Bangladesh
BIWTA to hold boat race marking PM Hasina's birthday
Bangladesh Inland Water Transport Authority (BIWTA) has organised a boat race on the Turag river, on the occasion of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina's birthday.
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The boat race will be held tomorrow (September 28), at the end point of the main road in Mohammadpur's Dhaka Udyan, on the Turag river, at 3:30 pm, said Senior Information Officer of Shipping Ministry, Jahangir Alam Khan.
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State Minister for Shipping, Khalid Mahmud Chowdhury, will be present as the chief guest, while Haji Mohammad Salim will be present as a special guest along with others. BIWTA Chairman Commodore Arif Ahmed Mostafa will preside over the event.
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Twelve teams named after rivers -- Buriganga, Shitalakhya, Turag, Dhaleshwari, Ichhamoti, Karnaphuli, Surma, Kirtankhola, Arial Kha, Dakatia, Bongshi and Balu -- will participate in different segments of the boat race.
Bangladesh-Thai Chamber of Commerce and Industry seeks govt cooperation in boosting trade relations
Bangladesh-Thai Chamber of Commerce and Industry (BTCCI) placed a number of proposals to the Industries Ministry, seeking government cooperation in relocating potential industries in Bangladesh from Thailand.
BTCCI also sought the removal of tariff barriers to strengthen bilateral economic cooperation and promote lucrative sectors of Bangladesh to other nations.
UN Assistant Secretary General visits Rohingya camps in Cox’s Bazar
The proposals were made during a courtesy call of Shams Mahmud, president of BTCCI, with the Minister for Industries, Nurul Majid Mahmud Humayun, at Shilpa Bhaban in Dhaka on Tuesday.
Shams Mahmud said that Bangladesh and Thailand are time-tested friends. BTCCI has been playing an important role since its inception in 2003, he added.
The BTCCI president also emphasized establishing more joint ventures between Bangladesh and Thailand, and requested that the industries minister help and initiate this.
Bangladesh-US ties 'outstandingly cordial' but some trying to inject bitterness: Momen
He said that investments of some big companies in Bangladesh, like Italian-Thai Development Company Limited, CP Bangladesh Ltd and Siam City Cement Ltd., were proofs of Thailand's interest in considering Bangladesh as an investment destination.
He also mentioned that apart from the existing sectors like jute, leather, agro, light engineering etc., Bangladesh could also focus on pharmaceuticals, RMG, tourism and hospitality management, frozen foods, fisheries, infrastructure, education and training to attract Thai investment.
‘There are no right hands to handle these wrong weapons’: Momen calls for eliminating nuclear weapons at UN
The industries minister thanked BTCCI for their contribution and assured all-out cooperation in enhancing bilateral relations between Bangladesh and Thailand. Thailand could also play an important role by investing in Bangladesh's infrastructure, he said.
BTCCI Senior Vice President and FBCCI Vice President Md. Munir Hossain emphasized on strengthening the already established good relationship between Bangladesh and Thailand.
‘There are no right hands to handle these wrong weapons’: Momen calls for eliminating nuclear weapons at UN
Bangladesh has emphasized the urgent need for global efforts to eliminate nuclear weapons and ensure a safer world.
“No one is safe as long as nuclear weapons exist,” Foreign Minister Dr AK Abdul Momen said while speaking at a high-level plenary meeting of the 78th Session of the UN General Assembly to commemorate the International Day for the Total Elimination of Nuclear Weapons.
Momen urged the world to stop investing in nuclear weapons proliferation and instead redirect these resources to preventing climate change, promoting sustainable development, and ensuring peace and stability.
Bangladesh-US ties 'outstandingly cordial' but some trying to inject bitterness: Momen
He said that death and destruction caused by nuclear weapons cut across borders, across generations.
“The total elimination of nuclear weapons is the only absolute guarantee against this menace,” said the foreign minister.
Dr Momen reiterated Bangladesh’s firm belief in the total elimination of nuclear weapons and its commitment to the Treaty on Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons (TPNW).
He welcomed the first State Parties' meeting to the TPNW, its declaration, and a 50-point Action Plan, emphasizing the importance of full implementation by all nations, including nuclear-weapon states and nuclear-umbrella states.
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The Bangladeshi foreign minister also highlighted the risks of nuclear use, whether by intent or accident.
“There are no right hands to handle these wrong weapons,” he said.
Momen called upon the nuclear weapon states to take stringent measures to avoid the risk of nuclear weapons falling into the hands of terrorists or other unauthorized actors.
He called for increased investment in research of nuclear technology and exploration of the potentials of the peaceful use of nuclear energy for the benefit of humankind.
The foreign minister called for a global culture of peace, renewed efforts towards a nuclear-free world, and the resumption of disarmament negotiations.
Bangladesh welcomes increased investment interest from Saudi Arabia
The high-level plenary meeting to commemorate and promote the International Day for the Total Elimination of Nuclear Weapons was held on September 26 at the United Nations General Assembly in New York, according to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Bangladesh-US ties 'outstandingly cordial' but some trying to inject bitterness: Momen
Foreign Minister Dr AK Abdul Momen has described Bangladesh's relationship with the United States as "outstandingly warm and cordial," but noted that some quarters are trying to inject bitterness into this relationship through lies.
The foreign minister said that the United States believes in democracy and human rights.
"So, there is similarity in our views and thoughts with the United States. In principle, the two countries have similarities. However, some individuals may not appreciate our development," Momen said, calling upon the Bangladeshi expatriates in the United States to be vigilant.
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He urged the Bangladeshi diaspora to take a stand, regardless of their political affiliation, to challenge those who lie about Bangladesh.
The foreign minister was speaking at a views-exchange meeting organized by the Bangabandhu Foundation in New York's Bangladeshi-dominated Jackson Heights on September 26.
The foreign minister said, "We have remarkably friendly relations with the United States. America believes in the same principles and values we believe in. Bangladesh is the country where we have fought for democracy. Although we won the popular vote, we were not allowed to form the government in 1971. Rather, genocide was unleashed on us, and then Bangabandhu declared independence."
FM Momen for strengthening trade, investment ties with African nations
Momen said Bangladesh declared independence to establish democracy, justice, and human rights.
"Because of this, we had to sacrifice three million lives during the Liberation War. Nowhere in the world have so many people sacrificed themselves for democracy and human rights in such a short period of time. We are the only nation in the world that has made such great sacrifices for democracy and human rights," he added.
Referring to the replacement of the Digital Security Act, he said, the government accepted the suggestions provided by the United States as a friendly country.
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"The United States expects free and fair elections, and we are also committed to free and fair elections. But there are some people in our country who want to boycott the elections, they fear elections," the foreign minister said, referring to the opposition, that they are trying to thwart the election.
The foreign minister said Bangladesh is now the 35th largest economy in the world.
"If Bangladesh's current economic development continues, we will become the 26th largest economy in a few years. We have 17 crore people, so our own market is huge. That's why many people are interested in our country, because our per capita income has increased 5 times," he said.
Momen said the poverty rate has been reduced by more than half. "All these have become possible due to the implementation of goal-oriented measures of the government led by Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina."
Momen also said, "We are now self-sufficient in food. We are third in the world in fish and vegetable production. We are fourth in the world in rice production. Our agricultural land has shrunk, but food production has quadrupled. This has been possible due to the visionary leadership of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina."
Momen said as Bangladesh is making progress, many people do not like the development activities of the country.
"We are an independent, sovereign country. Our Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman has given us a beautiful foreign policy. And this principle is 'friendship to all, malice to none.' We believe in this principle. We follow a balanced foreign policy," said the foreign minister.
Bangabandhu Foundation United States unit General Secretary Abdul Quader Mia was present at the event as a special guest. Other leaders including Moshiur Malek, Fakir Ilyas, Abdul Khalek Mia, New York Correspondent of Bangladesh Protidin Lovelu Ansar were present.
1500 families stranded as embankment collapses in Naogaon
A flood protection embankment along the Atrai River in Manda upazila of Naogaon district collapsed following water level increase, rendering 1500 families of a number of villages stranded.
Besides, 1000 bighas of Aush and Aman cropland were inundated.
The Atrai River was flowing 100 cm above the danger level due to the incessant rains for the last several days.
Eight villages in Feni flooded as embankment collapses
Local administration has started dumping sand bangs along the banks of the river to protect the embankment.
Around 1500 families are affected as Nurullabad, Parnurullabad, Prasadpur, Baibulla and Bishnapur unions have been flooded due to collapse of the embankment in four points.
300 families marooned as embankment collapses in Bagerhat
According to the local water development board, the river water started to swell from Sunday and was flowing 100 cm above the danger mark till Tuesday afternoon.
The river water will continue to increase today, it said.
Jahangir Alam, member of Nurullabad union parishad, said 1000 families of seven villages under the union have been trapped due to the flood water.
300 families marooned as embankment collapses in Bagerhat
Manda Upazila Nirbahi Officer, Laila Anjuman Banu, said the authorities concerned have visited the flood affected areas and the dumping of sand bags is going on in full swing.
Weeklong beach carnival and tourism fair in Cox’s Bazar set to start today
In an effort to promote local tourism, a weeklong beach carnival and tourism fair is set to start today (September 27, 2023).
The local administration has taken all preparations to inaugurate the carnival that will continue till October 3.
Hotels and motels in Cox’s Bazar are ready to welcome local and foreign tourists.
Tourism fair to begin Sunday at DU
Rooms of hotels and motels are booked ahead of the tourism fair.
Abu Morshed Chowdhury, president of Chamber of Commerce and Industry in Cox’s Bazar, said the fair can positively brand local tourism.
Muhammad Shaheen Imran, deputy commissioner of Cox’s Bazar district, said different programmes including circus, beach bike rally, cultural programmes, fireworks, road show, seminar, kite festival, magic show, fire spinning, surfing, beach marathon, beach volleyball and concert will be held during the weeklong fair.
Popular band Chirkutt, as well as artistes from Sunamganj, Kushtia, Sylhet, Kurigram and Mymensingh will arrive to perform at the carnival.
10th Asian Tourism Fair & 1st Bangladesh Tourism Development Summit 2023 opens
Young dancers from Bandarban, Khagrachhari and Rangamati, and the Rakhaine community from Cox’s Bazar will also participate in the fair.
A number of stalls have been set up at Laboni Point and other beach points.
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Hotels and motels in Cox’s Bazar have offered up to 60 percent discount on the occasion.
Woman with intellectual disability dies in Natore fire
A 40-year-old woman with intellectual disability was burned to death while two sustained burn injuries in a fire that broke out at their house at Naupara in Lalpur upazila of Natore district on Tuesday night.
The deceased was identified as Shahnaz Begum, daughter of Ramjan Ali of the village.
Ujjal Hossain, officer-in-charge of Lalpur Police Station, said a fire broke out at Shahnaz’s house, originating from a lamp, at 9 pm and spread soon.
Sweetmeat shop catches fire in Dhaka's Lalbagh
Hearing screams, neighbors rushed to the spot but failed to douse the fire.
On information, a firefighting unit recovered the body of Shahnaz and rescued two Mayesha Khatun, 8, Shahnaz’s daughter; and Yeatul Begum, 70, from the house.
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The injured were taken to a local hospital and later shifted to Rajshahi Medical College and Hospital.
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Dhaka’s air quality ‘unhealthy’, 5th worst in the world this morning
Dhaka's air quality has been categorized as ‘unhealthy’ this morning.
With an air quality index (AQI) score of 155 at 8:55 am, Dhaka ranked 5th on the list of cities worldwide with the worst air quality.
Pakistan’s Karachi, Kuwait’s Kuwait City and Indonesia’s Jakarta occupied the first three spots on the list, with AQI scores of 168, 158 and 157, respectively.
Dhaka’s air quality still 'unhealthy', 6th most polluted in the world this morning
An AQI between 150 and 200 is considered 'unhealthy', AQI between 201 and 300 is said to be 'very unhealthy', while a reading of 301+ is considered 'hazardous', posing serious health risks to residents.
In Bangladesh, the AQI is based on five criteria 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.
Dhaka's air quality 'moderate' this morning
Air pollution consistently ranks among the top risk factors for death and disability worldwide.
As per the World Health Organization (WHO), air pollution kills an estimated seven million people worldwide every year, largely as a result of increased mortality from stroke, heart disease, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, lung cancer and acute respiratory infections.
Dhaka's air quality 'moderate' Friday morning
UN Assistant Secretary General visits Rohingya camps in Cox’s Bazar
Unaisi Lutu Vuniwaqa, United Nations assistant secretary general for Safety and Security, has visited the Rohingya refugee camps in Cox's Bazar.She visited the Kutupalong-2 and Balukhali-8 refugee camps, as well as the extended part of the 20-year-old refugee camp in Ukhiya upazila on Tuesday.
US seeks sustained pressure on Myanmar to end Rohingya crisisRefugee Relief and Repatriation Commissioner Mizanur Rahman said during the visit, Vuniwaqa spoke to officials of the UN Refugee Agency (UNHCR), the UN World Food Programme and other humanitarian agencies involved in monitoring the situation in the camps.Earlier in the day, the UN assistant secretary general held a meeting with officials of Bangladesh Armed Police Battalion (APBN) and tried to understand the overall security situation in the refugee camps.
Dhaka urges OIC members to contribute voluntary fund to bear legal expenses of Rohingya caseThe security situation in the Rohingya camps has been deteriorating for some time. The issues have been discussed several times in the meetings of the national task force formed to look after the Rohingyas.This is the first time a representative of the UN Safety and Security Division has visited Bangladesh to monitor the security situation in Cox's Bazar.
Don’t forget the Rohingyas: PM Hasina urges Int’l communityThe UN assistant secretary general arrived in Cox's Bazar on Monday morning. She held a meeting with Cox's Bazar Refugee Relief and Repatriation Commissioner Mohammad Mizanur Rahman at 11:30am on Monday. Later, she also held a meeting with Cox's Bazar deputy commissioner and superintendent of police.It was learnt that Vuniwaqa is visiting Cox's Bazar to know more about the situation in the camps, and discuss the possible steps going forward to resolve the problems.
Bangladesh welcomes increased investment interest from Saudi Arabia
Welcoming increased interest from Saudi Arabia to invest in Bangladesh, State Minister for Foreign Affairs Md Shahriar Alam on Tuesday said the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has emerged as a valued development partner.
Saudi Fund for Development (SFD) has contributed some 533.23 million dollars in loan assistance and 106.38 million in grant assistance in infrastructure development of Bangladesh, he said.
"Bangladesh deeply appreciates Saudi Arabia’s commitment and efforts to diplomacy and regional stability," said the State Minister, while speaking at a reception as guest of honor marking the 93rd National Day of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia at the Royal Saudi Embassy.
PM's Private Industry and Investment Adviser Salman Fazlur Rahman joined as the chief guest.
Saudi Ambassador to Bangladesh Essa Yousef Essa Al Duhailan also spoke at the event, attended by Cabinet members, Ambassadors and High Commissioners stationed in Dhaka, business leaders and senior journalists.
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Shahriar Alam said Bangladesh welcomes Saudi Arabia’s restoration of ties with Iran and Qatar, its willingness to mediate between Russia and Ukraine, its initiative to bring Syria to the Arab League, and finding a political solution to the Yemen crisis. "We further reiterate our support for the Middle East peace process."
'We also take note of Saudi Arabia’s increasing global clout and welcome Saudi Arabia’s inclusion to BRICS. Indeed, we are happy to support Saudi Arabia in hosting Expo 2030 in Riyadh," he said. The State Minister laid emphasis on continued peace, progress and prosperity of Saudi Arabia.
"We hope that Bangladesh-Saudi relations will grow from strength to strength and move forward to the mutual benefits of our two peoples," he said, commending the Ambassador for his active and dynamic roles in strengthening mutual cooperation and bilateral engagements to new dimensions.
The State Minister conveyed their heartfelt felicitations to the Custodian of the two Holy Mosques, King Salman bin Abdulaziz and Crown Prince and the Prime Minister Mohammad bin Salman bin Abdulaziz, brotherly people and the government of Saudi Arabia on this grand occasion.
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He said Bangladesh and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia are trusted friends and bilateral partners.
"Bangladesh enjoys excellent multifaceted relations with the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia in the bilateral and multilateral areas," said the State Minister.
The relations take roots in the commonality of positions on major global issues and complementarity of interests in the economic fields, deep understanding, mutual respect, similar aspirations for peace and development underpinned by common Islamic tradition and culture, he said.
"The engagements today span across many areas including economy, trade, investment, energy security, agriculture, culture, education, etc. in addition to the dominant sector of manpower," said the State Minister.
Shahriar Alam said Bangladesh-Saudi relationship is witnessing a new era of partnership through a plethora of engagements.
"The depth and warmth of our ties is reflected in the high level visit and frequent exchange of messages between the leaders of our two countries," he said.
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Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina visited Saudi Arabia five times during the last 15 years in 2009, 2016, 2017, and twice in 2018 respectively.
Bangladesh also received high level delegations from Saudi Arabia to Dhaka including the Saudi Foreign Minister, Commerce Minister, Deputy Minister for Interior Affairs, and the Minister and Deputy Minister for Hajj and Umrah, along with a number of business delegations to Dhaka.
"Our President and Prime Minister’s recent productive meetings with the Crown Prince and Prime Minister Mohammed bin Salman Al Saud this year has inspired us to further elevate our excellent fraternal relations," said Shahriar.
The Kingdom is hosting 2.8 million workers from Bangladesh, who are not only the largest expat group in the Kingdom but also the biggest community of Bangladeshi expatriates outside Bangladesh.
"It’s a matter of great satisfaction that our overseas employment cooperation has expanded many-fold in recent years," Shahriar added.
The two countries signed a vital agreement this year related to Workers’ Recruitment and Skill Verification Programme (SVP) specific to the Bangladeshi workforce, through which the Kingdom will recruit skilled workers while continuing to recruit unskilled workers from the country.