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Faridpur-3 constituency: HC dismisses AL candidate’s petition challenging EC’s decision
The High Court (HC) on Monday upheld the Election Commission’s decision that cancelled the candidacy of Awami League-nominated candidate for Faridpur-3 Shamim Haque for holding dual citizenship.
The HC bench of Justice Md Iqbal Kabir and Justice SM Moniruzzaman passed the order after hearing a petition filed against the EC’s decision.
Now, Awami League-nominated candidate Shamim lost all legal ways to compete in the upcoming national elections.
Read: 15 journalists receive BRAC Migration Media Award
Advocates Shah Manjurul Haque and Sayeed Ahmed Raza stood for Shamim Haque and Avocate Tanjib Ul Alam and Barrister Mostafizur Rahman represented the opponent.
On December 5, Faridpur Deputy Commissioner (DC) and also Returning Officer Kamrul Ahsan Talukder declared the nomination papers of the AL-backed candidate valid during the scrutiny despite the objection from an independent candidate.
However, the returning officer defended the matter saying that the plaintiff could not submit any document in favour of their allegation.
On December 8, independent candidate for Faridpur-3 constituency (Sadar) AK Azad submitted an application to the EC seeking cancellation of candidature of Shamim Haque for holding dual citizenship.
Read: In favour of free, fair, inclusive election, not for or against any political party: TIB
On the following day, Shamim Haque also submitted a counter application to the EC, seeking cancellation of AK Azad’s nomination bringing allegations of holding dual citizenship and hiding information on wealth in the affidavit.
On December 15, The EC accepted businessman AK Azad's appeal and cancelled the candidacy of Awami League nominee from Faridpur-3 as the latter holds dual citizenship.
Enraged by it, Shamim Haque moved HC with a petition to review the EC decision.
Bridges Division pays Tk 315 crore of Padma Bridge loan
Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on Monday received Tk 315 crore as the 5th and 7th installments of the loan taken for the construction of Padma Bridge.
With these, the Bridges Division has paid a total of Tk 948, 01,19, 585 to the government in total six installments.
Road Transport and Bridges Minister Obaidul Quader handed over the cheque of Tk 315,07, 53,442 to the Prime Minister at her official Gababhaban residence, said PM’s press secretary Ihsanul Karim.
Ambassador at large M Ziauddin, PM'S Principal Secretary Md Tofazzel Hossain Miah, Finance Division Secretary Dr Md Khairuzzaman Mozumder, high officials of the PMO, the Bridges and the Finance Divisions were present.
On April 5, the bridges division began the repayment of the loan with Tk 316,90,97,050 from the revenue it earned as toll collection from the bridge as the first and second installments.
On June 25, 2022, the prime minister opened the country’s largest bridge – 6.15-km Padma Bridge- over the mighty Padma River. It was built with country’s own finance at a cost of over Tk 32,605 crore
On June 19 this year, the Bridges Division paid Tk 316,02,69093 as the third and fourth installments.
The loan was taken from Bangladesh Bank at a low interest rate under an agreement signed between the Finance Division and the Bangladesh Bridge Authority.
In line with a revised agreement with the finance division on 26 July 2022, the Bangladesh Bridge Authority (BBA) will repay the loan in 35 years through 140 instalments (four instalments each year). The repayment will continue up to the fiscal year 2056-57.
4 of a family burnt in Keraniganj gas cylinder blast; 6 hurt in wall collapse
Four members of a family sustained burn injuries in gas cylinder blast and six other people were injured in subsequent wall collapse at a house in Kautail Rishipara area under South Keraniganj police station in Dhaka on Monday morning.
Those suffered burn wounds are Uma Rani, 60, Bina Chakraborty, 40, Deba Chakraborty, 28, Pinak Chakraborty, 15.
Read: 4 family members burnt in gas explosion in Narayanganj
Quoting locals, Mahbub Alam Sumon, Officer-in-Charge of Keraniganj South Police Station, said the explosion occurred when drug addict Deb Chakraborty, 26, set fire to the gas cylinder around 9:30 am.
Six people identified as- Lipi Chakraborty, 30, Swapan Rajbongshi, 55, Tara Rani, 35, Taposh, 30, Rakhi Rani, 32 and Nijhum, 29- were also injured when a portion of a wall of the house collapsed on them after the explosion.
Read: 4 burnt in gas explosion at BFC's walk-in freezer
Hearing screams, local people rushed in and took the four members of the family to Sheikh Hasina National Institute of Burn and Plastic Surgery while the others were taken to Dhaka Medical College and Hospital.
Two of the victims are in critical condition, he said.
A case was filed against Deb Chakraborty.
Surge in cold-related illnesses overwhelms healthcare facilities in Sirajganj
The north-western district of Sirajganj is experiencing an alarming rise in cold and fever cases amidst a cold wave and dense fog. This increase is particularly noted in the district's clinics and hospitals.
Remarkably, the influx of infected children seeking treatment at both government and private hospitals has almost doubled in comparison to adults in recent days. Notably, over 600 children received treatment for cold and related ailments last week at the 250-bed Bangamata Sheikh Fazilatunnesa Mujib General Hospital, among other facilities.
Read: Mild cold wave may hit parts of Bangladesh tomorrow
The surge has led to parents flocking to healthcare centers, seeking treatment for their children's pneumonia, diarrhea, cold, cough, and fever. The ailments are not limited to children, as adults too are falling prey to cold-related illnesses, significantly straining the district's hospital resources.
Read: Enduring cold wave disrupts life in Kurigram
Dr. Faridul Islam, Resident Medical Officer of Bangamata Sheikh Fazilatunnesa Mujib General Hospital, the largest healthcare provider in the district, along with pediatric specialists, reports an escalation in cold-related disease outbreaks. Despite this, Dr. Islam assures that the hospital is well-stocked with medicines and that patients are receiving continuous care from dedicated physicians and nurses.
Meanwhile, the harsh winter conditions are exacerbating the plight of impoverished and vulnerable families in the area.
Read more: Mild cold wave sweeps Kurigram, Moulvibazar
Millions of Bangladeshis gave up their lives for democracy, human rights: Momen
Foreign Minister Dr AK Abdul Momen said that Bangladesh is a country where people sacrificed their lives for democracy and human rights, referring to the War of Liberation in 1971.
“In 1971, people's legal demands were denied. When the torture and genocide started, the whole of Bangladesh jumped into the war to establish justice,” Momen said.
The foreign minister said this while speaking as the chief guest at a 'Great Victory Day 2023' programme organized at the Dhaka Club on Saturday evening.
Decorated freedom fighters Masroor-ul-Haque Siddiqui Bir Uttam, Mahbub Uddin Ahmed Bir Bikram, M Habibul Alam Bir Pratik, and undecorated ones like Waliul Islam, Shahidullah Khan, Nasir Uddin Yusuf and Mohammad Hamid recalled their memories from the battlefields during the War of Liberation at the programme.
Member of Parliament (MP) Asaduzzaman Noor spoke on the occasion and recited poems. A special dance programme was presented by the artistes of Shilpakala Academy and a musical performance by the artists of Swadhin Bangla Betar Kendra.
15 journalists receive BRAC Migration Media Award
Fifteen journalists have been awarded the BRAC Migration Media Award for their noteworthy contributions to journalism in the field of migration.
On Sunday, Mahfuz Anam, Editor and Publisher of Bangladesh's leading English newspaper, The Daily Star, handed the awards to the winners at a ceremony held at the BRAC Centre.
BRAC Executive Director Asif Saleh, competition judges, and representatives from various national and international organisations attended the event.
The BRAC Migration Media Awards, introduced in 2015, aim to recognise journalistic contributions to the migration sector.
This year marks the eighth time the award has been given for various reporting in the public interest within the migration sector.
Shariful Hasan, Associate Director of BRAC's Migration and Youth Initiatives, delivered the keynote speech.
Addressing the audience as the chief guest, Mahfuz Anam, Editor and Publisher of The Daily Star, emphasised the pivotal role played by expatriates in Bangladesh's economy, contributing approximately 22 billion dollars annually.
He commended their acts of patriotism, evident in their sacrifices such as selling land, investing personal funds, and working diligently abroad to support the country during challenging times of the dollar reserve. However, Mahfuz Anam emphasised that migrants are more than just sources of remittances.
He urged a human-centric perspective and increased media attention to migrant workers’ issues, urging a thorough exploration of challenges such as the disproportionately high cost of leaving Bangladesh compared to Nepal or India, the need for more skilled workers, government investments in the sector, and the allocation of expatriate welfare funds.
He also raised the question, why the government is incapable of breaking the relentless cycle of the syndicate?
He expressed a desire for collaborative journalism to assist the government, particularly in reducing costs, upskilling unskilled workers for overseas opportunities, and utilising the skills of returnees.
Ayesha Haq, Joint Secretary, Research and Policy wing, Ministry of Expatriates' Welfare and Overseas Employment, emphasised the media's vital role in the migration sector.
Asif Saleh, Executive Director of BRAC, drew attention to the prevalent discussions on expatriate income amid reserve crises.
He urged a deeper understanding of migrant workers' experiences, emphasising the human perspective.
He called for addressing migrant workers’ interests and rights, suggesting that media coverage could more effectively capture diaspora stories.
The winners received prizes at the second part of the programme, at the conclusion of the discussion.
This year, Rajib Ahmed of Daily Samkal secured the first place in the national newspaper category , Md Masum Billah of The Business Standard took the second place, and Jesmin Akter (Jasmin Papri) of Dainik Bangla claimed the third place.
In the regional newspaper category, Shariful Islam of Ekushe Patrika was first, Iftekharul Islam of Daily Chattogram Khobor was second, and Mst. Shakila Akhter of Daily Jainta Barta secured the third place.
Ahmed Reza of Jamuna Television secured the first place in the television news category. Independent Television's Talash team and its two investigative journalists Anamul Haque and Md. Nazmul Sayed secured the second place, and News24's Md. Khandoker Badrul Alam secured the third.
Bangla TV's Md. Badsha Mia won the award in the media organisation category. Niloy Rahman of the National Broadcasting Company of the Islamic Republic of Iran and Radio Iran received the award in the radio category.
The first prize in the online newspaper category was awarded to Md. Jahangir Alam of Jago News. Adnan Rahman of Dhaka Post took the second place, and Md. Imrul Kayes of Dhaka Mail secured the third place.
Winners received a crest, certificate of recognition, and a prize money cheque.
On this occasion, BRAC signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the English newspaper, The Daily Star, to raise public awareness about migration.
The memorandum was signed by BRAC Executive Director Asif Saleh and The Daily Star Editor Mahfuz Anam. Under this agreement, The Daily Star will publish more public interest news related to ensuring safe migration, preventing human trafficking, and reintegrating returnees.
Toddler on death row with mother sentenced to death: HC wants legal protection for child's physical, mental development
The High Court on Sunday issued a rule asking the government to explain why the authorities concerned should not be directed to enact a law to ensure the physical and mental development of a10-month-old child forced to pass her days in the condemned cell (death row) of a Habiganj prison, following the conviction of her mother in a murder case, for which she received the death sentence. The HC bench of Justice Naima Haider and Justice Kazi Zinat Hoque issued the rule after hearing a writ petition.The HC also asked the Habiganj Inspector General of Prison and Habiganj jail authorities to submit a report about the child after investigation by January 18.Secretaries to the Security Services division of the Home Ministry, Law Ministry, Women and Child Affairs Ministry and Inspector General of Prison were made respondents to the rule.
High Court orders investigation into alleged money laundering by BiopharmaThe court also fixed January 21 for the next hearing.
By law, all prisoners with a death sentence hanging over them are transferred to a condemned cell on death row.On November 30, a report titled ‘How is 10-month-old Mahida at the condemned cell?’ was published in a daily vernacular.According to the report, the child Mahida is staying with her mother in the condemned cell in a case under the Habiganj Woman and Child Repression Prevention Tribunal.Tanvir Ahmed, a lawyer of the Supreme Court, drew the attention of the court after attaching the report. He also submitted a writ petition seeking directives to ensure adequate food, healthy environment and other basic requirements of the child on December 14.
High Court orders submission of list of top drug traffickersDeputy attorney general Amit Dasgupta represented the state.On October 26, Habiganj Woman and Child Repression Prevention Tribunal Judge Court-2 convicted five individuals and sentenced them to death.One of them, Husna Akter, was present with her 10-month-old child Mahida at the dock.According to the report, there is no management of safe drinking water in the condemned cell, and pure drinking water is only available in a small bucket which is not sufficient.A death-row convict was served food like a convict who was awarded life imprisonment, at the condemned cell, said the report.Meanwhile, the jail authorities allow her out of the condemned cell for one-and-half hours every day, when the convict Husna along with her child can walk freely on the 6 feet-by-10 feet balcony at the front of her cell.There are two cells for female convicts at Habiganj jail.
In favour of free, fair, inclusive election, not for or against any political party: TIB
Transparency International Bangladesh (TIB) has said they are in favour of free, fair and inclusive election, not for or against any political party.
Responding to Road Transport and Bridges Minister and Awami League Secretary General Obaidul Quader’s comment that TIB is towing BNP’s line, TIB said that it is on the one hand self-embarrassing for him, and on the other reflects the mindset that treat all critics as political opponents.
Meaningful development hinges on assurance of democracy, freedom of speech: TIB
In response to the Minister’s question in a context where TIB considers the possibility of a truly inclusive election to have been ruled out as assessed by all available political and electoral indicators before and after the announcement of the election schedule, Executive Director of TIB, Iftekharuzzaman said, it should not be unknown to the learned Minister that an inclusive election can be held only in a situation where level playing field for all aspiring parties and candidates is ensured through a neutral, non-partisan and conflict of interest-free role of the Election Commission, Election time Government, administration and law enforcement agencies.
TIB condemned the attempt by the Awami League general secretary to conflate TIB with BNP due to expressing doubts regarding a participatory election.
World Bank, ADB support to cope with Rohingya crisis must be grant, not loan: TIB
TIB clarified, “TIB is an apolitical entity with no affiliations towards any political party. It was deeply disappointing to hear such unfounded statements from a key minister of the state and the second-in-command of the ruling political party.”
However, TIB expressed that while such allegations were neither surprising nor unnerving, they marked a recurrent trend where both major political entities, Awami League and BNP, responded with hostility whenever TIB’s research reports or recommendations challenged their interests.
Dr. Iftekharuzzaman, TIB's ED, further stated, “TIB's position remains unwaveringly neutral when it comes to political alignments. Our focus is on fostering a corruption-free, democratic, and well-governed Bangladesh. We had faced hostilities previously; during the BNP-led four-party alliance government, threats of closure and legal actions from 64 districts were issued against us. This year too, there were malicious disinformation campaigns on social media platforms from the BNP affiliated groups against Transparency International, TIB, and its officials.”
Upcoming national election is unlikely to be participatory: TIB
He concluded, “TIB stands firm in its commitment to democracy and good governance, opposing anti-democratic forces. The ongoing opportunistic hostilities from the two major political parties only served to highlight the neutrality of our organization.”
Two Bangladeshis shot dead by BSF over ‘entering’ Indian territory through Chuadanga border
Two Bangladeshis were shot dead by India’s Border Security Force (BSF) for allegedly entering the neighbouring country’s territory through the border in Darshana upazila of Chuadanga last night.
The deceased were identified as Sajedur Rahman, 27, son of Haider Ali, and Khaja Moinuddin, 35, son of Shariat Ullah. Both men were from Chhoygharia village under Parkrisnapur-Madna union of the upazila.
Read: BSF kills 15-year-old boy along Rajshahi border
Seeking anonymity, a villager said they heard two people crossed the border into India to “smuggle” cattle at night, and they were shot dead.
Darshana police station’s officer-in-charge, Biplob Kumar Saha, said two locals might have gone into India, crossing the border, for bringing in cattle.
Read: Bangladeshi shot dead ‘by BSF’ in Thakurgaon
The BSF shot them for intrusion and their bodies were still inside Indian territory, the OC said.
However, the local Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB-6) has not commented in this connection.
Omera Petroleum, Bangla Trac sign agreement to launch propane-based generators
Omera Petroleum Limited, the eminent market leader in Bangladesh's LPG sector, and Bangla Trac Limited (BTL), the authorized dealer of Caterpillar INC. USA in Bangladesh with brand name of BanglaCAT, have entered into an agreement to launch LPG based generators that will run on Propane.
Under this agreement, BanglaCAT is poised to launch LPG-based captive generators running on propane, boasting a remarkable electricity generation capacity of up to 2 MW.
Also read: Cabinet body okays proposals for import of 3.065 million MTs of petroleum oils, other products
With an unwavering commitment to providing comprehensive customer support, including maintenance services and technical assistance, BanglaCAT aims to ensure seamless operation and maximum satisfaction for end-users of these advanced LPG generators.
Omera Petroleum Limited will use its sophisticated propane infrastructure, across Bangladesh, to ensure a secure & uninterrupted supply of Propane to BanglaCAT's generator users throughout the year. Omera will also extend after-sales support on propane, meticulous Propane/ LPG testing in its state-of-the-art LPG Lab, safety audits round the year, and an unwavering commitment to excellence.
Customers seeking any information on Propane generator can reach out to BanglaCAT at 16448 and customers seeking any information of Propane supply can reach out to Omera Petroleum Limited at 16797.
Also read: Petroleum oil, gas reserve found in Sylhet Gas Field
Tanzeem Chowdhury, CEO of Omera Petroleum Limited, remarked, "Our strategic partnership with Bangla Trac Limited reflects our steadfast dedication to providing innovative and sustainable Propane solutions to our esteemed Industrial LPG customers”.
By amalgamating Omera's expertise in the LPG sector with BanglaCAT’s proficiency in power generation solutions, we aspire to revolutionize the propane generator market, propelling Bangladesh towards a cleaner, more sustainable future, he said.
Industries employing LPG generators can anticipate a remarkable 30% operational savings compared to diesel, coupled with Omera’s assurance of consistent propane supply round the year, anywhere in Bangladesh, he added.
Also read: Bangladesh to import 3.8 million MTs refined petroleum for 2024
Iqbal Husain, CEO of Bangla Trac Limited, echoed this sentiment, expressing enthusiasm about the collaboration.
He said Bangla Trac Limited is thrilled to unite with Omera in advancing the market for propane-based power generators.
“This partnership epitomizes our unwavering commitment to delivering cutting-edge captive power solutions, envisaging lasting value for our customers and the environment,” he added.
This significant collaboration between Omera Petroleum Limited and Bangla Trac Limited underscores a collective commitment to pioneering cleaner, more competitive energy solutions in Bangladesh.
Together, these industry leaders are poised to redefine the landscape of energy generation, ushering in a new era of sustainability and innovation, said a press release.