Day: May 8, 2024

DHAKA, Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina today inaugurated the Hajj programme-2024 (Hijri 1445) at Ashkona Hajj Camp in the capital. She also exchanged greetings with the (Hajji) Hajj pilgrims after opening the Hajj programme as the chief guest. The premier sought doa from the Hajj pilgrims for the people of Bangladesh as well. However, the hajj flight carrying Bangladeshi pilgrims will start from Dhaka tomorrow. The first hajj flight (BG-3301) is scheduled to leave Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport at 7:20am for Jeddah in Saudi Arabia, carrying 419 pilgrims. With Religious Affairs Minister Md. Faridul Haque Khan in the chair, Secretary of the Ministry Md A Hamid Zamadder delivered the welcome address at the Hajj programme opening function. Home Minister Asaduzzaman Khan, Civil Aviation and Tourism Minister Muhammad Faruk Khan, Dhaka North City Corporation Mayor Atiqul Islam, Chairman of the Parliamentary Standing Committee on the Ministry of Religious Affairs Mohammad Huchamuddin Chowdhury, Saudi Arab ia Ambassador to Bangladesh Essa Youssef Essa Al Duhailan, and Hajj Agencies Association of Bangladesh (HAAB) President M Shahadat Hossain Taslim also spoke. Two pilgrims, as well, expressed their feelings and satisfaction over the Hajj management, and lauded Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina for digitisation of Hajj activities. An audio-visual documentary on Hajj activities was screened on the ceremony. Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman with his own endeavour opened the door of performing Hajj for Bangladeshi pilgrims immediately after the independence. IT in-charge of Dhaka Hajj Office Kazi Md Murad E Alam said a total of 85,257 Bangladeshis will be able to perform hajj this year. Of them, 4,562 will get opportunity to perform hajj under the government management while rest 80, 695 will perform hajj under the private management, he added. Alam, however, said as of today 4,314 pilgrims have completed registration for performing hajj this year under the government management while 78,895 under private management. Bangladesh is the fourth largest pilgrims sending country in the world. As per the arrangement, Bangladeshi pilgrims will complete immigration process of the two countries (Bangladesh and Saudi Arabia) in Dhaka which will help them escape immigration process in Jeddah. Under Road-to-Makkhah initiative, hajj pilgrims will get luggage services, meaning the luggage will be sent to the pilgrims' hotel or their other accommodation in Makkah and Madinah. According to the flight schedule, the national flag carrier will operate 117 pre-hajj flights between May 9 and June 10 to carry a total of 45,525 pilgrims to Saudi Arabia while Saudi Arabian airlines Flynas will operate 43 pre-hajj flights between May and June 12 to carry rest of the pilgrims to Saudi Arabia. Biman Bangladesh Airlines is scheduled to start operating return hajj flight on June 20 from Saudi Arabia to Bangladesh while Flynas will start post-hajj flight between Saudi Arabia and Bangladesh on June 21. Source: Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha

DHAKA, Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Kazi Habibul Awal today said the voter turnout in the first phase of the 6th upazila parishad polls is likely to be 30 to 40 percent. "Voters turnout may be between 30 and 40 percent. . .Vote casting rate may be low due to rain in the morning and most of the people were involved in paddy harvesting," he told journalists here this afternoon following the first phase of the local government elections. The CEC said, "The first phase of the election was held today in 139 upazilas across the country…As per the information gathered here, the polls were held in a free, fair and peaceful manner despite some sporadic incidents.' Referring to the security aspects, he said, "Violation of electrical rules was reported from some places when a number of people were sustained injuries during clashes between rival groups in few centres.' Polling was suspended in two centres following report of violence, he said adding that law enforcement agencies and local administration were re mained vigilant to maintain law and order in and around the polling centres. According to election control room, Kazi Habibul Awal said as many as 34 untoward incidents were reported, in which 25 people got injured. Police arrested a total of 37 people for their involvement in the incidents. Source: Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha

Kathmandu: Dr Chiranjivi Nepal, an economic expert to President Ram Chandra Paudel, expressed concern over the news report some online media disseminated on use of Nepal's map in a currency note in a way it casts aspersion on revered institute- President. The news which falsely mentioned Dr Nepal as speaking on the issue drew his attention, he said in a press statement on Wednesday. "The views I expressed as a former governor and economist were disseminated with malafide intention. I am shocked over it," expert Dr Nepal said, adding that President Paudel had enquired him about the news. Dr Nepal expressed regret as the revered institution was unnecessarily dragged into controversy over the news that falsely represented his views, to which he owned up moral responsibility. Source: National News Agency RSS

SANGSAD BHABAN, State Minister for Commerce Ahsanul Islam Titu today said the government will construct modern cold storages for preservation of the perishable commodities including onion. 'Trading Corporation of Bangladesh (TCB) will implement the project titled 'Modern Cold Storage Construction' for preserving agricultural commodities including onion', he said. The state minister revealed this while responding to a star-marked query raised by treasury bench lawmaker Alauddin Ahmed Chowdhury of Feni-1 in favor of Nizam Uddin Hazari of Feni-2 during the question-answer session held at the Jatiya Sangsad here with Speaker Dr Shirin Sharmin Chaudhury in the chair. To construct the facilities, the state minister said feasibility study already has been completed under the commerce ministry to undertake the project, adding 'according to the feasibility study report, the project is financially and economically viable.' 'The commodities which would be stored at the cold storage will play a significant role in c ontrolling price at the market across the country, said the state minister while explaining the benefit of the project. TCB has been proposed to implement the project at a cost of over Taka 428.86 crore within a timeframe between March 2024 and June 2027, said the state minister. The project will be implemented after the approval of the finance ministry as the proposal is now under process at the ministry of finance. Under the project, he said one cold storage will be constructed at Faridpur with a capacity of 10,000 metric tonnes and other will be constructed at Pabna district. A total of 20,000 metric tonnes of onions or perishable items will be stored. Source: Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha

Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives Indira Ranamagar has requested journalists to raise public awareness on how effects of climate change could be minimized. Addressing a programme organized by the UNESCO in coordination with Tribhuvan University and FNJ on the occasion of the World Press Freedom Day, Deputy Speaker Ranamagar underlined that journalists could play a significant role to make citizens aware on pressing issues of the day. "Journalists have role to bring about change in society through writing. So, their writing can change the attitudes and behaviour of people which bear adverse impact on environment," she reminded. At the programme, TU Vice-Chancellor Professor Dr. Keshar Jung Baral viewed journalism has multiplier effect. It can be helpful to minimize crisis caused by climate change. He urged the government to increase investment in the academic sector to deal effectively with the environmental challenges. FNJ President Bipul Pokharel viewed responsible journalism is a need of h our, for which it warrants all sides' cooperation. He thanked UNESCO for drawing journalists' attention to the burning issue of present time- climate crisis. At the programme held on the occasion of the World Press Freedom Day, Head of Central Department of Journalism and Mass Communication at Tribhuvan University, Prabal Raj Pokharel, viewed journalism can spur creation and dissemination of information and knowledge on environment and climate crisis. Source: National News Agency RSS

DHAKA, Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina today praised all the engineers of the country for their significant contribution to the development of the country. "I convey my sincere greetings to all the engineers of the country," she said in a message issued on the occasion of the 61st Convention of Institution of Engineers, Bangladesh (IEB). The main theme of this year's convention 'Engineering and Technology for Smart Bangladesh' is time befitting, she said. "Engineers are making important contribution to ensure proper utilization of natural resources including oil-gas-coal, construction of roads and highways, Padma Bridge, flyovers, metrorail, elevated expressway, Bangabandhu Tunnel, deep sea port, Rooppur nuclear power project and Bangabandhu satellite and development of ICT sector," the premier said. She said that 'Digital Bangladesh' is now visible due to the tireless work of the engineers. "Our government always stands beside engineers," she said, adding that the Awami League government has been implemen ting comprehensive programs for the development of the country's information technology sector and communication system for the past 15 years. She believed that engineers will play a key role in building a developed, modern and smart Bangladesh by 2041. "With the collective efforts of all, we will be able to build a hunger-poverty-free and developed-smart Bangladesh, the lifelong dream of the greatest Bengali, Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, Inshallah," she added. The Prime Minister wished all the programmes undertaken on the occasion of the 61st Convention of IEB a success. Source: Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha

Two agrovets at the district headquarters of Chitwan have been sealed. The Plant Quarantine and Pesticide Management Centre, Hariharbhawan, Lalitpur and the Agriculture Development Office, Chitwan had carried out a joint monitoring of agrovets in the district on Wednesday. Pradhan Agro of Narayangadh, and Hamro Multipurpose Agriculture Cooperatives of Bharatpur were sealed after the monitoring team found both outlets flouting rule, said senior crop conservation officer at the Centre, Manoj Pokharel. Pradhan Agro was asked to contact the Agriculture Development Office within a week as it was found selling date expired pesticides and using minor as a shopkeeper. Similarly, Hamro Multi-Purpose Agriculture Cooperative was sealed, for it failed to adopt proper safety measures while selling pesticides. Untrained human resource was used to sell the pesticides. The market monitoring was carried out at six agrovets on Wednesday. Assistant Chief District Officer Chiranjivi Sharma said the local administration had been paying attention to curb malpractice in pesticides sale. Similarly, Chief of Agriculture Development Office, Chitwan, Jhalak Nath Kandel, stressed on ensuring human safety in addition to keeping soil quality. Source: National News Agency RSS

DHAKA, President Mohammed Shahabuddin today said that nuclear scientist of international repute and Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina's husband late Dr M A Wazed Miah gave continuous support to the family of Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman standing beside them during the time of uncertainty in 1971. "In 1971, in the midst of extreme uncertainty of great Liberation War, he (Wazed Miah) stood by the Bangabandhu family and gave them courage and strength," he said in a message issued marking the 15th death anniversary of Dr M A Wazed Miah. Recalling the memories of this renowned nuclear scientist, the Head of the State said that despite staying close to the power, Dr Wazed was a simple and selfless man. On November 17, 1967, he got married to Sheikh Hasina, the eldest daughter of the father of the nation, he added. The President prayed for the eternal peace of the departed soul of the career scientist who died on May 9, 2009. "On the fifteenth death anniversary of internationally renowned nuclear scientist Dr M A Wazed Miah, I pay my deepest respect to his memory," he added. Dr Wazed Miah was born on February 16, 1942 in Pirganj, Rangpur, he said, adding that his nickname was Sudha Miah. Possessing extraordinary talent, Sudha Miah was fond of learning since childhood, which was reflected in his education and work life, he said. He was a pioneer of atomic research in the country, said Shahabuddin. "He had made significant contributions in nuclear research and also served with skill and success in various positions including the post of chairman of Bangladesh Atomic Energy Commission," he said. "The area of his research work was very extensive," he added. He had done researches in Fundamental Interaction and Particle Physics, Nuclear and Reactor Physics, Solid State Physics, Electromagnetism, Health and Radiation Physics and Renewable Energy, the president mentioned. The President hoped that the ideals of Dr Wazed Miah will contribute to building a science-minded nation. His works will i nspire the new generation, he added. Besides scientific research, Wazed Miah has quietly played an important role in national politics, said Shahabuddin. Source: Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha

Kathmandu: The Law Day 2081 BS was marked by organizing various programmes in the country on Wednesday. On the occasion of the Law Day, the Supreme Court organized a programme, inviting the Head of the State, Head of Government, Speaker and other dignitaries. President Ram Chandra Paudel attended the reception hosted in the court premises. Chief Justice Bishwambhar Prasad Shrestha extended best wishes to all Nepalis living in the country and abroad. He wished the Day inspired everyone to establish a just society by fully guaranteeing the constitutional supremacy, rule of law, fundamental rights and human rights as envisioned by the Constitution. "I believe gradual and timely reform of the judiciary is a matter of common interest not only of the judiciary but of all its stakeholders", the congratulatory message read, adding, "In order for the judiciary to delivery justice effectively, its concerned bodies like the Attorney General's Office and Nepal Bar Association and others' coordination and cooperation are essential.' According to the Chief Justice, the Law Day bears significance for it ushered in institutional reform of the judiciary which is committed to the values of rule of law, independent judiciary and separation of powers. The Law Day is observed in Nepal in commemoration of the introduction of Chief Court Act, 2008 BS. It came into force since 26 Baisakh 2008BS. The programme was attended by Vice President Ram Sahay Prasad Yadav, Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal 'Prachanda', Speaker Devraj Ghimire, National Assembly Chair Narayan Dahal, Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Narayan Kaji Shrestha, Deputy Prime Minister and Home Minister Ravi Lamichhane and Minister for Law, Justice and Parliamentary Affairs Padam Giri. Justices of the Supreme Court, High Courts and District Courts, Chairperson and Officers of Nepal Bar Association, Supreme Court Bar Association, senior advocates, advocates and media persons were also present on the occasion. Source: National News Agency RSS

DHAKA, Bangladesh Bank (BB) has introduced the Crawling Peg Mid-Rate (CPMR) system for buying and selling of foreign currencies and allowed banks to buy and sell US dollars freely at around Taka 117. The central bank today took the decision at a meeting of the Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) at its headquarters in the city. Terming the latest decision of the central bank as workable, former governor of Bangladesh Bank Dr Atiur Rahman said the decision is prudent one and it may help the exchange rate move nearer to the market based exchange rate. Abdur Rouf Talukder, governor of the BB, presided over the meeting while BB Deputy Governors Dr. Md. Habibur Rahman and Kazi Sayedur Rahman, Economist Dr. Sadiq Ahmed, Director General (DG) of Bangladesh Institute of Development Studies (BIDS) Dr. Binayak Sen and Executive Director of the BB Dr. Md. Ezazul Islam were present, among others. "In order to bring more flexibility in the foreign exchange market, Bangladesh Bank has decided to introduce a crawling peg s ystem for buying and selling of foreign currencies. Under the new system, CPMR is set at Taka 117.00 per USD. BB will keep the new regime in review and will adjust the parameters of the regime as needed. The crawling peg system will be an interim arrangement before moving to a fully flexible market based system in the near future," as per a BB press release. The crawling peg is a system of exchange rate adjustments in which a currency with a fixed exchange rate is allowed to fluctuate within a band of rates. The method fully uses the key attributes of the fixed exchange regime as well as the flexibility of the floating exchange rate regime. According to the International Monetary Fund (IMF), crawling pegs are often used to control currency moves when there is a threat of devaluation due to factors such as inflation or economic instability. At the same time, maintaining a crawling peg imposes constraints on monetary policy like a fixed peg system, it added. Talking to BSS, Dr Atiur Rahman, former governor of Bangladesh Bank, said, "Both crawling peg mid-rate and raising of policy rate are prudent decisions. The Foreign Exchange Regulation Act clearly provides this flexibility around a given rate and this CPMR reflects that expectation of the foreign exchange Regulation Act ( FERA)," he said, adding that it also provides an indication that this decision may help the exchange rate move nearer to the market based exchange rate. "Despite some risk of initial turbulence, the exchange rate will stabilize finally at a level which can be sustainable. This will also help remove the risk of speculation in the foreign exchange market. The inflation remains a big headache for the central bank and this signal of raising policy rates will hopefully help it lean against the wind. Simultaneously, there has to be even deeper coordination between the monetary and fiscal policies to stabilize the economy," he added. The committee also decided to end the SMART lending rate mechanism. Now, banks can set the lending rate based on the demand and supply of dollars, according to a circular issued after the meeting. Source: Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha

Kathmandu: A literary magazine, Lekhan Kunj, has honoured women social activists on the occasion of the Matatirtha Aunsi, 2081 on Wednesday. The honoured personalities are Dambar Kumari Timilsina, Nirmala Baral, Radhadevi Sharma Chalise, Jamuna Khatri, Sushma Ranjit, Urmila Bhandari, Rekha Aryal, Ganga Khadka, Lilamaya Dhakal, Shanta Aryal, Keshav Kandel, Sirjana Sharma, and Renuka Acharya. Editor at the magazine, Tanka Pant, informed that they were felicitated for their significant contribution to society. Even a play on mother was performed on the occasion. Source: National News Agency RSS

DHAKA, State Minister for Information and Broadcasting Mohammad Ali Arafat today said his ministry will work proactively to ensure mass media's access to all types of information the people deserve to know under the Right to Information (RTI) Act. "We say that any government body is bound to provide all information that the people have right to know. If needed, on behalf of the mass media, I will negotiate with the government institutions in this regard," he said. The state minister said this while addressing the inaugural function of a workshop titled 'RTI Act and Role of Media' at the National Institute of Mass Communication (NIMC) in the city. The NIMC in association with Economic Reporters' Forum (ERF) organised the workshop for journalists while Chief Information Commissioner (CIC) Dr Abdul Malek and Bangladesh Bank Deputy Governor Md Khurshid Alam spoke as special guests with NIMC Additional Director General Sufi Zakir Hossain in the chair. Arafat said the RTI Act was passed in parliament in 2009 d uring the Awami League government with Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina as the leader of the House, which actually made the government stand itself in the custody to ensure accountability and transparency in its activities. Pointing out that the government's target is to ensure the transparency and accountability in the administration at the maximum level, he said it would be the foundation for building the Sonar Bangladesh as dreamt by Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman. "So, it is a common sense that which government can enact such law, it has no inertia to be accountable. And we also want to ensure effective implementation of the law," he added. The state minister, however, said the journalists' approach should be professional while seeking information so that no misunderstanding is created between the information seekers and providers. "From the both sides - journalists and government employees - we want to take a step to manifest the effective role of the law in society," he said, add ing that making accurate information available within the quickest possible time would be a great strategy to combat rumor or misinformation. Urging the journalists to remain cautious about the secret information in the national interest, the state minister said it is very important to have the ability to distinguish between public and secret information. "Let's say about earth stations of Bangabandhu Satellite. The passwords for their operation are also information. But can you publish it through investigative journalism? Will any country allow it?" he said. Noting some information is sensitive, which is protected under the secrecy act, Arafat said, "If you analyze the laws of European Union (EU) and its member states, and even the countries which often talk about media freedom in Bangladesh, you will find similar things in their laws." Bangladesh Bank, Bangladesh Telecommunication Regulatory Commission (BTRC) or such other bodies are actually sensitive institutions as they have to take some strategies a s regulators, he added. "For example, as a regulatory body, you are taking some strategies to take actions against indiscipline in any area under your jurisdiction. You should be kept these strategies secret in some cases until the implementation, Arafat said. "If you leak out the strategies, then those against whom you are going to impose these will be alert, which will hamper the greater interest," he added. Speaking about the recent restriction on journalists' entry to Bangladesh Bank, he said, "I talked to the Bangladesh Bank governor over the issue. The central bank authority has assured me that they will ensure free flow of all types of information in a systemic way". Speaking about the Cyber Security Act (CSA), Arafat said, there is a big difference between the Digital Security Act and the CSA. There is no scope of jailing journalists for defamation under the act, he said, adding, "If you conduct a comparative study between CSA and EU laws, you will not find much difference." "I think the existin g CSA will give protection to the professional journalism," he said. Principal Information Officer Md Shahinoor Miah and NIMC Director (training engineering) Md. Nazrul Islam were present at the function, among others. Source: Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha