United News of Bangladesh

A worker died from electrocution in an under-construction building at Demra staff quarter in the capital on Sunday afternoon. The deceased was identified as Tarek, 20, son of Sarowar Mia in Ullapara of Sirajganj. Tarek was severely injured while switching on a water pump on the ground floor of the building. His co-worker rushed him to Dhaka Medical College Hospital where a duty doctor declared him dead. Mohammad Mia, in-charge of Dhaka Medical College Hospital police outpost, confirmed the matter and said that the body was kept in the morgue for autopsy.  

Achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) would be possible through setting specific goals and effective coordination, State Minister for Finance Waseqa Ayesha Khan said on Sunday. The private sector has a big role alongside the public sector in attaining the SDGs, she said. The junior minister was speaking a workshop titled “Strengthening partnership in attaining SDGs in the context of LDC graduation” organized by the “Support to Sustainable Graduation” project under the Economic Relations Division (ERD) held at the NEC-2 Conference Room in the city’s Sher-e-Bangla Nagar area. She said that the farsighted leadership of Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman was aimed at global development and peace. Under the transformative leadership of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, Bangladesh has become a ‘role model’ for development in the global arena and the government is on the right track to achieve the SDGs. Putting emphasis on raising the direct tax alongside decreasing the trend of tax exemption, the state minister said tax collection and tax exemption are almost the same and such practice does not exist in any country. “There is no alternative to automation in tax collection. Those who are obstructing the digitalization process will be punished if necessary,” she said. She said it is not possible to stay in the global market through providing only tax support, rather the export income should have to be boosted through export diversification. “Following LDC graduation, the revenue generation from customs will decline,” she added. Presided over by ERD Secretary M Shahriar Kader Siddiqui, additional secretary (SDG affairs, PMO) Mohammad Monirul Islam was the main discussant at the event.

The government has taken a strict stance along the bordering area so that no cattle can enter into the country illegally ahead of Eid-ul-Azha, said Fisheries and Livestock Minister Md Abdur Rahman on Sunday. “Allegations have been found against some dishonest people that they are involved in bringing cattle illegally to discourage our local farmers ahead of the Eid-ul-Azha. However, the government has taken a stringent measure in this regard,” he said. Fisheries and Livestock Ministry to monitor cattle markets in Dhaka A request will be made to the Home Ministry to take necessary steps, he said while speaking at a programme held at Sher-e-Bangla Agriculture University on the occasion of World Milk Day-2024, as a chief guest. Mentioning that milk production will be increased depending on milk consumption, the minister said the government is working to achieve self-sufficiency by increasing milk production. 'Newly unemployed can be engaged in fisheries and livestock sector' He also assured of taking steps so that the farmers can get fair prices of their produced products.

Business people of the country on Sunday put emphasis on coordinated efforts of industries and academia to include industrial education in educational institutions. They said that due to the lack of skilled manpower in the industries of the country, additional manpower is required to run machineries and other activities. As a result, manpower has to be brought from abroad to operate the factory machinery with high salary, they said. FBCCI eager to boost trade between Bangladesh and RussiaThey said these at the FBCCI standing committee meeting on skill development. Its president Mahbubul Alam attended the meeting virtually. Besides, the businesses said that due to lack of skills, Bangladeshi workers have to work at lower wages than the workers of neighbouring countries even when they go abroad. In this situation, they said that more emphasis should be put on better education and training to create skilled manpower in the country. FBCCI President urges investment in industrialization He suggested for organising a seminar in FBCCI with the stakeholders including ministers, government officials, industrial owners, businessmen of the concerned ministries to improve the skills of the country's manpower. Senior Vice President of FBCCI Amin Helali said that the huge population of Bangladesh is an asset for the country. “It is important to acquire technical skills to utilise this resource.” He said that the government has various steps and willingness to create skilled manpower. “Our businessmen have to work together by cooperating with the government.” Director-in-charge of the committee BM Shoaib said that the current era is the era of robotics, automation. “Many industrial plants are running on robotics, automation. But still there is a need for manpower in garment, spinning and engineering industries.” He mentioned that due to lack of skills, the production here is less compared to China and Japan. “There are opportunities to work here. It is important to include the subject of skill development in various sectors in the academic curriculum.” Chairman of the committee Shafiqur Rahman Bhuiyan said there is no substitute to skill development to transform Bangladesh into a developed country. “If there is lack of skills, productivity, growth in exports and export earnings—all will be hampered.” In the meeting, a presentation was screened on the areas of skill development in Bangladesh and what to do. The presentation emphasised on improving education and training systems, facilitating access to training, aligning academia with industry, aligning academic curriculum with advanced technology, reducing gender disparity, etc. FBCCI Director Niaz Ali Chishti, Committee Co-Chairmen, Members were also present in the meeting.  

A seven-member delegation from Sri Lanka arrived in Dhaka on Sunday on a 3-day experience-sharing visit to learn about and understand how Bangladesh has successfully implemented Government Procurement (e-GP) system, introduced by Bangladesh Public Procurement Authority (BPPA) . The delegation was welcomed at BPPA by the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of BPPA, Mohammed Shoheler Rahman Chowdhury. EA Rathnaseela, the Director General of the Public Finance Department of Sri Lanka, led the delegation. Currently 70 per cent of public procurement is made through e-GP system: BPPA The delegation includes officials from the e-GP Secretariat of Sri Lanka, the National Procurement Commission, the Department of Information Technology Management and the Department of Public Finance. Representatives from the World Bank and the Asian Development Bank are also part of the Sri Lankan delegation. A prior visit by a three-member Sri Lankan delegation to the former CPTU in 2017 also aimed at understanding the implementation of the e-GP system in Bangladesh. The CPTU was transformed into BPPA on September 18, 2023.To date, including this current visit, a total of 12 countries and 5 international organizations have visited BPPA or the former CPTU to exchange views on e-GP. WB okays $40 mn to help Bangladesh increase coverage of e-GP These countries and organizations include Tanzania, Egypt, Mozambique, Nigeria, Ethiopia, Austria, Sri Lanka, Bhutan, Afghanistan, Nepal, The Gambia, and the New Development Bank, IMF, WeConnect International, Korean International Cooperation Agency, and Social Enterprise (UK). On June 2, 2011, Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina inaugurated the e-GP portal to digitize public procurement. Since then, e-GP has rapidly expanded. Currently, all processes related to public procurement, including contract management, are conducted online through e-GP, according to BPPA. This comprehensive digital procurement system has garnered praise both domestically and internationally. Although Sri Lanka has introduced e-GP, they are facing challenges and have not yet fully digitized the system. BPPA's CEO explained the background and process of e-GP implementation in Bangladesh. Dohatec New Media has been engaged as the lead consultant for the operation and management of the e-GP system, along with Beximco IT Division and GSS Infotech Ltd. On the first day, BPPA officials and technical experts were present. The technical experts provided detailed explanations on various aspects of e-GP to the Sri Lankan delegation. Mohammad Moinul Hossain covered Data Center Management and e-GP System Security, Abu Md. Mostofa new technology adoption in e-GP, Nazmul Islam Bhuiyan talked about e-GP System Operation and Management, and Md. Mosharraf Hussain provided an overview of e-GP in Bangladesh. Dohatec New Media is giving a detailed description of the practical aspects of e-GP to the Sri Lankan delegation. Additionally, the delegation will visit the LGED office to gain practical insights into e-GP implementation. The three-day visit will conclude on June 4. The World Bank has been assisting Bangladesh in the implementation of the e-GP system.

A moderate earthquake jolted parts of Bangladesh including Dhaka on Sunday (June 02, 2024) afternoon. The earthquake, measuring 5 magnitude on the Richter Scale, was felt at 2: 44 pm which lasted for a few seconds, according to Bangladesh Meteorological Department. The earthquake jolted Dhaka, Rangamati, Cumilla, Cox’s Bazar and Khagrachhari districts, said Farzana Sultana, assistant meteorologist of BMD. 5.4 magnitude earthquake jolts Bangladesh: USGS The epicentre of the earthquake was located at Mawlaik, Myanmar. The distance of the epicenter was 441 km south east from the BMD Seismic Centre in Agargaon, Dhaka, according to BMD. No damage due to the earthquake was reported at the time of filing this report. A cluster of earthquakes shakes Taiwan after a strong quake killed 13 earlier this month

Road Transport and Bridges Minister Obaidul Quader today (June 02, 2024) said that authorities will proceed with corruption charges against former police chief Benazir Ahmed. Should he be found guilty, he will be compelled to return to Bangladesh, he said. Speaking at a press conference at the Awami League president’s office in Dhanmondi this afternoon, Quader emphasized the government’s firm stance against corruption, saying, “No leniency will be shown.” Quader, who is also the General Secretary of Awami League, detailed that the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) is actively investigating Benazir’s case. “The investigation, legal proceedings, and potential arrests are all part of a legal process,” he said. The government will not bypass the ACC to take any premature actions. If there are any failures within the anti-corruption agencies, they too will face scrutiny, said the AL leader. Fakhrul questions how Benazir “sneaked off to Singapore” Highlighting the current administration’s commitment to combating corruption, Quader remarked, “Since 1975, no other government has shown the courage to act against corrupt individuals. Sheikh Hasina’s government has demonstrated this bravery. While individuals may commit corruption, it is the government’s stance against such actions that matters.” Quader also criticized Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) for its inaction against corruption during its tenure. “BNP didn’t take any measures against corruption while in power,” he said. Addressing allegations from BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir that Benazir fled abroad with government assistance, Quader retorted, “Who from the government escorted him to the plane? Which authority facilitated his departure? Do not throw around baseless accusations.” Govt bears responsibility for misdeeds of Aziz, Benazir: Fakhrul Quader also accused BNP of initiating a culture of financial misconduct. “The culture of money laundering and economic misappropriation began during the BNP’s era. When in power, BNP leaders indulged in rampant illegal earnings. This is an established fact both domestically and internationally. After coming to power in 2001, corruption became institutionalized under the BNP, leading to Bangladesh being named the most corrupt country five times consecutively. Convicted and fugitive BNP leader Tarique Rahman is currently leading a lavish lifestyle abroad with the illicit money.” Quader read from a written statement at the beginning of the press conference, asserting the integrity of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. “No one can claim that our Prime Minister has engaged in or tolerated corruption. Sheikh Hasina is recognized globally as a thoroughly honest politician, whose popularity stems from her hard work and honest living.” He further criticized the BNP, saying, “BNP’s main leader Tarique Rahman is a convicted fugitive and a known criminal. A party led by such an individual cannot work for people’s welfare or gain their trust.” In response to a journalist’s question, Quader remarked, “BNP is ruled by the king of thieves.” Read more: Why Aziz, Benazir yet to be arrested, asks Manna

State Minister for Disaster Management and Relief Md Mohibur Rahman on Sunday said the losses caused by cyclone Remal was estimated at 6,880 crore by his ministry. The state minister said this after an inter-ministerial meeting on the overall issue of cyclone Rimal at the secretariat. Another inter-ministerial meeting will be held on June 9 to assess the overall damages caused by the cyclone, he said. Cyclone Remal: 15 more dead deer recovered from Sundarbans “We will finalise the list of losses of all ministries by holding another inter-ministerial meeting on June 9. It will then be handed over to the Prime Minister,” he said. Mentioning that there was no extensive damage to government establishments in the coastal areas, the state minister said, "The dredging that was done at the Payra port suffered huge damage due to the cyclone. We are working to assess the losses.” Cyclone Remal: Jhalakathi's agriculture, fisheries suffer losses of over Tk 84.17cr There has been extensive destruction to the embankments in the coastal areas. “We will assess the damage and hand it over to the Prime Minister. Ministry-based work will be done.” Mohibbur Rahman said the fish resources in the coastal areas have been severely affected and discussion was held to how the victims could be supported. The state minister also said they are thinking about building sustainable embankments through modern technology and they will give suggestions to the Prime Minister in this regard.

The flood situation in the low-lying areas of Sylhet district of the north-eastern part of the country may improve slowly in the next 24 hours to 72 hours, said a regular bulletin of Flood Forecasting and Warning Centre on Sunday.The water level of the Surma is in steady state while Bhugai-Kangsha rivers are in rising trend and the water levels of the other major rivers of the region are in falling trend. Flash flood leaves over 5 lakh people stranded in SylhetAccording to information from meteorological organizations, medium to heavy rainfall is expected over the Northern, North-eastern and adjoining parts of the country in the next 72 hours, it said.As a result, the water level of rivers in the north-eastern region of the country may fall slowly in the next 24 hours, said FFWC. Sylhet Osmani Medical College BCL unit distributes food among flood-hit peopleThe Brahmaputra-Jamuna Rivers are in rising trend, which may continue in next 72 hours while the Ganges river is in steady state while the Padma river is in rising trend, which may continue in the next 72 hours, said the bulletin.  

The newly elected committee of the Indian Institute of Mass Communication (IIMC) Alumni Association, Bangladesh has taken charge for the tenure of 2024-26. The new Executive Council Committee of the association took charge through a handover ceremony held at the National Press Club in the capital on Saturday afternoon. Earlier on May 11, editor of United News of Bangladesh Farid Hossain and Coordinator of Women Journalists Network, Bangladesh (WJNB) Angur Nahar Monty were elected president and general secretary, respectively of the Alumni Association. DU CSE alumni forms new committee Muhammad Rahmat Ali was elected as Senior Vice President while Zahid Newaz Khan as Vice President and Goni Adam, Nazneen Akhtar and Ranjan Sen were elected as Joint Secretary, Treasurer and International Affairs Secretary, respectively of the association. Besides, Azizul Islam Bhuiyan, Nazrul Islam, Dipankar Bar, Maruf Newaz, Mehedi Momen and Wares Hossain were elected executive members of the new committee. Canada Bangladesh Alumni Association Executive Committee meets Finance Minister This is the third committee of the Indian Institute of Mass Communication (IIMC) Alumni Association, Bangladesh established in 2018.