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Global Covid-19 cases near 672 million
The overall number of global Covid-19 cases is gradually nearing 672 million, with the sudden surge of the virus’ Omicron sub-variant in Asia and some other parts of the world.
According to the latest global data, the total Covid-19 case count mounted to 671,889,386 while the death toll from the virus reached 6,733,572 this morning.
The US has recorded 103,614,411 Covid-19 cases so far, while 1,125,895 people have died from the virus in the country, both highest counts around the world.
Read: China reports 60,000 COVID-related deaths since early December
India recorded 89 new coronavirus infections, the lowest since March 27, 2020, while the active cases declined to 2,035, according to the Union Health Ministry data updated on Tuesday. The Covid-19 case tally for the country stood at 4.46 crore (4,46,81,233) while the death counts were at 5,30,726.
Meanwhile, France has registered 39,461,387 Covid-19 cases so far, occupying the third position in the world, while 163,562 people have died in the country, as per the Worldometer.
Covid-19 situation in Bangladesh
Bangladesh reported nine more Covid-19 cases in the 24 hours till Tuesday morning.
Read: Covid-19: Bangladesh logs 9 more cases
With the new number, the country's total caseload rose to 2,037,386, according to the Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS).
However, the official death toll from the disease remained unchanged at 29,441 as no new fatalities were reported.
On the way to saving one, six lives lost
Lutfun Nahar Lima, a Bangladeshi immigrant, came to Bangladesh from the USA three months ago. She reached her parents' house in Barisal yesterday, planning to observe the death anniversaries of her grandparents with her mother.
But the same night she reached home, her mother, Jahanara Begum, suffered a stroke.
Jahanara was taken to Sher-e-Bangla Medical College Hospital immediately but was referred to Dhaka's Neuroscience Hospital for advanced treatment.
Lima and two family members left for Dhaka with her mother in an ambulance after midnight. But they never made it.
All of them died on the spot in a deadly crash near Padma Bridge South police station in Shariatpur's Jajira upazila early Tuesday.
Lima, her sick mother, along with two other family members, were in the ambulance when it crashed into a speeding truck.
The accident took the lives of the mother-daughter duo and two other family members, health worker Fazle Rabbi, 28, and Masud Rana, 30.
Read more: 6 students killed in Oklahoma crash were in car that seats 4
The ambulance driver, Jilani, 28, and helper Rabiul Islam, 26, also died.
Visiting their house on Tuesday, people were seen gathering at the house. Relatives were mourning and neighbors and relatives were trying to console the family.
Jahanara Begum’s brother, Ashraf Ali Kha, was at a loss. He was seen wailing for his sister and niece from time to time.
The family was preparing to bury the dead. But it isn't yet decided where Jahanara and her daughter's bodies would be laid to rest, said Ashraf.
Kachipara Union Chairman Rafiqul Islam Talukder said people are mourning the loss of lives in the locality. A village watchman (chowkidar) was sent to their house to help them. Baufol Union Parishad will assist the family with the process.
Read more: 6 students killed in Oklahoma crash were in car that seats 4
AI Mamun, officer-in-charge of Baufol police station, said no complaint has been filed yet. They will start necessary legal procedures once a family member files a complaint.
Two JCD activists allegedly beaten up by BCL at DU
Two activists of the Dhaka University unit of BNP student front JCD have allegedly been beaten up by some ruling party student front BCL activists at TSC area.
The two injured are Mahmudul Hasan, JCD activist of Muktijoddha Ziaur Rahman Hall unit and Zubair Ali, JCD activist of Jasimuddin Hall Unit.
Mahmudul was previously the president of Islami Chhatra Andolon, the student wing of Islami Andolon Bangladesh. But he involved himself in JCD politics from last year.
Read more: 35 hurt in BCL-JCD clash in Dhaka
Eyewitnesses said that at noon Mahmudul Hasan and Zubair Ali were sitting in a tea stall of TSC. At 1:10 PM, a group of BCL leaders and activists came in front of Janata Bank. Seeing them, Mahmudul and Zubair got up from the shop and started walking. Then BCL leaders and activists chased them and later beat them when they were caught at the edge of TSC. They were then beaten first there and then in front of the Raju monument.
Mahmudul Hasan said, "Chhatra League leaders and activists beat me and my younger brother (Zubair) for no reason. They punched us all over the body. Later, BCL leaders and activists took me near Hakim Chattar and started making videos asking me to confess about supporting Jatiyatabadi Chhatra Dal. At one stage they forced me to chant 'Joy Bangla' slogans but I did not chant."
He also alleged that the attack was carried out on the order of DU Chhatra League general secretary Tanbir Hasan Saikat.
Read more: BCL leaders apprehend 5 JCD activists on DU campus, hand them over to police on ‘sabotage suspicion’
Ariful Islam, General Secretary of the DU JCD said, "Injured Mahmudul and Zubair have received primary treatment at Dhaka Medical College Hospital. We strongly condemn and protest this attack and act of terrorism."
"Chhatra League is acting as a terrorist organization on the campus and torturing general students and students of other active student organizations in a medieval style," he added.
However, Tanbir Hasan denied the accusation of ordering the attack.
He said, "No one from Chhatra League is involved in this incident. Chhatra League is against extremism. If someone wants to beat people on the campus in the name of politics, BCL will give them a sharp reply."
Bangladesh reports 12 more dengue cases
Twelve more people were hospitalised with dengue in the 24 hours till Tuesday morning.
Of the new patients, five were admitted to hospitals in Dhaka and seven outside it, according to the Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS).
A total of 93 dengue patients, including 43 in the capital, are now receiving treatment at hospitals across the country.
Read more: Dengue: 1 dies, 20 more patients hospitalised in 24 hrs
So far, the DGHS has recorded 424 dengue cases, 328 recoveries, and three deaths this year.
The country recorded 281 dengue deaths in 2022 – the highest on record after 179 deaths recorded in 2019.
Also, the DGHS recorded 62,423 dengue cases and 61,971 recoveries in the last year.
Operation of 1,320 MW coal-fired Payra power plant is likely to face closure over coal crisis
Operation of 1,320 MW coal-fired Payra power plant is likely to face closure as banks have declined to open letter of credit (LC) to import coal due to dollar crisis.
“We may not continue our operation from February next if things are not settled”, Shah Abdul Moula, plant manager of the Bangladesh-China Power Company (Pvt.) Limited (BCPCL), told UNB.
BCPCL, a joint venture of the Chinese firm China National Machinery Import & Export Corporation (CMC) and Bangladeshi state-owned North-West Power Generation Company Bangladesh Limited (NWPGCL), is the owner and operator of the Payra power plant.
The plant manager said that the plant is currently operating one unit having 660 MW while another 660 MW unit remained closed.
“We have planned to operate both the units at a time from January 19”, Maula said, adding that the two units could run with the current stocks of coal until the end of the current month.
Also read: Maintenance dredging work underway at Payra port
“But if the new consignment of coal is not available, we have to shut down both the units from the first day of February next” he said.
According to official sources, the Payra power plant needs to import 3 lakh metric tonnes of coal every month to operate the plant in full swing.
The power plant has to spend about $ 5-6 million every month to import the required coal.
They said the BCPCL normally opens LC through state-owned Sonali Bank to import the coal. But recently Sonali Bank regretted opening the LC due to the dollar crisis.
Admitting about the problems, Abdul Maula said that the BCPCL authority has already communicated the issue to the Power Division to take necessary measures.
Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on March 21 last year inaugurated the 1320 MW ultra-supercritical coal-fired power plant at Patuakhali's Payra on a day when she also declared the country's 100 percent electricity coverage.
This milestone achievement puts Bangladesh ahead of India and Pakistan among the South Asian nations to light up every house with electricity.
BCPCL has set up the plant using Ultra Supercritical Technology at over $2 billion as part of a development partnership on 982.77 acres of land.
The Export-Import Bank of China lent $1.96 billion for the project. The company started operation in 2016.
This kind of coal-fired power plant using Ultra Supercritical Technology is the thirteenth in the world and seventh in South Asia.
The Ultra Supercritical Technology used for this plant aims at protecting the environment in line with the government's policy, officials said.
After undergoing test runs for about five months, the first unit of the Payra power plant started commercial operation in May, 2020. In October, 2020, the second unit of the 660 MW plant, a joint venture of Bangladesh and China, started its commercial operation.
The Payra and another 1320 MW Rampal power plants have been implemented targeting the power evacuation from both the two plants and transmit power to Dhaka city and adjoining areas to meet growing power demand.
The Payra power plant is burning some 13,000 tonnes of coal a day. It has a 76.30 acre dumping zone where 25 years’ worth of by-product can be kept.
The plant is currently importing coal from Indonesia. It has its own jetty whose conveyor belts can unload 3,200 tonnes of coal every hour from four vessels at the same time.
Bangladesh's power generation capacity reached 25,514 MW from just 3200MW in 2009, according to the data.
Covid-19: Bangladesh logs 9 more cases
Bangladesh reported nine more Covid-19 cases in the 24 hours till Tuesday morning.
With the new number, the country's total caseload rose to 2,037,386, according to the Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS).
However, the official death toll from the disease remained unchanged at 29,441 as no new fatalities were reported.
Read more: China halts visas for Japan, South Korea in COVID-19 spat
The daily case test positivity rose to 0.42 percent from Monday's 0.38 percent as 2,164 samples were tested.
The mortality rate remained unchanged at 1.45 percent while the recovery rate rose to 97.67 percent.
Bangladesh reported its highest daily caseload of 16,230 on July 28 in 2021 and daily fatalities of 264 on August 5 of the same year.
Govt to build Tk 5651 cr elevated road in Kishoreganj haor region
The Executive Committee of the National Economic Council (Ecnec) on Tuesday approved a Tk 5,651.13-crore project for the construction of an elevated road from Mithamoin upazila sadar to Karimganj upazila in Kishoreganj district, aiming to ensuring smooth and uninterrupted road communication in the haor region.
The approval came from an Ecnec meeting presided over by Ecnec chair and Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina at the NEC Conference Room in the city.
"Today the meeting approved a total of 11 projects with an overall estimated cost of Tk 10,640.58 crore. "Out of the total cost, Tk 7,827.50 crore will be drawn from the fund of Bangladesh government while Tk 2,880.18 crore from foreign sources as project assistance," said Planning Minister MA Mannan at a press briefing.
Of the 11 projects, six are fresh projects while five are revised ones, he said.
The Planning Minister said that the main objective of the elevated road construction project is to establish smooth road communication in the haor region from Mithamoin Sadar to Karimganj upazila connecting the Mithamoin cantonment.
Read more: 8 projects costing almost Tk 5000 crore gain Ecnec nod
Besides, some 13.40 kilometer existing road from Nakbhanga circle to Morichkhali bazar would be widened to establish smooth and uninterrupted all weather road communication of Itna, Mithamoin and Austagram upazilas with Kishoreganj Sadar, Dhaka, Sylhet and other districts.
The main project operations include construction of 15.13 kilometer elevated road, widening of 13.40 kilometer existing road, construction of four bridges, construction of 13 toll plazas, toll monitoring buildings and check posts and construction of 13 kilometer temporary submersible roads.
State Minister for Planning Dr Shamsul Alam, the members of Planning Commission and concerned secretaries were present at the briefing.
Replying to a question if the draft EVM procurement project was placed at the meeting or not, the Planning Minister said that neither the project was in the agenda nor the Prime Minister wanted to know anything about it.
"But, the draft project is under process and you'll know about it when it will progress further," he said.
In the meeting, a brief on the country's current economic situation was made, which was appreciated by all, he added.
Talking about the PM's directives, the Planning Minister said that the authorities concerned were asked to complete the development works within the stipulated timeframe and maintain the quality of works.
Read more: Ecnec approves Tk 7,189cr Cumilla-Brahmanbaria 4-lane highway project
Mannan said the PM put emphasize on proper scrutiny before making expenditures.
State Minister for Planning Dr Shamsul Alam informed that the PM directed all to remain cautious in expenditure as well as maintaining austerity in expenditure.
The other projects okayed in the meeting are construction of multipurpose hydraulic elevator dam on Srimai River under Patia upazila of Chattogram with Tk 133.53 crore, Protecting Sheikh Hasina Cantonment area from the erosion of Karkhana, Bighai and Payra Rivers under Barishal district, 1st phase with Tk 676 crore, Padma River dredging and protection of left embankment from Majhirchar to Moksedpur via Narishabazar under Dohar upazila in Dhaka, 1st revised with an additional cost of Tk 528.06 crore, Adaptation initiative for the small islands and river Char lands in the coastal areas vulnerable to climate change with Tk 77.86 crore, Matarbari coal-based power station construction project (roads and highways department portion, 2nd revised with an additional cost of Tk 364.81 crore.
The remaining projects are construction of multilane tunnel under Karnaphuli River, 2nd revised with an additional cost of Tk 315.29 crore, Establishment of global maritime distress and safety system & integrated maritime navigation system (EGIMNS) project, 3rd revised with an additional cost of Tk 92.46 crore, Inclusive sanitation at 25 towns in Bangladesh with Tk 2,210.70 crore, Climate Change Adapted Urban Development, Phase II (CCAUD), Khulna with Taka 491.28 crore and Ghorashal, 4th unit re powering project, 2nd revised with an additional cost of Tk 99.46 crore.
SSBCL Group, Brookes Education Group signs deal for opening a school in BD
SSBCL Group and Brookes Education Group have recently signed an agreement at Dhaka Intercontinental Hotel for opening a Brookes School in Bangladesh for facilitates Bangladeshi students with International Baccalaureate (IB), GCSE program, and provincial curriculums guiding students to top-tier universities around the world.
It’s really golden opportunities for Bangladeshi students to get a high quality International education in Bangladesh with affordable local cost, according to a press release issued on Tuesday.
Brookes Education Group spans across 4 locations world-wide offering bespoke experiences. Brookes is a home for every child.
Brookes global network offers a range of curriculums including the rigorous International Baccalaureate (IB), GCSE program, and provincial curriculums guiding students to top-tier universities around the world.
Brookes Education Group is a global network of schools connected through a common philosophy – inclusive, creative and personalized learning that enables young people to become caring and compassionate advocates for themselves and the world they live in.
Students are supported in a caring environment and given opportunities to learn about themselves and take actions in areas in which they are passionate to unlock their potential.
At the core of every program, is the importance of intercultural understanding, critical and creative thinking, service learning and personal development.
Brookes value innovation and welcome students into our interconnected educational network with campuses around the world and faculty who bring learning to life, challenging students to unlock and discover their innate potential.
Sumon Talukder ,Managing Director, SSBCL Group Mr. Granham Brown, CEO-Director, Mr. Jerry Salvador-Director Americas and New School Development, Mr. Kevin Skeoch-Director Asia Pacific other directors from SSBCL Group was present on this occasion.
END/UNB/MJ/MAS
Motorcyclist killed in Dhaka road crash
A 26-year-old motorcyclist was killed as his motorbike collided with a CNG-run autorickshaw in the capital's Banasree area Monday morning.
The deceased was identified as Md Ashikur Rahman, son of AK Abdul Amin of Banasree Block-A.
Read more: Bangladesh 88th among 183 countries in road accident death rate: Minister
Hedayetul Islam Nayan, deceased's elder brother said, Ashikur went out in the morning and the accident occurred near Farazy Hospital.
He was rescued and first taken to Farazy hospital. Later, he was shifted to Dhaka Medical College Hospital where doctors declared him dead around 11 am.
Read more: 3 motorcyclists dead in Jhenaidah road crashes
The body has been kept at the hospital morgue, said Inspector Bachchu Mia, in-charge of Dhaka Medical College and Hospital (DMCH) police outpost.
HC issues stay order on cancellation of Hero Alam’s nomination for Bogura by-polls
The High Court (HC) today has stayed the decision of the Election Commission to cancel the nomination papers of independent candidate Ashraful Hossain Alam, better known as "Hero Alam", for the upcoming by-election for Bogura-4 and Bogura-6 constituencies.
The court also issued a rule asking why the decision to cancel Hero Alam's nominations would not be declared illegal.
A High Court bench of Justice M Khairuzzaman and Justice Md Iqbal Karib passed the order following two separate writ petitions were filed by Hero Alam on Monday.
Read more: Is Hero Alam the problem or social media ?
Four people, including the chief election commissioner, election commission secretary, and district returning officer, were asked to reply to the rule.
Advocate Md Yarul Islam who appeared for the writ petitioner said there is no bar for Hero Alam to contest in the polls following the directive of the High Court.
Earlier, Hero Alam collected papers for contesting the upcoming by-elections for Bogura-4 and Bogura-6 as an independent candidate, but the nominations were turned down by the Election Commission.
Read more: Bogura by-election: Hero Alam's nomination cancelled again
Deputy Commissioner Saiful Islam said the nomination papers of eleven candidates, including Hero Alam's, were cancelled as the Election Commission found mismatched documents against their affidavits.