Bangladesh
Buet student Arif Raihan Dwip's 10th death anniversary observed
Dhaka, July 3 (UNB) - Buet student Arif Raihan Dwip's 10th death anniversary has been observed.
A virtual memorial meeting “Smriti Dwip” was organized from the official Facebook page of Bangladesh Chhatra League on Monday.
Also read: Dwip murder: Impunity of masterminds hurts former Buet Chhatra League leaders
On April 9, 2013, another Buet student and Hefazat-e-Islam activist Mezbah Uddin stabbed and injired Dwip in his room at Nazrul Islam Hall on campus, said a press release.
Dwip died on July 2 of the same year after being in a coma for 84 days in the hospital. Since then, BCL has observed July 2 as “Shaheed Arif Raihan Dwip Day”.
Also read: Buet students threaten class boycott if Abrar murder accused continues classes
Arif Raihan Dwip was a third-year student of Buet’s Mechanical Engineering department and was a member of the then organising committee of Buet Chhatra League. He was also a founding member of Ganajagaran Mancha, which formed an unprecedented movement at Shahbagh square in 2013 for the trial of war criminals.
Hefazat activist Mezbahuddin was arrested in connection with deep's murder, but he escaped with bail. Dwip's father Azam Ali lamented, "Dwip's only crime was to raise his voice against fundamentalism and militancy. I want the maximum punishment for my child's killer. I want a fair trial from the honourable Prime Minister," added the release.
Also read: Abrar Fahad murder: Expelled Buet student joins online class after obtaining stay order
Former Buet student leaders Khandaker Manzur Morshed, Moniruzzaman Sarker Mohan, Kazi Khairul Bashar, among others, spoke at the virtual memorial.
Bangladesh elected as vice chair of NAM ministerial meeting in Azerbaijan
In the lead-up to the upcoming Non-Aligned Movement (NAM) Summit, Bangladesh has been elected as vice chair of the ministerial meeting during the NAM preparatory meetings being held in Baku – Azerbaijan’s capital.
The meetings, which commenced on July 3 and will conclude on July 6, 2023, have attracted delegates from various countries.
Also read: UN urges Bangladesh to share best disaster management practices with other nations
Foreign Secretary Masud Bin Momen is leading the Bangladesh delegation.
NAM is attaining renewed prominence in the backdrop of the emerging polarisations and shifting balance of global power.
The next NAM Summit is scheduled to take place in Uganda from January 19 to 20, 2024. During this summit, South Sudan is expected to be officially welcomed as the newest member of the Non-Aligned Movement, further expanding the organization's reach and representation.
Also read: UK provides £11.6 million humanitarian support for Rohingyas, affected communities in Bangladesh
Leave cancelled for DNCC officers and employees until further notice
Leave of all level officials and employees, including master role workers, under concerned department and section of Dhaka North City Corporation (DNCC), has been cancelled until further order for conducting mosquito control activities and proper waste management to mitigate waterlogging and control of Dengue situation under the corporation area.
An office order has been issued in this regard after the decision of cancelling the leave of the officers and employees was taken at an emergency meeting at Nagar Bhaban on Monday noon.
Addressing the emergency meeting, DNCC Mayor Md Atiqul Islam said, 'Dengue outbreaks occur during the monsoon season. The leave of all concerned officers and employees has been cancelled to prevent dengue from spreading in the city. Besides, public awareness is very important in this regard. As the Aedes mosquito breeds in stagnant water, it must be ensured that no water accumulates in any container inside the house, on the roof, and on the balcony, he said.
The mayor also said, 'Due to continuous heavy rains, water has logged in many places in the city. "I have ordered the workers to be in the field round the clock to relieve the people by removing the waterlogging as soon as possible."
The leave of all concerned has been cancelled. City dwellers are requested not to throw polythene and other items into drains. Throwing those items in the drain blocks the flow of water. If everyone is aware, the work becomes easier for the employees, the DNCC Mayor said.
UN urges Bangladesh to share best disaster management practices with other nations
UN Secretary General’s Special Representative (SRSG) on Disaster Risk Reduction Mami Mizutori on Monday urged Bangladesh to share some of the country’s best practices with other countries vulnerable to floods, cyclones and other natural disasters.
She suggested that Bangladesh has internationally championed in the areas of disaster-related legislations, inter-agency coordination for disaster preparedness while the nation is successfully practising inclusiveness, especially for persons with disabilities during disasters.
Mami Mizutori met Foreign Minister Dr AK Abdul Momen at his office.
Also read: UN Deputy Secretary General meets PM
The minister requested the UN to help raise public awareness about earthquake preparedness.
The foreign minister reaffirmed the country’s commitment to the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction, while the SRSG commended the government’s contributions to the Framework’s mid-term stocktaking exercise.
Mizutori confirmed the UN’s readiness to work together with the Ministry of Disaster Management and Relief on developing an earthquake modeling for the whole of Bangladesh, according to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Momen underscored the importance of early warning, particularly for flash floods in the northeastern region of Bangladesh.
Also read: Dev agencies should concentrate on development issues, not politics: Momen
The UN Special Representative offered support for conducting a gap analysis for the country with a view to mobilising international financing for further strengthening the multi-hazard early warning system.
Budget session in Parliament resumes Tuesday
The budget session of the Parliament will resume on Tuesday afternoon after a week’s recess.
The day's proceedings will begin at 5:15pm with the recitation from the Holy Quran.
Also read: Bill placed in JS with provision of life term jail for hoarding of foodstuff
Earlier on June 26, the 23rd session of the 11th Jatiya Sangsad, which is also the budget session, was prorogued till 5:15pm on Tuesday.
According to the sources from the Parliament Secretariat, the budget session might continue for another two or three days.
Also read: Tipu Munshi under fire in Parliament for runaway prices of essentials
The finance bill was passed on June 25 while the national budget for 2023-24 fiscal year was passed in Parliament on June 26.
Several laws including the income tax bill have already been passed in the ongoing budget session.
Also read: Bank Company (Amendment) Bill 2023 passed in Parliament amid opposition walkout
River Teesta destroys 50 homes, school in Kurigram
The Teesta River erosion has taken a serious turn in Ulipur upazila of the district as the river gobbled up 50 homes while it destroyed a vast area of cropland and a government primary school in the past 15 days.
During a recent visit to Bazra Pashchimpara village in Ulipur upazila local people said the river destroyed 50 houses, forcing the residents to live under the open sky.
Also read: Water level of major rivers in north-eastern region continues to rise: FFWC
The local administration has used sandbags to save the Bazra Pashchimpara Government Primary School, but the attempt failed.
Shahidur Islam, 56, a resident of Bazra Pashchimpara, said some 150 houses are at risk while 600-700 families are passing their days in fear of losing everything.
Nur Alam, 60, a resident of the area, said the Water Development Board used sandbags to prevent the erosion, but their effort could not save anything.
Also read: Short-term flood likely in Sylhet, Sunamganj as rivers keep swelling
Executive Engineer of Kurigram Water Development Board, Abdullah Al Mamun, said that the erosion takes a serious turn in the area due to incessant rainfall.
He said they responded to the crisis quickly as the erosion became serious.
Also read: All gates of Teesta Barrage opened due to increase in water level
Two more bodies found in Jhalakathi ship fire incident, one remains missing
Two more bodies were recovered by BIWTA's rescue team in the fire incident of OT Sagar Nandini-2 in Sugandha river in Jhalakathi on Monday.
The deceased were identified as supervisor Masudur Rahman Belal, 35, and driver Ruhul Amin, 32.
So far, three bodies have been recovered from the incident. Master Sarwar Khan is still missing.
An inquiry committee has been formed by the Deputy Commissioner for the incident. The investigation team, headed by Additional Deputy Commissioner Md Ruhul Amin, has started the investigation and is expected to submit its report to the deputy commissioner tomorrow.
AL govt has proved it holds free, fair elections: PM Hasina at oath-taking of five city mayors
Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on Monday said the recent elections in five city corporations proved that polls can be held in a free, fair and neutral manner under her Awami League government.
“We’ve proved that elections are held in free, fair and neutral manner under the Awami League government,” she said.
The premier said this at the oath-taking ceremonies arranged for the newly elected mayors and councillors of Gazipur, Rajshai, Khulna, Barishal and Sylhet city corporations at Shapla Hall of her office.
Also read: Newly elected five city mayors sworn in by PM Hasina
She said the polls to the city corporations were held one after another where the people cast votes freely as per their choice. “It happened due to the continuation of democracy,” she said.
Hasina said, “You (newly elected mayors and councillors) have come here getting elected through votes. The people cast votes spontaneously.”
She said the voting in the country was a pain in the past because of coercion and oppression on the voters.
Also read: UN Deputy Secretary General meets PM
The newly elected mayors are Jayeda Khatun of Gazipur, AHM Khairuzzaman Liton of Rajshahi, Talukder Abdul Khaleque of Khulna Abul Khair Abdullah of Barishal and Anwaruzzaman Chowdhury of Sylhet.
The prime minister first administered the oath of office to the new mayors of Gazipur, Khulna and Barishal. It was followed by the swearing in of the new mayors of Rajshahi and Sylhet.
Besides, some 230 newly elected councillors of general wards and female councillors of the reserved seats of the five city corporations also took oath at the two separate events in the same venue. Local Government, Rural Development and Cooperatives Minister Md Tazul Islam administered the councillors’ oaths.
Also read: My aim is to change fate of the people of Bangladesh: PM Hasina says at Tungipara
The number of councillors is 76 in Gazipur, 41 in Khulna, 40 in Rajshahi, 40 in Barishal and 36 in Sylhet.
PM Hasina asked the elected representatives irrespective of their political views to serve the people showing respect to public trust and confidence bestowed on them.“You’ve come here getting elected with the votes of the people. The people have kept their trust on and confidence in you. So, it is your duty to serve the people, no matter what party you belong to,” she said.
She said her government has attached priority to ensure development not only in the cities but also at the grassroots .
Hasina said her government announced a zero tolerance policy against terrorism, militancy and corruption.
Also read: Vote for Awami League in upcoming national election: PM tells people in Gopalganj
Her government’s goal is that a peaceful environment will prevail in the country and Bangladesh would be developed and prosperous.
The PM asked them to contribute to the overall development of Bangladesh by working sincerely in their respective areas.
“I want you to contribute to the overall development of Bangladesh,” she said.
Also read: AL must be in power for Bangladesh's graduation to developing country: PM
She asked them to work for tree plantation and boosting food production in their respective areas.
She also asked the respective public representatives to address the illiteracy rate in Sylhet and unemployment rate in Rajshahi.
The prime minister asked the public representatives to work to ensure development in each corner of the country.
She praised re-elected mayor AHM Khairuzzaman Liton for his role in the massive development of Rajshahi city.
The premier asked the public representatives to serve the people and meet their aspirations since they elected them spontaneously.
“The people elected you through spontaneous voting . So, meet their aspirations,” she said.
Also read: BNP-Jamaat out to destroy the country: PM Hasina
“You, being elected with votes of the people, got the scope to serve the people. I want you to work in your own areas as public servants,” she added.
Hasina said now none can neglect Bangladesh and everyone throughout the world shows respect towards Bangladesh thanks to massive development of the country done by her government.
Pointing at the arson violence unleashed by BNP-Jamaat during the 2013-2015, the PM said Bangladesh is to face manmade disasters alongside natural calamities.
Also read: ‘Does BNP want to come to power by selling St. Martin’s island?’ — PM Hasina asks
“We don’t want the recurrence of such a situation (manmade disasters) anymore in Bangladesh. We want the development trend to continue in Bangladesh and the people of Bangladesh to live in peace…. We want all the people to have an improved life,” she said.
The PM also called upon them to devise plans for the overall development of their own areas and work for development and earn public confidence and trust.
5 killed by lightning strikes in C’nawabganj, Naogaon
Five people were killed and another injured in separate lightning strikes in Chapainawabganj and Naogaon districts on Monday.
In Chapainawabganj, three people, including two farmers, were killed in separate lightning strikes in Sadar, Gomostapur and Bholahat upazilas on Monday.
The deceased were identified as Omar Ali, 52, a farmer from Sadar upazila’s Jamtala area, Shariful Islam, 35, a resident of Gomostapur upazila’s Prosadpur area, and Anowar Hossain, 60, a farmer from Bholahat upazila’s Mushrivuja area.
Lightning kills 3 in Chapainawabganj
Omar was killed as a streak of lightning hit him while working in a field, said Sadar upazila’s UNO Rowshan Ali.
Anowar died when a thunderbolt struck him while working in a paddy field, said Officer-in-Charge of Bholahat police station Selim Reza.
Shariful was struck by lightning while he was sitting on the porch of his house, said Gomostapur police station's officer-in-charge Mahbubur Rahman.
In Naogaon, two people were killed and another injured in separate incidents of lightning strikes in Porsha and Dhamoirhat upazilas of the district in the morning.
Lightning kills 2 farmers in Kushtia
Zahurul Islam, officer-in-charge of Porsha Police Station, said Abdul Jabbar, 30, son of Nazrul Islam of Paschim Duarpal village, was killed and Mehedi Hasan was injured when a streak of thunderbolt struck them while catching fish in the Punarbhaba River around 6 am.
Mehedi was taken to a local hospital.
Meanwhile, Muminul Rahman, 22, son of Azizur Rahman of Moishar village in Dhamoirhat upazila, was killed by the lightning strike while working at a paddy field at noon, said Mozammel Haque, officer-in-charge of Dhamoirhat Police Station.
2 dead in lightning during football match in Kushtia
Bangladesh reports 66 Covid-19 cases in 24 hours
Bangladesh reported 66 Covid-19 cases in 24 hours till Monday morning.
With the new cases, the country's total caseload rose to 20,42,768, according to the Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS).The official death toll from the disease remained unchanged at 29,462 as no new fatalities were reported.
Also read: Bangladesh reports 39 Covid-19 cases in 24 hours
The current passivity rate was recorded 5.03 percent. A total of 1,312 samples were tested within this period.
The death and recovery rates remained at 1.44 percent and 98.36 percent, respectively, DGHS said.
Also read: Global Covid-19 cases close to 691 million
Bangladesh registered its highest daily caseload of 16,230 on July 28 in 2021 and highest number of fatalities of 264 on August 10 the same year.