Others
Mild quake jolts Ctg, no damages reported
A mild earthquake jolted the port city of Chattogram and its adjoining areas on Saturday night, authorities said.
No quake damage was reported as of filing this report on Sunday morning.
The earthquake, measuring 3.7 magnitude on the Richter Scale, was felt at 10:46pm, according to data on earthquake observation site VolcanoDiscovery.
2 die from heat stroke amid ongoing countrywide heat wave
The epicentre of the earthquake was 43 kilometres off the port city.
The quake was located 34 km from the Indian border and 66 km from Myanmar. The epicentre of the earthquake was at a depth of 10 kilometres.
No information was received by calling the Meteorological Office in Patenga of the city.
Govt to procure 17 lakh tonnes Boro paddy, rice
The government has set a target to procure five lakh tonnes of paddy, 11 lakh tonnes of boiled rice, one lakh tonne of atap rice and 50,000 tonnes of wheat in the upcoming Boro season.
The rice and paddy procurement will begin on May 7 and continue till August 31.
The procurement price of Boro paddy has been fixed at Tk 32 per kg, boiled rice at Tk 45, atap rice Tk 44 and wheat at Tk 34 per kg. In 2023, the price of paddy was Tk 30 per kg, boiled rice Tk 44 and wheat Tk 35.
Donations at Pagla Masjid break all previous records, thanks to Ramadan extension
The price was fixed at a meeting of the Food Planning and Monitoring Committee (FPMC) at the cabinet meeting room on Sunday.
Food Minister Sadhan Chandra Majumder presided over the meeting, according to a press release of the food ministry.
Industries Minister Nurul Majid Mahmud Humayun, Local Government, Rural Development and Cooperatives Minister Md Tajul Islam, Agriculture Minister Md Abdus Shahid, State Minister for Disaster Management and Relief Md Mohibur Rahman, State Minister for Commerce Ahsanul Islam (Titu) and State Minister for Health and Family Welfare Begum Rokeya Sultana were present.
Secretaries of the several ministries were present in the meeting.
Donations at Pagla Masjid break all previous records, thanks to Ramadan extension
Cash donations from the faithful at Pagla Masjid, a 250-year-old mosque in Kishoreganj, shattered all previous records, clocking Tk 7,78,67,537 (7 crore 78 lakh 67 thousand 537), an increase of nearly Tk 1.5 crore over last time, by the time counting finally wrapped up well past midnight on Saturday.
The final amount, rounded off to Tk 7.79 crore, was officially announced at 2am Sunday.
The previous highest, recorded in December 2023, had been Tk 6.32 crore, from 23 sacks of the 9 donation boxes of the mosque.
This time the 9 boxes yielded 27 sackloads of cash, apart from stones including gold jewellery, some foreign currency, and assorted items, which escape valuation.
Rupali Bank’s Kishoreganj corporate branch manager Md Rafiqul Islam, who was present till the end, verified the numbers for reporters.
Kishoreganj Deputy Commissioner and President of Pagla Mosque Committee Mohammad Abul Kalam Azad and Superintendent of Police Mohammad Rasel Sheikh were present during the opening of the boxes on Saturday morning.
Under the supervision of six executive magistrates, including Additional District Magistrate Kazi Mahua Momtaz, 70 bank officials and employees, 34 teachers and 102 students of Pagla Mosque and Madrasa then started counting money.
Among the other items found, a forlorn lover’s prayer for God to bring him and the object of his affection together caused much fanfare throughout the day.
UNB is withholding their names since the communication was meant for God.
Shaukat Hossain, administrative officer of the mosque, had earlier confirmed to UNB that a new record had been set by evening already.
“According to the latest information, after counting till 8:30 tonight, we already have a new record for the highest money received in the history of Pagla Masjid,” Hossain said.
Although he added that the mosque authorities were anticipating crossing the Tk 8 crore mark, ultimately that wasn’t to be. Tk 7.79 crore is not far off though, and the authorities will be more than satisfied.
A new record had been anticipated this time given the steady upward trend noticed in the last year or two. On top of that the donation boxes that are usually opened every three months at the mosque, this time got four months and 10 days - nearly 40 days more - due to the holy month of Ramadan.
Coordination between power transmission, distribution system being done rapidly to ensure uninterrupted supply: Nasrul Hamid
State Minister for Power, Energy and Mineral Resources Nasrul Hamid said coordination between the power transmission and distribution systems is being made rapidly to ensure uninterrupted supply.
“Internal technical faults are being repaired on a priority basis and special emphasis is being laid on uninterrupted supply of primary to the power plants”, he said while visiting Ashuganj Power Station Company Ltd (APSCL) on Saturday.
He noted that said this summer's electricity demand may be 17500 MW.
Nasrul Hamid said the government is determined to provide uninterrupted power even if the demand increases.
He said the government will meet the demand through uninterrupted power supply. “The only challenge in this regard is the financing”.
The state minister directed the power plant officials to work in a coordinated manner and said that if there is any problem in transmission or distribution system, it should be reported to the authorities quickly.
Ashuganj Power Station Company Ltd. is a government owned public limited company and the largest power hub in Bangladesh.
The current total power generation capacity of its 6 units is 1584 MW. The goal of Ashuganj Power Station Company Ltd. is to increase the power generation capacity from the current 1584 MW to 3302 MW by the year 2030.
APSCL officials said the company has been adopting the principle of Corporate Social Responsibility from the place of responsibility to the society.
During 2022-23, the APSCL spent Tk 33 lakh on CSR activities. APSCL has also played a major role in education and healthcare last year.
Among others, Power Grid Company of Bangladesh Managing Director AKM Gauch Mohiuddin Ahmed, APSCL Managing Director Sayed Ekram Ulla and A2I (Aspire to Innovate) Program Policy Advisor Anir Chowdhury were present on the occasion.
Govt cutting general hajj package cost by over Tk 1 lakh: Religious Affairs Minister
Addressing the firm determination to provide best service to hajj pilgrims, Religious Affairs Minister Md Faridul Haque Khan said on Saturday that this year the government has reduced the cost of general hajj package compared to the last year despite the high price of dollar against local currency.
“We are sincere so that the hajj pilgrims of this country can perform the hajj at a reasonable cost,” he said.
The religious minister said this while inaugurating ‘Hajj pilgrims training 2024’ at Osmani Smriti Auditorium in Dhaka.
He informed that they are reducing the price by Taka 1, 04,178 for government hajj package while Taka 82,818 for private hajj package.
Minister Faridul said the government is working to ease the official works of pilgrims and it (government) is determined to provide best service to them.
He said the training has been arranged for the pilgrims so that they can perform the hajj following proper religious rules. Skilled trainers have been selected for the training.
Putting forward the importance of the hajj before the intended pilgrims, he said the hajj was made mandatory for one time for every Muslim in life.
Chaired by the ministry’s secretary Md A Hamid Zamadder, Additional Secretary (hajj) Md Matiul Islam, Additional Secretaries Md Nayeb Ali Mandal and Dr Md Manjurul Haque and Dhaka Hajj Office director Muhammad Kamruzzaman, among others, spoke on the occasion.
Road crashes claim 407 lives during Eid journeys, up almost 25%
Road crashes during the recent Eid-ul-Fitr holiday rush claimed 407 lives in just 15 days, according to the Bangladesh Jatri Kalyan Shamiti (Passenger Welfare Association).
At least 399 road crashes occurred during April 4-18, leaving 1,398 individuals injured, BJKS Secretary General Md Mozammel Haque Chowdhury revealed this information at a press briefing on Saturday held at Dhaka Reporters Unity in the capital on Saturday.
Compared to the previous year, road crashes this Eid have increased by 31.25 percent, fatalities by 24.08 percent, injuries by 147.43 percent.
According to the report, a total of 24 fatalities and 21 injuries were recorded in 18 accidents on railtrack, while seven individuals lost their lives and five were injured in accidents on the river routes.
BJKS noted that the number of homegoing people went up by 20 per cent due to extended vacation. Although various regulating and law-enforcement agencies were on the field, incidents of charging extra fare and harassment reached their peaks during the Eid trips.
Like other years, motorcycles were the most lethal form of transport, recording 165 deaths and 240 injuries in 198 accidents. This accounts for 49.62% of the total accidents and 40.44 % of the total deaths recorded.
UP member dies after being electrocuted in Jashore’s Manirampur
A union parishad (UP) member died after being electrocuted in Mobarakpur village under Manirampur upazila of Jashore on Friday night.
The deceased was identified as GM Moshiru Rahman, 44, son of Abdus Sattar and member of the ward No-1 under Chaluahati UP.
Locals said the UP member came into contact with a live electric wire while irrigating trees on the bank of a pond in the village around 9:30 pm, leaving him critically injured.
He was rushed to nearby Keshabpur upazila health complex where physicians declared him dead, UP Chairman Abdul Hamid confirmed the matter, saying that Moshiur was the two-term elected member from the ward.
Rajganj police investigation centre’s Sub Inspector Rakibuzzaman said they came to know about the matter
Want to create an excellent atmosphere for the press: State Minister Arafat
The government wants to create an excellent environment for journalists in Bangladesh, State Minister for Information and Broadcasting Mohammad Ali Arafat said on Saturday.
“We want to ensure all necessary things for all media so that they can work freely to facilitate free journalism and freedom of expression as it was pledges of our Liberation War,” he said.
The state minister was speaking at the ‘Meet the Reporters’ programme organized by the Dhaka Reporters’ Unity (DRU) at its Nasrul Hamid Auditorium at Segunbagicha in the capital on Saturday.
“And those who believe in the spirit of liberation war will be benefited through the fair practices of journalism”, he added.
Speaker Shirin Sharmin attends national conference of Aparajita Network
Noting that lack of information creates the scope of sprouting misinformation and disinformation, the state minister said the government is working to bring necessary reform to allow journalists to get information from government sources within the shortest possible time.
He also said that those who are in the profession of journalism and fall into various financial problems are being tried to help them through the Journalist Welfare Trust.
Underlining the steps taken by the present government for journalists’ welfare, the state minister said, “Bangladesh Journalist Welfare Trust is the real manifestation of Sheikh Hasina’s government to ensure the welfare of the journalists.
“We are working to ensure that the congenial atmosphere for free journalism, free-thinking and freedom of expression as well as the welfare of the journalists,” he said.
Arafat sought the cooperation of the journalists to prevent any falsehood against the government in the name of so-called criticism saying the media must criticize the government if any mistake is made.
“Free flow of information and constructive criticism can help take the society ahead while misinformation can take it back,” he said.
IGP urges students to advance in knowledge, science
The state minister said it is the collective responsibility of the government and media to contain disinformation. The government is fully careful about overstepping its authority while preventing misinformation, he said.
“Anti-liberation forces are still out to change the definition of our struggle of independence which we have got at the cost of the lives of 30 lakh people and the chastity of thousands of women. They want to take the country back to a dark age, opposite to the spirit of our Liberation War,” he added.
“Our constant fight against this evil force, those who are enemies of democracy, freedom, and evil forces of society will continue and we sought the support of the media in this fight,” he added.
Regarding the Media Workers Act, the state minister said that instructions have been given to create a cell with two representatives from all journalist organizations to review the law. After discussion with the members of this cell it will be finalized with their input. Then it will be taken to the Parliamentary Standing Committee within a short time and subsequently passed by the Parliament.
IGP urges students to advance in knowledge, science
Inspector General of Police (IGP) and also Chief Patron of Bangladesh Retired Police Officers Welfare Association Chowdhury Abdullah Al-Mamun on Saturday called on the students to advance in knowledge and science through hard work and relentless efforts.
The IGP made the call in his address as the chief guest at the 'IGP merit scholarship' awarding ceremony at the Bangladesh Retired Police Officers Welfare Association complex seminar hall at Rajarbagh police lines in the capital on Saturday.
President of Bangladesh Retired Police Officers Welfare Association AT Ahmadul Haque Chowdhury presided over the event where Managing Director and CEO of Community Bank Bangladesh Mashiul Haque Chowdhury attended as special guest.
Welcoming the meritorious students on scholarship, the IGP said, besides acquiring knowledge, you have to work for the welfare of the country and the people. You have to increase reputation of your (students) educational institution, family and above all the reputation of the country, he added.
The top officer of the police force also said, you have to increase the reputation and status of Bangladesh by leaving the mark of merit in the international arena beyond the borders of the country.
Among others, Vice Presidents of the association Waliur Rahman and Md. Nazmul Haque, Additional IGP Abu Hasan Muhammad Tariq, DMP Commissioner Habibur Rahman also spoke on the occasion. Members of the association, teachers and students were present.
It is to be noted that, among the students of schools and colleges managed by the Bangladesh Police, the IGP scholarship is given to the students who obtained GPA 5 in SSC and HSC examination in 2023 under the initiative of the association.
Scholarships, crests and certificates were awarded to 66 students from 5 educational institutions in Dhaka city and Gazipur and Narayanganj districts.
Later, the IGP handed over merit scholarships and certificates to the students.
Speaker Shirin Sharmin attends national conference of Aparajita Network
Speaker of Parliament Shirin Sharmin Chaudhury on Saturday said there will be a time when women will be elected to direct seats and not to reserved seats.
She said this in the "National Aparajita Conference'' organized by Aparajita Network which was held at Bangabandhu International Conference Centre in the capital.
Chief Guest Dr. Shirin Sharmin Chowdhury said the current government is women friendly. Women are moving forward and it is visible in different parts of the state due to the right decision of the Prime Minister.
Urging the participants of the conference to work together to make the way of the implementation of women's rights easy, she said that the laws and policies of the state should be easier.
Former Culture Minister Asaduzzaman as special guests said, "There may be criticism, then I will say that the most work has been done for women's rights and development during the tenure of this government. Women are moving forward."
Member of parliament Amatul Kibria said, "We women are in today's seat after a lot of hard work. I hope the Aparajita sisters will make the hard work easier from today's conference."
Another member of parliament Arma Dutta said the more women participate in the political arena, the easier it will be to participate in elections.
Nasima Zaman Bobby MP said that women are always marginalized in elections and politics, especially in elections.
Ambassador of the Swiss Embassy in Bangladesh Reto Siegfried Renggli said that the participation of women and men in the Aparajita conference is important in the politics and elections of Bangladesh. Participation will increase exponentially in the future, he also said.
In the second session of the seminar on women's political empowerment, the speakers said that the main reason for grassroots women not being empowered is the patriarchal social system.
The seminar was attended by Bangladesh Works Party President Rashed Khan Menon-MP, Jatiya Party Co-Chairman Barrister Anisul Islam Mahmud MP, Bangladesh Awami League Joint General Secretary Afom Bahauddin Nashim MP, Bangladesh Nationalist Party National Standing Committee Member Nazrul Islam Khan, Jatiya Samajtantrik Dal General Editor Shirin Akhtar. Aparajita Fahmida Munni of Barisal division read the main article on political empowerment. Jagannath University Vice Chancellor Professor Sadeka Halim and Women for Women President Zakia K Hasan were panel discussants on women empowerment.
Social Welfare minister Dipu Moni who was the chief guest of the closing session said women in so-called developed countries have the same problem.
Executive Director of Gana Swarakshata Abhiyan Rasheda K Chowdhury, Switzerland Embassy Deputy and Head of Co-Operation Corinne Henchoz Pignani and Helvetas Bangladesh Country Director Benjamin Blumenthal were present as special guests.
More than 300 grassroots women leaders, executive directors of implementing organizations including 30 women-friendly chairmen/members, Switzerland Embassy Program Manager Sabina Yasmin Lubna, representatives of Helvitas Bangladesh, civil society, officials of the four organizations implementing the Aparajita project, Prep Trust, Khan Foundation, Transformation and Democracy Watch, attended the conference while 72 women and men were honoured for their special contribution in various fields of Aparajitas, encouraging participation of Aparajitas in elections and politics by men and family members.