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8-metre draught vessel docks at Mongla for first time
A container ship with an 8-metre draught, the first of its size, docked at Mongla port Monday.
The 186-metre long MCC Tokyo arrived from China's Shanghai. It moored at jetty No. 5 of the port with 289 containers, carrying goods weighing 7,241 metric tonnes, at 2:15pm, the Mongla Port Authority said.
The unloading of the consignment from the ship started at 3:30pm.
"The ship will leave the port after reloading goods. It was a trial run showing that ships with 8-metre draughts can also anchor at the port," Syed Zahid Hossain, local shipping agent of MCC Tokyo and managing director of Sun Trade, said.
The ship will leave the port for China Wednesday after reloading goods.
"MV Tokyo was the first ship of its size to anchor at Mongla port. It has been possible due to dredging. Previously all the ships that anchored at the jetties did not have a draught of more than seven metres," Zahid said.
Also read: Fourth Russian shipment for Rooppur arrives at Mongla Port
Ground handling work of HSIA-3rd Terminal to be outsourced to international standard organization
Aiming to serve passengers using the third terminal of Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport as best as possible, the ground handling work of the new terminal will be outsourced to an international standard organization.The organisation can be local or any foreign company but its standard must be international, Chairman of Civil Aviation Authority, Bangladesh (CAAB) Air Vice Marshal Muhammad Mafidur Rahman told UNB.He said the international quality organization does not mean only foreign companies. It can be domestic or foreign. “We will select the organisation according to its quality," he said.According to CAAB sources, passengers at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport (HSIA) have been facing problems like the mishandling of luggage due to various irregularities and mismanagement of Biman Bangladesh Airlines, which has been doing the ground handling itself for many years now. Taking into consideration the issue of passengers suffering, the ground and cargo handling activities of the new third terminal will be outsourced to an international quality organization.The chairman said that Biman Bangladesh Airlines has been asked several times to take care of every single luggage. They were even asked to treat luggage as passengers, but they did not listen which is really unfortunate."We want to provide international quality service where passengers will not have any complaints," he said. At the same time, it will help to increase the government's income, he added.State minister for civil aviation and tourism Mahbub Ali told UNB, "We are thinking of inviting an international tender for the ground handling of the third terminal. Only those who are considered eligible by following all the rules and conditions will get the work. Our aim is to provide better service to passengers, for that we will do everything possible.”“No compromise will be made over the quality of the work of this terminal. Only quality products specified in the tender will be supplied for this project, nothing else will be accepted. Anything that causes loss to the state or people will not be tolerated here,” he said. "The organizations which are doing ground handling in developed countries will be selected. We will not compromise with anyone on the quality of airport services."The junior minister said they want to provide quality and hassle-free service to every passenger as in developed countries.
Also read: Dhaka airport's 3rd terminal to open in Oct 2023: State Minister
Titas disconnects gas connection of BNP leader Gayeshwar
Titas Gas Company has disconnected the gas connection to the Rayerbazar residence of BNP Standing Committee member Gayeshwar Chandra Roy due to his outstanding bills with the company.According to Titus Gas authorities, the gas connection was snapped during a drive against the bill defaulters.Confirming the report, Titas Gas Managing Director Harunur Rashid Mollah said that the gas connection was disconnected due to the outstanding bill of about Tk 170,000, over about 30 months unpaid.
Read: Titas disconnects 8,000 more illegal gas lines in N'ganjTitas Gas officials said that the house in Rayerbazar’s Sher-e- Bangla Road, belonging to Gayeshwar Roy, has seven double burner stoves.He last paid the bill in January 2020. Since then, the BNP leader has not paid his bill for the last 30 months till July this year. His total outstanding bill stands at Tk 170,368.
Read: ASK September report paints grim picture of human rights in BangladeshTitus MD Harunur Rashid Mollah said that the connection will be restored if the outstanding amount is paid along with the penalty.According to Titas sources, the company ran a special drive through its 30 teams across the city to disconnect illegal connections and also the connections of bill defaulters.A total of 133 connections were disconnected while Tk 26.97 lakh in dues have been collected immediately.
Chattogram Zilla Parishad candidate of Awami League ATM Pearul Islam meets CJFD members
The ruling Awami League candidate of Chattogram Zilla Parishad election ATM Pearul Islam said Chattogram is like Bangladesh to him, the development of Chattogram means the development of Bangladesh, and so he wants to work together with everyone for the development of Chattogram.
"I worked for the mass people my whole life, I like to work for them in future too and also love to work for the development of Chattogram,," he added.
The veteran Awami Leader and chairman candidate of Chattogram Zilla Parishad ATM Pearul Islam said this when he met with the members of Chittagong Journalists Forum -Dhaka (CJFD) at the Chattogram Samity office in Dhaka Monday afternoon.
CJFD general secretary Towhidur Rahman conducted the meeting, presided by CJFD president and Head of News of The Independent Television Mamun Abdullah.
President of Chattogram Samity Dhaka Joynul Abedin Jamal, general secretary Shahadat Hossain Hiro, former CJFD presidents M Wahidullah, Shahinul Islam Chowdhury, M Mustafa Kamal, Saif Islam Dilal, Shahed Siddiqui and Santosh Sharma, among others,.spoke on the occasion
Besides, former general secretary of Chattogram Samity-Dhaka Mohiul Islam Mohim and Abdul Mabud, former student league leader Shahzada Mohiuddin, former DUJ president Quddus Afrad and journalists leader Azizul Islam Bhuiyan were also present.
ASK September report paints grim picture of human rights in Bangladesh
Citing numerous cases of sexual assault, violence against women and children, murder after rape, deaths from law enforcement agencies, and political violence, the monthly human rights violations monitoring report of Ain o Salish Kendra (ASK) has painted a grim picture in Bangladesh during January-August this year.
At least 31 incidents of murder after rape occurred across the country in the last eight months till August 31, according to the ASK e-bulletin published in September.
Read: Absconding accused in rape and murder case of Natore school teacher arrested
The bulletin reflected on the situation of human rights violations in Bangladesh through its documented statistics. The documentation unit of ASK came up with the findings based on the reports of nine leading national dailies and its own sources.
At least 641 women were sexually assaulted in the last eight months this year. Seven incidents of death after rape also occurred during the same period.
Around 770 incidents of violence against children occurred, of which 392 children became victims of sexual assault. Also, 347 children were killed and 95 others were killed after torture during the same period.
Read: Day 1 of Anti-dengue drive: DNCC realises over Tk 4 lakh in fines
At least 13 incidents of deatsh from law enforcement agencies occurred. Also, 324 incidents of domestic violence occurred, of which 134 women were allegedly murdered by their husbands.
At least 54 people were killed and 4,379 injured in 341 incidents of political violence during the same period, according to the ASK report.
Low-lying areas of coastal districts to be inundated by tidal surge
Several low-lying areas of coastal districts and their offshore islands and chars are likely to be inundated by tidal surges 1-2 feet above normal astronomical tide, the weather department said on Monday.
The districts are Satkhira, Khulna, Bagerhat, Jhalakathi, Pirojpur, Barguna, Patuakhali, Bhola, Barishal, Laxmipur, Chandpur, Noakhali, Feni, Chattogram and Cox’s Bazar.
The land depression over North Madhya Pradesh and adjoining area of India moved West-Northwestwards further and weakened into a well-marked low over the same area at 12 noon on Monday.
It is likely to move West-Northwestwards further and weaken gradually.
Read: Low-lying areas of 5 dists flooded due to tidal surge caused by depression
Under its influence deep convection is taking place over North Bay and adjoining areas.
Squally weather may affect the maritime ports, North Bay and adjoining coastal area of Bangladesh.
Maritime ports of Chattogram, Cox’s Bazar, Mongla and Payra have been advised to keep hoisted local cautionary signal no three.
All fishing boats and trawlers over North Bay and deep sea have been advised to remain close to the coast and proceed with caution till further notice.
They are also advised not to venture into the deep sea.
Low-lying areas of 5 dists flooded due to tidal surge caused by depression
The low-lying areas of Bagerhat, Jhalakathi, Bhola, Satkhira and Khulna districts have been inundated due to the tidal surges caused by the depression over the Bay.
In Bagerhat, the residents of the coastal areas have been suffering a lot for the past three days due to intermittent rainfall.
The water level of Bhairab, Baleshwar, Panguchhi and Pashur rivers increased by two feet from normal ton Monday afternoon while water in Sundarbans was flowing 3-4 feet higher than normal.
The wildlife were seen wandering in search of a safe place.
All the ponds in Sundarbans have overflowed and if the situation continues for more days, the fish enclosures in Bagerhat coastal areas may be washed away anytime.
Meanwhile, a number of fishing trawlers with fishermen have taken shelter at Dublarchar, Narikelbaria and Katka of Sundarbans as the sea is very rough.
Amaresh Chandra Dhali, in-charge of Mongla Weather Conservatory Centre, said the weather office has recorded 21 mm of rainfall in three hours from 6 am to 9 am in Bagerhat.
In Bhola, the water level of many rivers in the district has increased by 2-3 feet above its normal level, rendering 20,000 people marooned.
Besides, the ferry services on Bhola-Laxmipur route have been disrupted as the ghat went under water.
Meanwhile, the residents of Madanpura in Doulatkhan, Char Jahiruddin of Tajumuddin, Dhalchar and Char Kukri-Mukri in Charfassion upazilas and Kolatoli of Manpura upazila of the district have been flooded due to the tidal surge.
Abdus Salam, chairman of Dhalchar union in Charfassion upazila, said the union is home to 12,000 people and they have been passing through untold sufferings for the last couple of days as the river water inundated their residents.
Besides, Mahbubur Rahman, an officer of Bhola Weather Conservatory Center, said 38 mm rainfalls have been recorded in the past 24 hours till Monday noon.
In Satkhira, the inhabitants of the coastal area of the district have been experiencing showers from Monday morning triggered by the depression in the Bay of Bengal.
Already 200 bighas of fish enclosures have been washed away while 62-km of embankment in 35 points of the coastal areas was at risk of collapse.
Shahnewaz Dalim, chairman of Khazra Union in Ashashuni upazila said, 200 bighas of land have been washed away in the upazila.
Dhaka airport's 3rd terminal to open in Oct 2023: State Minister
The third terminal of the Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport will be inaugurated in October 2023 as almost 44.15% work of the terminal has been completed, said State Minister for Civil Aviation M Mahbub Ali today (Monday).
“It is expected that the third terminal of the Dhaka airport will be inaugurated next year in October and the construction work is going on in full swing beyond our expectations. Already 44.15% work has been done,” he said.
Mahbub revealed this information while talking to reporters after visiting the project site of the third terminal.
Also read: Terminal 3 of HSIA may open in 2023
Once the terminal openes, some 22 million people can be served through the three terminals of the airport in a year, he said.
Monitoring system has been strengthened at the airport to check any harassment issue and the luggages of the passengers will be delivered in a shorter time than before, claimed the minister.
He also assured of recruiting additional manpower if needed.
Also read: Dhaka airport's 3rd terminal to 'boost' trade
Continued investment in coastal resilience critical for sustainable growth: World Bank
With increasing climate risks, Bangladesh needs to continue investments to strengthen climate resilience in the coastal zones to protect the development gains, says a new World Bank report launched on Monday.
The report, “Bangladesh: Enhancing Coastal Resilience in a Changing Climate” highlights the country’s journey to reducing vulnerability to climate change and recommends further actions towards improving the resilience of its coastal region.
It analyzes the drivers of risks, how the government has reduced these risks, and offers new perspectives and innovative solutions.
Also read: World Bank to provide US$300 million to help Bangladesh’s pandemic response
Despite vulnerability to climatic risks, Bangladesh has emerged as a global leader in climate change adaptation and is known for proactively investing in resilience. It shows how long-term investments in disaster risk reduction save lives, reduce economic losses, and protect development gains.
This was possible due to a range of initiatives backed up by a strategic policy framework, from grassroot-level adaptation and community-based early warning systems to structural investments in infrastructure complemented by nature-based solutions and fostering innovation. Since independence in 1971, Bangladesh has reduced cyclone-related fatalities by 100-fold.
However, a rapidly growing population, environmental degradation, and increasing climate risks are putting pressure on the existing natural and infrastructure systems in the coastal zone which is home to about 40 million people. Bangladesh needs to take further immediate actions to improve resilience.
“Coastal resilience is not a static goal to be met, but rather a continuous process of adapting to changing conditions and finding synergies between development objectives,” said Dandan Chen, World Bank Acting Country Director for Bangladesh and Bhutan.
“For the last fifty years, the World Bank has supported Bangladesh to build climate resilience and improve disaster risk management. Today, the country shares valuable experience in improving disaster preparedness and climate resilience and is an inspiration for other climate-vulnerable nations,” Chen said.
The report finds that further investments in coastal resilience would produce an array of economic, social, and environmental benefits for Bangladesh.
It lays out seven key recommendations to strengthen the resilience of the coastal region, including strengthening operation and maintenance of infrastructure; recognizing local knowledge; and utilizing state-of-art modeling tools.
Given the changing climate and dynamic coastal processes, a risk management framework should act as the guiding principle for adaptive delta management.
Also read: World Bank happy, congratulates Bangladesh on Padma Bridge
Infrastructure investments need to be complemented with nature-based solutions.
The coastal area can benefit from inclusive community participation and livelihood adaptation for sustainable resilience.
Lastly, establishing an integrated framework that goes beyond risk reduction and includes growth, well-being, and sustainable development at its core.
“Given the significant investment need, we can learn from past interventions and find innovative solutions. This report provides a first-of-its-kind analysis of all large investment projects since the 1960s”, said Swarna Kazi, World Bank Senior Disaster Risk Management Specialist and co-author of the report.
“A key lesson learned is that there is huge potential in Bangladesh for nature-based solutions or hybrid solutions with a mix of green-grey infrastructure,” added Ignacio Urrutia, World Bank Senior Disaster Risk Management Specialist and co-author of the report.
This report complements the forthcoming Bangladesh Country Climate and Development Report (CCDR), the World Bank Group’s new diagnostic report that integrates climate change and development considerations.
Since 1972, the World Bank is helping Bangladesh build coastal and climate resilience and disaster preparedness. The first five World Bank projects committed to Bangladesh in 1972, included support to improve disaster preparedness in the coastal area in the aftermath of deadly cyclone Bhola.
Currently, with an ongoing program of $1.9 billion, the World Bank is helping Bangladesh to build climate resilience through multipurpose cyclone shelters, embankments, early warning systems, weather services, and afforestation.
PM felicitates UK’s new king, looks forward to excellent friendship
Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on Monday extended her heartiest felicitations to the United Kingdom’s new monarch King Charles III on his accession to the throne.
In a signed letter, on behalf of the People and the Government of Bangladesh, she said: “I am confident that under your visionary reign, the people of the United Kingdom will continue to enjoy an ever-flourishing future, building on the legacy of your beloved mother, Her Late Majesty Queen Elizabeth The Second.”
Also read: PM Hasina to address the press Wednesday on her India visit
She also offered her wholehearted support to the King to further strengthen the excellent friendship and cooperation existing between the two countries and steer the Commonwealth in the desired direction.
PM Hasina wished the King, The Queen Consort, and the Royal Family the very best of health, happiness, and long life, and the friendly people of the United Kingdom continued peace, progress, and prosperity.
Also read: PM likely to attend Queen’s state funeral