United News of Bangladesh

The 8th Urban Dialogue, among the actors who are linked with urbanization, was held at the Nawab Ali Chowdhury Senate building of Dhaka University on Tuesday (May 28). The daylong dialogue was jointly organized by Urban INGO Forum, a forum constituted with 20 national and International Non-Govt Development organisations, and Department of Disaster Science and Climate Resilience of Dhaka University. In the program, Dr A S M Maksud Kamal, Vice chancellor Of DU, presided over the program as a keynote speaker while Atiqul islam, mayor of Dhaka north city Corporation was present as chief guest. Dr. Liakath Ali, director of climate change programme at Brac, Manish Kumar Agarwal, country director of Concern worldwide, and Raihan Mahmood Kadery, Country Manager of Global one Bangladesh were also present as special guests at the program. While delivering the speech of keynote speaker, Prof. Maksud Kamal said, “Sustainable development is impossible without innovation. For sustainable innovations mutual collaboration, cooperation and partnership among concerned ones would be enhanced." Addressing the challenges of climate change researchers, stakeholders, city corporations, NGOs, public-private organizations and policy-makers, be called on all to work together for urban development in a planned way. “Climate change is a threat to mankind. Developing countries like Bangladesh and poor countries have badly been affected due to this," he added. Speaking as the chief guest, Mayor Atiqul Islam said, “Developing and poor countries have suffered immensely due to the corona epidemic, climate change and ongoing wars in different countries. Developed countries are mainly responsible for carbon emissions and climate change. They must take responsibility and give compensation to affected countries.” He urged city dwellers to be more conscious of protecting our environment and working collectively to face the challenges arising due to climate change.

 Speakers at a discussion meeting on Tuesday urged the government not to be misled by a campaign against genetically modified organism (GMO) foods. They said that crops created by GMO technology are often subjected to various criticisms and misinterpretations. But genetic technology provides various benefits ranging from increasing crop nutrients to suppressing harmful pests of crops without using much less pesticides and above all ensuring high yield in small land. Agriculture Biotechnology Coalition (ABC), Global South Hub, Farming Future Bangladesh and Alliance for Science organised the open discussion on “Conventional Misconceptions and Scientific Explanations of GMOs” at CIRDAP Auditorium in the city. Anwar Faruque, former Secretary of Agriculture and convener of the Agriculture Biotechnology Coalition said “GMO controversy is nothing new, but any misinformation can be multiplied in the current digital media age. “Various organizations are playing the role of propagandists here; I believe they have no clear scientific understanding of GMOs”, he said. BRAC University Professor Dr. Aparna Islam said, “GMO technology is a powerful medium that can be used to increase our food security and produce nutritious crops." However, it is important to be aware of the potential risks of this technology and take steps to address them, she opined. By discussing the environmental impacts of GMOs, we can use this technology responsibly so that it benefits everyone, she said. In view of the ban on commercial cultivation of golden rice and Bt brinjal by the judiciary in the Philippines and the disinformation activities of anti-GMO organizations in Bangladesh, Bangladesh Rice Research Institute Chief Scientific Officer, Dr. Abdul Quader said, “It is very unfortunate that some people are commenting on GMOs based on misconceptions." Referring to the World Health Organisation, he said one in five preschool children suffers from vitamin A deficiency. Most of them are born in poor families and their families cannot afford to buy various types of vegetables and fruits rich in vitamin A in their daily diet in this high priced market. “In that case, the 'Vitamin-A' present in golden rice in the daily diet will be able to fill this deficiency. So I encourage everyone to know the real truth,” he added. Director General of Bangladesh Rice Research Institute Dr. Md. Shahjahan Kabir said, Bri or its scientists speak on the basis of researched data, not on assumptions or emotions. BRI scientists have tested this rice for many years and have confirmed that it is completely safe for the human body, animals and the environment. Golden Rice is as safe as Brie Dhan29. The US Federal Drug Administration (FDA) has tested this rice and said it is completely safe. The same has been said by organizations such as Health Canada and Food Standards Australia-New Zealand. No study or journal in the world has proven the environmental, health and other risks of GM crops, he noted. During the discussion, Research Director of Bangladesh Agricultural Research Institute, Dr. Md. Abdullah Yusuf Akhand, highlighted the need of Bt brinjal in the agricultural sector of Bangladesh. He said, “Bt brinjal has changed the lives of many farmers in the country by reducing the cost of pesticides." This reduced pesticide use by about fifty-one percent and improved their quality of life. For this reason, currently about sixty thousand farmers are cultivating this eggplant, he said.  

Bangladeshi applicants, while applying for an Italian work visa, can now submit their passport only after a visa decision is taken by the Embassy of Italy. "While applying for Italy work visa in Bangladesh, applicants will be required to submit passports only for scanning and photocopy," said VFS Global on Tuesday. Original passports will be returned to the applicants immediately, it said. Original passports will be requested again for visa issuance after the Embassy's decision.

Bangladesh will observe International Day of United Nations Peacekeepers on May 29. A number of activities will be arranged on the day, the Inter-Services Public Relations Directorate (ISPR) said in a release on Tuesday. Local Government, Rural Development and Cooperatives Minister Md Tajul Islam will attend the Peacekeepers Run-2024, as a chief guest. A programme commemorating the peacekeepers will be held at Bangabandhu International Conference Centre. The families and relatives of the injured and martyred peacekeepers will be honoured at the programme. Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina will join the programme as the chief guest. Special journals and supplements will be published by the national dailies to highlight the significance of the day and talk shows will be aired by TV channels, according to the release. Documentaries on Bangladesh's peacekeeping activities will also be aired. Members of the cabinet, ambassadors and high commissioners of different countries, UN resident coordinator in Bangladesh, chiefs of the armed forces, military adviser to the UN Peacekeeping Mission, members of parliament, Principal Staff Officer (PSO) of the armed forces, inspector general of police, senior officials of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, senior military and civilian officials including media personalities will be present at the programme. Currently, 6,092 peacekeepers are deployed in 13 countries, including 493 female peacekeepers. Since its inception, a total of 168 Bangladeshi peacekeepers have been martyred in UN peacekeeping missions. This year, three wounded peacekeepers are being honored. President Mohammed Shahabuddin and Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina issued separate messages in this regard. In his message, the president said since 1988, the highest standard of professionalism, devotion, bravery and outstanding contribution of the Bangladeshi peacekeepers in UN peacekeeping has upheld the image of Bangladesh at the international arena. The peacekeepers of Bangladesh have also been able to secure a dignified status in peacekeeping missions. Bangladesh is one of the largest troops contributing nations in the UN peacekeeping missions, he said. Utmost sincerity, discipline, efficiency and humanitarian activities have played an immense role to the success of our peacekeepers. “I firmly believe that Bangladeshi peacekeepers, performing their duties with honesty, efficiency and professionalism would be able to continue this trend in establishing world peace, harmony, and amity in the days to come. I wish the observance of the ‘International Day of United Nations Peacekeepers 2024’ a grand success,” he said. In her message, the Prime Minister said “I am hopeful that the courage and dedication of our peacekeeping members will elevate Bangladesh's standing as a formidable peacekeeping nation, tirelessly working to prevent conflicts, protect civilians, ensure human rights, and establish peace. Together, we will continue to enhance our country's image and make it shine brighter.” “I wish all the programs undertaken on the occasion of the ‘International Day of United Nations Peacekeepers-2024’ grand success and well-being for all peacekeepers,” she said.

The Parliament Secretariat Commission on Tuesday approved a Tk347.13 crore budget for Bangladesh Parliament to spend on its development and non-development activities for 2024-25 fiscal year. The approval was given at the 35th meeting of the Commission held at the Jatiya Sangsad Bhaban with Speaker Shirin Sharmin Chaudhury in the chair. The budget for the running fiscal year was Tk 324.67 crore. The meeting also projected Tk 382.76 crore for 2025-26 fiscal year while Tk 420.97 crore for 2026-27 fiscal year. According to the meeting sources, the commission meeting has increased the amount of various types of allowance including entertainment by Tk 50. The meeting also discussed the implementation of the decisions of the last meeting. The committee expressed satisfaction with the progress of implementation of the decisions. Prime Minister and Leader of the House Sheikh Hasina, Finance Minister Abu Hasan Mahmud Ali and Opposition Leader GM Quader attended the meeting. Chief Whip Noor-e-Alam Chowdhury attended the meeting on special invitation.

The third phase of the country’s sixth Upazila Parishad Election is set to be held in 87 upazilas in the country on Wednesday. The voting will begin at 8:00am and will continue till 4:00 pm without any break. Elections to 19 Upazila Parishads postponed A total of 1,196 candidates are in the electoral race  against 261 posts of 87 Upazila Parishads. The candidates include 397 chairman contenders, 456 vice chairman and 299 women (reserved) vice chairman contestants. More than 2.08 crore voters – 1,06,40,347 males, 1,02,34,723 females and 114 transgender persons -- are registered under 7,450 polling stations in the 87  upazilas, according to the factsheets provided by the Election Commission on Tuesday. Among them, the electronic voting machines will be used at 16 upazilas in seven districts, while the traditional ballot papers in the rest upazilas. On April 18, the Election Commission announced the election schedule for 112 upazila parishads to conduct the balloting in the third phase. Upazila Election: Appellate Division upholds HC order validating candidacy of Shahadat But the commission later postponed elections to 24 upazila parishads on different grounds. Among them, the balloting in 22 upazilas was suspended due to cyclone Remal, one upazila (Raipura in Narsingdi) for the death of a candidate and another upazila for legal complexities. Besides, all the candidates against three posts – chairman and two vice chairman posts – were already elected uncontested finding no rival contender against their respective posts in Bhandaria Upazila of Pirojpur. A security team of 17-19 members would guard each polling station in the plain districts, while a security team of 19-21 members would protect a polling station in the Chittagong hill tracts and very remote areas. Any voter turnout percentage acceptable: Election Commissioner Alamgir This time, the Election Commission is arranging the sixth upazila parishad election in four phases.  The commission has already declared the election schedule to hold polls in some 480 upazilas out of the country's 495 upazilas. The first phase election was held in 139 upazila parishads of 59 districts on May last 8, while the second phase election in 156 upazilas on May 21 last . The 4th phase election to more than 50 upazilas will be held on June 5 next.

Despite measures taken by utilities under the Power Division, some 1.72 crore consumers still remain without electricity after cyclone Remal hit the country on Sunday. According to a Power Division press release, a total of 3.03 crore consumers were affected by the storm of which electricity supply was restored to 1.31 crore consumers, while 1.72 crore remained without power. It said that efforts are on to restore power supply to 80 percent of the customers by morning of Wednesday (May 29) through commissioning all 33 kV and 11 kV lines while 60 percent of them will get power by Tuesday night. The remaining 20 percent affected consumers will have to wait as their services were stopped and immediate measures will be taken to go to door to door to repair their meters. The Power Division said that as part of post-cyclone initiatives for remediation of damages by the Remal, Bangladesh Rural Electrification Board (BREB) rapidly took measures in its areas under 80 Pally Bidduy Samities (PBSs) while West Zone Power Distribution Company (WZPDC) in its own operational areas through on-site monitoring. Giving a description of the damages, the Power Division said that a total 766 of 33 kV feeders were damaged of which 455 were recovered and remaining 311 unrecovered while 1105 substations of 33/11 kV were damaged of which 654 recovered and remaining 451 unrecovered. A total of 6235 of 11 kV feeders were destroyed of which 2384 was recovered and remaining 3851 were not, a total of 3833 electric poles  collapsed while 2567 were reapaired and remaining 1266 were not , while 2818 distribution transformer were damaged of which 1696 were restored and remaining 1122 were not. According to preliminary information, the cyclone Remal caused damages to electricity infrastructures worth Tk 103.33 crore. More than 30,000 manpower is working in the field, including the BREB's contractors. The total consumers of the WZPDC is 15.48 lakh of which electricity supply to 14.03 lakh consumers was restored  while 1.44 remained unrestored. The WZPDC’s infrastructures worth Tk 5.07 crore were damaged.

PKSF has gained national and international recognitions for its efficiency and capacity in poverty alleviation through employment generation, said State Minister for Finance Waseqa Ayesha Khan on Tuesday. “PKSF is working tirelessly to build a Bangladesh free from hunger and poverty, as envisioned by Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman,” she said at the closing ceremony of a project titled ‘Promoting Agricultural Commercialization and Enterprises (PACE)’, organised at PKSF Bhaban on Tuesday. She said this apex development agency established by the government is working for sustainable development of the microenterprise sector. Waseqa also said that PKSF’s outstanding work is undoubtedly playing a crucial role in achieving a Smart Bangladesh by 2041, as envisioned by Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. PKSF implemented the PACE project from 2015-2023 to develop the microenterprise sector, particularly focusing on the commercial expansion of agri-related enterprises. The project – with a budget of USD 129 million – was funded by the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD). Dr Nomita Halder appointed PKSF MD Dr Arnoud Hameleers, the Country Director of IFAD Bangladesh was present as a special guest. He stated that Bangladesh has reached the level of an ‘almost developed’ country and highlighted that PACE is the second highest quality project among nearly 700 IFAD-funded projects worldwide. He pledged that IFAD will continue to collaborate with PKSF to make Bangladesh’s agricultural sector more productive and sustainable. PKSF Chairman Dr M Khairul Hossain, also the chair of the programme, said that besides creating employment, the PACE project has increased people’s technical knowledge and given them the dream of a new life. PKSF launches $200mn project to transform rural microenterprise He noted that PACE has furthered the country’s stride to realize Bangabandhu’s dream of economic prosperity, and freedom from discrimination and deprivation for the people of Bangladesh. The Managing Director of PKSF, Dr Nomita Halder  said that under the PACE project, 88 sub-projects were implemented in 15 agricultural and 15 non-agricultural sub-sectors. 60% of the micro-entrepreneurs supported by this project are women, she added. Its Additional Managing Director Md Fazlul Kader gave a presentation on the success, achievements, and lessons learned from the PACE project. Board Members of PKSF, representatives of different development partners and PKSF’s Partner Organizations expressed their views during the open discussion session. Additionally, project participants shared their experiences, and a documentary on the project activities was showcased at the event.  

The decision over the recruiting of government officials under 13th to 20th grade through the Public Service Commission (PSC) will be taken within three months after reviewing the recommendations of the committee, said Public Administration Minister Farhad Hossain on Tuesday. “A committee has been formed led by the Additional Secretary of the ministry which submitted a report on January 11 recommending recruitment of government officials under 13th -20th grade through PSC. A scrutiny is underway in this regard,” he said during a dialogue organized by the Bangladesh Secretariat Reporters Forum (BSRF). Decision to increase age limit for govt jobs up to PM, says Public Administration Minister BSRF president Fasih Uddin Mahtab and its general secretary Masudul Haque administered the programme. “We’ll take a final decision over it as there was some complexity in it as well as some technical problem,” he said. Mentioning about the purchasing of 261 vehicles for the field level officers, the minister said “We have enough work. Of these, 61 will be allocated for DCs while the rest for UNOs and the UNOs should work properly. But they need vehicles. Each vehicle will be purchased at Tk 35,38,720. Government has to provide tax Tk 1,10,31,280. NBR and the Finance Ministry got the money.” 3,58,237 persons appointed for govt jobs in 2019-2023: Public Administration Minister Referring to the punishment of government officials, some 121 government officials have been punished in the past ten years. From 2019 to 2024, investigations were carried out against 178 government officials under Grade-1 to Grade-9 and divisional cases were filed against them, he said. Among the 178 government officials, the highest punitive action was taken against 22 people, light punishment against 69 and 77 were relieved from the charges, said the minister. From 2014 to 2014, allegations have been brought against 351 government officials from grade-1 to grade-9 over the past ten years. Of them, 41 received severe punishment and 140 received light punishment while 170 were discharged, he added.

A delegation from the National Defence College (NDC), led by Major General SM Kamrul Hassan, along with two senior directing staff of the rank of Major General, visited the BGMEA Complex in Uttara, Dhaka on Tuesday. The 120-member delegation included senior officers from the Bangladesh Army, Navy, Air Force, and Civil Service, as well as senior military officers from Malaysia, Sri Lanka, India, Kuwait, Kenya, China, South Sudan, Tanzania, Nepal, Jordan, Mali, Oman, Indonesia, Nigeria, Pakistan, Zambia, Saudi Arabia, and Qatar. BGMEA President S. M. Mannan (Kochi) welcomed the NDC delegation. The BGMEA President urged the NDC delegation members to promote the success stories of Bangladesh's garment industry internationally from their respective positions. BGMEA Senior Vice President Khandoker Rafiqul Islam, Vice President (Finance) Md. Nasir Uddin, Vice President Abdullah Hill Rakib, and Directors Haroon Ar Rashid, Shams Mahmud, Abrar Hossain Sayem, Nusrat Bari Asha, Md. Mohiuddin Rubel, Md. Nurul Islam, and Md. Rezaul Alam (Miru) were also present. The purpose of the NDC delegation's visit was to learn about Bangladesh's garment industry and BGMEA's efforts in its development. The BGMEA President briefed the delegation on the garment industry's significant contributions to Bangladesh's socio-economic development, poverty alleviation, and women empowerment. During the meeting, BGMEA leaders discussed the vision for the RMG industry and the initiatives undertaken by BGMEA for sustainable development. They also informed the delegation about key industry priorities, including product diversification, technological advancement, and skill development to maintain competitiveness. The NDC delegation praised the progress of Bangladesh's garment industry, especially the eco-friendly industrialization efforts in the sector. Major General SM Kamrul Hassan commended BGMEA's initiatives for the development of the garment industry in Bangladesh. He expressed optimism that the industry would be able to achieve its goal of 100 billion dollar in garment exports by 2030, according to BGMEA. Before their visit to the BGMEA Complex, the NDC delegation toured 4A Yarn Dyeing Ltd. in Savar.