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Robi CHRO gets global recognition at World HRD Congress
Robi’s Chief Human Resources Officer Md Faisal Imtiaz Khan has been conferred with the distinguished title of “The Top Most Global HR Leaders” and the “Top Most Global HR Tech Leaders” at the 30th edition of the World HRD Congress.
These accolades clearly attest the tremendous strength Robi has garnered as a people-centric organization under Faisal’s leadership over the years.
Being a progressive thought leader, Faisal believes in creating equal opportunity for all and empowering people. He firmly believes that a diverse and inclusive group not only brings amazing ideas to the table but also paves the way for exceptional performance.
Robi has also been recognized with the Best People Management award among all Axiata operating companies for 10 consecutive times. However, Faisal is not still content with such stellar accomplishments, as he views excellence as a pursuit for becoming a better version of one, every day.
Faisal’s philosophy on diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) has been exemplified with the recent launch of Robi’s succession management solution, “Rise”, which provides an equal ground for all employees to progress to the next level.
As the leading people leader in the digital era, Faisal pioneered the use of data analytics and full-scale digitisation in Robi HR. Right at the outset of the Covid pandemic, Robi deployed a digital platform to capture employees and their family’s health related information daily. He also championed the use of Artificial Intelligence in Robi for analyzing people's sentiment.
His empathetic leadership during the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic is very evident in the fact that Robi employees are provided on-demand 24/7 ambulance service, in-house doctor consultancy, insurance coverage for covid-19 and dedicated cabins for the Covid patients.
Faisal with his visionary leadership has developed a solid employee value proposition framework to drive Robi’s employer branding initiatives. This strategy continues to deliver for Robi in various global forums, including, winning the Global Best Employer Brand Award by World HRD Congress for the fourth consecutive time.
Growing per capita income contributed to reduce child marriage: Planning Minister
Planning Minister MA Mannan on Tuesday said growing trends of per capita income will help to reduce child marriage in the country.
He said child marriage incident is happening due to various reasons such as the father being unable to meet the wedding expenses of his older daughters as his income is low.
The minister made the remarks while addressing the 20th session of the Child Parliament titled 'Progress of Digital Bangladesh and Child Protection', held in the city on Tuesday.
READ: Now is good time to invest in Bangladesh: Planning Minister
Children from 16 disadvantaged and marginalised areas in 15 districts participated in this session.
The planning minister said child marriage has taken place in many countries of the world while many countries have reduced it.
“Child marriage is still going on secretly in our cities and villages. We have to protest against it. I see many protests, when a child gets married, the child resists on his own. I salute them. The field administration is also working to prevent child marriage,” Mannan.
The minister said, “There are many in our society whose average monthly income is Tk 5000, again, there are many whose average income is Tk 5 crore.”
Reducing income discrimination and easy access to digital system for all would help eradication misconception regarding child marriage in the society, Mannan said.
"We are working on 5G internet," he said.
READ: Energy efficiency essential for industries: Planning Minister
“But reality is that many people in the country still use 2G internet. We will move forward to development highway of the prime minister with everyone,” he added.
President urges PSC to accelerate recruitment for govt posts
President Abdul Hamid on Tuesday directed the Public Service Commission (PSC) to accelerate the process of recruiting people for government posts and services.
The president’s directive came when a delegation led by PSC Chairman Sohrab Hossain called on him at Bangabhaban to submit the 2021 annual report of the commission to him, according to the president’s press secretary Joynal Abedin.
Read: President Hamid receives 10 names for EC proposed by search committee
During the meeting, the PSC chairman briefed the president on various aspects of the annual report and the overall activities of the Commission.
Hamid thanked the PSC for decentralizing the selection test and recommending hiring of doctors within a short time in case of emergency.
The president hoped that the process of decentralization of examination centres will continue to alleviate the sufferings of the job seekers.
Hamid also suggested simplification of other activities including filling up of BCS examination forms.
Read:Outgoing CEC, election commissioners call on President Hamid
Alongside, the president directed to increase the use of information technology at all levels of exams.
Secretary to the President Sampad Barua, Military Secretary Major General SM Salah Uddin Islam, Press Secretary to the President Joynal Abedin, Secretary (attached) Wahidul Islam Khan were present on the occasion.
No disruption foreseen in construction of Rooppur Nuclear Power Plant: Rosatom
Rosatom, the Russian contractor of the Rooppur Nuclear Power Plant project, has said that there will be no disruption in timely completion of the scheme.
"No disruption is foreseen in any of the commitments and work schedules in the construction of the Rooppur Nuclear Power Plant," Rosatom, the state nuclear corporation of the Russian Federation, said in a statement on Tuesday.
Though nothing was mentioned in the statement about the current war between Russia and Ukraine, it is assumed that Rosatom issued the clarification against the backdrop of the concerns created over financial sanctions on Russia imposed by US and some Western countries.
The Bangladesh government has hired Russian nuclear energy firm Rosatom for building the Rooppur Nuclear Power Plant (RNPP) at a cost of $12.65 billion. However, Russia is supposed to provide a costly state loan to cover 90% of the project cost.
Besides, officials said, Rosatom has been paid $550 million for a feasibility study and the project design.
According to official sources, the power plant will have two units each having 1,200 MW production capacity. Of these, the first unit is nearing completion and expected to start commercial operations in 2023 while the second unit will be ready in 2024.
CCC's shop leasing: 20 people acquitted from ACC case
A Chattogram court on Tuesday acquitted 20 people, including an Awami League leader, from a case filed by Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) for leasing Chattogram City Corporation’s (CCC) 23 shops without publishing tender in the newspaper in 1997.
Chattogram Divisional Special Judge Munshi Abdul Majid passed the order.
Those cleared of the case are- Md Jahedul Alam Chowdhury, Khorshed Alam Chowdhury, Bakhtiyar Uddin Khan, AM Mainul Haque and his wife Nazneen Sultana, Mubarak Ullah, Nezamul Haque, Hosne Ara Begum, Md Yunus, Sheikh Sarwardi, Ishtiaq Ahmad Chowdhury, Md Ershadul Haque, Hasina Bhuiyan, Nur Nahar Begum, Hasan Murad, Didarul Islam, Md Rezaul Karim Chowdhury, Golman Ara Begum, Anjuman Ara Begum Minu and Mahbub Mintu.
Earlier, former mayor ABM Mohiuddin Chowdhury, the main accused in the case, was absolved by the court due to his death.
READ: ACC to submit report after drive at BSTI
Advocate Sheikh Iftekhar Saimul Chowdhury, counsel for the defendants, said around 24 people were accused in this case. The ACC charge sheet recommended the acquittal of three persons during the main period. The ACC could not prove the allegations against the remaining 20 people before the court.
“And so, we plead to the court for the acquittal of all the accused in the supplementary charge sheet,” he added.
According to ACC, the 23 shops built by Chattogram City Corporation at Muradpur in the city were allotted between January and December in 1997. The then ACC inspector Shamsul Alam filed a case against 24 people at the Kotwali Police Station on October 13 in 2002, alleging lease of the shops without publishing tender in the newspaper and verification.
Later, another ACC inspector Md Mobinul Islam also submitted a memorandum of evidence (ME) to the court.
According to the ME, Mayor Mohiuddin Chowdhury did not publish any tender in the newspaper regarding the shop lease. The then mayor provided a written allotment order fixing the price and monthly rent of his shop.
Later, another inspector Jahangir Alam reviewed the ME of the two previous investigating officers and submitted a charge sheet in the court on February 9 in 2006.
Following the writ petition of Mohiuddin Chowdhury, the High Court stayed the proceedings of the case on 22 February of the same year.
READ: Fired ACC officer submits application for withdrawal of termination order
On December 6 in 2012, the High Court lifted the ban on the proceedings of the case by dismissing the rule relating to the writ petition. Then the trial of the case began.
On January 16 in 2019, the court directed further investigation into the case. According to the instructions of the ACC head office of the court, Fakhrul Islam, assistant director of ACC’s Chattogram integrated district office-1, submitted the charge sheet after investigating the case.
73 varieties of rice developed in 13 years
Seventy-three varieties of rice were developed in the country in the last 13 years, according to the information placed at the meeting of a parliamentary committee on Tuesday.
The 21st meeting of the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Agriculture Ministry held with its chairman Matia Chowdhury in the chair at the Jatiya Sangsad Bhaban, said a press release.
Read:Commerce ministry seeks BTTC report before raising edible oil price
Out of the newly developed varieties, the parliamentary body recommended the government to motivate the production of ‘BRRI Dhan 96,’ ‘Bangabandhu Dhan 100,’ ‘BRRI Dhan 101’ and ‘BRRI Dhan 102’ variant rice across the country.
The committee suggested reaching paddy seeds to farmers and spread the concept of higher production at lower cost among the peasants.
Read:Veggies’ price soars due to untimely rains & intermediaries: Agriculture secy
The parliamentary watchdog recommended putting importance on motivating farmers to boost production using quality seeds of crops to meet the food demand.
Committee members Agriculture Minister Dr Muhammad Abdur Razzaque, Md. Emad Uddin Pk, Md. Mamunur Rashid Kiron, Anwarul Abedin Khan, Umme Kulsum Smriti and Hosne Ara attended the meeting.
2 killed in Narail road crash
Two women were killed and eight others were injured when a bus hit a CNG auto-rickshaw on Narail-Lohagarah road at Burikhali in Sadar upazila of Narail district on Tuesday.
The deceased were identified as Rani Biswas, 40, and Mamata, 50, of Jashore district.
READ: Mother, daughter killed in Madaripur road crash
The accident occurred around 3 pm when the Narail-bound ‘Khanjahan Paribahan’ hit a CNG-run auto-rickshaw, leaving one killed and nine others injured, said Shawkat Kabir, officer-in-charge of Sadar Police Station.
READ: Health official killed in Faridpur road crash
The injured were taken to a local hospital where another woman died after admission.
Police Memorial Day recalls sacrifices of those killed in the line of duty
Senior Secretary of the Public Security division under the Home Ministry Akhter Hossain on Saturday said the police carry out challenging duties like maintaining security of life and protecting property of the people, maintaining law and order, which are very difficult to implement.
The police has been performing those challenging duties properly since if these are not implemented properly, there will be severe chaos in the society and development will be hampered.
READ: 106 policemen died of Covid-19 serving the country: IGP
Akhter Hossain came up with the remarks while addressing a programme, which was organized to mark the Police Memorial Day at Police Staff College Convention Hall at Mirpur in the city on Tuesday.
Inspector General of Police (IGP) Benazir Ahmed presided over the function where welcoming remarks were made by Additional IG (HRM) Md. Mazharul Islam. Additional IGs, heads of various units of the police based in Dhaka, senior police officers and families of police personnel killed in the line of duty were present on the occasion.
Senior Home Secretary said ,”We view any minor incident by the police in a negative light," he said. "Rather, we may think that we can sleep peacefully at night because the police are awake.”
In his speech, the IGP Benazir Ahmed said that Police Memorial Day has been celebrated since 2017. Today we are reunited in that continuity. "In 2021, we lost 348 colleagues, of which 136 lost their lives during on duty," he said.
The IGP said that in times of peace the police are engaged in war. This war is against unrest, against terrorism, against those who want to disrupt the peace and security of the society. "We are engaged in this war for 24 hours. In case of war, the loss is certain. Since we are constantly fighting for state security, social security, we are also sacrificing every year," he added.
"We are trying to establish the Central Police Hospital as a full-fledged hospital. A divisional hospital is being set up in Dhaka," he said.
Police Memorial Day 2022 has been celebrated with due dignity in all metropolitans, range and district units of Bangladesh Police.
READ: Country advancing on back of police performing its duties responsibly
Later, a memorandum of recognition was given to the families of the police personnel who sacrificed their lives in the line of duty at the Police Staff College Convention Hall.
It may be mentioned that out of 138 police personnel who sacrificed their lives in the line of duty in 2021, there is one Additional Superintendent of Police, one Assistant Superintendent of Police, ten Inspectors, 23 Sub-Inspectors, one Sergeant, 19 ASIs, two Naiks and 81 Constables.
Nagad launches service for paying land-related fees
Mobile financial service provider Nagad has launched a new service for paying land-related fees through its app.
All forms of service fees, including land development fees (LD tax), E-mutation, and E-Records of Right fees, can now be conveniently paid online, sitting at home simply using Nagad.
Using Nagad's bill payment option, users can easily pay the land development fee, E-mutation and E- records of right bills both online and through the 'Nagad' app.
However, before proceeding, customers must first get the token or reference number from the land website www.land.gov.bd, the land call center 16122, or the land App by following on-screen instructions.
READ: ‘Nagad’ eases payment procedure of DMCH
Besides, the website of the Ministry of Land also has a payment acceptance option through Nagad which has been available since September 8 last year.
Sheikh Aminur Rahman, Chief Marketing Officer (CMO) of Nagad, said Nagad’s aim is to deliver digital services to customers’ doorsteps. “We have made this payment process as simple as possible on the digital service 'Nagad,' so that our customers are not subjected to harassment while paying land fees.”
“This enables customers to pay taxes in a matter of seconds. Besides, the taxpayer is no longer required to physically visit the land office for this purpose,” he added.
Beneficiaries of the online bill payment service will get a receipt after successfully acquiring the service. The payment received via Nagad will be transmitted to the government treasury promptly through e-challan. This procedure is done through the settlement bank, using the Ministry of land’s designated bank account.
READ: Nagad, TBS unveil joint publication to pay tribute to 19 language heroes
However, customers who pay land fee through online will automatically be listed in favor of their property. This method is similar to electricity, water, or gas bill payment through a mobile wallet. Furthermore, online land fees payment is far more transparent, eliminating the temptation to claim the property as one's own by meddling with the bill payment via another person. This service is anticipated to reduce corruption in this sector.
New CEC’s sweet words not a guarantee: BNP
Although new Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Kazi Habibul Awal has promised to work for ensuring fair and beautiful elections, BNP on Tuesday said there is no guarantee that his words will be translated into actions.
“The previous Commission also delivered sweet talks initially like the current one. Then he (KM Nurul Huda) shamelessly implemented every programme and agenda of the government and snatched people’s votes at night,” said BNP senior joint secretary general Ruhul Kabir Rizvi.
Talking to reporters at BNP founder Zaiur Rahman’s grave, he also accused the Nurul Huad-led Election Commission (EC) of holding unilateral polls.
Read: BNP slams Dr Zafrullah for advising to accept EC
“So, there’s no guarantee of his (new CEC’s) words. His activities in the past suggest that he was rewarded by this government,” the BNP leader observed.
He also said people do not believe the current CEC who got so many rewards from the government will be able to hold a free and fair election as the Prime Minister is there on his head. ”
Earlier in the day, Rizvi together with the members of the newly formed committee of the Dhaka city unit of Jatiyatabadi Samajik Sangskritik Sangstha (Jasas) paid homage to Zia by placing wreaths at his grave.
Kazi Habibul Awal who took over on Monday sought cooperation from all political parties in holding a fair and credible election.
He also said a consensus among political parties is needed for holding free and fair elections. "I’ll humbly request all to join elections to restore the democratic process. We'll try to give the nation a beautiful election.”
On Saturday, President Abdul Hamid appointed retired senior secretory Awal as the CEC and made four others- former district and sessions judge Rashida Sultana, Brig Gen (retd) Md Ahsan Habib Khan, former EC secretary Md Alamgir, and former energy and mineral resources division senior secretary Anisur Rahman -- election commissioners.
As his attention was drawn to the new CEC’s eagerness to invite BNP to a tea party, Rizvi said their party joined the tea party of previous CEC KM Nurul Huda where he promised to not use Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) in the polls.
“But he used EVMs in the elections at the behest of the Prime Minister and held the day’s voting at night, he alleged.
Read: New CEC a staunch Awami Leaguer, claims BNP
The BNP leader also alleged that the government constituted the new EC with persons who hold the spirit of Awami League.
"This Election Commission and search committee are nothing but a farce. They served under the Prime Minister who also promoted them in the past. So, their past activities don’t support that they would go beyond the PM,” he observed.
Rizvi said a non-partisan government is the only guarantee of a free and fair election.