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Bangladesh, Saudi Arabia to elevate ties to a higher level
Bangladesh and Saudi Arabia on Wednesday (January 31, 2024) agreed to take the existing excellent bilateral relations to a higher level.
This was expressed when President of the Shura Council of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia Sheikh Dr. Abdullah bin Muhammad bin Ibraheem Al Sheikh called on Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina at her official residence Ganabhaban.
PM’s Deputy Press Secretary KM Shakhwat Moon briefed reporters after the call on.
Moon said that Hasina mentioned that Bangladesh and Saudi Arabia share a rich and longstanding historical relationship rooted in religious, cultural, and economic bonds.
She Informed that for Bangladeshi Muslims, Saudi Arabia holds a special place in their hearts being the birthplace of Islam and the two holiest sites, Makkah, and Madinah.
“Thousands of Bangladeshis perform the Holy Haji and the Umrah for religious purposes,” she said.
KSA's Majlish E Shura Council President Abdullah arrives in Dhaka
The prime minister expressed satisfaction over the recent development activities, reforms, and emerging role of Saudi Arabia on the global front under the visionary leadership of the Custodian of Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz and the Prime Minister and Crown Prince His Royal Highness Mohammed bin Salman.
Sheikh Dr. Abdullah bin Muhammad congratulated the prime minister on her reelection.
He mentioned that Saudi Arabia was always with Bangladesh and it has a historical long lasting relationship.
He lauded visionary leadership of the prime ninister for the unprecedented development of Bangladesh.
KSA keen to enhance trade with Bangladesh in food, energy, logistics, and manufacturing sectors : FBCCI
“Prime Minister’s leadership is exemplary and imitable,” Shakhwat Moon quoted President of the Shura Council of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia as saying.
He also conveyed the greetings of Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman Al Saud to the prime minister.
Welcoming the greetings, Sheikh Hasina also greeted the Crown Prince.
PM’s Adviser Salman Fazlur Rahman, Ambassador-at-large M Ziauddin and Principal Secretary Md Tofazzel Hossain Miah were present.
Read more: Saudi Arabia sends 400 tons of sacrificial meat for Bangladesh
Ekushey Boi Mela 2024: What security measures are in place?
In anticipation of the Amar Ekushey Grantha Mela (book fair) 2024, the Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) has announced extensive security measures to tackle potential sabotage acts and militant threats. The security plan, detailed by DMP Commissioner Habibur Rahman, aims to ensure a safe environment for the attendees of Bangladesh’s largest book fair, set to open on February 1.
Commissioner Rahman, after inspecting the security protocols, stated, “We have put in place a robust security framework to enable visitors to explore and enjoy the fair without any apprehension.” These remarks were made during his visit to the book fair’s location in Dhaka’s Suhrawardy Udyan on Wednesday.
Books worth Tk47 crore sold in Amar Ekushey Book Fair in 27 days
Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina is slated to inaugurate the month-long cultural event at 3 pm on February 1. In a first for the fair, attendees can now enter and exit through five designated gates at Suhrawardy Udyan, including a special entrance via the Engineering Institute. Each entry point will be equipped with archways and metal detectors to enhance safety.
The DMP Commissioner outlined the comprehensive security measures, including the establishment of internal and external security perimeters and continuous surveillance by undercover detectives. Additionally, numerous watch towers have been erected to oversee and prevent any unforeseen incidents.
Further bolstering the security, the entire fair area is under continuous CCTV monitoring, connected to a dedicated control room. The DMP has arranged various patrolling units, including foot, street, and cyber patrols, around the fair vicinity. The presence of the dog squad, SWAT team, and bomb disposal unit will provide an immediate response capability.
Kid’s zone of Ekushey Book Fair abuzz with little book lovers
In addition to these security provisions, the DMP has taken measures to cater to the comfort and well-being of the visitors. These include a lost and found center for missing children, a nursing center for mothers, blood donation facilities, and access to pure drinking water throughout the fair premises.
The security plan was detailed in the presence of senior DMP officials, emphasizing the significance and scale of the protective measures for this cultural cornerstone event.
Read more: Tracing the Roots of Ekushey Boi Mela
GP unveils state-of-the-art data center in Sylhet
Grameenphone, with the commitment to building a Smart Bangladesh, inaugurated its first “Tier III Standard Data Center”, a groundbreaking hi-tech initiative that sets new benchmarks in reliability, efficiency, and sustainability of network, in Sylhet.
Yasir Azman, Chief Executive Officer of Grameenphone, inaugurated the data center at a programme held on Tuesday, said a press release issued on Wednesday.
Joining him were Yan Changzhi, VP, President of South Asia Region, ZTE Corporation, Ma Liang (Jerry), MD of Engineering Service of ZTE Bangladesh, Jai Prakash, Chief Technology Officer (CTO) Grameenphone, and other key management members from both organizations.
The Data Center stands as a testament to the collaborative efforts of Grameenphone and ZTE in bringing about this technological marvel, showcasing their commitment to advancing innovation and ensuring a future-ready infrastructure that caters to the evolving needs of the digital landscape.
Grameenphone introduces simplified plans to cater to customers’ evolving needs and convenience
The Super Core Data Center, having a capacity of 4 MW load, is the largest among any Mobile Network Operators (MNOs) in the country.
The work for this data center started in January 2023.
Customers will benefit directly from higher data speed and quality of services, ensuring a superior customer experience. The facility guarantees uninterrupted services, even in the face of unforeseen challenges.
Moreover, environmental sustainability is a key focus of the Sylhet Data Center, aligning with Grameenphone’s commitment to sustainability.
Grameenphone, Telenor, UNICEF partner to strengthen digital literacy, online safety for 10 million children
The use of NOVEC gas for auto fire suppression not only enhances safety measures but also reflects Grameenphone’s dedication to eco-friendly practices.
A high-tech monitoring system with intrusion detection capabilities ensures the utmost security for the valuable data stored, protecting the privacy of customers’ valuable data in this digital era.
Yasir Azman, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Grameenphone, said, “This accomplishment lays another cornerstone for a digitally advanced smart Bangladesh. This facility not only confirms our pledge to lead the way in technological innovations but also demonstrates our devotion to putting our customers first in every aspect of our work, guaranteeing a future of technological progress and reliability in delivering superior customer oexperience. I also want to express my gratitude to our partner ZTE for constructing this cutting-edge, environment friendly infrastructure.”
Ma Liang, MD of Engineering Service of ZTE Bangladesh, praised the data center’s cutting-edge and creative technology, stating, “The Super Core Data Center is like the body’s heart. It needs to be safe and healthy to support the business. The data center uses the best and most innovative technology in the industry. It has multiple levels of protection to ensure its reliability.”
“It will also be the first private sector Telco Data Center in Bangladesh to meet the Uptime Tier-III standard. It follows the principles of saving energy and reducing emissions, and it has a smart energy management system that makes it efficient and eco-friendly," he added.
Weather forecast: Will it rain in Dhaka?
Bangladesh Meteorological Department (BMD) forecasts varied weather patterns across the country, with rain or thundershowers expected in several divisions, including Dhaka, Khulna, Rajshahi, Barishal, and Chattogram.
As per the latest bulletin from the BMD, “Rain or thundershowers are likely at a few places in the Khulna and Dhaka divisions, with occasional showers predicted in Rajshahi, Barishal, and Chattogram divisions.”
In other parts of Bangladesh, the weather is set to remain predominantly dry, albeit with partly cloudy skies.
Weather forecast: Light rain in Ctg, Barishal divisions, fog disruptions across country, BMD says
The report also warns of moderate to thick fog formation over river basins, with lighter fog likely in other areas. This foggy condition, particularly dense near rivers, may temporarily disrupt inland river transport from late night until morning.
Temperature fluctuations are also on the horizon, with a slight increase in night temperatures and a minor decrease in daytime temperatures expected nationwide.
From Chuadanga, UNB’s correspondent reports that the district town has been experiencing light rainfall since Tuesday night. The local Chuadanga Weather Observatory Centre, under the supervision of Officer-in-Charge Jaminur Rahman, recorded 3 mm of rainfall by 6 am on Wednesday. Additionally, a slight rise in temperature was observed, with the mercury hitting 15.3 degrees Celsius early this morning.
The forecast suggests continued rainfall in Chuadanga and surrounding areas until Friday, indicating a wet end to the week for the residents.
Weather forecast: Fog across the country with light rain in Ctg, BMD says
END/UNB/Corr/MAS/KW
Dhaka’s air quality 3rd worst in the world this morning
Dhaka has ranked third on the list of cities worldwide with the worst air quality with an AQI index of 221 at 8:53 am on Wednesday.
Dhaka’s air was classified as ' very unhealthy', according to the air quality index.
India’s Delhi and Ghana’s Accra occupied the first and second spots on the list, with AQI scores of 241 and 226 respectively.
Dhaka’s air quality 5th worst in the world this morning
When the AQI value for particle pollution is between 101 and 150, air quality is considered ‘unhealthy for sensitive groups’, between 150 and 200 is ‘unhealthy’, between 201 and 300 is said to be 'very unhealthy', while a reading of 301+ is considered 'hazardous', posing serious health risks to residents.
The AQI, an index for reporting daily air quality, informs people how clean or polluted the air of a certain city is and what associated health effects might be a concern for them.
The AQI in Bangladesh is based on five pollutants: particulate matter (PM10 and PM2.5), NO2, CO, SO2, and ozone.
Dhaka has long been grappling with air pollution issues. Its air quality usually turns unhealthy in winter and improves during the monsoon.
Dhaka’s air quality world's worst this morning
As per World Health Organization (WHO), air pollution kills an estimated seven million people worldwide every year, mainly due to increased mortality from stroke, heart disease, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, lung cancer, and acute respiratory infections.
HC issues rule on death penalty
The High Court on Tuesday issued a rule asking the government to explain as to why the imposition of ‘death penalty’ as punishment except some general guidelines should not be held contradictory to some articles of the constitution.
The HC bench of Justice Mustafa Zaman Islam and Justice Md Atabullah issued the rule after hearing a writ petition.
The HC also issued a rule asking the government to explain as to why the authorities concerned should not enact a guideline in case of sentencing ‘death penalty’ as capital punishment.
Secretary to the Law Ministry, Legislative and Parliamentary Affairs Division secretary and Registrar General of the Supreme Court have been made respondents to the rule.
Advocate Ishrat Zahan stood for the writ petitioner while deputy attorney general Tushar Kanti Roy represented the state.
On December 7, last year, a writ petition was filed with the High Court (HC) challenging the existing provision of death penalty.
A directive was also sought to issue a rule as to why the provision of capital punishment should not be declared illegal and unlawful.
Supreme Court lawyer Ishrat Hasan filed the petition with the concerned bench of the HC.
According to the petition, the death penalty is the highest punishment of Bangladesh, but it is contradictory to sections 32 and 35 of the country's constitution.
Moreover, the death penalty was discouraged in the 'UN Convention on Human Rights-1948', 'International Convention on Civil and Political Rights-1966' and 'Convention against Torture-1984'.
As Bangladesh is a signatory member country of the laws, hence there is an obligation to prohibit the death penalty. A total of 112 countries of the world have already banned capital punishment, the petition said.
As Bangladesh is a signatory to the international laws banning the death penalty and the country is bound to abide by the section 25 of the constitution as per the International Law.
2 jailed as ACC raids BRTA's Mirpur office
Two men were sentenced to two months in prison during a raid conducted by the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) at the BRTA office in Dhaka’s Mirpur.
In response to mounting complaints of customer harassment and violence reportedly perpetrated by brokers within the Bangladesh Road Transport Authority (BRTA) Mirpur and Dhaka Metro Circle-1 office, the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) conducted the operation on Tuesday.
A four-member team, led by Assistant Director Ranjit Kumar Karmakar and comprised of Al-Amin, Md Jakiul Alam, and Md Mehedi Musa Zebin, conducted the drive
During the undercover operation, the enforcement team, posing as ordinary customers, uncovered the presence of touts within the BRTA office. In a decisive move, the ACC team apprehended a broker, two on-duty Ansar members, and a CNS worker affiliated with the BRTA.
Further scrutiny revealed evidence of irregular financial transactions with various service recipients stored on the suspects' mobile phones through different applications.
Upon presenting the apprehended individuals to Director (Engineering) Mohammad Shahidullah, the broker and CNS worker were promptly sentenced to two months' imprisonment by the Executive Magistrate. Simultaneously, higher authorities were notified to initiate departmental actions against the two Ansar members involved.
The ACC team, having obtained crucial information during the raid, subsequently briefed the BRTA chairman, who expressed gratitude for the operation. The chairman assured that necessary actions would be taken against the accused individuals to create a more customer-friendly environment within the BRTA offices.
Islami Bank launches four new digital products for smart banking
Islami Bank Bangladesh PLC has launched four new digital products.Mohammed Monirul Moula, Managing Director and CEO of the bank, inaugurated these products recently at the Pan Pacific Sonargaon Hotel in Dhaka, according to a press release on Tuesday.The new products are Quick Balance Inquiry, Quick Merchant Onboarding, Connect-2-Bank, and Islami Bank Help Portal, it said.Under the Quick Balance Inquiry service, customers can check their account balance free of charge by making a missed call to 09617516259 from the number registered against their account.Customers can open a personal retail account at Islami Bank using the Quick Merchant On-boarding service by uploading their NID and photo. Customers can generate a Bangla QR code in the Cellfin app with the help of the bank’s official and subsequently conduct business transactions. Payment can be received using a Bangla QR code from Islami Bank, along with other bank apps like bKash and Nagad, among others.Connect 2 Bank is a corporate internet banking module that facilitates payment of corporate salaries, utility bills, scholarships, and government allowances; submitting investment proposals; requesting LCs (Letters of Credit); opening of salary accounts; checking account statements; and interbank fund transfers through BEFTN, RTGS, NPSB, etc.Customers can check their account and card balance and also download statements from the Islami Bank Help Portal service (help.islamibankbd.com) using their registered mobile number, issue complaints about ATM transaction errors, and check the updated status of the complaint.
Murikata onion price goes over Tk 100 per kg in just 2 days
The price of Murikata, an early variety of onion, jumped by Tk 20 per kg to Tk 105 per kg on Tuesday (January 30, 2024), compared to Tk 80 to 85 per kg two days ago in Dhaka.
Though the wholesaler said that onion prices have dropped slightly in the wholesale market, the effect is yet to be visible in the retail market.
On Tuesday, onion prices in the capital ranged from Tk100 to Tk105 depending on quality at Karwan Bazar, Mohakhali, Hatirpool, Malibagh, and Santinagar.
Khalilo Mia, owner of Hasan store at Shantinagar Bazar, told UNB that good-quality onions have arrived in the market at a higher rate.
As the quality of this onion is slightly better, the price has also increased. However, there is no shortage of onion supply, he said.
The price of Murikata onions has also increased in the market price report released by the state marketing agency, Trading Corporation of Bangladesh (TCB). According to its report, new local Murikata onions were sold for Tk 90 to Tk 100 per kg in different markets in Dhaka.
A week ago, the price of this variety of onion was selling at Tk75 to 80 per kg; the imported onion price was Tk85 to Tk90 per kg. However, local and imported onion prices rose by 23 and 26 percent, respectively, during the week, according to TCB.
Read more: Sylhet fixes price of local variety onion at Tk 120, Indian variety at Tk 140
Onion prices have also increased in Sujanagar and Santhia upazilas of Pabna, one of the main production areas of Murikata onion. On Monday, in these upazilas, the price of onions was Tk71 to Tk78 per kg in the local wholesale markets. Onion prices have increased in the district compared to last week. Last week, the price of fresh onion there was Tk 60 to Tk 70 per kg.
The prices of other curry items like garlic and ginger have also increased by Tk10 per kg. On Tuesday, these items were selling for between Tk240 and Tk270 per kg, respectively, compared to Tk230 and Tk260 per kg last week.
The prices of all other vegetables have increased by Tk10 to 20 per kg this week compared to the last week.
However, bean, eggplant, and tomato were selling between Tk 60 to 100 based on quality, potato at Tk 50 to 60 per kg, bitter gourd at Tk 80 kg, balsam apple at Tk 100 to 120 kg, okra at Tk 80 to 100 per kg, cucurbitaceous at Tk 80 per kg, cucumber at Tk 60 to 70 kg, spone gourd at Tk 80 per kg, arum at 80 to 90 kg, radish and carrot at Tk 50 to 60 kg, green papaya at Tk 40 kg, French bean at Tk 100 to 110 kg, snake gourd at Tk 70 to 75 kg, pumpkin (medium size) at Tk 80 to 100 per piece, cauliflower and broccoli at Tk 50 to 70 piece, bottle gourd at Tk 80 to 100 piece, ash gourd at Tk 50 to 60 piece, coriander leaves at Tk 200 kg—Capsicum (red) at Tk 300 to Tk370 per kg base on size and quality.
Read more: Govt directs to intensify field-level monitoring on onion prices
The discomfort remains in the fish and meat market. Broiler chicken was selling at Tk200–220 per kg, and Sonaly chicken (a Pakistani variety) at Tk320–340 per kg. Beef, which was sold at Tk 650 in many places a couple of weeks ago, is now being sold at Tk 700 per kg everywhere.
Prices of eggs are increasing by Tk 5 to 7 in a dozen this week. Per dozen, brown eggs (hens) are at Tk 140 to 145, 5–10 taka less than white eggs. Duck eggs were selling for Tk 180 to 190 per dozen, while eggs of indigenous domestic rearing chicken were selling for Tk 210 per dozen.
The prices of fish are higher now compared to a few months ago. However, tilapia, pangas, and carp were selling for between Tk220 and 260 per kg. Among other fish, the price of medium-sized weighing 1.5 kg to 2 kg farming Rui, Katla, and Mrigel fish was selling at Tk 300 to Tk 400 per kg. Also, Pabda, Tengra, Koi, sheat (boal), chital, and Hilsa fish are not below Tk600 per kg.
The bigger fish, like coral, boal, and river pangas, were selling for between Tk700 and 1100 per kg at Karwan Bazar.
When asked about the price hike, the Director General of the Directorate of National Consumers Rights Protection (DNCRP), AHM Shafiquzzama, told UNB that his office would drive against the unusual price hike of these essentials.
He also said that a few months ago, he warned different ministries and directorates to take steps to increase the supply of essentials, including onions and potatoes, to control prices.
Consumers Association of Bangladesh vice president SM Nazer Hossain said consumers in Bangladesh are having a hard time amid record prices of commodities due to higher inflation.
Farm eggs, broiler chicken, and cultured fish are key protein sources for millions of poor people in the country, he said.
Prices of all such products have increased, forcing a vast population to cut their protein and other nutrition-rich food intake, Nazer said.
Read more: Chapainawabganj farmers reap benefits of bountiful summer onion harvest
Discussion on export potential of light engineering industry held in Dhaka
Dnet, a leading social enterprise dedicated to empowering communities through technology and innovation arranged a roundtable discussion on the "Export Potentiality of Light Engineering Industry in Bangladesh."
The event held on Tuesday at the Dnet Conference Room in Dhaka.
Speakers said the light engineering industry has emerged as a crucial force in Bangladesh's manufacturing sector, contributing significantly to economic growth and employment.
This sector encompasses a diverse range of products, from spare parts and castings to machinery and electrical goods. Its remarkable growth, driven by minimal capital investment and focus on end-user needs, positions it as a vital backbone for the country's industrial development, they also opined.
The Co-founder and Executive Director of Dnet M. Shahadat Hossain stated that , “Bangladesh is a middle income country with a growing business sector. It’s important for the Light Engineering sector to lead this growth”
The organisers said the key objectives of the roundtable was the assessment of the current state of the industry, ways of Identification and overcoming challenges,unlocking export potential, formulation of policy and collaboration between all stakeholders, and exploration of the integration of innovation and technology.
This discussion aims to analyze recent growth trends, global demand, and the overall landscape of Bangladesh's light engineering industry.
Executive Director of Dnet M. Shahadat Hossain moderated the discussion while Abdur Rahim Khan, Additional Secretary (Export), Export Wing (Ministry of Commerce) presented the keynote speech.
The organisers invited all stakeholders, including industry experts, policymakers, academics, and development partners, to participate in this crucial discussion. The roundtable presented a valuable opportunity to collectively explore and unlock the vast export potential of Bangladesh's light engineering industry, paving the way for sustainable economic growth and development.
Dnet is a social enterprise driven by the mission of empowering marginalized communities through technology and information. We leverage social and technological innovations to implement development initiatives at the national, constitutional, and international levels. Our commitment to fostering inclusive growth aligns perfectly with the goals of this roundtable discussion.
END/UNB/SI/ssk