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Countdown to Joy Bangla Youth Award begins: Biggest recognition for youth set for Saturday
With young trailblazers of the country are waiting with bathed breath, the much awaited and biggest recognition for the super achievers – Joy Bangla Youth Award—is set to take place Saturday.
This year the call for application for this prestigious award drew a massive response, as around 700 promising youth led organizations are locked in a nerve-racking battle to lift up the trophy, according to an official press release.
Also read: Applications for 7th instalment of Joy Bangla Youth Award open till Oct 10
Importantly, some key features that set the award, under Young Bangla, apart are inclusiveness and the length and breadth of the selection of categories that opened up comprehensive window for the change-makers from even the remotest part of the country, the press release reads.
Following a rigorous screening process, a diversified and celebrated jury board, comprising of celebrated personalities, has been tasked to take the final call on the fate of the aspirants as this year 12 organizations will be recognised under six categories.
This year the categories are: Skill and Employment, Art and Culture, Community Wellness, Social Inclusion, Climate and Environment, Innovation and Communication.
Also read: Joy Bangla Concert: Untold stories of how the mega event came to be
Emerged as the most celebrated award for those setting up to transform lives, this award is named after the historic war cry “Joy Bangla”, previous winners of the award have made their marks on global stage also, bringing in moments of pride and glory for the country, reads the press release.
The award ceremony will be telecasted live on different television channels between 2:20pm and 3:40 pm on Saturday as award session.
Joy Bangla Youth Award has helped showcase silent but transformational initiatives – from educating street children in Dhaka to helping the poor and vulnerable tea worker communities in Sylhet.
Sajeeb Wazed, chairperson of Centre for Research and Information (CRI), will hand over the awards at the ceremony – to be attended by an esteemed jury panel and a stream of country's top young achievers, former and current awardees.
Since its inception in 2014, Young Bangla, the largest network of the country's youths, has become a beacon light that already provided with real and measurable gains for youth led organisations.
Also read: Joy Bangla Concert 2023: Radwan Mujib joins jubilant youths
The goal of this platform, CRI's youth secretariat, is not just awarding or recognising the young changemakers but also helping them network, connect with policymakers, and receive proper grooming, according to the press release.
Bestowed with the recognition, a couple of past awardees later earned international recognition including the prestigious Diana Award and International Children's Peace Prize.
Cyclone ‘Midhili’ starts crossing Mongla-Payra coast
The periphery of cyclonic storm “Midhili” has started crossing the Mongla-Payra coast near Khepupara as of 12:00 pm, according to the Bangladesh Meteorological Department (BMD).
The cyclone is likely to move north-northeastward further and may complete crossing the coast by Friday evening.
As of 12:00 pm, the cyclone was centered about 310 kms west-southwest of Chattogram port, 310 kms west-southwest of Cox's Bazar port, 145 kms south-southwest of Mongla port and 150 kms southwest of Payra port.
Also read: Cyclone Midhili: BIWTA suspends inland water transport
The maximum sustained wind speed within 54 kms of the cyclone centre is about 62 kph rising to 88 kph in gusts or squalls. The sea remains very rough near the cyclone centre, according to BMD.
Maritime ports of Payra and Mongla have been advised to keep hoisted danger signal no. seven until further notice.
Meanwhile, maritime ports of Cox's Bazar and Chattogram has been advised to keep hoisted danger signal no. six.
Under the peripheral effect of the cyclonic storm, heavy (44-88 mm) to very heavy (≥89mm) rainfall with gusty or squally wind persists over north bay, their offshore islands, chars and coastal areas of Bangladesh.
According to BMD, the low-lying areas of the coastal districts of Cox's Bazar, Chattogram, Noakhali, Laxmipur, Feni, Barguna, Bhola, Patuakhali, Bagherhat, Khulna, Satkhira and their offshore islands and chars are likely to be inundated by wind-driven surge of 3-5 feet above normal astronomical tide due to the peripheral effect of the cyclone and steep pressure gradient.
Also read: Cyclone Midhili: Gusty winds with heavy rain persist across the coastal region
Under the influence of the cyclone, Dhaka, Khulna, Barishal, Chattogram and Sylhet divisions are likely to experience heavy (44-88 mm) to very heavy (289 mm) rainfall.
And due to very heavy rainfall, landslides may occur at places over the hilly regions of Chattogram Division, according to the BMD bulletin.
Meanwhile, all fishing boats and trawlers over North Bay and the deep sea have been advised to remain in shelter until further notice.
Also read: Cyclone Midhili: Payra, Mongla port advised to hoist danger signal no 7
Cyclone Midhili: BIWTA suspends inland water transport
Bangladesh Inland Water Transport Authority (BIWTA) suspended operations of all types of river vessels on all inland and coastal routes from 10:00 am on Friday as cyclone Midhili is heading towards the coast.
The directive will be in place until further notice, according to BITWA.
Also read: Cyclone Midhili: Payra, Mongla port advised to hoist danger signal no 7
The maritime ports of Payra and Mongla have been advised to hoist danger signal no. 7 as the cyclonic storm “Midhili” now lies over NorthWest Bay and adjoining areas, according to a BMD special bulletin.
Meanwhile, the maritime ports of Chattogram and Cox’s Bazar have been advised to hoist danger signal no. 6.
Also read: Cyclone Midhili: Gusty winds with heavy rain persist across the coastal region
The cyclonic storm is likely to move north-northeastward and may cross the Mongla-Payra coast near Khepupara by Friday evening. And the peririphery of the cyclone may start crossing the coast by Friday noon, according to the BMD.
Cyclone Midhili: Gusty winds with heavy rain persist across the coastal region
The coastal areas of Bhola and Khulna is experiencing heavy rainfall with gusty winds due to influence of the cyclonic storm 'Midhili' over the Bay of Bengal.
Since Friday morning, there have been moderate to heavy rains accompanied by strong gusty winds, causing waterlogging in many parts of the coastal. Meanwhile, the Meghna River remains very rough due to the impact of the approaching cyclonic storm.
Moniruzzaman, in charge of the Bhola meteorological office, said the district recorded 86 mm of rainfall in the last 24 hours. Gusts of up to 8 nauticals were also reported.
Also read: Deep depression over bay intensifies into Cyclonic Storm ‘Midhili’
Meanwhile, an emergency meeting of the district disaster management committee was held at the deputy commissioner's conference room at 9 pm on Thursday.
During the meeting, Deputy Commissioner Arifuzzaman highlighted the extensive preparations undertaken by the district administration to tackle the cyclone.
A total of 869 cyclone shelters and 12 Mujib Killa have been readied across the district.
Additionally, over 1,000 educational institutions have been notified to be on standby for potential use as shelters, according to DC Arifuzzaman.
Also read: Cyclone Midhili: Payra, Mongla port advised to hoist danger signal no 7
Eight control rooms have been set up across seven upazilas, with a total of 13,860 Cyclone Preparedness Program (CPP) volunteers on standby. Medical teams have also been assembled.
Meanwhile, there are 341 metric tonnes of rice and Tk 20 lakh in cash available for relief purpose in the deputy commissioner's fund to tackle the approaching disaster.
The deputy commissioner said preparations have been made to to relocate one lakh residents from isolated and vulnerable char areas of the district to safer locations.
The process of issuing warnings has commenced to ensure the safe return of deep-sea fishing trawlers, said DC Arifuzzaman.
Also read: 609 shelters ready in Chattogram ahead of cyclone 'Midhili'
Meanwhile, Khulna received 38 mm of rainfall from 6 am to 10 am on Friday morning. With the passage of time, the speed of rain and wind is increasing, according to met officials.
Amirul Azad, the senior meteorologist leading the Khulna Meteorological Office, reported that Khulna is experiencing moderate to heavy rainfall across the district due to the impact of cyclone Midhili.
The coastal areas are experiencing winds blowing at a speed of 10 kilometers per hour, he said.
Meanwhile, Bangladesh Inland Water Transport Authority (BIWTA) has suspended all launch operations from Barisal as cyclone 'Midhili' over the northwest Bay of Bengal is gradually moving towards the coast.
Besides, the district has been witnessing continuous rain since last night, causing low-lying areas to become waterlogged.
In the last 24 hours, Barishal has recorded 71 mm of rainfall.
Confirming the suspension of the launch, Assistant Director of Naval Safety and Traffic Management Department of Barishal River Port, Riyad Hossain said Barishal River Port has been advised to keep hoisted danger signal number 2.
Cyclone Midhili: Payra, Mongla port advised to hoist danger signal no 7
The maritime ports of Payra and Mongla have been advised to hoist danger signal no 7 as the cyclonic storm “Midhili” now lies over NorthWest Bay and adjoining area, according to BMD special bulletin.
Meanwhile, the maritime ports of Chattogram and Cox’s Bazar have been advised to hoist danger signal no. 6.
Also read: Deep depression over bay intensifies into Cyclonic Storm ‘Midhili’
The cyclonic storm now lies over northwest Bay and adjoining areas and moved north-northeastwards over the same area. It was centered at 9:00am Friday about 415 kms west-southwest of Chattogram port, 395 kms west-southwest of Coxs' Bazer port, 265 kms southwest of Mongla port and 270 kms southwest of Payra port, according to the special bulletin.
It is likely to move north- northeastwards and may cross Mongla-Payra coast near Khepupara by Friday evening, the peririphery of the cyclone may start crossing the coast by Friday noon, according to the BMD.
Also read: 609 shelters ready in Chattogram ahead of cyclone 'Midhili'
The maximum sustained wind speed within 54 kms of the cyclone centre is about 62 kph rising to 8 kph in gusts or squalls. The sea will remain very rough near the cyclone centre.
Under the peripheral effect of the cyclonic storm, heavy (44-88 mm) to very heavy 289mm) rainfall with gusty or squally wind persists north bay, their of shore islands, chars and coastal areas of Bangladesh.
Under the peripheral effect of the cyclone and steep pressure gradient, the low-lying areas of the coastal districts of Cox's Bazar, Chattogram, Noakhali, Laxmipur, Feni, Borguna, Bhola, Patuakhali, Bagherhat, Khulna, Satkhira and their offshore islands and chars are likely to be inundated by wind-driven surge of 3-5 feet above normal astronomical tide, according to the BMD press release.
Meanwhile, Dhaka, Khulna, Barishal, Chattogram, and Sylhet divisions are likely to experience heavy (44-88 mm) to very heavy rainfall (≥89 mm).
All fishing boats and trawlers over North Bay and the deep sea have been advised to remain in shelter until further notice.
Deep depression over bay intensifies into Cyclonic Storm ‘Midhili’
The deep depression over the Bay of Bengal has intensified into Cyclonic Storm “Midhili”.
“The deep depression over northwest bay and adjoining area moved north-northeastwards further and intensified into Cyclonic Storm “Midhili” over the same area” said the special bulletin by the Bangladesh Meteorological Organisation (BMD).
The cyclonic storm was centred at 6:00am Friday about 470 kms west-southwest of Chattogram port, 445 kms west-southwest of Coxs' Bazer port, 330 kms southwest of Mongla port and 330 kms southwest of Payra port.
Also read: Deep depression over Bay to intensify into cyclone Thursday midnight: State Minister
This is likely to move north- northeastwards and intensify further, according to BMD special bulletin.
The maximum sustained wind speed within 54 kms of the deep depression centre is about 62 kph rising to 88 kph in gusts or squalls. The sea will remain very rough near the deep depression centre.
Maritime ports of Chattogram, Coxs' Bazar, Mongla and Payra have been advised to keep hoisted local cautionary signal no 4.
Meanwhile, the cyclonic storm “Midhili” brought a cold downpour in the middle of November for Dhaka residents.
According to BMD weather bulletin, the capital and neighbouring areas experienced 2 mm rainfall in the past 24 hours.
Also read: Depression over Bay of Bengal: Over 100 tourists stranded in St Martin's Island
The temperature was recorded at 23.4 degree Celsius around 6:00am in the mornings, reads the BMD bulletin.
More rain and thundershowers are likely over the area in the next 6 hours, starting at 7:00 am on Friday.
The daytime temperature may fall by 1-2 degrees Celsius over the area.
Meanwhile, all fishing boats and trawlers over North Bay and the deep sea have been advised to remain in shelter until further notice.
Also read: 1 dies as Cyclone Hamoon batters Cox's Bazar, Chattogram
RAB raids home of Haque Group Chairman Adam Tamizi
Rapid Action Battalion (RAB) members on Thursday raided the house of Haque Group Chairman Adam Tamizi Haque on Road No. 111 in Gulshan area of the capital.
RAB said that Tamizi Haque is threatening to commit suicide if he is arrested, according to security offciials who took part in the raid.
Read: 426 arrested on charges of sabotage since Oct 28: RAB
A team of RAB-1 started raiding the house of Tamiji Haque around 9 pm. The operation was still going on after midnight on Thursday.
RAB's Law and Media Wing Director Commander Khandaker Al Main said that efforts were on to arrest Tamizi Haque.
Army chief returns home from Singapore
Chief of Army Staff of Bangladesh General SM Shafiuddin Ahmed returned home on Thursday after attending the Commonwealth Games Federation General Assembly-2023 held in Singapore.
During the visit, he participated at the General Assembly-2023 of the Commonwealth Games Federation (CGF) as the President of the Commonwealth Games Association (CGA) Bangladesh.
Read: Army Chief leaves for China to attend 19th Asian Games
In the General Assembly, the Army Chief voted in the election of president and vice president of the Commonwealth Games Federation (CGF).
The Army Chief also participated in the ‘Workshop and Regional Meeting’ and ‘Presentation and Pre-Assembly Discussion’ held there.
Read: Army Chief leaves Dhaka for Central African Republic
He also exchanged views with delegates from different countries on various sports development issues.
Earlier, on November 13, General SM Shafiuddin Ahmed went to Singapore to participate in the Commonwealth Games Federation's assembly.
71.5% of youth feel unsafe expressing opinions in public, 74.2% intend to vote in upcoming national elections
A recent study unveils that 71.5% of youth do not feel safe expressing their opinions publicly, while 74.2% intend to take part in the forthcoming national election as voters.
The information was unveiled as the results of a survey which was announced at a press conference held at BYLC's headquarters in the capital on Thursday,
Bangladesh Youth Leadership Centre (BYLC) and BRAC University’s Centre for Peace and Justice jointly conducted the research study titled 'Youth Matters Survey' to understand the aspirations, priorities, and viewpoints of Bangladesh’s youth.
Read: Exciting opportunities for students in Dhaka to study in Australia
The study, which included 5,609 youths from all over Bangladesh, is intended to provide insights into political parties’ manifestos ahead of the upcoming national elections. BYLC conducts this survey every five years ahead of the national elections.
The study, conducted in all eight divisions of Bangladesh in September 2023, asked youth about their opinions and perceptions on education, health, livelihoods, climate change, justice, democracy and governance, information and migration.
16 arson attacks reported since Nov 14: Fire Service
Sixteen reports of arson attacks were recorded across the country from 12:01 am on Tuesday till 7:30 pm on Thursday.
A total of 18 vehicles were set on fire during this period. Of these, five vehicles were set on fire inside Dhaka city while two vehicles were set on fire in Dhaka Division, according to Fire Service and Civil Defence.
Also read: Primary school set on fire in Manikganj's Ghior
Meanwhile, one vehicle in Barishal division, five vehicles in Rajshahi division, two vehicles in Chattogram and one vehicle in Sylhet division were set on fire by miscreants.
The burnt vehicles included seven buses, three covered vans, five trucks, two legunas, and one train.
Also read: 12 arson attacks reported in 15 hrs: Fire Service
A total of 153 members of 28 fire fighting units worked to douse the fires across the country during this period.
Since October 28, the Fire Service reported a total of 171 arson attacks across the country.