Others
Global Covid cases near 212 million
With the highly contagious Delta variant spreading rapidly across several countries, the global Covid-19 caseload is also fast approaching the grim milestone of 212 million.
The total caseload and fatalities stand at 211,800,166 and 4,430,770, respectively, as of Monday morning, according to Johns Hopkins University (JHU).
So far, 4,922,573,973 vaccine doses have been administered across the world.
Read: 'India likely to have Covid shot for children by September'
The US, which is the world's worst-hit country in terms of both cases and deaths, has so far logged 37,709,810 cases, according to JHU, while 628,503 people have lost their lives to Covid to date.
Brazil currently has the world's second-highest pandemic death toll after the United States and the third-largest caseload after the United States and India.
The country has recorded 20,570,891 cases with 574,527 fatalities so far, according to the health ministry.
The third worst-hit country India's COVID-19 tally rose to 32,424,234 on Sunday, as 30,948 new cases were registered during the past 24 hours across the country, showed the federal health ministry's latest data.
Besides, as many as 403 Covid deaths since Saturday morning took the total death toll to 434,367.
Read:Over 4.4 million Covid cases reported worldwide in one week
Situation in Bangladesh
Bangladesh logged 139 Covid-related deaths in 24 hours till Sunday morning, one day after the lowest record in about two months amid concern over the unlocking of the country from restrictions imposed to check the spread of the virus.
The country on Saturday saw 120 Coronavirus related deaths and the upward curve of the fatalities was at its peak on August 5 and 10 with 264 deaths.
Besides, 4,804 more people came out positive with the virus after testing 31,689 samples during the last 24 hours, according to a handout issued by the Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS).
The fresh numbers pushed the country’s total fatalities to 25,282 while the cases reached 14, 61,994.
Read:DGHS chief vows action in instances of stealing Covid jabs
Meanwhile the case positivity rate fell to 15.16% from Saturday’s 16.71%, said the DGHS.
The recovery rate rose to 93.29%, but the case fatality increased to 1.73% compared to the same period.
The country is currently seeing around 170 deaths and 6,800 cases on a seven day average.
Rain, thundershowers likely in parts of country
Dhaka and seven other divisions are likely to witness rain or thundershowers in the next 24 hours commencing 9 am on Monday.
Bangladesh Metrological Department made the forecast.
Read:Met office predicts light to moderate rain across country
“Light to moderate rain or thundershowers accompanied by temporary gusty wind is likely to occur at many places over Rangpur, Mymensingh & Sylhet divisions and at a few places over Rajshahi, Dhaka & Chattogram divisions and at one or two places over Khulna & Barishal divisions with moderately heavy falls at isolated places over northern part of the country,” it said.
Monsoon is fairly active over northern part of Bangladesh and less active elsewhere over the country and weak to moderate over North Bay.
Read: Light to moderate rain likely over country
The axis of monsoon trough runs through Rajasthan, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, West Bengal to Assam across northern part of Bangladesh. One of its associated troughs extends up to North Bay, said the Met office bulletin.
Probe committee formed over Chairman Bari fire
A four-member probe committee has been formed Sunday over the large fire in Chairman Bari yesterday that took 10 hours to put out.
DAD of Fire Service and Civil Defence Shahjahan Sikder at the headquarters said that the committee has been directed to submit the investigation report within seven working days.
Read:Banani warehouse fire doused after 10 hrs
Deputy Director (Development) Noor Hasan Ahmed was made president and Deputy Assistant Director Niaz Ahmed as secretary of the committee. Two other members of the committee include senior station officer of Tejgaon Fire Station and warehouse inspector of the concerned area.
On Saturday morning a massive fire broke out at a six-storey building in Banai’s Chairman Bari area. Eleven units of fire service, later three units from the Bangladesh Army and the Navy joined together and managed to put out the fire after 10 hours of effort.
Read: Fire breaks out at a bakery in city’s Nawabpur
Fortunately, no casualties were reported.
How to stop global warming? How to combat climate change in Bangladesh?
Global warming is experiencing its peak time. It is so high that temperatures could break all past records in the next decade. According to the United Nations, the current rate of global warming is "Code red for humanity." If this trend continues, global warming will exceed 1.5 degrees Celsius by 2030, ahead of the previously predicted period. Although different countries, organizations are taking various steps to prevent global warming. However, if we take steps at an individual level, global warming can be stopped and greatly reduced.
How to stop global warming?
The goal is very simple. Carbon dioxide is the biggest enemy of climate. And reducing the emission of carbon dioxide improves the climate. So, we have to work on reducing the emission and stop using such products that release a huge amount of carbon dioxide. Following small steps can lead to a big help toward the environment.
Use renewable energy
From the international perspective, companies that use wind or solar energy for most of their power generation are required to provide electrical services at home. As a result, access to Green e-Energy will increase. If this is not possible, keep an eye on your electricity bill. Many companies write on the bill how much renewable energy is used in their power generation. That's how you can focus on renewable energy.
Read Govt. moves to boost climate resilience of vulnerable people, says official document
Steps according to the weather
It takes a lot of electricity to increase the temperature of the house during cold or to cool during hot weather. You can make your home more energy-efficient, make the house have easy access to ventilation and heating.
Use fuel-saving equipment
Energy-saving equipment was first introduced in the United States in 1987. The use of a number of such devices has so far reduced 2.3 billion tons of carbon dioxide into the air, which is emitted by 440 million vehicles a year. It is an easy way to prevent carbon emissions at a very low cost. That's why you should check the 'Energy Star' level whole buying refrigerators, washing machines, and similar appliances.
Reduce water consumption
Carbon pollution can be reduced by preventing water wastage, as it costs a lot of energy to pump, heat, or cool water. So consuming unnecessary water will help to save energy, and you don't need to run the pump often. Hence, carbon emissions will be reduced.
Read: Climate Change: How Bangladesh is being affected by Global warming
Use energy-efficient bulbs
LED bulbs consume up to 80 percent less electricity than all other bulbs. These bulbs are durable. 10-watt LED bulbs work like a normal 60-watt bulb, and it costs much less.
Keep the plug detached
Adding all the appliances in the house, you may find numerous appliances which run on electricity. To reduce energy consumption, don't charge devices that are fully charged or set a timer to stop charging after a certain period of time. In addition, computers or tablets, phone monitors in low power mode also consume less fuel.
Use of fuel-efficient vehicles
Driving a gas-smart car, such as a hybrid or electric vehicle, saves both fuel and money. Walk or use public transport as much as you can in big cities. As a result, the cost will be reduced, and the waste of fuel will be less. The biggest thing is that it will reduce air pollution a lot. In addition, if a lot of people reduce their flight, then a big difference can be noticed because air travel is one of the major means of climate pollution. If you have the option to go by train as an alternative to the plane, choose that.
Read COP26: Global competition launched to find top climate science communicators
What can we do about climate change in Bangladesh?
When it comes to the issue of climate change, Bangladesh is one of the most vulnerable countries in the world. According to the World Bank, by 2050, 5.3 million people in Bangladesh will be directly affected by climate change. This will have a negative impact on water, soil, and crops. Coastal people will lose their homes, and the drinking water crisis will increase. So, the Bangladesh government and different non-government organizations have already taken initiatives.
To fight climate change in Bangladesh, the government has finalized Bangladesh Climate Change Strategy and Action Plan 2009 (BCCSAP, 2009). Furthermore, Bangladesh Climate Change Trust Fund (BCCTF) was set up in 2010. The goals and objectives of BCCTF are to increase the capacity of local people to address the risks of climate change and to innovate and expand climate tolerant technologies. The vision of the fund is to build a Bangladesh capable of dealing with the impact of climate change.
Read ICCB seeks climate change mitigation, role of private sector
Trust Act-2010 was enacted to ensure the smooth management of the BCCTF.
Besides, the National Disaster Management Act of Bangladesh has created opportunities for various government ministries and departments to work together to reduce disaster risk as well as climate change. Various policies and plans of the government, including the 17th 5Y Plan have included issues of climate change and a sustainable environment.
The Copenhagen Consensus Center is conducting research to identify what Bangladesh's priorities should be to combat climate change. The prime solution they gave was to conserve mangroves. Bangladesh can work on conserving the mangroves in the coastal areas.
Read Financial support to vulnerable countries must for effective climate adaptation: Shahab
We can also work on replanting trees, which will eventually carbonize the environment and work as a natural shield against cyclones. They also proposed to create precautionary measures and build shelters where people can take shelter in the event of a cyclone.
Many do not use existing shelters because they cannot afford to keep their livestock and other valuable livestock there, so the proposed structure would accommodate both humans and cattle. The Bangladesh government, along with many non-government organizations, have already taken measurable steps about this.
Read: Climate change: 'Children in Bangladesh, 3 other countries at extremely high risk'
Final Words
Ultimately, it is undeniable that if we want to achieve the goal of sustainable development or to control global warming, there is no substitute to change in our behavior and habits. Human behavior and habits need to be taken into account in formulating policies on climate change mitigation and energy efficiency. It should be noted that the effort required to bring about a behavioral change in people is much less than the technological change. But the rewards and co-benefits of habitual and behavioral change are much higher.
Bangabandhu's 'Sonar Bangla' now becoming a reality: BGMEA chief
The "Sonar Bangla" dreamt by Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman is now becoming a reality, Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA) President Faruque Hassan said Sunday.
He said the killers were able to murder Bangabandhu but they could not kill his dreams and ideals.
Read:BGMEA calls for raising social awareness to prevent Dengue
Hassan said Bangladesh has emerged as a role model of development in the world under the prudent and visionary leadership of Prime Minister of Bangladesh Sheikh Hasina.
"The RMG sector has played a major role in the achievements of Bangladesh. The apparel sector would continue its contribution to accelerating the economic growth of Bangladesh," said the BGMEA chief.
To strike a balance between lives and livelihoods, Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina took the prudent and bold decision of keeping the RMG industry open amid the Covid-19.
The decision has helped the sector address the challenges unfolded by the pandemic and move ahead amid the crisis, he added while addressing a discussion and a special prayer in observance of the 46th martyrdom anniversary of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman.
Faruque Hassan chaired the programme held at the BGMEA office in Uttara, which was attended by the trade association's vice-presidents Shahidullah Azim and Miran Ali; directors Barrister Shehrin Salam Oishee, Md Mohiuddin Rubel, Abdullah Hil Rakib, Haroon Ar Rashid, Navidul Huq, Rajiv Chowdhury, Barrister Vidiya Amrit Khan, Md Imranur Rahman, Mijanur Rahman and former vice-president Mohammed Nasir.
A video on the life and works of was shown at the beginning of the program.
BGMEA Vice President Shahidullah Azim said that Fidel Castro remarked: "I have not seen the Himalayas. But I have seen Sheikh Mujib. In personality and in courage, this man is the Himalayas. I have thus had the experience of witnessing the Himalayas."
Read:BGMEA wants import consignments to be released from Ctg Port
"The people who didn’t want the country’s liberation and victory of the Bengalis had killed Sheikh Mujib along with most of his family members. Bangladesh has become a role model in the world under the visionary leadership of the Prime Minister. Bangladesh has attained the status of a middle-income country," he added.
BGMEA Director Barrister Shehrin Salam Oishee said Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman was the dreamer of the Bengali nation. "Inspired by his dream, Bangladesh is moving ahead along the path of economic emancipation under the great leadership of his daughter, the prime minister."
BGMEA Director Abdullah Hil Rakib said Bangabandhu brought freedom for them and also international recognition of Bangladesh by branding the country at the UN General Assembly in 1974.Director Haroon Ar Rashid said Bangladesh would not have been born if Bangabandhu were not born. "We want the trial of fugitive killers of Bangabandhu."
Director Navidul Huq said the next generations need to know the dreams of Bangabandhu and go by his ideals.
BGMEA Director Md. Imranur Rahman said Bangabandhu sacrificed his life for independence of Bangladesh. "Inspired by his ideals entrepreneurs in the garment industry have been striving to take the country forward."
BGMEA Director Mijanur Rahman said the country is moving forward with the ideals of Bangabandhu. "The garment export sector is following his directives and moving the country forward."
Read:BGMEA urges Ctg Customs House to ease procedures for faster release of imported goods
Former Vice President Mohammed Nasir said Bangabandhu, in his 55 years of life, spent 4692 days in prison for the cause of liberation of the country.
"His daughter, Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, is doing what he left behind. Insha Allah, under the dynamic leadership of the Prime Minister, we will build Bangladesh as a developed country, “Sonar Bangla” as dreamt by Bangabandhu," he said.
EgyptAir, ALO Dhaka Aviation sign MoU to operate Dhaka-Cairo-Dhaka flights
A memorandum of understanding (MoU) has been signed between EgyptAir and ALO Dhaka Aviation Ltd in Cairo to operate two scheduled Dhaka-Cairo flights every week, starting November 2021.
Although the state-owned flag carrier of Egypt is now operating at 65% of its capacity, it agreed to start Cairo-Dhaka-Cairo direct flights to boost the country's vital tourism sector.
Read NOVOAIR to operate six flights daily to Cox’s Bazar
However, this will provide a cheaper option for Bangladeshi passengers and cargoes destined for Europe and North America, being an alternative to Dubai and Istanbul.
"Our expatriates and businesspersons are expected to get benefitted as well," said the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Sunday.
Read Bangladesh imposes restrictions on passenger flights from 11 countries
Abrar Murder case: Two accused give testimonial statement
Two of the accused in the Buet student Abrar Fahad murder case gave testimonial statements as defense witnesses on Sunday.
Md Meftahul Islam Jeon and Mehedi Hasan Russel submitted their testimonies before Judge Abu Zafar Md Kamaruzzaman of Dhaka Speedy Trial Tribunal-1.
The judge has decided to hear further testimonies on Monday.
Special public prosecutor of the court Abu Abdullah Bhuiyan said four more accused in the case will testify as defence witnesses.
So far, 46 of the 60 prosecution witnesses have testified in this case.
On September 15, the court formed charges against the 25 accused in this case.
On November 13, 2019, Detective Branch (DB) Inspector and investigation officer of the case Wahiduzzaman submitted the charge sheet accusing 25.
Of the 25, 19 were accused in the case and police found primary proof of six more being involved in the murder, said the charge sheet.
With 17 of the 19 accused and another five involved in the incident being arrested a total of 22 accused have been arrested in this case so far.
Three of the accused – Jishan, Rafid and Tanim – remain absconding, said police
In the charge sheet police made 60 people prosecution witnesses in the case and submitted 21 pieces of evidence and a seizure list of eight to the court.
Abrar, 21, a second-year student of electrical and electronic engineering, was beaten to death by then Bangladesh Chhatra League leaders at Sher-e-Bangla Hall of the university.
He was found dead on the staircase of the hall in the early hours of October 7 after he was taken to room No-2011 around 8pm on October 6 and beaten mercilessly.
His murder sparked nationwide outcry.
On October 7, Abrar’s father Barkat Ullah filed a murder case with the Chawkbazar police station accusing 19 people.
The 25 convict of the case are- Mehedi Hassan Rasel, Muhtasim Fuad, Anik Sarker, Mehedi Hasan Robin, Ifti Mosharraf Shakal, Moniruzzaman Monir, Meftahul Islam Zion, Mazedur Rahman, Muzahidur Rahman Muzahid, Tabakhkharul Islam Tanvir, Hossain Mohammad Toha, Jisan, Md Akash, Md Shamem Billah, Nazmus Sadat, Ahtesamul Rabbi Tanim, Morshed Amartya Islam Moaz, Abu Huraira, Amit Shaha, Muztaba Rafid, Ishtiaq Ahmed Munna, Samsul Arefin Rafat, Mizanur Rahman, and Mahmud Setu.
Dengue: Year's death toll rises to 36; over 1200 receiving treatment
Dengue claimed one more life in 24 hours until Sunday morning, raising the death toll for 2021 so far to 36, said a report of the Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS).
A total of 291 new patients were admitted to different hospitals during the period, it said.
Among the new patients, 259 were admitted to government and private hospitals in Dhaka while the remaining 32 cases were reported from outside the division, according to DGHS.
Of the deceased, 32 have died in Dhaka city, two in Chattogram division, one each in Khulna and Rajshahi.
Read: Risk of dengue outbreak rises amid lockdown
Health authorities have been recording over 200 dengue cases per day since August 1.
The dengue outbreak has become a cause of major concern as the country is battling the deadlier Delta variant of coronavirus with its limited health care facilities for the last few months.
Some 1,218 patients diagnosed with dengue fever are receiving treatment in the country as of Sunday morning, according to DGHS.
Read: Dengue spike in Bangladesh: 242 more hospitalized in 24 hrs
Most of the cases have been reported in the capital so far, said the health authorities.
Of them, 1,119 patients are receiving treatment at different hospitals in the capital while the rest were listed outside Dhaka.
Some 8,041 patients have been admitted to different hospitals with dengue since January, and 6,787 of them have been released after they recovered.
Solar village launched in Kurigram's Char Goynar Patal
A solar village was launched in Char Goynar Patal, an island in Kurigram's Chilmari, Sunday.
According to officials, the project was named "Friendship solar village" as Friendship, an NGO, helped install the system.
A 54-kilowatt solar microgrid will receive electricity from a solar plant and illuminate 100 families and a local bazaar, primary school, legal booth, and flood shelter centre.
However, 471 families are living on the remote island.
Read:Is solar power the solution to Bangladesh's growing energy needs
The Power Division officials said the consumers will get an uninterrupted power supply from the solar microgrid.
State Minister for Power, Energy and Mineral Resources Nasrul Hamid inaugurated the launching of the village through a virtual function from Dhaka. Friendship CEO Runa Khan presided over the event.
So far, 6 million solar-home systems have been installed to provide electricity to people in the off-grid areas as part of the government's plan to bring everyone under power system coverage, Nasrul Hamid said.
Read: Renewable energy: 40% target 'ambitious, but roadmap absent'
"The share of renewable energy sources in power generation is increasing steadily. Some remote islands have been connected with electricity networks through submarine cables," he added.
"Now rooftop solar and net metering system has become a profitable business model”, he said, adding that the emphasis is now being laid on improving the quality of service that consumers are getting.
50 railway stations are getting facelift with modern amenities, says railways minister
As part of initiative taken to modernise the railway services, more than 50 railway stations are now being renovated on the occasion of the Mujib Year, said Railways Minister Md. Nurul Islam Sujan on Sunday.
“The government has taken different initiatives in order to build a modern, up-to-date and advanced railway communication system,” he said.
The minister said this while laying the foundation stone of a modern public toilet adjacent to the Kamalapur Railway Station here. WaterAid Bangladesh and Bangladesh Railway jointly constructed the toilet, said a PID handout.
“Some 52 railway stations are being renovated and modernised throughout the country on the occasion of the Mujib birth centenary. These will have modern toilets,” he said.
Read: After 56 yrs, Bangladesh-India rail link to reopen Sunday
Nurul said many projects are now being implemented and many others have already been undertaken for the development of the railway sector. “Old rail tracks and bridges are being repaired. New rail coaches and engines are being brought. The new trains would have bio toilets to avoid the pollution of the environment,” he said.
He said the Khulna-Mongla railway and Tongi-Joydebpur double-track railway would be launched next year. Had the railway faced no brunt of Coronavirus, the sector would be more developed now, he said.
The minister said the Bangladesh Railway has taken initiative to form a consultancy firm under its own management as part of enhancing the capacity. “We would be able to provide consultancy service with our own manpower and thus it would save the foreign currency,” he said.
Talking about the new public toilet, he said WaterAid Bangladesh and Bangladesh Railway will also construct two such toilets at the valiant freedom fighter Sirajul Islam Railway Station in Panchagarh and Ishwardi Railway Station in Pabna.
Read: Dhaka’s first-ever metro rail set to start by December 2022, says project chief
The public toilet would be a friendly one to women, children and even persons with disabilities. Alongside the separate entry doors for both women and men, there would be safe water, rainwater conservation system, breast-feeding corner and solar power system in the toilets.
Railway Secretary Md. Salim Reza and WaterAid Bangladesh country director Hasin Jahan also spoke at the function presided over by Director General of Bangladesh Railways Dhirendra Nath Mazumder.