Day: April 21, 2024

Kathmandu: The weather across the country now is mainly fair and is partly cloudy in Sudurpaschim and Karnali provinces as the country is experiencing partial influence of westerly wind and local winds, according to the Meteorological Forecasting Division. This afternoon, the hilly areas of Koshi, Gandaki and Karnali provinces will be partly cloudy and the weather will remain mainly fair in the rest of the country. According to the Division, brief rain is possible at one or two places in the hilly regions of Koshi, Gandaki and Karnali provinces. Chances of light snowfall at one or two places of the high hilly and mountainous regions of Koshi, Gandaki and Karnali provinces, it said. This afternoon, there is also a possibility of a storm in the Tarai belt of Lumbini and Koshi provinces and has asked the locals to apply precautions. The storm is likely at one or two places in Madhes and Koshi provinces tonight, the Division added. Tonight, partly cloudy weather has been predicted in hilly regions of Koshi, G andaki and Karnali provinces while fair weather at the rest of the country. There is a chance of light snowfall at one or two places in high-hilly and mountainous regions of these provinces. Source: National News Agency RSS

Professor Ahidul Alam, chairman of the Oceanography Department of Chittagong University(CU), has been appointed new proctor of the university for one year. A notification was issued in this regard today. Source: Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha

The government has fixed the procurement price of rice and paddy harvesting in the upcoming Boro season as the largest amount of food grains of the country is produced particularly during this season. The price has been fixed at the Food Planning and Monitoring Committee (FPMU) meeting at the cabinet conference room here today with Food Minister Sadhan Chandra Majumder in the chair. The meeting was also attended, among others, by Industries Minister Nurul Majid Mahmud Humayun, Local Government, Rural Development and Cooperatives Minister M Tajul Islam, Agriculture Minister M Abdus Shahid, State Minister for Relief and Disaster Management M Mahibur Rahman, State Minister for Commerce Ahsanul Islam Titu and State Minister for Health and Family Welfare Begum Rokeya Sultana. In the upcoming season, five lakh tonnes of paddy, 11 lakh tonnes of parboiled rice, one lakh tonnes of non-parboiled Atap rice and 50,000 tonnes of wheat will also be procured. The procurement price of per kilogram (Kg) padd y has been fixed at Taka 32 while per-kg par-boiled rice at Taka 45, per-kg non-parboiled rice or Atap at Taka 44 and Wheat at Taka 34. The meeting disclosed that the country-wide internal food grain procurement drive will begin from May 7 and it will continue till August 31, this year. In 2023, the unit procurement price was fixed at Taka 30 for paddy, Taka 44 for parboiled rice and Taka 35 for wheat. Secretaries from different ministries also attended the meeting. Source: Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha

The Health department today urged the hajj pilgrims to bring some health examination reports during their vaccination programme. The health examination reports include - Urine R/M/E, R.B.S, X-Ray Chest P/A view, ECG, Serum Creatinine, CBC with ESR, Blood Grouping and Rh Typing. The Hajj pilgrimages can receive vaccines from a total of 80 health care and vaccination centers. The centers include the Civil Surgeon offices of all districts. Besides, vaccination will be administered at Dhaka Medical College Hospital, Sir Salimullah Medical College and Mitford Hospital, Shaheed Suhrawardy Medical College Hospital, Kurmitola General Hospital, Combined Military Hospital, Government Employees Hospital, Mugda Medical College Hospital, Central Police Hospital, Bangladesh Secretariat Clinics, Shaheed Tajuddin Ahmed Medical College Hospital and Shaheed Ahsan Ullah Master General Hospital, Chittagong Medical College Hospital, Sylhet MAG Osmani Medical College Hospital, Khulna Medical College Hospital, Bogra-250 bed Mo hammad Ali Hospital and Dinajpur-250 bed Sadar Hospital. To get further information regarding the vaccination programme, the pilgrims have been asked to contact No. 16136. A notification has been issued in this regard from the Hajj-1 branch of the Ministry of Religious Affairs. Source: Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha

The results of the written examination for the third phase of "Government Primary School Assistant Teacher Recruitment Test" for 21 districts under Dhaka and Chattogram divisions have been published. A total of 23,057 candidates passed the test from these two divisions except three hill tracts districts, said a release of the Primary and Mass Education Ministry here today. As many as 3,49,293 aspirants sat for the test on March 29, this year. Results are available on the websites of the Ministry of Primary and Mass Education-- www.mopme.gov.bd-- and the Directorate of Primary Education (DPE)-- www.dpe.gov.bd. Successful candidates will also get text messages of results on their mobile phones. But the date, time and places for viva exams will be informed later, the release added. Source: Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha

Two Bangladeshi fishermen were shot allegedly by Myanmar Navy in Teknaf upazila of the district around 10am today while they were returning from fishing in the Bay of Bengal. The injured are Mohammad Ismail, 20, of Uttar Para of Shah Parir Dwip and Mohammad Faruk, 25, of Dakkhin Para of Shah Parir Dwip of Teknaf upazila. Officer-in-charge (OC) of Teknaf thana Muhammad Osman Gani said one of the injured are receiving treatment at Teknaf Health Complex and the other one was sent to Cox's Bazar Sadar Hospital as his condition was critical. Source: Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has said Bangladesh is always ready and firmly committed to defend the country's sovereignty from attack by any external forces. "The main driving force of our foreign policy is "Friendship to all, malice to none". Our target is to ensure economic development with maintaining good relationships with all the neighbouring countries," she said. "But, we are always ready and committed to protect the country's sovereignty from any external attack," she continued. The Prime Minister made the remarks after opening Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Battery Complex by unveiling its inaugural plaque this morning at the Artillery Centre and School at Halishahar in Chattogram. She hoped army personnel will work with patriotism, professionalism and sincerity for the welfare of the country and its people being inspired with the spirit of the Liberation War. "We will be able to build a happy, prosperous "Sonar Bangladesh" free from hunger and prosperity with collective efforts from all as dreamt of Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman," she said. The Premier said that the Awami League government has been working to achieve the sustainable development target by 2030 and build a developed, prosperous and Smart Bangladesh by 2041. "That's why, every member of the Bangladesh Army would have to be smart having knowledge of information technology," she added. The Prime Minister asked the army personnel to work for maintaining the country's glory with dutifulness, professional efficiency and patriotism having confidence and loyalty to the leadership. She briefly described the measures taken by her government for the overall development of the Army. As part of the modernization of the Army, she said Ultra modern aircrafts, helicopters, UAV, fourth generation tank, APC, missile to destroy tanks and other war weapons have been added to the Bangladesh Army. The Premier highly praised the overall activities of the Army for the country's welfare, saying: "Bangladesh Army h as been well established as the symbol of confidence of the people." She went on saying that the Bangladesh military has been highly praised at home and abroad for its work efficiency and professionalism in the peacekeeping missions of the United Nations (UN). Modern light armoured vehicles and mine resistant ambush protected vehicles have been purchased for the Army to enhance operational capabilities and ensure their security in the UN missions. After inaugurating the Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Battery Complex, she visited the artillery museum set up at the complex. During the visit, she witnessed the very realistic portrait of the Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman installed in the museum, the historic 3.7 inch howitzer that fired the first shot of the Mujib Battery in the Great Liberation War in 1971 and the ammunition used in the artillery regiment and replicas of all the cannons and the glorious history of the notable operations of the artillery forces in the war. On he r arrival at the venue, the Prime Minister was received by Chief of Army Staff General S M Shafiuddin Ahmed. An audio-visual documentary on Mujib Battery was screened at the function. Cabinet members, Chiefs of the three services, members of parliament, noted personalities and high military and civil officials were present on the occasion. Source: Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha

Foreign Minister Dr Hasan Mahmud today raised the issue of genocide committed by Pakistani occupancy forces during the Bangladesh's War of Liberation in 1971 when Pakistan High Commissioner in Dhaka Syed Ahmed Maroof paid a courtesy call on him. 'Naturally, there was a discussion on the issue (1971 genocide). I also shared my personal sufferings,' the minister said while responding to a question of a reporter at the foreign ministry here. According to the foreign ministry, during the meeting, both sides emphasized on expanding cooperation in trade and agricultural and people-to-people contact. They also agreed to work together at the United Nations and other international organizations for promoting common interests. Bangladesh seeks an official apology from Pakistan for the genocide committed during the 1971 Liberation War in Bangladesh. Postpone of Indian FS visit: Responding to another query, the foreign minister said that the planned official visit of Indian Foreign Secretary Vinay Mohan Kwatra to Bangladesh was postponed due to their various internal reasons. 'It (visit) was postponed because of various internal (India's) reasons,' he said, referring the ongoing election in India. The Indian foreign secretary was scheduled to make a brief visit in Dhaka on April 20 though it was not officially declared by any side. Source: Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha

Very severe heat wave is sweeping over north, north-east and north-west districts of the country and severe heat wave is sweeping Dhaka and Khulna divisions and the district of Rajshahi, said a met office forecast. "Very severe heat wave is sweeping over Pabna, Jashore and Chuadanga districts as severe heat wave is sweeping over Dhaka and rest part of Khulna divisions and the district of Rajshahi," it said. Mild to moderate heat wave is also sweeping over Barishal division and rest part of Rajshahi divisions and the districts of Mymensingh, Moulvibazar, Feni, Cox's Bazar, Chandpur and Rangamati and it may continue, it added. Rain or thundershowers accompanied by temporary gusty or squally wind is likely to occur at one or two places over Mymensingh, Sylhet and Chattogram divisions with hails at isolated places, said the weather bulletin valid for next 24 hours from 9am today. Weather may remain mainly dry with temporary partly cloudy sky elsewhere over the country. Trough of low lies over West Bengal an d adjoining area. Day temperature may rise by (1-2) degrees Celsius over Rangpur division and it may remain nearly unchanged elsewhere over the country. Night temperature may remain nearly unchanged over the country. Due to increase of moisture incursion, the discomfort may persists. Country's highest temperature on Saturday was recorded 42.6 degrees Celsius at Jashore and minimum temperature today was 20.5 degree Celsius at Tetulia. The sun sets at 06:23 PM today and rises at 05:31 AM tomorrow in the capital. Source: Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha

Defending champions Abahani Limited are determined to keep up its winning spree when it starts it Dhaka Premier League (DPL) Super League mission with the match against Prime Bank Cricket Club at Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium tomorrow (Monday). The Dhanmondi outfit had already made a huge stride toward their second straight DPL title when they won 11 straight matches in the first phase of the league. It meant they kept them unbeaten throughout the first phase, which itself a record since the league got the List A status in 2013-2014 season. Even no team could prolong their winning streak to such extent before the league achieved List A status. One of the most popular teams in the country, Abahani however would start the Super League mission with six points clear from their nearest rivals. While Abahani won all of the 11 matches in the first phase, their old foes Mohammedan Sporting Club, Sheikh Jamal Dhanmondi Club and Shinepukur Cricket Club won eight matches out of 11. It gave Abahani the cush ion to afford to have relaxed in the Super League as they needed only three wins out of five to confirm their title. Since the league gets List A status, the DPL was held eight times (two seasons of the league was cancelled due to Covid-19) and Abahani won four titles. Last time before Covid-19 affected the league, they were on the brink of a hat-trick title but Sheikh Jamal Dhanmondi Club denied them by winning the coveted trophy in 2021-2022 season. What would make Abahani more confident that it will get all of their first choice players in the Super League phase as they have no International commitment right at this moment. The Cricket Committee of Dhaka Metropolis (CCDM) kept two days gap for each round in the Super League, keeping the ongoing shimmering heat that affected the country severely, in mind. The way CCDM prepare the itinerary, the teams will get four rounds of Super League out of five before the five-match T20 series against Zimbabwe, which starts on May 3. So every team is expected to get their national players service at least for first three rounds. Source: Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha

Rapid Action Battalion (RAB) has arrested one person accused of stabbing a college student to death by a Juvenile gang at Senbagh here. The arrestee was identified as Shamim, 20, son of Mostafa hailed from Dakshin Rajarampur village of Mohammadpur union of the upazila. "The elite force arrested Shamim, also a member of a local juvenile gang, after carrying out operation at Monowar Medical of Zamindarhat in Begumganj upazila on Saturday", said Police Super and Noakhali company commander in-charge of RAB-11 M Golam Morshed. Mazharul Islam Shawn, a second-year student of Dhaganbhuiyan govt Iqbal Memorial College, was killed at a gambling session on the Boishakhi fair on April 18, said the RAB official. Source: Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha

The entire country is reeling under first spell of severe heatwave since first week of the current month and the ongoing heatwave will persist throughout the next month. "The Met Office issued heat alert on April 3 and it has extended the heat alert as Bangladesh is likely to experience prolonged heatwave compared to the past of couple of years," Shahnaz Sultana, a meteorologist of Bangladesh Meteorologist Department (BMD), told BSS today. "Intensity of heatwave may reduce for very shorter time in some parts of Bangladesh, if rainfall is likely with impact of nor'westers, she said adding, the country may experience temperature fluctuations as some region may experience slight rainfall at end of the month. Bangladesh may witness extreme heatwave as there is little chance of rainfall during the summer season, the BMD meteorologist forecasted. Very severe heatwave is sweeping over Pabna, Jashore and Chuadanga districts, according to the weather bulletin of BMD issued today and its weather forecast valid for next 72 hours. Severe heatwave is sweeping over Dhaka and rest part of Khulna divisions and the district of Rajshahi, the bulletin said, adding mild to moderate heatwave is sweeping over Barishal division and rest part of Rajshahi divisions and the districts of Mymensingh, Moulvibazar, Feni, Cox's Bazar, Chandpur and Rangamati and it may continue. Day temperature may rise by (1-2)°C over Rangpur division and it may remain nearly unchanged elsewhere over the country, the bulletin added. Night temperature may remain nearly unchanged over the country. Due to increase of moisture incursion, the discomfort may persist. According to officials of different hospitals, lack of expected downpour lingers the nationwide heat wave, triggering an apparent health problem with increased number of people reporting to hospitals with high fever, diarrhea, pneumonia and sunstroke every day. Hospitals in Dhaka are seeing a surge in patients from all over the country, presenting symptoms ranging from colds and coughs to fever and vomiting. Diarrhoea, headache, sore throat, and shortness of breath are among the more prevalent complaints among these individuals. An average of 30 patients are being admitted per hour to the ICDDR,B in Mohakhali. By 2:00pm yesterday, 274 individuals had been admitted for heat and diarrhoea-related complications, a decrease from the previous day's count of 456 admissions, said hospital officials. Poor working people like day laborers were worst victims as they need to remain exposed to sun for longer periods while several workers like rickshaw pullers said they need to take frequent breaks as the hot spell do not allow them to work for longer period at a stretch. A significant number of patients, who are suffering from fever, diarrhea, pneumonia, reported to different private and public hospitals while health experts suggested all to try to stay indoors in possible cases or move out with protection against the scorching sun, covering their heads and bodies under umbrella to avoid sunstroke. At the p ress conference held virtually, Health and Family Welfare Minister Professor Dr Samanta Lal Sen directed authorities concerned of the public hospitals to remain ready for extending healthcare services to people as the country is under the grip of severe heat wave. "Elderly people and children are the most vulnerable due to the ongoing heatwave . . . I am urging the people, particularly old-age and children to stay indoors to avoid heatstroke and other heatwave related complications," he added. Climatologist and Senior Scientific Officer of Bangladesh Rice Research Institute Dr Md Kamruzumman Milon attributed the extreme heatwave to human-induced climate change. Adverse impact of climate change causes extreme heatwave for longer period of time and unusual other disaster events including flooding, excessive rainfall and extreme cold weather. Heatwave and intolerable hot weather have increased three times in Bangladesh during six decades, Kamruzzaman said, "In 1961, the duration of heatwave was seven days wh ile comfortable days were 80 while in 2020, the duration of heatwave was 21 days while comfortable days were 66 days." He forecasted duration of heatwave will linger in the coming days, "If we fail to take proper adaptive measures to reduce carbon emission." Source: Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha