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Nagad's Jhalak scoops up 'Best Emerging Director in Fintech' award
Maruful Islam Jhalak, executive director of mobile financial services (MFS) provider Nagad, has been named the "Best Emerging Director in Fintech" 2022 by UK-based news magazine The Global Economics.
The Nagad executive director is the first individual from Bangladesh's fintech industry to earn this award in the leadership category. Through the award, The Global Economics recognises leaders who strive hard to bring revolutionary changes to their economies.
Jhalak, who oversees the technical aspects of the MFS, played a vital role in the implementation of concepts such as E-KYC and D-KYC.
Global Economics recognised Jhalak for these innovative fintech solutions.
He was instrumental in pioneering the process of opening accounts by dialling *167#; known as D-KYC, according to a media statement.
Jhalak said: "I am humbled and thrilled that The Global Economics has recognised my contributions. Nagad has introduced numerous game-changing innovations that have altered the country's financial industry landscape."
Read: Nagad becomes world's fastest-growing fintech company after conquering local market: Palak
This year, The Global Economics honoured 20 top executives from all around the world for their extraordinary contributions to their respective industries.
Earlier, Nagad received the "Best DFS (Digital Finance Service Award)" 2021 of The Global Economics.
Flood death toll rises to 137 as one more die
One more person died due to floods across the country in the 24 hours to Wednesday morning.
The number of reported fatalities, from May 17 to August 3, rose to 137, according to the Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS).
Of the deceased, 77 were from Sylhet, 43 from Mymensingh, 16 from Rangpur and one from Dhaka divisions.
Read:Unilever Bangladesh donates Tk 50 lakh to employees affected by flood
One hundred and seven people drowned in the floodwaters, 18 died in lightning strikes, two from snake bites, one from diarrhoea, and nine due to other reasons.
Also, around 28,540 people were hit by floods during the same period.
Forty-four upazilas were affected by floods, including 33 in Sylhet, three in Rangpur, seven in Mymensingh and one in Chattogram divisions.
Sylhet, Sunamganj, Netrokona and Moulvibazar were the worst-hit districts, with 13, 11, seven and five upazilas affected by floods, respectively.
Bangladeshi expat killed in UAE road crash
A Bangladeshi expatriate was killed after being hit by a private car in Ajman city of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) on Tuesday night.
The deceased was identified as Md Kamal Uddin, 38, of Mirsharai upazila of Chattogram.
Khwaja Mainuddin, a neighbor of Kamal in the UAE, told his family that Kamal was hit by a speeding car while crossing the road in the city at night.
He was rushed to a nearby hospital where doctors declared him dead on arrival.
Kamal had been working in a laundry shop in the UAE for the last 17/18 years, he added.
Read: Bangladeshi expat killed in Brunei road crash
Covid in Bangladesh: 3 more deaths reported with 375 cases
Bangladesh recorded three more Covid-linked deaths with 375 fresh cases in 24 hours till Wednesday morning.
With the latest numbers, the total fatalities reached 29,298 while the caseload 2,006,368, according to the Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS).
The daily case positivity rate dropped to 6.53 per cent from Tuesday's 7.72 percent as 5,785 samples were tested.
All the deceased were men and they were from Dhaka division.
Read: Bangladesh sees 142 Covid deaths, 31,422 cases in July, highest in 5 months
The mortality rate remained unchanged at 1.46 percent. The recovery rate rose to 96.95 per cent from Tuesday's 96.92 per cent.
In July, Bangladesh reported 142 Covid-linked deaths and 31,422 cases, the highest death toll and cases in the last five months since March this year, as per DGHS.
Among the deceased, 57 were unvaccinated while seven received the first dose, 52 the second dose and 26 the third dose, according to the Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS).
Besides, 34,901 patients recovered from the disease during this period.
Bangladesh reported its first zero Covid death on November 20 last year since the pandemic broke out here in March 2020.
The country registered its highest daily caseload of 16,230 on July 28 last year and daily fatalities of 264 on August 10 in the same year.
Maritime ports asked to hoist cautionary signal 3
The country’s maritime ports have been advised to hoist local cautionary signal three to alert vessels of a possible squall as deep convection is taking place over the North Bay, said the weather department on Wednesday.
Squally weather is likely to affect the maritime ports, the North Bay, and the adjoining coastal areas of Bangladesh, said the Bangladesh Meteorological Department (BMD).
"All fishing boats and trawlers in the North Bay have been advised to come close to the coast and proceed with caution until further notice," it added.
Deep convection refers to the thermally driven turbulent mixing that moves air parcels from the lower to the upper atmosphere.
Read: Maritime ports asked to hoist Cautionary Signal 1
Meanwhile, light to moderate rain or thunder showers accompanied by temporary gusty wind is likely to occur at most places over Khulna, Barishal, Chattogram, Rangpur and Sylhet divisions and at many places over Rajshahi, Mymensingh and Dhaka divisions with moderately heavy to heavy falls at places over the country, as per the BMD’s daily bulletin.
Urea fertilizer price to readjusted in line with global market rate: Minister
Agriculture Minister Muhammad Abdur Razzaque on Wednesday said that price of Urea fertilizer in the local market will be readjusted in line with rate in international market.
The hike in Urea price by Tk 6 per kilogram won’t have any impacts on food production in the country, he said.
Razzaque said these while talking to reporters before attending a workshop in Barishal city.
“The government has been emphasizing on the balanced use of Urea fertilizer for a very long time. Farmers have a tendency to use Urea excessively. The DAP fertilizer contains 18 percent of ingredients found in Urea. That’s why we’ve reduced the price of DAP fertilizer to increase its use instead of Urea,” Razzaque said.
Razzaque also said the government hopes that use of Urea will decrease due to price hike.
Read: Bangladesh is mechanizing agriculture to boost harvest: Razzaque
“Price of Urea in the global market is Tk 81 per kg. The additional price which has been fixed by the government is very nominal. After the hike, prices of Urea will be Tk 20 per kg at the dealer level and Tk 22 per kg at the farmer level, which are still very low compared to the international market,” added Razzaque.
Replying to another question, the Minister said that the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) is trying to reap benefit from the global crisis.
“The people of Bangladesh are conscious and realistic. They haven’t forgotten the misrule, plundering and corruption that BNP leaders committed during their tenure. No matter how much they try, people will keep supporting the Awami League (AL) as it’s the only people-centric political party of the country,” said Razzaque.
The workshop was presided over by Md Sayedul Islam, Secretary of the Agriculture Ministry.
Serniabat Sadiq Abdullah, Mayor of Barishal City Corporation (BCC), Shahjahan Kabir, Director of Bangladesh Rice Research Institute (BRRI) and Benojir Alam, Director General (DG) of Department of Agricultural Extension (DAE), among others, were present at the workshop.
BNP happy over talks with Gono Odhikar Parishad
BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir on Wednesday voiced satisfaction with the outcomes of their talks with Gono Odhikar Parishad as they reached a consensus on waging a simultaneous movement for ousting the current regime and ensuring the next polls under a neutral government.
The dialogue between the two political parties was held at Gono Odhikar Parishad’s central office in the capital’s Purana Paltan.
As part of their move to unite opposition parties for launching a simultaneous movement, Mirza Fakhrul together with party standing committee member Amir Khosru Mahmud Chowdhury and media cell convener Jahiruddin Swapan sat in talks with a seven-member delegation of Gono Odhikar Parishad, led by its Convener Reza Kibria at 11am.
Talking to reporters after the meeting, Fakhrul said, “We're very satisfied with the outcomes of our talks with Gono Odhikar Parishad. We’re glad that they agreed with us on all issues, especially on not joining any polls under the current government.”
He said they also reached a consensus that the present government cannot be allowed to remain in power as it has very conscientiously and cunningly destroyed the achievements of Bangladesh, including democracy, freedom of speech, social values and the right to justice.
“That’s why we have agreed on initiating a united and simultaneous movement together with the people to remove this government,” the BNP leader said.
He said BNP and Gono Odhikar Parishad are in the same position on issues like the resignation of the government, dissolution of the parliament, formation of an election-time neutral government and the reconstitution of the Election Commission.
"We want to establish a people's parliament and government with the genuine representatives of people through holding an acceptable election,” Fakhrul said.
After that election, he said their party will form a national government with all their movement partners to repair the state.
Read: BNP sits with Ganosanghati Andolan
Reza Kibria said they had a very positive discussion with BNP and they agreed on many issues.
“After discussing the overall situation of the country here, we have understood that we are on the same path with the same thoughts. We don't have much disagreement with BNP. It is good news for all opposition parties and for those who want a change in Bangladesh," he observed.
Reza said they have no plan to go to the elections under the current government as they think no fair election can be held under Awami League.
“Discussions are underway with many parties and more will follow as a process of building a national unity has begun. The position of our two parties is very similar and we’ll work together to topple this despotic, corrupt and fascist government. All those who want democracy in the country will work together under the same banner,” he observed.
Gono Odhikar Parishad member secretary Nurul Haque Nur said they discussed what to do to overcome the ongoing crisis in the country. “There’s not much difference between us and BNP in the perception about what we should do to overcome the crisis. We have agreed on the 10 issues that we had in today's discussion.”
He said they also agreed with BNP's demand for a simultaneous or a united movement with other political parties to oust the 'fascist' government.
Earlier on Tuesday, Nurul in a discussion meeting said BNP and Awami League have the same character and the country cannot be run by the two major parties.
As journalists drew his attention to such a dissimilar position, Nur said it is fact that Awami League and BNP were in power for 34 years and they have much in common in their governance. “Now where Bangladesh stands, new arrangements and management are needed. In that case, BNP has moved away from its old position. They announced to form of a national government after the election to bring a change in the current system (of governance).”
On May 24, BNP formally began the dialogue with other opposition parties with the first meeting with Nagorik Oikya aimed at forging unity among opposition political parties.
The party also had talks with Labour Party, Ganosanghati Andolon, Bangladesher Biplobi Workers Party, Jatiya Party (Kazi Zafar), National Democratic Party, JAGPA, Liberal Democratic Party (LDP), Nap (Bhasani), Muslim League, Islami Oikya Jote and Jamiat Ulama-e Islam, Bangladesher Samyabadi Dal and Democratic League (DL), Bangladesh People's League, Bangladesh NAP, JSD-Rob, Jatiya Dal and a faction of Gonoforum,
PM: August 15 conspirators are again out to oust my government
Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on Wednesday said that the yet-to-be-executed killers and conspirators involved in the August 15 massacre of 1975 are still working to oust her government as the country heading towards another national election.
“They are still continuing their conspiracies. I know all of them (conspirators),” she said, adding she has all the information about who is doing what.
The premier said this while the newly elected board members of Bangladesh Red Crescent Society paid a courtesy call on her at her official residence Ganabhaban.
She mentioned that the conspirators were out on their mission before 2014 and 2018 elections. “Now that the next election is coming nearer they are very much active.”
Hasina wondered how the conspirators would gain by ousting her government. But one thing, she said, is certain that the people will be the sufferers.
She recalled the brutal killing of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman along with most members of his family on August 15, 1975.
“The killers even did not spare Russel (her 10-year-old brother),” she said in an emotion-choked voice.
“How could they do this!,” she said expressing her utter disbelief.
She said that killers Noor, Dalim, Ziaur Rahman and Khandaker Mustaque used to frequent the residence of Bangabandhu at 32 No Dhanmondi.
“They killed my father, mother and other close relatives. By this killing they could not bring any welfare for the country and its people, rather the condition of mass people plunged into a dark era,” she said.
Hasina and her younger sister Sheikh Rehana survived the carnage as they were abroad at that time.
The PM said she is one of the family members still “alive and in power.”
She explained why the conspirators are still active against her.
“Many don’t like that I’m attaining success for the country and have elevated Bangladesh’s status as a developing nation,” she said. “I know that they are very much vibrant in their activities,” she added.
Read: PM: Public trust in AL is key to government success in development
Dengue: 77 new patients hospitalised in 24 hrs
Another 77 dengue patients were hospitalised across the country in 24 hours till Wednesday morning, according to the Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS).
Among them, 59 patients were hospitalised in Dhaka while the 18 in other places, it said.
As many as 333 dengue patients including 258 in the capital are now receiving treatment at hospitals across the country.
On Tuesday, this year’s death toll from the mosquito-borne viral disease rose to 12 with two more deaths reported from Cox’s Bazar.
Read:Dengue death toll rises to 12 as 2 more die; 65 new patients hospitalised
Among the total deaths, eight were reported from Cox’s Bazar while four from Dhaka.
On June 21, the DGHS reported the first death of the season from the viral disease.
In July, the country reported 1,571 dengue cases with nine deaths.
This year, the DGHS has recorded 2,889 dengue cases and 2,544 recoveries so far.
ACC holds mass hearing against 42 govt agencies
The Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) listened to over one hundred complaints lodged by people against services of 42 government agencies during a mass hearing at Chattogram Medical College auditorium on Wednesday.
Attending the event as chief guest, ACC Commissioner (Investigation) Mohammad Mozammel Haque Khan said that in 70 percent of cases, the accused have been punished and the rest of the cases will be disposed of soon.
“Not only petty criminals but ACC has arrested some very influential people who are still in prison. ACC won’t spare anyone who are involved in corruption. ACC will ensure that no one can embezzle government resources,” Mozammel said.
Mozammel added that ACC doesn’t rush while filing cases.
“Rather, we take time to file the cases. We file a case only when enough investigation is done. That’s why the possibility of mistakes in ACC cases remains very low,” Mozammel added.
Read: ACC chair addresses Reporters Against Corruption
Deputy Commissioner (DC) of Chattogram Mohammad Mominur Rahman presided over the hearing.
Md Ashraf Uddin, Divisional Commissioner of Chattogram, AKM Sohel, Director General (DG) (Resistance) of ACC, Krishnapad Ray, Commissioner of Chattogram Metropolitan Police (CMP) and Md Mahmud Hasan, Commissioner of ACC’s Chattogram Divisional Office, among others, were present at the event.