Bangladesh
Students must debate to enhance their talents: Momen
Foreign Minister AK Abdul Momen has said that students should engage in debate as it’ll help them in developing good mentality, acquiring knowledge and sharpening their talents.
Momen said this while speaking as the chief guest at the concluding ceremony of 14th Nafia Gazi Inter-department Debating Competition arranged by Dhaka University Debating Society (DUDS) at the Teacher Student Center (TSC) Auditorium in the capital on Sunday evening.
“A debating competition is won by beautiful presentation of arguments, reliable information and contextual examples. When I was a Permanent Representative of Bangladesh to the United Nations, I was able to get all the objectives of the Bangladesh government approved in various resolutions of the world body. This was possible due to proper presentation of facts and arguments,” the Minister said.
Momen added that among the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) of the UN, 11 were proposed by Bangladesh alone.
“To make a debate successful, choosing proper and acceptable words is mandatory. A debater has to justify information by reasoning. Besides, a debater has to know how to apply the Rules of Procedure and when to take floor during Point of Order. Most importantly, teamwork is necessary to become good at debating,” Momen added.
Later, Momen congratulated the winning teams and handed over the prizes to them.
DUDS has been organizing the competition since 1992. It is dedicated to Nafia Gazi, a student of the university and a former debater who was killed in a road accident.
This year, seven national and nine international debating teams had participated in the competition. India’s Institute of Technology (IIT) became champion in the international category, while University of Chittagong (CU) was the runner up.
The event was presided over by DUDS President Sheikh Md Arman. Prof Dr Mashiur Rahman, Vice Chancellor (VC) of National University, was present as the Chief Discussant, while Prof Dr Mahbuba Nasrin, Pro VC (Education) of Bangladesh Open University, among others, were present as special guest.
Rosatom celebrates global handwashing day with schoolchildren at Ishwardi
The Engineering Division of Russia's Rosatom State Corporation organised a series of educational events aimed at improving the safety culture among the schoolchildren in the Rooppur NPP construction region.
The Engineering Division of Rosatom State Corporation of Russia is the general designer and general contractor for the construction of Rooppur NPP at Ishwardi.
According to a Rosatom press release, the programme was supported by the Bangladesh Atomic Energy Commission (BAEC) and the Public Information Centre on Nuclear at Ishwardi.
As part of the programme, a gala event was held at the Maniknagar Girls High School on October 15 to celebrate global handwashing day.
The event under the slogan “Handwashing is your superpower” was participated by 535 students from 5 schools of Ishwardi. The main goal is to show how simple handwashing with soap and water can effectively fight numerous diseases.
Before the event started, students of the Manik Nagar Girls High School organized a cultural program. The girls presented traditional Bangladeshi dances, songs, and recitations of poems among others.
Nina Dementsova, Head of the Communications Department of Atomstroyexport (ASE), and Engineer Md. Ashraful Islam, Site Director of the Rooppur NPP addressed the schoolchildren.
Dr. Muhammad Hasanuzzaman, a doctor from the Upazilla Lalpur Medical Complex, conducted training on disease prevention and demonstrated the correct hand-washing technique. Following that, all participants properly washed their hands with soap in specially prepared washbasins.
At the end of the event, all schoolchildren received leaflets with simple, understandable, and illustrative examples of personal hygiene.
On the next day, a group of students were taken to the Square Toiletries factory in Pabna and they practically saw the production process of personal hygiene materials.
The programme will continue for two weeks and as a part of the programme personal hygiene products will be distributed among low-income families in the Rooppur NPP construction region.
Zila Parishad polls were peaceful, disciplined, says CEC
Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Kazi Habibul Awal said on Monday that the Zila Parishad elections were held very peacefully and in a disciplined way.
"There was no report of irregularities, violence and riots anywhere. The commission is fully satisfied with the election," he told journalists after the elections closed on Monday afternoon.
The commission organised the elections to 57 Zila Parishads by using Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) while CCTV cameras were installed in all polling stations across the country.
The commission monitored the polling centrally from its headquarters in Dhaka from 9:00 am to 2:00 pm.
Monitoring the voting process through CCTV cameras was a new experience in conducting the election, the CEC said adding that he believed this will enable them to conduct a free and fair election in the future.
"We have been saying since the beginning that we want transparent elections. Our responsibility is (to ensure) if the voters can exercise their right to vote. You see, no second person went to the polling booth today. Voters voted in a very orderly fashion. We have reinforced the monitoring. The number of cameras has been increased," he added.
Replying to a question on whether it is possible to use CCTV cameras in a large-scale election, the CEC said such cameras are being used in small-scale elections, but the commission will try to enhance its capacity to use them in a bigger election.
Monday’s voting was held in 462 centres having 925 booths across the country while the number of voters was 60,866.
Double agricultural production by 2030 to ease climate change impacts, says Environment Minister
Environment, Forest and Climate Change Minister Md. Shahab Uddin said on Monday that the challenge of growing demands for food in the country must be dealt with by doubling the agricultural productions by 2030 to combat the adverse effects of climate change.
The Minister made the comment at a discussion organised by the Ministry of Agriculture to mark the World Food Day 2022 at the city's Osmani Memorial Auditorium.
He said that to double the agricultural production, climate tolerant crops are needed by introducing new varieties, expanding modern farming methods and ensuring the use of environment-friendly agricultural inputs.
He said research on agricultural products processing, value chain development should also be given importance.
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The minister said that the market for exports of agricultural products should be searched abroad after meeting domestic needs and GAP rules should be followed during the production of agricultural products for exports as per the demand.
Read: Govt committed to protect ozone layer: Environment Minister
Good Agricultural Practices, or GAP, is a voluntary certification program, which verifies through an audit that ensures food safety practices are being used. This helps reduce the risk of microbial contamination in fruits, vegetables and nuts and aims to make sure these foods are safe for eating.
Shahab Uddin said that Bangladesh has achieved sufficiency in food grains, but now special attention needs to be given to achieve self-sufficiency in nutrition.
Keeping market prices within the purchasing power of the people, fair market management, balanced distribution and nutritional awareness are also needed, he said.
By developing sustainable agricultural practices, Bangladesh is implementing sustainable development goals, he said adding that such practices are crucial to tackling the impacts of climate change.
Keep your promise to take Rohingyas back home, Momen tells Myanmar
Foreign Minister AK Abdul Momen has said Myanmar "should keep their promise" for the repatriation of the Rohingyas to their place of origin in Rakhine State.
"We are ready to send them back. Myanmar should keep their promise. They should come forward and do their part of the job," Momen told reporters at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Monday.
Despite assurance from the Myanmar side, not a single person was taken back over the last five years, said the foreign minister.
Bangladesh is hosting over 1.1 million Rohingyas in Cox’s Bazar and Bhasan Char.
Momen also criticised the countries which are doing “business as usual” with Myanmar though they talk about human rights issues.
“These are not acceptable. If you truly value human rights, then you need to remain aware of it,” he said, referring to the trade and investment relations of the European Union and the UK with Myanmar.
Momen said Myanmar agreed to take them back after verification and assured that they will provide safety and security for the Rohingyas there.
“They made a commitment to create a condition for a safe and dignified return,” he said, adding that the saddest thing is that not a single Rohingya could return.
Noting Myanmar’s internal problems, the foreign minister said where there is a will, there is a way despite those problems.
“We are trying our best…..the process must start,” Momen said.
Bangladesh reports another Covid death, 389 cases
Bangladesh reported another Covid-19-linked death and 389 fresh cases in 24 hours till Monday morning.
The country's total fatalities rose to 29,402 with the new deaths and the new cases raised the country's total caseload to 2,032,832, according to the Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS).
The daily case test positivity rate rose to 6.92 per cent from Sunday’s 5.86 per cent as 5,622 samples were tested during the period.
The latest deceased was a man from Dhaka divisions.
The mortality rate remained unchanged at 1.45 per cent and the recovery rate rose to 97.15 per cent.
In September, the country reported 40 Covid-linked deaths and 13,251 cases.
Bangladesh registered its highest daily caseload of 16,230 on July 28 last year and its highest number of fatalities of 264 on August 10 the same year.
Demra police rescue woman, suspect she was raped
A 19-year-old woman was sedated and raped in Dhaka’s Demra area on Sunday night, police say.
Demra police said the woman came to visit her elder brother in Kadamtali area some 15 days ago.
On Sunday, she went to the Konapara fair in Demra and met a distant relative and his friend.
“The duo apparently mixed sedatives in soft drink which the young woman drank. Later, they took her to a nearby field where she was raped by multiple people,” Azharul Islam, a Sub-inspector of Demra Police Station, said.
Read: Khulna: Young woman sedated, raped by 4
Md Shafiqur, Officer-in-Charge of Demra Police Station, said that after being informed by the woman about the incident, police rescued and admitted her to the One-Stop Crisis Center of Dhaka Medical College Hospital.
“She is under treatment and unwell at the moment. We will take legal action after medical tests and once we get information from her,” he added.
PM condoles death of actor Masum Aziz
Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on Monday expressed deep shock and sorrow at the death of Ekushey Padak winning actor and screenplay writer Masum Aziz.
In a condolence message, the prime minister said the talented actor will be remembered for his work.
She prayed for the eternal salvation of the departed soul and expressed sympathy to the bereaved family.
Masum Aziz died on Monday afternoon at a private hospital in the capital where he was under treatment for heart-related ailment.
He was admitted to the hospital with cardiac problem on October 3 and was put on life support as his condition deteriorated on Thursday morning.
Read: PM condoles death of Enamul Haque
His body will be taken to the Central Shaheed Minar on Tuesday morning for the public to pay tributes.
His body will later be taken to his ancestral home in Pabna where he will be buried at his family graveyard.
The actor was awarded the country's second highest civilian award, the Ekushey Padak, this year for his remarkable contribution in acting.
Stay united to face any threats: Army Chief
Chief of Bangladesh Army General SM Shafiuddin Ahmed said on Monday that all members of the Bangladesh Army need to stay united to safeguard the country and its constitution from any internal and external threats.
He made the statement at a flag hoisting event of four units under the 7 Infantry Division at the Sheikh Hasina Cantonment in Barishal.
The Army Chief said the military is being modernised to enhance its strength and skills in line with the force’s Goal-2030.
“We have already earned the trust of the United Nations and global community by deploying modern machinery at the UN Peacekeeping Mission. Continuing the modernisation the Bangladesh Army will become one of the top forces across the world,” he added.
The newly formed units of the Bangladesh Army are 52 Independent MLRS Battery Artillery, 35 Beer, 163 Field Workshop Company and 85 Field Ambulance.
A parade team led by parade Commander Major Rezwanul Hafiz Chandan saluted the Army Chief.
Girls must enjoy right to decide for themselves: Speakers
Girls must enjoy the right to decide for themselves to inspire and empower young women and girls’ leadership enabling them to become active citizens, said speakers on Monday at Girls Summit 2022-Dhaka, in Gazipur.
International development organisation Plan International Bangladesh organised a three-day girls' summit in Gazipur at a residential space.
The objective is to train young girls in leadership and knowledge management and educate them about their body rights, civic rights, and capacitate them in planning effective campaigns in their communities.
Meher Afroz Chumki, MP, Chairman of the Parliamentary Standing Committee on the Ministry of Women and Children Affairs, virtually inaugurated the summit.
She shared that girls and young women are reaching new heights every day with their creativity and resilience.
“Thanks to our Prime Minister’s dynamic leadership, we have successfully reduced child marriage and increased women’s participation in various economic activities,” Chumki said.
She also appreciated Plan International Bangladesh and Youth Engagement for Sustainability, Bangladesh for organizing this summit.
Md Azharul Islam Khan, Director General of Ministry of Youth and Sports, addressed the opening session as the chief guest.
“I am here today because it is my responsibility to empower girls and young women like you. Leadership does not have any gender, and anyone with skill and experience deserves to be a leader,” he said, adding that he is committed to supporting similar youth-led initiatives for gender equality.
Kabita Bose, Country Director of Plan International Bangladesh said leaders of tomorrow should adopt an eagle’s eye view of future challenges.
Being confined to a limited worldview will curb your potential as leaders. This is why, we at Plan International Bangladesh, want you to explore the vast world of opportunities available and live up to your full potential”.
She also mentioned that the Girls’ Summit is a flagship event that is celebrated in more than 80 countries worldwide by Plan International, with the aim of enhancing girls’ leadership skills.
Wahida Banu, Executive Director of Aparajeyo Bangladesh, Farha Farin, Project Officer of Bandhu Social Welfare Society, and Aparna Barma, Director of HR & OD of Plan International Bangladesh also spoke at the event.
Around 70 girls and young women within 15 to 24 years from all over Dhaka have come together in this event to build leadership skills through equal power and become active citizens of this ever-changing world.