Month: April 2023

Two minor children drowned in a pond at Roghurampur village in Bahubal Upazila of the district today.

The deceased were identified as Jannat, 02, hailed from the village and her cousin Yasin, 04.

Local people said the incident occurred this noon when Jannat and Yasin were playing outside their house. Later,family members recovered their floating bodies.

They were whisked off to Bahubal Upazila health Complex, where the duty doctors declared them dead.

Officer-in-Charge of Bahubal Thana Rakibul Islam Khan confirmed the matter.

Source: Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha

The price of gold has increased in the local market by Taka 1,516 per bhori as the fresh price for per bhori 22 karat gold would be Taka 99,144 a bhori.

The new price will be made effective from tomorrow, said Bangladesh Jewellers' Association (Bajus) today.

The Bajus shared the information through a press release today.

Bajus have revised gold prices on the ground of changes in prices of pure gold in the domestic market.

On March 18, the association increased prices of gold to its previous high of Taka 98,794 a bhori.

Source: Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha

Foreign Ministry today said no journalists were arrested in Bangladesh due to reporting on the cost of living.

“Many media have been continuously reporting on the cost of living everyday in Bangladesh since the beginning of the Russia-Ukraine war which has created global rise of cost of living. No one is arrested due to such reporting,” the ministry said in a statement here today.

The ministry said that it has been brought to the notice of the government that few international media and institutions are claiming that a journalist in Bangladesh, named Shamsuzzaman, has been arrested as he wrote about 'cost of living in Bangladesh'.

“This information is totally false and fabricated. This journalist was arrested because of ‘child abuse’ and ‘child exploitation',” said the statement.

The statement said the journalist was arrested because of child abuse and child exploitation, as he offered taka 10 to a 9-year old boy and then expressed his own views in the name of that child. That is surely an act of child abuse and exploitation, read the statement.

Secondly, the statement said that Shamsuzzaman tried to undermine the Independence of Bangladesh on the great Independence Day.

These acts are surely tantamount to punishable offense, it added.

The foreign ministry said the government is committed to uphold freedom of expression for all of its citizens and the media.

However, the statement said, creating social unrest by undertaking such fraudulent act is contrary to the spirit of honest journalism.

“The Government of Bangladesh, as a Party to the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child (CRC), would not tolerate any such act of abusing children,” said the foreign ministry.

The Government would also not accept any such effort aimed at maligning the great Independence Day of the nation, the statement added.

Source: Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha

Bangladesh has sought the support of the Netherlands in continuing the country's development journey in the post-LDC era.

The support was sought when a delegation, led Mohammad Tofazzel Hossain Miah, Principal Secretary to the Prime Minister of Bangladesh, met with Steven Collet, Director for Sustainable Economic Development and Ambassador for Business and Development at the Netherlands Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Dirk Klaasan, Head of Department of Department of International Trade Policy and Economic Governance, in the Hague today.

Other members of the delegation were BGMEA President Faruque Hassan, Commerce Ministry Senior Secretary Tapan Kanti Ghosh, Bangladesh Ambassador to the Netherlands M. Riaz Hamidullah, former President of MCCI Nihad Kabir. The meeting was also attended by Netherlands Ambassador to Bangladesh Anne van Leeuwen, said a press release.

They had discussions about the economic progress made by Bangladesh its vision for higher growth, challenges, particularly LDC graduation and its possible impacts on the trade competitiveness and the overall economy.

The delegation sought the support of the Netherlands government in continuing Bangladesh's development journey in the post-LDC era, citing that the economic growth momentum is essential to combat climate change impacts on the country, improve further the lives of people in Bangladesh, and empower women more.

They requested the Netherlands government to consider an extension of the transition period of GSP (EBA) to 6 years instead of 3 years, saying that it would contribute to ensuring smoother graduation.

In the meeting, BGMEA President Faruque Hassan gave an overview of the sustainable strategic vision-2030 of Bangladesh's RMG industry that aims to secure a sustainable and better future of Bangladesh's RMG industry.

He urged the Dutch government to support the industry with knowledge, technology and funds in becoming more energy and resource efficient, recycling and other environmental areas.

Source: Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha

Shakib Al Hasan and Liton Das were kept in 14-member squad for the one-off Test against Ireland, slated to start on Tuesday at Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium.

There was speculation that the duo will be given NOC to play the Indian Premier League (IPL). Both of the players are the part of Kolkata Knight Riders.

But the announcement of the team today confirmed that they would have to join KKR after the Test match. Shakib is the captain of the Test squad and Liton is his deputy in this format.

Pacer Mustafizur Rahman had already joined Delhi Capitals today to play IPL. Mustafizur in fact was not in the red-ball contract with Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) and so he was available to play IPL from the beginning.

Even though there were speculations, BCB president Nazmul Hassan Papon earlier made it clear that the duo won't be available from the beginning of IPL due to their national job.

He also said that the IPL franchisees are aware of the departure date of Liton and Shakib.

Meanwhile, senior player Tamim Iqbal is back to the Test squad after missing the last Test series against India at home. Axe however was fallen on batter Yasir Ali Chowdhury, wicket-keeper Nurul Hasan Sohan, pacer Rejaur Rahman Raja and left-arm spinner Nasum Ahmed.

Zakir Hasan who scored a century on his debut Test against India failed to make the cut due to his injury.

Left-hand opener Shadman Islam replaced Zakir, making him available in the Test fold after one year.

Bangladesh won the three-match ODI series 2-0 and T20 International series 2-1.

Squad:

Shakib Al Hasan (Captain), Litton Kumer Das (Vice Captain), Tamim Iqbal, Shadman Islam, Najmul Hossain Shanto, Mominul Haque Showrab, Mushfiqur Rahim, Mehidy Hasan Miraz, Taijul Islam, Taskin Ahmed, Syed Khaled Ahmed, Ebadot Hossain Chowdhury, Shoriful Islam, Mahmudul Hasan Joy.

Source: Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha

Mohim Ranjan Dutta, father of Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha (BSS) Senior Reporter Maloy Kumar Dutta, died today while undergoing treatment at a hospital in Kushtia.

Mohim breathed his last around 4:30pm at Kushtia General Hospital at the age of 75, his family sources said.

He left behind his wife, a son, a daughter and a host of relatives and admirers to mourn his death.

Mohim will be cremated at Kumarkhali Moha Shashan (crematorium) in Kushtia tonight.

Source: Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha

Rajshahi College, one of the traditional

educational institutions in the erstwhile Indian Subcontinent, entered into

151 years today after passing scores of upward and downward situations.

The country's best college had been established on 35 acres of land on this

day in 1873 producing scores of worthy citizens during the last one and half

centuries.

Located on the bank of the river Padma, the college is the third oldest

college in the country after Dhaka College and Chattagram College.

Under the National University, the Rajshahi College topped the list in 31

indicators for the fourth consecutive years from 2015 to 2018 while it bagged

the top position in 14 indicators every year in the National Education Week

under the Ministry of Education from 2016 to 2019.

It has also got acknowledgement as Model College.

Referring to historical records, Professor Abdul Khaleque said that Rajshahi

College was the first institution in this territory to offer courses in

various disciplines at the bachelor's and honours levels since 1878 after it

was established in 1873 with only six students.

Prof Khaleque said they have Sheikh Russel Digital Computer Lab with over 500

computers. All the college students got computer training from the lab on

mandatory. They were also imparted training on outsourcing and programming.

Source: Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha

Director General (DG) of the Directorate of Mass Communication Md. Nizamul Kabir today directed officials and employees concerned to further intensify promotional activities with more objectivity ensuring transparency.

"Our activities are promotional. So the campaign should be more objective and intensified. Competence should be achieved through properly performing the duties assigned to oneself," he said.

He addressing a training program of officials and employees on implementation of the National Integrity Strategy Action Plan 2022-23 at the District Information Office in the city as the chief guest.

He gave guidance to officials and employees on bringing transparency in the official procurement process, implementation of the auction process and use of e-documents for proper implementation of the National Integrity Strategy.

Emphasizing the importance of using e-documents in the establishment of Smart Bangladesh, he said the use of e-documents will save time in office management and increase efficiency.

Later, he visited different branches of the District Information Office in Rangpur and ongoing activities.

The DG also visited the proposed site for construction of the Rangpur District Information Complex in the city.

Acting Director of Rangpur District Information Office Md. Atikur Rahman Shah, its Assistant Director Md. Alamgir Kabir and Assistant Information Officer Afsana Akhtar, among others, were present.

Source: Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha

Members of Rapid Action Battalion (RAB-6) arrested two alleged drug peddlers with 3,415 pieces of contraband yaba tablets and six mobile phones from Fakirhat upazila in Bagerhat district last night.

The arrested persons were identified as Md. Shahidul Islam Sheikh, 53, resident of Rupsa upazila in Khulna district and Md. Mostafa Tarek Babu, 25, hailed from Daganbhuyan upazila in Feni district.

Being informed, a team of the elite force conducted a raid in Fakirhat union parishad area and arrested the duo along with the yaba tablets and mobile phones.

They were handed over to Fakirhat Police Station.

Source: Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha

Bangladesh Sampadak Parishad (BSP) protested the baseless and provocative news item published by the daily Prothom Alo.

In a statement, signed by BSP Chief Adviser Iqbal Sobhan Chowdhury, Convener Rafiqul Islam Ratan and Member Secretary Farooq Ahmed Talukder said the role of independent mass media is essential for democracy but publication of a baseless and motivated news item in the name of freedom of speech is contrary to objective journalism.

They strongly condemned the news item, saying that the daily Prothom Alo has tried to damage the image of the state and the nation by publishing the baseless and provocative news item.

The newspaper has the right to publish any news item, but if that news item is produced based on false evidence, it goes against the principle of journalism and then it is condemnable and an offensive act, they added.

In such a situation, a specific case can be filed but picking up a journalist by law enforcers at night is not acceptable at all, they said.

They urged all concerned to refrain from publishing such baseless and provocative reports that damage the image of the state and the nation.

Source: Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha

Awami League (AL) General Secretary and Road Transport and Bridges Minister Obaidul Quader today said the daily Prothom Alo and BNP are working as supplement to each other to undermine the government.

"There is no doubt that the report published by Prothom Alo is part of an international conspiracy. Prothom Alo and BNP are supplement to each other," he said.

The minister said these while addressing a joint meeting held with the presidents and secretaries of the affiliated organizations of the AL party at the party's central office on Bangabandhu Avenue here.

While presiding over the meeting, the AL general secretary mentioned that such journalism on the Independence Day is a criminal offense.

Prothom Alo is working to protect the interests of a vested quarter, Quader said, adding that the AL-government is popular with the countrymen and people have kept this government in power for three consecutive terms.

"But Prothom Alo is trying to undermine Bangladesh in front of the world," he added.

He said that Prothom Alo has tried to go against the purpose of the Great Liberation War by setting special agendas on special days and is working in the interests of particular groups.

Apart from this, Prothom Alo is trying to isolate the people by implementing its agendas, he added.

"But the people of the country will not let it succeed. Such conspiracy will be brought under the law as no one is above the purview of law," Quader said.

The AL leader further said that the time has come to think whether the news quoted a day laborer or it was just a statement made by the Prothom Alo.

The editor of the newspaper concerned cannot avoid the responsibility of making this news with wrong information, he said, adding that the newspaper showed extreme arrogance by not apologizing.

It is trying to incite the younger generation of the country, he added.

Criticizing Prothom Alo for publishing such news on the Independence Day, the Awami League (AL) general secretary said: "Is not it an ill-attempt of the Prothom Alo to destroy the nationhood?"

Noting that the independence of the country was achieved in exchange of the sacrifices of 30 lakh martyrs and the loss of honor of many mothers and sisters, he said this Independence Day is a unique day to develop patriotism among the young generation.

"Isn't that news, meant for setting 'politically selected special agenda' on this day, a denial of the great Liberation War and the ideals of the War of Liberation?" he said.

The AL leader said that in every country of the world, the media of that country encourages the people with inspirational messages on the day of Independence whereas 'Prothom Alo' tries to frustrate and it provokes the young generation by presenting false news to the nation to implement their master's conspiracy.

Regarding the statement of the 'Reporters Without Borders', Obaidul Quader said this organization is saying that the government has filed such a case against the editor of Prothom Alo to frighten journalists.

"Firstly, I would like to say that the government did not file a case here. An ordinary citizen can file a case. The matter that 'the government has filed a case' is false," Quader added.

"And whom we frighten or scare?" he said, adding that the one, who is said to be intimidated, wanted to keep the people of this country in fear. "He scared the state and the state machinery in this country," Quader said.

"He terrorized politics in this country. He intimidated the constitutional government of this country by advocating for an unconstitutional government," he said.

"Do we forget one-eleven? Who scares whom? Have we forgotten that he reported in the newspaper about the decision of depoliticizing? Quader added.

Noting that Prothom Alo and BNP are supplements to each other, he said their targets are Sheikh Hasina, the government, the people and the next election.

Awami League Presidium Members Dr Abdur Razzaque, Shahjahan Khan, Lieutenant Colonel (retd) Muhammad Faruk Khan, Dr Mostafa Jalal Mohiuddin, Mofazzal Hossain Chowdhury Maya Bir Bikram and Adv Md Qamrul Islam, Joint-General Secretaries Dr Hasan Mahmud, Mahbubul-Alam Hanif and AFM Bahauddin Nasim, Organizing Secretaries Ahmed Hossain and Sujit Roy Nandi, Science and Technology Affairs Secretary Engineer Md Abdus Sabur, Publicity and Publication Secretary Dr Abdus Sobhan Golap, Relief and Social Welfare Affairs Secretary Aminul Islam Amin and Deputy Office Secretary Sayem Khan were also present, among others, in the joint meeting.

Source: Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha

The Detective Branch (DB) of Rangpur Metropolitan Police (RpMP) arrested three members of an organised gang of inter-divisional fraudsters and seized a brass-made telescope (showpiece) from a local hotel here on Friday night.

"As per direction of Deputy Commissioner of Police (Detective Brach) of RpMP Kazi Muttaki Ibnu Minan, a DB Police team conducted a raid at Hotel Golden Tower in Jahaz Company area and arrested the cheats with the telescope device," a press release said this evening.

The detainees were identified as Md. Shaha Alam Akand, 57, of village Chatra Shikarpur in Boda upazila and Md. Zahidul Islam, 48, of village Shingpara in Sadar upazila of Panchagarh and Md. Abdul Razzaq, 56, of village Gopalpur in Santhia upazila of Pabna.

Earlier, three buyers Md. Mizanur Rahman, Dewan Rabiul Alam and Md. Shamsul Huda alias Babu arrived from Dhaka at Golden Tower Hotel to purchase a very valuable telescope instrument with some gold on its tip from some Md. Shah Alam Akand, Md. Abdul Razzaque and Md. Zahidul Islam there.

'When the cheats displayed the said telescope device in the hotel, the buyers checked and found that there was no gold in it. It was just a cheap brass telescope showpiece," the release said.

Realizing that the sellers were trying to cheat them, the buyers informed the matter to RpMP when a special team of its DB Police led by Inspector Md. Saleh Ahmed Pathan conducted a raid there, arrested the cheats and seized the telescope device (showpiece).

Later, the DB Police handed over the arrested persons to Kotwali Police Station of RpMP in this connection after one of the buyers Md. Mizanur Rahman of Mirpur area in Dhaka filed a case against them there today.

Source: Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha