Month: April 2022

A 35-year-old NGO officer was killed in a road accident in Khulna’s Rupsha upazila.

Deceased, Khandaker Firoz Ahmed was a business development officer of Rural Reconstruction Foundation (RRF) and a resident of Jhikargacha upazila in Jessore district

The accident occurred Friday morning said police.

Rupsha Police SI Md Tareq Rahman said, at around 10.30 am, when he reached Alaipur bridge, a truck loaded with coal coming from the opposite direction, crushed him dead on the spot.

Police could not arrest the truck driver. However, the helper has been arrested and the truck has been seized, he said.

Source: United News of Bangladesh

Rapid Action Batallion (RAB) arrested a person in connection with a drug case from the city’s Gulshan area.

During an operation on April 27 night, Rab arrested Emran Haque, 48, who has been on the run.

He was released on bail after being arrested by Narcotics Control Department in 2002. He has been absconding since 2004, the arrestee said during interrogation.

ASP Imran Khan of Rab headquarters (media wing) said that Emran and his companions started bringing Yaba to Bangladesh from a southeast Asian country. They mainly sold the drugs in different areas of the capital including Gulshan, Banani and Banasree.

He has been handed over to Gulshan police, the ASP said.

In 2006, Emran was arrested in a drug case of Banani police station, which is said to be under trial.

On 19 December 2002, the Narcotics Control Department recovered heroin, Yaba and other banned drugs from a house in Gulsan’s Niketan area.

Four including Emran were arrested over the incident.

Source: United News of Bangladesh

The country’s readymade garment (RMG) industry is committed to sustaining its achievements in workplace safety and environmental sustainability that have earned the sector global accolades, said the Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA).

A tangible transformation has taken place in Bangladesh’s apparel industry following massive safety initiatives along with extensive training of workers jointly undertaken by the government, brands, the International Labour Organization (ILO) and development partners, BGMEA President Faruque Hassan said Thursday.

“And we are determined to retain the fame of Bangladesh as a safe and sustainable apparel sourcing destination in the world,” he added.

Faruque made the observations while speaking at a programme organised by the Ministry of Labour and Employment, marking National Occupational Health and Safety Day 2022 in Dhaka.

Commerce Minister Tipu Munshi attended the programme as the chief guest while State Minister for Labor and Employment Begum Munnujan Sufian was present as a special guest.

The BGMEA president said while Bangladeshi garment factories have become safer, a concrete change has also taken place in the mindset of both workers and owners who now view workplace safety as an integral part of the industry.

Safety initiatives along with training programmes supported by TC-ILO on worker-management relations, occupational safety and health, and labour laws for both factory management and workers have contributed to the change, he added.

The RMG Sustainability Council has been formed to sustain workplace safety in Bangladesh, Faruque said.

ILO Country Director Tuomo Poutiainen, Department of Inspection for Factories and Establishments Inspector General of Nasir Uddin Ahmed, Bangladesh Employers Federation President Ardashir Kabir, and Bangladesh Knitwear Manufacturers and Exporters Association Executive President Mohammad Hatem were also present at the programme.

Source: United News of Bangladesh

Expect a brief reprieve from the sweltering summer heat, as the weatherman has predicted rain or thunder showers in parts of Bangladesh in the next 24 hours.

“The showers are likely to occur at one or two places over Rajshahi, Rangpur, Mymensingh, Dhaka and Sylhet divisions and the region of Cumilla,” the Bangladesh Meteorology Department said in a weather bulletin on Friday.

“Weather may remain mainly dry with partly cloudy sky elsewhere over the country,” the department said.

However, a mild heat wave is currently sweeping over Khulna division and the districts of Gopalgonj, Rangamati, Chandpur, Moulvibazar, Rajshahi, Barishal & Patuakhali may continue, the bulletin said.

Day and night temperatures may remain nearly unchanged over the country.

The maximum temperature was recorded at 38 degrees Celsius in Jashore in the past 24 hours, the bulletin said.

Source: United News of Bangladesh

A 32-year-old man was stabbed to death allegedly by neighbors at Sheikhnagar area of Madhyam Mahadevpur in Sitakunda Upazila of Chattogram district on Friday.

The deceased was identified as Md Bablu, son of Kamal Uddin of the area.

According to the locals, a quarrel broke out between two women over the use of a ghat on Tuesday. Saiful and Shahin, each representing one of the families, locked into an altercation over the incident the same day.

On Wednesday, Shahin along with some other people tried to drag Saiful away. Bablu came to the spot during the scuffle. When he tried to stop them, someone stabbed him, leaving him seriously injured.

Later, Bablu was rushed to Chattogram Medical College and Hospital where he succumbed to his injuries early Friday after being treated there for three days.

Efforts are on to nab the accused quickly, said Abul Kalam Azad, officer-in-charge of Sitakunda Police Station.

Source: United News of Bangladesh

State Minister for Shipping Khalid Mahmud Chowdhury on Friday requested passengers to take Paturia route in Manikganj instead of Shimulia to cross the Padma during Eid journey as a lower number of ferries are in service at Shimulia.

There are 10 ferries on service in Shimulia of Munshiganj, 21 in Paturia of Manikganj and four in Aricha. In the morning there is extra pressure of passengers and vehicles in Shimulia terminal, said the state minister while inspecting the Shimulia launch and ferry terminal at Munshiganj.

As per the previous instructions, heavy vehicles are not being allowed to cross the ferry in Shimulia and only small vehicles are being ferried at Shimulia terminal, he said.

“I am requesting to use Paturia route instead of Shimulia to avoid additional traffic congestion.”

Considering the overall safety of the Padma Bridge, 10 good quality ferries have been in service at Shimulia terminal, said Khalid.

“I request you to follow the instructions of the government. Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina will open the Padma Bridge for traffic in the next few months.”

“Then there will be no problem in Shimulia ghat. The ferry will wait for the vehicles at the terminal to ferry,” he added.

The state minister said, “Despite the extra pressure of the people at the terminal, we have been able to maintain discipline.”

Officials of Bangladesh Inland Water Transport Authority (BIWTA), Bangladesh Inland Water Transport Corporation (BIWTC), law enforcement agencies, and district and upazila administration are also trying to serve the people, he said.

There is no opportunity to charge extra fare for the launch. There are magistrates at the terminals to look into the matter, Khalid added.

“The home bound people are going to celebrate Eid with joy. I did not see their suffering while traveling.”

Source: United News of Bangladesh

As Eid-ul-Fitr is knocking on the doors, many poor and low-income people look to be on shopping sprees like the well-off classes, as everyone gets ready to celebrate the biggest religious festival with their near and dear ones.

Shoppers on low-budget are swarming the makeshift shops on footpaths and open spaces for buying dresses of their choices and other desired items, including shoes, sandals, cosmetics and jewelry, at cheaper prices.

Hundreds of temporary shops have been set up on the footpaths and open spaces in the most busy areas of the city, targeting mainly the low-income group of eid shoppers.

According to vendors, many middle-class buyers are also flocking to their stalls as they have outfits of various colours and designs and all other products like that of the posh shopping malls at reasonable prices.

The footpath sellers also said they are drawing good customers as people have got a chance for shopping in full swing after a break of two years due to the coronavirus pandemic.

Visiting different parts of the city on Thursday and Friday, it was seen that people were crowding around the makeshift shops in Gulistan, Bangabazar, Mothijheel, Baitul Mukarram , Paltan, New Market, Jatrabari, Fakirerpool, Mouchak, Rampura, Badda and Mirpur areas.

The vendors were seen trying to woo customers by displaying various items of girls’ attires, children’s clothes, cosmetics, men’s, wears like jeans and gabardine pants, shirts, T-shirts, panjabis, trousers, footwear, belts, caps, lungis, wallets and toys.

The footpath sellers also said they are drawing good customers as people have got a chance for shopping in full swing after a break of two years due to the coronavirus pandemic.

Visiting different parts of the city on Thursday and Friday, it was seen that people were crowding around the makeshift shops in Gulistan, Bangabazar, Mothijheel, Baitul Mukarram , Paltan, New Market, Jatrabari, Fakirerpool, Mouchak, Rampura, Badda and Mirpur areas.

The vendors were seen trying to woo customers by displaying various items of girls’ attires, children’s clothes, cosmetics, men’s, wears like jeans and gabardine pants, shirts, T-shirts, panjabis, trousers, footwear, belts, caps, lungis, wallets and toys.

The huge turnout of shoppers brought smiles to the owners and sellers of the makeshift shops in the city.

A vendor in the city’s Motijhlee area said he is happy over the sale and profit in his makeshift shop this year. “I’m doing good business as sales volumes and profits this year are higher than the previous years. The sale was not good at the beginning of Ramadan. But it continues to increase after 15th Ramadan.”

Another vendor, Selim in New Market area, said sales are going well. “We even have no time to talk. People are now doing last-minute shopping. It will continue till the Eid day morning.”

Abul Kalam, a vendor who sells different types of pants and shirts on footpaths in Mirpur-10 area, said he made a good profit this time with huge sales of his products.

Most vendors, however, alleged that they have to pay the toll to local political leaders and law enforcers to continue running their businesses on the footpaths.

Source: United News of Bangladesh

An investigation committee comprising three members has been formed by the Department of Shipping, Bangladesh regarding sinking of Bangladesh flagged vessel MV Marintrust-1 at Syama Prasad Mukherjee Port, Kolkata.

The committee will visit the place of incident to investigate the matter, according to a letter written to the Department of Shipping, India on Thursday.

The vessel was operated under Coastal Shipping Agreement.

The vessel is being taken over by Hull and Machinery insurer after the incident and now the crew member (15 members) are staying at a lodge arranged by the local agent of vessel.

Department of Shipping, Bangladesh desires safe repatriation of the crew members of Marintrust-1 and requested the Indian side to facilitate repatriation as soon as possible as per the Coastal Shipping Agreement.

The preliminary enquiry revealed that the accident took place due to unplanned loading cargo by the ships staff, according to Syama Prasad Mookerjee Port, Kolkata

The incident took place on March 24 and since then the owner has not bothered to visit the port to secure the vessel.

Container vessel MV MarineTrust -01 destined to Chittagong Port at Bangladesh from Netaji Subhas Dock (NSD) of SMP Kolkata listed heavily at berth No.5 of NSD and took into water after completion of loading of containers.

The salvage operation was handled over to a salvor by the owner not recognized by H&M insurance or P&I insurance.

Now the salvor has discontinued the operation and the owner had declared the vessel abandoned in sunken condition.

The 15 crew members of the vessel has been taken care of and safely kept at Marine Club.

Now the vessel being abandoned by the owner, the port or P&I club will have to take the responsibility for re-floatation of the Vessel and restoration of the berth.

Once the vessel is refloated they will be required for service and watch keeping duties.

The H&M insurer have declined to declare the vessel total loss now so technically the owners is not absolved of their responsibility to Salvage the vessel.

The crew is aware about the vessel and thier services will be required once the salvage operation start.

Thus thier presence is needed, said SMP Kolkata.

Source: United News of Bangladesh

BNP on Friday paid its last respects to the party’s vice-chairman and first mayor of Gazipur city MA Mannan, by placing wreaths on his coffin.

Mannan’s coffin was taken to BNP’s Nayapaltan central office around 10.30am and kept on a stage, enabling party leaders and activists to have a last glimpse of their leader, who passed away on Thursday.

BNP secretary general Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir, along with party senior leaders, on behalf of the party, placed wreaths on the former Gazipur mayor’s coffin and draped it with a party flag as a mark of respect.

Later, leaders of BNP’s different associate bodies also placed wreaths on Mannan’s coffin.

In a brief address prior to a Janaza there, Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir recalled the contributions of Mannan to BNP and the country. “The vacuum that created following the death of Mannan will not easily be filled.”

Fakhrul prayed for the salvation of the departed soul of the BNP leader and conveyed sympathy to the bereaved family.

Later, his second namaz-e-janaza was held there, participated by leaders and activists of BNP and its associate bodies.

Mannan died at United Hospital in the capital on Thursday afternoon.

His first janaza was held on Baridhara DOHS Mosque premises after Esa prayers.

He will be laid to rest at his family graveyard in Gazipur’s Salna village after Asr prayers.

Manna was elected mayor in the first Gazipur City Corporation polls in July 2013.

Joining BNP in 1978, Mannan was elected MP from Gazipur -1 constituency in 1991. He was inducted in Khaleda Zia’s cabinet in 1991 as a state minister for religious affairs and science and technology.

Source: United News of Bangladesh

Commerce Minister Tipu Munshi said the United States is a friend of Bangladesh and if Americans invest in Bangladesh’s special economic zones, they will be benefited.

The Minister said this while exchanging views with Peter D Haas, US Ambassador to Bangladesh, at the Secretariat on Thursday.

The United States is a big market for garment exports for Bangladesh. For the sustainable development of the readymade garments sector, Bangladesh has upgraded its labor law to world standard, said the minister.

“Safe and friendly working environments have been created in the factories. Building and electricity safety has been ensured,” he added.

There are 157 factories certified by Lead Green Garments Factory of the USA in Bangladesh. Of the top 10 green factories in the world, nine are in Bangladesh. Bangladesh is now the second-largest exporter of readymade garments in the world.

Although the production cost of readymade garments in Bangladesh has increased, the buyers have not increased the price in comparison. It is necessary to ensure fair price of readymade garments in Bangladesh, Munshi added.

Ambassador Haas said the USA is a development partner of Bangladesh. The development of Bangladesh is now visible. Bangladesh has already graduated from LDC and become a developing country. In the future, US economic and trade relations with Bangladesh will be further enhanced, he hopes.

Commerce Minister said Bangladesh is making efforts to sign trade agreements with various countries like PTA or FTA to create trade facilities.

Additional Secretary of the Ministry of Commerce (Exports) Md Hafizur Rahman, Additional Secretary (FTA) Nur Mohammad Mahbubul Haque, Additional Secretary (Export-2) Md Abdur Rahim Khan were present.

Source: United News of Bangladesh

Holders Bashundhara Kings maintained winning run in the 2nd phase of the Bangladesh Premier League (BPL) Football 2022 crushing lowly Uttar Baridhara Club by 6-0 goals at their home venue–Bashundhara Sports Complex– here on Friday.

Last two times champions and star studded Bashundhara Kings, which dominated the league comfortably after the eleven- match first phase, today (Friday) further consolidated their lead securing 32 points from 13 matches.

Three times champions Sheikh Jamal Dhanmondi Club and six times champions Dhaka Abahani followed the leader distantly with 27 and 25 points respectively, playing 13 and 12 matches.

In the day’s one sided match, newly recruited Brazillan midfielder Miguel Figueira, who scored twice against Swadhinata KS in his first appearance in the previous match, opened the floodgate for the Kings in the 26th minute while local medio Sohel Rana doubled the margin just four minutes later (30th minute).

Gambian striker Nuha Marong scored the 3rd goal for the Kings in the 38th minute to dominate the first half by 3-0 goals.

Forward Towhidul Alam Sabuz scored one more goals for the Kings in the 87th minute (4-0).

Baridhara defender Khokon Miah scored a sucidal goal in the 3rd minute of the stoppage time (5-0) while local striker Sumon Reza sealed the fate of the match scoring the 6th goal for the Kings in the very next minute (6-0).

In the day’s other match, Sheikh Jamal DC beat Muktijoddha SKC by 2-1 goals at the Bir Shreshtha Matiur Rahman Stadium in Munshiganj.

Nigerian foorballer Musa Nigere scored first for Sheikh Jamal in the 28th minute (1-0) while Gambian booter Solomon King Kanform sounded the Sheikh Jamal margin in the 66th minute (2-0).

Guinea defender Bakia Camara reduced the margin for the freedom fighters team Muktijoddha in the 70th minute (2-1).

Source: United News of Bangladesh

Samsung has come up with different offers on laptop purchases.

Samsung Galaxy A03, a device usually priced at Tk11,999, can now be purchased with a cashback of Tk1,000.

Galaxy Z Flip 3 5G, usually available for Tk111,999, is now up for sale with a cashback of Tk10,000.

The campaign will continue until the day before Eid-ul-Fitr.

Galaxy A03 comes with a power-efficient RAM and powerful processor, a dual-camera setup consisting of a 48MP main camera and a 2MP depth camera, all accompanied by a 5MP front camera.

Galaxy Z Flip 3, Samsung’s newest addition to its premium family of Flip phones, signifies utility and style.

Samsung Mobile Bangladesh recently launched a special campaign, offering chances to win a trip to Dubai, a new Suzuki Gixxer SF motorbike, discounts of up to Tk10,000 and more prizes on the purchase of any smartphone of the brand.

The campaign will continue till May 1.

Source: United News of Bangladesh