Bangladesh
Momen senses untoward purpose behind Amnesty letter to UN on Bangladeshi peacekeepers
Foreign Minister Dr. AK Abdul Momen has said there is a certain purpose behind Amnesty International's appeal to the United Nations about the deployment of Bangladeshi forces in UN peacekeeping missions. However he wouldn't be drawn into what specifically the purpose might be.
About the interference of foreigners in the politics of Bangladesh, he said, "Don't believe foreigners, they destroy a country by saying nice things. Countries like Syria, Libya were very developed, but because of foreigners they were destroyed.”
Also read: Only enemies can undermine Bangladeshi peacekeepers’ sacrifice, Shahriar Alam says
Momen made the remarks while replying to questions from journalists after distributing Eid gifts among the poor people at Khadimnagar union of Sylhet Sadar upazila on Tuesday (June 27) around noon.
"These are their fabricated words," the minister said. “They are saying this on purpose. They want dissatisfaction among the army if Bangladesh's peacekeepers do not go to the UN.”
Dr Momen said the United Nations recruits UN peacekeeping force members very carefully and Bangladesh is aware about this.
Also read: Those trying to undermine peacekeepers’ achievements are Bangladesh’s enemies: Shahriar
Responding to a question regarding the recent uptick in foreign and local actors’ interest around the upcoming national election, Momen said some domestic and foreign forces work to prevent countries from progressing.
“Foreigners want Bangladesh to reach out to them and take help so that they can run the country as they wish,” the foreign minister said. "There may be allegations against the government, but conspiring against the country is not right.”
Also read: Peacekeeping Forces: UN says it does 'due diligence', thanks Bangladesh
‘What future do BNP and their paid agents plan for defence forces when they challenge their qualification to serve as peacekeepers?’ — Shahriar Alam asks
State Minister for Foreign Affairs Md Shahriar Alam today said only enemies can try to undermine Bangladesh's sacrifice and effort that has received worldwide appreciation.
"BNP has taken domestic politics to a level where such propaganda should be considered as anti-state activity and relevant people should be brought under trial," he tweeted, apparently referring to Bangladesh's contributions to UN’s peacekeeping operations.
Alam wondered what future "BNP and their paid agents" at home and abroad plan for all important security and defence forces when they challenge their qualification to serve as peacekeepers worldwide.
Also read: Peacekeeping Forces: UN says it does 'due diligence', thanks Bangladesh
Earlier on Sunday, the state minister said those who at home and abroad are trying to undermine Bangladeshi peacekeepers’ achievements in the UN missions are “enemies of the country.”
“It is very unfortunate. They are our pride. Our peacekeepers are an example in the whole world. They are not Bangladesh’s friends but they are enemies who are trying to undermine this achievement and trying to make our efforts fail,” he told diplomatic correspondents in Dhaka.
The state minister made the remarks when his comment was sought about the letters before the visit of United Nations Under-Secretary General for Peace Operations Jean-Pierre Lacroix and comments by two international human rights bodies.
Also read: Preparatory Meeting of UN Peacekeeping Ministerial 2023 wraps up in Dhaka
Lacroix said he was impressed by the Bangladesh Institute of Peace Support Operation Training (BIPSOT) centre where over 10,000 women and men have been trained to join their UN peace operations.
Bangladesh is one of the largest contributors to UN peacekeeping operations. Bangladesh first deployed uniformed personnel to serve with the organization in 1988 when they were deployed to help monitor the armistice between Iran and Iraq.
So far, 167 peacekeepers from Bangladesh have lost their lives while serving in the UN peacekeeping operations, Shahriar said.
Over the past three decades, the contributions of these brave men and women in the countries in which they served have been immense, the UN said.
Also read: UN USG Lacroix commends Bangladesh’s proactive role to increase number of women peacekeepers
Russian Embassy gets into the Eid spirit
The Russian Embassy in Dhaka has said Russia, as a home to millions of Muslims, appreciates the contribution by the Muslim community to the development of humanitarian ties with the foreign countries, including Bangladesh.
Charge d’ Affaires ad interim of the Embassy, Ekaterina Semenova greeted Muslims all over the world on the occasion of Eid ul-Adha.
"On behalf of the Russian Embassy and myself, I would like to extend my warm wishes and sincere greetings on Eid ul-Adha to the Bangladeshi Muslims as well as pilgrims performing Hajj," she said.
This holiday has been always marked by good undertakings and empathy, aspiration for self-improvement and spiritual growth, said the diplomat.
Semenova added how it is important to promote religious tolerance and interfaith harmony, accept diversity of other beliefs and build connections between our communities.
It is heartening to see how the Muslims in Bangladesh gather to celebrate this festival with their friends and family in joyful atmosphere, she also said
"Everyone can fully experience the spirit of this holiday here through the kindness at the charity events and general hospitality of the people," said the Russian diplomat.
Deal signed for $225mn loan from Japan as budget support
Japan and Bangladesh on Tuesday signed a loan agreement of USD $225 million as budgetary support for the latter's economic recovery and strengthening public financial management capacity.
Sharifa Khan, Secretary, Economic Relations Division (ERD) signed the ‘Exchange of Notes’ and the ‘Loan Agreement’ on behalf of Bangladesh. Iwama Kiminori, the Ambassador of Japan, signed the ‘Exchange of Notes’ and Ichiguchi Tomohide, Chief Representative, JICA Bangladesh Office, signed the ‘Loan Agreement’ on behalf of Japan, an ERD press release said.
Under the ‘Development Policy Loan for Strengthening Public Financial Management’, the Government of Japan will provide Bangladesh 30 Billion Japanese Yen (equivalent to USD $225 Million) as budget support for economic recovery and strengthening public financial management capacity.
Also read: Japan provides 500 million yen for 4th Primary Education Development Programme
The interest rate of this loan is 1.6 percent, and Front End Fee (one time) 0.1 percent. Repayment period is 30 years which includes 10 years grace period. Earlier Government of Japan provided two other budget support loans amounting to 685 million Yen in 2020 and 2021.
Also read: Japan provides critical funding to WFP’s lifesaving food assistance for Rohingyas
Japan is the single largest bilateral development partner of Bangladesh. Japanese loans and grants are being utilized in a wide range of areas including power, roads, bridges, telecommunication, agriculture, health, education, water supply and sanitation, rural development, environment, human resource development etc.
Since independence, Japan has provided financial support worth USD $30.12 Billion to Bangladesh.
Also read: Speaker Shirin courts greater Japanese investment in economic zones
National Eidgah ready to hold Eid Jammat even in case of heavy rain: Taposh
Extensive preparations are underway to hold the main Eid Jamaat at the National Eidgah Maidan with nearly all arrangements already completed, said Dhaka South City Corporation Mayor, Barrister Sheikh Fazle Noor Taposh on Tuesday.
He said this while talking to reporters after inspecting the overall preparations for organizing the main Eid-ul-Azha congregation at the National Eidgah Maidan on Tuesday.
Also read: Action to be taken if passengers are charged extra fare during Eid journey: DMP Commissioner
Expressing concerns about possible adverse weather conditions during the upcoming Eid-ul-Azha, Taposh said, “Today's visit aims to ensure that there are no issues. Despite the rainfall, prayers will take place here. We have been in contact with the Meteorological Department, there may be rainfall and storms on the day of Eid. However, we have made necessary arrangements to enable people to perform the congregation successfully, even in the case of heavy rain or storms.”
He urged the people of Dhaka to complete their Qurbani activities within two days for humanitarian reasons and said, “I urge everyone to complete their Qurbani within two days—on the day of Eid and the following day. This is a humble request. In previous years, we have observed many sacrifices taking place even on the third day. It becomes challenging for us as our workers are involved in all the activities. Hence, I kindly request everyone to follow this guideline.”
Also read: Eid journey: Vehicles’ pressure increased on Gazipur highways
Regarding the disposal of waste from sacrificial animals, he assured that all necessary measures have been taken.
He said, “We have made extensive preparations for the waste management of sacrificial animals. Waste removal operations will commence at 2 pm on the day of Eid and will be monitored through a central control room. Last year, we successfully cleared the waste within 24 hours, and this time we are fully prepared as well. Over 350 vehicles will be utilised, and approximately 10,000 personnel will be deployed in the field.”
Also read: Main Eid Jamaat to be held at Nat’l Eidgah
Two more dengue patients die in 24hrs; 145 hospitalised
Two more deaths were reported from dengue in 24 hours till Tuesday morning, raising the fatalities from the mosquito-borne disease in Bangladesh to 47 this year.
During the same period, 145 more patients were hospitalised with the viral fever, according to the Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS).
Also read: Bangladesh reports three more dengue deaths, 399 new cases
Of the new patients, 104 were admitted to hospitals in Dhaka and the rest outside it, DGHS said.
A total of 1,410 patients, including 1,011 in the capital, are now receiving treatment at hospitals across the country.
Also read: Two more dengue patients die in 24hrs; 500 hospitalised
So far, the DGHS has recorded 7,754 dengue cases, and 6,297 recoveries this year.
The country logged 281 dengue deaths in 2022 – the highest on record after 179 deaths recorded in 2019. Also, it recorded 62,423 dengue cases and 61,971 recoveries last year.
Also read: 1 more dengue patient dies in 24 hours, 369 hospitalised
Action to be taken if passengers are charged extra fare during Eid journey: DMP Commissioner
Instant action will be taken if home-bound passengers make any complaint about charging extra fare or harassment during their Eid journey, said Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) Commissioner Khandaker Golam Faruq on Tuesday.
Claiming that the situation on the roads is better, the DMP chief said allegations were found against a few vehicles charging excessive fare from the passengers. The magistrates of Bangladesh Road Transport Authority (BRTA) took action against them.”
The owners of long-route vehicles have been asked to take fare as per the chart, he said at a press briefing after visiting the Mohakhali Bus Terminal.
Eid journey: Vehicles’ pressure increased on Gazipur highways
Issuing a warning, the DMP Commissioner asked the young people to refrain from car or motorbike racing on empty roads. “Barricades will be set up on roads to prevent it,” he said.
Talking about security arrangements he said the law enforcement agencies have taken the highest security in Dhaka centering the Eid-ul-Azha as the DB police will keep patrolling in alleys of the city.
CCTV cameras will be installed at important points of the city, he said.
Police firmly committed to enabling smooth Eid journeys for all: IGP
He also urged the home-bound passengers to keep their valuable ornaments, cash and other things in safe places before leaving the houses.
“We have started a special drive against thieves and dope gangs and 600 professional criminals have been arrested so far,” he added.
Road crashes kill 285, injures 454 during Eid journey: Report
The DMP Commissioner said maximum security measures have been taken in the cattle markets and police will keep vigil about traffic congestion due to cattle markets.
Besides, fake notes checking machines were installed in the cattle markets, he said.
45000 people travelled to India through Benapole land port in 7 days
The number of India-bound passengers using the Benapole land port has increased ahead of this Eid-ul-Azha as 45000 Bangladeshis travelled to the neighboring country in seven days for shopping or spending holidays.
According to port sources, about 3000-3500 Bangladeshis went to India through Benapole port every day last week and the number of travellers increased to 7000 each day this week.
About 45,000 travelers went to India through Benapole check-post that helped to earn revenue of Tk 2.30 crore, they said.
Amit Shah visits shutters trade at Benapole for two days
Mozaffar Rahman, a traveler who was going India through Benapole check post, said he was going to Kolkata to do Eid shopping for his family. He sometimes goes to Kolkata as the price of the clothes is within reach there.
Besides, many are going to spend Eid holidays there.
The authorities in Benapole check-post made the arrangements to complete the passport procedure quickly so that the travelers do not have to suffer.
Inoperative cranes, forklifts hamper Benapole Port activities
However, passengers are suffering huge in Indian checkpoints standing there for hours in long queues.
Ahsan Habib, immigration officer-in-charge of Benapole check post, said that on average 7,000 passport passengers are traveling to Bangladesh and India through Benapole land port every day ahead of Eid-ul-Azha. That number could exceed 9,000 in the next week.
Benapole Port to remain shut for 5 days
77.5% work of Dhaka Airport's 3rd Terminal done, should be operational by 2024: CAAB Chairman
About 77.5 percent work of the third terminal at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport in Dhaka has been completed, and it is expected to be operational next year.
Air Vice Marshal Muhammad Mafidur Rahman, chairman of the Civil Aviation Authority Bangladesh (CAAB), said this during a press conference on Tuesday afternoon at the under-construction terminal.
Mafidur Rahman said that construction of the third terminal is currently in its final stages.
BUET, BRTC chosen for feasibility study for expansion of airport runway
“Our goal is to achieve 90% completion of the project before October, and we are optimistic that the work will be finished ahead of schedule. Currently, 77.5% of the project has been completed,” he said.
The government has prioritised the completion of this project and has decided to partially open the new terminal, he said.
While the soft opening is planned for October, the new terminal will be fully functional by 2024.
“To ensure timely progress, construction work is being carried out day and night -- even during the ongoing Eid holidays. We hope to hold the soft opening in the first week of October, as per the government decision,” he added.
Samsung Construction and Trading (C&T) Corporation, a construction unit of the Samsung Group, is overseeing the third terminal's construction project.
“The company has an impressive portfolio, having constructed iconic buildings such as Burj Khalifa, Petronas Twin Towers, Taipei 101, Singapore Changi Airport's Terminal 4, South Korea's Incheon International Airport, and Abu Dhabi's Cleveland Clinic,” said Mafidur Rahman.
Ctg port, airport to fully operate from today
The terminal's interior has been designed by renowned architect Rohani Baharin, who has previously worked on projects including Terminal 3 of Changi Airport in Singapore, the ATC Tower Building in Guangzhou, China, Ahmedabad International Airport in India, and the Terminal Building of Islamabad International Airport.
The Dhaka Airport expansion project was approved by the Executive Committee of the National Economic Council (ECNEC) on October 24, 2017, with financing from the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA). Initially estimated to cost Tk 13,610 crore, the budget for the large-scale third terminal project was later increased by an additional Tk 7,788.59 crore.
PM opens VVIP terminal of Hazrat Shahjalal Int’l Airport
Once completed, the new terminal, spanning an area of 5,42,000 square metres, will feature a parking apron capable of accommodating 37 aircraft. However, the main highlight will be the modern terminal building, integrating state-of-the-art technologies within its 2,30,000 square metre of interior space.
3 killed in Bogura road crash
Three people including two children were killed and two others injured when a CNG-run auto-rickshaw collided head-on with a human hauler on Naogaon-Bogura-regional highway in Kahalu upazila of Bogura district on Tuesday.The deceased were identified as auto-rickshaw driver Aminur Rahman Tota, 24, Ashamoni, 7 and Khadiza, 3, two daughters of Rashed Sheikh of Bibirpukur area.
Read: Youth murdered in KushtiaMd Shahinuzzaman, Bogura sadar police station officer-in-charge , said the accident occurred around 9 am when the Gaibandha-bound CNG-run auto-rickshaw hit the fish-laden human hauler, leaving two dead on the spot and two others injured.The injured- Rashed Sheikh and his wife Josna Begum and one of their children were taken to Shaheed Ziaur Rahman Medical College and Hospital where doctors declared the child dead.
Read: Man stabbed to death in Jashore