United News of Bangladesh

There is no scope for raising the price of any product on the occasion of the month of Ramadan as there is plenty of supply, said State Minister for Commerce Ahsanul Islam Titu on Monday. "Directives were given to the deputy commissioners so that the transport system remains disciplined during Ramadan and to ensure obstacle free transportation,” he said while talking to reporters after attending the deputy commissioners’ conference. The Directorate of National Consumer Rights Protection authorities are visiting the oil refinery factories to check whether they are writing the price of the oil properly, he said. Visible changes in prices from March: state minister for commerce The deputy commissioners have been asked to monitor the market and to ensure the supply of the products and transporting system in a disciplined way, he added. Besides, directives were given to distribute the products to the families under food-friendly programme in a fair way, he said, adding: “The DCs have been asked to update the list of families given food under the food-friendly programme within two months after addition and change.” Junior commerce minister 'hopeful' about market conditions of essentials ahead of Ramadan Mentioning that there are 7,700 dealers of Trading Corporation of Bangladesh (TCB) across the country, the state minister said the government is working to provide TCB products from a permanent shop after consultation with the public representatives within two months. Replying to a question about the import of sugar and onion from India, Titu said “Our High Commission is working and will know the details soon.” He also assured of importing onion and sugar before the month of Ramadan.    

China's top political advisory body, the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC) National Committee on Monday opened its annual session. The second session of the 14th CPPCC National Committee held its opening meeting at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing. Xi Jinping and other Chinese leaders joined the opening meeting of the second session of the 14th CPPCC National Committee while the agenda for the session was reviewed and approved at the meeting. Chairman of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC) National Committee Wang Huning delivered a work report of the Standing Committee of the CPPCC National Committee at the opening meeting of the second session of the 14th CPPCC National Committee while Shi Taifeng presided over the opening meeting of the second session. Thousands of Chinese political elites and lawmakers started gathering in Beijing to kick off China’s annual legislative meetings, the “Two Sessions” or “lianghui" which traditionally offer a preview of the Chinese government’s policy agenda for the year. The annual meeting of the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference on March 4 will be followed by the annual legislative session of China’s parliament on March 5, during which Chinese Prime minister Li Qiang will deliver his first government work report. Earlier on February 29, the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee met to discuss the draft government work report, which the State Council will submit at the second session of the 14th National People’s Congress for deliberation where Xi Jinping, general secretary of the CPC Central Committee, presided over the meeting. It was noted at the meeting that in the past year, in the face of an exceptionally complicated international environment and the arduous tasks of promoting reform, pursuing development, and maintaining stability, the CPC Central Committee, with Comrade Xi Jinping at its core, brought together the entire Party and the Chinese people of all ethnic groups, and led them in withstanding external pressure, overcoming internal difficulties and making strenuous efforts.  As a result, the country achieved a smooth transition in its COVID response, its economy rebounded for the better, and the people’s well-being was effectively ensured. The country successfully delivered the main goals and tasks for its economic and social development during the year, made tangible progress in high-quality development, and took solid strides in building itself into a modern socialist country in all respects. The year of 2024 also marks the 75th anniversary of the founding of the People's Republic of China and the founding of the CPPCC. The CPPCC is China's top political advisory body which is considered as an important institution of multiparty co-operation and political consultation led by the Communist Party of China. It is elected for a 5-year term.  It has more than 2000 members including Communist Party of China (CPC) representatives, members of other political parties, and all walks of life.    

The National Board of Revenue's(NBR) collections grew by 15.09 percent year-on-year in 7 months (July-January) and achieved 51 percent of fiscal's revised target. The revenue board collected around Tk1.98 lakh crore in the first 7 months of the current fiscal year 2023-24. The NBR collected the revenue in contrast to the target Tk 2.15 lakh crore. As a result, despite revenue growth of 15.09 percent, the revenue deficit compared to the target is Tk17,751 crore according to the revised target. If the target set in the budget is calculated, the deficit will be more, said those concerned. In the budget of the current fiscal year, NBR has been given a target of Tk 4.30 lakh crore. However, recently this target was revised to Tk4.10 lakh crore.  

The Ministry of Fisheries and Livestock will sell beef, chicken, and eggs in trucks in different spots of Dhaka city from March 10 on the occasion of the arrival of Holy Ramadan. The mobile trucks will sell beef at Tk 600 per kg, goat/mutton at Tk 900 per kg, dressed broiler chicken at Tk 280 per kg, and eggs at Tk 10.50 per piece. The Minister of Fisheries and Livestock Md. Abdur Rahman MP informed this to reporters in a press briefing on Monday. Simeen Hossain briefs JS on steps to prevent rampant child marriage The minister spoke in a press briefing after the session with deputy commissioners on food, livestock, and fisheries held at the Osmani Memorial Auditorium on Monday. Abdur Rahman said, “We will strictly control the market in the month of Ramadan. This mobile vending program will help regulate the market during Ramadan.” He said, initially, the products will be sold at 30 spots in Dhaka city. This is an interim initiative of the government. It will be inaugurated on March 10, and the program will continue until the day before Eid. 50 lakh families to get 1.5 lakh tonnes of rice under VGF during Ramadan: Food Minister In response to a query, the minister said this activity on the truck-sale program will be held in 30 places in Dhaka. The program will try to expand to more places according to the ability.

State Minister for Women and Children Affairs Simeen Hussain (Rimi) on Monday outlined 17 steps being taken by the government to prevent child marriage in Parliament. She said this in Parliament replying to a query of Jatiya Party MP elected from Kishoreganj and opposition chief whip Mujibul Haque Chunnu.   In his question, Chunnu, referring to the Corona pandemic period, said that the rate of child marriage in poor families is higher than any other time.  PM receives Joy Bangla Concert banner and poster He wanted to know about the government's plan for the girls of underprivileged families.  In response, Simeen Hossain said according to the Multiple Indicator Cluster Survey 2019, the rate of child marriage under the age of 15 years is 15.5 percent while the rate of child marriage under the age of 18 is 51.4 percent.  The state minister outlined 17 steps to prevent child marriage.  In response to another question, Simeen Hossain said that monitoring activities to prevent child marriage are ongoing in 64 districts.  Bangladesh seeks enhanced Chinese investment in power and energy sector  “According to the information available from field level of district and upazila, a total of 12,150 child marriages have been foiled in between 2015 to August 2023,” Simeen Hossain said.

The High Court on Monday issued a rule asking the government to explain as to why directives should not be given to provide compensation to the family members of the victims in the Bailey Road building fire. The HC bench of Justice Mustafa Zaman Islam and Justice Atabullah issued the rule after hearing a writ petition filed by rights organisation Bangladesh Legal Aid and Services Trust (BLAST) and Ain o Salish Kendro. The HC also issued a rule asking the government to explain as to why directives should not be given to build fire exits, staircases and extinguishing rooms in the multipurpose buildings, factories and establishments and why it should not be inserted in the Fire Prevention and Extinguishing Act and National Building Code Act. High Court orders Dhaka court to hold hearing of Mirza Fakhul’s bail petitions in 10 cases It issued another rule asking the government to explain as to why running of commercial organizations in the residential areas should not be declared illegal. The HC asked the Rajuk and Fire Service authorities to inform the court about how many fire incidents occurred in the multipurpose buildings and loss of lives and damages in 2023-24 year. Barrister Sara Hossain and Barrister Anik R Haque stood for the petitioners. On Sunday, BLAST and Ain o Salish Kendro and a Supreme Court lawyer, Najmus Sakib, also the brother of Tanjina Nawrin, who died in the Bailey Road inferno, filed the writ petition. Secretary of the Home Ministry, Inspector General of Police, Rajuk Chairman, mayors of Dhaka South and North city corporations were made respondents to the writ petition. On Thursday night, a massive fire broke out at a building on Dhaka's Bailey Road leaving at least 46 people dead and injuring dozens of people. Later, a case was filed with Ramna police station. High Court orders submission of list of top drug traffickers So far, 44 bodies have been handed over to their families while two remain at the Dhaka Medical College and Hospital morgue. The DNA samples of the two bodies were collected. Besides, 11 people among 14, who were undergoing treatment at the Sheikh Hasina National Institute of Burn and Plastic Surgery (SHNIBPS) after the fire, have been discharged. Three of them are still undergoing treatment there. Two more injured victims are undergoing treatment at Dhaka Medical College and Hospital.      

The government is planning to provide 1.5 lakh tonnes of rice to 50 lakh families under Vulnerable Group Feeding (VGF) programme in the upcoming Ramadan, said Food Minister Sadhan Chandar Majumder on Monday. The dealers were asked to collect rice from March 1 which will be distributed within March 10, he said while talking to reporters after attending the deputy commissioners’ conference at Osmani Memorial Auditorium in the city. Don’t listen to rumours involving commodity prices: PM  Replying to a question about whether the decision of the government will keep the rice market stable, the minister said “I think so as 50 lakh families will get rice at Tk 15 per kg under the food-friendly programme.” Edible oil, onion, date prices will come down soon: State Minister for Commerce Responding to another question about the implementation of the government order to write the name of rice varieties on sacks with price, Sadhan said “We had that we would issue an order within February 20 and the order will come into effect from April 14. It will be effective when Boro rice will be harvested in the new year,” He also urged the deputy commissioners to provide all-out support to ensure implementation of the government decision to write the names and varieties of rice on sacks.

Vivo has officially launched its three-year-long corporate social responsibility (CSR) project ‘Capture the Future’ in partnership with SOS Children’s Villages Bangladesh. The Launch Ceremony was held on Saturday at SOS Children’s Village in Dhaka’s Shyamoli, Mirpur Road. Vivo plans to donate Tk 8,000,000 to support the implementation of this project, said a release issued on Monday. vivo X100 Pro Review: A New Standard for Camera The ‘Capture the Future’ project aims to broaden children’s horizons for the future through imaging technology, and to spark their creativity and imagination. Against the backdrop of Bangladesh’s rapid economic growth, vivo wants to support the optimisation of educational resources and by addressing challenges related to children’s development. This is why vivo launched the ‘Capture the Future’ CSR project in collaboration with SOS Children’s Villages Bangladesh. Over the following three years, vivo will donate smartphones to SOS Children’s Villages Bangladesh as teaching tools for Imaging Courses. The remaining donation will be provided in cash, totaling Tk 8,000,000. The project will facilitate 144 public Imaging Course classes across six SOS Children’s Villages nationwide, thereby supporting the development of all-round education for children in Bangladesh. vivo unveils Y27s smartphone The project will also organise annual fixed Imaging Journeys, where vivo mentors will teach children the art of photography and videography utilizing advanced imaging technologies. After the conclusion of the Imaging Journey, vivo will collect the photos taken by these children during the event, documenting their imaging stories. These will be used to create and release a public service announcement video. Additionally, their photographic works will be exhibited at an exhibition titled ‘Capture the Future.’ This will serve as a platform to showcase the creativity and dreams of the children, allowing more people to witness their imagination and aspirations. Yue Liwen, Culture Counselor of the Chinese Embassy said, “We hope that these children becoming not only pillars of the nation but also working hand in hand with us to build bridges of friendship between China and Bangladesh, growing through learning and practice.” Yue Liwen graced the event with his presence as the special guest. Chairman Zhang Xiaoliang and Vice President of the Council, Ming Guangfu, were present from CEAB (Chinese Enterprises Association in Bangladesh). Yu Ying, ICT Branch Executive Head of CEAB was also present at the Launch Ceremony. On behalf of vivo, Li Qingyang, Deputy Managing Director, vivo Bangladesh; and Cheng Shenggui, Factory Managing Director, vivo Bangladesh attended the Ceremony. From SOS Children’s Villages Bangladesh, Dr. Enamul Haque, National Director and his team. Tapan Kanti Sarkar, Founder and President of CTO Forum Bangladesh attended the Ceremony. Additionally, the mentor of the ‘Capture the Future’ project, Khandaker Tanvir Murad, Head of the Photography Department, Pathshala South Asian Media Institute, joined the Ceremony. Vivo, now in its seventh year in the Bangladesh market, has consistently dedicated itself to advancing local society. The ‘Capture the Future’ project represents one of its actions in fulfilling social responsibility. Collaborating with SOS Children’s Villages Bangladesh, vivo aims to provide children with opportunities to explore the world through ‘Capture the Future’ project. By integrating Imaging Courses into their daily lives, the project aims to shape children’s perception of beauty, curiosity, and creativity, nurturing the next generation of creators and thinkers. “As a socially responsible company, vivo believes that technology is always a driving force for progress.” said Li Qingyang. “We look forward to continuing to support the children's growth with all our partners, using creativity and imagination to passionately create new chapters in their lives.” With the belief that imaging leads to the future, vivo will continue to focus on and promote the development of the ‘Capture the Future’ project, injecting more warmth and hope into the future of children. END/UNB/MK-MAS  

The High Court on Monday ordered the authorities concerned to form a high-level committee headed by the secretary to the Security Services Division of the Home Ministry to look into the Baily Road inferno that claimed lives of 46 people. The HC bench of Justice Naima Haider and Justice Kazi Zinat Hoque passed the order after hearing two writ petitions. It also asked the authorities concerned to include representatives of police, Rajuk, Fire Service, Dhaka South and North City Corporations in and Buet experts in the committee. Schoolgirl crushed under truck in Natore; father hurt The committee has been asked to find out the reason and identify the people responsible for the fire incident within four months. The HC asked the committee to submit a report with recommendations of fire safety measures needed in city buildings. It also asked the Fire Service authorities to hang a warning notice in visible places of the buildings having fire risk. The HC also issued a rule asking the government to explain as to why the authorities concerned should not be directed to keep fire extinguishers in schools, colleges, shopping malls and city buildings as per the law. Supreme Court lawyer Eunus Ali Akond and Advocate Israt Zahan Santona stood for the petitioners. Earlier, on Sunday, a writ petition was filed with the High Court seeking its directives to close all restaurants in residential buildings in Dhaka including those on Bailey Road. Covid-19 induced poverty surged in Bangladesh: Research The petition also sought directives to provide compensation to the family members of the those died and injured in the Bailey Road fire and arrest of those responsible in the fire incident. Meanwhile, a Supreme Court lawyer, Advocate Israt Zahan Santona, filed another writ petition with the High Court bench concerned seeking judicial investigation into the deadly fire at Green Cozy Cottage Building on Bailey Road. Secretaries to the Public Works Ministry, Cabinet Division, Home Ministry, Inspector General of Police, Chairman of Rajdhani Unnayan Kartripakkha (Rajuk), mayors of Dhaka North and South City corporations were made respondents in the writ petitions.

Cosmos Foundation has announced the appointment of former Ambassador and Assistant Chief of Naval Staff, Bangladesh Navy Rear Admiral (retd) Abu Sayed Mohammed Abdul Awal as its Senior Fellow. Awal was born in a noble Muslim family at Narundi in the district of Jamalpur, Bangladesh on January 1, 1957. He joined the Bangladesh Navy in 1976 and was commissioned in the Executive Branch in 1979. He has to his credit 36 years of leadership, management, professional, and diplomatic experience spanning a career in the Bangladesh Navy, Inter-Service Institution and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Bangladesh. Bangladesh, Türkiye keen to increase bilateral trade through diversification of commodities Upon promotion to the rank of Rear Admiral, he served as Assistant Chief of Naval Staff (Operations) and Assistant Chief of Naval Staff (Personnel) in the headquarters.               Welcoming him, Chairman of Cosmos Foundation, Enayetullah Khan, said, “Rear Admiral ASMA Awal does us great honour by joining with the Cosmos Foundation. He has had an illustrious career at home and abroad. We will benefit enormously from his knowledge and experience.” Cosmos Foundation is a philanthropic arm of the Cosmos Group, registered as a trust dedicated to providing strategic insights and policy solutions to help Bangladesh chart its course towards a better future, apart from discovering, cultivating and disseminating for a global audience, the art of Bangladesh. Read Admiral Awal commanded various types of ships of the Bangladesh Navy including Fast Attack Craft, Torpedo Boat Squadron, Large Patrol Craft, Training Ship and two Frigates and served as Commandant of the Bangladesh Naval Academy. He held staff appointments in different Naval areas of the Bangladesh Navy and Naval Headquarters (NHQ) and served as Director of Naval Operations, Director of Naval Plans and Director of Signals in the NHQ. Ireland’s Minister for Enterprise, Trade, Employment Simon Coveney due in Dhaka March 17 Read Admiral Awal also held Operational Command of the Bangladesh Navy Fleet as COMBAN (Commodore Commanding BN Flotilla) in the rank of Commodore. He gained extensive knowledge on military, diplomatic and political dimensions of the ethnic conflict and war against terrorism. Read Admiral Awal was awarded with “Extra Ordinary Service Medal (OSP)” and the Bangladesh Navy’s highest peacetime award “Navy Medal (NBP)” for trustworthy, courageous and dedicated service.