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Coronavirus: Another RMG worker tests positive in Savar
A readymade garment (RMG) worker was diagnosed with coronavirus at Ulail of Savar on Sunday.
Altogether, eight RMG workers have so far tested positive in Savar, said Upazila Health and Family Planning Officer Dr Sayemul Huda.
Besides, 67 samples have been also collected for test.
A delegation of Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA) led by its official Tapan Kumar Biswas inspected different garment factories in the upazila on Sunday for monitoring whether social distancing is being followed there.
Meanwhile, garment worker Selim Hossain, who went into hiding after he was diagnosed with COVID-19 six days ago, still remains missing.
Confirmed coronavirus cases in Bangladesh jumped to 9,455 on Sunday after 665 more people tested positive in the last 24 hours. Besides, two more patients died during the period, raising the death toll in the country to 177.
Tangratila Blowout: Bangladesh wins case against Niko
Bangladesh has won a case filed with the International Centre for Settlement of Investment Disputes (ICSID) against Canadian company Niko Resources for the blowout in Tangratila Gas field at Chhatak, Sylhet on January 7, 2005.
State Minister for Power, Energy and Mineral Resources Nasrul Hamid disclosed the verdict of the Washington-based arbitration court through an online videoconference from his home.
The verdict was released on February 28 this year.
“We’ve won the award of ICSID. Our claim was established in the international court that Niko was responsible for the blowout,” he told reporters.
He mentioned that Bangladesh submitted a claim for a total loss of over US$ 1 billion as part of the government’s loss and also of Bapex, a Petrobangla subsidiary.
However, Anisur Rahman, senior secretary of the Energy Division, who took part in the videoconference, said it will not be possible to realise the amount from the Niko Resources as the company has already been declared bankrupt.
“But Bangladesh’s benefit in the win of the case is that the country would not need to pay Niko $30 million against the purchase of its share of gas,” he said adding that Bangladesh also seized Niko’s resources at gas block 9 which the company would not be able to sell out following this verdict.
Niko was trying to sell out the block 9 to a third party but Bangladesh government seized the resources, he said.
Five police officials transferred, promoted
In the latest reshuffle in the police administration, four deputy inspector general of police(DIGs) have been promoted to the post of Additional Inspector General of Police (AIGP) on Sunday.
Barrister Mahbubu Rahman, additional Inspector General of Police of Highway Police Unit, has been transferred to the Criminal Investigation Department (CID).
The Public Security Division under the Home Ministry has issued a notification in this regard.
According to the notification, DIG Mohammad Ibrahim Fatemi, of Police Staff College was transferred to Police Headquarters , DIG Mallik Fakhrul Islam , of Tourist Police Unit was transferred to Highway Police unit , DIG Md Kamrul Ahsan, of the office of Range DIG of Sylhet range was transferred to the Anti-Terrorism Unit of police. Besides, DIG S M Ruhul Amin of Police Headquarters also made AIGP .
Food, protective items now available at ‘Best Buy’
Rice, dal, edible oil, sugar, salt and other consumer items are now available at ‘Best Buy’.
Customer will also get protective items including face mask, hand sanitizer, PPE, medical hand gloves, mop cap, shoe cover and medical apron from the retail chain shop.
Moreover, there is a scope to get home delivery facilities with attractive discount, said a press release.
There are 200 outlets of Best Buy across the country.
The outlets remain open from 6 am to 4 pm.
Customers can also buy the Best Buy products by contacting PRAN-RFL Group’s customer care center (0961373777) or placing order through Othoba.com.
Bangladesh confirms 665 new coronavirus cases
Confirmed coronavirus cases in Bangladesh jumped to 9,455 on Sunday after the health authorities announced detection of 665 new cases on Sunday.
“Two patients died in the last 24 hours, raising the death toll to 177,” Prof Dr Nasima Sultana, Additional Director General of the Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS), said at a regular online press briefing.
Coronavirus: 113 policemen infected in 24 hours
A total of 113 members of Bangladesh Police were infected with coronavirus in the last 24 hours till Sunday morning.
With the latest cases of infection, the number of total infected policemen stood at 854 until this morning.
Besides, five members of law enforcement agencies died from COVID-19, according to the Police Headquarters.
Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) recorded the highest number of coronavirus cases as a total of 449 policemen of DMP tested positive for coronavirus.
Currently, 1,250 policemen are in quarantine while 315 being treated at isolation units.
Besides, 57 patients made full recovery, it said.
Members of the Bangladesh Police, Armed Forces, and Rapid Action Battalion (Rab), along with other agencies have been jointly working to ensure social distancing across the country.
Assistant Inspector General (AIG- Media) of the Police Headquarters Md Sohel Rana said they are trying to ensure the protection of police members.
Bangladesh has so far recorded 8,790 cases and 175 deaths from the coronavirus.
Considering the worsening coronavirus situation, the government is about to extend the ongoing general holidays again till May 16 in a bid to prevent the transmission of the deadly virus.
COVID-19: PM’s videoconference with Rangpur division Monday
Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina will hold a videoconference with the public representatives and officials of the districts in Rangpur division over COVID-19 issue on Monday.
Missing journalist Shafiqul Islam rescued at Benapole
Members of Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) rescued missing journalist Shafiqul Islam Kajol from Sadipur border area at Benapole early Sunday.
Dhaka’s air improves slightly
Bangladesh’s capital Dhaka ranked 5th worst in the Air Quality Index (AQI) on Sunday morning, a slight improvement from Saturday’s air quality.
It had an AQI score of 136 at 08:52am.
Although Dhaka’s air improved slightly, it was classified as ‘unhealthy for sensitive groups’.
7 districts confirm 18 more cases on Saturday
A total of 18 people were found to be positive for coronavirus in seven districts on Saturday.