Others
BAF chief departs for Egypt
Chief of Air Staff of Bangladesh Air Force (BAF) Air Chief Marshal Shaikh Abdul Hannan left Dhaka for Egypt on Saturday on an official visit along with three entourages.
Chief of Air Staff of the BAF will visit Egypt from 21-24 April at the invitation of the Commander of Egyptian Air Force.
During the visit, the Chief of Air Staff will visit Egyptian Air Force Headquarters in Cairo and make a courtesy call on the Commander of Egyptian Air Force to discuss various bilateral issues of mutual interest, says an Inter Service Public Relation (ISPR) media release.
Besides, Chief of Air Staff will visit Egyptian Air Force College, Combat Training School, 292 Air Brigade and various important installations.
The Chief of Air Staff will return to Bangladesh on 25 April after completing the visit.
Aviation minister directs Biman to address concerns with Boeing, following whistleblower's warning
Civil Aviation and Tourism Minister Muhammad Faruk Khan has directed Bangladesh Biman to talk to the Boeing Company about technical defects raised by a whistleblower- a former Boeing engineer, regarding the 787 Dreamliner jet.
He gave this instruction during a telephone conversation with Biman's managing director and chief executive officer Shafiul Azim today (20 Apr 2024).
The minister said that since the Dreamliner aircraft in the fleet of Biman Bangladesh Airlines are new, it has nothing to worry about the technical problems that have arisen for now.
Boeing predicts air travel in Bangladesh will double in next 10 years
“However, with a view to the future and to ensure passenger safety, it is necessary to quickly discuss technical issues with the aircraft manufacturer Boeing,” he said.
The whistleblower, in US Congressional hearings, urged Boeing to ground every 787 Dreamliner jet worldwide after warning they are at risk of premature failure.
Boeing bids farewell to an icon, delivers last 747 jumbo jet
Bajus decreases gold price by Tk840 per bhori, after raising it by Tk 4560 earlier
After raising gold price by Tk 4560 per bhori over three occasions in April, the Bangladesh Jeweller’s Association (Bajus) on Saturday announced a decrease of Tk 840 per bhori.
According to the latest announcement Bajus fixed the best quality 22- carat gold price at Tk118,798 per bhori (11.664 grams), effective from 3.30 pm on Saturday (April20).
On Wednesday Bajus announced the 22-carat gold price would be Tk 119,638 per bhori (rising Tk2065 per bhori), which would've been the highest ever. In April Bajus increased gold price thrice so far (April 6, 8, and 18) claiming a price hike in the global market.
Gold prices hit new record high
Masudur Rahman, Chairman of the Price Determination and Price Monitoring Standing Committee of BAJUS issued a notification of the price hike on Saturday.
As per the new price, per bhori (11.664 grams) of 22-carat gold will cost Tk 118,798 as Tk 10,185 per gram. Apart from this, the price of 21-gold has been set at Tk113397 per bhori, 18-carat gold at Tk 97196 per bhori and the traditional method price set at Tk78242.
Gold price goes up by Tk 3,499 per bhori over just two days
Though the price of gold has decreased, the price of silver has been kept unchanged. According to the category, currently, the price of 22-carat silver is Tk2100, 21-carat is Tk2006, 18-carat is Tk1715 and the price of silver in traditional is Tk1283.
Gas supply to remain suspended for 12 hours in Narayanganj Sunday
Gas supply will remain suspended from 10 am to 10 pm on Sunday in different areas in Narayanganj district for emergency repairing works at pipelines.
According to Titas Gas Transmission and Distribution Company Ltd, the areas where the gas supply will remain off are Nayapur, Qutubpur, Araihazar Road, Madanpur to Nangalband Bridge, Bandar, Kanchpur and Jatrapur.
Regretting the temporary inconvenience to the consumers, Titas Gas authority said the adjoining areas may experience low-pressure problems in gas supply during the period.
In the same areas, gas supply remained suspended for 2 hours on Saturday for the emergency repairing works of gas pipeline.
PROGGA and ATMA push for 63% tobacco tax hike
To safeguard public health, research and advocacy organization PROGGA (Knowledge for Progress) and Anti-Tobacco Media Alliance (ATMA) have called for an effective hike in the prices of tobacco products in the upcoming FY 2024-25 national budget.
The two organizstions have presented their tobacco taxation and pricing related proposals for upcoming FY today (20 April 2024) during a press conference held at the National Press Club.
Dr. Mahfuz Kabir, Research Director of Bangladesh Institute of International and Strategic Studies (BIISS), proposed to raise the supplementary duty to 63 percent from 58 percent.
"Currently 75 percent of total cigarette users belong to the low tier. However, the supplementary duty (SD) in this tier stands at only 58 percent. Raising the SD to 63 percent would certainly reduce the prevalence of cigarette use and raise revenue inflow for the government. The additional revenue would also play a major role in tackling the ongoing financial crisis,” he said.
An analysis of the average retail prices of essential commodities in 07 metropolitan cities of the country (Dhaka, Chattogram, Rajshahi, Khulna, Sylhet, Barisal, and Rangpur) between 4 July 2021 and 04 July 2023, as reported by the Department of Agricultural Marketing (DAM), shows that price of loose sugar has seen an 89 percent hike in this period, the hike is 87 percent for potatoes, 75 percent for loose flour, 47 percent for pangash fish, 43 percent for eggs, 34 percent for soybean oil, 30 percent for powdered milk, and 27 percent for broiler chicken.
However, during this same timeframe, the hike in the prices of different tiers of cigarettes ranged between 6-15 percent only.
The proposed tobacco pricing and taxation adjustments outlined during the conference advocate for a significant upsurge in prices across various product tiers. Notably, the suggested retail price for low-tier cigarettes would rise to BDT 60 for 10 sticks from the current BDT 45, complemented by a 63 percent supplementary duty. Similar adjustments were recommended for medium, high, and premium tiers, with corresponding price increments and supplementary duties.
For non-filtered bidis, the retail price should be BDT 25 for 25 sticks. In the case of filtered bidis, the retail price for 20 sticks should be set at BDT 20. Both prices should be followed by a 45 percent supplementary duty.
Regarding smokeless tobacco, the retail price for 10 grams of jarda and gul should be BDT 55 and BDT 30, followed by 60 percent supplementary duty. The budget proposals also suggest continuing the existing 15 percent VAT and 1 percent health development surcharge (HDS) on the retail prices of tobacco products.
The implementation of these proposals is anticipated to yield a substantial additional revenue of BDT 10,000 crore, which holds the potential to alleviate the prevailing financial constraints. Moreover, in the long term, these measures are projected to avert the premature deaths of 1.1 million Bangladeshis, including nearly half a million youths.
In support of the budget proposals, economist and convener of the National Anti-Tobacco Platform, Dr. Qazi Kholiquzzaman Ahmad said, that tobacco products becoming cheaper over time compared to the prices of essential commodities is an ominous sign for public health.
“Considering hundreds of thousands of premature deaths, diseases, detrimental effects on environment and ecosystem- all caused by tobacco, the upcoming national budget must effectively hike the prices of tobacco products to bring it beyond the purchasing power of the people,” he said.
The panel of speakers in the event include Md. Abdus Salam, Program's Manager (Bangladesh) for Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids (CTFK), Mortuza Haider Liton, Convener, ATMA and ABM Zubair, Executive Director, PROGGA.
37.8 million adults in Bangladesh use tobacco products (smoked and smokeless). Tobacco claims 161,000 lives every year in Bangladesh. In 2017-18, the toll of tobacco use in the national economy (due to medical expenses and loss of productivity) stood at BDT 30,560 crore while the revenue generated from the tobacco sector stands at only BDT 22,810 crore.
Last tributes paid to Shib Narayan Das at Shaheed Minar
People from all walks of life bid farewell to Shib Narayan Das, one of the designers of the first flag of Bangladesh and a freedom fighter, by placing wreaths on the coffin of deceased at the central Shaheed Minar.
When the body of Shib Narayan Das was taken to the central Shaheed Minar at 10:30 am on Saturday a guard of honor was given district administration.
Representatives from various cultural organisations, institutions paid tributes to him by laying wreathes till 12 pm.
State Minister Naheed shocked at Shib Narayan's deathShib Narayan Das died at 9:25 am on Friday in the ICU of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University Hospital at the age of 78.
According to the family, Shib Narayan Das's eyes have been donated to 'Sandhani' and his body will be donated to Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University.From Shaheed Minar Shib Narayan Das' body was taken to his village in Cumilla. His body will be handed over to Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University in the afternoon after people from all walks of life pay tribute there.
National flag’s first designer Shib Narayan passes away
Arnab Aditya Das, son of Shib Narayan Das, said, "My father was a man who never compromised with injustice, corruption and lies. He never compromised with the spirit of the Liberation War and non-communal politics."
Heat wave: Assembly at all govt primary schools suspended
In the wake of the current heat wave condition, the daily assembly at government primary schools across the country will remain suspended until further notice.
The Primary and Mass Education Ministry issued a notice, signed by its senior information officer Mahbubur Rahman Tuhin, in this regard on Saturday.
The ministry is observing the prevailing heat wave situation, it said.
10,000 primary teachers to be recruited by June: state minister
A mild to severe heat wave is sweeping different parts of the country for the last several days.
The highest temperature in the capital was recorded at 38.4 degrees Celsius on Friday while Chuadanga experienced the season’s highest temperature at 41.3 degrees Celsius.
Bangladesh Meteorological Department (BMD) on Friday issued an alert saying that the prevailing heat wave over the country may continue and increase further in the next 72 hours commencing 9 am on Friday.
Primary, secondary schools to remain closed during Ramadan: HC
“Due to moisture incursion, the discomfort may increase,” said the Met office special bulletin.
No respite from heat wave for five days: BMD
Severe heat wave is sweeping Khulna division and Rajshahi, Pabna and Tangail districts, according to the Bangladesh Meteorological Department.
The heat wave condition will remain unchanged for the five days commencing 9 am on Saturday, it predicted.
Heatwave sweeps over 8 divisions as temperatures soar
Country’s highest temperature was recoded in Chuadanga at 41 degree Celsius on Friday. The district also experienced the season’s highest temperature in the previous three days.
A mild to moderate heat wave is sweeping Barishal division, rest part of Dhaka and Rajshahi divisions and Chandpur and Moulvibazar districts and it may continue, it said.
Heatwave to continue in Dhaka, 3 other divisions for 72 hours: BMD
Besides, rain or thunder showers accompanied by temporary gusty or squally wind is likely to occur at one or two places over Mymensingh, Sylhet and Chattogram divisions with hails at isolated places.
Weather may remain mainly dry with temporary partly cloudy sky elsewhere over the country.
Heatwave in Dhaka, other districts; rain likely in parts of country
Day and night temperatures may rise slightly over the country. Due to the increase of moisture incursion, the discomfort may increase.
A trough of westerly low lies over West Bengal and adjoining area.
Rotary will partner with PMO to achieve SDGs in Bangladesh
Rotary in Bangladesh has declared that hundreds of its clubs and thousands of Rotarians across the country will work with the government to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by Bangladesh as part of its focus on serving humanity.
In a daylong Incoming Leaders Training Seminar (ILTS) held at BIAM Auditorium in Dhaka, the Rotary leaders declared on Friday evening that they were working to build partnership with the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) to promote the SDGs. Rotary as an international humanitarian organisation works in seven areas including water, sanitation, providing clean water, saving mothers and children and protecting the environment.
Rotary Club of Uttara awards Dr Debapriya , 7 others
The Rotary leaders said that many of the UN-declared targets under the SDGs with a 2030 deadline are aligned with Rotary’s seven areas of focus, and thus Rotary’s partnership with the government would be a win-win proposition.
Akhter Hossain, Senior Secretary and Principal Coordinator of the SDGs, Prime Minister’s Office (PMO), said Bangladesh is progressing in achieving many of the SDG targets under the dynamic leadership of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina.
He said that the government is keen to partner with a reputed humanitarian group like Rotary, which has an international standing to serve humanity through service projects in Bangladesh and else where to achieve the target of the SDGs.
Monirul Islam, Additional Secretary on the SDGs, Prime Minister’s Office (PMO), Bangladesh, made a detailed presentation on the SDGs and its advancement in Bangladesh.
The session was moderated by Rotary International President’s Special Advisor and Past District Governor Ashish Ghosh while Past District Governor in Bangladesh and Chief Training Coordinator Ishtiaque A Zaman also spoke.
President urges Rotary to work for public welfare
Data Magfur, a prominent Rotary trainer, led the daylong training programme with trainers lecturing on budgeting, club administration, public image and building leadership.
The Rotary leaders said they expect Rotary would soon sign an agreement with the Prime Minister’s Office to work together in the field of the SDGs.
In Friday’s event, some 1200 Rotarians and young Rotaractors from across the country discussed their preparation for the next year 2024-2025. Rotary year starts on July 1 and ends on June 30 next year.
Rotary, headquartered in Illinois in the Unites States, is a global network of 1.4 million neighbours, friends, leaders, and problem-solvers who see a world where people unite and take action to create lasting change – across the globe.
Bangladesh has a network of more than 300 Rotary clubs.
Dhaka's air unhealthy for sensitive groups this morning
Dhaka's air quality was categorised as “unhealthy for sensitive groups” this morning.
With an air quality index (AQI) score of 121 at 8:53 am, Dhaka ranked 10th on the list of cities worldwide with the worst air quality.
Thailand’s Chiang Mai, India's Delhi, Nepal’s Kathmandu and Indonesia’s Jakarta occupied the first four spots on the list, with AQI scores of 173, 167, 164 and 162, respectively.
When the AQI value for particle pollution is between 101 and 150, air quality is considered ‘unhealthy for sensitive groups’, between 150 and 200 is ‘unhealthy’, between 201 and 300 is said to be 'very unhealthy', while a reading of 301+ is considered 'hazardous', posing serious health risks to residents.
No improvement in Dhaka’s air quality, still ‘unhealthy’ for sensitive groups
In Bangladesh, the AQI is based on five criteria pollutants -- Particulate Matter (PM10 and PM2.5), NO2, CO, SO2 and Ozone.
Dhaka has long been grappling with air pollution issues. Its air quality usually turns unhealthy in winter and improves during the monsoon.
Air pollution consistently ranks among the top risk factors for death and disability worldwide.
Dhaka’s air quality ‘unhealthy’ this morning
As per the World Health Organization (WHO), air pollution kills an estimated seven million people worldwide every year, largely as a result of increased mortality from stroke, heart disease, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, lung cancer and acute respiratory infections.