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Ship recycling industry sees remarkable progress: Nurul Majid
Industries Minister Nurul Majid Mahmud Humayun on Sunday said Bangladesh has made remarkable progress in the ship recycling industry in terms of environmental issues, professional and health safety.
The Minister made the remark when Norwegian Ambassador to Bangladesh Espen Rikter-Svendsen met him at the latter’s office here in Dhaka, said a PID handout.
Nurul Majid said the ship recycling sector was on the verge of closure due to failure to prevent environmental pollution, various accidents and negative publicity at home and abroad.
In 2011, Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina declared ship recycling as an industry.
The Ministry of Industries issued the 'Shipbreaking and Ship Recycling Rules' in 2011 and enacted the 'Bangladesh Ship Recycling Act' in 2018 as part of developing the sector, he said.
Read: Stock of urea fertilizer sufficient: Industries Minister
The Norwegian ambassador urged the Government of Bangladesh to ratify the Hong Kong International Convention for the Safe and Environmentally Sound Recycling of Ships, 2009 (The Hong Kong Convention).
As a result of the ratification of this convention, Bangladesh will have the opportunity to take the lead in ship recycling, he said.
The ambassador said Norway is a shipbuilding nation and a large number of its expired vessels are there for recycling. Bangladeshi yards can be benefited by exploiting this opportunity, he said.
“For this, environmental and safety issues should be given importance,” said the Norwegian envoy, adding that if the Hong Kong Convention is ratified by 2023, Bangladesh will get two more years to comply with the related conditions.
In response, the Industries Minister said Bangladesh's government is considering the ratification of 'The Hong Kong Convention' introduced by the International Maritime Organization.
He said a yard named PHP Shipbreaking and Ship Recycling Industries Limited in Bangladesh has already achieved the industry's highest compliance certificate.
In the light of the decision of the Ministry of Industry, 85 yards have already prepared 'Ship Recycling Facility Plan' for the technical and structural development of the yards and the target was set for implementation of the plan within the next two years, he added.
Sweden to partner UNFPA in projects worth over $10 million
UNFPA and Sweden on Sunday launched and signed a new partnership agreement to support midwifery and sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR) in Bangladesh.
The signing ceremony of the new project was held at the Embassy of Sweden, Dhaka in the presence of Alexandra Berg von Linde, the Ambassador of Sweden to Bangladesh, and Kristine Blokhus, the Representative of UNFPA in Bangladesh.
The partnership aims to support UNFPA’s efforts to strengthen the quality and access to midwives and comprehensive sexual and reproductive health services (SRHR) in Bangladesh, including in the most remote areas affected by climate change.
The new collaboration between Sweden and UNFPA with a funding of over US$ 10 million for the period 2022-2026 will establish and strengthen midwifery-led comprehensive SRHR-services to support the efforts of the government of Bangladesh.
Currently, around 2550 midwives are deployed by the government and 300 midwives are deployed through NGOs. They serve in crises including floods, cyclones, and in refugee situations.
They provide lifesaving support and SRHR services with innovative methods such as telemedicine. More midwives are needed to give safe and accessible care to mothers and children in Bangladesh.
Through the Swedish funding, UNFPA aims to equip Bangladesh’s health system with competent and empowered midwives to ensure that women and girls can access the gender-transformative health care that is their right.
This care will include support to safe and wanted pregnancies and births, the prevention and response to sexual violence, as well as prevention and treatment of reproductive infections and cancers.
Midwives will also ensure access to SRHR-services in the most remote and climate-affected areas.
Swedish ambassador Linde said Sweden has a long history of midwifery and has supported Bangladesh midwives for over a decade.
“We are pleased to continue working with UNFPA and the government of Bangladesh to further strengthen midwifery led care in the country,” she said.
The envoy hoped that this new four-year project will improve the education of midwives and the quality and access to SRHR-services, to make health care environmentally resilient, and ultimately improve the health of women and children in Bangladesh.
UNFPA Representative, Kristine Blokhus said the generous, long-term support we have received from the government of Sweden over the last decade has enabled us to support the Ministry of Health of Bangladesh to develop a professional cadre of midwives educated to international standards – and to integrate these lifesaving human resources into the national health system.
“We are deeply grateful to the government of Sweden, which over many years has been a close ally of UNFPA in our mission to protect and improve the lives of women and girls ensuring comprehensive and lifesaving SRHR services.”
Blokhus said with this partnership they begin a new chapter in their long partnership. “Together we will continue our support to the government of Bangladesh in ensuring that every pregnancy is wanted, and every childbirth is safe.”
PMO directs officials to pull out all the stops to control prices
The Prime Minister's Office on Sunday directed concerned officials to take all necessary steps including market monitoring, to keep the prices, stocks and supplies of daily essentials normal.
An exchange of views was held in this regard through video conference with various ministries, departments and district administrations at the PMO this afternoon.
Cyclone Sitrang, production of Aman and Rabi crops, fertilizer stocks and other recent issues came up for discussion during the meeting.
Principal Secretary to the Prime Minister Ahmad Kaikaus presided over the meeting.
The meeting was moderated by Senior Secretary of the Prime Minister's Office Md. Tofazzel Hossain Miah.
Prime Minister's Deputy Press Secretary KM Shakhawat Moon briefed reporters after the meeting.
He said that the Industries Secretary, Food Secretary, the Ministry of Agriculture, Ministry of Disaster Management and Relief, representatives of the Directorate of Meteorology along with relevant departmental commissioners and deputy commissioners of coastal districts were connected in the meeting through video conference.
He said that the concerned field level officers informed the Principal Secretary in detail about the stock and supply situation of daily commodities in the market as well as fertilizers.
Meanwhile, the Principal Chief Secretary to the Prime Minister gave instructions to the officers on various issues.
At the meeting, the recent sugar shortage and price increase in the market, especially sugar stock situation, import situation, situation of suppliers or related traders, other daily commodity supply situation and the activities of TCB were also discussed.
The meeting discussed the latest weather bulletin information especially on Cyclone Sitrang and reviewed the necessary preparations in the affected areas.
Earlier, at the beginning of the meeting, the Director of Ashrayan Project made an initial presentation on Asharyan-2 project.
PM Hasina felicitates President Xi Jinping on re-election as CPC general secretary
Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, who is also the president of ruling Awami League, on Sunday congratulated Chinese president Xi Jinping on his reelection as the General Secretary of the Communist Party of China.
“Your reelection is undoubtedly a fitting recognition of the trust and confidence reposed on you for your able leadership, achievements, and vision by the people of China and the CPC,” the prime minister said in a congratulatory letter to President Xi.
“I also convey my sincere congratulations on the successful conclusion of the 20th Congress of the CPC,” she said.
Hasina stated that Bangladesh observed with great admiration the realization of the First Centenary goal of the CPC- building a moderately prosperous society in all respects by 2020- as set when President Xi first took over the position of the CPC's General Secretary in 2012.
“We commend your resolve and guidance in taking China on a new journey toward building a modern socialist country in all respects through innovation, economic policies, people-centered development philosophy, and multi-sectoral reforms,” she wrote.
She continued: “We welcome your endeavors to build a community of shared futures and appreciate your continued support of the socioeconomic development aspirations of developing countries. I believe you will contribute further to maintaining peace and stability across the globe in this challenging time.”
Read: PM Hasina greets new UK Tory leader Lizz Truss
PM Hasina recalled Xi's historic visit to Bangladesh in October 2016.
She stated that the visit was marked by the transformation of bilateral relations between the two friendly countries into a 'Strategic Partnership of Cooperation.'
She also recalled her visit to China in 2019, when she had a very productive meeting with the Chinese President.
Hasina looked forward to working in close cooperation with the Chinese President to enhance the bilateral engagements further, strengthen the bonds of friendship between the two countries and peoples, and promote peace and stability in the region and the world.
She wished Xi Jinping continued success and good health in the coming days.
‘Sitrang’ may hit a 730 km area in Bangladesh on Oct 25: State Minister
The deep depression over the Bay is likely to intensify into a cyclonic storm this evening and 19 coastal districts will be at high risk, State Minister for Disaster Management and Relief Dr Md Enamur Rahman said today.
If it turns into a cyclonic storm, it will be identified as “Sitrang” and it may make landfall in Bangladesh on October 25, he said while speaking at a press briefing over the cyclone issue, held at the Secretariat.
The cyclonic storm “Sitrang” will hit a 730 km area – from Cox’s Bazar to Satkhira districts – and the government has taken necessary steps to tackle the storm, he said.
Also read: Deep depression: Light to moderate rain likely to drench Bangladesh
Due to full moon, the tidal surge will likely increase to 3-5 feet above the astronomical tide, he said.
However, there is no possibility that “Sitrang” will not turn into a ‘super cyclonic storm’ and it may hit 19 coastal districts, he added.
According to the latest bulletin of Bangladesh Meteorological Department, the maritime ports of Chattogram, Cox’s Bazar, Mongla and Payra have been advised to hoist local cautionary signal number 3 as the deep depression over the east-central Bay and adjoining areas moved slightly north-westwards further.
It was centered at noon on Sunday about 780 km south-southwest of Cox’s bazar port, 715 km south-southwest of Cox’s Bazar port, 730 km south of Mongla port, and 695 km south of Payra port.
It is likely to intensify further into a cyclonic storm and recurve initially north-westwards.
Sea will remain rough near the deep depression centre.
Under the peripheral effect of the deep depression, North Bay and adjoining coastal areas of Bangladesh are likely to experience gusty or squally wind of 40-50 kph in addition to heavy to very heavy rainfall.
Under the influence of deep depression, new moon phase and steep pressure gradient, the low-lying areas of coastal Satkhira, Khulna, Bagerhat, Jhalakathi, Pirojpur, Barguna, Patuakhali, Bhola, Barishal, Laxmipur, Chandpur, Noakhali, Feni, Chattogram, Cox’s Bazar districts and their offshore islands and char area likely to be inundated by the wind driven surge height of 3-5 feet above the astronomical tide. Surge height may increase afterwards.
All fishing boats and trawlers over North Bay and deep sea have been advised to remain in shelter till further notice.
Dengue death toll stands at 113 as another die, 1034 more hospitalised in 24 hrs
Another death from dengue confirmed in 24 hours till Sunday morning raised this year’s fatalities from the mosquito-borne disease in Bangladesh to 113.
During this period, 1,034 more patients were hospitalised with the viral fever as cases keep rising, according to the Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS).
Of the latest deaths, one was reported from Dhaka and another from Chattogram division, raising the death tolls in the divisions to 67 and 36 respectively.
The dengue death toll remained static in Mymensingh and Khulna at two and in Barishal division at five.
Read: Dengue death toll stands at 112 as 2 more die
Of the new patients, 589 were admitted to different hospitals in Dhaka and 455 outside it, according to the Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS).
A total of 3,492 dengue patients, including 2,286 in the capital, are now receiving treatment at hospitals across the country.
The Directorate has recorded 31,063 dengue cases and 27,458 recoveries so far this year.
Bangladesh reports another Covid death, 139 cases
Bangladesh reported another Covid-linked death and 139 more cases in 24 hours till Sunday morning.
With the new numbers, the total fatalities rose to 29,413 while the caseload to 2,034,141, according to the Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS).
The daily case test positivity rate declined to 4.44 per cent from Saturday's 5.49 per cent as 3,134 samples were tested during the period.
The mortality rate remained unchanged at 1.45 per cent and the recovery rate rose to 97.24 per cent.
Read: Bangladesh reports another Covid death, 124 cases
In September, the country reported 40 Covid-linked deaths and 13,251 cases.
Bangladesh registered its highest daily caseload of 16,230 on July 28 last year and its highest number of fatalities of 264 on August 10 the same year.
Deep depression: Light to moderate rain likely to drench Bangladesh
More rains are likely to drench Bangladesh in 24 hours commencing 9 am on Sunday as the depression over the east-central Bay intensified into a deep depression, said the weather department.
“Light to moderate rain or thunder showers accompanied by temporary gusty or squally wind is likely at most places over Khulna, Barishal and Chattogram divisions; at many places over Dhaka, Mymensingh and Sylhet divisions and at one or two places over Rajshahi and Rangpur divisions with moderately heavy to very heavy falls at places over southern part of the country,” said a Met office bulletin.
Day and night temperature may fall by 1-3°C over the country.
Weather condition may deteriorate over the country in next 72 hours, it added.
Read: Depression over Bay intensifies into deep depression
The mercury reached 35.6 degrees Celsius – the highest – in Chandpur and Sandwip of Chattogram division, while the minimum temperature was recorded at 18.5 degrees in Rajarhat of Rangpur division in 24 hours till 6am on Sunday.
Meanwhile, The well-marked low over Andaman Sea and adjoining Southeast Bay moved northwestwards, intensified into a depression first and then into a deep depression and lay centred at 9 am today (Sunday) over East-central Bay and adjoining area (near Lat 15.5° N and Long 89.2° E).
It is likely to intensify further and move in a north-westerly direction, said the bulletin.
Depression over Bay intensifies into deep depression
The maritime ports of Chattogram, Cox’s Bazar, Mongla and Payra have been advised to hoist local cautionary signal number 3 as the depression over the east-central Bay intensified into a deep depression on Sunday morning.
“It is likely to intensify further and move in a northwesterly direction,” said the weather department in a bulletin.
Read:Low pressure area over the Bay likely to intensify into depression: Met office
According to India Meteorological Department, the deep depression will intensify into a cyclonic storm and reach West Bengal, Bangladesh coasts on October 25.
Maximum sustained wind speed within 48 kms of the deep depression centre is about 50-60 kph in gusts or squalls, it added.
The sea will remain rough near deep depression centre.
Under its influence, North Bay and adjoining coastal areas of Bangladesh are likely to experience squally wind of 40-50 kph in addition to heavy (44-88 MM) to very rainfall, the bulletin added.
Read:Cyclonic storm likely to reach Bangladesh coast on Oct 25
Besides, the low-lying areas of coastal districts of Satkhira, Khulna, Bagerhat, Jhalakathi, Pirojpur, Barguna, Patuakhali, Bhola, Barishal, Laxmipur, Chandpur, Noakhali, Feni, Chattogram and Cox’s Bazar are likely to be inundated by wind driven surge.
All fishing boats and trawlers over North Bay and deep sea have been advised to take shelter immediately and remain in shelter till further notice, it added.
Global Covid cases near 633 million
The overall number of global Covid-19 cases is gradually nearing 633 million.
According to the latest global data, the total case count mounted to 632,700,308 while the death toll from the virus reached 6,582,238 on Sunday morning.
The US has recorded 99,062,879 cases so far, while 1,092,793 people have died from the virus in the country, both highest counts around the world.
According to Indian health ministry data released on Saturday morning, 2,112 new cases of COVID-19 were reported during the past 24 hours, taking the total tally to 44,640,748 in the country.
The country also logged four COVID-19 related deaths during the past 24 hours, pushing the overall death toll to 528,957 since the beginning of the pandemic in 2020, the ministry said.
Covid in Bangladesh
Bangladesh reported another Covid-linked death and 124 more cases in 24 hours till Saturday morning.
The total fatalities rose to 29,412 while the caseload to 2,034,002 with the new infections, according to the Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS).
The daily case test positivity rate declined to 5.49 per cent from Friday’s 5.87 per cent as 2,259 samples were tested during the period.
The mortality rate remained unchanged at 1.45 per cent and the recovery rate rose to 97.22 per cent.