United News of Bangladesh

Three people including a housewife sustained burn injuries in a fire from a gas stove in Dhaka’s Jurain last night (February 10, 2024). The burnt Bina Rani Das, 35, her brother-in-laws (cousins of her husband) Banomali Das, 30, and Topu Das, 32, are now undergoing treatment at the Burn Unit of Dhaka Medical College Hospital (DMCH). Read more: Fire Safety Tips for Parents to Keep Children Safe According to the family, a fire suddenly broke out from the gas stove when Bina was cooking around 6 pm. Hearing her screams, Banomali and Topu rushed to the kitchen and sustained burn injuries while trying to save her by dousing the flame. Md Bachhu Miah, in-charge of the DMCH police outpost, confirmed the matter saying that Bina received 50 percent burn injuries while Banomli had 20 percent burns and Topu sustained minor injuries. Read more: Fire Safety in Apartments: Causes and Prevention

In a distressing incident last night, reckless driving led to a multi-vehicle crash inside the Bangabandhu Tunnel in Chattogram, resulting in damage to at least five vehicles and injuring several people. The accident, occurring in one of the tunnel's lanes, underscores the growing concerns over traffic safety. Assistant Sub-Inspector Billal Hossain of the Karnaphuli Police Station, under the Chattogram Metropolitan Police, reported that the chain-reaction collision was initiated by a private car that lost control due to excessive speed. The vehicle's erratic maneuvering led to it colliding with nearby cars, impacting a total of three private cars and two microbuses. Read more: Out of control truck smashes into two other vehicles on Dhk-Ctg Highway; helper dead, 10 injured Following the accident, one of the injured was rushed to Chattogram Medical College Hospital for immediate medical attention, while others sought treatment at various hospitals. The precise number of individuals injured in the ordeal remains uncertain. In the aftermath of the collision, authorities seized all vehicles involved as part of their ongoing investigation into the incident. This accident adds to a troubling pattern of similar occurrences within the Bangabandhu Tunnel, which has seen seven to eight accidents in the mere four months following its inauguration on October 28 last year. The situation has been further complicated by a video that surfaced online, showcasing illegal car racing inside the tunnel immediately after its opening. The viral footage prompted legal action, with a case filed on November 1 against the individuals involved, highlighting the urgent need for enhanced safety measures and stricter enforcement of traffic regulations within this crucial infrastructure. Read more: Bangabandhu Tunnel under the Karnaphuli River: All you need to know

The 57th Bishwa Ijtema, a paramount assembly of Muslim faithful, is set to conclude its second phase with the Akheri Munajat prayer today, February 11, 2024, on the banks of the Turag river. This pivotal event drew approximately 8,000 foreign attendees from 62 countries, showcasing a remarkable global unity in faith. Under the guidance of Maulana Yusuf, the son of esteemed Indian cleric Maulana Muhammad Saad Kandhalvi, the prayer is scheduled from 10 am to 11 am, according to Md Sayeem, the Ijtema's media coordinator. The ceremony is not just a spiritual zenith but also a demonstration of international Muslim solidarity, with participants fervently seeking divine mercy and global peace. Prior to the Munajat, attendees will be reminded of the six core principles of the Tabligh Jamaat, focusing on belief, action, and the invitation to Islam, reinforcing the spiritual underpinnings of the gathering. The Ijtema has magnetized thousands from across Bangladesh and the globe, converging in unity for the concluding prayer. Their collective supplications will seek not only personal redemption but also the welfare and prosperity of Muslims worldwide and the host nation. The day began with a sermon by Indian Tabligh leader Mufti Maksud, after the Fajr prayer, with Maulana Abdullah of Bangladesh providing the Bangla translation, further bridging cultural and linguistic divides among the attendees. Security at the event is stringent, with a significant presence of law enforcement and the elite Rapid Action Battalion (RAB) ensuring the safety of the devout amidst this massive gathering. Traffic adjustments have been made around the Ijtema site to facilitate the smooth flow of devotees, reflecting the extensive preparations for this significant religious occasion. The Ijtema commenced on Friday after the Fajr prayers, with the grounds quickly filling with hundreds of thousands of worshippers, eager to participate in the sermons and prayers that define this spiritual assembly. Tragically, this phase witnessed the loss of seven lives, adding to the solemnity of the gathering and the heartfelt prayers for mercy. This follows 14 earlier fatalities in the first phase, underscoring the event's massive scale and the intense devotion of its participants. Since its inception in 1967, the Tabligh Jamaat has hosted this gathering, which was split into two phases in 2011 to accommodate the increasing number of participants. This year's first phase concluded on February 4, with another powerful Akheri Munajat, binding the global Muslim community in prayer and purpose.

Despite being in the middle of the harvesting period the prices of onions increased between 62-71 percent in the last 21 days. In mid-January, the local variety of onions was selling at Tk 70 to 80 per kg, that by the end of January stood at Tk100 per kg. Then in the first week of February, onion prices were between Tk 105 and Tk 110 per kg. Yesterday (Friday), the price of a kg onion jumped to Tk120 per kg. Today (Saturday) it was sold in the retail market at Tk130 per kg. Bangladesh seeks to import more onion and sugar from India before Ramadan As a result, the price of onion saw an increase by Tk50 per kg in just 21 days. Alamin Hossain, an onion trader bought onion at wholesale price from Pabna and sold it retail in Dhaka. He said that last week onion was bought wholesale at Tk 80 to 85 per kg in Pabna, and that onion was sold retail at tk100 per kg in the capital. Last week, onion was bought at Tk 3200 to Tk 3400 per maund (40 kg), now it is Tk 3800 to 3900 per maund in Pabna, he said. He also said that the harvesting of new Murikata onion is ending. These onions started coming in the market about one and a half months ago, and now the farmer's onions are at the end. As a result, the supply began to decrease, and the price of onion suddenly increased due to the lack of supply compared to the demand, said Alamin. Murikata onion price goes over Tk 100 per kg in just 2 days Now the farmer's main onion, or Hali onion, which is available throughout the year will take some time to harvest. Until then, there may be such additional prices in the market, he pointed out. Trading Corporation of Bangladesh (TCB) Assistant Director (Market Information) Nasir Uddin Talukder told UNB that onion was sold in the market on Friday at Tk 120 per kg. Last week it was sold at Tk90 per kg, and a month ago it was between Tk 85 to 100. But last year at this time onion was sold between Tk 30 and Tk 40 per kg.  

Local Government, Rural Development and Cooperatives Minister Md Tazul Islam said on Saturday that Dhaka is one of the most populous cities in the world, where delivery of civic amenities around the city is faced with various challenges due to unplanned urbanization. "We have to work step-by-step to solve these problems," the minister was speaking at a seminar titled "Dhaka Traffic Congestion: Impact of Metrorail and Expressway" at CIRDAP Auditorium. The government has been gradually implementing various projects to make Dhaka a modern city under the leadership of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina since 2009. "As a result of this, now we have got high-speed Metrorail, Expressway in Dhaka," he added. Pointing out that all the problems of Dhaka cannot be solved overnight, he said that gradually all problems will be solved by consulting with all concerned. Referring to the economic development of the country, the minister said that the number of vehicles is also increasing along with the increase in the capacity of people. The minister also emphasized making footpaths free from encroachers. He said that if passersby get a pleasant environment to walk on footpaths, they will walk for short distances which will be good for the environment and the health of citizens. However, in that case, the hawkers should be rehabilitated or an environment should be created to allow them to do business at a certain time, he said. Regarding traffic congestion, he said, it is high time to think about the registration of multiple vehicles of the same family. Emphasizing the proper implementation of the law, he said that it has become crucial to bring order to the parking system in Dhaka city.

Minister for Agriculture Dr Md Abdus Shahid said on Saturday that the production of pulses in the country has increased 4-fold in the past 15 years, due to the agriculture-friendly policies of the present government led by Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. Moreover, the invention of some improved varieties and technologies by the country's scientists also contributed to the production, he said. The minister revealed this information while addressing an international seminar organised by Bangladesh Agricultural Research Institute (BARI) marking ‘World Pulses Day’ at Hotel Le Meridien in Dhaka Saturday afternoon. He informed that nine lakh tonnes of pulses were produced in the country in Fiscal Year (FY) 2022-2023 while the production was only two lakh tonnes in FY 2008-09 with a deficit of one-third of the country's demand. Stressing the need for invention of improved varieties, supplying standard seeds sufficiently and using technology, he said their goal is now to become self-sufficient in pulses. Moreover, the cultivation of pulses in saline, drought and char areas will have to be increased by inventing climate resilient varieties through collaboration with international research institutes, he said, adding that the government is working towards the goal. Presenting the keynote paper of the seminar, AKM Mahbubul Alam, chief scientific officer of Bangladesh Agricultural Research Institute (BARI), said the demand for pulses in the country is about 25 lakh metric tonnes. Of them, one-third is produced locally while the rest has to be imported to meet local demand, he said, adding that an amount of Tk 9,000 crore was spent on pulses import last year. Paddy is cultivated on 76 percent of the cultivable land in the country while pulses are cultivated on only 2.40 percent, he mentioned in the keynote paper. Chaired by Agriculture Secretary Wahida Akter, Executive Chairman of Agricultural Research Council Sheikh Md Bakhtiar, Bangladesh Agricultural Research Institute (BARI) Director General Debashish Sarker, Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) Bangladesh Representative Jiaoqun Shi and Global Alliance for Improved Nutrition (GAIN) Country Director Rudaba Khandaker, among others, spoke on the occasion. A total of 150 representatives from national and international organisations (OCP, OCPF, Morocco, ICARDA, India, World Veg, Thailand and Canada) participated in the event.

State Minister for Posts, Telecommunications and Information Technology Zunaid Ahmed Palak has said people with disabilities are more attentive and responsible in the workplace than healthy normal youths. “They (persons with disabilities) are our brothers and sisters and they should be given opportunities,” he said, adding that they will be ahead of others with their hard work, talent and responsibility. Palak was speaking as the chief guest after inaugurating a job fair at the NGO Affairs Bureau in Dhaka’s Agargaon on Saturday, according to a press release. Bangladesh Computer Council (BCC) of ICT Division organized the fair in collaboration with the Centre for Services and Information on Disability (CSID) and NGO Affairs Bureau of the Prime Minister's Office with the aim of providing employment to specially-abled persons or for the person with disabilities. The state minister said technology should be used to eliminate discrimination between physical disabilities and the specially-abled.  “No disabled children in our country will stay at home. They will not be a burden to the family or country. By giving a little assistance and opportunity to the disabled, they will become the country's asset and lead Bangladesh to become a smart Bangladesh,” he added. Palak mentioned that an entrepreneur fair would be organised for persons with disabilities, and that not only will the persons with disabilities have a job fair, but they will also generate jobs for thousands of youth by becoming entrepreneurs. He called for the use of the "Emporia (emporia.bcc.gov.bd)" portal so that the persons with disabilities  can take skills development training at home. At the same time, he requested the director general of the NGO Bureau to provide them jobs in NGOs. Secretary to the ICT Division Md Shamsul Arefin, Director General (Grade-1) of NGO Affairs Bureau of Prime Minister's Office Md Saidur Rahman and the Executive Director of the CSID Khandaker Jahurul Alam were present as the special guests at the programme.

No fresh death due to dengue was reported in Bangladesh in the 24 hours till Saturday morning, according to the Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS). However, eight more patients were hospitalised with the viral fever during this period, according to the DGHS. Of them, six were admitted in Dhaka hospitals, while the rest were outside the capital. A total of 114 dengue patients, including 52 in the capital, are now receiving treatment at hospitals across the country. So far, 1,202 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 28-year-old man was stabbed to death and another was injured in the Chashara Balur Math area of Narayanganj on Friday night. The deceased was identified as Al Amin alias Daniel, 28 of Fatullah, and the injured was identified as Shuvo, 22 of Shahjalal area. Daniel was involved in an autorickshaw garage business, and Shuvo is a machine operator in a factory. Taslim Ahmed, inspector (investigation) of Fatullah Model Police Station, confirmed the matter. Police and witnesses said some miscreants attacked and stabbed the two and took them away in an autorickshaw. After that, they hit them again in front of Shuvo’s house, in Fatullah's Masdair area, and fled, leaving them on the road. Later, locals took the injured to Narayanganj General Hospital, where doctors declared Daniel dead. Shuvo was sent to Dhaka Medical College Hospital in critical condition. Relatives have claimed that the murder was preplanned due to previous enmity. There was a dispute with a local named Anik and others. A few days ago, a local named Anik and his men had a fight with Daniel. Meanwhile, Daniel was attacked on Friday night over a dispute with Romu, said to be Anil's grandfather and a top drug dealer of the area, said the inspector. Romu has been detained on suspicion of involvement in the incident. Police recovered the body and sent it to Narayanganj General Hospital morgue for an autopsy, he said. Legal action would be taken after the investigation, added the inspector.

Residents of Whykong union in Teknaf upazila reported sound of heavy gunfire from Myanmar on Friday night and Saturday morning amid clashes between security forces and rebel group Arakan Army. Nur Ahmed Anwari, chairman of Whykong union said, “Sound of heavy gunfire was heard across the border last night. From this morning today, the intensity of the gunfight increased.” RPG recovered from Bandarban’s Naikhongchhari Locals are rushing to safety and fish farmers cannot go to the fish enclosure, he said. Around 12 pm on Saturday, a mortar shell landed on the Bangladesh side of the border in Naikhongchhari upazila’s Tumbru border region, said Ghundum UP Chairman Jahangir Aziz. Myanmar border unrest: Tourist ship services on Teknaf-Saint Martin’s route suspended indefinitely “Although the border was calm for the last two days, clashes have started again from today,” he said. A tense situation has been prevailing along the border between Bandarban's Naikhongchhari Ghumdhum and Tumbru amid fierce fighting, skirmishes and gunfire between the armed forces of the military junta and insurgent groups inside Myanmar for two weeks. BGB pushes back 4 Rohingyas trying to enter through Teknaf Over 300 Myanmar forces and border guards have so far taken shelter in Bangladesh as of Wednesday noon in the wake of conflicts along the border. Meanwhile, two people--a Bangladeshi woman and a Rohingya man-- were killed when mortar shells from the Myanmar side landed on a kitchen at Jalpaitli village of Ghumdhum union in Naikhongchhari upazila of Bandarban on Monday.