United News of Bangladesh

State Minister for Disaster Management and Relief Md Mohibur Rahman on Saturday (May 25, 2024) said cyclonic storm 'Remal' is projected to make landfall in the coastal regions of Satkhira in Khulna and Cox’s Bazar in Chattogram by Sunday evening. Almost 4,000 shelter centres have been prepared in the coastal districts,  equipped with adequate dry food, he said while speaking at a press briefing held at the Secretariat. Bangladesh Meteorological Department (BMD) may issue  great danger signal number 10 between 12 am Saturday to 1 am Sunday, said the minister. As Cyclone Remal approaches, tension grips Bagerhat’s coastal areas Currently, the maritime ports have been asked to maintain local cautionary signal no one and No 3 signal will be issued within a few hours, he said. 80,000 volunteers are ready to tackle the situation and all necessary preparations have been taken, said Mohibur Rahman. Cyclone Michaung: Tourist ship operations suspended on Teknaf-St Martin's Island route The State Minister also warned that parts of Satkhira and Cox’s Bazar could be significantly impacted by the cyclonic storm, with a potential 7-10 feet high tidal surge, heavy rainfall, and landslides in the hilly areas of Chattogram.

Gas supply will remain suspended for 10 hours from 10am to 8pm on Sunday at Subhaddya in Gazipur on Sunday. According to Titas Gas Transmission Company, gas supply to the areas from Elega to Kaliakoir in Subhaddya of Gazipur will remain off for all kinds of consumers during the period for repair and relocation of the gas pipeline. Gas supply to remain off for 10 hrs in parts of city ThursdayRegretting the inconvenience of its customers for the works, Titas Gas said the adjoining areas may experience low pressure in gas supply during the period.

All divisions including Dhaka are experiencing a mild to moderate heat wave, according to the Bangladesh Meteorological Department (BMD).“A mild to moderate heat wave is sweeping Dhaka, Rajshahi, Rangpur, Mymensingh, Khulna, Barishal, Chattogram and Sylhet divisions and it may continue,” said the Met office. Heatwave affects Dhaka, other divisions; temperatures expected to riseMeanwhile, light to moderate rain or thunder showers accompanied by temporary gusty or squally wind is likely at most places over Khulna, Barishal and Chattogram divisions and at many places over Dhaka, Mymensingh and Sylhet divisions with moderately heavy to very heavy falls at places over Southern part of the country. BMD issues fresh 48-hr heatwave alert for 5 divisions  

The Depression that lies over central Bay of Bengal may intensify into a ‘cyclonic storm’ by 25th May (Saturday) morning and intensify into a ‘severe cyclonic storm’ by night. Continuing to move nearly northwards, it is very likely to cross Bangladesh and adjoining West Bengal coasts between Sagar Island and Khepupara around May 26 midnight as a severe cyclonic storm, said a special bulletin of India Meteorological Department (IMD). In a bulletin on Saturday morning, Bangladesh Meteorological Department (BMD) said the deep depression over East-central bay and adjoining West-central bay moved north-northeastwards over the same area. It was centred at 09 am today is about 565 kms Southwest of Chattogram port, 495 kms Southwest of Cox’s Bazar port, 540 kms South of Mongla port and 490 kms South of Payra port. It is likely to intensify and move northeastwards further. Maximum sustained wind speed within 48 kms of the deep depression centre is about 50 kph rising to 60 kph in gusts or squalls. Sea will remain rough near the deep depression centre. Maritime ports of Chattogram, Cox’s Bazar, Mongla and Payra have been advised to keep hoisted distant cautionary signals no one. All fishing boats and trawlers over North Bay and deep sea have been advised to remain close to the coast and proceed with caution till further notice. They are also advised not to venture into the deep sea.

The depression over east-central Bay and adjoining west-central Bay has moved slightly north-northeastwards and intensified into a deep depression. It was centered at 6 am on Saturday about 635 kms southwest of Chattogram port, 570 kms southwest of Cox’s Bazar port, 605 kms south of Mongla port and 565 kms south of Payra port. It is likely to intensify further and move northeastwards. Deep depression over bay intensifies into Cyclonic Storm ‘Midhili’ Maximum sustained wind speed within 48 kms of the deep depression centre is about 50 kph rising to 60 kph in gusts or squalls. Sea will remain rough near the deep depression centre. Maritime ports of Chattogram, Cox’s Bazar, Mongla and Payra have been advised to keep hoisted distant cautionary signal no. one (r) one. Depression over Bay intensifies into  cyclonic storm Michaung All fishing boats and trawlers over north Bay and deep sea have been advised to remain close to the coast and proceed with caution till further notice. They are also advised not to venture into the deep sea.  

Dhaka has ranked third on the list of cities worldwide with the worst air quality with an AQI value of 132 at 8:56 am this morning. Dhaka’s air was classified as ‘unhealthy for sensitive groups’ today, according to the air quality index. India’s Delhi and Democratic Republic of the Congo’s Kinshasa occupied the first and second spots on the list, with AQI scores of 176 and 170 respectively. Dhaka’s air quality 6th worst in the world this morning When the AQI value for particle pollution is between 101 and 150, air quality is considered ‘unhealthy for sensitive groups’, between 150 and 200 is ‘unhealthy’, between 201 and 300 is said to be 'very uhealthy', while a reading of 301+ is considered 'hazardous', posing serious health risks to residents. The AQI, an index for reporting daily air quality, informs people how clean or polluted the air of a certain city is and what associated health effects might be a concern for them. The AQI in Bangladesh is based on five pollutants: particulate matter (PM10 and PM2.5), NO2, CO, SO2, and ozone. Dhaka’s air quality 2nd worst in the world this morning Dhaka has long been grappling with air pollution issues. Its air quality usually turns unhealthy in winter and improves during the monsoon. As per World Health Organization (WHO), air pollution kills an estimated seven million people worldwide every year, mainly due to increased mortality from stroke, heart disease, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, lung cancer, and acute respiratory infections.

UNICEF has announced Muhammed Aziz Khan as the incoming Chair of the UNICEF International Council, succeeding the inaugural Chair, Maria Ahlström-Bondestam. Khan will assume the position in November 2024, according to a media release from UNICEF issued on May 24. The UNICEF International Council is a distinguished community of approximately 150 private philanthropists and partners, many of whom are from the world’s leading business families and global influencers. The council aims to optimize philanthropic investments for children by pooling their funding, leadership, and expertise. Collectively, members have invested more than $552 million in UNICEF, supporting children worldwide. UNICEF urges parents to be extra vigilant in keeping their children hydrated, safe Aziz Khan, founder chairman of the Bangladeshi conglomerate Summit Group, is also the founder and Trustee of the Anjuman and Aziz Charitable Trust (AACT), alongside his wife, Anjuman Khan. Since joining the UNICEF International Council in 2022, Khan and his family have been active contributors. Driven by a commitment to shaping a better future for children, Khan and his family have sponsored schools, built hospitals, and supported projects addressing drug addiction and violence against women and children in Bangladesh. “I am a believer in the power of education – not only for its ability to lift people out of poverty, but as a unifying force for good. I see education as the bedrock of modern civilization and builder of trust amongst humanity and that by enhancing understanding, education has the power to reduce social conflicts and bring more harmony into the world,” said Aziz Khan. Govt with UNICEF accelerates efforts in combating violence against children In response to the educational disruptions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, Khan decided to focus AACT's efforts on education, prioritizing getting children back into classrooms and helping them catch up on lost schooling. “The UNICEF International Council has a proven record of delivering a high impact at scale. Having mobilized hundreds of millions of dollars to support UNICEF’s essential work around the world, our trusted philanthropic partners are committed to investing in solutions for children. I am pleased to welcome Aziz Khan as the next UNICEF International Council Chair, and I look forward to working with him to shape a better, fairer future for all children,” UNICEF Deputy Executive Director Kitty van der Heijden said. Under Khan’s leadership, the UNICEF International Council aims to expand its membership by positioning itself as the natural home for philanthropists dedicated to children’s rights. The council will strengthen its role as a convening platform on key global issues, explore bespoke philanthropic journeys and strategies, and find ways to amplify its impact on children's lives through strategic investments in their futures. Council members are dedicated to enabling access to quality education and health systems, building climate resilience, amplifying the voices of youth, and driving action in emergencies. They aim to scale up strategic investments in children to secure the ultimate return: a future where all families and communities can prosper. The UNICEF International Council hosts an annual symposium, thematic working groups, and other engagement opportunities, allowing members to learn from each other, interact with the UNICEF leadership team, and identify areas for collaboration and joint investment. Working closely with UNICEF, Council members seek to address the most pressing challenges facing children worldwide and demonstrate how strategic philanthropy can catalyze solutions and create greater impact for children.

Telenor, Grameenphone, and Plan International have joined forces in empowering more than 2.35 million marginalised women and youth through "Digital Inclusion: Safe Digital Space for Girls and Youth Project". The initiative aims to enhance digital literacy, skills, resilience and create a safe online environment for the women and youth who often face socio-economic challenges. As a part of this project, a team from Telenor, Grameenphone, and Plan International made a three-day visit to Savar, Sylhet, Moulvibazar, and Sunamganj on May 19, 20, and 21 respectively, said the organisations on Friday. With a shared commitment to leveraging technology for social good, Telenor, Grameenphone, and Plan International have embarked on a mission to bridge the digital divide and create equal opportunities for all members of society, particularly those who are marginalized. During their visit to Savar, Moulvibazar, and Sunamganj, the representatives engaged directly with project participants, gaining valuable insights into howaccess to digital tools and resources is positively impacting their lives. From enhancing educational opportunities to enabling economic empowerment, the project is fostering a culture of innovation and inclusion in communities that have traditionally been underserved. Moreover, under this project a dedicated effort has been made to bring positive change in the lives of eight marginalized populations: ethnic and religious minorities, people with disabilities, tea garden worker, transgender, people, people affected by climate change (Haor and chor), female-headed household, street children and others as identified by the National Social Security Strategy; by equipping them with digital and online safety skills. The interventions include training on digital skills and online safety through in-person trainings, and awareness for local leaders and youth-led campaigns in the communities, radio programmes. Training content was designed based on the baseline survey and local needs. Training modules are very hands-on mainly driven by customized interactions. Yasir Azman, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Grameenphone, Kabita Bose, Country Director, Plan International Bangladesh, Manisha Dogra, Head of External Relations, Telenor Asia, Jolly Nur Haque, Director, Programme Development and Learning, Plan International Bangladesh, Mohammad Sajjad Hasib, Chief Marketing Officer (CMO) of Grameenphone, Sayeda Tahya Hossain, Chief Human Resource Officer (CHRO) of Grameenphone, Hans Martin Henrichsen, Chief Corporate Affairs Officer (CCAO) of Grameenphone, Alexander Letelier, Advisor-YEE and Digital Empowerment, Plan International Norway, Johann Yoon - Director of Partnerships & Business Development, Plan International Norway, and Johan Martin, Director, Head of Sustainability, Telenor. Yasir Azman, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Grameenphone, said, “I am happy to be part of this program dedicated to bridging the digital divide and ensuring that no one is left behind in Bangladesh's journey towards a digitally inclusive society. Our initiative will equip marginalized women and youth with the knowledge and skills necessary to thrive in today's digital landscape, empowering them to seize opportunities and contribute meaningfully to their communities and beyond. Kabita Bose, Country Director, Plan International Bangladesh, said, “As a children and girls rights organization, it is our pleasure to partner with Grameenphone and Telenor in introducing a program which addresses a rising issue of online safety and digital inclusion." "Plan International Bangladesh along with its partners aims to work towards equity and equality for all children and youth in all their diversities and this initiative is a milestone for achieving that target. The aspiration and ownership of Grameenphone and Telenor gives us the hope that the generational change we want to bring in Bangladesh is only possible through these multi-sectoral, multi-party effort. We will continue to empower left behind communities through bringing the information, skill and knowledge at their door step.” Manisha Dogra, Head of External Relations, Telenor Asia, said “In today's world where the majority of the population relies on mobile phones for internet access, digital literacy is a critical skill. It's not just about knowing how to use a computer or smartphone; but being able to navigate the online world effectively and safely to access essential services, educational resources, and employment opportunities. By acquiring digital skills, the program participants can have a significant impact on Bangladesh's growing digital economy. These skills empower marginalized communities to actively participate in the socio-economic development of the country”. Alexander Letelier, Advisor-YEE and Digital, Plan International Norway, said “Under the project, till the date, 772,347 people have received training or education on digital skills like mobile operations, online safety, e-commerce, and navigating government services. Moreover, the outreach through community radio has extended to 520,000 people, broadening our impact to even the most remote areas.”

Chief Justice Obaidul Hasan said on Friday that all people have the right to take services of law and their fundamental rights have been ensured in the constitution. "And judges are dedicated to upholding the rights of citizens," he added. The Chief Justice was speaking while inaugurating a restroom called 'NayKunja' for people who come to seek legal assistance at Dinajpur Court this morning. At that time, the Chief Justice emphasized Smart Judiciary for building a Smart Bangladesh. He mentioned that the establishment of 'NyayKunja' in 64 district courts of the country is one of the steps in making a smart judiciary. Bangladesh Supreme Court Appellate Division Justice M Enayetur Rahim, District and Sessions Judge Jabid Hossain, Special Judge Rezaul Karim Sarkar, Bangladesh Supreme Court Appellate Division Registrar Saifur Rahman were present on the occasion.

Law, Justice and Parliamentary Affairs Minister Anisul Huq was admitted to a hospital in the capital on Wednesday night. He was admitted to Evercare Hospital in the capital due to a urinary infection and fever, said Dr Rezaul Karim, public relations officer of the Ministry of Law. The minister's health condition is improving and he sought prayers for his complete recovery, added the PRO.