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Gas supply situation slightly improves, load shedding continues
The gas supply situation has improved to some extent but the country has still been reeling from load shedding.
The official data of state-owned Petrobangla shows that the gas supply has increased by 210 million cubic feet per day (MMCFD) to 2,555 MMCFD on Tuesday from 2345 MMCFD on Monday.
Despite Summit’s LNG terminal resuming, gas supply still lags as Bibiyana goes on maintenance
It also shows that there is still a huge gap of about 1000 MMCFD gas between demand and supply of gas for power plants that resulted in the shutdown of a number of gas-fired power plants.
Official sources said the Chevron-operated Bibiyana gas field has returned to its full-scale production capacity of 1200 MMCFD gas. But it was producing 600 MMCFD gas against its full capacity.
Govt to import 3 cargoes of LNG to raise gas supply
“We’re now capable of supplying 1200 MMCFD gas. But the government is not receiving full supply from Bibiyana field. That's why the field was supplying 600 MMCFD gas,” an official of Chevron told UNB.
Petrobangla officials also admitted that they are not receiving full supply from Bibiyana field saying that power plant authorities said they have no further requirement for gas.
The country’s largest gas field Bibiyana went on a three-day scheduled maintenance on April 3 and came back to production on time, said the officials.
Ashulia to be without gas supply for 12 hours on Monday
They said the supply of imported LNG to the national grid also has increased as the country was getting 972 MMCFD gas from two LNG terminals at Maheshkhali against their capacity of 1,100 MMCFD.
Meanwhile, the data from state-owned Bangladesh Power Development Board (BPDB) and Power Grid Company of Bangladesh (PGCB) shows that the country was experiencing a huge load shedding due to shortages in supply from generation end.
The data shows that the day peak demand of electricity was 13,000 MW while evening peak demand of electricity was 15,000 MW.
In the daytime, the highest load shedding was recorded at 501 MW at 10 am on Tuesday morning when the country was generating 12,275 MW against demand for 12,800 MW.
Officials fear that the extent of load shedding may increase in the peak evening periods if hot weather conditions remain unchanged.
President urges universities to adopt world class curricula
President Mohammed Shahabuddin on Tuesday urged the universities to formulate world class curriculum so that the students can establish themselves as qualified at the national and international level.
The President said this when newly appointed vice-chancellor of Chittagong University Abu Taher paid a courtesy call on the President at Bangabhaban.
During the meeting, the Vice-Chancellor informed the President about the academic and overall activities of Chittagong University.
At that time, President Shahabuddin said that higher education is very important to be compatible with science and information technology.
President calls for unity and support for the underprivileged this Eid-ul-Fitr
Expressing his hope, the president said that the authorities will take necessary initiatives to expand formal education as well as non-formal education programs in higher education institutions.
President Shahabuddin also spoke about taking initiatives so that students can gain knowledge on various contemporary issues including the country's liberation war, independence, culture and tradition.
President offers Eid prayers at National Eidgah
President's Office Secretary Wahidul Islam Khan, Military Secretary Major General SM Salahuddin Islam and President's Press Secretary Joynal Abedin were also present during the meeting.
54,000 join universal pension scheme in eight months
The number of enrollments in the universal pension scheme (UPS) is growing slowly with around 54000 people having joined the scheme in eight months.
Golam Mostofa, member of the National Pension Authority (NPA) and additional secretary of the Ministry of Finance, confirmed this to UNB on Tuesday.
He said around Tk43.62 cores have been deposited in government funds through participation in four schemes.
“Out of which, 598 people have been enrolled under migration scheme ‘Probash’, 11,105 people to the Progoti, 16376 people to the ‘Surakkha’ and 26580 people to the Samata scheme,” he pointed out.
Among these schemes, is 'Probash' for Expatriate Bangladeshi Citizens): Any Bangladeshi citizen working or staying abroad can participate in this scheme by paying the prescribed rate of contribution in foreign currency.
“The way people are participating, very soon that number will go to lakhs. It was slow for a while in between, but now people's interest and participation have increased. Hopefully, this momentum will continue. We are holding a pension fair for the campaign,” Mostofa said.
According to the pension rules, in the universal pension system, the more money is deposited, the more pension will be given at the end of the term.
On the other hand, this initiative will not divert the low-income people either. For those who will deposit Tk500 monthly, there will be another Tk500 subsidy from the government from the beginning. All in all, there is an additional multifold profit for everyone at the end of the specified period.
Despite attractive return scope after the specific tenure, people are enrolling in very slow space due to a lack of trust in the funds returning, said economists and sector insiders.
In this regard, Golam Mustafa said that the NPA is very much conscious of protecting people's deposits. The government cannot take any loan from this fund.
Rather, “We invest in treasury bills and bonds so that the income in the investment in bills and bonds is guaranteed. As a result, there will be no apprehension among people about this fund,” he said.
For the first time in its history, Bangladesh on August 17, 2023, entered the era of a much-hyped uniform pension scheme. The initiative is meant for the entire population of the country aged above 18, who will start enjoying lifetime pension facilities upon turning age at 60 years old.
Economists say that a large portion of the population of the country is still not aware of this financial protection. This is why the NPA wants to make it easier for expatriates to participate. Besides, attractive initiatives are being taken to promote UPS among the people of the country.
Economist Dr. ABM Mirza Azizul Islam told UNB that due to lack of trust among the people and lack of institutional good governance are to blame for this poor response to the pension scheme.
He said people are still not aware of where the pension scheme money will be invested, how it will be profited from here or what will be if there is a loss.
Youths to be involved in fighting climate change: Environment Minister
Environment, Forest and Climate Change Minister Saber Hossain Chowdhury on Tuesday said the government will involve young people specially women in combating climate change and promoting equitable solutions for the climate victim communities.
“Our youths have a vital role to play in shaping policies and driving initiatives that protect our planet and its people,” he said.
The minister made this remark while delivering Professor Dr. Saleemul Huq Memorial Public Lecture on "Promoting Climate Justice: Roles of Courts and Youth" at Independent University, Bangladesh (IUB) in Dhaka.
Recognising the potential of young people as powerful agents of change, he called upon the young generation to take an active role in advocating for climate justice and holding leaders accountable.
Saber Hossain said the time for action is now. “We must leverage the passion of our youth to drive meaningful change and secure a just and sustainable future for all,” he said.
He described Bangladesh as a country of solutions, built by its youths. . “Their involvement is essential for a prosperous and resilient future,” he added.
The environment minister put emphasis on the importance of investing in the younger generation. “Topics such as environment, biodiversity, and climate change will be included in textbooks to prepare children for the future,” he said.
Saber Hossain paid tribute to the late renowned climate scientist and advocate for climate justice Professor Dr. Salimul Haque.
Professor at New York University School of Law Dr Cesar Rodriguez –Garavito, Environment, Forest and Climate Change Secretary Dr Farhina Ahmed, former Principal Secretary Nojibur Rahman, IU Vice Chancellor Professor Dr Tanweer Hasan, Climate Expert Dr Ainun Nishat and BELA Executive Director Syeda Rizwana Hasan spoke in the occasion.
Bangladesh, Greece vow to further strengthen bilateral relations
Foreign Minister Hasan Mahmud has requested Greek Foreign Minister George Gerapetritis to encourage Greek businesses to import state of the art quality Bangladeshi items and urged him to facilitate the exports from Bangladesh.
The Greek Foreign Minister agreed on the need to enhance bilateral trade where there remains huge untapped potentials and stressed on the need to find a suitable strategy to help grow bilateral trade and investment, according to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Foreign Minister Hassan Mahmud and his Greek counterpart George Gerapetritis vowed to forge bilateral cooperation in different areas including migration and mobility, trade and investment, shipping, manpower and recruitment, development of renewable alternation energy infrastructure during a bilateral meeting held on Tuesday morning in the Stavros Niarchos Foundation Cultural Center in Athens on the sidelines of the 9th Our Ocean Conference.
They also expressed satisfaction at the continuous cooperation and excellent bilateral relations between the two nations.
The Greek Foreign Minister also cordially accepted the invitation of Bangladesh Foreign Minister to visit Dhaka and mentioned that the visit can be a good option to inaugurate the Greek Diplomatic Mission there.
Earlier in the discussion, he assured the Foreign Minister Hasan Mahmud that opening a Diplomatic Mission in Dhaka is a priority for the Greek government.
Foreign Minister Hassan thanked the Greek government for legalizing more than 10,000 Bangladeshi nationals who were living in Greece under the MoU on Migration and Mobility and called for smooth implementation of the second part of the MoU.
The Greek Foreign Minister stated that Greece prefers recruiting Bangladeshi professionals for their hard work and law abiding nature.
Greece will recruit a good number of Bangladeshi workers for its agriculture, tourism and hospitality and construction sector in the coming days.
Besides two ministers also agreed that meaningful cooperation between the two countries in the shipping sector can create a win-win situation as they complement each other and also agreed on building the legal framework for fruitful cooperation in the shipping sector.
Light showers bring little relief
A light rainfall that lashed parts of the capital on Tuesday afternoon brought a little relief to the city dwellers when different parts of the country are reeling under scorching heat.The sky turned gloomy before the rains started at 3 pm, bringing some relief from sweltering heat.
Bangladesh Meteorological Department earlier forecast rain or thunder showers accompanied by temporary gusty or squally wind at one or two places over Dhaka, Mymensingh, Rangpur and Sylhet divisions with hails at isolated places.
Heavy rains lash UAE and surrounding nations as the death toll in Oman flooding rises to 18Weather may remain mainly dry with temporary partly cloudy sky elsewhere over the country.A mild to moderate heat wave is sweeping Rangpur, Rajshahi, Dhaka, Mymensingh, Khulna, Barishal, Chattogram and Sylhet divisions and it may continue.
Severe heat wave sweeps Chuadanga, Pabna; rains likely in Dhaka, 7 divisionsDay and night temperatures may remain nearly unchanged over the country.
34 dengue patients hospitalised in 24hrs
No fresh death due to dengue was reported in Bangladesh in the 24 hours till Tuesday morning, according to the Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS).
However, thirty-four patients were hospitalised with viral fever during this period, according to the DGHS.
Of them, five were admitted in Dhaka hospitals, while the rest was outside the capital.
A total of 87 patients are now receiving treatment at hospitals across the country.
So far, 1,839 dengue cases have been reported since January 1, 2024.
Last year, a total of 1,705 people lost their lives due to dengue, making it the deadliest year on record.
The DGHS recorded 321,179 dengue cases and 3, 18,749 recoveries last year.
Last year’s September was the deadliest month for the dengue outbreak, with 396 fatalities and 79,598 cases, according to DGHS data.
Dhaka-Delhi relationship has to be nurtured, kept moving forward with fresh impetus: Shringla
Former Indian Foreign Secretary Harsh Vardhan Shringla has said Bangladesh-India relationship is a relationship that has to be nurtured and kept moving forward through continuous cooperation.
“The relationship is not just moving forward, it is growing by leaps and bounds. We have to continue maintaining the momentum of the relations with fresh impetus,” he said while responding to a question in a podcast.
Shringla who served as High Commissioner of India to Bangladesh, joined Pratim Ranjan Bose to discuss global politics and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s foreign policy.
Pratim Ranjan Bose is a media commentator, researcher, and consultant. He writes newspaper columns and appears on national TV.
Shringla, Chief Coordinator of India’s G20 Presidency in 2022-23, said Prime Minister Modi and Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina have developed a very good relationship which is referred to as golden chapter for Dhaka-Delhi ties and two countries have addressed most of the irritants of the relations.
Responding to a question of the possibility of fresh Indian credit, he said every country has credit absorption capacity.
Shringla said India-Bangladesh relations are in a satisfactory stage and must move forward in every aspect including the line of credit. “It is very important to work closely for implementation of the projects.”
He appreciated PM Modi’s Neighbourhood First policy and highlighted that 50% of Indian line of credit is directed to the neighbourhood. “You cannot expect to prosper and develop if your neighbors are not doing the same.”
Cooperation during Covid-19 through sharing vaccines, exemption from recent ban on onion exports and trade facilitations are giving dividends, said the former Indian diplomat.
He said electricity cooperation with Nepal, Bhutan, and Bangladesh will flourish and an under-sea electricity cable to Sri Lanka can bring long term stability to the island nation.
Responding to a question on reported “Boycott India” campaigns in the Maldives, Shringla said ties are too strong to be disturbed by *Boycott India* campaigns.
“I can tell you very safely that people of these two countries by and large have a very strong affinity and positive outlook,” he said, highlighting the engagement through tourism, medical care and education sector.
Shringla said the people to people relationship is the most vital PM Modi’s policy is very broad and foresighted when it comes to neighbours.
Asked about joining politics, Shringla said he is not formally in politics but he is happy to support those efforts for his country under the guidance of PM Modi and noted that India witnessed enormous transformation and achievements.
He said India wants a multipolar world with it being one of the poles. India surpassed all expectations under Modi and is facing resistance both from outside and inside but ready to move on,” he said.
Shringla also shed light on India-US relations noting that there are remarkable achievements. “US companies started investing heavily in India. The ties reached a stage where it will remain unaffected.”
Indo-Pacific and QUAD are very important to the USA and the cooperation will increase, he observed.
Shringla said India is committed to ensuring security of maritime trade through the Gulf of Aden and Suez.
He said India’s role in providing maritime security will rise in the western Indian ocean and perhaps even in the eastern Indian ocean.
“We have to display more robust participation in global security. Today we have been more proactive. Those efforts will continue. We have to ensure that we are part of the solution,” Shringhla said,m adding that, “We hope to see there will be greater stability.”
Lost their home to storm, lost their lives on way to get relief tins
The family’s home was destroyed in the recent nor'wester in Faridpur on 28th March. The family has been struggling since then. Finally, there was a ray of hope two weeks after the storm. The family was enlisted to receive government relief to build their home again. But who knew that would be the end of their lives.
5-member probe body formed over Faridpur road crash
Rafikul Islam Milon Mollah and his family were on their way to receive corrugated iron sheets from the relief wing of Faridpur DC office.
He, along with his wife Sumi Begum, 35, sons- Ruhan, 9, Habib,6, and grandmother-in-law Morjina Begum, 70, left their village in Boalmari upazila this morning in a pickup van.
They almost reached their destination. But their van collided head-on with a bus on the Dhaka-Khulna highway at Sadar upazila. All of them died with their hope of getting back their normal lives again.
Milon, son of freedom fighter Tara Mia, was a lift operator in the Ministry of Finance at the Secretariat.
Talking to UNB, Milon’s cousin Ruhul Amin said, the family was on their way to Faridpur in a pickup van to bring relief tins from the relief wing of Faridpur DC office.
Police, BRTA can’t avoid responsibility for fatal Faridpur road crash: National Committee
Another cousin of Milon, Nuruzzaman Khasru said, Milon’s elder brother Faridul Islam is a school teacher and younger brother runs a shop in the district’s Sadar upazila.
According to Faridpur DC office sources, government relief tins were supposed to be distributed among the disaster affected families today, and the affected family members enlisted from Alfadanga and Boalmari upazilas were coming to Faridpur.
Deputy Commissioner of Faridpur Kamrul Ahsan Talukder said, a five-member investigation committee headed by the additional district magistrate has been formed.
Tk 5 lakh has been announced for the family members of the deceased and Tk 3 lakh for the compensation of the injured, he added.
At least 13 people were dead and 15 others were injured in a head-on collision between a bus and a pickup van on the Dhaka-Khulna highway at Sadar upazila in Faridpur district this morning (April 16, 2024).
Nor’wester damages hundreds of houses in Faridpur
The accident occurred when the Magura-bound bus of Unique Paribahan from Dhaka collided with the Dhaka-bound pickup van.
Eleven people died on the spot, and two died after being taken to the hospital. The injured were taken to Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical College (BSMMC) in Faridpur
Chuadanga records season’s highest temperature at 40.6 degrees Celsius
Amid the scorching heat in different parts of the country, Chuadanga recorded the highest temperature of this season at 40.6 degrees Celsius on Tuesday.
People are experiencing the blistering heat as a mild to moderate heat wave is sweeping Rangpur, Rajshahi, Dhaka, Mymensingh, Khulna, Barishal, Chattogram, and Sylhet divisions.
Chuadanga recorded 38.8 and 38.6 Degrees Celsius, respectively on Monday and Sunday, said Chuadanga Weather Observatory Centre.
Jaminur Rahman, in-charge of Chuadanga Weather Observatory Centre, said the situation may persist for few more days.
The people of the country experience hot temperature due to lack of adequate rains in March and April, he said.
Imran Sheikh, a resident of Courtpayara in Chuadanga, said “We can’t do anything due to the sweltering heat. In the afternoon, the sky turns gloomy and people expect rains but in the morning the extreme heat make their life miserable.”
Gaffar Mia, a tea vendor said “The selling is low due to the hot temperature. People are passing their time sitting and lying on the benches.”
According to BMD’s weather bulletin on Tuesday, a mild to moderate heatwave is sweeping Rangpur, Rajshahi, Dhaka, Mymensingh, Khulna, Barishal, Chattogram, and Sylhet and it may continue.
Meanwhile, rain and thunder showers accompanied by temporary gusty or squally winds may occur in Dhaka, Mymensingh, Rangpur, and Sylhet divisions.