US Ambassador to Bangladesh Peter Haas had a meeting with Foreign Secretary Masud Bin Momen at State Guesthouse Padma this morning (November 30, 2023) where they discussed ongoing developments in bilateral relations. “Ambassador Haas and FS Momen had a routine meeting to discuss ongoing developments in the bilateral relationship,” US Embassy in Dhaka said after the meeting. Also read: US Ambassador Peter Haas holding meeting with Foreign Secretary Masud Bin Momen The meeting began around 11 am and lasted for 30 minutes. Bangladesh Ambassador to the United States, Muhammad Imran, was also present at the meeting. Haas and Foreign Secretary Masud did not speak to the reporters waiting outside the venue. The US ambassador returned to Dhaka on Monday after a holiday. It is worth noting that the Bangladesh Embassy in Washington, DC has said the political context of the US “Presidential Memorandum on Advancing Worker Empowerment, Rights, and High Labor Standards Globally” has many reasons “to be alarmed.” “Politics is behind what is said about labor rights in the memorandum, and the US would try to use the political purpose in different ways,” said the embassy in a letter based on observation it made on the recently launched US initiative. Also read: US with us, we are with US: Bangladesh Foreign Minister The US Presidential Memorandum was rolled out on November 16. The United States said it will work to “hold accountable those who threaten, intimidate, attack union leaders, labor rights defenders, labor organizations – including using things like sanctions, trade penalties and visa restrictions” – all the tools in their kit. The “memorandum” is a signal for Bangladesh as the US may take any measure as described in it with the excuse of labor issues, the letter from Bangladesh embassy in Washington, seen by UNB, reads. “The memorandum may also have an impact on Bangladesh’s apparel sector, and it should be taken into cognizance with priority by the concerned stakeholders,” it said. Also read: Dhaka has “excellent” relations with US: Hasan Mahmud

The Election Commission (EC) today (November 30, 2023) issued a show cause notice to Shakib Al Hasan, star cricketer and Awami League-nominated candidate for Magura-1 constituency, for breaching electoral code of conduct. Shakib has also been asked to appear before the election search committee in-person tomorrow afternoon and reply to the notice. Read: Mashrafe, Shakib, get Awami League nominations for 12th ... The notice, signed by Joint District and Sessions Judge Satyabrata Shikder, who has been leading the Magura-1 election search committee, said, “You, Shakib Al Hasan, entered Magura city with a convoy from Kamarkhali area on November 29 after being declared as Awami League-nominated candidate from Magura-1 constituency.” Read: 12th parliamentary election: Shakib gets AL nomination for Magura-1 constituency The notice says that Shakib attended civic receptions, disrupting traffic on the road. Several media outlets reported on the incident. “By doing so, you have violated the provisions of sections 6(d), 8(a), 10(a) and 12 of the Code of Conduct for Political Parties and Candidates,” according to the notice. Shakib has been asked to reply in writing as to why legal action should not be taken against him for breaching the electoral code of conduct. Read more: Magura district welcomes Shakib warmly as MP candidate 

A higher CC has always been a draw for motorcycle enthusiasts. The roar of powerful engines echoing through the streets is a symphony that resonates with speed aficionados.  Now, as November 2023 ends, anticipation reaches new heights with the Bajaj Pulsar N250, the first 250 CC marvel, taking to the roads of Bangladesh. Let’s take a look at its features, price, and what it pledges to give in return in detail. Specifications of Bajaj Pulsar N250 Engine and Transmission: The Power Behind the Roar This Pulsar derives its potency from a single-cylinder, 4-stroke engine meticulously designed to deliver an awe-inspiring performance. This engine features a sophisticated SOHC (single overhead camshaft) with two valves. Paired with a 5-speed constant mesh gearbox, the N250 offers riders a precise and responsive shifting experience. The motorcycle proudly adheres to the BS6-2.0 emission standards, underscoring Bajaj's commitment to environmental sustainability. Read more: Motorbike Riding in Winter: How to beat the cold weather? Mileage and Performance: Fuel Efficiency With an overall mileage of 35 kmpl (kilometers per liter), this model strikes an optimal balance between power and fuel efficiency. Chassis and Suspension: Crafted for Performance The N250 proudly belongs to the category of sports naked bikes, featuring a robust chassis meticulously crafted for performance. The telescopic front suspension (37 mm) and mono-shock with Nitrox rear suspension work in tandem to absorb shocks and provide a smooth and controlled ride. Dimensions and Capacity: Dynamic Design Unveiled Boasting a 14-liter fuel capacity, this model is ready for the long haul. This is coupled with a saddle height of 795 mm, a ground clearance of 165 mm, a wheelbase of 1351 mm, and a curb weight of 162 kg. Read more: Top 10 ABS Motorbikes in Bangladesh Electricals: Lighting the Path Ahead From the LED headlights and tail lights to the turn signal lamps and DRLs (daytime running lights), every element is designed to provide optimal visibility. The inclusion of a low fuel indicator and distance-to-empty feature ensures that riders are well-informed about the bike's status. Tires & Brakes: Gripping Performance The braking system of the N250 features a 300mm front disc and a 230mm rear disc. Besides, a dual-channel ABS system boosts safety with the engine kill switch and pass switch. Fitted with tubeless tires (front: 100/80-17, rear: 130/70-17), this model ensures a confident grip on various surfaces. The combination of these tires and alloy wheels (front: 431.8 mm, rear: 431.8 mm) contributes to the bike's agility and stability. Motor & Battery: Power Unleashed The chain drive and manual transmission are paired with a peak power of 24.5 PS at 8750 rpm. It can brace the momentum with a torque that can maximize up to 21.5 Nm at 6500 rpm. Read more: The Most Popular Motorbike Models in Bangladesh Pros of Bajaj Pulsar N250 Safety Assurance The dual-channel ABS system, coupled with an engine kill switch and pass switch, prioritizes rider safety. This combination instills confidence by ensuring controlled stops and providing convenient safety features. Efficient Fuel Economy With an impressive 14-liter fuel capacity and an overall mileage of 35 kmpl, the N250 strikes a harmonious balance between power and fuel efficiency. This not only reduces the cost of ownership but also positions the motorcycle as an economical choice for riders. Informative Electricals The advanced LED lighting system, including headlights, tail lights, and turn signal lamps, enhances visibility. The low fuel indicator and distance-to-empty feature keep riders well-informed about the vehicle's status. Gripping Tires and Brakes The combination of a front disc, a rear disc, and a dual-channel ABS system ensures controlled braking. The inclusion of tubeless tires and alloy wheels enhances grip and stability on various surfaces. Thoughtful Ergonomics The split-seat design, adjustable windscreen, and passenger footrest prioritize rider and pillion comfort. The LED-lit clock not only serves a functional purpose but also adds to the overall aesthetics of the vehicle. Read more: Motorcycle Categories: Different Types of Motorbikes Explained Cons of Bajaj Pulsar N250 Speed Instability on High Speed This superbike exhibits speed instability when crossing 100 kph, potentially impacting the rider's confidence and safety at higher speeds. This limitation might be a concern for riders who enjoy cruising at faster velocities on highways. Same Tires as its Predecessor The decision to retain the same tires as its predecessor for the 250 cc engine might raise concerns among riders. A 250cc bike demands a robust tire configuration to handle the increased power and provide optimal grip. Using the same tires as its predecessor may compromise the bike's performance potential, especially in terms of overall handling. Limited Valve Configuration Equipping this road crasher with only two valves in its engine might be viewed as an unexpected drawback. In a competitive market, a 4-valve engine configuration is often considered standard for maximizing performance, efficiency, and power delivery. The limitation of two valves could potentially impact the bike's ability to compete with other motorcycles in its class. Traditional 5-Speed Gearbox The decision to stick with a traditional 5-speed gearbox rather than upgrading to a 6-speed configuration might be seen as a missed opportunity. A 6-speed gearbox is increasingly becoming the industry standard for motorcycles in this category. The absence of extra gear could limit the bike's versatility, especially during highway cruising. Lack of Bluetooth Connectivity In an era where technology integration is a significant selling point, the absence of Bluetooth connectivity is a notable shortcoming for the N250. Bluetooth connectivity is now expected in modern vehicles, allowing riders to seamlessly connect their devices for navigation, communication, and entertainment. The lack of this feature could be perceived as a missed opportunity to enhance the overall riding experience. Price of Bajaj Pulsar N250 With three colors—Racing Red, Caribbean Blue, and Brooklyn Black—this new Pulsar is launched at BDT 339,999 in Bangladesh. Features like a semi-digital meter and a 2-valve engine are already offered by the below 250 cc bikes available in Bangladesh. However, with no direct competitors yet, the N250 has an early advantage to shake the market.  Summing Up The Bajaj Pulsar N250 sets the stage for a thrilling journey as the Bangladesh roads are now capable of taking the engine capacity up to 375 cc. It can be an attractive choice for motorbike enthusiasts seeking weekend adventures. Read more: 15 Best Motorbikes Under 2 lac taka for daily use, office commute

The resignation letters of three technocrat ministers and three advisers to the Prime Minister of Bangladesh have been accepted. The Cabinet Division issued a notification in this regard on Wednesday (November 29, 2023). The three technocrat ministers-- Posts, Telecommunications Minister Mustafa Jabbar, Science and Technology Minister Yeafesh Osman and State Minister for Planning Dr Shamsul Ala —resigned from their respective posts on November 19. Process on to accept resignations of 3 technocrats in cabinet, 4 PM's advisers Besides,  Prime Minister’s Economic Affairs Adviser Dr Mashiur Rahman, Energy Adviser Dr Tawfiq-e-Elahi Chowdhury and International Affairs Adviser Dr Gowher Rizvi also resigned from their respective posts on the same day. PM helms science, telecom ministries quit by technocrats    After resignation of the three technocrat ministers, now there are 44 cabinet members except the Prime Minister and of them 23 are ministers, 18 are state ministers and three are deputy ministers. On November 15, Kazi Habibul Awal, Chief Election Commissioner announced that the national election will be held on January 7. Resignation of 4 technocrat ministers accepted; gazette published

Helper of a truck suffered burn injuries from a petrol bomb attack in Narayanganj’s Sonargaon area on Tuesday (November 28, 2023) night.  Md Saimon, 20, is currently undergoing treatment at Sheikh Hasina National Institute of Burn and Plastic Surgery.  Miscreants hurled a petrol bomb at the truck at Singlabo area, said Sheikh Billal Hossain, additional superintendent of police in Narayanganj. Bus set on fire in Gazipur during 24-hour blockade Police are working to identify the arsonist, he said.  The tiles-carrying truck was on its way to Sirajganj from Sonargaon’s  Meghnaghat area through the Asian Highway.  Car torched, bombs exploded at the house of Feni BNP leader The truck driver managed to get down quickly, and several parts of the truck were burnt.  Locals rescued the helper and rushed him to hospital. On information, police rushed to the spot and extinguished the fire with the help of locals.  Crude bombs explode near Sitakunda AL leader’s house

Three Bangladeshi workers died and two others were seriously injured when an under-construction warehouse collapsed in Malaysia on Tuesday night, police said.  The incident occurred at 9:58 pm (local time) in Batu Maung, Bayan Lepas, Malaysia, Malaysia’s Bernama news agency reported.  The deceased were identified as Mohammad Moqaddesh Ali, son of Md. Afsar Ali in Haripur village under Shibganj upazila of Bogura, Mohammad Saiful Islam, son of Md. Rawshan Ali in Laxmipur village under Debidwar in Cumilla and Md. Ahad Ali, son of Mohammad Osman Mandal in Chaipai village under Chatmohar upazila of Pabna, said a media release signed by Sufi Abdullahil Maruf, first secretary (press) of Bangladesh High Commission  in Malaysia. Bangladesh among 5 countries selected for project to strengthen preparedness to COVID-19, other infectious diseases The injured workers were sent to Penang Hospital for treatment, while unidentified four are believed to have been buried under the rubble. A search and rescue operation was underway by the Fire and Rescue Department with assistance from other agencies, including the police and the Civil Defence Force. The Penang Island City Council (MBPP) asked the developer to immediately stop work at the site. Local Mayor Datuk A. Rajendran said this was to facilitate the rescue operation and the investigation carried out by the authorities. BNP’s 24-hour blockade underway with arson attacks Meanwhile, Bayan Lepas assemblyman Datuk Azrul Mahathir Aziz, who also visited the site, called for strict action against those responsible if negligence is found to have caused the incident. The Bangladesh High Commission in  Malaysia expressed deep sorrow and shock at the unexpected incident.  Bangladeshi acting High Commissioner Mohammad Khorshed A Khastagir sent first secretary (labour) A.S.M Zahidur Rahman and Legal Assistant Sukumaran Subramanian to the spot. The envoys collected information about the victims and are in touch with the families of the Bangladeshi workers to send the bodies home soon. The high commission has also been working to realise compensations for the victims from the authorities concerned. Dhaka's air 6th worst in the world this morning  

The latest 24-hour road-rail-waterway blockade, called by BNP, is underway across Bangladesh with reports of arson attacks. Dhaka is witnessing usual traffic this morning despite the blockade. Commuters were seen going to their respective destinations in a rush while activities at government and private offices were going on as usual. 24-hour blockade: 428 RAB patrol teams deployed Many students with guardians are going to their respective schools for their final exams. A bus of Turag Paribahan was set on fire by miscreants at Dholaipar in Shyampur area of Dhaka at 5:30 am. A total of 428 patrol teams of Rapid Action Battalion (RAB) have been deployed across the country to maintain law and order during the ongoing 24-hour rail, road and waterways blockade called by BNP. BNP to enforce blockade Wednesday, hartal Thursday BNP called for a daylong blockade today and a daylong hartal on Thursday to protest the schedule for the next national election announced by the Election Commission (EC). Party's Senior Joint Secretary General Ruhul Kabir Rizvi came up with the announcement at a virtual press briefing on Monday. Rizvi said the programmes are also meant to mount pressure on the government to quit, hold the next election under a non-party neutral government, and release BNP leaders and activists, including its secretary general Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir. 230 BGB platoons deployed on day 2 of blockade

Bangladesh’s foreign exchange reserves continued to fall with the usable reserves standing now at USD $ 15.82 billion as per IMF guideline, according to banking sources familiar with the development on Tuesday (November 28, 2023). During the period of the COVID-19 pandemic two years ago, the reserves had soared to $48 billion, thanks to greater inflow of remittances amid reduced import demand. The reserves started decreasing since the eased import restrictions and impact of the Russia-Ukraine war. Also read: Forex reserves below $20 billion after paying ACU The latest foreign exchange report of Bangladesh Bank (BB) revealed that the country's reserves on 23 November stood at $19.52 billion based on the IMF formula (Balance of Payments and International Investment Position Manual) or BPM6. As per the formula, the net reserves will be $3.7 billion less than the total reserve amount, the BB sources said. The BB spokesperson Mezbaul Haque in this regard told UNB that foreign exchange from reserves is spent and deposited every day. Also read: IMF relaxes forex reserve and revenue targets for $4.70 billion loan It is a continuous process of a country, he said advising common people not to panic at the news of decreasing foreign exchange. In July, Bangladesh started calculating its foreign reserves according to a formula suggested by the International Monetary Fund – BPM6. Following the new calculation, Bangladesh's gross foreign exchange reserves that time dropped by $26.44bn to $23.56bn. Also read: Bangladesh stands on the edge of deep ditch before the polls: Dr Debapriya

The Asian Development Bank (ADB) and the Government of Bangladesh on Tuesday (November 28, 2023) signed a $100 million loan agreement to improve computer science, software engineering, and information technology (IT) programs in three universities in Bangladesh. Md. Shahriar Kader Siddiky, Secretary, Economic Relations Division (ERD), and Edimon Ginting, Country Director, ADB, signed the loan agreement on behalf of Bangladesh and ADB, respectively, at a ceremony at ERD in Dhaka. “This project will help accelerate fourth industrial revolution technology adoption, realize the vision of Digital Bangladesh, and enable the country to reap the demographic dividend by creating digitally qualified young human resources and entrepreneurs,” said ADB Country Director Edimon Ginting. “This new initiative builds on ADB’s ongoing skills development support through industry partnerships to increase competitiveness and foster innovation,” he said. Read: ADB to provide $200 million to promote energy efficiency, transition in Bangladesh The Improving Computer and Software Engineering Tertiary Education Project will upgrade the computer science and engineering, software engineering, and information technology degree programs of the leading public universities in Bangladesh. The universities receiving the funding are: Bangladesh University of Engineering and Technology (BUET), University of Dhaka (DU), and Jashore University of Science and Technology. These programs will adopt blended learning techniques and integrate the latest technologies such as artificial intelligence, robotics, and internet of things. These programs will seek international accreditation to ensure that students get updated curricula that adhere to international standards. Read: ADB to lend $336.5 million to Bangladesh to help develop vaccine production ADB will support the establishment of modern classrooms and laboratories, collaboration and start-up spaces, and auxiliary facilities in the three universities. These facilities will incorporate climate- and disaster-resilient designs, energy- and water-saving features, and will include women-friendly amenities and services. The universities will develop capacities of teachers to be proficient in new instructional approaches and emerging digital technologies. The students and teachers from the three and other universities will also work with industry partners to come up with innovative solutions through joint research and development. Mandatory internship opportunities, career counseling, and industry placement will be provided to undergraduate students, particularly for women. Read: ADB provides $90 million for clean water, sanitation services in the Hill Tracts

The Asian Development Bank (ADB) and the Government of Bangladesh today (November 28, 2023) signed a $90 million loan agreement to develop infrastructure and systems that will provide clean drinking water and sanitation services in Bandarban, Lama, and Rangamati towns in the Chattogram Hill Tracts (CHT) region. Md. Shahriar Kader Siddiky, Secretary, Economic Relations Division (ERD), and Edimon Ginting, Country Director, ADB, signed the loan agreement on behalf of Bangladesh and ADB, respectively, at a ceremony at ERD in Dhaka. “We are pleased to support the government in pursuing inclusive and climate-resilient development by providing clean drinking water and sanitation services and improving solid waste management in the lagging Chattogram Hill Tracts (CHT) region,” said ADB Country Director Ginting. Read more: Latest ADB report predicts a better year for Bangladesh in FY2024 “The improved services will reduce the risks of water-borne diseases, enhance health and economic opportunities, and benefit women who spend considerable productive time daily collecting water and managing wastes,” he said. The Chattogram Hill Tracts Inclusive and Resilient Urban Water Supply and Sanitation Project will develop water treatment plants with a total capacity of 44 million liters per day in Bandarban, Lama, and Rangamati towns, as well as 24 km of transmission line and 340 km of new water distribution network to connect to households. In Bandarban and Lama, the project will also modernize sanitation and solid waste management systems through rehabilitated public toilets and the provision of vehicles to safely de-sludge fecal sludge and collect solid waste integrated with a geographic information system, and equip household waste bins with radio frequency identification (RFID) tags to track waste collection. The project will also develop two integrated waste management facilities to treat and manage fecal sludge and solid waste, said the regional development bank. To maximize impact and sustainability, a community awareness and behavior change campaign on water, sanitation, hygiene, climate resilience, and solid waste management will be conducted. The campaign will target 100,000 people, with at least 60 percent participation from women and the vulnerable population. Around 300 staff (at least 90 percent of the eligible women staff) of the Department of Public Health Engineering, hill district councils, and municipalities will be trained on climate-resilient, inclusive, and sustainable water supply, sanitation, and solid waste management service delivery. The project will also enhance the readiness for implementation of future investments in water supply and sanitation for 31 towns by preparing feasibility studies, detailed designs, and bidding documents following approaches that promote disaster and climate resilience as well as gender equity and social inclusion. Read more: In another first, PM Hasina opens Ctg-Cox's Bazar railway line