The article warns that frequent use of smartphones, tablets and television to calm or feed children may affect language, social communication, attention and overall development. It describes excessive screen dependence as being linked to what it calls “virtual autism,” while stressing that screens provide one-way communication and cannot replace conversation, play and direct interaction with parents and surroundings.

Warning signs listed include delayed speech, poor eye contact, not responding to one’s name, reluctance to socialise, limited joint attention, reduced play skills, difficulty understanding instructions and distress when screens are removed. The article cautions that these signs do not automatically mean screen use is responsible or that a child has autism, as hearing problems and other developmental factors may also be involved.

It recommends consulting a paediatric specialist or speech and language therapist for proper assessment. Citing World Health Organization guidance, it advises avoiding recreational screen use for children under two and limiting it to no more than one hour daily for children aged two to five, with active parental involvement. Parents are encouraged to talk, tell stories, play and include children in safe household activities.

Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed said all offenders in crimes reported during the BNP government’s first six months have been brought under the justice process. Speaking on Wednesday afternoon at a prayer and milad gathering outside the BNP central office in Nayapaltan, Dhaka, he also said suspects in the four-murder case in Rangpur were arrested within a reasonable time.

The event was organised to mark Eid-e-Miladunnabi (PBUH), where Ahmed attended as chief guest. He said the Bangladesh inherited after the 2024 student-public uprising required the government to consider public expectations, the rule of law and the overall law-and-order situation together.

Ahmed said the law-enforcement agencies inherited by the government had been operating in a disorderly situation. He said work is being carried out simultaneously to modernise the forces, raise their morale and encourage them to serve the public. According to the minister, police morale has returned during the six months since the government assumed responsibility.

The United States has shifted from direct military attacks on Iran toward intensified economic pressure, announcing “Operation Economic Outcast” on Monday. US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said the campaign aims to cut off Iran’s remaining revenue sources and warned that individuals, companies and banks continuing business with Tehran could face sanctions. The move comes nearly six months after war began between Iran, the United States and Israel.

Gulf states fear that tighter sanctions could trigger Iranian retaliation against US military facilities and vital regional energy infrastructure. Mohsen Rezaei, secretary of Iran’s Supreme National Security Council, warned that if any Gulf country joined the US “economic war,” no oil would be allowed through the Persian Gulf and Strait of Hormuz. Iran has effectively halted shipping through the strait since the war began, according to the report.

The UAE has announced an end to trade with Iran, while Saudi Arabia, Qatar and Oman are seen as more likely to preserve contact with Tehran. Qatar faces pressure from disrupted shipping and attacks on LNG facilities, while Oman continues mediation and discussions with Iran over Hormuz. The US campaign targets digital assets, technology, gold, aviation and shipping, and has sanctioned 60 entities, vessels and individuals across several locations.

The 55th historic Jashne Julus was held in Chattogram on Wednesday to mark Eid-e-Miladunnabi (PBUH), with organisers claiming attendance of millions of devout Muslims from across Bangladesh. The procession began at around 9:30am from Alamgir Khanqah-e-Qaderia Sayedia beside Jamia Ahmadia Sunnia Kamil Madrasa in the city’s Soloshahar area. It was led by Darbar-e-Sirikot’s Sajjadanashin Pir Allama Syed Muhammad Sabir Shah, alongside Syed Muhammad Qasem Shah and Syed Muhammad Aqib Shah.

The procession travelled through Muradpur, No. 2 Gate, GEC intersection, WASA, Dampara, Lalkhan Bazar and Tigerpass before ending at the Jamia Ahmadia Sunnia Madrasa field. A religious gathering, Zuhr prayers and supplications for national prosperity were held there. Participants arrived from Chattogram and nearby upazilas, as well as Cox’s Bazar, Rangamati, Bandarban, Khagrachhari and 300 Anjuman-run madrasas.

Anjuman Rahmania Ahmadia Sunnia Trust managed the event, which promoted peace, humanity, non-violence and the Prophet’s ideals. About 10,000 trust volunteers, along with law enforcement agencies, worked on discipline and security. Chattogram Metropolitan Police said security would not be compromised for such a large gathering.

Former Bangladesh pace-bowling coach Shaun Tait said he was not surprised by Bangladesh’s bowling performance in Australia, arguing that the attack can perform in any conditions. Speaking to Cricinfo while assessing the series, Tait said batting had appeared likely to be Bangladesh’s biggest test in Australia, but the team also performed strongly with the bat in the first Test. He said he had not expected a first-Test victory, yet never doubted the side’s fighting mentality.

Tait highlighted pacers Hasan Mahmud and Shoriful Islam as particularly promising. He said Hasan’s effective, economical action could support long-term success despite possible injuries, and that county cricket would benefit both the bowler and Bangladesh cricket. Tait said his work with Shoriful in the BPL focused mainly on mentality, helping the left-arm pacer move on quickly after poor spells rather than blaming himself.

Former Bangladesh cricketer Athar Ali Khan said the team’s progress, belief and overseas achievements had advanced rapidly. Bangladesh are now fourth in the Test rankings after the Australia series, according to the source. It said managing the workload of Hasan, Shoriful and Taskin is crucial, alongside maintaining overseas batting consistency, adapting to different conditions and sustaining mental resilience across successive series.

Residents, traders and fishers in Hingalganj, North 24 Parganas, have raised concerns over a plan to acquire about 150 feet of land from the Ichamati riverbank for border fencing. They fear the project could displace homes, shops and livelihood spaces across an area stretching from Hingalganj to Shamshernagar. Local people say many families in eight gram panchayats could be affected.

More than a hundred traders and villagers marched on Tuesday carrying placards, festoons and banners. Led by trader Sushanta Ghosh, the procession went to the Hingalganj BDO office, where participants submitted a memorandum to BDO Debdas Gangopadhyay.

The protesters said they do not oppose fencing at the border and regard national security as a priority. However, they urged authorities to protect longstanding settlements, businesses and the income of fishing communities while making security arrangements. Locals also cited a trading tradition in the area dating back to 1783, saying border protection should not make riverbank residents' homes and livelihoods uncertain.

A fire in the newborn room of the gynecology ward at the Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences hospital in Islamabad killed at least 15 newborns, hospital authorities said on Wednesday. Sixteen newborns were in the nursery when the fire broke out, and only one was rescued alive.

Rescue agency sources said the fire began inside the nursery at about 6:45 a.m. local time. Preliminary information indicated that it spread after an air-conditioner compressor exploded. District administration said rescue teams responded immediately, with six fire service vehicles and four ambulances joining the operation.

According to district administration information, 14 children were completely burned in the fire on the third floor of the hospital's MCH ward. Rescue workers said the blaze had been brought under control and cooling work was under way after it was fully extinguished. The district administration has formed an investigation committee led by the additional deputy commissioner to determine the actual cause and examine how the incident occurred.

Two police officers were attacked while investigating the drowning deaths of two children in Shyampur village of Gurudaspur, Natore, on Tuesday evening. The officers were later withdrawn from duty and sent to the police lines, according to the report.

Police and local sources said Farhan, son of Fazlur Rahman, and Lam, son of Bablu, drowned in the Nandakunja River while bathing with friends on Tuesday afternoon. Gurudaspur police station Sub-Inspector Abul Bashar and constable Rakib went to the scene to verify the incident and prepare inquest reports.

An argument began between local residents and the officers after they removed shrouding cloth to view the bodies. The dispute escalated into an attack that injured both officers. They received treatment at the উপজেলা health complex, where journalists were not allowed to take photographs. Natore Superintendent of Police Shariful Islam said he had learned that there were flaws in the officers’ investigation, and they were therefore withdrawn and sent to the police lines.

District Detective Branch police arrested two alleged members of an interstate theft ring in Tongibari, Munshiganj, after recovering a stolen Suzuki Gixxer-SF 150cc motorcycle. The operation was conducted on Tuesday at a CNG stand in the Uttar Betka area under the leadership of Sub-Inspector Rezaul Kazi.

The recovered motorcycle carried the registration number Dhaka Metro-L-26-8747. The arrested men were identified as Md. Kiran Sheikh, 31, and Md. Mamun, 34. Police said preliminary investigation found that they were active members of an interstate theft ring.

According to police, both suspects face multiple cases related to motorcycle theft. Superintendent of Police Md. Menhajul Alam said legal action over the incident is under process.

Students from Rajshahi University’s Management Studies and Chemistry departments clashed and vandalised academic buildings following an argument over seating at an event in the TSC. The violence occurred around 10pm on Tuesday behind Nawab Abdul Latif Hall and at the two departments’ academic buildings. At least four Chemistry students were injured, with two reported seriously hurt.

The injured students were identified as Ferdous Hasan, Sajidur, Noman and Samin. Ferdous Hasan and Sajidur sustained injuries to their heads and eyes. According to additional chief medical officer Sajid Hafiz, four students received treatment at the university medical centre, and two were sent to Rajshahi Medical College Hospital after initial care.

Students said an attempt to settle the earlier verbal dispute failed, leading to the confrontation. Allegations included assaults, brick throwing and vandalism involving both groups. Students from both departments were seen standing outside their departments with sticks until midnight. Vice-Chancellor Abdul Alim said the situation was calm, a three-member committee had been formed to investigate, and those found responsible would face punishment.

Canada has announced retaliatory tariffs of 15 to 50 percent on nearly 700 US products, valued at about $20 billion. Ottawa said Tuesday that the measures will take effect on September 8, following the implementation of new US tariffs on Canadian goods on Saturday.

Canadian officials said the new duties would broadly match the rates imposed by the United States. Products covered include goods from the steel, dairy and electronics sectors. Finance Minister François-Philippe Champagne said Canada faced an unprecedented challenge but would respond, adding that Canadians were united in their reaction.

The move follows the collapse of trade talks between the two countries. Prime Minister Mark Carney said he withdrew rather than accept what he called a bad trade agreement, alleging that late US demands were economically unreasonable and unfair. US President Donald Trump had warned Canada to “get in line” or face worse consequences, while also threatening additional tariffs, including on Canada’s auto industry next year. The dispute could further affect autos, steel, agricultural goods, dairy products and electronics.

A fisherman, Ratan Das, 35, was killed by lightning while fishing in the Mohishasura Haor in Kalmakanda, Netrokona. Three other fishermen were injured in the incident, which occurred early Wednesday. All four men were fishing from a boat when lightning struck.

Ratan Das, the son of Niranjan Das, was from Nayapara village in Kalmakanda Sadar Union. The injured were identified as Joysen Das, 25, Hridoy Das, 22, and Dinanath Das, 45, all from the same village and all professional fishers.

Local residents and relatives said Ratan Das died at the scene. The three injured fishermen reportedly developed hearing difficulties after the intense sound of the lightning strike. Kalmakanda police station Officer-in-Charge Md Mostafizur Rahman confirmed the incident and said an unnatural death case had been filed.

The United States is increasing economic pressure on Iran, including a naval blockade aimed at reducing its oil revenue, while analysts warn the strategy could push Tehran toward tougher military responses. US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent announced new economic measures on Monday, though he did not provide details on how they would be enforced. Iranian officials have described the pressure as a new phase of war and warned of expanding the confrontation.

Iran says its oil exports have fallen close to zero because of the blockade, while the rial has declined 41 percent since December, according to the economic newspaper Donya-e-Eqtesad. Inflation and unemployment have increased, and some medicines have reportedly risen in price by as much as 500 percent. Fuel shortages have also worsened after damage to infrastructure and disruptions to fuel imports, with videos showing empty petrol stations and long vehicle queues.

The effectiveness of the US campaign will depend heavily on whether it can win cooperation from Iran's major trading partners, including Turkey, Iraq, Russia and China. Bessent said gold, digital assets, technology, aviation and shipping were among targeted sectors. Analysts said ordinary Iranians may bear the greatest cost, while politically connected groups could benefit from a sanctions-evasion shadow economy.

The Forest Department seized a boat loaded with a large quantity of garan timber allegedly being transported for smuggling from the Sundarbans in the Shyamnagar coastal area of Satkhira Range. Members of the Tengrakhal Forest Patrol Outpost carried out the operation at Mojidder Mor, near the Sundarbans coast in Shyamnagar upazila, at about 10pm on Tuesday.

Suspected smugglers fled after noticing the presence of forest personnel, preventing their detention. Md Ismail Hossain, the officer in charge of the Tengrakhal Forest Patrol Outpost, said officials found and seized a boat abandoned by the smugglers during the operation. The boat was carrying a large quantity of garan wood allegedly cut illegally from deep inside the Sundarbans.

Forest workers recovered the timber-laden boat and took it to the Tengrakhal Forest Patrol Outpost office. Forest Department sources said legal procedures have begun regarding the seized timber and vessel. A case will be filed under the forest law, while efforts will be made to identify the fleeing smugglers and take strict legal action against them.

Greece’s coast guard rescued 79 migrants, including Bangladeshi and Sudanese nationals, from two boats near the port of Kalilimanes in southern Crete on Tuesday. At least two women and two children were among those rescued. An EU drone detected the two vessels at sea, after which authorities carried out the rescue operation.

The ANA news agency had initially reported that 85 people were rescued, but the coast guard later said the confirmed total was 79. Crete and the nearby island of Gavdos have recently become important entry points for migrants attempting to reach Europe from Libya, a journey involving long and risky sea crossings.

Greek migration ministry data showed that arrivals fell from about 61,000 in the year ending August 2025 to about 42,000 in the following 12 months, a decline of roughly 31 percent. However, Crete and Gavdos remain key routes. Greece is also discussing EU-external “return hubs” with Germany and other European countries as migration policies tighten.