Articles by Tarek Al Mahmud
Computer Science > Software Engineering
Large language models (LLMs) are increasingly used for code generation, yet most evaluations still focus on whether generated code passes benchmark test suites. Functional correctness alone, however, provides only a limited view of quality: benchmark tests are often incomplete, and passing them does not guarantee that code is maintainable, reliable, or well-structured.
Simmons wary of a wounded Australia
Mackay Test Coach warns Bangladesh that Australia would want to come back stronger in the Mackay Test starting Saturday. Bangladesh National Cricket Team coach Phil SimmonsShamsul Hoque For a brief moment, panic spread through the nets at the Great Barrier Reef Arena. During batting practice, Mushfiqur Rahim was struck by a ball and sat down on the ground. Physio Bayjedul Islam rushed over with a first-aid kit. Litton Das stopped his own batting practice in the adjacent net and stood watching.
Darwin Test: Cricket ‘break’ on a quiet Mitchell Street on day 5
Taskin, Tanzid and Najmul on Mitchell Street in Darwin city centre.Shamsul Hoque Mitchell Street is livelier at night but quiet in the middle of the day. That silence was broken somewhat by the footsteps of Bangladeshis on Monday. As the team hotel and the hotels and motels where Bangladeshi journalists covering the series are staying are all nearby, the street in Darwin city centre seemed to turn into a small gathering place. Captain Najmul Hossain had gone out for a meal with Tanzid Hasan.
Some cancelled flights, others found another reason to celebrate after Eid
Darwin Test A little piece of Bangladesh in the gallery.Shamsul Hoque Marrara Stadium was almost deserted even on the weekend. A large proportion of the small crowd were expatriate Bangladeshis. Some live in Darwin, while others had travelled from Sydney and Brisbane. They watched the match throughout with the anticipation of a possible victory and left with the joy of having witnessed Bangladesh’s historic Test win on Australian soil.
Tanzid’s first Test century comes on Smith’s ‘tricky’ wicket
Tanzid Hasan Tamim after his century.Shamsul Hoque Yesterday it was Hasan Mahmud’s day; today it is Tanzid Hasan’s. After Bangladesh’s pace bowlers, it was Tanzid who put the spotlight on Bangladesh’s batting for the Australians. How did Tanzid bat this well? He made his Test debut against Pakistan in Sylhet last May. Now, in only his second Test, against Australia in Darwin, he has scored his first century.
Why Litton, Nahid are in this situation
Australia has always been one of the most coveted destinations for Test cricket. A fast bowler always dreams of showcasing the very best of his pace, bounce and movement in Australian conditions. Likewise, every batter hopes to demonstrate the full extent of his batting capability in those conditions. In short, every cricketer aspires to experience the true essence of Test cricket on Australian soil.
BCB faces yet another election under a cloud of controversy
Presidents come and go. One board leaves and another takes its place. Yet controversy surrounding elections to the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) remains a constant. Whether the president is a political appointee, a government-backed figure or a former cricketer, none has succeeded in delivering a transparent election free from political influence.
‘They demanded Tk 10m to drop my name from the case’
Prothom Alo: Thanks to global franchise cricket, the lives of cricketers are now akin to those of nomads. In your case, this has been even more true over the past two years, despite not playing for the national team. How do you find this life? Shakib Al Hasan: (Laughs) How do I even explain this to you… The national team is the national team; there is simply no substitute for it. I used to play in franchise leagues before, and I am still playing quite a bit now. There is a difference, of course.
Who really represents Bangladesh at the ICC and ACC — Tamim or Aminul?
Rumours, speculation and competing interpretations have once again stirred debate on social media. This time the question is: who is Bangladesh’s representative at the International Cricket Council (ICC) — Tamim Iqbal or Aminul Islam? Why does the ICC website still list Aminul as a member of the Board of Directors, and not Tamim?
'There are many things that would spark controversy if I disclosed them'
Prothom Alo: You’ve been out of international cricket for the past five years. Suddenly you announced your retirement. All this time, did you think you might return to the national team? Rubel: Even after being dropped from international cricket, it never crossed my mind that I wouldn’t be able to return to the national team. But at one point I did feel that maybe I wouldn’t get another chance—after all, I’m getting older.
'I want lion-hearted cricketers'
Making the speculation true, Habibul Bashar has been appointed as the new chief selector of the national team. Under his leadership, the newly shaped four-member selection committee will serve until the 2027 ODI World Cup. After taking charge, in a detailed interview given to Tarek Mahmud yesterday, former national captain Habibul said he wants to see brave cricketers in the Bangladesh team— Prothom Alo: You have become chief selector from head of operations of the Game Development Department.
‘Pakistan’s all-out stance worked in Bangladesh’s favour’
Prothom Alo: Late at night on 7 February, you suddenly travelled to Lahore. The following day you held several meetings. We now know the outcome, but could you explain in more detail what happened there? Aminul Islam: When the ICC informed us that it intended to take Scotland instead of Bangladesh, Pakistan and several other countries were present. India also attended the meeting, along with a few ICC officials.
BCB president hopes for a miracle to play in the T20 World Cup
Bangladesh national cricket teamProthom Alo file photo The atmosphere at Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) office felt heavy, and even more so was Aminul Islam’s expression. Sitting across were cricket operations chief Nazmul Abedin and board director Abdur Razzak. Another director, Iftekhar Rahman, was also present in the BCB president’s room. Yet, no one seemed in the mood to speak. Amid this, Aminul granted permission for a brief one-minute entry into the room.
BCB sees ‘severe security risk’ in India, ICC rates threat as ‘low moderate’
T20 World Cup Formal and informal exchanges have been continuing for several days, with emails being exchanged. In all communications, the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) has consistently informed the International Cricket Council (ICC) that, due to security concerns, Bangladesh will not travel to India to participate in the T20 World Cup. The ICC, on the other hand, has been trying to persuade the BCB, arguing that a venue change at such a late stage is nearly impossible.
What is ICC’s ‘threat assessment report’ on World Cup, who prepares it
Prothom Alo Explainer ICC headquarters in DubaiAFP file photo Suppose you are planning to travel from Dhanmondi to an office in Motijheel, but you are unsure whether it is wise to go. You have heard that there has been unrest in Motijheel. Rainwater from the morning downpour is said to have still not drained from around Shapla Chattar. Traffic congestion on the roads is severe. You call the office in Motijheel and inform them, “I hear the situation on your side is not good.
Bangladesh not to play in India even with state security
ICC T20 World Cup Bangladesh national cricket teamFile photo The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) remains steadfast in its position and is determined to hold firm to the end. It will not play any matches of the upcoming ICC T20 World Cup in India. The International Cricket Council (ICC) has already proposed discussions with the BCB on the matter, with an online meeting scheduled to take place at some point today, sources said.
Three reasons why nine cricketers were excluded from BPL auction
At last, some of the speculation surrounding this year’s BPL has been cleared. Following an extended investigation by BCB’s anti-corruption consultant Alex Marshall, the BPL Governing Council Saturday published the final player list for today’s auction, excluding nine cricketers suspected of involvement in fixing during the previous BPL. The twelfth BPL auction will be held this afternoon at the Radisson Hotel.
Who will be president in BCB’s one-sided election
According to the constitution, 25 directors are elected by 192 councillors of the BCB’s general council from three categories. Since Narsingdi district has no representative this time, the total number of councillors stands at 191. From Category 1 (district and divisional sports associations), 71 councillors elect 10 directors. From Category 2 (Dhaka-based clubs), 76 councillors elect 12 directors.
Tamim's push for top BCB role weakened due to 'seat-sharing' compromise between govt, BNP
Since the ultimate goal is to secure a director’s post, why increase uncertainty by engaging in a “turf war”? It is more beneficial, rather, to compromise by making some concessions. Following two rounds of discussions last Friday between the government-backed and BNP-backed groups, the BCB board of directors’ election now appears headed toward such a compromise. Since then, the heat surrounding the 6 October election has eased considerably.
BCB elections: Govt-BNP face-off behind Aminul-Tamim contest
Both are former Bangladesh captains. Their contributions to the national team were once immense. But today, that legacy seems overshadowed by politics. One is Aminul Islam and the other is Tamim Iqbal. There was once a hope that cricketers in cricket administration would cleanse the game of political mudslinging. Yet, ahead of the elections to the board of directors of the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB), scheduled for 6 October, the rivalry surrounding these two has only exposed the grip of politics.
‘The tasks I’m doing now are not really the work of a president’
Prothom Alo: You once played for Bangladesh, captained the national side, and now, for three months, you have been president of the BCB. How has the experience been so far? Aminul Islam: Once upon a time I played, I watched the game, but I was always on the outside of the cricket board’s inner circle. From outside, I observed cricket in Bangladesh, criticised where necessary, and gave advice. That was my main role. Later, when I entered the circle, it felt as though everything belonged to me — to us.
BPL: Bookies offered Tk 4 billion to a franchise for fixing a match
The investigation work had already been completed earlier. The written transcripts of around 300 hours of audio recordings of conversations between the investigation committee and the concerned parties have exceeded three thousand pages. From that, the preparation of the preliminary report has also been completed.
Ashraful Haque wants to be the president of BCB
Prothom Alo: It is being said that you may compete in the upcoming Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) elections in October. How likely is that? I’ve been considering whether or not to take part in the election and I’m leaning positively towards contesting. I want to see some reforms, some change, in Bangladesh cricket. I believe that when everything else is undergoing reforms, the cricket board needs some reforms as well. Prothom Alo: Have you started any preparations or campaigns for the election?
No confidence in Faruque: They too can be accused of ‘copy-paste’ allegations
Eight directors of the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) submitted a no-confidence letter to the sports adviser, bringing multiple charges against board president Faruque Ahmed. Within hours, and without giving him a chance to defend himself, the National Sports Council (NSC) cancelled its nomination for Faruque as a BCB director.
I am ready to take over: Aminul Islam
However, it won’t be easy to remove the BCB president unless he resigns voluntarily as the International Cricket Council has strict restrictions regarding government interference in the board. The meeting between the BCB president and sports adviser and Aminul Islam Bulbul’s today’s statement makes it clear that he is going to be the BCB boss for the interim period. Speaking to Prothom Alo, Aminul Islam said, “I have not yet been asked to take over as the BCB president.
Suspicion of spot-fixing in 140 incidents of five BPLs
In the last five editions of the Bangladesh Premier League (BPL), there have been approximately 140 incidents that have raised suspicions of spot-fixing. 36 such suspicious events were reported this season alone. More than 60 local and foreign players have come under suspicion—some even facing allegations more than once. This brief set of numbers paints a grim picture of how deeply spot-fixing has taken root in the Bangladesh’s only franchise T20 tournament.
BPL: Five wides, overs of 11-15 runs evoke suspicion of spot fixing
“Cricket is such a sport where a skeptic can find suspicion in everything. If you see through a normal lens, everything seems normal,” a former national cricket team player, who wants to see the sport does not get dirty, made the remark. He believes since the game is the means of livelihood for cricketers, they cannot cheat with it. Unfortunately though, this former cricketer’s ‘conviction’ is shaken repeatedly by the ongoing season of Bangladesh Premier League (BPL).
Bangladesh's path to trade efficiency: WB report on key reforms
The World Bank’s Business Ready report for 2024 has spotlighted areas of progress and challenges for Bangladesh, particularly in facilitating international trade. The report, a successor to the widely referenced Ease of Doing Business index, assesses 50 countries on various business indicators. Bangladesh’s rank of 38th in the international trade pillar signals both noteworthy advancements and significant areas needing improvement, with a composite score of 53.86 out of 100.
Experimental Study of Long Short-Term Memory and Transformer Models for Fall Detection on Smartwatches
1. Introduction Falls are the second leading cause of unintentional injury deaths worldwide. Adults older than 60 suffer the greatest number of fatal falls [1]. The resultant inactivity caused by a fall in older adults often leads to social isolation and increased illnesses associated with inactivity, including infections and deep vein thrombosis. Consequently, a large variety of wearable devices which incorporate fall detection systems have been developed [2,3,4,5].
What Hathurusinghe expects from BCB
There has been much speculation regarding the national cricket team’s head coach Chandika Hathurusinghe’s future. Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) president Faruque Ahmed has been facing questions over this wherever he appeared before the media since taking over.
Nazmul Hassan ready to resign from BCB
Nazmul Hassan is ready to resign from the post of Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) president. He informed a top BCB director over the phone from abroad about his wish. It is assumed that he went to London following the fall of the Awami League government. A BCB source said some seven to eight of the currently active directors sat yesterday, Wednesday to decide their next course of action. It was in this meeting that a director disclosed Nazmul Hassan’s wish to resign.
How Nazmul Hassan became ‘invincible’ in BCB
The third division cricket league used to keep the club cricket thriving and the pipeline of the cricketers strong. There was no other platform which gave this many rising cricketers to compete against each other except the school cricket. The platform doesn’t exist anymore If cricket had life, then it would have been fed up by this time in Bangladesh. It would say, “I am being burnt to ashes in your love.
Taskin Ahmed expresses elation after being named vice-captain for T20 World Cup squad
Immediately after announcing the name of Bangladesh’s T20I captain, Najmul Hossain Shanto, while revealing the 15-member squad, chief selector Gazi Ashraf Hossain spelled out the name of Taskin Ahmed! This was amazing because, how a right arm fast bowler Taskin Ahmed, who was even in doubt of making it into the T20 World Cup squad just a day ago owing to a critical injury, included in the squad subject to regaining fitness before 25 May, the cut off date for submitting the final squad, could...
Did Mushfique, Mahmudullah, Tamim really decline to play under a female umpire?
So who spilled the beans that Prime Bank and Mohammedan cricket teams or the players such as Mushfiqur Rahim, Tamim Iqbal and Mahmudullah declined to play a Dhaka Premier Division Cricket League match officiated under a female umpire? The allegation seemed baseless while talking with all stakeholders and inquiring in relevant sources yesterday.
Shakib’s return is quite a relief for both the squad and the BCB
His eye complaint that cropped up during the ODI World Cup in India saw Shakib Al Hasan struggling during the initial phase of BPL (Bangladesh Premier League) too. But he somehow managed to get over with that mostly during the later phase of the tournament and already have played three more matches in the Dhaka Premier League. Today, he returns to Test cricket for the first time since August last year.
BCB's New Chief Selector Gazi Ashraf Hossain: Enjoying Board Director Rank and Privileges
Bangladesh Cricket Board’s newly-appointed chief selector Gazi Ashraf Hossain will replace his predecessor Minhajul Abedin on 1 March for the next two years with the rank of a board director.
Let the captain be selected long term: Najmul
Rich form with bat, glimpse of leadership capacity after getting the responsibility as stand-in captain. Najmul Hossain is regarded as the future captain of Bangladesh. But what is leadership to him? How does he see cricket? The national team top-order batter discussed in detail during a long interview with Prothom Alo. Prothom Alo : You have been in great form both at Test and ODI recently. You were rather successful as stand-in captain in New Zealand. Are you having a dream-like time?
Shakib Al Hasan: From Cricket to Politics - Challenges, Confidence, and Future Plans
Prothom Alo: You have started your election campaign. It’s a completely new world to you. How is your experience so far? I have worked only for a day. Besides, there was some work like collecting and submitting nomination papers. If you are talking about the election campaign, then yesterday (Monday) marked the first day. The experience was good on the first day. However, addressing rallies and delivering political speeches are not my strengths.
Shakib-Hathurusingha don't want 'unfit' Tamim in World Cup
If one starts a countdown to Bangladesh’s first match in the World Cup, then it would read, ’11 Days to go’. And if one starts the countdown for the Bangladesh team’s flight to India for the World Cup, it would show the remaining time in hours as the team is set to board the fight tomorrow afternoon. A little over 24 hours remain before the Bangladesh team’s flight to India, still, the World Cup squad is yet to be announced. This information is shocking enough on its own.
Razzak says excessive criticism puts pressure on the Bangladesh team
A former Bangladesh batsman had once said, he feels under pressure playing in televised matches. When the thought– everyone is watching me play– enters his mind while batting, he loses the plot. His feet stop moving and his bat stops working. I was taken aback by what he said. Somehow I strung together a few words and said, “Then you shouldn’t play international cricket! Every international match is telecast live.” But things have changed now.
Mushfiq likely to return to Dhaka to be with his expecting wife
Mushfiqur Rahim’s participation in this year’s Asia Cup could come to an abrupt end as the wicketkeeper-batter could return to Dhaka from Sri Lanka owing to a family emergency. A source in the Bangladesh team informed that Mushfiq’s wife is about to give birth to their second child very soon. The batter has expressed his desire to be with his wife during this time to the team management and said that he needs to be in Dhaka by 12 September.
Waiting for the caged Lion
Imran Khan himself hails from Lahore. He was born and brought up in his ancestors’ house at the Zaman Park adjacent to Lahore canal. Dilbar, a middle-aged man, came from outside of Lahore to watch the match between Bangladesh and Pakistan at the Gaddafi Stadium. He is a staunch fan of cricketer and politician Imran. When asked the location of Zaman Park the way he started to describe everything, it seemed Imran, his houses, his life- everything was alive in front of the very eyes of Dilbar.
Bangladesh team relaxes with unique practice before match against Pakistan
The tone of the team was reflected in the words of pacer Shoriful Islam. While talking about Wednesday’s match on mobile phone, he said, “Only one message was conveyed from the team that we will play as a unit. Give your best. Playing as a unit will help winning the match. That is the optimum thing.” Shoriful rued the fact that the Asia Cup had ended for Najmul Hossain due to a hamstring injury. “We will miss Shanto bhai (Najmul). He was in a good rhythm.
Mehidy Hasan Miraz: My batting was terrible in int’l cricket, I used to get in and get out
Interview: Mehidy Hasan Miraz ‘My batting was terrible in int’l cricket, I used to get in and get out’ After playing two matches in two countries in quick succession, Bangladesh players were in complete rest on Monday in Lahore. During the rest day, Mehidy Hasan Miraz, the player of the match against Afghanistan, spared some minutes and spoke with Prothom Alo about how he regularly adapts to new challenges and finds success–
Innovative Plastic Recycling Helps Improve Rohingyas' Health and Environment in Cox's Bazar
Slowly but surely, Rofiul's camp has undergone a magnificent transformation. The camp surroundings have become testament to the collective efforts of the community. The once-dirty pathways are mostly clean, and the air feels much cleaner. The community is now acutely aware of the detrimental consequences of polythene waste and now take great care to dispose of their trash responsibly.
BCCI chief curator Ashish Bhowmick predicts a 'run fest' at the upcoming World Cup in India
Before the World Cup, Bangladesh will play two practice matches at the Assam Cricket Association’s Dr. Bhupen Hazarika Cricket Stadium. Ashish feels that this is the best possible preparation for the Bangladesh team before they embark on a World Cup of run fest. “One of the best wickets in India is in Guwahati. Till now, two ODIs have been played at that venue.
Rashid Khan: The 'Common Room' Door is Always Open
But all the hanging out and ludo games are done till the evening. The highly disciplined Afghans returned to their respective rooms within seven or seven thirty in the evening. The lights are turned off by eight except the days of day-night matches. Another thing must be mentioned about the Afghan cricketers. Interviews of even the biggest names of other countries are sometimes easier to get than from an Afghan player.
Glorious Tamim engulfed in ‘retirement-drama’ debate
Cricket may be just a sport and the Afghanistan series may be just another international series. But when the top brass of the country has to get involved to solve a problem on the playing field, then one has to accept that the people on the field have most likely failed to do their jobs properly.
Prime Minister summons Tamim
Tamim Iqbal left Chattogram for Dhaka on Friday morning. He is scheduled to leave for Dubai on 18 July on a family trip. Before that he will meet prime minister Sheikh Hasina anytime today. A source close to Tamim confirmed, the PM has called him to talk about his decision to retire. On Thursday Tamim arranged an impromptu press conference at a Chattogram hotel where he announced his sudden retirement from international cricket.
Why such retirement of Tamim: Bangladesh cricket legend leaves game at 34
During his retirement announcement at the press conference, Tamim Iqbal requested that the discussions on his retirement end there. He urged everybody not to make a fuss about it and speculate on what could happen, what could be done and so forth. It may feel good to comply to his request, but that can’t be. And the very reason is that he is no other but Tamim. The sudden departure of a legend from his favourite arena cannot be left without minute dissections.
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