Bangladesh signs MoU with ADB to develop country’s first green data centre

The Posts and Telecommunications Division under the Ministry of Posts, Telecommunications and Information Technology, BTCL, the Public-Private Partnership Authority (PPPA), and the Asian Development Bank (ADB) has signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to develop the country’s first green data centre under a public-private partnership (PPP) model through international competitive bidding on 27 January.

Upstart DeepSeek faces heightened scrutiny as AI wows

DeepSeek faces an uncertain future in its home country

Meet Liang Wenfeng, the founder of DeepSeek

Liang Wenfeng, the 39-year-old founder and CEO of Chinese AI startup DeepSeek, has emerged as a key figure in China’s push to challenge US dominance in artificial intelligence. But who is this reclusive founder? Let's take a look at his background and work on AI so far.

Alibaba releases AI model it claims surpasses DeepSeek-V3

"Qwen 2.5-Max outperforms ... almost across the board GPT-4o, DeepSeek-V3 and Llama-3.1-405B," Alibaba's cloud unit said

Transforming the financial landscape: The impact of mobile financial services in Bangladesh

In recent years, Bangladesh has experienced a remarkable transformation in its financial sector due to the rapid growth and adoption of Mobile Financial Services (MFS).

Microsoft and OpenAI investigate alleged data theft by DeepSeek-linked group

Tech giants Microsoft and OpenAI are investigating whether a group linked to Chinese AI startup DeepSeek obtained data from OpenAI’s systems in an unauthorised manner. The allegations, reported by Bloomberg News, have added fuel to the fire in an already heated competition for dominance in artificial intelligence.

X to launch payments service with Visa partnership this year

On its journey towards becoming a super app, X, the platform formerly known as Twitter, is preparing to launch its payments service, X Money, later this year with Visa being its first partner.

OpenAI launches ChatGPT Gov for US agencies as DeepSeek gains traction

OpenAI has recently unveiled ChatGPT Gov, a version of its AI-powered chatbot platform tailored for U.S. government agencies. The launch comes as AI increasingly becomes a focal point of global competition, with DeepSeek making notable advancements in the field.

What skills are essential for digital marketers in Bangladesh?

Thinking 'digital marketing' is only about social media platforms like Facebook and LinkedIn would be a mistake. The actual profession encompasses a wide range of job descriptions that may surprise someone unaware. So, let’s take a look at what a ‘digital marketer’ does and what this currently trending profession entails.

Copywriting—what exactly is it?

It is a popular misconception that copywriting is just about clever ads, when copywriters are the masterminds behind the words that influence our decisions and shape our online experiences every day, from website content and social media captions to email campaigns and product descriptions. Copywriting is growing, but what does it really entail?

Nvidia’s worst day since 2020: what happened?

To maintain its leadership, Nvidia will need to adapt

LATEST

LATEST

Starlink begins testing direct-to-cell satellite services

Elon Musk, CEO of SpaceX and Tesla, has confirmed that Starlink’s direct-to-cell satellite service will enter its beta testing phase on 27 January. 

Former Meta COO faces legal sanctions in Cambridge Analytica lawsuit

Sheryl Sandberg, Meta’s former Chief Operating Officer, is facing mounting legal challenges related to the Cambridge Analytica scandal as a Delaware judge has sanctioned Sandberg for allegedly deleting emails tied to a shareholder lawsuit, which accuses her and former Meta board member Jeff Zients of violating legal obligations regarding user privacy.

George R. R. Martin co-authors physics paper on fictional virus

George R. R. Martin, the author behind the popular fantasy novel series 'A Song of Ice and Fire', has teamed up with Ian Tregillis, a contributor to Martin’s 'Wild Cards' superhero series, to co-author a physics paper exploring the mathematical dynamics of a fictional virus.

Chinese AI app DeepSeek beats ChatGPT on US App Store

A Chinese startup named DeepSeek has taken the lead in the AI race, with its assistant app becoming the most popular free app on Apple’s US App Store, surpassing ChatGPT, according to data firm Sensor Tower. The app, powered by the DeepSeek-V3 model, was launched on January 10 and has quickly gained attention in the United States.

UMIDIGI officially launches 4 smartphones in Bangladesh

UMIDIGI, a Chinese electronics manufacturer, has officially entered the Bangladeshi market by introducing four smartphone models at Capital’s Dhaka Regency Hotel & Resort on 26 January.

Oracle and Microsoft in talks to buy TikTok: report

Oracle and Microsoft are in talks to take over TikTok’s global operations, according to a report from National Public Radio (NPR), a US-based broadcasting platform. The plan would reduce Chinese ownership of the app and address security concerns tied to its parent company, ByteDance, states the report.

STARTUPS

STARTUPS

Startup Bangladesh invests BDT 11.10 cr in local startups

Startup Bangladesh Limited, the government-backed venture capital firm, has invested BDT 11.10 crore over the past six months, according to a recent press release. From September 2024 to January 2025, the organisation disbursed BDT 9.025 crore across nine startups.

OpenAI to turn for-profit: Here’s what’s happening

OpenAI, the company behind the popular AI chatbot ChatGPT, announced on Friday that it plans to restructure as a public benefit corporation (PBC) - shifting to a for-profit company from its previous non-profit structure. Here's what they have planned.

Databricks reaches $62 bln valuation following $10 bln funding round

Databricks, an artificial intelligence (AI) and data analytics firm, has reached a $62 billion valuation after completing a $10 billion funding round, one of the largest in venture capital history, according to a recent report by Reuters.

Bangladeshi-Australian CEO gives $65K to employees as year-end bonus

AirTrunk, the data centre company founded by Bangladeshi-Australian entrepreneur Robin Khuda, is distributing $22 million in bonuses to over 300 employees, with each receiving up to $65,000.

Bangladeshi-born Australian named 'Business Person of the Year' by Australian Financial Review

Robin Khuda, a Bangladeshi-born entrepreneur and founder of the data centre company AirTrunk, has been named The Australian Financial Review’s (AFR) Business Person of the Year for 2024.

Elon Musk’s xAI secures $6 bln in equity financing: Report

Elon Musk’s artificial intelligence venture, xAI, has raised $6 billion in equity financing as it intensifies efforts to compete with industry leaders in the AI sector, according to a recent report by Reuters.

Straight out of Shark Tank: Vibe Gaming secures investment from Adcomm

Vibe Gaming, a Bangladesh-based video gaming and electronics retailer, has secured strategic investment from Adcomm Holdings on November 28 following their pitch on Shark Tank Bangladesh.

APPS

APPS

Instagram announces Edits, video editing app to rival CapCut

Instagram has announced a new video editing app called Edits, aimed at creators who produce videos on their phones. The app, unveiled by Instagram head Adam Mosseri in a video on Instagram, is positioned as a competitor to CapCut, the video editor app owned by TikTok's parent company ByteDance.

Now you can post 3-minute long reels on Instagram 

Instagram has recently extended the maximum length of its Reels feature to three minutes, doubling the previous limit of 90 seconds, according to a recent announcement by Adam Mosseri, Head of Instagram.

Perplexity AI proposes merger with TikTok US: report

Perplexity AI, a US-based search engine company, has submitted a bid to merge with TikTok US, as per a recent report by Reuters. The proposal, submitted to TikTok’s parent company ByteDance on Saturday, was first reported by CNBC and confirmed by a source familiar with the discussions.

Why are users shifting from TikTok to RedNote?

As the United States inches closer to a potential ban on TikTok, millions of American users are exploring alternatives, with RedNote emerging as a frontrunner. Known as Xiaohongshu, or 'Little Red Book', in its native China, RedNote has seen a sharp rise in popularity, driven by its resemblance to TikTok and its unique blend of short videos and e-commerce features.

YouTube is working on a ‘Play something’ button: report

YouTube is experimenting with a new 'Play something' feature, a floating action button that lets users start a random video playback instantly, as per a recent report by tech news platform 9to5Google.

ChatGPT and Sora faced major outages this month

OpenAI experienced an outage affecting its popular services, including ChatGPT, Sora, and its developer-facing API, beginning at around 12.30 a.m Bangladesh time on 27 December.

YouTube is doubling down on clickbaits starting with India

YouTube has recently announced plans to intensify its efforts against egregious clickbait, starting with a phased rollout in India over the coming months.

GADGETS

GADGETS

Our top picks for portable monitors

As remote work, gaming, and content creation become more popular, the demand for portable monitors is on the rise in Bangladesh. Here are our picks for five portable monitors available in the local market, combining portability with performance to help you choose the best one for your needs. Please keep in mind that pricing and availability may vary across stores.

Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra feels better in hand than S24 Ultra

Samsung has recently unveiled its S25 lineup at the Galaxy Unpacked 2025 event on 23 January 2025. We had the exclusive opportunity to use the Galaxy S25 Ultra for a short time, and here are our initial thoughts:

Apple Mac Mini M4: Small size, big power

Apple released a series of press updates during the last week of October 2024 to introduce their entire Mac lineup to the M4 chip. The base Mac Mini M4, with its combination of performance, efficiency, and value, is one of the most incredible deals in tech right now. Let's explore how.

Samsung unveils Galaxy S25 series with advanced AI integration

At the Galaxy Unpacked 2025 event, Samsung introduced its latest flagship smartphones, the Galaxy S25 series, which includes the S25 Ultra, S25+, and S25 models.

Samsung is unveiling the new Galaxy S25 series: Watch here LIVE

The Galaxy S25 is speculated to include improved camera systems, dynamic displays, and extended battery life.

Press Release / Redmi Note 14 launched in Bangladesh

The smartphone Redmi Note 14 has been launched in Bangladesh. 

GUIDES

GUIDES

How to stop ChatGPT from using your data for training

As AI tools like ChatGPT become an integral part of daily life, concerns about data privacy are growing. Here’s how you can update your settings to stop ChatGPT from using your data for training purposes.

Buying a new gaming headset? Here's what you need to know

A good gaming headset can make the difference between victory and defeat. But how do you pick the one that suits you best, with so many gaming headsets on the market, with so many factors to consider? This guide will present knowledge accumulated over the years along with recommendations to assist you in making an informed decision.

What you need to know about picking the right monitor

A right monitor is more than just a screen—it's a gateway to your work, entertainment, and creative expression. But with so many options, how do you pick the best one for you?

Why do processor sockets keep changing?

At the heart of your computer’s performance lies the processor socket, which acts as the critical bridge between the processor and the motherboard. Let’s explore why companies keep changing sockets and how it impacts you as a user.

How to repurpose your old computer

With a little creativity and the right tools, you can repurpose your old computer for a variety of useful tasks. Here’s how to give your old PC or laptop a second life.

How to find transparent background images and avoid fakes

Finding images with transparent backgrounds is an essential task for designers, marketers, and web developers, but it can sometimes lead to confusion, especially when dealing with misleading or fake images.

How to improve your laptop battery's health

The rechargeable lithium-ion batteries that most laptops use aren't immortal. Over time, they naturally degrade, holding less charge and delivering shorter battery life. But with a few simple strategies, you can extend your laptop battery’s life and keep it performing well for longer.

Videos and Podcasts

Videos and Podcasts

Apple Intelligence on iPhone in 5 minutes

After months of speculation, Apple officially introduced its Apple Intelligence platform during the Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC) 2024 in June.

5m ago

Introducing iPhone 16

Apple has officially unveiled the iPhone 16, the latest version of its flagship smartphone.

5m ago

Youngsters who showed the world what our robots can do

Competing against 451 teams from 77 countries, the Bangladeshi robotics team "Robonium Bangladesh" clinched the 5th position in the World Robot Olympiad 2023 in the "Future Innovators (Senior)" category, held in Panama

9m ago

Apple iphone Event in 12 Minutes

The essentials from tonight's Apple Event

1y ago

Developing Games in Bangladesh

Game development in Asia has largely been taking place in East Asia since the creation of video games. Is this about to change ? We talked to Mehnaz Irtika from The Daily Star, who told us about the challenges Bangladesh's game industry faces if it wants to compete with the big dogs.

1y ago

Augmenting Schools - AR Learning

We explore the use of Augmented Reality in education. With us to discuss how deployment of AR could affect Bangladesh's education and consumer sector is Md. Ridwan Sakib Anjum, an in-house contributor for the Tech and Startup section of The Daily Star.

1y ago

Data Thieves - Stolen Identity

Whether it's putting a photo of a drivers license #online, or going to a sketchy #website, we can all make mistake that compromise our #identity. It's even more unfair when even when we've done everything right, our #data are being #stolen. We talked with Zarif Faiaz from ANN's The Daily Star to tell us about how this is happening in Bangladesh, and how we may minimise the impact.

1y ago

iPhone 15 to be released officially on September 12

Apple has officially announced its annual event, scheduled for 12 September at Apple Park. The invitation, titled "Wonderlust," indicates that the company plans to unveil its iPhone 15 series, among other products.

1y ago

Bangladesh signs MoU with ADB to develop country’s first green data centre

The Posts and Telecommunications Division under the Ministry of Posts, Telecommunications and Information Technology, BTCL, the Public-Private Partnership Authority (PPPA), and the Asian Development Bank (ADB) has signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to develop the country’s first green data centre under a public-private partnership (PPP) model through international competitive bidding on 27 January.

1w ago

Transforming the financial landscape: The impact of mobile financial services in Bangladesh

In recent years, Bangladesh has experienced a remarkable transformation in its financial sector due to the rapid growth and adoption of Mobile Financial Services (MFS).

1w ago

Upstart DeepSeek faces heightened scrutiny as AI wows

DeepSeek faces an uncertain future in its home country

1w ago

Meet Liang Wenfeng, the founder of DeepSeek

Liang Wenfeng, the 39-year-old founder and CEO of Chinese AI startup DeepSeek, has emerged as a key figure in China’s push to challenge US dominance in artificial intelligence. But who is this reclusive founder? Let's take a look at his background and work on AI so far.

1w ago

Alibaba releases AI model it claims surpasses DeepSeek-V3

"Qwen 2.5-Max outperforms ... almost across the board GPT-4o, DeepSeek-V3 and Llama-3.1-405B," Alibaba's cloud unit said

1w ago

Microsoft and OpenAI investigate alleged data theft by DeepSeek-linked group

Tech giants Microsoft and OpenAI are investigating whether a group linked to Chinese AI startup DeepSeek obtained data from OpenAI’s systems in an unauthorised manner. The allegations, reported by Bloomberg News, have added fuel to the fire in an already heated competition for dominance in artificial intelligence.

1w ago

X to launch payments service with Visa partnership this year

On its journey towards becoming a super app, X, the platform formerly known as Twitter, is preparing to launch its payments service, X Money, later this year with Visa being its first partner.

1w ago

OpenAI launches ChatGPT Gov for US agencies as DeepSeek gains traction

OpenAI has recently unveiled ChatGPT Gov, a version of its AI-powered chatbot platform tailored for U.S. government agencies. The launch comes as AI increasingly becomes a focal point of global competition, with DeepSeek making notable advancements in the field.

2w ago

Nvidia’s worst day since 2020: what happened?

To maintain its leadership, Nvidia will need to adapt

2w ago

What skills are essential for digital marketers in Bangladesh?

Thinking 'digital marketing' is only about social media platforms like Facebook and LinkedIn would be a mistake. The actual profession encompasses a wide range of job descriptions that may surprise someone unaware. So, let’s take a look at what a ‘digital marketer’ does and what this currently trending profession entails.

2w ago