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FM unveils Gautam Lahiri’s book on Pranab Mukherjee's dealings re Bangladesh
Foreign Minister Dr. Hasan Mahmud has unveiled the book ‘Pranab Mukharjee: Rajnitir Vetor Bahir: Prekkhit Bangladesh’ ('Pranab Mukherjee: Ins and Outs of Politics. The Bangladesh Context'), written by senior Indian Journalist and President of Press Club of India Gautam Lahiri.
The unveiling programme took place at the books/covers launching stage of Amar Ekushey Boi Mela at the Suhrawardy Uddyan around 4.30 pm Tuesday.
Foreign minister Hasan Mahmud said, “Pranab Mukherjee's relationship with Bangabandhu's family was very good. He stood by the side of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina during the turning and crisis of Bangladesh. During '1/11' he was also by her side, he played a significant role in the establishment of democracy. We, who are the supporters of Awami League, our first identity isBengali then Hindu or Muslim. This is why, our main festival is Pahela Boishakh.”
Talking about the book more specifically, he said, “This is an informative book which contains valuable information about our country’s history. As I mentioned before, Pranab Mukharjee was important in the context of establishing democracy in Bangladesh (after '1/11'). This book will help the reader to know about his deeds and contributions. Those who are interested in politics must read this book.”
Praising author Gautam Lahiri, who was present on the stage with him, Hasan Mahmud said, “The writer of this book Gautam Lahiri just did an excellent piece of work. I think his writings will act as a road map of good relation between Bangladesh and India.”
As Lahiri observed Indian Former president Pranab Mukharjee from very close quarters for a long time, he wrote his views, experiences and observation of Pranab Mukharjee about Bangladesh in this book.
Gautam Lahiri is the first Bengali to hold post of president of the Press Club of India. He has been involved in journalism for four decades and travelled to more than sixty countries of the world as a travel companion of Prime Ministers and Presidents of India. He has visited Bangladesh many times too. He practices journalism in Bengali, English and Hindi languages.
Among others, former governor of Bangladesh Bank, Dr. Atiur Rahman, was present during the unveiling of the book.
Ghanaian foreign minister calls on PM, seeks enhanced trade relations
Bangladesh and Ghana on Tuesday agreed to enhance trade and commerce between the two countries for mutual benefits.
The consensus came when visiting Minister for Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration of the Republic of Ghana Shirley Ayorkor Botchwey called on Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina at her official residence Ganabhaban.
PM’s speech writer M Nazrul Islam briefed reporters after the call on.
Promote great souls who serve society selflessly: PM
He said that both identified agriculture, pharmaceuticals, ICT, agro based food products, jute and jute products and textile items for the trade enhancement.
Minister for Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration of the Republic of Ghana Shirley Ayorkor Botchwey conveyed the greetings of Ghanaian President to the Prime Minister for her re-election.
She mentioned that the bilateral engagement of the two countries are increasing gradually.
Counter conspiracies against country's prosperity: PM Hasina tells expatriates
“There is ample scope to enhance the trade and commerce between the two countries,” she said.
In this connection she mentioned agriculture, pharmaceuticals, ICT and agro based food products.
She sought Bangladesh’s support for her country’s candidature in the upcoming Commonwealth Secretary General election to be held in October. This time the SG will be elected from African countries.
Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina also put emphasis on enhancing trade and commerce with the African countries saying that there are huge possibilities to improve trade.
In this connection, she mentioned jute and jute products and textile items.
“African countries can import these items from Bangladesh,” she said.
Talking about Commonwealth Sheikh Hasina said that once upon a time this organisation was inactive.
“But recently it has been activated and playing a strong role in investment and human resource training,” she said.
The Prime Minister put emphasis on electing an able leadership for the Secretary General post.
Ambassador at Large M Ziauddin and Principal Secretary M Tofazzel Hossain Miah were present at the meeting.
RMG workers protest over salary dues in Gazipur
Workers of the HBS Apparels Limited factory in the Sataish area of Gazipur’s Tongi carried out a protest procession and observed a work abstention over salary dues.
The agitated workers said they had been demanding the authorities for several days to pay their salaries for the month of January. Following this, the workers of the factory stopped production on Tuesday at noon,they said.
Around 700–750 workers took part in the procession.
The workers also said their demand is to pay their salary by the 10th of every month and to withdraw the new administrative officer.
The owners claimed that the workers vandalised the office.
Industrial Police ASP Mosharraf Hossain said police were deployed to bring the situation back to normal. Besides, the workers are negotiating with the owners to solve the problem.
END/UNB/Corr/RT/MB
MPs’ block allocation: TIB voices concern over ‘misuse’ , ‘wastage’ of public money
The Transparency International Bangladesh (TIB) on Tuesday voiced concern over potential misuse and wastage of public funds as a block allocation of Tk 20 crore was announced for MPs for implementation of development projects in each constituency.
It also urged establishment of a transparent and accountable governance mechanism to ensure proper utilization of the allocated funds.
On 18th February, the LGRD minister told parliament that each Member of Parliament (MP) could receive Tk 20 crore over five years for implementing development projects in their respective constituencies.
Bangladesh’s election was one-sided and a crafted competition: TIB
The process of finalizing a project in this regard is currently underway.
TIB Executive Director (ED) Dr. Iftekharuzzaman said, “Despite the gradual increase in constituency-wise block allocations, there has been historical negligence in ensuring proper fund utilization and governance in these projects. Lawmakers, who have sole authority over monitoring and addressing complaints related to the projects, often endorse irregularities for personal gain, leading to compromised transparency and accountability.”
He highlighted that such schemes provide opportunities to many parliamentarians to abuse political power, engage in nepotism, and gain unethical financial benefits, ultimately normalizing corruption at the local level and misusing state resources.
TIB doubts polls aspirants’ wealth statements disclosed in affidavits
TIB's concerns stem from its previous study titled "Governance Challenges in the Implementation of the Infrastructure Development Project under Constituency-Based Block Allocation", published on 12 August 2020.
The study uncovered that the schemes under the projects were deemed essential at local level, but their quality of work did not meet expectation.
This discrepancy was attributed to compromised relationships fostering mutual benefit and commission trading between the contractors and their supervisory authorities involved in planning and execution of the schemes.
Consequently, irregularities and corruption within the schemes led to squandering of public funds, ultimately benefiting vested quarters, it said..
Referring to the 2020 study, Dr. Iftekharuzzaman said specific recommendations were made, but no noticeable initiatives have been taken to implement those to ensure good governance in use of constituency-wise block allocations.
Burning people alive can never lead to democracy: TIB
TIB is now calling for a comprehensive and neutral scrutiny of the previous projects, funded through block allocations, before allocating new funds, he said.
“The organization also advocates for implementation of a proper monitoring and evaluation system as well as a mandatory code of conduct addressing the lawmakers' integrity and conflicts of interest in executing development schemes.”In favour of free, fair, inclusive election, not for or against any political party: TIB
Int'l fire safety and security expo ends
The 9th International Fire Safety and Security Expo 2024 concluded with a focus on bolstering the nation's fire safety measures, aiming to reduce fire risks, utilize modern equipment for safety, and raise public awareness.
According to expo organisers, on its final day, the Electronics Safety and Security Association of Bangladesh (ESSAB) honoured 13 organizations for their efforts in enhancing fire safety across residential, industrial, and commercial buildings.
Additionally, 5 individuals were recognised for their brave actions in firefighting and rescue missions.
Addressing the concluding ceremony Home Minister Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal said that the country’s industry has now turned around as fire safety and security compliance as well as awareness has been increased after so many fire incidents.
He said, “We will improve the training of fire service personnel, build civil defence which is our government’s ultimate goal'.”
He noted that the government has already created 44,000 volunteers, so that they can play a role in putting out fires before the fire service personnel reach the spots.
Director General of the Department of Fire Service and Civil Defence Brigadier General Md. Main Uddin said that if only Tk 2 out of Tk 100 is spent for fire safety measures in the infrastructures, factories and building, Bangladesh will be safer.
"Though we have limitations, we’re always ready to mitigate fire incidents and betterment of the country", he added.
President of the SAARC Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SCCI) Md. Jashim Uddin said, Bangladesh is now moving towards LDC graduation and there are a lot of targets that we have to achieve to be smart and a developed nation.
ESSAB Senior Vice President SM Shahjahan Saju, Publicity Secretary Md. Nazrul Islam, Md. Matin Khan, Mohammad Faisal Mahmud, Engr. Md. Manzur Alam, M. Mahmudur Rashid, Joint Secretary General Md. Mahmood-E-Khoda, Assistant Secretary General Engr. Md. Mahabur Rahman, Treasurer Md. Noor Nabi, Director Md. Wahid Uddin, Eng. Md. Al-Emran Hossain, Major Mohammad Asheque Kamal, Md. Rafiqul Islam, were among others present at the function.
ESSAB Safety Excellence Award Winners: A total of 13 organizations were given with the ESSAB Safety Excellence Award for ensuring building code compliance and fire safety measures in residential, industrial, commercial buildings.Among them, Rancon Artisti Residences stood first in the residential building category, while Sheltech Rubynur stood second, and Concord Shapla stood third.
In the Commercial Building Category, Shanta Forum, Concord MK Heritage and BGMEA Complex received the award as the First, Runner Up and Second Runner Up.Atotal number of 6 companies jointly won the excellence award in the Industrial (RMG) category. Among them, Glamour Dresses Ltd. and Designtex Knitwear Ltd. were named the top winners. Tasniah Fabrics Ltd. and SQ Birichina Ltd. came next, followed by Sterling Denims Ltd. and Silken Sewing Ltd. Besides, BM Container Depot Ltd. received the award in the industrial other category.
Meanwhile, ESSAB has given special recognition to 5 fire service personnel for their brave role in fire fighting and rescue operations.
Deputy Assistant Director of Fire Service and Civil Defence Department Md. Faisalur Rahman and Mohammad Safiqul Islam, Senior Station Officer Md. Nazim Uddin Sarkar, Warehouse Inspector Md. Zahirul Islam and Fire Fighter Alhaj Miah were honoured for their courageous role in fire fighting and rescue operations.
Development agenda must tackle injustice: Parliamentary Caucus on Justice
The Parliamentary Caucus on Justice highlighted the transition towards a Smart Bangladesh, with a strong emphasis on infusing justice and equality into every aspect of this evolution at the parliamentarians’ meeting at Hotel InterContinental on Monday.
Amidst the fresh start post-national elections, the Caucus, inclusive of both seasoned and newly elected members of the 12th parliament, pledged to tackle societal disparities head-on, advocating for a justice-centric overhaul in all domains, according to a press release.
The Caucus underscored the necessity of grounding Bangladesh's journey towards a Smart Bangladesh in the egalitarian ideals championed by Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, it said.
During the meeting, Tanvir Shakil Joy, MP and Chairperson of the Caucus, emphasized the need for Bangladesh to propel its technological advancement while enhancing global competency through educational reform.
Addressing economic and skill gaps, MD Sanwar Hossain, MP of Tangail-5, advocated for revamped vocational training programs to foster labour and migration justice. The dialogue also covered the pressing issue of climate justice, with SM Shahjada, MP from Patuakhali-3, pointing out the disproportionate impact of climate change on various communities, said the release.
Abdul Wadud Dara, MP of Rajshahi-5, raised concerns about the threat of fundamentalism to social and cultural equality, underscoring the need for social justice measures. Meanwhile, Nur Mohammad, MP from Jamalpur-1, highlighted the crucial role of education justice in achieving Bangladesh's Vision 2041, advocating for reforms that guarantee equitable access to quality education for all.
The Caucus also addressed the rights of individuals with disabilities, with Aroma Dutta, MP, calling for greater representation and accessibility, in line with the Bangladesh Awami League's Election Manifesto. Additionally, Mahzabeen Khaled, former MP and Secretary of the Caucus, stressed the importance of multilingual education as a means to combat injustices faced by local and migrant workers, the release also said.
Achieving a Smart Bangladesh – characterized by Smart Citizens, Smart Government, Smart Society, and Smart Economy – mandates crafting policies that guarantee marginalized communities are not only included but thrive. This includes ensuring widespread access to technology, boosting digital literacy universally, leveraging e-governance to render public services more transparent and accountable, and revising legal norms to safeguard digital freedoms.
Moreover, the Caucus advocates for proactive community involvement and ensuring that all initiatives resonate with the sustainable development goals, ensuring a holistic approach to development that champions justice and equality.
The meeting, which also saw participation from Syeed Ahamed and Shaheen Parveen of the Institute of Informatics and Development (IID).
Nation set to pay tributes to language martyrs tomorrow
The nation is set to observe 'Amar Ekushey', the Language Martyr's Day (Shaheed Day) and the International Mother Language Day on Wednesday, marking the supreme sacrifice of the language heroes for upholding the dignity of mother tongue Bangla.
The day will also be observed around the world as the UNESCO recognised the Ekushey February as the International Mother Language Day on November 17, 1999.
This year's theme of the International Mother Language Day is ‘multilingual education: a pillar of learning and intergenerational learning”.
Walking barefoot to Dhaka’s Central Shaheed Minar with wreaths and flowers singing 'Amar bhaiyer rokte rangano Ekushey February', people from all walks of life will pay their respect to the heroes of the Language Movement who sacrificed their lives for achieving the recognition of Bangla as the state language of erstwhile Pakistan.
On February 21, 1952, students and the common people in Dhaka took to the streets in protest against the then Pakistani government's denial of Bangla as the national language and imposition of Urdu as the only official language of Pakistan.
Salam, Barkat, Rafiq, Jabbar and a few other brave sons of the soil were killed in police firings on this day in 1952 when students came out in a procession from the Dhaka University campus breaching section 144 to press home their demand for the recognition of Bangla as a state language of then Pakistan.
The government has taken extensive programmes to observe the day in a befitting manner.
The day is a public holiday.
Bangladesh Missions abroad will also observe the day.
Different political-social-cultural-professional organisations will arrange various programmes, including seminars and cultural functions, to observe the day.
President Mohammed Shahabuddin and Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina have issued separate messages on the eve of the day.
In his message, the President said “On the occasion of International Mother Language Day 2024, I extend my sincere greetings and congratulations to the people of various languages of the world including Bangla and other ethnic groups.
“Nowadays, the spirit of Amar Ekushey is the incessant source of inspiration for the peoples of the world in protecting their languages and cultures. But we have to be more diligent in proper practice and preservation of Bengali language and culture,” said the President.
He also said “Embracing the spirit of Amar Ekushey, let mutual respect be awakened among the people of different languages and cultures of the world, let a colorful world without discrimination be developed it is my expectation on Shaheed Day and International Mother Language Day.”
In her message the Prime Minister said “On the occasion of the great Martyrs' Day and International Mother Language Day, I pay my homage to the people of all languages and cultures of the world, including Bengali.”
“I firmly believe that together, we will be able to establish the developed, prosperous, and self-esteemed 'Golden Bangladesh' as the Father of the Nation dreamed,” said the Prime Minister.
National dailies will publish special supplements marking the day and Bangladesh Betar and Bangladesh Television and private radio stations and television channels will air special programmes on the occasion.
BNP also has chalked out a 2-day programme to observe Amar Ekushey.
Duet teacher among 2 killed in Gazipur road crash
Two people including a teacher of Dhaka University of Engineering & Technology (Duet), were killed when a bus hit a motorbike at Cherag Ali Market in Tongi of Gazipur district on Tuesday.
One of the deceased was identified as Ramchandra Saha, a teacher of the Architecture Department of Duet while the identity of another could not be known immediately.
Read: Motorcyclist killed in Rajshahi road crash
The accident occurred around 11:30 am when the Dhaka-bound bus rammed the motorbike carrying two people, leaving them injured, said Mustafizur Rahman, officer-in-charge of Tongi East Police Station.
Later, they were taken to a local hospital where the doctors declared them dead.
Read: 3 dead as truck hits autorickshaw in Gazipur’s Kaliakair
The bodies were sent to the hospital morgue for autopsy.
RAB DG details enhanced security measures at Shaheed Minar
In a decisive move to guarantee security, the Rapid Action Battalion (RAB) has escalated its preparedness at the Central Shaheed Minar, Dhaka, ahead of Language Martyrs’ Day and International Mother Language Day. M Khurshid Hossain, Director General of RAB, confirmed the implementation of robust security protocols during a press briefing on Tuesday.
The security enhancements include the installation of seven CCTV cameras offering comprehensive 360-degree surveillance.
No specific security threat centering Shaheed Day: DMP Commissioner
Addressing concerns regarding potential threats, Hossain reassured the public, “There is no specific threat related to Shaheed Day, thanks to our extensive security measures. We are fully prepared to address any situation, ensuring the safety of the Central Shaheed Minar premises.”
In addition to technological advancements, RAB has heightened its vigilance to protect vulnerable groups. The elite force is on high alert, with a particular focus on safeguarding women and children, Hossain added, highlighting the comprehensive nature of their security efforts.
The Cyber unit of RAB is also playing a crucial role, tasked with monitoring online spaces to prevent the spread of false information and incitement. This digital vigilance is part of a broader strategy to maintain peace and security during the commemorative events.
Furthermore, RAB has prepared for rapid response scenarios, including the deployment of a helicopter on standby 24/7 to manage any unforeseen incidents.
Security checkpoints are being established on various roads to monitor and restrict the movement of suspicious individuals. An increased presence of RAB personnel will be noticeable not only in Dhaka but across the country, aiming to preempt and mitigate any disturbances.
No threat of militant attack centering Biswa Ijtema: RAB DG
Law enforcement agencies have coordinated their efforts to fortify the Central Shaheed Minar area. Alongside RAB, specialized units including bomb disposal teams and canine squads will be stationed as part of the comprehensive security detail dedicated to ensuring a safe and solemn Language Martyrs’ Day.
Must do all we can against tobacco and vaping: WHO Regional Director Saima Wazed
In a decisive call to nations within its South-East Asia Region, the World Health Organization (WHO) is emphasizing the urgent need to escalate actions against the consumption of tobacco and the growing trend of e-cigarette use. Despite witnessing a significant drop in tobacco use over the years, the region still holds the dubious distinction of having the highest tobacco consumption rates globally, with vaping numbers also on an alarming upswing.
Saima Wazed, WHO’s Regional Director for South-East Asia, voiced her concerns on Tuesday, stating, “The region still has the highest number of people using tobacco which puts them at risk of life-threatening diseases such as cancer, respiratory, and heart disease. Urgent measures are also needed to control e-cigarettes, which have not been proven to be effective for smoking cessation. We must do all we can to control tobacco and e-cigarette use to protect health and save lives.”
Read: ATMA recommends hiking prices of tobacco products to tackle fiscal deficit
Highlighting the gravity of the situation, it was revealed that tobacco use in the region has fallen from 68.9% in 2000 to approximately 43.7% in 2022. However, an estimated 411 million individuals still engage in tobacco use according to the latest figures released this year, underscoring a persistent health challenge.
The region accounts for a staggering 280 million smokeless tobacco users, making up nearly 77% of the global figure, and about 11 million adolescent tobacco users aged 13-15 years, representing nearly 30% of the worldwide total. Additionally, the increase in e-cigarette usage, especially among the youth, poses a new threat, with countries like Thailand reporting a sharp rise in vaping among 13 to 15-year-olds from 3.3% in 2015 to 17.6% in 2022.
In response to the growing crisis, nations within the region have taken diverse approaches to tackle the issue. Bangladesh aims for a “Tobacco Free Bangladesh by 2040,” while India has launched its “Tobacco Endgame” initiative. Furthermore, countries like DPR Korea, India, Nepal, Sri Lanka, Thailand, and Timor-Leste have imposed bans on e-cigarettes, whereas the Maldives treats them as regulated tobacco products.
Read: Tobacco use declines despite industry efforts to jeopardize progress: WHO
Despite these challenges, there have been notable successes in tobacco control across the region. Male tobacco use plummeted from 68.9% in 2000 to 43.7% in 2022, and female use saw an even more dramatic decrease from 33.5% to 9.4% during the same period, marking the sharpest decline among all WHO regions. These achievements put the region, alongside the WHO African Region, on track to meet the Non-Communicable Diseases (NCD) 2025 target of a 30% reduction in tobacco use.
Countries are employing demand reduction strategies as part of the WHO MPOWER package and other initiatives to combat tobacco. However, with the tobacco industry’s high level of interference, there’s a pressing need for more assertive enforcement of tobacco control laws and policies to ensure the health and safety of over 2 billion people in the region.