Bangladesh
HC summons N’ganj DC, DoE officials for not complying with directives to control air pollution
The High Court (HC) on Wednesday summoned the authorities concerned including Narayanganj’s deputy commissioner (DC) to appear before it in person on May 31 for not abiding by the directives to control air pollution.The Department of Environment’s Director (enforcement) and its Deputy Director of Narayanganj were also summoned in this regard.
An HC bench of Justice KM Kamrul Kader and Justice Mohammad Showkat Ali passed the order after hearing a petition.
The court also asked to explain as to why effective measures were not taken to implement a 9-point directive given by the HC to control air pollution.
Lawyer Manzill Murshid stood for the petition while Amatul Karim represented the Department of Environment.
Manzil said the nine-point directives including removing illegal brick kilns in all five districts surrounding Dhaka were given to combat air pollution earlier, but those directives were ignored by the administration.
Also, Narayanganj’s DoE was not getting cooperation from the authorities concerned to evict illegal brick kilns, he said.
After knowing the matter, the HC on Wednesday summoned them to appear before the court on May 31 when they have to explain why they have failed.
In 2020, the HC gave the nine-point directive to control the air pollution.
The directives include:
• Ensuring the use of covers on trucks or other vehicles that transport sand or soil in the capital, Dhaka.
• Contractors must cover the construction sites
• Taking steps to sprinkle water on Dhaka roads
• Ensuring complete road construction or excavation work or carpeting complying with laws, rules and terms and conditions of the agreement.
• To seize those vehicles involved in emitting black smoke.
• To fix the economic life of vehicles plying on roads as per the Road Transport Act 2018 and to impose ban on movement of unfit vehicles.
• To shut down the illegal brick fields which are operating without licence and submit a report within two months.
• Stop burning of tyres and recycling of vehicles’ batteries without approval from the DoE.
• Taking steps to ensure that all the market owners or shopkeepers keep their garbage in bags and the city corporations were asked to remove those after the shops or markets are closed.
On January 31 this year, the HC wanted to know the steps taken to prevent air pollution in Dhaka and asked the authorities concerned including the DoE to inform about it on February 5.
As per the order, the DoE submitted a report to the court on February 26 and a day after the HC also ordered the DoE’s DG to submit a report after demolishing all illegal brick kilns in Dhaka, Narayanganj, Munshiganj, Manikganj and Gazipur.
There was a schedule of hearing regarding the headway of submission of the report by the DG on Wednesday.
Foreign Ministry to share modalities of Ansar services for foreign missions tomorrow or May 21
Foreign Secretary Masud Bin Momen on Wednesday said the government will share information on alternative security services that the Ansar can provide for diplomatic missions in Dhaka either tomorrow or Sunday.
"We have discussed in detail about the modalities. They (Ansar) have shared information about their capabilities. We have got a kind of idea in which format we will convey to foreign missions," he told reporters after a meeting with Director General of Bangladesh Ansar and VDP Major General AKM Aminul Haque.
The foreign secretary said they will inform the missions in a note verbale on Sunday (May 21), if it is not possible by tomorrow.
Ansar battalion is ready to provide additional security protocol to envoys with immediate effect, said the Director General of Ansar.
Members of the Ansar battalion have already been engaged in such types of protocol duties in the country, including the parliament.
Earlier on Tuesday, the foreign secretary said the government will offer the services of the Ansar – a paramilitary auxiliary force – to the foreign missions in Dhaka as alternatives, as the withdrawal of “additional security escort” for four diplomats came into effect.
The Foreign Secretary held a meeting with the director general of the Ansar on Wednesday to know about the facilities they can offer and build a connection with those missions who are willing to take this service.
The Foreign Secretary said the government is aware of the responsibilities as a host country under the Vienna Convention and regular security measures for foreign missions and their personnel remain unchanged.
Foreign envoys to get back additional security if they want, given they pay for it: Home Minister
Dhaka, May 17 (UNB)-- Home Minister Asaduzzaman Khan said on Wednesday that the additional security that has been withdrawn from ambassadors of some countries, including the United States and the United Kingdom, will be given back if they want, but they must pay for it."When we had the rise of militants, we had a reign of terror here…at that time, we used to give protection to only four embassies. It was not applied to us in writing, nor they requested us. We gave them (additional security) so that they faced no trouble,” the minister said."We think that situation is no longer there. Since that situation is not there, we have lifted this protection. However, if an ambassador thinks it will be needed, then the new Ansar Guard Regiment will give them protection…They have to pay the cost and we will arrange for them accordingly. That's how it has been decided,” he added.The Home Minister made the statement in response to a question after a meeting of a taskforce assigned to implement recommendations to ensure discipline in the road transport sector and curb accidents. The meeting was held at the conference room of the Home Ministry.He clarified more.
"I reiterate that in every embassy we have police protection for their security and there are also gunmen for the four ambassadors I spoke about. There are all kinds of protections. The protection we used to give only on the road has been withdrawn. I think I’ve made it clear," he said.
Asked if any attack on the ambassadors could create concern about the security condition in Bangladesh, the home minister said, "I have told you clearly, if they think they need that protection on roads, we have everything ready. They'll get it if they want to.”
"We will also give this Ansar Guard Regiment to the ministers and VIPs in phases," he said.
All need to work together to bring changes in education system in new era : Dipu Moni
Education Minister Dr Dipu Moni has said it is not possible to face the new challenges of education in the 21st century only with traditional education and everyone need to work together to bring changes in the education system in the new era.
“Blending the education system is a part of this change but so is everyone working together on this journey of change. Our aim is to pave the way to build a smart Bangladesh by creating a smart education system through the collective efforts of all. That's why everyone should believe in this mission-vision and work forward,” she said
The education minister said these in an international consultation titled “Accelerating Blended Education for Smart Bangladesh” organized at a hotel in Dhaka on Tuesday with stakeholders from different sectors.
The programme was organized under the initiative of the Ministry of Education in collaboration with the World Economic Forum and Aspire to Innovate-a2i, said a press release on Wednesday.
“Covid, though unexpected, has given us an opportunity to transform our education system. As a result, we have taken some steps that will help us fulfill our future dreams. We are on the way to fulfilling our dreams. We aim to ensure infrastructure development where all teachers and students can complete the learning and teaching process using quality technology. We are moving towards the solution of skill development through which students will earn their own money and participate in the economic growth of the country,” she said.
Blended Education Master Plan is one of the steps in this dream journey, said Dipu Moni adding that in order to fulfill this dream, the government as well as private institutions, NGOs and global leaders like the World Economic Forum should work together.
Mentioning the importance of technical excellence in the implementation of blended education system, State Minister of Information and Communication Technology Division, Zunaid Ahmed Palak said, ‘Our aim is to work with the mission and vision of Smart Bangladesh. Targeting technological excellence will make education smarter. Blended education system can be a timely approach in implementing smart education. “
Dipu Moni presented the Bangladesh government's National Blended Educational Master Plan (2022-2031) and announced the creation of an Education Accelerator in Bangladesh. As a result, an accelerator was formed in the Ministry of Education and ICT and various private sectors.
Suleman Khan, secretary of Secondary and Higher Education Division, delivered the welcome address on the occasion. Tanya Milberg, head of Education, Skills and Learning Division of World Economic Forum and Anir Chowdhury, policy advisor of a2i, presented the keynote speech of the event.
Aspire to Innovate-a2i, implemented under the Cabinet Division and Information and Communication Technology Division and supported by UNDP, will continue various innovative activities with public-private and development partners to implement a smart blended education system in Bangladesh, the release added.
AL could retain popularity despite long stay in power: PM Hasina
Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on Wednesday said Bangladesh Awami League has successfully been able to retain its popularity even though it has been in power for a long time.
“Staying in power for a long time, very few parties or men can sustain popularity or work for the welfare of the people continuously, But Awami League has been able to do so. We’ve proved it,” she said.
The premier said this when leaders of AL and its associate bodies greeted her at Ganabhaban on the occasion of her 43rd homecoming day.
On May 17, 1981, AL President Sheikh Hasina returned home from India, after nearly six years in exile, following the brutal assassination of Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman and most of his family members by some misguided army officers on August 15, 1975.
Talking about AL’s steps to establish democracy and voting rights, and reform the electoral system, Hasina said those who were once vote riggers are now vocal on democracy and voting rights in the country.
“Those who were the thieves and dacoits of votes (in the past) now want democracy and are talking about the voting rights. They were born in an illegal way. But we are to hear such words (lesion) from them,” she said.
The AL chief asked her party men not to consider such political rhetoric seriously rather stay beside the people, work for them to change their fortune and thus maintain the public trust and confidence in their party.
“We’ll have to retain the confidence of the people. The trust of the people is our only (source of) power. We’ve no other power except it.
She asked the party members to reorganize the party and its associate bodies stronger from the grassroots and stay alert so that the parties of terrorism, killing or war criminals can’t play ducks and drakes with the fate of the people anymore
Read: Sheikh Hasina’s 43rd Homecoming Day today
She said AL is the only party that thinks for the welfare of Bangladesh and others are the parties of plunderers.
“So, I would request you all to pay attention so that the parties of terrorism, killings or war criminals can’t play ducks and drakes with the fate of the people of Bangladesh anymore,”
The PM said Bangladesh has gained success in every area including saving the environment, food production or protection of human rights, curbing militancy and terrorism. Bangladesh has also been able to display this success before the whole world, she said.
“Since we’ve truly made development with limited resources, a small land and a large population, Bangladesh is now getting dignity as a role model for development internationally ,” she added.
So, anti-liberation elements, war criminals, their successors and their local and international patrons would not like this progress of Bangladesh, she said.
Referring to the 2008 general election, she said the BNP-Jamaat alliance secured only 29 seats out of 300, while the AL-lead grand alliance gained the remaining others, proving the public perception wrong that the Awami League and BNP are the same and both are equally big parties.
Sheikh Hasina recalled her early days when she returned home from the 6-year exile and recollected the persons who assisted her in the tough days.
"Since then (1981), the people of the country and the Awami League have been my family," she said.
The AL chief expressed gratitude to the men of AL and its associate bodies for extending their support to her while steering the party in the last 42 years.
icddr,b celebrates Dr Firdausi Qadri’s Independence Award
icddr,b has celebrated the exceptional achievements of Dr Firdausi Qadri, a senior scientist of the organization who won the country’s highest award ‘Independence Award (Swadhinata Padak) 2023.
Dr Qadri received it for her outstanding contributions to research and training. It is a unique milestone for women scientists, which serves as a source of inspiration for the young generation in Bangladesh.
Education Minister Dr Dipu Moni was present as the chief guest at an event to celebrate her accomplishment at Sasakawa Auditorium of the icddr,b in Mohakhali.
Dr Md Anwar Hossain Hawlader, secretary to the Health Services Division of Health and Family Welfare Ministry and Joe Goodings, head of development cooperation and Canadian High Commission to Bangladesh, among others, were as the special guests.
Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina handed over the Independence Award 2023 to Dr Firdausi Qadri in March. Her career has been distinguished by numerous accolades that reflect her profound contributions to the field of science and research.
The scientist was awarded the prestigious Ramon Magsaysay Award in 2021, an honor often dubbed as Asia's Nobel Prize. The L'Oréal-UNESCO For Women in Science Award in 2020 celebrated her as an exemplary figure in promoting women in the scientific community.The Bill Gates' Heroes in the Field recognition, also in 2020.
These are just a few among her extensive list of accolades, which also include the Prof. C.N.R. Rao Prize from the World Academy of Science in 2013, the Christophe & Rodolphe Mérieux Foundation Prize in 2012, and the Gold Medal for outstanding research in Biological Sciences by the Bangladesh Academy of Science in 2006.
The celebration began with a welcome address by Dr Tahmeed Ahmeed, executive director at icddr,b followed by a short video on Dr Qadri and messages from globally renowned scientists who worked with Dr Qadri for many decades.
Dr Dipu Moni congratulated Dr Qadri on the occasion, saying, “We are here today not just to celebrate Dr Qadri's accomplishments but also to recognise the transformative power of science and the critical role of women in this field. We are committed to nurturing scientific research, encouraging innovation, and championing women's empowerment in every sector.”
Dr Ahmed expressed his heartfelt congratulations to Dr Qadri, stating, “This celebration is not merely a tribute to Dr Qadri's more than four decades of lifesaving work, but it also underscores our unyielding commitment to championing women in science.”
He further emphasised the icddr,b's sustained commitment to high-quality scientific research and innovation, dedicated to improving the health and well-being of the people of Bangladesh and beyond."
In a video message, Professor Edward T Ryan at the Harvard Medical School in the USA, said, “I have had the pleasure of working with her for over a quarter of a century. She is truly a force of nature.”
On the other hand, Professor Nicholas Robert Thomson at the Wellcome Sanger Institute and Member of the Scientific Advisory Group at icddr,b noted, “Dr Qadri has flown the flag of many neglected diseases. Without her, these would have remained neglected.”
Dr Qadri expressed her gratitude for the well-wishes, considering them as a driving force for her continuous work. Colleagues and collaborators from the audience also shared their experiences working with Dr Qadri and conveyed their good wishes. Thomas Liam Barry, Director of Finance, delivered the closing remarks.
The celebration, attended by representatives from government agencies, development partners, media, icddr,b staff, and Dr Qadri's family, concluded with a cultural programme performed by icddr,b staff.
Resist domestic and foreign evil forces to sustain democracy in Bangladesh: President Shahabuddin
President Mohammed Shahabuddin on Wednesday urged every citizen of the country to resist the evil forces at home and abroad who are creating obstacles in the way of democracy and development.
He made this call during a visit to 'Pabna Diabetic Association' followed by an exchange of views this morning on the third day of his four-day visit to his home district Pabna for the first time as the country’s head of state.
He also called for unitedly resisting all kinds of conspiracies and anarchy surrounding the 12th national election in the last week slated for end this year or first week of January
"The people are the source of all power," the president said adding "We will resist all the evil forces that are creating obstacles in the way of Bangladesh’s progress and will not give them any chance to raise their heads."
Only then, the valiant freedom fighter said, there won’t be no hurdle in building a Bangladesh earned independence with high hopes under the leadership of Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman.
Referring to the election, he said, "According to the law, there will be an impartial election under an independent election commission."
The President said, "At present, there is no chance of any election to be held under an unelected government. The national election will be held according to the constitution."
The President requested all political parties to participate in the election resolving their conflicts through negotiation and compromise.
Read: Bangladesh should be built following desire of the people: President Shahabuddin
Shahabuddin said "Bangladesh is at the peak of development today. Bangladesh proudly stands with its head high in the comity of nations today as the government has brightened its image and improved the condition of the people."
He said the ongoing democratic development and democracy in the country should be maintained under the leadership of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina.
Earlier, local MP Ghulam Farooq Prince and president of the association Bebi Islam, a valiant freedom fighter, welcomed the president with flowers on arrival at the Diabetic Society.
He also visited the office of Diabetic Association under Pabna Health Service Hospital and exchanged greetings with the officials and doctors there.
Worker crushed under truck wheels in Dhaka’s Badda
A day labourer was crushed under the wheels of a truck after falling from it in Badda area of the capital Wednesday morning.
The deceased was identified as Yead Ali, 30, a resident of Abdullahpur.
SI Md Rasel Parvej of Badda police station said he died on the spot.
Quoting locals, he said the truck was carrying stones from Abdullahpur.
When the truck was taking a turn in the Krishi Bank road in east Badda, he fell from the truck and the truck ran over him.
Police recovered his body and sent it to the Dhaka Medical College and Hospital for autopsy.
Bangladesh reports 22 more Covid-19 cases
Bangladesh reported 22 more Covid-19 cases in the 24 hours till Wednesday morning.
With the new numbers, the country's total caseload rose to 2,038,539, according to the Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS).
However, the official death toll from the disease remained unchanged at 29,446 as no new fatalities were reported.
The daily case test positivity rate was 2.01 against the test of 1089 samples.
The recovery rate increased to 98.4 percent. However, the death rate remained unchanged at 1.44 percent.
Bangladesh registered its highest daily caseload of 16,230 on July 28 in 2021 and highest number of fatalities of 264 on August 10 the same year.
Shishu Academy, Save the Children sign MoU to introduce play-based learning
Bangladesh Shishu Academy and Save the Children in Bangladesh signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), aiming to adopt the learning through-play approach countrywide.
Through this MoU, it is expected that Bangladesh Shishu Academy will take the lead in creating a ‘learning through playing’ environment for the children in Bangladesh with the support of Championing Play project of Save the Children funded by the Lego Foundation, reads a media release.
On Wednesday, an event of an MoU signing was held at Bangladesh Shishu Academy premises.
Aarathi Vinodh, the Education Sector Director of Save the Children welcomed the guests and Shaheen Islam, Project Director shared the objectives of the Championing Play project and its main tasks.
The Championing Play project in Gaibandha provides schools and homes with a bag called 'Magic Bag' which contains various play materials and is used by children to play with, in order to introduce play-based learning to children.
Under this MoU, Save the Children in Bangladesh will supply 'Magic Bags' to 71 learning centers of Shishu Academy, it said.
Save the Children's Championing Play Project will also provide orientation to Bangladesh Shishu Academy officials to ensure the effective use of play materials, it added.
President of the event, Director General of Bangladesh Shishu Academy, Children's Literary Anjeer Liton said, "We have expressed interest in using Save the Children's championing play project 'Magic Bag' in the pre-primary centers of Bangladesh Shishu Academy. It will make children’s childhood easy and beautiful. I hope this joint work will continue in the future.”
Lucky Inam, the chairman of Bangladesh Shishu Academy and prominent drama personality, was present as the chief guest at the MoU signing ceremony.
She said, “The children of Bangladesh Shishu Academy will be delighted to learn through play with the help of the Magic Bag provided by Save the Children's Championing Play Project. I hope that Bangladesh Shishu Academy will do more constructive work together with Save the Children in the future.”
Save the Children in Bangladesh Country Director Onno van Manen expressed interest in working more with the Bangladesh Shishu Academy.
Save the Children's Championing Play Project Manager, Rehnuma Akhtar, and Championing Play Project Officer, Janelle Gomez were also present on the occasion.