Athletes from Russia and Belarus will not be allowed to participate in the Paris Olympics opening ceremony, the IOC has said. Moscow said the move "destroyed the Olympic idea." Russian and Belarusian athletes will not be allowed to participate in the parade of nations at the opening ceremony of the Paris Games, the International Olympic Committee (IOC) has said. The athletes, who will be competing in the Games under a neutral flag, "will not participate in the parade of delegations and teams during the opening ceremony since they are individual athletes," IOC director James McLeod said after an IOC executive board meeting on Tuesday in Lausanne, Switzerland.  A decision on whether they would participate in the closing ceremony had not yet been made, McLeod added. Negative response from Moscow The IOC decision has not gone down well with the Kremlin. On Wednesday, spokesman Dmitry Peskov told reporters that the move amounted to the destruction of the Olympic idea. "Of course, this is absolutely contrary to the entire ideology of the Olympic movement, and this does not paint the IOC in a good light," he said. IOC vetting Russian, Belarusian athletes Russian and Belarusian athletes who qualify for the Games will do so without their flags and anthems. Following Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022, athletes from both countries were banned from many international sporting events.  The IOC is now allowing them to compete in individual sports if they don't support the war and have no affiliation with Russia's military or security forces. So far, 12 Russians and seven Belarusians have qualified for the Games, and McLeod said he estimated 36 Russians and 22 Belarusians would eventually qualify. Their final participation, however, will depend on an IOC review examining each athlete. IOC refuses outright ban The decision to bar Russian representation at the Olympic Games has come under fire from both Moscow and Kyiv. Ukraine has urged the IOC to issue an outright ban on Russian and Belarusian athletes, but the committee said in December that such a move would create a precedent that could end up with the Olympics becoming used as a political pawn. The IOC did, however, suspend Russia's Olympic Committee last year after it unilaterally recognized regional sports organizations in the four Ukrainian territories that Russia illegally annexed in 2022. Russia's attempt to appeal that decision was shot down by the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) in February. Moscow has also said it will run its own Friendship Games in Moscow and Ekaterinburg after this year's Paris Olympic Games, a move the IOC called a "cynical attempt to politicize sport." McLeod said that the executive board would decide on any possible sanctions for athletes who take part in the Friendship Games. This drew a sharp response from Moscow, with foreign ministry spokesperson Maria Zakharova saying it demonstrated "how far the IOC has moved away from its stated principles and slipped into racism and neo-Nazism." The IOC has yet to respond to the Kremlin and foreign ministry statements. 

On January 22nd, 2024, the handover ceremony of the Golden Great Wall Commemorative Medal by the Ministry of Public Security of the People's Republic of China to the Minister of Home Affairs of Bangladesh was held at the Ministry of Home Affairs. Ambassador Yao Wen attended and handed over the commemorative medal and certificate of honor on behalf of the Chinese side. Honorable Mr. Asaduzzaman Khan, Member of Parliament and Minister of Home Affairs together with 80 senior officials from Bangladeshi police attended the ceremony. Ambassador Yao Wen conveyed the cordial greetings from Chinese State Councilor and Minister of Public Security Wang Xiaohong to Honorable Mr. Asaduzzaman Khan. He emphasized that the Ministry of Home Affairs of Bangladesh has made outstanding contributions over the past years in ensuring the personal and property safety of Chinese citizens in Bangladesh and promoting cooperation in the fields of law enforcement and security between China and Bangladesh. In this regard, the Ministry of Public Security of China conferred Honorable Mr. Asaduzzaman Khan with the Golden Great Wall Commemorative Medal. China is willing to work with Bangladesh to continue to deepen cooperation in law enforcement and security, safeguard the legitimate rights and interests of citizens of the two countries and advance China-Bangladesh Strategic Partnership of Cooperation. Honorable Mr. Asaduzzaman Khan kindly requested Ambassador Yao to convey his heartfelt thanks and cordial greetings to Chinese State Councilor and Minister of Public Security Wang Xiaohong, and said that the awarding of Golden Great Wall Commemorative Medal by the Ministry of Public Security of China is a great honor for the Ministry of Home Affairs of Bangladesh and himself, which is a vivid manifestation of the friendly cooperation between Bangladesh and China in law enforcement and security. The Ministry of Home Affairs of Bangladesh will, as always, make every effort to ensure the safety of Chinese citizens and enterprises in Bangladesh. Bangladesh is willing to work with China to push bilateral cooperation in law enforcement and security to a new level.

The Bangladesh Cricket Board president and newly appointed Sports Minister Nazmul Hassan declared the tournament open. The 2024 edition of the franchise-based Bangladesh Premier League (BPL) began after a pretty ordinary opening ceremony on Friday. The Bangladesh Cricket Board president and newly appointed Sports Minister Nazmul Hassan declared the tournament open.  However, there was no colourful opening ceremony and big-name overseas cricketers are yet to arrive. There's not been much hype around the tournament because of lack of promotion but there is a decent turnout so far in the BPL opener. Players of both the teams and the match officials stood on a red carpet and were greeted by Nazmul Hassan. Smoke flare was on display and balloons filled the sky after the inauguration.  All these happened after the toss happened and finished within 10 minutes.   

On December 9th, the Children’s Painting Competition Award Giving Ceremony was held at Embassy of Japan in Bangladesh. A total of 15 winners from 5 groups has received their prizes. It is worth mentioning that students from Tokoname City, Aichi Prefecture, Japan, also attended the prize giving ceremony online.  Along with young students, Mayor of Tokoname City, Aichi Prefecture, Japan, Mr. Tatsuya ITO and representatives from the city sent a video message encouraging the participants and hoped that more such event will deepen Japan-Bangladesh relations.   Ambassador IWAMA Kiminori congratulated the winners and said “ Today, the prizes are given not only to the children of Bangladesh but also to the Japanese boys and girls in Bangladesh and Japan ”. He further said “I do hope that after today’s competition, many of the participants from Bangladesh show strong interest to Japan.  Embassy will give relevant information about Japan for your future activities. I do also wish that some of you will one day travel to our country and experience our culture directly. ” Honorary Prof. Syed Abul Barq Alvi, Department of Printmaking, University of Dhaka, and Md. Zahirul Hasan, Founder President, Bangladesh-Japan Cultural & Friendship Exchange Forum, and Special guest Engineer, Utpal K Das, attended the prize giving ceremony.

Ambassador Yao Wen Attends Inauguration Ceremony of Chinese Economic and Idustrial Zone and Signing Ceremony of Enterprises Intending to Invest in CEIZ. Mr. Yao Wen, Ambassador of China to Bangladesh, attended the inauguration ceremony of Chinese Economic and Industrial Zone (CEIZ) and the signing ceremony of the enterprises intending to invest in CEIZ in Chattogram. Dr. Shaikh Mohammad Jobayed Hossain, Joint Secretary of BEZA, Mr. Li Changgui, Vice President of CRBC, Mr. Song Yang, Counsellor of Chinese Embassy in Bangladesh attended the ceremonies. Ambassador Yao highlighted the pioneering significance of CEIZ, and urged CRBC to formulate more favorable investment policies and complete the construction of CEIZ at an early date. He noted that Chinese enterprises will build more industrial zones in the future, which will serve as a platform for the high-quality Belt and Road cooperation and enhance China-Bangladesh economic cooperation.

The nuclear fuel hand over ceremony (graduation ceremony) for Rooppur Nuclear Power Plant (RNPP) has started at the plant site on Wednesday, October 05. The two leaders are joined virtually to the handover event of the Certificate and Model of Nuclear Fuel. Science and Technology Affairs Minister Architect Yeafesh Osman is  present at the function as Director General of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) Rafael Grossi is attended the event virtually. Director General of ROSATOM, Russian Federation Alexei Likhachev also present at Rooppur site.

On 21 July 2023 (Friday) Bangladesh Economic Zones Authority (BEZA) Executive Chairman Shaikh Yusuf Harun inaugurated the construction work of the Road and Storm Water Network for Mirsarai-2A EZ as the chief guest. Project is funded by the World Bank (WB).  The inauguration ceremony took place at BGMEA Garment Village Mirsarai, where representatives of BGMEA, senior officials of various investment institutions, local administration, contractors’ representatives of 2A, CCECC-CRCC JV, and other business officials were present. Executive Chairman Shaikh Yusuf Harun stresses full support to the contractors for finishing the construction work on time and handover to BEZA. He also mentioned after finishing this project, the Bangbabandhu Sheikh Mujib Shilpa Nagar will open a new horizon of investment for the country. He also said investors in the garment village can now begin construction of their factories and prepare for the next stage.  BEZA Executive Member (planning and development) Mohammad Irfan Sharif said all kinds of support will be given from BEZA to set up new industries here and those who already set up industries here they will get much support and benefits.  Abdullah Al Mahmud Faruk, Project Director of Bangabandhu BSMSN Development Project, Md Moniruzzaman, General Manager (Investment Development) of BEZA, and other local administration officials were present at the event. Implementing 5 significant infrastructure projects since 2017, CCECC has proven a development partner of the Economic Zone. The representative of the CCECC-CRCC JV expressed its gratitude towards BEZA and the people of Mirsarai for their support. CCECC-CRCC JV has entered into the Contract with Bangladesh Economic Zone Authority (BEZA) on 9th July 2023. Construction of Road and Storm Water Network for Mirsarai-2A EZ Project, major scope of works of the Project includes 10.70 km of road construction, 16.56 km of water drainage, slope protection, signage boards, guideposts, and marking lines as auxiliary facilities etc. The duration of the project is 30 Months.  The project aiming at upgrading Bangbabandhu Sheikh Mujib Shilpa Nagar standard and offer foreign investor a better infrastructure services in the Economic Zone which will according boost the growth of local industry and economic. 

On July 1, the 7th memorial day for all the victims of the tragic terrorist incident, Ambassador IWAMA Kiminori laid a wreath at the site of the Holey Artisan Bakery Attack, the Italy Ambassador’s Residence and the monument to the police officers who devoted their lives to the duty respectively.  Representatives of JICA Bangladesh Office, Oriental Consultants Global in Dhaka, Japanese Association in Dhaka, Japanese Commerce and Industry Association in Dhaka, Japan Bangladesh Chamber of Commerce and Industry joined the ceremony. At the ceremony, Ambassador Iwama expressed his condolences for the victims who lost lives in the tragedy.  Ambassador also stressed the importance of remembering of their contribution to the development of Bangladesh and reconfirmed, together with the Chief Representative of JICA Bangladesh and others, the will to advance the support for the development of Bangladesh taking the maximum safety and security measures. Ambassador IWAMA mentioned “I would like to express my deepest condolences to all the departed souls on the 1st day of July.  7 years have passed since the terrorist attack had taken place, and my heart is still shocked with grief at the thought of bereaved families who lost their beloved ones, and I feel a strong sense of outrage at the terror that took away their dreams and aspirations in an instant.  I would like to pay attention to the fact that the seven Japanese victims came to Bangladesh to prepare for the MRT.  Today, I report them at the site of the attack that the construction efforts of MRT is under way and thanks to the tireless efforts of two countries the Line 6 was inaugurated last December and that the further construction has begun and will begin this year.  The wishes of those seven people who devoted themselves to the better future of Bangladesh will be passed to the next generation as the MRT further expands and develops. I, as an Ambassador to this country, will make utmost efforts to carry on the legacy of the deceased and to further deepen the friendly relations between two countries."

President Md Shahabuddin has left Dhaka for Turkiey. He and his wife, ‎Rebecca Sultana, along with their entourage, boarded a VVIP flight (Flight No- BG 207) of Biman Bangladesh Airlines. On Thursday night, June 01, President Md Shahabuddin departed from Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport on a VVIP flight of Biman Bangladesh Airlines. Mr. Joynal Abedin, the Press Secretary to the President, said, "President Md Shahabuddin will attend the installation ceremony of President Recep Tayyip Erdogan at the Presidential Complex in Turkiey on June 3. During his visit to Turkiey, President Md Shahabuddin will stay at the Sheraton Ankara Hotel & Convention Center.  After the six-day visit, President Sahabuddin is scheduled to return to the country on June 06."

November 20 to December 18, FIFA World Cup-2022 ( the 22nd edition) was held in Qatar. Like the whole world, Bangladeshi football fans were also in madness. So, RTV, country's one of the popular private television channel, arranged a quiz competition throughout the month. "RTV Football World Cup Quiz-2022" competition, sponsored by Grameen Digital Health and in association with Seagull Hotel, Cox's Bazar, presented two quizzes each day on football. In the end, Prizes were awarded to the 28 lucky winners selected by lottery among the millions of participant who answered correctly. On this occasion, on Sunday, January 8 at 12 noon, a programme was arranged at RTV studio in the BSEC Bhaban of capital's Kawran Bazar. Winners were present in person and received prizes. Shudeb Chandra Ghosh (Head of Marketing-GM) RTV, Monirul Hasan (Commercial Director- Grameen Digital Health), Md.Nurul Mehedi Munna (Sales & Marketing-AGM) Seagull Hotel of Cox's Bazar, Dewan Shamsur Rakib (Head of Program) RTV, Mohammad Masudul Amin (Administration Department-GM) RTV, Kabir Ahmad-Deputy General Manager (DSM) RTV, and Bipul Hasan (Incharge- RTV Online) and others were also present on this occasion. List of Quiz Winners at a glance- Tab winners: Parvez, Mamun Islam, Fashiur Rahman, Fatema, Shoron. Smart Phone winners: Naem Mia, Rahad Rikabder, Waliullah.  Two nights free stay winners at Seagull Hotel in Cox's Bazar: Neelkanta, Abu Sayeed, Johan, Ashim, Md. Abul Kalam, Md. Saem, Pranti Biswas, Israt Jahan Shatto, Shawon Naher, Mahmud Shuvo. Grameen Digital Health membership package Winners: Altaf Hossain, Md. Abu Raihan, Shetu,Nabila, Sultan Nasir Uddin,Suman Chowdhury,Palash, Rakib Hossain, Anamika, Mohana Amin Mou.