Team from UIU qualifies for MATE ROV World Championship

A team of students from United International University (UIU) has qualified for the MATE ROV World Championship, a global underwater robotics competition where student teams build and operate ROVs (remotely operated vehicles) to solve real-world marine challenges.

Cybersecurity in Bangladesh 2025: Is your data safe?

According to the Bangladesh Telecommunication Regulatory Commission (BTRC), we have over 132 million internet users in Bangladesh. This online presence has transformed how people live, work, and communicate. Yet, it also exposes Bangladesh to a growing amount of cyber threats. As more critical services and personal data move online, the urgency to strengthen cybersecurity has never been greater. 

Next Step / Is the CFA the right choice for you? 

The Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) program is administered by the CFA Institute and is often considered one of the most prestigious credentials in the finance industry. While it is ideal for finance professionals, not all functions require it and hence, the CFA journey is not worth it for everyone. This guide explores who should consider the CFA, what value it adds to a career in finance, and what alternative qualifications might be worth considering.

How to get started with competitive programming

Competitive programming (CP) is a sport for the mind, where coders have to solve problems with efficient solutions on a ticking clock. It is a wonderful avenue for anyone to become a smarter coder, and be ready for some of the most competitive job interviews in the world. We’ve broken the enigma down to a short guide so you can get started too.

CD Projekt Red unveils early look at The Witcher 4 powered by Unreal Engine 5

CD Projekt Red has partnered with Epic Games to present a first public demonstration of The Witcher 4 running on Unreal Engine 5, offering a glimpse of the next instalment in the acclaimed fantasy RPG franchise. The showcase opened this year’s State of Unreal keynote at Unreal Fest in Orlando, marking a key milestone in the ongoing collaboration between the two developers.

Why is Microsoft investing $400 million in Switzerland?

Microsoft is investing $400 million in Switzerland to expand its cloud computing and artificial intelligence (AI) infrastructure, the company recently announced. The company said the investment will go towards upgrading its four data centres located near Geneva and Zurich, aiming to meet the growing demand for AI and cloud services in the country.

Realme GT 7 Dream Edition: a high-speed tribute to Aston Martin and F1 fans

The Realme GT 7 Dream Edition arrives with an unmistakable sense of occasion. More than just a design refresh, this limited-edition model is a co-branded collaboration with the Aston Martin Aramco Formula One Team.

X rolls out new encrypted messaging feature, XChat

X has begun rolling out a beta version of XChat, a redesigned messaging system for its paid subscribers, according to a recent post by X owner Elon Musk. The new feature includes end-to-end encryption, file sharing, and audio-video calling capabilities without requiring phone numbers, as per official statements.

India launches AI-based multimodal LLM for Indian languages

India has recently launched an indigenously developed AI-based multimodal large language model (LLM) for Indian languages.

What this year’s budget means for the ICT sector

This fiscal plan allocates substantial resources to the ICT Division, Ministry of Science and Technology and other agencies tasked with developing digital infrastructure, nurturing tech talent and fostering start-ups.

Additional 5% VAT exempted on local e-bikes until 2030 

In the proposed national budget for the fiscal year 2025–26, an extension in the exemption of the additional 5% value-added tax (VAT) on locally manufactured electric bicycles has been extended until June 30, 2030. 

LATEST

LATEST

Mobile phone production gets extended tax exemption

The existing VAT exemption for the production and assembly of mobile phones has been slightly reduced and extended until June 30, 2027.

Scientists develop self-repairing robot muscle

A team of engineers from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln has developed a soft robotics system capable of detecting damage and initiating self-repair, similar to the way human muscle and skin respond to injury. The research, presented at a robotics conference in Atlanta, may have applications in areas such as wearable technology and agricultural robotics.

Press Release / Interactive Cares launches offline learning centre in Dhaka

Interactive Cares, a Bangladeshi edtech platform, has opened its first offline learning centre in Dhanmondi, Dhaka. 

Microsoft unit in Russia to file for bankruptcy: Report

A subsidiary of Microsoft Corporation in Russia is set to file for bankruptcy, according to a recent report by Reuters.

Indian startup claims to invent stroke kit to slash paralysis risk

An Indian start-up claims to have come up with a high-end med-tech kit, a life-saving intervention, for patients suffering from for treatment of acute ischemic stroke (brain stroke) which reduces the risk of long-term paralysis and disability.

WhatsApp status is becoming similar to Facebook story

WhatsApp has announced a series of updates to its Status feature on May 29, bringing it closer in style and function to Facebook Stories.

STARTUPS

STARTUPS

Student-led edtech joins four global startup hubs

Rectify Learn, an edtech startup founded by three students from Bangladesh University of Professionals (BUP), has been accepted into four global entrepreneurship support programs: Microsoft for Startups, GitHub for Startups, Notion for Startups, and Miro for Startups, while still in its early development phase.

Salesforce to acquire data management firm Informatica for $8 billion

Salesforce has announced plans to acquire data management firm Informatica for about $8 billion, marking its largest deal since purchasing Slack for $27.7 billion in 2021. According to a recent Reuters report on the matter, this all-cash offer of $25 per share represents a 30% premium over Informatica's recent stock price.  

Press Release / Startup Bangladesh pushes 7-pillar strategy to fix ecosystem gaps

Startup Bangladesh Limited (SBL) has unveiled a strategic roadmap focused on strengthening the country’s innovation ecosystem on May 24.

OpenAI acquires iPhone designer Jony Ive's startup for $6.5 bln

OpenAI has struck a deal to acquire io Products, the hardware startup founded by former Apple design chief Jony Ive, in a transaction valued at $6.5 billion, as per a recent report by Reuters. Additionally, OpenAI will bring Ive on board to lead design and creative development of new devices tailored for the AI era, according to OpenAI's official website.

Three Bangladeshis featured in Forbes 30 Under 30 Asia 2025

Three entrepreneurs from Bangladesh have been named in the latest Forbes 30 Under 30 Asia list for 2025: Arefin Zaman in the 'Healthcare & Science' category, Sakib Hossain in the 'Industry, Manufacturing & Energy' category, and Sayed Zubaer Hasan in the 'Social Impact' category. 

Instacart CEO Fidji Simo is joining OpenAI

Fidji Simo, the current CEO of Instacart, is set to join OpenAI as CEO of Applications, the company announced on May 7. 

SBL announces new investment in Shikho

Startup Bangladesh Limited (SBL), the government-backed venture capital arm of the ICT Division, has announced a strategic investment in Shikho, an EdTech startup, in a move aimed at accelerating the adoption of AI-driven learning tools across Bangladesh on May 7.

APPS

APPS

DeepSeek quietly updates its R1 reasoning model

Chinese AI startup DeepSeek has released an update to its R1 reasoning model. The new version, named R1-0528, was published on developer platform Hugging Face on May 29, although the company has not yet issued an official announcement.

Vietnam plans Telegram block; app says it’s “surprised”

Vietnam’s Ministry of Information and Communications has instructed domestic telecommunication service providers to block access to the messaging platform Telegram, citing the app’s alleged failure to cooperate with authorities in addressing criminal activities, according to a recent report by Reuters. 

YouTube will use Gemini to place ads in ‘peak’ video moments

YouTube has announced on 14 May that it will begin using Google's Gemini artificial intelligence (AI) model to identify the most engaging segments of videos for advertising placements. 

TikTok to use AI-generated text to describe images

TikTok has announced that the company is testing a new feature that uses artificial intelligence (AI) to generate image descriptions, in an effort to make the platform more accessible for users with visual impairments. 

Meta admitted Facebook was "losing badly" to TikTok: court filings

Meta executives, including CEO Mark Zuckerberg and Instagram head Adam Mosseri, openly acknowledged TikTok's dominance over Facebook and Instagram in key areas of social media engagement, during discussions dated February 2022, filed as part of the US Federal Trade Commission's (FTC) antitrust lawsuit against Meta, according to a recent report by TechCrunch.

A personal goodbye to Skype; the app that connected worlds

Today, Skype, the app that once connected me to so many important moments, is officially gone. It’s a strange feeling. Sure, I have switched to Messenger for chats and Zoom for meetings like everyone else. But I can’t help but feel a little sad. Few things else carry the same level of nostalgia as that familiar blue icon.

Skype died today because you keep using Zoom

Skype, once the undisputed pioneer of internet-based video calls, has officially been shut down by Microsoft as of 5 May 2025, marking the end of a two-decade era in digital communication.

GADGETS

GADGETS

iPhone 17 Air leak reveals ultra-slim 5.5 mm body

A new video regarding iPhone leaks posted online by a well-known leaker, known by the handle MajinBu, claims to show a dummy unit of the upcoming iPhone 17 Air, a device that, if the footage is authentic, could represent a significant design shift for Apple.

Press Release / Asus launches NVIDIA RTX 5090 gaming laptops in Bangladesh

Asus has officially launched the ROG Strix SCAR 18 series laptops equipped with NVIDIA GeForce RTX 5080 and RTX 5090 GPUs in Bangladesh. 

Press Release / Samsung Galaxy A26 5G and A36 5G launched in Bangladesh

Samsung has recently launched its Galaxy A26 5G and A36 5G smartphones in Bangladesh. 

Honor 400 series launched in Bangladesh

Honor has officially launched the HONOR 400 series at a grand launch event held on 25 May 2025 at the Radisson Blu Water Garden Hotel in Dhaka.

Our picks for interactive displays

Interactive displays are no longer futuristic novelties as they have become essential tools in modern classrooms and meeting rooms across Bangladesh. However, these devices come at a very high cost with prices ranging from BDT 200,000 to over BDT 1,200,000. So, before you invest, consider these key factors:

Press Release / Realme launches C71 in Bangladesh

Realme has officially launched its latest smartphone, the Realme C71, in Bangladesh. 

GUIDES

GUIDES

How to use tap to pay with Google Wallet

Google Wallet, formerly known as Google Pay, includes a 'tap to pay' function, allowing users to complete transactions by unlocking their device and holding it near a compatible point-of-sale terminal. This system is designed to facilitate payments without the need for physical cards. Here's how to use it.

You can get up to $100,000 for hacking Starlink's network

Want to get paid big bucks for hacking satellites? Elon Musk's Starlink is offering security researchers and ethical hackers up to $100,000 if they can crack its global satellite internet network - legally. As of February 11, 2025, the company's bug bounty program on Bugcrowd has already paid out for 118 vulnerabilities, with an average reward of $1,466.66 per bug over the last three months.

10 prompt engineering tips to get better AI responses

Ever wondered why some people get brilliant results from AI tools like Gemini, while others receive gibberish? The secret lies in prompt engineering, the craft of designing clear, practical instructions for AI systems. Here are 10 essential prompt engineering tips to dramatically improve your AI interactions.  

A beginner’s guide to buying graphics cards

For those seeking higher frame rates and better visual quality, upgrading the graphics card is often the most effective way to improve performance.

Five essential gears to begin your astrophotography journey

From capturing stunning shots of the Milky Way to photographing rare cosmic events, Bangladesh’s astrophotography community is growing, fuelled by curiosity and creativity. Here are five essential pieces of gear to help you embark on your own astrophotography journey.

How to save your Facebook Live videos before they are deleted

Starting February 19, Facebook will automatically delete live broadcast videos from Pages and profiles after 30 days, according to a recent announcement by the popular social media platform. Users who want to keep their live videos must download or transfer them before they expire. Here's how you do so.

How to save space on your phone

Running out of space on your phone can be frustrating, especially when you want to take a photo or download something important. Whether you're using an Android or iPhone, here are seven practical tips to help you reclaim storage and keep your phone running smoothly.

Videos and Podcasts

Videos and Podcasts

Starlink: Yunus asks Musk to come over, launch it within 90 days

Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus has extended an invitation to billionaire entrepreneur Elon Musk to visit Bangladesh and oversee the launch of SpaceX’s Starlink satellite internet service in the country within the next 90 working days.

3m ago

Will DeepSeek become a major competitor to OpenAI?

The competition in the world of artificial intelligence, or AI, is getting more intense day by day. Along with powerful models like OpenAI's ChatGPT, China's DeepSeeK AI is also gaining popularity. How is this new AI startup surprising the whole world? Let's find out in today's Star Explains.

4m ago

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.

8m ago

Introducing iPhone 16

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

8m 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

1y 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

India blocks 16 Pakistani YouTube channels: report

India has restricted access to 16 Pakistani YouTube channels, including major news outlets and individual creators, following the recent incident in Pahalgam, according to reports by The Hindu and Times of India.

1m ago

Nike is being sued by its NFT buyers

Nike is facing a lawsuit from NFT (non-fungible tokens) buyers who claim the company left them with worthless digital assets after suddenly shutting down its RTFKT NFT division, the unit that made Nike-themed NFTs, last December.

1m ago

India to make most US iPhones instead of China: report

Apple is speeding up plans to shift iPhone production from China to India, aiming to make most iPhones sold in the US in Indian factories by late 2026, according to a recent report by Reuters. The move comes as Apple tries to avoid possible higher US tariffs on Chinese-made goods, a source told Reuters.

1m ago

Bangladeshi researcher invents drone-based disaster communication system

A. F. M. Shahen Shah, a Bangladeshi researcher based in Turkey, has developed drone-based technology that could significantly improve emergency communication during natural disasters. His work, which has gained notable coverage in Turkish media, addresses the critical problem of the collapse of communication networks following disasters such as earthquakes and floods.

1m ago

Jobs of the week

Here are our picks for jobs of the week. Check out the article for more details.

1m ago

Bangladeshi startup Chhaya wins GITEX Asia Supernova Challenge

Chhaya, a Bangladeshi digital insurance startup, has placed first in the Supernova Challenge at GITEX Asia 2025, a global startup competition, winning a $50,000 prize.

1m ago

Meta is cracking down on spammy content

Meta has announced a series of measures aimed at reducing the volume of spam-like content on Facebook, in an effort to improve user experience and support authentic content creators on the platform, according to a blog post by the company on April 24.

1m ago

Imo earns Google’s ‘Independent Security Review’ badge for second time

Imo, the instant messaging app, has earned Google Play’s ‘Independent Security Review’ badge, marking its second consecutive recognition under the tech giant’s security certification initiative. 

1m ago

River acquires Pathao co-founder Elius’ Wind app

River, a US-based technology company founded by Bangladeshi-American entrepreneurs, has acquired Wind, a blockchain-based payments application created by Hussain M Elius, the former CEO of Pathao. 

1m ago

Bangladeshi cybersecurity startup Axiler to participate in GITEX Asia

Axiler, a Bangladeshi cybersecurity startup, is participating in the international tech event GITEX Asia 2025 as a finalist in both the GITEX Universe Pitch Competition and the Supernova Challenge.

1m ago