bangladesh
Probe body formed over the drowning of DU student in swimming pool
A five-member probe body was formed on Tuesday to look into the death of a Dhaka University student who drowned in a swimming pool of the university on Monday.
Headed by Prof. Maksudur Rahman, proctor of Dhaka University, the committee was asked to submit its report within seven working days.
The other members of the committee are—DU assistant proctor Abdul Muhit, Chairman of Philosophy Department Prof Dr Shah Kawsar Mustafa Abdul Ulayee, assistant professor of Information Science and Library Management Department Prof. Mohammad Sharif Ul Islam and assistant professor of Bangla Department Jashim Uddin.
The committee was asked to investigate whether there was any negligence of those who were responsible for the management of the swimming pool.
Earlier, Muhammad Soad Haque ,19, a student of Dhaka University’s Philosophy department, drowned in the swimming pool of the university on Monday.
2 IU probe bodies find involvement of 3 BCL men in torturing student
The probe bodies formed by the Islamic University authorities and the Lalon Shah Hall administration have found the involvement of three activists of Bangladesh Chhatra League(BCL) in torturing a student of Al-Fiqh and Legal Studies Department on the campus on February 7.
The investigation committees submitted their reports to the university administration on Monday afternoon, sources at IU VC office said on Tuesday.
The BCL activists Physical Education Department’s second year student Mudassir Khan Kafi, Islamic History and Culture Department second year student Mohammad Sagor and Uzzal Hossain, supporters of IU BCL unit general secretary Nasim Ahmed Joy.
The probe bodies recommended the university administration to take proper action against the accused involved in the incident.
Action will be taken against the accused as per the University Act in the next disciplinary committee meeting as the probe bodies found their involvement in torturing the student, IU acting registrar HM Ali Hasan said.
According to the probe bodies, a group of Chhatra League activists led by Mudassir Khan Kafi and Mohammad Sagor called the victim at room 136 of Lalon Shah Hall.
They undressed the victim and tortured him there from midnight to 4:30am on February 7. The accused, at one point, assaulted the victim with a steel stick as he refused to perform as they ordered.
The BCL activists tortured the victim both physically and mentally, IU law administrator and also a member of the probe body formed by the university administration professor M Anisur Rahman said.
On February 12, 2023 night, a first-year female student of Finance and Banking department, was tortured by the IU Chhatra League vice-president Shanjida Chowdhury Ontora and her associates, including Tabassum, Mim, Urmi and Maobiya Jahan, at Deshratna Sheikh Hasina Hall on the campus in Kushtia.
The incident sparked huge protests at Islamic University as well as other educational institutions across the country.
The university administration expelled Ontora and her four associates from the university on August 21 following a High Court order.
173 Bangladeshis to return home from Myanmar Wednesday
One hundred and seventy-three Bangladeshi nationals will return home on Wednesday from Sittwe prison in Rakhine State of Myanmar.
The returnees will be carried by the ‘Myanmar Naval Ship Chin Dwin’ which is visiting Bangladesh to bring back members of Myanmar defence force who were forced to cross the border into Bangladesh due to conflict in Rakhine state, said the Bangladesh Embassy in Yangon.
The ship is expected to reach the Bangladesh territory by Wednesday and handover of the Bangladeshi citizens to the relevant authorities of Bangladesh will take place at that time.
Out of the 173 people, 129 are from Cox’s Bazar district, 30 are from Bandarban district, seven are from Rangamati district, one each from Khagrachari, Noakhali, Narayanganj, Chattogram, Rajbari, Narshingdi and Nilphamari district.
Bangladesh Embassy in Yangon, upon receipt of the information of the tentative visit of the Myanmar ship to Bangladesh, took up the issue with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Ministry of Home Affairs of Bangladesh and relevant Myanmar authorities to seize the opportunity to send back the maximum number of verified Bangladeshi Nationals who were in different prisons of Myanmar.
The Embassy also pursued the relevant host authorities to bring the 144 ‘verified and jail term completed or pardoned’ returnees in Sittwe prison for smooth return and pursued for releasing the 29 verified Bangladeshi nationals who were still serving their jail terms or under trial. Pursuant to the Mission’s efforts the 29 persons were pardoned and sent back to Bangladesh.
Bangladesh Embassy in Yangon and Bangladesh Consulate in Sittwe have been working “steadfastly” for this return since the last return of Bangladeshi citizens that took place on October 3, 2023 when 29 Bangladeshis returned home through a flag meeting.
Representatives of Bangladesh Embassy in Yangon and Bangladesh Consulate, Sittwe were physically present to coordinate with the local authorities, conduct verification process and issue Travel Permits in favour of the returnees.
Severe heat wave continues to batter parts of Bangladesh; rains likely in Sylhet
Severe heat wave prevailed in Rajshahi, Pabna, Khulna, Bagerhat, Jashore, Chuadanga and Kushtia districts on Monday, disrupting normal life.
Besides, mild to moderate heat wave continues to scorch Dhaka, Rangpur and Barishal divisions and parts of Rajshahi & Khulna divisions, Mymensingh, Moulvibazar and Rangamati districts and it may continue, according to Bangladesh Meteorological Department(BMD) .
Amid heat wave, Dhaka's air quality is still "unhealthy"
Rains or thunder showers accompanied by temporary gusty or squally wind is likely at one or two places over Sylhet division with hails at isolated places, it said.
The Met office also predicted rains in Sylhet and Chattogram on Wednesday.
Weather may remain mainly dry with temporary partly cloudy sky elsewhere over the country in 24 hours commencing 9am on Tuesday.
Chuadanga logs season’s highest temperature for 4th consecutive day
Day temperature may rise slightly and night temperature may remain nearly unchanged over the country.
Due to increase of moisture incursion, the discomfort may persist.
Country’s maximum temperature was recorded at 40.6 degree Celsius in Jashore, Chuadanga and Khulna on Monday.
President seeks massive investment from Qatar in Special Economic Zones of Bangladesh
President Mohammed Shahabuddin on Tuesday urged Qatar to invest more in the Special Economic Zones (SEZs) in Bangladesh.
"Bangladesh will welcome investments in various sectors including in state-led food supply chains from production to consumption such as agro-production and processing, food packaging, smart agriculture and fertiliser production," he said
He made this call during a courtesy meeting with the visiting Emir of Qatar Sheikh Tamim Bin Hamad Al Thani at Bangabhaban.
President's press secretary Joynal Abedin briefed reporters after the meeting.
Acknowledging Qatar as a valuable development partner of Bangladesh in the Gulf region, the president said the emir's visit and the signing of the cooperation documents - five agreements and five MoUs- between the two countries will further expand and strengthen bilateral co-operation in the days to come.
The president said Bangladesh government has established 100 Special Economic Zones for foreign investment.
"Qatari investors can get massive incentives and support in sectors like petro-chemicals, energy, machineries, information technology, electronics, ceramics, agri-business, food processing in Bangladesh," he also said.
Expressing his gratitude to the Qatar government for providing employment opportunities to about 3.75 lakh Bangladeshis, president Shahabuddin said this manpower is constantly contributing to the socio-economic development of both Qatar and Bangladesh.
Dhaka pulling out all the stops to welcome Emir of Qatar after nearly two decades
Besides, the president urged the emir of Qatar to recruit more young, skilled and semi-skilled manpower, IT experts, and professional technicians from Bangladesh.
The president also thanked the Qatari government for supplying liquefied natural gas (LNG) to Bangladesh and sought long-term energy assistance from the country.
He also stressed the need for playing more effective role by the two sides in exploring trade and business potentials.
The president praised Qatar's efforts (along with Egypt and the US) to facilitate the ongoing talks between Israel and Hamas.
The emir of Qatar praised the socio-economic development of Bangladesh under the leadership of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina.
He assured that all necessary assistance will continue for Bangladesh in the coming days.
The emir of Qatar said that the various agreements and MoUs signed by Qatar and Bangladesh will play more effective role in the development of bilateral and multi-lateral relations between the two countries.
During the meeting, both the president and the emit exchanged greetings.
President calls for unity and support for the underprivileged this Eid-ul-Fitr
They hoped that the visit will pave the way for further strengthening the multi-faceted partnership between Bangladesh and Qatar.
In the meeting, Foreign Minister Hasan Mahmud, State Minister for Power, Energy and Mineral Resources Nasrul Hamid, foreign secretary and secretaries to the president were present.
After the meeting, the emir took part in a photo session and signed the visitor's book kept there.
Fire on launch in Dhaka’s Shyambazar Terminal under control
A fire that broke out on the "MV Bangali" launch in Dhaka’s Shyambar Launch Terminal was brought under control on Tuesday.
Five firefighting units brought the fire under control at 1:45 pm on Tuesday, said Talha Bin Zasim Station Officer of FSCD headquarters media cell.
Earlier, the fire broke out at 12:55 pm.
No passengers were on the launch at the time of the fire, added the fire official.
Bangladesh has no significant changes in human rights: US report
There had been "no significant changes" in the human rights situation in Bangladesh during the year 2023, the United States has said in a new report.
The country reports in the 2023 Human Rights Report (HRR) do not draw legal conclusions, rank countries, or draw comparisons, said the US Embassy in Dhaka on Tuesday.
There were numerous reports of widespread impunity for human rights abuses, said the report in its Bangladesh chapter.
Trade talks with USTR delegation 'comprehensive': Foreign Secretary
In most cases, it claimed, the government did not take credible steps to identify and punish officials or security force members who may have committed human rights abuses.
The U.S. Department of State released the 2023 Human Rights Report, which the US Embassy described as a "factual and objective" record on the status of respect for human rights worldwide.
The 2023 Human Rights Report (HRR) covers 198 countries and territories.
The individual reports in the HRR detail "credible factual information" on human rights abuses and violations, providing a tool used by governments, advocates, journalists and others concerned about the state of human rights and democracy in specific countries and territories, said the embassy.
The United States has issued these reports for nearly five decades.
The HRR represents several months of work performed by U.S. Department of State colleagues in our missions abroad and in Washington, D.C.
Bangladesh seeks Kyrgyzstan’s support for signing FTA with Eurasian Economic Commission
The HRR informs U.S. foreign policy decisions and assists the U.S. Congress, Executive Branch, and immigration courts when accurate information on human rights conditions is needed.
The HRR also informs the work of civil society — including human rights defenders—lawmakers abroad, scholars, immigration judges and asylum officers, multilateral institutions, and other governments.
Gas supply to stop for 12 hours in Savar Wednesday
Gas supply to all categories of customers will remain suspended at different areas in Savar for 12 hours from 9 am to 9 pm on Wednesday.
According to Titas Gas Transmission and Distribution Company Limited, the areas where gas supply will halt include Tongabari, Ashulia, Khejur Bagan, Gouripur, Khagan, Kumkumari, and Akran.
Country pushes against heat wave setting new record in power generation on consecutive days
The consumers in the adjoining areas may experience low pressure gas supply, said the Titas Gas regretting the temporary inconveniences of its customers.
Expat student drowns after falling into river in Kishoreganj
An expatriate student, drowned after falling into the river while trying to board a launch in Bhairab upazlila of Kishoreganj on Monday (April 22, 2024).
The incident happened at the Bhairab Bazar Launch Terminal around 8:30 PM on Monday.
The deceased was Al Islam (30), son of Alauddin, director of the Bhairab Chamber of Commerce and Industry.
Two CUET students on motorcycle killed by speeding bus in Chattogram
Bhairab River Police Sub-Inspector Rafiqul Islam confirmed the matter.
He said, after being informed, a police team reached the spot and rescued Islam with the help of local divers after 40 minutes. He was taken to the Upazila Health Complex, where doctors declared him dead.
Islam had gone to Germany for studies on a scholarship about a year and a half ago. He came home on vacation a few days before Eid.
Family members said Al Islam was going to board a ferry to hang out with his friends by the riverbank. At that time, he slipped and fell into the river.
Read more: Body of Navy person recovered 8 hrs after going missing in Muhuri River
Bangladesh, Qatar sign 10 cooperation documents to take ties to new height
Bangladesh and Qatar on Tuesday signed 10 cooperation documents - five agreements and five MoUs - to strengthen ties on multiple fronts and help the relations reach a new height.
Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and Qatar’s Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani witnessed the signing of the documents.
The five signed agreements are: agreement for cooperation in the legal field between Bangladesh and State of Qatar, agreement on promotion and protection of mutual investments; agreement on the avoidance of double taxation and prevention of fiscal evasion with respect to taxes in income between Qatar and Bangladesh; agreement on maritime transport; and agreement on the establishment of Joint Business Council (JBC).
President seeks massive investment from Qatar in Special Economic Zones of Bangladesh
The five MoUs are: MoU on cooperation in the fields of sports and youth between Bangladesh and Qatar; MoU on cooperation in the field of manpower employment (Labour) between Ministry of Labour, State of Qatar and Bangladesh; MoU on cooperation in diplomatic training between Bangladesh and Qatar; MoU for cooperation in the field of education, higher education and scientific research between Bangladesh and Qatar; MoU in the field of ports (MAWANI Qatar and Chittagong Ports Authority).
Earlier in the morning, PM Hasina warmly welcomed and received Emir Sheikh Tamim at her office.
Both the leaders held an exclusive tete-a-tete discussion where they exchanged views on matters of mutual interests and priorities.
Held in a cordial and amicable environment, the Qatari Emir’s visit is expected to generate goodwill and understanding between the two countries, said the Bangladesh side.
This high-level visit will significantly contribute to the consolidation of ties and elevate the Bangladesh-Qatar bilateral relations to the next level, said the government.
During the visit, Bangladesh and Qatari delegations led by the Prime Minister and the Emir held fruitful bilateral talks at the Prime Minister’s Office.
PM Hasina warmly welcomes Qatar’s Emir at her office
During the bilateral Talks, both sides reviewed the whole gamut of bilateral relations and underlined the need to enhance the bilateral cooperation through exchange of visit and increased interaction at all levels and strengthening bilateral engagements between Bangladesh and Qatar.
The areas that came up for discussion on cooperation included bilateral trade and investment, energy and power, manpower, defense, education, agriculture, food security and culture. Both sides also exchanged views on regional and global issues of mutual interests in the meeting.
In the opening remarks, the Prime Minister deeply appreciated the incredible advancement and transformation of Qatar as an advanced knowledge-based multi-cultural society and Qatar’s role in mediation and multilateral diplomacy under His Highness’s stewardship.
Qatari emir appreciated the remarkable achievements of Bangladesh under the dynamic leadership of the Prime Minister and commended Bangladesh as an investment destination and expressed his keenness to invest in diverse potential sectors.
The emir also appreciated the expatriate community in Qatar who are making positive contributions to the economies of both the countries.
The Prime Minister requested the Qatar side to consider more workers/professionals, nurses, technicians, caregivers etc from Bangladesh to which the Qatari Emir responded positively.