bangladesh
Khaleda’s condition improves a little bit: Doctor
The health condition of BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia, who was infected with coronavirus, has improved a little bit as her temperature showing a declining trend, her medical team head Dr FM Siddiqui said on Saturday night.
Talking to reporters in front of the BNP chief’s Gulshan residence after examining her health condition, he also said they think Khaleda’s treatment is still possible at her home as her condition is stable with 97-98 percent oxygen level.
“We’ve examined her health condition. She’s been suffering from low fever for the last three days. Her temperature was persistent during the whole day and even yesterday (Friday) evening. But her temperature is showing a declining trend as she had no fever during the whole day today (Saturday). But the temperature increased a little bit in the evening,” the doctor said.
Also read: Khaleda’s CT scan report largely good: Doctor
He said, “Considering all the aspects, we can say her condition is still stable. If we compare her Friday’s level of temperature with Saturday’s , we find a little bit of improvement in her condition. But we should keep in mind that we should not evaluate the whole situation with only a parameter and we should always remin careful. We’re handling everything professionally with our medical skills and specialisation,” he said.
Dr FM Siddiqui said they found Khaleda's temperature around 100.2°F at about 10:15pm on Saturday. “We’ve started giving her the antiviral medicine and she has already received two doses of it. We also think the response to the medicine is positive. We’ve checked her blood circulation and respiration, and these are good. Her saturation level is always persistent between 97 and 98 percent.”
Stating that the BNP chief’s Covid infection entered the ninth day on Saturday, he said she is now passing through a complicated time. “We’ll take necessary steps immediately if we get any danger signal or deterioration in her condition. As of now, we think, everything is fine. But we don’t want to show any leniency until a two-week period of her infection is passed off, and we’ll continue our,close monitoring.”
Also read: Nine infected with coronavirus at BNP chief Khaleda’s house
Asked whether they have any plan to take Khaleda to any hospital, Dr FM Siddiqui said they still do not think it is necessary. “But we’ll be able to shift her to a hospital quickly in case of any emergency.”
The doctor said the condition of some Covid patients deteriorates even after getting discharged from the hospital. “So, we’re careful so that no gap is created anywhere regarding her treatment.”Asked about the BNP chief’s mental health, he said she is mentally very strong and she urged all to wear masks to protect themselves from the virus infection.
FM Siddiqui said Khaleda’s lung condition seems to be in a good shape as her oxygen level is not dropping.
Also read: Khaleda Zia infected with Covid-19
About her HRCT scan test report, he said her infection is very nominal.
The BNP chief underwent the Covid test on Saturday last as eight other people at her residence were infected with the virus and her report came out positive.
Amid the coronavirus outbreak, the government freed Khaleda Zia from jail for six months through an executive order suspending her sentences on March 25 last year. Later, the government extended her release twice.”
Mujibnagar embodies pride of Bangalee nation in its struggle for freedom: Envoy
Bangladesh Ambassador to the United States M Shahidul Islam has said Mujibnagar embodies the pride of the Bangalee nation in the struggle for freedom from the occupational forces.
He paid deep tribute to Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, three million martyrs and two lakh tortured mothers and sisters.
The Ambassador, while addressing a discussion meeting, said Bangladesh earned liberation not only by sacrifice but also by valor of the freedom fighters.
Also read: Historic Mujibnagar Day observed in Seoul
Bangladesh Embassy in Washington DC observed the historic Mujibnagar Day on Saturday with due solemnity and respect.
To mark the day, the Embassy organised the discussion meeting at Bangabandhu Auditorium of the Chancery in the morning.
Messages issued by President Md Abdul Hamid and Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on Mujibnagar Day were read out.
A documentary titled “Mujibnagar Sarker” was screened at the event.
Also read: Mujibnagar govt played historic role in freedom struggle of Bangladesh: Envoy
A special prayer was offered, seeking divine blessings and salvation of the departed souls of Bangabandhu, four national leaders, and all the martyrs who sacrificed their lives in the liberation war as well as for peace and progress of Bangladesh.
Later, Ambassador Shahidul Islam, along with the diplomats working in the Embassy, placed a floral wreath at the bust of the Father of the Nation, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman.
Local administration ‘vigilant’ in enforcing lockdown in Faridpur
Faridpur District Administration has taken a vigilant stance in executing the week long countrywide lockdown to curb the spread of Covid-19.
A 15-member team has been formed to ensure people do not go out unnecessarily during this period.
A mobile court, led by Upazila Assistant Commissioner (Land) and Executive Magistrate Muhammad Al-amin has fined 6 people a total amount of Tk 9,200 for keeping their businesses open.
Also read: Day 4 of lockdown: Dhaka wears a deserted look
Al-Amin said,” Only drug stores and pesticide stores can stay open during the lockdown. 6 people were fined as they disobeyed government’s instructions by keeping their business establishments open.”
Historic Mujibnagar Day observed in Seoul
The Embassy of Bangladesh in Seoul on Saturday observed the historic Mujibnagar Day with due solemnity and fervor.
The event was attended by the officials of the Embassy at virtual platform.
The day’s programme commenced with the reading out of the verses from the Holy Scriptures.
A special prayer was offered for the salvation of the martyrs of the Liberation War and also for the peace and prosperity of the country.
The Embassy officers then read out the messages of the President and Prime Minister. A documentary on the background and significance of the Mujibnagar Government was also screened in the programme.
Also read: Mujibnagar govt played historic role in freedom struggle of Bangladesh: Envoy
In the discussion session, the discussants highlighted the immense contribution of the Mujibnagar Government, headed by the greatest Bangali of all time, Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman in absentia, in achieving the much-coveted independence through conducting the War of Independence and maintaining close and strong relations with the international community.
Economists emphasise agro-based infrastructure
Three of the country's leading economists urged to put emphasis on agro-based industrialization in the wake of the global economic downturn and coronavirus epidemic.
They made the call while participating in a web seminar titled 'Industrialization: In Search of a Decent Bangladesh' organized by the Bangladesh Economic Association on Saturday afternoon.
The economists participating in the seminar were: Dr Kazi Khaliquzzaman, Chairman of PKSF Palli Karma Sahayak Foundation and Dhaka School of Economics, Dr. Shafique uz Zaman, former chairman of the Department of Economics at Dhaka University and Prof M Moazzem Hossain Khan, former chairman of economics department of Rajshahi University.
The sixth part of the 13-part discussion session was held on the theme of Professor Abul Barakat's recently published research book 'Socio-Economy-State on the big screen: In search of a better Bangladesh from the catastrophe of the virus'.
Also read: Speakers for tapping potential for FDI in agro processing, light engineering, blue economy, education sectors
Dr Kazi Khaliquzzaman said that, "I agree with what Abul Barakat has said in his book that everyone will have equal ownership of natural resources. We need to go back to agro-based industrialization to maintain the balance of nature to avoid the adverse effects of climate change. ”
Referring to the benefits of agro-based industrialization, Professor Shafiq-uz Zaman said, “It will increase the prices of agricultural products. Farmers will get more money. Farmers' purchasing power will increase. We have to remember that farmers are both producers and buyers of industrial products. ”
He also added, “High growth and employment do not go together. We have to think about how to increase production without cutting workers. We need to expand the internal market, create diversified agricultural products and increase investment in agricultural research.”
Referring to Professor Abul Barakat as an 'unconventional economist', Moazzem Hossain Khan said, "He termed the current industrialisation in the country as catastrophic and recommended 15 solutions to get out of it."
Experts for more growth-friendly, simple, transparent tax system
The National Board of Revenue (NBR) should reduce tax deduction at source (TDS) following global practices and need to modernise and simplify the country's tax system.
The regulator should offer incentives for Bangladeshi producers and focus on thrust sectors like leather, jute and garment fashion design to create a country brand in the international market.
Experts said this at an online conference on direct and indirect tax organised by the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Bangladesh (ICAB) on Saturday.
Also read: NBR moves to speed up revenue collection
Tax rate changes have a significant impact on investment decisions as investors prepare a budget and plan accordingly based on it, they said.
Pointing to the tax on foreign nationals working in Bangladesh, the experts suggested introducing provisions like withdrawals of tax and customs benefits, cash incentives, cancellations of branches permission for unauthorised employment.
Planning Minister MA Mannan said, "Considering the cost related to tax collection, it is better to chase the evasion of tax by big taxpayers than chasing marginal taxpayers."
Also read: It's time to change the mindset on taxpaying: Salman F Rahman
ICAB President Mahmudul Hasan Khusru said, "An improved tax system is the key to financing public services, reducing inequality, and making the government more accountable. Unfortunately, our tax rate is higher compared to the ones of similar economies including the neighbouring countries."
"Our tax to GDP ratio is exceptionally low. This indicates that there must be some incompatibilities," he added
Bangladesh is still a low tax effort country with a high buoyancy ratio, implying that the policy-makers of Bangladesh have the scope and potential to opt for greater revenue mobilisation through internal resources to meet the budgetary deficit, Mahmudul said.
Also read: NBR sets its sight on cranking up tax-GDP ratio
"However, the tax system in Bangladesh is gradually improving, raising more revenue and reducing the dependency on aid."
Govt to monitor adherence to new LPG price after lockdown: Energy Secretary
Energy and Mineral Resources Division’s senior secretary Anisur Rahman has said that the government will monitor the implementation of the new price of Liquified Petroleum Gas (LPG) fixed by the Bangladesh Energy Regulatory Commission (BERC).
“We will monitor whether the LPG is being sold at the new price fixed by the BERC,” he said while addressing a webinar on “BERC’s LPG Pricing and Its Sustainability” organised by Energy and Power magazine on Saturday.
The energy secretary’s remarks came against the backdrop of BERC’s announcement to fix the price of LPG with effect from April 12.
As per the new prices, the private companies will have to sell a 12 kg LPG at Tk 975 while LP Gas Company Ltd, the state-owned company, will sell its 12.5 kg LPG at Tk 591 at the retail level.
Also read: Pvt companies’ 12 kg LPG price fixed at Tk 975, govt’s 12.5 kg at Tk 591
But many consumers apprehend that they will not get the LPG at the prices fixed by the regulator as there is no strict monitoring by the government about its enforcement.
The energy secretary said that due to lockdown situation, it is not possible for them to strictly monitor whether the LPG is being sold at the BERC-fixed price or not.
“But after lockdown, we will be going for strict monitoring and it will be the duty of the all the concerned agencies of the government to implement the new LPG price”.
Before the price fixing by BERC, the private companies had been selling 12 kg LPG in the retail markets at Tk 1100 -Tk 1200 while those of the state-owned company over Tk 700.
Also read: ‘Stop meddling in LPG price fixing process’
About 20 private companies have been operating in the market with more than 95 percent market share by annually importing 1.2 million metric tons of bulk LPG from mainly Middle-East while the state-owned LP Gas Company is locally producing 25,000 MTs of LPG from locally produced condensates at different gas fields.
The webinar was also addressed by energy experts Dr M Tamim, Dr Ijaz Ahmed, BERC member Syed Mokbul-e-Elahi, and Bashirul Haque.
Bashundhara LPG’s Head of Marketing Zaharia Jalal made a presentation on the issue.
He said that many costs of LPG business were not considered by the BERC while fixing this price.
Also read: BERC moves to set LPG price at retail level
“As a result, the LPG operators will face trouble to make the price sustainable,” he said.
Dr M Tamim said that the BERC should have declared a pricing formula instead of fixing a price in the market.
“If a formula was declared, it would have been more effective to regulate the price,” he added.
1 killed, 2 injured as chemical drum explodes in Madaripur
A construction worker died when a chemical drum exploded at Rajoir Upazila in Madaripur on Sunday.
The deceased was identified as Emon Munshi (22).
Two others were seriously injured in the same incident.
Also read: Man killed as gas cylinder explodes in Barguna ice factory
According to police and local sources, some workers started work on a three-storey under construction building on Saturday morning. Around noon, Emon and his associates tried to open the mouth of an old chemical drum on the roof of the building with an iron device, which caused a sudden explosion. Emon died on the spot.
Also read: Four friends at tea stall burnt as gas cylinder explodes
Two other workers, Enamul Munshi (19) and Zahirul Islam (29) were seriously injured.
Officer-in charge of Madaripur Rajoir police station Anwar Hossain confirmed the news to UNB.
2 more senior Hefazat leaders arrested from Dhaka
Detective Branch (DB) of Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) arrested two Dhaka city unit leaders of Hefazat-e-Islam from the city’s Baridhara and Mohammadpur areas on Saturday.
The arrestees are Hefazat-e-Islam Dhaka city unit president Junaid Al Habib and its assistant general secretary Jalal Uddin Ahmed.
Also read: Another Hefazat leader detained
Contacted, Joint Commissioner (DB) of the DMP Mahbub Alam said Junaid Al Habib, also Hefazat’s central joint secretary general, was arrested from a Madrasa of Baridhara just before Iftar on Saturday.
Besides, Hefazat city unit assistant secretary general Jalal Uddin Ahmed, who is also central committee Assistant Secretary General, was arrested from his Mohammadpur residence at around 2:00 pm, the Joint Commissioner (DB) said.
Also read: Another top Hefazat leader arrested
Replying to a question, he said the two Hefazat leaders were arrested in connection with the case filed with Motijheel police station for the mayhem carried out in 2013 and also for the case filed with Paltan police station in March last month in connection with the violence in Baitul Mukkarram Mosque area (during Modi's visit).
On Friday afternoon the DB also arrested another leader of the religious organisation, Jubair Ahmed, from Lalbagh.
Also read: Hefazat leader Azizul Haque Islamabadi held in Chattogram
With the arrest of the two Hefazat leaders, the number of arrests of Hefazat leaders rose to seven by the DB police from the city in recent weeks.
AL leader occupies government land in Faridpur
A local Awami League leader has been accused of occupying government land at the dead of night at Boalmari Upazila in Faridpur.
The leader is identified as Mizanur Rahman. He is the general secretary of Rupapat Union Awami League of the upazila and lecturer of Salthar Navkam Palli University College.
A written complaint signed by nine people, including Emdadul Haque Milon, a resident of Kalinagar village in the upazila, was lodged with the Boalmari Upazila Nirbahi Officer on Saturday (April 17) morning.
According to the complaint, Mizanur and his men occupied government land on the bank of the Kumar River.
Around 10% of the said land was owned by Water Development Board. They cordoned the land off by putting up bamboo walls around it.
The market value of the occupied land is Tk 30 lakh.
The accused Mizanur Rahman denied occupying the land in illegal means. He said that he can provide legal documents to back his claim.
Boalmari Upazila Nirbahi Officer Jhotan Chanda said, “I have received a written complaint of occupation of government land. In this regard, the Rupapat Union Land Officer has been instructed to go to the spot and take actions accordingly."