bangladesh
North mayor promises jail time to go with fines for Aedes larvae after Apr 27
From April 27, next Sunday, If Aedes mosquito larvae are found in any establishment falling under the jurisdiction of Dhaka North City Corporation (DNCC), the owners will face not just fines as before but also jail terms, DNCC Mayor Md Atiqul Islam said Monday.
Furthermore, if larvae are discovered in a government office, the person in charge of that office will also be sued and fined. Even if larvae are found in any office within the DNCC, action will be taken against the officials of that office.
DNCC cleaner dies in Dhaka road crash
The DNCC mayor disclosed this information while inaugurating a month-long public awareness campaign in 54 wards of DNCC simultaneously to prevent dengue in the Mirpur Rupnagar area of the capital on Monday.
"My clear message is, if larvae are found, a case will be registered, and individuals may be jailed and fined. The amount of the fine will also be substantially increased. We have already informed the Ministry of Local Government to provide us with more magistrates," the DNCC Mayor added.
DNCC launches buyback scheme for waste to combat mosquito breeding
Atiqul Islam further stated, "If you (city dwellers) are aware, there is no need for jail sentences or fines. Dispose of accumulated water every three days. Clean areas where Aedes mosquitoes can breed. Stay aware and keep yourself and others safe," the DNCC Mayor said.
Among others, Dhaka-14 Constituency Member of Parliament Md. Mainul Hossain Khan Nikhil, DNCC Chief Engineer Brig Gen Md Moin Uddin, Chief Health Officer Brig Gen Imrul Kayes Chowdhury, Regional Executive Officer of Region-4 Md. Abed Ali, Councilor of reserved seat Shikha Chakraborty, and other senior officials were present.
DNCC worker dies after being hit by pick-up van in Dhaka’s Gabtoli; Road blocked for 3 hrs
25-year-old dies of heatstroke in Ctg
A 25-year-old man died of heatstroke after falling ill on a moving tempo in the scorching heat of Chattogram metropolis on Monday.
The incident happened in front of the Shyamoli bus counter in the port city on Monday afternoon.
The deceased was identified as Md Shukkur Ali of Hajibari of Dalal Bazar area of Lakshmipur district. He was currently living in CDA Jalil Gate area of Fauzdarhat of Sitakunda upazila.
Pahartoli Police Station Officer-in-Charge Mohammad Kefayet Ullah confirmed the matter.
According to eyewitnesses, Shukkur was going somewhere from Pahartali or Alangkar intersection to City Gate, panting in the heat on the moving tempo. Later, when the tempo stopped, other passengers took him down and laid him down in front of a bus counter. He died within a few minutes.
The police later recovered his body and sent it to the morgue.
“The cause of death will be known after the autopsy report comes,” said the OC.
Land minister stresses ensuring pro-people land services while formulating APA action plan
Land Minister Narayon Chandra Chanda on Monday stressed the need to ensure optimum use of land and people-friendly services related to land while formulating the Annual Performance Agreement (APA) action plan for the fiscal year 2024-2025.
He said this while inaugurating a workshop on the preparation of draft APA for the fiscal year 2024-25 of the Ministry of Land and its offices/agencies at the conference room of the Ministry of Land at the Secretariat on Monday.
The land minister said that people's involvement with land management is very high and direct. Most of the rural disputes and litigations are related to land tenure. Therefore, the government is working to provide more efficient land-related services to the people through efficient, modern, public welfare-oriented and sustainable land management. APA's role in bringing good governance to this process is important.
He emphasised the important role of the Annual Performance Agreement (APA) in increasing transparency and accountability in government offices.
The minister also highlighted the importance of APA for a result-oriented mentality, institutional transparency, accountability, proper use of resources, and organizational efficiency in government institutions. He underscored the need for effective implementation of the objectives of the Ministry of Land in citizen service to create seamless synchronization between the ministry and the field-level offices.
Narayon emphasised that the APA introduced by the Government in 2014-15 has been instrumental in bringing the activities of the ministries and agencies from procedural to result-oriented activities. The minister also directed the Ministry of Land and its affiliated offices/agencies to prepare their respective strategic objectives and activities for the next fiscal year in line with the overall vision and mission of the Ministry of Land.
Chairman of Land Appeal Board AKM Shamimul Haque Siddique, Additional Secretary (Acting Secretary) of the Ministry of Land Md. Abbas Uddin and Additional Secretary (Development) Ziauddin Ahmed NDC were present on the occasion.
Govt moves to ramp up LNG terminal capacity, even as demand slows down on back of fiscal challenges
Despite plans to ramp up LNG terminal capacity, fiscal challenges the country is presently mired in may limit a drastic LNG demand growth in the short-term.
The observation was made on Monday by the Institute for Energy Economics and Financial Analysis (IEEFA), which styles itself as a 'global think tank' focused on the international energy market, in its “Global LNG Outlook 2024-2028”.
In an analysis, it said that new nuclear facilities, coal-fired plants and renewables may limit full capacity utilization of gas-fired plants in the near term.
“Bangladesh may opt for gas-fired peaking plants instead of only base-load plants to accommodate more renewable energy. It may seek to limit the LNG demand growth rate by frontloading energy efficiency in industrial processes and captive generation,” said the IEEFA.
The IEEFA launched its Global LNG Outlook 2024-2028. The report offers IEEFA's outlook on the global LNG demand from 2024 to 2028.
Regarding Bangladesh, Shafiqul Alam, IEEFA's Lead Analyst for Bangladesh Energy says, "Low spot market LNG prices resulted in a rebound in demand from Bangladesh by 17.9% in 2023 after imports fell by 14.4% in 2022, but sensitivity to volatile LNG prices, fiscal challenges and competing energy resources in the power sector point to a moderate medium-term demand growth."
About the global LNG demand, the IEEFA said lackluster demand growth combined with a massive wave of new export capacity is poised to send global liquefied natural gas (LNG) markets into oversupply within two years.
LNG demand in Japan, South Korea, and Europe—which together account for more than half of the world’s LNG imports—is expected to fall through 2030.
In emerging Asia, LNG demand growth will face significant economic, political, financial, and logistical challenges that may not be fully resolved in an oversupplied market.
Global LNG supply capacity is set to reach 666.5 million metric tons per annum by the end of 2028—a 40% increase in just five years—despite uncertain demand.
The IEEFA said sluggish demand growth for LNG, combined with a record increase in global export capacity through 2028, will likely thrust markets into an extended period of oversupply.
As major importing regions—including Japan, South Korea, and Europe—aim to reduce LNG demand through 2030, global LNG suppliers and traders will increasingly depend on growth in emerging markets to both compensate for falling imports elsewhere and absorb a flood of new supply.
However, such rapid LNG demand growth in emerging economies is not guaranteed, even in an oversupplied market.
IEEFA noted that countries in South and Southeast Asia, for example, will face distinct barriers to rising demand, including fiscal and credit challenges, extensive infrastructure delays, and contracting issues, among other obstacles.
The global LNG crisis following Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022 brought these issues to the fore, spurring many markets to reduce the role of LNG in their development plans and accelerate the development of alternative energy sources, it added.
China reclaimed its position as the world’s largest LNG importer in 2023. However, domestic natural gas production and additional pipeline imports may limit LNG demand growth. Unprecedented increases in renewables capacity are constraining the need for LNG in the power sector.
In South Asia, fiscal challenges along with the inherent volatility of LNG prices may constrain rapid near-term demand growth, and the role of LNG in power generation is likely to remain low.
In Southeast Asia, extensive development timelines, contract negotiations, and repeated project delays for LNG-related infrastructure may continue to inhibit demand while strengthening political incentives to pursue alternative energy sources.
Trade talks with USTR delegation 'comprehensive': Foreign Secretary
Foreign Secretary Masud Bin Momen had a meeting with the Assistant US Trade Representative for South and Central Asia Brendan Lynch in Dhaka on Monday.
During the meeting at the state guesthouse Padma, the two sides engaged in comprehensive discussions on various aspects of Bangladesh-US trade relations, said the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
USTR delegation discusses bilateral trade, labour rights in meeting with BGMEA
The meeting underscored the importance of strengthening economic ties between the two countries and exploring avenues for enhanced collaboration in trade and investment.
Both sides expressed their commitment towards fostering a conducive environment for bilateral trade, addressing the trade barriers, and promoting mutual economic growth.
USTR lauds progress; shares where further improvements are required
Asst USTR Lynch is visiting Bangladesh as the head of the five-member delegation and attended the inter-sessional Trade and Investment Cooperation Forum Agreement (Ticfa) meeting that took place on Sunday.
Bangladesh seeks Kyrgyzstan’s support for signing FTA with Eurasian Economic Commission
Foreign Minister Hasan Mahmud has requested Kyrgyzstan to support Bangladesh for signing the free trade agreement (FTA) with Eurasian Economic Commission and also to support Bangladesh’s candidatures in different international fora.
He made the request when Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Kyrgyz Republic Avazbek Atakhanov paid a courtesy call on him at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Monday.
Minister Hasan mentioned that there are a lot of scopes for increasing the volume of bilateral trade between the two countries and requested Kyrgyzstan to import garments, pharmaceuticals, jute products, tropical fruits, ceramics, IT products, etc. from Bangladesh.
Indian FS’s visit postponed due to their internal reasons: Hasan Mahmud
The Foreign Minister sought Kyrgyzstan’s assistance for repatriation of the Rohingyas to their homeland. He reaffirmed Bangladesh’s support to the legitimate aspiration of the Palestinian people for independent statehood, according to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
The Foreign Minister expressed happiness at the successful completion of the first Foreign Office Consultations between the two countries.
He thanked the President of Kyrgyz Republic for his congratulatory message to the Prime Minister of Bangladesh for her re-election on 7th January 2024.
Hasan Mahmud raises 1971 genocide issue with Pak envoy
The Foreign Minister recalled the valuable support of Kyrgyz people as part of the former USSR extended to our Liberation war in 1971.Meanwhile, the First Foreign Office Consultations (FOC) between Bangladesh and Kyrgyzstan was held at State guesthouse Padma on Monday.
Foreign Secretary Masud Bin Momen and Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Kyrgyz Republic Avazbek Atakhanov led their respective sides in the FOC.
All possible areas of bilateral engagements were discussed in the meeting including political cooperation, candidatures in different multilateral fora, increasing the volume of bilateral trade, educational cooperation, agricultural cooperation etc.
Both Foreign Secretary and the Kyrgyz Deputy Foreign Minister agreed that trade between Bangladesh and Kyrgyzstan is still very negligible and there are ample scopes to further enhance bilateral trade.
Both sides expressed hope that the pending MoUs between the two countries would be signed soon.
The Foreign Secretary mentioned that Bangladesh’s tourist spots like Cox’s Bazar and Sundarban can be attractive destinations for Kyrgyz tourists.
Both sides also exchanged their views on issues of regional and global security including the situation in Myanmar, Russia-Ukraine war and the ongoing crisis in Gaza.
A memorandum of understanding (MoU) on Foreign Office Consultation between the two Foreign Ministries was also signed during the FOC.
18th Meena Media Awards: 15 Bangladeshi journalists, including 3 child journalists honoured
UNICEF on Monday honoured 15 Bangladeshi journalists, including three child journalists, for their outstanding reporting on children’s issues during the 18th edition of Meena Media Awards in Bangladesh.
Since its launch in 2005, the Meena Media Awards have promoted child rights through recognizing excellence in journalistic reporting in print, broadcast, and online media, including reports of child journalists.
For the most recent round of awards, UNICEF received more than 1,000 submissions from print, photo, and video journalists, working in both national and local media outlets, more than three times last year’s total of 300 entries.
Govt with UNICEF accelerates efforts in combating violence against children
Congratulating the award winners, Speaker Dr Shirin Sharmin Chaudhury said media has an important role in voicing the needs of children. “Their insightful analysis of children’s issues provides crucial guidance for both society and policymakers, urging them to take meaningful action in ensuring children’s rights.”
The stories shared by winners and nominees center around critical issues such as children impacted by climate shocks, girls facing challenges in managing menstrual hygiene, children living in street situations, and children hailing from the marginalized communities.
“The news reports, photographs, and videos showcased at the Meena Media Award today not only highlight the needs of children but also what can be done to make their lives better. As we gather here to honour the journalists, let us reaffirm our commitments to ensure that the children’s voices are heard, their dreams nurtured, and their rights protected,” said Sheldon Yett, UNICEF Representative to Bangladesh.
Japanese Ambassador visits UNICEF project sites in Rohingya camp at Bhasan Char
A nine-member expert panel of judges comprising of leading creative writers, media professionals both from print and broadcast media, photographers and academics selected the awardees among 65 nominees in 12 categories.
The judges assessed each entry through a strict marking process where the names of the participants were replaced by a specific code number to ensure non-biased judgement.
“The Meena Media Awards annually remind us of our utmost responsibility to safeguard the rights of children. I am confident that our journalist community, including the aspiring child journalists, will continue to write about the pressing issues that impact the lives of children in Bangladesh,” said Dr. Gitiara Nasreen, Professor in the Department of Mass Communication & Journalism in University of Dhaka, and one of the 2023 awards judges.
Mahfuz Anam, Editor, of The Daily Star, Dr Md Jahangir Alam, Director General, Bangladesh Television, Dr Muhammad Zafar Iqbal, educationist, novelist and story writer specially for children, Reaz Ahmed, Executive Editor, Dhaka Tribune and Shameem Akhtar, filmmaker and lecturer at the Pathshala Institute, UNICEF National Ambassador, Bidya Sinha Saha Mim, UNICEF Child’s advocates, representatives from media, and donor agencies were present at the ceremony. Winners of the UNICEF Meena Media Awards 2023 (18 or Above) are: Ahmadul Hassan (Prothom Alo), Md Sazid Hossain (Prothom Alo), Md Boni Amin (Jamuna Television), Md Shabuj Mahmud (Independent Television), Md Rakibul Hasan Tamim (Dhaka Post), Md Jasim Uddin, (Dhaka Post), Musa Mollick (Dhaka Post), Nazrul Islam (Dhaka Post), Rabiul Alam (Dhaka Note), Sadhan Kumar Sarker, Daily Protidiner Bangladesh, Sharmin Rima, Cvoice24.com and Udisa islam, Bangla Tribune.Winners of the UNICEF Children’s Meena Media Awards 2023 (Below 18) are: Md. Safayet Hossain Shanto, Daily Ajker Sundarban, MD Mojahid Islam, ATN Bangla and Md. Naime Islam, economicnews24.com.
Central bank seeks info on upazila election candidates, ostensibly to identify defaulters
Bangladesh Bank (BB) has asked all the returning officers to provide the information of the candidates in the second phase of the Upazila Parishad election, ostensibly to shield against loan defaulters becoming candidates.
The second phase of the sixth ‘Upazila Parishad’ election will be held on May 21, 2024.
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Md Anisur Rahman, additional director of the credit information bureau, issued a letter to the returning officers, to provide information related to the debt of the candidates who filed nomination papers for the second phase of Upazila Parishad elections as per the prescribed form.
Shapla Chattor sought full name, father's name, mother's name, husband's name (if applicable) in Bengali and English, national identity card number, taxpayer identification number, and date of birth of all candidates.
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The information also asked to include permanent and present address should be duly filled as per the attached table and sent through e-mail after giving the name of the returning officer/assistant returning officer along with seal, signature, and phone (mobile) number.
Around 2055 candidates have submitted their nomination papers in the second phase of upazila polls.
Election Commission Additional Secretary Ashok Kumar Debnath said that 730 people have filed nomination papers for the post of chairman, 763 for the post of vice chairman, and 562 for the post of female vice chairman.
Banks’ CSR spending down by 18 percent in 2023: Bangladesh Bank
EU in phase of "future-proofing” relations with Bangladesh: Ambassador Whiteley
European Union (EU) Ambassador Charles Whiteley on Monday said the EU is now in a phase of "future-proofing” their relations with Bangladesh, signaling a premium on conserving or preserving the relationship, by engaging widely.
“This is a very important partnership. It's an indispensable relationship. And we are working on all fronts with this government (of Bangladesh) for our mutual benefit. Bangladesh is a very valued partner across many different policy areas, not just development,” he said, highlighting engagement in the areas of economy, climate change, migration and political issues.
The ambassador, during an interaction with journalists at the office of daily Amader Shomoy and The Business Post, said they no longer call themselves just a development partner.
Daily Amader Shomoy Editor Abul Momen, advisory editor Dr Khondaker Showkat Hossain also spoke at the interactive session moderated by Amader Shomoy and The Business Post Executive Editor Mainul Alam.
The ambassador visited different sections of the two dailies and exchanged views with the journalists there.
He said they are now living through very dangerous times globally and lots of terrible events happening around the world.
“And when you have terrible times, you need to hold your friends closer. And Bangladesh is a very close friend of the European Union. And we have many things in common that we want to achieve globally,” said Whiteley.
He observed that they are all facing another downturn in the European economy. “But I'm confident that that will turn around and Bangladesh is extremely competitive - you see that not only competitive in terms of price, but also competitive in the garment sector in terms of beginning to make sure all environmental social criteria are met.”
He said Bangladesh has a very strong advantage, certainly in the European market. “As you'll also know, we're quite a demanding customer, I have to be frank, we're demanding not just in terms of the buyers, but in terms of the rules that were applying to the inputs that come to the EU.”
Ambassador Whiteley described the situation in Myanmar and in Europe, they are trying to keep the flame alive for the Rohingya crisis.
“And it is still a crisis that is far from being over. I was just in Brussels in March at the European Humanitarian Forum. And there was a whole session devoted to the crisis,” he said, adding that there was a panel to discuss how they take things forward to try to be more supportive to Bangladesh.
“I think the situation in Myanmar and the instability to the whole situation, because the threat of regional instability, of course, draws attention to big powers and is interested in the future of the region,” said ambassador Whiteley.
That means, he said, a renewed attention on the need to support Bangladesh. “And certainly we will keep our funding, as I say we expect to keep funding levels, and I hope we can, because now it's been seven years or so, we need to find other sources of funding, not just crisis funding.”
The EU envoy also shed light on the progress regarding the negotiations on a new Partnership and Cooperation Agreement (PCA), which aims to broaden and modernize the framework for the partnership; export diversification, cooperation in education sector, ways to promote regular migration, clean energy and labour rights issues.
Bangladesh has made good use of duty - and quota- free access to the EU market under the ‘Everything But Arms’ scheme.
Beyond trade, migration, human rights, Rohingya crisis and development cooperation, Bangladesh and the European Union, today, want to step up cooperation on climate action, digitalisation, connectivity and security, taking into account the EU Strategy for cooperation in the Indo Pacific.
ACC appoints committee to probe allegations against ex-IGP Benazir, his family
Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) formed a committee to investigate the alleged corruption of former inspector general of Police (IGP) Benazir Ahmed and his family.
ACC secretary Khorsheda Yeasmin informed the update at a briefing held at the headquarter of the Commission on Monday.
She said a report of illegal acquisition of wealth against former IGP Benazir Ahmed was published in a national daily newspaper on March 31 while similar complaints were published in some other electronic media on April 1 and 2.
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Mentioning the reports, ACC secretary said proceedings were initiated under Rule No. 3 of the Anti-Corruption Commission Rules, 2007 regarding the complaints.
She also said "The decision to investigate the fomer IGP was taken on April 18 in the first meeting after the long Eid Holiday."
According to the relevant laws and regulations, legal action will be taken by completing the investigation within the prescribed time frame, she added.
Benazir to get police protection during post-retirement leave
Earlier, a writ was filed in the High Court seeking a corruption probe into former IGP of Police Benazir Ahmed.
On Monday (April 22), Supreme Court lawyer Salahuddin Regan filed the writ in the relevant branch of the High Court. In the writ four persons including ACC chairman and secretary were made defendants.