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Banks to open from Sunday for limited hours
After a four-day break on account of the holy Eid-ul-Azha festival and weekly holidays, banks and financial institutions in Bangladesh will open from Sunday.
However, all banks will remain open for customers for only three-and-a-half hours daily due to the country-wide 14-day strict lockdown that was reimposed on Friday to contain the spread of rising Covid cases.
As per a circular issued by Bangladesh Bank, all banks will operate on a limited scale between July 25 and August 5 -- from 10am to 1.30pm only, instead of the normal 10am-4pm timings, maintaining all Covid-safety protocols and with limited staff.
READ: BB sets new transaction timing for banks from July 15
However, banks can remain open till 3pm to conduct their own activities, post-customer hours. Their other regular activities can also continue in compliance with government guidelines.
During this period, the head offices and authorised dealers-designated branches of banks will remain open while state-owned banks will keep open one branch at the district level and one at the upazila level.
Private banks, on the other hand, will keep open one branch at the district level and a maximum of two branches outside districts with limited manpower, according to the central bank.
READ: Banks to remain closed on Sunday during lockdown
However, internet banking service will continue for 24 hours. All banks will have to ensure the operations of ATM kiosks to facilitate transactions through cards and by supplying adequate cash in the machines, as per the BB circular.
Smuggling Oxygen Cylinders: 6 held in Rangpur
Six people were detained Friday from Rangpur Medical College and Hospital, on suspicion of smuggling oxygen cylinders.
A press release signed by Mainul Islam Prodhan, senior information officer of the Health Ministry, revealed the information.
Read: 4 held for selling oxygen cylinders at Pabna Hospital
According to the notification, 3 trucks carrying the detainees arrived at the hospital on Friday evening.
They contacted the responsible authorities and said that they were sent by a senior doctor named Rexaul Karim to collect oxygen cylinders, and deliver them to some hospitals of the capital.
They also added that they had documents supporting their statement.
However, Abu Sayeed Khan Babu, the man in charge of oxygen cylinders at the Rangpur hospital, immediately informed the police personnel on duty in the hospital checkpost about the situation.
Acting on that lead, a team of Kotwali Police reached the area and detained the suspected oxygen cylinder smugglers following initial interrogation.
They are still under the custody of Kotwali Police as of filing this report.
Sylhet scenario as strict lockdown resumes
Mobile courts in Sylhet collected Tk 15,400 as fines from individuals and businesses that violated lockdown restrictions on Friday, the very first day of stringent restrictions resuming after Eid.
Besides, 46 vehicles were sued, while 92 were outright seized on the day.
Read: Lockdown: Mobile courts collect fines of Tk 76,300 in Sylhet, 1 held in Sylhet
Law enforcers were tough on those violating curbs during the previous segment of the stringent lockdown.
Five mobile courts were active in the city throughout Friday, demonstrating there would be no room for taking things easy even to start with.
Army personnel were seen patrolling Sylhet city alongside police, RAB and BGB.
Additional Deputy Commissioner(Media) of Sylhet Police BAM Ashraf Ullah Taher confirmed the day's numbers at the start to UNB.
The features that differentiate the July 2021 lockdown in Bangladesh from any previous lockdown or restrictive protocol during the pandemic can broadly be identified in three streams:
i) Law-enforcement agencies were given the authority to perform mass arrests of the public if need be, of citizens found in breach of lockdown rules. Agencies have in turn shown their willingness to use it. Even on resumption day (Friday), over 400 such arrests were reported.
ii) Larger deployments of the security and law enforcement agencies, including Army and BGB battalions.
iii) Mobile courts jointly operated between agencies and local administrations working far more proactively to nab and even track/hunt down offenders, coupled with more aggressive use of their fining authority.
The lockdown restrictions came into force at 8am today and will continue till August 5 midnight, unless extended again as announced by the government on Thursday, upping its guard against the devastating Delta variant of Covid-19.
Ferry hits Padma Bridge pillar: BIWTC forms probe committee
A four-member committee has been formed by Bangladesh Inland Water Transport Corporation (BIWTC) to investigate the collision of the Shahjalal ferry with a pillar of the under-construction Padma Bridge.
The committee has been asked to submit a report to the BIWTC chairman within three days.
BIWTC issued an order in this regard Friday.
BIWTC Director (Commerce) SM Ashiquzzaman was made the convener of the committee. Other members of the committee were BIWTA Director (Shipping) M Shahjahan, BIWTC AGM (Marine) Ahmed Ali and AGM (Engineering) Rubeluzzaman.
Read: 20 hurt as ferry hits Padma bridge pillar
Meanwhile, inland master officer Abdur Rahman, in-charge of the Shahjalal, was suspended for failing to operate properly.
Earlier on Friday morning, Shahjalal, a Ro-Ro ferry that operates on the Shimulia-Banglabazar (Madaripur) route, crashed into the pillar near the Mawa area of Munshiganj at around 9am, causing injury to 20 people.
PM's shock at passing of folk icon Fakir Alamgir
Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on Friday expressed deep shock and sorrow at the death of one of the members of Swadhin Bangla Betar Kedra, and prominent Gono Sangeet artist of the country Fakir Alamgir.
Read: Fakir Alamgir on life support
In a condolence message shortly after news broke of the singer's death, she said that the role of Fakir Alamgir will always be remembered for his contribution in the musical arena of the country, especially his role in popularisong Gono Sangeet.
Read: Folk legend Fakir Alamgir leaves the stage for the last time
She prayed for the eternal salvation of the departed soul and expressed sympathy to the bereaved family.
Foreign Minister Dr AK Abdul Momen , Jatiya Party Chairman GM Quader and State Minister for Foreign Affairs M Shahriar Alam also released statements to mourn an iconic figure's passing.
Momen, in a message, expressed deep shock at the death of freedom fighter and singer Fakir Alamgir.
"Fakir Alamgir was a shining star of the country's cultural arena. People will remember his contributions forever," he said.
State Minister for Foreign Affairs M Shahriar Alam also expressed deep shock at the death of singer Fakir Alamgir.
He conveyed deep sympathy to the bereaved family members and sought salvation of the departed soul.
Fakir Alamgir, whose songs became entwined in the everyday lives of his countrymen, lost his battle with the coronavirus on Friday night, passing away in the capital's United Hospital after his condition deteriorated in the evening.
The beloved singer breathed his last at 10:56pm in the hospital's ICU, where he was receiving treatment for over a week. He was 71.
Folk music legend Fakir Alamgir leaves the stage for the last time
Pre-eminent folk singer and Ekushey Padak-awardee Fakir Alamgir, whose songs became entwined in the everyday lives of his countrymen, lost his battle with the coronavirus on Friday night, passing away in the capital's United Hospital after his condition deteriorated in the evening.
The beloved singer breathed his last at 10:56pm in the hospital's ICU, where he was receiving treatment for over a week. He was 71.
Mashuque Alamgir Rajeeb, son of Fakir Alamgir, confirmed the death to UNB.
Also read: Fakir Alamgir on life support
The folk legend was put on life support last Sunday, having been admitted into the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) of the hospital since the early hours of the previous Friday. But his condition took an irrevocable turn for the worse today following a heart attack in the evening.
Details regarding his last rites are expected to be revealed in due course by his family.
Born on a famous and most fitting date (February 21, 1950 - pre-empting the Language Movement by a couple of years) in a village called Kalamridha in Bhanga of Faridpur,
Fakir Alamgir stepped into the music arena in 1966.
Not afraid to use his platform as an artist, he played a vital role during the mass uprising of 1969 as a member of the Kranti Shilpi Gosthi and Gana Shilpi Gosthi. During the 1971 Liberation War, he crossed the border and joined the Swadhin Bangla Betar Kendra and performed frequently to inspire freedom fighters.
In independent Bangladesh, Alamgir played a pivotal role in the development of Bengali pop music alongside Ferdous Wahid, Azam Khan, Pilu Momtaz and others who led a generation of artists in shedding conventions to combine elements of indigenous music with contemporary western imports.
In his illustrious career, several of his songs including "O Sokhina", "Shantahar", "Nelson Mandela", "Naam Tar Chhilo John Henry", "Banglar Comrade Bondhu", to name just a few, became very popular and achieved monumental success.
They allowed him to attain ubiquitous name-recognition, and even enjoy an almost direct, one-to-one relationship with his fanbase. Arguably no other Bangladeshi male artist would be as instantly recognisable in almost any corner of the country as Fakir Alamgir, with his unruly, flowing shock of hair and Seventies moustache.
A Master's graduate of the Department of Mass Communication and Journalism in Dhaka University, Fakir Alamgir was also a keen writer and researcher. He published several books including 'Gono Sangeet er Oteet O Bortoman', 'Muktijuddher Smriti o Bijoyer Gaan', 'Amar Kotha', 'Jara Achhen Hridoypotey' and more.
He was also the founder of the cultural organization 'Wrishiz Shilpi Gosthi' in 1976, and served as the president of Gono Sangeet Shamanya Parishad (GSSP).
The government conferred the Ekushey Padak on Fakir Alamgir in 1999, for his significant contribution to music, and thereby the cultural arena of Bangladesh.
Fakir Alamgir is survived by his wife and two sons, and leaves behind a sea of admirers to mourn the passing of one who spoke directly to their hearts.
403 arrests on day 1 prove lockdown back in earnest
On the very first day back of the strict Covid-19 lockdown, 403 people were put under arrest by police, and 441 vehicles were fined by LEAs, for violating various protocols put in place as part of the lockdown restrictions.
The arrestees were out on the streets violating restrictions, said DMP Additional Deputy Commissioner (media) Iftekharul Islam.
Meanwhile, mobile courts collected Tk 127,270 in fines from 203 people.
The Traffic Division collected Tk 10.6 lakh in penalties, from vehicles failing to comply with the extraordinary restrictions in place.
Dhaka fell quiet in one fell swoop Friday, after restrictions imposed as part of the nationwide lockdown that started July 1 - the 'all-out' or 'maximum' lockdown - kicked in again. The features that differentiate the July 2021 lockdown in Bangladesh from any previous lockdown or restrictive protocol during the pandemic can broadly be identified in three streams:
i) Law-enforcement agencies were given the authority to perform mass arrests of the public if need be, of citizens found in breach of lockdown rules. Agencies have in turn shown their willingness to use it. Even on resumption day, over 400 such arrests were reported.
ii) Larger deployments of the security and law enforcement agencies, including Army and BGB battalions.
iii) Mobile courts jointly operated between agencies and local administrations working far more proactively to nab and even track/hunt down offenders, coupled with more aggressive use of their fining authority.
Read: Lockdown Breaches: 462 arrested on day 14
The lockdown restrictions came into force at 8am today and will continue till August 5 midnight, unless extended again as announced by the government on Thursday, upping its guard against the devastating Delta variant of Covid-19.
Today (Friday), the first day of the resumed lockdown, the number of vehicles seen in the capital was much lower than any other day during the last week.
Even then, many were seen in the morning returning to Dhaka through different ways as public transports were taken off the roads following the fresh order.
The government’s order for everyone was to stay in their respective areas as offices, courts, garment factories and all other export-oriented industries will remain closed during the period.
Rab and army personnel, deployed to enforce the strict restrictions, were seen checking the movement of people and vehicles at different points of the capital in addition to the duties performed by the police.
Until 10am, some public transports, carrying passengers, were allowed to enter the capital.
Akhtar Hossain, a traffic police officer, said some of the long-haul buses and vehicles were allowed to enter the capital through Uttara and Abdullahpur as they were stuck on the roads before entering the capital. “After 10 am, no vehicle was allowed in without valid ground,” he said.
In response to a query, Akhter said, “The government order is to maintain the lockdown strictly and we’re doing that today. Only the vehicles used for emergency services are allowed to move.”
Meanwhile, those returning to Dhaka from southern districts were seen entering Dhaka on foot through different entry points of the city like Tongi Bridge, Aminbazar Bridge, Babubazar Bridge and Postogola Bridge.
Read: Lockdown Breaches: 708 arrested, Tk 5.5 lakh fined on day 11
Most of them were bus passengers who had to get off from the vehicles before entering the city due to the suspension of traffic movement.
Members of law enforcement agencies were seen making them wear masks and maintain health rules as per the order.
On Thursday, State Minister for Public Administration Farhad Hossain told UNB that this lockdown will be stricter than the one imposed last time. Police, paramilitary Bangladesh Border Guard and the Army will keep a strict vigil on the roads, he said.
Earlier, the government eased the lockdown restrictions in the country for eight days due to Eid-ul-Azha that was celebrated on Wednesday.
Guidelines for praying in mosques during lockdown reissued
The Ministry of Religious Affairs on Friday issued mandatory guidelines for offering prayers in congregation at mosques across the country, during the strict lockdown.
They are effectively a reissue of the notification that set the same guidelines before the countrywide all-out lockdown on July 1.
Wearing of masks is mandatory, and the guidelines direct the elderly, children, as well as the sick - to abstain from attending mosques.
Also read: Covid lockdown: Govt issues mandatory guidelines for offering prayers at mosques
Besides, the notification said, each mosque should have enough soap, water and sanitizer to ensure health hygiene.
The ministry drilled down to the detail of urging devotees to perform what are known as Sunnah (taken to mean 'optional'), and the ablution before prayer, at home.
In its guideline, the ministry said, the devotees will have to bring their personal prayer mats as authorities will not be allowed to lay out carpets on mosque floors.
Also read: Covid lockdown: Govt. extends mandatory guidelines for mosques till July 14
Local administrations will take legal action against those who will violate the directives, it is added.
Bangladesh entered another 14-day nationwide strict lockdown on Friday, after a break of a week due to Eid ul Azha.
DGHS daily update: 85 more cases of dengue added
Amid a rise in the number of dengue patients, authorities reported 85 more new cases in 24 hours until Friday morning.
Across Bangladesh, some 390 patients diagnosed with dengue are receiving treatment for the disease as of Friday morning, according to the Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS). The vast majority of them are in the capital.
DGHS reports 387 patients are receiving treatment at different hospitals in the capital, while just three patients were listed outside Dhaka.
Some 1,470 patients have been admitted to different hospitals with dengue since January - 1077 of them have been released after recovery.
READ: 81 dengue cases reported in 24 hrs: DGHS
The recent spike in dengue cases has added to the burden on healthcare providers as the country continues to grapple with the devastating second wave of the coronavirus pandemic.
DGHS spokesman and line director Dr. Nazmul Islam suggested testing for dengue as well as corona if someone has temperature.
He also asked to take medicine on the advice of a registered doctor only in case of treatment. If necessary, one could take treatment by contacting the hotline number of DGHS.
The DGHS reported 1,193 dengue cases and three confirmed dengue-related deaths in 2020. It marked a dramatic and largely unexplained drop from the previous year, which was the worst year on record for dengue in the country.
READ: Drives to continue to control dengue: DSCC mayor
Official figures state 101,354 dengue cases and 179 deaths were recorded in Bangladesh in 2019.
Dengue fever was first reported in Bangladesh in 2000, claiming 93 lives that year. In the years that followed, the country learned to deal with the disease much better, but it did become endemic. Fatalities almost fell to zero at one stage, before spiking again in 2018, leading to the horrific crisis the following year.
‘Honoured and overwhelmed’: Dr Yunus after receiving Olympic Laurel
Noble Laureate Professor Muhammad Yunus has said he is "honoured and overwhelmed" to receive the Olympic Laurel.
"I'm honoured and overwhelmed to receive this Olympic Laurel. And so sad I can’t be there with you," he said in his acceptance speech.
Prof Yunus received the Olympic Laurel as only the second person in history when the opening ceremony of the Tokyo Olympics took place on Friday.
The distinction was created by the International Olympic Committee (IOC) to honour outstanding individuals for their achievements in education, culture, development and peace through sport.
The IOC is taking the social dimension of sports very seriously, Prof Yunus shared on his verified Facebook page on Friday.
"You, athletes of the world, can provide the leadership in transforming this world," he said.
Prof Yunus called for creating a world of three zeros - zero net carbon emission, zero wealth concentration to end poverty and once for all, zero unemployment by unleashing the power of entrepreneurship in everyone.
Read: Prof Yunus renews call for ensuring vaccine equality breaking profit wall
He wished the IOC success with its mission to help transform this world to a more peaceful world through sport.
"I wish all of you best of luck for your competitions," he said, thanking all for this award. "That’s so special to me. Thank you."
“Bangladesh will be so proud of this award because Bangladesh is a country that doesn’t get close to an Olympic medal. But they’ve a cause to celebrate now. The whole world will watch a Bangladeshi receiving an Olympic award which will make every single person of Bangladesh proud of it. I believe it’ll be something that Bangladesh will remember for long,” said Prof Yunus during a virtual press meet recently.
Prof Yunus is also the recipient of numerous international awards for his ideas and endeavours and is a member of the board of the United Nations Foundation.
In 2006, he was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize for founding Grameen Bank, which pioneered the concepts of microcredit and microfinance for people living in poverty.
The first-ever Olympic Laurel was awarded to the Kenyan Olympian and social changemaker Kip Keino on 5 August 2016, during the Opening Ceremony of the Games of the XXXI Olympiad in Rio de Janeiro.
Initiated for Rio 2016, the Olympic Laurel is to be awarded at the opening ceremony of each summer edition of the Olympic Games.