Bangladesh
'Reducing income inequality a time consuming matter': Law Minister in JS
Law Minister Anisul Huq on Monday said the government is implementing medium and long-term multi-dimensional plans to reduce the gap between the rich and the poor.
The law minister was answering a question on behalf of Planning Minister Abdus Salam from Opposition Chief Whip Mujibul Haque Chunnu.
“It is true that reducing income inequality is a time consuming matter, although high economic growth has been achieved and poverty reduced significantly,” he said.
According to the latest BBS household income-expenditure survey, the Gini coefficient value of income inequality in 2022 is 0.499 for Bangladesh.
However, on the basis of consumption, inequality in Bangladesh stands at 0:30-0.32, which has reduced the impact of income inequality.
The law minister said that economists believe that consumption expenditure is a more reliable measure of inequality. Income inequality is a natural feature of market economies, rooted in the unequal distribution of wealth and human capital.
He also said through inclusive growth that sees the benefits of growth equally distributed among the population, it is possible to reduce income inequality.
The law minister said that the government is sincere about eradicating poverty and income inequality. Inclusive economic development is at the core of all long and medium term planning development strategies of the government.
In response to another question of Awami League MP elected from Natore-2 Shafiqul Islam Shimul, the law minister said that the initiative to build underground lines and underground substations in various areas including the metropolitan areas of the country with the aim of modernising the public safety and power system, and providing fair and quality electricity is going on.
“Already about 2,742 kilometres of underground line construction work has been completed by electricity distribution organisations/companies.”
Bangladesh seeks Japan’s cooperation for ‘One Village, One Product’ scheme
State Minister for Commerce Ahasanul Islam Titu has sought Japan’s cooperation to make the “One Village, One Product” programme a success.
"The prime minister has declared 'Handicrafts' as the product of the year. The government is working to increase employment and export goods through the 'One Village, One Product' programme. We look forward to Japan's cooperation and experience to make this programme a success,” he said, according to a press release.
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The state minister said this when Japanese Ambassador to Bangladesh Iwama Kiminori paid a courtesy call on him at the former’s office on Monday, it said.
At the time, the Japanese ambassador appreciated the programme, assured cooperation, and said Japan wants to strengthen relations with Bangladesh.
“Japan is keen to work as a partner in Bangladesh's development journey. We hope that Bangladesh will participate in the 'World Expo 2025' to be held in Japan next year,” he said.
Titu mentioned the friendly relations between Bangladesh and Japan and said, “We hope to extend all cooperation to expand trade and commerce between the two countries.”
Farhana Mustafa Lizar's book 'Dormansya and Qur'an' unveiled at Boi Mela
Young writer Farhana Mostafa Liza's research book 'Doormansya and Qur'an' has been published as her third book It was launched at Amar Ekushey Boi Mela recently.
The book was unveiled at the Shobdashilpo stall of the Amar Ekushey Book Fair at Suhrawardy Udyan. The publication stall numbers 89, 90 and 91 at the book fair.
The author's husband, ex-military officer Major (retired) Sharifuzzaman , managing director of Service Solutions International Mohammad Farid Uddin, along with children, friends and family members of the author were present at the event moderated by the owner of Shabad Shilpa Shafifur Rahman.
In the event, the book was unveiled by cutting the cake.
Regarding the book, writer Farhana Mostafa Liza said, "Dourmansya and Qur'an" is my third book. Dormanasya or depression, anxiety, sadness, pain, depression, fear of death, people often take many decisions that cause irreparable damage in their lives. But the Almighty Allah has repeatedly given words of mercy in the Holy Qur'an to get rid of it. He revealed many verses. Through the verses it is understood that Allah Almighty helps us in all matters and He is always present. He has always rewarded good deeds and promised to forgive the distressed or sinful servant after repentance. So Almighty Allah said to be patient and away from all kinds of disappointments. This research book highlights the issues.
The book is available now for purchase at Shobdashilpo stalls ,Stall no 89,90 & 91 .
Earlier two more books of writer Farhana Mostafa Liza were published. The books are 'Some verses of the Holy Qur'an and related hadiths' and 'Women and the Qur'an'.
9,370 expatriate Bangladeshis detained in 26 countries: FM
A total of 9,370 expatriate Bangladeshis expatriate workers including workers are in prisons in 26 countries across the world, Foreign Minister Dr Hasan Mahmud said in Parliament on Monday.
In reply to a question from Independent MP elected from Sylhet-5 Mohammad Huchamuddin Chowdhury, the foreign minister also said that some 5,746 Bangladeshis are detained in prisons in Saudi Arabia while the second highest 508 Bangladeshis are detained in Turkey.
The other 24 countries are: Portugal (1), Algeria (1), Japan (2), Sri Lanka (3), Thailand (4), Korea (6), Egypt (6), China (Kunming 7), Libia (9), Italy (81), South Africa (385), Qatar (415), Spain (19), Hong Kong (122), Singapore (66), Brunei (16), China (Beijing 184), Abu Dhabi (404), Indonesia (49), Malaysia (219), Lebanon (28), Greece (414), Iraq (217), Myanmar (358) and Jordan (100),
Mahmud said that from July 2023 to February 2024, a total of 1,226 people have been repatriated from Libya, 51 from prisons in France and other European countries.
Another 1,950 Bangladeshis have been brought back from different prisons in India, Myanmar and various countries in the Middle East.
The foreign minister said that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Ministry of Expatriates Welfare, Bangladesh embassies abroad and International Organisation for Migration (IOM) play an important role to free the expatriate Bangladeshis detained in jails or detention centres in various countries.
Besides, liaison has been established with concerned police stations and public prosecution offices for speedy and fair investigation of complaints against the migrant workers detained on charges of criminal offences in various countries.
The foreign minister also said that the government communicates with the highest level of the concerned countries for special and general amnesty for labourers or expatriate workers detained in prisons.
In response to a question of Awami League MP elected from Bhola-3 Nurunnabi Chowdhury, Mahmud said that through 81 embassies, Bangladesh government is maintaining diplomatic relations with other countries where the country does not have any embassy.
While replying to a query of AL MP M Abdul Latif from Chattogram-11, Mahmud said that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs is continuing its work to maintain international attention on the Rohingya issue.
“As a result of this, regular visits of high-level representatives of different countries to the Rohingya camps of Cox's Bazar and Bhasan Char are playing an important role in the permanent solution of the Rohingya problem and in making effective international initiatives in the field of humanitarian assistance to the Rohingya refugees in Bangladesh,” the foreign minister said.
In response to another question of Latif, he said that more than 8 lakh British-Bangladeshis are living in the UK and making a significant contribution to the UK politics, economy and culture.
“In the context of the post-Brexit UK labour market, we believe that opportunities are remaining to send skilled workers from Bangladesh. But it must be done in a legal and orderly immigration process,” he said.
In response to a question of AL MP Anwar Hossain Khan, the foreign minister said that necessary measures have been taken in accordance with the existing laws of the concerned countries along with conventional diplomacy to bring back the fugitive murderers of Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman.
“It is not possible to provide detailed information in this regard as the process is still going on,” he added.
Prolonged presence of Rohingyas a serious security challenge: State Minister for Disaster Mgt
Noting that the number of Rohingyas crossing the border and taking shelter in Cox’s Bazar crossed ten lakh in 2017, State Minister for Disaster Management and Relief Mohibbur Rahman on Monday said the presence of Rohingya refugees for a long time has become a serious challenge for the political, social and security system.
“The government accepted them with generosity and gave them shelter. Though it didn't take long to become a major burden for our economy as we have spent Tk 120 crore annually in this sector. In addition, the cost of refugees is increasing day by day due to population growth, inflation and reduction of foreign aid,” he said.
Mohibbur Rahman came up with the information while speaking at a photo exhibition titled "Through the Lens of Hope: Rohingya Crisis Unfolded", as chief guest, in Dhaka’s Gulshan area.
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Alongside it, the influx of refugees has also affected the local job market, with wages falling following the increased supply of workers willing to work at lower wages. “As a result, job opportunities for local workers have decreased.”
The decision to repatriate the refugees to Myanmar remains uncertain, creating a range of problems, including border crimes such as drugs and human trafficking and the ultimate solution to this problem is to ensure safe, voluntary and permanent repatriation of the Rohingyas to Myanmar, he added.
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"Through the photo exhibition, we expected a positive change that will bring decisive action to UN representatives, donors, USAID, and world leaders," he said.
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Mirza Abbas latest BNP leader to walk out of jail
BNP Standing Committee member Mirza Abbas has been freed from jail after nearly three and a half months of his arrest, having secured bail in all 11 cases against him.
The BNP leader walked out of Dhaka Central Jail in Keraniganj around 6:55 pm after the bail order reached the jail authorities, said BNP media cell member Sayrul Kabir Khan.
BNP leaders and activists of the senior leader of the party and his wife Afroza Abbas received him at the jail gate.
BNP leader Mirza Abbas gets bail; no bar to release
Talking at the jail gate, Abbas said: “Our movement for the restoration of democracy will continue.”
Earlier on Monday, a Dhaka court granted bail to Mirza Abbas in a case over vandalising the property of the state.
Dhaka Judicial Magistrate Julhas Uddin granted the bail on a bond of Tk 10,000.
Additional Public Prosecutor Anwarul Kabir Babul opposed the bail of Abbas in the case.
Mirza Abbas granted bail in six separate cases
Police arrested Abbas on October 31 last year from Dhaka’s Shaheedbagh in a case filed for sabotage under the Explosive Substances Act.
Later, he was sent to jail on November 5.
Police showed Abbas arrested in a case filed with Railway Police Station on January 24.
Eleven cases were filed against him centering BNP’s October 28 rally. Earlier, he secured bail from 10 cases.
He was shown arrested in five cases filed with Paltan Police Station and four cases filed with Ramna police station on February 1.
On February 5, a court granted bail to the BNP leader in six cases, in three more cases on February 6 and in another case on February 18, over the attack on the Chief Justice's residence.
On February 15, BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir and Standing Committee Member Amir Khasru Mahmud Chowdhury were freed on bail.
Motijheel kitchen market: Taposh hands over keys to 57 shops allotted in 1997
Dhaka South City Corporation (DSCC) Mayor Barrister Sheikh Fazle Noor Taposh said no one will be allowed to occupy even one inch of the city's land illegally.
Taposh said this while handing over keys to kitchen market shops at Motijheel Middle Circular Road on Monday.
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“These shops were allotted in 1997 during Mayor Mohammad Hanif's tenure. For a long time, the actual allottees did not get those shops. But no one will be able to occupy even one inch of the city corporation's land illegally. So today those shops are being returned to the real allottees,” he said.
Taposh hoped to overcome all the difficulties in allocating the lands to the real allottees, saying, “Those who are the real allottees, the recipients will conduct their business properly there. They are our partners. So no adversity can hinder us from giving back their allocation. We will overcome all adversities, Insha Allah,” he added.
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He handed over keys to 57 allottees on the occasion.
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BNP leader Mirza Abbas gets bail; no bar to release
A Dhaka court on Monday granted bail to BNP Standing Committee member Mirza Abbas in a case over vandalising the property of the state.Dhaka Judicial Magistrate Julhas Uddin granted the bail on bond of Tk 10,000.Advocate Mahiuddin Chowdhury, a counsel of Mirza Abbas, said there is no legal bar to release his client as the BNP leader secured bail from all cases.
Mirza Abbas granted bail in six separate casesAdditional Public Prosecutor Anwarul Kabir Babul opposed the bail of Abbas in the case.Police arrested Abbas on October 31 last year from Dhaka’s Shaheedbagh in a case filed for sabotage under the Explosive Substances Act.Later, he was sent to jail on November 5.Police showed Abbas arrested in a case filed with Railway Police Station on January 24.Eleven cases were filed against him centering BNP’s October 28 rally.Earlier, he secured bail from 10 cases.He was shown arrested in five cases filed with Paltan Police Station and four cases filed with Ramna police station on February 1.
HC orders Dhaka court to hear bail pleas of Mirza Abbas, AnnieOn February 5, a court granted bail to the BNP leader in six cases while in three more cases on February 6 and in another case on February 18 over the attack on the Chief Justice's residence.
Man to die, another gets life imprisonment for 2019 killing of child in Faridpur
A court in Faridpur on Sunday sentenced a man to death and another to life term imprisonment for killing an 8-year-old boy in 2019.
The condemned convicts were Md Zinder Khalifa, son of Tuku Khalifa of Meherdia village of Nagarkanda upazila and Mahabul Sheikh, son of Kaju Sheikh of the same area.
Judge Md. Hafizur Rahman of Faridpur Women and Children Repression Prevention Tribunal (District and Session Judge) handed down the judgement in the presence of two convicts, said Public Prosecutor Swapan Pal.
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PP Swapan Pal said victim Abu Bakkar, 8, son of Pachu Khalifa of Meherdia village of Nagarkanda upazila of the district, went to Purapara market in the afternoon of July 1, 2019.
Mahabul Sheikh abducted Bakkar from the market.
Later, Zinder Khalifa and Mahabul demanded Tk 3 lakh from the child's father as ransom.
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As Bakkar's father refused to pay the ransom, they killed the child and buried him in the garbage of a canal, PP Swapan Pal added.
Later, a case was filed at Nagarkanda police station following a complaint lodged by Pachu Khalifa.
Bangladesh's ranking on RSF's Press Freedom Index 'incorrect': Arafat
State Minister for Information and Broadcasting Mohammad Ali Arafat said on Monday that the report published by Reporters Without Borders, known by its French acronym RSF, in May 2023 on journalism and media freedom in Bangladesh contains incorrect information and does not reflect reality.
The State Minister made the remarks at a press briefing in the Information and Broadcasting Ministry meeting room at the Secretariat this noon.
“Bangladesh has been ranked 163rd out of 180 countries in the World Press Freedom Index based on inaccuracies, half-truths, and insufficient information. Through this, the development of the media in Bangladesh, ensuring a fair environment, and the continuous efforts of the present government for independent and neutral journalism have been denied. The government considers RSF's assessment unacceptable, biased, and a deviation from the truth against the real scenario of the country's media and journalistic freedom,” reads a press release of the ministry.
An official letter has been sent to RSF to re-evaluate the ranking, he said.
The RSF website has information about six journalists Sirajul Islam Ratan, Ahmed Khan Babu, Golam Mostafa Rafique, Khalilur Rahman, Mohammad Akhtaruzzaman, and SM Yusuf Ali, he said adding that “According to the latest available information, RSF's claim about them is illogical and baseless.”
Contrary to RSF's claim, since 2009, the government led by Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has prioritized the expansion of private television and radio channels rather than the public media,he added.
“Public broadcasters BTV and Bangladesh Betar broadcast various development-oriented programs and news on education, public health, women empowerment, and empowerment of rural people. These two broadcast media highlight all the development works implemented by the government for the welfare of the people. As a result, BTV and Betar are constantly creating a bond between the government and the people. But the RSF report says the opposite,” he went on.
The government introduced the Digital Security Act (DSA) in 2018 to protect cyberspace from terrorists, fundamentalists, and miscreants, said Arafat, adding “However, due to concerns over some provisions of the law, the government abolished the DSA and instead enacted the Cyber Security Act (CSA) in 2023. The law provides for legal summons instead of arresting journalists in defamation cases related to publishing news. The concerns of RSF's latest report on the legal context are not relevant at this time. RSF should reassess these issues and reflect on them in their next report.”
He also said that the government has finalized the Journalist Identity Card Policy, 2022, formulated the National Broadcast Policy in 2014, and formed the 'Bangladesh Journalists Welfare Trust to protect the rights of journalists and restore their dignity.
“The government has formed the 9th Wage Board to improve the living standard of journalists, and ensure standard wages and livelihood, and the process of forming the 10th Wage Board is also underway. These good initiatives should have been reflected in the RSF report,” he added.