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Tobacco use declines despite industry efforts to jeopardize progress: WHO
Globally, there are 1.25 billion adult tobacco users, according to the latest estimates in the World Health Organization (WHO) tobacco trends report out on Tuesday.
Trends in 2022 show a continued decline in tobacco use rates globally, with about 1 in 5 adults worldwide consuming tobacco compared to 1 in 3 in 2000.
The report shows that 150 countries are successfully reducing tobacco use.
Brazil and the Netherlands are seeing success after they implemented MPOWER tobacco control measures, with Brazil making a relative reduction of 35% since 2010 and the Netherlands on the verge of reaching the 30% target.
“Good progress has been made in tobacco control in recent years, but there is no time for complacency. I’m astounded at the depths the tobacco industry will go to pursue profits at the expense of countless lives. We see that the minute a government thinks they have won the fight against tobacco the tobacco industry seizes the opportunity to manipulate health policies and sell their deadly products," says Dr Ruediger Krech, Director of WHO Department of Health Promotion.
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WHO urged countries to continue putting in place tobacco control policies and continue to fight against tobacco industry interference.
Currently, the WHO South-East Asian Region has the highest percentage of population using tobacco at 26.5% with the European Region not far behind at 25.3%.
The report shows that by 2030 the WHO European Region is projected to have the highest rates globally with a prevalence of just over 23%.
Tobacco use rates among women in WHO’s European region are more than double the global average and are reducing much slower than in all other regions.
While the numbers have steadily decreased over the years the world will make it to a 25% relative reduction in tobacco use by 2025, missing the voluntary global goal of 30% reduction from the 2010 baseline.
Only 56 countries globally will reach this goal, down four countries since the last report in 2021.
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The prevalence of tobacco use has changed little since 2010 in some countries, while six countries are still seeing tobacco use rising: Congo, Egypt, Indonesia, Jordan, Oman, and Republic of Moldova.
WHO urged countries to accelerate efforts for tobacco control as there is still much work to be done.
“The Global Tobacco Industry Interference Index 2023”, published by STOP and the Global Center for Good Governance in Tobacco Control, shows that efforts to protect health policy from increased tobacco industry interference have deteriorated around the world.
Country surveys consistently show that children aged 13–15 years in most countries are using tobacco and nicotine products.
To protect the future generations and ensure that tobacco use continues to decline, WHO will dedicate this year’s World No Tobacco Day to Protecting children from tobacco industry interference.
Next month countries are set to meet in Panama for the 10th Session of WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (FCTC) Conference of Parties where the tobacco industry will try to influence global health policies by offering financial and in-kind incentives, interfering with countries rights to protect the health of their populations.
Read: Nearly 10,000 died from COVID-19 last month, fueled by holiday gatherings and new variant, WHO says
Strengthening the WHO FCTC is a global health priority outlined in the Sustainable Development Goals.
WHO stands ready to support countries in defending evidenced based tobacco control measures in the face of industry interference.
Uninterrupted gas supply by 2026 : Nasrul Hamid outlines energy plans
Bangladesh’s State Minister for Power, Energy and Mineral Resources, Nasrul Hamid, announced a commitment to ensuring uninterrupted gas supply to consumers by 2026. This statement came during a discussion with reporters on Tuesday (January 16, 2024) about the power and energy sector's advancements, potential, and obstacles.
Having achieved the milestone of 100 percent electricity coverage, Hamid noted the government's focus is now on providing continuous power and gas supply by 2026. He highlighted that Bangladesh currently imports 20 percent of its gas, utilizing 80 percent from domestic sources, with no immediate plans to increase imports.
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The exploration of gas in deep sea areas could significantly bolster the energy division, Hamid mentioned. He acknowledged the existing challenges, particularly the ongoing gas shortage, attributing it to reliance on a Floating Storage and Regasification Unit (FSRU). Hamid assured that the current gas crisis is temporary, partly due to reduced pressure during severe winters.
Plans are underway to operationalize the FSRU soon, which is expected to add 400 mmcf of gas to the system. Additionally, another FSRU is set for renovation, with an aim to maintain uninterrupted gas supply starting next March. The minister revealed plans to incorporate two more FSRUs around 2026 and 2027 to meet the anticipated gas demand of 6,000 MMCF in 2027.
Tobacco use declines despite industry efforts to jeopardize progress: WHO
Hamid expressed optimism about domestic gas exploration, noting that most drilled wells have discovered gas. He emphasized the Bhola to Barishal gas pipeline as a top priority, with activities commencing this year. Gas from Bhola, currently supplied in CNG form, is expected to increase and be fully operational by mid-March next year.
The Bibiyana gas field also holds promise, with the minister expressing confidence about significant gas findings there. The immediate goal is to drill around 46 wells by mid-2025, followed by an additional 100 wells. This exploration is projected to add 500 mmcf of gas from domestic sources between 2024 and 2025.
Dhaka Elevated Expressway to be completed in 2024, says Obaidul Quader
Hamid concluded with a hopeful note on the Bibiyana field, which potentially harbors about 1.6 tcf of gas, further enhancing the nation's energy security and self-reliance.
Dhaka Elevated Expressway to be completed in 2024, says Obaidul Quader
In a significant development for Bangladesh’s infrastructure, Road Transport and Bridges Minister Obaidul Quader today (January 16, 2024) announced that the construction of Dhaka Elevated Expressway is set to be completed within this year. This statement was made during a press briefing at the Setu Bhaban earlier today, signaling a major stride in the country’s infrastructure network.
Minister Quader informed that 50% of the Dhaka Elevated Expressway’s construction work has already been completed. With traffic flow already operational from the Dhaka Airport to Farmgate, the project is progressing swiftly. The remaining construction work is anticipated to be finished by 2024.
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In an impressive revelation about the Padma Bridge, Minister Quader stated that it is generating a daily toll revenue of Tk 2 crore. The total toll collection so far has reached a substantial amount of Tk 1,252 crore. This income stream signifies the bridge’s crucial role in the nation’s economic activities.
Furthermore, Quader expressed optimism regarding the completion of the BRTA project in Gazipur by June of this year, marking another milestone in enhancing Bangladesh’s transportation infrastructure.
Responding to queries from journalists, the General Secretary of Awami League addressed political rhetoric, criticizing BNP leaders for their “nonsensical” statements. He emphasized the importance of recognizing and appreciating the government’s efforts in national development instead of harboring envy over the country’s prosperity.
Earlier in the day, Minister Quader engaged in discussions with officials of the Bridge Building and the Bangladesh Bridge Authority. He reviewed the progress of various projects, reflecting the government’s commitment to ongoing infrastructure development across the country.
PM Hasina to open 3 mega projects inc. Elevated Expressway in Ctg tomorrow
Health Minister warns unauthorized hospitals and clinics; addresses tragic death of Ayan
In a bold initiative to ensure medical compliance and public safety, Health Minister Dr Samanta Lal Sen has directed immediate closure of all unregistered hospitals, diagnostic centers, and clinics. Addressing the media at the Secretariat, the minister emphasized the urgency of this action, citing both the need for medical safety and the recent surge in COVID-19 cases.
Dr Sen, taking a personal tone, revealed, “I myself have been a victim of an unlicensed hospital. Therefore, I will not tolerate such negligence.” His stern message was clear: unauthorized medical facilities must voluntarily cease operations or face severe consequences from the health ministry. This directive aligns with his previously declared position against corruption and malpractice in the healthcare sector.
Addressing Ayan’s tragic death
Highlighting the severity of consequences, the health minister discussed the heart-wrenching case of child Ayan’s death. “The incident of Ayan’s death is deeply tragic. We are awaiting the investigating committee’s report, and rest assured, appropriate actions will follow,” Dr Sen assured.
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Earlier in the day, Ayan’s father, Shamim Ahmed, accompanied by family members, met with Minister Sen at the Secretariat. They presented a detailed account of the events leading to Ayan’s untimely demise, alongside a call for a thorough and fair investigation into his death.
Dr Ahmedul Kabir, Director General of the Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS), affirmed that the crackdown on unregistered entities is imminent. “It’s mandatory for all, including United Health Service, to be duly licensed. We have a considerable number of registered facilities, but being large-scale doesn’t exempt anyone from compliance,” he stated.
Rising COVID-19 Concerns and Preventive Measures
In the wake of identifying new COVID-19 variants and increasing infections in countries including India, the health minister expressed his deep concern. He urged high-risk groups to minimize public gatherings and called for universal mask usage. In a significant public health initiative, the government plans to administer the fourth dose of the COVID-19 vaccine to 1.25 crore people this year, with a long-term goal of reaching 2.5 crore people over two years.
Read more: Bangladesh reports 36 more Covid-19 cases in 24hrs
Biker killed, pillion rider injured after hit by unidentified vehicle in Kurigram
A biker was killed and his pillion rider was injured after an unidentified vehicle hit the bike on Kurigram-Nageshwari road last night.
The deceased was identified as Taibul Islam, 25, son of Md Ukil Ali of Majher Char area under Nageshwari upazila while the identity of the injured could not be known immediately.
Locals said Taibul and the other person were heading towards their houses from a local market around 10 pm.
An unidentified vehicle, coming from the opposite direction, hit the bike — leaving Taibul dead on the spot and the pillion rider critically injured, they said.
Nageshwari police station's Sub-Inspector (SI) Mokbul Hossain confirmed the matter, saying that legal action will be taken upon investigation in this regard.
The injured is undergoing treatment at Nageshwari upazila health complex, he added.
Peace and prosperity in the country prevail as Bangabandhu's daughter is there: Arafat
State Minister for Information and Broadcasting, Prof Mohammad A Arafat, the new face in Sheikh Hasina's Fifth Cabinet, on Monday said the country is getting to enjoy peace and prosperity thanks to Bangabandhu's daughter, Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, being in charge of running the affairs of state.
The minister said this while addressing a reception accorded to him at Kalachandpur Government High School and College ground, part of his constituency of Dhaka-17 on Monday evening.
Industries Minister invites SMEs to invest in BSCIC facilities
"We see images of unrest and wars in different parts of the world on television and read on the news pages. There has been peace in our country for the last 15 years; the country is moving forward; it has been possible due to the leadership of Sheikh Hasina, daughter of Bangabandhu,” Arafat stated.
At the same time, Arafat said, "We have to remain alert about those who hurl petrol bombs on people and vehicles and even burn people to death by torching trains to destroy the peace of the people.”
Inflation, currency prime focus of BB’s next monetary policy
"People were not scared by the fear shown by the terrorists; they went to vote in the winter morning," he said, adding, "We have surveyed that 24 to 25 percent of voters in any constituency do not live in the area." That is, if you count the remaining 75 percent, the vote was much higher than the average of 42 percent across the country.”
Arafat thanked the people of his constituency and sought their blessings for performing their duties smoothly.
Permission required to fly drones, UAV or RPAS, even RC toy planes: ISPR
Presided over by Dhaka City North Jubo League Acting President Md Zakir Hossain Babul, the function was addressed, among others, by lawmaker Wakil Uddin of Dhaka-11 constituency.
Industries Minister invites SMEs to invest in BSCIC facilities
Industries Minister Nurul Majid Mahmud Humayun has invited businesses, especially SMEs, to invest in unused plots in the BSCIC - Bangladesh Small and Cottage Industries Corporation - industrial areas across the country.
The minister made the invitation during a meeting with the Board of Directors of Dhaka Chamber of Commerce & Industry (DCCI) led by its President Ashraf Ahmed at his ministry office on Monday.
Over 3,000 industrial factories set up in BSCIC estates since 2009: Industries Minister
He said that in the context of existing global and regional geo-economic volatility, industries have to concentrate on formulating proper plans to best utilize our internal resources.
Recognizing SMEs as a lifeline of the economy, the industries minister - one of just said the government will continue conducting necessary training, skill development activities, market expansion and utilization of technology. He also said that inflation control and to stabilize the local market in the upcoming Ramadan season is the most important priority now and the government is vigorously working on it. For this, he requested the business community to help the government by all means.
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Dhaka Chamber President Ashraf Ahmed expressed DCCI’s willingness to work in support of all the initiatives of the Ministry of Industries to the maximum possible. He also expressed his keen interest to work on Intellectual Property Rights (IPR) issues, and productivity enhancement initiatives i.e. national productivity-related issues with modern technology adaptation to be more competitive both in the local and international markets.
He also stressed the need to support various new industries, including through fiscal measures like export incentives, customs bonds, etc. He later urged for the expansion of BSCIC industrial area for the expansion of industrialization in the country.
Stock of urea fertilizer sufficient: Industries Minister
DCCI Senior Vice President Malik Talha Ismail Bari, Vice President Md. Junaed Ibna Ali, members of the board of DCCI, DG of DPDT Md. Munim Hassan, DG of NPO Md. Mesbahul Alam, Additional Secretary of Ministry of Industries Md. Anwarul Alam were also present during the meeting.
Inflation, currency prime focus of BB’s next monetary policy
The Bangladesh Bank (BB) will announce its next monetary policy on Wednesday for the second half of the fiscal year 2023-24 to tame inflation and ease exchange rate pressure.
As part of the preparation, the draft of the monetary policy was approved at the central bank board meeting on Sunday.
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Officials who attended the board meeting told UNB that the exchange rates would not be real market-based in the upcoming monetary policy as the foreign exchange market is not stable yet.
The government policymakers instructed to keep the market under control by following the crawling peg system.
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“Crawling pegs help control currency movement, especially when there are threats of devaluation. The purpose of crawling pegs is to provide stability,” said an official of the BB involved in the preparation of the monetary policy statement.
The monetary policy will focus on controlling the growing inflation, which has been a burning issue over the last eight months.
Bangladesh Bank dissolves National Bank’s board
Economist and co-founder of PRI Dr Sadiq Ahmed, Director General of the Bangladesh Institute of Development Research (BIDS) Binayak Sen, and Chairman of the Economics Department of the Dhaka University Masuda Yasmin are in the monetary policy committee.
Permission required to fly drones, UAV or RPAS, even RC toy planes: ISPR
If any person, public or private organization wants to fly drones, unmanned aerial vehicles (UAV), Remotely Piloted Aircraft Systems (RPAS), Remote Controlled Toy Planes in the airspace of Bangladesh, they have to take prior permission.
The Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) said this in a press release on Monday.
According to the release, recently, some individuals, civil institutions and organizations (schools, colleges, universities, NGOs and research institutes) were seen flying drones, remotely piloted aircraft systems (UAV/RPAS), remote-controlled toy planes, kites and lanterns in the airspace of Bangladesh without permission.
ISPR also noticed an increased tendency to use laser beams, or high-power torch lights, to target aircraft and helicopters at the airbase of the Bangladesh Air Force. Flying kites, lanterns and drones and shooting laser beams pose serious risks to flying aeroplanes and helicopters.
Besides, all these unauthorised flights may cause accidents by crashing into various authorised domestic and foreign passenger planes, helicopters, and high-speed military aircraft.
Moreover, such unauthorised flights are considered a threat to national security and are a punishable offence under existing laws in Bangladesh, it said.
Considering all these things, prior permission must be obtained 45 days before flying in line with the specifications spelt out in the form available on the website of the Civil Aviation Authority of Bangladesh (CAAB) www.caab.gov.bd.
Citing concern over aviation safety, CAAB requested everyone to refrain from flying kites, lanterns and drones and using laser beams and high-power torch lights near the aviation area.
“Let’s make our sky a safe place to fly and strive to protect national security,” it added.
Qatar Charity supports 342,603 people including Rohingya in Bangladesh
Qatar Charity (QC), an international charity organisation, implemented 1,391 development, humanitarian and social welfare projects in Bangladesh, benefitting 342,603 people in 2023.
The charity implemented these projects in parts of the country giving priority to vulnerable communities and justifying their actual necessities.
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It also provided humanitarian support throughout the year to the Rohingya refugees in Cox’s Bazar and Bhasan Char Island, said a press release on Monday.
Among the projects, in the field of water and sanitation, in 2023, the agency implemented 1,282 projects to install deep tube wells, solar-driven water pumps, and technology-based water purifiers, and 101 projects were implemented in the field of education, economic empowerment and development across the country.
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The organisation implemented 2 seasonal relief projects--Ramadan and Qurbani—for needy families, including orphans, widows, and refugees which benefitted 103,970.
As a humanitarian response, the QC provided food and non-food relief aid for the Rohingya refugees in Cox’s Bazar and Bhasanchar, benefitting more than 150,000.
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Apart from these, the QC sponsored 4668 orphans under its social welfare programme, aiming to impart education and fulfil their basic needs.