Bangladesh
5 of a family electrocuted in Moulvibazar
Five members of a family were electrocuted at East Goalbari village in Juri upazila of Moulvibazar district on Tuesday.
The deceased were identified as Foyzur Rahman, 52, a van puller, his wife Shiri Begum, 45, and their two daughters-- Samia Begum, 15, Sabina Begum, 13 and son Sayem Mia, 8.
Sonia Akter, 10, another daughter of Foyzur was injured and taken to Sylhet Osmani Medical College and Hospital.
Quoting local people, Sarwar Alam, additional superintendent of police, said an electric cable of Palli Bidyut snapped on the tin-roof of the house around 2 am amid a storm.
The electricity of the whole area was also disrupted during the storm.
2 siblings die from electrocution in Pirojpur
Around 4 am, when the electricity is back a fire broke out in the house and all the members of the family of Foyzur came in contact with live electric wire and got electrocuted.
On information, a firefighting unit rushed to the spot and recovered the bodies.
Sohel Rana Chowdhury, deputy general manager of Moulvibazar Palli Bidyut Samity, said the authorities had earlier obstructed Foyzur to build the house there, but he ignored them.
Worker dies from electrocution in Brahmanbaria
Muktijoddha Scholarship Scheme: 1,890 students to receive scholarships from India this year
High Commission of India will announce the disbursement of "Nutan India- Bangladesh Maitree Muktijoddha Sontan Scholarship" from 27-31 March 2024.
This year, a total of 1,890 students will be awarded with scholarship totaling of Tk 6.78 crore.
The Muktijoddha Scholarship Scheme was launched by the Government of India in the year 2006, with an aim to felicitate 2,000 students per year, 1,000 each from Undergraduate and Higher Secondary level.
Originally, the undergraduate students were awarded Tk 24,000/- per year for a period of four years while the Higher Secondary students were awarded Tk 10,000/- per year for two years. The scholarship was re-launched in its current form in the year 2017 during the visit of Prime Minister of Bangladesh, Sheikh Hasina to India.
Under the new scheme, the scholarship amount was revised to Tk 50,000/- for Undergraduate students and Tk 20,000/- for Higher Secondary students. From its introduction in 2006 till FY 2022-23, a total of 22,128 students have benefited from this programme and an amount of Tk 57.08 crore has been utilized for this purpose. For this year, scholarship will be granted to 890 Higher Secondary students and 1,000 Undergraduates.
The disbursement will be done from 27 – 31 March 2024.
The scholarship amount will be credited directly to the bank account of the students through Direct Bank Transfer (DBT).
Ministry of Liberation War Affairs of Bangladesh has been instrumental in the implementation of the scheme and has supported in identifying and selecting the students from all corners of Bangladesh, said the High Commission.
Bangladesh reiterates call for recognition of 1971 genocide
Foreign Secretary Masud Bin Momen has reiterated the call of the government of Bangladesh for due international recognition of the worst and the most horrific genocide in the 20th century perpetrated by the Pakistani regime in 1971 in the soil of Bangladesh.
"Genocide recognition pays tributes to the martyrs and other victims and brings some solace to the victim families and it reduces the trauma experienced by survivors and victims' families," he said.
He was speaking at an event jointly organized by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Ministry of Liberation War Affairs in collaboration with the Liberation War Museum to commemorate the Bangladesh Genocide Day on 25 March 2024 at the Museum.
Genocide perpetrated by Pakistan army in 1971 one of the most brutal atrocities in history: Bangladesh Envoy
He said that the memories and trauma associated with the genocide were still very much vivid in the collective memory of the people of Bangladesh that became a powerful symbol of strength and determination and ability of the people of Bangladesh to overcome any adversity.
The heinous strategy of rape, arson, looting and property damage, forced displacements were major features of the genocidal activities by the Pakistani forces backed by the collaborators.
All these features make the prima facie case of 1971 genocide in Bangladesh within the terms of the UN’s 1948 Genocide Convention.
The Foreign Secretary highlighted the bold steps taken by the Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman to seek justice for the genocide victims, including the establishment of the International Crimes Tribunal (ICT) in 1973 that were stymied by subsequent political upheavals.
He said that despite such setbacks, the initiatives of the Government of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina revitalized the pursuit of justice and the drive of the government to secure an international recognition of the 1971 genocide of Bangladesh.
Expose Pakistani Army’s March 25 atrocities before world community: Ambassador Imran
Foreign Secretary expressed gratitude to all the leading international organizations, parliamentarians, scholars, and academia all over the world that recognized the 1971 Bangladesh Genocide and have been working relentlessly for its due international recognition.
He said that Bangladesh was one of the vocal members of the international community to oppose the ongoing genocidal activities in Gaza by the Israeli forces and Bangladesh was also part of the efforts of South Africa in its genocide case filed against Israel at the ICJ under 1948 Genocide Convention. He noted that Bangladesh was not only genocide victims, but also a saviour of genocide victims as the country temporarily sheltered more than 1.2 million Rohingyas who fled persecution and ‘genocide’ in their homeland Myanmar.
Liberation War Affairs Minister AKM Mozammel Haque graced the occasion as the chief guest and Dr. Elisa von Joeden-Forgey, Executive Director of the Lemkin Institute for Genocide Prevention presented the keynote speech on "Politics of Genocide Remembrance". Trustee and Member Secretary of the Lebration War Museum Sara Zaker, and Trustee Mofidul Hoque also spoke at the event.
Russian PM greets PM Hasina on Independence Day
Russian Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin has congratulated Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on the occasion of Independence Day.
"On behalf of the Government of the Russian Federation and on my own behalf, please accept congratulations on the occasion of the national holiday of the People's Republic of Bangladesh - the Independence Day," he said.
Independence Day: President, PM and Bhutanese King pay tributes to the martyrs of the Liberation War
He said the Russia-Bangladesh relations have been developing in the spirit of friendship and mutual respect.
"Trade and economic cooperation is gradually advancing, and perspective joint projects are being realised," said the Russian Prime Minister.
"I am convinced that active work between the govemments will contribute to strengthening the entire gamut of practical interaction. This fully corresponds with the interests of the Russian Federation and the People's Republic of Bangladesh," he said.
Expose Pakistani Army’s March 25 atrocities before world community: Ambassador Imran
The Russian PM wished Sheikh Hasina, sound health, well-being and new achievements in her responsible work and to the friendly Bangladeshi people - happiness and prosperity.
Independence Day: Putin congratulates Bangladesh President, PM
Russian President Vladimir Putin on Tuesday congratulated Bangladesh President Mohammed Shahabuddin and Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on the occasion of the nation's Independence Day
"Please accept my heartfelt congratulations on the occasion of the national holiday of your country - the Independence Day," he said.
The Russia-Bangladesh relations have been traditionally developing in the spirit of friendship, Putin said.
Bhutan King and WHO Regional Director Saima Wazed visit Sheikh Hasina National Institute of Burn and Plastic Surgery
"I am convinced that through mutual efforts, we will contribute to their further development for the benefit of our peoples and in the interests of stronger regional security and stability," said the Russian President.
"I wish you sound health and every success, and to all citizens of Bangladesh - peace and prosperity," reads the message.
Biman resumes Dhaka-Rome-Dhaka flight after 9 years
The Biman Bangladesh Airlines will resume direct flights to Italy’s Rome from Tuesday night.
“We are all set to resume the flight. As per our market analysis, the Dhaka-Rome-Dhaka route will be another popular one, like our London (UK), Toronto (Canada), and Narita (Japan) routes," said Biman MD and CEO Shafiul Azim.
The Dhaka-Rome-Dhaka direct flight is resuming after nine years, prompted by a large number of expatriate Bangladeshis residing in Italy.
Bangladesh reiterates call for recognition of 1971 genocide
Sazzadul Hassan MP, Chairman parliamentary committee on the affairs of ministry of Civil Aviation and Tourism formally inaugurated the flight as the chief guest along with Italian Ambassador to Bangladesh Antonio Alessandro at 9:30 pm at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport (HSIA).
At that time, lawmakers Enamul Haque Shamim, Mahmudul Hasan, Biman Board Chairman Mostofa Kamal Uddin, Md. Mokammel Hossain secretary, Ministry civil aviation , Air Vice Marshal M Mafidur Rahman, chairman of CAAB, were also present.
The inaugural flight is scheduled to depart Dhaka at 3:30am.
According to the booking information Tuesday, 23 people have purchased tickets for Business Class while 177 for Economy Class.
In the first return flight, seven people will travel in Business Class and 247 people will travel in Economy Class.
The capacity of the aircraft is 271 passengers, including 24 in business class and 247 in economy class.
The decision to resume the flight was thoroughly assessed from a commercial standpoint while Bangladeshi expatriates in Rome have increased sevenfold since 2009, said the Biman CEO.
"The planning of Biman's route expansion to different cities in Europe is a reflection of Honourable Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina's commitment to the expatriate Bangladeshis," he said.
The Dhaka to Rome flight will be Biman's third European destination, as currently the national flag carrier is operating flights to London and Manchester.
After the announcement of the Rome flight the visa applications to Italy have increased three fold, the Biman CEO said referring to the Italian Embassy in Dhaka.
Russian PM greets PM Hasina on Independence Day
Azim said he is also planning to use Rome as a stopover for Biman's Dhaka-Toronto-Dhaka flight, as currently the state-owned carrier is using Istanbul for refuelling its Canada-bound flights.
Bangladesh Biman initially began operating flights to Rome on April 2, 1981 and stopped on April 6, 2015, facing financial losses due to massive fuel consumption by the then DC-10 carrier.
Between March 27 and March 31, flight BG-355 will depart Dhaka every Monday,Tuesday, and Thursday at 2:00 a.m. local time and reach Rome at 7:00 a.m. local time.
From April 1, the flight will take off from Dhaka every Monday, Tuesday, and Thursday at 3:00am as per the summer schedule and arrive at the capital of Italy at 9:10am.
The flight will leave Rome at 10:45 a.m. and land in Dhaka at 11:45 p.m.
Independence Day and National Day 2024 Celebrated in Tokyo
Bangladesh Embassy in Tokyo has celebrated the Great Independence and National Day 2024 with much enthusiasm and fervor.
The programme started with hoisting of the National Flag with rendition of the National Anthem at the Embassy premises by the Ambassador of Bangladesh to Japan Shahabuddin Ahmed.
Later one-minute silence of respect was observed in the memory of the martyrs of the war of independence of Bangladesh in 1971.
Genocide perpetrated by Pakistan army in 1971 one of the most brutal atrocities in history: Bangladesh Envoy
The invited guests, including Bangladeshi, expatriates in Japan and the Embassy officials led by Ambassador Shahabuddin Ahmed laid floral wreaths on the portrait of Father of the Nation, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman at the Bangabandhu Auditorium. After that, a special prayer was offered for the peace and forgiveness of the souls of the Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, the martyred members of the Bangabandhu family, the martyrs of the Great Liberation War and for the welfare of the country and the nation.
Besides, messages given on the Independence Day by the President, Prime Minister and Foreign Minister were read out to the audiences.
In the discussion session, Ambassador Shahabuddin Ahmed solemnly recalled and paid tribute to the greatest Bengali of all time, the architect of Bangladesh, Father of the Nation, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman and his family members who died on 15 August 1975.
He also paid homage to the martyrs of our liberation war, national four leaders, organizers and supporters of liberation war and sacrifices made by the two lacs women who lost their dignity and honor for the country.
He said that due to the Prime Minister’s hard work and prudent leadership, Bangladesh’s development and progress are now recognized worldwide. The ambassador urged all concerned to contribute more from their respective positions to implement the ‘Vision 2041’ declared by Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina to turn Bangladesh into a developed, prosperous and knowledge based smart country.In the evening, the Independence Day reception program and dinner was held at the New Otani Hotel in Tokyo.
Bangladesh, China enjoy solid, profound political trust and fruitful practical cooperation: Xi Jinping
Japan's State Minister for Foreign Affairs Tsuge Yoshifumi was the chief guest at the event.
Japanese political leaders, senior officials, chamber representatives, ambassadors and diplomats from various missions in Tokyo and members of the Bangladesh community attended the event.
Ambassador Shahabuddin Ahmed and his wife Shahina Akther welcomed the chief guest and other guests on the occasion.
Special supplements were also published in Japanese local newspapers on Independence Day.
Bhutan King and WHO Regional Director Saima Wazed visit Sheikh Hasina National Institute of Burn and Plastic Surgery
Bhutanese King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck and Regional Director for South-East Asia of the World Health Organization Saima Wazed visited the Sheikh Hasina National Institute of Burn and Plastic Surgery on Tuesday morning.
On arrival of the Bhutanese King at the hospital, Health Minister Dr. Samanta Lal Sen showcased the hospital's health services.
After the tour, the King of Bhutan held a special meeting with senior officials from the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare.
During the meeting, the King of Bhutan praised Bangladesh's healthcare efforts, expressing interest in building a state-of-the-art hospital in Bangladesh.
He offered collaboration in constructing the modern hospital in Bangladesh.
The King also expressed interest in the health minister's proposal of providing regular training to Bhutanese healthcare professionals in Bangladesh.
Earlier, a delegation from the World Health Organization, led by Regional Director for South-East Asia, Saima Wazed, along with a representative team, met with Health Minister Dr. Samanta Lal Sen for a courtesy call.
During the meeting, she expressed interest on behalf of the World Health Organization in collaborating with Bangladesh to enhance the quality of healthcare services .
During the discussions, they talked about improving healthcare services in Bangladesh, enhancing the services of the Burn Institute, expanding services beyond Dhaka, and how Bangladesh's concept of burn treatment could be disseminated to other partner countries including Bhutan.
Genocide perpetrated by Pakistan army in 1971 one of the most brutal atrocities in history: Bangladesh Envoy
High Commissioner of Bangladesh in Canada Dr Khalilur Rahman has said the genocide perpetrated by the Pakistani invading forces during Bangladesh's War of Liberation in 1971 stands as one of the most brutal atrocities in history.
He recounted the premeditated implementation of ‘Operation Searchlight’ on March 25, 1971, which unleashed a wave of violence by the Pakistani occupation forces resulting in the deaths of 3 million people and the rapes of over two million women over the nine months of war.
He underscored the ongoing efforts of the High Commission towards securing recognition of the 1971 genocide in Canada.
He cited the collaborative efforts between the High Commission and the Bangabandhu Center for Bangladesh Studies in Canada (BCBS), which resulted in the decision of the Canadian Museum for Human Rights (CMHR) in Winnipeg, Canada for the ‘Permanent Display of the Exhibits of the Genocide’ as well as the permanent display of the portrait of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman in their Breaking the Silence Gallery.
He expressed optimism that the commissioning of the permanent display by CMHR would take place officially in September/October 2024.
On March 25, Bangladesh High Commission in Ottawa observed Genocide Day-2024 with solemn reverence.
High Commissioner of Bangladesh in Canada, Dr. Khalilur Rahman, presided over a special discussion meeting commemorating the occasion at the High Commission's auditorium.
All officers and officials of the High Commission were present during the discussion event.
The proceedings commenced with observance of a minute of silence in remembrance of 3 million martyrs who sacrificed their lives in 1971.
Subsequently, messages from the President, Prime Minister on this significant day were read out by respective officers of the High Commission.
A documentary capturing the essence of the Genocide Day was also screened.
Among others, Dewan Hossne Ayub, Minister of the High Commission emphasised the importance of international recognition of the 1971 genocide.
Concluding the event, a special prayer was offered for the souls of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, the Father of the Nation, and the three million martyrs of the Liberation War.
Bangabandhu envisioned environment-friendly development of Bangladesh: Saber Hossain
Environment, Forest and Climate Change Minister Saber Hossain Chowdhury said that Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman was the visionary of environment-friendly development in the country.
“Twenty years before the first Earth Summit held in Rio, Bangabandhu planned to protect the environment in newly independent Bangladesh. He promulgated ordinances to control water pollution. He also enacted laws to conserve wildlife and biodiversity in war-torn Bangladesh. We have to express our gratitude to Bangabandhu by building ‘Sonar Bangla’, the happy, prosperous and serene environment of his dreams,” the minister said on Tuesday.
The Minister of Environment was speaking at a discussion organised at the Department of Environment on "The historical leadership of Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman and the development of the country" on the occasion of Independence and National Day 2024 by the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change.
The Environment Minister said, Bangabandhu united all people irrespective of religion and background. He envisioned a democratic system as an alternative to the regime of Pakistan. The minister said that even though Bangladesh is politically independent, we must continue our struggle for economic, social and cultural liberation. There can be no division in the interest of the country. For the development of the country, all must work together regardless of party affiliation.
The discussion was held under the chairmanship of Dr. Farhina Ahmed, Secretary of the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change. Additional Secretary (Administration) Iqbal Abdullah Harun, Additional Secretary (Environment) Dr. Fahmida Khanom, Chairman of Bangladesh Forest Industry Development Corporation Md. Nasir Uddin, Managing Director of Bangladesh Climate Change Trust Md. Zainal Abedin, Director General of Department of Environment Dr. Abdul Hamid and Chief Conservator of Forest Md. Amir Hossain Chowdhury were present among others.
A film on the illustrious life and work of the Father of the Nation was screened on the occasion.