United News of Bangladesh

Bangladesh Petroleum Exploration and Production Company (BAPEX) has completed the drilling of well number 8 at Kailashtila in Golapganj Upazila of Sylhet. It is expected that 21 million cubic feet of gas can be extracted daily from the well. The Kailashtila gas field is owned by the state-owned Sylhet Gas Fields Limited (SGFL). The company has informed that the gas gathering pipeline construction is completed, and it will be possible to supply gas from this well within the next three months. SGFL also stated that Kailashtila has a remaining recoverable gas reserve of 1900 billion cubic feet. The gas reserve found in Horizon-4 of well number 8 is 24-25 billion cubic feet, which has been added as a new reserve.  The value of this newly added gas is Tk1,620 crore taka (considering the price at Tk22.87 per cubic meter). Meanwhile, the estimated cost for the drilling work of the well is Tk172 crore.  SGFL Managing Director Mizanur Rahman said that gas was found at a depth of 3,440 to 5,500 feet. Currently, 21 million cubic feet of gas can be extracted daily on a trial basis, and full-scale extraction is expected to begin within three months, he said. The drilling of this well began in June of last year. The Sylhet-10 well was drilled at a cost of Tk149 crore by the Chinese company Sinopec. The authorities of Sylhet Gas Fields have reported that the well contains approximately 50 billion cubic feet of gas reserves.

The government has adopted a zero tolerance policy against offenders, Awami League (AL) General Secretary and Road Transport and Bridges Minister Obaidul Quader said on Friday. "Wrongdoers must be brought to justice no matter how influential they are," he warned. Quader said while exchanging views with journalists at the AL's central office in the capital's Bangabandhu Avenue. He said no matter how influential a person is, he or she can commit crimes. The question is whether the government has shown its honesty and courage to bring them to justice, he added. The government of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has that courage and no offender would be spared, he said. He said the country's judiciary and the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) are independent and if someone is found to be a criminal there, the government will not give protection to the person even if he is a former inspector general of police (IGP) or former army chief. "Anyone found involved in wrongdoings will be brought to justice," he warned Regarding BUET student Abrar murder, Quader said those who were convicted were all Chhatra League men but the government did not give them protection. The government did not give protection to anyone too after Biswajit's murder, he said, adding: "A person can commit crimes. But why will the government give him or her protection? We consider offenders as offenders no matter how powerful he or she is. If a person commits offenses, he or she must be punished." Referring to a statement of BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir that the ruling AL government is running misrule and oppression, Quader said Mirza Fakhrul's mental trauma seems to have reached a terrible level. "Fakhrul and his party men are far away from the reality. They failed in movement. They have lost all," he said. Obaidul Quader said that no ordinary citizen faced jail-oppression-harassment during the reign of Awami League government and said that those who killed the police and set fire to the police hospital were criminals. They were for their involvement in terrorism, arson not as BNP men, he added. Awami League General Secretary said that BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir gave a statement on behalf of a Chapainawabganj  Jatiotabadi Sessasebok Dal leader after he was arrested with weapons. “The practice of BNP on behalf of murderers is still going on. All BNP leaders are out of jail. So who is torturing them? Obaidul Quader posed a question. Quader said over 42 percent of the country's people cast their votes in the last general elections and this rate is satisfactory compared to other countries. In the 15 February elections held during the BNP regime, the BBC reported that its voter turnout was only 5 percent, while the then Election Commission (EC) reported that the turnout was 21 percent, he said. In the first phase of the upazila elections, the AL general secretary said, the EC reported that the voter turnout was more than 36 percent, while over 37 percent in the second phase. Obaidul Quader said, “We are running the country with the mandate of people. BNP is making nonsense statements like a lost wayfarer.”

The fixed income group, usually drawing salaries from a job, and large swathes of the middle class are facing an uncomfortable situation in the kitchen market, as minimum prices of vegetables at Tk 50, and fish or chicken a minimum Tk 230 per kg. Visiting different kitchen markets and talking with the consumers, the correspondent gathered experienced that people are cutting consumption of protein to adjust with inflationary price hike. Tabibur Rahman, a private job holder who draws a monthly salary of Tk52000, lives with five members of his family (wife, 2 children and mother) at Tejkunipara of Tejgaon in the capital. Prices of egg, chicken and fish up while vegetables stable at higher rate Talking with UNB at Karwan Bazar on Friday, he said that he has been avoiding chicken, beef and costly fish items since Eid-ul-Fitr,  as the prices of these items are on a rising trend. To maintain family expenditure with the salary he has to almost completely forego animal and fish protein. Moreover, utility bills, medicine cost for an old aged mother and education cost of his two children also shot up. So Tabibur was forced to change food consumption habit to maintain his family expenditures. He is depending for protein on pangash, eggs and other low-cost items. Several service holders like Tabibur echo the same experience as him. However, prices of green chilli, vegetables, eggs and chicken were up pretty steeply  Friday in the kitchen market of the capital. Prices of meat, chicken, and fish soar while vegetables and fruits decrease on Friday The price of green chilli increased by Tk100 per kg, selling at Tk200 to 220 per kg on Friday. The green chilli was sold at Tk80 to 100 per kg in the first week of this month. Egg prices remained on a rising trend since the beginning of this month, selling at Tk 165-170 per dozen on Friday in the capital -an increase of Tk30 per dozen this month. Eggs from domestically-reared hens are selling at Tk 85-90 per hali (4 pieces), and duck's eggs were selling at Tk 75-80 per hali. The price of broiler chicken and Pakistani origin Sonali chicken have increased by Tk10 to 20 per kg in the last two weeks. Broiler chicken was selling at Tk 220 to 240 per kg based on size and quality. Apart from this, the price of Sonali chicken has also increased and is being sold at Tk 360 to 370 per kg based on size and quality. Similarly, cock chicken is being sold at Tk 370 to 390 per kg, layer chicken at Tk 300 to Tk350 per kg, and indigenous (desi) chicken at Tk 670 to Tk 765 per kg. Prices of all types of meat and chicken up while vegetables remain stable on Friday The traders of the concerned sectors said that prices of chicken increased due to price hikes of chicken food and chicks. Besides, the ongoing heat wave also affected chicken farms, which also impacted on price hike.  Beef was selling between Tk 750 to 780 per kg on Friday based on quality, and saw a raise of price by Tk 30 per kg than other days of the week. Mutton and goat meat was selling at Tk1000 to 1180 per kg based on quality, which saw an increase of Tk 50 per kg. Hilsha weighing about 450 gram was selling at Tk650 per kg while Hilsha weighing 1kg-plus were selling at Tk 1800 to 2000 per kg at Karwan Bazar fish market on Friday. Hilsha weighing 700 to 800 grams were selling at Tk 900 to 1000 per piece. Fish like Ruhit and carp were selling between Tk 300 to 450 per kg based on size and quality. Riverine small fish were selling at Tk400 to 700 per kg on Friday. Early winter vegetables come as blessings for Jashore farmers Meanwhile, the prices of vegetables have stabilised at a higher rate this time compared to the previous years. Traders blame overall inflation for this higher price. Vegetables including eggplant, okra, drumsticks, string beans, and bitter gourd were stable between Tk 50 to 60 per kg on Friday. The prices of tomatoes have increased as the season is ending. Good quality tomatoes were selling between Tk 60 to 70 per kg. Brinjals were selling between Tk 50 to 60 per kg, while bottle gourd, ash gourd, and cauliflower at Tk 50 to 60 per piece. Local variety of onion was selling between Tk70 to 80 per kg, garlic at Tk180 to 250, and ginger at Tk200 to 280 per kg based on quality. The prices of some other commodities like rice including aromatic rice, wheat, flour, milk, and soybean  have remained unchanged.

A fair titled “Centre for Happiness” has begun in Dhaka marking the grand opening of Unimart and Chef’s Table at Centrepoint, located next to Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport.   The exhibition will continue until the night before Eid-ul-Azha.  The exhibition will feature live performances, art showcases, interactive workshops, fun activities for children, and numerous top brand outlets.  United Group announced the grand opening of its flagship retail brands, Unimart and Chef’s Table, on Thursday.  PM Hasina opens SME fair in Dhaka to showcase local products The new Unimart outlet is the largest among its six outlets and two express outlets, offering a wide array of local and international brands under one roof, promising a delightful shopping experience.  On Level 5, the largest Chef’s Table has been beautifully curated, featuring diverse cuisines and a variety of amenities to cater to all tastes and preferences.   Visitors are encouraged to join the festivities and explore the new retail and dining experiences daily from 10 a.m. to 11 p.m. Bangladesh Denim Expo ends with call for fair price Chief Advisor Hasan Mahmood Raja, Advisor Akhter Mahmud Rana, Advisor K.M.A Shamim, Chairman and Managing Director Moinuddin Hasan Rashid, Director Sharfuddin Akhter Rashid, Mortuza Zaman, CEO of Unimart, Sheikh Mohammed Faruk Hossain, CEO of the Real Estate Division, and other senior staff were present at the opening ceremony of Unimart and Chef’s Table at Centrepoint.   Centrepoint stands as a reflection of United Group's mission to weave excellence into all of its endeavours, said the group. 

Over 500 shops and houses were gutted in a fire at the Balukhali Rohingya Camp in Ukhiya of Cox's Bazar on Friday. The fire that started around 11:00 am was brought under control around 12:00 pm. Fire at Mutual Trust Bank’s Dholaikhal branch doused Three firefighting units worked to bring the fire under control, said Kamal Hossain, deputy assistant director of Ukhiya Fire Service. Hotel catches fire in Dhaka’s Karwan Bazar, doused shortly The exact extent of the damage will be known after a survey is conducted, he added. "Our houses have been burnt down. We are now under the open sky," said Rafiq, a resident of the camp.

The Maldivian government has suspended issuing visas for Bangladeshi workers. According to local law, only 100,000 workers from a country are permitted to work in Maldives. The Bangladeshi High Commission in Male, in a media release, has stated that it is working to increase the quota and resume the issuance of visas. Maldives extends ban on new Bangladeshi labour recruits The high commission also noted that there is no opportunity to work in the Maldives without an approved employer. Several unskilled workers have been deported for violating this law. Maldives to recruit workers from Bangladesh, its FM says

The Bangladesh Meteorological Department (BMD) has predicted rain or thundershowers in Khulna, Barishal, Chattogram, and Sylhet divisions over 24 hours, starting from 9 am on Friday. "Rain or thundershowers accompanied by temporary gusty or squally winds are likely at one or two places in Khulna, Barishal, Chattogram, and Sylhet divisions. Elsewhere, the weather is expected to remain mainly dry with temporary partly cloudy skies," stated a BMD bulletin. Weather forecast: Rain, thunder showers likely over 8 divisions, BMD says Temperatures during the day and night may rise slightly across the country. The increased moisture incursion may cause continued discomfort, the bulletin added. A trough of low pressure lies over India’s West Bengal extending to the northwest Bay. Additionally, a low-pressure area is expected to form over the southwest Bay and adjoining regions within the next 48 hours, with potential intensification thereafter. A mild to moderate heatwave is currently sweeping across the Dhaka, Rajshahi, Rangpur, Mymensingh, Khulna, Barishal, Chattogram, and Sylhet divisions and is likely to persist, according to the BMD. BMD predicts rain for Dhaka, other divisions The highest temperature in the country over the past 24 hours was recorded in Ishwardy, Pabna, and Rangamati at 38.5 degrees Celsius, while the lowest temperature was 24.5 degrees Celsius in Maijdee Court, Noakhali. Maijdee Court also recorded the highest rainfall, measuring 40mm, in the same period. Scattered thunderstorms expected over Sylhet division today: BMD

The well-marked low over west central Bay and adjoining southwest Bay has moved northeast-wards and concentrated into a depression over east central Bay and adjoining west central Bay. It was centred about 870 km south-southwest of Chattogram port, 805 km south-southwest of Cox's Bazar port, 825 km south of Mongla port and 790 km south of Payra port at 6 am today. It is likely to intensify and move northeast-ward further, said Bangladesh Meteorological Department (BMD) in a special weather bulletin signed by meteorologist Dr. Muhammad Abul Kalam Mallik on Friday morning. Cyclone Michaung: Maritime ports advised to hoist distant warning signal No 2 Maximum sustained wind speed within 44 km of the depression centre is about 40 kph rising to 50 kph in gusts or squalls; the sea will remain moderate near the depression centre, it reads. Maritime ports of Chattogram, Cox's Bazar, Mongla and Payra have been advised to hoist distant cautionary signal no-1, according to the BMD bulletin. All fishing boats and trawlers over north Bay and deep sea have been advised to remain close to the coast and proceed with caution till further notice. They are also advised not to venture into the deep sea. Maritime ports asked to hoist local cautionary signal 3

The West Bengal police have hit the field to find the missing body parts of slain Jhenaidah-4 MP Anwarul Azim Anar, who was murdered in Kolkata, said Chief of the Detective Branch of Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) Mohammad Harun-Or-Rashid. "Efforts are being made to recover the fragments of MP Anar's body with the help of Siam, who was arrested in India," he told reporters at the Dhaka Metropolitan Police office on Thursday night. 2 countries working together to unearth mystery behind Anwarul’s murder: FM Meanwhile, a three-member team of the Indian intelligence team reached Dhaka on Thursday to investigate Anar's murder. In the evening, they met the DB chief in his office on Bailey Road in the capital and discussed the investigation related matters. Plot to kill MP Anar made 2-3 months ago: DB Chief Members of the Indian intelligence agency have interrogated the three Bangladeshis involved in the murder. "The arrestees confessed to the Indian intelligence as it is they told us", he stated. MP Anar’s body not recovered yet: Home Minister MP Anar went to Kolkata on May 11 for medical treatment and he remained untraced since May 14. On Wednesday, Home Minister Asaduzzaman Khan said Anwarul Azim was brutally killed at a flat in New Town, near Kolkata. Meanwhile, a case was filed on Wednesday afternoon following the death of MP Anwarul Azim Anar. The case was filed against unnamed persons at Sher-e-Bangla Nagar Police Station on Wednesday, based on the complaint of Mumtarin Ferdous Dorin, daughter of MP Anar, said Abdul Ahad, officer-in-charge (OC) of the police station.

Foreign Minister Hasan Mahmud on Thursday said Bangladesh and India are working together to unearth the mystery behind the murder of Jhenaidah-4 MP Anwarul Azim Anar, who was murdered in Kolkata, India. “Our mission in Kolkata is in regular contact with Kolkata Police on the whole matter. As the matter is under investigation, it is not appropriate to talk more about it,” he told reporters while responding to a question. Earlier, Home Minister Asaduzzaman Khan said the body of Anwarul has not yet been recovered. “We have not been able to recover the body yet. Until we can recover everything, we cannot provide you with any information. I reiterate that the intelligence agencies of both countries are working on this,” said the minister. The intelligence agencies of both countries have almost identified everything of the murder including the perpetrators, he said while talking to the reporters at the secretariat on Thursday afternoon. Anwarul has been missing since at least May 14, having gone on a medical trip to India on May 11. He maintained contact with his family members until May 14. Since then, he remained untraced.