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BNP rally: Commuters suffer as launch, speedboat services suspended in Barishal
Launch and speedboat services have been suspended in Barisahl district, causing suffering to commuter.
Speedboat movement was halted on Wednesday evening while launch on Thursday morning amid BNP’s allegation that launch owners went on the sudden strike as per the government’s directive ahead of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party’s (BNP) divisional rally slated for November 5.
Kabir Hossain, inspector of river security and traffic management department of Bangladesh Inland Water Transport Authority (BIWTA), said local people carried out an attack on a launch named ‘Awlad’ and the launch owners enforced the strike protesting the incident.
The launch and speedboat services will remain halted till November 5, he said.
However, the launch services on Mehendiganj and Maju Chowdhuryrhaat routes remained undisrupted, he said.
No launches on Barishal-Bhola route have left Barishal River Port and DC ghat since morning.
However, the launch and speedboat owners did not disclose any reason behind the strike.
Saiful Mridha, a launch passenger said “I have come to the launch ghat to go to Bhola in the morning but I did not find any launche and speedboat operating since morning.”
The UNB correspondent found a number of passengers waiting at Bheduria ghat in Bhola for speedboat.
Earlier, three-wheeler drivers in Barishal called a strike on November 4 and 5 demanding the authorities concerned allow three-wheelers to operate on the highway.
The strike has coincided with the upcoming rally of the BNP while bus owners in the district have announced a similar strike on the same dates.
The rally in Barishal will be the 5th one by the BNP at the divisional level as four others were held in Chattogram, Mymensingh, Khulna, and Rangpur.
Dhaka's air 'unhealthy' this morning
Dhaka's air quality continued to be in the 'unhealthy' zone on Thursday.
With an air quality index (AQI) score of 163 at 8:40 am, the metropolis ranked fifth in the list of world cities with the worst air quality.
An AQI between 101 and 200 is considered 'unhealthy', particularly for sensitive groups.
India’s Delhi, Pakistan’s Lahore and the United Arab Emirates’ Dubai occupied the first three spots in the list, with AQI scores of 633, 272 and 181, respectively.
An AQI between 201 and 300 is said to be 'poor', while a reading of 301 to 400 is considered 'hazardous', posing serious health risks to residents.
In Bangladesh, the AQI is based on five criteria pollutants -- Particulate Matter (PM10 and PM2.5), NO2, CO, SO2 and Ozone.
Dhaka has long been grappling with air pollution issues. Its air quality usually turns unhealthy in winter and improves during the monsoon.
Air pollution consistently ranks among the top risk factors for death and disability worldwide. Breathing polluted air has long been recognised as increasing a person’s chances of developing a heart disease, chronic respiratory diseases, lung infections and cancer, according to several studies.
Also read: Dhaka's air quality is still 'unhealthy'
As per the World Health Organization (WHO), air pollution kills an estimated seven million people worldwide every year, largely as a result of increased mortality from stroke, heart disease, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, lung cancer and acute respiratory infections.
Jail Killing Day: PM Hasina pays homage to Bangabandhu, four national leaders
Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on Thursday paid tributes to Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman and four national leaders marking the Jail Killing Day.
The day is observed to remember national leaders Syed Nazrul Islam, Tajuddin Ahmed, Captain M Mansur Ali and AHM Quamruzzaman who were assassinated inside Dhaka Central Jail on November 3 in 1975. They played a crucial role in the 1971 War of Liberation of Bangladesh.
The massacre happened barely three months after anti-liberation elements assassinated Bangabandhu and most of his family members on August 15, 1975 at his 32 Dhanmandi residence.
In observance of the day the premier placed wreaths at the portrait of Bangabandhu in front of Bangabandhu Memorial Museum at 32 Dhanmondi here.
Also read: Jail Killing Day to be observed Wednesday
Global Covid cases cross 636 million
The overall number of global Covid-19 cases has now crossed 636 million.
According to the latest global data, the total case count mounted to 636,271,059 while the death toll from the virus reached 6,597,379 on Thursday morning.
The US has recorded 99,495,932 cases so far, while 1,096,700 people have died from the virus in the country, both highest counts around the world.
India's daily COVID-19 caseload on Wednesday increased to 1,190, officials said.
According to federal health ministry data released on Wednesday morning, 1,190 new cases of COVID-19 were reported during the past 24 hours, taking the total tally to 44,655,828 in the country.
With the reporting of fresh cases, India's active caseload currently stands at 16,243.
The country also logged 1,375 related deaths during the past 24 hours, pushing the overall death toll to 530,452 since the beginning of the pandemic, the ministry said.
Covid in Bangladesh
Bangladesh reported zero Covid-linked death and 183 cases in the 24 hours till Wednesday morning.
The country’s total fatalities remained unchanged at 29,424 as no deaths were reported during the period.
With the new infections, the caseload rose to 2,035,517, according to the Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS).
The daily case test positivity rate dropped to 4.81 per cent from Tuesday’s 5.01 per cent as 3,802 samples were tested.
The mortality rate remained unchanged at 1.45 per cent. The recovery rate rose to 97.34 per cent.
In September, the country reported 40 Covid-linked deaths and 13,251 cases.
Bangladesh registered its highest daily caseload of 16,230 on July 28 last year and its highest number of fatalities of 264 on August 10 the same year.
CSOs demand investigations into irregularities in dredger pilotage, repair
Civil society organisations (CSOs) on Wednesday demanded transparency and accountability in the pilotage and repair of dredgers used in river excavation and regular silt removal.
They also demanded the formation of an independent probe committee to report on the irregularities and corruption in the sector in the last three years to stop the misuse and wastage of public funds.
Twenty-three representatives of different non-government organisations came up with the demand in a joint statement.
According to the statement, the Bangladesh Inland Water Transport Authority (BIWTA) dredges rivers and regularly removes sediments from waterways to maintain navigable waterways. For this, the BIWTA has the required number of vessels, including 45 dredgers. There are separate dredger bases under BIWTA's dredging department to maintain, operate and repair these.
The CSO representatives said there are allegations of widespread financial irregularities and corruption in the management and repair of dredgers and auxiliary vessels.
They demanded the formation of an independent investigation committee of experts from the Bangladesh University of Engineering and Technology (BUET) and the Bangladesh Marine Academy to investigate irregularities and corruption.
Also, to ensure transparency and accountability, the CSO representatives demanded the disclosure of sector-wise expenditures to the media and the public online every month.
Read more: NCPSRR wants transparency in river dredging, silt removal
The signatories of the statement are Consumer Association of Bangladesh (CAB) Vice-President SM Nazar Hossain, Freedom Fighter Nurur Rahman Salim, Nagorik Udyog Chief Executive Zakir Hossain, Udichi Shilpa Goshthi General Secretary Amit Ranjan Dey, Green Club of Bangladesh Executive President Mohammad Shahid Mia, former general secretary of Dhaka Reporters Unity Raju Ahmed, National Committee to Protect Shipping, Roads and Railways General Secretary Ashis Kumar Dey, and marine engineer Abdul Hamid.
Coordinator of Sundarban and Upokul Surokkha Andolon Nikhil Chandra Bhadra, Vice-President of Dhaka Sangbadik Union Manik Lal Ghosh, Executive Director of Poverty Immunization Assistance Center for Everywhere Ifma Hussain, Member Secretary of Unyanan Dhara Trust Aminur Rasul Babul, President of Alokita Garments Sramik Federation Bappidev Borman, Executive Director of Dwip Unnoyan Sangstha Rafiqul Alam, Executive Director of Media Forum for Human Rights and Environmental Development Rafiqul Islam Sabuj also signed the statement.
Bangladesh Hawkers Union General Secretary Shekender Hayat, Writer Rajan Bhattacharya, Central Coordinator of Janalok Rafiqul Islam Sujan, Convener of Sachetan Sangstha Shakila Parveen, President of Committee to Protect River and Coast Kamruzzaman Nashim, Joint Secretary of Dhaka North City Citizen Forum Mostafa Kamal Akand, President of Old Dhaka Nagorik Udyog Nazim Uddin and Convenor of Mukti Shikha Jihad Arif are the other signatories.
Also read: Dredger capsized during Sitrang: Bodies of 8 workers recovered
"Loss and damage has become the biggest risk to global prosperity in the present age"
Climate change impacts generate loss and damage, globally creating crises for society, human health and development, says a new report released on Wednesday.
Disclosing comprehensive new data on the impact of climate change, the report also highlighted the asymmetric consequences for society which deepen global inequalities with poorer and more vulnerable nations the hardest hit.
The flagship report titled “Climate Vulnerability Monitor, 3rd edition: A Planet on Fire”, commissioned by the Climate Vulnerable Forum (CVF) and the Vulnerable Twenty (V20) Group of Ministers of Finance of the CVF presented the stark proof.
Ban Ki-moon, Chairman of the Board of Global Center on Adaptation and 8th UN secretary-general said with this third edition “CVM” we see clearly just how much humanity finds itself at the crossroads.
"Sadly, we have become a “Planet on Fire”, as the report’s title highlights. If we do not act now, by the end of the century, millions of lives would be lost every single year because of scorching heat," he said.
Read more: Bangladesh a key player in fight against climate change, says British envoy
Prof. Dr. Patrick V. Verkooijen, CEO of Global Center on Adaptation said this report reaffirms that the impact of climate change is asymmetric, particularly today, particularly with respect to health, jobs, food and development for poor and vulnerable communities in developing countries.
"The shocking finding of this global assessment is that some of the world’s richest and most powerful economies will also see their economic growth compromised throughout the 21st century, not just lowering incomes but also increasing inflation and interest rates. It is now crystal clear that every economy, every government, and every community must take action to analyse, monitor and respond to these risks.”
Prof. Dr. Saleemul Huq, Chair of the CVF Expert Advisory Group said the Climate Vulnerability Monitor provides them with the anatomy of the loss and damage the world now lives with because of decades of insufficient climate inaction by rich, powerful and responsible countries.
The detailed impact data and evidence presented by the CVM3 provides sobering reading on just how bad the situation already is, and how much worse it will become with fast rising global health risks, extreme heat events, and economic shocks, to name a few, he said.
"Loss and damage has become the biggest risk to global prosperity in the present age. The international community must act and support those worst affected and least responsible with funding and solutions. COP27 must make good on this agenda," Huq added.
The CVM3’s full online data set with global coverage at national level portal will be released via a dedicated portal on 10 November 2022 at UNFCCC COP27 in Sharm El-Sheikh, Egypt.
The third edition of the Climate Vulnerability Monitor (CVM3), a research program into the impact of climate change publicly released today, is the product of a multi-year research program involving a multi-organization science consortium led by the Global Center on Adaptation, Climate Analytics, the Lancet Countdown and finres, as well as 14 regional partner organizations.
The Monitor consolidates the latest research from the scientific literature on the attribution of climate change in 32 distinct indicators of socio-economic and environmental change and impact phenomena.
Read more: UN, ADB to support Bangladesh's fight against climate change
The Monitor projects and compares how, for a wide range of countries, these impacts evolve throughout the 21st century under a climate and socio-economic scenario that limits warming to 1.5°C, versus a below 2°C scenario, and a high emissions scenario without climate action to reduce emissions or mobilize additional adaptation efforts.
The CVM3 findings illustrate the significant extent to which limiting warming to 1.5ºC could contain otherwise enormous losses and damage for the world this century.
The CVM3 and its scenarios and modeling are informed by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change’s (IPCC) latest Sixth Assessment Report.
The 32 individual climate impact indicators for the time periods of 2030, 2050 and 2090, are as follows:
19 indicators of the impact of climate change in biophysical terms including temperature changes, drought, precipitation and runoff/discharge, windspeed, soil moisture and crop yields.
10 indicators of the impact of climate change on human health, including through infectious disease and exposure to risks like heat, wildfires and food insecurity.
3 indicators of the economic impact of climate change on GDP per capita growth, inflation and interest rates.
Ken Ofori-Atta, Ghana Minister for Finance and Economic Planning and V20 chairman said climate-fueled risks have driven up the cost of capital and debt to unsustainable levels, especially across climate vulnerable economies, worsening already horrific financial protection gaps.
"Such measures can lower the impact of climate change, make vulnerable country economies more resilient, safeguard sustainable development, and protect the lives and livelihoods of poor and vulnerable people.”
Key findings of the CVM3 report include that:
Annual global heat deaths among vulnerable groups could reach 3.35 million by end of century if insufficient climate action is taken: 91% of the increase in heat deaths could be avoided if global warming is limited to 1.5ºC
As much as over 10% of economic growth lost every single year in the long-term for key world regions: Africa, Asia, Europe
Fast-growing cumulative economic losses are already lowering incomes worldwide and raising inflation and interest rates across all regions in a negative impact that would more than double if warming exceeded 1.5ºC and reached 2ºC
20-year extreme drought events will increase 4-8 fold during the decade ahead (at 1.5°C) and 8-12 times under a below 2.0°C scenario
Extreme wildfire risk to increase by 8.5% in the coming decade (at 1.5ºC) and to triple by end-of-century under a no climate action scenario
Decreases in staple crop yields could reach 30-40% by end of century, but could be reduced to 5-10% if global warming is limited to 1.5ºC
Henry Kokofu, Executive Director of the Environmental Protection Agency and Special Envoy of the CVF Presidency of Ghana said the vulnerable nations have been working all year towards a decisive outcome from COP27 on loss and damage.
"With this landmark CVM3 report, we are reminded of the scale and breadth of the climate calamities being visited upon poorer and vulnerable nations that lack responsibility for the climate crisis. I hope all delegations to COP27 will study the findings of the CVM3 and that the rich, powerful and responsible nations will be convinced to extend necessary support for addressing the stark injustice of loss and damage.”
Jail Killing Day: Bangladesh to remember, mourn four national leaders Thursday
Several events will be held across Bangladesh Thursday to commemorate Jail Killing Day, the day the country was robbed of its top national leaders.
On November 3, 1975, four national leaders and heroes of the country's Liberation War, Syed Nazrul Islam, Tajuddin Ahmad, Captain M Mansur Ali and AHM Quamruzzaman were murdered while in state custody inside Dhaka Central Jail.
At that time, the country was seeing sweeping political changes following the brutal assassination of Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman and most of his family on August 15, 1975.
Read more: AL to observe Jail Killing Day Wednesday
The four leaders played a key role in leading the Mujibnagar government, which led the Liberation War effort in 1971 with Nazrul Islam as the acting president, Tajuddin as the prime minister, Mansur Ali as the finance minister and Qamruzzaman as the home, relief and rehabilitation minister.
Different political parties, including the ruling Awami League, will observe Jail Killing Day, a dark episode in the country's history.
The Awami League and its affiliated organisations will fly the national flag and the party flag at half-mast. They will also wear black badges of mourning.
The Awami League leaders and activists will go to the Banani graveyard to pay respects to Nazrul Islam, Tajuddin and Mansur Ali, who are buried at the site. Tribute will be paid at the grave of Quamruzzaman in Rajshahi as well.
Also, the Centre for Tajuddin Ahmad Research and Activism will organise a cultural programme to mark the day.
Meanwhile, President Abdul Hamid and Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina paid tributes to the four national leaders in separate messages.
The president said: "The aim of the killers was to erase the spirit of the Liberation War from the minds of the young generation apart from giving rise to an undemocratic autocratic rule which failed."
Read more: Aug 15, jail killings prove conspiracy against independence, people: PM
"The nation will always remember the contributions of the four national leaders with due respect."
Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina said: "The killing of the four national leaders was the continuation of the assassination of the Father of the Nation and most of his family. Through it, the defeated forces and anti-state quarters made an evil attempt to destroy the Liberation War spirit and render the Bengali national leaderless by erasing the name of the Awami League."
Nasrul Hamid under fire in Parliament for electricity crisis
State Minister for Power, Energy and Mineral Resources Nasrul Hamid came under fierce criticism in Parliament from the opposition for the government's failure to handle the crisis in power sector.
“Power sector has become a factory for Awami League to make billionaires. I have the information and list of that,” BNP MP Harunur Rashid told Parliament, taking part in the discussion during the passage of The Bangladesh Oil, Gas and Mineral Corporation Bill, 2022.
Talking about the “indemnity” in the power sector he demanded a separate discussion on the electricity crisis in Parliament.
“Let there be an open discussion here (in Parliament), let the nation know what disaster the government created in the last 15 years, let them speak about what they have done,” he said.
Harun claimed that he has information and a list of billionaires, and if necessary, he will send that to the power minister.
Read more: Power crisis will not last long: Nasrul Hamid
He questioned the so-called “indemnity” given in the power sector for quick rental power plants.
The BNP MP also questioned the justification to import electricity from India using thousands of crores of Taka.
“We must not forget, India is causing suffering to us from various aspects, you are gradually becoming dependent on imports of power from India. The power sector is under risk due to import-dependency,” he said.
He said that the government has almost destroyed the power sector.
Gonoforum MP Mokabbir Khan said that the power sector is in a very bad situation.
“An evil force has grabbed this sector, from the speech of the State Minister it seems that he is working as the spokesperson of that force,” he said.
Jatiya Party's reserved seat MP Roushan Ara Mannan said that the gas crisis is taking a dire shape.
“This situation would not have happened if we had arranged our own gas extraction. Now gas is not available for cooking in Dhaka during the daytime,” she said.
BNP’s reserved seat MP Rumeen Farhana said that the government's big talks regarding electricity are worth watching.
She said that no matter how much generation capacity is there, the reality is that load shedding is prevailing.
She alleged that huge looting has taken place through quick rental power plants by giving impunity.
Read more: Tk 1893 crore unpaid as electricity bill by govt ministries, departments, Nasrul Hamid tells JS
“Rental power plants are running by shutting down government power plants to give an unbelievable amount of money to some individuals,” she said.
Rumeen said that one day these “robberies” will be investigated.
“Those involved in looting will be punished,” she said.
In reply, Nasrul Hamid said there has been detailed discussion in the Parliament on the issue of “indemnity” and the opposition had participated.
“People are enjoying the benefits of this facility (quick rental plants),” he said.
He also said that if the BNP MPs give questions in the Parliament in writing he will answer everything in written form.
People who engage in anti-Bangladesh propaganda abroad to be punished, PM tells JS
Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on Wednesday told Parliament that the government is working to punish Bangladeshis who are engaged in propaganda against the country and the government abroad.
“The government has been working to bring those…to book and punish,” she said.
She said those people are engaged in anti-government activities and they regularly make provocative and fabricated statements from abroad.
Read more: Opposition out to destabilise politics amid crisis: PM tells Parliament
The PM made the statement while replying to a question from Awami League lawmaker Nur Uddin Chowdhary Nayan (Laxmipur-2) during the question-answer session in the House.
She said the expatriate Bangladeshis brighten the name and image of Bangladesh through their positive activities in the host countries alongside sending remittance. They can play role to protect the interests of Bangladesh, staying in the host countries, she added.
“Alongside playing the positive role by the expatriate Bangladeshis, unfortunately some people among the expatriate Bangladeshis are engaged in propaganda against the country and the government,” said the PM.
She also mentioned that steps have been taken to brighten the image of Bangladesh and stop propaganda abroad.
Read more:Do your best to boost food production to keep Bangladesh free from famine: PM Hasina urges youth
Hasina said regular efforts continue to publish factual news stories and articles in international media for depicting the positive image of Bangladesh and facing propaganda.
If an untrue and propaganda story is published in the international media, the public diplomacy wing of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs sends objective and factual rejoinder to the news outlets, she said.
The fabricated and baseless social media posts of those who spread propaganda are under watch, said the PM.
JS passes Bangladesh Oil, Gas and Mineral Corporation Bill, 2022
The Bangladesh Oil, Gas and Mineral Corporation Bill, 2022 was passed in Parliament to expedite exploration of oil, gas and mineral resources in the country. The new law will replace the Bangladesh Oil, Gas and Mineral Corporation Ordinance, 1985 that is declared void by the court as it was promulgated during the regime of a military dictator. State Minister for Power, Energy and Mineral Resources Nasrul Hamid moved the Bill and it was passed by voice vote.
Read more: Atomic Energy Commission (amendment) Bill passed in JS As per the Bill, a Corporation will be established titled the Bangladesh Oil, Gas and Mineral Corporation for carrying out the purposes of this Bill. The Corporation may also be called PETROBANGLA. This will be a body corporate, having perpetual succession and a common seal with power to acquire, hold and dispose of property, both movable and immovable, and shall by the said name sue and be sued. The main office of the Corporation will be established in Dhaka whereas, if necessary, its offices can be set up in any place in and outside the country taking prior permission from the government. The authorised capital of the Corporation shall be Tk 10,000 crore, which was Tk 200 crore, while the paid-up capital will be Tk 200 crore.
Read more:BSCIC Bill placed in JS aimed at streamlining small and cottage industries The Board shall consist of a Chairman to be appointed by the government, an officer not below the rank of a Joint Secretary of the Ministry or Division dealing with energy and mineral resources to be nominated by that Ministry or Division, an officer not below the rank of a Joint Secretary of the Ministry or Division dealing with finance to be nominated by that Ministry or Division, an officer not below the rank of a Joint Secretary of the Ministry or Division dealing with planning to be nominated by that Ministry or Division and five directors to be appointed by the government. Chairman of the Corporation shall be appointed from the Additional Secretaries of the government. As per the Bill, it can deposit its fund in any scheduled bank as term deposit or invest in any government approved securities.