Day: April 7, 2024

CHAPAINAWABGANJ, Three children drowned in the Mohananda and Pagla rivers in Shibganj and Bholahat upazilas of the district yesterday afternoon. The deceased were identified as Pryanka, 11, daughter of Rup Kumar, a resident of Kamarpara area under Ranihati union of Shibganj upazila, Md. Azizul Hoque, 11, son of Subodh Mistri of Radhanagar Colony under Gohalbari union of Bholahat upazila and Md. Jihad, 11, son of Abdul Kadir of the same area. Pryanka drowned in the river Pagla at Tartipur Saswanghat of Shibganj upazila while taking bath with her family, Officer-in-Charge (OC) of Shibganj Police Station Md. Sajjad Hossain said. Azizul and Jihad drowned in the Mohananda river at Bozratek of Bholahat upazila as they went to the river for taking bath at noon. The locals and the members of Fire Service recovered the dead bodies at 2.30 pm, said Sumon Kumar, Officer-in-Charge of Bholahat Police Station. Source: Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha

DHAKA, Bangladesh and Brazil today held productive discussions on Dhaka-Brasilia bilateral ties, international and regional initiatives, and multilateral cooperation as foreign ministers of the two global south nations joined a meeting here. ""We had a very good and successful discussion on different issues," Foreign Minister Dr Hasan Mahmud told a joint media briefing with his Brazilian counterpart Mauro Vieira after the bilateral talks at the state guest house Jamuna in the capital. During the meeting the two foreign minister agreed on the importance of increasing cooperation and exchanges in the fields of agriculture, livestock, science, technology and innovation, education, climate change and energy transition, and technical cooperation, among others. "We have discussed many issues like tax waiver for readymade garments and tax reduction also. We import cotton from Brazil and I requested him to waive the tax on the garment products that are made with Brazilian cotton," Mahmud said. He said they discu ssed on Brazil's investment in Bangladesh's economic zone and IT sector that will give Brazilian businessmen an avenue to reach about two billion people in our region. "We've (also) discussed export of pharmaceuticals and ceramics to Brazil," he said. Mahmud recalled the growing interest of countries from the Global South to join BRICS, including Bangladesh while his Brazilian counterpart affirmed that Dhaka, as an emerging voice of the Global South, could offer substantial contributions to BRICS on a number of issues. Foreign Minister Dr Hasan Mahmud said Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina is likely to visit Brazil in July next as the visiting Brazilian foreign minister brought an invitation from the Brazilian President in this regards. "There is an invitation by (Brazilian) President Lula to our Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and there might be a visit by Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina to Brazil in next July," he said. Hasan said during the meeting, they discussed about possible visit of Bangladesh premier to mo st influential South American country Brazil. In 2023, President Lula and Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina met on the sidelines of the BRICS Summit in South Africa. The Brazilian foreign minister said that his country's President hoped that Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina would visit Brazil soon. Praising Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on her effort in improving quality of life of Bangladesh people, the Brazilian foreign minister said they have similar position in many aspects such as fight against hunger. "We (Brazil and Bangladesh) have similar agendas and it allows us to develop even more our bilateral relations," he said. The two Foreign Ministers agreed that Bangladesh and Brazil would continue to work together to tackle climate change, biodiversity loss, and environmental pollution. Bangladesh recognized the pioneering work done by Brazil in reversing biodiversity loss, while Brazil appreciated Bangladesh's Innovative work on climate adaptation. "We have thanked him for offering scholarship to Bangladeshi students in Brazil and we have offered scholarship for trainees for Brazilian diplomats in our Foreign Service Academy," said Hasan Mahmud. After the meeting the two foreign ministers signed an agreement on Technical Cooperation between Bangladesh and Brazil. The two ministers recalled with deep appreciation the meeting between Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and Brazilian President Luiz In cio Lula da Silva heid on 24 August 2023 in Johannesburg at the sidelines of the BRICS Summit, said a joint statement after the meeting. It said the meeting reinforced longstanding ties between these two remarkable leaders who illustrate a renewed commitment to a shared vision and a common goal: to forge a fairer world, free from hunger and poverty, where dignity, sustainable development, prosperity, and peace prevail in our societies. Mahmud thanked Vieira for President Lula's warm congratulatory message and steadfast support extended to Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina following her victory in the General Election in Januar y 2024. The ministers took note of the immense potential of business, trade promotion, and investment opportunities between Bangladesh and Brazil, and welcomed the rapid growth in trade between the two countries, which has surpassed 2 billion dollars in the past two years. Mahmud welcomed the initiative and effort of Minister Mauro Vieira for bringing with him a robust business delegation that will engage in business seminars hosted by the Federation of Bangladesh Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FBCCI) of Bangladesh to collectively explore promising new business opportunities. The two ministers welcomed the signing of the Basic Agreement on Technical Cooperation (TCA) between Bangladesh and Brazil. They agreed to leverage each other's strengths and resources under the auspices of this instrument to foster avenues of technical cooperation and economic development between the two countries through the exchange of expertise, resources, and innovation, thereby fortifying bilateral relations and advancing m utual interests. Brazilian foreign minister welcomed the keen interest of Bangladesh in concluding a MERCOSUR-Bangladesh Preferential Trade Agreement (PTA). The Ministers concurred that this endeavor would enhance business opportunities and foster private sector engagements between Bangladesh, Brazil, and the other MERCOSUR State Parties, significantly contributing to the promotion of South-South Cooperation. The Ministers expressed their resolve to work toward the commencement of the process for negotiating MERCOSUR Bangladesh Preferential Trade Agreement (PTA), at the earliest opportunity. They warmly welcomed the conclusion of negotiations of the MoU on Sports Cooperation, to be signed at an appropriate moment by the Bangladeshi Ministry of Youth and Sports and the Brazilian Ministry of Sports. The Foreign Ministers reaffirmed the shared commitment of Bangladesh and Brazil to multilateralism and expressed their intent to work together towards attaining meaningful results in the UN Summit of the Future in September 2024. Bangladesh congratulated Brazil for being elected to host UNFCCC COP30 in Bel,m, Par , in 2025 and assured of Dhaka's constructive engagement towards a successful outcome. 17. Bangladesh commended Brazil for assuming the Presidency of G29 in 2024, with a strong emphasis on giving voice to issues of importance to the Global South. The Brazilian Foreign Minister welcomed Bangladesh to the G20 Working Group on Women's Empowerment and the Working Group on Environment and Climate Sustainability, as well as the Taskforce on Global Alliance against Hunger and Poverty. Bangladesh foreign minister appreciated Brazil for supporting the resolutions on Rohingyas at the United Nations Human Rights Council and the General Assembly. Vieira will pay a courtesy call on Prime Minister Sheikh Hasian and also deliver a lecture at the Foreign Service Academy of Bangladesh on "2024 G20: Priorities for Brazilian Presidency" on Monday. The Brazilian foreign minister will also address a business meeting organ ized by the Federation of Chambers of Commerce and Industries of Bangladesh (FBCCI), the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Bangladesh and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Brazil. The Brazilian Foreign Minister today arrived here on a two-day official visit to further strengthen the bilateral and commercial ties with Bangladesh. Vieira commenced this historic visit by paying tribute to the Father of the Nation of Bangladesh, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, at the Bangabandhu Memorial Museum, Dhaka. This is the first-ever foreign minister-level visit from Brazil. Source: Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha

BAGERHAT, A man was killed in Kachua upazila and at least 150 houses were damaged by a nor'wester that hit the district today. The deceased was Arifu Islam Likchan, 30, hailed from Char Sonakur village in Kachua upazila. He died as a thunderbolt struck him during the nor'wester in a crop's field in the village. The nor'wester struck Bagerhat district at around 9: 40 today that uprooted trees and damaged electric poles. Putimari, Radhaballov, Gobordia, Dema, Bashbaria area under Sadar upazila and Kachua upazila were affected by the storm. Two labors were injured as a billboard fall on them in Terminal area of the town. Many thatched houses were blown up by the storm, leaving many poor people to live under the open sky. Deputy Commissioner of Bagerhat Md Khalid Hossain said he has asked UNOs for estimating the damages by the nor'wester in the district. Source: Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha

DHAKA, Khulna Women and Children Repression Prevention Tribunal Judge (District Judge) Dilruba Sultana breathed her last this morning at a hospital in Khulna this morning. She was suffering from cancer for long. Hailed from Alamdanga upazila of Chuadanga district, Dilruba Sultana left behind her husband, a son, a daughter and a host of relatives and well wishers to mourn her death, an official release said. Dilruba Sultana will be buried at Goalkhali Graveyard in Khalishpur, Khulna following a namaz-e-janaza after Asr prayers. Law, Justice and Parliamentary Affairs Minister Anisul Huq expressed profound shock and sorrow at the death of Dilruba Sultana. In a message of condolence, the law minister prayed for the eternal peace of the departed soul and conveyed his sympathy to the bereaved family. Law and Justice Division Secretary Md Golam Sarwar in a separate message of condoled the death of Dilruba Sultana. Source: Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha

DHAKA, Home-bound people are enjoying hassle-free journey by rail, road and waterways ahead of the holy Eid-ul-Fitr. People are leaving Dhaka gradually due to the long holidays before and after the Eid-ul-Fitr, including weekends and Bangla New Year holiday. Though the pressure of passengers on the train station, bus and launch terminals of the capital was slightly less till yesterday, it increased a little bit from today. However, despite the increased pressure of vehicles on the road, there is no traffic congestion. So, the homebound people can reach home smoothly to enjoy the festival with their families, dear and near ones. This time there is no disruption in train schedule as most of the trains are leaving on time from Kamalapur railway station. Train passengers are reaching their destination smoothly. The passengers are also enjoying hassle free journey on waterways as well. Everyone is trying to go home in their own way. Some people are also going home by private cars, micros or motorcycles under their own management. During this Eid journey, capital's railway stations are not seen so crowded as before. No passenger can enter rail stations without ticket. Passengers are being allowed inside after checking their tickets through machines at the entries. Control rooms of RAB, Police and Railway Security Force (RNB) have been set up at the entrances to the platform area to provide overall security to the train passengers. Traveling Ticket Examiners (TTEs) are seen checking tickets at the entrances of the railway platform. Railways Minister Md. Zillul Hakim said all-out measures have been taken to make this Eid journey smooth. Strict measures have been taken to prevent black marketing of tickets, he said. He said that the total number of seats of the trains departing from Dhaka is about 33,500. Road Transport and Bridges Minister and Awami League General Secretary Obaidul Quader said this year's Eid journey is also comfortable like last year. There is pressure of traffics on roads but no traffic jam , he said. This time the condition of the highways is much better than before, he added. Source: Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha

CHATTOGRAM, Syed Mohiuddin (Mahi Al Bhandari), a legendary music genius and composer, died at Chattogram Medical College Hospital here at 7 am on Saturday. He was 72. He was buried at his family graveyard at Swabil village under Fatikchari upazila of the district after 2nd Namaz-e-Janaza after Asr prayers. His first Namaz-e-Janaza was held at Katalganj Mosque after Zohr prayers. A confirmed bachelor, Syed Mohiuddin, has been suffering from various diseases for a long time. He used to lead a very seclude life at a rented house adjacent to the Anika Community Center in city's Katalganj. Different socio-cultural organization expressed deep shock and sorrow at the death of renowned lyricist, composer, legendary music genius Syed Mohiuddin. Recalling his contributions to Bangla music, they said Syed Mohiuddin will be remembered for his creations. They also prayed for eternal peace of the departed soul and conveyed deep sympathy to the bereaved family. Syed Mohiuddin was born in Swabil village of Fatikchari. His father was Syed Amir Hossain and mother Syeda Anwara Begum. He dreamt of changing society through music. He studied in classical music with Ustad Suren Das in Cumilla from 1964- 1967. Besides composing modern songs, he also composed Chattogram regional and Maizbhandari songs. His popular and notable songs composed and composed by him included 'Mejaan Dee Mejaan Dee Aitarat', 'Sampan Majhi Sampan Bai Agar Like Passenger Na Paye', and 'Auda Kaachhe Bhaiput Kayne Bole Mattik Paash Galli' Source: Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha

DHAKA, Visiting Brazilian foreign minister Mauro Vieira today said that Brasilia considered Bangladesh's keen interest to become BRICS member "very strongly and positively" as Dhaka shared same principles and positions with the BRICS member states. "Bangladesh is the country very close to watch, we shared principles, shared positions ... we will consider it (Inclusion in BRICS) from our side, very strongly and positively," he said. Vieira was speaking at a joint media briefing with his Bangladesh counterpart after a bilateral talk with foreign minister Dr Hasan Mahmud at state guest house Jamuna in the capital. Last year, Bangladesh requested to join the BRICS alliance, comprised of Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa, that formally established in 2009 to establish economic and political equilibrium among powerful global nations. The Brazilian Foreign Minister affirmed that Bangladesh, as an emerging voice of the Global South, could offer substantial contributions to BRICS on a number of issues . The Brazilian Foreign Minister today arrived here on a two-day official visit to further strengthen the bilateral and commercial ties with Bangladesh. Regarding the talks with Bangladesh foreign minister, Vieira said they discussed all issues and try to figure out new ways and avenues of cooperation in the new areas of balanced trades. He welcomed Bangladesh's interest in reaching a MERCOSUR-Bangladesh Preferential Trade Agreement (PTA). During the meeting both Bangladesh and Brazil sides concurred that this endeavour would enhance business opportunities and foster private sector engagements between Bangladesh, Brazil and other MERCOSUR state parties, significantly contributing to the promotion of South-South cooperation. The two foreign ministers expressed their resolve to work toward the commencement of the process for negotiating a MERCOSUR-Bangladesh PTA at the earliest opportunity. MERCOSUR, or the Southern Common Market, is an economic and political bloc originally comprising Argentina, Brazil, Paraguay, and Uruguay. Bolivia, previously an associate member, gained full membership in 2023. After the meeting the two foreign ministers signed an agreement on Technical Cooperation between Bangladesh and Brazil. This is the first-ever foreign minister-level visit from Brazil. Source: Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha

DHAKA, The Bangladesh Scouts Day will be observed tomorrow in the country with the theme 'Smart Scouting, Smart Citizen'. President Mohammed Shahabuddin and Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina today issued separate messages on the eve of the day greeting all members of Scouts. In his message, the President said scouting is an international, voluntary, non-political and educational movement. Scouting is a supplementary practical education system in addition to regular education, the head of the state added. 'Through scouting, our youth should be energized with the spirit of the great Liberation War and the motto of patriotism,' he said. Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina announced 'Vision 2041' to make Bangladesh a developed-prosperous-smart scouting country by 2041, he added. To achieve this goal, it is necessary to develop the youth as honest, ideal, smart citizens through smart scouting, Shahabuddin said. The President called upon Scout leaders to play a more effective role in establishing a developed-prosperous -smart Bangladesh by further expanding and accelerating the Scout movement. President Mohammed Shahabuddin wished the Annual General Meeting of Bangladesh Scouts a success. Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, in her message, said the greatest Bangalee of all time, Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman gave official recognition to Bangladesh Scouts on September 11, 1972 through the issuance of a Presidential Ordinance. As a result of his inspiration and initiative, Bangladesh Scouts became the 105th country to become a member of the World Scout Organization on June 1, 1974, the premier said. The father of the nation played an important role in the expansion of Bangladesh Scouts at the national level and gaining reputation at the international level, she added. The premier lauded the initiative to celebrate this day as 'Bangladesh Scouts Day'. Following the footsteps of the father of the nation, the Awami League government is taking and implementing various initiatives for the development and e xpansion of scouting, she said. 'I hope that every member of Bangladesh Scouts will play an important role in building a hunger-poverty-free, advanced-prosperous 'Golden Bangladesh' and a knowledge-based 'Smart Bangladesh' as dreamt by the father of the nation,' she said. Both the president and the premier wished the overall success of Bangladesh Scouts Day. Source: Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha

CHATTOGRAM, Around 264 Eid congregations are scheduled to be held this year at the traditional and temporary venues in the city under the supervision of Chattogram Central Eid Jamaat Committee (CCEJC) and the Chattogram City Corporation (CCC) on the holy occasion of Eid-Ul-Fitr. Local administration, CCC and CCEJC sources said preparations to construct, and decoration of Eid venues have already started in the city under the auspices of Chattogram district administration, Metropolitan Police, and other religious organizations for peaceful celebration of the festival with due solemnity and religious fervour. CCEJC has finalized to hold a total of 96 Eid congregations at different venues in the city between at 8 am and 8.30 am. The main Eid congregation will be held at Jamiutul Flah and MA Aziz stadium at 8 am and 9 am respectively. The other main Eid Jamaats will be held at different venues including Andarkillah Shahi Jame Mosque, Laldighi Maidan, Parade ground, Pologround Maidan, Shah Amanat Shah (R) Darg ah Maidan, Port Colony Jam-e-Mosque, Metropolitan Police line Maidan, Agrabad Jamboree field, Baizeed Bostami (R) Dargah maidan at the same time. Besides, the CCC will also arrange a total of 168 Eid congregations on the occasion of Eid-Ul-Fitr at its 41 Ward under the supervision of the concerned ward Councillors. The decision was taken in a co-ordination meeting held at CCC auditorium recently. However, the two grand Eid Jammats under the auspices of CCC will be held at Jamiatul Falah Complex Mosque at 8 am and 9 am respectively where the first Jamaat will be conducted by Khatib of the Jamiatul Falah Mosque and the second one will be led by its Senior Presh Imam Mowlana Ahamedul Hoq. Upazila administrations sources said preparations have been completed to hold a total of 2,542 Eid congregations at different mosques of the 15 upazilas in the district by the respective Eid management committees following the guidelines of the Islamic Foundation. According to the decision, all 2,542 Eid congregations will be held at 8 am to 9 am, the sources added. Source: Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha

BANDARBAN, The Rapid Action Battalion (RAB) today arrested Cheusim Bawm, the 55-year-old chief coordinator of the Kuki-Chin National Front (KNF), from his residence at Shayronpar village in Sadar upazila of Bandarban. Commanding officer of RAB-15 Lieutenant Colonel HM Sazzad announced the arrest at a press briefing held at the Bandarban Zila Parishad Auditorium this afternoon. According to the RAB, the operation marked a critical step in combating the activities of KNF. Sazzad said Cheusim is a close associate of Nathan Bawm. Cheusim was collecting money for the organization and providing logistic support, he added. He said some terrorists visited the residence of Cheusim a few days ago for seeking advice. The bank robberies were staged as per his advice, Sazzad added. An air gun was recovered from his residence, the RAB official said. This action is part of a larger RAB initiative against terrorism in Bandarban, which saw over 100 members launch an operation on Saturday, targeting Ruma and Thanchi upa zilas. Source: Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha

DHAKA, Visiting Brazilian foreign minister Mauro Vieira today said Bangladesh people reelected Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina once again due to her hard work for improving living standard of her countrymen. 'She (Sheikh Hasina) has worked very hard to increase the quality of life of the people of Bangladesh and promote the development of the country,' he said while responding to a question of a reporter after holding bilateral talks with Bangladesh foreign minister Dr Hasan Mahmud in the capital this afternoon. He said Bangladesh premier and Brazilian president Lula had a wonderful meeting last year and they built a very good personal relation. The Brazilian foreign minister said Brasilia and Dhaka have similar kinds of social and development issues like poverty reduction to address. 'We have similar positions in many aspects such as fight against poverty, equality in hunger and promoting social development. So, we have similar agendas, which will allow us to work together,' he said. The Brazilian foreign minister said during the meeting they discussed all issues and tried to figure out new ways and new avenues of cooperation in the new areas of balanced trades. Vieira brought an invitation of Brazilian President Lula to Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina to visit Brazil. The Brazilian foreign minister, who is scheduled to call on Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on Monday morning, said that his country's President hoped that the Bangladesh premier would visit Brazil soon. In 2023, President Lula and Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina met on the sidelines of the BRICS Summit in South Africa. Brazil is keen to continue deepening relations with Bangladesh, in favour of the development of both countries, the promotion of South-South cooperation, and the fight against poverty, hunger, and climate crisis. Source: Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha

DHAKA, Environment, Forest and Climate Change Minister Saber Hossain Chowdhury today said that Bangladesh will always remain beside the freedom-seeking people of Palestine. "The highest violation of human rights is in Palestine. Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina condemned Israel's aggression in Palestine. Bangladesh will stand by Palestine until the liberation of Palestine," he said. The environment minister said these while addressing a food distribution ceremony supported by organization of Islamic Cooperation, Embassies of OIC countries, Kuwait Society for Relief-Bangladesh Office and Society for Social and Technological Support as the chief guest here. In this ceremony, the people of ward number 71 and 72 under Mugda police station of Dhaka-9 Constituency received Eid gifts as courtesy of Kuwait. Saber also said that Father of Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman has contributed a lot to Islam in Bangladesh. "He made Bangladesh a member of OIC," he added. "This time we have helped 25 thousand famili es. Even if there are four members in each family, we have helped one lakh people. Arrangements are being made for them to celebrate Eid happily with their loved ones. Let us all stand with the common people," he said. Yousef SY Ramadan, Ambassador of Palestine to Bangladesh said:" We will never forget the contribution of Bangladeshi brothers and sisters. When Palestine will become independent, we will remember with respect, the brothers and sisters of Bangladesh were by our side." Ambassador of Palestine appointed to Bangladesh, social and humanitarian activist Faraaz Karim Chowdhury, Mugda Thana Awami League President Mosharraf Hossain Bahar, Sabujbagh Thana Awami League General Secretary Chittaranjan Das and local Awami League and its organizational leaders also spoke. Source: Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha