Bangladesh's Home Minister Asaduzzaman Khan on Sunday (July 23, 2023) warned that action will be taken if anyone tries to break law and create public suffering. “It is quite normal that action will be taken against those who don’t abide by law, and create public suffering,” he said while speaking at a programme on the occasion of the 40th anniversary of Bangladesh Crime Reporters Association (Crab) at Dhaka Reporters Unity. Will investigate if any police negligence led to assault on Hero Alom: Home Minister Regarding arrest of BNP leaders and activists, he said those BNP leaders and activists have been arrested who were warranted in different cases. People are not interested to see BNP in power and that’s why they failed to come to power, he said.Referring to BNP’s political programmes, Asaduzzaman said police do not create any obstacle to their programmes anywhere. US wants to see a free, fair, and violence-free election: Home Minister Replying to a question about the death of an activist of BNP in Laxmipur, the Home minister said “After talking to the law enforcers and local administration it was known that the slain person was not an activist of BNP, and the person died due to previous enmity between two groups.” Cyber teams working on leaked  NID info: Home Minister 

Real Madrid will side against Barcelona in the legal proceedings that the rival is facing over its payments of millions of euros over several years to a company that belonged to the vice president of Spain’s soccer refereeing committee, Madrid said Sunday after an urgent board meeting. The decision came two days after prosecutors formally accused Barcelona of alleged corruption in sports, fraudulent management and falsification of mercantile documentation. An investigating judge will decide whether the accusations should lead to charges. “Real Madrid wishes to express its utmost concern regarding the gravity of the facts and reiterates its confidence in the legal system,” Madrid said in a statement after the board meeting. “The club has agreed that, in defense of its legitimate rights, it will appear at the trial when the judge opens it up to the affected parties.” It was the first time Madrid officially weighed in on the matter. Other clubs had already expressed their concerns over the Barcelona payments, as did the Spanish league and the Spanish soccer federation. The league also planned to take action against Barcelona in the legal proceedings. Barcelona has been under scrutiny since the payments to the committee official became public last month. The payments were initially investigated as part of a tax probe into the company. Barcelona has consistently denied any wrongdoing or conflict of interest, saying it paid for technical reports on referees but never tried to influence their decisions in games. Prosecutors said in court documents seen by The Associated Press that the payments by the club added up to 7.3 million euros ($7.7 million) from 2001-18. They added that this “quantity was not justified because it was not foreseen in the statutes of the club nor approved by its general assembly (of club members).” Prosecutors alleged that the former vice president of the committee, José María Enríquez Negreira, “in exchange for money, was to carry out acts tending to favor Barcelona football club in the decision-making process of referees in the games played by Barcelona, and in the results of the competitions.” There is so far no evidence that referees or game results were actually influenced.

The UN health agency has released an urgent call to action to countries to prevent, detect and respond to incidents of substandard and falsified medical products. Over the past four months, countries have reported several incidents of over-the-counter cough syrups for children with confirmed or suspected contamination with high levels of diethylene glycol (DEG) and ethylene glycol (EG). The cases are from at least seven countries, associated with more than 300 fatalities in three of these countries. Most are young children under the age of five. These contaminants are toxic chemicals used as industrial solvents and antifreeze agents that can be fatal even in small amounts, and should never be found in medicines. Based on country reports, the World Health Organization (WHO) issued three global medical alerts addressing these incidents. Medical Product Alert N°6/2022 on October 5, 2022, focused on the outbreak in the Gambia, Medical Product Alert N°7/2022 on November 6, 2022, focused on Indonesia, and Medical Product Alert No1/2023 on January 11, 2023, focused on Uzbekistan. The WHO's medical product alerts were rapidly disseminated to the national health authorities of all of its 194 member states. These medical product alerts requested included the detection and removal of contaminated medicines from circulation in the markets, increased surveillance and diligence within the supply chains of countries and regions likely to be affected, immediate notification to the WHO if these substandard products are discovered in-country; and otherwise inform the public of the dangers and toxic effects of the substandard medicines at issue. Since these are not isolated incidents, the WHO called on various key stakeholders engaged in the medical supply chain to take immediate and coordinated action. The UN health agency urged regulators and governments to detect and remove from circulation in their respective markets substandard medical products that have been identified in the WHO medical alerts referred to above as potential causes of death and disease. Read more: Policies must to stop misuse, overuse of antibiotics: Health Minister The WHO also called on them to ensure that all medical products in their respective markets are approved for sale by competent authorities and obtainable from authorised/licenced suppliers; assign appropriate resources to improve and increase risk-based inspections of manufacturing sites within their jurisdiction following international norms and standards. The UN health agency urged medicine manufacturers to only buy pharmaceutical grade excipients from qualified and bona fide suppliers; conduct comprehensive testing upon receipt of supplies and before use in the manufacture of finished products.

The Power Division will take action against those responsible for the recent national power grid failure within the next two days. State Minister for Power, Energy and Mineral Resources Nasrul Hamid said this today following a public meeting at his constituency in Keraniganj, a suburb of Dhaka city. On October 6, the Power Grid Company of Bangladesh formed a seven-member committee to identify the reasons behind the national grid failure that caused a seven-hour blackout across most of Bangladesh. The committee had three days to complete the investigation and submit its report. Referring to it, Nasrul Hamid said the Power Division is yet to receive the written probe report. "However, we were informed that the grid failure was more of a management error," he added.      The state minister said they had asked the Power Division to suggest the names of those behind it. "We will terminate all of them and take divisional action." Nasrul Hamid also hoped that a bilateral contract would be signed with Brunei to import energy from the country. Brunei Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah is now in Bangladesh.  

The prevailing son preference attitude in Bangladesh and the consequent undervaluing of women and girls need to be addressed proactively with accelerated efforts as these issues have potential to significantly affect the country’s social and demographic scenario in the coming days, said experts in a workshop. The United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) in Bangladesh in collaboration with Concerned Women for Family Development (CWFD) organised the two-day ‘Orientation Workshop for Media on the Positive Portrayals of Women and Girls in Bangladesh’ at Brac CDMA in Rajendrapur, Gazipur on Monday and Tuesday, said a press release. The workshop observed that the repercussions of son preference and the consequent undervaluing of girls affects women and girls even before they are born and follows them throughout the course of their life. Experts said that although Gender Biased Sex Selection is not prevalent in Bangladesh at this point, the situation may turn into an alarming concern in view of the grave situation created out of rampant use of sex detection technology, which has been the case in some of the neighbouring countries. Low fertility, a skewed sex ratio at birth and use of sex-detection technology – the three preconditions of Gender Biased Sex Selection, which might translate into an alarming decrease in female to male ratio, as explained by demographers- are prevailing in Bangladesh. A 2019 study, conducted by the University of Dhaka, found that about 28 per cent of women from a representative sample had a son preference for their first child, while 24 percent of men had the same. Md Zashim Uddin, director general of the Mass Communication Department of Government of Bangladesh, who was present as the Chief Guest in the closing session of the workshop said much of the credit behind the significant advancement of gender equality and women’s empowerment in Bangladesh goes to the thriving media in Bangladesh. “We will accelerate our communication efforts by adopting innovative approaches to address the issues of son preference and undervaluing of women and girls.” “Despite the improvements in society, the problems of gender-based violence continue to persist. However, we are committed to building a Bangladesh that is safe and empowering for all women and girls and we will continue to strive for it,” he added. More than 25 media professionals from different forms of media, including newspapers, television channels, radio stations, news agencies, online portals and advertising agencies and youth representatives, took part in the workshop.

Meta, formerly known as the Facebook company, is announcing impactful ways that people can learn more about sustainable living and take action this Earth Day. According to Meta’s analysis, more than 2 million Bangladeshis are part of at least one Facebook group dedicated to the discovery, protection and appreciation of the earth and our environment as interest in climate change is on the rise. “Every day, thousands across our platforms rally together to connect and take action on climate change, whether it is engaging in a Facebook Group or practicing sustainable tips from a creator. I’m heartened to see that this is no exception in Bangladesh. Earth Day is a vital reminder that all actions, both big and small, can make a difference in protecting our planet,” said Siddharta Swarup, Social Impact and Communities Lead for APAC at Meta.  Read Musk sells $4B in Tesla shares, presumably for Twitter deal Meta has partnered with renowned illustrators to release specially designed Earth Day stickers and features on Messenger and Instagram starting this week so people can express their commitment to the environment. They can also create their own word effects and 3D avatar stickers to show their support for climate action.  Moreover, there are more than 800 businesses on Instagram in Bangladesh that describe themselves as eco-friendly. Facebook Marketplace is available in Bangladesh, where people can buy and sell second hand items in their local community and beyond — from bicycles and plants to clothes and home decor. Meta’s global operations are now 100 per cent supported by renewable energy. The company has set an ambitious goal of achieving net zero emissions across its value chain and be water positive by 2030. It continues to work in tackling climate misinformation through its $1 million Climate Misinformation grant program, as well as expanding its annual Climate Change Opinion Surveyto share information about public views on climate change across more than 180 countries.   READ: Shares of Facebook parent Meta plunge 22% on lower profits For more information on what’s new and how to get involved with Meta to show appreciation for the planet, visit: https://messengernews.fb.com/2022/04/19/talking-about-our-earth-on-messenger-and-messenger-kids/

Terming Bangladesh a “credible and important” voice in climate space, British High Commissioner to Bangladesh Robert Chatterton Dickson has said there is an “enormous” amount of work to do and follow up ahead of the COP27 making sure that commitments made on the climate front are now “turned into action” on the ground. “There’s a real sense of hope for what we’re able to achieve at COP26 and in particular, the growth of trust between nations,” he said, focusing on the priority climate actions that all need to be taken before the COP27 in Egypt, now in just eight months' time. The 27th session of the Conference of the Parties (COP 27) to the UNFCCC will take place in Sharm El-Sheikh, Egypt in November this year. High Commissioner Dickson was addressing a webinar titled “Building on the outcomes of COP26: Priority Climate Actions Ahead of COP27” held on Friday.

Police action thriller film 'Shaan' is ready to be released on January 7 as it has got clearance from the Bangladesh Censor Board. The movie got clearance after it was screened at the Censor Board on Sunday. M Rahim, the director of the film, said, “This film is based on a sensitive story, I was worried how the board reacts. The board gave the clearance without any cuts. So, I am grateful to the Censor Board.” Also read: Netflix Web Series Decoupled Review Azad Khan, the scriptwriter of the film, said, “Such an action film like ‘Shaan’ has never been screened in Bangladesh before. I hope the film will be released in theaters in time.” The script and the dialogues were co-written by Azad Khan and Nazim Ud Daula. The film is produced by Wahidur Rahman and M Atiqur Rahman under the banner of Filman Productions. Siam Ahmed and Puja Cherry acted as the main characters of the film.  Taskin Rahman, Syed Hasan Imam, Champa, Aruna Biswas and others also acted. Also read: Release of Ananta Jalil's 'Din - The Day' gets postponed

Children and young people in Bangladesh, Colombia, Fiji, Gambia, Indonesia, and elsewhere on Sunday took over newsrooms, newspapers, and broadcast studios to report on issues that matter to them. Child journalist Rupkatha Rahman took over as the editor of the Prothom Alo for one day on the occasion of World Children's Day. Children and young people are raising their voices and demanding urgent action on the issues that matter to them in a series of global and local events to mark World Children’s Day, UNICEF’s global day of action for children, by children. From headlining at the world expo, to meeting with presidents, leading public debates, and reporting from newsrooms, young people are engaging world leaders, businesses, and high-profile stars on issues including climate, equality and kindness. Also read: Teenage girl becomes Panchagarh UNO for an hour “Amid a global pandemic, rising poverty, and social unrest, World Children’s Day is a time to celebrate young people’s unwavering hope and determination to build back better,” said UNICEF Deputy Executive Director of Partnerships Charlotte Petri Gornitzka.  "The road to recovery from COVID-19 must put children and young people at the heart of decision-making. As the leaders of tomorrow, they have the right to shape decisions made today.” This week, UNICEF and Gallup launched the first-ever intergenerational poll on childhood today, showing that young people are 50 per cent more likely than older generations to believe the world is becoming a better place, but are impatient for action on mounting crises such as COVID-19 and climate change. To hear and amplify their calls for a better world, presidents, ministers, and businesses joined children and young people at virtual and in-person events, including: In West and Central Africa, UNICEF kicked off its first annual ’Youth Voices from the Sahel’ public debate, focusing on climate change, and bringing together experts, political stakeholders, high-profile individuals, and more than 100 young people aged 8-25 to debate and deliver a set of recommendations for leaders. Children and young people hosted a meeting with the Presidents of Botswana, Namibia, Zambia, and Zimbabwe at the Kazungula Bridge where the borders of all four countries meet.  The bridge was also lit up blue in symbolic support for children. Heads of states, ministers and members of governments met with children in other countries including Denmark, Guinea Bissau, Guyana, Oman, Turkey, and Switzerland. UNICEF Goodwill Ambassadors and high-profile supporters used their global platforms to help raise awareness and mobilize support for children’s rights and the issues affecting young people, including: UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador Millie Bobby Brown called for children not to give up on adults in this year’s World Children’s Day signature video.  In a reverse to the norm, Brown points out how children are often given instruction from adults, and now calls for adults to listen to children.  UNICEF China Ambassador Wang Yuan (Roy Wang) released a new song to inspire children and young people. UNICEF Norway Ambassador Penelope Lea chaired a conference with children, young people, and government leaders on climate change and sustainability.   From promoting child rights to lighting buildings blue, businesses and organizations showed their support to help children reimagine a better future, including FC Barcelona, Johnson & Johnson, the LEGO Group and the LEGO Foundation, Pandora, Z Zurich Foundation, and the UN Foundation. In the spirit of children and young people’s participation, UNICEF launched its first global TikTok activation designed by young creators with the support from TikTok.  Focusing on the positive impact of youth advocacy, the #OlderSelfTalk activation asks young people to have a conversation with their older self on some of the current issues that matter to their generation. Iconic landmarks and buildings around the world turned blue as a symbol of unity, including the Tour Eiffel in France, the The Rashtrapati Bhavan in India, the Dharahara Tower in Nepal, Expo 2020 Dubai in the UAE, the Historic Victoria Falls Bridge in Zimbabwe, the Lahore Fort in Pakistan, Petra in Jordan, a section of the Great Wall in China, Chichen Itza in Mexico, the Bran Draculas Castle in Romania, and other buildings and landmarks, including in Bosnia and Herzegovina, Germany and Panama.  Expo 2020 Dubai championed child rights with youth-led celebrations and policy-focused events featuring UNICEF Ambassadors and Youth Advocates.  Two UNICEF Youth Advocates were appointed during a concert: TIME’s Kid of the Year Gitanjali Rao and member of the Emirati Children's Parliament Saeed bin Omar Almutaiwei. In addition to these appointments, UNICEF Youth Advocates and young National Ambassadors around the world were appointed to help raise children and young people’s voices.

Road Transport and Bridges Minister Obaidul Quader on Tuesday said strict legal action will be taken if bus operators are found forcing the passengers to pay  higher fare than that has been re-fixed by the government.   "I am urging the leaders of the owners and workers' federation not to collect more than the re-fixed rate and refrain from harassing the passengers. Otherwise, strict legal action will be taken against those responsible for it," he said. READ: PM monitoring situation over fuel price hike: Quader The minister said this call at a briefing at his Secretariat office amid allegations of charging higher bus fares by transport operators in breach of their commitment to the government. Quader also said that the government has re-fixed the fares of diesel-powered passenger transports only after a hike in the prices of diesel and kerosene. READ: Quader blasts BNP for creating religious division in Bangladesh  He said that BRTA's mobile courts have been deployed in different parts of Dhaka metropolis to act against collection of extra fare. He called upon all concerned police and officials concerned to ensure that passengers are not harassed. Quader said that certain media outlets’ harsh criticism of the fuel hike has been unexpected, even though some others are playing a responsible role.   Fuel price was routinely raised during the BNP's rule and the people did not forget it, he said. Obaidul Quader further said BNP increased the price even when it was low in the international market. The Awami League has increased prices 5 times in the last 13 years but has also reduced prices 5 times. Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina reduced the price of fuel oil in 2009 within seven days of taking office. He claimed that the people of the country are moving forward.