bangladesh
IGP warns against stopping vehicles carrying cattle without specific complaints
Giving strong warning, Inspector General of Police (IGP) Chowdhury Abdullah Al-Mamun on Saturday said strict legal action will be taken if anyone stops transportation of sacrificial animals without specific complaints.
The IGP said if anyone faces such a problem, they should call the nearest police station or National Emergency Service 999.
He also requested the concerned to hang a banner in front of the animal transport with the name of the destination place/market of the animal.
The IGP came up with the remarks while talking to reporters after inspecting the traffic and traffic management at Gazipur Chowrasta, Chandra Mor and Bypile in Gazipur district on Saturday noon.
Read: IGP hands out instructions relating to Eid
The chief of police said, in light of their experience last year, security plans of this time have been formulated as well. But this time the challenge is different than last Eid as last time only the passengers had to reach their destination. This time, there is also the sacrificial animal transport along with the passengers. Besides, there is seasonal fruit transportation. We have designed our security plan keeping everything in mind, the IGP added.
The IGP said that the specialized units of the police, including the Metropolitan Police, District Police, are working together to facilitate the Eid journey of the people.
He expressed hope that people's Eid journey will be comfortable this time too with the joint efforts of all.
Requesting the general passengers, IGP said, don't travel by bus, launch and train risking your life by being an extra passenger. Do not travel on the train roof, he said.
Read: IGP says they welcome constructive criticism from journalists
The IGP said that the police have been ordered to take effective measures to stop the transport of passengers in cargo vehicles to prevent accidents during Eid journey.
Among others, Additional IGP (Highway Range) Md Shahabuddin Khan, DIG (Operations) Md Hyder Ali Khan, DIG (Highway Range) Md Mahfuzur Rahman, DIG Highway Range Md Mozammel Haque, Gazipur Metropolitan Police Commissioner Md Mahbub Alam, Dhaka Range DIG Syed Nurul Islam, Tangail District Superintendent of Police Sarkar Mohammad Kaiser, Superintendent of Police of Dhaka District Md Asaduzzaman, Superintendent of Police of Gazipur District Kazi Shafiqul Alam and other senior officers were present.
Read more: Zero tolerance against any drug abuse by police: IGP warns
Youth arrested for raping minor girl in Chuadanga
A 22-year-old youth was arrested on charge of violating a minor girl in Nastipur village in Damurhuda upazila of Chuadanga district on Saturday.
The arrestee Tanvir, is the son of Ashraful Islam, resident of Nastipur village in the upazila.
Police conducted a raid this morning and arrested Tanvir from Jhenaidah bus terminal, said Abdullah Al Mamun, Superintendent of Chuadanga District Police.
Read: Suspended UP chairman confesses to journalist murder
Earlier, Tanvir raped the five-year-old girl after calling her at his house on Thursday afternoon.
She was rushed to Chuadanga Sadar Hospital where she is now receiving treatment at the hospital.
Read: Man jailed for life for raping girl in Faridpur
Later, a case was filed at Darshana police station following a complaint lodged by the girl’s father.
Tanvir will be handed over to the court in the case, he added.
Bangladesh sees one more Covid-19 death, 82 cases in 24hrs
Bangladesh reported one more COVID-19-linked death and 82 fresh cases in 24 hours till Saturday morning.
With the new numbers, the country's total fatalities rose to 29,459 and caseload to 2,042,131, according to the Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS).
Read: Coronavirus origins still a mystery 3 years into pandemic
The daily case test positivity slightly declined to 7.17 percent from Friday’s 7.18 percent as 1,144 samples were tested.
However, the death and recovery rate remained unchanged at 1.44 percent and 98.33 percent, respectively, DGHS said.
Read: Coronavirus can destroy the placenta and lead to stillbirths
Bangladesh registered its highest daily caseload of 16,230 on July 28 in 2021 and highest number of fatalities of 264 on August 10 the same year.
Payra Thermal Power Plant expected to resume operation from tomorrow morning
Payra Power Plant is expected to resume operation from tomorrow (June 25, 2023) morning.
“We hope we can resume operation of the plant early on June 25,” Engr. A.M. Khurshedul Alam, managing director of Bangladesh-China Power Company (Pvt.) Limited (BCPCL), told UNB.
The BCPCL, a joint venture of Bangladesh’s state-owned North-West Power Generation Company Limited and Chinese state-owned China National Machinery Import & Export Corporation (CMC), is the owner and operator of the 1320 MW Payra coal-fired power plant.
Read: Coal for Payra power plant arrives, generation to resume soon
A ship carrying 41,327 metric tonnes of coal arrived at Payra Port yesterday – 18 days after the thermal power plant stopped electricity generation due to coal shortage.
Four more coal-carrying ships will arrive at Payra in the first week of July, according to plant officials.
The country’s largest thermal power plant, Payra, completely shut down on June 5 due to coal shortage.
Read: 64,300 mts of coal for Matarbari coal-fired power plant arrives
Due to failure in paying the outstanding bills of $390 million, caused by dollar shortage, production of a unit of the power plant was halted on May 25 as the companies involved stopped supplying coal.
Another unit’s production continued until June 5, but that also shut down due to coal shortage – leading to weeks of nationwide load-shedding amidst the hottest summer on record.
Read: Transmission from Adani’s Gadda power plant to national grid resumes
Renovation work on Dhaka-Chattogram Highway to remain suspended for Eid
The ongoing renovation work on Sitakunda section of Dhaka-Chattogram highway will remain suspended for 10 days to ensure smooth journey for Eid travelers.
The Roads and Highway Department (RHD) made an official announcement stating that all road renovation activities will be suspended until July 3.
Officer-in-Charge (OC) Belal Uddin Jahangir of Baro Auliya Highway Police Station, said, "Due to the ongoing renovation work carried out in Sitakunda section, vehicles have been limited to using a one-way road. This has resulted in constant traffic congestion, with hundreds of long-distance vehicles becoming stranded, causing traffic jams spanning 10 to 15 kilometers. Both passengers and drivers have been suffering as a result."
Read: Heavy traffic expected on Sirajganj highway if renovation work not completed before Eid
Additionally, with the approaching Eid-ul-Azha, there has been an increase in the number of sacrificial animal transportation vehicles on the highway.
Taking these factors into account, the decision was made to halt the renovation work, ensuring that Eid holidaymakers do not have to endure further difficulties.
Russell Ahmed, the project manager of Taher Brothers Limited, the contractor of the renovation work, said "During the monsoon season, potholes tend to appear in various locations along the highway. Therefore, our intention was to complete the renovation work in crucial areas before the full onset of the monsoon. However, considering the inconvenience faced by the public, we have decided to suspend the work until July 3. Currently, no renovation work is being carried out."
Read: Dhaka-Ctg highway to remain closed for 2 hours on Saturday
Pintu Chakma, the Executive Engineer of Roads and Highway Department of Chattagram , said, "Upon the request of the highway police, we have instructed the contractors to halt the road renovation work for the next ten days for ensuring smooth journey during the Eid period. However, once this period ends, they will resume the renovation work on the unfinished sections."
Read more: Japan provides $1.27 billion to develop Matarbari port, highway and train line
Inoperative cranes, forklifts hamper Benapole Port activities
Most of the cranes and forklifts used for loading and unloading imported goods at Jessore's Benapole land port have long been rendered useless, causing delay in the clearance of goods.
Despite the urgent need for repairs, no initiatives have been taken to address the issue.
Under a five-year contract, Grade Bengal Enterprises, the contracted company, is responsible for handling heavy cargo at Benapole Port but it falls short of the necessary equipment.
Work abstention in India’s Petrapole: Import-export at a standstill in Benapole for 2nd day
Ideally, the port requires 15 cranes and 10 forklifts for efficient load-unloading of heavy goods. But, the contractor only possesses seven cranes and eight forklifts, with only one crane and one fork clip currently in operation.
In normal circumstances, the port handles approximately 700 truckloads of goods each day. However, due to the limited functioning of the equipment, this number has been reduced to less than half, impeding the timely clearance of goods. The slowdown in goods clearance is adversely affecting the production in factories and progress of development projects.
Traders have expressed frustration over the wastage of time caused by the outdated cranes and forklifts. Despite lodging repeated complaints with the port and contractor authorities, no remedial actions have been observed, they claimed.
Gold worth Tk 1.4 cr seized at Benapole
Rahman, a truck driver who transports goods, said, “I am unable to deliver goods on time due to the broken cranes and forklfitsat the port.”
Azim Uddin Gazi, Secretary of the Benapole Truck Transport Owners Association, said complaints have been filed, but no solutions have been provided.
Aminul Haque, vice president of the Benapole Import-Export Association, said, “ Goods are loaded and unloaded from approximately 700 trucks at Benapole port daily, including around 300 trucks carrying heavy goods. Releasing these goods requires functioning cranes and forklifts Despite contributing a significant portion of revenue, the port's services are in poor condition.”
Amit Shah visits shutters trade at Benapole for two days
Meherullah, the port affairs secretary of the Benapole C&F Agent Association, said the increasing volume of electricity and railway project goods being imported through Benapole port.
“However, the number of cranes and forklifts available for handling these heavy goods falls short of the demand, resulting in wasted time and congestion at the port. Authorities have been informed to repair the inoperable cranes and forklifts, but no actions have been taken,” he said.
Badsha Mia, the mechanic from Grade Bengal Enterprises, said that it is not currently feasible to repair the damaged cranes and forklifts due to the unavailability of urgent replacements.
“This disruption in the redemption of products has been reported to the authorities,” he said.
Sajedur Rahman, Secretary of the Benapole C&F Staff Association, said that crane and forklifts problems have persisted at the port for a year and have recently worsened.
“Currently, only 20 percent of heavy goods are being cleared from the port, resulting in Indian trucks facing fines of Tk 3,000 per day. Additionally, a daily port rent charge is levied on the approximately 150,000 metric tons of goods stored in the port yard,” he said
Moazzem Hossain, the manager of the contracted company responsible for handling heavy goods, said the initial contract with the port entailed handling 50,000 metric tons of goods per month.
However, last month they had to handle 92,000 metric tons, causing excessive strain on the cranes and forklifts and leading to repeated malfunctions. The addition of extra cranes and forklifts is not possible unless the tender conditions are revised, he said.
Abdul Jalil, Acting Director of Benapole Land Port, assures that efforts are underway to coordinate with the contractor, with hopes of resolving the ongoing crisis at the earliest opportunity.
Canadian High Commissioner joins graduation ceremony of CISB
The Canadian International School Bangladesh (CISB) celebrated its Graduation Ceremony for grade 12 students recently.
The ceremony was held in a Dhaka hotel.
High Commissioner of Canada to Bangladesh Dr Lilly Nicholls graced the occasion as the chief guest along with other high officials.
Bengali New Year celebration in Canada's Ottawa
Chairman, Mohammad Kamal Uddin; CEO and Vice Chairperson of CISB, Begum Shirin Jahan; and Principal Janice Smales were present at the event.
CISB extended their heartfelt congratulations to the graduating students for their remarkable achievements throughout their academic journey.
This graduation ceremony marked a significant milestone in their lives and symbolised the successful completion of their high school education, said a media release on Saturday.
Bangladesh keen to increase its readymade garments exports to Canada: BGMEA chief
The event was packed with inspiring speeches, heartfelt moments, and well-deserved recognition of CISB's talented students. It was a joyous celebration of their accomplishments and a reflection of the exceptional education provided by CISB.
Microbus cylinder blast leaves 7 dead in Faridpur
Seven people were burned dead and another was injured after the gas cylinder of a microbus exploded on Dhaka-Khulna highway at Maligram in Bhanga upazila of Faridpur district on Saturday (June 24, 2023).
The deceased included three women, two men and two children but their identities could not be known yet.
A fire broke out in the microbus as its gas cylinder went off around 11 am, leaving five people dead on the spot and three others injured, said Tayumul Islam, officer-in-charge of Bhanga Highway Police.
Read more: Couple who suffered burns in fire from ‘gas line leak’ in Dhaka's Tejgaon dies
Two passengers succumbed to their injuries at Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman Medical College (BSMMC) Hospital, said Md Shahjahan, superintendent of the district police.
Injured microbus driver Mridul Malo, a resident of Sadar upazila, has been undergoing treatment at BSMMC hospital.
Read more: Wari fire death toll rises to 2
The bodies were kept at the hospital morgue for autopsy, he said, adding that the deceased hailed from Boalmari upazila of the district.
Deputy Commissioner Kamrul Ahsan Talukder said they have already formed a five-member probe committee to look into the matter and asked to submit its report within next two days.
He said Tk 20,000 was given for burial to the families of each deceased and Tk 10,000 for treatment of the injured driver.
Read more: https://unb.com.bd/category/Bangladesh/man-injured-in-narayanganj-tv-blast-dies/117252
Maritime ports advised to hoist cautionary signal 3; More rains likely
The country’s maritime ports have been advised to hoist the local cautionary signal 3 as deep convection is taking place over the North Bay due to active monsoon, said the weather department on Saturday.
Squally weather is likely to affect the maritime ports of Chattogram, Cox’s Bazar, Mongla and Payra, said the Met office.
All fishing boats and trawlers in the North Bay have been advised to remain close to the coast and proceed with caution until further notice, it reads.
Maritime ports asked to hoist cautionary signal 3
The Met office forecast light to moderate rain or thunder showers accompanied by temporary gusty wind at most places over Khulna, Barishal and Chattogram divisions and at a few places over Rangpur, Rajshahi, Mymensingh, Dhaka and Sylhet divisions with moderately heavy to heavy falls at places over Khulna, Barishal and Chattogram divisions.
Maritime ports advised to lower signal
It also predicted rain or thunder showers may increase in 72 from 9 am on Saturday.Cyclone Mocha: Maritime ports asked to hoist great danger signal 8
Dhaka's air quality 'moderate' this morning
Dhaka's air quality is ‘moderate’ this morning.
With an air quality index (AQI) score of 95 at 8:57 am, Dhaka ranked 12th in the list of cities worldwide with the worst air quality.
Saudi Arabia’s Riyadh, India’s Delhi and South Africa's Johannesburg occupied the first three spots on the list, with AQI scores of 156, 155 and 154, respectively.
Dhaka’s air quality ‘unhealthy’ Friday morning
An AQI between 150 and 200 is considered 'unhealthy', AQI between 201 and 300 is said to be 'very unhealthy', while a reading of 301+ is considered 'hazardous', posing serious health risks to residents.
In Bangladesh, the AQI is based on five criteria pollutants — Particulate Matter (PM10 and PM2.5), NO2, CO, SO2 and Ozone.
Dhaka has long been grappling with air pollution issues. Its air quality usually turns unhealthy in winter and improves during the monsoon.
Dhaka’s air quality unhealthy for sensitive groups Saturday morning
Air pollution consistently ranks among the top risk factors for death and disability worldwide.
As per the World Health Organization (WHO), air pollution kills an estimated seven million people worldwide every year, largely as a result of increased mortality from stroke, heart disease, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, lung cancer and acute respiratory infections.
No improvement in Dhaka’s air quality amid sweltering heat