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Weather forecast: Light to moderate rain likely in Dhaka, elsewhere over 24 hours
Light to moderate rain or thundershowers are likely to occur in Dhaka and other parts of the country over 24 hours (starting from 9 am today) as monsoon is fairly active, Bangladesh Meteorological Department said today.
“Light to moderate rain or thundershowers accompanied by temporary gusty wind are likely to occur at many places in Barishal, Chattogram and Sylhet divisions and at a few places in Rangpur, Rajshahi, Mymensingh, Dhaka and Khulna divisions with moderately heavy to heavy falls at places across the country,” said the Met office.
Read: BMD forecasts rains in eight divisions
Day and night temperatures may remain nearly unchanged over the country.
The axis of monsoon trough runs through India’s Punjab, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, Bihar and West Bengal to Assam across the central part of Bangladesh. One of its associated troughs extends up to North Bay.
Read: Weather forecast: Bangladesh may see less rain over 72 hours, says BMD
Monsoon is fairly active over Bangladesh and moderate over North Bay.
Dhaka’s air 3rd most polluted in the world this morning
With an air quality index (AQI) score of 152 at 8:53 am today, Dhaka ranked 3rd on the list of cities worldwide with the worst air quality.
Baghdad of Iraq, Jakarta of Indonesia and Dubai of United Arab Emirates occupied the first, second, and fourth spots, with AQI scores of 161, 160, and 151 respectively.
Read: Continued rain keeps Dhaka's air quality ‘moderate’
An AQI between 50 and 100 is considered ‘moderate’ with acceptable air quality. However, there may be a health concern for a very small number of people who are unusually sensitive to air pollution. AQI between 101 and 150 is considered ‘unhealthy', and 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.
Read: Dhaka's air quality ‘unhealthy for sensitive groups’ this morning
Dhaka has long been grappling with air pollution issues. Its air quality usually turns unhealthy in winter and improves during the monsoon.
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.
BUP Human Resource and Leadership Club's HR Insights Forum leaves a lasting mark on participants
The BUP Human Resource and Leadership Club (BUP HRLC) concluded its highly anticipated three-day event, the HR Insights Forum: Exploring the HR Landscape, on July 29th.
The event, which took place from July 27th to July 29th, garnered immense interest and participation from students and professionals alike.
With a commitment to providing valuable insights into the world of human resources, the HR Insights Forum featured an engaging lineup of workshops, webinars, and a grand prize distribution ceremony, according to a press release.
Over 150 students from diverse academic backgrounds attended the event, transforming it into a resounding success and a significant milestone for the BUP HRLC.
The forum commenced with a workshop on "Pathfinder: Navigating Skill Sets for Your Profession," led by Ekhtier Ahmed Evan from Lead Academy.
Evan's workshop provided attendees with valuable insights into essential skills required to secure dream jobs and facilitated interactive discussions, enriching the learning experience.
The following day, attendees transitioned to a virtual platform to engage in a webinar led by Zunayed Ahmed Chowdhury from BRAC.
This virtual session delved into contemporary HR challenges, talent management strategies, and the evolving role of HR in organizational development.
The virtual format not only ensured accessibility but also attracted participants from various geographic locations, reads the release.
The grand finale of the HR Insights Forum showcased keynote speakers of notable distinction. Farid Sobhani, VP of FBHRO and advisor to the Institute of Personnel Management, and Musharrof Hossain, president of FBHRO and head of HR at the International Centre for Diarrhoeal Disease Research, took the stage to discuss crucial human qualities for success and 21st-century HR best practices.
The event's chief guest, Brigadier General Mohammad Monir Hossain Patwary, Dean of the Faculty of Business Studies, honored sponsors and partners and awarded top performers Anisha Tasneem, Prothom Sarkar, and Khaleda Akhter Kona.
Biman Bangladesh Airlines and Gulf Air forge strategic partnership for enhanced travel connectivity
Biman Bangladesh Airlines and Gulf Air have inked a code-share agreement, set to revolutionize travel between Bangladesh and the Gulf region.
This alliance, slated to take effect on August 9, 2023, promises to elevate passenger experiences by offering enhanced connectivity, convenience, and accessibility.
The official signing ceremony for the code-share agreement was held virtually at Biman Head Office on Wednesday with representatives from both airlines connected through a web platform.
With this agreement, Biman Bangladesh Airlines and Gulf Air will collaborate closely to expand their flight networks, offering an extensive range of options to their respective passengers, according to a press release.
The code-share agreement will enable travelers to seamlessly book flights operated by either airline, providing increased flexibility and efficiency in travel planning, reads the release.
Initially, under this agreement passengers can travel from Dhaka to Bahrain and Bahrain to Dhaka with onward connection to Chattogram and Sylhet by both the Airlines (Biman & Gulf Air).
Initial offerings under this agreement include travel routes connecting Dhaka and Bahrain, facilitated by both Biman Bangladesh Airlines and Gulf Air.
These routes further extend to encompass the vibrant cities of Chattogram and Sylhet, providing travelers with comprehensive options for their journeys, according to the official press release.
Shafiul Azim, managing director and chief executive officer of Biman Bangladesh Airlines, expressed his enthusiasm for this pivotal partnership, emphasizing its significance for both carriers.
"We are thrilled to collaborate with Gulf Air in this code-share agreement, a milestone that opens doors to new horizons for our esteemed customers. This alliance not only simplifies travel but also reinforces the strong ties between Bangladesh and the Gulf countries," he stated.
Captain Waleed Al Alawi, CEO of Gulf Air, echoed the sentiment of excitement and opportunity.
"Our partnership with Biman Bangladesh Airlines, a reputable carrier in the South Asian region, signifies a new chapter in travel accessibility. Through this code-share agreement, we aspire to expand our passengers' reach to an array of destinations, enriching their travel experiences," he said.
The code-share agreement between Biman Bangladesh Airlines and Gulf Air will also benefit both airlines through enhanced operational efficiency and shared expertise in the aviation industry.
Mozammel Haque slams US for its role in 1971
Liberation War Affairs Minister Mozammel Haque on Wednesday said that America is now trying to be a friend, failing to suppress Sheikh Hasina.
"It is easy to kill someone in the guise of a friend. Bangabandhu was killed by people close to him," he said.
Mozammel made the statement while addressing as the chief guest at a discussion meeting and doa mahfil to mark August 15.
Also read: ‘Your letter demanding UN intervention in Bangladesh election makes it seem like you are playing in the hands of terrorists’
DUET Chhatra League Alumni Association (DUECA) organised the programme at the Engineers’ Institution Bangladesh (IEB) in the capital.
He said that the United States not only sent the seventh fleet in 1971, but wanted to stop the liberation war of this country. A famine was artificially created in Bangladesh after the war. An environment was created to kill Bangabandhu.
Bangladesh Awami League's science and technology affairs secretary and IEB president Engineer Abdus Sabur said that the enemies have repeatedly struck to eliminate the family of the Father of the Nation.
Also read: Sanctions, freezing assets, giving partner nations intel can be tools to fight corruption: US State Dept
Engineer Abdul Jalil Hawladar Palash moderated the discussion programme while general secretary of DUECA Zulfikar Ali gave a welcome speech.
Bangladesh and Britain agree to boost bilateral trade
Bangladesh and the United Kingdom on Wednesday agreed to increase bilateral trade, business and investments for mutual benefits of the two countries.
The agreement came from an hour-long meeting held between British High Commissioner to Bangladesh Sarah Cooke and PM’s Principal Secretary M Tofazzel Hossain Miah in the afternoon at the latter’s office here in the city.
The Chief Economist of Foreign-Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) is expected to visit Bangladesh next month in this regard.
Also read: Success in achieving ‘Sonar Bangla’ and ‘Global Britain’ depend on how Bangladesh and UK choose to cooperate: Shahriar Alam
During the meeting, different other issues including Rohingya, illegal migration, climate change and energy also came up for discussion, said PM's Assistant Press Secretary MM Emrul Kayas.
The high commissioner assured Dhaka of cooperation to ensure quota-free access of Bangladeshi products to the UK market after its final graduation as a developing nation.
In the meeting, both sides agreed to explore new horizons to enhance economic partnership between the two countries for mutual benefits.
About the Rohingya issue, Cooke said its solution is their repatriation to their homeland, Myanmar.
She highly appreciated the active role and continued efforts of the Bangladesh government to repatriate Rohingya refugees to their motherland in a safe, durable and dignified way.
Also read: UK keen to invest in solar-powered irrigation schemes in Bangladesh: Envoy
Tofazzel said the foundation of Bangladesh-Britain relationship was laid during the regime of Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman.
"The relation has now been elevated to a strategic partnership and will be strengthened further in the days to come," he said.
Besides, they discussed crimes committed by the migrated people and both of them wished to help one another to check illegal migration.
Also read: Bangladesh-UK relations transformed to strategic partnership: British envoy
Sajeeb Wazed shares video ‘exposing BNP men involved in arson attack’
Citing a video that reveals “armed BNP leaders and activists taking part in arson attacks and damaging vehicles in broad daylight” during the last sit-in program held at key entry points of Dhaka on July 29, Sajeeb Wazed, ICT affairs advisor to the Prime Minister, took a dig at BNP’s Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir who earlier denied BNP’s involvement in the violence that unfolded that day.
Also read: Public Service Commission was plagued by corruption, depriving meritorious candidates during BNP-Jamaat govt: Sajeeb Wazed
The video contains “real time footage of vandalism where attackers can be seen launching a spree of attack and arson on vehicles in the Ashulia area on July 29,” citing an investigation of a media outlet.
The video shared by Sajeeb Wazed on his social media account contains “appearance of at least two leaders of BNP’s associate bodies including Shahidul Islam, joint general secretary of Jubo Dal’s Dhaka district unit, and Md Suruzzaman, assistant organzing secretary of the same unit.”
The video was released by a media outlet, based on investigation from law enforcers, with testimony of the driver of one of the buses that was burned. The driver “recognised the attackers” and said, “I have suffered a great loss; I almost died that day.”
Also read: Let's realize ‘Move forward Bangladesh’ mission together: Sajeeb Wazed responds to BNP’s ‘Take back Bangladesh’
Following a case filed by the driver, police started an investigation and after ten days the attackers were arrested.
The video reveals a group of men armed with sticks and rods suddenly marching on the highway and attacking vehicles plying on the streets.
At one point they blocked a bus, beat up the driver and helper, and dragged them out of the bus.
As the driver and helper duo fled, a man from the group brought out an unidentified substance from a bag and set the bus on fire.
Also read: ‘Does media not have the right to speak the truth that goes against BNP?’ — Sajeeb Wazed asks
With the video, Sajeeb Wazed tweeted: “Mirza Fakhrul’s lies exposed by the media… Vid footage shows perpetrators of an arson attack on 29 July in Ashulia on the #Dhaka-Aricha highway. Among others, several #BNP leaders are seen involved in the rampage.”
Earlier, a post from AL’s verified page pointed out the presence of BNP’s student wing leader’s presence caught on camera when opposition activists “attacked police’s armored vehicles in Dhaka.”
The post contained a photo of Saif Mahmud Jewel, general secretary of Jatiyatabadi Chhatra Dal, wielding a bamboo stick, who apparently took part in another attack on the armoured police vehicles in the capital.
Moreover, a claim made from BNP’s verified twitter handle, holding AL activists responsible for “setting a bus on fire” – citing a report published by the daily Prothom Alo – was a “misrepresentation” as the report does not justify the claim, authorities and observers said.
A cropped excerpt from the report was added in the tweet but a detailed look at the report revealed no such comment was made by the driver that implicated AL activists in the arson.Shawkat Hossain, Head of Online at Prothom Alo, told the daily Shomoyer Alo: “Readers are requested to authenticate information from our website instead of relying on posts shared by other sources on social media, attributing news published by us. The report published by us does not say who set the bus on fire.”
Tomatoes being sold at Tk300 per kg in Dhaka while apples at Tk270
Surprisingly, tomatoes have become more expensive than apples and other fruits in Bangladesh’s capital, Dhaka.
Visiting different kitchen markets on Wednesday, this correspondent witnessed that tomatoes of premium quality are being sold at Tk300 per kg, while apples are sold at Tk270 to 280 per kg, and malta at Tk260 to 270 per kg.
Also read: Govt to soon fix prices of 9 daily essentials
Joyen Uddin, a vegetable vendor in the capital's Mohakhali kitchen market, said the price was higher because it is not tomato season yet; it is imported from neighbouring India.
The price of tomatoes has also increased in India. All in all, the cost of tomatoes has suddenly increased, he said.
"For the tomatoes we are selling today (Wednesday) at Tk 300 per kg, our average wholesale price is Tk 280," Joyen said.
Also read: Tomato cultivation: Bumper harvest and good price bring joy to farmers in Rajshahi
Besides, tomatoes are available in the retail market at 260 to 280 taka per kg, which is relatively small in size and lower quality production, he said.
Sabbir Ahmed, a local resident of Khilgaon who came to market at Malibagh kitchen market in the capital, said the price of all types of things in the market is high, but "I could not imagine that the price of tomatoes would be this much."
Also read: ‘Bulbul’ brings Bagerhat tomato farmers to their knees
Before coming to the kitchen market, "I bought apples for Tk280 per kg and malta for Tk270 per kg.
"But when I came to buy tomatoes, I heard that they (retailers) are selling tomatoes for Tk300 per kg," he said.
The vegetable vendors told UNB that two or three days ago tomatoes were sold for Tk 400 per kg.
ARTICLE 19 applauds government for taking initiative to amend Digital Security Act
ARTICLE 19, an international human rights organization working on freedom of expression and right to information, has appreciated the decision of Bangladesh government to amend the Digital Security Act (DSA) 2018.
From its inception, ARTICLE 19 has been calling for necessary amendment, where applicable, particularly those that curtail freedom of expression and defamation.
Right after the enactment of the Act, ARTICLE 19 fully analyzed the law in the light of international human rights standards and advocated continuously since 2018 with the highest levels of government, including the Minister of Law, Justice and Parliamentary Affairs, Minister of Information and Broadcasting, Minister of Posts and Telecommunications.
ARTICLE 19 concerned by DSA case against RTV reporter
Faruq Faisel, the Regional Director of ARTICLE 19 South Asia said in a statement sent to the media on Wednesday, “The Cabinet decision to amend the DSA 2018 is positive. We hope that the provisions of the newly proposed 'Cyber Security Act 2023' in place of this Act should be consistent with international human rights standards. In particular, the new law should not become an obstacle in practicing freedom of expression, freedom of media, dissent, free thought."
He said they hope that the government will enact the new proposed law in consultation with all stakeholders based on the suggestions and opinions of all.
ARTICLE 19, DW Akademie launch 2nd online course on misinformation, fact-checking
"ARTICLE 19 is ready to provide any kind of assistance in this regard if needed,” he added.
The Information and Communication Technology Act was enacted in 2006 to deal with crimes related to information technology.
Article 19 applauds authorities for clearing journalist Rozina of charges
Sayedabad bus terminal services to be relocated to Kanchpur; construction work begins
Dhaka South City Corporation (DSCC) Mayor Barrister Sheikh Fazle Noor Taposh on Wednesday inaugurated the construction work of Dhaka city inter-district bus terminal at Kanchpur.
Once the construction work is completed, the services of Sayedabad inter-district bus terminal will be relocated to Kanchpur within the next six months, accosting to a DCSS press release.
Also read: Plan to shift city’s inter-district bus terminals makes slow progress
"In light of the decision of the committee meeting of the bus route rationalization committee to make the public transport management in Dhaka city disciplined, we inaugurated the construction work of Dhaka City Inter-District Bus Terminal in Kanchpur today,” said the DSCC mayor.
“It's been a long wait. After 1984, no inter-district bus terminal was built. The Ministry of Road Transport and Bridges has given 12.5 acres of land here. Once the terminal is completed, inter-district bus services to 16 districts of Chattogram and Sylhet divisions will be operated from here,” he said.
Also read: DSCC working to improve Dhaka’s place in liveability index: Taposh
DSCC is constructing the terminal with its own funds and it will take full responsibility to operate it, said Taposh.
Also read: Bus service on 3 routes under route rationalization prog to be launched on Sept 1: Taposh
"In the initial phase, mud filling, construction of boundary wall, bus entry and exit and accommodation for workers will be done. The initial phase of the work will cost Tk 28 crore. We are hopeful that the initial phase of work will be completed in the next six months,” added Taposh.