Bangladesh
Changes are being made in curriculum to keep pace with world: PM Hasina
Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on Sunday said changes are being made in the curriculum as the government wants to develop international standard education system in Bangladesh.
“We want our country to move, keeping pace with the world. This is why the changes are being made in the curriculum (of the educational institutions),” she said while opening the free textbook distribution among students up to the secondary level for the academic year of 2024.
She opened the textbook distribution programme at an event at her office through handing over books to students of pre-primary, primary and secondary levels in the morning.
Sheikh Hasina said she considers expenses against education as investment. “We'll allocate whatever needed for education,” she added.
“How do the internationally renowned universities teach, and what curriculum and what method do they follow? We want to create that international standard education system in Bangladesh,” She went on.
She put emphasis on the practical learning-based education to create employment opportunities in the country.
The PM said she wants to develop a nation with modern technology-knowledge-based education and that from an early age and for this reason her government is giving importance to technical education and vocational training.
“We want to build a nation with modern-technology-knowledge-based education. We’ve already done everything for that,” she added.
The prime minister called upon the students to study attentively to develop them properly.
“We want to build the nation with versatile education. To build smart Bangladesh, we need a smart and skilled population the most,” she said.
Putting the importance of education to get rid of poverty, she said, “We want to make Bangladesh a poverty-free country. Only education can make a country free from poverty. That is why we have given the highest importance to education.”
Sheikh Hasina wished all a Happy New Year on the eve of 2024.
The ministries concerned have taken necessary steps to distribute 30,70,83,517 copies of new textbooks among 3,81,28,324 students this year throughout the country.
The textbooks have already been sent to upazilas in the country.
The government has so far distributed over 464,78,29,883 free textbooks among students up to secondary levels across the country since 2010.
Since 2017, the government has been distributing braille books among the blind students alongside distributing Chakma, Marma, Tripura, Garo and Sadri version books among the small ethnic students to study in their mother languages.
With Education Minister Dipu Moni in the chair, State Minister for Primary and Mass Education Jakir Hossain spoke at the function, while Deputy Minister for Education Mohibul Hassan delivered the welcome speech.
Bangladesh High Commission celebrates ‘National Expatriates Day’ in Canada
Bangladesh High Commission, Ottawa, Canada organized "Public Hearing" and "Special Consular Services" in Montreal, Canada to celebrate the National Expatriates Day on December 30.
High Commissioner of Bangladesh in Canada, Dr. Khalilur Rahman attended to the valuable opinions, suggestions and concerns voices by the Bangladeshi expatriates residing in Canada during the public hearing.
Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina directed all Bangladesh Missions abroad to observe Expatriate Day for the first time this year to recognize the contribution of expatriate Bangladeshis to the development of Bangladesh and to actively involve them in the ongoing developmental journey of the country, said a press release.
Read: Expats are our heroes; let’s work together to build Smart Bangladesh: FM
As part of various initiatives of the High Commission to deliver services at the doorstep of people, this Special Consular Service was organized for Bangladeshi expatriates in the city of Montreal on Expatriate Day. Moreover, their valuable opinions and suggestions were listened to through the public hearing to enhance the quality of services.
During the public hearing, Canadian-Bangladeshis in Montreal requested the High Commissioner to present their request for opening a Consulate Office in Canada to the Government of Bangladesh considering the increasing number of Bangladeshi expatriates in the city.
In this regard, they would soon send a formal application to the High Commission after collecting signatures of large number of Bangladeshi expatriates.
Currently, over 40,000 Canadian Bangladeshis reside in Montreal, with their numbers steadily increasing.
Expatriate Bangladeshis also urged the High Commissioner to make consular services more easily accessible. In response, High Commissioner affirmed the commitment of the High Commission to promptly deliver consular services within the existing legal framework.
He pledged to advocate for necessary changes in laws and regulations to expedite consular services for Canadian Bangladeshis soon after the formation of the new government next year.
Read: National Immigrants Day 2023 celebrated in Japan
In his closing speech, High Commissioner called for cherishing the secular spirit of the great war of independence of Bangladesh and respecting diversity in races, religions, colors, and opinions.
He encouraged Bangladeshi brothers and sisters in Canada to enhance the image of Bangladesh through their honesty, hard work, and talent. Additionally, he cautioned against those propagandizing against Bangladesh, urging social unity against such efforts. The High Commissioner specifically requested expatriates to remit their hard-earned foreign currency through legal channels to their families, relatives, and friends in Bangladesh.
The National Expatriates Day 2023 event concluded with a captivating cultural performance presented by the Bangladeshi diaspora in Montreal.
Supporting working mothers: In ‘Let’s Talk’ PM highlights govt initiatives to introduce daycare facilities across country
In response to concerns over women leaving the workplace post-childbirth, Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina highlighted the government’s initiatives to introduce daycare facilities across Bangladesh — aimed at supporting working mothers and ensuring their continued participation in the workforce.
During an interactive dialogue with youths, the PM outlined her vision for extensive daycare infrastructure all over the country.
Also read: ‘Let's Talk with PM’: CRI’s interactive dialogue brings Bangladesh's young minds face-to-face with nation’s leader
Center for Research and Information (CRI), a prominent non-profit research organization, organized the 52nd episode of its “Let’s Talk” series, marking an unprecedented open discussion between the nation's youth and Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina.
"After assuming office in 1996, I set up a daycare center at the Secretariat, personally funding toys and essentials," the Prime Minister said in response to the concern raised by one of the participants at the event.
Emphasizing inclusivity, she highlighted the integration of daycare provisions into newly approved projects, particularly within high-standard garment factories. "We are committed to establishing daycare centers in all institutions, starting from the airport," she affirmed.
Also read: CRI's 'Let's Talk': Speakers back govt initiatives to shore up energy security
Prime Minister Hasina stressed the importance of widespread daycare availability, irrespective of government or private entities.
She highlighted the extension of maternity leave from three to six months and the introduction of a special allowance for working mothers, specifically those who breastfeed, aimed at ensuring optimal child nutrition.
"Under the social security scheme, we have diligently implemented measures to support working mothers," she added.
Also read: Sajeeb Wazed discusses Smart Bangladesh vision with Gen Z
The special episode of “Let’s Talk” witnessed a diverse assembly of over 300 young individuals, from rural and urban backgrounds.
This vibrant group included super achievers, sports stars, and international award winners, all united by a common purpose: direct engagement with the nation's leader on pressing issues and future aspirations.
Two brothers murdered over 'land dispute' in Magura
Miscreants murdered two brothers allegedly over land dispute in Mohammadpur upazila of Magura district last night, said police.
The deceased were identified as Sabur Ali, 30, and his younger brother Hridoy Ali, sons of Manjur Ali of Patighata village under the upazila.
Read: Policeman killed in Bogura road crash
Confirming the matter, Mohammadpur police station’s Officer-in-charge (OC) Md Borhan Ali said there had been a dispute between the victims’ family and a neighbour over the ownership of a piece of land in the village.
Last night around 8 pm, someone went to their house asked the brothers to come out, he said quoting the family, adding that the brothers didn’t return home.
Later, locals spotted the bodies of the brothers in a crop field, a short distance from their house, the OC said. Their throats were slit with sharp weapon.
Read: Fire breaks out at a slum in Chattogram
Being informed, a police team rushed to the spot and recovered the bodies and subsequently sent them to Magura Sadar Hospital morgue for autopsy, the police officer informed.
Though no one has so far been arrested in this connection, he said an investigation is underway to identify the accused.
PM launches free textbook distribution among students
Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina today launched the distribution of free textbooks among students up to the secondary level for the academic year 2024.
The premier inaugurated the textbook distribution at an event in her office through giving out books to students of pre-primary, primary and secondary levels in the morning.
Also read: PM Hasina seeks votes from first-time voters to continue progress
At the event, Sheikh Hasina wished all a Happy New Year.
The ministries have taken necessary steps to distribute 30,70,83,517 copies of new textbooks among 3,81,28,324 students throughout the country.
The textbooks have already been sent to upazilas in the country.
The government has so far distributed over 464,78,29,883 copies of free textbooks among students up to secondary levels across the country since 2010.
Also read: Foreign meddling into Bangladesh election won't be tolerated: PM Hasina at Kotalipara rally
Since 2017, the government has been distributing braille books among visually impaired students alongside distributing Chakma, Marma, Tripura, Garo and Sadri version books among students from the ethnic groups to study in their mother languages.
With Education Minister Dipu Moni in the chair, State Minister for Primary and Mass Education Jakir Hossain spoke at the function, while Deputy Minister for Education Mohibul Hassan delivered the welcome speech.
Also read: BNP burns people, has no right to do politics in Bangladesh: PM Hasina tells campaign rally in Barishal
With Karwan Bazar and Shahbagh Stations opening today, Dhaka Metro Rail ends 2023 with a milestone
Dhaka's ambitious metro rail project reached a significant milestone with the opening of the Karwan Bazar and Shahbagh metro rail stations. This achievement marks the completion of all 16 stations along the Dhaka Metro Rail route, extending from Uttara North to Motijheel.
Following the commencement of the Bijoy Sarani and Dhaka University stations on December 13, only the Karwan Bazar and Shahbagh stations were pending activation. With their launch, Dhaka residents can now enjoy full access to the metro rail network, significantly easing urban transportation.
Also read: New Metro Rail Station at Dhaka University: A milestone in student connectivity
Commuters, particularly office-goers, have warmly welcomed the operation of these crucial stations in the heart of the capital. Many have expressed their satisfaction and are eagerly anticipating an expanded schedule on the Agargaon-Motijheel route.
"The metro rail has transformed our daily commute, and the new stations are a much-needed addition," shared a business trader from Gazipur’s Tongi who has to travel at least twice a week to Old Dhaka’s Bakshi Bazar, a distance of almost 24 kilometres.
31st Night: Ctg Police impose 13 restrictions
Chattogram Metropolitan Police (CMP) imposed 13 restrictions, including no “DJ party and alcohol bars” on December 31st night or New Year’s Eve.
The Ctg Police also restricted all kinds of gatherings at Patenga and Parki beaches in the port city, a media release sent from the CMP last night said.
The CMP is committed to upholding the law and order situation on the 31st night, and they have taken adequate security measures, it reads.
Check-posts have been set up at different spots alongside deployment of police personnel in churches, hotels, clubs and entertainment centers across the city.
In addition, patrolling by police has been strengthened. Special arrangements of traffic police and intelligence surveillance in plainclothes will remain in force.
BSF hands over bodies of 2 Bangladeshi youths it shot dead after 15 days
Indian Border Security Force (BSF) on Saturday handed over the bodies of two Bangladeshi youths who were shot dead by its members on December 16.
A team of Darshana Police Station with the help of Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) members received the bodies of the youths this evening and handed them over to their families, said Biplab Kumar Saha, in-charge of the police station.
Earlier around 5pm, a flag meeting was held between Border Guard of Bangladesh (BGB-6) Battalion and Indian Border Guard Force Battalion at the 82 main Pillar area of the border, regarding the handing over of the bodies.
Sazedur Rahman alias Saidul and Khaza Mainuddin were shot dead by Indian Border Security Force (BSF), along the Kamarpara-Baradi border in Chuadanga in Dinajpur on the night of December 16, local union parishad member Abdur Rahman said.
He said Saidul and Mainuddin, accompanied by others, crossed into the Indian territory along the Kamarpara-Baradi border on the night of December 16, a Saturday.
A patrol team of Gobindapur BSF camp in Nadia district of West Bengal opened fire on them, leaving Saidul and Mainuddin dead on the spot, he said.
On Sunday morning (Dec 17), the BSF members took the bodies to Krishnanagar Police Station.
Later, BGB sent a letter to BSF asking for the return of the bodies, but the BSF did not respond.
On Wednesday afternoon (December 27), the flag meeting of the border guard forces of the two countries was held at the Darshana Gharadi border, but the bodies were not received due to legal complications, BGB said.
Lieutenant General Waker-Uz-Zaman made chief of general staff (CGS) of Bangladesh Army
The principal staff officer of the Armed Forces Division (AFD) Lieutenant General Waker-Uz-Zaman has been made the new chief of general staff (CGS) of Bangladesh Army.
He replaces Ataul Hakim Sarwar Hasan, who retires as a Lieutenant General of Bangladesh Army.
At the same time, the 9th Infantry Division general officer commanding, Major General Mizanur Rahman Shameem, has been made principal staff officer of AFD.
An order signed by Bangladesh Army military secretary Major General Khan Firoz Ahmed was issued on Friday in this regard.
Also according to the order, the rank of Major General Mizanur Rahman Shameem would be promoted to the rank of lieutenant general with the date of assumption of the appointment.
Lieutenant Colonel Abu Hayder Mohammad Rasheluzzaman, director of the Inter Service Public Relations (ISPR) directorate, confirmed the matter.
Prior to his latest appointment as CGS, Lieutenant General Waker-Uz-Zaman, SGP, psc assumed the duties of Principal Staff Officer of the Armed Forces Division in November 2020. An alumnus of Bangladesh Military Academy, the General was commissioned in the Corps of Infantry in December 1985. In a career spread over more than three and half decades, Lieutenant General Waker-Uz-Zaman is said to bring with him an enormous amount of experience of holding key command, staff and instructional appointments.
In his distinguished military career, Lieutenant General Waker-Uz-Zaman commanded an Infantry Battalion, an Independent Infantry Brigade and an Infantry Division. His key staff appointments include staff officer at an Infantry Brigade, School of Infantry and Tactics and Army Headquarters, according to his profile from the Armed Forces Division.
He was nominated as a Gender Champion and Gender Advocate of Bangladesh for UN Peacekeeping Affairs. Under the UN's Blue Helmet, Lieutenant General Waker completed two tours of duty as observer and staff in UNAVEM (Angola) and UNMIL (Liberia) respectively.
He is an alumnus of the Defence Services Command and Staff College, Mirpur and Joint Services Command and Staff College, UK. He holds a master degree in Defence Studies from Bangladesh and Master of Arts in Defence Studies from King’s College, University of London.
Rosatom builds the world’s first ground-based small nuclear power plant
Russia’s State Corporation Rosatom is building the first ever ground-based Small Nuclear Power Plant (SNPP) in its Yakutia region, the Far East part of the country along the Arctic Sea. The power plant will host the newest RITM-200N Small Modular Reactor (SMR).
According to Rosatom, the mechanical engineering division of the company in St. Petersburg has started manufacturing equipment for the SNPP. More than 165 tons of equipment made of stainless steel have gone through a full cycle of metallurgical treatment before being supplied to the plant.
“Demand for SNPP technological solutions is growing rapidly. Small reactor is considered as one of the most promising areas in global nuclear energy development”, said Igor Kotov, Head of Rosatom Mechanical Engineering Division.
Russia intends to maintain leadership in this area and is confidently proceeding to the production of commercial units, rather than pilot or experimental ones, he added.
The plant is scheduled to be put into operation in 2028. Upon completion, it will make possible the energy security and socio-economic development of the Yakutia region.
The plant will host one power unit with an RITM-200N reactor which is developed based on a modern RITM-200 reactor, intended for universal nuclear icebreakers.
The thermal power capacity of the RITM-200N is 190 MW, while its electrical power capacity is 55 MW. The reactor has an operational lifetime of 60 years and requires refueling every 5–6 years.
Rosatom has been engaged in Bangladesh as a Russian contractor to build a 2400 MW nuclear power plant in the northern part of the country with two units each having 1200 MW capacity.