Briefing 2023-09-24

US to give Kyiv long-range ATACMS missiles

US President Joe Biden plans to give Ukraine advanced long-range missiles to help Kyiv with its ongoing counter-offensive, US media report. They quote US officials familiar with the issue as saying Ukraine will get some ATACMS missiles with a range of up to 190 miles (300km). This would enable Kyiv to hit Russian targets deep behind the front line. Page 14

Shakib, Tamim shift franchises

as BPL auction looms

Bangladesh senior players Shakib Al Hasan and Tamim Iqbal are set to represent new teams in the next edition of the Bangladesh Premier League (BPL), the auction of which shall be held today (Sunday). Shakib is set to return to Rangpur Riders after having opted to leave the Fortune Barisal franchise. He will be replaced by fellow veteran Tamim Iqbal who makes the switch from Khulna Tigers. Page 11

Bid to reopen apparel units: Patriot Group seeks govt's support

Patriot Group has sought the government's support to reopen its two apparel factories lying closed due to "bad smell in the goods" of the units located near a tar factory. Stitchwell Designs Ltd and Apparel Stitch Ltd have remained closed for the last three years from 2020 as buyers declined to source apparel complaining of bad smell in them. Page 16

China, India lead Asia's biggest hydropower crunch in decades

Hydropower generation in Asia has plunged at the fastest rate in decades amid sharp declines in China and India, data shows, forcing power regulators battling volatile electricity demand and erratic weather to rely more on fossil fuels. Page 15