In a targeted operation on Sunday morning, law enforcement authorities dismantled a suspected human trafficking ring with the arrest of eight individuals from a hotel in Ashulia, Savar.

The raid, conducted at the “Hotel Unique,” led to the apprehension of the hotel’s manager, Maniruzzaman, along with seven other suspects employed at the establishment.

Those taken into custody have been identified as Rabbi Hasan (Gaibandha), Hridoy (Ashulia), Saidul Islam (Pirojpur), Shamsul Alam (Bagerhat), Sonia (Barishal), Shilpi Akhtar (Naogaon), and Arin Akhtar Shima (South Keraniganj).

The operation underscores ongoing efforts by police to combat organized crime networks involved in human trafficking operating under the guise of legitimate businesses.

In a stunning upset at the Shanghai Masters, qualifier Valentin Vacherot of Monaco defeated an visibly unwell Novak Djokovic in straight sets on Saturday, ending the legend’s quest for a fifth title and booking his own place in a historic final.

The 26-year-old Vacherot, ranked 204th in the world, capitalized on Djokovic’s evident physical distress to secure a 6-3, 6-4 victory. The win propels him into the final against either his cousin, Arthur Rinderknech, or Daniil Medvedev, and etches his name in the record books as the lowest-ranked player ever to reach an ATP Masters 1000 final.

An emotional Vacherot expressed disbelief after the match. “I’m trying to pinch myself, is this real?” he said, acknowledging the crowd’s overwhelming support for his celebrated opponent. “To have Novak on the other side of the court was first of all an invaluable experience for me.”

The match took a dramatic turn early on. After a promising start where Djokovic broke serve in the first game, his physical condition rapidly deteriorated. He began experiencing clear discomfort in his left leg, leading to an extended medical timeout during the first set where he received treatment on his back while lying shirtless on the court.

Despite the challenging conditions of 31°C heat and significant humidity, Djokovic fought on but was visibly hampered, often shaking out his leg and showing frustration. His movement severely restricted, Vacherot seized the opportunity, breaking serve late in both sets to clinch the biggest win of his career.

Djokovic, who had previously voiced concerns about his health during the tournament, was gracious in defeat. He praised Vacherot’s performance and attitude at the net, stating, “the better player won today.” However, the 24-time Grand Slam champion declined to elaborate on the specifics of his physical state following the match.

This victory marks a fairytale run for Vacherot, whose previous achievements were overshadowed by his famous opponent’s struggle, creating a poignant and unexpected chapter in the Shanghai Masters’ history.

Afghanistan sealed a commanding 81-run victory over Bangladesh in the second ODI on Saturday, securing an unassailable 2-0 lead in the three-match series held in Abu Dhabi.

Facing a modest target of 191, Bangladesh’s batting lineup suffered a catastrophic collapse, succumbing for a meager 109 runs in just 28.3 overs. This total marks their lowest-ever score against Afghanistan in ODIs and underscores a deepening crisis for the Tigers, who have now lost their last four bilateral ODI series.

The innings was a display of sheer dominance by Afghanistan’s bowlers. Spin maestro Rashid Khan was the chief destroyer, orchestrating a middle-order collapse with a devastating spell of 5-17. His performance was ably supported by Azmatullah Omarzai, who provided the early breakthroughs with three key wickets.

Bangladesh’s chase never found momentum. After Omarzai removed the openers and a run-out accounted for Najmul Hossain Shanto, the innings spiraled. A brief resistance from Towhid Hridoy (24) and Jaker Ali was extinguished by Rashid, who then ripped through the lower order in a stunning display. The tailenders had no answer, with the last five wickets falling for just 10 runs.

Earlier, Afghanistan’s innings was anchored by a patient 95 from opener Ibrahim Zadran. While wickets fell regularly at the other end, Zadran held the innings together, forming several small but crucial partnerships to guide his team to a competitive total of 190. For Bangladesh, captain Mehidy Hasan Miraz was the pick of the bowlers with three wickets.

The comprehensive defeat, built on the foundation of a dramatic batting failure, hands Afghanistan a well-deserved series win and continues Bangladesh’s disappointing run in the 50-over format.

A severe military confrontation has erupted along the Afghanistan-Pakistan frontier, with both governments claiming significant casualties following a night of intense fighting, marking one of the most serious escalations since the Taliban’s return to power.

The clashes, which began late Saturday, were initiated by Afghan Taliban forces. A spokesperson for the Taliban government described the offensive as a “retaliatory measure” for what it termed unauthorized Pakistani air operations over Kabul earlier in the week. While Pakistan’s government has not formally acknowledged conducting those strikes, it has consistently asserted its right to self-defense against militant groups it claims are operating from Afghan territory.

Conflicting casualty figures were released by the opposing sides. Taliban spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid stated that 58 Pakistani soldiers were killed and approximately 30 wounded, admitting to nine losses within their own ranks. In a starkly different account, the Pakistani military reported 23 of its soldiers killed while claiming to have neutralized over 200 Taliban and affiliated fighters. These figures remain unverified by independent sources.

Amid the turmoil, Afghan Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi, speaking from a diplomatic visit to India, declared the “situation is under control.” He credited third-party nations, specifically naming Qatar and Saudi Arabia, with successfully appealing for a cessation of hostilities, which he said had been honored.

The incident underscores a rapidly deteriorating relationship. Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif issued a statement condemning what he called “provocations” from Afghanistan, vowing that “every provocation will be met with a strong and effective response.” He directly accused the Taliban administration of permitting its territory to be used by “terrorist elements.”

The timing of the conflict is diplomatically significant, coinciding with the first official visit of Afghanistan’s foreign minister to India since the Taliban’s 2021 takeover. Analysts suggest this warming relationship may be a contributing factor to the current tensions. “The growing ties between Kabul and New Delhi have clearly angered Pakistan and pushed Islamabad towards a more aggressive posture,” commented Wahid Faqiri, an Afghan international relations expert.

The core of the dispute lies in the activities of the Pakistani Taliban (TTP), a separate but ideologically aligned group that Islamabad alleges operates with impunity from Afghan soil. A recent United Nations report lent credence to these claims, noting the TTP receives “substantial logistical and operational support” from the Afghan Taliban. Militant attacks in Pakistan’s northwestern Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province have surged, making this year one of the deadliest in over a decade for Pakistani security forces.

Following the clashes, key border crossings, including the vital Torkham gateway, were shut down. Officials reported a deployment of additional troops to the area, though no further fighting was reported by Sunday morning. As former Pakistani diplomat Maleeha Lodhi noted, while violence has “plunged relations between the neighbours to an all-time low,” a return to diplomacy will ultimately be necessary to resolve the confrontation.

For generations, jute has been the iconic “golden fiber” at the heart of Bangladesh’s agricultural identity. Today, scientific innovation is unlocking a new, far more valuable identity for this humble crop, positioning it as a powerhouse in the global nanotechnology arena. Through advanced processing, jute’s core component—cellulose—can be transformed into microscopic marvels like nanocellulose, nanowhiskers, and nanofibers, which are driving progress in fields from medicine to renewable energy.

Healing from the Inside Out

In regenerative medicine, jute-derived nanocellulose is making waves. The human body repairs itself when cells grow within a natural support structure called the extracellular matrix. Scientists can now engineer scaffolds from electrospun jute nanofibers that perfectly mimic this natural environment. These biodegradable frameworks are being developed to guide the regeneration of a wide range of tissues, including skin, blood vessels, and even nerves and cardiac muscle.

Further enhancing this potential, cellulose nanocrystals and nanowhiskers can be integrated into biocompatible gels and polymers to create stronger, more flexible artificial tissues. Their unique surface chemistry promotes robust cell attachment and growth, while their natural transparency makes them ideal candidates for developing artificial corneas and other ocular implants.

Smarter Drug Delivery and Cleaner Energy

The application of jute nanotechnology extends to pharmaceuticals. Due to their high surface area and biocompatibility, these nanomaterials can be crafted into gels, films, or nanoparticles that serve as targeted drug delivery systems. They have shown promise in carrying powerful anti-cancer drugs, improving the drugs’ solubility and enabling a slow, controlled release directly to the disease site. This maximizes therapeutic impact while significantly reducing harmful side effects.

Simultaneously, jute is powering the future of sustainable energy. Nanocellulose materials are being engineered into components for next-generation batteries and supercapacitors. Carbon nanofibers derived from jute can act as flexible, efficient electrodes, while nanocellulose-based separators enhance the safety and performance of lithium-ion batteries found in everything from smartphones to electric vehicles.

Purifying Water and Powering Smart Sensors

In environmental technology, jute nanostructures offer powerful solutions for water purification. Their incredibly small pores can filter out microscopic pathogens and contaminants. Aerogels made from cellulose nanowhiskers can be chemically treated to trap dangerous viruses, while specialized membranes effectively remove heavy metals and toxic dyes from industrial wastewater.

Furthermore, the inherent properties of nanocellulose—such as its high strength, stability, and reactive surface—make it an exceptional material for advanced sensors. These sensors can detect everything from humidity and dangerous chemicals to specific biological markers. When combined with materials like graphene, their sensitivity is dramatically increased, paving the way for wearable health monitors, food safety detectors, and environmental assessment tools.

A New Legacy for a National Treasure

This technological pivot marks a profound evolution for jute. No longer confined to sacks and ropes, it is now a critical raw material for some of the world’s most advanced industries. For Bangladesh, this represents a monumental opportunity to not only revitalize a traditional sector but to also establish itself as a key player in the global high-tech supply chain. The golden fiber, it seems, is destined for a brilliant new future, shining not just with its traditional lustre, but with the promise of cutting-edge innovation.

Consumers in Dhaka finally received a sliver of relief this week as the price of green chillies plummeted by nearly half, following a restoration of import supplies. However, this single price drop stands in stark contrast to the persistently high cost of nearly all other essential vegetables, continuing a months-long strain on household budgets.

After soaring to an eye-watering Tk 300-400 per kilogram last week, green chillies are now selling for Tk 160-170 per kg in wholesale markets and Tk 180-220 in local neighborhood shops. Traders attribute this welcome decline to the resumption of imports from India, which had been temporarily halted during the recent Durga Puja holidays.

“The supply chain is back to normal through the land ports, which has immediately increased market availability and brought prices down,” explained a wholesaler from Karwan Bazar.

A Broader Market of High Prices

While chilli prices cooled, the overall vegetable market remains heated. The prolonged monsoon and ongoing lean season have kept prices for most items unchanged at elevated levels for the past three months.

• Spiny gourd saw a further increase to Tk 100 per kg.
• Aubergine and yardlong beans are selling for Tk 100-120 per kg.
• Tomatoes are priced at Tk 120-140 per kg.
• Okra, bitter gourd, and pointed gourd range between Tk 60 and Tk 100 per kg.

Traders point to excessive and consecutive rainfall as the root cause. “The farmland has been waterlogged for months. Vegetables in low-lying areas were completely destroyed, and even harvesting from higher ground was a challenge due to the damp soil,” said Md Imran, President of the Bangladesh Kachamal Arat Malik Samity. He added that prices are expected to ease only when the peak harvest season begins.

Consumer Struggles and Other Essentials

For consumers, the sustained high costs have forced a change in shopping habits. “I used to buy a kilogram of vegetables, but now I can only afford half or even a quarter of that amount. This situation has persisted for over four months,” shared Moazzem Hossain, a resident of Kallyanpur.

The price pressure extends beyond vegetables:

• Broiler chicken remains at Tk 170-180 per kg.
• Eggs are stable at Tk 130-135 per dozen.
• Beef costs Tk 750-800 per kg, while mutton is Tk 1,100-1,200 per kg.
• Hilsa fish commands a premium price of Tk 1,300-3,000 per kg, depending on size.

With the country currently reliant on imports for many fresh produce items, market observers indicate that a return to affordable prices is contingent on the arrival of the next domestic harvest, leaving consumers to navigate a challenging market in the interim.

The Norwegian Nobel Institute has launched an investigation into potential leaks after a highly unusual surge in betting activity preceded the announcement of the Nobel Peace Prize. The award was given on Friday to Venezuelan opposition figure Maria Corina Machado.

In a dramatic and suspicious shift, the probability of a Machado victory on the predictive betting platform Polymarket skyrocketed overnight from under 4% to nearly 73%. This abrupt change occurred just hours before the official announcement in Oslo, despite the fact that no major experts or media outlets had listed her as a frontrunner.

Data specialist Robert Naess described the market movement as highly abnormal, telling Norwegian media, “You don’t normally see this in the betting market. It’s very suspicious.”

The Nobel Institute’s director, Kristian Berg Harpviken, confirmed the inquiry, stating that while it is too early to be definitive, the circumstances warrant a close examination. The investigation will determine if confidential information was compromised.

The integrity of the Nobel selection process is renowned, with only a handful of committee members privy to the winner’s name in advance. Jorgen Watne Frydnes, chairman of the Norwegian Nobel Committee, expressed disbelief at the possibility of a leak, noting he could not recall any such incident in the prize’s long history.

Machado, who has been barred from running in Venezuela’s presidential elections, was honored for her “tireless dedication to advancing democratic rights and her struggle for a just, peaceful transition from dictatorship to democracy.” The Nobel Institute has not provided further public comment on the ongoing investigation.

Prominent Bangladeshi photographer and human rights advocate Shahidul Alam has returned to his home in Dhaka after being detained by Israeli authorities. His release was confirmed by the Drik Picture Library, the independent media organization he founded, through an official announcement on social media.

Alam’s journey home included a stop in Istanbul, Türkiye, where he was formally received by Bangladesh’s Consul General, Mohammad Mizanur Rahman, upon his arrival from Israel.

The detention occurred as Alam participated in a maritime aid mission organized by the Freedom Flotilla Coalition (FFC). The activist was aboard the vessel named Conscience, which was part of a civilian-led effort to deliver humanitarian supplies to the Gaza Strip. The FFC reported that Israeli military forces intercepted the flotilla in international waters, approximately 120 nautical miles from the coast of Gaza.

According to coalition statements, the operation involved naval vessels and a helicopter, leading to the boarding and seizure of the Conscience and another sailboat. In total, 145 international volunteers from the flotilla were taken into custody. The FFC also stated that over $110,000 worth of medical and nutritional aid was confiscated during the incident. Those detained were reportedly held at the Ketziot Prison facility in Israel before subsequent releases began.

This event was part of a broader pattern of interceptions, as Israeli forces had previously detained hundreds of individuals, including well-known climate activist Greta Thunberg, from a separate humanitarian flotilla named ‘Global Sumud’ just days earlier.

The resolution of Alam’s case comes amid a temporary de-escalation in the region, following a ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hamas, brokered with international mediation.

South Korean captain Son Heung-min stands on the brink of national history, set to claim the outright record for the most appearances for the men’s national football team. The upcoming high-profile friendly against Brazil in Seoul is the stage where the iconic striker is expected to earn his 137th cap.

This milestone will see the 33-year-old LAFC forward surpass the current joint record of 136 caps, held by legendary figures: former defender Hong Myung-bo, who is now the national team coach, and iconic striker Cha Bum-kun.

The match serves as a key preparatory fixture for both teams ahead of the 2026 World Cup in North America, which will be Son’s fourth appearance on football’s grandest stage. Should he not feature against the Brazilian squad managed by Carlo Ancelotti, his next opportunity to secure the record solo will come in the subsequent friendly against Paraguay.

Since his international debut in December 2010, Son has been a cornerstone of the South Korean team, netting an impressive 53 goals. The upcoming fixture offers a chance for redemption, as it was Brazil who emphatically ended South Korea’s 2022 World Cup journey in Qatar with a 4-1 defeat in the round of 16.

A powerful coalition of international intellectuals, writers, and activists has launched a urgent demand for the immediate and unconditional release of Bangladeshi photographer Shahidul Alam and dozens of other humanitarian volunteers detained by Israeli forces.

The call to action comes after the Israeli military intercepted a flotilla of ships, including the vessels “Conscience” and “Thousand Madleen,” which were attempting to break the 18-year-long blockade of Gaza. Alam, a globally recognized activist and artist, was aboard as the sole Bangladeshi national participating in the mission.

In a strongly-worded statement issued from Dhaka, the group condemned the seizure of the ships in international waters as an “illegal kidnapping” by what they described as an “apartheid state.” The statement further demanded accountability for the military action and an end to the “ongoing occupation and genocide in Palestine.”

The list of signatories includes a roster of prominent global figures, such as:

• Arundhati Roy, writer (New Delhi)
• Gayatri Chakravorty Spivak, scholar (New York)
• Kanak Mani Dixit, journalist (Kathmandu)
• Mike van Graan, playwright (Cape Town)

They are joined by numerous Bangladeshi intellectuals and activists, including Rahnuma Ahmed, Khushi Kabir, and Saydia Gulrukh.

The statement specifically calls for the freedom of Alam and the 91 other media and medical professionals aboard the “Conscience,” alongside thousands of Palestinians currently held in Israeli prisons. The “Freedom Flotilla Coalition,” which organized the voyage, aims to directly challenge the Israeli maritime blockade of Gaza.

Reports confirm that the Israeli defense forces intercepted the flotilla early Wednesday, detaining all individuals on board the nine vessels. Their current status and location remain a central point of concern for the global campaign demanding their release.