Bangladesh
Joy Bangla Concert 2024 promises special arrangement for women
In a move towards inclusivity, the Joy Bangla Concert 2024 has announced special arrangements to accommodate female attendees. Young Bangla, through its verified Facebook page, revealed that dedicated entrances and spaces will be reserved exclusively for women. “Join us for an unforgettable evening of music and camaraderie,” beckons the announcement, highlighting the concert’s commitment to a welcoming and inclusive atmosphere.
Scheduled to take place at the MA Aziz Stadium in Chattogram, this year’s event marks a significant departure from tradition, being the first time the concert is held outside the capital city, Dhaka. This strategic shift not only broadens the geographical appeal of the event but also pays homage to the historical essence of Bangladesh’s struggle for independence, invoking the spirit of Bangabandhu’s iconic March 7 speech.
Art Therapy through Printmaking’: Gallery Cosmos’s unique offering at Dhaka Flow’s wellness festival
Since its inception in 2015 by the Centre for Research and Information (CRI), the Joy Bangla Concert has evolved into a cornerstone of cultural celebrations, particularly among the youth. After pausing due to the global pandemic, the concert made a roaring comeback in 2023, continuing to honour the legacy of the 1971 Liberation War. The event stands out for its unique blend of musical entertainment and historical reflection, creating a deeply resonant experience for attendees.
The 2024 edition promises to be a grand musical fiesta, featuring performances from a mix of popular and emerging rock bands. The line-up, as announced by Young Bangla, includes fan favourites such as Artcell, Cryptic Fate, Avoid Rafa, Nemesis, Chirkutt, Meghdol, Lalon, the local sensation Tirondaz from Chattogram, and Carnival. These acts are set to electrify the stage, celebrating the rich musical heritage of Bangladesh and inspiring a new generation with the indomitable spirit of its people.
Read more: Most-hyped Bollywood Movies Releasing on March 2024
Off year for mangoes in Chapainawabganj? Farmers fear potential loss
Mango farmers in Chapainawabganj district are bracing for potential losses this season, with significantly fewer buds observed on trees, particularly affecting larger trees amid challenging weather conditions.
This year's reduced bud bloom could mark the season as a mango-off year, a phenomenon where production alternates annually between high and low yields due to natural growth cycles and external factors.
Department of Agriculture Extension (DAE) sources indicate that cold weather is to blame for the decreased number of mango buds in the district. However, there is optimism that warmer temperatures could encourage more buds to bloom.
Off-season Gourmoti mangoes could be profitable for Thakurgaon
The region, known for its extensive mango orchards spanning 37,604 hectares, produced 443,625 metric tonnes of mangoes last year. Mango bud formation typically occurs from early Magh to mid-Falgun, but this year's expected bloom has been hampered by the prevailing cold.
Mango farmer Abdur Rakib from Chapainawabganj municipality notes that diligent tree care can yield better bud production, even in an off year. Yet, the cost of cultivation might outweigh profits due to the reduced number of buds. Rakib also highlights the risk of natural calamities, which could further impact growers already facing low bud counts.
Dr Yunus, Opportunity International CTO discuss possible collaboration at US Ambassador’s dinner
Nobel laureate Dr Muhammad Yunus was hosted by US Ambassador to Bangladesh, Peter Haas, at a dinner on March 4 to meet with Greg Nelson, Chief Technology Officer of Opportunity International.
The organisation promotes and implements microfinance programmes around the world.
They discussed the health programmes of Grameen and Opportunity International and about possible collaboration between the two organisations, said the Yunus Centre on Tuesday.
Read more: ‘Lobbyist-backed’ statement on Dr Yunus won’t impact FDI, Hasan Mahmud says
Amy Haas, Laurie Nelson and Nurjahan Begum, Executive Vice Chairman of Grameen Shikhha, were present on the occasion.
US Ambassador Haas on his LinkedIn posted: “It was an incredible privilege to speak with the Nobel Peace Prize Laureate Muhammad Yunus and Nurjahan Begum about their remarkable work towards improving the lives of people worldwide. Their contributions have made a significant impact and continue to inspire us all. Thank you for the work you do.”
Read more: Govt is not harassing Dr Yunus with false cases: Law Minister
US honours Bangladesh Supreme Court lawyer Fawzia Karim with 2024 International Women of Courage Award
The United States has honoured Bangladesh Supreme Court lawyer Fawzia Karim Firoze with 2024 International Women of Courage Award.
US Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken and First Lady Jill Biden hosted the annual International Women of Courage (IWOC) Awards ceremony at the White House on March 4 (US time).
Other awardees are Benafsha Yaqoobi (Afghanistan), Volha Harbunova (Belarus), Ajna Jusić (Bosnia and Herzegovina), Myintzu Win (Myanmar), Martha Beatriz Roque Cabello (Cuba), Fátima Corozo (Ecuador), Fatou Baldeh (The Gambia), Fariba Balouch (Iran), Rina Gonoi (Japan), Rabha El Haymar (Morocco) and Agather Atuhaire (Uganda).
Secretary Blinken said the United States stands with every woman of courage working to build greater stability, greater equality, and greater opportunity.
"And we are committed to knocking down the barriers that prevent women and girls from reaching their full potential," he said at the ceremony.
Read more: Dr Shehlina receives honorary British award
"That’s why championing the rights of women and girls in all of their diversity is a central part of our foreign policy," Blinken said.
Over the past three years, he said they have put forward concrete strategies, policies, and programmes to support women and girls around the world.
"It’s not simply rhetorical, it’s practical, from increasing their political participation to ensuring that they’re parts of things like the clean energy transition," Blinken said.
Last year, US President Joe Biden requested a doubling of foreign aid to promote gender equity abroad – an historic $2.6 billion.
Fawzia has fought for the rights of marginalized groups for more than three decades, said the US State Department of State.
She is currently the head of her own law chamber and serves as the Chairperson for the Foundation for Law and Development (FLAD).
Read more: Bangladesh's Fawzia Karim named among International Women of Courage Award recipients for 2024
Under her leadership, FLAD won a ruling determining that the Domestic Workers Protection and Welfare Policy of 2015 was inadequate to protect the rights of domestic workers.
Fawzia has personally filed approximately 3,000 cases on behalf of garment workers against their employers and helped establish the Bangladesh Independent Garment Workers Union Federation (BIGUF) and the Domestic Workers Guidelines, said the US Department of State on Friday.
Read more: Shahin Howlader receives honorary award in NY
Meat and eggs to be sold in trucks at fair prices in Dhaka during Ramadan
The Ministry of Fisheries and Livestock will sell beef, chicken, and eggs in trucks in different spots of Dhaka city from March 10 on the occasion of the arrival of Holy Ramadan.
The mobile trucks will sell beef at Tk 600 per kg, goat/mutton at Tk 900 per kg, dressed broiler chicken at Tk 280 per kg, and eggs at Tk 10.50 per piece.
The Minister of Fisheries and Livestock Md. Abdur Rahman MP informed this to reporters in a press briefing on Monday.
Simeen Hossain briefs JS on steps to prevent rampant child marriage
The minister spoke in a press briefing after the session with deputy commissioners on food, livestock, and fisheries held at the Osmani Memorial Auditorium on Monday.
Abdur Rahman said, “We will strictly control the market in the month of Ramadan. This mobile vending program will help regulate the market during Ramadan.”
He said, initially, the products will be sold at 30 spots in Dhaka city. This is an interim initiative of the government. It will be inaugurated on March 10, and the program will continue until the day before Eid.
50 lakh families to get 1.5 lakh tonnes of rice under VGF during Ramadan: Food Minister
In response to a query, the minister said this activity on the truck-sale program will be held in 30 places in Dhaka. The program will try to expand to more places according to the ability.
‘Inspire Her Wellness’: A celebratory Women’s Day Festival by Dhaka Flow
This weekend, Dhaka Flow, an innovative wellness platform, in collaboration with Baridhara Society, is thrilled to launch a pioneering festival dedicated to yoga and wellness, commemorating Women’s Day. Scheduled for March 8-9 at the Baridhara Society Lakeside Park in Dhaka, the festival is being supported by Brac Bank Tara, Suzuki Motorbikes, BTI, Turaag Active, and Ispahani Blenders Choice Premium Tea.
Offering a complimentary, engaging exploration into the realms of movement, mindfulness, and health, the event aims to unite experts, enthusiasts, and the broader community for a weekend filled with educational, inspirational, and actionable wellness experiences.
Aligned with this year’s Women’s Day theme, “Inspire Her Wellness,” Dhaka Flow’s festival embodies its commitment to universal wellness. Recognising the unique challenges women face in juggling caregiving and work duties, often at the expense of their own health, the festival intends to shed light on these often-overlooked issues. Providing a nurturing environment for women and their families, the festival invites exploration of holistic health in Dhaka’s context, as detailed in a media release.
Nasrin Jahan Onika's maiden solo exhibition ‘Home’ begins at AFD
Participants can anticipate an enriching engagement with wellness professionals, hands-on classes and workshops designed to enhance physical, mental, and emotional resilience, interactive Q&A sessions, nutritious dining options, and networking opportunities with peers. This in-person event pledges to empower the community to elevate their overall wellbeing and maintain fitness.
Kicking off on Friday at 10 am with an opening ceremony by Dhaka Flow co-founder and esteemed yogini, Shazia Omar, the festival will commence with a sound healing session. Saturday’s activities includes a wide range of workshops and classes, originating and concluding at Baridhara Society Lake Park. Remaining true to its eco-friendly ethos, the festival includes a symbolic tree planting ceremony by Dhaka Flow and Shakti Foundation, contributing to the greening of Baridhara Park.
The festival’s art zone promises creative workshops and activities suitable for all ages, alongside engaging outdoor pursuits for children and educational sessions on essential health principles. Emphasizing the importance of financial independence, time management, health awareness, and the freedoms of belief, speech, and expression, the festival aims to inspire and educate.Additionally, the festival will offer a Sufi whirling class and a journaling session. A meditation garden will host all-day mindfulness practices and support groups addressing chronic pain, cancer, depression, grief, addiction, and the challenges of raising children on the spectrum, in hopes of fostering a sense of community strength and solidarity.
‘Amar Dekha Noya Chin’: Bangabandhu’s formative journey in a travelogue-style graphic novel
Highlighting female coaches and entrepreneurs in the wellness sector, the event will also feature a farmer’s market showcasing fresh produce and organic goods from local women farmers in collaboration with FAO and ZXY International FZCO. The festival emphasizes an eco-conscious approach, avoiding plastic waste, offering vegetarian food options, and providing free activities for all attendees. Generous sponsorship from leading private sector companies underscores the festival’s commitment to promoting healthy lifestyles within the community.
Dhaka Flow remains dedicated to positively impacting individuals and the environment, offering resources, events, and a supportive network to encourage optimal living and environmental stewardship. For further details and registration, visit www.dhakaflow.com and follow Dhaka Flow on social media (@dhakaflowofficial).
UNB is the media partner of the event.
Read more: Which Type of Yoga Should You Try?
Bangladesh-Sri Lanka T20I series can be watched from anywhere in the world
Just a few days after the conclusion of the Bangladesh Premier League (BPL) 10th season, Bangladesh cricketers are back on the field as they are set to face Sri Lanka in a three-match T20I series starting on Monday (March 04, 2024). Fans around the globe can tune in to watch this series promising exciting cricket.
The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) has announced that spectators in Bangladesh can enjoy live coverage of the series on two TV channels — GTV and T-Sports — and can also stream the action on the go via the Rabbithole and T-Sports apps.
Sri Lankan fans can catch the series live on Siyatha TV, with streaming options available through Dialog TV. In India, viewers can follow the action on the FanCode OTT platform.
Bangladesh-Sri Lanka T20I series kicks off Monday
For fans in 27 countries across the Middle East and North Africa, the series will be broadcast on STARZPLAY, eLife, and Cricbuzz, with Cricbuzz also available in 10 countries in Southeast Asia.
Astro will broadcast the series in Malaysia, while Willow will cover it in 23 countries in North America.
For fans in other parts of the world, the series will be available on the Rabbithole and T-Sports YouTube channels, ensuring global access to the matches.
The first match of the T20I series is scheduled for Monday, March 4, with the remaining two matches taking place on March 6 and 9 in Sylhet. All matches will commence at 6 pm (Bangladesh time). Following the T20I series, both teams will head to Chattogram, Bangladesh’s main port city, for a three-match ODI series.
Barishal stuns Comilla to claim maiden BPL title
Body of newlywed woman recovered from husband’s Pallabi residence
The body of a newlywed woman was recovered from her residence in Pallabi area of Dhaka on Sunday (March 03, 2024) evening.
The deceased was identified as Mahfuza Motaleb, wife of Aminul Islam.
Pallabi police station Officer-in-Charge (OC) Apurbo Hasan said Aminul and Mahfuza got married around three months back.
Read more: Father, son found dead in Dhaka’s Badda
Quoting Mahfuza’s family, the OC said Aminul used to torture Mahfuza demanding dowry since their marriage as his mother-in-law has an FDR of Tk 7 lakh.
On Sunday evening, Aminul phoned Mahfuza’ family asking to come to his residence as she fell sick. When they reached their home they found her dead.
On information, a police team recovered the body from the house and sent to Suhrawardy Medical College Hospital morgue for autopsy, the police officer said.
Police, however, arrested the husband in this connection and Mahfuza’s family filed a case.
Read more: Mother, daughter hacked to death in Gopalganj
Fire safety: How safe are the restaurants in Dhaka’s upscale areas?
In the heart of Dhaka’s upscale neighbourhoods – Dhanmondi, Gulshan, and Banani – a burgeoning restaurant scene thrives within the confines of multi-storey buildings. This rapid expansion, however, brings to light grave concerns over fire safety practices, or the lack thereof. Many of these dining establishments lack comprehensive fire safety measures, relying solely on elevators and a solitary staircase for emergency exits. This inadequate infrastructure places patrons and employees in a precarious position, with their safety hanging in the balance.
Conversations with residents of these areas shed light on these alarming realities, further underscored by the recent tragedy on Bailey Road, which has sown seeds of fear and apprehension among diners. The indiscriminate sprouting of restaurants, many of which have been operating without fire safety licenses for years, exacerbates the risk. These establishments, often housed in structures originally intended for residential use, now serve commercial purposes, thereby complicating the fire safety landscape.
This issue is not confined to a few isolated cases; nearly every alley in these areas is lined with cafes and restaurants, with some buildings entirely dedicated to these businesses. The architectural design, characterised by an extensive use of glass, restricts the inflow of air, and in the event of a fire, leaves breaking the glass as the only means to combat the flames.
The structural layout presents further challenges for emergency evacuation. Narrow staircases, cluttered or locked, significantly hinder the ability of patrons to evacuate safely in case of an emergency, turning what should be a straightforward escape route into a potential trap.
Read more: Why Fire Safety Audit is Essential for Commercial Buildings
The fear of fire is not an abstract concern for the residents of Gulshan and Banani. Moniruzzaman, a businessman from Gulshan, and Didarul Haq Sunny, another businessman from Banani, voiced their apprehensions about dining out in the post-Bailey Road fire era.
“There’s a prevailing fear of taking families to restaurants in the Gulshan-Banani area, as it’s unclear which establishments have fire safety measures,” Moniruzzaman said. Didarul mentioned ceasing restaurant visits after the Bailey Road tragedy, citing fire safety as a major concern.
Their concerns highlight a critical demand for Dhaka’s development authority, RAJUK, to enforce and oversee rigorous fire safety standards across all restaurants.
Professor Dr. Adil Muhammad Khan, President of the Bangladesh Institute of Planners (BIP), echoed these sentiments. He pointed to the widespread practice of converting entire buildings into dining spaces, enveloped in glass, which fundamentally compromises fire safety protocols. The aftermath of the Bailey Road tragedy has left a palpable sense of urgency among citizens and experts alike, calling for immediate action from RAJUK and other relevant authorities to mitigate the risk of future incidents.
Read more: Petition filed seeking closure of restaurants in residential buildings
Dr. Adil advocated for detailed inspections of fire safety equipment, such as fire extinguishers and alarms, and insisted on comprehensive safety audits for all multi-storey and specially purposed buildings.
Despite existing regulations mandating two staircases in buildings, the reality on the ground reveals a stark misuse of these provisions, with designated fire exits often repurposed as storage areas. This blatant disregard for safety norms necessitates a stringent enforcement of building codes and fire safety regulations.
RAJUK’s Chairman, Anisur Rahman Mia, acknowledged the challenges at hand, committing to a series of actions aimed at identifying and rectifying establishments lacking in fire safety measures. He drew attention to the widespread issue of illegal commercial activities within residential buildings, underscoring RAJUK’s dedication to enforcing legal and safety standards.
With over 517,000 buildings under its jurisdiction in Dhaka, of which only 200,000 are approved, RAJUK faces a daunting task. An astonishing 90% of the approved buildings deviated from their original designs, complicating the enforcement of fire safety and building codes, the public agency says.
Read more: A city of fire traps: Decades of tragedies in Dhaka expose systemic failures
Teen gangs in Feni: A growing threat
The sprouting teen gangs have emerged as a major concern in the capital and other cities and towns of the country, and Feni town is no exception.
These misguided teens involved in theft, hijacking, drug abuse, stalking, sexual harassment, and murder, allegedly with the backing of local political leaders and public representatives, are now a new threat to society.
Locals allege that local political leaders patronize the teens to establish dominance, grab properties, and threaten opposition political activists.
2 killed in road crash in Gaibandha
‘Koshai’, ‘Himil’, ‘Shano’, ‘JK’, 'Pintu', and ‘Chakma Javed’ are among the 10 gangs of the district infamous for their crimes that have been extended even to the unions from the district town.
Talking to UNB, some guardians expressed their worries over the dreadful offenses committed by the teen gangs and the future of their children, as the deteriorating social environment due to the gang activities has made it difficult for them to keep their children aloof from their influence.
On Thursday, police arrested three ‘SDK’ group members, including their leader, for their involvement in various crimes, including the trade and buse of drugs, snatching, extortion, stalking, threatening people for extortion, showing arms, and clashing with rival groups.
Preferring anonymity, a SDK group member said,” If the ‘leaders’ need them, they inform the ‘big brother’ who completes the operations involving teen gang members, and they get money in exchange.”
A police official who preferred not to be named said if the teen gang members are arrested, they get phone calls from ‘big brothers’ or ‘leaders’ seeking their release.
School teacher beaten and harassed by police in Natore