singapore
Mirza Fakhrul off to Singapore for treatment
BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir has gone to Singapore on Thursday (August 24, 2023) morning for medical treatment.
Fakhrul, along with his wife Rahat Ara Begum and daughter Mirza Safaruh, left Dhaka's Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport via a Biman Bangladesh Airlines flight around 8:30 am, his personal secretary M Yunus Ali told UNB.
He said Fakhrul will receive treatment at Mount Elizabeth Hospital in Singapore for various health issues, including a blockage in the nerve in his neck.
Besides, Yunus said the BNP leader’s wife has an appointment with a doctor at the National University Hospital.
Read more: BNP is instigating militant groups ahead of national election: Quader
He, however, could not say when the BNP secretary general would return to Dhaka.
After being released from jail in 2015, Fakhrul went to Singapore for treatment, where the issue in his internal carotid artery was detected.
Since then, he has gone to Singapore every year for follow-up treatment.
Earlier this year, in February, the 76-year-old BNP secretary general went to Singapore for a medical checkup.
Read more: BNP is main sponsor of militants in Bangladesh: Information Minister
Singapore executes man for coordinating cannabis delivery
Singapore on Wednesday executed a man accused of coordinating a cannabis delivery, despite pleas for clemency from his family and protests from activists that he was convicted on weak evidence.
Tangaraju Suppiah, 46, was sentenced to death in 2018 for abetting the trafficking of 1 kilogram (2.2 pounds) of cannabis. Under Singapore laws, trafficking more than 500 grams of cannabis may result in the death penalty.
Tangaraju was hanged Wednesday morning and his family was given the death certificate, according to a tweet from activist Kirsten Han of the Transformative Justice Collective, which advocates for abolishing the death penalty in Singapore.
Although Tangaraju was not caught with the cannabis, prosecutors said phone numbers traced him as the person responsible for coordinating the delivery of the drugs. Tangaraju had maintained that he was not the one communicating with the others connected to the case.
At a United Nations Human Rights briefing Tuesday, spokesperson Ravina Shamdasani called on the Singapore government to adopt a “formal moratorium” on executions for drug-related offenses.
“Imposing the death penalty for drug offences is incompatible with international norms and standards,” said Shamdasani, who added that increasing evidence shows the death penalty is ineffective as a deterrent.
Singapore authorities say there is a deterrent effect, citing studies that traffickers carry amounts below the threshold that would bring a death penalty.
The island-state's imposition of the death penalty for drugs is in contrast with its neighbors. In Thailand, cannabis has essentially been legalized, and Malaysia has ended the mandatory death penalty for serious crimes.
Singapore executed 11 people last year for drug offenses. One case that spurred international concern involved a Malaysian man whose lawyers said he was mentally disabled.
The Anti-Death Penalty Asia Network condemned Tangaraju’s execution as “reprehensible.”
“The continued use of the death penalty by the Singaporean government is an act of flagrant disregard for international human rights norms and casts aspersion on the legitimacy of Singapore’s criminal justice system,” the statement said.
Relatives and activists had sent letters to Singapore’s President Halimah Yacob to plead for clemency. In a video posted by the Transformative Justice Collective, Tangaraju’s niece and nephew appealed to the public to raise concerns to the government over Tangaraju’s impending execution.
An application filed by Tangaraju on Monday for a stay of execution was dismissed without a hearing Tuesday.
“Singapore claims it affords people on death row ‘due process’, but in reality fair trial violations in capital punishment cases are the norm: Defendants are being left without legal representation when faced with imminent execution, as lawyers who take such cases are intimidated and harassed,” said Maya Foa, director of non-profit human rights organization Reprieve.
Critics say Singapore’s death penalty has mostly snared low-level mules and done little to stop drug traffickers and organized syndicates. But Singapore’s government says that all those executed have been accorded full due process under the law and that the death penalty is necessary to protect its citizens.
British billionaire Richard Branson, who is outspoken against the death penalty, had also called for a halt of the execution in a blog post, saying that “Singapore may be about to kill an innocent man.”
Singapore authorities criticized Branson’s allegations, stating that he had shown disrespect for the Singaporean judicial system as evidence had shown that Tangaraju was guilty.
China, Singapore upgrade ties; establish all-round high-quality future-oriented partnership
China and Singapore have agreed to upgrade bilateral relations to an "All-Round High-Quality Future-Oriented Partnership", reflecting both countries' desire to set the strategic direction and chart the development of bilateral relations going forward.
At the invitation of Li Qiang, Premier of the State Council of the People's Republic of China, Prime Minister of the Republic of Singapore Lee Hsien Loong made an official visit to China from March 27 to April 1, 2023.
During the visit, Xi Jinping, President of the People's Republic of China, met with the prime minister of Singapore.
Chinese Premier Li Qiang and Singapore PM Lee held a bilateral meeting. Prime Minister Lee also met with Zhao Leji, Chairman of the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress, and Wang Huning, Chairman of the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference.
A joint announcement was released today by China and Singapore on the establishment of the all-round high-quality future-oriented partnership.
Singapore reaffirmed its support for China's pursuit of high-quality development and welcomed China's continued commitment to reform and opening up.
China spoke highly of Singapore's longstanding participation in China's modernisation journey, which has laid a strong foundation for bilateral cooperation, and expressed support for Singapore's continued growth and prosperity.
Both sides took stock of the commendable progress of bilateral cooperation on the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI). On the important occasion of the tenth anniversary of the BRI this year, both countries will take the opportunity to broaden and deepen high-quality cooperation that benefits our peoples and region.
In line with the two countries' commitment towards collaboration that is of a high standard and quality, both sides welcomed the substantive conclusion of the China-Singapore Free Trade Agreement (CSFTA) Work Programme for Subsequent Negotiations, which was launched pursuant to the Protocol to Upgrade the CSFTA signed in 2018.
This upgrade will allow the CSFTA to provide for more business-friendly, liberal, and transparent rules as well as improve the market access for our businesses to trade and invest in each other's markets. Both sides looked forward to the signing of the Protocol for the CSFTA Subsequent Negotiations as soon as possible this year.
Building on the "High-Quality" and "Future-Oriented" approach to bilateral cooperation, both sides looked forward to strengthening the comprehensive and innovative cooperation between China and Singapore in areas including trade and investment, green and digital economies, food security, financial sector, aviation, and people-to-people exchanges.
Both countries will work together to harness synergies in new fields like digital transformation and unlock new growth opportunities geared to the future development. Both sides looked forward to pursuing new areas of cooperation, making full use of intergovernmental mechanisms such as the existing annual Joint Council for Bilateral Cooperation, as well as the eight Provincial Business Councils in China.
China and Singapore reaffirmed the continued strengthening of ASEAN-China relations and cooperation under the ASEAN-China Comprehensive Strategic Partnership. Singapore welcomed China's support for the importance of maintaining ASEAN centrality in the evolving regional architecture.
China and Singapore will work together for the effective implementation of the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (RCEP), and advance preparations for the further enhancement of the ASEAN-China Free Trade Area (ACFTA 3.0) to drive mutually beneficial economic growth.
They reaffirmed their shared commitment to multilateralism, support for the purposes and principles of the United Nations Charter, adherence to international law, and would continue to maintain close communication and cooperation at the United Nations and other multilateral organisations.
China and Singapore will continue to work together to uphold the rules-based multilateral trading system as embodied by the World Trade Organisation (WTO), maintain an open and inclusive global economy, and ensure the stable and smooth operation of global supply chains, so as to jointly meet global challenges and make economic globalisation more open, inclusive, balanced and beneficial to all.
Singapore’s Changi best airport in the world: Skytrax ranking
Singapore’s Changi Airport has been named the world’s best airport for the 12th time by London-based research firm Skytrax.
Skytrax, a UK-based airline and airport review and ranking website, compiles its list by surveying international visitors and asking them to score the entire airport experience — from check-in to departures and beyond.
Changi Airport previously topped Skytrax's list for eight years in a row, but dropped a few points down the list in 2021 and 2022 as passenger counts fell during the pandemic, with Hamad International Airport in Doha, Qatar, taking the top spot instead, CNN reports.
In a statement, Lee Seow Hiang, Chief Executive Officer for Changi Airport Group, said: “Changi Airport is honoured to be named World’s Best Airport for the 12th time. This recognition is great encouragement to our airport community, who stood firmly together to battle the challenges of Covid-19 over the past two years. We thank them for their dedication to serve Changi’s passengers and the perseverance to keep Singapore connected to the world.”
Also Read: Bangladesh has capacity to patrol land and maritime borders, improved cargo and passenger airport screening: US report
At the 2023 World Airport Awards ceremony held on Wednesday at the Passenger Terminal Expo in Amsterdam, Changi Airport was also named Best in Asia, Best in the World for Leisure Amenities, and Best in the World for Airport Dining.
Man identified as Bangladeshi, walking along train tracks on Causeway, held by Singapore authorities
Singapore’s Immigration and Checkpoints Authority (ICA) officers have held a man “identified as Bangladeshi”, over suspected immigration violations, after he was seen walking along the train tracks on the Causeway.
The country’s Immigration and Checkpoints Authority posted a photo of the man in a Facebook post on Tuesday (March 14, 2023).
“On 9 Mar, a Bangladeshi male was spotted walking along the train tracks on the Causeway towards Singapore. The man was promptly intercepted by ICA officers from Woodlands Checkpoint, before he could pose a safety hazard to on-going train operations,” reads the post cited by a report published by The Straits Times.
Also Read: Obaidul Quader off to Singapore for routine checkup
The authorities said the man had no original identity documents or travel documents in his possession.
“ICA takes a serious view on attempts to enter or depart Singapore illegally. Under the Immigration Act 1959, the penalties for illegal entry are fine of up to $1,000, or a jail term of up to six months, or both,” added the post.
In 2022, 414 immigration offenders were arrested in Singapore, up from 355 in 2021, The Straits Times report said.
Also Read: Govt to import 100,000 MT of rice from India and Singapore
Obaidul Quader off to Singapore for routine checkup
Road Transport and Bridges minister and General Secretary of Awami League Obaidul Quader is going to Singapore for regular health checkup.
He was scheduled to leave Dhaka around 8:30 am today , reads a press release of the ministry.
Also Read: Obaidul Quader wants Bangla among official UN languages
He will return to the country on March 3, according to Sheikh Walid Foyez, information officer of the ministry.
Govt to import 100,000 MT of rice from India and Singapore
The government will import 100,000 metric tons (MT) of rice from the international market.
The Cabinet Committee on Government Purchase, in a meeting with Finance Minister AHM Mustafa Kamal in the chair, approved two separate proposals in this regard.
Read more: Rice, wheat import: Bangladesh Bank asks banks to keep minimum LC margin
According to one proposal, placed by the Food Ministry, the Directorate General of Food will import 50,000 MT of non-Basmati boiled rice from M/S Bagadiya Brothers Pvt. Ltd., India at a cost of Tk 210.35 crore.
The supplier was selected through open international tender and each metric ton of rice will cost $393.19 while previous price of similar rice was $443.05.
Under another proposal of the same ministry, the Directorate General of Food will import the remaining 50,000 MT of non-Basmati boiled rice from M/S Agrocorp International Pte. Ltd, Singapore at a cost of Tk 213.40 crore.
Read more: Cabinet purchase body approves import of 50,000MT rice
The supplier was selected through open international tender and each metric ton of rice will cost $397. 03 while the previous price of similar rice was $393.19.
Obaidul Quader leaves for Singapore for health check-up
Awami League general secretary Obaidul Quader left for Singapore on Monday morning for a routine health check-up.
Quader, also the Road Transport and Bridges Minister, left Dhaka on a Biman Bangladesh Airlines flight around 8.30am for a routine health check-up at Mount Elizabeth Hospital, said a press release signed by Sheikh Walid Fayez, senior information officer of the ministry.
Read more: Quader promises major remedial steps as AL smarts from polling debacles
He will return to Dhaka on January 4.
This AL leader has been suffering from chronic heart and lung problems for a long time. In 2019, three blockages were found in his coronary arteries.
PM invites Singapore investors to special economic zones, emphasises agro-processing
Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on Thursday invited Singaporean investors to set up factories in Bangladesh's special economic zones.
She put emphasis on setting up agro-processing industries in these special economic zones.
She said this when Singapore's Minister for Transport and Minister in charge of Trade Relations S. Iswaran called on her at her official residence Ganabhaban.
PM’s press secretary Ihsanul Karim briefed the reporters after the call on.
Singapore's minister expressed his country's eagerness to work together with Bangladesh on sustainable and renewable energy alongside exploring new areas of cooperation.
Also read: Bangladesh shares its aspirations with Singapore to emerge as facilitator of regional connectivity
During the meeting they discussed about the 50 years of diplomatic relations between the two countries.
PM Hasina appreciated the development of Singapore.
Also read: Expedite implementation of Kuwait’s proposed petroleum refinery in Bangladesh: PM
The Singapore's minister said both the countries have to explore new areas of cooperation and set up a joint working group to explore potential areas.
Iswaran said both the countries have potential to cooperation in tourism sectors.
He highly appreciated the development of Bangladesh saying it has grown strongly under the leadership of Hasina.
Ambassador at Large M Ziauddin and senior secretary of PMOMd. Tofazzel Hossain Miah were present.
Bangladesh, Singapore businesses explore business prospects, investment opportunities
Bangladeshi businesses and their Singaporean counterparts discussed business prospects, trade, and investment opportunities between their countries at an international business networking event in Dhaka Wednesday.
They also spoke about how the firms of both countries can expand businesses for bilateral interests.
A delegation of the Singapore Business Federation (SBF), the apex business chamber promoting the interests of Singapore businesses in trade, investment and industrial relations, is now in Bangladesh to understand the country's investment climate.
To connect local businesses with global ones to boost bilateral growth and opportunities, Bangladeshi Charter Accountancy firm Howlader Maria and Co (HmAC) and, organised the event at a Dhaka hotel.
Read more: Bangladesh shares its aspirations with Singapore to emerge as facilitator of regional connectivity
Maria Howlader, founder and CEO of HmAC, Soo Wei Chai, executive director of Global Business Division and Young Business Leaders Network of SBF, business leaders, chief executives officers of different companies, and business firms from both countries were present at the meeting.
Businesses from Singapore have great opportunities to invest in Bangladesh, including in information technology, pharmaceuticals and hospitality as the country offers attractive tax exemptions and other facilities, participants from local businesses said.
The Singapore delegation from multiple sectors shared their investment plans and tried to find out business opportunities in different sectors such as IT, agriculture, and construction.
They also said Bangladeshi businesses can also expand their businesses by investing in Singapore.
Read more: Singapore upbeat about Bangladesh’s economic potential
Thanking the participants from both Singapore and Bangladeshi business houses, Maria said, "The networking event represents how we feel about doing business in Bangladesh and matching business to business" for further growth and expansion.
Maria said Bangladesh has many inspiring stories of growth and development, with a strong track record of growth and development even amid rising global uncertainties.