United News of Bangladesh

Thirty-four more people were hospitalised with dengue in 24 hours till Sunday morning. Of the new patients, eight were admitted to hospitals in Dhaka and the rest outside it, according to the Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS). Dengue: 13 patients hospitalised in 24hrs Currently, 131 patients are receiving treatment at several hospitals across the country.  So far, 2,628 dengue cases have been reported since January 1, 2024, said DGHS. Last year, a total of 1,705 people lost their lives due to dengue, making it the deadliest year on record. One dies of dengue; 12 hospitalised The DGHS recorded 321,179 dengue cases and 3, 18,749 recoveries last year. Last year’s September was the deadliest month for the dengue outbreak, with 396 fatalities and 79,598 cases, according to DGHS data.

Drivers of battery-run three wheelers set a police box on fire at Kalshi intersection in the city's Mirpur area on Sunday during demonstration against banning the vehicle on Dhaka streets. Duty office of Fire Service and Civil Defense headquarters, Shahjahan, said the drivers set the police box on fire around 4:15 pm. On information, a firefighting unit rushed to the spot around 4:32 pm and brought the situation under control. Mukhlesur Rahman, inspector (investigation) of Pallabi Police Station, said necessary steps were taken. The drivers of battery-run three wheelers staged demonstration blocking roads in Dhaka’s Mirpur, Pallabi and some other areas on Sunday morning, obstructing traffic movement in the area. The protesters also vandalised some buses passing in the Mirpur area after 2:30 pm. A chase and counter-chase between police and protesters also took place. Munshi Sabbir Ahmed, officer-in-charge of Mirpur Police Station, said the traffic movement in the area remained halted for four hours following the demonstration, causing immense sufferings to the commuters. Earlier on Wednesday, Road Transport and Bridges Minister Obaidul Quader instructed the authorities concerned to take steps to stop the movement of battery-run three wheelers on the roads in Dhaka city.

Expressing dissatisfaction over the NBR’s move to impose 15% VAT on people-friendly Metro rail, Road Transport and Bridges Minister Obaidul Quader on Sunday said he requested the Prime Minister to reconsider the plan. “I have talked to the Prime Minister about the NBR’s VAT plan, this is not right decision, it is wrong. Is there any VAT on metro rail in India ? No, so why is it here? It can't happen as it will ruin the image of the metro rail,” he said while speaking at a seminar on metro-rail branding, as the chief guest in the city. BNP rally means arson, havoc and bloodshed: Obaidul QuaderDhaka Mass Transit Company Limited (DMTCL) organised the seminar at a city hotel.Expressing annoyance over the plying of dilapidated and rundown vehicles on Dhaka roads, the minister said “Beautiful and latest models cars and jeeps are plying Dhaka streets. Why the buses are in dilapidated condition?”He sought cooperation from the two Dhaka mayors to take away these obsolete vehicles.Talking about the BNP, Quader, also the Awami League General Secretary, said BNP leaders are suffering from trauma, that's why they are talking rubbish.Quader also ruled out the BNP’s claim that AL leaders and activists even refrained from casting votes in the election. BNP's freedom fighters rally a gathering of 'fake' freedom fighters: Obaidul Quader“The Election Commission has said that 30-40 percent votes were cast in the first phase of upazila election while over 42% in the national election. Are they not people of this country? If 42 percent people voted, how did voters reject the election? Actually, BNP leaders are suffering from trauma.”

State Minister for Finance Waseqa Ayesha Khan called for policy planners, academics and development partners to assist in creating a robust and efficient financial management system for Bangladesh in order to ensure the country’s economic stability and promote sustainable growth,. Launching the process for creating the Public Financial Management Strategy (PFM) for 2025-2030 in Dhaka on Sunday, the State Minister said, “PFM Strategy comes at a critical juncture for Bangladesh, as we navigate through unprecedented challenges and opportunities in the global economic landscape.” As the country confront the far-reaching impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic, it has become increasingly clear that resilient and effective financial management systems are essential for safeguarding our nation's economic stability and fostering sustainable development, she said. The State Minister said, “As we embark on this journey towards formulating the PFM strategy, let us remain steadfast in our commitment to excellence, innovation and collaboration. Together, we have opportunity to shape a future where Bangladesh’s financial management systems are not only resilient and efficient but also equitable and inclusive, laying the foundation for sustained prosperity for generation to come.” Presided over by Dr. Md. Khairuzzaman Mozumder, Secretary, Finance Division, the meeting was attended by Barnard Haven, Acting Country Director for Bangladesh and Bhutan, the World Bank as Special Guest. 3-Day ‘Cold Chain Exhibition’ aims to modernise sector, reduce post-harvest losses Dr. Michal Krejan, Head of Cooperation (HoC), European Union Delegation to Bangladesh, Joe Goodings, Head of Corporate/Development Assistance, High Commission of Canada and Sylvia Islam, Senior Development Advisor, Global Affairs Canada also addressed the inaugural discussion. Abu Daiyan Mohammad Ahsanullah, Joint Secretary, Finance Division made a presentation on Pathway to PFM Reform Strategy 2025-2030.  Dr. Md. Khairuzzaman in his speech said enhancing PFM has remained a fundamental aspect of reforms aimed at fostering effective macroeconomic management and promoting good governance. Effective PFM is an essential tool that ties together available resources, delivery of services and achievement of government policy objective, he said adding although significant improvement has already been done in PFM reform area in Bangladesh, more coordinated efforts are required from all stakeholders for maximizing the benefits from it.  Barnard Haven in his speech said Bangladesh has made remarkable progress on Public Financial management leveraging new technologies, adding, “I have seen incredible progress on systems like the integrated budget and accounting system, e-procurement and automated payments.”  Inaugural session was followed by two technical sessions. The 1st session- “Reflection from the Government Key Stakeholders” was addressed by Rehana Parven Member (Secretary) Planning Commission, Md. Masud Sadiq, Member (Customs, Policy and ICT), National Board of Revenue and Md. Mofidur Rahman, Additional Secretary, Finance Division. The second session was moderated by Suraiya Zannath, Lead Governance Specialist, Financial Management, the World Bank named “Voices from other Key Stakeholders”. It was addressed by Mohammad Muslim Chowdhury, former Comptroller and Auditor General, Ramendra Nath Biswas, Director General, Institute of Public Finance and Dr. Monzur Hossain, Research Director, Bangladesh Institute of Development Studies.  Mohammad Saiful Islam, additional secretary, Finance Division and National Program Director, Strengthening Public Financial Management Program to Enable Service Delivery (SPFMS) made the closing remarks. BGMEA urges Customs House Chattogram to address customs related problems of RMG industry Earlier, two robust PFM Reform Strategies were formulated for 2007-12 and 2016-21 to take forward the ongoing agenda of reforms and establish broader ownership of the reform process by government.  Bangladesh now seeks to transform its PFM system into a technology-driven, enhanced performance orientation and efficient public expenditure management system to support improved service delivery and sustainable development. The PFM Reform Strategy 2025-2030 aims to address gaps and outstanding issues of previous PFM reform initiatives; cover broader political mandates- Smart economy, Smart citizens etc. in alignment with PFM functionalities.

A total of 457 platoons of Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) have been deployed to maintain law and order ahead of the second phase of Upazila Parishad Elections billed for May 21. According to a BGB media release, the members of the paramilitary force will remain deployed from May 19 till May 23. Under “In Aid to the Civil Power’’, the BGB personnel will perform duty as mobile and striking force to assist the local civil administration to hold a free, fair and peaceful election, it reads. Over 4-kg crystal meth seized in Cox’s Bazar, 1 detained: BGB According to the Election Commission’s announced schedule, upazila parishad elections to 150 upazilas held on May 8 in the first phase. During the 1st phase election, a total of 418 BGB men were deployed. In the second phase, 160 upazilas will go to polls on May 21, and in third phase, 112 upazilas will go to polls on May 29. In the 4th phase, elections will be held in 55 upazilas on June 5. BGB DG warns KNF, vows support for joint operations As per the EC’s plan, Electronic Voting Machine (EVM) will be used in 22 upazila parishad polls in the first phase, 24 in second phase, 21 in third phase, and two in the fourth phase.  

Food Minister Sadhan Chandra Majumder on Sunday warned the officials concerned of jail and fine if negligence is found in the distribution of products under OMS programme.  “If there is any negligence in the distribution of OMS goods, the dealer and the officials concerned  of the food department will be accountable, Monitoring has already been strengthened,” he said while inaugurating the sale of rice and flour at fair prices through Open Market Sale(OMS) cards at Ansar Camp bus stand in the capital’s Mirpur. The minister said if OMS products are distributed through cards, the tendency of taking rice and flour more than once will be stopped. 50 lakh families to get 1.5 lakh tonnes of rice under VGF during Ramadan: Food Minister It will also be easy to identify whether the cardholder is from other area and it will be possible to reach OMS goods to the real poor people, he added. He said 14 lakh beneficiaries will be able to collect OMS rice and flour through this special card and  more beneficiaries will be brought under the programme in the future . He instructed the officials concerned to remain watchful so that there is no duplication in the card disbursement. The food minister said farmers will lose interest in production if they do not get a fair price for their produce. To encourage them, the government has increased the price of paddy by Tk 2 in the Boro procurement season, he said. Ensure safe food: Food minister Food Secretary Md Ismail Hossain and Additional Director General of Directorate General of Food Md Abdullah Al Mamun addressed the function as special guests. Later, the minister handed over packets of OMS rice and flour sold through cards to the beneficiaries at the center.

Babar Ali, a physician from Hathazari upazila in Chattogram, reached the summit of Mount Everest on Sunday (May 19) at 8:45 am Bangladesh time, becoming the sixth Bangladeshi to conquer the world's highest peak. Dr. Babar’s achievement has sparked widespread acclaim in Chattogram and across social media. His organization, Vertical Dreamers, shared the news in a Facebook post, stating, “By the grace of Almighty and the blessings of millions of well-wishers, mother nature has placed Babar on her peak (Everest) for a while.” Farhan Zaman, the expedition’s chief coordinator, confirmed Dr. Babar’s ascent, saying, “Babar Ali has touched the highest peak Everest at 8:30 am local time (Nepal) and 8:45 pm Bangladesh time this morning.” Read more: Climbers celebrate Mount Everest 70th anniversary amid melting glaciers, rising temperatures Dr. Babar, who left Bangladesh for Nepal on April 1, underwent extensive preparation before embarking on his Everest journey. After a week of trekking from Kathmandu to the base camp, he began the ascent. With his successful Everest climb, Dr. Babar now aims to conquer Mount Lhotse, the fourth highest mountain in the world. If he succeeds, he will be the first Bangladeshi to summit Lhotse and the first to climb two 8,000-meter peaks in a single expedition, marking a new milestone in Bangladeshi mountaineering. Bangladesh’s history with Everest began when Musa Ibrahim reached the summit on May 23, 2010. Following him were Mohammad Abdul Muhith on May 21, 2011, Nishat Majumder on May 19, 2012, Wasfia Nazrin on May 26, 2012, and Sajal Khaled on May 20, 2013. Nishat Majumder was the first Bangladeshi woman to summit Everest. As Dr. Babar Ali descends from Everest, he is already setting his sights on Lhotse, asking supporters for their continued prayers and support. Read more: Last surviving member of the first team to conquer Mount Everest says it is crowded and dirty now

Dr. Qazi Kholiquzzaman Ahmad and Dr Md Aynul Islam have been elected the president and general secretary of Bangladesh Economic Association (BEA) for the next two years. The panel of Qazi Kholiquzzaman Ahmad and Aynul Islam won 27 posts out of 29 in the BEA Executive Committee Election-2024. The election was held from 11 am to 5 pm on Saturday, the concluding day of the two-day biennial conference of the BEA, at the Institute of Engineers, Bangladesh (IEB) in Dhaka, said a media release. The newly elected executive committee will serve the BEA, a professional body of some 4,000 economists, for the 2024-2026 tenure. Other elected office bearers include Dr Jamaluddin Ahmed, AZM Saleh, Dr. Liaquat Hossain Moral, Syeda Najma Parveen Papri (independent) and Mostafizur Rahman Sardar as vice-presidents, Badrul Munir as treasurer, Sheikh Ali Ahmed Tutul and Mohammad Akbar Kabir as joint secretaries, Neshar Ahmed, Monsur MY Chowdhury, Jahangir Alam, Partha Sarthi Ghosh and Syed Esrarul Haque as assistant secretaries. The new members of BEA Executive Committee are: Dr Abul Barkat (as per the BEA’s charter), Prof Hannana Begum, Dr Moazzem Hossain Khan, Dr Zahirul Islam Sikder, Prof Shahanara Begum, Dr Nazmul Islam, Dr Shahed Ahmed, Prof Mohammad Sadekunnabi Chowdhury, Dr Alamgir Hossain Bhuiyan, Mozammel Haque, Dr Morshed Hossain, Prof Akhtaruzzaman Khan and Khorshedul Alam Quadri.

Speakers at a discussion meeting on Saturday said that until a national unity is established in the country, our demand for getting fair share of waters from common rivers flowing through India will not be achieved. Such remarks were made at the meeting, organised by the International Farakka Committee (IFC) organized at the Maulana Akram Khan Hall of National Press Club to commemorate the Farakka Long March. The speakers observed that the voice against Farakka Dam is being raised from within India itself but there is no strong voice from Bangladesh. They also recalled the Farakka Long March organised by Moulana Abdul Hamid Khan Bhasani, a leader of the toiling masses of Bangladesh, and expressed their deep respect for him. On May 16, 1976, Moulana Bhasani organised this long march, 6 months before his death at the age of 96 in failing health, to demand an end to the unilateral withdrawal of Ganges water. Historic Farakka Long March Day Thursday In 1976, neighboring India was withdrawing water from the Ganges without an agreement after opening the Farakka Barrage for a trial period of 41 days the year before. As a result, the flow of water in the Bangladesh part of the Ganges came down, adversely affecting agriculture, fish production and water transport. The speakers said that the movement of Maulana Bhasani created national unity in Bangladesh. As a result, the world public opinion swung towards Bangladesh's demand and the first Ganga Water Treaty was concluded in 1977. Jatiya Party Chairman Mustafa Jamal Haider was the chief guest in the meeting. Writer and researcher Siraj Uddin Sathi, president of Bhasani Anusari Parishad Sheikh Rafiqul Islam Bablu, chairman of Bangladesh Labour Party Mostafizur Rahman Iran, former Chief Editor of BSS Gaziul Hasan Khan and JAGPA senior vice-president Rashed Prodhan among others took part in the discussion held under the chairmanship of International Farakka Committee Coordinator Mostafa Kamal Majumder. Mostafa Jamal Haider said that due to India's diplomacy, Bangladesh's rivers and water are facing destruction and a process of desertification has started in the country. Protect 54 common rivers taking lessons from Farakka Long March: IFC He called on everyone to unite to face this problem. He said that since the formation and existence of Bangladesh depended on rivers and water, now the rights of water and sovereignty are one and the same. Sheikh Rafiqul Islam Bablu said Bangladesh would not have been created if Maulana Bhasani was not born. Along with the long march for Ganga water, Bhasani had written to the Prime Minister of India, Indira Gandhi, and the Prime Minister of India also replied to that letter. Dr. Mostafizur Rahman mentioned the plight of Bangladesh due to the withdrawal of water from 54 rivers by India and said that if the country has a war with India in the future, it will be over water. Siraj Uddin Sathi said that the importance of the Farakka Long March is now greater than at any other time because water is being diverted upstream of all 54 of the 57 joint rivers that flow through Bangladesh. As a result, floodplains in Bangladesh, the land of rivers, are no longer go under water during monsoons. Int'l Farakka Committee urges Dhaka, Delhi to renew Ganges treaty, sign new treaty on Teesta The speakers said that lack of water during the dry season leads to ecological disasters, and during the monsoons, abnormal floods hit the basins of various rivers, including the Teesta. The crops on vast lands and homes of thousands of people are swept away. They said the Ganga agreement has to be renewed in 2026. On the other hand, signing of an Agreement on the Teesta has become urgent. In this situation, the government is called upon to take steps to sign sustainable basin-based agreements on all rivers with India by taking strength from the national consensus created in the country on river water.

Bangladesh Meteorological Department (BMD) has predicted rain or thundershowers in different parts of the country, including Dhaka, over 24 hours — starting from 6pm on Saturday. “Rain or thundershowers accompanied by temporary gusty or squally wind is likely to occur at a few places over Dhaka, Khulna, Barishal, Chattogram and Sylhet divisions and at one or two places over Rajshahi, Rangpur and Mymensingh divisions with hails at isolated places," the Met Office said. Flash floods due to unusually heavy seasonal rains kill at least 68 people in Afghanistan The highest, 101 mm, rainfall was recorded in Sylhet district in the country in 24 hours till 6pm on Saturday. The country may witness more rain over the next 72 hours, BMD also said. Meanwhile, a mild heat wave is sweeping over the districts of Gopalgonj, Rajshahi, Noakhali, Cox’s Bazar, Khulna, Bagerhat, Jashore, Satkhira, Patuakhali & Bhola and it may abate. Severe heat wave continues to batter parts of Bangladesh; rains likely in Sylhet Day temperature may fall slightly and night temperature may remain nearly unchanged over the country, reads the MBD bulletin. The country’s highest temperature, 38.2 degree Celsius, was recorded in Khulna on Saturday.