bangladesh
President urges KSA to invest more in Bangladesh
President Mohammed Shahabuddin on Thursday urged Saudi Arabia to invest more in various sectors.
He came up with the call when a delegation headed by Dr. Abdullah Mohammed Ibrahim Al -Sheikh, Speaker of the Sura Councilor of Saudi Arabia, met the President at Bangabhaban.
President's press secretary Joynal Abedin briefed reporters after the meeting.
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President Shahabuddin said bilateral relations between Bangladesh and Saudi Arabia are very excellent and the religious, cultural and economic ties are also strong.
Mentioning Saudi Arabia as the biggest labour market of Bangladesh, he said Bangladeshi expatriates living in Saudi Arabia are making important contributions to the socio-economic development of both countries.
President Shahabuddin said that Saudi investment in Bangladesh and bilateral trade is gradually increasing.
He expectd that the trade will increase further in the future.
President Shahabuddin said tBangladesh strongly supports the demand for the establishment of independent Palestinian state and strongly condemns the Israeli attack on Gaza.
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The President also praised the leadership of Saudi Arabia in establishing peace and unity of the Muslim Ummah.
During the meeting, the speaker of the Sura Councilor of Saudi Arabia said that the Saudi government and people attach great importance to the development of relations with Bangladesh.
Meanwhile, the delegation praised the socio-economic development of Bangladesh and said that their cooperation will continue for the development of Bangladesh.
Members of Shura Council Khaled bin Mohammad Al Bawardi and Khaled bin Mohammad Al Saif, ambassador of Saudi Arabia to Bangladesh and Secretaries to the President were also present during the meeting.
No alternative to trans-fat-free food to safeguard public health: experts
Health experts at a webinar on Thursday said there is no alternative to ensuring trans-fat-free food to safeguard public health as Bangladesh ranks among the countries with the highest burden of deaths from trans-fat induced heart diseases.
They also voiced concern that excessive amounts of trans fat in food are unsafe and remain one of the leading risk factors for various non-communicable diseases, including heart disease, in the country.
The experts also deplored that although the government has passed the “Controlling Trans-Fatty Acid in Foodstuffs Regulation 2021”, its implementation has not commenced in full swing yet.
They urged the authorities concerned to take for the speedy implementation of the trans-fat limiting regulation for protecting public health.
Research and advocacy organisation PROGGA (Knowledge for Progress) with support from Global Health Advocacy Incubator (GHAI) arranged the webinar titled “Trans-fat-free Safe Food to Safeguard Public Health and the Way Forward” on the occasion of National Food Safety Day.
The National Food Safety Day will be observed on Friday with the theme “Shastho, Pushti o Shomriddhi Chai, Nirapod Khadder Bikolpo Nai” (Health, Nutrition and Prosperity, Safe Food Remains the Only Key).
Dr Nazma Shaheen, Professor, Institute of Nutrition and Food Science of Dhaka University said, “Excessive amounts of trans fats were found in bottled soybean oil in a recent study. To regulate the amount of trans fat in food items, the capacity of BFSA, BSTI and other relevant authorities must be increased. We have already undertaken research initiatives to identify the ways to regulate the level of trans fat in food.”
Dr Mohammad Mostafa, Member of Public Health and Nutrition, Bangladesh Food Safety Authority (BFSA) said they have prioritised the reduction of trans fats in edible oil. “We’re hopeful about finding a solution soon after discussing it with the relevant stakeholders.”
Mustak Hassan Md Iftekhar, Secretary General and CEO of Bangladesh Food Safety Foundation (BFSF) and Founder Chairman of Bangladesh Food Safety Authority (BFSA) said, “In order to expedite the implementation of the regulations, concerned traders, government and non-government organizations must work together.”
Professor Dr Sohel Reza Choudhury, Head of the Department of Epidemiology & Research, National Heart Foundation said, “Implementation of the regulations is crucial to reduce the number of premature deaths caused by trans-fat-induced heart diseases.”
According to a WHO report on Global Trans-fat Elimination 2022, 43 countries including neighbouring India have implemented best-practice policies for tackling trans fat in food. However, Bangladesh is still lagging behind in this issue.
SM Nazer Hossain, Vice President of the Consumers Association of Bangladesh (CAB), Muhammad Ruhul Quddus, Bangladesh Country Lead of GHAI, and ABM Zubair, Executive Director of PROGGA were also present at the webinar as discussants.
The webinar was moderated by PROGGA’s Coordinator Sadia Galiba Prova. People of different professions from different regions of the country participated in the webinar.
Govt is not harassing Dr Yunus with false cases: Law Minister
Law, Justice and Parliamentary Affairs Minister Anisul Huq on Thursday (February 01, 2024) said the government is not harassing Noble Laureate Dr Muhammad Yunus by filing false cases.
“The government is not doing anything to harass Dr Muhammad Yunus. No false case is being filed against him. First a case was filed by workers and then the directorate responsible for protecting the rights of the workers filed a case.”
He said this at a press conference on contemporary issues at the secretariat today.
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“Despite undisputable evidence, it is being spread abroad that the allegations against him (Yunus) are false, and it is being said that we are doing this to harass him,” said the minister.
The minister said that the efforts being made at home and abroad to defame various institutions in Bangladesh centring on Yunus's case will be defeated.
"As you know, according to the provisions of the Bangladesh Labour Act, an inspector can inspect any company if it is found that they are violating the law. In this case, on February 2, 2020, the inspector of the Department of Inspection for Factories and Establishments (DIFE) first inspected Grameen Telecom as per the provisions of the Labour Act,” said Anisul.
"He found out that some laws were being violated. Later, on March 1, he wrote a letter to Grameen Telecom seeking their explanation about these violations and asking them to correct those,” he said.
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“Grameen Telecom's response was not satisfactory, and they (DIFE) inspected Grameen Telecom again on August 17, 2021. After seeing violations of the same law there, a letter was sent on August 19 stating that the law was being violated.
In such a situation, a case was filed against Dr Yunus and Grameen Telecom on September 9,” added Anisul.
1st phase of Biswa Ijtema begins Friday
The first phase of three-day ‘Biswa Ijtema’, a large congregation of Muslims in the world, is set to begin on Friday morning on the bank of the Turag River in Gazipur's Tongi.
The authorities concerned have completed the necessary preparations to hold the religious gathering smoothly.
A good number of foreign devotees from different parts of the world along with local ones have already thronged the Ijtema venue and now staying at 91 designated khittas.
The first phase of Ijtema will start after fajr prayers through ‘Aam Bayan’ on Friday and will end on Sunday after Akheri Munajat.
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Devotees from different foreign countries including India, Pakistan, Afghanistan, Nepal, Bhutan, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Europe, America and Africa have reached the venue.
This year, facilities for foreign devotees including water supply, cooking management and security have been improved, said Religious Affairs Minister Faridul Haque Khan after inaugurating a free health camp at the Ijtema venue on Thursday.
“Those who are involved in violence can’t be the followers of Tablig Jamaat. As per the Prime Minister directives to ensure highest facilities to the devotees, all public representatives and government offices concerned have been asked to take steps to mitigate the sufferings of the devotees,” he said.
Besides, 50 free medical camps were installed and additional beds were arranged at Shahid Ahsan Ullah Master General Hospital for providing medical treatment.
Ambulances will be kept ready for providing emergency services.
Read: Biswa Ijtema 2024: Preparation is going on in full swing
Meanwhile, 15,000 members of law enforcement agencies will be deployed to maintain law and order at the Ijtema venue and adjacent areas. Besides, plainclothes police and intelligence officers will remain deployed in the area.
RAB will perform duties alongside police and watchtowers will be set up to observe the overall situation.
The cyber team will strengthen their surveillance to prevent spread of rumours in the social networking sites.
Deputy Commissioner Abul Fate Mohammad Shafiqul Islam said five mobile teams will perform their duties round the clock to prevent the selling of adulterated food and ensure peaceful atmosphere.
Meanwhile, two devotees died after arriving at the Ijtema venue.
The deceased were identified as Yunus Mia, 60, of Brahmanbaria’s Sarail and Jamal Uddin, 40 of Sadar upazila in Chapainawabganj district.
Both of them died of cardiac arrest, said Farhana Tasnim, physician of Shaheed Ahsan Ullah Master General Hospital.
ADB commits record climate finance of almost $10 bln for Asia, the Pacific
The Asian Development Bank (ADB) committed a record amount of climate finance in 2023 to help its developing member countries (DMCs) in Asia and the Pacific cut greenhouse gas emissions and adapt to the impacts of a warming planet.
ADB committed $9.8 billion in climate finance from its own resources last year—$5.5 billion for mitigation and $4.3 billion for adaptation—a more than 46% increase on its 2022 climate financing commitments.
The bank’s climate adaptation finance commitments in 2023 mean that ADB has provided more than $10.4 billion in cumulative adaptation financing from 2019 to 2023—surpassing its target of $9 billion in 2019–2024 a year early.
Adaptation financing is critical in Asia and the Pacific which is experiencing more extreme heat, droughts, and heavy rains, but where investments in adaptation remain a fraction of what is required, said the Manila-based lending agency.
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“Climate change threatens the future of all development. 2023 was the hottest year on record and saw a swath of extreme, deadly climate impacts in our region,” said ADB President Masatsugu Asakawa.
“This crisis threatens energy and food security and creates fiscal challenges. As the climate bank for Asia and the Pacific, ADB is deeply committed to helping our developing members de-fossilize their economies, progress along their climate transition pathways, and achieve their net-zero goals. We must act together, with urgency and at scale.”
Asia and the Pacific originates more than half of global carbon dioxide emissions while also being acutely vulnerable to the impacts of climate change.
The region needs to invest an estimated $3.1 trillion per year in energy and transport assets alone to meet net zero by 2050—around 50% more than current levels.
As Asia and the Pacific’s climate bank, ADB aims to provide $100 billion in climate financing from its own resources from 2019 to 2030.
Read: ADB predicts robust growth for developing Asia amid global challenges
In 2022, ADB committed $6.7 billion of climate finance from its own resources, including $4 billion for mitigation and $2.7 billion for adaptation.
ADB’s flagship climate projects in 2023 include a $400 million policy-based loan to help Bangladesh implement its national adaptation plan and pursue climate-focused development; a $1 billion loan to help deploy the Philippines’ first large-scale electric bus system in Davao City; and an $18 million grant from the Asian Development Fund (ADF) to improve the resilience, inclusiveness, and sustainability of water supply and sanitation services in the Federated States of Micronesia.
The ADF provides grants to ADB's lower-income DMCs to promote poverty reduction and improvements in the quality of life.
Man to die for killing ex-wife in Manikganj
A Manikganj court on Thursday sentenced a man to death for killing his ex-wife after hurling acid in 2022.
Manikganj District and Sessions Judge Joyosree Samaddar handed down the punishment.
The court also fined convict Naim Mallik, 31, son of Nizam Mollik of Sadar upazila, Tk 20,000.
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According to the prosecution, Naim threw acid on his ex-wife Sathi Akter, 20, daughter of Abdus Sattar of Saturia upazila, through the windowpanes on January 29, 2022, leaving her injured.
Later, she was first taken to Manikganj Dasar Hospital from where she was taken to Sheikh Hasina National Institute of Burn and Plastic Surgery (SHNIBPS) where she succumbed to her injuries on February 10, 2022.
A case was filed against Naim Mallik on that day.
Read: Woman's dismembered body recovered in Brahmanbaria
Police submitted chargesheet against him on April 12, 2022.
Sathi, a garment worker, got divorced from Naim on September 10, 2020 and since then she used to live at her father’s house.
Wedding joy turns into tragedy as two brothers die in Goalanda road crash
A pall of gloom descended on a family following the tragic death of two brothers including a bridegroom in a road accident on Dhaka-Khulna highway in Goalanda upazila on Wednesday midnight.The deceased were identified as Manirul Islam, 32 and bridegroom Saiful Islam Sumon, 27, —two sons of Moksed Sardar of Khankhanapur in sadar upazila.Police said the accident occurred around 12 am in front of Nabuosimuddinpara Government Primary School when a soil-laden truck hit a motorbike carrying the two siblings, leaving Manirul dead on the spot and Saiful injured.
Accident halts traffic on Dhaka-Tangail highway for 2 hoursLater, the injured was taken to a local hospital where the doctors declared Saiful dead.Local people said Moksed Sarkar was taking preparation for wedding ceremonies of his two sons—Shamiul Islam and Saiful Islam Sumon at his residence. The marriage ceremonies of Shamiul and Saiful were supposed to be held on Thursday and Friday respectively. Saiful went to the Daulatdia ghat area to receive his elder brother Manirul who came from Dhaka to attend the marriage ceremonies and they met the tragic death while returning home from there.
Father, son dead in Kurigram road accidentThe family members and relatives are now taking preparation for the burial of the two siblings.M Al Mamud, sub-inspector of Goalanda Ahladipur highway Police, said police seized the truck and a process is on to take legal steps in this regard.
ICJ should work to achieve its goal: Palestine Ambassador
Ambassador of Palestine to Bangladesh, Yousef S. Y. Ramadan, on Thursday said the recent ruling by the International Court of Justice (ICJ) gives a sense of optimism for the Palestinians to be independent after 75 years of struggle.
"It's the first step on the way. We can build upon this," he said while speaking at the DCAB Talk at Jatiya Press Club.
BNP and Jamaat still haven’t uttered a single word against genocide in Palestine: Foreign Minister
Responding to a question, Ambassador Ramadan said they should not just stop there.
"No. We wanted to wait and see. We want to provide ICJ with the evidence that Israel did commit genocide. This is our duty. This is the duty of everyone," he said.
PM Hasina denounces Israeli attacks on Palestine, calls for ending the war
The envoy added, "That's what we need ....to continue. And ICJ should continue the work to achieve its goal. It should not just relax."
The ambassador said they are extremely grateful to Bangladesh and South Africa for their role. Bangladesh supported the genocide case filed by South Africa with the ICJ.
Creation of Palestine state urgent; US key actor in bringing this to reality: Dr Yunus
Lauding Bangladesh's position, he said this was a very courageous move from Bangladesh.
In the ICJ proceedings, South Africa contended that Israel is violating its obligations under the Genocide Convention with its military assault on Gaza, which began on October 8, 2023, after the attack by Hamas in Israel, which killed 1,200 people and wounded many more. Around 240 people were also taken hostage in the attack.
During oral hearings earlier this month, Israel sought to have the case dismissed by the ICJ judges — a motion that was rejected last Friday (January 26).
The landmark ruling by the International Court of Justice (ICJ) offers the first concrete hope to protect civilians in Gaza enduring apocalyptic humanitarian conditions, destruction, mass killing, wounding and irreparable trauma, UN experts said today.
“The ruling is a significant milestone in the decades-long struggle for justice by the Palestinian people,” the experts said.
The ICJ found it plausible that Israel’s acts could amount to genocide and issued six provisional measures, ordering Israel to take all measures within its power to prevent genocidal acts, including preventing and punishing incitement to genocide, ensuring aid and services reach Palestinians under siege in Gaza, and preserving evidence of crimes committed in Gaza.
“We echo the sense of urgency demonstrated by the Court in its short, two-week deliberation, as hundreds of Palestinians, primarily women and children, are being killed by Israeli forces every day, resulting in a death toll of 26,751 people in Gaza over the past three months. This amounts to over 1% of the population,” they said.
Ambassador Ramadan said that the international community is gradually abandoning Israel that has so far been enjoying impunity just because it is powerful.
On January 30, UK Foreign Secretary David Cameron said Britain is ready to bring forward the moment when it formally recognises a Palestinian state.
He said Palestinians had to be given a political horizon to encourage peace in the Middle East, BBC reported.
When his attention was brought to that, the ambassador said the UK should have been the first to recognise the Palestinian State because all the problems of Palestine were created because of British policy.
He said US President Joe Biden is working very hard to find a solution but he should have done it much earlier.
Ambassador Ramadan said the international community for long has ignored the Palestinians' issue just because Israel is powerful.
"Israel is there fighting us. But who are the countries standing beside it? The powerful countries," he said.
Ambassador Ramadan said he does not represent Hamas or Fattah but the Palestine Liberation Organization.
“This is a very hot issue. Talk about this,” he said, expressing disappointment over the lack of unity among the Muslim countries while he referred to the unity in Europe.
The ambassador said he never felt like a refugee during his nine-year stay in Bangladesh as he always received warmth and love from the people here.
DCAB President Nurul Islam Hasib and its General Secretary Ashiqur Rahman Apu also spoke.
PM mourns death of Bagerhat AL leader Abu Bakkar
Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on Thursday expressed deep shock and sorrow at the death of Bagerhat’s Kachua Upazila unit general secretary of Awami League SM Abu Bakkar Siddique.
She prayed for eternal peace of the departed soul and conveyed deep sympathy to the bereaved family.
4-day flower festival begins in Jashore
A four-day flower festival began at Godkhali in Jhikargacha upazila of Jashore district on Wednesday.
Deputy Commissioner Abraul Hasan Majumder inaugurated the festival at Godkhali-Panisara-Haria intersection.
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The festival will continue till February 3.
A total of 14 stalls were set up at the festival where local products were displayed alongside flowers.
A cultural programme was arranged on this occasion.
Read: PM sends flowers, fruits and sweets to freedom fighters on Eid day
During the inauguration ceremony, Deputy Commissioner Abraul Hasan said people will now come to Jashore as there are so many things here that attract tourists and Godkhali flower gardens is one among them.