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2nd phase of Biswa Ijtema begins Friday
The second phase of the three-day ‘Biswa Ijtema’, one of the largest congregations of Muslims in the world, will begin on Friday morning on the bank of the Turag River in Gazipur's Tongi.
The authorities have completed the necessary preparations to hold the religious gathering smoothly.
Six men die on Biswa Ijtema ground
A good number of foreign devotees from different parts of the world along with Bangladeshis have already thronged the Ijtema venue.
The second phase of Ijtema will start after fajr prayers through ‘Aam Bayan’ on Friday and will end on Sunday (Feb 11) through Akheri Munajat.
First phase of Biswa Ijtema begins
Devotees from different foreign countries including India, Pakistan, Afghanistan, Nepal, Bhutan, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Europe, America and Africa have reached the venue.
Meanwhile, members of law enforcement agencies will be deployed to maintain law and order at the Ijtema venue and adjacent areas. Besides, plainclothes police and intelligence officers will remain deployed in the area.
All out measures taken for fire safety for devotees in Biswa Ijtema: FSCD
The first phase of Bishwa Ijtema ended on February 4 at the same venue starting on February 2.
Nasrul Hamid trashes demand for removing electricity-run autorickshaws from streets
State Minister for Power and Energy Nasrul Hamid on Thursday said the return from the battery-run auto-rickshaws is manifold compared to the electricity they use.
“I call these 4 million three wheelers as the Tesla of Bangla. They are using their own creativity to build these. We are not stopping them,” he said so in reference to American electric carmaker Tesla.
The state minister said this in Parliament while responding to a supplementary question of ruling party MP elected from Narayanganj Shamim Osman.
“It may have mechanical faults. The return is much higher compared to the electricity that they are using. About 40 lakh rickshawpullers, who are using electricity, are earning” he said.
No narcotic substances found in energy drinks: Industries Minister
He said the government is trying to move from lead batteries to lithium batteries.
“We are working on a project regarding this matter. We will supply them with lithium batteries and take away the lead batteries,” he said.
Osman in his supplementary question said that the battery-operated auto-rickshaws are running and they are very dangerous and should not be allowed to run.
He said that these auto-rickshaws steal 90 percent of its electricity for charging batteries.
“They are consuming 700-800 MW of our electricity. Do you take any special initiative to stop them all over the country?" he asked.
Bangladesh is doing well in IMF terms: Finance Minister
In reply, Hamid said that there is a revolution going on now all over the world on how quickly the transport system can be transformed to electric vehicles.
He mentioned that the efficiency of an oil-powered car is 20 percent. On the other hand, the efficiency level of the electricity-run engine is 80 percent.
“Basically we encourage electric cars to come to market as fast as possible.”
He mentioned that if it takes Tk 100 to go a distance in an oil-powered vehicle, it will take Tk 20 to go that distance in an electricity-run vehicle.
“There are over 40 lakh vehicles in Bangladesh which use lead batteries. It takes 7/8 hours to charge them. If there are lithium batteries, it will take only half-an-hour,” he said.
Electricity demand may rise to about 17,500 MW in coming summer: Nasrul
The state minister said that the Power Division has made a policy to set up electric vehicle charging stations. According to this policy, anyone can make a charge station.
He said that public transports (buses) in Bangladesh should be transformed into electricity-run quickly.
“It will be cheaper and environment-friendly,” he said.
Hamid said that Bangladesh's transport sector emits 18 percent of carbon.
However, he said, there is concern about the illegal use of electricity.
“We are concerned about it. Electricity companies are keeping an eye on whether illegal electricity is being used anywhere. Most are now using meters instead of taking electricity illegally,” he said.
No narcotic substances found in energy drinks: Industries Minister
Industries Minister Nurul Majid Mahmud Humayun on Thursday told Parliament that soft drinks like Tiger, Speed and Guru, which are being marketed, took licences as carbonated beverage from the Bangladesh Standards and Testing Institution (BSTI) following proper procedures.
“No presence of narcotic substances were found in the samples of beverage products (Speed, Royal Tiger, Black Horse, Bulldozer, Power, Guru, Gear, Strong and Red Bull) by the Department of Narcotics Control and the Directorate General of Drug Administration,” he said.
Bangladesh should discuss issues related to trade benefits at WTO ministerial conf: speakers at a seminar
The minister said this replying to a question from Awami League lawmaker Nurunnabi Chowdhury (Bhola-3) during the question-answer session in the House.
In the question, the lawmaker wanted to know if it is true that the energy drinks in the name of energy are injecting dangerous diseases into the human body, and many brands contain narcotic ingredients, energy drinks of 27 brands are being sold under fake licences of the BSTI, aphrodisiac Viagra ingredients are being mixed, energy drinks have become soft drinks through tax evasion. He also wanted to know whether the BSTI will take strict action against these, if the allegations are true.
Bangladesh is doing well in IMF terms: Finance Minister
The industries minister said the government has so far brought 273 products under the BSTI. Energy drinks are not considered as compulsory products in the country.
However, the locally produced drinks like Tiger, Speed, Guru and others, which are being marketed in the country, collected the BSTI licences as carbonated beverages following the proper procedures, he said.
Electricity demand may rise to about 17,500 MW in coming summer: Nasrul
In the last one year, as many as 237 samples of the drink items were collected and tested in the labs. “But all the samples succeeded as per Bangladesh standards,” said Nurul Majid.
He, however, said monitoring continues against the mixture of narcotics with drinks and the marketing of drinks in the name of energy drinks.
Bangladesh should discuss issues related to trade benefits at WTO ministerial conf: speakers at a seminar
Economists and experts on Thursday said that Bangladesh should negotiate issues related to trade benefits in the 13th ministerial conference of the World Trade Organization (WTO) not as a least developed country but as a future non-LDC developing country, aiming to make the graduation sustainable.
They said this at a knowledge-sharing session on the ‘13th Ministerial Conference of the WTO: What Stakes for Bangladesh?’ held at the National Press Club in the city.
A think tank, Research and Policy Integration for Development (RAPID), with support from the Foreign, Commonwealth, and Development Office of the United Kingdom organised the programme.
The MC13 will be held from February 26-29 in Abu Dhabi.
Securing an agreement on fisheries subsidies negotiation, embarking on border reforms and dysfunctional dispute settlement system would be the key issues in the conference, they said.
Centre for Policy Dialogue(CPD) distinguished fellow Mustafizur Rahman Mustafizur Rahman said that Bangladesh will have to keep in mind the interest of the developing country during the negotiation in the WTO.
He said that Bangladesh will have to prepare for some reforms as the country would graduate from LDC in November, 2026.
After graduation, Bangladesh will not get TRIPS weaver and the country have to pay for the patent license to produce medicine, he said.
Bangladesh should go for reverse engineering which could allow the country to use the formula without paying any charge, Mustafiz said.
Regarding fisheries subsidy, he said that Bangladesh would face challenges on the issue after graduation as a subsidy would allow for a developing country if its share of the global marine fish catch does not exceed 0.8 percent but the share of Bangladesh crossed the threshold.
Economic Affairs Adviser to the Prime Minister Mashiur Rahman attended the programme as the chief guest.
Former Senior Secretary Sharifa Khan, trade policy analyst Mostafa Abid Khan, RAPID chairman M A Razzaque, Executive director of RAPID Dr. M Abu Eusuf, among others, spoke at the event.
Bangladesh is doing well in IMF terms: Finance Minister
Finance Minister Abul Hassan Mahmood Ali said on Thursday that Bangladesh is doing well in line with the standards set by the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and the government has fulfilled most of the conditions given by the global lender.
He made the comment while talking to reporters after Resident Representative of the IMF in Bangladesh Jayendu De met him in his office on Thursday.
“They will assess the situation again in March. Hopefully, Bangladesh will get the third installment of the loan,” Ali said.
FM Hasan seeks early conclusion of Teesta deal, renewal of Ganges Water sharing treaty with India
In reply to a query on Bangladesh having a deficit in reserves and revenue income within the terms of the IMF, the finance minister said that Bangladesh has mostly fulfilled the targets given by the IMF.
He said that it is good to merge weaker banks with the stronger ones, and it might happen.
“In advanced economies, there are frequent mergers. But so far, no such proposal has come here. Let the proposals come, then we will see,” he said.
FM Hasan, Jaishankar discuss scope of future engagement in line with "Smart Bangladesh 2041" and "Viksit Bharat 2047"
In response to another question about whether any new budget support has been assured apart from installments, the finance minister said that they will look into the matter. “The situation is good, let's see what happens, Bangladesh has passed the test.”
In response to another question about any signs that suggest that the economy is doing well, the finance minister said, “The economy is doing well gradually amid challenges, which is a positive thing.”
Our discussions today will strengthen Bangladesh-India Maitri, says Jaishankar welcoming FM in New Delhi
Regarding the determination of the exchange rates of US dollars, Ali said that the crawling peg system would be practised, and it would not be based on the market rate.
Separately, Canadian High Commissioner in Dhaka Lilly Nicholls had a meeting with the finance minister.
Electricity demand may rise to about 17,500 MW in coming summer: Nasrul
State Minister for Power, Energy and Mineral Resources Nasrul Hamid on Thursday said the demand for electricity may rise to about 17,500 MW in the coming summer.
He, however, said that the currently total power generation capacity is 29,727 MW including that from captive and off-grid renewable energy.
Environment minister calls for optimal execution of 'BEST' project to combat air pollution
“And the grid-based production capacity is 26,504 MW. Among them, natural gas-based production capacity is 11,350 MW (43 percent), furnace oil-based 6,492 MW (24 percent), diesel-based 826 MW (3 percent), coal-based 4,491 MW (17 percent), hydro 230 MW (1 percent ), solar power(grid) 459 MW (two percent) and imported electricity is 2656 MW (10 percent),” he said.
Home Minister visits pavilions at World Defence Show
The state minister said these in Parliament while responding to a written question of AL lawmaker elected from Chattogram M Abdul Latif.
In fiscal year 2022-23, he said against the demand of electricity during summer, the generation on April 19 was 15,648 MW in the peak hours.
Inflation will ease by end of current fiscal year: Finance Minister
Due to reduced demand of electricity in winter, the maximum production of electricity this year has come down to 10,000 to 12,000 MW.
ATMA recommends hiking prices of tobacco products to tackle fiscal deficit
Anti-Tobacco Media Alliance (ATMA) has recommended for an effective hike in tobacco products' prices and taxes to help the government tackle the fiscal shortfall and simultaneously, safeguard public health.
The organization's latest push for such a hike came on Thursday in a pre-budget meeting for FY 2024-25 held at the conference room of the National Revenue Board (NBR), according to a press release.
Sale of loose edible oil increases health risks: PROGGA
Abu Hena Md Rahmatul Muneem, Chairman of NBR presided over the meeting, it said.
In support of its demand, ATMA informed that budget proposals placed by anti-tobacco activists, if realized, can help the government raise Tk 9,400 crore in additional revenue, which will come in handy to deal with the ongoing economic crisis.
Tobacco prices made lower than essential commodities: Progga
The prices of tobacco products in Bangladesh are considerably low. Furthermore, compared to the prices of essential commodities, it is evident that these deadly products are getting even cheaper. Such growing affordability is particularly alluring for the youth and the poor which is undoubtedly an ominous sign for our public health.
“We will increase the prices of tobacco products in the upcoming budget for FY 2024-25. We are also considering the replacement of the current ad valorem tobacco tax structure with a specific tax system,” said the NBR chairman.
E-cigarettes being promoted as alternative to tobacco pose great concern: PROGGA
Senior Journalist Sukanta Gupta Alok, Mortuza Haider Liton, Convenor, ATMA, Nadira Kiron and Mizan Chowdhury, co-convenors of ATMA, NBR officials participated in the event, among others.
During the pre-budget meeting, ATMA urged policymakers to hike the retail price of low-tier cigarettes to 60 for 10 sticks, followed by a 63 percent supplementary duty (SD). The prices of 10 sticks should be set at Tk 75, 125 and Tk 165 for medium, high and premium tiers respectively. The prices should be followed by a 65 percent SD, the release also said.
Regarding smokeless tobacco, the retail price for 10 grammess of jarda and gul should be Tk 55 and Tk 30, followed by 60 percent SD. The budget proposals also suggested retaining 15 percent VAT on the retail prices of tobacco products and continuing the existing 1 percent health development surcharge (HDS).
It should be noted that 37.8 million adults in Bangladesh use tobacco products (smoked and smokeless). Tobacco claims 161,000 lives every year in Bangladesh. In 2017-18, the toll of tobacco use in the national economy (due to medical expenses and loss of productivity) stood at Tk 30,560 crore.
BCL leader dies by ‘suicide’ in Shariatpur
Police recovered the body of a leader of Bangladesh Chhatra League(BCL) who allegedly committed suicide by hanging herself in her house at Baishakhipara area of Naria upazila in Shariatpur.
The deceased was identified as Sheikh Sumaiya Sumu, 20, daughter of Abu Bakar Sheikh of Boishakhipara village and joint general secretary of Naria Government College Chhatra League.
Read: 2 dead as bus collides with covered van in Cox’s Bazar
According to police and locals, after celebrating her birthday with friends, she returned home at night and slept locking her door.
Her family members woke up was Sumaiya’s mobile phone was ringing frequently in her room and started calling Sumaiya from outside the door.
However, as she did not respond they broke the door open and found Sumaiya’s body hanging from the fan.
Later, police reached the spot and recovered the body.
Read: Autorickshaw driver stabbed to death in Sylhet
Naria Police Station Officer-in-Charge (OC) Mostafizur Rahman confirmed the death.
The body was sent to the hospital for autopsy, said the OC.
The matter will be investigated, if her family lodges complaint, he added.
Secondary schools to remain open for 15 days during Ramadan
The government has decided to keep the government and private secondary schools open for 15 days during the month of Ramadan.
The academic activities of secondary schools will continue from March 11 to 25, said a notification of the Education Ministry signed by public relations officer of the ministry Mohammad Abul Khayer.
Read: Schools to remain open for 15 days during Ramadan
As per the notification, the government has brought some changes the holiday list of the educational institutions in 2024.
Govt cut VAT, duty on import of 4 essential items ahead of Ramadan
The government has reduced VAT and duty on import of rice, edible oil, sugar, and dates ahead of holy month of Ramadan.
The National Board of Revenue (NBR) issued four gazette notifications reducing the customs duties on these essential items from a minimum of 5 percent to a maximum of 47 percent.
According to the notifications, rice import duty and tax have been reduced by 47.25 percent. The duty has been reduced from 62.50 percent to 15.25 percent. Out of this, supplementary duty has been cut by 20 percent.
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This tax reduction will be applicablein the import of boiled and non-boiled rice.
However, prior to importing rice at subsidized rates, written approval must be taken from an official of minimum joint secretary rank of the Ministry of Food for each shipment. The tax reduction facility will be valid till May 15, 2024.
On the other hand, the Value Added Tax on refined and crude (non-refined) soybean and palm oil has been reduced to 10 percent from 15 percent, which will be in force till April 15.
Govt to import 12,500 MT of sugar from US
For sugar import, the fixed duty has been reduced from Tk 1,500 to Tk 1,000 per metric ton. This facility will be valid till March 31 as per NBR notification.
Besides, the import duty on date has been reduced from 58 percent to 43 percent.. It will remain in force till March 30.
One crore TCB card holder families to get 5 kg rice at Tk 30 from July
In the cabinet meeting held at the Prime Minister's office on January 29, Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina ordered reduction of duty on edible oil, sugar, dates, and rice on the occasion of Ramadan.
On January 22, the Ministry of Commerce wrote to National Board of Revenue (NBR) to exempt tax on rice, edible oil, sugar, and dates.