Bangladesh
Advanced green technologies needs to be shared with all the developing Muslim countries: Environment Minister
Minister of Environment, Forest and Climate Change Md. Shahab Uddin said the Bangladesh, under the leadership of the Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, is trying its best to make the country climate resilient.
But to drive a wider structural shift and foster sustainable transition in particularly climate vulnerable countries like Bangladesh, public funds from multilateral sources have to be prioritized, he said.
Bangladesh is pursuing low-carbon green development: Environment Minister
“The benefit of clean, green, and advanced green technologies needs to be shared with all the developing Muslim countries,” the environment minister said at the First Scientific Session on "Green Transformation in the Islamic World: Challenges and Opportunities" of the 9th Conference of Environment Ministers in the Islamic World held in Jeddah, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia 19 October 2023.
Environment minister Md. Shahab Uddin said, “We look forward to enhance our collaboration in the areas of environment, climate change and energy. We urge ICESCO members to consolidate our partnership to ensure environment-friendly green growth and make the world a safer and better place for our future generation.”
Motorists to be trained to control noise pollution: Environment Minister
He said Bangladesh Government strongly condemns atrocities by occupying Israel forces in Palestine, Indiscriminate Killing of civilian people, Large Scale destruction causing unprecedented sufferings of millions of Philistines in front of the Whole world.
Abdulrahman Al-Fadley, minister of Environment, Water and Agriculture, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and Dr. Salim M. Almalik, director general of ICESCO were present in the occasion.
Abrupt honking should be stopped: Environment minister
Other members of Bangladesh Delegation present in the conference were Iqbal Abdullah Harun, additional secretary (Admin), Mohammad Abdul Wadud Chowdhury, (joint secretary-Environment), and Mr. Md. Akhteruzzaman, private secretary to Minister (Joint Secretary), Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate change.
Fourth batch of uranium for RNPP reaches Rooppur amid tight security
The fourth consignment of uranium, the nuclear fuel for Rooppur Nuclear Power Plant, has arrived in Pabna’s Rooppur under special security arrangement.
A convoy carrying the fresh nuclear fuel entered the project area around 9:30 am on Friday.
Confirming the development, Pabna Superintendent of Police Akbar Ali Munshi said upon its arrival in the project area, both Bangladeshis and Russians, who were involved in the project, warmly greeted the convoy.
Also read: First batch of uranium for RNPP reaches Rooppur amid tight security
The convoy, transporting uranium, departed from Dhaka in the morning, crossed the Bangabandhu Bridge, and reached the Rooppur project area via Natore’s Banpara.
Earlier on September 28, the first consignment of fuel for the Rooppur Nuclear Power Project arrived in Bangladesh. The next day, on September 29, fuel was taken to the project area under special security measures.
The consignment was formally handed over in the presence of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and Russian President Vladimir Putin through a video conference on October 5, marking Bangladesh’s entry to the world’s elite club of nuclear power producers.
On January 15, 2013, an agreement regarding State Export Credit of US$ 500 million was signed for carrying out preparatory phase construction works of Rooppur Nuclear Power Plant.
The government signed a US$12.65 billion general contract (GC) in 2015 with Moscow for building the nuclear power plant.
Also read: Russia to take back spent fuel of Rooppur nuclear power plant: PM Hasina tells fuel handing ceremony
Bangladesh signed a credit agreement with Russia to obtain $11.385 billion credit for RNPP in July 2016. The credit covers 90 percent of the project cost.
The Ministry of Science and Technology recently said that the first unit of the plant may come into operation in July 2024 and the second unit in July 2025.
Once the two units become operational, the Rooppur Nuclear Power Plant will be capable of generating 2,400 MW of power. The first unit has reached over 90 percent completion in terms of physical and structural work, while the second unit has progressed to about 70 percent completion.
According to the World Nuclear Association website, the countries using nuclear energy include the US, China, France, Russia, South Korea, Canada, Ukraine, Germany, Japan, Spain Sweden, Belgium, UK, India, Czech Republic, Finland, Switzerland, Bulgaria, Pakistan, Hungary, Slovakia, Brazil, South Africa, Mexico, Romania, Argentina, United Arab Emirates, Belarus, Slovenia, the Netherlands, Iran and Armenia.
Also read: Rooppur Nuclear Power Plant to take one and half years to commission: Yeafesh Osman
Young couple ‘commit suicide’ in Magura: Police
A young man and his lover allegedly committed suicide by consuming poison at Baraichara village in Magura Sadar upazila, police said.
The deceased was identified as Swagatam Biswas, 20, and Rupa Sarkar, 25. They were neighbours.
2 die after house catches fire in Magura
Magura Police Station Officer-in-Charge Sikandar Ali said, Rupa Sarkar got married to Sujan Sarkar, brother-in-law of Swagatam Biswas's sister, six months ago. As they lived in the same area, the love affair gradually got deeper.
Later, a dispute erupted between their families over their relationship. At around 1:00am last night, both Swagatam and Rupa went out of their houses and ingested poison together, said OC Sikandar Ali .
8-year-old girl electrocuted in Magura
Later, the family members rescued them and admitted them to Magura Sadar Hospital where they died in the early hours of Friday.
Dr Md Ehsanul Haque Masum, emergency medical officer of Sadar Hospital, said,Rupa and Swagatam were admitted to Magura Sadar Hospital late at night after consuming poison.
Biker dead, two pillion riders injured in Magura road accident
They later died during treatment, he added.
A case of unnatural death has been filed with Magura Police Station. The bodies have been sent to the morgue for autopsy.
Bharat Biotech working on developing dengue vaccine: Officials
Bharat Biotech, one of India's leading vaccine manufacturers, is working on the development of dengue vaccine.
At the same time, the Bharat Biotech authority has announced that the third trial for Chikungunya vaccine is currently at the approval stage.
This information was provided by the Indian vaccine manufacturer in a presentation to the visiting Bangladeshi delegation of journalists at the BHARAT BIOTECH factory in Hyderabad on Thursday.
Also read: Decision on dengue vaccine upon recommendation from NITAG: DGHS
The authorities at Bharat Biotech said, "We are actively engaged in the development of a dengue vaccine. The dengue virus is highly complicated, as its variants change rapidly, making it challenging to work with."
At the same time, vaccines for mosquito-borne disease Chikungunya, as well as the lumpy skin
Dhaka’s air quality ‘unhealthy’ Friday morning
Dhaka has ranked seventh on the list of cities worldwide with the worst air quality with an AQI index of 155 at 9:00 am on Friday.
Dhaka’s air was classified as 'unhealthy', according to the air quality index.
Also read: Air pollution causing severe health concerns: CPD
When the AQI value for particle pollution is between 101 and 150, air quality is considered ‘unhealthy for sensitive groups’, between 150 and 200 is ‘unhealthy’, between 201 and 300 is said to be 'very unhealthy', while a reading of 301+ is considered 'hazardous', posing serious health risks to residents.
Pakistan’s Lahore, India’s Delhi, United Arab Emirates’ Dubai occupied the first three spots on the list, with AQI scores of 325, 226 and 164, respectively.
The AQI, an index for reporting daily air quality, informs people how clean or polluted the air of a certain city is and what associated health effects might be a concern for them.
Also read: Bangladeshis, Indians, Nepalis and Pakistanis expected to live 5 years less due to air pollution: AQLI
The AQI in Bangladesh is based on five pollutants: particulate matter (PM10 and PM2.5), NO2, CO, SO2, and ozone.
Dhaka has long been grappling with air pollution issues. Its air quality usually turns unhealthy in winter and improves during the monsoon.
As per World Health Organization (WHO), air pollution kills an estimated seven million people worldwide every year, mainly due to increased mortality from stroke, heart disease, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, lung cancer, and acute respiratory infections.
Japanese investors urged to invest in Bangladesh
LGRD and Cooperatives Minister Md Tazul Islam has urged the Japanese investors to invest in Bangladesh and make the relations stronger on trade and investment front.
"Japan remains a very good and trusted friend of Bangladesh. There is huge opportunity in Bangladesh to explore," he told a visiting Japanese business delegation.
A dinner was hosted at Dhaka Club in honour of the visiting Japanese delegation on Thursday night.
Read: US envoy Peter Haas meets editors
Jatiya Press Club General Secretary and Editor of the daily Bhorer Kagoj Shyamal Dutta delivered welcome remarks.
The LGRD Minister said Bangladesh wants to become a developed country and there is huge potential to work for further infrastructure development.
"Bangladesh is providing all kinds of facilities for the foreign investors," he said,adding that the investors will get adequate workers in Bangladesh and a very good investment environment prevails in the country.
Describing Japan a trusted friend, Shyamal Dutta said the Japanese complete their projects even before schedule.
He said Bangladesh is walking towards next phase of development and Japan is a partner of Bangladesh's growing development.
Earlier, the Japanese delegation met PM's Advisor Salman F Rahman and discussed issues of mutual interest.
Read: Gazans find nowhere is safe during Israel’s relentless bombing
At the invitation of the Prime Minister of Japan Kishida Fumio, PM Sheikh Hasina made an official visit to Japan from 25th to 28th April this year.
During the visit, Prime Minister Kishida had a summit meeting with Prime Minister Hasina on 26th April.
The two Prime Ministers confirmed that, guided by the traditional and time-tested friendship since the independence of Bangladesh, the two countries have achieved significant progress in bilateral relations based on the “Comprehensive Partnership” established in 2014.
Noting that the two countries celebrated the 50th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations in 2022, as a manifestation of commitment and determination to contribute to enhancing the bilateral relationship based on common values and mutual interests, they decided to elevate the bilateral relationship to a “Strategic Partnership” as a guiding principle to lead the two countries’ journey into the next 50 years and beyond.
Father sentenced to death in Chattogram for raping daughter
A Chattogram court on Thursday sentenced a father to death for raping his own daughter.
The accused father has been identified as Md Nasir Molla, 35, son of late Jalil Molla of West Shauljalia area of Kathalia thana in Jhalakathi district.
Chattogram Women and Children Repression Prevention Tribunal-7 Judge Ferdous Ara passed the order on Thursday.
Read: 3 women killed as bus hits auto-rickshaw in Cumilla; 10 injured
Confirming the verdict, Special Public Prosecutor of Chattogram Women and Children Repression Prevention Tribunal Advocate Khandaker Ariful Alam said, “Nasir Molla has been sentenced to death and fined Tk 3 lakh for raping his own daughter.”
According to the case statement, Molla forcibly raped his teenage daughter (12) multiple times against her will in the absence of her mother at her home from March 25 to April 20, 2021.
Read: Unidentified man’s body found in SylhetA rape case was filed against the father on April 28 of the same year over the incident. Later, the police filed a chargesheet with the tribunal on June 24 of the same year accusing Mollah.
US envoy Peter Haas meets editors
US Ambassador to Dhaka Peter Haas on Thursday welcomed the members of the 'Media Freedom Coalition' and senior editors from major Bangladeshi news outlets to show support for a free and independent media.
Liberty and democracy are guarded by the freedom of the press, said the US Embassy in Dhaka after the event.
Journalism is not just a profession, it is a vital aspect of democracy to seek accountability from elected leaders, said the Embassy.
Read: Japanese delegation meets DNCC Mayor
The current political situation, upcoming political programmes and the US visa policy also came up for discussion briefly, said a meeting source.
The Daily Star Editor Mahfuz Anam, Prothom Alo Editor Matiur Rahman, Daily Bhorer Kagoj Editor Shyamal Dutta, Bangladesh Protidin Editor Naem Nizam, Daily Jugantor Editor Saiful Alam, among others, were present.
3 women killed as bus hits auto-rickshaw in Cumilla; 10 injured
At least three women were killed and ten others were injured as a bus hit a CNG-run auto-rickshaw on Dhaka-Chattogram highway in Cumilla’s Daudkandi upazila on Thursday, said police.
The deceased were identified as Fazilatunnessa, wife of Renu Mia of Barpara village of Daudkandi upazila, Sumaiya Akhter wife of Ahad Mia of the same village and Rushia Begum of Pennai village of the same upazila.
The identities of the injured could not be ascertained immediately, said Mohsin Mia, sub-inspector (SI) Daudkandi Highway police.
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The accident occurred around 5pm in the Jinglatoli area on the Dhaka-Chattagram highway on Thursday.
SI Mohsin Mia said that the passengers carrying the bus of KK Paribahan was going to Chattogram from Dhaka. When it reached the Jinglatoli area, the bus hit the auto-rickshaw coming from the opposite direction and fell into the roadside ditch.
“Three women in the auto-rickshaw died on the spot,” he added.
The injured passengers of the bus were rescued and sent to Daudkandi Upazila Health Complex.
The police officer said they seized the bus but the driver and his associate managed to escape.
Preparatory work for Orbis Flying Eye Hospital’s visit going on in full swing
The preparatory work for the next year’s visit of Orbis Flying Eye Hospital, the world’s only fully accredited ophthalmic teaching hospital on board an MD-10 aircraft, to Bangladesh is going on in full swing.
A four-member delegation of Orbis headquarters visited Bangladesh as part of the preparation for ‘the 11th FEH Training Programme-2024’ in Chattogram that will take place on November 14-28.
The delegation members are Orbis Flying Eye Hospital Programme Manager Meryem Altun Parent, Senior Manager (Advanced Logistics) Ernesto Moreno, Staff Ophthalmologist Mohamed El Abed and Staff Nurse Jacqueline Newton.
Like the previous occasions, the flying hospital will offer critical medical services to Bangladeshi patients and conduct training for ophthalmologists. The two-week programme will be FEH’s 11th mission in Bangladesh and fifth in Chattogram.
Orbis delegation had a meeting with the officials of Bangladesh College of Physicians and Surgeons (BCPS) on Thursday at the college in Dhaka where they discussed the capacity building of ophthalmologists and human resources development in the field in Bangladesh through the flying hospital, said a press release.
BCPS President Prof Mohammod Shahidullah, its Ophthalmology Department Chairman Prof Deen Mohd Noorul Haq, who was the director general of Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS), and other faculty members were present.