Bangladesh
Bus ploughs through shop in Bagerhat; one dies
A youth died as a bus ploughed into a roadside shop in Matharia area of Kochua upazila on Bagerhat-Pirojpur highway on Tuesday morning.
The bus driver sustained injuries as he got stuck in the seat.
6 die in road accidents in 3 districts
Two people who were asleep inside the shop survived.
The deceased was Rakib Mollik, 27, son of Harun Mollik of Puthiakhali village of Morelganj upazila of Bagerhat.
Rickshawpuller injured in road accident dies at Dhaka hospital
The affected shop owner, Ekhlas, said that the speedy bus ploughed through his shop at around 6 am and fell into a nearby ditch.
Retired army personnel dies in road accident in Rajshahi
Ashraf Ali, sub-inspector (SI) of Katakhali Highway Police Station of Bagerhat, said police and fire fighters rescued the bus driver and sent him to Khulna Medical College Hospital.
DMP providing drinking water amid heat wave
Bangladesh police is organizing safe drinking water for daily wagers, rickshaw pullers and low-income people amid the ongoing heat wave that is sweeping across the country for the last several days, said Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) Commissioner Habibur Rahman.
DMP kept arrangements of pure drinking water by setting up some trolleys of water in different parts of the city under 50 police station areas, he said while briefing to reporters at DMP Media Centre.
He also believed that Bangladesh Police has not only set an example in maintaining law and order situation but also in humanitarian issues.
Replying to a question about changing the uniform of traffic police, the DMP commissioner said so far there is no such thought but there is a norm to provide white umbrellas instead of black.
Besides, the police hospitals are kept ready to provide treatment to the sick policemen if they fall ill amid the heat.
DGHS issues directives to reduce risk of heat stroke
Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS) on Tuesday issued some directives to reduce the risk of heat stroke in extreme heat.
According to the DGHS Facebook page,
· It asked people to refrain from severe heat and keep rest in sheds occasionally.
· It also asks to drink plenty of safe water (2.5 to 3 litres for adults) and avoid having street food and beverage to avoid waterborne diseases like hepatitis A, E and diarrhea.
· It also asks people to take bath multiple times, if needed.
· The DGHS asks to wear loose and light colour dress and avoid from deep colourful dress amid hot temperature.
· It also asks to go to the hospital immediately and consult a doctor if any symptoms like stop sweating, nausea, severe headache, and rises in body temperatures, urination decreases, urinary irritation, seizures and occurrence of fainting are found in a person.
· To take medical treatments during extreme heat in any health issues like diabetics, kidney disease, high blood pressure and others.
· It also asks to take care of mental health and follow the directives and inspire others to follow it.
· Make a call to Health care service 16263 for health related issue.
Bangladesh reports 23 COVID-19 cases in 24hrs
Bangladesh reported 23 more COVID-19 cases in 24 hours till Tuesday morning.
With the new numbers, the country's total COVID-19 caseload rose to 2,049,897, according to the Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS).
The official death toll from the disease remained unchanged at 29,494 as no new fatalities were reported during this period.
The daily case test positivity rate was 4.55 percent as 506 samples were tested, said the DGHS.
The recovery and death rates stood at 98.41 percent and 1.44 per cent, respectively.
11 dengue patients hospitalised in 24hrs
No fresh death due to dengue was reported in Bangladesh in the 24 hours till Tuesday morning, according to the Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS).
However, eleven patients were hospitalised with viral fever during this period, according to the DGHS.
Of them, four were admitted in Dhaka hospitals, while the rest was outside the capital.
A total of 120 patients are now receiving treatment at hospitals across the country.
So far, 2, 051dengue cases have been reported since January 1, 2024.
Last year, a total of 1,705 people lost their lives due to dengue, making it the deadliest year on record.
The DGHS recorded 321,179 dengue cases and 3, 18,749 recoveries last year.
Last year’s September was the deadliest month for the dengue outbreak, with 396 fatalities and 79,598 cases, according to DGHS data.
Seminar: All actors urged to work together to secure rights of migrants
Speakers at a seminar on Tuesday highlighted the emerging challenges of labour migration from South Asia and urged all actors to work together to secure the rights of the migrants.
Speaking as the chief guest, PM’s Economic Affairs Adviser Dr. Mashiur Rahman spoke about the contribution of labour migrants to the South Asian economy and highlighted Bangladesh’s enthusiasm for working together with other countries.
Bangladesh Institute of International and Strategic Studies (BIISS) in collaboration with the Consortium of South Asian Think Tanks (COSATT) and Political Dialogue Asia Programme, Konrad Adenauer Stiftung (KAS) organised the regional seminar on “Labour Migrants from South Asia: Issues and Concerns” at BIISS auditorium.
Additional Secretary, Ministry of Expatriates’ Welfare and Overseas Employment Khairul Alam spoke as special guest.
BIISS Chairman Ambassador AFM Gousal Azam Sarker chaired the inaugural session while Director General of BIISS Major General Md Abu Bakar Siddique Khan and Convener, COSATT Dr. Nishchal N. Pandey delivered welcome remarks.
Regional Programme, Political Dialogue Asia, KAS, Singapore Andreas Klein Director also spoke.
The seminar was divided into two working sessions. The first working session was focused on “Labour Migrants from South Asia: Contemporary Challenges” which was chaired by Dr Tasneem Siddiqui, Professor and Chairperson, Department of Political Science, University of Dhaka.
Five presenters: Md Shariful Hasan, Programme Head, BRAC Migration Programme; Dr Mallika Joseph, Senior Fellow, WISCOMP, New Delhi; Mahesh Raj Bhatta, Research Officer, Centre for South Asian Studies, Kathmandu; Shishir Khanal, Member of Parliament, Kathmandu and Col. Nalin Herath, acting Director General, Institute of National Security Studies, Colombo participated in the first session.
The second working session was concentrated on “Addressing Challenges: Regional Cooperation and Partnerships”.
It was chaired by Megha Sarmah, Programme Manager 2030 Agenda, KAS, Singapore.
The second session also had five presentations from Dr. Benuka Ferdousi, Senior Research Fellow, BIISS; Sugeeswara Senadhira, Advisor, the Prime Minister’s Office, Colombo; Hernaikh Singh, Deputy Director, Institute of South Asian Studies, National University of Singapore, Anu Maria Joseph, Research Associate, National Institute of Advanced Studies, Bengaluru, Dr. Anasua Bosu Ray Choudhury, Senior Fellow, Observer Research Foundation, Kolkata.
Senior officials from different ministries, diplomats, senior civil and military officials, media, academia, researchers, faculties and students from various universities, and representatives from international organisations participated in the seminar.
Qatari emir’s just-held visit to generate goodwill, understanding between 2 countries: Dhaka
Qatar’s Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani left Dhaka for Kathmandu, Nepal on Tuesday afternoon wrapping up his 24-hour state visit which will “significantly contribute” to the consolidation of ties and elevate the Bangladesh-Qatar bilateral relations to the next level.
Foreign Minister Hasan Mahmud saw him off at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport, said a senior official at the ministry.
PM Hasina warmly welcomes Qatar’s Emir at her office
Held in a cordial and amicable environment, the Qatari emir’s visit is expected to generate goodwill and understanding between the two countries, said the Bangladesh side.
At the invitation of the President Mohammed Shahabuddi, the emir of Qatar paid the state visit to Bangladesh.
He led a delegation that included, among others, Qatar’s Minister for Commerce and Industry, State Minister for Foreign Affairs, Chairman of the Qatar Chamber of Commerce and Industry, member of Qatar Investment Authority.
On Monday, the president received the emir at the airport while Bangladesh Minister for Liberation Affairs, Home Affairs, Expatriates' Welfare and Overseas Employment, Foreign Affairs and State Minister for Power, Energy and Mineral Resources also welcomed him in presence of the senior officials from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Dhaka pulling out all the stops to welcome Emir of Qatar after nearly two decades
This highest-level visit took place after around 19 years from the Qatar side which coincides with the 50th anniversary of the establishment of the diplomatic relations between Bangladesh and Qatar.
During the visit, Bangladesh and Qatari delegations led respectively by the prime minister and the emir held fruitful bilateral talks at the Prime Minister’s Office on Tuesday.
During the bilateral talks, both sides reviewed the whole gamut of bilateral relations and underlined the need for enhancing the bilateral cooperation through exchange of visit and increased interaction at all levels and strengthening bilateral engagements between Bangladesh and Qatar.
The areas that came up for discussion on cooperation included bilateral trade and investment, energy and power, manpower, defense, education, agriculture, food security and culture. Both sides also exchanged views on regional and global issues of mutual interests in the meeting.
In the opening remarks, the prime minister deeply appreciated the incredible advancement and transformation of Qatar as an advanced knowledge-based multi-cultural society and Qatar’s role in mediation and multilateral diplomacy under His Highness’s stewardship.
Qatar Emir’s visits to Bangladesh, Nepal should prioritise migrant workers' protections: HRW
Qatari emir appreciated remarkable achievements of Bangladesh under the dynamic leadership of the prime minister and commended Bangladesh as an investment destination and expressed his keenness to invest in diverse potential sectors.
He also appreciated the expatriate community in Qatar who are making positive contributions to the economies of both the countries.
Both the leaders expressed satisfaction at the level of understanding and cooperation in the energy sector adding that both sides are working together to forge this cooperation to the partnership level in the near future.
The emir had an audience with the president the same day. The president extended a warm welcome to the emir on his visit to Bangladesh and praised him for his leadership and vision.
They held discussions on wide ranging issues related to the bilateral ties of friendship and cooperation as well as on regional issues of mutual interest.
Later, the emir joined an official luncheon at Bangabhaban hosted in his honour by the president.
The luncheon was attended by PM Hasina, members of the cabinet and other dignitaries. A cultural programme, representing Bangladesh’ tradition, heritage and culture, was also held.
BASIS Election: BASIS hosts Candidates’ introduction meeting
The election of the executive committee for the 2024-26 of Bangladesh Association of Software and Information Services (BASIS) is going to be held on May 8.
A candidates’ introduction meeting was held on the occasion at the IDEB Auditorium in Kakrail on Monday.
Thirty-three candidates are competing to elect the 11-Member Executive Council, said a press release issued on Tuesday.
Among them eight candidates will be elected from General category and one each from Associate, Affiliate and International category.
BASIS researcher promotes '8 by 4 formula' for region in Kathmandu
TIM Nurul Kabir, Chairman of BASIS Election Executive Board, delivered the welcome speech at the program.
In his speech, he discussed about the code of conduct for BASIS elections and discussed various issues related to casting votes by displaying demo ballot papers.
At one stage, he organized the panel based candidate familiarization meeting through lottery.
Change of auditor firm in accordance with law: BASIS President
Syed Mamnun Quader and Nazim Farhan Choudhury, members of the BASIS Election Board, were also present on the stage.
All candidates are competing in this election divided into three panels. The names of these three panels are 'Team Smart', 'One Team', and 'Team Success'.
In the panel-based candidate orientation session, Team Smart first came on stage and gave a presentation, followed by One Team and finally Team Success.
Team Smart panel is led by Md Mostafizur Rahaman Sohel. Other candidates in General category of Team Smart are Dr. Muhammad Risalat Siddique, Liakat Hossain, Mir Shahrukh Islam, A.S.M. Rafiq Ullah, Monjurul Alam Mamun, Syeda Nawshad Jahan Promee, Niaz Morshed Elite and Arman Ahmed Khan (Associate category), Lutfi Haider Chowdhury (Affiliate category) and A H M Hasinul Quddus (Rusho) in (International category).
The One Team panel has been formed under the leadership of Russell T Ahmed. Other candidates in General category of this panel are Uttam Kumar Paul, Didarul Alam, M Rashidul Hasan, AKM Ahmedul Islam BABU, Iqbal Ahmed Fakhrul Hasan, M Asif Rahman, KAM Rashedul Mazid and Syed Abdullah Jayed (Associate category), Biplob Ghosh Rahul (Affiliate category) and Syed Mohammad Kamal (International category).
The Team Success panel is led by Mustafa Rafiqul Islam DUKE. The other candidates of this panel in general category are Taufiqul Karim Suhrid, Muhammed Aminullah, Md Shohibur Rahman Khan Rana, Farjana Kabir Ishita, Md Shofiul Alam, Imran Hossen, Syeda Nafisa Reza and NM Rafsan Jany Samir (Associate category), Abdul Aziz (Affiliate category) and Abu Muhammad Rashed Mujib Noman (International category).
Voting for BASIS election will continue on May 8 from 10 am to 5 pm at Gulshan Shooting Club in the capital.
The total number of voters in this election of Basis is 1464.
Among them 932 voters in general category, 389 voters in associate category, 134 voters in affiliate category and 9 voters in international category.
A Tauhid, Chairman of the BASIS Appeal Board, and two members Abdullah H Kafi and Nazneen Kamal were also present.
Elephant found dead on Gazipur roadside, suspected to be captive
A dead elephant was found beside a road near Bhawal National Park in Gazipur's Rajendrapur area on Tuesday.
Initial investigations by the authorities suggested that the elephant may have been held in captivity. Its tusks were missing, and there was a visible injury on the left side of its head.
Rubia Islam, officer for Wildlife and Biodiversity Conservation, remarked that the circumstances indicate the elephant was likely transported from elsewhere and abandoned at the location.
Following the collection of preliminary data by a forensic team, post-mortem examinations will be conducted by two veterinary surgeons from Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman Agricultural University (BSMRAU) and Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Safari Park.
Local residents alerted the authorities upon discovering the elephant near Gate-2 of Bhawal Park in the Rajendrapur area along the Dhaka-Mymensingh highway this morning.
Notably, the High Court recently suspended the issuance and renewal of licenses for the captivity, private ownership, and rearing of elephants.
PM Hasina begins her six-day official visit to Thailand on Wednesday
Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina will leave Dhaka on Wednesday for Bangkok on a six-day official visit to Thailand at the invitation of her Thai counterpart Srettha Thavisin.
The visit is aimed at to strengthening the bilateral ties between the two countries, officials said.
A special flight of Biman Bangladesh Airlines, carrying the premier and her entourage, is scheduled to depart Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport at 10:00am on Wednesday, said PM’s Speechwriter Md Nazrul Islam.
The fight is to land at Don Mueang International Airport, Bangkok at 1:30pm local time.
"It's both a bilateral and multilateral visit," said Foreign Minister Hasan Mahmud said at a media briefing on Monday.
The bilateral part of visit will be the first-ever visit at the level of head of government from Bangladesh to Thailand since establishment of diplomatic relations in 1972.
It is also Hasina’s first bilateral visit to a country after winning the general election in January.
During her visit from April 24 to 29, the Bangladesh premier will hold bilateral talks with PM Thavisin and also attend the 80th Session of the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (ESCAP).
Bangladesh and Thailand will sign a number of cooperation documents including a letter of intent on negotiations for a free trade agreement between the two countries, said the foreign minister.
The two countries are likely to sign an agreement on visa exemption for official passport holders, a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on energy cooperation while two more MoUs on tourism sector cooperation and duty related mutual cooperation to expand the relations, he said.
Bangladesh will seek support from Thailand regarding Rohingya repatriation as well as increased investment from Thailand, said Hasan Mahmud adding that the issue of shipping connectivity will also be discussed.
On April 26, PM Hasina will be formally received by her Thai host Srettha Thavisin while a ceremonial guard of honor will be accorded to her.
On the same day, the Bangladesh premier will hold bilateral talks with PM Thavisin at the Government House (Prime Minister’s Office) following a tete-a-tete between the two leaders, witness the signing of the documents, participate in a joint press conference and then attend a state lunch to be hosted by her Thai counterpart in her honour there.
During the visit, the prime minister will have a Royal audience of Maha Vajiralongkorn Phra Vajiraklaochaoyuhua and Suthida Bajrasudhabimalalakshan, King and Queen of the Kingdom of Thailand at the Palace.
In her multilateral engagement, PM Hasina is scheduled to attend the 80th Session of ESCAP and deliver a speech there on April 25.
On the same day, the Under-Secretary-General of the United Nations and ESCAP Executive Secretary Armida Salsiah Alisjabana will call on the prime minister.
Guided by the theme “Leveraging digital innovation for sustainable development in Asia and the Pacific”, the eightieth session will be an opportunity to strengthen region-wide cooperative action on leveraging digital innovation for the accelerated implementation of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.
The session will bring together government leaders and ministers from across Asia and the Pacific and other key stakeholders to discuss how digital innovation can more inclusively contribute to the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals across multiple disciplines.