Unidentified miscreants in the guise of thieves raped a housewife sprayed superglue on her eyes and covered her mouth with tape. By that time, they looted some belongings including earrings and gold ornaments of the housewife. The victim's family said that her son and daughter study from Bagerhat and Khulna. On Sunday (Jan 11) night while her husband was in Garuikhali bazar around three in the morning, some miscreants entered the bedroom of the housewife looted and gang-raped her. Obaidur Rahman, officer-in-charge (OC) of Paikgacha Police Station said that the housewife was found with her hands and feet tied. Police visited the spot. Police started the investigation to identify the miscreants.

Judge of Shariatpur Women and Children Repression Prevention Tribunals Md Sohel Ahmed pronounced the verdict this afternoon. The condemned convicts are - Nizam Bali, 45, Mohammad Ali, 35, Omar Faruk Bepari, 24, Al Amin Bepari, 20, and Ibrahim Molla, 21, residents of Dakshin Shitalakathi area under Damudya upazila of the district. The court also fined them Taka 1,00,000 each. Two of them were present in the court. They were sent to the district jail on the order of the court. Three more accused are absconding. According to the case statement, the victim Feroza Begum, 55, hailed from Bhuiyan Bazar area under Dhankathi union of Damudya upazila, disappeared from her home on April 18, 2019 around 5 pm. On April 21, police recovered her body from an abandoned pond in Baro Naogaon area, 10 kilometers from her house. The day after the incident, the victim's younger brother Lal Miah Sardar filed a murder case in the Shariatpur court naming 13 people and 2/3 others as unknown accused. Police submitted a charge sheet against five of them. The rest of the accused were acquitted from the charges. After examining the record and witnesses, the court found them guilty. Public Prosecutor (PP) Advocate Feroz Ahmed confirmed the matter. Source: BSS  

Customs Intelligence and Investigation Directorate officials arrested a woman with 8.217 kilograms (kg) of gold at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport (HSIA) here last night. Detainee Rekha Parveen reached Dhaka from Dubai on a flight of Emirates Airlines. "On a tip off, the officials conducted a drive inside the aircraft and arrested the woman. 69 gold bars, a chain and three pairs of gold bangles were recovered from her possession at that time," Assistant Director of Customs Intelligence and Investigation Directorate Farhana Begum told. The total worth of the seized gold is approximately Taka 6.58 crore, she said. "She was handed over to the airport police after a case was filed against her in this regard," the official added.    Source: BSS

Left-arm spinner Nahid Hasan scripted a history by becoming the first Bangladesh woman cricketer to win the ICC 'Player of the Month' award for her brilliant performance in November. She beat compatriot Fargana Hoque and Pakistan's Sadia Iqbal to achieve the accolade. "This is a moment to cherish," a highly elated Nahid described her reaction after winning the award. "To be recognised by such a distinguished panel of cricket experts means a lot and winning the ICC Women Player of the Month award will be a massive source of inspiration and motivation for me." Nahida Akter achieved the Player of the Month crown after tearing through opposition batters in her side's closely fought victory over Pakistan in Mirpur last month.   The first ODI encounter of the series saw Akter claim three wickets for 30 with a consistent spell of pressure bowling. With Pakistan chasing down a lowly 82 for victory, the spinner kept the contest competitive, claiming the wickets of Sidra Ameen, Bismah Maroof and Aliya Riaz to trouble the tourists in their charge to victory.   A quieter second match followed before she once more starred in the decisive third fixture. A superb economical 10-over spell produced three wickets for 26 runs as the tourists stumbled to 166 for nine in their 50 overs, laying the foundations for Akter's teammates to seal the series with the bat in a seven-wicket victory.   Nahida claimed the Player of the Series accolade after having taken seven wickets at an impressive average of 14.14 across the three matches.   "We have played some amazing cricket in recent months and I am so happy to have contributed to the successes we have tasted as a team. I must thank my captain, coaches and teammates for always believing in me and that has allowed me to play my natural game against quality opponents and perform under pressure," she added.   The 23-year-old is already the highest wicket-taker for Bangladesh in Women's T20Is and the third-highest in ODIs.   Meanwhile, Australia opener Travis won the 'Player of the Month' award in Men's category after his performance in semifinal and final played a key role in helping Australia win the ICC Cricket World Cup for the record sixth time. Source: BSS

A woman has suffered "life-threatening injuries" after police fired at her for making threats at a Paris train station. The 38-year-old Muslim woman was completely veiled and shouted "Allahu Akbar" ("God is Greatest"). She reportedly made threats that she would "blow herself up" She also yelled "you are all going to die" to passengers on an RER train, according to Paris police chief Laurent Nunez. Nunez added that police had shot the woman after she refused to comply with police orders, and that she was not in possession of explosives at the time she was shot. Probe launched into woman's behavior, response of officers Two police officers then fired eight rounds at the woman, inflicting a life-threatening injury to her abdomen, the Paris prosecutor's office said. It had earlier said that one officer had fired only one shot. Police in Paris have launched two investigations. One will probe the woman's actions, while another will determine whether the police's use of a firearm was justified. A French government spokesman said that the woman had a previous conviction for threatening patrolling soldiers.

A woman died at Jatrabari in Dhaka on August 5 after a garbage truck of Dhaka South City Corporation (DSCC) hit her. Deseced was identified as Nazma Begum, she was a resident of Ukhia village of Borhanuddin police station of Bhola district, came to Dhaka for treatment. SHe was crushed by the wheels of the city corporation's garbage truck while going to Shanir Akhara in a battery-powered rickshaw from Sadarghat.  When she was taken to Dhaka Medical Center with serious injuries, the doctor declared her dead. Confirming the matter of death, DMCH police camp in-charge (inspector) Md Bachchu Mia said, the dead body has been kept in Dhaka Medical College Hospital morgue for autopsy. The matter has been informed to the concerned police station.

Admiral Lisa Franchetti has 38 years of experience in the US Navy and is the current vice chief of operations. However, her nomination goes against the recommendation of Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin. President Joe Biden has chosen Admiral Lisa Franchetti to lead the US Navy, a senior administration official said on Friday. She would be the first woman to head the Navy and the first to be a member of the Joint Chiefs of Staff. She would be the second woman to head a branch of the US military after Coast Guard chief Admiral Linda Fagan, who was also nominated by Biden last year. "Throughout her career, Admiral Franchetti has demonstrated extensive expertise in both the operational and policy arenas," Biden said in a statement. Who is Lisa Franchetti? Franchetti currently serves as vice chief of operations for the Navy. A senior administration official, speaking on the condition of anonymity, told the Associated Press that Biden chose her based on the broad scope of her 38-year experience that gives her deep knowledge in budgeting and running the department. Franchetti is a surface warfare officer who has commanded at all levels, including a naval destroyer and two stints as an aircraft carrier strike group commander. She is also the second woman in the US Navy to be promoted to four-star admiral. The official said Biden also understands the significance of Franchetti as the first female member of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, and believes that she will inspire both women and men in the Navy. Defense Secretary's pick nominated for different position Biden's decision to tap Franchetti goes against the recommendation of his Pentagon chief, but he is selecting an officer whom some insiders had considered the top choice for the job. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin had recommended that Biden select Admiral Samuel Paparo, the current commander of the Navy's Pacific Fleet. However, Biden is instead nominating Paparo to lead Indo-Pacific Command.

India is a country brimming with cultural heritage and an extensive array of classical dance forms. But not all have received the recognition they deserve. One such form, the Sattriya dance of Assam, has languished in the shadows, longing for a platform to shine. Padma Shri awardee, Indira PP Bora, renowned for her proficiency in Bharat Natyam, Kuchipudi, and Sattriya dance, talks candidly about her mission to bring Sattriya to the forefront. Bora’s vibrant journey into the world of dance began in the lush green tea plantations of Sonari, Sivasagar District, where she spent her childhood, fueled by an insatiable passion for dance and play. Bora, even at 75, is a living testament to the vitality of dance, stating, “Everybody gets old, but that should not become a hindrance in caring for your fitness.” Her love for dance eventually led her to Chennai, where she trained under the legendary Guru Rukmini Devi Arundale at the world-renowned Kalakshetra for 15 years. Post her Bharat Natyam training, she learned Kuchipudi from Guru VempatiChina Satyam. “I was never put under any pressure unlike the children of today,” Bora fondly reminisces about her freedom-filled childhood. Encouraged by her late husband, Prafulla Prasad Bora, she turned her passion into her profession. Bora’s husband established Kalabhumi in 1982, the first centre for dance, art, and culture in North-East India, a haven for nurturing talent. He also provided Bora with the platform to bring Sattriya into the national limelight. Bora’s indomitable spirit and love for Sattriya did not stop at national borders. She was the first dancer to perform Sattriya and Devadasi dance on BBC TV in London in 1985, and the first Indian dancer to archive her Sattriya dance compositions at the prestigious Lincoln Centre for Performing Arts in New York City, USA. “Sattriya dance has now spread across Assam, but sadly nobody has been able to rise,” she laments, emphasizing the need for more platforms for classical dances. The dance form, which started under the patronage of SrimantaSankaradeva over 500 years ago, owes its popularity and recognition as a classical dance form in large part to Bora. The Kerala Government acknowledged her efforts by awarding her the Guru Gopinath DesiyaNatyaPuraskaram, a recognition she is profoundly proud of. The mother-daughter duo of Indira PP Bora and Meneka PP Bora has become the epitome of passion and dedication towards Sattriya dance. Bora’s advice to aspiring dancers, however, reflects her pragmatic view on the current status of dance in India, “They should go and learn from good gurus. Apart from dance, they should have a good education. In our country, for culture, there is no money. That is why I advise you not to take up only dance, but continue with your education as well.” While Bora recognizes the popularity of Bihu tolis in promoting folk dance, she mourns the lack of similar platforms for classical dances. Her mission is clear: to bring about a resurgence of Sattriya and other classical dances. “I have made up my mind that the younger generation should get a bigger platform,” she states decisively. As one of the first female pioneers in the realm of Sattriya dance, Bora’s life, filled with vibrant rhythms and fluid movements, is an ode to her unyielding spirit and unending love for dance. Her journey underscores the fact that with passion, determination, and a dash of fearlessness, one can carve out spaces where none existed before, just as she did for Sattriya. Source: the-think.co

A male US tourist is accused of trying to sexually assault two women and pushing them into a ravine near the popular tourist site, German police said. The women fell 50 meters, with one later succumbing to her injuries. Authorities on Thursday said that one of two women attacked near one of Germany's most popular tourist sights has died. The attack took place on Wednesday near a historic bridge popular among tourists for its view of Neuschwanstein Castle, were the man is said to have pushed both women off a steep slope, after attempting to sexually assault them. The two women, who were 21 and 22 years old, were tourists, but authorities did not disclose their nationalities. Police in the state of Bavaria said the alleged attacker is a 30-year-old US national, who fled the scene after the crime but was caught and is in custody. What we know about the attack In a statement that was released around 24 hours after the attack took place, police said the assault occurred near the Marienbrücke (Mary's bridge), which has views of the world-famous castle. The women apparently met their attacker along the route and took a path to a viewpoint near the bridge. The man allegedly physically attacked the younger woman. The 22-year-old rushed intervene, and the man then choked her and then pushed her down a steep slope, police said.  He then made an "attempted sexual offense" on the 21-year-old before pushing her over the steep edge as well. The women fell 50 meters (164 feet) down the ravine. Police said the Füssen mountain rescue service rescued the two injured women, airlifting the younger woman out of the site with a helicopter. The 21-year-old woman died in a hospital overnight, while her 22-year-old companion was still in hospital with serious injuries. Police investigating a case of murder  Police said the suspect was arrested near the scene of the crime. He appeared in the Kempten District Court on Thursday, where a judge issued an arrest warrant. Police were investigating charges of murder, attempted murder, and a sexual offense. Their work was being hampered by the steep terrain where the attack took place.  Specially trained officers from the Alpine Task Force were brought in to help with the investigation. Neuschwanstein Castle is one of the most popular tourist sites in Germany, drawing around 1.4 million visitors every year, according to officials who oversee the castle. In the summer, the castle sees around 6,000 visitors every day. The nearby Marienbrücke bridge is also a popular stop for tourists and hikers to take pictures of the castle and surrounding mountains.

In a remarkable display of women empowerment, Hajira, a mother of four children, has captured the attention of her community by successfully running the first-ever mushroom unit in the Sempora area of Zaingeer, located in the northern region of Kashmir. Her inspiring journey serves as a beacon of hope for countless youth, especially girls, who aspire to break free from societal norms and find independence beyond the boundaries of traditional roles. Hajira seized the opportunity to venture into the mushroom business when she learned about it during a bus ride. Without wasting any time, she took a proactive approach and sought guidance from the relevant authorities who wholeheartedly supported her in establishing the unit in her village. Reflecting on her journey, Hajira acknowledges the challenges she faced initially but emphasizes that perseverance and determination ultimately yielded positive results. Today, her remarkable achievements have not only brought pride to her family but have also become a source of inspiration for the entire village. "I am filled with great satisfaction by the success of this initiative," Hajira said. Currently, her mushroom unit produces and sells approximately 3 to 5 kilograms of mushrooms daily, with the demand steadily increasing. Notably, the mushroom business requires minimal investment and promises a sustainable livelihood with significant profit margins. Beyond her personal triumph, Hajira's mushroom unit has ignited a wave of enthusiasm among girls in the region, who are now increasingly considering similar entrepreneurial endeavours. The positive impact on the village is palpable, as the youth finds renewed hope and empowerment through Hajira's trailblazing example. Expressing her gratitude, Hajira extends heartfelt thanks to the authorities who provided unwavering support, enabling her dream to come to fruition. In a message directed particularly at young girls, she advises them not to squander their precious time in pursuit of elusive jobs or traditional business opportunities. Instead, Hajira firmly believes that the mushroom industry holds immense potential to establish a prosperous and fulfilling life. To those interested in this sector, Hajira encourages them to approach the horticulture department, which not only offers assistance but also extends on-ground support. Her conviction stems from personal experience and the transformation she has witnessed firsthand, making her a living testament to the transformative power of resilience and determination. Hajira's story echoes far beyond the confines of Zaingeer, serving as a powerful reminder that women are breaking stereotypes and reshaping their destinies. Her entrepreneurial spirit and remarkable achievements exemplify the indomitable strength of women in the face of adversity, illuminating a path toward a more inclusive and empowered future. As news of Hajira's accomplishments spreads, it is anticipated that more women in the region will be inspired to explore their own entrepreneurial journeys. By challenging traditional gender roles and pursuing economic independence, these women are not only transforming their own lives but also contributing to the overall socio-economic development of the community. Hajira's success is a testament to the potential for women to thrive in non-traditional sectors. Her story is a reminder that with determination, perseverance, and the support of the community and government, barriers can be overcome, and women can create successful and fulfilling livelihoods. The government, recognizing the significance of women's empowerment and economic inclusion, has expressed its commitment to supporting initiatives like Hajira's mushroom unit. They acknowledge the transformative power of women entrepreneurs and are dedicated to creating an enabling environment for their success. "Hajira's success in the mushroom industry is a testament to the power of women's economic empowerment. When women are given equal opportunities and support, they can transform communities, drive economic growth, and shatter glass ceilings," said an official. Women like Hajira are beacons of hope, proving that gender should never be a limitation to achieving greatness. Her accomplishments send a powerful message to all women that their dreams and aspirations are within reach, and they have the power to shape their own destinies," he said. "Women empowerment is not just about individual success; it is about transforming societies. Hajira's achievements are a reminder that when women are empowered, entire communities thrive. Let her story inspire us to create a more equitable and inclusive world for all," he added.