United News of Bangladesh

State Minister for Information and Broadcasting Mohammad A Arafat said on Wednesday that there is a need to bring more professionalism and transparency in media. “These issues should be addressed immediately. Any misuse of media is not acceptable. In this regard, the cooperation of all the owners and journalists is needed,” he said. Arafat appreciates Chinese support for Bangladesh’s development He said this while exchanging views with the leaders of the Bangladesh Federal Union of Journalists (BFUJ) at the Secretariat on Wednesday. He also said initiatives will be taken so that the institution through which the media is run survives, as well as those who work in the organisation survive. TIB’s report on polls meet no international standards: State Minister for Info Arafat  Then there will be some kind of balance, he said adding that it is also important that the employees of the media outlets can live a good life. “This must be confirmed within the realm of reality,” he said. Will set up framework to tackle propaganda, rumours: State minister Arafat  At the time, the state minister also said professionalism and transparency will be brought in the works done under his ministry. Efforts will be made to get effective results from the departments under the ministry, he said. President of Bangladesh Federal Union of Journalists (BFUJ) Omar Faruque; Secretary General Dip Azad, Former BFUJ president Monjurul Ahsan Bulbul, were present at the time, among others.  

The Biswa Ijtema, billed as the second largest congregation of Muslims after the Hajj, will be held in two phases- February 2 to 4 and February 9 to 11 - this year. Ahead of this, Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) and Gazipur Metropolitan Police (GMP) have jointly issued a traffic and car parking management directive to ease the pressure on the traffic system. The measures will be in effect for each of the three days in both phases.  A media release, issued from police headquarters on Wednesday morning, sought all-out cooperation to maintain order in traffic, avoid traffic jams and facilitate the movement of pilgrims. Parking Instructions Police declared a no-parking zone on the roads and its nearby areas from the Khilkhet-Abdullahpr-Dhaur bridge. Fixed Parking Zones Police fixed some points for parking of vehicles for the Muslim devotees who will attend the Ijtema. Dhaka Metropolitan Parking: Open spaces of Swadesh Property adjacent to 300 feet Road. Read: No threat of militant attack centering Biswa Ijtema: RAB DG Divisional Parking inside DMP areas: Dhaka and Chittagong Division Parking: Kadam Ali Market under Sector No. 15, Bridge No. 5 and Uludah Field in Sector No. 17. Sylhet and Khulna Division Parking:  Lakepar ground of Uttara Sector-15. Rajshahi, Rangpur and Mymensingh Division: West side of the lake of bridges 10 and 11, inside Sector No. 16 and Boubazar ground. Divisional Parking inside GMP areas: Mymensingh Division Parking: Chandana High School, Chowrasta, Gazipur. Vehicles coming from North Bengal and Tangail will park at  Bhawal Badre Alam College and Pubail University College. Government Vehicles: Telephone Industry Organization (TESIS) and Tongi Government College Ground. The drivers and helpers of the parked vehicles must stay with their vehicles. The devotees and the driver will keep each other's mobile numbers, so that they can communicate with each other in any emergency. The driver's mobile number must be visible in front of the vehicle. Read: Bangladesh Police set guidelines for Ijtema Diversion points only for the days of Akheri Munajat (concluding prayers) Feb 4 and Feb 11 Dhaur Bridge, Sector No. 18 Panchabati Crossing, Padma Loop, Sector No. 12 Khalpar, Mohakhali Crossing, Hotel Radisson Blu Crossing, Dhaka-Mymensingh Highway (World Road Nikunj-1 Katchi Gate), Kuratali Flyover Loop-2, Mohakhali Flyover West Side, Mirpur Diabari Bus Stand Crossing, Ashulia Bazar Crossing. Kamarpara Road from Mannu Gate will be shut from the starting day of Ijtema for both phases. Traffic movement will remain shut on the two-way road from Bhogra Bypass from Abdullahpur and from Mirer Bazar to Station Road from 10 pm on February 3 to 2 pm on Feb 4 and from 10 pm on February 10 to 2pm on Feb 11. Vehicles carrying VVIPs/VIPs/Foreign devotees participating in Bishwa Ijtema have been advised to use Tongi Flyover from BNS Tower and get off at Station Road and use Mannu Gate Kamarpara Road. All inter-district vehicles including buses, covered vans and other heavy vehicles will avoid the Abdullahpur, Dhaur Bridge intersection and move via Mohakhali-Bijaysarani-Gabatli from 4:00 am on Akheri Munajat day. Read: Drones, CCTV monitoring to ensure security at Bishwa Ijtema: Home Minister Transportation services will be provided for foreigners from Padma Loop and Kuratali Loop-2 to the airport under the management of Traffic Uttara Division on the day of Akheri Monajat. It is also requested to avoid Kawla/Airport exit of Dhaka Elevated Expressway on the day of Akheri Monajat. For any queries on traffic management, commuters have been asked to contact the below numbers. Dhaka Metropolitan Police: Deputy Commissioner of Police (Traffic-North)- 01320-043940, Additional Deputy Commissioner of Police (Traffic-North)- 01320-043941, Assistant Commissioner of Police (Traffic-North East Zone)- 01320-043952, Assistant Police Commissioner (Traffic-North West Zone)- 01320-043955, Assistant Commissioner of Police (Traffic-Airport Zone)- 01320-043958, Inspector of Police (Administration)- 01320-043973, TI (Abdullahpur)- 01320-043968, TI (Kamar Para) )- 01320-043971, TI (Dhaur Bridge)- 01320-043970, TI (Airport)- 01320-043962, Traffic Control Room- 01711-000990. Gazipur Metropolitan Police: Additional Deputy Commissioner of Police (Traffic)- 01320-070991, Assistant Commissioner of Police (Traffic-North)- 01320-071004, Assistant Commissioner of Police (Traffic-South)- 01320-071277, Inspector of Police (City & Traffic) (Station Road)- 01320-071291, Ijtema Control Room (Hotline)- 01320-072999, Control Room, GMP- 01320-072998, Traffic Control Room- 01320-071298. Read more: Ekushey Boi Mela 2024: What security measures are in place?

No fresh death due to dengue was reported in Bangladesh in the 24 hours till Wednesday morning, according to the Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS). However, 20 more patients were hospitalised with the viral fever during this period, according to the DGHS. Dengue: 14 more patients hospitalised in 24hrs     Of them, nine were admitted in Dhaka hospitals, while the rest were outside the capital. A total of 113 dengue patients, including 42 in the capital, are now receiving treatment at hospitals across the country. 25 more dengue patients hospitalised in 24hrs So far, 1055 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. 14 more dengue patients hospitalised in 24hrs Last year’s September was the deadliest month for the dengue outbreak, with 396 fatalities and 79,598 cases, according to DGHS data.

The government will import a cargo of liquefied natural gas (LNG), having 33.66 lakh MMBtu, from the Vitol Asia Pte Ltd of Singapore at a cost Tk 429.40 crore to meet the growing gas demand in the country. Cabinet Committee on Government Purchase (CCGP) in a meeting, with Finance Minister Abul Hassan Mahmood Ali in the chair, approved a proposal of state-owned Petrobangla in this regard. As per the proposal, placed by the Energy and Mineral Resources on behalf of the Petrobangla, each unit of the LNG will cost $9.93, a price lowest in last two years. Govt to procure LNG, fertiliser, lentil and edible oil After the meeting, Additional Secretary of the Cabinet Division Syed Mahmud Khan informed the reporters that the supplier was selected from the limited listed companies through a bidding in the international spot market under Master Sale and Purchase Agreement (MSPA). The Rapid Increase in Supply of Electricity and Energy (Special Provisions) Act 2010 (Amendment 2021) was followed in this regard. Sources in the Energy and Mineral Resources Ministry said that Bangladesh has planned to import a total of 13 LNG cargoes from January to June this year. This has been the second cargo as the first one was given approval in the last week’s meeting on  January 22 under which Switzerland-based company 'TotalEnergies Gas and Power Limited' will supply a cargo having the same volume 33.66 lakh MMBtu with each unit price  $10.88. Gas supply to Ctg, elsewhere starts improving as LNG terminal resumes production Earlier the government signed 'Master Sale and Purchase' Agreement (MSPA) with 22 shortlisted companies  to import LNG from the international spot market. Imports of LNG from the spot market were suspended from July 2022 to January 2023 as the price of LNG from the spot market increased many times while the government was facing dollar crisis. Currently, the country has been experiencing a severe gas crisis as production came down to nearly 2500 million cubic feet per day (mmcfd) while the demand is about 4000 mmcfd. As a result, household consumers in many areas are not getting gas for cooking while power and industrial productions are being seriously disrupted due to gas shortage.  In the meantime, the government increased the gas price for both captive power and public sector power generation on January 18, 2023. Cabinet body nods import of refined petroleum, LNG  Through an order, the price of gas used for power generation was set at Tk 14 per cubic metre, while the price of gas to be used in captive power and industry was set at Tk 30 per cubic metre. Meanwhile, the CCGP approved two separate proposals to import a total of 60,000 metric tons (MT) of urea fertiliser from Qatar and Saudi Arabia at a cost of Tk 223.84 crore under the state contracts.

The Junior Chamber International (JCI) Dhaka Metro has formed its board for 2024 with the commitment to foster positive change and leadership development. The board was announced on Tuesday at JCI Bangladesh Office in Banani, Dhaka, said a media release on Wednesday. Aligning with the national goal of the board, it will continue its work towards impactful changes through collective efforts. Founded in 1915, JCI is a global force for young individuals aged 18 to 40, spanning approximately 124 countries. With more than 6,000 members in Bangladesh, JCI is a vibrant movement of young, passionate individuals committed to creating substantial, tangible changes in their communities and the nation. JCI Dhaka Metro forms 2024 Board committed to positive change As a platform for young leaders, JCI Dhaka Metro introduced a diverse and talented group of individuals dedicated to creating positive societal transformations. The new board is comprised of passionate and visionary leaders who bring a wealth of experience and enthusiasm to the organization. Md. Sariful Islam, working for the United Nations with 15 years of experience as a communications expert and journalist, has been elected as the Local President for 2024 at JCI Dhaka Metro.  Towhid Ahmed, Head of Corporate Communications at Banglalink, and Young Entrepreneur Annando Kutum have been elected as the local executive vice presidents.   Media personality Farabi Hafiz and businessperson Md. Belal Hosen Munna, communication professional Tanjim Ferdous, and independent researcher Nayeem Arefin joined the board as vice presidents. JCI Barishal distributes warm clothes to 150 children Entrepreneur Mustakim Hassan will serve as the Secretary General in 2024. The other vital members of the board are: Biswajit Kumar Paul, Treasurer; Wahida Zaman Shithi, Training Commissioner); and Sayed Monjurul Haque Rony, General Legal Counsel. Among the directors are Emran Hossain, Rayhan Masud, Sangeeta Aparajita, Alam Pintu, Towfiq Hasan, Dis Islam Raz, Shahadat Hossain Dipto, and Atm Rahat Mohammad. The primary focus of the newly formed board is to work with JCI Vision 2024 to ensure empowering communities, fostering growth and building a smart Bangladesh. President Md. Sariful Islam said, "Our vision for the upcoming journey is to ensure that every individual is not just a member but a valued contributor to the positive change we aim to bring. As we embark on this journey, let us unite in our commitment to building a society where the spirit of leadership and community thrive." " JCI Barishal holds free medical camp The new board was announced during the General Assembly (GA) of JCI Dhaka Metro. Imran Kadir, 2024 JCI Bangladesh National President, S.M. Tanveer Saad Akash, JCI Bangladesh BDC Chairperson; Sanama Faiz, 2023 Local President of JCI Dhaka Metro; Members of JCI Bangladesh National Governing Body, and Members of JCI Dhaka Metro joined the GA. Holding a prestigious consultative status with vital international bodies like the Council of Europe and UNESCO, JCI is a dynamic platform for young leaders to drive meaningful change.

There is no threat of militant attack centering the Biswa Ijtema, said M Khurshid Hossain, director general of the Rapid Action Battalion (RAB) on Wednesday. “There is no specific threat of militant attack centering the Biswa Ijtema and we are on alert,” he said. Bangladesh Police set guidelines for Ijtema RAB is ready to tackle any untoward situation at Ijtema venue and adjacent areas, said the Rab DG while talking to reporters after visiting the control room of RAB at Ijtema venue in Tongi. Alongside the other law enforcement agencies Rab will perform duties to ensure security of the devotees, he said. Drones, CCTV monitoring to ensure security at Bishwa Ijtema: Home Minister Besides, Inspector General of Police (IGP) Chowdhury Abdullah Al-Mamun also visited the places designated for foreign devotees. Talking to reporters he said security measures have been taken to ensure smooth congregation of devotees at the Ijtema venue and there is no specific information about security threat from the intelligence team. Biswa Ijtema 2024: Preparation is going on in full swing CCTVs will be installed while patrol teams will keep patrolling through choppers, said the IGP. He said people can join Ijtema without any fear.

Bangladesh and Saudi Arabia on Wednesday (January 31, 2024) agreed to take the existing excellent bilateral relations to a higher level. This was expressed when President of the Shura Council of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia Sheikh Dr. Abdullah bin Muhammad bin Ibraheem Al Sheikh called on Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina at her official residence Ganabhaban. PM’s Deputy Press Secretary KM Shakhwat Moon briefed reporters after the call on. Moon said that Hasina mentioned that Bangladesh and Saudi Arabia share a rich and longstanding historical relationship rooted in religious, cultural, and economic bonds. She Informed that for Bangladeshi Muslims, Saudi Arabia holds a special place in their hearts being the birthplace of Islam and the two holiest sites, Makkah, and Madinah. “Thousands of Bangladeshis perform the Holy Haji and the Umrah for religious purposes,” she said. KSA's Majlish E Shura Council President Abdullah arrives in Dhaka The prime minister expressed satisfaction over the recent development activities, reforms, and emerging role of Saudi Arabia on the global front under the visionary leadership of the Custodian of Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz and the Prime Minister and Crown Prince His Royal Highness Mohammed bin Salman. Sheikh Dr. Abdullah bin Muhammad congratulated the prime minister on her reelection. He mentioned that Saudi Arabia was always with Bangladesh and it has a historical long lasting relationship. He lauded visionary leadership of the prime ninister for the unprecedented development of Bangladesh. KSA keen to enhance trade with Bangladesh in food, energy, logistics, and manufacturing sectors : FBCCI “Prime Minister’s leadership is exemplary and imitable,” Shakhwat Moon quoted President of the Shura Council of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia as saying. He also conveyed the greetings of Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman Al Saud to the prime minister. Welcoming the greetings, Sheikh Hasina also greeted the Crown Prince. PM’s Adviser Salman Fazlur Rahman, Ambassador-at-large M Ziauddin and Principal Secretary Md Tofazzel Hossain Miah were present. Read more: Saudi Arabia sends 400 tons of sacrificial meat for Bangladesh

In anticipation of the Amar Ekushey Grantha Mela (book fair) 2024, the Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) has announced extensive security measures to tackle potential sabotage acts and militant threats. The security plan, detailed by DMP Commissioner Habibur Rahman, aims to ensure a safe environment for the attendees of Bangladesh’s largest book fair, set to open on February 1. Commissioner Rahman, after inspecting the security protocols, stated, “We have put in place a robust security framework to enable visitors to explore and enjoy the fair without any apprehension.” These remarks were made during his visit to the book fair’s location in Dhaka’s Suhrawardy Udyan on Wednesday. Books worth Tk47 crore sold in Amar Ekushey Book Fair in 27 days Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina is slated to inaugurate the month-long cultural event at 3 pm on February 1. In a first for the fair, attendees can now enter and exit through five designated gates at Suhrawardy Udyan, including a special entrance via the Engineering Institute. Each entry point will be equipped with archways and metal detectors to enhance safety. The DMP Commissioner outlined the comprehensive security measures, including the establishment of internal and external security perimeters and continuous surveillance by undercover detectives. Additionally, numerous watch towers have been erected to oversee and prevent any unforeseen incidents. Further bolstering the security, the entire fair area is under continuous CCTV monitoring, connected to a dedicated control room. The DMP has arranged various patrolling units, including foot, street, and cyber patrols, around the fair vicinity. The presence of the dog squad, SWAT team, and bomb disposal unit will provide an immediate response capability. Kid’s zone of Ekushey Book Fair abuzz with little book lovers  In addition to these security provisions, the DMP has taken measures to cater to the comfort and well-being of the visitors. These include a lost and found center for missing children, a nursing center for mothers, blood donation facilities, and access to pure drinking water throughout the fair premises. The security plan was detailed in the presence of senior DMP officials, emphasizing the significance and scale of the protective measures for this cultural cornerstone event. Read more: Tracing the Roots of Ekushey Boi Mela

Grameenphone, with the commitment to building a Smart Bangladesh, inaugurated its first “Tier III Standard Data Center”, a groundbreaking hi-tech initiative that sets new benchmarks in reliability, efficiency, and sustainability of network, in Sylhet. Yasir Azman, Chief Executive Officer of Grameenphone, inaugurated the data center at a programme held on Tuesday, said a press release issued on Wednesday. Joining him were Yan Changzhi, VP, President of South Asia Region, ZTE Corporation, Ma Liang (Jerry), MD of Engineering Service of ZTE Bangladesh, Jai Prakash, Chief Technology Officer (CTO) Grameenphone, and other key management members from both organizations. The Data Center stands as a testament to the collaborative efforts of Grameenphone and ZTE in bringing about this technological marvel, showcasing their commitment to advancing innovation and ensuring a future-ready infrastructure that caters to the evolving needs of the digital landscape. Grameenphone introduces simplified plans to cater to customers’ evolving needs and convenience The Super Core Data Center, having a capacity of 4 MW load, is the largest among any Mobile Network Operators (MNOs) in the country. The work for this data center started in January 2023. Customers will benefit directly from higher data speed and quality of services, ensuring a superior customer experience. The facility guarantees uninterrupted services, even in the face of unforeseen challenges. Moreover, environmental sustainability is a key focus of the Sylhet Data Center, aligning with Grameenphone’s commitment to sustainability. Grameenphone, Telenor, UNICEF partner to strengthen digital literacy, online safety for 10 million children The use of NOVEC gas for auto fire suppression not only enhances safety measures but also reflects Grameenphone’s dedication to eco-friendly practices. A high-tech monitoring system with intrusion detection capabilities ensures the utmost security for the valuable data stored, protecting the privacy of customers’ valuable data in this digital era. Yasir Azman, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Grameenphone, said, “This accomplishment lays another cornerstone for a digitally advanced smart Bangladesh. This facility not only confirms our pledge to lead the way in technological innovations but also demonstrates our devotion to putting our customers first in every aspect of our work, guaranteeing a future of technological progress and reliability in delivering superior customer oexperience. I also want to express my gratitude to our partner ZTE for constructing this cutting-edge, environment friendly infrastructure.” Ma Liang, MD of Engineering Service of ZTE Bangladesh, praised the data center’s cutting-edge and creative technology, stating, “The Super Core Data Center is like the body’s heart. It needs to be safe and healthy to support the business. The data center uses the best and most innovative technology in the industry. It has multiple levels of protection to ensure its reliability.” “It will also be the first private sector Telco Data Center in Bangladesh to meet the Uptime Tier-III standard. It follows the principles of saving energy and reducing emissions, and it has a smart energy management system that makes it efficient and eco-friendly," he added.  

Bangladesh Meteorological Department (BMD) forecasts varied weather patterns across the country, with rain or thundershowers expected in several divisions, including Dhaka, Khulna, Rajshahi, Barishal, and Chattogram. As per the latest bulletin from the BMD, “Rain or thundershowers are likely at a few places in the Khulna and Dhaka divisions, with occasional showers predicted in Rajshahi, Barishal, and Chattogram divisions.” In other parts of Bangladesh, the weather is set to remain predominantly dry, albeit with partly cloudy skies. Weather forecast: Light rain in Ctg, Barishal divisions, fog disruptions across country, BMD says The report also warns of moderate to thick fog formation over river basins, with lighter fog likely in other areas. This foggy condition, particularly dense near rivers, may temporarily disrupt inland river transport from late night until morning. Temperature fluctuations are also on the horizon, with a slight increase in night temperatures and a minor decrease in daytime temperatures expected nationwide. From Chuadanga, UNB’s correspondent reports that the district town has been experiencing light rainfall since Tuesday night. The local Chuadanga Weather Observatory Centre, under the supervision of Officer-in-Charge Jaminur Rahman, recorded 3 mm of rainfall by 6 am on Wednesday. Additionally, a slight rise in temperature was observed, with the mercury hitting 15.3 degrees Celsius early this morning. The forecast suggests continued rainfall in Chuadanga and surrounding areas until Friday, indicating a wet end to the week for the residents. Weather forecast: Fog across the country with light rain in Ctg, BMD says END/UNB/Corr/MAS/KW