United News of Bangladesh

Fishermen are set to resume Hilsa fishing from Tuesday midnight as a two-month ban on catching, selling and transportation of the national fish will end today. With a view to boost the production of hilsa, the government imposed the two-month ban on hilsa catching, selling, hoarding and transporting from March 1 till April 30. The ban covers hilsa sanctuaries in six districts -- Barishal, Chandpur, Laxmipur, Bhola, Shariatpur and Patuakhali. The sanctuaries are 100km in the Meghna River from Chandpur’s Shatnol to Laxmipur’s Char Alexander, 90km in Shahbazpur Channel in Bhola, 100km in Tentulia River in Bhola, 20km in Naria and Bhederganj upazilas in Chandpur district and 82km in Hizla, Mehendiganj and Barishal Sadar upazilas, Gazaria and the Meghna river. The prohibition, enforced by the district and upazila task forces, aims to preserve the aquatic ecosystem and boost hilsa production. UNB Chandpur correspondent reports: the fishermen are passing a busy time fixing their nets and trawlers. Some fishermen including Bahria, Harina, Hanarchar, Raj Rajeshwar, Laxmipur, Malek Sheikh, Saiful Islam, Shafique, Sakib Majhi, Omar Ali, Rahim Gazi and Saddam Hossain said they all are now repairing their nets and boats. Golam Hasan Mehedi, district fisheries officer, said “Every year, the government imposes a two-month ban from March 1 to April 30 to increase the production of hilsa. He also expected production of 6 lakh metric tonnes of hilsa this year. A total of 300 fishermen were sentenced to several term of  jail during this period for violating the order of the government while 50 lakh metre current nets, three metric tonnes of jatka fish and 60 fishing boats were seized during the ban, said Golam Mehedi. Besides, Tk 10 lakh were realised in fine from the fishermen during this period. The government also provided 40 kgs of rice to each fishermen under a food assistance programme during the ban period, he said. Md Kamruzzaman, officer-in-charge of Chandpur river police, said,  the river police was also active to enforce the ban.

No fresh death due to dengue was reported in Bangladesh in the 24 hours till Tuesday morning, according to the Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS). However, 24 patients were hospitalised with 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 60 patients are now receiving treatment at hospitals across the country. So far, 2,209 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.

PRAN Group and Economic Reporters' Forum (ERF) have jointly introduced the first ever 'ERF-PRAN Media Award’ to recognise the journalists for their valuable reports on the agro-processing sector in the country. The announcement was made at a press conference held at ERF auditorium at Palatan in the capital on Tuesday. In the press conference, Kamruzzaman Kamal, Marketing Director of PRAN-RFL Group said, "Agro-processing sector is a potential sector contributing to the economic development of the country. “With proper guidance, the sector could become a major player in exports following the success of the ready-made garments industry. Journalists, who are making reports regularly on the agro-processing sector are playing an important role to move forward this sector. We are very happy to be part of the initiative,” he said. The award committee has urged reporters to submit reports focusing on various aspects of the agriculture sector, such as modern farming systems, agriculture product marketing, good agriculture practices and integrated farming, the expansion of the sector for the benefit of agriculture and farmers. ERF-PRAN Media Award-2024 will be presented in three categories- Print, Online and Television. Seven journalists will be honored for their reports submitted from May 1st to July 31, following a thorough evaluation by a five-member jury board. Refayet Ullah Mirdha and Abul Kashem, president and general secretary of ERF, Touhiduzzaman, Assistant General Manager (Public Relations) of PRAN-RFL Group and high officials of the group were also present at the program.

Speakers at a workshop on Tuesday said Bangladesh must have a "definite and transparent" system of calculating greenhouse gas emissions.  The national workshop on ‘Transition to Enhanced Transparency Framework (ETF): The Way Forward for Bangladesh’ was held at Bangabandhu Military Museum in Dhaka. The Ministry of Environment, Forest, and Climate Change (MoEFCC) and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) jointly organised the workshop under the 'Climate Promise - From Pledge to Impact' project The key objective of the workshop was to engage sectoral experts and relevant ministries and line agencies in a dialogue to explore opportunities, identify human and institutional capacity needs enhancement to establish transparent GHG accounting and tracking mechanism. Welcoming the participants Arif Faisal, Programme Specialist, UNDP said ensuring transparency in GHG inventory is crucial for upholding environmental integrity within the Paris Agreement.  Article 13 of the Paris Agreement shapes the formation of the ETF, intending to foster mutual trust and confidence as well as enhancing effective implementation, he said. UNDP will continue to provide catalytic support to the govt to establish a robust institutional arrangement for advancing ETF, he added. Md Mahmud Hossain, Deputy Director of the Department of Environment in his presentation said, “Under Article 13 of the Paris Agreement, establishing an ETF is critically important for Bangladesh.” In this regard, the government has implemented the Capacity Building Initiative for Transparency project.”  This project aims to strengthen institutional and human capacities to meet the requirements of the ETF and track progress in the priority actions identified in Bangladesh's Nationally Determined Contributions (NDC). Dr. S M Munjurul Hannan Khan, Executive Director, NACOM in his keynote presentation on ETF: Global and National Transparency Perspective and Insight said, “Bangladesh will benefit both nationally and internationally through ETF.”  Nationally it will help to gain political acceptance, create scope for an informed policy process, build the capacity in reporting and raise awareness. Internationally it will build trust, help meet international obligations, support ambition enhancement, and prioritise support.  Talking about the institutional arrangements of ETF, he added that the framework will consist of five components including government ministries, academic institutions, and the private sector. Taking part in the discussion Dr. Ainun Nishat, Professor Emeritus and Advisor, C3ER, BRAC University said, “Realistic emission data is critical to achieve Net Zero Target by 2050”. To do that Bangladesh needs to revisit the logical framework approach (LFA) based on monitoring data and shift toward the theory of change. The Chair Dr Qazi Kholiquzzaman Ahmad, Economist, and Chairman, Dhaka School of Economics (DSE) moderated the open discussion and concluded, “We need to enhance our efficiency in resource use as well as reduce waste.” To move forward, Bangladesh will establish a fully functionalized measurement, reporting and verification (MRV) system, an enhanced institutionalisation arrangement, and implement the ETF roadmap. A consortium led by Nature Conservation Management (NACOM) in partnership with the Centre for Climate Change and Environmental Research (C3ER), BRAC University and the International Centre for Climate Change and Development (ICCCAD) is facilitating the implementation, according to UNDP.  

At least 10 people died from heatstroke amid the countrywide heat wave situation in eight days till Monday that has been prevailing for over 15 days.The Health Emergency Operation Center and Control Room (HEOC & CR) of Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS) confirmed the deaths.Among the deceased two people died in Madaripur district while one each in Bandarban, Chattogram, Chuadanga, Habiganj, Jhenaidah, Khulna, Lalmonirhat and Rajbari districts. Man dies of heat stroke in NatoreThe DGHS reported the fatalities from the information reached at its control room till Monday.Meanwhile, four people died from possible heat stroke in different parts of Nilphamari district while another one in Natore on Tuesday amid the sweltering heat, according to the reports reaching the UNB news desk.A very severe heat wave is sweeping Jashore, Chuadanga, Pabna and Rajshahi districts and a severe heat wave is sweeping Dhaka division and parts of Khulna and Rajshahi divisions.Besides, a mild to moderate heat wave is lashing Barishal, Rangpur and Chattogram divisions and Mymensingh district and it may continue, said a bulletin of Bangladesh Meteorological Department (BMD) on Tuesday. 4 die from ‘heat stroke’ in NilphamariThe prevailing heat wave also forced the government to shut the primary and secondary schools, colleges and madrashas till May 2.

Bangladesh Meteorological Department (BMD) on Tuesday said Jashore, Chuadanga, Pabna and Rajshahi have been experiencing extreme hot weather  as ‘very severe’ heat wave sweeping the districts. According to the regular bulletin of the Met office, “Very severe heat wave is sweeping Jashore, Chuadanga, Pabna and Rajshahi and severe heat wave is scorching Dhaka division and parts of Khulna and Rajshahi divisions.” Besides, a mild to moderate heat wave is lashing Barishal, Rangpur and Chattogram divisions and Mymensingh district and it may continue. Meanwhile, rain or thunder showers accompanied by temporary gusty or squally wind is likely to occur at one or two places over Chattogram and Sylhet divisions with hails at isolated places. Weather may remain mainly dry with temporary partly cloudy sky elsewhere over the country. Day and night temperatures may remain nearly unchanged over the country. Due to the increase of moisture incursion, the discomfort may persist. A trough of low lies over West Bengal and adjoining area.

The National Committee to Protect Shipping, Roads, and Railways (NCPSRR), a prominent civil society group, has vehemently opposed Bangladesh Railway's decision to eliminate fare discounts starting May 4, which will lead to a significant increase in train fares by 20 to 30 percent for journeys exceeding 100 km. Md Shahid Mia, the convener of NCPSRR, and Ashish Kumar Dey, the general secretary, expressed their concerns through a public statement on Tuesday. Nat’l Committee demands reduction of Dhaka-Bhanga train fare by 40% They highlighted the current economic hardships, including the steep rise in the cost of living, exacerbated by an ongoing heatwave and reduced incomes among laborers and the lower-middle class. The fare increase, under these circumstances, is completely illogical and against public interest, the NCPSRR leaders stated. The statement also referenced the challenges posed by crop failures and anticipated hikes in agricultural product prices, stressing that such an environment makes the fare increase particularly burdensome for ordinary citizens. Train fares not increasing: Railways Minister Governments worldwide often subsidise state-run transport to ease public burdens, a practice that includes Bangladesh. The government is no exception in providing subsidies, and it could increase these subsidies instead of letting the public suffer through fare hikes, said the statement. The leaders of NCPSRR called on all relevant authorities to reconsider the planned fare adjustments, advocating for the continuation of subsidies to prevent additional financial strain on the populace during these trying times.

The High Court has formed a four-member committee consisting of secretaries to identify and recommend state recognition for the “resistance fighters” (1975-1979) who protested the assassination of the Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman and his family members. The committee, comprising the secretary of the Liberation War Affairs Ministry, the home secretary, the social welfare secretary, and the finance secretary, has been asked to submit its report to the court by August 4. A High Court bench of Justice Naima Haider and Justice Kazi Zinat Hoque passed the order on Monday after the final hearing of a writ petition filed by five individuals. The writ petition sought state recognition and rehabilitation for the “resistance fighters”. The court observed that despite their sacrifices, the “resistance fighters” had not been given state recognition even after 47 years of Bangabandhu's assassination. The court also directed the committee to take necessary steps to provide rehabilitation to the “resistance fighters” who are still alive. Lawyer Bakir Uddin Bhuiyan appeared for the writ petitioners, while Deputy Attorney General Amit Das Gupta represented the state. On August 15, 1975, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, the Father of the Nation, and his family members were assassinated by a group of army officers. Following the assassination, a military government was established in the country. In the aftermath of the assassination, there were protests against the military government. These protests were led by students, youths, and some freedom fighters. Two armed resistance forces, namely the Jatiyo Mukti Bahini (National Liberation Force) and the Jatiyo Mujib Bahini (National Mujib Force), were also formed. However, the “resistance fighters” were not given state recognition by the subsequent governments.

China expressed its keenness to import mango from Bangladesh this year, said Chinese Ambassador to Bangladesh Yao Wen. The Chinese Ambassador came up with the information while talking to the Agriculture Minister Dr Md. Abdus Shahid at the Secretariat on Monday. An expert delegation from China will likely visit the country, specifically the mango orchards and production facilities, in the first week of June. Food Minister seeks support from FAO to boost mango export Bangladesh will approve the export of mangoes based on the report of the Chinese delegation. Additional secretary to the Agriculture Ministry Moloy Chowdhury, joint secretary Md Mahmudur Rahman were present there. Expecting Chinese investment in the agriculture sector, the minister said Bangladesh needs the modern and technical assistance to modernise and mechanise agriculture sector, especially, the country's farmers need China's cooperation so that the farmers can get modern agricultural machinery at low price as we can purchase machines from China at a relatively low price.” Earlier, the Agriculture Minister met Ambassador of the Netherlands in Bangladesh Irma van Dueren. The meeting stressed the need for strengthening mutual cooperation in the agriculture sector and working together on strengthening agricultural research and technology exchange. Off year for mangoes in Chapainawabganj? Farmers fear potential loss The meeting also discussed the construction and launch of onion storage in Mymensingh’s Bhaluka at the initiative of the Netherlands government. Onions can be stored throughout the year in this storage, which will be inaugurated officially on May 2. Noting that onion is an important crop of Bangladesh, the minister said “To become self-sufficient in onion, we are emphasizing on increasing onion production and preservation.” The initiative of the Netherlands government will play a very helpful role in this regard.  

Chairman of Bangladesh Energy Regulatory Commission (BERC) Nurul Amin on Monday said rules and guidelines will be formulated to make the use of LPG cylinders safe. "The LPG (liquefied petroleum gas) sector has unlimited potential," he said, adding that in order to create responsibility as well as awareness, the sector-wise planning is very important. The BERC chairman was addressing a discussion meeting titled: "The Impact of LPG as Clean Fuel on Health and Safety" organised by Omera, the country's leading LPG operator, at its headquarters in the city on Monday.   The discussion delved into the current growth of Bangladesh's LPG sector, addressed regulatory hurdles faced by operators, and explored the health and safety implications of LPG. Mentioning that there is a huge market for LPG in the country, the BERC chairman said, "Earlier we used to see fish markets in villages, later we saw tree markets. Now we see LPG markets in rural areas." He announced that BERC will organise a workshop with stakeholders, businessmen and others related to the sector. The discussion on World Day for Health and Safety, aimed to uphold the International Labor Organization's (ILO) mission to raise awareness and advocate for safer and healthier workplaces worldwide. The roundtable was also addressed by Dr. MD. Helal Uddin, member of BERC; Mohammad Faruque Hossain, Chief Inspector, Department of Explosives; Md Kamal Uddin Bhuiyan, BFM, Deputy Director (Operations & Maintenance) Fire Service and Civil Defense Directorate; Major (Engr.) Shamsuddin Ahmed Chowdhury (Retd), Member (Development), RAJUK; Liakat Ali Bhuiyan, Sr. Vice-President, Real Estate & Housing Association of Bangladesh (REHAB); Imran Hassan, Secretary-General, Bangladesh Restaurant Owners Association; Jahir Khan, President, Chef's Federation of Bangladesh; HM Hakim Ali, President, Bangladesh International Hotel Association and Muhammed Ahsanul Jabbar, Secretary General, LPG Operators Association of Bangladesh (LOAB). The meeting was moderated by Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Tanzeem Chowdhury of Omera Petroleum Limited. He said Omera, as the largest LPG operator in Bangladesh, reaffirms its commitment to providing environmentally friendly alternative energy solutions. During the meeting, the speakers said the impact of LPG on the environment and health is profound and positive. In comparison to other fossil fuels, such as coal and oil, LPG emits significantly fewer pollutants, with CO2 emissions being 33% less than coal and 12% less than oil. Furthermore, they said, LPG combustion does not produce smoke, making it a cleaner option for indoor and outdoor use. In terms of environmental conservation, just one metric ton of LPG can save the equivalent of 47 full-grown trees, highlighting its role in mitigating deforestation, they observed. It was noted in the discussion that the Bangladesh LPG sector has witnessed investment to the tune of $3 billion, overwhelmingly from the private sector and accordingly 98%  of the market share is held by private companies. Many factors act as catalysts in the development of this sector. Speakers at the event said that the use of LPG cylinders in homes and commercial segments in Bangladesh has increased a lot. Consequently, caution and awareness in LPG use is more important than before. Besides, it is important for the government to pay attention to this sector with policy support. Mohammad Faruque Hossain, chief inspector of the Directorate of Explosives, said that in many cases negative propaganda is done about LPG cylinders without knowing. In the last two and a half months, including the Bailey Road accident, three major incidents in Dhaka and Gazipur have been said to have involved cylinder explosions, but we have not found any evidence. RAJUK Member (Development) Shamsuddin Ahmed Chowdhury (retd) said that RAJUK has been making separate structures for gas cylinders for a long time in building buildings. RAJUK has plans to make gas tanks in the near-future. According to the LPG Operators Association of Bangladesh (LOAB) forecast, LPG demand is expected to grow at an annual rate of around 7.4% till 2030. As natural gas reserves are depleting and LPG prices are fluctuating, the industrial sector is showing increasing interest in using LPG as an alternative fuel source. The average monthly market size of LPG in Bangladesh is around one and a half lakh metric tonnes. Of these, 5 operators including Omera are meeting-up more than 50 percent of the total demand.