bangladesh
Out-of-control Mitali Paribahan bus kills pedestrian, easy-biker in Sylhet
Two people, including an easybike driver, were killed and four others injured after being hit by a Mitali Paribahan bus carrying passengers in Osmaninagar upazila of Sylhet.
The incident took place at Sherpur toll plaza area on Sylhet-Dhaka highway around 10:30 pm on Tuesday.
Also read: RMG worker dies in Gazipur road accident
The deceased were identified as easybike driver Jewel Mia, 22, and pedestrian Asma Begum, 45.
On information, police and Fire Service teams rushed to the spot and recovered the bodies. The injured were sent to Sylhet Osmani Medical College Hospital, Osmaninagar Police Station Officer-in-Charge Mashudul Amin said.
According to the OC, the Sylhet-bound Mitali Paribahan bus lost control and hit an Easybike parked on the side of the road, killing pedestrian Asma Begum on the spot.
Also read: 3 dead in Syhlet road accident
Jewel Mia, who was seriously injured when the bus crashed into his vehicle, died on the way to the hospital, according to OC Mashudul Amin.
US for making Bangladesh's end-of-year report publicly available to improve its fiscal transparency
Bangladesh’s fiscal transparency would be improved by making its end-of-year report publicly available within a reasonable period, says a new report by the United States.
In its 2023 Fiscal Transparency Report, the US State Department laid emphasis on preparing budget documents according to internationally accepted principles, breaking down expenditures to support executive offices in the budget.
The report also suggested ensuring that the supreme audit institution meets international standards of independence and has sufficient resources — publishing timely audit reports that contain substantive findings, recommendations, and narratives, and making basic information about natural resource extraction awards publicly available.
Also read: ‘What future do BNP and their paid agents plan for defence forces when they challenge their qualification to serve as peacekeepers?’ — Shahriar Alam asks
The State Department’s fiscal transparency review process assesses whether governments meet minimum requirements of fiscal transparency.
For this report, the minimum requirements of fiscal transparency include having key budget documents that are publicly available, substantially complete, and generally reliable.
The review includes an assessment of the transparency of processes for awarding government contracts and licenses for natural resource extraction.
Also read: US Under Secretary for Democracy and Human Rights likely to visit Bangladesh in July
Fiscal transparency is a critical element of effective public financial management, helping build market confidence, and underpinning economic sustainability.
Fiscal transparency fosters greater government accountability by providing a window into government budgets, helping citizens hold their leadership accountable, and facilitating better public debate.Annual reviews of the fiscal transparency of governments that receive US assistance help ensure US taxpayer funds are used appropriately and provide opportunities to dialogue with governments on the importance of fiscal transparency.
During the review period, the government of Bangladesh made its executive budget proposal and enacted budget publicly available, including online.
Also read: Those trying to undermine peacekeepers’ achievements are Bangladesh’s enemies: Shahriar
However, it did not make its end-of-year report publicly available within a reasonable period, said the US report.
Information in the budget was considered generally reliable, although budget documents were not prepared according to internationally accepted principles, said the US report.
Information on debt obligations was publicly available.
Also read: US invests $35 million for new climate-smart agriculture project in Bangladesh
Budget documents provided a reasonably complete picture of the government’s planned expenditures and revenue, including natural resource revenues.
However, the government did not break down expenditures to support executive offices, said the report.
Publicly available budget documents included financial allocations to and earnings from state-owned enterprises. Information on debt obligations was publicly available.
The government’s supreme audit institution reviewed the government’s accounts, but its reports did not contain substantive findings and were not made publicly available within a reasonable period, said the US report.
Also read: US says it would let India speak for its bilateral relations with Bangladesh
The supreme audit institution did not meet international standards of independence, it said.
The government specified in law or regulation and appeared to follow in practice the criteria and procedures for awarding natural resource extraction contracts and licenses.
Basic information on natural resource extraction awards was not consistently made publicly available, said the US report.
Sixty-nine countries did not meet the minimum requirements of fiscal transparency.
Of these 69, however, 25 made significant progress toward meeting the minimum requirements of fiscal transparency.
Mechanic electrocuted to death in Kurigram
An electrical mechanic died after being electrocuted in Kurigram's Rajarhat upazila.
The deceased was identified as Shah Alam, 30, son of Joynal Abedin of Gharialdanga union of the upazila.
He died after being hit by an electric wire while working at a house around 5pm on Tuesday (June 27), Rajarhat Police Station Officer-in-Charge Prankrishna Debnath said, quoting the locals.
First cohort of Bangladeshis recruited for seasonal work in UK farm sector
Bangladesh High Commissioner to the UK Saida Muna Tasneem has underlined the importance of following all the rules and regulations of the UK's "Seasonal Agricultural Workers Scheme" to uphold the image of Bangladesh and facilitate future recruitment of more Bangladeshi workers in the UK’s farm sector.
The High Commissioner assured that the Bangladesh High Commission, London will remain available for all-out assistance to the workers during their 6-month contractual stay in the UK, and will continue to work with the British government and private sector to recruit more Bangladeshi workers in the UK’s agriculture sector.
Bangladesh High Commission, London organised a briefing session at the Mission’s Bangabandhu Lounge on Monday for the Bangladeshi workers who have been recruited for the first time under the UK’s Seasonal Agricultural Workers Scheme.
Also read: Success in achieving ‘Sonar Bangla’ and ‘Global Britain’ depend on how Bangladesh and UK choose to cooperate: Shahriar Alam
A British international recruitment company, Regency Recruitment Ltd, hired these workers for a British farm and arranged their travel to the UK, said the High Commission on Tuesday.
The recruitment of the workers was facilitated by Bangladesh High Commission, London and the Ministry of Expatriates’ Welfare and Overseas Employment of Bangladesh.
The High Commissioner also highlighted several initiatives taken by Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s government to create more overseas jobs and regular migration for Bangladeshi workers, and said, "Migrant Bangladeshi workers are now working in many countries with dignity and earning more remittance as well as building a positive image for Bangladesh."
Also read: Bangladesh to retain duty-free access for 98% of exports, including RMG as UK introduces new scheme
On the occasion, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Regency Recruitment Ltd Rowsonara Begum said, “Regency Recruitment will continue its efforts to recruit more Bangladeshi workers under the Scheme to meet the UK’s labour market demand”.
The CEO mentioned that Regency Recruitment Ltd is the only authorised agency to recruit farm workers from Bangladesh under the UK's Seasonal Agricultural Workers Scheme and called upon all concerned to remain cautious about advertisements, particularly in social media offering such recruitment.
She thanked Bangladesh High Commission, London for extending all necessary support to the recruitment process of the first batch of agriculture workers.
Bangladeshi businessman shot dead in South Africa
A Bangladeshi expatriate businessman in South Africa was shot dead by miscreants in the country’s Free State province, on Monday (June 26).
The incident took place in front of his business at around 9 pm Bangladesh time in the province’s Busabello area.
The deceased was identified as Regan Islam, 35, eldest son of Taju Mia of Kabirhat upazila’s Batoiya union.
Fahim Mahmud, brother of the deceased, said his elder brother moved to South Africa in 2009. After coming home in 2021, he went back after spending about five months off.
He was shot indiscriminately by some miscreants who were waiting for him in front of his own business.
The deceased brother said Regan died on the spot after being shot multiple times in different parts of the body including his head.
Batoiya Union Parishad Chairman Jasim Uddin Shaheen said the news of his death has cast a shadow of mourning in the area.
The family sought the government's help in bringing his body back.
Adani Power claims COD achieved on second unit of Godda Power Plant
Adani Group has claimed that its second unit of the 1,600 MW Godda Power Plant in Jharkhand has achieved Commercial Operation Date (COD) in supplying electricity to Bangladesh at full capacity.
In a statement circulated Tuesday, it said Adani Power Jharkhand Limited (APJL), a wholly owned subsidiary of Adani Power, achieved the COD with the second unit of its 2 X 800 MW Godda Ultra-supercritical thermal power plant ("Godda USCTPP") on June 26 (Monday), at Godda district in Jharkhand, India.
Also read: Transmission from Adani’s Gadda power plant to national grid resumes
No official of Bangladesh Power Development Board (BPDB) could be reached to confirm it.
COD achievement means the Adani Group can start billing the government for each unit of electricity transmitted to Bangladesh national grid.
Adani Group set up the Godda power plant exclusively to supply its entire electricity to Bangladesh under a 25 year power purchase agreement (PPA) on unsolicited basis with the BPDB.
The Adani Group claimed that the reliability run rest, including commercial operation tests of 2nd Unit of Godda power plant was completed on 25th June 2023 in the presence of BPDB and Power Grid Corporation of Bangladesh (PGCB) officials.
Also read: Adani's Godda plant commissioned with issues over coal tariff unresolved
Earlier this year, on April 6th, the first unit of the power plant, with 800 MW capacity, also achieved its COD. Power supply from Godda USCTPP to Bangladesh's grid will further enhance energy security in Bangladesh.
APJL shall supply 1,496 MW net capacity power from 2X800 MW Godda USCTPP under the PPA with Bangladesh Power Development Board (BPDB) executed in Nov-2017 for the period of 25years via 400 kV dedicated transmission system connected to the national grid.
The electricity supplied from Godda Power Plant shall have a positive impact on Bangladesh’s power situation by replacing costly power generated from liquid fuel. This transition shall help Bangladesh to reduce the average cost of power purchased.
Also read: Adani Power starts commercial electricity supply to Bangladesh keeping tariff issue unsettled
The Adani Group said that the commissioning of Godda USCTPP marks a significant milestone for Adani Group, BPDB as well as for the economic relations between the two nations.
"Adani Power has become a partner in the economic growth and prosperity of Bangladesh by supplying uninterrupted and reliable electricity at competitive tariff," the statement went on to say. The collaboration would boost the growth of industries in Bangladesh and ultimately strengthen the Bangladesh economy, it added.
Momen senses untoward purpose behind Amnesty letter to UN on Bangladeshi peacekeepers
Foreign Minister Dr. AK Abdul Momen has said there is a certain purpose behind Amnesty International's appeal to the United Nations about the deployment of Bangladeshi forces in UN peacekeeping missions. However he wouldn't be drawn into what specifically the purpose might be.
About the interference of foreigners in the politics of Bangladesh, he said, "Don't believe foreigners, they destroy a country by saying nice things. Countries like Syria, Libya were very developed, but because of foreigners they were destroyed.”
Also read: Only enemies can undermine Bangladeshi peacekeepers’ sacrifice, Shahriar Alam says
Momen made the remarks while replying to questions from journalists after distributing Eid gifts among the poor people at Khadimnagar union of Sylhet Sadar upazila on Tuesday (June 27) around noon.
"These are their fabricated words," the minister said. “They are saying this on purpose. They want dissatisfaction among the army if Bangladesh's peacekeepers do not go to the UN.”
Dr Momen said the United Nations recruits UN peacekeeping force members very carefully and Bangladesh is aware about this.
Also read: Those trying to undermine peacekeepers’ achievements are Bangladesh’s enemies: Shahriar
Responding to a question regarding the recent uptick in foreign and local actors’ interest around the upcoming national election, Momen said some domestic and foreign forces work to prevent countries from progressing.
“Foreigners want Bangladesh to reach out to them and take help so that they can run the country as they wish,” the foreign minister said. "There may be allegations against the government, but conspiring against the country is not right.”
Also read: Peacekeeping Forces: UN says it does 'due diligence', thanks Bangladesh
‘What future do BNP and their paid agents plan for defence forces when they challenge their qualification to serve as peacekeepers?’ — Shahriar Alam asks
State Minister for Foreign Affairs Md Shahriar Alam today said only enemies can try to undermine Bangladesh's sacrifice and effort that has received worldwide appreciation.
"BNP has taken domestic politics to a level where such propaganda should be considered as anti-state activity and relevant people should be brought under trial," he tweeted, apparently referring to Bangladesh's contributions to UN’s peacekeeping operations.
Alam wondered what future "BNP and their paid agents" at home and abroad plan for all important security and defence forces when they challenge their qualification to serve as peacekeepers worldwide.
Also read: Peacekeeping Forces: UN says it does 'due diligence', thanks Bangladesh
Earlier on Sunday, the state minister said those who at home and abroad are trying to undermine Bangladeshi peacekeepers’ achievements in the UN missions are “enemies of the country.”
“It is very unfortunate. They are our pride. Our peacekeepers are an example in the whole world. They are not Bangladesh’s friends but they are enemies who are trying to undermine this achievement and trying to make our efforts fail,” he told diplomatic correspondents in Dhaka.
The state minister made the remarks when his comment was sought about the letters before the visit of United Nations Under-Secretary General for Peace Operations Jean-Pierre Lacroix and comments by two international human rights bodies.
Also read: Preparatory Meeting of UN Peacekeeping Ministerial 2023 wraps up in Dhaka
Lacroix said he was impressed by the Bangladesh Institute of Peace Support Operation Training (BIPSOT) centre where over 10,000 women and men have been trained to join their UN peace operations.
Bangladesh is one of the largest contributors to UN peacekeeping operations. Bangladesh first deployed uniformed personnel to serve with the organization in 1988 when they were deployed to help monitor the armistice between Iran and Iraq.
So far, 167 peacekeepers from Bangladesh have lost their lives while serving in the UN peacekeeping operations, Shahriar said.
Over the past three decades, the contributions of these brave men and women in the countries in which they served have been immense, the UN said.
Also read: UN USG Lacroix commends Bangladesh’s proactive role to increase number of women peacekeepers
Russian Embassy gets into the Eid spirit
The Russian Embassy in Dhaka has said Russia, as a home to millions of Muslims, appreciates the contribution by the Muslim community to the development of humanitarian ties with the foreign countries, including Bangladesh.
Charge d’ Affaires ad interim of the Embassy, Ekaterina Semenova greeted Muslims all over the world on the occasion of Eid ul-Adha.
"On behalf of the Russian Embassy and myself, I would like to extend my warm wishes and sincere greetings on Eid ul-Adha to the Bangladeshi Muslims as well as pilgrims performing Hajj," she said.
This holiday has been always marked by good undertakings and empathy, aspiration for self-improvement and spiritual growth, said the diplomat.
Semenova added how it is important to promote religious tolerance and interfaith harmony, accept diversity of other beliefs and build connections between our communities.
It is heartening to see how the Muslims in Bangladesh gather to celebrate this festival with their friends and family in joyful atmosphere, she also said
"Everyone can fully experience the spirit of this holiday here through the kindness at the charity events and general hospitality of the people," said the Russian diplomat.
Deal signed for $225mn loan from Japan as budget support
Japan and Bangladesh on Tuesday signed a loan agreement of USD $225 million as budgetary support for the latter's economic recovery and strengthening public financial management capacity.
Sharifa Khan, Secretary, Economic Relations Division (ERD) signed the ‘Exchange of Notes’ and the ‘Loan Agreement’ on behalf of Bangladesh. Iwama Kiminori, the Ambassador of Japan, signed the ‘Exchange of Notes’ and Ichiguchi Tomohide, Chief Representative, JICA Bangladesh Office, signed the ‘Loan Agreement’ on behalf of Japan, an ERD press release said.
Under the ‘Development Policy Loan for Strengthening Public Financial Management’, the Government of Japan will provide Bangladesh 30 Billion Japanese Yen (equivalent to USD $225 Million) as budget support for economic recovery and strengthening public financial management capacity.
Also read: Japan provides 500 million yen for 4th Primary Education Development Programme
The interest rate of this loan is 1.6 percent, and Front End Fee (one time) 0.1 percent. Repayment period is 30 years which includes 10 years grace period. Earlier Government of Japan provided two other budget support loans amounting to 685 million Yen in 2020 and 2021.
Also read: Japan provides critical funding to WFP’s lifesaving food assistance for Rohingyas
Japan is the single largest bilateral development partner of Bangladesh. Japanese loans and grants are being utilized in a wide range of areas including power, roads, bridges, telecommunication, agriculture, health, education, water supply and sanitation, rural development, environment, human resource development etc.
Since independence, Japan has provided financial support worth USD $30.12 Billion to Bangladesh.
Also read: Speaker Shirin courts greater Japanese investment in economic zones