United News of Bangladesh

The High Court on Tuesday issued a rule asking the government to explain as to why the imposition of ‘death penalty’ as punishment except some general guidelines should not be held contradictory to some articles of the constitution. The HC bench of Justice Mustafa Zaman Islam and Justice Md Atabullah issued the rule after hearing a writ petition. The HC also issued a rule asking the government to explain as to why the authorities concerned should not enact a guideline in case of sentencing ‘death penalty’ as capital punishment. Secretary to the Law Ministry, Legislative and Parliamentary Affairs Division secretary and Registrar General of the Supreme Court have been made respondents to the rule. Advocate Ishrat Zahan stood for the writ petitioner while deputy attorney general Tushar Kanti Roy represented the state. On December 7, last year, a writ petition was filed with the High Court (HC) challenging the existing provision of death penalty. A directive was also sought to issue a rule as to why the provision of capital punishment should not be declared illegal and unlawful. Supreme Court lawyer Ishrat Hasan filed the petition with the concerned bench of the HC. According to the petition, the death penalty is the highest punishment of Bangladesh, but it is contradictory to sections 32 and 35 of the country's constitution. Moreover, the death penalty was discouraged in the 'UN Convention on Human Rights-1948', 'International Convention on Civil and Political Rights-1966' and 'Convention against Torture-1984'. As Bangladesh is a signatory member country of the laws, hence there is an obligation to prohibit the death penalty. A total of 112 countries of the world have already banned capital punishment, the petition said. As Bangladesh is a signatory to the international laws banning the death penalty and the country is bound to abide by the section 25 of the constitution as per the International Law.

 Two men were sentenced to two months in prison during a raid conducted by the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) at the BRTA office in Dhaka’s Mirpur. In response to mounting complaints of customer harassment and violence reportedly perpetrated by brokers within the Bangladesh Road Transport Authority (BRTA) Mirpur and Dhaka Metro Circle-1 office, the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) conducted the operation on Tuesday. A four-member team, led by Assistant Director Ranjit Kumar Karmakar and comprised of Al-Amin, Md Jakiul Alam, and Md Mehedi Musa Zebin, conducted the drive During the undercover operation, the enforcement team, posing as ordinary customers, uncovered the presence of touts within the BRTA office. In a decisive move, the ACC team apprehended a broker, two on-duty Ansar members, and a CNS worker affiliated with the BRTA. Further scrutiny revealed evidence of irregular financial transactions with various service recipients stored on the suspects' mobile phones through different applications. Upon presenting the apprehended individuals to Director (Engineering) Mohammad Shahidullah, the broker and CNS worker were promptly sentenced to two months' imprisonment by the Executive Magistrate. Simultaneously, higher authorities were notified to initiate departmental actions against the two Ansar members involved. The ACC team, having obtained crucial information during the raid, subsequently briefed the BRTA chairman, who expressed gratitude for the operation. The chairman assured that necessary actions would be taken against the accused individuals to create a more customer-friendly environment within the BRTA offices.

 Islami Bank Bangladesh PLC has launched four new digital products.Mohammed Monirul Moula, Managing Director and CEO of the bank, inaugurated these products recently at the Pan Pacific Sonargaon Hotel in Dhaka, according to a press release on Tuesday.The new products are Quick Balance Inquiry, Quick Merchant Onboarding, Connect-2-Bank, and Islami Bank Help Portal, it said.Under the Quick Balance Inquiry service, customers can check their account balance free of charge by making a missed call to 09617516259 from the number registered against their account.Customers can open a personal retail account at Islami Bank using the Quick Merchant On-boarding service by uploading their NID and photo. Customers can generate a Bangla QR code in the Cellfin app with the help of the bank’s official and subsequently conduct business transactions. Payment can be received using a Bangla QR code from Islami Bank, along with other bank apps like bKash and Nagad, among others.Connect 2 Bank is a corporate internet banking module that facilitates payment of corporate salaries, utility bills, scholarships, and government allowances; submitting investment proposals; requesting LCs (Letters of Credit); opening of salary accounts; checking account statements; and interbank fund transfers through BEFTN, RTGS, NPSB, etc.Customers can check their account and card balance and also download statements from the Islami Bank Help Portal service (help.islamibankbd.com) using their registered mobile number, issue complaints about ATM transaction errors, and check the updated status of the complaint.

The price of Murikata, an early variety of onion, jumped by Tk 20 per kg to Tk 105 per kg on Tuesday (January 30, 2024), compared to Tk 80 to 85 per kg two days ago in Dhaka. Though the wholesaler said that onion prices have dropped slightly in the wholesale market, the effect is yet to be visible in the retail market. On Tuesday, onion prices in the capital ranged from Tk100 to Tk105 depending on quality at Karwan Bazar, Mohakhali, Hatirpool, Malibagh, and Santinagar. Khalilo Mia, owner of Hasan store at Shantinagar Bazar, told UNB that good-quality onions have arrived in the market at a higher rate. As the quality of this onion is slightly better, the price has also increased. However, there is no shortage of onion supply, he said. The price of Murikata onions has also increased in the market price report released by the state marketing agency, Trading Corporation of Bangladesh (TCB). According to its report, new local Murikata onions were sold for Tk 90 to Tk 100 per kg in different markets in Dhaka. A week ago, the price of this variety of onion was selling at Tk75 to 80 per kg; the imported onion price was Tk85 to Tk90 per kg. However, local and imported onion prices rose by 23 and 26 percent, respectively, during the week, according to TCB. Read more: Sylhet fixes price of local variety onion at Tk 120, Indian variety at Tk 140 Onion prices have also increased in Sujanagar and Santhia upazilas of Pabna, one of the main production areas of Murikata onion. On Monday, in these upazilas, the price of onions was Tk71 to Tk78 per kg in the local wholesale markets. Onion prices have increased in the district compared to last week. Last week, the price of fresh onion there was Tk 60 to Tk 70 per kg. The prices of other curry items like garlic and ginger have also increased by Tk10 per kg. On Tuesday, these items were selling for between Tk240 and Tk270 per kg, respectively, compared to Tk230 and Tk260 per kg last week. The prices of all other vegetables have increased by Tk10 to 20 per kg this week compared to the last week. However, bean, eggplant, and tomato were selling between Tk 60 to 100 based on quality, potato at Tk 50 to 60 per kg, bitter gourd at Tk 80 kg, balsam apple at Tk 100 to 120 kg, okra at Tk 80 to 100 per kg, cucurbitaceous at Tk 80 per kg, cucumber at Tk 60 to 70 kg, spone gourd at Tk 80 per kg, arum at 80 to 90 kg, radish and carrot at Tk 50 to 60 kg, green papaya at Tk 40 kg, French bean at Tk 100 to 110 kg, snake gourd at Tk 70 to 75 kg, pumpkin (medium size) at Tk 80 to 100 per piece, cauliflower and broccoli at Tk 50 to 70 piece, bottle gourd at Tk 80 to 100 piece, ash gourd at Tk 50 to 60 piece, coriander leaves at Tk 200 kg—Capsicum (red) at Tk 300 to Tk370 per kg base on size and quality. Read more: Govt directs to intensify field-level monitoring on onion prices The discomfort remains in the fish and meat market. Broiler chicken was selling at Tk200–220 per kg, and Sonaly chicken (a Pakistani variety) at Tk320–340 per kg. Beef, which was sold at Tk 650 in many places a couple of weeks ago, is now being sold at Tk 700 per kg everywhere. Prices of eggs are increasing by Tk 5 to 7 in a dozen this week. Per dozen, brown eggs (hens) are at Tk 140 to 145, 5–10 taka less than white eggs. Duck eggs were selling for Tk 180 to 190 per dozen, while eggs of indigenous domestic rearing chicken were selling for Tk 210 per dozen. The prices of fish are higher now compared to a few months ago. However, tilapia, pangas, and carp were selling for between Tk220 and 260 per kg. Among other fish, the price of medium-sized weighing 1.5 kg to 2 kg farming Rui, Katla, and Mrigel fish was selling at Tk 300 to Tk 400 per kg. Also, Pabda, Tengra, Koi, sheat (boal), chital, and Hilsa fish are not below Tk600 per kg. The bigger fish, like coral, boal, and river pangas, were selling for between Tk700 and 1100 per kg at Karwan Bazar. When asked about the price hike, the Director General of the Directorate of National Consumers Rights Protection (DNCRP), AHM Shafiquzzama, told UNB that his office would drive against the unusual price hike of these essentials. He also said that a few months ago, he warned different ministries and directorates to take steps to increase the supply of essentials, including onions and potatoes, to control prices. Consumers Association of Bangladesh vice president SM Nazer Hossain said consumers in Bangladesh are having a hard time amid record prices of commodities due to higher inflation. Farm eggs, broiler chicken, and cultured fish are key protein sources for millions of poor people in the country, he said. Prices of all such products have increased, forcing a vast population to cut their protein and other nutrition-rich food intake, Nazer said. Read more: Chapainawabganj farmers reap benefits of bountiful summer onion harvest

Dnet, a leading social enterprise dedicated to empowering communities through technology and innovation arranged a roundtable discussion on the "Export Potentiality of Light Engineering Industry in Bangladesh." The event held on Tuesday at the Dnet Conference Room in Dhaka. Speakers said the light engineering industry has emerged as a crucial force in Bangladesh's manufacturing sector, contributing significantly to economic growth and employment. This sector encompasses a diverse range of products, from spare parts and castings to machinery and electrical goods. Its remarkable growth, driven by minimal capital investment and focus on end-user needs, positions it as a vital backbone for the country's industrial development, they also opined. The Co-founder and Executive Director of Dnet M. Shahadat Hossain stated that , “Bangladesh is a middle income country with a growing business sector. It’s important for the Light Engineering sector to lead this growth” The organisers said the key objectives of the roundtable was the assessment of the current state of the industry, ways of Identification and overcoming challenges,unlocking export potential, formulation of policy and collaboration between all stakeholders, and exploration of the integration of innovation and technology. This discussion aims to analyze recent growth trends, global demand, and the overall landscape of Bangladesh's light engineering industry. Executive Director of Dnet M. Shahadat Hossain moderated the discussion while Abdur Rahim Khan, Additional Secretary (Export), Export Wing (Ministry of Commerce) presented the keynote speech. The organisers invited all stakeholders, including industry experts, policymakers, academics, and development partners, to participate in this crucial discussion. The roundtable presented a valuable opportunity to collectively explore and unlock the vast export potential of Bangladesh's light engineering industry, paving the way for sustainable economic growth and development. Dnet is a social enterprise driven by the mission of empowering marginalized communities through technology and information. We leverage social and technological innovations to implement development initiatives at the national, constitutional, and international levels. Our commitment to fostering inclusive growth aligns perfectly with the goals of this roundtable discussion. END/UNB/SI/ssk

Chairman of the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress of the People's Republic of China Zhao Leji has congratulated Dr Shirin Sharmin Chaudhury on her assumption of office as Speaker of the Parliament of Bangladesh. Zhao said he would like to work together with his Bangladesh counterpart to further deepen the friendly exchanges and cooperation between the National People's Congress of China and the Parliament of Bangladesh, so as to uplift the Bangladesh-China strategic partnership of cooperation to a new height. Zhao Leji wrote in the message on Tuesday that Bangladesh and China are neighbors with a long history of friendship, according to the Embassy of China in Dhaka. Shirin Sharmin sworn in as Speaker of 12th parliament "In recent years, the two countries have conducted frequent high-level exchanges, constantly enhanced political mutual trust, and yielded fruitful results in Belt and Road cooperation," he said. Maiden JS session: Speaker nominates 5-member panel of chairmen

Bangladesh has slipped by two positions to 149th among the 180 countries studied in the Corruption Perception Index (CPI) 2023.  This was revealed by Dr Iftekharuzzaman, the executive director of Transparency International Bangladesh (TIB), at its Dhanmandi office on Tuesday. Bangladesh received a score of 24 out of 100 in the Corruption Perception Index 2023, he said. Read: ICMAB delegation meets Finance Secretary  Iftekharuzzaman said that according to the CPI, Bangladesh's score this year has decreased by one point to 24 compared to 2022. Bangladesh is jointly ranked 10th among 180 countries and 149th according to the ascending order. The findings placed Denmark on top of the list as the least corrupt country with a score of 90 out of 100. Finland is in second place with 87 and New Zealand is third with a score of 85. Meanwhile, Somalia topped the list of corrupt countries with the lowest score of 11.  Read: Danish Ambassador discusses collaboration opportunities in RMG sector with BGMEA chief  South Sudan, Syria and Venezuela are tied for second place with a score of 13.  "Our performance is frustrating and embarrassing," said Iftekharuzzaman. The government has, meanwhile, trashed the report politically motivated. 

Describing BNP's “black flag” program as “anti-people”, Awami League General Secretary Obaidul Quader on Tuesday said AL will ensure security of lives and property. “BNP's black flag program is an anti-people programme, and it is a deep conspiracy against the country's democratic journey. If the programme is not withdrawn, AL will be vigilant to ensure security of people’s lives and property,” he said while briefing reporters at AL’s Dhanmondi office. No programme against public interest will be tolerated, he said adding, “We will resist all conspiracies for the sake of the country's development, progress and democracy under the leadership of Sheikh Hasina.” People boycotting those who boycotted election: Obaidul Quader Referring to the UN statement about release of BNP leaders and activists, the Road Transport and Bridges Minister said that the statement is based on inaccurate report and wrong information. “As per the Home Minister, the number of inmates is not more than 10,000. If you commit a crime, you have to be punished. Bail is granted if it is a bailable offence,” he said. Referring to the price hike of daily essentials, Quader said, “Price hike of daily essentials is a big challenge now and the new parliament will play a decisive role and give priority to the problem.” Investigation needed to determine whether there’s connection between BNP’s call for polls boycott and sabotage: Obaidul Quader

Three years after the military launched a coup, Myanmar’s ever deteriorating human rights crisis is now in freefall, with insufficient world attention paid to the misery and pain of its people, UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Türk said on Tuesday. “Amid all of the crises around the world, it is important no one is forgotten. The people of Myanmar have been suffering for too long. Since the end of October last year, their situation has deteriorated even further as a result of the long-established tactics of the military to target them,” he said ahead of the anniversary of the coup on February 1. No more stray mortal shells from Myanmar to land in Bangladesh, hopes FM“This crisis will only be resolved by insisting on accountability for the military’s leadership, the release of political prisoners and the restoration of civilian rule,” Türk said. He urged all Member States to take appropriate measures to address this crisis, including to consider imposing further targeted sanctions on the military to constrain their ability to commit serious violations of and disregard for international law — limiting access to weapons, jet fuel, and foreign currency. “I commend the courage and resilience of Myanmar’s civil society and democratic movement, representing all ethnic communities, and urge their inclusion in any political process to restore democracy and respect for human rights in Myanmar,” the UN rights chief said. Pitched battles between the military and armed opposition groups have resulted in mass displacement and civilian casualties. Remain alert to deal with any situation on Bangladesh-Myanmar border: BGB DG As the military have suffered setback after setback on the battlefield, they have lashed out, launching waves of indiscriminate aerial bombardments and artillery strikes. Sources have verified that over 554 people have died since October. Overall for 2023, the number of civilians reportedly killed by the military rose to over 1,600, an increase of some 300 from the previous year. As of January 260, credible sources had documented the arrest of nearly 26,000 people on political grounds – of whom 19,973 remain in detention, some reportedly subjected to torture and abuses, and with no hope of a fair trial. Over the last three years, some 1,576 individuals have died while being held by the military. “Military tactics have consistently focused on the punishment of civilians who they view as supporting their enemies,” said Türk. “As a result, the military has routinely targeted civilians and protected objects under international humanitarian law, especially medical facilities and schools. “Indiscriminate shelling and airstrikes underline the lack of measures to protect civilians on the ground, including disruption of basic communications that would help warn civilians in advance of fighting so they could get out of harm’s way.” Communications and internet services in some 74 townships, including most of the 17 townships in Rakhine State, are experiencing partial, intermittent or total shutdowns. Rakhine State has been particularly hard hit since fighting restarted there in November. Many communities, especially the Rohingya, were already suffering from the impacts of Cyclone Mocha and the military’s months-long limitation of humanitarian access and provision of assistance. There have now been several reports of Rohingya deaths and injuries amid the military’s shelling of Rohingya villages. On Friday January 26, fighting between the Arakan Army and the Myanmar military reportedly left at least 12 Rohingya civilians dead and 30 others wounded in Hpon Nyo Leik village, where inhabitants are trapped between the two warring parties. The Arakan Army allegedly positioned its troops in and around this Rohingya village anticipating the military’s attacks. The military repeatedly shelled the village, destroying infrastructure. Parties to armed conflicts must take constant care to spare the civilians and civilian objects, in the conduct of military operations, which includes taking feasible measures to protect the civilian population under their control against the effects of attack, the High Commissioner said. Similarly, Rohingya refugees, trapped in dire humanitarian conditions in camps in Bangladesh and with no safe prospect of return, are again risking desperate and dangerous journeys by sea, finding few ports or communities in the region willing to accept or welcome them. The international community must redouble efforts to hold the military accountable, the UN Human Rights Chief said, recalling the provisional measures ordered by the International Court of Justice for Myanmar to take "all measures within its power" to protect the members of the Rohingya group from all future acts that may amount to genocide, and to take effective measures to ensure the preservation of evidence related to the alleged acts.  

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on Tuesday said the lack of biomaterials with reliable clinical data infrastructure is one of the major reasons why Bangladesh is under represented in wider medical research. The prime minister said this in a video message that was played at the roundtable titled “Biobanking with Bangladesh: A joint approach to disease management and prevention”, a collaborative initiative taken by Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University, Embassy of Bangladesh in Brussels and the European Union. The event is aimed at laying the groundwork for establishment of national biobank in Bangladesh. Sheikh Hasina said that Bangladesh has made commendable progress in clinical care, medical education and research in recent years with the establishment of a number of medical universities and institutions. PM directs to reduce import duty on rice. edible oil, sugar, date before Ramadan She mentioned that as part of government’s constitutional and global commitment to provide universal health coverage, it has set up about 18,500 community clinics and health centers at rural level. “We have undertaken various measures to introduce state-of-the-art facilities in the medical sector,” she said. Thus, she said, for the development of translational research capacity in Bangladesh, creating a world-class biobank is critical. Make the business of parliament meaningful: PM Hasina tells independent MPs “Biobank will promote innovation and discoveries in medical and other branches of life sciences disciplines. It could lead to significant improvement in ability to diagnose, prevent and provide personalized care,” she added.   The prime minister said that Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University, the apex postgraduate medical institution in Bangladesh with a 2650-bed hospital, 8 faculties, 68 departments, and about 500 faculty members, has the ability to host such facilities.   She welcomed the individuals and organisations to form a comprehensive strategic collaboration with Bangladesh and make long-term commitment towards the enhancement of the health and well-being of millions of citizens in Bangladesh and beyond.   “Contributing to this biobank is not limited to only a financial choice; it's a humanitarian deed, a symbol of hope for a world where everyone has access to quality healthcare,” she said.   She asserted that their contribution would surpasses mere numerical values.   “It symbolises the preservation of life, the safeguarding of family, and the empowerment of a nation, which in turn will contribute to overall research capacity regionally,” she said.   She urged all to work together to make establishment of biobank a reality a better and healthier world.   “Let us work together to make this biobank a reality, a symbol of optimism that will lead to a better, healthier world,” she said.