United News of Bangladesh

A Dhaka court on Thursday framed charges against five people, including Regent Hospital Chairman Mohammad Shahed, in a case over Regent Hospital’s fake Covid test scam. The trial in the case began formally through framing of the charges. Dhaka Metropolitan Magistrate Mohona Alamgir passed the order after rejecting an appeal for excluding the names of the accused from the charges. The other accused are Dipayan Basu, 32, Anindya Dutta, 31, Masud Parvez, 40, and Md Mizanur Rahman, 39. Dipayan and Anindya have been on the run since the  filing  of the case. According to the prosecution, the accused issued fake COVID-19 certificates for 76 workers of Dhaka metro rail and thus embezzled Tk2.66 lakh. On 20 July 2020, Md Rezaul Karim, an administrative officer of AKSID Corporation Limited, filed the case with Uttara west police station. On 30 May 2021, Sub-Inspector Md Yadur Rahman of the police station submitted a charge sheet before the court.

Low-lying areas in five upazilas of Sylhet have been inundated amid incessant rains and onrush of water from upstream, leaving 3 lakh people stranded. The four flood-hit upazilas are Gowainighat, Jaintapur, Kanaighat, Zakiganj, and Companiganj. Flood water submerged the Sylhet-Tamabil highway near Bangla Bazaar, Ronpani, and Biraimara areas of Jaintapur on Thursday morning due to rise of water levels in different rivers, disrupting communication. The army, BGB, Jaintapur Model Police Station team, Fire Service, Ansar VDP, representatives from various unions, voluntary organisations, and social and political leaders were seen actively participating in the rescue operations. Sylhet Deputy Commissioner Sheikh Russell Hasan and Additional Superintendent of Police Mahfuz Akhter Simul visited the flood-affected areas along with some local public representatives and government officials. The swelling of the Sari and Piain rivers have marooned people in various villages in Nijpat, Jaintapur, Darbast, and Charikata unions of Jakiganj upazila. The low-lying areas of Nijpat Lamapara, Bandarhati, Moynahhati, Jangalhati, Borkhela, Meghli, Tilkaipara, Fulbari, Noyabad, Horni, Bairakhel, Guaboari, Dibihaor haor, Ghilatali, Muktapur, Biraimara haor, Kharubil, Lamanigram, Katakhali, Bauerbhag, and Baon haor in the upazila went  under water. A total of 48 shelters and a control room have been opened across six unions in the upazila. Jaintapur Upazila Nirbahi Officer (UNO) Umme Salika Rumaiya said army, BGB, fire service, and police are actively involved in rescue operations. All 48 shelters are prepared with necessary amenities, she said. Liaquat Ali, Chairman of the Jaintapur Upazila Parishad, said  rescue operation was hampered by darkness and strong currents on Wednesday night and it resumed on Thursday morning. On Thursday, the district administration distributed 1,000 sacks (200 sacks in each upazila) of dry food, 75 metric tons of rice (15 mts in each upazila), and relief materials worth Tk 2.5 lakh in five upazilas.

Additional Commissioner and Chief of Detective Branch (DB) of Dhaka Metropolitan Police Mohammad Harun or Rashid on Thursday said the investigation into MP Anwarul Azim Anar murder has seen notable progress. “Evidence was found and some digital data have been collected. It will be confirmed only after getting the forensic report,” he said while talking to reporters at Dhaka Airport after returning home from India in the afternoon. Replying to a question about the recovery of remains from the septic tank of Sanjeeva Gardens, DB chief said “Initially, it is believed that the body parts recovered belong to MP Anar. However, the whole matter can be confirmed once the forensic report is received. The mystery of the murder will be debunked soon.” “Our investigation in Kolkata has been successful as we have got information from there,” he said. The investigation into the case is being conducted by coordination of the intelligence information of the two countries and that’s why the results would be fruitful, he claimed. Mentioning that mastermind Akteruzzaman Shaheen is in the USA, another accused in the case is in Nepal now, he said and they will be brought back home through Interpol. “We have contacted with Nepal and we made a request to India to help us to bring back Shaheen from the USA through Interpol.” The motive behind the murder of MP Anar will be known once Shaheen is brought back home, said Harun. On May 26, a three-member DB team led by its chief went to Kolkata to unearth the mystery behind the murder of MP Anar.

The 43rd death anniversary of BNP founder and ex-president of the country Ziaur Rahman was observed with various programmes across the country on Thursday. Black flags were hoisted while party flags were kept at half-mast atop the party’s central offices and chairperson’s Gulshan office at 6:00 am as part of its programme to mark the day. BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir together with party senior leaders paid homage to Zia by placing a wreath at his grave on the occasion. They also participated in a milad and doa mahfil and a munjajt seeking eternal peace for the departed soul of Zia and the good health of party Chairperson Khaleda Zia. The leaders and workers of BNP’s different units and associate bodies also placed wreaths at Zia’s grave on the occasion. Apart from Fakhrul, BNP Standing Committee Members Mirza Abbas, Dr Abdul Moyeen Khan, Gayeshwar Chandra Roy, Nazrul Islam Khan, Vice Chairman AZM Zahid Hossain and Senior Joint Secretary General Ruhul Kabir Rizvi were, among others, present. Earlier in the morning, the Doctors Association of Bangladesh (DAB) arranged a free medical camp on the ground floor of the BNP’s Nayapaltan central office, where specialist doctors provided the distressed patients with prescriptions and medicine free of cost. Fakhrul and the party's standing committee members distributed cooked food among the destitute at various locations in the capital, organized by the Dhaka South and North City units of BNP. The party and its different associate bodies chalked out a 15-day programme, including discussion meetings, seminars, photo exhibitions, wearing black badges, publishing supplements in newspapers and distributing food, to observe the death anniversary nationwide with due respect. The observance of Zia's death anniversary programmes began on Tuesday through a discussion programme arranged by Jatiyatabadi Muktijoddha Dal, freedom fighters' wing of the party, at Dhaka Reporters Unity (DRU). The party organised a discussion meeting on Wednesday at the Institution of Engineers, Bangladesh, in memory of Zia. A milad mahfil was also arranged at BNP Chairperson’s Gulshan residence seeking eternal peace for the departed soul of Zia. BNP and its associate bodies and the party’s city, district, upazila, and municipality units also observed the day with due reverence by arranging different programmes. Ziaur Rahman who founded the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) in 1978 was assassinated by a group of disgruntled army officers at Chittagong Circuit House on 30 May, 1981.

Prime Minister's Private Industry and Investment Advisor Salman Fazlur Rahman on Thursday hoped that inflation will come down from July. “Due to hike in dollar price, prices of everything have shot up. At the same time pressure has been created on the reserve. All the problems related to the dollar will go away. And hopefully inflation will come down from July next,” he said. He was speaking at the opening ceremony of 'Bangladesh Business Climate Index 2023-24' organised by Metropolitan Chamber of Commerce and Industry (MCCI) and Policy Exchange of Bangladesh (PEB) in Gulshan . Stating that the tax rate should be reduced to boost the revenue, this advisor to the Prime Minister said that NBR is still a big challenge to ease the business environment. "We need to widen the tax net and lower the tax rates; this is the only way to increase revenue.” But what NBR is doing? They are imposing more tax on those who are paying tax. Actually, everyone should be brought under tax net, he said. “We need a strong and big capital market compared to such a big economy. The Prime Minister also wants to strengthen our capital market. We are talking to Bangladesh Bank, NBR, Exchange Commission.” Initiatives are being taken to reform the capital market as it is very important for us, Rahman stated. Salman F Rahman said new reforms will be seen in the next budget. Our tax-GDP ratio has come down compared to last year. “This is a problem for us and it must be dealt with.” Expressing optimism about many local and foreign investments in the near future, Rahman said adding that “Bangladesh has a favourable business environment and we have to work on this.”

Ninety-seven percent work of the 3rd terminal of Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport has been completed, said Civil Aviation and Tourism Minister Muhammad Faruk Khan on Thursday. “I am satisfied at the progress of the work. 97% work has been finished while the remaining three percent  including co-ordination and testing remained incomplete ,” he said while visiting the terminal. Replying to a question about the opening date of the terminal, the minister said it is highly technical work and it is impossible to implement it within the fixed time. “However, I am hopeful about the timely launch of the terminal.” Talking about the facilities of the terminal, Faruk said there are 54 immigration counters and  people are expected to get desired  services there. Responding to a question about the construction of a second runway, the minister said "The ILS (Instrument of Landing System) system of our existing runway is being upgraded. Radars are being upgraded. However, we have plans for the second runway. As there are so many buildings around the airport, we are looking how we can built a second runway. ” In a query about the plane fare of Malaysia-bound passengers, the minister said “The plane fare depends on supply and demand. Those who are involved in sending workers to Malaysia, knew it one month ago that May 31 was the last date to send workers. However, neither the recruiting agency nor other suppliers took action in this regard.” Currently, Biman operates three to four flights to Malaysia every day. Some Malaysian people on Wednesday sought permission to operate a chartered flight from Dhaka to Malaysia with an Air Cambodia aircraft and the permission was given, he said.

Power supply to 97 percent consumers of the Bangladesh Rural Electrification Board (BREB) was restored while it was cent percent for consumers of West Zone Power Distribution Company Ltd (WZPDC) till 12 noon on Thursday. Cyclone Remal: BREB restores power supply to 93% affected consumers, West Zone Power to 87% The Power Division, referring to an updated information, said that the BREB restored the electricity supply to 2.93 crore consumers, which is 97 percent of its total affected consumers. Some 3.03 crore consumers of the BREB got disconnected from the electricity supply network after cyclone Remal hit the country on Sunday. BREB to procure 1.26 lakh SPC poles, 140 km underground cables for Dhaka-Mymensingh power distribution project Still electricity supply could not be restored to some 9.22 lakh consumers, which is 3 percent of the total BREB consumers. BREB hopes that they will be able to restore electricity to 99 percent of its affected consumers by 6 pm on Thursday while 1 percent will remain without electricity as they need door- to- door service.The WZPDC has restored electricity supply to all of its affected consumers during the same period. The total affected consumers of WZPDC were 4.53 lakh who were without electricity due to the cyclone. BREB bill payments now more convenient through Nagad The Power Division said that about 21,000 workforce from BREB are currently working at the field level, while the WZPDC has also engaged its manpower to repair damaged power lines.

Bangladesh has offered cadet training scholarship after Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman in the country's five government marine academies for foreigners through International Maritime Organization (IMO). The sholarship has been offered for 10 cadets from Small Island Developing States (SIDS) and African Least Developed Countries (LDCs). This proposal was made when IMO Secretary-General Arsenio Antonio Dominguez Velasc paid a courtesy call on Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina at the latter’s official residence Ganabhaban on Thursday. IMO Secretary General in Dhaka; will deliver lecture at MoFA today In response, the UN marine agency IMO gladly accepted this offer, said PM’s Speechwriter Md Nazrul Islam while briefing reporters after the meeting. In the meeting, different other issues including shipbuilding, ship recycling, maritime crimes and climate issues came up for discussion. The IMO official document stressed the need for promoting gender equilibrium in the marine academies in Bangladesh. In this regard, the PM said there was no girl cadet in the marine academies in the past. But her government introduced the enrollment of girls in the marine academies and many girls are enrolling in the academies. About the ship recycling industry, the IMO secretary-general said Bangladesh is the largest ship recycling country. Bangladesh demonstrated its high commitment for environmentally safe ship recycling by acceding to the Hong Kong Convention in June last. IMO secretary general due tomorrow The Hong Kong convention, a treaty set up by UN shipping agency the International Maritime Organization (IMO), is aimed at ensuring that ships, when being recycled after reaching the end of their operational lives, did not pose any unnecessary risks to human health, safety and to the environment. The PM sought assistance from the IMO, a specialised agency of the United Nations, for strengthening safe ship recycling here in Bangladesh.“We are enhancing the safety measures in shipbuilding and ship recycling and we seek support from IMO,” she was quoted as saying. She said Bangladesh has achieved remarkable progress in shipbuilding as the private sector alongside the government is building ships here and Bangladeshi ships are being exported to European countries as well. The PM said sea transportation is very important for Bangladesh and stressed the need for ensuring safe water routes. She expressed her satisfaction over the role of IMO for the quick release of Bangladeshi ship MV Abdullah hijacked by Somali pirates recently. About the safety in the Bay of Bengal, Sheikh Hasina was quoted as saying, “We all together control the pirates here and such steps should be taken in other places.” She said Bangladesh increased the safety measures on the movement of inland water vessels as well and has successfully reduced the number of casualties. The PM said the government has been trying to minimise the casualties and damages of the cyclone and other natural disasters. Arsenio Dominguez said the IMO is working on maritime crimes including human and drug trafficking. PM’s Ambassador at-Large Mohammad Ziauddin, Principal Secretary M Tofazzel Hossain Miah, IMO Vice-President Saida Muna Tasneem and Secretary (Maritime Affairs Unit) at the Foreign Ministry Rear Admiral (retd) Khurshid Alam were present.  

Speakers at a seminar on Thursday said Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman was always an indomitable voice for peace both nationally and globally.  Indeed, his strong leadership, along with the ideas of world peace and unwavering dedication to justice and equality, remains as relevant in today’s world as it was during his lifetime, they said. Bangladesh Institute of International and Strategic Studies (BIISS) organised the seminar titled “Bangabandhu: A Champion of World Peace” at the BIISS auditorium. In pursuit of peace at home and abroad, the speakers said, Bangabandhu was always an outspoken critic against colonialism, racism and imperialism as well as recognising these as major barriers to global peace and security.  Throughout his life, Bangabandhu was vocal about people’s emancipation from oppression and exploitation.  Speakers in the seminar also said that his ideals and principles would always remain as an eternal source of inspiration for the oppressed and freedom-seeking people of the world.  A K M Mozammel Huq, Liberation War Affairs Minister graced the seminar as the chief guest.  While Md Shahriar Alam, Member, Parliamentary Standing Committee  on Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Mozaffar Hossain Paltu, President, World Peace  Council, Bangladesh Chapter, were present in the seminar as the special guests.  Major General Md Abu Bakar Siddique Khan, Director General, BIISS, delivered the welcome address.  Three presentations were delivered in the seminar.  The presenters were M Ashique Rahman, Senior Research Fellow, BIISS; Lt Col (Retd) Sajjad Ali Zahir, Bir Pratik, Swadhinata Padak, Padma Shri; and Ambassador Mashfee Binte Shams, Rector Foreign Service Academy.  Ambassador AFM Gousal Azam Sarker, Chairman, BIISS, moderated and concluded the seminar with remarks. Senior officials from different ministries, diplomatic missions, media, researchers, businesspeople, teachers and students from various universities, representatives from different thinktanks, and international organisations participated in the seminar. END/UNB/MK/FH  

Grameenphone, the smart connectivity provider, along with Dhaka Flow, announced its upcoming event "Lumiere - An Experience from Grameenphone Presents Dhaka Flow Food and Wellness Festival at Gulshan Club," a two-day festival set to take place on May 31 - June 1, at the capital’s Gulshan Club at their Lamda & Patio Halls.  This festival aims to elevate mental and physical well-being through a series of holistic health practices and activities. The event will feature a variety of activities designed to cater to all age groups and interests. On May 31, attendees can look forward to sessions such as "Flow Within: Journaling," "Canvas Therapy: Art & Music," "Introduction to Yoga," "Yoga For Kids," "Folk Beats: Dance," and a panel discussion on "Deep Dive into Healthy Gut." The day will culminate with a concert by the Blues Brothers & Soul Sister.  Additionally, on the inaugural day (Friday at 5 pm), the event will feature an Inspirational Conversation between Chief Guest MP Kazi Nabil Ahmed – Bangladesh Awami League politician and Jatiya Sangsad member representing the Jessore-3 constituency since 2014, Vice President of the Bangladesh Football Federation, and Director of Gemcon Group; – and Special Guest Jamal Bhuyan, the Denmark-born Bangladeshi professional footballer and captain of the Bangladesh national team, currently playing as a midfielder for Abahani Limited Dhaka in the Bangladesh Premier League. World Day for Safety and Health at Work: Here’s How Dhaka Flow Wants to Promote a Safer Workplace On June 1, the festival will continue with "Introduction to Meditation," " "Yoga For Seniors," "Sound Meditation," "Women's Self Defense," "Functional Fitness Bootcamp," "Heal from Trauma," and "Sound Journey with Swayambhu."  "At Grameenphone, we strongly believe in supporting causes that uplift the health and wellness of our communities," said Farha Naz Zaman, Head of Marketing, Grameenphone. "This partnership with Dhaka Flow is not about merely celebrating health and well-being. We are fostering a community of like-minded individuals committed to holistic living. Together, we aim to inspire and support a healthier connected community, which can contribute to society’s overall progress.” Cosmos Group hosts Dhaka Flow at "Health and Safety at Work" Workshop In addition to the wellness sessions, the festival will feature a health and wellness marketplace with vendors offering a variety of products and services. The Food Bazaar will showcase vendors curating special menus featuring delicious and healthy options specifically for the festival. Dhaka Flow invites everyone to join this exciting and transformative event to discover the benefits of holistic well-being, from May 31 - June 1, at the Lamda & Patio Halls, Gulshan Club, from 9:30 am - 7 pm. Dhaka Flow is a wellness organization based in Bangladesh, dedicated to promoting mental and physical well-being in the face of urbanization and modern lifestyle challenges. Dhaka Flow believes  that holistic health practices can significantly enhance the quality of life for individuals and communities, and they are  to a mission of wellness for all. More information on holistic well-being and registration details for classes or retreats with Dhaka Flow are available at www.dhakaflow.com and on its social media platforms at Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn and YouTube.