Bangladesh
Health Minister lauds country's doctors for skills, talent after successful separation of conjoined twins at BSMMU
No patient from Bangladesh will have to go abroad in the future as Bangladesh is a country of immense possibilities in the medical sector, said Health Minister Samanta Lal Sen on Tuesday.
“The operation that used to cost Tk 1 crore abroad, has been done free of cost in Bangladesh. A few days ago, a Bhutanese girl suffering from cancer was cured in the country but it was impossible in India or Bangkok. So there is nothing that Bangladesh cannot do. Bangladesh now has treatment facilities for all diseases,” he said.
The minister came up with this information while hailing the achievement of Bangladeshi doctors in successfully separating a pair of conjoined twins, which had just been completed at Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University (BSMMU).
BSMMU doctors conducted the operation to separate the heads of conjoined twins Nava and Nova. A team of physicians completed the operation successfully after 13 hours, which is not a normal task, said Samanta.
"In India or any other foreign country, it would cost Tk 1 crore to separate them but our Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina bears the cost," he claimed.
Noting that many students in the country are becoming doctors after completing medical studies every year, the minister said “Our doctors are as skilled as they are talented. Just increase the opportunities and give them the opportunity to work with confidence according to their responsibilities. Then no patient from Bangladesh will have to go abroad in the future.”
In another programme, held at the ministry, the health minister said Global Fund, the largest donor in Bangladesh, has assured to increase financing in eradicating AIDS, tuberculosis and malaria in Bangladesh.
Gyongyver Jakab, Senior Fund Portfolio Manager at The Global Fund came up with the assurance after a meeting with the minister.
Int'l fire safety and security expo ends
The 9th International Fire Safety and Security Expo 2024 concluded with a focus on bolstering the nation's fire safety measures, aiming to reduce fire risks, utilize modern equipment for safety, and raise public awareness.
According to expo organisers, on its final day, the Electronics Safety and Security Association of Bangladesh (ESSAB) honoured 13 organizations for their efforts in enhancing fire safety across residential, industrial, and commercial buildings.
Additionally, 5 individuals were recognised for their brave actions in firefighting and rescue missions.
Addressing the concluding ceremony Home Minister Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal said that the country’s industry has now turned around as fire safety and security compliance as well as awareness has been increased after so many fire incidents.
He said, “We will improve the training of fire service personnel, build civil defence which is our government’s ultimate goal'.”
He noted that the government has already created 44,000 volunteers, so that they can play a role in putting out fires before the fire service personnel reach the spots.
Director General of the Department of Fire Service and Civil Defence Brigadier General Md. Main Uddin said that if only Tk 2 out of Tk 100 is spent for fire safety measures in the infrastructures, factories and building, Bangladesh will be safer.
"Though we have limitations, we’re always ready to mitigate fire incidents and betterment of the country", he added.
President of the SAARC Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SCCI) Md. Jashim Uddin said, Bangladesh is now moving towards LDC graduation and there are a lot of targets that we have to achieve to be smart and a developed nation.
ESSAB Senior Vice President SM Shahjahan Saju, Publicity Secretary Md. Nazrul Islam, Md. Matin Khan, Mohammad Faisal Mahmud, Engr. Md. Manzur Alam, M. Mahmudur Rashid, Joint Secretary General Md. Mahmood-E-Khoda, Assistant Secretary General Engr. Md. Mahabur Rahman, Treasurer Md. Noor Nabi, Director Md. Wahid Uddin, Eng. Md. Al-Emran Hossain, Major Mohammad Asheque Kamal, Md. Rafiqul Islam, were among others present at the function.
ESSAB Safety Excellence Award Winners: A total of 13 organizations were given with the ESSAB Safety Excellence Award for ensuring building code compliance and fire safety measures in residential, industrial, commercial buildings.Among them, Rancon Artisti Residences stood first in the residential building category, while Sheltech Rubynur stood second, and Concord Shapla stood third.
In the Commercial Building Category, Shanta Forum, Concord MK Heritage and BGMEA Complex received the award as the First, Runner Up and Second Runner Up.Atotal number of 6 companies jointly won the excellence award in the Industrial (RMG) category. Among them, Glamour Dresses Ltd. and Designtex Knitwear Ltd. were named the top winners. Tasniah Fabrics Ltd. and SQ Birichina Ltd. came next, followed by Sterling Denims Ltd. and Silken Sewing Ltd. Besides, BM Container Depot Ltd. received the award in the industrial other category.
Meanwhile, ESSAB has given special recognition to 5 fire service personnel for their brave role in fire fighting and rescue operations.
Deputy Assistant Director of Fire Service and Civil Defence Department Md. Faisalur Rahman and Mohammad Safiqul Islam, Senior Station Officer Md. Nazim Uddin Sarkar, Warehouse Inspector Md. Zahirul Islam and Fire Fighter Alhaj Miah were honoured for their courageous role in fire fighting and rescue operations.
Development agenda must tackle injustice: Parliamentary Caucus on Justice
The Parliamentary Caucus on Justice highlighted the transition towards a Smart Bangladesh, with a strong emphasis on infusing justice and equality into every aspect of this evolution at the parliamentarians’ meeting at Hotel InterContinental on Monday.
Amidst the fresh start post-national elections, the Caucus, inclusive of both seasoned and newly elected members of the 12th parliament, pledged to tackle societal disparities head-on, advocating for a justice-centric overhaul in all domains, according to a press release.
The Caucus underscored the necessity of grounding Bangladesh's journey towards a Smart Bangladesh in the egalitarian ideals championed by Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, it said.
During the meeting, Tanvir Shakil Joy, MP and Chairperson of the Caucus, emphasized the need for Bangladesh to propel its technological advancement while enhancing global competency through educational reform.
Addressing economic and skill gaps, MD Sanwar Hossain, MP of Tangail-5, advocated for revamped vocational training programs to foster labour and migration justice. The dialogue also covered the pressing issue of climate justice, with SM Shahjada, MP from Patuakhali-3, pointing out the disproportionate impact of climate change on various communities, said the release.
Abdul Wadud Dara, MP of Rajshahi-5, raised concerns about the threat of fundamentalism to social and cultural equality, underscoring the need for social justice measures. Meanwhile, Nur Mohammad, MP from Jamalpur-1, highlighted the crucial role of education justice in achieving Bangladesh's Vision 2041, advocating for reforms that guarantee equitable access to quality education for all.
The Caucus also addressed the rights of individuals with disabilities, with Aroma Dutta, MP, calling for greater representation and accessibility, in line with the Bangladesh Awami League's Election Manifesto. Additionally, Mahzabeen Khaled, former MP and Secretary of the Caucus, stressed the importance of multilingual education as a means to combat injustices faced by local and migrant workers, the release also said.
Achieving a Smart Bangladesh – characterized by Smart Citizens, Smart Government, Smart Society, and Smart Economy – mandates crafting policies that guarantee marginalized communities are not only included but thrive. This includes ensuring widespread access to technology, boosting digital literacy universally, leveraging e-governance to render public services more transparent and accountable, and revising legal norms to safeguard digital freedoms.
Moreover, the Caucus advocates for proactive community involvement and ensuring that all initiatives resonate with the sustainable development goals, ensuring a holistic approach to development that champions justice and equality.
The meeting, which also saw participation from Syeed Ahamed and Shaheen Parveen of the Institute of Informatics and Development (IID).
ISD Students mark International Mother Language Day with multilingual Ekushey song
International School Dhaka (ISD) has marked International Mother Language Day by celebrating the importance of multiculturalism in Bangladesh.
Paying tribute to language diversity around the world, ISD held a special assembly where a group of Bangladeshi students sang ‘Amar Bhaiyer Rokte Rangano Ekushey February’. Six international students then sang the song in their respective mother tongues of English, French, Spanish, Dutch, Hindi, and Afrikaans.
Other students recited poems and performed songs and dances to celebrate the diverse culture of ISD’s vibrant community and joined teachers and officials to place floral wreaths at the school’s Shaheed Minar.
Steve Calland-Scoble, ISD’s director, said, “The United Nations estimates that 40% of the global population currently lacks access to education in their native language. This figure exceeds 90% in certain regions.”
Ishrat Jahan Shukhi, Head of Bengali Department, said, “Our International Mother Language Assembly was a joyous opportunity to celebrate the multitude of languages and cultural expressions within our school community.”
“This perfectly demonstrates our commitment to honoring linguistic diversity and fostering an inclusive environment where every voice is valued and respected," she added.
S. Korea expands job opportunities for Bangladeshi workers in construction and fisheries sectors
In a move to strengthen economic ties, the Embassy of the Republic of Korea in Bangladesh has announced the opening of job opportunities in the construction and fisheries sectors for Bangladeshi job seekers.
This initiative is part of the 11th EPS General Korean Language Test, with applications being accepted on a first-come, first-served basis starting on Wednesday.
The expansion includes the existing manufacturing and shipbuilding industries, with Bangladesh Overseas Employment and Services Limited (BOESL) overseeing the test draw and application process. Approximately 7,500 positions in manufacturing, 304 in shipbuilding, 1,877 in fisheries, and 1,095 in construction are set to be filled this year, according to a press release from the embassy.
Prospective applicants for the 11th EPS TOPIK can register between February 20 and early March, with the Korean Language Proficiency Test scheduled to take place from March 11 to the end of May. However, each applicant can only apply for one of the four sectors, and those taking the 11th EPS TOPIK cannot apply for the 12th EPS TOPIK, it said.
Since the inception of the Employment Permit System (EPS) program in 2008, the number of workers sent to Korea has steadily increased, reaching a peak of 5,891 in 2022. This year, Korea plans to bring in 165,000 non-skilled foreign workers from 16 countries, including Bangladesh.
The estimated 5,000 Bangladeshi workers expected to be sent to South Korea in 2024 are anticipated to contribute an additional $100 million annually to Bangladesh's foreign exchange reserves, based on the South Korean minimum wage of KRW 2,060,000 per person.
To enhance their chances of being selected by Korean employers, Bangladeshi workers are encouraged to speak Korean fluently and demonstrate loyalty to their first employer. This, in turn, is expected to increase remittances and contribute to Bangladesh's foreign currency earnings.
Ambassador Park Young-sik praised the addition of fishing and construction to this year's Korean language test, acknowledging the collaborative efforts of BOESL and HRD Korea. He highlighted the importance of Bangladeshi workers settling well in Korean society, drawing parallels with the success of Nepalese workers in Korea.
The Ambassador also emphasized the economic significance of remittances by Bangladesh workers and urged a focus on developing high-tech skills and fostering a vibrant returning workers' community for an overall industrial revival in Bangladesh.
In an effort to support returning workers, the HRD Korea-EPS Center, in cooperation with BOESL, is conducting activities to locate approximately 400 returnees who did not receive social insurance such as expiry insurance and return flight insurance. The initiative aims to create a community that facilitates the exchange of experiences and ideas for successful settlement in Bangladesh.
As a step towards building a supportive community, the inaugural ceremony discussed the rights and obligations of returning workers' community members. Eight local communities, including Dhaka, are set to be formed, with regular meetings planned to encourage communication and collaboration among returning workers.
2 Ansarullah Bangla Team members arrested
Members of the Anti-Terrorism Unit (ATU) of Bangladesh Police arrested two members of the banned militant outfit Ansarullah Bangla Team from Kaliakair upazila in Gazipur district on Monday and Tuesday.
The arrestees were identified as Abu Syed, 19, of Kaliakair upazila and Naim Molla, 25, son of Hannan Molla of Pirojpur district.
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Tipped off, a team of ATU arrested Aby Sayed from Kaliakair upazila on Monday along with two mobile phones. He was an active member of Ansarullah Bangla Team, said Mahfuzul Alam Russel, superintendent of police, media and awareness wing of ATU.
Following interrogation, the ATU arrested Naim from Sadar upazila in Jhalakathi district on Tuesday.
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The arrestees were involved in different activities for Ansarullah Bangla Team using cyber space, he said.
Nation set to pay tributes to language martyrs tomorrow
The nation is set to observe 'Amar Ekushey', the Language Martyr's Day (Shaheed Day) and the International Mother Language Day on Wednesday, marking the supreme sacrifice of the language heroes for upholding the dignity of mother tongue Bangla.
The day will also be observed around the world as the UNESCO recognised the Ekushey February as the International Mother Language Day on November 17, 1999.
This year's theme of the International Mother Language Day is ‘multilingual education: a pillar of learning and intergenerational learning”.
Walking barefoot to Dhaka’s Central Shaheed Minar with wreaths and flowers singing 'Amar bhaiyer rokte rangano Ekushey February', people from all walks of life will pay their respect to the heroes of the Language Movement who sacrificed their lives for achieving the recognition of Bangla as the state language of erstwhile Pakistan.
On February 21, 1952, students and the common people in Dhaka took to the streets in protest against the then Pakistani government's denial of Bangla as the national language and imposition of Urdu as the only official language of Pakistan.
Salam, Barkat, Rafiq, Jabbar and a few other brave sons of the soil were killed in police firings on this day in 1952 when students came out in a procession from the Dhaka University campus breaching section 144 to press home their demand for the recognition of Bangla as a state language of then Pakistan.
The government has taken extensive programmes to observe the day in a befitting manner.
The day is a public holiday.
Bangladesh Missions abroad will also observe the day.
Different political-social-cultural-professional organisations will arrange various programmes, including seminars and cultural functions, to observe the day.
President Mohammed Shahabuddin and Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina have issued separate messages on the eve of the day.
In his message, the President said “On the occasion of International Mother Language Day 2024, I extend my sincere greetings and congratulations to the people of various languages of the world including Bangla and other ethnic groups.
“Nowadays, the spirit of Amar Ekushey is the incessant source of inspiration for the peoples of the world in protecting their languages and cultures. But we have to be more diligent in proper practice and preservation of Bengali language and culture,” said the President.
He also said “Embracing the spirit of Amar Ekushey, let mutual respect be awakened among the people of different languages and cultures of the world, let a colorful world without discrimination be developed it is my expectation on Shaheed Day and International Mother Language Day.”
In her message the Prime Minister said “On the occasion of the great Martyrs' Day and International Mother Language Day, I pay my homage to the people of all languages and cultures of the world, including Bengali.”
“I firmly believe that together, we will be able to establish the developed, prosperous, and self-esteemed 'Golden Bangladesh' as the Father of the Nation dreamed,” said the Prime Minister.
National dailies will publish special supplements marking the day and Bangladesh Betar and Bangladesh Television and private radio stations and television channels will air special programmes on the occasion.
BNP also has chalked out a 2-day programme to observe Amar Ekushey.
India keen to share with Bangladesh wide-spectrum capabilities in defence manufacturing
Indian High Commissioner to Bangladesh Pranay Verma on Tuesday said India is willing to share with Bangladesh wide-spectrum capabilities in defence manufacturing, including the most sophisticated technologies.
He also proposed graduating the bilateral defence cooperation to the next level by building joint ventures in defence manufacturing.
Pranay Verma and Principal Staff Officer of Bangladesh Armed Forces Division, Lt. Gen. M.R. Shameem addressed the "Seminar on Indian Defence Equipment - SIDE 2024" - hosted by the High Commission of India in Dhaka on Tuesday.
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The High Commissioner highlighted the advances made by the Indian defence industry over the last decade driven by Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of “Make in India” and “Make for the World”, which has spurred unprecedented investments into the Indian defence manufacturing sector and has led to rising Indian defence exports.
He described SIDE 2024 as a reflection of Indian defence industry’s interest in partnering with Bangladesh and to taking India-Bangladesh defence cooperation forward to the next level, including by utilizing the Defence Line of Credit of USD 500 million extended by Government of India to Government of Bangladesh.
A number of premier defence manufacturing companies of India, from both public and private sectors, participated in the event and made presentations showcasing a range of ‘Made in India’ defence equipment, technology and platforms.
The seminar was attended by representatives from Bangladesh Armed Forces as well as paramilitary and police forces.
Govt announces Soybean oil price cut ahead of Ramadan
In a significant move aimed at providing relief to consumers, the government has declared a reduction in the price of soybean oil by Tk 10 per litre starting March 1, 2024.
This announcement was made by State Minister for Commerce, Ahasanul Islam Titu, following a crucial meeting with the 'Task Force on Review of Commodity Prices and Market Situation' at his ministry's Secretariat office.
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As of now, the retail price of bottled soybean oil stands at Tk 173 per litre. With the upcoming adjustment, the price will drop to Tk 163. Additionally, the cost for open (loose) soybean oil will decrease to Tk 149, and a 5-litre can will be available for Tk 800.
However, the state minister indicated that the prices for palm oil would remain steady for the time being.
Titu shared insights into the government's expectations from the business sector, stating, “The Prime Minister expects that large-scale industries and businessmen will uphold their social responsibilities. Taking all factors into account, we approached them, and they have agreed to reduce the edible oil price by Tk 10 per litre.”
This price adjustment follows the government's tax reduction circular issued on February 8, which aims to streamline the import process and availability of essential goods like soybean oil. "It usually takes about a month for an import shipment to arrive and another two months for clearance and distribution to the consumer level," explained Titu.
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Despite the logistical challenges and the tight timeline leading up to Ramadan, businesses have committed to implementing the new prices from March 1, responding to a special request from the government.
The proactive steps taken by the government and the cooperative stance of the business community are expected to ease the financial pressure on consumers, especially in the lead-up to the holy month of Ramadan.
Duet teacher among 2 killed in Gazipur road crash
Two people including a teacher of Dhaka University of Engineering & Technology (Duet), were killed when a bus hit a motorbike at Cherag Ali Market in Tongi of Gazipur district on Tuesday.
One of the deceased was identified as Ramchandra Saha, a teacher of the Architecture Department of Duet while the identity of another could not be known immediately.
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The accident occurred around 11:30 am when the Dhaka-bound bus rammed the motorbike carrying two people, leaving them injured, said Mustafizur Rahman, officer-in-charge of Tongi East Police Station.
Later, they were taken to a local hospital where the doctors declared them dead.
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The bodies were sent to the hospital morgue for autopsy.