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Bangladesh won’t allow fresh Rohingya intrusion: Obaidul Quader
Awami League General Secretary and Road Transport and Bridges Minister Obaidul Quader on Wednesday said that there is no scope to show generosity of allowing more Rohingyas enter Bangladesh amid the ongoing clashes in Myanmar.
“We are talking to the people concerned so that the internal conflict in Myanmar does not become a reason of fear or concern for us,” he said at Setu Bhaban in the capital this noon.
“The government is particularly discussing with China and India. Myanmar's ambassador to Bangladesh has been summoned. They said they would take back those who fled to Bangladesh,” he said.
Mentioning Bangladesh will no longer allow Rohingyas to enter its territory, he said, “Earlier, we opened the border out of generosity. Now there is no chance to show that generosity. They have become a burden for us. International aid has been greatly reduced. How long are we going to bear this burden?”
Earlier in the morning, Quader said that the government is implementing the road safety project at a cost of around Tk 5,000 crore to prevent road accidents.
He said this at a press briefing after a meeting with a delegation of the World Bank led by its Country Director Abdoulaye Seck.
The five-year project will continue end in June , 2028, he said.
The minister said he was not satisfied with the progress of the project.
“Road accidents and damages couldn’t be reduced. From now on, I will supervise and monitor the road safety project as a priority project. Strict action will be taken if anyone is involved in corruption in development projects,” he added.
Import of 3 LNG cargoes from Singaporean firms get cabinet body approval
Cabinet Committee on Government Purchase (CCGP) in a meeting on Wednesday approved three separate proposals to import three LNG (liquified natural gas) cargoes from Singapore-based companies.
Finance Minister Abul Hassan Mahmood Ali presided over the meeting.
As per the proposals, placed by Energy and Mineral Resources Division, state-owned Petrobangla will import two cargoes of LNG from Golbar Singapore Limited.
Each LNG cargo, having 33.60 lakh MMBtu, will cost Tk 425.81 crore, with each unit at $9.847.
The third LNG cargo will be imported from Vitol Asia (pvt) Limited, Singapore, at a cost of Tk 422.48 crore with each unit at $9.770.
PM Hasina calls for holding regular sports tournaments for children and youth
All the three LNG cargoes will be imported from international spot market through limited bidding process under the Rapid Increase in Supply of Power and Energy (Special) Act 2010.
Sources in the Energy and Mineral Resources Ministry said that Bangladesh has planned to import a total of 13 LNG cargoes from January to June this year.
Earlier the government signed 'Master Sale and Purchase' Agreement (MSPA) with 22 shortlisted companies to import LNG from the international spot market.
Imports of LNG from the spot market were suspended from July 2022 to January 2023 as the price of LNG from the spot market increased many times while the government was facing dollar crisis.
Currently, the country has been experiencing a severe gas crisis as production came down to nearly 2500 million cubic feet per day (mmcfd) while the demand is about 4000 mmcfd.
Foreign Minister in New Delhi, talks with Jaishankar today
As a result, household consumers in many areas are not getting gas for their cooking while power and industrial productions are being seriously disrupted due to gas shortage.
Honda relaunches “new XBlade 2024" considering huge demand
Bangladesh Honda Private Limited unveiled the relaunching of the “new XBlade 2024” bike yesterday as 60,000 Bangladeshi customers picked the XBlade since its introduction in Dec 2019.
The programme was held at the Aloki concvention centre at the city’s Tejgaon area.
Introducing new XBlade 2024, Managing Director & CEO Shigeru Matsuzaki said, “Honda's global vision is to provide people with the joy of expanding their life's potential through affordable and quality mobility solutions.”
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He also expressed his gratitude to the 60,000 Bangladeshi customers who trusted Honda and chose the XBlade since its introduction in Dec 2019. The new XBlade 2024 is designed to meet the aspirations of success-oriented young enthusiasts.
While explaining the XBlade features, Shah Muhammad Ashequr Rahman, Chief marketing Officer shared that, “The generation which aspires to be an ‘All Rounder’ will find it hard to resist Honda’s globally acclaimed superior technology delivering a perfect blend of performance & Style which will “Ignite New Thrills” with its Xpressive & Futuristic design.
"We are hopeful that the new XBlade 2024 will win the heart of Bangladeshi customers as it has advanced technology along with elegant, vibrant and radiant appearance," he added.
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The company said they will also ensure “2 years or 20,000 km” whichever comes earlier, with 5 free services as part of Warranty policy while the price of bike is fixed at BDT. 195,000 which available at all Honda Exclusive Authorized Dealer Showrooms nationwide from today.
327 Myanmar security forces taking shelter in Bangladesh: BGB
Amid the ongoing conflicts along the Bangladesh-Myanmar border, 63 more Myanmar forces and border guards have taken shelter in Bangladesh till Wednesday noon, taking the total number to 327, said BGB sources.
A total of 327 Myanmar forces including BGP, army personnel and immigration officials have taken shelter in Bangladesh, said Shariful Islam, public relations officer (PRO) of Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB).
The 63 Myanmar forces have entered Bangladesh today with arms through Whaikhong in Teknaf border.
The BGB disarmed them and took them to a safe shelter, the PRO said.
Read: What the BGB DG said during visit to Bangladesh-Myanmar border today
In a statement during his visit to the Bangladesh-Myanmar border in Cox’s Bazar today (February 7, 2024), Major General Mohammad Ashrafuzzaman Siddiqui, newly appointed Director General of the Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB), declared the force’s high alert status to address any potential border-related incidents.
During the visit, Major General Siddiqui underscores the BGB’s commitment to maintaining security and sovereignty while adhering to humanitarian principles and fostering positive international relations.
“The border situation is fully under control, and we are dedicated to managing it with patience, humanitarian considerations, and in a manner that respects our international obligations, as directed by the Prime Minister. Under no circumstances will illegal entry into Bangladesh be permitted,” Major General Siddiqui emphasized.
His remarks came during a thorough inspection of the border outposts at Tambru and Ghumdum areas within the Naikhongchhari upazila. This tour included assessments of the operational conditions and morale among BGB personnel stationed along this critical frontier.
Read: No more Rohingyas to be allowed in: New BGB Chief
A Bangladeshi woman and a Rohingya man were killed following an explosion of a mortar shell at a house in Jolpaitoli under Ghumdum union of Naikhongchhari upazila in Bandarban district on Monday.
Besides, academic activities of five government primary schools in Naikhangchhari upazila have been suspended.
What the BGB DG said during visit to Bangladesh-Myanmar border today
In a statement during his visit to the Bangladesh-Myanmar border in Cox’s Bazar today (February 07, 2024), Major General Mohammad Ashrafuzzaman Siddiqui, newly appointed Director General of the Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB), declared the force’s high alert status to address any potential border-related incidents.
During the visit, Major General Siddiqui underscores the BGB’s commitment to maintaining security and sovereignty while adhering to humanitarian principles and fostering positive international relations.
“The border situation is fully under control, and we are dedicated to managing it with patience, humanitarian considerations, and in a manner that respects our international obligations, as directed by the Prime Minister. Under no circumstances will illegal entry into Bangladesh be permitted,” Major General Siddiqui emphasized.
His remarks came during a thorough inspection of the border outposts at Tambru and Ghumdum areas within the Naikhongchhari upazila. This tour included assessments of the operational conditions and morale among BGB personnel stationed along this critical frontier.
No more Rohingyas to be allowed in: New BGB Chief
Major General Siddiqui’s directive to the border guards highlighted the importance of professionalism and vigilance in safeguarding the border against any arising challenges.
Furthermore, the BGB Director General took a moment to inquire about the welfare of Myanmar security forces and army personnel who have sought refuge in Bangladesh during the ongoing conflicts in Myanmar. To date, Bangladesh has provided asylum to 264 members of the Myanmar forces, including Border Guard Police (BGP), army personnel, and immigration officials, amidst ongoing clashes with the Arakan Army.
The BGB has responsibly disarmed the asylum-seeking Myanmar forces, ensuring their safety and security within Bangladesh’s borders.
This series of actions by the BGB and its leadership reflects Bangladesh’s balanced approach to border security, combining strict enforcement with a compassionate response to regional instability and humanitarian needs.
Police working with BGB to ensure security at Bangladesh-Myanmar border: IGP
Chevron and partners provide free reconstructive surgery to 69 patients in Sylhet’s Jalalabad
In a significant act of corporate social responsibility, Chevron Bangladesh, in partnership with the Rotary Club of Jalalabad and Sylhet Women’s Medical College Hospital (SWMCH), has brought life-altering change to 69 individuals, predominantly children, living in the vicinity of the Jalalabad gas field. These individuals received complimentary reconstructive surgeries to correct conditions such as cleft lip, cleft palate, and burns, marking a crucial step towards enhanced quality of life.
The mission, spanning 10 days, saw the participation of 29 volunteers from six different countries, demonstrating a global commitment to humanitarian aid. This year’s surgical campaign in Sylhet concluded with a formal ceremony, celebrating the success of the 7th Rotaplast mission in the region. Rotaplast International, a nonprofit organization affiliated with the Rotary Club of San Francisco, has been pivotal in organizing these missions, focusing on offering free surgical solutions for children suffering from cleft conditions, alongside providing training and support for local medical teams.
Read: Clashes at Myanmar border escalate, 65 Rohingyas intercepted
The event drew notable attendees, including Abu Ahmed Siddique, Divisional Commissioner of Sylhet; Dr. Kenneth Jacob Funk, Mission Director of Rotaplast; and Muhammad Imrul Kabir, Director of Corporate Affairs at Chevron Bangladesh, among others. Their presence underscored the collaborative effort and dedication towards healthcare improvement and community support.
Rotaplast’s collaboration with Chevron Bangladesh started in 2013 with logistical support and co-sponsorship of a surgical mission in Chattogram. Thereafter, Rotaplast came in Sylhet, Bangladesh in 2014, 2015, 2018, and 2019 collaborating with Chevron Bangladesh.
Divisional Commissioner of Sylhet, Abu Ahmed Siddique conveyed his appreciation to Rotaplast International, Chevron Bangladesh, the Rotary Club of Jalalabad and Sylhet Women’s Medical College Hospital for their collaborative support of this noble mission.
Chevron Bangladesh’s Corporate Affairs Director, Muhammad Imrul Kabir said, “These reconstructive surgeries truly change lives for the better, providing patients with an opportunity to lead normal lives and to reach their full potential. At Chevron Bangladesh, we are proud to support this life-changing program through our social investment initiatives.”
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Speaking on behalf of Rotaplast, Director of Sylhet 2024 Mission, Dr. Kenneth Jacob Funk said, “I would like to thank the real heroes – the parents who brought their children and entrusted their precious gifts to the Rotaplast team.”
Chevron is one of the world’s leading integrated energy companies, involved in virtually every aspect of the energy industry.
PM Hasina calls for holding regular sports tournaments for children and youth
Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on Wednesday put emphasis on holding inter school, college and university level sports tournaments regularly.
“We need to build environment for holding inter school, college and university level sports tournaments. We even need to arrange inter upazila and district sports tournaments,” she said.
The prime minister said this while inaugurating the final round of 52nd Winter National Sports Competition of school, madrasas and technical institutes. She joined the programme virtually from her official residence Ganabhaban.
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The Board of Intermediate and Secondary Education (BISE), Rajshahi and Bangladesh National School, Madrasha and Technical Institutions Sports Association jointly organised the national sports event at Muktijuddho Smriti Stadium in Rajshahi to be held from February 7 to 12.
Hasina said that the young people will be able to grow strong both physically and mentally if different tournaments for them are held round the year. This will also help flourishing their creativity and instill in their minds love for the society and the country.
They will be able to bring honour and dignity for their families also, she said.
The prime minister asked the authorities concerned for making local games more attractive and put more importance on them.
She said that besides physical exercise sports help creating bonding for unity, atmosphere of friendship, competitive environment and psychological strength in a person.
“That means the spirit of sportsmanship develops. For that I think we have to give more attention to sports,” she said.
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The prime minister said that her government has given extra attention on the sports arena of the country.
“For the boys and girls of primary school level the government has arranged football tournaments,” she said.
She also agreed to the plea of the education minister to introduce secondary school level tournaments for all kinds of sports.
In this connection, she said that the sports of the country have to be developed further.
She said that the government has plan to provide intensive training for the children so that they can do better in all sorts of sports in the competitive tournaments.
“Developing trainers is also urgently needed. We will set up BKSP in every eight division for that purpose and make the children more skillful in the sports ,” she said.
She said that the government is constructing a mini stadium in every upazila of the country for holding sports competitions round the year.
Rajshahi City Corporation Mayor AHM Khairuzzaman Liton and Education Minister Mohibul Hasan Chowdhury, among others, were present at Rajshahi end.
This sports competition was introduced by Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman in 1972. The competition could not be held in 1998 due to floods. It was not held also in 2020 and 2021 for Covid-19 pandemic.
The upazila level competition was held from January 15 to 21, while district level from January 23 to 27, sub-regional from January 29 to February 1, regional from February 3 to 5 and finally the national level will be from February 7 to 12.
The country's largest sports competition started with some 700,000 participants at the Upazila level on January 11, 2024.
Today, the final round of the sports competition was inaugurated and a total of 824 students are participating under different sports events.
There are 13 different sports events in the final round of the competition.
Dhaka’s air ‘unhealthy’, 4th worst in the world
Dhaka ranked fourth on the list of cities worldwide with the worst air quality, with an AQI score of 185 at 9:05 am this morning.
Dhaka’s air was classified as 'unhealthy', according to the air quality index.
Ghana’s Accra, India’s Mumbai and Pakistan’s Karachi occupied the first three spots on the list, with AQI scores of 316, 202 and 189 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.
Clashes at Myanmar border escalate, 65 Rohingyas intercepted
The conflict in Myanmar continues unabated. The sound of gunfire, mortar shells and explosions is increasing in the border areas.
From Naikhangchhari upazila of Bandarban district to Palongkhali union of Ukhiya upazila of Cox's Bazar district and Teknaf's Hnila , the sound of explosions can be heard. Mortar shells and bullets fired from Myanmar are landing on houses on the other side of the border.
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From Monday night to Tuesday afternoon, mortar shells hit two houses and bullets hit five houses in the border area. On Tuesday, five Bangladeshis were injured by gunshots from Myanmar.
Bandarban Deputy Commissioner Shah Mojahid Uddin and Bandarban Police Superintendent Saikat Shahin visited the Ghundum border area on Tuesday afternoon.
After the visit, the Bandarban Deputy Commissioner said that the situation in the Ghundum border area could deteriorate further. There is a risk to 240 families in the border area. The local chairman is helping them to move to safety. Meanwhile, 150 families from the border area have already moved to their relatives' houses on their own initiative. Thirty families have been evacuated from the Jalpaitali area.
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He said there are two shelters. He requested others to move to safe shelters.
Since Tuesday afternoon, loud speakers were used to ask people from Tumbru, Kona Para, Majher Para, Bhaja Bonia Para, Bazar Para, Chakma Headman Para, Paschimkul Para, Ghundum Nayapara, Purbopara, Madhya Para to move to safety.
AKM Jahangir Aziz, chairman of Ghundum Union Parishad, said that the locals are in panic due to the shelling from Myanmar for the last 5-6 days.
264 Myanmar forces including army men make their way into Bangladesh: BGB
Deputy Commissioner Shah Mojahid, who visited the border, said that two schools have been opened as shelters, keeping in mind the security risks in the border area. The administration and local representatives are working together on the overall issue.
He said that unexploded bombs can cause injury or death. He urged everyone to be careful keeping in mind the overall situation.
Bandarban Police Superintendent Saikat Shahin said that police are also on high alert along with the district administration and BGB.
In the meantime, the administration has taken the initiative to evacuate the people living in the risky areas of the Cox's Bazar border.
Cox's Bazar Deputy Commissioner Muhammad Shahriar Imran said that the conflict in Myanmar has increased. In this context, there is a directive to evacuate the people living in the risky areas of the border.
The Deputy Commissioner said that the process of evacuating the border residents will start considering the situation.Meanwhile, Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) intercepted a boat attempting to infiltrate Bangladesh from Myanmar via the Naf River.
The incident occurred on Tuesday afternoon at the Damdamia Zero Line near Hnila in Teknaf upazila, Cox's Bazar. Lt Col M Mohiuddin Ahmed, Teknaf 2 BGB Battalion Commander, reported that the boat carried 65 Rohingya individuals. All were male. The boat was prevented from reaching Bangladeshi territory, and they were compelled to return to Myanmar.
Strict measures are in place to prevent any new Rohingya influx into Bangladesh, with heightened vigilance by the BGB along the border.
BSF detains 23 Bangladeshis along Chhagalnaiya border in Feni
Indian Border Security Force (BSF) has detained 23 Bangladeshis from the Chhagalnaiya border in Feni.
They were arrested near the 99th pillar east of the Bangladesh-India border around 2:00 am Tuesday.
Sheikh Mohammad Badruddoza, commanding officer of Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB-4) in Feni, said a flag meeting was held between the BGB and BSF over the matter on Tuesday evening.
During the meeting, the BSF claimed that 23 Bangladeshi nationals were detained on charges of smuggling. At the meeting, the list of detainees was given to the BGB on behalf of the BSF, he said.
“We have reported the matter to the authorities. We have received the national identity cards of the detained Bangladeshi nationals. We will take legal action in this regard,” said the BGB CO.
Some villagers said the 23 were detained for smuggling sugar by cutting the barbed wire fence. According to locals, more than 100 workers were carrying sugar sacks near Samarganj, India, and 99th pillar in Bangladesh on Monday night.