Bangladesh
Cuet students’ road safety movement postponed, to resume classes
The ongoing road safety movement by Chittagong University of Engineering and Technology (Cuet) students has been postponed following a bilateral meeting between the university administration and the students on Thursday night.
The vehicular movement on busy Chattogram-Rangamati’s Kaptai Road resumed around 11:30pm after the protesting students left it.
Moreover, the students decided to return to their academic activities deferring their movement.
In a statement signed by the university’s Registrar (additional duty) Prof Dr Sheikh Mohammad Humayun Kabir on Thursday night said that a decision will be made in the syndicate meeting to be held on Friday to reconsider the closure of academic activities.
However, the students will be allowed to stay in the dormitories till then, it read.
Earlier on Thursday afternoon, the Cuet was declared closed for an indefinite period as students burst into protests demanding road safety after the deaths of two fellows in a fatal road accident on April 22.
Besides, the male students were asked to vacate dormitories by 5pm on Thursday and the female students by 9am on Friday.
Two Cuet students—Shanto Saha, a 3rd year student and Tawfiq Hasan, a 2nd year student of Civil engineering department, died when a bus of ‘Shah Amanat’ paribahan hit a motorbike on Chattogram-Kaptai road at Zianagar in Rangunia upazila on Monday.
As soon as the news spread, some Cuet students vandalised three buses and set one more on fire on that day.
The students took to the streets boycotting classes and examinations and continued their protests till Wednesday blocking the Chattogram-Kaptai road by setting fire on logs and tyres to press home their 9 point demand for safe road.
They demanded arrest of the bus driver and his assistant and their exemplary punishment.
The other demands include providing compensation to the deceased and bearing the medical expenses of the student injured in the accident, establishment of modern treatment centre with all facilities on the campus, proving ambulances with modern equipment, stopping movement of all local buses including Shah Amanat and AB Travels on the road, examining liscences of the buses and CNG-run auto-rickshaws that ply the road , making the Student Welfare Council under accountable and forming students representative group.
Bus driver Md Tazul Islam was arrested from the Kotwali area of Chattogram city on Wednesday afternoon.
PM Hasina opens bilateral meeting with Thai premier Thavisin
Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on Friday morning arrived at Government House (the Thailand Prime Minister’s Office) to join a bilateral meeting with her Thai counterpart Srettha Thavisin.
The two sides would discuss the bilateral and regional issues of mutual interest, according to Bangladesh officials.
After the talks a number of bilateral documents would be signed in presence of the two prime ministers aimed at strengthening cooperation between the two countries in some areas.
The two leaders will also have a four-eyes meeting (Tete-a-Tete) for some 15 minutes there.
On her arrival at the Government House at 10:30am, Sheikh Hasina was received by the Thai premier.
She was accorded a warm welcome at the front lawn of Thai Kooh Fah Building there.
The Bangladesh prime minister inspected the guard of honour given by a smartly turned out contingent of the Thai armed forces.
Srettha Thavisin introduced his cabinet members with Sheikh Hasina before she signed the guest book of the Government House.
Hasina also would join an official luncheon there before leaving the Government House.
The Bangladesh PM arrived here on Wednesday on a six-day official visit to Thailand at the invitation of her Thai counterpart.
New Delhi to closely watch China-Bangladesh joint military training: Spokesperson
Commenting on Bangladesh-China joint military training, India has said they "keep a close watch" on all developments that happen in their neighborhood and beyond, which impact their interests - economic and security interests.
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"We take appropriate measures accordingly," Spokesperson at the Ministry of External Affairs Randhir Jaiswal told reporters at a briefing on Thursday.
He commented when a journalist said Bangladesh is going to conduct a joint military exercise with China and the Chinese forces are going to be visiting Bangladesh very soon in May for some anti-terror exercise.
The Chinese and Bangladeshi armies will conduct a joint military training, Xinhua reported quoting China's Ministry of National Defense.
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According to the consensus reached between the two sides, the Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) will dispatch a contingent to Bangladesh in early May to participate in the joint training, according to the ministry, said the Chinese news agency.
This joint training, based on United Nations peacekeeping anti-terrorism operations, will involve both sides utilising an integrated training approach.
They will jointly organise exercises such as the rescue of hostages on buses and the clean-up of terrorist camps.
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This marks the first joint training ever between the Chinese and Bangladeshi armies, the ministry said, noting that such activity is conducive to enhancing mutual understanding and friendship between the two militaries and deepening practical exchanges and cooperation, according to Xinhua.
PM Hasina meets Thai royals in Bangkok
Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina paid a courtesy call on the King and the Queen of the Kingdom of Thailand Maha Vajiralongkorn Phra Vajiraklaochaoyuhua and Suthida Bajrasudhabimalalakshan.
The prime minister, who is on an official tour in Thailand, met the king and the queen at Amphorn Satharn Throne Hall in Dusit Palace, according to the PM's press wing.
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During the meeting, they exchanged greetings and discussed various issues related to bilateral matters.
PM Hasina arrived in Thailand on Wednesday on a six-day official visit to at the invitation of her Thai counterpart Srettha Thavisin.
In the morning, she attended the 80th Session of the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (ESCAP).
Thailand rolls out red carpet to greet PM Hasina on her six-day official visit
During her visit from April 24 to 29, the Bangladesh premier will hold bilateral talks with PM Thavisin.
Bangladesh and Thailand will sign a number of cooperation documents including a letter of intent on negotiations for a free trade agreement between the two countries.
PM Hasina departs for Thailand on six-day official visit
Bangladesh and Thailand are likely to sign an agreement on visa exemption for official passport holders, a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on energy cooperation while two more MoUs on tourism sector cooperation and duty related mutual cooperation to expand the relations.
Bangladesh showcases achievements in skills development at Global Skills Forum
Education Minister Mohibul Hassan Chowdhury has highlighted Bangladesh's significant advancements in skills development, notably in ensuring accessibility and equity for marginalized groups such as women, indigenous communities, and persons with disabilities.
These endeavours align closely with the government's stated political objectives and developmental priorities.
Nevertheless, the minister stressed the need to bridge the skills mismatch between the high-skills needs of industry and the generally low-skilled labour force, both nationally and more generally.
Speaking at a high-level panel discussion in Geneva, he called upon industry sectors and development partners to take proactive steps in promoting lifelong learning and enhance skills development, especially in emerging industry sectors like pharmaceuticals, ICT, and agro-food processing.
The Global Skills Forum, hosted by the ILO Skills and Employability Branch on April 23 and 24, which had invited constituents and development partners to discuss skills challenges and partnerships in a changing world, featured an exclusive session dedicated to Bangladesh.
The high-level panel, held at ILO Headquarters in Geneva, Switzerland, was attended by Education Minister Mohibul Hassan Chowdhury, as well as senior representatives from Employers' and Workers’ Organizations and key Development Partners, the European Union and the Government of Canada.
During the session, participants deliberated on Bangladesh's achievements, ongoing challenges, and proposed strategies for advancing the national skills system through targeted strategies and collaborative partnerships.
The essential role of skills and lifelong learning is well-recognised in enhancing the labour force’s employability and productivity, attracting investment and fostering national economic growth, said ILO on Thursday.
Recognising the crucial role of skilled labour in driving higher-value production and economic advancement, the Government of Bangladesh has since 2007 multiplied its investment in Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) and skills development, and after one and a half decade the results of these numerous efforts are tangible.
Bangladesh has formulated a National Skills Development Policy and established a unified national qualifications framework to enhance recognition of skills qualifications and upskilling of the workforce. Moreover, the traditional TVET system has evolved into an industry-relevant and skills-focused model.
These transformations reflect the government's commitment to its development vision, complemented by significant financial contributions by development partners and technical expertise provided notably by a.o. the International Labour Organization (ILO).
However, challenges persist in realising the Bangladesh government’s vision for the national skills system.
Srinivas Reddy, Chief of the Skills and Employability Branch at ILO moderated the session, commencing with a video showcasing Bangladesh's main achievements in skills development.
Gilbert F. Houngbo, the Director General of ILO, graced the session with his presence and joined the high-level panel for his intervention.
Houngbo commended the beneficial long-term partnerships between the Government of Bangladesh, the ILO, the EU and Canada, recognizing their mutually reinforcing contributions to Bangladesh’s skills development objectives.
Houngbo underscored the importance of climate change mitigation and adaption through green skills development, as well as promoting social cohesion and employment through ensuring accessibility and inclusivity of the skills development system.
Farooq Ahmed, Secretary General of the Bangladesh Employers’ Federation, highlighted the essential role of the private sector in skills development, including the need for more apprenticeships in skills development and job creation, as well as facilitating a seamless transition from education to employment.
He advocated for incentives to encourage businesses to adopt and increase the quantity and quality of apprenticeships models applied and emphasized the comprehensive need for industry-relevant TVET.
Rezwana Saki, Secretary of the Bangladesh Free Trade Union Congress, brought attention to the obstacles encountered by workers striving to acquire advanced skills suitable for the labour market.
She advocated for social dialogue and greater involvement by Workers' Organizations and the need for accelerating the implementation of the Bangladesh National Qualifications Framework in order to facilitate lifelong learning and formal recognition of workers' skills.
Charles Whiteley, Ambassador and Head of Delegation of the European Union to Bangladesh highlighted the EU's commitment to enhancing the capabilities of the Bangladeshi workforce, not only for domestic employment, but also for international labour markets.
He emphasized the EU’s support for upcoming talent partnerships between Bangladesh and key EU Member States for skilled migration of Bangladeshi workers to the EU through legal migration pathways, as well as plans to support the diversification of the production base of industry sectors through Gateway collaboration.
Thomas Wagner, Ambassador, Deputy Head of the EU Delegation to the UN and other international organisations in Geneva, affirmed the EU's ongoing support for the modernization of skills systems in partner countries across regions, particularly focusing on enhancing industry-relevant skills provision in the forthcoming years.
Patricia McCullagh, Minister-Counsellor, Deputy Permanent Representative of Canada to the UN in Geneva highlighted Canada's recent initiatives funding projects aimed at empowering vulnerable communities through skills training and job creation.
She reiterated Canada's commitment to collaborating with the ILO and Bangladesh to ensure decent work opportunities for millions of Bangladeshi citizens.
All panel representatives commended the Government of Bangladesh, the ILO and Development Partners for their long-term partnership since 2007, yielding significant transformations of the national skills system, and expressed their commitment to continue the beneficial partnerships in the future for the further strengthening of the Bangladesh economic and social development, in line with the Government’s vision.
AFD is Bangladesh's most significant partner: French Ambassador
French Ambassador to Bangladesh Marie Masdupuy on Thursday said the Agence Française de Développement (AFD) has become the most impressive partner of Bangladesh as its actiivites are swiftest in the country.
A new adaptation based investment project will be endorsed soon by Bangladesh leaders focusing loss and damage, she said while speaking at a function in Dhaka.
The ambassador said her government tries to reverse balance in climate financing on adaption in Bangladesh which is very much mitigation focus.
The French ambassador recalled the French President's recent visit to Bangladesh and said it is an impressive event and has given a new height in the relationship.
AFD Country Director Benoit Chassatte said though the AFD is very new among the development partners but its achievement during the last 10 years significant.
The AFD Group, the French development agency, celebrated its 10 years of successful operation in Bangladesh marking a significant milestone in its journey towards fostering sustainable development and international solidarity.
Since it settled in Bangladesh in 2012, AFD Group has committed over €1.8 billion towards advancing various sectors critical to Bangladesh's growth, contributing to the nation's progress and resilience.
At the end of his 4-year term leading the AFD Dhaka office, AFD Bangladesh Country Director Benoit Chassatte said, “Looking ahead, AFD Group reaffirms its commitment to Bangladesh's development agenda, focused on supporting the nation in fighting climate change impacts and graduating from the Least Developed Country (LDC) status."
He said through strategic objectives, AFD Group continues to finance structural measures, to support climate-friendly institutional governance, to foster social engineering, and to participate in the just and environmental transition.
“Additionally, throughout all of our projects, for which we ensure a comprehensive and participatory approach, we promote gender equality and indirectly create job opportunities,” he said.
AFD investments translate into tangible impacts, with millions gaining access to essential services such as drinking water, electricity, and improved public transport systems, while also benefiting from enhanced working conditions.
“AFD Group's strategic markers in the South Asia region reflect a commitment to diversity and sustainability, with a portfolio exceeding €7 billion dedicated to initiatives spanning urban mobility, clean energy, water and sanitation, sustainable banking, health, biodiversity, financial inclusion, and innovation.
This steadfast commitment underscores AFD Group's dedication to addressing pressing challenges and promoting inclusive growth in Bangladesh,” said Yazid Bensaid, AFD Regional Director for South Asia.
The French ambassador said France has tripled AFD’s commitments, in order to tackle simultaneously poverty reduction and climate resilience.
“As announced by French President during his historical visit to Dhaka last September, AFD’s activities in Bangladesh will remain at a high-intensity, in particular to channel the €1 billion pledge to adaptation under the Pact that will be endorsed this year by both leaders,” she said.
AFD implements France’s policy on international development and solidarity.
Through its financing of NGOs and the public sector, as well as its research and publications, AFD supports and accelerates transitions towards a fairer, more resilient world.
It also provides training in sustainable development (at AFD Campus) and other awareness-raising activities in France.
Cuet students set fire to bus protesting closure
Students protesting against the indefinite closure of Chittagong University of Engineering and Technology (CUET) set fire to another bus of Shah Amanat Paribahan, which was kept inside the campus, on Thursday afternoon.
The students became agitated after the university was closed and they were instructed to vacate the dormitories. Despite the instructions, the students did not leave the dormitories.
Rangunia Police Station Officer-in-Charge (OC) Chandan Kumar Chakraborty said that the angry students set fire to another bus. Police are present on the spot to control the situation.
In an attempt to exert pressure to fulfill their demands, the students have been creating a fearful situation in the campus and CUET area by blocking Kaptai Road for the fourth consecutive day, setting fire to buses, vandalising property, locking the academic building and the vice-chancellor's residence, and setting fire to the campus.
When some teachers tried to calm them down, the students allegedly misbehaved with them. The protesting students called a press conference and made various allegations, including the disconnection of electricity and water supply in the dormitories. They sought the help of the prime minister and announced that they would not leave the Cuet campus and would continue the agitation until their 10-point demands were met.
Meanwhile, additional police have been deployed on Cuet campus in the wake of the tense situation . Police from Raozan and Rangunia police stations are in position inside and outside the campus.
Since the death of two students in a bus accident on Monday, April 22, the agitated students have been blocking Kaptai Road, vandalising vehicles, setting fire to property and protesting for the last four days. The administration and the university authorities have repeatedly tried to stop the agitation but failed.
On Thursday afternoon, the 151st emergency meeting of the Academic Council decided to close Cuet’s academic activities and all academic activities (including examinations) at the undergraduate and postgraduate levels of the university and instructed the students to vacate the dormitories.
Faridpur temple fire: Hefazat e-Islam thratens countrywide progs unless accused are held
Hefazat e-Islam Bangladesh, a Qawmi madrasah-based organisation, on Thursday threatened that they would announce a countrywide programme if the accused, involved in the brutal deaths of two construction workers in a mob beating following a fire at a temple in Madhukhali upazila of Faridpur last Thursday aren’t penalised upon arrest.
Hefazat’s Secretary General Hazart Mawlana Sajedur Rahaman made the remarks while talking to reporters after visiting the victims’ family in Choperghat area under Naowapara union of the upazila on Thursday.
He said, “After watching the video footage of the incident, talking to the locals and the family, it has been understood that the Dumain Union chairman and two members are directly involved in the incident.”
“We urge the administration to conduct a proper investigation into the incident and arrest the chairman and the members and others directly involved in the incident and ensure exemplary maximum punishment. Otherwise, Hefazat Islam will announce movement programmes across the country,” he warned.
Later, the victims’ family was provided financial assistance on behalf of the organisation.
Earlier in the day, a delegation of the organisation’s central body included Joint Secretary General Mawlana Azizul Huq, Dhaka Metropolitan unit Ameer Hazrat Mawlana Kefayet Ullah and other leaders and activists went to the victims’ house and talked to their parents and offered a prayer for the victims.
At that time, Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP-Madhukhali Circle) Mizanur Rahman and Madhukhali police station’s Officer-in-Charge Miraj Hossain were present during the visit.
On last Thursday afternoon, a fire broke out at Kali idols of the Barwari temple in Hindu-dominated Panchpalli village.
Hindu residents became angry over the incident and they locked seven workers on suspicion of their involvement in the desecration of the idols.
The workers were constructing a wash block at Panchapalli Government Primary School, 20 yards off the temple.
On information, Madhukhali police and upazila administration officials rushed to the spot but the mob also confined them. Later with the help of Faridpur District Sadar and Rajbari District Police, the besieged people were rescued after a few hours.
Seven workers were rescued with injuries and taken to Madhukhali Upazila Health Complex and Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical College Hospital in Faridpur. Two of the injured succumbed to their injuries while undergoing treatment.
The deceased were identified as Ashraful, 21, and his younger brother Ashadul, 15, sons of Shahjahan Khan of Ghoperghat village under Naowarpara union of the upazila. They were both construction workers.
On Saturday, visiting the house of the victims, Religious Affairs Minister Md Faridul Haque Khan warned that exemplary punishments will be taken against those who were involved with their deaths.
On Tuesday, thousands of villagers clashed with law enforcers as the public demanded the arrest of the accused involved in the mob beating.
System loss in gas distribution comes down to 7.5 percent from a 22 percent: Nasrul Hamid
System loss in gas distribution segment has been brought down to 7.5 percent now from a 22 percent two years before.
State Minister for Power, Energy and Mineral Resources Nasrul Hamid disclosed this while visiting the headquarters of the Titas Gas Transmission and Distribution Company Limited in the city on Thursday.
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“Now our target is to bring the system loss to a zero level in the next two years, " he said, giving a description of the recent moves of the Titas Gas Company.
Titas has been the largest entity in the gas distribution segment having about 2.8 million retail consumers, out of a total 4.8 million of the country.
The state minister said that in the last two years a total of 865,000 illegal gas connections have been snapped. Of this, 336 are industrial connections, 475 commercial connections, 97 captive power plants, 13 CNG stations.
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“A total of 989 kilometers of illegal pipelines have been removed and Tk 604 crore has been fined from the illegal consumers”, he added.
Briefing reporters, Nasrul said the government has been intolerant in taking action against illegal connections.
He, however, admitted that some influential quarters including local lawmakers, public representatives of different levels have been the main impediments.
“But mind it, the minister of the energy and power ministry is the Prime Minister herself and she has strong directives to remain uncompromising in this regard, " he said.
Petrobangla chairman Zanendra Nath Sarker and Titas managing director Engr. Md. Haronur Rashid Mullah were present on the occasion.
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Nasrul informed that the Titras Gas Company has initiated a move to implement a Tk 12,000 crore project in the areas under Dhaka and Narayanganj cities to replace the old pipelines to stop gas leakages.
Apart from this, Titas Gas has been negotiating with different donor agencies including Asian Development Bank, World Bank and JBIC of Japan to install pre-paid gas meters to reduce system loss in the gas consumption.
Petrobangla chairman Zanendra Nath said that all the distribution and transmission companies have installed meters to ensure accountability in gas trading among them.
Cargo vessel capsizes in Bay of Bengal with 12 crew
A cargo vessel capsized in the Bay of Bengal on the east side of Island upazila Hatiya in Noakhali amid inclement weather on Thursday afternoon.
All the 12 crew of the vessel were reportedly floating in the Bay till filing of this report around 6:30pm.
The crew members called the national emergency service-999 seeking help.
Mehedi Jaman, in-charge of river police in Hatiya, said they were going to the spot with a trawler but it will take time for them to reach the spot as the sea remained rough.
He, however, said the crew were all floating on the upper part of the sunken vessel.
Meanwhile, a team of Hatiya Coast Guard left for the spot with a trawler and it will take them one to two hours to reach the scene.
Mohammad Wahedul Islam, a representative of the owners of the vessel ‘MV Moumoni’, blamed the adverse weather for the capsizing of the vessel.
Members of the Coast Guard were trying to rescue the crew, he said, adding that the vessel was heading towards Dhaka from Chattogram with goods.