United News of Bangladesh

Bangladesh Bank (BB) Debt Management Department (DMD) on Tuesday issued a circular clarifying the amendment of the family saving certificate policy.  The following paragraph has been substituted for Article 3 of the Family Savings Certificate Policy, 2009: Savings Certificate sales resume Eligibility for purchasing savings certificates: The central bank said that any Bangladeshi aged 18 and above, any Bangladeshi physically disabled person of maximum 65 years old and above may apply for purchasing this savings certificate in the prescribed form. “A maximum worth of Tk 45 (forty-five) lakh can be purchased in a single name. This savings certificate cannot be purchased in a joint name and no institution's money can be used in it," said the BB notification.

A total of 46 stranded Bangladeshi nationals were repatriated from war-torn Lebanon on Tuesday on a Qatar flight (QR 640) with full government expenditure. The flight landed at 9:15 am at Hazrat Shajalal International Airport (HSIA), facilitated by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Ministry of Expatriates' Welfare and Overseas Employment, the Embassy of Bangladesh in Beirut, and the International Organization for Migration (IOM). So far, a total of 1292 Bangladeshi nationals have been repatriated from Lebanon by 20 flights. Officials from Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Ministry of Expatriates' Welfare and Overseas Employment and IOM welcomed the returnees at the airport. IOM provided each repatriated person with TK 5,000 as pocket money, food supplies and basic medical care. Deeper ties with Russia sought in meeting with new ambassador Ministry officials engaged with the returnees, discussing the horrors of the ongoing conflict and inquiring about their well-being. One Bangladeshi national has so far reportedly died in a bombing incident during the conflict. The government has reiterated its commitment to cover repatriation costs for all Bangladeshis wishing to return home from Lebanon due to the ongoing violence. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Embassy of Bangladesh in Beirut continues to work tirelessly to ensure the safe return of those desiring repatriation and to guarantee the safety of those choosing to stay.

Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus arrived here at Zurich International Airport, Switzerland on Tuesday afternoon to attend the annual meeting of the World Economic Forum (WEF) in Davos where he will engage extensively with global leaders on pressing issues in addition to his bilateral meetings. Permanent Representative of Bangladesh to the UN in Geneva Ambassador Tareq Md Ariful Islam received the Chief Adviser at the airport upon his arrival. The Chief Adviser and his delegation members arrived at the Zurich International Airport at 12:27pm (Zurich time) by an Emirates flight. Dr Yunus is heading towards his place of residence in Davos from the Zurich International Airport by road. After arrival in Davos (likely at 3:30pm), the Chief Adviser is scheduled to hold a number of meetings on the first day, including his joining in opening dinner at Kurpark Village. Read more: Expecting a consensus over ‘July Declaration’ by early Feb: Dr Yunus Dr Yunus is scheduled to hold the first meeting in Davos with German Chancellor Olaf Scholz. The meeting is likely to be held from 3:50pm to 4:20pm (Davos time) on Tuesday. He will then hold a meeting with Chair of the Board of Telenor, Jens Petter Olsen (4:30pm to 5pm). Telenor Group is a leading telecommunications company, bringing its connectivity services to millions of customers across the Nordics and Asia. Dr Yunus is likely to have separate meetings with former US Vice President Al Gore and Chairman of Munich Security Conference Christoph Heusgen. Al Gore is a United States politician who served successively in the House of Representatives, the Senate, and as the Vice President from 1993 to 2001. Dr Yunus will also hold meetings with Filippo Grandi, the 11th United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), and Cai-Göran Alexander Stubb, the 13th President of the Republic of Finland, according to his first day's tentative schedule. Read more: WEF: Chief Adviser Dr Yunus leaves for Switzerland Chief Adviser's Special Envoy on International Affairs Lutfey Siddiqi, Principal Coordinator on SDGs Affairs (Senior Secretary) Lamiya Morshed, Chief Adviser's Press Secretary Shafiqul Alam and Secretary (West) M Riaz Hamidullah, among others, are accompany Dr Yunus during the visit.

Members of Bangladesh Navy have arrested 19 people including a human trafficker for their alleged attempt to go to Malaysia illegally from Kacchapia in Teknaf upazila of Cox’s Bazar district. Tipped off, a Navy team conducted a drive in the area early Tuesday and arrested them, said a press release of Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR). Bangladeshi, Indian civilians face off along Chapainawabganj border The arrestees were handed over to Teknaf Model Police Station. In line with the current government's directives, under the framework of 'In Aid to Civil Power, the Bangladesh Navy will conduct regular patrol operations to recover illegal arms, eliminate drugs and terrorism and maintain law and order.

The Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) has thwarted yet another attempt allegedly by the Indian Border Security Force (BSF) to install barbed-wire fence along the Uchna border in Panchbibi upazila of Joypurhat district. Lieutenant Colonel Nahid Newaz, the Commander of Joypurhat-20 BGB battalion, said when BSF troops attempted to build a barbed wire fence on Tuesday morning, BGB members intervened, forcing them to abandon the fence construction and leave. “The situation there is now quiet and calm, and normal,” he said. Locals said BSF members from the Indian Chakgopal camp tried to construct a fence within 30 yards of the zero point, violating international law around 8am. At one point, BGB personnel from Hatkhola border post under Joypurhat-20 BGB intervened, forcing the BSF to retreat with their materials and stop the construction, the BGB commander said. A letter was sent to BSF for holding a company commander-level flag meeting between the two sides, said the BGB official. BSF obstructs reconstruction of mosque at Beanibazar border On January 7, the BSF unlawfully began constructing a barbed-wire fence along the zero line, prompting the BGB to intervene, heightening tensions along the border. Besides, tensions flared up along the Kaliganj border in Shibganj Upazila, Chapainawabganj, as Indian nationals allegedly hurled crude bombs at Bangladeshis in the presence of BSF January 18. Amid the escalating tensions, a flag meeting at the battalion commander-level between the Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) and BSF was held in the afternoon over the incident. BGB had lodged a protest with the BSF, and the matter had been reported to the higher authorities of the BGB.

Law Adviser Dr Asif Nazrul has said that if India refuses to return Sheikh Hasina, it would constitute a violation of the extradition treaty between Bangladesh and India. "We have written a letter for extradition. If India does not extradite Sheikh Hasina, it will be a clear violation of the extradition treaty between Bangladesh and India," he said at a views-exchange meeting with reporters at the Secretariat on Tuesday. In that case, he said, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs will take necessary steps to address the matter within the international community.  The Ministry of Foreign Affairs is also making efforts and a red alert has already been issued, he added. Over 2,500 politically motivated cases likely to be withdrawn: Law Adviser "We are doing everything we can. The government will continue all efforts to bring Sheikh Hasina back. If necessary, international support will be sought,” said the law adviser. Referring to the trial of July mass killings, the adviser said a second tribunal will be formed, if needed, to expedite the trial of those involved in the massacre. Election as soon as possible after essential reforms: Law Adviser “There is no conflict between the trial of the July mass killing criminals and the upcoming elections. The trial will proceed at its own pace. We will finish the trial work as quickly as possible. If necessary, international judges will be appointed,” he said.

Law Adviser Dr. Asif Nazrul has said over 2,500 politically motivated and harassment cases filed during the tenure of the Awami League government are expected to be withdrawn within a week. “The government has successfully identified over 2,500 cases in 25 districts which were politically motivated. We expect to withdraw these cases within seven days," he said at a view-exchange meeting with reporters on Tuesday at the Secretariat. All parties reach consensus on inclusive ‘July Declaration’: Asif Nazrul The Adviser said they are trying to review and withdraw cases filed under the Cyber Security Act. "Many cases have already been withdrawn and the remaining cases will be withdrawn in phases," he added.

The Traffic Department of Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) has filed 2,004 cases against traffic rule violators across various streets in the capital. As part of the operations, 71 vehicles were dumped, and 35 others were towed, said DMP Deputy Commissioner (media), Talebur Rahman on Tuesday The enforcement drive was conducted by eight traffic divisions of the DMP on Monday to ensure discipline on Dhaka’s roads. The DMP Traffic Division has assured that such drives will continue to maintain order and compliance with traffic laws in the city.

Fisheries and Livestock Adviser Farida Akhter has said that imposing taxes is one of the most effective methods for reducing tobacco consumption, though she emphasised that it is not the only solution. Despite existing laws banning the promotion of tobacco, cigarette companies continue to create incentives and attractions, which has led to a persistent consumption rate that refuses to decline, she said on Tuesday. Effective media role vital for tobacco control: Experts The adviser was speaking at a seminar titled "Proposal for Effective Taxation on Cigarettes for Public Health Protection," organised by Unnayan Samannay at the Bishwo Shahitto Kendro. Research showed 35.3% of the country’s population consumes tobacco, meaning that one in every three individuals is a user, said Farida. She also said that 22% of preventable deaths are directly linked to tobacco consumption. Farida said according to SDG target 3.9, tobacco use needs to be significantly reduced to protect public health, she also called for amendments to the tobacco control law to ensure its enforcement by 2030. Adviser Farida said that while there is apprehension within the National Board of Revenue about the impact of higher taxes on tobacco use, research consistently showed that although tobacco use may slightly decrease, the overall revenue would increase as a result. Anti-tobacco activities to be strengthened in Gazipur city The Adviser also called on leaders of the anti-discrimination movement to take a more active role in the tobacco control efforts, urging them to lead campaigns that will raise public awareness and encourage behavioral change. Speakers at the seminar expressed concerns that although cigarette prices have been gradually increased in recent years, this has not achieved the desired results. They called for more significant tax hikes, arguing that if cigarette prices become unaffordable, tobacco consumption will drastically decrease. Young doctors demand six amendments to bring Tobacco Control Law up to date Zahid Rahman, senior programme coordinator at Unnayan Samannay chaired the programme. Mohammad Mostafizur Rahman, lead policy adviser of CTFK-Bangladesh, Dr. SM Zulfiqar Ali, research director at BIDS, and Umama Fatema, spokesperson for the Anti-Discrimination Student Movement, attended the programme, among others.

A Jubo Dal activist died, and another has been injured after a truck hit the motorcycle they were riding in Rajshahi's Paba upazila. The incident occurred on Monday evening at Ramchandrapur Bazaar in the upazila. The deceased was Jubo Dal activist Shahjahan Ali, 45, of Haripara village in the district's Durgapur upazila, and the injured was Shafikul, 46. According to locals, the accident happened when a truck hit the motorcycle that Shafikul and Shahjahan were riding as they were returning home after attending a district Jubo Dal meeting in Tero Khadia, Rajshahi. The victims were later rescued and taken to Rajshahi Medical College Hospital, but Shahjahan succumbed to his injuries around 10:30 pm while undergoing treatment. Mahbubur Rahman, president of the Durgapur Zhaluka Union Jubo Dal, said, “We had come to Rajshahi city to attend the district Jubo Dal meeting. On our way back, Shahjahan Ali was killed in a road accident.”