Bangladesh
Missing woman’s throat-slit body recovered in Natore
The throat-slit body of a housewife, who went missing on Friday, was recovered from a tenant’s house in Natore Sadar upazila on Sunday night.
The deceased was identified as Eti Begum, 45, wife of Md Shafiqul Islam, imam of Murcha Baitul Noor Jame Masjid in Lohagara upazila of the district.
Police and locals said Eti Begum used to live in the village alone but her husband Imam Shafiqul lives in Lohagara for job.
Bishwanath village in shock as minor cousins drown in pond
Around one year back, day labourer Monirul Mollah of Bagerhat rented a room of the couple to live with his family. But around two months ago Monirul sent back his family to his village.
Imam Shafiqul returned to his workplace last Wednesday.
The doors of the houses of the victim and the tenant were found closed since Friday.
On Sunday afternoon, residents smelt odour from the tenant’s house and informed the imam.
MV Abdullah reaches Dubai’s Al Hamriya Port
Sadar Police Station Officer-in-Charge Mohammad Saiful Islam said being informed they recovered the body from under the bedstead and seized a sharp weapon used in the murder.
Drives will be conducted arrest suspect murder Monirul and a process was underway to file a case in this regard, he said.
Qatar Emir’s visits to Bangladesh, Nepal should prioritise migrant workers' protections: HRW
The visits of the Emir of Qatar, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani to Bangladesh and Nepal should prioritize labour protections for migrant workers, Human Rights Watch said on Monday.
Both are key countries for Qatar’s migrant workforce, which makes up 88 percent of the country’s population.
Al-Thani is scheduled to arrive in Bangladesh this afternoon and in Nepal on April 24.
“It is important for Qatar, Bangladesh, and Nepal to go beyond exchanging diplomatic pleasantries over their longstanding labour ties and seize this moment to publicly commit to concrete, enforceable protections that address the serious abuses that migrant workers in Qatar continue to face,” said Michael Page, deputy Middle East and North Africa director at Human Rights Watch.
“The Qatari emir should not just meet heads of state, but also visit dialysis centers filled with migrant worker returnees from Qatar and speak with the families of workers who died in Qatar to see the grave consequences of inadequate Qatari labor protections.”
Migrant workers from Bangladesh and Nepal have been indispensable to Qatar’s economy, including in the preparation and delivery of the 2022 World Cup, according to a message received from Beirut.
The Qatar-to-Nepal and Bangladesh routes that the Qatari leader is taking are well-trodden, with thousands of workers making this journey daily.
As “guest workers” in a country that does not offer citizenship to most foreigners, the expectation is that workers come to Qatar to work, earn money, and, sooner or later, leave.
Qatar-based jobs have enabled migrant workers to send remittances back home to their families, but many workers leave Qatar worse off than before they migrated.
They experience abuses that include wage theft, contract violations, and chronic illness linked to unsafe working conditions.
Many migrant workers do outdoor work and are exposed to Qatar’s extreme heat, and the lack of worker protections from this serious health hazard can take a devastating toll.
Some workers also have been deported for demanding their contractually-owed wages and benefits.
There have been thousands of unexplained deaths of young, healthy migrant workers in Qatar, and in many cases grieving familiesgrieving family members receive neither an explanation of the reasons for their loved ones’ death nor compensation justification nor compensationfrom employers or Qatari authorities.
“Public commitments by the Qatari emir to concrete, enforceable worker protections during these two high-profile visits, including compensation to workers who faced serious abuses and families of the deceased, would be the best way to mark his trips to the homes of millions of current and former workers who have helped transform Qatar,” Page said.
PM Hasina opens four-day UN climate adaption expo
Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on Monday inaugurated the four day UN Climate Adaptation Conference National Adaptation Plan (NAP) Expo 2024 at the Bangabandhu International Conference Center.
The NAP Expo is an international forum where countries, organisations and other relevant stakeholders interact and exchange experiences in the formulation and implementation of NAP.
The event will serve as a platform for sharing insights on climate adaptation strategies from around the world, fostering mutual benefits.
Some 383 representatives from 104 countries have registered with UNFCCC to participate in NAP Expo 2024.
Won’t allow anyone to undermine independence and sovereignty: PM Hasina
Besides, 550 people, including representatives of various ministries, departments and organisations of the country, climate experts, representatives of NGOs and volunteers will participate in the adaptation meet.
The expo will also arrange training sessions to identify gaps and needs related to the process of NAP formulation and implementation in developing countries.
There will be a total of 23 stalls in this conference where adaptation activities of different countries will be displayed.
Also, at 34 sessions over four days, experts will discuss transformational adaptation, financial mechanism, adaptation activity monitoring and evaluation tools and gender responsive adaptation.
A number of 13 stalls allocated for Bangladesh to showcase climate adaptation issues. Bangladesh will showcase its innovative adaptation measures such as rainwater harvesting, solar-powered water extraction in hilly regions, climate-resilient agriculture, and infrastructure development like cyclone shelters and road works.
PM Hasina urges farmers to form cooperatives to boost agri production
The event will also celebrate Bangladesh's rich history, culture, and heritage.
Executive secretary of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) Simon Steele and Environment, Forest and Climate Change Minister Saber Hossain Chowdhury were also present at the programme.
Very severe heat wave grips Pabna, Chuadanga, no respite from scorching heat for 5 days: BMD
Very severe heat wave is sweeping Pabna & Chuadanga districts, according to Bangladesh Meteorological Department.
Besides, severe heat wave is sweeping Rajshahi, Tangail, Jashore & Kushtia districts and mild to moderate heat wave is lashing Rangpur, Barishal & Mymensingh divisions and parts of Dhaka, Rajshahi, Khluna divisions, Srimangal & Chandpur district, said a met office bulletin on Monday.
The heat wave condition may continue and no marked change in likely in five days commencing 9am on Monday.
Dhaka’s air quality again ‘unhealthy’ this morning
Country’s highest temperature was recorded in Chuadanga at 42.2 degree Celsius on Sunday and 56 mm rains were recorded in 24 hours till 6 am on Monday.
“Rain or thunder showers accompanied by temporary gusty or squally wind is likely at one or two places over Mymensingh, Chattogram & Sylhet divisions with hails at isolated places. Weather may remain mainly dry with temporary partly cloudy sky elsewhere over the country,” it said.
Day temperature may fall slightly and night temperature may remain nearly unchanged over the country during the period.
Due to increase of moisture incursion, the discomfort may persists.
Bishwanath village in shock as minor cousins drown in pond
Two cousins aged 10 and 11, who were also friends and playmates, drowned in a pond at Chansirkapon village in Sylhet's Bishwanath upazila on Sunday.
The deceased were identified as Rihan Ahmad Yasin, 10, son of Siraj Mia of Barhatta upazila of Netrokona district and Yusuf Ruhan, 11, son of Titon Mia of Chansirkapon village.
According to the locals, Rihan and Ruhan lived with their family in a rented house in a colony in Chansirkapon village of Ward No. 7 of Bishwanath Sadar.
The two kids fell into the water body in the absence of any family members, while they were playing on its bank around 5pm.
At one stage of a frantic search, the bodies of the children were found floating in the pond.
Later they were rescued and taken to Bishwanath Upazila Health Complex. The doctors of the emergency department declared them dead.
Rama Prasad Chakraborty, officer-in-charge (OC) of Bishwanath police station, confirmed the deaths.
Driver of wayward bus that killed 15 last week in Faridpur arrested
The Rapid Action Battalion has arrested the driver of the Uttara Unique Paribahan Bus over a crash that cost the lives of 15 people last Tuesday.
The driver was arrested from a market in Kotchandpur Upazila Sadar area of Jhenaidah district on Sunday afternoon, according to the Faridpur company captain of RAB-10, Lt. Commander KM Shaikh Akhtar.
The arrestee Khokon Mia is the son of Delwar Hossain, a resident of Kotchandpur upazila of Jhenaidah district.
Details will be disclosed in a press briefing on Monday at 11:30am, added the RAB officer.
Enamul Sheikh, the elder brother of Iqbal Hossain, who died in the road crash on April 16, filed a case against the bus driver at Faridpur Kotwali police station.
Meanwhile, a 7-member investigation committee headed by Additional District Magistrate Md Ali Siddiqui was formed by the district administration to investigate the accident.
Medical Tourism Conclave held with cross-border participation
The Medical Tourism Conclave-2024 was held at the Dhaka Club on Sunday.
The initiative by Byatikram MASDO, a socio-cultural organisation based in India's Assam, was supported by Bangladesh Assistant High Commission, Friends of Bangladesh, and Sampriti Bangladesh.
Specialists from various hospitals and institutes from both Bangladesh and India participated in the conclave, aiming to reduce healthcare disparities and enhance mutual cooperation in the field of health between the two countries.
Co-ordinator of the conclave, Prof. Dr Mamun Al Mahtab of Bangabandhu Sheikh Sheikh Mujib Medical University (BSMMU), presented the keynote paper .
He hoped this conclave will work as the bridge in new scopes of assistance between the two country’s health sector.
Former state minister of foreign affairs, Shahriar Alam spoke as the chief guest at the inauguration ceremony.
Shahriar Alam said currently the cooperation between Bangladesh and India has reached the highest level ever and emphasized more cooperation in the health sector. "If cooperation between Bangladesh and India in the health sector is increased to ensure better medical care for the people of the country, it will help save the country's valuable foreign currency, he said.
The participation of representatives from numerous governmental and non-governmental hospitals and pharmaceutical industries from Bangladesh facilitated discussions and exchanges to ensure universal healthcare services for the people of both countries.
UNDP urged to scale up support for accessing international climate financing
Foreign Minister Hasan Mahmud has urged UNDP to scale up its support for accessing international climate financing through capacity building of the concerned public and private sector entities.
He made the request when UNDP Country Representative Stefan Liller called on him at his office on Sunday.
The Foreign Minister acknowledged the importance of expediting and streamlining the internal approval processes for grants-based climate financing.
He underscored the need for UN system-wide scanning to assess the status of project approval for further inter-ministerial coordination.
Foreign Minister Hasab recalled his long association with the UNDP Administrator Achim Steiner and reiterated his invitation to the latter to visit Bangladesh this year.
He also expressed satisfaction at the recent successful visit by the UNDP Goodwill Ambassador Crown Princess Victoria of Sweden.
The UNDP Country Representative appreciated Bangladesh’s role as the UNDP Board President in 2024.
He also thanked Bangladesh for being the only LDC among the top core budget contributors to UNDP.
He reaffirmed UNDP’s commitment to support Bangladesh on its development pathway towards a smooth and sustainable LDC graduation.
The Foreign Minister welcomed UNDP’s offer to contribute further to capacity building for climate diplomacy, implementing Blue Economy strategy, and addressing trans-boundary marine and air pollution.
He commended UNDP’s support for digital innovation and public service delivery in Bangladesh.
The UNDP Representative observed that a number of such innovations are being replicated in other developing countries under the framework of South-South Cooperation.
Drug-addict uncle stabs nephew to death in Kamrangirchar
A drug addict uncle reportedly stabbed his nephew to death in the capital's Kamrangirchar area on Sunday.
The deceased Tanin Hossain Sifat, 22, was the son of Md Jamil Khan, a plastic trader of Kazi Pagla village of Louhajang upazila of Munshiganj district.
At that time, the victim's elder brother Tamim Hossain Shrabon, 23, sustained injuries who is receiving treatment at Dhaka Medical College Hospital with stab wounds in the throat.
Currently, they used to live in a rented house with family in Keraniganj Amirabad.
Victims' maternal uncle Ripon Mia said the brothers were employed at his electric shop in Kamrangirchar.
Around 4pm, they came to our home and discovered that my younger brother, Rakib Hossain, was physically abusing my mother for money for consuming drugs.
"When they tried to restrain Rakib from assaulting her, he attacked them with a knife, leaving them injured" he said.
They were rushed to DMCH where doctors declared Sifat dead around 6:15pm, he added.
Ripon Mia said his brother Rakib is a drug addict and is unemployed
The body was kept at the hospital morgue for an autopsy, said Inspector Bachchu Mia, in-charge of Dhaka Medical College and Hospital (DMCH) police outpost.
The matter was informed to the concerned police station, he added.
MV Abdullah reaches Dubai’s Al Hamriya Port
The Bangladeshi-flagged ship ‘MV Abdullah’ which was released with all 23 crew members after 31 days of captivity by Somali pirates who hijacked the ship in the Indian Ocean, reached Al Hamriya Port of Dubai safely on Sunday.
The cargo vessel anchored at the port around 4:30 pm (Bangladesh time), said Mizanul Islam, media advisor KSRM group.
The vessel is now kept anchored at the port, according to the Marine Traffic Website.
Family counting days for safe return of MV Abdullah's chief engineer
The vessel will be taken to the jetty for unloading coals today or tomorrow.
Captain of MV Abdullah, Mohammad Abdur Rashid, said all the 23 crew members are safe and sound and two crew members will go to Bangladesh by a flight while the others will reach the vessel in the first week of May after unloading coal.
The Bangladeshi-flagged ship and its 23 crew members were released on April 13.
It took eight days to reach the United Arab Emirates.
Hijacked ship MV Abdullah released with 23 sailors
A Somali news outlet reported that MV Abdullah was released for $5 million (Tk 55 crore).
Earlier, on March 12 at 1:30 pm Bangladesh time, Somali pirates boarded and took control of the MV Abdullah while it was en route from the port of Maputo, Mozambique, to the United Arab Emirates.
The ship was carrying 55,000 tons of coal. All 23 crew members on board are Bangladeshis. The ship is owned by SR Shipping Limited, an affiliate of Chattogram-based Kabir Group. The pirates then took the ship to the coast of Somalia.
Nine days after the ship was hijacked, the pirates contacted the ship's owner's group to demand ransom. There were then negotiations at various levels. The ship's owner had hinted that the sailors would be released this month.
Owner of hijacked vessel MV Abdullah doesn’t want armed operation
SR Shipping is one of the largest shipping companies in the country. They operate ocean-going merchant ships. The bulk carrier MV Abdullah, with a deadweight tonnage (DWT) of 45,653 tons, has an overall length (LOA) of 185.74 metres and a width of 30.4 metres.