Bangladesh
Bangladesh's Mastul Foundation provides daily meals in Gaza amidst crisis
As the conflict between Israel and Palestine intensifies, the residents of Gaza are enduring profound hardships. Amidst this escalating humanitarian crisis, international charities, including the Mastul Foundation’s Mastul Mehmankhana (Mega Kitchen) from Bangladesh, are stepping up to deliver crucial aid to those in need.
Currently, approximately 1.5 million people in besieged Gaza face severe food scarcity. The Mastul Foundation has mobilized its Mega Kitchen in Palestine to alleviate this urgent issue. Despite numerous challenges, they are providing daily meals to 200-250 individuals, primarily orphaned children and widows, who are among the most affected.
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The gratitude expressed by the Palestinians has been overwhelming, according to a media release from the Foundation. Parents are especially relieved as the efforts ensure their children won't sleep hungry, at least for now, the release added, highlighting the acute worries about dwindling food supplies.
Kazi Reaz Rahman, founder and executive director of Mastul Foundation, emphasized the ongoing nature of their mission. "While our current capacity allows us to prepare 200-250 meals daily, it's barely a drop in the ocean given the scale of the crisis. We are urgently calling for more funds to expand our operations," he stated.
The Foundation's future plans include not only continuing food assistance but also enhancing medical logistics, providing educational opportunities for orphans, empowering widows, and improving sanitation and water facilities.
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Mastul Foundation appealed for support for their initiatives in Gaza during this critical time. More funding and resources are crucial to sustain and expand their humanitarian efforts in the region.
5 of a family among 13 dead in bus-pickup van collision on Dhaka-Khulna highway
At least 13 people were dead and 15 others were injured in a head-on collision between a bus and a pickup van on the Dhaka-Khulna highway at Sadar upazila in Faridpur district this morning (April 16, 2024).
All the victims were passengers of the pickup van, and five of them were from the same family.
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Some of the deceased were identified as Rafiq Mollah, 35, his wife Sumi Begum, 23, his sons Ruhan Mollah, 6, and Habib Mollah, 3, and Rafiq's mother. Rafiq worked as a liftman at a government office in Dhaka. After the Eid holidays, he was returning to Dhaka with his family.
The identities of the other deceased could not be known immediately.
Pubali Bank manager goes missing with more than Tk 2.5 crore in Chandpur
Shrikanta Nandi, manager of Natun Bazar branch in Chandpur town of Pubali Bank PLC, has gone missing with more than Tk 2.5 crores.
Shrikanta Nandi, 40, is son of Nani Gopal Nandi and a resident of Ghagra village in Kachua upazila.
The new manager of the bank and a customer filed two General Diaries (GD) separately at Chandpur Sadar Model Police Station in this regard.
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According to the sources, Shrikanta Nandi swindled Tk 2. 51 crore from the customers.
On Monday (April 15) afternoon, the new manager of the branch Humayun Kabir and Chandpur Model Police Station Sub-Inspector (Investigative Officer) Nazrul Islam, came to know the matter after talking to customers.
Akbar Hossain Liton, one of the victims, said Shrikant Nandi wanted to borrow money from him before Eid. A few days later, when he went to the bank for a pay order, he took Tk 1.76 crore from him.
"But he disappeared without depositing the money in the bank," Liton claimed.
On April 13, Liton lodged a GD at Chandpur Model Police Station.
The accused bank manager also swindled Tk 75 lakh from another customer named Maruf of the Asrafpur area offering more profit.
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The matter is being investigated through the higher authority, said the current bank manager, adding that there is no problem with internal customers' transactions.
Chandpur Model Police Station Sub-Inspector Nazrul Islam said that they are investigating the issue following the GDs.
"We will take legal action if there is any complaint regarding the transaction," he added.
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Dhaka still in holiday mood
Dhaka city is still to get its usual look though the city dwellers have started returning to the capital after holidays for Eid-ul-Fitr and Pahela Baishakh.
The bustling capital looked empty with most of the roadside shops, shopping malls closed and few public and private vehicles plying the streets in the morning.
The government, semi-government, and private offices including banks and financial institutions opened today but there was a low presence of employees.
Officials and staff were seen exchanging Eid greetings with colleagues by embracing each other.
A small number of buses and private vehicles were seen plying the streets in Malibagh, Shantinagar, Gulshan, Firmgate , Dhamondi, Mirpur and Shahbagh areas in the morning.
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Md Yousuf, an employee of a private bank, said, “Still a festive environment is prevailing in the city. There is no traffic jam or chaos on streets. It took me only 6 minutes to reach Gulshan from Rajarbagh area by car that usually takes 30 to 40 minutes on the other regular days due to traffic congestion. It’s a temporary relief for Dhaka dwellers.”
On the occasion of Eid, April 10, 11, and 12 (Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday) were public holidays. After Eid, there was a weekly holiday on Saturday, April 13, and a Bengali New Year holiday on the occasion of Pahela Baishakh on Sunday, April 14.
However, many of the government and private sector workers who went outside Dhaka to celebrate Eid took optional leave.
As a result, it will take a few more days to start the proceedings in full swing in the offices, courts, banks, and stock market.
Besides, schools and colleges will also open next week. Then the capital will return to normal.
Read more: No respite from heat wave in five days: BMD
Bangladesh earmarks Tk 385 billion for agriculture, aiming for 10% annual growth by fiscal 2026
The Bangladesh government has earmarked Tk 385 billion for agricultural development over the next three years, targeting an average annual growth of 10% in the sector by the 2025-26 fiscal year.
This investment underscores agriculture's pivotal role in achieving food security and driving equitable economic growth, according to the 'Medium Term Macroeconomic Policy Statement (2023-24 to 2025-26)'.
Despite a diminishing share in GDP, agriculture remains critical for the livelihood of the majority, particularly in rural areas. To boost food production and resilience against adversities, the government's strategy includes developing high-yield and adversity-tolerant crop varieties, expanding mechanization and irrigation, and improving access to affordable inputs like seeds and fertilizers.
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The policy document highlights several initiatives aimed at modernizing agriculture through technology. These include increasing the use of surface water for irrigation over groundwater to conserve resources, incorporating renewable energy solutions, and employing remote sensing for crop monitoring.
The government also continues to support the sector with subsidies, financial incentives, and technological innovations to foster a sustainable and self-reliant agricultural framework.
Significant contributions also come from the fisheries and livestock sub-sectors, which not only bolster GDP—2.53% and 1.91%, respectively—but also provide essential protein sources and livelihoods for over 12% of the population. Achievements in these areas include self-sufficiency in fish, meat, and egg production, with milk expected to follow. Moreover, these sectors are vital for foreign exchange earnings through exports.
Looking ahead, the Ministry of Livestock and Fisheries is set to launch development projects to enhance production capacities, adopt advanced management technologies, and improve conservation efforts, particularly for young hilsa fish ('jatka').
Water resource management is another focal area, given its importance to sustainable agriculture. Initiatives are underway to improve surface water availability through the excavation of water bodies and the enhancement of coastal afforestation, aiming to secure equitable water shares from transboundary rivers.
NAP Expo 2024: Bangladesh to showcase climate adaptation success, Environment Minister says
Amid threats of substantial economic losses due to climate change—projected at a 6.8% reduction in GDP by 2030—the government has prioritized comprehensive strategies to mitigate these impacts. The Mujib Climate Prosperity Plan is designed to equip vulnerable sectors and communities with the tools to enhance resilience and stability against climate-related disruptions.
Through these multifaceted efforts, Bangladesh is taking decisive steps to not only safeguard but also advance its agricultural heritage in the face of evolving global challenges.
No respite from heat wave in five days: BMD
Six divisions including Dhaka have been experiencing mild to moderate heat wave and it may continue for next five days commencing Monday (April 15, 2024), according to Bangladesh Meteorological Department.
Country’s highest temperature was recorded in Rangamati at 40 degree Celsius on Sunday.
“Mild to moderate heat wave is sweeping Rajshahi, Dhaka, Khulna, Barishal, Chattogram, Sylhet divisions and Rangpur & Nilphamari districts and it may continue,” said a Met office bulletin.
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Day temperature may remain nearly unchanged and night temperature may rise slightly over the country in 24 hours commencing 9am on Monday.
Trough of westerly low lies over West Bengal and adjoining area. Seasonal low lies over South Bay.
The Met office also forecast rain or thunder showers accompanied by temporary gusty or squally wind at one or two places in Rangpur, Mymensingh and Sylhet divisions with hails at isolated places in 24 hours from 9am on Tuesday.
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Besides, Rangpur, Dhaka, Mymensingh, Chattogram and Sylhet divisions may experience rains or thunder showers in 24 hours from 9am on Wednesday, it said.
PM Hasina advocates for enhanced direct RMG imports by Brazil to strengthen bilateral trade
Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, in a meeting held on Monday (April 8, 2024) with the visiting Brazilian Foreign Minister Mauro Vieira and his delegation, underscored the significant potential for enhancing bilateral trade between Bangladesh and Brazil.
“There is immense scope to increase bilateral trade between the two countries,” she was quoted as saying.
The meeting took place at the Prime Minister's office, where Sheikh Hasina highlighted the opportunity for Brazil to augment its import of readymade garment (RMG) products directly from Bangladesh, thus eliminating the need for intermediaries and making the process more cost-effective.
The briefing to reporters post-discussion was provided by PM's speechwriter M Nazrul Islam.
He revealed that the Prime Minister expressed a desire to deepen the current bilateral relationship between the two nations. Noting the current trade imbalance heavily skewed in favour of Brazil — with Bangladesh importing substantial amounts of sugar, soybean oil, and cotton from Brazil and exporting only a minimal amount of RMG products in return — she pointed out the considerable scope for Brazil to diversify its imports to include not only more RMG products but also jute, jute goods, leather, and leather goods from Bangladesh.
Reflecting on the historical connections, Prime Minister Hasina remarked on Brazil's significant role as the first country in South America to recognise Bangladesh's independence in 1971, shortly after the Liberation War.
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She emphasised the shared perspectives and stances of Bangladesh and Brazil in various international forums.
The conversation also veered towards sports, with the Prime Minister expressing an interest in Brazilian football and seeking cooperation to elevate the standards of football in Bangladesh.
In a gesture of diplomatic goodwill, the visiting Brazilian Foreign Minister extended an invitation from Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva to Prime Minister Hasina to attend the final meeting of the G20 Task Force for the creation of Global Alliance against Hunger and Poverty in Rio de Janerio on 24th July. The prime minister accepted the invitation.
The G20 is made up of 19 countries and the EU. The 19 countries are: Argentina, Australia, Brazil, Canada, China, Germany, France, India, Indonesia, Italy, Japan, the Republic of Korea, Mexico, the Russian Federation, Saudi Arabia, South Africa, Turkey, the UK, and the US. Brazil holds the Presidency in 2024.
The discussions further ventured into global political arena, with Vieira commending Bangladesh for its stance against the ongoing conflict in Gaza and aligning with Bangladesh's condemnation of the Israeli aggression as genocide.
“They (Israel) have violated all kinds of international norms, they bombed hospitals, continue killing in the shelter camps… this is not a war, this is genocide,” the PM was quoted as saying.
She mentioned that Israeli forces are not even sparing children, women and the elderly.
Praising the socio-economic progress of Bangladesh under Prime Minister Hasina's leadership, Vieira expressed Brazil's interest in learning from Bangladesh's development experience, noting the similarities between the two populous nations in their battles against poverty and hunger.
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The visit, marked by Vieira's presentation of a Brazil National Football Team jersey to Prime Minister Hasina, bearing her name, underscored the amicable discussions and the mutual desire to explore avenues for cooperation and shared growth.
Leading a delegation of high officials and a robust trade team, this is the Brazilian Foreign Minister’s first visit to Bangladesh, opening new chapters in the bilateral relations between Bangladesh and Brazil.
Violent clash over ‘rules’ of Namaz at Brahmanbaria mosque leaves 15 injured
At least 15 individuals, including three police personnel, sustained injuries during a violent clash that erupted over "rules and regulations" of prayers in Ashuganj upazila of Brahmanbaria on Friday night.
The confrontation between members of the Charchhartala Mollah Bari and Kichhki Bari groups was sparked by a disagreement following the Taraweeh prayers, a key observance during the holy month of Ramadan.
A video capturing the tense moments went viral on social media the following day.
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At the heart of the conflict was a dispute initiated by Shafiqul Islam of Kichhki Bari, who raised questions regarding the prayer leadership of Mawlana Mohiuddin Mollah, the Imam of Charchhartala Jame Masjid. This dispute quickly escalated into violence, with participants wielding improvised weapons, according to police and eyewitness accounts.
Imam Mohiuddin accused Shafiqul of issuing a “fatwa”, criticising the fidelity of the mosque's prayer practices, which he alleges directly led to the violent outbreak. He claimed that the assault by the Kichhki Bari faction left five individuals in critical condition.
Shafiqul Islam, however, countered these allegations, arguing that his intentions were to offer constructive suggestions to Imam Mohiuddin following the conclusion of the Taraweeh prayers. He contended that it was the Imam and his followers who initiated the violence, resulting in injuries to eight people and the targeted destruction of property, including the vandalism of three vehicles.
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In response to the escalating violence, Ashuganj Police Station Officer-in-Charge Nahid Ahmed reported that law enforcement officers were compelled to discharge 35 rounds of rubber bullets to quell the disturbances. The clashes also resulted in injuries to three policemen.
Authorities have since increased police presence in the area to prevent further incidents and have initiated legal proceedings in response to the conflict.
Power cuts plague Sylhet: Frustration growing among residents and businesses
In Sylhet city, frequent power outages are affecting the daily lives of its residents and the local economy. The city has experienced severe load shedding in recent days, impacting traders and disrupting the water supply managed by the city corporation.
Experts attribute the problem to a significant shortfall in power supply. The Sylhet region faces a gap, with demand ranging from 140-160 MW against a supply deficit of 40-60 MW.
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The Sylhet Power Development Board's records reveal stark disparities: on April 2, demand hit 141 MW against a mere supply of 56 MW; April 3 saw demand at 120-130 MW with only 66 MW supplied; and on April 4, the supply was just 69 MW against a demand of 135 MW.
As Eid-ul-Fitr approaches, traders, in anticipation of the festive rush, have decorated their establishments, only to rely on generators amidst the frequent outages. The disruptions have also inconvenienced residents during crucial times like Sehri and Iftar.
Zakir Ahmed, a local trader from Golapganj, voiced the community's distress, stating, “General people and businesses are the worst sufferers, and we fear the power cut problems will only worsen with the summer heat.”
Echoing the sentiment, Airin Sultana Nipa, a housewife from Lala Dighirpar, shared her struggles, “The power goes out before dawn, causing water shortages at critical moments like Iftar and Sehri. It's disheartening to face such challenges.”
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Jarjisur Rahman Rony, an assistant engineer at the Sylhet Power Development Board, shed light on the dilemma, “We're distributing what little electricity we have. The issue isn't with the infrastructure but stems from broader economic challenges affecting power generation, such as the dollar and coal crisis, forcing us into load shedding.”
Safety first: Police advise against rooftop travel for Eid holidaymakers
In anticipation of the upcoming Eid-ul-Fitr celebrations, Bangladesh Police on Thursday (April 04, 2024) issued a series of safety guidelines for citizens planning to travel back to their hometowns.
This initiative aims to ensure a safe and smooth journey for thousands of holidaymakers during one of the busiest travel periods of the year.
The police have strongly discouraged travelers from risking their lives by riding on the roofs of buses, trucks, pickups, and other goods vehicles.
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Additionally, pedestrians have been advised to utilise foot overbridges and zebra crossings wherever available and to be cautious of vehicle speeds in areas lacking these facilities.
Private car users were specifically warned against joyriding and reckless driving. The police have also cautioned all travelers against accepting food from strangers, a precautionary measure to avoid potential health risks.
Bus owners have been urged to employ only skilled and professional drivers and to avoid overloading buses beyond their capacity. Similarly, vehicle fitness is emphasised, with a strict recommendation against operating any vehicle deemed unfit for travel.
Regarding waterway travel, the police advised against journeying by launch in inclement weather conditions and implored vessel owners to refrain from exceeding passenger limits on launches, steamers, and speedboats. Vessel operators were reminded to navigate the vessels themselves or ensure that they are piloted by certified drivers. Owners are also encouraged to monitor weather conditions via mobile phones and radio and to verify the functionality of fire pumps and fire extinguishing equipment onboard.
For those traveling by train, police reiterated the dangers of roof, buffer, and engine travel and cautioned against the act of throwing stones at trains, which poses a significant safety hazard.
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In the event of an emergency, people were asked to call 999 or police headquarters control room (01320001299), highway police headquarters (01320182598), railway police headquarters (01320177598), river police headquarters (01320169598), Rapid Action Battalion (01777720199), district superintendent of police and officer-in-charge of police, if needed.
By adhering to these guidelines, the Bangladesh Police hope to minimise accidents and ensure that Eid-ul-Fitr is celebrated in a joyous and safe manner across the country.