Bangladesh
Action against officials of Petrobangla companies if fail to achieve target: Nasrul
Bangladesh's State Minister for Power, Energy and Mineral Resource Nasrul Hamid has said that each of the companies of the Petrobangla will be given target to drill wells in the gas fields for hydrocarbon exploration and if they fail, the officials concerned will be removed from their posts.
“Nobody will be speared and no persuasion will be accepted against any failure”, he told a seminar titled: “Gas Demand-Supply Scenario; Scope of Seismic Survey and Enhancement of Drilling Activities to Expedite Hydrocarbon Production” organised by Petrobangla at its auditorium in the city on Thursday (February 15, 2024).
Expressing frustration over the activities of the Petrobangla, he said that there is huge deficiency in the organisation and its subordinate bodies to work as a team.
“They don’t work in a coordinated manner. As a result, sometimes gas is found in a well, but processing plant remains unprepared to supply the gas to the national grid,” he said.
Read: Dhaka’s air quality still 'unhealthy', 2nd most polluted in the world this morning
“Sometimes it takes 4 years to get gas supply from a well to the national grid,” he added.
He said Bangladesh Power Development Board (BPDB) and other entities in power sector have been successful in achieving the goal of 100 percent electricity access as they worked as a team.
The seminar, with Petrobangla chairman Zanendra Nath Sarker in the chair, was also addressed by Energy Secretary Md Nurul Alam.
Bakhrabad Gas Distribution Company’s Managing Director Anwarul Islam and Petrobangla’s general manager Meherul Hasan made presentation on the topic of the seminar.
Nasrul Hamid said the Petrobangla planned to drill 48 wells to produce 500 million cubic feet per day (mmcfd) while the country’s demand will go up by 2000 mmcfd.
Read: New executive committee of BSFA pays homage to Bangabandhu
“We’re all looking at Petrobangla to see effective results of its plan…, there is huge prospects in the gas sector,” he added.
He said the country has many inefficient captive power plants which efficiency is 20 percent when some new power plants installed with 62 percent efficiency.
“If we can divert gas to those efficient new power plants, power production cost will come down by 70 percent,” he noted.
In the presentation the Petrobangla officials showed that it has planned to drill 100 wells across the country from which 1500 mmcfd gas will be produced by 2027 when gas demand will go up to 6000 mmcfd.
Read more: Nasrul Hamid seeks ADB's help to create regional power market
Fakhrul, Khasru may walk out of jail this afternoon
BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir and Standing Committee Member Amir Khasru Mahmud Chowdhury are anticipated to be released from Keraniganj Central Jail following their lawyers' efforts to withdraw the production warrants against them in all cases.
Barrister Mahbub Uddin Khokon and Advocate Masud Ahmed Talukdar, representing the BNP leaders, have initiated the legal process for the withdrawal of the production warrants. This comes after both leaders obtained bail in all cases, as confirmed by Sairul Kabir Khan, a member of the BNP chairperson's media wing, to UNB.
“The necessary legal steps are being taken following the provision that allows for the withdrawal of production warrants issued for the leaders to be presented in court while incarcerated,” the lawyers stated.
Read: Fakhrul, Khasru secure bail; no bar to walk out of jail
Work on withdrawing the production warrants has already begun, with expectations that if completed by noon today, the BNP leaders could be released. The documentation related to the withdrawal is hoped to be finalized by Thursday evening.
Advocate Masud mentioned that 13 production warrants had been issued against Fakhrul, highlighting the legal hurdles faced. However, Advocate Syed Joynal Abedin assured that there are no obstacles to their release as bail has been secured in all cases.
The context for the anticipated release follows a Dhaka court's decision on Wednesday to grant bail to both Fakhrul and Khasru in connection with a case filed over the vandalism of the Chief Justice's residence during a BNP rally on October 28 last year. The Dhaka Metropolitan Sessions Judges Court's acting judge, Faisal Atiq Bin Quader, approved the bail upon reviewing their petition.
Read: Usurping power AL govt showing arrogance: Rizvi
The case was filed by the police on October 29, accusing 59 BNP leaders and activists, including Fakhrul and Khasru, of vandalism and assault during the rally. In total, 11 cases were filed against Fakhrul and 10 against Khasru related to violence surrounding the rally. Fakhrul was detained on October 29, and Khasru on November 3, both from their residences in Gulshan.
PM Hasina off to Germany to attend Munich Security Conference
Bangladesh's Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina left here for Germany on Thursday (February 15, 2024) morning on a three-day official visit to attend the Munich Security Conference.
This is her first official tour abroad since being re-elected as the prime minister for the fourth consecutive term in last month's parliamentary polls.
The Munich Security Conference is considered the world's leading forum for debating security issues.
Read: Govt measures to tame inflation soon: PM tells Parliament
A flight of the Biman Bangladesh Airlines departed Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport at 11 am carrying the prime minister and her entourage members.
During her stay in Munich from February 16-18, Sheikh Hasina will also hold meetings with German chancellor, Ukraine's president, prime ministers of Denmark and the Netherlands on the sidelines of the security conference.
Indian external affairs minister will also call on the Bangladesh prime minister.
Read more: Focus on rural dev along with infrastructure: PM Hasina tells ECNEC
Six cops injured in road accident during vehicle check in Sylhet
During a routine vehicle inspection on the Sylhet-Sunamganj road at Temukhi, Sylhet district, six policemen sustained injuries when a bus hit them early Thursday (February 15, 2024) morning. The incident occurred as the officers were operating a check-post established to enhance road safety measures.
The injured officers include Azbahar Ali Sheikh, Additional DIG and Deputy Commissioner of Sylhet Metropolitan Police; Kawsar Dastagir, Additional Deputy Commissioner; Zahurul Islam, Assistant Commissioner of Airport Police Station; SM Nunu Mia, Officer-in-Charge of Airport Police Station; Rezul Karim, Assistant Sub-Inspector; and driver Nayek Habibur Rahman.
Read: Repatriation of 330 Myanmar security forces from Bangladesh underway
According to Zakir Hossain, Commissioner of Sylhet Metropolitan Police, the accident happened around 6 am when a 'Real Coach' bus from Sunamganj, while undergoing checks, struck the policemen, causing various degrees of injuries.
The victims received immediate medical attention at a local hospital, with Azbahar Ali Sheikh being admitted to the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) for further treatment.
Read:RAB arrests ARSA ‘second-in-command’, 2 members from Rohungya camp
Following the incident, police detained the bus supervisor and impounded the vehicle. However, the bus driver managed to escape from the scene. Authorities are currently investigating the accident and have initiated efforts to apprehend the fleeing driver.
Myanmar delegation arrives in Bangladesh to take back security forces
A delegation from Myanmar, led by Ambassador Aung Kyaw Moe, arrived at the Naval jetty ghat in Inani, Cox’s Bazar district, on Thursday (February 15, 2024), aboard a speedboat at 9:50 am, to repatriate 330 members of the Myanmar security forces and others who had sought refuge in Bangladesh.
The group had crossed into Bangladesh, fleeing clashes between the Myanmar military and armed rebel groups.
Read: 330 BGP members, others to be handed over to Myanmar authorities Thursday: BGB
The repatriation, supervised by the Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB), involves individuals including members of the Myanmar Border Guard Police (BGP). The process was earlier confirmed by BGB's public relations officer, Shariful Islam, who also noted that the transfer involved six buses transporting the individuals from Nhila and Ghumdum points to Inani earlier that day.
Home Minister, Asaduzzaman Khan, had previously indicated that the repatriation of these individuals was imminent, amidst ongoing border tensions and skirmishes in the Bandarban's Naikhongchhari area. In light of the conflict, the BGB and Coast Guard have ramped up surveillance efforts to prevent further crossings.
This border tension has led to casualties on the Bangladeshi side, including the deaths of a Bangladeshi woman and a Rohingya man due to mortar shell impacts from Myanmar. An unidentified body was also found on February 8 in the Rahmaterbil border area of Ukhiya, Cox’s Bazar, as reported by Md Shamim Hossain, Officer-in-Charge of Ukhiya Police Station.
Read: DMP forms 'quick response team' to ease movements of SSC examinees
Additionally, on February 9, BGB personnel detained 23 Rohingyas with 12 firearms and 868 rounds of ammunition as they attempted to cross into Bangladesh. A case was subsequently filed under the Arms Act at Ukhiya police station, with a court ordering a 3-day remand for each individual involved.
Rooftop Restaurants in Dhaka’s Mohammadpur for Delicious Food and Instagram Photos
Are you looking for an Instagrammable place to spend some quality time with good food while taking in the view of the city from a considerable height? In this bustling city of Dhaka, a rooftop restaurant can be a beautiful getaway that offers a glimmering view of the skyline and a serene escape from the crowded streets below. Located in Dhaka’s north, Mohammadpur has several Instagram-worthy rooftop restaurants with enchanting views and a cozy laid-back atmosphere. Let’s check them out.
6 Instagrammable Rooftop Restaurants at Mohammadpur in Dhaka
Rainforest Café
Rainforest Café is another great option for rooftop dining with friends and family. The café is located on Tajmahal Road right on the main street. The management undertook renovations recently to revamp the look of the café. There’s a large indoor sitting area perfect for large groups. Adjacent to that is the kid’s play area.
The outdoors has been tastefully decorated with trees, shrubs, and a fish aquarium. Each table has been made into a hut-like structure giving it a forest-like look.
Read more: Top 10 Dhaka Restaurants with Outdoor Seating
The café serves oriental, Chinese, and Italian cuisines. There’s a curated Chinese platter for students as well.
Rainforest Café remains open from 11 AM to 11 PM every day.
Garden SHIP
Located on Taj Mahal Road, Garden SHIP is your typical family restaurant with a great ambiance. The restaurant is beautifully designed to give it a ship-like look on the inside. The large spacious indoor seating is perfect for group or family dine-outs.
Read more: Best Instagrammable Rooftop Restaurants at Gulshan in Dhaka
The back of the restaurant has their cozy rooftop section. It offers a beautiful view overlooking the greenery of the Dhaka Residential Model College.
Garden SHIP has a wide variety of menus. From Thai, Chinese, Indian to seafood, the restaurant offers something for everyone. The operating hours are from 11 AM to 11 PM every day.
Spicy6
Spicy6 is located on Ring Road, Mohammadpur. The restaurant is famous among the locals for its Thai, Chinese, Oriental, and South Asian cuisines. Spicy6 offers great indoor and outdoor arrangements with faux grass and overhead shades.
Read more: Instagrammable Rooftop Restaurants in Uttara
Over 2 million students sitting for SSC, equivalent exams starting today
The Secondary School Certificate (SSC) and equivalent examinations for 2024 started today, with over 2 million students from 29,735 educational institutions expected to participate. The Ministry of Education has announced that the exams will start at 10 am across 3,700 centers nationwide.
To ensure the integrity of the examination process, no mobile phones or electronic devices will be permitted within the exam centers, except for a basic phone set without internet access to be used exclusively by the hall secretary. The question code will be disclosed 25 minutes prior to the start of each exam, streamlining the process for students and staff alike.
DMP forms 'quick response team' to ease movements of SSC examinees
In a notable departure from tradition, Education Minister Mohibul Hasan Chowdhury Nowfel has decided not to visit any examination centers this year, aiming to reduce the stress levels among students.
The Dhaka Metropolitan Police’s (DMP) Traffic Department is taking proactive measures to facilitate a smooth commute for examinees by forming a "quick response team." This initiative is designed to address any transportation issues students might face en route to their examination centers.
Md Munibur Rahman, the Additional Commissioner (Traffic) of the DMP, emphasized the importance of students planning their travel to arrive at least 30 minutes before their exams begin. He also offered guidance for navigating traffic safely, advising students to use foot over bridges and zebra crossings where available and to seek assistance from traffic police in case of congestion or other issues.
2 SSC exam centres along BD-Myanmar border relocated
Sundarbans Day: World's largest mangrove forest draws growing number of tourists
The Sundarbans, the world's largest mangrove forest, has become a hub of activity, drawing nature enthusiasts from around the globe with its stunning landscapes and diverse wildlife. This natural wonder is not only a key tourist attraction but also plays a vital role in promoting environmental conservation and boosting local revenue.
During the prime visiting months from October to February, the Sundarbans offers visitors cool river waters and pleasant weather, making it an ideal destination for exploring its unique ecosystem. Recent statistics reveal a significant uptick in tourism, with 216,143 visitors, including 2,143 international guests, in the fiscal year 2022-2023, generating Tk 3.94 crore in revenue for the government. This marks a notable increase from previous years, highlighting the forest's growing appeal and importance to Bangladesh's economy.
According to data collected from the local forest office, the number of tourists was 1,89,570 in the fiscal year 2018-2019 and of them, 2,261 came from other countries. The government earned Tk 1.51 crore during this period.
Read: Sundarbans Day in southwestern region on Feb 14; a clarion call to love, save the forest
In the fiscal year, 2019-2020, the number of tourists was 1,72,979. Of them 2,317 came from overseas. A total of Tk 1.87 crore was collected as revenue during this period.
Tragic death of teenage domestic worker sparks outrage and demands for Justice
In a heart-wrenching incident, Preeti Urang, a 15-year-old girl from Mirtinga village in Moulvibazar's Kamalganj upazila, died after a fall from the eighth floor of a building in Dhaka's Mohammadpur area. Her father, Lokesh Urang, expressed his profound grief, stating that poverty had driven them to send her to work as a domestic helper in the capital.
While speaking to UNB at the Mirtinga Tea Estate, Lokesh recounted the devastating return of his daughter's body from Dhaka. Preeti had been employed at the residence of The Daily Star Executive Editor Syed Ashfaqul Haque in Mohammadpur, where the tragic incident occurred on February 6.
Lokesh, a day laborer and a father of four, lamented the loss of Preeti, revealing the family's struggle to make ends meet by fishing and selling their catch. Nomita Urang, Preeti's mother, disclosed that they were initially offered Tk 10,000 when her daughter was employed, but she and her husband suggested it be saved for Preeti’s marriage. Following Preeti's death, only Tk 5,000 was provided, Nomita said.
Read: Preeti’s death at journalist’s house: Parents demand justice
Dhana Bauri, local unit president of the Bangladesh Tea Workers Union, acknowledged the family's dire financial situation. Ram Bhajan Koiri, former general secretary of Bangladesh Tea Workers Union and vice-chairman of Kamalganj union parishad, criticized the exploitation of tea garden workers by influential individuals, calling for clarity on the circumstances leading to Preeti's death.
The local community, deeply affected by the tragedy, has staged protests demanding a fair investigation and justice for Preeti, who had been isolated from her family during her two-year employment.
Following the incident, Lokesh initiated legal action against Ashfaqul and his wife Tania Khandaker under section 304 (ka), leading to their incarceration after the court denied their bail petitions. The court has since permitted police to conduct a three-day interrogation at the jail gate.
In a recent development, a Dhaka court granted a four-day remand for both Syed Ashfaqul Haque and his wife Tania Khandaker, intensifying the quest for answers and accountability in this tragic case.
Read more: 'Unveil true circumstances of Preeti's death': Domestic Workers Rights Network
Chapainawabganj farmers set to surpass Boro rice production targets
Farmers in the Chapainawabganj district are poised to surpass their production targets for boro rice this year, aiming to harvest 253,780 metric tonnes, thanks to a surge in interest spurred by last season's bumper yield.
The Department of Agriculture Extension (DAE) has outlined an ambitious plan to cultivate boro rice across 52,200 hectares of land. The cultivation efforts are distributed across various upazilas, with 13,220 hectares in Sadar, 15,720 in Gomastapur, 6,250 in Bholahat, 9,680 in Nachole, and 7,330 hectares in Shibganj.
Farmers like Kawsar Ali from Sadar upazila are busy preparing their fields and sowing boro seeds. Ali, who has dedicated eight bighas of land to boro cultivation, noted the rising costs of production, attributing them to increased labor and irrigation expenses. Similarly, Mayez Uddin pointed out the hike in land plowing costs from Tk 300 to Tk 350, alongside rising labor charges.
Govt to provide Tk 108 crore as incentive to boost Boro production: Ministry
Paddy workers, enduring the winter chill to plant boro, like Madan, highlighted that the current rate of Tk 500 for planting helps cover their household expenses despite the hard work.
Dr. Palash Sarkar, Deputy Director of DAE, remains optimistic about this year's prospects. He mentioned the widespread adoption of the Ufsi boro variety, ensuring there's no shortage of seeds or fertilizers. Furthermore, irrigation has been smooth due to reliable power supply, and farmers have received all necessary guidance from agricultural officials.
With these favorable conditions, Dr. Sarkar anticipates that the boro rice production target will not only be met but exceeded, signaling a successful and productive season ahead for the farmers of Chapainawabganj.
Half of Boro paddy procurement target not achieved yet, Food Minister tells JS