Dhaka
Dhaka’s air quality: Once again world’s worst
Dhaka has once again topped the list of cities worldwide with the worst air quality. The AQI score of Dhaka’s air quality was 254 at 9 am on Thursday (February 01, 2024).Dhaka’s air was classified as “very unhealthy”, posing serious health risks to residents, according to the air quality index.Ghana’s Accra, India’s Mumbai and Nepal’s Kathmandu occupied the second, third and fourth spots on the list, with AQI scores of 191, 179 and 173, respectively.
As cold weather continues, Dhaka’s air quality still ‘unhealthy’When the AQI value for particle pollution is between 101 and 150, air quality is considered “unhealthy for sensitive groups”, between 150 and 200 is “unhealthy”, between 201 and 300 is said to be “very unhealthy”, while a reading of 301+ is considered “hazardous”, posing serious health risks to residents.The AQI, an index for reporting daily air quality, informs people how clean or polluted the air of a certain city is and what associated health effects might be a concern for them.
Dhaka’s air quality again world's worst this morningThe AQI in Bangladesh is based on five 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.As per World Health Organization (WHO), air pollution kills an estimated seven million people worldwide every year, mainly due to increased mortality from stroke, heart disease, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, lung cancer, and acute respiratory infections.
Ekushey Boi Mela 2024: What security measures are in place?
In anticipation of the Amar Ekushey Grantha Mela (book fair) 2024, the Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) has announced extensive security measures to tackle potential sabotage acts and militant threats. The security plan, detailed by DMP Commissioner Habibur Rahman, aims to ensure a safe environment for the attendees of Bangladesh’s largest book fair, set to open on February 1.
Commissioner Rahman, after inspecting the security protocols, stated, “We have put in place a robust security framework to enable visitors to explore and enjoy the fair without any apprehension.” These remarks were made during his visit to the book fair’s location in Dhaka’s Suhrawardy Udyan on Wednesday.
Books worth Tk47 crore sold in Amar Ekushey Book Fair in 27 days
Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina is slated to inaugurate the month-long cultural event at 3 pm on February 1. In a first for the fair, attendees can now enter and exit through five designated gates at Suhrawardy Udyan, including a special entrance via the Engineering Institute. Each entry point will be equipped with archways and metal detectors to enhance safety.
The DMP Commissioner outlined the comprehensive security measures, including the establishment of internal and external security perimeters and continuous surveillance by undercover detectives. Additionally, numerous watch towers have been erected to oversee and prevent any unforeseen incidents.
Further bolstering the security, the entire fair area is under continuous CCTV monitoring, connected to a dedicated control room. The DMP has arranged various patrolling units, including foot, street, and cyber patrols, around the fair vicinity. The presence of the dog squad, SWAT team, and bomb disposal unit will provide an immediate response capability.
Kid’s zone of Ekushey Book Fair abuzz with little book lovers
In addition to these security provisions, the DMP has taken measures to cater to the comfort and well-being of the visitors. These include a lost and found center for missing children, a nursing center for mothers, blood donation facilities, and access to pure drinking water throughout the fair premises.
The security plan was detailed in the presence of senior DMP officials, emphasizing the significance and scale of the protective measures for this cultural cornerstone event.
Read more: Tracing the Roots of Ekushey Boi Mela
Weather forecast: Will it rain in Dhaka?
Bangladesh Meteorological Department (BMD) forecasts varied weather patterns across the country, with rain or thundershowers expected in several divisions, including Dhaka, Khulna, Rajshahi, Barishal, and Chattogram.
As per the latest bulletin from the BMD, “Rain or thundershowers are likely at a few places in the Khulna and Dhaka divisions, with occasional showers predicted in Rajshahi, Barishal, and Chattogram divisions.”
In other parts of Bangladesh, the weather is set to remain predominantly dry, albeit with partly cloudy skies.
Weather forecast: Light rain in Ctg, Barishal divisions, fog disruptions across country, BMD says
The report also warns of moderate to thick fog formation over river basins, with lighter fog likely in other areas. This foggy condition, particularly dense near rivers, may temporarily disrupt inland river transport from late night until morning.
Temperature fluctuations are also on the horizon, with a slight increase in night temperatures and a minor decrease in daytime temperatures expected nationwide.
From Chuadanga, UNB’s correspondent reports that the district town has been experiencing light rainfall since Tuesday night. The local Chuadanga Weather Observatory Centre, under the supervision of Officer-in-Charge Jaminur Rahman, recorded 3 mm of rainfall by 6 am on Wednesday. Additionally, a slight rise in temperature was observed, with the mercury hitting 15.3 degrees Celsius early this morning.
The forecast suggests continued rainfall in Chuadanga and surrounding areas until Friday, indicating a wet end to the week for the residents.
Weather forecast: Fog across the country with light rain in Ctg, BMD says
END/UNB/Corr/MAS/KW
Murikata onion price goes over Tk 100 per kg in just 2 days
The price of Murikata, an early variety of onion, jumped by Tk 20 per kg to Tk 105 per kg on Tuesday (January 30, 2024), compared to Tk 80 to 85 per kg two days ago in Dhaka.
Though the wholesaler said that onion prices have dropped slightly in the wholesale market, the effect is yet to be visible in the retail market.
On Tuesday, onion prices in the capital ranged from Tk100 to Tk105 depending on quality at Karwan Bazar, Mohakhali, Hatirpool, Malibagh, and Santinagar.
Khalilo Mia, owner of Hasan store at Shantinagar Bazar, told UNB that good-quality onions have arrived in the market at a higher rate.
As the quality of this onion is slightly better, the price has also increased. However, there is no shortage of onion supply, he said.
The price of Murikata onions has also increased in the market price report released by the state marketing agency, Trading Corporation of Bangladesh (TCB). According to its report, new local Murikata onions were sold for Tk 90 to Tk 100 per kg in different markets in Dhaka.
A week ago, the price of this variety of onion was selling at Tk75 to 80 per kg; the imported onion price was Tk85 to Tk90 per kg. However, local and imported onion prices rose by 23 and 26 percent, respectively, during the week, according to TCB.
Read more: Sylhet fixes price of local variety onion at Tk 120, Indian variety at Tk 140
Onion prices have also increased in Sujanagar and Santhia upazilas of Pabna, one of the main production areas of Murikata onion. On Monday, in these upazilas, the price of onions was Tk71 to Tk78 per kg in the local wholesale markets. Onion prices have increased in the district compared to last week. Last week, the price of fresh onion there was Tk 60 to Tk 70 per kg.
The prices of other curry items like garlic and ginger have also increased by Tk10 per kg. On Tuesday, these items were selling for between Tk240 and Tk270 per kg, respectively, compared to Tk230 and Tk260 per kg last week.
The prices of all other vegetables have increased by Tk10 to 20 per kg this week compared to the last week.
However, bean, eggplant, and tomato were selling between Tk 60 to 100 based on quality, potato at Tk 50 to 60 per kg, bitter gourd at Tk 80 kg, balsam apple at Tk 100 to 120 kg, okra at Tk 80 to 100 per kg, cucurbitaceous at Tk 80 per kg, cucumber at Tk 60 to 70 kg, spone gourd at Tk 80 per kg, arum at 80 to 90 kg, radish and carrot at Tk 50 to 60 kg, green papaya at Tk 40 kg, French bean at Tk 100 to 110 kg, snake gourd at Tk 70 to 75 kg, pumpkin (medium size) at Tk 80 to 100 per piece, cauliflower and broccoli at Tk 50 to 70 piece, bottle gourd at Tk 80 to 100 piece, ash gourd at Tk 50 to 60 piece, coriander leaves at Tk 200 kg—Capsicum (red) at Tk 300 to Tk370 per kg base on size and quality.
Read more: Govt directs to intensify field-level monitoring on onion prices
The discomfort remains in the fish and meat market. Broiler chicken was selling at Tk200–220 per kg, and Sonaly chicken (a Pakistani variety) at Tk320–340 per kg. Beef, which was sold at Tk 650 in many places a couple of weeks ago, is now being sold at Tk 700 per kg everywhere.
Prices of eggs are increasing by Tk 5 to 7 in a dozen this week. Per dozen, brown eggs (hens) are at Tk 140 to 145, 5–10 taka less than white eggs. Duck eggs were selling for Tk 180 to 190 per dozen, while eggs of indigenous domestic rearing chicken were selling for Tk 210 per dozen.
The prices of fish are higher now compared to a few months ago. However, tilapia, pangas, and carp were selling for between Tk220 and 260 per kg. Among other fish, the price of medium-sized weighing 1.5 kg to 2 kg farming Rui, Katla, and Mrigel fish was selling at Tk 300 to Tk 400 per kg. Also, Pabda, Tengra, Koi, sheat (boal), chital, and Hilsa fish are not below Tk600 per kg.
The bigger fish, like coral, boal, and river pangas, were selling for between Tk700 and 1100 per kg at Karwan Bazar.
When asked about the price hike, the Director General of the Directorate of National Consumers Rights Protection (DNCRP), AHM Shafiquzzama, told UNB that his office would drive against the unusual price hike of these essentials.
He also said that a few months ago, he warned different ministries and directorates to take steps to increase the supply of essentials, including onions and potatoes, to control prices.
Consumers Association of Bangladesh vice president SM Nazer Hossain said consumers in Bangladesh are having a hard time amid record prices of commodities due to higher inflation.
Farm eggs, broiler chicken, and cultured fish are key protein sources for millions of poor people in the country, he said.
Prices of all such products have increased, forcing a vast population to cut their protein and other nutrition-rich food intake, Nazer said.
Read more: Chapainawabganj farmers reap benefits of bountiful summer onion harvest
Breathing in world’s worst air in Dhaka today
Dhaka has topped the list of cities worldwide with the worst air quality with an AQI score of 269 at 8:55 am this morning (January 30, 2024).
Dhaka’s air was classified as 'very unhealthy', posing serious health risks to residents, according to the air quality index.
Ghana’s Accra, Uganda’s Kampala and India’s Mumbai occupied the second, third and fourth spots on the list, with AQI scores of 209, 189 and 188 respectively.
When the AQI value for particle pollution is between 101 and 150, air quality is considered ‘unhealthy for sensitive groups’, between 150 and 200 is ‘unhealthy’, between 201 and 300 is said to be 'very unhealthy', while a reading of 301+ is considered 'hazardous', posing serious health risks to residents.
Read more: Environment Ministry announces 100-day programme for 'healthy environment, smart Bangladesh'
The AQI, an index for reporting daily air quality, informs people how clean or polluted the air of a certain city is and what associated health effects might be a concern for them.
The AQI in Bangladesh is based on five 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.
As per World Health Organization (WHO), air pollution kills an estimated seven million people worldwide every year, mainly due to increased mortality from stroke, heart disease, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, lung cancer, and acute respiratory infections.
Read more: Smart technology will be used in all public service delivery: Environment Minister
Nipah virus: Two patients from Manikganj die in Dhaka
Two people from Manikganj, who were infected with Nipah virus after consuming raw date juice, died in Dhaka while undergoing treatment.
The deceased were Babul Miah, 38, son of former union parishad member Mainuddin, and Lutfor Rahman, 27, son of Nazimuddin, hailing from Putail union of Manikganj’s Sadar upazila.
District Civil Surgeon Dr Mohammad Moazzem Ali Khan Chowdhury confirmed that Babul died after being infected with Nipah virus while Putail Union Parishad Chairman Jasim Uddin confirmed Lutfor’s death.
Read: COVID-19: Bangladesh reports 28 more cases in 24hrs
It was learnt from the civil surgeon's office that Babul was admitted to Manikganj 250-bed General Hospital with fever and headache on January 16. A day later, a team from Dhaka’s International Centre for Diarrheal Disease Research, Bangladesh (icddr,b) came and did his medical checkup.
On January 18, he was shifted to a private hospital in Dhaka when his condition worsened and subsequently it was detected that he was infected with Nipah virus.
Babul breathed his last while undergoing treatment in the private hospital last Saturday, the civil surgeon’s office said.
Local UP Chairman Jasim said Lutfor had been suffering from fever, headache and other complications after drinking raw date juice.
Though initially he took medicine from a local pharmacy, later he was hospitalized in Dhaka when his condition deteriorated, he said, adding that Lutfor died while undergoing treatment there on January 16.
Civil Surgeon Dr Moazzem said they had information on Babul’s death from the Nipah virus but are not aware of Lufor’s cause of death.
Read: Dengue: Bangladesh reports zero death with 20 new cases in 24 hrs
According to icddr,b, consumption of raw date juice, contaminated with bat saliva or urine, causes Nipah virus.
Dhaka receives assurances of continued French-German support on dev journey
France and Germany have agreed to individually widen their bilateral relations with Bangladesh and assured of standing beside the country on its development journey.
Foreign Minister Dr Hasan Mahmud said this after holding separate meetings with German Ambassador Achim Tröster and French Ambassador Marie Masdupuy at his office in Segunbagicha on Thursday (January 25, 2024).
Read: ‘Lobbyist-backed’ statement on Dr Yunus won’t impact FDI, Hasan Mahmud says
The two most important European ambassadors discussed issues related to trade and investment, climate change, security cooperation and cooperation in the aviation and education sector.
Responding to a question on Bangabandhu Satellite-2, the foreign minister said this is definitely a priority for the government of Bangladesh and hoped that the discussions with France in this regard will see further progress.
On purchasing aircraft from the European aviation giants Airbus, the foreign minister said Bangladesh will buy when the country's economy permits.
Asked if the decision to buy the planes was final, Hasan Mahmud said such 'final decisions' on purchase are not taken at the Foreign Ministry.
The two ambassadors also handed over congratulatory letters from their respective heads of government.
Read: BD, UK vow to deepen ties at FM Hasan’s meet with HC Cooke
Both these countries are major development and trade partners of Bangladesh and the ambassadors discussed widening the relations in the coming days, Hasan Mahmud said.
Talking to reporters, French Ambassador Marie Masdupuy said France wants to start a new exchange programme for young teachers and students with Bangladesh.
Over ‘350-year-old’ Dhaka Gate opens to visitors
Historic Dhaka Gate, also known as Mir Jumla Gate or Ramna Gate, was opened to the public on Wednesday (January 24, 2024).
Dhaka South City Corporation Mayor Sheikh Fazle Noor Taposh re-inaugurated the gate by unveiling the cover of the main stone.
Read more: How to Identify an Authentic Bangladeshi Jamdani Saree?
Lime, betel nut, khoir, molasses, and Maddhapara granite stone chips are the materials used in the reconstruction of the Dhaka Gate
The Dhaka Gate is located at the intersection of the Curzon Hall of Dhaka University, the Suhrawardy Uddyan and the Science Library.
Dhaka among four divisions shivering in cold wave conditions
Bangladesh Meteorological Department (BMD) has reported that a mild cold wave is currently affecting four divisions and several districts across the country, as of the morning of January 23, 2024. This weather pattern, characterized by lower temperatures and dense fog, is expected to continue and may abate in some areas.
According to the latest weather bulletin, the mild to moderate cold wave is impacting Dhaka, Rangpur, Rajshahi, and Khulna divisions, along with the districts of Moulvibazar, Barishal, Bhola, and Cumilla. This season’s lowest temperature of 6.6 degrees Celsius was recorded today in Chuadanga and Sirajganj, contrasting with the highest temperature of 27.5 degrees Celsius in Cox’s Bazar’s Teknaf upazila.
The BMD classifies a mild cold wave as temperatures ranging from 8 to 10 degrees Celsius, a moderate cold wave from 6 to 8 degrees Celsius, and a severe cold wave as temperatures falling below 6 degrees Celsius.
Read: Record-breaking low temperatures trigger school closures across Bangladesh
Alongside the cold wave, moderate to thick fog is expected to blanket the country from midnight to morning, potentially persisting until noon in some areas. This fog poses significant challenges to air navigation, inland river transport, and road communication.
There is a slight expectation of rising night and day temperatures across the country. Furthermore, the BMD forecasts light rain or drizzle in one or two places over the Khulna division, while the rest of the country is likely to experience dry weather with partly cloudy skies.
Residents, especially in the northern part of Bangladesh, have been facing severe cold for the last few days. This weather phenomenon has significantly disrupted normal life, affecting daily routines and transport services.
Read: Govt changes class schedule for primary schools due to cold wave
SC upholds HC order for demolishing Gulshan Shopping Centre
The Appellate Division on Monday (January 22, 2024) upheld the High Court order that ordered demolition of the Gulshan Shopping Centre in Dhaka's Gulshan-1 within 30 days.
A five-member bench of the Appellate Division, led by Chief Justice Obaidul Hassan, passed the order following a petition filed by the owners challenging the HC order.
In July 2023, two companies namely Bani Chitra and Films filed a writ seeking the HC directive to demolish Gulshan Shopping Centre citing safety concerns.
HC issues rule on inaction of the authorities to control fireworks and lanterns
Following the writ, on Dec 13, the HC bench of Justice Mustafa Zaman Islam and Justice Md Ataullah ordered the demolition of the center within a month.
Dhaka North City Corporation (DNCC), Rajuk and others were asked to implement this directive.
On July 13, 2023, Dhaka North City Corporation (DNCC) in a mobile court drive sealed off the shopping centre as it was found risky.
HC orders Dhaka court to hear bail pleas of Mirza Abbas, Annie
Regional Executive Officer and Executive Magistrate Zulkar Nayan and Executive Magistrate Md Mahbub Hasan conducted the mobile court.
In 2021, the Department of Fire Service and Civil Defence declared the market risky and abandoned due to the dilapidated building and lack of fire fighting system and sent a letter to the DNCC to take legal action regarding the issue on an urgent basis.
Young woman gang-raped while looking for rented home in Ctg; 1 arrested
Zulkar Nayan, regional executive officer and executive magistrate of Zone-3, said, "The shop owners were instructed repeatedly to vacate the building to prevent any kind of humanitarian disaster as the Gulshan-1 shopping centre is risky, but they did not vacate it."