bangladesh
Leaders' Summit on Climate: Dhaka optimistic about $100 billion fund
Foreign Minister Dr AK Abdul Momen on Friday expressed optimism over the promised international financial flow of US$100 billion, saying money is not a problem but the political commitment matters.
“I’m very optimistic as always. The most important thing is political commitment,” he said, noting that they have seen that commitment through the “Leaders Summit on Climate” hosted by US President Joe Biden.
Dr Momen said Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina pushed for the annual target of mobilising $100 billion as committed by developed countries in her speech at the Summit on Thursday.
In a virtual briefing, the Foreign Minister said they have to know how to get the money, and money is not a problem if there is a political commitment.
He termed the Leaders’ Summit on Climate is a “breakthrough” and expressed satisfaction over the commitment of the global leaders.
The Foreign Minister referred to the emissions target set by the US by 2030 and commitment by countries like China, Japan, Germany, Canada and the European countries, and said these are “beautiful statements.”
Also read: Al Jazeera report on Bhasan Char false; part of it has vindictive approach: FM
“It seems there’s political push behind it, commitment is there,” he said, adding that these are very encouraging news for countries like Bangladesh.
Bangladesh stressed that the funding should be distributed at a ratio of 50:50 between mitigation and adaptation. At the same time, adaptation without mitigation is not a good strategy.
“We’ve a breakthrough in this dialogue and debate for the initiative taken by the US,” said the Foreign Minister.
Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina put forward four suggestions to global leaders to fight climate change challenges with a strong collective response.
Her suggestions include announcing an immediate and ambitious action plan by developed countries to reduce their carbon emissions to keep the global temperature at 1.5 degrees Celsius with focus on mitigation measures; and ensuring the annual target of 100 billion US dollars which should be balanced 50:50 between adaptation and mitigation with a special attention to the vulnerable countries while pursuing losses and damages.
The other two suggestions are: Major economies, international financial institutions and private sectors should come forward with plans for concessional climate financing as well as innovation; and focusing on green economy and carbon neutral technologies with a provision of technology transfer among nations.
Foreign Secretary Masud Bin Momen, was among others, present at the virtual media briefing.
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Chinese President Xi Jinping, Japanese Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga, Russian President Vladimir Puti, Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison, British Prime Minister Boris Johnson, German Chancellor Angela Merkel, Prime Minister, South Korean President Moon Jae-in and Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan were among the participants at the Summit invited by the US President.
The Leaders’ Summit on Climate underscored the urgency - and the economic benefits - of stronger climate action.
The Summit also highlighted examples of how enhanced climate ambition will create good paying jobs, advance innovative technologies, and help vulnerable countries adapt to climate impacts.
It is seen as a key milestone on the road to the United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP26) this November in Glasgow.
A key goal of COP26 will be to catalyze efforts that keep that 1.5-degree goal within reach.
The entire world faces “a moment of peril” but also “a moment of opportunity,” Biden declared, speaking from a TV-style chrome-blue set for the virtual summit of 40 world leaders.
The participants appeared one after other onscreen for what appeared to be a mix of live and recorded addresses.
“The signs are unmistakable,” Biden said. “The science is undeniable. The cost of inaction keeps mounting.”
Biden’s new U.S. commitment, timed to the summit, would cut America’s fossil fuel emissions as much as 52% by 2030.
It comes after four years of international withdrawal from the issue under President Donald Trump, who mocked the science of climate change and pulled the US out of the landmark 2015 Paris climate accord, reports AP.
4 killed, 35 injured in Armanitola building fire
At least four people were killed and 35 others sustained burn injuries after a massive fire broke out at a building in the Armanitola area of Old Dhaka in the early hours of Friday.
Officials said the fire started at the ground floor of the six-storey Hazi Musa Mansion in Armanitola at 3.17 am and soon spread to other portions of the building. And it took 19 fire tenders nearly three hours to douse the flames.
Initially two bodies were recovered by the firefighters but later two more were pulled out from a small room near the stairs of the building, officials said.
One of the deceased has been identified as Suraiya Akhter, 22, a student of Eden Mohila College, while the identities of the three others, including a security guard of the building, are yet to be established.
Among the injured are three fire fighters, who have been admitted to Sheikh Hasina National Institute of Burn and Plastic Surgery, said Rasel Sikdar, duty officer of Fire Service and Civil Defence control room.
Also read:Kalyanpur slum fire under control
ASEAN urged to engage Myanmar's National Unity Govt to end crisis, military rule
Fortify Rights has said the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) should work with the newly formed "National Unity Government" in Myanmar and the broader international community to bring an end to the Myanmar military junta’s attacks and ensure a transition to democratic and civilian rule.
Myanmar coup leader Senior General Min Aung Hlaing is expected to join a special ASEAN summit on Myanmar on Saturday in Jakarta while ASEAN sidelined the National Unity Government from the discussions.
Also read:End assault on media freedom, Fortify Rights to Myanmar
“By inviting coup leader Min Aung Hlaing and ignoring Myanmar’s elected civilian leaders, ASEAN lends legitimacy to an illegal and brutal military regime,” said Ismail Wolff, Regional Director of Fortify Rights, on Friday.
He said the ASEAN should use this special summit as an opportunity to collectively reject the February-1 coup and the military’s subsequent attack on civilians, recognise the legitimacy of the National Unity Government, and garner collective support for economic sanctions and an arms embargo against the Myanmar military.
If Sen. Gen. Min Aung Hlaing fails to demonstrate an immediate end to the junta’s attempted coup and attack on civilians, then ASEAN member states should consider ousting Myanmar from the regional block, said Fortify Rights.
On February 1, Sen. Gen. Min Aung Hlaing orchestrated a military coup d’état, overthrowing the elected government and detaining President Win Myint, State Counsellor Aung San Suu Kyi, and dozens of other government leaders, parliamentarians, and human rights defenders.
The junta took over the executive, judicial, and legislative levers of power and, on February 2, created the military-appointed State Administration Council to rule the country.
On April 16, ousted members of parliament, anti-coup protest leaders, and representatives of Myanmar’s ethnic minorities announced the establishment of the National Unity Government.
The National Unity Government committed to end military rule and build a federal democracy.
Since the February 1 coup, junta-controlled security forces reportedly killed more than 700 people and detained over 3,000 in a brutal, nationwide assault against the population.
Also read:Protect Rohingyas, host communities from coronavirus: Fortify ...
The junta also deployed the air force and launched airstrikes against villages in ethnic army-controlled border areas, killing and injuring civilians, displacing thousands, and sparking concerns of a regional refugee crisis.
It has also cut internet access and mobile data nationally, preventing the population from communicating with each other and beyond.
“ASEAN member states should coordinate with the international community to bring effective pressure to bear on Myanmar’s murderous regime,” said Ismail Wolff.
“ASEAN can no longer hide behind its flawed policy of non-interference. Governments in this region need to show leadership and stand with the people of Myanmar by categorically rejecting the junta and recognising the legitimate civilian leadership.”
3 women detained for ‘snatching pistol from police’ in Narail
Three women have been detained from Narail’s Lohagara Upazila for allegedly snatching a pistol from police during a clash.
The detainees are – Jahanara Chowdhury, Selina and Sohana.
Freedom fighter Yusuf Sardar’s daughter Soheli said her brothers had gone to Mauli village to rescue their cousin Bulu Sardar who was reportedly being held and tortured at a house.
“Police obstructed my brothers and an altercation ensued. A policeman dropped a pistol during the scuffle but we returned it,” she said, accusing police of attacking her party, assault and vandalism.
“My father, freedom fighter Yusuf Sardar’s nose was broken,” she said.
Freedom fighter Asad Sardar, the brother of Yusuf, said the policemen assaulted his sister-in-law and daughter-in-law and hurled verbal abuse towards them.
Police said two groups led by Ohidur Sardar of Kumri village and Firoz Sheikh of Lutia village had been at loggerheads over establishing supremacy. As they two groups locked horns, two police officers managed to dissuade Firoz’s group.
But they were attacked by 20-25 people when they tried to dissuade Ohidur’s group.
Assistant Sub-Inspector (ASI) of Police Mikail Hossain has received first aid. ASI Mir Alamgir has been hacked with a sharp weapon in his head and left elbow. He has also been hit with a blunt object.
“A pistol with eight bullets was snatched from ASI Alamgir. It was recovered around 2:30pm from near a mosque,” Lohagara Police Station’s OC Syed Ashikur Rahman said. “We’re taking legal action.”
1.1mln Bangladeshis talking about climate change on Facebook
Over 1.1 million Bangladeshis have been talking about environmental conservation on Facebook in the past three months.
The three most popular topics are sustainable food, sustainable living and wildlife conservation.
In Bangladesh, interest in issues related to climate change mirrors global sentiment.More people are also joining communities to learn more about issues and taking action.
There are now more than 2 million Bangladeshis who are part of at least one of the 6,000 Facebook groups dedicated to the discovery, protection and appreciation of our environment.
Also read: Hasina places 4 suggestions to deal with climate challenge
“I continue to be inspired by Bangladeshis rallying together across our platforms to take action on climate change,” said Jordi Fornies, Facebook’s Director of Emerging Markets at APAC.
“At Facebook, we recognise the urgency of climate change and are committed to help tackle this crisis affecting communities around the globe. Our operations are now 100 percent supported by renewable energy, and we are one of the largest corporate buyers of renewable energy globally.”
Facebook is encouraging people across its platforms to take action and help protect the planet from climate crisis as it continues to impact communities around the world.
According to a global survey conducted by Facebook in partnership with the Yale Program on Climate Communication, more than three-quarters of people from 30 countries believe in climate change, and 7 in 10 people were supportive of the Paris Climate Accord.
Also read: Bangladesh, US to work together to address challenges of climate change
To make it easier for people to take action against climate change, the social media platform is launching the Facebook Greenprint consumer guide, and a “Stand up for Earth” WhatsApp sticker pack that highlights some of the environmental challenges that we’re facing across the globe, and encourages actions like recycling, reducing electricity and saving water.
There are also several wallpapers already in WhatsApp that show the beauty of the planet.
The Facebook Greenprint is a digital guide that features 15 simple steps that people can take to protect the planet.
These steps include joining a local Facebook Group or community to learn more about Bangladesh’s various environmental issues, attending a sustainable event in the area, donating to local wildlife organisations or shopping ethically on Instagram Shops.
Also read: Climate Change: Biden's administration urged to take genuine leadership role
Facebook will continue striving towards their climate change goals, and has committed to reaching net zero emissions for the value chain in 2030.
Crops on 12,000ha damaged as norwester lashes Sirajganj
Farmers in Sirajganj are apprehending massive losses after a norwester hit the district on Wednesday night and damaged crops on about 12,000 hectares.
“We’re fearing a huge loss for the seasonal crops,” said Abu Hanif, the deputy director of the district’s Department of Agricultural Extension.
Also read: 12 killed in Gaibandha, Faridpur as nor’wester lashes country
Farmers are frustrated seeing their ripe Boro paddy lying flat on the ground after storm and rain. There isn’t much left to harvest, they said.
The norwester also damaged maize, jute and vegetable plantations.
Also read: Nor’wester destroys 250 houses in Bhola
More than 200 houses in the district were damaged and many trees were uprooted, cutting off power supply for about nine hours.
Hanif said they have sent a report on the damage to the ministry concerned.
Also read: Nor’wester sweeps Joypurhat; 4 killed
But it is unclear if any step has been taken to address the losses of the farmers.
Kamalapur Railway Station wears eerie look
The railways offering a cheaper and safer alternative is the preferred mode of transportation for the people. But public transportation has remained suspended since a lockdown was enforced earlier this month. Kamalapur Railway Station, which usually teems with life, has fallen silent.
With the extended lockdown, passenger train services will remain suspended until April 28, as part of the government’s measures to curb the transmission of coronavirus.
Also read: Lockdown: Pvt cars rise on Dhaka roads
In the last 24 hours until Thursday morning, the country recorded 98 deaths and 4,014 new infections pushing the total number of cases to 736,074, said the Directorate General of Health Services.
Also read: Covid-19: Bangladesh sees 98 more deaths, 4014 new infections
An UNB photographer captured photos of an empty and eerie Kamalapur Railway Station wearing a dejected look.
Covid vaccine: Dhaka agrees on Beijing’s proposal to set up emergency storage facility
Bangladesh, in principle, has agreed on a Chinese proposal to set up an "Emergency COVID-19 Vaccine Storage Facility" to ensure quick supply of vaccines among the South Asian countries during emergency.
Afghanistan, Nepal, Sri Lanka and Pakistan, which are not producing Covid vaccines, have also received a similar proposal from China and agreed on it.
“We said we don’t have any objection. We, in principle, like it (the proposal). Any country might have an emergency need,” Foreign Minister Dr AK Abdul Momen told reporters on Thursday.
Also read: Nothing to worry about vaccine stock: FM
Bangladesh received the proposal on April 15 and a minister-level meeting will be held on April 27, he said.
The Foreign Minister said Bangladesh sought further details on the proposal, noting that there was a meeting at the secretary level in this regard.
Dr Momen said a minister-level meeting will be held on April 27 to discuss the proposal in detail.
Also read: Will do our best to support vaccine rollout in neighbouring countries: India
Meanwhile, Chinese Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Wang Wenbin on Thursday said China has taken note of the “recent grave situation” in India with a temporary shortage of anti-epidemic medical supplies.
“We stand ready to provide India with necessary support and assistance to get the epidemic under control,” he said.
Dr Momen said China will give 6 lakh doses of vaccine as a gift and hoped that Bangladesh will get a vaccine through commercial purchase soon.
Also read: Covid vaccines should be declared as global public goods: PM Hasina
Bangladesh has received 7 million doses of Oxford-AstraZeneca vaccine produced by Serum Institute of India (SII) through its contract. Bangladesh also received 3.3 million doses of vaccine as a bilateral partnership gift.
This is the largest amount sent from India to any country.
Netherlands for accommodating climate to boost trade, investment with Bangladesh
Netherlands has put emphasis on an accommodating business climate for foreign investment and trade, as well as adherence to global labour and environmental standards, to attract more foreign investment and business to Bangladesh.
The Bangladesh side underscored the need for promoting responsible business conduct in the global supply chain and for continued international support measures after its graduation from the Least Developed Country (LDC) status.
Bangladesh and the Netherlands held the Foreign Office Consultations on Thursday virtually and discussed the issues.
Both countries shared their concerns about recent developments in Myanmar, including the serious challenges these developments pose for the safe, sustainable, dignified and voluntary return of the Rohingyas to their homeland.
Also read: Dutch investors urged to invest in Bangladesh’s aquaculture sector for growth, diversification
The two countries also reiterated their continued commitment to justice and accountability for the human rights violations committed in Myanmar.
The Bangladesh delegation was led by Foreign Secretary (Senior Secretary) Ambassador Masud Bin Momen while the Netherlands delegation was led by the Secretary-General of the Dutch Ministry of Foreign Affairs Paul Huijts.
The fourth round of Foreign Office Consultations took place amid Bangladesh’s Golden Jubilee and Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman’s birth centenary celebrations, and the upcoming 50th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic ties between the two countries.
The Netherlands and Bangladesh have maintained an enduring friendship over the course of those 50 years, marked by a significant Dutch role in Bangladesh’s early infrastructural development and water management and food security efforts, now considered key successes for both countries.
Also read: Dutch NGOs reiterate support to Bangladesh
Both delegation leaders acknowledged the impact COVID-19 has had on their societies and shared their views on post-COVID-19 economic recovery to ‘build back better’.
They noted the strong ties between the two countries over the past 50 years and elaborated on political and economic developments as well as the evolving nature of the bilateral relationship, with a shift from development cooperation to economic cooperation. Both sides agreed to continue exchanging views on human rights and rule of law, including in multilateral fora.
The delegations held an in-depth discussion on how to further strengthen the economic ties and knowledge exchange in a wide variety of areas, including water management, agriculture, digitalisation and climate adaptation.
The Bangladesh Delta Plan 2100 was specifically discussed as a key vehicle for integrating cooperation on water management and food security.
Also read: Swedish, Dutch envoys for maintaining focus on Rohingya crisis until their repatriation
The two delegation leaders discussed developments in the region, including the current focus on increasing cooperation and connectivity between the EU and the Indo-Pacific region.
The Netherlands expressed its gratitude for Bangladesh’s hospitality towards the Rohingya people and noted ongoing discussions on humanitarian issues between the international donor community and Bangladesh.
The Foreign Office Consultations underlined the willingness of both countries to explore and take up opportunities to further deepen and diversify the bilateral ties.
Hearing on plea challenging stay on Irfan Selim’s bail on April 25
The Appellate Division of Supreme Court on Thursday fixed April 25 for hearing a petition filed by the state challenging bail of Irfan Selim that was granted by the High Court (HC) in a case over assaulting a Navy officer last year.
A virtual Appellate Division bench led by the Chief Justice Syed Mahmud Hossain fixed the date. Advocate Abdul Baset Majumdar stood for Irfan, son of Awami League leader Haji Selim.
On March 18, the High Court granted him bail which was later stayed for four weeks by the chamber judge on March 28.
Also read: Hearing on Irfan Selim’s plea challenging stay on bail order on April 19
According to the case statement, a private car hit Bangladesh Navy’s Lieutenant Wasif Ahmed Khan’s motorcycle near Labaid Hospital at Dhanmondi on October 25, 2020 when he and his wife were returning to their Mohammadpur residence from Nilkhet.
Later, some people, including Irfan, came out of the car and physically assaulted Wasif and verbally abused his wife.
The Navy officer filed a case at Dhanmondi Police Station, naming four people including Irfan. The three other accused are AB Siddique Dipu, 45, Md Zahid, 35, and Md Mizanur Rahman, 30. All of them are behind bars now.
Also read: Navy officer assault case: SC stays HC bail to Irfan Selim
On October 26, 2020, Rapid Action Battalion (Rab) detained Irfan from his father’s Devdas Lane residence in Old Dhaka. Two firearms, 38 walkie-talkies and liquor were seized from his house during the drive.
He was suspended from the post of councillor the next day. He has been facing four more cases.
He was sentenced to six months’ imprisonment for keeping walkie-talkies illegally and another six months for possessing illegal liquor on October 26, 2020 by a mobile court led by Rab.