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Labour Law violation case: Dr Yunus’ bail extended till May 23
A Dhaka tribunal on Tuesday extended bail of Nobel laureate Dr Muhammad Yunus and three officials of Grameen Telecom, who were sentenced to six months jail in a labour law violation case, till May 23.
Labour Appellate Tribunal Judge MA Awal passed the order when they filed a petition seeking permanent bail in the case.
Dr Yunus sought permanent bail to avoid repeated appearance at the Labour Appellate Tribunal, said his lawyer Barrister Abdullah Al Mamun, who filed the petition.
On January 28, the Labour Appellate Tribunal granted bail to Yunus and three others, who had challenged the verdict of labour court in the labour law violation case.
On that day, the Labour Appellate Tribunal stayed the sentence of the labour court. At the same time, the court accepted the appeal for hearing.
Earlier, on January 1, Yunus and three other accused were sentenced to six months’ imprisonment in the case.
Govt to include Smart Bangladesh in mid-term dev plan: Official Document
In a new move the Planning Commission seeks to include the goal of building Smart Bangladesh in the government's Medium Term Development Plan.
At present, initiatives have been taken to formulate the Ninth Five Year Plan (2026-2030) by the General Economic Department (GED) of the Commission, according to an official document procured by UNB this week.
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It said that the possible development philosophies in the Ninth Five Year Plan will be- Implementation of 'Vision 2041' and construction of 'Smart Bangladesh, successfully addressing the challenges of transition from least developed countries (LDCs), achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and the Upper Medium income country status by 2031.
The others will be- accelerate growth, strengthen macroeconomic stability, Inflation control, employment generation and poverty alleviation, sustainable use of natural resources and natural disasters and coping with the impact of climate change, ensuring regional balanced development and planned urbanisation, and evelopment of important institutions and establishment of rule of law.
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In the plan, efforts will be made to implement the promises given in the election manifesto 2024 of Bangladesh Awami League besides incorporating the concept and strategy of building Smart Bangladesh in setting overall and sector-wise development targets, strategies and activities.
These are- keeping prices affordable; ensuring vocational education and employment; Building smart Bangladesh based on modern technology; Increasing efficiency and capacity in the financial sector including banking; making health care affordable for low-income people;Inclusion of all in the universal pension system; integrated farming systems, mechanisation and with a view to profitable agriculture increased investment in processing; and industries and services by leveraging visible infrastructure and increasing investment expanding the sector.
The document mentioned that current Awami League government has adopted a significant number of development plans in the medium and long term as part of the measures taken with the aim of economic development in the last 15 years (2009-2024).
As a result of the adoption and implementation of all these plans, Bangladesh has now been recognised as a role model for development in the world.
The current Awami League government formulated the "First Perspective Plan of Bangladesh (2010-2021)" as a long-term plan to achieve the specific goals of economic and social development of Bangladesh with the aim of "Vision 2021" to continue the overall development and progress of the country, one of the goals of which was To promote Bangladesh to an information technology dependent middle income country by 2021.
The government has adopted and successfully implemented the 6th Five Year Plan (2011-2015) and 7th Five Year Plan (2016-2020) as medium term plans to realise the development vision of “Bangladesh First Vision Plan (2010-2021)”.
As a result, on July 1, 2015, Bangladesh was upgraded from a low-income country to a lower-middle-income country. An average growth of 7.13 percent was achieved during the 7th Five Year Plan period.
The document said that present government formulated an integrated, centenary master plan, 'Bangladesh Delta Plan 2100', taking into consideration agriculture, fisheries, industry, forestry, public health, environment and environment etc., to address the impacts of climate change, food security, better water resource management and sustainable development.
The formulation and approval of this master plan in the continuous development journey will be marked as a milestone in the history of development planning of the country.
The implementation of 'Bangladesh Delta Plan 2100' has already started. Projects are being taken up and implemented by various ministries/departments in respective fields.
The vision of the 'Bangladesh Delta Plan 2100' is: 'Building a safe, climate resilient and prosperous delta'.
The current government has adopted "Realisation of Vision 2041: Vision Plan of Bangladesh 2021-2041" to make Vision 2041 a reality with the aim of building Golden Bangla, the dream of Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman.
The plan is based on two main objectives, which are: (a) Bangladesh will be a developed country by 2041, with a per capita income of more than 12,500 US dollars at current prices and fully compatible with the digital world; and (b) Bangladesh will be a golden Bengal, where poverty will be a thing of the distant past.
The document stated that the “Vision 2041 or Vision Plan (2021-2041)” will be implemented through a series of four five-year plans, the first of which “8th Five-Year Plan (July 2020-June 2025)” is currently under implementation.
In preparing this plan, along with the main goals of Bangladesh Delta Plan 2100, Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), fourth industrial revolution, challenges of transition from underdeveloped countries to developing countries have been taken into consideration.
In addition, the 8th Five Year Plan has also recommended some effective strategies to address the challenges posed by the Covid-19 pandemic.
The motto of this plan, formulated with the aim of sustainable development, is 'not leaving anyone behind, but development with everyone'.
The key themes emphasized in the 8th Five Year Plan are accelerated prosperity and maximum employment generation, inclusive growth, increased productivity and poverty reduction.
In this plan, promotion of labour-intensive, export-oriented manufacturing-based growth, diversification of agriculture, dynamism of cottage, small and medium industries, strengthening of modern service sector, increasing export of non-sector services, acceleration of technology-based enterprises and strengthening of foreign employment are particularly important in this plan.
Two arrested over torture of upazila chairman candidate in Natore
Police have arrested two people in a case filed over the abduction and torture of Delwar Hossain, a chairman candidate in the upcoming Singra Upazila Parishad election.
The arrestees are Babu and Sumon. Acting on a tip-off, a police team conducted a drive in different parts of the upazila on Monday night and arrested them.
Natore Superintendent of Police, Tariqul Islam, confirmed the matter.
Earlier, Delwar's brother, Mujibur Rahman, filed the case at Natore Police Station against 20 to 25 unidentified men.
UZ chairman candidate ‘tortured after abduction’ in Natore
According to the victim, Upazila Swechchhasebak League General Secretary Mohan and his associates picked him up on a microbus while he was returning home after submitting the nomination form online on Monday.
Later, they tortured him.
State Minister for ICT Zunaid Ahmed Palak's brother-in-law, Lutful Habib Rubel, submitted his candidature for the upazila chairman post.
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Meanwhile, Delwar, who was seriously injured, was shifted to the ICU of Rajshahi Medical College Hospital at midnight after his condition became critical.
Mujibnagar Day to be observed tomorrow
The historic Mujibnagar Day will be observed tomorrow, April 17.
Meherpur district administration and the Ministry of Liberation War Affairs have completed all preparations for the occasion.
Mujibnagar Upazila Nirbahi Officer Md Khairul Islam said, "We have taken elaborate preparations to welcome war heroes, ministers, and visitors from all over the country. Cleaning, painting various murals and installations, and all other preparations have been completed. Uninterrupted electricity, safe drinking water, and adequate temporary toilets have been arranged."
Meherpur Police Superintendent SM Nazmul Haq said, "The district police have undertaken a comprehensive programme to maintain law and order on the occasion of the historic Mujibnagar Day. The main stage of Mujibnagar will be monitored through CCTV cameras at various points. A police control room has been set up to provide immediate security to the visitors. Traffic management has been tightened. We are working to ensure that everyone can celebrate the historic day."
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Extensive preparations have also been made by the district Awami League. Meherpur District Awami League President and Minister for Public Administration Farhad Hossain MP said, "We are ready to celebrate the day with due dignity. For the last few years, we have celebrated the day on a small scale due to the Coronavirus pandemic and Ramadan. But this time we have taken the initiative to celebrate the day in a grand manner."
Farhad will preside over the Mujibnagar Day programme.
The chief guest will be Liberation War Minister Mozammel Haque.
The day's programmes will begin with the hoisting of the national flag at 9 am at the memorial, followed by a wreath-laying ceremony.
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After the flag hoisting, Awami League central leaders, ministers, and local leaders will participate in a discussion on the significance of the day at Sheikh Hasina Mancha.
On this day in 1971, the first government of Bangladesh was sworn in at Amrakanon in Baidyanath Tala, Mujibnagar upazila, Meherpur.
Bangladesh's Mastul Foundation provides daily meals in Gaza amidst crisis
As the conflict between Israel and Palestine intensifies, the residents of Gaza are enduring profound hardships. Amidst this escalating humanitarian crisis, international charities, including the Mastul Foundation’s Mastul Mehmankhana (Mega Kitchen) from Bangladesh, are stepping up to deliver crucial aid to those in need.
Currently, approximately 1.5 million people in besieged Gaza face severe food scarcity. The Mastul Foundation has mobilized its Mega Kitchen in Palestine to alleviate this urgent issue. Despite numerous challenges, they are providing daily meals to 200-250 individuals, primarily orphaned children and widows, who are among the most affected.
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The gratitude expressed by the Palestinians has been overwhelming, according to a media release from the Foundation. Parents are especially relieved as the efforts ensure their children won't sleep hungry, at least for now, the release added, highlighting the acute worries about dwindling food supplies.
Kazi Reaz Rahman, founder and executive director of Mastul Foundation, emphasized the ongoing nature of their mission. "While our current capacity allows us to prepare 200-250 meals daily, it's barely a drop in the ocean given the scale of the crisis. We are urgently calling for more funds to expand our operations," he stated.
The Foundation's future plans include not only continuing food assistance but also enhancing medical logistics, providing educational opportunities for orphans, empowering widows, and improving sanitation and water facilities.
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Mastul Foundation appealed for support for their initiatives in Gaza during this critical time. More funding and resources are crucial to sustain and expand their humanitarian efforts in the region.
Fire at Ctg slum leaves upto 200 families homeless
Upto 200 shanties were gutted in a devastating fire that broke out in a slum near the Firingi Bazar Fishing Ghat in the port city of Chattogram on Monday afternoon, leaving a good number of lower-income people homeless.
Though a local ward councillor of Chattogram City Corporation (CCC) claimed that the number of damaged shanties would be 200, Fire Service and Civil Defence (FSCD) authority outlined the number at 87.
Abdur Razzak, deputy director (DD) of Fire Service and Civil Defense (FSCD), Chattogram Zone, said the fire originated from one of the shanties in Laitta Ghat Basti (slum) around 1:20 pm, engulfing adjacent shanties within a short time.
Being informed, nine firefighting units from Nandankanan, Chandanpura and Agrabad stations rushed to the spot and brought the flame under control around one and a half hours after the fire erupted, he said, adding that around 87 shanties were gutted in the fire.
DD Razzak informed that the fire originated from an electronic short-circuit and the flame is now under control.
Local ward councillor Hasan Murad Biplob said though they are yet to receive any concrete data about the number of the damaged shanties, the number would be around 200.
He informed that CCC Mayor Rezaul Karim and district deputy commissioner Abul Bashar Mohammed Fakhruzzaman wanted to know the list of the damaged shanties from him.
The local representative also informed that they have arranged meals for the people and their compensation would be considered.
Slum resident Md Faruk said he was asleep when the fire erupted and came out hurriedly sensing the heat of the fire.
Fire-affected Sabrina Begum said, "I don't know why God has put me to test. After Eid, I took a loan of Tk 50,000 for my daughter's marriage and kept it in the cupboard of the house. All burned in the fire.”
Witness Salauddin said a branch of a coconut tree fell on an electric wire which led to the devastating fire.
Fire at oil godown in Bogura brought under control
A massive fire broke out at an oil godown in Mokamtola area of Bogura's Shibganj upazila on Monday afternoon.
The fire originated around 5:30 pm at the godown of M/s Uttara Traders on Rangpur-Dhaka highway in Mokamtola, said Khandaker Abdul Jalil, deputy assistant director of Bogura Fire Service and Civil Defence.
On information, six firefighting units rushed to the spot and brought the blaze under control after an hour of efforts, he said.
The fire might have started during the unloading of oil from the tanker, added the officer.
"As there were various inflammable substances, the fire spread soon," he said.
However, he could not give details of the probable damage or casualties.
A lorry and two cows were also torched in the fire.
Abdur Gafoor, owner of M/s Uttara Traders, said around 90 barrels of oil were stored in the godown. "Everything was burnt in the fire."
Udichi's Pahela Boishakh programme, statement 'unexpected and unfortunate': State Minister Arafat
State Minister for Information and Broadcasting Mohammad Ali Arafat on Monday said that the Bengali New Year programme that was organised by Bangladesh Udichi Shilpigoshthi defying the directives of the government followed by its negative statement was unexpected and unfortunate.
"Udichi Shilpigoshthi's programme defying the directives, issued by the government's security affairs agencies for ensuring the security of Pahela Baishakh, was an inconsiderate and unfortunate incident," he said while talking to journalists at his Secretariat office on Monday.
The government’s directive was that all programs should be completed by 6pm on Pahela Boishakh. Ignoring this decision, Udichi held a ceremony after 6pm on the day.
"The government got hurt and very much shocked at this approach of Udichi," Arafat added.
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“Who would take the responsibility if any accident occurred where Udichi held a programme defying the government's prohibition?” the state minister questioned.
"We think that those who will hold programmes without following rules or directives should take that responsibility," he said.
In the past, many people were killed and many others became paralyzed after being injured in bombings at Ramna Batamul in the capital and Udichi's programme in Jashore on Pahela Baishakh, he said.
He said several members of the police sacrificed their lives to prevent terrorist attacks at Holey Artisan, Eid Jammat at Sholakia Maidan and in Sylhet.
As the government remains always vigilant to ensure the safety of people's lives and property in every event, no terrorist attack or terrorist incident has occurred in Bangladesh in the recent past, he mentioned.
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He said the government seeks everyone's cooperation in this regard.
"Under the leadership of Bangabandhu's daughter, all organizations having faith in the spirit of Liberation War including Bangladesh Awami League or we all had celebrated Pahela Baishakh in Suhrawardy Udyan," he said.
Noting that ensuring security is the duty of the government, the state minister sought cooperation from all as any joyous festival doesn't turn into a sorrowful incident.
Mentioning Pahela Baishakh is celebrated properly under the initiative of the Awami League government, Arafat said Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina's government introduced an allowance for Bengali New Year for the celebration of the Pahela Baishakh.
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Besides, in response to the Cultural Affairs Ministry's appeal, Bangladesh's "Mangal Shobhajatra" was declared an intangible cultural heritage by UNESCO in 2016, categorised on the representative list as a heritage of humanity.
Rickshawpuller injured in road accident dies at Dhaka hospital
A 30-year-old rickshawpuller, who sustained severe injuries after being hit by an unidentified vehicle in Dhaka’s Gabtoli area on Sunday night, succumbed to his injuries while undergoing treatment at Dhaka hospital early Monday.
The deceased was identified as Rezaul, son of Ansar Ali of Uttar Katla village under Birampur upazila in Dinajpur.
Pedestrian Kazi Shamsuddin Habib, who brought the injured rickshaw puller to the hospital, said the unidentified vehicle hit Rezaul when he was crossing a road at Beribadh Sluice Gate of Dhaka’s Gabtoli area around 8:30 pm, leaving him critically injured.
At first, he was taken to Suhrawardy Medical College Hospital and later shifted to Dhaka Medical College Hospital (DMCH) where he breathed his last while receiving treatment around 12 am, said the DMCH police outpost In-Charge Md Bachhu Miah.
The body was kept at the hospital morgue for autopsy, he said, adding that the concerned police station was informed about the matter.
Though the rickshawpuller used to live in Dhaka, his family has been staying in Dinajpur’s village home, he informed.
COVID-19: Bangladesh reports 11 more cases in 24hrs
Bangladesh reported 11 more COVID-19 cases in 24 hours till Monday morning.
With the new numbers, the country's total COVID-19 caseload rose to 2,049,739, according to the Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS).
The official death toll from the disease remained unchanged at 29,493 as no new fatalities were reported during this period.
The daily case test positivity rate was 4.78 percent as 230 samples were tested, said the DGHS.
The recovery and death rates stood at 98.41 percent and 1.44 per cent, respectively.