bangladesh
Covid-19: 6 more die in Bangladesh, another 266 infected
Bangladesh recorded six more Covid-linked deaths and 266 fresh infections in 24 hours till Wednesday morning.
The daily-case positivity rate increased to 1.35 per cent from Tuesday’s 1.03 per cent.
The fresh numbers took the total fatalities to 27,934 while the country’s caseload mounted to 15,73,214, said the Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS).
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Among the deceased, two were men and the remaining four women.
Dhaka division logged two Covid-related deaths, Sylhet division three while Rajshahi division one on Wednesday, said the DGHS.
However, the mortality rate remained static at 1.78 per cent.
The fresh cases were detected after testing 19,648 samples, the DGHS added.
Besides, the recovery rate remained unchanged at 97.71 per cent with the recovery of 257 more patients during the 24-hour period.
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On the 45th epidemiological week of pandemic, of the 27 deaths recorded from November 08 to November 14, 11.1 per cent received Covid vaccines while 88.9 per cent did not, the DGHS mentioned.
Comorbidities among Covid patients and deceased declined 11.1 per cent this week compared to the previous one. Comorbidity means the simultaneous presence of two or more diseases or medical conditions in a patient.
So far, 3,37,35,763 people have fully been vaccinated in the country while 5,25,07,248 received the first dose as of Tuesday, according to the DGHS.
Jatrabari cylinder blast: Another victim dies at DMCH
Another man, who sustained injuries in a gas cylinder blast in the city’s Jatrabari area, died at Dhaka Medical College and Hospital on Tuesday night, raising the death toll from the incident to four.
The deceased was identified as Shafiqul Islam, 50.
Read: Jatrabari gas cylinder blast: Death toll rises to 3
Shafiqul, who was undergoing treatment at the hospital with 88 percent burn injuries, breathed his last at night, said Inspector Bachchu Mia, in-charge of Dhaka Medical College and Hospital police outpost.
On Saturday afternoon, six people received burn injuries when a gas cylinder exploded in a shop in Sayedabad area of Jatrabari in the capital. They were all rushed to DMCH.
Read: 6 suffer burns in Jatrabari gas cylinder explosion
Of the injured victim, Bishwanath Dutta, 48, died at the hospital on Sunday while MD Ripon and Abdul Kalam succumbed to their injuries on Tuesday.
Besides, the condition of another victim, Kabir Hossain, 35, who received 85 percent burn injuries, is stated to be critical.
Lawmaker Akabbar’s death a huge loss for country: Sheikh Hasina
Describing Tangail-7 lawmaker Akabbar Hossain as an honest and sincere politician, Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on Wednesday told Parliament that his demise is a huge loss for the party as well as for the country.
“Akabbar was one of those who had political wisdom, farsightedness, honesty, sincerity and ideology to lead the country particularly Awami League after our generation,” she said speaking on a condolence motion over the death of the sitting Awami League lawmaker.
Read: President Hamid, PM Hasina mourn writer Hasan Azizul Huq's death
The PM said it is really very tough to accept the loss of an honest and sincere politician like him.
“But it is unfortunate for us we lost such an activist……..as it is essential to have sincerity and patriotism (among the political leaders) to make development of the country,” she said.
Sheikh Hasina said Akabbar had a very deep-rooted relation with the people and his constituency saw significant development during his tenures. “When he spoke, he did so politely. He was very calm and polite,” she said.
Recalling his contribution to every movement and struggle of the party, the AL president said his contribution to the party can never be forgotten.
She prayed for the salvation of the departed soul and expressed deep sympathy to the bereaved family.
The prime minister said it is very unfortunate that some 20 MPs from the current parliament passed away since 2019. He remembered the lawmakers by name.
Road Transport and Bridges Minister Obaidul Quader, Deputy Opposition Leader Ghulam Muhammed Quader, Opposition chief whip Mashiur Rahman Ranga, Awami League MPs Matia Chowdhury (Sherpur-2), Abdus Sobhan Miah (Madaripur-3), Benjir Ahmed (Dhaka-20), Choto Monir (Tangail-2) and Anwarul Abedin Khan (Mymensingh-9) also joined the the discussion.
Read:Hasina slams Tarique for conspiring against Bangladesh
Speaker Dr Shirin Sharmin Chaudhury moved the condolence motion in the House in the beginning of the day’s business.
A one-minute silence was observed and a munajat was offered seeking eternal peace for the departed soul.
Parliament unanimously adopted the condolence motion expressing profound shock at the death of the four-time lawmaker.
The day’s business of Parliament was adjourned after the adoption of the condolence motion.
Akabbar Hossain, 65, died at a city hospital on Tuesday. He was the chairman of the Parliamentary Standing Committee on the Road Transport and Bridges Ministry.
Akabbar was born on July 12, 1956 at Postkamuri village in Mirzapur under Tangail district. He completed BSS and MSS degrees from Social Sciences in Dhaka University.
Youngone to provide 10 lakh pieces of safety masks
Youngone Corporation will provide the government with 1,000,000 (1 million) pieces of safety masks on an emergency basis on Thursday.
Kihak Sung, Chairman and CEO of Youngone Corporation, has decided to provide the masks for the use of doctors, nurses and other health service providers and essential workers.
Read: Korea promotes young entrepreneurs’ development through business curriculum at universities
A handover ceremony in this regard will be held at the office of Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS) on the day.
DG Health Services Prof Dr Abul Bashar Mohammed Khurshid Alam will be receiving the safety masks from Shaikh Shahinur Rahman, Managing Director, Youngone Corporation and Md. Shahjahan, Managing Director, Korean EPZ.
Karnaphuli Polyester Products Company Ltd (KPP), a concern of Youngone Corporation, located at Korean EPZ (KEPZ), Anowara, Chattogram has manufactured these safety masks complying with all required procedures and formalities of the DGDA, said an official.
In the context of the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic, Bangladesh is facing a challenge of unprecedented scale, said the Youngone Corporation, mentioning that they deeply appreciate the measures and actions taken by the government of Bangladesh to overcome the challenges posed by Covid-19.
Since the pandemic started in 2020 to support the government’s initiatives, Kihak Sung came forward with needful medical support for the affected people.
In April 2020, at the very outset of the pandemic, Youngone donated 75,000 pcs of Standard PPE (Hazmat Suit, Face Mask and Face Shield) for the use of frontline service providers, including doctors, nurses as well as other health service providers and members of the related government agencies engaged in the field.
Read:S Korean envoy Lee for diversifying collaboration with Bangladesh
In July 2021, Korean EPZ, a concern of Youngone Corporation, distributed food-aid among 2,000 Covid-affected families and a good quantity of masks to neighbouring villages and other government agencies.
During the dire need of extension of medical facilities, Youngone donated medical beds to Bangladesh Institute of Tropical & Infectious Diseases (BITID), Fouzderhat, Chattogram, said the South Korea-based conglomerate.
Focus on blue economy: PM to IORA states
Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on Wednesday called upon the member countries of the Indian Ocean Rim Association (IORA) to put in all-out efforts to develop and promote the blue economy.
"IORA member countries should put in all-out efforts to develop the blue economy," she said.Sheikh Hasina made the call when a delegation of 12 IORA member states held a meeting with her at the Prime Minister's Office (PMO).PM’s Press Secretary Ihsanul Karim briefed reporters after the meeting.
Read: World-class vaccine institute to be set up in Bangladesh: PMHe said the delegation members also stressed the need for making collective efforts for the development of the blue economy.Hasina put emphasis on strengthening relations among the IORA countries as there is ample scope of expanding bilateral trade and investment. “Despite having enormous potential, our intra-region investments are modest. There is ample scope for expanding trade and investment relations among the IORA member countries."The Prime Minister welcomed the delegation to Bangladesh and said Bangladesh gives importance to bilateral relations with the IORA member states.Hasina said the delegations are in Bangladesh at a time when the country is celebrating the birth centenary of Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman.“Your presence has added a new dimension to the birth centenary celebrations,” she said.The Prime Minister also described the various steps Bangladesh has taken in tackling the Covid-19 pandemic situation. “We’re also making efforts to produce coronavirus vaccines in Bangladesh,” she said.Hasina mentioned that the pharmaceutical companies of Bangladesh are very efficient and producing quality medicines as the country is exporting pharmaceutical items to over 100 countries. “We’ve been working tirelessly to make Bangladesh a developed country by 2041,” she said.The IORA delegation highly appreciated the Prime Minister's leadership for putting Bangladesh on the development trajectory.
Read: PM to meet press over UK-France visit WednesdayForeign Minister AK Abdul Momen conducted the meeting.
Minister of Foreign Affairs of Comoros Dhoihir Dhoulkamal, Indonesian Foreign Minister Retno Marsudi, Minister of Foreign Affairs and Cooperation of South Africa Dr Pandor, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Sri Lanka Prof G.L Peiris, Minister of Livestock and Fisheries of Tanzania Mashimba Mashuri Ndaki, Ministry of Blue Economy and Fisheries of Tanzania, Abdullah Hussein Kombo, Minister of State for South Asia, United Nations and the Commonwealth of FCDO, Lord Tariq Ahmad of Wimbledon, Chief Administrative Secretary of Kenya, Ababu Namwamba, Permanent Secretary of Madagascar, Ratsimandau Tahirimiakadaza, State Minister of Foreigh Affairs and International Cooperation of Somalia, Belal Mohamed Cusman, Deputy Assistant Secretary of USA Ambassador Kelly Keiderling and Secretary (Maritime Affairs Unit) Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Bangladesh, Rear Admiral (retd) Khurshed Alam, were present.
Principal Secretary Dr Ahmad Kaikaus and Secretary (Maritime Affairs Unit of Foreign Ministry) Rear Admiral (Retd) Md Khurshed Alam also attended the meeting.
UNCLOS can be a pathway to ocean of opportunity for LDCs: Bangladesh
The vast and unexplored resource frontiers of the oceans have the potentials to bring transformative changes to the lives and livelihoods of more than one billion people in the LDCs, Bangladesh Permanent Representative to the United Nations Ambassador Rabab Fatima has said.
"And the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) can indeed be the pathway to an ocean of opportunity for them," she said.
Ambassador Rabab Fatima was speaking at a high-level event of the International Seabed Authority on the opportunities offered by UNCLOS to LDCs, LLDCs and SIDS.
Read: Bangladesh deeply committed to human rights, fundamental freedoms: Rabab Fatima
The event held on Tuesday was moderated by Secretary-General of the International Seabed Authority Michael W. Lodge.
A significant number of Ambassadors and Permanent Representatives including the LDC Chair also attended the event.
As LDCs are among the world’s most resource-constraint economies in the world, the Permanent Representative urged the International Seabed Authority to ensure the fair share of various benefits and opportunities for LDCs in the deep-sea particularly in the areas of marine scientific research, capacity building and access to marine technologies for exploration of resources in the high sea.
Ambassador Fatima is co-chairing the Preparatory Committee for the LDC5 Conference to be held in Doha in January 2022.
Read:AIBTRI holds development programme on Bangladesh's LDC graduation
Referring to the dedicated focus of the Draft Doha Program of Action on the devastating impacts of climate change on oceans, she stated that various forms of pollution are seriously disrupting the balance of marine food webs and ecosystems.
She emphasized the importance of scaling up global efforts to combat marine pollution and uncontrolled activities in the deep sea.
The Ambassador concluded her remarks with a call to create more space for the women and youth of the LDCs to have enhanced access to the new and emerging opportunities that the ocean can offer.
World-class vaccine institute to be set up in Bangladesh: PM
Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on Wednesday told Parliament that the government will establish a top class vaccine institute in Bangladesh.
“The present government has a plan to set up an international standard vaccine institute to produce vaccines as well as formulate a vaccine guideline, aiming to tackle various viral diseases, including the coronavirus pandemic,” she said replying to a tabled question from Awami League MP Anwar Hossain Khan (Laxmipur-1).
The Prime Minister said if a vaccine institute is set up in the country, it will ensure vaccine production, related research and help strengthen the capacity of local vaccine-producing firms.
Read: South-South cooperation: Hasina for setting up ‘Knowledge Centre’ in Bangladesh
The management of vaccine production, usage and standards will be a more time-befitting one, she said.
The establishment of an institute will ease vaccine production in the country through technology transfer of newly developed vaccine. So, vaccine will be available at a cheaper rate in Bangladesh, said Hasina.
It will open the door of attaining WHO-prequalification for the new vaccine, which will help expand foreign market for the vaccines to be produced in Bangladesh, she said.
Barguna fisherman shot dead in Bay of Bengal
A 30-year-old fisherman was shot dead allegedly by pirates in the Bay of Bengal Tuesday night.
The deceased was identified as Musa, son of Harun Mia of Charlathimara village in Patharghata upazila.
Golam Mostafa Chowdhury, the president of the Barguna District Trawler Owners Association, said a group of 25-30 pirates swooped on a trawler, named ‘FB Babul’, in the Mandarbari area of the Sundarbans off the coast of Patharghata upazila at 9.30pm and took the fishermen on board hostages at gunpoint.
Read: Lalmonirhat: Two Bangladeshi cattle traders killed in BSF firing
Musa was shot dead when he resisted the robbery. The pirates looted valuables from the trawler and also thrashed some fishermen before leaving the vessel.
Commander (operations) of the Bangladesh Coast Guard, Lutfur Rahman, said a team from the Mongla zone is on its way to the high seas.
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Bangladesh and Mexico want to deepen military cooperation
Bangladesh has received a positive response from Mexico regarding a proposal for enhancing military cooperation and sharing its vast experience in the tourism sector.
The Mexican side has confirmed that their country will reciprocate this kind gesture of Bangladesh by sending a military delegation to Dhaka to participate in the forthcoming Victory Day celebration in December next.
Bangladesh has already shown its interest by sending a 39-member military contingent who participated in the 200-year Celebration of Mexican Independence at the National Palace in Mexico City.
Read: Comoros looks for trade deal with Bangladesh
The issues were discussed at the first-ever Foreign Office Consultation (FOC) between Bangladesh and Mexico held virtually on Tuesday.
Both sides expressed their firm convictions in finding new avenues to further deepen the existing friendly bilateral relationship.
Toufiq Islam Shatil, Director General (Americas) of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Dhaka led the Bangladesh Delegation whereas Ambassador Claudia Franco Hijuelos, Director General (Asia-Pacific) of Mexican Foreign Ministry led the Mexican delegation.
As members of the delegations of their respective countries, Bangladesh Ambassador to Mexico, Abida Islam and Federico Salas Lotfe Ambassador of Mexico to India, concurring to Bangladesh, actively participated in the discussions.
The Bangladesh delegation consisted of representatives from Ministries of Foreign Affairs, Commerce and Cultural Affairs, as well as from National Board of Revenue (NBR).
Read: Middlemen, the biggest obstacle in Bangladesh's food chain?
The entire gamut of bilateral relations between Bangladesh and Mexico were discussed during the meeting with focus on the economy and trade, exchanges between Foreign Service academies, bilateral cooperation in cultural, gender equality, defence and tourism, including visa exemption for diplomatic and official passport holders.
While taking stock of the overall state of Bangladesh-Mexico relations, the leader of the Bangladesh delegation stressed the importance of regular exchange of high-level visits and increased engagements to further foster the friendly ties between the two countries.
He also emphasized the need for carrying forward the momentum that was created during the successful visit of State Minister of Foreign Affairs Md Shahriar Alam in September 2021 while attending the 200-year celebration of Mexican Independence.
The Bangladesh side requested for opening a resident mission of Mexico in Dhaka in the near future. The Mexican side proposed to form a Parliamentary Friendship Group between lawmakers of two countries.
Trade and Investment
In the area of trade and investment, Bangladesh highlighted the impressive investment possibilities and benefits provided by the government to foreign investors.
In response, the Mexican side showed its keen interest in the sector of construction and auto parts industries in Bangladesh.
Read: UK announces £18m new funding to end child marriage in Bangladesh, 11 other countries
Terming economic affairs as a key aspect and one of the priorities in foreign policy, both sides agreed to create a Joint Working Group between the governments to explore the potential untapped areas and take advantage of their respective economic opportunities.
Referring to the recently concluded MoU between COMCE and the FBCCI in September 2021, the two sides stressed frequent engagements, even in virtual platforms, in the coming days.
With regards to the Agreement on Mutual Administrative Assistance in Customs Matters, the Mexican side conveyed that upon review of the draft Agreement, they will share it with its Bangladesh counterparts for their consideration.
Under the segment of bilateral cooperation, the MoU between Diplomatic Academies, Promotion of Gender Equality, MoU on Cooperation in the Field of Culture as well as Cooperation in the Field of Higher Education were discussed.
It has been learned from the Mexican side that the discussion with regards to the MoU regarding an exchange program between the Diplomatic Academies of Mexico and Bangladesh is ongoing and is expected to be concluded soon.
The issue of gender equality features prominently during the discussion and both sides agreed to work closely and share their best practices to promote gender equality in their respective organizations and countries.
The Mexican side further stated that the National Institute of Anthropology and History of Mexico is presently reviewing the MoU regarding cultural cooperation proposed by the Bangladesh side and Mexican Secretariat of Public Education is still working with the proposed MoU of Bangladesh on Cooperation in the Field of Higher Education.
During the consultations, the two sides also discussed possible cooperation in mutually beneficial areas at regional and multilateral level including the United Nations.
To improve the people-to-people contacts, the Bangladesh side requested the Mexican government to establish a Visa Facilitation Services (VFS) Center in Dhaka or adopt any other mechanisms so that Bangladesh nationals could provide all the required information including the biometrics without traveling to India.
He also requested to exempt visas for diplomatic and official passport holders.
Currently, in absence of a Mexican Embassy in Dhaka, Bangladeshi visa seekers have to travel to New Delhi to provide their biometrics to obtain a Mexican visa and the situation has further worsened owing to the restrictions and limitations associated with COVID-19 pandemic.
Read: Number of Bangladeshi students on the rise in US
Ambassador Claudia Franco took note of the concerns of Bangladesh and said that Mexico is continuously evaluating the need for opening new consular offices in different parts of the world.
However, the Director General (Consular Affairs), who was also present at the meeting, assured to find ways to bring both the countries closer in terms of people-to-people contacts.
Regarding the exemption of visas for diplomatic and official passport holders, Ambassador Claudia Franco said that the concerned office is reviewing the draft to find out the likelihood of this agreement.
Both sides appreciated the candid exchange of ideas and based on the momentum created by the consultation, intended to enhance their progress for mutual benefit in the days ahead.
The 2nd FOC is expected to take place during the second half of 2022 preferably in person if the conditions permit, either in Mexico City or Dhaka, at a mutually convenient date and time.
Indonesia to send strong message to Myanmar over Rohingya crisis, says its FM
Indonesia is going to send a strong message to Myanmar seeking steps to resolve the prolonged Rohingya crisis.
“We’re going to send a strong message to Myanmar for resolving the Rohingya crisis,” visiting Indonesian Foreign Minister Retno Marsudi said when she met Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina at her office.
Sheikh Hasina said another three years have elapsed since the crisis has broken out and Bangladesh’s wait for the reparation of the forcibly displaced Myanmar nationals. “…it’s a huge burden for Bangladesh,” the Prime Minister was quoted as saying.
PM’s press secretary Ihsanul Karim briefed reporters after the meeting.
The Indonesian Foreign Minister conveyed her country’s President’s greetings to the Prime Minister.
Talking about the Covid-19 pandemic, Marsudi lauded Bangladesh for its success in tackling the Covid-19 pandemic situation under the leadership of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. “Indonesia has also been able to bring the situation under control and we’re strict in maintaining health protocols,” she said.
Foreign Minister Dr AK Abdul Momen and Principal Secretary Dr Ahmad Kaikaus were present during the meeting.
Read: No religious excesses, says PM Hasina
The Indonesian Foreign Minister arrived in Dhaka to attend the 21st Indian Ocean Rim Association (IORA) Council of Ministers’ Meeting.
Later, South African Minister for International Relation and Cooperation Dr Pandor, who is also in Dhaka to attend the 21st IORA Meeting, met Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina.
The Prime Minister told Dr Pandor that the struggle of Nelson Mandela and Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman was the same as both the leaders made tremendous sacrifices apart from languishing in jail for a long time.
“Our aim should be to keep the Indian Ocean peaceful for developing the Blue Economy,” PM’s press secretary Ihsanul Karim quoted the Prime Minister as saying.
The South African Minister for International Relation and Cooperation referred to the pandemic and said South Africa is producing Covid-19 vaccines of Pfizer and Johnson and Johnson.
Foreign Minister Dr AK Abdul Momen and Principal Secretary Dr Ahmad Kaikaus were present on the occasion.
Read: Momen stresses importance of a healthy heart to Sylhetis
The Sri Lankan Foreign Affairs Minister Professor GL Peirisin in a separate meeting highly appreciated the economic progress of Bangladesh, especially the online connectivity and business and bank operation, and social safety network.
Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina mentioned about the micro-savings programmes of the government.
Ihsanul Karim said the Prime Minister also mentioned about the government’s steps to avoid any food scarcity in the country during the post-pandemic situation. “We’ve given a special emphasis on food protection,” she was quoted as saying.
Foreign Minister Dr AK Abdul Momen and Principal Secretary Dr Ahmad Kaikaus were present.
Read: Comoros looks for trade deal with Bangladesh