Bangladesh
The day the music died in India
Indians woke up on Sunday, a weekend holiday, to a shocking news that legendary playback singer Lata Mangeshkar died, as heartfelt tributes began pouring in for the 'Queen of Melody'.
Lata, who had been hospitalised with Covid and pneumonia since the middle of January, passed away at Breach Candy Hospital in Mumbai city around 8am at the age of 92.
With over 30,000 songs to her name in 36 Indian and foreign languages since the 1940s, Lata made it to the coveted Guinness Book of World Records as the globe's most recorded artiste.
READ: PM mourns death of legendary singer Lata Mangeshkar
From Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and opposition politician Rahul Gandhi to Bollywood celebrities like Hema Malini and cricket icon Virat Kohli, all took to social media to pay tributes as the government announced two days of national mourning.
PM Modi was among the first ones to share the tragic news with the nation on Twitter, saying that "beyond films, she was always passionate about India's growth".
"The kind and caring Lata Didi has left us. She leaves a void in our nation that cannot be filled. The coming generations will remember her as a stalwart of Indian culture, whose melodious voice had an unparalleled ability to mesmerise people.
"Dhe closely witnessed the transitions of the Indian film world for decades. Beyond films, she was always passionate about India's growth. She always wanted to see a strong and developed India," he tweeted.
India's main opposition Congress leader Gandhi tweeted, "Her golden voice is immortal and will continue to echo in the hearts of her fans. My condolences to her family, friends and fans."
Bollywood actress Hema Malini said she was "deeply shocked" as with Lata's death, 'an era in Bollywood has ended". Lata was, in fact, the singing voice of many leading actresses of yesteryears -- Hema Malini being the most prominent among them.
Former Indian cricket captain Virat Kohli also tweeted his condolences. "Deeply saddened to hear about the demise of Lata ji. Her melodious songs touched millions of people around the world. Thank you for all the music and the memories," he wrote.
Lata was born in the city of Indore in the central state of Madhya Pradesh on 28th September 1929. She began her music training under her father Deenanath, a theatre personality.
Officially she began her singing career at the age of 13, when the family relocated to Mumbai after her father's demise in 1942. Seven years later, Lata hogged limelight for her first major hit song 'Aayega Aanewaala' in a Bollywood movie.
READ: Legendary singer Lata Mangeshkar hospitalised with Covid
From 1960s to 2000s, she dominated Bollywood. In 1974, Lata became the first Indian singer to perform at Royal Albert Hall in the British capital.
In 1989, Lata was given Dadasaheb Phalke Award, India's highest recognition in the field of cinema. In 2001, Bharat Ratna, the country's highest civilian award, was bestowed on her by the Indian government.
Lata's sister Asha Bhosle is also a singing legend. But Lata had cleared said in an interview that they never competed with each other. "We're very close," she had said.
PM mourns death of legendary singer Lata Mangeshkar
Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on Sunday expressed deep shock and sorrow at the death of legendary singer Lata Mangeshkar.
"A great vacuum has been created in the sub-continent's musical arena at the demise of the Empress of Music,” she said.
The prime minister said Lata Mangeshkar will remain alive forever in the hearts of the people in the region through her works.
She prayed for salvation of the departed soul and conveyed deep sympathy to the bereaved family.
Also read: Legendary singer Lata Mangeshkar hospitalised with Covid
Mild cold wave likely to prevail in parts of country
A mild cold wave sweeping seven districts and Sitakunda upazila of Chattogram district may continue, according to Bangladesh Meteorological Department (BMD).
“Mild cold wave is sweeping Nilphamari, Panchagarh, Kurigram, Jashore, Chuadanga, Pabna, Moulvibazar districts and Sitakunda upazila and it may continue and spread over the surrounding area,” said a Met office bulletin.
Weather may remain dry with temporary partly cloudy sky over the country.
READ: No rains, cold wave likely in northern districts
Moderate to thick fog may occur over north-western part and the river basins and light to moderate fog may occurelsewhere over the country during mid-night to morning, it said.
Night temperature may fall slightly and day temperature may rise slightly over the country.
A Ridge of Sub-continental high extends up to West Bengal and adjoining area. Seasonal low
lies over South Bay, extending its trough to Northeast Bay.
UNB Panchagarh correspondent reports: The temperature in the district recorded at 06.9 degrees Celsius on Sunday.
The normal life of local people has been disrupted due to the bone-chilling cold, causing immense sufferings to the people especially the daily wagers.
Ashraf Ali of Boda upazila, said “I could not go out of home for the last three days due to severe cold and I failed to manage food for my family members due.”
Mohammad Russel Shah, in-charge officer of Tetulia Weather Observatory Centre, said country’s lowest temperature has been recorded in Panchagarh today at 6.9 degrees Celsius and it may persists for few more days.
Khulna fuel traders call indefinite strike from Feb 17
Fuel oil traders will go for an indefinite strike from February 17 in 15 districts of Khulna division to press home their six-point demand including 7% hike in commission on fuel sale.
General Secretary of the Tank-Lorry Owners Association Sheikh Farhad Hossain announced the decision on Saturday night.
READ: Tank-lorry owners to go on indefinite strike Jan 3
During the strike, fuel lifting from Padma, Jamuna and Meghna depots will remain suspended, he said.
Publishing the commission for agents in gazette form, Tk 5 lakh insurance for tank-lorry workers for any accident and establishment of rest houses for tank-lorry workers in different areas are also among their demands.
READ: Sylhet transport workers' indefinite strike withdrawn after one day
Judicial activities of SC to remain suspended Sunday
The judicial activities of Appealate and High Court divisions of the Supreme Court will remain suspended on Sunday in honour of late justice FRM Nazmul Ahasan .
High Court division Judge FRM Nazmul Ahasan breathed his last at 6.15 am on Friday at the city’s Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University Hospital (BSMMU), said a notification of the High Court division signed by registrar general Md Ali Akbar.
READ: The chief justice meets President Hamid and brief him about SC activities: Bangabhaban
Global Covid cases surpass 392 million amid Omicron spread
The overall number of Covid cases has surpassed 392 million as Omicron infections keep rising across the globe.
According to Johns Hopkins University (JHU), the total case count mounted to 392,937,520 while the death toll from the virus reached 5,732,506 Sunday morning.
The US has recorded 76,448,290 cases so far and 902,182 people have died from the virus in the country, the university data shows.
Russia has confirmed 12,433,643 Covid-19 cases so far and 328,014 people have died in the country, according to the JHU data.
India's Covid-19 tally rose to 42,303,664 Sunday, as 1,225,011 new cases were registered in 24 hours across the country, the federal health ministry's latest data showed.
READ: Global Covid cases surpass 390 million amid Omicron spread
Situation in Bangladesh
Bangladesh reported 36 more Covid-linked deaths with 8,359 fresh cases in 24 hours till Saturday morning.
The daily positivity rate further rose to 23.83 from Friday’s 22.95 percent after testing 35,074 samples during the period, according to the Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS).
The daily positivity rate followed a downtrend until Saturday since being recorded at 33.37 per cent on January 28 with 15,440 cases and 20 deaths.
On Friday, Bangladesh reported 30 more Covid-linked deaths with 9,052 fresh cases.
READ: Global Covid cases top 387 million
The fresh numbers took the country’s total fatalities to 28,560 while the caseload mounted to 1,853,187.
Among the new deceased, 21 were men and 15 women.
Twenty-five of the deaths were reported in Dhaka division while three in Khulna, two each in Chattogram, Rangpur, Mymensingh, and one each in Rajshahi and Sylhet divisions.
Meanwhile, the mortality rate declined to 1.54 percent.
However, the recovery rate remained unchanged at 86.04 percent with the recovery of 7,017 more patients during the 24-hour period.
In January, the country reported 322 Covid-linked deaths and 2,13,294 new cases while 19,112 recovered from the disease, according to the DGHS.
On January 28, Bangladesh logged its earlier highest daily positivity rate at 33.37% reporting 15,440 cases and 20 deaths.
Bangladesh’s total tally of Omicron cases reached 69 with the detection of five more cases till January 23, according to GISAID, a global initiative on sharing all influenza data.
NRBC Bank conferred with Krishi Padak
NRBC Bank got ‘RTV Krishi Padak-2022’ for contribution to agricultural development in the country.
On behalf of NRBC Bank SM Pervez Tamal, Chairman of the Bank and Director A KM Mostafizur Rahman received the Krishi Padak from Agriculture Minister Dr. Muhammad Abdur Razzaque and Fisheries and Livestock Minister SM Rezaul Karim.
Bangladesh Securities and Exchange Commission chairman Shibli Rubaiya Ul Islam, City Bank Chairman Aziz Al Kaiser, RTV chairman Morshed Alam MP, RTV’s managing director Humayun Kabir, chief executive officer Syed Ashique Rahman, among others, spoke at the function.
READ: NRBC Bank launches 14 service outlets partnership with SKS
RTV introduced the award last year and a total of eight persons and two organisations have received the prize in 10 categories.
Agriculture Minister and Awami League presidium member Dr. Md. Abdur Razzak received the RTV Agriculture Medal lifetime achievement award for special contribution in agriculture. Among others Bangladesh Fish Research Institute (BFRI), Mymensingh and SKS Foundation also received awards in different categories.
Govt working to build a disaster-tolerant country: Enamur
State Minister for Disaster Management and Relief Dr. Md. Enamur Rahman has said the government is working in a planned way to build a disaster-tolerant and sustainable country by reducing the loss of life and property in disasters.
He said this while speaking at the ground breaking ceremony of Mujibnagar main road in Char Fashion upazila of Bhola district on Saturday.
READ: Turkey to continue efforts to repatriate Rohingya: Enamur
Earthen forts were constructed under the direction of Bangabandhu to protect human life and property from cyclones and floods, which is popularly known as Mujib Fort.
Now in its modern form, construction and development activities of 550 Mujib forts are underway in 148 coastal and flood-affected upazilas, he added.
Coastal distressed people will be able to take shelter there as well as protect their livestock from the damage caused by cyclones and tidal surges.
The Minister said that an adequate and necessary number of cyclone shelters are being constructed in all coastal districts including Bhola.
The government will provide adequate bridges, culverts, unpaved roads and HBB works as per the demand for the infrastructural development of Char Fashion in Bhola.
Besides, arrangements are being made to allocate necessary corrugated iron sheets for the construction of houses for the victims of river erosion.
READ: 10,000 erosion-hit families to get Ashrayan-style homes and land: Enamur Rahman
Abdullah Al Islam Jacob, Member of Parliament and Chairman of the Parliamentary Standing Committee on the Ministry of Youth and Sports and Secretary of the Ministry of Disaster Management and Relief Md. Kamrul Hasan were present on the occasion.
BGMEA urges BEZA to expedite garment village construction at Mirsarai
Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA) has urged the Bangladesh Economic Zones Authority (BEZA) to complete all construction works of the garment village at Bangabandhu Shilpa Nagar in Mirsarai, Chattogram in the quickest possible time to make it ready for setting up factories and start industrial operations. The call was made when a delegation of BGMEA led by President Faruque Hassan visited the garment village on Saturday to see the progress of construction of its infrastructure and facilities. The BGMEA delegation included First Vice President Syed Nazrul Islam, Vice President Shahidullah Azim, Vice President (Finance) Khandoker Rafiqul Islam, Vice President Md. Nasir Uddin, Vice President Rakibul Alam Chowdhury and Directors Md. M. Mohiuddin Chowdhury, A.M. Shafiul Karim (Khokon), Md. Hassan (Jacky), M. Ahsanul Hoq and Mohammed Meraj-E-Mostafa (Kaisar).
READ: Cleaner, greener production cannot come at free of cost: BGMEA chief
High officials of BEZA were also present on the occasion. They toured the site to observe the overall progress of the infrastructure and road construction, as well as gas, water, electricity connections, common effluent treatment plant (CETP) and other facilities. Welcoming the government initiative of establishing the garment village, BGMEA President Faruque Hassan said it would help exporters to set up more factories at a convenient place. He requested the BEZA to expedite the ongoing project works and get the plots fully ready for handover to the BGMEA members who are waiting to set up their garment factories inside the village. All facilities must be ensured so that garment factories can go into industrial operations smoothly, he said.
READ: BGMEA urges LGRD Ministry to repair roads in industrial areas Once the garment village is inaugurated and fully operational, it would create employment for a huge number of people and contribute to increasing the country’s earnings from RMG exports, Faruque Hassan further said. To establish a garment village on a 500-acre site in the industrial city, BGMEA signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with BEZA on 21 March 2018. The BEZA authority assured BGMEA of completing the garment village and handing over the plots in the shortest possible time.
Bodies of 2 fishermen recovered from Bay; 12 still missing
Members of the Coast Guard recovered bodies of two fishermen who went missing from the trawlers that capsized in the Bay of Bengal during a storm early Saturday.The deceased were identified as Mamun Sheikh, 40, son of Anwar Sheikh of Kaliganj village in Chitalmari upazila of Bagerhat district and Ismail Khan, 36, son of Azizul Khan of Janerpar village in Matbaria upazila of Pirojpur district.The bodies were recovered during a search operation conducted by the Coast Guard, the Forest Department and fishermen.Among the missing, three were identified as Shahin, 40, and Mofizul, 30, of Rampal upazila in Bagerhat and Mizan, 34, of Chakla village in Koyra upazila of Khulna.Earlier, the Coast Guard rescued three fishermen hours after several trawlers sank during a sudden storm.
READ: Trawler capsize at Bay: 3 missing fishermen rescued
Pralad Chandra Roy, in-charge of Dublarchar Forest Camp in the eastern parts of the Sundarbans, said a sudden rainstorm hit the area around 10 pm on Friday.Ten fishing trawlers sank within 8 kms of Dublar Char and 8 fishing trawlers capsized in different areas of the Bay of Bengal, 45 kms off Dublar Char.
READ: 18 trawlers sink in Bay, 3 fishermen go missingHe also said that a large quantity of dried fish worth Tk 2 crore were damaged during the storm.