Bangladesh
Bangladesh Embassy in Washington celebrates golden jubilee of conferment of Joliot-Curie Peace Medal on Bangabandhu
The Bangladesh Embassy in Washington DC has celebrated the golden jubilee of the conferment of the Joliot-Curie Peace Medal on greatest Bangalee of all time, Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman in a befitting manner.
In 1973, Bangabandhu, the architect of independence and the forerunner of democracy and peace movement, was awarded the Julio-Curie Peace Prize by the World Peace Council.
To commemorate the historic day, the embassy took a programme on Tuesday paying tributes to the Father of the Nation and remembering his outstanding contributions to establishing peace in the world, said a press release.
Officials and employees led by Ambassador Muhammad Imran placed wreaths at the bust of Father of the Nation at Bangabandhu Corner of the embassy.
The messages issued on the occasion by the president and the prime minister were read out by Deputy Chief of Mission Ferdousi Shahriar and Counsellor (Public Diplomacy) Arifa Rahman Ruma at the auditorium of the embassy. Later, a documentary was screened on the occasion.
Speaking at the event Ambassador Imran recalled Bangabandhu's great role in achieving independence and establishing world peace.
Describing May 23 as a glorious day for Bengali nation, the Ambassador said the Father of the Nation dedicated his entire life to the quest for peace and freedom. During his long political career, Bangabandhu always supported the peace-loving people at home and abroad and stood beside them, he said.
Minister (Economic) Md. Mahadee Hasan also took part in the discussion and focused on the Father of the Nation’s long struggle to earn independence and establish world peace.
Special prayer seeking eternal peace of the departed souls of Bangabandhu and his other family members martyred on the fateful night of August 15, 1975 was also offered. Head of Chancery and Counsellor (Political) Md Moniruzzaman conducted the programme.
Rains or thundershowers likely to drench Dhaka, 18 other districts
Dhaka and eighteen other districts of the country may see rains or thundershowers in 34 hours from 9am on Wednesday, Bangladesh Meteorological Department (BMD) has said.
According to the Met office, “Rains or thundershowers accompanied by temporary west or northwesterly gusty or squally wind speed 45-60 KPH is likely over the regions of Rangpur, Dinajpur, Rajshahi, Pabna, Bogura, Tangail, Myemnsingh, Faridpur, Dhaka, Jashore, Kushtia, Khulna, Barishal, Patuakhali, Noakhali, Cumilla, Chattogram, Cox’s Bazar and Sylhet.”
The river ports have been asked to hoist cautionary signal No 1.
Also read: Rain, thundershowers likely in Dhaka, 5 other divisions
The inland river ports warning will remain valid till 6 pm on Wednesday.
Lamp post catches fire at Banani
A fire broke out in a lamp post on Banani graveyard road in the city on Wednesday.
The fire broke around 1 pm, said sources at Fire Service and Civil Defense headquarters control room.
On information, two firefighting units rushed to the spot.
However, what caused the fire could not be known immediately.
Rain, thundershowers likely in Dhaka, 5 other divisions
Dhaka and five other divisions may experience rain or thundershowers in 24 hours from 9 am on Wednesday (May 24, 2023).
Rain or thundershowers accompanied by temporary gusty/squally wind is likely to occur at many places over Dhaka, Mymensingh, Khulna, Barishal, Chattogram & Sylhet divisions and at a few places over Rangpur and Rajshahi divisions with hails at isolated places over the country, said a bulletin of Bangladesh Meteorological Department (BMD).
Also Read: Despite rain, Dhaka's air quality 'unhealthy for sensitive groups’ this morning
A mild heat wave is sweeping over Khulna division and the districts of Rajshahi, Pabna, and Madaripur and it may abate from some places, it read. Day and Night temperatures may remain nearly unchanged over the country.
Wind direction and speed at Dhaka were recorded as 10-15 kph East/southeasterly, with temporary gusting to 30-40 kph.
The country’s highest temperature was recorded at 36.6 degrees Celsius on Tuesday in Khulna and the lowest temperature was recorded in Tetulia at 20.2 degrees Celsius.
Read more: Govt issues precautionary measures to avoid lightning strikes
College teacher killed as bus runs over him in Bogura
A college teacher was killed when a bus knocked him down on Bogura-Rangpur highway at Jhopgari in Sadar upazila of Bogura district on Wednesday.
The deceased was identified as Hafizur Rahman, 50, a teacher of Ghoraghat Government College in Dinajpur district and son of Mizanur Rahman of Dhunat upazila.
The accident occurred at 10:30 am when the Rangpur-bound bus hit Hafizur while crossing the road, leaving him dead on the spot, said Afzal Hossain, sub-inspector of Sadar Police Station.
Also read: 3 motorcyclists killed in Faridpur road accident
Police seized the bus but the driver and his helper managed to flee the scene.
Govt issues precautionary measures to avoid casualties in lightning strikes
The government of Bangladesh has issued some precautionary measures to avoid deaths and injuries by lightning strikes, which have already been declared a national disaster.
Lightning strikes kill 250 people on an average every year in the country, according to the Bangladesh Meteorological Department. Thunderbolts also kill or injure a large number of livestocks.
Lightning strikes mostly occur in from April to May till June and most of the deaths occur in flat lands and haor areas, said a handout of PID issued on Tuesday (May 23, 2023).
Nine people including a woman died after being struck by lightning in Narsingdi, Chandpur, Kurigram Brahmanbaria districts on Tuesday.
According to the Ministry of Disaster Management and Relief, 2,164 people died in lightning strikes in the country from 2011 to 2020. Considering the upward trend, the government in 2016 declared it as a natiinal disaster.
Also read: Lightning strike kills 5 in Shariatpur, Barishal
To avoid casualties, the government has asked people to take the following precaution:
• Thunderbolts usually last 30 to 35 minutes and people have been asked to remain in their respective houses during this period. It is safe to go out wearing rubber shoes in case of any emergency which will protect people from thunderbolts.
• People, who are in open paddy fields during thunderbolt, have been asked to sit down on their toes and put fingers in their ears.
• People have been asked to take shelter under concrete sheds or buildings as soon as possible and refrain from going over the rooftop or high places during this time.
• Children have been asked to refrain from playing outside and stay inside home.
Read more: Lightning strike turning into deadliest disaster in Bangladesh: Experts
• Avoid places where there are tall trees, electric poles and mobile towers as it is dangerous to take shelter under trees.
• People should refrain from catching fish by a boat without a shed. It also asked people to stop fishing in the sea or the river during thunderbolt.
• If someone is inside the vehicle, then the body cannot be connected to the metal part of the vehicle.
• There is no problem touching any injured people hit by lightning strikes and people should be treated in the same way as those injured by electric shock. Efforts should be taken to restore the breathing and heart rate of the person injured by lightning quickly. It may be possible to save if artificial breathing can be arranged within a few minutes, if there is any delay it may invite death.
• Provide Cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) to activate the heart of injured victims and take the victim to the hospital by ambulance or vehicle as soon as possible.
Read more: Thunderstorm Lightning Struck Safety Tips: Stay Prepared.
Despite rain, Dhaka's air quality 'unhealthy for sensitive groups’ this morning
Dhaka's air quality was marked "unhealthy for sensitive groups" on Wednesday morning in spite of rain in the capital city.With an air quality index (AQI) score of 112 at 8:50 am, Dhaka ranked 10th in the list of world cities with the worst air quality.
Dhaka residents on Tuesday experienced a relief after a long time as heavy showers drenched the city amid a scorching heat. But it had little impact on air quality.South Africa’s Johannesburg, Saudi Arabia’s Riyadh and Indonesia’s Jakarta occupied the first three spots in the list, with AQI scores of 159, 158 and 158, 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 safe or polluted the air of a certain city is, and what associated health effects might be a concern for them.
Also read: Dhaka's air quality 'moderate' during Eid holidaysIn 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.Air pollution consistently ranks among the top risk factors for death and disability worldwide.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.
Saudi Arabia wants to make large-scale investment in Bangladesh: Saudi ministers tell PM Hasina
Saudi Arabia has offered to make large scale investment in various sectors of Bangladesh as the country has a stable government and good record of economic growth.
Saudi Arabian Minister of Investment Khalid A. Al-Faliah and Minister of Economy and Planning Faisal Alibrahim came up with the offer when they jointly called on Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina at her place of residence in Doha on Tuesday.
While briefing the reporters after the meeting, Foreign Minister AK Abdul Momen said they said Saudi sees a few issues as investor --stability (of country) and future of investment.
During the meeting, they said the present situation and future of Bangladesh is very good and this is why they have taken the decision to strengthen its relation with Bangladesh.
The Saudi ministers said Bangladesh has a stable government and Bangladesh’s economic growth is very good. Bangladesh's leadership, vision and commitments are very good, they added.
They informed that Saudi Arabia has already taken a few proposals. Of these, they want to do Patenga port and take the economic zone beside it. Saudi Arabia wants to establish Bangladesh as a regional hub considering its geographical location as the country is in between South and Southeast Asia. If Saudi makes it a hub, they can cover Indonesia, Malaysia and more countries, they added.
The two ministers said their country wants to set up major distribution centres of Saudi petrochemical, diesel, jet fuel, fertiliser and shipping lines in Bangladesh. They want to make Patenga as a red sea gateway.
In reply, the prime minister said that she has already given permission and urged them to start it immediately.
Hasina offered the Saudi government Matarbari and Payra Sea ports and economic zones in this regard as well for the mutual benefits.
In this regard, she directed the authorities concerned to take necessary measures for removing obstacles if there is any to ease Saudi investment in Bangladesh.
Saudi Arabia also wants to develop a partnership with Bangladesh through cooperation in various sectors like agriculture for mutual benefits.
In this regard, they assured the prime minister of providing necessary financial and technical assistance to Bangladesh.
The Saudi ministers requested Bangladesh for making investment to build housing and hospitals in Saudi Arabia for Bangladeshi hajj pilgrims.
The two ministers requested the prime minister to establish pharmaceuticals, beverage and real estate industries in Saudi Arabia for the benefits of the two peoples.
They highly appreciated Bangladesh’s RMG sector saying that Bangladesh has shown that it has become the capital of textiles and garments in the world.
PM's Speechwriter Md Nazrul Islam was present in the press briefing.
Youth gets 10 years’ jail for anti-Islam comments
A Rangpur court on Tuesday sentenced a Hindu youth to 10 years in prison in a case over derogatory remarks about Islam and its prophet Hazrat Muhammad (PBUH) on Facebook around six years back.
The court of Rangpur Cyber Tribunal Judge Dr Abdul Majid also fined the convict Tk 50,000, said Public Prosecutor Advocate Ruhul Amin Talukder.
The convict is Titu Roy, son of late Khogendranath Roy of Harikoly Thakurpara under Gangachara police station in Rangpur.
According to the case statement, Tipu uploaded the post on October 28, 2017 when he had been working in Narayanganj.
On November 10 of the same year, local Muslims formed human chains and staged demonstrations demanding punishment of Titu at Shleyashah Bazar in Rangpur.
Enraged by the incident, people torched and vandalized houses of Hindu community at the Thakurpara.
Later, two separate cases were filed with Rangpur Sadar and Gangachara police stations in this connection.
After completing all legal procedures, the court handed down the judgment in the presence of Titu.
Expressing satisfaction, the PP said they got justice and it will be an instance regarding the humiliation of religion.
On the other hand, the accused’s lawyer Proshanta Kumar Roy said they will appeal to the high court against the verdict as they were deprived of justice.
Qatar keen to boost friendly ties with Bangladesh, says its PM
Qatar's Prime Minister Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al Thani on Tuesday said his country is keen to strengthen its friendly relations with Bangladesh.
He said this at a bilateral meeting with Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina held at the bilateral meeting room of Raffles Tower here in Doha.
During the meeting, the Qatari PM told Hasina that they (Qatar) are a true friend of Bangladesh and want to take the relation with the country forward further, said Foreign Minister AK Abdul Momen at a press briefing.
The Qatari premier praised Hasina for bringing stability in Bangladesh.
PM Hasina said Bangladesh procures a huge amount of energy from Qatar. “We want you to assist us over energy,” she was quoted as telling her counterpart.
In reply, Mohammed bin Abdulrahman said Qatar would do as much as possible for Bangladesh.
About the fear of losing jobs among Bangladeshi workers in Qatar after the FIFA World Cup 2023, the Qatari PM said Bangladeshi workers are their assets and friends and Qatar will keep them as much as possible in their country.
Later, Qatar's Minister of State for Energy Affairs Saad bin Sherida Al Kaabi called on the Bangladesh Prime Minister at the latter’s place of residence.
In the meeting, the issue of signing a fresh contract over the supply of additional liquefied natural gas (LNG) to Bangladesh in future came up for discussion.
PM Hasina called for signing the new contract as soon as possible to procure a larger amount of energy from Qatar, said Momen at the press briefing.
The existing 15-year agreement signed in 2017 to import LNG from Qatar will be effective till 2032, but it needs to sign a new contract to get the larger amount of energy after 2025, he said.
Momen said the Bangladesh PM asked to sign the contract immediately, fixing the pricing related problems.
Describing Bangladesh as a friendly country that stood with Qatar in their tough days, they (Qatar) promised that they would consider all sorts of concessions whatever possible for Qatar during signing the contract.
Besides, Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina held a meeting with President of Rwanda Paul Kagame on the sidelines of Qatar Economic Forum at Raffles Tower.
During the meeting, Kagame told Sheikh Hasina that he always hears the development story of Bangladesh and he wants to visit Bangladesh. “We are very proud of Bangladesh,” he was quoted as saying by Momen.
“Bangladesh is a very densely populated country and you (Sheikh Hasina) are governing the country very well. I want to see it,” the President of Rwanda was quoted as saying.
In reply, the Premier invited Kagame to visit Bangladesh.
Paul Kagame said he wants to establish air connectivity between Bangladesh and Rwanda.
Referring to the recent opening of a pharmaceutical factory by a Bangladeshi company in Rwanda, the president invited more Bangladeshi investment in different sectors in his country.
Hasina praised Kagame, saying that Rwanda is in a very good position in Africa due to his good leadership.
She told Kagame that the Ukraine-Russia war has created difficulties and sent warnings to countries like Bangladesh and Rwanda. “We can overcome such type of situation if we cooperate with each other,” she said.
Kagame appreciated Hasina’s remark saying that it is high time to strengthen the cooperation.