Bangladesh
President, PM greet Queen Elizabeth II on Platinum Jubilee
President Abdul Hamid and Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina have conveyed their heartfelt felicitations and warmest greetings on the joyous occasion of the Platinum Jubilee celebration of Queen Elizabeth II's 70-year services to the UK, her Realms and the Commonwealth.
In separate messages sent on Thursday, both the President and the Prime Minister have wished the Queen’s good health, happiness, and long life, and the continued peace, progress and prosperity to the friendly people of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland; and the Commonwealth.
Also read: Commonwealth missions in Dhaka celebrate Queen Elizabeth's 70-year reign
President Hamid in his message said, “I convey my heartiest congratulations and warmest greetings on this auspicious occasion of Platinum Jubilee of Queen's accession to the Throne of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and North Ireland, and the glorious seventy years of your service and dedication to your nation."
"On your Platinum Jubilee, I renew my pledge to work closely to the further deepening and widening of the very special bonds of friendship and cooperation between Bangladesh and the United Kingdom.”
Prime Minister Hasina in her message said: “On behalf of the Government and the people of Bangladesh and on my own behalf, I extend to Your Majesty our heartfelt felicitations and warmest greetings on the very joyous occasion of the Platinum Jubilee marking your 70th Anniversary of accession to the throne of The United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland."
She paid her special tribute on this historic occasion for the exemplary grace, duty, and service the Queen served in her nation, the Realms, and the Commonwealth during the past seven decades.
Also read:Rotary in Bangladesh marks Queen Elizabeth’s 70 years on throne
"Your extraordinary leadership and legacy as the longest-reigning Monarch of the world and the Head of the Commonwealth of Nations continue to inspire us and remain as a symbol of our strength and unity," said the Prime Minister.
"It is with great esteem and affection that we in Bangladesh, as well as our vibrant British-Bangladeshi Diaspora, cherish Your Majesty's enduring contributions over the past fifty-one years in deepening the long-standing friendship between our two Nations."
The PM said, "The people of Bangladesh joined me to convey on this momentous year our very best wishes and prayers for Your Majesty's continued good health, happiness, and long life, and the friendly people of the United Kingdom the peace, progress, and prosperity.”
Crimes against humanity: Fugitive death row convict held
A fugitive death row convict, who was sentenced by the International Crimes Tribunal for committing crimes against humanity in 1971, was arrested from the city’s Mohammadpur area on Friday, said Rapid Action Battalion (Rab).
The convict was identified as Md Nazrul Islam, 69, of Naogaon.
Also read: Moulvibazar: Three to hang for war crimes
ASP Imran Khan of Rab headquarters media wing said they nabbed Nazrul after a drive in the city’s Mohammadpur area around 12:30 pm.
The International Crimes Tribunal sentenced Nazrul along with two others- Rezaul Karim and Shaheed Mandal- to death for their involvement in crimes against humanity during the 1971 Liberation War.
Also read:Dhaka urges London to repatriate convicted war criminals
The three convicts were found guilty of murder, looting, arson, torture and kidnapping in 1971. Of them, Nazrul was tried in absentia, said the official.
Commonwealth missions in Dhaka celebrate Queen Elizabeth's 70-year reign
The British High Commission, High Commission of Canada, and High Commission of India in Dhaka were covered in dazzling royal purple lights from 6pm to 9pm Thursday to mark Queen Elizabeth II's unprecedented 70 years on the throne.
The queen – the world's third-longest serving monarch in recorded history – becomes the first British monarch to celebrate an anniversary billed as platinum jubilee, marking 70 years of her service to the people of the UK, the Realms and the Commonwealth.
Also read:Rotary in Bangladesh marks Queen Elizabeth’s 70 years on throne
As the head of the Commonwealth, she has dedicated herself to the service of its people, becoming a much loved and respected figure across the globe.
To mark the jubilee, over 2,500 public events are happening in the UK this weekend.
In Bangladesh, the memorable occasion was marked at the queen's birthday party, hosted on May 25 under the theme "empowering girls to change their world," where a significant portion of the sponsorship raised for the event was used to support girls' education across Bangladesh through the British Council's EDGE Programme.
British High Commissioner to Bangladesh Robert Chatterton Dickson said the queen has been a dedicated servant of the UK, the Realms and the Commonwealth and it is wonderful that "we can celebrate her service by lighting up our buildings on her birthday."
"With over 260 official visits overseas, including to Bangladesh in 1983, the queen has been the UK's foremost diplomat, affirming old relationships and building new connections, strengthening the bonds of friendship, understanding and respect between the UK, the Commonwealth, and the rest of the world," the envoy said.
Padma Bridge is a blessing for southern people: Minister
Fisheries and Livestock Minister SM Rezaul Karim has said that Padma Bridge is a blessing for the southern people and it will bring unimaginable changes to the economy of the region.
The minister said this while speaking to reporters after inaugurating the seaweed fair organized by Bangladesh Fisheries Research Institute (BFRI) at Tourism Holiday Complex in Kuakata on Friday.
The living standards of the people in this area will change due to this bridge, the minister said, adding that the modern aspirations of the people will be fulfilled as well.
Read: Out on joyride to visit Padma Bridge, 5 killed in Keraniganj road crash
Due to the communication problem, fish, meat, milk, eggs and other agricultural products produced in the region could not reach Dhaka. But now, all kinds of products produced in the south will be able to reach Dhaka very easily, he added.
Besides, the processing industry will be established in this region and can be shipped directly abroad.
Muhammad Yamin Chowdhury, secretary of the Ministry of Fisheries and Livestock was present as a special guest at the inauguration ceremony presided over by Yahia Mahmud, director general of Bangladesh Fisheries Research Institute.
Rotary in Bangladesh marks Queen Elizabeth’s 70 years on throne
Rotary in Bangladesh has celebrated the 70 years of accession of Queen Elizabeth by lighting a beacon.
At a ceremony on Thursday night at the Dhaka Club Ltd in the capital, Rotary leaders led by District Governor Mutasim Billah Faruqui of Rotary District 3281 gathered to light up a beacon as part of a series of celebrations to show respect to the Queen.
Also read: Commonwealth missions in Dhaka celebrate Queen Elizabeth's 70-year reign
Discussions and a cultural function were held in Dhaka while in the UK the 96-year-old monarch kicked off a four-day celebration. With a symbolic touch of the Commonwealth Globe of Nations, which was placed on a podium, the Queen set off a chain of lights leading to the Principal Beacon outside Buckingham Palace on Thursday.
17 more dengue cases reported
Bangladesh confirmed 17 more dengue – a viral infection – cases in the 24 hours to Friday morning.
Sixteen new patients were admitted to the hospitals of Dhaka and one outside it, according to the Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS).
Also read: Under-construction buildings responsible for 40 percent of dengue infections
Sixty-one dengue patients, including 59 in the capital, are now receiving treatment at hospitals across the country.
This year, the DGHS has recorded 398 dengue cases and 337 recoveries so far. The directorate has not yet reported any death from the mosquito-borne viral disease.
Dengue – a leading cause of serious illness and death in some Asian and Latin American countries – was first reported in Bangladesh in 2000 and claimed 93 lives. In three years, the fatality number almost fell to zero.
However, 105 dengue patients, including 95 in Dhaka division, died in 2021.
Dengue is found in tropical and sub-tropical climates worldwide, mostly in urban and semi-urban areas.
About 4 billion people, almost half of the world's population, live in areas with a risk of dengue, according to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
Each year, up to 400 million people get infected with dengue while approximately 100 million get sick from infection, and 40,000 die from severe dengue, it says.
Also read: Bangladesh sees rise in Dengue cases; 20 patients hospitalised in 24 hrs
Because there are four different dengue viruses, a person can be infected by the virus up to four times in their life. The symptoms include nausea, vomiting, aches and pains and a rash.
"There is no specific treatment for dengue or severe dengue. Early detection of disease progression associated with severe dengue, and access to proper medical care lowers fatality rates of severe dengue to below 1 percent," according to the World Health Organization.
Mass Bathing in Buriganga Sunday demanding pollution-free river
On the occasion of the World Environment Day 2022, a unique campaign is going to take place on Sunday titled ‘Mass Bathing in Buriganga'.
It will be organized by JCI Dhaka North, Waterkeepers Bangladesh, River and Delta Research Center-RDCR, and Bangladesh Poribesh Andolon (BAPA).
Also read: Re-excavation of Buriganga old channel to start in February, says Taposh
The initiative aims to raise voices to make the water of Buriganga bathable, create a pollution-free environment, and stand by the Buriganga river and its people.
On 5th June morning at Mohammadpur Basila Bridge, hundreds of people, including duty bearers, civil society organizations, researchers, academicians, youth leaders, celebrities, and media personnel, will attend the event.
The Buriganga River is not only economically very important for Dhaka but also a lifeline to the city.
As it connects many areas of the country, around 5.1 million people live along the Buriganga riverbank.
Today, this river is afflicted by the noisome problem of pollution, organisers said.
The chemical waste of mills and factories, household waste, medical waste, sewage, dead animals, plastics, and oil are some of Buriganga's pollutants. As a result, the river is becoming lifeless.
Sharif Jamil, Coordinator of Waterkeepers Bangladesh and General Secretary of Bangladesh Poribesh Andolon (BAPA), said, “We all have to work together to save the river Buriganga considering the negative consequences on the environment and lives. Buriganga is losing its life. This is a lifeline to Dhaka. That’s why, to save Dhaka, we must save Buriganga.”.
Also read: Wasa MD not implementing 2011 order on Buriganga pollution willingly: HC
Mohammad Azaz, Chairman of River and Delta Research Centre, said, “Due to Buriganga’s pollution, the surrounding environment, marine life, and people are all suffering. Pollution has destroyed the entire ecological balance. It has a long-term impact. In this mass bathing event, we protest against this pollution.”
Md. Sariful Islam, Coordinator of “Mass Bathing in Buriganga” and Vice President of JCI Dhaka North, said, “It is quintessential to protect Buriganga and its biodiversity to protect people’s lives, resources, and overall the Dhaka city. Through this unique event, we want to encourage all to save the river from pollution and to make it bathable.”
Center for Atmospheric Pollution Studies (CAPS), Green Savers, Catch Bangladesh, Connect360, Nongor, DhakaYouthClub, Nodi TV, Nodizatrik, Buriganga River Coalition, RiverBangla, GenLab, River Bangla and Shabujpata also partner with the event.
Injured AL leader dies in Sylhet
An Awami League leader who was injured in an attack by his rivals died in Sylhet’s Bishwanath upazila on Friday morning.
The deceased was identified as Sheikh Goyas Mia, 55, son of late Iskander Ali of the upazila’s Baruni village.
Goyas was the Publicity Secretary of the upazila’s Dashghar union AL unit.
Read: Local AL leader killed in Jashore
Goyas was attacked by his rivals while returning home from Pirer Bazar area on the night of May 28. He was rushed by his relatives to the Sylhet MAG Osmani Medical College Hospital where he died after receiving treatment for six days.
His son Mazed Ahmad has filed a case at Bishwanath police station yesterday, accusing 20 people of the attack. Another five to eight people have been accused as ‘unidentified’.
Masuk Mia, another AL leader of the area, has been made the prime suspect in the case.
Officer In-charge(Investigation) of Bishwanath police station Jahidul Islam, who is also the Investigation Officer(IO) of the case, said that they will request the higher authority to convert it into a murder case.
“Operations are on to nab the suspects of the case”, the OC added.
Leaders and activists of the area’s Awami League, Jubo League and Chhatra League units, including former Member of Parliament(MP) and Sylhet district AL’s General Secretary(In-charge) Shafiqur Rahman Chowdhury, have condemned the incident and expressed grief over the matter.
Out on joyride to visit Padma Bridge, 5 killed in Keraniganj road crash
Five people were killed and another injured as a CNG-run auto-rickshaw collided with a lorry at Teghoria in Keraniganj early Friday.
The deceased were identified as CNG driver Tamal, 17, and his passengers Zunayed Hossain, 22, Nayeem Hossain Fahim, 21, and Samad, 20. However, the identity of another deceased couldn’t be ascertained immediately.
The accident occurred around 12:30 am when five friends, workers of a factory in Hasanabad area, were on way to visit Padma Bridge on an auto-rickshaw, said Mohammad Shah, officer-in-charge (OC) of Hasara police station.
The auto-rickshaw collided with a lorry losing its control over speed when the lorry got on the link road in the Teghoria area suddenly, leaving four occupants of the auto-rickshaw, including the driver, dead on the spot, said Hasara Highway Police in-charge Afzal Hossain.
The two injured were sent to Sir Salimullah Medical College and Hospital (SSMCH) where the unidentified youth succumbed to his injuries this morning, he added.
The bodies were sent to the SSMCH morgue for autopsy.
A case has been filed at South Keraniganj police station in this regard. However, police couldn’t detain the lorry driver, said the Highway in-charge.
Heavy to very heavy rainfall likely in 3 divisions
Bangladesh Meteorological Department (BMD) on Friday forecast heavy to very heavy rainfall at some places over Chattogram, Mymensingh and Sylhet divisions.
“Heavy (44-88 mm/day) to very heavy (89 mm/day) rainfall is likely to occur at some places over Chattogram, Mymensingh and Sylhet divisions during next 24 hours as of 12pm on Saturday, said a met office release on Friday.
Read: Dhaka’s air quality improves
Light to moderate rain or thunder showers accompanied by temporary gusty wind is likely to occur at many places over Dhaka, Khulna & Barishal divisions and at a few places over Rangpur & Rajshahi divisions with moderately heavy to heavy falls at places over the country, said the release.
Day and night temperatures may remain nearly unchanged over the country.
Meanwhile, maritime ports in Chattogram, Cox’s Bazar, Mongla, and Payra have been advised to hoist local cautionary signal three.
Read: Weather dept asks maritime ports to warn vessels of squall
Squally weather is likely to affect the maritime ports, the North Bay, and the adjoining coastal areas of Bangladesh, said the Met office.
"All fishing boats and trawlers in the North Bay have been advised to come close to the coast and proceed with caution until further notice," it added.