Day: May 7, 2024

MANIKGANJ, All the necessary preparation of 1st phase of 6th Upazila Election of two upazilas of the district have been completed for holding free, fair and congenial atmosphere, Returning Officer and also the District Election Officer Md Aminur Rahman Mia said BSS today. The two upazilas are Singair and Harirampur will schedule to be held tomorrow on May 8 from 8 to 4 pm without any break, the Returning Officer said. As part of the preparation, the training of Presiding Officers, Assistant Presiding Officers and Polling Officers have already been completed, the concerned authority sources said. Aminur Rahman said a total of 2,65,093 voters including three trangender will cast their votes through 732 booths in 101 centers in Singair upazila, adding that 101 Presiding Officers, 732 Assistant Presiding Officers and 1,464 Polling Officers will conduct the election. Three Chairman candidates, three Vice Chairman candidates and three Women Vice Chairman candidates are contesting in the election. Me anwhile 1,41,608 voters will cast votes through 417 booths in 65 polling centers in Harirampur upazila, adding that 65 Presiding Officers, 417 Assistant Presiding Officers and 834 Polling Officers will conduct the vote where 5 Chairman candidates, 8 Vice Chairman and 4 Women Vice Chairman candidate are contesting in the election, the District Election Office sources said. Besides necessary law enforcers have already deployed at the centers to maintain the discipline during the voting periods, the sources said. All the polling will take place under Electronic Voting Machine (EVM), the Election Commission sources said. Source: Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha

RAJSHAHI, A daylong innovation showcasing workshop was held at Rajshahi Medical University (RMU) as part of implementing its e- governance and innovation planning development 2023-2024 here today. In the workshop, administration, finance and accounts, planning and development divisions and offices of the controller of examinations and college inspectors showcased their respective innovative activities. They also projected their work plans related to making their services easier. RMU Vice-chancellor (VC) Professor AZM Mustaque Hossain and its Treasurer Prof Rustam Ali Ahmed addressed the workshop as the chief and special guests respectively with Registrar Dr Zakir Hossain in the chair. VC Prof Mustaque Hossain said now the country has been going towards building "Smart Bangladesh" under the prudent and far-sighted leadership of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. He, however, said innovative planning is very important for quality improvement of education. He hoped that the RMU's administrative activi ties will be accelerated along with improving the working environment through this showcasing and projection and proper implementation of the administrative activities. In the closing session, the VC handed over prizes among the winners of first, second and third positions. Source: Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha

DHAKA, Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina today underscored the critical need for comprehensive reform in international pandemic preparedness and response. 'Covid-19 has been a global wake-up call… This pandemic has shown us that we are all connected. None of us can be truly safe until we make sure everyone is safe,' she said. The premier said this at a virtual meeting with Helen Clark, former Prime Minister of New Zealand and Co-chair of the Independent Panel for Pandemic Preparedness and Response from her official residence Ganabhaban here. 'Now is the time to work together globally to achieve the public health goals outlined in Sustainable Development Goal-3 and Goal-17,' the she said, adding, 'This involves helping countries with fewer resources improve their ability to handle health risks.' Sheikh Hasina stressed the necessity of high-level political leadership in driving reforms for pandemic preparedness and response. 'High-level political leadership is indispensable in driving reforms related to pandem ic preparedness and response. It sets the tone for global cooperation, instills confidence in public health interventions, and ultimately saves lives,' she said. The Prime Minister said: 'As we navigate the complexities of future pandemics, strong and decisive leadership will be essential in shaping a more resilient and prepared world.' 'We must also mobilize collective political will and commitment to strengthen WHO's knowledge, technical, and financial capacity for pandemic prevention and response by addressing the highly fragmented global health governance system,' she added. The Prime Minister assured that Bangladesh would continue to play a constructive role in this regard, considering its past success in protecting public health and dealing with the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic. She also opined that political leadership's engagement and commitment are essential in driving systemic changes that can enhance 'our ability to prevent, detect, and respond to future pandemics effectively'. Sheikh Hasin a said high-level political leadership ensures that pandemic preparedness and response remain a priority on the national and international agenda. 'It facilitates the mobilization of financial resources, promotes collaboration between countries, and fosters innovation in public health systems towards achieving our shared commitment to Universal Health Coverage by 2030,' she added. The Bangladesh premier also extended her thankfulness to the Independent Panel co-chaired by President Ellen Johnson Sir leaf and yourself (Helen Clark) for making a compelling case about it. She noted that the lessons from Covid-19 emphasize the need for a coordinated approach to pandemic preparedness and response, grounded in scientific evidence, global cooperation, and fairness and equity. 'A meaningful application of these lessons will be essential for mitigating the impact of future pandemics and safeguarding global health security,' she said. From the Bangladesh's perspective, the Prime Minister stressed five recommendati ons: She, firstly, said that international cooperation and collaboration are essential for sharing information, expertise, and resources to effectively respond to global health crises that respect no borders. The race for vaccines revealed stark inequalities in access between developed and developing countries, she said in her second point, adding, 'Addressing these disparities requires concerted efforts to ensure equitable distribution and access to vaccines, diagnostics, and treatments.' Sheikh Hasina, thirdly, said Covid-19 highlighted the inter-connectedness of human, animal, and environmental health. 'Adopting a One Health approach, which considers the health of humans, animals, and ecosystems as interconnected, can help prevent future pandemics,' she added. The rapid development of Covid-19 vaccines demonstrated the importance of investing in research and development for pandemic preparedness, she said in her fourth point, adding, 'Continued investment in RandD for vaccines, therapeutics, and diagno stics is essential for combating emerging and fatal infectious diseases.' The Prime Minister finally pointed out that adequate and sustainable financing mechanisms are needed to support preparedness efforts, including early warning systems, stockpiling of medical supplies, and capacity building in at-risk regions. Sheikh Hasina said that over the last 15 years, Bangladesh has continuously strengthened its preparedness and response capacity, incorporating the results of health security assessments and lessons from past emergencies. She observed the Covid-19 pandemic in Bangladesh, as in other countries, was a test of resolve for preparedness, response, and resilience. She said Covid-19 showed that prior investment in health security in Bangladesh was very useful as the country was able to quickly leverage existing preparedness and response plans, surveillance platforms, laboratories, and workforce for emergency response. The premier said that Bangladesh's health systems could rapidly expand the laboratory network for prompt diagnosis and provide accessible clinical care. Drawing on those lessons, she said, they are now maximizing their efforts to prevent, detect, and better respond to future outbreaks and emergencies, including silent epidemics such as anti-microbial resistance. The Prime Minister said that her government decided to procure and administer Covid-19 vaccines certified by the WHO as soon as possible. Despite some initial setbacks, they eventually managed to provide Covid-19 vaccination to more than 100 percent of their target population group entirely free of charge, she added. Sheikh Hasina mentioned that a total of over 366.87 million doses were administered in four phases by her government. 'I kept urging the international community to consider vaccines as global public goods and to make them available to low- and middle-income countries as a matter of priority,' she said In Bangladesh, the premier said that they are also in a position to contribute to vaccine research and production in a cost-effective manner. Among other policy support measures, she mentioned that she has already allocated a piece of land for setting up a state-of-the-art Vaccine Research Institute. 'Our government extended support for our expatriates in different parts of the world by providing them food and cash assistance,' she said, adding, 'We made special arrangements for repatriating our nationals stranded in other countries, especially in India and China.' Sheikh Hasina said that they also offered humanitarian support to a number of other countries in a spirit of solidarity, including by sending nurses to the Maldives to administer vaccines. 'We also vaccinated 1.2 million Rohingyas sheltered in camps in Cox's Bazar,' she added. In parallel, she said that her government had to run an extensive awareness campaign to counter the indiscriminate spread of misinformation and disinformation, particularly through social media. The premier said the Covid-19 pandemic hit Bangladesh like many other countries, in early 2020. 'But due to the continuation of our long-standing activities in the health sector and the timely action of the government, we have been able to reduce the loss of human lives and keep the economy running,' she said. 'We had to strike a judicious balance between saving lives and protecting livelihoods,' she added. In parallel, the prime minister said that her government rolled out a substantive stimulus package for industries and a comprehensive social protection portfolio for the low-income and marginalized people. The government provided US$ 27.96 billion as stimulus packages for industries and businessmen, the marginalized section of society, like day-labourers, rickshaw pullers, small traders, vendors, school and madrasha teachers. About 78.5 million people benefited from the support during the Covid-19 pandemic. 'Besides, our party Awami League leaders and workers, affluent people, and businessmen extended support by providing food, medicine, etc,' she said. She added, 'Due to our efforts, Ba ngladesh ranked among the top five countries in the world in overall Covid-19 management and recovery.' Source: Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha

DHAKA, Former member of Awami League (AL) sub-committee on office affairs valiant Freedom Fighter Mustafizur Rahman Babla passed away today. He was 66. Mustafizur breathed his last while undergoing treatment at a hospital in the city this afternoon, said a press release. He left behind wife, a son, a daughter and a host of relatives and admirers to mourn his death. Awami League General Secretary and Road Transport and Bridges Minister Obaidul Quader expressed profound shock and sorrow at the death of Mustafizur. In a condolence message, Quader prayed for eternal peace of the departed soul and conveyed deep sympathy to the bereaved family. Source: Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha

DHAKA, President Mohammed Shahabuddin today received a new smart national identity (NID) card inscribed with "valiant freedom fighter (Bir Muktijoddha)". Secretary of the Election Commission (EC) secretariat Md Jahangir Alam officially handed over the new smart NID card to the President at Bangabhaban here. President's Press Secretary Md. Joynal Abedin told BSS that the President was apprised by the EC secretary of the EC's overall activities on the occasion. He said, from now on, all valiant freedom fighters will be given new smart NID cards having the writing "Bir Muktijoddha (valiant freedom fighter" in it. The Head of State cordially welcomed the EC's initiative to issue this new smart NID in honor of the valiant freedom fighters, the greatest sons of the soil. This is a unique recognition of the contribution of the freedom fighters to the great freedom struggle and 1971 Liberation War of Bangladesh, he added. President Shahabuddin mentioned that the nation would always remember with due respect th e contribution of the freedom fighters. Referring to various initiatives of the government, including improving the quality of life of freedom fighters and increasing the allowances for their welfare, the President said, "This trend will continue in days to come as well. . . And the government will always stand by them in any need.' President's office Secretary Md Wahidul Islam Khan and senior officials concerned of the EC were present there. Source: Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha

JOYPURHAT, A court here today sentenced three people to death in a case filed over killing van driver Abu Salam in Kalai upazila of the district in 2005. Additional District and Sessions Judge Court-1 Judge Md. Nurul Islam pronounced the verdict this afternoon. The convicts are - Haroon-Or-Rashid, son of Jahangir Hossain, Mostak Ahmed, son of Moslem Uddin and Hafizar Rahman, son of Jasim Uddin, residents of Awra village of the upazila. The court also fined them Taka 50,000 each. According to the details of the case, on January 12 in 2005, van driver Abu Salam was strangled to death by the accused in Durgadaha area under Joypurhat Sadar upazila and the accused hide the body of Abu Salam at an old graveyard of Amjad Hussain family in Awra area of the Kalai upazila and fled his van. According to the details of the case, on January 12, 2005 van driver Abu Salam was strangled to death by the accused at Durgadaha area under Joypurhat Sadar upazila and the accused dumped the body of Abu Salam at an old Amjad H ussain's family graveyard in in Awra area of the Kalai upazila and the accused fled with Abu Salam's van. On January 13 in 2005, locals found Abu Salam's body and informed police. Later, police recovered the body from the spot and sent it to the morgue. Officer-in-charge (OC) of Kalai Police Station Mirza Md Shahjahan filed a case as the plaintiff. On July 9, 2005, the investigating officer of the case filed the charge sheet in the court. After examining the record and witnesses, the court found five people guilty. Public Prosecutor (PP) Advocate Nripendranath Mondal confirmed the matter. Source: Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha

RAJSHAHI, Substantial and sustainable promotion of renewable energies, particularly solar power, can be the crucial means of lessening the gradually mounting pressure on fossil fuel. Side by side with the financial burden on the economy, fossil fuel has detrimental impacts on the environment but renewable energies have no bad impact on the economy and the environment. So, the institutions and research entities concerned should come forward and work together to promote the sector after the best uses of the existing resources and potentialities. Legal experts and social watchdogs came up with the observations while addressing a view-sharing meeting titled "Compliance Assessment of Civil Society Proposed Energy Transition Perspectives with Existing Laws, Policies and Plans in the Energy of Bangladesh" here today. Consumers Association of Bangladesh (CAB) organized the meeting at Hotel Warishan in Rajshahi city discussing and devising ways and means on how to promote renewable energies successfull y. CAB Senior Researcher Barrister Tureen Afroz addressed the meeting as resource person and disseminated her expertise on the issue through presenting a keynote paper. With CAB local unit president Kazi Giash in the chair, the meeting was addressed, among others, by Editor of Sonali Sangbad Liakat Ali, Editor of Daily Sonar Desh Akbarul Hassan Millat, CAB Senior Vice-president Dr Nasrin Lubna and journalists Mustafizur Rahman Khan and Rashed Ibne Obayed. CAB local unit General Secretary Golam Mostofa Mamun moderated the discussion. They unequivocally called for a full-length implementation of the 'Mujib Climate Prosperity Plan' for the successful promotion of climate-resilient energies. They mentioned that the present government has adopted the plan in 2021 aimed at transforming Bangladesh into a climate-resilient and high-income country by 2041. To this end, Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina at the UN Climate Conference in December 2021 has expressed her commitment to ensure 40 per cent renewabl e energy by 2041. The speakers also unanimously viewed there is enormous scope of reducing the gradually increasing pressure on fossil fuel through boosting use of renewable energies in both rural and urban areas. Time has come to protect the natural resources including the wetlands and water bodies for restoring the green atmosphere. Barrister Tureen Afroz mentioned that instead of depending on only the fossil fuel emphasis should be given to enriching the renewable energy sources to face the energy challenges. She attributed that availability of energy from different sources is vital for the present life in meeting the challenge of the ever-increasing demand for energy. Barrister Tureen Afroz mentioned substantial and sustainable use of solar power like renewable energy can be the effective means of protecting life and environment. Time has come to transform the existing power supply-dependent irrigation system into solar power to lessen the gradually mounting pressure on electricity in th e vast Barind tract. Source: Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha

CHAPAINAWABGANJ, The district has a stock of 1, 82,167 sacrificial animals for the holy Eid-ul-Azha, officials said. District livestock officer Dr. Md. Golam Mostofa said there is a demand for 1,29,952 sacrificial animals in the district but it has a sufficient 1, 82,167 sacrificial animals. So, the district has 52,215 surplus sacrificial animals that can be sent to other parts of the country, he said. There are 85,101 sacrificial animals against the demand for 45,580 in Chapainawabganj sadar upazila, 35,839 against the demand for 34,130 in Shibganj upazila, 35,181 against the demand for 30,842 in Gomostapur upazila, 10,612 against the demand for 9,840 in Nachole upazila and 15,434 animals against the demand for 9,560 in Bholahat upazila. Source: Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha