Bangladesh
Bustle back in Dhaka with reopening of city bus services
Traffic bustle returned to Dhaka with the resumption of city bus services on Wednesday, the third day of the seven-day countrywide lockdown.
In the wake of commuters’ sufferings, the government allowed public transports to resume their operations in Dhaka, Chattogram, Gazipur, Narayanganj, Cumilla, Rajshahi, Khulna, Sylhet, Barishal, Rangpur and Mymensigh city corporation areas from 6am to 6pm every day.
The relaxation has brough some sort of relief for commuters, vendors, traders and retailers who had suffered during the last two days for lack of public transports.
“This is good! It has enabled us to move easily in the city. But maintaining health protocols still remains a problem. People are reluctant,” said Shafiqul Islam, a private firm executive.
But, he said, with the resumption of public transport service, Dhaka got back its usual traffic chaos and sound pollution though the volume of vehicles was relatively low.
Although mass transports were relatively thin on the streets, traffic jams were seen in areas like Moghbazar, Banani and Gulistan areas.
Cabinet purchase body approves LNG, rice import
The Cabinet Committee on Public Purchase approved seven proposals including the import of liquified natural gas (LNG) from a Swiss company and rice from an Indian company.
Finance Minister AHM Mustafa Kamal presided over the meeting.
State-owned Petrobangla, under the Energy and Mineral Resources Division, will import the 3.360 million MMBtus of LNG from AOT Trading AG, Switzerland at a cost of Tk 243.3 crore with per MMBtu price at $7.2855.
Also read: Purchase body okays 6 proposals including import of LNG, rice
The Directorate General of Food under the Food Ministry will import 50,000 metric tonnes of non-bashmoti parboiled rice from PK Agri Link Private Ltd, India, at cost of Tk 174.65 crore, with per MT price at $411.93.
Meanwhile, the Cabinet committee approved a proposal of the Roads and Highways Department to award Tk 103.37 crore contract to the Joint Venture of Reliable Builders Ltd, Md Moyenuddin (Bashi) Limited and Orient Trading & Builders Ltd, for implementing package No-WP-02 of the project on Improvement of Shariatpur (Monohar Bazar)-Ibrahimpur Road upto Ferry Ghat.
The committee approved awarding Tk 106.84 crore contract to the Joint Venture of Md Badrul Iqbal Ltd, Hassan Techno Builders Ltd, and Oyster Construction and Shipping Company Ltd, for implementing the works of the package WP-03 of the same project.
Also read: Govt to import 3.5 lakh MT more rice
Another project of the Roads and Highways Department received approval of the committee to award a contract of Tk 788.38 crore to Afcons Infrastructure Limited, India, for implementing the package No-WP-03 for upgrading Ashuganj Riverport-Sarai’s-Dharkhar-Akhawra Highway into four lanes and its maintenance work.
The committee approved a proposal of Tk 243.18 crore of the Bridge Authority under the Bridges Division to award a contract for appointing consultant for conducting feasibility study about construction of bridges on Shariatpur-Chandpur Highway and Gazaria Munshiganj Road for crossing the Meghna River to connect Chandpur and Shariatpur districts.
Also read: Cabinet purchase body nods import of rice, fertiliser, petroleum
A Joint Venture of Tecnica Y Proyectos SA (TYPSA), Spain, Nippon Koei Co Ltd, Japan, DOHWA Engineering Co Ltd, South Korea, Development Design Consultants Ltd Bangladesh, BCL Associates Ltd, Bangladesh and Dev Consultants Ltd, Bangladesh, won the contract.
The committee approved a proposal of Public Works Department for re-evaluation of the tender proposal for the work package of WD-01 of the Khulna Development Authority’s Khulna Shipyard Road Widening and Development Works by cancelling the recommendation of Tender Evaluation Committee (TEC).
Accidents on waterways in Bangladesh declining: Minister
Home Minister Asaduzzaman Khan on Wednesday said accidents on waterways are declining in the country because of changes in vessel designs, implementation of necessary measures and stronger monitoring.
“We used to see major accidents during holidays every year. Now such accidents have decreased. But I would not say these have totally gone,” he said while addressing the inauguration of the River Security Week 2021.
He virtually joined the inaugural function, held at the conference room of the Shipping Ministry, as the chief guest. State Minister for Shipping Khalid Mahmud Chowdhury was present as the special guest.
Read: No alternative to jute for protecting the environment: Home Minister
Asaduzzaman said the main reasons behind the fall in waterway accidents are the changes in vessel designs and stronger monitoring in addition to other necessary measures.
He mentioned that the importance of the shipping sector in the graduation of a riverine and coastal country like Bangladesh from a least developed country to a developing one is immense, and put emphasis on consolidation of this achievement.
The minister said one of the major responsibilities of the Shipping Department is to develop an accident-free shipping system. “The department has taken a number of effective measures for the safety of public life and property.”
An online digital database containing vessel survey data, registration reports and all the information related to vessels and sailors in the inland sector of Bangladesh is being maintained, he said.
‘Shishu Bokta’ Rafiqul held for ‘provocative speech’ in Netrakona
Members of Rapid Action Battalion (Rab) arrested Rafiqul Islam Madani for delivering ‘anti-state and provocative speech on virtual platform.
Also read:Hefazat Amir demands punishment of Hathazari OC
Tipped-off, Rab men arrested Madani, widely known as "Shishu Bokta" from Purbatola area of Netrakona district early Wednesday, said ASP Imran Khan, Deputy Director of Media of Rab Headquarters.
Also read:Hefazat activists' show of force frees leader Mamunul from ...
Madadi was arrested earlier on March 25 from Motijheel area during a demonstration protesting the visit of Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on the occasion of the Golden Jubilee of Independence and later he was freed.
Dhaka to take pragmatic efforts to make D-8 "more vibrant, active, effective"
Foreign Minister Dr AK Abdul Momen on Wednesday said Bangladesh will take all pragmatic initiatives to open new avenues of cooperation among the D-8 Member States with the aim of making this Group even more vibrant, active and effective.
In order to minimise the worsening effects of Covid-19 on the world economy, Dr Momen said, Bangladesh wants to explore all avenues for economic recovery through collaboration among the D-8 Member States.
Also Read: Bangladesh proposes postponement of Dhaka D8 Summit
"Bangladesh believes in a free and equitable access to markets for not only products but also services. It would obviously facilitate D-8 governments and private sectors to come together to highlight how D-8 Member States can deepen connectivity, networking and collaboration in light of experiences of the Covid-l9 era," he said.
The Foreign Minister was addressing the D-8 19th Council of Ministers (COM) as Chair of the COM.
Foreign Ministers of D-8 Member States including immediate past chair and Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu and D-8 Secretary General Ambassador Ku Jaffar Ku Shari joined.
Since the overall objective of the global organisation is to improve Member States’ life and livelihood situation through multiple approaches, Dr Momen hoped to create a D-8 digital marketplace, and create a suitable-for-all resilient post-pandemic cooperation model to ensure the common interests of all member states.
Also Read: DDhaka to host 10th D-8 Summit virtually in Dec or Jan
"As the whole world is experiencing an unprecedented global public health and economic crisis caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, I personally feel the urge that, we, the D-8 Member States need to stand together more than ever," he said.
After chairing the D-8 Organisation for Economic Cooperation for two years during the period of 1999 – 2001, Bangladesh is going to hold the Chairmanship of the D-8 for the second time after two decades.
"This is happening at a time when we are celebrating the birth centenary of the Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman and we are also observing the Golden Jubilee of our independence," he said.
Moreover, Dr Momen said, recently Bangladesh has fulfilled the UN criteria for graduating from the LDC Group of countries.
"We are indeed honoured and happy for having the opportunity of chairing the D-8 at this historic moment," he said.
Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina will lead the Bangladesh delegation at the 10th D-8 Summit on Thursday to be participated by the leaders of Egypt, Indonesia, Iran, Malaysia, Nigeria, Pakistan and Turkey.
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan will hand over the Chairmanship of the D-8 to Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina.
The theme of the D-8 Summit is “Partnership for a Transformative World: Harnessing the Power of Youth and Technology” and the Summit will adopt two documents “D-8 Decennial Roadmap 2020-2030” and “Dhaka Declaration 2021.”
Bangladesh is hosting the 10th D-8 (Developing-8) Summit virtually in the context of COVID-19 new normal scenario that will focus on trade, investment, mineral resources, tourism, ICT, climate and Rohingya issues.
“These are the things we’ll try to focus on through dialogue and discussions,” said Foreign Minister Dr Momen.
He said they will seek support from all for a “durable solution” to the Rohingya crisis and address the challenges posed by climate change.
On trade issues, he said there is a lot of potential to boost trade among the D-8 member states which remained untapped.
Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina attended the first D-8 Summit held in 1997 and Dhaka successfully hosted the second D-8 Summit in 1999.
The D-8 aims for Economic Cooperation to improve member states’ position in the global economy, to diversify and create new opportunities in trade relations, to enhance participation in decision-making at international level, and to improve standards of living.
Meanwhile, the 43rd Session of the D-8 Commission was held on April 5-6.
On April 5, D-8 Business Forum and first D-8 Youth Summit were held on the sidelines of the Summit.
The Summit will put emphasis on strengthening of intra-trade among D-8 member states and in that context will urge the member states to ensure benefits from the D8 Preferential Trade Agreement (PTA) through its proper implementation.
World Health Day today
The World Health Day is being observed in the country as elsewhere across the globe on Wednesday.
The theme of this year’s day is: Building a fairer, healthier world for everyone
This is a global health awareness day observed every year on April 7 under the sponsorship of the World Health Organization (WHO) marking its birthday.
To mark the day, the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Directorate General of Health Service and various non-government organizations chalk out elaborate programmes including seminars, publishing souvenirs and supplements in national dailies and cultural programmes in Dhaka and elsewhere every year.
But no programme has been arranged this year due to the 7-day lockdown amid rising Covid cases.
Read: World Health Day: WHO calls for fairer, healthier world post-COVID-19
However, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University (BSMMU) will hold a virtual discussion marking the day.
From its inception at the First Health Assembly in 1948 and since taking effect in 1950, the celebration has aimed to create awareness of a specific health theme to highlight a priority area of concern for the World Health Organization.
Over the past 50 years this has brought to light important health issues such as mental health, maternal and child care, and climate change, according to WHO.
The celebration is marked by activities which extend beyond the day itself and serves as an opportunity to focus worldwide attention on these important aspects of global health
Bangladesh shatters its all-time records of daily Covid cases
Bangladesh registered the highest number of daily infections with 7,626 new cases and 63 more deaths during the last 24 hours till Wednesday morning amid the deteriorating coronavirus situation.
With today’s figure, over 7,000 new Coronavirus cases were recorded for the fourth consecutive day, according to a handout issued by the Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS).
With the new 63 deaths, the Covid-19 fatalities rose to 9,447 while the mortality rate dropped slightly to 1.43 percent from Tuesday’s 1.44 percent.
Also read:Shots in little arms: COVID-19 vaccine testing turns to kids
The infection rate jumped to 22.02 percent from 21.02 percent on Wednesday.
During the 24-hour period, 3,256 patients recovered, taking the number of recoveries to 561,639, the DGHS handout said.
Although the government enforced a 7-day lockdown from Monday restricting people’s movement, shutting shops, markets and suspending operations of public transport (bus, train and domestic flights), people took it lightly and moving around freely defying the restriction, posing risks of more transmission.
However, the movement of city buses resumed on Wednesday, two days after the enforcement of the lockdown, as the government has allowed public transport services in city corporation areas.
Coronavirus claimed 568 lives in Bangladesh in January this year, while 281 in February and 638 in March.
Bangladesh has so far recorded 659,278 coronavirus cases, the DGHS handout added.
Also read:No risk of contracting Covid-19 due to vaccination: DGHS
The number of daily cases and infection rate had dropped below 5 percent earlier this year but then the infection rate continued to rise amid people’s reluctance about maintaining health safety rules.
Lockdown unproductive due to mismanagement: BNP
BNP on Wednesday alleged that the weeklong lockdown, enforced by the government, is only causing public sufferings instead of yielding any positive outcome to contain Covid transmission due to mismanagement.
"The reality is that neither lockdown nor the restrictions are being implemented at the field level due to mismanagement of the government,” said BNP acting office secretary Syed Emran Saleh Prince.
Speaking at a press conference at BNP’s Nayapaltan central office, he also said people remain at a high risk of coronavirus infection because of the government’s contradictory moves. “Everything is in a mess everywhere, putting people in limitless troubles.”
The BNP leader also alleged that the government has enforced the lockdown without any prior preparation.
He said long traffic jams on roads and highways are the proof that the lockdown has been ineffective. “People are waiting in long queues for transports at different places in the city. Basically, everything is going on as before.”
Read: No step in sight to tackle Covid transmission: BNP
The BNP leader said the government’s policy makers took such a decision of enforcing a lockdown sitting in air-conditioned rooms without proper planning as they do not need to think about salary utility bills and money for managing food. “But people have to ensure sufferings as a result of this unplanned and unprepared move.”
Prince, also a BNP organising secretary, said the government's response to tackling the second wave of coronavirus is uncoordinated, unplanned, shortsighted and irrational as happened last year. “This time the government got a lot of time. But due to lack of prior preparation, the situation turned chaotic as it was last year.”
He also said corona-infected people are struggling to receive treatment for lack of sufficient vacant seats, ICUs, ventilators and oxygen supply at the hospitals in the cities and different district towns.
"Patients with corona infections are dying on the streets as they are running from one hospital to another for treatment. “The government has to shoulder the responsibility for this,” the BNP leader said.
Prince demanded the government take effective steps to ensure adequate healthcare facilities, ICUs, ventilators and oxygen at hospitals and conduct free Covid tests.
Prepare a list of instigators of terrorism: Quader
Urging the party activists to prepare a list of the instigators of terrorism, anarchy and communal acts, Awami League general secretary Obaidul Quader on Wednesday asked them to deal with Hefazat-e-Islam politically.
Obaidul Quader gave the instruction during a regular briefing of the Awami League at his official residence in the morning.
"Leaders and activists of the Awami League know how to react when they are attacked," he said.
Describing Hefazat-e-Islam as an extremist communal force, Quader said they have crossed the limit of tolerance by continuing violence in different parts of Bangladesh, aiming to destroy the prevailing peace.
Read: Public transport to be suspended from Monday: Quader
Affirming that Sheikh Hasina’s government is committed to protecting the lives and property of people, he warned that those who have carried out or are still carrying out violence across the country will have to face the dire consequences.
Quader said Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has revived the lost democracy in Bangladesh by uniting people.
He said Awami League is still behaving responsibly against the destructive politics of the reactionary force as it is in the government.
“The people of Bangladesh are religious … they do not support any bigotry. Don’t play with fire. If you play with fire, it’ll burn your hands too,” the Awami League leader warned.
Referring to the attacks on public and private establishments in different parts of the country, arson attacks on land offices, Quader said legal action would be taken and no one would be spared.
The nation will no longer tolerate any disregard to the Liberation War and its spirit and the humiliation of Bangabandhu.
Awami League workers will respond to those who have attacked Bangabandhu's pictures and sculptures as well, he added.
Read: Govt to enforce 7-day lockdown from Monday: Quader
Quader called upon all the patriotic people to get united under the leadership of Sheikh Hasina saying that the evil forces must be resisted and defeated.
Quader, also the Road Transport and Bridges Minister, said the information of resuming long-haul bus services in a day or two is not correct.
He has made it clear that some people are spreading propaganda and making misleading remarks about it.
Dhaka seeks serious regional, multilateral initiatives over Rohingya repatriation
Foreign Minister Dr AK Abdul Momen has said they should now seriously consider regional or multilateral initiatives for the repatriation of Rohingyas to Myanmar as it remains a compelling priority for Bangladesh.
"Canada, with its global stature and standing on human rights issues, may consider taking a lead in such initiatives. Bangladesh always stands ready to work with Canada and other partners in this direction," he said.
Also read:2020: Another year of agony for Rohingyas
Dr Momen made the remarks while addressing a webinar, “Evolving Rohingya Crisis and International Response: Canada’s Future Role in Repatriation and Accountability Initiatives”, held on Tuesday night.
The Foreign Minister said the displaced Rohingyas are also desperate to return home with safety and dignity at the earliest possible.
"It’s our collective responsibility to help these distressed people materialise their dreams and aspirations. Only through our concerted efforts, sustained repatriation can become a reality," he said.
Bangabandhu Centre for Bangladesh Studies in Canada (BCBS) in cooperation with Conflict and Resilience Research Institute Canada, organised its first webinar on Rohingya crisis resolution.
High Commissioner of Bangladesh in Canada Dr Khalilur Rahman, Senator Marilou McPhedran CM, Heather McPherson, Brad Redekopp, Professor John Packer and Neuberger-Jesin, Professor of International Conflict Resolution, also spoke on the occasion.