bangladesh
Voice for genocide’s global recognition rings throughout Bangladesh
More than 1,500 anti-war crimes campaigners in Bangladesh took to the streets to press home their demand for getting the recognition of March 25 as the international genocide day by the United Nations.
Professionals, including university teachers, journalists, lawyers, writers, doctors, engineers among others, took part in as many as 34 different protest rallies simultaneously on Thursday evening on university campuses, in front of press clubs, and at the bases of shaheed Minars across the country.
Also read: PM urges global leaders to take action to prevent recurrence of any future genocide
Under the banner of One Bangladesh, a platform consisting of pro-liberation professionals, the protesters carried posters that read “UN should recognise March 25 as international genocide day”, “We demand an official apology from Pakistan”, and “Dear Pakistan, stop spreading smears against 1971 war crimes”.
Wearing masks and maintaining health protocols amid the coronavirus pandemic, the demonstrators also lit candles commemorating 3 million martyrs and hundreds of thousands of women violated by Pakistani occupation forces during the nine-month Liberation War of Bangladesh in 1971.
Read Mission in New Delhi observes Genocide Day
Ideologies, forces behind inhuman acts remains active: Modi
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday called for unity to fight against the ideologies and forces behind ‘inhuman acts’ such as terrorism, saying they are active even today.
“The ideologies and forces behind these inhuman acts are active even today. We not only need to be alert, but also need to stay united to fight them,” he said.
Modi said Bangladesh and India have a common heritage, common development, common goals and common challenges too.
“We must remember that though we have similar possibilities in the area of trade and development, we also face similar threats, such as terrorism,” he said.
Modi said both countries have the power of democracy and a clear vision for moving forward.
“India and Bangladesh moving forward together is equally important for the development of the entire region,” he said at the special programme marking the birth centenary of Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman and 50 years of Bangladesh’s independence.
President Abdul Hamid and Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, her sister Sheikh Rehana, Liberation War Affairs Minister AKM Mozammel Haque, Agriculture Minister Dr Mohammad Abdur Razzaque, among others, were present.
The Indian Prime Minister said Bangladesh has proven all of those people wrong who had objected to its creation, looked down upon its people and had apprehensions about its existence.
“I’m pleased that under Sheikh Hasina’s able leadership, Bangladesh is showing its dynamism to the world,” he said.
He said the world did not talk as much about the cruelty, oppression and atrocities of ‘Operation Searchlight’ as it should have.
Inspired by the common legacy of Kazi Nazrul Islam and Rabindranath Tagore, the Indian Prime Minister said they have no time to lose, they must move forward for change, and they cannot delay any further.
He said the two countries' goals are common and therefore, their efforts should also be united. “We need to further boost our efforts, add new dimensions to them, and take them to new heights,” Modi said.
Also read: Protest against Modi’s visit: 50 injured as Muslim devotees, cops clash in Dhaka
The Indian Prime Minister said he is confident that India and Bangladesh together will progress at a fast pace. “The love that you have showered on me, the brotherhood for India, this feeling of oneness – I’ll most certainly convey this to every Indian.”
“I’m pleased that you’ve included me in the celebrations of this important milestone in the development journey of Bangladesh,” Modi said.
He paid tribute to Bangabandhu, who dedicated his whole life for Bangladesh and its people.
“For us Indians, it is a matter of pride that we had the opportunity to honour Sheikh Mujibur with the Gandhi Peace Prize.”
Connecting Youth
Modi said that in order to strengthen India-Bangladesh relations, it is equally important to have a better connection between the youth of both countries.
On the occasion of the 50th anniversary of India-Bangladesh relations, he invited 50 young entrepreneurs from Bangladesh to India.
“They should come to India, connect with our start up and innovation ecosystems, meet our venture capitalists. We too will learn from them, and they too will get an opportunity to learn,” he said.
Modi remembered the hundreds of thousands of sons and daughters of Bangladesh who suffered countless atrocities, who shed their blood, and put their lives at stake for their nation, their language, their culture.
He said those who shed their blood in the War of Liberation and sacrificed their lives, played a very big role in making the dream of an independent Bangladesh come true.
“The government of Bangladesh has dedicated a war memorial to honour the memory of these brave martyrs in Ashuganj. I express my gratitude to you for that,” he said.
Also read: Protest against Modi’s visit: 50 injured as Muslim devotees, cops clash in Dhaka
Modi was pleased that many Indian soldiers who were part of the Liberation War were also there with them today at the special event. “The struggle for the Liberation of Bangladesh was also one of the first movements that I took part in,” he recalled.
“I must have been 22 or 23 years old, when along with many of my friends, I did satyagraha (a form of passive resistance) for the liberation of the people of Bangladesh.”
As part of his efforts to support the liberation of Bangladesh, he was also arrested and sent to prison. “That is to say, there was as much of a longing for Bangladesh’s freedom in India, as there was in Bangladesh.”
“The images of the heinous crimes and atrocities committed by the Pakistani army here made our blood boil too, and gave us countless sleepless nights,” Modi said.
In India, Modi said they still remember how Bangabandhu after being released from jail in Pakistan came to India on his way back to Bangladesh. “The speech he made in Delhi is still talked about by many.”
Modi said Bangabandhu had become emotional when speaking about Bangladesh’s independence, and the sacrifices made by the people of Bangladesh and India. He had tears in his eyes.
“Those tears were a symbol of the emotional bond between India and Bangladesh, they were a testimony to our relations.”
He said it is their responsibility to cherish the emotions behind those tears of Bangabandhu, and to keep them alive. “The future of India and Bangladesh, is just waiting for countless such moments full of goodwill, and of mutual trust.”
Modi said it is a happy coincidence that the 50th anniversary of Bangladesh’s liberation and the milestone of 75th year of India’s independence have arrived together. “For both of our countries, in the 21st Century, our journey over the next 25 years, will be very important.”
The two countries have worked together to create the SAARC Covid Fund, and coordinated training for human resources.
“India is very pleased that Made in India vaccines have been helpful for our brothers and sisters in Bangladesh,” Modi said.
India needs to play leading role in building stable, vibrant S Asia: PM Hasina
Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on Friday said India, the largest country in the region, needs to play a pioneering role in building a stable and politically-economically vibrant South Asia.
“If we move forward hand in hand, the development of our people is inevitable,” she said while chairing the closing ceremony of the 10-day festival in presence of her Indian counterpart Narendra Modi as the guest of honour.
President Abdul Hamid attended the concluding ceremony in the city’s National Parade Square as the Chief Guest.
The 10-day nationwide programme started on March 17 with the theme ‘Mujib Eternal’, marking the birth centenary of Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman and Golden Jubilee of the country’s Independence in the Mujib Year.
Sheikh Hasina said South Asia is the most densely-populated area but there are huge resources in this region. “If we all utilise the resources, we’ll be able to build it as a hunger-poverty-free region,” she noted.
She urged all to make a vow to work together forgetting all differences for the welfare of the peoples in South Asia.
“At this auspicious moment of celebrating the birth centenary of the Father of the Nation and the Golden Jubilee of independence of Bangladesh, let us pledge to forget all differences and work together for the welfare of our peoples,” she said.
“Our foreign policy formulated by the Father of the Nation is that ‘Friendship to All and Malice towards None’. We’re determined to establish South Asia a developed and prosperous region,” the Prime Minister said.
Relations with India reaches new heights
Sheikh Hasina said the bilateral relations between Bangladesh and India have escalated to new heights. “Our relations with India have now escalated to new heights,” she added.
Lauding Narendra Modi’s ‘neighbourhood first’ policy, she said, “He sent coronavirus vaccines as gift to the neighbouring countries, including Bangladesh, which was a reflection of that policy of Modiji.”
She said Bangladesh has increased cooperation with India in various sectors including trade and commerce, communication, power, energy, and agriculture during the last few years. “India has now become one of our development partners,” she added.
The Maitree Bridge over Feni River has recently been inaugurated to increase connectivity between the North-Eastern Indian states and Bangladesh. These Indian states are now able to use the Seaport and Airport of Chattogram, she said adding that India can also use the Mongla port.
Hasina said Bangladesh has graduated from the status of least developed country to a developing country due to her government’s relentless efforts in the last 12 years. “We’re taking Bangladesh on the track of prosperity by overcoming multiple obstacles,” she added.
Also read: Independence Day: PM Hasina pays homage to Bangabandhu
She said her government wants to make Bangladesh an upper-middle-income country by 2031 and a developed and prosperous one by 2041.
Sheikh Hasina, Bangabandhu’s eldest daughter, said Bangabandhu was a great believer in regional cooperation. “In addition to the political freedom of the oppressed people of the world, he dreamed of economic emancipation. That made him emphasise regional cooperation based on mutual trust, confidence, and equality,” she added.
She expressed gratitude to the Indian government and the Prime Minister for awarding the prestigious ‘Gandhi Peace Prize-2020’ to Bangabandhu at this very auspicious moment.
“I must say, India indeed honoured a worthy leader in South Asia as well as a real fellow of Gandhiji through this award,” she said.
She also thanked the government and the people of India as India is providing 109 ambulances to Bangladesh this time as a gift of their amicable gesture for the people of Bangladesh.
Noting that Indian government always remains beside Bangladesh, she said every Indian political party and the people of India, irrespective of their creed and views, become united regarding any issue of Bangladesh and stand beside the people of Bangladesh.
“India is not only our next-door neighbour, we’ve historical, social, cultural, heritage, and geographical rapports with this country,” she said.
Recollecting that the people and the Government of India were immensely involved in the evolution process of Bangladesh, Sheikh Hasina said, “The self-sacrifice (of a notable number of Indian soldiers), support, and cooperation of the people of India during our Liberation War will never be forgotten. We gratefully recollect that contribution.”
In recognition of outstanding contribution to the Liberation War, Bangladesh dedicated the ‘Independence Award’ to late Indian Prime Minister Indira Gandhi, the ‘Liberation War Friendship Award’ to 225 Indian citizens including the ‘Liberation War Award’ to former President Pranab Mukherjee and former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee, she said.
On the occasion of the birth centenary of Father of the Nation, the Golden Jubilee of Bangladesh’s Independence, and 50 years of Bangladesh-India diplomatic relations, the two countries have decided to hold several joint programmes, she said.
Besides, the Indian government has taken the initiative of the Bangabandhu-Bapu Digital Exhibition commemorating the two most-reputed leaders of this subcontinent Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib and Mahatma Gandhi, she continued.
Sheikh Hasina extended her sincere thanks to the Indian Prime Minister for attending this festival amid the Covid-19 pandemic. “We always recall with respect the contribution of India to our liberation. So, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi glorified our event attending it as the guest of honour,” she said.
At the event, Bangabandhu’s youngest daughter Sheikh Rehana accompanied by Sheikh Hasina received the prestigious ‘Gandhi Peace Prize-2020’ from Narendra Modi, which was conferred on Bangabandhu.
The Indian Prime Minister was honoured with ‘Eternal Mujib Memento’. Sheikh Rehana handed over the memento to Modi.
The video messages of UN Secretary General António Guterres and UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson were also screened.
Congratulatory messages from Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan, Russian President Vladimir Putin, USA President Joe Biden and Turkey President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan read out by the heads of their respective diplomatic missions stationed in Dhaka.
Earlier, Sheikh Hasina along with her younger sister Sheikh Hasina received Modi when he reached the venue at 4:30pm. Later, both the prime ministers witnessed a cultural programme there.
Covid-19: Bangladesh reports highest daily cases in 9 months
Bangladesh on Friday reported its highest daily coronavirus cases since July last year.
The health authorities confirmed 3,737 cases in the last 24 hours, highest since July 2 last year when the country reported 4,019 cases.
On Friday, the daily infection rate rose to 13.69% from 13.26% on Thursday.
Meanwhile, 33 deaths reported today pushed the country’s tally to 8,830. Twenty-six of the deaths were reported from Dhaka, six from Chattogram and one from Rajshahi.
Also read: Covid-19: Bangladesh records 3-month high 34 deaths; 3,587 fresh cases
The death rate is currently 1.5 percent, the Directorate General of Health Services said in a handout.
So far, the government has confirmed 588,132 cases but 531,951 (90.45%) of them have recovered, including 2,057 new recoveries.
The country has so far tested 4,542,030 samples – 27,299 in the last 24 hours.
Bangladesh reported its first coronavirus cases on March 8 last year and the first death on the 18th of that month.
The country launched a countrywide vaccination drive on Feb 7. As the daily infection rate rose, the government extended the ongoing shutdown of educational institutions and announced to reopen them in May.
US recognises Bangladesh’s remarkable contributions to global development
The United States has recognised the remarkable contributions that Bangladesh has made to global development.
"As we work together toward a safe and secure region and a healthy and prosperous future, we recognise the remarkable contributions Bangladesh has made to global development," said US Secretary of State Antony J Blinken in a statement on Bangladesh National Day.
On behalf of the Government of the United States, he warmly congratulated the people of Bangladesh on the momentous occasion of your 50th National Day and Golden Jubilee.
"The United States and Bangladesh both undertook courageous struggles for independence. Over the last 50 years, we have cooperated on issues ranging from economic development to peacekeeping, and we have fostered strong people-to-people ties," said the US Secretary of State.
Also read: US Secretary of State Pompeo greets Bangladeshis
As a result, he said, the friendship between Bangladesh and the US has grown ever stronger.
"Today, our people are partnering to promote human rights, address climate change, and combat the COVID-19 pandemic," he said.
Also read: Dhaka rejects US Secretary of State Pompeo's ‘baseless’ remarks
Blinken said just as in the earliest days of their relationship, they appreciate a shared commitment to democratic values and the prosperity and welfare of our people, who are joined in their aspirations to create a better world for our children over the next 50 years.
"I wish all Bangladeshis a joyous celebration of your milestone Golden Jubilee," he said.
UK PM hails Bangladesh’s growth
UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson has hailed Bangladesh as “one of the fastest-growing economies in the world” and emphasised that the UK and Bangladesh share the ambition to create an even more prosperous and environmentally-sustainable future.
He congratulated the people of Bangladesh on their Golden Jubilee and said he looks forward to the two countries working together to create an environmentally-sustainable future.
“It’s amazing to reflect on how much your nation has achieved since the circumstance of its birth," said the UK Prime Minister.
In a video message, Johnson remembered the historic visit of Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman to Downing Street in London in 1972, describing the visit as “instrumental in forging the friendship” between the UK and Bangladesh.
Prime Minister Johnson recalled fondly his visit to Bangladesh in 2018, when he was welcomed “with a great deal of warmth and generosity”.
He emphasised the bond between the UK and Bangladesh, “incarnated by the 600,000 strong British-Bangladeshi community who contribute so much to the United Kingdom every day”.
The British Prime Minister said, “I think particularly of the fantastic doctor and nurses in our NHS, many of whom are helping to treat and vaccinate people in our battle against COVID-19”.
“I look forward to working with Prime Minister [Sheikh] Hasina and to seeing her again at COP26 in Glasgow. But for now, as we look ahead to the next 50 years of British and Bangladeshi friendship, I wish everyone the very best for your Golden Jubilee.”
Act responsibly to make independence meaningful: President
President Abdul Hamid on Friday urged the people to carry out their respective duties with honesty, integrity and sincerity to make independence meaningful and disseminate its benefits among the mass people.
He said the country achieved its independence under the leadership of Bangabandhu after a Liberation War lasting nine months and costing many lives.
“Therefore, we have to carry out our respective duties with honesty, integrity and sincerity in order to make our independence meaningful and disseminate the benefits of independence among mass people. In imparting our duties in personal, family, social, political and state related affairs, we need to behave very responsibly,” he said.
President Hamid made the remarks while addressing the final day of 10-day special programme 'Mujib Chirantan' as chief guest marking 50 years of independence and the birth centenary of Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman at Parade Ground.
Prime Minister of India Narendra Modi attended the celebrations in the afternoon as special guest.
Hamid said that people need to develop able leadership, emphasising principles, ethics and ideals in all sectors.
The President said the development of the country and people are not the sole responsibility of the political leadership. Rather, as citizens of an independent country, it is the duty and responsibility of all.
Mentioning independence as the right of the people, the President said the true meaning of freedom can only be achieved if it is used properly without limiting it within the accomplishment of rights. Again, the beauty of freedom diminishes with its inappropriate use. Liberation and arbitrariness cannot be treated in the same manner.
Terming India as the closest neighbour and a trusted friend of Bangladesh, President Hamid recalled with deep appreciation the unstinting moral and material support that the political leaders and people of India extended to Bangladesh during our Liberation War.
Also read: President Abdul Hamid to receive coronavirus vaccine tomorrow
Hamid also remembered with profound respect the heroes of Indian Armed Forces who sacrificed their lives in our great Liberation War and expressed sincere thanks to the Government of India for the decision to confer the ‘Gandhi Peace Prize 2020’ upon Bangabandhu posthumously in recognition of his outstanding contributions towards social, economic and political transformation through non-violent and other Gandhian methods.
The President hoped that the visit of the Prime Minister of India will further strengthen the friendly relations between the two countries.
Celebration of the Birth Centenary is an admirable initiative to know and realise Bangabandhu. The President said: “In place of the ceremonial components of the celebration, we need to put emphasis on educating our new and future generations about the life, work, principles and ideals of Bangabandhu. Initiatives need to be taken so that we can represent Bangabandhu in the international arena in different languages.”
Hamid also called upon researchers, historians and politicians to play pioneering role in this regard.
He shared his direct observation how India had supported and co-operated with us during our glorious War of Independence. At least 10 million people from then East Pakistan (now Bangladesh) took shelter in India. At that time, the government and people of India provided shelter to our 10 million people, arranged their food, provided training to the freedom fighters, supplied weapons, conducted diplomatic efforts to obtain the support of the outside world in favour of our fight for independence, and also a number of Indian soldiers sacrificed their lives as members of the allied force.
This is a unique example in the history of empathy and humanity, Hamid said.
Also read: President Abdul Hamid wants closer ties with Canada
'Friendship to all, malice to none'- following the policy of Bangabandhu, Bangladesh is successfully advancing in the diplomatic arena by developing bilateral and multilateral relations. The land boundary agreement with India has already been implemented and the maritime boundary dispute has been resolved peacefully.
President Hamid said bilateral talks aimed at resolving other unresolved issues are being held regularly and hoped that these unresolved issues will be settled amicably and in a dignified way soon.
Prime Minister Hasina received Modi at the VVIP tarmac of Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport (HSIA) upon his arrival by a special flight in the morning.
The Indian Prime Minister was received by 19 gun salutes and given the guard of honour.
He visited the National Martyrs Memorial at Savar and Bangabandhu Memorial Museum at Dhanmondi in the city to pay tributes to Liberation War martyrs and Father of the Nation Bangabandhu.
Also read: President Abdul Hamid reaches Geneva
Modi placed wreaths and planted a sapling at the National Martyrs Memorial and signed the visitors’ book there. He also placed wreaths on the portrait of Bangabandhu at Bangabandhu Memorial Museum and signed the visitors’ book.
He jointly inaugurated Bangabandhu-Bapu Museum and attended a state banquet preceded by a cultural programme hosted by Prime Minister Hasina.
Modi will have a one-to-one meeting with his Bangladesh counterpart and hold bilateral talks at the Prime Minister’s Office. He will also meet President Hamid at Bangabhaban on March 27.
Narendra Modi arrived here on a two-day state visit to attend the twin mega celebrations marking the birth centenary of Father of the Nation and 50 years of independence.
Undeclared “curfew” in Dhaka ignoring people: BNP
BNP secretary general Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir on Friday alleged that the government is celebrating the Golden Jubilee of Independence without people by imposing an undeclared “curfew” in Dhaka.
“The situation that prevails today (Friday) in Bangladesh, especially in Dhaka city, is not expected for any of us. We’ve seen an undeclared curfew in the entire city while people’s movement is being stopped,” he said.
The BNP leader said, “The government is celebrating this day keeping people away.”
As part of ensuring foolproof security centring Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit, traffic on different roads in the capital has been restricted. The leaders and activists of BNP were barred from going to the grave of party founder Ziaur Rahman to pay homage to him on the occasion of Golden Jubilee of Independence.
Taking permission from police, Fakhrul and some other party senior leaders placed a wreath at Zia’s grave paying tribute to him.
Also read: BNP brings changes to Independence Day prog
Later, talking to reporters, Fakhrul said they have postponed their most programmes, including a rally, to mark the day due to the deteriorating Covid situation.
He alleged that though coronavirus situation has taken a dangerous turn, the government is showing apathy to it. “The main reason behind the government’s indifference is that they’re busy with foreign guests. We don't see their interest in protecting people.”
Replying to a question, Fakhrul said the government has long been failed to resolve the unsettled issues, including ensuring fair share of water of the common rivers, with friendly country India.
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He said the government has been talking about signing the Teesta water sharing deal for 10 years, but it has so far failed to do so.
The BNP leader alleged that the government has unilaterally signed a deal with India to share water of the Feni River.
Also read: BNP postponed Independence Day event to avoid embarrassment: Obaidul Quader
He also said the killings of Bangladeshis along the border have not stopped yet. “The government is enhancing connectivity with India, but people have not been told what benefits we are getting from it. We surely want good relations with all countries. But we never want anyone to be our master and the people of Bangladesh will also not accept it,” Fakhrul said.
Meanwhile, senior leaders of Dhaka district unit BNP, on behalf of the party, paid tributes to the martyrs of the Liberation War by placing wreaths at the National Mausoleum, Savar in the morning.
FM discusses bilateral, connectivity issues with Modi
Foreign Minister Dr AK Abdul Momen discussed bilateral and connectivity issues with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday, seeking joint efforts for the development of all countries in the region.
Dr Momen said all countries need development and it will not work if all countries do not see the same pace of development.
"It's possible if the leadership remains committed," he told reporters after the meeting at Hotel Sonargaon.
The Foreign Minister also sought effective role from India in the UN Security Council.
"We had a very cordial meeting. He (Modi) is very happy," Dr Momen said, adding that they also discussed COVID-19 cooperation.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday said his Bangladesh visit is an occasion to convey appreciation for Bangladesh’s remarkable economic and developmental strides under Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s visionary leadership and to commit India’s abiding support for these achievements.
He expressed India’s support and solidarity for Bangladesh's fight against COVID-19.
Modi said he will be having "substantive discussions" with Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, following their very productive virtual meeting in December last year.
Also read: Modi arrives in Dhaka to join twin celebrations
The Indian Prime Minister arrived here on Friday morning on a two-day state visit at the invitation of Prime Minister Hasina. This is his first foreign visit after the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Modi said he looks forward to visiting Bangabandhu’s Samadhi in Tungipara to pay respects to Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman's memory.
He had earlier described Bangabandhu as a champion of human rights and freedom, and a hero to Indians as well.
He also said that the legacy and inspiration of Bangabandhu has made the heritage of both countries more comprehensive and deep-rooted, and that the path shown by Bangabandhu has laid a strong foundation for the partnership, progress and prosperity of both countries over the last decade.
Also read: 27 including 2 journalists injured as BCL attacks anti-Modi protesters
State Minister for Foreign Affairs M Shahriar Alam, Foreign Secretary Masud Bin Momen, Indian Foreign Secretary Harsh Vardhan Shringla and High Commissioner to Bangladesh Vikram Kumar Doraiswami were present at the meeting.
17 killed Rajshahi road accident
At least 17 people were killed in Rajshahi after a passenger bus collided head-on with a microbus on Friday.
The accident occurred in front of Katakhali Police Station around 1:45pm.
Police identified 15 of the deceased as Salauddin, 38, his wife Shamsunnahar, 32, their children Sajid, 9, and Saba, 18 months; Kamrunnahar; Tajul Islam, his wife Mukta, their child Yamin; Mokhlesur, Ful Mia, his wife Nazma, their children Sumaiya, Sadia and Faisal; and driver Hanif Mia.
Police said the microbus, carrying 15 people, including two children and four women, was going to Rajshahi’s Shah Makhdum shrine from Rangpur’s Pirgonj.
A Dhaka-bound bus of Hanif Paribahan from Rajshahi collided with the microbus head-on.
“The gas cylinder inside the microbus exploded on impact, killing 11 of its passengers on the spot,” said Rajshahi Metropolitan Police’s Spokesperson Additional Deputy Commissioner Golam Ruhul Kuddus.
Eight of the injured were admitted to Rajshahi Medical College Hospital. Six of them succumbed to their injuries.
Two survivors are undergoing treatment at RMCH.
Road accidents in Bangladesh
Road accidents claim hundreds of lives every year in Bangladesh.
In January this year, at least 484 people were killed in 427 road crashes.
According to Road Safety Foundation (RSF), accident rates jumped by 25.58 percent and fatalities by 8.76 percent in January compared to the same period last year.
Also read: 3 dead in Jashore, Panchagarh road accidents
At least 445 lives were lost in 340 road accidents in January 2020, according to RSF.
In a report released in February 2020, the World Bank said that Bangladesh needed to invest an estimated extra $7.8 billion over the next decade to halve its road crash fatalities.
The report attributed the high death rate on Bangladesh’s roads to a lack of investments in systemic, targeted, and sustained road safety programmes.