United News of Bangladesh

Customs Intelligence and Investigation Directorate (CIID) detained a passenger with over 1.6 kgs gold at Shah Amanat International Airport in Chattogram on Wednesday. However, the identity of the detained passenger could not be known. Airport Director Group Captain Taslim Ahmed said the flight FZ-0563 from Dubai landed at the Shah Amanat airport at 10:45 am. Tipped-off, they came to know that an air passenger brought gold from Dubai illegally in  a bag, the captain said.   The passenger concealed the gold inside a large lock and a battery of the electronic charging light by coating lithium on the gold plate in the bag, he said. A total of 1.619 Kg of gold was recovered from the bag of the passenger, he added.

Environment, Forest and Climate Change Minister Saber Hossain Chowdhury has said that Bangla should be made one of the official languages of the United Nations (UN). Bengla is the sixth largest language in the world in terms of the number of native speakers. Bangla language movement activists have inspired language rights movements around the world, he said. The minister said these while talking to reporters after paying tribute to the language martyrs at the Central Shaheed Minar on behalf of the ministry marking ‘Language Day’ and ‘International Mother Language Day’, said a media release signed by the ministry’s Senior Information Officer Dipankar Bar. The sacrifices and sacrifices of the language martyrs are invaluable to the world, he said, adding that Bangladesh is now an independent and democratic country, standing tall in the world, inspired by their sacrifices. Minister Saber said that the language martyrs did not only establish Bangla as one of the state languages, but also made an invaluable contribution to the establishment of the national identity and dignity. Read: DCAB pays respect to language martyrs

Two people were killed and 10 others injured in a collision between a speeding bus and a three-wheeler in Sreebardi upazila of Sherpur district early Wednesday. The deceased were identified as three-wheeler helper Hamidullah, 26, son of late Mofiz Uddin of Boro poragor village under the Sreebardi upazila and bus passenger Golam Faruk, 50, son of Abdul Barek of nearby Jamalpur’s Bakshiganj upazila. Sreebardi police station Officer-in-Charge (OC) Kaium Khan Siddique said the bus of ‘Ma Moni Paribahan’ crashed into the three-wheeler coming from the opposite direction on Bhayadanga-Kurua road around 5 am, leaving the helper dead on the spot and 11 others injured. The injured were rushed to Sherpur Sadar hospital where Faruk succumbed to his injuries and the rest were undergoing treatment, he said. After the collision, the three-wheeler, locally used for transporting goods, plunged into a roadside ditch while the bus  ploughed through a nearby house, the OC said. The bus was seized but its driver managed to flee, he said, adding that a legal action will be taken.

The Diplomatic Correspondents Association, Bangladesh (DCAB), has paid respect to language movement heroes on the occasion of 'Shaheed Dibash' (Martyrs Day) and the International Mother Language Day. President Nurul Islam Hasib and General Secretary Ashiqur Rahman Apu led DCAB in paying respect to language martyrs by placing wreaths at the Central Shaheed Minar on Wednesday morning. Former DCAB General Secretary Mahfuz Mishu was also present, among others. The day, February 21, is marked with the martyrdom of valiant sons of Bangladesh for establishing Bangla as the state language of the then East Pakistan (now Bangladesh). The day is also being observed around the world as UNESCO recognised February 21 as the International Mother Language Day on November 17, 1999. This year's theme of the day is “Multilingual education: a pillar of learning and intergenerational learning,” is worthwhile". Dhanmondi 32: DCAB pays tribute to Bangabandhu DCAB is a 26-year-old organisation of reporters who cover foreign affairs of Bangladesh.

Dhaka has ranked third on the list of cities worldwide with the worst air quality with an AQI index of 167 at 10:30 am this morning. Dhaka’s air was classified as 'unhealthy', according to the air quality index. Uzbekistan’s Tashkent, Pakistan’s Lahore and India’s Delhi occupied the first, second and fourth spots on the list, with AQI scores of 247, 195 and 166 respectively. Dhaka’s air quality ‘unhealthy’, 5th worst in the world this morning When the AQI value for particle pollution is between 101 and 150, air quality is considered ‘unhealthy for sensitive groups’, between 150 and 200 is ‘unhealthy’, between 201 and 300 is said to be 'very unhealthy', while a reading of 301+ is considered 'hazardous', posing serious health risks to residents. The AQI, an index for reporting daily air quality, informs people how clean or polluted the air of a certain city is and what associated health effects might be a concern for them. The AQI in Bangladesh is based on five pollutants: particulate matter (PM10 and PM2.5), NO2, CO, SO2, and ozone. Dhaka’s air quality 4th worst in the world this morning Dhaka has long been grappling with air pollution issues. Its air quality usually turns unhealthy in winter and improves during the monsoon. As per World Health Organization (WHO), air pollution kills an estimated seven million people worldwide every year, mainly due to increased mortality from stroke, heart disease, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, lung cancer, and acute respiratory infections.    

Bangladesh is solemnly observing 'Amar Ekushey', paying homage to the valiant martyrs of the 1952 Language Movement, a pivotal event in the nation’s history that championed the recognition of Bangla as a state language. This day, also known as International Mother Language Day, underscores the country's commitment to linguistic and cultural preservation. In a symbolic gesture of respect, President Mohammed Shahabuddin and Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina led the nation in tribute, laying floral wreaths at the Central Shahid Minar right after midnight. The Prime Minister, arriving first, and shortly after, the President, were greeted by Dhaka University's Vice-chancellor, marking a moment of unity and reverence under the echoes of the immortal song 'Amar Bhai-er Rakte Rangano Ekushey February'. The ceremony attracted ministers, diplomats, military chiefs, and citizens, all paying their respects to the heroes who sacrificed their lives for linguistic freedom. No specific security threat centering Shaheed Day: DMP Commissioner People from various walks of life, in a poignant display of solidarity, walked barefoot to the monument, offering flowers while singing the movement's anthem, reflecting the deep-rooted significance of the day. The events of February 21, 1952, when students and citizens of Dhaka protested against Urdu's imposition as the sole official language, mark a critical juncture in Bangladesh's struggle for self-determination. The brutal police response resulted in the deaths of several protestors, including Salam, Barkat, Rafiq, and Jabbar, galvanizing the nation towards eventual independence in 1971 under the leadership of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman. Amar Ekushey: President, PM lead nation in honouring Language Movement heroesUNESCO's recognition of Ekushey February as International Mother Language Day in 1999 further elevated its global significance, promoting linguistic diversity and cultural heritage worldwide. On this day, the national flag is flown at half-mast, and black flags are hoisted across major buildings, with Bangladesh Missions abroad also partaking in the observances. Various political, social, cultural, and professional organizations have organized seminars and cultural functions to observe the day's essence. Both President Shahabuddin and Prime Minister Hasina have released messages emphasizing the importance of linguistic diversity and cultural respect, aligning with the spirit of Amar Ekushey. Curtain raises for Sammilita Sangskritik Jote's Amar Ekushey 2024 cultural tributeAs the nation reflects on its historical journey, the messages from the President and Prime Minister call for a reinvigorated commitment to preserving the Bengali language and culture, fostering mutual respect among diverse linguistic and cultural groups. This day's observance through special media programs, educational seminars, and cultural events highlights Bangladesh's enduring legacy of linguistic pride and cultural identity.    

In a recent statement, State Minister for Power, Energy, and Mineral Resources, Nasrul Hamid, hinted at a forthcoming increase in electricity tariffs starting from March to counter the widening gap between production costs and sales revenues. This move aims to alleviate financial pressures on the Bangladesh Power Development Board (BPDB) and the national economy. "We've to adjust power tariff at both the retail and bulk level to cover the production cost. However, gas prices may be adjusted only for the power plants," Hamid declared, assuring that the impact on retail consumers would be kept to a minimum. Nepal sends tariff proposal to Bangladesh to export 40 MW electricity Sources within the government reveal plans to implement a 5 percent hike in bulk electricity prices and a 3 percent increase at the retail level through an administrative order, bypassing traditional regulatory hearings. This decision comes after months of deliberation among top policymakers, torn between raising tariffs or leveraging the banking system to issue more bonds. The dilemma underscores the challenge of managing the substantial financial deficit incurred by the BPDB, with current electricity production costs nearly double the selling price. According to the BPDB’s Annual Report 2022-23, the fiscal year saw the production of 87,024 million kilowatt hours of electricity at a total cost of TK 986.46 billion. Electricity demand may rise to about 17,500 MW in coming summer: Nasrul Its per unit production cost was Tk 11.33, while it was selling electricity at Tk 6.7 per unit — incurring a loss of about Tk 4.63 per unit. This imbalance has led to a staggering loss of Tk 47,788 crore for the fiscal year, as the government grapples with purchasing power from private and international sources at significantly higher rates. With this huge loss, the government has been facing great trouble as it has to purchase electricity worth Tk 82,778 crore from private sector power producers, while it generates electricity worth Tk 13,307 crore from its own generation plants. The annual report also shows that the BPDB’s average per unit production cost from its own plants is Tk 7.63, while it is Tk 14.62 at the independent power producers or IPPs (private sector), at rental plants Tk 12.53, at public plants Tk 6.85, and imported power from India at Tk 8.77. The government purchases electricity from the private sector and India in dollars. The disparity in production costs between government and private sector plants further exacerbates the financial strain, with the government incurring a cumulative outstanding bill of approximately $5 billion in the energy sector alone. Hamid also addressed the critical foreign exchange challenge, stating, "The crisis is not in local currency... But the main crisis is the dollar. We’re not getting dollars from Bangladesh Bank as per our needs," highlighting the sector's urgent requirement for $1 billion monthly to meet payment obligations. In response, the government has initiated the issuance of bonds valued at Tk 5,000 crore, potentially rising to Tk 12,000 crore to mitigate some of the financial distress. However, officials acknowledge that this measure, coupled with ongoing subsidies, may not suffice, prompting further considerations for tariff adjustments or additional bond issuances. As Bangladesh navigates this economic quagmire, the impending decision on electricity tariffs looms large, with potential implications for both the national economy and the everyday lives of its citizens.  

Twenty-five young political leaders from the country's three most successful political parties have recently graduated from the USAID-funded Strengthening Political Landscape Young Leaders Fellowship Program (YLFP), implemented by Democracy International (DI). These graduates are promising, active leaders of Bangladesh Awami League (AL), Bangladesh Jatiyotabadi Dal (BNP), and Jatiyo Party (JaPa). The graduation ceremony of the programme was organized on Tuesday in Dhaka at a city hotel. The Young Leaders Fellowship Program aims to improve the political skills of young leaders, propel their careers within respective parties, and foster understanding between leaders of different political affiliations. The program creates a professional network that can help bridge the divide in the polarized political landscape of Bangladesh. The YLFP is widely acclaimed among young political leaders in Bangladesh, offering a rare opportunity to acquire knowledge and training in leadership and politics that is not commonly available. The young politicians received comprehensive training over four months, covering a wide range of topics including politics, leadership, democratic practices, conflict mitigation, political party building and media relations. Organisers informed that a total of 561 young leaders have successfully completed the program till now During the intensive four-month program, participants received detailed training on leadership skills, political practices, conflict resolution, team building and media relations, they also said. Additionally, the members collaborated across party lines to address local issues, such as the installation of deep tube wells in underdeveloped areas of Meherpur and Mymensingh, waste management and installation of 500 dustbins in Sylhet, dengue eradication campaigns in the Chandpur municipality area, and pond cleaning initiatives in Patuakhali, among others. Bangladesh Awami League Organizing Secretary Sujit Roy Nandi, BNP National Executive Committee Training Affairs Secretary ABM Mosharraf Hossain, and Jatiya Party Presidium Member Barrister Shameem Haider Patwary. Emphasizing the importance of prioritizing the nation's interests, they commended the collaborative efforts of political parties in the fellowship program towards serving the citizens of the country. In her closing remarks, Dana L. Olds, Chief of Party of the SPL project at Democracy International, highlighted the significance of cross-party collaboration and collective action in addressing societal needs. "The collaboration and collective initiative between leaders from different political parties participating in the fellowship program and working together for the common people in their own districts prove that positive, people-oriented politics is possible," said Dana. The U.S. Government, through USAID, has provided more than $8 billion in development assistance to Bangladesh since its independence.

Foreign Minister Dr. Hasan Mahmud has unveiled the book ‘Pranab Mukharjee: Rajnitir Vetor Bahir: Prekkhit Bangladesh’ ('Pranab Mukherjee: Ins and Outs of Politics. The Bangladesh Context'), written by senior Indian Journalist and President of Press Club of India Gautam Lahiri. The unveiling programme took place at the books/covers launching stage of Amar Ekushey Boi Mela at the Suhrawardy Uddyan around 4.30 pm Tuesday. Foreign minister Hasan Mahmud said, “Pranab Mukherjee's relationship with Bangabandhu's family was very good. He stood by the side of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina during the turning and crisis of Bangladesh. During '1/11' he was also by her side, he played a significant role in the establishment of democracy. We, who are the supporters of Awami League, our first identity isBengali then Hindu or Muslim. This is why, our main festival is Pahela Boishakh.” Talking about the book more specifically, he said, “This is an informative book which contains valuable information about our country’s history. As I mentioned before, Pranab Mukharjee was important in the context of establishing democracy in Bangladesh (after '1/11'). This book will help the reader to know about his deeds and contributions. Those who are interested in politics must read this book.” Praising author Gautam Lahiri, who was present on the stage with him, Hasan Mahmud said, “The writer of this book Gautam Lahiri just did an excellent piece of work. I think his writings will act as a road map of good relation between Bangladesh and India.” As Lahiri observed Indian Former president Pranab Mukharjee from very close quarters for a long time, he wrote his views, experiences and observation of Pranab Mukharjee about Bangladesh in this book. Gautam Lahiri is the first Bengali to hold post of president of the Press Club of India. He has been involved in journalism for four decades and travelled to more than sixty countries of the world as a travel companion of Prime Ministers and Presidents of India. He has visited Bangladesh many times too. He practices journalism in Bengali, English and Hindi languages. Among others, former governor of Bangladesh Bank, Dr. Atiur Rahman, was present during the unveiling of the book.

Bangladesh and Ghana on Tuesday agreed to enhance trade and commerce between the two countries for mutual benefits. The consensus came when visiting Minister for Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration of the Republic of Ghana Shirley Ayorkor Botchwey called on Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina at her official residence Ganabhaban. PM’s speech writer M Nazrul Islam briefed reporters after the call on. Promote great souls who serve society selflessly: PM He said that both identified agriculture, pharmaceuticals, ICT, agro based food products, jute and jute products and textile items for the trade enhancement. Minister for Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration of the Republic of Ghana Shirley Ayorkor Botchwey conveyed the greetings of Ghanaian President to the Prime Minister for her re-election. She mentioned that the bilateral engagement of the two countries are increasing gradually. Counter conspiracies against country's prosperity: PM Hasina tells expatriates “There is ample scope to enhance the trade and commerce between the two countries,” she said. In this connection she mentioned agriculture, pharmaceuticals, ICT and agro based food products. She sought Bangladesh’s support for her country’s candidature in the upcoming Commonwealth Secretary General election to be held in October. This time the SG will be elected from African countries. Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina also put emphasis on enhancing trade and commerce with the African countries saying that there are huge possibilities to improve trade. In this connection, she mentioned jute and jute products and textile items. “African countries can import these items from Bangladesh,” she said. Talking about Commonwealth Sheikh Hasina said that once upon a time this organisation was inactive. “But recently it has been activated and playing a strong role in investment and human resource training,” she said. The Prime Minister put emphasis on electing an able leadership for the Secretary General post. Ambassador at Large M Ziauddin and Principal Secretary M Tofazzel Hossain Miah were present at the meeting.