Bangladesh
Fruit seller hacked to death by miscreants in Chuadanga
A fruit seller was hacked to death by miscreants in Chuadanga's Damurhuda upazila on Thursday night, police said.
The deceased was identified as Babar Ali, 45, son of Sattar Ali of Damurhuda upazila’s Darshana village.
Read more: Ex-Krishak League leader arrested for beating headmaster in Chuadanga
Inspector Amanullah, officer-in-charge of Darshana Police Station, said Babar Ali was sleeping on the balcony of his house at night. At that time, three unidentified miscreants entered the house and stabbed him multiple times.
Read more: Man hacked to death by son in Sylhet
Later, his relatives took him to the emergency department of Chuadanga Sadar Hospital where the duty doctor declared him dead.
“We are investigating the incident. Those involved in the murder will be arrested. No case has been filed yet,” the OC said. “The body will be handed over to his family after post-mortem.”
Read more: AL leader hacked in Natore
Dhaka’s air unhealthy for sensitive groups this morning
Dhaka’s air ranked 8th most polluted in the world on Friday morning as per the Air Quality Index (AQI).
The air in Dhaka was categorised as ‘unhealthy for sensitive groups’, with an AQI score of 124 at 8:45 am.
Read more: Urgent, coordinated actions needed to curb air pollution in South Asia: World Bank
Israel’s Tel Aviv, Pakistan’s Lahore and China’s Wuhan occupied the first three spots on the list, with AQI scores of 313, 187, and 162, respectively.
When the AQI value for particle pollution is between 101 and 150, air quality is considered ‘unhealthy for sensitive groups’, between 151 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.
Read more: 9-point directive on air pollution: HC asks DoE to submit report within 2 weeks
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 the winter and improves during the monsoon.
Read more: Air pollution 2nd biggest cause of deaths in Bangladesh in 2019, cost about 3.9-4.4% of GDP: World Bank
Bangabandhu International Prize Conferred at UNESCO
Foreign Minister Dr A.K. Abdul Momen handed over the UNESCO-Bangladesh Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman International Prize for the Creative Economy at a gala ceremony at the UNESCO Headquarters in Paris on Tuesday evening.
Melody Zambuko received the award on behalf of the winning organisation Music Crossroads of Zimbabwe which was organised after the conclusion of the first day’s session of the UNESCO 2005 Convention on the Diversity of Cultural Expression.
UNESCO Assistant Director General for Culture Ernesto Ottone Ramirez, Ambassadors and delegates of nearly a hundred countries, conference participants, high officials of UNESCO, Bangladeshi expatriates and correspondents of the print and electronic media attended the ceremony.
Also read: Italy lauds development journey of Bangladesh
The award instituted in 2020, on the occasion of the birth centenary of the Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, was unanimously adopted at UNESCO. This is widely regarded as a diplomatic success of Bangladesh. In 2021, the two living daughters of Bangabandhu, Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and Sheikh Rehana handed over the award at the same venue to the first winner, MoTIV Creation of Uganda.
Foreign Minister Abdul Momen recalled the sacrifice and contribution of Bangabandhu in rebuilding a war-ravaged nation and paid deep homage to his memories. He mentioned Bangabandhu’s idea of engaging youth in emancipation of the country’s socio-economic situation through creative entrepreneurship. The minister believed that through this award Bangabandhu’s philosophy of economic freedom will be disseminated around the globe.
Also read: Bangladesh must suspend pilot project to return Rohingyas to Myanmar: UN expert
ADG Ottone, while underlining the importance of creativity in the global economy, expressed his profound gratitude to the government and people of Bangladesh for instituting this award. He further said that the award will inspire the youth to embrace the ideas of creative economy and, through its practice, they will lead the implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals.
The Chair of the jury Ellen Stevens informed that Music Crossroads was chosen for their outstanding contribution to the creative industry through promoting creativity and inter-cultural connectivity bridging the women and the youth.
Music Crossroads’ representative Zambuko said that they were overwhelmed to receive the award. This would not only inspire them but also provide support to the organisation and the beneficiaries of their work, she added.
Also read: 'UNESCO-Bangladesh Bangabandhu International Prize promoting creative economy globally'
The Bangladesh Foreign Minister presented the trophy to the laureate while the Bangladesh Ambassador to UNESCO handed over the certificate. The event also included musical performances from Bangladesh and Zimbabwe and followed by a reception where Bangladeshi dinner was appreciated by the attendees.
Probe committee formed over Sylhet road accident that killed 15
A three-member probe body has been formed to investigate the road crash that killed at least 15 workers and injured several others.
Sylhet deputy commissioner formed the probe committee, where an additional district magistrate will act as president and the assistant director (engineering) of Sylhet Bangladesh Road Transport Authority (BRTA) will serve as member secretary of the committee.
Read more: 14 dead as truck collides with pickup van carrying construction workers in Sylhet
The committee has been asked to submit a probe report within seven working days, said Sylhet district administration Executive Magistrate Ahsanul Alam.
Read more: Oil tanker-lorry collision leaves one dead, several injured in Chattogram
The other members of the committee are - the Metropolitan Police Commissioner, District Superintendent of Police, Deputy Divisional Engineer of Roads and Highways Department, and Head of Civil and Environmental Engineering Department of Shahjalal University of Science and Technology.
On Wednesday, 15 people were killed and 10 others were injured after a truck rammed into a pickup van on Sylhet-Dhaka highway at Nazir Bazar in Dakkhin Surma upazila.
Read more: Three killed as motorcycle collides with easybike in Cox's Bazar
Oil tanker-lorry collision leaves one dead, several injured in Chattogram
A man was killed and several others injured in a collision between a wagon and a truck in Saltgola rail crossing area of Chattogram city on Thursday night.
The accident occurred around 10:30 pm, said Rezaul Haque, sub-inspector of Bandar police station.
Also read: Three killed as motorcycle collides with easybike in Cox's Bazar
"We recovered a body under the truck. There may be more casualties", he said, adding that the identity of the deceased is yet to be ascertained.
Raihan Ashraf, station officer of the fire service, said, "The chemical-laden lorry was leaving the port. When it was passing the Saltgola crossing, it collided with the oil-carrying wagon, leaving one dead on the spot.
Also read: Worker dies falling from crane in Chattogram
On information, four units from Port and EPZ Fire Stations reached the spot, he added.
"We are waiting for the port authority's crane as we don't have heavy equipment for rescue work", he said.
The drivers of the vehicles fled immediately after the incident, added the fire official.
Also read: Fruit seller hacked to death by miscreants in Chuadanga
Italy lauds development journey of Bangladesh
Italian Undersecretary of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation Maria Tripodi has lauded the impressive socio-economic progress of Bangladesh in recent years.
Foreign Secretary Masud Bin Momen met her at her office in Rome, Italy on Wednesday and briefed on the development journey of Bangladesh under the visionary leadership of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina.
The Italian Undersecretary expressed satisfaction for the signing of the MoU on bilateral consultation between the two Foreign Ministries and holding of the first meeting of the political consultations earlier on the day between the two Foreign Secretaries in Rome.
Read: Bangladesh must suspend pilot project to return Rohingyas to Myanmar: UN expert
While thanking the Italian government for inclusion of Bangladesh successively in the second year (2022) under the Flussi Decree for seasonal and non-seasonal employment of Bangladeshi workers in Italy, Masud Momen expressed deep appreciation for hosting the large Bangladesh community, second largest in Europe after the UK.
The Undersecretary deeply appreciated the Bangladesh diaspora for being peace-loving and hard-working.
She felt that it would be mutually beneficial if Bangladeshi skilled workers could be brought into Italy through a formal mechanism for which both countries are currently working closely.
The Foreign Secretary appreciated the constructive position of the Italian government on the Rohingya issue and urged Italy to exert more pressure on the Myanmar government to take their nationals back.
Read: US eyeing enhanced cooperation with Bangladesh in security and trade
Undersecretary Tripodi thanked the government of Bangladesh for hosting around 1.2 million Rohingyas.
Bangladesh Foreign Secretary invited the Italian Undersecretary to visit Bangladesh to witness the development journey and the indomitable spirit of the nation which she accepted gladly.
OTT platform Bongo BD will release Telugu film ‘Maharshi' tomorrow
Bangladeshi OTT platform Bongo BD is going to release Indian Telugu film 'Maharshi' on its site from tomorrow (Friday).This movie directed by Vamshi Paidipally features Mahesh Babu and Pooja Hegde as well Allari Naresh in lead roles.
Read more: Ome's 'Female 3' coming to Bongo's YouTube channelThe cast also includes Jagapathi Babu, Kota Srinivasa Rao, Prakash Raj, Mukesh Rishi and so on.After gaining immense popularity of the film in the India’s southern region, 'Maharshi-Genius', Bengali dubbed version, is now ready to captivate audiences in Bangladesh with its unique story, brilliant performances and stunning visuals, said a Bongo BD media release.
Read more: Web series Hotel Relax hits a new record: BongoClaiming itself a dedicated OTT platform in Bangladesh, Bongo BD aims to fulfill its commitment of providing high-quality content to Bangladeshi audiences.This highly inspiring film is a perfect blend of action, drama, and exceptional acting. 'Maharshi-Genius' tells the tale of Rishi, a wealthy businessman played by Mahesh Babu, who returns to India to reconcile with his former classmate. However, when he discovers his friend's struggles, he steps in to help and becomes a savior for the villagers along the way.
Read more: Bongo BD releasing south Indian movie ‘Mersal’ in Bangla
Deaths of 2 children after ‘pesticide poisoning’: 2 on 3-day remand
A Dhaka court on Thursday granted a three-day remand against chairman and managing director (MD) of a pest control service organisation in a case over the deaths of two brothers in Dhaka’s Bashundhara after ‘pesticide poisoning through inhalation’ on June 5 this year.
Dhaka Metropolitan Magistrate Court Judge Mahbub Ahmed passed the order after the defendants were produced before it with a plea for a 10-day remand for each of them, said Sub Inspector Ranaf Kumar, an official at general registration section of the court related to Bhatara Police Station.
Read: Death of siblings after ‘pesticide poisoning’: MD, chairman of pest control company arrested
Those who were put on remand are ‘DCS Organisation Limited’ Chairman Ashrafuzzaman and MD Farhadul Ameen.
Defendant counsel Hasnain Talukdar Sujon claimed his clients’ innocence saying that they were not identified as accused in the case.
He alleged that the victims’ family didn’t abide by the instruction given by the pest control service organisation to avoid accidents but they were indifferent to this.
Read: One held over death of two brothers in Dhaka’s Bashundhara after ‘pesticide poisoning’
Police and the children’s family said workers of the pest organisation sprayed insecticide at their new home in Bashundhara’s Block I last Friday. The family members left the house after insecticide was used.
On Sunday, the family returned to the house and fell sick after inhaling the pesticide, and they were rushed to Evercare Hospital in Dhaka, they said.
Nine-year-old Johan died Sunday (June 4, 2023) morning and 15-year-old Jahin passed away at night while undergoing treatment at the hospital.
On Monday afternoon, a case was filed against three people by the children’s father Mubarak Hossain Tushar.
Later, police arrested one Titu Molla, an employee of the pest control service who sprayed insecticide in the victims' house.
On Thursday morning, the Detective Branch of Police arrested the duo from Brahmanbaria and brought them to Dhaka.
ROSA Kitchen, Bath & Living Expo 2023 inaugurated at ICCB Dhaka
The 3-day ROSA Kitchen, Bath & Living Expo 2023 is set in motion at the International Convention City Bashundhara in the capital city on Thursday.
Bathware and sanitaryware brand ROSA is supporting the expo as the chief patron and title sponsor. More than 70 kitchen, bath, and living brands from home and abroad are taking part in the event. The expo is open to all from 10.00 a.m. to 7.00 p.m. from June 8 to 10, said a press release.
Read more: Bangladesh earned $50.52 billion from exports in 11 months of FY23: EPB
Mohammod Khourshed Alam, director operations of AkijBashir Group, stated on the occasion, "We are happy to participate in ROSA – 2nd KBL Expo 2023 as the title sponsor.”
This expo is a great opportunity to present the new products, modern technologies, and skills of kitchen, bath, and living product producing, exporting, and trading role players. The “Spot Order” part in the event is also a good step to push them forward.
Read more: Bangladesh Education Expo 2023 to offer students a one-stop information hub
Along with the expositions, the ROSA – 2nd KBL Expo 2023 arranges Student Design Competition, Workshops, Buyer-Seller Meetings, Innovation Exchange and Job Search events. And at every day of the expo there is a raffle draw segment with exciting prizes and offers, said the release.
Worker dies falling from crane in Chattogram
A worker died after falling from a crane in Chattogram's Eastern Refinery Limited on Thursday.
The deceased was identified as Mohammad Jasim, 47, a resident of Maijpara area of Bandar police station.
Read: Three killed as motorcycle collides with easybike in Cox's Bazar
The accident occurred around 12:30 pm while Jasim was doing his work in Tank Farm area, said Mohammad Lokman, managing director of Eastern Refinery Limited.
He said "One of our cranes was coming out of the tank farm area at noon, Jasim was on the crane at that time. He suddenly fell under the wheel while the crane was moving. Jasim died on the spot."
Read: Lightning strikes kill 3 in Dinajpur
A committee headed by Eastern Refinery General Manager (Development and Control) Ameer Masud has been formed to investigate the incident. The committee has been asked to submit the report within a week, he added.
On information, police recovered the body and sent it to the Chittagong Medical College Hospital, said Belayet Hossain, sub-inspector (SI) of EPZ Police Station.