Bangladesh
Two get capital punishment for killing 3 siblings in Ctg
A Chattogram court on Thursday sentenced two men to death for killing three members of a family in the city's Biyazid Bostami area in 2008.
Kamal Hossain Sikdar, judge of the First Additional Metropolitan Sessions Judge, handed down the judgment on Thursday noon.
Dhaka court sentences 9 including Hallmark MD Tanvir, wife to life imprisonment
The condemned convicts are—Abul Kashem alias Jamai Kashem, 70, and Yousuf alias Biatta Yousuf, 70 , hailed from Baluchhara area under Biyazid Bostami Thana in the city.
The court also fined Tk2 lakh each.
Kushtia court serves death sentence to suspended cop for killing wife, two others in 2021
According to the prosecution, the accused shot their neighbour Manowara Begum and her two brothers Alamgir and Saiful Islam to death over a previous land dispute in the city's Baluchara area under Bayazid police station on June 29, 2004.
35 years after Sagira Morshed murder, Dhaka court to deliver verdict
On June 30, a case was filed with Biyazid police station against four persons following a complaint lodged by victim Saiful's wife Aysha Akter Shilpi.
Of the accused, Gittu Nasir and Foiz Munna were killed in a gunfight.
India's FS Vinay Kwatra's visit "postponed"
The planned official visit of Indian Foreign Secretary Vinay Mohan Kwatra to Bangladesh has been postponed, says a diplomatic source on Thursday.
The visit, which will take place in a mutually convenient new date, is part of high-level exchanges between Bangladesh and India and to review progress in two countries' bilateral cooperation agenda, said the source.
The guests who were invited to attend the dinner with the Indian FS on April 20 also received a message on Thursday that says the visit "has been postponed."
Though there was no official announcement from Dhaka and New Delhi regarding the visit, he was supposed to be in Dhaka on a brief visit on Saturday.
Apart from his meeting with his Bangladesh counterpart Masud Bin Momen, the Indian foreign secretary was due to meet Foreign Minister Hasan Mahmud.
Diplomatic sources indicate that Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina's visit to India is planned early July after the conclusion of the neighbouring country’s national election, which is the world's largest democratic exercise, spanning seven phases from April 19 to June 1, with the vote count set for June 4.
Pre-election surveys suggest a strong showing for the coalition led by Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who is widely anticipated to secure re-election.
"Prime Minister's (Sheikh Hasina) India visit will definitely take place. However, it will take place after the election in India," FM Hasan said recently.
He said it is not yet discussed at the official level when the visit will exactly take place.
In January, Modi extended warm congratulations to PM Hasina on her electoral victory, expressing hopes for the continued strengthening of the historically close ties between India and Bangladesh.
The last bilateral engagement between the two prime ministers occurred during the G-20 Leaders Summit in September 2023, where Bangladesh was the guest country.
PM Modi is expected to extend invitations to South Asian and BIMSTEC country leaders for his swearing-in ceremony, fostering regional cooperation.
Meanwhile, Bangladesh-India Foreign Office Consultations (FOC) were held in New Delhi on 24 November 2023.
FOC is an institutional dialogue mechanism between the two foreign secretaries to review the entire gamut of bilateral relationship.
Both sides in bilateral forums usually discuss comprehensively a wide range of issues covering border and security, trade, commerce and connectivity, cooperation in water, power and energy sectors, people to people ties and development cooperation in Bangladesh.
The government of India in March extended Foreign Secretary Vinay Kwatra's tenure by six months.
Kwatra assumed charge as India’s foreign secretary on 1 May, 2022 and joined the Indian Foreign Service in 1988.
RUET team clinches 3rd place in Huawei ICT Competition APAC Round in Indonesia
A student team from the Rajshahi University of Engineering and Technology (RUET) has clinched the third position in the Huawei ICT Competition 2023-2024 APAC Round, involving more than 6400 students from 14 countries.
The announcement came at the APAC Award ceremony in Jakarta, Indonesia, on Thursday.
More than a thousand undergraduate students from 25 universities in Bangladesh enrolled in this competition that was launched last year.
Afterword’s two teams from RUET joined and took part in the network track and computing track, respectively. Besides, two CUET team compete in the cloud track and computing track in the APAC round. And finally, the network track team from RUET has secured their position in the top three.
The winning team includes Shuvam Agarwala, Rakesh Kar, and Md Mazharul Islam from the RUET Computer Science and Engineering Department. The team has attended the APAC Award ceremony in Jakarta, Indonesia. They will head to the global round in Shenzhen, China, next month.
Shuvam Agarwala, a member of the winning team from RUET said, “This competition has provided us many opportunities to learn new things about the ICT and network sectors. It has also brought us to this international platform. And standing with the Bangladeshi flag in front of all was a great experience. We are really thankful to Huawei for creating such an amazing opportunity for us. We are looking forward to achieving more in the global round.”
Li Zongsheng (Jason), Board Member, Huawei South Asia said, “Huawei believes youth is the main driver for the development of any country. Bangladeshi youth, who are large in number, have great potential. And with that belief, Huawei has been organising various initiatives to enhance the ICT knowledge of Bangladeshi students.”
Md Azmain Yakin Srizon, Assistant Professor, Department of CSE, RUET, who is accompanied by the students, said, “I am very proud to see my students representing our country in this global platform and winning the third position in this competition. I have observed that taking part in this competition has increased their knowledge and boosted their confidence.”
More than 170 teams featuring more than 500 students from around 40 countries will participate in the global round, making this the largest offline global final since the first Huawei ICT Competition. This was the second time Bangladesh participated in the event, themed “Connection, Glory, and Future.”
Launching of CVC in Dhaka will significantly enhance efficiency of visa issuance: Ambassador Yao Wen
Chinese Ambassador to Bangladesh Yao Wen on Thursday said the launching of the Chinese Visa Center (CVC) in Dhaka is another new measure by the Embassy in the short term to facilitate Bangladeshi citizens' travel to China.
Inaugurating the Chinese Visa Center (CVC) in Dhaka officially, Ambassador Yao said in recent years, the strategic cooperation between Bangladesh and China has sustained a sound momentum of growth, and the two countries enjoy an increasingly close and frequent exchanges at all levels and in all sectors.
The CVC boasts a prime location, competitive reception capacity, advanced equipment, and a professional management team.
"It is believed that, following its launching, the CVC will significantly enhance the efficiency of visa issuance and the service provided to visa applicants," said Ambassador Yao, wishing the Chinese Visa Center in Dhaka a smooth operation and a great success.
Dhaka, Beijing exchange feasibility study reports on FTA; negotiations to begin soon: Ambassador Yao Wen
Recently, he said, the Embassy has also simplified the visa application documents for participants in the Canton Fair who are exempt from TE Invitation Letters, which has been well received by participants.
“On behalf of the Chinese Embassy in Bangladesh, I would like to extend the warmest congratulations on the launching of the CVC, and express my heartfelt thanks and gratitude to the friends from all walks of life who have long cared about and supported the work of the Embassy!,” he said.
The envoy said more and more Bangladeshi people are willing to travel to China and their demand for Chinese visas have been growing.
"Last year, the number of visa applicants hit a peak at 1500 per day. Despite that we were short-handed and the visa hall of the Embassy was under a strain, we continuously improved our service as well as the capacity to accept more visa applications," he said.
Nevertheless, the envoy said, it was still difficult to fully satisfy the increasing demands of visa applications.
With the purpose of breaking through the development bottleneck of visa services and further promoting the people-to-people exchanges, he said, they have decided to launch the CVC in Dhaka after meticulously and prudently study and discussion.
We envision Center for China Studies as a bridge connecting Bangladesh, China, S Asia and world: Ambassador Yao Wen
It is a common international practice to set up visa application centers in countries where overseas visa application demand is concentrated, and many countries have already established such centers in Bangladesh.
"With this one today, China currently has 103 visa application centers in 55 countries around the world, with a sound management system and extensive experience in operation," said Ambassador Yao.
As a commercial institution registered and operated under the laws of Bangladesh, the CVC is authorized by the Embassy to accept visa applications in strict accordance with the Embassy's requirements and provide applicants with services such as on-site reception, application materials acceptance, passport and legalization documents issuance, and Q&A services.
"The CVC attaches great importance to data security and has taken various measures to protect applicants’ privacy. In accordance with regulations, the embassy will rigorously oversee the operations of the CVC to ensure that applicants receive services that are both comfortable and reliable," said Ambassador Yao.
Throughout this process, he said, they encourage ongoing support to and oversight on their visa operations.
"We also extend a warm invitation for everyone to share valuable and constructive feedback to help enhance the operations of the CVC at any time," said the envoy.
Since the full resumption of visa issuance on March 15 last year, in order to meet the rising demand for personnel exchanges between China and Bangladesh, the Embassy has rolled out a series of measures to facilitate Bangladeshi citizens’ travel to China, the Ambassador said.
These are shortening visa application forms, lowering visa fees for the entire year, exempting certain applicants from fingerprinting, providing walk-in without appointment visa application service, recruiting more staff, adding service counters, extending office hours, optimizing waiting areas, and providing green channels for urgent humanitarian affairs.
China firmly supports Bangladesh in opposing external interference: Ambassador Yao Wen
Most notably, with effect from June 15th last year, the Embassy officially launched the China Online Visa Application System, said Ambassador Yao.
All steps including filling out application forms, submitting application documents, and having interviews are conducted online, reducing the frequency of applicants’ visits to the Embassy.
"These measures have yielded significant results, with nearly 44,000 visas of various types issued by the Embassy in less than 10 months," said the envoy.
Toufique Hasan, Director General of the East Asia & Pacific Wing of the MoFA, Bangladesh, S.N. Manzur Murshed, former President of the Association of Travel Agents of Bangladesh (ATAB), Wang Jicheng, Deputy General Manager of Qiandaifu Company, and Tian Wen and Wang Xiaojing from CIIC Group, were present.
Prof M Mofazzal Hossain joins Southeast University as Pro VC
Prof Dr M Mofazzal Hossain, SM IEEE, has recently been appointed Pro Vice Chancellor of Southeast University (SEU).
The Chancellor of the University, President Mohammed Shahabuddin, appointed him as Pro VC for the next four years.
Mofazzal has previously held significant roles, such as Dean of the School of Science and Engineering at the University of Liberal Arts Bangladesh (ULAB) and Dean of the Faculty of Sciences and Engineering at East West University.
Prior to these appointments, he served as head of the EEE Department at Chittagong University of Engineering and Technology and undertook research roles at prestigious institutions like the Tokyo Institute of Technology in Japan and Kanazawa University, where he was a JASSO fellow.
Mofazzal brings a wealth of experience and expertise to this role, as he has more than 30 years of teaching, research, and administrative experience at different universities at home and abroad.
His appointment is a significant milestone for Southeast University, and his leadership and academic credentials would undoubtedly contribute to the continued growth and success of the institution, according to a SEU press release.
6 die in road accidents in 3 districts
6 people were killed in road accidents in Habiganj, Sunamganj and Kishoreganj districts on Wednesday night and early Thursday.
Two people were killed in a road accident in Nabiganj upazila of Habiganj on Dhaka-Sylhet highway on Wednesday night.
The deceased were identified as Hasan Mia, 24, and Sadek Mia, 40, of Monglapur village in Nabiganj upazila.
Locals and police said a Sylhet-bound bus of Al Mubaraka Paribahan ran over the two, leaving them dead on the spot.
Parimal Deb, officer-in-charge of Sherpur Highway Police Station, said they seized the two vehicles, recovered the bodies and sent those to the morgue for autopsy.
In Kishoreganj, two motorcycle riders were killed when a bus hit them in Kamaliachar area of Sadar Upazila on Thursday.
The deceased are Ashraful Islam Mamun (25) and his nephew Laden (22) of Bajitpur upazila.
According to police, a Dhaka-bound Ananya Parihaban bus from Kishoreganj rammed the motorcycle from behind in New Kamaliachar area, leaving the motorcyclist and his nephew dead on the spot.
Mohammad Golam Mostafa, Officer-in-charge of Kishoreganj Sadar Model Police Station, confirmed the matter and said that police recovered the bodies and sent those to Kishoreganj Sadar Hospital morgue.
In Sunamganj, two people including popular singer Pagal Hasan were killed and three others injured in a collision between a bus and a CNG-powered auto-rickshaw in Chhatak upazila of Sunamganj early Thursday.
Pagal Hasan was a resident of Shimultala Muktigaon area and another autorickshaw passenger Sattar Mia, 52, son of Ahad Ali, hailed from Shimultala-Muktirgaon village.
The injured were identified as Layes Mia, Rupon Mia and Jahangir Alam of the same village.
Take action immediately if unauthorised landfilling is identified: Land Minister
Land Minister Narayon Chandra Chanda has directed the divisional commissioners to take measures to prevent the unauthorised use of farmland for housing, commercial, and industrial purposes.
Additionally, he directed them to take the necessary measures to prevent unauthorised land filling activities with sand or soil as soon as they are discovered.
Land Reforms Board's capacity will be increased: Land Minister
The minister gave the directive while addressing the divisional commissioner coordination meeting as the chief guest at the Secretariat on Thursday.
The land minister reiterated the prime minister's directive to protect double- and triple-crop farmland for food security and environmental protection. He emphasised the need to build a social movement to prevent the illegal cutting of land's top layer or filling of land with sand or soil.
If any such incident occurs, locals should be encouraged to promptly inform the relevant office, and quick measures should be taken to prevent further illegal activities, added Narayon.
He informed the divisional commissioners that the Land Zoning and Protection Act, 2024 (draft) is in the final stage to protect agricultural land and the environment.
Provide land service through sincerity and good behaviour: Land Minister to ACs Land
The land minister said the purpose of this law is to prevent unplanned urbanisation, housing, construction of houses, development activities, and construction of industries and roads; to protect the environment and continue the production of food crops while maintaining the class or nature of the land; To ensure planned and optimum use of land, including protection of agricultural land, forests, hillocks, hills, rivers, canals, and water bodies; and to ensure the use of land and state discipline in the best use of land through planned zoning.
1, 333 more city and union land offices to be constructed across country: Land Minister
Additional Secretary Md Abbas Uddin chaired the meeting. Among others, chairman of the Land Appeal Board, AKM Shamimul Haque, chairman of the Land Reform Board, Md.Abdus Sabur Mondal were present in the meeting, among others.
Upazila parishad polls to be held in free, fair environment: Quader
Awami League General Secretary Obaidul Quader said on Thursday said the upazila parishad election will be held in a free, impartial, fair and peaceful environment though BNP leaders are making confusing statements over the polls going beyond political etiquette.
“Bangladesh Awami League is determined to develop democratic culture. Elections at different tiers of local government are immensely important for empowerment of people. Upazila Parishad elections will be held in a free, neutral, fair and peaceful environment,” he said.
Quader, also the Road Transport and Bridges Minister, said this in a statement sent to the media to protest the ‘false and fabricated’ remarks of BNP secretary general Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir and its other leaders.
BNP's ‘wrong’ political strategy has left its leadership perpetually embroiled in conspiracies: Quader
He alleged that BNP leaders are making confusing statements about the upazila elections, going beyond political etiquette.
“BNP as always has taken a stance against the elections and the country's democracy. That is why people have turned away from them,” said the AL leader.
Noting that Awami League had to take a strategic stance regarding the upazila election in the context of BNP’s an anti-election stance, he said Awami League is not allocating it’s symbol (Boat) this time.
“Awami League expects that persons, who are acceptable to the party (AL) and the people outside the party, would be elected,” said Quader.
He said Awami League has given strict organisational instructions so that ministers, MPs and party leaders can’t make any sort of interference in the upazila parishad elections.
Extensive electoral campaigns and spontaneous participation of the people are being noticed in the first phase upazila election, said the AL general secretary.
CHT situation to be normal soon: Quader
“When the people of the country are spontaneously participating in the elections, the BNP leaders are taking steps to question the country's democratic system and elections as always. BNP wants to disrupt the electoral system and destroy the democratic process,” he said.
Quader said BNP leaders including BNP secretary general Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir have been continuously lying.
“In fact, they have no respect towards democracy and the rule of law. On one hand they are nurturing arson terrorists and on the other hand they are raising false allegations of suppressing the opposition when the law enforcement agencies take legal action against the terrorists. BNP has continuously been engaged in conspiracies to destroy the continuation of democracy and stability of Bangladesh,” he said.
Joint operations in Bandarban: Obaidul Quader assures control amid challenges
The AL leader alleged that BNP leaders are trying to protect terrorists by making false allegations of suppression of opposition parties.
“We want to say in an unequivocal voice that Awami League does not believe in suppressing the opposition parties. But there is no exemption for terrorists and they must face justice no matter what party they belong to,” he said.
The AL general secretary urged everyone to be aware and alert about the anti-democratic activities of BNP.
Besides, he asked his party’s leaders and activists to extend full cooperation to the Election Commission for arrangement of free, fair and peaceful elections.
Biman recruits 84 ground service assistants to improve passenger services
Aiming to enhance passenger services and ground handling capacity, Biman Bangladesh Airlines has recruited 84 ground service assistants.
Biman Bangladesh Airlines Managing Director and CEO Shafiul Azim officially issued the appointment letter to 84 new ground service assistants at Biman Head Office on Thursday.
Biman Bangladesh Airlines Director (Customer Service) Motiul Islam Chowdhury was present at the event along with various Biman officials.
Expatriate Bangladeshis in Venice ecstatic over launch of Biman flight to Rome
Biman CEO said the newly recruited ground service assistants will play an important role in the continuous improvement of Biman Bangladesh Airlines' passenger services and increasing the capacity of ground handling.
He instructed the recruits to discharge their duties with integrity, efficiency and professionalism.
A total of 1100 people have been appointed in various positions of Biman in the last one year and the recruitment process of 550 people is on.
Biman resumes Dhaka-Rome-Dhaka flight after 9 years
Besides, equipment worth approximately 1000 crores has been purchased to increase the capacity of ground handling.
Youth murdered for 'not supplying Yaba' in Ctg’s Mirsarai
A 30-year-old youth was killed by some drug addicts allegedly for not supplying contraband Yaba pills in Mirsarai upazila of Chattogram on Wednesday night.
The deceased was identified as Towhidul Islam Khokan, son of late Hashem Driver and a pickup driver by profession of Ajmannagar under Hinguli union of the upazila.
Victim’s wife Sanjida Akter said Khokan came out of their house to attend a pre-weeding ceremony at the house of local union parishad member Shahjahan and didn’t return home at night.
Local drug addicts Motaleb, Amjad and Rashed had called him over mobile phone several times and insisted on supplying them with Yaba pills on Wednesday night before he left the house but he denied to do so, she said.
The addicts murdered Khokan and left the body on the rail tracks to show that he was crushed under a train, she said.
Local UP member Mizanur Rahman said he informed police about the matter after he learned it from locals.
Monirul Islam, assistant superintendent of police (Mirsarai circle), said they assumed that Khokan was murdered as the body bore marks of injuries.