United News of Bangladesh

No death from dengue fever was reported in Bangladesh in 24 hours till Thursday morning, according to the Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS). However, 24 patients were hospitalised with this viral fever during this period, it said. Of them, 14 were admitted to the hospitals in Dhaka city, while the rest were outside of the capital. Currently, 132 patients are receiving treatment at hospitals across the country. So far, 2,569 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. 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.

There will be no crisis of sacrificial animals during the upcoming Eid-ul-Azha, Fisheries and Livestock Minister Abdur Rahman said on Thursday. The government is fully prepared for the supply and management of sacrificial animals, he said at the inter-ministerial meeting on demand assessment, supply and ensuring  easy transportation of sacrificial animals on the occasion of the upcoming Eid-ul-Azha held at the conference room of the Department of Livestock. Like previous years, the demand for sacrificial animals has been determined, he said adding there are 22,77,973 more cattle than the demand. This year supply of 1,29, 80, 367 sacrificial animals is expected which is 4, 44,034 more than last time. The Ministry of Fisheries and Livestock and other government departments are working to ensure that Eid-ul-Azha can be celebrated with ease and full preparation. Implement ‘No Helmet, No Fuel' policy: Police HQ asks field level officers “In the past, we had to import cattle from other countries during Eid-ul-Azha. But we are now able to meet our demand with local cattle,” he mentioned. The minister said that necessary instructions will be issued in the bordering districts so that the illegal entry of cattle into the country does not occur. “Under the dynamic leadership of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, our livestock department officials, farmers and entrepreneurs have brought revolutionary changes in the livestock sector and our production has increased significantly, “he said. Calling to follow hygiene rules in the cattle markets, the Livestock Minister said that sick animals would not be allowed to be sold in the market. Special measures will be taken to ensure that buyers and sellers are not subjected to undue harassment and sufficient manpower will be deployed to maintain law and order in the markets, he added. He advised the traders and farmers to do financial transactions in a smart way instead of carrying cash as much as possible. NEC approves Tk 265,000 crores ADP for 2024-2025 fiscal year The minister said that like the previous year, the system of selling sacrificial animals will continue across the country on the online platforms to ease the sufferings of both buyers and sellers. “A veterinary medical team will be there in every authorised cattle market. The team members will check whether the sacrificial animals are safe and suitable for sacrifice or whether any harmful substances have been pushed into their bodies.” Besides, a control room (hot line-16358) will be operated from the Directorate of Livestock. If there is any problem in the cattle market, prompt action will be taken, he said. Among others, Secretary of Ministry of Fisheries and Livestock Mohang Salim Uddin,, Additional Secretary ATM Mustafa Kamal and Director General of Directorate of Livestock Dr Mohammad Rayazul Haque, attended the meeting.

Speakers at a discussion on Thursday said that one in every four adults in Bangladesh is suffering from hypertension and it is one of the major risk factors for various non-communicable diseases including heart diseases, stroke, cancer, kidney diseases, respiratory diseases and diabetes. This information was highlighted at a discussion meeting titled “Hypertension Situation in Bangladesh and Way Forward” held at the capital’s BMA Bhaban on Thursday. The meeting was organised on the occasion of World Hypertension Day by research and advocacy organization PROGGA (Knowledge for Progress) with support from Global Health Advocacy Incubator (GHAI). Progga workshop zeroes in on funding gap for tackling non-communicable diseases This year World Hypertension Day will be observed under the theme “Measure Your Blood Pressure Accurately, Control It, Live Longer”. During the discussion, the speakers said the prevalence of hypertension and hypertension-related various non-communicable diseases (NCDs) is growing increasingly in Bangladesh. Although the government has taken several initiatives to control hypertension, ensuring necessary allocation for an uninterrupted supply of medicine across the country remains a challenge, they said. According to experts, premature deaths from NCDs can be reduced to a great extent by controlling hypertension alone. They recommended allocation of the necessary funding for this sector in the upcoming budget for FY 2024-25. According to WHO’s first Global Report on Hypertension 2023, 2 lakh 73 thousand people died of cardiovascular disease in 2019 in Bangladesh and 54 percent of these fatalities were attributable to hypertension. PROGGA and ATMA push for 63% tobacco tax hike  Although non-communicable diseases account for 70 percent of the total deaths in Bangladesh and the budgetary allocation dedicated to combat NCDs is alarmingly low, comprising only 4.2 percent of the total health budget. Prof. Dr ABM Abdullah, personal physician of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina said , “Controlling hypertension can significantly curb the prevalence of non-communicable diseases. The government of Bangladesh has already made a decision to provide anti-hypertensive medicine from community clinics, which is highly commendable. However, necessary budgetary allocation must be ensured to keep the supply of the medicine uninterrupted.”   Dr. Md. Enamul Haque, Director General (Additional Secretary), Health Economics Unit said, “Research shows that investing Tk 1 for hypertension screening and medicines can yield an overall benefit worth Tk 18. Hypertension-related non-communicable diseases can be brought under control through increased investment and its effective utilization.” Dr. Md. Quiume Talukder, Line Director (CBHC), Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS) said at the event, “We are working towards ensuring the availability of anti-hypertensive medicine from all Upazila Health Complexes and Community Clinics gradually. Successful implementation of this program will pave the way for substantial reduction in the prevalence of hypertension and non-communicable diseases.” Md. Zakir Hossain, Deputy General Manager (Sales & Marketing) of Essential Drugs Company Limited (EDCL) said, “We are optimistic about ensuring the availability of anti-hypertensive medicines from all Community Clinics from the upcoming fiscal year 2024-25.” Dr. Laila Akhter, Director, Bangladesh Food Safety Authority (BFSA), Professor Dr. S M Mustafa Zaman, Department of Cardiology at Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University (BSMMU) and President, Bangladesh Cardiovascular Research Foundation; Professor Dr. Syed Abdul Hamid, Institute of Health Economics, Dhaka University, Professor Dr. Khaleda Islam, Director, Institute of Nutrition and Food Science, Dhaka University; Professor Dr. Malay Kanti Mridha, BRAC James P Grant School of Public Health of BRAC University, Dr. Abu Jamil Faisel, President Elect, Public Health Association of Bangladesh; Dr Syed Mahfuzul Huq, National Professional Officer, WHO Bangladesh Office; Obaidul Kabir, Executive Editor, Daily Janakantha and ABM Zubair, Executive Director of PROGGA also spoke at the event. The event was moderated by Journalist Sukanta Gupta Alak. PROGGA’s Coordinator Sadia Galiba Prova presented the key-note with Muhammad Ruhul Quddus, Bangladesh Country Lead of GHAI in the chair. END/UNB/ARJ/MAS

Speakers at a seminar on Thursday highlighted Bangladesh’s role as an active voice in global climate diplomacy, combating climate change and implementing the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). They noted that the country is among the least carbon emitters, but remains highly vulnerable to climate change impacts. Bangladesh Institute of International and Strategic Studies (BIISS) organised the seminar titled “Application of Carbon Financing: Challenges and Policy Options for Bangladesh” at the BIISS auditorium. State Minister of Finance Waseqa Ayesha Khan spoke as the chief guest while Chairman of BIISS Ambassador AFM Gousal Azam Sarker moderated and wrapped the session up with some remarks. Carbon financing can be a useful instrument in this regard and it assigns a monetary value to carbon emissions and enables businesses willing to offset their own emissions to purchase carbon credits generated by sustainable initiatives, they observed. The Infrastructure Development Company Limited (IDCOL) from Bangladesh sold over 2.53 million carbon credits equivalent to US$16.25 million - between 2006-2023 - and there remain greater prospects for the country. The speakers focused on the need of establishing comprehensive policy guidelines, raising awareness, and effective participation of all relevant stakeholders. Director General of BIISS Major General Md Abu Bakar Siddique Khan delivered the welcome address. Research Director of BIISS Dr Mahfuz Kabir presented the keynote paper titled “Pathways of Carbon Financing: Imperatives for Bangladesh”. The Keynote presentation was followed by a panel discussion. The panel was consisted of Eun Joo Allison Yi, senior environment specialist, the World Bank; Arif M. Faisal, programme specialist, UNDP, Bangladesh; Alamgir Morshed, Executive Director and CEO, Infrastructure Development Company Limited (IDCOL); Shams Mahmud, Managing Director, Shasha Denims Ltd and Director, BGMEA; and Dr Md Nazrul Islam, Additional Foreign Secretary, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Bangladesh. Senior officials from different ministries, diplomatic missions, media, researchers, businesspeople, teachers and students from various universities, representatives from different think tanks, international organisations, participated in the seminar and enriched it by presenting their valuable opinions, comments, suggestions, and observations during the open discussion session.

Forbes, one of the world’s prestigious business magazines, has published the list of its ninth annual 30 Under 30 Asia, Class of 2024 on Wednesday, including nine Bangladeshi rising stars. The list, in which many Bangladeshi young professionals have made their respective places before, addresses 300 changemakers in 10 categories who are transforming their industries while making positive impacts in society. These categories are: Entertainment & Sports, Finance & Venture Capital, Enterprise Technology, Media, Marketing & Advertising, Consumer Technology, Industry, Manufacturing & Energy, The Arts (Art & Style, Food & Drink), Social Impact, Retail & Ecommerce And Healthcare & Science. Among these, Bangladeshi multidisciplinary artist Anusha Alamgir is listed in The Arts (Art & Style, Food & Drink) category; award-winning freelance journalist Redwan Ahmed has been listed in the Media, Marketing and Advertising category; Mehedi Shoron has been recognized in the Consumer Technology category; and the Finance and Venture Capital category included six youngstars including Fahad Ahmed, Sultan Moni, Mumtahina Anika, Md Shahidul Islam, Abdul Gaffar Sadi, and Md Tushar. ‘Well done, Sakib!’: US Embassy congratulates Sakib Jamal for making it to Forbes' 30 Under 30 list Anusha Alamgir Anusha Alamgir (28) is a Bangladeshi multidisciplinary artist with a Master's degree in architecture from the Royal College of Art in London. She was the only female Bangladeshi to exhibit in the 18th International Architecture Exhibition at the 2023 Venice Biennale with a film called 'Porda - which means 'veil' in Bangla - addressing Muslim veiling practices. Alamgir's artistic practices apply architectural concepts to sculpture, painting, photography and performance, while also exploring contemporary issues in Bangladesh such as the female body image and the so-called male gaze. Her work has been exhibited by the Oitij-jo Collective in London, at the La-La Land Gallery in Los Angeles and the Drik Picture Library in Dhaka. Alamgir is also the founder of the online thrift store Colors Dhaka. Redwan Ahmed Redwan Ahmed (28) is an award-winning freelance journalist who goes after the biggest stories in Bangladesh. His coverage of the Rohingya crisis for Agence France-Presse earned him the 22nd Human Rights Press Award and his investigations for the British news outlet The Guardian unveiled the exploitation of Bangladeshi garment factory workers. Beyond reporting, Redwan co-founded the Bangladeshi Journalists in International Media, dedicated to protecting local journalists. Ahmed was named a fellow in the 2021 Reham Al-Farra Memorial Journalism program. PM Hasina 46th most powerful woman in the world, according to Forbes Mehedi Shoron Mehedi Shoron (24) is the co-founder of HelloTask, the "Uber for maid service" in Bangladesh. The app offers hourly bookings, monthly subscriptions, verification of the maids it employs, and safety features to protect them from exploitation or violence. HelloTask has raised funding from investors as well as grants from the World Bank and Oxfam. The company hopes to expand its force of maids to 100,000 by 2025 and explore international markets. Fahad Ahmed Fahad Ahmed (25) is the co-founder of Wind.App, a cross-border remittance platform that uses blockchain technology and stablecoins to offer faster and cheaper transactions. Founded in 2022, the startup secured $3.8 million in pre-seed funding led by Global Founders Capital and Spartan Group in November. Before Wind, Fahad was part of the founding team and head of product at Pathao, where he launched services such as food delivery, payments, and ride-hailing in Bangladesh and Nepal. A self-taught coder, Fahad earned a bachelor's degree in finance and economics from the Institute of Business Administration (IBA), Dhaka University. Sultan Moni and Mumtahina Anika Sultan Moni and Mumtahina Anika co-founded Dhaka-based fintech startup Zatiq, aiming to help small companies better manage their accounting with software and hardware that are easy to adopt. One example is a business calculator that can be synced with smartphones to track finances and generate reports. Zatiq also offers a simple way for small businesses to start an ecommerce website. In August, Zatiq raised a $1.6 million pre-seed funding round led by Dekko ISHO Venture Capital. Abdul Gaffar Sadi, Md Tushar and Md Shahidul Islam Abdul Gaffar Sadi, Md Tushar and Md Shahidul Islam founded Dhaka-based Drutoloan, which translates to 'quick loan' in English. The company helps micro and small businesses get lending from banks and financing companies, helping them with the paperwork and helping lenders assess creditworthiness. Since starting in 2019, the co-founders said the company disbursed over $2 million in loans. In November it raised $125,000 in pre seed funding. The 2023 Forbes’ 30 under 30 list featured seven Bangladeshi young professionals in different categories.  

The Local Government Division has received the highest allocation of some Tk 38,808.88 crore in the new Annual Development Programme (ADP) for 2024-2025 fiscal year approved by the National Economic Council on Thursday. The allocation is 15 percent of the overall ADP’s outlay of Tk 265,000 crores. The ADP was cleared in a meeting presided over by NEC Chairperson and Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina at the NEC Conference room in the city's Sher-e Bangla Nagar area. Planning Minister Abdus Salam, State Minister for Planning Shahiduzzaman Sarker and Planning Division Senior Secretary Satyajit Karmaker briefed reporters after the meeting. Among the highest 10 allocation recipient ministries and divisions, Road Transport and Highways Division received the second highest allocation with Tk 32,042 crore (12.39pc), while Power Division with Tk 29,177 crore (11.28pc), Primary and Mass Education Ministry with Tk 16,136 crore (6.24pc), Health Services Division with Tk 13,741 crore (5.31pc ), Railways Ministry with Tk 13,726 crore (5.31pc), Science and Technology Ministry with Tk 12,887 crore (4.98pc), Secondary and Higher Education Division with Tk 11,388 crore (4.40pc), Shipping Ministry with Tk 10,373 crore (4.01pc) and Water Resources Ministry with Tk 8, 687 crore (3.36pc). The total allocation against the 10 ministries or divisions is around Tk 186,965 crore, which is some 72 percent of the overall ADP outlay. In sector-wise allocation, the transport and communication sector received the highest allocation of Tk 70, 687.75 crore (26. 67pc of total ADP’s outlay). Among the top 10 sectors in terms of allocation, the power and energy sector received the 2nd highest allocation of around Tk 40,752 crore (15.38pc) followed by education sector with Tk 31,529 crore (11.36pc), housing community facilities with Tk 24,868 crore (9.38pc), health sector with Tk 20,683 crore (7.80pc), local government and rural development with Tk 17,986 crore (6.79pc), agriculture sector with Tk 13,220 crore (4.99pc), environment, climate change and water resources with Tk 11,089 crore (4.18pc), industry and economic services with Tk 6,492 crore (2.45pc) and science and information technology sector with Tk 4,786 crore (1.25pc). Besides, the NEC approved some Tk 13,288.91-crore ADP of the autonomous bodies or corporations. In the new ADP, the total number of projects is 1,321 including 1,133 investment projects, 21 survey projects, 87 technical assistance projects and 80 projects from the autonomous bodies and corporations.

The National Economic Council (NEC) on Thursday approved the Annual Development Programme (ADP) for the fiscal year of 2024-2025 with an outlay of Tk 265,000 crores. The transport and communication sector got the highest allocation of Tk 70, 687.75 crore (26. 67pc of allocation) in the ADP. Besides, the NEC approved some Tk 13,288.91-crore ADP of the autonomous bodies or corporations. The approval came from the NEC meeting presided over by NEC Chairperson and Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina at the NEC Conference room in the city's Sher-e Bangla Nagar area. Planning Minister Abdus Salam, State Minister for Planning Shahiduzzaman Sarker and Planning Division Senior Secretary Satyajit Karmaker briefed reporters after the meeting. “Among the Tk 265,000 crores, Tk 165,000 crore will be financed from domestic sources, while the rest Tk 100,000 crore from foreign sources,” said Satyajit Karmaker at the press briefing. In the new ADP, the total number of projects is 1,321 including 1,133 investment projects, 21 survey projects, 87 technical assistance projects and 80 projects from the autonomous bodies and corporations, he said. Like the previous years, the conditions of the country’s resources and macroeconomic conditions, and foreign financing were considered during designing the ADP for 2024-2025 FY, said the planning secretary. In terms of allocation, priority has been given to projects related to agriculture and agro-based industries to maintain food security, power sector, labour efficiency and poverty reduction amid the current global economic context, he added. Out of the Tk 13,288.91-crore ADP of the autonomous bodies or corporations, Tk 11,698.96 crore will be mobilized from internal resources, while the remaining Tk 1,589.95 crore from foreign sources, said the secretary. So, with the 13,288.91 crore ADP for autonomous bodies or corporations, the total size of ADP for 2024-2025 has stood at Tk 278,288.91 crore, he said. Among the top 10 sectors in terms of allocation, the power and energy sector received the 2nd highest allocation of around Tk 40,752 crore (15.38pc) followed by education sector with Tk 31,529 crore (11.36pc), housing community facilities with Tk 24,868 crore (9.38pc), health sector with Tk 20,683 crore (7.80pc), local government and rural development with Tk 17,986 crore (6.79pc), agriculture sector with Tk 13,220 crore (4.99pc), environment, climate change and water resources with Tk 11,089 crore (4.18pc), industry and economic services with Tk 6,492 crore (2.45pc) and science and information technology sector with Tk 4,786 crore (1.25pc). The total allocation against the top 10 sectors is some Tk 242,093 crore (90.25pc of the total ADP). According to the new ADP for FY25, the highest 10 allocation recipient ministries and divisions are Local Government Division with some Tk 38,809 crore (15pc of allocation), Road Transport and Highways Division with Tk 32,042 crore (12.39pc), Power Division with Tk 29,177 crore (11.28pc), Primary and Mass Education Ministry with Tk 16,136 crore (6.24pc), Health Services Division with Tk 13,741 crore (5.31pc ), Railways Ministry with Tk 13,726 crore (5.31pc), Science and Technology Ministry with Tk 12,887 crore (4.98pc), Secondary and Higher Education Division with Tk 11,388 crore (4.40pc), Shipping Ministry with Tk 10,373 crore (4.01pc) and Water Resources Ministry with Tk 8, 687 crore (3.36pc). The total allocation against the 10 ministries or divisions is around Tk 186,965 crore, which is some 72 percent of the overall ADP outlay.

A microbus caught fire on Dhaka Elevated Expressway in front of Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport on Thursday. Rozina Akhtar, duty officer of Fire Service and Civil Defence (FSCD) headquarters control room, said the microbus caught fire due to overheating of its engine around 12:10pm. Being informed, two firefighting units from nearby Airport station came and doused the fire around 12:40 pm, she said. No casualty was reported, she added.

Minister of Environment, Forest and Climate Change Saber Hossain Chowdhury has said the contribution of women in tackling climate risks is incredibly significant. Women are the pillars of resilience, being 14 times more affected than men, he said while speaking at the Global Dialogue on Demographic Diversity and Sustainable Development in the Climate Change and International Conference on Population and Development held at a city hotel on Thursday. Recognizing women’s role in disaster response, the minister stressed proper assessment of community vulnerability and updating the National Adaptation Plan to prioritize women and children's health, said a media release. The minister also advocated for the MCPP approach, aiming to transition vulnerability into resilience and resilience to prosperity. He also emphasized the need for financing, technology, and capacity building. Want to deepen ties with US to combat climate change: Saber Minister Chowdhury outlined various initiatives undertaken by the government to address climate challenge. He said the government is implementing initiatives to support communities in Bangladesh to adapt and build resilience to climate change impacts. He highlighted the government's active promotion of community-based adaptation programs aimed at empowering local communities to identify and implement strategies to cope with climate change challenges. These programs focus on enhancing community resilience through sustainable agriculture, water management, and disaster preparedness. The minister said the government is investing in climate-resilient infrastructure projects to safeguard critical infrastructure such as roads, bridges, and buildings from the impacts of extreme weather events like cyclones and floods. Strengthening early warning systems is also a priority to provide timely alerts and evacuation procedures for communities at risk of climate-related disasters. “We are committed to promoting sustainable livelihood options such as eco-friendly agriculture, aquaculture, and alternative energy sources to reduce dependency on climate-vulnerable sectors and enhance community resilience,” said the minister. US Department of State, Eastern Bank to work jointly on climate change adaptation He said large-scale afforestation and reforestation programs are being implemented to increase green cover, mitigate climate change impacts, and enhance biodiversity. Capacity-building programs and awareness campaigns among communities about climate change adaptation strategies, disaster risk reduction, and sustainable environmental practices are also underway, he said, adding that these efforts underscore the government's dedication to building a climate-resilient Bangladesh and ensuring the well-being of its people in the face of climate change challenges. The session was attended by distinguished figures including, Martin Moreti, Minister for Women, Youth, Sports and Social Affairs of the Republic of Kiribati; Diene Kieta, Assistant Secretary-General, Deputy Executive Director of UNFPA; and Elizabeth Gulugulu, former YOUNGO Global South Focal Point. Neil Datta from the European Parliamentarian Forum moderated the session.      

Several markets and more than 50 tin-roof houses were gutted in a fire at Bhogra bypass area in Gazipur city early Thursday.  The fire started from a tea shop at around 3 am.  Dhaka's air quality ‘unhealthy’, 5th worst in the world this morning Senior Station Officer of Bhogra Fire Service, Md. Ruhul Amin Mollah, said the fire broke out in the market and tin roof houses built on a land owned by one Rafi Matbor, a resident of Bhogra bypass area. On information, two units of Bhogra Fire Service rushed to the spot. Later, two units of Konabari Fire Service joined and brought the fire under control after an hour's effort. JU students seize 16 buses of Moumita Paribahan following student's complaint of molestation by helper The cause of the fire and the extent of damage can be ascertained after investigation. Vehicular movement on the Dhaka-Tangail highway remained suspended for about two hours due to the fire incident.