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1 killed, 5 injured in knife fight over football match in Brahmanbaria
A man was killed and five others were injured in a knife attack during a football match in Brahmanbaria's Sadar upazila .
The deceased, Yakub, 30, was a resident of Narshingshar village.
This incident occurred at the field of Narsinghsar High School on Friday evening.
According to locals and police sources, in the final match of the football tournament, the team from the west side of Narsinghsar defeated the team from the north side, becoming the champions.
After the match, members of the west side team celebrated by bursting firecrackers. At that time, some members of the north side team got into an altercation with them, which escalated into a knife fight.
Six people including Yakub, Juel, Kamal, Arman, were injured in the knife attack. When they were taken to the district hospital, the duty doctor declared Yakub dead.
Mohammad Aslam Hossain, duty officer at Sadar Police Station, said that upon receiving the news of the murder, police were dispatched to the area.
An operation is underway to arrest those involved in the incident. Additional police forces have been deployed in the area, he added.
Bangladesh Embassy donates books to National Library of Myanmar
Bangladesh has a rich culture, ornate literature and triumphed history that need to be shared with the new generation of Myanmar for a better understanding and mutual prosperity of the two friendly neighboring countries, said Ambassador Dr. Md. Monwar Hossain on Friday.
He was addressing at the book donation ceremony at the National Library in Nay Pyi Taw, the administrative capital of Myanmar.
Nu Mya Zan, Deputy Minister for Ministry of Religious Affairs and Culture of Myanmar was present at the handing over ceremony.
During the handing over programme more than 100 titles with multiple copies covering economic development, independence struggle of Bangladesh, language, history, art, culture, literary works and trends, festivals, natural beauty, touristic places, rural development were donated to the library. Two large book shelves were also donated to the library to showcase the books which will be named as ‘Know Bangladesh’ corner. As a token of donation, the Ambassador formally handed over “The Unfinished Memoirs” of the Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman and “The Quest for Vision 2021” by the Honorable Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. This was the first ever book donation by the Embassy of Bangladesh to the National Library in Nay Pyi Taw, Myanmar.
Ambassador Dr. Md Monwar Hossain in his remarks highlighted Bangladesh as one of the fastest growing economies in South Asia which also has a thousand years old history and culture. Dr. Hossain highlighted significant achievements of Bangladesh in the socio-economic field, those made Bangladesh a role model for development in the world. He also said that Bangladesh is on the right track to be a middle-income country by 2031 and a developed country by 2041 under the leadership of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. Ambassador Hossain emphasized the importance of cultural presentation alongside economic development for inclusive and sustainable progress in all aspects. He highlighted cultural exchange as a crucial element for fostering mutual understanding, cross-cultural competencies, respect diversity and ultimately building friendship and cooperation between nations.
The initiative of the Embassy to donate books to the National Library aims to further strengthening the bilateral relationship through knowledge sharing and will help to strengthen political, economic, and social ties for long-term stability and prosperity.
Directors General of the Department of Cultural Affairs, Political Department of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and officers of Bangladesh Embassy, Yangon were present at the programme. The Embassy also will donate some books to the Yangon branch of the National Library soon.
Son kills mother for 'refusing to marry him off'
A woman was killed by her son with a knife in Faridganj upazila of Chandpur district on Friday.
The victim Ranu Begum, 55, was the wife of Atar Khan of Isapur village of Paikpara South Union of the Upazila.
Atar Khan said for the past few days, his youngest son Rasel was threatening them with consequences if they don't get him married.
"Recently, he has beaten me too," Atar said.
"Around 2:49pm, my son Rasel called me over my phone saying someone slaughtered his mother at home. Then, I understood that it was no one but my son who killed my wife," Atar said.
"I went home immediately after cutting the phone and found my wife Ranu Begum's body lying on the bed," he added.
Later, hearing his screaming, locals came and informed the police.
Faridganj police officer-in-charge (OC) Saidul Islam said they recovered the body from the spot.
An operation is underway to arrest the victim's son, he said, adding that a case is under process in this regard.
1 dies, 1 in critical condition from electrocution in Sylhet
A teenager died and her cousin is in critical condition after being electrocuted while trying to hang clothes on the rooftop of their aunt's house in Sylhet.
Samia Rahman, 18, succumbed to her injuries at Sheikh Hasina National Institute of Burn & Plastic Surgery on Friday afternoon (April 26).
Samia, a resident of Boroail village in Bianibazar upazila, suffered 90% burns.
Her cousin, Sadia Jannat Eva,23, also got electrocuted but is receiving medical treatment in Dhaka.
Samia and her cousin Eva went to the rooftop of the three-storey house to bring in clothes on Wednesday evening. At that moment, Samia was struck by an electric wire on the rooftop. Eva, in an attempt to save her, also got electrocuted.
Samia's cousin Dipu Ahmed said, "Samia passed away while undergoing treatment at noon."
They were admitted to Sylhet M.A.G. Osmani Medical College Hospital.
Dr. Soumitra Chakraborty, the assistant director of the hospital, said after initial treatment, they were referred to Dhaka for advanced medical care.
Within a day of being transferred to Dhaka, Samia succumbed to her injuries.
Mithu, Julhas elected OCAB president, general secretary
German news agency DPA's Nazrul Islam Mithu and Julhas Alam, Bureau Chief of Associated Press (AP), have been elected president and general secretary of the Overseas Correspondents Association Bangladesh (OCAB), a platform of Dhaka-based journalists working for foreign media.
The committee was formed after the election which was held following the organization's general meeting at the National Press Club on Friday. The general meeting was chaired by the convener of the organization Qadir Kallol.
The election was conducted by senior journalists Shahjahan Sardar and Qadir Kallol, said a press release.
Shafiqul Alam of AFP was elected vice-President while Naeem-ul-Karim of Xinhua and Pulak Ghatak of Benar News elected as joint-secretary and treasurer, respectively of the organisation.
Besides, senior members of the organization Harun Habib, Farid Hossain, Rafiqur Rahman, Parveen F Chowdhury, Mir Sabbir and Kamran Reza Chowdhury were elected as executive members of the new committee.
Some amendment proposals of the organization's constitution and other organizational proposals were accepted unanimously in the general meeting.
At the beginning of the meeting, the OCAB members adopted a condolence motion on the deaths of some members of the organisation and one minute silence was observed for the peace of their departed souls.
State Minister for Expatriates calls on UK government to ease visa for Bangladeshi workers
State Minister for Expatriates' Welfare and Overseas Employment Shofiqur Rahman Choudhury MP has called on the UK government to ease visa conditions for Bangladeshi restaurant workers who want to work in the UK’s hospitality and catering sectors.
Shofiqur Rahman Choudhury MP was speaking as a chief guest at a high profile dialogue hosted on Thursday by the UK’s All-party Parliamentary Group (APPG) on Bangladesh.
Bangladesh High Commissioner to the UK Saida Muna Tasneem, Bob Blackman MP and APPG vice-chair Lord Karan Bilimoria spoke at the event while APPG on Bangladesh Chair Rushanara Ali MP chaired the dialogue.
The state minister praised Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina for her visionary leadership in transforming Bangladesh into a prosperous nation, as well as her government's ongoing efforts to improve the well-being and welfare of Bangladeshis living around the world, including those in the UK.
He also noted that the bilateral relations between Bangladesh and the UK have reached new heights in the last 15 years due to the progressive foreign policy of her government. However, he said that there are still many areas to be explored to further broaden and deepen the Bangladesh-UK long-standing historic relations.
He particularly mentioned that Bangladeshi restaurants in different UK cities and towns are facing severe skilled staff shortages as the UK raised the minimum annual salary to 3800 pounds, an amount that is not affordable for many restaurant owners.
The state minister requested the UK Government to lower the minimum annual salary for the people working in the hospitality sector. He also said Bangladesh can provide skilled construction workers and farm workers who can work in the UK as seasonal workers.
The state minister hoped that the Bangladesh Government would work together with the UK government to create more job opportunities for the Bangladeshi skilled workers, including restaurant workers, doctors, and nurses.
High Commissioner Saida Muna Tasneem has said that the Bangladesh High Commission, London is working towards providing more job opportunities for skilled Bangladeshi workers in the UK.
She noted that many caregivers from Bangladesh have been recruited in the UK over the past few years. Additionally, the recruitment of seasonal farm workers from Bangladesh has also commenced.
Rushanara Ali MP made a welcome speech at the event praising the state minister for his contribution to strengthening the bonding between the British-Bangladeshi community and their homeland Bangladesh.
High UK Parliamentary officials and eminent members of the British-Bangladeshi community attended the event.
Earlier, the state minister attended an event organised by the British Bangladesh Chamber of Commerce.
Environment Minister holds bilateral meeting with Saudi climate negotiator in Berlin.
Environment, Forest, and Climate Change Minister Saber Hussain Chowdhury engaged in a pivotal bilateral meeting with Saudi Arabia's Chief Climate Negotiator, Khalid M. Almehaid, during the Petersberg Climate Dialogue in Berlin, Germany, on Thursday, April 25, 2024.
The meeting underscored the commitment of both nations to collaborate on addressing pressing climate challenges and advancing the global climate agenda. Minister Chowdhury and Chief Negotiator Almehaid exchanged insights and perspectives on key issues such as renewable energy adoption, and climate adaptation strategies.
Minister Chowdhury reiterated Bangladesh's unwavering dedication to ambitious climate action, highlighting the country's significant strides in renewable energy development and climate resilience efforts. He emphasized the importance of international cooperation and collective action in achieving the goals outlined in the Paris Agreement.
Chief Negotiator Almehaid commended Bangladesh's proactive approach to climate change mitigation and adaptation, acknowledging the nation's leadership in championing sustainable development practices. He expressed Saudi Arabia's commitment to strengthening collaboration with Bangladesh and other nations to address the interconnected challenges posed by climate change.
The bilateral meeting between Minister Chowdhury and Chief Negotiator Almehaid serves as a testament to the shared commitment of Bangladesh and Saudi Arabia to advancing the global climate agenda and fostering sustainable development for present and future generations.
Minister of Environment, Forest and Climate Change Saber Hossain Chowdhury received the invitation letter from Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs and Chief Negotiator of Azerbaijan Yalchin Rafiyev to participate in COP-29 on the sidelines of the Petersberg Climate Dialogue held in Berlin, Germany. Besides, he held bilateral meetings with the delegates of Egypt, Denmark, President of COP-28 and COP-29 and the German State Secretary.
PM urges AL men to work for country
Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on Friday asked the leaders and activists of Awami League to work for the development of Bangladesh and its people.
“You should work for the development of the country and its people,” she said when a delegation of Thailand Awami League paid a courtesy call on her at her place of residence.
PM’s Speechwriter Md. Nazrul Islam briefed the reporters.
The President of Bangladesh Awami League, Sheikh Hasina, asked them to spread the ideals of Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman.
“The Father of the Nation was killed untimely but his ideals remained among us. That is why I’ve been working to implement his ideals,” she said, adding that Bangabandhu had dreamt to bring smiles to the faces of poor and destitute people of the country.
Referring to the remarkable progress and development Bangladesh witnessed in the last 15 years, the premier said it has been possible to attain the progress as they (her party) are in power uninterruptedly for a long time.
The leaders and activists told the Prime Minister that many Bangladeshis have accepted the citizenship of Thailand, but they are keen to keep the dual citizenship. They sought the PM’s intervention for maintaining dual citizenship.
In response, the prime minister said that she would talk with the Thai government in this regard.
Gas supply to remain off for 12 hours Saturday
Gas supply will remain suspended for all categories of customers at different areas in the city for 12 hours from 9 am to 9 pm on Saturday for emergency works in the gas pipeline.
According to Titas Gas Transmission and Distribution company Ltd, the areas where gas supply will remain off include Shanir Akhra, Baraitala, Chhapra Mosque, Dania, Jurain, Dholairpar and Kadmatoli.
The adjoining areas may experience low pressure in gas supply, said the Titas Gas regretting the temporary inconvenience of the consumers.
Easy-bike driver dies from heat stroke in Lalmonirhat
An easy-bike driver is said to have died from heatstroke on Friday as the country continues to reel in the throes of a suffocating heat wave hitting record high temperatures, from which there is seemingly no respite.
The incident happened in Kaliganj of Lalmonirhat on Friday afternoon.
The deceased Rasedul Islam was the son of Badar Uddin of Bichandai area of Dauabari union of Hatibandha upazila.
Locals said that Rasedul Islam suddenly fell into the ground after having his lunch at a hotel in Chamtarhat. They believed that Rashedul died from heat stroke due to intense heat.
Confirming the death, Jahangir Alam Biplob, chairman of Madati Union Parishad said the exact cause of his death could not be ascertained, although it initially appeared to be heat stroke.
Imtiaz Kabir, officer-in-charge of Kaliganj police station, said that he is yet to know the matter.
Meanwhile, people across the country are experiencing the blistering heat as a very severe heat wave is sweeping over the parts of the country.