20 most read articles in 2020
A comprehensive list of our most popular articles of this year
Taking a look back in 2020, here are our top articles published throughout 2020 that attracted the most attention from you, the readers.
10 richest billionaires in the world in 2020
The list of the world's richest persons can vary from year to year depending on the net worth and financial performance. However, the richest people on the earth are not immune to Covid-19.
The global equity markets collapse as the pandemic triggered. With the markets in flux due to coronavirus, each billionaire's net worth also fluctuates depending on the day.
Keep updated, follow The Business Standard's Google news channel
How Dileep Kumar became AR Rahman
Indian music maestro and virtuoso AR Rahman is celebrated across the world for his musical forte, having become one of the most famous music directors of present times.
However, the man who is almost instantly recognisable by his name - AR Rahman, was in fact born with a different name and faith.
Where to go if Covid-19 symptoms appear
The novel coronavirus has penetrated more deeply in Bangladesh. Doctors have repeatedly urged patients to go to the hospital only if they are in critical condition with breathing problems and other serious symptoms of Covid-19.
It can take 2–14 days for coronavirus symptoms to appear. The average incubation period appears to be roughly 5–6 days. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), symptoms of coronavirus can be mild and come on gradually.
'Excessive' mercury in 8 beauty creams
If you use skin-whitening creams, especially those advertised to have been imported from Pakistan, you might reconsider your choice.
Because, the Bangladesh Standards and Testing Institution (BSTI) has found the presence of excessive mercury and hydroquinone in eight beauty products of that country.
Beximco, Beacon pharma make Japanese Covid-19 drug
Two local drug makers — Beacon and Beximco pharmaceuticals — have produced Favipiravir, an antiviral drug that is being used by some countries to treat the Covid-19 patients.
They will give the medicine to the government and the hospitals where coronavirus patients are being treated instead of selling it to the pharmacies.
Coronavirus can survive both hot, humid climates: WHO
The World Health Organization (WHO) Philippines answered to some of the rumours and myths about the novel coronavirus 2019-nCoV. When asked whether the new coronavirus can survive in hot and humid climates, WHO said that indeed it can spread to "countries with both hot and humid climates, as well as cold and dry".
"Wherever you live, whatever the climate is it is important to follow precautions," a twitter post said.
The best 5 Dhakai Kacchi in town!
If you are asked to name a few signature food items of Dhaka city, Kachchi Biryani will be at the top of the list. For us Bangladeshis, Kachchi Biryani is another name for love. We will never get tired of eating it.
The dish's origins are up for debate, but most food historians agree that the precursor to South Asian biryani first emerged in Persia, probably as an unfussed mix of rice and meat, and travelled to the subcontinent through trade, pilgrimage, and conquest.
Countries with the highest rape incidents
Rape is an unlawful sexual activity typically forcibly or under threat of injury against a person's will.
It is estimated that approximately 35% of women worldwide have experienced sexual harassment in their life, according to World Population Review data of "Rape Statistics by Country 2020."
SSC, HSC marks to carry no weight in university admission this year
Most public universities are mulling the issue of not taking into consideration the SSC and HSC marks in the first-year admission test, which used to carry weight in exams for the tertiary education enrolment.
The marks of Secondary and Higher Secondary School Certificate examinations used to play a pivotal role in raising the combined total scores of university admission seekers and increasing their chances of getting selected.
OPPO reduces price for A9 2020 and A5 2020
OPPO has announced huge price drop campaign for OPPO A9 2020 featuring 8GB RAM and 48MP Quad Camera, and A5 2020 3GB Edition.
Under this new pricing scheme, A9 2020 (except for Vanilla Mint Edition) and A5 2020 3GB will be available at BDT 22,990 and BDT 14,990 respectively. The new year has started. In order to celebrate the new year, OPPO brings to give huge discounts to all consumers.
A man who wanted to move the people found in deadly stillness
Fahim Saleh wanted to move the people stuck forever and ever around the globe so that they can get together faster. Then he ended up cold and still in his Manhattan apartment, his body decapitated and dismembered, with an electric saw still buzzing.
"We have a torso, a head that's been removed, arms, and legs. Everything is still on the scene. We don't have a motive," said NYPD spokesman Sgt. Carlos Nieves, reports New York Daily News.
'Decision on reopening educational institutions, HSC exams soon'
Education Minister Dipu Moni has said the decision on reopening educational institutions and holding Higher Secondary Certificate (HSC) and equivalent examinations will be announced soon.
The minister came up with the remark in a programme at International Mother Language Institute in Dhaka.
Disturbing curve ahead for Bangladesh?
Look at the graphs above.
Each represents the infection trend of a country since the first coronavirus patient was reported there. They all show a similar pattern – between the fourth and fifth weeks since the first reported infection, the lines curve up steeply, on days almost at a 90-degree angle. This means the pandemic infection had started to spread uncontrollably.
For Bangladesh, the graph looks flat. This means the infection rate has not increased. But it can hardly give us any relief because of two factors.
Top 10 richest monarchs in the world
Royalty, a word that comes with grandiose and embellished synonyms although the word doesn't carry the actual weight in the current world anymore. But certain monarchs are still ruling the world on wealth with or without authority.
Talking about Royals, the first name that pops to your mind is that of Queen Elizabeth II, let us stop you right there. While she may be the longest reigning monarch in the world, she is definitely not the wealthiest. According to reports, the net worth of the Queen of England is $530 million -- which pales in comparison to the billions owned by other monarchs, who still hold administerial power in their respective countries, reports GQ India.
Aynabaji ranked world's second highest rated film
The transcription site Amberscript.com has analysed the films made in 130 countries around the world and using their IMDb scores, worked out which have been the most highly rated in each.
Bangladesh's Mirror Game or Aynabaji (2016) took second place jointly with Kosovo's Zana (2019), both scoring 9.1, reports The National.
Bangladesh faces high risk of coronavirus: Chinese ambassador
Bangladesh is facing high risk to be affected by novel coronavirus outbreak as the virus has already spread in different parts of the globe, said Chinese Ambassador in Dhaka Li Jiming.
"The virus has spread in the neighbouring countries of Bangladesh. It has also spread in the Middle East with which region the country has economic relations. As a result, Bangladesh must prepare at this moment to prevent a possible coronavirus outbreak," Ambassador Li Jiming made the remark at an event held in Keraniganj, organised by China Railway Group Limited (CREC), the contractor of the Padma Bridge Rail Link Project.
Red zones finalised for lockdown
The government has finalised the list of virus hotspots to be labelled "red zones" according to the recommendations of the national technical committee formed to tackle the spread of the novel coronavirus.
Forty-five areas in the capital, 11 areas in the port city of Chattogram, the entire Gazipur district, and few areas of Narayanganj and Narsingdi have been identified as red zones.
Educational institutions may remain closed till September if virus does not fade: PM
All educational institutions across the country might remain closed till September if the coronavirus situation does not improve, Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina said today.
"We will reopen the institutions as soon as the situation improves. We will open other sectors gradually," she said during a video conference at her official Ganabhaban residence.
Owning a car to be costlier after June
Annual tax on a car or microbus is likely to go up by 50-67 percent, depending on engine capacity and vehicle type, according to pre-budget documents.
The Bangladesh Road Transport Authority (BRTA), under Section 68B of the Income Tax Ordinance 1984, collects advance income tax from private vehicle owners when they go for vehicle registration or annual fitness renewal.
5 including 3 Covid-19 patients die in United Hospital fire
Five people, including three confirmed Covid-19 patients, have died in the fire that broke out in the capital's United Hospital at 9:48pm on Wednesday, the hospital administration said.
The deceased are – Md Mahbub, 50, Md Monir Hossain, 75, Vernon Anthony Paul, 74, Khodaja Begum, 70 and Riaz Ul Alom, 45.
