Bangladesh
Man implicated for allegedly raping minor girl in Dhaka
A case was filed against a man on charge of raping a minor girl with Mugda police station in the capital of Dhaka last night.
Ahsan Ullah, sub inspector of the concerned police station, confirmed the matter, saying the victim’s mother lodged the case by implicating a 42-year-old man named Tito Miah on Tuesday night.
Also read: Case filed over rape in Dhaka’s Dhanmondi
According to the case statement, the accused, a tenant of the same building where the victim resides, forcibly took her to his room and raped on July 1.
Though initially the victim didn’t disclose the matter with anyone due to fear, later she shared with her mother.
Also read: 8-year old raped, killed in Rajshahi
Later, the victim was admitted to Dhaka Medical College Hospital for physical and forensic tests and now is undergoing treatment there.
IAB demands next JS election under ‘national govt’
The Islami Andolan Bangladesh (IAB) on Wednesday demanded the next general election be held under a ‘national government’.
Saying that the current Election Commission has recently failed to ensure free and fair elections, the party demanded resignation of the incumbent commission, according to a press release signed by the party’s Secretary General Hafez Mawlana Yunus Ahmad.
Read: Resign and hand over power to national government: Amir of Islami Andolan Bangladesh
The party also announced a programme on July 8 in the capital, Dhaka, to realise their demand.
The demand for a ‘national government’ to oversee next general elections expected to be held in January next year came amid demand from opposition Bangladesh Nationalist Party for an election-time caretaker government.
Read: Islami Andolan Bangladesh rejects Barishal, Khulna city polls results
IAB’s Amir Mufti Syed Muhammad Rezaul Karim, better known as Charmonair Peer, will announce the next course of action to press home their demand from the July 8 event, according to the press release.
Read more: Election 2024: EU's exploratory mission arrives next week
New bill to curb illegal hoarding of food items passed in JS
The “Production, Storage, Transfer, Transportation, Supply, Distribution and Marketing of Food Products (Prevention of Prejudicial Activity) Bill, 2023” with a provision of maximum lifetime imprisonment for illegal hoarding of food stuff was passed in Parliament on Wednesday.
Food Minister Sadhan Chandra Majumder moved the bill and it was passed by voice vote.
The aim of the new bill is to curb illegal hoarding of food items and ensure food security.
In the proposed law, the punishment for illegal hoarding of food is maximum lifetime imprisonment or 14-year rigorous imprisonment and monetary punishment.
In the bill, offences related mainly to the production, storage, transfer, transportation, supply, marketing and distribution of foodgrains like paddy, rice, wheat, flour and corn have been identified. Punishments have been prescribed for those offences as per the magnitude of the crimes.
The new law has been framed in the combination of two old laws-- the Food (Special Court) Act, 1956 and the Foodgrains Supply (Prevention of Prejudicial Activity) Ordinance, 1979.
Also read: JS passes bill with major changes in Public-Private Partnership Authority’s role
As per the new law, a person will face maximum two-year imprisonment or maximum Tk 10 lakh as fine or both, if the person markets any foodstuff manufactured from an approved variety of foodgrain under a different or fictitious name without mentioning it as a by-product of such variety.
A person will face the same punishment in case of manufacturing or marketing food products by removing or altering any natural ingredient in whole or partially; or manufacturing or marketing artificial ingredients harmful to human health with foodstuffs.
According to the bill, if any person makes, prints, publishes, circulates or distributes any false information regarding the production, storage, transfer, transportation, supply, distribution and marketing of foodstuff, the person will face the maximum five-year imprisonment or highest Tk 10-lakh as fine or both.
Also read: It’s not appropriate time to comment: CEC tells media on passage of RPO amendment by Parliament
Participating in the discussion on the bill, Jatiya Party's Fakhrul Imam said that if the polishing of rice can be stopped through this bill, 4 lakh MT of rice wastage can be prevented.
He said that although miniket rice is sold in the market, basically there is no paddy or rice of this variety.
"Although we are proud of food (security), we could not ensure safe food. As a result, almost all the people of the country are suffering from some kinds of diseases. He said that there is a need for a major change in the state's policies.”
Jatiya Party's Pir Fazlur Rahman criticised the punishment clause of the bill and said that if the accused can prove that he hoarded without financial or any other purpose of gain, then he will be jailed for a maximum of three months and fined.
“Such a law is unheard of anywhere. Even if he did not commit the crime, he has to suffer the punishment.”
Kazi Feroz Rashid of Jatiya Party termed it as ‘a terrible law’.
“Anyone can be arrested under this law anytime. A festival of bribery will begin in the country. Anyone caught can be jailed for life. As a result of this law, fear will spread among the farmers of the country.”
Also read: Bill placed in JS to ensure transparency, accountability in public procurement
He said that farmers spend a lot of time stocking up in the hope of getting better prices. They will also be affected by this law. He advised the minister to reduce the sentence under the law.
In response to these criticisms, Food Minister Sadhan Chandra Majumdar said that the current government is farmer-friendly. This government is giving various incentives to farmers.
He said that it is easy to identify the real hoarders. There is no danger of enforcement of this law on farmers.
“This will be further clarified in the rules made under this Act.”
The minister said that the Special Powers Act still exists. Although there is an opportunity to give the maximum punishment against the hoarders, the government has not followed that path.
Referring to the good yield of Boro season, the minister also expressed hope that there will be no need to import rice this time.
UK to support Bangladesh’s aspiration of becoming an aviation hub
UK Minister for International Trade Nigel Huddleston on Wednesday assured utmost support in realising Bangladesh’s aspiration of becoming an aviation hub and sharing expertise in the tourism sector.
He also assured participation of a good number of British companies in the upcoming Commonwealth Trade Fair in Dhaka and of a wider support in disaster management.
State Minister for Foreign Affairs Md. Shahriar Alam and State Minister for Civil Aviation and Tourism Md. Mahbub Ali held a meeting with the visiting UK minister at the state guesthouse Padma.
Also read: British Minister for International Trade in Dhaka: Focus on unlocking more opportunities to grow trade
The meeting discussed at length existing and future avenues of cooperation, particularly in the aviation sector, new fleet from Airbus, technical support and capacity building and organising joint workshops.
Collaboration and assistance in the tourism sector, expansion of trade on the whole with emphasis on the service sector, Commonwealth Trade and Investment Forum in Dhaka this September, opportunities associated with preferential trading scheme of UK-DCTS, assistance for Rohingya refugees, upcoming national election and Bangladesh’s candidature in the IMO election in London featured as major points of discussion, among others.
The minister and British High Commissioner to Bangladesh Sarah Cooke conveyed renewed pledges of the British government towards more political and financial assistance and expressed confidence in a free and fair national election in Bangladesh, according to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Also read: UK provides £11.6 million humanitarian support for Rohingyas, affected communities in Bangladesh
The meeting ended with commitments to advancing the historical and multifaceted relations and exchange of gifts and mementos.
Civil Aviation and Tourism Secretary, Chairman of the Civil Aviation Authority of Bangladesh, and the British High Commissioner in Dhaka joined their respective delegations.
Earlier, the British Minister for International Trade met Commerce Minister Tipu Munshi and PM’s Adviser for Private Industry and Investment Salman F Rahman separately and had fruitful discussions on issues of shared interest.
Also read: Success in achieving ‘Sonar Bangla’ and ‘Global Britain’ depend on how Bangladesh and UK choose to cooperate: Shahriar Alam
Langra and Ashina mangoes recognised as GI product
Two varieties of mangoes-Langra and Ashina of Chapainawabagnj, a well-known district for plentiful production of mangoes, got recognition as Geographical Indication (GI) product.
Dr Mokhlesur Rahman, chief scientific officer at Horticulture Centre of Chaipainawabganj, confirmed the matter.
Read: Rajshahi, Chapai both get GI certificate for Fazli
He said that they, on behalf of the horticulture centre, appealed to the Department of Patents, Designs, and Trademarks (DPDT) of the Ministry of Industries for the recognition of the two varieties of mangoes earlier.
After evaluation and examination, the authorities concerned finally recognised the Langra and Ashina mangoes as the GI products on June 25, he said.
Read: Mango growers, traders in Chuadanga disheartened by low price
The scientific officer hoped that they would receive the recognition certificate within a few days.
Read more: Special mango train on Chapainawabganj-Dhaka route launched
US officials’ visits indicate closer relation between US and Bangladesh: Info Minister
Information and Broadcasting Minister and Awami League Joint Secretary Dr Hasan Mahmud on Wednesday said that the upcoming visit of US officials indicates closer relationship between Dhaka and Washington.
"Our relationship with the United States is multi-dimensional. We have security cooperation with them and we work through multi-dimensional cooperation on the global stage. The United States is also playing a big role in the development of Bangladesh,” the information minister said.
Dr Hasan made the remarks while addressing questions from reporters regarding the upcoming high profile visit of numerous US officials at the secretariat on Wednesday afternoon.
Also read: AL has no connection with Jamaat: Info Minister
Regarding BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir’s recent meeting with EU Ambassador Charles Whiteley, the minister said: "The people have the power to decide who will come to power. If BNP has any complaints, they should go to the people, not to foreigners.”
Hasan said Bangladesh will follow the same election procedure l, which is being followed by countries in the European Union and the United Kingdom.
Reacting to the announcement that BNP’s one-point movement to topple the government will start from Chattogram, the AL joint secretary said, "BNP founder Ziaur Rahman was killed in Chittagong due to internal conflict. Chittagong is very significant. So it remains to be seen whether the one-point movement will die in Chittagong.”
Also read: No dialogue with BNP on caretaker govt: Info Minister
No geo-political pressure on the government
The information and broadcasting minister has said the government is not facing any pressure from other countries.
"The government led by Sheikh Hasina is not under any pressure. We have dealt with the violence that BNP did in the name of political movement in 2013-15. BNP can no longer afford to do so, and due to geopolitics, it is not possible for them to hold such a movement again,” he said.
The minister has said the people have rejected BNP’s plea to not vote in the city polls.
“Even in the midst of so much campaigning, 50 percent of the votes were cast. So people will participate in the next elections as well,” he said. "The key to democracy is whether people are participating in elections. We certainly welcome BNP's participation. But even if they don't participate, people will vote in the next election.”
Also read: Opposition to BRICS proves BNP is against development of the country: Info Minister
PMs of Kuwait and Bangladesh express satisfaction over bilateral ties in telephone conversation
Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and her Kuwaiti counterpart Sheikh Ahmad Nawaf Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah on Wednesday expressed satisfaction that the relationship between the two friendly countries has grown in depth and dimensions over time.
The satisfaction was expressed when Sheikh Ahmad held a telephone conversation with Sheikh Hasina this afternoon, according to an PMO Press Wing release.
Kuwat’s PM conveyed his greetings to Hasina and through her to the brotherly people of Bangladesh, said the release.
Also read: PM Hasina to Armed Forces: Uphold the dignity earned through service to the nation
The two leaders spoke on many dimensions of bilateral cooperation.
The Bangladesh premier thanked Kuwait’s prime minister for the telephone call and wished him and the brotherly people of Kuwait a belated Eid-Al-Adha.
She gladly mentioned that the Bangladeshi people working in Kuwait and the ‘Bangladesh Contingent’ in the Kuwait Army bear the legacy and strength of a longstanding partnership.
Kuwait’s PM appreciated the dedicated and diligent role of the Bangladesh Army in rebuilding his country’s defence.
Also read: Flourish Bengali culture keeping its uniqueness in tech-driven world: PM Hasina
He also lauded the role of Bangladeshi expatriates for development of the two countries.
Both leaders agreed to work together in the Olympic Council of Asia (OCA) with the mutual expectation of the next successful General Assembly Meeting in early July 2023 in Bangkok.
The two leaders invited each other to pay visits to their respective countries- underscoring the need for regular consultation/high-level visits to escalate the bilateral cooperation to the new plateau.
The telephone call ended with the exchange of good wishes, healthy life for the two leaders, and further prosperity for the two peoples of the two countries, according to the press release.
Also read: UN Deputy Secretary General meets PM
A2i Bill 2023 passed in JS
The Agency to Innovate (A2i) Bill 2023 was passed in Parliament to form an agency to encourage innovation in the information technology sector and help the government to take programmes in establishing knowledge-based society and its implementation.
State Minister for Information and Communication Technology Division Zunaid Ahmed Palak moved the Bill and it was passed by voice vote.
The agency will be formed with a 15-member board of directors and the Information and Communication Technology Minister will be the chairman of the board, which will be autonomous.
Also read: New bill to curb illegal hoarding of food items passed in JS
Besides, the agency will form a policy that will help create an environment to encourage innovation.
As per the Bill, the agency, if necessary, would form a Company to materialise the objective of this law.
Participating in the discussion of the bill, opposition Jatiya Party and Gonoforum MPs came down heavily on the government for harassing common people and journalists under the Digital Security Act.
The lawmakers said that common people and journalists are being abused by this law. The government has enacted this law to create an atmosphere of fear and panic, they also said.
Also read: JS passes bill with major changes in Public-Private Partnership Authority’s role
In response, Zunaid Ahmed Palak, however, didn’t say anything in this regard.
Participating in the discussion on the bill, JP MP Pir Fazlur Rahman said that the digital security law is being used to harass the journalists.
Common people are also being victimised and tortured while expressing their opinion. Influential quarters are using this law. People's right to freedom of speech is being taken away. This law needs to be amended urgently, better if it is repealed.
Gonoforum MP Mokabbir Khan said, "If we cannot prevent the misuse of digital technology, the law will be of no use. Again, if the law is misused, the goal cannot be achieved. We saw this with the Digital Security Act.
Also read: It’s not appropriate time to comment: CEC tells media on passage of RPO amendment by Parliament
“Digital security Act has now become digital panics. Around 7,001 cases were filed under this law till January 2023. Journalist community has suffered the most due to this law,” he said.
He also said that that in the last four and a half years, this law has been applied to suppress dissent or criticism of the government party and suppress free thought.
The freedom of expression of journalists has been severely curtailed due to this law. This law has given unlimited powers to the police. They were not given so much power even under the police law, he said.
Mokabbir also mentioned harassment of Prothom Alo journalist Shamsuzzaman under this law.
Also read: Bill placed in JS to ensure transparency, accountability in public procurement
“The government created this law to create an environment of fear and panic. Common people are not getting its benefits. As a result, the law minister is talking about amending it in the face of strong objections from civil society, human rights activists and journalists. Hopefully, the law minister will take initiative in this regard quickly,” he said.
Greece starts accepting visa applications in Dhaka
Bangladesh nationals can now apply for all visa categories such as tourism, employment, family reunification, students’, and Digital Nomads from a newly opened visa application centre in Dhaka.
Bangladeshis bound to Greece need not travel to New Delhi to submit their visa applications anymore.
Greece Visa World Centre (GVCW), the exclusive external service provider to the Greek diplomatic and consular authorities, in partnership with VFS Global has opened a dedicated centre in Dhaka to accept applications for all visa categories.
Also read: These are the countries you can visit visa-free with a Bangladeshi passport in 2023
Visa applicants need to visit the GVWC website to get an online appointment (https://bd-gr.gvcworld.eu/en/online-visa-application) before visiting the VFS Global Joint Visa Application Centre (JVAC) at Borak Mehnur (8th Floor), 51/B, Kemal Ataturk Avenue, to submit their application and register their biometrics.
“The new centre will immensely benefit the people of Bangladesh, many of whom are interested in travelling to Greece for work, education, business and leisure. The development is another feather in our trusted partnership with GVWC with whom we are working since 2018," said Prabuddha Sen, Chief Operating Officer, (South Asia) of VFS Global.
The state-of-the-art new VAC is equipped with dedicated submission counters for regular applicants as well as the optional premium lounge service for travellers looking for a seamless visa experience.
Also read: Here's how you can apply for a Canadian work visa from Bangladesh
GVCW operates in 18 countries and 82 cities around the world. Leveraging on its operational capabilities and the valuable contribution of its partners, notably the Hellenic Telecommunication Organization (OTE), the largest telecom Company in Europe and VFS Global, GVCW is servicing thousands of visa applicants daily.
The continuous efforts of almost 300 visa handling personnel now manning GVCW's 82 VACs and its cutting-edge on-line visa application technology, allow for a more efficient workflow and have enabled the substantial reduction of the respective Greek Consulates' workload leading to the streamlining of visa-application procedures.
With approximately 7,000 Greece visa applications received annually, the country is one of the emerging destinations for Bangladesh.
Also read: Indian envoy pledges easing visa process further
Sunamganj haor residents are content as water starts receding
Relief has ensued among the inhabitants of Sunamganj's hapr area as river water has started to recede due to a break in weeks of incessant rains.
Sunamganj Water Development Board said the water level of major rivers in the district has also started decreasing due to the decrease in the amount of rainfall.
According to BWDB sources, the Surma is flowing 13 cm below the danger level at Sholghar point of Sunamganj Municipal at 12 noon on Wednesday. The water level was 7cm above the danger level during the same time yesterday.
Also read: Rise in Teesta water may cause short-term flood in Lalmonirhat, Nilphamari in 24 hours: FFWC warns
However, in Sunamganj’s Chhatak, the Surma is flowing 106 cm above the danger level despite decrease in rainfall.
Although the water level of the rivers has decreased, the people in low-lying areas of some upazilas of the district are yet to get respite from water-logging.
Low-lying areas of the district were inundated due to incessant rains and hill water from Meghalaya. People were preparing to take shelter elsewhere from the panic caused by last year's devastating floods.
However, the panic has decreased as the water has begun to recede.
Faruk Ahmed, chairman of Shantiganj Upazila Parishad in the district, said: "We have made elaborate preparations to deal with the disaster as there was a possibility of worsening flood situation. Roads have been submerged in many villages due to the rise in water level.”
“Now, with the sun in the sky, the water has started receding. There is no relief among the people of the area. However, the upazila administration is ready if the flood situation arises.”
Also read: Flood submerges 10 villages in Sunamganj, rain continues
Md Mamun Hawlader, executive engineer of Sunamganj Water Development Board, said: “The water level will decrease further if there is no rain. However, light to moderate rain is still like in the days ahead. The river and the haor areas are still full of water. So if there is heavy rain and upstream flow from Meghalaya, the water may rise again.”
However, Mamun said there is no danger of major flooding.
Sunamganj Deputy Commissioner Didare Alam Mohammad Maksud Chowdhury said flood situation has not been created anywhere in Sunamganj despite the rising water level due to continuous rain and hill water from Meghalaya.
“If such a situation arises, necessary preparations have been made to deal with it,” he said.
Also read: Incessant rain in Sylhet brings threat of flooding
Last year, the residents of Sylhet district experienced a devastating flood as 70 percent of the district went under flood water while 10,000 homes were damaged, causing immense sufferings to thousands of people.