Bangladesh
Durga Puja set to begin Friday
Durga Puja, the biggest religious festival of the Hindu community, is set to begin on Friday with Maha Sashthi puja at temples across the country.
Preparations at all the puja mandaps have nearly been completed.
Centering the festival, devotees and artisans are busy in decorating the temples and pandals across the country.
A mood of festivities persists among the devotees irrespective of ages marking the festival while adequate security measures have already been taken in the puja pandals across the country.
The five-day festival starts with 'Bodhon' of the Goddess Durga marking Sashthi while the festival will come to an end with the immersion of the idols of the Goddess Durga in the nearby rivers and water bodies across the country on October 24.
Read: No specific security threat during Durga puja: DMP chief
Earlier, on October 16, Police Headquarters issued an advisory to the Hindu community for the smooth celebration of Durga Puja, the biggest festival of Hindu community in the country.
The PHQ urged the Hindu community to remain aware about those involved in spreading rumour in the social networking sites including Facebook, YouTube and Twitter in a bid to harm religious harmony.
It also asked the puja organisers to set up separate entry ways for female and male devotees.
All were asked to refrain from carrying any bags at the puja mandaps.
It also asked to ensure CCTV cameras and fire extinguishers and established archways in important puja Mandaps.
The PHQ also asked the authorities concerned to keep sufficient lights on the immersion day and keep generator, charger lights standby for any emergency, if possible.
Read: Durga Puja: PHQ issues advisory to ensure smooth puja celebration
It also asked the authorities concerned to appoint volunteers for security.
The PHQ also asked to refrain from firecrackers during puja.
It also asked to use designated routes for immersion of idols and ensure attendance of volunteers at the Puja mandaps.
In any emergency, PHQ asked to call the police headquarters, DMP control room or Rapid Action Battalion control room.
The control room numbers are—01320001299, 01320001300, 01-55102666, 02-223381188, 02-47119988, 01320037845-46, 02-48963117 and 01777720029.
Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) Commissioner Habibur Rahman on Thursday said that there is no specific security threat during the Durga puja and all necessary measures have been taken in this regard.
“There is no specific threat in the Dhaka metropolitan area on the occasion of puja. However, our plan has been taken keeping all kinds of concerns in mind and we are ready to deal with all kinds of threats,” he said.
JICA-sponsored tablets distributed among food safety officials
Tablets were distributed among the officials working in 64 districts and metropolitan offices for monitoring work and preparation of reports and training was given on the use of tablets at the conference room of Bangladesh Food Safety Authority on Thursday
Acting Chairman of Bangladesh Food Safety Authority Abu Noor Md Shamsuzzaman was present as the chief guest.
"Through proper use of tabs distributed by JICA, field level officials will play a leading role in ensuring safe food and preparing paperless reports," he said.
Atsushi Koyama, Team Leader of JICA Project, was present as the special guest at the tab distribution programme organised at the BFSA Training Room.
"Through the use of distributed tabs, the officials deployed at the district level of the authority will play an effective role in modernising the monitoring activities and building the smart Bangladesh of tomorrow," he said.
Read: No specific security threat during Durga puja: DMP chief
Manzur Morshed Ahmed, Member of the BFSA, presided over the event. "With today's tablet distribution programme to ensure monitoring, the authorities have entered a new era and moved one step further to ensure safe food for the people of the country," he said.
Abdun Naser Khan, Project Director of JICA, delivered the welcome speech at the event. He thanked JICA for its initiative to build smart Bangladesh and modernise the Food Safety Authority.
UNDP-sponsored workshop tells Bangladeshi youths to join climate fight
To empower the youth of Bangladesh to take a leading role in addressing the country's climate challenges in the upcoming Climate Conference of parties- CoP28, "Youth Engagement in Climate Change Negotiation Process" workshop was organised by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) on Thursday, in Dhaka, where over 30 youths from across Bangladesh took part.
The youth of Bangladesh, with a population of 45.9 million, are particularly vulnerable to climate impacts, affecting their socioeconomic well-being, security, physical and mental health, and their sense of the future.Unfortunately, their participation in political decision-making processes, both nationally and internationally, remains limited despite the far-reaching consequences of these decisions on their future livelihoods, the workshop was told.
Read: Japanese delegation meets DNCC Mayor
The event was organised with the aim of addressing this critical issue by building youth capacity. The daylong workshop empowered young leaders with the knowledge and skills to effectively engage in climate negotiations, allowing Bangladesh to advocate for equitable, low-carbon, and climate-resilient development.Also, it helped young climate negotiators with the formal negotiation process of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), enhancing their ability to engage in international climate forums effectively.
Speaking as the chief guest, Saber Hossain Chowdhury, MP, said, "In international arenas like COP, the voices of young people are getting louder to change the future by demanding climate actions. They are not taking 'No' for an answer as they realise that there is no time to lose."
Read: Chilean President Gabriel Boric makes a brief stopover at Dhaka airport
"The government of Bangladesh has taken several bold steps to empower youth for Climate Actions through different plans and programs," he further added.
Stefan Liller, UNDP Bangladesh Resident Representative, said, " "Bangladesh, once only known as being climate-vulnerable, is now a global leader in generating resilience and adaptation solutions. Let's continue to collectively push the #ClimateChange agenda from wherever we are."
The "Youth Engagement in Climate Change Negotiation Process" workshop is part of the 'Climate Promise- From Pledge to Impact' project, jointly implemented by UNDP and the Ministry of Environment, Forest, and Climate Change. This project aims to strengthen mitigation actions in Bangladesh, addressing emissions and contributing to global efforts to limit temperature rise in alignment with the Paris Agreement.Dr Abdul Hamid, Director General of the Department of Environment, was the Chair of this event.The event also featured contributions from Prasenjit Chakma, Assistant Resident Representative, UNDP Bangladesh; Mirza Shawkat Ali, Director (International Convention & Climate Change), Department of Environment; Professor Ainun Nishat, Professor Emeritus, BRAC University; Dr. Fazle Rabbi Sadeque Ahmed, Deputy Managing Director, PKSF and Arif Faisal, Programme Specialist, UNDP Bangladesh who shared their insights and expertise.
Bangladesh Bank expects 2nd part of IMF loan in December
Bangladesh Bank (BB) expects to receive $681 million in the second tranche of a $4.7 billion loan from the International Monetary Fund (IMF) in December, after the global lender of last resort's board meeting.Executive Director and Spokesperson of BB Md Mezbaul Haque on Thursday in a briefing on the IMF and the central bank meeting disclosed as much.He said the IMF had several conditions and the BB worked with these conditions, some of the conditions already have been met.
Read: Staff-level agreement reached with IMF for next tranche of $4.7 bn loanHowever, in the last meeting, both sides agreed on several issues. So, it is expected that Bangladesh will receive the second part of the loan of $681 million. The IMF will decide on this in its board meeting in December, he said.In response to a query, the spokesperson said: "The IMF had given us some conditions while approving the loan. Some of these conditions are fulfilled. There are failures in two areas. These are – low foreign exchange reserves and a shortfall of revenue collection."“But many of the IMF’s desires have been met. The financial stability report of the banks was supposed to be released, but the central bank released it. Reserves are being calculated as per BPM-6,” Mezbaul said.Besides, market-determined exchange rates of currencies were introduced. New rules of interest have been introduced, he said.
Read: ICC will work with FBCCI in arbitration and skill development sectorsIn January this year, the IMF approved a loan proposal of USD $4.70 billion to Bangladesh. In the first part of the loan, Bangladesh received $476.2 million last February.
ACC nods filing cases against 2 owners of Apan Jewellers
The Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) on Thursday approved the case against two owners of Apan Jewellers- Dildar Hossain Selim and Azad Hossain Selim.Secretary of the Commission (ACC) Mahbub Hossain said this to reporters at a press briefing in the ACC head office in Dhaka. He said the case was approved against them for concealing information, including gaining wealth illegally.
Read: ACC seeks travel ban for suspected health sector syndicate boss Mithu, seizes assetsThey will be sued under Section 27 (1) of the ACC Act 2004.On June 6, 2018, a notice was issued to submit the wealth statement after a preliminary inquiry into the allegations of amassing wealth beyond known income against Dildar Ahmed. He submitted the wealth statement on July 2. Dildar submitted information about the total amount of assets including movable and immovable assets worth more than Tk 88 crore in the wealth statement.During the investigation of the wealth statement, the total amount of assets in his name was found to be more than TK 89.51 crore. There is a gap of Tk 64,64,5 in the wealth statement submitted by him.Dildar Ahmed Selim's total income is Tk. 33,99,78,591 against the total assets of Tk. 89,51,17,800. Other expenses including family expenses was TK. 4,25,17,193. The total assets including expenses are TK 93,76,34,993.
Read: ACC files case against ex-police official in ChattogramAs a result, his assets beyond known income amount to TK 59,76,56,402. The ACC submitted a report recommending filing of a case under sections 26(2) and 27(1) of the Anti-Corruption Commission Act, 2004.On the other hand, the Anti-Corruption Commission issued an order against Azad Ahmed, another owner of Apan Jewellers, on June 5, 2018.He submitted the wealth statement on June 7 of the next month.In the wealth statement, he showed the account of movable and immovable assets worth Tk 41,66,10,151 including movable assets worth Tk 9,30,87,905 and immovable assets worth Tk 32,35,22,246.During the investigation, the acceptable source of income of Azad Ahmed was found to be TK 29,15,06,177 , and his total assets including TK 3,67,78.597 in family income TK 45,33,88,748. In this case, the amount of assets beyond his known income is TK 16, 18, 82, 571. The ACC recommended filing of a case under the section 27 (1) of the Anti-Corruption Commission Act, 2004, by acquiring and possessing assets worth Tk 16,18,82,571/- inconsistent with his known source of income.
Read: ACC files case against DNCC ward councilorThe ACC approved the filing of a case against Azad Ahmed for amassing assets beyond known income of Tk 16,18,82,571.
ACC seeks travel ban for suspected health sector syndicate boss Mithu, seizes assets
The Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) has seized all the assets of Motajjerul Islam Mithu, a controversial contractor who allegedly amassed huge wealth illegally in the health sector, an official said on Thursday.
The commission’s Secretary Mahbub Hossain told reporters at the ACC headquarters on Thursday that the watchdog body also sent a letter to the Special Branch (SB) of the Bangladesh Police for his travel ban.
"Recently we have come to know that Motazzerul Islam Mithu is staying in Bangladesh. As there are allegations against him related to acquisition of huge illegal wealth and smuggling abroad. For this reason, his foreign travel has been barred by the court and the movable and immovable properties acquired by him have been attached and frozen by the order of the court,” he said.
Read: Ex-ACC official's death in custody: Court orders to take case against OC, 9 others
The secretary also said that this action was taken for the purpose of investigating the complaint against Mithu regarding illegal acquisition of wealth and money laundering, which is under investigation in the commission.
Responding to a question whether Mithu would be arrested, he said that the investigating officer would take necessary action in accordance with law.
In response to another question, he said, "We do not know whether any of his assets have been seized in the United States."
Read: Ex-ACC official's death in custody: Two ASIs suspended
Mahbub also said that how much wealth has been seized that will come out after the investigation.
According to the ACC sources, Mashiur Rahman, the leader of the investigation team, sent a letter to the Special Branch (SB) of the seeking travel ban.
The ACC also appealed to the Metropolitan Judges Court to seize immovable and immovable properties worth Tk 74 crore and freeze as per Section 10 and 14 of Prevention of Money Laundering Act, 2012 and Section 18 of Anti-Corruption Commission Rules 2007.
Mithu had dominance in all types of tenders and purchases in the health sector. He has huge wealth in some countries including in the United States. An ACC investigation into a money laundering case against him is ongoing. On August 6, 2020, in the investigation of mask-PPE purchase corruption, Mithu was summoned, but he did not appear due to illness.
The charges against him are his syndicate allegedly supplied substandard goods at very high prices, did not supply goods as per tender conditions, withdrew bills without supplying goods in some cases and supplied unnecessary and unwanted goods in 12 hospitals across the country.
Shapla Tax launches new app for effortless tax filing
As Bangladesh progresses into the digital era, the introduction of a tax filing app has become a crucial necessity to improve Bangladesh’s tax culture. A digital tax-filing app not only eases the burden on taxpayers but also aligns with the vision of Smart Bangladesh, emphasizing technological advancement and efficient governance.
Shapla Tax, already a distinguished figure in online tax solutions, unveiled its trailblazing Shapla Tax App recently at its Dhaka head office, said a press release.
The inauguration saw a gathering of esteemed media personnel and other notable attendees, all of whom were given an immersive understanding of the app's purpose, development, and its transformative potential for the nation's tax management.
The previous year bore testimony to Shapla Tax's remarkable achievements, with over 1,000 individuals trusting the platform for their tax filings. Another noteworthy feature that garnered significant attention was their free tax calculator, designed to provide instant tax estimates, further simplifying the tax preparation process for users.
The app stands out with its streamlined 3-step tax filing system, backed by robust encryption technologies that prioritize user data protection. What sets it apart further is its unique alliance with ITP-certified professionals, ensuring meticulous consultation and guidance. Its compliance with the Auditing Standards Board of the American
Institute or AICPA via Google Cloud also amplifies its security standards, ensuring compliance with global benchmarks. Thus, with its impeccable design and document management prowess, the Shapla Tax App emerges as the new benchmark in digital tax facilitation.
Deaths from dengue now 1,214 with 8 more reported Thursday
Eight more deaths were reported from dengue in 24 hours till Thursday morning, raising the fatalities from the mosquito-borne disease in Bangladesh to 1,214 this year.
During the period, 2,350 more patients were hospitalised with the viral fever, according to the DGHS.
Read: City corporations, municipalities should take long term plan for curbing dengue: Health Minister
Of the new patients, 515 were admitted to hospitals in Dhaka and the rest outside the capital--indicating a worsening situation across the country, DGHS said.
A total of 8,232 dengue patients, including 2,472 in the capital, are now receiving treatment at hospitals across the country.
Read: Decision on dengue vaccine upon recommendation from NITAG: DGHS
So far, the DGHS has recorded 2,49,543 dengue cases and 2,40,097 recoveries this year.
September has so far been the deadliest month for the dengue outbreak this year with 396 fatalities and 79,598 cases, according to DGHS data.
Japanese delegation meets DNCC Mayor
A delegation of Japan paid a courtesy call on Dhaka North City Corporation Mayor Md. Atiqul Islam on Thursday.
The meeting was held on the 6th floor at the seminar hall of Nagar Bhaban in the capital's Gulshan-2, said a press release.
During the meeting, various issues including waterlogging, air pollution, noise pollution, mosquito control, health sector, cleanliness, development of traffic system came up for discussion.
They expressed hope to work together on the development of the overall issues, added the release.
Later, the delegation visited the exhibition of paintings by 77 artists organized on the occasion of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina's 77th birthday.
Nasrul Hamid meets Thai Deputy PM, seeks cooperation in energy sector
State for Power, Energy and Mineral Resources Nasrul Hamid has discussed energy cooperation with the Deputy Prime Minister of Thailand during his visit to the South-East Asian nation.
According to the Ministry of Power, Energy and Mineral Resources Ministry, a four-member Bangladesh delegation, led by the state minister met with Deputy Prime Minister and Energy Minister of Thailand Pirapan Salirathavibhaga at the United Nations Conference Center in Bangkok in Thailand.
At the meeting, various issues of mutual interest were discussed.
Read: PM Hasina denounces BNP as a terrorist party that kills people
Nasrul focused on the investment, energy and economic cooperation between the two nations and also increasing the use of safe lithium batteries in electric vehicles in Bangladesh.
He said that achieving SDG goals, mutual cooperation in energy security and use of clean energy will ensure overall development in the energy sector of both countries in the near future.
The deputy prime minister of Thailand emphasised on increasing energy cooperation, saying that both countries can benefit if mutual cooperation can be increased through discussion.
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Bangladesh Ambassador to Thailand, Md. Abdul Hai, Additional Secretary of Power Division Dr. Syed Masum Ahmed Chowdhury and officials of Thailand's Ministry of Energy were present on the occasion.