Dhaka
World champions Argentina likely to visit Dhaka in next June
The current FIFA World Cup Champions, Lionel Messi's Argentina, is likely to visit Dhaka next June to play a FIFA Friendly match in the capital.
BFF President Kazi Mohammad Salahuddin told the media today (Tuesday) that the Argentina team accepted our proposal to play friendly match in Dhaka in FIFA window in June.
Read more: Argentina will open embassy in Dhaka next year: Country’s President writes to PM Hasina
The tour of Argentina team in Bangladesh is almost final, we are now discussing with them about their team and conditions, if everything will progress in right way then there is no doubt about the match, he added.
But, the opponent of Argentina's team yet to be confirmed, BFF is closely communicating with some countries to play the match against Argentina.
Read more: “Hearts of the people of Bangladesh and Argentina are dearly united by football”
Lionel Messi's Argentina Football team played a friendly football match against Nigeria National team at the Bangabandhu National Stadium in Dhaka on Sept 6 in 2011 where Argentina beat Nigeria by 3-1 goals, but that time, Argentina was not the World Champions.
Nigerian delegation discusses Dhaka-Abuja trade potential with BGMEA
A delegation comprising high officials of different ministries of the Nigerian government paid a visit to Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA) President Faruque Hassan in Dhaka Monday (January 16, 2023).
The delegation included Abubakar Aliyu Aziz, director general of the National Identity Management Commission, MaskaUbale Ahmed Shehi, executive commissioner of the Communications Commission, Alhassan Haru, director of Communications Commission, and Roberts Moses Achanya, president of the Nigeria-Bangladesh Trade and Technology Forum.
BGMEA Director Barrister Vidiya Amrit Khan, Bangladesh Knitwear Manufacturers and Exporters Association Vice-President Fazlee Shamim Ehsan and Fakir Fashion Managing Director Fakir Kamruzzaman Nahid were also present.
Read more: Bangladesh, Nigeria to explore possibility of signing framework agreement on FTA or PTA
They had discussions about possible areas of collaboration between Bangladesh and Nigeria for bilateral trade benefits, particularly in the apparel and textile industry.
Faruque said there is potential to import more cotton from Nigeria which is a cotton-producing nation. "Nigeria is also a potential market for Bangladesh's apparel export."
He called upon the Nigerian government to reduce import duty on readymade garments (RMG) from Bangladesh and requested cooperation from the delegation in this regard.
Read More: Bangladesh, Nigeria to explore possibility of signing framework agreement on FTA or PTA
Dhaka tops list of cities with worst air quality
Dhaka has topped the list of cities around the world with the worst air quality this morning (January 15, 2023).
With an air quality index (AQI) score of 285 at 9:30 am on Sunday, Dhaka ranked first in the list of cities with worst air.
An AQI between 151 and 200 is said to be ‘unhealthy’ while 201 and 300 is considered ‘very unhealthy’, and 301 to 400 is considered 'hazardous', posing serious health risks to residents.
Read more: Dhaka air world’s most polluted this morning
India’s Delhi, Bishkek of Kyrgyzstan occupied the second and third places with an AQI of 193 and 190 respectively.
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.
Read more: 2022 was fifth or sixth warmest on record as Earth heats up
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.
Curtain rises on 21st Dhaka International Film Festival
The 21st edition of the Dhaka International Film Festival (DIFF), one of the longest-running cultural festivals in the country, officially began in the city Saturday, with 252 films set to be showcased from 71 countries till January 22.
Foreign Minister AK Abdul Momen inaugurated the festival as chief guest, while civil aviation and tourism secretary Mokammel Hossain and popular West Bengal actor Sabyasachi Chakrabarty were present as special guests at the inaugural ceremony.
Presided over by the DIFF chief patron and State Minister for Foreign Affairs Md Shahriar Alam, the welcome remarks were delivered by festival director Ahmed Muztaba Zamal, founding organiser of this coveted festival.
Inaugurating the 21st edition, Foreign Minister Momen said that the DIFF has given young and aspiring filmmakers in Bangladesh and elsewhere the opportunity to interact with contemporary artistic trends, greatly influencing the development of a strong and positive national cinema culture.
"I commend Rainbow Film Society's initiative and effort, which since 1977 have been devoted to fostering a strong film culture in Bangladesh. It truly is one of the Bangladeshi film society movement's most active film organizations, and I wish the festival a great success," Momen said at the ceremony.
Read more: Korean Film Festival 2022 opens
Dhaka, Abuja agree to explore possibilities in contract farming, cooperation in agro, food processing
Bangladesh and Nigeria agreed to explore possibilities of contract farming in the African country by Bangladeshi farmers as well as collaboration in agro and food processing, the Foreign Ministry said Saturday.
Nigeria also proposed that both countries collaborate in freelancing areas and digital services such as national Identification documents.
At the invitation of Foreign Minister AK Abdul Momen, a 17-member government and private sector delegation of Nigeria is in Dhaka now.
The Nigerian delegation, led by Communication and Digital Economy Minister Professor Isa Ali Ibrahim Pantami, comprises government representatives from the economic, trade and investment department, Communication and National Identity Management commissions, the education department, the High Commission of Nigeria in New Delhi, private sector representatives from the Nigeria-Bangladesh Trade and Technology Forum and businessmen.
The Bangladesh delegation includes high officials of commerce and foreign ministries.
The Nigerian delegation will have several meetings with government sectors like the ICT Division, Bangladesh Telecommunication Regulatory Commission, the Secondary and Higher Education Division, the Ministry of Textiles and Jute, the Bangladesh Investment Development Authority, and the Bangladesh Economic Zones Authority.
Read more: Bangladesh, Nigeria sign MoU on establishing bilateral consultations mechanism
It will also have meetings with private sector representatives like Beximco, Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association and the Federation of Bangladesh Chambers of Commerce and Industry.
Today, the delegation visited Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman Memorial Museum in the evening and paid tribute to the Father of the Nation.
The delegation met with Momen at State Guest House Padma.
During the meeting, the foreign minister cited the remarkable achievement of Bangladesh during the last decade in the socio-economic sectors, including women's empowerment.
Bangladesh is maintaining robust economic growth despite the existing global economic crisis, he said.
Momen briefed the Nigerian delegation about Bangladesh's performance in the digital sector especially, in the rapidly growing IT sectors and opportunities in the Bangladeshi hi-tech parks.
At the meeting, Momen pointed out that the D-8 countries should accelerate efforts to increase mutual trade. He sought continued support from Nigeria on the Rohingya issue.
Pantami also had a brief discussion with State Minister Md Shahriar Alam where both sides reflected on ongoing bilateral cooperation, especially, the need of enhancing people-to-people contact.
Read more: Bangladesh, Nigeria to explore possibility of signing framework agreement on FTA or PTA
Dhaka air world’s most polluted this morning
Dhaka has once again topped the list of cities with the worst air quality this morning (January 14, 2023).
With an air quality index (AQI) score of 251 at 8:55 am on Saturday, Dhaka ranked first in the list of cities with the worst air.
An AQI between 151 and 200 is said to be ‘unhealthy’ while 201 and 300 is considered ‘very unhealthy’, and 301 to 400 is considered 'hazardous', posing serious health risks to residents.
Read more: Dhaka air world’s most polluted this morning
India’s Delhi, Uzbekistan’s Tashkent and India’s Mumbai occupied the second, third and fourth spots with an AQI of 223, 166, and 165 respectively.
Meanwhile, an AQI between 101 and 150 is considered 'unhealthy', particularly for sensitive groups.
In Bangladesh, the AQI is based on five criteria pollutants -- Particulate Matter (PM10 and PM2.5), NO2, CO, SO2 and Ozone.
Read more: Dhaka's air in 'very unhealthy' zone with AQI score of 209
Dhaka has long been grappling with air pollution issues. Its air quality usually turns unhealthy in winter and improves during the monsoon.
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.
2 killed in Dhaka's Jatrabari as auto-rickshaw crashes into truck
Two people were killed and as many injured as a CNG-run auto-rickshaw crashed into a truck in the capital's Jatrabari area early Friday, police said.
The deceased were identified as auto-rickshaw driver Momin Mia, 37, of Narayanganj and passenger Palash, 50, a fish trader of Munshiganj.
The injured are fish traders Shah Ali, 36, and Sumon, 40.
Read more: 11 people killed in road crashes in 5 dists
Salman Rahman, sub-inspector (SI) of Jatrabari Police Station, said the accident occurred around 4am. "The auto-rickshaw crashed into the truck on its way to Jatrabari wholesale fish market as the truck driver suddenly stopped his vehicle in the middle of the road in front of Dania College, leaving four occupants of the auto-rickshaw critically injured."
Read more: Road crash leaves elderly man dead in Narail
The injured were rushed to Dhaka Medical College and Hospital where Momin and Palash were declared dead, he added.
However, police failed to seize the truck, the SI said.
21st Dhaka International Film Fest begins Saturday showcasing work from 71 countries
Showcasing 252 films from 71 countries, the 21st Dhaka International Film Festival (DIFF) will begin Saturday (January 14, 2023).
One hundred and twenty-nine full-length feature films and one hundred and twenty-three short and independent films are scheduled to enthral the moviegoers at the festival.
Bangladesh will be represented at the festival through 81 films, including 12 full-length feature films and 69 short and independent films.
Read more: Bangladesh Film Artistes’ Association finally begins journey with full panel
Foreign Minister AK Abdul Momen will inaugurate the festival as the chief guest at the main auditorium of the Bangladesh National Museum at 4pm.
Prime Minister's Private Industries and Investment Adviser Salman F Rahman will join the ceremony as the special guest, which will be presided over by State Minister for Foreign Affairs and DIFF chief patron Shahriar Alam.
"Rainbow Film Society has been organising the DIFF every year since 1992 with support from different organisations. Unfortunately, that support is dwindling," festival director Ahmed Muztaba Zamal said at a press conference in the capital Thursday.
Read more: It's a 'Dream Run' to Florida film fest!
"To continue this acclaimed festival in the future, we need proper financial assistance from the government and elite members of society and corporations, the driving force behind every other successful film festival across the world."
About the unavailability of suitable venues for the festival, newly elected Jatiya Press Club (JPC) General Secretary Shyamal Dutta said the JPC is going to serve as one of the venues for the upcoming edition of the DIFF.
Films will be screened at the Bangamata Sheikh Fazilatunnesa Mujib auditorium (main auditorium) and Poet Sufia Kamal auditorium of the Bangladesh National Museum, National Art Gallery auditorium, Nandan Theatre open ground and Jatiya Sangeet and Nrityakala auditorium of the Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy (BSA), Star Cineplex (Bashundhara City) and Alliance Francaise de Dhaka (Dhanmondi) in the capital.
Read More: Indian Movie RRR’s Success at Golden Globe 2023
They will be screened under nine categories – Asian cinema competition section, retrospective, wide angle, Bangladesh panorama, cinema of the world, children's films, women filmmakers, short and independent films and spiritual films.
The 21st DIFF will also feature the Ninth Dhaka International Conference on Women in Cinema 2023 at the Samson Lounge, Dhaka Club, from January 15 to 16 and West Meets East: Screenplay Lab from January 15 to 18 at Alliance Francaise de Dhaka.
This year, the festival will also host a day-long master class for the first time on January 21 at Bangladesh National Museum. It will be led by filmmakers Jon Jost from the US and Anja Strelec from Belgium.
Read More: 2022 Highest Grossing Movies Worldwide
There will also be a special session where script pitching, film studies, and practical filmmaking experience will be discussed by Sadia Khalid Reeti and filmmaker Tasmiah Afrin Mou. Bidhan Rebeiro will conduct the master class sessions.
The 21st Dhaka International Film Festival will draw to a close on January 22.
22km long tailback from Tongi to Moghbazar in Dhaka
Dhaka commuters have been stuck in massive traffic jam since this morning (January 12, 2023) as a 22km long tailback has formed from Tongi Bridge to Moghbazar in the city.
The gridlock stretched from Tongi Bridge-Abdullahpur-Airport to Mohakhali-Moghbazar areas of Dhaka — causing untold sufferings for commuters.
Vehicular movement in parts of Dhaka came to a standstill for hours due to the huge pressure of Ijtema-bound vehicles in Tongi.
Read More: Air quality: Dhaka world’s 3rd most polluted city this morning
Air quality: Dhaka world’s 3rd most polluted city this morning
Air pollution still remains one of the top-most environmental challenges for Bangladesh and Dhaka has ranked as the third most polluted city in the world with ‘very unhealthy’ air quality this morning.
Dhaka’s air quality index (AQI) score was 239 at 9 am today (January 12, 2023).
An AQI between 201 and 300 is said to be ‘very unhealthy’, while a reading of 301 to 400 is considered 'hazardous', posing serious health risks to residents.
Read More: How Can One Person Reduce Environmental Pollution?
Pakistan’s Karachi and India’s Delhi occupied the first two spots in the list, with AQI scores of 428 and 241 respectively.
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.
Also read: Dhaka's air quality still ‘very unhealthy'
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.
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.
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