and computers were also confiscated. In the end, eighteen believers were taken to the police station. Eight were informed they will remain in administrative detention for 13 days, and Elder Chang for  15 days. It is the third time in six months Elder Chang is detained. When a house church starts being targeted it is never left alone, until it either disappears or is compelled to join the Three-Self Church.   Source: Bitter Winter

Bangladesh pacer Tanzim Hasan Sakib was ruled out of the third and final ODI against Sri Lanka in Chattogram tomorrow (March 18) after picking up an injury. The young pacer was seen struggling with hamstring injury in the first ODI in which he claimed 3-44 to help Bangladesh win the game by six wickets. In the second game too, he was not looking comfortable. Finally this hamstring issue ruled him out of the third match, what turned out to be deciding game after Sri Lanka leveled the series with three-wicket win in the second game. "Tanzim is experiencing pain and discomfort of his right hamstring. He did not feel any better at training today and is not fit to play tomorrow," national team physio Bayjedul Islam Khan said today. Fellow pacer Hasan Mahmud has been called up in the Bangladesh squad to replace Tanzim for the third ODI. Source: BSS  

After his dream debut in T20 International, Jaker Ali Anik found a place in Bangladesh ODI squad as it was expected.  While he was knocking at the door of the national team, opener Liton Das’ bad patch with the willow created an opportunity for Jaker, who is also a wicket-keeper batter.  Liton bagged two consecutive ducks in the first two matches against Sri Lanka. He was out for first-ball duck in the first match and followed it with third-ball duck in the second game.  The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) selection panel led by Gazi Ashraf Hossain Lipu however made this only chance for Monday’s crucial third and series deciding ODI against Sri Lanka in Chattogram.  The series currently stands at 1-1 following Sri Lanka's victory in the second ODI by three wickets on Friday. Bangladesh won the first match by six wickets, thanks to a superb century of captain Najmul Hossain Shanto.  “With the series now hanging in the balance, we believe Jaker Ali’s addition will provide the team with more options and flexibility in the middle order,” Gazi Ashraf Hossain, Chairman of the National Selection Panel, said, explaining the decision behind Jaker’s inclusion.  “Considering Liton's recent performance in white-ball cricket, we opted for this change, mindful of the availability of two other capable openers within the squad.”  The 26-year-old Jaker Ali Anik has made an impressive start to his international career and averages 55 after six appearances in T20 matches for Bangladesh. He has close to 2000 runs from 84 List A games where he is averaging 35.   Squad for 3rd ODI:  Najmul Hossain Shanto (Captain), Anamul Haque Bijoy, Soumya Sarkar, Tanzid Hasan Tamim, Mushfiqur Rahim, Tawhid Hridoy, Mahmud Ullah, Mehidy Hassan Miraz, Taijul Islam, Rishad Hossain, Taskin Ahmed, Shoriful Islam, Tanzim Hasan Sakib, Mustafizur Rahman, Jaker Ali Anik.  Source: BSS