Bangladesh
Bangladesh's Delhi mission observes Armed Forces Day
The Bangladesh High Commission in New Delhi has observed Armed Forces Day, marking the founding of Army, Navy and Air Force during the Liberation War of Bangladesh in 1971.
Bangladesh High Commissioner to India Muhammad Imran hosted a reception at the mission Monday to mark the 50th anniversary of Armed Forces Day, paying homage to Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman and the martyrs of the Liberation War of 1971.
This year Bangladesh is celebrating the golden jubilee of its independence and the birth centenary of the Bangabandhu.
Bangladesh and India are also observing their 50th year of diplomatic relations and defence ties.
To celebrate Bangladesh's Armed Forces Day India's Union Defence Minister Rajnath Singh was present as chief guest.
34 establishments evicted from banks of Shitalakhya river
At least 34 illegal establishments along the Shitalakhya river were demolished in an eviction drive in Rupganj upazila on Monday.
Bangladesh Inland Water Transport Authority (BIWTA) led by its executive magistrate Shobhan Rangsar conducted a drive in Tarabo bazar in Tarabo municipality area of the upazila and demolished 34 illegal establishments including six tin-shed houses and two-storey market.
READ: All illegal occupants over city canals to be evicted: Minister
The drive was ran from from 11 am to 4 pm.
“As per the directives of the Supreme Court, the construction work of installing two boundary pillars along the river banks of the river is going on and a drive was conducted for fishing the construction work of walkways along the river,” he said.
READ: Over 18,000 of 60,000 illegal river grabbers evicted: NRCC Chairman
Covid impact: Women, urbanites, people on the move uniquely affected, says study
Women, people in urban areas and those on the move have been disproportionately and uniquely affected by the devastating socioeconomic impacts of the Covid-19 pandemic.This crisis has caused increased unemployment and poverty, food insecurity; a higher vulnerability to violence; and a loss of education and reduced opportunities for children. It has also exacerbated mental health issues.The findings were revealed in a new research published by the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) Monday.Francesco Rocca, president of the IFRC, said, "Our research shows what we have long suspected and feared, namely that the destructive secondary impacts of this pandemic have damaged the fabric of our society and will be felt for years, if not decades, to come."
READ: Rajnath Singh pays tribute to Bangabandhu
"People who were already vulnerable, due to conflict, climate change, and poverty, have been pushed further towards the edge. And many people who were previously able to cope have become vulnerable, needing humanitarian support for the first time in their lives."The new research provides a global overview, with a special focus on Afghanistan, Colombia, El Salvador, Iraq, Kenya, Lebanon, Philippines, Spain, South Africa and Turkey. Overall, women had more significant impacts on their income, were at greater risk of Covid due to caregiving roles, were more exposed to sexual and gender-based violence and experienced mental health impacts to a greater degree than men. In urban areas, poverty rates grew, in some cases at a faster pace than in rural areas.People on the move were more likely to lose jobs or have their hours cut during the pandemic and have been widely neglected by formal protection and safeguarding measures.Also, a lack of preparedness made it harder for countries to build a comprehensive response to what has simultaneously become a public health emergency, global economic shock, and political and social crisis.The report also reveals that the world is on course for a wildly unequal recovery, depending on the efficacy and equity of vaccination programmes.
READ: Bangladesh's Delhi mission observes Armed Forces Day
"We have consistently warned that the inequitable distribution of vaccines will not only allow for high levels of transmission to continue, but that this inequity will also hinder, prolong, or exacerbate the impacts of this pandemic," the IFRC president said."The world must open its eyes, take heed of what is happening around them and shift from words to action. If not, we face the risk that the recovery from the Covid-19 pandemic will be just as uneven and unjust as the impacts of the pandemic itself."
HC directs rapid action against elephant-killing
The High Court on Monday directed the government authorities to take prompt action against elephant killings in the country.
The court also issued a rule and directed the Information and Broadcasting Ministry to spread awareness on preventing elephant killings.
HC bench of justice Md Mostafizur Rahman and M Enayetur Rahim passed the order during a hearing on a writ petition seeking directions to stop elephant killing across the country.
The court issued a rule questioning why direction will not be given to publish a gazette announcing 12 elephant corridors as conserved following the Wildlife (Conservation and Security) Act, 2012.
Also read: Another elephant calf found dead in Cox’s Bazar
The court also questioned why inaction against preventing elephant killing by the respondents mentioned in the petition will not be announced illegal.
On November 21, three wildlife activist including Adnan Azad, Farzana Yasmin filed a writ petition seeking direction on steps for ending elephant killing in Cox’s bazar, Chattogram and other areas in the country.
In the petition 21 including the environment secretary, information secretary, director general of the forest department, district commissioners of Chattogram and Cox’s bazar were made respondents.
Also read: Case against 4 in Sherpur over killing Asian elephant
Earlier on November 9, Forest Department filed a Prosecution Offense Report case with Chattogram forest court against three people over killing a wild elephant in Satkania.
JICA to hold stakeholders meeting for energy-power master plan
The first ever stakeholders’ meeting on formulation of an integrated energy and power sector master plan is set to take place in a city hotel on Tuesday.
According to official sources, Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) is holding the meeting to understand the current state of the sector and take opinion of different entities on framing the future plan.
They said JICA, which is funding the entire project through its grant under a deal with the ministry of power, energy and mineral resources (MPEMR) will complete the formulation of the integrated energy and power master plan by December 2022 under a 30-month completion contract.
READ: Desco’s underground cabling plan misses JICA deadline for its own fault
Tokyo-based consulting firm Institute of Energy Economics, Japan (IEEJ), which has been appointed consultant for the project, has already started work following an agreement the Bangladesh government signed with JICA on March 15 this year in this regard.
The JICA official website said the integrated energy and power master plan’s major focus will be on the "3E+S" concept.
“We’ll pursue the "3E+S" concept of ensuring "Energy Security," "Economic Efficiency," and "Environment" while focusing on "Safety," said the JICA, adding, “In view of the need for a long-term low-carbon energy policy, we will support the formulation of the integrated energy and power master plan.”
Prime Minister’s Energy Advisor Dr. Tawfiq-e-Elahi Chowdhury will inaugurate the first session of the meeting while State Minister for Power, Energy and Mineral Resources Nasrul Hamid will address at the concluding session of the function.
Earlier, JICA had provided financial and technical support for formulating all the previous power system master plans (PSMPs) until 2016.
According to official sources at the MPEMR, for decades, Bangladesh had prepared two separate master plans—one for the energy sector and another for power sector—where there had been many missing links and lack of coordination resulting in imbalance between the energy and power sector’s growth.
READ: JICA to implement Tk 882 cr food value chain dev project in Bangladesh
"But for the first time, we’re going to formulate an integrated master plan putting equal emphasis on development of both the sectors in order to support the current robust economic growth,” said Mohammad Hossain, Director General of Power Cell.
In the existing power system master plan (PSMP) 2016, about 60,000 MW of power generation was targeted by 2041 in which primary fuel mix set at 70 per cent coming from coal and gas while the remaining 30 per cent will be covered by liquid fuel, renewable, nuclear and other sources.
Currently, the country's power generation capacity is over 21,000 MW, of which about 50 per cent of power is being generated from gas while less than 10 per cent is from coal. About 30 per cent of power is generated from imported liquid fuel.
ILO offers to work with FBCCI in further improving industrial safety
The International Labour Organisation(ILO) has expressed its keenness to work with the country's top business body, the FBCCI, to make positive changes in Bangladesh’s industries like RMG sector that has become one of the safest industries in the world through reforms.
The issue was discussed when ILO Bangladesh country director Tuomo Poutiainen called on FBCCI President Md Jashim Uddin at his office.
READ: FBCCI seeks enhanced trade, investment ties with UK
According to a press release issued from the FBCCI, said the ILO, a specialised UN agency, wants to bring about such positive changes in the rest of the industry.
“That goal requires the involvement of the private sector. That's why the United Nations is keen to work with the country's top business body, the FBCCI,” the press release stated.
ILO director also lauded the major reforms in the garment sector after Rana Plaza disaster and the recent initiative by FBCCI and BIDA to inspect factories producing for the domestic market.
He thanked the FBCCI president for setting up the FBCCI Safety Council on the initiative of the present committee.
Tuomo Poutiainen said it would be easier to improve the labour sector in Bangladesh for them if they have FBCCI, the Bangladesh Employers Federation (BEF), and the related organisations.
BEF president Ardashir Kabir proposed to form two working groups in the two respective trade bodies. These groups will jointly review and finalised the draft work plan prepared by the ILO.
The FBCCI president 108 committees have already been formed under the initiative of FBCCI and BIDA who will initially inspect 500 factories.
The FBCCI president said that the FBCCI experts would give their views on the matter after reviewing the draft work plan prepared by the ILO.
READ: FBCCI keen to sign MoU with top Spanish trade body
FBCCI Vice President M A Momen, Md Amin Helaly, Secretary General Mohammad Mahfuzul Hoque and FBCCI Safety Council Adviser Brig. General (Retd.) Abu Naeem Md. Shahidullah were present in the meeting.
Bangladesh signs $2.665bn loan deal with Japan for implementing development projects
Bangladesh and Japan on Monday signed a $2.665 billion loan agreement for the implementation of Matarbari Ultra Super Critical Coal-Fired Power project (6th tranche) and Dhaka Mass Rapid Transit Development Project (Line 1).
The agreement also covers the Covid-19 Crisis Response Emergency Support Loan Phase-2.
Appreciating the agreement between Dhaka and Tokyo, Finance Minister AHM Mustafa Kamal who virtually joined the function said Japan has been Bangladesh's most trusted friend and the foundation of which was laid during the historic visit of Father of the Nation Sheikh Mujibur Rahman to Japan on October 18-24 in 1973.
READ: Consumers have to bear some of the burden of increased fuel price: Finance Minister
Economic Relation Division secretary Fatima Yasmin signed the loan agreement with Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) Bangladesh chief representative Yuho Hayakawa Japanese while an exchange of note was also signed with Japanese Ambassador ITO Naoki on the occasion at the function held at the at NEC-2 conference hall of Economic Relations Division (ERD).
The finance minister expressed gratitude to the government of Japan for its involvement in a number of iconic mega projects in Bangladesh, including Bangabandhu Road and Rail Bridge over the Jamuna River, Metro Rail Networks in Dhaka city, Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport 3rd Terminal, Matarbari Coal Fired Power Plant and Matarbari Sea Port.
Senior officials of the Ministry of Finance, Finance Division, Power Division, Road Transport and Highways Division, CPGCBL, PGCB, RHD, DMTCL and other officials of Bangladesh, representatives from Embassy of Japan and JICA were present at the loan signing ceremony.
Japan will finance the two development projects under the 42nd ODA Loan Package (1st batch) at an interest of 0.60 per cent for construction, 0.01 per cent for consultancy service, Front End Fee (at a time) 0.2 per cent with a repayment period of 30 years including a 10 years grace period.
However, the ‘Covid-19 Crisis Response Emergency Support Loan Phase 2’ project’s interest rate will be 0.55 per cent, Front End Fee (at a time) 0.2 per cent having a repayment period of 30 years, including 10 years grace period.
Currently, the 1200 MW Matarbari Ultra Super Critical Coal-Fired Power Project is being implemented to meet growing electricity demand and improve stable power supply by 2 units, each having 600MW capacity at Matarbari in Maheshkhali Upazila under Cox’s Bazar district.
Power transmission lines, access roads, township development, and creating a channel for Matarbari Port works are included in the project.
READ: Youths to make Bangladesh prosperous, says Finance Minister
The implementation period of the project, involving the total cost of Tk35,984.46 crore (GOB 4926.66 cr. + JICA 28939.03 cr. + CPGCBL 2118.77 cr.), is July 2014 to June 2023.
As of October 2021, the project achieved physical progress of 49 per cent and financial progress 51 per cent.
JICA is providing assistance for this project in different phases. JICA has already provided $ 2.63 billion in 5 tranches. Under this, the 6th tranche of ODA loan for this project, JICA will provide $ 1.20 billion.
On the other hand, the 31.241 km Dhaka Mass Rapid Transit Development Project (Line 1) km project will cost Tk 52,561.43 crore (GOB Tk 13,111.11 +JICA 39,450.32 crore) is divided into two parts—one is from Airport to Kamlapur and another is Purbachal route (from Natun Bazar to Pitolganj depot).
The 19.872km airport route will have 12 underground stations while the 11.369 km Purbachal route will have nine overhead stations. The project will be implemented from 2019 to 2026.
Missing DU student found in Tangail jail for exam fraud
Three days after he was reported missing Dhaka University stduent Hamid Sikder Himel was on Monday found imprisoned in Tangail jail, a magistrate said.
He was held on Friday while giving a proxy exam on behalf of a candidate in the recruitment tests for deputy food inspector post of Directorate General of Food, said Md Ataur Rahman Rabby, executive magistrate of district commissioner’s office on Monday.
On Friday Himel, a masters student at DU chemistry department, was given a one-month jail term by a mobile court, he said.
Also read: 3 missing sisters fled Dhaka home for the love of father, Rab found them
During the hearing he was asked several times about his parent’s address and phone number but he didn’t provide any, said the magistrate.
On early Friday, Himel told his roommates in Shahidullah Hall of DU that he was going home in Sakhipur upazila in Tangail. His personal phone number remained unreachable since then and his family members started worrying about his safety.
On Saturday his cousin Mahfuz Talukder , another DU student filed a general diary at the Shahbagh police station reporting Himel as missing.
Also read: Fake vocational examinee arrested from exam center
Himel is a student of masters at Chemistry department in Dhaka University.
No one to look into public sufferings: GM Quader
Jatiya Party Chairman GM Qudaer on Monday alleged that though common people are going through serious hardships due to the soaring prices of all essentials, there is no one to look into their sufferings.
“The people of the country are not having a good time. Ordinary people have become worried due to the growing commodity prices. They’re struggling to make ends meet due to the price hike,” he said.
GM Quader, also the deputy opposition leader in parliament, made the remarks, while exchanging views with the union leaders of the private employees working in government colleges and madrasas at the Jatiya Party chairman's Banani office.
READ: UP polls creating panic instead of festivity: GM Quader
He said there has been anarchy in every sector as the government has irrationally raised the fuel prices. “Transportation costs have risen due to hikes in diesel and kerosene prices. This is casting an adverse effect on every sector,” the Jatiya Party chief observed.
He said the prices of all essential items and raw materials are skyrocketing gradually because of lack of monitoring by the government. “It seems there’s no one to see the sufferings of ordinary people.”
GM Quader urged the government to take effective steps to check the price hike of essentials and ease the public sufferings.
READ: Raising fuel price, transport fare an anti-people move: GM Quader
The Jatiya Party Chairman also called upon the government to accept the justified demands of private employees working in government colleges and madrasas.
Jatiya Party Secretary General Mujibul Haque Chunnu, Presidium Member Mir Abdus Sabur Asud, Joint Secretary General Jasim Uddin Bhuiyan, Organising Secretary Joynal Abedin and Office Secretary MA Razzak Khan were, among others, present at the programme.
Ward councillor among two shot dead in Cumilla gun attack
Two people, including a ward councillor of Cumilla City Corporation (CCC), were shot dead and six others injured as gunmen opened fire on them at Pathuariapara in Cumilla city on Monday. The deceased were identified as Syed Mohammad Sohel, councillor of War-17, and Haripada Shaha, 60. A senior police official, wishing anonymity, told UNB that a group of armed miscreants swooped on the business establishments of Sohel and opened fire on him around 4 pm, leaving nine people injured.
READ: Gun attack on madrasa in Cox’s Bazar Rohingya camp; 6 dead
The injured were taken to Cumilla Medical College and Hospital where doctors declared Sohel and Haripada dead. Of the injured, the conditions of Awlad Hossain Rizu, 23, Jewell, 40, and Russel, 28, were stated to be critical.
READ: 26 Bangladeshis killed in Libya gun attack Mohammad Hanif, nephew of the councilor, said the gunmen carried out the attack over establishing dominance in the area.