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DSCC conducts second day of eviction drive in Mugda
Dhaka South City Corporation (DSCC) carried out the second day of its eviction drive to widen the main road of Mugda area in the city.
DSCC executive magistrates Mohammad Munurzzaman and Jahangir Alam jointly led the eviction operation on the road.
The operation is being conducted in a joint initiative of DSCC and Rajdhani Unnayan Kartripakkha (Rajuk) to widen the Bishwa road-Haider Ali School in Manda on the road to 50-feet one, according to the design of the Detailed Area Plan (DAP).
About the eviction drive that started on Sunday, executive magistrate Mohammad Muniruzzaman said many owners are removing their structures spontaneously for the sake of widening the road at the request of the city corporation.
The DSCC earlier issued notices for the owners on four occasions and announced on Thursday last through loud speakers for the eviction drive, he said.
Now the width of the road is on average 17 feet. But there is a plan to raise the width to 50 feet making it 40-feet two-lane road with 5-feet footpaths on two sides.
Two children drown in Ctg pond
Two children drowned while bathing in a pond at the Chandanaish upazila of Chattogram on Monday.
The accident happened around noon in the newly built area of Ward 4 of Chandanaish Municipality.
The deceased were identified as Jannatul Mawa (9) and Nusrat Jahan Fariya (7).
Locals said Jannatul, daughter of Belal Uddin, and Nusrat Jahan Fariya, daughter of Jakir Hossen, were cousins and used to stay together. They went to bathe in the pond adjacent to their house together at around noon. When they did not return for a long time, family members started searching for them.
Later, the lifeless bodies of Jannatul and Nusrat surfaced in the pond. At that time, locals and family members took them to Chandanaish Hospital, where duty doctors declared them dead.
Among the deceased, Jannatul Mawa was a student of Class Three at Harla Samabay Government Primary School and Nusrat was a student of Class One at West Harla Government Primary School.
Dr Priyanka, a doctor at the Chandanaish Upazila Health Complex, said that the two children died before being brought to the hospital.
Tk 2000cr money laundering case: Court accepts chargesheet against 46, inc Barkat and Rubel
A Dhaka court on Monday accepted the chargesheet against 47 people including former general secretary of Faridpur district town unit Awami League Sazzad Hossain Barkat and his brother Imtiaz Hasan Rubel in connection with the Tk 2000 crore money laundering case.
Dhaka Metropolitan Session Judge As-Shams Jaglul Hossain accepted the chargesheet submitted by the Criminal Investigation Department (CID).
Of the chargesheeted accused Barkat, Rubel and AHM Fuad remained in jail.
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Seven accused including the Editor of Dhaka Times Arifur Rahman alias Dolon appeared before the court.
The court also issued warrants for the arrest of 36 chargesheeted accused as they remain absconding.
It also fixed May 30 for submitting all documents related to their arrests, said additional public prosecutor Taposh Kumar Pal.
Earlier on June 22, 2022, CID submitted the supplementary chargesheet against 47 people including Barkat and Rubel after appearing before the Dhaka Special Judge Court-9.
Judge of the court Sheikh Hafizur Rahman sent the case to the Metropolitan Session Judge.
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On March 3, 2021, Uttam Kumar Saha, assistant police commissioner and also the investigating officer of the case submitted chargesheet against ten people in the case.
Later, the court on September 1, 2022, asked CID for further investigation.
The others accused in the case are—Khandaker Mehtesham Hossain Babor, Sattyajit Mukherjee, Nazmul Islam Khandaker Levi, Asibur Rahman Farhan, Fahad Bin Wazed Alias Fahim, Quamrul Hasan Devid, Muhammad Ali Minar, Tariqul Islam alias Nasim, Nishan Mahmud alias Shamim, Billal Hossain, Siddiqur Rahman alias Siddique, Saiful Islam Jibon, Advocate Animesh Roy, Shamsul Alam Chowdhury, Dipak Kumar Majumdar, Sheikh Mahtab Ali, Shahidul Islam alias Majnu, Fakir Md Belayet Gossain, Golam Md Nasim, Jamal Ahmed alias Jamal, Belayet Hossain Molla, Afzal Hossain Khan alias Shiplu, Amitab Bose, Chowdhury Md Hasan, Zafar Iqbal alias Harun Mandal, Afroza Akter Parveen, Soheli Emruz Punum, Saheb Sarwar, Amzad Hossain Babu, Swapan Kumar Pal, Advocate Zahid Bepari, Khalifa Jamal, Hafizul Hossain Tapan, Riaz Ahmed Shanto, Anwar Hossain Abu Fakir, Moniruzzaman Mamun, Mahfuzur Rahman, Sumon Saha, Abdul Jalil Sheikh, Rafique Mandal, Khandaker Shaheen Ahmed alias Pan Shaheen and Afzal Hossain Khan.
On June 26, 2020, SM Miraz Al Mahmud, inspector of CID, filed the Tk 2000 crore money laundering case with Kafrul Police Station.
North mayor promises jail time to go with fines for Aedes larvae after Apr 27
From April 27, next Sunday, If Aedes mosquito larvae are found in any establishment falling under the jurisdiction of Dhaka North City Corporation (DNCC), the owners will face not just fines as before but also jail terms, DNCC Mayor Md Atiqul Islam said Monday.
Furthermore, if larvae are discovered in a government office, the person in charge of that office will also be sued and fined. Even if larvae are found in any office within the DNCC, action will be taken against the officials of that office.
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The DNCC mayor disclosed this information while inaugurating a month-long public awareness campaign in 54 wards of DNCC simultaneously to prevent dengue in the Mirpur Rupnagar area of the capital on Monday.
"My clear message is, if larvae are found, a case will be registered, and individuals may be jailed and fined. The amount of the fine will also be substantially increased. We have already informed the Ministry of Local Government to provide us with more magistrates," the DNCC Mayor added.
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Atiqul Islam further stated, "If you (city dwellers) are aware, there is no need for jail sentences or fines. Dispose of accumulated water every three days. Clean areas where Aedes mosquitoes can breed. Stay aware and keep yourself and others safe," the DNCC Mayor said.
Among others, Dhaka-14 Constituency Member of Parliament Md. Mainul Hossain Khan Nikhil, DNCC Chief Engineer Brig Gen Md Moin Uddin, Chief Health Officer Brig Gen Imrul Kayes Chowdhury, Regional Executive Officer of Region-4 Md. Abed Ali, Councilor of reserved seat Shikha Chakraborty, and other senior officials were present.
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Land minister stresses ensuring pro-people land services while formulating APA action plan
Land Minister Narayon Chandra Chanda on Monday stressed the need to ensure optimum use of land and people-friendly services related to land while formulating the Annual Performance Agreement (APA) action plan for the fiscal year 2024-2025.
He said this while inaugurating a workshop on the preparation of draft APA for the fiscal year 2024-25 of the Ministry of Land and its offices/agencies at the conference room of the Ministry of Land at the Secretariat on Monday.
The land minister said that people's involvement with land management is very high and direct. Most of the rural disputes and litigations are related to land tenure. Therefore, the government is working to provide more efficient land-related services to the people through efficient, modern, public welfare-oriented and sustainable land management. APA's role in bringing good governance to this process is important.
He emphasised the important role of the Annual Performance Agreement (APA) in increasing transparency and accountability in government offices.
The minister also highlighted the importance of APA for a result-oriented mentality, institutional transparency, accountability, proper use of resources, and organizational efficiency in government institutions. He underscored the need for effective implementation of the objectives of the Ministry of Land in citizen service to create seamless synchronization between the ministry and the field-level offices.
Narayon emphasised that the APA introduced by the Government in 2014-15 has been instrumental in bringing the activities of the ministries and agencies from procedural to result-oriented activities. The minister also directed the Ministry of Land and its affiliated offices/agencies to prepare their respective strategic objectives and activities for the next fiscal year in line with the overall vision and mission of the Ministry of Land.
Chairman of Land Appeal Board AKM Shamimul Haque Siddique, Additional Secretary (Acting Secretary) of the Ministry of Land Md. Abbas Uddin and Additional Secretary (Development) Ziauddin Ahmed NDC were present on the occasion.
Govt moves to ramp up LNG terminal capacity, even as demand slows down on back of fiscal challenges
Despite plans to ramp up LNG terminal capacity, fiscal challenges the country is presently mired in may limit a drastic LNG demand growth in the short-term.
The observation was made on Monday by the Institute for Energy Economics and Financial Analysis (IEEFA), which styles itself as a 'global think tank' focused on the international energy market, in its “Global LNG Outlook 2024-2028”.
In an analysis, it said that new nuclear facilities, coal-fired plants and renewables may limit full capacity utilization of gas-fired plants in the near term.
“Bangladesh may opt for gas-fired peaking plants instead of only base-load plants to accommodate more renewable energy. It may seek to limit the LNG demand growth rate by frontloading energy efficiency in industrial processes and captive generation,” said the IEEFA.
The IEEFA launched its Global LNG Outlook 2024-2028. The report offers IEEFA's outlook on the global LNG demand from 2024 to 2028.
Regarding Bangladesh, Shafiqul Alam, IEEFA's Lead Analyst for Bangladesh Energy says, "Low spot market LNG prices resulted in a rebound in demand from Bangladesh by 17.9% in 2023 after imports fell by 14.4% in 2022, but sensitivity to volatile LNG prices, fiscal challenges and competing energy resources in the power sector point to a moderate medium-term demand growth."
About the global LNG demand, the IEEFA said lackluster demand growth combined with a massive wave of new export capacity is poised to send global liquefied natural gas (LNG) markets into oversupply within two years.
LNG demand in Japan, South Korea, and Europe—which together account for more than half of the world’s LNG imports—is expected to fall through 2030.
In emerging Asia, LNG demand growth will face significant economic, political, financial, and logistical challenges that may not be fully resolved in an oversupplied market.
Global LNG supply capacity is set to reach 666.5 million metric tons per annum by the end of 2028—a 40% increase in just five years—despite uncertain demand.
The IEEFA said sluggish demand growth for LNG, combined with a record increase in global export capacity through 2028, will likely thrust markets into an extended period of oversupply.
As major importing regions—including Japan, South Korea, and Europe—aim to reduce LNG demand through 2030, global LNG suppliers and traders will increasingly depend on growth in emerging markets to both compensate for falling imports elsewhere and absorb a flood of new supply.
However, such rapid LNG demand growth in emerging economies is not guaranteed, even in an oversupplied market.
IEEFA noted that countries in South and Southeast Asia, for example, will face distinct barriers to rising demand, including fiscal and credit challenges, extensive infrastructure delays, and contracting issues, among other obstacles.
The global LNG crisis following Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022 brought these issues to the fore, spurring many markets to reduce the role of LNG in their development plans and accelerate the development of alternative energy sources, it added.
China reclaimed its position as the world’s largest LNG importer in 2023. However, domestic natural gas production and additional pipeline imports may limit LNG demand growth. Unprecedented increases in renewables capacity are constraining the need for LNG in the power sector.
In South Asia, fiscal challenges along with the inherent volatility of LNG prices may constrain rapid near-term demand growth, and the role of LNG in power generation is likely to remain low.
In Southeast Asia, extensive development timelines, contract negotiations, and repeated project delays for LNG-related infrastructure may continue to inhibit demand while strengthening political incentives to pursue alternative energy sources.
18th Meena Media Awards: 15 Bangladeshi journalists, including 3 child journalists honoured
UNICEF on Monday honoured 15 Bangladeshi journalists, including three child journalists, for their outstanding reporting on children’s issues during the 18th edition of Meena Media Awards in Bangladesh.
Since its launch in 2005, the Meena Media Awards have promoted child rights through recognizing excellence in journalistic reporting in print, broadcast, and online media, including reports of child journalists.
For the most recent round of awards, UNICEF received more than 1,000 submissions from print, photo, and video journalists, working in both national and local media outlets, more than three times last year’s total of 300 entries.
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Congratulating the award winners, Speaker Dr Shirin Sharmin Chaudhury said media has an important role in voicing the needs of children. “Their insightful analysis of children’s issues provides crucial guidance for both society and policymakers, urging them to take meaningful action in ensuring children’s rights.”
The stories shared by winners and nominees center around critical issues such as children impacted by climate shocks, girls facing challenges in managing menstrual hygiene, children living in street situations, and children hailing from the marginalized communities.
“The news reports, photographs, and videos showcased at the Meena Media Award today not only highlight the needs of children but also what can be done to make their lives better. As we gather here to honour the journalists, let us reaffirm our commitments to ensure that the children’s voices are heard, their dreams nurtured, and their rights protected,” said Sheldon Yett, UNICEF Representative to Bangladesh.
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A nine-member expert panel of judges comprising of leading creative writers, media professionals both from print and broadcast media, photographers and academics selected the awardees among 65 nominees in 12 categories.
The judges assessed each entry through a strict marking process where the names of the participants were replaced by a specific code number to ensure non-biased judgement.
“The Meena Media Awards annually remind us of our utmost responsibility to safeguard the rights of children. I am confident that our journalist community, including the aspiring child journalists, will continue to write about the pressing issues that impact the lives of children in Bangladesh,” said Dr. Gitiara Nasreen, Professor in the Department of Mass Communication & Journalism in University of Dhaka, and one of the 2023 awards judges.
Mahfuz Anam, Editor, of The Daily Star, Dr Md Jahangir Alam, Director General, Bangladesh Television, Dr Muhammad Zafar Iqbal, educationist, novelist and story writer specially for children, Reaz Ahmed, Executive Editor, Dhaka Tribune and Shameem Akhtar, filmmaker and lecturer at the Pathshala Institute, UNICEF National Ambassador, Bidya Sinha Saha Mim, UNICEF Child’s advocates, representatives from media, and donor agencies were present at the ceremony. Winners of the UNICEF Meena Media Awards 2023 (18 or Above) are: Ahmadul Hassan (Prothom Alo), Md Sazid Hossain (Prothom Alo), Md Boni Amin (Jamuna Television), Md Shabuj Mahmud (Independent Television), Md Rakibul Hasan Tamim (Dhaka Post), Md Jasim Uddin, (Dhaka Post), Musa Mollick (Dhaka Post), Nazrul Islam (Dhaka Post), Rabiul Alam (Dhaka Note), Sadhan Kumar Sarker, Daily Protidiner Bangladesh, Sharmin Rima, Cvoice24.com and Udisa islam, Bangla Tribune.Winners of the UNICEF Children’s Meena Media Awards 2023 (Below 18) are: Md. Safayet Hossain Shanto, Daily Ajker Sundarban, MD Mojahid Islam, ATN Bangla and Md. Naime Islam, economicnews24.com.
Central bank seeks info on upazila election candidates, ostensibly to identify defaulters
Bangladesh Bank (BB) has asked all the returning officers to provide the information of the candidates in the second phase of the Upazila Parishad election, ostensibly to shield against loan defaulters becoming candidates.
The second phase of the sixth ‘Upazila Parishad’ election will be held on May 21, 2024.
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Md Anisur Rahman, additional director of the credit information bureau, issued a letter to the returning officers, to provide information related to the debt of the candidates who filed nomination papers for the second phase of Upazila Parishad elections as per the prescribed form.
Shapla Chattor sought full name, father's name, mother's name, husband's name (if applicable) in Bengali and English, national identity card number, taxpayer identification number, and date of birth of all candidates.
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The information also asked to include permanent and present address should be duly filled as per the attached table and sent through e-mail after giving the name of the returning officer/assistant returning officer along with seal, signature, and phone (mobile) number.
Around 2055 candidates have submitted their nomination papers in the second phase of upazila polls.
Election Commission Additional Secretary Ashok Kumar Debnath said that 730 people have filed nomination papers for the post of chairman, 763 for the post of vice chairman, and 562 for the post of female vice chairman.
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ACC appoints committee to probe allegations against ex-IGP Benazir, his family
Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) formed a committee to investigate the alleged corruption of former inspector general of Police (IGP) Benazir Ahmed and his family.
ACC secretary Khorsheda Yeasmin informed the update at a briefing held at the headquarter of the Commission on Monday.
She said a report of illegal acquisition of wealth against former IGP Benazir Ahmed was published in a national daily newspaper on March 31 while similar complaints were published in some other electronic media on April 1 and 2.
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Mentioning the reports, ACC secretary said proceedings were initiated under Rule No. 3 of the Anti-Corruption Commission Rules, 2007 regarding the complaints.
She also said "The decision to investigate the fomer IGP was taken on April 18 in the first meeting after the long Eid Holiday."
According to the relevant laws and regulations, legal action will be taken by completing the investigation within the prescribed time frame, she added.
Benazir to get police protection during post-retirement leave
Earlier, a writ was filed in the High Court seeking a corruption probe into former IGP of Police Benazir Ahmed.
On Monday (April 22), Supreme Court lawyer Salahuddin Regan filed the writ in the relevant branch of the High Court. In the writ four persons including ACC chairman and secretary were made defendants.
Security guard killed in road crash at Merul Badda
A security guard was killed being hit by an unidentified vehicle when he was on-duty at Merul Badda U-loop bridge in the city on early Monday.
The deceased was identified as Md Farid Mia, 65.
Quoting witnesses police said the road accident took place under Merul Badda U-loop Bridge while he was on duty around 4:30 am on Monday.
Bishwanath village in shock as minor cousins drown in pond
Being informed, a team of Badda police station rushed to the spot and rescued seriously injured Farid.
Then he was taken to the emergency department of Dhaka Medical College Hospital (DMCH) at around 6:30 in the morning, where the doctor on duty declared him dead.
Nazmul Islam, the grandson of the deceased who brought him to the DMCH hospital, said that his grandfather was on-duty to guard the busses, which were parked near Merul Badda temple at night.
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In-charge of DMCH Police Camp Md. Bachchu Mia said the body was kept in the hospital morgue and the concerned police station is aware of the matter.