United News of Bangladesh

Democracy International awarded five journalists in print, online and television for the best gender-sensitive political reporting. The awardees are Kamrun Nahar Sumi (New Age), Farhana Taher Tithi (Daily Newspaper), Ismail Hossain Russel (Jagonews24.com), Abdul Halim Aditya Rimon (Dhakapost.com) and Atoar Hossain (Nagorik TV), according to a press release. They were part of a group of 23 journalists who received training on gender sensitive political reporting, organised by Democracy International under USAID’s Strengthening Political Landscape in Bangladesh project. The workshops aimed to raise awareness among media professionals about the importance of women’s participation and representation in politics, and how to avoid negative stereotypes and biases in their coverage. The workshop also featured sessions by politicians from the three main parties and experts on related topics. The winners were awarded based on the quality and impact of their reports, which were published or broadcasted between November 2023 and February 2024. They received their awards and certificates from Dana L. Olds, the Chief of Party of Democracy International’s SPL project, at a ceremony in a hotel in Dhaka on Wednesday. Organised in two batches, the training sensitized journalists on the importance of women's representation in politics and ways to counter the impact of negative portrayal of women in the media. Politicians from the three main parties of Bangladesh and subject matter experts conducted the training covering gender discrimination in women's political participation, representation of women political leaders in media, use of gender sensitive language, legal framework of women's political empowerment and other topics in detail. The final training session, held at a capital hotel, culminated in the presentation of awards and certificates by Dana L., Chief of Party of Democracy International's SPL Project. In her remarks, she emphasized the power of the media as the Fourth Estate to frame political issues and shape perceptions through fair portrayals of women in the media. Deputy Chief of Party (Programmes) Aminul Ehsan, Deputy Chief of Party Lesley Richards, Senior Director Lipika Biswas, and Senior Programme Specialist Rita Das were also present at the ceremony. Democracy International congratulates the awardees for their dedication to promoting gender-sensitive political reporting and looks forward to their continued contributions to fostering democracy and inclusivity through journalism in Bangladesh.

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on Wednesday urged not to listen to rumours regarding price hike of essentials. “I will request everyone not to pay heed to the rumours. If everyone is aware and do not pay heed to rumours, then no one can create problems by spreading rumours,” she said. The Prime Minister said this while in Parliament responding to a supplementary question of ruling party MP elected from Bhola Ali Azam during the PM’s question-answer session. She said that the government is aware enough to ensure that unscrupulous traders cannot play with any kind of food. “Wr have to import many products, we are dependent on others, We want to overcome dependency, want to increase our own production,” she said. In response to Opposition Chief Whip and Jatiya Party MP elected from Kishoreganj Mujibul Huq Chunnu, the Prime Minister said that the government takes legal measures including mobile courts against the dishonest traders. “Even then, if anyone intentionally increases the price of any product, strict action will be taken against him,” she said. She mentioned that the elected public representatives also have responsibility in this regard. “If everyone cooperates in market monitoring, these unscrupulous traders will not be able to increase the price of daily commodities in such a dishonest way.” She called upon all to remain vigilant regarding this matter. “And from the government side we are taking strict actions. I will take further steps. I am punishing by setting up a mobile court. we are doing our best.”

Marking a step forward in the enhancement of disaster management in Bangladesh, CARE Bangladesh, in partnership with NIRAPAD, facilitated a workshop titled ‘Roadmap for the Effective Implementation of Standing Orders on Disaster (SOD) 2019’ at a hotel in Dhaka on Tuesday. Under the USAID-funded ‘SHOUHARDO-III DRR Activity’, this workshop was aimed at disseminating the results of an extensive study which intended to bolstering local disaster management capabilities through a detailed assessment and enhancement of the Disaster Management Committees' capabilities across grassroots levels. Md. Mijanur Rahman, director general of the department of disaster management (DDM), presided over the event while Md. Kamrul Hasan, secretary of the Ministry of Disaster Management and Relief (MoDMR), was present as the chief guest. One killed, six injured in Gazipur factory fire The study's findings were presented and discussed throughout the course of the workshop, to refine the collective understanding and development of actionable strategies for disaster management. Md. Kamrul Hasan said, ‘'SOD is a living document that facilitates spontaneous disaster response by the different layers of administration.” He emphasised the importance of widespread awareness about SOD at all levels using the existing government channels including National Institute of Local Government (NILG). He also announced that the next revised version of SOD would cover the aspects of anthropogenic disasters. Md. Mijanur Rahman commended the effectiveness of the SOD during recent cyclones, especially in lowering the death toll. Looking forward, he discussed the importance of periodic revision of SOD and plans to include CPP volunteers in future updates to strengthen the procedure. PM promises uninterrupted electricity supply during Tarawee and Sehri In his address, Mustapha El Hamzaoui, Director, Humanitarian Assistance Office, USAID, acknowledged the advancement of Bangladesh in Disaster Management. He opined that the Area-Based Collaboration framework would be an important approach for the localization of disaster management. Any plan for SOD implementation involving the community and local organization would also support achieving USAID’s localisation goal. The event demonstrated the commitment to empower local disaster management actors, and the collaborative approach presented by CARE Bangladesh and NIRAPAD, with the support of USAID, reflects a dedicated stride towards sustainable development and disaster resilience.

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on Wednesday said the prices of essential commodities will be reined in at a tolerable level during the month of Ramadan.   “I hope that the price inflation will remain at a tolerable level during the holy month of Ramadan and it will be possible to rein in the prices of daily necessities in the market,” she said. The prime minister was responding to a written question from ruling party MP (Bhola) Ali Azam during PM’s question answer session in the House. She said the measures already taken by the government will provide relief to the poor families, including elderly persons, widows, women left by husbands and low income groups. PM says no to large Iftar party at govt level Hasina, the leader of the House, said that the present government is the people's government. So the government is always trying to ease the suffering of the people. “The government is doing everything to maintain normal prices of essential consumer goods. We have already managed to contain the abnormal rise in consumer prices to a large extent,” she said. She mentioned that Bangladesh is feeling the pressure of imported inflation due to the increase in the prices of some products such as fuel oil, edible oil, wheat, fertilisers and various food products, consumer goods and industrial raw materials in the world market. The prime minister also said that various duty exemptions are being provided to cut down inflation. In response to a question from Awami League’s another Bhola MP Nurunnabi Chowdhury, she said that the country is continuously moving forward and with the growing economic activities, the quality of life of people has also improved. 'Need investment for offshore gas extraction': PM tells ITFC delegation “As a result, the demand for natural gas, the main driving force of the economy, is also increasing gradually. So it is not possible to maintain the supply to meet demand of gas.” She also highlighted the steps taken by the government for the development of the energy sector. Reiterating the government's zero-tolerance policy against corruption, the prime minister told Independent MP (elected from Kishoreganj) Sohrab Uddin that graft hampers overall development of the country. “It’s not possible to prevent corruption only through law enforcement and punishment. Corruption will be eradicated from the society and the state through a coordinated initiative by building a social movement,” she said. Replying to another question by Awami League lawmaker from Laxmipur Noor Uddin Chowdhury Nayan, the prime minister said that initiatives will be taken to construct Shaheed Minar in all educational institutions now without Shaheed Minar. ‘Sincerely thank police for their patience in tackling violence unleashed by BNP-Jamaat’: PM In response to the question of Independent MP elected from Nilphamari Siddiqul Alam, Hasina said that no project for the construction of multi-storied residential flats has been taken up for the purpose of rehabilitating the people living in Bihari camp and improving their quality of life. “Planned multi-storied residential flats can be constructed with government funding or grants … after feasibility studies,” she said.  

Finance Minister Abul Hasan Mahmud Ali on Wednesday said in the first six months of the current fiscal year some Tk 6.81 lakh crore have been transacted through mobile financial services. The minister said this while responding to a tabled question of ruling party MP elected from Noakhali Mamunur Rashid Kiran. In response to the question of an independent MP elected from Dhaka Muhammad Saiful Islam, the finance minister said that from July to January of the current financial year remittance worth $12, 900.63 million have come to the country. Of the amount, $2, 425.58 million came from the United Arab Emirates, $1,610.38 million from the United Kingdom, $ 1601.22 million from Saudi Arabia, $1332.63 million from the United States, and $900.26 million from Italy. In response to the question of Independent lawmaker elected from Mymensingh ABM Anisuzzaman, State Minister for ICT Junaid Ahmed Palak said that 192 local and foreign companies have started business activities in 18 Hi-Tech parks operated by the government. “Till now about Tk 2150 crore has been invested from the private sector,” he said.

The cabinet on Wednesday gave the final approval to the draft of Offshore Banking Act, 2024 in a bid to enhance the reserve of foreign currency and attract foreign investment. The approval came from the cabinet meeting chaired by Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina at her office here in the city. As per the proposed law, non-resident individuals or foreign firms, who will invest here, can open offshore bank accounts, said Cabinet Secretary Mahbub Hossain while briefing reporters at Bangladesh Secretariat. Chief of Air Staff of India calls on PM “A license from Bangladesh Bank is required to do offshore banking. Those who have obtained this license do not need to have a new license,” he said. The offshore banking operations can be done with the five currencies –US Dollar, Pound, Euro, Japanese Yen and Chinese Yen. Any relative of a Bangladeshi living abroad can open an account and manage the account as a supporter. Now foreigners who deposit money under the internal banking system of Bangladesh, need permission to remit the money from the country. But in the case of offshore banking, they can do it freely.  “We hope that those who will benefit from doing business here will be interested in depositing their money here,” said the Cabinet Secretary. Mahbub Hossain said the move for offshore banking is not only to increase reserves but also to gain financial benefit. ‘Sincerely thank police for their patience in tackling violence unleashed by BNP-Jamaat’: PM If someone keeps money in that offshore account, no one will ask about the sources of the money, he said. The individuals or firms who are living abroad or the foreign ones will be allowed to open bank accounts under the proposed law. Besides, the meeting cleared a proposal to sign a new deal amending the existing agreement between Bangladesh and the Netherlands regarding avoidance of double taxation and prevention of tax evasion. 

Inspector General of Police (IGP) Chowdhury Abdullah Al Mamun on Wednesday warned that police will face action if they are found involved in drugs abuse or trade. The IGP said that if any police official’s drugs involvement is found, their punishment will be harsher than general people. "They will not be brought under law only but also lose their job," hesaid. The IGP came up with the remarks while speaking at the 'IGP's Exemplary Good Services Badge' (IGP's Badge) and prize distribution ceremony at the parade ground of Rajarbagh Police Lines in the capital on the second day of Police Week. “We have a zero-tolerance policy against militancy, drugs and corruption. No one will be spared,” he warned. He said during recruitment every member is recruited through dope test. "No one will get a job if they are addicted to drugs." "We are working to establish the police as a people-friendly force," he said. Addressing the policemen, the IGP, “ You have to make yourselves as technology-based, mass-oriented, service-oriented, people-friendly and women- and children-friendly force.”

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MoFA) has issued separate transfer orders to nine of its envoys abroad as they are going for retirement or their contractual agreements are expiring. “Decision has been taken to transfer you to the headquarters,” said the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in its office order sent to the envoys separately. The MoFA requested the envoys to return to Dhaka leaving their current charges. The transfer orders have been issued to Bangladesh High Commissioner to Canada   Khalilur Rahman, Bangladesh Ambassador to Germany Md Mosharraf Hossain Bhuiyan, Bangladesh Ambassador to Italy Md Monirul Islam, Bangladesh Ambassador to Poland Sultana Laila Hossain, Bangladesh Ambassador to Kuwait Major General Md Ashikuzzaman, Ambassador and Permanent Representative of Bangladesh to the UN Offices and other International Organizations in Geneva Mohammad Sufiur Rahman, Bangladesh Ambassador to Japan Shahabuddin Ahmed, Bangladesh Ambassador to Thailand Mohammed Abdul Hye and Bangladesh Ambassador to Greece Ashud Ahmed. It's responsibility of youth to steer towards green, sustainable, peaceful world: Indian President tells Bangladesh youth delegation  The foreign ministry sources said the government will begin process to appoint new envoys for the nine missions abroad. On January 16, Bangladesh High Commissioner to Canada Khalilur Rahman shared a post from his Facebook account against the “anti-Liberation” forces within the foreign ministry. “I will leave the Ministry of Foreign Affairs shortly. However, my sincere wish and hope is that through the appointment of Foreign Minister (Hasan Mahmud), the anti-Liberation ghost will be eradicated from the Ministry and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs will be run in the light of the foreign policy directed by Bangabandhu and the spirit of Liberation War and freedom,” he wrote. 

Jatka Conservation Week 2024 will be observed from March 11 to 17,  aiming to create mass awareness about preserving hilsa fry to boost its production. The decision was taken at a meeting of the National Taskforce Committee on Hilsa Resources Development held at the conference room of the Fisheries Department on Wednesday with Fisheries and Livestock Minister Md Abdur Rahman in the chair. Like every year, various programmes will be taken on the occasion of Jatka Conservation Week, the minister said. 19 fishermen jailed for catching jatka in Padma-Meghna sanctuary defying ban  The programmes include publicity activities on the importance of preserving jatka and related laws in different places including different important fish landing centers in Dhaka, fish warehouses and  markets. Besides, videos will be screened alongside arranging boat race, Hadudu, swimming and mobile courts drives will be conducted in hats, bazars and warehouses to raise awareness, said the minister. Fisheries and Livestock Minister Md Abdur Rahman will inaugurate the Jatka Conservation Week 2024  in Chandpur Sadar Upazila on March 11, 2024. Fisheries and Livestock secretary Md Selim Uddin was present.

The government has rearranged the office timing for the upcoming holy month of Ramadan from 9 am to 3:30 pm for all government, semi-government, autonomous and semi-autonomous institutions. The decision was taken on Wednesday at the weekly cabinet meeting held with Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina in the chair at the Prime Minister's Office. “During the  Ramadan, 9am to 3:30pm was fixed as the office timing from Sunday to Thursday. And there’ll be a 15-minute break from 1:15 to 1:30pm for Zohr prayers,” cabinet secretary Md Mahbub Hossain said while briefing reporters at the secretariat. MPs elected to reserved women's seats will take oath this afternoon  However, banks, insurance companies, financial institutions, post, railway, hospitals, state-run mills and factories and other emergency service-providing organisations will fix their own office time considering their own laws and public interest. Besides, the Supreme Court will fix the office timing for all courts which are under its authority.   The holy month of Ramadan is expected to begin on March 12,  subject to sighting the moon.  Climate change key challenge to sustainable food security: Agriculture Minister