United News of Bangladesh

Bangladesh has offered cadet training scholarship after Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman in the country's five government marine academies for foreigners through International Maritime Organization (IMO). The sholarship has been offered for 10 cadets from Small Island Developing States (SIDS) and African Least Developed Countries (LDCs). This proposal was made when IMO Secretary-General Arsenio Antonio Dominguez Velasc paid a courtesy call on Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina at the latter’s official residence Ganabhaban on Thursday. IMO Secretary General in Dhaka; will deliver lecture at MoFA today In response, the UN marine agency IMO gladly accepted this offer, said PM’s Speechwriter Md Nazrul Islam while briefing reporters after the meeting. In the meeting, different other issues including shipbuilding, ship recycling, maritime crimes and climate issues came up for discussion. The IMO official document stressed the need for promoting gender equilibrium in the marine academies in Bangladesh. In this regard, the PM said there was no girl cadet in the marine academies in the past. But her government introduced the enrollment of girls in the marine academies and many girls are enrolling in the academies. About the ship recycling industry, the IMO secretary-general said Bangladesh is the largest ship recycling country. Bangladesh demonstrated its high commitment for environmentally safe ship recycling by acceding to the Hong Kong Convention in June last. IMO secretary general due tomorrow The Hong Kong convention, a treaty set up by UN shipping agency the International Maritime Organization (IMO), is aimed at ensuring that ships, when being recycled after reaching the end of their operational lives, did not pose any unnecessary risks to human health, safety and to the environment. The PM sought assistance from the IMO, a specialised agency of the United Nations, for strengthening safe ship recycling here in Bangladesh.“We are enhancing the safety measures in shipbuilding and ship recycling and we seek support from IMO,” she was quoted as saying. She said Bangladesh has achieved remarkable progress in shipbuilding as the private sector alongside the government is building ships here and Bangladeshi ships are being exported to European countries as well. The PM said sea transportation is very important for Bangladesh and stressed the need for ensuring safe water routes. She expressed her satisfaction over the role of IMO for the quick release of Bangladeshi ship MV Abdullah hijacked by Somali pirates recently. About the safety in the Bay of Bengal, Sheikh Hasina was quoted as saying, “We all together control the pirates here and such steps should be taken in other places.” She said Bangladesh increased the safety measures on the movement of inland water vessels as well and has successfully reduced the number of casualties. The PM said the government has been trying to minimise the casualties and damages of the cyclone and other natural disasters. Arsenio Dominguez said the IMO is working on maritime crimes including human and drug trafficking. PM’s Ambassador at-Large Mohammad Ziauddin, Principal Secretary M Tofazzel Hossain Miah, IMO Vice-President Saida Muna Tasneem and Secretary (Maritime Affairs Unit) at the Foreign Ministry Rear Admiral (retd) Khurshid Alam were present.  

Speakers at a seminar on Thursday said Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman was always an indomitable voice for peace both nationally and globally.  Indeed, his strong leadership, along with the ideas of world peace and unwavering dedication to justice and equality, remains as relevant in today’s world as it was during his lifetime, they said. Bangladesh Institute of International and Strategic Studies (BIISS) organised the seminar titled “Bangabandhu: A Champion of World Peace” at the BIISS auditorium. In pursuit of peace at home and abroad, the speakers said, Bangabandhu was always an outspoken critic against colonialism, racism and imperialism as well as recognising these as major barriers to global peace and security.  Throughout his life, Bangabandhu was vocal about people’s emancipation from oppression and exploitation.  Speakers in the seminar also said that his ideals and principles would always remain as an eternal source of inspiration for the oppressed and freedom-seeking people of the world.  A K M Mozammel Huq, Liberation War Affairs Minister graced the seminar as the chief guest.  While Md Shahriar Alam, Member, Parliamentary Standing Committee  on Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Mozaffar Hossain Paltu, President, World Peace  Council, Bangladesh Chapter, were present in the seminar as the special guests.  Major General Md Abu Bakar Siddique Khan, Director General, BIISS, delivered the welcome address.  Three presentations were delivered in the seminar.  The presenters were M Ashique Rahman, Senior Research Fellow, BIISS; Lt Col (Retd) Sajjad Ali Zahir, Bir Pratik, Swadhinata Padak, Padma Shri; and Ambassador Mashfee Binte Shams, Rector Foreign Service Academy.  Ambassador AFM Gousal Azam Sarker, Chairman, BIISS, moderated and concluded the seminar with remarks. Senior officials from different ministries, diplomatic missions, media, researchers, businesspeople, teachers and students from various universities, representatives from different thinktanks, and international organisations participated in the seminar. END/UNB/MK/FH  

Grameenphone, the smart connectivity provider, along with Dhaka Flow, announced its upcoming event "Lumiere - An Experience from Grameenphone Presents Dhaka Flow Food and Wellness Festival at Gulshan Club," a two-day festival set to take place on May 31 - June 1, at the capital’s Gulshan Club at their Lamda & Patio Halls.  This festival aims to elevate mental and physical well-being through a series of holistic health practices and activities. The event will feature a variety of activities designed to cater to all age groups and interests. On May 31, attendees can look forward to sessions such as "Flow Within: Journaling," "Canvas Therapy: Art & Music," "Introduction to Yoga," "Yoga For Kids," "Folk Beats: Dance," and a panel discussion on "Deep Dive into Healthy Gut." The day will culminate with a concert by the Blues Brothers & Soul Sister.  Additionally, on the inaugural day (Friday at 5 pm), the event will feature an Inspirational Conversation between Chief Guest MP Kazi Nabil Ahmed – Bangladesh Awami League politician and Jatiya Sangsad member representing the Jessore-3 constituency since 2014, Vice President of the Bangladesh Football Federation, and Director of Gemcon Group; – and Special Guest Jamal Bhuyan, the Denmark-born Bangladeshi professional footballer and captain of the Bangladesh national team, currently playing as a midfielder for Abahani Limited Dhaka in the Bangladesh Premier League. World Day for Safety and Health at Work: Here’s How Dhaka Flow Wants to Promote a Safer Workplace On June 1, the festival will continue with "Introduction to Meditation," " "Yoga For Seniors," "Sound Meditation," "Women's Self Defense," "Functional Fitness Bootcamp," "Heal from Trauma," and "Sound Journey with Swayambhu."  "At Grameenphone, we strongly believe in supporting causes that uplift the health and wellness of our communities," said Farha Naz Zaman, Head of Marketing, Grameenphone. "This partnership with Dhaka Flow is not about merely celebrating health and well-being. We are fostering a community of like-minded individuals committed to holistic living. Together, we aim to inspire and support a healthier connected community, which can contribute to society’s overall progress.” Cosmos Group hosts Dhaka Flow at "Health and Safety at Work" Workshop In addition to the wellness sessions, the festival will feature a health and wellness marketplace with vendors offering a variety of products and services. The Food Bazaar will showcase vendors curating special menus featuring delicious and healthy options specifically for the festival. Dhaka Flow invites everyone to join this exciting and transformative event to discover the benefits of holistic well-being, from May 31 - June 1, at the Lamda & Patio Halls, Gulshan Club, from 9:30 am - 7 pm. Dhaka Flow is a wellness organization based in Bangladesh, dedicated to promoting mental and physical well-being in the face of urbanization and modern lifestyle challenges. Dhaka Flow believes  that holistic health practices can significantly enhance the quality of life for individuals and communities, and they are  to a mission of wellness for all. More information on holistic well-being and registration details for classes or retreats with Dhaka Flow are available at www.dhakaflow.com and on its social media platforms at Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn and YouTube.  

Road Transport and Bridges Minister Obaidul Quader has called on bus owners to ensure that passengers are not overcharged as they travel home for Eid-ul-Azha. Speaking at a press briefing today, Quader emphasized the need for strict monitoring of bus fares and enhanced measures to facilitate safe and smooth journeys. “We must guarantee fair treatment for all passengers, especially during the Eid rush,” Quader said. “No extra fare should be imposed on homebound travelers." Quader urged authorities to increase surveillance at key entry points to Dhaka and other strategic locations to manage the influx of travelers. He also stressed the importance of ensuring an adequate number of vehicles to prevent overcrowding and delays. BNP rally means arson, havoc and bloodshed: Obaidul Quader “Now, people can travel from Cumilla to Dhaka in 30-40 minutes. However, due to heavy traffic, passengers often face one to two-hour delays on the Hanif Flyover,” Quader said, adding that this issue needs to be resolved in the national interest. The minister highlighted the difficulties faced by garment workers, particularly in the Chandra area of Gazipur, during Eid journeys. “Thousands start walking on the streets due to a shortage of vehicles,” he remarked, urging for more adequate transportation arrangements. Quader reiterated that motorcyclists cannot be allowed to ride without helmets and stressed the importance of vehicle fitness. Bangladesh has progressed significantly, but the standards of bus owners have declined, he noted. “Proper surveillance is crucial to prevent road accidents.” Govt takes zero tolerance policy against offenders: Obaidul Quader He called on bus owners to ensure that only qualified drivers, not their helpers, operate the buses. “We need to strengthen the monitoring system to reduce the recurrence of accidents,” Quader added. Addressing the ongoing construction works, Quader directed authorities to halt road digging during the Eid holidays and monsoon season to avoid inconvenience to travelers. He also ordered a temporary suspension of construction activities for seven days around Eid. Furthermore, CNG fuel stations have been instructed to remain open for seven days before and five days after Eid-ul-Azha to accommodate increased demand.  

The BNP on Thursday paid homage to its founder Ziaur Rahman, marking his 43rd death anniversary. Party leaders and activists, led by its Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir, placed a wreath at Ziaur Rahman's grave at Sher-e-Bangla Nagar around 11:25 am paying rich tributes to him. They also joined a special prayers (munajat) seeking eternal peace of the departed soul of Zia and the good health of party Chairperson Khaleda Zia. The leaders and workers of BNP’s different units and associate bodies also placed wreaths at Zia’s grave on the occasion. Apart from Fakhrul, BNP Standing Committee Members Mirza Abbas, Dr Abdul Moyeen Khan, Gayeshwar Chandra Roy, Nazrul Islam Khan, Vice Chairman AZM Zahid Hossain and Senior Joint Secretary General Ruhul Kabir Rizvi were, among others, present. BNP’s 15-day programme to mark Zia’s death anniversary The party and its different associate bodies chalked out a 15-day programme to observe the death anniversary nationwide with due respect. The programmes include arranging discussion meetings, seminars, photo exhibitions, wearing black badges, publishing supplements in newspapers and distributing food and relief materials among the destitute. The observance of Zia's death anniversary programmes began on Tuesday through a discussion programme arranged by Jatiyatabadi Muktijoddha Dal, freedom fighters' wing of the party, at Dhaka Reporters Unity (DRU). The party organised a discussion meeting on Wednesday at the Institution of Engineers, Bangladesh, in memory of Zia. Ziaur Rahman who founded the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) in 1978 was assassinated by a group of disgruntled army officers at Chittagong Circuit House on 30 May ,1981. In observance of the day, black flags were hoisted and party flags kept at half-mast atop the offices of the party and its associate bodies, including Nayapaltan headquarters at 6 am. Meanwhile, BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir issued a message on the occasion paying deep tributes to Zia. Khaleda returns home from hospital He recalled the BNP founder’s huge contributions to the Liberation War and the nation. “The popularity of this great liberal democratic leader, Ziaur Rahman, could never be accepted by domestic and foreign conspirators. These conspirators assassinated President Ziaur Rahman on 30 May 1981. The nation lost a great patriotic nationalist leader through this tragic incident,” Fakhrul said.

Bangladesh Meteorological Department (BMD) has predicted rain or thundershowers in five divisions including Dhaka and Chattogram over 24 hours, starting from 9 am today. “Rain or thundershowers accompanied by temporary gusty wind is likely to occur at a few places in Rangpur, Mymensingh and Sylhet divisions and at one or two places in Dhaka and Chattogram divisions,” said a BMD bulletin. Rains likely to drench Dhaka, six other divisions in 24 hours Weather may remain mainly dry with temporary partly cloudy sky elsewhere over the country. Day and night temperatures may fall slightly over the northern part and may rise slightly elsewhere in the country. A trough of westerly low lies over West Bengal in India to northwest Bay. Southwest monsoon has advanced upto Teknaf coast. Rains likely in Dhaka, 4 others divisions  

Members of Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) seized a 2.5 kg consignment of cocaine from the Khulna-bound Kapotaksha Express train today. Acting on a tip-off, a special patrol team from the Kushtia Battalion (BGB 47) positioned themselves at Mirpur Railway Station in Kushtia. Over 4-kg crystal meth seized in Cox’s Bazar, 1 detained: BGB When the train stopped at Mirpur Railway Station, the BGB patrol team conducted a search operation and recovered 2.5 kg of cocaine, Lt Col Mohammad Mahbub Morshed of Kushtia Battalion (BGB 47) said. A general diary entry regarding the seizure is currently being processed at Mirpur Police Station

A gas cylinder explosion on DIT Road in the Badda area of Dhaka early this morning resulted in one fatality and left another person injured.  The explosion occurred at approximately 6:43 am on the ground floor of a three-storey building. The identities of the deceased and the injured have not yet been confirmed. Two units from the Baridhara Fire Station responded promptly to the incident and extinguished the fire.  Fire burns over 50 houses in Gazipur Talha bin Jashim, Station Officer of the FSCD Headquarters Media Cell, said that the exact cause of the explosion will be known after investigation. Preliminary suspicions suggest that a gas cylinder leakage may have caused the blast.  Authorities are conducting a thorough investigation to determine the precise cause of the explosion.

In the Bhanga Upazila Parishad election of Faridpur, a presiding officer was attacked for preventing fake votes. The assailants allegedly looted government-allocated funds from the centre. The incident occurred on Wednesday at 3:30 PM at the Rashidpur Dakhil Madrasa Centre at Gharua union of the upazila. Presiding officer Hasib Uddin Mridha reported that in the final moments of voting, local UP Chairman Monsur Ali and his associates entered the polling centre, demanding votes for Kawsar Bhuiyan’s “Inkpot and Pen” symbol. When Mridha refused, he was assaulted and humiliated. The attackers then looted Tk 73,000 from his office, funds reserved for conducting the election. Mridha mentioned that he could not file a complaint on time due to the ongoing election results process but plans to submit a written complaint to the police soon. He has already informed law enforcement via phone. Ziaul Haque Khan, the returning officer for the third phase of the Upazila Parishad elections, confirmed awareness of the incident but could not provide details due to the ongoing vote count. In this election, Bhanga Upazila had five chairman candidates, four female vice-chairman candidates, and six male vice-chairman candidates, with a total of 99 polling centers. Repeated calls to UP Chairman Monsur Ali went unanswered. Regarding the issue, Bhanga Police Station Officer-in-Charge Golam Muntasir Maruf acknowledged awareness of the incident but noted that a formal written complaint had not yet been received. He assured that an investigation is underway. Sources from the Faridpur Election Office revealed that in the elections for two Upazila Parishads in Faridpur, Shahidul Islam Babul was unofficially elected chairman of Sadar Upazila with 40,333 votes, while his nearest competitor, Kazi Shafiqul Rahman, received 35,508 votes. Babul is the former president of the Upazila. Additionally, in Bhanga Upazila, Kawsar Bhuiyan, running with the motorcycle symbol, was unofficially elected chairman with 62,872 votes.

The Livelihoods Improvement of Urban Poor Communities Project (LIUPCP) of the Local Government Division in partnership with the UK’s Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) organised a day-long workshop titled “Mayors’ Knowledge Exchange Workshop on LIUPCP Good Practices” on Wednesday at a hotel in Dhaka. The objective of the workshop was to share and discuss good practices around pro-poor and climate-resilient urban development emerging from LIUPCP interventions in 19 cities and towns. Local Government, Rural Development Cooperatives Minister Md Tazul Islam was present as the Chief Guest while Stefan Liller, Resident Representative, UNDP Bangladesh, and Matt Cannell, Deputy High Commissioner and Development Director, British High Commission were present as Special Guests. Muhammad Ibrahim, Secretary, Local Government Division, MoLGRD&C chaired the workshop. In her opening remarks Sonali Dayaratne, Deputy Resident Representative, UNDP Bangladesh said, “The government has taken full ownership of our urban resilience programme. It has showcased how community women are tailoring solutions to the community’s needs in cities and towns.” Mayor of Dhaka North Md Atiqul Islam, while chairing the session on 'Good practices of community empowerment and locally led approaches for climate-resilient infrastructure’ said, “Local action is the key to national success, and a bottom-up community-led development process will ensure pro-poor urban development.” The Chief Guest Md Tazul Islam, MP said, “By 2041, we want to become a developed country and this development journey will leave no one behind”. “To look forward to using the learnings from this workshop in the coming days.” Stefan Liller, while addressing the workshop said, “Our longstanding partnership with the Bangladesh Government and the UK spans nearly two decades, showcasing a robust model of urban poverty reduction and climate change adaptation. The programme continues to strengthen resilience at the community level, ensuring that our efforts are integrated into broader urban development strategies of local governments. Commenting on the learnings from LIUPC, Matt Cannell said, “I am glad to see the partnership between the Bangladesh government, the UK government and UNDP improved the livelihoods and living conditions of 4 million poor urban people in Bangladesh.” Muhammad Ibrahim, Secretary, MoLGRD&C thanked the UK Government and UNDP for supporting the LIUPC. “We look forward to fostering this partnership in the coming years. Among others, Mayor of Chandpur, Md Jillur Rahman, Chairperson of Chandpur Town Federation, Nazma Alam also spoke. Around 120 participants comprising Mayors from City Corporations and Municipalities, development partners, government agencies, NGOs, INGOs, and bilateral and multilateral partners attended the workshop. The LIUPCP is working for pro-poor climate-smart urban development. Started in 2018, the project has reached around four million urban poor in its program cities and towns and has demonstrated several good practices in community empowerment, affordable housing, adaptive livelihoods, improved socioeconomic conditions, climate resilient infrastructures and pro-poor planning and municipal governance.