Others
JMB man gets life term jail for 2005 bomb blasts
A Chuadanga court on Tuesday sentenced a member of banned militnat outfit Jamaat-ul-Mujahideen Bangladesh (JMB) to life term imprsionement in a case filed over 2005 series bomb blasts.
Chuadanga Additional District and Sessions Judge Court-2 acting Judge Lutfor Rahman Shishir pronounced the judgment in presence of the accused.
The lifer is Saikhul Islam alias Rakib,35, son of Giasuddin of Panchakaran village in Bagerhat.
The court passed the order after examining statements of 18 witnesses in the case, said Public Prosecutor advocate Giashuddin.
READ: After suicide bombing, Congo officials fear more attacks
On August 17, 2005, some JMB militants exploded bombs at the court premises and old jail area in Chuadanga city.
Abdul Motaleb, then Sub-Inspector of Chuadanga sadar police station, filed a case under the Explosive Substances Act over the incident.
READ: Suicide bomber attacks bar in eastern Congo, killing 6
On August 27, 2006 police arrested Shaikhul Islam.
People to turn down search committee’s recommendations: BNP
BNP standing committee has said that the people of the country will turn down with “hatred” the recommendations of the search committee for the appointment of the Chief Election Commissioners and other Commissioners.
At their virtual meeting on Monday, the BNP standing committee, the highest policymaking body of the party, also said almost all members of the search committee are directly or indirectly involved with Awami League, said a press release signed by party secretary general Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir on Tuesday.
Read: ACC probes wealth of Ex-MD of Eastern Refinery Rezaul and his wife
“Our meeting felt that BNP did not want to show any interest in the search committee as the Election Commission to be formed by them (search panel) would not be able to conduct an acceptable, free and fair election unless it’s held under a neutral government,” it said.
The BNP policymakers also think the formation of the Election Commission through the current search committee as per the ‘controversial’ new law is unacceptable and meaningless.
“It’s clear that the Election Commission to be formed based on the recommendations of this search committee will aim to bring Awami League back to power like the outgoing commission. This is nothing but another deception with people. People will reject such a mockery with hatred.”
The BNP standing committee alleged people’s basic human rights and right to vote have been snatched in the last one decade. “This is a big crime. Awami League will have to face trial.”
On Saturday, a six-member search committee, led by Appellate Division Justice Obaidul Hasan, was formed to suggest the names of the Chief Election Commissioner and other Election Commissioners.
Read: ACC probes wealth of Ex-MD of Eastern Refinery Rezaul and his wife
At their maiden meeting on Sunday, the search committee decided to request the registered political parties to propose names of eligible persons for the posts of chief election commissioner and other commissioners for the reconstitution of the Election Commission.
The BNP policymakers said there is no alternative to a neutral government in overcoming the current political crisis in the country.
Replying to a question, Mirza Fakhrul said the Awami League government has destroyed every institution.
“The Election Commission is not only failing to hold credible elections, but they are stealing public money and involved in corruption. “It's unbelievable,” he said.
The BNP leader said their party strongly believes that no fair and acceptable election can be held under a partisan government in Bangladesh.
BNP standing committee member Gayeshwar Chandra Roy said the government must quit dissolving the parliament and then a new interim government will be able to constitute an impartial election commission and bring back the democratic institutions to the right track.
ACC probes wealth of Ex-MD of Eastern Refinery Rezaul and his wife
The Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) on Tuesday asked the former managing director of Eastern Refinery, Chattogram Rezaul Alam and his wife to submit their wealth statements.
A notice signed by ACC's director Akter Hossain Azad has been sent to the couple, according to the commission’s public relations wing.
Read:ACC files graft case against 3 Krishi Bank officials and two others
The notice sought statement of their all immovable or movable property acquired in the name of the couple and their dependents.
The source of income and the detailed information on how those were acquired will have to be submitted to the ACC within 21 working days of receiving the notice.
Covid-19 in Bangladesh: Daily deaths hit 43
Bangladesh logged 43 more Covid-linked deaths with 8,354 fresh cases in 24 hours till Tuesday morning.
The daily positivity rate slightly declined to 20.03 from Monday’s 21.07 per cent after testing 41,879 samples during the period, according to the Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS).
The number of deaths is highest in nearly six months as the country last recorded 43 deaths on September 19, last year with 1,383 cases and the daily positivity rate at 5.62 per cent.
Read:Single-dose Sputnik Light Covid-19 vaccine gets EUA in India
On Monday, Bangladesh reported 38 more Covid-linked deaths with 9,369 fresh cases.
The fresh numbers took the country’s total fatalities to 28,670 while the caseload mounted to 1,879,255.
Among the new deceased, 26 were men and 17 women.
Fifteen of the deaths were reported in Dhaka division while 13 in Khulna, 11 in Chattogram, two in Rajshahi, and one each in Mymensingh and Rangpur divisions.
Meanwhile, the mortality rate remained static at 1.53 per cent.
However, the recovery rate slightly increased to 86.36 per cent with the recovery of 10,800 more patients during the 24-hour period.
On January 28, Bangladesh logged its earlier highest daily positivity rate at 33.37 per cent reporting 15,440 cases and 20 deaths.
On December 9 last year, Bangladesh again logged zero Covid-related death after nearly three weeks as the pandemic was apparently showing signs of easing.
Read: A different COVID-19 vaccine debate: Do we need new ones?
The country reported this year’s first zero Covid-related death in a single day on November 20 last year along with 178 infections since the pandemic broke out in Bangladesh in March 2020.
Besides, the country registered the highest daily caseload of 16,230 on July 28 last year, while the highest number of daily fatalities was 264 on August 10 last year.
Bangladesh-Japan partnership poised to soar high: PM
Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on Tuesday said the “Comprehensive Partnership” between Bangladesh and Japan is now poised to be raised to “Strategic Partnership”.
“I’m happy today to note that our time-tested friendship has evolved in depth and dimension. So much so that our “Comprehensive Partnership” is now poised to be raised to “Strategic Partnership” in the near future,” she said in a video message marking the Golden Jubilee of the diplomatic relationship between Bangladesh and Japan.
Read: Make overseas employment process transparent, PM asks ministry
Hasina also acknowledged the sustained economic cooperation and support of Japan.
“I’m heartened by the increased Japanese investment in various sectors in Bangladesh. I notice with delight that Japanese companies find the investment climate attractive in Bangladesh, and are ready to invest,” she said.
Referring to the logo of the 50th Anniversary celebration that symbolises the mood of “Bangladesh-Japan Friendly Relations”, Hasina said it reflects that the two countries are celebrating this milestone year in a befitting manner with many events, despite the Covid-19 pandemic.
“Here, I must thank the government and the people of Japan for their assistance to face the pandemic.”
She mentioned Bangladesh and Japan, as trusted partners and peace-loving nations, both have always worked in supporting one another in international forums to promote global peace, progress, prosperity, stability and sustainable development.
“Importantly, both share common views on resolving the crisis of forcibly displaced Rohingyas from Myanmar’s Rakhine State,” Hasina said.
She also said Bangladesh sought Japan’s support for an early voluntary, safe and sustainable repatriation of these displaced people back to their ancestral homes in Myanmar.
The Prime Minister said the bilateral relations between the two countries have many reasons for enhancement in the coming days.
“Indeed, mutual initiatives are imperative to avail of these opportunities. As Bangladesh strives to be a prosperous, developed country, and our Father of the Nation’s “Sonar Bangla” or “Golden Bangladesh”, our last fifty years of enviable cooperation would remain an inspiration for the coming fifty years. Bangladesh is firm to engage with time tested friend Japan for mutually beneficial gains.”
Hasina mentioned that the two countries have been enjoying excellent relations since Bangladesh’s independence in 1971 and Japan’s early recognition on 10 February 1972.
Read:Powerful poems stronger tools to motivate people: PM
“Our people remember with gratitude the precious support and contributions of Japan and its people, particularly school-children, during our War of Liberation. Japan was among the first few countries to open a resident diplomatic mission in Dhaka.”
In this connection, she said the bilateral relations between Bangladesh and Japan are based on mutual trust, respect, friendship and cooperation.
Hasina said the historic visit of the Father of the Nation, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, to Japan in October, 1973, set the tone of the bilateral relation. It laid the foundation of a steadfast and lasting friendship.
“For me, it was an honour to carry on my father’s legacy and visit Japan in 1992, 1997, 2010, 2014, 2016 and 2019 to further strengthen our two countries’ relations.”
Youth crushed under train in city
A 22-year-old year youth was killed after being hit by a train at Kamalapur TT Para rail gate on Tuesday.
The identity of the deceased could not be known immediately.
The train hit him while he was walking near a rail track, leaving him dead on the spot around 6 am, said sub-inspector of Bangladesh Railway Police Anwar Hossain.
Police sent the body to Dhaka Medical College and Hospital morgue for autopsy.
Bangladesh records impressive GDP growth 6.94pc in 2020-21FY: Minister
Bangladesh achieved an impressive 6.94 percent GDP growth in the 2020-21 fiscal year amid the Covid-19 pandemic, according to a final estimate of the government.
The country's GDP size stood at US$ 416 billion and the per capita income rose to US$ 2,591 (as per GNI) in the last fiscal year, said Planning Minister MA Mannan quoting the estimate.
Read:Govt targets 17% expenditure of GDP for next two fiscals: Document
The estimate was placed at the weekly meeting of the Executive Committee of the National Economic Council (Ecnec) on Tuesday.
Ecnec Chair and Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina presided over the meeting, joining it virtually from her official residence Ganobhaban.
Other ministers and officials concerned were connected with the meeting from the NEC conference room.
"The GDP growth rate finally stood at 6.94 percent in the last fiscal year, which is much higher than the provisional estimate of 5.43 percent," said Minister Mannan while briefing reporters after the meeting.
Bilateral pacts on the cards to boost Canadian investment in Bangladesh
Dhaka and Ottawa are likely to ink two key pacts to increase Canadian trade and investment in Bangladesh.
"The free trade pact and the foreign investment promotion and protection agreement between the two countries are on the table," Bangladesh's High Commissioner to Canada, Dr Khalil Rahman said.
The veteran diplomat was addressing a virtual meeting of the Canada-Bangladesh Joint Working Group on Strengthening Commercial Relations on Monday night.
Read: Joint committee to work to brand Bangladesh in Canada
Citing the complexity of Canadian visa process as a major obstacle to bilateral trade, the High Commissioner said that "discussions are also underway to set up a visa office at the Canadian High Commission in Dhaka".
Mentioning the Business Council of Canada's (BCC) interest in Bangladesh, the High Commissioner said the organisation sought sector-based information from the Bangladesh High Commission in Canada.
The High Commissioner also proposed the signing of an MoU between the Federation of Bangladesh Chambers of Commerce and Industries (FBCCI) and the BCC to strengthen Canada-Bangladesh trade and investment relations.
FBCCI President Md Jashim Uddin, co-chair of the meeting for Bangladesh, said that the plastics industry is one of the most promising sectors for Canadian entrepreneurs to invest in. "In addition to the huge domestic market, the world market also has strong export potential."
Moreover, he spoke about the huge demand for plastic products as a backward linkage industry in the readymade garments, pharmaceuticals, engineering and automobile industries.
President of Bangladesh Plastic Goods Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BPGMEA), Shamim Ahmed presented a report on the market and investment prospects of the plastics industry.
"Some 1.2 million people are working in the sector and direct and indirect exports are worth 1 billion US dollars. The sector is growing at an average rate of 4 percent per year. All the 29 sub-sectors of plastics have export potential."
He also mentioned the various policy assistance provided by the government for foreign investors.
President of the Canada-Bangladesh Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Masud Rahman presented a report on the Canada-Bangladesh investment prospects at the meeting.
According to the report, Bangladesh's infrastructure sector could be one of the biggest investment opportunities for Canadian entrepreneurs. "Canadians can contribute to the development of this sector through public-private partnerships."
"Therefore, the country's investment bank, Export Development Canada (EDC), can play a role in increasing investment in the country through the formation of 'Bangladesh Fund'. Canadian Pension Fund may also appear to be a good source for financing investment in Bangladesh," he added.
Md. Saiful Islam, a member of the working group and director of the FBCCI, emphasised the need for working out a specific course of action to increase bilateral trade to 2 billion dollars.
Read: Canada provides 2.2mn doses of AstraZeneca to Bangladesh
He called on Canadian entrepreneurs to invest and transfer technology in the agricultural sector.
Nuzhat Tam-Zaman, the co-chair from the Canadian side, said the joint working group should work on education too.
She said that more Bangladeshi students should be brought to Canadian universities. "Then the number of Bangladeshis in Canada's skilled human resource immigration will also increase."
President of the Saskatchewan Trade and Export Partnership Chris Decker, leader of Energy Sector Group Gowling WLG Tom Timmins, and Secretary General of the FBCCI Mohammad Mahfuzul Hoque were present in the meeting.
The meeting was moderated by Angela Dark, Senior Trade Commissioner, Canadian High Commission.
Rain likely to usher in pleasant weather
Brace for a pleasant weather as cold wave conditions over parts of the country will abate in the next couple of days, following a spell of rain. This is the latest prediction of the weather department.
A mild cold wave is currently sweeping over the districts of Dinajpur, Nilphamari, Kurigram, Rajshahi, Pubna, Moulvibazar and the upazila of Sitakunda.
“It may rain in a few days, following which temperatures will rise. And with the rise in temperatures, the cold wave conditions will abate,” said Kh Hafizur Rahman Meteorologist of the Bangladesh Meteorology Department.
In its forecast for the next 24 hours, the weather department said, “Moderate to thick fog may occur over north-western parts and the river basins of the country and light to moderate fog may occur elsewhere over the country during midnight to morning.”
Read: Govt aims for 10% electricity from renewables by 2025
Weather may remain dry over the country.
Night and day temperatures may rise slightly over the country, as per the bulletin.
In an extended outlook for the next 72 hours, the likelihood of rainfall activity has been predicted.
On Tuesday, the lowest temperature in the country was recorded at 8.5 degrees Celsius in Sitakunda and highest was 28.5 degrees at Teknaf.
Global Covid cases top 397 million
The overall number of Covid cases has surpassed 397 million, with the Omicron variant’s rapid spread across the globe.
According to Johns Hopkins University (JHU), the total case count mounted to 397,053,590 while the death toll from the virus reached 5,749,136 Tuesday morning.
The US has recorded 76,848,718 cases so far and 905,521 people have died from the virus in the country, the university data shows.
Russia is reporting a record daily count of new coronavirus infections, a tenfold spike from a month ago as the highly contagious Omicron variant spreads through the country, reports AP.
Russia has confirmed another highest daily of 180,071 new Covid-19 cases over the past 24 hours, taking the nationwide tally to 12,982,023, the official monitoring and response centre said on Monday.
The nationwide death toll increased by 661 to 3,360 while the number of recoveries increased from 10,390,732 to 10,624,954
Also read: Single-dose Sputnik Light Covid-19 vaccine gets EUA in India
India has registered 83,876 new cases in the past 24 hours, with the tally reaching 42,334,521, as per the health ministry's data released Monday.
The ministry also reported 897 deaths since Sunday morning, bringing the total fatalities to 504,078.
Brazil, which has been experiencing a new wave of cases since last January, registered 63,324 Covid infections and 420 deaths in the past 24 hours, bringing its nationwide count to 26,605,137 and 632,720 respectively, the National Council of Health Secretaries said Saturday.
Situation in Bangladesh
Bangladesh logged 38 more Covid-linked deaths with 9,369 fresh cases in 24 hours till Monday morning.
The daily positivity rate slightly declined to 21.07% from Sunday’s 21.50% after testing 44,471 samples during the period, according to the Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS).
The number of deaths is the highest in nearly six months as the country last recorded 43 deaths on September 19 last year with 1,383 cases and the daily positivity rate at 5.62%.
On Sunday, Bangladesh reported 29 more Covid-linked deaths with 8,345 fresh cases.
The fresh numbers took the country’s total fatalities to 28,627 while the caseload mounted to 1,870,901.
Also read: Covid-19 in Bangladesh: Daily positivity rate declines, deaths hit 38
Of the 226 deaths recorded from January 31 to February 6, some 28.8% had received Covid vaccines while 71.2% did not, the DGHS mentioned.
Among the new deceased, 28 were men and 10 women.
Sixteen of the deaths were reported in Dhaka division while six in Chattogram, five each in Rajshahi and Khulna, three in Sylhet, two in Mymensingh, and one in Rangpur divisions.
Meanwhile, the mortality rate declined to 1.53%.
However, the recovery rate slightly increased to 86.16% with the recovery of 9,507 more patients during the 24-hour period.
In January, the country reported 322 Covid-linked deaths and 2,13,294 new cases while 19,112 recovered from the disease, according to the DGHS.
On January 28, Bangladesh logged its earlier highest daily positivity rate at 33.37% reporting 15,440 cases and 20 deaths.
On December 9 last year, Bangladesh again logged zero Covid-related death after nearly three weeks as the pandemic was apparently showing signs of easing.
The country reported this year’s first zero Covid-related death in a single day on November 20 last year along with 178 infections since the pandemic broke out in Bangladesh in March 2020.
Besides, the country registered the highest daily caseload of 16,230 on July 28 last year, while the highest number of daily fatalities was 264 on August 10 last year.