Day: March 31, 2022

The national flag carrier’s experimental commercial flight BG306 returned to Dhaka Wednesday after a test flight to Toronto.

Biman Bangladesh Airline’s roundtrip flight left Toronto at 10:25am (local time) on March 29 and reached Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport at 12:40pm on March 30.

The non-stop flight was operated by a Boeing 787-9, Tahera Khondoker, deputy general manager (public relations) of Biman, said.

Biman flew a trial flight on the Dhaka-Toronto route, one of the longest in the world, on March 26. This flight was launched on an experimental basis, marking Independence Day. Tickets went on sale on March 19.

The flight touched down in Toronto on March 27 after 18 hours and 35 minutes in the air.

Biman is likely to launch regular commercial flights on the Dhaka-Toronto route, three days a week, from next June, said State Minister for Civil Aviation and Tourism Mahbub Ali on March 24.

Dhaka-Toronto direct flight was a long-standing demand of Bangladeshi expatriates living in Canada, he added.

Canada is one of the prime markets for Bangladesh’s readymade garments, agricultural food, jute, ceramic, leather and seafood.

Many Bangladeshi students study in Canada. Also, about one million Bangladeshi expatriates live in different parts of the country.

The people-to-people contact between the two countries will be further deepened and strengthened by enhancing relations in tourism and aviation, Mahbub said.

Source: United News of Bangladesh

For years, Latifur Rahman farmed just shrimps on his small plot of land in Khulna’s Paikgachha upazila to earn two square meals a day — because nothing would grow due to coastal salinity.

“Salinity in soil in the coastal areas of the district near the Sundarbans hampered agricultural production in the upazila for many years till we finally found solace in watermelon cultivation in 2019-20,” he says.

This year, watermelon is being cultivated across 1,400 hectares of land, about 300 hectares more than that of last year. And farmers and the local agriculture officials are both expecting a bumper output, in turn, a windfall profit for the former.

According to the upazila agriculture department, the cultivation of watermelon varieties — Dragon, Sweet Dragon, Pakija, Big Family and Black Diamond — has risen manifold in Paikgachha in just two years.

“Two years ago, 550 hectares were brought under watermelon cultivation in the upazila.

Last year, that was 1,100 hectares, and this time it is about 1,400 hectares,” said an official of the department.

Another small-time shrimp farmer who invested his life savings to start watermelon cultivation is Ramendranath Gain. No doubt, It was a risk that paid off well. “And if the weather remains favourable, I expect a bumper output in 2022,” he says.

The department of agriculture expects a watermelon output of 40-45 metric tonnes, which could generate a revenue of Tk 28 crore for the farmers, said Uttam Kumar Kundu, deputy assistant agriculture officer.

For both taste and size, the watermelons of the upazila have high demand in the domestic market. Last year, the farmers sustained some losses due to Covid-19. “This year, we hope to make up for the losses,” says Gain.

Paikgachha upazila agriculture officer Jahangir Alam says that the department is always there to ensure proper harvest. “We are with the farmers.”

Source: United News of Bangladesh

Islami Bank Capital Management Limited (IBCML), a subsidiary of Islami Bank Bangladesh Limited (IBBL), recently held its 12th annual general meeting (AGM) on an online platform.

The meeting approved a 7 percent cash dividend for shareholders and the financial statements of the company for the year ended on December 31 last year.

Professor Md Kamal Uddin, director of IBBL and chairman of the board of directors of IBCML, presided over the meeting.

IBCML started its merchant banking operations in 2019 after getting a licence from the Bangladesh Securities and Exchange Commission.

Source: United News of Bangladesh

National Parliament on Thursday passed the Local Government (Amendment) Bill, 2022, aiming to strictly follow the system of holding pourosova polls every five years.

Local Government Minister Tajul Islam placed the Bill in Parliament and it was passed with a voice vote. The bill will become law only after it gets a presidential assent.

And once the President signs the bill into law, all pouroshova chairmen will be barred from staying in office for more than five years.

The bill comes as a major blow to those who resort to different tactics to stay on as pourosova chairmen for years — some seek legal recourse at the end of their tenure to halt the holding of the next election. This way, few chairmen have stayed in office for more than five years, up to even 15 years.

Once the amendments come into effect, the Act will empower the government to appoint an administrator after the term of a local government body expires. And the administrator will be able to remain in the post for a maximum of six months and hold elections by that time.

The Bill also intends to change the designation of the pourosova member to pouro executive officer.

Furthermore, a clause in the Bill says that if any pourosova fails to pay the salaries and other wages of its officers and employees for 12 months, then the government may abolish its status.

As per the Bill, a pourosova can be established if the number of inhabitants every square kilometre is 2,000, from the earlier figure of 1,500.

Source: United News of Bangladesh

State Minister for Energy and Mineral Resources Nasrul Hamid laid the foundation stone of the country’s first wind power plant project in Khurushkul, Cox’s Bazar Thursday.

“Renewable energy will play an important role in future power generation. The contribution of renewable energy in the energy mix of the country has been growing,” he said while laying the foundation of the 60MW wind power plant in Cox’s Bazar.

US-DK Green Energy (BD), a private firm, is setting up the country’s first independent power producer (IPP) wind plant from which the state-owned Bangladesh Power Development Board (BPDB) will buy electricity.

The sponsor company will invest $116.51 million to develop the plant which will have 22 turbines, each having a generation capacity of three megawatts and a height of 120m.

According to the BPDB, the plant will come into operation by December this year.

The state minister said more wind power plants will be set up across different places of the country.

He said the project is a part of the government’s development plan in Cox’s Bazar including the Matarbari power plant, deep seaport and LPG terminal.

Source: United News of Bangladesh

Mobile financial service provider Nagad has paid tribute to 50 valiant freedom fighters and organisers of the Liberation War in 1971.

A program was organised on the occasion at a city hotel Wednesday.

The 50 freedom fighters and organisers who were honoured by Nagad include AKM Mozammel Haque, Anwar Hossain Khan, Afsan Chowdhury, Abul Barak Alvi, Dr Amjad Hossain, AH Mahmood Ali, AKM Atiqur Rahman, M Anwar Hossain, M A Hasan, Quazi Sajjad Ali Zahir, Kazi Salauddin, Kamrul Hasan Khan, Khalequzzaman, Golam Arif Tipu, Golam Dastagir Gazi, Zakaria Pintoo, Z. I. Khan Panna, Nasimun Ara Minu, Nasiruddin Yousuff, Pankaj Bhattacharya, and Mofidul Hoque.

Mohiuddin Ahmed, Mamunur Rashid, Mahbub Uddin Ahmed, Mujahidul Islam Selim, Muntasir Mamun, Mozammel Haque, Mustafa Jabbar, Md. Obaidullah, Dr Raunak Jahan, Rathindranath Roy, Rafiqul Alam, Raisul Islam Asad, Rashed Khan Menon, Rokeya Kabir, Lubna Mariam, Shamsuddin Chowdhury Manik, Shahjahan Sardar, Shahriar Kabir, Shahabuddin Ahmed, Shaheen Samad, Safique Ullah, Shujeo Shyam, Sultan Mahmud Simon, Sultana Kamal, Selina Hossain, Syed Hasan Imam, Harun-Ur-Rashid and Haroon Habib were also honoured.

At the program, Posts and Telecommunications Minister Mustafa Jabbar presented a crest to each of the freedom fighters and organisers while Shahabuddin Ahmed, freedom fighter and artist, greeted them with stoles.

Also, Nagad and Bangla Tribune collaborated on the publication “Joy Bangla,” which includes detailed interviews of 50 freedom fighters and organisers of the liberation war.

Source: United News of Bangladesh

A private members’ bill seeking steps for proper use and conservation of agricultural land in Bangladesh was tabled in the Parliament on Thursday.

Jatiya Party MP Raushan Ara Mannan (reserved seat-47) introduced the bill titled ‘Agricultural Land (Appropriate Use and Conservation) Bill-2022’.

Speaker Shirin Sharmin Chaudhury sent it to the parliamentary committee on private members’ bill. The committee will scrutiny the bill before submitting the report to the House.

Members of parliament other than ministers are called private members. Thursday of the week is called Private Member’s Day in the parliament.

The Agricultural Land (Appropriate Use and Conservation) Bill states that once the law comes into force, no work other than agriculture can be done on any agricultural land in the country. The proposed law will protect agricultural land from rent or lease or transferring the land status for any other purpose.

Source: United News of Bangladesh

Many of us love to start the day with a mug of smoking hot coffee. This refreshing beverage helps to reduce work-stress. It offers a kick to think more clearly and work with greater energy. The coffee lovers can’t do without this drink even on the hottest summer days. But not all people own coffee makers at home. And, certainly it is not exciting to wait in line to shell out big bucks at the coffee shop. Don’t worry, just check here the seven best coffee recipes without using a coffee maker.

7 Luscious Coffee Recipes

Pour-over coffee

Pour-over coffee is a wistful coffee recipe that produces a rich, flavorful cup of coffee. It is easy and simple to make this coffee recipe. You will need a couple of specific tools.

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

Calories; 0g, 0g Fat, 0g Protein

Ingredients

300 milliliters filtered, distilled, or spring water, 18 grams of medium-fine ground coffee

How to Make

First, gather all ingredients and tools. Then, add water to the kettle and heat it until it reaches between 195 F and 205 F. Grind coffee beans to a medium to fine ground and measure the ground coffee in the pour-over brewer. After heating, throw out the water from the cup, set the drip cone on the cup’s rim, and then measure the coffee. Finally, add coffee and brew for 3 to 4 minutes to have medium roast coffee. Just dip for about 30 seconds after adding all the water and serve.

Cuban coffee

If you want to enjoy sweet, rich, delicious, and hot beverages just try Cuban coffee at home. You want to get a dairy-free alternative, you can try this coffee recipe.

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

72 Calories, 0g Fat, 17g Carbs, 2g Protein

Ingredients

1/4 cup coffee ( finely ground), One and a half cups water, One-fourth cup granulated sugar

How to Make

First, brew coffee using fine-ground coffee. Then, take a 2 cups capacity cup and add the sugar. Wait until it is finished brewing. After that, to make the espuma, use a spoon and beat continuously until it becomes a foamy paste. When you feel that your coffee has finished brewing, pour it over the espuma and stir to blend. Finally, let the foamy crema rise to the top and serve to enjoy yummy coffee.

Sweet, Creamy White Chocolate Latte

You cannot but love this tasty, yummy, and dreamy recipe. If you try this at home, you can skip the drive to the coffee shop this winter.

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

300 Calories, 18g Fat, 28g Carbs, 8g Protein

Ingredients

3/4 cup whole milk, 3 tablespoons white chocolate chips, 1/2 cup brewed coffee, 1 teaspoon sugar, optional, 2 tablespoons whipped cream & Dash of ground nutmeg (for garnish)

How to Make

First, add the milk and the white chocolate chips to a pot. Cook together on medium-low heat. Keep continuing till the white chocolate has been blended and the sauce becomes smooth. Then, make a half cup of your favorite coffee and pour it into a cup. After that, pour the white chocolate milk sauce over the coffee and add sugar, if desired. Finally, garnish with whipped cream & ground nutmeg, and serve.

Italian-style cafe latte

If you are a coffee lover, don’t miss trying this popular coffee drink at home.

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

47 Calories, 2g Fat, 5g Carbs, 3g Protein

Ingredients

For the Espresso:

One-ounce water, 1 tablespoon ground French roast coffee, One and a half fluid ounces ( optional)

For the Foamed Milk:

3 ounces milk

How to Make

First, take the water into the boiler and put the coffee into the portafilter. Then, press the coffee down using a tamper. You need to do it 2 to 3 times until the grounds are packed tightly. After that, put a latte cup under the group head and pull the shot for 25 to 30 seconds. Then, make the foam following the necessary steps.

Easy Iced Coffee

You will enjoy this tasty coffee recipe.

Nutrition Facts

Per Serving: 116 calories; protein 6.5g; carbohydrates 14.2g; fat 3.6g; cholesterol 14.6mg; sodium 77.7mg.

Ingredients

2 teaspoons instant coffee granules, 1 teaspoon sugar, 3 tablespoons warm water, 1 cup ice, 6 fluid ounces of cold milk

How to Make

Combine instant coffee, sugar, and warm water in a jar and shake until the mixture is foamy. Then mix ice and milk and serve.

Source: United News of Bangladesh

The Asian Development Bank (ADB) on Thursday approved a $143 million loan package to support Bangladesh’s efforts to accelerate growth by improving efficiency, predictability, and security of cross-border trade.

Bangladesh has been carrying out trade facilitation strategies to enhance export diversification and competitiveness by improving the quality of exports, signing bilateral trade and investment cooperation agreements, and promoting trade through better coordination among border agencies and private stakeholders, according to a press release.

“ADB’s assistance supports the government’s goal of accelerating economic growth through industrialization and trade,” said ADB Principal Economist Tadateru Hayashi.

“The program will help diversify the country’s export products and destinations. Improved connectivity will facilitate subregional trade and commerce among the South Asia Subregional Economic Cooperation countries.”

The ADB loan package includes a $90 million policy-based loan, which will support reforms in areas including bringing the country’s customs legal frameworks in compliance with international standards, improving cargo clearance processes, and strengthening the capacity of the National Board of Revenue (NBR) and the Ministry of Commerce.

To complement the policy reforms, a $53 million project loan will construct integrated land customs stations and land ports of NBR and the Bangladesh Land Port Authority (BLPA) at Akhaura, Sonamasjid, and Tamabil border crossing points (BCPs). Facilities and equipment for customs clearance and cargo transshipment operations will also be installed.

ADB will provide a $1.5 million technical assistance grant from its Technical Assistance Special Fund to support the modernization of the customs legal framework and coordination among the border agencies, prepare an operationalization plan of central customs facilities, strengthen NBR’s capacity to implement modernized customs operations at BCPs, and build the project implementation capacity of NBR and BLPA.

Source: United News of Bangladesh

Plastic goods manufacturers have demanded the government reduce the import duty on main raw materials to 1-3 per cent from the existing 5 per cent.

They placed the demand at a press briefing organised by Bangladesh Plastic Goods Manufacturers and Importers Association (BPGMEA) at its office on Thursday.

They said all the raw materials of the plastic industries are thermoplastic molding compounds which are petrochemical-based products and there is no local petro chemical based industries in the country.

“So, we have to import all these raw materials from abroad,” said Shamim Ahmed, President of BPGMEA.

Other leaders of the association including Vice President AKM Iqbal Hossain, former Vice Presidents ASM Kamal Uddin, Ferdows Wahed and Shahedul Islam Helal were present on the occasion.

The BPGMEA leaders also placed a number of demands ahead of the next national budget preparations.

The demands include fixing of the tariff value of imported plastic goods at $12, reducing the import duty on PVC stabilizer, stearic acid, polyethylene wax, transfer paper to 5 percent from the existing 10 percent, imposing additional supplementary duty on import of plastic goods to protect the local industries and fixing the corporate tax at 10 percent for all sectors.

The leaders also demanded allocation of fund for plastic waste management as the use of plastic goods is increasing day by day.

They said there are over 5000 plastic goods manufacturing industries have developed across the country which meet the local demands where the growth is 20 percent.

“These industries produce goods worth Tk 35,000 crore annually and the government is receiving revenue of Tk 3500 crore from the sector each year,” said the BPGMEA president.

He said annually the manufacturers export plastic goods worth $1 billion which employs several thousands of workers.

But the sector suffered a huge loss due to the Covid-19 pandemic, he said, adding that the manufacturers are now trying to recover from the shocks.

Source: United News of Bangladesh