Dhaka
Dhaka, New Delhi reiterate resolve to bring down border killings to zero level
The 5-day director general (DG) level border conference between Border Guard Bangladesh (BSF) and Indian Border Security Force (BSF) ended here at BGB headquarters renewing the consensus in bringing down the border killings to zero level.
The conference, which began on July 17, ended today (Thursday) with signing a Joint Record of Discussion (JRD).
DG BGB Major General Shakil Ahmed was leading 20-member Bangladesh delegation, while his counterpart DG BSF Shri Pankaj Kumar Singh led a 9-member Indian delegation at the talks.
Both sides agreed to bring down the killing, injuring and beating unarmed nationals of both countries to zero by adopting extra precautionary measures along the border, such as, increasing Coordinated Patrols specially during the latter part of Night until morning.
Also read: BGB-BSF DG-level border conference begins in Dhaka
Both sides also agreed to undertake joint efforts to bring down the number of incidents of assault and border crime by intensifying various initiatives like public awareness programmes, undertaking appropriate socio-economic developmental programmes in vulnerable areas, educating border population about the sanctity of IB (international Border) and also agreed to preventing criminals and inhabitants from crossing the IB.
Briefing reporters at the BGB headquarters after signing the JRD, BGB DG Maj Gen Shakil Ahmed said that they have both agreed to bring down the border killings to zero with the joint initiatives of the two countries.
The BGB chief also said that the issue of border killings was discussed in the meeting very seriously and "we agreed that both sides not only will reduce border killings, but reduce the incidents to zero level."
He said the two sides openly discussed all issues related to the border including killings at the border. "We have agreed on everything," he said.
Also read: BGB, BGP to work together to step up border security
When asked why casualties are not stopped despite agreement reached every year BSF chief Pankaj Kumar Singh said, "we hear the same question every year. Our relationship with Bangladesh is very different and different from western countries. We are constantly discussing the border issue at various levels."
Criminals are in both countries. Both countries have good and bad people. The improvement in border killing situation was good last year. This year is getting better. There are good and bad people in every society of the two countries, the DG BSF added.
Claiming that relationship between the two border forces are better than before, he also said that the BSF have started using non-lethal weapons to reduce border killings.
Meanwhile, the conference highlighted the importance of Coordinated Border Management Plan (CBMP) in curbing the menace of smuggling contrabands, such as, various narcotics (especially Yaba), fire arms, FICN, gold etc and both sides agreed to remain cautious and steadfast to stop smuggling through sharing of real time information and also agreed to active anti-smuggling efforts through optimum involvement and pursuance.
To enhance mutual understanding and bi-lateral relation between the two friendly forces both sides agreed to resume all activities under the framework of CBMP (Coordinated Border Management Plan) as the COVID situation improves gradually.
Finally, both sides agreed to reflect the commitment and decision of the conference at the ground level in true spirit to maintain the peace and tranquility at the border.
Dhaka’s air quality turns 'unhealthy' again
After a marked improvement in the past week, Dhaka's air quality slipped back to the 'unhealthy' zone on Thursday morning.
With an air quality index (AQI) score of 152, recorded at 8am, the metropolis ranked third in the list of world cities with the worst air quality.
Chile’s Santiago and Indonesia’s Jakarta occupied the first two spots in the list, with AQI scores of 154 and 153, respectively.
An AQI between 101 and 200 is considered 'unhealthy', particularly for sensitive groups.
Similarly, 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.
AQI, an index for reporting daily air quality, is used by government agencies to inform people how clean or polluted the air of a certain city is, and what associated health effects might be a concern for them.
Read: Dhaka’s air quality remains ‘moderate’
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 during winter and improves during monsoon.
A report by the Department of Environment (DoE) and the World Bank in March 2019 pointed out that the three main sources of air pollution in Dhaka "are brick kilns, fumes from vehicles and dust from construction sites".
With the advent of winter, the city’s air quality starts deteriorating sharply due to the massive discharge of pollutant particles from construction works, rundown roads, brick kilns and other sources.
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 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.
Dhaka urges Jakarta to do more for repatriation of Rohingya refugees
Bangladesh has sought a proactive support of Indonesia and of the ASEAN for an early repatriation of the stranded Myanmar nationals from Bangladesh to Myanmar.
Bangladesh and Indonesia held bilateral meeting in Jakarta on Monday and discussed the issue.
Foreign Minister AK Abdul Momen and Minister of Foreign Affairs of Indonesia Retno Marsudi led the respective delegation in the discussions.
The meeting reviewed the whole gamut of the existing excellent bilateral relations and both sides renewed their commitment for further strengthening it.
The two foreign ministers exchanged felicitations on the occasion of the 50th anniversary of the diplomatic relations between the two countries.
The two countries agreed to accelerate cooperation in the areas of trade, investment, agriculture, food, energy, health and pharmaceuticals, connectivity, ICT, tourism, halal trade, human resources development, defence, youth and cultural exchanges, etc.
They expressed optimism that the MoUs in the pipeline would be concluded soon.
Read: Rohingya Repatriation: Dhaka seeks proactive role from Indonesia, ASEAN
Outage in Dhaka as discoms ration power
The metropolis and its adjoining areas faced power outages on Tuesday morning, with discoms resorting to rationing of electricity to avert an energy crisis looming over Bangladesh.
A resident of the city’s Tejgaon area said that they experienced an hour-long outage from 10 to 11am, while another resident of Niketon said that their area was without power from 11am to 12 noon.
Mohammad Shahjahan, an executive with a leading company, said their office in Banani was without power for an hour from 12pm.
Following a high-level meeting at the Prime Minster’s office on Monday, Prime Minister’s energy advisor Dr Tawfiq-e-Elahi Choedhury announced the Bangladesh government’s plan to resort to two hours of power cuts daily to tackle the energy crisis affecting electricity generation in the country.
Read:2-hour area-based nationwide load shedding from Tuesday
Later in the day, State Minister for Power, Energy and Mineral Resources Nasrul Hamid apprised reporters of the revised decision of one hour of load shedding daily.
"Area-wise, we will go for an hour of power cut daily across the country, to start with. If needed, the decision will be revisited after a week," he said.
Following the government’s decision, different power distribution entities -- Dhaka Power Distribution Company Limited and Dhaka Electric Supply Company Limited -- published their area-wise outage plans.
The government also announced a slew of measures for saving electricity, including closure of shopping malls and markets by 8 pm, restricted use of air-conditioners. Plans are afoot to limit office hours and keep fuel outlets closed one day every week.
Auto-rickshaw driver stabbed by muggers in Dhaka's Khilgaon dies
A CNG-run auto-rickshaw driver, who was stabbed by muggers in Dhaka's Khilgaon Sunday, died at a hospital in the early hours of Monday, police said.
Mamun Howlader, 48, was from Mehendiganj upazila, Barishal, and lived in a rented house with his family in Kamrangir Char, Dhaka.
"The incident occurred Sunday afternoon. The critically injured Mamun was rushed to Dhaka Medical College Hospital (DMCH) and he succumbed to his injuries at 4:05am today," Inspector Bachchu Mia, in-charge of DMCH Police Outpost, said.
Also read: 35-yr-old stabbed to death in Dinajpur
"The body was sent to DMCH morgue for autopsy," he added.
Mamun's nephew Arif Hossain said his uncle was attacked as he was having tea after completing a trip to Khilgaon's Taltola.
At this time, some muggers tried to snatch his auto-rickshaw keys. As Mamun resisted he was stabbed repeatedly.
Also read: Youth stabbed dead in Chattogram
As the auto-rickshaw driver screamed for help, locals rushed there and caught one of the attackers and handed him over to police, Arif said.
Indian army chief arrives in Dhaka
General Manoj Pande, India’s chief of army staff, arrived in Dhaka on Sunday on a four-day visit at the invitation of General SM Shafiuddin Ahmed, chief of Army Staff of Bangladesh Army.
This is the first foreign visit by General Manoj Pande since his assumption, said a press release of Indian High Commission in Dhaka on Monday.
The Indian Army Chief is accompanied by his spouse Archana Pande and a three-member delegation.
He is scheduled to pay courtesy call on Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, Security Affairs Advisor to the Prime Minister, service Chiefs of Bangladesh Army, Navy, Air Force, PSO Armed Forces Division of Bangladesh and meet other senior officers of the Bangladesh Armed Forces, it said.
Read: Indian army chief begins 3-day visit to Bangladesh Monday
Dhaka’s air quality now ‘moderate’
Dhaka's air quality continues to be in the 'moderate' zone Monday morning.
With an air quality index (AQI) score of 52 at 10am, the metropolis ranked 29th in the list of world cities with the worst air quality.
An AQI between 50 and 100 is considered ‘moderate’ with an acceptable air quality. However, there may be a moderate health concern for a very small number of people who are unusually sensitive to air pollution.
Pakistan’s Lahore, Indonesia’s Jakarta and India’s Delhi occupied the first three spots in the list, with AQI scores of 172, 166, 154, respectively.
An AQI between 101 and 200 is considered 'unhealthy', particularly for sensitive groups.
Read:Dhaka's air quality remains ‘moderate’
Similarly, 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.
AQI, an index for reporting daily air quality, is used by government agencies to inform people how clean or polluted the air of a certain city is, and what associated health effects might be a concern for them.
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.
A report by the Department of Environment (DoE) and the World Bank in March 2019 pointed out that the three main sources of air pollution in Dhaka "are brick kilns, fumes from vehicles and dust from construction sites".
With the advent of winter, the city’s air quality starts deteriorating sharply due to the massive discharge of pollutant particles from construction work, rundown roads, brick kilns and other sources.
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.
Dhaka calls for strengthening global solidarity, adopting well-coordinated response to global challenges
State Minister for Foreign Affairs Md. Shariar Alam MP has called for strengthening global solidarity and adopting a well-coordinated response to address and overcome the ongoing challenges of the ongoing multiple and interlinked challenegs.
“As a member of the Champions of the Global Crisis Response Group, my Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina is working with other global leaders to chart a global response commensurate with the scale and gravity of the crises,” he said.
Shahriar was addressing a ministerial roundtable titled “Accelerating achievement of the SDGs by 2030: addressing on-going crises and overcoming challenges” at the high-level political forum (HLPF) 2022 at the UN Headquarters in New York on Thursday.
The Permanent Representative of Bangladesh to the UN Ambassador Rabab Fatima and high-level official were present at the event.
Also read: Momen in Cambodia on two-day official visit
Highlighting the impacts of multiple and overlapping crises such as the COVID-19 pandemic, climate change, and the war in Ukraine, along with other protracted conflicts, the State Minister said, “In Bangladesh, we have been able to show strong resilience to tackle the impacts of these crises."
Youth dies of stab wounds at Dhaka hospital
A 22-year-old man died of stab wounds at Dhaka Medical College and Hospital on Wednesday night, more than 24 hours after he was allegedly attacked by his friends in Keraniganj.
The deceased was identified as Sagar, son of Khokon of Patuakhali district.
Abu Salam Mia, officer-in-charge of Keraniganj Model Police Station, said Sagar and his friends organised a party in his house in Band Dakpara on Monday night.
Read: Elderly man stabbed to death in Dhaka
In the early hours of Tuesday, Sagar stepped out of his house. "Suddenly, some young men stabbed him indiscriminately and fled the scene. His parents suspect the attackers were his friends," the OC said.
Later, Sagar was taken to Dhaka Medical College and Hospital where he succumbed to his injuries on Wednesday night.
Sagar’s mother lodged a complaint with Keraniganj Police on Thursday morning. “Investigation is on and the attackers will be booked soon,” the OC said.
Dengue: 4 patients hospitalised in Dhaka in 24hrs
Another four dengue patients were hospitalised in 24 hours till Sunday morning amid a rise in the mosquito-borne disease in Bangladesh, authorities said.
All the new patients were hospitalised in Dhaka division, according to the Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS).
As many as 109 dengue patients, including 105 in the capital, are now receiving treatment at hospitals across the country.
The dengue cases are rising in the capital allegedly due to insufficient measures taken by the two Dhaka city corporations for preventing mosquito-borne diseases like dengue.
On June 21, the DGHS reported the first death of the season from the mosquito-borne viral disease.
This year, the DGHS has recorded 1,397 dengue cases and 1,287 recoveries so far.
Although dengue – a leading cause of serious illness and death in some Asian and Latin American countries – was first reported in Bangladesh in 1964, the first epidemic occurred in 2000, claiming 93 lives that year. It has since become endemic in the country, with outbreaks recorded every year since. Although for a three-year period at one point, the number of deaths from the virus fell almost near zero, its most fatal year yet was in 2019, when 179 died experiencing the severe form of the disease.
When the Covid-19 pandemic hit in 2020, it seemed to take a backseat, as only three deaths were reported from dengue that year.
However, 105 dengue patients, including 95 in Dhaka division, died in 2021.
Dengue is found in tropical and sub-tropical climates worldwide, mostly in urban and semi-urban areas.
About 4 billion people, almost half of the world's population, live in areas with a risk of dengue, according to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Each year, up to 400 million people get infected with dengue while approximately 100 million get sick from infection, and 40,000 die from severe dengue, it says.
"There is no specific treatment for dengue or severe dengue. Early detection of disease progression associated with severe dengue, and access to proper medical care lowers fatality rates of severe dengue to below 1 per cent," according to the World Health Organization.