United News of Bangladesh

One more death was reported from dengue in 24 hours till Thursday morning, raising the number of fatalities from the mosquito-borne disease in Bangladesh to 29 this year. During the period, 31 more patients were hospitalised with viral fever, according to the Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS). Of them, eleven patients were hospitalised in Dhaka city, while the rest were outside the capital. A total of 128 patients are now receiving treatment at several hospitals across the country. A total of 2,391 dengue cases have been reported since January 1, 2024. 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.

A high-level probe committee has been formed over the crash of a training fighter jet of Bangladesh Air Force into the Karnaphuli river in Chattogram on Thursday morning that left a pilot dead. The probe body was formed as per the order of the Air Force chief Marshal Shaikh Abdul Hannan, according to the Inter-Services Public Relation Directorate (ISPR). Earlier, a pilot died and another was injured after a BAF training fighter jet crashed into the Karnaphuli River in Chattogram around 10:25am. The pilot, Mohammad Asim Jawad, breathed his last around 12:30 pm while undergoing treatment at BNS Issa Khan Hospital in Patenga. The injured pilot is Wing Commander Md Sohan Hasan Khan. A rescue operation is on to retrieve the aircraft, ISPR said. Assistant Chief of Air Force (Planning) Air Vice Marshal Mu Kamrul Islam reached the spot from Dhaka and gave necessary directions to all those involved in the rescue operation. Air Commander Air Vice Marshal AKM Shafiul Azam of Air Force Base Zahurul Haque is supervising the post-accident operations. Meanwhile, Air Chief Marshal Shaikh Abdul Hannan expressed profound shock and sorrow at the death of pilot Asim Jawad.

The Executive Committee of the National Economic Council (Ecnec) on Thursday approved 10 development projects, including Tk 1,875-crore one to establish a medical university in Khulna by December 2026. The approval came from the Ecnec meeting presided over by Ecnec chair and Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina at the NEC conference room in the city. The total estimated cost of the 10 projects is Tk 5,563.68 crore. Of the amount, the government will finance Tk 5,203.21 crore and the rest Tk 360.47 crore will come from the foreign sources. Health promotion authority a must for sustainable health development: Speakers The ten projects include eight new schemes and two revised projects. the 10 projects approved today (Thursday), one important project was designed to set up a burn unit in Chattogram, for the first time outside Dhaka and another one is to establish a medical university in Khulna,” said Planning Minister Abdus Salam while briefing reporters after the meeting.About the medical university project, Planning Division Senior Secretary Satyajit Karmaker said the project titled ‘Land acquisition and development and construction of basic infrastructures for establishment of Sheikh Hasina Medical University, Khulna’ was undertaken as part of the government’s  plan to set up a medical university in each eight divisions of the country. According to the Planning Commission, the burn unit project will be implemented at Chittagong Medical College Hospital at the cost of Tk 284.75 crore by December 2025. The six new projects include ‘Capacity Building of Statistics Service Based on Platform’ project involving Tk 144.07 crore; ‘Development of Important Rural Infrastructures in Pirojpur and Jhalakathi districts’ with Tk 1,100 crore; Development of Important Rural Infrastructures in Barishal district’ with Tk 1,000 crore; ‘Programme for Sustainability in the Textile and Leather Sector (STILE)’ project with Tk 81.44 crore; ‘Construction of a new modern Circuit House Bhaban in place of existing one in Dhaka district’ with Tk 334.46 crore; and ‘Construction of different infrastructures for Border Guard Bangladesh’s newly created Gazipur Battalion (63 BGB)’ with Tk 223.02 crore. Bangladesh, UNOPS sign MoU to enhance gender equality, inclusive development The Ecnec cleared two revised projects, increasing the cost by Tk 527.77 crore for ‘Conversion of Wet Process to Dry Process of Chhatak Cement Company Limited (CCCL), Chhatak, Sunamgonj (2nd revised)’ project; and slashing the cost by Tk 6.4 crore for Urban Resilience Project (URP): DDM Portion (3rd revised).’  

Speakers at a workshop on Thursday emphasised the necessity of establishing a health promotion authority in Bangladesh, similar to those in Thailand and other countries, for sustainable health development and effectively combating the rising prevalence of non-communicable diseases (NCDs)." They said NCDs, including heart diseases, stroke, cancer, kidney diseases, respiratory diseases, diabetes, and hypertension, collectively account for a staggering 70% of total death in Bangladesh. Besides, the experts stated that tobacco consumption, unhealthy diet, physical inactivity, alcohol consumption, and air pollution are some of the major risk factors of NCDs that can be reduced through lifestyle changes implemented via health promotion initiatives. Research and advocacy organisation PROGGA (Knowledge for Progress) arranged the workshop for journalists titled 'Health Promotion for a Sustainable Health Development: Bangladesh Perspective" at the capital’s BMA Bhaban. Unilever Bangladesh, GAIN launch pilot project to improve environmental sustainability and public health in urban areas A total of 25 journalists from both print and TV media participated in the workshop. Speaking at the workshop as the chief guest, eminent economist Dr Qazi Kholiquzzaman Ahmad said Bangladesh earns nearly Tk300 crore a year from Health Development Surcharge (HDS) and this amount was supposed to be spent on health development programmes. “Establishing an independent body for health promotion initiatives and allocating such a substantial amount through this entity would undoubtedly benefit both the people and the government," he added. Dr Md Enamul Haque, Director General (Additional Secretary) of the Health Economics Unit at the Health Services Division, said, “The government is implementing different health promotion activities. A coordinated measure is necessary for sustainable development of the health sector." Overwhelming heat exacerbates health challenges across Dhaka, as children bear the brunt of the impact He also advocated for founding a health promotion authority like that of Thailand so that the risk factors of NCDs can be reduced by bringing a change in people’s lifestyles. “It’s not possible to get rid of the growing diseases through treatment and health service facilities. But it’s possible to prevent the diseases through health promotion initiatives.” In his keynote papers, PROGGA’s programme head Hasan Shahriar said coordinated efforts should be taken urgently to establish an independent health promotion body to check the root causes of the NCDS and reduce ever-increasing out-of-pocket expenditure (OPP) in Bangladesh. According to a WHO study, in 2020, he said the current out-of-pocket expenditure in Bangladesh is almost 74 percent and two-thirds of the amount is spent on medication. “Prioritizing and strengthening disease prevention through health promotion programs would slash the out-of-pocket expense and reduce diseases, deaths and the burden on our healthcare system,” Shahria observed. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), 'Health Promotion' is the process of empowering individuals to enhance control over, and improve their health. For example, establishing an environment conducive to encouraging individuals who are overweight and leading sedentary lifestyles to engage in vigorous exercise for at least thirty minutes a day promotes avoidance of excess fat, salt, and sugar, while motivating them to abstain from tobacco and alcohol. Such efforts qualify as 'Health Promotion' activities. Notably, eleven countries, including Australia, Thailand, and Singapore, have made significant strides in reducing the risk factors associated with NCDs through the adoption and implementation of health promotion programmes Gaous Pearee, Director, Work for Better Bangladesh (WBB), Mortuza Haider Liton, Convener, Anti-Tobacco Media Alliance (ATMA), Nadira Kiron and Mizan Chowdhury, both Co-conveners, ATMA, and ABM Zubair, Executive Director, PROGGA, among others, spoke at the programme.  

The country’s leading travel tech platform, ShareTrip, has launched a mega prize giveaway campaign called ‘Gorome Chorom Bepar.’ The campaign will continue until June 14 and through it, people can enjoy great deals on flights, hotels, travel, and lifestyle experiences, said a press release issued on Thursday. Users must get services from ShareTrip and pay with ST Pay to participate in the giveaway. ST Pay (ShareTrip Pay) is the country’s first travel wallet, introduced by ShareTrip on its 4th anniversary in November 2023. How to Travel Safely During Heat Waves It is an innovative payment platform that has been designed to create hassle-free travel experiences. The ‘Gorome Chorom Bepar’ campaign is only available to ST Pay users. Users, who will avail services from ShareTrip and pay by ST Pay, will get opportunities to win unique prizes during the ShareTrip Mega Giveaway Contest. Customers can win international flights to Istanbul (Turkey) and domestic flights to Cox’s Bazar, Sylhet, Chattogram, Saidpur and more. The prizes might also include hotel stays at Ocean Paradise Hotel in Cox’s Bazar and Tilagaon Eco Village in Sreemongol. Users can get the opportunity to win an array of gifts from Singapore Airlines, Kapok Tree, Zuqo, and complimentary ST service fees for visa processing for any country. Safety first: Police advise against rooftop travel for Eid holidaymakers Besides the mega prizes, users will also get the chance to win exclusive prizes every week, like hotel stays in Hotel Bengal Canary Park, Paragon Hotel and Resort, Lakeshore Banani, Nascent Gardenia Baridhara, Platinum Grand, and Hotel Sarina. They can also win domestic flights with AirAstra, Novoair and US-Bangla Airlines. Weekly prizes might also include gifts from Shaver Shop Bangladesh, Patar Golpo, and SSB Leather. For the campaign of ‘Gorome Chorom Bepar,’ numerous brands have partnered with ShareTrip: Air Astra, Ascott The Residence, Hotel Bengal Canary Park, Hotel Sarina, Kapok Tree, Lakeshore Banani, Nascent Gardenia, Novoair Ocean Paradise Hotel, Paragon Hotel and Resort, Patar Golpo, Platinum Grand, Salam Air, Shaver Shop Bangladesh, Singapore Airlines, SSB Leather, Tilagaon Eco Village, US-Bangla Airlines, and Zuqo. So, don’t wait! Download the ShareTrip App and register for ST Pay to enjoy exclusive gifts. END/UNB/M-MAS    

The vibrant cultural tapestry of Bangladesh unfolded at the University of the Philippines from May 6-8 as the Bangladesh Embassy in Manila, in collaboration with the UP Film Institute, hosted day-day ‘Bangla Film & Food Festival’ at the UP Film Center. The festival celebrated the rich cultural heritage of Bangladesh by showcasing its outstanding films and delectable culinary traditions. The festival kicked off with a formal ceremony on May 6, with FM Borhan Uddin, Bangladesh Ambassador to the Philippines, and Prof Robert Rownd jointly inaugurating the event by cutting the ribbons. Guests from various sectors graced the opening ceremony, including officials from the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA), ambassadors and members of the diplomatic corps, esteemed faculty members from the University of the Philippines, media personalities, members of the Bangladesh community, and a larger number of enthusiastic UP students. Prof Robert Rownd emphasized the significant strides made by the Bangladeshi film industry in recent years. He underscored the festival's commitment to present diverse Bangladeshi cinema, offering viewers a deeper insight into the country's culture. Ambassador Uddin emphasized the profound significance of cultural exchange in fostering mutual understanding and appreciation between the two friendly countries. He underscored the festival's role as a platform for showcasing Bangladesh's cinematic brilliance and presenting its rich culinary heritage to a global audience. “We are delighted to inaugurate the Bangla Film and Food Festival, a celebration of Bangladesh's cultural richness and culinary expertise,” said Ambassador Uddin. “Through the medium of cinema and cuisine, we aim to forge deeper bonds of friendship and understanding, inviting our guests to embark on a sensory journey through the heart and soul of Bangladesh”.    

The Department of Women Affairs under the Ministry of Women and Children Affairs, Bangladesh, and the United Nations Office for Project Services (UNOPS) have formalised a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU). The MoU was signed by Keya Khan, Director General of the Department of Women Affairs (DWA) and Sudhir Muralidharan, Country Manager of UNOPS Bangladesh in the presence of the representatives from DWA and UNOPS. The MoU aims to establish a framework for non-exclusive cooperation and collaboration between UNOPS and DWA across various domains and underscores the shared commitment of both parties to advance gender equality, women's empowerment, and inclusive development initiatives in Bangladesh. This is seen as a “significant step” towards enhancing gender equality and inclusive development.  The ceremony took place at the DWA office, marking a pivotal moment in collaborative efforts to empower women and promote sustainable development. As part of the commitment to getting Agenda 2030 back on track, this MoU places the spotlight on the Sustainable Development Goal 5, dedicated to advancing gender equality and empowering women in Bangladesh. Keya Khan, Director-General of the Department of Women Affairs (DWA), emphasized that "In partnering with UNOPS, we are embracing a journey towards realizing the full potential of gender equality in Bangladesh. She said the statistics speak volumes: from achieving gender parity in primary and secondary education to witnessing a surge in female labor force participation rates, nation is making remarkable strides in empowering women. “As we join hands with UNOPS, we are bolstered by the successes we have achieved thus far, knowing that together, we can surmount remaining challenges and pave the way for a future where every woman and girl in Bangladesh has the opportunity to thrive and contribute meaningfully to our society,” Khan said. Sudhir Muralidharan, Country Manager of UNOPS Bangladesh stated that for too long, women across the globe have faced numerous challenges and barriers, hindering their full participation in society. “Today, we take a significant step towards addressing these issues and ensuring that women in Bangladesh have access to the resources and opportunities they deserve,” Muralidharan said. Through this MoU, he said, they will work hand in hand with the Department of Women Affairs Bangladesh to implement programs and initiatives that promote women's economic empowerment, enhance their access to education and healthcare, and provide them with the necessary support to overcome societal and cultural barriers. “Our partnership will not only benefit women but will also positively impact entire communities. When women are empowered, societies thrive, and the path towards sustainable development becomes more attainable,” Muralidharan said.  

A pilot died and another was injured after a training fighter jet of Bangladesh Air Force crashed into the Karnaphuli river in  Chattogram on Thursday (May 09, 2024) morning. The pilot, Asim Jawad, passed away around 12:30 pm while undergoing treatment at BNS Issa Khan Hospital in Patenga, said Chattogram Metropolitan Police (CMP) Port Divison Deputy Commissioner Shakila Sultana. The injured pilot is Wing Commander Sohan.   Air Force training fighter jet crashes in Ctg; 2 pilots rescued  The two pilots managed to eject from the aircraft  through parachutes. They were rescued and taken to hospital. The BAF aircraft of Zahurul Haq Base crashed near the Boat Club. “A YAK 130 training fighter of the Bangladesh Air Force crashed at Patenga in Chattogram due to mechanical failure. Two pilots of the plane were rescued,” reads a statement released by Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR). Divers and fire fighters are working to retrieve the aircraft.  Read more: Bangladesh Air Force Chief departs for Australia

Prime Minister’s Energy Advisor Dr Tawfiq-e-Elahi Chowdhury has said all the economic challenges that the country has been facing came from other countries. “The foreign countries are responsible for every problem and we’re the victims. All the problems including the dollar crisis and inflation are created by them. The media should focus on it,” he said while addressing a seminar titled: “Geology for Sustainable Development of Bangladesh”. Geological Survey of Bangladesh (GSB) organised the seminar at Petrobangla auditorium in the city on Thursday. Dr Tawfiq Elahi said that the Western nations have started war and are now giving advice on how to run the economy. “Coming from Washington they give us advice and sometimes we have to accept those.” Green energy transition needs coordinated efforts, major investment: Nasrul Hamid The Energy Advisor said the GSB has to move forward with new technologies instead of old ones and their research works should be on a commercial basis. He also urged the Energy and Mineral Resources Division to take initiative so that GSB can get its royalty from its discovery of the minerals and mines which later become one commercial operation by Petrobangla. He advised the GSB to sell its research information to different private and public sector entities on a commercial basis. Bangladesh needs $50-$60 billion investment in power and energy tech in next 5 years: Nasrul Hamid  State Minister Nasrul Hamid said the GSB has many successful discoveries across the country but it has not been getting the financial benefits of these because of the handing over provision to other entities. There should be provision and coordination among the entities so that it can get the financial benefit of its own discoveries later to be run on a commercial basis. He also advised the GSB to introduce its commercial services like soil testing, geological survey for large infrastructure projects so that it could earn for its own research works. He said the GSB has made many discoveries in our mining and minerals but later those were handed over to other entities which have been doing business from those mines and minerals while the GSB has to wait for the government’s financial support to implement other projects. “This system should be changed and a proposal should come from GSB so that the government can set a royalty for the GSB to enhance its revenue earning,” he added. He also said that the government wants to utilise all the mines and mineral resources for the development of the country.

A Dhaka tribunal on Thursday (May 09, 2024) sentenced three people to life imprisonment in a case filed over killing famous Bangladeshi film actor of the ‘90s Sohel Chowdhury. Those sentenced to life imprisonment are: businessman Aziz Mohammad Bhai, Afakul Islam alias Bunty Islam, owner of Trumps Club, and Adnan Siddique. Judge of Dhaka Speedy Trial Tribunal-2 Arunav Chakroborty handed down the judgment. All the convicts are on the run. Former BNP leader ZA Khan passes away The court also acquitted six others as allegations brought against them could not be proved. On December 19, 1998, actor Sohel was shot dead by some terrorists in front of Trumps Club in Abedin Tower at city’s Banani Road-17. A murder case was filed in this regard at Gulshan police station by Sohels’ brother Towhidul Islam Chowdhury. On July 30,1999, Abul Kashem Bepari, Additional police Commissioner of Detective Police, submitted a charge sheet  against nine people in this case. On October 30, 2001, Dhaka’s third additional metropolitan session judge court framed charges against the nine accused. President mourns death of national flag’s first designer Shib Narayan After two years of framing charges the case was transferred to Dhaka Speedy Trial Tribunal-2. The trial in the case remained suspended for 20 years as the High Court stayed the trial proceeding following a petition filed by one of the accused in 2003 .