Bangladesh
No domestic flight operations during lockdown: CAAB
The flight operations on domestic routes will remain suspended immediately after enforcement of lockdown, said Air-Vice Marshal M Mofidur Rahman, chairman of Civil Aviation Authority of Bangladesh (CAAB) on Saturday.
However, flights on international routes will operate as usual until further notice, he told UNB.
He said a notice regarding suspension of domestic flights will be issued after the official announcement of lockdown.
Also read: Govt to enforce 7-day lockdown from Monday: Quader
Earlier today Road Transport and Bridges Minister Obaidul Quader said that the government is set to impose a seven-day lockdown from Monday to curb the spread of coronavirus.
Meanwhile State Minister for Public Administration Farhad Hossain also stated that the announcement of a countrywide seven-day lockdown would come within two or three days.
However, industries or essential services will remain out of the purview of lockdown, said both the ministers.
Also read: Covid-19: Bangladesh sees 5,638 cases, 58 more deaths
Covid-19 in Bangladesh
The number of Covid-19 cases continues to rise as 5,683 people tested positive in the last 24 hours until Saturday morning.
Besides, the death toll from the novel coronavirus climbed to 9,213 in Bangladesh after 58 more deaths during the period.
DSE, CSE to follow banking sector's lead in operating during lockdown
The capital markets will follow the banking sector's lead in operation during the pandemic of Covid-19.
This was informed by the Bangladesh Securities and Exchange Commission (BSEC) against the backdrop of different rumors since news broke of the lockdown to be imposed by the government from Monday next.
A notice posted on the official website of the BSEC said: "Capital market will continue operation at the interest of investors in any situation during the pandemic of Covid-19 if the banking activities continue." It said all transactions in the capital market will continue in the interest of investors.
Also read: Govt to enforce 7-day lockdown from Monday: Quader
It urged the investors to pay no heed to any sort of rumors.
According to BSEC sources, if the bank is open in lockdown, the capital market will also be open. This instruction has been given to two stock exchanges (Dhaka and Chittagong).
Also read: Covid-19: Bangladesh sees 5,638 cases, 58 more deaths
They said, the commission has instructed DSE to keep the capital market open if banks are open. The capital market will operate utilising smaller shifts and work-from-home facilities.
Earlier, from March 26 to May 31 last year, transactions in the capital market were closed due to the outbreak of coronavirus.
BB signs PAs with 12 banks, 2 FIs to operate Tk1,000 crore TDF
The Bangladesh Bank has signed participation agreements (PAs) with 12 banks and two financial institutions (FIs) to operate its Technology Development Fund (TDF), a refinance scheme of Tk1,000 crore.
Earlier, the fund was launched in line with Export Policy 2018-21 to enhance competitiveness and sustainability of the export-oriented industries, said the central bank on Saturday.
Also read: Central bank to support SMEs build resilience
Bangladesh Bank Deputy Governor Abu Farah Md Nasser was present at the signing ceremony.
The central bank's Executive Director Nurun Nahar and General Manager of the Sustainable Finance (SDF) Department Khondkar Morshed Millat were also present at the event.
Also read: BB eases accessing foreign loans by foreign companies
The general manager of SFD and the chief executives of Agrani Bank, Bank Asia, Dhaka Bank, Modhumoti Bank, NCC Bank, One Bank, NRBC Bank, Standard Bank, Uttara Bank, Trust Bank, United Commercial Bank, Prime Bank, Lankabangla Finance and Lankan Alliance Finance signed the PAs on behalf of their organisations.
Mediation, arbitration for commercial disputes not being used widely: Salman F Rahman
Commercial disputes can be resolved through mediation if encouraged by the regulators, but settling such disputes can take four years in Bangladesh.
Also, many countries have introduced reforms like automatic assignment of cases to judges, specialised commercial court, electronic payment, and expansion of the alternative dispute resolution (ADR) framework to improve the litigation system.
They made changes to applicable civil procedure or enforcement rules and expanded court automation, too.
Dhaka Chamber of Commerce and Industry (DCCI) President Rizwan Rahman said this while addressing the webinar "Country Competitiveness of Bangladesh: Key Reforms in Doing Business" organised by DCCI Saturday.
Also read: It's time to change the mindset on taxpaying: Salman F Rahman
The Global Competitiveness Index 2019 ranked Bangladesh 105 and the report also highlighted a profound competitiveness deficit in LDCs, he said.
To overcome the transition of economic graduation and to be among the top 100 in the World Bank's Ease of Doing Business Index, improving competitiveness is a prerequisite for Bangladesh, Rizwan continued.
"However, Bangladeshi policymakers are yet to take necessary initiatives in association with the private sector for improving country competitiveness."
Salman F Rahman, the prime minister's private industry and investment adviser, said at the webinar: "The entire judicial system needs revamping. We need to resolve the disputes quickly."
Also read: Salman encourages introduction of Sukuk Bond in Bangladesh market
"But the mediation and arbitration system are not being used widely in the country due to not having a standard civil litigation management timeframe," he continued.
Law and Justice Division Secretary Md Golam Sarwar said, "We are going to implement an e-judiciary project to foster effective and speedy disposal of cases including commercial disputes. Steps have been taken to amend the existing Insolvency Act 1997."
"For effective settlement of commercial disputes, the government is planning to set up commercial courts in Dhaka and Chattogram."
Rohingyas want to return to Myanmar; happy with Bhasan Char facilities
The Rohingyas, now living in Bhasan Char, on Saturday interacted with the foreign diplomats and expressed their willingness to return to their homeland in Myanmar.
They conveyed their "high satisfaction" over the existing facilities in Bhasan Char, which they considered safe, secured crime-free compared to the congested camps in Cox’s Bazar.
The Rohingyas profusely thanked Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and the Government of Bangladesh for the exemplary humanitarian support that have been extended to them since the mass exodus.
“I want my children to grow with their own national identity in their own country,” a Rohingya representative was quoted as conveying to the diplomats who visited Bhasan Char on Saturday.
Some Rohingyas underscored the need to expand learning facilities for children and provide them opportunities for farming and fishing which would help in keeping them active.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs organised the day-long trip to Bhasan Char for the Heads of Missions of 10 Embassies/delegation - Turkey, the European Union (EU), the United States of America (USA), the United Kingdom (UK), France, Germany, Japan, Australia, Canada and the Netherlands.
Foreign Secretary (Senior Secretary) Masud Bin Momen, Disaster Management and Relief Secretary Md. Mohsin, Secretary Maritime Affairs Unit of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Rear Admiral (Retd.) Md. Khurshed Alam, RRRC Shah Rezwan Hayat and other senior officials of the Government accompanied the team.
Passenger train services to remain suspended during lockdown: Minister
Passenger train services will remain suspended across the country during the countrywide lockdown, Railways Minister MD Nurul Islam Sujan has said.
However, the freight train services will continue as before, the Minister told UNB on Saturday.
Road Transport and Bridges Minister Obaidul Quader on Saturday said, the government is set to announce a seven-day lockdown from Monday to stem the spread of coronavirus.
The health authorities recorded over 5000 Covid cases on March 29, 30 and 31 and April 3 while over 6000 cases on April 1 and 2.
Also read: Bangladesh Railway resumes train services in full gear
Quader said the government has already taken necessary preparations to tackle the second wave of Covid-19. “But many people are showing reluctance to maintain health rules, which may worsen the Covid-19 situation,” he warned.
Meanwhile, State Minister for Public Administration Farhad Hossain said the decision for a countrywide lockdown for seven days would come within “two to three days”.
In a video message, he said the institutions providing emergency services would be open during the lockdown.
“Industries and factories will remain open too,” he said. “Workers will have to follow health guidelines and work in shifts (during that period).”
Also read: Govt to enforce 7-day lockdown from Monday: Quader
Covid-19 situation in Bangladesh
Amid an alarming surge in Covid-19 cases, Bangladesh recorded 5,683 fresh cases and 58 deaths in the last 24 hours until Saturday.
The infection rate slightly fell to 23.15 percent from 23.28 percent on Friday when the country recorded 6,830 cases, the highest since the beginning of the pandemic.
Bangladesh has so far recorded 630,277 coronavirus cases, according to a handout issued by the Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS).
During the 24-hour period until Saturday morning, 2,364 patients recovered, taking the number of recoveries to 549,775.
Meanwhile, the fatalities rose to 9,213 with the new deaths.
Also read: Covid-19: Bangladesh sees 5,638 cases, 58 more deaths
Bangabandhu Bangladesh Games to continue until govt order comes: BOA Secy Gen
The ongoing edition of Bangabandhu Bangladesh Games will continue although the government is set to enforce a 7-day lockdown from Monday to stem the spread of Covid-19.
This sports event kicked off on April 1 and will continue until April 10 , says the organizer of Bangladesh Olympic Association (BOA)
Also read: BOA ready to arrange Bangabandhu Bangladesh Games in April
While talking to the media in this regard, BOA Secretary General Syed Shahed Reza said they are going to continue the event until any further instructions from the government.
“For now, the games will continue,” he said. “We have to see what instructions come from the government. We will make a final decision once we get the government’s instruction.”
The chairman of the steering committee of the event, Sheikh Bashir Ahmed Mamun, said that the event will continue.
Also read: Bangabandhu Bangladesh Games: Blue Team beat Red Team
“The event will continue before the government issues a gazette. Once the notice gazette is issued, we will discuss the matter with the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare. And the finals of many events are scheduled to take place on April 4, so the event must go on,” he told the media.
Covid-19: Bangladesh sees 5,638 cases, 58 more deaths
Amid an alarming surge in Covid-19 cases, Bangladesh recorded 5,683 fresh cases and 58 deaths in the last 24 hours until Saturday morning.
The health authorities recorded over 5000 Covid cases on March 29, 30 and 31 while over 6000 cases on April 1 and 2.
The infection rate slightly fell to 23.15 percent from 23.28 percent on Friday when the country recorded 6,830 cases, the highest since the beginning of the pandemic.
On Thursday, the number of new cases was 6,469 and on Wednesday, the number was 5,358.
The number of daily cases and infection rate dropped below 5 percent earlier this year but then infections continue to rise again amid people’s reluctance to maintain health safety rules.
Hospitals are struggling to provide treatment to the increasing coronavirus patients with their limited resources. The government is increasing the number of beds and Covid-designated hospitals to deal with the situation.
Bangladesh has so far recorded 630,277 coronavirus cases, according to a handout issued by the Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS).
During the 24-hour period until Saturday morning, 2,364 patients recovered, taking the number of recoveries to 549,775.
Bangladesh reported its first cases on March 8 last year and confirmed the first death from the virus 10 days later.
The country has so far tested 4,752,661 samples, including 24,100 in the last 24 hours, the DGHS said.
Meanwhile, the fatalities rose to 9,213 with the new deaths. The mortality rate fell to 1.46 on Saturday from Friday’s 1.47 percent.
Coronavirus claimed 568 lives in January this year, 281 in February and 638 in March.
Among the latest victims, 39 died in Dhaka division, 12 in Chattogram, One each in Rangpur and Mymensingh, three in Khulna and two in Barishal division.
So far, 5,267 coronavirus patients died in Dhaka division, 1,664 in Chattogram, 508 in Rajshahi, 592 in Khulna, 276 in Barishal, 327 in Sylhet, 377 in Rangpur and 202 in Mymensingh divisions.
So far 6,925 men (75.17) and 2,288 women (24.83) died of Covid-19.
Also read: Govt to enforce 7-day lockdown from Monday: Quader
Govt set to impose ‘lockdown’
On Saturday, Road Transport and Bridges Minister Obaidul Quader said the government is set to announce a seven-day lockdown from Monday to stem the spread of coronavirus.
Meanwhile, State Minister for Public Administration Farhad Hossain said the decision for a countrywide lockdown for seven days would come within “two to three days”.
In a video message, he said the institutions providing emergency services would be open during the lockdown.
“Industries and factories will remain open too,” he said. “Workers will have to follow health guidelines and work in shifts (during that period).”
Also read: Restriction on gatherings, quarantine rule among PMO’s 18-point directive to contain Covid surge
Govt strengthens protective steps
The daily surge prompted the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) to issue an 18-point directive on March 29 to prevent the virus’ transmission.
On the same day, the Health Ministry proposed strict measures like partial lockdowns for some places with higher Covid-19 transmission rates.
Vaccination drive
The government launched a countrywide vaccination campaign on February 7 with doses received from the Serum Institute of India.
Bangladesh inked an agreement with Serum in December last year for 30 million doses of the Oxford-AstraZeneca vaccine. Serum is supposed to supply the doses between January and June this year – 5 million each month.
Also read: Global Covid cases top 130 million
Global situation
Coronavirus cases were first reported in China in December 2019.
The world hit another grim Covid-19 milestone on Saturday, as the total caseload surpassed 130 million and 2.8 million deaths so far, according to data compiled by Johns Hopkins University.
A number of vaccines have been developed to fight the virus. Most notable of them are those made by Pfizer-BioNTech, Moderna and Oxford-AstraZeneca.
2nd wave of Covid-19: Boisabi festival in hills cancelled
Boisabi Utsab, the biggest traditional festival of tribal people, has been cancelled in the wake of 2nd wave of Covid-19 pandemic in Bangladesh.
Boisabi celebration usually begins on April 12 but this year the celebration committee has cancelled all kinds of events to contain the recent surge in coronavirus cases.
Intu Moni Chakma, member secretary of Biju, Baisu, Sangraing, Bishu-2021 celebration committee, said, "We are cancelling all our events as per the government order due to the corona situation."
All events that will create public gatherings have been canceled but the publication will be released, he added.
Tripura Welfare Foundation President Suresh Tripura said like the previous year no festival will be held this year.
“As per the government instructions we have suspended all kinds of ceremonies, including floating flowers in the river for mother Ganges,” he further said.
The word Boisabi is a combination of the Bengali acronyms for various indigenous festivals like Boishuk for the Tripura community people, Sangrai of the Marma community, and Bizu for the Chakma community.
Also read: Boisabi Utsab begins in Rangamati
On the first day of the festival, people float flowers in rivers or spring water and take bath seeking divine blessings for their peace and prosperity.
Every year 13 ethnic communities living in Rangamati celebrate festivals centering Biju, Sangrai, Baisuk, Bishu, Bihu, Jol Utsab and Bengali New Year. Various sports event and cultural programs are arranged from April 9.
Covid-19 cases has been soaring in an alarmingly in Bangladesh rate for the past few weeks and the government on Saturday announced that it is set to enforce a 7-day lockdown from Monday to stem the spread of Covid-19.
Washington DC mayor declares March 26 as ‘Bangladesh Day’
Dhaka, Apr 3 (UNB) - Mayor of Washington DC Muriel Bowser has declared March 26, 2021 "Bangladesh Day."
She congratulated the government and people of Bangladesh on the Golden Jubilee of Bangladesh's independence which concurs with the birth centenary of Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, said the Bangladesh Embassy in Washington on Saturday.
Also read: Washington, DC declares Mar 26 ‘Bangladesh Day’
A proclamation signed by Mayor Muriel Bowser says that under the leadership of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, Bangladesh is blooming and transforming into "Golden Bangla" as dreamt by Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman.