United News of Bangladesh

Power supply was restored to 93 percent consumers of the Bangladesh Rural Electrification Board (BREB) while it was 87 percent for consumers of West Zone Power Distribution Company Ltd (WZPDC) till 6:00 pm on Wednesday. According to a press release from the Power Division, some 3.03 crore consumers of the BREB were affected by Cyclone Remal on Monday and got disconnected from the electricity supply network. The BREB has restored the electricity supply to 2.82 crore consumers, which is 93 percent. 3.5 lakh people still without power in Shariatpur after Sunday’s cyclone The WZPDC has restored electricity supply to 2.82 lakh of its consumers during the same period, which is 87 percent of its total affected consumers of 4.53 lakh who were without electricity due to the cyclone. Power supply severely disrupted in Dhaka city, adjoining areas after Remal hit The Power Division said that about 25,000 workforce from BREB are currently working at the field level, while the WZPDC has also engaged its manpower to repair damaged power lines. Cyclone Remal causes Tk 96 crore in damages to power supply infrastructure, as per initial estimates   

Nagorik Oikya President Mahmudur Rahman Manna raised a question on Wednesday about why former Army Chief General Aziz Ahmed and former Inspector General of Police (IGP) Benazir Ahmed have not yet been arrested, despite corruption allegations against them. "Why haven't Aziz or Benazir been arrested yet, and why haven't cases been filed against them? You (people) need to take to the streets making a demand in this regard (the arrest of Aziz and Benazir)," he told a rally. Referring to Awami League (AL) General Secretary Obaidul Quader’s comment that the government was not embarrassed about the issues of Aziz and Benazir, Manna said this regime is least bothered about such crucial allegations as it is shameless. “Who elevated Aziz and Benazir to these positions? They indulged in stealing, looting and robbery one after another. Begum Zia did not give them posting,” he said. The Nagorik Oikya leader also said those who nurtured Aziz and Benazir will not be allowed to go unpunished. He said that the government was aware of the misdeeds and corruption by the two former top military and police officials but did not take any action against them as they helped it cling to power. Jatiyatabadi Desh Bachao Manush Bachao Andolan, a pro-BNP platform, arranged the rally in front of the Jatiya Press Club, demanding the unconditional release of BNP Chairperson Begum Khaleda Zia and other party leaders and workers, including Ishraque Hossain. Manna warned that the government would face trouble as a UN representative announced to investigate and send back those Bangladeshi peacekeepers accused of involvement in crimes against humanity. He bemoaned that General Aziz tarnished the image of the entire armed forces of Bangladesh. The United States has recently imposed sanctions on Aziz Ahmed over allegations of corruption while the Anti-Corruption Commission has launched an investigation into Benazir's ill-gotten wealth. A Dhaka court recently ordered the authorities concerned to confiscate the assets of Benazir and freeze his bank accounts.

Additional Inspector General of Police Barrister Md Harun-Ar-Rashid has been appointed as the new director general of the Rapid Action Battalion (RAB).A gazette notification of the Public Security Division of the Ministry of Home Affairs was issued in this regard on Wednesday. RAB DG details enhanced security measures at Shaheed MinarThe order will come into effect on June 5, it said. No threat of militant attack centering Biswa Ijtema: RAB DGHarun-Ar-Rashid will succeed current RAB DG M Khurshid Hossain. Election 2024: Those trying to obstruct voters will be resisted, says RAB DG

An earthquake measuring 5.4 on the Richter scale was felt in Bangladesh at 7:13 pm on Wednesday. The epicenter of the earthquake was 31 km East-southeast (ESE) of Mawlaik, Myanmar, according to the United States Geological Survey (USGS). A cluster of earthquakes shakes Taiwan after a strong quake killed 13 earlier this month There were no immediate reports of injuries or damage from the earthquake. Earthquake measuring 5.6 hits central Turkey

Cyclone Remal which battered  Bangladesh's coastal area on Sunday claimed at least16 lives, according to the National Disaster Response Co-Ordination Centre (NDRCC) under the Ministry of Disaster Management and Relief The deaths were reported in Khulna, Satkhira, Barishal, Patuakhali, Bhola, Chattogram and Pirojpur districts, said NDRCC said in its daily bulletin. Among the deceased, four died in Pirojpur, three each in Bhola, Barishal and Patuakhali and one each in Satkhira, Khulna and Chattogram districts. Besides, about 2.75 lakh houses have been destroyed in the coastal and its adjacent 19 districts, it said. Of these, 40,338 houses were completely destroyed and 1,33,528 houses were partially damaged. Khulna district witnessed highest number of damaged houses as a total of 20,762 houses were totally destroyed while in Bagerhat the number is 10,000. Besides, nearly 46 lakh people have affected by the cyclonic storm. State Minister for Disaster Management and Relief Md Mohibur Rahman on Monday said 1,50,457 houses were damaged during the storm. Of these, 35,483 houses were fully damaged in 107 unions and 914 municipalities, said the state minister.

Left Democratic Alliance (LDA) has demanded publishing of white paper on the alleged corruption of former army chief General Aziz Ahmed and former Inspector General of Police Benazir Ahmed and others who are involved in money laundering and loan defaulting. In a meeting of the central steering committee of the LDA on Wednesday, the leaders expressed concern over the incidents of Aziz, Benazir and ruling Awami League lawmaker Anwarul Azim, saying that these incidents exposed a terrible picture of corruption. Such incidents are absolutely impossible without the support of the current government and the patronage of the upper echelons, the LDA leaders alleged. Ruhin Hussain Prince, General Secretary of Communist party of Bangladesh (CPB) and Coordinator of Left Alliance, chaired the meeting at the CPB office in the city. The meeting urged the government to take appropriate measures to recover the laundered money and defaulted loans. Expressing condolence for the victims in the recent cyclone, the meeting demanded taking necessary measures for rehabilitation of the cyclone-victims. It expressed concern over the reports of putting more tax burden on the shoulders of people for the benefit of the looters, following the IMF's decision ahead of the upcoming budget. It is said that in order to solve the country's economic crisis, it is necessary to give priority to the public interest, including getting out of the current system, recovering black money-laundered money-reckoning debts, stopping corruption and looting, unnecessary mega projects and stopping the import of luxury goods. The meeting  was addressed by Bangladesh Samajtantrik Dal (BASD) General Secretary Bazlur Rashid Feroze, Revolutionary Communist League General Secretary Iqbal Kabir Zahid, BASD (Marxist) General Secretary Masud Rana, General Secretary of Democratic Revolutionary Party Moshrafa Mishu, Executive President of Samajtantrik Party Abdul Ali, Abdus Sattar of Communist League, Mosharraf Hossain Nannu, Shahidul Islam Sabuj of Democratic Revolutionary Party, Taslima Akhter Beauty of Basad (Marxist).

Biman Bangladesh Airlines could be expanding its fleet with new aircraft from Airbus. Outgoing Managing Director and CEO of the national flag carrier, Shafiul Azim, made the indication during a views exchange meeting with the Aviation and Tourism Journalists’ Forum of Bangladesh (ATJFB) today (May 29, 2024). The meeting, held in Dhaka, saw the participation of ATJFB members led by their president, Tanzim Anwar. Addressing the forum, the outgoing Biman MD said that Airbus had proposed two offers to Biman for aircraft procurement. “Initially, Airbus offered us two cargo planes, but we decided we do not need them at the moment. Instead, we expressed our interest in expanding our passenger fleet. Subsequently, Airbus proposed four passenger aircraft, which was a better offer. This proposal has been evaluated by the committee and forwarded to the board for approval,” Azim explained. He emphasized the importance of diversifying their fleet, noting that currently, 16 out of 21 large aircraft in Biman’s fleet are from Boeing. “We are considering Airbus’s offers seriously. Diversifying our aircraft will not only mitigate risk but also appeal to passengers who appreciate newer models,” Azim said. Airbus leading in Bangladesh’s aircraft purchase consideration over Boeing? Regarding Boeing, Azim mentioned that they also received an offer from Boeing, which will be evaluated. “We have a longstanding relationship with Boeing, not just in terms of aircraft procurement but also their technical support and credit facilities. We are working well together,” he added. Azim highlighted Biman’s advantageous position due to the competitive proposals from both Airbus and Boeing. He assured that regardless of the manufacturer chosen, Biman stands to benefit as a customer. When asked about the financial status of Biman, Azim confidently stated that Biman has been “profitable for eight out of the last ten years.” The two years of losses included one year heavily impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic and another due to significant payment obligations. “Despite challenges such as dollar shortages and ongoing global conflicts, we have remained profitable,” the Biman MD said. He further defended Biman’s financial health, pointing out that regular audits have confirmed their profitability. “We continue to hire, pay salaries and bonuses, including profit bonuses. If Biman wasn’t profitable, where would this money come from? To those who doubt our success, I pray they find guidance,” he remarked. PM’s likely Visit to Paris: France hopes significant progress on purchase from Airbus, satellite Reflecting on his tenure, Azim expressed satisfaction with his management approach. “During my time, I never hesitated to reward deserving employees or to impose necessary disciplinary actions. I have used my authority to the fullest and believe that with effort, Biman can compete with the world’s leading airlines,” he stated. Addressing the frequent changes in Biman’s leadership, Azim underscored the need for a stable management system. “Our human and technical resources are competent. If systems and structures are in place, the organization won’t rely on any single individual. I have focused on establishing these systems,” he noted. He also recommended retaining experienced personnel in technical fields, regardless of age, as experience grows with time. “Biman should not function with the mindset of a government office; it is a commercial entity and should be managed commercially,” Azim advised. He expressed a slight regret, wishing that four new aircraft could have been added to Biman’s fleet during his tenure. Read more: Jahidul Islam Bhuiyan appointed as MD of Biman On May 26, the Ministry of Public Administration announced Md. Jahidul Islam Bhuiyan as the new Managing Director and CEO of Biman Bangladesh Airlines. In a separate announcement, Shafiul Azim was promoted to Secretary of the Election Commission.

Bangladesh reported 18 more COVID-19 cases in 24 hours till Wednesday morning. With the new numbers, the country's total COVID-19 caseload rose to 2,050,429, according to the Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS). The official death toll from the disease remained unchanged at 29,495 as no new fatalities were reported during this period. The daily case test positivity rate was 5.44 percent as 331 samples were tested, said the DGHS. The recovery and death rates stood at 98.41 percent and 1.44 per cent, respectively.

The Bangladesh Philippines Chamber of Commerce and Industry (BPCCI) has elected Humayun Rashid, Managing Director and CEO of Energypac Power Generation PLC, as its president for the term 2024-2026. He was elected during the organization’s Annual General Meeting (AGM) recently held at Gulshan Club in Dhaka. BPCCI was established in 2013 to create a platform for the promotion of trade and business between Bangladesh and the Philippines. The platform actively engages in trade fairs, business delegations, and networking events to boost business opportunities and strengthen the relationship between the two countries. Humayun Rashid, a respected figure in the business community, will now lead the organization as its new president. Building upon the successes achieved under the previous Board of Directors, Humayun Rashid will help reinforce Bangladesh’s positive image among ASEAN countries and maintain strong relationships with respective embassies, said a media release on Wednesday. Expressing his gratitude, Humayun Rashid said, “I am humbled to assume the role of President at BPCCI and eager to work together with my peers to fortify the business ties between Bangladesh and the Philippines. With joint efforts and dedication, we can head towards our shared vision of promoting innovation and propelling economic growth.”

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on Wednesday urged the international community to end the arms race and instead spend the money for eradication  of poverty and easing the adverse impacts of climate change. “The money for arms development and competition can be provided to the climate fund for the countries that are now going to be affected by climate changes in order to protect mankind from climate adversities. And the money can also be used on food for the poor children, as well as education and health of the underprivileged children,” she said. The prime minister was addressing a programme arranged in the city’s Bangabandhu International Conference Centre (BICC) to mark the International Day of United Nations Peacekeepers 2024 and pay tributes to the fallen peacekeepers and those who had been wounded while peacekeeping duty. Pointing to the countries which are spending a huge amount of money on arms development and arms race, she said, “We talk about peace. But why do you engage in conflicts?”  Had this money spent for arms race been spent on foods for hungry people, education and medical treatment for the poor, then peace would have beeb established in this world. The living standard of people would have improved and the people could live in a decent manner, said Hasina. “Conflicts and wars in different parts of the world are disrupting world peace today,” she said citing Russia-Ukraine war, Israel’s genocide in Gaza, the forcibly displaced Rohingya people of Myanmar. The wars and conflicts have created a dire situation for the mankind, she said. “As the arms race continues to rise, the lives of people become more and more miserable,” she said, adding that the women and children are suffering the most and young people are losing their lives due to conflicts and wars. The premier stressed the need for solving problems and disputes through negotiation.  “We don't want war, we want peace. We want to solve everything through dialogue. A large number of people in the world still live below the poverty line,” she added. Bangladesh continues support for UN peacekeeping agenda: Momen She said Bangladesh has become a role model for global peace. "Bangladesh is a dependable name in the efforts of protecting peace and safety alongside establishing global peace. We are acknowledged by all as we have become a role model on the global stage," she said. She said currently 6,092 Bangladeshi peacekeepers, including 493 women, are deployed in 13 UN missions around the world and they have already successfully completed 63 missions in different countries in the world.  Bangladesh, the PM said, is now observing 36 years since it started contributing troops to the UN peacekeeping missions. She said Bangladesh is currently the largest troops-contributing country to UN peacekeeping. "They (Bangladeshi peacekeepers) have been working with fame and glory," she said. She said leaders of the countries where Bangladeshi peacekeepers are now working have highly praised them. "I feel really proud of the compliments," she said. The prime minister said Bangladesh is actively participating in other international forums alongside the UN peacekeeping missions to establish global peace. Bangladesh highlights its contribution to UN Peacekeeping "Overall, our professionalism, efficiency and commitment in establishing global peace have set an example for others," she said. The prime minister greeted the Bangladeshi peacekeepers and all other peacekeepers working in the UN missions on the international day. At the outset of the event, one-minute silence was observed in remembrance of the peacekeeping heroes who sacrificed their lives for the noble cause of world peace. In the function, the prime minister handed over awards to three wounded peacekeepers. Chief of Army Staff General SM Shafiuddin Ahmed, Foreign Secretary Masud Bin Momen and UN Resident Coordinator in Bangladesh Gwyn Lewis spoke on the occasion. This year, the day is being observed with the theme of “Fit for the future, building better together.”  The premier unveiled the International Day of UN Peacekeepers Journal-2024 (volume-10). Peacekeeping Forces: UN says it does 'due diligence', thanks Bangladesh Currently, 6,092 Bangladeshi UN peacekeepers, including 493 women, are deployed in 13 countries. Among the Bangladeshi peacekeepers, some 4970 members are from Bangladesh Army, 352 members from Bangladesh Navy, 406 members from Bangladesh Air Force and 364 members from Bangladesh Police. Since its inception, a total of 168 Bangladeshi peacekeepers have been killed in UN peacekeeping missions.