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Bangladesh criticises US Human Rights Report for systematic use of ‘unfounded’ allegations
Bangladesh has criticised the recently released US State Department’s 2023 Human Rights Report, noting that the report “fails to appreciate, rather undermines” a number of valued State institutions, including the independent judiciary and certain statutory bodies, which is detrimental to the morale and functioning of such institutions.
“Regrettably, many of the improvements and achievements of the government have not been acknowledged in the report. On the other hand, isolated and unfounded allegations continue to be flagged as part of a systematic trend,” Spokesperson at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Seheli Sabrin, told reporters on Thursday.
While briefing reporters, she said a thorough reading of the report would make it evident that it is replete with references to individually reported or alleged incidents that were used to draw broad, generalised inferences.
The government of Bangladesh reiterated its concerns about the continued trampling of human rights in Gaza by the Israeli occupation force and hopes that the US will play a leadership role in the ongoing efforts of the international community to stop serious human rights violations, killing of innocent women and children, and crimes against humanity in Palestine.
One of the grossly missing items in the report is the systematic campaign launched last year by the anti-state and anti-government elements in the lead up to the 12th National Election in order to create unrest, violence and anarchy under different pretexts and using diverse interest groups, said the foreign ministry spokesperson.
Sabrin said it is also apparent that the report mostly relies on assumptions and unsubstantiated allegations drawn from local and international non-government organisations (including anonymous sources), many of which are supported by the US government or related entities.
“As such, some of the inherent biases in the reporting pattern are quite evident,” she said
The government of Bangladesh, however, appreciated the continued interest of the US administration in the Human Rights situation across the globe.
“No matter how much we aspire, the human rights situation is not perfect anywhere in the world. Though human rights are non-hierarchical, fulfillment of them can be incremental as socio-economic constraints often put limits to the pace of realising those rights,” said the spokesperson.
She said the government of Bangladesh has been doing its best to uphold human rights of its citizens. “Indeed, under the leadership of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, the human rights situation has significantly improved in Bangladesh.”
Mindful of the areas that need further improvement, the current government, during its consecutive terms in office since 2009, continued to invest in realising meaningful advancement in the human rights situation.
“Any discerning observer would notice that such efforts resulted in significant improvement in women’s empowerment, gender parity, children’s rights, rights of elderly persons, workers’ rights, grievance redressal, access to justice, religious freedom, freedom of speech, freedom of association, freedom of assembly and so on and so forth,” the spokesperson observed.
While the report alleges the law enforcement for use of excessive force in some cases, it fails to reflect the violence and vandalism perpetrated by BNP and its political allies, which often disrupted lives of general people and resulted in damage of public and private property.
“It is ironic that when the State was engaged in protecting public life, order and property against such orchestrated campaign, it has been held responsible in the report for even taking recourse to some lawful actions and remedies,” she said.
The spokesperson said it must be registered that the law enforcement agencies of Bangladesh exercised utmost restraints and dealt with any law-and-order situation with full professionalism.
“Coupled with government’s sincere support and professional conduct of elections by the Election Commission, 28 of 44 registered parties participated in the 12th National Election with 42% people exercising their voting rights despite boycotts from BNP and some other parties,” she said.
It is unfortunate that despite having a series of dialogues with the US authorities on human rights and labour rights issues, a number of recurrent complaints or allegations have been flagged in the report discounting the state/ government perspective on those matters, Seheli Sabrin said.
For instance, she said, the Rohingya people continue to be termed as ‘refugees’ or ‘stateless persons’, thus undermining their legitimate claims to be recognised as the citizens or residents of Myanmar.
In another instance, certain ethnic minority groups continue to be labelled as ‘indigenous peoples’ contrary to the constitutional provisions of the country, which often amounts to attempts to incite unwarranted tension and divisions, she said.
Again, in certain cases, the report tends to omit or neglect substantive evidence or information shared with the US authorities on individual cases.
For instance, in the alleged killing of Messers Shaheen Miah and Mohammad Raju, information had been shared on the judicial proceedings that found the incidents to be within the purview of law.
Yet again, she said, the judicial processes undertaken in the case of Jesmin Sultana were not adequately reflected in the report, especially the issue of ongoing due process.
“Along similar lines, a number of cases have been flagged in the report concerning labour rights issues, especially on trade union registration and activities, that have been discussed with the relevant US officials on a number of bilateral or plurilateral platforms,” said the spokesperson.
As usual, she said, the report wrongfully characterises lawful actions taken by the law enforcement authorities in case of unwarranted obstructions or vandalism carried out in the name of workers against factories, establishments, public properties, or management staff.
The report continues to maintain the trend of projecting incidents committed by private individuals or entities as part of systemic abuse of human rights, without often elaborating on the subsequent administrative and judicial measures taken to ensure redress and accountability, she noted.
In general, the government of Bangladesh takes note of the overall report and looks forward to remaining engaged with the UN Human Rights mechanisms, the US and other international partners, and stakeholders towards upholding its commitment to ensure the full enjoyment of human rights by all citizens under any circumstances.
Bangladesh reports 16 COVID-19 cases in 24hrs
Bangladesh reported 16 more COVID-19 cases in 24 hours till Thursday morning.
With the new numbers, the country's total COVID-19 caseload rose to 2,049,931, according to the Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS).
The official death toll from the disease remained unchanged at 29,494 as no new fatalities were reported during this period.
The daily case test positivity rate was 4.09 percent as 391 samples were tested, said the DGHS.
The recovery and death rates stood at 98.41 percent and 1.44 per cent, respectively.
Decision on extending closure of schools, colleges Saturday: State Minister
Decision on extending the existing closure of schools and colleges prompted by heat wave will be taken on Saturday, said state minister for education Shamsun Nahar.
“We are not certain about the temperature. It may go up or down. We have two days off (Friday and Saturday) and after observing the situation we will decide,” she said while talking to reporters at her office on Thursday.
Probe body formed over the drowning of DU student in swimming pool
Replying to a question, the state minister said, “Our minister will return home on Friday and then we’ll take a decision in this regard.”
Replying to a question whether there is any alternative plan about taking classes, she said taking classes online could be an alternative way but students in rural areas are can’t afford it and decision will be taken considering all these things.
Earlier on April 20, due to the ongoing heat wave condition, the authorities concerned extended closure of schools, colleges, madrasas, and technical education institution across the country until April 27 (Saturday) which were scheduled to open after Eid holidays on April 21.
Heat wave forces DU to shift to online classes
Meanwhile, Bangladesh Meteorological Department (BMD) issued a warning that the ongoing heat wave persist for 72 hours starting Thursday morning.
Severe heat wave persist in parts of country; rainfall may increase in northeastern districts next week
The severe heat wave sweeping parts of Bangladesh continued unabated and rain may increase in northeastern part of the country on Sunday or Monday, said Bangladesh Meteorological Department.
“Severe heat wave is sweeping Khulna division , Dinajpur, Nilphamari, Rajshahi, Pabna, Faridpur and Gopalgonj distircts. Mild to moderate heat wave is sweeping Barishal division, parts of Rangpur, Rajshahi & Dhaka divisions and Mymensingh, Moulvibazar, Rangamati, Chandpur, Noahkali, Feni & Bandarban and it may continue,”said a Met office bulletin.
It also issued a warning that the ongoing heat wave may persist for 72 hours starting Thursday morning.
Rain or thunder showers accompanied by temporary gusty or squally wind is likely to occur at one or two places over Chattogram and Sylhet divisions with hails at isolated places.
Weather may remain mainly dry with temporary partly cloudy sky elsewhere over the country.
Day and night temperature may remain nearly unchanged over the country in 24 hours commencing 9am on Thursday.
Due to increase of moisture incursion, the discomfort may persist.
The highest temperature of the country was recoded at 41.6 degree Celsius at Mongla in Khulna on Wednesday.
Severe Heatwave: Patient overload, insufficient facilities exacerbate health crisis in Khulna
Hospitals across Khulna are struggling to accommodate an influx of patients as a severe heatwave continues to affect the region. Key healthcare facilities, including Khulna Medical College Hospital, Khulna Sadar Hospital, Khulna Children's Hospital, and Khulna Infectious Disease Hospital, have reached full capacity, forcing patients to occupy floors, corridors, and even stairways due to a lack of available beds.
The situation is particularly dire at the government-run Khulna Infectious Disease Hospital located in Mirerdanga, where the number of diarrheal patients has alarmingly increased. With no pediatric specialists or consultants available, children suffering from diarrhea are being deprived of adequate medical care, putting significant strain on their families.
Heatwave alert extended in Bangladesh for 72 hours
Despite sufficient supplies of medicine and saline, the hospital faces a critical shortage of medical staff, nurses, and ward boys, compounded by its deteriorating infrastructure.
From the beginning of the month, a sharp rise in cases of vomiting, abdominal pain, and diarrhea has been reported. As of April 24, the hospital has admitted over 350 diarrheal patients, with an additional 10 to 15 patients seeking outpatient care daily. The hospital, designed with only 20 beds, has 10 allocated for diarrheal patients. The number of beds for diarrheal patients has been increased to 14 through the efforts of the acting officer. However, there are no separate wards for males and females, nor any cabins.
At Khulna Children's Hospital, the situation has worsened further. Al-Amin Rakib, an administrative officer at the hospital, reported that while the outpatient department previously handled around 400 patients daily, the figure has surged to 700 to 800 children over the last week. Despite having 275 beds, the hospital is currently accommodating twice as many patients suffering from fever, colds, and diarrhea.
Severe heatwave hits Khulna division and multiple districts across the country
A distressed father, Rahim Sheikh, from Botiaghata, shared his ordeal of his three-year-old daughter Anika suffering from diarrhea due to the heat. Having arrived at the hospital at 8 am, he had yet to see a doctor by late morning. The director of Khulna Medical College Hospital, Dr. Husain Shafayat, echoed the severity of the situation, stating the hospital was operating at three times its capacity with no space left to admit new patients.
As the heatwave shows no signs of relenting, the healthcare crisis in Khulna continues to escalate, with medical facilities urgently requiring additional resources and support to manage the overwhelming patient load.
Sajek road accident: Death toll rises to 9
The death toll from a devastating road accident on Wednesday in the Sajek area of Rangamati has risen to nine.
Abdul Awal Chowdhury, Senior Assistant Superintendent at Sajek Police Station, reported that five victims died at the scene, three others succumbed to their injuries en route to the hospital, and one more died while receiving treatment.
The victims identified so far include Abdul Mohon, 16, and Babu, 20, both from Kishoreganj, along with Sagar, 22, and Waliullah from Gazipur district.
6 die in road accidents in 3 districts
The incident occurred when a dump truck carrying workers lost control and plunged into a 100 ft ditch in the Udaipur ninety-degree area of Sajek, in Baghaichhari upazila. The truck was returning from construction work on a border road when the accident happened, according to Abdul Awal.
Shirin Akhtar, Baghaichhari Upazila Nirbahi Officer, noted that the accident took place in the evening. Of the injured, three are currently receiving care at Khagrachhari Modern Hospital, while two have been transferred to Dhaka for advanced treatment.
BALTWF urges govt to find out actual reasons for frequent road accidents
Severe heatwave hits Khulna division and multiple districts across the country
The Bangladesh Meteorological Department (BMD) has announced that a severe heatwave is sweeping over the Khulna division and several districts including Dinajpur, Nilphamari, Rajshahi, Pabna, Faridpur, and Gopalganj, starting at 9 am on Thursday.
Severe heat wave continues to batter parts of Bangladesh; rains likely in Sylhet
Additionally, a mild to moderate heat wave is affecting the Barishal division and parts of the Rangpur, Rajshahi, and Dhaka divisions, as well as the districts of Mymensingh, Moulvibazar, Rangamati, Chandpur, Noakhali, Feni, and Bandarban. These conditions are expected to persist.
The forecast also includes rain or thunder showers accompanied by temporary gusty or squally winds, likely to occur at one or two places over the Chattogram and Sylhet divisions, with isolated hailstorms.
Derailment halts Chattogram-Cox’s Bazar rail link
Elsewhere in the country, the weather is expected to remain mainly dry, with temporary partly cloudy skies. Day and night temperatures are anticipated to stay nearly unchanged nationwide. Increased moisture incursion is likely to sustain the discomfort caused by the heat.
A trough of low pressure currently lies over West Bengal and its adjoining areas, influencing the regional weather patterns.
3 new Appellate Division judges take oath
Three newly appointed judges to the Appellate Division of the Supreme Court took oath of office on Thursday.
Those who took oath are Justice Muhammad Abdul Hafiz, Justice Md. Shahinur Islam and Justice Kashefa Hussain.
288 Myanmar security personnel sent back from Bangladesh
Chief Justice Obaidul Hassan administered the oath at the Supreme Court Judges’ Lounge around 10:30 am.
On Wednesday, the three judges of the High Court were appointed to the Appellate Division of the Supreme Court.
The Law, Justice and Parliamentary Affairs Ministry issued a gazette notification in this regard.
Mohammad Yunus appointed as new CDA chairman
Currently, there are five judges in the Appellate Division: Obaidul Hassan (now Chief Justice), Justice M Enayetur Rahim, Justice Md Ashfaqul Islam, Justice Md Abu Zafor Siddique, and Justice Jahangir Hossain.
Heatwave alert extended in Bangladesh for 72 hours
The Bangladesh Meteorological Department (BMD) has issued a warning that the ongoing heatwave is likely to persist for 72 hours starting Thursday (April 25, 2024) morning.
The BMD cites increased moisture incursion as a factor contributing to the sustained uncomfortable conditions.
Met office issues heat alert for another 72 hours
This announcement follows earlier alerts issued on April 19 and April 22, as the BMD continues to monitor and respond to the challenging weather patterns affecting the region.
25-year-old dies of heatstroke in Ctg
288 Myanmar security personnel sent back from Bangladesh
In a coordinated early morning operation on Thursday, Bangladesh repatriated 288 members of Myanmar's security forces who had sought refuge across the border. This group included members from the Border Guard Police (BGP), army, and immigration units.
According to Shariful Islam, a public relations officer for the Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB), the operation commenced at 6 am at a site managed by the Bangladesh Inland Water Transport Authority (BIWTA). The repatriation involved a carefully staged handover of the individuals to the Myanmar BGP.
173 Bangladeshis repatriated from Myanmar
The decision followed detailed discussions between representatives of BGB and BGP, culminating in the formal handover at the BIWTA ghat. Prior to the handover, Myanmar officials confirmed the identities and checked the documentation of all returnees.
This incident marks the second recent repatriation of Myanmar personnel to their homeland, following the February 16 return of 330 officials, including BGP members, army personnel, and customs officials, under stringent security measures.
Another 13 Myanmar border guards take shelter in Bangladesh