United News of Bangladesh

The main opposition Jatiya Party lawmaker Anisul Islam Mahmud on Tuesday (February 13, 2024) demanded the government of Bangladesh put an end to the loan default culture to save the country’s economy. “In this situation, we need to stop the culture of wilful loan default,” he said. Anisul Islam, a veteran parliamentarian and the deputy leader of the opposition, placed the demand in the House, taking the floor on a point of order. Citing a newspaper story, he said the banking sector's defaulted loans soared by over 20 percent to Tk 145,633 crore in 2023 as both governance and accountability continue to get looser. 98 percent of the country's demand for medicine is produced locally: Health Minister “Whenever this issue is being discussed, we are told that Bangladesh Bank and other banks are taking measures to reduce this (defaulted loans). But we never see that defaulted loans are declining, rather it is going higher,” he said. The Jatiya Party MP said the amount of defaulted loans was Tk 28,000 crore as of 2008. The number of defaulted loans has increased to Tk 1.45 lac crore since 2008 to as of today which is very alarming. He said there is a cash crisis and a dollar crisis in the banking sector. Some strong measures have been taken to tackle this situation. With Pahela Falgun-Valentine’s Day, the nation eyes a festive February 14 Anisul said Bangladesh Bank (BB) is telling that they want to reduce the amount of defaulted loans from existing nine percent to eight percent of total outstanding loans.   “But their (BB) track record says that they will not do so,” he continued. The opposition lawmaker requested the Finance Minister to give importance to stopping the loan default culture. “The issue of loan default culture has been discussed in parliament so many times. But nothing has happened,” he added. Govt okays project to provide freelancing training to youths in 48 districts

Twenty-one eminent personalities will get the country’s second-highest civilian award, the Ekushey Padak, this year in recognition of their contributions to various fields. The Cultural Affairs Ministry announced the names of the recipients on Wednesday. Gallery Cosmos felicitates Ekushey Padak 2023 recipient Kanak Chanpa Among them, Ashraf Uddin Ahmed (Posthumous) and Freedom fighter Hatem Ali Mia (Posthumous) have been selected for their roles in the Language Movement. Besides, Jalal Uddin Kha, (Posthumous) Freedom fighter Kalyani Ghosh, Bidit Lal Das (Posthumous), Andrew Kishore (Posthumous) and Subhro Deb,are being recognised for their contributions to music while Shibli Mohammad, Dolly Zahur and MA Alamgir for performing dance and acting, respectively. Ekushey Padak-winning dancer, actor Zinnat Barkatullah passes away Popular elocutionist Shimul Mustapha and Rupa Chakraborty were also listed as recipients of the Ekushey Padak. Shahjahan Ahmed Bikash and Kawsar Chowdhury have been selected for their contribution in painting and documentary films related to the Liberation War. Ekushey Padak winning sculptor Shamim Sikder no more Md Ziaul Haque and Rafiq Ahmed were picked for social service. Meanwhile, Muhammad Samad, Lutfur Rahman Riton, Minar Mansur and Rudra Mohammad Shahidullah are getting the award for contributing to language and literature while Jinabodhi Bhikkhu will picked for his contribution in education.

Information and Broadcasting State Minister Mohammad Ali Arafat has said Bangladesh Betar is playing a commendable role in creating public participation in the government's development initiatives for the country's progress. Arafat was speaking at a discussion session held at the Bangladesh Betar Central Office in Agargaon, Dhaka, on the occasion of World Radio Day 2024, as the chief guest. The junior minister said Bangladesh Betar plays a commendable role in the nation's development by fostering public engagement in these initiatives. To achieve an advanced Bangladesh, Bangladesh Betar, along with other commercial FM radios and community radios, must work tirelessly. Journalist Welfare Trust proves Sheikh Hasina administration is 'journalist-friendly': Info Minister He further mentioned that in the era of technological advancement, radio faces significant challenges. Radio needs to compete with various social media platforms, which not only offer quick and affordable entertainment but also spread misinformation, rumors, and sensational news. Despite such challenges, Bangladesh Betar maintains its own standards, providing content that is objective, reliable, and dependable in both entertainment and news broadcasting, even in adversarial circumstances. No mechanism yet to take action against misinformation from abroad: Mohammad Arafat   As this year's World Radio Day theme, "Radio across the century - Information, Entertainment, and Education spreading through radio," Arafat called upon the personnel of Bangladesh Betar, artists, and skilled individuals to continue their efforts during this time of rapid change. World Radio Day was established on November 3, 2011, during the 36th General Conference of UNESCO. It has been globally observed on February 13 since 2012. Bangladesh Betar commemorated the day with a vibrant parade, listener conferences, discussions, and cultural events. Media needs to be more professional and transparent: Mohammad Arafat Rabindra Sri Barua, Director General of Bangladesh Betar, Senior Secretary of the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, Mohammad Humayun Kabir Khondokar, and Dr. Susan Marie Vaijes, Head of UNESCO Dhaka Office and Representative of Bangladesh, were present at the time, among others.

Speakers on Tuesday said patients can get treated locally and successfully without travelling abroad as Bangladeshi doctors are capable of handling almost all types of infertility treatment. She said this Continuous Medical Education (CME) on How to approach an infertile Couple at Heartbeat Diagnostic and Fertility Clinic at Dhaka. Highway Police introduce ‘body worn camera’ to ensure transparency, speedy police service  The clinic hosted the programme in association with Alien Pharma and Jupiter Healthcare. Fertility consultant and Gynecologist Dr. Hasna Hossain Akhee said in this keynote paper that 40 percent male and 40 percent female are responsible for the infertility in Bangladesh while both male and female are responsible the 10 percent and the remaining percent is unexplained. DMP forms 'quick response team' to ease movements of SSC examinees  Chief consultant of the Heartbeat Diagnostic and Fertility Clinic  also discussed about the various approaches of infertility treatment like Saline Infusion,  Sonography (SIS), IUI, ICSI , IVF, TESE, Hormone therapy, Laparoscopy and Hysteroscopy within affordable cost. Hossain Akhee who completed her fellowship in Infertility from India and Diploma in Assisted Reproductive Technology (ART) said the clinic will be a one stop service centre where patients can get all types of treatment for infertility. World Radio Day: Betar playing role in country's development, says Arafat Doctors, infertility specialists, gynaecologists, and fertility counselors were also present.

In an effort to ensure the quality of the police service, transparency, accountability and professionalism, Highway Police has introduced modern technology ‘body worn camera’. Inspector General of Police Chowdhury Abdullah Al-Mamun inaugurated the service at Highway Police's 'Service Week-2024' ‘Service Week-2024’ at Rajarbagh Police Line on Tuesday. Beef price higher by upto Tk 50 per kg in a month Home Minister Asaduzzaman Khan was inaugurated the ‘Service Week-2024’  Besides, an app identified as ‘Hello HP' was launched to provide quick service to untoward accidents on highways. Saraswati Puja to be celebrated Wednesday The Highway Police can provide services within 20-25 kilometers areas after getting information through the app. There are 22,000 km highways across the country and of these 2,291 km are under the control of the Highway Police. DMP forms 'quick response team' to ease movements of SSC examinees  Additional IGP of Highway Police Shahabuddin, said through the body worn cameras, they are monitoring all operational activities of highway centrally and regionally. Besides, through the HP app, commuters can avail the service of highway police, he said.

The Traffic Department of Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) has formed a "quick response team" to deal with any problems of students in the upcoming SSC and Dakhil Examinations in the capital. SSC and Dakhil examinations will begin on February 15 (Thursday) across the country. During this exam every year, the examinees get stuck in traffic jams in Dhaka city streets.  The DMP's Traffic Department formed the quick response team so that the examinees could reach their respective examination centres smoothly. The Additional Commissioner (Traffic) of the DMP, Md Munibur Rahman, gave the information in a press briefing at the DMP media centre on Tuesday. The chief of the DMP's Traffic Department asked the students to leave for their respective examination centres at such a time so that they could reach their destination at least 30 minutes before the beginning of the examination. It is important to leave home taking time considering road crossings if there are crossings on the street. "If there is any digging/repair work on the road near your home or examination centre, leave home keeping in mind it to reach the examination centre timely, " he said, advising both examinees and guardians to ride on transports with care. Saying that the DMP Traffic Department has taken some action on the occasion of the upcoming SSC-Dakhil-vocational examinations, the SSC examination is a noteworthy event for us. "We are trying to cooperate with those who are involved in these examinations. In case of an emergency, call 999 for assistance. In this case, we will try to provide maximum cooperation as part of the traffic department," the head of the traffic department said. He advised the examinees in Dhaka city not to come and go to and from the examination centre by hanging on public transport, and all the examinees who travel to the examination centre on motorcycles must wear helmets for safety reasons.  Candidates arriving at the examination centre are requested to seek cooperation from the traffic police in case of a traffic jam or any other untoward problem. Avoid crossing the road to avoid risk; use footover bridges if necessary; and seek police assistance. If there is a zebra crossing, use it when crossing the road.    

The price of beef increased by upto Tk 50 per kg in a month, ahead of Shab-e-Barat and Ramadan on claims of supply shortage. In this regard, Golam Murtaza, President of the Bangladesh Meat Traders Association, told UNB that now the farmers are not willing to sell cows at present in the hope of getting better prices during Ramadan and Eid. Saraswati Puja to be celebrated Wednesday “Due to this supply crisis, the price of cattle has increased slightly in the market. It has also affected the price of meat,” he said. On Tuesday, after visiting Karwan Bazar, Moghbazar, and Rampura kitchen markets of the capital and talking with meat traders, the correspondent learned that most of the butchers are selling beef at Tk 720 to Tk 750 per kg. Even in the last week of January, the consumers were able to buy beef within Tk 700 per kg. Accordingly, the market price has increased by at least Tk50 per kg in the last two weeks. 98 percent of the country's demand for medicine is produced locally: Health Minister Towards the end of 2023, beef prices suddenly started to fall. At that time, meat traders in Dhaka sold beef at Tk600 per kg. Some traders are suffering loss, because of this, the traders set the price of beef at a maximum of Tk 650 per kg. This rate was continued in some areas of Dhaka till election day January 7. With Pahela Falgun-Valentine’s Day, the nation eyes a festive February 14 The Trading Corporation of Bangladesh (TCB) also said that beef is being sold at Tk 700 to Tk 750 per kg. The price of beef has increased by Tk 50 per kg in the last one month. According to TCB calculations, beef prices have increased compared to last year. At this time last year, beef was sold at Tk 700 to Tk 720 per kg.

Saraswati Puja, one of the main religious festivals of the Hindu community, will be celebrated across the country on Wednesday. It is celebrated every year on the fifth day of the bright fortnight of the month of Magh, as Goddess Saraswati was born on this day. The day is called 'Vasant Panchami'. As Saraswati is considered as the Goddess of wisdom and knowledge, Hindu devotees, especially students, celebrate the Puja in different educational institutions and temples. 98 percent of the country's demand for medicine is produced locally: Health Minister President Mohammed Shahabuddin and Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina have greeted the Hindu community on the occasion of Saraswati Puja. President Shahabuddin, in his message, said Bangladesh is a country of communal harmony. “I hope that with the united efforts of all, we will be able to build a knowledge-based, developed and prosperous 'Smart Bangladesh' declared by the Honorable Prime Minister on the path of building 'Sonar Bangla' as dreamt by Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman.” With Pahela Falgun-Valentine’s Day, the nation eyes a festive February 14 In her message, Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina said “I hope that the harmony among all religions will be strengthened further in the days to come.” “On the occasion of the worship of Goddess Saraswati, I call upon all members of the Hindu community to engage themselves in the development of the country being devoted to acquiring knowledge.” Govt okays project to provide freelancing training to youths in 48 districts Meanwhile, like previous years, Jagannath University central Puja Udjapan Committee will also organise Saraswati Puja on the campus.

Health Minister Dr. Samanta Lal Sen on Tuesday said that Bangladesh has made continuous progress in the pharmaceutical industry as 98 percent of the country's total demand for  medicine is now produced locally. “Almost all medicines produced in Bangladesh are being exported to 157 countries of the world,” he said. With Pahela Falgun-Valentine’s Day, the nation eyes a festive February 14 In response to the question of independent MP elected from Dhaka-19 Muhammad Saiful Islam, the minister said that incentives are being given by the government to encourage the export of medicines produced in the country. “As a part of this, incentives are being given at the rate of 10 percent this year,” he said. Govt okays project to provide freelancing training to youths in 48 districts Responding to Awami League MP elected from Laxmipur-1 Anwar Khan, the minister said that medicines worth Tk 59 billion have been exported in the first six months till December of the current financial year. In response to independent MP elected from Laxmipur-4 Md Abdullah, the health minister said that about 32 types of medicines are being provided to community clinics and 105 types of medicines to government hospitals free of cost. Commerce Ministry names 77 industries winners of export trophy for FY21-22

On Wednesday, the start of Falgun, the eleventh month in the Bengali calendar and officially the start of the joyous Spring season of Bengal, falls on the same day as Valentine's Day, for the fifth year in a row.  Every year on February 13, the Bangladeshis used to celebrate Pahela Falgun, the second biggest festival in the Bengali calendar. However, in 2020, Bangla Academy changed the Bangla Calendar to align it with the Gregorian calendar, and Pahela Falgun was combined with Valentine's Day, which has always been celebrated on February 14. The country is now all prepared to welcome the first day of Falgun amid colourful celebrations and festive attires of yellow and red. Welcoming the king of all six seasons, which offers vivid sunlight and a mild temperature increase in the weather following the short-lived Winter season. Bangladeshi citizens will also celebrate Valentine’s Day with their loved ones tomorrow, keeping pace with the rest of the world, to symbolise and celebrate love among their beloveds. Although the added festivities of Pahela Falgun brought a new and refreshing tone to the day, netizens especially the youths have been observing the day for the last couple of decades now as a mandatory opportunity for celebration. The tradition of celebrating the Pahela Falgun in Bangladesh started in the Bengali calendar year 1401. Since then, the Jatiya Bawshonto Utsab Udyapan Parishad has been celebrating Pahela Falgun regularly with jovial cultural festivity at the Bakultala of Charukala (Dhaka University Faculty of Fine Art) in the morning. This year, the organisation will begin the Pahela Falgun festivities in Charukala Bakultala at 7 am and 3 pm with two different seasons. It will also host similar festivities in the afternoon on the open stage at Uttara Rabindra Sarani and Bahadur Shah Park in the capital. Different organisations including the Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy (BSA) and many other organisations, institutions and businesses will be celebrating this year’s festive February 14 with multiple festivities, BSA will greet the day with a special dance recital titled ‘Bawshanto Nrittyo’ in the capital’s Ramna Park at 3:30 pm with 225 dance artists. A festive procession will be heading to the BSA premises after that, and the cultural event at the open premises of the academy will feature musical performances, recitations, dance recitals and choreography of Spring-themed Bengali fashion.  Minister of Housing and Public Works, RAM Obaidul Muktadir Chowdhury will join the event as the chief guest, while Cultural Affairs Secretary Khalil Ahmed will join as the special guest. The ongoing Amar Ekushey Book Fair 2024 at Bangla Academy and Suhrawardi Udyan already observed an influx of crowds on the long-standing usual day of Pahela Falgun in the past, and the book-sellers and fair authorities are expecting an even bigger crowd on Wednesday amid the festivities. As per the Valentine’s Day specials, several top entertainment artists are releasing multiple new songs, dramas and OTT content to entertain their fans on this festive day. Television channels, OTT platforms, FM Radio stations, social media platforms and YouTube content creators are also scheduled to air special programmes marking the occasion.  To make it even more memorable for couples and FnF (friends and family), several restaurants, resorts, five-star hotels, and dining establishments are also offering appealing packages on this festive day.