United News of Bangladesh

USAID Deputy Assistant Administrator of the Bureau for Asia Anjali Kaur on Monday said prolonged exposure to air pollution has detrimental effects on children’s development and learning, and accounts for nearly 20 percent of deaths annually.  "USAID is working in Bangladesh and across the South Asia region to address the root causes of this problem and scale up cleaner, greener, and more affordable sources of energy," she said.   Harnessing sources like hydropower, solar, and wind can help reduce the carbon footprint by eight percent by 2040, and create new job opportunities in renewable energy, Anjali said.  She was speaking at an event titled “Save Your Breath: Policy Dialogue on Clean Air Imperatives,” organized by the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) and the Shakti Foundation. Environment, Forest and Climate Change Minister Saber Hossain Chowdhury spoke as the chief guest.  Nasrul Hamid, state minister for Power, Energy, and Mineral Resources of Bangladesh and Atiqul Islam, Mayor of Dhaka North City Corporation (DNCC) also spoke at the event.  "Let us commit to bridging science and air quality policy, and establishing stronger partnerships between government, development partners, science and academics, regulators, the private sector, and civil society to forge a roadmap towards clean air and a brighter and more prosperous future," Anjali said. She said one of their most pressing priorities is mitigating the impacts of climate change and building a more sustainable future.   "This is an immense challenge that requires collaboration among governments, businesses, and everyday people. We all have a part to play," she said. Air pollution is one of the world’s largest environmental health risks and causes more deaths than malaria, HIV/AIDS, lead poisoning, and tuberculosis combined.   "Not only is it a threat to health  – air pollution has economic ramifications. In its recent Country Environmental Analysis on Bangladesh, the World Bank estimated that household and outdoor air pollution alone cost almost nine percent of Bangladesh’s GDP in 2019," Anjali said.  She said this is a problem that affects everybody.   "The entire population of over 170 million Bangladeshis are exposed to unhealthy levels of air pollution. In Dhaka, as you know all too well, this problem is growing worse each year," Anjali said. Air pollution does not affect everyone equally. It adversely impacts the elderly and children, poor people, and people with pre-existing health conditions.   "We also share a history of working together to protect the environment and preserve Bangladesh’s precious ecosystems," Anjali said. These are important interventions in building sustainability over the longer term, but fighting climate change and curbing air pollution requires action now, she said. The data on air quality in Dhaka paints a bleak picture.  The U.S. Embassy in Dhaka installed an air quality monitoring system in 2016, and it has recorded air quality every single hour since then. The results show a remarkably consistent trend.  Every year starting in October, the air quality index (or AQI) begins to worsen.  It reaches its worst levels in January, and stays at those levels until March or April.  From May to September – the period we are in now – it improves somewhat, but it is still often at a level that is considered unhealthy for people. From November 2023 to April 2024, over 80 percent of days in each month registered air quality levels considered “unhealthy” for the general population with an AQI of over 150. Up until last week’s tropical cyclone, Dhaka hadn’t had a day of “good” air quality – meaning an AQI of less than 50 – since November 2023.   "That’s six months without a “good” AQI.  Even with the rainstorm cleansing the air, May’s monthly average AQI was 155 – a level deemed unhealthy for the general population," Anjali said. "This is a complex challenge that requires multifaceted solutions. We applaud the Government of Bangladesh for your dedication to air quality management, and its recent work developing its draft national air quality management action plan," she said.  She said they remain committed to partnering in these efforts.   USAID is investing in air quality programming throughout the region, including in India and Nepal, and gleaned knowledge and best practices that might be applied here.   "We’ve also seen success in mobilizing resilience efforts in Bangladesh at both the policy level, and implementation at the local level.  Municipalities and citizens are working together to improve waste management, water and sanitation, and in Dhaka and other cities like Khulna, where I visited last September to see these efforts in action," Anjali said.  She said the challenges are immense, and they have no other choice but to act. "That is why we are all here today. We are keen to hear your ideas and exploring ways we can work together to achieve our shared goals."    

In a concerted effort to combat drug trafficking and consumption, Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) arrested 22 individuals during separate operations across various areas of the capital. The arrests were made within a 24-hour period, concluding at 6:00 am on Monday. During the operations, police recovered a significant haul of drugs, including 221 yaba pills and 24 grams of heroin from the suspects. Why Aziz, Benazir yet to be arrested, asks Manna DMP's regular anti-narcotics initiative saw local thana police and the Detective Branch (DB) conducting these drives. The targeted areas included several key locations within the city known for drug-related activities. In connection with these arrests, a total of 17 cases have been filed at various local police stations under the Narcotics Control Act.

Chief of Army Staff General SM Shafiuddin Ahmed returned home on Sunday after an official visit to Singapore. During his visit, the Army chief attended the 'International Institute for Strategic Studies Shangri-La Dialogue 21st Asia Security Summit-2024' held in Singapore from May 31 to June 2 this month, says an Inter Service Public Relations (ISPR) release on Monday morning. Army Chief off to Singapore to attend Shangri-La Dialogue 2024 The conference discussed regional security risks in Asia, important military issues and determination of joint approaches to counter the risks. Besides, the Army chief held bilateral meetings with the Germany's State Minister for Defense and high ranking military and civilian officials, including army chiefs from various countries. The Chief of Army Staff went to Singapore on an official visit on May 30.

Dr Shahidul Alam, eminent Bangladeshi photographer, writer, teacher and activist who received an Honorary Doctorate from the University of the Arts London (UAL) in recognition of his outstanding contribution to the field of photography and activism, has announced that he is returning the Honorary Doctorate. On the occasion of his 69th birthday on Sunday, Drik Picture Library announced this via a press release, mentioning that he is returning the accolade as a protest against the UAL’s ani-Palestine stance. He received the Honorary Doctorate from the University on July 8, 2022, at the Royal Festival Hall in London. Mentioning that at that time, UAL ranked in the top two in the world for Art and Design, Dr Shahidul Alam stated that he happily accepted the degree from UAL Chancellor Grayson Perry because of the university's commitment to academic freedom and freedom of expression. Grayson Perry described the university as "the world's biggest factory for making trouble".  Dr Alam says that despite the appointment of James Purnell, an avowed Zionist, as Vice Chancellor of the University since then, he was heartened by the fact that UAL students were at the forefront among other students of Britain in demonstrating their solidarity with Palestine and urging their university administration to show public support for a ceasefire in Gaza. However, he expressed that he is appalled to find how far the UAL administration, specifically its Vice Chancellor, appears not in line with that sentiment. Students at UAL have repeatedly pointed out how they have been “stifled, stereotyped, and ignored,” according to Dr Alam. The students claim that “The UAL, through its partnerships with PUMA, Kornit, LVMH, L’Oréal, and many other Israeli or Israel-affiliated companies and institutions, including Israel Oceanographic and Limnological Research, Shenkar Engineering and Bezalel Academy of Arts and Design, is a willing accomplice in Israel’s regime of occupation, apartheid, and ongoing genocide.”  In light of this, Dr Alam states that he can no longer remain associated with the Honorary accolade from the university and has officially informed Stephen Cross, Dean of Media, UAL London College of Communication, that he is returning the Honorary Doctorate. Dr Shahidul Alam completed his undergraduate degree at the University of Liverpool and earned a Bachelor's in biochemistry and genetics from the institution in 1976. He then moved to London to pursue his Doctor of Philosophy at Bedford College, University of London, where he graduated with a D Phil in organic chemistry in 1983. Widely revered as a pioneering media personality, Dr Shahidul Alam established the Drik Picture Library in 1998, as well as the Pathshala South Asian Institute of Photography (subsequently known as the Pathshala South Asian Media Institute) in Dhaka in 1999. He established the Chobi Mela International Photography Festival, which is currently one of the most significant and esteemed photography festivals in Asia, and he continues to serve as its director.

Nobel laureate Dr. Muhammad Yunus, after attending a court hearing, commented on the severe humiliation he has faced, as he was made to stand in an iron cage in the courtroom. He said it was a memorable event in his life to stand in an iron cage in the courtroom. "This is part of a cursed life," the economist said on Sunday as he exited the court following the hearing.  About him winning the Nobel Prize, he said, " Two Nobel Prizes were awarded—one in my name and the other in the name of Grameen Bank. Both hold equal importance and honor. Neither is less than the other, and the awards were given independently, not jointly." The Nobel laureate said there is no precedent in the history of the world where one Nobel laureate has to appear before the anti-corruption commission against another Nobel laureate.  "This has happened to us. It is part of a curse that we are accepting," he said. Dr. Yunus expressed dismay over the harsh language used in the accusations against him, which he claims are baseless. "I have informed you about the events. There is no truth in this incident. I am accused of taking money for something I had already given away, and various other baseless allegations." "All the allegations against me and my colleagues so far are part of the curse. It has not been acceptable to me at all that my father was attacked, and my siblings were attacked. This is part of the cursed life I have mentioned," added Yunus. He also addressed the journalists, saying, "You should know and write about why we have to bear this cursed life. It’s not just about knowing; write something. What is the truth, the significance, the role? Reporting is not just about hearing and writing; there is an explanation. Going deep and informing everyone is also part of it." Earlier , Dr. Yunus appeared in court around 10:30 AM to attend the hearing. Other defendants were also present in court. 

Rasel Sarkar and Nasimul Huda have been made the acting president and general secretary of Dhaka University Journalists Association (DUJA) as its two high-ups went to China to attend a dialogue exchange program. A press release issued by DUJA office secretary Abu Jafor confirmed the matter. Rasel Sarkar has been working as a Dhaka University reporter for bdnews24.com and Nasimul Huda is working as the university correspondent of the daily Bangladesh Pratidin. They completed their graduation and post-graduation in the Mass Communication and Journalism department of Dhaka University. Alongside this, Rasel Sarkar is the vice president of the running executive committee of DUJA while Nasimul Huda has carried the position of joint general secretary. IDUJA president Al Shadi Vuiyan and General Secretary Mohi Uddin Muzahid went to China with a twenty-member delegation team to attend a ten-day long dialogue exchange program under the title of 'Young Scholars delegation' arranged by the Shanghai Institute for International Studies and Centre for China Studies (CCS).

 The decision on whether to begin the trial of Dr. Muhammad Yunus and 14 others in a case over embezzling Tk 25.22 crore of the Grameen Telecom Workers' welfare fund, will be announced on June 12. After a hearing regarding the formation of charges against the defendants, Judge Syed Arafat Hossain of Dhaka's Special Judge Court-4 set this date on Sunday (2 June). Senior lawyer Mosharraf Hossain Kajol represented the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) in court, while Barrister Abdul Al Mamun represented Dr. Yunus. Yunus Centre refutes Grameen Bank allegations centring Packages Corporation Dr. Yunus's lawyer Abdullah Al Mamun confirmed the development. Meanwhile, Dr. Yunus arrived at the court around 10:30 AM to attend the hearing, along with the other defendants. On February 1, the investigating officer of the case, ACC Deputy Director Gulshan Anwar Pradhan, submitted the charge sheet against Dr. Yunus and 14 others. Dr Yunus meets President of Italian Republic Sergio Mattarella The 13 other  accused in the case are Grameen Telecom MD Nazmul Islam, Director Ashraful Hasan, former MD Parveen Mahmood, Director, Najnin Sultana, Shahjahan, Noorjahan Begum, and S. M. Hazzatul Islam Latifi, all serving as directors, along with Advocate Yusuf Ali, Advocate Zaforul Hasan Sharif, Mo. Kamruzzaman, President of the Union of Gramin Telecom Employees, Firoz Mahmud Hasan, General Secretary Kamrul Hasan, office secretary of the Employees' Union office, and representative Mainul Islam. Gulshan Anwar, the Deputy Director of the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC), filed the case as the primary complainant on May 30, 2023. Yunus meets Pope Francis, urges immediate action on Palestine and all conflicts across the world

A court here on Sunday sentenced e-commerce platform Evaly's Chairman Shamima Nasrin and CEO Mohammad Rassel, to one year of imprisonment each in a cheque dishonour case. The court also fined them Tk1,80,000. Evaly CEO Rassel, Chairman Nasrin indicted in DSA case   Judge Md Mohiuddin of the Metropolitan Sessions Judge Court passed the order on Sunday, Assistant Public Prosecutor MS Hosen Shahed confirmed. Shahed said, "In 2021, the plaintiff, Jasim Uddin Abid, filed a case against Evaly CEO Rassel and Chairman Shamima alleging cheque bounce. The judge sentenced both of them to imprisonment for one year and imposed a fine equivalent to the amount of the bounced cheque." Evaly CEO Rassel: no relief from jail despite bail in DSA case Rassel and Shamima were arrested from their residence in the capital’s Mohammadpur on 16 September 2021, in a case of fraud and embezzlement. Shamima was granted bail in April 2022 while Rassel was released on 19 December 2023.

The godfathers of drug trade will be brought to book through special methods, said additional Inspector General of Police of Criminal Investigation Department (CID) Mohammad Ali Mia on Sunday. The amassed properties of the godfathers of drug trade were brought under legal action. Some of these were confiscated through freezing accounts while some of these were seized, he said while talking to reporters after unveiling a cover of a book at CID headquarters in Malibagh. Trying to identify the peddlers who bring drugs into Bangladesh: Home Minister Earlier, we used to bring drug users and retailers under the law but now we are bringing the godfathers through special methods through freezing or seizing properties, he added. Mentioning that there is a human trafficking cell in CID which is kept open round the clock, the CID additional IGP said legal steps are being taken against the human trafficking gang after getting a complaint. Apart from this, “We will take legal action if anyone files a case over what we saw at the airport on May 31. We will bring not only the trafficking case but also the illegal sending of workers or the transfer of money illegally converted under the money laundering case.” Replying to a question about how much money has been laundered in the past one year, the CID official said they have no information about it as the Bangladesh Bank is monitoring it. 216kg cannabis seized in Sirajganj; 2 drug peddlers held Responding to a question about the Bangladesh Bank reserve heist, Mohammad Ali, said CID will submit the chargesheet after completing the investigation within two or one month.    

Around 17,000 people, who were planning to go to Malaysia, failed to go there within the stipulated time, said State Minister for Expatriate Welfare and Overseas Employment Shofiqur Rahman Chowdhury on Sunday. Already a six-member body, headed by additional secretary of Expatriate Welfare and Overseas Employment Ministry, Mahbubul Haque, has been formed to look into the reason behind the failure of workers in Malaysia and the committee was asked to submit its report within the next seven working days, he said while talking to reporters at the Ministry. Bangladeshi workers must be protected from criminalisation in Malaysia: UN experts Till May 31, the Bureau of Manpower Employment Training (BMET) has given the clearance certificate to 4,93,642 workers to go to Malaysia and among them 4,76,672 went to the country while 16970 remained left in Bangladesh, he said. Assuring that punitive action will be taken against those who will found responsible in sending the workers to Malaysia, Shofiqur said the government will find out the reason behind failure of sending workers by the recruiting agencies within stipulated time, identify those recruiting agencies involved in it and complains if any to the committee and will fix how to deal with such issues, he said. Expatriate welfare state minister visits UAE, Qatar, Oman to strengthen labour market ties Noting that the government was always sincere about sending workers to Malaysia, Shofiqur said urgent notices have been published in advertisements in the newspapers while twenty-three additional flights have been operated to carry workers. In addition, we have sent a letter requesting extension of time to send workers to Malaysia. Replying to a question about the syndicate, the junior minister said the government doesn’t believe in any syndicate and the government wants that the recruiting agencies, approved by the government, can send workers. Expecting the opening of the labour market in Malaysia, Shofiqur said the government is working with utmost sincerity. Italy to recruit skilled workers: State Minister for Expatriates Besides, secretary to the Expatriate Welfare and Overseas Employment, Ruhul Amin, said those who have tickets issued before May 24, were approved to go to Malaysia.