United News of Bangladesh

A 14-year-old street child was killed after being hit by a bus while collecting bottles on the Hanif flyover in Jatrabari on Thursday evening. The victim was identified as Shakib, son of Nasir Uddin from Rajakhali area of Demra. Witness Abdul Kader, also a street child, said that they were collecting bottles on the flyover when a speeding bus hit Shakib and fled. He was seriously injured and rushed to Dhaka Medical College Hospital, where doctors declared him dead around 7:30 pm. Youth hacked dead in Jatrabari, another injured Inspector Md Faruk, in-charge of DMCH police camp, confirmed the death, quoting doctors. “The body has been kept at the hospital morgue and the matter informed to the concerned police station”, he added.

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has resigned, according to a BBC report. Hasina has left the country for Agartala in India via a helicopter, said the report. Army chief General Waker-Uz-Zaman is holding meeting with "stakeholders", the report adds. He is scheduled to address the nation at 4:30 pm.

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina is holding a view-exchange meeting with the Vice-Chancellors of public and private universities, teachers and college principals at Ganabhaban. Student protesters reject PM’s call for dialogue The meeting started at around 8:15 pm, said sources at PM’s press wing. My doors are open for student protesters for talks to resolve their issue: PM Hasina Earlier, Coordinators of the Anti-Discrimination Student Movement announced their one-point demand and gave a 24-hour ultimatum to reopen all university halls for students.

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on Saturday said the doors of Ganabhaban are always open to the student protesters for dialogue to resolve the ongoing situation surrounding the quota system in public services.  “I do not want this confrontation,” she said while holding views exchange meeting with the members of Peshajibi Swmannay Porishad at her official residence Ganabhaban. "If they (protesters) want to sit with me I'm ready." "They may come taking their guardians with them," she said.  “I want to talk to them. I want to listen to them, I want to hear what are their demands left unfulfilled. I want to fulfil all those which are under my capacity,” she said in first such gesture since the students' street protests for quota reforms in government jobs began a month ago. Sheikh Hasina, the chief of Awami League, said that she never closed her doors for holding a dialogue with the students. “Doors of Ganabhaban are open, whenever the protesters want to talk to resolve the issue I am ready to sit with them,” she said. Students protest in Dhaka: Multiple key intersections blocked Regarding the judicial investigation commission she said, "I did not wait for anyone's demand." She said that she wanted whoever is involved be it the police or anyone else should be prosecuted. All those who had weapons and who caused such incidents should be prosecuted and investigated.  She mentioned that not only in Dhaka, all the destructive activities that happened elsewhere in the country will be investigated and proper justice will be ensured. “That is why I appointed two more judges in the judicial commission and added three members,” she said. She also mentioned that she has increased their scope of work and extended the time so that it is properly investigated. Hasina said that she wanted that those who committed such unjust killings will be investigated properly and put on trial. “I want that. Those involved in the murders must be brought to justice. I make it clear that whoever is involved in the murder must be brought to justice. Those involved will be identified after investigation," she said. Talking about the incident in Rangpur where one student was killed allegedly by police she said the policeman reportedly resonsible for it has been suspended and is under investigation. “And he will be tried.” Jamaat, Shibir, BNP unleashed terrorism using students in quota movement: PM Hasina The prime minister mentioned that students among the arrestees have already been freed on bail.  “At the same time, I also ordered to start releasing all the innocent people among the detainees and the students who are absolutely not involved in the murders and the destructive activities . It is starting," she said. She also said that those who will be found guilty will remain in jail only and the rest will be released. At the event the PM announced the abolishment of Prottoy pension scheme for the teachers of universities and employees of self-governed, autonomous, state-owned, statutory and similar organigations of the country.   “We are totally canceling it,” she said.  In this connection, she mentioned it was the pledge of Awami League before 2008 general election. “We had launched this scheme keeping in mind the overall issue. We had provided various facilities for different classes of people there,” she said. The university teachers and employees have been agitating against the Prottoy scheme since July 1 calling it discriminatory. President of Peshajibi Somonnoy Parishad Professor Dr. Kamrul Hasan Khan, Awami League Presidium Members Qazi Kholiquzzaman Ahmad, Dr Mostofa Jalal Mohiuddin, Advocate Yusuf Hossain Humayun, Prof Dr Niamul Huq Bhuiyan, Engineer Md Abdus Sabur, Dr Md Jamal Uddin Chowdhury, Prof Dr Engineer Md Habibur Rahman, Dhaka Union of Journalists President, Sohel Haider Chowdhury, Principal AKM Fazlul Haque, Engineer SM Khabiruzzaman and Advocate Abdur Rahman Hawlader, Secretary General Engineer Md Shahadat Hossain Shiblu, joint secretary generals Prof Dr Zeenat Huda, Advocate Shah Monjurul Hoque, Dr Ehteshamul Hoque Chowdhury, Khairul Alam Prince, SM Monjurul Haque and Dr Md Ohidul Islam, among others, spoke on the occasion. Former President of Jatiya Press Club Md Shafiqur Rahman,MP, and Managing Director and Chief Editor of Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha Abul Kalam Azad, among others, were present.

Awami League President and Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on Friday expressed deep shock and sorrow at the death of Chhatra League’s former leader, young writer and researcher Abdullah Harun Jewel. She, in a condolence message, also prayed for the salvation of his departed soul and expressed sympathy to the bereaved family members and relatives. Jewel was also a member of the office affairs subcommittee of Awami League’s 22nd National Council Preparation Committee. AL general secretary Obaidul Quader also expressed profound shock and sorrow at the demise of the former BCL leader. Abdullah Harun Jewel, 48, died at his residence in the city’s Shantinagar area in early hours of Friday. He left wife and a daughter to mourn his death, said an AL press release.

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on Thursday reiterated that Jamaat-Shibir and BNP used the student movement for quota reform as their shield to unleash the recent reign of terrorism across the country. “They (Jamaat-Shibir and BNP) just used the students as their shield,” she said while Italian Ambassador Antonio Alessandro called on her at her official residence Ganabhaban. PM’s Deputy Press Secretary Noorelahi Mina briefed the reporters after the call on. He said that the prime minister mentioned that Jamaat-Shibir and BNP are used to kill people through arson attacks. She said that she has visited different hospitals to see the injured who are getting treatments following the violence. “We are providing medicare facilities to all equally,” she added. Thanks  Hasina said that everything including the economic activities of the country is gradually returning  to normalcy. She said that as the whole country came under digitisation it is taking some time to resume the services of vandalised toll plazas of the expressway and the metro rail stations. The Italian envoy said that the anarchists targeted the symbols of modernisation in Bangladesh. He expressed his condolences for the loss of lives and properties. “He hoped that the prime minister will ensure justuce and accountability of the culprits behind these vandalism,” Mina said. He appreciated Bangladesh for its move and success in containing terrorism after the attack on Holey Artisan. “He hoped that like the Holey Artisan incident, Bangladesh will be able to advance the move to contain the terrorism through ensuring justice,” Mina Quoted the Italian ambassador as saying. He appreciated the primeinister’s steps in handling  the recent attacks and vandalism. He said that  Bangladesh and Italy historically enjoy excellent friendly relations. In this connection, he mentioned that some two lakh plus Bangladeshi expatriates are the bridge of this relationship and they are contributing to both country’s economies. Alessandro said that he will work for advancing further the excellent relations between the two countries. In this regard, he mentioned that energy, SME, Space Technology and Ship Building sectors will be at the centre of this area of work. He also expressed his firm resolve to move forward the issue of the legal migration to Italy. The ambassador expressed his country’s keen interest to train Bangladesh police in ‘School of Public Order’ to handle various types of unwanted situation like protests and crack down as his country’s police personnel have vast experience since after the second World War. Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina termed the proposal as good one and said that further talks will be held in this regard. PM’s Private Industry and Investment Adviser Salman Fazlur Rahman and Ambassador-at-Large Mohammad Ziauddin were present.

Twenty-two individuals and organisations have been conferred with the National Fisheries Medal-2024 in recognition of their outstanding contribution to the country’s fisheries sector. They received the medals and certificates from Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina at the inaugural function of the National Fisheries Week-2024 at Bangabandhu International Conference Centre in the capital on Wednesday. Six have been awarded with gold medals, eight each with silver and bronze medals under seven categories. The 22 medal recipients include 15 farm owners, three fisheries officers, a teacher, an association, a project and a committee. Among the 15 farm owners, three are from Jashore district, two each from Khulna, Satkhira and Cox’s Bazar, one each from Jhenaidah, Bogura, Joypurhat, Mymensingh, Sylhet and Feni. The six gold medal recipients are: Sheikh Enamel Hasan, the proprietor of Sonali Matsya Hatchery at Jashore Sadar Upazila; Khan Md Aftabuddin of Spectra Hexa Namsai Co. Ltd at Bagherpara Upazila in Jashore; Tobibur Rahman, the proprietor of Joarder Matsya Khamar at Dumuria Upazila in Khulna; Jalal Uddin, the proprietor of Crimson Rosella Sea Food Ltd at Shyamnagar Upazila in Satkhira; Khulna District Fisheries Officer Joydeb Pal; and Barguna Hilsa Resources Development Related District Task Force Committee. The eight silver medal recipients are: Enamul Haque Babul MP (Jashore-4), the proprietor of Kulsum Agri Farm at Abhaynagar Upazila in Jashore; Azizul Haque, the proprietor of Abdul Gani Matsya Hatchery and Nursery at Gouripur in Mymensingh; Rafiqul Islam, the proprietor of Mayer Doa Matsya Khamar at Adamdighi Upazila in Bogura; Hafizur Rahman, the proprietor of Sonar Modina Matsya Khamar at Akkelpur Upazila in Joypurhat; SM Abul Hossain, the proprietor of Abul Fish Product Ltd at Dakop Upazila in Khulna; Kallol Ahmad, the proprietor of Premium Fish and Agro Industries Ltd at Sylhet Sadar;Masud Rana, Assistant Professor at Department of Fishing and Post Harvest Technology in Sher E Bangla Agricultural University in Dhaka; and Senior Upazila Fisheries Officer at Batiaghata Upazila in Khulna Prodeep Kumar; The eight bronze medal recipients are: Anwarul Islam, the proprietor of Japan Fast Trade Ltd at Shyamnagar Upazila in Satkhira; Tariqul Islam Chowdhury, the proprietor of Green House Mariculture Hatchery Zone at Kalatoli in Cox’s Bazar town; Anisur Rahman, the proprietor of Unique Aquaculture at Teknaf Upazila in Cox’s Bazar; Dr Nazul Islam, the proprietor of Raiyan Pearl Harbour at Kotchandpur Upazila in Jhenaidah; Mohi Uddin Ahmed, the proprietor of M.R. Tilapia Hatchery at Sonagazi Upazila in Feni; Fish Farm Owner Association of Bangladesh (FOAB) (its president Molla Shamsur Rahman Shahin); Project Director of Halda River Natural Fish Breeding Site Development and Management Project Muhammad Mizanur Rahman; and Amanullah Matsya Project (proprietor Mohammad Saifullah Islam) at Sandwip Upazila in Chattogram. Alongside the medals and certificates, every gold medal recipient received Tk 50,000, while a silver medal recipient got Tk 30,000 and Tk bronze medal recipient obtained Tk 20,000. In the event, Fisheries and Livestock Minister Abdur Rahman handed over a special memento to the prime minister for her outstanding contribution to the country’s fisheries sector. Besides, the PM conferred two fishermen with smart identity cards as part of the government’s move to provide the fishermen with the smart cards. The week-long 'National Fisheries Week-2024' is being celebrated across the country from July 30 to August 5 to promote sustainable development and expansion of fisheries resources. But the prime minister formally opened the fisheries week on Wednesday. Fisheries and Livestock Minister Md Abdur Rahman presided over the inaugural function, while Fisheries and Livestock Secretary Sayeed Mahmood Belal Haider delivered the welcome speech. Director General of Fisheries Department Syed Md Alamgir conducted the medal giving event.

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina visited Kurmitola General Hospital on Wednesday afternoon to see the injured victims of the recent nationwide violence during quota reform protests. The prime minister reached the hospital at 5:10 pm, and inquired about the condition of those undergoing treatment after being attacked during the student movement for reforms in quota system in government jobs. It was like a terrorist attack to topple the govt: PM Hasina tells Indian envoy on quota violence She provided necessary instructions to the hospital authorities to ensure that the victims receive proper treatment. Witnessing the severity of the injuries and hearing about the brutality of the attacks, she was visibly emotional, struggling to hold back tears. Kurmitola General Hospital director Brigadier General Md Rahman briefed the prime minister on the treatment measures taken for the injured. Lives lost during the anti-quota violence will never come back: PM Hasina  Hasina assured all victims of proper treatment and wished them a speedy recovery. On Tuesday afternoon, she went to the Shaheed Suhrawardy Medical College and Hospital. In the past few days, Hasina visited Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University, Central Police Hospital, Dhaka Medical College Hospital (DMCH), and the National Institute of Traumatology & Orthopaedic Rehabilitation (NITOR) to check on victims of the recent violence. PM Hasina visits Suhrawardy Hospital to check on violence victims Additionally, the prime minister visited the vandalised metro rail station at Mirpur 10, Bangladesh Television (BTV) Bhaban in Rampura, and the violence-ravaged Setu Bhaban, Department of Disaster Management building, and the toll plaza of the Elevated Expressway at Mohakhali. Later the Prime Minister went to The National Institute of Diseases of the Chest and Hospital where its Director Dr. Md. Khairul Anam briefed her about the admitted patients.

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on Wednesday (July 31, 2024) likened the recent violence in the country as ‘almost a terrorist attack’ aimed at creating a situation like what had happened in Sri Lanka to oust her government.“It was not a movement at all, and at one stage it almost into a terrorist attack,” she said while Indian High Commissioner to Bangladesh Pranay Verma called on her at her official residence Ganabhaban. Lives lost during the anti-quota violence will never come back: PM HasinaPM’s Press Secretary M Nayeemul Islam Khan briefed reporters after the call on.He quoted the PM as telling the envoy said that the anarchists actually tried to create a situation like what had happened in Sri Lanka to topple her government.“Actually they (the anarchists) have planned to create Sri Lanka type violence and oust the government,” she said. PM Hasina visits Suhrawardy Hospital to check on violence victims Hasina expressed sorrow for the loss of lives and destruction of properties in the carnage centering the student movement for reformation of quota in public services.Indian HC Verma expressed condolence for the loss of lives during the recent violence.He welcomed the normalcy that steadily is being restored, and the gradual resumption of economic activities in Bangladesh, according to the press secretary. Govt to take foreign technical assistance for judicial probe committee: PMVerma said that Bangladesh is the closest neighbour of India. It always gives support to the Bangladesh government and its people for implementation of Dhaka’s Vision of a progressive and prosperous country.He said that the successful visit of PM Hasina to India produced substantive outcomes, consolidated the past achievements and created a blue print for the future cooperation.“And based on the two countries national development visions, Vision 2041 for Bangladesh and Vision 2047 India, both countries entered into a new era of cooperation,” he said.In this cooperation there will be digital, green, joint development of satellite and new areas of cooperation like blue economy, oceanography and fintech.“That means future oriented partnership is based on our people’s shared aspirations for the future,” Verma said. PM’s Private Industry and Investment Adviser Salman Fazlur Rahman and Ambassador-at-Large Mohammad Ziauddin were present.

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on Wednesday said the lives lost during the recent quota reform violence can never be brought back even if the destroyed structures are rebuilt. “The structures that were destroyed can be rebuilt. But we will never get back the lives that were lost,” she said. The premier said this while inaugurating the National Fisheries Week-2024 at Bangabandhu International Conference Centre in the city. She once again said there was no issue for movement as she fulfilled every demand and the Appellate Division ordered status-quo over the High Court’s judgment and thus restoring the effectiveness of the government’s 2018 notification that abolished the quota system in the public service jobs. She said even then such incidents and destructive acts were carried out and then many lives were taken in the name of the movement. “I never thought such a situation would arise at this time and so many fresh lives would be lost,” she added. She said the government formed a judicial inquiry committee headed by a SC justice, without anyone asking for it.   PM seeks cooperation from UN, Int’l organisations for proper investigation: PM Hasina said the government has sought cooperation from the United Nations and other international organisations to help conduct a proper investigation into the nationwide mayhem centering the quota movement to punish the real culprits involved in the attacks. Hasina said she has already directed to increase the manpower of the committee by two more members in a bid to expand the area of investigation. Along with that, the government has already urged the United Nations and various international organisations, specially those in foreign countries, to cooperate in the investigation.     “There should be a proper and fair investigation of the incident and punishment of the perpetrators,” she said.  Noting that she has been living with the pain of losing her dear ones, the PM prayed for the salvation of the departed souls and conveyed her profound sympathy to the bereaved family members.  “I know the pain of a person for losing a dear one,” she said in an emotion-choked voice. She said the people can’t bear the shock of losing a family member but she and her sister Sheikh Rehana lost their entire family and all the beloved.  Hasina said Bangladesh has now gained the status of a developing country following her return to power in 2009 with the public mandate in the election. She questioned why the blood is shed and such an abnormal situation arises in Bangladesh when the country moves in the world arena with dignity and the world treats Bangladesh with respect. PM Hasina visits Suhrawardy Hospital to check on violence victims She said the institutions that serve the people and the lives of people from various professions, including law enforcers and small children were taken. “Why this blood?” she added.  Referring to her visit to different hospitals to see the injured in the violence, the PM said she witnessed sufferings of many people and saw a small child on Tuesday. “It is very painful,” she said. “I don't know what our fault was. The achievements of the country were damaged and the image of the country was spoiled internationally in the name of movement without an issue. My question is who achieved what,” said  Hasina. She said power is not a matter of enjoyment to her and she didn’t come to power to lead a comfortable and lavish life, rather has tirelessly been working round-the-clock to develop Bangladesh and has successfully done it.   “Today, Bangladesh is a role model for development in the world. Why was that dignity destroyed? I give the responsibility of judgment to the countrymen.” The prime minister asked the people to find out the culprits involved in this conspiracy to pull the country back by carrying out an incident and fishing in troubled waters. She said the collaborators of 1971 Pakistani occupation forces had taken the country back time and again through conspiracies, which is very unfortunate. About the fisheries resources, the prime minister asked private entrepreneurs to come forward in the fish processing sector to enhance export earnings from this sector. “We’re now exporting fish and fish products to 52 countries. But value addition to these exportable fish products is needed. If you can process it, we can earn more money,” she said, adding the production of frozen and processed fish products gradually developed.  ‘If they have patriotism, they wouldn’t destroy development structures’: PM Hasina She said the contribution of the fish sector to the GDP is 2.53 percent and the livelihoods of some two crore people including 1400,000 women depend on the fish sector.    The prime minister said a special attention should be paid to the production of fish by-products as well. She said the government announced to strengthen the blue economy after conquering the vast sea areas through the solution to maritime demarcation disputes with two neigbouring countries. The PM stressed the need for extraction of deep sea fishes, other marine resources like seaweeds, gas and fuel and other natural resources.  “I have long been trying for it (the extraction of deep sea fishes). We have not yet reached the deep sea. I have discussed it with Japan, the Maldives and Sri Lanka who have experiences in this matter,” she said. “We want the private sector to come forward here and we will provide them all necessary support in this regard,” she added. She also put emphasis on farming pearls, crabs, snails and oysters to export these alongside meeting the local demand. To mark the fisheries week, 22 individuals and organisations have been honoured with the National Fisheries Medal in the recognition of their outstanding contribution to the country’s fisheries sector.  In the function, the prime minister conferred them with the medals –six gold medals, eight silver medals and eight bronze medals– and certificates. The PM conferred two fishermen with smart identity cards as part of the government’s move to provide the fishermen with the smart cards. In the event, Fisheries and Livestock Minister Abdur Rahman handed over a special memento to the prime minister for her outstanding contribution to the country’s fisheries sector. The week-long 'National Fisheries Week-2024' is being celebrated across the country from July 30 to August 05 to promote sustainable development and expansion of fisheries resources.  Fisheries and Livestock Minister Md Abdur Rahman presided over the inaugural function, while Fisheries and Livestock Secretary Sayeed Mahmood Belal Haider delivered the welcome speech.