United News of Bangladesh

Executive Director of the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) Dr Natalia Kanem has appreciated Bangladesh’s success in reducing child and maternal mortality rates and preventing child marriages. The praise from Kanem, who is also the UN Under-Secretary General, came during her courtesy call on Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina at InterContinental hotel in Dhaka, PM’s Speechwriter Md Nazrul Islam told reporters after the meeting. Issues including child and mother mortality rates, reproductive health, child marriage and girls education came up for discussion during the meeting, said Nazrul. The UNFPA chief said Bangladesh has made an excellent performance in reducing the child and maternal mortality rates. She said the reproductive health of women is being affected due to adverse impacts of climate changes. About the climate change, the prime minister said her government took various steps to offset the impacts of climate change and thus the vulnerability of the poor and marginalised community has declined. Japanese envoy visits Japan-funded UNFPA project sites in Noakhali In case of natural disasters, the rate of casualties has sharply reduced in Bangladesh due to measures taken by her government, she said. Turning to education for women Hasina said girls outshine boys both in numbers and academic performance in the school examinations in Bangladesh. “Girl students have surpassed the boys both in numbers and pass percentage in the recent school examinations (SSC examinations). And it has been possible for our girl-friendly policy,” she said adding that many parents once were not willing to send their girls to schools in the past. She said when her party Awami League came to power in 1996 the government framed policy to promote girls’ education drawing from experiences she gathered after she returned home in 1981 ending six years of forced exile, said the PM. UNDP, UNFPA, UNOPS conclude first regional session with Presidency of Bangladesh She focused on different steps including introduction of stipend programme for students and school feeding scheme. A larger number of girls are coming to schools now as employment scope for women has widened, she noted. Foreign Minister Hasan Mahmud, State Minister for Health Rokeya Sultana, Foreign Secretary Masud Bin Momen, PMO Secretary Mohammad Salahuddin and Medical Education and Family Welfare Division Secretary Azizur Rahman were present. END/UNB/MS/F

The Election Commission (EC) on Wednesday cancelled the candidacy of Gazipur’s Shreepur upazila parishad chairman candidate Md Jamil Hasan for violating the electoral code of conduct. The EC took the decision after a hearing held at the EC secretariat in Nirbachan Bhaban in the capital’s Agargaon area. The EC summoned the chairman candidate to the Nirbachan Bhaban on Wednesday to explain the electoral code violation. He appeared before the EC and explained but the commission was not satisfied, EC ‘s Additional Secretary Ashok Kumar Debnath told reporters. Upazila Election: Heavy rains lead to low voter turnout in Natore On the other hand, Barishal-6 constituency’s Member of the Parliament (MP) Abdul Hafiiz Mollik came to the EC and apologised for casting vote openly in the upazila parishad elections on May 8. The EC Additional Secretary said the MP apologised unconditionally in the hearing of the commission and then the EC acquitted him of the charges.Upazila Election: Voting underway amid festive atmosphere in Bagerhat

 The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs in a meeting on Wednesday approved the draft “Export Policy 2024-27” setting a target to increase the annual export to $110 billion by 2027 from the current target of $80 billion. Finance Minister Abul Hassan Mahmood Ali virtually presided over the meeting as he tested Corona positive after returning from abroad. Briefing reporters about the outcomes of the meeting Md. Mahmudul Hossain Khan, Secretary, Coordination & Reforms at the Cabinet Division, said different issues including the upcoming challenges in the country against the backdrop of the graduation from LDC have been highlighted in the new draft export policy. Cabinet okays draft law to expedite implementation of mega schemes in Maheshkhali He said now the draft policy will be sent to the Cabinet for final approval. “We’re going to graduate from the LDC in 2026 and some new challenges are coming ahead in our export business...Which sectors should get the priority and which products need branding were focused in the new policy,” he said. He noted that some new issues have been included the new export policy.Strategies to overcome the impact of the Covid-19, Russia-Ukraine War, 4th industrial revolution, support for small and medium entrepreneurs, raising the participation of the women entrepreneurs, and environment-friendly initiatives are among the new initiatives included in the new export policy. Cabinet okays draft agreement for flight operations with Uzbekistan He said directives were given in the new export policy to take supporting measures for the women entrepreneurs to promote their exports and finding alternative measures to the financial incentives to the exporters. Some new items have been included as potential export items including vegetables, handicrafts, dyeing and printing while drugs and equipment manufacturing have got extra focus in the new policy.

Road Transport and Bridges Minister Obaidul Quader on Wednesday ordered the authorities concerned to take steps so that the battery-run three wheelers cannot ply roads in Dhaka city.“No battery-run three wheelers will be allowed on city roads and already plying of three wheelers has been prohibited on 22 highways,” he said while speaking at the advisory council meeting at Bangladesh Road Transport Authority (BRTA) headquarters.Earlier, the mayors of the two city corporations also agreed on stopping movement of battery-run three wheelers on Dhaka city roads. Joint operations in Bandarban: Obaidul Quader assures control amid challengesBesides, the minister also expressed dissatisfaction over the movement of discoloured and rundown vehicles on city roads.Meanwhile, a decision was taken to go for ‘No helmet no fuel’ policy and the deputy commissioners have been asked to take measures in this regard.BNP's freedom fighters rally a gathering of 'fake' freedom fighters: Obaidul Quader

Banglalink, one of leading digital service providers, successfully settled the first-ever insurance claim in the telecom industry of Bangladesh for a customer in the business-to-business (B2B) segment marking a new phase of diversified services in the industry. The insurance claim of BDT 160,000 was made by the widow of a deceased customer from Cox’s Bazar, who had subscribed to a Banglalink bundle of BDT 251, which included minutes and data with insurance coverage from Guardian Life Insurance Limited (GLIL). Following the unfortunate death of the customer, the nominee submitted an insurance claim. The claim was processed efficiently and settled accordingly, resulting in the disbursement of the full claim amount to the nominee, said a press release. Banglalink's telephony bundles include insurance for added security and peace of mind for B2B customers. The BDT 251 bundle offers 200 minutes, 4GB data, 2GB Toffee, and insurance up to BDT 160,000 for accidental death and BDT 60,000 for natural death, plus one tele-doctor consultation. The BDT 151 bundle includes 100 minutes, 2GB data, 1GB Toffee, and insurance of BDT 100,000 for accidental death and BDT 50,000 for natural death. Both bundles cover BDT 3,000 in hospitalization expenses and provide up to 50% discounts at over 350 GLIL loyalty partners. Muhammad Abdul Hai, Commercial Transformation and B2B Marketing Director at Banglalink, said, “With this innovative offering, Banglalink aims to ensure easy access and create awareness of various insurance types for one’s own and family’s health, wellbeing, and financial security in the most convenient manner. We are honored to provide the beneficiary family with some tangible solace during this time of distress and hope that more consumers across the country will now take proactive and protective steps to ensure a safety net for their dependents through our diverse insurance packages available in collaboration with Guardian Life Insurance Limited.” Sheikh Rakibul Karim, FCA, CEO of Guardian Life Insurance Limited, expressed satisfaction with the strategic collaboration, saying, “Through our partnership, Banglalink's B2B clients gain access to exclusive insurance coverage seamlessly integrated into their regular monthly telephony expenses. We are committed to settling insurance claims successfully and in a timely manner.” The cheque was presented in Chattogram by officials from Banglalink, including Mr. Raffee E Mahbub, Head of B2B Product and Marketing and Mr. Md. Mahmudul Hasan, Head of SME.Also, present were officials from Guardian Life Insurance Limited, including Fasihul Mostofa, Senior Vice President, Head of Digital and ADC, Shafeen M Eunus Daud, Senior Vice President, Head of Marketing and Communications, Zafar Ahmed, Senior Vice President, Retail Insurance Business, and Ashraf Ali, Vice President, Bangladesh Khudra Matshajibi Zelay Somity. END/UNB/M/FH

UN Human Rights Chief Volker Türk on Wednesday expressed deep regret at the adoption by Georgia's Parliament of the Law on Transparency of Foreign Influence, noting that the legislation seriously undermines the freedoms of expression and association.“Authorities and lawmakers have chosen to disregard the many warnings by human rights defenders and civil society organisations,” Türk said. “The impacts on the rights to freedom of expression and association in Georgia unfortunately now risk being significant.”The law, adopted yesterday, declares civil society and media organisations which receive more than 20 percent of their funding from foreign sources as “organisations acting in interest of a foreign power” and requires registration as such.“The ability of associations to seek, secure and use resources is essential to their effective operation. This overbroad law risks these organisations being labelled and stigmatised, and having to face an atmosphere of mistrust, fear and hostility,” the High Commissioner said. Bangladesh, Turkey poised to be gateways of trade between Europe, South and Southeast Asia  “The registration requirement may also have a chilling effect on them, significantly curtailing their activities. Stifling diverse voices on matters of serious public interest will only complicate the Government’s ability to respond effectively to the many challenges facing the country with sound legislative and policy measures.”Türk reiterated his call for the law to be shelved, and for the authorities to engage in dialogue with concerned media and civil society organisations as well as human rights defenders.The UN Human Rights Office has previously expressed concern about unnecessary and disproportionate use of force against demonstrators.“Authorities need to promptly investigate allegations of violence and ill-treatment in the context of the protests, including reported assaults on protesters and their families,” Türk said. Earthquake measuring 5.6 hits central Turkey“I call on the authorities in Georgia to build on recent important human rights achievements and to work with the country’s vibrant civil society to resolve the current challenges through an inclusive and rights-centered process,” the High Commissioner said.

A mild heat wave is sweeping different parts of the country including Rajshahi, Khulna, Rangpur and Sylhet divisions, said a Met office bulletin on Wednesday. “A mild heat wave is sweeping Rajshahi, Rangpur, Khulna and Sylhet divisions and Tangail, Faridpur, Madaripur, Kishoreganj, Netrokona, Rangamati, Cumilla, Noakhali, Feni, Cox`s Bazar, Bhola and Patuakhali  districts and it may continue and spread,” said Bangladesh Meteorological Department (BMD). Dhaka's air quality ‘unhealthy’, 5th worst in the world this morning Besides, rain or thunder showers accompanied by temporary gusty wind is likely at one or two places over Sylhet division. Weather may remain mainly dry with temporary partly cloudy sky elsewhere over the country. Day and night temperatures may rise slightly over the country.

The Chandpur 150 MW Combined Cycle Power Plant returned to production early Tuesday after being closed for more than one month due to oil leakage in its bearings. The plant resumed its production with 50 MW from a 100 MW unit amid the ongoing gas crisis at 1 am on Tuesday. Superintending Engineer Mohammad Nurul Absar, manager of the plant, confirmed the information to UNB on Tuesday afternoon. He said that the 150 MW plant came into production on March 10 this year after a long 14-month closure as part of regular testing since December 2022. The 100 MW capacity unit had been supplying 50 MW for the March after it had gone for production, he said. However, the other 50 MW unit could not be started yet, the engineer said. But on April 5, production was halted again due to a fire caused by oil leakage in the generator bearing, he said. Power generation has resumed after a month and eight days of closure for repair work of oil leakage in bearings. However, due to the gas crisis, it is now possible to produce 50 MW from 100 MW unit, the engineer said, adding that they would go for production from the 100 MW unit if the supply of gas increases. On April 25, 2010, Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina laid the foundation stone of the power plant at Balurmath in the district town. Chinese company Chengda Engineering Ltd built the power plant at a cost of Tk 1,200 crore.

The crew of MV Abdullah are being welcomed back by their families in different parts of Bangladesh, more than 2 months after their ship was hijacked in the high seas by Somali pirates. “The entire house was empty without father and we couldn’t even celebrate the Eid and sleep properly, when father will come back and see him, I used to ask mother for this,” said Iyarshara, seven-year-old daughter of MV Abdullah’s Chief Officer Captain Md Atik Ullah Khan at Chattogram port on Tuesday. The baby girl became emotional when she finally could touch her father. “Today I’m close to my father, there are exams ahead, after finishing them, I’ll go around with my father and travel, " she shared her plan with UNB’s Chattogram correspondent. Iyarshara, a three-grader, said she and another sister came here and another two-year-old sister was at home. Captain Atik said, "I have returned to the day of light from dark days. I don't want to remember that sad memory anymore. I'm trying to overcome the trauma. Pray for us. I got back two children and another is crying at home and have to go back to her quickly.” Comparing the day with the Eid day, Josna Begum, mother of the vessel’s fourth engineer Tanvir Ahmed, said, “Today I feel much happier which can’t be expressed in words, every moment seems to be too late, today is like Eid, joy for winning war and grateful to Allah.” Tanvir said, "I was terrified when I was caught by pirates in Somalia. I was in pain. When the news comes, now there is more joy than Eid.” “The first day I saw the news of being captured by pirates was hard to believe. Eid has gone to death,” he shared the terrific memory of those days Around 4:15 in the afternoon, the ship MV Jahan Moni docked at the berth with the 23 sailors. The ship was a little distance from the dock, and the sailors were visible. The 23 crew members of MV Abdullah, which was released on April 14 after 31 days of captivity by Somali pirates, finally met their families as the vessel reached the Chattogram port on Tuesday afternoon. The vessel, which was hijacked for 33 days, departed Al-Hamriya Port in the United Arab Emirates for Bangladesh on April 28 after unloading 55,000 metric tonnes of coal. MV Abdullah initially anchored at the UAE port on the evening of April 22, following its release from pirates’ captivity. The ship first arrived at the outer anchorage of the port on April 21, following its ordeal which began on March 12 when it was seized by Somali pirates about 600 nautical miles off the Somali coast en route from Mozambique to Dubai. The pirates took control of the vessel and its crew, holding them until a ransom of Tk 55 crore facilitated their release on the night of April 13.

The High Court (HC) on Tuesday ordered the authorities concerned to accept nomination paper of the younger brother of ruling Awami League General Secretary Obaidul Quader, as a chairman candidate in Noakhali’s Companiganj upazila parishad election slated for May 29. An HC bench of Justice Md. Iqbal Kabir and Justice Md. Akhtaruzzaman passed the order after hearing an appeal submitted by the candidate challenging the cancellation of the nomination paper by the district’s returning officer earlier. Lawyers Ekramul Haq Tutul and Tamanna Ferdous stood for the chairman candidate while Barristers Khan Md Hammad Shamim and Ashfaqur Rahman represented the state during the hearing. According to the prosecution four people including Quader’s younger brother Shahadat Hossain submitted nomination papers to contest the third phase of the upazila parishad election to be held on May 29. The remaining candidates were Upazila Jubo League’s former convenor and businessman Mohammad Golam Sharif Chowdhury Piplu, former upazila parishad chairman and upazila Awami League’s incumbent General Secretary Mizanur Rahman Badal and US expatriate Omar Ali. On May 5, Shahadat’s nomination paper was rejected on charge of concealing information regarding cases and income in the submitted affidavit during scrutiny. Later, he submitted an appeal to Noakhali’s deputy commissioner and returning officer Dewan Mahbubur Rahman who also kept the cancellation order unchanged after a hearing on May 9. After being aggrieved, Shahadat Hossain submitted a petition to the HC seeking a settlement on this issue. Another younger brother of Obaidul, Abdul Quader Mirza, is mayor of Companiganj’s Bashurhat municipality, who became headline news for his controversial remarks about the Awami League and others several times.