bangladesh
Woman held in Ctg for duping poor people
Police have arrested a 33-year-old woman in Chattogram for allegedly duping poor people on the pretext of providing loans.
The arrestee has been identified as Jannatun Naima.
On Monday evening, the victims, mostly low-income earners and beggars, gheraoed Naima’s office in the Hamzarbagh area and demanded that she returned their money.
Cops were soon alerted and a team from the Panchlaish police station rushed to her rescue, only to place her under arrest subsequently.
Also read: Two arrested for IGP's signature fraud
According to police, Jannatun runs an NGO -- ‘Save As Your Earn’ -- but she has not taken the mandatory licence from the government.
Officer-in-charge of Panchlaish police station Zahidul Kabir said, "Naima who started the NGO last year took money from domestic helps and other economically poor people in the name of arranging a loan of Tk 4,000 each from the Ministry of Disaster Management and Relief."
"The NGO collected Tk 200 each from around 14,000 low-income earners over the past two years," he added.
Also read: Man gets one year in jail over fraud in Ektee Bari Ektee Khamar project
To gain people’s trust, the accused showed them a draft of the loan documents, forging the signature of a deputy secretary of the department of Disaster Management, the OC said.
Whenever people would enquire about the loans, she would tell them that they will get a phone call directly from the ministry, said OC Zahidul.
Mugda fire: Mother-son duo dies of burn injuries
A woman and her five-year-old child have succumbed to the burn injuries they sustained in a fire caused by cooking gas leakage in their house in city's Mugda on Monday morning.
The deceased were identified as Priyanka (32) and her son Arup.
While Priyanka, who received 72 percent burns, died of her injuries around 3am on Tuesday, her son with 67 percent burns died around 11pm on Monday, said Dr SM Ayub Hossain of Sheikh Hasina National Institute of Burn and Plastic Surgery.
Also read: 4 of a family burnt in Mugda fire
Priyanka’s husband Sudhangshu (35), with 25 percent burns, and 55-year-old mother-in-law, with 35 percent burns, are currently undergoing treatment at the institute of Dhaka Medical College and Hospital.
The fire broke out around 7.30am Monday at their ground floor apartment in Matobbor Gali of Mugda.
Priyanka’s brother Palash had said that the four family members suffered burn injuries as they lit the stove in the morning unaware of the gas leakage.
Also read: Rupganj rice mill fire: Two injured workers die
Man held with Tk 2.40cr gold at Ctg airport
Customs officials detained a 28-year-old man at Shah Amanat International Airport on Tuesday for allegedly attempting to smuggle in gold worth Tk 2.40 crore.
Acting on a tip-off, a Customs team intercepted Mohammad Sohel at the airport upon his arrival from Dubai this morning.
Read: 2 held with gold worth over Tk 2cr in separate drives at Dhaka airport
"Subsequent frisking led to the seizure of 26 gold bars and other gold items weighing 4.1 kg," said Wing Commander Farhad Hossain Khan, the top airport official.
Deputy commissioner of Airport Customs, Sumon Chakma said that the seized items included 26 gold bars, six molten gold leaf, three gold hunch, five bracelets and a gold necklace.
Read: 'Rohingya' man held with 33 gold bars in Cox's Bazar
"The detainee is being interrogated," he said.
Biker killed in Magura road crash
A 50-year-old biker was killed in a road crash in the Bhabobhati area of Magura on Monday afternoon, police said on Tuesday.
The deceased was identified as Subodh Kumar Shikdar, a resident of Shibrampur village under Magura municipality. He was a muhuri (deed writer) with the Arpara registry office.
Read: Three held for killing former Moheshkhali pirate Alauddin
Locals found him lying unconscious in the middle of the road. He was immediately rushed to Magura Sadar Hospital where he succumbed to his injuries, police said.
A case has been filed at the Magura police station. "The body was sent to the hospital morgue for an autopsy," said acting OC of Magura police station Monjorul Alam.
Read: Bus crash in Bulgaria kills at least 45 people
Helping Bangladeshi youths stage a comeback from Covid setbacks
Young people left unemployed by the Covid-19 pandemic can now dream of staging a comeback, thanks to a new initiative by the Uddokta project that aims to encourage entrepreneurship.
Uddokta -- empowering entrepreneurs -- a three-year (2020-2022) project was initially a partnership between Chevron and global nonprofit organisation iDE, signed in 2019 under Chevron's Bangladesh Partnership Initiative (BPI).
Now, Uddokta has partnered with the Embassy of Switzerland to take this noble initiative forward. The formal integration was done at a recent event 'Empowering people through our partnership' in Dhaka.
Also read: Korea promotes young entrepreneurs’ development through business curriculum at universities
Chevron's director of corporate affairs, the deputy head of cooperation from Swiss Embassy and the Asia-Pacific vice president of iDE attended the event.
This partnership seeks to improve incomes and livelihoods of rural communities via enterprise development, creation of local entrepreneurs and strengthening market systems in Chevron BPI catchment areas of Sylhet division -- Sylhet, Moulavibazar, and Habiganj.
In July 2021, Switzerland supported Uddokta through their Bangladesh Covid-19 response to increase the employment of youths and women affected by the pandemic in and around the project area.
In this joint collaboration, the Uddokta project will help improve the lives and livelihoods of over 2,600 youths by supporting micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) and more than 100 local cooperatives with a strong emphasis on gender inclusivity and integration.
Apart from supporting the out-of-job youths, the project will focus on long-term sustainability through greater emphasis on climate-smart sectors in the four districts of Sylhet division -- Sylhet, Moulavibazar, Habiganj and Sunamganj.
As the pandemic continues to impede the country’s economic activities, especially for Bangladeshi rural women and youths, the partnership also aims to promote an inclusive and non-discriminative society, and youth employment opportunities.
“The new partnership is appreciated for their innovative approach towards supporting youths affected by Covid-19," said the director of corporate affairs, Chevron Bangladesh, Muhammad Imrul Kabir.
Also read: Social entrepreneurs give rural Bangladesh access to retail banking
"With global attention on the annual UN Climate Change Conference of COP26, the Uddokta project will be prioritising green growth and initiatives for the betterment of rural communities in the future."
iDE vice president for Asia-Pacific, Deepak Khadka said: “Sustainability will be key to the programme as well as developing solutions to challenges and accelerating the results of the programme."
The deputy head of cooperation from the Embassy of Switzerland, Corinne Henchoz, Pignani said: "Responsible decisions need to be taken to leave the world better for the future generations. I am hopeful that this project will demonstrate how to do this sustainably in Bangladesh."
Maritime connectivity: Maldives to establish direct shipping line with Chattogram
Bangladesh and the Maldives have agreed to establish a direct shipping line with Chattogram as Malé is keen to enhance connectivity and bilateral trade between the two countries.
Foreign Minister Dr AK Abdul Momen discussed the issue when they had a meeting with visiting Vice President of the Maldives Faisal Naseem at a city hotel on Monday evening.
The Vice President of the Maldives is accompanied by two Cabinet Ministers and the Foreign Secretary of the Maldives.
The Bangladesh Foreign Minister was accompanied by Foreign Secretary Masud Bin Momen and other senior officials of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Also read: It’s enlightening to learn about Bangabandhu’s life: Maldives VP
Dr Momen assured the Maldives of extending necessary assistance in providing medical education, training and skill development in various areas of the Maldives.
He stated that Bangladeshi expatriate workers in the Maldives are diligently contributing to the host economy.
The Maldives side expressed keen interest to recruit specialized professionals and medical doctors from Bangladesh.
Both sides reviewed the entire spectrum of bilateral relations, discussed ways and means for further strengthening cooperation and exchanged views on regional and international issues.
Dr Momen stated that Bangladesh attaches high importance to the Maldives which are rooted in shared religion, culture and values.
He recalled that the state visit of the President of the Maldives on the occasion of birth centenary of Father of Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman and Golden Jubilee of the Independence of Bangladesh on 17-19 March 2021 had contributed to advancing Bangladesh-Maldives bilateral relations to a great extent.
Dr Momen thanked the government of the Maldives through the Vice President for the gift of 2,00,000 Covid-19 vaccines for the people of Bangladesh.
Also read: Bangladesh looks to export resort wear to Maldives
Earlier, Faisal paid tribute to the memories of Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman at Bangabandhu Memorial Museum, Dhanmondi, Dhaka with a floral wreath.
Faisal Naseem arrived here on Monday on a three-day official visit.
He is expected to meet President Abdul Hamid and a few cabinet ministers during the visit.
Three held for killing former Moheshkhali pirate Alauddin
Rapid Action Battalion (RAB) on Monday night arrested three people, including the prime accused, in connection with the killing of former pirate Alauddin of Moheshkhali.
The arrestees have been identified as Rafikul Islam Prakash Mamun (28), the prime accused, Md Rifat (23) and Ayub Ali (40).
A RAB-15 team arrested Mamun and Rifat around 7pm during a raid in the Faitong area under Lama police station limits in Bandarban, following a tip-off.
Also read: Pirate ringleader held in Khulna
Alauddin was nabbed later from the Pahartali area of Cox’s Bazar, after Mamun gave information about his whereabouts during interrogation, according to RAB.
On November 5, around 8pm some assailants killed Alauddin, 26, the former pirate, in the Chamiraghona Kalur bridge area of Kalamar Chara union in Cox’s Bazar.
Also read: ‘Pirate’ killed in Bhola ‘gunfight’
The next day, Alauddin’s brother Sumon Uddin filed a complaint at the Moheshkhali police station. Followed by the complaint, police filed a murder case under penal code 302/34.
RAB members claimed to have recovered the guns used in the crime. "Efforts are on to arrest the other accused," an officer said.
IU celebrates University Day
Islamic University (IU) in Kushtia celebrated its 43rd University Day on the campus on Monday, marking its 42th founding anniversary.
The day-long celebration began with the unfurling of the national and university flags by IU vice-chancellor Shaikh Abdus Salam and pro vice-chancellor Prof M Mahbubur Rahman, respectively.
READ: Ageing bailey bridges turn death traps in hilly Khagrachari roads
Teachers, students, officers and employees later brought out a colourful procession led by the VC on the campus. The procession ended in front of Bangla Moncha adjacent to the university’s arts building.
Subsequently, a discussion and a cultural programme was held on the campus. Among others, IU treasurer Prof M Alamgir Hossain Bhuiya, acting registrar Ataur Rahman, transport administrator Prof M Anowar Hossain, proctor Prof M Jahangir Hossain, and deans and chairpersons of different faculties were present on the occasion.
READ: Foundation stones of two halls laid at Islamic University
The university began its journey on November 22 in 1979 in Gazipur on a campus currently used by National University.
Blue Economy in Bangladesh: Prospects and Challenges
Bangladesh is a country with great potential in the field of blue economy, which stands for the sustainable use of marine resources. The prospect of this sector lies not only in Bangladesh's geographic proximity to water bodies but also in its abundant seafood and fishery products which provide plenty of opportunities for export. This article will discuss how Bangladesh can leverage its natural resource endowment by building up an efficient blue economy that creates jobs, generates revenue, and supports poverty alleviation.
What is the Blue Economy?
The blue economy is a term used to describe the sustainable use of marine resources. It covers economic activities such as fishing, aquaculture, and tourism that depend on healthy oceans and seas but also includes new industries like biotechnology and maritime transport. The blue economy concept was introduced by Gunter Pauli in 1994.
However, according to the World Bank, the modern definition of Blue Economy indicates the use of all the resources of the oceans and the resources at their bottom for sustainable development. The word "economy" here refers not only to business but also maritime issues such as conservation and sustainable use of marine living resources.
Read Bangladesh, Kenya explore cooperation in blue economy
Prospects of Blue Economy in Bangladesh
In 2014, we conquered the sea from Myanmar. As a result, our maritime boundary has increased to 1.4 times that of another part of the whole of Bangladesh. The present sea area of Bangladesh is 2,07,000 square kilometers. Since our sea area has increased significantly, it is time to use the ocean resources for the advancement of Bangladesh. However, the Bangladesh government has already taken steps to use the resources.
Nevertheless, our government does not want to rely too much on foreign aid. Hence, the government wants to move forward through self-reliance. A university named "Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman Maritime University Bangladesh was established in 2013 with the aim to build skills related to blue Economics and its development. The oceanography department has been introduced in different universities, including Dhaka University. In this way, we hope that one-day skilled manpower will be formed in our country. So, what are the prospects of a blue economy in Bangladesh? Let's find them out.
Read Focus on blue economy: PM to IORA states
Bangladesh has adopted Delta Plan-2100 in 2020, in which the maritime economy has been given priority. The plan adopts five strategies to harness the potential of the blue economy, one of which is the speedy completion of a multidimensional survey of marine resources. Through this, the government has taken up the first and foremost task of utilizing the maritime economy.
Prospect in Economy
If activities are carried out in at least four areas in the territory that Bangladesh has acquired as a result of the conquest of the sea, it is possible to earn about 2.5 trillion US dollars every year by 2030. The four sectors are oil and gas extraction, fisheries extraction, port expansion, and tourism. 145 crore people live on the shores of Bangladesh, India, Myanmar, and Thailand, where Bangladesh is in the center. As a result, there are good opportunities to enrich the economy of Bangladesh due to the huge economic potential here.
Fisheries and Aquaculture
At present, Bangladeshi trawlers catch fish within 35-40 nautical miles from the coast. But our economic zone is 200 nautical miles. There is a special opportunity to strengthen the country's maritime economy by working in a wider range. According to Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), Bangladesh is the first of the four countries among Thailand, India, and China in the world to achieve huge success in fisheries by 2022. Then Thailand, India, and China. Fish production has increased by 53% in the last 10 years. And fish exports have increased by more than 20%. Hence, proper utilization of the marine area will surely increase the fish industry.
Read Madagascar keen to work with Bangladesh on blue economy, ICT
Apart from fishery resources, the Bay of Bengal is also rich in marine animals, marine weeds, and shrubs. There is a huge number of marine weeds in the Bay of Bengal. These weeds can be processed to make medicines for various diseases. Spirulina is the most valuable of these weeds. People eat them as food in China, Japan, and different countries of Europe. So, there is a huge prospect in exporting these stuff.
Natural Resources and Energy
The amount of Bangladesh's natural resources above the water and under the water are the same. Moreover, The mineral resources at the bottom of the Bay of Bengal are thought to be unmatched by any other sea or bay in the world. The mineral resources at the bottom of this sea include about 17 types of mineral sand. Most of these are zircon, rutile, sillimanite, ilmenite, magnetite, garnet, kyanite, monazite, lycoxine, etc. All of these substances are valuable, but monazite is thought to be a treasure. This radioactive material is used to make atomic bombs and to generate energy in nuclear reactors.
Global Covid cases top 258 million
The overall number of Covid cases has surged past 258 million amid the global race to vaccinate masses against the infectious disease.
According to Johns Hopkins University (JHU), the total case count mounted to 258,172,735 while the death toll from the virus reached 5,158,642 Tuesday morning.
The US has recorded 47,886,798 cases to date and more than 772,414 people have died so far from the virus in the country, as per the university data.
Brazil, which has been experiencing a new wave of cases since January, registered 22,019,870 cases as of Tuesday, while its Covid death toll rose to 612,842.
Also read: French prime minister positive for COVID-19, as cases rise
India's Covid-19 tally rose to 34,523,965 on Tuesday as 8,488 new cases were registered in 24 hours across the country, as per the federal health ministry data.
Besides, 249 deaths due to the pandemic since Sunday morning took the country's total death toll to 465,991.
Situation in Bangladesh
Bangladesh reported two more Covid-linked deaths and 264 fresh cases in 24 hours till Monday morning.
On Sunday, the country logged seven Covid-linked deaths with 199 cases. The death toll was zero on Saturday with 178 cases.
With this, the daily case positivity rate rose to 1.42 percent on Monday from Sunday’s 1.16 percent, said the Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS).
Both the deceased were women, aged between 41 and 50. They were residents of Dhaka and Chattogram divisions.
Of the 31 deaths recorded from November 15 to November, 21, 9.7 percent received Covid vaccines while 90.3 percent did not, according to the directorate.
Also, with the fresh numbers, the total fatalities rose to 27,955 while the caseload mounted to 1,574,352.
Also read: Covid impact: Women, urbanites, people on the move uniquely affected, says study
However, the mortality rate remained static at 1.78 per cent.
The fresh cases were detected after testing 18,614 samples, the directorate added.
Besides, the recovery rate increased slightly to 97.73 percent, the highest so far, with the recovery of 339 more patients during the 24-hour period.
So far, 34,863,159 people have fully been vaccinated in the country, while 54,783,648 received the first dose as of Sunday, according to the directorate.