Dhaka,  Monday 25 May 2026,
01:15:06 AM

State Minister for Youth and Sports Aminul Haque delivered a speech.

5 hurt in clash after gun attack on BNP leader on Cox’s Bazar court premises 5 killed as bus, ambulance collide in Faridpur Lionel Scaloni stays composed as Argentina prepare to defend World Cup crown New Jubo Dal Committee to Prioritize Sacrificed and Tested Leaders Growing Public Concern Over the Deteriorating Law and Order Situation PM inaugurates re-excavation of Dharar Khal in Trishal Stop Violence Against Children: UNICEF Dhaka Politics and the Organizational Reality of the BNP Nasiruddin Patwary attacked in Jhenaidah Sheikh Hasina’s Return: A New Political Equation in Bangladesh Prime Minister to visit Mymensingh Saturday Neuer to miss German Cup final with calf injury Aminul warns against attempts to create unrest using Ramisa murder Exemplary punishment to be ensured in Pallabi child murder: Home Minister Germany recalls Manuel Neuer from retirement for World Cup Three Months in Power: Why Disappointment Is Growing Among BNP Grassroots Workers Rumors Grow Over New Jubo Dal Committee as Leadership Aspirants Intensify Lobbying PM calls for strong discipline, chain of command in Ansar-VDP Years of plunder pushed banks, capital market to brink: Finance Minister Strategic and Resolute Politician Shamsuzzaman Dudu Govt to Build Smart Land Management System: PM Neymar included in Brazil’s World Cup squad despite fitness concerns Mushfiqur’s 137 sets Pakistan 437-run target PM Directs Women MPs on Development Work Tarique Rahman: A Symbol of a New Political Culture in Bangladesh Shimul Biswas: A Symbol of Humanitarian Struggle Behind Politics Zahir Uddin Swapan: The Silent Architect of Strategic Politics Prime Minister Discusse Media Issues with Editors Cinema Reflects Culture and History: State Minister for Information Ministers’ Remarks Spark Embarrassment
China lauds Russia relations and calls for strengthened Asia-Pacific role Tribute to Bangabandhu's portrait in Meherpur Mirza Abbas: A Powerful and Enduring Figure in Dhaka Politics Trump finds $29m went to Bangladesh to prop up radical left PM urges countrymen to resist terrorists While Hawker is the presidential candidate of Portugal Awami League BNP Senior Joint Secretary General Rizvi at Lamia's funeral in Patuakhali Mirza Abbas: A Long Journey of a Combative Political Career Awami League's 75th anniversary celebration led by Portugal Awami League leader Roni Red Crescent hostage in Sultan-Sohag syndicate Keraniganj Press Club President Raihan, General Secretary Mintu Awami government is sitting on the people of this country:Aminul Haque The country is in extreme darkness due to one-party misrule: Aminul Haque Australian 2nd National Qur'an Competition held in Sydney 1,04,38000 among orphans and destitute persons in Ranishankail Delivery of cheques Due to increase in commodity prices, people's lives are in danger today: Aminul Haque Open University Post Graduate Examination will be held in Gazipur in summer 'Bangabandhu's 104th Birth Anniversary and National Children's Day 2024' celebration was held at the Embassy of Portugal in Bangladesh A family is running away from Rajbari Tanjil Chowdhury re-elected as Chairman of Prime Bank PLC Human chain in protest against threats and beating of journalists NSI Director General's Tribute at Bangabandhu's Tomb There is famine in the country: Ruhul Kabir Rizvi Fair of safe banking for expats of Citibank in Lisbon on March 4 Committee formation of Comilla North Community in Portugal Concert for Zaheer' for cancer-afflicted students in Jabi City Bank Road Show in Lisbon, Portugal Where are the climate fund dollars?: Aminul Haque Attack on journalist in Portugal, case against 3 people Condemnation of social organizations Yunus stresses a mechanism for free, fair polls in Bangladesh

Lionel Scaloni, calm and expressionless on the touchline, watched as Gonzalo Montiel scored the winning penalty in the 2022 World Cup final, sealing Argentina’s third world title with a dramatic victory over France.While players celebrated wildly, Scaloni initially remained still and silent, almost as if processing the moment in private. Only minutes later did he break down emotionally when a player hugged him and whispered: “We are world champions.” That calmness has long defined Scaloni. He did not react publicly to early criticism over his lack of experience. He stayed composed when Argentina’s World Cup hopes were under pressure from Kylian Mbappé’s goals in the final. And he remains steady now as he leads Argentina into another title defence.

Those close to him say Scaloni’s calm mindset is shaped by cycling, a daily routine he adopted after retiring as a player. He spends two to three hours a day riding, often through the mountains of Mallorca in Spain, where he lives, or in his hometown Pujato in Argentina.

He says the activity helps him clear his mind and think about football without pressure.

“On the bike, you can think about your team, your opponent, how to prepare for the match. It really clears my head,” Scaloni has said in interviews. “It helps me lower my expectations and stay calmer.”

In the coming weeks, Scaloni will become only the third coach to lead Argentina in back-to-back World Cups, following César Luis Menotti and Carlos Bilardo, both former champions. But he often rejects comparisons with them, saying they belong to a different level of achievement.

Scaloni’s journey to the top job was unexpected. With no senior coaching experience, he took charge temporarily in 2018 after Argentina’s poor World Cup campaign in Russia. At the time, he was not seen as a serious long-term candidate, with names like Mauricio Pochettino and Diego Simeone being discussed instead.

Diego Maradona, Argentina’s 1986 World Cup-winning captain, once sharply questioned his ability to lead the national team.

Despite doubts, Scaloni stayed on. He guided Argentina to Copa América glory in 2021 and successfully led the team through qualification for the 2022 World Cup.

In Qatar, after a shock opening loss to Saudi Arabia, he reshaped the squad by introducing young players such as Enzo Fernández, Alexis Mac Allister and Julián Álvarez. The move helped transform Argentina’s performance, culminating in Lionel Messi delivering a career-defining World Cup triumph.

Scaloni later admitted the criticism was expected, given his inexperience, but said he held no resentment.

The challenge now is even greater. Argentina must defend their title with Messi approaching the end of his career and amid ongoing tensions within the country’s football administration.

Brazil was the last team to win back-to-back World Cups in 1962, a reminder of how difficult the task is.

Scaloni has repeatedly stressed that past success guarantees nothing.

“I don’t dwell on what we achieved. You always have to look forward,” he said in late 2025. “With this shirt, you can’t relax.”

Argentina have remained strong under his leadership, winning Copa América titles in 2021 and 2024 and finishing top of South American qualifying for the 2026 World Cup, even when Messi missed matches due to fitness issues.

Football figures in Argentina say the team’s biggest strength is unity

“It’s a team with very clear leadership,” said former World Cup winner Jorge Valdano. “Players haven’t lost their hunger.”

However, Scaloni’s tenure has not been without uncertainty. In 2023, he briefly hinted at stepping down after a World Cup qualifier win over Brazil, citing personal and emotional strain.

There have also been reports of internal disagreements and broader instability within Argentine football administration, including criticism over match scheduling and governance issues.

Despite this, Scaloni has remained focused and largely avoids public controversy.

Argentina will begin their World Cup campaign in Kansas City on June 16 against Algeria, followed by matches against Austria and Jordan.

Scaloni, true to his style, remains calm and cautious.

“We know expectations are high because we are champions,” he said. “But football is unpredictable. Anything can happen.”

 

UNICEF Representative in Bangladesh Rana Flowers has said UNICEF is deeply shocked and saddened by the recent brutal violence against children reported across Bangladesh, including the rape and killing of girls and boys in settings where they should have been safe."Every child has the right to protection everywhere, in communities, schools, at home, and even in how their stories and images are treated in public spaces," she said in a statement, stressing that brutality against children must stop.

UNICEF conveyed sincere condolences to all the affected families.

The rise in reports of brutal and sexual violence against women and children across Bangladesh thus far in 2026 underscore the urgent need for immediate action to strengthen child and GBV protection systems and prevention measures nationwide, said Rana Flowers.

She said the culture of impunity enjoyed by perpetrators must end, and the gaps in prevention, reporting, institutional safeguarding, child friendly police and justice, community protection and social services be addressed.

There is also need for psychosocial support for the women and children, with far stronger accountability of schools, madrasas, workplaces, neighbourhoods and care settings, Rana Flowers said.

"Violence spreads when communities stay silent. UNICEF appeals for children, women, families and community members to report violence, abuse or exploitation through available protection services, including Child Helpline 1098, which provides support and referral services for children in need of assistance," she said.

Children and women who suffer at the hands of an abuser deserve their dignity to be respected, Rana Flowers said.

"The sharing of photos videos or identifying personal details represents a further abuse of each of them," she said, adding that all who share and reshare are adding to the trauma of survivors, the trauma of families, the disrespect of the victim.

"UNICEF appeals to the public, media outlets and social media users to respect the rights of the victims and their families and to refrain from any such sharing," Rana Flowers said.

"Instead, please raise your voice calling for the protections and the systems and for an end to impunity of perpetrators," she added.

Bangladesh on Friday witnessed protests over rising incidents of child rape as residents and activists in Pallabi and other parts of Dhaka demanded justice for eight-year-old Ramisa Akhter, who was raped and killed on May 19.

Human rights organisation Ain o Salish Kendra (ASK) alao expressed deep concern over the recent surge in child abuse, rape, and murder cases, saying the killing of seven-year-old Ramisa Akter in Pallabi, along with other recent incidents, has once again exposed serious weaknesses in the country’s child protection system.

ASK reported that between January and May 20, 2026, at least 118 children were raped, while 46 others were victims of attempted rape. At least 17 children were killed following rape or attempted rape during the same period.

Ramisa, a class two student, was allegedly raped, killed, and beheaded by her neighbour, Sohel Rana, on May 19.

In its statement, ASK said such incidents were not isolated crimes but reflected systemic failures in state protection mechanisms and a broader crisis of social accountability.