Day: January 20, 2024

JAMALPUR, Farmers are expecting 29510 tones sweet potato production in the district this year, a sharp rise of 1157 tones than the previous year. Department of Agricultural Extension (DAE) office sources said 1097 hectares of land came under sweet potato cultivation in the district this year which is 43 hectares more than the cultivation target. They said farmers cultivated 13 varieties of sweet potato seed in the district this year. The varieties are BARI-2, BARI-3, BARI-4, BARI-8, BARI-9, BARI-14, Tripti, kamola Sundari, Murasaki, Okinawa, KKE-14, parpal star and local. Sarishabari Upazila Agriculture Officer Anup Sinha said farmers brought a large number of lands in Char areas under sweet potato cultivation here. He said expecting profitable, farmers are bringing more land under this crop cultivation in the Upazila. He also said farmers cultivated sweet potato on 580 hectares of land in Sarishabari Upazila. Sources said farmers who cultivated early variety sweet potato have started harvesting and p er maund (40 kilogram) sweet potato is being sold at Tk 1200 to Tk 1400 in local market. Farmers cultivated sweet potato on 230 hectares of land in Islampur, 190 hectares in Madarganj, 48 hectares in Dewanganj, 20 hectares in Bakshiganj, 15 hectares in Melandah and 14 hectares in Jamalpur Sadar Upazila. Deputy Director of DAE Zakia Sultana said farmers are interested in this crop cultivation due to less production cost and fair price. It requires less irrigation, fertilizer and pesticide, she added. Source: Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha

DHAKA, Ace all-rounder Shakib Al Hasan is likely to miss a large part of Bangladesh Premier League (BPL) due to his eyesight problem. He will leave the country for Singapore tomorrow for the advance treatment for this particular problem which was first diagnosed during the World Cup. It is not confirmed yet when he will return country as it will depend on the treatment procedure. "He has been struggling with eyesight problem for sometimes now. I think he has been in touch with the doctors regularly. The doctors only could say in what stage the problem is now," said Rangpur Riders captain Nurul Hasan Sohan after his side's five-wicket defeat to Fortune Barishal today at Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium. Shakib couldn't contribute much with the willow to Rangpur Riders as he scored just 2 but with the ball, he took 2-16 in four overs. "Shakib has always been the vital part of the team," Sohan added. During the World Cup, Shakib consulted doctors in India twice. Before the BPL, he went to London for treatment but reached Dhaka ahead of Rangpur's first match. Source: Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha

DHAKA, Pace bowler Syed Khaled Ahmed claimed 4-31 as Fortune Barishal got off to a winning start to the Bangladesh Premier League (BPL), beating Rangpur Riders by five wickets at Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium today. Khaled's superb bowling was the key in restricting Rangpur to 134-9, a total that Barishal overhauled with five balls to spare, making 138-5 with Mahmudullah Riyad ensuring the victory with a towering six. But Captain Tamim Iqbal, who returned to competitive cricket after recovering from the back injury, gave the early impetus with team high 35 off 24, laced with five fours and one six. Tamim's whirlwind batting ensured Barishal would have edge in terms of asking run rate in chasing a small but tricky target. Amid Tamim's fluent batting, Shakib Al Hasan broke through with the wicket of Ibrahim Zadran after he made 12. When Mohammad Nabi got the better of Tamim, Barishal were 66 in 7.4 overs, making good use of the first powerplay. Left-arm spinner Hasan Murad's double wic ket haul in the middle overs brought Rangpur back into the contention and Shakib who had figures of 2-16 then raised a prospect of a victory, with the wicket of well-set Mushfiqur Rahim (26). However, Mahmudullah's 11 ball-19 with two sixes, including the winning one, dashed Rangpur's hope. Asked to bat first, Rangpur struggled right from the start as Mohammad Imran clean bowled West Indies recruit Brandon Kings' with a slower in the first ball of the innings. Khaled then got into the act, claiming the wicket of Rony Talukdar (5) and Shakib Al Hasan, reducing Rangpur to 15-3. Sri Lankan recruit Dunith Wallalage further stalled the progress with an economical bowling. Mehidy Hasan Miraz who snapped up 2-13, extended Rangpur's agony as they tried to press on in slow wicket. Shamim Patwari's 34 and Mahedi Hasan's 19 ball-29 indeed helped the side propel past 100, which looked unlikely at one stage. Captain Nurul Hasan Soahn chipped-in-with run-a-ball-23. Source: Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha

DHAKA, Pacer Maruf Mridha's five-wicket haul went in vain as Bangladesh tasted a 84-run defeat to India in their Under-19 Cricket World Cup opener today at Bloemfontein. Maruf who returned figures of 5-43, jolted India early in their innings but the mighty sub-continent rivals recovered from the shaky start to post a challenging 251-7. Bangladesh however struggled right from the outset and eventually were bowled out for 167 in 45.5 overs. Opener Adrash Singh and captain Uday Saharan led India's recover with 116-run partnership after Maruf reduced them to 31-2, claiming the wicket of Arshin Kulkarni and Musheer Khan. Adarsh was the top-scorer for the side with 76 off 96, an inning laced with six fours. Saharan on the other hand, made 64 off 94, sending the ball across the rope for four times. Sachin Das then helped the side go past 250-run mark with 20 ball-26 not out, hitting two fours and one six. Priyanshu Moliya and Aravelly Avinash scored an identical 23 runs. Saumy Pandey claimed 4-24 to wreck hav oc on Bangladesh while Musheer Khan complemented him with 2-35. Bangladesh slumped to 41-3 in 10th over, after failing to deal with Pandey properly. But the young Tigers appeared to be on course with Ariful Islam and Shihab James playing confidently. Musheer Khan broke through with the wicket of Ariful after he added 77-run with James for fifth wicket. Ariful scored 41. Musheer also took the wicket of James who made team-high 54 off 77 with seven boundaries. Pandey then came back to clean up the tail as Bangladesh started the campaign with a defeat. Bangladesh will take on Ireland on Monday in their second match of the group. Source: Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha

CHATTOGRAM, Education Minister Barrister Mohibul Hasan Chowdhury Naufel said standard of education will be improved through the real empowerment of teachers. 'Therefore, the facilities and capacity of the teachers should be enhanced. The government is going to that way. It is the teachers who can make the students qualified, skilled and create the path of employment. If we want to survive, there is no alternative to build a smart Bangladesh by enhancing the responsibility of the teacher,' he said. The minister said this while exchanging views with the teachers of different educational institutions in Chattogram at Premier University auditorium here last night. The education minister said the teacher can play a leading role in developing the student's taste, mentality and creativity. 'Students should be made bold and competent to take realistic decisions on career plans. Bangabandhu's government and the present government are respecting the education and the teachers most,' he added. He urged the teacher s to emphasize technical and vocational education in addition to general education of the students. 'There is no alternative to convert our population into public resources to stay competitive with the rest of the world. Therefore, teachers should encourage students to take education in different languages and by hand,' he added. Director of Secondary and Higher Education Directorate of Chattogram Region Professor Md. Rezaul Karim, acting chairman of Board of Secondary and Higher Secondary Education Chattogram Prof. Narayan Nath, Principal of Chattogram College Prof. Mojahidul Islam, Principal of Govt. Haji Muhammad Mohsin College Prof. Kamrul Islam, Principal of Govt. City College Prof. Sudeepa Dutta, teachers leader Prof. Abu Taher Chowdhury, MES College Principal Sarwar Alam, BCS Teachers Association representative Professor Amirul Mostafa, Collegiate School Principal Sirajul Islam and City Corporation School and College Principal Abu Taleb among others attended the function. Source: Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha

DHAKA, Foreign Minister Dr. Hasan Mahmud today assured of continued Dhaka's diplomatic and further humanitarian support for the people of Palestine. Underscoring the profound need for a lasting and permanent solution to the Palestine issue, Dr. Hasan Mahmud committed to continue to extend necessary diplomatic and legal support and further humanitarian assistance to 'our brothers and sisters of Palestine," a foreign ministry press release said here this evening. Hasan made assurance as he met Palestinian Foreign Affairs and Expatriates of the State of Palestine Riyad al-Maliki on the sidelines of the 19th Summit of the Non-Aligned Movement being held in Kampala, Uganda. During the meeting, Palestine Foreign Minister fondly recalled Father of the Nation Bangabandhu's unflinching support for the Palestine cause and expressed gratitude to Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina for carrying forward his legacy and firmly standing by the people of Palestine at this critical moment. Bangladesh foreign minister assured For eign Minister al-Maliki of the continued support of the government and people of Bangladesh. Dr. Hasan Mahmud is leading the Bangladesh delegation to the 19th Summit of the Non-Aligned Movement (NAM) scheduled on 19-20 January and the Third South Summit of the G77 and China scheduled on 21-22 January. Foreign Secretary Masud Bin Momen, Bangladesh Permanent Representative to the UN Muhammad A Muhith and Bangladesh High Commissioner to Kenya and Uganda, among others, are accompanying the Foreign Minister. Source: Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha

KHULNA, Land Minister Naryan Chandra Chanda has said that smart land management will be ensured soon with honesty and transparency. 'Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has set a mission to ensure smart land management and service for public welfare,' he said this while speaking at a reception hosted by Fultala Upazila unit of Awami League here last night. 'Aiming at the mission, I will work with honesty, devotion and transparency and I am strongly determined to make the Ministry of Land into a service-oriented honest and experienced executive management,' the minister said. The land minister also said, "I owe to Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina as she gave me the 'Boat' symbol in the 12th Parliamentary Election. I will work my level best for the people who elected me in order to fulfill their hopes and dreams. Later, he urged all the leaders and activists of Awami League to be united with a view to make the party stronger. B M A Salam, vice-president of Khulna district unit of AL, presided over the meeting, while Mrinal Hazra, general secretary of Fultala upazila unit of AL, conducted it. Among others, AL leaders Professor Sarder Shafiullah, Rafiqul Islam, Sarder Abu Saleh, Bilkis Akter, Shahnewaz Zoarder and Sarder Monirul Islam, addressed the meeting. Earlier, the minister, along with the Muhtamim Hazrat Mawlana Khaja Rofikuzzaman and upazila assistant commissioner (Land) Khandokar Kamruzzaman, paid homage to Mohammad Shah Ali Irani Mazar at Noapara area, under Avaynagar upazila in Jashore. Source: Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha

DHAKA, Two dengue patients died and eighteen patients were hospitalised in the last 24 hours till this morning, according to the daily statement of the Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS). "During the period, six dengue patients were hospitalised in Dhaka city while 12 were admitted to different hospitals outside the capital city," the statement added. The total number of cases this year rose to 821 while 147 dengue patients are still undergoing treatment at different hospitals across the country. Among the total cases, 661 patients have already been released, the DGHS statement added. Last year, the country recorded 1,705 dengue-related deaths and a total of 321,179 dengue cases. Source: Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha

DHAKA, Road Transport and Bridges Minister Obaidul Quader today said that a survey is underway for the extension of metro rail from city's Uttara to Tongi. The minister said this after inaugurating the 'Bangabandhu Corner' at DMTCL Building at Diabari of Uttara in city. "The construction work of the extended section from Motijheel to Kamlapur will be completed in June next year. The matter of extension of time of Metro Rail on various days including Biswa Ijtema and Book Fair, will be discussed and decided later," he said. The minister said that the maximum convenience of the passengers will be ensured in the metro rail. "By 2030, six lines of metro rail will be launched," he added. Obaidul Quader, also Awami League (AL) general secretary, said that the Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman dreamt of building a Sonar Bangla and Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina-led government is working continuously to materialize that dream. He said the metro-rail is a unique milestone in building a smart Bangladesh. Quader said the Prime Minister inaugurated the section of MRT Line-6 from Uttara Uttar to Agargaon on December 28, 2022. Later, on November 4, 2023, the premier inaugurated the section of metro rail from Agargaon to Motijheel, he added. In continuation of this, metro rail will run from Uttara to Motijheel every day except Friday, he said, adding that from Saturday (January 20), Metrorail will depart from Uttara Uttar Metrorail Station to Motijheel at 7:10 am and the last metro train from Motijheel will leave at 8:40 pm for Uttara Uttar Metrorail station. Source: Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha

DHAKA, Tamim Iqbal revealed that he didn't talk to Shakib Al Hasan during his side Fortune Barishal's match against Rangpur Riders in the Bangladesh Premier League (BPL). The match that was held today at Sher-e-Bangla National generated a hype, considering the fact that the duo will meet for the first time after their relations had drastically fallen down following World Cup issue last year. "No we didn't talk," Tamim replied when he was asked if he talked to Shakib following his side's five-wicket win over the ace allrounder's Rangpur Riders. But when the question again came, Tamim seemed to loss his temper. "I don't think this question is important. You all know about it. Why do you keep poking? If you need to know something then ask him (Shakib)," he added. Tamim who retired from the International cricket suddenly in August and then reversed the decision following the intervention of the Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, skipped the World Cup, citing a 'dirty game' which aimed at him. Some hours after h e announced his decision to skip the World Cup through a video message, Shakib lambasted Tamim in a TV interview, which brought their tainted relationship to public. Tamim later said he would take decision on his International cricket future after discussing with the BCB president Najmul Hassan Papon following the BPL. Shakib in the meantime was elected as a lawmaker from his constituency. Before the BPL, Tamim however said he would talk to Shakib whenever they meet. But during the game, while they were shaking hands, Tamim was seen to look other way. On the ground, it was day to cherish for Tamim as he blasted 24 ball-35 to set up the comfortable victory after fast bowler Syed Khaled Ahmed's career-best 4-31 restricted Rangpur to 134-9. Shakib couldn't do much with the willow as he scored just 2. But in bowling, Shakib conceded just 16 runs in four overs to scalp two wickets. Tamim though dealt with the other bowlers with ease, against Shakib, he could make just 5 off 7 balls. Source: Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha

BANDARBAN, Two female tourists were killed and 10 others injured when a tourist jeep (locally known as Chander Gari) plunged into a ditch in Ruma upazila of the hilly district today. The deceased were identified as Joynob, 24, and Firoja Khatun, 53. They were the residents of Magura district. Local people said the accident occurred when a tourist jeep carrying the tourists fell into a roadside ditch around 11 am in Darjiling Para area on Ruma-Keokradong road as its driver lost control over the steering, leaving the women dead on the spot and injuring 10 others. The tourists, boarded on the vehicle V-70 (Chander Gari), were returning to Bandarban after visiting different spots at Keokradong, the highest point of Bangladesh. The injured were sent to Bandarban Sadar Hospital. Ruma Upazila Nirbahi Officer (UNO) Syed Mahbubul Haque confirmed the matter. Source: Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha

DHAKA, The month-long Dhaka International Trade Fair(DITF)-2024 will begin tomorrow at the Bangabandhu Bangladesh-China Friendship Exhibition Center in Purbachal New Town, on the outskirts of the capital city. Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina is scheduled to inaugurate the fair. State Minister for Commerce Ahsanul Islam said this while addressing a press conference on the eve of the 28th Dhaka International Trade Fair -2024 held at the Bangabandhu Bangladesh-China Friendship Exhibition Center. He said that highest vigilance will be kept at the Dhaka International Trade Fair (DITF) 2024 to ensure that the visitors or consumers coming to the Fair are not cheated. The state minister said that drives would be conducted by the Directorate of National Consumer Rights Protection (DNCRP) so that no consumer or visitor fall victim of cheat at the fair. In this regard, he said instructions have been given to the concerned officers of DNCRP side by side Complaint boxes and help desks will be kept open at the fair for the convenience of visitors. "Complaints will be verified and thus action will be taken," Ahsanul added. He said that this year the entrance of the fair has been made like in the pattern of Karnaphuli tunnel to highlight the development and progress of the country under the dynamic leadership of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. At one side, small replica of the Rooppur Nuclear Power Plant would be there while on the other side, replica of the third terminal of the airport has been placed. In this context, Ahsanul said, "Our main goal is to increase exports by diversifying exportable items, ensuring diversification of exportable items by reducing dependence on apparel. Following the instructions from Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, we are now paying special attention to jute and leather industries. There is immense potential in these two sectors," He said whatever product the Prime Minister declares as the product of the year, all concerned would work on it throughout the year. Mentioning that exports have in creased 6 times over the last 15 years, Ahsanul said, "We don't want to sit just there. The export earnings of the country will exceed $100 billion if products are diversified," He said, this time there will be 16 to 18 foreign pavilions in the fair, including participation from Turkey, Indonesia, Hong Kong, Iran, India and Pakistan. The state minister said E-commerce services will be further accelerated at the fair so that people from all over the country can get this benefit. In response to a question on what kind of measures have been taken to bring foreigners at the fair, he said in Bangladesh, there are commercial counselors of foreign missions of almost every country. "We will bring them to the fair and thus make product branding," Ahsanul added. At that time, Tapan Kanti Ghosh, senior secretary of the Ministry of Commerce, said that there was a problem with the road to and from the fair venue in the last two years. "But, this time the road is good. So, I am hoping that the visitors will come to a huge extent," he added. Tapan remarked that the trade fair has become an annual traditional fair for the people. AHM Ahsan, vice chairman of the Export Promotion Bureau (EPB), said security issues are there centering the fair. That is why, 50 personnel have been outsourced and appointed for security purpose. There will also be personnel from police and Ansar while RAB will act as a striking force if needed. Besides, some 100 cleaners have been appointed for maintaining the hygiene. Like the previous years, transport facilities have been ensured for the convenience of visitors to the fair while buses are also available from city's Farmgate. As a result, the visitors can come to the fair venue within a very short time. According to EPB sources, in this year's trade fair, various countries including India, Pakistan, Thailand, Turkey, Malaysia, Indonesia, Hong Kong, Singapore, Nepal will participate. The local entrepreneurs aim to find large market for export of products apart from displaying of products. It is mentionable that local textiles, machineries, carpets, cosmetics, electrical and electronics, jute and jute products, household goods, leather goods including leather and shoes, sports goods, sanitary ware, toys, stationery, crockeries, plastic, melamine polymer, herbal and toiletries, Imitation jewellery, processed food, fast food, handicrafts, home decor, furniture etc. products will be displayed in the fair. Additional Secretary of the Ministry of Commerce Abdur Rahim Khan and other officials were present at the press conference. Source: Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha