bangladesh
IGP assures Hindu community of security as Durga Puja approaches; points to harmony between communities
Inspector General of Police (IGP) Chowdhury Abdullah Al Mamun on Tuesday instructed the police officials to remain alert so that no one can spread rumors targeting the upcoming Durga Puja.
Besides, he also ordered intensified police patrolling across the country on the eve of the Puja.
Also read: Keep vigil against vandalism during Durga Puja: Obaidul Quader asks AL members
The IGP gave the directives while addressing a meeting regarding security and law and order situation surrounding the numerous puja mandaps around the country on the occasion of Durga Puja. It was held at the Hall of Pride of the Police Headquarters on Tuesday.
The meeting was attended by Additional IGPs, chiefs of various police units based in Dhaka, Metropolitan Police Commissioners, Range DIGs, representatives of various intelligence agencies, Bangladesh Puja Celebration Parishad and Dhaka Metropolitan Public Puja Committee. Superintendents of Police of various districts were joined in the meeting virtually.
Also read: With scars from 2021, Cumilla sees tighter security for Durga Puja
The IGP said that the policemen have to remain vigilant so that no person or group can cause any deterioration of law and order.
He directed the field level police officers to ensure security before Puja, during Puja and after puja by communicating and coordinating with local Puja celebration committee leaders.
The IGP said there is excellent communal harmony among people of different religions in the country.
He expressed the hope that as in the past Durga Puja was celebrated in a festive and joyous atmosphere, this time too the celebrations will be safe with no untoward incidents.
Also read: No security lapses for Durga Puja: Rab DG
Leaders, including religious figures, of the Hindu community expressed their satisfaction over the steps taken by the police in the meeting.
The meeting was informed that monitoring cells will be set up at police headquarters and other police units on the occasion of Durga Puja.
Durga Puja, one of the biggest religious festivals of the Hindu community, is slated to be held from October 20-24.
No ban can stop Sheikh Hasina: Quader
Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina cannot be stopped by imposing any ban, Awami League General Secretary Obaidul Quader said Tuesday.
Regarding the US visa policy and restrictions, Quader, also the Road Transport and Bridges Minister in the government, said: “Bangladesh will run according to the constitution. We could not be defeated in 1971, even today Sheikh Hasina cannot be stopped by imposing any ban. We don't care about anyone's ban.”
Also read: What could be the possible reasons to apply US visa restrictions against someone?
Quader was addressing a 'peace and development rally' organised by Dhaka district Awami League in Keraniganj on Tuesday afternoon.
“No one listens to the US sanctions. Venezuela, Gabon, Sudan did not listen. Many first world countries also do not follow UN sanctions,” he said.
“The US imposes sanctions, and the BNP threatens with sanctions. What a wonder! America seems to have made BNP an agent of intimidation,” he added.
Also read: Haas raises eyebrows by saying members of media may face visa restrictions
“If any Awami League worker is attacked, this time it will be retaliated. No concessions will be made under any circumstances. AL will not bow down to anyone and is waiting to see how BNP occupies Dhaka. Awami League will occupy the entire country with red and green flags,” the AL leader warned.
“BNP has done politics over Khaleda Zia's illness. There was not a single movement for her release even for 48 minutes,” Quader continued.
Also read: New US visa policy declared targeting next Bangladesh polls
Presided over by Dhaka District AL President Benazir Ahmed, AL presidium member Kamrul Islam and joint General Secretary Mahbub-ul-Alam Hanif spoke at the rally, among others.
Deaths from dengue now 943 with 15 more in last 24hrs
With fifteen more deaths from dengue in 24 hours till Tuesday morning, the fatalities from the mosquito-borne disease in Bangladesh rose to 943 this year.
During the period, 3,123 more patients were hospitalised with the viral fever, according to the DGHS.
Of the new patients, 774 were admitted to hospitals in Dhaka and the rest outside the capital--indicating a worsening situation across the country, DGHS said.
A total of 10,156 dengue patients, including 3,581 in the capital, are now receiving treatment at hospitals across the country.
So far, the DGHS has recorded 193,881 dengue cases, 182,782 recoveries this year.
Islami Bank, Medix sign agreement on healthcare
Islami Bank Bangladesh PLC and Medix, a sister concern of United Healthcare Services Limited, have signed a corporate agreement.
Under this agreement clients and employees of the Bank will get special discounts on different health tests.
Muhammad Qaisar Ali, Managing Director (Current Charge) of the bank, and Mohammad Faizur Rahman, Managing Director & CEO of United Hospital Limited exchanged the documents on behalf of respective organizations on Tuesday.
Engr. A.F.M Kamaluddin, Deputy Managing Director, Mizanur Rahman, Senior Executive Vice President, Mohammad Manzurul Haque, Senior Vice President and A M Shahidul Amran, Senior Assistant Vice President of the bank, Dr. Md. Fazlarabbi Khan, General Manager of United Hospital Limited, Tareq Sami Rahman, Head of Centre Operation & Corporate Marketing and Shariful Islam Khan Yousufzai, Corporate Accounts Manager of Medix along with the executives of both institutions were present on the occasion, said a press release.
124 students get Russian govt's higher education scholarships for 2024-25
The Russian Government on Tuesday announced 124 scholarships for Bangladeshi students on Bachelor, Masters and PhD courses for the academic year 2024-2025.
Counsellor of the embassy of the Russian Federation Pavel Dvoychenkov announced this in the annual press conference to mark the day of International Journalists' solidarity at the Russian House in Dhaka.
He said the Russian House in Dhaka is jointly organizing all kinds of programs with several local partners: universities and non-governmental organizations, which gives the opportunity to get acquainted with their activities and to build solid cooperation in different fields.
"Amid our main Bengali counterpart bodies are educational institutions: especially Stamford University. Dhaka University, Daffodil International University, State University of Bangladesh and United International University, as well as the Bangladesh-Russia Friendship Society, the Soviet Alumni Association Bangladesh (by the way, Soviet and Russian universities prepared around 5000 Bengali specialists working all around the world, often achieving top positions in the public and private sectors), the Muktijuddho Academy Trust, Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy, and many others," he added.
The counsellor said that the application can be done online https://education-in-russia.com. The period is from 1 September 2023 till 31 October 2023. However, before applying all educational qualification certificates and mark sheets/transcripts in original and photocopy must be attested by the Bangladesh Ministry of Foreign Affairs and passport must be valid for more than 18 months from September 2024.
Read: With D grade Bangladesh Bank governor fares poorly in global ranking
After completing the online application, along with the copy of the online application, attested copies of all educational certificates and transcript, passport copy, medical certificate (Hepatitis A.B.C, Tuberculosis and HIV absence report), consent letter of the candidate to personal info processing and one passport size color photograph should be submitted to the Education Section of Russian House in Dhaka.
Application submission time at Russian House in Dhaka is 10am to 5pm from Sunday to Thursday, he added.
Apart from higher education in Russia, Bangladesh is also implementing the new Generation Program of short-term study tours to Russia for youth representatives at various Russian events.
Every year, more than 1000 young leaders aged 25 to 35 visit Russia to establish professional contacts and build long-term partnership with Russian state and non-state structures, youth and community organizations. This year also,the Russian House in Dhaka has started activities for Bangladeshi representatives to participate in the New Generation Program, which is on its way to implementation very soon.
Russian House in Dhaka invites young Bangladeshi friends to participate in the World Youth Festival-2024, which will be held in Sochi in the beginning of March next year. 20,000 Russian and foreign young leaders aged 18 to 35 - business, professionals from media, education, science, international cooperation, culture, volunteering, sports and other fields of social life - will gather at this festival.
The Russian House in Dhaka is working hard to promote educational and Russian language courses related to Russia. Discussions are already underway with some local universities to establish a "Russian Corner" so that anyone can easily learn about Russia and Russian language.
This should be applied online only.
6 Ansar Al Islam operatives held by RAB from different areas of capital
Rapid Action Battalion (RAB) has arrested six members of banned militant outfit Ansar Al Islam from different parts of the capital city.
Among the arrestees is Mezbah Abu Masroor, in-charge of the Dawati unit of Dhaka region in the Ansar Al Islam organisational setup.
Acting on a tip-off, a team of RAB-1 and DGFI arrested them from Uttara, Banani, Banashree and Jatrabari areas of the capital on Monday night.
Two laptops, six mobile phones, pamphlets supporting extremism and diaries and notebooks related to organisational activities were recovered.
Legal action is being taken against those arrested, ASP Imran Khan of RAB headquarters media wing said.
EC will use all its powers to organise free, fair polls: Election Commissioner Anisur
The Election Commission (EC) will use all the power at its disposal to hold a free and fair election, said Election Commissioner Anisur Rahman on Tuesday.“We want to hold a free and fair election with the participation of all political parties and dialogue will be held with all parties. Already we sat with some political parties. After the dialogue with us, everyone's faith in the EC will be strengthened further,” he said.
Also read: Onus for participatory election not on Election Commission, says commissionerThe Election Commissioner said this while talking to reporters after attending an inaugural programme of NID Smart Card distribution in Gazipur’s Sreepur area on Tuesday.The schedule of the election will be announced in the first week of November and the election will be held in January next year without using Election Voting Machine (EVM), he added.
Also read: Schedule of 12th parliamentary election likely in November, says EC AnisurThis year the Election Commission has decided to send the ballot papers on the election day, said Anisur.
Also read: Powers of presiding officers have been enhanced through law to ensure that elections are fair: CEC
173 tonnes of Hilsa exported to India in 3 days through Benapole port
Bangladesh has exported 173 tonnes of Hilsa to India in three days till Monday through the Benapole port, according to Benapole Fisheries office.
The government allowed the export of 3,950 metric tonnes of Hilsa to India this year.
Kolkata dwellers are happy to get Padma's Hilsa before the Durga puja.
But export of Hilsa leads to hike in its price in Bangladesh .Buyers in the country's market are expressing anger over the increase in its price.
The price of the fish has increased by Tk 400-500 per kg in the domestic market after the export decision, said consumers.
The government stopped exporting Hilsa in 2012 due to the decline in hilsa production. Aiming to strengthen ties with India, the government allowed the export of Hilsa to India on the occasion of Puja from 2019.
Expressing anger over not being able to buy Hilsa in Benapole market, Moshiar Rahman, a consumer, said, "I could not buy Hilsa this year as the price of Hilsa doubled in the market."
Shahid, a Hilsa trader in the market, said the price of Hilsa is increasing due to export. At present, Hilsa weighing 1 kg is being sold at Tk 2,000 and 500 grams of Hilsa at Tk 1,200, he added.
Kartik Chandra, general secretary of the Indian C&F Agency Staff Association, said, "Due to good relations between the two countries we have got Bangladashi Hilsa before the puja. We're very happy."
Mahbubur Rahman, fisheries quarantine officer of Benapole Fisheries Office, said, “Export of Hilsa started on Thursday with the special permission of the government. In the last three days (Thursday, Saturday and Monday), Over 173 metric tons of hilsa were exported to India. Country's 79 hilsa exporters organizations will finish exporting the remaining hilsa by October 30."
JS body recommends disconnecting illegal electricity lines on an urgent basis
The Parliamentary Standing Committee on Power, Energy and Mineral Resources Ministry on Tuesday recommended the government to disconnect illegal electricity lines on an urgent basis and take steps immediately to identify snapped power lines during the natural disasters.
The parliamentary watchdog also suggested ensuring electricity supply by determining the actual demand of electricity in different areas of the country.
The recommendation came from the 41st meeting of the committee, presided by its chairman Waseqa Ayesha Khan in the Parliament Bhaban, said a press release.
Read: US visa restrictions: State Dept spokesperson refrains from mentioning media
The meeting discussed the steps taken to reduce load shedding in the areas under Bangladesh Rural Electrification Board (REB) and the latest implementation progress of the under-construction coal, fuel and natural gas-based power plants in the country.
The parliamentary body asked for imparting proper training to the members of Palli Bidyut Samit regularly.
In the meeting, the progress of decisions taken in the previous 39th and 40th meetings was reviewed.
The committee recommended the ministry for making its imported fuel sales or distribution system automated, for taking actions immediately to check irregularities if any in the system, and continuing the geological survey activities.
Besides, the parliamentary panel suggested stopping illegal extraction of stones from stone quarries in different parts of the country and if necessary, taking measures to appoint guards in the quarries.
Committee members Md Nurul Islam Talukder, Md Aslam Hossain Saudagar, Khaleda Khanum and Nargis Rahman attended the meeting.
Senior Secretary of the Power Division and Secretary of the Energy and Mineral Resources Division, among other officials, were present.
With D grade Bangladesh Bank governor fares poorly in global ranking
Bangladesh Bank Governor Abdur RoufTalukder has got D grade – behind even his Sri Lankan counterpart – in a global assessment of performance of the heads of the central banks, according to a report card by New York-based financial magazine Global Finance.
The magazine’s Central Banker Report Cards-2023 was published on Sunday.
Bangladesh Bank’s poor performance was blamed on the high inflation and devaluation of the taka, said the report.
Don’t print new money, Dr Wahiduddin Mahmud advises BB
Meanwhile, the central bank heads of India Shaktikanta Das, Vietnam’s Nguyen Thi Hong, and Switzerland’s Thomas Jordan got topped the list with A+ grade. The Indian governor’s grade improved to A+ in 2023 from A in 2022.
Sri Lankan Central Bank Governor Nandalal Weerasinhe got A-, while the Pakistan’s Central Bank Governor Jameel Ahmad received C- grade in the ranking.
MFS transaction decreased by Tk34 thousand crore in July: BB
Since 1994, Global Finance Magazine has been evaluating the governors of different countries around the world. 'Central Banker Report Card' is regularly published as an annual publication of the periodical. Based on the assessment of central bank governors of 101 important countries, this latest report for 2023 has been published.
Bangladesh Bank (BB) along with many other central banks in the Asia-Pacific region (APAC), the mandate was reasonably met during the first half of the review period: Post-Covid GDP growth was solid at 5.6 percent, while inflation modestly overshot BB's 5 percent target by 0.6 percent and the taka was steady, Global Finance magazine said.
BB alerts banks not to make transactions with US-sanctioned banks in Myanmar
"However, by mid-2022, the taka was devalued by 9.5 percent; importers struggled with foreign exchange; energy and food costs ballooned due to the Ukraine conflict; and inflation ran rampant.
Having burned through central bank foreign exchange reserves, a call went out for International Monetary Fund’s (IMF) support.
“But the structural weakness of the Bangladeshi economy and the government's 60 percent control of the central bank produces a vulnerability to externalities such as the inflation shock of 2022," the report mentioned.
Commenting on the report senior economist Ahsan H Mansur told UNB this is reflection of the state of Bangladesh economy more than the performance of the central bank’s governor.
“He (governor) should not be held personally responsible for this,” said Mansur, Chairman of think tank Policy Research Institute. “The central bank governors implement the government’s financial policies.”
Mansur, a former IMF economist, said “No central governor can alone perform better if the state policies are not supportive.” The report, he said, has reflected the country’s poor revenue collection, runaway inflation and high devaluation of taka.