United News of Bangladesh

Child and Old Age Care chairman Milton Samaddar’s wife Mithu Haldar was aware of her husband’s activities and she could not avoid responsibility in any way, said Chief of the Detective Branch of Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) Mohammad Harun-Or-Rashid.Though Milton’s wife claimed that she was not involved in activities relating to fund collected for the foundation and bank accounts, said the DB chief while talking to reporters at his office on Sunday.“I believe that Milton collected money from different sources in the name of the so-called service of humanity and embezzled the money. He neither provided any service to the elderly people nor sent them to any physician for treatment purposes,” he said.Milton’s wife also claimed herself as a nurse of the foundation, said Harun adding “Why she did not protest or inform the police. After interrogating Mithu it seems that she cannot avoid responsibility.” DB detains Child & Old Age Care Chairman Milton SamaddarRegarding the alleged torture by Miton on elderly people at the shelter home, Mithu told DB that it just wasn’t right. Asked about the source of Tk 2 crore in the bank account of Milton, Mithu said her husband did not engage her in it as she is a government service holder.Ruling out the allegation against Milton of burying 900 people, Milton’s wife said the exact number is 135. He used to raise the number in a bid to get sympathy or money from people but he did not keep any document regarding death. Now Milton Samaddar’s wife called for interrogation to DB officeHowever, Milton did not inform any hospital, police station or relatives of the victim after death of the inmates, said the DB Chief.A remand petition was filed again and if is approved, Milton will be interrogated again, he said.Milton Samaddar was arrested by DB in a case over alleged death certificate forgery Wednesday. Later, Milton’s wife Mithu was called for interrogation to the DB office in the capital’s Mintoo Road on Saturday.

 The Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS) in Bangladesh, with UNICEF's support, on Sunday launched the National Guidelines to protect children and vulnerable populations, including pregnant women from heat-related health risks.   This event marks a critical step in keeping children safe as Bangladesh is increasingly buffeted by the impacts of climate change. In alignment with UNICEF's Healthy Environments for Healthy Children global program framework, launched in 2021, the National Guidelines, jointly developed by DGHS with UNICEF support, underscore the importance of a primary healthcare approach in protecting vulnerable populations from the adverse effects of climate change. These National Guidelines, developed in collaboration with experts from health and other sectors, provide a comprehensive framework for responding effectively to heat-related health risks. These risks, according to UNICEF reports, include that the odds of a preterm birth rise by 5 per cent per 1°C increase in temperature, and by 16 per cent during heatwave versus non-heatwave days, demonstrating that the risk of a preterm delivery is higher during a heatwave – i.e., greater exposure and severity result in greater risk.   The preterm birth rate in Bangladesh (16.2%) is the highest in the world and this is further aggravated by heatwaves.   In addition, the guidelines include UNICEF’s B.E.A.T the Heat framework, based on the English acronym: 1) BE AWARE of heat stress and protect yourself; 2) EASILY IDENTIFY the symptoms of heat stress; 3) ACT IMMEDIATELY to protect yourself and others; and 4) TAKE the person to a health facility if an individual is showing serious symptoms. These directives are aimed at raising public awareness and fostering mass participation in heat-related health initiatives. These guidelines will be disseminated widely through various government ministries, mass media channels, and grassroots organizations to ensure broader community and public engagement. "Every child has the right to a healthy environment, and we all have a role to play. By addressing heat-related illnesses and prioritizing skills for healthcare professionals, we can help pave the way for a healthier and brighter future for children in Bangladesh," emphasized Sheldon Yett, Representative of UNICEF in Bangladesh. According to recent projections from UNICEF and as a stark reminder of climate change impact, by 2050 a staggering 35.5 million children in Bangladesh, 99 per cent of the total child population at that time, are set to face high heatwave frequency - meaning on average 4.5 or more heatwaves per year. This will be a significant surge from 2020, when just 2.6 million children, representing 5 per cent, were exposed to such risks. UNICEF estimates that one in three children in Bangladesh, nearly 20 million children, bear the brunt of climate change every day. Children are victims of extreme weather, such as the current heatwaves, floods, river erosion, sea level rise, and other environmental shocks driven by climate change. As the impact on children is diverse, UNICEF is also working on supporting the Government in addressing these risks in the education sector. Last week 30 million children had their classes and learning upended, when all schools were closed in Bangladesh due to the scorching heatwave as temperatures skyrocketed to 40C and beyond. With technical support from UNICEF, the Directorate of Secondary and Higher Education has organised a workshop with education ministries and directorates to develop a Climate Change in Education framework. This initiative aims to integrate climate change education into the educational landscape, fostering a generation equipped to tackle environmental challenges. Extreme heat waves have become increasingly prevalent in Bangladesh, posing significant health risks to its population, particularly during the humid months from April to August. UNICEF remains committed to supporting Bangladesh in its efforts to combat climate-related health challenges and looks forward to continued collaboration with DGHS, the Ministries of Education, and other partners in building a resilient and sustainable future for every child.    

Ninety seven percent of the Boro paddy in haor areas have been harvested, said the Agriculture Ministry on Sunday. This year, a total of 4,53,400 hectares of land in seven haor districts -Sylhet, Moulvibazar, Sunamganj, Kishoreganj, Netrakona and Brahmanbaria- were brought under Boro cultivation and so far body paddy on 4.38 lakh hectares land have been harvested while only 33 percent Boro paddy harvested across the country, according to a release of the ministry. The government is working to make haor crops risk-free and that’s why the government has been providing combine harvesters, and reapers to the haor farmers at 70 percent subsidy, so that ripe paddy can be harvested in a short time, said the release. This year, a total of 50.58 lakh hectares of land have been brought under boro cultivation across the country, which is over 20,000 hectares more land than the previous year. The ministry also set a target to produce 2.22 crore tonnes of paddy this year. During a visit to Srimangal of Moulvibazar district recently, Agriculture Minister Dr Md. Abdus Shahid said Boro paddy supplies more than half of our total rice production throughout the year and that’s why the government puts importance on Boro cultivation. To raise the Boro cultivation, the government has provided seeds and fertilizers worth Tk 215 crore at free of cost, he said.    

Two Bangladeshi nationals suffered serious injuries in a landmine explosion near border pillar No 47-48 on the Bangladesh-Myanmar border on Saturday evening. The injured were identified as Nurul Absar,18, son of late Mohammad of Jaruliachhari village of Naikhangchhari Sadar union and Md Babu,17, son of Ali Ahmed of Kambonia village of Naikhongchhari Sadar union. Arakan Army releases 12 Bangladeshi fishermen According to locals, the youths might have gone to the area to smuggle into cattle or yaba pills. The injured were given first aid at Naikhongchhari Upazila Health Complex. As their condition deteriorated, the doctors referred them to Cox's Bazar Sadar Hospital for better treatment, said Naikhangchhari Sadar Union Parishad Chairman Nurul Absar Emon. One of the injured, one was from his area, and the other is a resident of Moulvir Kata village in Kachchhpia union, he added.

Rain or thunder showers are likely in some places of Dhaka and six other divisions in 24 hours commencing 9am on Sunday, said Bangladesh Metrological Department. “Rains or thunder showers accompanied by gusty or squally wind is likely at a few places over Mymensingh & Sylhet divisions and at one or two places over Rangpur, Rajshahi, Dhaka, Barishal & Chattogram divisions with hails at isolated places,” said a Met office bulletin. Weather may remain mainly dry with temporary partly cloudy sky elsewhere over the country. Dhaka’s air quality 7th worst in the world this morning Mild to moderate heat wave is sweeping Dhaka, Rajshahi, Khulna & Barishal divisions and it may abate from some places, it added. Day and night temperature may fall slightly over Rangpur, Dhaka, Mymensingh, Barishal, Chattogram & Sylhet divisions and remain nearly unchanged elsewhere over the country.

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, 13 patients were hospitalised with viral fever during this period, according to the DGHS. Of them, eight were admitted in Dhaka hospitals, while the rest were outside the capital. A total of 114 patients are now receiving treatment at hospitals across the country. So far, 2,261 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.

Two students of class-nine drowned while bathing in a lake in Diabari area of Dhaka’s Uttara on Saturday afternoon, said Fire Service officials. The deceased identified as Asharfaul, 16 and Jihad, 15, were students of Mirpur Shahid Smrity High School at Mirpur-11 of the capital. Md Alam Hossain, senior station officer of Uttara Fire Station, said five friends including the duo went to the lake to bathe in the Diabari area near Bridge No-10 in the afternoon. Two of them went missing in the lake while bathing, he said. Being informed, divers from the station rushed to the spot and recovered the bodies around 3:36pm, the officials said.  

Renowned economist and Professor Emeritus of Dhaka University, Dr. Atiur Rahman, will be awarded an honorary doctorate from the School of Oriental and African Studies (SOAS), University of London. This prestigious accolade, confirmed through a formal letter by Vice-Chancellor Professor Adam Habib on April 30, 2024, recognizes Dr. Rahman's extensive contributions to economics and poverty alleviation. Scheduled for early September 2024, during the annual graduation ceremony, Dr. Rahman will receive the Doctor of Science (Economics) degree. His recognition stems not only from his academic contributions but also from his practical applications in economic development. Dr. Rahman is celebrated for his role as the former Governor of Bangladesh Bank where he was instrumental in initiatives aimed at pro-poor public expenditure, environmental and climate policies, sustainable development, financial inclusion, and social innovation. Dr. Rahman also founded Unnayan Shamannay, a globally recognized research and advocacy organization committed to socio-economic development. His work with the organization has been pivotal in advancing discussions and actions around poverty alleviation. SOAS University of London has a history of honoring distinguished individuals who have made significant global impacts. In 2023, the university awarded honorary degrees to several international figures including eminent Indian screenwriter Javed Akhtar (Doctor of Literature), London-based culinary artist Asma Khan (Doctor of Science in Social Science), UK-based public health expert Professor Kevin Fenton (Doctor of Literature), and renowned Buddhist scholar Dzongsar Jamyang Khyentse Rinpoche (Fellow). The university anticipates that Dr. Rahman’s illustrious career and achievements will inspire both its students and the wider community during the graduation ceremonies. As an alumnus of SOAS, Dr. Rahman's accolades extend beyond this honorary degree, including multiple national and international awards that underscore his influence and legacy in the field of economics and beyond.

Fisheries and Livestock Minister Md Abdur Rahman said on Saturday necessary measures will be taken to bring back the lost beauty of Kaptai Lake in Rangamati. He said this at a programme for fish fries release and VGF (rice) cards distribution among fishermen on Kaptai Lake bank. The minister said, “Kaptai Lake isn’t in its previous beauty and form. But we want to bring back the previous beauty of the lake with joint efforts of all. To restore the beauty cooperation from common people is also needed alongside that from fishermen.” He urged the fishermen to refrain from fishing during the three-month ban period in the lake and not to use the banned nets to catch fish in the water body. He said initiatives will be taken in this regard after communicating with the Ministry of Water Resources while the existing Fish Landing Centre will be renovated. Ban on fishing in the lake began on April 25 and it will continue till July 24 this year.

Bangladesh reported 11 more COVID-19 cases in 24 hours till Saturday morning. With the new numbers, the country's total COVID-19 caseload rose to 2,050,049, according to the Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS). The official death toll from the disease remained unchanged at 29,494 as no new fatalities were reported during this period. The daily case test positivity rate was 3.78 percent as 291 samples were tested, said the DGHS. The recovery and death rates stood at 98.41 percent and 1.44 per cent, respectively.