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Dhaka’s air ‘very unhealthy’, worst in the world for second consecutive day
Dhaka has again topped the list of cities worldwide with the worst air quality this morning.
With an AQI score of 259 at 8:09 am this morning, Dhaka’s air was classified as ‘very unhealthy’ — posing serious health risks to residents, according to the air quality index.
Also read: Dhaka’s air ‘very unhealthy’, 3rd worst in the world this morning
China’s Wuhan, Vietnam’s Hanoi and India’s Delhi occupied the second, third and fourth spots on the list, with AQI scores of 242, 226 and 191 respectively.
When the AQI value for particle pollution is between 101 and 150, air quality is considered ‘unhealthy for sensitive groups’, between 150 and 200 is ‘unhealthy’, between 201 and 300 is said to be 'very unhealthy', while a reading of 301+ is considered 'hazardous', posing serious health risks to residents.
Also read: Air pollution causing severe health concerns: CPD
The AQI, an index for reporting daily air quality, informs people how clean or polluted the air of a certain city is and what associated health effects might be a concern for them.
The AQI in Bangladesh is based on five pollutants: particulate matter (PM10 and PM2.5), NO2, CO, SO2, and ozone.
Dhaka has long been grappling with air pollution issues. Its air quality usually turns unhealthy in winter and improves during the monsoon.
Also read: Bangladeshis, Indians, Nepalis and Pakistanis expected to live 5 years less due to air pollution: AQLI
As per World Health Organization (WHO), air pollution kills an estimated seven million people worldwide every year, mainly due to increased mortality from stroke, heart disease, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, lung cancer, and acute respiratory infections.
Habiganj DC transferred to Agriculture Ministry
Deputy Commissioner (DC) of Habiganj Debi Chandra has been transferred to the Ministry of Agriculture just a few days prior to the national parliamentary elections scheduled to be held on January 7.
According to a media release signed by Public Administration Ministry’s Deputy Secretary Mehedi Hasan, the transfer will be effective soon.
On the other hand, Deputy Director of Local Government Division (Rangpur) Zilufa Sultana has been appointed as Habiganj’s new DC, said another media release on Wednesday.
Earlier, several DCs across the country were transferred as part of reshuffle of administration ahead of the national polls.
34 BGMEA member factories enrolled in Mothers@Work project
The Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA) and UNICEF jointly organised a seminar on the Mothers@Work project, an initiative aimed at promoting and upholding the maternity rights of women workers in the garment industry.
The seminar, held on Wednesday at the BGMEA Complex, was attended by 73 mid-level management officials from 34 BGMEA member factories.
The Mothers@Work project, a collaborative effort between the BGMEA and UNICEF, seeks to support garment factories to create a safe work environment for working mothers and pregnant women.
During the seminar, the participants were sensitised to the key objectives and strategies of the Mothers@Work project.
In the event, the participating factories were enrolled in the Mothers@Work project.
The Mothers@Work initiative will support enrolled factories in implementing measures such as breastfeeding spaces and breaks, childcare facilities, paid maternity leave, cash benefits, healthcare, and employment protection for both working mothers and pregnant women.
Speaking at the event, Miran Ali, Vice President of the BGMEA, underscored the remarkable progress of Bangladesh's apparel industry, particularly in ensuring workplace safety and advocating for workers' rights and well-being.
He stated that collaborating with UNICEF in implementing Mothers@Work reflects the industry's commitment to enhancing workers' overall well-being.
Neela Hosna Ara, Director in Charge of Health Projects at BGMEA, emphasised the crucial role of the initiative in providing necessary support for working mothers to continue breastfeeding while managing their professional responsibilities.
Monira Parveen, representing UNICEF, shared insights during the event, emphasizing the collaborative commitment to creating a positive and empowering atmosphere for working mothers within the garment industry.
Govt to procure lentils, edible oil and wheat for low-income groups
The government will procure lentils, edible oil and wheat to meet domestic demands as the Cabinet Committee on Government Purchase (CCGP) on Wednesday approved a number of proposals in this regard.
Finance Minister AHM Mustafa Kamal presided over the online meefour ting on Wednesday.
Additional Secretary of the Cabinet Division Syed Mahbub Khan briefed reporters about the outcomes of the meeting.
The CCGP approved four proposals to purchase 14,000 tonnes of lentils and 10 million litres of rice bran oil to sell those to the low-income people through state marketing agency Trading Corporation of Bangladesh (TCB).
As per the proposals, some 6,000 tonnes (MTs) of lentils will be imported through open tender method in the fiscal year 2023-24.
Islam Trading of Chittagong will supply the bulk lentils at a total cost Tk 62.28 crore at Tk 103.80 per kg.
Read: Cabinet body nods import of refined petroleum, LNG
The TCB will purchase 60 lakh litres of rice bran oil through local direct purchase method from two local firms--Majumdar Products Limited and MRT Agro Products Bd Limited--at a total cost of Tk 94.50 crore. Price of rice bran oil per liter was set at Tk 157.50.
Under two more proposals, instantly presented in the meeting, some 8,000 tonnes of lentils will be imported from India at a cost of Tk 77.88 crore with each kg price at Tk 102.36.
In another proposal, the TCB will purchase 50 lakh liters of soybean oil from Bashundhara Group at a cost of Tk 78.61 crore with each litre cost at Tk 157.22.
The Cabinet body approved two proposals to import one lakh tonnes of wheat through two separate international tenders at a cost of Tk 348.46 crore.
Of these 50,000 tonnes of wheat will be imported through international open tender method.
As per the proposals of the Ministry of Food, the bulk wheat will cost Tk 175.05 crore.
Cereal Crops Trading LLC of the United Arab Emirates will supply the wheat at a cost of Tk 175 crore with each kg costing at Tk 35.01.
Agrocorp International Pvt Ltd, Singapore will supply 50,000 tonnes of wheat at 173.40 crore with each kg costing at 34.68.
Cabinet body nods import of refined petroleum, LNG
Cabinet Committee on Government Purchase (CCGP) in a meeting on Wednesday approved a number of proposals from the power and energy divisions including the import of refined petroleum, LNG and purchase power from solar power plants.
As per the proposals, state-owned Bangladesh Petroleum Corporation will import 1.85 million (18.50 lakh) tonnes of refined petroleum from state-owned suppliers of different countries on the G2G basis in the first half (January-December) of 2024).
The Energy and Mineral Resources Division placed the proposal on behalf of the BPC while Finance Minister AHM Mustafa Kamal presided over the virtually held meeting.
The BPC will need to spend Tk 15082.86 crore to import the entire bulk petroleum.
As per another proposal, approved by the committee, the state-owned Petrobangla will import 33.60 lakh MMBtu of liquefied natural gas (LNG) from Excelerate Energy LP, USA at a cost of Tk 542.26 crore under the Speedy Increasing of Power and Energy Supply Act (special provision) 2021.
Some four proposals, placed by the Power Division, also received approval of the CCGP.
As per the approved proposals, the Bangladesh Power Development Board (BPDB) received approval for purchasing electricity from a 240 MW (AC) solar power plant to be set up in Trishal Upazila of Mymensingh district by the Joint Venture of (1) Energon Renewables BD Ltd; and (ii) PWR Energy Trading LLC.
The BPDB will pay to the private sponsor approximately Tk 8,553.60 crore over the period of 20m years at an electricity tariff rate of Tk 10.995 per kilowatt hour.
The BPDB will purchase electricity from a 30 MW (AC) solar power plant to be set up in Chakaria Upazila of Cox's Bazar district.
The Consortium of (1) DH Euro Hitech Co. Ltd, South Korea; and (ii) NewTech Solar Energy BD Ltd, Bangladesh Company will purchase electricity from the plant over period of 20 years spending approximately Tk 172.80 crore where tariff was fixed at Tk 11.03 per kWh.
The BPDB will purchase power from a 50 MW (AC) solar power plant to be set up in Sadar Upazila of Cox's Bazar district by Joules Power Ltd.
The BPDB will spend about Tk 1,771.20 crore over the period of 20 years to get electricity at a tariff rate of Tk 10.94 per kilowatt hour.
A 100 MW (AC) solar power plant will be set up in Mongla Upazila of Bagerhat by the Consortium of (1) Asian Entech Power Corporation Ltd – and (2) Axia Power Holdings B.V. from which the BPDB will buy electricity over the period of 20 years spending about Tk 3,564 crore.
The tariff of the plant was set at Tk 10.99 per kilowatt.
Dengue: Death toll rises to 1,699 with 1 more death reported Wednesday
One more death was reported from dengue in 24 hours till Wednesday morning, raising the fatalities from the mosquito-borne disease in Bangladesh to 1,699 this year.
During the period, 134 more patients were hospitalised with the viral fever, according to the DGHS.
A total of 902 dengue patients, including 300 in the capital, are now receiving treatment at hospitals across the country.
So far, the DGHS has recorded 3,20,835 dengue cases and 3,18,234 recoveries this year.
September has so far been the deadliest month for the dengue outbreak this year with 396 fatalities and 79,598 cases, according to DGHS data.
DCCI Tax Guide 2023-24 unveiled
Dhaka Chamber of Commerce and Industry (DCCI) has published ‘Tax Guide 2023-24’ to help the taxpayers and tax professionals.
Md. Iqbal Hossain, Member (Taxes Appeal & Exemption) of the National Board of Revenue (NBR) unveiled the Tax Guide on Wednesday at a function at DCCI.
Speaking at the event he thanked DCCI for publishing tax guides on a regular basis.
Read: DCCI urges speedy reform of Companies Act to increase business confidence
Mr. Hossain also said that income tax is a complicated matter and for the sake of mass taxpayers of the country the new Income Tax Act 2023 has been formulated in Bengali language to make it more understandable.
He also sought cooperation from the business community and tax professionals requesting to inform NBR if they face any difficulty while using this Act.
DCCI President Ashraf Ahmed said that DCCI has been publishing tax guide regularly for more than two decades which covers up-to-date information on Income Tax, Customs Duty, Supplementary Duty, and Value Added Tax (VAT).
Read: DCCI business delegation to visit Saudi Arabia to explore business
Besides, different schedules of NBR, SROs, and orders are helpful to the taxpayers to understand the taxation system of the country.
He informed that this year the Tax Guide has been published in line with the recent changes came up in the new Income Tax Act 2023.
DCCI Senior Vice President Malik Talha Ismail Bari, Vice President Md. Junaed Ibna Ali and members of the Board of DCCI were also present during the unveiling ceremony.
Food for All: AL Manifesto Emphasizes Agricultural Development for a Hunger-Free Bangladesh
"Food for All" is the core goal and commitment of the Awami League. The manifesto pledges to build a hunger-free Bangladesh. On Wednesday (December 27), the Awami League announced this manifesto for the 12th national parliamentary election.
Agriculture is a primary driving force of Bangladesh's economy and livelihoods. Agriculture plays a crucial role not only in fulfilling the food and nutritional needs of the population but also in providing employment in rural areas, supplying raw materials to industries, and increasing export earnings. Following independence, Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, initiated an agricultural revolution by taking ground-breaking steps to enhance production and ensure food security, giving utmost importance to the development of agriculture and farmers. Currently, under the leadership of Bangabandhu's daughter, Sheikh Hasina, the Awami League government also prioritizes agriculture in state governance. With the commitment of "Food for All," the party emphasizes agricultural development in its manifesto for the 12th national parliamentary election.
PM Hasina unveils AL election manifesto promising dev, peace, prosperity
In the fiscal year 2022-23, rice production surpassed all previous records. Currently, Bangladesh ranks third globally in the production of rice, vegetables, and onions. Additionally, it holds the second position in jute production, fourth in tea, and seventh in potato production. Significant progress has been made in cultivating both domestic and foreign fruits. Farmers are encouraged to cultivate profitable but unconventional crops like coffee, cashew nuts, black pepper, malta (a type of citrus), and dragon fruit. The per capita fruit consumption rate, which was 55 grams in 2006, increased to 85 grams in 2023. In the last 15 years, 699 new crop varieties resilient to adverse environments and 708 technologies have been developed. The mechanization of agriculture is underway to modernize it. From 2010 to 2023, nearly 133,000 agricultural machineries, including combine harvesters, reapers, seeders, and power tillers, have been distributed to farmers at subsidized prices. A 3,000 crore taka agricultural mechanization project is ongoing. Overall, the country's agricultural system is transitioning from subsistence farming to commercial agriculture.
AL to announce election manifesto Wednesday
To maintain this trend, the Awami League, led by Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, pledges to follow sustainable development strategies based on planned initiatives. The strategy aims to meet the growing population's nutritional needs, ensure the supply and accessibility of nutritious food for all, develop commercial agriculture, expand agriculture-dependent industries, improve rural infrastructure, increase and diversify exports of agricultural and non-agricultural products, and enhance the quality of life in rural communities through poverty alleviation. The annual budget allocation will be increased, and private investment in the rural sector will be encouraged.
Awami League’s Commitment
"Food for All" remains the Awami League's primary goal and commitment. The trend of following sustainable development strategies, based on a contextualized plan for the development of agriculture, farmers, and the rural economy, will continue. The strategy includes ensuring nutrition for the growing population, supplying and accessing nutritious food for everyone, developing commercial agriculture, expanding agriculture-dependent industries, improving rural infrastructure, increasing and diversifying exports of agricultural and non-agricultural products, and enhancing the living standards of rural communities through poverty alleviation. The annual budget allocation will be increased, and private investment in the rural sector will be encouraged.
The daughter of Bangabandhu pledges to expand the initiatives already taken to increase agricultural production. The provision of agricultural loans at 4% concessional interest will continue; the central bank will refinance commercial banks at a 0.5% rate, encouraging them to distribute more agricultural loans. The Awami League will continue to provide assistance and subsidies for agricultural production and investment in agricultural inputs. Easy access to and availability of agricultural machinery will be ensured to alleviate labor shortages in agriculture and increase productivity. Subsidies on agricultural machinery will continue.
The Awami League government has already implemented a policy to bring all land under cultivation to further increase agricultural production. Sheikh Hasina's commitment is that no land will remain uncultivated. Emphasis will be placed on developing an integrated agricultural system.
Furthermore, to build a smart, agriculture-dependent Bangladesh, strategies will be adopted for commercial agriculture, biotechnology, genetic engineering, robotics, artificial intelligence, and nano-technologies, as well as for developing the rural non-agricultural sector and facing globalization challenges. The focus on modernizing agriculture, innovating technology, and increasing opportunities and facilities for agricultural research will continue. Environmental protection will also be seriously considered in the use of various products in agriculture.
Read more: Govt prepared to ensure food security into the future: Agriculture Minister
Not only agriculture, but also the fisheries and livestock sectors are immensely important for ensuring food security, meeting nutritional needs, creating employment, alleviating poverty, expanding export trade, and overall socio-economic development in Bangladesh. To meet the animal protein demand of the growing population, create entrepreneurs and employment, and keep the rural economy active, Sheikh Hasina's government is also giving equal importance to the fisheries and livestock sectors. The Awami League's commitments in this continuity are:
1. To increase the productivity of livestock by one and a half times by 2028.
2. To establish commercial dairy and poultry farms, increase self-employment, and alleviate poverty by providing loans on easy terms, necessary subsidies, technical advice, and policy support.
3. To increase the domestic production of quality animal feed ingredients, expand processing technology, and ensure reasonable prices.
4. To diversify, process, and expand export-oriented industries of animal products.
5. To expand farm mechanization and automated production systems in preparation for the Fourth Industrial Revolution.
6. To increase fish production from 4.915 million metric tons to 5.840 million metric tons and to raise the per capita fish consumption from 67.8 grams/day to 75 grams/day by ensuring sustainable fish production and achieving food security through maximum utilization of resources.
7. To strengthen sustainable management of marine fisheries resources and ensure responsible fishing for the development of the blue economy.
8. To adopt projects/programs based on delta hotspots for coping with the adverse effects of climate change, improving the quality of life of local communities, adaptation, and capacity building.
9. To reduce fish waste by 10% and create employment for about 600,000 people in the next five years by ensuring sustainable use of fish resources through value chain development and diversifying value-added fish and fishery products.
10. To encourage the private sector to increase fish and fishery product exports and expand new markets abroad by organizing Fish Expos and establishing exclusive economic zones for fishery product processing, aiming to increase export earnings from 4,790 crore to 15,000 crore taka.
11. To expand ongoing programs for increasing livestock production and to enhance opportunities and facilities for processing, marketing, and value addition of these products.
12. To continue fish farming in ponds and, where possible, in rice fields by providing quality fish fry, food, and disease treatment.
13. To provide easy access to capital, electricity connections, and other facilities for farmers.
Read more: Food security remains protected amid int’l crisis: PM Hasina tells Parliament
DB nabs 'Boma Maulana', suspected mastermind of Dhaka Judge Court bombing
Detective Branch (DB) of Dhaka Metropolitan police (DMP) arrested Mukit Hossain alias Boma Maulana (Bomb Maulana), the suspected mastermind behind the crude bomb explosion in the premises of the Dhaka Judge Court in the Old Dhaka, from Chawkbazar area on Monday.
DB claimed that Mukit collected gunpowder and made 400 hand made crude bombs, of which one was exploded in the Dhaka Judge court premises on November 20 for which gunpowder was supplied by Juba Dal president Sultan Salahuddin Tuku.
Additional Commissioner of the DMP and the chief of DB Mohammad Haroon ur Rashid disclosed it while briefing reporters at his Minto Road office in the city on Tuesday afternoon.
Adam Tamizi Haque taken to DB office
Although Mukit alias Boma Maulana lost his right hand, he replaced it with a prosthetic and made about 400 bombs. His hand-made bombs were used for creating confrontation in the name of BNP's grand rally on October 28, DB said.
The DB chief said that the arrested Mukit is former vice-president and president of Aliya Madrasa Chhatra Dal unit. Later, he was elected as the joint general secretary of Chhatra Dal Dhaka city South unit. In 2013-14, his right wrist was blown off while making a bomb. In July 2023, he was made joint convener of Dhaka South City Juba Dal unit due to his party loyalty and radical-terrorist activities, he added.
Woman dies in DB custody in Narsingdi
He also said that 10 kg gun powder allegedly sent by Juba Dal leader Sultan Salahuddin Tuku to Motijheel Bank Colony on the night of October 27 was received from Rabiul Islam Nayan. He made about four hundred hand bombs with this gun powder in phases. The bombs were supplied to the convenors and member secretaries of various local leaders. Wari's Abdul Hamid Bhuiyan and his wife Hafsa Akhtar exploded one out of 20 hand bombs supplied to them on the orders of Sohail Khan and Abhi Azad Chowdhury, who were arrested earlier in the case, at the Dhaka Judge Court premises on November 20.
Based on the information given by the arrested Mukit, the names of several middle-ranking leaders and activists involved in the violence have been identified, who will be brought under the law soon, added this police intelligence officer.
PM Hasina unveils AL election manifesto promising dev, peace, prosperity
President of Bangladesh Awami League Sheikh Hasina on Wednesday unveiled her party’s election manifesto with a pledge to give the people development, peace and prosperity, if elected.
“Come, once again allow us to serve you by voting for BOAT, the election symbol of Bangladesh Awami League. You vote for us; we will give you development, peace, and prosperity,” she said.
The premier unveiled the AL's Election Manifesto 2024 with the slogan “Smart Bangladesh: Visible Development, Increased Employment” at Pan Pacific Sonargoan Hotel ahead of the 12th Parliamentary election slated for January 7, 2024.
Come to polling centres early, cast votes for Boat: PM Hasina at Pirganj rally
In the election manifesto, the ruling party made a number of commitments regarding different sectors, including to make Bangladesh a smart country by 2041, to expand employment opportunities, to take effective action against money launderers, to eradicate bribery and corruption at all levels of the state and society, to establish a universal health system, to introduce health insurance, and to strengthen the practice of transparency, accountability, good governance, and democratic values.
The AL president and the prime minister said right now, Bangladesh is standing in a transitional period. The country is going to join the ranks of developing countries from the list of least developed countries. This transition is an honour on one side and a huge challenge on the other hand, she said.
“The government formed by the January 7 election must have the capacity to face this challenge. Only the Awami League can face this challenge and take the country to new heights,” she added.
“Bangladesh will be established as a high-middle-income country by 2031 and a developed, prosperous, smart one by 2041 by the Bangladesh Awami League, the bearer of the spirit of the Liberation War,” she said.
Rangpur reverberates as hundreds of thousands turn out for PM’s rally
She said Bangladesh has been transformed in the last 15 years. Today's Bangladesh is by no means poverty-stricken or economically fragile. “I can unequivocally say that today's Bangladesh is a ‘Changed Bangladesh.’ Bangladesh is now a fast-paced country moving forward with its potential. Minor setbacks cannot hinder our economic progress today,” she said.
As a continuation of the past, this time, the AL has prepared an implementable election manifesto by setting specific targets. “The continuity of the long-term action plans announced in the 2008, 2014, and 2018 election manifestos has also been maintained in the twelfth election manifesto,” said Sheikh Hasina.
The AL chief briefly presented some points of the election manifesto regarding different sectors.
Transition from digital to smart Bangladesh:
AL announced the building of 'Smart Bangladesh as technological capabilities are essential to survive global competition in the fourth industrial revolution era. “If elected by the people's vote, we will make Bangladesh a hunger-poverty-free smart country by 2041, Inshallah,” said the PM.
Rangpur abuzz with excitement in anticipation of PM's electioneering
Good Governance:
She said Awami League is always active in ensuring people's fundamental and democratic rights. “If we get elected and form the government, the practice of transparency, accountability, good governance, and democratic values will be strengthened in all aspects of state management,” she said.
The AL chief said her party is always vocal about the rule of law and human rights. “The independence and dignity of the judiciary will be preserved. Measures to ensure the independence and effectiveness of the National Human Rights Commission will continue,” she added.
Public welfare-oriented, accountable, efficient, and smart administration:
She said efforts will continue to create an efficient, enterprising, IT-based, corruption-free, patriotic, and public welfare-oriented administrative system through recruitment based on merit, she added.
Building a people-friendly law enforcement force:
Bangladesh Awami League has always worked towards establishing a modern, advanced, humane, and people-friendly law and order force. Due to this, the capacity of the law enforcement agencies has been immensely enhanced. “The law enforcement force of Smart Bangladesh will be made smart and modern,” she said.
Zero-tolerance policy against corruption:
Awami League has adopted a zero-tolerance policy against corruption. To this end, the government has taken a concerted initiative with the people and is working to root out corruption from society. “To inculcate an anti-corruption attitude among the students, chapters on the evils of corruption and what to do to prevent corruption will be added to the education curriculum,” she said.
Freedom of Media:
Noting that Awami League government has ensured the free flow of information and freedom of media, Sheikh Hasina said arrangements will be made so that journalists don't face torture, intimidation, or false cases.
Sheikh Hasina said she would not claim that they have always been 100% successful in running the government despite sincerity and devotion.
She said the Bangladesh Awami League does not believe in the politics of words. “We do what we say. The implementation of election manifestos of 2008, 2014, and 2018 is proof of that,” she added.
Due to the global economic turmoil caused by the wars and economic sanction and counter-sanctions, The Least developed and developing countries like Bangladesh are being forced to import products at higher prices, she said.
A massive depreciation of the domestic currency has led to an increase in inflation, which has an impact on commodity prices and people's lives. “Several times, despite multifaceted and all-out efforts, we have not been able to curb the rise in prices of daily necessities. This problem is not only for our country, but this problem is also for all rich and poor countries,” she said.
She said the government is trying to reduce the plight of the lower and lower-middle-class people through various initiatives, including expanding social safety net coverage. “We hope that we can overcome this obstacle very soon, InshaAllah,” she said.
The AL president said whenever the election comes, an anti-liberation, anti-Bangladesh, and anti-development circle becomes active with a leap of conspiracy. “They enter the field by using tricks or rigging or through the back door to come to power. If unsuccessful, they jump on the people in the spirit of revenge,” she said.
She said they want to intimidate the public through arson, vehicle burning, bombing, sabotage, or terrorist activities. “This time was no exception. This time, they are also making conspiracies from abroad,” she said.
Realising that they will not get the people's mandate, they have already indulged in terrorist activities, she said.
“As you resisted them in 2013-2016, let us collectively resist them this time. This anti-independence, anti-development vulture party will never again be able to wound Bangladesh with poisonous teeth and claws - let's take this oath in the month of victory,” she said.
The premier said her government is responsible for all the mistakes made during the last 15 years of running the government. “Success is yours. Look at our mistakes with a forgiving eye. We promise to learn from past mistakes and conduct future activities according to your expectations,” she said.
AL general secretary Obaidul Quader also spoke at the manifesto launching event, while convener of AL Election Manifesto Committee Dr Muhammad Abdur Razzaque delivered the welcome speech.