Day: June 26, 2022

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More countries, diplomats greet Bangladesh on completion of Padma Bridge

Bangladesh’s foreign friends continue to congratulate Bangladesh on the completion of the Padma Bridge and appreciate its determination and courage under the leadership of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina.

Nepalese Prime Minister Sher Bahadur Deuba has said the inauguration of Padma Multipurpose Bridge will unleash new opportunities for the socioeconomic development of Bangladesh and enhance connectivity in the region.

“Completion of this new mega project reflects the enormous confidence that Bangladesh has achieved under your leadership,” he said in a message to his Bangladesh counterpart Sheikh Hasina who inaugurated the bridge on Saturday.

The Nepalese Prime Minister said the bridge connects southwestern districts of Bangladesh through roads and railways with the capital and other areas of the country.

He extended his heartfelt felicitations to Prime Minister Hasina, her government and the people of Bangladesh on the completion of the Padma bridge project.

The Prime Minister became the first person to cross the Padma Bridge by paying toll.

The President of the Maldives, Prime Minister of Bhutan, and President of Sri Lanka have congratulated Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on the inauguration of the Padma Multipurpose Bridge Saturday.

Maldives President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih said the successful completion of the bridge is a testament of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s dynamic leadership, dedication and commitment to the development of Bangladesh.

Bhutanese Prime Minister Lotay Tshering said the iconic road-rail structure will go a long way in intensifying economic activities of Bangladesh and beyond.

Sri Lanka President Gotabaya Rajapaksa said the bridge will positively contribute to the connectivity and inclusivity of Bangladesh enhancing its economic and industrial progress.

The Padma Bridge has connected around one-third of Bangladesh’s land area, entangled with rivers, to the capital.

The United Nations also congratulated the people and the government of Bangladesh. “It has a huge potential to enhance connectivity and economic transformation for Bangladesh.”

Turkish Ambassador to Bangladesh Mustafa Osman Turan has said the Padma Bridge will connect people, boost trade and make life easier in Bangladesh.

“Just like individuals, nations also have dreams. Today all Bangladeshis’ dream to cross the mighty Padma River over a bridge has come true,” he said after attending the formal inaugural ceremony of the Padma Bridge.

The ambassador said Bangladesh financed this mega project from its own resources is another reason to be proud of this achievement on the way to sustainable development.

“If you have never been in Bangladesh, the biggest delta in the world where rivers are abundant and cut this beautiful green land into pieces, it is hard to imagine how a bridge could be such a powerful dream,” said the Turkish envoy.

Singapore Consulate in Bangladesh has said the Padma Bridge is an iconic symbol of Bangladesh’s transformation heralding a new era in regional connectivity.

The Consulate congratulated Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and the people of Bangladesh on the inauguration of the Padma Bridge and described the bridge as a pride of Bangladesh.

“What an honour to witness this historic milestone!” Singapore Consulate in Bangladesh tweeted after attending the opening ceremony of the Padma Bridge.

Ambassador of Denmark to Bangladesh Winnie Estrup Petersen said this is an “incredible” milestone for the growth, development and connectivity of the country. “Congratulations to the people and the government of Bangladesh.”

Norwegian Ambassador to Bnagladesh Espen Rikter-Svendsen said the dream of millions has been fulfilled and this “incredible achievement” will open a new chapter of growth, connectivity and development of the country.

Swedish Ambassador to Bangladesh Alex Berg von Linde termed it a “great achievement” that will open a new chapter of growth, connectivity and development of the country.

Source: United News of Bangladesh

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Mayers hits ton to push back Bangladesh

Scalping four wickets in the first session of day two, Bangladesh fought back vigorously in the second Test of the two-match series against the West Indies in St Lucia.

But a ton from Kyle Mayers pushed Bangladesh back again.

At the end of day two, West Indies are leading by 106 runs with five wickets in hand. The hosts have scored 340 for five so far. Mayers remained unbeaten for 126 while the other unbeaten batter Joshua Da Silva was batting at 26.

In the first wicket stand, West Indies scored 100 runs. While scoring subsequent 32 runs, they lost four wickets with Khaled Ahmed taking two of them.

But in the fifth wicket stand, Mayers and Jermaine Blackwood added 166 runs which helped the hosts to come out of the fear of suffering a batting collapse. After Jermaine was out at 40, Mayers and Joshua added 92 runs at the sixth wicket stand.

These two partnerships helped the hosts to secure a lead of 106 runs with five wickets in hand, and eventually, that pushed Bangladesh into an uncomfortable situation.

Earlier, West Indies won the toss and sent Bangladesh to bat first. The visitors had a good opening stand and all of their first five batters have managed good starts but they failed to continue.

Jayden Seales and Alzarri Joseph bagged three wickets each for the hosts while Anderson Phillip and Kyle Mayers scalped two wickets each.

Source: United News of Bangladesh

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UEFA Women’s Euro 2022: Participating Teams, Venues, Groups

The UEFA Women’s Euro 2022 is slated to begin on July 6 (Wednesday). The competition’s thirteenth edition will take place in England. This year’s event will include 16 teams in total. The championship match of the 2022 Women’s Euro will be held on July 31 (Sunday) at London’s iconic Wembley Stadium. The tournament details are discussed in this article.

2022 UEFA Women’s Euro: Participating Teams

The qualifying round for the UEFA Women’s Euro 2022 tournament was open to 48 teams. England will automatically participate in the competition as the host nation. Therefore, the qualifying competition featured 47 nations. Nine groupings were formed out of the teams. Two groups had six teams each, while seven groups had five teams each.

The champions of each group, along with the best three runners-up, advanced to the final competition. The final three positions were decided through play-offs. UEFA suspended Russia in February 2022. Portugal, who lost to Russia in the playoff, will take their position in the main event.

The participating teams are: England (host), Germany, the Netherlands, Denmark, Norway, Sweden, France, Belgium, Iceland, Spain, Finland, Austria, Italy, Switzerland, Northern Ireland, and Portugal.

Venues for the UEFA Women’s Euro 2022

England were picked as the host nation of the tournament. This will be the second time England will organize a UEFA Women’s Euro competition. England first hosted the tournament in 2005. The matches of the competition will be played in 10 stadiums in nine cities, with the Wembley Stadium in London hosting the final.

The Old Trafford in Manchester will host the opening match between England and Austria on July 6. The two semi-finals will be held at Bramall Lane stadium in Sheffield and Stadium MK in Milton Keynes.

2022 UEFA Women’s Euro: Groups

Sixteen teams were divided into four groups, and each group contained four teams. Each group’s top two teams will proceed to the quarterfinals. The reigning champions, the Netherlands, will participate in Group C, while the tournament hosts, England, will compete in Group A.

The group stage matches will take place from July 6 to July 18. The group phase will decide the competition’s quarterfinalists. The quarter finals will be held from July 20 to July 23. The semi finals will take place on July 26 and 27, respectively.

The UEFA Women’s Euro 2022 groups

Favourites to Win the 13th Edition of the UEFA Women’s Euro Cup

As per the bookies, Spain, England, and the Netherlands are the top favourites to win the UEFA Women’s Euro 2022 tournament. Besides, Sweden, Germany, France, Norway, and Denmark also have a good chance to do well in the competition.

As per FIFA rankings for the women’s national team, Sweden, France, Netherlands, and Germany are in better positions than Spain and England. However, as per recent form and strength-wise, the Spanish women’s team looks stronger than the others. On the other hand, England will get an advantage by being the host nation.

Aftermath

The inaugural women’s European competition took place in 1984. Germany have dominated the competition with a record eight gold medals. Norway have won two, while Sweden and the Netherlands each have one gold. Will Germany continue to rule the upcoming event, or will a new team emerge as champions? According to multiple predictions, Spain and England are the heavy favourites to win the UEFA Women’s Euro 2022.

Source: United News of Bangladesh

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BAN vs WI Series 2022: West Indies dominate St Lucia Test

Bangladesh batters displayed improved performances in the first innings of the second Test of the ongoing BAN vs WI Series 2022. Though, it was still insufficient to put up a substantial total on board. Ebadot Hossain and Shoriful Islam’s partnership for the ninth wicket allowed Bangladesh to reach the 200-run mark. The West Indies have already taken a 100-run lead courtesy of Kyle Mayers’ outstanding century. The second Test match scenario is discussed in this article.

Bangladesh vs West Indies Second Test 2022: Match Scenario

The West Indies put Bangladesh to bat first in the second Test of the BAN vs WI Series 2022. Their decision came out as a fruitful one as the visiting side was bowled out for 234 after playing 64.2 overs. Tamim Iqbal and Mahmudul Hasan Joy gave Bangladesh a solid start with a 41-run partnership. However, Bangladesh couldn’t put up any big partnerships in the middle after that, limiting their chances to score big in the first innings.

Litton Das was the top scorer for the Tigers, scoring 53 runs, while Tamim Iqbal contributed 46. For the third time in the series, Tamim was very impressive but couldn’t prolong his innings.

A special mention should go to two fast bowlers, Ebadot Hossain and Shoriful Islam. The two made a 36-run stand between them in the ninth wicket and guided Bangladesh to score more than 200 runs. Ebadot was unbeaten on 21*, while Shoriful made a quick-fire 26 off 17 balls. Jayden Seales and Alzarri Joseph both picked up 3 wickets each for the Caribbean side.

West Indies scored 340/5 at the end of day 2 in response. They already have a 106-run lead with five wickets in hand. The hosts are eyeing a 200-run first innings lead. If they do achieve their target, then Bangladesh have no other choice but to save the Test.

Bangladesh had fought hard at one stage by picking up 4 wickets for 132 runs. However, the West Indies have taken control of the match thanks to Kyle Mayers’ brilliant hundred and two fruitful partnerships in the fifth and sixth wickets, respectively. Mayers remains unbeaten with 126*. So far, Mehidy Miraz and Ebadot Hossain have picked up two wickets each for Bangladesh.

Third innings Record at the Daren Sammy National Cricket Stadium

The Bangladesh team has to show a more determined approach in the third innings in order to save the contest. The record in the third innings at the Daren Sammy Stadium has indicated that it is possible to score 300 runs if the batters play sensibly and give time to settle down in the middle.

Top five Third Innings Total at the Daren Sammy National Cricket Stadium in St Lucia

So far, four batters have scored a hundred in the third innings at the Daren Sammy Cricket Stadium. English batter Joe Root’s 122 against the West Indies is the highest third innings knock at this venue. He is also the most recent batter to score a hundred in the third innings at this ground.

List of centuries in the third innings at the Daren Sammy National Cricket Stadium in St Lucia

Bottom Line

Bangladesh’s prospects of winning the second Test of the BAN vs WI Series 2022 are very slim. The visitors are now aiming for a draw with three days left in the match to make the Test series 1-0. However, the hosts are not under any pressure at this point since they are aware that they have complete control over the game.

Source: United News of Bangladesh

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BPL Football: Bashundhara Kings beat Sheikh Russel 3-2

Coming from behind, defending champions and table toppers Bashundhara Kings beat Sheikh Russel 3-2 in the 12-team Bangladesh Premier League (BPL) Football Sunday.

In the first half, both teams scored one goal each at the Bashundhara Sports Complex.

Kyrgyz defender Ayzar Akmatov put Sheikh Russel into the lead in the 28th minute from a penalty (1-0).

The Kings’ Brazilian midfielder Miguel Figueira restored parity in the 39th minute (1-1).

Iranian defender Khaled Shafiei scored the second goal for the Kings in the 65th (2-1). Brazilian playmaker Robson Robinho scored the third goal for them in the 85th (3-1).

Sheikh Russel’s Mannaf Rabbi pulled one back in the 93rd minute (3-2).

In their previous matches, Sheikh Russel outplayed three-time champions Sheikh Jamal 3-1; Bashundhara Kings beat Rahmatganj 2-0.

With Sunday’s win, Bashundhara Kings dominated the league table, securing 44 points from 17 matches, staying nine points ahead of second-placed Dhaka Abahani.

Six times champions Dhaka Abahani secured 35 points from 16 matches. Sheikh Russel secured the eighth spot in the league table with 18 points from 17 matches.

Monday, Sheikh Jamal will face Dhaka Mohammedan at 4pm at the Dhirendranath Datta Stadium in Cumilla.

Source: United News of Bangladesh

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FIFA Women’s Football: Bangladesh draw 0-0 with Malaysia to win series

Bangladesh won the two-match FIFA international women’s football series Sunday after playing out a goalless draw against Malaysia in the second and last match in Dhaka’s Kamalapur.

At the Bir Sreshtho Shaheed Shipahi Mostafa Kamal Stadium, Bangladesh forced higher-ranked Malaysia to play in their own half for most of the time.

The visitors played defensive football throughout the match and succeeded in foiling a series of Bangladesh attempts.

The women in red and green managed 21 corners, 11 in the first half, but could not capitalise from the set-piece platforms.

Maria Manda of Bangladesh was adjudged the best player of the match and series; Ankhi Khatun was the highest scorer.

State Minister for Youth and Sports Zahid Ahsan Russell enjoyed the match as the chief guest and later on distributed the prizes.

Thursday, the No. 146-ranked Bangladesh scripted history after crushing the No. 85-ranked Malaysia 6-0 in the first match at the same venue.

For the women in red and green, Ankhi scored two; captain Sabina Khatun, Siraj Jahan Swapna, Monika Chakma, and Krishna Rani Sarkar one each.

Earlier, Bangladesh conceded a 1-2 defeat to Malaysia in a three-nation football tournament in Singapore in 2017.

The women in red and green played the two FIFA international matches as a part of their preparations for the SAFF Women’s Championship 2022, to be held in Nepal during August 12-24, and to improve their FIFA ranking.

Source: United News of Bangladesh

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Graft case against Tarique, Zubaida: HC asks trial court to dispose of case soon

The High court on Sunday ordered the judicial court to dispose of as soon as possible the case against BNP acting chairman Tarique Rahman and his wife Dr Zubaida in a graft case filed by anti-Corruption Commission (ACC)

The HC bench of Justice Md Nazrul Islam Talukder and Justice Kazi Md Ejarul Haque Akondo also rejected the couple’s writ petitions challenging the corruption case against them for acquiring wealth beyond their known sources of income and concealing wealth in their affidavits.

Khurshid Alam Khan, ACC lawyer said Tarique Rahman is a fugitive convict. So no lawyers can fight on behalf of him.

Besides, the Appellate Division recently declared Zubaida as a fugitive.

As both of them remained fugitive, the court rejected the writ petitions of the duo saying these are not acceptable, he said.

The court also withdrew the stay order on the trial proceedings of the case filed against them.

It also asked to send the documents of the case to the judicial court within 10 days and dispose of it soon.

On June 19, the High Court fixed June 26 for hearing the three writ petitions.

Advocate AJ Mohammad Ali stood for the petitioners while Advocate Khurshid Alam and Deputy Attorney General AKM Amin Uddin Manik represented the ACC and state respectively.

On September 26, 2007, the ACC lodged a complaint with Kafrul Police against Tarique Rahman, Zubaida and her mother Iqbal Mand Banu for amassing illegal wealth of Tk 4.81 crore and concealing the information.

In the same year, the High Court issued a rule suspending the trial proceedings in the case after hearing a petition filed by Zubaida.

On April 12, 2017, the HC rejected the rule and asked her to surrender before the court within eight weeks.

Source: United News of Bangladesh

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70 held in anti-drugs drives across Dhaka

Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) Sunday claimed to have arrested 70 people on charges of selling and consuming banned drugs.

Sources at the DMP headquarters said Detective Branch sleuths and local police conducted drives across the city in the past 24 hours and arrested them.

Around 1,153 pieces of yaba, 119.43 kgs of cannabis, 11.5 grams of heroin and 34 bottles of Phensedyl, a codeine-based cough syrup that fetches a high price in the narcotics market of Bangladesh, were recovered from the possession of the accused, the sources told UNB.

Thirty-nine cases were registered at local police stations against the accused under the Narcotics Control Act.

Source: United News of Bangladesh

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Man crushed under train in Sirajganj

An unidentified man was crushed under the wheels of a train in Sadar upazila of Sirajganj on Sunday.

The deceased, aged around 50, could not be identified yet, said police.

Md Harun-ur-Rashid Mridha, officer-in-oharge (OC) of Sirajganj Bazar Railway Police Station (GRP), said Dhaka-bound ‘Sirajganj Express’ train hit the man while he was crossing the railway tracks at Saydabad around 7am, leaving him dead on the spot.

The body was sent to Bangamata Sheikh Fazilatunnessa Mujib General Hospital morgue for an autopsy, he said.

A case was also filed in this regard, he added.

Source: United News of Bangladesh

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HC directs not to bar BNP leader Alal from going abroad

The High Court on Sunday directed the Department of Immigration and Passport to not prevent BNP joint secretary general Syed Moazzem Hossain Alal from going abroad.

The HC bench of Justice Farah Mahbub and Justice SM Maniruzzaman passed the order during a hearing of a writ petition filed in this regard.

The court also issued a rule questioning why barring the BNP leader’s visit abroad will not be announced illegal and unconstitutional.

Advocate Tajul Islam appeared for Alal assisted by advocate Parvez Hossain and advocate Md Omar Faruq while Deputy Attorney General Abul Kamal Khan Daud represented the state.

Advocate Tajul said, the writ petition was filed after Alal was sent back from the airport without showing any reason when he went to take a flight to India on June 12 this year.

On December 12, last year Alal was sued under the Digital Security Ac for his alleged derogatory remarks on Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina by Khulna District Lawyers’ Association President Saiful Islam.

According to the case statement, Alal made disparaging remarks on Hasina and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi during a discussion on October 1.

Two days later, the BNP joint secretary general apologisedun for his remarks.

In a statement, he also withdrew the controversial and offensive comments that went viral on social media.

Source: United News of Bangladesh

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‘A symbol of our self-reliance, courage, perseverance, ability and self-confidence’

Lauding the inauguration of the much-awaited Padma Bridge, several entertainers and celebrated media personalities shared their excitement and joy with the media reporters and on their social media handles.

Popular celebrities including Dhallywood superstar Shakib Khan, Jaya Ahsan, Omar Sani, Zayed Khan, Anjana Rahman, Chanchal Chowdhury and many other celebrities from the entertainment sphere expressed their heartfelt words, regarding the newly inaugurated Padma Bridge.

Shakib Khan took to his official Facebook page, to express his delight at the Padma Bridge’s opening. “This is indeed a dream come true scenario as the Padma Bridge is now in sight. This bridge will revolutionize the capital’s transportation and communication system and economy with the country’s south-western region. The completion of the Padma Bridge is a significant accomplishment for Bangladesh. Our Padma bridge, our source of pride.”

Jaya Ahsan, one of the most popular actresses in both Bangladesh and West Bengal, wrote a tribute article for Kolkata’s Anandabazar Patrika. In that piece, she wrote: “In the construction process of the bridge, there were many significant obstacles in almost every step. The first was the World Bank’s withdrawal from the project. Our Prime Minister said, “We will build this bridge with our own money,” which seemed like an impossible thought and she even acknowledged the possible obstacles.”

“There were all kinds of rumours and speculations as many did not believe that such a big project can be done with our own money, Sheikh Hasina went ahead almost alone with this unwavering confidence, and she turned the impossible into possible. The Padma Bridge is probably her greatest contribution to the people of Bengal, and this bridge will surely keep her memory alive,” Jaya Ahsan wrote.

Silver screen superstar Omar Sani wrote on his Facebook: “My ancestral home is in Barisal’s Gournadi Union and although I was born into Kaliganj, Jinjira in the Dhaka division, my father-in-law’s house is in Satkhira, Khulna. Alhamdulillah, Padma Bridge, is indeed our pride. Our first achievement is our liberation and independence, and our second achievement is Padma Bridge.”

“This thrill is incomparable,” stated popular music composer Prince Mahmud. “This cannot be put into words. This sentiment is not an immediate commotion. This resonance will be felt by those who have come from the other side of the Padma. Life has become easier and simpler, and I can now travel home anytime I wish.”

Anjana Rahman, another popular actress representing the silver screen, said, “Our Padma Bridge, our pride. The hopes and aspirations of 170 million Bengali-speaking people are fulfilled today. Without the grace of the World Bank, we have funded on our own to build the Padma Bridge. Salute to you, Hon’ble Prime Minister Deshratna Sheikh Hasina – the embodiment of all the hopes and aspirations of the entire Bengali nation, the daughter of democracy.”

Acclaimed actor-singer Chanchal Chowdhury wrote, ”Today (yesterday) is the happiest day of Bangladesh, the day of pride. Long live Sheikh Hasina, for constructing the bridge of joy. “Padma Bridge,” is our pride.”

Popular rockstar, musician, activist, poet, Baul researcher and legendary band Feedback co-founder Maqsoodul Haque lauded the initiative from his Facebook page Mac Haque, writing:

“An unbelievable dream that millions had hoped for – a structure like none other in our history. Joy Bangla.”

The official theme song for the grand opening of Padma Bridge has been composed by renowned singer-music composer Kishore Das. Writing from his official page Kishore, he said: Just before the Padma Bridge’s inauguration, the Prime Minister and dignitaries present are playing the song written by Kabir Bakul Bhai, to my tune, performed by legendary singers including Sabina Yasmin, Rafiqul Alam, Kumar Bishwajit, Rezwana Choudhury Bannya, Momotaz Begum, Dilshad Nahar Kona, Bappa Mazumder, Imran Mahmudul, Nishita Barua and myself. This is indeed an incredible experience for me.”

Besides, many other popular celebrities including Mehazabein Chowdhury, Afran Nisho, Tasnia Farin, Tawsif Mahbub, Zayed Khan and more have shared their excitement over the inauguration of the Padma Bridge.

Source: United News of Bangladesh

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Steps taken for making rivers around Dhaka fit for navigation: Tajul

LGRD Minister Md Tajul Islam on Sunday said the government has taken steps to develop the rivers around Dhaka so more passener boats can operate to ease traffic in the capital city.

“The bridges over rivers around Dhaka are not high enough to allow vessel movement. Already the authorities concerned have identified some bridges and directives have been given to demolish those and make the rivers suitable for navigation,” he said.

Tajul was speaking at a function marking the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the Water Development Board and South City Corporation in the city.

He said the waterlogging problem in the city has eased this year due to the re-excavation of canals and eviction of illegal occupants

Tajul said most of the buildings in the city have no septic tanks. They have been warned, but response has been unsatisfactory, he said.

He also urged the authorities concerned to take strict action including shutting down the sewerage lines of those owners who refused to follow the government decision.

Source: United News of Bangladesh