Bangladesh
Bangladeshi CSOs demand urgent action, realistic commitments to combat climate emergency at COP28
Climate Justice Alliance- Bangladesh — a coalition of 30 CSOs — at COP28, urged for a swift and equitable transition from fossil fuels while demanding responsible actions like mobilizing needs-based finance, ensuring obligatory loss and damage finance, and upholding human rights in climate efforts.
The CSOs are firm in their stance that the first-ever global stock take at COP28 serves as a pivotal moment for a reality check on the world's progress in combating climate change.
They highlighted the imperative of bridging existing gaps, evaluating current strategies, and delineating unequivocal roles and contributions to achieve the crucial 1.5-degree Celsius goal.
Moreover, emphasis is placed on extending support to the Least Developed Countries (LDCs) and Most Vulnerable Countries (MVCs) for their adaptation and survival in the face of climate adversity.
CSOs from around the world convened at COP28 with an unequivocal call to action, urging global leaders to prioritize immediate and realistic measures to combat the escalating climate emergency.
With a critical eye on past negotiations, these CSOs are determined to forge a path toward a sustainable, equitable, and transformative resolution in Dubai, said a media release.
Key Demands by CSOs at COP28
CSOs underscore the alarming projections outlined in the UNFCCC synthesis and UNFP Emission Gap Report, emphasizing the urgent need to reduce global annual GHG emissions by 45% before 2030. They call upon developed countries and major emitters to take the lead in making genuine, substantial emissions reduction pledges following the Global Stock take.
Md. Shamsuddoha, Chief Executive, Center for Participatory Research and Development–CPRD mentioned: "As we strive to uphold the crucial 1.5-degree Celsius threshold, it is imperative to maintain firm commitment. Ceasing all new investments in fossil fuel production stands as a non-negotiable step in achieving this goal. There is simply no margin for expanding fossil fuel production if we are to stay aligned with the aspirations of the 1.5-degree goal."
Syed Aminul Haque, Director of Coast Trust Foundation, also highlighted, "As a CSO dedicated to combatting climate change, our urgent call is to fortify our National Determined Contributions (NDCs) in line with the 1.5-degree target. We advocate for the formulation of robust Long-Term Low Emission Development Strategies that map a clear pathway towards achieving net-zero emissions by 2040. This cohesive strategy is pivotal in mitigating the escalating climate crisis and securing a sustainable future for all."
While welcoming the funding pledges made by COP28 Presidency, CSOs expressed concern about the management of funds, particularly with the involvement of institutions like the World Bank, historically criticized for discriminatory practices.
They urged the COP28 presidency to take initiative to make financial support legal and obligatory where developed countries will finance in a sustainable manner.
CSOs also expressed reservations regarding the lack of clarity in the 'New Collective & Quantified Goal on Finance (NCQG)', highlighting potential risks of interpretation that could place undue pressure on LDCs and MVCs.
CSOs also highlighted that securing and mobilizing the promised $100 billion climate finance from developed nations underscore the pressing need for clarity and accountability.
The stance taken by the United States further amplifies this uncertainty, suggesting a potentially concerning trend wherein future climate finance discussions could witness undue pressure on LDCs and MVCs in the guise of collectivism—a prospect that warrants serious concern, they said.
"Critical evaluation is necessary as COP 28 pledges funding for the L&D fund, yet concerns arise over entrusting the World Bank. Urgency lies in transforming this support into a legally binding obligation for sustainable financing by developed nations, aligning with the Paris Agreement's principles. Furthermore, the 'New Collective & Quantified Goal on Finance (NCQG)' introduces ambiguity, potentially empowering influential nations to pressure LDCs and MVCs, straying from the Agreement's inclusive spirit outlined in Clause 9.3 of Paris Agreement.”, stated Md. Shamsuddoha, Chief Executive from CPRD.
Millions of people are being displaced forcibly due to a recurring impact of both sudden and slow-onset climatic hazards. Necessary measures were almost ignored in the UNFCCC process. CSOs firmly demanded new measures that will support the countries to address the climate induced displacement through ensuring their rights in locally and nationally.
CSOs reiterated the expectations from global leaders to not merely understand the principles, processes, and mechanisms involved but to act decisively in aligning with these principles for the preservation of a habitable planet. The CSO press-meet at COP28 witnessed contributions from researchers, experts, development activists, and campaigners, shedding light on multifaceted issues and advocating for urgent action.
253 arson attacks reported during blockades, hartals since Oct end: Fire Service
A total of 253 arson attacks have been recorded till 6 am today during the blockades and hartals called by BNP, Jamaat and like-minded opposition parties since the end of October.
An arson attack was reported between 6 am on December 4 till 6 am today during the second day of the latest road, rail and waterways blockade called by the opposition parties.
Read: Jan 7 polls: 731 nomination papers rejected, 1985 accepted
The arson attack was carried out in Dhaka’s Gulistan area at 2:23 pm on Monday, said Shahjahan Sikder, deputy assistant director of Fire Service and Civil Defence headquarters’ media cell.
A total of 10 members of two firefighting units worked to douse the fire, added the fire official.
Read: Bus torched in Dhaka's Gulistan
Giving a break today, the BNP and like-minded opposition parties are going to enforce another 48-hour road-rail-waterway blockade across the country starting from Wednesday morning to protest the schedule for the next national election announced by the Election Commission (EC).
Not going to speculate outcome of Bangladesh election: US Spokesperson
The United States has reiterated its desire to see free and fair elections in Bangladesh, saying that it does not want to speculate the outcome of the upcoming general election.
"I’m not going to speculate on the outcome of the elections," US State Department Spokesperson Matthew Miller told reporters during a regular media briefing on December 4.
"I will say what we have said a number of times before," he added.
Miller said the US will continue to engage with the government, opposition, civil society, and other stakeholders to urge them to work together for the benefit of the Bangladeshi people to ensure free and fair elections.
He said the US also wants to see that elections are conducted in a peaceful manner.
The next national election is scheduled to be held on January 7, 2024.
A fraction of BNP, the major opposition political party, has resorted to burning private and public properties, blockades, and hartals, and are boycotting the upcoming election although many of its own leaders are participating, according to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
The Election Commission received a total of 2,711 nomination papers against 300 constituencies across the country.
The nomination papers were scrutinized on December 1-4, 2023, and candidatures can be withdrawn by December 17, 2023.
The schedule for the 12th national parliamentary election was announced by Chief Election Commissioner Kazi Habibul Awal on November 15, 2023.
Athlete brother arrested after police fails to find Chhatra Dal leader in Ctg
Police in Chattogram, unable to find Chhatra Dal leader Kazi Selim Uddin, instead arrested his younger brother, Kazi Najim Uddin, on Monday.Najim was taken into custody on false drug-related charges, a claim vehemently denied by his family. According to sources, Najim is not involved in any form of politics and is identified as an athlete within the community.As per police and party insiders, an operation was conducted at Selim's house in the Bari Bakun Union of Sitakunda on Sunday night. However, the student leader was not present at the time. Failing to locate him, the police apprehended his younger brother, Najim, instead.Najim was produced in court on Monday, where he was remanded into custody in connection with the alleged drug case. Najim is a registered athlete with the district sports organization.Contrary to the police's assertions, locals, as well as sports officials, have confirmed Najim's lack of involvement in any criminal activities. Fazle Elahi, the Joint Secretary of Sitakunda Sports Association and a councilor, stated that Najim is not affiliated with politics and is actively engaged in sports. Additionally, Najim is listed as a member of both the Chattogram Sports Association and the local sports organization.Confirming the arrest, SI Nasir Uddin of Sitakunda Police Station stated that Kazi Najim Uddin was recently implicated in a drug-related case, leading to his arrest through a legal process.The arrest has raised concerns among the community, with many questioning the motives behind targeting a sports personality in connection with a case involving a student politician.
Banglalink declares winners of ‘7th Banglalink Ennovators’
Telecom operator Banglalink has declared the winners of its seventh annual digital ideation competition, Banglalink Ennovators.
The competition, which kicked off in October, sought to harness the creativity and innovation of the country's youth in the digital realm, focusing on artificial intelligence (AI) solutions, according to a press release.
Also read: Banglalink's Q3 revenues up by 15.1 percent
A total of 35,000 contestants from 153 universities nationwide participated in the competition, reflecting the widespread interest in leveraging digital technologies for positive change. Following a rigorous screening process, the selected participants underwent skill enhancement through bootcamps, grooming sessions, and workshops, guided by senior officials and experts from Banglalink, it said.
The top five teams emerged after intense workshops and evaluations, presenting their innovative digital solutions for real-world issues to experienced judges at the grand finale in the capital on Monday.
Also read: Banglalink and Summit join hands in tower deal
The championship title was claimed by "On The Edge," securing them an all-expenses-paid trip to VEON in Dubai, UAE. The first and second runners-up, "Team Rocket" and "4 of a Kind," respectively, were also recognized for their outstanding contributions. The top three teams will gain expedited access to Banglalink’s flagship Strategic Assistant Program Assessment Centre, an initiative aimed at nurturing future managers.
Additionally, the winning teams, along with the top 40 participants, will enjoy priority admission to Banglalink’s Internship Program and Campus Ambassador Program, respectively, said the release.
At the event, Banglalink unveiled its new motto, "Lead the future," symbolizing a revitalized Employee Value Proposition, reflecting the company's vision and commitment to reaching greater heights each day.
Kaan Terzioğlu, Group CEO of VEON, expressed admiration for the young innovators, emphasizing their role in advancing Bangladesh's digital transformation. Monzula Morshed, Chief Human Resources and Administration Officer at Banglalink, underscored the competition's significance in empowering the youth with digital skills, reinforcing the company's commitment to fostering innovation and progress.
Also read: Banglalink customers to get most discount on iPhone 15 purchase
The Ennovators 7.0 finale showcased brilliant ideas and solutions with the potential to make a positive societal impact, marking a significant step forward in Bangladesh's digital journey.
UP member hacked to death in Barishal
A Union parishad (UP) member of Barishal’s Faridpur union was hacked to death by miscreants in Bakerganj upazila.
The deceased was identified as Jahirul Islam Mamun. He was an elected member of Faridpur UP under Bakerganj for three consecutive terms.
Also read: Man hacked dead by daughter over trivial issue in Ctg
Confirming the matter, Bakerganj Police Station Officer-in-Charge SM Maksudur Rahman said the incident happened around 8:00pm on Monday at Chowrasta area of Faridpur union’s Ichapura village.
Mamun was accused in several cases, including two murders.
Also read: Local BNP leader hacked to death in Naogaon
Quoting eyewitnesses, watchman Abdur Rahim of the UP office said Mamun was attacked by miscreants when he was walking home.
The UP ran into the garden beside the road and tried to escape, but the miscreants chased him and hacked him with sharp weapons, said the watchman.
Also read: UP chairman hacked dead in Rangpur
OC Maksudur Rahman said they were informed by locals that Mamun had been killed.
The police were going to the spot at the time of filing this report.
6 more arrested over political violence, sabotage: RAB
Members of the Rapid Action Battalion (RAB) on Monday arrested six more people, including BNP leaders and activists, in connection with attacks, sabotage, and violence that took place in different parts of the country.
They were arrested from different parts of the country, said RAB Headquarters Legal and Media Wing Assistant Director ASP Al Amin.
So far, RAB has arrested a total of 826 people in connection with violence and sabotage in different parts of the country, including the attack and sabotage on October 28, he added.
Also read: Fire Service records 8 arson attacks in 24 hours
Meanwhile, 424 RAB patrol teams, including 132 in the capital, have been deployed across the country, in order to prevent violence and vandalism and to maintain the law and order situation.
The elite force is providing security for passenger and goods transport, long-distance public transport, and cargo transport by patrolling in different parts of the country.
In addition, RAB's intelligence surveillance is continuing in important places, including bus stands and railway stations, to prevent any kind of vandalism and violence, added the RAB official.
Also read: 3 parked buses set ablaze in Natore, one partially salvaged by Fire Service
HC stays trial against journo Kajol in a case of illegally entering Bangladesh
The High Court on Monday stayed for six months the trial proceedings of a case filed by Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) against journalist Shafiqul Islam Kajol for illegally entering Bangladesh.The HC bench of Justice SM Kuddus Zaman and Justice Md Aminul Islam passed the order after hearing a petition seeking cancellation of the case.Advocate Nazmus Shakib stood for journalist Kajol in the court while Deputy Attorney General Sujit Chatterjee Bappi stood for the state.
Read: Nixon Chowdhury appears in court over election code violation chargesLater, Sujit Chatterjee said that the High Court stayed the proceedings of the case for six months.Journalist Kajol went missing on March 11, 2020 from the capital's Chawkbazar area. Members of Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) arrested him from Sadipur field along the Benapole border in Jashore on May 2, 53 days after he went missing from Dhaka.Later, on May 3, 2020, BGB filed a case against journalist Shafiqul Islam Kajol under the Illegal Entry Act.
World Bank, ADB support to cope with Rohingya crisis must be grant, not loan: TIB
Transparency International Bangladesh (TIB) expressed deep concern on Monday about the apparent decision by the Bangladesh government to seek one billion dollars from the World Bank and the Asian Development Bank (ADB) to cope with the Rohingya refugee crisis, of which $535 million is in loans, while the remaining $465 million is in grants.
TIB has called upon the government to negotiate with the World Bank and ADB to secure grant instead of loan and urges the international community to ensure fair and equitable sharing of the burden for this persecution-led humanitarian crisis.
Also read: Support desperate Rohingya refugees following Indonesia: UN expert
TIB believes that this is not a fair, wise or sustainable approach to cope with a persecution-driven humanitarian crisis that requires collective international action by ensuring that is not unjust to the host country.
“Bangladesh has already done more than its fair share over the years in hosting and supporting over a million Rohingya refugees who fled persecution in Myanmar. Just because Bangladesh opened its borders to host the persecuted Rohingyas, nothing can justify that it will have to endlessly shoulder additional financial burdens which must be borne by collective efforts of the international community,” it said in a press release.
"We urge the Government to reconsider this move and to engage in dialogue with the international community to ensure a fair and equitable distribution of the costs involved," said Dr. Iftekharuzzaman, Executive Director of TIB.
Also read: Preparations to begin voluntary repatriation of Rohingyas to be continued: FS
Iftekharuzzaman said, "We also call upon the World Bank and the ADB to offer their support as grants, not loans. Supporting Bangladesh’s efforts to manage the enormous challenges caused by the Rohingya crisis is an opportunity for organisations like World Bank and ADB to demonstrate that their mission is not limited to indiscriminate loan business."
TIB is particularly concerned about the trend of decreasing international grants for the displaced Rohingyas, which it sees as a sign that the international community is cowardly shrugging off their responsibility and leaving Bangladesh to bear the brunt of the burden almost all by itself. The recent decline in donor support has resulted in a drastic and highly insensitive reduction in per capita food assistance from $12 to $8 per month.
"The global community, particularly countries with multi-dimensional stakes, interests and leverage in Myanmar, must do more to support Bangladesh in addressing the Rohingya refugee crisis," said Dr. Iftekharuzzaman.
"This includes providing more humanitarian assistance, working towards a durable solution for the safe and voluntary return of the displaced Rohingya people sheltered in Bangladesh, and holding Myanmar accountable for its crimes against humanity," he added.
Also read: Prolonged presence of Rohingya refugees not an option: Bangladesh tells UN
TIB also calls on the United Nations and its relevant agencies to play a more active role in coordinating the international response to the Rohingya refugee crisis.
Iftekharuzzaman said, "The UN must also work to address the root causes of the crisis behind the ongoing persecution of the Rohingya people in Myanmar. Bangladesh on its part has already been way overburdened by economic, social, environmental and security challenges caused by the crisis caused by genocidal persecution of Rohingyas.”
RU staff found dead in Rajshahi
Police recovered the hanging body of a staff member of Rajshahi University (RU) from his residence on Rajshahi University campus on Monday.The deceased was identified as Rajon Kumar, 45, a sweeper of the Vice-Chancellor Building of the university.Quoting Rakhi Rani, wife of Rajon, Rafiqul Islam, officer-in-charge of Rajpara Police Station, said Rajon took loans amounting to Tk 5-6 lakh from different NGOs on limited interest.Already he paid some of the loan money but the lenders used to pressurize him to pay the rest of the loan.The family members of Rajon spotted him hanging from the ceiling of his toilet at 8am and informed police, who recovered the body.Police suspected that Rajon might have committed suicide after failing to pay the installment money.